Lizard News May 2023

Lizard News MAY 2023

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

Te Puna • Whakamārama • Matakana Is • Ōmokoroa • Pahoia • Apata • Aongatete • Katikati • Tahāwai • Bowentown • Athenree • Waihī Beach

Classic end-to-end entertainment

The plate winners from Levin (left) took home a patu donated by Barclay Engravers, while the overall champions from Waihī Beach (right) earned a trophy crafted and donated by Menzshed Ōmokoroa - pictured with Gayle Melrose (centre). PHOTO: Supplied.

By Matthew Farrell he rain began to fall as the last match concluded, wrapping up a great Easter weekend of action for 96 players at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club.

Tournament chair Scott Pickering admits they were very lucky with the weather for the annual Junior Easter Classic. “It was perfect timing. Absolutely fabulous conditions allowed a significant number of spectators to come and enjoy the event. Speaking to many visiting teams, they used bookabach, Airbnb and campground accommodation providers from Katikati to Ōmokoroa. Off the greens, we achieved what we set out to do - a substantial benefit to the local community we’re part of,” says Scott.

Match convenor Bill Murphy says the competition was fierce and close.

“We had 32 triples teams playing four games for league format points on the first day. They were then split into championship and plate divisions of 16 teams for another four games on the second day. There was a 90-minute limit on 13 ends of six bowls, two per person. With three points for a win and one for a draw, it came down to how many ends won, then points differential,” says Bill.

Scott says while Ōmokoroa representatives performed well, it was pleasing to see the furthest travelling teams have success as well. The plate winners were

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Happy Mother’s Day

from Levin, and the plate runners-up were from One Tree Point in Northland.

“It ran like clockwork thanks to months of organisation and the contribution of club volunteers lending personal time over Easter,” he says.

Bill Murphy describes the tournament as a superb display of talent, reflected in the competitiveness of games and says Bowls NZ high-performance coach and BoP representative selector Gayle Melrose was amazed at the level of ability.

“In a lengthy period of running events, this has been one of the most successful in terms of player feedback from the fraternity. Thanks to a music playlist of requests contributed by players, we didn’t hear the same song twice across the weekend, and it was great to see bowlers dancing,” says Bill.

Bowls NZ chief executive Mark Cameron, who took part himself, agrees the tournament is a must-play for year one to five bowlers.

“My thanks to the Ōmokoroa Bowling Club for hosting such a superbly executed event. With teams from the North Island in attendance, the event has quickly established itself as one of the premier junior bowls events on the Bowls New Zealand calendar,” says Mark.

Scott Pickering says Ōmokoroa Bowling Club is extremely grateful to the five major sponsors who contributed a pool of $5,000 prize money.

Tauranga Kerb and Paving Championship

1st: Waihī Beach - Adrian McGaughey, Wayne Heron, Kathryn McGaughey - 12 points, 34 Ends, 41 Differential. 2nd: Ngongotahā/Ōmokoroa - Michael Staite, Jeff Meekings, Dan Leary - 12 points, 34 Ends, 37 Differential. 3rd: Kerepēhi - Shaun Harrison, Daniel Harrison, Andrew McGowatt - 12 points, 32 Ends. 4th: Rewa David Campbell, Scott Henderson, Bryan Scott - 12 points, 30 Ends. 5th: Ōmokoroa - Steve Osborne, Bill Morrison, Scott Pickering - 12 points, 28 Ends. 6th: Te Atatū - Jean Claude Fuller, Garry Howard, Paul Ghezzi - 9 points.

Tremains Real Estate BoP Plate

1st: Levin - Adam Batty, Quentin Bainbridge, Iria Peni - 12 points. 2nd: One Tree Point - Vicki Hurring, Angela Moon, Faye Mangu - 9 points, 30 Ends. 3rd: Ōmokoroa - Eddie Boschat, Peter Brett, Peter Catcheside - 9 points, 27 Ends. 4th: Ōpōtiki/Arawa - Debra Millen, Mere Gillies, Paul Stanley - 9 points, 26 Ends. 5th: Ōmokoroa - Deryck Scott, Rachelle Morrison, Karen Pickering - 9 points, 25 Ends. 6th: Ōmokoroa - Bruce Lauchlan, David Rolfe, Ross Capill - 9 points, 22 Ends.

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the o t s r Lette

r o t i Ed

From the newsdesk This month, Lizard News is being printed on a different type of paper. This is the fourth type of paper we’ve used in six years. For the first couple of years, we chose a glossy product printed near Christchurch, followed by a glossy product printed in Whakatāne. We then switched to a white matt product which has unfortunately seen dramatic cost and availability changes in the past 18 months. Since the closure of NZ’s final mill at Kawerau, most newsprint has been sourced from Australia, Tasmania, and China.

Rather than increase the cost of advertising in line with the increased cost of paper, we have chosen to stay in business and keep printing local news by decreasing our paper costs.

In other news, occasionally, we receive letters I do not publish. I’m typically not interested in ‘State of the Nation’ letters, especially those written outside our distribution area.

There are plenty of regional or national publications across the country to cater for this type of correspondence, as well as websites, forums and blogs.

Generic letters about big-picture politics are not what Lizard News is about.

This is a community publication for local residents and locally-trading businesses. Our unique point of difference is our geographical circulation area and its residents - the neighbours, colleagues, friends, and families that call this place home. Thank you.

Matthew Roads to nowhere I am wondering if other councils are, like Western BoP District Council, building cycleways that cannot be completed due to final stages not having property owner permission to have access across their land.

Two uncompleted examples, the cycleway from Ōmokoroa to Bethlehem goes as far as the Wairoa Bridge and now will have controlled traffic lights on a very busy state highway to allow cyclists to switch from one side of the road to the other.

Why wasn’t the cycleway on the bridge put on the other side?

The other cycleway is Prole Road, not completed because of access problems.

If private companies built these cycleways, the council would have made them get access rights before granting permission.

Wendy Galloway, Ōmokoroa.

Why a rate increase?

Ratepayers have been informed there is to be a rate increase this year. Instead of an increase in rates, why not a decrease in salaries?

Going by information obtained, the increase in staff receiving at least $100,000 a year rose from 66 to 88. That equates to $9 million per year, assuming it is only $100k per year.

On another angle, the second in command is on $365k. It takes 90 ratepayers to cover his salary for 12 months. It requires 35 (? Ed) ratepayers to cover the man in charge afloat for the same period.

If these highflyers were paid on their ability to serve the people, they would be reimbursing the ratepayers. In 2022, it was headlined in the Bay of Plenty Times that $7 million was owed to the Council in unpaid rates. Has any action been taken to recover these monies?

C’mon Council, your consultation time

with ratepayers is also limited.

Ewen Luskie, Katikati.

Nicky Moran Just writing to say thank you for promoting the Nicky Moran Concert in The Lizard. We had a successful event with many people enjoying a free sausage before the concert. We had around 140 people attend. We really appreciate your support.

Sue Spriggens, Katikati.

Food bank thanks We would like to take this opportunity to extend our sincere appreciation for the donation made to the Ōmokoroa Foodbank.

The donation comes at a time when we are really in need of stock due to the recent break-in at the foodbank and theft of a considerable amount of stock.

We support over 50 families in Ōmokoroa and its surrounds, and they are so appreciative of the extra help they receive from the foodbank when they are in need. Thank you for making a difference to these families’ lives.

May you be richly blessed as you bless others.

Tanya van Heerden, Ōmokoroa.

Outstanding service to Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall

By Bernie Limbrick Chairperson

he hall’s committee would like to publicly thank and acknowledge the longstanding service of Ludi Jacobs, who has been the main cleaner at the Ōmokoroa Settlers Halls for just on 18 years. Truly a life sentence! We have always appreciated his dedication to be there, fitting in last-minute requests around his business outside of the halls with cleaning and garden maintenance as required.

In recent years, as the use of the halls has increased, we have seen the need to have the cleaning done every day, which necessitated a second cleaner in Suzanne Rinderknecht. This arrangement has worked really well until Suzanne recently resigned, which forced the committee to look at commercial cleaners as a solution. We now have the services of Pooja, an Ōmokoroa local, now in place.

Our sincere thanks go out to both Ludi and Suzanne for their care and fabulous cleaning of the halls for the enjoyment of the many groups of locals that use the

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L-R: Ludi Jacob and Bernie Limbrick. PHOTO: Supplied.

halls on a daily, weekly, fortnightly and monthly basis; you have all noticed the cleanliness of the facilities over time.

If you are looking for a reliable local to clean, valet vehicles, and maintain your property lawns and gardens, then Ludi will be your man. We wish you well, Ludi going forward. See you in and around Ōmokoroa.

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Kei Wareware Tātou, Lest We Forget

By Angela Macdonald

atikati College students attended several Remembrance services in the area. Head Boy Peter Buckley and Head Girl Isla Willacy spoke at the Katikati Dawn Service in Memorial Square, acknowledging the sacrifice of those who had gone before in the many fields of war where Kiwis have served.

They also spoke of the peace we now enjoy and the peacekeeping operations around the world in current conflict zones that our military still work in.

Makaylah Hull, Sports Captain, laid a wreath, and over fifty students representing our sports teams were also in attendance.

Katikati College Deputy Head students Meg Harray and Gemma Groenewald

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Katikati College students at Memorial Square dawn service. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Royal New Zealand Air Force Squadron Leader Hayden Sheard.

spoke at the Dawn Service at Tuapiro Marae. They talked about the impact of war on our communities and the importance of continuing to support those who have served, and their families, as they navigate the challenges of post-war life.

They read, “As we reflect on the ANZAC spirit, let us also remember the importance of unity and compassion in our communities. The ANZAC legacy reminds us that we are stronger when we stand together, and that we must always strive to support and care for each other.”

A whole school assembly was held on Thursday with Royal New Zealand Air Force Squadron Leader Hayden Sheard as the guest speaker. Hayden Sheard was

Head Boy at Katikati College in 2000 and joined the RNZAF in 2001. Hayden has piloted the Iroquois Helicopter A109 and also the Black Falcons as part of the

Royal New Zealand Air Force’s aerobatic team. It was an honour to have Hayden attend along with his proud parents, Lindsey and Nyla Sheard.

Staff and students at Tuapiro Marae dawn service.

May 2023 | Lizard News | 3

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Poppies on the Point OMOKOROA

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Simply go to www.vegalend.co.nz to find your nearest Adviser or I can kindly make an introduction for you.

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11 NUMBER OF SALES

59 MEDIAN DAYS TO SELL

$870,000 MEDIAN SALE PRICE

MARCH 2023 STATISTICS. SOURCE: REINZ.

Sarah Campbell

A well-attended dawn service took place at the Gerald Crapp Reserve in Ōmokoroa on ANZAC morning, followed by Milo and Anzac biscuits. A second community service was held later in the morning at CHT Acacia Park. PHOTOS: Matthew Farrell.

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efore a major dental procedure patients can feel anxious.

Thanks to Dr. Jordan Walsh’s training and certification in dental intravenous (IV) sedation, we can offer all levels of anxiety relief including conscious sedation.

Omokoroa resident Cindy Collett was one such patient who chose to sleep through her complex extraction appointment. “It was a massive job,” says Cindy, who needed to have 26 teeth removed. That’s not a misprint. She only ever had wisdom teeth removed. Otherwise, her teeth were healthy until five years ago, when a neurological condition caused her nerve endings to die. “It was a very painful condition. My teeth started caving in on themselves and cracking”, she remembers. “Ultimately, there was no other solution than extracting them all.” Six months ago, she plucked up her courage and self-referred to ER Dental.

The procedure was scheduled for a Saturday morning and took around three hours, with nurses from Tauranga Hospital present to monitor Cindy during sedation. “It went very well. I woke up twice, heard a charming, soothing male voice, and was soon put back under”, she says.

Her gums are still healing. “Things are still moving into place. And it’s taken me a long time to get over having no teeth as a 36-year-old, but I got immediate dentures.” Initially, Cindy could only eat liquid food, eventually graduating to soft food including meat put through the blender. An unintended but not unwelcome side effect was losing 23kg.

Her conclusion: “James did an amazing job. I’m very happy with how the entire team looked after me, and I wholeheartedly recommend ER Dental.”

Your local dentist with a difference!

4 | Lizard News | May 2023

By Matthew Farrell olunteers at The Centre op shop have heard first-hand about the work being done by the New Zealand Red Cross in the aftermath of a stormy summer.

The charity’s director of domestic operations, Ōmokoroa resident Jackie Bubb, helps look after the immediate response to major events.

“I have three officers and 300 specialist trained volunteers, coordinated alongside national Civil Defence Emergency Management.

“Personally, I was involved in the Auckland floods, where we had a team working 24/7. They were exhausted. Then Cyclone Gabrielle hit, and we were around the clock for another six weeks, sleeping and working on a roster,” she says.

Without impacting on the amount given to local groups from proceeds, Centre volunteers gave this year’s special one-off discretionary donation of $20,000 specifically to help in Hawkes Bay. “That was such a humbling uplift for me personally when I was so tired. The little community I live in is so supportive and giving. It blew me away, and I really appreciate what you do.

“You may have seen on Seven Sharp, Phil Parker of Katikati has been deployed in Wairoa and Gisborne. We’ve had a million dollars of aid to distribute there, and he was reporting via video link. We had $18 million dollars in a fund that was still open, and that’s a massive amount of trust people have in us to spend wisely and appropriately,” says Jackie.

The teamwork behind the recovery response involved around 80 volunteers putting in 5,000 volunteer hours around Civil Defence evacuation centres, including Northland, Auckland, and Coromandel, to Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti/Gisborne and elsewhere.

“There were smaller response centres

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like Katikati too. Some marae and churches needed stretchers and bedding. People were stranded in Christchurch and Palmerston North. Ferries were cancelled. We supported passengers at airports.

“Stage one is our volunteer activity, providing welfare alongside Civil Defence. It’s psycho-social support and needs assessments.

“Stage two is a partnership programme.

The value of Mayoral Relief Funds varies, and we contribute where the need is greatest. We support the most vulnerable alongside local government and iwi, and we aim to fill gaps that are not being reached. That looks different in different areas.

“Phil was in contact with Wairoa District Council, marae and community groups.

There was $1m for yellow stickered homes where low-income people couldn’t fix properties and move back in because of septic tanks, plumbing, heating, bathrooms and electrical work.

“We provided generators, satellite phones, and a communications repeater.

We had 34 isolated communities needing clean-up and first aid kits.

“Marae had either been hit, or they opened their doors to all evacuees. They needed mattresses either replaced or added. We support communities to be resilient.

“Stage three is our investment programme. That includes training and equipment to reduce the impact of emergencies happening by providing a local response to help cope with the impact.

“I come back again to psycho-social support, which is how people are treated in an emergency. Asking how they are doing, giving them a cup of tea. The value of that can’t be understated.”

Our appreciation goes to Jackie for sharing her personal thoughts and her thanks to both Centre Trust and New Zealand Red Cross volunteers for community publication.

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We're looking for individuals to take their business to the next level.

ARE YOU ONE OF THEM? Team up with Tremains and Join our Katikati or Omokoroa team today!

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Natalie Brant

Scan the code to find out more and to book your appointment

Group Recruitment Manager

E: natalie.brant@tremains.co.nz M: +64 21 479 791 Tremain Real Estate BOP Limited Licensed REAA 2008

May 2023 | Lizard News | 5

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Proven results in Omokoroa!

With exceptional service and proven results, Tall Poppy Omokoroa are the obvious choice when selling your property.

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Happy Mother's Day! 6 | Lizard News | May 2023

Bernie Limbrick 021 289 7049

Jane Cross 027 244 5488

Linley Ward 021 026 04819 BULSARA T/A TALL POPPY LICENSED UNDER REAA 2008

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Carine founders sell up to retire

By Matthew Farrell he ‘For Sale’ sign has gone up outside Carine Garden Centre & Water World in Te Puna, owned by John and Leonie Wild for more than 40 years.

Born in Sheffield and schooled in Lincoln, 84-year-old John moved to New Zealand with his parents when he was 17.

They settled on Old Highway in 1956.

He has memories of living in Ohauiti, Moffat Road, Wairoa Road and Katikati.

He spent six years milking cows at Te Tuhi Track on the other side of Whakamārama, near Matamata.

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“I’ve been around this area all of my life, really. There were nine thousand people when we came to Tauranga. Ōtūmoetai was all orchards and no roads,” says John.

In economic hard times of the early ‘80s, the couple sold their partially completed do-up in Ohauiti, moved to the 1.5ha Darragh subdivision site in Te Puna, and grew hydroponic tomatoes with glasshouses and a coal-fired boiler for a couple of years.

“You could sit out there on a Sunday and have a meal on the road. The Flying Mile (Challenge to Pahoia School) had

only been open a year when we arrived, and there was no traffic on it. Now the traffic has gone to buggery.

“Anyway, when Roger Douglas became Minister of Finance, they started letting in Queensland outdoor-grown tomatoes. We couldn’t compete with their prices in winter, so my horticultural mother encouraged us to sell plants at the gate with tomatoes.

“We didn’t have enough room to be a nursery, so we started out small, but customers bought the plants, and we started to concentrate on a garden centre,” says John.

Carine is named after a suburb of Perth where Leonie’s brother is from.

“It’s near the start of the alphabet, which used to matter in the phone directory. And it’s a soft-sounding name, suitable for plants,” John reasons.

“We grew hydroponic gerberas for the cut flower trade in what is now the shop.

We bought a Rotorua manufacturing firm and started selling fibreglass ponds which were very successful.

“People started asking for fish. We added goldfish tanks and different types of fish, then a tropical fish room and products. All we’ve ever done is supply

what customers asked for.

“The birds were similar. We have nine aviaries and flights now, but we’ve never bred birds, only bought and sold them.

We’ve kept out of big parrots, too; they need a lot of room.”

John turns 85 this year and feels it is time to retire and move to Bethlehem.

“Once, we had 23 staff. Now there are three full-time, two part-time and a couple of loader drivers. We’ve shut down the landscaping to make it easier to sell the business,” he says.

Leonie, 15 years younger, arrived in the country from Perth in 1972.

“New Zealand’s been good to me as an Aussie. I had sons in 1976 and 1979.

We’ve been together since Ohauiti, then moved to this piece of cowpat land. As it’s getting closer to happening, the time is right to retire. It’s been hard work over the years when you add in seven-day weeks and covering for staff on public holidays.

“We’ve done everything together, excavating and reshaping land to improve the garden centre. It’s been a great home with lots of family barbeques and birthday parties around the table over the years,” she says.

AOS raid in Apata yewitnesses reported a large Police presence including members of the Armed Offenders Squad at Turner Road in Apata on Friday 28th April.

There were reports that the road had been blocked from 5am, with no one allowed through. Passers-by noted the activity seemed close to where there had

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Carine Garden Centre is for sale by tender by Andrew Fowler of PGG Wrightson Real Estate, with offers sought by 25th May. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

8 | Lizard News | May 2023

been explosions and a fire extinguished a month earlier. Police National Headquarters advised Lizard News that officers conducted a pre-planned search warrant at an address in the Whakamārama area.

Police were speaking with a person in relation to the search warrant and enquiries were continuing.

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Top eateries win foodie festival challenge pyramid-shaped pasta has proven a hit during the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s annual foodie festival.

The winners of the Plates of Plenty Challenge have been announced, with Alma Eatery in Ōmokoroa catching the attention of the Plates of Plenty Challenge expert panel, earning the Judge’s Choice Award for its fagottini con funghi e tartufo.

Their dish, featuring pyramid-shaped pasta stuffed with mushrooms, Grana Padano cheese, ricotta, and herbs, served with truffle butter consisting of roasted hazelnuts, sliced truffle, pekepeke-kiore, and truffle salt, made one judge note: “It was dancing on my palate.”

Alma Eatery co-owner and head chef Marco Velickovic, says his whole team helped perfect the dish before its release.

“It means a lot that people within the hospitality sector recognise what we’re doing.

“The dish sold out most days [during the festival]. We’re even planning to add the dish to our menu going forward.”

It’s the second year that the culinary challenge has been held during the

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Flavours of Plenty Festival, which is organised by Tourism Bay of Plenty.

Each of the 12 Plates of Plenty Challenge entrants received a box containing mushrooms, sausages, chocolate hazelnut butter, truffle salt, limoncello, chilli, and eggs and were tasked with using at least three of the items to create a bespoke dish for the festival.

Pearl Kitchen and Alma Eatery received vouchers donated by Southern Hospitality, worth $400 and $600, respectively, for their award-winning efforts.

Oscar Nathan, general manager at Tourism Bay of Plenty, says the challenge is designed to establish and encourage beneficial partnerships between the region’s innovative foodie producers and respected hospitality businesses.

“We were impressed with the creativity and culinary skills displayed by all 12 of the eateries that entered, and it was great to garner the support of the seven local producers who enthusiastically submitted their best ingredients during the challenge.

“It’s been exciting to see foodie produc-

Alma Eatery head chef and co-owner Marco Velickovic with the Judge’s Choice Award. PHOTOS: Supplied.

ers, hospitality venues, tour operators, and event organisers coming together during our first two annual festivals to showcase our region’s spectacular range of edible offerings. We’re very keen to ensure that the Coastal Bay of Plenty earns its rightful place on the national and international culinary tourism scene,” he says.

Alma Eatery pastry chef Rosica Kriska prepares to make pasta that can ‘dance’.

This pyramidshaped pasta dish,

by Alma Eatery, caught the judges’ attention.

Evangelical and energetic children’s pastor ased in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, the Ōmokoroa Community Church is seeking an evangelical, committed, and energetic children’s pastor.

The church is a vibrant, growing and friendly fellowship of committed believers of various denominations.

The main focus of the job will be teaching children in Kidzone on Sunday mornings. Also providing support to IGirlz, the Boys Group and Youth programmes.

The key areas of importance for us include a love for Jesus and the Bible, a love for children, a passion to make Jesus real, and to help children to know Him as their saviour. We’re looking for an inspirational and encourag-

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ing leader with skills to build a team of teachers who must be able to teach from a sound understanding of the word of God. We are looking for someone with a godly character with absolute integrity who can teach from the word of God, believing it is the absolute truth, inspired by the Holy Spirit. Someone who is committed to the Great Commission, to prayer and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Someone who is energetic and visionary; able to lead, encourage and inspire others with excellent teaching and communication skills. Someone who has a servanthearted leadership, a warm, welcoming, open personality

with excellent interpersonal skills to interface with the community and a caring heart for pastoral needs; able to handle sensitive and confidential situations.

This is a part-time position; hours to be negotiated and we welcome applications from people who are legally able to work in New Zealand.

If you would like more information about this position and for the Church profile please call the office on 07 548 2515. You can also post or email your expression of interest to: tanya@theocc.org.nz or The Church Administrator, Ōmokoroa Community Church, 139 Hamurana Road, Ōmokoroa 3114. Applications close on 30th June 2023.

Tukua tō kōrero Have your say

For exceptional service, call Linley for an appraisal.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council is making changes to the way we manage our region’s land and water.

If you want to get involved in what these draft changes look like, now is the time to have your say!

Over the next few months, the Regional Council is holding events across the region to update you on the progress we’ve made so far, what the key issues are for our region and for your Freshwater Management Unit, and the draft options we are thinking about to manage them.

We want to know what you think about the options we’re looking at.

“Linley at Tall Poppy made the whole process of buying a house way less stressful than we expected. The paperwork process was seriously impressive - we’ve never seen anything so organized! Linley was amazing to work with - she was super professional but also really down-to-earth.”

Upcoming events in your area: Waitahanui: Wednesday 3 May, 2-7pm, Ōtamarākau Hall, 2255 Old Coach Road, Ōtamarākau Waihī: Friday 5 May, 2-7pm, Pongakawa Hall, 952 Old Coach Road, Pongakawa Kaituna: Saturday 6 May, 10am-2pm – Location TBC Tauranga Moana: Sunday 21 May, 10am-2pm – Location TBC

For our full calendar of events and to find out more head to boprc.govt.nz/freshwater

Let’s talk!

Linley Ward 021 0260 4819 linley.ward@tallpoppy.co.nz BULSARA T/A TALL POPPY LICENSED UNDER REAA 2008

May 2023 | Lizard News | 9

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Focus on Katikati

By Fiona Powell, Katch Katikati ay is a month of celebration in Katikati - celebrating our treasured Katikati Community Centre and all the amazingly diverse cultures that call Katikati home.

Celebrating 30 years Back in 1993, Katikati was considered isolated from the community services that were available in Tauranga, so the St Johns Resource Centre on Beach Road was established to fill those gaps and ensure the “health needs of people were met in their own place”.

To celebrate the anniversary, the centre - now known as the Katikati Community Centre - is hosting a community open day on Saturday 20th May, from 10am-2pm.

Come along for a fun day of entertainment and food for all the family with Pasifika and Kapa Haka performances, games, face painting and live music - and a trip down memory lane.

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and finishing at Katikati Memorial Hall with a pōwhiri welcome. Food vendors will be serving up a range of tasty international flavours while cultural performers, including the Chinese Dragon, Cambodian Dancers and the College Pasifika group, will entertain crowds both inside and outside of the hall. Interactive cultural workshops will be on offer so you can try your hand at henna art, weaving and more.

You’re invited to join tangata whenua and learn three local action songs on Monday evenings at Te Rereatukahia Marae at 6pm.

(Entry by koha/donation). Everyone is welcome to these practice sessions in preparation for the Festival of Cultures, where the group will present these songs and a Haka Pōwhiri (traditional welcome) to welcome all cultures and everyone in the Flag Parade to the Memorial Hall. Learning the songs, including a Karakia (prayer), will be fun and easy, with large screens to read from and lots of support from instructors.

Updating the history of Katikati n 16th September 2025, we will mark the arrival of the first Protestant Irish settlers 150 years ago and the beginning of the settlement of modern Katikati. The early history of the settlement was covered in The Ulster Plantation, written by Arthur Gray 85 years ago, and the centennial was celebrated in March 1975.

Since then, Katikati has changed from a mature version of the original Irish settlement to a modern, multi-racial, horticultural community. This is an appropriate time to document this dramatic change in an updated history.

Francis Young, a Trustee of the Museum, has convened a small group to lead this project. Sandra Haigh, Pauline McCowan, and Chris Bedford all have a

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Celebrating our Diversity The fabulous Festival of Cultures returns on Saturday June 3rd, from 10am-2pm at the Katikati Memorial Hall after a cancellation and a pared-down event back in 2021.

The cheerful Flag Parade is back and kicks off the event starting from Moore Park

10 | Lizard News | May 2023

strong interest in local history and writing experience.

“This is a big task,” says Francis, “so we decided this should be a communitybased effort. We are asking community groups to help us assemble material to chart progress from 1940 to the present day.”

A working title for the history is: From Ulster Plantation to Avocado Capital: Katikati After 150 Years. We are looking for club histories, photographs of important events and personal recollections. All contributions used will be acknowledged in the book.

Please email hjyoung@xtra.co.nz if you have a contribution to make, or drop your material and contact details at the front desk in the Museum. Article supplied.

lizardnews.net

By Matthew Farrell

mokoroa identity John Luckman died on Thursday 2nd March. We first published the following article in 2017, after an interview at the brigade’s 50th anniversary celebrations: The oldest surviving former Chief Fire Officer of the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade has spoken of his memories about how the lifesaving organisation was started.

John Luckman, now 86, was living in Kowai Grove in 1965 when his car burned out overnight.

The blaze came very close to reaching the house, and John says he knew then the area needed a fire brigade. Two years later, the original brigade began, based in a shed where the library is now located.

John co-opted Alec McGregor, who owned the original motor camp, into being involved as third officer.

Schoolteacher Frank Bishop was elected as the inaugural chief, and John became his deputy for the first year, before taking the lead himself for the next twelve years.

“I believe my wife Wilma was the first firewoman in all of New Zealand. She worked in the station and helped us with traffic control. Back then, we had no uniforms. We carted hoses and standpipes in my builder’s trailer. Our siren was the size of a cocoa tin,” says John.

John had gained 18 months of experience as a messenger boy with the Mangakino brigade when he was 17 years old. Back then, the drills included jumping from the top of a ladder into a canvas tarpaulin. There was no telephone when he awoke to that blaze more than 50 years ago.

“Wilma walked our three children over to the motor camp while I rushed to move all the furniture and a fridge full of food in case the house caught light,” says John.

Just then, Alec turned up with his ute and a tow rope made of nylon, which was a new material.

John says he remembered his Mangakino training.

“I got low to avoid the fumes of my car’s burning tyres, I put a heavy rug over my back, I crawled over to hook the rope on the drawbar and yelled at Alec to go.”

He says the plastic rope melted and stretched until he thought it would snap,

Ō

LOCAL.

The spark that started a fire brigade

John and Wilma Luckman at the brigade’s 50th celebrations in May 2017. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

but the ute was able to pull his car just far enough away from the house to prevent it from catching fire.

John says their first real fire truck was a Ford from Mount Maunganui, which is still owned and maintained by the local brigade. He believes the Ōmokoroa brigade was the first in the country to turn out to road crashes, which he used to have to justify to his superiors.

“I kept being called in by the brass in Tauranga to explain why we were attending crashes. After a few of these meetings, I said we went on a fool’s errand last week to rescue a cat from a high place. No one complained. Why can’t I rescue your daughter, wife or mother from a car?”

John says he was never asked to explain himself again, as the Ōmokoroa brigade raised funds to buy more equipment to manage road incidents, including axes to cut people from cars.

He says other brigades then began attending car crashes, and he thinks firefighters probably deal with more road incidents than fires these days.

John still works with his hands, except now he makes macrocarpa toys for children from the lakeside cottage in Te Ānau, where he has lived with Wilma for the past 15 years.

John was a foundation member of the brigade formed on 24th May 1967 and served as Deputy Chief Fire Officer 19671968, then Chief Fire Officer until his retirement in 1979. He was 92.

14 Hamurana Road, Ōmokoroa 3114 • www.yourrealty.co.nz People in the news: John Luckman and Jack Trotter. PHOTO: Magazine 88 of the Bay of Plenty Photo News collection pn-4060, 20th September 1969. Copyright John Wayland Logan and Logan Publishing, Tauranga. Acknowledgement: Tauranga City Libraries. Creative Commons license.

May 2023 | Lizard News | 11

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lizardnews.net

By Matthew Farrell 40ft container has been moved to its new home at Waihī Beach Menz Shed, thanks to McLeod Cranes and the organisation of Phil Bowyer.

Shed Secretary Bob Firth says it’s amazing what can be done when mates help mates and that if you need any crane work done, please contact McLeod Cranes.

Shed Manager Michael Bonnici says it was a great day all-round at the shed, with 40 Victor rat boxes made for pickup later that week. The team is also waiting for the go-ahead on approximately $6,000 worth of fencing work at a Hillview Road property. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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TRUSTED.

Waihī Beach Menz Shed

Crime and incident report

By Senior Sergeant Steve Hindmarsh and Senior Constable James Muir Burglaries 7th April Forta Leza restaurant on SH2 was broken into and alcohol taken.

9th April a vehicle was stolen from a Tuapiro Road address and later recovered in Katikati. Enquiries are ongoing.

10th April 0245 hrs burglary to Point Ale House on Plummers’ Point Road.

Three masked males in a white van were captured on CCTV. Nothing obtained.

SH2 Tahāwai, a Stihl concrete cutter and four tyres were stolen from a rural address.

17th April overnight on James Road, Te Puna, a vehicle had one of its windows broken.

20th April two shipping containers on a Wright Road property had their chains cut. Nothing stolen.

Theft 20th April overnight a vehicle was broken into at the Te Puna shopping centre, and veterinary supplies were stolen.

23rd April overnight a vehicle was broken into on Hamurana Road, and two pairs of sunglasses were stolen.

Found Property Oppo cell phone, 3 music DVD’s found in Park Village Katikati, and a folding walking stick.

Wilful Damage 6th April a vehicle was keyed on Lockington Road overnight.

23rd April overnight at Harbour View Road, Ōmokoroa, a vehicle’s window smashed. Nil taken.

Unlawful taking of motor vehicles 5th of April, overnight a 2010 Mazda 3 Regno FJZ960 was stolen from the driveway of a Waipapa Block Road, Whakamārama address. It is yet to be recovered.

20th April overnight, a Silver 2012 Mazda BT-50 registration LYN326 was stolen from a driveway on Wright Road, Aongatete.

Arrests and apprehensions 1st April a 35-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving on a suspended

licence SH2 Katikati. Vehicle impounded.

10th April a 60-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol and driving whilst disqualified on Kea Street, Katikati.

11th April a 33-year-old Aongatete man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol on SH2 Tahāwai.

11th April a 35-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving whilst disqualified on SH2 Katikati. Vehicle impounded.

12th April a 28-year-old Hamilton man was arrested for receiving a stolen vehicle, failing to stop for Police, failing to remain stopped for Police and two thefts of petrol from service stations in Matamata.

He failed to stop for Police in Minden, and a pursuit was not continued. The vehicle was later spotted on SH2 near Katikati, where the driver stopped for Police on Rea Road before taking off again. The vehicle was later spiked on Rea Road, and the driver was arrested. He has been remanded in custody to appear next in Hamilton DC on the 27th of June.

18th April a 34-year-old Katikati man was charged with driving whilst disqualified on SH2 Aongatete. Vehicle impounded.

20th April a 15-year-old Ōmokoroa youth was arrested for breaching bail conditions.

23rd April a 21-year-old Katikati woman for driving with excess breath alcohol on SH2 Katikati.

A 28-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman from Whakamārama were charged with trespassing at Katikati 4 Square. The woman has also been charged with theft of goods.

General Enquiries are ongoing and progressing well in relation to Ōmokoroa youths who are committing vehicle-related crimes.

Three stolen motor scooters and vehicles stolen from Tauranga last week have been recovered in the general Ōmokoroa area.

If you see something, say something.

Call 111 if it’s happening now. Call 105 if it is after the event.

14 Hamurana Road, Ōmokoroa 3114 • www.yourrealty.co.nz

May 2023 | Lizard News | 13

lizardnews.net

Smile!

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By Ian Blunt Chief Fire Officer very quiet month for Ōmokoroa volunteer firefighters in April, being called only three times. A vehicle failed to negotiate a bend on Youngson Road on 8th April; the driver suffering minor injuries. The team was called to set up a helicopter landing zone on 12th April in Margaret Drive in order to assist a patient; the pilot finding an empty double section to land on close to the emergency scene.

On the 18th, while at training, a call came in from the public of a potential fuel tanker collision on State Highway 2.

Upon arrival, it was found that there was no collision, but the tanker’s electrical system had failed. As the tanker was loaded, firefighters set up warning lights

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and traffic control until help arrived.

Our team of first responders were reasonably busy, responding 17 times in April. Quite a few of the calls were to patients suffering from chest pain and breathing problems. A member of the public attending the ANZAC dawn service at Crapp Reserve suffered a severe cardiac arrest. As first responders were on site, complete with the emergency vehicle, defibrillator, oxygen and all the appropriate gear needed for resuscitation, they were able to revive the patient.

Thank you to the Emergency Department nurse who assisted our team.

The service was a little late beginning but was still completed with a large crowd in attendance. My thanks to our team of volunteers who paraded in full uniform.

A heartrending story

By Dianne Arlidge he guest speaker at Ōmokoroa Probus this month was a well known Ōmokoroa identity, Lex Bacon. Lex owns a digger and has been busy with his digger doing jobs around the district and beyond for some time.

When Cyclone Gabriel struck, Lex thought back to his youth of flooding in the Manawatū where his family farmed, and the devastation it created.

The news coming through on the media of orchards and homes flooded not just with the onslaught of water but the build-up of silt.

Lex wanted to help, and he had a digger. But where to start?

Firstly he used social media to announce his intention of going to Hawkes Bay with his digger, and could anyone lend him containers for diesel?

Within two days, he was inundated with not only containers for diesel but offers of accommodation and substantial monetary donations.

Next, he needed a plan. This he also found on social media. An eclectic group calling themselves “The Hawkes Bay Clean up” seemed to be well organised.

So off he went with his wife Sue, a plan and a big heart.

After conning their way through the Napier Taupō road, which at the time was closed to personal traffic, they arrived at the Esk Valley to a scene which he said would have to be seen to be believed. Their acquired accommodation was situated above the valley, giving them a bird’s eye view of the devastation.

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High enough to have avoided the destruction of all below.

Six metres high silt through houses and sheds. Orchards that couldn’t be seen anymore and debris from the branches, trees and apples. The smell of rotting apples permeated the air. The area they were subsequently allocated to work was the Pākōwhai area, which was mainly lifestyle blocks and small orchards.

There were many tragic stories of people sitting on their rooves sometimes for four days. When rescued, they told of all their belongings buried beneath them in the silt, including, in some cases, their wallets and even mobile phones. Of course, they could only be rescued by helicopters. One story Lex told with obvious emotion was of a 78-year-old man with his wife sitting clinging to the roof after having clambered up through the ceiling, breaking through the gib board to get free of the fast-rising waters. Some stories were never told by the media, for example the vet students from Massey College rescuing hundreds of dogs in IRBs and transporting them to Hastings Racecourse, which was set up as animal rescue. Here through microchips, owners were able to claim their pets.

Lex was full of admiration for all volunteers turning up to help. Some for days without going home.

The food angels were fantastic with the contribution of amazing meals to all workers and victims. All donated.

Many, many similar devastating stories Lex could have told us with more time.

But suffice it to say, the ones he told brought many a lump to our throats and certainly made us aware of our frailty against catastrophic events of nature and how ready we should be.

lizardnews.net

PROVEN.

Jameson shines at Maadi Cup

Tauranga Boys College Rowing competed in the NZSS Maadi Cup regatta last month. Year 12 student Jameson McConnochie of Snodgrass Road in Te Puna won the prestigious U17 singles sculls and was congratulated by his mates with a rousing haka. Mum Rebecca tells Lizard News, “Jameson trained really hard all season and got quicker at each event. It was a great achievement for him.” Teacher in charge of rowing, Tanya Williams, says Jameson received not only a trophy, but also a singles skiff from Laszlo Boats for the school. Tauranga Boys College Rowing thanks Pacific Toyota for the loan of a new ute over Maadi Regatta week, for transporting boats and competitors. PHOTO: Supplied.

Ōmokoroa Community Board

By Peter Presland, Chair ot to bore you, but the Local Government Act is the overarching legislation under which your Community Board acts. But don’t fear; this is not going to be a dissertation on the Act. However, there is one element within that I do want to highlight, so to Section 10, which states: ‘The purpose of local government is a) to enable democratic local decision-making and action by, and on behalf of, communities; and b) to promote the social, economic, environmental, and cultural well-being of communities in the present and for the future.’

I was enlightened by this, as my personal view, my guiding star, starts and ends by asking, “will this make Ōmokoroa a better place to live?”

I highlight this in the context of some of what your Community Board is up to.

In doing so, I will introduce the other three members of your Community Board.

Allan Hughes is the Deputy Chair. Currently, he is leading two work streams, one geared toward having a Community Response Team in place when a civil emergency hits us. Also, alongside members of our Community Policing Group, embarking on building a business case for having a permanent police station on the peninsula.

Greig Neilson is leading our community input to both the Annual and LongTerm Plans (LTP). The LTP sets the direction for the next ten years and outlines what Council will be investing in,

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how much it may cost and how this will be funded. The process commences with consultation with our communities, for example, what they consider to be the infrastructure projects to benefit our community. I encourage you to get curious about the LTP, jump on the WBOPDC website and read about the LTP and how the consultation process will roll.

Ben Bell, when not marking football pitches down at Western Avenue and running Ōmokoroa Football Club, liaises with some of our community groups, feeding back to the Board and Council on ways we can further enable them to serve their member groups. Ben is typical of people who serve a community and will always make time to follow through on concerns, look for a resolution, and make things happen.

As for me, well, I am working on influencing aspects of Plan Change 92, something we should all be cognisant of, given we need to ensure we strive to achieve a cutting-edge urban design in the developments adjacent to Prole Road and beyond. In that vein, I am working with members of the Kaimai Views community on improving aspects of the place they call home.

The highlighted work streams are but a small part of what your Board is currently involved in, alongside many members of our community. Safe to say, everything we achieve will only serve to make Ōmokoroa a better place to live.

As always, reach out to us as you need to. Even better, come along to one of our Community Board meetings, and see democracy in action. Over and out.

Peter.Presland@westernbay.govt.nz

14 Hamurana Road, Ōmokoroa 3114 • www.yourrealty.co.nz

May 2023 | Lizard News | 15

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

lizardnews.net

Here are some of the groups and activities which happen regularly in the area. If you have a regular group you’d like to add to the list, please email liz@lizardnews.net or call 548 1200.

This is presented as a guide.

We recommend you check with organisers beforehand.

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO), McDonnell Street 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday.

Local history, community information and art for sale. Contact Alison on 021 294 9294.

Dave Hume swimming pool in Katikati is open for the summer season. Check times/sessions at www.davehumepoolkk.com or contact 549 1069.

MONDAYS

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start. 30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome.

Email katikati.tennis@outlook.com. Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-12.30pm. omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Pilates Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion. 9.1510.15am. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up 9.30am. Names in before 9.15am. 2x4x2 format. Coaching available. 8 Park Road, Katikati. 07 549 0103.

Fitness Fun Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.3010.30am. Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448.

Scrabble at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa. 10am. Refreshments provided. Free.

Postnatal Support Group 10am-12pm.

Bethlehem Birthing Centre. All parents and caregivers of children under two are welcome.

Starts back 10th Feb. Phone 549 4522.

Keep On Your Feet Strength and balance classes for older adults. 11am-noon Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Sharnie 021 1118617.

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am.

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE. 32 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 0651 Justice of the Peace clinic 11am-1pm at Waihī Library, 40 Rosemont Street. Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 1pm for 1.30pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall. Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564.

Scottish Country Dancing 1-3 pm. St Peter’s Anglican Church, Beach Road. $4. All ages, no partner required. Call Douglas 021 0244 6099.

Bolivia Katikati Christian Centre, Henry Road.

1-4pm. Some knowledge of canasta useful but not essential. Contact Christine Sherriff 549 5601 or 027 434 9842.

Movie Matinee 1.30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati. Tickets $10. Limited seats. 549 5250.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion afternoons. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail.com Yoga for Men 5.15-6.30 pm Katikati Community Centre. Call Gerry 021 050 8419 IGIRLZ Fun adventure and learning for girls 8 - 11. 6-7.30pm Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall. Call 548 2515.

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6-8pm. Contact Mollie 021 177 8018.

Pilates Mat class Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6-7pm. Contact Nicole 022 409 7109.

Table Tennis Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Seniors (18+) 7-9pm. $3 per single, $5 per couple. Inc supper. White-sole shoes preferred. Call Bruce Lauchlan on 548 1741.

Social indoor netball term time at 6pm. Apata Community Hall - Pahoia School. Ages 11+. $5 per night. Beginners welcome. Contact Kirsten 022 535 1530.

ITF Taekwon-do at Te Puna School Hall.

6-7.30pm. Self defence, self confidence, fitness.

First 2 weeks free. George 022 437 4403.

Cards 500 7pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club. $3 incl tea and biscuits. Prizes/raffles monthly.

Carpooling from Katikati available. Call Lorraine Taylor on 548 1404.

Indoor Bowls 7pm at Waihī Beach RSA. Contact Grant on 027 475 0556.

TUESDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/ 9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Kevin 027 273 5655.

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control from 8am and from 1.30pm.

Contact Shirley on 552 2707. Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon. omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Te Puna Playcentre 9am-1pm term times only.

225 Te Puna Road. te.puna@playcentre.org.nz Te Puna Tennis Club casual tennis. 9am start.

Casual and new players welcome. Contact

Omokoroa

Waihi Beach

With local plumbers based in Te Puna, Omokoroa, Katikati and Waihi Beach

Omokoroa 07 548 0309 Waihi Beach 07 863 5621 • Plumbing • Gas fitting • Drainage • General Maintenance

• New Builds / Renovations • Home Automation

• Home Theatre / Multi Room Audio • Home Networks • Security / CCTV

Call Gary 027 311 1195 or Gary@Enhancedelectrical.nz

16 | Lizard News | May 2023

Catherine tptennisclub@gmail.com or 021 506 855.

Mainly Music Ōmokoroa Pavilion 9.30am in term times. $4 per family. Tamryn on 576 5387.

Pahoia Creative Fibre Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 1st, 3rd and 5th Tuesdays at 10am. Learn to spin, weave, felt, knit, crochet and more.

Call Alison 022 0849 348.

Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763.

Keep on your Feet strength & balance for older adults. 10.15-11.15am Catholic Church Hall, 89 Beach Road, Katikati. Sharnie 021 111 8617.

Justice of the Peace clinic at Waihī Beach Library 11am-noon.

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club. Roll-up, names in by 12.30 for 1 o’clock start. All welcome. Bowls and coaching available. Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail.com Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.30 to 4pm.

30 Hamurana Road. Beginners and visitors welcome. $5. Ph 021 255 6415.

Katikati Bridge Club Katikati Memorial Hall Lounge. 1pm. All levels welcome. Contact Estelle 021 187 1620 or Sara 021 999 806 Mahjong Circle 1pm at the Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion, Western Avenue. Call Denise on 548 1385 or Margaret 548 2126.

Wise & Wonderful Arts & crafts, games and afternoon tea for seniors. Pick up and drop off available in Katikati area. 1.30-3pm at Katikati Community Centre. Gold coin. Contact 549 0399 or info@katikaticommunity.nz Teen Advisory Board Plan, promote and implement programs and events for teens. Year 7 to 13 students. 3.30-4.30pm during the school term at Pātuki Manawa.

Gentle Yoga at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4– 5.30pm. One free trial class. Contact: Karin 548 1787 or baysyoga@xtra.co.nz Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6-8pm. Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517. Ōmokoroa Indoor Bowls 6.30pm for 7pm play Ōmokoroa Settler’s Hall. Contact Ruth Hamilton 571 1564.

Katikati Toy Library 6.30pm-8pm at the back

of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati.

FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail.com

WEDNESDAYS

Katikati Coffin Club 78a Prestidge Road (off Morton Road) 8.30am-noon. $10 lifetime membership. Contact John Russell afactor@xtra.co.nz or 027 281 7629.

Kaimai Ramblers day tramp. Good standard of fitness required, boots recommended. Call Lisa 021 044 6449, or Kevin 021 0200 6306.

Homewood Park Tennis Club 9am start.

30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Phone Cushla 027 414 2587.

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 9.15-10.15.

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

Community Tai Chi Waihī Beach RSA 9.30am during school terms. Contact Trish 021 482 842.

Knit & Natter at both Ōmokoroa Library and Pātuki Manawa, Katikati. 10am. Free.

Stepping Up free computer classes at Katikati Library. Wednesdays/Thursdays. Book on 571 8008 or www.steppingup.nz FLexercise exercise, movement, dance, for posture, strengthening & stretching. All ages & abilities. 10am Memorial Hall, Katikati. Phone Pam 021 11 77 170. Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 10.45am-3.30pm. $5. Contact Jill 021 408 660 or Facebook page: Ōmokoroa Artists.

Katikati Toy Library 2.30pm-4pm at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati.

FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail.com Grow On Seedlings Club Katikati Community Centre 3-4pm 1st & 3rd Wednesdays of month, term time. Intro to gardening for children aged 6-10 years. Call Janet 021 0236 7038.

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 2pm.

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE. 32 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 0651 Ōmokoroa Athletics Club 4.15–5pm (3–6 years) and 5.15- 6.45pm (7–14 years) at Western Ave Sports Grounds.

Wrestling Katikati Primary age 5.30-6.30pm, College age/seniors 6.30pm-8pm. Bring a drink bottle. A&P Hall, Major Street. Text Ross 027 256 4470.

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

Here are some of the groups and activities which happen regularly in the area. If you have a regular group you’d like to add to the list, please email liz@lizardnews.net or call 548 1200.

Twilight tennis at Te Puna Tennis Club.

6pm start. Contact Catherine 021 506 855 or tptennisclub@gmail.com Pilates Mat class Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6-7pm. Contact Nicole 022 409 7109. Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 6-8pm. Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517.

Katikati Bridge Club 7pm at Katikati Memorial Hall Lounge. All levels welcome.

Contact Estelle 021 187 1620 or Sara 021 999 806 Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7-8pm.

Contact Sarah 021 022 19892.

Quiz Night Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road. 7-9.30pm.

Casual Soccer at 7.15pm at Western Ave Sports Grounds bottom field. Over 12 years old. Call Hamish on 552 6427.

THURSDAYS

Katikati drop-in Community Breakfasts 7.30-8.30am. Baptist Church, 2 Wedgewood St. Free entry. All welcome. Pick Up/Drop Off Service and shower facilities available.

549 0399.

Yoga Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion 8.45-9.45am and 6-7pm. Contact Brooke 021 878 838.

Pickleball at Waihī Beach Community Centre.

9.30-11am. Bats, balls, courts and nets provided. $3 per session. Call Phil on 021 624 908. Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon. omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Tai Chi 9.30-11.00am. Te Puna Memorial Hall.

Contact David 027 222 2824.

Tai Chi 9.30-10.30am Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Contact Marilyn on 027 630 4063 or Anne 548 0763.

Katikati Embroidery Group 10am St Pius Church, Beach Road, Katikati. Call Edna 027 474 9946.

Tai Chi for beginners Sports Pavillion, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 10-11am. Call Sabine 021 1388770 or tetzlaffsabine@gmail.com.

Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Katikati Library. Caregivers, please stay with your children. Free to attend. Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee.

10-noon. Hamurana Road, south entrance to

Ōmokoroa Point School. Weather permitting.

Diabetes NZ Drop-in group 10-noon 177a Fraser Street, Tauranga. 571 3422 tauranga@diabetes.org.nz Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-12pm at Ōmokoroa Library & Service Centre.

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour 11am.

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE. 32 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 0651.

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. 11.30am12.30pm. Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

Rummikub at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati. 1pm start, $3 per person.

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed control 1-4pm. Contact Shirley 552 2707.

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Beginners 1-3pm. Call Joce 021 486 265.

Brick Club Afterschool LEGO sessions in Ōmokoroa Library 2.45-4.45pm.

ITF Taekwon-do classes at Te Puna School Hall. 6-7.30pm. Self defence, self confidence, fitness. First 2 weeks free. George 022 437 4403. Ōmokoroa Songsters Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall, term time from 7-8:30pm. Contact Jan Murray 027 286 1552, Alison Badger 548 1544.

Katikati Concert Band 7-9pm, Katikati Bowling Club. We welcome all ages and experience. Contact Eryl 021 404 163.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion in the evening. Call Lyn Chaston 022 165 0820 omokoroabridgeinvs@gmail.com Katikati Toastmasters Club Communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater selfconfidence and personal growth. 7.30pm on 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays at Community Centre, Beach Road. Contact 544 5989.

FRIDAYS

Social Tennis Waihī Beach Tennis Club 8.30/ 9 am start. All year. Casual & new players welcome. Call Kevin 027 273 5565.

Friends of the Blade direct message the Facebook: Friends of the Blade or email noelenetaylor57@gmail.com Ladies Singles Tennis 9am at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club, Western Ave, Ōmokoroa. Enjoy some competitive but fun games.

Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. General session 9am-noon. Call Shirley on 548 1633.

Ōmokoroa Playcentre Behind Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-12.30pm. omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Ōmokoroa Library. Caregivers, please stay with your children. Free to attend.

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon Bethlehem Community Church, 138 Moffat Road.

Justice of the Peace clinic 10am-noon Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road. Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10am-12.15pm for $4.

Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Lorraine Taylor 548 1404. Ōmokoroa Singles over 60s meet for friendship, coffee, outings, etc.

Email omokoroa.senior.singles@gmail.com or phone 021 627 107.

Waihī Beach Bowls at Memorial RSA Bowling Club. Roll-up, names in by 12.30 for 1 o’clock start. All welcome. Bowls and coaching available. Contact 021 0220 4040, 027 863 1349, waihibeachbowls@gmail.com Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.45pm. Contact Janet on janetandwillie@kinect.co.nz or Linley on 218 7003.

Katikati Senior Citizens Indoor Bowls 12.45pm at Katikati Memorial Hall. Contact Chris 549 0958.

Cards 500 at Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd, Katikati. 1-4pm. $2 per person.

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll Up 2.00pm. Names in before 1.45pm. Coaching available. Social club day activities to follow.

8 Park Road, Katikati 07 549 0103.

Katikati Plant & Produce Market A&P Showgrounds 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Pauline Van Rijen 549 2449.

SATURDAYS

Junior Tennis Coaching at Ōmokoroa Tennis Club. Members and Non-members welcome.

Visit omokoroatennis.com for information and to book.

Katikati Toy Library 9-10am at the back of the Christian Centre on Henry Rd, Katikati.

FB: ‘Katikati Toy Library’, text 027 551 5589 or E: katikatitoylibrary@gmail.com

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SUNDAYS

Athenree Homestead 360 Athenree Road.

Enjoy the homestead and gardens ($5 donation for Homestead entry). Every Sunday, 11am-3pm from Jan–April. athenreehomestead.org.nz Ōmokoroa Cricket 20 overs from 1pm every second Sunday at Western Ave. BYO picnic.

FB: @omokoroacricket Movie Matinee 1.30pm at the Arts Junction, Katikati. Tickets $10. Limited seats. 549 5250.

Jam session Waihī Beach Hotel, 60 Wilson Road. 4-7pm. Everyone welcome.

Waihī to Ōmokoroa Community open days

33 Holyoake Terrace, Lynley Park, Omokoroa

Specialising in low-voltage electrical and electronic systems

Friends of Cooney Reserve 9am Bring sturdy footwear and gloves, and tools if you wish.

Contact Chris Cole (text only) 0274 545 586.

Grow On Katikati 9.30-10.30 Pick up/drop off seeds and seedlings for community food resiliency. Next to Katikati Community Centre. growonkatikati@gmail.com Katikati Mini Kickers From 9.30am for children born between 2016-2020. Contact Caroline on 027 551 5589 or katikatifirstkicks@gmail.com Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9.30-11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. omokoroatoylibrary@gmail.com Ōmokoroa Community Garden working bee.

10-noon. Hamurana Road, south entrance to Ōmokoroa Point School. Weather permitting.

Western Bay Museum Guided Tour Noon.

WBOP residents and ratepayers FREE. 32 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 0651 Ōmokoroa Bowling Club 12.30 to 4pm.

30 Hamurana Road. Beginners and visitors welcome. $5. Ph 021 255 6415.

Homewood Park Tennis Club 1pm start.

30A Park Road, Katikati. New members welcome. Phone Michael 027 473 1540.

Katikati Bowling Club Combined Roll-up.

2.00pm. Names in before 1.45pm. Coaching available. Social club day activities to follow.

8 Park Rd, Katikati 07 549 0103.

Boomerang Bags Katikati Sew reusable fabric community shopping bags. Txt Robyn on 021 158 4038 to join or donate fabric. Every other Saturday from 9th April at Katikati College Fabric Tech Room from 1pm. Masks required. Ōmokoroa Tennis Club 2-4pm. Contact Sharon Parker on 027 261 9517.

As part of the safety improvements already underway on this stretch of SH2, additional investment has provided for 14km flexible median barrier and six intersection upgrades, making this road safe for everyone.

This is your opportunity to get up to speed with what’s happening on site and learn more about the construction programme ahead.

For more information, visit nzta.govt.nz/w2o

When Thursday 4 May 2023, 4pm to 6pm Saturday 6 May 2023, 12pm to 2pm

Residential, Commercial and Industrial, Rural Lifestyle, Horticultural Property and Insurance Valuations

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Where Pātuki Manawa The Digital Hub Katikati Public Library 21 Main Road Katikati

Preston Rowe Paterson Tauranga Ltd 111 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3110 PO Box 2327, Tauranga 3144 prpnz.nz/prp-tauranga/

May 2023 | Lizard News | 17

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – MAY

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Monthly meetings and one-off events. Every effort has been made to be accurate, but please check information with event organisers.

Year-round swimming in Ōmokoroa interest you? Contact Russell on 021 153 0767 or mothcork@gmail.com for more information.

You are welcome to join us and swim for health and well-being.

Sat 6th May ‘We Mavericks’ play Kaitkati Folk Club. 7pm open for 7.30pm start. Members $20, casuals $25. The Arts Junction, 36 Main Road, Katikati.

Mon 1st U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2.

Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242.

Tue 9th Ōmokoroa Photographic Society Ōmokoroa Sports Pavilion Social Room.

All levels welcome. 7-9pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month. omokoroaphotoclub@gmail.com

24th April - 21st May Graeme Horgan art exhibition at The Carlton Gallery, Main Road, Katikati.

Mon 1st Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road.

1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6.00pm.

Contact Colin 576 9110.

Tue 2nd Book Buzz Come and share your favourite reads with other book lovers. 10am on the 1st Tuesday at Pātuki Manawa.

Wed 3rd Have a Go art class ‘Collage Prints’ with Jackie Knotts. 9am-noon at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $20 inc materials and cuppa.

Book with Karin on baysyoga@xtra.co.nz or 027 486 0736.

Wed 3rd Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am-12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month. Visit aongateteforest.org/join.

Wed 3rd Waihī Beach FOCUS Group 10am at Waihī Beach RSA. Interesting speakers, interesting conversation and of course interesting people. Every 1st Wednesday.

Thu 4th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 1st Thursday of the month, 9.30am, Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact Geoff Gripton 548 1027 or Fred Hartley 548 1939.

Thu 4th Waka Kotahi open day Information about SH2 improvements Waihī to Ōmokoroa.

Pātuki Manawa - Digital Hub Katikati. 4-6pm.

All welcome.

Sat 6th King’s Coronation

Sat 6th Katikati Tramping Club An easy 4-hour tramp around Aongatete Long Loop looking for fungi. Contact 25summers@gmail.com by preceding Friday night.

Sat 6th Grow On Katikati Crop Swap Swap excess produce, seeds, seedlings, preserves, jams, baking etc. 1st Saturday of the month.

Garden shed beside Katikati Community Centre on Beach Rd, 9.30-10.30am. Call Jizzy on 549 2337 or Marie on 07 9297906.

Sat 6th Waka Kotahi open day Information about SH2 improvements Waihī to Ōmokoroa.

Pātuki Manawa - Digital Hub Katikati. 12-2pm.

All welcome.

Sat 6th May Te Puna Harvest Market 12-4pm at Te Puna Memorial Hall. All enquiries to tepunamarket@gmail.com

Sun 7th Katikati Folk Open Mic 5pm every 1st Sunday of the month. Blackboard (open mic) session at Forta Leza, 2656 Main Highway, Aongatete.

Tue 9th Katikati Creative Fibre 7pm on 2nd Tuesday of the month at St Paul’s, Mulgan Street. $5. Email marparmail@gmail.com

Wed 10th U3A Katikati monthly meeting.

10am-noon in the Digital Hub next to the Library on 2nd Wednesday each month. Guest speaker Paula Gaelic, Western Bay Museum.

Call Pam Mazoyer 021 104 2925.

Wed 10th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117.

Wed 10th Katikati Herb Society Every 2nd Wednesday at 7pm at St Paul’s church. Contact Fiona 022 684 5178.

Thu 11th Business Breakfast 7am-8am at Pātuki Manawa, beside the Library.

All welcome. Ph 07 549 5250. Speaker: Tyran Howell, Think Concepts Ltd on Your Tech.

Thu 11th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday. Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Call John Budden 548 1180 or Terry Edwards 552 6222.

Thu 11th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com

Thu 11th May Hearing support coffee group 10.30am at Arataki Community Centre, (Kingfisher room) Zambuck Way, Arataki, Mount Maunganui.

Soon in Katikati too. Text (only) 021 264 1753.

Thu 11th Katikati Genealogy Group 2nd Thursday, Presbyterian Church Hall, 1 Mulgan Street at 1.30pm. $5. New members welcome.

Contact Jeanette 027 348 3259.

Fri 12th Family Planning appointments 10-1pm and drop-in 1.30-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati. Every 2nd Friday. See familyplanning.org.nz

Fri 12th Bethlehem Night Market every 2nd Friday from 5.30-8.30pm at Bethlehem Hall.

Facebook: cnmbethlehem or contact Jen on 021 672 281 cnmbethlehem@gmail.com.

Sat 13th Katikati Moggies Market Second Saturday each month 9am to 12pm Katikati Memorial Hall. Your local monthly market.

Support local, buy local.

E: moggiesmarket21@gmail.com

Sat 13th Patchwork Quilting at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-4.30pm second Saturday each month. Contact Christine 027 280 1344.

Sun 14th Katikati Psychic Cafe Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road. 2nd and 4th Sundays. 9-7pm $10 cash. 027 336 3896 for FB: Katikati Psychic Cafe.

Mon 15th U3A Art Group 10am-noon every 1st and 3rd Monday at Waihī Bowling Club. $2.

Bring your own materials. Contact Jose Jebb 027 457 0242.

Mon 15th Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club at Te Puna Community Centre Hall, Tangitū Road, Te Puna (Behind the Tennis Courts). 1st and 3rd Monday evenings from 6pm. Contact Colin 576 9110.

Tue 16th Book Buzz Share your favourite reads with other book lovers. 10am every 3rd Tuesday at Ōmokoroa Library.

Tue 16th Innovation Garden Club 1.30-3pm every 3rd Tuesday. Waihī Beach RSA. Contact 027 289 7674 or innovationgardenclub@gmail.com

Wed 17th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road. 9am-12.30pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning of the month.

Visit aongateteforest.org/join Weds 17th Business After Five 5pm. Hosted

by Elliotts Funeral Services. Ph 07 549 5250.

Thu 18th Genealogy support Help with research into family history and DNA searches. Ōmokoroa Library, 3rd Thursdays 10am.

One-on-one help available at other times.

Contact Lyn on 027 259 6643 or lynevaughan@gmail.com

Sun 21st Friendship Force Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall 3rd Sunday evening of the month.

Ph Jonathan on 572 2091.

Thu 25th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. Details available at omokoroabusinessnetwork@gmail.com

Thu 25th Social Media Strategy for Creatives workshop 9am-1pm The Arts Junction, Main Road, Katikati.

Thu 25th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.3011.30am at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Wavyne 548 1233 or Jean 548 2239.

Fri 26th On Point Coffee Club Coffee and a chat every 4th Friday of the month at 1.30pm at the Ōmokoroa Boat club. Contact Lorraine Barnes on 548 2351. Everyone welcome.

Fri 26th Family Planning appointments 10-1pm and drop-in 1.30-4pm. To book call 578 8539. Katikati Midwives Rooms 14 Jocelyn Street, Katikati. Every 2nd Friday.

See familyplanning.org.nz Sat 27th Katikati Lions Garage Sale 4th Saturday of each month May-Nov. Behind Caltex, Main Road Katikati. 9am till noon.

Tools, furniture, books, art and much more.

Ph. 07 578 1073.

Sat 27th Repair Cafe makers, fixers and tinkerers working to divert broken items from landfill. 8.30am-noon the last Saturday of the month. repaircafe@tinkd.nz 148 Durham Street, Tauranga.

Thu 18th Fun Mixed Doubles Ōmokoroa Tennis Club Western Ave. Third Thursday of the month from 5.30-7.30pm.

Sat 27th Ōmokoroa Market 9am to noon. Last Saturday each month except Dec. Crafts, art, produce, bbq, plants, car boot, cafe and more.

E: omokoroamarket@gmail.com

Thu 18th Café Scientifique at The Arts Junction, 36 Main Road, Katikati 7pm. Free event. All welcome. Speaker: Thomas Everth on ‘Climate Change: causes and consequences’.

Sun 28th Katikati Psychic Cafe Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road. 2nd and 4th Sundays. 7-9pm $10 cash. 027 336 3896 for FB: Katikati Psychic Cafe.

Thu 18th Katikati Youth Theatre for youth aged 12-30. Games, learning and fun. Supper included. 7-9pm. kkyouththeatre@gmail.com

Sun 28th Pest Trap Library at the container next to Whakamārama Hall 3-5pm. Last Sunday of the month.

Sat 20th Katikati Artisan Market 9am-1pm Chrome Cafe, 3 Wharawhara Road, Katikati.

3rd Saturday of the month.

Sat 3rd June Festival of Cultures at Katikati Memorial Hall, Main Road, Katikati, 10am-2pm.

Flag Parade starting from Moore Park to Katikati Memorial Hall, international food vendors, cultural performances, interactive cultural workshops. Free family-friendly event.

Sat 20th Katikati Community Centre 30th anniversary 10am-2pm. Come celebrate 30 years of supporting the community. Food, games, music, kapa haka, face-painting and more. All welcome.

Sun 21st Katikati Tramping Club An easy 3-4hour return tramp to Shipwreck Cove, Whiritoa.

Text leader Peter on 027 634 4741 by preceding Friday night.

Sun 21st Katikati Folk Club Jam sessions 5pm 3rd Sunday of the month. Informal jam sessions at Forta Leza, 2656 SH2, Aongatete.

Wed 7th June Have a Go art class ‘Working with Clay’ with Hanneke de Graaf. 9am-noon at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. $20 inc materials and cuppa. Book with Karin on baysyoga@xtra.co.nz or 027 486 0736.

Slotcar Club Ōmokoroa to race club class saloons. Controllers and cars will be provided for all drivers. Contact Steve Wall on 021 163 2055 for dates/times.

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SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa

The SH2-Morton Road roundabout.

By Matthew Farrell aka Kotahi NZTA staff say they’re looking forward to meeting locals at two community open days this week. The drop-in sessions are an opportunity to update everyone on progress between Waihī and Ōmokoroa, to learn more about the life-saving safety barriers to be installed, and ask questions about what’s ahead in the project’s construction programme.

The sessions are on Thursday 4th May from 4pm to 6pm and Saturday 6th May from 12pm to 2pm at Katikati Library’s Pātuki Manawa Digital Hub. Rob Campbell, the Waikato/BoP Regional Manager for Maintenance and Operations, says these open days are an opportunity to talk with the team about what’s happening in the area now and what’s coming next.

“I encourage the comSpeed humps are now needed munity to come along at the Lockington-Matahui work and learn about how site. we’re making SH2 be-

W

tween Waihī and Ōmokoroa safer for everyone who uses it.”

He is extremely proud of this crew for their mahi on this section of SH2.

“Most of this work has been completed while maintaining a two-way flow for traffic on a busy state highway, with around 15,000 vehicles passing through each day.

At times this has been a real challenge, with a complex programme of work managed carefully to manage traffic delays,” says Rob. The construction of a new roundabout at SH2 Lockington / Matahui roads is making good progress. Teams are working towards a major milestone at this busy site. This is the third roundabout to be built as part of safety improvements, providing safe turnaround points ahead of the installation of a flexible median barrier between Katikati and Ōmokoroa.

At the time of writing the southbound lanes and Matahui Road are almost complete and being prepared for traffic to be switched over onto the new lanes, allowing the team to begin construction on the northbound lanes and Lockington Road.

Working on-site can be a dangerous job for roadworkers. This is why temporary speed limits, signs and cones are put in place during construction. This is not only to protect workers but also road users as they travel

through, at times, very active sites. Sometimes other tools are used to help calm traffic, such as manual traffic controllers, speed radars and speed humps - which Waka Kotahi says are now needed at this site to ensure the safety of everyone working and travelling through.

Waka Kotahi asks that motorists slow down and follow the temporary traffic management rules so that both road users, and work crews, can get home safely.

Autumn has seen some longer periods of settled weather, which has meant teams have been busy on-site completing the SH2-Morton Road roundabout.

Over winter, people will see fewer active sites as teams wrap up the initial phase, and shift focus to preparing for the installation of the median barrier and roundabouts.

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Great day for Abbeyfield golf

By Natasja de Graaf

bbeyfield WBoP held the annual golf fundraising tournament on 31st March at Fairview Golf and Country Club. We were fortunate that the weather was great, making ideal conditions for the 68 people registered to play on the day.

We wish to give many thanks and sincere appreciation to all our sponsors, players and volunteers who made our golf fundraising tournament such a success. The tournament could not have been held without you.

Thank you to our main sponsor,

A

Claymark Group Limited Partnership, for generously covering the catering costs and their continued support.

We would like to thank Fairview Golf and Country Club for hosting the event - and the staff for their service, yummy morning tea and an amazing grazing table after the event.

The live auction raised a significant amount of money thanks to our auctioneer on the day, Will Johnston of Sotheby’s, Tremains and Colliers Bay of Plenty.

We raised just under $4,500, with all proceeds going towards building an Abbeyfield House for older people in Katikati. PHOTO: Supplied.

Unsung hero thanked and farewelled

By Nigel Williams

everend Brendan Gibbs, retiring vicar of St Peter’s Anglican Church, was presented with a Rotary Community Service Award on Monday 24th April. The citation reads as follows: From one institution to another - Brendan Gibbs ‘world-famous right here in Katikati’ - also immortalized as one of our ‘unsung heroes’ in the recent mural contest.

Brendan was born in Nelson, one of seven children and joined NZ Post after leaving school, moving to New Plymouth and then to Whanganui, where his life changed forever after meeting the love of his life, Sally, and they have four children.

He is a great raconteur and tells many great stories about his early life. You

R

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have probably heard how he was tearing down the road on his motorbike and sensed someone telling him to slow down, which he thankfully did, just before rounding a bend and encountering a herd of sheep on the road. The outcome would have been very different had he not slowed.

After his local priest advised him that that voice may have been God looking after him, he joined St John’s Theological College in Auckland. The rest, as they say, is history.

He moved around, initially to Masterton, then Hātaitai in Wellington, followed by a long period in New Plymouth before arriving in town in 1999 - some 24 years ago, and has been at St Peter’s Anglican Church ever since.

Brendan has served his community in

Kaimai Law

many roles, both inside and outside the church - most noticeably as a volunteer firefighter, since soon after his arrival. He was nicknamed ‘Father Ted’ by his colleagues.

I am sure that his easygoing manner and his expertise as a grief counsellor endeared him to his many colleagues as they coped with the many traumatic events they encountered through the years.

Brendan has also served on the Katikati Health Trust. Among other things, he administers the Community Van service. He has served for many years as a Community Board representative, served on the Katch Katikati trust, and has been chaplain to various rest homes in the district as well as St John’s.

He is currently chair of the Outreach

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He is returning to Whanganui in May and is looking forward to again living under the same roof as Sally. She has been there almost a year on her own.

An altogether good bugger, Brendan, you will be sadly missed in our community, and Rotary did not want you to slip away without being recognised in some appropriate manner.

It is our pleasure to present you with a certificate commemorating your years of outstanding community service.

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By Gary Meynell ow - what a session this month.

We are doing our best to add some fun and excitement to our get-togethers. With that in mind, our session for April was much more exciting than usual. One of our members, Steve Brown, brought in a whole carload of props with the idea of getting everyone to choose a few of the props and develop their own mini-scene.

The whole idea here was to get the creative juices flowing. Creativity did come to the fore, with everyone diving in quickly to grab their items and put

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Linda Williamson

together their creation. This photography workshop was an absolute blast, with the props adding that extra important layer of fun to the experience. From colourful vintage hats to quirky oversized sunglasses, the array of props added character and playfulness to our shots.

There was such a buzz in the room, and many of us couldn’t help but burst into laughter as we experimented with the various items - mostly in the dark using the various methods of artificial lighting that we had available to us. Of course, none of us could stay put. We had

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to run around the room and view what everyone else had created. Before the evening was over, all of us had taken shots of everyone else’s creation as well.

The theme from last month was Bokeh - the aesthetic quality of the blur produced in out-of-focus parts of an image.

Here are a few for you to enjoy.

If you’re passionate about photography and eager to improve your skills, then the Ōmokoroa Photographic Society is the perfect place to be. Our funfilled workshops are designed to inspire and educate photographers of all levels, from beginners to experienced enthusiasts. Feel free to come and join our friendly and vibrant community of fellow photography enthusiasts. You’ll have ample opportunities to network, collaborate, and make lasting friendships.

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May 2023 | Lizard News | 21

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Food worries? Try gardening for mental health

By John Collier Ōmokoroa Community Garden

t’s green, it’s quiet, and it’s producing our food, so here is a recap of the benefits of gardening.

Most of our suffering comes from trying to control things that we can’t, and every day is one more reminder from Mother Nature that I’m not in control.

Letting things be how they are and ac-

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ceptance seems to be good for us. Gardening also helps you move beyond ‘perfectionism’ and immerse yourself in the real world of chaos and variable outcomes, disasters, losses and pleasant surprises when your seedlings flourish and emerge after a cyclone.

The garden is a place to make mistakes and constantly learn and share your failures and successes with others who understand. A gentler institution than

Scott says

By Hon Scott Simpson MP For Coromandel nzac Day is a time to reflect and acknowledge the sacrifices that have been made by generations of servicemen and women and those who experienced war on the home front. By the time you read this, I will have attended services in Paeroa and Whangamatā. It’s always heartening to see people come together and share stories about their connection to our country’s military service.

Lest We Forget.

In political news, the government’s supposed refreshed Three Waters policy is more of the same. The only real change seems to be the shift from four mega entities to ten mega entities. Other than that, it’s the same policy, just with a new name.

They haven’t listened to councils and ratepayers who don’t want co-governance and don’t like the concept of forced amalgamation. Surely it isn’t too much to expect democratic accountability in water infrastructure and administration.

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The government has retained its socalled balance sheet separation, which basically takes assets away from the communities that have paid for them.

This has been a contentious issue, and we’ve seen around our region that ratepayers want to retain control of their water assets.

I think the government has badly misread the room, and they need to listen to what New Zealanders want.

National has provided an alternative which empowers communities to make their own decisions about the future of their water infrastructure and services.

Under our ‘Local Water Done Well’ policy, we will restore council ownership and control, but with stronger central government oversight to ensure water services are financially sustainable.

If you have any issue you wish to discuss with me, don’t hesitate to get in touch by either calling 0800 550 330 or emailing mpcoromandel@parliament .govt.nz Authorised by Scott Simpson MP, 614 Pollen St, Thames. MPs’ staff are funded by the Parliamentary Service.

school or college and a perpetual place of learning. It’s a chance to connect with nature, with the elements and with the thoroughly unreliable art of weather forecasting, cloud watching or stating the obvious about rain. When I’m really stressed, I suggest barefoot gardening to really connect with the earth and the soil, a full-on ‘sole connection’ and, if you have a caring soul, raising baby seedlings in the nursery before putting them to bed in the great outdoors can fulfil a deep need to care and nurture.

There are benefits to being surrounded by greenery, and the colours of emerging plants, and the local community garden has a joyful soundscape of rosellas, herons, blackbirds, kākā and pigeons to stimulate our hearing, and if you are pet diverse, we have rodents, slugs and snails.

Colourful, bright, bee-friendly, and absolutely radishing. What’s not to love about gardening.

PHOTOS: Supplied.

Coming along to volunteer is fun, with lots of chatter, biscuits, cups of tea and opportunities to connect, network, and gather fresh vegetables, and the research is mounting that gardening is good for your mental health.

A recent study from Denmark compared 12 weeks of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) with twelve weeks of gardening for people suffering from stress, anxiety and depression. The results showed similar outcomes, but the gardeners had more to eat at the end of the trial.

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Graeme Horgan at Carlton Gallery Te Puna School’s

By Lulu Harding

Tiki Tour

he Carlton Gallery has the pleasure of introducing you to Graeme Horgan. Graeme’s exhibition, ‘Our Wonderful World’ opened on Monday 24th April and runs until Sunday 21st May. If beautiful landscapes and stunning painting of birds are of interest, don’t miss this amazing exhibition.

After a 40-year career as a draughtsman and land surveyor, it was time for Graeme to consider his life in retirement, so he started thinking about what he could do as a hobby, using his skills with pens and brushes.

On a holiday in Lake Como in Italy, where there is stunning scenery everywhere, the camera was very busy and on return home, Graeme wondered if he could try to use those drawing skills to create a painting of one of those scenes. So, he went to the art store and purchased a large canvas and some paints to reproduce one of those photos into a painting.

Graeme says that he “ran out of talent” very quickly and found that the colouring in of pencilled shapes did not produce anything like what he had hoped for, so he looked for some art classes in his area. He visited a local gallery and got talking to the artist there who gave art lessons in oil paints. The work he had painted in that

By Kylie Chambers Teacher

T

Orokawa Bay by Graeme Horgan. IMAGES: Supplied.

uring term one, our school held its hugely successful biannual production - Tiki Tour. The production, written by staff, was based on our Kiwiana school theme for the year. A group of characters won a radio competition for a Kiwi road trip from Auckland to Dunedin to attend a Six60 concert. On their journey, they visited a variety of towns such as Tauranga, Taihape, Napier, and Wellington etc., They experienced some typical Kiwi experiences - eating a pie from the BP, getting stuck in an Auckland traffic jam, going to an All Blacks game and travelling on the Interislander.

Our Tiki Tour production showcased the artistic talents of the whole school. Children designed the posters, wrote their class items, sang, danced, acted, and helped create stunning props.

Thank you to all the parents who helped create costumes, made props, did makeup, practised lines and cheered loudly for their children. This event will be one the children look back on with fond memories in years to come. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Tūī by Graeme Horgan.

gallery was amazing and if Graeme could get a spot in those classes, that would potentially help him become a much better artist.

He was accepted to join those classes which took him to the level where he is now satisfied that his paintings are as good as he can get them using his style of oil painting. Graeme uses big fat bristle brushes and oil paint straight from the tube without any thinners or drying agents, painting wet on wet brush strokes in the Alla Prima style and finishes with a coat of varnish.

Graeme’s paintings are all on good quality canvas using quality paints.

The Carlton Gallery is located in the Arts Junction, 36 Main Road, Katikati. Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Weekends and public holidays, 10am to 2pm.

More of Graeme’s work can be found at www. graemehorgan.com and on Instagram: @graeme horganart.

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May 2023 | Lizard News | 23

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Flavours Of Plenty Festival grows local Waihī Beach market

By Jana Marston and Vicki Lambert

The markets showcased a broad selection of local producers and growers, ranging from chocolatier Ines

n Sunday, 26th March, a new twist was put on the popular Waihī Beach markets. The Waihī Beach Community Events and Promotions Team worked alongside the Flavours of Plenty Festival and introduced ‘Meet the Maker’ to their local market.

The ten-day Flavours of Plenty Festival includes about 40 events spanning the coastal Bay of Plenty, from Ōhope to Waihī Beach. These run the gamut from degustation dinners and desserts, to a chocolate factory tour, beekeeping experience, hands-on classes, and of course, Waihī Beach’s very own ‘Meet the Maker’ market.

1500 to 2000 people headed along to the Sunday market, which was held at Wilson Park, Waihī Beach, to meet the people who grow beautiful fresh produce and create artisan food products in and around the area.

O

Angie’s aspect

By Angie Warren-Clark Labour List MP, based in Bay of Plenty hope you’ve all enjoyed a good Easter break and enjoyed time with friends and family. As a government, we’re not prepared to put extra costs on Kiwis during a global cost of living crisis. That’s why we’ve reassessed our water reform programme and recently announced a pragmatic solution. We’ve listened to feedback and made major changes to our affordable water reforms to deliver big

I

Sagrada Wellbeing provides custom-made herbal teas.

Hasler from Chez Moi, right through to Trevor and Anita from Golden Cross Honey, Nui from Bangkok Kitchen, Natalie from Sagrada Wellbeing with her custom-made herbal teas, Bert from Virdis Grove Olive Oil, and Georgia from Gro My Goodness, a small-scale market garden selling fresh produce and flowers.

The event gave the opportunity for market-goers to mix and mingle with local growers and producers, where they could sample and purchase their goods, plus of course, learn the intricacies of how and where the goods are prominently handmade.

“We have such an impressive selection of local growers and producers whose products really are worldclass. It was great to be able to bring everyone together in one location as part of the Flavours of Plenty Festival,” says Vicki Lambert, Events Coordinator at Waihī Beach Events and Promotions.

For more details on the Flavours of Plenty Festival and upcoming events, visit flavoursofplentyfestival.com PHOTO: Bad Panda Productions.

cost savings to BOP households whilst ensuring that the work is now led and delivered at a regional level.

Without reform, households will face huge rate increases. Our affordable water reforms will fix New Zealand’s water infrastructure and ensure households don’t foot the bill. This plan will save families thousands of dollars, with projected savings of around $4,200 in Western Bay of Plenty District.

It’s important we strike the right balance for these vital reforms. We’ve extended the number of publicly owned

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tinue to face living costs pressure.

Those receiving superannuation have started getting their increased incomes, with couples receiving $102.84 more a payment and a single person receiving an extra $66.86. I will be away on ANZAC day, and so will miss the many events on – hope you all manage to get along to a ceremony as we remember the sacrifice and service of our ANZACs. Lest we Forget.

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Growing food resilience in Katikati we are growing commUNITY.” Grow On Katikati has a number of initiatives to increase food security in the community, including a Garden Buddy system that matches people who need gardening space with those who have more than they can manage, a kids’ Seedlings Club, a Seed Library, and monthly workshops that teach seed sowing, fermenting, and many other skills.

“We currently have 111 members,” says Jizzy, “meaning there are 111 households all working toward some degree of food resilience in our area. There are also many ‘casual users’ who come and access their seedlings for a koha. It is great to see that we are working to create connectivity between members who would normally not have had the opportunity to interact with one another.

“We work on a sharing economy, and on the first Saturday of the month, we host a Crop Swap, where locals can share their excess and take away something they may not have. Swaps include cuttings, seedlings, preserves, worm castings, fruit, veggies, nuts, kombucha

f you don’t have a particularly green thumb, the idea of growing a mini ecosystem in your backyard may seem out of the realm of possibility.

Grow On Katikati is on a mission to bury that belief.

The Katikati-based community group aims to build food resilience in the community by educating people on the ease and cost-saving benefits of growing your own fresh produce.

Through access to seeds, seedlings, education, and mentoring, Grow On Katikati Coordinator Jizzy Green hopes people will feel inspired and empowered to grow their connection with their backyard.

“Locals growing their own food will translate into healthier outcomes for many,” says Jizzy. “Food grown locally means more nutrient-dense food (as it comes from garden to plate), greater connection to other growers, more food being shared and swapped, less money spent on food and more money for other rising living expenses. We enjoy seeing connections being made; we like to say

I

Girl Guide Rangers helped to tidy the gardens of two of Grow On Katikati’s senior members.

scobies, sourdough starters, herbs etc.”

Recognising Grow On Katikati’s work in strengthening community connections through the growing and sharing of food, TECT has recently approved a $10,000 grant towards the organisation’s operating costs.

“Covid-19 taught us the importance of food security so that we are resilient in times of shortages,” says TECT trustee Peter Farmer.

“Now, with inflation and the rising cost of living impacting our food systems, we are presented with an opportunity to rethink our connection to food and experiment with ways to produce food ourselves to improve our personal food autonomy. We commend Grow On Katikati for the support they are delivering for their local community in this space.”

Article supplied.

Ōmokoroa No 1 School

By Sue Morgan-French mokoroa No 1’s Culture Fest gave us a chance to celebrate the diverse population of our school.

The children were given a chance to get a glimpse of the different cultures provided for by our generous parents.

Canada, Switzerland, Tonga, Britain, South Africa, Argentina, Korea, China, USA, NZ Māori, France, Germany, Tanzania, and Denmark were all represented.

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PHOTO: Supplied.

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May 2023 | Lizard News | 25

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Hundreds enjoy sweet treat

By Matthew Farrell little caravan has brought a sweet smile to Ōmokoroa residents for the past few months.

Lepaige Barrett has been offering ice cream for sale at the main intersection with State Highway 2, trading from what locals know as the gravel pit car park.

She and long-term partner Colin Gardiner have lived on Harbour View for the past year and have managed the business for the caravan owner since late January.

“It was originally painted black because of graffiti, but I wanted to draw all the colourful bits and pieces to lighten and brighten it. It just sits in the corner there, small but vibrant and productive.

We have a tourism background, so we love interacting with happy customers and this little community,” says Lepaige.

Candace Rookes owns Candy’s Lunchery on Glasgow Street. She stopped to grab a blueberry ice cream for her daughter Xyla after delivering pies to Ōmokoroa Carriers.

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L-R: Candace and Xyla Rookes, Lepaige Barrett and Colin Gardiner. PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

“It’s cute and was really yummy, actually. I ran the coffee cart at Wairoa River for six years, so I know what it’s like running a business with passing motorists.

“It’s an awesome afternoon treat for the kids and great for locals to support traders working in their community. I think she’d probably do all right there,” says Candace.

The caravan was initially used to sell homemade soup before red tape got in the way.

Now that a hot food license has been sorted, they’re considering whether to serve quick and easy snacks such as chips, cheese and onion toasties, and cold drinks.

“We’re selling a product people want; otherwise, they wouldn’t come. The most we have done in one day is just over 200 ice creams,” says Lepaige.

She says the caravan is due to relocate

by October, with roundabout works set to commence in the summer construction season.

The Old Library Ōmokoroa

By Alison Badger e have enjoyed a lovely month of autumn despite the days being shorter and noticeably cooler once the sun has gone down. However, at TOLO, we have had a great month enjoying the wonderful photography of Jeff Brown.

I wonder if, as a Katikati schoolboy, he ever envisaged travelling the globe photographing the opulent floating palaces of the uber-rich.

We feel very privileged to have hosted

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Jeff’s photographs – both prints on the wall and a digital presentation of hundreds more. It was great to see visitors take a seat and watch the presentation through, and even better to have the opportunity to ‘Meet the Artist’ on Wednesday, 19th April, when fellow photographers and boaties came to learn about Jeff’s career.

Talking about photographers, our May display will feature work by members of the Ōmokoroa Photographic Society Inc. This is the third year we have been able to

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promote the work of this diverse group of ‘snappers’ from novices, enthusiastic amateurs to professionals – all sharing and learning from each other. They meet on the first Tuesday of each month at the sports pavilion on Western Avenue, and they are happy to welcome new members.

April is, of course, ANZAC month, and the Ōmokoroa History Group has put together a display of memorabilia concerning locals who took part in the two world wars, with names that live on in street names so that

they will not be forgotten. Thanks also to the ANZAC team for organising the ‘Poppies on the Point’ dawn service and the community service at CHC Acacia Park.

This is the eighth anniversary of these events, and it is very special to see that it has become a ‘must-do’ part of the Ōmokoroa calendar.

The Old Library Ōmokoroa (TOLO) is open 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Sunday.

More information can be found at https://tolo.org.nz

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Half a century and not out

By Shirley Miller ith 50 years of Lionism under his belt, Alex Shaw is a very special member of the Ōmokoroa and District Lions Club.

Born in Scotland in 1941, Alex emigrated to New Zealand when he was 13 years old. He moved around for a few years in the Auckland, Dargaville and Ōpōtiki districts before settling in Waipāwa in Central Hawkes Bay. With the support of his lovely wife Val, at age 32, Alex joined the local Lions Club. Wanting to be more involved in the community, he found Lions to be a perfect blend of helping others while at the same time a place to meet new people and enjoy a refreshing variety of activities. Contact with people with similar values and vision led to enduring friendships and new opportunities for Alex.

By the time he and Val left Waipāwa, Alex was club secretary. He transferred to the Tokoroa Host Lions Club, where he went on to be President.

Alex talks of the many changes he has seen in Lions Clubs over the years. “In the early days, we did physical work like coal distribution as a fund-raiser and reserve development. We also took part in regional projects such as the Hamilton Hospice”, he says.

In 2009, Alex retired from local government employment and now enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle on his kiwifruit orchard overlooking Tauranga Harbour.

Still finding time for Lions, Alex has been an active member of the Ōmokoroa Club

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MenzShed partners with Ōmokoroa No.1

By Peter Smith their fellow students on what they do he Ōmokoroa MenzShed has and learn. started a new trial project with Len, a retired technology teacher, welŌmokoroa No. 1 School, to give comed the opportunity to work with Year 8 students experience with tools Carter and Jake and to introduce them to and woodwork. Carter and Jake were the a fully operational wood workshop. first two students to visit the shed on “They will be working with MenzShed 26th April. Project leader, Len Riggir, members as mentors, and making larger gave the boys an introduction to the projects for the benefit and use of fellow shed, the machines, and safety. students. They will be learning a range Their task for the term is to build two of skills, using a range of tools as per bean bag games, which they will take Ministry of Education guidelines, and back to school. Each has a plan drawing will observe the use of various larger to work from, and they learned how to machinery when making the projects, estimate the amount of wood required. and assist where appropriate,” Len says.

The frames for the games are to be made from recycled pallet wood. Their first task was to dismantle a pallet and then remove all the nails, learning the importance of cleaning up after each task. They then passed a metal detector over the timber to ensure they had found all of the nails before the timber was trimmed.

The boys will attend the shed each Wednesday this term and will be required to make a presentation to Carter and Jake breaking down the pallet. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Alex Shaw with his half-century certificate.

PHOTO: Supplied.

for many years, working for our community organising projects and serving as President for the standard one-year term.

All this good work over so many years deserves recognition with a toast; cheers to Alex for 50 years of Lionism and doing good for others.

For more information about Ōmokoroa Lions Club, contact Mark Ryan (President) 021 244 4466.

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May 2023 | Lizard News | 27

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Te Puna Harvest Market

By Sue Clarke id you know that bumblebees live in the ground over winter and come out looking for nectar in spring? You will be able to learn more and see the live bumblebee hive at the Te Puna Harvest Market on 6th May. Local Te Puna author Rachel Weston will be at the market with the hive from the NZ Bumblebee Trust for everyone to see how bumblebees live. Rachel will also be signing her books for sale at a special market-day price.

Local organisers want to make sure everyone knows about the plentiful food options too.

Indian dosa, Nepalese dumplings, Thai specialities, Italian street food, Sichuan spicy noodles, handmade dumplings and pork buns, Jimmy’s pure chilli oil, cheeseburger sliders, curly fries, pita pizza, southern

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style chicken box, spiders, cold drinks, Fika icecreams, coffee cart with slices and cakes and more. Te Puna Hall will be the place for food Saturday afternoon!

The travelling animal farm is coming all the way from Reporoa. It is free entry for kids, with craft, produce, flower and plant stalls, a giant pumpkin competition and more than 3,000 ex-Te Puna Library books to sell.

The market will run from 12-4pm at the Te Puna Hall (behind the BP service station) so is the perfect place to grab lunch or takeaways for later. A four-piece live band called Second Time Around will play well-known covers and some of their own music to set the ambience while marketgoers check out the stalls or enjoy their food.

Local author Rachel Weston will be at Te Puna Harvest Market on 6th May.

By Todd Muller MP, Bay of Plenty

hilst I was often unwell as a child, missing out on a lot of school and sports, I was fortunate to learn the joy of books. I loved being able to summon the world to my sick bed to enjoy stories of other countries, other people, and their adventures. I still love to read, although these days, the material is more work-related and less thrilling.

I was not so fond of maths, so I had to work extra hard to succeed at long division and times tables, with the full force of my parents and teachers ensuring that I applied myself and did the work.

Education has the power to change lives, and it’s vital that this generation of children gains the skills and knowledge to go on to further education and successful careers. It is unacceptable that two-thirds of secondary students failed to meet minimum standards in reading, writing and maths.

W

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28 | Lizard News | May 2023

Todd talk National’s “Teaching the Basics Brilliantly” policy acknowledges the lost skills of reading, writing and maths for many young people. A National government will rewrite the primary and intermediate curriculum to ensure that children are given the time to master these basic skills while young so that they are set up for life with this key knowledge.

Teachers will be given better tools and training on how to teach the basics to our children. There will be a target of 80% of Year 8 students being at or above the expected curriculum level for their age in reading, writing, maths and science by 2030, as opposed to only 45% currently for maths and 35% for writing.

If New Zealand is to have internationally competitive incomes and living standards, we need a world-class education system that starts with teaching the basics brilliantly.

Authorised by Todd Muller, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn. MPs’ staff are funded by the Parliamentary Service.

TODD MULLER TODD MULLER

MP FOR BAY OF FOR PLENTY MP BAY OF PLENTY

Te Puna Constituent Clinics: Meet with Todd or his team

3rd Monday of the month Feb-Sept 9.00 — 11.00 am at Te Puna Hall Next Clinic Date: Monday 15 May Please get in touch with me for alternative appointment times: E Todd.MullerMP@parliament.govt.nz P (07) 542 0505 ToddMullerMP

ToddMullerMP Authorised by Todd Muller MP, 3/9 Domain Road, Papamoa.

lizardnews.net

Three Waters reform reset brings the community back into the picture move to give local communities a greater degree of influence over their water services is being welcomed in Western Bay. Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty’s revamped and renamed ‘Affordable Water Reform’ is headlined by the originally proposed four ‘mega entities’ being scrapped and ten regional water infrastructure enti-

A

ties to be formed in their place.

The ten entities will be owned by local councils on behalf of the public, and entity borders based largely on existing regional areas - delivering Three Waters (freshwater, wastewater, and stormwater) services to households.

It means the Bay of Plenty will have its own entity, covering Rotorua Lakes, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki, Tauranga City, Western

A helping hand for community projects pplications for Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s annual Community Matching Fund (CMF) are open.

Now in its ninth year, the fund aims to support projects led by community groups and not-for-profit organisations working for the benefit of their communities.

Funding of $160,000 is available $100,000 for recreation, social and cultural projects and $60,000 for environmental projects. Groups will need to ‘match’ the cash grant they’re seeking, be it in volunteer hours, cash, or in-kind contributions.

Council’s Community and Strategic Relationships Manager Jodie Rickard says it is a fantastic way for Council and community groups to work together to build strong and vibrant communities.

“The fund provides an avenue where community groups decide what their communities need, and we help with a financial boost to get their initiatives over the line.

“Everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment with inflation and cost of living, including not-for-profit groups, so we hope this funding can support them with achiev-

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ing their goals,” says Jodie.

In 2022, it funded 37 groups with the CMF. This included 26 projects in the general fund for recreational, social and cultural initiatives and 11 projects which provide benefit to the natural environment in the environmental component of the fund.

Information sessions for community groups to provide advice and assistance on the application process are at Ōmokoroa Library on Tuesday 16th May, 11.30am-1pm, Pātuki Manawa (Katikati Library), Wednesday 17th May, 11.30am-1pm and Waihī Beach Library, Thursday 18th May, 11.30am-1pm.

Please email communitymatchingfund@westernbay.govt.nz to book your spot at one of these sessions or for help with your application at any time.

Groups can apply online through Council’s website. For further information and eligibility criteria, see www.westernbay. govt.nz/community-matching-fund.

Applications close Wednesday 31st May 2023. Article supplied.

Is your business giving you what you want?

Bay of Plenty and Whakatāne.

Each entity would be run by a professional board, with members appointed on competency and skill. The 50/50 split of mana whenua and council representation remains unchanged.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer welcomes the reset on the Three Waters Reform as something which has the potential to create greater acceptance nationwide.

“Having only seen the highlights, I’m pleased the Government has listened to councils and the community. It’s clear these changes reflect some criticism of the original proposal and that the mega-enti-

ties would not be close enough to the communities they serve.

“Providing every Mayor of every local authority with a seat at the table of their respective entity will guarantee the priorities of local communities are heard and make it easier to retain a local workforce.”

While the legislation will be in place before this year’s election, the new model won’t start delivering water services until 1st July 2026. The ten new regional entities have the option to begin before the 2026 date if they are ready.

For more information on the Affordable Water Reform, visit westernbay.govt.nz/affordable-water-reform Article supplied.

Heartwood Avenue progress

By Matthew Farrell he District Council is constructing an extension of Heartwood Avenue in Ōmokoroa, from Prole Road to Kaimai Views. The $3 million project is underway to support potential adjacent land developments. It will include a new roundabout, footpaths, lighting, landscaping, and supporting utilities.

Once complete, it will also serve as an alternative route to Prole Road, while the Prole Road Urbanisation project is under construction.

In October last year, Council awarded the Heartwood Avenue contract to HEB. Completion is expected in late 2023.

Kaimai Views residents have been lobbying Council for safety and parking improvements in the subdivision, with the support of Community Board chair Peter Presland.

T

Sentinel Avenue has a blind summit on a bend with an intersection. Residents say controversial planting affects parking and traffic safety.

PHOTO: Matthew Farrell.

OPEN DAY JUNE 3

Creating caring human beings

MATAHUI SCHOOL Nurturing the potential in every child.TAKE A TOUR 117 Matahui Road, Katikati - 07 552 0655 - matahui.school.nz

May 2023 | Lizard News | 29

lizardnews.net 3

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Loyalty, 13. Accident-prone, 15. Turbine, 17. Maybe, 19. Spa, 20.

Perforate, 22. Enemy, 23. Respect. Down: 1. Amass, 2. Pro, 3. Insipid, 4. Trial-and-error, 5. Musty, 6. Desultory, 7. Analyse, 11. Excoriate, 13.

Artiste, 14. Pompous, 16. Imply, 18. Erect, 21. Awe.

omokoroa Proud to Support

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Open 7am – 9pm, 7 days.

Phone 281 1577.

30 | Lizard News | May 2023

MEDIUM

L E E

Owned and operated by locals

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How many words of three or more letters, including plurals, can you make, using each letter only once? No words beginning with a capital are allowed.

There’s at least one 6-letter word.

Good 12 Very Good 18 Excellent 22

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Ace, acre, ale, alee, arc, are, car, care, carl, cere, CEREAL, clear, creel, ear, earl, eel, era, ere, lac, lace, lea, lee, leer, race, rale, real, reel.

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Lizard Classifieds

Playcentre roof raffle mokoroa Playcentre is running a raffle to raise funds for the roof of their building behind the Settlers’ Hall, which has recently been replaced.

Ō

Tickets are $10 each from sessions on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 9.30am-noon. Organisers Lucy Hockly and Jainee Hart say they’re stoked with the generosity of local businesses who have chipped in for two prize packs.

“There are vouchers for restaurants, swimming, Comfort air conditioning cleaning, butchery, and pizza. Everything from champagne, to colouring kits and children’s aprons,” says Lucy.

The raffle tickets will also be on sale at Te Puna Hall Harvest Market on 6th May.

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

SERVICES

FOR SALE

SITUATIONS VACANT

Aaron P re p & P a i n t

PIANO LESSONS

Painter

OMOKOROA CLEANING SERVICES

DRUM INCINERATORS FOR SALE

Retired healthcare professional available to assist you in your home with all or any of the following: showering, dressing, breakfast, meal prep and housework.

Piano lessons Tue - Thur Ruru Piano Studio Robyn 022 065 8421

Painter & Decorator Now taking bookings for your next project.

For all your painting requirements, phone: Gerard Quilty 027 447 5493 Quality Painting Services Ltd

ruruinarewarewa@gmail.com

Call Aaron

Plumber /Gasfitter Available for small jobs in and around Omokoroa Operated Omokoroa Plumbing for 33 yrs Phone or text Brent Maclean 027 211 1520

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

Sewing alterations in Omokoroa.

35 years’ experience.

Call Ann: 07 925 9004

KGN Gardening for all your gardening, lawns, hedges and trees.

Homes, gardens, lawns, car valets.

Glass,tile shower rejuvenation.

Water blasting, painting.

All enquires welcome.

Ph. Ludi & Andrea 548 2657 | 021 070 0021

Give us a call/text for a free quote: 021 295 0134

• Herbal Medicine • Nutritional Supplementation • Lifestyle & dietary intervention • Homeobotanicals & more…

Busy Beaver

Lawn mowing, green waste bags, hedging/ tree pruning, yard/garden tidy and large green waste removal. Locally owned and operated, servicing Omokoroa and surrounding areas. All enquiries welcome.

Local with 16 years’ experience Leon: 577 1993 027 233 2643

Based in Omokoroa Contact Liz on omokoroaoils@gmail.com mydoterra.com/omokoroa

PLUMBER Omokoroa local area only Maintenance and small jobs Phone Jason 021 241 9843

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

Call Hamish on 552 6427.

COMPLETE LAWNS AND GARDENING

property care

Essential oils and aromatherapy support for your health and wellness

PH: 022 030 9209 E: dee@onestep.co.nz

Casual Football

SERVICES

Ride on & push lawnmowing Hedges & waste removal

Providing Professional Holistic Consultations & Treatment Plans.

Tony Woodard 027 552 6065 tony@ecoauckland.nz

drop-in sessions Mon 11-1

Tue 11-12

Maximum of 40 words per advert.

Photos/logos extra.

Thu 10-12

Fri

Call 548 1200.

10-12

Fri

10-12

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Waihī Beach Library

Ōmokoroa Library

Bethlehem Community Church

Katikati Community Centre

Help bring back our native birds

',**(5 , %2%&$7 , '5,//,1* , 5(7$,1,1* *RRGDOO 5RDG

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Waihī Library

Find a JP at: www.justiceofthepeace.org.nz

ZKDNDHDUWKZRUNV#JPDLO FRP ZZZ ZKDNDHDUWKZRUNV FR Q]

:KDNDPDUDPD (DUWKZRUNV /WG

Lizard News

FREE LOCAL NEWS... IN THE COMMUNITY

- FREE QUOTES -

Ph 577 1993 or 027 233 2643

Justices of the Peace

Personal notices 50¢ per word, Business classifieds $1 per word.

Friday 19th May

482 Esdaile Road, Pahoia Single rooms, no sharing, just $18.50 per day

PUBLIC NOTICE

JUNE EDITION Thinking windows? Think uPVC Warmer in winter * cooler in summer Drier and quieter * www.ecoauckland.nz

Just Cats Boarding Cattery

Call Trent for a free quote: 022 333 2644

Looking for a low-cost option to buy/sell/trade?

News and Advertising deadline

Contact Gail: 021 078 1924.

SERVICES

Diana Pedersen Qualified Naturopath

Community folk who join Whakamārama Cyberlink are emailed news and events relevant to Whakamāramans, sent to more than 230 families in the area. Posts include: lost and found, free stuff, community road notices, requests for help, positions vacant, markets, WBoPDC updates, house rentals/sitters, workshops, neighbourhood watch, stray stock etc.

We also forward info from Ōmokoroa Cyberlink of general interest.

Join up by emailing: rossroad@eol.co.nz asking to be added to Whakamārama Cyberlink.

44-gallon drum incinerators $45 each.

Delivered between Katikati and Tauranga.

Phone: 548 0823 or 027 634 2698.

Join the Friends of The Blade volunteers and adopt a trap line.

CALL NOELENE ON 07 579 3908

is also available online at

Curtains Roman, Venetian, Honeycomb Blinds Tracks Rods Motorisation Cushions Bespoke Furniture

“Bespoke value begins at Omokoroa Interiors”

is a member of the NZ Community Newspapers Association

Body Treatments IPL Treatments • Body Massage Beauty Treatments • Spray Tan

Ph 570 6270 bodytreatments@xtra.co.nz 172 Waihi Road, Judea, Tauranga

WEB | PRINT | DIGITAL

Lizard News

WWW.SHOTBRO.COM 021 973394

omokoroainteriors@kinect.co.nz www.omokoroainteriors.com Angie Butler - 027 666 4687

DIGITAL DESIGN.

tri

for electrolysis

Jacqui Hardie

Electrologist Katikati

E: trielectrolysis@gmail.com | M: 027 231 0606

for e

Member of The New Zealand Association of Registered Beauty Professionals Inc

www.trielectrolysis.co.nz

Pre-purchase & rental inspections

John’s Lifestyle Farm Services jpjam@eol.co.nz 021 235 8456

Moisture detection

Farm Maintenance Digger Hire Retaining Walls Tree Felling Avocado Drilling Animal Burial

Project management for new homes and renovations Concept planning for alterations and additions

ª ÚÞ Å å ĥ

Steve Willoughby 021 677 374 steve@housefit.co.nz www.housefit.co.nz

May 2023 | Lizard News | 31

lizardnews.net

32 | Lizard News | May 2023