Lizard News September 2018

Lizard News SEPTEMBER 2018

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AONGATETE • ŌMOKOROA • PAHOIA • TE PUNA • WHAKAMĀRAMA

The centre of Katikati’s beating heart

By Matthew Farrell atikati has welcomed the opening of a new library and community hub at 21 Main Street.

The District Council facility is called The Centre - Pātuki Manawa, which means "the beating heart".

People took tours through the building on Tuesday 21st August, which was opened with a dawn blessing

by Ngai Tamawhariua. After a celebratory breakfast in the Talisman, there was another civic opening ceremony at 10 am, followed by a community-focused event in the afternoon.

A sausage sizzle by Katikati Lions Club, face painting, balloons, story time, colouring in and The Amazing Travelling Photo Booth provided plenty to entertain little ones. Children from six local schools

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created art for an exhibition, too.

Many locals came along to check out the features and facilities, although unfortunately the planned creation of artwork on the building by local artist Mr G was rained off.

The old library and service centre becomes the home of the Katikati Arts Collective, with the Katikati Visitor Information Centre and Katch Katikati remaining there. The library team has thanked Katikati Football Club and many other volunteers for their help moving.

Mayor Garry Webber says the new facility is an anchor point for people to come together - and marks a significant step forward in creating a vibrant town centre of which to be proud.

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He acknowledged Councillors and Community Board members past and present who had led the charge for the building over the past 20 years, including Sam Dunlop, Norm Mayo, Mike Williams and Jenny Hobbs.

The outgoing library team leader Sandra Haigh, who is becoming the community heritage coordinator for Council, explained all the rooms had been named after local rivers and tributaries.

These include the Uretara building made up of the Boyd boardroom and McKinney exhibition space, and the Tuapiro and Tahāwai meeting rooms.

In the main library there’s also the smaller Aongatete room and, on the mezzanine, Te Rereatukahia collaborative space and the Waiau meeting room.

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Improved bus services and provision of bus stops ransport planners at the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been busy preparing the Public Transport Blueprint, a plan for improved bus services in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty. They now have a new plan; "Service enhancements for Katikati and Ōmokoroa were planned through the Public Transport Blueprint, however since this time there has been a significant delay to construction of the SH2 Tauranga Northern Link. Staff see this as

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| Lizard News | September 2018

port Committee at the 16th August meeting. Two main points were; We want safe bus stops and will work with your planners to find a way to make it happen; More passengers on the Ōmokoroa buses will ensure the ongoing viability of the service.

The Councillors listened and were interested and suggested that a planner attend the Whakamārama Community Inc AGM on 22nd August. Just one Councillor did not support extending the bus service because of cost.

David Riley, Whakamārama.

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Stephen Hall, Ōmokoroa.

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Aaaawwww. Very cute - Liz.

Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade

By CFO Ian Blunt his report covers the period from 24th July to 24th August. There was a very quiet period until 10th August when three calls were responded to in that morning. Two MVA’s, the first at the Munro Road intersection at 7.30

am involving two vehicles; the second two hours later when a ute ran off the road into the swamp just past the Te Puna stream bridge, thankfully resulting in no serious injuries. Right on midday, the Brigade responded as a backup at to the Tauranga wharf, where there was a fire in a workshop.

Around 11.30pm on 13th August a call to a faulty smoke alarm in Bruntwood Drive resulted in no Brigade action. At around midnight on 16th August, the team responded to a person with a stoked up fire in a drum very close to buildings. The person extinguished the fire under Brigade supervision.

Responding as back-up to a workshop fire at Tauranga wharf.

On Sunday 19th, the

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Brigade responded to a head-on MVA on State Highway 2 between Munro Road and Gill Lane. Unfortunately, the driver of one of the vehicles was deceased. A call to Wallace Road at 10 pm on the 22nd to a person locked in a bathroom was quickly dealt with, and at 2 pm on the 23rd, the Brigade attended a call to smoke showing on Wainui South Road.

Contractors were conducting a controlled burn of tree rubbish, and no Brigade action was required.

The First Responders have been quiet as well, responding to the MVAs along with the Firefighters. They also attended to two patients suffering from breathing difficulties, one at Greystone Place, the other at Anderley Avenue. A child suffering from a very high temperature was treated on 25th July.

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an opportunity to provide a significant increase in the level of service over what is currently planned, or budgeted, to support these communities and provide better and safer transport options."

This new plan proposes to increase the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga and Ōmokoroa to Katikati bus services from one return trip in the morning and one in the evening to eleven return trips per day, pretty much an hourly service and linking with the Matakana ferry.

This sounds like a fantastic idea for all sorts of reasons, but as a Whakamārama resident, I asked the planners if there was to bus stop for Whakamārama, the answer was no! Sometimes I get grumpy, we put up with patchy cellphone and internet, SH2 is dangerous, the cycleway is not being built for commuting, and the cycleway bridges remain locked up, the thought that new buses will drive past without stopping is too much.

With the help of Jo Wiggett WCI secretary and Colin Hewens Whakamārama Cyberlink, a request for feedback brought in a flurry of responses pretty much all supporting the improved bus services and wanting a safe bus stop for around 2500 Whakamārama and Huharua Plummers Point residents. It seems common sense to pick up as many passengers as possible to ensure the ongoing viability of the service. Between the Wairoa river and Katikati there are around 18,500 residents, but just 7500 residents live in either Katikati or Ōmokoroa, 11,000 residents live in the rural areas, and we should not be forgotten.

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Library set for pavilion he Ōmokoroa library and service centre is set for an interim move to the Reserve land of the Western Avenue Sports Ground until a permanent home is found in the future town centre.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council says it will construct a multi-purpose building attached to the new pavilion, which has long been planned by the volunteer-run Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Society.

Council describes this as a mediumterm move for the library and service centre and says a permanent location will be found through the Ōmokoroa Structure Plan process.

Mayor Garry Webber says the current Council office in Ōmokoroa has been struggling for space for some time as the demand has grown for its resources due to the increase in population.

The interim facility will be a doublestorey building of 300 square metres.

Garry says the new library and service centre will be funded by the sale of the existing property in McDonnell Street

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and Council’s Replacement Reserve Fund.

“This is a great central location for the library and service centre for the time being. We are taking the opportunity to construct a building in conjunction with the new Sport and Rec pavilion.

“The added beauty about the building is that it can be used as a multi-use community facility when Council finally locates the library and service centre in the future town centre,’’ says Garry.

In conjunction with the building of the pavilion and the Library and Service Centre, Council says it will upgrade Western Avenue to provide safe access to the new buildings.

The Sport and Recreation Society expect the project timeline to be delayed for about two months, with the possibility of breaking ground by mid-December.

Challenge Ōmokoroa is the latest local business to back the pavilion fundraising, offering motorists the chance to donate their fuel discount to the project instead.

News in brief...

Appeal after head-on Police in Tauranga have been seeking witnesses and the driver of a silver Subaru Imprezza, after a head-on crash between Gill Lane and Munro Road in Te Puna.

Two people were taken to hospital with minor injuries after the collision, at 7.40 am on Friday 10th August. Information can be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Vodafone reception boost Vodafone technicians have been installing equipment on Ōmokoroa's new mobile communications tower. A spokeswoman expected the signal to go live last month. The Spark equipment was brought online on 25th July.

Some locals have since reported problems with the quality of their television reception.

White teeth, green fingers Ōmokoroa Point School now offers the community the opportunity to recycle oral care waste. This includes non-electric toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, floss containers, interdental brushes and even the packaging. Terracycle will turn this waste into items such as garden equipment. You can also vote for the school to win a set of recycled plastic garden tools at terracycle.co.nz/colgategardenvoting Shift for Body Treatments Christine Flavell has moved her business from SH2 Bethlehem to a quiet part of suburban Judea. It’s easy access and there’s plenty of off-street parking, only five minutes drive from where she used to be. The same services are on offer: IPL, facials, massage and body treatments. There’s a 20% discount when you book a facial this month. Call 570 6270.

A concept plan for the proposed Ōmokoroa library and service centre, at the left end of the new pavilion building.

Cash for disability dogs Thanks to everyone who donated to Assistance Dogs NZ Trust during their appeal week in August. Together, the community raised $1828 by collections outside Fresh Choice, buckets in a number of local businesses and $183 from Ōmokoroa Point School dress-up day. At the time of going to print, the checkout donation boxes inside the supermarket were still receiving funds for ADNZ. These will be added to the total this month.

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Pokie-tavern applicant looks to hire lawyer to fight community objections

By Grant Hewison espite a large number of community objections opposed to a new pokie-tavern being planned for Ōmokoroa, it appears that the applicant has hired a lawyer to fight on.

The application has been made by KLM Enterprises Ltd, Auckland for Shop 6, 168 Ōmokoroa Road.

Local objectors have raised concerns that the tavern will be adjacent to the Ōmokoroa Liquor Centre and that this co-location will encourage customers to drink cheaper booze purchased from the off-licence in the common carpark.

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The tavern will also be close to Ōmokoroa Medical Centre, Physiotherapist and Dental Surgery, which have become a community medical hub. This is no place for a pokie-tavern. It will also be close to the Ōmokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park and Community Church.

There are concerns that the tavern will create too much noise at night, especially if is to remain open to 1 am every night.

There are residential properties close by.

This will likely breach the noise, limited in the district plan.

The inclusion of gaming machines and a TAB will inevitably mean that the

premises will principally be a gambling venue and not a place to have a nice quiet drink and enjoy good food.

With the applicant having likely hired a lawyer to fight on, the community has a big job ahead if it is to prevent the pokie-tavern from opening.

But Ōmokoroa is not alone as there are numerous other communities around New Zealand working hard to stop these premises opening in their neighbourhoods.

Alcohol Healthwatch has an excellent Community Action Tool to assist: www.ahw.org.nz/Taking-Action/Com-

munity-Action-Tool Other communities can also share their experiences, such as ‘Feed Families Not Pokies’ based in Tokoroa.

But to put up a decent case, the Ōmokoroa community may need to dig deep and look for experts to fight their corner.

Donations can be made through the Feed Families Not Pokies give-a-little page to help them support your fight against the pokie-tavern in Ōmokoroa.

Grant Hewison is a lawyer who represents the lobby group Communities Against Alcohol Harm.

Public meeting over highway delays

By Todd Muller MP for Bay of Plenty e are almost a year into this Labour-New Zealand First Government’s term, and our community is still waiting for any information, clarity or update about improvements to SH2 and the Tauranga Northern Link. Collectively we have demanded answers. Thousands of locals signed a petition. The Minister for Transport’s silence is deafening. This is simply not good enough.

State Highway 2 between Tauranga and Katikati is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing roading corridors, but it but is coming under increasing pressure from strong growth in commuters, tourists and freight movements.

Between 2012 and 2016 there were 18 deaths on State Highway 2 between

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Tauranga and Katikati, the highest death toll on any stretch of State Highways across New Zealand. There were also 35 serious injuries and 95 minor injuries on the same section. Those killed or injured may just be statistics to the pencil pushers in Wellington office buildings, faceless numbers on a spreadsheet, but for those of us who call this region home, they are friends, family, and colleagues who never made it home to their loved ones.

Under National transport investment in the Bay of Plenty was targeted to support significant residential growth, new industrial land development and jobs, increased freight movements and access to the Port. We had a focus on investing for improved safety and efficiency – the two go hand in hand.

In April 2016 we announced we would

be going ahead with construction of the Tauranga Northern Link. The new section of State Highway would connect Tākitimu Drive through to Te Puna and though to Ōmokoroa. It would be a fourlane median divided expressway with grade-separated interchanges. Our community had been calling for this road for almost two decades, and it was finally happening.

Construction was due to start this year, but the Government have been dragging their feet. As a result of their proposed reductions in the State Highway Improvements activity class, there has been a $5.35 billion reduction in available funding within the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport. This is why NZTA have begun a re-evaluation of the process which has halted the pre-existing procurement process that was un-

derway.

Our community clearly isn’t a priority for this Government, but I’ll keep strongly advocating on your behalf.

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SH2 campaigners eye protest after death follows news of more delays

By Matthew Farrell ocal anger has again come close to boiling over with fresh threats of possible civil disobedience, after yet another death on State Highway 2.

Kevin Adrian Hamill, 61, of Auckland died in a two-car crash near Munro Road on Sunday 19th August. Western Bay’s Cllr Don Thwaites says there have been ten deaths in five years on the 2.5 km of road between Te Karaka Drive and Loop Road in Te Puna.

The fatality followed hard on the heels of news that funding decisions were being delayed by up to six months on roading projects for Ōmokoroa to Te Puna, the Katikati bypass, Tauranga Northern Link and the Waihī to Ōmokoroa safer corridor.

For months, the Fix the BLOODY Road campaign group has played the paperwork game with submissions to the BoP Regional Council and the central Government Policy Statement on Land Transport supposedly leading to decisions on investment by the end of August.

But some local landowners and occupiers received a letter from NZTA early last month, saying further delays of three to six months were expected.

The Agency’s director of regional relationships for the central North Island, Parekawhia McLean, said they would be taking a “fresh look” at transport investments across the country, to

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ensure they align with the new GPS and will meet future needs - even though this “may be frustrating”.

The Statement has four priorities: a safer transport network free of death and injury, accessible and affordable transport, reduced emissions and value for money.

Peta Clavis of the Black Sheep Bar & Grill on Plummers Point Road in Whakamārama describes the letter as a waste of time, paper and taxpayers’ money.

“I’m proud to stand up for us openly,” she posted to Facebook.

Sean Lett commented that it felt locals were being treated like school kids.

“The processes and procedures these bureaucrats have put in place to create jobs for stupid people do not work, so they need to be changed. I’m sick of it,” he replied.

Another local speaking to Lizard News on condition of anonymity says he wants to move home, but NZTA’s indecision traps him.

“Property owners have ‘future road’ written on their files. No prospective buyer is going to accept that on a LIM report or the District Plan. NZTA needs to get on and make a choice either way,” he says.

“This latest letter is just what they said last April, again. Meanwhile on Friday 10th August there was another classic example of two or three acci-

dents on our stretch of State Highway in a short space of time. No one could travel anywhere.”

Fix the BLOODY Road campaign organisers were considering a protest meeting ahead of a SmartGrowth joint council meeting on Friday 7th September and a National Party public meeting in Ōmokoroa on Sunday 16th September.

Andrew Hollis says every day is a risk to the community and every death an absolute tragedy.

“Unless a decision is made sooner, it is time to block roads and get these guys (the government and NZTA) to feel the pain and anger we all do every time deaths happen,” he says.

As we went to press, Lizard News was tipped that the Prime Minister was about to visit Tauranga, but would be discussing education.

The morning peak-hour flow on SH2 in Te Puna.

Fables celebrate EP release at Katikati Folk Club

By Christine Donehue est Auckland’s Fables produce a gentle and heartfelt indie-folk sound. Jess Bailey was taught by the Mackenzie Hills of the south Kaipara, dredged in the waters of Muriwai Beach then hung out to dry in the plum trees at home. This imagery is littered throughout the band’s wistful lyrics. Jess’s velveteen voice intermingled with a collection of strings, and other harmonies should find you quite at home.

Fables have performed with the likes of Nadia Reid, Chris Priestley, Tom Cunliffe and Graeme James, graced the stages of the Taranaki Festival of Lights, and completed two New Zealand tours.

The band brings together elements of contemporary folk music with traditional instrumentation and depth of storytelling that endears them to both traditional folk listeners and contemporary fans alike.

Fables is Jess Bailey (guitar/vocals), James Geluk (double bass, vocals), with special guest appearances by Laurence Diack (cello), Victoria Vigenser (vocals, bodhran) and Cameron (Dusty) Burnell (lap slide guitar).

To celebrate their new EP to be released in September, Fables will be bringing a trio, augmented by some of their favourite musicians.

Come along for a good time, and tea, coffee and biscuits at halftime.

See www.katikatifolkclub.co.nz for more information. Doors open at 7 pm on Friday 7th September and the concert starts at 7.30 pm, at the Katikati Bowling Club in Park Road. Tickets at the door, adults $20, members $15, school children free. Bar available, tea, coffee and biscuits at halftime.

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Desperate call for emergency help Are you avoiding the dentist?

Research reveals the top seven reasons why patients don’t like seeing the dentist. Let’s look at them more closely and dispel some common myths and misconceptions.

Reason #7: Fear of dental instruments.

ear of dental instruments is one of the most common fears we encounter in our practice.

Patients don’t like needles. Patients don’t like the sound of a dental drill. Patients don’t like to lie flat on a dental chair. Being turned upside down with your mouth open is not the most natural position for anybody to be in. Our whole team understand this perfectly well.

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While we appreciate that fighting fear with rational arguments doesn’t necessarily work for everybody, here are some facts you may find interesting and reassuring.

At Omokoroa Dental Surgery we have invested in the necessary equipment, and all our clinicians are up to date with modern technology and modern techniques.

Sterile, single-use dental needles are used to deliver local anaesthetic to the procedure site in order to make the patient comfortable and the procedure painless. However, not all needles are created equal.

There are huge differences not only in gauge and type of bevel, but also in material quality. We use the thinnest needles possible, and only the top brands. We don’t cut corners on consumables.

We also use modern, fast-acting anaesthetics, which are warmed up to body temperature before injecting.

And we inject very slowly using techniques that usually surprise our patients—because they don’t even notice when the needle goes in.

The latter is no coincidence: we first apply a numbing gel to the gum that switches off the feeling of pain when the needle is inserted.

Once the local anaesthetic has worked, no drill or other dental instrument can cause pain.

There’s no denying that the procedure is still unpleasant, but unfortunately we can’t do anything about the noise and the vibration of the drill.

Prior to any procedure we also tell patients about hand signs. Should they feel uncomfortable during a procedure, they can raise their left hand and the dentist will stop what they are doing—immediately.

Still not convinced? Ask us about sedation.

This column is brought to you by Omokoroa Dental Surgery.

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| Lizard News | September 2018

By Matthew Farrell he Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade is holding a volunteer open day on Sunday 23rd September from 2-4 pm, in its latest attempt to get more people coming forward to keep the medical first response team operating well.

In past years with eight to ten volunteers, it has run smoothly, enabling them to organise rosters to share the workload. Due to the natural attrition of changing family or personal circumstances, the pressure has become much greater during sickness or holidays as only five fully qualified first responders remain.

“We are desperate for more medical first response volunteers. We’re appealing to residents of the community to give some thought to joining the first response team,” says Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt.

The team leader of the First Responders, Hannelore Kemme, says the core group of very committed volunteers go out of their way to be available for call outs along with two new members in training.

“People in medical distress are always very relieved to see us as help has arrived. We assess and support the person until the ambulance arrives. Being a first responder is very rewarding work. Having more volunteers would give us more flexibility in our private lives and will make life easier for all of us,” says Hannelore.

Full training and support are given and uniform provided. There is also the social aspect of being part of the Brigade.

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“We have people in our team from all walks of life. If you are new to the area this is a great way of getting to know people,” Hannelore says.

Linda D’Alton has been involved since a call for volunteers about three years ago. She works full time and is only available for weekend duties and evening calls.

“While generally calls are quite short, often under an hour, it is a commitment of your time and energy. It’s really rewarding, and there’s a sense of camaraderie being part of a team with a specific purpose. There’s lots of learning to do, but you are also making friends.

It’s comforting to know you are looked after as part of the Fire Brigade,” Linda says.

Linda has had an interest in health and safety and wellness her whole life, rather than a medical background before joining the First Responders.

“You don’t have to be a nurse. You only need to have an interest in helping people and giving back to the community.

It’s nice to be able to help new volunteers when we get them.”

If you have time to give, live within five minutes of the Fire Station and would like to be involved in helping your community, come to the open day. You can meet other members of the Brigade, ask questions and see if this could be something for you. There’s also an opportunity to join the operational firefighters if you wish.

For more information or to visit the Fire Station on a Tuesday night instead, call Ian on 027 459 9478 or Hannelore on 021 494 898.

Suffrage celebration and changes to agriculture compliance

By Angie Warren-Clark Labour list MP his September marks 125 years since Lord Glasgow signed a new Electoral Act into law which made New Zealand the first self-governing country in the world in which all women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections. In celebration, there are a number of events being held around New Zealand. Here in the Bay of Plenty, we have a special parade being held on 15th September in Katikati along with their fantastic museum exhibition on the suffrage movement.

This past month has been a particularly busy one, with law changes that have a real effect on our part of New Zealand. The response to cattle disease M.bovis has highlighted problems in the National Animal Identification and Tracing scheme (NAIT) that should have been fixed years ago – primarily farmers not registering animal movements and a lack of compliance activities to ensure NAIT’s use. This is why the government has moved with urgency to fix this issues; changes include: aligning the NAIT Act search powers with the Search and Surveillance Act, making it clear that all animal movements must be declared to NAIT, even if the new location is not a registered NAIT location and other changes.

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A well-functioning NAIT is a key part of our efforts to protect our vital primary industries from pests and disease. Farmers and industry have been asking MPI to increase compliance so that people who are not complying can be held to account. Farmers know that the Government is here to help them in times of biosecurity threats and wants to improve a system that was left without change for too long by the previous administration.

I was also thrilled to be able to support Jan Logie’s bill, which will give victims of domestic violence up to 10 days leave, this bill is a small part of the governments work in addressing our horrific domestic violence rates.

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Pacific Coast Kitchens ready for 2019

By Matthew Farrell

he owner of Pacific Coast Kitchens says it’s time for property owners to start thinking about their New Year projects, with jobs booked solidly at the Ōmokoroa Road factory two to three months in advance.

Since taking ownership of the company in July 2016, Eric Thompson has grown the business and its reputation for cabinetry in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries - everything from benchtops, wardrobes and vanities to display shelving for entertainment systems.

“Locals may know our name and know where we are, but they may not realise

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we are a reasonable size. The service we provide is as good as anything on offer in Tauranga, and our prices are just as good if not better. We’re also a joinery shop,” he says.

Alongside Eric works designer Megan Cornthwaite, one dedicated installer, three qualified cabinet makers and two assistants. His wife Leyna is a senior manager at Staples Rodway specialising in manufacturing and export clients. She assists with running the financial side of Pacific Coast Kitchens.

A joiner for 20 years and in management for the past 14, Eric was previously the production manager at a large scale factory in Tauranga. He prides

himself on visiting customers within a few days to discuss plans and providing a free quote within a couple of weeks.

“Once a job is confirmed, it’s typically six to eight weeks until installation.

Sometimes it is sooner because we treat every customer individually and aim to accommodate where we can. We fit in with builders and find two-way communication is key to smooth project management,” says Eric.

“We did all the kitchens at Waterview Estate in Lynley Park. We work with Belco Homes, and with Fowler Homes BoP - including their showhomes at the Lakes and Golden Sands.

“Even if your project fazes you, it doesn’t faze us. You can be reassured of advice from a qualified, experienced source. We use the latest hardware. All our workmanship is backed by the Registered Master Joiners guarantee and the manufacturers’ warranties. We can also arrange appliance packages for customers purchasing kitchens,” he says.

The vast majority of their clients are between Bethlehem and Waihī, with the bulk in Ōmokoroa and Whakamārama. Eric says their referral base creates a lot of repeat business from happy customers, and word of mouth has led to multiple jobs for the PCK team.

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September 2018 | Lizard News |

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Community questions answered by Council

It’s a busy time in the Lizard News area, with a great deal of development either going ahead or on the horizon. We caught up with the District Council’s communications team and passed on some questions from our readers on behalf of the community.

ill the liquor licence application for the publicly-contested Ōmokoroa tavern be proceeding to a hearing before the District Licensing Committee?

We are still waiting to hear from the applicant as to what the next step they want to take is.

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What’s the timeline on the decisionmaking process around equestrian access to Tuapiro Point?

Following the hearing on 4th August, the next step in the Bylaw review is for Council to consider all written and verbal submissions before deciding on 27th September.

When is the final concept for Ōmokoroa Domain and adoption by Council expected?

Council is considering feedback from the public open day and the online survey and further engagement with Matakana Island residents at a workshop on 22nd August. At this stage, it is intended the concept plan will be adopted by the Policy Committee on 27th September subject to feedback and direction at the workshop on 22nd August.

When will Ōmokoroa Road be sealed?

We’ve also received a report that the use of baby buggies and mobility scooters is unsafe at the rail overbridge.

Our Ōmokoroa Road project manager is away at the moment. We will be able to provide an update on this later this month.

Demolition work beginning as the larger existing shed is converted into shops and an Indian restaurant. The smaller shed is the proposed tavern.

What’s happening with the review of the Minden radio tower?

Council was proposing to install a communications mast adjacent to the Minden Road water tanks to provide a crucial part of a dedicated Council communications network, to provide secu-

rity for its water and wastewater network controls. Following feedback from property owners, Council is reviewing options and looking to see if there is a suitable alternative location within the area. Further technical investigations will take place before any decisions are made.

What are the timeframes for the new intersections for the Neil Group housing subdivision at Awanui Waters and the Ōmokoroa Carriers driveway?

The new industrial spine road is being designed now for construction this summer. This road will be followed by an internal road link that will provide access for the new ITM and Ōmokoroa Carriers.

At that point, the existing driveway being used by Ōmokoroa Carriers will be closed permanently.

How is the partnership with Matakana Island residents going, since last summer’s visit?

The issue that arose concerning the trouble at the wharf last summer was a testament to the strength of our relationship with the hapū of Matakana Island.

The Mayor and key staff were easily able to discuss things kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) on the Island with various other rangatira (leaders) and a pragmatic way forward evolved. The Council has worked hard over many years to forge a trustful and meaningful relationship with the people of Matakana Island.

We now have a shared understanding of the issues, the opportunities and most

importantly, how environmentally, and culturally unique Matakana Island is.

What the state of play on rubbish and recycling considerations and the new green waste site for Ōmokoroa?

The Waste Management and Minimisation Plan has identified an opportunity to create a system that is fair to everyone, is managed efficiently, and can reduce the amount of waste to landfill.

This could mean that different services are eventually provided across the District, in line with the service preferences of each community. All investigated options will be presented to a Council Operations Committee on 4th September.

What is Council's position on developer interest in a petrol station next to Fresh Choice, on the corner of Prole Road or between Ōmokoroa Carriers and State Highway 2?

Council does not have a position on this. Council is aware someone is looking at the possibility of a service station in Ōmokoroa, but any development will only be considered if it complies with the District Plan.

How is the cycleway to Tauranga progressing, particularly Stages 3, 4, 6, 9 and 17 to 24?

The map on our website is up-to-date and is being regularly updated with all the latest developments.

Q&A continued on page 10

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September 2018 | Lizard News |

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Q&A continued from page 9

How is the current Representation Review shaping up?

Council is asking the community if there is a better way to be represented, with an initial proposal that would move from the current five, elected community boards to three ward-based community committees - where members are appointed, not elected. There’s also a proposal to make a minor adjustment to the boundary of the Katikati-Waihī Beach and Kaimai wards. The proposed changes are intended to create a fairer and more effective way to represent our District’s communities of interest.

The community engagement phase of the consultation ended on 24th August.

We were asking residents to tell us if they agree or disagree with the initial approach. The full timeline can be found at haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz/initialproposal

What’s going on with Te Puna Hall?

Western Bay of Plenty District Council has finalised negotiations with landowners, New Zealand Transport Agency and the Te Puna Hall Committee regarding accommodating the hall on a site near to where the former hall was located.

Council is happy with the proposed location and will work with the Hall Committee to create a building that will suit the wider community. The Te Puna Hall Committee will be leading the project of the new hall building, contact Jo Gravitt or Beth Bowden for more information.

What’s happening with the Ōmokoroa

commercial area, the Crapp subdivision regarding lots and roading, titles and consents?

The Ōmokoroa commercial road tender has been awarded to Harrison Grierson who are doing investigation, design and procurement work on behalf on Council. They are in the process of undertaking the investment work, which includes stormwater management. The aim is to have this road constructed and open by the end of 2019. Regarding the commercial property at 426 Ōmokoroa Road near the State Highway, the consent application is under Harpa Group Developments. The tenant is ITM.

A consent application has been made and construction of a new ITM in Ōmokoroa is already underway.

When is the new skate path playground happening? Community Board chair Murray Grainger was hoping to see citrus trees planted along the Richardson Road fenceline to replace mature trees chopped down for the subdivision. Will this be happening?

Playground equipment has been or-

lizardnews.net dered. We expect to find out delivery times within the next week or two. Construction is due to be undertaken, and the playground should be open before Christmas. We are only constructing Stage One of the concept plan. The timing of remaining design aspects in Stage Two will be subject to community and external funding.

Staff can confirm Council is not proposing any amenity planting of citrus trees along the boundary with the Abron development. This is consistent with the adopted concept plan. Staff have received customer service requests relating to leaves from trees on the reserve blowing onto private property. The fence between the Abron development and the reserve is a pool-type fence that is open and allows views into the reserve. If planting were to occur, it would need to be carefully thought out and designed in consultation with the neighbours.

What are Council's next steps on the pavilion/library and the timing of upgrades to Western Avenue?

Council is intending to build an interim library and service centre attached to the new sports pavilion and will be timing the build with the Ōmokoroa Sports and Recreation Society. Council is investigating the option of selling the existing land and buildings located in McDonnell Street. This would provide part of the funding. The balance will come from the Council’s Property and Asset Reserve.

Our thanks to Council’s staff and communications team for the answers provided to questions from Lizard News last month.

Primary planned he owners of Bethlehem College have notified nearby residents of plans to build a preschool and primary school in Ōmokoroa.

The land is currently a tenanted kiwifruit orchard in Kayelene Place.

The Christian Education Trust, which also has smaller sites in Tauranga, Te Puke and Rotorua, says its vision is to expand operations as demand requires - and Ōmokoroa is a growth area.

The area is zoned residential. The Trust says it’s aware consultation is required for its "possible long-term intent". It says any design would be holistic, appropriately scaled with large green spaces and would consider parking and traffic.

Reaction to our Facebook post includes questions over whether the area needs a seventh primary school when there is no college.

An intermediate / college campus would allow the six existing primary schools to continue doing the job which “they are doing very well”, according to one comment.

One woman says any college in Ōmokoroa should be a state school to ensure all local students can attend.

Another fears a private school would weaken the case for Ōmokoroa to have a college, and feels it is essential to see the District Council’s next building plan.

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lizardnews.net

Final days on the farm

By Heather Reynolds Continued from August. e’re halfway through our stay. By this time we thought we had things sussed. We had days away enjoying the Marlborough vineyards and visiting Kaikōura, what a major feat that new road is.

The recently weaned 9-month heifers are fed baleage getting used to it before the grass stops growing, and they need the warmth of feed. The tractor is used to load, but handling and throwing it about is hard work. Who needs the gym?

However, three days of light rain and cold changes the picture.

The daily jobs still get done, the tracks are slippery and sloppy.

Good wet weather gear is essential. The younger dogs feared the monster approaching all kitted up for the rain and wouldn’t venture out of their kennels.

The playful pups decide they’d turn their attention to the hoggets over the next fence; we were having such fun. OK, so I need a change of plan – if you have no control they go on the lead much to their chagrin. Sue, the madam of the bunch, might be on heat so now she gets a run on her own.

Another dawned day to find the Angus stud bulls had crashed down their gate, liberating themselves amongst the 9-month-old heifers. From a distance these bulls are big – up close they’re enormous, muscly beasts. I wouldn’t like to see them really angry. Now tell me how are we getting them back to their paddock? Of course, Hugh knows – they need to be handled slowly and carefully in their own time. I suggested I’d do some baking instead. Hours later Hugh returned having walked 2 of 3 back in. Tomorrow we’d get the other. This time I drove the land cruiser in front slowly with a bit of hay and Hugh followed up – basically, they want to be back together. Their deep throaty roar, the poring of the ground and exposure of their pizzle tells me they’re getting agitated – but all’s well.

Saying goodbye to the dogs, I’m sad to leave them, but our job is done. It’s getting colder, and there’s snow visible as we drive away from this paradise.

All in all, we’re not cruise ship or hotel poolside party people – a change is as good as a rest. We’re ‘doing’ people and welcome any opportunity to do so.

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Avocado ring smashed

By Matthew Farrell rrests have been made in connection with avocado thefts at rural Western Bay addresses in Te Puna, Katikati, Bethlehem, Welcome Bay and Te Puke in the past couple of months.

Tauranga Police have made arrests for some of these offences including the arrest of an alleged receiver who is accused of purchasing the fruit from burglary offenders.

Two Tauranga locals are due to appear before the city's District Court this month. A 23-year-old man faces two burglary charges, while a 27-yearold woman faces three burglary charges. A 63-

year-old local man was due to appear in the court last month on two charges of receiving property.

Police say the arrests were made with the assistance of victims and witnesses who acted quickly in reporting suspicious activity, and it's hoped people will continue to report suspicious vehicles and activity in orchard areas during the day or night.

The avocados are believed to have already been sold by the receiver.

Police request that avocado buyers ensure they know the source of the fruit and keep records of their purchases as offenders will be prosecuted.

Last year beehive thefts were making the headlines, this year it’s the fruit.

Harvest time is beginning for avocados, which need months on the tree to become edible.

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Traditional carvery a seasonal highlight

lizardnews.net

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f you haven’t yet tried Roast 2 Go, you don’t know what you’re missing. Popular chef Jarrod Edwards is back for a fourth winter season in the kitchen at Ōmokoroa Golf Club, every Friday night until 7th December.

“We always have a slow-cooked beef brisket and a roast pork shoulder

or leg on the carvery. There’s a chicken dish - usually a roast, but not always - and the weekly special,” says Jarrod.

That may be seafood mornay, Irish stew, lasagna, curry or occasionally lamb shanks. There are Yorkshire puddings, roast spuds and chips, peas and carrots. A gluten-free gravy, mustard and apple sauce complete the traditional feast.

It’s $20 per adult for the all-youcan-eat buffet main course, with reduced prices for children.

Sandra Alton’s desserts have included sticky date pudding, orange cake and chocolate brownie with ice cream in recent weeks.

Non-members are welcome to dine, or for $50 annually social members may also purchase alcohol with their meals.

There’s live music with Max Cleaver on the first Friday each month. After a break in January, Max will return in February as Jarrod plans a once-permonth summer barbeque.

Jarrod has been in Ōmokoroa 14 years and lives here with wife Billie, elder daughter Mollie, and also younger daughter Kate - who you may see supporting Jarrod and Sandra on a Friday, along with Mason Kingsbury and George Hyatt.

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Whistlestop school tour for Steamers oP Steamers props Tevita Mafileo and Aidan Ross, and hooker Valentine Meachem were among the players to visit schools in and around the Katikati area ahead of their side’s preseason game against Auckland. Ōmokoroa Point School was one of three visited on Friday 10th August, thanks to team sponsors Holland Beckett Law and also Seeka, who provided free

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kiwi fruit to pupils. There was a pushups contest, followed by a less exerting Q&A session for young fans.

Operations manager Herby Ngawhika told Lizard News the front rowers had loved the opportunity to visit schools in the community, as the youngsters will support the Steamers through the season and may hope to come along to a game.

Tauranga Sunrise Rotary Club and outward bound

By Dave Woodhouse here’s probably a lot of people who have heard about Rotary but are, by the same token, oblivious of what we do. Apart from our weekly meetings (7 - 8 am each Friday at the Tauranga Club where we enjoy a great breakfast, good company and good speakers), we are also major supporters of local, national and international projects.

Not many know that Rotary internationally has been responsible for virtually eradicating polio worldwide, the incidences of which are now down to a handful of countries.

In addition, we hold a tutored whisky tasting every other year which is hosted

by Michael Fraser Milne from Whisky Galore in Christchurch. The next one is in July 2019. The profits from this great

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event are earmarked for donations to young people who may need to fundraise in order to attend Outward Bound courses.

Applications for such funding can come from anyone, and such applicants must already be enrolled on an Outward Bound course and be prepared to attend an interview. Also, such applicants would be invited to a Club meeting to recount their experiences. Do you know anyone who might fit the profile? If so, contact me in the first instance for more details.

If anyone is interested in joining Rotary, please get in touch. Our particular Club has 65 members, the majority of which are still in employment, so it's not a bunch of retired old fogies. Email woodiesnz@xtra.co.nz or call 548 1093 or 027 513 2345.

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Heartless thieves hit Playcentre Under new management mokoroa Playcentre parents are disappointed at the theft of a newly installed gas califont water heater.

“Thankfully the heartless crook took the time to carefully unscrew it without damaging the exterior wall, instead of ripping it off,” said one mum.

Volunteers at the not-for-profit community childcare centre admit the 16 litre Rinnai Infinity is unlikely to be traceable if it has been on-sold. Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour behind the Settlers’ Hall, or the driveway to the wastewater pump station and green waste facility, is urged to contact police.

The unit went missing between lunchtime on Monday 6th and the morning of Thursday 9th August. They cost about $1,500. The replacement, fitted by Pipe Right Plumbing, is secured with a bracket and padlock.

Another Playcentre mum, Angela Wallace, says if any welders or engineers have ideas of how else to secure the replacement, she’d be interested in talking to them.

“It looks like we will need to install a video surveillance system to stop this happening again. That’s a drain on our already stretched budget, at $460 for a basic system,” says Angela.

A few months ago, a similar unit was stolen from Kayelene Place. Then, police said it wasn’t a particular problem here, but it was more common in areas like Pāpāmoa.

Rinnai’s general manager of sales and marketing, Mark McCutcheon, says a

By Matthew Farrell

Ō

easonal fruit and vegetables, cut flowers and new owners are some of the fresh things you will notice when you next visit Ōmokoroa Superette. Ranjit Singh Dhillon has been ringing the changes since taking over the McDonnell Street store at the end of July.

“This shop hasn’t been doing the best it could for the past three or four years.

It’ll take us some time, but we want to make that right and provide the best service we can for our neighbours - so give us your thoughts,” says Ranjit.

“People just need to come and tell us what they want, and what they think we should have here. I’m going to have a suggestion box.”

You can expect to see some investment in maintenance, painting and decorating.

“We’ll also be hiring someone to clean the windows and tidy our special offer displays. We had a shop at the Mount before selling it for family reasons, so we do

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Califonts are worth a lot of money. Security options are limited in cases where the continuous flow water heaters are fitted to the outside of buildings like Playcentres.

bracket and padlock prevents access to the unit fitting bolts, but any building vacant for periods of time can become a target.

“At $42, a bracket is cost-effective, but it won’t stop the most determined and organised thieves. The alternative is an indoor model, but these need a flue for exhaust gases which adds cost depending on the nature of the installation. We will talk about thefts with Master Plumbers NZ, to see if there’s any more we can do as manufacturers.”

Mark McCutcheon says while califont thefts haven’t been a high profile ongoing issue, he accepts most cases may be covered by insurance and Rinnai wouldn’t necessarily be aware.

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have experience.

“We’ve owned Country Fare in Tauriko since February. We stock a greater range of produce there, and we may look to acquire a third shop locally,” he says.

Ranjit’s dad fled from the Punjab area of India in 1989 as a refugee and was granted permanent residency under the Lange administration after the police killed Ranjit’s uncle in a crackdown on alleged militants.

Ranjit followed and has lived in the Tauranga area for the past 22 years, since he was 7. He was schooled at Tauranga South, Greerton Village, Tauranga Intermediate and Tauranga Boys before undertaking a construction course at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. He’s also worked as a kiwifruit contractor. Ranjit tried Auckland for four months but hated it and came back to the Bay. He currently lives in Pyes Pa with his wife Manpreet Kaur Dhillon who works in hospital catering and their daughter Damanpreet (8) and son Haragam (2).

The Dhillons: Ranjit Singh and Manpreet Kaur.

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lizardnews.net

Your biggest asset Award-winning cheese a hit in Te Puna hen I ask my clients what their biggest asset is, I get a variety of answers. “My house” is the most common response.

Others include “KiwiSaver”, “my partner” (sweet and often true), “my 57 Chev” (cars are not assets!). Sometimes people get close with “my health”. The answer I’m looking for is your ability to earn an income.

Ignoring pay increases and promotions and assuming inflation of 2%, a 30-year-old on $50,000 p.a. will earn a total of just under $2.5 m by age 65.

Statistics show that you are 2.6 times more likely to lose income from being off work for six months or more as a result of sickness compared to an accident. The period you have off work after sickness is typically much longer than for an accident.

Income insurance premiums are based on age and occupation, so premiums for a 30-year-old accountant will be a lot cheaper than for a 50-yearold welder. However, there are ways that you can manage the cost of income cover: Have a 2 or 5 year benefit period, rather than to age 65; Have a longer wait period than the minimum 2 or 4 weeks.; Split your benefit and/or wait periods, e.g., receive a smaller amount sooner and the rest later; Reduce your ACC benefit to enable some of your ACC premium to go towards income cover; Around age 50, maybe reduce the income cover amount and have a bit of trauma insurance. But don’t forget to readjust your ACC cover.

If you think income insurance is expensive, try poverty.

Mark Lynch is a Registered Financial Adviser. His Disclosure Statement is available free upon request.

Any comments in this column are the opinion of the writer and should not be construed as financial advice.

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Sunday

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By Matthew Farrell he founder of Katikati’s Mount Eliza Cheese says shops such as Te Puna Deli and restaurants like Somerset Cottage in Bethlehem have contributed to a doubling in sales of their Stilton-like Blue Monkey in the past year.

Mount Eliza is the only raw milk cheesemaker in New Zealand, having gone through what Chris Whalley describes as a torturous validating process with the Ministry for Primary Industries for its Red Leicester and Farmhouse Cheddar varieties.

Pushing the boundaries has worked wonders, with Mount Eliza recently securing overall Supreme Winner at the Farmers Market NZ Food Awards for the cheddar.

“It’s the first time they’ve had one overall winner this year, and that was us. It was also the first time anyone scored 100% marks. We won last year with the cheddar too, but this was special because we weren’t just up against cheese, or dairy - but all the fruit and veg, field produce with and without dirt in the roots - every category,” says Chris.

Mount Eliza’s milk is produced on a single local farm

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Jersey Girl A2 organic milk is another top seller at Te Puna Deli.

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The products are also available at the Katikati and Tauranga Farmers Markets.

At Te Puna Deli, Sam Darragh says showcasing local suppliers is a significant part of their role.

“Wonderful products are being made on our doorstep.

You don’t have to get products from overseas. People specifically visit us for the Mount Eliza cheeses and return to purchase again. Our quality daily bread is another huge drawcard,” says Sam. “Staples like local free range eggs and the Jersey Girl A2 organic milk are other things people love to know that we sell and particularly come back for, along with the Hungarian Artisan salami made by my partner Attila Kovacs.”

John and Rene Simpson of Waihī Beach were delighted to have found the deli for lunch. John was having breakfast tea with a Hungarian pork sandwich, Rene the chorizo with sundried tomatoes, pesto and parmesan.

“And I want to know how he does it so that I can do it at home! The coffee was lovely too,” says Rene.

They also planned to take home a San Francisco style sourdough loaf, baby radishes and some cheeses.

“I’m not sure which to choose, maybe a little of each,” laughs Rene.

A grilled ham and Mount Eliza cheese sandwich on Better Bread.

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Wandering stock: Have you thought about a goldfish?

By Rosemary Balu

f you’ve grown up in rural New Zealand, you’ll have known, long before the hammer of current health and safety legislation, how important it is not to have stock out uncontrolled on a roadway. Not because stock is a valuable economic business unit but because of the terrible human consequences that can result from a vehicle colliding with one or more of them.

It’s a rural tradition to use the grass verges of our rural roads. They provide extra grazing, and the stock keeps the edge of the road clear and if there’s an edible hedge – they trim it! It was a common sight to see old sheep and goats (with and without horns) tethered on road frontages or on long-strand wire runs methodically mowing.

I was recently in a no-exit road in Whakamārama, and there was a happy band of sheep tidily and securely fenced on the verge adjacent to the driveway gate. All good. Not so good is stock, whatever it is, which can take advantage of inadequate or non-existent fencing to spend time tap dancing on the tar-seal.

Mainstream media has noted two recent incidents of vehicle v. stock in increasingly urbanised Western Bay of Plenty. Fortunately, on these two occasions, the vehicles involved were trucks.

In an area I lived in a Police car travelling

I

along the main road through the district hit a cow. The cow bounced into the windscreen causing significant and lifechanging head injuries for one of the officers. Try hitting a sheep at 100kph on a motorbike or a close encounter on your bike?

In my now lengthy rural life, you name it; I’ve been involved in trying to get it off a roadway. Perhaps not as fetchingly dressed as the daughter of my close friend who after an incident in front of their rural property advised, “Auntie Rosie, you have no idea how embarrassing it is directing traffic dressed as a fairy…” On my way home I’ve ruined shoes on soggy, boggy ground in midwinter, late-night rain when an owner wouldn’t get out of their bed to catch the steady stream of midnight-black Angus calves popping out through an inadequate boundary fence.

I admit I’m not keen on close and personal contact with horses despite my family’s association with horses, the racing industry and equestrian events – I try to find a more confident interventionalist. As the demographics of our rural areas changes I’ve formed the opinion you can tell the townies – they generally don’t stop to get stock off the road. And to those wonderful residents who either don’t, can’t or won’t keep their stock to themselves – have you thought about a goldfish?

Mud and motocross make Pahoia proud total of 36 students from Pahoia School travelled to Lakes Ranch in Rotorua, to take part in the Junior Mud Run on Thursday 16th August. The event was held over two days, with two courses - 1.5km for year 3 and 4 students and a 3 km course for year 5 to 8 students. They were part of a group of 1,500 primary and intermediate children from all over who enjoyed the sunny day and, of course, the mud!

Pahoia School also took part in a very successful school motocross competition on Friday 17th August.

Ethan Carleton achieved a 2nd overall

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Ash McCormack ready to race.

Why did the stock cross the road? PHOTO: Supplied.

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and pushed himself to the limit, finishing the third race with a win.

Ash McCormack achieved a 3rd overall and was constantly putting the pressure on, the whole way.

Ethan Raynel achieved 19th overall racing against a large field of seniors on the main track.He dug deep riding after the rain hit and had to battle through deep ruts and mud.

We are all so proud of these boys, they supported each other and worked hard all day.

Bring on the next one!

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Isla and Zara Morrison after their mud run.

Ethan Carleton took the chequered flag in the third race.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – WEEKLY EVENTS

lizardnews.net

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

MONDAYS

WEDNESDAYS

‘Move It’ Fitness at Whakamārama Hall. 9.30am. $2. Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are Contact Angela 021 546 946. $6 per person. Contact Kim on 027 246 8635.

Fitness League Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30am- Taekwondo Self Defence Tai Chi and Qigong Various 10.30am. Contact Gloria on 021 139 2448 or 548 0377. classes. Sports Pavilion, Western Ave Sports Grounds.

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 6.15pm-7.45pm. Call 027 548 1960 to check times and availability.

Contact Mollie 021 177 8018.

Mainly Music at Ōmokoroa Community Church from Table Tennis at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7pm-9pm. $3 9.15am ready to start at 9.30am. Email per single and $5 per couple. Includes supper. office@theocc.org.nz or call 548 2515.

Soft shoes preferred. Contact Bruce Lauchlan on 548 Zumba Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30am-10.30am.

1741.

Contact Carla 578 8780.

Cards 500 7.15 pm at Ōmokoroa Bowling Club.

Contact Andy Smith on 570 6035.

Te Puna Scouts 7pm-9pm at Māramatanga Park in Te Indoor Bowls Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Mondays at Puna. Contact Leaders Simon Penness: simon@cool1.15 pm. All equipment is provided. Call Anne on 548 store.co.nz or 021 223 3800, Warwick Catto wcatto@ballance.co.nz or 0274338421, or Josie 1636 or Jill on 548 2799.

Hinkley on josiehinkley@hotmail.com Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Mon 9.30-10.30.

Contact Claudia 021 192 7706.

Yoga Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 7pm-8pm. Contact Sarah Tennis Club Mondays 9-11am. Contact Club Captain 021 022 19892.

Casual Soccer at 7.15pm at Western Ave Sports Aqua-aerobics 9 am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are Grounds bottom field. Open to everyone over 12 years old. Call Hamish on 552 6427. $6 per person. Contact Kim on 027 246 8635.

Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.

Taekwondo Self Defence Tai Chi and Qigong Various Te Puna Playcentre 9.15 am-noon. 225 Te Puna Road. classes. Sports Pavilion, Western Ave Sports Grounds. Email tepuna@playcentre.org.nz or call 552 5253.

Call 027 548 1960 to check times and availability.

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall on Monday afternoons. Call David Luxton on 548 0521.

THURSDAYS

Pilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Thu 11.30-12.30. Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The Contact Claudia 021 192 7706. first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Tennis Club Thursdays 9-11am. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.

TUESDAYS

Bridge Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall in the Indoor Bowls Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall at 6.45pm. All evening. Call David Luxton on 548 0521. equipment is provided. Call Anne on 548 1636 or Jill Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The on 548 2799. first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcenPilates Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Tue 6pm-7pm. Contact tre.org.nz Claudia 021 192 7706.

Tai Chi 9.30am-10.30 Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Contact Tennis Club Tuesdays 5-7pm. Contact Club Captain Jeff Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

Warren on 021 109 9668.

Te Puna Quarry Park clearing, planting and weed con- Te Puna Playcentre 9.15am-noon. 225 Te Puna Road. trol mornings from 8 am and afternoons from 1.30pm. Email tepuna@playcentre.org.nz or call 552 5253.

Contact Shirley on 552 2707. Ōmokoroa Artists Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9am-noon.

Mahjong Circle 1 pm at Sports Pavilion, Western Refreshments provided. Contact Jackie on 548 1518 or Avenue. Call Denise on 548 1385.

Karen on 548 1454 or see facebook page: Ōmokoroa Yoga/Qi Gong Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 4pm-5.30pm. Artists.

Whakamārama Community Library opens 9amTai Chi 9.30am-10.30 Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Contact noon. Visit whakalibrary.com or drop in to see our eclectic mix of donated books.

Trevor on 022 322 3410 or Anne 548 0763.

Contact Karin 548 1787.

Whakamārama Playgroup Whakamārama Hall at 9.30am-noon. Contact Alison on 552 4246.

Line Dancing @ Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Beginners 1.30pm-3pm. Call Jean on 548 2808.

Ōmokoroa Pahoia Sea Scouts Slipway (north end of Ōmokoroa Domain) 6.30pm-8pm (winter hours). For more information contact Jane on 022 351 5696.

Ōmokoroa Songsters Settlers' Hall during school terms from 7pm - 8:30pm. Contact Richard Francis 548 0046, Jean Taylor 548 2808, Heather Reynolds 548 1620.

FRIDAYS

Aqua-aerobics 9am Ōmokoroa Hot Pools. Sessions are $6 per person. Contact Kim on 027 246 8635.

Taekwondo Self Defence Tai Chi and Qigong Various classes. Sports Pavilion, Western Ave Sports Grounds.

Call 027 548 1960 to check times and availability. Ōmokoroa Playcentre is open from 9am-noon. The first three visits are free. Contact omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz Line Dancing Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. General session 9 am-noon. Call Shirley on 548 1633.

Ōmokoroa Friendship Club Ōmokoroa Community Church Hall 10am-12.15pm for $4. Morning tea and lunch provided. Drop in or call Barbara Walls on 548 2899.

Preschool Storytime ‘Read Sing Move’ at 10am at Ōmokoroa Library. Caregivers, please stay to accompany your children. Free to attend.

Mingles Over 50s Singles Club Running Bird Cafe at 11am. Email omokoroa.mingles@xtra.co.nz or just turn up for a coffee.

Bolivia Cards Ōmokoroa Bowling Club at 12.45pm. All enquires to Linley on 07 218 7003.

Friends of the Blade Contact Colin Hewens on 552 6771 or via a direct message on the facebook page: Friends of the Blade. Ōmokoroa Baptist Youth Age 11+ at Settlers' Hall 7pm-9pm during term time. Contact Sara 552 6005.

Find out more at facebook.com/OBYGROUP

SATURDAYS

Tennis Club Saturdays 2-5pm. Contact Club Captain Jeff Warren on 021 109 9668.

Taekwondo Self Defence Tai Chi and Qigong Various classes. Sports Pavilion, Western Ave Sports Grounds.

Call 027 548 1960 to check times and availability. Ōmokoroa Toy Library 9.30am-11am behind the Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall.

Present an evening of intrigue, thrills with riotous unmissable comedy

OPEN Saturdays 9.30 - 11am

The 39 Steps

Behind Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd

Toys for children 0-5 years

Devious Spies • Bombshell Blonde • Notorious Fugitive

from as little as 50c for two weeks*

PTA QUIZ NIGHT

A wonderful evening with supper, silent auctions from 7pm followed by the show at 7.30pm At 16th Ave Theatre, Tauranga Cash bar available

omokoroatoylibrary@hotmail.com

Teams of 8 $25 per person

Spy novel meets Monty Python in a Hitchcock masterpiece

Friday 7th September 2018

Tickets $30 each available from Whakamarama Kindergarten, phone 552 6631 • or Whakamarama School, phone 552 5204 Your generous support is appreciated for this joint fundraiser

16

| Lizard News | September 2018

*Annual membership fee applies

Raffles and auctions.

Supper provided, cash bar.

Fancy dress. Balloon pops.

Sept 22nd at Settlers' Hall Contact school office on 548 1748

lizardnews.net

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – SEPTEMBER Monthly meetings and one-off events

Tue 4th September Ōmokoroa Community Board meeting. 7pm Ōmokoroa Community Church. Agendas and past minutes available online at www.westernbay.govt.nz or at Ōmokoroa Library.

Tue 4th and 18th Pahoia Creative Fibre group Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall 9.30am. Call Robyne on 549 5100 or Barbara on 021 144 6329.

Tue 4th and 18th Peggy Purl Knitting Group knitting for vulnerable local kids.

The Centre, Hamurana Road at 10.30am first and third Tuesday of each month.

Contact The Centre on 548 2331.

Weds 5th Have a Go Art Class with Ōmokoroa Artist Melanie Wakeman ‘Fun with Textures’. $10. Book via baysyoga@xtra.co.nz or 5481787.

Wed 5th Ōmokoroa History evening from 7pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall. Presentations on early development and local baches. Entry by gold coin donation.

Wed 5th and 19th Aongatete Forest Project working bee. Top of Wright Road.

9am-12.30pm. First and third Wednesday morning of the month.

Visit aongateteforest.org/join Also Wednesday 3rd October.

Thu 6th Ōmokoroa Peninsula Club 9.30am. First Thursday of the month at the Ōmokoroa Community Church (excl Dec/Jan). Contact Dave on 548 1093 or Margaret on 548 2737. Also Thursday 4th October.

Fri 7th Whakamārama Kids@Play 2.30pm-4.30pm on the first Friday each month. After school community gathering.

Bring some afternoon tea to share. Tea and coffee are available for a gold coin donation. Also Friday 5th October.

Fri 7th Theatre Night The 39 Steps 16th Ave Theatre fundraiser. Raffles and silent auction. Cash bar. Tickets $30 from

Whakamārama School 552 5204 and Whakamārama Kindy 552 6631. Doors open 7pm for 7.30 start.

Fri 7th Concert at Katikati Folk Club.

Fables will play from 7.30pm at Katikati Bowling Club, Park Road. Full information at www.katikatifolkclub.co.nz $20 adults, $15 members, children free. See page 5.

Sat 8th Worm Composting workshop 1pm-3pm Waihī Beach Community Centre. $31.50 per person. Tickets via Eventfinda.

Sun 9th The Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Market 9am-noon Western Ave carpark second Sunday of the month. Contact Barbara Haseltine on 548 2255.

Mon 10th Friends of Cooney Reserve working bee the 2nd Monday of the month 9.30am-noon. Contact Jan on 548 2299 for more information.

Tue 11th The Women’s Shed 2nd Tuesday at Te Puna Quarry Gallery. 9.30am2.30pm, $15 per person. Contact Kim Cutting at cuttingkim@gmail.com or 021 513 093.

Wed 12th Ōmokoroa & Districts Lions Club 6pm at Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Contact Keith and Rosemary Searle on 548 2117.

Wed 12th Alchemy Poetry at the Black Sheep Bar & Grill, Whakamārama from 6pm-8pm or thereabouts. Read your own work or that of a published poet. Contact 07 571 8722 or 021 145 5810.

Fri 14th Aongatete Forest Project guided long walk. Meet at the carpark, top of Wright Road at 8.45am. 9am-2pm walk. Bring a backpack with your lunch, a jacket & a drink, and wear suitable footwear. Registration essential, please email: events@aongateteforest.org

Email: lizardmarket@hotmail.com Facebook: @lizardomokoroa

Using our advertisers?

Sun 23rd Ōmokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade open day 2pm-4pm at the Fire Station. For more information call CFO Ian on 027 459 9478 or First Responder team leader Hannelore on 021 494 898.

Fri 14th Theatre Night The 39 Steps theatre fundraiser at 6.30pm. Tickets $30 from Pahoia School online shop or email fundraise@pahoia.schoo.nz.

Mon 24th Ōmokoroa Business Women’s Network. Ōmokoroa Preschool on Margaret Drive at 7pm. Contact obwn@fastmail.com

Sat 15th The Lizard Market Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall from 9am-noon on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Wed 26th Council Open Day: future planning Ōmokoroa 3pm-5pm & 7pm9pm at Ōmokoroa Community Church.

Sun 16th SH2 Public Meeting at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall at 4.30pm. Organised by the National Party.

Thu 27th Probus Club of Ōmokoroa 9.30am-noon at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall every 4th Thursday of the month. Contact Jean 548 2239 or Carol on 863 7292.

Sun 16th Friendship Force meets at Ōmokoroa Setters’ Hall in the evening of the 3rd Sunday of the month. Ph Jonathan on 572 2091.

Thu 27th Homeplace First Aid course at Western Avenue Sports Pavilion from 9 am to 3 pm. $60 per person. Contact Anja on 548 0922 or 027 725 0567.

Mon 17th National Party Constituent Clinic. 3rd Monday 10am-noon. Enquiries to 542 0505.

Sun 30th Affordable Art & Artisan Fair 11am-3pm last Sunday monthly. Black Sheep Bar & Grill on Plummers Point Road.

To book, contact Birgitt on aaafair17@gmail.com

Wed 19th Ōmokoroa Music Ōmokoroa Boat Club 7pm. Play, sing, enjoy. Gold coin donation. Refreshments available. Every 3rd Wednesday. Contact Heather 548 1620, Richard 548 0046 or Keith 548 0660.

Sun 30th Bush Skills For Women and Sun 7th October from 9.30am to 2.30pm. $100 per person. Contact Anja on 548 0922 or 027 725 0567.

Fri 21st Thank Whaka It’s Friday. Held on the 3rd Friday monthly. Bring some food and turn up.

Thu 13th Friends of Puketoki Trapping/checking every 2nd Thursday. Meet at Leyland Road carpark. Contact John Budden on 548 1180 or Terry Edwards on 552 6222.

Sat 22nd Ōmokoroa Point School Quiz 7pm. Tickets available from the school office (cash) or via Kindo. Teams of 8 $25 per person. Cash bar, supper provided. Raffle, auctions, balloon pops, fancy dress.

Thu 13th and 27th Ōmokoroa Business Network meeting. 9am at Beached On Blue cafe. 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.

Sat 22nd Aongatete Forest Project night walk. 6pm at the car part, top of Wright Road. Wear warm clothing, bring a torch and spare batteries. Numbers strictly lim-

Tue 2nd October Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall AGM 7.30pm at the Hall, followed by supper. Contact Heather 548 1620 or Jo Uttinger 548 1123.

Tue 9th October Ōmokoroa Community Board meeting. 7pm Ōmokoroa Community Church. Agendas and past minutes available online at: www.westernbay.govt.nz or at Ōmokoroa Library.

INTERESTED IN HELPING YOUR COMMUNITY?

OCTOBER EDITION Saturday 15th September Omokoroa Settlers Hall 9.00am - 12.00pm

ited to 20. Registration via email is essential: events@aongateteforest.org

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

Community minded? Come and join this dedicated team in Ōmokoroa.

News and Advertising deadline Monday 17th September

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

SH2 - Public Meeting Local MP Todd Muller and National Party Transport Spokesperson Jami-Lee Ross invite you to join them for an open discussion about SH2 between Katikati and Tauranga.

Say you saw them in the Lizard News!

Their advert pays to print the news you're reading.

Too many lives are being lost and too little progress is being seen. We look forward to the conversation.

4.30 pm Sunday 16 September Omokoroa Settlers Hall

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

September 2018 | Lizard News |

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lizardnews.net

Bird is the word

By Stacey Walden Wild About New Zealand Educator

irds are the focus of this term for Wild About NZ students at local Western Bay of Plenty participating schools. The students started the term with a refresher on New Zealand’s native and introduced birds following on from the garden bird survey last term.

They also did a 5-minute bird survey around the school grounds to look and listen for birds.

The first field trips of the term allowed the students to explore forest birds in their natural environment. Ōmokoroa Point School had their first trip to Puketoki Reserve. Unfortunately, the wet weather made bird watching a challenge, though the group did hear a New Zealand robin.

Whakamārama school also went to Puketoki reserve to look and listen for birds but went via the newly discovered

B

giant pūriri tree. The group did two 5minute bird surveys just like DOC rangers do. One study was done in the forest and the other in the field next to the reserve. In the forest, the group luckily only heard and saw native birds: fantails, tūī, NZ robins, grey warblers and a pūkeko. This is an indicator of the forest’s health. However, in the field, the group heard and saw non-native species such as sparrows and a thrush, more common in disturbed habitat. As the group made its way back to the start, a wētā was discovered trying to hitch a ride on an umbrella. It was safely turned to the forest. The students at Whakamārama school had a great morning in the forest. Ōmokoroa No. 1 School will be doing their bird walk in the Blade at the top of Whakamārama Road. The forecast is calling for sun, so hopefully, they’ll get to see a wide range of birds.

Later in the term, we will be focusing

on shorebirds with trips planned to the local estuaries and shorelines.

You can carry out your own bird observations at home. Looking for plants birds are feeding on around the neighbourhood can give you ideas on what to plant to attract birds into your own garden.

For more information about Wild About NZ check out our website www.wildaboutnz.co.nz

Educator Tammy Bruce speaks to Point School students in a rainy Puketoki.

Whakamārama students had a busier study in Puketoki. PHOTOS: Stacey Walden.

Young story-tellers space

Hey Lizard Kids, was thinking of you all the other day as I sat in my favourite sunny spot watching the sea. I was wondering what you've been up to lately? Where have you been? What your favourite things are at the moment?

You see I'm starting a new column here to catch up with you and share your fun-loving living with your family, friends and our community. I want to interview you about things like your epic fishing day; or your favourite beach spots in our town. I want to share what you have been doing and where you have been out and about.

Because no doubt you have all the best things to say and all the best places to go and explore in our little Bay! Wouldn't it be cool if you got a chance to spread the word and be part of The Lizard? You can share and tell, and I can show and write. Together we can make our Lizard

I No. 1 students bird spotting at the Blade.

Kids' section an exciting new column for you all to be part of. Oh, and of course there will be writing competitions for you to enter and win a publication in the paper too. So we can celebrate your wonderful words and creative genius.

You see, I think you have so much to share with our community from your point of view, and it would be great to have your perspective.

So watch this space and let's see what fun, interesting and exciting things we can share together about life as a child in our best little Bay. Happy days to you my friends and I look forward to taking this journey with you.

Your friend Talia E Talia E is a self-published children's book author, teacher and mum. Check out her blog taliae.com for more info or if you have any wonderful and exciting news to share, contact her directly through her email: taliaevered@hotmail.com

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lizardnews.net

Ōmokoroa Settlers’ Hall committee needs new people es, it’s that time again with the Annual General Meeting on 2nd October.

We have been very fortunate over recent years to have had a stable and active committee. The current chair and past booking officer are ending their tenure after eight years. “We feel privileged to have been involved and enjoyed the friendship and challenges over the years.

The committee has been an entrée into the community and meeting new residents.”

If you are new to Ōmokoroa, you’ll no doubt have joined something at the Set-

Y

tlers’ Hall. All groups are friendly and welcome new members be it for pleasure groups, interest clubs or fitness routine workouts.

The hall is well utilised and has an efficient booking system. The committee meets every couple of months for about an hour. There is no fundraising involved. Maintenance is carried out by volunteers or tradespeople on the peninsula.

If you’re looking for something to keep in touch with the community, please feel free to contact: Heather 548 1620 or Jo 548 1123.

The Garden grows and shares the fruits ia ora friends and whānau, another busy month here at The Garden as we slowly introduce new activities into our daily rituals and continue to welcome new whānau into our home away from home.

On Thursday afternoons we now have a yoga session for our oldest tamariki.

Sarah from Kōwhai Yoga comes into the centre to guide the tamariki through an amazing learning experience. Sarah has developed her lessons around things they can relate to, such as animal stretching or flowers growing or trees blowing in the wind. Everyone is always incredibly excited to see Sarah and her magical bag of exciting things coming in the door.

Yoga helps tamariki develop body awareness and how to use their bodies in a healthy way. Tamariki learn to manage stress through breathing, they build their concentration skills and increase their confidence while developing a positive self-image. However, the most important thing I have noticed is that the tamariki are having fun and learning to work together in a small group situation.

We recently planned our first Bike Day here at The Garden. We planned it,

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talked about it, advertised it, the tamariki told their whānau and made that ever so important decision of what to bring and then we eagerly waited for the day to arrive. Who also came that day? Tāwhirimātea! The God of weather, thunder, lightning, rain, wind and storms. However, we never let a little rain spoil our days, so in between the major downpours we all put on jackets and headed out anyway. We might not have had nicely drawn chalk roads, stop signs, crossings, etc. but we still got to stretch our legs, navigate around our friends, learn a bit about road safety and enjoy the fresh smell of rain in the air.

Lastly, we want to take this opportunity to remind everyone about our community fruit and veggie stand. This is proving very popular. It is such a fantastic initiative that is taking off all over Aotearoa. We have had a great response from Ōmokoroa as people continue to drop off their excess produce. It’s important to remember that this is for everyone to utilise. You don’t need to contribute to be able to take something.

Just take what you need, and share when/if you have excess produce throughout the different seasons.

Spring is in the air. We can’t wait to see what the next season brings us here at The Garden.

Getting out despite the wet weather.

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Open for enrolments The Garden’s successful community stall.

Tamariki enjoying a yoga session. PHOTOS: Supplied.

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September 2018 | Lizard News |

19

lizardnews.net

Tennis tryouts a success

By Jeff Warren

n the 1st of August, we ran the first of four tennis/fitness/fun nights at the Western Avenue courts. It was great to see so many nonmembers turn up and enjoy themselves and have a runaround while waving a bat about. Great credit and thanks go out to our two coaches for these evenings Pete O ‘blimey why did I agree to do this’ Dea and Jackson ‘I could murder a’ Currie for keeping everyone moving and passing on some handy tennis tips while doing so. Fortunately for those who attended, I don’t know them well enough at the moment to mess around with their names.

But be warned!

We opened the courts at 5.45 on the

O

Spinnakers were out early in the ninth race of the series.

night for anyone who wanted a casual knockabout and then the fitness/coaching got underway from 6.30-7.30 and all for $10. It looks as though we will run more of these evenings in spring so if you are interested, keep an eye out on our FB page, website, Cyberlink and of course our local press for updates.

We are about to start our leagues of five singles contests again. The leagues are graded with a mixture of men and women and members from Ōmokoroa and Te Puna. It is very noticeable now how the evenings are drawing out, and we are putting the lights on later and later. Spring’s on its way. If only I had springs in my shoes I might move around the courts a bit quicker. Keep on waving those bats, everyone.

With great gusto

By Hugh Reynolds n general, there are two weather categories when sailing. Either too little or too much wind. Sunday 5th August fell into the second of these.

The wind strength rarely fell below 20 knots while the heaviest gust we recorded was 40 knots. However, flat water makes everything so much more manageable.

Two yachts were prepared to challenge the conditions - Wild Thoughts and Wayleggo. By mutual consent, the skippers chose to sail around Motuhua. With winds in the easterly quarter, we beat down to the alternative channel mark off Rangiwaea before scooting up the Te Puna Channel where Wayleggo established a personal best of 9 knots.

For us, on Wayleggo, it was good to allow two young sailors - Alex Annan and James Day - an opportunity to experience heavy weather sailing.

Wild Thoughts won the trailer sailor division while Wayleggo was the first keeler home. Although both crews were tired and wet, all experienced a great sense of achievement.

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In light to variable winds, six yachts took to the water on Sunday 19th August for the ninth race in this year’s Winter Series.

A light westerly saw spinnakers pop at the start, although the majority of the fleet experienced difficulty in beating the incoming tide. After an hour and a half, the tide saw three yachts drift back over the start/finish line at which time the race was abandoned.

A new course was set with a start off Rangiwaea where a moderate breeze was found. Wild Thoughts lead the fleet up the Te Puna Channel followed closely

by Sophie Rose. Unfortunately, they both struggled with the mud allowing Wayleggo to sneak through to leeward. This was the order of the day until Wayleggo slipped to third navigating the Motuhoa Channel. Wild Thoughts won the battle to the finish, followed closely by Sophie Rose.

Richard Miller’s new keeler, Invincible showed she has the potential of taking line honours. Watch this space. It was good to see Brendon Cooney on Kōnini back out, joining in the race again.

History evening for Ōmokoroa esidents are invited to come and see a little of the past, in an Ōmokoroa History Group evening at the Settlers’ Hall on Wednesday 5th September. Beginning at 7 pm, it will feature a presentation by Colin Pettigrew and Warwick Wright on early development. There will also be a section on the history of local baches, presented by Chris Wright and Colin Pettigrew.

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Colin will also present videos about sailboats with wide, flat-bottom hulls known as scows used from the Plummer’s Point wharf, Barrett’s Store, and the installation of the Lizard sculpture.

There will be a display of photographs depicting the area, too. All are welcome to enjoy a cuppa at the conclusion.

Entry is by gold coin donation, to cover costs.

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| Lizard News | September 2018

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A flipping good time at

By the team ednesday 15th August saw all the local primary & intermediate school children having a day off, due to the teachers strike. For us at Te Puna Playcentre, this was a bonus as it meant our Playcentre tamariki could spend the day with their older siblings. We decided on a trip to Flip Out trampoline park in Tauriko, and it was lucky we booked early as it was very busy.

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Tamariki having a break at Flip Out. PHOTO: Supplied.

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Flip Out was the perfect place for us all to hang out for the morning, as it meant the older children could jump off high boxes, do forward flips and cartwheels on the tramps while the younger ones revelled in the foam pits and the littlies play area.

Lots of energy was burned, lots of socks were lost, and all the kids had bright red faces at the end of it.

We then headed to the local flying fox playground for a play in the cool winter wind before all heading home to snuggle up for the afternoon, with tired kids having had a good dose of fresh air & exercise.

This trip provided opportunities for the tuakana/teina* relationship to develop between the tamariki, with older children developing their leadership skills by helping out younger ones and providing support and encouragement where needed.

Trips are a regular feature of our Playcentre curriculum, which parents/members plan out on a term by term basis, considering each child’s interests, strengths and areas of development. This ensures there is no ‘one size fits all approach’ and we can deliver a quality learning experience for each child, no matter what their age or stage.

We’d love to invite you for a visit, please pop in during one of our session times (Wed & Thurs 9.15am-12.15pm during school terms) or email te.puna@playcentre.org.nz We are located at 225 Te Puna Road, right next to Te Puna School. *Tuakana/teina refers to the relationship between an older (tuakana) person and a younger (teina) person and is specific to teaching and learning in the Māori context.

Inside the minds of babes i, I’m Lucas. I’m just 18 months old. I’ve only been coming to Ōmokoroa Playcentre for a few months, although me and my mum came to SPACE here when I was a baby so I guess I’ve actually been coming for most of my life really.

There’s so many things I love at Playcentre but I especially like the sandpit. I like to scoop all the sand up into the bucket and then tip it over. I tried using the rake once and also the big ride-on digger but I wasn’t really a fan of that one. I might try it again when I’m a bit bigger. The other day I shared a bucket of sand with a wee girl next to me, but then I decided it would be fun to tip it on myself instead.

I also found this old wooden pram last week and I really enjoyed being pushed around in it. Since I enjoyed it so much, I started to push some of the other kids in it too and found some other similar things I could push as well. I discovered I can walk quite fast when I have something in front of me with wheels to hold me up and get me moving.

I’m learning how to share and play with others, and that I have a contribu-

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

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Come along to Playcentre for a morning of FREE PLAY and exploration of the senses

tion to make to others play. I’m also discovering all sorts about how my body moves, how to challenge and extend myself, and am starting to make sense of this social and physical world around me.”

omokoroa@playcentre.org.nz

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Lucas waiting for someone to take him for a ride. PHOTO: Supplied.

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lizardnews.net

Kindergartners welcome author e were fortunate to have author Tāmoe Ngata from Ngāti Kahu hapu comes to visit Te Puna Community Kindergarten and read her pukapuka “Mauao Caught By The Dawn” about the legend of Mauao (Mount Maunganui). We baked kai and sang waiata to manaaki Tāmoe into the kindergarten after she had read the story of Mauao. It was a real privilege for our tamariki to see and hear from a real-life author and illustrator.

Feel free to come and visit our amazing kindergarten where our teachers are

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all fully qualified. We are a rural kindergarten based on Minden Road, Te Puna in a beautiful natural learning environment. We promote sustainability, and we value our strong relationships with our local community. The ages of our children start at 2 ½ years to 5 years old. We are very whānau/family orientated and encourage your involvement.

Enrolments are welcome. Please feel free to contact us for any enquiries at 45 Minden Road, Te Puna, or phone 552 5736.

Tāmoe Ngata reading her book to the children at Te Puna Kindy.

Drainage work for Ōmokoroa’s Ruamoana Walkway starts

The Ruamoana cliff-top walkway will hopefully be opened once remedial work is completed. PHOTO: Supplied.

SHOW HOME T

he drainage stage of remediation work to re-open the Ruamoana Walkway in Ōmokoroa has begun.

The walkway has been closed since it was severely damaged in the cyclone of 2017. Remediation works are being trialled to stabilise the slips.

Earthworks were completed in May which reshaped and regressed the slip face.

The next phase of remediation includes slope protection, revegetation and vertical and directional drilling of drains within the damaged cliff faces to channel groundwater out to sea from the multiple layers of the cliff.

The project is jointly funded by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the owners of properties adjacent to the cliff face.

Project Manager Peter Clark says that in order to stay within budget, the design has been modified with a target of delivering approximately 13 directionally drilled

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drains, each with its own outlet.

“This work will be undertaken during August, and if this proves to be more successful than expected, we will consider installing additional drains. Once the draining works are complete, we’ll then move into the planting phase on the slip – which will help restore the amenity of the walkway.”

People are asked to take heed of safety signs and to not climb over safety fences as this can put themselves and workers in a dangerous position.

Please note the reserve access located between No 26 and 27 Ruamoana Place is open to pedestrians, but that construction machines will be using it intermittently.

Please take special care when walking through, and ask the people in orange jackets if unsure.

Once construction is finished, it’s expected the Ruamoana Walkway will reopen.

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| Lizard News | September 2018

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Bush skills for women makes a comeback

By Matthew Farrell

Pahoia woman is to revive her once-popular course, teaching bush skills to women. She is also offering a comprehensive new Homeplace First Aid programme to the community later this month.

A keen tramper and gardener, Anja Morris has been in Pahoia since 1996.

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Survey shapes evening options at Montre mokoroa residents have a new evening dining option, as Montre makes a move from a daytime cafe to a fully-licensed restaurant serving wines and beers.

A Lizard News survey attracted 250 responses in a couple of days last month, which have been used to shape the opening hours and a three-course menu at 160 Ōmokoroa Road.

Mains include roast lamb saddle, pork belly, primavera risotto, Wagyu filet, Margherita pappardelle, beer battered fish and chips, chicken supreme, and an eggplant/zucchini moussaka.

Other highlights are a seafood chowder, Caesar salad, prosciutto and figs salad, a port wine dessert and a Brazilian pudding. Children's meals include freerange chicken, meatballs with pasta, or steak strips with a choice of salad, pasta or chips.

Following public feedback, owner Juliana Gultekin has decided to close at 3.30 pm on Thursdays to Sundays, before reopening from 5.30 pm to 9 pm. The kitchen will be serving dinner from 6 pm to 8 pm.

Groups can also book Montre by prior arrangement for private evening parties and functions from Monday to Wednesday.

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She became a bushcraft and outdoor first aid instructor with the Mountain Safety Council soon after.

Starting in 2002, Anja ran bush skills courses for more than 120 women through Katikati Resource Centre. A reunion event was held at a block near Katikati in 2012.

“I had a lot of mothers midweek doing something for themselves, part-time workers, or the retired. After ten years I had saturated the interest of people in the area. Lately, I’ve had a few approaches about bush skills courses, and with the population increase, I have decided to rerun them,” says Anja.

She has since instructed general outdoor skills programmes for tramping clubs and sea kayakers. Anja has also led workplace first aid courses in the Tauranga to Katikati area since 2006.

“I want women to feel confident and discover the enjoyment of going out with children and grandchildren into the bush in the holidays. You can make connections with other people on the course.

Some have been tramping together, and one group of friends has been going for 15 years,” says Anja.

Some participants have wanted to upskill before tackling one of the big South Island tramps. Map and compass naviga-

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The Homeplace First Aid course takes place at Western Avenue Sports Pavilion in Ōmokoroa on Thursday 27th September, from 9 am to 3 pm, priced at $60.

Bush Skills For Women is on Sunday 30th September and Sunday 7th October from 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. The cost is $100. Contact Anja on 548 0922 or 027 725 0567 between 7 pm and 8 pm.

Anja also teaches map reading and compass navigation. PHOTOS: Supplied.

Putting bush skills into practice on a day tramp in the Kaimai range.

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tion and basic first aid skills are covered - along with trip planning, risk management, clothing, equipment and location awareness.

“I have found with women they step back and don’t like to ask navigation questions in front of men who are often more confident. When you only have women, they step forward,” Anja says.

It’s a lot of laughter, fun and camaraderie.

“I remember one woman grinning that she couldn’t wait to get lost in the bush with all of us.”

As for the new Homeplace First Aid course, Anja says it’s ideal for people who don’t want the pressure of unit standards for a formal certificate. Core topics such as heart attacks and breathing difficulties are reinforced with scenarios like fractures, hypothermia and head injuries.

“Some people are intimidated by formality. A grandmother came to see me.

She didn’t require any paperwork; she just wanted to be more confident with her grandchildren. I can offer a more informal structure when I don’t have to tick boxes. When there is less time pressure, I can tailor or customise a first aid course, and we can move with the group’s interest.”

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23

lizardnews.net

Grab a bag before they’re gone

By Simone Rose egistrations are coming in fast for this year’s event, with entrants nearing 150 already. Previous years’ participants will know that we offer some of the most generous goodie bags of any sporting event around the Bay so get in quick to avoid missing these – we have just 100 kids and 300 adult bags available on a first registered basis.

Goodie bag items include treats from the delicious Fresh As premium freeze dried range, Avalanche coffee, Noble & Savage tea, free kid’s entries to Sapphire Springs, Neighborhood Pizzeria vouchers and more.

It’s not just our goodie bags that will put a smile on your face either. We’ve also got oodles of amazing spot prizes such as Rainbows End vouchers, First National’s kindly donated a GoPro, plus the perfect items to keep you moving; a Fitbit Charge (RRP $199) for a lucky adult, plus a $50 Smiths Sports shoes

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voucher for kids (both generously donated by Lizard News). Also on offer from Lizard News is a full page ad worth $750 +GST available to one of our Corporate Challenge Teams. See our website runrunrun.co.nz for more details on our Corporate Challenge deal.

To help our event run smoothly, we need marshalls! If you can stand, smile, cheer and direct participants on the course for a few hours, we would love your help. To say thanks, we will donate $30 per marshall to the Ōmokoroa Fire Brigade and First Responders who selflessly volunteer their time year-round to help keep our community safe. If you can help, please send an email to Tammy on tammybruce@gmail.com.

Need a further reason to participate or marshall for this event? All profits raised from the Ōmokoroa Coastal Challenge 2018 will be donated to the Tauranga Community Foodbank and the Waihī Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

We look forward to seeing you at the start line on Sunday 11th November.

Exciting Western Ave playground update

By Tim Lander of LOAM he equipment to establish the play area is now finalised, and suppliers have been secured. Garden HQ Ltd holds the installation contract. Setting up the site and installing the equipment and required surfacing is also being planned.

As we work through the design and the available budget, the pieces currently on order are a 45m long dual flying fox; a junior slide on sloping ground; two swing sets (basket and seats); junior rotating piece and springy piece; an outdoor musical instrument and an

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underground talk-tube.

There will also be an area of focus including seating, and a drinking fountain is also planned near the Skatepath.

New trees and plantings are included for more summer shade, as well as some fruiting varieties, along with a level access pathway from the street.

The programme is aiming for a start on site in September when the weather is more reliable. While most of the equipment is made in NZ, some pieces are coming from Europe. Hopefully, there will be no significant delays as completion is due in time for Christmas.

An example of the type of dual flying fox that will be installed at the Western Avenue play space.

PHOTO: Playground Centre Ltd.

Mortgages are her speciality mokoroa mum Shona Cresswell is now a registered financial adviser with Mike Pero, specialising in mortgages.

Shona has access to a wide range of lenders and says she spends the time to understand the unique needs of each customer.

“Having a young family of my own, I understand how difficult it can be to find time to look for a great deal on your home loan or the right insurance cover.

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There are plenty of spot prizes to be given away at this year's Coastal Challenge.

Kerb and Paving

“Navigating the world of mortgages and insurance can sometimes feel daunting. Whether it’s your first home, an upgrade, an investment property, refinancing or refixing – it pays to get good advice first.

I can help make sense of the options, the paperwork and the application process,” she says.

Shona works across Tauranga and says she loves nothing more than helping locals.

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| Lizard News | September 2018

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CORPORATE CHALLENGE Sunday 11th November 2018

The BaseUp Omokoroa Coastal Challenge fundraiser is back for the 4th year.

This great community event o ers a variety of run/walks for all tness levels.

Now the InSpace Corporate Challenge is available to corporate teams. So, who will rise to the challenge to raise the most money?

ES st Z I R P ne 50 Ho

$2 for e two ers - one v a h h We Vouc raises the r e t t a a ho Pl am w and one is e e t e th , y l l th mone wn from a t s o m . dra prize rate teams ge t o p s a Corpo ve a full p ard a e Liz so h We al ted by th worth na bs ad do p for gra u ST News 50 plus G $7

Pak’nSave – Tauriko

In 2017 Tauriko Pak n Save entered a team of over 20 people.

Here’s what they had to say

All money raised from the 2018 event will go to Tauranga Community Foodbank and Waihi Beach Surf Life Saving Club. So, get your team to ask friends, family, colleagues and clients to sponsor them.

Go to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/omokoroacoastal-challenge Click on the Help Fundraise button at the bottom right and set up your GiveaLittle fundraising page. This links to our event page.

Bene ts to your business:

▶ Improve your sta ’s health and wellbeing ▶ Help your sta to bond and support each other ▶ Get your business noticed (especially if everyone’s in branded t-shirts) ▶ Support two amazing local charities!

▶ www.thehonestplatter.com ▶ www.lizardnews.net

Last year Pak’nSave Tauriko saw the Omokoroa Coastal Challenge as a great opportunity for a team challenge as we were looking for an event to contribute to our health and well-being. Everybody thoroughly enjoyed the event and everyone, bar none, exceeded their expectations of what they could achieve. It was so successful, we are looking to get even more team members this year.

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GO AHEAD, REGISTER YOUR TEAM

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www.runrunrun.co.nz @OmokoroaCoastalChallenge runrunrunomokoroa@gmail.com Or contact Event Organiser, Catherine McDonald 0210245910 September 2018 | Lizard News |

25

Advertorial

Body @ Ease

mokoroa Point School students were fortunate to work alongside several local working artists during the school’s Art Exhibition which started on Monday 30th July. Mandy Williams officially opened the exhibition which was due to be open for viewing each day for a week but was so successful it continued for a fortnight. Stella Clark spent a day working with senior students, and Emma Prill worked with groups from all classes. On Thursday 2nd August the Ōmokoroa Artist Group were ‘artists in residence’ and working on their art from 10.30 - 12 pm so that students could view artists at work.

Alongside student creations was a display of donated artwork and other awesome items to purchase via silent auction.

The generous bidders helped raise over $1600 which will be spent on art equipment.

Special mention must be made of Room 1 teacher Debbie Spalding and her excellent coordination of the Art Exhibition, silent auction items and visiting artists.

Huge thanks to visiting local artists Mandy Williams, Stella Clark, Emma Prill, Jackie Knotts, Mel Guilford and the Ōmokoroa Artists group for inspiring our future artists.

Jackie, Stella, and fellow artists Nick Egglestone and Carol Bisset have just opened a gallery in the Historic Village.

Thanks also go to Creative NZ Communities Scheme and the fabulous people that sup-

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ported the school. These included artists Timo Rännäli, Olivia Bezett, Joyce van der Lely, and Chloe Woodfield. Companies included Furniture Zone Bethlehem, Annah Stretton Clothing, Warehouse Stationery, Greerton Furnishings and Spotlight Tauranga.

OPS students working on flowers that will become part of a larger installation at Tauranga Art Gallery being created by local artist, Emma Prill.

The Whare Manaaki was filled with students’ creations. PHOTO: Cushla Stephens.

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| Lizard News | September 2018

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ody @ Ease is a safe, gentle and effective technique that works by applying optimally applied pressure to tension points to release tension, pain and discomfort. It is suitable for all ages and takes a holistic approach by working on the body as a whole since our muscles and bones are connected in vast and complicated layers.

This is an important factor when releasing stored tension as the actual pain instigator is not necessarily where you feel pain but can be generated from somewhere else in the body.

It can help relieve back and neck pain, sciatica, arthritic discomfort, headaches, migraines, chemical stress, knee and pelvic pain to name a few.

Tanya Jones has been working out of her lovely home-based studio in Ōmokoroa for five years using these effective techniques, with many relieved clients to testify to the benefits.

“My youngest client was three weeks old for his first session, and the oldest was 98 ½ years old (the half is very important when you are those ages)," says Tanya. "They come from all walks of life – golfers, builders, office workers and nurses to name a few – all with complaints generally associated with what they do work- or hobbywise”.

A session is normally about an hour and involves the client lying down, in comfortable clothing. Then gentle, optimally directed pressure is applied in the precise location to release any stored tension. It can give your muscles quite the workout.

The result – most will walk away with the pain and discomfort alleviated completely or sufficiently to get on with their day.

As pain can strike at any time, the studio is available for appointments during the day and after hours, seven days a week.

September Special for Lizard News readers.

Body @ Ease Ōmokoroa is offering your first session for $45 (usually $65). Just mention you saw it in the Lizard News when you book your appointment.

Call Tanya on 548 2289 or text on 021 744 197 for an appointment or more information.

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lizardnews.net

Native planting day in Cooney Reserve

By Murray Grainger Chair, ĹŒmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc number of years ago, a pest plant management and revegetation plan for Cooney Reserve was drawn by up by Council staff and consultants.

As this area is becoming a gateway to the cycleway/walkway, it is important that visitors to ĹŒmokoroa see a showpiece rather than a weed patch.

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The report noted that some sites within Cooney Reserve had been densely planted with native species requiring only routine plant pest control to destroy rogue weeds. The Cooney Reserve Care Group that meets on the second Monday of every month does most of this work.

Other sites were identified as needing substantial plant pest management followed by native revegetation planting to improve the aesthetics of this harbour margin environment.

Environmental Managers overseeing widespread community works

By Liz Farrell t a recently held AGM, reports were received from eight of the sub-groups registered under the charitable umbrella of the ĹŒmokoroa Environmental Managers Inc. Interest groups such as Pest Free, History, Public Art, Anzac, Bruntwood Drive, Bird, Cooney and Crapp Reserves groups all operate as members of this organisation, taking advantage of the administrative and financial support without the redtape of becoming legally-registered themselves.

All groups submitted reports of their work progress from the last year. Chairman Murray Grainger’s report made mention of the ĹŒmokoroa Community plan and the obligations of the OEMI to ensure the particulars of the project are carried out. He also expressed the regret of the group that Secretary/Treasurer Phil Gall had tendered his resignation, but thanked Phil for his years of service to the organisation which presented him with a card, a gift voucher and a copy of the Jenny Woods/ Colin Pettigrew book â€œĹŒmokoroaâ€?.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Reserves representative, Wayne Alchorne, reported on work on the cycleway to Tauranga, planting proposed for Cooney Reserve, Golf Club track up-

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grade, Crapp Reserve tree stump utilization and the intention to complete concreting the rest of the cycleway/walkway from the Country Estate to the Western Avenue Sports Ground.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Michaela Jeffries explained that the mangrove hovercraft requires a few more alterations before it will be fully operational. The mangrove group has not re-established after the long hiatus caused by the Regional Plan appeals process. Unfortunately, there is a need to increase numbers and get back into maintenance mode as the mangroves continue to grow. A public day to clean the beaches and remove mangroves from the consented area was, unfortunately, rained out.

In looking to the future, members Fran Ashley suggested that OEMI consider the establishment of a Community Vegetable Garden in ĹŒmokoroa and Karen Loten suggested OEMI consider Flora and Fauna signage along the ĹŒmokoroa walkways that would help to educate children.

If you would like to join one of these groups, or simply seek more information about the various ways in which the OEMI groups support the community, visit the website www.omokoroa.org.nz.

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Aesthetic enhancement is a significant aspect of weed control and planting at Cooney Reserve. It substantially enhances visitor experiences and also provides benefits to native fauna, and to the natural ecological processes along this harbour margin. The use of native revegetation species along this estuarine reserve environment is consistent with the Reserves Act 1977, the Conservation Act 1987 and the Resource Management Act 1991 as well as the various regulatory plans that relate to those Acts.

It was noted in the report that if native planting is done without reducing the numbers of rabbits - (as well as keeping the rabbit population under control) then the young plantings will simply be

chewed out.

As the Cooney Reserve rabbit population does, now, appear to be under control, the revegetation plans have been revisited and the first planting day was held on 16th August, when senior pupils from ĹŒmokoroa Point School joined with a few nearby residents to plant 20 tenex (flax), 200 oioi (jointed wire rush) and 200 wÄŤwÄŤ (native rush).

A contractor had already prepared the holes, and the students' enthusiasm meant that the planting was completed in short order. Another area will be tackled next planting season and so on until the entire Reserve is cleared of pest plants and revegetated with plants to provide habitats for our native fauna.

ĹŒmokoroa Point School senior students joined local volunteers to help the revegetation programme in Cooney Reserve. PHOTO: Murray Grainger.

Treescene provide a full range of services and expertise to take care of your trees • • • • • • • • • •

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www.treescene.co.nz September 2018 | Lizard News |

27

lizardnews.net

Conservation Week at Aongatete Forest Project

By Barbara McGillivray

Chairperson, Aongatete Forest Project

ach year DOC works with community groups across Aotearoa to spread the conservation message.

It’s a nationwide celebration of kiwis pitching in to help our native plants and animals. We invite you to join us at Aongatete Forest Project for three events during Conservation Week, 15th to 23rd September.

Friday 14th September - Walk the Long Loop. Be guided on a magnificent bushwalk by experienced members of Aongatete Forest Project and Kathy Broadhead from www.naturelibrary.co.nz. Aimed at able walkers keen to learn more about their backyard Kaimai forest, participants must be able to walk for 3.5 to 4 hours.

Assemble at the carpark (top end of Wright Road, Aongatete) at 8:45 am, ready to walk 9 am to 2 pm. Bring a backpack with your lunch, a jacket & a drink, and wear suitable footwear.

Saturday 15th September - Volunteer Spring Baiting. From 9 am to 12noon, we’ll be placing Ditrac bait across our 500 hectares of forest to knock down

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rats. Our birds are at their most vulnerable to rodent predation when they are sitting on their nests and robin, tomtit, bellbird, kererū, tūī, rifleman, whitehead and grey warblers need our help to keep them safe. This baiting blitz is an essential task and as there’s a lot of ground to cover. We’d love some extra pairs of hands. Don’t worry if you’ve never done something like this before; you’ll be matched with an experienced team member.

Saturday 22nd September - Night Walk. You will be amazed at how the forest comes alive at night! Insect experts will be on hand to share their knowledge with you including entomologist Dr Peter Maddison. Meet at the carpark (top end of Wright Road, Aongatete) at 6 pm, and wear warm clothing: everyone needs to bring their own torch and spare batteries just in case. Numbers for this walk are strictly limited to 20 so get in quick.

Registration for these events is via email at events@aongateteforest.org

HOMEWARES | FURNITURE | INTERIORS | CURTAINS | GIFTS

What comes out after dark in the forest? Come to find out on a fascinating Night Walk.

New opportunities at Whaka Hall

By Clare Green he hall committee is proud to present a fundraising opportunity for non-profit organisations or individuals needing to raise money. We are making the hall kitchen available for catering on TWIF nights, third Friday of every month, plus other local events such as Harvest Festival, Upcycle Whakamārama, etc. Food will be served between 6 and 7pm and should be family friendly. The menu can be as simple or elaborate as you want but must be costeffective. Last month Whakamārama Playgroup raised nearly $200 selling around 40 meals at $5 each, plus raffle tickets. For more details or to book your fundraiser contact Debbie Allan on whakahallbookings@outlook.com or 552 5141.

The Whakamārama Community Library team has recently sorted through our donations and have many new and exciting titles on offer. Alongside our books, we have jigsaws and DVDs.

T

Membership is a one-off $10 fee per family. No limit on the number of books you can borrow, and there are no late fees.

During September, the hall is available to Whakamārama locals for $10/hr (half price) with minimum 2 hours hire. This offer is open to anyone in the Hall Rate Contribution catchment area. Normal hire conditions apply. With lots of birthdays and inclement weather at this time of year, the hall provides a useful dry space for group gatherings.

We are planning the 80’s quiz night which is coming up on Friday 19th October. For team bookings and enquiries, as well as about any of the regular events at the Hall (see our ad on the centrespread), contact Debbie.

Finally, a very big “thank you” to Aidan Dowrick and his team at Aztech Sign & Print in Fraser Cove, for making our flash new TWIF signs. We love them, and we’ve had some great feedback about them.

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28

Locally owned and operated

| Lizard News | September 2018

lizardnews.net

Open day to firm up Ōmokoroa’s future development the community on Wednesday 26th September with two sessions from 3 pm to 5 pm and 7 pm to 9 pm, in the Ōmokoroa Community Church on Hamurana Road.

Council’s senior planner Andries Cloete says a significant amount of land will be needed for a primary school, secondary school and sports fields.

“We are looking forward to what the Ōmokoroa community thinks of the four options. This is long-term thinking. It is essential to identify these areas at an early stage, to ensure they are easy to get to by all modes of transport and that they are integrated into a future community.

“Our consultants also had a good look at how to improve the accessibility of the area by linking Francis Road with

our options setting out the location of schools, a town centre and community hub and recreational reserves in Ōmokoroa are critical to a public open day this month.

The options are the next phase of the proposed structure plan for the area between the railway line and State Highway 2 which is anticipated to support a community of up to 5,000 residents by 2060.

The four alternatives have been created by Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s planning team as a result of best practice and community feedback at an open day held last November where people were invited to share their views on the Stage Three Structure Plan project.

The four options will be presented to

F

Biodegradable plastic arrives

By Matthew Farrell n Ōmokoroa pharmacist is taking the lead on calls to reduce plastic waste in the environment, by offering genuinely biodegradable plastic bags for sale.

An old Dannevirke High School friend of Fiona Menzies is now running a company called Biogone in Australia, making everyday disposable plastic items that will fully biodegrade away over a few years in a landfill. There are 10-litre and 27-litre sized kitchen bin bags, and rolls of 20 dog waste bags in packs of four or eight rolls - also available with a dispenser and lead.

“Everyone’s talking about stopping plastic but wondering what we are going to do instead. Well, here’s the answer,” says Fiona.

“I grabbed a few of these for personal use on holiday a few weeks ago and ended up bringing back a 23kg pack as extra baggage to see if they are popular here. The 10-litre bags are even made from recycled materials,” she says.

Regular plastic lasts for many hundreds of years, so it accumulates in land-

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Fiona Menzies hopes biodegradable plastic will take off locally.

fill or ends up in the sea where there are no microbes to digest it. Other previous alternatives to old plastic, such as compostable or so-called degradable plastics do not meet the requirements to break down in landfill and cannot be recycled.

BioGone says its products can be entirely mainstream recycled or, if disposed of in landfill, will be digested away by naturally occurring microorganisms slower than food, but approximately 95% faster than conventional plastic. See biogone.com.au

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Ōmokoroa Road and Prole Road respectively. These options will also be presented during the open day,” says Andries.

In addition to schools, retail, community and recreation, the four options show alternative locations for industrial areas and identify the areas for medium density and rural residential housing.

The public open day follows a session with key stakeholders – those directly impacted by the proposed options – to be held on 25th September.

Following the Open Day on 26th September, the options and other

information will be posted on Council’s website for comments on haveyoursay.westernbay.govt.nz.

For more information on the project, you can also contact either Andries Cloete on 579 6646 or Phillip Martelli on 579 6682. Article supplied.

What:

Ōmokoroa Open Day on future planning.

When: Wednesday 26th September 3pm-5pm and 7pm-9pm.

Where: Ōmokoroa Community Church, Hamurana Road.

Getting your garden ready for spring

By Liz Farrell s spring creeps in and the ground starts to warm, its time to plant up your edibles and dig in those spring and summer flowers.

Remember to get a good compost mixed into your soil; then you can plant seeds for carrots, beetroot, silverbeet and peas straight into the garden. More delicate edibles like lettuces, leeks, cabbage, tomato, capsicum, courgette, cucumber and eggplant can go into trays of seed raising mix ready for transplanting later, although these can go straight into the garden if your ground temperature is a little higher. Get your summer fruits, like strawberries, ready to go too.

Many flowers can go straight in the ground now, but be sure to put down plenty of slug repellent to stop the little critters eating your new shoots.

A

There are many shop-prepared solutions for this, but there are also lots of organic alternatives - possibly already around your house. Slugs will avoid dry and scratchy surfaces. Cinders from the firebox, sawdust from the workshop or woodshed, eggshells or coffee grinds from the kitchen are all suggested alternatives to a chemical cocktail.

Prune your passionfruit and feijoa to promote growth. Now is also a great time to get those hanging baskets planted out for a beautiful burst of summer colour. And don’t forget to give your houseplants some extra food.

Prepare your lawn for a prickle-free summer with an Onehunga weed spray.

Keep your eyes open for worm workshops as these are a great way to get started with vermiculture and will give you ongoing food for your garden.

So much more than just a garden centre!

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September 2018 | Lizard News |

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Omokoroa Tide Chart September 2018 Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

Omokoroa Tides

Fishing Guide Moon Phase

1 Sat

2 Sun

5:45 0.3 11:51 1.8 18:00 0.3 G

1.9 0.3 1.8 0.4

G

S 9:43 R 23:23 17 Mon 1:15 7:25 13:49 19:51

0:12 6:30 12:37 18:48

3 Mon

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

F

S 0:48 R 11:02

*Not for navigational purposes

1.9 0.3 1.8 0.4

G

S 10:19 18 Tue 2:02 8:12 14:40 20:42

0:59 7:19 13:28 19:40

4 Tue

1.8 0.4 1.8 0.5

B

1.7 0.4 1.7 0.5

B

S 1:42 R 11:47

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

2:46 9:07 15:26 21:39

S 2:32 R 12:36

R 1:31 S 11:47 20 Thu 3:43 9:53 16:26 22:29

6 Thu 1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

G

F

R 0:26 S 11:00 19 Wed 2:51 9:02 15:32 21:35

1:50 8:11 14:24 20:37

5 Wed

1.7 0.5 1.7 0.5

B

S 3:17 R 13:28

1.8 0.3 1.8 0.4

4:54 11:09 17:35 23:46

G

R 2:35 S 12:42 21 Fri 4:37 10:46 17:18 23:22

3:48 10:07 16:31 22:43

7 Fri

1.7 0.5 1.7 0.5

R 3:36 S 13:44 22 Sat 5:31 1.7 11:38 0.5 18:08 1.8

S 3:58 R 14:22

0:12 6:23 12:28 18:54

9 Sun

6:00 1.9 12:10 0.2 18:36 2.0 G

R 4:32 S 14:52 23 Sun 0.5 1.7 0.4 1.8

1:00 7:12 13:14 19:37

S 5:10 R 16:16

0.4 1.7 0.4 1.8

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S 5:42 R 17:14

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| Lizard News | September 2018

Owned and operated by locals

0:46 7:02 13:08 19:33

10 Mon 0.2 1.9 0.1 2.0

B

R 5:22 S 16:03 24 Mon

F

S 4:36 R 15:18

Tide chart supplied by OceanFun Publishing, Ltd.

1.8 0.2 1.9 0.3

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F

B

8 Sat

0.2 2.0 0.1 2.1

B

R 6:06 S 17:15 25 Tue 1:45 7:57 13:59 20:19

1:43 7:59 14:04 20:27

11 Tue

0.4 1.8 0.4 1.9

G

S 6:12 R 18:13

0.1 2.0 0.1 2.1

B

R 6:46 S 18:26 26 Wed 2:28 8:40 14:42 21:00

2:37 8:54 14:56 21:18

12 Wed

0.3 1.8 0.3 1.9

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S 6:42 R 19:13

0.1 2.0 0.1 2.1

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R 7:22 S 19:35 27 Thu 3:11 9:22 15:25 21:41

3:28 9:46 15:47 22:08

13 Thu

0.3 1.9 0.3 1.9

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S 7:13 R 20:14

0.1 2.0 0.1 2.0

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R 7:57 S 20:42 28 Fri 3:53 10:04 16:09 22:23

4:18 10:35 16:37 22:56

14 Fri

0.2 1.9 0.3 1.9

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S 7:45 R 21:16

0.1 2.0 0.2 2.0

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R 8:30 S 21:47 29 Sat 4:37 10:47 16:54 23:06

5:05 11:24 17:25 23:43

15 Sat

0.2 1.9 0.3 1.9

G

S 8:20 R 22:20

R 9:05 S 22:50 30 Sun

5:52 0.2 12:12 1.9 18:13 0.3 G

R 9:41 S 23:51

16 Sun 0:29 6:39 13:00 19:02

1.9 0.2 1.9 0.3

G

R 10:20

6:21 0.2 12:32 1.9 18:42 0.3 G

S 9:59

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

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Lizard news

Cooking Classes and Personal Chef services.

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

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6. Jean Batten born Sept 1909.

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10. Eleanor Catton.

it aside and let it cool down.

In a bowl whisk the eggs with a spoon of the fat from the pancetta, the cheese and freshly grated pepper.

Cook the spaghetti “al dente”, drain and put it in the bowl with the egg mixture and the pancetta and stir. Serve hot.

Buon appetito!

Call Hannelore on 548-0824

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Ōmokoroa First Responders representative Hannelore Kemme receives funds from Sandra Hunt surrounded by volunteers, guests and trustees. PHOTO: Supplied.

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When that is combined with the generosity of our volunteers giving their time to staffing the Centre and the financial benefits to the various diverse groups via the grants, it all helps to build and enhance our community.

Bend over backwards For once in my life

By Jen Moleta n Monday 20th August a morning tea was held at The Centre for the recipients of the annual grants made by the Centre Trust. This was well attended by volunteers and representatives of the various organisations which received the grants. It was not possible for all groups to attend but those who did were able to have the opportunity to explain something of the ethos of their group, how they intended to use the money, which was interesting for us all to hear and also, their gratitude at having been successful in their application.

This year The Centre awarded over $50,000 in grants to more than 30 local groups, all of which benefit our community in some way.

This money will enable these organisations to grow and develop and continue to help the people of this area. One group’s representative commented that he had travelled significantly throughout the country and had not experienced another organisation such as we have which was so committed to financially assisting community-based non-profit groups.

So, ultimately it is a ‘win-win’ situation created by the goodness of people donating quality items and equally, and people from the broader community purchasing those goods.

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Phone or Text 021 0818 4170 omokoroamassage.co.nz

Painter

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Gerard Quilty 027 447 5493 or 548 1337 after hours.

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AGM followed by supper.

7.30pm, 2nd October at the Hall.

Call Heather on 548 1620 or Jo 548 1123.

September 2018 | Lizard news |

31

Plan your 2019 holiday now...

Now is a great time to secure the best value for your 2019 adventure - the early bird gets the worm and the savvy traveller gets the best deal.

Meet the team…

COME IN & SEE THE TEAM AT THE CROSSING From left; Trista, Anna, Hayley, Wendy, Tanya, Lisa, and Charissa

We’ve recently returned from…

Tanya Aitken

Wendy Harrison

Hayley Mundy

Owner operator

Manager

Travel Specialist

No. Years in travel 23

No. Years in travel 22

No. Years in travel 25

Re-discovering what’s hot in Bali, unwinding with family in the wonderful Hawaiian Islands, and journeying through the wonders of South Africa.

Exploring mother nature’s playground in the Galapagos Islands, seeing the beauty and culture of Spain and Portugal, and experiencing the excitement of the Australian Open Final.

Experiencing Sri Lanka which is more desirable than ever, doing a guided coach tour of Oregon’s coastlines & it’s craft beer. In September I’m off river cruising with Avalon Waterways along the Mekong from Vietnam to Cambodia.

CONTACT TANYA taitken@hot.co.nz

CONTACT WENDY wendy.harrison@hot.co.nz

Anna Lewis

Lisa Grunsell

Trista Somervell

Travel Specialist

Travel Specialist

Travel Specialist

No. Years in travel 8

No. Years in travel 27

No. Years in travel 15

Discovering the vast, wild and ever-changing landscapes of Alaska, honeymooning in luxurious Tahiti, experiencing 4th of July in USA, and unwinding in Vanuatu.

A 100% stress free cruise out of Auckland, and taking in the beauty and aura of Rarotonga & Aitutaki.

River cruising with APT along the Danube, learning how to tango in Buenos Aires, enjoying the crystal clear waters in Niue, and, with Japan trending right now, I’m off to check it out in September.

CONTACT LISA lisa.grunsell@hot.co.nz

CONTACT TRISTA tristas@hot.co.nz

CONTACT ANNA anna.lewis@hot.co.nz

TAURANGA CROSSING 2 TAURIKURA DRIVE I 07 543 9141

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Charissa Vincent Travel Specialist

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The best holidays are created together.

2 TAURIKURA DRIVE I 07 543 9 141 I THECROSSING @HOT.CO.NZ | Lizard News | September 2018

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THE WAREHOUSE

Safaris, winelands, scenery and cities in stunning South Africa, and enjoying the beautiful beaches and coral reefs in Fiji.

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CONTACT HAYLEY hmundy@hot.co.nz

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