Lizard News September 2017

Lizard News SEPTEMBER 2017

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AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

More inside: Roundabout relief

Sign carves history Ferry set to go

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Matthew Farrell News & Advertising 027 549 5410

Liz Farrell Accounts accounts@lizardnews.net cIRculaTIon 4,500 copies printed for:

AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA PAHOIA • TE PUNA WHAKAMĀRAMA

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| lizard news | September 2017

he recent sale of the former Milby Orchard in Ōmokoroa sparked a memory for Pahoia local Robyn-Elizabeth Whalley. In 2013, she was inspired at Ōmokoroa Artists to draw owner Duncan Richardson as he sold fruit on the roadside of 250 Ōmokoroa Road. Four years later, almost to the day, the same sign that appeared in her work was being removed as the trees are chipped to make way for new houses.

Keith Searle of the Ōmokoroa & Districts Pakeke Lions Club says the sign was also past its best. The Lions will be having a new sign made and hope a nearby property owner will be willing to host it.

Anyone interested in helping can contact Keith on 07 548 2117.

Artists challenge July 2013: “3 primary colours and white only. Duncan Richardson of Milby Orchard selling his fruit” by Robyn-Elizabeth Whalley.

Election ocal candidates for the New Zealand general election to be held on Saturday the 23rd of September were, listed randomly, as follows*.

Bay of Plenty: Ben Rickard (United Future), Bruce Carley (ACT), Tracy Livingston (Democrats for Social Credit), Todd Muller (National), Angie WarrenClark (Labour), Lester Gray (NZ First).

Coromandel: Anne-Marie Andrews (NZ First), Nathaniel Blomfield (Labour), Vineet Shiriwastow (ACT), Scott Simpson (National), Scott Summerfield (Green).

Tauranga: Emma-Leigh Hodge (Green), Simon Bridges (National), Rusty Kane (Independent), Clayton Mitchell (NZ First), Stuart Pedersen (ACT), Jan Tinetti (Labour).

Waiariki: Te Ururoa Flavell (Māori), Tāmati Coffey (Labour). *Provisionally up-to-date when printed.

Candidates remained unconfirmed until nominations closed on the 29th of August.

Opportunities, Outdoors, Mana, Conservative, Communist League, GOdsownNZ, Legalise Cannabis, were parties standing for electorates or the party vote elsewhere.

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The Lizard joins news industry body izard News is the latest publication to join the New Zealand Community Newspapers Association Inc. The Association traces its foundation back to 1959 when a group of small weekly country papers decided an organisation was required to foster, promote and safeguard the interests of community newspapers in New Zealand and to improve and regulate conditions and standards in the industry.

The organisation today provides support for members through industry forums such as the Advertising Standards Authority, Press Council and

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sits across Industry Training Organisations. The membership is made up from Independent and privately owned publishers, with over 80 mastheads represented from Dargaville in the north to the Te Ānau in the south.

The group meets annually for its conference and awards programme, where over 22 categories are judged by a team of media experts covering journalism, advertising and community involvement. The conference is used to further develop and focus on readers, the evolving needs of advertising customers and best business practise.

Article supplied.

More firefighters and first responders needed

By CFO Ian Blunt

mokoroa Firefighters responded to two calls in the last fortnight, the first on Sunday afternoon the 20th of August to alarms sounding in the Ōmokoroa Medical Centre. There was no sign of fire; the alarm was found to be faulty. On Monday night, the 21st, a car rolled on Whakamārama Road at around 10.30pm. No persons were trapped, the incident was left in the hands of Police.

The Ōmokoroa First Response team has been busy in the past week or so, attending seven callouts. On Sunday the 13th there was a cardiac arrest, and then a call to chest pains on Thursday the 17th. Two calls on the following day saw the team respond to a collapsed jogger, followed by a call to a sick person about an hour and a half later. Two calls again were responded to on Sunday the 20th, to a patient suffering from breathing

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difficulties and then another patient who was fainting. The team responded with the Firefighters on the night of Monday the 21st but were not required.

A smoke machine was used in this training exercise on the 16th of August at a house on Harbour View Road due to be demolished.

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

Come and join this dedicated team in Ōmokoroa.

Please call CFO Ian Blunt 0274 599 478 or DCFO Simon Priest 0274 366 265.

I am very appreciative of the time and efforts given by both Firefighters and First Responders to respond to emergencies, given that quite a few of the calls are in volunteers work time. I am also appreciative of the donated time for the personnel given by employers in the community. This community is growing at a fast rate, and we can always use extra hands to help in emergency situations. If there are people wanting to join our organisation, both operational firefighters and medical first responders, then, please do not hesitate to call me on 0274 599 478 or 548 1188 or Deputy Chief Fire Officer Simon Priest on 0274 366 265 or 548 0005.

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e welcome your feedback and letters to the editor. We strive for accuracy, fairness and balance in reporting news of public interest.

We request that contributors assist us in upholding standards of decency and privacy - avoiding discrimination and defamation. We reserve the right to edit or abridge submitted material and will identify scribes where appropriate, other than where confidentiality has been assured. Unless an article is marked as supplied, those without bylines will typically have been written by the editor.

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Some relief as delayed roundabout takes shape

By Matthew Farrell usinesses in Te Puna seem to have shared a collective sigh of relief at traffic improvements in the past month, after more than a year of delays on State Highway 2.

The Te Puna / Minden Road intersection upgrade, including construction of a new two-lane roundabout, was originally scheduled to be finished in July.

The NZTA said the project was beset by unprecedented rainfall and two cyclones in March and April, and “challenges” with the relocation of power and telecommunications cables.

Travel conditions have been appalling at times, with lengthy delays and some diversions, but most of the work had to be done during daytime resource consent. The road has been in constant use by more than 20,000 vehicles per day. Here are the thoughts of some

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Carly of Nourish Cafe.

locals.

Carly Ward of Nourish Cafe: “It’s made a huge difference. People who were actively avoiding the area are coming back. Weekends are busy again. The previous month was terrible; definitely tougher for us. Our base clientele of regular locals kept us going.”

Roger Keys of Oregon ITM: “The number of people coming in has lifted incredibly. Getting in and out has been great. It certainly had a negative impact before. Customers were still phoning in, but foot traffic was way down while people avoided the road.”

Phil Chisnall of DMS: “It was disastrous, dangerous and diabolical before, with long waits in congestion for the business community. There’s still a major problem with Station Road peak hour traffic, though. It should be closed just past Waipuna Hospice to avoid the

Roger of Oregon ITM.

Phil of DMS.

give way congestion. But Downer has done a great job here and ticked a lot of boxes for safety. Just bring forward that Northern Link arterial; we can’t wait.”

David Green of Farmlands: “We’ve now got a roundabout that is providing better access and safety for workers and road users around Te Puna Village. It was always going to be a hard project, and we have liaised with the contractors every day. We’ve been involved in the planning for three years, and we’re happy it’s been completed safely.”

Erin Pidduck of Te Puna Vets: “As a destination location, we’ve been luckier than the likes of the dairy and the service station. We’ve just had to juggle clients and manage their expectations. We’d often have two or three customers turning up at the same time for appointments, because of unpredictable journeys. It’s taken a long time, but the traffic

Erin of Te Puna Vets.

now is absolutely better than it was before the roadworks.”

Joga Singh of the Liquor Centre: “It was pretty bad. It was just too tough for customers to come here, with long queues on the road. For two or three months it was very hard on our sales figures, but now it is better than it was before - so I guess it’s all good.”

Garth Bostock of Bostock Butchery: “They’ve fixed the traffic, but now we have to get customers back here. We aren’t a new business anymore, so it’s a bit scary. Some weeks turnover has been down a third, so home kills, and wholesale propped us up. I could have done a better job, and some of this work could have been done months in advance.”

Last month, Tauranga to Katikati was named as one of ten roading projects of national significance requiring considerable further investment.

Joga of Liquor Centre.

Garth of Bostock Butchery.

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Emergency Plan Review

By Murray Grainger very WBoP District Council triennium, the Community Response Plan needs to be reviewed. The current, out-of-date, plan is available on the Council website or via a link from the Ōmokoroa website. The Bay of Plenty Emergency Management (BoPEM) team has requested greater involvement in the current revision cycle.

The first step is for BoPEM to produce an A5 size fold-out flyer, entitled "Community Guide to Emergencies" which has a tsunami evacuation map inside and is marked with the locations

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of the "Community Led Centres" for evacuation and assistance.

To start the process rolling a meeting was held with representatives of the Community Board, Fire Service, Boat Club, Ōmokoroa Community Church, Ōmokoroa Point School, FreshChoice and Ōmokoroa Pharmacy to agree on the details to be printed on the "Community Guide to Emergencies" flyer.

Other meetings will be held to complete the rewrite of the Community Response Plan. If you feel that you have something to offer to this process, please email emergency@omokoroabeach.nz with details.

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Ferry set to go

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

orry darling, but after all these years I am trading you in for a younger model - and she has arrived. The word ‘barge’ almost doesn’t seem posh enough for the new ferry, either.

Her name is Matakana II. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, I guess.

Operator Glen Proctor hopes the dredging of the harbour by excavators will soon be completed. You may have spotted the mechanical arms waving out there.

Photos have attracted some interesting comments on Facebook. Pete Dobson wondered if they were digging for treasure, but Warwick Francis reckons it’s for an underground, underwater cycleway.

Glen says there are also diggers moving sand that is being pumped ashore and stockpiled on Matakana Island.

He’s been working on improvements to his new vessel in the meantime. “We’ve insulated a couple of areas of the main hydraulic pipes below deck, to bring the noise levels down. We’re also waiting on a couple of parts from the US, and they are designing a new propeller which is more efficient, to make the ferry a bit quicker once she’s in service.”

Glen says the spring low tides have made her tricky to manoeuvre the past couple of weeks - it’s been hard even to reach the first beacon in the harbour - but he’s taken advantage of the better high tides to go out a couple of times.

e Wiki o te Reo Māori, or Māori Language Week, runs from the 11th to the 17th of September. Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori, the Māori Language Commission, says this year’s theme is simply “Kia ora te reo Māori”. The following list of 50 Māori words every New Zealander should know is taken from the māorilanguage.net website. the Māori Language person of chiefly New Zealand kaumātua Aotearoa rank, boss elder New Zealand, tīpuna/tūpuna marae long white cloud ancestor taihoa the area for formal kauri to delay, to wait, discourse in front large native conifer aroha tuatara to hold off to of a meeting house, love reptiles endemic to kiwi allow maturation or applied to a New Zealand and native flightless awa of plans etc. whole marae which, although bird river complex resembling most tama koha haka lizards, are part son, young man, maunga gift, present, usugeneric term for of a distinct youth mountain ally money, can be Māori dance lineage, the order tamāhine moa food or precious hāngi Rhynchocephalia daughter extinct large items, given by traditional feast wahine flightless bird guest to hosts tamariki prepared in earth woman, wife children moana kōhanga reo oven wai sea language nest, tāne hapū water Māori immersion man, husband, motu clan, sub-tribe; to from 0 pre-school waiata men, husbands island be born to 4 years song or chant tangi nui hīkoi mahi waka funeral large, many, big walk work or activity canoe group canoe, taonga pā hui māna whaikōrero treasured hill fort gathering, meeting prestige, reputation the art and practise possessions or Pākehā iti of speech-making cultural items, manuhiri New Zealander of small anything precious guests, visitors whakapapa non-Māori descent, iwi genealogy, to tapu usually European Māori tribe recite genealogy sacred, not to be indigenous pounamu kai touched, to be inhabitants of New whānau greenstone, jade food avoided because Zealand, the extended family puku karakia sacred, taboo language of the whenua belly, stomach prayer indigenous te Reo Māori land, homeland rangatira inhabitants of

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For lists of 100 words, 365 words, and 1000 place names check out the website nzhistory.govt.nz/culture/māori-language-week

The new ferry is considerably larger than its predecessor.

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| Lizard News | September 2017

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First-ever haka pōwhiri for Japanese visitors

By Matthew Farrell he students of Ōmokoroa No. 1 have broken new ground by performing what is thought to be the first haka pōwhiri at the school off Plummers Point Road.

Led by Whaea Josie Brown (Ngāti Kahu ki Wairoa Marae), they welcomed 17 pupils of Hibarigaoka Elementary School on the 17th of August.

Visiting principal Mr Ishida greeted those gathered in Māori, Japanese and English before his schoolchildren sang Walking In A Winter Wonderland in English and played a piece of music on

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their recorders.

Teacher Sarah Jane Little felt immensely proud as the pōwhiri unfolded.

“These young leaders of the future showed so much mana and determination to do the best job of welcoming our visitors that they could. As staff and children, we challenged ourselves today and have achieved something we have dreamt about for such a long time,” she says.

“Last term with Whaea Josie was a blast. The children learnt new songs and games in Te Reo, haka and how to pull a

The young visitors sang in English then played recorder. PHOTO: Ben Bell.

Robyn Mayne 021 663 318

mean pūkana (haka face). While having fun, we also learnt more about Matariki, pōwhiri and how to pronounce Te Reo better. Josie is an amazing teacher, whose love and passion for her culture is infectious. We’re so lucky to have her.”

Whaea (Aunty) Josie herself admits she was 'blown away'. “They’ve grabbed it and run with it. They’ve totally passed my expectations. We only role-played this for the first time this morning. They fill me up. They fill my cup!” Josie Brown says the input, passion and support from the teachers, principal and parents of No. 1 has been awesome.

Teacher Liz Webster says this first visit from Japan has been planned for 15 months.

“The staff have been very supportive of

The Japanese students were welcomed to Ōmokoroa.

Mike Wade 021 726 599

Market is warm for properties with real points of difference…

Despite all the gloomy media reports regarding the substantial drop in house sales and flat/declining house prices, there is still very active buyer interest in Omokoroa for properties in the ‘old’ village, especially properties with water views, and also for top end executive properties in all parts of Omokoroa.

This month Claridges has sold two executive homes in the $1m+ price bracket. Both sold in the first few weeks of going to the market.

Chris A’Court 021 231 1218

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29 Kayelene Place This delightful near new 217m² home in Kayelene Park has been finished to a quality high spec...

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Claridges has customers just waiting for buying opportunities to emerge in these categories, so now is a great time to list your special property with our Claridges team, in order to capture a valuable sale!

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hosting the students and being able to include our new kapa haka group in the pōwhiri. A feeling of pride and honour was displayed by the staff and students.

At this point there is no return visit organised, but we hope this trip to us will be annual.”

Teacher Meg Ryan found listening to the pōwhiri quite overwhelming.

“From a personal perspective, it’s amazing to think how far these kids have come in a short space of time. They’ve demonstrated such a passion for the tikanga (culture). I was immensely proud of them, and also so impressed by the confidence and enthusiasm of our young visitors after such a long trip.”

The Japanese students departed on the 23rd of August.

027 231 7770 or 07 548 2779 faye@claridgesrealestate.co.nz

LD O S

22 Haden Place Robyn Mayne 021 663 318 or 07 552 5921 robyn@claridgesrealestate.co.nz

Retail 2, 170 Omokoroa Rd, Omokoroa 3172 (medical centre complex) Office: 07 548 0779 A/h: 07 552 5921 web: www.claridgesrealestate.co.nz September 2017 | Lizard News |

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The plastic is not so fantastic for the harbour

By Matthew Farrell n Ōmokoroa resident is asking why the District Council used recycled building rubbish in the first place, to remedy a muddy section of walking track by Cooney Reserve last month.

Catherine McDonald says the original remedial work by contractors caused a considerable amount of plastic sheeting to blow into the harbour. She had been filling plastic bags with shredded polythene herself, before deciding to complain about the extent of the problem.

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Catherine McDonald spent half an hour cleaning 10-metres of track and says there was still plastic everywhere. PHOTOS: Supplied.

“I emailed Mayor Webber to ask what is being done to rectify this issue urgently. If left as it is, it will have an enormous impact on the local environment.

There are thousands of small pieces of shredded polythene coming loose and blowing onto the beach, into the drains and inevitably into the harbour,” Catherine says.

“It takes a lot to make me mad but the longer I was down there, the madder I got. It is just so negligent. No wonder NZ's waterways are in such a poor state when companies do things like this, with no thought to the environmental consequences.”

Within a couple of days, the Council acted, delivering several trucks of crushed concrete. A section of the cycleway was then closed for two days for sealing to take place.

Reserves & Facilities Projects & Assets Manager, Scott Parker, says the Council always looks to choose goods and services that provide the best value.

“We work with contractors to source local material that is fit for purpose, while offering savings over alternatives.

Unfortunately, the plastic wasn’t discovered until it had been placed. We’re confident capping this section with concrete ahead of schedule will fix this issue,” he says.

“The Council would like to thank members of the community who raised this issue and have been picking up the loose material.”

Two small sections, where boardwalks

are planned to be built later this year, were not capped.

Murray Grainger of the Ōmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc and Ōmokoroa Community Board says if any

Dates for your diary September 3rd

September 8th

more plastic is visible - or become loose in future - he hopes trail users will do the right thing and dispose of it safely, to protect bird roost areas and the harbour.

Happy Father’s Day. Ōmokoroa Playcentre hosts a Snow Day, 9.30am to 12pm, for children aged up to six, at 334 Ōmokoroa Road behind the Settlers Hall.

September 10th Lions Market Western Ave, Ōmokoroa 8am-12pm.

September 11th-17th

September 11th-22nd

Māori Language Week’s theme is “kia ora te reo Māori”. Find out more at tetaurawhiri.govt.nz Advance Voting for General Election. Check elections.org.nz for your nearest voting place.

September 14th Safer driving workshop for over 70s. Ōmokoroa Community Church. Register with Age Concern Tauranga on 07 578 2631 or email ageconcerntga@xtra.co.nz

September 16th Lizard Market 9am-1pm. Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

September 22nd Join in the Great Kererū Count at -October 1st www.greatkererucount.co.nz

September 23rd General Election. Voting is from 9am-7pm. Check elections.org.nz for your nearest voting place.

Aongatete, Ōmokoroa, Pahoia, Te Puna, Whakamārama - we’d love to share your events. Email your details to matthew@lizardnews.net and they’ll appear here and on our website.

Omokoroa

07 548 2550

ANTON & TESSA JONES WELCOME NEW TEAM TO OMOKOROA OFFICE If you have a property to sell come in and see our team today

We have owned First National Omokoroa for 10 years now.

Our spare time is spent with our three children. We are passionate about watching and supporting them in their sports and our weekends are spent between the basketball courts, netball courts and soccer fields around the Western Bay. We love Omokoroa and its community and support it in any way we can. Whether it’s sports uniforms for the Omokoroa Point netball girls, shirts for the football minis, Te Puna Rugby Club, major prizes for the Omokoroa Coastal Challenge & Boat Club Fishing Competition or buying the petrol for the Community Patrol. We are really excited with the changes in our office and bringing on three new agents. Each of them has a fresh approach to real estate and are experts in their field.

Cameron Staple Lifestyle/Residential/ Rural Sales Consultant m: 022 341 5071 e: cameron@tfn.co.nz

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| Lizard News | September 2017

Lee Stringer Lifestyle/Residential Sales Consultant m: 021 250 3113 e: lee@tfn.co.nz

Tauranga First National Realty 2009 Limited trading as Omokoroa First National Licensed under REAA 2008.

Janine Parker Residential Sales Consultant m: 021 383 700 e: janine@ofn.co.nz

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Thumbs up for glow discs Something exciting is here has been an overwhelmingly positive public response to the glow discs on the new section of boardwalk in Ōmokoroa.

The District Council ran a casual Facebook consultation for one week, from the 8th to the 15th of August, to ask residents their thoughts.

A total of 1,802 people said they liked or loved the idea, while 20 people stated that they didn’t like it.

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There were also 172 comments which further described people’s opinions, both positive and negative.

The feedback is now with the cycle trail project team, who will assess how the glow discs might be used in the future.

People are still able to visit the Council’s Facebook page to post comments or read what others have written.

Like, Love, Haha, Wow, Sad, Angry? How do you feel about these glow discs?

blooming t’s all starting to feel very real for Mornay and Rachel Jacobs, in the midst of their building alterations at The Garden Early Childhood Centre on Prole Road in Ōmokoroa.

An October opening is anticipated so now is the time to request an information pack, pre-register children and stay informed on Facebook.

The bathroom spaces and the infants/toddlers area have been among the recent projects. The couple also has a desire to retain the homely feeling of the house.

The lounge still seems like a lounge, Mornay says. “We aren’t ripping down walls. The biggest change would be the childrens' bathroom. For example, we are keeping the fireplace for the sense of

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comfort as well as the practicality of warmth next winter.”

The outdoors is a focus. There is ample garden space to run around, play and explore. Real grass and trees. Bugs and worms. The Garden is a philosophy, as well as a name.

Rachel will be one of three local teachers as the doors open, to just eight over-twos and three or four under-twos initially.

“As enrollments grow we’ll have more teachers coming on-board, but we want to start small and take the time to get to know our families and each of the children,” she says.

Parents began making enquiries before any open days were planned, but places will be limited in the beginning.

“We looked at properties for six months before we found this. It just stood out.

It’s in a great location for Ōmokoroa and the wider rural community, with easy access to State Highway 2 for commuters,” says Rachel.

If quality, play-based learning, in a home away from home setting is what you are looking for, call 548 2036 or email info@thegarden.co.nz to find out more.

Rachel and Mornay with Max (almost 2!) and Kaylee (4).

Topz

Hair & Body Studio invites you to celebrate their

y a d h t r i b 21st

Opening in Spring 2017 The Garden will be beautifully and thoughtfully set up with natural and recycled materials to create a home away from home for children aged 3 months to 6 years.

High Teacher: Child Ratio.

Open 7:30am to 6pm.

Situated in easy access to State Highway 2.

Locally owned and operated.

Real grass, real trees and lots of space to explore.

Come in and enjoy the treats during September Expert stylists: Laura • Paula • Glenda • Aimee 236 Omokoroa Road, Tauranga 3172

548 1440

Something exciting is blooming...

Spring 2017 7a Prole Road • 07 548 2036 www.thegarden.co.nz • info@thegarden.co.nz

September 2017 | Lizard News |

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Recorded winter rainfall close to double the norm t has been one of the wettest winters in the past ten years for the Bay of Plenty.

The Regional Council’s data services team has a network of around 130 automated monitoring weather stations, collecting environmental data throughout the region. Rainfall is well above what is considered normal for the calendar year. Some locations are close to recording double the average amount of rain.

Spokesman Chris Ingle says while

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there is little that can be done about the wet weather, having the data helps the Council and the wider community with planning.

“Many people feel there has been much more rain than usual this year and the data backs that up. It has been an incredibly wet winter. The groundwater experts in Council tell me the aquifers are fully charged, to the point that springs are popping up in entirely new locations or places we haven’t seen for decades.

“We can’t control the weather but to know this helps us to plan accordingly.

And it can help others as well, particularly in rural communities.

“We are asking farmers to ensure grazing on stopbanks is kept to a minimum to avoid damaging our community assets with pugging and erosion. We are getting some reports of farmers moving stock to stopbanks for long periods to avoid low-lying and wet areas of their farms. This can cause weakness and damage to the soil

structures.

“Our teams are still working incredibly hard on emergency works identified following the April flooding, and we have a list of more than 500 repair jobs across Bay of Plenty river schemes which are being costed and prioritised. But we can’t carry out many of our physical works projects yet because the ground is simply too wet,” says Mr Ingle.

You can see more details on the current wet weather on the Regional Council’s live monitoring site.

Fast-tracking new housing to the market

By Matthew Farrell he development of the Special Housing Area in Ōmokoroa is moving into its next phase, with Stage Two properties going on the market in the past few days.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber and the National Party’s candidate for the Bay of Plenty electorate, Todd Muller, stood on the concrete slab of the upcoming show home - as nearby power poles were removed by crane, having been replaced by underground cables.

Mr Muller says the project is an example of what can be achieved when people put their heads together. “As with Christchurch, we see that when you get the supply right, you ease pressure on both rents and house prices. Here, this is

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an example of a partnership between central government, the local authority and the development builder.”

Mayor Webber says the spin-off for the employment market shouldn’t be underestimated. “This is creating jobs for roading, drain laying and power contractors. It’s growing the economy, down to the level of workers buying their lunch here at the supermarket or cafe.”

Mark Hooper of Classic Developments says 242 dwellings will be built at the Kaimai Views site, in eight stages over the next three to four years.

“Stage Two will have 15 ‘Foundation’ homes for first-time buyers only, priced from $459k to $522k, as well as six ‘Traditional’ homes priced from $544k to

$554k. This compares to Stage One, which had 18 starter homes priced from $429k to $500k and seven others in a $609k to $659k price bracket with views over Reserve land,” says Mark.

The operations manager for Classic Builders, Rowan McKeany, says the typical construction time of a house is 16 to 20 weeks from the setting of the concrete slab. The company is build-

ing 250 homes across the Bay this year.

The District Council’s Resource Management Manager, Philip Martelli, says the sustainable capacity of the Ōmokoroa peninsula was found to be 12,000 people in a study by the consultants Beca in 2007. Depending on the rate of growth, that population may not eventuate until the years 2050 to 2060, he says.

Digital impressions of homes in the ranges Traditional (above) and Foundation (below).

Rowan McKeany, Todd Muller, Mark Hooper and Garry Webber catch up on the concrete slab of the show home, launching Stage Two of Ōmokoroa’s Special Housing Area.

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HEB given the go-ahead for three cycleway bridges

By Matthew Farrell tender to design and build three bridges on the Ōmokoroa cycleway has been awarded to HEB Construction.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council says the $1.8 million contract will provide essential links for cyclists and pedestrians across the estuary and wetlands towards Te Puna.

The first bridge connects the Ōmokoroa Peninsula to Plummers Point, the second is within the Jess Road wetland, and the third will connect the end of Jess Road to the unformed end of Newnham Road - built on the harbour side of the railway bridge.

The Council’s Group Manager for Infrastructure Services, Gary Allis, says HEB has the track record and resources

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to undertake large bridge construction works within the Tauranga Harbour aquatic environment as well as experience with designs that can meet KiwiRail approval.

Recent HEB projects include The Strand tidal stairs in Tauranga, Sulphur Point marine precinct works and the Ōmokoroa/Opureora ferry ramp upgrade.

HEB Structures General Manager, Noel Band, says the company enjoys constructing projects which contribute to the local community and the Council is a valuable client.

“This is a design and construction project which is noteworthy. To also be able to determine the look and feel of the bridges is an interesting aspect for us as a contractor. They are important to the

The Jess Road bridge within the wetland replaces the existing closed bridge.

Ōmokoroa Peninsula to Plummers Point.

overall Ōmokoroa to Tauranga connection. We know the Council works hard to boost the regional economy, so we are proud to have secured the contract locally, rather than seeing that money go outside of the Bay,” says Noel. “Our local Bay teams will enjoy building yet another project at home for their friends and families.”

The three-bridge project is jointly funded by the Council’s cycleway budget, the NZTA’s urban cycleway programme and NZTA subsidy, the NZ Community Trust and PowerCo. The Wairoa River bridge is a separate project. The Ōmokoroa to Tauranga cycleway is due to be completed by the end of June next year. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Connecting Jess Road to the unformed end of Newnham Road.

building on a foundation of excellence in roads bridges precast marine water land September 2017 | Lizard News |

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Acacia Park opens doors ahead of planned rebuild

By Matthew Farrell he manager of CHT Acacia Park in Ōmokoroa says she’s trying to get the facility’s name out there and the community back in there.

Megan Thorne has been part of the place for 16 years. After starting as a caregiver and working in nursing at the Hamurana Road site, she was the clinical manager for four years and was appointed site manager of 35 staff last year.

Additional contract staff from Compass deal with the kitchen, cleaning and laundry.

“Since CHT acquired Acacia Park in September 2015 they’ve brought more structure and support from head office.

We’re one of 16 sites, predominantly in Auckland. CHT is growing,” she says.

Up to 48 residents currently receive hospital and rest home level care, with ages ranging from the mid-70s up to

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three centurions.

Molly Brown is 103, Rose Jacob turns 103 this month, and Margaret Gallagher is 101.

Megan says while Acacia Park kept its name, the staff work hard to organise events such as a community open day on Monday the 14th of August attended by National’s Todd Muller.

“We had one in March too, with the Ōmokoroa Songsters. As it warms up again, we have beautiful grounds out there to use. We’d like to encourage children to visit. We might look to bring the 1938 fire truck here for residents to have a ride,” says Megan.

Todd Muller greeted staff and residents as he toured the facility, chatting with Alan Cotterill about his mobility and Rose Jacobs about eyesight affecting her reading - as well as her origins in Eastbourne, Sussex.

“When she said ‘my eldest child is 81’ it really struck me. Magic. This generation has seen so much. Horse-drawn carriages. The industrial revolution. It’s like my daughter born in 2008, being alive in 2111. It’s impossible to imagine the exponential change,” says Todd.

Thelma Scarll was happy to chat to Todd but indicated her party vote would go elsewhere.

“Parliament? I’m blowed if I know.

Why don’t they just go ahead and get on with it?” How did she feel about new

Labour leader, Jacinda Ardern? “She seems like she’s got a little bit of go in her. I am interested, but it’s something I couldn’t take on, so I wish her well.”

Activities for residents range from drives with Go Bus to hairdressing, art and craft, chair pilates, and noodle hockey. Katikati Rotary recently donated four iPads.

Megan Thorne says the planning process is underway to refurbish Acacia Park, with a staged rebuild on the cards possibly to begin next year.

Another step for cycle trail bridge completing the Dam Circuit at the north end of Waihī Beach is another step towards a cycle trail connecting the area to Katikati and Ōmokoroa.

The walkway bridge opening was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the former water supply reserve.

Finishing touches like signage and seating will be completed in the coming months.

The bridge and trail upgrade have cost

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$60,000 with $55,000 fund raised by the Waihī Beach Cycle Trails Community Trust.

Mayor Garry Webber says it’s a fantastic incremental victory towards a connected trail network across the Western Bay, as part of the ongoing national cycle trail linking Auckland to Tauranga.

The District Council has invested $170,000 in the project, which includes the popular Trig Lookout.

L-R: Joan Robertson, Geoff Fawcett, Thelma Scarll, Todd Muller, Margaret Gallagher, Molly Brown and Molly’s daughter Jose Dallimore.

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Burning down the house for best practice

By Matthew Farrell irefighters from Ōmokoroa, Katikati and Mount Maunganui recently benefited from the best training available; a practice house burn in Te Puna.

A dwelling on Munro Road, last used as temporary accommodation for kiwifruit workers, was set alight and extinguished four times before finally being allowed to burn to the ground in a controlled demolition.

Regional training coordinator Kevin Dyer says they’re offered a lot of properties they can’t use due to hazards such as asbestos, but this was ideal.

“There’s external attack work. We take the crew in, so the trainees see fire development. They learn and practice extinguishing techniques and water application in a smoky, hot environment.

It’s as realistic as we can make it,” he says.

More than 30 people were involved on Saturday the 5th of August, including 14 trainees and half a dozen instructors.

The crews were supported by a tanker from Greerton and the Waikato incident response unit from Ngāruawāhia, pumping out meals as a field canteen.

The first fire was lit at about half past nine, and it was all over by four in the afternoon.

Kevin Dyer says he can’t overstate the extreme value of the learning from the day, as brigades increasingly deal with a higher proportion of road and medical callouts.

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“The number of structural fires is declining, but we are rightly expected to be able to put them out. In the absence of experience, we must rely on training. We control these situations by keeping the temperature down inside the practice dwelling.”

He says about six practice house burns take place in a typical year for this fire region which covers from Raglan to Gisborne. Safety is paramount. If the average wind speed is more than 15 to 20 knots, the training is halted.

During a debrief, the firefighters were reminded about using walls as shields, and swapping their kneeling positions

Jason McKie and Dan Blok take a breather, after three of their four training sessions.

Using a hose to wet airborne debris, as flames are allowed to consume the building.

for comfort and endurance as they tackle a blaze. Ōmokoroa fire chief Ian Blunt agrees a real structure fire is the best training environment.

“It gets very hot in there. It has melted some visors. That’s why you see protective covers on their helmets and the breathing apparatus cylinders,” says Ian. Josh Goldstone was relishing the experience, “Oh I loved that, it was fun. The flames were as close to me as you are now and I burned my knuckles a little. I

was on exposure duty and next I am on attack. Can we do this again?”

Elina Arnese summed up what it means to dedicate your life to saving others.

“As I saw those fingers of flames, my instincts were telling me just to run out of there. But of course, I didn’t.” Ōmokoroa’s firefighters are being recognised for their achievements through the past year at an honours night on Saturday the 16th of September.

September 2017 | Lizard News |

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Bay Turf win contract for extra tennis courts e Puna-based Bay Turf has been awarded the construction contract to build two extra courts for the Ōmokoroa Community Tennis Club.

The Western Avenue site has been fenced off in preparation for Courts 3 and 4.

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council says earthworks are now getting underway on site.

Funding from the Council will help to cover the cost of building the new courts, with grants from TECT and the NZ Community Trust contributing towards the surfacing and floodlights.

Club captain Jeff Warren says the other two courts are needed.

“Sometimes people turn up, and both courts are already in use. I know I would rather go home and do something constructive rather than wait for other people to sit out for me. A lot of individuals prefer singles to doubles, too. The new courts will help us expand the club to cater for everyone,” says Jeff.

Meanwhile, Tennis Western Bay of Plenty held its AGM on Monday the 14th of August where Ōmokoroa became its tenth affiliated member club.

Treasurer and Grants Manager Warwick Brew tells Lizard News that Ōmokoroa’s membership was nominated by the Ōtūmoetai and Mount Maunganui clubs and the motion was passed following a unanimous vote.

Jeff Warren says the move makes Ōmokoroa “more of a proper club”. He says it was the next step the club had to take to keep its credibility and to continue to grow.

Tennis WBoP is a not-for-profit organisation with responsibility for the promotion, development and administration of the sport in the sub-region.

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Thumbs up from Ron Harding (right) and Aaron De Ridder as earthworks get underway.

Man’s seven-hour quad bike ordeal At capacity. Two games of doubles underway last month on Courts 1 and 2.

Kiwifruit now outvalues wine he value of kiwifruit exports has overtaken wine for the first time, helping lift export returns to $5.1 billion for the year to the end of June 2016.

The economic development agency

Priority One reports that produce from the NZ horticulture industry is worth $8.7 billion a year, a new record high.

Kiwifruit’s share of export value is $1.67 billion, compared to wine at $1.55 billion.

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The Trustpower TECT rescue helicopter was called to a farm just before 7pm on Saturday the 5th of August. It’s understood the accident had happened some seven hours earlier.

When he failed to show up at home, locals and family members went searching the property on foot, and the injured man was discovered in the evening. The

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woman who found him says another report, that the patient had been trapped under the bike, was incorrect.

St John paramedics attended to the man before he could be moved to an area where the helicopter could land.

Fire and rescue also responded and helped to carry the patient to the helicopter. The helicopter was called due to the location only being accessible over land by four-wheel drive vehicles. The flight was conducted using night vision goggles.

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Bingo! ore than a hundred people took part in a bingo night at the Settlers’ Hall last month, raising over $3000 towards a new sports pavilion for Ōmokoroa.

There was no “Danny La Rue” or the more recent “chicken vindaloo” to go with the “five and two, 52” called as the first number by Scott Breen - but there was immediately an impossible reply of “Bingo!” to laughter throughout the hall.

“It’s going to be a long night,” he grinned.

A couple of minutes later the first winning line was confirmed.

“Hold your cards; don’t throw them away,” Scott reminded us. After a few more moments there was a house winner confirmed, and the process started over again.

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3URSHUW\ &DUH 3U 3URSHUW\ &DU 3URSHUW\ &D 3URSHUW\ & 3URSHUW\ 3URSHUW\ 3URSHUW 3URSHU 3URSH 3URS 3UR 'RPHVWLF /DZQV 5LGH RQ 0RZLQJ +HGJH 7ULPPLQJ *DUGHQ 7LG\LQJ 0DLQWHQDQFH :HHG 6SUD\LQJ 3ULFNOH &RQWURO

)HUWLOLVLQJ )UXLW WUHH VSUD\LQJ 3UXQLQJ *UHHQ :DVWH 'LVSRVDO 0RVV &RQWURO 3UH 6DOH &OHDQ 8S DQG 0DLQWHQDQFH Heads down, dabbers at the ready. It’s game on!

“House!” is called - and we have a winner.

The secretary of Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Society Inc, Andrea Willoughby, described the turnout as brilliant.

“Wow. It’s absolutely amazing. There have been more people coming in the door through the evening. We’ve nearly run out of space, tables, and glasses - but we’re coping. What’s great to see is the number of Sports and Rec member groups represented here,” she said.

The fun, food and drink kept flowing thanks to the support of local business owners who donated enough prizes for games to continue through the evening.

“That looks like it’s me, then!” was the cheerful victory call of ‘Party’ Sue Dobson as she claimed house in game three.

Andrea Willoughby says with some EFTPoS transactions still to be sorted out, approximately $3200 was raised from the bingo night.

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Intentionally narrow policy on coastal erosion set by Council

By Matthew Farrell he Western Bay of Plenty District Council has decided to drop the words “Inner Harbour” and “Management” from the title, in adopting a renamed “Coastal Erosion Response Policy” - five years after first starting discussions on the subject.

The Council’s group manager for policy planning and regulatory services, Rachael Davie, told councillors at a policy meeting on Wednesday the 16th of August it had been a complex procedure with a hiatus to allow for research, public consultation and legal advice.

Between February and March this year, feedback was received from 46 people with late submissions from Ōmokoroa residents following land slips after two cyclones.

Rachael Davie said there had been general support for the need for a policy, but mixed views about the precautionary or so-called “do nothing” approach to erosion, especially in areas where houses already exist.

However many Waihī Beach residents said they favoured the “caveat emptor” or buyer beware rule and that ratepayers should not have to foot the bill for erosion works.

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Rachael Davie said Ōmokoroa submitters raised concerns about rainfall and soil types, rather than sea erosion as outlined in the draft policy. She also said the policy was about coastal erosion and didn’t cover inland areas such as the Minden. Elected members then began nailing down the details.

Cllr Margaret Murray-Benge raised concerns about residents affected “right now”. Cllr Don Thwaites said Council needed to consider a long term evaluation of Ōmokoroa’s built environment, but that delaying policy decisions past today would be a real disadvantage.

Cllr Murray-Benge said Matahui Road residents also wanted to get on and invest their own money into making improvements.

Rachael Davie clarified that the “guts” of the policy was in Section 5, regarding the assessment criteria requirement of both the NZ and Regional Coastal Policy Statements and said the Council was not closing the door on all collaborative work possibilities.

“This is not about certainty or clarity.

It’s just a consistency of a framework for decision-making,” she said.

There was extreme caution from Council lawyers over offering incentives to landowners to develop Council-

owned land.

Mayor Garry Webber commented, “everybody would like a bucket of money to fix their issues, but we just can’t afford it.”

Councillors replaced a policy section saying “soft defences must be maintained” with “enhancement of natural dune systems should be encouraged.”

They then decided to change the wording of “do nothing” to “let nature take its course”.

The text, “possible collaborative approaches” was also removed to avoid expectations.

The policy now states that the Council would consider the ability and willingness of the wider community to pay for the costs of maintaining the shoreline in a fixed position indefinitely.

Essentially the Council has produced what Rachael Davie describes as an “intentionally narrow” erosion policy. It specifically relates to only Councilowned coastal land, where there are Council-owned strategic assets to be protected. Anyone wanting to invest personal funds in erosion protection or tree work is required to go through a consent process and gain Council approval. Submitters will be notified of the Council’s decisions on the 7th of September.

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Te Puna School photos worth a thousand words apiece

By Matthew Farrell e Puna School recently judged the winners of its annual photography competition, with the pick of the images going on display in the school office reception area.

The contest has been running for the past five or six years or so. The top three placings and the photos of the highly commended finalists are hung up for all to see, for a twelve month period.

The school theme this year is Te Moana, which is reflected in the pictures.

The inspiration for the winning senior photograph was Tolaga Bay, taken by Maggie Grimshaw of Year Eight. Mayor

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Island, the dormant shield volcano Tūhua, provided the subject for the winning junior photo by Amber Corney of Year Four.

Seniors: 1st Maggie Grimshaw, 2nd Izabella Ritai, 3rd Anna Hesmondhalgh, highly commended Akaroa Motutere, Kaleb Vukona, Sophie Davies, Achilles Burne.

Juniors: 1st Amber Corney, 2nd Wahiawa Kōrewha, 3rd Clancey Edwards, highly commended Logan Pinkerton.

Our thanks to Te Puna School for sharing these photographs with us here at Lizard News.

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Loving our kids to grow their brains ahoia woman Chloe Wright’s charitable trust has launched a national campaign to communicate with parents about the importance of talking, reading and singing to babies and young children.

Love Grows Brains is a Wright Family

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Foundation project, backed by experts including Dunedin study director Professor Richie Poulton and neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis, in collaboration with Talking Matters and Brainwave Trust Aotearoa.

A series of 20 film clips with messages

supporting families will screen over several months, during prime time TV ad breaks.

Chloe says sound scientific research backs up what we all know in our hearts.

“The first years of a child’s life are a crucial opportunity for their development. Experiences in these early days set the stage for lifelong health, intellectual and emotional growth. It’s a time of enormous potential for the brain.

Parents as first teachers have the most influence in future outcomes for each child.”

The clips feature ordinary Kiwi families, showing ‘magic moments’ between parent and child. The Wright Family Foundation worked with a documentary filmmaker to figure out the hopes of parents for their children. The support from those parents was overwhelmingly positive.

Highly regarded experts in child development also donated their time, such as

neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis.

“It’s not about genes, or alphabets, or numbers or colours. It’s about love and partnership. The more love and partnership a baby experiences in the first 1,000 days with one primary person, the brainier they will be. It is love that grows brains.”

Child behaviour psychologist Gaye Tyler-Merrick encourages parents to spend time with their babies - playing and interacting with them.

“Do those special things with your babies. Housework can wait. Then we’ll have a lovely, secure, child with good self-control who grows up to become a good parent.”

The Wright Family Foundation is a notfor-profit trust, dedicated to supporting projects and organisations which make a positive difference through education.

Its previous People Matter campaign encouraged self-awareness, and awareness of others.

Local leading the way

By Simone Rose

Chloe Wright at the Auckland launch of Love Grows Brains, with her youngest grandchild, Ambrose.

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here are less than two months until the next Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge, and with all the interest received via our website and Facebook page, it’s shaping up to be our best event yet!

One of the local faces you’ll see running in the 10km event is Ben Bell, along with his oldest son who is completing the 5km run. Ben is typical of a family based in this area, in that they have all used the existing pavilion regularly over the years for a wide variety of interests; from soccer and athletics for the kids, to boot camp sessions that Ben has attended.

Ben is a huge contributor to all sorts of causes within our community. Many of you may already be familiar with his friendly face, whether from serving your coffee at La Petite Café or his involvement with the Ōmokoroa Football Club.

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Ben and Jonas are in training for race day.

the 5 to 7-year-old mini’s grade to tirelessly marking out all the Western Ave soccer fields at the beginning of the season). Ōmokoroa Number One school parents will also know Ben from his role on the Board of Trustees.

Additionally, Ben selflessly volunteered his graphic design and IT skills by designing ads, fliers and posters, plus creating the Facebook pages of the Ōmokoroa Skate Path and our own Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge. His work is fantastic, so if you’re in need of any web design, creative design, social media or email marketing then we highly recommend contacting Ben on ben@shotbro.com or check out his work on www.shotbro.com and lizardnews.net If you see Ben pounding the pavements preparing for our event, make sure you give him a wave. Even better, be inspired and join him by registering at www.runrunrun.co.nz and start your training program today!

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Waihī Beach loses sand

A local eco-bonus A kōtuku wading through the shallows in Mangawhai Bay. PHOTO: Christine Grainger.

By Murray Grainger ince “eco” seems to be attached to all manner of other words these days I thought I would invent a new one, eco-bonus. Google quickly informed me I was several years too late. Never mind, it is an apt description for a byproduct of the new Tinopai to Lynley Park section of the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga walkway.

The eco-bonus is the fact that the boardwalk section of the path has opened up access to our very own local salt marsh environment. Other nearby salt marsh areas are Matua or Athenree; but now, without leaving the peninsula, we can enjoy an ecosystem that has previously been hidden away.

A salt marsh is a type of marsh occupying the intertidal area between land and salt water. Marshes and wetlands everywhere used to be thought of as wasteland that could be filled in to provide land for agriculture or industrial development and, from the fence posts that remain, we can see that this was once tried for this area. Fortunately, salt marshes are no longer seen as unimportant; they are now recognised as biologically productive habitats. The organic

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A fernbird in amongst the marsh ribbonwood.

PHOTO: Allan Fox.

detritus resulting from the decay of castoff leaves of salt marsh plants provides food for creatures at the base of food chains.

A salt marsh reduces erosion of the seabed and the shoreline by wave action.

It absorbs excess nutrients from both the freshwater and seawater that enters the marsh. This reduces eutrophication and the excessive growth of undesirable species of algae. The marsh slowly transfers nutrients from the sediment to the water, enabling the growth of phytoplankton, an important food source for filter-feeding animals in the bay, herbivores and detritus-feeders at the start of the food chain and it provides shelter, breeding sites and food for wildlife.

The dominant plants of the salt marsh are the sea rush (Juncus maritimus) and the jointed rush or Oioi (Apodasmia similis). Rushes are among the few plants that are adapted to grow in the harsh conditions of a salt marsh. They overcome the lack of air in the waterlogged soil by obtaining the oxygen that their roots need from air trapped in their hollow stems. Also present is the marsh ribbonwood shrub or makamaka (Plagianthus divaricatus) and, of course, mangroves.

This area is rich in bird life with pūkeko and kingfisher evident. Others like the NZ fernbird, dunnock (hedge sparrow) and banded rail (moho-pererū) are more elusive. In the skies above the kahu, or swamp harrier hawk (Circus approximans) can be seen riding the air currents, while out on the tidal flats there are, at various times of the year: banded dotterel, black swan, Canada goose, Caspian tern, bar-tailed godwit (a few thousand over summer), kōtuku (eastern great egret/white heron), pied oystercatcher, pied stilt, red billed gull (tarāpunga or akiaki), royal spoonbill, southern black-backed gull (karoro), spur-winged plover, variable oystercatcher (tōrea-pango), white-faced heron and out over the deeper water one can watch gannet diving for fish.

So, as you enjoy this new path, look for your eco-bonus along the way.

Credit to gopi.org.nz

he Western Bay of Plenty District Council says it is aware of the recently lowered sand level at Waihī Beach, particularly in the area between The Loop and Three Mile Creek.

The lower level is due to recent weather patterns as well as the constantly changing but cyclic nature of the ocean beach sand levels at Waihī Beach.

Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager, Scott Parker, says there are a few issues the Council is addressing.

“Newly exposed old gabion baskets and any other remnant seawall structure and associated debris will need to be removed, to ensure health and safety stan-

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dards are maintained.

“The larger newly-exposed rocks in front of the revetment can be used to cover the geo-fabric that is now visible at the base of the revetment. We will also need to remove or relocate some of the smaller rocks.

“We hope to get work underway as soon as possible while complying with resource consent conditions,” he says.

The beach should return to an average level naturally through cyclic patterns in due course.

There may be some temporary access issues for beach goers in this area until this work is finished and the sand levels have elevated.

Newly-exposed rocks due to cyclic low sand levels.

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Royal spoonbills on the Mangawhai Sandbar. PHOTO: Murray Grainger.

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Council seeks feedback on plans for reserves estern Bay of Plenty District Council wants you to have a say on concept plans which will help decide what future facilities are offered at two popular reserves.

The reserve management plans for Māramatanga Park in Te Puna and the Ruahihi Power Station Reserve, which borders SH29 and the Wairoa River, have recently been reviewed - and the Council is asking users and locals to share their thoughts on what’s proposed.

Māramatanga Park is currently home to several Te Puna based sports clubs while the Ruahihi Power Station Reserve

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is a favourite entry spot for people who kayak the Wairoa River.

Reserve concept plans identify things that need to be updated and options for additional facilities to be built on-site.

Some of the topics the Council wants your feedback and thoughts on for Māramatanga Park include: The range and number of sports fields available, increased parking, installing an artificial cricket wicket, the condition and use of the netball court, more tennis courts, a potential community building, new playgrounds and a basketball half court, a potential skate park, and toilet

facilities.

For Ruahihi Power Station Reserve these are mainly around: Proposed gravel access to the river, formalising the parking area, building a facility for the canoe club, and providing a lockable gate.

Council recreation planner John Rauputu says people may be interested in having their say if they’re someone who uses, enjoys or plays sport on these reserves; is interested in sustainable development and the natural environment; wants more spent to provide playgrounds, fields, new or

better toilets or other facilities; or wants changes to how people use these reserves.

The easiest way for people to find out more, or have their say, is by visiting haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz For those wanting to turn up and talk, an open day is planned at the Community Centre next to the tennis courts in Māramatanga Park from 10am to 2pm on Saturday the 2nd of September.

The consultation closes at 4pm on Friday the 15th of September.

Article supplied.

U:\2016\T16126_BSa_WBoPDC_Reserve_Concept_Plans\CAD\Ruahihi Reserve\T16126_Ruahihi_Reserve_TKE_20170410.dwg

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Esplanade Reserve

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Ruahihi Power Station

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Proposed future Development:

5.

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Potential access to river (gravel) 6m minimum tall Trees Formalise parking (gravel) when required Formalise access road (gravel) when required Gate with padlock Canoe Club Facility

www.boffamiskell.co.nz

This plan has been prepared by Boffa Miskell Limited on the specific instructions of our Client. It is solely for our Client’s use in accordance with the agreed scope of work. Any use or reliance by a third party is at that party’s own risk. Where information has been supplied by the Client or obtained from other external sources, it has been assumed that it is accurate. No liability or responsibility is accepted by Boffa Miskell Limited for any errors or omissions to the extent that they arise from inaccurate information provided by the Client or any external source.

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15m

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Scale: 1:300@A1 _ 1:600@A3

Data Sources: Projection:

Legend

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Gravel road and carparking Lawn

Site Boundary Small tree

Low amenity planting BOPLASS Limited NZGD2000 N.Z. Transverse Mercator

Existing tree Bund Bank

Power Poles

RUAHIHI POWER STATION RESERVE Reserve Concept Plan Date: 22062017

Revision: C

Plan prepared for Western Bay of Plenty District Council by Boffa Miskell Limited

Project Manager: bryan.sanson@boffamiskell.co.nz Drawn: TKE Checked: BSA

Movanning for beginners; ignorance is bliss A Molesworth experience

By Lindsay Roberts (Tiger #4798) t all started in 1993. We had been in the Association for a couple of years and had heard about the great South Island safaris that were being organised

by Ron Wing. Having become recently unemployed and hooked onto the public teat, well sort of, we decided that we were going to be on the next one.

We arrived in the South Island before Christmas 1993. The plan was to be at Seddon Motor camp about the 29th of December, and the gates would be opened for our exclusive use of the Molesworth road on New Year's Eve. The trouble was that 295 other vans decided

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on the same plan. This caused a glitch with the management of the Seddon Motor Camp, and after some heated words were exchanged, the Movanners were directed to move out. Within 30 minutes there wasn’t a movan in sight!

Most transferred to the local council reserve, but about 60 vans were headed to a paddock about 35km down the Molesworth Road. This road gave us an excellent introduction to what was in front of us: 85km of a metal road up the Awatere Valley, potholes, dust and more dust. Oh, for a shower of rain to settle it.

Next morning, what a sight to behold, movans of all shapes and sizes stretching back up the road as far as the eye could

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| Lizard News | September 2017

Turn off opposite Gull Whakamarama. Delivery Available

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see. The weather was beautiful, and we had all day to travel the further 50km to the north boundary of the Molesworth Station. Vans started to move off at about 8.30am, and it was soon evident this trip would take much longer than expected; a combination of dusty road and little breeze soon had vans spread out over many kilometres, each keeping back from the one in front, and then there was the heat. Windows had to be open as not many vans had air conditioning in those days. All managed to arrive safely, find a site to park and enjoy the lovely weather and a respite from the dust.

The Cob Cottage was built in 1865 and is close to The Molesworth homestead.

DoC has now restored this cottage, and there are some walks in the area.

Happy hour was a scene of excited groups gathered at numerous vans talking of what tomorrow would bring. I think that most had an early night because we all knew that tomorrow would be a big day in more ways than one. To be continued.

Note: This article was written in 1994 and since that time many thousands of motor homers, some of whom are probably reading this article, have made the journey through the Molesworth. The fords are mostly culverted and the road much improved. Back then it was a real adventure.

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

Matthew Farrell

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

lizardnews.net

Exciting new books for September Ōmokoroa Library Ph. 07 571 8008 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9.30am-noon

Whakamārama Community Library Ph. 07 578 7015 Open Thu 9am-noon 1st & 3rd Fridays 6.30pm-8pm Te Puna Community Library Ph. 07 552 5715 Open Mon-Fri 12.30pm-1.30pm (closed school holidays) Weds 6.30pm-7.30pm Thu 3pm-4pm (closed school holidays) Sat 10am-noon

NEW FBI SERIES

BRITISH SUSPENSE

Dean Koontz The Silent Corner

BRITISH THRILLER

Lisa Jewell Then She Was gone

AUSSIE DEBUT THRILLER

Mel Mcgrath give Me the Child

Michael Brissenden The List

BRITISH 80S CHARACTER NOVEL

Rachel Joyce The Music Shop

New opportunities for Pahoia School children ur Friday activity block here at Pahoia School is called 'My Time', during which all our students enjoy different activities. Principal Mike McKee says 'My Time' has hit the ground running.

“It has been amazing to see our learners being resourceful, creative, collaborative, inquisitive and resilient risk takers, and showing many of our Pahoia learner qualities,” he says.

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Aimii gardening.

Some children are taking opportunities to learn about coding, jewellery making, chess, woodwork or a new sport like golf. Others are taking on technology challenges, creating through sketching, LegO and puppet making.

“We have had our little learners fizzing! This has also become a time for our community to connect and share with our students and we greatly appreciate this support,” says Mike.

Quinn and Max playing chess.

Katikati library and hub to go ahead despite shortfall istrict councillors have pushed for construction to begin on a new Library, Service Centre and Community Hub for Katikati, despite the design of the project exceeding the budget. elected members recommended the Operations and Monitoring Committee meeting should conditionally approve the construction contract to Watts and Hughes Ltd. The target build price was $3.8 million.

The total project budget including fees and contingencies was set at $4.5 million.

However, the current estimated cost exceeds the higher number. The meeting discussed elements of the project that could be delayed or eliminated. These decisions will take place during construction, to stay within budget.

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Mayor garry Webber says the project has been well researched and planned since 2012.

“It’s very pleasing we’ve now got to the stage where we’re within reach of building much-needed facilities in Katikati. This will add real value to the community for years to come and become part of the fabric of what makes this area a great place to live.’’

The project is a double-storeyed library and service centre building and single-storey community hub, linked to each other and the main street by covered walkways and a courtyard.

A property at 21 Main Street was bought in March 2011, and identified within the Katikati Town Centre Plan as a suitable location for an area office and library.

After consultation with the community and the Katikati Community Board as

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part of the 2015 Long Term Plan and Annual Plan processes, a community hub was agreed by Council in March 2016.

This may include a WiFi/meeting room and display space for example.

The hub component attracted a $350,000 Lotteries grant.

In March and April this year, Watts &

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Hughes won a tender process, on the understanding they would work through a value engineering process to ‘de-risk’ the project from their perspective. At the same time, they’re expected to decrease the reliance on contingencies which were blowing out the budget and making the project unaffordable.

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Hoping the whitebait stand will deliver

By Max Kehoe he shooting season has come and gone with many memorable days spent in the swamp. Preparations have now begun for the whitebait fishing season. I never realised how busy life would be in retirement!

Whitebaiters have been busy repairing nets and stands eagerly awaiting the opening day. The mind returns to previous years when the first fritters hit the frying pan which makes the maintenance a little easier!

The season runs from mid-August until the end of November in most of the country, except the West Coast of the South Island where the season starts later. This is when whitebait are returning from salt water to lay eggs in freshwater rushes, grasses and reeds, normally coinciding with the higher spring tides.

A novice can simply purchase a net, find a spot on a river bank and spend many days waiting for whitebait to pass the chosen spot.

A more adventurous baiter will construct a stand on the bank along which they can manoeuvre their net to take advantage of schools swimming up the river.

More dedicated baiters construct a floating platform using plastic drums for buoyancy. This allows the baiter to use the full length of the stand at a constant height as it moves up and down with the tide.

Once upon a time, everyone used a scoop net with a 15-foot hoop and a pole, commonly made from giant bamboo. Along came new materials and baiters now have the option of a 'scoop net' or a 'set net'.

Scoop netters normally have a whiteboard (or spotting board) that allows the schools to be 'spotted' as they swim over the board. A set net allows the baiter to set up the net alongside the stand and then head off for a cuppa. Regulations dictate you must not be more than 10 metres away.

In the Waikato river fishery, it is no longer possible to view a whiteboard due to the degradation of water colour. Blind dipping or a set net is the only option.

All rivers fish slightly differently, but most baiters catch their fish at the rising tide or first part of the tide going out. Like shooting, there are many theories where best to fish, but the movement of the water (the current) is the most important factor.

Once a baiter has been successful, whitebaiting becomes a ‘must do’ each season with populations exploding in popular spots in the South Island.

Regulation is the responsibility of the Department of Conservation, but like most unmonitored fisheries in New Zealand, the whitebait has been exploited by commercial activities, and it has become harder to get a fritter for the family. While tramping in the Holyford area of South Westland, I was amused to hear that a good season is measured in tons! Catches over the years have been diminishing due to various factors.

As a young lad, it was my job to spot the whitebait passing over the board. Without making any movements, I'd give the message to Dad who would begin his scoop from the other end of the stand. Falling in with excitement was the primary hazard.

Once the scoop was complete, the net would be raised with hopefully enough whitebait for the family to each have a small fritter. Combined with freshly baked bread (and for some, a squeeze of lemon) most baiters would be well satisfied!

Well, I must away. Spring tides are due, and my stand calls me to try my luck. This year a floater has been designed and built, launched and positioned on a river that flows into the Kāwhia Harbour. The taste of the first fitter is coming into my mind. Even the weather is coming to the party.

How did I ever find time to hunt and fish before retirement? Good luck to all who have a go!

T

Whitebait are the juveniles of five species of fish. These five are part of a group of fish called galaxiids (so called because of the patterns of their skin which look like a galaxy of stars) of which there are 20 species, the rest of which don't migrate.

The migratory galaxiids are the giant kōkopu, banded kōkopu, shortjaw kōkopu, īnanga, and kōaro. Although galaxiid species are found in many places in the Southern Hemisphere, the giant, shortjaw and banded kōkopu only exist in New Zealand.

Lizard News

Max Kehoe gets a feel for his whitebait stand under construction.

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| Lizard News | September 2017

The country time of our lives

By Piers Wiggett ambing time is upon us, and for those of us who run a few sheep, this is time for concern and a little less sleep. We pay more detailed attention to our little flock than if there were a thousand up in them thar hills. Bottles are at the ready for the inevitable orphan together with warm boxes and much newspaper. There are new odours around, and the dog is restless. We are passing on, hopefully, our last of two orphans to families with excited children, full of promises to do all the taking care.

Orphans mean a dead or a poorly mother, a loss we won't carry on as we endeavour to breed our little flock to

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successful mothers.

It is also a time for those of us, with perhaps restless dogs, to be mindful of our neighbours' sheep or lambs. Nothing is more daunting to a young family than the slaughter of their pet lamb or indeed, for larger numbers of lambs, for those of us who expect some return for their efforts. It is stressful for dog owners too, who must initiate compensation for their wayward dog's primeval instincts and lack of containment, which may have more serious consequences.

The many facets of new life in our community are very special. We should all be aware of this around us and embrace memories of the country time of our lives.

lizardnews.net

Mah Jong Circle giving to the community

By Liz Farrell or many people, ‘Mah Jong’ means the on-line activity similar to ‘snap’, where pictures must be paired to clear a pattern of walls. 'Rummy' is perhaps closer to the ancient Chinese game as it is said to be a simplified version, derived from the 2000-year-old original.

Mah Jong is a game of strategy played by three or four individuals on tiles beautifully decorated with Chinese characters and symbols. Players start with 13 tiles then draw and discard more to create combinations of patterns.

Upon first glance, the rules seem complicated, but the members of the local group say you can play after only brief tutoring and that players never stop learning.

The Ōmokoroa Beach Mah Jong Circle first started in 1999, named by founding member Denise de Latour. After some growing popularity, she thought that a mahjong tournament would be a great idea for a fundraiser. At the time the Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade needed some ‘jaws of life’, although by the time the fundraiser was complete the equipment had already been purchased.

The Circle were, nonetheless, able to donate $600 towards further items needed by the Brigade.

Every year the tournament attracts attendees in increasing number and from further afield. Players from Gisborne, Taupō, Auckland and Rotorua regularly participate, and entry fees have raised

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$2000 each year for many years. After the initial donation to the Fire Brigade, other recipients include the Play Centre, Bowling Club and Lions. For the last six years these funds have gone to the Ōmokoroa Sport & Recreation Society towards the planned new pavilion at the Western Avenue sports ground.

The existing pavilion is where the circle meets each Tuesday from 1 pm to 4 pm. The 29 members range from those who have just started out to those who have played since childhood. Elaine Pleydell says it was a regular evening activity in her parents’ home. It was her job to set the mahjong table while the dishes were being washed after dinner. “It was a treat for my brother. He could play if he’d finished his homework”, she remembers.

Helen Kiddie drives from Te Puna most weeks. She also learned as a child but only picked it up again six or seven years ago. While players require some skill, it is also a game of chance. Helen says “The most frustrating thing is when you see someone else put down something you want, but you can’t pick it up”.

The group is happy to support the project to build a new sports pavilion. There are, currently, no indoor toilets and access is difficult for some members. The room is also too small to hold the annual tournament which takes place in the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Denise welcomes anyone who would like to learn this fascinating game. Sessions are open to all and tuition will be given. Call Denise on 07 548 1385.

Denise de Latour leads the local Mah Jong Circle in the Western Avenue Sports Pavilion.

The Sports Pavilion on Western Avenue is available to the public to hire at $10 per hour.

Call Denise on 548 1385 for bookings.

A winning hand is called.

Koryo BoP begins tai chi community fundraiser second tai chi group is starting in Ōmokoroa, with the intention of assisting with fundraising towards the new Sports and Recreation pavilion.

Sonja Janssen of Koryo BoP Taekwondo has personally found fundraising difficult, after volunteering to run a halfmarathon in Tauranga for the pavilion project on the 7th of October.

“Many people lose interest in marathon training when the weather gets too cold. Some can’t resist the run to the pub. Some people struggle to plan a realistic exercise routine. As part of my professional standards as a trainer and

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coach, I am used to strict schedules - but not fundraising,” she says.

With just a few weeks to go, Sonja is trying to come up with inventive ideas and is looking at fundraising suggestions from other charities. She’ll be sharing her news with friends and colleagues, and planning a bake sale at work.

It’s Sonja’s first step into the fundraising world, and she’s following it up with tai chi beginners lessons, also to support the Sports and Recreation pavilion project.

The sessions begin this month at the Western Ave sports pavilion on most Sat-

TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS Warm welcome, healthy tea and biscuits will be provided to start the day.

All tai chi fees raised are to support the new sports pavilion project in Ōmokoroa.

Yang & Chen style.

Tai chi beginners classes:

Wednesday: 7pm - 8pm, Saturday: 9am - 10am This is an invite to all interested in joinng our local tai chi Saturday morning sessions at Western Ave sports pavilion in Ōmokoroa.

Start date is 2 September 2017 $3 per person $5 per couple All enquiries, ring Sonja on 027 548 1960 or email koryobop@xtra.co.nz

urday mornings from 9 to 10 am, and Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 pm. She says Denise de Latour has offered some secretarial help with fundraising.

“Healthy tea and biscuits will be provided, and coffee for the coffee addicts.

The lovely ladies from Mah Jong have offered to provide cups, a couple of teapots and a jug for milk, also a couple of containers for coffee and sugar. Thank you all, lovely angels,” says Sonja.

Sonja’s number is 027 548 1960, and her email is koryopbop@xtra.co.nz Trevor Rodber has been running tai chi classes at the Settlers Hall in Ōmoko-

roa for the past ten years or so, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30 to 10.30am.

He says any tai chi is good tai chi, and those taking part in classes at either venue will find they are on a winning path because it is good exercise.

“It’s a little like trying on a pair of shoes. Walk in them for a bit. See if they fit. Try a couple of sessions and see if you enjoy it,” Trevor says.

He wishes Sonja well and advises any new tai chi participants to turn up wearing sensible clothing and give it a go.

Trevor’s number is 022 322 3410.

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September 2017 | Lizard News |

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Ōmokoroa Boat Club winter series clicks

By John Budden mokoroa Boat Club's winter series has really clicked with the weather fine and mild but on Sunday the 13th of August there was wind to make life interesting as opposed to the previous light airs.

The keen crew of Wayleggo, Kōnini, Little Gem, Culprit and Murungaru, the Proust 38 Catamaran, joined the fun.

Race One started at D mark off Ōmokoroa Point at 1115h with a five to ten knot westerly breeze speeding us down channel. The course was down Matakana Channel, turn into Te Puna Channel and back to D via the Motohua Channel.

At the start Culprit, Little Gem and Wayleggo were away followed by the big Cat and Kōnini well back from the line.

There was a lot of action on Little Gem and Wayleggo whilst for a while Culprit led the field, however that did-

Ō

n't last! At the turn to Te Puna, Little Gem was first to turn with Wayleggo on her counter then Culprit, Kōnini, and Murungaru. The breeze held to Te Puna inlet and slowly Culprit reeled in Little Gem to be second, however Wayleggo had the breeze and the last of the incoming tide to finish 1st at D, then in a late burst came Kōnini in 2nd with Culprit 3rd heading Little Gem into 4th and Murungaru 5th.

Race Two started at 1315h at D with the course to F mark off Matakana and back to D. The tide was ebbing and the wind died so D mark was the problem for all!

Wayleggo took off with Kōnini and Culprit close behind and Little Gem last. The breeze became very fitful so there was tack, drift, tack up tide - very calm and hot for August, but we wanted wind!

Wayleggo came home to win the double, as did Kōnini in 2nd but Little Gem after a "ripping" start edged out Culprit to be 3rd. Well done all.

The last event of the series was on Sunday the 27th of August.

For a while, Culprit led the field in Race One. PHOTO: Supplied.

Seasonal change offers choice to take a chance

By Matthew Farrell thought I was pretty good at talking people into things until I met Karla Bremner. Somehow I now find myself having agreed to physical exercise. You have got to respect that level of encouragement, when it gets you over the line and makes you take the step between thinking about fitness and doing something about it. I guess I’ll stick to writing and she can stick to personal training.

Karla and her family moved to Ōmokoroa from Taupō two years ago, seeking a warmer climate and to be closer to the sea. That’s where she runs her Activ8 Fitness Boot Camp sessions; in the great outdoor environment of the peninsula and Te Puna.

A poster and flyer campaign gets underway this month, with Karla taking advantage of the seasonal change to restart her Boot Camp in mid-October after the school holidays.

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The Lizard Market Omokoroa

Settlers’ Hall 334 Omokoroa Road

Saturday 16th September

9AM-1PM

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

See you there!

22

| Lizard News | September 2017

“A lot of people tend to feel intimidated, thinking Boot Camp will be too demanding and way outside their fitness level, but that isn’t the case,” she says.

“We’ve had a 60-year-old orchard owner, a husband and wife team, and a mum supporting her 12-year-old son all thoroughly enjoy our six to eight-week courses.”

Karla has been a fitness instructor for 18 years at gyms in NZ and Australia, has coached junior rugby for three years, and trained 37 local school children for the Tough Guy, Tough Girl event in Rotorua last month.

“Your goals need to be realistic and achievable. Keep your mind and stress levels healthy. Get enough sleep and laughter, choose healthy eating habits and adapt fitness into your daily routine. Surround yourself with supportive people while you exercise,” she says. Ōmokoroa Pre School teacher Penny Groucott has completed two Boot Camps.

“It took a lot of guts for me to sign up, but I have no regrets. Karla was so supportive, pushing us outside

our comfort zones and giving us nutritional advice,” says Penny.

Digital designer Ben Bell says sessions are so fun that you don’t notice the work you’re putting in.

“Taking part in an Activ8 Boot Camp means you’re driven to show up. It’s great to work with other people who have the same goal as you. There are no superstars or high-performance athletes, just people committed to being fitter and healthier,” says Ben. Orchard owner Peter Guy says the previous 8-week Boot Camp was fantastic.

“It’s been six years since I had attempted any fitness so was decidedly anxious, but I need not have worried.

I can’t say enough about Karla as a motivator for improving your fitness and confidence. I had an absolute ball and an awful lot of laughs,” says Peter.

Karla also plans to start daytime Mum and Bub sessions over the summer months. Phone 021 731 001 or email karlabremner@hotmail.com

Professional Handyman

• Skilled in many trades • Workmanship guaranteed • No job too small Carpentry Leaks sourced & resolved Rot Repairs & reinstatement Bathroom fit-outs Shower installations Tiling & painting

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The Activ8 Fitness 8-week summer Boot Camp is designed for all fitness levels, training in the beautiful outdoor venues around Omokoroa.

MIND | BODY | GOALS

For more information, or to register your interest now, contact Karla on 021 731 001 or karlabremner@hotmail.com

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Uretara environment group grant success

Uretara Estuary Managers volunteers, chaired by Lawrie Donald (far left), take a break during planting work on the Gordon property within the Kaimai 'Hills to Ocean' catchment.

Not just curtains A

By Diane Goetzlof have been in Ōmokoroa for just over five years, and my business Diane’s Décor has grown with many referrals and repeat business. I make curtains and roman blinds in my professional workroom. They are installed by a professional fitter.

I can source roller blinds - sun filter and block out - and wooden Venetians, which are made in Tauranga. Tracks and rods by Windoware are made in Ohauiti.

You can fix your track to the ceiling for a flush fit.

I can also help with outdoor blinds, shutters and anything else to do with windows.

My showroom in Ōmokoroa has many samples of fabric and the window coverings mentioned above.

I can also add a very cost effective thermal lining to existing curtains to help retain warmth overnight. A popular service I offer is to quote from your building plans, so you can be choosing things while the build is happening.

I have fabric pieces and short ends that I regularly donate to schools and preschools, and I am happy to sell very cheaply for crafts and your sewing jobs.

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lizardnews.net and facebook.com/lizardnews

gional Council ($200,000).

Urban development, intensification of land use and changing farming practices have caused accelerated stream bank erosion, sedimentation and stream pollution throughout the five catchments.

Landowner involvement is critical UEM’s work due to the catchment waterways flowing through private land.

UEM chairman Lawrie Donald says the funding is an outstanding result and he is immensely proud of the group’s dedication.

“This level of funding is very unusual for community groups and will enable us to accelerate the catchment work we have been undertaking for many years to come.’’

Western Bay Council’s community relationships adviser Glenn Ayo says the success of UEM is evidence that the combination of selfless volunteer effort and Andrew’s guidance is producing quality results.

The Estuary Managers’ funding is part of $44 million spread across 33 freshwater improvement projects for 100 rivers and lakes throughout New Zealand.

The Bay of Plenty region received $8.25 million distributed between the UEM ($250K); Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Rangitāiki River wetland restoration project ($1.5m) and Rotorua Lakes Council Lake Tarawera sewerage reticulation ($6.5m).

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September 2017 | Lizard News |

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Western Bay environmental group has won its bid for funding from Government to help improve water quality in the Katikati Hills to Ocean catchment.

The Uretara Estuary Managers (UEM) group, supported by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, will receive $250,000 over five years from the Ministry for the Environment to continue its work enhancing the rivers and streams in the Katikati catchment from the Kaimai Ranges to the Tauranga Harbour.

The group is assisted by Wild About NZ, which is owned by Andrew Jenks who holds a contract with Council to deliver ecological services and education programmes.

Andrew says gaining the funding is fantastic news and builds on the ability of the group to extend the work it has been achieving for 12 years in the wider Katikati catchment.

The volunteer group has focused on improving stream and river water quality through riparian fencing, stream bank planting and wetland protection plus monitoring aquatic diversity in Western Bay waterways.

The $250,000 is part of a $500,000 grant to UEM this year for its work across five catchments in the Kaimai ‘Hills to the Ocean’ project - Tahāwai, McKinney, Uretara, Te Rereatukahia and Te Mania. The balance of the $500,000 is from the Western Bay of Plenty District Council ($50,000) and Bay of Plenty Re-

23

lizardnews.net

Snow, shade sail, stereo and Space

By Jo Farmer e’ve had a lot of new mums and kids visit Playcentre recently which is great news and just goes to show how much our community is growing. We’re looking forward to making lots of new friends as more and more families move to Ōmokoroa and come along to check out our little ‘learnthrough-play’ spot. The more, the merrier we say, as there’s always so much great stuff to learn from new people and their lives.

Our kids have also been getting excited about our Snow Day coming up next week. This will be an amazing experience for most of our Playcentre children who have never encountered snow before. What a “wow” opportunity – if you’re from the Ōmokoroa/ Te Puna/

W

New Arrivals

Whakamārama/ Aongatete areas, we’d love you and your kids to join us! All the details are below, and you can just turn up.

We’d also like to give a massive shoutout and thanks to the incredibly generous team at The Centre for funding our new shade sails and replacement stereo.

The shade sail over the swings will be replaced with one that doesn’t leak, and a new shade sail installed over our water play area for better protection in those hot summer months. Our kids love to dance and sing so having a new stereo that works is also a great asset to our little centre. Big ups to super-mum Melanie Mills for doing all the work behind the scenes in getting quotes and preparing the grant application etc.

Finally, the Space programme runs on Wednesday mornings 9am-11.30am for

first-time parents. As some of our mums have now returned to work, a few spaces have opened up. If you’re new to the area and have a baby born between the end of September 2016 and February 2017, Space is the ideal place to meet some of the other parents in Ōmokoroa who have babies the same age. Since the children are getting a little bigger now, we’re exploring how they learn through different play experiences. Contact Ruth on 07 570 0085 or ruth.wboppa@xtra.co.nz to let her know you’re keen to come along. Ōmokoroa Playcentre is located behind Settlers Hall, 334 Ōmokoroa Rd, and is open from 9am - 12pm Mon, Thurs, Fri (during school terms). For more information, pop in during our open hours, phone 07 548 1343 or email omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz. We’d love to see you sometime soon!

Omokoroa Above left: Dianna and Brendon Kingham of Bethlehem, big sister Sophia (4) and big brother Joshua (2) welcomed Ruby Jane Kingham on the 11th of July. Ruby weighed 6lbs 1oz, or 2.75kg.

Above: Candice and Joshua Hodson of Te Puna welcomed baby Millie Beth Hodson on the 27th of July, weighing 7lbs 11oz, or 3.5kg.

Left: Parents Patrick and Sarah Cooney of Ōmokoroa welcomed Olivia Grace on the 12th of August, weighing 5lbs 10oz, or 2.55kg - a sister to Hannah and Zoe.

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24

| Lizard News | September 2017

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Connecting with animals at Te Puna Community Kindergarten

By the team his term we are celebrating some of the many ways we connect with animals. To help us understand the role that police dogs have in our community, James from Tauranga Police and, a yet to be named puppy, came to visit us.

James asked us if we would like to suggest a name for the puppy and if we would like to have a special relationship with him as we follow his career as a police dog. The name needed to begin with the letter “A”, so we put our thinking caps

T

James with a police puppy.

on and came up with lots of ideas. We are now waiting to see what name with be chosen. How exciting!

We patted the puppy, and he licked us, we sat in James’ police car and listened to the police radio. We tried on the policeman’s vest and looked at the tools that he carries with him. He put on his siren when we left. It was so loud! Thank you, James, for being a kaitiaki, protecting and nurturing our community.

We are very excited to be part of your puppy’s journey and that he will be known as Te Puna Kindergarten’s police dog in training!

In the following weeks, we have got the Blind Foundation visiting with a guide dog and Carol from the Otanewainuku Trust coming to talk to us about protecting our Kiwis for the future. We also have Te Puna Vets, SPCA, and ARRC coming to visit us and talking about animals and the role they play in the community and how we can help. Parents have brought in various animals and talked about the care needed for them. Our lovely neighbour Farmer Burr has kindly offered to put lambs in the paddock next door to kindergarten for our children to experience.

We are currently open for enrolments.

Please feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten, where our teachers are all fully qualified. We are in a rural setting with a beautiful natural learning environment. We promote sus-

James showing us “where the dogs go”, in the back of his police car.

tainability, and we value the strong relationships we have within our community.

The ages of our children range from 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whānau orientated and welcome your in-

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

Students wild about learning

By Tammy Bruce onservation programme ‘Wild about New Zealand’ is an innovative “hands on” biodiversity investigation and action curriculum, that provides schools and community volunteer groups within the Bay of Plenty the chance to help turn the tide for our native wildlife.

Whakamārama School and Ōmokoroa Point School are two of the local schools involved with the programme. In term one, the students learnt how to investigate our freshwater ecosystems (rivers and ponds) by testing the Ph, clarity, temperature and water quality by identifying freshwater invertebrates. In term two, the students learnt about introduced animal pests such as rats, possums, stoats and wasps. The groups set tracking/monitoring tunnels on their school grounds, to investigate if there was a presence of pests or not. They also learnt how to identify pest footprints and techniques to control pest species.

In July, both groups took part in the Landcare garden bird national survey.

This term the students are furthering their knowledge of New Zealand birds, both native and introduced. We anticipate taking part in the citizen science

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project the ‘Great Kererū Count’ again which runs from the 22nd of September to the 1st of October. Anyone can participate at greatkererucount.co.nz We also look forward to welcoming back the godwits to Ōmokoroa this spring.

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Omokoroa Tide Chart September 2017 1 Fri Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

3:19 9:36 16:01 22:06

2 Sat 1.6 0.4 1.6 0.5

B

1.6 0.4 1.7 0.5

B

S 2:51 R 13:06 17 Sun 4:40 10:53 17:19 23:30

4:11 10:27 16:56 23:01

3 Sun

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.3

G

R 4:10 S 14:49

*Not for navigational purposes

5:06 11:20 17:49 23:55

4 Mon 1.6 0.4 1.7 0.5

B

S 3:39 R 13:57 18 Mon 5:44 1.8 11:53 0.2 18:18 1.9 G

0.2 1.8 0.2 1.9

B

R 4:54 S 15:54

6:01 1.7 12:13 0.4 18:39 1.7

0:46 6:54 13:03 19:26

F

S 4:25 R 14:51 19 Tue 0:29 6:44 12:51 19:14

5 Tue

R 5:33 S 16:59

0.4 1.7 0.3 1.8

0.2 1.8 0.2 1.9

S 5:46 R 16:48 21 Thu 2:17 8:33 14:36 20:55

B

R 6:09 S 18:03

1:36 7:43 13:52 20:11

7 Thu 0.3 1.7 0.2 1.8

2:23 8:30 14:38 20:55

G

F

S 5:07 R 15:48 20 Wed 1:25 7:41 13:45 20:06

6 Wed

0.2 1.9 0.2 1.9

B

3:09 9:16 15:25 21:39

0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

3:52 10:07 16:10 22:25

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

0.2 1.8 0.2 1.9

0.1 1.9 0.2 1.9

S 7:32 R 19:56 24 Sun 5:36 0.2 11:51 1.9 17:55 0.2

B

R 7:16 S 20:06

9 Sat

G

S 6:57 R 18:52 23 Sat

B

R 6:43 S 19:05

0.3 1.8 0.2 1.9

G

S 6:22 R 17:49 22 Fri 3:06 9:21 15:24 21:41

8 Fri

R 7:48 S 21:05

G

R 9:21 S 23:02

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| Lizard News | September 2017

Owned and operated by locals

3:55 10:02 16:11 22:24

10 Sun 0.1 1.9 0.1 1.9

B

0.1 1.9 0.1 1.9

B

S 8:06 R 21:01 25 Mon 0:07 6:19 12:34 18:38

4:41 10:48 16:58 23:09

11 Mon

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.3

G

R 9:56 S 23:58

0.1 1.9 0.1 1.9

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.3

G

R 10:34

S 9:21 R 23:14 27 Wed 1:26 7:41 13:56 20:03

13 Wed

6:16 0.1 12:24 1.9 18:37 0.2 G

B

S 8:42 R 22:07 26 Tue 0:47 7:00 13:15 19:20

5:28 11:35 17:47 23:56

12 Tue

1.7 0.3 1.7 0.4

F

S 0:52 R 11:14

1.9 0.1 1.9 0.2

G

S 10:03 28 Thu 2:06 8:22 14:38 20:47

0:46 7:06 13:16 19:30

14 Thu

1.7 0.3 1.7 0.4

B

S 1:44 R 11:59

1.8 0.1 1.8 0.3

G

R 0:20 S 10:50 29 Fri 2:49 9:05 15:24 21:35

1:38 7:58 14:13 20:27

15 Fri

1.7 0.4 1.7 0.5

B

S 2:32 R 12:47

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.3

G

R 1:24 S 11:43 30 Sat 3:35 9:52 16:14 22:26

2:35 8:54 15:13 21:27

16 Sat

R 2:25 S 12:41

3:36 9:52 16:16 22:29

1.8 0.2 1.8 0.3

G

R 3:20 S 13:44

1.6 0.4 1.7 0.5

B

S 3:18 R 13:39

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

lizardnews.net

By Marlene Mackenzie he last month has brought great satisfaction to all the volunteers at ‘The Centre’. Approximately $40,000 has been given in grants to local clubs and organisations. In fact, all who requested help were given some.

Added to last month’s list in the Lizard are Whakamārama Play Group who plan to purchase a camera to record activities and Whakamārama Kindy who wish to replace worn out curtains with good thermal drapes to keep a warm, dry environment during our cold winters.

We had a wonderful social morning tea to present our grants, which was well attended. We all enjoyed the enthusiastic stories telling us what the planned use was for each grant. My favourite was the OPS New Entrants new Outdoor Mud Kitchen. How exciting does that sound?

The volunteers of ‘The Centre’ have been allocated $3000 for ‘our choice’ of recipients, to cover a few areas that are close to the volunteers' hearts, our reward for our hard work. Lots of fun is being had, joining our ideas, to make a

T

final decision soon.

On behalf of all of us at The Centre I wish to express our sorrow at Pippa’s passing mid-August. A truly wonderful and interesting lady, much loved by volunteers and customers alike. Her daily visits, over many, many years, for a coffee and a chat, was entertaining for her as well as a delightful interlude for our customers and volunteers, listening to her many wonderful

By Pippa Coulston stories and often 1st April 1931 - 13th August 2017 sharing a chuckle, Night Sky about all manner A million myriad miles of things.

Beyond my grasp Pippa will neAnd yet ver be forgotten I can reach out and touch and will conThe velvet dark stantly be missed.

And hold the silver glitter In my hand.

May she rest in peace.

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Puzzle Solutions Sudoku Solution

7 2 4 8 6 1 9 3 5

4 3 7 6 1 8 2 5 9

8 1 9 7 5 2 3 6 4

2 5 6 3 9 4 1 7 8

Str8ts Solution

3 8 5 4 2 9 7 1 6

1 6 8 7 2 3 5 4

1 4 9 3 7 2 5 6 8

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

6 7 2 8 3 9 1 4 5

6 3 2 5 8 7 9

Method: Put the milk in a saucepan over heat, along with a knob of butter, a good pinch of salt and some grated nutmeg. As soon as it comes up to boil, sprinkle in the semolina or polenta, stirring vigorously with a whisk to prevent lumps forming.

Cook on a low flame for a few minutes until it has thickened, stirring continuously. Then remove from the heat and add the two yolks and 3/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Pour the mixture into a large and shallow baking dish that has been wet with water or lightly oiled.

Spread it evenly with wet hands or a wet knife, to about 1cm thick. Let it cool for approximately 10 minutes.

Grease a baking pan with a knob of butter and preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Cut discs out of the semolina mixture using a glass, small cup or round biscuit-cutter which has been wet with water to prevent sticking. Arrange them in the baking pan, slightly overlapping one another.

When finished, sprinkle the rest of the grated cheese all over, melt the remaining butter with sage leaves if using them and pour over the top. Bake in the heated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until golden on top. Grill to form a crunchy crust. While they are cooking, make a salad and serve together. Buon appetito!

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9 6 1 5 3 7 8 4 2

By Alessandra Zuccheri Ingredients: 250 gr semolina or polenta 1-litre milk 100 gr butter Two egg yolks Grated nutmeg 120 gr Parmesan cheese 30 gr Edam or other cheese Salt to taste Sage leaves - optional

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The giving and receiving of grant funding

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6 7 8 2 4 3 5 9 1

Thank you card from Ōmokoroa Playcentre

Free Staying Safe Driver Refresher Workshop for Senior Drivers Thursday 14th September 2017 9:15 am to 1:30 pm Ōmokoroa Community Church, 139 Hamurana Road.

Open to anyone aged over 70 Tea, coffee and biscuits supplied.

Participants need to bring their lunch.

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Participants register with Age Concern Tauranga on 07 578 2631

Phone or Text 021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz

Word Search Solution

This recipe for Roman gnocchi serves four.

September 2017 | Lizard News |

27

lizardnews.net

Whakamārama carves another day in shared history with community hall sign

By Matthew Farrell

hakamārama turned out in force for the unveiling of a magnificent hand carved sign for the Community Hall on Sunday the 30th of July.

Mike Carter greeted and acknowledged all those in attendance, including representatives of the Pirirākau hapū and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Mike stated the challenge to create a sign - and a donation of funding - came from a visiting Dutch couple, Tom and Anne-Marie Vellinga. He said the hall committee met Carlton Bidois and Simon Madgwick to talk about the Māori history of the area and later held a “design a sign” community competition.

Paul Mason sourced and milled the timber, from wood donated by the Mackersay family.

Mayor Garry Webber was humbled to be invited to the ceremony in what he called the “heartland of the rohe” of the tangata whenua.

“This community has taken this step to recognise the combined heritage that has brought it to where it is today… and is building on that foundation to make Whakamārama an even stronger community going forward,” said Mayor Webber.

Carlton Bidois of Pirirākau unveiled

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28

| Lizard News | September 2017

and blessed the ornate carving on the left-hand side of the sign. There was a karakia from kaumātua Tommy Kuka and a waiata from Whakamārama School youngsters led by principal Natasha Greatorex.

Master carver Simon Madgwick says the face of the carving is in the Ranginui style, the iwi of which Pirirākau is a part, that the four unopened koru fronds represent the four marae of the hapū and the exotic leaves represent the arrival of the new immigrants.

“The oak represents the material aspect and the arcanthus (or acanthus) the philosophical and cultural aspects. The fleur-de-lis represents the French origin of the Bidois name, of the original land owners,” he says.

The crowd of all ages were then treated to a detailed history of the hall and the milling and farming of the area read by Noel Birks. He began by acknowledging the gift to the district of the land by Peter Bidois and his family, the voluntary work by community members throughout the hall project in 1974/75, and financial support from the Clive Foster Estate.

Thanks were also given to Whakamārama Inc, with special mention to Neil and Katie Rogers and Anne Mackersey for the history display boards.

Carlton Bidois thanked the pākehā of Whakamārama for keeping the

Graham Bidois Cameron explaining some details to children, and encouraging them to touch the carving before they head inside to learn about the history of the area.

relationship going with iwi, and remarked that more elders would have been present but for the tangi of Maria Ngātai.

There were many gems of knowledge in an engaging speech from Graham Bidois Cameron. Among the translations he shared were Pirirākau - meaning to cling or attach oneself to trees, as during the land wars with settlers 200 years ago. Another was Whakamārama - which

was named either practically for a design on long-handed digging implements, or philosophically, as “to create understanding or be understood”.

Graham also remarked that history “isn’t a thing that happened, it happens every day”.

Whakamārama Inc is currently selling DVDs about the history of the local milling industry, as part of fundraising towards a planned history book.