FOCUSON
Central Hawke’sBay
Welcome toFocus onCentral Hawke’sBay
Welcometothe
Februaryeditionof FocusonCentral Hawke’sBaypresentedtoyou byHawke’sBayToday,part ofNewZealandMediaand Entertainment(NZME) Thisisa monthlypublicationdistributing inWaipawa,Waipukurauand ŌtāneonthelastThursdayof themonth
Weaimtobringresidents ofCHBinformationabout communityactivitiesanda potpourriofarticlessuchas localsport,education events, clubs,councilnewsandsoon We’dbepleasedtoreceive suggestionsontopicsyou’d bekeentoreadornewsyou’d liketoshare Pleasenotethat ifyoudohavenewstoshare, wewillneeditwellinadvance –atleasttwofullweeksbefore publication Don’thesitateto contactusifyouhaveaquery orwishtoadvertise
Pleasedirectadvertising andeditorialqueriesto shirleyrandell@nzmeconz Coverphotocourtesy ofHawke’sBayTourism, creditKirstenSimcox
Russell Park set for minor upgrades through “Quick Wins” projects
Waipukurau’sRussellParkwill receiveaseriesofminorbut impactfulimprovements aftertheCouncilreceivedexternal funding.
Determiningthemostefficient useofthetime-limitedfundingfor best‘bangforbucks’,Councilhas identified‘quickwins thatincludenew relocatabletoilets,skateparkrepairs, andextendedpathwaystoimprove connectivity.
“It’sgreattoseesomethingthatwill benefitthecommunityhappening inRussellPark,”saidCouncillorKelly Annand. “Accesstoexternalfunding isessential.Councilcontinuestobe focusedongettingthebestvaluefor everydollarspent.Thefundingmeans wecandosomethingsthatwould otherwisebeimpossible.”
Localcontractorsbeginworkon Monday,16February,withcompletion expectedbyJune2026.Theparkwill remainopenthroughouttheproject, thoughvisitorswillnoticecontractors onsiteandsitemanagementtokeep everyonesafe.
Improvementswillinclude:
• threerelocatabletoiletsnearthe courts.Twoofwhicharestandard toilets,withonewheelchairaccessibleunit, anextendedperimeterpathway andconcretingaroundthefield, pasttheskatepark,
• apicnictablenearthe playground,
• additionalparkbenchesaround theperiphery,
• anewshadesailabovethe seatingareaneartheswimming poolcarpark,and
• skateparkrepairs,includingfilling inthecracks.
“Theseprojectswereselectedas theyofferthebestvalue,allowingus toachievearangeofimprovements acrossdifferentareasofthepark,” saidCouncillorPipBurne.
“Iknowweallhavelotsofthings we’dliketohave,butbacktobasics
meansdoingonlytheessential workandfindingnon-ratesmoney wherewecan.Thisexternalfunding ishelpingustodeliverafewthings–butifcommunitygroupscanband togetherandfindfurtherfunding opportunities,thenwecanworkwith themtodomore.”
Burneencouragedcommunity groupstopresentideastoCouncil. “Wewillsupportorfacilitatewhere wecan,”Burnesaid.
Volunteers help keep Central Hawke’s Bay
homes fire safe
MostpeopleknowVeoliaas theteamthatlooksafter CentralHawke’sBay’s3Waters network ourwater,wastewaterand stormwatersystems Butwhatmay comeasasurpriseisthatVeoliaalso playsanimportantroleinhelping keepourcommunityfiresafe.
VeoliahaspartneredwithCentral Hawke’sBayDistrictCouncilthrough theSmokeAlarmsforEveryone (S.A.F.E)programme Aspartofthis initiative,Veoliateammembers generouslyvolunteertheirtimeto installsmokealarmsandcomplete homefiresafetychecksfor householdsacrossthedistrict.
TheS.A.F.Eprogrammeisledby FireandEmergencyNewZealand (FENZ)anddeliveredthroughthe SaferCHB–SafeandHealthyHomes Network,whichsitswithinCouncil’s widerNetworkofNetworksframework. VolunteersfromVeoliaandTe TaiwhenuaOTamateaarevitallinksin thisprogramme.
FENZCommunityRiskManagerNigel Hallsaysworkingsmokealarmsand escapeplansarelifesavingtools:
“Afireinyourhomebecomesunsurvivableafterjustthreeminutes. Lastyear,athirdofourresidentialfires hadnoworkingsmokealarm.You arefourtimesmorelikelytosurvive ahousefireifyouhaveaworking
smokealarmandanescapeplan
“Theeducationprovidedbythe CHBSAFEteam,alongsidealarm installation,isprotectingsomeofthe mostatriskpeopleinourcommunities MypersonalthanksgoesouttoVeolia andTeTaiwhenuaOTamateafortheir outstandingcontributiontothesafety ofthengāwhānau(families)inCentral Hawke’sBay”
Theprogrammehasbeenoperating forseveralyears,providingfreesmoke alarmsandfiresafetychecksto residentsthroughoutCentralHawke’s Bay Veoliavolunteersaretrainedto carryoutboththeinstallationsandthe safetyassessments
In2025,theteamvisitedmorethan 220homes,installing770smokealarms acrossthedistrictinpartnershipwith FENZ,VeoliaandTeTaiwhenuaO
Tamatea
AlexHorne,VeoliaHawke’sBay RegionalLead,sayssupporting communitysafetyisakeyfocus:“Our teamiscommittedtohelpingimprove homefiresafetyandfireawareness acrossCentralHawke’sBay
TheSAFEprogrammeallowsusto deliverandinstallsmokealarmsfree ofchargeforthosemostatrisk,while alsoprovidingvaluablefiresafety education
Eachyear,ourstaffaregiventimeto volunteerinprogrammesthatmatter
tothem,andtheFENZSAFEinitiative isalwaysafavouritebecauseofits positiveimpact We’relookingforward togettingoutintothecommunity againthisyearandincreasingthe reachofthisincredibleprogramme Thehomevisitsarefree,andeligible
Seeherfuture inaction
residentscanalsoreceiveafreesmoke alarm
Ifyouorsomeoneyouknowcould benefitfromahomefiresafetyvisitor smokealarminstallation pleasevisit wwwfireandemergencynz/hfsv orcall 0800693473tobookavisit
Events
CentralHawke’sBay4wdTrek
WaipukurauRotaryClub
Saturday28February2026
Enrolatwww.waipukuraurotary.com/4wd-trek
CentralHawke’sBayChildren’sDay
March1,10am-1pm
RussellPark,Waipukurau
Everyyear,onthefirstSundayofMarch,peopleacross NewZealandcelebrateChildren’sDay.Thisspecialday honoursthejoy,curiosity,andpotentialofourtamariki. Therewillbelotsoffunactivitiesforthekids,including facepainting,soccerandrugbyshootoutactivity, chalk,colouringincompetitions,bubbles,sensoryplay, andmuchmore.Prizestobewonandfreegoodybags whilestockslast.
EventbyPregnancy&ParentingCentralHawkesBay. RuahineWhakawhanauTamariki,CHBToyLibraryand BrightFuturesHomeBasedCareandLearning
LIVEImpactProWrestling
WaipukurauWarMemorialHall
Friday6March
LiveProWrestlingFINALLYmakesitswaybackto CentralHawke’sBayafteraselloutin2025!!Youdon’t wanttomissthebestoftheBaytakingonthebestof therest!ImpactProWrestlinghasbeenentertaining fansupanddownthecountryformorethan20years. BuyticketsonlineatEventfinda.co.nzDoorsaleswill onlybeavailableifticketsdon’tselloutonline
StagesofLife
CentralHawke’sBayMunicipalTheatre PresentedbyWaipawaMusicandDramaticClub 13-21March
“StagesofLife”willtaketheaudienceonajourney throughchildhood,youth,adulthood,and reflection toldthroughwell-knownsongsfrom popularBroadwaymusicals Thisexcitingshowisa brand-newconcept,packedwithpopularsongsfrom hitBroadwaymusicals broughttolifebyatalented castof25performers!
VASCULAR SURGERY SPECIALIST
BlindEye
WaipukurauLittleTheatre
Thursday19Marchto28March, 7.30pmto9.30pm
AplaybyAprilPhillips,directed byLindseyBishopBlindEye”isa poignantplaythatcapturesthe livesofWallyandVeraMatthews, anelderlycouplewhosedeep affectionforoneanotherdefies societalnorms.
CentralHawke’sBayLions Bookaramaisback!
Friday10,Saturday11,9amto4pmandSunday12April 9amto2pmattheCHBMunicipalTheatre,Kenilworth Street,Waipawa Therewillbebooksforallagesandcategoriestosuit alongwithPuzzles,DVD’s,CD’s,Vinyl’sandChildren’s games. Findincredibledealsonpre-lovedbooksandpuzzles whilesupportingyourcommunity. Gotbooksorpuzzlestospare? Dropthemoffat:100%Winloves–Waipukurau,Tim ChoteAppliances–Waipawa Needcollection?CallMikeTodon021464962to arrangepickup.
Personalsafety andempowermentcourse
OrganisedbyAgeConcernHawke’sBay 14April,17CoughlanRoad,Waipukurau10am-2pm. Lunchprovidedandbookingsessential. Calltheofficetobook068709060or068589158
Driverrefreshercourse
OrganisedbyAgeConcernHawke’sBay May5th,2026,CentralinesBuilding, 17CoughlanRoad,Waipukurau
Bookingsareessential. ageconcernhb.co.nz
Ōtāne’s history buff
ByChrysAyley
Ōtānewasfoundedin1874by thesubdivisionofHenryTiffin’s 5140-hectareHomewood farmingestate.Thesettlementwas originallycalledKaikorabutdueto confusionwithKaikōuraintheSouth Islandthenamewaschangedto Ōtāneon1April1910.
Ōtānehasafascinatinghistoryand
there’soneperson,inparticular,who cantalkknowledgeablyforhourson thesubjectandthat’sŌtāne’s“Nanny” VeraSmith.
It’sironicthatwhenVerawasa youngster,shevisitedŌtānewithher familyandthoughttoherself“whoon earthwouldwanttolivehere?
WhileshegrewupinHastingsVera dideventuallyreturntoŌtāneand hasbeenaresidentfor53years.She
hasfourchildrenwhoallliveinCentral Hawke’sBay.Shehas12grandchildren and15greatgrandchildren. Sheonceranthegeneralstoreand hadapaintstrippingbusiness Now sheisbusyasamemberofŌtāne Progressiveandtwiceaweeklistens tolocalschoolchildrenreading AttheendoflastyeartheŌtāne Schoolpresentedheracertificate ofappreciationforherhelp It’sthe schoolchildrenwhocallher“Nanny Vera”.
ŌtāneProgressivewasformed in2000followingthe125jubilee celebrationsin1999andVeraison thecommittee.Theystartedwith organisingtheWaitangiDayFair whichhasbeenrunningsuccessfully everyyear.Sincethen,therehave beensignificantachievementsby ŌtāneProgressivesuchasbuildinga playground,plantingtreesandsetting uptheŌtāneHistoricPavementWalk.
Theircurrentprojectisrestoringthe wharethatwasoriginallybehindthe Kaikōrahotel.It’ssituatedclosetothe townhallandoncerefurbisheditwill becomeacommunitymuseum.Vera saysitwillprobablybesixmonths beforeit’scomplete Verahasplentyofhistorical materialatherfingertipsandpeople oftenstopbytoseeifshecanhelp withfamilytreeresearch.Shehas recordsoriginallycompliedbyMax andBernadetteHartstromwho manuallyrecordednamesandevents publishedintheWaipawamail.Later
VerahaslivedinŌtānefor53years
JohnMudgeway,whosefatherwas fromŌtāne,computerisedalltheir records.Verahasacopyofallthe research.Shealsohasrecordsofold ratebooks.
Shecantellyouabouttheold libraryandwhatservicesusedtobe inthebuilding,it’sapieshopnow,but formertenantswereadoctor,Plunket andBNZ.Shehasagoodknowledge ofthecomingsandgoingsatthe railwaytoo.Forexample,inFebruary 192847,000sheepdepartedŌtāne and700cattle.Thehistoryenthusiast hasplentymorefacts,figuresand anecdotestoshare.
Aninterestinganecdoteisthat whenvoteswerebeingcastforanew nameforthetownshipMrDillon,a LiberalparliamentarianforHawke’s Bay,suggestedthetownshipbe namedDillonvillebutitonlyreceived twovotes-presumablyheandhis wife!
Thewhareisbeingrestoredandwillbeacommunitymuseum
More than cats and dogs: Ruahine Animal Rescue’s feathered friends
Whenpeoplethinkofanimal rescue,theyoftenpicture catscurledupincarriersor dogswaggingtheirtailsontheway toanewhome.AtRuahineAnimal Rescue,however,theworkgoeswell beyondpawsandwhiskers.Alongside catsanddogs,theteamhasalso beenquietlysteppingintohelp animalswithfeathers-provingthat compassionknowsnospecies.
Overrecentmonths,RuahineAnimal Rescuehastakeninavarietyof birdsinneedofurgentcare These rescueshaveincludedtwoparadise ducklings,twobabyturkeys,amagpie, achicken,andevenakingfisher.Each arrivalhasbroughtitsownchallenges, fromspecialisedfeedingtocareful rehabilitation,butthecommitmentto givingeveryanimalachanceremains thesame.
Birdrescuesareoftenunexpected. Manyarriveafterbeingorphaned, injured,ordisplacedfromtheir naturalenvironment.Inthecaseof theparadiseducklings,intervention wascriticaltoensuretheirsafetyand survival.Babybirdsareparticularly vulnerable,andwithouttherightcare attherighttime,theirchancescan beslim Thankstoswiftactionand dedicatedcare,theseducklingswere giventheopportunitytogrowstronger inasafeenvironment.
Thebabyturkeysrequiredroundthe-clockattention,warmth,and propernutritionduringtheirearly
days.Therescuedmagpie,a speciescommonlymisunderstood, neededpatienthandlingandcareful monitoring.Thekingfisher,anative birdnotcommonlyassociatedwith rescuecentres,requiredspecialised careandaquietenvironmentto reducestressduringrecovery.Even thechicken-oftenoverlookedasa “farmanimal”ratherthanarescue case-wastreatedwiththesame levelofcareandrespectasanyother animalthatcomesthroughthedoors. Rescuingbirdscanberesourceintensive.Itrequiresspecialised
knowledge,suitablehousing,and additionaltimefromvolunteerswho arealreadystretchedcaringforcats anddogs.YetRuahineAnimalRescue continuestostepupwheneveran animalisinneed,regardlessof whetheritmeows,barks,orchirps. Theserescueshighlightan importantmessage:animalwelfare extendsbeyondtraditionalpets.Birds, livestock,andwildlifealldeservecare, protection,andcompassionwhen theyfindthemselvesintrouble. RuahineAnimalRescueisproud oftheroleitplaysinthewider
community,respondingwherever helpisneeded.Astheorganisation continuesitswork,ithopestoraise awarenessthatrescueisnotlimited byspecies-andthatsometimes,the animalswhoneedusmostarethe onesweleastexpect
Everyrescue,featheredorfurry,isa reminderofwhythisworkmatters.
RuahineAnimalRescue
Providingacompassionateand safehavenforanimalsinneedin CentralHawke’sBay
Mike Butterick MP for
Waipukurau Drop-in
CHB Budget Services, 43 Ruataniwha St, Waipukurau
Every first and third Monday, 10am-2pm
Next dates: 6 and 20 October
Monday-Friday 10-4pm
Regular drop-in clinics at: Pahiatua, Eketahuna, Greytown, Featherston Carterton, Martinborough,Dannevirke
Hawke’s Bay, Tararua and Wairarapa
Wairarapa Authorised
John Bertrand Collectables Buying in Central Hawkes Bay
Wednesday 4 March
Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting Central Hawkes Bay on the 4th March
Mr Tony Grant from the company says, If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in” “This will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables
“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant “Nothing is too small for our consideration We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said The buyers will be in Central Hawkes Bay on the 4th March (see details below) As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal ”
Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices
During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers Tony Grant says“We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said
TInteresting Small Collectables Wanted
he buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd visiting Central Hawkes Bay on the 4th March, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex Mens Omega Breitling and gold watches etc Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items
If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said
Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes
“Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues Mr Anthony (Tony) W
Collectors NeedWar Medals
Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand LandWars and the Boer War to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service,
•
Don’t suffer in silence
ByChrysAyley
Twiceamonthduringthesummeragroup meetsinWaipukurauwiththeaimof supportingpeoplewhosufferfromLong TermChronicIllness Themeetingstakeplaceat 4KitchenerStreetandMelKingfromFoodBasket CHBkindlyallowsthegrouptousethespace
GraceWhiteandAlanSteer,whobothsufferwith longtermchronicillnessescameupwiththeidea andGracefacilitatesthemeetings Thegrouphad helpattheoutsetfromothervolunteerandhealth organisationsinCHBincludingTeTaiwhenuaO HeretaungaandHeartlandsforwhichtheyare extremelygrateful
Graceiswellqualifiedtoactasfacilitatorand hasarelevantextensivebackgroundwhichmakes hersuitablefortherole
Examplesofchronicconditionsinclude fibromyalgia COPD,osteoarthritis,arthritis,complex regionalpainsyndrome,chronicfatiguesyndrome andlupustonamebutafew Challengesmight includenavigatingthehealthsystem,brainfog andfatigue
Participantshavearelaxedenvironmentto connect,shareexperienceanddiscussstrategies formanagingdailychallengesoveracupoftea andabiscuit It’saspacetobeopenandhonest aboutthechallengesoflivingwithachronic condition
It’softendifficultforonlookerstorecognisewhen apersonisinconstantpainbutit’saconstant battlethatoftenleadstodepressionandsuicidal thoughts Somepeoplefinditdifficulttofindthe motivationtogetoutofbedandsurvivingaday canbedaunting Havingaforuminwhichtochat openlyandhonestlycanhelpreducedistressand anxiety
Livingwithalong-termchronicillnessislike
carryinganinvisibleweightthatneverquite leavesyourside Itshapesyourdaysquietlybut persistently,influencingdecisionsthatothersrarely havetothinkabout Eachmorningbeginswitha mentalinventory:howdoesmybodyfeeltoday? WhatcanImanage?Whatwillhavetowait?There isnoclearfinishline nopointwhereyoucansay, Thisisover Instead,thereisendurance Chronicillnessalsochangeshowyourelate toothers Itcanbeisolating,especiallywhen symptomsareinvisibleanddifficulttoexplain You mayfeelpressuretojustifyyourlimitsortoappear wellenough soasnottoinconvenienceanyone Voluntaryworkissomethingthatsuffererscan
takeup,assumingthatfulltimeemploymentisnot anoption,andthereareplentyofopportunitiesin CHB There’salsoalocal“LivedExperienceGroup” thatoffersaforumtobringpeopletogetherto identifyhowpeoplecanmakeCentralHawkesBay aplacethatisfullyaccessibleandchampionsfull participationforallpeople
Inadditiontoacaring,welcomingenvironment thereareplentyofresourcesavailableinthe communityandLC ICHBcanreferindividualsto appropriateadditionalresources FacebookLCICHB(undergroups) Formoreinformation0221537923
Rebekah,left,Carol,GraceandAlan
Central Hawke’s Bay Sport at CRS
CentralHawke’sBayRugbyandSportsclub,aproudclubof bothouron-fieldcultureandourwelcomingandsupportive whanauoff-field.LeadingthewayareourstrongWahine forRugby&Netball CRSiskeentocontinuetobuildonlastyear’s momentumforanevenmoresuccessful2026season. Asseasonscomeandgo,sodothecommitmentsofwomenat home&work,thisoftenmeansthatsporttakesabackseattoother responsibilities CRSwelcomesTamariki,Rangatahiandtheirwhānau tobepartofourclub,supportingourWahine,butalsofosteringthe nextgenerationofsportspeopleherelocally.
It’snevertoolatetodustoffyourbootsorsneakers–withthe2026 winterseasonabouttocommence clubhascalledmustersfor othcodesandwelcomes anyonewho’skeento bepartofthemix. Communitysportis agreatwaytomeet people,makefriends& findasportingpassion especiallyinrural towns.
CRSwouldn’tbetheclubit todaywithoutthelongnglegacyandongoing supportofoursponsors–we’dlike toextendourappreciationandthankstothoselocalbusinesses andindividualswho’vecontinuedtodonatebothtimeandfundsto enablesporttocontinuehereinWaipukurau Thisstartsatjuniorlevel andcontinuesontoseniorandsocialgrades.
Alsonotably,lastyeartheclubpartneredwiththelocalWhiteRibbon charity,andwecontinuetoencourageasafeandwelcoming environmentforsportandcommunity. Tobepartoftheaction,feelfreetospeakwithaclub representative,reachoutonoursocialplatforms,oremailuson chbrugbyandsportsclub@gmail.com KiaKotahiTātou.
Netball
TheHawke’sBayNetballRisingFERNSProgrammegives Year7&8playerstheopportunitytodevelopandexpand theirtechnical,tactical,andathletehabits,whilefosteringa lifelongloveofNetball.Theprogrammefocusesonqualityplayer developmentwhilecreatingafunenvironmentthatsupports youngathletesinreachingtheirfullpotential.
CentralHawke’sBayProgramme
Dates Tuesdays,3March-24March
Time 4:00pm-5:30pm
Venue CentralinesSportsComplex, Waipukurau-NetballCourts
Cost $100
AgeCriteria Year7&8:hastobeacurrentYear7or8in2026
Followthelinkformoreinformation, https://www.hawkesbaynetball.co.nz/pdp
CHBNetballteamsregistrationsarenowopen: AllcompetitionsareplayedatCentralinesSportsComplex, Waipukurau-NetballCourtsCHBClub
CHBClubcommencesWednesday6May
CHBGiffordDevinefutureFERNSyear5-8 CommencesSaturday2May
CHBGiffordDevinefutureFERNSyear1-4 CommencesSaturday9May
AllCHBClubteamsarewelcometoregisterfortheHBNetball LowsonCollinstournamentattheNapierNetballcourts on21March2026
Furtherinformationcanbefoundonwww.hbnetball.co.nz
Does your dog • Pull on the leash
• Ignore recalls • Jump on guests
• Burst with excitement you can’t control? You’re not alone and we love helping dogs like these become the calm, confident companions you always hoped for!
Why Owners Love Us
• Positive games & rewards no force, no fear! Tailored classes for puppies, teenage dogs, and adults all skill levels welcome
• Small class sizes = personal attention & real progress
Puppy Foundations
Fun games +
Manners & Confidence Classes
Walk nicely, come when called, stay
around distractions
Day Care & Boarding
Safe, social, and caring peace of mind when you’re away
A celebration of musical theatre
StagesofLifeisanambitious andemotionallyresonantstage productionpresentedatthe CentralHawke’sBayMunicipalTheatre inWaipawa runningfrom13–21 March Designedasamusicaljourney throughthehumanexperience,the showguidesaudiencesacrossfour universallifephases:childhood,youth, adulthood,andlaterlifereflection Eachstageisportrayedthrougha curatedselectionofwellknownsongs frombelovedBroadwaymusicals, creatingafamiliaryetfreshlyimagined narrativearc Thisconcept-driven performanceisdescribedasabrandnewandexcitingtheatricalcreation broughttolifebyatalentedcastof25 performers
Theshow’sstructureweaves togethericonicmusicaltheatre numbersthatevoketheemotions tiedtogrowingupandgrowing older Childhoodiscapturedwith innocenceandwonder,usinguplifting andplayfulselectionsthatseta heartfelttone Asthestorytransitions intoyouth,theenergylifts,reflecting themesofdiscovery,ambition,and theturbulenceofcoming-of-age Adulthoodintroducesmorecomplex emotionaltextures love,responsibility, challenge,andresilience allowingthe performerstoshowcasebothvocal depthanddramaticrange Thefinal stage,reflection,offersathoughtful andpoignantclose,usingreflective Broadwaypiecesthatexplorelegacy, memory,andgratitude
StagesofLife isperformedin theConcertChambers,anintimate
settingthatenhancestheemotional immediacyoftheshow Audiences situndergeneraladmissionseating, reinforcingarelaxed,community focusedenvironment Localcouncils describetheproductionasastandout performingartsevent,notableforits broadappeal,accessibilitytoallages andstrongconnectiontotheregional artsscene
Beyonditsentertainmentvalue, theshowalsoreflectsCentral HawkesBaysongoingcommitment tocelebratingmusicaltheatreand
fosteringlocaltalent TheWaipawa MusicalandDramaticClub,whichhas beenacornerstoneoftheregion’s performingartscommunityformore than125years,highlightsStages ofLifeasoneofitskeyupcoming productionsfor2026,underscoring theshowssignificancetotheareas culturalcalendar Affordableticketingmakesthe performanceaccessibletoawide audience,withpricingtiersforadults, children andGoldCardholders Multiplesessiontimes including
matineeandeveningshows ensure flexibilityforfamilies,schoolgroups, andtheatregoersofallages Inessence,StagesofLifeisboth acelebrationofmusicaltheatre andaheartfelttributetotheshared humanjourney Byblendingnostalgia, artistry,andemotionalstorytelling,the productioninvitesaudiencesinCentral Hawke’sBaytoreflectontheirownlife chapterswhileenjoyingthetimeless magicofBroadway Ticketscanbebookedon Eventfinda
Gardening tasks for March
Marchmarksthebeginningofautumn,a transitionalmonthwherewarmdaysand coolernightscreateidealconditionsfor harvesting,planting,andpreparingthegardenfor winter.Thismonthisaboutshiftingfromsummer maintenancetoautumnreadiness,withastrong focusonweeding,mulching,wateringadjustments, andgeneralcleanup.Regularlyremovingweeds preventscompetitionfornutrients,whilemulching helpsregulatesoiltemperatureandretainmoisture asnightscool.Cleaningawayfallenleavesand debrisalsoreducespestanddiseaserisks. Marchisprimetimeforplantingwintercrops.
Commonchoicesincludegarlic,onions,broccoli, cauliflower,cabbage,spinach,kale,andlettuce Sowinggreenmanurecropssuchaslupins, mustard,oroatshelpsreplenishsoilfertilityfor thenextgrowingseason.It’salsothemonthto harvestlatesummerproducesuchastomatoes, peppers,pumpkins,andotherwarmseasoncrops stillmaturing.Thisisthetimetofocusonharvesting remainingsummervegetablesandbeginning sowingforwinterincludingcabbage,broccoli, spinach,silverbeet,carrots,beetroot,andradishes Marchisanexcellenttimeforbothharvesting andplanting.Deciduousfruittreessuchasapples, pears,andstonefruitscanbeprunedafterfruiting toimproveairflowandpromotestrongstructure Nettingmaybeneededtoprotectripeningfruit frombirds.Thisperiodisalsofavourablefor plantingnewtrees,asthesoilremainswarm enoughforrootestablishmentbeforewinter.fruit treessuchasapples,pears,plums,peaches,feijoas, citrus,andfigsflourishwhenplantednow
Theflowergardenalsobenefitsfromautumn planting.Marchisidealforputtinginspring floweringbulbslikedaffodils,tulips,crocuses, ranunculus,andhyacinths.Annualssuchas pansies,violas,andprimrosesaddcolourtowinter beds.Pruningsummerfloweringshrubsand deadheadingspentbloomskeepsthegardentidy andencouragesnewgrowth
Whenitcomestolawncare,Marchisoneofthe bestmonthsformaintenanceandpreparation Raisingthemowerheightslightlyhelpsgrass developresilienceheadingintocoolerweather. Applyingaslowreleaseautumnlawnfertiliser
strengthensgrowthandpreparesthelawnfor winter.Ifoverseedingorestablishingnewlawn areas,nowisthetime Overseedthinpatchesto improvedensity.Minimisefoottrafficoverwinter andkeepthelawnfreeofdebris.Avoidfeeding duringcoldspellsandensureproperdrainage toprotectgrasshealthandsupportearlyspring recoverytoo.
Inautumn,rakeleavesregularly,aerate compactedsoil,andapplyaslowreleasefertiliser tostrengthenroots.Overseedthinpatchesto improvedensity.Inwinter,minimisefoottraffic,keep thelawnfreeofdebris,andraisemowerheightfor anyfinalcuts.
Kererū Station
Walk and Trail Run 2026
Setagainstthesweepingbackdropofthe RuahineRanges,theKererūHillCountryWalk andTrailRun2026offersparticipantsarare chancetotraverseoneofHawke’sBay’smost strikingrurallandscapes Returningforitsthirdyear onSaturday,28March2026,theeventinviteswalkers andrunnersaliketoexperiencetheruggedbeauty andwarmhospitalityoftheKererūcommunity-all whilesupportingameaningfullocalcause HostedonKereruStation ahistoricpropertytucked beneaththeranges,theeventcentresaroundan approximately18kilometreoffroadcourse Thetrail windsoverprivatefarmland,followingshinglefarm roads,rollingpaddocks andelevatedridgelines thatrewardparticipantswithwideangleviews acrossthecountryside Witharound500metresof elevationgain,thecourseprovidesasolidchallenge butremainsachievableforanyonewithmoderate fitness Ashorterdetouroptionisalsoavailablefor thosekeenonagentlerexperience
canstoptoenjoyahomecookedpackedlunch, whilerunnersreceivetheirsatthefinish Attheend ofthecourse,everyoneiswelcomedwitharelaxed ruralcelebrationfeaturingaBBQ,refreshments,and entertainment Localmarketstalls,stockedwith handmadegoodsandproduce,addtothefestive villagestyleatmosphere,reinforcingtheevent’s strongconnectiontothepeoplewhocallKererū home
Whilethesettingisidyllic,organisersemphasise thattheterraindemandspreparation Good trailshoes,warmclothing,plentyofwater,and walkingpoles(ifneeded)arerecommended Due tothenatureofthecourseandtheworkingfarm environment,dogsarestrictlyprohibited,andsmall childrenincarriersarenotadvisedunlesssuch activityisroutinefortheircaregivers Allchildren mustremainunderclosesupervisionthroughoutthe event
Beyondthephysicalchallengeandspectacular scenery,theeventcarriesadeeperpurpose Funds raisedsupportKererūSchoolandtheupkeepof thecherishedKererūcommunityhall Formany participants,thesenseofaccomplishmentat thefinishlineismatchedbythesatisfactionof contributingtoacausethatdirectlybenefits localfamilies Thisblendofstunninglandscapes, ruralculture,andcommunityfundraisingiswhat continuestodefine-andelevate-theKererūStation WalkandTrailRun
Whetheryou’reseekingarewardingphysical challenge adayimmersedinauthenticcountryside hospitality,orsimplythechancetosoakup panoramicHawke’sBayvistasseldomaccessibleto thepublic the2026eventpromisesanunforgettable experience
OneofthehallmarksoftheKererūStationeventis itsfusionofadventureandcommunityspirit About twothirdsofthewaythroughthewalk,participants LINDISFARNE
Ticketsavailableatwwwkereruschoolnz
CENTRALINES ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION
Centralines
E-C-CH1-CTRL
visit www.centralines.co.nz/pricing
UNMETERED SUPPLY
Notes
1.
2. Day (CTUD) is the period between the hours of 7am to 11pm and Night (NITE) is between 11pm and 7am
3. Residential and General Time of Use periods: Peak times (ONPKand PKIN) are weekdays from 7am to 11am and 5pm to 9pm when demand is highest Shoulder (SHDR) times apply on weekdays from 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 11pm, and on weekends from 7am to 11am and 5pm to 11pm. Off-peak (OFPK) times are overnight from 11pm to 7am on weekdays, and on weekends from 11am to 5pm and 9pm to 7am, when demand is lowest.
4. Peak inclusive tariff (PKIN) is applicable to inclusive meters where controlled load cannot be measured via separate channel.
5. On Peak Demand (OPD), Summer or Winter is the kW’s delivered over the half hour period of maximum consumption between the hours of 7am and 11am, and 5pm and 9pm on a working day
6. Summer is the period 1 October to 30 April, Winter is the period 1 May to 30 September
7. Anytime Maximum Demand (AMD) is the kW’s delivered over the half hour period of maximum consumption during the month to wh ch the charges apply
8. All prices as stated are GST exclusive.