August 2023

Whangaparaoa Candidates Speak at CRRA AGM

At the CRRA AGM held last week, once the official committee business was done, attendees got to learn more about three of the candidates running for election in the Whangaparaoa electorate. Each candidate introduced themselves and kicked off their general election campaigns, highlighting their key areas of concern.

ACT's Simon Angelo is CEO and publisher of Wealth Morning, an online investment news service that provides insights to readers about how events taking place today will impact their prosperity. His finance and business background gives him laser focus on economic issues and he spoke about NZ needing to return to being a country of opportunity with less regulation and government intervention. "Government should be the referee not the solution. New Zealand needs to be a country of green lights rather than red tape," he said before asking people to give ACT their party vote.

Estefania Muller Pallares, a science graduate, engineer, business owner and environmental campaigner is seeking the candidate and party vote for Labour. Stef shared her background story, including her passion for getting young people to vote to ensure they have a voice in decisionmaking and identified herself as someone to watch in future by the way she handled question time.

Mark Mitchell, the current MP for Whangaparaoa is well known locally and has life-long ties to Coatesville. One of Mark's key areas of concern was the current state of crime in New Zealand. He said ram raids have increased 500% in the past six years of Labour government. He believes the lack of consequences and high chance people will get away with crimes needs to be addressed by legislation like the Three Strikes Law that used to act as a deterrent.

Mark also acknowledged Local Board member Louise Johnston for her work for the community.

Following the campaign speeches, CRRA chair Mike Rowe thanked several long-serving CRRA committee members. Jacqui Cantell who has been the committee's secretary for eight years and farewelled founding member Alan Curtis who has retired from the treasurer role after 31 years.

Residents living left of the pink boundary line in the map above are in the Kaipara ki Mahurangi electorate and should look out for candidate events in Riverhead and Kumeu.

Whangaparaoa candidates from left: Simon Angelo, ACT; Estefania (Stef) Muller Pallares, Labour and MP Mark Mitchell, National

In this issue, the August news from Coatesville includes an update on page 6 about a dog or dogs worrying sheep on Glenmore Road properties. Five ewes, several pregnant with twin lambs, had been killed by the time I spoke to Animal Management about this issue.

All dog owners need to be aware their sweet-natured family pet can react to livestock mainly sheep and poultry and pursue them in a frenzy if they're allowed to get off their owner's property. Once this happens, the offending dog will often return to the property where it worried sheep

FEEDBACK

Hello fellow residents.

My name is Tracy Lane of Sunnyside Road. I'm having a dispute with Auckland Transport about the state of the one-way system that was in place at the major reconstruction of the Coatesville Riverhead highway. As you know, the road was so atrocious, littered with large and deep potholes and other impediments making this passageway very unsafe.

Auckland Transport claim that there had not been any complaints or concerns noted by members of the public prior to my compliant to them on 12th June.

I find this very hard to believe

and do it again.

The experience is so traumatic for the sheep they often die of fright but some sustain fatal mauling injuries.

You might think your own canine companion is incapable of this behaviour but you could be wrong. All dog owners need to make sure their dog stays home so this can't continue to happen.

This month on page 8 Louise Johnston urges locals to provide feedback on the Draft Speed Management Plan and Healthy Waters' Making Space for Water Plan. This feedback will be used by Council to decide on activities in our area so it's worth the time it takes to give yours. Plus, it helps Louise to go in to bat for us when she can demonstrate the community's feelings through actual feedback.

Diary Dates

∞ 25 August, Friday Daffodil Day Go to www. daffodilday.org.nz to find out how you can donate, volunteer, fundraise, buy fresh flowers or get involved in Daffodil Day 2023.

∞ 26 & 27 August Saturday and Sunday, North Shore Miniatures Club Show from 10 am both days at the Albany Village Hall. Adults $5, seniors $3 and children $2. See story opposite.

∞ 28 August, Monday, AT's feedback deadline closes today for the speed limit review. Make sure you have your say while you can: at.govt.nz/about-us/ have-your-say/.

∞ 31 August, Thursday

that I've been the only person to comment on the state of the road. Having suffered two punctures whilst traveling through the roadworks, I am seeking reparation from Auckland Transport for their negligence which caused damages to my vehicle.

I'm looking for assistance to reinforce my case to Auckland Transport.

If anyone made a complaint and you are willing to share your dates and details of your complaint to AT can you please contact me by email at tracylane@outlook.com

I look forward to hearing from you.

Many thanks.

Tracy

Our latest specials will ensure you look and feel your best this season.

A winter blues facial will bring back your glow and our companion laser hair removal offer means you pay for one area and get another free! Call and book today!

Have your say to inform how Auckland recovers from the recent floods and help shape how we build flood resilience for the future. Go to https:// akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/storm-recovery.

∞ 1 September, Friday, Spring has sprung at last!

∞ September is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

∞ 10 September, Sunday, Love Tennis from 10am at Dairy Flat Tennis Club.

∞ 21 September, Thursday, Nominations close today for 2023 Beautiful Awards. Go to www.knzb@org.nz This is part of Clean Up NZ Week.

∞ 22 September, Friday Last day of term 3. Enjoy two weeks off before the start of term 4 and Coatesville School's count down to Ag Day 2023.

∞ 24 September, Sunday, 2am Daylight Saving starts today! Put your clocks forward an hour.

AUGUST EVENTS

Love Tennis at Dairy Flat

Have you thought about tennis but not yet been to your local tennis club? Come along to LOVE TENNIS at Dairy Flat Tennis Club: 4 Postman Rd, Dairy Flat on Sunday, 10 September anytime 10am–4pm. Tennis activities for all ages, giveaways, BBQ and loads of tennis fun for everyone! Our club partners with AceEm Tennis to offer adult and junior programs all year round. If you are interested in playing interclub, entries are in soon so please get in touch. dairyflattennis.co.nz

Miniatures Club Show at Albany Village Hall

North Shore

Miniatures Club is holding an exhibition of incredible tiny buildings at the Albany Village Hall on the weekend of 26 and 27 August. Visitors will see Hogwarts Castle, tree houses, lighthouses, VE Day street celebration, Sweeny Todd's Parlour with Mrs Lovett's Pie Shop. Miniature furniture, rooms and scenes to enthrall and entrance even the most staunch (the Man Sheds are a hit usually) with Kiwi blokes too. Coatesville local Alie Wakelin says, "Most of our work is 1/12th scale (1 foot reduced to 1 inch in size) with many, many other items being even smaller. Our show has been a major hit for so many years now and we love sharing our crazy hobby with everyone, not only with a fantastic display but we also have raffles, tombola for the kids, a sausage sizzle, trading tables and tea/coffee and goodies available throughout the opening times. Join the 'Moonlight Walk' on the Saturday evening from 7pm to 9pm for only $2 fee at the door... the lights will be dimmed and many of the beautiful displays will be lit... a truly magical thing to see, says Alie.

Coatesville Country Garden Club ‒ Wintering Over

For the Coatesville Country Garden Club, the winter heralds cosy meetings in the Coatesville Hall. In June, at our birthday meeting when we eat delicious cake made by Kathy Lambert, it is also the voting day for the best photos in the club competition. There were seven categories each with a winner and gardening prize, and an overall winner. It is emphasised that it is the photographic style and not just the subject matter in our thoughts. Categories included garden landscapes, blooms, garden visitors, edibles, humour, and trip day shots and the winners voted on by the audience present were Susan Haslam, Jan Sprosen, Mary Logan, Eva Sapwell, Jenny Hunter, and Erica Lacey with Karen Queree being the overall winner. Cameras being available on phones these days means members can be snapping at their leisure. Thank you Owen Sprosen for the preliminary work that makes this day run smoothly.

June was the 26th birthday for the club and the delicious chocolate cake was cut by Tony and Christine Peek who couldn’t be part of the

big birthday bash last year, but richly deserved to be. As longserving club members we hope this acknowledgement goes some way to convey our appreciation of the continuing support and work they do in the club.

July is Bumper Trade Table timemembers donate surplus plants, preserves, produce, baking, reading material, etc. for friends and members to purchase. The proceeds greatly assist the club’s ability to subsidise speakers, trips, bus travel, and prizes for club activities. Trading complete, members were treated to soup and rolls courtesy of the catering team ably lead by Jenny Cheer. The soup

may be the same two recipes each year, but it never fails to be enjoyed on a winter’s day. After lunch we trialled a question and answer session using the many expert members to give their opinions. It was most helpful and likely to be repeated.

Kawau workers revelled in an opportunity to go to Mansion House and have a celebration in June – the 10-year anniversary of our work over there. Thirty gardeners (25 past and present, as well as 5 DOC personnel) attended and enjoyed the fine day and shared lunch. DOC were pleased to be able to acknowledge the gardening work we are doing, for which they are grateful as they don’t always profess to being knowledgeable about flowers and plants – more native flora and fauna, forest tracks and natural and historic environments.

Our winter pruning programme will be completed next month and we are hopeful of a full recovery from the excess water which has complicated growth patterns and some trees' hibernation times. Roll on spring! But no more rain, thank you.

By Jenny Hunter

Maple Glen Garden in Southland, Jan Sprosen photographer Kiwa Garden near Whangarei, Eva Sapwell photographer

Yellow Dahlia, Susan Haslam photographer

Pest Plant: Montbretia

By Grant McKechnie

Grant is an ex-nursery owner and Coatesville local with expert knowledge on pest plant management.

Montbretia, also known as Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora (shown above), grows from a winter dormant corm, sprouting soft, flaxlike leaves through spring and summer, and growing to about 90cm tall with masses of orange red flowers in January/February.

A member of the Iris family, this weed is pretty rampant around parts of Coatesville, particularly along streamsides and low-lying areas, waste areas and along bush margins. In fact, it will establish just about anywhere that’s left unkempt.

It is spread predominantly by the physical movement of the corms, this can be through flooding washing them down stream, machinery and animals moving them around, or in garden rubbish. A few corms will rapidly multiply into big swathes of thousands that smother most other young plants.

Eradicating Montbretia really comes down to chemical control, digging out by hand is a long slow process as you have to get every little corm and every piece of rhizome out, otherwise it will just carry on. Re-infestation from neighbouring properties can also pose a problem, if someone upstream has it, the first flood is likely to bring fresh corms down and deposit them at your place.

Chemical control is best achieved using a combination of two chemicals and a surfactant.

For knapsack application you need 100ml of Glyphosate, 4g of metasulfuron and 10ml of penetrant in 10L of water. Be as careful as you can with this spray as it will kill most other seedlings in its way. If there are young seedlings in the area to spray, protect them by using a shield on your sprayer. Covering them with newspaper can also work.

Spraying with Glyphosate on its own will have some effect on Montbretia but will require multiple attacks.

The timing of your spraying is also important. The corms continue to sprout from early spring through to December, then in January they start to flower and once they have flowered, begin to die off. The trick is to spray when as many as possible are in full leaf and before they start to die off again.

We are your local dedicated specialists for water tank cleaning, filtration installation and servicing, water tank repairs, water deliveries and advice.

Talk to us, we love to help!

Call Garry on 09 428 0448 or 027 84 77 000 e: help@healthywatertanks.co.nz w: healthywatertanks.co.nz

CLOCKWORK

visa services

All aspects of tree work, stump grinding, land clearance. Qualified arborists. Chipper. Free Quotes. Full Insurance. Call Stu 09 446 1258 or 021 175 8660.

Cherie Baird

Skilled Migrant Specialist

Licensed Immigration Adviser

IAA # 200900880

+64 21 533 687

All aspects of tree work, stump grinding, land clearance. Qualified arborists. Chipper. Free Quotes. Full insurance. Call Stu 09 446 1258 or 021 175 8660.

cherie@clockworkvisa.co.nz

Cherie Baird

Skilled Migrant Specialist

Licensed Immigration Adviser IAA # 200900880

+64 21 533 687

cherie@clockworkvisa.co.nz

www.clockworkvisa.co.nz

Dogs Worrying Sheep on Glenmore Road

Glenmore Road local Val Gardner discovered a dog had been worrying the sheep on her property overnight when she checked them the next morning. One ewe, heavily pregnant with twins, had been killed and another, also pregnant with twins, gave birth to dead lambs later that day. Four livestock lost for the farmer who was grazing the mob at the Gardner's Glenmore Road property.

Val contacted Animal Management and an officer was soon on the scene and is now working with the Gardners.

However, there have been other similar incidents on nearby Glenmore Road properties in the past three months. A little further down the road at number 154, Denise and Peter Hughes lost two sheep after a dog worried their mob of 12 on 23 May. Denise found the two sheep in the morning looking deeply distressed but without obvious signs of mauling, and left them to settle in case they came right. Sadly, both died during the day. The Hughes' also reported the event to Animal Management.

Lynette and Jurgen Herbke at 116 Glenmore Rd also lost two sheep after a dog worried their mob on 14 and 19 May.

All three land owners believe the same dog is involved in all three events and have made Animal Management aware of this, but evidence is needed before they can issue an infringement or prosecute the dog's owners. At last count 5 ewes and 4 unborn lambs have been killed in the area since May.

So, who is at fault when events like this occur? Animal Management team leader Aaron Neary says responsibility for a dog's behaviour rests firmly with its owner/s or the person who's in charge of the dog at the time an event occurs. He says every owner's number one responsibility is to keep the dog contained to the property at all times.

For anyone moving to a rural area from the city, Mr Neary says, "It's harder to contain dogs in the country than it is in urban areas. There's much more fencing and gaps to get through plus there are a lot more interesting smells that entice the dog off the property."

There are several positive steps dog owners can take to help reduce the desire for a dog to roam and desexing a dog is the most important.

"It doesn't eliminate the drive to roam but it does reduce it. A dog can smell a bitch that's on heat about 5km away, so neutering male dogs and speying females will help to curb their desire to roam."

Dogs also need mental stimulation as well as excercise. This means a change of scene and different smells. "They're very intelligent animals so they can get bored just like humans," he says.

For dogs that have shown a tendancy to roam, physical containment can be the best option. Whether it's a fenced-off dog run on your property or perimeter fencing with either an electric, sonic or citronella collar, taking these measures will help to reduce roaming.

Surprisingly, despite Glenmore Road seeming to be a hotspot for dog attacks this year, Mr Neary says, "The number of attacks in Coatesville is on a par with similar areas and there hasn't been a noticeable increase in reports of attacks coming through to us."

Since Coatesville is a rural area, if you do find a dog in the paddock with your sheep, Mr Neary confirms that shooting the dog can be an option but only if the circumstances justify it.

"If the dog is among stock and running at large, rural property owners who have a

gun licence are entitled to shoot the dog as long as it is chasing the stock and trying to get them. If the dog is just sitting on the grass then they don't have the right to shoot it. Calling Animal Management is the first thing I

LIFESTYLE BUILD Consultant

Free custom design service and site consultations. Over 16 years' knowledge and expertise. New homes and minor dwellings. Considering building? I live locally and would love to discuss the possibilities.

Leanne Gallagher

✆ 021 772 291

✉ leanne.gallagher@gjgardner.co.nz

Below: Aaron Neary, Auckland Council Animal Management team leader

Val Gardner with one of the sheep killed by a dog on her property.

recommend people do."

Each year, Animal Management publishes an annual report on the Auckland Council website which compares dog attack numbers and statistics year on year. Auckland has roughly 130,000 registered dogs plus a number that aren't registered. Mr Neary says an amalgamation of events over the last two years has led to almost a puppy explosion and an increase in dog attacks across the city.

"Lots of people got dogs during Covid and many vets closed during lockdown so people couldn't get their dogs desexed. Now people are back at work and we're in a cost of living crisis and it's not cheap to desex a dog. It's all contributing to the rise in dog roaming and dog attacks that we've seen in the last year."

If your dog roams, here's what to expect. Mr Neary says Animal Management looks at each incident on a case-by-case basis and uses a graduated enforcment policy to determine how a case will be treated. A dog that's bored and takes itself for a walk isn't causing any harm so its owners might receive a warning. However more serious roaming, like onto someone's property where there's livestock, can mean an infringement and possibly prosecution where the District Court must order the destruction of the dog unless there are exceptional circumstances. VJ

Animal Management

Ph 09 301 0101

Speed Limit Change Safer for Our School

At Auckland Transport's dropin session at the Settlers Hall, Coatesville locals got to comment on the proposed speed limit reductions in the Draft Auckland Speed Management Plan 2024-2027, Katoa, Ka Ora (everyone is alive and safe). Among the roads affected is Mahoenui Valley Road - specifically the stretch of road outside Coatesville School. Currently the speed limit outside the school is 50kmph - even when students are being dropped off and picked up. School principal, Richard Johnson says that lately there has been some dangerous driving outside the school leading to comments made on the community Facebook page by concerned parents urging drivers to slow down and consider the childrens' safety.

Based on the proposed changes outlined in AT's draft management

plan, a School Zone will be created on Mahoenui Valley Road with a variable speed limit at school pick and drop off times of 30 kmph. Dynamic signs, like those used outside Dairy Flat School, may be used to help remind drivers that the speed limit is reduced to 30kmph during these key times.

Principal Richard Johnson says, "This would really improve the safety of our students and school families so it would be a huge benefit to the wider Coatesville community."

There's still time to provide your feedback on the plan. Go to haveyoursay.at.govt.nz before 28 August. Implementation of speed limit reductions is expected to begin at the start of the 2024-2025 financial year.

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

From left: AT's team, Rochelle Pethybridge, Brianna Fuller, Annie Ferguson and Michael Brown with Geoff Upson and Louise Johnston from the Rodney Local Board

Local Board News By Louise Johnston

As part of the interim recovery for our area following the damage caused by flooding earlier this year, Council’s Healthy Water’s department completed drone surveys of the Rangitopuni stream. They have now started clearing stream blockages that are impeding the flow of water. However, some slips will not be cleared as removing them may make the stream banks more unstable.

The longer-term recovery plan is now being consulted on. This plan includes nine initiatives to reduce flood risks and make big improvements to Auckland’s storm water network. This plan is called Making Space for Water. The improvements include infrastructure upgrades to culverts and bridges, increased storm maintenance, early warning systems, community resilience plans, and creation of bluegreen networks to allow stormwater to flow through urban areas. The estimated cost of this plan is $1.45 billion. The funding mechanism is still to be decided and may end up being partially funded via a targeted rate for all Aucklanders.

Coatesville locals have suggested several improvements to help mitigate the impact of future flooding including proactive stream and culvert clearances, stream realignment, riparian planting to stabilise the stream banks, stormwater mitigations in Green Road Park and community resilience plans including early warning systems. There are thousands of kilometers of

streams and rivers across Auckland, but the quiet meandering Rangitopuni Stream can quickly become dangerous

As a community we need to ensure that we are included in this recovery plan, and we can do this by providing local feedback using the link below. Feedback closes on 31 August. https:// akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/storm-recovery

Also, Council have launched a new online tool to make it simpler for Aucklanders to understand the flood risk for their property. Please refer to www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ floodviewer.

Finally, a quick reminder that public feedback closes on Auckland Transport’s draft speed limit plan on 28 August 2023. As part of the draft plan, AT are consulting on the proposal to reduce speed limits on a number of roads in Coatesville. The draft speed limit plan also proposes to reduce the speed limit to 50km/ hr on CRH between 100m west of Sunnyside Road and 80 m east of Mahoenui Valley Road and finally for the Coatesville School, a variable speed limit of 30km/hr at pick up and drop-off times only.

It is essential to have your say. You can do this online via https:// haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/kko or alternatively email feedback to ATspeedprogramme@AT.govt.nz

Please get in touch with any comments or feedback Louise. Johnston@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Sarah and Josh are in their midthirties. Like most people their age, they had travelled extensively, living in London for a number of years, before returning home to New Zealand to start a family. Sarah had been in investment banking in the UK and Josh was a school teacher. The property market had shifted a bit in the years they had been away, but with the big money earned by Sarah in the UK, they were able to afford a large and spacious home only a couple of blocks away from the beach.

After taking advice from their lawyer, Sarah and Josh set up a trust to own their family home. Sarah was taking on some directorships of companies. They were also concerned that if one of them died, their assets would be protected both for the survivor and their children. At the same time, they made wills appointing guardians of their children and stating that all their assets would go to the trust if one or both of them died. They prepared a memorandum of guidance for the trustees of their trust and also saw their insurance broker about putting in

place some life insurance.

Basically, death was covered. If one of them died, the survivor would have a large sum of money and assets all nicely protected in a trust. Enduring powers of attorney were mentioned, but Sarah and Josh thought this was something they could do in the future. Sarah’s grandma had just appointed Sarah’s father to act as her attorney – there was plenty of time for them to get enduring powers of attorney organised later.

Less than a year after returning to

New Zealand, Josh woke one morning unable to speak or use the left side of his body. He had suffered a premature stroke. Sarah and Josh soon found out it is not uncommon for young people to suffer strokes and other ailments which mean that they are not able to function properly. Sarah and Josh had planned well for what happened if one of them died, but had not dealt with the situation where one of them might lose capacity.

Sarah now found herself in the position of not being able to deal with a number of things that Josh used to deal with. Everyone was asking her for a copy of an enduring power of attorney she didn’t have. The costs of going to court to get property orders to manage Josh’s affairs were expensive, but Sarah was left with few options. She quickly learned that not only old people needed to worry about enduring powers of attorney –they are for everyone.

Tammy McLeod, Trust Law specialist, Managing Director, Davenports Law.

Tammy McLeod

Kumeu Village opened in 2015 in the heart of Kumeu, offering private luxury Rest Home, Hospital and Dementia Care. We operate under the values of the Eden Alternative Philosophy of care, which means, the way we treat our Residents is the way we would a friend or beloved family member.

Privately owned and operated, the owners work closely with our committed and experienced team of nurses, care partners, lifestyle staff, cooks, and administrators to ensure every day at Kumeu Village is enriching, safe and comfortable.

MOVING INTO CARE

We pride ourselves on having an open-door policy for residents, families and staff.

Our mission is to provide love, compassion and companion ship to all.

For all enquiries or to book a visit, please call: Georgia on 412 9112 or Belinda 021 412 242 or info@kumeuvillage.co.nz

To make your loved one’s move into care as stress-free as possible, we’ve outlined some steps you can take:

1. Needs Assessment.

2. Name of Enduring Power of Attorney.

3. Choose the Right Room.

4. Paying for Care.

5. Moving In.

If you need any help along the way, please do not hesitate to get in touch!

Email: info@kumeuvillage.co.nz

The Ladybug is located in Coatesville and is a specialised home designed for ladies living with dementia to live and thrive. Ladybug is one of the only homes in New Zealand of its kind.

507 State Highway 16, Kumeu

Broken driveways graded and rebuilt with triple layer construction system. Water tabling, side drains, culverts, french drains in gabion rock and driveway dust suppression treatments. House hard stands, car parks and horse arenas. Call for an on-site chat and a quote.

A1 Sure Services Tree Care All aspects of tree work, stump grinding and land clearance. Qualified arborists. Full Insurance. Free quotes. 446 1258 or 021 175 8660

Accomodation Boutique homestay in Coatesville. Self-contained peaceful private suite in our sunny north-facing country garden for up to 4 people. Perfect stay for local weddings or functions, 2 minutes to Coatesville Hall. Contact : Pat 021 316 781 pat@maddisons.nz www.maddisons. nz/homestay

Agricultural contractor mulching/ gorse clearing, mowing (& lawns), rotary hoeing/seeding, stump grinding, Graeme 027 533 3114 Clean Queen I'll have your house looking like a castle. References supplied. Ph Angela 021 0832 9352 Coatesville Mulch Mowing 1 to 50 acres, local contractor, affordable rates. Phone Warren and Brenda Mills on 415 6503 or 021 191 4195

Connect Electrics For all your electrical solutions, Phone Kris 022 332 6663 or 412 6066 GET IN SHAPE Local private gym for one-on-one training or small group sessions, specialising in weight loss, general fitness and rehabilitation. Call Debbie 027 441 8769.

Haven Hair Design Need a completely new look or just a trim? Senior hair stylist and salon owner Lisa Cross will help you look and feel your best. Phone 09 415 4424 or book online www.havenhairdesign.co.nz

LAWN MOWING, You Grow & Joe will mow. Lifestyle, commercial and residential. Ph Joe 021 624 494 / joseph@propertyfit. co.nz

Local Shearer, Kevin Abel, 021 223 5033

Odd Job Company For building and landscaping projects, contact Peter 027 453 0570

Painters & Decorators Marshall Painters can help with all your painting needs; interiors, exteriors, even waterblasting to make sure you get the top quality finish we're famous for. With over 50 years experience in the company, we have the skills you need. Call Marcus on 021 024 86516 or email marshallpainters@gmail.com. Pilates in Coatesville Hall, Thursday @ 6pm. Special – 2 free lessons for new clients. $12 school term, $15 concession card and $20 casual class. Contact Abraham on 021 122 1530 or abrahampardo@gmail.com

Professional Oven Cleaning

All size ovens, local references and great service from an experienced professional. Text Kiri 021 233 6028 Scout Marquee for hire, 6m x 8m, $250 per day. Call Garth 447 1863 The Blooming Beekeeper fully maintained beehive service. The ideal eco-friendly gift. Bee packages; beekeeping lessons; artisan bee products; swarm catching. Coatesville based. Call Val 021 755 833. Who’s your caterer? Beautifully presented, great tasting food, at competitive prices. Phone Helen Cato 415 7771 or 021 211 8223.

Zumba at the Coatesville Settlers Hall on Mondays at 10am. $15 per session or $12 each if you buy five. For more information, call Hana 021 02212714.

Buying at Auction

My 7-Point Guide to Success

This method of sale is here to stay. At an auction, the purchase price of a property is determined through competitive bidding. Although this can feel daunting (for both parties), it allows you to negotiate fairly. The buyer can see the competition rather than offering blindly as in other methods of sale.

Here are seven things to think about when you're considering buying at auction. 1. Do your homework. Start attending auctions as an observer this will give you a better understanding of the auction process. If you are a vendor or potential vendor, ask your real estate agent to take you to one of their company’s auctions. 2. Ask questions. Ask the real estate agent selling the property for clarification of the auction process (it is often misconstrued that all auctions are run the same way by all companies however this is far from the truth). 3. Get legal advice beforehand. Have your solicitor examine the Contract of Sale, Lim, title and any other relevant documentation prior to the auction. Also have any building, contamination inspections etc carried out prior to auction day. 4. Get your finances in order. Know exactly how much you can spend on auction day. Focus on what you want or can spend on a property and forget about the other bidders and focus on yourself. If you're the successful bidder, you will need to pay a deposit on the spot, usually 10% of the purchase price so make sure you have the funds available. Remember, once it is sold under the auction terms, the property is yours. 5. Register to bid. If you register with the company prior to auction day, the agent will be able to keep you informed of progress during the marketing phase leading up to the auction. 6. Come prepared. On auction day, arrive at the venue early. When you are ready to bid, do so with confidence. However, if you don't feel confident your real estate agent can help. This is quite common. 7. Pre-auction offer. If you really want a property but don't want to bid at the auction, you can try to make a pre-auction offer through the selling agent. Some vendors may be willing to negotiate. Like anything, the more you understand and feel confident about the better prepared you can be and the less stressful – happy to help – let’s do coffee and discuss further!