May 2025

Page 1


Your new bin is on its way

Rodney is moving to a new ratesfunded rubbish collection service provided by Auckland Council. From 30 June, households and businesses in Rodney will receive their new Auckland Council-branded rubbish bins, well in advance of 1 September when the rates-based collection service will start.

The new collection service is mandatory so property owners cannot opt out, and the cost will appear on future rates bills from 1 July onwards.

Justine Haves, Auckland Council's General Manager of Waste Solutions says Rodney is the last area of Auckland to be taken into the scheme. Once the Rodney roll out is completed, she says a further 90,000 households across Auckland will have been added.

Coatesville residents could be excused for wondering why a new council-branded green bin with a red lid is necessary when existing bins are the same colours and are still fit for purpose. Especially when you consider the Council service is being

delivered by contractors, including Econowaste whose bins are a familiar site around Coatesville on rubbish days.

Justine Haves says unfortunately, negotiations with service providers failed to reach an agreement over the bins.

"Our original intention was to repurpose existing bins," says Justine. "But we haven't been able to conclude those negotiations. We ended up with no way of being able to rebrand and repurchase those bins that were privately owned."

The bins are assets belonging to rubbish collection providers. At this stage, each collection company will make its own arrangements with customers regarding what to do with existing bins.

Standardising the branding is more than just aesthetics, says Justine.

"We're looking for standardisation across the city so when we communicate with everybody, we do it in the same way and it makes sense," she says. "The rates funded

service allows us to focus on the three-bin appoach; rubbish, recycling and food scraps service, and help people understand how that bundle of services helps us all to achieve waste minimisation."

Since much of Rodney is rural, there will be some differences in the service that Auckland Council provides here. For example, there is no decision yet to include the food scrap bin service that's used in built-up parts of Auckland. Justine says introducing it in Rodney would require a subsequent decision and market research.

Rural residents will also be able to continue using Council rubbish bags instead of moving to a bin, if they prefer.

"Moving to a consistent rates-based service across Auckland reduces the overall cost for all Aucklanders because it enables us to be more cost effective. Any saving we can achieve, we pass on. Waste minimisation is our over-arching goal," says Justine.

Auckland Council-branded rubbish bins will be delivered to Coatesville addresses from 30 June onwards
VJ

Editorial Diary Dates

Coatesville's Anzac Day service on 25 April was again organised and hosted by the Coatesville Residents and Ratepayers Association committee who deserve a big thank you for their hard work. It was another success with a strong turn out of locals of all ages to mark the occasion, and luckily, yet again we had fine weather! I don't know who organises that on the committee but they're doing an awesome job! You can check out the photos on page 7.

Rubbish bins may not be everyone's idea of important news, but they are essential. The other day, as I walked down the driveway to empty the letterbox, a ute drove past at around 60kmph on the highway. As it went by, I noticed that it was towing a 240L wheelie bin. I guess the driver had meant to unhook the bin before heading to work, but had got distracted and forgot it was there. I can confirm the 240L bins are fast because that bin was flying down the highway! Make sure you get the bin size you want before the $40 charge comes in. I can't help but wonder if the bin on the ute still had wheels by the time it arrived wherever it was going...?

On page 5, our hard-working local board member, Louise Johnston, talks about the pedestrian crossing planned for outside the dairy. Apparently, the Local Board is voting this week on the next steps based on the feedback they received from the community. It will be interesting to see where to from here.

Annabelle White's recipe this month on page 8 is a cajun vegetable soup that sounds perfect for the cooler weather. I hope you'll give it a try.

Happy reading,

Your editor, Vanessa Johnson

Email: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com, Phone: 021 724 001

∞ 7 JUNE, Saturday, 10am-2pm, Community planting day at Green Road Reserve (meeting point is the car park) Help us create a thriving habitat for our endangered native species. Every pair of hands counts, and together we can make a real difference.

He rau ringa e oti ai – With many hands, the work will be done. Meet the local community group Friends of Green Rd Reserve at the Green Road car park at 10am. Please note that the planting site is approximately 2km from the meeting point, and involves an easy walk. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for a leisurely stroll through nature.

What to bring:

∞ Yourself and your whānau

∞ Covered shoes

∞ A spade (if you have one)

∞ Gardening gloves

∞ A bottle of water

Kai provided: We'll have some kai available to keep you energized throughout the morning.

Let's come together to celebrate Matariki and give back to our community!

Thank you to the Rodney Local Board for supporting this event. For more information, please email: dan.marrow@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

∞ 14 JUNE Kids Clothing Swap Kumeu’s very first Kids’ Clothing Swap is officially on the calendar, and it’s shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss! Held at the Kumeu Community Centre, this exciting new initiative invites local families to refresh their children’s wardrobes, connect with others in the community, and support a fantastic cause—all at the same time. Check out Facebook for more.

∞ 20 JUNE, Friday, Matariki Enjoy this public holiday and the celebration of the Maori New Year.

∞ 21 JUNE, Saturday, The shortest day.

∞ 27 JUNE, Friday, Term 2 ends at Coatesville School.

Our Septic Tank Reports meet the latest Council specifications

Bebe's Beauty Has Moved

Regular clients will already know, but for those looking for a beauty treatment, Coatesville's Bebe's Beauty has moved but not very far. Previously on Sunnyside Road, the mother and daughter duo have opened an expanded clinic at 92 Robinson Rd where clients can enjoy the seclusion of a tucked-away location that's also central.

Julia Armitage, and her daughter Phoebe Armitage specialise in providing results-driven treatments for people who want to look and feel their best.

"We're a boutique country clinic with an emphasis on helping clients to look their best naturally," says Julia, an ED nurse for 20 years. "We offer treatments that keep a natural glow appearance."

As well as treating clients with genuine care, the pair use top of the range technology to achieve positive outcomes. As one of only four clinics in New Zealand with a Vivace microneedling machine,described as next generation skin rejuvenation that combines microneedling with radio frequency, they can provide leading edge treatments with lasting results.

Bebe's full range of face and body treatments includes brow and lash treatments, teen treatments, laser hair removal, face and body treatments through to the advanced 'O' shot, a break-through non-surgical PRP treatment just for women.

Whatever beauty treatment you're seeking, you'll find it at Bebe's Beauty in Coatesville.

Call today for a new client consultation, or visit their website to find out more at: bebesbeauty.co.nz

Ph Julia: 022 169 3248 or Ph Phoebe 021 085 30852.

Congratulations Ailsa!

Local real estate legend and Coatesville Chronicle sponsor, Ailsa McArthur, recently took a top spot at Bayley's Auckland Residential Awards 2025. Ailsa, who has lived and worked in the area for more than two decades, has consistently ranked in the top 5% of Bayleys sales people for her work in the Lifestyle sector. But this year she went one better, taking top honours as Bayleys' leading Country salesperson. In response to her success, Ailsa said: "It's such a privilege to be recognised amongst so many talented people. I'm incredibly grateful to my vendors who trust in me, and super proud of my team that puts in the hard work every day to make this achievement possible."

Ailsa McArthur with Mark Macky and Raymond Mountford
Phoebe and Julia Armitage A treatment room at Bebes

Gardeners Trip a 1-hr Drive From Home

uring April, we have had a visit to a MOTAT treasure store! A very large shed the size of a rugby field, was shown off with strict security to the interested who assembled for an amazing guided tour of a vast collection. Submarine periscopes, a Martin Jetpack and Hillary’s Antarctic tractor, plus hundreds more fascinating items, had us enthralled.

Our recent trip to Warkworth, Wellsford and Matakana meant easy bus travel to areas we had travelled through before, but no one knew what was in store.

First stop was Carolynne and Allan’s garden Nikauri on the outskirts of Wellsford, consisting of a bush walk (where there is a huge kauri) and gardens following the northfacing contours of the low hillside site. At the highest point was the vegetable garden and fruit orchard, including many citrus varieties, feijoa and avocado. Much of the garden's surrounds were mulched with hay chaff - great for smothering weeds. The bush walk wound down the gully and finished down by the pond on one of the lower areas.

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made with wood, stone and glass to give a variety of textures. A highlight was the Chilean flame vine climbing over the garage entrance with its bright orange flowers - great colour for this time of the year.

This garden was an interesting collection of plants thoughtfully displayed in edged beds. And a big plus for our many men members, a shed with a home-built aircraft engine and much more.

The small town garden in Wellsford, of Jeanie Bennet was our next call on the tour. She has lived and cultivated this section for 50 years with its interesting layout and formations. The most has been made of rocks to lift garden levels, create rockeries and pave paths through the plants. Under the mature trees (including the feijoa and yellow guava), shade gardens have been established with mostly low growing ground cover, carefully weeded for maximum effect.

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Grassy tracks led you around the garden beds and fencelike structures were covered in vines providing height, contrast and colour when flowering. The ‘powder puff' trees (Calliandra) in various colours were still in flower and two large Magnolias were beginning to bloom – well ahead of their Auckland counterparts. The underplantings of Bergenia, mondo, arelia, bears breeches, Mexican sage, several different coloured salvia, ligularia, Japanese anemones and then when there was shade a slightly different mix prevailed – clivia, lilies, abutilon, hydrangeas and ferns. The gravelled driveway was edged with similar perennials and flowering shrubs that were interspersed with sculptured pieces

The discovery of a lily-like leafed plant called Friars Cowl which displayed an exquisite flower, had everyone marvelling as it appeared in several places. An old pool site had been paved in a circular fashion and provided smooth contours in the rugged landscape. Mulching was important in this garden too, but mostly leaves were being collected. This garden showed what could be achieved in a small space.

Willmott’s garden tended by her and her husband on a well positioned back section. They have lived here for 45 years and have developed a garden jammed in pots and laid out so it doesn’t require much weeding. At the lowest level on the embankment next to the tennis court it was covered in bromeliads and succulents providing hot colour in the sunshine. Similarly above the tennis court , the gardens were well stocked with succulents and bromeliads which extended in under the large native trees and were intermingled with clivias and ferns. Several features were made from old tree trunks –a metal bird collection was on one, others were stands for Morris and James pots and plates – as well as a rock formed pond with a rock fountain. Gardens were edged in brick, stones, driftwood and rocks to define paths and lawn.Between the house and neighbouring house was the vegetable garden and orchard with bananas and paw paw featuring. The steep driveway was flanked by white camelias, dichroa Hydrangeas, hawthorn, gazanias (yellow and bronze) and others, with spring bulbs starting to emerge. A well developed property that has been created with loving care.

GRAPHICS PROOF SHEET 07 5699 8109 07 5575 9748 graphics@movingtogether.com Po Box 847, Burleigh Town Qld 4220

Onward to Matakana where folk found lunch and then onto Morris and James for a factory tour. Many have visited here to buy product but not partaken in an information tour. Using 100 tonnes of clay from their property each year, their 22 staff model, and paint exquisite designs known all over the world. Their workshop days are well worth it too where you throw a pot and design a venetre to keep!!!

Thanks Pat Hosking for an informative day and a pleasing display of gardens for us to visit (and so close to home!)

Membership enquiries to Shirley Jensen 021 211 0433.

Onto to Warkworth to see Gloria

WITH Over 15 years experience

The MOTAT treasure store shed had everyone's attention

O Local Board Update

ne thing that is frustrating in Local Government, is the length of time it takes to get stuff done. Any project that must go out for public consultation, ends up slowing down delivery. It should never be just a box-ticking exercise, but when you only get a few residents responding it is difficult to interpret the results.

You could assume that low levels of feedback means people are happy. For most small projects there is limited consultation and only a few people respond. For the Coatesville pedestrian crossing consultation, this was not the case!

The design that was consulted on included 15 carparks on Glenmore Road, footpaths and a raised crossing on Coatesville Riverehad Highway by the dairy. The pedestrian crossing was to be raised and would have been level with the footpath. Auckland Transport received feedback from 192 residents, of that, 115 were from Coatesville. Overall, 80% of participants supported a crossing, but of the supporters of the crossing only 23% supported a raised crossing. In summary, Auckland Transport concluded ‘that there was strong opposition against the raised crossing but support for a signalised crossing.

When this feedback was presented to the Local Board, the staff discussed the advantages of a raised crossing and raised the following points; the crossing will be level with road so that pedestrians are more visible, easier for prams and wheelchairs and motorists will have to slow down.

Aesthetically, the raised crossing is more in keeping with the semi-rural feel of the Coatesville Village. However, it is not supported by the majority of public, due to concerns over noise, vibration, and traffic disruption.

The advantage of a signalised crossing, is that it does not slow the traffic down when not in use, and is the more popular choice. However, it has the disadvantag, that motorists may not be expecting traffic lights in semi-rural area such as Coatesville, the road will still be lower than the footpath and aesthetically it is a more urban structure. A good example of a signalised crossing is the one in Matakana Village before the roundabout and by the school.

The Local Board are meeting on 21 May to vote on the next steps. If the signalised crossing option is chosen, then the project will be delayed by six months. The cost will be about the same regardless of what option is chosen. On personal note, I did believe that there was the mandate from the community for a raised crossing, but this is not what the feedback supports.

Onto a less contentious issue, Council with the help of the Friends of Green Road Park are organising a community planting day on Saturday 7 June, from 10 am to 2 pm. Parking is at the Green Road car park and walk is about 15 minutes to the planting zone. Bring yourself, covered shoes, a spade (if you have one), gardening gloves, bottle of water and some snacks. Lunch will be provided (sausage sizzle).

Green Road Park is Auckland’s largest neighbourhood park, and it will be the Cornwall Park of the North Shore. The trees you plant will be enjoyed by generations to come and there is something very special about that !

Please get in touch if you wish to discuss any of the above or other issues impacting Coatesville.

Mill Flat Rd Bridge Project Kicks Off

When the Mill Flat Road bridge was washed away on 27 January 2023, local residents had to adapt. For a short time, access to their homes was over a forestry road before the Bailey bridge was installed.

Although no vehicle access was initially a challenge, communication helped to bridge the gap. Local resident Cate Haigh said that residents were encouraged to use the Mill Flat Road Facebook page to stay informed of developments. Everything from road closures to ride sharing for those without a 4WD vehicle, or who found driving on the forestry road too difficult.

Phase one: Improvements to the Mill Flat Road intersection with C-R Hway

Keeping communication on point has helped build cohesion in the community. Auckland Transport has helped with this by closely managing its message delivery.

“AT hasn’t wasted our time by sending out messages if there isn’t something important to say. Their flyers and social media posts have helped to keep us all aware of what’s going on,” says Cate.

Now, after more than two years of planning and negotiating, Auckland Transport’s contractor, John Fillmore Contracting (JFC), has started work on the bridge rebuild project. When completed (expected to be June 2026), it will include a permanent future-proofed bridge designed to withstand a one in 100-year weather event.

AT’s Flood Recovery Programme Director, Jeremy Pellow, has worked continuously on planning and funding repairs to AT’s network since Cyclone Gabriel struck. He says that over 800 projects were brought about by flood damage in north and west Auckland over recent years.

Although many of these will be paid for by local revenue sources like rates, the Mill Flat Bridge funding required a different approach.

“In this instance, because of the complexities and the fact that a brand-new bridge was required, I went to central government. The Crown, via the National Infrastructure Funding and Financing Agency (previously Crown Infrastructure partners) has contributed funding in the region of $12M, for the new Mill Flat Road bridge,” says Jeremy.

The new two-lane bridge design is a significant upgrade on its predecessor. It will accommodate road traffic travelling in both directions as well as pedestrians without needing drivers or walkers to stop to give way to each other. And, because of its superior structural capabilities, there will no longer need to be a weight restriction for heavy vehicles. It is also designed so that flood water can spill over the bridge without it washing away.

“It's a big step up from what was there before,” says Jeremy. “It’s not just residents who use the bridge. It’s been used for lots of other things that happen out on the network. We want it to be stronger and more resilient for the future.”

Jeremy says regular meetings with the Coatesville Transport Forum including MP Mark Mitchell and the Coatesville Residents and Ratepayers has provided a consistent opportunity to hear from local people for the past two and a half years.

“They’ve really helped us feel confident that we’re talking to real people and hearing real issues and problems,” he says. Work has now started on the project. Vector carried out its preparation work in April which was hampered by bad weather. This impacted the start of the project, but the current phase now underway will see improvements made to the intersection including a new righthand turning slip lane.

The new bridge will be constructed concurrently after that, built in two stages. Stage One involves building the first half of the bridge next to the Bailey Bridge. Once that is complete, it will be opened to traffic and the Bailey Bridge will be removed. Construction will then start on the second half.

However, it’s not just engineering that matters to AT. Jeremy says communication is one of the most vital things to get right.

“We have to connect with the community and build relationships from the outset. Because that’s the only way we can do our job. We need to be able to give people a heads up when plans change or if things go wrong. Jobs cause disruption even though it’s all for the good when you get to the end.”

AT will use various social media platforms, email and flyers to ensure locals know what to expect. They also encourage feedback via the website Haveyoursay.AT.govt.nz or you can email ATengagement@AT.govt.nz to receive the John Fillmore Contracting newsletter.

VJ

ANZAC DAY 2025

On 25 April, (1) several hundred Coatesville locals gathered at the settlers hall to commemorate Anzac Day. The music was again performed by the RNZAF Base Band, Auckland (2) Aaron and Nathan Quintal brought along a 1983 Landrover Series 3, which helped set a military tone. (3) MC Louise Johnston with Sissy Yang from Pinehurst School and Cecilia Yin from Kristin School, as well as Rev Robin Palmer from Browns Bay Presbytarian Church, who all took part in the service.

(4) Coatesville Scouts performed the lowering and raising of the flag, (5) A professional singer led the singing; (6) Brulée the horse represented wartime animals; (7) Lyn Chatfield and JP Chamel from the CRRA committee; (8) Anzac biscuits and cakes provided sustenance; (9) Louise Johnston with Cr Greg Sayers who gave the address; (10) Commander Martin Doolan recited the Ode in English; (11) Major John Liddell recited The Ode in Maori; (12) RNZAF was proudly represented; (13) Pollyanna Schaumkel and her family. VJ

According to Annabelle S

haring food with family and friends does not have to be complicated. Serving simple comfort food does just that – a hearty bowl of soup or chowder with bread makes a perfect midday meal and the opportunity to connect without spending too much time away from your company. Comfort in a bowl. Superb.

The great thing about soup or today’s vegetable stew is that it’s easy to digest and literally lines your stomach making you feel fuller immediately.

If you opt for a healthy version like low sodium minestrone – you are getting your vegetables in a light broth – it’s super healthy!

Cajun Vegetable Stew

This stew works well with white or brown rice or bread – ideal for vegetarians – and if serving to friends who enjoy meat, just place a platter of roast chicken beside it and people can help themselves.

Please don’t let the number of ingredients put you off making this recipe, it’s a fabulous candlelight supper or fireside number.

Make the day ahead and simply reheat – it makes a generous amount – don’t halve the recipe, I mean, what do you do with half a green banana? Make the whole amount and send pottles home with your friends and family – it even enjoys an association with a humble grilled sausage.

You will need

Serves 8-10

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 cups chopped onion (2.5cm dice)

2 Tbsp chopped garlic

2 Tbsp ground coriander

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp allspice

1 tsp cumin

2 cups pumpkin, (peeled and chopped into 1.5cm dice)

1 cup kumara, (peeled and chopped into 1.5cm dice)

1 red capsicum, seeded and chopped

2-4 bird’s eye chillies, chopped

1 sliced and peeled green banana

400g whole peeled tomatoes, roughlychopped

400ml coconut cream

425g can whole kernel corn, drained

1 tsp thyme

2 tsp oregano

½ cup orange juice

¼ tsp salt

Pinch pepper to taste

1 Tbsp finely chopped coriander

Method

Heat the oil – gently cook the onion until soft but not coloured. Add the next five ingredients and cook for 30 seconds.

Add next four ingredients and when the vegetables have a coating of the spices, add all the remining ingredients except the fresh coriander. Cover, simmer on a low heat for 50-60 mins or until vegetables are whole/soft but not mushy.

Just prior to serving add chopped coriander.

Cook’s tip: if you don’t have fresh coriander – freshly chopped parsley will do – not quite the same flavour

profile but not worth a special trip to the store, If using fresh coriander remember the best coriander flavour comes from the coriander roots – so wash and finely chop and add to the pot.

Soup Tips

Soups, chowder and vegetable stews are great served in a crockpot. Make today’s stew the day before you serve it –reheat and add the banana and coriander.

Warm your crock pot bowl with hot water and discard. Place heated soup, stew or chowder in the crockpot and keep it on auto or high for when your guests or family get home.

Place serving bowls and even spoons by the crock pot and everyone helps themselves to as little or as much as they want. If it's spinach soup – why not have some crumbled blue cheese in a bowl next to the crock pot and people can put that into their bowl and pour the hot soup over the cheese and it’s fabulous. You can also place a little crème fraiche in a bowl as well and if people want a creamy spinach soup, they can add a little. If you think anyone maybe sensitive to coriander, have that chopped up in a bowl and people can add or not.

This “help yourself” approach is less stressful for you and everyone is happy – that’s comfort in a bowl!

Finally, I can’t help myself here – if you have a fresh lemon in the garden, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to that spinach soup just before serving. The juice adds brightness and freshness to the soup.

The Limits of Trusts in Relationships

Following the separation from his wife, Dave put the divorce settlement money towards a house deposit and withdrew his KiwiSaver under the “second chance, first home” regime. Wanting to safeguard his future, Dave set up a trust for his new home.

A year later Dave met Kate and within two months she moved into Dave’s property. They agreed Kate would pay a fixed fortnightly amount to Dave to cover costs for the house and they would split the utility costs.

Three years into their relationship, sadly they separated. As Dave had set up a trust for the house, he thought he was safe, until he received an aggressive letter from Kate’s lawyer. It said that while the property was in a trust, Dave had only set the trust up to ensure that Kate’s rights under the Property (Relationships) Act could not be asserted. It said that Dave had applied relationship property to the trust and Kate was making a claim for that relationship property and for the increase in value of the property from the start of their relationship. She was also claiming half of what Dave had saved from his salary, during the relationship.

Dave went to a lawyer who

Navigating Separations.

specialised in both trusts and relationship property. She reassured him about the letter, as once you cut through the lawyer’s tone, it was more of a fact-finding letter.

She did tell him though that the law around trusts and relationship property had changed quite a bit over the last ten years and that trusts were no longer a guaranteed way of protecting your property in the event of a relationship property breakdown – in particular, the family home could still be at risk.

She said it was likely that the value of the property at the time that Kate moved in would not be claimable by Kate, but that any payments that Dave had made off the mortgage using his salary (which is relationship property) would potentially be claimable and even some of the natural increase in value of the property. She said this area of law was very nuanced and could in the end come down to negotiating an amount to pay Kate to satisfy any claim that Kate may have.

As Dave had set up the trust assuming he was protecting his assets he asked, “What more could he have done?” She advised that trusts were an important part of asset planning and protection, and

When relationships take unexpected turns, it becomes essential to understand your legal rights. Separation can bring up tough questions around asset division and financial entitlements. Whether it’s undocumented contributions, financial disparity, or shared decisions like stay-at-home parenting, the law can be complex and fact dependent. Our experienced lawyers will guide you through these challenges, working to achieve a fair outcome and avoid unnecessary legal battles.

Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team to protect your interests.

could, in some circumstances, keep assets very separate. However, there was a different set of rules for the family home and that her advice would always be to enter into a contracting out agreement (or prenup) to make sure it was clear that your partner was agreeing that she or he would not have a claim against any property whether that be in a trust or not.

It’s important to take appropriate legal advice to protect your assets when entering a new relationship, this will avoid unnecessary stress later on.

Helpful Hints from the CRRA Civil Defence

Is your burning pile ready? Search checkitsalright.nz to find out how and when it’s okay to burn.

Clean & Green

The drop in temperature means a rise in unwanted pests. Are your bait stations ready?

Classified Advertising

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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

Gardener Are you looking for a

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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.

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 Who’s your caterer? Beautifully presented, great tasting food, at competitive prices. Phone Helen Cato 415 7771 or 021 211 8223.

Why Social Media is Essential

Social media has become a necessary part of real estate marketing. When selling a lifestyle property, platforms like Instagram and Facebook play a central role in how I connect with buyers and present property to the market.

At its core, social media is about storytelling. It allows me to move beyond basic features and floor plans to show what it feels like to live in a home. Through carefully chosen photos, short videos, and communityfocused content, I showcase light, mood, space, and lifestyle in a way that resonates emotionally with potential buyers. It also gives me the opportunity to reach people where they already are. An example, for busy professionals or families, social media is a regular part of daily life. I can target and time a post to put a property in front of the right audience before they’ve even started actively searching.

As part of my commitment to social media real estate marketing I have my own dedicated Social Media Manager who understands how to achieve the maximum exposure and reach for my vendor's property. As part of a well-rounded marketing campaign, social media complements traditional methods and allows me to spotlight not just the home, but the local cafés, the school and moments that make our location desirable.

In today’s real estate environment, social media isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s a must. And, when done well, it can turn passive browsers into active buyers.

Let me show you how! Follow me on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Let's not forget that face-to-face connections are still the

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