July 2023

Colourful Fundraiser Delivers Fun & Funds

oatesville School's Colour Run fundraiser might be the most popular event the kids have ever taken part in. On Friday, 28 June, after rain postponed the event the previous week, the first-ever colour run got under way.

It began with students assembling on the field in their whanau groups all dressed in pristine white t-shirts. Ahead of them lay the challenge of running through an obstacle course set out around the school, many sponsored by local businesses. At each obstacle, teachers and parents waited, armed with colourful powdered paint in squeezy bottles to douse the kids as they ran past. Of course the paint was made from vegetable dyes and not toxic in any way. The last obstacle was a water slide down the bank then a final sprint to the finish.

The colour run was a spectacle to watch. Children gave it their all, many crossing the finish line covered in powdered paint. It seemed that for

once, no one wanted to be the first, the fastest or the cleanest. They all just wanted to be rainbow coloured. Then, once they'd finished their run, every student got a sausage at the sausage sizzle.

The successful fundraising event was organised by the school's Friends of the School group and their facebook message afterwards said it all.

Thank you to everyone who made our Colour Run such a huge success: Our wonderful sponsors who funded the paint and obstacles; our generous donors who helped the children raise over $24,000 for our playground upgrade; our lovely helpers who helped set things up, threw paint, barbecued sausages, and packed it all away again (in the rain); and the fantastic FOTS team who pulled it all together. The kids absolutely loved the event - so much fun, laughter, and colourful mayhem!

And if you're interested to know if the paint washed out, principal Richard Johnsons says "Yes it sure did! The

only advantage of having had so much rain lately! But what an event it was! So successful, it will definitely be on our calendar again in the future!"

For more photos from the event, go to page 4.

Thanks to the event's sponsors:

10

Diary Dates

∞ 14 July, Friday, Matariki Matariki, also known as "the rising of the star constellation", is a significant time in the Māori calendar, as it marks the start of the Māori New Year. The return of the constellation is commemorated by Te Rā Aro ki Matariki 2023, which happens on Friday, July 14, this year. Early in the morning, just before dawn, is the optimum time to view the Matariki cluster. Tune in to watch the special Matariki broadcast on Friday 14 July. Streaming live from Ngongotahā.

∞ 17 July, Monday, Back to School Term three starts today at Coatesville School.

∞ 18 July, Tuesday, 4pm-7pm Kumeu Library drop in session to discuss future development strategy for Riverhead, Dairy Flat and Kumeu.

Editorial

Welcome to the 250th issue of The Coatesville Chronicle which feels somehow significant. Above are some of my favourite covers since I took over in 2016 and so far I've produced around 80 of them, but 170 of them were produced by the previous editors so there's few to choose from.

The newsletter has been chronicling local events for over two decades and in spite of the rapid progress in the digital age, there's still an appetite for the hard copy publication among local readers and advertisers.

July is about staying warm and dry, enjoying the fact you can't do as

many jobs on your lifestyle block as in the warmer months. Keeping muddy the dog pawprints off the carpet and fire stoked is enough to focus on, if you ask me. And perhaps sorting out your wardrobe for the Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop.

The upcoming CRRA AGM on 9 August is a key event on the Coatesville community calendar so hope to see you there.

∞ 26 July, Wednesday, Kumeu Library 4pm to 6pm Drop in Session to discuss the Rodney Local Board Plan. See Louise Johnston's column on page 8 for more information.

∞ 30 July, Sunday International Day of Friendship The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

∞ 9 August, Wednesday 6.15pm for 6.30pm start, CRRA AGM Come along to the Settlers Hall for the Coatesville Residents and Ratepayers Association's AGM and meet the key candidates from the major parties.

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!

Civil

Coatesville School's Colour Run in Pictures

New Start for The Pilates Club

A new chapter has started for The Pilates Club. Coatesville local Heather Seel and reformer pilates instructor Lauren Terrill have teamed up and the studio is now based in the olive grove at 16 McGiven Place.

Heather and Lauren celebrated their exciting collaboration last month with a cocktail party for friends and clients in the brand new reformer studio. And there's a new client promotion on offer, so if you're interested in finding out more about The Pilates Club and their classes, visit their website: thepilatesclub.co

Thank You from Matea Trust

To all our firewood clients, we have now closed our deliveries and are busy getting our wood prepared for next season. Thank you for supporting our trust and we look forward to seeing you all again soon. If you would like to be added to our firewood database, please email your details to: fleur@mateatrust.co.nz

Come, Join Our Team!

If you have great skills in providing healthy, nutritious meals and would like to join a fun, supportive team, get in touch and become a cook/supporter to eight male residents with intellectual disability.

We are based in a rural, homely setting in Dairy Flat. Please get in touch for further information, phone Fleur on 09 4157103 or email fleur@mateatrust.co.nz. We would love to hear from you!

Book Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Coatesville's Liz Rosie, winner of the June issue's book giveaway. Liz has won a copy of, "Howling in the Wilderness", a novel by local author Diana Harris.

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

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Coatesville

Full

Lauren Terrill (left) and Heather Seel

Roslyn Sentch, Nic Webster, Heather Seel, Anna Liguori & Bronwyn Dickison

2023 PFC Junior Conservation Award

Applications are now open for Coatesville's young people to enter the 2023 Pest Free Coatesville Youth Conservation Award.

Those who are either in their last two years of high school or their first three years of tertiary study or aged 15 to 21 years who live in Coatesville (between the AlbanyCoatesville-Riverhead Highway roundabout and the Rangitopuni Bridge in Riverhead) − and can demonstrate their commitment to conservation, are invited to apply.

The deadline for entries is 20 August, 2023. After that, two winners will be selected and announced. Both winners will be flown to Wellington for the day where they will be met by the team at Good Nature and shown the latest eradication technology then taken to lunch before spending the afternoon at the Zealandia ecosancturay.

On its website, Zealandia is described as: the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary, with a 500-year vision to connect people with nature and help native wildlife flourish in Wellington and beyond. The 225-hectare ecosanctuary is a ground-breaking conservation project that protects over 40 rare native wildlife species.

PFC leader Gary Langridge says "For anyone passionate about conservation, Zealandia offers visitors a jaw-dropping

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2022 Junior Award Winners

Last year's winners, Lewis Jones (left) and Dan Owen Stone, flew to Wellington and visited Zealandia. "We saw Kakas, a Takahe, Tuis and so many more birds. It was just so amazing to hear and see a variety of different types of birds in one place,"said Lewis.

experience that shows what can be restored if pest animals like rats, possums and mustelids are eradicated. The original concept was to bring birds back to Wellington but along the way a new type of predator exclusion fence was designed and built so that today, Zealandia is an awardwinning example of conservation at its best."

The Coatesville Hall and Reserve Advisory Committee has agreed to support the award for a second time. Last year, Committee member Owen Sprosen said: "We would like to reward two young people for their contribution to conservation by sending them to visit Zealandia which is teaming with native wildlife including kiwi. It's a magnificent example of how NZ once looked before the introduction of mammalian predators and is an inspiration for all New Zealanders."

Gary Langridge hopes the Youth Award will promote the PFC's message to upcoming generations. "The two recipients will become the mouthpiece for building and succeeding with our project," he says.

"We invite anyone trapping in the Coatesville area to apply. Simply send an email to langridgegary@gmail.com outlining the work you've been doing before 20 August and you'll be considered for the award," says Gary.

Zealandia in Wellington, a predator-free sanctuary

Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop 2023 S

pring cleaning a cluttered wardrobe always reveals treasures and surprises. Those pieces you loved but no longer wear might still be perfect for new owners and the Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop is the way to find them.

A few years ago the event was held in Coatesville. But thanks to growing support and Bex Holland's impressive talents as an organiser, it outgrew the Coatesville venue and these days it's held at the Kumeu Showgrounds in the Big Sheds.

On the surface it might seem like a second-hand clothing market but it's a venture that benefits the wider community in a number of ways.

Firstly, it's a fundraiser for Parent Aid North West, a charity that supports families when they need it most. Secondly, it helps to reduce the amount of perfectly good clothing that ends up in landfills, so it's helping the environment. And thirdly, it enables women to purchase quality clothing at incredibly affordable prices, so it also assists people and families on an economic level.

Organiser Bex knows what women want when it comes to pre-loved fashion and has always made sure the clothing that makes it onto the swap racks has plenty of wear left in it, is clean and tidy, and doesn't need mending. No surprise then a team of volunteers helps with the sorting. There are several changes this year. The entry fee is $30 and the event

takes place over one weekend.

"We've merged the drop off and event into one weekend," says Bex. "If you aren’t able to make it to a drop off, organise in advance to have a friend bring your items in, as you will not want to miss this year!"

Bex says a huge focus for the 2023 swap is sustainability and making the event as environmentally friendly as possible has been one of her goals.

"A huge push is going to be the sale aspect of our day (1pm-4pm $5 per item). Encouraging our community to shop pre-loved is a great way that we can keep textile waste out of our landfills – Let’s make second hand our first choice," she says.

The 2023 Kumeu Clothing Swap & Shop takes place Sunday, 10 September from 10am till 4pm.

The DROP OFF days – The Big Sheds, Kumeu Showgrounds

Thursday, 7 September, 3pm-7pm

Friday, 8 September, 9am-5pm Saturday, 9 September 8am-11am For more information, go to the Kumeu Clothing Sway & Shop Facebook page.

George Bunce

28 August 1943 ‒ 3 July 2023

Mr George Bunce, a well-known Coatesville resident for 50 years, passed away earlier this month. George will be known to many in Coatesville. His children and grandchildren went to Coatesville School. George and son Rod were known throughout the country for their dealings with the sale of parts and servicing of Chevrolet vehicles.

George will be remembered by his many customers, friends and family. George also had many successes with motor racing and fundraising for the Variety Club in the Targa rallies.

There is a memorial service and 80th birthday for George at the Coatesville Hall on Saturday, 26 August at 3pm and Judith Bunce would like to thank all those who sent kind messages and cards.

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

Kumeu Clothing Swap 2021

Local Board News

By Louise Johnston

Coatesville residents have always been active in providing feedback on Council and Auckland Transport's (AT) plans and strategies and there has been a lot lately. So, if you are suffering from consultation fatigue it is completely understandable but your feedback is crucial in helping shape Council plans. This month we need your help as several important plans are open for public feedback.

Firstly, Auckland Transport’s proposed speed management plan for 2024-27 is out for consultation from the 26 July, included in the draft plan is the proposal to reduce the speed limit to 60km/hr on several roads in Coatesville, including Wake Road, Mill Flat Road, Bernice Lane, and Rangitopuni Road, as well as Glenmore Road, Coatesville Heights, and Ridge Road between Mahoenui Valley Road and Coatesville Riverhead Highway. As there are mixed views within the community regarding speed limit reductions, it is essential to have your say. AT will advertise the links for submissions closer to the time. Also, I have asked AT why Robinson Road is not on the list of roads to be reviewed given it is still 100km/hr speed limit, it is a non-exit road with direct access to the forest and used frequently by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders. They have said during the consultation members of the public are welcome

Louise Johnston

to submit on roads that are not listed in this review.

The draft Rodney Local Board Plan will also come out for consultation from 13 July through until 14 August. This is a strategic three-year plan that is developed based on community feedback and it guides funding and investment decisions for the next three years. We need to know if we have got this right and what changes we need to make. Local boards can now make more decisions about services and facilities in their area. In the longer term, Council cannot afford to service the assets that it already holds so going forward there will be difficult decisions to be made. You can provide feedback online at https:// akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/hub-page/local-board-plans-2023 alternatively, there are two hearingstyle events to hear community views in person.

The first is at the Kumeu meeting room (adjacent to Kumeu library) 296 Main Road, Kumeu, from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, 26 July 2023.

Thinking of selling

The second event is on Wednesday 9 of August from 4pm to 6 pm, at the Rodney Local Board office, 3 Elizabeth Street, Warkworth.

Please make sure you provide feedback and please get in contact if you require further information.

Next, is the Making Space for Water programme which is currently being developed by the Healthy Water’s department at Council. It proposes nine initiatives around improving conditions throughout Auckland to reduce flooding risk. We need to ensure that our streams are included in this work. The program is going to the governing body for approval in July and if approved will be out for public consultation later in the month. I will keep you updated and this consultation will be well publicised. Lastly, the refresh of the future development strategy is proposing massive changes to the proposed urbanisation of Riverhead, Dairy Flat and Kumeu and effectively pushing it out decades and rezoning some future urban areas subject to natural hazards back to rural. This consultation period has been extended until the end of July. There is an extra drop-in session organized at the Kumeu Library, 296 Main Street on 18 July, from 4pm to 7pm. You can provide feedback online at https:// akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/future-development-strategy Please get in contact if you need further information. Mobile: 021 729 739 Email: Louise.Johnston@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Time to Review Your Asset Structure

Joan and Tom had three trusts. One owned their family home, one owned their bach and one owned their business which they recently sold.

Joan and Tom thought it would be good to take the opportunity to completely review their trust structure. They talked to a friend who recommended that they seek advice from a specialist. Trust law had become very complex and was firmly out of the domain of general practice lawyers. Much had changed since they had set their trusts up and it was important that they were reviewed considering the new Trusts Act 2019. So, Joan and Tom made a time to see a specialist trust lawyer.

The lawyer was happy to review the trust documents but questioned why they had so many trusts. Joan and Tom didn’t really know, it was just what their accountant had recommended. The lawyer mentioned that it was a good idea to have had their business in a separate trust. However, now that it had been sold, there was no need to continue to hold the proceeds in a separate trust.

The lawyer also said there was no reason why their bach and family home should be in separate trusts. She

recommended reviewing the trust deeds for all three trusts to see which one was most up to date in its terms. If there was one that was on modern and flexible terms, they could resettle — or transfer the assets from the other trusts into that one. If none of the trust deeds were suitable, then a new, modern trust could be established, and they could transfer all the assets of the other trusts onto the new trust.

Joan was worried that if you moved properties that weren’t your family home out of trusts, then the bright-line test would be re-set. The lawyer confirmed this was true until very recently when new legislation introduced roll-over relief. This meant that residential properties

could now be transferred in certain circumstances from trust to trust with no tax consequences. The restructuring of Joan and Tom’s affairs also included reviewing their wills, enduring powers of attorney and their memorandum of wishes for the trust.

Review of your asset structuring is something that needs to be done on a regular basis or ideally no less than every three years. It is not only your circumstances that might change, but there can be important changes in the law that may enable you to more easily simplify your affairs, or it may be something that could render your existing documents out of date and not fit for purpose.

It is also important to see a trust specialist. Asset structuring has become complex. Modern lives are more complicated and the documents that govern our affairs are also less straightforward than they used to be. It is always better to document well upfront, rather than have to deal with a messy situation, due to lack of planning, in the future.

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

Tammy McLeod

Wannabe Beekeepers' Workshop A

dding a beehive to your lifestyle block will bring you a wealth of riches. Not only will you savour delicious, golden, local honey on your bread, you’ll also get the warm glow of satisfaction from helping the honeybees to carry out their important work, pollinating our fruit and vegetables.

September is Bee Aware month and a great time to learn more about the noble honeybee. An introductory beekeeping workshop is being held at the Kaipara Coast Plant Centre to do just that with local apiarist and honeybee expert Kim Kneijber presenting from 9.30am till 11.30am on Sunday, 3 September.

Kim is a registered beekeeper and apiculturist with level-three skills. More than that, in just one conversation you can tell she loves the little critters and her fascination with them is infectious.

As a hobby in New Zealand, beekeeping has become increasingly popular. In 2003 when Kim got started she says there were between 3000 and 4000

registered beekeepers in New Zealand. Today there are closer to 9000. And the good news is that in spite of the world’s honeybee population being under threat, New Zealand’s honeybees are among the healthiest. In fact, our bees are even exported to the US and Canada.

Of course most remain in New Zealand and when September arrives, bee colonies start to swarm. Although this can look a bit scary when they fly over you, Kim says they’re actually quite docile when swarming.

“A swarm is when the old queen leaves the hive and takes about half of the workers with her. Their tummies are full of honey because they’re about to set up a new hive so they don’t want to lose their lives by stinging anyone,” she says.

Once the swarm has flown about 1km from the beehive and settled again, they can be collected by a beekeeper and rehomed in a new hive. If not they will perish.

Although everyone loves honey, Kim says the hive harvest

time is only between November and February and for the rest of the year beekeepers are kept busy caring for their honeybees. This includes keeping them free from varroa mite, which in large numbers kills broods (juvenile bees) and can lead to colony collapse, and knowing the signs of other health issues.

Put simply, honeybees need to be assisted with the cycle of life. To thrive they need to be happy and there are specific conditions they like to live in. One of those conditions is being near to an ample food supply to keep them buzzing about the garden gathering nectar and assisting with pollination. According to Kim, honeybees are more efficient at pollination than any of the other 28 species of native bees that live in New Zealand.

Sadly for the honeybees, because of varroa mite, AFB (American Foulbrood disease) and the everpresent threat of vicious wasp attacks, honeybee colonies can no longer survive in the wild. They need the protection of a beehive with a vigilant beekeeper taking care of them.

Surprisingly, life for the urban honeybee is a little easier than for its rural cousin because city bees have access to more food thanks to the plantings in city gardens. By comparison, rural land tends to have fewer flowering plants and therefore less food.

If you want your Coatesville garden to offer the sort of botanical smorgasbord that attracts honeybees, you need to learn about their diet.

As you'd expect, there is an outlay of expenses needed for hiveware and equipment to get started when keeping bees. Kim offers advice on how to get the basics right from the beginning.

For those interested in becoming hobbyist beekeepers, Kim's twohour workshop is an excellent place to start.

To reserve your place, email: info@kaiparacoast.co.nz or call: 09 420 5655 during business hours. The cost is $25 per person.

302 Coatesville Riverhead Highway

Spring swarm taking a break in Coatesville

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

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.

Auctions Make a Come Back

We are halfway through 2023. The market over the last few weeks has changed to a more positive vibe. How can I tell? Firstly, the residential market, particularly the North Shore, shows more properties sold than in the previous months, with several sold at auction. Auctions were incredibly successful for vendors in 2020/2021, including my personal result being 91% success. This was across all property values, and most of them lifestyle.

However, banks have been tougher on lending and bridging, and as a result, auctions held in the past 12 months have struggled. Auctions are now becoming successful again as more buyers are in a cash position and also have a limited time to find their next home, which is reflected in Bayleys' auction success rates increasing to an average of 50% or more. With these percentages increasing, for a seller to know that an auction will give them cash, it is gold! Why would you not try to find the cash buyer first? If not, stage two kicks in and we work with the conditional buyers after. Another statistic for our Bayleys auctions – if at the auction there is a buyer in the room then our success rate is 67%, this makes auctions far more appealing than they have been for a seller to achieve the right result. All properties are suited to an auction (for example, I sold a property at auction that still needed a title).

UNDERSTANDING AUCTIONS. A property auction is a fastpaced public sale. The reserve price must be set before the auction — this is the lowest price a seller is willing to accept and is confidential to you, your agent and the auctioneer. Buyers will receive an auction pack; this will include a copy of the sale and purchase agreement and information about the property. If a pre-auction offer is made for the property before the day of the auction, the offer will be written on the auction contract and will usually be unconditional, unless otherwise agreed by the seller. If a seller accepts the offer, the auction may be brought forward from the advertised date, or it may be cancelled. For this to happen the wording 'unless sold prior' will be in the advertising. The agent should explain the different scenarios to a vendor; if they wish to consider the offer or wait until the auction. If the auction is held earlier than advertised, the pre-auction offer becomes the first bid at auction. The property can sell any time after that first bid. A buyer can approach you to vary the terms of the auction or change the settlement date prior to the auction. Once the bid is accepted and the auctioneer’s hammer has fallen, the sale will be unconditional and the buyer is obligated to complete the transaction.

Auctioneers sometimes use vendor bidding to start the auction or to move bidding towards the reserve price. A vendor bid can be made by the auctioneer or a person working on behalf of the seller, such as the real estate agent. Vendor bids are only allowed when: the property has a reserve price and the reserve price hasn’t been reached as well as the bid is clearly identified by the auctioneer as a vendor bid. I encourage you to call me for more information or discussion as auctions are a very strategic process which keeps the vendors always informed!