May 2026

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER |MAY 2026 | No.280

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

Dressed for success: Coatesville School Principal Richard Johnson with staff and students on Pink Shirt Day

You Look Pink-Tastic!

S taff and students at Coatesville School showed what they think of bullying on Pink Shirt Day, Friday, 15 May. Supporters of the cause wore a pink shirt to stand up against this undesirable behaviour and no one was afraid of being called a sissy.

Although bullying is often linked with school-aged children and teenagers, it affects people of all ages and occurs in the workplace as well as in social settings.

Pink Shirt Day is an international initiative that originated in Canada.

It has become widely supported

0272 984 000

and has helped promote a better understanding of what defines this type of cruelty, helping to ensure it is no-longer tolerated in society.

Coatesville School Principal Richard Johnson says, "At our school, we promote being kind and supportive to each other every day. We say 'no' to mean behaviour and bullying. We stand up for what is right and care for one another. Days like this give us the chance to promote these important messages with our school community.

We can show how united we are and we can have some fun too!"

May Content

Editorial & Diary Dates 2 3 May News Local Adventure for 4 Garden Club Doubling-Up Brings More Space 6 Annabelle's Recipe for 8 Banh Mi Avoiding Costly 9 Decisions Local Board News Classifieds The Winter Test

10 11 12

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

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026 | 1

2

4

INE

24

Editorial

The most pressing matter we need to focus on today is getting people to sign up to the WhatsApp group for the road they live on. It's how you would access important local messages in an emergency. Things like where and when to meet a rescue vehicle or boat. In an emergency, we would all want to be on the list to receive that message.

So, please keep an eye out on the community Facebook pages for the flyer that will tell you how you can join the WhatsApp group for your road.

And while you wait for that, you might like to whip up a batch of Annabelle White's Banh Mi pork meatball sandwiches on page 8.

They look so good!

Diary Dates

∞ 30 May to Monday 1 June, King's Birthday Weekend ∞ 31 May, Sunday, Coatesville Pony Club prizegiving he quote: "Failing to prepare is like ∞ 4 June, Friday, from 5pm preparing to fail" could be applied Bayleys @ 5 Head along to to how we all approach natural Bayleys' Coatesville office for disasters. No one wants to get bogged some local banter and to hear down in doomsday-style thinking, but from keynote speaker and leading if you don't put some thought into it, you could be caught out. Having a plan economist, Cameron Bagrie, might save your life - or your kids' lives. one week after the Government What would you do if you had to budget is announced. Confirm evacuate? Where would you go? Who your attendance at would go with you and what items or coatesville@bayleys.co.nz medications would you have to grab if ∞ 7 June, Sunday, Planting Day at you needed to leave suddenly? What Green Road Park from 10am till about your pets...? There's quite a list.

2pm hosted by Auckland Council.

Site(s): RWNZ5108 Like many community-based and ∞ Mid June, Mill Flat Bridge will Ray White Swanson volunteer-led emergency response close for 24-hours-a-day over Business: Totally Amped Electrical group's, Coatesville's is still taking three days sometime in the Shipshape.

To: 14 TheBethells details Road, of howAuckland the group middle of June so asphalting 0816 New Zealand will interact with people in an can take place. If bad weather GRAPHICS PROOF SHEET Contact: Coelwill Jackson emergency continue to develop prevents this work, the closure will over the coming months. Right now be moved till the end of June.

Phone: 021 770 696 07 5699 8109 07 5575 9748 Your editor, we know the Settlers Hall will be the ∞ 3 July, Friday, Term 2 ends Email: totallyampedelectrical@gmail.com graphics@movingtogether.com hub and Coatesville School will be the today at Coatesville School so Po Box 847, Burleigh Town Qld 4220 location to head to if we need higher students are half-way through the Email: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com, ground. school year!

Phone: 021 724 001 ∞ 8-11 July Matariki Celebrations with Friday 10 July being the public holiday.

The Coatesville Chronicle is distributed free to homes in the RD3 postal area. ∞ 20 July, Monday, Term 3 Starts Deadline for content is 20th of the month prior to publication. The opinions today at Coatesville School published herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, Cradle Publications

T

Vanessa Johnson

Limited. © 2026 All rights reserved.

WITH Over 15 years experience

New Builds Electrical Renovations Electrical Repairs Electrical Maintenance Switchboard Upgrades

Looking for a quality electrician?

Contact the experts today!

021 770 696 totallyampedelectrical.co.nz 14 Bethells Road, Waitakere totallyampedelectrical@gmail.com

F a c i a l s

♥ Eyebrows ♥ Peels ♥ Micro-needling ♥ Laser treatments ♥ Injectables E y e b r o w s

P e e l s

M i c r o - n e e d l i n g

l a s e r

♥ Gift Vouchers I n j e c t a b l e s

022 169 3248

www.bebesbeauty.co.nz 2 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026

RTWORK CAREFULLY. CHECK:

TO APPROVE THIS PROOF:

May News

Bait Your Traps Good Reads Pls Coatesville's Little Library outside the Settlers Hall has been redistributing second hand books back into the community for a number of years now. However, lately the shelves have started looking a little bare so it's time for some community input.

The little library movement aims to be a catalyst for building community, inspiring readers, and expanding book access for volunteer-led Little Free Library book-exchange boxes. So, if you have some quality books that you've read and could share, now's the time. Please try to make your donation books ones that people will want to read rather than tatty old copies of books like Jaws from when you cleaned out the bookshelves.

At this time of year, rats and mice are on the move, looking for homes and food sources that will take them through the winter. With that in mind, Pest Free Coatesville recommends loading up your bait stations and traps with fresh baits and lures so they can work their magic while pest animals are hungry.

Remember to check traps and baits stations regularly. Keep an eye on the amount of bait being taken and move the bait station to a different location if you find the baits are left untouched.

Also, make sure to dispose of unused bait or lures safely by following the information on the product label.

There is plenty of free advice available from experts online. Go to predatorfreenz.org to find out about the best approach with traps and bait stations, as well as how you can avoid non-target and native species while still effectively targetting pest animals.

Turning 100 is a big deal and the volunteers behind the Coatesville 100 Party are putting together an event designed for the whole community to enjoy. Make sure you put the date in your calendar - Saturday, 10 October 2026 from 2-7pm. For now, watch social media for announcements about what they're planning.

So far local DJ, Kelvin Lewis, aka The Kelvinator, has been confirmed. The Coatesville Garden club is holding a flower display promising "show-stopping blooms and botannical beauty".

And the apple pie competition will be one to remember. Judging will start at 4pm, lucky judges!

What can you do to get involved?

Organisers are looking for old photographs, maps and memorabilia - anything Coatesville related. They want to make a wooden plaque to put up inside the Hall and they're keen to hear from anyone who has information about the Coatesville time capsule. Here's the event link: https:// facebook.com/events/s/coatesvilleturns-100-party/819837033777311/

Our Septic Tank Reports meet the latest Council specifications

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026 | 3

Kaukapakapa to Helensville Explored

By Paul Arundel, CCGC President

O

installations set amidst neatly clipped ur May trip had us heading west Camelia hedges and/or frothy clumps for Kaukapakapa and Helensville of sinuous grasses. promised to be a dreary day Our next garden was not a garden weatherwise, and it fulfilled that at all, unless you have an affinity for promise. Not that it was overly wet, corrugated iron, but if you do, you just the odd sprinkle, however if need to know that whilst it is easy you're anything like me, gardens are care and requires no watering, if to be viewed in full sparkly sunshine, you're waiting for it to flower, you'll which brings on their very best be disappointed. So, not a garden but performance. Afterall, when it's not the workshop of acclaimed artist Jeff your own garden you want to be Thompson in Helensville. entertained, don’t you?

It was a good start after our April trip was cancelled due to the forecast for a cyclone. And more importantly we had the Club President on board.

This is the new President who has the alarming trick of missing the bus.

However, I shan’t comment further.

Our first garden was the Kaipara Coast Plant Centre and Sculpture Park. Having driven past on many occasions this was the very first time I had stopped. And I was impressed As we stepped down from the bus there was a row of Malus in bags awaiting purchase and they looked spectacular. In case you don’t know, Malus or Crabb Apple should always be seriously considered when planting a Cherry Tree, (Prunus) Jeff's collection of material to repurpose. as Malus are far more suited to our warmer northern climate, with Cherry They say “one man's rubbish is anTrees performing far better in the other man's treasure”. Well, let me southern, cooler parts of the country. say that 95% of the material found The beauty of Malus is that you get in Jeff's workshop we would regard three displays of their functions 1) as rubbish, banished to the inorganSpectacular Blossom in Spring. 2) ic pile, awaiting council collection.

Large brightly-coloured fruit in late Those of you who are familiar with summer/autumn and fantastic leaf the Mahoenui Valley/Glenmore Rd color autumn/ winter. The variety block here in Coatesville will no that the Kaipara Nursery had on offer doubt have seen the animals that Jeff was Jack Hum which we are told has created for various owners of the was suited to the heavy soil in the Crisco mansion. For the Bradleys, area. At this point we broke into two who built the house 20 years ago, it groups, one listened and watched a was a pair of Giraffe, one baby and a tutorial on pruning in general, and full-scale adult as well as a collection the rest took off for a walk around of smaller pieces like chickens. More the sculpture garden. This was great recently there has been a Zebra for with a never-ending selection of art the Mowbrays, and a lion, with the

4 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026

promise of more to come. Jeff has gained an international reputation and regularly produces pieces commissioned from all over the world. Luckily for our group, he is also a highly entertaining speaker.

From here we crossed town heading to High Noon Roastery, South Head Rd, not far from Parakai. Yes, it is a coffee roastery, however it is set amidst the most extensive collection of tropical fruits and trees, many of which were planted by the original owners John Prince and Rosemary Steel nearly 40 years ago. This couple are somewhat legendary in horticultural circles for the introduction of many exotic trees to NZ. The soil around here is volcanic and highly fertile, so combined with a multi-layered shelter belt, the property enjoys a microclimate allowing this great variety to thrive.

One of the highlights was a Ficus Macrophylla Columnaris, a unique form of the Australian Morten Bay Fig endemic to Lord Howe Island.

This is an Immense tree with a vast aerial root system.

Continues on page 5.

The giant Morten Bay Fig Tree.

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 Staying out of the weather while enjoying lunch on the wrap around verandah.

Continued from page 4.

The very generous hosts, who have owned the property for 14 years, allowed us to wander at will around the property and we ate our packed lunches on one of the many verandahs on their beautiful old villa. It was a fascinating visit with many of us vowing to return. And the coffee was most excellent.

We then headed back down the peninsula to the Helensville District Museum. Part of my family arrived in NZ in the 1840’s. Consequently, I have a strong thread of colonial heritage in my family history. I find places like the Helensville Museum intriguing. Run by volunteers, the museum consists of two cottages and the first courthouse in the district. There is also a large shed full of all manner of machinery, some operational and the others awaiting restoration. This is a highly recommended visit.

Our last garden was called Muddy Fingers Pottery and Garden. The husband is the potter and his wife the gardener. The home is positioned to capture the most amazing view of the Kaipara Harbour, with the gardens flowing down a gentle hillside. These contained a collection of interesting plants some of which were quite rare.

This creative couple lent their two young daughters out to be our guides. Their knowledge and enthusiasm was quite impressive, being that they are so young.

This was another great day. It is, however, the final trip the club will make until spring as garden owners really don’t need or want 40-50 people tramping through their gardens over winter. For the next 4-5 months the club will meet in the hall with a variety of speakers planned, including the highly regarded (now retired) Jack Hobbs of the Auckland Botanical Gardens fame.

Coatesville Motors

MTA

Full mechanical Repairs for Petrol and Diesel Vehicles Coatesville Riverhead Highway 415 7494

WOF

Tanks

CONTACT US Gary 021 630 322 northharbourwater.co.nz

Swimming pools Tank cleaning Commercial supply Drinking water for events

Need to Advertise Your Business

In the Coatesville Chronicle?

Email: Coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com

Or phone 021 724 001

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026 | 5

Doubling-Up on the Highway

S

ue Murphy has lived in her home on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway since 1972.

Back then, when she and her husband at the time bought it, the property included a bungalow style house on roughly 10-acres of land and Sue always felt it was special.

Saying that, she admits she wished the house had more bedrooms.

Since her husband Jim was a builder, she had thought it would be easy to extend the house to add what she wanted, but as it turned out, that was not to the case.

"Jim and I talked about it for years.

We added a lounge, kitchen and dining room but it was still only two and a half befrooms," says Sue. So she kept her dream alive and, jumping forward to 2024, fifty years on from buying the house, Sue found a way to get the four-bedroom home that she wanted.

Her house was built in 1928, the Edwardian era, and Sue says she loves that period of design. Even though she didn't have space for everything, she continued to expand her collection of Edwardian furniture, light fittings and objet d'arts, knowing that when she had the space to fill, she would be ready to furnish the house.

But her creative problem solving was needed before she could start positioning the furniture.

"I got a quote from a builder to extend the house but the cheapest option was $280,000-$300,000," says Sue. Then she considered adding a second house to her own and joining the two together. In her no-nonsense style, Sue began the search for the right house and found it on a lot in Kumeu.

The one she found came with an interesting history. It had been built in 1922 and uplifted from an address in Miami Avenue in Mangere. Sue says the person who built it actually owned it twice.

"The quote to buy and deliver the

Above: Sue's home after both houses were joined.

1. A chandelier in the entrance; 2. Sue Murphy and 3. Leadlights above the windows.

house came to $187,000," she recalls.

So Sue sold off some of the land to fund the project and on 17 March, 2024, the house was delivered.

Looking back at the process Sue says she had to navigate issues with council consent and there were challenges with an architect over replacing pilings. And, surprisingly, it wasn't a fast process. In fact, the project took 16 months from start to finish. Sue describes what's been achieved as a sympathetic rebuild.

Her original house which was 260m sq is now 460m sq so there's almost twice the amount of original space.

Along the way Sue also had to replace the roof and add two septic tanks.

Her home now has two lounges, two bathrooms, a dining room and four and half bedrooms. The floors are all original Rimu except in the hallway where the houses are joined because, at the time, Rimu wasn't available in the old floor board width.

So, 16 months after the project

started, the builders have downed tools and the labour of love is finished.

Sue can sit back and enjoy her much larger home. She says she loves the Edwardian design touches she sees in every room.

There are leadlights at the tops of the windows in the lounge and at the front etrance. Ornate cornices frame the ceiling throughout the home and both bathrooms have claw-foot bath. The light cast by the chandeliers is enhanced during the day by four skylights. And the whole house has a warm and lively atmosphere.

However, the house from Miami Ave came with more than just Edwardian charm.

Sue says there is now a presence in the house. "It's a friendly ghost but I can hear the sound of papers shuffling and sometimes there's a bang sound.

I've told whoever it is that they're welcome to stay, I've introduced myself. But I have asked them not to make too much noise,' she says.

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

Chair of the Regulatory and Safety Committee Councillor Josephine Bartley says responsible dog ownership benefits everyone.

“Earlier this year I experienced firsthand how frightening a dog attack can be when I was trying to protect my elderly dog during an incident on a city footpath,” says Cr Bartley.

“It reinforced for me just how important responsible dog ownership is, not only for the safety of our pets, but for the safety of our communities too.

“Most dog owners are doing the right thing, and registration is one of the simplest ways to show your dog is cared for, identifiable and part of a safer Auckland. The green tag is a visible reminder that your dog is registered and protected.”

Suki agrees with Auckland Council that Labradors are still Auckland's most popular dog breed.

Dog Registration Time

D

og registrations for the 2026-27 year open on 1 June and owners have two months to register their dogs to avoid incurring late fees.

Dog owners should keep an eye out for an email from Auckand Council reminding them to register from mid June.

If you renew online at OurAuckland, you'll need the 11-digit reference number found in the email reminder as well as a payment method. Once you've completed the process, a new green registration tag will be on its way roughly 10 days later. If you're worried about the cost, consider getting a responsible dogowner licence which will give you a discount if you're eligible. The fee for a responsible dog owner licence holder with a desexed dog, is $78.

Auckland Council says registration helps keep dogs and communities safe - support responsible dog ownership and fund essential animal management services across Auckland.

Dog registration fees also directly support local services.

With more than 132,000 dogs now living across Auckland, Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa says registration is one of the simplest ways owners can help keep their pets and communities safe.

“Registering your dog is a small job that makes a big difference,” says Ms Waitoa. “It helps us reunite lost dogs with their families faster, supports animal management services across Auckland and promotes responsible dog ownership.

“We know Aucklanders love their dogs and getting registered on time is one of the best ways to show it.”

Last year nearly 90 percent of dogs known to Auckland Council were registered, with Labrador retrievers remaining the region’s most popular breed, followed by Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Border Collies. Bella, Luna and Charlie topped the list of Auckland’s most popular dog names.

South Auckland continues to have the highest number of dogs across the region, followed closely by Auckland’s north.

C

Take a Sound Bath

rystal singing bowls made from 100 percent quartz resonate at notes that connect with the body's seven main chakras. Practitioner Paige Burgess says when the bowls are played, we are exposed to the crystalline healing sounds of these keys, restoring balance.

"Sound is more than something we hear - it is something our cells feel," says Paige. "Because the human body is composed of approximately 60% water, it acts as an excellent conductor for sound and vibration.

"Sound bowls encourage the brain to enter deeply relaxed states through brainwave entrainment. The sustained, harmonious tones and binaural beats produced during a sound bath help to slow brain waves from active states to calm (theta) or sleep (delta) rhythms," she says.

Paige is hosting a Sound Sanctuary at the Coatesville Settlers Hall on Sunday, 14 June from 6.30pm till 7.30pm where you can experience this for yourself. Bookings are essential. See the ad on page 4 for contact information.

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026 | 7

Pork Meatball Banh Mi

By Annabelle White

M

any years ago, as an exchange student living in Dover, Delaware, my American Mom for the year entertained large groups of people on a regular basis. It was nothing for her to cook for 30 people at Christmas, and it wouldn't have mattered if the table expanded to 40; she loved feeding everyone.

Being an Italian-American family with loud expressive personalities and a passion for good food, my American Dad was the key to ingredient gathering for the family meals. He would come home late every Thursday night with bags of shopping. Back in 1975, it would cost him $70, which I thought was astronomical. He was the manager of 13 supermarkets across three states, so it was only natural for him to bring home great ingredients, not available in our smaller local supermarket.

My American mother perfected the art of cooking for a crowd. Out would come the chafing dishes to keep things warm: a sea of bread rolls at one end, meatballs in a chafing dish covered with her homemade tomato sauce (ragu), and slices of cheese, lettuce, and other condiments at the other.

Everyone ate as much or as little as they wanted, and it was a much better budget option than an eye fillet of beef, a side of salmon, or a Champagne ham.

Today’s delicious meatballs take it to another level. You could serve standard meatballs in tomato sauce and offer these superdelicious pork meatballs as well.

Simply hire a chafing dish, put it all out, and walk away. I recall she even used sturdy paper plates and napkins—everything went into a large black rubbish bag as everyone left. It was simple, and everyone loved it. If guests offer to help, tell them to bring a dessert.

It's easy and fabulous; if they don’t want to cook, they can always bring gourmet ice cream or a cream cake from the supermarket.

On a trip to Portland, Oregon, I sampled this delicious sandwich. It was an out-ofbody experience—something you’ll never forget. I even staged a sit-in until I got the recipe!

To recreate this dish at home, I simply bought a bag of ciabatta rolls from the supermarket and a small tub of Gochujang (a Korean condiment made from red chilies, fermented soybeans, and sticky rice) from an Asian supermarket. The rest of the ingredients can be easily found at most supermarkets and specialty food stores. Best of all, the component parts can be made ahead, so you can simply fire them up and serve to order.

fridge for a week. ∞ Adjust the sriracha to taste if you want more heat.

Spicy Pork Meatballs These flavourful pork meatballs are simple to prepare and feature a delicious kick of sriracha and umamirich fish sauce.

Ingredients For the Meatballs: Pickled Carrot and Daikon Radish ∞ 500g Ground pork A crisp, tangy garnish. If you can’t find ∞ 2 Spring onions, finely diced daikon, regular red radishes make a ∞ 1 ½ Tbsp Sriracha great substitute. ∞ 1 ½ Tbsp Fish sauce Ingredients ∞ 1 Large egg, beaten ∞ 1 cup rice wine vinegar ∞ ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs ∞ 1 cup water ∞ 1 tsp salt ∞ ¼ cup sugar For Garnish (Optional): ∞ 1 ½ tsp salt ∞ 2 Tbsp Fresh coriander, chopped ∞ 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into Method matchsticks (approx. 1 cup ∞ 15 cm piece daikon radish, peeled and 1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C. Line a large baking tray with cut into matchsticks (approx. 1 cup) baking paper to prevent sticking.

Method 1. Prepare the brine: In a small saucepan, 2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground combine the vinegar, water, sugar, pork, spring onions, sriracha, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring until fish sauce, beaten egg, panko the sugar and salt have completely breadcrumbs, and salt. Mix until just dissolved. combined (avoid overworking the 2. Combine: Place the prepared carrots meat). and radish into a non-reactive (glass or 3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the ceramic) bowl. mixture into small balls, approximately 3. Pickle: Pour the hot liquid over the vegetables. Allow the mixture to cool to 3–4 cm in diameter.

4. Bake: Arrange the meatballs on the room temperature. prepared tray, gently flattening each 4. Store: Transfer to the refrigerator one with the palm of your hand. Bake for at least one hour before serving.

These pickles will keep well in an airtight for 12 minutes, then rotate the pan and bake for another 12 minutes until container for up to 7 days. golden and cooked through.

5. Assembly: heat a non-stick pan over Sriracha Mayonnaise This versatile sauce is super popular and high heat and cook the meatballs for incredibly easy. Try it drizzled over warm an extra 2 mins to caramelise and get slightly crunchy. Toast the 4 ciabatta roast chicken slices! rolls and spread with the sriracha Ingredients mayonnaise generously. Add pickled ∞ ½ cup mayonnaise vege and 3 meatballs per roll – add a ∞ 1 Tbsp sriracha few more pickled vege-garnish with ∞ 1 Tbsp. gochujang fresh coriander if desired and slice ∞ 1½ tsp rice wine vinegar diagonally – WOW! ∞ 2 Tbsp chopped coriander (opt) Method Combine and place in a bowl covered in the fridge – you can add chopped coriander if desired. It will keep in the

8 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026

∞ Storage Tip: These meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up tom one week.

The Cost Of Not Formalising Financial Arrangements

S

ylvie and Jack were looking to buy their first home. Sylvie had savings and a significant KiwiSaver contribution, while Jack had his KiwiSaver. They didn’t have enough for a deposit, so Sylvie’s parents offered for their trust to lend them funds, interest free, to top it up. This would help them secure a more favourable interest rate with the bank and get into their first home.

Their mortgage broker said they needed to tell the bank where the extra trust funds had come from.

Sylvie confirmed it was a loan from her parents' trust, but the bank would not accept loaned funds as part of their deposit and would instead require the trust to sign a deed of gift. Sylvie’s parents were prepared to sign whatever was needed to help them.

The lawyer acting on the purchase of the property asked them if they wanted to make sure that their separate contributions to the property would remain theirs if they separated. The only way of doing that would be to enter into a contracting out agreement (like a pre nup) where they would agree that if they separated, they would get back their initial deposits rather than the whole property being shared 50/50.

Sylvie and Jack didn’t want to spend the extra money to prepare the agreement and pay for a separate lawyer each to give them independent legal advice, so decided to not do anything.

After seven years, they decided to separate. Sylvie wanted to stay in home ownership whereas Jack was going to head overseas. Sylvie’s parents offered to help her buy out Jack from his share in the property.

Sylvie had the house valued and put a proposal to Jack to buy him out of his share in the equity. She used their original contributions in the calculation, but divided the equity gain equally.

She also added in what they owed her parents' trust and told Jack to get his own legal advice.

After taking legal advice and being influenced by mates, Jack said the money lent from Sylvie’s parents trust had been a gift, as they signed a gifting document. He ignored the fact it had always been intended to be a loan.

The law said it had been signed off as a gift. Furthermore, he refused to acknowledge that Sylvie had put more in from her KiwiSaver and savings when they purchased the property.

Unless they had a contracting out agreement, because of the length of

their relationship, those contributions would be divided equally.

Sylvie bitterly regretted not spending the money on the contracting out agreement when they first purchased the property and her parents were annoyed that they had signed the gifting document at the behest of the mortgage broker and bank.

Life can change. Relationships evolve, circumstances shift, and decisions made early on can have lasting consequences – especially when influenced by others. Taking steps to protect your position from the outset can help avoid unexpected, emotional and costly outcomes down the track.

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

Understanding Relationship Property.

CRAFT E D L EGA L A DV ICE FOR PE ACE OF MI N D.

The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.

SPRUIK J22616

Income, property, KiwiSaver, intermingled inheritances and gifts from third parties are all considered relationship property when in a de facto relationship — unless both parties have entered into a Contracting Out Agreement.

Without one, relationship property would be shared equally upon separation, or even the death of one party, regardless of what anyone’s will said.

Know when your relationship is considered a de facto relationship under New Zealand legislation and protect your assets with a Contracting Out Agreement. Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team for specialist advice.

09 9 15 4380

DAV EN P O RTS L AW.C O.N Z

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026 | 9

Local Board Update By Lisa Whyte T

he reserve was looking spectacular for the Anzac service which was well attended. Things do not run smoothly by accident, and thanks must go to the CRRA and the Hall Committee for their tireless work behind the scenes to prepare in advance, then make us a coffee to warm up afterwards. The addition of a Community Choir and harpist this year was very special. I am also not aware of another service which is able to symbolise and commemorate the animals lost in war like we do by having a horse as part of proceedings.

Thanks to the Anderson family for bringing Bailey who was a superstar.

It has been fantastic to see all the visitors to the Coatesville reserve the last few weekends enjoying our beautiful Autumn leaves. Our village has no doubt brightened up many social media feeds as the leaves change.

Other Park activity that you may have noticed nearby include planting season being in full swing at Green Road. In addition to the great work that the Friends of Green Road do dealing with pest plants, approximately 27000 plants have gone in so far by

Lisa Whyte with Mike Rowe on ANZAC Day

the O Mahurangi Alliance Penlink team, with more going in in coming weeks.

There is a comprehensive programme of old tree removal, replacement planting, pathways, bridges and fencing work going on as part of mitigation for the environmental impacts of the Penlink project. Having these landscape improvements being done by the Alliance is providing us with a fast forward to the Green Road park we have looked forward to for so long.

We are in the home stretch for the Mill

@ FIVE BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED COATESVILLE LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Please join us for a post budget review from renowed economist Cameron Bagrie. Cameron boasts a 20-year career, having served as the Chief Economist at ANZ for over 11 years and holding positions at the National Bank, Treasury, and Statistics New Zealand.

THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2026 5PM - 7PM ( SPEAKER 5:30 PM ) 328 COATESVILLE-RIVERHEAD HWY

RSVP TO:

COATESVILLE BAYLEYS.CO.NZ @

10 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026

Flat Bridge project – the expected completion date is June and I am sure we will all be happy to see the Coatesville-Riverhead highway go back to two lanes when the project winds up.

Dairy Flat residents are devastated that the application to extend the Landfill operations by a further 8 years from the planned 2028 closure by Waste Management has been granted a Fast Track referral. A substantive application will be lodged shortly which the community is looking to oppose due to the inability of WM to mitigate the current odour issues they experience almost daily.

A reminder that if you see issues with council parks or trees you can report it : https://www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/en/report-problem/reporta-problem.html If there are transport issues you can report it: https://at.govt.nz/aboutus/street-maintenance/road-andfootpath-maintenance If you are not satisfied with the response please feel free to get in touch. My contact details are : Lisa.Whyte1@AucklandCouncil.govt. nz

GUEST SPEAKER

CAMERON BAGRIE

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

aquarium and pond specialists • • • •

pond advice pond design pond installation pond maintenance

CALL US TODAY 021 220 3745

OR EMAIL YOUR ENQUIRY TO info@redfishbluefish.co.nz

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

Advertise Your business here Email your enquiry today to: coatesvillechronicle@gmail.com

AUTO GATES LTD

, ---"c ----� --R-;�ote Go t;�,1�d Gat�s--'- -for Security & Convenience

Quality European Automation Contact: Stephen Hudson Tel: 0800 288 636 Stephen@AutoGates.com www.AutoGates.com

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.

THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026 | 11

The Winter Test

S

o, I’ve been thinking about what the colder months reveal about a Coatesville home. How will your lifestyle property perform in winter? It’s not just about the house. In winter, people notice whether the home gets good sun, whether the driveway holds up in wet weather, whether paddocks drain well, whether there is room for boots, coats and pets and whether outdoor living still feels connected to the home. Winter traditionally has few new listings however this is historically when we have strong sales conversions with genuine buyers; these are the buyers that come out when the rain and cold weather is upon us.

Often these buyers have sold over the previous summer and autumn months so there's a high chance they will be cash buyers.

Coatesville has a great winter charm with misty paddocks, fireplaces, gumboots by the door and gardens settling into their more dormant season. If you are on the market or looking to come to market in the winter, this is a great time to show warmth, comfort and practicality. A wellpresented lifestyle property with good heating, dry access, tidy fencing, shelter planting, usable sheds and a cosy living space can make your property a stand out from the rest.

For our lifestyle properties, winter is not the off-season; it is the season that quietly shows how well a home really works. Buyers will be critical with strong emphasis on natural light and afternoon sun and particularly since the weather events drainage and water run off around the home and paddocks. Do everything you can to front foot this whether it is extra drainage or the odd tree removed.

Call me to work through how to best showcase your property. Moving forward, for a full insight into how the market is tracking and what to expect in the coming months with the Budget just around the corner, join the team and I at our Bayleys @ 5 event with keynote speaker Economist Cameron Bagrie. You are all welcome. Please do drop us an email, call or text to confirm your attendance for catering. See you there!

THE ORIGINAL PET DOOR SPECIALISTS Quality cat and dog doors supplied NZ wide for installation into glass, timber or aluminium (installation available – Auckland only).

Collapsible pet recuperation/containment cages available for sale or hire.

0800 88 0800 www.petdoorsrus.co.nz 021 802 074 a/h for emergency cage hire (available Auckland only)

Tanks

CONTACT US Gary 021 630 322 northharbourwater.co.nz

Swimming pools Tank cleaning Commercial supply Drinking water for events

Local Mortgage Adviser “Need lending? Call me, I’m here to help.

I work with banks and specialist non-bank lenders to access finance not available direct to the public.”

Call Karen Renwick 021 126 7963 karen.renwick@mortgagelink.co.nz

Publicly Available Disclosure information is available at www.mortgagelinkalbany.co.nz

/., i'•/i Connect � •, I /• •

Residential and Commercial Electrical Services.

● Repairs & maintenance ● Kitchen & bathroom renovations ● Pool wiring ● Garden LED lighting ● Security LED lighting ● 24-hour call out service

Phone Kris: 022 332 6663 | email: kjackson@connectelectrics.co.nz

12 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | MAY 2026