March 2026

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER |MARCH 2026 | No.278

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE Email coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com | ph 021 724 001 | online coatesvillechronicle.com

Riding A Wave of Popularity

T

he Auckland Surf Park's community open day at Dairy Flat School attracted plenty of locals keen to learn when they could squeeze into their wetsuits and have a go.

MP Mark Mitchell and Sir John Kirwan were among the officials present along with New Zealand Project Partner, Trevor Mckewen and top competitive surfer, Billy Stairmand, an eight-time New Zealand national champion.

Aventuur, the organisation beind the surf park, made a fast track submission to build more housing at the site on Dairy Flat highway. So, as well as the 15-hectare surf pool, vast data centre, solar farm and restaurants and retail businesses, they intend to build an array of housing that will create a fully-fledged From left: Sir John Kirwan, MP Mark Mitchell, Trevor Mckewen and Local Board member Lisa Whyte community of residents at different ages and stages of life. will be built when the park formally opens to the public "We've made it so it will attract buyers from all levels," says in the second half of 2028. The panel for our fast track Trevor Mckewen. "Over time, in various stages, we intend application is currently being convened. It should have to provide more than 500 homes. If we're successful in our made its decision by the end of June."

Fast Track application, we anticipate the first 180 homes

Golf mark Classic s the w10 yrs in on p eeds age 6 March Content

From left, Karina Tapaki-Lambert from AT with Rodney Local Board members

Bridge Build Ready for Lane 2

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recent site visit to the Mill Flat Road bridge revealed the project's contractors are ready to start building the second half of the new bridge.

Hefty pilings are in place at both ends of the bridge and will soon be connected up to beams and panels that will form the second lane and pedestrian footpath.

Last week members of the Rodney Local Board, including chairman Guy Wishart (far right) Matt Ross (centre) and Lisa Whyte (2nd from left),

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joined Auckland Transport staff and representatives from JFC, the contractors building the bridge, for an informal walk and talk session at the site. The visit provided an insight into the scale of the building work that's been completed so far.

Although this year's wet summer weather has caused construction delays, AT estimates the work could conclude by the end of June this year if conditions remain favourable. So only three months to go!

Editorial & Diary Dates 2 Reader letter and News 3 Sheep Attacked on 4 Glenmore WhatsApp Groups for 4 Emergency Comms 5 Pony Club Gets Busy 6 Coatesville Classic Annabelle's Easy Easter Meal 8 Local Govt News 10 Classifieds 11 12 Autumn Reset

P RO U D S P O NSOR OF THE COATE SVI L L E C HRONI C L E

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Diary Dates

∞ 27 March, Friday, Deadline t's true what they say, time does fly. ends today to have your say on In some ways it feels like only a few the City Rail Link and whether years ago that Tina and I started Rodney ratepayers should as co-editors of the Coatesville help to fund it. Go to: https:// Chronicle. We first met at the bus stop akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.

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by Black Cottage when our children brates Su govt.nz/ mmmer caught the school bus to Pinehurst. ∞ 31 March, Tuesday, 3.30pm INSIDE YO The year was 2016 and we shared a UR MARCH ISSUE till 6.30pm, Easter Trail Gather similar world view. Our decision to up the kids and head to the buy the Chronicle was a leap of faith Coatesville Reserve for some and we had fantastic fun doing it.

Easter-themed family fun.

We knew there were plenty of stories 0272 98 ∞ 1 April, Wednesday, April Fool's to tell about local events and people.

4 000 At the time, there was heated debate Day Watch out for practical jokers. about the rezoning of Coatesville into ∞ 2 April, Thursday, It's the last day groups for their contributions and Countryside Living to enable property in term 1 at Coatesville School. to the loyal advertisers who have owners to subdivide. The Wives of ∞ 3 April, Good Friday supported the newsletter – some Auckland was on TV that year and ∞ 5 April, Easter Sunday and for two decades! Thanks to Ailsa one of the stars was a Coatesville Daylight saving ends at 3am. Let's Site(s): RWNZ5108 McArthur for her sponsorship and resident. Our first issue was the March hope the Easter Bunny doesn't Ray White Swanson support. Thanks also to the team issue. Twelve pages – all black and get caught out. And remember to Business: Totally Amped Electrical at Warehouse Stationery Print who white – and with a typo on the cover! check the batteries in your smoke produce the newsletter for me every Talk about 'bummmer', Ship'Summmer'.

To: 14 Bethells Road,aAuckland alarms are still working before month and do a amazing job. but these things 0816 New happen.

Zealand winter takes hold and heaters Have a great long weekend over At that time, it seemed like we would GRAPHICS PROOF SHEET Contact: Coel Jackson and open fires become a daily Easter, stay safe on the roads and see never be in the job as long as the necessity.

Phone: 021editor 770 696 you at the ANZAC service. outgoing Wendy Whitfield who 07 Day 5699 8109 07 5575 9748 ∞ 20 April, Monday, Term 2 starts had edited the Chronicle for a decade.

Email: totallyampedelectrical@gmail.com graphics@movingtogether.com today at Coatesville School.

But, bish, bash, bosh, and it's been ten Your editor, Po Box 847, Burleigh Town Qld 4220 ∞ 22 April, Wednesday, 6pm, years already!

CRRA meets at the Settlers Hall As I look back at the issues, it feels ∞ 25 April, Saturday, ANZAC Email: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com, like a significant amount of time.

Day from 7am Commemoration Thanks to all the local community Phone: 021 724 001 service at Coatesville Settlers Hall. ∞ 28 April, Tuesday, 7.30pm The Coatesville Chronicle is distributed free to homes in the RD3 postal area.

Coatesville 100 Meeting at the Deadline for content is 20th of the month prior to publication. The opinions published herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, Cradle Publications Settlers Hall, for anyone interested Limited. © 2026 All rights reserved. in getting involved. All welcome.

The last week end in Febr everyone uary gave in Coastesvi charity fund lle the chan celebrate ce raising even the end of t took place summer with to Mincher Gard social even at two en where ts that brou guests; dress to impress, ght together the entire savoured ed commun their surro ity. along with On Friday, undings French cham 26 February, pagn cuisine from family picn the annual some of Auck e and top ic, hosted by the Coat known vend land’s bestResidents esville ors. and Ratepaye rs Associatio The Phil Mad attracted a good turn n, sen band all night long out of fami entertained the reserve. lies at and prize Food and s for the bestdressed coup drinks were but many on sale brought their le and indiv stylish crow idual kept own feast home to enjo the d guessing. s from y at grass Marquees sensation level on one this summer’ and al event orga of s most gold nising prev the torrential en evenings. youngster ented s climbed rain from The dampening trees, playe the crowd’s war and socc d tug of spirits. We er while the heard the dedicated sausages. most party The not-so-y Scouts sizzled into the nigh -goers danced well oung caug with frien ds and neig ht up t. hbours over The garden beverage a chilled or two. party was sponsored Nicky Whit The next by e of Precision nigh Real Estat Super City of pace, clima t was a complete chan e and Property Servi ge te and dress ces, and the raised will Finest Gard code at the support the funds en Party in Coatesvill Recreatio Auckland e School’s n Centre . This project as Gynaecol well as the ogical Canc er Foundatio n.

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RTWORK CAREFULLY. CHECK:

TO APPROVE THIS PROOF:

Reader Letter The Mill Flat road bridge replacement project has been uderway for almost a year. Understandably, the ongoing roadworks at the bridge and intersection have caused some frustration for motorists who regularly travel along that stretch of the Coatesville Riverhead Highway. One reader writes: Are you as fed up as we are with the constant traffic disruptions along Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, and more particularly the Mill Flat Road construction site?

Since the beginning of the new year, there has been no reason to close off one of the lanes: disrupting the traffic flow, by traffic lights, to one lane, especially at weekends and after 5pm weekdays. We have dashcam footage to confirm this.

Auckland Transport (AT) who controls the above site have stated: 'that the closing off of the lanes is for "safety reasons"'. Which is absolute rubbish and negligent. AT and their contractors have closed off these lanes because there is no accountability to councillors and thus ratepayers of Auckland.

We are keen to hear your views on these particular disruptions, and/or similar experiences via the Coatesville Chronicle email address: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com The Chronicle will forward any email messages received to the letter's writer.

Auckland Transport's reply The bridge is being built in two stages, each stage being one lane, full span over the Rangitopuni Stream, with each span essentially “stitched together” to complete the bridge.

This was designed with a construction methodology that allows continued access to Mill Flat Road. The first stage was constructed adjacent to the Bailey bridge which allowed the Bailey bridge to be removed in January.

Currently there is only a single lane in place now. This means that there is only one lane available for entering and exiting Mill Flat Road until Stage 2 of the bridge is completed.

Due to the works on Mill Flat Road side there is no visibility for drivers to see oncoming traffic.

There is also no space for vehicles to move to allow other vehicles to pass if two vehicles try to cross the bridge at the same time – keeping in mind that a large number of heavy trucks enter and exit Mill Flat Road.

There is very limited space on C-RH to allow vehicles to wait if they want to access Mill Flat Road. Due to the large volumes of traffic, it would be very easy for traffic to back up and get disrupted if people are waiting to enter and exit Mill Flat Road.

JFC have also started road widening works on C-RH which further decreases the amount of available space.

AT and our contractors JFC are fully aware of the disruptions due to these works which is why we are working extremely hard to complete the works by mid-year.

March News

Coatesville 100 If you didn't already know, Coatesville turns 100 this year and celebrations are in the pipleine. The main event will be a community party on Saturday, 10 October from 2pm-7pm at the Settlers Hall.

At this stage, organisers are keen to hear from people who want to help out and get involved. You can find out more about what's planned by visiting the event's Facebook page and reading the About section. Plus, everyone is welcome to attend the Coatesville 100 meeting on 28 April at 7.30pm at the Settlers Hall.

ANZAC Day

We will remember them, from 7am on Saturday, 25 April, at the Coatesville Settlers Hall.

All welcome.

We’re super egg-cited to host the annual Coatesville Easter Activity Trail, inviting our local families to hop along to the Coatesville Hall for some fun activities.

Fun activities include photos with the Easter Bunny, sack races, egg and spoon races, cornhole throw, fabulous spot prizes and Easter goodie bags.

We couldn’t put this event together without the fabulous Coatesville Community, and special thanks to our sponsors. We can't wait to see you there.

Barfoot & Thompson Coatesville

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026 | 3

Sheep Attacked on Glenmore Rd Property

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hen Coatesville sheep and cattle farmer Grant Reid checked his sheep on 10 February, he found a grim scene. The mob of 30 animals he was grazing on a Glenmore Road property had been attacked by a dog or possibly two dogs, and close to half of them were in a shocking state.

Although Grant usually checks the animals every day or two, he had been forced to take a break so he could recover from an accident. So, by the time he managed to get back to his mob, a fewl days had passed between visits.

Grant says 12 of the 30 sheep had been attacked and three were so badly injured, he had to put them out of their misery. Many of the remaining animals were in such bad shape he dosed them with the pain relief medication he'd been prescribed for his own recovery as well as antibiotic medication to help them through the worst of it.

"They were really suffering," says the 78 year old. But unlike some dog attacks Grant has seen in his lifelong farming cafreer, this time his sheep all had injuries on their lower bodies and faces.

"The three that had to be killed all had their lower jaws broken in half.

They also had wounds on their front legs. No teeth or bite marks on their necks, bodies or at the rear."

Grant believes the broken lower jaw is a clue to the type of dog breed that attacked them.

"Often a dog with a short muzzle like a bulldog or a boxer breed attacks by grabbing hold of the sheep's lower jaw because they can't get a grip on other parts of the animal," he explains.

"And the fact the injuries were low on the sheep makes me think the dog was a strong, short-statured breed."

Grant informed Animal Management after the attack and has followed their advice. He also canvassed

Broken jaws and/or facial injuries were visible on 12 of the 30 sheep.

the community to do his own investigation. Because in business terms he estimates the dog attack cost him around $2500 in lost stock and medication for treating the nine injured animals that survived. But he says the experience was ghastly.

"The sheep were really tame because they had been a miking herd so they were friendly and would approach when I checked them. It was terrible to see the animals go through what they did."

Although Animal Management is still looking into the event, it is unlikely the dog's responsilbe will be found unless it returns to the paddock. He Grant wants local dog owners, especially those in the area with short-muzzled breeds, to pay close attention to their dogs' whereabouts. The impact of this attack has been costly in more ways than one.

Mark Mitchell

MP for Whangaparāoa For assistance please email or call our office Shop 7, Keith Morris Lane, Ōrewa 09 426 6215 mark.mitchellmp@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by M Mitchell, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

4 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026

WhatsApp Groups for Emergencies W

eather events, forest fires and earthquakes are all feasible threats that could wreak havoc on Coatesville's community.

As Mill Flat Road residents learned during Cyclone Gabrielle after their bridge was washed away, communication became vital when they couldn't easily leave their homes.

They overcame the isolation of being stranded by forming a WhatsApp group to communicate with everyone in the area. Whether it was updates from AT or information about rides to town via the Riverhead Forest or rubbish collection, WhatsApp worked and helped spread the word.

The Coatesville Emergency Management Group wants to build on the Mill Flat Lane Group's success by forming WhatsApp groups for all roads in the Coatesville area. The initiative will be rolled out roadby-road, starting with CoatesvilleRiverhead Highway, Ridge Road and Mahoenui Valley Road. Residents who live on these three roads and want to be included in their local WhatsApp group are being called up first.

Please email your name, address, phone number and email address to the relevant person below.

Please state in the email that you give consent to being added to the WhatsApp group and put the name of your road in the subject line. Also, please tell your neighbours. As we saw in Mill Flat Road, the power of this initiative is in reaching as many people as possible.

CONTACT Ridge Road: Heather Seel heather@ncd.co.nz Coatesville-Riverhead Highway: Daryl Spooner Daryl@spoontv.co.nz Mahoenui Valley Road: JP Chamel jpchamel@hotmail.com

Coatesville Pony Club News

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’m sure you have noticed what a busy few months it’s been at the pony club grounds with lots of events taking place.

We hosted two show jumping/show hunter events with both attracting a fantastic turnout. These were kindly sponsored by Bayleys Coatesville and Robomate. We couldn’t do these events without our amazing sponsors, and we know all our riders appreciate your support!

These pony club events aim to give riders an introduction to competing but in a relaxed and supportive environment. Learning experiences like these help our riders and ponies build confidence.

Another key event on the calendar was the interclub show jumping event which saw 77 riders compete for their pony clubs. We loved showcasing our facilities and hosted an impressive 231 show jumping rounds on the day. It was great to see so many locals from the community come and experience the excitement of our youth doing what they love. We always appreciate your support.

The pony club season is slowly coming to an end with rallies finishing up in April. However, with the grounds still being lovely and dry, we hope to continue to see many riders using the grounds. We will be squeezing in a few more events, so please do come down and immerse yourself in the activities.

If you are interested in sponsoring our club or are keen to join next season, please get in touch coatesvillepc@gmail.com

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ongratulations to local author Johanna Emeney who launched her latest book, Horses & Us, on 12 March.

Jo was interviewed at the launch by powerhouse author Stacy Gregg, and the audience of over 120 people enjoyed their horse-related banter, which brought both laughter and tears.

For those of you who'd like a book, copies of Horses & Us, featuring 23 stories of horses and their humans, are available from your local Whitcoulls, Paper Plus and independent booksellers, as well as online. Contact Jo via social media @johannaemeney if you'd like her to sign your copy - she has special Amazing Blazing Billy stickers so he can sign, too.

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026 | 5

Golf Classic 2026: 10-Year Anniversary A Decade of Dodgy Drives and Dubious Decisions.

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By Pete Savage

irstly — wow! Really.

Ten years? A quick scroll through some photos from 2016 confirms it: yes, we definitely all looked younger. And slimmer. Sadly.

It also got me thinking about the long-suffering wives, partners, and neighbours who've had to put up with this nonsense for a full decade. So naturally, I went to work making it bigger, louder, and even harder to organise than usual. Ten years deserves nothing less.

I'd love to tell you that organising the Coatesville Golf Classic is now a well-oiled machine. I'd love to say that. But it isn't. It's still weeks of fluffing around — and this year, with the pressure of making it special, it was even worse. Add to that the challenge of getting any commitment (or frankly, any response at all) from 20-plus busy Coatesville locals, and you've got a process that makes herding cats look straightforward.

Eventually though, we got there: 28 athletes signed up. Ten years truly drew a crowd.

In a nod to our environmental conscience, this year we invested in reusable trophies — bought once, awarded annually. Pat on the back for us; we're only a decade behind the times. Can't wait to discover AI in about 2036.

To mark the occasion, I floated the idea of a team event — a kind of suburban Ryder Cup. The moment I hit send I deeply regretted it. I gave it a few weeks, quietly hoping no one had actually read the email.

They had. Four teams had already formed themselves: Zalinghamdo Matt E, Paul Z, Gareth K and Aaron D The Strainer Post Premier Side –

The Athletes

Lance C, Steve C, Scott W, Thomas W The Ball Scratches' – Brett N, Adam O, Jarrad D and Caleb N Pingers Bad Decisions – Steve W, Jason G, Hobbie and John M Oh bugger I thought we’d better form our own team – Founding (old) Farters – myself, Andy G, Maurice H and Nev P. The very first hole back in 2016 was at Rory's place on Glenmore Road. Rory has long since vacated Coatesville, and in recent years we've made Collings Drive our traditional start and finish — a tradition we proudly continued.

Casting our minds back to the early years, we used to cobble together a couple of creative holes at the Zuru house. We like to think we inspired them to build proper holes there — so this year, we asked if we could pass through from Mahoenui to Ridge Road and play one. Team Zuru, to their enormous credit, said yes. Nine holes locked in.

The Finish

The Memorabilia

DESIGNED & BUILT FOR WORK & LIFE 182 Fred Taylor Drive, Whenuapai, Auckland | 09 416 1001 | westauckland@totalspan.co.nz THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026 66| |THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | OCTOBER 2025

Training The Brain With Brainwaves

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The Founding Farters

A massive thanks to our generous sponsors this year: John Morgan — for the extraordinary winner's prize of a La-Z-Boy. Yes, an actual armchair.

Team Zuru — for their generous additions to the prize pool. Add in the trophies, a specially brewed commemorative beer, commissioned wines, keepsake T-shirts, and various other knick-knacks — and after several pilgrimages to Costco, Gilmours, and Pak'nSave — the big day was soon upon us.

And so the big day arrived, canon fired, neighbours woken and last year’s winner (Jas G) showing us the way Hole 2 — Nev's Nachole: Nev and family delivered a brilliantly themed hole. The kids were excellent sports about the whole thing. Probably.

The Zuru Hole: Quad bikes, caged trailers, and a fire engine — sirens wailing, lights blazing — descended on the property. A confused welcoming committee and a visibly nervous greenkeeper awaited us. Mercifully, not a single ball landed on the green. In fairness, we're simply not accustomed to proper greens with no kikuyu rough to stop the ball. Adam and Nev were the only two to even threaten the putting surface. We left a noticeably relieved greenkeeper in our wake.

The sun was generous, which meant every house with a pool became an unofficial water hazard slowing us down.

The fire engine helped cool us down at holes without one.

Lunch was served at Maurice's hole: Testes Tested. A magnificent chilli con carne, prepared by chef Janie Savage, was enjoyed by the whole field.

The Finish: Back at Collings Drive, Steve W laid on his customary spectacular spread, accompanied by a speech that was, by Steve's own standards, refreshingly brief at thirty minutes. This hole also served as the official Nearest the Pin. A few participants went missing somewhere in the back nine. If you spot any confused-looking gentlemen wandering the Coatesville roads in questionable golf attire, please do attempt to return them to their families.

ost of us understand the importance of keeping our bodies active—yet the organ that runs everything—the brain—is often the one we neglect. At Brainwaves, in Coatesville, I help children, Lynn treating a patient teenagers, adults, and older in her home clinic people train their brains for resilience, focus, and calm.

I’m proud to have been a Coatesville resident for over 30 years. I raised and home-schooled five children, some of whom experienced learning and emotional challenges, including ADHD. Through regular neurofeedback sessions, they all went on to university at 16. This personal experience, combined with decades as a Registered Nurse, Specialist Community Public Health Nurse, and neurology/ TBI clinician, gives me a deep understanding of families navigating learning differences, anxiety, and neurodiversity.

So, what is NeurOptimal® brain training? It's gentle, non-invasive and drug-free. During a session, clients sit comfortably, listening to music or watching a movie while sensors read their brain activity. When the brain shows signs of strain, the system briefly pauses the sound. The brain notices and adjusts its own patterns.

It’s suitable for all ages, from children as young as six to older adults, and has applications for: Neurodiversity and ADHD Stress; anxiety, depression, and burnout; substance abuse; co-existing mental health issues; recovery from concussion or TBI: menopause, andropause, midlife transitions.

NeurOptimal® is FDA-registered and widely used internationally to support wellbeing. It doesn't cure conditions, but rather helps the brain work at its best.

I have supported a wide range of clients—from top athletes and opera singers preparing for performances to people recovering from traumatic brain injuries, concussion, or depression, and those managing addiction, co-existing mental health conditions, or life transitions.

Sessions are at my home-based clinic, or at your home.

I offer a first discounted session, so you can experience brain training firsthand, along with flexible packages to suit individual budgets.

Brainwaves provides compassionate brain support—right here, close to home. Whether it’s helping children focus, supporting midlife adults through stress or hormonal changes, or encouraging older adults to maintain cognitive resilience, training the brain is one of the most important investments we can make.

By Lynn Ahman, RN, MHSc Neurotherapist, Brainwaves Please email Lynn.brainwaves@hotmail.com or phone 021 025 51415, or visit www.neuroptimal.com

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026 | 7

Easter Enjoyed Easily

By Annabelle White

Easter Easy - All in the Pot

E

aster weekend usually conjures up images of warm hot cross buns, a beautifully roasted leg of lamb and perhaps even a slice of Simnel cake — that lovely, fruit-studded British classic. But if that all sounds like a lot of effort and your idea of Easter bliss is more about family time and soaking up the last of the warm weather, I have just the thing for you.

If you’re heading away for the weekend, this recipe travels well.

If you’re staying home and want to introduce your budding young chefs to the essential basics of great savoury cooking, this onepot wonder is a gem.

It gently teaches the art of sweating onions slowly (no rushing allowed), adding garlic at the right moment so it doesn’t burn and turn bitter, and building flavour with that trusty trio of onion, carrot and celery — the foundation of so many great dishes.

Best of all? The leftovers are arguably even better. The pasta continues to absorb all that lovely flavour from the stock, and three days later (stored properly in the fridge, of course) it’s still delicious. It’s budgetfriendly, flexible, and one of those marvellous “clean out the fridge” numbers we all need in our repertoire.

Sometimes simple dishes are overlooked while we’re busy hunting down the best hot cross buns, cheeses and little pots of tasty treats for a grazing platter.

But having this bubbling away on the stove means more time enjoying family and friends — and less time fussing.

And if you’re heading away? Take extra provisions. Fresh air stirs the appetite, and if you arrive at friends’ or family’s home bearing food, you’re far more likely to be invited back again… rather than gently shown the door.

This dish is wonderfully versatile. Add extra stock and it becomes a hearty soup. Keep it as written and the pasta and meat make it a satisfying meal in a bowl. Gluten-free? Swap the pasta for chopped potatoes or rice. Vegetarian?

Simply leave out the meat.

If you happen to have a parmesan rind lurking in the fridge, toss it into the pot with the stock and remove before serving — it adds beautiful depth of flavour.

Ingredients ∞ Olive oil and/or a knob of butter ∞ 1 red onion, thinly sliced ∞ 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped ∞ 2 rashers bacon, finely chopped ∞ 1 Tbsp freshly chopped thyme ∞ 2–3 Tbsp freshly chopped parsley ∞ 2 carrots, finely chopped ∞ 2 stalks celery, finely chopped ∞ 3–6 sausages (skins removed) chopped or 200g mince or chopped pork ∞ 3 Tbsp tomato paste (or a small can of finely chopped tomatoes) ∞ 6 cups chicken stock ∞ 250g penne pasta ∞ 1 x 400g can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ∞ 200g spinach ∞ 1 cup corn (frozen or freshly steamed) ∞ A generous splash of fruity balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice ∞ Salt and pepper to taste Optional extras: pesto, chutney, grated parmesan, feta, edam, sour cream.

8 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026

Method 1. In a large pot, gently cook the onion in olive oil (or butter) over low heat until soft and translucent. No browning — patience is key.

2. Add the bacon. After a few minutes, stir in the garlic and herbs.

3. Add carrot, celery and your chosen meat. You may need a little extra olive oil here. Cook for several minutes.

4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another two minutes to deepen the flavour.

5. Pour in the stock and add the pasta.

Simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the spinach and beans while the pasta cooks.

7. When the pasta is al dente, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning.

8. Stir in the corn at the last minute — its sweetness and crunch lift the whole dish beautifully.

Cooks Tips ∞ Cook the onion slowly and gently — it makes all the difference. ∞ Layer your herbs: add some early, and a little more at the end for freshness. ∞ Peas can happily stand in for corn. ∞ Keep the carrot and celery slightly crunchy for lovely texture. ∞ A spoon of low-sugar marmalade works surprisingly well with pork sausages if you need to balance acidity. ∞ For a creamier version, add a spoonful of sour cream and top with grated parmesan.

This is a very forgiving recipe and it literally means you can clean out the fridge. ∞ I used a small 210g can of Mutti Polpa (finely chopped tomatoes). ∞ We used Pukara Estate Fig Balsamic Vinegar (so good!) ∞ Don’t make as special trip to the supermarket - if you are out of celery – just carry on – if there are mushrooms / capsicums/courgettes in fridge that need using up – thrown them in the mix!

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The Sandwich Years: When Caring For Mum Becomes A Legal Decision

ike’s dad had died a few years ago and his mum, June, was still living in their home. June’s mobility was decreasing and Mike and his wife, Beth, were concerned about her living on her own. They visited some retirement villages, but June didn’t have a lot of cash. If she sold her house, this would give her enough to buy an occupation licence for a small apartment in a village, but she wouldn’t have the money for the weekly fee and she wasn’t eligible for rest home care due to her health being too good.

Now that their youngest son had left home, Mike and Beth wanted to downsize. However, considering June’s situation they thought about finding a property they could all live in. They discussed this with June who liked the idea, but would still want her own space, plus she wanted to talk it over with Mike’s older sister.

Mike and Beth started looking at “home and income” type properties and put their house on the market. June also put her house on the market and two months later both properties had sold. They found a property with a selfcontained flat underneath for June.

The plan was, June would put most of the sale proceeds into the property,

leaving her with some money in the bank. They all went to Mike and Beth’s lawyer to discuss how to structure things. The lawyer said that there were different ways the situation could be structured, including a loan from June or part of the property being in her name. She mentioned that if Mike and Beth needed a mortgage, it’s unlikely that the bank would allow June to be on the title of the property due to the responsible lending code.

There were also practical matters to consider, who would pay the rates and insurance, and in what proportions?

What if Mike and Beth separated?

If June’s health declined and she needed to go into care, who would pay? And what if Mike and Beth later decided to sell the house? All valid scenarios that needed to be addressed at this stage of their lives.

The lawyer said that June needed to consider whether any funds she put into the property would need to be shared with Mike’s sister when June died and that changes would need to be made to her will. She also recommended enduring powers of attorney be put in place for June, but also for Mike and Beth.

These were all significant questions

that needed careful consideration, particularly at a time when Mike and Beth had just begun enjoying a new sense of freedom with their children having left home. Stepping into a caregiving role for June brought not only emotional responsibility but also legal complexity. While it felt overwhelming, they understood that putting the right structures in place now would protect everyone involved. Failing to consider future possibilities could lead to unnecessary legal issues and heartache, something they were determined to avoid.

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

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Many in midlife find themselves caught in the “sandwich generation”, supporting ageing parents while also helping adult children. It’s a stage of life that brings emotional and financial pressures, often compounded by complex legal issues.

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Proactive planning and clear legal advice can make all the difference. Whether it’s updating a will, putting agreements in place, or restructuring assets after a separation, it is possible to navigate your sandwich years with greater clarity and security.

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THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026 | 9

Rodney Ratepayers should not have to fund the operating

By Cr Greg Sayers costs of the City Rail Link

T

his is not opposition to the project or to Auckland’s growth. It is a question of equity. Should a largely rural district, with no passenger rail services and limited public transport infrastructure, be compelled to fund a multi-billion-dollar innercity rail tunnel?

The CRL’s projected annual operating cost is approximately $235 million — equivalent to a 7.9 per cent residential rates increase. That comes on top of last year’s significant hikes, which in some cases reached 30 to 50 per cent. At a time when households are absorbing higher insurance, food and fuel costs, another large rates increase is not sustainable.

Rodney residents derive little direct benefit. There are no local train stations. Many communities rely on

private vehicles because viable public transport options do not exist. Some rural roads remain unsealed, and long-promised township upgrades have been deferred and SH 16 will remain congested.

Rodney ratepayers already pay a targeted rate to maintain basic bus services.

Supporters argue that all of Auckland benefits indirectly through reduced congestion and economic stimulus.

But indirect gains cannot reasonably be equated with direct, daily usage.

For a commuter stepping onto a central city train platform, the benefit is immediate. For a farmer navigating an unsealed rural road, it is not.

Excluding Rodney from contributing to the CRL’s operating costs would not derail the project. Spread across

Rodney Local Board Update

I

t was great to see so many families enjoying the Coatesville reserve for the food truck evening – it takes more than a few drops of rain to keep us inside when a picnic is an option.

This is a citywide series of events that Local Boards support by giving approval to hold it in our reserves, and it has proven popular. It doesn’t cost ratepayers anything, but it is a good reason to visit new parks around the city. The developers of the Auckland Surf park in Dairy Flat recently held an open day where they shared more information and the vision for their consented development of a Data Centre, hotel, engineered wave lagoon and hospitality offerings. They have a new Fastrack application in for more housing within the development. It will be a welcome addition to Dairy Flat which has suffered from ad hoc development in recent years which has compromised the rural character.

Consultation is open until 29 March

on the Council budget which includes the Local Board budget. I have heard loud and clear that many of you are still reeling from the rates increases last year and don’t support the proposed 7.9% increase, especially since the increase is largely required to fund City Rail link operations which do not directly benefit us. The massive increases last year were driven by the revaluations that saw our property values hold up much better than our urban counterparts.

Property valuations are the allocation mechanism that is used to collect the rates budget set and must be redone every 3 years and can cause large swings. A higher proportion of value means a greater proportion of the total is being collected from us. In recognition of the massive impact, the rural/lifestyle differential was reduced from 80% to 73% last year. A relief that things weren’t worse ! This means that we pay 73% of the urban rates for a

Auckland’s urban base, the additional cost per household would be thirteen cents a week. For Rodney, the relief would be substantial.

Rodney should not be penalised for infrastructure it neither uses nor meaningfully benefits from. Excluding Rodney from a 7.9% rate increase is not divisive — it is responsible governance.

Please have your say online at https://akhaveyoursay. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/ or pop into a library for a submission form before 27 March.

By Lisa Whyte property of the same value. As there are more urban dwellings built the burden will be spread out more. I realise this is unlikely to make the invoices more palatable, but it does hopefully explain how the math works if you were unsure. This consultation is an opportunity to make your concerns heard so please consider making a submission at akhaveyoursay.nz.

A reminder that if you see issues with council parks or trees you can report it: https://www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/en/report-problem/report-a-problem.html If there are transport issues you can report it: https://at.govt.nz/about-us/ street-maintenance/road-and-footpath-maintenance If you are not satisfied with the response please feel free to get in touch by email.

Lisa.Whyte1@AucklandCouncil.govt. nz

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10 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026

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 callout 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.

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THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026 | 11

The Autumn Reset & OIO Changes

E

arly autumn is when we need to start thinking about lawns, drainage, shelterbelts and those seemingly everfalling leaves, and it’s also when sellers can make (or break) first impressions by showing their property is easy to live on all year round.

Buyers are still selective and with over 85 properties being advertised in Coatesville for them to choose from, it is the well-presented properties priced to the market that are attracting buyer interest.

A driveway framed by hedging and shelter trees, grass growth slowing, evenings cooling – autumn is when blocks either feel “effortless” or “overwhelming”. Autumn jobs that protect the property’s value include keeping gutters, roofs, drains, grates, driveways, pools and decks clear of falling leaves and debris. With your paddocks and lawns; keep onto weed control and fence checks – keeping those battens vertical and uniformed make a property look smart and feel well kept. Shelterbelts and trees; prune with purpose i.e. protect from the wind, let in light, and expand the view. And most importantly, have your wood burner serviced and flu cleaned.

Overseas Investment Act: What It Means for Coatesville From 6 March 2026, changes to New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Act allow holders of Active Investor Plus, Investor 1 and Investor 2 visas to apply for consent to buy or build one residential or lifestyle property valued at $5 million or more. This is a highly targeted reform, not a reopening of the market to overseas buyers. It applies to a small group of pre‑approved investor migrants.

Coatesville is one of the few lifestyle communities where this change is relevant, thanks to its combination of land, privacy and luxury homes already with many exceeding the $5m threshold. However, not all properties qualify. Land classed as “otherwise sensitive” includes lifestyle blocks over 5-hectares or land adjoining waterways or the coast, these remain excluded.

Overseas Investment Office consent is still required, but decisions are now typically made between 5 and 15 working days, providing greater certainty for qualifying transactions.

It’s prudent to take specialist advice for more details on this subject. So, if this is of greater interest to you, call me if you would like help to connect.

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12 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MARCH 2026