November 2020

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER |NOVEMBER 2020 | No.221

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

126 Goes Off-Road The 126 bus journey from Albany to Westgate took a turn for the worse for five unlucky passengers last Friday morning. The bus they were travelling on encountered some kind of problem and ended up in a ditch on the opposite side of the Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, just up from Santa's Workshop. The Police attended the scene and a bus-sized tow truck extracted the 126 from its tight squeeze. Luckily, there were no casualties and the highway wasn't closed for too long.

The Westgate-bound 126 in a tight spot

see the roundabout in place.

“It will save other people from going through what Sophia experienced,” says Victoria.

Auckland Transport’s Rhandir Karma, Group Manager of Network Management AT, is also pleased with the solution at the intersection which for five years had ranked as one of the highest risk intersections in the country.

“It’s now part of our Safe System.

The roundabout removes the Continued on page 2.

New roundabout gives closure for accident victim and her family

Roundabout Completed

A

fter 13 months of construction interspersed with Covid-19 delays and additional work to reinforce a historic slip uncovered by contractors, the roundabout at the Dairy Flat Highway and CoatesvilleRiverhead Highway intersection is finally finished.

On Wednesday, 11 November the key participants involved in its development gathered at the site to mark its completion. Rodney Local Board member, Louise Johnston, was joined by representatives from

0272 984 000

Auckland Transport, contractors Dempsey Wood, the New Zealand Police as well as three special guests - Sophia Ivory and her grandparents Victoria and Anaru Tumahai.

On 14 June 2018, Sophia was in a serious car accident at the intersection that left her hospitalised for two months followed by two years of rehabilitation. The traumatic experience left her entire family unable to drive through the site for over a year.

Today, though, they feel pleased to

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NOVEMBER CONTENTS Editorial November news Clothing swap CWI: Queens of Kindness Water Tank Talk Local Board news It's Party time!

Pest Plant: gorse Classifieds Get the WOW factor

2 3 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12

Editorial

I

've been kept busy this month by community groups and events that have seen loads of people out and about again. It's felt like the old normal has come back into view.

As a result, in this issue there are photos from Halloween, the Charity Clothes Swap, AGMs and more. I've visited all sorts of venues, dined at both cafés and it's been wonderful to see lots of smiling faces and to know the local businesses are doing well again.

The feature story this month is about rainwater tanks. Many people in Coatesville are experts at managing their tanks but this story is more for newer residents who might need a few tips at the start of their lifestyle block life. No one wants a repeat of last summer's water issues and luckily the weather experts are forecasting more rain this summer than last year's drought. Even so, regularly checking your tank level is a habit that every household on rainwater tanks should develop.

At the moment, I'm having a close look at The Coatesville Chronicle's distribution. Don't worry if you see my black car loitering at your letterbox.

I'm not interfering with your mail, just delivering your copy of The Chronicle.

I delivered last month's edition too. If you didn't receive a copy last month and you'd like to receive it, please let me know. My contact details are in my signature.

While I was at the opening of the roundabout I got talking to Rhandir Karma from AT about the general feeling in the community towards the 60 kmph speed limit reduction on Coatesville-Riverhead Highway.

He was aware of the complaints. If the speed limit on the Highway is driving you crazy, fill in a feedback

form on Auckland Transport's website.

Go to https://at.govt.nz/about-us/ contact-us/feedback-form/ because although they don't monitor Facebook posts, feedback sent directly to them through proper channels will be factored in to their 12-month and three-year evaluations.

Your editor,

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

Continued from page 1. confusion from high-speed mistakes.

It enables people to make decisions and turn in an out safely. It will more than halve the amount of crashes in the location and in the last two years there have been around 30 crashes,” he says.

AT thanked Louise Johnston for making the roundabout her passion project. Louise had campaigned for a solution for several years but after Sophia’s accident, she says achieving an outcome went from being high priority, to urgent.

"I’m proud to have been able to advocate for the community. After Sophia’s accident, I felt a huge sense of responsibility and couldn’t take no for an answer. It was weight off my shoulders when AT repriortised this project to urgent. If we don’t have another serious injury at this intersection then I do believe that this is a job well done," she says.

At a cost of NZ$10 million, the roundabout came in on budget in spite of a redesign, which required more build work. It is supported by six retaining walls, includes storm water drainage (under the hump), lighting and was funded by the Fuel Tax.

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Diary Dates The following events are taking place if we remain at Alert Level 1. Please check the relevIant Facebook page and or website if that should change. ∞ 26 November, Thursday, It's Thanksgiving in the US today. ∞ 26 November, Thursday, The CRRA committee meets today at the Settlers Hall. ∞ 30 November, Monday, Community feedback to the proposed Airport Authirity Status at Dairy Flat aerodrome closes today. If you live locally and want to have your say, read Louise Johnston's update on page 8.

The changed status could see many more movements in and out of the aerodrome if approval is achieved. ∞ 4 December, Friday, CRRA Community BBQ and Xmas party at the Settlers Hall from 5pm today. Bring along your picnic hamper and enjoy some some family fun. ∞ 6 December, Sunday, The Coatesville Market is on today.

Head to the reserve and do some Christmas shopping. ∞ 18 December, Friday, Term 4 ends today at Coatesville School.

Happy holidays! ∞ 18 December, Friday, The final issue of The Coatesville Chronicle for 2020 is out today. Check your letterbox for your copy. ∞ 20 December, Sunday, Coatesville Market twilight market from 2pm. Bring a blanket and cop a squat under a tree with something chilled and a bite to eat.

The Coatesville Chronicle is distributed free to homes in the RD3 postal area. Deadline for content is 20th of the month prior to publication.

The opinions published herein are not necessarily those of the publisher, Cradle Publications Limited. © 2020 All rights reserved.

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NOVEMBER NEWS & EVENTS Halloween Hijinx

The Coatesville community got behind the idea of dressing up and eating lollies on Halloween. Playcentre families got together for a Halloween party and everyone — parents included — got their costumes on. Some families chose a theme like all four members of the Craig family who came dressed in rainbow unicorn onesies. Up the road, the Mowbray family invited local kids to come to the mansion's spooky-looking gate and help themselves to a Zuru toy from the toybox — sweet! Others took things a step further and headed down the highway to Riverhead for the annual Fright Night community trick or treat event. This year several hundred trick or treaters descended on the neighbourhood as darkness fell....

Top left; Playcentre families; from left; a toybox treat; locals at Fright Night; event organiser Jade and her daughter .

Art in the Park

Support is building for Art in the Park, Coatesville's very own art exhibition and sale at the hall and reserve.

Organiser Peter Whitcombe says local artists are coming forward but there's still space for more and he encourages anyone who's interested to get in touch either by phone 027 544 3047 or by email at coatesvilleartshow@gmail.com. Peter has promoted the event to a number of art centres and hopes there will be a wide range of art to see on the day. Art in the Park takes place on Saturday, 6 March from 9am till 4pm at the Settlers Hall and will raise much-needed funds for the St John's Ambulance service which will have a presence on the day.

He hopes that Art in the Park will become an annual event if there's enough support from the Coatesville community.

Check the fire status

If you're planning to burn garden waste in the coming weeks, remember to check the fire status in case it has moved to Restricted when you need a fire permit or Prohibited when no fires are allowed. Go to checkitsalright. nz. Also, spare a thought for the wedding crowds. Anyone who has managed to organise a wedding in this difficult year deserves one without smoke from nearby fires.

CHARAC AGM The Coatesville Settlers Hall and Reserve society held its AGM in October. As expected, Hall revenues were negatively affected by Covid-19, which had a significant impact on the number of bookings and cancellations between March and October. According to the financial report, this year's revenues were to $31,000 to the end of June 2020. The Hall interior was painted during this time so additional costs were also incurred. The entire hard-working committee who ensure the hall is in tip-top shape for all users, offered themselves for re-election and the following people were reappointed: Alan Curtis, Colin Mitten, Leanne Holder, Cate Haigh, Owen Sprosen, Ross Paterson, Phil Smith, Deb Bensley and Susan Haslam.

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THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | NOVEMBER 2020 | 3

Secret Garden: the tranquil view from a recent garden visit.

Garden Club News

With so much to view in gardens at this time of the year it is with much anticipation the Garden Club are off to Tauranga for our annual four-day tour. Wonderful gardens are the main focus but wining and dining in the local restaurants is in no way a smaller feature of the trip. Everything sounds like it will be quite lush as there has been no shortage of rain and sun.

With the ladies keeping in touch with regular visits to our fabulous local cafés, the blokes have started a Blokes and their Sheds visit each month. So far we've seen one of the country's best model train collections in action, plus a Vintage Car Club rooms and workshops. So much to chat about and reminisce we could have stayed all day.

More good things to look forward to include our annual Xmas fine dining lunch experience at Black Cottage with prizes awarded for the best blooms and produce of the year.

With the experts predicting no drought conditions this summer, the gardeners are quite relieved to not have the stress of watering and waiting for water tank deliveries to turn up.

Matea Trust AGM

Clothing Swap Sensation The 2020 Charity Clothing Swap was once again a success, attracting fashion-conscious females in search of designer bargains. Some queued for almost an hour as they waited for the clock to strike 10am and the hall doors to open.

Helping to keep their strength up was Sweet As Crepes and Harcourts coffee and cones van. The event raised $10,000 for Parent Aid North West. Awesome effort team!

Top; Organiser Bex Holland about to open the event; Lisa Shepherd and helper from Sweet as Crepes; two happy crepe consumers; lots of banter while waiting patiently; Ailsa selling tickets to the Ultimate Raffle; Chrissie Dunn ready to help the fashionistas find the right fit; Back of the queue but still smiling.

Jim and Judith Harris, shown right, were the special guests at this year's AGM for the Matea Trust. The couple who have lived in Sunnynook for 49 years are relocating and recently gifted the Trust a donation of more than $10,000. Chairman John Turrall thanked Jim and Judith and explained the money will be put to good use as the Trust has upcoming projects to fund, including the replacement of the waste water system expected to cost around $40,000. Anyone interested in supporting this project or contributing should contact the Matea Trust office on 09 415 7103.

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CWI: Our Kindness Queens

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ight now New Zealanders might be talking about the importance of being kind, but for the Women's Institute, kindness has been the cornerstone of virtually everything they do for the past century.

The Federation of New Zealand Women's Institutes as their actually known, began in 1921 and has been providing practical support to New Zealand communities ever since. Our own chapter, the Coatesville Women's Institute (CWI) is led by president Denise Bott and meets once a month at the Settlers Hall for a catch up on the first Thursday of the month at 7.15pm. Although they often invite a speaker, at their November meeting each member brought along a Christmas gift for a child in hospital or a child in need. The parcels were simply labeled boy or girl and with the suitable age. No one will know who bought them the gift and for the WI, that's how they approach all their good work.

Recently, the CWI team received a call from HQ that Auckland hospitals had run out of hospital buddy dolls. These dolls are used by doctors to help explain procedures to young patients. In no time at all they had a working bee set up and dolls were fast piling up in the corner of Val Moore's dining room. Although they don't seek recognition for what they do, this latest batch of hospital buddies carries a label that reads "Women's Institute Coatesville Chapter".

The dolls are a great illustration of the sort of practical support and care these industrious women provide. There's nothing schmaltzy about what they do. Everything has a purpose and will be of practical use to whoever needs it.

This year the Women's Institute of New Zealand is celebrating its 100th birthday and in February, members from the CWI will attend celebrations in the Hawkes Bay. New members are needed to keep the group thriving and for those wanting to find out more, go to: www.wi.org.nz. The Auckland North Federation is currently looking for a volunteer to help with bookkeeping. So, if you're computer literate and can spare a few hours each month, email Denise Bott at botswana@xtra.co.nz.

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Water supply

Christmas gifts for children collected at the November meeting

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All you need to know about Rainwate One of the main adjustments when moving from a suburban home on mains water to a lifestyle block with rainwater tanks is learning to manage your new water supply. With more city dwellers making the move, some are finding a steep learning curve while they get to grips with this essential part of rural life.

A

lthough, learning the ropes isn’t difficult, as the saying goes ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’.

And discovering you’ve run out of water and can’t fill the kettle or even flush the loo until the water carrier arrives can be stressful.

The information below will help you get through the summer without too many headaches.

Getting to know your system The starting point is to take a look inside your tanks. This will show you how much water you’ve got and whether or not you need to book a delivery. However, to understand the significance of the tank levels you first need to know your capacity, i.e. how much water your property’s tanks can store.

Generally speaking, most modern tanks contain 22,000-25,000 litres but some older concrete tanks contain less, 11,000 – 13,500 litres. In terms of appearance, not all tanks are equal either. Many are located above ground while some are partially or fully dug into the ground. There are also concrete tanks constructed beneath buildings and terrace tanks located

under the front steps of houses that you can’t see at all. Either way, access is via the tank lid and you need to open it to check out what’s inside.

Once you have, there are tools to help keep track of water levels, including tank level indicators - the ball on a rod that rises and falls.

Other options include smart apps like Tank Mate that send information to your phone, or the Kiwi ingenuity approach of a fishing line weighted on the outside and with a bottle on the inside of the tank. However you do it, monitoring your water level regularly is essential, especially if there hasn’t been much rain.

When to book a load?

Last summer’s drought caused a huge amount of stress for residents waiting for water to be delivered as well as for water carriers. Moving forward, many carriers are asking people to only book a delivery once water tanks are one-third full. Rachel Taylor of North Harbour Water, one of Coatesville’s largest carriers, goes further and asks people not to pre-book water their delivery.

“Our experience is that deliveries that

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Water tanks at the Settlers Hall use a tank level in

are pre-booked are often not needed when the scheduled delivery date comes around. In addition, people who pre-book often book with several water carriers to cover themselves and then two tankers will turn up at the address, leaving one of the water carriers out of pocket. Someone else needing water can also miss out as a result. The cost that water carriers charge customers to supply water is primarily in the transportation (on-road costs) and the time taken (travel and driver wages).

On average, it takes an hour to deliver a load of water and it’s a big expense for a water carrier to wear if they carry a load of water to an address and are then not able to deliver it,” she says.

er Tanks

However, if you shine the torch into your tanks and you can see the bottom, through crystal clear water, the tanks are likely to have had a full service in the past three to four years.

In this case, Garry says you can opt for a vacuum service. Tanks can be vacuumed when full of water and you will only lose around 30-40cm of water in your tanks. Vacuuming will remove the layer of sediment that settles on the floor of the tanks over a year or so, without losing the entire tank contents.

But in what seems like a weird twist, the key to clean water actually lies in the gutters of your roof. Because, whatever is in them will end up in your water tank.

So keeping gutters clear will pay off.

ndicator

Tank Maintenance Maintaining your rainwater tanks is just as important as monitoring your water level says Garry Stephenson, the owner of Healthy Water Tanks.

"People often ask me if they can get their water tested. When I shine a highpowered torch into the tank, I should be able to see the bottom and if I can’t and there’s debris in the water, the tank needs to be drained, scrubbed out and refilled. The old water can be used on the garden or around the property, so it doesn’t have to be wasted, but if the water is murky/brown, the water is obviously bad and most likely contaminated,” he says.

Filtration One of the horror stories of rainwater tanks is when an animal gets inside the tank, drowns and ends up contaminating the water. To prevent this it’s critical there are no entry points, says Garry. “Gaps caused by smaller pipes feeding into larger pipes often provide spaces for birds, mice and rats to get in. However, possums usually fall into tanks when people leave the lid off.”

How do you know this has happened? Garry says that by the time you can taste that there’s something wrong with the water, you’ve been drinking contaminated water for a couple of weeks.

“In my opinion, if you’re catching water off your roof, you need to add UV filtration. Although these systems cost over $2000 they help guard against Ecoli, Giardia and Campylobactor infections and add to

the value of your property,” he says.

This summer, Auckland Council has encouraged rural residents on rainwater tanks to increase their storage capacity by installing an extra tank if needed.

Garry advises people who have done this to make sure they don’t isolate their tanks (i.e. use one tank at a time).

“You need to use water from all of the tanks at the same time and have them fill up at the same time, otherwise, if a tank remains unused for three or four weeks, the water will go stagnant and start to smell bad then it’s only good for the garden,” says Garry.

Lastly, changing the water filter cartridges in the blue canisters every six months is another maintenance task that will help to keep your water fresh. If your water pressure drops all of a sudden it can be because your filter cartridges are full of sediment.

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Tank Tips from North Harbour Water 1. The average person uses 180 litres of water per day.

2. Most 4-person families use 11,000 litres (half a tank) of water in 2-3 weeks.

3. Keep a ladder beside your tank.

4. Check your water level once a week and if you do it at the same time you do another weekly chore, like putting out the rubbish, it becomes a habit.

5. Buy a tank gauge. You won't regret it.

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Rodney Local Board Update

By Louise Johnston

T

serious injury at this intersection then this is a job well done and for me that is 10 million dollars well spent.

And if you wondering what the big 'hump' is at the roundabout, this is what I got back from contractors .'It is in the design to ensure that the catchments for the stormwater are split between the northbound and southbound lanes of the roundabout.

This ensures that the catchments are split for the rainwater and also that the water runs away from the roundabout kerb.'

And the orange Pleased to be back cones will be taken in Parliament and away shortly. working hard on On another note, the date for the issues. feedback on North For appointments & assistance Shore Aero Club's please phone: 0800 582325. application to marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz become an Airport 7a/18 Oteha Valley Rd ext. Albany Authority have been extended to 30 November. I attended the public meeting held a Authorised by Marja Lubeck, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

here has been much debate on our local Facebook pages about our new roundabout. Its design, how long it has taken, the cost and if it should have been a roundabout at all. But there is no doubt that this is a massive safety improvement. We often forget how many accidents there were at this intersection. But we can never forget the horrific accident involving a young student, named Sophia just before 7am on 14 June 2018. It was so heartwarming to meet Sophia at the opening of the roundabout. I strongly believe that if we never have another

Marja Lubeck Labour List MP

SUBDIVIDING?

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8 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | NOVEMBER 2020

couple of weeks ago and it was very interesting to hear the long-term plans on the expansion of the airport at Postman's Road in Dairy Flat. In summary, the club is wanting to extend the runway to the south west to cater for 80-seater planes and to become a regional airport. The Airport Authority Status is the first step for doing this. At this meeting it was unclear if they get this status what local area would be covered by any future bylaws.

For more information please see link below. https://www.transport.govt.nz/ consultations/north-shore-airportsapplication-for-airport-authoritystatus/ Please get in contact if you need any further information.

Louise.Johnston@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz

Civil Defence

?

Don’t leave home without your mini Covid kit!

Clean & Green Have you located the closest “Love NZ” recycling bin?One can be found by the checkout just inside The Warehouse, Albany.

Who's coming to the party?

The Coatesville Residents and Ratepayers wish to invite all our local families and children to a pre-Christmas Community BBQ and get together. A chance to relax and mix and mingle with friends and neighbours.

The CRRA will provide a sausage sizzle plus there will be additional BBQs available for families who wish to cook their own.

Games will be available for all to enjoy and a special guest will be arriving for the children.

Bring your picnic rug and join us all for a lovely Community Xmas Picnic on Friday. 4 December from 5pm onwards.

We look forward to meeting you all.

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THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | NOVEMBER 2020 | 9

Pest Plant of the Month: Gorse

By Grant McKechnie

T

here is a theory that if you shut New Zealand for 100 years or so, when you came back only native plants would exist. Without any help native flora would self-seed, flourish and ultimately dominate introduced species. It’s a theory I believe, mostly.

What has this got to do with gorse?

Well, the hillside that we look out onto from our block was once covered in gorse. When we moved here the farmer would spray on a regular basis and keep it under control, then when the block was sold for development the spraying stopped and the gorse took off. In no time it was 2 to 3 metres tall. Over the next 5 years native plants started popping up through the gorse and by year 7, the only gorse you could see was on the outside edges. The rest of the hillside was dominated by tree ferns, manuka and kanuka with an understory of karamu mahoe and the like.

Now when you look at that hillside all you see are native plants, all self-sown with no intervention from humans. So, if that can happen so quickly, imagine what would happen over 100 years.

It helps of course that we have so much surrounding native vegetation providing a seed source, for birds to feed on and process and the wind to blow. But the gorse also played a role, one; by providing shelter for the young native seedlings who push themselves up through the gorse to get to the light, and two; gorse is a nitrogen fixing plant, it draws nitrogen from air and stores it in nodules on its roots. When the gorse dies because it is being smothered by the native plants this nitrogen is released into the soil feeding the surrounding plants further aiding their growth.

When I say I mostly believe in the 100-year theory, I think it might take a bit longer for the recovery to happen in the some parts of the South Island

Gorse: no longer prized as a hedge plant

where there is so few remnant forests left and the wilding trees are so vigorous.

So, how to get rid of your gorse, you know now that you could just do nothing which is very seldom an option with weeds. Otherwise it’s spraying with herbicides that contain either Metsulfuron-methyl, Triclopyr or a strong dose of Glyphosate will work, particularly if the gorse is small.

Alternatively, cut it down and dab the stump within 10 minutes with a triple strength of any of these chemicals.

Gorse was introduced in the 1800s as a hedge/fence plant to keep stock in and also grown for firewood. In fact, if you were leasing crown land you were required to plant hedgerows and one of the recommended plants was gorse, produced by the local nursery.

Imagine that! Actually, I did get asked a couple of times in the nursery for gorse plants. It quickly went from being not only sought after to also being cursed. Farmers were pleased with how quickly it grew for hedging purposes but not so pleased when it would pop up a metre away in the paddock, then it was a weed.

Gorse continued to be promoted as a good hedge plant well into the 1900s even though its invasive nature was well established by then.

Do your paddocks need mowing?

The recent rainfall in Coatesville followed by sunshine has caused a surge in growth for all plants, including pasture.

If the grass in your paddocks is long with grass seed heads forming, now's the time to book a tractor mow.

Warren Haigh of AOK mowing says that by cutting grass at this time of year, you remove the tough stalky content which is often difficult to mow with a rideon and encourage new grass to grow.

"Mowing prevents the grass from becoming dry and stalky and gives you a lush, greener look for longer. It also saves it from becoming a fire hazard in dry summer conditions," says Warren.

With Christmas a little over a month away, AOK are now taking bookings for paddock and lifestyle block mowing.

"Our new Kubota tractor and mower arrive next week so if you want your grass to look it's best for Christmas, call us today."

See the advertisement below for AOK's contact information.

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10 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | NOVEMBER 2020

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Phone 415 4445. Professional services at affordable prices.

Clean Queen I'll have your house looking like a castle. References supplied. Ph Angela 021 0832 9352 Clothes from Shellz Design, made to order, and my range of designer clothing plus alterations.

Michelle 027 472 9080.

Coatesville Mulch Mowing 1 to 50 acres, local contractor, affordable rates. Phone Warren and Brenda Mills on 415 6503 or 021 191 4195 Connect Electrics For all your electrical solutions, Phone Kris 022 332 6663 or 412 6066 Drapes, Blinds, Shutters: For the perfect fitting window treatments call Linda 09 416 0408, 021 914 121 Alterations & Repair service available. www.interiortailor.co.nz English Tuition Individual or group lessons for NCEA, Cambridge, IB, IELTS, English conversation and grammar. Any level.

Phone Diane 021 993680 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.

LAWN MOWING, You Grow & Joe will mow. Lifestyle, commercial and residential. Ph Joe 021 624 494 / joseph@propertyfit.co.nz Local Shearer, Kevin Abel, 021 223 5033

Nanny (experienced) Seeking longterm employment 30+ hours as current position ends soon. Happy by nature, patient, kind and caring. My speciality is with new-borns/prems, twins, toddlers, under 5ys. ECE level 3 and awesome references. Coatesville and surrounding areas considered. To keep your little ones safe and happy, text me on 021 02312108 or email lynntor@hotmail.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.

Zumba in the Settlers Hall, Mondays at 10am, at the Settlers Hall. $15 per session or $12 each if you buy five. For more information, call Hana on 021 0221 2714.

Time to advertise your business?

Call Vanessa on 021 724 001 or email: coatesvillechronicle @gmail.com

THE ODD JOB COMPANY Building and Landscaping Services ∞ Decks ∞ Fences ∞ Pergolas ∞ Retaining Walls ∞ Paving ∞ Concreting ∞ Drainage ∞ New Lawns ∞ Carports ∞ Horse Stables ∞ Stock Shelters ∞ Stock/Farm Fences

Get started on your project today.  Peter 0274 530 570 Peter@TheOddJobCompany.co.nz www.TheOddJobCompany.co.nz

www.facebook.com/TheOddJobCompanyNZ

Driving Miss Daisy Albany Companion driving covering Albany/Coatsville • Medical Appointments • Hairdresser / Shopping • Airport / rail / bus transfers • Pets to the vet • ACC contracted supplier * Pre-bookings essential

aquarium and pond specialists • • • •

pond advice pond design pond installa/on pond maintenance

CALL US TODAY 021 220 3745

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

Corlize Britz (09) 476 0011 | 021 503 547 THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | NOVEMBER 2020 | 11

Invest in the wow factor

T

he next few weeks and months are critical if you're looking to sell your home over the next six months because competition with other properties will be fierce.

So, think carefully about what you can do to your property to make it stand out and give it the ‘wow’ factor.

Buyers will have a list of their practical needs, however ‘that feeling’ they get when walking into a home is the most important connection for them to then move forward. And buyers’ have huge expectations with presentation.

Remember, your buyers will be looking at a number of different properties, so it’s important your home supersedes the others. There are many ways to enhance your home, so let’s focus on the interior. I have recently sold a home that was immaculate in every way with furniture, soft furnishings and art, even down to the candle smell and coffee percolating as I arrived for open homes and viewings. For many of us this doesn’t come easy, yet it’s super important to have your interior looking the best it can. There are incredibly good professionals that have an eye for staging and enhancing, and there are three levels of engagement that will increase the value of your home: (1) Home Staging; where experienced stylists come in and dress the property with their own range of high-end furniture and accessories.

(2) Home Enhancements; where the stylists will use your existing furnishings combined with their statement pieces.

(3) Decluttering; which allows buyers to see the maximum space of each area and gives the best appearance and feel of your home. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in real estate, beauty is clean and easy to view. A staged home will attract higher offers and that’s the key objective.

To understand the costs better, full Home Staging costs approximately $3,000-$4,000 plus GST for a four-bedroom home. This can vary depending on the size of the home.

Decluttering is charged on an hourly basis from $100–$140 per hour with an average home taking anywhere between 5–20 hours. Home Enhancement is often a split of the two and very home specific. These options are discussed with you early on so you have a full understanding of what will be achieved. Remember that staging your home will be your biggest and quickest return on investment. The total process from the home being staged, photographed, on the market for a campaign and end date, is roughly 5–6 weeks.

You will absolutely achieve a higher sale price as a result and indications suggest $50,000-plus is realistic. I have great connections with staging professionals, so call me now to discuss the option that best suits your home.

From now until Christmas, let’s look at photography. If you're thinking of putting your property on the market this summer, you need to set a marketing strategy now and photography is the key selling tool.

Have your marketing photos taken over the next six weeks. Call me to discuss how we can use this time to set the best strategy possible to get you the best result!

0272 984 000

12 | THE COATESVILLE CHRONICLE | NOVEMBER 2020

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)

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.”

Karen Renwick: 021 126 7963 karen.renwick@mortgagelink.co.nz www.mortgagelinkalbany.co.nz

Disclosure statement available on request and free of charge