Lizard News June 2017

Lizard News JUNE 2017

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

AONGATETE • OMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMARAMA

More inside: Coastal erosion warnings

SH2 disruption for Te Puna

Anzac reflections

Lizard News

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

NEWS AND ADVERTISING 07 548 1200 omokoroa@lizardnews.net www.lizardnews.net Matthew Farrell News & Advertising 027 549 5410

Liz Farrell Accounts accounts@lizardnews.net

CIRCULATION 4,200 homes in: AONGATETE • OMOKOROA PAHOIA • TE PUNA WHAKAMARAMA

DEADLINE Our news and advertising deadline is the 20th of the month.

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LAYOUT & DESIGN Inhouse Design and Print, Matamata PRINTING Inkwise

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of management

News credibility 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.

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Introducing your family-run community newspaper Tena koutou, nau mai haere mai ki Lizard News.

We are a local husband and wife team starting a new newspaper for Aongatete, Omokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna and Whakamarama.

What we would like to achieve for this amazing, growing community - no longer so hidden between Katikati and the Wairoa River - is a quality read of interest to a broad cross-section of people.

Liz was formerly the editor of the LEGO Club Magazine in the UK but is now known to many people through her work at the library in Omokoroa. She is also involved with Anzac event organisation and with Omokoroa Point School in her role as a trustee - where I have also volunteered as a volleyball coach, helped with camps and fundraising and now do maths tutoring.

I was formerly Radio New Zealand National’s Bay of Plenty regional correspondent and previous editor of the Matamata Chronicle community newspaper. I also worked on the launch of Radio Live producing news for the Martin Devlin show and before that at Sky News in London.

I’m a member of the Omokoroa Boat Club committee. We are parents of Patrick, Jack and Georgie - and the handlers of her Labrador from the Assistance Dogs NZ Trust, Lobo.

Get in touch and contribute your stories as we help to create a continuous and reliable news service for this part of the Western Bay of Plenty.

Where possible, we would also be keen to edit and publish some work from students wanting to pursue careers in news journalism or other writing.

We are distributing Lizard News to

The rural reach of Community Patrol

By Bryan McKenzie

hanks to Lizard News for the opportunity to inform readers about the Bethlehem Community Patrol.

We wish them well in this new venture and trust this publication will be well supported by the local communities.

We are a volunteer group of women and men who make up the patrol. We are affiliated to Community Patrols of NZ, and we patrol under the direction of the Tauranga Police. We are extra ‘eyes and ears’ for them with the aim of trying to keep our communities safer. We have a modern patrol vehicle with a Police Radio and spotlights, and we operate two person patrols, currently doing Friday and Saturday nights each week from 10pm-2am plus one day patrol each week. We are looking to increase the number of patrols as we obtain more operating costs and more patrollers. Three of our current team are from Te Puna.

As part of our general patrol area, the Police task us to patrol out to Te Puna and up to Whakamarama. It is hoped our presence may deter persons from committing acts of burglary, unlawful taking of vehicles, theft from vehicles and fruit packing sheds, wilful damage,

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| Lizard News | June 2017

graffiti, boy racer burn outs and the like.

There are nearby Community Patrols based at Omokoroa and Katikati.

We operate in a safe environment. We are never tasked to attend police incidents. Typically, we do not alight from our vehicle while patrolling. Our patrollers are an equal mix of female and male with some married couples. Our oldest patroller is 80 and the youngest 23. We train all new recruits. We have to raise all our funds to continue operating.

We recently raised monies from charities to purchase our new/ish patrol vehicle but from now on our biggest continuing expense is for the petrol and maintenance of our vehicle. If there are any persons or businesses in and around Te Puna and Whakamarama who could help us with a financial donation of $200 or whatever amount, we would be eternally grateful.

Likewise, if any persons out there are interested in joining our patrol contact me, Bryan McKenzie on 07 570 2483 or bryanmckenzie@xtra.co.nz Remember, if you see something, say something, and help keep our communities safer. Look us up on our website www.bcp.org.nz or Facebook, Bethlehem Community Patrol.

(L-R) Patrick, Georgie, Liz, Matthew and Jack Farrell with Lobo. PHOTO: Neil Badger.

urban Omokoroa and Rural Delivery areas between the Wairoa River at Bethlehem and Lockington/Matahui Roads near Katikati. That’s 4,200 copies!

Advertisers: We are here to support you with fair prices and the exact target readership you want to reach. Compare

our prices, consider our free design service and give us a call. With your support we can grow your business profile and maintain a quality community newspaper.

Piki mai kake mai! Ma te wa, noho ora mai ra.

Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

The current Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade and First Responders. PHOTO: Supplied.

By Ian Blunt he Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade has again been relatively quiet call-wise in the last fortnight, with only a couple of minor calls. The siren sounded loud and clear at 7.15 on Sunday morning, the 21st of May, a call to a monitored alarm in Pahoia. No Brigade action was required. The First Responders had been quiet until Wednesday the 17th, when they responded three times in quick succession, to Omokoroa Road, the Caravan Park at 468 Omokoroa Road and Hamurana Road, through the daytime. At 11 pm on

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the 22nd, the team responded to a patient in Waterview Estate.

Last weekend on the 27th of May, the Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade celebrated 50 years. The Brigade began on the 24th of May 1968, operating out of a small shed where the library now is. A low-key reunion of many retired and current firefighters was held at the station beginning at 1500 hours with a demonstration of the latest equipment available to personnel, a dinner, and reminiscing about old times all on the agenda. Read a comprehensive report on the reunion in the next Lizard News.

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Mud, sweat and tears

By Matthew Farrell

hile the plight of flood-stricken Edgecumbe has quite rightly attracted a substantial chunk of national media coverage, the cliff top collapses of Omokoroa have mainly been confined to local news outlets.

Nonetheless, there are many residents still praying for no more torrential rain as multiple water tables continue to gush from the sodden soils of the peninsula into the harbour below.

Six residences were evacuated following landslides, which resulted from weeks of downpours including the effects of back-to-back Cyclones Debbie and Cook in early April.

Five of those homes remain abandoned, and the Ruamoana coastal walkway has mostly been destroyed.

By my count 17 residents showed up last month to speak about their submissions on the District Council’s inner harbour and coastal erosion management draft policy.

Clenched fists, gritted teeth, teary eyes and tired faces were evident. It clearly has been and continues to be a gruelling ordeal for the worst affected homeowners.

The submissions were, by and large, calling for a collaborative approach between residents and Council. While there were a couple of mentions of the potential for litigation, there were also offers of land access to drainage engineers or geotechnical consultants and talk of private money.

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John Roper is adamant the issue is far more urgent than the policy’s talk of long-term sea levels.

“The next weather event is going to eat into even more properties. Time is of the essence. This is happening now. We pay high rates. Quite apart from the statutory responsibility under the RMA and the Local Government Act, the Council has a moral responsibility to protect the land.”

John Roper says the council’s legal opinion that it doesn’t have a responsibility is shocking.

“This iconic reserve and coastal walkway are the essence of Omokoroa.”

Tim Lander wants a clear action plan and consistent policy to target groundwater at the source.

Shane Adams called for a raised rock walkway to be constructed and said a managed advance made a lot more sense than a managed retreat from the shoreline. He regarded the coastal walkways and some houses as irredeemably doomed, despite groans from other residents.

Jos Bassett-Smith described her shock at the rapid changes to the landscape and vista, having lived on Waterview Terrace for 18 years.

“We love pohutukawa trees but we watched them swaying in the wind after all that rain, and now six of them have gone over the edge.”

Husband Mike says he believes there would be some goodwill from Omokoroa for a rates levy to trial soil grading and further drainage engineering, but says these need to happen soon.

The remains of the destroyed Ruamoana coastal walkway. The grassed area to the right which survived was part of a trial planting project.

Anne Andrews says extreme weather can’t be dismissed as 500-year events and pohutukawa trees can’t be allowed to keep removing giant chunks of earth with their root systems.

Colin Andrews says Tonkin & Taylor reports highlighted the giant trees as a contributing factor and stated that they needed to be topped, pruned and in some cases removed.

Janice Mayston raised the issue of harbour pollution from slips while Lia Tuerlings wondered about the possibility of introducing fungi, or earthworms and castings to rehabilitate the soil.

Karen Loten ended the submissions calling for each fall to be treated individ-

ually and said a variety of abandon, adapt and A1 defence policies were required.

Her call was for council leadership, the diverting of some coastal walkways inland and an investigation into decommissioning abandoned septic tanks.

She asked how a friend of hers was allowed to buy a now condemned home only two years ago and said an earthquake style red stickering of at-risk homes would be responsible.

These photos were taken by Community Board chair Murray Grainger from his kayak.

The Council says submitters can expect a response later this month.

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The District Council says the only area with horizontally bored drains to suffer a slip was 37-39 McDonnell St.

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Community feedback considered for SH2

By Matthew Farrell ublic submissions have closed, and the NZ Transport Agency is now reviewing community feedback on various proposed improvements for State Highway 2 from Tauranga to Waihi.

There are four separate projects planned over the next ten years, as part of an estimated $520 million road safety and capacity programme.

The Te Puna / Minden Road intersection upgrade, including construction of a new two-lane roundabout, was expected to be completed by next month.

It’s unclear how much autumn’s persistent torrential rainfall may have affected this projection.

A detour to allow for sealing works was postponed in April due to significant delays, as contractors battled to improve the highway before the worst of winter.

Traffic tails back to the bottom of the Flying Mile in the morning rush hour and there’s a half hour delay to get in or out

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of Bethlehem each day.

Kaimai Councillor Margaret MurrayBenge told the Omokoroa Community Board that Te Puna businesses such as Bostock Butchery and Four Square are being choked to death and she feels overnight roadworks are now essential to get the job done.

Construction of the Tauranga Northern Link from the Takitimu Drive toll road to Loop Road in Te Puna is due to begin next year.

More than 20,500 vehicles cross the Wairoa River bridge each day, and it’s hoped the 6.8km alternative route will relieve pressure on SH2.

However, there is no plan to include on and off ramps at Cambridge Road to ease Tauriko traffic.

The Omokoroa turn-off may become a 4-lane highway with a grade-separated interchange.

A bypass of Katikati town centre was included in the proposals in March.

The Transport Agency says it will announce its preferred options for the projects later this year. Bay of Plenty Highways Manager Niclas Johansson says the improvements are aimed at providing more reliable journey times and

Even at lunchtime, high traffic volumes have been slow moving through Te Puna.

Dates for your diary

June 6th

June 11th

June 16th

June 17th June 21st

Drivers at the Omokoroa intersection battle the peak evening flow on State Highway 2 between Te Puna and Aongatete.

supporting community growth.

State Highway 2 is one of New Zealand’s highest risk and fastest growing travel routes and is essential for emergency services and freight, including avocado and kiwifruit haulage.

July 1st

The Omokoroa Community Board next meets at 7 pm on Friday the 6th of June at the Community Church.

The Omokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Market is on Sunday the 11th of June, 9am-12pm at Western Ave.

The Pahoia School quiz night is on Friday the 16th of June.

Call the school on 548 0723 for more details.

The Lizard Market is at the Settlers Hall in Omokoroa on Saturday the 17th of June, 10am-2pm rain or shine.

The shortest day, the winter solstice is Wednesday the 21st of June. Sunrise is 7.30am and sunset 5.04pm.

Dog registration starts on Saturday the 1st of July. You can update any changes before renewal forms go out.

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High schools and high fences

By Matthew Farrell

he urgent need to plan for a secondary school for the Omokoroa peninsula and surrounding area is at the top of Ian Loten’s list.

He was among scores of residents attending the Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s “Community Conversation” event at the Omokoroa Boat Club on Saturday, May 6th.

It was a preliminary information gathering exercise for council staff and elected representatives, both Councillors and Community Board members.

With a population of 12,000 people projected, Ian Loten says land must be allocated or set aside now for a secondary school.

The Council has three possible areas in mind for a modern town centre development. All are on agricultural land, south of the existing Omokoroa village.

Much of the urban growth will take

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place south of the railway line and State Highway 2.

Ian says since development ramped up three years ago there has been a widespread clearance of trees, leading to a loss of food and habitat for birdlife.

“We also need to protect our built environments. Overly high fences are creating little forts, preventing neighbours talking, destroying the views and the feeling of community.”

Eunice Lander says the SH2 intersection needs tackling now, not in years to come.

“I want to see buses given priority for the turn left lane at peak times. Children are getting to high school 10-15 minutes late every day. We need a solution until we have a four-lane highway.”

Another resident, who didn’t wish to be named, was worried about land slips.

“People have undertaken earthworks to increase their garden or improve their view. They dug up banks and ripped out trees, then had slips - they need to be

prosecuted.”

He says the council needs to explore cost-effective ways of reducing future coastline damage, or the peninsula is going to disappear into the harbour.

Community Board member Pete Presland says Omokoroa is known for being a very engaged community and the younger generation of newer residents are equally keen to be involved in shaping the future as the longer-term locals are.

“Controversies such as a cell phone tower and recent slips have raised awareness of the Community Board, and we are having more people attending meetings, which is good. You could put your head in the sand and say ‘no more development’, but it is going to happen, and it’s better to be part of the discussions.”

Other topics for consideration included green waste, the domain and reserves, parking, and the rates versus the level of service debate.

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Pothole and camber repairs will get Omokoroa Road through the winter, but peninsula motorists may face years of disruption, delays and development.

This inland slip at Beach Grove pushed a retaining wall inside the home it was intended to protect.

By Murray Grainger

It’s About You

s many as 400 people attended the first Western Bay of Plenty District Council “Community Conversation” feedback day, held at the Omokoroa Boat Club on Saturday, 6th May. There were many topics for discussion on the day.

The roading network: questions were raised about extending the sealing of rural roads and how the Council should review current speed limits in the district.

Dealing with waste: rural fly-tipping costs $70,000 pa; 73% of the current contents of kerbside collection rubbish could be recycled. How can we do better?

Housing: should Council provide housing for the elderly? Should Council extend support for housing on Maori Trust land?

Rates and Services: should Council

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increase the services it provides and increase rates to fund this? Or, should Council decrease rates and reduce services?

Cycleways & Walkways: various routes are underway - Omokoroa to Tauranga; Waihi to Waihi Beach; Papamoa to Paengaroa; Katikati Urban. Others are planned - Kaituna Road to Maketu; Maketu Road to Te Puke; Waihi Beach; Te Puke Urban.

Planning for Change: community plans and reserve management plans are underway. Community input and feedback is critical to these.

If you missed this day and wished to be involved, it is not too late. Similar sessions will be held at other locations around the district. Times and dates are available on the Council website. If you are unable to make any of these feedback sessions, there are online options for feedback. Go to the Council internet site

westernbay.govt.nz then click on “Have Your Say” or “It’s About You”.

Why is the Council holding these sessions? The Council has a duty to review the Long Term Plan, i.e. the priorities for projects and expenditure for the next ten years, and this directly affects your rates. The only way Council can be sure your rates are spent on the right things at the right time is by listening to you, the people who pay the bills. That is why your input is valuable.

So what happens to the feedback?

After all the sessions are completed the Council will collate and analyse the community input and, later this year, come back to the ratepayers with the results to check issues have been correctly identified. Formal consultation on the Long Term Plan will occur in April/May 2018.

Murray Grainger is the chair of the Omokoroa Community Board.

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Hundreds in Anzac Day reflection

By Matthew Farrell reparations are already underway for next year’s Anzac commemorations in Omokoroa, just weeks after hundreds of people took part in this year’s programme.

Former chair of the community board Glenn Whittaker told the crowd at the well-attended 11 am public service that 300 to 400 people had earlier been present for a moving dawn service at the Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve.

The unique sound of bagpipes pierced the air as the sun rose, Mayor Garry Webber welcoming the crowd at the atmospheric location - including fire service personnel and sea scouts who featured again in the later event.

At Omokoroa Point School, Glenn Whittaker spoke of the Unexpected Heroes exhibition at the entrance to Fresh Choice.

“You will have noted our community a century ago was a very different place certainly much smaller than it is today but it still played a role. Many of you have moved here in more recent times, yet you may also have family and loved ones who fought, and some who died”.

Reverend Don Moses of the Omokoroa Community Church read from Micah 4:15 and lead the prayers.

“God our Father, we remember those who have gone before us, particularly those who have given their lives in the

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service of their country. We thank you for their example and their sacrifice. We remember all those who have suffered and those who have lost their lives in war. Both military personnel and civilian casualties.”

Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt reminded us men and women volunteered to defend freedom and found themselves in terrible conditions and amongst grievously injured.

“Everyone who volunteered is a hero, for they knew only too well they might not return home. Today our communities are alive with volunteer organisations - ordinary people volunteering to help those in need… a tradition that is still continuing.”

It is the third year Omokoroa has held events. The organising committee originally intended the 2015 services to be a one-off to mark the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.

However, community feedback was so positive it was decided to maintain the commemorations last year and again for 2017, which led to the Unexpected Heroes display.

Thanks to the generosity of local family historians, memorabilia collectors and artists the exhibition raised $800 towards the planned permanent memorial of a stone cairn.

PHOTOS: Matthew & Liz Farrell, Neil Badger, Andrew McWilliam.

102-year-old Rose Jacobs placing a wreath on behalf of Acacia Park.

ABOVE: A selection of Allied headwear, loaned by Jeff Ellingham and Snow Greaves.

BELOW: Craig Hooper's WW1 display featured four generations of family medals.

Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt addressing the public service at Omokoroa Point School.

Sunrise over the dawn service at the Crapp Reserve.

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| Lizard News | June 2017

News in brief... ia ora! The Lizard News is up and running, delivered to 4,200 homes across the Western Bay of Plenty; Aongatete, Omokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna, and Whakamarama. That’s RD1, 2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 Tauranga and RD4 Katikati. It’s our privilege to report your local news along State Highway 2 from the Wairoa River at Bethlehem to Lockington & Matahui Roads. Piki mai kake mai!

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The iconic kiwi ‘lemon squeezer’ hat was introduced to NZ troops by heroic Gallipoli commander William George Malone.

Sea Scouts washing up milo cups after the dawn service.

More than 100 storage pits have been uncovered by Opus archaeologists within a 1.6km stretch of Omokoroa. Cooking and living areas including fireplaces and potholes were also found, along with cultivation soils and prehistoric piles of bones and shells known as middens - possibly dating back to 1400 AD. The area falls within the rohe of the Pirirakau hapu of Ngati Ranginui Iwi.

Matariki celebrations begin on Sunday, the 25th of June. The star cluster is significant to many cultures, being mentioned in Greek, Aztec, Mayan, Chinese, Persian, Indian and other legends. In Japan, the name is made famous as the car manufacturer - Subaru. In Aotearoa, Matariki was a navigational tool and a seasonal marker and now symbolises the Maori new year.

Omokoroa has more hours of Community Patrol per head of population than any other location in New Zealand, according to a survey. This was reported to last month’s Community Board meeting by chair Murray Grainger.

Te Kura o Te Moutere o Matakana hosted an inter-school Rippa Rugby tournament on Monday the 15th of May, with 15 teams involved. Three Tauranga schools, Te Kura o Matapihi, TKKM o Te Kura Kokiri and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepo, took the barge over to the Island for a powhiri welcome. Participants and supporters also enjoyed hangi for lunch.

The new owners of Omokoroa Dental Surgery say they’ve invested in state of the art technology to bring new services to the community. They introduce Dr Lakshmi Masilamani and Dr James Eastcott to join existing staff Dr Alex Santos, Dr David Reed and hygienist Sarah Hall.

Omokoroa Baptist Youth meets at the Settlers Hall for friendly fun and games on Friday nights from 7-9pm during term time, for years 7 to 13.

There’s a free coffee bar with hot and cold drinks, and home baking.

(L-R) Thomas, Peter and Samuel Presland laying the Community Board wreath.

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IT’S ABOUT YOU What makes the Western Bay of Plenty so special? In a word – YOU! Over the next few weeks, we’re hosting a number of Community Conversation events around the Western Bay to meet with residents and learn about what ma ers to them and what changes they want to see in their communities in the next 10 years.

See you at any of the below events… OMOKOROA – TUESDAY JUNE 4.30pm-6.30pm • Omokoroa Community Church KATIKATI – WEDNESDAY JUNE 4.30pm-6.30pm • Katikati Library and Service Centre KATIKATI – SATURDAY JUNE 11am-3pm • St Paul’s Presbyterian Church

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| Lizard News | June 2017

People • Plan • Progress

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Hopes new classrooms will assure community

By Matthew Farrell he principal of Omokoroa Point School has spoken of her hope that funding for three new classrooms will assure the community its roll growth is being planned for and managed.

Approximately $1.2 million is earmarked for investment at the school on Hamurana Road. A feasibility study has been trying to identify the best site for the new classrooms.

Vicki Knell says many subdivisions are under construction on the peninsula.

She says the school roll will be growing in line with the community population, particularly in the next three to four years.

“This announcement is huge news for us. To have classroom space ready to meet the roll increase is going to be

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fantastic. I think the community are going to feel assured that the situation is under control because with the growth in the area people do feel a little worried.”

The comments came in an interview Vicki recently recorded with visiting Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller.

He says the funding will help futureproof Omokoroa Point School for population increases and the associated pressure this puts on the school’s roll.

Education Minister Nikki Kaye says the Government is committed to providing schools with extra classroom capacity.

“Nearby residential subdivisions and a recently announced Special Housing Area will have a significant impact on Omokoroa Point School. We're acting now to accommodate this expected growth.”

Vicki says the development is happening much more quickly than people thought it would.

“It’s wonderful to know we will have classrooms to move into so that we won’t be teaching children in cloak bay spaces."

Omokoroa Point School had 200 students in February last year, rising to 250 at the Christmas break. There were 214 on the roll at the start of 2017, Vicki says.

“We weren’t even reaching 200 a few years ago. Last year was an exceptional year for the new entrant and junior numbers. We’re projecting we’ll reach 250 again by December.”

Nikki Kaye says the new classrooms may be what are known as modular buildings.

“They meet standards of modern, permanent structures but have the

advantage of being very adaptable. We want to ensure students learn in high quality facilities, and families have access to local schools. Where communities show sustained, long-term growth, we'll make sure the local school network can support that.”

In March the government announced plans for a new $18 million school to accommodate a roll of 650 students at Pyes Pa. In the past year, additional classrooms have been approved for Oropi School, Welcome Bay School, Maungatapu School and Matua Primary.

The National Party says over $5 billion has been committed to new and upgraded schools and classrooms since 2008 which it describes as the largestever spend ever on school infrastructure by a New Zealand government.

Families settling in for the recent Moana movie night fundraiser at the OPS outdoor theatre.

Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller with Omokoroa Point School principal Vicki Knell and the jungle gym juniors welcoming committee. PHOTO: Supplied.

Friends of the Precious Family Reserve update

By Shirley Dunford

any of you will have attended the recent open forum at the Omokoroa Boat Club. For those who missed it, especially the more than one thousand people who signed our petition in July last year, please do go along to the second Omokoroa open forum. It is being held on Tuesday the 6th of June at the Community Church between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm.

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It is an opportunity to see and comment on many aspects affecting Omokoroa, including how we would like to see and enjoy Precious Reserve in the future.

We have already asked Council to keep the Reserve free from cars, for more seating and shade trees, for the restoration of the pond and to take steps to protect and promote wildlife and birds. If you also feel these things are desirable, then please help to protect our beautiful Reserve from noise and disturbance.

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In conjunction with the RSA and the Student Volunteer Army, Omokoroa Point School pupils took part in a community clean-up last month. Hannah Cooney is seen collecting a discarded can just outside Precious Reserve.

Catch of the day? A carrier bag does a fair impression of a fish before eagle-eyed Mason Weatherley reels it in as part of the “Serve Your Country” litter picking session.

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ince March a new team of dentists have been operating at Omokoroa Dental Surgery.While not everything is new and different, the new owners’ vision of dental services is light years away from the old “drill and fill” type of dentistry that many patients have come to fear.

They still offer the entire range of general dentistry. Even three of the dentists are familiar faces: Alex Santos, David Reed and recently joined Lakshmi Masilamani.

Hygienist Sarah Hall, who has been working at Omokoroa Dental Surgery for three years, is another familiar staff member.The new owners are South African born and trained dentists Riaan and Estee Kriek, as well as co-owner James Eastcott, who graduated from Otago University. Between them, Alex, David, James and Lakshmi ensure that quality dental services are available from Monday to Friday.

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The new owners are committed to using modern technology to provide quality solutions to patients. Riaan has upgraded the surgery with an extremely low-dose X-ray machine and a work station to mill and fit one-visit crowns on site. “We take pride in using the most advanced equipment and the latest techniques to design and create solutions specific to our patients’ needs and preferences.”

Despite the new owners’ investment in new state-of-the-art equipment, top service doesn’t translate to top prices. “Our goal is to provide patients in Omokoroa and surrounding communities with affordable dental services. We charge average New Zealand prices for all our services.”

This, in addition to friendly and as pain-free as possible treatment, is another thing that now makes Omokoroa Dental Surgery patients leave with a smile.

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| Lizard News | June 2017

Rachel Millard mobile 021 513 189 email rachel@ofn.co.nz

lizardnews.net

Omokoroa Coastal Challenge returns Users loving return skate path Children are enjoying the new return path.

he much-anticipated return path has been completed at the Omokoroa Skate Path.

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Specialist contractors J-Stone Skateparks managed to dig out the earth, set the route then lay, shape and finish the concrete in between downpours of rain in early April.

The work was done in plenty of time for the Easter school holidays.

Ulrike Campbell says since they moved to the area in September, her 5-year-old son Fynn has made a lot of use of the skate path.

This year’s Coastal Challenge will again raise funds towards a new Omokoroa Sports Pavilion.

By Catherine McDonald ave the Date! If you have nothing planned for the morning of Sunday the 29th of October, then mark the Omokoroa Coastal Challenge in your diary. What better way to spend the morning than getting out in support of your community and getting some exercise at the same time? We are again donating all of our profits to the Omokoroa Sports Pavilion - so it is a great cause for a much-needed resource for our community. Last year we contributed $6500.

This year, with your support, we want to raise even more!

Over the next few months, we will be bringing you more information about the day, and we have plans for lots of exciting things - so keep watching this space! The main thing you need to know at this point is that registration is open on our website www.runrunrun.co.nz so if you want to get in and set yourself a goal, register now! We have an Early Bird rate until Sunday the 27th of August with Adults $15, Kids $10, and for those

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wanting to tackle the Duathlon its $30.

New for this year is a Mates Rates deal where you get 20% off if you register 5 or more people at once. This could be a family group, friends, a club or work colleagues. We think we might be the bestpriced event of this kind in the Bay! We want to say a huge thank you to our main sponsors for making this event possible and for supporting our community. Firstly, BaseUp Contracting Ltd who are back for the third year as our naming sponsor. Our Gold sponsors are Classic Builders and Rachel Millard again, and our Silver sponsors are Health Quarters (Diego Rosenberg’s new business) and our very own Fresh Choice.

Without these businesses our event would not happen, so please make sure you give them your business because they really care about helping us get better resources for our district!

To keep up with what’s happening and all the new developments like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/OmokoroaCoastalChallenge

Patiently waiting for other little wheels to pass safely by.

“You have all age groups here on bikes, scooters and skateboards and the big kids are looking after the little ones. The new part is exciting. It’s an awesome place. The return path just finishes it off.”

Omokoroa Point School teacher Gethin Baldwin was among those soaking up some sunshine. “It’s pretty neat. It thins out the crowd a little bit.” 6-year-old Gruffydd (“you can just say Gryff!”) and 4-year-old Evan are big fans. “I like all of it!” says Evan.

A first time visitor to the skate path, Suzanne from Welcome Bay, was there with 5-year-old Jackson.

“It’s good, especially for the younger ones who are new to scootering. They can go out to the more challenging areas of the track once they’ve got their confidence up,” says Suzanne.

5-year-old Fynn, from Whakamarama, on the double bump.

The award-winning figure-eight path, designed by Rich Landscapes, opened last May as the result of the communityled Omokoroa Community Skate Group’s partnership with Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Time to make pavilion choice une is the month to make your voice heard regarding three possible options for a new pavilion proposed for the Western Avenue Sports Ground in Omokoroa.

You need to decide which building is most appropriate, how much you want to pay for it, and how else you might be willing to support the project for the growing population.

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Following discussions with all member groups and Sport Bay of Plenty, the concept plans include storage, changing facilities, community toilets, function rooms and kitchen facilities.

As Lizard News goes to press the Omokoroa Sport and Recreation Society is about to finalise the options and the pros and cons for each, to help you come to a decision.

You should be able to find the presentation on facebook.com/omokoroasportspavilion or in various locations around Omokoroa such as the library, in local newspapers or by emailing the Society secretary on willowbuilders@kinect.co.nz We’ll also remind you about the consultation process at: facebook.com/lizardnews

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It’s about having your say t’s About You” is the message Western Bay of Plenty District Council wants to share with residents when having discussions with the community about the upcoming Long Term Plan (LTP) 2018 - 2028.

Over the past few weeks, the council has hosted some community conversation events and had stalls at market days to meet residents and learn about what matters to them now and in the coming ten years. These events, and drop-in sessions before Community Board meetings will continue through June and into July.

Mayor Garry Webber says the council aims to meet the goals and aspirations of locals, and community conversations are a tool to help clarify what these are.

“The Long Term Plan sets the budget and dictates what projects the council will focus on for the next ten years. We want to be sure we’re investing in the right things at the right time. We’ll only know this by listening to people and

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learning what they love about living here and how they’d like to see the district progress.”

Community conversations are the first of three LTP engagement phases.

“The idea behind this initial phase is to listen to residents about the things they are concerned or passionate about,” says Garry. “We’ll use this information to inform a second, check-in phase later this year where we ask people to confirm we’re heading in the right direction.

“The third step is putting a draft longterm plan together, giving our residents options on what they want us to achieve while showing the effect this will have on rates, and then consulting on this final step from March next year. It’s a complicated process, but it’s important, and we want to get it right.”

More than 300 people came to have their say at the first community conversation event at the Omokoroa Boat Club at the start of May. “We were able to take away lots of fan-

tastic ideas from residents and now have a clearer picture of what matters to them and how they want their community to develop over the next decade,” Garry says.

Upcoming events include community conversations on Saturday the 3rd of June from 11am-3pm at Waihi Beach United Church and on Saturday the 24th of June from 11am-3pm at St Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Katikati.

There will be drop-in sessions before Community Board meetings on Tuesday the 6th of June from 4.30pm-6.30pm at Omokoroa Community Church and on Wednesday the 7th of June from 4.30pm6.30pm at Katikati Library and Service Centre. There is another on Monday the 12th of June from 4pm-6pm at Waihi Beach Community Centre.

You can also leave feedback and complete online surveys by joining Connect: People’s Panel or browsing www.itsaboutyou.co.nz Article supplied.

Mayor Garry Webber.

Cooney Reserve update; weed of the month

By Jan Mayston

ow is a good time to attack the moth plant. It has its distinctive pods right now, making it an excellent opportunity to check your patch for this hazardous plant. The pods contain hundreds of poisonous, black thistle-down like seeds.

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The woody stems contain a pungent, milky sap that can cause skin irritations.

Wear gloves and take care when cutting out this plant.

Please remove all pods and seal them into a plastic bag before disposing of them in the rubbish. Eliminate the weeds by pulling or digging out the roots.

All hands are needed and welcomed for our next working bee clearing weeds in the Cooney Reserve.

Come with some tools, bring some enthusiasm, and enjoy the camaraderie from 9 am to 12 pm, Wednesday, June 7th and let all enjoy our environment.

For more information phone 548 2299.

New sections released Peaceful, private subdivision on Kayelene Place.

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| Lizard News | June 2017

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Rachel Millard mobile 021 513 189 email rachel@ofn.co.nz

lizardnews.net

Chain of events as cycleway takes shape n official opening of the first stage of the Omokoroa to Tauranga cycleway is due to take place later this month after construction and weather delays.

Vegetation pruning, tree felling and chipping were undertaken between the Omokoroa boat ramp and Tinopai Reserve to allow for trail widening and gravel surfacing work.

A helicopter was used to place beams for at least one of the two bridges on the cycleway, and to ferry timbers for the boardwalk between Tinopai Reserve and Lynley Park.

The Lynley Park to railway section is subject to gaining Archaeological Authority from Heritage NZ due to a small section of the cycleway over the

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Mangawhai Pa. Construction here is scheduled for mid to late 2017.

A causeway trail of crushed recycled concrete has been laid from Tamihana Park to provide bridge construction machinery access to the very end of the Kiwirail Bridge land spit.

Design and consent applications are being prepared for the planned stand-alone bridge across Mangawhai inlet, adjacent to the existing railway bridge.

A tendering process to select a builder is expected to be concluded next month.

The entire 19km route around Plummers Point, through Te Puna to a new Wairoa Bridge, is expected to be finished by late 2018.

A helicopter used to place beams for a bridge on the cycleway is seen here ferrying timbers for the boardwalk.

PHOTO: Murray Grainger.

Community in Te Weranga Poupou commemoration

By Colin Hewens hakamarama had several strands of involvement leading up to Te Weranga on the 8th of April. Initially, Noel Birks sought a meeting with Pirirakau to see how the Whakamarama community could be part of the 150-year commemoration of Te Weranga ki Whakamarama.

Representatives from Whakamarama Community Inc. (WCI) met kaumatua from the four Pirirakau marae and listened to Pirirakau tell their story. Following a discussion, it was agreed the Whakamarama community would organise setting up the tea and coffee facilities at the Reserve following the Poupou ceremony and arrange the parking. Noel Birks and Ewen McRae provided their paddocks and guided the guests until the Maori Wardens arrived to take over the job.

Pirirakau utilised the services of local carver Simon Madgwick to carve the Poupou Tarapipipi, and our Paul Mason and his Mahi Boys helped carry the raw material into the sculptor’s workshop on Goodall Road and subsequently reposition it as needed by the carver.

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The big day, the 8th of April, arrived at the Puketoki Reserve. A good team was on site before 5.45 am. By daylight, final touches were made to our set-up. Before dawn, the Pou arrived from the Goodall Road place of its birth and was put on its stand by manpower, the tractor unneeded. Before 7 am a large group of people were up early to witness the ceremonies of unveiling and blessing of the Poupou Tarapipipi.

The taua assembled up the road and had a karakia in the carpark paddock.

Meanwhile, the manuhiri gathered to be called down to the ceremonies. The visitors were called onto the ceremonial grounds lead by the Taua. Mabel Wharekawa-Burt encouraged the manuhiri forward. The Pou was blessed.

When the blessing ceremony was over, people made their acquaintance of the carving and saw the detail of this striking Poupou carved by Simon.

After a cuppa and refreshments, people made their way down to the Tawhitinui Marae. A large gathering of Pirirakau, VIP guests including Tainui and Ngati Haua and a significant representation from the local Whakamarama

community were there to listen to speeches and hear Pirirakau tell their story. There were traditional challenges to observe.

There were also speeches by His Worship the Mayor Garry Webber and the Minister of Maori Affairs MP Te Ururoa Flavell, acknowledging the grievances endured by Pirirakau. Also, interesting historical information was welcomed from Patrick Nicholas, Graham Cameron and Carlton Bidois on the Pirirakau perspective.

There were song and dance from young and not so young alike, before a traditional hongi and the hakari (feast) in the whare kai. Early entrants were champing at the bit, faced by a magnificent array of kai Maori - accompanied by further beautiful, harmonious singing.

For me, the most moving part of the day was what Kiritoha Tangitu said before his hongi “You should be on this side of the line”. May this day strengthen the relationship between all the peoples of Whakamarama.

Acknowledgements: Our heartfelt thanks to the tangata whenua, Pirirakau for inviting us to be part of this momentous occasion including the Pou ceremony, powhiri, storytelling, hakari and waiata. Our thanks especially go to Graham Cameron and his team of kaumatua who made the day happen. Also thanks to the team at WCI for getting behind this event; Neil Rogers, Paul and Robyn

The inscription by local carver Simon Madgwick.

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The blessing of the Pou with karakia

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Mason, Stuart Kirkham, Anne Mackersey, Katie Rogers, Noel Birks, Ewen McRae, donators of sheep, potatoes, money, vegetables and scones - too many to name.

Lastly thanks to all the members of the community who got up early and attended the unveiling ceremony at Puketoki Reserve or the commemoration at Tawhitinui Marae.

My thanks to those who shared their photos elsewhere; Paul Mason, Katie Rogers, Anne Newcomb, Robbie Banks and Te Weranga Facebook page. For further reading see Tommy Kapai Wilson’s excellent piece in the NZ Herald, the Sun Live report and the Facebook entry of Te Weranga. PHOTOS: Colin Hewens.

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lizardnews.net

Variety always on offer at Lizard Market he organisers of Omokoroa’s Lizard Market say they’re already wondering how they’re going to cope with demand from stallholders when the weather improves after winter.

More than 60 traders are keen to ply their wares at the Settlers Hall on the third Saturday of each month, but there is only enough space for 30 pitches.

One of the organisers, Kim Breen, says they start with a blank piece of paper each month then allow newcomers the first right of refusal - before filling the available spaces with a mixture of names in a hat and common sense.

“There’s no point in us having ten jewellery sellers or clothing stands, or we won’t keep people coming back - especially the buyers and sellers coming from out of the area.”

Kim says their focus is supporting various handmade crafts like knitting and small businesses such as a massage company, so each has a place to promote their products and services.

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“We aren’t a farmers market or a Lions market, and we’ve tried not to clash with existing events”.

Ally Butler of Pahoia, who produces accessories and jewellery, was one of the first-time stallholders attending the fourth Lizard Market a couple of weeks ago.

“The weather hasn’t been kind today. I do go to a few markets, and this one feels nice, as well as being close to home. I would want to come back.”

It was visit number three for Te Puna local Brigid Lennox with her locally made clothing range.

“Today was an average day, but the first one I came to was a boomer. Loads of people and buckets of enthusiasm.

Maybe the winter sports or the heavy rain affected today.”

Brigid was showcasing about 50 flowing garments, cotton and silks as well as a shawl made of what she calls eyelashstyle fabric. She says her kimonos have proven a winner.

Also there for a third time was Papamoa’s Anna Solich, with her So & Sew range of children's clothing and dressups.

“I have been engaged here and done well all three times. It’s a fun day out. The atmosphere here is different to other markets I sell at. Lots of locals know each other, and they stop and catch up with a chat over coffee. You don’t see that anywhere else.”

First responder Helen Hof, firefighter Michael Kingston and his son Ben ran a sausage sizzle to raise funds for the Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Kim Breen says there were plenty of new faces through the door at the Lizard Market in May, as well as those who have already established themselves as regular browsers. She says she’ll keep working to offer a varied market experience and be fair to their stallholders.

Te Puna clothing designer Brigid Lennox, who also works on mosaic commissions.

A range of earrings, pendants, bangles, key rings, and hair ties by Pahoia’s Ally Butler.

Anna Solich stocks baby clothes and a nifty sideline in dress ups like these masks.

Volunteering for health, happiness and fulfilment

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I asked Ms Google and the number of sites that appear saying just how good it is for us as human beings to help others was incredible.

Here are but a few reasons: doing well does you good, helping others helps you to live longer, helping others is a key to happiness and altruism is good for our health.

Having attended the Omokoroa Community ANZAC Day Commemora-

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wonder why some people are reluctant to volunteer in their communities.

tions recently, I pick up on what Ian Blunt – our Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief said, "we volunteer to help keep our community safe".

So, we expand that some more and can relate it to volunteering in our community, whether it be reading recovery at school or driving the elderly to their appointments, or cooking sausages for a local fundraiser. Perhaps the Treasurer or Chair of the sport or interest club. The sense of purpose you have when involved makes you swell with happiness and goes a long way with little mileage spent.

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volunteering of any kind, we as mature people have all the skills needed. We have developed these skills over a lifetime of bringing up families, and throughout the working environment and that career that you strived so hard to accomplish.

The skills do not go away when you stop working; they sit prepared to work when you respond to need.

Volunteering gives you a sense of belonging, and it establishes a connection with your new found friends and neighbours after moving into a new community.

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Double digit taekwondo medal haul

By Sonja Janssen he Omokoroa-based Koryo Bay Of Plenty Tournament Team is celebrating, after returning home from the Open World Taekwondo Championships held on May 13-14 with a great achievement of eleven medals - six gold, four silver and one bronze.

Competing in this prestigious event in Auckland helped our athletes to develop dramatically towards succeeding in future endeavours. It also opened up many new opportunities for these young athletes and helped them establish mechanisms necessary to enhance their taekwondo skills and to gain competence and confidence in their sport and abilities.

Their senior coaches and international instructors, sparring coach and Poomsae Master Sonja Janssen, 5th-degree black belt - and Poomsae Coach, Master Abraham Janssen, 4th dan degree black belt, joined the team. We are jubilant with the team’s results and praise the efforts of each student. The Omokoroa

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Koryo BoP team’s full medal results are as follows.

Gold: James Van Klei, 14 - Sparring and Poomsae. Jordan Brookes, 15 - Sparring.

Keira Towers-Woodhead, 12 - Poomsae.

Jazmin Hayes, 11 - Poomsae. Amron Mee, 9 - Poomsae. Silver: Adam Van Klei, 16 Sparring and Poomsae. Esther Mee, 12 Poomsae. Philipp Klochko, 7 - Sparring.

Bronze: Oliver Blackett, 8 - Sparring.

A Poomsae or form is a defined pattern of defence-and-attack motions used to teach taekwondo.

On behalf of Koryo Bay of Plenty I would like to express our great appreciation and a big thank-you to FreshChoice owner Steven Ling, for kindly sponsoring our Omokoroa community team travelling to this taekwondo tournament. We sincerely appreciate your continuous support and your kind-hearted donation.

If you are interested in two weeks free taekwondo and self-defence lessons in Omokoroa, please email us at koryobop@xtra.co.nz or phone 027 548 1960 or visit our website

koryobopnz.strikingly.com We are based at Western Avenue Sports Pavilion, behind the skate path and soccer fields. Koryo BoP is a member

of Taekwondo New Zealand and affiliated with the World Taekwondo Federation and the Oceania Taekwondo Federation.

Six gold medals, four silver and one bronze. What a haul!

Developers to stake claims for affordable housing area expansion he next planned stage of housing development by local authorities is about to get underway.

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The umbrella agency which manages the projected residential growth of the Western Bay of Plenty is issuing a call for more property developers to stake their claims for major projects.

SmartGrowth’s Bill Wasley says not everyone can afford expensive homes, and there is a shortage of moderately priced, good-quality housing in the sub-region.

With high house prices nationally, the aim of the pilot project is to provide contemporary, healthy homes that are

affordable to a wider range of buyers than at present.

Bill Wasley says SmartGrowth wants to hear about sustainable design and build options, and possibly ownership and financing methods to change the local housing market.

He says it’s time for innovative, creative thinking from site developers and architects to enable those on low to medium incomes to be able to service a mortgage.

A 4,000 square metres block of land may be either in the Omokoroa Special Housing Area offered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, or any other similar sized property.

SmartGrowth was set up in 2008 as a partnership between Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District

Council, the BoP Regional Council, NZ Transport Agency and other stakeholders.

Todd Talk

By Todd Muller MP t’s great to be here and writing a regular column for yet another brand new local publication – Lizard News.

As the Bay of Plenty MP, I’m a firm believer that any opportunity I have to engage with, and communicate to, the people here who I represent in Wellington should be grabbed with both hands. If this is the first time you have read one of my columns, I’m looking forward to sharing all of the exciting announcements, investments and engagements we have seen in our local community.

In April we had an exciting announcement that the Government will be investing $1.2 million in Omokoroa Point School to help meet the demands of our ever-growing community here. This money will be used to build three new classrooms to help cater for projected growth in the area. This is something I have been advocating for quite some time, so I’m pleased to see a positive result. I know how much this means to the local school community.

Other investments in our community are also progressing, such as the wider $500m investment in SH2, the Tauranga Northern Link and the connection from

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Omokoroa Road onto SH2. We had more than 300 people turn up at the NZTA Open Day, and it’s great to see Option D the grade-separated option - is preferred for the new entrance into Omokoroa.

Let’s do it once, and do it right!

Some people have flagged concerns and frustrations about delays with the Te Puna roundabout. I have communicated these directly with NZTA. They have noted that they have been facing a very tough construction to date - particularly with the weather. Their plan is to ensure we have easier continuous pass through Te Puna during the winter months, taking construction off to the side, returning to final SH2 components to enable completion by Christmas.

I know it has been some time since Cyclones Debbie and Cook passed through the area, but I want to acknowledge that our region was hit particularly hard by this severe weather. No, the damage in Omokoroa wasn’t as devastating as what we saw unfold in Edgecumbe - but for those families who had their property flood or slip the effect has been pretty terrible. If any local families are still needing assistance liaising with government departments, please do contact my office on 07 542 0505.

The Western Bay is the centre of an enormous construction boom.

June 2017 | Lizard News |

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Busy times at Omokoroa Playcentre

By Jo Farmer

e've had a few very wet weeks recently, but we've been so busy that doesn’t seem to have got too much in the way of our little kiddies having lots of fun and exploring at Playcentre. Recently we’ve learned about how different ingredients blend to make pancakes and Playdough. We also discovered that pancakes always taste much better in your PJs on our rainy days!

We’ve clambered over obstacle courses practising our balancing and coordination skills. We’ve used our problem-solving skills to figure out we could make our trikes travel more quickly if we put ramps down the steps. We explored our sensory perception and learned about colours while we got messy and smothered in paint. We’ve run under sprinklers to keep cool in the blistering heat. April was sweltering at Playcentre in between all that rain, and we just couldn’t wait to get outside again! We pretended we were on a horse and cart while mum pulled us around the lawn on a trolley.

We dressed up to the nines in beautiful dresses and performed on the piano.

We’ve visited Puketoki Reserve and a local farm. We’ve had our faces painted and even celebrated a few birthdays too.

Phew!

Unfortunately, we cancelled our family picnic dinner due to the poor weather, but we hope to organise something similar again soon for the community. Please keep an eye out for details.

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Do your pre-school children or grandchildren need more opportunity to learn and socialise before they head off to school? Are you looking for some new ways to keep them entertained and avoid any more cabin fever from too much time in the house? Do you want to help your little ones sleep better at lunchtime? Playcentre might just be the answer!

Our membership numbers are quite comfortably small with less than ten kids attending each day, so it’s a nice calm, relaxed environment for them to explore at their pace. If you’ve never been to a Playcentre session before, come along and check us out. We love to welcome new members, and there’s no need to wait till the start of a new term.

Omokoroa Playcentre is located behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd, and is open from 9.00am – 12.00pm Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri (during school terms).

For more information, pop in during our open hours, phone 07 548 1343 or email omokoroaplaycentre@hotmail.com.

We’d love to see you sometime soon!

The SPACE programme runs on Wednesday mornings 9-11.30am for first-time mums and dads. There are still a few places available. If your baby was born between late Sep 2016 and Feb 2017 and you are keen to meet other new parents in your community, phone Ruth on 07 570 0085 or email ruth.wboppa@xtra.co.nz to find out more and let her know you’d like to come along.

Pretending to be a horse and cart

Jimmy getting messy

You can never have too many friends

By Barbara Walls

era Martin has been the voice of “Chit Chat” for Omokoroa Friendship Club for more years than she imagined when she took on being President in 2009. The records show there were 72 members in those days, 39 of whom have now gone to their eternal reward. The falling roll saddened Vera, and in spite of failing eyesight, she kept organising a variety of activities and outings. She has had great support from committee members over the years.

As the new President, I was voted in at the AGM of Friendship on 21st April 2017. I came with my husband Bob to

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live at Country Estate in 2011, and soon after, Bob died. Family and friends helped me grieve as did my Lord Jesus who comforts us in all our troubles and helps us comfort others with that same comfort, so I am thankful to God. I was encouraged to come and play games at Friendship which I did for a couple of years with no responsibility. Now after a few years on the committee, I feel ready to take on this new role for one year only.

I hope someone will consider being a vice president and take over in a year’s time.

The new committee is Barbara Walls President, Brick Taylor - Treasurer, Joan Tortelli - Caterer, and Robyn Bush and

Omokoroa

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

Stuck for ideas to entertain the kids on weekday mornings?

Anne Maclean committee members.

So Omokoroa Friendship Club meets in the Omokoroa Community Church Hall most Fridays from 10 am – 12.15pm. A warm welcome awaits anyone wanting company. At present we play Rummikub, 500 and Up words. In the past, we have provided readings for vision impaired people as well as encouraging anyone wanting to bring handwork and relax in the cosy corner. To revive these or add other activities we need more people with a passion for helping us.

We have occasional outings such as lunch and a film, or visiting gardens where we provide morning tea. Each week there is a 50c raffle for a can of

First 3 visits free ~ come for all or part of a session ~ 0-6 yr olds

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| Lizard News | June 2017

Do come and join us.

Grandkids coming to stay but have no toys?

Or tired of buying toys that never get played with?

Come along to Playcentre for a morning of learning through FREE PLAY fun! omokoroaplaycentre@hotmail.com • 07 548 1343

soup or similar value prize. Each person receives a small gift on a Friday near their birthday.

We have morning tea at 10 am and at 12 noon three sandwiches and cake and sometimes soup or pies, all for three dollars. Joan Torteli purchases ingredients for sandwiches at Fresh Choice and can be seen in the church kitchen preparing on Friday mornings.

Her team of helpers is Joan Noah, Judy Turner and Jenny Robertson. Gordon Gravatt is there early also to set up the hall and to lock up at the end. Numbers have increased to total 33 at last count.

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 applicable (discounted for grandparents)

lizardnews.net

Hunting for treasure at Te Puna Kindergarten

By the team e have been thoroughly enjoying going on treasure hunts around our kindergarten’s amazing play environment. Some children would write out clues and draw a map, while some helped to hide specially painted rocks which were given to us by Elmswood Rest Home on one of our visits. Then others had to find the hidden treasure.

Everyone loved the treasure hunting, which kept everyone interested and excited for ages. This was a fun activity for our children and stimulated their

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problem-solving brains by making them think about where they could hide their treasure in their fantastic playground.

Some treasures were concealed in the wormery or herb garden, long grasses, near our pizza oven, and by our rabbit “Nibbles” cage, etc.

We are currently open for enrolments.

Please feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten, where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are in a rural setting with a beautiful natural learning environment. We promote sustainability, and we value the strong relationships we have within our

Alex, drawing clues and a map for the treasure hunt.

community.

The ages of our children range from 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whanau orientated and welcome your involvement. Come and experience Te

Puna Community Kindergarten. It has a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Please feel free to visit us at 45 Minden Road, Te Puna or call us with any enquiries on 552 5736.

Larree (teacher) and the children looking for the treasure.

Learning in the great outdoors

By Megan Whitney f you’re driving up Whakamarama Road on Thursday, you might spot the St Mary’s van. It will be making its way to meet me in our Orchard with nine children and two other teachers.

Together, we learn and play in nature with the grass as our carpet, the trees as our walls and the sky as our ceiling.

Since I moved to Whakamarama in 2014, St Mary’s has supported me to share my passion for outdoor learning. It is the best action research I could have wished for! At the Orchard, my vision is to model our teaching practice on the Forest Schools of Scandinavia and Europe where children are taken into wild nature no matter the weather. If it rains, we problem-solve and wear appropriate clothing. When we are warm and dry, we are ready to learn.

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Children are taken into wild nature no matter the weather at The Orchard.

Remember – there is no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothing!

What does a typical morning at the Orchard look like? We light fires, bury possums, sling mud, climb high up into the trees, eat guacamole, make huts and dens and the list goes on. One strong theme and ongoing interest is possums.

Bill usually goes out the night before to provide us with at least one specimen each week. The children are very keen to look closely at these creatures; to touch their fur and discuss their interesting features. Sometimes we find half eaten avocados and the cry goes out “possum damage!” When they help to bury the possums, the children are learning about conservation and protecting Aotearoa. They know that possums are a major pest because they eat the trees, baby birds and Megan’s

Notes from Te Puna Heartlands

By Beth Bowden

t its April meeting, Te Puna Heartlands considered the outcomes of its requests, under the Official Information Act, for descriptions of land use as consented to by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council for properties along Te Puna Station Road. We now have a full list of the consents granted and a reasonably good understanding of what are formally permitted activities in this industrial zone. As well, we have had written assurances that Council is well aware of the sensitivities of the zone, and has had a number of discussions with landowners to ensure compliance. In

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light of this, we agreed to withdraw our official information request. But we do now have firm information that we can share, on the land use constraints and permissions for this important part of Te Puna’s history, ecology, and economic activity.

Other matters discussed covered the Te Puna West wastewater scheme, on which locals affected had a meeting on March the 23rd; the importance of responding to the NZTA’s options for Tauranga to Waihi roading improvements; and the importance of focussing on the Western Bay of Plenty Long Term Plan consultation process. Annual Plans are now mere subsets of this 3-10 year

decision-making document, and we were advised to put Heartlands’ energies and insight into the LTP and to encourage others to do so. This merged well with Heartlands’ continuing efforts to get the Te Puna Plan updated from its 2007 version. We look forward to seeing many Te Puna-ites at the drop-in day at the Te Puna School on Saturday the 27th of May. Be ready to contribute ideas and visions for our district’s place in the Long Term Plan – and a plan for our very own community.

Those of you who like to see how much land use can change in a few short decades might enjoy a new website: http://retrolens.nz/map/#

avocados.

The Orchard environment is inspirational in its abundance of textures, sights, smells and sounds as well as providing children with new and exciting opportunities to explore while taking risks, testing their limits and having lots of physical activity. These are the things I believe are best for children’s learning. This is what I value. Children are the future caretakers of our beautiful country. How will they learn to respect and care for it unless they have meaningful experiences in it? If you are an Early Childhood Teacher and you and a small group of your children would like to come and spend a session with us at the Orchard, please get in touch via meganwhitney@hotmail.co.nz we’d be proud to have you.

Kathy Hannah Midwife Providing individualised pregnancy, birth and postnatal care at home, Bethlehem Birth Centre and Tauranga Hospital

Phone or txt 021 052 0080 Email Kathyhannahmidwife@gmail.com Home and after hours appointments available

Covering Bethlehem, Te Puna, Omokoroa, Katikati and Waihi Beach

June 2017 | Lizard News |

17

lizardnews.net

Duck hunt fever takes hold Smoky fires a burning

By Max Kehoe

t begins with a friend, family member or relative taking you out for a day.

From there one looks forward to the next opportunity. Slowly but surely the fever takes hold until a duck shooter has trouble sleeping in the lead up to the opening weekend. Preparation begins on or about ‘pegging out’ weekend when a shooter must identify his or her position that they will shoot from by a time on a Sunday normally four weeks out from the opening. Having secured this position, the shooter spends weekends constructing and covering the maimai with foliage from around the area so it looks natural.

About this time or before, the shooter takes holidays or leave on the Friday before the opening which allows for decoys to be set, the purchase of groceries for the weekend and something wet to lubricate the throat after calling ducks all day.

It’s an art that sometimes decides how well the shooter goes. It also comes in handy following the days’ shooting when seasons, mates, and times gone by are reminisced. This normally leads into sorting out the world’s problems which, as the night develops, becomes easier.

Preparation includes the dog whose workload picks up from the family pet for this four-weekends work for the year.

The shooter typically attends an eyeopener - a clay bird shoot to test the gun and the marksmanship required to shoot down a flying duck. The opening weekend arrives with thousands of shooters hiding in their maimai, calling to the ducks flying past normally heading to the closest sanctuary. Ducks have excellent eyesight and will spot a lazy shooter who hasn’t put the work in to cover their maimai and will give them a wide berth.

Decoy sets help and to liven up a set shooters employ mechanical wings, flapping decoys or decoys on strings and bungee cord to create movement in the decoy set.

Every year, a new ‘better than last year’ decoy arrives on the market to lighten the shooter’s pocket. This year a flying decoy device called The Terminator is being employed. It resembles a twoarmed rotary clothes line powered by a remotely controlled 12v car battery.

A good caller in the area is admired. A duck language exists: the “come on over” call, the “feeding” call, the “come back” call and the female duck call are all sounded at specific times.

issue for Aongatete

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Think about your neighbours and the environment before rushing to burn green waste. PHOTO: Supplied.

he Aongatete area is being watched by the Regional Council after excessively smoky outdoor fires led to what is described as a significant number of complaints from locals.

The derestricted winter fire season, from May until September, allows people to burn items in a controlled open air environment - without a permit - because of the cooler weather.

But the Regional Council’s pollution hotline has also been running hot.

The team leader of regulatory compliance, Alex Miller, says most complaints relate to horticultural properties burning green waste that is not sufficiently dried.

“People lighting outdoor fires need to be considerate of others and use their common sense. On one Monday afternoon alone, we observed six burn-offs emitting thick smoke in the Aongatete area.”

T Ducks are initially attracted by the movement of other ducks which the Terminator attempts to replicate with wind-powered rotating wings.

Sunday sees shooters plucking or breasting their game for the home table and trying to justify game on the table vs. the not insignificant cost of the licence, ammo, tucker and so on.

As the first weekend of May arrives, give a car towing a camouflaged or green boat a wide berth. The occupant is in a hurry to join mates and enjoy the best weekend of the year for a keen duck shooter.

The season for ducks lasts four weeks with the upland game, like pheasants, carrying on for two months. The following ten months are spent thinking and preparing the possie to make next year’s opening weekend more successful than this year’s.

The fever without knowing it has passed to the younger generation, who have watched and learned the art of hunting and shooting that will set them up for a lifetime of magnificent days on rivers, ponds and harbours.

Alex Miller says the combined effect of these outdoor fires can have a significant impact on air quality, particularly in the local area.

“Where possible, mulching and composting is a much better solution for green waste products, and also has the benefit of helping to retain soil moisture and feed plants.”

There are simple ways to minimise the impacts on both your neighbours and the environment.

Do not burn wet or treated wood, plastics, household rubbish, construction and demolition waste or tyres - and do not light fires in high winds.

Instead, check weather conditions including the wind direction and try to let your neighbours know in advance as a courtesy. To avoid creating smoky fires, only burn dry untreated wood and have a means to control the blaze.

A worrying sign

Lizard News goes to 4000 homes in:

Aongatete • Omokoroa • Pahoia Te Puna • Whakamarama

Graffiti is an unwelcome, anti-social form of vandalism.

et’s keep a lid on vandalism, such as this tagging of a traffic sign on Omokoroa Road. If you know who is responsible, please report that to the police. Hopefully this signature mark is recognisable to somebody. Perhaps with the help of the judicial system, the culprit could help restore tagged property as a service to the community, if you know what I mean?

Tony Hawkins of Graffiti Busters welcomes calls regarding tagging of public

L Send your message to more people for less money Contact us about growing your business

omokoroa@lizardnews.net

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| Lizard News | June 2017

property such as bus shelters and toilet blocks on 07 548 2454. “See it, report it, we will remove it,” says Tony.

Larger scale jobs can be dealt with by way of a service request to the district council, while graffiti on private property is the responsibility of the landowner to manage.

Tony photographs graffiti before removing it and passes the information to the police.

lizardnews.net

The Blade pest-free area

By Colin Hewens

his group has been operating for more than a year, with the aim of protecting bird life in a 100 Ha block, surrounding a forty-minute loop track being formed at the end of Whakamarama Road by the Whakamarama Community Incorporated Society.

It was spawned by a member of the Friends of Puketoki, which has been doing similar work in the Puketoki Reserve five km down the Whakamarama Road. It has been funded by grants from WBoPDC for track formation, from BoPRC Environmental Enhancement Fund for traps and related gear for the establishment year, and a grant from Bay Trust for expansion using automatic Good Nature traps on the western edge of the area.

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Initial work from May 2016 concentrated on reducing the possum population until a permit to use rodenticide was obtained in September 2016, to control the rat predators. The rats were eliminated in six weeks but returned.

A follow-up dose was required two months later. Approximately 4,700 baits were used. By the end of the first year’s operations, 248 possums had been terminated.

Several stoats (two definites) are likely to have been killed along with other mustelids, which get removed from the automatic traps by other predators.

The weekly trapping ceased in midMarch due to the advent of the deerhunting roar when it was deemed safer to take a break. By that time, there were no more fledgelings hatching, so the adult birds were relatively safe.

An early group of volunteers.

There are now approximately 83 single kill possum traps deployed, 15 multi-kill automatic possum traps, five multi-kill automatic rat traps, and five multi-kill automatic mustelid traps, as well as seven individual kill mustelid traps.

The trapping recommenced on May the 19th, and new volunteers are always welcome to join us.

Call me on 552 6771 or email col.hewens@orcon.net.nz

One dead possum, dealt with by volunteers Steve and Trish.

Omokoroa Beach Indoor Bowling Club

By Anne Sandel s this edition goes to press, the May 31st tournament will have just taken place. This report covers our previous events in March and April. We enjoyed the friendly challenges of Greerton Senior Citizens Club, Te Puna, and Bethlehem Indoor Bowling when they visited Omokoroa in April.

Many thanks to Andy Goodall of Comfort Air Conditioning Ltd of Ross Road, who sponsored the Bethlehem and Te Puna evening.

The AGM and prize-giving were held at the end of March. Annual subscriptions remain at $15 per annum and mat fees at $3 per session. Members voted to support our local fire brigade by making a $300 donation.

Members who had won or achieved second placings in our Annual Club

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Championship competitions during the 2016 season received their prizes following the AGM. Pictured (L-R): Gary Clancy, Ngaire Black, Graham Hamilton, Elaine Sim, Anne Sandel, Gary Giles, Ann McHardy (front), Jill Clark, Mavis Rosenberg, Roy Rosenberg, Jan McKillen. Absent: Florence Tronell, Brian Clark, Joe Clark, Murray Hamilton, Trish Davis, Lyn Coates, Joe Clark, Peter Cox. If you would like to try your hand at indoor bowling - don’t be shy - come down to the Settlers’ Hall at 1 pm on Monday afternoons or 7 pm on Tuesday evenings and give it a try. It’s a great way of meeting others. We bowl as normal on public holidays and during the school holidays.

Please wear smooth soled shoes. Slippers are fine. If you need a ride, call Anne on 548 1636 or Gordon on 548 1495.

Rainfall data perspective on weather events he Lizard News catchment from Te Puna to Aongatete was deluged with 299% of the average monthly rainfall during March, then 224% in April - onto the already saturated soil.

A recent paper presented to Bay of Plenty Regional Council provides some perspective on the size of the side-byside storm events which struck.

The report notes the region experienced rainfall up to five times the historical averages, with Reporoa between Taupo and Rotorua receiving 528% of its typical amount of rain during March.

The first event, ex-Cyclone Debbie, brought record rainfall region-wide leading to unprecedented lake levels and river flows. The breach of the stopbank at Edgecumbe caused widespread evacuations and damage, and large sections of the coastal walkway at Omokoroa

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slipped into the harbour.

The recorded flood flows in the Whakatane River at the Valley Rd gauging site were 34% higher than ever recorded before. The Rangitaiki River flows reaching the Matahina Dam were 20% higher than the previous record.

A week later Cyclone Cook made landfall with high winds, high seas and considerable damage from short but significant bursts of extreme gusts and wave heights.

Sir Michael Cullen will chair an independent review of the infrastructure and circumstances that led to the breach of a flood wall and the associated flooding of Edgecumbe.

The Regional Council has about 130 automated monitoring stations collecting weather data. For more details see boprc.govt.nz/livemonitoring

These images show the rainfall summaries for the Bay of Plenty.

The prize-winners of the 2016 season, minus absentees.

The winners in April, skipped by Peter Adams (3rd from left).

April’s runners-up with locals Zena Clark and Tim Garland (2nd/3rd from left).

June 2017 | Lizard News |

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lizardnews.net

Te Puna Quarry Park News

By Shirley Sparks t its last meeting, the Te Puna Quarry Park Committee spent some time discussing the Guide Dog Fundraiser morning tea, run by the Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions at the Gallery and the Dragon lawn. So, on a beautiful Saturday morning in May, a whole lot of dogs, and their people arrived to show off pups-in-training as well as actual working dogs. We had a great mix of sighted, partially sighted, and unsighted people all milling and mixing and learning about the part that dogs play in enabling a fruitful and capable life for everyone.

I’m so glad that the committee continues its commitment to making the TPQP a dog-friendly place. We do object to volunteer-unfriendly dog owners who fail to pick up the poop that comes with them, but, on the whole, enough responsible dog owners enjoy the Quarry to make our dog-friendly policy worthwhile. And it’s greatly appreciated by the public, who otherwise have only limited opportunities for exercise and often cannot take dogs for exercise in places of their choice.

Volunteer Stuart is working on putting track indicators on the trails that wind through the eastern native bush area and is also creating a map of these walkways in and around the area. We hope that Dulcie will now get fewer calls from people who say they are lost! Her wellrehearsed advice is: follow the water-

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course downhill, and then turn uphill towards where the sun sets. A renewed pest eradication effort is in the planning stages. You can be sure that the TPQP is doing its bit to rid NZ of such things as rats and rabbits in the time horizon recently set by Government. A night shoot held on March the 13th by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council pest controllers was reported as follows: 34 rabbits sighted, 25 ‘destroyed’. We thank Wayne Alchorn for his energy - and for being a good shot!

Rats are our biggest problem because there seems to be a bit of a population surge at the moment. But our volunteer team of pest controllers, who walk the lines and load the traps (and empty and count their contents) continue their noble task.

Recently I heard Jesse Mulligan on RNZ read out an email, from our volunteer Francis, celebrating last summer’s efforts to trap rats up at the Quarry.

Thanks to people like Francis, we will get on top of this problem eventually, and save a few more skinks and birds for the enjoyment of all – humans, dogs on leads, and native animals – at the Quarry.

If you want to join this team of heroes, ring me on 552 5874.

And there’s always room for other volunteers. I still go up to the Quarry every Tuesday, to feed the worm farm and to give my ‘morning talk’ about Quarry happenings to an assemblage of volunteers that is usually around 30

Most owners appreciate TPQP’s dog-friendly policy, and pick up the poop.

TEXT, CALL OR EMAIL Get in touch with your news Discuss your business needs

Matthew Farrell

LIZARD NEWS LTD 07 548 1200 027 549 5410 omokoroa@lizardnews.net

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| Lizard News | June 2017

The Dreaming Stone is one of many focal points at Te Puna Quarry Park.

people and occasionally more. Are you a handyman? – You don’t need to weed or prune, but you could be the person we want to get creative in assembling and maintaining the percussion orchestra on the West Track. This regularly, and literally, gets a hammering.

What a chance it offers for recycling strong metal and wood items that make a sound when hit; an opportunity to use your repair and maintenance skills to keep the instruments we have in working order and maybe even in tune! It’s an area that’s extremely popular, and you would be beloved by everyone.

Once again, phone me on 552 5874 if this idea appeals to you and your skill set.

The new “spring” sculpture, made by Nic Clegg, has been installed on the West Track, near the train, and looks fabulous.

It has been named, “Offspring” and is an excellent example of what can be done in this COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ARTS. Thanks to Trustpower for the gift of the blue metal springs, which Nic has skilfully recycled into an artwork that appeals to engineers and artists alike. Go and have a look at it soon.

What a joy it has been to see the creative processes of all the different kinds needed to make the Quarry Park what it is today. Many of our participating volunteers have come up with ideas and looked into the future to see how things could happen here in the Quarry.

Some thoughts have been well and truly abandoned as better ones have come along, but the intelligent, energetic, knowledgeable and talented Quarry friends, artists, and volunteers in our community have continued to meet the challenge of the future and get us closer and closer to being famous. All this has to start with communication and talking things over – such an important start to any creative process.

More than twenty years ago, Jo and I walked Graeme Platt of Commercial Horticulture magazine around this abandoned, pest- and weed-infested rocky horror and shared our ideas. His headline for the article of January 1995 issue: “Te Puna Quarry – one of the world’s great gardens?”

Look into the future and talk about what you could see happen here in the Quarry. We can share this fascinating piece of land with the world.

New course to study organic production rospective students wanting to work outdoors in a healthy environment and contribute to a more sustainable world may be interested in a new qualification in growing organic food to sell.

The practical Level 4 course at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Windermere will be part-time for a full year starting on July the 1st if there’s enough interest.

It will include organic principles and certification compliance requirements, soil and nutrient management, and crop or livestock farming.

Ruth McLean says many people used to enjoy organics courses but the old ones run by AgNZ stopped.

The course will suit people with

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experience or qualifications in gardening or horticulture.

You will need to spend a minimum of 8 hours per week carrying out production activities on a certified or transitioning organic property and be able to study for at least 4 hours per week. Workshop tutorials and field trips will occur each fortnight on a Saturday.

Website applications are open, and there will be an information session on June the 12th. Ruth McLean says while the fees are almost $3000 you may be eligible for a student loan from Studylink and this is an investment in growing your food for life. For details email ruth.mclean@toiohomai.ac.nz and call 07 557 8759 or 022 189 5350.

lizardnews.net

7KH 2PRNRURD 3HQLQVXOD &OXE

The Omokoroa Double bill for Katikati Peninsula Club Report Folk Club concert

By Jacqui Kerr ur club speaker last month, Peter Goad, spoke about building a Cape Henry 21 sailing boat in fifteen minutes. It was the talk which took fifteen minutes not the boat building.

Peter was worried that only a small number at the meeting would be interested in his subject. However, it was a very informative and humorous talk which we all enjoyed. The slides he showed us made everything easy to understand and we could appreciate why a project which was meant to take two years, ended up taking five. The finished product’s name was “Marney” after a very understanding wife and was a credit to Peter’s skill and patience.

Our guest speaker was Dan Allen-Gordon speaking about the Graeme Dingle Foundation. In the Western Bay of Plenty, the foundation delivers three programmes. These are Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K. Kiwi Can is a programme for students from year one through to year eight.

Each week leaders go to the classrooms and talk to and interact with the children. Topics include positive relationships, integrity, resilience, and respect.

Older children also go out into the community and do acts of kindness. The schools invite Kiwi Can into their classrooms, and more schools are wanting to include Kiwi Can than funding allows.

There are many positive outcomes from this programme including building confidence in children who have been bullied and changing the behaviour of those children who have been bullies.

Stars is a programme where year 12 and 13 students mentor year nine students. This is a very successful programme at Otumoetai College. Stars has been sponsored by the Wright Family Foundation.

The Project K programme is offered to a dozen students from year ten who are struggling with life. It is a 14-month agenda and starts with a three-week stint in the wilderness. When they return from this, they do two days a week working in the community for four weeks.

They then make a presentation in the

By Christine Donehue

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wo singer-songwriters feature at the next Katikati Folk Club concert on Friday, the 16th of June. Janne Izett from Tauranga and Renny M from Taranaki will share the bill, for an entertaining evening of live music. Enjoy the friendly atmosphere and free supper at Katikati Bowling Club in Park Road.

Doors open at 7 pm and the concert starts at 7.30.

Folk/indie musician Renny M grew up in the northern suburbs of Sydney but has since made her home in Melbourne and Taranaki.

Renny and her acoustic guitar are inseparable, and both have been entertaining crowds during her extensive travels throughout Mexico, Peru, the U.S and Canada.

Renny M sings directly into your heart – dusty vocals, skilful narrative and melodic invention combine as she intertwines her melodic fingerpicking guitar style with heartfelt lyrics that emanate raw emotion.

Renny transforms the everyday into sublime moments, and her songs explore the experiences that bring us to life, her bittersweet voice presenting songs of love, longing and loss.

The universal themes in her songwriting reflect her open heart, as well as an exploration of the social issues that matter to her most. Her recent song ‘Out to Play’ was heavily influenced by her

T Mt Ruapehu’s blue lake from the shady side.

... And again in the sunlight.

Council Chambers on what they have been doing. Following this, they have a trained adult as a mentor for 12 months.

Dingle Foundation has research partners in the University of Otago, Auckland University and Massey University. Dan says funding is an ongoing problem and donations are always welcome.

Our guest speaker this month, Mark Wassung, will talk about the connected future of Tauranga. The Omokoroa Peninsula Club’s monthly club activities include dining out, “Guess who is coming to dinner,” wine tasting, coffee & craft, cameras & gadgets, and groups for walking, the movies, and genealogy.

In other news, 38 members led by the knowledgeable vulcanologist member Peter Otway recently returned from a three-day stay at Tongariro National Park. A spectacular view of Mt Ngauruhoe was among the highlights.

PHOTOS: Supplied

dedicated work with Australia’s most vulnerable (and arguably poorly treated) asylum seekers, and calls for a more humane treatment of Australia’s asylum seeker population.

Janne Izett remembers first playing the guitar when she was in primary school, cycling to catch the school bus with the guitar slung across her back.

She still has that guitar with the hummingbird scratchplate!

As a student, Janne performed at Whakatane’s country music club, backing singers on guitar, and it was there that she discovered her enjoyment of playing with others, and having fun singing harmonies.

A member of Tauranga Acoustic Music Club, Janne began songwriting in 2009.

In 2011, after witnessing the devastating effect of the Rena shipwreck, she composed the song ‘Bleeding Oil’ and uploaded it to YouTube as a fundraiser.

Janne writes a regular music column for the Weekend Sun newspaper; with many friends in different musical genres, she loves to promote music.

Janne has performed around the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Auckland, performing both covers and original material, and is currently working on her first CD. Door sales: adults $20, members $15, school children free. Bar available.

Tea/coffee and biscuits at the interval.

See katikatifolkclub.co.nz for more details.

Janne Izett.

Bobcat Services • General Earthworks Site Development • Material Cartage Drainage • Farm Clearing

An aerial view of Mt Ngauruhoe’s crater.

Aaron Recter 021 113 8283 baywidecontracting@gmail.com June 2017 | Lizard News |

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STR8TS

SUDOKU Medium

Medium

5

8

4 9 3

8

4 8 9

1

1 7

6

6 8 7 4 3 4 8

5 3

© 2017 Syndicated Puzzles

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4 7 3

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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.

8 3 1 5 9 2 7

7 7 2 9

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© 2017 Syndicated Puzzles

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

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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

SOUTHERN SKY AT NIGHT

Omokoroa Tide Chart June 2017 1 Thu Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

0:57 7:08 13:21 19:25

2 Fri 1.9 0.2 1.8 0.2

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1.9 0.2 1.7 0.3

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R 12:36 S 23:58 17 Sat 1:01 7:23 13:20 19:35

1:52 8:02 14:17 20:19

3 Sat

1.8 0.3 1.7 0.3

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S 12:18

18 Sun 1.8 0.3 1.7 0.3

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| Lizard News | June 2017

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Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

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

lizardnews.net

Only four weeks left to apply for grant money

By Marlene Mackenzie

ince our last article was published, so many public holidays have come and gone. We have some dedicated volunteers who enthusiastically open The Centre so Omokoroa’s many visitors can enjoy our shop. So many folks have it as a ‘must do’ when here on holiday.

Once more we have application forms available, to all local non-profit organisations and clubs so they may apply for one of our annual grants. These forms are at the counter of The Centre and must be returned with all applicable information

by Friday, 30th June.

The concept of The Centre is to make available, to all folk in our community, a haven of friendship and support, while offering an attractive place to shop or rest amongst friends and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, if you wish. The majority of our goods are donated by locals, mostly sold to locals, and all profits are returned

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to our local community by way of our annual grants.

We had a fantastic turn-out of our volunteers, who came one Sunday to sort and pack the huge pile of goods donated, mostly by our shop volunteers, to the unfortunate people in Edgecumbe. This was all of the most beautiful quality: furniture, clothing, bedding, toys, crockery and cutlery, pots and pans, dishes, towels and so the list goes on. Much was needed by so many! Thank you to Nelda and her husband who made several trips to Edgecumbe to deliver the items to an official distribution point. I am sure these goods will make life a little easier for some very needy people.

Vanuatu has also received various items of clothing to help people still struggling from the effect of Cyclone Pam, which hit them badly two years ago. It takes so long to get over natural disasters.

Our Peggy Purl knitting group is meet-

A few of the donations for Edgecumbe. Inset: Teddies donated to Omokoroa Point School.

Mid-Winter Festival

Saturday 24th June

3pm onwards at Whakamarama Community Hall

Bring the family for a fun-filled day of activities for young and old including: snowman making & colouring competition, cookie decorating, professional face-painting, sports, games & activities.

Hot food & drinks will be available.

Enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Warm yourself by the fire with a cup of our famous mulled wine & some roasted marshmallows.

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Conducting bus feedback just the ticket t’s time to talk about bus services; specifically how you would like to see them improved.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council says it wants to put in place a public transport network that meets the needs of existing customers and encourages more people out of their cars.

A senior transport planner with the council, Joe Metcalfe, says passenger input is vital in making the right changes.

Over the past couple of years, BOPRC has been working with the Transport Agency, City Council, District Council, and the District Health Board to create a 10-year transport plan for Tauranga and the Western Bay. Joe Metcalfe says past feedback has been incorporated into the proposals, aimed at significantly increasing the quality of bus services.

Essentially this means more buses, more frequently, and along more direct routes to increase travel choices. Other ideas include park and ride facilities, giving buses priority over other traffic in some places, and improving options for school students - including those who travel outside

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of their zoned area.

Newer vehicles with more features and lower emissions, and technology to provide better passenger information are also on the cards.

If you want to have a say on where buses go, how often, and which features matter to you check out drivechange.co.nz

Lizard Classifieds

STAFF

SITUATIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

Painter

Wanted for new cafe in Omokoroa. Short order cook & wait staff.

Contact Bruce 548 2946 or 021 549 490 PUBLIC NOTICES FOR ALL YOUR CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Phone 07 548 1200

Plasterer / Painter Remedial; Interior painting/plastering; Skims; Cove repairs.

30 years’ experience.

Contact Duncan: 548 2453 022 038 7782

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

Amore Omokoroa Genuine Italian cuisine available as pre-cooked meals and takeaways.

Cooking classes our specialty.

Have a special event?

Alessandra can be your personal chef.

FB: Amore Omokoroa Ph: 548 2453 or 021 183 5591

COMMUNITY GRANTS

A whole year has passed and once again ‘The Centre’ has funds on offer for 2017.

Application forms are available at the shop counter.

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will be created and donated to the school. Two blankets were also given to the Edgecumbe appeal. PHOTOS: Supplied.

GRANT REMINDER: Application forms are available at the counter of The Centre for all non-profit local clubs and organisations. DEADLINE: FRIDAY, 30th JUNE. Return applications to the shop.

Does your ‘not-for-profit’ group require funds?

Sorting goods for Edgecumbe.

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ing again, now the weather is cooler, on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 10.30am. Any ability is welcome. Come and chat while knitting for worthy causes and making new friends.

A couple of weeks ago Omokoroa Point School received four blankets, ten beanies, three pairs of slippers and three bears. The bears were a big hit, so more

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CLOSING DATE: Friday, 30th June.

(Application does not guarantee a grant.)

Lizard News

Cyberlink Omokoroa is a local email network for members to post community news & events. Examples include lost & found items, free stuff, requests for help, positions vacant & available, new local businesses, markets, WBoPDC updates, house rentals/sitters, and courses & training.

The only thing we don’t do is “items for sale”. Our distribution list is 650 email addresses with an average opening rate of 65%. To join, email:

07 548 1200

Please call to enquire about our free professional ad design.

We can support your business with photos, logos or ideas.

cyberlink@omokoroabeach.nz

with your name and email address.

You can see recent posts on the Amenities page at omokoroabeach.nz We are currently doing a door knock appeal for members, so I look forward to meeting you.

Rick Peers.

June 2017 | Lizard News |

23

lizardnews.net

Supporting your local Pop in to Red Poppy businesses T

By Matthew Farrell s a new local business ourselves, one topic a reader has suggested for me to write about is supporting your community economy.

We are all consumers to a greater or lesser extent. We require food, fuel, homes with a variety of modern conveniences and appliances - and we have many and varied hobbies and pursuits.

Sometimes we need to go to Katikati, Bethlehem or Tauranga to find what we need. Other times it is right on our doorstep, and this saves us time and money spent as long as we know about the offerings of local businesses.

If you live locally, shop locally and buy locally then you are supporting the community economy where you live. We all benefit from this in ways which may not be immediately apparent.

The creation and retention of local jobs are probably the number one aspects of the local economy you are supporting. It may be your job you are helping to protect if you spend money at your place of work. It may be your neigh-

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bour or a friend or family member whose employment is reliant on the success of the business or its suppliers. It may be your parent or child’s job you are safeguarding.

This leads to longer-term employment which in turns means more experienced staff with greater skills and knowledge to help you each time you go back to your local service providers.

This can also lead to those valued staff members receiving improved pay or conditions.

Expanded product ranges are another example of a decision a business may be able to make if it has enough income to take the plunge by stocking a new line of goods or using a new supplier.

As the population of the Western Bay of Plenty district grows, so we welcome new businesses and new business owners to the area. Your child may be their next apprentice tradie.

We’re in this together. Buy NZ made when you can afford it - and always put your community economy first, because it’s your local.

here’s something affordable for everyone at Red Poppy, whether you are looking for a small gift or something larger.

That’s the message from Paula Denton, whose range of homewares, decor and trinkets spans from just $8 to a couple of hundred for some art such as sculptures.

Paula says her new neighbours at Fresh Choice in Omokoroa, Waihi Pizza Club, are a great asset to our community and her weekday opening hours are now 10 am to 5.30 pm to match their late afternoon trade.

Pottery animals by renowned NZ artist Fiona Tunnicliffe sit alongside a variety of handmade works by Turama Ahi (Firelight) Pottery of Katikati.

Limited edition, numbered, pencil prints of elephants by Dorothy JMV

Robinson hang above the Ecoya range of home fragrances and other locally produced items including ceramic flowers and bowls by Katikati’s Ana Couper.

There is always a choice of canvasses, wall art, metal works and handbags.

Paula Denton says after a few years in Katikati and a stint in Bethlehem, everyone has made her and husband Paul feel welcome in Omokoroa.

Co-owners Simon (her brother) and Caroline Newcombe produce an NZ range of alpaca jackets, jumpers, cardigans and knitting yarns of many colours with a 20% merino blend.

Paula is looking forward to welcoming a real estate office, a laundrette and a coffee shop into the complex soon and asks that you drop in to browse.

Paula says prices are good at Red Poppy, where there’s something for every budget.

Claridges Real Estate Ltd Welcomes Faye Wilton to our Omokoroa Team Faye Wilton 027 231 7770 or 07 548 0779 faye@claridgesrealestate.co.nz

My Real Estate career began in 1994. Residing in Omokoroa village for 15 years, specialising in the Residential/Lifestyle properties throughout the Omokoroa area, I achieved numerous awards for my success in real estate sales. Covering this beautiful part of the Bay of Plenty, approximately 20 minutes north of Tauranga – for me, real estate is a pleasure.

I offer my clients outstanding service, now operating from the Claridges Real Estate office in Omokoroa and invite you to contact me for further details, should you be considering the sale, or purchase, of real estate within the Omokoroa peninsula.

One of your most important decisions in a real estate transaction is to find the person committed to helping you achieve your goals. If all other things are equal, the final difference can be made by choosing to work with a true real estate professional.

Retail 2, 170 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa 3172 (medical centre complex) Office: 07 548 0779 A/h: 07 552 5921 web: www.claridgesrealestate.co.nz