Lizard News February 2018

Lizard News FEBRUARY 2018

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

More inside: Land talks for NZTA

Slip property updates

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PHOTO: Courtesy of Waipuna Hospice.

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newS and adveRTISIng 07 548 1200 matthew@lizardnews.net www.lizardnews.net Matthew Farrell News & Advertising 027 549 5410

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Editor

ur male greyhound Ace went missing on Friday 29th December in rural Whakamārama. He somehow got out from our fully-fenced and closed-gate property and completely disappeared.

He is a gentle soul who was re-homed through Greyhounds As Pets.

The last sighting was about 1 pm near the water/swimming hole on Whakamārama Road that day. He is 11 years old, very shy, not food motivated and is desperately missed.

This is our last-ditch appeal for information about our dog, as so far letterbox fliers and road signs have had no success.

Please phone or text 027 4844 199.

Angela McRae

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LaYouT & deSIgn Inhouse Design and Print, Matamata office@inhousedesignandprint.co.nz pRInTIng Inkwise

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| Lizard news | February 2018

reply to Mr Cameron (Lizard News, January).

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Graham Bidois Cameron, sounds like English, French and Scottish ancestry and the Pirirākau (cling to a tree or weapon?) would be the final quarter of your heritage. Isn't a Māori name good enough?

Mr Cameron shows a very distorted view of history. The valid document signed by about 500 chiefs was Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a clear translation by Henry and Edward Williams of the final draft (Littlewood's document found by his descendants in 1989) on the eve of the signing the final draft was penned by Busby and approved, with his signature,

by Hobson. This has been verified by National Archives. The English version signed by only 49 chiefs, replacing the missing final draft, has been accepted as the official version. It is invalid.

The sovereignty of the Queen, completely and forever " atu tonu tau-Te Kāwanatanga Katoa o tātou whenua" was accepted and verified by the two hundred chiefs, including Rewa, Te Kēmara and Kawiti at the Kohimarama Conference in 1860 and by Sir Apirana Ngata later. "Unqualified exercise of chieftainship..." claimed by Mr Cameron was ceded.

"Two sovereign nations..." Mr Cameron quotes. Māori did not have a notion of a nation but were a disparate group of tribes with no collective structure or tikanga, and their only commonality was

extreme antipathy towards each other.

'Sovereign' who or of what?

“Rights of British citizens..." is used for Mr Cameron's version of Article Three.

The term used in the Treaty is not citizens but 'British Subjects,' a term carefully avoided by Mr Cameron, as it signifies a subordinate relationship of Māori to the sovereign and completely destroys the claim of a partnership.

The Treaty is not our founding document. It merely made New Zealand a subsidiary of the colony of New South Wales, subject to its laws. The Queen's Charter, issued on 16th November 1840, made New Zealand a self-governing, independent colony with its own government and judiciary. That is our founding document and should be acknowledged and celebrated as such.

Fear of the annihilation of the race in the Musket Wars, over 45,000 killed, was very much in the minds of the 13 Ngāpuhi chiefs when they petitioned William IV in November 1831, asking for his aid. Utu was also in their minds as other tribes now had muskets and retribution for Hongi's rampages was at hand. Our noted historians avoid reporting these facts for fear of offending Māori. Are those Māori, wanting school syllabuses to contain Māori history, wanting to mention this history?

If Māori, with their $50 million assets, accrued in no small part from Treaty Settlements' monies, the capital value of acquired assets, Fisheries and Forestry and untaxed business operations, cannot solve their many unique problems I don't want them trying to solve mine.

Finally Mr Cameron, your pathetic, piece of Purple Prose, "a good Māori person.....bows their head (a collective noggin) ......colonisation." He bows his head to the colonisers because he still has a head to bow. Kiaano upoko koohua-tia.

All I want is that New Zealanders regard themselves primarily as New Zealanders and don't consider that their ethnicity is paramount and entitles them to privileges denied their fellow citizens.

Bryan Johnson here is a problem that you find across Hobson's Pledge, with the groups convinced that Vikings got to Aotearoa first, with people who still cling to the idea that the Moriori were the first inhabitants and eaten by Māori, and any other group of similar ilk. That problem is captured perfectly in the sixth paragraph of Bryan's response: "Our noted historians avoid reporting these facts for fear of offending Māori.

Are those Māori, wanting school syllabuses to contain Māori history, wanting to mention this history?"

The problem is conspiracy. When one is convinced of a conspiracy, then information is filtered to confirm the conspiracy. So Bryan takes the last half a century of New Zealand historiography that includes such luminaries as Dame Anne Salmond, Jamie Belich, Claudia Orange and Judith Binney, and consigns it to the bin marked: "doesn't fit with what I believe."

The conspiracy is this: every academic

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INTERESTED IN HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY? The Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade requires more FIREFIGHTERS and personnel for the MEDICAL FIRST RESPONSE TEAM. Full training is given, driving courses are mandatory, full uniform provided.

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historian since 1960 and every government since 1975 in New Zealand has agreed to hide the truth about Māori and Crown relations and conflict and Te Tiriti o Waitangi from the public. And the (conspiracy theorist) truth is that the Littlewood Treaty is the official version, which affirms that pākehā should be in charge of everything just like we knew all along, but it has been suppressed to advantage those dastardly Māori.

Unfortunately, there's no real discussion to have here because the argument is founded in fantasy, not reality.

Graham Bidois Cameron hank you both. As you’ve each had two letters published and retain opposing views, we will close this correspondence for now to prevent any deterioration.

The Hobson’s Pledge group set up by former National Party and ACT leader Don Brash has been organising petitions against Māori ward decisions by councils in Kaikōura, Palmerston North, Manawatū, Western Bay of Plenty and neighbouring Whakatāne.

Whakatāne Mayor Tony Bonne is urging voters to ignore the petition. He told Waatea News the nation is maturing and people understand it is important to foster strong, meaningful relationships with Māori.

Labour list MP Kiri Allan says she hopes Māori wards will lead to greater participation in local politics, as there hasn’t been much Māori representation at the council level.

She told Newshub there has been a disconnect for many years and the petition organisers are pushing a sad, old race rhetoric divide.

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller says if there is a poll he would hope for a big turnout.

“This is a move to increase participation and connection between the community and elected officials. It would be worth people’s considered reflection.

These wards appear to work pretty well in the parts of the country where they’ve been put in place. But for some people, it arouses strong emotions, and that needs to be acknowledged. The public will decide whether there is merit in this proposal,” he tells Lizard News.

Anti-Māori ward campaigner Richard McNair of Te Puke can be contacted on 0274 749 812 or richardmcnair02@gmail.com If 1705 signatures are received by Western Bay of Plenty District Council by 5 pm on February 21st, a poll would be held by May. No other ward decision by Councils, including rural wards, can be forced to a similar binding vote.

Matthew

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News credibility

Letters continued on page 4

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e welcome your feedback and letters to the editor. We strive for accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting news of public interest. We request that contributors assist us in upholding standards of decency and privacy - avoiding discrimination and defamation. We reserve the right to edit or abridge submitted material and will identify scribes where appropriate, other than where confidentiality has been assured. Unless an article is marked as supplied, those without bylines will typically have been written by the editor.

lizardnews.net

Getting a slice of the action eighborhood Pizzeria opened its doors just before Christmas. We caught up with Marcel to find out how things have been going.

It’s taken a while to come to fruition could you detail how long it’s been and how does it feel to have Ōmokoroa up and running at last?

It’s been a long time. I left Gisborne in August 2016 and have been working on it behind the scenes since that day. It’s been a mission, to say the least. It feels amazing to be in the community and doing what we do best which is making pizza - not managing projects. It’s a really good feeling to be open.

How has having an existing branch in Gisborne helped with setting up here?

It means that we know what it looks like to make lots of pizza - and the service we want to offer. We’ve been practising for two years, I guess. Same recipes, same style, same dough, same love. It took a while to find the sweet spot in Gisborne, and here in Ōmokoroa we’ve been able to go right to the good zone. No fine tuning. No menu development. Just rolling out the same setup.

Why did you choose Ōmokoroa?

I think the natural growth in the next five to ten years is something we’re excited about and it's not a short-term project for us. It’s something we want to continue as long as possible. There are articles every day in the media about Bay of Plenty and how the region is growing so we feel like it’s a good time to be here.

It’s quite a similar neighbourhood feel to

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where we were in Gisborne, so we’re trying to replicate that.

What sort of response have you had to opening here in the first few weeks?

It’s been really good. We’re really happy. As I mentioned, my family came here in August 2016, so we’ve settled in.

People have seen how slow it has been which has been a good form of advertising in some ways - seeing the building develop. A lot of people have been in to check it out. Long may it continue.

Are you trying to source any product locally?

Yes. We have a garden that we have been using for seasonal produce like herbs, spinach and rocket. It is hard to keep up with demand, so we’re entertaining thoughts of further gardens. There's also a pizza called the local Margherita which, in Gisborne, we use a local cheese, so we’re trying to find a local cheese supplier here.

We’ll just continue trying to find little avenues into the community whether its sourcing produce or sharing news, or being involved with the school. We’re looking at how we can go

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living it. Quality is the difference, I hope.

Hopefully, Ōmokoroa can taste the love.

Just for fun, what's your most and least favourite pizza topping?

Margherita is the most important pizza because it’s the most simple and affordable. The balance on that pizza is really important. The tomato sauce, which is my mum’s recipe, garlic oil, basil, the single olive in the middle.

That’s the pizza we sell most of. If you do that really well, then it all starts there.

It’s the basis for everything else where we just put our spin on the pizza concept with different topping combinations.

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deeper into the community.

How does the pizza experience with you differ to the multiple owned franchises?

For starters, we’re a different style of pizza based on the Italian principle of less is more, ingredients wise. And trying to get the product in on a daily basis. We prepare it all from scratch - sauces, dough, marinades, free-range chicken, ham etc. We’re trying to engage with people and offer a great service and a quality product. We love what we do: cooking, serving. We’re not just sat in an office watching the sales come in. We’re

Gizzy (06) 868 7174 Omokoroa (07) 548 2858

WWW.NEIGHBORHOOD PIZZERIA.CO.NZ

Sales office open Thursday and Friday 12pm until 4pm Sunday 11am until 3pm 27 Kayelene Place, Omokoroa www.augustarise.co.nz February 2018 | Lizard News |

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Letters continued

ttention all dog owners. Due to a recent local dog attack resulting in injury to our pet and a vet bill, we wish to make this statement.

If any dogs ever attack our dog again, as we walk with him on leash around Ōmokoroa, we will take immediate action and report the full details of the dog and the incident to the Council.

Tony and Paula Bowman

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am very distressed to hear that your dog has been attacked in this manner and the correct and proper thing to do is to report the attack to Western Bay Council. This can be done 24 hrs a day by phone, 571 8008, by email to customerservice@westernbay.govt.nz or via the "Report It" webpage on the Council website.

You may feel uneasy about having to report such an incident, but as a responsible dog owner, you pay a registration fee - which allows the Council to employ Dog Control Officers to deal with unrestrained dogs in public places. Next time it may be a child that is attacked by this dog.

The objectives of the Council's Dog Control policy include: to minimise the danger, distress and nuisance of dogs to the community generally; to minimise the likelihood for conflict between dogs and the public; to avoid danger from uncontrolled dogs having access to public places which are frequented by children whether or not the children are accompanied by adults; to minimise, to the

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extent that is practicable, the public fear of attack or intimidation by dogs; and to actively promote the responsible ownership of dogs.

For example, the Dog Control Bylaw is quite specific about the requirement for dogs to be on a leash on the entire length of the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga walkway/cycleway. The only exception is the grass area of Cooney Reserve where dogs can be exercised so long as they are under control. Rushing up to and leaping at other people in the area, as we have experienced, is not considered to be "under control".

The Bylaw states, "For the avoidance of doubt, the area at the end of Beach Grove is a Dogs on Leash Area." It could not be more clear. Thank you for being a responsible dog owner, who takes the need for dogs on a leash seriously.

Murray Grainger, Chairman, Ōmokoroa Community Board t Christmas/New Year holiday time we were in Melbourne visiting family and for the first time decided to go the beautiful Yarra Valley (a tip - wineries not open on a Monday).

On travelling on some of the roads, we came across ROUGH ROAD REDUCE SPEED signs. I said to my husband, "it better not be a gravel road; it isn't covered by rental car insurance." The roads had a very uneven surface, with bumps and small potholes. It was nowhere near as bad as Ōmokoroa Road, but it was great having a sign saying rough road.

We were told in December the upgrading of Ōmokoroa Road would not be completed until June 2018. Do ratepay-

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ers have to put up with the surface of the road until then? I have been over better farm tracks. It looks like the road will only be upgraded to the rail bridge

by Settlers Hall. What about from there to the Esplanade, which is a shocking surface? Travel along this road with a pack of beer or wine in the boot and hear the bottles knock together. I have travelled from Pāpāmoa to Ōmokoroa with two dishes in the back of the car.

They were OK until Ōmokoroa Road and then I thought they would be broken by the time we got home. Imagine the damage to Ōmokoroa Road from the logging trucks coming across now from Matakana Island every day.

Wendy Galloway oncerning Māori Wards: Many of the arguments hinge back to the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi.

When that Treaty was signed in 1840, the world was a very different place. For example, no electricity; no telephones; no radio; no cars or tarmac roads; no motor vehicles; no aeroplanes; no supermarkets; no Labour Party; no government-funded hospital care; no government-funded educational facilities; no pensions; no welfare benefit; the list could go on and on.

The population was small compared with that of today and the Māori people, who would have greatly outnumbered the settlers, would have known nothing other than their way of life in Aotearoa.

The concept of a central government treating all iwi and pākehā equally would have been unknown then, but, today, many descendants of those Māori are Members of Parliament.

With the expansion of the settlers, much Māori land was lost for which the Treaty is rightly recompensing their descendants.

The Māori culture and language are very much alive for those who wish it, and the marae provides a sense of community, cultural focus and care which can only be admired.

BUT - to divide local government on the grounds of race is, per se, a very divisive step which can only cause dissension. All councillors undertake to answer the needs of all members of the community regardless of race.

If members of our community feel that Māori are being neglected, why not put up a person for election who is representative of their cultural needs?

C H Arnold

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| Lizard News | February 2018

Fire permits suspension lifted: Rain in the Western Bay area since the New Year lowered the fire danger enough to again allow issuing of fire permits.

Weather conditions are being monitored and the situation may change. If you have an expired permit, you'll need to reapply at pumicelands.co.nz

Woman located safely: Police say a Land Search & Rescue mission to find a woman in the north end of the Kaimai Range was successful, because the missing party left her trip intentions with family. Sheree Tuahuru was located near the Waitawheta Hut. Tauranga Police thank Land SAR and the Amateur Radio Emergency Communication group. Sergeant Craig Madden says trampers shouldn’t rely on internet maps and cell phones to navigate.

Love the arts? Get involved fast! Creative Bay of Plenty is looking for people to help assess applications for Creative Communities funding, on behalf of Tauranga City and Western Bay of Plenty District Councils. Lena Kovac can be emailed at lena@creativebop.org.nz but the deadline is Friday 9th February.

Visit TECT Park this summer: TECT All Terrain Park is located in the Western Bay District between Tauranga and Rotorua. There's so much to do there you can check out their awesome promo video at facebook.com/westernbaycouncil - and put the Park on your 'to do' list.

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Insurance deadlock for policy-holders

By Matthew Farrell round the Omokoroa peninsula at 2 Beach Grove, owners Steve and Lesley Alexander say they have settled with EQC and are working through an assessment with

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their private insurer to identify the scope of repair.

"The process has been prolonged and frustrating," admits Lesley.

She says a comprehensive report on damage to the dwelling and services can't be completed until the landslip is cleared. The Alexanders are in discussion with engineers and contractors as we go to press.

Another resident says invasive rubber-necking has been ongoing since April, perhaps doubling the amount of traffic in the small no-exit road.

An outbuilding continues to defy gravity at Number 37.

The owners of 2 Beach Grove are as-yet unable to claim on private insurance.

Red stickers at 37 and 39 are visible from the McDonnell Street pavement.

A car, wedged in the Alexanders’ garage after the slip, was broken into and had its wheels removed earlier last year - before being brazenly stolen in broad daylight on a Sunday afternoon in November.

Several locals saw it happening and spoke to the men hooking the car to a removal company truck. They claimed they were retrieving it for the insurers. Lesley says both times, the Police were excellent and made quick arrests. The car was found in Whakamārama within a week.

Elsewhere, a resident of McDonnell Street says she is relieved for her former neighbour at number 37 after the home was red-stickered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

“They’ve been caught between EQC, the insurers and the Council. I’m pleased they have a resolution now, which at least allows them to make new plans and move forward,” she says.

The resident is hoping the dwelling might be replaced by a community fruit garden project when it is demolished.

The District Council’s Peter Clark says the environmental engineering consultancy, Tonkin and Taylor, have produced reports for numbers 37 and 39.

“Number 37 has been declared unsafe, while 39 was declared unsanitary, which meant our building team was able to put up red stickers last month,” he explains.

The unsanitary notice on 39 is temporary and will be removed once wastewater and stormwater are reconnected.

Council is currently reviewing options

for reconnection.

Peter says Council is not involved with properties at 2 Beach Grove or 39 Harbour View Road.

“We were concerned about the road at Harbour View, but the owner has responded well to stabilise her property.

No Council land is involved there, and the safety issue has been taken care of.

The owner has been very responsive, as far as I am concerned,” says Peter.

Turner Road/SH2 crash investigation he Serious Crash Unit has been investigating the cause of a fatal collision between two vehicles on State Highway 2 in Whakamārama last month.

One person was confirmed dead at the scene. Three others were transported to Tauranga hospital with serious injuries.

Police later released the name of the man who died. He was 27-year-old Daniel William Thompson of Katikati.

Emergency services attended the accident involving a car and van near the intersection of State Highway 2 and Turner Road at around 11:40 pm on Saturday 13th January.

Diversions for light vehicles only were put in place using Wainui South Road and Esdaile Road.

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Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt

he Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade firefighting team encountered a quiet Christmas and New Year, with two calls being recorded on the 28th. Firefighters responded to a medical call in Whakamārama Road and on the way down encountered an illegal burn which they extinguished.

The first callout for 2018 was at 6 am to State Highway 2 at Apata; a reported shed fire. Upon arrival, we found an electrical converter had overheated setting off the fire alarms in the shed. This alerted the property owner who upon investigating, switched off the power supply. Luckily no fire ensued and, the owner was congratulated for his smoke alarm installation.

At the beginning of the storm on Thursday 4th January at around 11 pm, the Brigade was called to a tree blown over on Esdaile Road. At 10.30am on Friday, there were three calls in quick succession. Two were to flooding incidents at Matahiwi Road and then The Esplanade in Ōmokoroa. These were tide-related with no Brigade action. A tree branch had fallen across State Highway 2 at Aongatete, but it was dragged off the road by passing motorists.

The First Responders had been very quiet, responding to two calls around Christmas time. 28th December was to the medical in Whakamārama Road, and their first alert for 2018 was to a pa-

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tient suffering from breathing problems in Ōmokoroa Road.

There was a week with no callout before the horrendous motor vehicle accident on State Highway 2 by Turner Road at around 11.30pm on Saturday 13th January. Unfortunately, a fatality occurred amongst the carnage. There was another early morning callout at about 2 am on Monday 15th January, this time to a private fire alarm at Ōmokoroa No. 1 School which was a faulty detector activation. There was no Brigade action.

There was another MVA, this time on the Apata passing lanes on Sunday 21st when a car hit the safety barrier on the left side of the road and ended up on the wrong side of the road. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. Drivers need to have patience and concentrate on their driving, having consideration for all other road users. Ōmokoroa First Responders have been rather quiet lately with two turnouts, to the MVAs. Firefighters responded 93 times last year. The First Responders were called 108 times.

We are still looking for more volunteers for both. If you could spare a moment, we have personnel who would be pleased to show you our station and provide information on how we protect our growing community. We need more people in the neighbourhood to join us.

lizardnews.net

“It’s like a knife is slicing the section”

By Matthew Farrell ocally-based National and Labour MPs have expressed interest in meeting the owners of one of the most slip-affected homes in Ōmokoroa, following last autumn’s weather events.

The District Council says it is unable to red-sticker 10 Kōwai Grove.

A report by consultants Tonkin & Taylor has suggested a high probability of further slips towards the dwelling, but it considers the risk to be similar to that faced by many other cliff top properties on the peninsula.

The report says the dwelling can be reoccupied on three conditions. Firstly, the deck, patio and rear lawn cannot be used and must be fenced off. Secondly, frequent observations would be needed for any new signs of instability. Thirdly, progress would need to be made towards mitigating the underlying landslip risk.

However, the report acknowledges the ground and slope stability would need to be analysed further to confirm whether any appropriate engineering solution exists which makes financial sense.

“We’re being told we have to move back in after doing remedial work which must take place, on land we’re being told is unsafe, and we must not access,” says Rhys Bradford. He and his partner Jody Sawyers have until April to accept or refuse an offer of EQC compensation, which only covers the part of their sec-

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tion which fell into the harbour.

They understand the offer is subject to Clause 28 of the EQC legislation, which would prohibit any future claims on the home. Their insurance policy renewed in October and the house is no longer covered for slip damage as a result of last April’s events.

“This situation has been so stressful, it is taking a toll on us,” says Jody.

She says the land has been gradually worsening.

“It is like someone has a knife and is slicing at the section. EQC recently contacted us again just to ask if we would be accepting their offer. Currently, no; we are not going to say we will accept it - because of Clause 28,” explains Jody.

Looking at their case has been the

Council's former Development Engineering Manager, Peter Clark, who is now semi-retired and works for Council on a casual contract.

He says there is sadly nothing the District Council can do.

“If you lose your front or backyard, but the house isn’t affected - and the slip ‘may’ not progress for 10 or 20 years under the rules, a report will say the house is ‘safe’, even if the garden isn’t.

That’s the legislation EQC work to, with their one-year timeframe. But there’s no real way of saying when the house will be ‘unsafe’.”

This case may well be one of many around coastal New Zealand in the potentially stormy years ahead. While some will call caveat emptor, others

might feel that offering a small percentage of the value of such homes - in such circumstances - is perhaps unfair on those being asked to live in dwellings in fear of their lives, because of the framing of the current EQC legislation.

They can’t mow the lawn or hang up their laundry. Would you put your family in there? The land under the house is worth nothing, and now it can’t be insured. Maybe the system needs re-examining if the policies we pay for aren’t worth the paper they’re written on.

The government and the insurance industry are going to have to prepare for a new long-term future. But right now, Rhys and Jody need a short-term solution.

Kōwai Grove from a kayak, after the slips last April. PHOTO: Murray Grainger.

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Landowners told of expressway to Ōmokoroa

By Matthew Farrell otentially affected landowners have been notified by NZTA of draft proposals to build a fourlane motorway grade road from Tauranga to Ōmokoroa between 2023 and 2027.

The concept drawings mailed to landowners show a seven-kilometre Ōmokoroa to Te Puna four-lane highway, complete with potentially-affected properties.

NZTA says it is giving property owners the courtesy of having conversations with the Transport Agency about land requirements, before releasing this information more widely.

The technical drawings from the Hamilton office of Opus detail a concept road alignment named ‘Option 6E’. These match NZTA’s ‘favoured option’ billboards (see inset) displayed at public meetings last year, and confirmed as final options just before Christmas.

The Tauranga Northern Link from Tākitimu Drive ends at Loop Road in Te Puna.

The Ōmokoroa to Te Puna highway appears to be a continuation of the TNL through to the Tākitimu Drive toll road.

No access is shown on or off the highway at Loop Road.

The preliminary engineering plans are drawn on aerial photographs, showing on and off ramps at Ōmokoroa Road and Youngson Road where there would be a new flyover.

current State Highway 2. The existing SH2 would become a twolane local link road in some parts of the indicative alignment plan, and a four-lane expressway in other places.

Te Karaka Drive, Gill Lane and Snodgrass Road would have local link road access but not expressway access.

NZTA’s System Design Senior Manager, Brett Gliddon, says the community showed strong support for the options at open days last year.

“We have spoken with the community, and the priority here is to prevent people dying or being seriously injured along this stretch of road. That is why we have started work on interim safety improvements at key intersections.

“We will also be preparing for safety improvements such as wide centrelines and installing side barriers from this year and speaking more to the community about reducing the speed along State Highway 2,” Mr Gliddon says.

Meetings with potentially affected landowners are expected to happen this March and April. Ōmokoroa resident Simon Priest, who received the latest NZTA/Opus letter says he agrees with

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A proposed realignment of Francis Road is retained, but the NZTA’s drawings show it joining Ōmokoroa Road closer to SH2 than the District Council’s plan revealed at last year’s WBoPDC community conversations.

There is a new local link road and a flyover at Plummers Point Road, connected to a northbound only off-ramp and no on-ramp for the expressway at Barrett Road.

There’s another flyover at Te Puna Quarry Road, which appears to provide the only connectivity for Munro Road and Ainsworth Road which would both lose direct access to the

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| Lizard News | February 2018

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lizardnews.net all the plans, but he wants it to happen now.

“Especially the Ōmokoroa intersection.

They just need to confirm that part of the project design, buy the land and make a start. Then people can carry on with their lives and make decisions, instead of this uncertainty,” he says.

War of words over transport funding

he government clashed with National last month regarding the Opposition’s transport campaign strategy, concerning election policy pledges made by National in August.

National MPs Todd Muller (Bay of Plenty) and Scott Simpson (Coromandel) have launched a petition in support of Katikati to Tauranga four-laning and the Katikati bypass.

“I am particularly focused on ensuring Ōmokoroa is provided with a grade-separated connection. This work has to start immediately," says Todd Muller.

“The bypass of Katikati was warmly welcomed locally. This critical investment must go ahead, and the construc-

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tion of the TNL must begin this year," says Scott Simpson.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford says it is misleading for the Opposition to describe its election campaign promises as “highway projects” when they never existed as costed roads.

“The Labour-led Government has not altered any existing roading projects except Auckland’s East-West link. It is not possible for the Government to take money from current roading projects in the National Land Transport Programme. Those projects are managed by the NZ Transport Agency at arm’s length from Government,” says Mr Twyford.

Peter Myson of Whakamārama is angry his local road has become a political football.

“National dangled a pre-election unfunded promise. Now they accuse Labour of canning their lolly. They need to stop scaremongering and spreading misinformation, in particular considering people are dying in accidents,” Peter posted on Facebook.com/LizardNews in response to news of the petition.

Death and injury data ollowing a written request for data, NZTA informs Lizard News that between 2011 and 2015, 64 people were seriously injured or died on the Waihī-Tauranga route.

Six were killed, and 12 were seriously injured during the 2016 calendar year.

Two died, and seven were seriously injured between 16th January 2017 and

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16th January 2018.

“Due to the police reporting time frame and subsequent data processing, there is a lag from the time of any crash, to full and correct records. For this reason, the available 2017 and 2018 injury crash data is incomplete,” says an NZTA spokesperson.

Mayor questions prospect of another toll road ocuments released under the Official Information Act show the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is looking at tolls for four uncompleted roads nationally – including the yet to be built Tauranga Northern Link.

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor Garry Webber says while he accepts tolling is a tool NZTA could use to speed up the building of State Highways, he questions the equity of the approach across New Zealand.

“The Western Bay already has two out the country’s three toll roads, the Tauranga Eastern Link, which has been tolled since 2015 and Tākitimu Drive, tolled from 2003.

“There’s no doubt these roads have brought significant benefit, particularly regarding efficiency and safety. However, it’s hard to reconcile the Western Bay sub-region could end up with another toll road while other large-scale roading network upgrades and improvements in Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury have been progressed without tolling.”

Garry understands the outcomes of the Tauranga Northern Link tolling investigation are not expected until mid2018.

“I’m not going to predict the final outcome. However, I will be reminding the central government of the need for equity when it comes to applying road funding tools around the country.

“It’s vital the right balance is struck be-

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tween the benefit of yet another toll road to the residents of the Western Bay subregion and the additional cost to those same residents, businesses and visitors compared to residents in other areas who do not have toll roads.”

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Appointment set to invigorate Māori horticultural sector

Kids feed into playground design

respected former commercial lawyer has date and evaluate our understanding as Ka been appointed to lead an innovative Matau, Ka Ora progresses.” The Miro Blueberry movement in the Māori horticultural sec- opportunity promoted by Tūhono Whenua is antor that will provide a contextualised system of other exciting prospect for economic diversity learning, knowledge transfer, and transformation for Māori and the region. The initiative involves based on collective and collaborative approaches 26 Māori and iwi trusts and incorporations to change. Of Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Awa, through a capital raise of circa $11 million.

Whakatōhea and Te Rarawa whakapapa, Stacey Ms Māreroa’s appointment is supported by a Māreroa is the kaiwhakahaere (project manager) board of directors comprising Dr Riri Ellis, Traci of Tūhono Whenua Horticulture Limited and will Haupapa, Steve Saunders and Gerry Gardiner. drive implementation of a strategy called ‘Ka She is based at the Newham Horticultural InnoMatau, Ka Ora – living through healthy people’. vation Park at Te Puna, alongside the Plus Group “Tūhono Whenua exists to improve on-orchard of companies. management capability, Māori governance capaArticle supplied by Priority One. bility, and ultimately, orchard performance in a way that is innovative and industry attuned, but tempered by our cultural expectations,” says Ms Māreroa.

She maintains that learning starts with understanding our land, plants and our relationship with their needs and regionally unique attributes. One of the roles Ms Māreroa will have is to work with trusts which seek to grow the capacity and capability of their people towards high skilled, high-value job opportunities. “We now have a deep understanding of the key strategic, commercial and cultural drivers to achieve sustainable success for our people, but most importantly we will continue to vali- Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern with Stacey Māreroa at a hui in Rotorua.

By Matthew Farrell he initial proposed designs for a new community-driven playground near the skate path at Western Avenue Reserve may soon be available for broader consultation for everybody.

The Ōmokoroa Community Playground Group of enthusiastic adults includes parents from neighbouring areas beyond the peninsula.

Local children have had a tremendous amount of input into the concept, too. Ōmokoroa Point School junior classes enthusiastically made models, drew plans, and learned about real-world project management issues late last year.

A senior class, Room 8, also held a design day after a briefing from Tim Lander of landscape architects LOAM. The classroom teacher, Associate Principal Stephen Hall, says the students couldn’t wait to get started.

“They were buzzing at the whiteboard. Their discussions were incredibly focused. They want to have a say in the future and felt what they were doing was valuable. It’s awesome the Council have asked us to include the children in the consultation,” says Stephen.

Tim Lander says the teams presented their proposals very professionally.

“Their input is fantastic. There is great composition in their model making, and they speak about their ideas very impressively. I could see some of the students knocking on my door in a few years to become designers,” Tim says.

There has also been a quickfire Google-based survey aimed at gathering particular input from teens.

Tim Lander says while there a budget to stick to, the aim is for top quality equipment and full compliance with NZ Standards.

A fun and attractive playground for all ages is due to be built this year. It’ll be away from the sports code fields, maximising the qualities of existing established trees.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council is now reviewing the community-driven plans.

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lizardnews.net

Lizard Local Pavilion plans, grants and fundraising e’re excited to confirm the launch of the Lizard Local, an online business directory which offers a place for all companies and self-employed traders operating in the Lizard News circulation area - from the Wairoa River at Bethlehem to RD4 Katikati.

We initially undertook to create a searchable directory to support businesses which had a relationship with the 16 Roads publication in Whakamārama, which was placed into abeyance last year.

Thanks to the advocacy of Joanne Wiggett, the technical know-how of Ōmokoroa web designers Shotbro, and a lot of holiday period data entry - the Lizard Local test page is now live at lizardnews.net There are about 370 businesses listed at present, which should help you find that real estate agent, health and well-being practitioner or tradesperson you need.

For business owners, a standard categorised listing is free - including a phone number, website and physical address where available.

Company owners can opt-in or opt-out.

We will also have some low-cost premium features available to those who wish to upgrade their listing, including exclusive deals for Lizard News display (non-classified) advertisers.

These may include: email options, featured category listings, logos, written business profiles and limited high-profile internet advertising opportunities on the Lizard Local web page.

As well as becoming another way to find and contact local businesses, the Lizard Local will support your local Community Newspaper Association publication, Lizard News.

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By Matthew Farrell

going to be until advanced plans from architects are taken to tender for a construction contract. We are not yet at that stage, and there is a significant cost involved in drawing up detailed plans. We have to wait for grant application windows to open with Lotteries, Bay Trust and other funders during 2018,” says Tim. The committee discussed structural, electrical, plumbing and geotechnical considerations and then voted to progress to working drawings from the architects with a view to beginning building from June or July.

The next event to raise funds for the pavilion is All White on the Night on Saturday 11th February from 6 pm. A surprise venue will be announced on the day. Visit www.lizardnews.net/events for more details and register your attendance with Alison Badger on thebadgers@xtra.co.nz or call 548 1544.

The Sports and Recreation Society will next meet in midFebruary.

t’s shaping up to be a busy year ahead for community volunteers driving the project for a new pavilion at Western Avenue. The Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Society Inc held its AGM and final committee meeting for 2017 on 21st November.

The chair Tim Maurice provided a verbal report about the past year’s fundraising efforts, the TECT funding and the general community engagement regarding the project.

He thanked the committee for all their work over the past year, particularly on pavilion planning.

A resolution not to appoint an auditor at this time was passed, but a discussion was had about reviewing this as the Society gains the more substantial amounts of money required for the building.

In November’s edition, we reported on the $400,000 grant pledged from TECT, which was conditional on the rest of the money required for construction being raised.

A public survey had received 38 responses. People voted for the two-storey option (28) ahead of the one-storey building (7) or shipping containers (3). This was part of the feasibility study for the TECT application.

Following a query from WBoPDC Councillor John Palmer to Lizard News, we have sought to find out how much the twostorey pavilion is expected to cost. There is more than one answer.

The commercial building company Watts & Hughes has estimated the cost at $1.2m.

The quantity surveyors Rider Levett Bucknall has estimated $1.6m.

Tim Maurice says both figures are approximations because neither is based on detailed plans.

The possibility has been raised of a house mover transporting the current hall once the new “We will not know what the final price is pavilion is built, if there are interested parties.

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lizardnews.net

Fairies sow seeds of time at The Garden

By Mornay Jacobs s everybody heads back to school and work now is the time to think about our littlest members of the community and finding a special place for them to play, discover, make enquiries, make friends and connect with nature.

These opportunities and connections are how all lifelong learning skills first develop. These skills are what is most important when heading off to school, and we will be working closely with surrounding schools this year to discover more about what they are looking for when our confident and capable little five and six year olds start school.

We have now really settled into our daily routines and rituals here at The Garden Early Childhood Centre; it’s hard to believe we are coming into our fourth month since opening. We have been enjoying getting to know new families every week and have some very busy weeks ahead of us with many more new families set to join The Garden whānau. We have recently opened our infants' and toddlers' room as we have had a few children under one start early in the New Year. It has been amazing to get all areas of The Garden up and running. Due to this growth, we have also welcomed local teacher, Alison Steenson, to our team.

In other news, our entrance garden areas have taken shape, mostly thanks to our amazing neighbours who we have named our ‘garden fairies’. The sense of community and neighbourly spirit is well and truly alive here at The Garden. Our biggest focus has always been welcoming families and making children feel confident and comfortable in their new surroundings. This, of course, takes time which we always prioritise. With our neighbours stepping in and creating these gardens, they have given us the biggest gift of all: not just the beautiful

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Catching the valley breeze after kite-making.

Exploring the properties of ice, and cooling down!

gardens they have created, but the ‘time’ given back to us which we can continue to give to the children.

We have completed building all our raised garden beds and our next exciting opportunity is getting all the children involved in growing all the plants ready to transfer into our gardens. We have been very fortunate to receive a box of ‘Little Garden’ plants which are just perfect to get the children involved in the process. I’m positive it won’t be long before we have to set up a stall at our gate to give away all our delicious produce!

We welcome visitors to stop by anytime to have a look around our ‘home away from home’ and meet with our amazing teachers. We are happy to answer your questions and have information packs available for you to take away and share with your family.

Happy and healthy New Year from The Garden Early Childhood Centre.

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lizardnews.net

Feline like a change Future of Western Bay waste to be of scenery he owner of a purpose-built boarding cattery in Pahoia says all that is needed to run the business is a love of cats.

Lyneen Adkins says Just Cats Holiday Inn on Esdaile Road was designed and built eight years ago, when she saw the opportunity to work from home and be there for the family.

It also tied in with her feline feelings, as she has four cats of her own.

“In that eight years, we’ve created a database of 500 clients. I’d say 90 per-

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cent of them have provided repeat business in the past year or two,” she says.

Lyneen says a boarding cattery is a perfect solution for pet owners with busy lives.

“Whether they have a wedding or a funeral to attend, or they’re travelling for a holiday, or they’re building a new house.

Someone might become unwell in a family. We’ve had some cats here for 12 to 18 months; it isn’t always just a day or two.

“Regulars email, text or phone me and while cats are checked in or out between 8 and 9 am or 4 and 5 pm, I aim to help our good customers out of hours in emergencies,” says Lyneen.

There’s also the occasional international client, with Auckland agents requesting a pick-up or drop-off service at Tauranga Airport.

It was a very Meowy Christmas with around 60 cats boarding in individual rooms, which are four metres long, a metre wide and the height of a standard room. There are also three large rooms for families with multiple moggies.

She and partner Leon are now considering a move to Gisborne, saying Tauranga has grown too large for them since their arrival in 1991.

“We are looking at semi-retirement, wanting to make use of our boat and campervan and put our time into our grandchildren,” Lyneen says.

With four incomes from the cattery, cattle, a rental cottage and a metered water bore for nine properties - Lyneen says it’s time for someone else to see an opportunity.

explored by Council ifferent ways of getting rid of waste are to be explored by Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Council adopted its Waste Management and Minimisation Plan (WMMP) 2017 in mid-December, which puts future waste management service provision into the draft Long Term Plan programme for 2018/2028.

Council began reviewing the Waste Management and Minimisation Plan earlier in 2017 to determine Council’s role in managing the District’s waste with the overall aim of reducing waste going to landfill.

Public feedback showed support for an investigation into Council-led kerbside recycling and rubbish collection, but there was concern about the potential impact on rates.

In response, Council will undertake an investigation of an alternative recycling and rubbish collection model to achieve better oversight and management of solid waste and recycling throughout the District.

This will be done in 2018/19 and will cover a range of service delivery options for kerbside rubbish and recycling

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services and the cost implications of each option. The community will be consulted on the approach Council should take.

Council has agreed in principle to establish a recycling centre in Ōmokoroa, subject to agreeing with the community how the operational costs will be funded.

This will be part of the investigations, as demand for a recycling facility is likely to be impacted by any decision on whether to implement kerbside recycling.

The new Plan includes continuing community education programmes to encourage better waste disposal practices. These include worm composting workshops, a business waste minimisation program, zero waste education in schools, waste-free living workshops and introducing recycling on marae.

Council’s current involvement in waste services extends to the provision of community recycling and green waste facilities; public refuse bin collections (e.g. at parks and reserves); flytipping clean-up and abandoned vehicle collection.

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Storm damage makes for wet start to year igh winds and a king tide after days of torrential rain brought death and damage to the Bay of Plenty on Friday 5th January.

A woman died in her car after a tree came down on the vehicle and a building at the corner of Arawa Street and Amohia Street in Rotorua.

Power lines and trees came down across the region, and debris littered the highways. Some low-lying and coastal areas flooded, and there were slips on some roads.

Bay of Plenty Police asked that people avoid all unnecessary travel and to take extreme care if out and about during such hazardous weather conditions.

A section of Te Puna Station Road was closed from the intersection of State Highway 2, while the Esplanade in Ōmokoroa was barely passable due to the depth of water.

The Regional Council says wind gusts of up to 120km/h, high swells and the late night high tide might lead to further coastal inundation.

Here is a selection of photographs and comments from around our area:

H

“Residents of long-standing remember when this last happened in the late 1950s.” Murray Grainger, Ōmokoroa Community Board Chair.

“I’ve just been for a walk over to Precious Reserve off Hamurana Road, and Anderley Ave. The king tides and wild waves have come right over, eroding the bank, exposing pōhutukawa tree roots. Trees are down in the bush on the hill. I'm not sure what the rest of Ōmokoroa is like yet.” Anne Fabish.

“Civil Defence says while there are no serious concerns at this point, the weather is a timely reminder to have an evacuation plan in place – including for pets – and a supply of fresh food, water and clothes.” Lizard News.

Ōmokoroa Golf Course.

“Please be aware lots of exhausted penguins, and other seabirds are washing up on our beach at the moment due to this storm. If there is no sign of injury, please leave them alone as they just need a rest.”

Western Bay Wildlife Trust.

“There is a mass seabird mortality with many dead or dying birds being washed up on beaches. Many are juveniles that cannot survive in this rough weather.

Episodes of mass die-off are a natural course of events.” Liza Schneider, founder ARRC Wildlife Trust.

“This New Year started with a bit of excitement with a combination of tropical storm, king tide the like of which we have never seen before and flooding of our grounds and car parks here at Waipuna Hospice. In 2015 we completed groundworks to mitigate our flooding risks, and in most areas, they worked well. This time we had no damage to property (buildings and storage sheds), with our main issue being the clearing of debris deposited by the river flowing through the grounds.

“Ideally, we would prefer the site not to flood, but being located by the Wairoa River, this is always going to be a risk. On a welcome note, we survived one of the highest tides ever witnessed in living memory (according to media). The main buildings were well above the high water mark reached, and we estimate it would take a 3 m tide to threaten our structures.”

Richard Thurlow, Waipuna Hospice CEO.

Carol Bonneville posted a video of flooding at Wairoa Bridge on Facebook which was viewed more than 14,000 times and shared almost 200 times, including by Lizard News.

PHOTOS: Andrew McWilliam, Matthew Farrell, Murray Grainger, Waipuna Hospice.

14

| Lizard News | February 2018

The jetty under water.

Beach Grove tree damage.

A swimmer at Precious Reserve.

Ōmokoroa Road and The Esplanade.

Submerged boardwalk.

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Ōmokoroa domain closed off.

Damage at the boat ramp.

Waipuna Hospice carpark.

The 16th tee.

A front yard pond on The Esplanade.

A picnic table and park bench at Waipuna Hospice.

Cooney Reserve boardwalk.

Storm damage closes Waitui Reserve boardwalk he coastal staircase and boardwalk between Fairlie Grove and Waitui Reserve foreshore in Te Puna is closed, following damage from last month’s storm.

The king tide and storm surge has further eroded some of the public walkway’s supporting piles with one or two completely unsupported.

A structural engineer has inspected the walkway and advised Western Bay of Plenty District Council it is too dangerous to use.

T

The staircase and boardwalk links Matahiwi Road and Fairlie Grove. It may be closed for some months due to the assessment of repair costs, structural design and the consenting process.

Letters have been sent to local residents advising of the closure.

Anyone with queries about the walkway is welcome to call Council on 0800 WBOPDC (0800 926 732).

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Wild about summer

By Tammy Bruce, Wild About New Zealand educator fter a wonderful break, the Wild about New Zealand (WANZ) team is gearing up for this year’s conservation school programmes. In term one, the WANZ students from Ōmokoroa Point and Whakamārama schools will be exploring their local streams and waterways. They will be learning skills like how to test water quality, temperature, pH and clarity, how to identify invertebrates and assess the stream’s overall health. The students love these hands-on lessons, learning from within the water.

This term we are excited to introduce Stacey Walden to the team, our newest WANZ educator.

Stacey was a nature teacher in Canada and a high

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school teacher specialising in science. She is a passionate advocate for the environment and exploring the outdoors with youth.

While the weather is warm, and the days are still long I encourage you to make the most of the warm weather and get outdoors and into nature with your kids. There are some great walks in the area (short and long) check out Puketoki Reserve, Te Puna Quarry Park, or Aongatete. Go crab hunting on the mudflats with the kids, visit the giant kauri along the Tūāhu track, swim in a river, go on a nature scavenger hunt or go fishing! It’s great for the kids; it's free and good for you too!

For more information on our programme check out: www.wildaboutnz.co.nz

Our findings over the summer- stick insects, a giant centipede and my son Griff getting amongst nature with an eel pedicure!

Western Bay property values firm

By Matthew Farrell It was a year of mixed sentiment in the residential property market across New Zealand in 2017, according to the latest QV House Price Index statistics.

Sales volumes were down on 2016 for every month during the year. Between February and October, they were more than 20% below 2016 levels, before picking up in November.

A post-election late spring surge saw them jump to just 10% lower than November 2016 levels. Sales volumes for November were 21% higher than in October.

The Western Bay of Plenty market has seen sustained growth throughout 2017 and rose 9.1% in the year to December or $52,185 from an average value of $571,520 in December 2016 to $623,705 in December 2017. Values rose 1.4% over the past three months.

Tauranga home values increased 3.2% year on year or $21,528 - from an average value of $672,197 in December 2016 to $693,725 in December 2017. After dipping in November, values in the city began rising again by December and values rose 1.0% in the final quarter of the year.

The nationwide average shows residential property values increased 6.6% or $41,660 during 2017 from $627,905 in December 2016 to $669,565 in December 2017. The average national value increased 3.6% over the final three months of 2017.

QV says there was a general trend of slowing in the rate of growth due to loan-to-value-ratio speed limits requiring a 40% deposit by investors, stricter retail bank lending criteria and uncertainty ahead of the election - along with periods of rapid value increases in some areas and decreasing values in others.

QV suggests low interest rates, relatively high net migration and lack of supply means market drivers remain and values are likely to hold for the most part during 2018.

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Te Puna treasures: a vintage palette

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop estled among the lifestyle section trees of Te Puna is another of the district’s home-based boutique outlets of creativity: Cindy Lou Vintage Shoppe. It’s the beautifully presented site displaying the lovingly repurposed and embellished vintage treasures collected and transformed by Te Puna local, Cindy Prior.

I initially saw Cindy’s work displayed at the Whakamārama Kindergarten Christmas Market – a community activity she supported. Cindy’s transitory setup on the Hall stage was redolent of former years and presented with flair and style.

Cindy describes herself to me as a “stay at home Mum who was looking for some way to re-enter the workforce”.

When I call in at the shoppe it’s clear family has always had first place for this talented woman: I meet her husband and son, and her daughter phones during her lunch hour. Cindy’s employment compromise was to establish her homebased boutique using her love of renovation, vintage and décor. It’s evident from the immaculately presented garden surrounding the house that Cindy is also an accomplished and hardworking gardener.

In the beautifully refurbished and decorated former family garage you’ll find an ever-changing selection of vintage furniture and brocante. Cindy sources much of the enamelware from internationally-connected suppliers. She is particularly proud of her French-inspired

signage, Cindy Lou Vintage Shoppe is receiving a regular stream of local and outof-town visitors.

Cindy’s property, which is close to SH2, is well signposted and there is park-

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mirror and window transfer work. Cindy makes it clear that she only refurbishes items that are in good condition and of good design; you wouldn’t be using her beautifully painted and upholstered chairs for your family barbeque! Stylewise, many of the pieces would be “art” items and could be a feature in more minimalist, contemporary homes.

Cindy’s hard work and creative skills have not only made a business for her, but she has also established another visitor and tourist destination for the Western Bay entirely in keeping with its predominantly rural character. Despite the unfortunate disappearance of her commercially-designed and produced

ing available outside the shoppe.

Cindy Lou Vintage Shoppe, 63 Snodgrass Road. Open 11 am to 3 pm Thursday to Sunday. cindylouvintageshoppe@gmail.com

Cindy has created an Aladdin’s cave of treasures and objets d’art. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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Advertorial

Dates for your diary

February 6: February 6:

Waitangi Day. Twilight Bowls at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. 5.30 pm-7 pm. $20/team/night.

February 9: Twilight Market, Lighthouse Cafe, Lockington Road. 5 pm 7 pm. Call Leanne on 552 0742 for more information.

Wander Dogs. Cooney Reserve, Ōmokoroa. 10 am.

Feburary 10: February 10: All White on the Night. Fundraiser for Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion. $10 per person - tables of 10. Contact Alison on 548 1544 or thebadgers@xtra.co.nz February 11: Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market. Western Ave carpark. 9 am-noon.

February 13: Twilight Bowls at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. 5.30 pm-7 pm. $20/team/night.

February 16: Thank Whaka It’s Friday. Whakamārama Hall 6 pm - 9 pm.

February 17: Lizard Market. Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9 am - noon.

Twilight Bowls at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. 5.30 pm-7 pm.

February 20: $20/team/night.

February 23-24: Festival Under The Figs, Aongatete. Visit www.aongatete.co.nz for prices and booking information.

February 24: Night Owl Cinema “Finding Nemo” Ōmokoroa Domain 5.30 pm - 10 pm. Tickets at Eventfinda or door sales on the night. $5 adults, $2 children 16 years and under. Under 5s free.

February 25: Affordable Art & Artisan Fair. Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Plummers Point Road. 11 am-3 pm.

February 26: Junction Coffee & Chat, mental health peer support group.

11 am. Ōmokoroa Community Church, Hamurana Road.

Call 027 549 5410 for more information.

February 26: Ōmokoroa Business Women’s Network. 7 pm Ōmokoroa Preschool, Margaret Drive.

March 4: Children’s Day, Te rā o ngā Tamariki. Ōmokoroa Boat Club Children’s Fishing Competition March 4: ages 0-7 years and 8-14 years. 6am-4pm. $5 per child.

See the advert on page 20.

March 9/10: Ōmokoroa Boat Club Adults’ Fishing Competition. $10 for members, $25 non members. See advert on page 20.

Aongatete, Ōmokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna, Whakamārama – we’d love to share your events.

Email your details to matthew@lizardnews.net and they’ll appear here and on our website.

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| Lizard News | February 2018

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and dance teacher and took fitness/aerobic classes for many years too. She went on to study sports science, graduating with a BSc Honours Degree in 1998. Emma then worked as an exercise health promotion specialist, advising on exercise, diet and nutrition for the community care NHS (National Health Service) Trust and as a personal trainer and gym instructor.

Emma is an avid runner and enjoys snowboarding and wake-boarding. She is a keen tennis player and loves spending time with her son, which often involves camping in her beautiful kombi, Molly.

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mma is a UK-trained structural and cranial osteopath, graduating from the European School Of Osteopathy with a BSc honours degree in osteopathy in 2003.

Emma has lived and worked in New Zealand since 2005, initially working in a practice in Titirangi before moving to Tauranga. She opened her Tauranga clinic in 2008, and in 2012 she began a second location in Ōmokoroa.

Emma says an osteopath treats the whole person not just the condition they present.

“Osteopathy is an approach to healthcare that emphasises the role of the musculoskeletal system and the interrelation of the muscles, joints, connective tissues and their nerve and blood supply. A common misconception is that osteopaths only treat back pain. However osteopathy is the treatment of the whole body,” says Emma.

As osteopaths, Emma, Neil Maidment and Paul Russell are trained to recognise and treat a broad spectrum of conditions and many causes of pain.

They use a wide range of treatment approaches including structural and cranial techniques, soft tissue stretching and release methods to warm and stretch the muscles, and joint mobilisation and gentle manipulations to increase the range of movement in joints.

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Festival under the figs Flexible office option on offer returns for 2018 N

By Liz Farrell hile this two-day outdoor music festival has become an annual fixture in the Western Bay music calendar, the Ecoworks’ orchard event remains an intimate and relaxed affair, bringing together musicians and music lovers from all walks.

The professionally-equipped, permanent stage plays host to a range of talented amateur, semi-professional and professional artists all performing from the broad range of the folk genre. Supported by Tauranga Acoustic Music Club and Katikati Folk Club, workshop and jam sessions are a regular component.

Many take their instruments to play, learn and share and there are often second-hand instruments for sale, too.

Guests are welcome to bring their tents or campervans for a small charge and organisers Paul and Penny are pleased with the ‘green tent’, the new heated shower. Installed in 2017 and returning this year, it allows people to cool off while still listening to the music.

The event goes ahead rain or shine, and the venue is well set up for shade and shelter. Some food and drink vendors are on-site, but visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and take home all of their rubbish.

The festival is well priced at $40 for a weekend pass including camping, $30 if you’re not staying over. You can also purchase day passes at $25 for Saturday and $10 for Friday. To gauge numbers, if you’d like to camp, please phone or email in advance. There are no dogs except by

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prior arrangement as the orchard is a home to pets and chooks.

The 2018 festival, through “The Hole In The Hedge” on Work Road, looks set to be another “low-key, modest, understated, relaxing, restrained, easy-going, friendly, laid-back event” at Paul and Penny’s orchard. What a great way to end the summer.

Further information is available on www.aongatete.co.nz or contact Paul & Penny on aongatetefestival@gmail.com or 0274 454 512.

estled behind Farmlands in Te Puna hides the newest addition to the local community. The new co-working space Quarry Commons (see facebook.com/quarryco) houses seven desks, a small meeting room as well as a breakfast bar for drop-in visitors. The problem of morning traffic and office space at a premium in town led Karl Patterson of Figment Design and Ben Sapsford of Wayfarer Digital to create the co-working office space just outside Tauranga.

“I’ve lived locally for the past three years and seen a phenomenal amount of growth in the area and jumped at the opportunity to set up a shared workspace, not only for convenience but also to at-

tract other small businesses in the area that would benefit from the co-working environment,” says Karl.

“I moved over from the UK in 2016 and found the community really welcoming.

The local area is growing quickly and, like Karl, I’m keen to attract and work with some of the great small businesses in the area,” says Ben. The main office wall has been decorated with a logo motif based on local flora and fauna by artist Liberty Jones.

(See facebook.com/libertyjonesartist) For more information, drop in on Quarry Commons at 17C Minden Road, Te Puna or email karl@figmentdesign.co.nz or ben@wayfarerdigital.co.nz Article supplied.

Camping in the orchard. PHOTOS: Supplied.

What’s that flag?

Zarek Silberschmidt, visiting from Switzerland, will perform with his acoustic guitar.

Saturday’s music is from 10 am to 10 pm so remember to pack your torch.

ith thanks to a local Ōmokoroan, we have a competition for anyone under 15. Each month we’ll show you a picture of a flag with a corresponding description. The flags can be seen flying on lower Harbour View Road.

All you have to do is to name the flag correctly and you’ll be in the draw to win $10.

Send your name, age and answer via e mail to: shrunk@xtra.co.nz by the 20th of the month.

This flag was adopted in 1912.

It has a red background which stands for Bravery, Strength and Valour.

The double-headed eagle is a mythical bird that represents Empire. It is found in the crests of Mysore and Karnataka in India and is a popular crest for many

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Tod Stocker out on the harbour again

By Matthew Farrell mokoroa Boat Club has honoured a former Commodore, Tod Stocker, by naming its new rescue boat after the 95-year-old.

On Friday 22nd December the Club’s patron visited and unveiled the new RIB. “I’m proud. It’s such an honour… I hasten to advise the assembled multitude that I am overwhelmed,” smiled Tod to a small group of family, friends and wellwishers.

Tod’s mate Ron Shepherd thought it was a great idea. “The first question you always asked was ‘how is the club?’ anytime you saw me,” Ron recalled.

Tod’s eldest son John Stocker says their family have had a boat at Ōmokoroa since the 1970s. Tod retired there to be near his boat from about 1980 to 2015, after dairy farming in Reporoa where they also raised Hugh and Susan.

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“After a few years as a stock agent, he was balloted the farm with a ring-fenced boundary in 1952. He’d come back from serving with the Navy on the Achilles in the Pacific during the Second World War. Our parents had three kids in a cottage with no windows, just sacks over the holes in the walls, which had no lining or gib.

“With others, Tod was instrumental in building the first boat club on the site, as well as the junior sailing scheme. He lined up five old Optimists from down country in 1998 and did them up with John Budden and others,” says John Stocker.

John Budden - another former Commodore - says Tod’s old buddies, including the late Lionel Harper, stripped the Optimists of various colours and repainted them white.

“Lessons began in 1999, and we now

have nine Optimists, three Vikings and five Sunbursts as well as two smaller RIB rescue boats,” says John.

The boat shed was constructed between May and August 1997. The larger RIB, now named Tod Stocker, replaces a Sportscraft Marine Scorpion, Wai-Atua II, which retired last year. Its predecessor, the original plastic hull Wai-Atua had replaced a timber launch in December 1993.

Tod has lived at the Devonport Palms rest home in Tauranga for the past couple of years.

While everyone knows him as Tod, John Stocker says it is a nickname due to his red hair after the fictional character Mr Tod the Fox who appears in Beatrix Potter’s books and the Disney film, The Fox and the Hound.

John Budden is to mount a series of photos of the day for the club wall. At a light lunch, Ron Shepherd kindly made a donation to the club.

Commodore Phil Cox congratulates Tod as he unveils the new rescue RIB.

New chair elected for avocado industry bodies vocado grower and Avocado Growers Association representative Tony Ponder has been elected as the New Zealand Avocado Growers Association and Avocado Industry Council chair. Tony has replaced Ashby Whitehead, who recently stepped down as chair. “It’s an exciting time to be in the New Zealand avocado industry, with an incredible increase in value and the positive collaboration throughout the indus-

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try,” says Tony, who has been one of the eight grower-elected directors on the NZAGA & AIC Board since 2005. “The New Zealand avocado industry is experiencing a period of impressive growth – a huge part of that being due to work being undertaken to achieve the Primary Growth Partnership Go Global goal of quadrupling sales and trebling productivity by 2023,” he says.

Article supplied by Priority One.

LADIES & GENTS HAIRDRESSING

L-R: Tod’s mate Ron Shepherd with ex-Commodores Tod Stocker and John Budden, current Commodore Phil Cox, and David Olds, the husband of ex-Commodore Barbara Olds.

2018 OBC Fishing Competition

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All kids will receive a goody bag.

The Adults’ Competition be held from

6pm Friday 9th March to 4pm Saturday 10th March Ticket prices are Children: $5 Adults: $10 for OBC members and $25 for non-members Tauranga Harbour ONLY. Tickets and rules available from the OBC bar mid-February.

Loads of spot prizes, as well as fishing and camping gear for the winners!

lizardnews.net

Advertorial

Speed shear fundraiser Noel settling into new role success for Kyle

By Maree Morton ell, another year has come and gone for the Te Puna Speed Shear, and what a year it has been. The stage was set at the Top Shot Bar, and the prize money was ready on Saturday morning.

We just had to wait for the crowd and the shearers to come, and they did. We received terrific support from the sponsors: Ray White Te Puna, Stihl Shop Tauranga/Waihī, Agrisea, RWR, Silver Fern Shearing gear, John and Lisa Dalziel Horticulture Services, Big Hill Hunting Gary Sobye, Morton Beef and Lamb, FMG Insurance, Farmlands Te Puna, Marshall Innovations, Bill and Noelene Bishop Lifestyle Transport, Simon Rose Shearing, Cosio Industries Ltd, Elco Direct Wool Buyers, Gallagher Fencing, Merial Products, JMC Civil Construction, Waste Management - and all the fantastic people that volunteered their time to make

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The final scoreboard. PHOTO: Noel Benstead.

7am to 6pm Four-year-old programme •

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Real trees, and grass in our new extended playground

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A community vegetable garden Animals: guinea pigs, rabbits, fish

this come together.

They came from far and wide, and it was a great event that went into the night. We raised $5,000 to go towards the $20,000 that needs to be raised to help Digger and Cheryl Balme get a companion dog for their son Kyle from Assistance Dogs New Zealand.

Thanks again to those who helped and supported this great event. I am looking forward to the 19th in 2019.

Jimmy Samuels was disqualified in his first attempt but went on to win the open competition in 15.35s.

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Baby Sign Language

R

ay White Te Puna is delighted to welcome Noel Benstead as the latest addition to their team of property specialists.

Noel is known to many locally due to his previous business, McCado Mowing & Maintenance with his wife Angela, and his involvement with the local avocado industry and the Pahoia School community, where their sons Max and Leo have attended.

New to real estate but with extensive experience in sales, customer service and management, and having owned and operated two businesses, Noel has experience in building and maintaining trusting relationships. He puts his success down to an open, honest and caring attitude, a strong work ethic and a commitment to customer service excellence.

Noel has joined the real estate industry as he has passionate interests in property, and meeting and helping people.

“Buying and selling property can be a very stressful process. I believe I can help people through this journey and alleviate some of the stress through personal experience, knowledge and skill, care and empathy and diligent service and communication.

“I joined Ray White because they value the same things I do - professionalism, customer focus and com-

mitment to delivering a high-quality service. Their systems and technology are industry leading, embracing digital marketing and social media, which alongside distinctive and effective branding make any property stand out in the crowd.

“We have lived in this beautiful area for nearly five years now and have just sold our lifestyle orchard in Pahoia.

We have moved into Ōmokoroa, which we are very excited about. If you think it’s time to consider your options, please give me a call,” says Noel.

Article supplied.

Service you Deserve

People you can Trust

Trips to our local community 20 ECE Hours/WINZ

A home away from home enviroment

Please feel free to pop in and meet the team anytime

144 Margaret Drive Omokoroa 3114

Phone 07 548 2626 Email admin@omokpreschool.co.nz www.omokoroapreschool.co.nz

Noel Benstead Call me to discuss how our Tailor Made Marke ng Campaign will generate More interest, More compe on and More money for your property.

Noel Benstead 027 525 3380 noel.benstead@raywhite.com

rwtepuna.co.nz 07 552 6088 February 2018 | Lizard News |

21

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The shaping of an artists’ mould

By Liz Farrell was a disappointment to my parents because I wanted to go to art school,” says Hanneke de Graaf, remembering her childhood in the Netherlands when she first discovered sculpture. To somewhat appease them she instead trained as a librarian.

However, during a period spent in England working as a nanny to improve her English, Hanneke had the opportunity to study art in the UK, learning different disciplines. Once back in her homeland, she continued her studies by working in

“I

a library during the day and attending art school by night.

Recognising her talent, her mother’s friend put some money into her projects and, together with a private scholarship, Hanneke was able to attend the Royal Academy of Arts in the Hague.

Hanneke met and married Adri and continued to work part-time in the library. When their children came along, art took a reduced role in her life - just the occasional sketching - until her children were older and she turned her hands to carving.

Earning a private commission to carve the hatch-surround on a boat was a significant undertaking, and Hanneke gained confidence in her artistic ability.

She started tutoring and eventually held her first exhibition in 1977/78.

In 1981 the de Graafs moved to New Zealand. The story of their emigration was chronicled for a Dutch newspaper, and Hanneke wrote a series of nineteen articles describing the preparation for, the voyage to and settlement in their new home. These were all compiled and published into a book about emigration to help others.

Once settled in South Auckland, Hanneke continued to diversify her areas of creativity including clay sculpture, watercolour, quilting and patchwork, writing, poetry, pastels and even an exciting workshop in the Coromandel to learn bronze casting. Many of Hanneke’s sto-

ries and poems are printed in the South Auckland Writers’ books, a group to which she retains membership. She continued working as a librarian and used her evenings to teach.

In 2016 Hanneke and Adri retired to Ōmokoroa where a big drawcard was the kiln at the Country Estate. Joining the Ōmokoroa artists was an obvious decision where members work in a variety of media and can also experiment with the many resources available, sharing their skills. Here she continues to practice her extensive and incredible talent.

In 2017 Hanneke hosted clay workshops which were very well received, and she is hoping to repeat these in 2018. Anyone wishing to register their interest can do so by contacting Karen Loten of the Ōmokoroa Artists on 548 1454 or by sending a message via facebook.com/OmokoroaArtists

Junction Coffee and Chat Ōmokoroa

By Matthew Farrell ew Year, new option? A mental health support group for Ōmokoroa is holding its fourth get-together at the end of this month. Junction Coffee and Chat takes place on the last Monday each month, at the Ōmokoroa Community Church on Hamurana Road.

The next session is on Monday 26th February from 11am-12pm. Those in nearby Pahoia, Whakamārama and Te Puna or further afield are also most welcome.

Come along for a free cuppa and meet others in the community who can sit alongside you as we support one another to live a good quality of life fully.

It helps to share with others - tea or coffee and friends; the perfect blend to help relax and bring some sunshine through the cloud of isolation.

The idea is to have a friendly, safe environment for peers to get together and socialise, discuss life and what is happening for them. It’s a public environment and isn’t designed for in-depth discussion of health and illness for safety reasons. It’s about having respect and understanding towards all involved and how they may be feeling.

There is a growing evidence base of positive outcomes from peer support services. Whether you have experience of depression, anxiety or bipolar - you

N

Hanneke with one of her pieces.

WEB | PRINT | DIGITAL

WWW.SHOTBRO.COM 021 973394

Some of the creations from her second workshop. PHOTOS: Fran Ashley.

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is a member of the NZ Community Newspapers Association

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Lizard News

| Lizard News | February 2018

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are not alone.

My journey of learning about that side of me began almost 20 years ago. I know I have benefited greatly from just talking with people who “get it” and to whom some of my feelings have made sense. I am optimistic we can do some good together when people join up this way just for a coffee and chat.

Junction of Greerton offers peer support and advocacy for people with an experience of mental illness or addictions.

It is part of Turning Point Trust, which is contracted to the Bay of Plenty District Health Board and is based at the Historic Village on 17th Avenue. I am facilitating the Ōmokoroa group as a volunteer.

I am on 027 549 5410 and matthewjfarrell@xtra.co.nz if you have any questions or want to let me know you hope to make it along - or just pop by in the morning.

OMOKOROA

BARBER No appointments neededjust walk in!

Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9 am - 5 pm Thu 9 am - 7.30 pm Sat 9 am - 12 pm Karen Murphy

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New play equipment on the way in Whakamārama

By Debbie Allan ore than 30 years ago, a few local farmers built a playground for their children who were attending Whakamārama Playgroup at the Whakamārama Community Centre. This hut and swing structure have entertained local children for generations, but now it is showing signs of how loved it is and is looking worn-out. To keep this legacy going a group of local dads gave up a Sunday morning to demolish this old friend and make room for a replacement play area.

The new structure will be built over the next couple of months, thanks to a successful grant application to the Ministry of Education. With this grant money, we plan to build a tree hut around the existing rimu tree, complete with climbing wall and slide. Our tree hut will become part of the garden, with the planting of native trees and shrubs, many of which will be donated by local Whakamārama families.

We wish to give a big thanks to dads Chris Hutchings, Ray Linthwaite, Dan Bezzant, and Chris Allan and to Wendy

M

Hutchings, Angela Bezzant, Jo Linthwaite for making our first working bee a success. Also, special thanks to Jason of Whaka Earthworks, who brought his digger to help clear the area.

If you can help with future working bees or can donate towards our new playground, please contact Debbie Allan on 07 552 5141.

Jason Hiku of Whaka Earthworks clearing the location for the new hut. PHOTO: Supplied.

Test your child’s road safety knowledge Local dads helping remove the old hut and swing. PHOTO: Supplied.

Kauri logging theme inspires toilet design he chair of Katikati Community Board, Jenny Hobbs, says it was always the aim to have a building that complemented the kauri logging history theme at Diggelmann Park.

A themed façade was added to the new public toilet which was built during November.

It represents an old logger’s hut with slab rough-sawn timber for the walls and chimney structure.

The chimney is representative of the old cooking space and provides a useful option for the addition of another toilet if required in the future.

There is one unisex cubicle with access for disabled users plus two conventional unisex cubicles. A footpath connection to the existing footpath was also part of the project. The concrete pad and path were designed to include an oxide tint, so that blends naturally with the park’s environment.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council appointed Permaloo to design and build the toilet.

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As kids head on back to school this week, NZ Police want parents to take the time to check they’re up to speed with road safety.

“The summer holidays are long, and that means some children might have forgotten some of the basic rules they need to follow to keep themselves safe,” says Inspector Peter McKennie, Manager of Operations for Road Policing.

“Add to that their excitement about returning to school and seeing their friends, and this can mean they will be less alert to the traffic dangers around them.”

Police are asking parents to sit down with their kids as the holidays end, and have a conversation about road safety rules.

This is particularly important if your child is going to be travelling to school on their own.

“Help them to choose the safest route to get there and do a few practise walks or bikes with them, so they are familiar with the route and the safest places to cross,” says Inspector McKennie.

“It is important to remind them that any time they are crossing the road, they must stop, look, and listen for any cars, bikes, or cyclists before they step out.”

Police are also urging parents to remember that your kids will follow your actions.

“If you break the rules – kids will think it is ok to do so as well and that can put lives in danger.

For that reason, we need parents to stick to the road rules.

“Try parking a bit further away from school and walking if there aren’t any free parks close by, make sure you don’t park on yellow lines.

“For motorists in general, remember to keep your speed down and be extra alert in case a child runs or bikes in front of you without warning.

Even small increases in speed result in a much greater increase in your stopping distance, and that can mean the difference between life and death for pedestrians, so it’s vital you slow down around schools.

“Children make mistakes, but they don’t deserve to pay for them with their life.

How you drive makes the difference,” says Inspector McKennie.

Other safety tips for walking or biking to school include: Young children should be accompanied by an adult, older child, or a buddy.

Discuss the use of crosswalks, and why it’s safer to cross at some corners rather than others.

Discuss the meaning of traffic signals and markings along the route.

Teach them to cooperate with police, school safety patrols, and adult crossing guards. Contact the school and see if there is a walking school bus available. If not, look at setting up one yourself.

Article supplied.

Follow the news updates online at

lizardnews.net and facebook.com/lizardnews

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Kitchens • Laundries • Vanities • Wardrobes • Custom cabinetry February 2018 | Lizard News |

23

5 REASONS To Visit Playcentre

IT’S THE GIFT OF TIME Life is busy for families.

Come and enjoy time out at Playcentre while you spend quality time with your kids.

FIND YOUR VILLAGE Raising kids and growing up is better when you have a village behind you.

You and your kids will make lifetime friends at Playcentre.

2 2

Play is not just for kids.

It’s good for your soul.

Come and have fun at Playcentre alongside your kids.

By Jane Stearns

LET THEM GET MESSY You know messy play is good for them, but you can’t be bothered with the mess – let them do their messy play at Playcentre to save the clean up at home.

4 4 5 5

HELP GROW OUR COMMUNITY At Playcentre we grow stronger communities together. Everyone contributes in their own unique way to make our community a better place for our kids.

Come along for a fun time and you will stay for a long time

Omokoroa

OPEN 9am - 12pm Mon Thurs Fri Behind Settlers Hall 334 Omokoroa Rd

For more information, pop in during our open hours, phone 07 548 1343 or email omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz We’d love to see you sometime soon!

Register for SPACE starting Feb 2018 - Wednesday mornings 9am-11.30am for first time parents. If you have a baby born between Oct 2017 and Jan 2018, visit www.facebook.com/spacewbop and follow the link to book online and secure your place!

24

| Lizard News | February 2018

bout 500 premises in Ōmokoroa have now signed up for ultrafast broadband at fibreiscoming.co.nz The first registered customers were expected to be connected last month.

An Ultrafast Fibre company spokesman says installation on the peninsula remains on target for completion by the middle of 2018.

“Installation has gone without a hitch and the local hapū, Pirirākau, has been kept in the loop every step of the way to ensure no archaeological disturbance during the digging. We will leave the peninsula in good condition and will make sure everything looks better than when we arrived,” he says.

More customers will be connected than initially planned, due to the increased residential development. Ultra-

fast Fibre says it is expecting to work closely with developers to ensure plans can be coordinated.

The ultrafast network is currently being installed only in the existing higher population density area, north of the railway line. There are plans to expand further south; after new development.

A UFF spokesman says there are dozens of retail service providers for ultrafast broadband. Speak to your existing internet provider or shop around if you want more options on speeds, data or pricing. Ōmokoroa is the first community in Western Bay to be included in the North Island’s fibre broadband network. It will be followed by Katikati in 2019 and Te Puke in 2020.

See ultrafastfibre.co.nz

Bridge fun in February

33

YOU CAN DRESS UP TOO

Ōmokoroa goes Ultrafast

A

Play experts since 1941

1 1

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f you had said to me a few years ago I would be hooked by a game of cards; I would have laughed in your face.

Bridge? Visions of Hyacinth Bouquet and a pink rinse brigade appeared before my eyes. But my friend was keen to go, and two of my closest friends near my age urged me to try, and every time my window cleaner arrived, he extolled the virtues of the game. So, I thought I would go along to the lessons at the local Bridge Club with a vague notion that I might acquire a social skill.

As I signed on for my ten weeks, I was somewhat bemused. For goodness’ sake - how long can it take to learn a card game? My dad had taught me cribbage as a child in one afternoon, and I was thoroughly proficient by the following evening. As the weeks progressed, my eyes were opened. This was a step up from Snap! This was a step up from 500.

First, there would be the theory, then practical, with hands of cards made up so that we could apply the approach we had just learned. This transition from method to practical was often impossible, and even with the cards fixed and loaded so that I could achieve my contract, I would still have routinely failed had not my teacher been observing and giving me his regular comment, “I wouldn’t play that one if I were you.” And so it went on.

At the end of our lessons, we were welcomed into the Bridge Club, and to the social bridge sessions. We were told we would complete each hand of bridge in seven minutes. My previous record prior to first night at Bridge Club - half an hour.

It is a long time since I have been so nervous of anything, but sitting down on that first club night, I found to my horror that my hands were shaking as I picked up my first set of cards. To my relief I found I had a weak hand so would not have to say anything for the first game, and I drew a very wobbly, shaky little line to show I was passing. And so my bridge life began. I was assigned a “buddy” to look after me. A good friend who had urged me to come stepped forward bravely. A true test of our friendship then followed, as I regularly bid incorrectly, played the wrong cards, dumped her in impossible contracts to try and make the best of, and made the same mistake at least six times before it sunk in what I was doing wrong.

But my “buddy” and the majority of members were very kind, understanding

I

and encouraging. Enough so that I would keep going back, and try again.

To my delight, at the end of the Bridge year, my efforts were rewarded when I won the Best New Player of the Year award. A small trophy of which I am immensely proud stands on my dresser.

Some of my classmates were much better than me, but it is so nice to be recognised for “trying”. I decided to brave it into the serious night of bridge for a three-week session with a fellow beginner to play with the “big guns”. We sank without trace on our first week, finishing bottom, and then some. A whole new game emerged, and frankly, we would have had more luck trying to bid for the clock on the wall of the club rooms than our failed attempts to bid for a contract that night with cards. Everyone appeared to know who held which cards, except for me. The only time I was confident of what my partner had in his hand that night was when he nipped to the loo. But we went back and managed to come third the next week, and the joy of this result was probably out of all proportion to the actual achievement - but boy it felt good.

Lessons are about to begin at the Ōmokoroa Bridge Club in 2018. Their enthusiastic teacher Ross Peterson promises to inspire students into learning the best game of cards ever, Bridge.

Don’t be like me and think it’s a game for old folks and Hyacinth Bouquet wannabees. Yes, there are members double my age - and they are better bridge players than me, sharper than me, with a better mental arithmetic capability than me, and they regularly wipe the floor with me. If your ego can withstand being pummelled to a pulp by an octogenarian, you will find they are also encouraging, friendly, and you will learn a lot from them. Indeed you do not have to be old to enjoy this game. If you once played cards as a child and enjoyed it, and the last time I could remember playing was in my teens, then you would probably enjoy Bridge. Do give it a try. The lessons cost $25.00 which includes six months membership to the Ōmokoroa Bridge Club - so you have nothing to lose, and you might, like me, end up hooked.

Lessons begin on Monday 12th of February 7.30pm to 9.30pm at the Community Church, 139 Hamurana Road.

All enquiries to Jo Wake 548 0287, Jean Sears 548 0717, or David Luxton 548 0521, or email omokoroabridge@gmail.com

lizardnews.net

New books to borrow in February Ōmokoroa Library Ph. 07 571 8008 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9.30am-noon

Whakamārama Community Library Ph. 07 578 7015 Open Thu 9am-noon 3rd Friday 6.30pm-8pm

Te Puna Community Library Ph. 07 552 5715 Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-1.30pm (closed school holidays) Weds 6.30pm-7.30pm Thu 3pm-4pm (closed school holidays) Sat 10am-noon

SUPERNATURAL

CRIME

Full Wolf Moon

by Lincoln Child

Every Breath You Take

by Mary Higgins Clark

Book Review Converted Houses: New Zealand architecture recycled by Daniel Allen and Lucinda Diack

By Rosemary Balu of ARTbop ollowing the long-established European tradition of repurposing old buildings, New Zealanders have been giving new life and function to a variety of buildings. The bank that becomes a restaurant; the barn that becomes a house. It’s the ultimate fantasy of house porn, but it’s also a practical pathway to sustainability. This book, first published in 2012, showcases examples as diverse as a historic cottage “once part of Canterbury’s first waterdriven flour mill”; New Plymouth’s former Public Trust building; an abandoned Akaroa woolshed; a former dairy factory; an old school house; and more.

The most important aspect of this fas-

F

cinating and beautifully imaged production is the ability of the owners and developers to have seen the merit and potential of the physical restoration and change of use. While the interior style and décor of many of the repurposed buildings featured suggest access to available funding, it’s the principle that is important. Thinking of upgrading your attached garage as an independent accommodation? Looking at re-siting an older building? Looking with longing at that former religious, commercial or agricultural building? Get this book out of the Ōmokoroa Library and see just what can be achieved.

Penguin Books Auckland, New Zealand, 2012.

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Tremarnock Summer

by Emma Burstall

DYSTOPIAN FANTASY

THRILLER

Year One

by Nora Roberts

City of Endless Night

by Preston and Child

Summer Loaf ow is the perfect time of year to make this loaf. It is packed with summer vegetables and ideal for taking on picnics or for a quick lunch when everyone wants to head back out the door and into the water.

Prepping food ahead of time is the best way to stay on track with your health when you are busy and also works a treat before you go on holiday.

I’ve used spelt flour in this recipe, as it is lower in gluten and higher in protein, but regular flour or gluten-free flour would work equally well.

N

Ingredients 250g Spelt Flour 2 tsp baking powder 100g grated cheddar cheese + extra for sprinkling 2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 tsp salt black pepper 4 eggs 90ml olive oil 2 ears of corn, cut off the cob ¼ cup basil leaves, chopped 1 tbsp fresh or dried oregano 175g carrot, grated ½ onion, finely chopped 8 kalamata olives

Method

Heat the oven to 180ºC. Grease and line a loaf tin with baking paper.

In a large bowl mix together the flour, baking powder, cheese, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil, then mix through the corn, basil, oregano, carrot and onion.

Add the wet to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Pour into the loaf tin and sprinkle with cheese, a little paprika and the olives.

Bake for 50-55 minutes.

A derelict railway station is transformed into the ideal modern family home, a property featured in Converted Houses.

Preschool storytime Waihī Beach Library Every second Tuesday, 10.00—10.30 am Katikati Library Every Thursday, 10.00—10.30 am

Grandkids coming to stay but got no toys?

Or tired of buying toys that never get played with?

Ōmokoroa Library Every Friday, 10.00—10.30 am

Read, Sing, Move Parents and caregivers please remain with your children during the session and feel free to join in

OPEN Saturdays 9.30 - 11am Behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd

Toys for children 0-5 years from as little as 50c for two weeks* omokoroatoylibrary@hotmail.com

‘Check out’ our HUGE range of toys for hire... *Annual membership fee applies

February 2018 | Lizard News |

25

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This month in history: February

1. What was controversial about the final ball of the Australia vs NZ 50-over cricket match in 1981, which denied NZ any chance of scoring the ‘6’ required to tie the match?

3. Which twin cities were totally rebuilt after a devastating earthquake on February 3 1931?

Create as many words of 4 letters or more, using the letters once only and always including the letter in the middle of the wheel. There is one 8 letter word.

4. Born on February 7 1944, who wrote The Whale Rider?

5. Which film won all 11 nominations at the Academy Awards held on February 29, 2004?

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7. What was particular about the sailing ship Dunedin, which took its historic cargo from Port Chalmers to London in 1882?

8. ‘A History of Silence’ by Lloyd Jones was inspired by which event in 2011?

6

9. Launched in Febrary 1912, what is the steamship on Lake Whakatipu?

1

4 2 9

7 3 5 5

5 2

9

How to beat Str8ts – Like Sudoku, no single number 1 to 9 can repeat in any row or column. But... rows and columns are divided by black squares into compartments. 2 1 4 Each compartment must form a straight 6 4 5 a set of numbers with no gaps but it can be 4 5 in any order, eg [7,6,9,8]. Clues in black cells 4 3 6 2 remove that number as an option in that row and column, and are not part of any straight.

3 5 2 1 Glance at the solution to see how ‘straights’ 2 1 3 are formed.

10. Born on February 26, 1950, who was NZ’s 37th Prime Minister?

3 5 4 2 7 5 3

4 7

7 4

6 7

4

3 5 2

Can you figure out these two rebuses?

8

© 2018 Syndicated Puzzles

6. Which museum is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its opening on February 14?

6 1 8

Medium

3 4

5 3 2 2 1 1 5 4

6

9 6 4 1 3

9 2

© 2018 Syndicated Puzzles

2. Who was the first woman to swim the Cook Strait on February 4 1975?

To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers 1 to 9 such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.

For many strategies, hints and tips, visit www.sudokuwiki.org for Sudoku and www.str8ts.com for Str8ts.

If you like Str8ts and other puzzles, check out our books, iPhone/iPad Apps and much more on our store.

Omokoroa Tide Chart February 2018 1 Thu Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

2:59 9:22 15:33 21:43

2 Fri 0.0 2.0 0.1 1.9

B

0.0 2.0 0.1 1.9

B

S 6:45 R 20:59 17 Sat 3:50 10:11 16:20 22:24

3:53 10:16 16:26 22:37

3 Sat

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.8

G

R 7:39 S 21:02

*Not for navigational purposes

0.0 2.0 0.1 1.9

B

S 7:56 R 21:41 18 Sun 4:32 10:50 17:02 23:05

4:45 11:07 17:18 23:30

4 Sun

0.2 1.8 0.3 1.8

G

0.2 1.9 0.2 1.8

G

R 8:38 S 21:34

0:21 6:25 12:47 18:58

B

S 9:05 R 22:19 19 Mon 5:14 11:30 17:45 23:47

5:35 0.0 11:58 2.0 18:09 0.1

5 Mon

R 9:38 S 22:05

S 10:12 R 22:53 20 Tue 5:57 0.2 12:10 1.9 18:28 0.2

1.9 0.1 2.0 0.1

B

0:30 6:42 12:53 19:13

1:11 7:13 13:35 19:46

7 Wed 1.9 0.2 1.9 0.2

2:00 8:02 14:23 20:34

1.8 0.2 1.9 0.2

G

S 12:18 R 23:58 22 Thu 1:15 7:28 13:38 20:00

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.2

2:50 8:52 15:11 21:22

1.8 0.2 1.9 0.2

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

2:56 9:12 15:19 21:44

G

R 12:45 S 23:48

1.7 0.3 1.8 0.3

R 13:51

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

G

S 0:30 R 14:56

www.ofu.co.nz

omokoroa Proud to Support

Our Community 160 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa.

Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days.

Phone 281 1577.

26

| Lizard News | February 2018

Owned and operated by locals

3:42 9:43 15:59 22:12

10 Sat 1.7 0.4 1.7 0.3

R 1:06 S 15:12 25 Sun 3:54 10:10 16:17 22:42

4:35 10:36 16:49 23:03

11 Sun 1.7 0.5 1.7 0.4

B

F

R 0:31 S 14:16 24 Sat

23 Fri 2:03 8:18 14:26 20:50

9 Fri

G

S 13:18

G

R 11:42 S 23:11

8 Thu

G

B

S 11:16 R 23:26 21 Wed

G

R 10:39 S 22:37

6 Tue

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

G

S 1:18 R 16:00

1.7 0.5 1.7 0.4

B

R 1:44 S 16:06 26 Mon 4:57 11:12 17:20 23:42

5:30 11:30 17:41 23:54

12 Mon

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.2

G

S 2:14 R 17:01

R 2:24 S 16:58 27 Tue 6:02 1.8 12:16 0.3 18:25 1.8 G

S 3:15 R 17:57

13 Tue

6:23 1.7 12:24 0.5 18:33 1.7

B

0.4 1.7 0.5 1.7

F

R 3:09 S 17:47 28 Wed 0:43 7:06 13:18 19:29

0:46 7:15 13:17 19:24

14 Wed

R 3:57 S 18:32

1:35 8:03 14:06 20:13

15 Thu 0.3 1.7 0.4 1.7

F

R 4:49 S 19:14

2:22 8:48 14:53 20:59

16 Fri 0.3 1.8 0.4 1.7

G

R 5:44 S 19:52

3:07 9:30 15:37 21:42

0.3 1.8 0.3 1.8

G

R 6:41 S 20:28

0.2 1.9 0.3 1.8

B

S 4:22 R 18:47

NOTE: Tauranga tides subtract 50 mins, and Katikati tides subtract 20 mins from the times shown.

Lizard Classifieds

Puzzle Solutions

COMMUNITY

Quiz answers 1. It was bowled underarm.

2. American Lynne Cox. 3. Napier Hastings.

4. Witi Ihimaera.

5. The Return of the King.

6. Te Papa Tongarewa.

7. It was the first frozen meat.

8. Christchurch earthquake.

9. TSS Earnslaw.

10.Helen Clark.

Word Wheel solution: Waitangi Rebus solutions: Top Secret Water

TAEKWONDO & SELF DEFENCE Western Ave pavilion, Ōmokoroa.

Fun classes, all ages.

Three weeks free trial for newcomers.

WANTED

Metal, plastic or wood.

With or without mats.

Donations to Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre or call Liz on 021 069 6657

Tai chi.

Sat 9-10am, Wed 7-8pm. $3/session.

SERVICES

SERVICES

Animal Health Care

BALLROOM & JAZZ DANCE CLASSES

Is your Animal in Pain, having Skin, Eye, Ear problems, Arthritis, Epilepsy, Anxiety or just unwell? Homeopathy and Bowen Therapy offer safe and effective treatments supporting your animal back to health.

Come and enjoy our fun and interactive learning environment.

Redwood Originals

Thanks to our loyal customers from La Petite Cafe.

Painter & Decorator

We aren't moving; we're staying right where we are. You’ll notice some changes as we remodel our premises at 1a McDonnell Street.

Business as usual, Mon-Fri 8am-3pm.

Still the best coffee in Omokoroa!

Ph 548 2946

Looking for a fun and social workout?

Come and join us at Pahoia Community Hall Circuit training exercises, swapping between stations, going at your own pace Tue: 9.15am to 10.15am Thu: 6.15pm to 7.15pm $5 per session Contact Liz: 0275 424 775

Casual Football Every Wednesday at 7.15pm, a very casual kick around is held at the floodlit bottom soccer pitch of Western Ave, Ōmokoroa. Anyone over 12 years is welcome, year round.

Call Hamish on 552 6427.

NEW FITNESS LEAGUE CLASS Starts February 5th 9.30am – 10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall

7 6 3 6 8 1 8 3 4 2 5 2 4 1 3 4 7 1 2 8 5 9 9 7

1 5 4 4 5 6 3 2 1 3 7 2 6

4 5 3 4 2 3 9 8 7 9 6 8 7 6

6 9 3 1 8 2 5 7 4

7 1 2 5 4 9 8 3 6

8 4 5 6 7 3 9 2 1

1 2 4 8 6 5 7 9 3

9 7 8 3 2 4 1 6 5

3 5 6 7 9 1 2 4 8

5 6 9 2 3 8 4 1 7

2 3 1 4 5 7 6 8 9

4 8 7 9 1 6 3 5 2

Get in shape and make new friends.

Weights, resistance, stretching, dance.

Now taking bookings for your Autumn and Winter projects.

Call Aaron on 027 441 7296 or aaronhook82@gmail.com painting . plastering . finishing

Ease Pain and Discomfort with Bowen Therapy Are you suffering from Neck, Shoulder or Knee pain, Sciatica, Tennis Elbow, RSI, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue or any other discomfort?

Bowen Therapy offers a gentle and effective hands-on treatment.

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

Settlers’ Hall 334 Omokoroa Road

Saturday 17th February

9am-Noon

A fabulous selection of stalls arts • crafts • music coffee • cafe • face painting clothing • local fundraiser Every third Saturday, monthly.

See you there!

e: libertynewzealand@gmail.com

p: 027 840 3603 w: libertynz.kiwi

Do you suffer from panic attacks or anxiety, or know somebody who does?

I've helped hundreds of people like you to cure their anxiety or panic attacks in only one session.

TENNIS Join our club in Te Puna for tennis and fun social activities MONDAY MORNINGS ladies interclub TUESDAY MORNINGS vets, all ages welcome

First class free. $20/year + $7 per class.

Casual $9 per class.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (summer) – twilight teams

Call Gloria on 021 139 2448.

THURSDAY EVENINGS ladies tennis aerobics

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS (winter) – casual doubles

CAMPER HIRE SERVICES

• Volkswagon LT46 2006 • 2.5L Turbo Diesel 5-speed. 7-metres.

• Reversing camera • Originally 6-berth • 3rd bed swapped for leather seats • Sleeps 4; but only 2 seat belts for open road • Campsite plug-in & solar charge house batteries/inverter • $200/day • Longer package deals.

Matt: 027 340 3150

Painter

For all your painting/paper hanging requirements, phone Gerard Quilty on 027 447 5493 or 548 1337 after hours.

Kymberley Carter-Paige Rapid Transformation Therapist AMHNZ, AAAH

027 538 3777

Now open locally!

• Feel better • Relieve stress • Ease pain Offering 30, 45, or 60 minute Sports, Therapeutic, or Relaxation massage

Amore Omokoroa Lasagne, pizza bases, sauces and homemade Italian meals by order.

Cooking Classes and Personal Chef services.

Contact Alessandra 548 2453/021 183 5591 SITUATIONS VACANT

COMMUNITY

LATE SUMMER TOURNAMENTS doubles & singles Access to courts at other times.

New members welcome!

Call Dallas: 021 663 100

The Lizard Market Omokoroa

Enrol now for Term1 classes in Katikati and Tauranga.

May start in Omokoroa if sufficient demand.

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

Contact Sonja: 027 548 1960

Str8ts Solution

Word Search Solution

Picture frames with an A4 aperture.

Mon, Wed, Thu, from 6pm. $45/month, term discounts available.

3 4 2 1 9 2 3 7 5 6 7 8 9 6 4 8

Sudoku Solution

COMMUNITY

LABORATORY TECHNICIANS KIWIFRUIT MATURITY TESTING KATIKATI LAB Eurofins is looking for applicants with a ‘can do’ attitude to join our team for the 2018 kiwifruit season.

*Gift vouchers available*

Andrea Van Klei (Registered Massage Therapist)

nzhifi

Phone or Text 021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz

.com

Audio • Video • Data Wifi • UHF/FM Aerials Satellite Dish • Cables Brackets • Cameras AV Installation Hardware

For further details including shifts available and to apply go to: www.eurofinsbop.co.nz and check out…

“Current Vacancies” then “Laboratory Technicians” (See button on webpage top right-hand corner)

Call Spence: 0274 424 008 0800 NZ HIFI Supply and install: Golden Ear • Yamaha Arcam • Cambridge Nuvo • Rel • Blustream PrimaLuna • RTI • Dual Lambert • T+A

PUBLIC NOTICES

FOUND Munro Road, Te Puna.

Small, pretty, ladies' watch on a delicate bracelet. Shirley Sparks: 07 552 5874

MISSING

Male greyhound Ace disappeared on Friday 29th December from our fullyfenced, closed-gate property in rural Whakamārama.

Last seen at 1pm near the swimming hole on Whakamārama Road. He's 11years-old, very shy, not food motivated and desperately missed. Angela McRae: 027 4844 199.

Seablues Art FOR SALE

Paintings/prints and Art inspired clothing, also short-term bach accommodation available, Omokoroa 548 2513 or visit seabluesart.co.nz

Wanted Firewood trees, old logs, odds & ends cleaned up. Good local references.

Snodgrass Road area.

Please phone

552 4961

FOR SALE HONDA CR-V SUV 2006 Great condition, one NZ owner, black, factory alarm, stereo, mag wheels, 96,200km. $13,000.

Charmaine 021 156 8687

Field Operations Manager / Team Leader We are seeking an energetic and motivated individual who is ambitious, eager to learn and thrives in a fast-paced environment to fill a vacancy within our Katikati operation for the position of Field Manager / Team Leader.

Term one is now here and we are beginning our children and youth programs again. Enrolments are now open for:

You will be responsible for overseeing and managing the diverse activities of all Field Operations in our rapidly growing company.

The ideal candidate will have experience in Logistics / dispatch and or Harvest Management, with experience in the kiwifruit industry being preferable. The position involves leading the field team in a hands-on capacity building a positive team culture.

Our fun pre-school Youth Group music program. A great Awesome fun and activities place to meet other families for years 7–9. Fortnightly Kidzone and have fun with your from 4–6pm on Sunday Our exciting Sunday Igirlz children. Wednesdays afternoons.

First date 11 school program, 9.15am for a 9.30 start at An exciting program February at Omokoroa pre-schoolers and school Omokoroa Community for girls aged from age children. 10am Church.

8 to 11 Monday evenings Community Church.

Sundays at the from 6 - 7.30pm at Omokoroa Community Omokoroa Community Church.

Church.

For more information or to apply, go to www.eurofinsbop.co.nz and check out the full Job Description Online. Click on “Current Vacancies” from our front page - no login required

Mainly Music

Mooving Up

Call at the church office: 548 2515 • 139 Hamurana Road weekday mornings.

Email office@theocc.org.nz for more information February 2018 | Lizard News |

27

lizardnews.net

Smooth handover for new principal

By Matthew Farrell he incoming principal of Ōmokoroa No. 1 School says he has appreciated a great relationship and a supportive handover from the retiring Chris Broadhurst.

Craig Pentecost was expecting to ask “101 questions” at a meeting last month.

He says it’s clear Chris is well-respected in the community and remains passionate about the school.

Craig has 15 years in the classroom under his belt in Queenstown, Christchurch, Gisborne and Waikato after an OE in London and a stint in US summer camps.

After the birth of their first child, he decided on a career path which saw him complete a post-graduate diploma in educational leadership at the University of Canterbury.

There was a roll of 500 when he taught at Elmwood School in Christchurch and just 55 when he started leading Matangi School east of Hamilton, which grew to 170 in four and a half years.

After he became the principal at Te Awamutu Primary School in Term 4 of 2016, his wife Carolyn took the top job at Katikati College and had been travelling for work since last August - then the Ōmokoroa job popped up.

“The board at Te Awamutu was in behind me from the start. Our long-term plan had been to live there for five or six years, then move to Katikati. The Deputy Principal at Te Awamutu will now be the Acting Principal there for Term 1, and we’ve bought in Ōmokoroa,” says Craig.

The No. 1 Board of Trustees visited

T

shortlisted candidates at their schools.

Craig invited the senior management team at Te Awamutu to meet them, and there was a student pōwhiri.

“It was a very robust appointment process. I’m transparent and wanted to show the kind of culture I believe in fostering,” he says.

Craig has visited No. 1 School to reassure students and teachers so they can put a face to his name. What’s his first impression of the community?

“Amazing. We’ve had barbeque invitations. I picked up the vibe on Mower Day. It’ll take time to get to know the larger community and our supporters, but I already feel families like to connect and be involved. That’s the kind of buy-in you

get at semi-rural schools,” he says.

Family time is getting busier with Blake (15), Cody (13), and Katie (9) involved in more sports and extracurricular commitments. Craig is keen on outdoors family time, mountain bikes, walking, wakeboarding, waterskiing, and fishing. They’ve also just gained a family member - a yellow Labrador puppy named Moko.

Craig says he moves into the job with his eyes and ears open. He’ll talk to staff individually about their career aspirations and their fantastic learning programmes.

“I’ll be listening to parents and students too, building relationships and taking a while to assess the facilities, with

Craig Pentecost.

managing roll growth in mind as Ōmokoroa develops.”

Craig says it’s new and exciting and they feel welcomed. He’s looking forward to getting stuck in and meeting everyone.

Islanders happy to share if tourists have respect

By Matthew Farrell spokeswoman for Matakana Island residents says they’re fed up with boatloads of disrespectful tourists trespassing, lighting fires, and leaving rubbish and faeces behind.

Ngaraima Taingahue says a kaumātua who temporarily barricaded the wharf at Panepane Point, the Tauranga end of Matakana Island, did it out of absolute frustration.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber and District Council staff went to a hui to discuss the issues with about 40 islanders on Wednesday 17th January.

The upshot of the first meeting is that the Council will be working in partnership with tangata whenua to protect the environment. A joint management plan

A

will include providing facilities such as toilets and rubbish bins, putting controls in place to stop people entering the forest, and erecting fire danger signage to ensure the island remains a treasure in the harbour.

“Tourists go for forest walks and picnics or take wedding photos at the wharf.

We don’t mind sharing what we’ve got, but please - leave only footprints, not rubbish,” says Ngaraima.

She says from September to April, Matakana is a fire watch zone, but volunteer firefighters had to tackle a large campfire on the beach at Kauri Point on New Year’s Day. “I’m sorry to sound whingy and whiny, but this is about basic respect. There’s been an increase in the boating public in

recent years. Panepane must have been listed as a getaway destination. Day-trippers seem to think their behaviour is out of sight, out of mind.

“The mayor was good enough to come over quickly. He was honest and upfront, and we agreed to jointly develop a pathway going forward,” Ngaraima explains.

Other actions will include the management of trees near coastal erosion, and the appointment of a seasonal ranger who can ensure visitors respect the area.

Ngaraima is also expecting contact to be made with the owner of a scenic cruise company based at Pilot Bay wharf.

The mayor and kaumātua agree it was a positive hui. The wharf is again open for public access. An update is due to be provided after a second hui in February.

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Cathryn & Anton van Breda 07 578 8740 Cathryn: 027 472 7689 Anton: 027 662 1691 cath.vanbreda@harcourts.co.nz

View listings on www.tauranga.harcourts.co.nz

Ron & Patricia Shanks 0800 766 728 Ron: 021 956 270 Pat: 021 804 463 ron.patshanks@harcourts.co.nz

Advantage Realty Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

28

| Lizard News | February 2018