Mahurangi Matters_Issue 421_17 January 2022

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January 17, 2022

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The transformed boat has performed beautifully since its relaunch. From left, Daniel Hicks, Peter Thompson and Peter Sewell.

Solar boat to delight Mahurangi sightseers The Jane Gifford Trust has launched a rare solar-powered boat as part of a plan to allow sightseers on the Mahurangi River to experience a range of transport options – from ancient to modern.

The Hauiti will complement the Trust’s flagship vessel the Jane Gifford, which is New Zealand’s last remaining sailing scow. Other boats in the trust’s expanding

fleet include the steamship Kapanui and the fleet will soon also feature traditional Whitehall rowing boats, whose design dates back to the 1890s.

Trustee Peter Thompson says all the boats will add to the atmosphere on the river and its tributaries – especially once extensive river dredging operations are complete – which is expected to attract even

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The Hauiti is an ex-navy whaler built in 1962 and was formerly used for training sailors in rowing, sailing and motorboating.

Peter says when the trust acquired it, it was almost beyond repair. Deficiencies included a large hole in the boat’s hull below the waterline.

But two years of work by Peter, trust members and other volunteers at Peter’s workshop in Woodcocks Road, Warkworth, has seen it transformed.

In addition to undertaking extensive repairs, the trust completely refurbished and modified the boat – removing the continued on page 2

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January 17, 2022 – Issue 421 17 Neville Street, Warkworth, 0941 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 ph 09 425 9068 mahurangimatters

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Solar boat to delight sightseers centreboard and adding comfortable seating and a canopy. The centreboard is no longer needed as the boat will not be used for sailing.

The boat was named Hauiti in honour of a former steamship of that name that plied the Mahurangi River in the early 1900s.

The original plan was to install a conventional diesel engine in Hauiti, but volunteer Peter Sewell suggested a quieter electric motor might prove a better option.

That suggestion was accepted and prompted the decision to use solar panels alone to power the motor and charge the boat’s battery. It’s rare for a boat to be entirely dependent on solar energy, but it means that the Hauiti does not need to source any fuel or electricity from land.

There are five solar panels on the Hauiti’s roof, each generating 200W. The boat was launched in the Mahurangi River just before Christmas and immediately began to perform just as hoped.

On a bright, sunny day it can reach 4.5

from page 1

knots without relying on previously stored energy in the battery.

Peter says even on cloudy days, drain on the battery appears to be minimal as it is still being continuously recharged.

The boat has so far reached speeds of 6 knots and the boat has a theoretical top speed of 6.9 knots.

The quietness of the boat has proved a boon for observing marine life and birds, which are no longer frightened off by a noisy motor. Bird song and fish jumping in the water can also be more easily heard and therefore spotted.

The boat would originally have accommodated up to 18 sailors. The carrying capacity of the modified boat is still to be determined, but it will be for smaller groups only.

Trustee Daniel Hicks says the variety of vessels now available to the trust means it will be able to cater for both large and small groups and offer different kinds of experiences.

The cosy interior will be perfect for small groups.

The electronics for the Hauiti are a world away from the Jane Gifford and Kapanui.

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Plan for top mountain bike park in Mahurangi Limited opportunites for mountain biking in the Mahurangi Region look set to change dramatically following plans for the development of a bike park in the Dome Forest that will rival the best in the country.

The yet-to-be-named new mountain bike park will be located on more than 1000ha of land in the Waiwhiu Valley, which comprises 5km of flat valley floor and steeper rises up to Conical Peak.

The plans include provision for about 30km of track, including easy sections for beginners, intermediate-level trails and extreme downhill sections, featuring technical challenges for advanced riders.

The park is the vision of the Dome Valley Mountain Bikers – a subgroup of Auckland Downhill Club.

Spokesperson Graeme Stretch says the group has so far secured a lease for use of the land from private landowner Matariki Forests, $150,000 of funding from Auckland Council and a concept plan showing how the 13 trails will be laid out and their degree of difficulty.

The group also has an agreement with the Department of Conservation (DOC) to use a neighbouring scenic reserve to build even more trails.

“The idea is to have enough trails for people to want to come back and return maybe a couple of times a month,” Graeme says.

The Dome area already has a mountain bike park located north west of Warkworth, but it has a limited life expectancy due to the fact the land will eventually be carved up to create tunnels for the Warkworth to Wellsford motorway.

Moreover, it provides technically difficult trails for hardcore downhill riders only and is less than a fifth of the size of the proposed new park.

Currently, Warkworth riders seeking a more varied riding experience are faced with an hour-long car drive to mountain bike parks at Woodhill or Riverhead.

A feature of the new park is its accessibility.

Graeme anticipates many will ride to the park from Matakana, after the Dome Valley Mountain Bikers managed to secure access from a private landowner. This will allow the construction of a trail that will connect the park to the end of Wright Road. Meanwhile bikers from Wellsford will be able to access the park via Wilson Road, an established legal road, which is currently used by foresters. As more trails are built under the auspices of the Matakana Coast Trail Trust, riders will be able to get to the park by bike

Graeme Stretch

from other settlements between Puhoi and Mangawhai. Although the new park can be accessed from State Highway 1 via Waiwhiu Road – an advantage in itself – Graeme says the ideal is for locals to be able to bike to the park from their homes or visitors from their hotels or motels.

Graeme says construction of the park is expected to start next year at the conclusion of some Matariki logging operations, and he believes the bulk of the trails and a car park can be built within four to six months at a cost of $750,000.

Graeme says the case for the park is overwhelming. In addition to local population growth, Mahurangi is a major destination for Aucklanders seeking opportunities for leisure and recreation. Thus, the bike park has the potential to contribute millions of dollars to the local economy through tourism.

“A mountain bike park will encourage

visitors to stay longer and do more,” he says.

Moreover, Graeme believes the Dome mountain bike park will offer visitors a better experience than even the famed Rotorua Redwood Forest biking trails, thanks to the ability to ride through native bush and enjoy the views from Conical Peak.

He says research shows that cycling is the third most common active recreational activity after walking and swimming – a popularity bolstered by record sales of ebikes, which are encouraging many older people to rediscover the joys of cycling.

Enthusiasts eager to help with with fundraising or business and project management skills for the new bike park should contact Scott Noyes on 021 791 387.

New MTB Park Matakana Dome Valley Current Park Warkworth

The proposed trail layout for the new mountain bike park. Showing easy (green), intermediate (blue) and advanced trails (black).

The park will connect to trails to Wellsford and Matakana and to SH1 via Waiwhiu Road.

Insert, the new MTB Park dwarfs the existing mountain bike park in the Dome.

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Honours recognise service above and beyond

Five of this year’s New Year Honours recipients with links to the Mahurangi and south Kaipara have been singled out for their services to science, the environment, the community, the NZ Defence Force and wildlife conservation.

The local recipients were Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney of Kaipara Flats, Alison Stanes of Remuera, Peter Caccia-Birch of Snells Beach, Lieutenant Colonel Anthony Blythen, formerly of Kaipara Flats, and Kevin Evans of Ruawai.

In total, 183 New Zealanders received honours.

Alison Stanes received the Queen’s Service Medal for more than 20 years service to the environment.

Alison was a founding committee member of Tāwharanui Open Sanctuary Society Incorporated (TOSSI) in 2002, the editor and main contributor of the newsletters between 2002 and 2017, and has chaired the committee since 2017.

She was involved with the Art in the Woolshed fundraiser between 2004 and 2012 that raised a total of $145,000 for Tossi, contributing towards a predator-free fence and nursery buildings, which have grown more than 200,000 trees to date.

She has closely monitored the endangered New Zealand dotterels at Tāwharanui for

nearly 15 years.

Alison is also a Life Member of the Miranda Shorebird Centre and was the founder and chair of Friends of Rangikapiti Society, from 2006 and 2018. With the Friends of Rangikapiti Society, she contributed countless hours to eradicate weeds, fundraised $100,000 and liaised with the local iwi on projects.

She established Wilderness Walks, which over 14 years has allowed hundreds to walk safely in all parts of New Zealand.

Alison curated an educational trailer in 2019. It was stationed at Anchor Bay in the summer to educate visitors on birdlife and walks in the park.

Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to science and innovation.

Professor Cooney, who is also a Mahurangi Matters columnist, has led the development of significant innovative national research and development networks, between researchers and companies in New Zealand, to assist transforming the country’s economy.

He was a professor at the University of Auckland from 1986 and has been Head of the Department of Chemistry and Dean of Science. From 2001 to 2009, he was Pro Vice Chancellor of the University’s Tāmaki Innovation Campus where he developed successful campuscommunity initiatives, particularly with Māori and Pasifika and with New Zealand businesses.

He holds several national and international fellowships, including

with the Royal Society of New Zealand.

Prof. Cooney has led major governmentfunded research programmes over two decades and, between 1990 and 2005, he held several Crown appointments. These included being a representative on the Council of the University of the South Pacific, director on the Crown Research Institute ESR’s Board, and a member of the International Science and Technology Advisory Committee.

Since 2018, he has been contracted as an assessor for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Endeavour Fund. He has chaired various innovation groups including Auckland Metro Innovation Group, Scion Research Ltd International Science Panel, and the Packaging Council of New Zealand Environmental Awards.

In 2019, Prof. Cooney received the JeanMarie Lehn Award at an International Pure and Applied Chemistry Conference.

Peter Caccia-Birch, who has been the volunteer manager of the Highfield Garden Reserve since 2002, received the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community.

Peter maintains the reserve located in Algies Bay/Snells Beach, which attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year. He has been instrumental in enabling visitors to feed a family of donkeys, maintaining a community orchard and re-vegetating the reserve with native trees.

Peter has been a member of the Highfield Garden Reserve Advisory Committee since 2002 and Highfield Donkeys Incorporated since 2012, which has the formal responsibility for the care of the

donkeys. He has liaised with veterinarians and supervises a team who groom the donkeys weekly. He has worked with another team of volunteers on restoring a groves of native trees on the 7.6 hectare reserve and liaising with council on weed control, pest trapping and tree planting.

Peter takes charge of pruning and mulching the community orchard, which supplies the community and the donkeys with surplus apples. Peter also oversaw the Goodall-Te Whau Committee in 2009, which started an on-going restoration for a 2.7 hectare strip of land between Goodall Reserve and Dawson’s Landing with volunteers helping to plant 750 trees.

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Lt Colonel Blythen, who attended Mahurangi College, is the son of Dean and Marjorie Blythen, of Kaipara Flats.

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Kevin Evans was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to wildlife conservation and the community.

Kevin is the captive and reintroduction coordinator for the Department of Conservation’s Pāteke (brown teal) Recovery Group, a voluntary position he has held since 1998.

He has played an integral role in the pāteke’s recovery from ‘endangered’ to ‘recovering’ status, as the population has increased from just 700 birds to more than 3000 over 20 years. He manages a network of 16 volunteer captive breeding facilities across NZ, which is the largest and most successful ‘bred for release’ programme in the Southern Hemisphere.

Kevin has led new initiatives developing

reintroduction techniques while working with landowners to create predator free environments. He is the co-author of the Pāteke Husbandry Manual and has created online and social media resources to educate and increase awareness of the pāteke.

He has presented internationally and nationally on the pāteke recovery project, and has served for 13 years on the Northland Conservation Board, been a Councillor for the Northland Fish and Game Council, and a warranted Firearms Safety Instructor for the Mountain Safety Council for 20 years.

Kevin is currently the Chief Fire Officer of the Ruawai Volunteer Fire Brigade where he has served for 27 years.

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Holiday period marred by deaths

Grainne Wakeman, of Leigh, with daughters Sadhbh, 3, and Alice, 1, were among the many people who gave generously to last month’s Mahurangi Matters Christmas Appeal.

Community wraps arms around those in need Mahurangi Matters readers who supported last month’s Christmas Appeal have been thanked for their generosity and thoughtfulness.

Car loads of presents, as well as a box of local vouchers, were gifted to families in need via Homebuilders and the Women’s Centre Rodney.

Womens Centre Christmas Appeal coordinator Bridget Farmiloe says that after all the challenges of 2021, there were some emotional recipients.

“It was amazing to be able to spread joy through the community and we greatly appreciate all the generosity that the community has shown,” she says.

“It was particularly special to give presents to single Mums who have struggled with finances and isolation throughout lockdown.

“The recipients included about 100 children, as well as parents and some presents also went to women living alone.”

Bridget says the presents demonstrated an incredible level of thoughtfulness and showed people had taken the time to think about what families in need would appreciate.

“Women described feeling such relief at knowing they didn’t have to manage the

burden of Christmas on their own and that their children would experience opening lovely presents on Christmas morning.”

Quentin Jukes, from Homebuilders, also passed on his thanks from the Homebuilders team and the present recipients.

“We know that lots of people have been finding things financially and emotionally tough, so we really appreciate that people went out of their way to donate something that helped bring joy to someone else’s Christmas,” he says.

For some families, it meant their children did not have to go without on Christmas morning.

“But there was also a sense of being part of a community that has lots of people who will look out for others. That can be really reassuring. Perhaps, too, there is an increased understanding at a time like this, with so much uncertainty, that any of us can end up in a situation we didn’t expect.”

Quentin says Homebuilders doesn’t keep numbers of people accessing support at Christmas, but he estimated that more than 100 families and hundreds of children benefited “It really makes a huge difference for a large number of people.”

Ross Cornes Warkworth resident

A teenager and a 74-year old Warkworth woman died in separate incidents at Omaha and Wenderholm over the New Year period.

Another woman, aged 30, died following a medical event at Mangawhai Heads.

Joshua Wayne Hartner, 17, of Auckland, was struck by a vehicle on Omaha Drive in the early hours of January 1. The driver of the vehicle, who was known to Mr Hartner, continues to help police with their enquiries. When Mahurangi Matters checked last week, nobody had been charged in relation to the incident.

Frances Rose Carswell, 74, died after getting into difficulty in the water at Wenderholm Beach on January 4. Emergency services attempted to resuscitate her but to no avail.

Police and St John Ambulance also attempted to revive a woman found at the beach near Mangawhai Heads Road on January 4, but she died at the scene.

Apart from these tragic incidents, Police say the Christmas and New Year period was quieter than had been expected. Warkworth Police Sergeant Mark Stallworthy says they had been expecting a rocky time, but there was largely good behaviour at New Year music festivals and few drunks on the roads.

“We were expecting a ton of problems with people letting their hair down a bit after the restrictions of lockdown,” he says.

Sgt Stallworthy says elsewhere there were low levels of crime and the behaviour at Matakana’s major music festivals – High Life on New Year’s Eve and Hidden Valley on January 2 – was exemplary. Police made no arrest at either festival and there were only low levels of intoxication from drugs and alcohol.

“The rehab zones at those festivals attracted only a few people – mainly those suffering from dehydration and needing a bit of ‘chill-out’ time,” he says.

Sgt Stallworthy says the Christmas/New Year period often sees a spike in reported thefts as people return to bachs and

Joshua Hartner died after being struck by a vehicle in Omaha.

discover, say, a missing outboard motor.

However, incidents of this nature were much lower than last year.

Sgt Stallworthy says it’s hard to say what has prompted the downturn in crime, but it may be related to the increased police visibility during the lockdown period, when police were active in enforcing Covid restrictions.

Crime Prevention manager for Rodney Senior Sergeant Rodney Small echoed Sergeant Stallworthy’s comments about good behaviour and low levels of crime in the region. He says a “booze bus” operating in Mangawhai, Matakana and Omaha on New Year’s Eve did find several people with alcohol on their breath, but only two that were over the limit and were subsequently prosecuted.

“We were absolutely delighted with the low level of drunk drivers following a 10-hour shift. It was really good to see,” he says.

Sgt Small says traffic congestion was predictably bad at times and similar to last year but could have been a lot worse if Covid checkpoints had still been in place.

He says congestion should be considerably less next year following the completion of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway.

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Snells Filmmaker earns an Emmy Snells Beach filmmaker Steve Hathaway has been recognised internationally for his contribution to the documentary Secrets of the Whales.

Secrets of the Whales won an Emmy for Outstanding Documentary and was also nominated for Outstanding Cinematography. Narrator Sigourney Weaver was also nominated for Outstanding Narrator.

Steve shot footage for a segment on orca whales in New Zealand and captured a moment when an orca became entangled in a cray pot line.

He and his fellow divers released the orca on camera, a sequence never filmed in

documentary quality before.

The documentary was produced for National Geographic by director James Cameron and can be streamed on Disney+.

It was filmed over three years across 24 locations and documents the intricate social structures and communication skills of orca, humpback, beluga, narwhal and sperm whales.

Steve is still filming orca around the Mahurangi and Hibiscus Coasts, and is asking members of the public who see them to immediately call 0800 FILM UW.

Golfers bring home the bacon

Warkworth Golf Club held its Christmas Ham Day tournament last month with about 100 entrants. All players received a prize, and half of the entrants went home with a ham thanks to sponsorship from New World Warkworth. The gross winners were Paul Ashton with 72 and Judith McInnes with 84. The net winners were Gregory Bishop with 67, Bruce McInnes on 65 and Catherine Chae on 64. Special mention also went to Caleb Hardie who got a hole-in-one on the seventh green when practicing on the day before the tournament.

Pictured, Judith and Bruce McInnes who both took home a first-place ham.

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7

WeSay

Trustworthy media

Book giveaway winners Winners of books by local writers in the Great Holiday Reads competition were as follows: Queen of Muck by Isaac Thackray (Beryl Good), The King’s Medal by Maria Gill (Fiona Clarkson), The Other Side of the World by Jenni Francis (Alison Woolsey), Grandpa versus Swing

by Tania Sickling (Maxine Grant), Auckland: Incidents, Accidents and Tragedies by Bryan Jackson (Aileen Swain), From Rags to Riches/ Of Love and War by Joanna Pearce (Aileen Simpson), It Takes a Village by Lauraine Jacobs (Marguerite Vanderkolk) and The Liminal Space by Jacquie McRae (Karen Windross).

Congratulations to all our winners.

See story page 1

YouSay

Mahurangi Matters readers crack missing persons’ case

Stop sediment

New Zealand is contributing about 1.7 per cent of the sediment delivered to the world’s oceans annually due to soil erosion, even though the country accounts for just 0.2 per cent of global land area. A lot of this lost soil comes from natural erosion. I think that by reducing erosion, we will slowly minimise the amount of sediment going into the water. I am responding in support to this article, “$5 million plan to stop sediment flow into Mahurangi River” (MM May 5). There are no benefits of sedimentation. It kills sea life and sea plants, and clogs fish gills, making them more liable to diseases. It also stops plants from being able to grow properly as it blocks the plants from the sun. If sediment in the water keeps happening, the sea life will die. A way to stop sedimentation is to fence off waterways from stock because farm stock churns up the mud around waterways. A second way to stop this is to stop people from working the land around waterways. When people work the land around waterways a lot of the excess dirt and mud falls into the water. When the dirt falls into the water, it usually gets carried out into the sea. I want to be able to look at our rivers one day and see that they are clean. I want to be able to know that sea life isn’t dying because we are not taking care of our world properly.

Lily Rose Beagley-Steel, Leigh

the record

off

Mahurangi Matters is naturally pleased that a complaint made about the newspaper to the New Zealand Media Council has failed to succeed. Moreover, it’s approach to the story “Brothers dispute threatens boatyard”, which appeared last year, has been vindicated (see story p9).

Although the complaint of Martin Robertson was not upheld, the fact that he was able to make it before a body independent of the paper is a useful reminder that newspapers in New Zealand need to observe high standards in the way they report. If they don’t, they face embarrassing exposure of their failings, with a resultant loss of prestige and confidence in their publication.

Newspapers, such as Mahurangi Matters, that have signed up to abide by Media Council rulings, must strive to be accurate, fair and balanced in their reporting. They must not deliberately mislead or misinform readers. They must make clear distinctions between fact and opinion and material on which opinion is based must be accurate.

They must be respectful of people’s privacy and sensitive in their reporting when children are involved.

Hence, when Mahurangi Matters became aware of Mr Robertson’s complaint it was obliged to do some soul searching. Were we fair? Were we balanced? Were we accurate?

Is there anything we should correct? In hindsight, could we have done things better?

Are there any learnings to improve things in the future? All these are useful questions to ask, and while Mahurangi Matters does not exactly relish dealing with Media Council complaints, it recognises that they have a value in keeping the paper true to the principles it endeavours to observe.

Do all media follow the kind of principles the Media Council espouses? Sadly not. Today, there are a proliferation of media outlets, especially online, which are accountable to no one. Freed from the requirement to be accurate, fair and balanced, they often feature truly astonishing stories related to politics, global conspiracies and Covid-19. In the online news world, it pays to be wary.

No bull Snells Beach School teachers have had “animal management” added to their job description following an incident last month. As school ended for the day, teachers had to divert a “running bull” that tore across the field. That’s how you do things at a semi-rural school!

A wharf is not a parking lot

Kawau Island’s Daniel Whitehouse has already seen a few boating tragedies this summer and has a warning for boat owners. Vessels tied up to a wharf should not be left unattended for long periods. As the tide rises, the rails can get caught on the wharf and eventually capsize the boat.

A plea to find Ian missing relatives Robertson published in Mahurangi Matters was answered within hours of the newspaper hitting newsstands.

Sue Gilbert, who now lives in Olney, UK, wrote to Mahurangi Matters seeking help in tracking down her cousin Ian Robertson and his wife Carole.

Sue knew that the Robertsons had formerly lived in Kaipara Flats but believed they now lived in Warkworth. She had been in regular contact with them prior to 2017 but then lost touch and could not locate them.

White Pages and Facebook searches proved fruitless, so Sue thought she would write to the local newspaper.

The day the December 20 edition of Mahurangi Matters appeared, Ian Robertson’s former gardener alerted him that Sue was trying to find him.

The next day a teller at Westpac bank also phoned Ian to say he had been mentioned in the paper.

Ian, 77, who had not seen the newspaper himself, called around to the Mahurangi Matters office to pick one up and was overjoyed to see Sue’s letter and email address.

“It’s the best Christmas present I’ve ever had. I had given up trying to get hold of her. I had tried everything, even emailing the company she used to work for,” he said.

Mutual friends Ros Aldam and Grant Clark had also tried to locate Sue without success.

Ian and Carole, 78, did indeed formerly live in Kaipara Flats but moved to Warkworth in 2019 after Carole became increasingly ill with dementia. Carole is now cared for at the Bethany Hill retirement home in Whangateau.

Shortly after visiting the Mahurangi Matters office, Ian quickly managed to connect with Sue via email and was planning a long catch-up chat with her via Messenger.

He hoped Sue might be able to return to New Zealand for a visit when Covid restrictions allow.

“I can’t afford to go there, but she would be more than welcome to come here,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sue emailed Mahurangi Matters with a “massive thank you” for the help of Mahurangi Matters and its readers.

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Local Landscape Tim Armitage, chair Restore Rodney East tim@arcturus.co.nz

Joining forces for eco-restoration Restore Rodney East (RRE) as an idea formed during “Pestival” held in the Warkworth Town Hall in 2019. Around a hundred participants got together to discuss, share, hear and learn about the challenges we face as a community to rehabilitate our stunning local landscape. I remember in the 1960s the days when breaking-in our land at Takatū was still a major farming focus, and the visual and physical evidence of sediment in our local estuaries and harbours was not in our consciousness. Night shooting of possums was just part of growing up and the occasional ferret we found was a serious novelty.

But now in the 21st Century we have a far different reality. The pest mammals and plants that have engulfed our region, combined with the loss of vibrancy in our local rivers and waters, are all too evident. A raft of motivated volunteers, professionals, farmers, community groups, iwi, schools, networks and agencies are now working (literally) day and night to restore our eco-systems.

Between Te Ārai and Pūhoi there are more than 45 local community groups, initiatives and projects, big and small, working toward environmental restoration goals – be they related to estuaries, rivers, wetlands, forests, weeds, pest animals or insects.

The turnaround is evident and the results are clear. The evidence is in the growing abundance of birds we are all enjoying.

But the opportunity exists to drive even harder toward our restoration goals and

objectives as a region/rohe, which is where RRE comes in. The potential for our initiatives to work together more holistically, collaborating and supporting each other to resolve common issues and barriers is significant. The discussions around what the opportunities were and how they could be addressed started in earnest in early 2021. The formation of steering and working groups that followed gave rise to the foundation stones on which RRE is now building.

Over the next few months, our efforts will focus on understanding, problem solving and acting to help break down those barriers that hold back our separate initiatives from reaching their full potential. We will be talking to and listening to every initiative in Rodney East and creating support plans in response. One of the most gratifying aspects of being involved in this initiative, from my personal perspective, has been learning more about how our schools are setting out their own curricula for learning and involvement in environmental restoration. This is where our scientists, leaders and volunteers are emerging from, already equipped with the knowledge and commitment to take on the challenges we face.

Please do get involved and get in touch with RRE if you have issues, opportunities or questions.

Email, Sarah Churchouse, facilitator@rre.org.nz.

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Complaint against Mahurangi Matters fails The New Zealand Media Council last month failed to uphold a complaint against Mahurangi Matters, which alleged that a story that appeared last year was “inaccurate, unbalanced and unfair”.

The complaint arose after Mahurangi Matters published the story “Brother’s dispute threatens boatyard” on the front page of its August 2 issue.

The story concerned the potential closure of Robertson Boats – a major Warkworth boatbuilder – following a dispute between brothers Conrad and Martin Robertson.

Martin Robertson subsequently complained to the Media Council saying the article presented a “one-sided view of a long-running dispute” and that while one party in the dispute, Conrad, had been quoted extensively, there had been no approach to himself.

Martin Robertson also complained that

lease expiry date mentioned in the story was incorrect.

In its defence, Mahurangi Matters argued that the lease expiry date was not fundamental to the story and that it had been subsequently corrected online.

Mahurangi Matters further argued that the article was about the future of the boatyard and not about the rights and wrongs of the dispute between the brothers.

In its decision, the Media Council agreed the incorrect lease expiry date was not a “fundamental error”. It also found that the article was not about the dispute, save as part of the background to the possible closure of the boatyard. The focus of the article was on the effects of a closure of the boatyard on the Mahurangi community.

Full details of Media Council ruling can be found on its website: https://www. mediacouncil.org.nz/rulings/

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and in abandoned buildings, stealing and breaking into cars, and some of the girls as young as 12 worked as prostitutes. We’d pick them up and find safe places for them to stay, and try to help them get their lives back on track. Without exception, they came from homes where they had been physically, mentally or sexually abused.

Our code was never to swear at them and it was amazing how just being nice to them broke down barriers. They just weren’t used to that sort of behaviour from police.

localfolk Jon Williams

I found the work heart-breaking at times, but also very rewarding. Sometimes I would come home and tell Jenny some of their stories and she’d be in tears. But I found I enjoyed the work – with youth you feel like there is still a chance to turn them around and once we got them on side, they were very loyal. Kids aren’t born bad.

It’s the environments they are raised in that send them down that road. Eventually I became the youth sergeant for the whole of Auckland and the police prosecutor in Auckland’s Youth Court, the second busiest in New Zealand. It was a baptism of fire, with no training, but the Youth Court works quite differently than criminal courts.

Rather than being adversarial, they are collaborative with police, youth aid officers, lawyers and the judiciary working together for the best outcomes for the child. The worst thing that can happen is to send a kid to the youth jail. Once that happens, you’ve lost them because it only makes their behaviour worse.

Warkworth Senior Constable Jon Williams brought the curtain down on 30 years of policing last month, when he retired from the force to pursue a career in real estate. Although he says joining the force when he was 22 was the best thing he ever did, he doesn’t hesitate to admit that he is glad his son Lachlan and daughter Alice have chosen different paths.

He sat down with Jannette Thompson at his home in Point Wells …

P

olice officers work in a violent environment these days, much more so than when I started.

Sure, drunks on a Saturday night in central Auckland didn’t mind picking a fight, but you never felt like they really wanted to hurt you. There were no peppers sprays or tasers, and guns were kept locked in a safe at the station. Over the years, the job has also become complicated with many levels of compliance.

For instance, I used to fill out an arrest form by dictating the details to a typist and it would take about an hour.

Today, officers have to do it themselves and the forms can take up to eight hours to finish. We were also well paid back then. I started on $40,000 when you could buy a house in Auckland for $120,000. Now they are on about $60,000 but a house costs over $1 million. Many of the young officers have to live at home because they can’t afford to rent, let alone dream of owning their own home.

I feel like I was in the police force during the best years.

It was fun with a lot of camaraderie. We worked together and partied together, and I probably would have worked for free because it was such a great life.

The idea of being a policeman started when I was still a kid in Ruakaka, where my Dad was a pilot with the harbour board, working out of Marsden Point and Whangarei. In those days, nobody really asked kids what they thought they might be good at or enjoy when they left school; a job was a job and you considered yourself lucky to have one. The first time I enquired about joining the police, they told me to go away and grow-up. It hurt, but it was good advice. So, at 16, I started a building apprenticeship at the Marsden A oil-fired power station.

When it shut down, I finished my time with Hills Construction in Whangarei. It was then off to Australia’s Gold Coast and later Adelaide, where I worked in construction although, for a while, I was the membership officer at a karate club. The club was probably where I started to see that I actually liked that interaction with people. Sadly, it was the tragic death of my only sister, Julia, that bought me back to New Zealand. She died when the car her best friend was driving hit a power pole. Her friend was drunk and Julia was only 18. As you can imagine, it was a horrific time for my family, particularly my parents. My two brothers both had work commitments so I moved back in with Mum and Dad for a while, and started to think again about what I wanted to do with my life.

Knocking around those building sites in Aussie taught me how to get on with people from all walks of life who had many different points of view. I learned not to judge

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Eventually I decided I’d had enough of city policing and wanted to return to a rural environment and was appointed the Youth Aid Officer in Warkworth. Jenny wasn’t keen to move at first, but when she saw Point Wells, she fell in love with it. That was 15 years ago. The kids were six and four at the time, and it’s been a fantastic place for them to grow up, although living in a small community where Dad was the youth officer was hard on them at times.

a person by their appearance. Some of the roughest types on the site turned out to be the most caring. When I was back in Ruakaka, I visited our local cop Ian ClaytonBrown and he encouraged me to have another go. Nine months later, I was headed for the Royal NZ Police College in Porirua and after six months training, joined Auckland Central. We started learning how to be police officers by attending everything from domestics to fights Rural policing with a good team like we had in at bars and nightclubs. Later, I worked in Newmarket, Warkworth was a lot of fun. It’s also been a real privilege Glen Innes and Onehunga, which were pretty rough areas to be involved in Springboard’s growth, from an in those days. alternative education school at Port Albert with 10 kids to After five years of frontline policing and shift work, the what it is today, an incredible organisation that helps kids negativity started to grind me down. I stopped enjoying across the spectrum. Springboard founder Gary Diprose the job so I switched to the fraud squad for a couple is just one of those guys who has of years, then moved to a a vision and can make it happen. new squad that was focusing I believe if you have Coupled with the support of the on tracking and prosecuting Police and quality people such paedophiles. Today it’s called honesty and integrity, the child exploitation squad. as former Mahurangi College no matter what age you There were three of us on the principal David McLeod, team and even though we were are, things will always politicians Mark Mitchell and experienced officers, we were Tracey Martin, Homebuilders fall into place. shocked by what we discovered and the Presbyterian Church, – not only how much was going it made for a pretty formidable on but the level of depravity. The abuse that some of the team. Ultimately, you only get change when you have victims had suffered and never spoken about was very this sort of community collaboration. Since Springboard disturbing. Most of the cases involved boys, particularly arrived, youth crime has plummeted. At one time, I had vulnerable Maori and Pacific Island boys, who were 10 young people before the courts – at the moment there easy targets. Girls grow up learning to be wary of male are none. Early intervention makes such a difference and strangers, but boys don’t. Typically, the perpetrators were I can only see more good things happening following normal members of society, often married with children Springboard’s purchase of Sheepworld, which will give it of their own. Money was often the bait. Sadly, there room to grow. were several school teachers and one case that sticks in I’ve had some serious back issues since I was a teenager my mind involved a high-profile entertainment bigwig. and had my lower back fused when I was 40. It was why When we arrested him, he had a briefcase full of tapes, I was never going to stay in the building game for too recordings of his activities. The guy went to jail where he long and it’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to retire from hung himself, but not before I had to watch every tape the police. Wearing the stab-proof police vest was very to match the victims’ statements with what I saw on the hard and then last year, a disc in my neck collapsed which screen. Some of those images were so horrific – I don’t required more surgery. Real estate seemed like a good think I will ever be able to erase them from my mind. way to spend the last chapter of my working life because When my wife Jenny and I started a family, I felt I needed I’ve got my building background, plus I’ve renovated a to get away from that type of police work so I moved couple of houses, and I really enjoy meeting people. I got from criminal investigations to youth aid. And I never to know Mark Macky through our mutual interest in the looked back! Working with youth in a preventative way Omaha Beach Surf Club and Matakana School, so joining was a bit of a new direction for police in the early 2000s. the Bayleys team felt like a good fit. I’m not nervous Normally, we only got involved when they broke the law. about starting a new career at my time of life – I believe Auckland’s street kids were virtually invisible so that’s if you have honesty and integrity, no matter what age you where we started, in plain clothes with an unmarked are, things will always fall into place. van. They were a feral little tribe, sleeping under bridges

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Left, Gertie was a regular figure around Warkworth up until her death in 1995, aged 95 years. Right, Gertie, aged 20.

Left, Gertie’s painting of a summer harvest. Right, most of Gertie’s paintings like this one of a Virginia creeper remained unseen during her lifetime.

Secret Garden home goes on market An historic Warkworth home with links to the Methodist Church and Gertie Hamilton’s Secret Garden will come onto the market this week.

Built in the early 1900s, the fourbedroomed kauri villa, in Hexham Street, Warkworth, served for many years as the Methodist parsonage. Then, in 1952, it was bought by Miss Gertie Hamilton and her sister Flora. It was Gertie’s home for the remainder of her life and she became a well-recognised figure around town with her gossamer scarves and her love of a chat with people she met along the way.

Gertie was born at her parent’s home The Grange, on the Mahurangi River, in 1900.

She was the oldest daughter of Willie and Isabella (Nathaniel Wilson’s daughter).

The family recalls that she was an excellent

seamstress, winning a prize in the Auckland Exhibition when she was only 13. During the 1930’s she worked as a seamstress above her uncle Ben Hamilton’s drapery shop.

After attending St Cuthbert’s School for Young Ladies in Auckland, she attended Elam School of Art for a short time.

Gertie was also a talented pianist but in 1921, while teaching piano in Helensville, she had a breakdown. She returned to The Grange to live with her parents, presumably to rest and recover. She continued, however, to give music lessons using the Warkworth Town Hall piano and, as travel got easier, she would also teach in Matakana and Silverdale.

In 1946, when her parents retired to Warkworth, she moved with them. For the next 50 years she was a familiar sight around the town in her flowing dresses,

gossamer scarves and usually with a bunch of flowers in her hand.

When both her parents died within three months of one another in 1952, Gertie moved into the house in Hexham Street.

She grew a lovely wild garden, tended to many cats, loved walking into town or catching the Gubbs bus to Takapuna.

“There was a timeless quality about her,” her niece Lyn Hamilton recalls. “She never thought of herself as old and retained a graciousness of an earlier era. She was a kind lady and expected to be treated the same.”

When Gertie died in 1995, the family discovered a collection of exquisite paintings in her home. Many were of flowers and fruit, but there were also landscapes and drawings of animals.

Lyn says the reason her aunt kept the

paintings a secret remains a mystery.

“Only three pieces were displayed unobtrusively in her home – the Pansies, Highland Mary and Fruit on the Table,” Lyn says.

“When the family saw her work, it was agreed that it was too lovely not to share with the people of Warkworth who had been so much a part of Gertie’s life, so we organised an exhibition.”

The exhibition was so successful that the family used the funds raised to produce a book of her work – Gertie Hamilton’s Secret Garden – which included notes from her diaries.

Gertie’s former home is being marketed by Ray White Warkworth and will be sold at auction.

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First names hold history and whakapapa for Ngāti Manuhiri Ngāti Manuhiri’s tupuna is Manuhiri who travelled from the Kawhia Harbour with his family and a few hundred followers, leaving the overpopulated harbour in search of new lands.

Manuhiri’s father was Maki-nui and, according to Ngāti Manuhiri’s korero, upon arriving in present day Auckland, Manuhiri named it Ta Maki. Manuhiri’s relations settled the edge of the Manukau Harbour and around the Panmure basin while he continued north to the Kaipara Harbour and travelled up the Hoteo River before finally reaching the east coast. Manuhiri and his people settled kainga around Omaha, Tomarata, Pakiri and Matakana. From there they expanded out to Aotea (Great Barrier), Te Hauturu-o-Toi (Little Barrier) and Kawau, and today Ngāti Manuhiri’s rohe extends south to Okura, Oteha and Takapuna.

The events of Manuhiri’s journey and the cultural significance of the places are immortalised in their names, and that history is held within the oratory archive of Ngāti Manuhiri. Jonathan Killick spoke to Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust chair Mook Hohneck to learn the origins behind the first names of local places…

Leigh and Omaha The township and harbour known today as Leigh is the original Omaha. It was where Manuhiri built his pa and successive marae have been built over the ages. Today, it is still the site of Te Kiri Omaha marae. Omaha means bountiful food or great resources, and was probably inspired by the plentiful kaimoana including mussels, kina, fish and paua. The nearby beach that is referred to as Omaha Beach by pakeha today because they historically called it Sandspit, but Ngāti Manuhiri call the beach Mangatawhiri, referring to the wind which sweeps across the bay.

Pakiri There are several interpretations of the meaning of Pakiri. It may refer to a pa named after kirikiri freshwater fish, which pakeha call cockabully. It is sometimes also said to relate to Te Kiri who was Manuhiri’s great great great grandson, whom Te Kiri Marae is also named for. Kiri also means skin so the place may take its name from the gleaming sand which shines like skin. In any case, Pakiri was home to several pa around the rivers and tributaries on the foothills and on the coast. The pa were set up in the hills near freshwater sources and provided easy access to kaimoana at the beach, but also the security of a good view. The pa had a system with their relatives in Te Arai, who could see up the coast to Whangarei Heads. The pa along the coast would light their fires in a series to signal if there was a northern invader on the water.

Te Arai

fast gush of water. It refers to the exit point of the harbour where the tide drains quickly. Anyone who has kayaked at the mouth of the harbour will have witnessed the fierce current as the tide turns.

An arai is a high or sacred point.

One of the original waka, named Moekākara, which travelled across the Pacific to Aotearoa, landed at Te Arai point. Its navigators built a stone altar, which was blessed to show gratitude for the waka’s safe arrival.

Matakana While Matakana may have a reputation for its hospitality today to Maori the name is a severe warning. Mata means face and kanakana is an expression made by bulging the eyes and tongue, intended to intimidate. Matakana was the name of a pa at the mouth of the Mahurangi River. A stranger who heard the name would know they would be greeted by angry eyes watching over palisades.

Pakeha eventually borrowed the name for the Matakana River and then the town, despite it not being particularly close to the original pa.

Tomarata Today’s spelling of ‘Tomarata’ is actually a bastardisation of the true name Tomorata, which morphed due to the speaking inflection of pakeha. A tomo is a hole or an opening and the name refers to the gaps that are formed in large rata trees among their bulging roots.

Maori would put the remains of their relatives in the holes and wait for the flesh to rot before the bones could be put into their final resting place. The area was named Tomorata when Manuhiri laid his brother to rest there.

Waiwhiu ranges (The Dome) The name Waiwhiuwhiu refers to the gushing sound of the many springs and rivers within the Dome and its valleys. Wai is water, while the sound of whiuwhiu is an onomatopoeia of the flowing sound of water. It is similar, in that way, to the name of the poi awhiowhio, an instrument made from a hollowed gourd and spun on a rope to produce a “whio” sound.

Cape Rodney The name of the point at Cape Rodney is Motoruru. Motu means either an island or an extension of land like a cape or a peninsula, but it can also mean an area that has been singled out as having special significance. A ruru is a New Zealand native owl, also known by pakeha as a morepork.

The shape of the cape looks like a ruru watching across the Hauraki Gulf like a sentinel.

Mahurangi

Tāwharanui Tāwhara refers to the shoots of flax when they emerge and flower.

When taking a landscape view of the peninsula, one of the most standout features would have been the wide expanse of flowering flax.

Kawau Island A kawau is a black shag, and the full name of the island is Te Kawau o Tumaro which refers to the way in which shags stand in a line on

A pou at Tāwharanui depicts Manuhiri.

a rock ledge. The term was also used metaphorically to describe a formation of warriors in battle and is still used by Ngāti Manuhiri to refer to a formation in kapa haka.

Whangateau

The name Whangateau means a

The name Mahurangi was given to the area by ancient explorers and predates Manuhiri’s arrival to the area. It is the general name for area that is now north Auckland.

Its literal translation means beautiful sky and it evokes a picturesque scene like a beautiful sunset. It is not the kind of name that describes a story or an event, but rather personifies a place. The name is believed to have been given by explorers on the Tainui waka on its journey north.

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Holiday fun for all budgets As parents or caregivers of children it can be a challenge to come up with activities that suit your family’s needs and budgets over the summer holidays. Understanding this, we have compiled a list of local and regional activities for families that suit differing family interests and affordability.

We live in a beautiful place in Aotearoa with access to beaches, wharves, rivers, lakes and parks that all offer options to spend time over summer enjoying these natural resources. However, if you are looking for other experiences, please check out the following: There is live music on this Sunday, January 23, from 1pm to 4pm at Snells Beach Reserve, Sunburst Ave, Snell’s Beach. The lineup includes SOJØURN, Tempist Fujit and Hipstamatics. Also check out Auckland Council’s website for Music in the Parks across Auckland this summer and free events and discounts at https://www. aucklandnz.com/visit/explore. There are also 100,000 vouchers being given away to families via ballot on this site to visit attractions across Auckland, register now!

Locally, we have Matakana Country Park offering pony rides, beginner lessons and wagon rides. A free animal experience is available onsite and a playground. There is also the miniature train rides operating in the weekends and a market on Sundays from 8.30am to 1pm starting from January 9.

The Range in Warkworth has a golf driving range, mini golf course, cricket with a BOLA machine, baseball/softball, with an auto pitching machine, and an air rifle range. For further information www. therangewarkworth.co.nz Highland Garden Park in Algies Bay is free to access and provides a leisurely 60-minute stroll around the park and a chance to meet the donkeys.

Matakana River Tours has kayak hire and river cruises available. Puhoi Kayak Hire are operating on the Puhoi River and at Wenderholm Beach for kayak and paddleboard hire. Clearyaks are at Goat Island Marine Reserve as is the Glass bottom Boat and close by is the Goat Island Marine Discovery Centre open

to the public for visits. Also operating in Leigh is Goat Island Dive and Snorkel offering snorkeling and dive packages. The Ti Point Reptile Park is also open daily.

Warkworth Golf Club have junior coaching and development programmes, as does Omaha Golf Club.

Sandspit Yacht Club have junior sailing lessons and club days from mid-January and Kawau Cruises are leaving daily for trips to Kawau Island.

Waterworld Waterpark Epic Summer Tour is at various beaches around Auckland over summer, book your spot at www.wipeout. co.nz/bookonline

There are 100,000 vouchers being given away to families via ballot on this site to visit attractions across Auckland, register now! www.aucklandnz.com/ visit/explore

The VR Voom Technology Park on Khyber Pass Rd, Newmarket, has a large selection of virtual reality rooms available during the school holidays and offers school programmes. Visit www.vrvoom.co.nz Silverdale Adventure Park offers a wide variety of adrenaline pumping activities and Tree Adventures in Woodhill have school holiday programmes all January.

In Whangarei there is “Heads-Up Adventures’’ with monster scooter rides, mountain biking trails and a forest paintball venue. Close by is Adrenalin Adventure Park with an inflatable obstacle course and many other water activities available. Adventure Forest in Whangarei has treetop adventures and flying foxes.

Please remember many of these activities require prior booking and remember check out their vaccination pass policy. Have fun out there!

Read more columns online at www.localmatters.co.nz

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| Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

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Employment Robyn Webb, Recruitment and career specialist robyn@robynwebb.nz

Flexibility key to New Year challenges At the outset of 2021, I wrote about “resilience” and, perhaps slightly prematurely “recovery” (MM Jan 13, 2021). For 2022, it seems the key word is “flexibility”. Accelerated by lockdowns, flexible working became the norm for many of us and is likely here to stay. It is increasingly enabled by technology that provide new tools and platforms, which enhance collaboration and customer engagement. Working from home creates realistic opportunities to live outside cities without changing employer. But there’s no one size fits all approach. While some of us welcome work-from-home convenience, others were (or are) eagerly anticipating a return to their workplace.

Consequently a hybrid model is popular, where there is some working from home and some in the workplace. The workplace can provide social benefits, including spontaneous conversations and interaction with colleagues that are not always possible online.

In contrast to 2020, 2021’s employment market was buoyant and competitive across many sectors. When recruiting, we’re seeing elevated salaries and benefits, with skilled candidates receiving multiple offers and counter-offers. We’re hearing of The Great Resignation where employees re-evaluate the value of the work they do and how it aligns with personal fulfillment.

This requires employers to have a strategic focus on culture and employee experience to attract and retain staff. Flexibility in hours, location or employment terms are key to this. Work environments with flexible working models are attractive

www.localmatters.co.nz

and gain a competitive edge in a talent-tight market.

With an aging demographic and longer working lives, will we see a shift towards more project-model “gig workers” rather than permanent employment?

Workplaces encompassing old and young will strengthen diversity of experience and ideas and will likely retain or engage talented individuals wanting flexibility in the way they contribute.

Might flexibility also become important in managing annual leave to accommodate a potential 2022 “holiday exodus”? Prior to the recent Omicron threat, quarantinefree travel dates brought the prospect of family reconnection. In the future, will there be a flurry of extended leave requests, requiring flexibility to accommodate such leave? Perhaps a combination of holiday, integrated with remote working, or leave in advance or leave without pay? A culture of mutual flexibility, exploring and considering solutions, brings mutual advantage and may also help alleviate the anticipated impact of legislated increases in sick leave.

There’s no doubt that employers and employees start 2022 with continued uncertainty. On-going border closures impact sectors reliant on visitors or those targeting offshore workers. Supply chain disruption continues. There are new challenges from the introduction and flow-on effects of vaccination mandates.

It seems likely that flexibility to maximise opportunities and agility to respond to continuing change will be valuable tools in navigating the year ahead.

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January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

17

Kiwi stand-ups in town include Jeremy Elwood, Michele A’Court and Ben Hurley.

Top TV and radio comics at Matakana Some of New Zealand’s biggest comedy stars will be in Matakana this Thursday, January 20, when the Great Kiwi Summer Comedy Roadshow rolls into town.

Jeremy Elwood, Ben Hurley and Michele A’Court are among a line-up of wellknown comics providing the laughs at The Matakana Village Pub from 7.30pm.

The show is part of a national 15-venue tour taking in some of the country’s favourite holiday hot-spots and is the only date in the Auckland region.

The stand-up stars slated to appear at

The line-up will include the laid-back grooves of SOJØURN.

Matakana are Jeremy Elwood (7 Days, The Project, Pulp Comedy, RNZ); Ben Hurley (7 Days, The Project, 7 Sharp, RNZ); Michele A’Court (7 Days, The Project, Pulp Comedy, RNZ); Nick Rado (7 Days, RNZ); David Correos (Taskmaster, Eating Fried Chicken in the Shower); and Jamie Patterson.

Tickets cost $30, with discounts for tables of four and six.

Info and bookings: www.eventfinda. co.nz/2022/great-kiwi-summer-comedyroadshow/auckland/matakana

Auckland Council brings Music mARTakana art exhibition opens in Parks to Snells Beach Harbour Hospice’s annual fundraiser Snells Beach will be grooving to the sound of three rocking bands this summer, when a free beach-side concert is held as part of Auckland Council’s Music in Parks series.

Rock, funk, roots and reggae are all on the menu when SOJØURN, Tempist Fugit and Hipstamatics play Snells Beach Reserve from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday, January 23.

SOJØURN are a six-piece psych and surfrock reggae group based in Mangawhai, whose line-up includes former Bream Bay College teacher and local surf supremo Tony Baker. Their laid-back indie fusion sound is perfect for a sunny Sunday afternoon and their appearance coincides with the launch of a new EP, Mystic Ways.

Northland four-piece Tempist Fugit are a dynamic rock band with a sound that mixes 90s alt-rock with an injection of soul, fronted by the expansive range and vocals of singer Lisa Walters. They promise

a mix of genres, from rock to poetry with powerful vocals and solid guitars.

Last but not least, popular Auckland party band Hipstamatics will get everyone kicking off their jandals and dancing to their big 10-piece band, complete with horn section. The red hot combo will be playing their usual irresistible blend of classic tunes from the likes of James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield in seriously authentic funk-soul style.

The show is free to get in, but people should bring their own blanket, beverages and picnic.

The event will only take place at Orange or Green levels and My Vaccine Pass and masks are required for anyone aged 12 years or over.

Info and updates: www.musicinparks.co.nz or www.facebook.com/MusicinParks

mARTakana 2022, returns this weekend for its 16th year.

The three-day art exhibition and sale will feature art in a variety of mediums from dozens of local artists and some from further afield.

Event organiser Natalie Taylor says artists are chosen with a view to including a variety of styles and a wide range of prices.

“The artworks are presented in a light and airy setting, attended by friendly and wellinformed volunteers,” she says.

Every sale will earn a commission for Harbour Hospice, which provides free specialist palliative care to anyone who needs it in the Warkworth/Wellsford community.

Many of the artists have also donated artwork, with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to Harbour Hospice.

Works by mixed-media artist Kristin Hyde will feature at mARTakana.

mARTakana 2022 takes place at Matakana School, 952 Matakana Road, Matakana.

The opening night preview is on January 20 at 6pm, entry by donation. The exhibition is open from 9am to 5pm on Friday and Saturday (Jan 21 and 22), and from 9am to 3pm on Sunday (Jan 23).

Vaccine certificates are required for those 12 years and over.

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It’s a Birds life by artist Amy

ice award

Adams won The People’s Cho

Hundreds flock to Summer Art Organisers are hailing the 28th Great Summer Art Exhibition in Snells Beach as a “resounding success”.

More than 1600 visitors viewed more than 250 works of art from 82 artists at the exhibition held at the Mahurangi East Community Hall over the New Year period.

Spokesperson Maureen Bernie says attendance numbers were up on previous years.

Local winners included Val Hunter (novice), Deborah Martin (photography) and Matilde Readett (Judge’s Encouragement).

Other first place winners were Melody Brook (professional) and Vera Limmer (intermediate).

The People’s Choice award this year was won by Amy Adams, from Pakuranga, with It’s a Bird’s Life.

The exhibition is the Mahurangi East Tennis Club’s major fundraiser for the year.

Ms Bernie says the club appreciate the support of all their business sponsors for this event, including major sponsors, Jenni Marsh & Dahnie Burton of Bayleys Warkworth.

Art classes return next month

Art classes held at The Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa begin again next month. New classes this term include Upcycled Textile Bookmaking with Jo Saunderson and Upcycling Art Journaling with Sonya Young. Children’s after school classes include “Mixed Media Madness” and “Clay Projects for 8+ Years”. Adult classes include those related to life drawing, pottery, water colours, drawing, painting techniques and mosaics. There are two online classes - drawing with Claire Erica and Advanced Painting Techniques with Lee Stephens. Students need to be fully vaccinated and show their vaccine passes to the tutor at the first class. Info: www.estuaryarts.org

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January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

19

e c n e g l u d n i g n i d a e r r Summe

Who lived there?

Shed Couture

By Nicola McCloy

By Peta Mathias

The stories behind historic New Zealand buildings.

A passion for fashion

This collection of stories gathered from across the length and breadth of New Zealand could easily have been called “If only these walls could talk”. The author Nicola McCloy has dug deep into NZ’s history to record the people and events that make some of our most iconic buildings, as well as many lesser-known structures, more than just bricks and mortar.

Her stories include both public and private buildings, ranging from a sparsely furnished hunter’s hut on a remote station in the South Island to the warm and homely Brian Watkins House in Tauranga and the landmark Pompallier Mission in Russell.

The only local entry is Couldrey House at Wenderholm where readers meet Annabella Mary Geddes, known as Mary. The kauri home, built by Waiwera Springs founder Robert Graham, was originally called Wenderholm, which is Swedish for ‘winter home’. The Couldrey family was the last owner before the Auckland Regional Authority bought the land for a regional park – the first regional park in Auckland.

The buildings are far from all domestic. There are stories about the construction of the impressive Mangahao Power Station near Whanganui, a fire engine house in Nelson and the Cass railway station between Christchurch and Greymouth

In the Company of Gardeners

By Juliet Nicholas & Sue Allison

While Peta Mathias is better known as a chef, author, entertainer and broadcaster, who writes about food and travel and hosts gastronomic tours, she is also an avid fashionista. She brings her passion for fashion to the fore in her latest book Shed Couture, where she shares style ideas for all shapes, sizes and ages. The book is a fun read as she rediscovers clothes, shoes and accessories bought over her lifetime and stored in her shed. Many have a story of their own to tell and readers also get to visit Paris and New York where food and fashion intermingle. Not surprisingly, there are chapters on colour, mixing and matching, and fabrics but she also covers show fashion and sustainability and shopping and preserving clothes. In her own words, “Fashion is mysterious, irresistible and alluring … they are not just frocks – they are beauty, art, history, emotion, memory, identity and, above all, joy.” Approach this book with joy and you won’t be disappointed.

Inspirational gardens & inspired gardeners of New Zealand

Judging by the skyrocketing sales at garden centres during the recent Covid lockdowns, gardens all over Auckland should be full of fruit and vegetables, and gorgeous shrubs and flowers. If these budding gardeners find themselves looking for inspiration or perhaps something more challenging, then In the Company of Gardeners is the perfect place to start. Or may be not! Perhaps these stunning gardens would be too intimidating.

From the dry plains of Cromwell to the historic far north, the 18 gardens featured in this collection represent the blood, sweat and tears of botanists, horticulturalists, food foresters and conservationists. As diverse as they might be, the gardens all reflect the love and care their creators have invested in them. Some hark back to English tradition, while others have embraced Aotearoa’s native flora, while others are a mix of both, but all designed to suit their climates and environments. Nicholas’ photographs are stunning and journalist Allison does a fine job of telling each garden’s story.

Book giveaways We have one copy of each of these books to give away. If you’d like to go into the draw, email editor@localmatters.co.nz with the tile of the book in the subject line. Closes January 26.

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| Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

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Independent school planned for Warkworth One of the unforeseen consequences of recent Covid lockdowns has been a reevaluation of education, by both teachers and parents.

Warkworth teacher Joy Leigh says the lockdowns have provided a moment in time for exploring alternative methods of education as parents took on the role of athome teachers.

“The education sector has stepped off the treadmill for the first time in 100 years and parents are suddenly asking what the purpose of their child’s education is,” she says.

“In lockdown, soft skills like resilience were more important than maths, and there is a huge gap for those type of skills in mainstream education.”

Committed to filling that gap, Joy is working towards opening an independent primary school in Warkworth next year.

She says the Nikau School will be an innovative mix of the Montessori method and outdoor education.

There are already outdoor schools in the area including the Mangawhai Nature School and The Forest School at Hatfields Beach. Children from regular schools attend one day a week or on multiple days if they are home schooled.

Joy says these schools place a greater emphasis on connecting with the natural world, taking the view that basing education entirely indoors limits a child’s learning.

In her quest to set-up the new school, Joy will spend this year getting Ministry of Education registration, finding a suitable site and getting a resource consent.

Pinehurst School has donated a classroom for the project and Joy is looking for land on a centrally located arterial route. She

already has one offer on Matakana Road at a generously low rate.

“The main challenge for me is time. I have three children under five and a small business, and I also help my husband with his business.”

But she is encouraged by the interest shown already. Within a week of announcing online her intention to set-up a new school, she had 80 expressions of interest and they continue to trickle in.

She has also had two offers, by a teacher and a marketing person, to volunteer their services to help get the project off the ground. She is working on the Nikau School concept with two other local teachers, Tia Wooller and Jane Watson, who have Montessori experience.

Joy envisages that the school will start with a small class of around 20 students aged six to nine. This will enable the school to build relationships with the children and deliver a holistic learning environment where curiosity and independent learning can flourish. A classroom for children aged nine to 12 would follow.

“The big picture is to have a playgroup for children from age zero and be able to continue a child’s education through to age 18,” Joy says.

“The idea is that at the end of their schooling they will be more well-rounded from having great relationships with teachers who support their passions and will be more aware of who they are.”

She believes that the next couple of years will see more independent schools spring up as disaffected teachers, impacted by vaccine mandates, seek to leave the state school system.

Joy herself was a teacher for eight years, mainly at Matakana School, but has been on maternity leave.

“

The education sector has stepped off the treadmill for the first time in 100 years

”

feature education

Teacher Joy Leigh, with daughter Zoe, is the prime mover behind the new school.

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January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

21

feature education

Sudoku

Solution

Sandspit residents Bruce McCallum, left, and Peter Deane lay the concrete foundation for the bus shelter.

Students benefit from community

TEACHERS Come and work in a fun new Preschool in Mangawhai! www.fame.co.nz/ teaching-vacancy info@fame.co.nz

College students forced to stand in the rain waiting for the school bus will soon have a shelter to take refuge in thanks to community support.

The plight of the half dozen students who congregate on Sandspit Road near McCallum Drive each school day morning came to the attention to the Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association (SRRA).

When students were approached asking if a bus shelter would be appreciated, the response was an emphatic, “Yes please”.

Funding to provide the shelter came from the SRRA and Sandspit Marina. Last month, Sandspit residents provided the

labour to lay the concrete foundation and Totalspan has agreed to install it at no cost.

But getting permission to build the shelter proved rather more challenging.

The shelter is located on a paper road, which comes under Auckland Transport’s (AT) jurisdiction.

SRRA bus shelter project manager Peter Deane says it took months dealing with AT being shunted around from department to department and getting nowhere.

“But once we found the right person to talk to, it went very smoothly,” he says.

Fortunately, the bus shelter did not require a building permit.

B4 offers child WOF check

Kindy or preschool is designed to prepare children for the transition to primary school, but there are also steps parents and carers can take at home to make the move smoother and easier.

One of these steps is the B4 School Check.

In New Zealand, every four-year-old child is entitled to this free health and development check, which is the eighth and final of the Well Child health checks.

It’s a good idea for children to have their B4 School Check soon after their fourth birthday. This leaves enough time for the child to get any help needed before they start school.

The check is carried out by a nurse and normally takes about 45 minutes. The nurse will explain what happens at the check and will ask the parent/guardian for their consent before starting the check.

It also provides an opportunity for parents

‘Educating learners today for a better tomorrow’ Poipoia ngā mokopuna. Ngā rangatira mo āpōpō. Ka tihei! Tihei mauri ora.

to talk to the nurse about their child and anything that may be worrying them.

It is recommended that parents look at the B4 School Check pages in the My Health Book (https://www.healthed.govt.nz/ resource/well-child-tamariki-ora-my-healthbook) for ideas of issues to talk about.

Prior to the check, a parent is asked to fill out questionnaires about their child’s development and wellbeing. If the child goes to a preschool, kindergarten or kōhanga reo, they will also be asked about their child’s learning and development.

The check will cover the child’s height and weight, teeth, immunisation status, learning and development, and general health and wellbeing. A vision and hearing technician will also check the child’s sight and hearing, but this may happen at a different time to the rest of the B4 School Check.

| Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

The Warkworth Bridge Club, in Alnwick Street, is back in business on Thursday February 17 with the start of its annual bridge lessons.

Club tutor Jeanette Grimmer says the 10week course is aimed at beginners, as well as anyone who might have played before and needs a refresher course.

The lessons will be held on Thursdays, from 3pm to 5pm. Participants will then be encouraged to move on to regular weekly club sessions, which are held on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Tuesday afternoons.

During last year’s Covid lockdowns, the club moved its play online.

Club president Sarah Gordon says the online play meant the club could keep operating.

“It was lots of fun as you could see the other players and there was the option of going back into the game afterwards and reviewing the play,” she says.

“Sadly, it did exclude anyone who wasn’t computer literate though.”

Bridge lessons are held at the clubrooms at 2 Alnwick Street and cost $10 a week.

Info: Jeanette on 021 101 8825.

Please make an appointment with the school office 09 4236030

Monday 24 January

22

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Playing Bridge is one way for people to maintain mental sharpness as they age.

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Warkworth School welcomes everyone back for 2022

Volunteer librarian Dianne Tull, left, and library committee member Vanessa Barber get to grips with the new system.

New era for Point Wells library Point Wells Community Library has installed a new electronic catalogue system, which promises to revolutionise the management of its books.

The Accessit system can immediately identify a book’s location, monitor return dates and generate automated email reminders when books are overdue.

Moreover, members are able to browse the catalogue from home, request a renewal on a book already borrowed or put a book on hold that they wish to read.

Library committee member Vanessa Barber says a small team started loading the details of each of the library’s 4,300 books in midNovember and by mid-December all the books had been entered.

She says the library committee initially struggled with the idea of installing Accessit fearing it might destroy the “quaintness” of the independent community library.

But the practical advantages of the

electronic system are undeniable. No longer will librarians have search every library member’s record in the old card system to identify the whereabouts of a missing book or check if an item is overdue.

When the library’s accession stamp – a device used to manually log books under the old system – got broken and an expensive replacement was out of stock, the decision to switch to an electronic system became even more compelling.

Vanessa says the system is the same one used by Mahurangi College and Matakana, Leigh and Warkworth primary schools.

She says Accessit is “not cheap”. Among those who gave generously to fund it were Mahurangi Community Trading Post, Bayleys, Lindesay Construction, Targetti, Flooring Xtra, Point Wells Club, Rodney Computer, Auckland Rural Libraries and the Point Wells Community Ratepayers Association.

Term 1 commences at 9:00am on Tuesday, 8 February 2022.

Open Day - Thursday 3 February 2022 - new students and their families can meet the teachers and explore their new learning environment.

New enrolments can be taken on the Open Day and also on Wednesday 2 February and Friday 5 February. To make an appointment time to enrol on either of these days, email office@warkworth.school.nz.

Warkworth School uniforms can be purchased online at www.argyleonline.co.nz.

Back-to-School stationery packs can be purchased online at www.schoolpacks.qizzle.co.nz.

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Border closures frustrate student exchanges Overseas student exchange programmes have been hard hit by the Covid-19 travel restrictions with some organisations describing their programmes as being in a holding pattern for the foreseeable future.

New Zealand sends and receives hundreds of exchange students, aged 14 to 18 years, every year. Some stays are for just a few weeks, but the majority are for six to 12 months. They are aimed at giving students the opportunity to experience other cultures, meet new friends and develop a global perspective.

With international borders closed, these exchanges have ground to a halt.

Shirley Webb-Speight, who is the interim national director of AFS Intercultural Programmes New Zealand, which will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, says NZ will be one of the last countries to reopen its border to international exchange students.

“The current unavailability of visas and uncertainty around timing makes comprehensive forward planning rather challenging,” she says.

AFS NZ continued to send a small number of students last year and will continue to do this this year. However, due to the restrictions at New Zealand’s border, it is unable to host students from abroad.

“We are optimistic that current border restrictions will lift in the second half of this year, which will enable us to begin hosting students from abroad again. However, there remains a real possibility that this does not materialise until next year.”

Ms Webb-Speight says that while numbers fluctuate from year to year, AFS NZ typically hosts several hundred students from abroad in a given year. A similar number of NZ students typically participate in its sending programmes.

“Covid has had an enormous impact, which has been most keenly felt with our hosting programmes. While the overall health risk to young adults is low, we take our duty of care extremely seriously and have, therefore, limited the range of countries that we send NZ students to.

“Where we have begun sending, we do

Happy New Year from Nature’s Nest

so with strict protocols in place for our students’ protection including thorough risk assessments on overseas host countries, vaccination requirements, and comprehensive medical insurance for all our participants.”

Ms Webb-Speight says the current restrictions are largely NZ driven.

“We have had a few countries unable to host such as Japan and China, but as time has gone by, most countries have started hosting AFS students again.

“While the current situation is both incredibly sad and frustrating, we are excited by the opportunities that lie ahead.

Our work with the global AFS community during the past year has reaffirmed our strong belief in the value of intercultural learning and exchange programmes.

Students in NZ and around the globe increasingly want to develop a global mindset and their desire for a just and peaceful world is as relevant as ever.”

YFU Student Exchange national director Natrisha Finch says the exchange industry came to a screaming holt in March 2020 when the first lockdown was announced.

“Once the repatriation of all our students was completed, we have been in somewhat of a holding pattern neither receiving nor sending students,” Ms Finch says.

“This holding pattern saw all except the national director lose their role within the organisation, and the national director working only part-time as part of the costcutting to keep YFU Student Exchange alive throughout the pandemic.

“Until the Government opens the international borders and grants students the ability to obtain a visa, we are unable to operate inbound programmes.”

YFU is working towards sending New Zealand students on exchange from August this year, but this is totally dependent on the actions of the Government.

“Globally, most YFU organisations have been facilitating exchange programmes since early last year, New Zealand being one of the very few unable to operate due to Covid-19 and international border closures.”

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Cuisine Lauraine Jacobs

www.laurainejacobs.co.nz/blog/

Salad days Sweetcorn. Tomatoes. Watermelons.

Herbs. There’s always an abundance of wonderful fresh foods from the vegetable garden in the middle of summer. They are perfect to serve at any meal and get you out of a hot, steamy kitchen.

Salads are the saviour of the season. Easy to whip at a moment’s notice. They can be made in advance, and popped in the fridge for an hour or two to chill, making for an easy meal. It is essential to find very fresh veggies and leaves for a salad. Of course, not all salads are based on green leaves but at this time of year the fresh crispness of lettuce leaves can’t be faulted.

I like to make any sort of leafy green as the base for my salads, preferring to lay the well washed and dried leaves out carefully to cover a wide platter, rather than have them disappear into a tangle in a deep bowl. Then, whatever is fresh and appetising can be added – carefully placed so there’s an even spread of everything to be seen throughout the serving dish. I only ever really “toss” my salads when they are entirely composed of leaves. Spreading out the other delicious ingredients on top means that the best bits don’t disappear to the bottom of the bowl, or all clump together so that one lucky diner scores all the goodies.

A salad like this one is fairly basic but careful thought means you can substitute anything lovely you have in the fridge or in your garden or straight from the orchard.

The sweetcorn gives the salad a little substance but you could use thinly sliced and steamed carrots, potatoes or radishes instead. Replace the mozzarella if you wish with feta or a crumbly goat cheese.

Mozzarella can be expensive and does not last in the fridge for more than three or four days.

Rock melon, berries or any stone fruit can be substituted for the watermelon.

Just remember to squeeze extra lemon over cut stone fruit so it doesn’t turn brown.

For the salad dressing, it is really important that it is not too acidic. If you’re making your own dressing, be absolutely certain to taste it before drizzling over the salad. A pinch of sugar never goes astray, especially when the salad is fruity. There are some excellent prepared dressings in the supermarket – find one you really like and use it for every salad.

Watermelon, Corn and Mozzarella Salad 1 large cob freshly shucked corn 1 iceberg, romaine or cos lettuce ¼ watermelon 6 small ripe tomatoes 1 ball mozzarella cheese or 2 bocconcini balls (you could use feta cheese) A handful of freshly picked herbs and herb flowers (nasturtiums can be lovely) Dressing 1 lemon, juice and zest 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tsp mustard 3 tbsps olive oil A small pinch of sugar or ½ tsp honey Salt and pepper to taste

e u c e b r a b a o t e k a t Perfect to

Shuck the corn and plunge into boiling salted water for four to five minutes. Allow to cool and gently cut the corn away from the cob. If you can manage to keep some in nice even pieces, it will look really good on your salad.

Carefully pull the leaves of the lettuce apart and wash thoroughly in cold water. Shake dry in a tea towel so no water remains on the leaves. Lay the leaves as a base over a nice serving plate. Cut the rind from the watermelon and cut the flesh into nice large wedges or fingers at least 5cm to 6cm long.

With a sharp knife, cut the each of the tomatoes into quarters. Drain the cheese and slice it into chunks.

Arrange the watermelon over the lettuce leaves, then arrange the corn and tomatoes on the greens. Strew the herbs over the top.

Make the dressing by shaking all the dressing ingredients together in a jar and then drizzle this over the salad. Finally decorate with herb flowers.

Serves 4-6 with barbecued chicken, fish, lamb or beef or by itself as a light meal.

You can make the salad in advance, and cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it, but it is better to add the dressing only half an hour before serving.

You can scale up the quantities easily if you have a large crowd.

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25

Sweetappreciation

with chocolatebrown Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Congratulations to Rosanna Ball of the Mahu Vision Community Trust, who is a recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Rosanna was nominated by Tania Hamilton, who wrote:

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Rosanna is a kind, committed and caring social worker who is determined to support her Pasifika community families to the highest level. This means advocating for them to receive all the support that they need from their community, employers and support agencies. This ensures their transition to the Warkworth and Wellsford areas goes smoothly. We salute you Rosanna.

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Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit? Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@ localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701, Warkworth. Kindly refrain from nominating members of your own family.

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History Judith Williams, Puhoi historian bohemia1863@gmail.com

Known by their fruits The fortnightly produce swap this January at the Puhoi community orchard in our river park was a chance to check the condition of some of the heritage fruit trees planted in winter last year. The small plums, pears, figs, and apples were looking healthy.

When I came to Puhoi 50 years ago, apples, peaches and figs grew on dusty roadsides and plums and quinces on riverbanks.

Here and there, surrounded by gorse and grass were pears, markers of early pioneer house sites.

Among one remembered by Lenny Wenzlick was a small, very sweet pear. He called it “Hiangabirn” or “‘honey pear” in our Bohemian dialect.

Like pears, the oval, purple-skinned, yellow-fleshed plums, prized in middle Europe, and called “Zwetschgala” in our dialect, survived in Puhoi. There is one in our community orchard, preserved by the Heritage Museum Society. The Puhoi women used the plums for their curd cake or kouch’n.

There is still debate about what our ancestors brought out from Bohemia – grape cuttings would have been easy to ship. I have a treasured vine, with very sweet small fruit, which a Karl family descendent from the Waikato believes came out with an ancestor.

And, of course, there was the fruit grown at the mouth of the Puhoi River by Chief Te Hemara Tauhia and his whanau, who we believe filled up their punts and canoes to save our 1863 Bohemian settlers from starvation in their first, tough years. What

were the origins of that fruit?

A decade later, the Rauners entered the Puhoi horticulture story. In a newspaper report from 1872, a correspondent of the Southern Cross wrote: “The vineyard of Mr Martin Rauner and his wife Maria is especially deserving of notice, and where a few years ago the wild-boar grunted in all his natural ferocity, there is now a flourishing vineyard.”

When I interviewed older Puhoi people

There is still debate about what our ancestors brought out from Bohemia – grape cuttings would have been easy to ship. for my book, Puhoi Remembers, some of the surviving orchardists were Fred Wech, Doug Titford, Vincent, Eddie and the Schischka family. They were all still growing fruit.

Uncle Ed used to tell me of the apple slices – Speikla – dried in the hot sun, and Aunty Alma bottled peaches for most days of the year for their big family.

Today, it is it is only early January, and my still green grapes, although swollen, are showing signs of water deprivation.

With the change of seasons and heating of climate over recent decades, I wonder about the future of fruit cultivation in our valley, and of the crops on which our ancestors once relied.

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It is the second time the event, modelled on an annual event in Orewa, has been held in Mangawhai.

SUMMER KAI ON THE FLY.

Sand designers set for Mangawhai comp Visitors and locals are being invited to get out their plastic buckets and spades for the Sandsational Sand Sculpture competition at Mangawhai Heads beach on January 30.

Organiser Dennis Emsley promises it will be a fun day for the whole family.

Plus, the winner of the open category will take home $1000, donated by the REAL team real estate.

As well as the sand creations, there will be a number of other events. A Drop the Golf Ball competition will see a front-end loader dump up to 800 golf balls on the beach.

Each of the balls corresponds to a pre-sold ticket. There will be a hole on the beach which can hold up to three balls and the ticket holders whose balls end up in that hole will win one of the top three prizes.

There will also be prizes for the best dressed

dog and owner.

“It can be whatever you like, as long as it’s legal,” Dennis says.

Both the golf ball drop and fancy-dress competitions have a top prize of $500, donated by Raincloud Water Delivery.

Drop the Golf Ball starts at 10am, fancy dress will be judged at 11am and the sand sculpture competition will be held from midday to 4pm.

“It will be judged before the tide comes and washes them all away.”

The event has been brought forward from March to January this year in the hope of avoiding last year’s blustery conditions, which tempered otherwise strong interest.

Funds raised will be donated to Mangawhai Rotary projects including its Learn to Sail classes.

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27

Sold on solar David Stone recently made the transition to having a solar-powered home and an electric car. He says it’s the perfect combination.

When Omaha resident David Stone drives past a petrol station and sees the advertised price of unleaded, he just grins. That’s because these days David has little use for petrol and runs his own car mostly for free.

That happy state of affairs occurred back in September when David installed solar panels on his roof and splashed out on a new Tesla electric car.

Solar energy not only powers all the appliances in his home, it also charges the Tesla, heats his spa pool and runs his air conditioning. David even makes money by selling the surplus electricity he generates back to the national grid, which is monitored in real time using a mobile app on his phone. When Mahurangi Matters called, he did a spot check and found that even on a cloudy day he was generating 2kW of electricity, using 1.6kW of that to power various appliances in his house and exporting 95W to the grid. The remaining power was charging a battery to store electricity for use at night.

But the electricity cost savings are only part

David Stone says his investments are making a 9 per cent return.

of it, as a keen environmentalist David was eager to do his bit to “save the planet”.

“By using solar, we are not adding in even an infinitesimal way the need to fire up the coal-fueled Huntly power station,” he says.

He and his wife are both parents and grandparents and the cliché about what sort of world they want for their grandchildren bears heavily on them both.

“When we are asked ‘Poppa and Nanna what did you do about the climate crisis’, well this is something we have done and something the average Joe Blow can do as well,” he says

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David reckons that if, say, just 20 per cent of New Zealand homes were similarly equipped with solar panels then we would simply eliminate the likelihood of any kind of energy shortage that would demand harmful environmental interventions like building more dams or burning coal.

But there are some steep upfront costs, right?

Indeed. David spent $38,000 for 24 solar panels and associated hardware and then forked out a further $82,000 on Tesla Model 3 with a dual motor.

He admits having money in the bank to take care of these expenses made the decision easier. Money in the bank was

earning a piffling 0.5 per cent net interest.

The same money invested in solar and an EV makes an effective 9 per cent return.

“Where else are you going to a secure 9 per cent return on your money?” David asks.

This means that it could well be worth Joe Blow borrowing the money to make the upfront investments. And, of course, Joe need not necessarily have to buy quite such a nice EV. Just going for the Tesla Model 3 single motor option brings the price of the car down to about $67,000.

Have the economics worked out as David hoped? After all, he is not self-sufficient continued next page

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from previous page

in power. He still gets power bills and the recent addition of a spa pool and EV have significantly boosted his power consumption. It will take a year, featuring winter and summer months before David can evaluate precisely how well his investment is performing. Though he does say as an indication that a power bill for a recent month was just $60, whereas previously it would have been around the $180 to $230 mark.

“

More than 48 per cent of New Zealand’s energyrelated greenhouse gas emissions come from transport

”

The economics improve even further if you are savvy about when you charge the car and use the dishwasher and washing machine – all heavy electricity users. David says as much as possible, do all these things during the day – taking maximum advantage of your solar power generating capacity – rather than in the evening or overnight.

According to David, going solar would be even more attractive, and thereby yield greater environmental benefits, if the Government subsidised householders and businesses to make the transition to solar and thinks this would make more sense than the current policy of subsidising electric cars. He says it would also be better if householders could get more money for the electricity they pump back into the grid. David typically pays 28 cents per kWh to draw from the grid but gets only about 8 cents per kWh when he exports

to the grid.

The first of these points don’t quite wash with the Government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA).

Spokesperson Dr Gareth Gretton says New Zealand’s electricity system is already highly renewable from using sources such as hydro, geothermal and wind power.

This means households switching to solar, though welcome, will likely have a lower impact on greenhouse gas emissions than in other countries.

In New Zealand, such emissions would be more effectively reduced by people switching to an electric or fuel-efficient vehicle, thereby bolstering the case for subsidising electric cars.

“More than 48 per cent of New Zealand’s energy-related greenhouse gas emissions come from transport,” he says.

Mahurangi Matters also approached the Electricity Authority – which regulates the New Zealand electricity market – to see if it thought there was scope for householders getting more money for the power they generate but did not get a reply before going to press. But a check on the Trustpower website perhaps points to the likely answer.

Trustpower explains the money it pays out to householders generating electricity is lower than what it retails it for, to cover the cost of things such as lines and operating margins.

Nevertheless, these caveats are unlikely to temper David’s enthusiasm for solar given he is already reaping tangible benefits from a source with a secure future.

“After all, the sun is going to keep shining, short of a nuclear war,” he says.

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Science Emeritus Professor Ralph Cooney r.cooney@auckland.ac.nz

For anyone serious about trying to save water this summer, Watercare Services has produced a 12-page brochure that outlines where and how to save this precious resource. It covers water use in the home, advice on buying appliances, how to build water efficiency into a new home, and using water outside and in the garden.

The brochure is available to download with this story online at www.localmatters.co.nz

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The climate crisis is like a global rugby game in which all the players (emitters) must contribute. The critical role of Government in this existential zerocarbon game is not as players (they are not carbon emitters) but as coaches and officials, providing leadership, legislation, regulation, funding and monitoring. The actual players (emitters) are the companies, the communities and especially the consumers – in other words, all of us!

Like rugby, climate remediation is a team game in which every player must show creativity and leadership. There is no reserve bench for those sector-players that are uncomfortable with change and that hope the crisis will simply pass by.

A large number of corporations are now pursuing zero-carbon strategies, presumably because of intense consumer pressure.

This demonstrates that consumers can leverage their considerable power of choice to influence the future climate policies of companies. Future generations of consumers in New Zealand and overseas are likely to avoid agricultural or other products that are perceived as being damaging to the global climate.

Agricultural methane reduction is an important commercial opportunity for New Zealand. Federated Farmers have indicated their general support for the Government’s climate policies but with one exception: the agricultural methane reduction target. Methane is a greenhouse gas that is 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It persists in the atmosphere for 12 years before degrading into carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The challenge is that ruminant animals are responsible for 71 per cent of New Zealand’s total agricultural emissions and reducing methane is therefore essential if New Zealand is to meet its national and international targets.

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The

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Local carriers pick up baton on Three Waters Two local water carrier representatives are spearheading a campaign to see their industry better represented when it comes to consultation on the Government’s Three Waters Reform Programme.

Water by Nature’s Elaine Jones and Solway’s Christine Walker believe that water carriers are at a disadvantage in the consultation process on the companion Water Services Bill for Safe Drinking Water because they don’t have an industry body.

Elaine says of the natural water carriers she had initially spoken to (those delivering an unchlorinated supply) who were most likely to be affected by the Bill, few were even aware of its existence and even fewer felt comfortable researching the details and making a submission.

“We only became aware of the potential impact of the Bill when a local resident forwarded a media article referencing water regulator Taumata Arowai’s intention to make it compulsory to chlorinate all water supplied to rainwater tanks,” she says.

Elaine says that while they support the setting up of a new regulatory body to oversee the Three Waters programme, the compulsory chlorination of water tanks was of major concern, as well as the associated compliance paperwork that would be required.

She went to Wellington last year to speak to her submission on the Drinking Water Services Bill and, along with Christine, has been in discussion with Taumata Arowai since.

“We are optimistic that we are getting traction and that our message that ‘one size’ does not fit all is getting through.”

Elaine Jones and Rob Knight are putting Waiwera-sourced water back on the market, but under a new name. In the background is where Waiwera Valley Properties had hoped to build a multi-million dollar bottling plant in 2010.

The much-vaunted Waiwera water has finally come onto the market, but in a trickle rather than a gush.

Six years ago, Elaine Jones and Rob Knight bought the controversial 10 hectare farm, just west of Waiwera, which is home to a water production bore.

Former Waiwera Thermal Pools owner John St Clair Brown sunk the bore on the site around 2007 before selling to Waiwera Water co-directors, Mikhail Khimich and Leon Fingerhut.

Waiwera Water planned to build a stateof-the-art bottling plant on site but the plan was scuppered when neighbours objected. The fight went all the way to the Environment Court and the farm remained idle for many years afterwards.

“We were unaware of all this history when we drove by one day and noticed the place looking a bit overgrown and neglected,” Elaine says. “At the time, we were looking for a bit of land where I could keep my

horses and a small flock of Wiltshire sheep.

On a whim, we drove in and left our contact details with the residents, saying that if the owners ever wanted to sell then we’d love to hear from them.

“A little time later we got a call saying that if we were still interested in buying, the sale had to happen immediately. We were led to believe that the property was about to be seized by the Overseas Investment Office.

“In a whirlwind 48 hours, which included doing due diligence, we found ourselves the new owners.”

Initially, the couple used the water for their own supply and the animals. They say they knew it was good water – historically, the water in the Waiwera region was known to Maori as Te Rata, which means ‘the doctor’.

“It’s naturally alkaline and studies show this can reduce acid reflux symptoms. It also has very low turbidity, which is a key test of water quality. But we really didn’t know what to do with it.”

Then last December, after seeing people struggling through some dry years, Elaine and Rob, along with their close friends Kerry Atkinson and Neil Matthews, started a rural tank delivery service under the name Water by Nature.

The bore is 180-metres deep and the water has been carbon dated at more than 10,000 years old.

Rob says a flowing artesian aquifer (one that does not require a pump) is also quite rare.

“Waiwera Water had consent to take 73 million litres a day so we believe that’s what the bore can sustain. Council monitors both the volume of water being extracted and the pressure. The water is tested monthly for bacteria and a chemical analysis is done once a year.

“We’re keeping delivery local, operating one truck, with the number of truck movements a day limited by our consent.

“It really is beautiful, soft water and we’re glad we can now share it with others.”

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January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

31

Underwater adventure

Mahurangi Matters editor James Addis decided to have a crack at scuba diving for the first time this summer.

My excitement at heading underwater for the first time was tempered by an inability to control what my body did.

Ellie Hamilton-Hunter says you don’t have to be super fit to enjoy the pleasures of scuba diving.

One of my former hobbies was watching YouTube videos of the training of elite troops – paratroopers, SAS, marines and so forth. I found their exploits breathtaking – the physical fitness, mental stamina and agility required seemed to require superhuman qualities.

But as I watched and admired, I was only too aware that it was not something I could do myself. Even if I could develop the psychological attributes, a certain physical clumsiness would hold me back.

This was emphasised to me once during an attempt at water skiing. Try as I might, I simply could not get on my feet. On my final try, the skis (with my legs attached) rocketed upwards almost perpendicular to the ocean. This meant my backside hit the deck with almost unbelievable force, and I was given an involuntary, painful enema, the like of which I will never forget.

Nevertheless, the more adventurous sports have maintained their appeal for me. This summer, I thought I would have a crack at scuba diving, and I contacted New Zealand Diving in Warkworth to help me out. I think when I made the approach, I vaguely imagined they could give me a tank, a wetsuit, a guide and a few tips and I could then happily swim around underwater like Jacques Cousteau. Of course, it’s not that simple. My Scuba Discovery experience started with an online course that outlined some basic principles, the equipment I would be using, underwater communication and what to do if I got into trouble.

The course looked a little daunting at first. There were six chapters to wade through with questions to answer after each one. But the chapters are brief and the questions not too taxing. I sailed through it in about an hour and was chuffed when I scored 100 per cent in the final exam.

Having some background knowledge proved a boon when I reached Matheson Bay for my first dive with my instructor Ellie. When she said BCD – I knew she was referring to the buoyancy control device – designed to keep you afloat at the surface when fully inflated and at a suitable depth when partially inflated. Ellie also talked me through checking the pressure in the tank and attaching the regulator. After a few more safety points and tips, we don the equipment and head for the ocean.

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My excitement at heading underwater for the first time was tempered by an inability to control what my body did. At first, I could not seem to stop myself rolling on my back and involuntarily rising to the surface.

Once I gained a bit of control, thanks to managing my breathing a bit better and listening to Ellie’s patient instruction, I settled down. We ran through things like how to clear your mask if it fills with water, what to do if your regulator tube falls out of your mouth and how to stop painful pressure building up in your ears.

You do this by “equalising” blowing through your nose while pinching it at the same time. I was amazed by how quick and effective this is.

We head back to shore for a breather and a muesli bar and then back into the ocean. The idea is to head into deeper water and perhaps spot some schools of fish under the surface. But I struggle with the swimming to get there. Doing it on my back seems most comfortable, but I make little progress. “Kick from your hips not from your knees,” Ellie urges, but I’m not feeling good.

I’m not usually seasick, but I soon start throwing up.

We do a little more diving, but to be honest my heart is not in it at this point, and I’m glad to accept Ellie’s suggestion that we call it a day. When we reach shore, I wonder if a bit more fitness might have helped, but Ellie says not especially. She says one of the joys of diving is that it is best done at a relaxed, slow pace. It’s really all about technique.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. There’s a wonderful world to explore out there and the waters off the Mahurangi coast are surely a great place to start. I’m certain all that’s needed is patience and persistence. I ask Ellie if she dives to spearfish or gather scallops, but she tells me that’s not her thing. She’s noticed a sharp decline in marine life over recent years. It does not seem right to take even more from the ocean. Instead, she dives to marvel at the magnificent life that remains. I like that sentiment. If I do return to scuba diving, I think I’ll follow her example.

Mahurangi Matters would like to thank New Zealand Diving for the supply of equipment and instruction for this story.

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During the growing season, approximately October to March, primary producers and horticulturalists can access a soil Hotspot Watch from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

The Hotspot Report uses rain gauge data from many stations around New Zealand to create a soil/water balance model.

Meteorologist Seth Carrier says that essentially, the model starts with identifying how much water should be in the soil at a particular time of year.

Rainfall is added to that number, while evaporation from the soil due to sun, wind, warm temperatures and so on, is subtracted from the number.

“So, if we have more water in the soil than expected at a particular time and place that’s a surplus (blue Temperature colours on our sensor with radiation shield maps), while less water in the soil than expected is a deficit (orange and red colours Data logging housing on our maps),” he says.

Solar A hotspot is panel declared if soils are ‘severely drier than normal’, which occurs when Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) is less than -110mm and the Soil Moisture Anomaly Ground level

is less than -20mm.

“If an area with drier than normal soils is forecast to get even drier in the future, a farmer may consider starting irrigation to offset that trend.

“Conversely, if a dry area is forecast to get significant rain in the next week, such irrigation may no longer be necessary.

“Areas of the country that are consistently drier than normal for a long period of time may begin to experience meteorological drought, which is something we track with NIWA’s New Zealand Drought Index (NZDI). This can be accessed at: www.niwa.co.nz/climate/ information-and-resources/drought-monitor Seth says it is important to note that while NIWA does have a network of soil moisture sensors around NZ, that network is too sparse to be used for the Hotspot Watch report.

“NIWA’s soil moisture network started around 1998 with about 20 sites. It was instigated by a severe drought at that time.

Currently, the network has about 91 sites, with most sites in low elevations due to its use by the primary sector.”

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33

Gulf

social life

Animals that share prey have distinct social networks, allowing us to use their attendance at workups to determine the prey present and the quality of a prey patch.

Auckland University science student Wednesday Davis has been looking into gatherings of creatures in the Hauraki Gulf to figure out how they can be best protected.

When out on the water, we often see groups of whales, dolphins, seabirds, and predatory fish foraging together in gatherings known as workups or bust-ups, usually at pretty good fishing spots. Over the last three years, researchers from the University of Auckland have been going out into the Hauraki Gulf searching for these workups to determine who is there, what they are doing and how we can best monitor them to track future ecosystem changes.

Many species rely on others for prey detection, access, and capture. By foraging within workups, predators often gain better access to their prey where it is herded together by underwater predators. For example, white-fronted terns forage with the fish kahawai. The kahawai herd zooplankton up to the surface, making it easier for terns to feed on the zooplankton. These workups are dynamic, patchily distributed, and short-lived. Some predators, like Bryde’s whales, act as terminators, ending the workup by eating almost all of the prey patch in just one lunge.

Dolphins, however, are facilitators. They herd fish into a tight ball at the surface, making an easy meal for seabirds, sharks, manta rays and whales.

Animals that share prey have distinct social networks, allowing us to use their attendance at workups to determine the prey present and the quality of a prey patch.

The diet of the species present tells us what prey is present.

For example, storm petrels and Bryde’s whales both eat plankton, so the prey is likely to be plankton when they are seen together.

However, when fish eaters and plankton eaters are foraging together, there is prey across various food-chain levels,

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| Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

Birds gather for a feast.

Wednesday Davis

Bryde’s whales spoil the party. They eat almost all of the prey in just one lunge. Drone images taken with a Department of Conservation permit.

allowing many species to feed together. These variations in workup attendance can help us understand changes in ecosystem health over time, with attendance reflecting various challenges in finding quality meals. Recent research by the Marine Mammal Ecology Group at the University of Auckland has found that over the last ten years, Bryde’s whales have shifted their diet from fish to plankton and are now foraging more frequently in plankton-based workups. However, not much is known about workup attendance patterns for other species. Our research is a baseline, allowing us to detect changes over time for other species within the Hauraki Gulf, allowing us to better

Dolphins are great hosts – providing easy meals for other species.

understand associations and foraging patterns.

To enhance this research, drones (with DOC permits) are being flown above the workups, capturing a birds-eye view, enabling us to understand better the role of subsurface predators such as sharks, manta rays and cetaceans (dolphins and whales) in these workups. Alongside this, we are training artificial intelligence tools to automatically detect predators and their behaviours, enhancing our ability to process footage and extend survey efforts. These novel research approaches can help us better understand these workups and how we can best protect marine megafauna and taonga species in the Hauraki Gulf.

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RAINCLOUD TRUSTED WATER DELIVERY

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Boat Club hopeful for regatta Organisers of the 135th annual Anniversary Weekend Pahi Regatta have been holding their breath in anticipation of the Government’s review of Covid-19 restrictions in Northland.

Commodore Ben Sheppard says he is hopeful either restrictions will ease or the committee will be able to work within the rules with a bit of creative thinking.

“It has been such a long running event and we are so used to holding it, we are comfortable with making the decision at the 11th hour,” he says.

Sheppard hopes the programme will be similar to last year,which included the regatta, bath tub race, wharf dive bomb competitions and live music.

As usual, there will be a launch division and

a runabout division for Saturday’s regatta.

There is a starting handicap system with a proprietary formula based on length, beam, draft and horsepower.

“In theory, every boat should cross the finish line at the same time, but in practice there can only be one winner.”

On Sunday, there will be the regular bathtub race featuring homemade craft made from tubs that have been modified for stability and to mount an outboard motor.

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35

The ship of lights will sail the night again.

Rekindling Kaiwaka, the little town of lights Once, for travellers heading to Northland, a sure highlight of the trip was passing through the twinkling town of Kaiwaka. Holidaymakers would slow down to see the glowing works of art atop the roofs of community buildings and businesses. Then, one day the town went dark. Jonathan Killick investigates the history of the little town of lights and speaks to a group of locals attempting to rekindle its once shining reputation…

Thirty years ago, Kaiwaka’s Mark Ottaway decided that St Paul’s Church, next to his small bakery on Mangawhai Road, would look better if it was lit up.

Mark had always been fascinated with lights, but after a trip to Las Vegas he had visions of Kaiwaka lighting the way for travellers into Northland.

The trouble was, the technology of the day was difficult to work with. If just one bulb on a string blew, all of the lights would go out.

But, Mark found a man in Napier with a revolutionary redesign of the humble fairy light. The bulbs fitted onto a wire track and could easily be removed, replaced or repositioned, and stayed on even if one of them blew.

So, Mark measured up the church, bought the lights and put them up with the help of a local farmer who had a cherry picker.

With the church looking so good, it didn’t

take long before other businesses wanted in on the fun.

Luckily, Mark had help from his mate Barry Treadwell who was an engineer. Businesses would come to them with their idea, and Mark would design the lights while Barry would engineer a frame to support it.

At the peak, there were upwards of 20 lights in Kaiwaka. There was a fish on the takeaway shop, a shamrock on the service station, an ABC on the school, a letterbox on the post office. Even the fire brigade had a tower with neon flames.

But Barry’s pièce de résistance was an eight-metre high and 10-metre-long sailing ship, mounted on what is now the Small Pukeko’s Learning Centre, visible from the highway.

The lights quickly took over the town’s identity and put Kaiwaka on the map.

Postcards and pens were made up, and the

legend of the “little town of lights” was spread by starry eyed holidaymakers.

For Kaiwaka’s 150th anniversary in 2009, the town had a contest for costumes made from lights and 240 people took part. It was an unofficial attempt to get in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most people wearing lights.

However, sometime in the 2010s everything changed. The incandescent bulbs the light displays had relied upon disappeared from the market and were replaced by LEDs. “They were a disaster,” Mark recalls.

The cheaply manufactured LED lights didn’t last long and if one bulb went out, it would mean painstakingly cutting it out and soldering in a new one.

Mark and Barry couldn’t keep up. Then a particularly bad hail storm hit the town and destroyed several of the lights, effectively plunging the town into a dark age.

The name Little Town of Lights may have persisted in myth, but visitors hoping to glimpse the glimmering highway town were left disappointed.

Shaky start Flash forward to 2021. The Kaiwaka

Can residents’ group has sparked to life despite a The lights became shaky start.

Its an identity for new president, David Kaiwaka.

Wright, admits that it still has a way to go to turn around its reputation as “Kaiwaka Can’t”, but things are moving again.

“I jumped up and down at a meeting protesting the inaction. It might have been a mistake because then I got the job,” he says.

One of Kaiwaka Can’s big projects has been turning the lights back on, and they’ve had some success. The Four Square has its logo, Kaiwaka Yamaha has a lawnmower, the library has its original open book and reading glasses, the hairdressers has scissors, the Gateway North Motel has a bed, cup and saucer, and the Cheese Shop has a windmill.

David and fellow member Henk Van Der Woerd have been offering their services designing and installing the lights for free, while the materials are supplied at cost. continued next page

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Mark Ottaway still lights up his house on the highway as a display to raise funds for the fire brigade.

a successful proposal by Kaiwaka Can to council and the Provincial Growth Fund.

The bridges will also connect with Kaiwaka’s under-used green space, McClean Park. Town residents have recently been busy cleaning the park up with well-attended working bees.

Kaiwaka Can’s vision for the park is to have a loop walkway along the river and a pontoon to launch kayaks from, providing access to the Kaipara Harbour.

David and Henk are also planning to resurrect Barry’s ship of lights, which they have dug out from a paddock at the edge of town, and display it by the river using solar power.

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Kaiwaka Can light duo, David Wright and Henk Van Der Woerd.

Once again, the lights have from previous page benefitted from a step change in technology. David and Henk have found a new generation of LEDs called “neon flex”.

They are bright, waterproof and longlasting. One of the test units is still burning bright after three years, and is yet to show signs of wear.

Thanks to a confidential connection, Kaiwaka Can is able to import the lights at a wholesale price, and offers local businesses their own customised sign for around $250.

David believes that next year will be Kaiwaka’s moment in time with several projects coming to fruition. Two new footbridges will safely connect the two ends of the town for pedestrians, following

Despite all this progress, Kaiwaka Can is still having some trouble getting businesses to take advantage and help rekindle the town’s luminous reputation.

David says there are several businesses who want to get a light but their landlord won’t allow them to. He says the trouble is that large sections of the town’s commercial premises are owned by a small number of landlords who, so far, haven’t shown enthusiasm.

“We are hoping that as the momentum keeps building, they will take notice of how the community is getting behind these projects.”

David says the town used to have a small and tight-knit community that would roll up its sleeves and get things done. Today, the town has grown with new arrivals from across the country and overseas.

“It has become more diverse, and it is a matter of reconnecting people in the town and working together to make it into something everybody can be proud of,” he says.

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January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

37

Holiday crossword

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

ACROSS 77. Divine being (5) 15 16 17 1. Misunderstanding 78. Hide (7) (17) 83. Preparation (8) 18 10. Expensive, high 84. Sudden downpour quality (8) (10) 19 20 21 22 15. Two-handed cutting 85. Handbook (6) 23 24 blade (6) 86. Cheat, con man (8) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 16. Final result (3,7) 87.

Angry (3,5,3,6) 1 2 3 4 5 6 26 7 8 9 1027 1128 12 13 14 25 29 17. Captain Nemo’s submarine (8) DOWN 77.

Divine being (5) ACROSS 2 3 4 5 31 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 30 1 32 15 16 17 Earnings 19.

55th wedding 78.2.Hide (7) (6) 1. Misunderstanding 77.

Divine being (5) 15 17 3.Preparation Bury (5) anniversary (7) 83.

(8) standing 78. (17) Hide (7) 33 16 34 35 36 37 18 Bind (3)downpour 21.Expensive, Pseudonymhigh (5) 84.4.Sudden 10.

83.

Preparation (8) ACROSS 77.

Divine being (5) 18 38 39 40 5.(10) Bobbin (4) 22.quality Competitive canine (8) e, high 84.

Sudden downpour 19 20 21 22 15 16 17 1.

Hidesign (7) 6.78.

Danger situation (3,3,3) Handbook (6)(3,4)20 15.Misunderstanding Two-handed cutting 85. ) (10) 19 21 22 41 42 43 44 Preparation 23 24 Plaid (6) 25.(17) Shotgun Cheat, con man (8) (8) blade (6) bullet ded cutting 85.

Handbook (6) (9) 86.7.83.

18 NeatSudden (4) 27.Expensive, Chiefresult ofcon a work 24 (3,5,3,6)downpour23 16.

Final (3,7) 86.

Cheat, man (8) 87.8.Angry 10. high 84.

25 26 27 28 29 9. Quick check of gang (7) 17.

Captain Nemo’s5 ult (3,7) 87.quality (10) 1 2 3Angry (3,5,3,6) 4(8) 6 7 26 8 9 12 28 13 20 14 1910 11 21 22 25 27 2951 45 46 47 48 49 50 52 53 54 55 56 something (4-4) 29.submarine Alter (6) (8) DOWN Nemo’s 30 31 32 15.

Two-handed cutting11.

85.

Handbook (6) Braids (6)(6) 33.

Wedwedding (5) 2. Earnings 19.

55th e (8) DOWN 30 Cheat, con man (8) 31 32 23 24 (6)(6)(7)wife 12.

Person 34.

Maharajah’s 3. 86.

Bury (5) who studies 33 anniversary ding 2.blade Earnings 34 35 36 37 15 16 17 16. result(5) (3,7) 87.

Angry (3,5,3,6) celestial bodies (8) (5) 4.

Bind (3) 21.

Pseudonym ary (7) 3.Final Bury 33 3457 35 36 37 58 59 25 27 28 60 29 38 26 39 40 (10) (4) 36.

Gather 5. Bobbin 22.

Competitive canine ym (5) 4.Captain Bind (3) (10) 17.

Nemo’s 18 38 39 40 13.

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35. Bird-like (5) 6) 37. Eagle’s nest (5) (7) 86 87 38. Six-sided shape (4) or ruru 40. Himalayan monster 38 | Mahurangimatters | January (5) Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters 17, 2022 (4) e (10) 52. Lubricated 72. Food provider (7) 45. Cavity connecting 8) 54. Every one or thing (4) 73. Light, sweet cake (6) with the nose (5) 5) 55. Chemical recipe (7) 74. Ocean floor (6)

SUMMER TIME CROSSWORD

Holiday crossword ay crossword

Holiday crossword

ACROSS: 1. Misinterpretation, 10. Upmarket, 15. Scythe, 16. End product, 17. Nautilus, 19. Emerald, 21. Alias, 22. Dog eat dog, 25. Cartridge, 27. Foreman, 29. Modify, 33.

Marry, 34. Maharani, 36. Congregate, 39. Guy, 41. Bashful, 42. Siesta, 43. Eyelet, 44.

Stir, 45. Sampler, 48. Indecision, 53. Set free, 57. Note, 58. Stupid, 59. Rarely, 60.

Scarlet, 62. Owl, 64. Serpentine, 65. Impudent, 66. Jumpy, 69. Oracle, 70. Strange, 71. Octagonal, 76. Carpenter, 77. Deity, 78. Conceal, 83. Planning, 84. Cloudburst, 85.

Manual, 86. Swindler, 87. Hot under the collar.

DOWN: 2. Income, 3. Inter, 4. Tie, 5. Reel, 6. Red flag, 7. Tartan, 8. Tidy, 9. Once-over, 11. Plaits, 12. Astronomer, 13. Kill, 14. Testify, 18. Get a move on, 20. Late, 23. Lilac, 24. Disaster, 26. Airship, 28. Origami, 30. Sahara, 31. Hassle, 32. Egress, 35. Avian, 37.

Eyrie, 38. Cube, 40. Yeti, 45. Sinus, 46. Maternal, 47. Rotate, 48. Impenitent, 49. Dodo, 50. Curling, 51. Seraph, 52. Oiled, 54. Each, 55. Formula, 56. Exempt, 61. Well-earned, 63. In-law, 67. Waterloo, 68. Solo, 69. Octopus, 72. Caterer, 73. Sponge, 74. Seabed, 75. Banana, 79. Canal, 80. Sari, 81. Guru, 82. Itch, 85. Mac.

ay crossword

Solution - Page 41

ACROSS: 1. Misinterpretation, 10. Upmarket, 15. Scythe, 16. End product, 17. Nautilus, DOWN: 2. Income, 3. Inter, 4. Tie, 5. Reel, 6. Red flag, 7. Tartan, 8. Tidy, 11.Tie, Plaits, 12. Astronomer, 13.Tartan, Kill, 14.

Get a move on, 20. Lat 19.10.

Emerald, 21. Alias, 22. Dog eat dog, 25. Cartridge, 27. Foreman, DOWN:29.

2. Modify, Income,33.

3. Inter, 4.

5. Reel, 6. Red flag, 7.

8.Testify, Tidy, 9.18.

Once-over, ACROSS: 1. Misinterpretation, Upmarket, 15. Scythe, 16.

End product, 17. Nautilus, 24.

Disaster, 26. Airship, Origami, 30.Late, Sahara, Hassle, 32. Egress Marry, 34. Maharani, 36. Congregate, 39.29.

Guy, 41. Bashful, 42.11.

Siesta, 44. 13.

Plaits,43.

12.Eyelet, Astronomer, Kill, 14. Testify, 18. Get 28. a move on, 20.

23. 31.

Lilac, 19. Emerald, 21. Alias, 22. Dog eat dog, 25. Cartridge, 27. Foreman, Modify, 33.

38.30.

Cube, 40. Yeti, 45. Sinus, Maternal, 47. Rotate, Stir, 45. Sampler, Set free, Note, 59. Rarely, 60.

24. Disaster, 26. Airship, 28. Eyrie, Origami, Sahara, 31. Hassle, 32.46.

Egress, 35. Avian, 37. 48. Impenit Marry, 34. Maharani, 36. Congregate, 39. Guy,48.

41.Indecision, Bashful, 42.53.

Siesta, 43. 57.

Eyelet, 44.58. Stupid, Curling, 51. Seraph, Oiled, 54.

Each, 55. 49.

Formula, Scarlet, 62. Owl, 65. Impudent, 66.60.

Jumpy, 69.Eyrie, Oracle, Strange, 38.70.

Cube, 40. Yeti, 45.50.

Sinus, 46. Maternal, 47.52.

Rotate, 48.

Impenitent, Dodo,56. Exempt, 6 Stir, 45. Sampler, 48. Indecision, 53. Set free, 64.

57. Serpentine, Note, 58. Stupid, 59. Rarely, 63. In-law, 67. Waterloo, 68. Solo, 69. Octopus, 72. Caterer, 73. Sponge, 71. Octagonal, 76. 66.

Carpenter, 78.

Conceal, 84. Cloudburst, 85.52. Oiled, 50. Curling, 51. Seraph, 54. Each, 55. Formula, 56. Exempt, 61. Well-earned, Scarlet, 62. Owl, 64. Serpentine, 65. Impudent, Jumpy, 77.

69. Deity, Oracle, 70.

Strange,83. Planning, 75. Banana, 79. Canal, 80. Sari,73.

81.Sponge, Guru, 82.

85. Mac. 86.78.

Swindler, 87.83.

HotPlanning, under the84. collar.

63. In-law, 67. Waterloo, 68. Solo, 69. Octopus, 72. Caterer, 74.Itch, Seabed, 71. Octagonal, 76. Carpenter,Manual, 77. Deity, Conceal, Cloudburst, 85.

75. Banana, 79. Canal, 80. Sari, 81. Guru, 82. Itch, 85. Mac. Manual, 86. Swindler, 87. Hot under the collar.

Your summer time crossword is brought to you by

Mitre 10 MEGA Warkworth

ACROSS: 1. Misinterpretation, 10. Upmarket, 15. Scythe, 16. End product, 17. Nautilus, DOWN: 2. Income, 3. Inter, 4. T 63. In-law, 67. Waterloo, 69. Octopus, 72. Caterer, 73.33.

Sponge, Seabed, 85. 19. Emerald, 11.74.

Plaits, 12. Astronomer, 13. K 21. Alias, 22. Dog eat68. dog,Solo, 25. Cartridge, 27. Foreman, 29. Modify, 75.34.Banana, 80. Sari, 81.41.

Guru, 82.42.

Itch, 85. 43.

Mac. 24. Disaster, 26. Airship, 28. Ori Marry, Maharani,79.

36.Canal, Congregate, 39. Guy, Bashful, Siesta, Eyelet, 44.

Eyrie, 38. Cube, 40. Yeti, 45. Si Stir, 45. Sampler, 48. Indecision, 53. Set free, 57. Note, 58. Stupid, 59. Rarely, 60.

50. Curling, 51. Seraph, 52. Oile Scarlet, 62. Owl, 64. Serpentine, 65. Impudent, 66. Jumpy, 69. Oracle, 70. Strange, 63. In-law, 67. Waterloo, 68. Sol 71. Octagonal, 76. Carpenter, 77. Deity, 78. Conceal, 83. Planning, 84. Cloudburst, 85.

75. Banana, 79. Canal, 80. Sari, Manual, 86. Swindler, 87. Hot under the collar.

DOWN: 2. Income, 3. Inter, 4. Tie, 5. Reel, 6. Red flag, 7. Tartan, 8. Tidy, 9. Once-over, 11. Plaits, 12. Astronomer, 13. Kill, 14. Testify, 18. Get a move on, 20. Late, 23. Lilac, 24. Disaster, 26. Airship, 28. Origami, 30. Sahara, 31. Hassle, 32. Egress, 35. Avian, 37.

Eyrie, 38. Cube, 40. Yeti, 45. Sinus, 46. Maternal, 47. Rotate, 48. Impenitent, 49. Dodo, 50. Curling, 51. Seraph, 52. Oiled, 54. Each, 55. Formula, 56. Exempt, 61. Well-earned,

www.mitre10.co.nz

ACROSS: 1. Misinterpretation, 10. Upmarket, 15. Scythe, 16. End product, 17. Nautilus, 19. Emerald, 21. Alias, 22. Dog eat dog, 25. Cartridge, 27. Foreman, 29. Modify, 33.

Marry, 34. Maharani, 36. Congregate, 39. Guy, 41. Bashful, 42. Siesta, 43. Eyelet, 44.

Stir, 45. Sampler, 48. Indecision, 53. Set free, 57. Note, 58. Stupid, 59. Rarely, 60.

Scarlet, 62. Owl, 64. Serpentine, 65. Impudent, 66. Jumpy, 69. Oracle, 70. Strange, 71. Octagonal, 76. Carpenter, 77. Deity, 78. Conceal, 83. Planning, 84. Cloudburst, Manual, 86. Swindler, 87. Hot under the collar.

Solution

Driving Miss Daisy® SUMMER CODE CRACKER EACH number in our CodeCracker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet.

For example, today 3 represents N, so fill in N every time the figure 3 appears You have one letter in the control grid to start you off. Enter it in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the list of alphabetical letters as you identify them.

Solution page 41

Call Driving Miss Daisy and ride with a friend Driving Miss Daisy is NZ’s number 1 friendly and reliable companion driving service.

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To make a booking or to discuss your requirements, call Rachel today. www.localmatters.co.nz

Ph: 09 217 2764 / 021 503 858 Email: warkworth@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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presents

Animals David Haugh, Wellsford Vet Clinic https://wellsfordvet.com/

Summer pet problems With the arrival of beach and barbecue weather, here are a few of the health problems to be on the lookout for with your dogs and sometimes cats.

Hot dogs

Every year, some pets will die from heat stress. Moving to cool places and panting cool air over a wet tongue are animals two main heat loss mechanisms. But cars and unventilated, tin sheds, where temperatures can easily get over 40C, can prevent these things from happening. Rescuing severely affected animals should involve cooling them down slowly and getting them rehydrated with an i/v drip. On rare occasions, these animals appear to have recovered okay only to get disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and die a few days later. Have you ever wondered why blood doesn’t clot when it is circulating around normally in blood vessels?

You could say it is because the linings of those blood vessels are made to a very high, specific standard and when that is damaged you get “intravascular coagulation”. If the damage is all over the place (“disseminated”), as can be the case after heat stress, then you get a very dangerous situation. You might notice unusual areas of bruising and really pale mucous membranes developing.

Thirsty dogs

Some dogs at the beach will drink salt water. You might notice them looking pretty unhappy, possibly vomit a bit and then there will be diarrhoea – in the car on the way home if you are unlucky. So take fresh water for them to drink on hot days.

Sore dogs

Vets sometimes have to deal with grass seeds penetrating a dog’s skin, mainly in

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VET CLINIC

the paws usually at the level where the webbing starts. The level of soreness can vary quite a bit. You will probably notice a localised, red puffy swelling between the toes. Really hairy feet are probably more at risk than others. “Barley grass” seeds would have to be the worst offenders.

Poisoned dogs

Most of us know dogs are at risk of poisoning from eating chocolate. You should not see symptoms if the dog has eaten less than about 3g of dark chocolate per kilogram of dog weight or 10g of milk chocolate per kilogram of dog weight. Death has been reported with dogs eating as little as 22g of dark chocolate/kg or 70g milk chocolate/kg,

Onions, garlic and chives should be avoided by dogs as they can cause anaemia. but normally it takes more than twice that.

There are many symptoms of toxicity, but be on the lookout for hyperactivity, tremors and a thumping heart. Coffee can produce symptoms similar to chocolate. One cup of espresso might be strong enough to show mild symptoms in a 5kg dog. And don’t let dogs eat macadamia nuts. Toxicity starts at 2g/kg. Also note that grapes (over 21g/ kg) and raisins or sultanas (over 3g/kg) are toxic for dogs. Onions, garlic and chives should be avoided by dogs as they can cause anaemia. Cats are carnivores where dogs are technically omnivores. But some cats will eat non meaty things. I’ve heard it said cats should not be offered any vegetables used in Chinese cooking.

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www.vetsonline.co.nz/wellsfordvet 40

| Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

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SCOREBOARD SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT

A roundup of sports activities and events in the district Junior surf programmed confirmed The Omaha Surf Club has confirmed its Junior surf programme will start on Sunday, January 9, next year and run each Sunday until April 10. Coordinator Sheralyn Guy says fees have again been discounted to make it easier for families. There are groups from children from age 6 to “13+”. Registration is open at www.omahasurf.co.nz.

Call for young Warkworth athletes Warkworth Athletics Club will hold its junior programme next year on Wednesdays at 5.30pm, from February 9. There are classes for juniors, aged three to six, and seniors, aged seven and up. It is based at Shoesmith Reserve. Vaccine passport requirements are being observed. For more information, see the Warkworth Athletics Club Facebook page.

College coaches wanted Mahurangi College is looking for coaches and managers for the 2022 season. Those interested in any sport code should send through an expression of interest to sports coordinator Adele Ball at a.ball@mahurangi.school.nz. As per Ministry of Education guidelines, all schools require volunteers to be fully vaccinated.

U18s rugby coach needed Wellsford RFC is looking for coaches for the Kaipara Wolves under-18 boys’ rugby team which will play in the Northland Rugby competition. The team will be comprised of players from Rodney, Otamatea and Dargaville. “We are looking for someone who has some rugby coaching experience who would like to take up the challenge of developing young players.” For more detail, contact Mick Sweetman at msweetman@wharehine.co.nz.

Warkworth Football Preseason in Kerikeri Warkworth Men’s Football Team have secured two preseason games for 2022, with many more on the cards. The team will play AFC Bohemians on Sunday, March 6 at the Ngahue Reserve in St Johns in Auckland. Kick-off is at 11am. The team will then play Kerikeri on Saturday, March 12 at Baysport Waipapa. Kick-off is at 1pm. Anyone interested in signing up for the season can contact Jacob on 027 335 3157. In particular, the team is seeking a goalie.

Social tennis in Warkworth The move to the traffic light system and an increased capacity of 100 vaccinated players means Warkworth Tennis Club can resume its social tennis evenings on Thursdays. All are welcome with a pay-as-you-go rate of $7 per evening or pay for a season for a discounted rate. www.warkworthrackets.co.nz.

Time to take up squash again Coaches Kaye Jackson and Bill Boyce are holding club nights at the Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club on Mondays from 6pm, aimed at players who want to pick up squash again. Players are welcome to just turn up. Raquets and balls are available. It is $5 for non-members and free for members. Contact Kaye on 021 135 7574 or squashykaye@icloud.com.

Kaipara Flats won the Rodney T20 in 2019.

Cricket season in full swing The Rodney Cricket Association has wasted no time in resuming its season with a full programme of competitions ahead.

Kaipara Flats Cricket Club will host a Northland Region Junior Cricket Festival this weekend on Sunday, January 23.

Northland Cricket development manager Liam Jones says it will be a chance for Rodney’s junior players to play with teams from Northland they wouldn’t normally come up against.

There will be a T20 match with “super smash rules”, which gives every player a chance to both bowl and bat.

There will then be a second festival day with the same format at Whangarei’s Kensington Park on Sunday, March 13.

Junior players should register their interest at www.northcricket.co.nz.

Meanwhile, the senior men’s Friday night competition is nearing its final on January 28, having resumed as soon as Auckland shifted into the Covid red light setting last month.

Six teams entered, including Tomarata which re-joined the association last year.

Jones says it has been great to see strong numbers and enthusiastic play.

“Cricket has been a great way for people to be social fresh out of lockdown and catch up with mates while getting fit,” he says.

The 40-over competition starts with four teams next month.

The Kaipara Flats Premier team is also back in action in the Northland Cricket Association. Covid-19 prevented the oneday competition, but the T20 started this month and the two-day competition is still to be held.

Kaipara Flats are the reigning champs of the two-day comp and have had the good fortune of having all of their matches scheduled at home this season.

“The boys have had 11 weeks with no cricket, so they are raring to go,” Jones says.

Kaipara Flats is also hosting a provincial match between Northland and Counties Manukau on Saturday, March 5.

Jones says the club hasn’t hosted a provincial match in more than 10 years and intends to “put on a show”.

List sports news FREE by emailing news@localmatters.co.nz

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TRADE & SERVICE DIRECTORY Advertise your business here for only $68+gst per insertion. Phone 425 9068 or email advertising@localmatters.co.nz or local@localmatters.co.nz ACCOUNTING | APPLIANCE SERVICES | ARCHITECTS | AUTOMOTIVE | CIVIL ENGINEERING | CONSTRUCTION | CONTRACTORS | ELECTRICIAN | FARM SUPPLIES

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Sport in brief

Classifieds AERIALS

HOME & MAINTENANCE

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COLLINS ELECTRONICS HAVE YOU LOST PRIME? Or need your Freeview box tuned for the new channels? TV repairs, microwave oven repairs, Freeview installations.

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For more information please email netballrodneycenter@ xtra.co.nz.

The deadline for classified advertising for our January 31 paper is January 26.

Send classified advertising enquiries to design@localmatters.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT

SHEETMETAL/STAINLESS FABRICATOR WARKWORTH SHEETMETALS Ltd has a vacancy for an experienced Sheetmetal Fabricator skilled in all aspects of the trade, who takes pride in producing quality workmanship.

The work is varied and interesting.

Excellent rates and prospects apply for suitable candidate.

Phone Malcolm 09 425 7366 (work hours), email: wsm@helix.net.nz or call in 27 Woodcocks Road, Warkworth

www.localmatters.co.nz

Mahurangi vaccination rates

Ministry of Health data showing percentage of eligible population double vaccinated for Covid-19 in the Mahurangi area last week.

Tawharanui/Omaha 95%

Dome Valley-Matakana 87.3%

Warkworth 92%

Waipu 86.3%

Snells Beach 90%

Algies Bay-Scotts Landing 85.1%

Sandspit 88.9%

Cape Rodney 84.4%

Mangawhai 88.6%

Okahukura Peninsula 83.8%

Puhoi 87.8%

Wellsford 83.7%

Mangawhai Heads 87.4%

Kaiwaka 77.4%

www.localmatters.co.nz

New date for Matakana Classic The Matakana Classic golf tournament scheduled for this month will instead be held on the weekend of April 23 and 24. Entrants play both the Warkworth and Omaha Golf Clubs over two days, competing for a generous prize pool. There are two men’s and two women’s divisions. Register at www. omahagolf.co.nz or warkworthgolfclub.co.nz.

New rugby grade Harbour Rugby Union is launching a new senior grade for recent school leavers for the 2022 season.

It expects that it will run for six weeks and start in May. It will be either teams of 12 or 15 with rolling subs. Harbour is encouraging school leavers to get in touch with their local club.

Golf fundraiser in Mangawhai Mangawhai Beach School is holding its annual ambrose golf tournament fundraiser on Sunday, March 6, and is asking locals to save the date.

“Even if you can’t play golf, come and join us for a fun day on the greens”. Tee off is at 10.30am at the Mangawhai Golf Club. Register your team by phoning 09 431 4807.

Loggerheads on hold Loggerheads surfing contest organiser Tony Baker has announced that due to Covid “traffic light” restrictions in Northland, the annual longboarding competition usually held at Mangawhai Heads in February will be postponed. He says the event will likely take place later in the year. “We don’t want to draw a line down the middle of our longboarding

community. With yours and our safety in mind, we will wait until we can see clearly what is in front of us.”

Coach joins Puhoi Puhoi Sports Club men’s football team welcomes Aaron Todd to the coaching team for the 2022 season. Aaron has “a wealth of experience” having recently coached the women’s side at the club as well as in the UK with clubs in Charlton and Millwall.

“Aaron’s experience and knowledge will be a great asset to everyone involved in the side next year.” To join the team, contact Luke on 021 109 5494.

Squash coach wanted The Warkworth Tennis and Squash Club is seeking a coach for its junior after school programme for this year. The club is flexible on the time and day that coaching takes place, and “can offer competitive rates”. This could suit a talented student looking for some extra income during the term. There are two past coaches at the club who could offer advice and direction if required.

Contact Bill Boyce at squashed.bill@ruc.co.nz.

Views sought on fishery MPI is seeking the public’s view on a proposed temporary ban on taking sea life from a strip along the shore between Cape Rodney and Tawharanui.

Submissions are due by Monday, January 31. The requested temporary closure will prohibit handgathering most species for two years. The proposal follows a petition from the Omaha community to stop the plundering of rock pool species from the shore. See www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations.

SITUATIONS VACANT

Receptionist We are looking for a skilled and organised office professional with an excellent level of software skills, proactive ‘can do’ attitude, and a super friendly and approachable manner. This role is based at the school’s front office and will be the very first person our whanau, community and visitors meet so we need someone who will make them all feel really welcome.

You will need to have secretarial/administration experience in Microsoft Suite, and Google, an excellent standard of typing and proofreading as well as accurate data entry. You’ll need to be great at prioritising tasks around regular interruptions and managing workload in conjunction with other administration staff.

Skills and attributes we are looking for: • Wonderful interpersonal skills with a calm manner and the ability to engage with many different people, is essential • The ability to maintain confidentiality at all times • Highly organised and adaptable with a ‘yes!’ attitude and a sense of humour • Strong work ethic, with great time management, and optimistic approach to solutions • The ability to work effectively both as an individual and team player • An interest in students and a desire to see them all achieve to their full potential • A current First Aid Certificate is desirable • Attention to detail This role ideally commences in February 2022. The start date will be negotiated. The terms and conditions of employment are as per a collective employment agreement for Support Staff in Schools. The hourly rate of pay will consider the applicant’s relevant skills and experience.

This is a permanent part-time position, with hours of work from 8.30am to 3.30pm (30 hours) Monday to Friday each day, during school term with overtime provision as required.

The successful applicant will be subject to Police vetting.

Applicants will be required to meet the Covid-19 Public Health Orders as they apply to the education sector.

Administration Manager We have an exciting opportunity for a receptionist to join the team at Wellsford School. We are a full primary school with 400 students.

We are seeking a highly organised and flexible team player who can manage a busy office space and meet the needs of daily school life. This job requires previous experience in administration mixed with the ability to be the welcoming face to our tamariki and their families.

Your key roles include general administration (including financial administration utilising Xero), PA to principal, various delegated responsibilities.

Key skills and attributes we are seeking: • The ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Knowledge of Google Suites and Microsoft Applications • Good time management with the ability to work under pressure while maintaining a calm environment • Flexibility in the working day • Strong personal numeracy and literacy ability • Knowledge of Xero accounting (advantageous but not essential) • A team player who is happy to do what is needed to help the school run effectively • A great sense of humour!

The successful applicant will be subject to Police vetting.

Applicants will be required to meet the Covid-19 Public Health Orders as they apply to the education sector.

This role ideally commences in February 2022. The start date will be negotiated. It is a permanent, term time only position of 35 hours per week (Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 4.00pm) with overtime provision as required. The terms and conditions of employment are as per a collective employment agreement for Support Staff in Schools. The hourly rate of pay will consider the applicant’s relevant skills and experience.

If you have any questions - please get in touch with Jen Roberts 021 537 683.

For both positions please send a covering letter, your curriculum vitae, detailing relevant experience to the position, and details of two referees. Applications close: Monday 24th January 2022 at 4pm. Please send your email applications to: Jenifer Roberts (Acting Principal) - jenro@wellsford.school.nz

January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

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RAINCLOUD TRUSTED WATER DELIVERY Grassing and a concrete path will soon be complete. Photo, Whangarei District Council.

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Topuni

There was a small opening ceremony, with hopes that a proper event can be held once restrictions allow. Photo, Whangarei District Council.

Whangateau

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Park complete after 30 years

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Warkworth

121mm

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94mm

Takatu

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Sandspit

Snells Beach

127.6mm

108mm

Algies Bay

Spotlight on Warkworth Fact: Warkworth’s final 2021 rainfall total of 1450mm was just a fraction higher than the annual average over the past 20 years of 1444mm. The driest month last year was March (40mm) and the wettest month was October (224.5mm). * All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.

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Best Best At At

GF

10:18am 5:08am 10:45pm 5:30pm

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Jan Aug26 9

1:29am 2:05am 7:51am 8:04am 1:47pm 2:26pm 8:11pm 8:36pm

6:29am 7:12am 8:37pm 5:42pm

Best Best At At

GF

Wed Mon

Jan Aug25 8

12:04pm 6:38am 7:02pm

2:12am 3:02am 8:35am 9:04am 2:29pm 3:21pm 8:53pm 9:34pm

6:30am 7:11am 8:36pm 5:43pm

Best Best At At

GF

0.9 3.0 3.0 0.9 0.6 3.1 3.2 0.8

Thu Tue

Aug Jan 27 10

12:29am 7:27am 12:55pm 7:52pm

2:56am 0.8 4:06am 3.0 9:18am 3.1 10:08am 0.9 3:11pm 0.6 4:22pm 3.1 9:36pm 3.3 10:37pm 0.8

6:32am 7:10am 8:36pm 5:44pm

Best Best At At

GG

Wed Fri

Aug Jan 28 11

8:18am 1:20am 8:46pm 1:44pm

3:40am 0.7 5:13am 3.0 10:02am 3.2 11:13am 0.9 3:54pm 0.5 5:27pm 3.0 10:21pm 3.3 11:42pm 0.7

6:33am 7:09am 8:35pm 5:44pm

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Aug Jan 29 12

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4:26am 0.6 6:17am 3.0 10:47am 3.2 12:15pm 0.9 4:40pm 0.5 6:32pm 3.0 3.3 11:07pm 0.7

6:34am 7:08am 8:34pm 5:45pm

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Sun Fri

Aug Jan 30 13

10:16am 2:56am 10:48pm 3:20pm

5:12am 0.6 12:45am 3.1 3.2 11:34am 7:17am 0.8 5:29pm 0.5 1:15pm 3.1 3.3 11:56pm 7:35pm

6:35am 7:07am 8:33pm 5:46pm

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Mon Sat

Aug Jan 31 14

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6:01am 0.6 1:43am 0.6 3.2 12:24pm 8:13am 3.3 6:22pm 0.6 2:12pm 0.7 3.3 8:34pm 3.2

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Tue Sun

Aug Feb 15 1

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Wed Mon

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Sun Fri

Aug Feb 20 6

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4:29am 9:11am 4:52pm 9:42pm

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Mick Fay 46

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Best Best At At

GB

Mon Sat

Jan Aug23 6

6:26am 7:15am 8:39pm 5:40pm

Best Best At At

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Sun Fri

Jan Aug22 5

The council allowed the committee to clean up the park and excavate an area for a skate bowl, but then the committee ran out of funds.

The project was picked up again in 2002, but surrounding neighbours objected to a resource consent application and there was a hearing by independent commissioners.

The commissioners ruled in favour of the objectors, saying the clacking sound of skateboards would be “more than minor”.

Over the years the committee had several other false starts, attempting to build the park on private land.

“All of sudden, Waipu began to change with a different mix of people. We’ve now been able to build it at the southern end of the park with minimal objection,” Peter says.

The committee has also benefitted from the efforts of new members Sally McKay, Ella Buckle and Amber Porter, who got the project across the line.

The Waipu Activity Zone (WAZ) committee has completed a skate park in Waihoihoi River Park after 30 years.

Committee member Peter Blanch says the skate park is stage one of the WAZ, and he is confident a half basketball court will soon be added and, hopefully, a pump track in the longer term.

Most of the money for the project came from the Waipu Car and Bike Show, organised by Ron Cave. The balance was raised by the Waipu Lions.

Peter says the Whangarei District Council has also contributed $100,000 for a walkway along Waihoihoi River through to the boat club on Nova Scotia Drive.

“To say it has been a journey is an understatement,” Peter says.

A committee consisting of Adam Wellford, Peter Dunn, Malcolm Norton and Peter Blanch has been trying to establish a WAZ since 1987.

GG

Good Good Fishing Fishing

FF

Fair Fair Fishing Fishing

BB

Not Not So So Good Good

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| Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters

What’s on See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for a full list of upcoming events

January 20

Great Kiwi Comedy Roadshow, The Matakana Village Pub, 7.30pm. (See story p18)

20-23 mARTakana, Matakana School. Harbour Hospice’s annual fundraising art exhibition. (see story p18)

23

SUPER SAUSAGE SIZZLE

Music in Parks, Snells Beach Reserve, 1pm. Free concert featuring SOJØURN, Tempist Fugit and Hipstamatics. (see story p18)

28-30 CANCELLED Northern Bass, Settlement Road, Kaiwaka. Drum and bass music festival. https://northernbass.co.nz 30

Sandsational Sand Sculpture competition, Mangawhai Heads, from 10am. (see story p27)

February 5-7; 12&13 Mahurangi Artist Studio Trail. Info: www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com 5

Blues vs Hurricanes pre-season match, Mahurangi Rugby Club, gates open 12pm, kick off 1.35pm. $5 adults, $20 family pass. Info: www.blues.rugby

5

CANCELLED Shapeshifter, Matakana Country Park.

6-7

Summer Classic, Ascension Wine Estate, Matakana. Electronic music festival with headline act DJ Kanine. Less than a hundred tickets available from $110.

11-13 Shipwrecked Festival, Te Arai. Boutique art and music festival with a pirate and nautical theming. Day passes available from $100.

11-19 Warkworth Theatre Group presents Four Flat Whites in Italy by Roger Hall, Warkworth Town Hall. Two mismatched couples struggle to get on during an OE. Tickets www.wwtheatre.co.nz.

26

Matakana Opera Picnic, cnr Ward and Matakana Valley Roads, 5.30pm. Tickets: www.aucklandoperastudio.co.nz

List your event by emailing the details to online@localmatters.co.nz

1 5 3 MEDIUM

3

2

5

9 6 4local, 8 If it’s let us know!

9 1

The Women’s Centre Rodney, based in Warkworth, was first established in 1987 by a group of Rodney women who recognised the need for a women-only space in the community.

MISSION: To support, empower and inform women.

We encourage community connections to reduce isolation and promote family well-being.

7

1

Proudly supporting

On the last Saturday of every month, we’re raising much needed funds for local charities and organisations—perhaps groups that would not normally get the exposure within the local community.

Over $5,000 raised so far!

4 Coast & Country

6

www.puzzles.ca

7 6 8

next to Warkworth Butchery.

30 years on and the charity still focuses on supporting all women as autonomous, self-determining, and inter-dependent within their families, work, cultures, and communities.

Sudoku the numbers game 3 4

Saturday 29th January, 10am - 2pm

SOLUTION page 22

Mahurangi 425 9068 FILL IN THISMatters GRID SO THAT EVERY COLUMN, EVERY ROW AND EVERY 3X3 BOX CONTAINS THE DIGITS 1 TO 9.

www.localmatters.co.nz

January 17, 2022 | Mahurangimatters |

47

Mangawhai Bowl Jam will return

In a surprise twist, the Mangawhai Bowl Jam will return next year despite earlier reports that it had been cancelled indefinitely.

Organiser Jesse Peters abruptly announced last year that the event was being wound up. He said it had grown too big for its “grassroots organisers”. The event was also facing new challenges with Kaipara District Council requiring a traffic management plan and resource consent.

After 11 years, the Bowl Jam had become one of the largest and most anticipated events in both Mangawhai and the competitive skating circuit, with around 60 entrants and 2000 spectators.

A new team of organisers, led by Auckland’s Andrew “Morri” Morrison and Mangawhai’s Nicole Seyle, is taking on the event for next year, renaming it the Mangawhai Bowl Bash.

The organisers had hoped to stage the event on Waitangi weekend this year but decided to postpone until 2023 due to restrictions imposed by the Covid “traffic light” system.

“We did not want to do a vax-pass only event. We think skateboarding and the event itself should be for everybody,” Nicole Seyle says.

Organisers are aiming to stage the event on Waitangi weekend in 2023.

Morri is a renowned veteran skater from the 1990s and was the face of popular American skate brand New Deal. Nicole is a surfer from California and co-owns the No Limits Surf and Skate shop, opposite the Mangawhai Activity Zone.

Skaters will return to the bowl if restrictions in Northland allow. Photo, Ben Loader.

The annual race starts race starts on Pakeho Road, off Baldrock Road.

The course used to traverse Baldrock Mountain but now reaches the highest point on the Brynderwyns.

Top of the Rock nudges ahead The Kaiwaka Sports Association committee has decided to press ahead with organising the Top of the Rock fun run despite uncertainty about Covid-19 restrictions in Northland.

President Evan Wright says the committee hopes to hold the event on Sunday, March 13, giving runners plenty of notice to get training.

To keep things simple, the format will be the same as last year with just a run and walk race, and no cycling component. The course will also be the same with options for a 5km and 10km walk or run.

Wright stresses that the event will be dependent on the restrictions of the day, but he is optimistic something will be worked out.

“We think that people need something to look forward to, so we are going to give it a crack,” he says.

If outdoor sport events are still restricted to 100 people in Northland, the race may have to be done in split starts.

The Government is reviewing Northland’s restriction level on January 17 and may allow for larger numbers at events by the time Top of the Rock is held.

Last year, Top of the Rock had 150 entrants, which was down from its pre-covid peak of 300.

See Kaiwaka Top of the Rock 2022 on Facebook for further announcements and details.

For a full range of family medical care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours a day, across our region, including public holidays For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics

Snells Beach

145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

Mangawhai

4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

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Wellsford

Paparoa

74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday 220 Rodney Street (Cnr. SH1 & Matheson Rd) 09 423 8086 Open 8am-8pm, Daily

138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday 1978 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222 Open 8am-5pm, Tuesday & Thursday

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Call 09 423 8086 for 8pm to 8am URGENT DOCTOR SERVICE - WELLSFORD 48 | Mahurangimatters | January 17, 2022

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