Election Candidates to Attend AGM
Coatesville voters who attend the CCA AGM will get to hear from a group of candidates seeking election and re-election in November. Minister of Defence, Chris Penk, has confirmed he will attend the event which is being organised by the Coatesville Community Association, previously known as the CRRA, Although the AGM occurs each year, members of Central Government only
attend during an election year, so this is a rare opportunity for locals to hear from representatives of the major parties in person. The evening will also include a panel discussion.
If you're interested in finding out which electorate you're in this time, check out Lisa Whyte's column on page 6. Under the subheading General Election, Lisa gives the link to use to access the map of electorates.
f you're looking for things to do locally, there are plenty of events coming up that are open to everyone. They're all listed in the Diary Dates column, far right, and all of them are worth attending, but one could do with a boost from locals. The Beats By Bingo evening being hosted by the Friends of Coatesville School is the annual parent fundraiser and as such is a key source of fundraising income for our local school. Please check out the flyer on page 6 to find out more. You don't have to be school parents to come along. It's fine if your kids go to other schools, or if they're fully grown. In fact, you don't even need to be parents to participate. This is a night out at the Settlers hall that will set you back $35 pp, and it should be a hoot!
Also, please remember to put the other events in your diary too because you're welcome and needed at them all.
editor, Vanessa Johnson
Email: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com, Phone: 021 724 001
Coatesville 100 Party organisers are assembling everything they need to make this a fantastic celebration of Coatesville's first 100 years. Right now they're inviting anyone with old photos, documents and maps, in fact anything that's Coatesville related to get in touch by email at: Coatesville100@gmail.com. The items will be displayed on the day, helping provide a look back at life in Coatesville over the decades.
Saturday, 10 October, the party date, is now only two months away! So, if you want to register to enter the apple pie making competition, go to Facebook and you can link to the Coatesville 100 event page from the Coatesville Hall and Community page.
The Coatesville Chronicle is distributed free to homes in the RD3 postal area. Deadline for content is 20th of the month prior to publication. The opinions published herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, Cradle Publications Limited. © 2026 All rights reserved.
Diary Dates
∞ 12 August, Wednesday 5pm Women in Business Erica Stanford, Minister of Education will be visiting Coatesville to speak at the Women in Business group. More info is on CWIB's Facebook page. Limited tickets.
∞ 12 August, Wednesday 6.15 for 6.30pm The Coatesville Community Association (CCA) AGM All locals are invited to the Settlers Hall for the AGM and to meet some of the candidates who are standing in this year's general election. You'll also find out how the CCA has been working behind the scenes.
∞ 22 August, Saturday, from 7pm, Beats By Bingo Coatesville School event. The annual FOTS Fundraiser - see the flyer on page 6 for more information.
∞ 24 August, Monday Today is the final day for feedback to Auckland Transport's proposed upgrade to the intersection with Dairy Flat Highway and The Avenue. Go to https://haveyoursay.at.govt.nz/ avenue-dairyflat-intersection to share your feedback.
∞ 6 September, Sunday, Working Bee for Green Rd Park Volunteers meet at 3.30pm at the Green Rd Park carpark
∞ 10 October, Saturday, Coatesville 100 Party from 2pm to 7pm at the Settlers Hall. Put it in your diary today!
Volunteers Turning Farmland into Leisure Grounds At Green Rd Park
By Louise Johnston
If you haven't yet explored the gravel loop pathways at Green Road Park (shown above), winter is an excellent time to visit. The longest gravel loop from the car park spans just under 3km and is fast becoming a popular route for horse riders, dog walkers, and runners alike. This trail along the Rangitopuni Stream showcases the beautiful native bush, which unfortunately has become overgrown with privet after years of neglect.
Join the Friends of Green Road
We are actively working to clear privet from the park, and it would be great to get you along to join our efforts at our monthly working bee. We have volunteers of all ages and many first-time volunteers. While many of us are busy on our own lifestyle blocks, it is really satisfying getting stuck into the privet in the park. Plus, the sessions are usually
DESIGNED & BUILT FOR WORK & LIFE
only one-hour long, so you don't have to commit a huge amount of your weekend to help out and progress this important project.
When: First Sunday of every month at 3:30 pm.
Where: Green Road car park.
What to Bring: Gloves, safety glasses, and a silky saw if you have one. Otherwise, equipment is provided.
In mid-October, a volunteer arborist will be mulching the cleared privet, and we are keen to cut as much privet down as we can before then.
Fundraising for Park Improvements
We are currently fundraising to enhance Green Road Park with an avenue of trees and a community noticeboard. If you are interested in getting involved, please get in touch. The avenue of trees will be a real legacy project and will be enjoyed by future generations.
Advocacy and Facilities
We continue to advocate for further park developments, and we want to thank our Local Board representative, Lisa Whyte, for securing funding for new pathway connections, which will be a brilliant and major win for the park! We are keen that all-weather multi-use pathways and crossing from the Sunnyside entrance be prioritised with this new funding. We are also advocating via Lisa Whyte for events, such as community fun runs and orienteering, as well as installing picnic tables, nature play areas, and improved infrastructure for equestrian users. This really is the Cornwall Park of the North Shore in the making and a park for everyone!
For more information, email us at green.road.park.supsociety@gmail.com or visit the Green Road Park Supporters Facebook page.
Coatesville Motors
Green Rd Park: one of the gravel paths built by Auckland Council
Trade Table Sale Delivers Results
By Paul Arundel, President, Coatesville Country Garden Club
ur July meeting is the half-way point for the Garden Club's calendar. We call it the Trade Table Meeting, to which members bring along unwanted plants, surplus-to-requirement plants and the plants purchased on a whim that have still not made it into the garden. And, if you are anything like me, that is probably 90% of my plant purchasing. I have huge admiration for the gardener who pours over plant catalogues, makes an informed decision, orders exactly what they want and does so knowing exactly where the plant will go. My eldest daughter is a landscape architect, she lives in complete despair at my approach. As a professional has to be methodical, with the knowledge that any plant selected will have its position chosen well before it is planted. There is no wheel-barrow-waltzing with her. I’m assured that I fall into the largest
group of gardeners so clearly I'm in good company. Though with Victoria, I feel that the acorn hasn’t fallen far from the tree as it has been known for her to emerge from a plant nursery with a boot full of botanical treasure and no idea where they will go. I digress.
We are a Not-For-Profit organisation with all funds used to subsidise club activities, pay for guest speakers and cover the minimal cost of running such an organisation. For example, if we go on a trip, say to Warkworth to visit several gardens, each member wanting to join the bus pays a modest charge. The club will subsidise that charge to cover the true cost of the outing. This includes the entry fee charged to be able to visit a garden, the cost of the bus hire (eye watering at the moment ) and if needed, food.
This year we sought support from a few local plant retailers. This included Palmers in Greville Rd, Mitre10 in
Albany and Tucker Orchid Nurseries in Redvale. We greatly appreciate their support with their very generous donations to the Trade Table event.
For last year's Trade Table event we made the decision to open to the public for a portion of the day. We repeated that this year and it is proving to be successful (who doesn’t like a bargain) which has caused the club to consider modifying how we approach this and continue the growth. So keep an eye out on all the Social Media Platforms as we will again use these avenues to promote the event from May 2027 onwards.
For our August meeting we are very fortunate to have Jack Hobbs who as many know was instrumental in the establishment of The Auckland Botanical Garden. He is a very entertaining speaker and we look forward to him sharing his vast knowledge and experience.
PROOF 2
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Date: 18/07/2024
Designer: Dayna
Above left and right: Club members contributed plants for the Trade Table event with sales raising funds for future garden visits
Reviewing Affairs After Major Life Changes.
Cathy was in her late 80’s and living by herself. Her children noticed a change in her capabilities and were worried she might fall. After arranging a St John’s monitor, they began looking into retirement villages. Before they could make any progress, Cathy suffered a stroke, diminishing her capacity.
When Cathy’s son James visited her in hospital, staff asked who held her enduring power of attorney. James believed his parents had EPAs in place, because his mother acted for his late father, but he needed to check.
Cathy’s lawyer advised James, that she didn’t update her EPA after her husband died. His parents had appointed each other, meaning Cathy had nothing in place. A court application would need to be made for James to be appointed as property manager and welfare guardian, now that Cathy didn’t have capacity to make decisions for herself.
James informed his sister, Susie. She was happy for him to have this responsibility, but she wanted to help find a village. They would need to find a hospital-level care suite for Cathy’s needs.
Cathy and her husband had set up a trust many years ago, on the basis that
if one of them went into care, they would qualify for the residential care subsidy. The trust owned the family home that Cathy had been living in and had enough in term deposits to pay for the care suite. Cathy’s lawyer told James that, despite the trust, it was unlikely Cathy would qualify for the subsidy given the value of the family home. James and Susie wanted to keep the family home, at least until the real estate market improved. Their lawyer suggested applying for the subsidy and seeing what the Ministry of Social Development said.
MSD denied Cathy the subsidy, despite the family home being in the trust. However, their contact person did say that, if they took the property out of the trust and put it into Cathy’s name, they could apply for the residential care loan to help pay for Cathy’s care. It’s an interest-free loan, payable on the sale of the property or Cathy’s death (whichever occurred earlier) and would be secured by a caveat on the property.
James decided to do that, but this brought its own complications because of Cathy’s lack of capacity. James’ father was still on the title to the property, as nothing had been done with the trust after he died.
Do You Have An Enduring Power Of Attorney.
The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.
If you have a will, but not assigned anyone to act as your Enduring Power of Attorney, you could inadvertently be putting your assets at risk.
An Enduring Power of Attorney will look after both your property and personal care and welfare should you become incapacitated to make your own decisions while you’re still alive.
If you have not put in place an Enduring Power of Attorney, contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team for specialist advice.
This made the process a little more expensive.
Cathy’s story shows how matters can become very complex, if you do not review your affairs regularly, particularly after a change in circumstances. James and Susie could have been spared cost and delay if Cathy’s affairs had been in order. When a loved one loses capacity, families are often dealing with enough emotional stress already. Keeping your legal affairs up to date can help ensure those closest to you are able to focus on supporting you, rather than navigating avoidable legal and administrative hurdles.
Tammy McLeod, Trust Law specialist, Managing Director, Davenports Law
By Lisa Whyte, Rodney Local Board Member
Local Board Update A
big issue at the moment is litter – lots of conversations especially about the state of the roadside between Albany village and Coatesville. Almost like bin bags were dumped then spread by a mower. Absolutely agree it is an eyesore and it has been reported. Please feel free to report again so we get prompt action.
https://ask.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
The new Council AI tool has made reporting issues much faster than phoning the call centre. Please give it a try if you see illegal dumping, litter, graffiti or have issues like missed rubbish collections, noise or roaming dogs or stock.
General Election:
It is an election year and it brings some changes to Coatesville due to the 5-yearly boundary review redrawing electorate lines and splitting us between East Coast Bays (Mahoenui Valley, O’Briens, Ridge), Kaipara ki Mahurangi (Glenmore towards the west, Robinson), and Whangapararoa (Sunnyside and north of Coatesville Riverhead highway). Some roads one side is one electorate and the other is the neighbouring electorate.
For some of us it just reverses the change from the last review, for those along Ridge road and towards Paremoremo it is back to the future when you used to be part of East Coast Bays some years ago. The boundary review is done to even up representation numbers based on population changes. You will get confirmation of your electorate when you get sent your enrolment details, but if you want to check now: https://vote.nz/maps/find-yourelectorate-2026
The AGM of the CCA on 12 August a great opportunity to hear from most of the Political Parties contesting the election – all were invited. I don’t think there is a better way to get a feel for which party resonates best, than to hear a candidate speak live. The speeches are great for policy information, but the test to me is how authentically they engage over a cup of tea afterwards. These are the people who will be advocating for us in Parliament after all.
Ever wondered about the mechanics of elections?They are recruiting right now for people to work this election – if you are interested, check out the details on: https://work. elections.nz
Local Board Plan:
Thanks so much to those who took the time to submit to our Local Board Plan – Rodney received hundreds of submissions, second only to Franklin. The specific information you have taken the time to share will inform our work programme for the next three years.
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
School Fundraiser Coatesville
Our parent fundraisers are a real highlight of the year for our school community. This year it's slightly different with a music-themed BEATS BY BINGO night. We're looking forward to some great tunes and moves! Guaranteed to be a good night. Cash Bar and Raffle available on the evening. Tickets available on KINDO or email: fots.coatesville@gmail.com
$35 pp or $300 for a table of 10.
Classified Advertising
Agricultural contractor mulching/ gorse clearing, mowing (& lawns), rotary hoeing/seeding, stump grinding, Graeme 027 533 3114
Born To Build Ltd - Outdoor building specialists - We are here to help you create your outdoor vision, call Leon with all your deck, fence, retaining, pergola and horse & yard works! We are a small local quality business, been in the area for 10 years, helping our customers create their outdoor living dreams! Leon 022 0431443 borntobuild@hotmail.co.nz
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 022 315 1953
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 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 Lifestyle block mowing Tractor paddock mowing, ride on. Modern equipment, reliable service, reasonable rates phone Peter on 0272217924 at Greenfields Mowing. Local Shearer, Kevin Abel, 021 223 5033
Mister Sharp Mobile Knife, Scissor & Garden Tool Sharpening Service. Onsite at your home or business, priced per item with no call-out charges - just a minimum spend please of $50. Ph 027 444 3348
Odd Job Company For building & landscaping projects, call 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. 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
Scout Marquee for hire, 6m x 8m, $250 per day. Call Garth 447 1863
Book your Coatesville Chronicle advertising today! Email coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com
Make Your Home Stand Out In Winter
The winter months are the time to keep warm and dry. This doesn’t change with buyers looking to view homes over this period, so if you have your home on the market, it’s important to have your home set up with the same warm inviting vibe.
With gardens looking a little bit less colourful, it’s great to have colour around the entranceway and front door. Whether it be pots with colourful flowers - if you can find them - and if not, coloured pots on their own can look great, or consider some garden art. A couple of umbrellas never go amiss if the day is wet. Your agent will have a couple as well I’m sure, and make it easy for buyers to go check out the outside, additional buildings or barns.
When entering the home, have a mat or rug so that when buyers take off their shoes, they step onto something soft and warm rather than hard floors or cold tiles. This is also the time to ensure that the heating has been pre-set or on prior to a viewing or open home, or the warmth and ambience of a fire is also extremely welcoming. Entering a warm home definitely sets the scene for a pleasant viewing and time spent there. A cold home doesn’t encourage buyers to stay and makes it harder for them to enjoy the experience.
Local Mortgage Adviser
Different name, same great service! I have now joined the team at Link Advisory and happy to help with all your lending needs.
Colour, particularly if it is an overcast or wet day, is hugely beneficial so this would be the ideal time to have colourful cut flowers on display. Candles can often add another layer of emotion. Another idea to ‘warm up’ the home psychologically is to have warm-coloured cushions or throws on the beds and couches, for example something with yellow, orange or red tones. They don’t have to be strong bright colours; soft warm hues work well too.
The old real estate trick of baking or coffee aromas are again something appreciated more in the less vibrant seasons. And finally, although this goes down well in all seasons, soft background music can make the home feel more relaxed and welcoming. Again, agents will often have their own portable speakers or let them tap into your sound system whilst there. With over 70 homes on the market in Coatesville, make your home stand out above the rest. Call me today and we can put aside time to walk through your home and create the seasonal ambiance that makes all the difference. Making your home feel like a place buyers want to spend time, increases its appeal. Together we can turn your home into a buyer's new dream home.
