Mahurangi Matters_Issue 382_4 March 2020

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March 4, 2020

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Family matters

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localmatters.co.nz Warwick Byrnes cradles Blue following the devastating loss of her sister, Frankie.

Couple heartbroken after cattery bungle An Algies Bay couple is calling for greater regulation of pet boarding facilities after one of her cats died after escaping from a local cattery.

Warwick Byrnes and Deb Dudley left their Ragdoll cats, Frankie and sister Blue, at the Sandspit Road Boarding Cattery for two nights last month

while they went to a wedding on Waiheke Island. Around 10.30pm on the second night, Frankie escaped and was killed by a car on the road outside, devastating Deb and Warwick.

“Our girl died while she was in their care. I just don’t want anyone else to go through this,” she said. “We’re

devastated that they were supposed to look after them for two nights and she was killed on the road directly outside the cattery.”

It is thought Frankie pushed open the bottom of a screen door that had an inadequate magnet and then jumped through a stable-type door, the top

half of which had been left open to keep the cats cool in hot weather.

Frankie’s body was picked up by a passer-by, who contacted a local cat rescue in the hope of identifying the animal, and they rang the cattery the next morning to let them know a dead

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Couple heartbroken after cattery bungle cat had been found outside.

However, cattery owner Julia Fraser, who is also a dressage judge, was at a horse show in Helensville that day and wasn’t told about the death by her husband until she returned to Sandspit, just as Deb and Warwick arrived to collect their cats and were searching for Frankie.

Deb feels strongly that more should have been done to identify which cat had died sooner, and that they should have been contacted much earlier.

Mrs Fraser admitted there had been a series of “unfortunate circumstances” that looked very bad.

“It’s really, really horrible, I feel sick about it,” she said. “I’m totally devastated. In fact, I’m closing the cattery. I’m 76, I don’t need this stress. I thought, right, this is it, I’ll close it down.

“I’ve been here 15 years. One cat got out of the isolation area 11 years ago the owners had put it in themselves, as I was heading off to see my daughter in ICU. The cat was found along the road. That’s the only time anything like this has happened before.

“I’ve told all my regulars and they said accidents happen, and we can’t go back to fix it, unfortunately.”

Deb Dudley says there should be tighter regulation and regular inspection of catteries. She contacted the SPCA following Frankie’s death, as she was concerned that other cats might be able to escape, but was told by the Hobsonville branch that the organisation couldn’t help her as her cat was dead.

Deb Dudley says the grief at losing Frankie, right, is unbearable.

Although the SPCA has the power to prosecute in serious cases of animal neglect or cruelty, there is no enforceable legislation to regulate, licence or inspect boarding kennels or catteries in New Zealand. Auckland Council said it was only concerned with resource and building consents for building catteries, and the health and safety of people in them, not animals.

A Code of Welfare for Temporary Housing of Companion Animals was issued in 2018 under The Animal Welfare Act, which does state that enclosures must be secure and unable to be opened by animal occupants.

It also states that outside entrances should have secure double-doors to prevent animals from escaping, and owners should be advised as soon as possible if their pet goes missing.

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However, the code also makes it clear that “owners and persons in charge of animals are not required to comply with the recommendations for best practice in this code”, and are merely encouraged to do so.

The SPCA’s chief scientific officer, Dr Arnja Dale, said the association was developing a certification programme for kennels and catteries over the next year or so, but admitted it would still only be a voluntary scheme.

“People will have to be approved to join or get added, and they will get regular announced and unannounced audits,” she said.

“The whole business of licensed premises is a separate issue and law changes take a long time. We absolutely recognise that there’s a need for clarity for pet owners.”

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National party flexes political guns at public meeting A promise by the National Party to scrap the new firearms register planned by the current government was met with rounds of applause at a meeting at the Warkworth RSA last month.

Front bench MP Mark Mitchell, who is National’s spokesperson for Defence and Justice, made a commitment that National would repeal elements of the Arms Act in its first 100 days, if elected with a majority at the General Election in September.

He said National would look to scrap plans that would require gun owners to register their weapon with police, as well as reinstate “P” endorsement licenses that provide exemptions for using semi-automatic weapons for sport shooting and pest control.

National’s Shadow Police Minister, Brett Hudson, said the party had initially supported the Labourled government’s legislation to ban military-style automatic weapons, but the Government had since gone too far.

“In Australia, where there is a register, 90 per cent of crimes committed with a firearm are by those without a licence,” Mr Hudson said.

“A register doesn’t keep guns out of criminal hands, it just burdens lawabiding firearm owners. We need to deal with the genuine problem of gang activity and illegal firearms.”

Mr Hudson added that if National was elected with a majority it would form a “strike force raptor” tactical unit to eliminate gangs.

“We are going to make life hell for patched gang members. In my view, the Government thinks the rights of gang members are more important than public safety,” he said.

Mr Hudson also objected to proposed amendments to the Arms Act that would require a doctor to report patients holding gun licenses if they believed them unsuitable to own a firearm.

Mr Hudson said that being assessed by doctors on suitability to own a firearm would be a privacy intrusion for the 250,000 licence holders

in New Zealand.

For many in the crowd, Mr Hudson and Mr Mitchell’s commitments to scrap restrictions were not enough.

“You young chaps need to open your history books in your dusty enclave in Wellington. I once had a lifetime licence and they reduced it to 10 years, and then even less. Meanwhile, the violence has continued,” one man said.

“I had a permit for a shotgun at age 13, and I still shoot on the same properties as when I was a teenager. Rural firearm owners are becoming outnumbered as cities grow and it’s up to MPs to stand up for the rural sector,” another said.

Yet another speaker added his opposition to a register: “A gun registration would be like car registration – it won’t stop the killing.”

Meanwhile, Police Minister Stuart Nash, visiting Warkworth last week, said the Government was considering even further measures to control access to guns.

Last year, Mr Nash proposed legislation that would allow police to issue firearm prohibition orders (FPO) to individuals, such as gang members, deemed high-risk.

MPs Mark Mitchell and Brett Hudson visited Warkworth for a public meeting on proposed firearm legislation.

“An FPO would prohibit someone from being around others who have firearms or being at a location that enables access to guns,” Mr Nash said.

The penalty for being in a household or in a vehicle with a firearm while under an FPO would be up to five years imprisonment.

Careless asbestos dumping puts lives at risk Mahurangi Wastebusters has beefed up security following the dumping of fibre cement board containing asbestos at its Lawrie Road refuse centre near Snells Beach.

In mid-January, four 600 square millimetre sheets of pre-1980 fibre cement board were hidden in a rubbish skip at the Lawrie Road refuse centre causing major disruption and putting customers and staff at risk during the busiest time of the year.

When the materials were discovered, they were doused with water to stop fibres becoming airborne. Carpet was then laid over the top of the skip and soaked. Afterwards, the skip was transferred to a safe location

until asbestos removal specialists could deal with it.

A Mahurangi Wastebusters spokesperson says the costs associated with the exercise were significant and the organisation is appealing to customers to be vigilant and not bring any fibre cement board to their centres at Lawrie and Rustybrook Roads.

“As a result of this activity, we have installed security cameras and other identification methods with good results. We are following up on incidents,” she said.

“Mahurangi Wastebusters will seek reimbursement for all clean-up costs from the individuals involved. This can be significant depending on what

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stage of the process it is discovered. As a last resort, there is health and safety legislation that offenders could be charged under.”

In December, Mahurangi Wastebusters announced that it would stop accepting all types of fibre cement board at its refuse centres because of the risk it could contain asbestos.

Asbestos-containing products are safe if left alone, but when cut or disturbed in any way the tiny fibres, which are up to 1200 times smaller in diameter than a human hair, can be released and breathed in for up to 30 days.

Breathing in asbestos can lead to lifethreatening lung disease or cancer later in life.

4 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

See story page 13

YOU SAY

We welcome your feedback but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at localmatters.co.nz/opinion.

Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

Waste-to-energy Your waste-to-energy (WtE) article (MM Feb 19) grabbed my attention, in particular this – “The only way WtE could compete is if landfill taxes were dramatically increased. In short, we’d have to pay a lot more to get rid of our rubbish. So, it comes to this: are we willing to pay the price?” But dramatically increasing landfill taxes is not the only way WtE could compete.

Government has the capacity to access funds from the bank it owns on behalf of all New Zealanders (the Reserve Bank), without costing taxpayers or ratepayers anything, and building a WtE plant which the country could then own – much preferred to allowing ownership by an overseas company.

That funding mechanism has been used in this country (and others) before and is currently used in both Japan and China. The Ministry of Works report on the state house building programme started in 1936 states: “To finance its comprehensive proposals, the Government used Reserve Bank credit, recognising the most important factor in housing costs is the price of money – interest is the heaviest portion in the composition of ordinary rent. [It] was able to obtain funds at the lowest possible rate of interest. The sums advanced by the Reserve Bank were not subscribed or underwritten by other financial institutions. This showed it was possible for the State to use the country’s credit in creating

new assets for the country”. The key fact here is that the interest paid on the loans went back to the Government due to its ownership of the Reserve Bank. This mechanism is attracting significant international support from economists, economics professors, and financial writers. $5 billion in taxpayers’ money annually currently goes in paying interest on government borrowing when it could instead boost funding for health, education, etc.

More can be found here – tellmemore. org.nz Chris Leitch, leader Social Credit

Party on Hill St What fantastic news to read the Hill Street intersection is to be fixed (MM Feb 19). Thank you to the Fix Hill Street Now lobby group, all the local politicians and all the community leaders who have fought for this for so long on behalf the wider community.

A special thank you to Cr Greg Sayers for being able to turn all that advocacy into a favorable decision.

As some skeptics say the proof is in the pudding, but I’ve got my party hat ready to celebrate when the new roundabout is opened.

Alan Kendall, Snells Beach

Get a move on While it was encouraging to see that NZTA is applying for resource consent for the Warkworth to Te

Hana motorway (MM February 19), it was not mentioned when the motorway would be built. In recent correspondence with the Minister of Transport, Phil Twyford, I mentioned the following as reasons why the motorway should be started in 2021, after the completion of the Puhoi to Warkworth section. These are as follows: There have been 36 deaths and 102 crashes in the last 10 years, in excess of eight million vehicles pass through Warkworth annually; the Government has surpluses and low interest rates on borrowing at present; and wouldn’t it make sense to use the experienced workforce who are presently building the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway? Mr Twyford did not disagree with any of the above reasons, but he did state that work would not start until 2030! With a building time frame of six years this means completion in 2036 – this means 16 years from now would be the earliest this urgent motorway would open. This is unacceptable, as there is no valid reason not to start work in 2021. I suppose it is too much to expect common sense to prevail on this matter after we see the Government has committed to build a cycleway over the Harbour Bridge, despite its budget going from $31 million to a staggering $360 million.

Bryan Jackson, Snells Beach.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford responds: We’re making SH1 from

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Wellsford to north of Warkworth safer through the Dome Valley with proven upgrades like median barriers. These will save lives, like they have in places like on Centennial Highway north of Wellington, where nobody has died since they were installed. The upgrades in Dome Valley are expected to be completed before the opening of the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway. SH1 between Auckland and Whangarei is being progressively upgraded. The Clark Labour Government built the Northern Gateway Orewa to Pūhoi, we are building Pūhoi to Warkworth which is due to be completed next year, and we’ve just announced $692 million for a new four-lane highway for what is currently the most dangerous and busy section of the road between Auckland and Whangarei – SH1 Whangārei to Port Marsden. There’s no doubt that Warkworth to Te Hana will be built, but NZTA also has to balance projects nationally against available funds. We can’t do everything at once, but we are making progress.

Selfish generation When I moved to Rodney 25 years ago, many of the roads were unsealed. Cars slowed down when passing someone walking on the road or driving an open tractor. They also slowed when driving past a dwelling, so that people could keep their windows open and hang their laundry outside. Today, our roads are still unsealed but the drivers have changed. Instead of showing consideration for the poor souls being smothered in dust, drivers now take no prisoners. They race along the dusty roads as if there was no tomorrow. They do not notice the clouds of dust behind their vehicles or, if they do, they do not give a rat’s tail. How have drivers become so selfish within one generation?

K. H. Peter Kammler, Warkworth

Competition winners The winner of two tickets to see The Carnivorous Plant Society at Leigh Sawmill Café was Sarah Ashton. Congratulations Sarah.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 5

Viewpoint Marja Lubeck, Rodney-based MP marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz

More mahi to do I hope everyone’s year started well and you managed to get some time to relax over summer with family and friends. Our Labour team started back on January 22 when we had the first meetings of our Ministers, MPs and the Prime Minister, before the official start of Parliament on February 11.

The Government hit the ground running with the launch of our Big New Zealand Upgrade infrastructure programme. With an additional infrastructure spend of $12 billion over four years, this is the biggest investment in infrastructure in a generation. It will help to improve road safety and Schools in Rodney public transport, help upgrade almost every public school in the country, fix up hospitals and help are real winners, lower our carbon emissions. receiving a total of Last year, as the first part of our wider infrastructure nearly $4.5 million package, we announced that we would bring forward additional funding urgent school property improvement, with the largest capital injection for school maintenance funding in 25 to help accelerate years. Schools in Rodney are real winners, receiving a upgrade projects. total of nearly $4.5 million additional funding to help accelerate upgrade projects already planned. This is on top of the investment we have made in over 700 new classrooms across the country.

From my visits in and around Rodney, I learned that many of our schools have seen rapid roll growth over the last few years. This has put significant strain on school space and resources. Over the last decade, funding for building classrooms fell behind the growth in students. As a result, too many children ended up being taught in libraries and school halls. Many schools have had to put off building projects, making do with patched up classrooms and playgrounds. This simply is not good enough.

But following the capital injection for school maintenance, it was exciting to hear of the plans of schools like Mahurangi College, which has changing rooms long overdue for an upgrade. Meanwhile, Matakana School is looking at accelerating projects for outdoor learning spaces, roof replacement and upgrading drinking fountains.

The Government has made good progress on many issues over the past two years, but there is still more mahi to do – and we’ll never lose sight of that.

We’ve started the year as we intend to continue – with energy, enthusiasm, and determination. We’re going to be upbeat as we always are because we know you prefer positive politics to bickering and negativity. We’ll be telling the truth, both about what we’ve achieved so far and the work ahead of us.

There’s still plenty of mahi to do in the electorate as well. You can trust that I will continue with integrity; wearing my values on my sleeve, staying in touch with local people and local issues, and fighting hard for the things that matter to us here. Because with a boss like mine, who leads by example every day, whether here at home or on the world stage, no other style of politics will cut it.

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Kia Ora, Night work has now started in Pūhoi to install large beams on the Arawhiti ki Pūhoi Bridge. A small section of Pūhoi Road is closed while this happens, signposted detours are in place. For safety reasons, all work is taking place at night from 9:00 pm to 04:30 am when traffic volumes are lower.

Sun 01 Mar to Thur 05 Mar 2020

Road Closed – 9.00pm – 4.30am

Sun 08 Mar to Thur 12 Mar 2020

Road Closed – 9.00pm – 4.30am

Sun 15 Mar to Thur 19 Mar 2020

Road Closed – 9.00pm – 4.30am

Detours may add a considerable amount of time to journeys, so we are encouraging people to plan their travel for outside closure hours, where possible. Access will be available for emergency services throughout the closures.

Thank you for your patience while we get this important work done.

If you would like to receive a daily email update, please contact info@nx2group.com. More information can also be found at nx2group.com/news or on our Facebook page. Closure times will be clearly signposted along State Highway 1.

Ngā mihi Robert Jones

H

PŪ

D OA

R OI

AD PŪ H O I R O

Camera key to liquor robbery A new high-tech surveillance camera in Snells Beach has proven instrumental in generating leads after a robbery at Liquorland last month.

Officers already in Snells Beach quickly responded to calls after the robbery was reported, but the offender managed to give them the slip.

Warkworth Police Sergeant Mark Stallworthy said the CCTV cameras on site were unable to capture the licence plate of the vehicle used in the robbery, but police were able to identify the make and model.

However, high-resolution infrared camera on the corner of Mahurangi

East Road and Arabella Lane captured the plate in perfect detail and police have now found the vehicle, as well as the weapon used in the robbery.

“As a result, we have very strong leads which police are pursuing,” Sgt Stallworthy says.

“That camera has been critical for solving crime in Snells Beach since it was installed, thanks to funding from the community.”

The camera was paid for by the Snells Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association, with help from Snells Beach Gull, Northland Waste, Brick Bay Wines and Insite Security.

KEY STATE HIGHWAY ONE ROAD CLOSED CONSTRUCTION ZONE

For more information, call the NX2 team on: 24/7 Freephone: 0508 P2WK INFO (0508 7295 4636) Email: info@nx2group.com Facebook: Ara Tūhono – Pūhoi to Warkworth Web: nx2group.com

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6 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

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AC T LO C A L

Watercare confident Wellsford water supply will hold up Watercare has moved to allay fears that current water shortages in Wellsford could end up putting the town supply at risk.

Rodney Local Board member Colin Smith raised the alarm late last month, saying water levels in the Hoteo River, which supplies Wellsford, were lower than they had been for decades.

“I think the Hoteo is just about b*ggered. It’s just getting so low and there is so much draw on it that it is slowing to nothing,” he said.

He added that the social implications and stress caused if the town supply was switched off would be enormous.

Mr Smith said that in addition to the current drought, population increases had added to the pressure on Wellsford’s water supply and the town’s water infrastructure had not kept pace with increased demand.

He further blamed plantings and uncontrolled vegetation growth in the Hoteo catchment areas. He said water was being sucked up by plants rather than flowing into the Hoteo and its tributaries.

Mr Smith praised Watercare for prompt action during the current emergency, in particular organising tanker-to-tanker fill ups.

The scheme has seen a fleet of Fonterra

milk tankers deployed to alleviate pressure on the Wellsford water supply.

Tankers fill up in Warkworth and then head to Centennial Park in Wellsford where the water is transferred to other tankers to supply residents who are not on the town supply but are dependent on their own water tanks. These tanks have often run dry.

Last week, the tanker-to-tanker fill ups reduced the demand at the Wellsford filling station from hundreds of thousands of litres per day to just over 2200 litres per day.

But Mr Smith said in light of the current emergency, Watercare and Auckland Council needed to undertake a full review of Wellsford’s water needs, as this situation was bound to repeat itself in future years, particularly with a growing population and changes in the climate.

Meanwhile, Watercare says it remains unlikely that it will need to cut off the Wellsford town supply. Spokesperson Maxine Clayton said flow levels were stable over the last two weeks.

“At present, we are drawing 10 to 15 per cent of the current flow at our intake point, so the river has more than sufficient to cope with our extraction,” she said.

Nevertheless, Ms Clayton reiterated that Watercare was encouraging all

Colin Smith says tributaries feeding the Hoteo River have dried up and turned into stagnant pools.

Aucklanders to use water wisely and tips for doing so could be found online (waterforlife.org.nz).

She added that Watercare had been investigating alternative water sources in Wellsford for some time. Several

potential aquifers had been identified and water quality tests were being done.

“This option is some years off as further investigations are required and Watercare must apply for resource consent to draw the bore water,” she said.

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” environment

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 7

Environment Christine Rose

christine.rose25@gmail.com

Making dogs citizens Professor Kevin Stafford is a vet who studies animal behaviour, including conflicts between animal and human endeavours. He has particular expertise in the welfare of dogs. He poses the question, what does a dog want? Despite living with humans for around 15,000 years, dogs are still wolves at heart. They are pack animals, loose with “morals” and toilet habits. They like to bark loudly, roam widely, breed freely; to predate and fight.

We have relatively high levels of dog ownership in New Zealand compared with the rest of the world. And we “own” dogs for a range of reasons – for company, security, status, fun, for the kids, for recreation and exercise. After all, dogs are man’s best friend. But Professor Stafford also asks, are we dogs’ best friend in return? He concludes that we are better off getting a virtual dog, or a guinea pig, rather than subjecting dogs to live with us.

Stafford says a mix of mistaken expectations, urbanisation and modern lifestyles make dogs inappropriate as pets. We expect them to sit at home quietly – not barking – waiting for us when we get home from school or work, and research has shown pet dogs seldom get the exercise they need. Their diets can be inadequate or excessive. They sometimes bite and frighten people. They sometimes kill other animals, wildlife, other dogs and even their owners. They cost a lot of money. People can seldom give them the time and attention that matches their social needs as pack animals. Every year dogs are abandoned, lost, impounded and euthanised. People are biased in favour of certain breeds and stigmatise others. Selective breeding for socially preferred traits leave dogs with painful conditions. Poor training by humans gives dogs a bad rap when they get into trouble for breaking the (human) rules.

In the book Zoopolis, Canadian philosophers Will Kymlicka and Sue Donaldson argue one solution to this dilemma – other than getting a guinea pig or a virtual pooch – is to grant dogs and other animals increased citizenship status.

They dedicate part of their book to the case for companion animals-as-citizens, given the special history, relationships, and domestication of cats and dogs, for example, and the degree to which they are dependent on us and are a part of human society.

Citizenship for dogs would mean they had increased recognition, freedoms, and responsibilities. We wouldn’t just assume that they were a commodity or a living prop to meet our needs, but distinct individuals with needs, interests and desires all of their own. People could say that dogs shouldn’t be citizens because they can’t vote. But any dog will tell you, if you listen properly, that they vote to go to the park, run off leash, sniff other dogs’ butts, and have the freedom of the city.

Auckland Transport’s decision to allow them to travel on some public transport might be the first step.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 9

localfolk Shona Pickup

Ten years ago, a human whirlwind, most likely clad in her favourite vivid yellow, breezed into Snells Beach on a whim (and a prayer) and swiftly started spreading her infectious enthusiasm for life and fundraising in the Mahurangi community. Since then, Shona Pickup has donated countless hours to shaking buckets, chivvying sponsors and cheering hospice patients, and raised many thousands of dollars in the process. Sally Marden visited her yellow Snells Beach home, which flies a yellow smiley flag, to talk about how she ended up moving here and what drives her endless volunteering ...

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think I’m meant to be up here. I don’t know why; someone chose this place for me. I felt so sure. I think it was probably my gran, who was a great big Scottish woman from Shetland.

We all used to call her Lumpy. She’s always been my guardian angel. I lived for 35 years in Howick and I’d been on my own since 2000. I was playing tennis, doing hospice and Pink Ribbon, I had wonderful friends, but I just felt the need to move on, step out and get some space. I thought, “I’m sick of this, I need to move.” So, I said to my daughter, “Let’s drive to Snells Beach.” I knew and loved Warkworth – we used to come up when the kids were small and stay at the Bridgehouse – but I’d never been to Snells Beach in my life. We drove down Ariki Drive, I thought how lovely it was, went home and put my house on the market.

Just like that. I’ve got a seventh sense about things like this. Everyone in Howick said, “You’ll be back”, but when I drove out, there wasn’t a tear in my eye. I almost went, “Woo-hoo!

It’s time.” didn’t know one person when I moved here. The first morning I woke up in Snells, I thought, “Shoot, what have I done?” I jumped in the car, went past the tennis club and saw a couple of cars outside, and thought, “here’s a start”, knocked on the door and it was answered by Walter and Doris Riederer, both six foot, from Switzerland. I said I’d just moved up and I played tennis and they grabbed me and gave me the biggest hug and said, “You’re our newest member.”

Then I met someone who told me about a Lions meeting and I got an email from hospice, so in two weeks I was in the tennis club, Lions and volunteering for hospice, and then Lesley Ingham from hospice got me on to the Kowhai Festival committee. y grandparents were from Shetland and moved to Wellington 90 years ago when my Dad was four, and that’s where I was born and bred. Dad was a builder and Mum was a housewife and I went to St Benedicts and St Mary’s. I was taught by nuns all the way and I loved them

all. People knock them, but I loved them. I wasn’t good at school, and I wasn’t naughty … my final report said Shona should have come dux (I was third), but where her brains won’t get her, her personality will. hen I left college I was a secretary for an insurance broking company, then I got a fabulous job as Girl Friday for Sir Russell Pettigrew of Freightways.

That was a terrific job and I was there for nearly seven years. I began fundraising for the St Mary’s old girls’ netball club, and it went on from there. I got married in 1974 and we moved to Auckland in 1976. I got very involved with the children’s PTAs and school camps, and I was on the very first art exhibition committee for Baradene College. The second year,

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I’ll ask anyone for money … I chased John Key down the street once when he came to Warkworth ...

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we decided to get sponsorship. I just approached all those very, very rich fathers and we got $22,000 before the second art exhibition opened.

Art things don’t make a lot of money, it’s the sponsorship. If we didn’t have sponsorship for Wearable Arts here, it wouldn’t make so much. I started doing the Pink Ribbon appeal in Howick when they put an ad in the local paper. After 27 years, on the last day, I had 120 ladies and we took $69,000 in one day, which was amazing. The most I’ve ever done here is $4500, but we haven’t got the same numbers up here. I have about 40 ladies on that Friday and we do Matakana, Snells Beach, Algies Bay and Warkworth, and 10 of us at the Matakana market on Saturday. ’ll ask anyone for money, and you very rarely get a “no” for hospice

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or Pink Ribbon, because it affects everybody. I chased John Key down the street once when he came to Warkworth and got him to donate and sign his tie for hospice. His security guys didn’t stand a chance. I told them they needed to go faster than that to catch me! ’ve been volunteering 20 years with hospice. I started going when Jill, a friend of my best friend Margie, was dying of a brain tumour in Auckland Hospital and we visited her there. It was okay, but it really wasn’t where she should have been. Then not long afterwards, Margie got cancer and she said, “Will you look after me like you did Jill when it’s my time?” So, I went to hospice with her and, before she died, Margie said, “Promise me that you’ll carry on doing this when I die.” So, here I am. I go to Hibiscus House at Red Beach every week. They have six rooms there. I make cups of coffee, run errands, sit and talk, and do whatever they need. One man told me his whole life story one day. It’s a magic place. ne of my favourite passions is gardening. That’s where I find my true meaning of life. I talk and think and say my morning prayers while I’m working out there in the early morning. I can go out for halfan-hour and come in and find it’s three hours later. The other thing I really love is elephants. After giving birth twice, to Wayne and Sarah, the next most wonderful time of my life was with elephants. Sarah was 20 and we went on safari to Kenya. We drove

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a way out and suddenly we saw about 35 to 40 cows and their babies. We were standing on the top of this truck and all of a sudden, this elephant – she was really huge – just looked over and turned towards us. I said, “What do we do now?” The guide said he wasn’t sure as it had never happened before in 15 years. She walked right over towards us, so I just said, “Hi … hello beautiful, look at your beautiful big eyes”. She just looked at me, and then ran her trunk right down my entire body and back up, and then touched my face. I had tears in my eyes; it was unbelievable. ’ve never had cancer and I thank God for it. I’m a Catholic, very spiritual, and go to church every Sunday. I reckon if I keep doing all the work I’m doing, I’ve got a deal with the fella upstairs and, hopefully, I’m going to stay a bit longer. I get peed off when I see people with cancer, but you can’t change it, you’ve just got to accept it and get on with things.

You don’t go to hospice to die; you go to extend your life. I’ve had times where I’ve seen some horrendous sights that you’d never see now up here in this hospice, and I’ve lost some good friends. I probably take some of it home with me – sometimes I’m in tears when I drive home – but that’s where my faith comes in. I pray to make me strong and I sleep like an angel. I’ve looked after so many people – I talk to them, and I really do think they always have a hand on my shoulder.

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10 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

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Robo-cop drone put through its paces in Kawau Bay Intelligent autonomous drones may soon police the seas thanks to testing that will take place in Kawau Bay over the next few weeks.

Auckland robotics engineering firm X-craft has built a six-metre long sea drone that can think for itself, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

The drone can “see” its environment using LIDAR technology, which uses lasers to scan surroundings and build a 3D image.

Thanks to efficient solar panels that power the craft, the drone can spend months or even years at sea without returning to shore or receiving human instruction.

The sea drone has a built in aerial drone, which it launches with a gyroscopically stable landing pad. The aerial drone provides the sea drone with an “eye in the sky”.

X-craft chief executive Philip Solaris says the new craft’s name is Proteus, but the engineering team have nicknamed it the “aircraft carrier”.

The intelligent seacraft will have a number of applications including conservation, rescue, scientific data collection and policing the seas for illegal fishing.

Fleets of cooperating drones will be able to track down illegal fishing boats, take photos, record positions and alert authorities.

The Proteus can also identify ships in distress and deliver inflatable life rafts to sinking passengers. If necessary,

The Proteus will be able to deploy aerial drones and smaller sea craft.

The Proteus craft can be accessed and piloted from anywhere in the world.

An earlier two-metre version of the craft named Taniwha.

people could climb aboard the craft.

Philip says this will be particularly important in Pacific Island nations, where ferries with hundreds of people on board can go missing without anyone even knowing about it.

“The idea here is that the drone can patrol key ferry lanes and watch for boats in distress.

“It will be able to recognise a person floating in the ocean and differentiate it from a piece of floating drift wood.

When it sees a head bobbing in the

water, it will stop and assist.”

He says Proteus could also be first on the scene after a natural disaster, such as a cyclone, and provide aerial surveys of damage to guide search and rescue efforts.

Philip’s intelligent craft have already been put to use in tracking Maui dolphin and monitoring fishing boats in Niue.

He says Kawau Bay provides the ideal environment for perfecting the drone’s AI capabilities because it has a variety

of conditions and small islands to navigate around.

To recreational boaties, it will appear as a purple light racing through the water.

Philip is asking boaties not to approach or mob the craft because it could interfere with its sensory equipment during a crucial stage of testing.

However, he is looking for locals to help by providing chase boats during tests. Those interested can email Philip at organisation@x-craft.co.nz

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 11

Snells Beach housing rezone plan prompts Board concerns Plans to rezone land at Snells Beach to allow around 50 new houses, to the west of the township, have come under fire from Rodney Local Board members.

Wellington-based Prime Property Group wants to re-zone 4.6ha of land off Foster Crescent and Te Whau Lane from residential large lot to single house zoning in the Auckland Unitary Plan.

However, Board members are concerned this could put serious strains on infrastructure, adversely affect the Mahurangi Harbour and undermine the integrity of the Unitary Plan itself.

Speaking at the Board’s February meeting, chair Phelan Pirrie said allowing the zone change could set a precedent.

“We’ve spent two or three years developing the Unitary Plan, it really has been a long and serious process, and here we are again with developers wanting to chip away at it,” he said.

“If we allow this to happen, then someone will come along wanting one on the outside of this, then there’ll be another, then another and that whole green buffer area will disappear.”

Board members expressed concern that the change could use up existing infrastructure capacity earlier than planned, which could create “substantive disruption” to existing communities on a peninsula with limited access. They also said there was sufficient land within existing Unitary Plan zones to provide for Auckland’s housing needs and the existing large lot zoning provided a buffer in Snells Beach that should be protected.

Members expressed concerns that the proposed housing intensification could have adverse effects on the Mahurangi Harbour and said the request should be declined.

A decision on the plan change application will be decided at a hearing, the date for which had not been set as Mahurangi Matters went to press.

Donkey fun and games at Algies Donkey rides, children’s races and a tug of war are just some of the family activities being planned for a fun Donkey Day at Highfield Garden Reserve in Algies Bay this coming Saturday, March 7.

The free community event will also feature books and storytelling from

A unique, nurturing environment that sets us apart and keeps them together.

Mahurangi East librarians, plus a free barbecue.

There will be traditional races, including sack races and egg and spoon. The Donkey Day fun starts at 11am and continues until 2pm.

Info: Peter Caccia-Birch at peteandval@slingshot.co.nz

New Conservative Public Meeting – all welcome Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm – 8.30pm, Thursday 5th March, 2 Alnwick Street, Warkworth.

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OneWarkworth Mark Macky, Deputy chair www.onewarkworth.co.nz

Vital vote STRONGERTOGETHER

Protect the future of One Warkworth to ensure locals have a say in our town’s growth

VOTE NOW to establish a BID.

Voting closes 12 noon, Monday 16 March.

VOTE ONLINE - instructions in voting pack.

A BID will provide essential funding and resources so One Warkworth can keep doing good work.

This includes: • making submissions on Auckland Council and CCO plans for our town • supporting events like the Kowhai Festival, Mahurangi Festival of Lights, Classic Car Rally and Santa Parade.

Without a BID, One Warkworth’s survival is at risk and we will lose our town’s strong, united voice.

Voting packs have been delivered. If you are an eligible voter and did not receive one, contact Judith Ofsoske at Independent Election Services on 09 973 5212. For all other info, call Murray Chapman on 027 496 6550.

See www.onewarkworth.co.nz for info.

“Over the last three years, One Warkworth has proven what can be achieved with the right support and resources. At a fixed rate of $500 per year / per title, establishing a BID will ensure One Warkworth can develop longterm strategies that the business sector and the area as a whole will benefit from. I fully support this new BID proposal.” Hugh Harvey, MS Engineering

for a Business Improvement District

With the Business Improvement District (BID) campaign underway and voter apathy the biggest risk to its success, take a minute to remember the advocacy wins One Warkworth has achieved and, importantly, if you are a business or commercial property owner, vote “Yes” to the BID now.

Case in point, it is no surprise to see there is finally movement on decisions about Hill Street and Matakana link road (MLR) given the collaborative pressure generated at the Transport Forum meetings every two months. These have been facilitated by One Warkworth since 2017.

Co-chaired by One Warkworth chair, Chris Murphy and Mark Mitchell MP, the forum has brought together local politicians, concerned residents, local planning and engineering experts, developers, and representatives from the Warkworth Area Liaison Group, Mahurangi East Residents and Ratepayers, Fix Hill Street Now, Auckland Council, With the BID, we Auckland Transport, road builder NX2 and the NZ will have a structure Transport Agency. that will ensure With the help of experts like Roger Williams the future of One and David Stott, the forum has pushed hard for bureaucrats to listen to local concerns and take a Warkworth and our pragmatic and commonsense approach to a solution. ability to go into For Hill Street, this includes changes to the design, bat for the local design budget and the intention to allocate build community. budget for a 2022 start. For the MLR, it resulted in a four-lane carriageway and bridge option being chosen and consent for winter works to be applied for, so it can be completed in time with the new motorway.

Justifiably, it can be argued that without One Warkworth leading the charge with these transport forum meetings, this would not have been achieved – at least not within the required time.

If the BID is successful, One Warkworth will be able to continue this type of advocacy work. We will be able to keep working hard to get land use planning right and the necessary infrastructure to support it.

Without the BID, pushing for what we need will fall back to a small group of volunteers with little time and no resources to make a difference. Our future could end up in the hands of bureaucrats at Auckland Council, Auckland Transport, other Council Controlled Organisations and private developers. The hopes, aspirations and needs of the community could well be left behind.

This is why is it so important that local business people and commercial property owners find out more and vote “Yes” to support the BID. With the BID, we will have a structure that will ensure the future of One Warkworth and our ability to go into bat for the local community.

Voting papers have been distributed by Independent Election Services and the biggest risk we face is voter apathy. We’ve had great feedback that One Warkworth is doing a good job. Please show us your support by voting ‘yes’ for the BID and voting now. We need at least 150 votes, and the majority of them in favour of the BID to get this over the line.

If you believe in the future of this town, and you want One Warkworth to continue its important work, please make sure you vote before March 16, and please vote “Yes” to the BID. We are stronger together.

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Call for more action on poverty Child poverty figures released by Statistics New Zealand last month show further urgent Government action is needed to lift more children and whānau out of poverty, according to the Salvation Army. Army social policy and parliamentary unit analyst, Paul Barber, says the figures show good progress, but more needs to be done to “reduce the unacceptably high level of child poverty that has plagued our communities for the past 30 years”. He adds that the child poverty figures show some of the impact of additional assistance through the Families Package, additional hardship grants, the lifting of the minimum wage and general wage increases. “However, hardship grant payments reflect the inadequacy of benefit levels, and targeting additional income into families with the lowest incomes must be a budget priority,” he says.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 13

Supreme Court decision finally ends Mangawhai rates fight A multi million-dollar legal dispute over controversial rates charges imposed by the Kaipara District Council (KDC) has finally ended in the Supreme Court.

The court ruled against Mangawhai ratepayers Bruce and Heather Rogan in a case connected with their longrunning battle with Council over rate payments.

The charges stem from alleged debts that were incurred following a yearlong rates strike by Mangawhai residents in 2012.

The strike was prompted after the KDC allowed costs for a sewerage scheme for Mangawhai to spiral out of control, which in turn forced steep rate rises. The charging of these rates was deemed unlawful by a High Court judge, but they were ultimately validated by Parliament.

Among the issues at stake was the fact that while the Rogans agreed to pay the validated rates, they did not agree to late payment penalties on those rates of around $13,000. The rates dispute has seen the KDC and the Rogans face off in the District Court, High Court, Appeal Court and finally, the Supreme Court.

The Rogans took a case to the Supreme Court seeking an extension of time to appeal a judgment against them in the Appeal Court, as the time available for making such an appeal had expired.

But the Supreme Court dismissed the application last month, saying the delay was due to the Rogans embarking on “a number of fruitless steps” in challenging

the Court of Appeal decision with the Court of Appeal itself, rather than promptly bringing their case to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court said that the Rogans’ case did not necessarily lack merit, but that it was “not so compelling that we feel obliged to allow an extension of time despite the extensive delay”.

Following the decision, Mr Rogan said it simply confirmed his view that the New Zealand judicial system was utterly corrupt.

“Nothing is based on law, but on whim, expediency and covering misdeeds by public bodies,” he said.

Mr Rogan conceded the couple’s legal fight was over, and he anticipated the KDC would pursue him for payment of the $13,000 in overdue penalties,

and additional costs would likely bring the total demanded to more than $100,000.

He estimated that he and his wife and their supporters in the community had spent an additional $500,000 on the legal fight.

But Mr Rogan said he had no regrets.

“We believe these issues were so important and the ratepayers of New Zealand are so exposed to the behaviour of Councils that somebody had to take a stand,” he said.

Last year, KDC confirmed it had spent $1.5 million defending the validity of controversial rates charges, but this figure only included charges up to September 2018. Last October, retired lawyer Clive Boonham, who has followed the case, suggested the running total would be closer to $2.5 million.

Bruce Rogan

Decades-old cheques found buried under bank RE/MAX Warkworth has unearthed bundles of banking documents from beneath the recently refurbished BNZ building in Neville Street.

It includes a record of deposits and withdrawals dated August 28, 1948 with familiar local names such as Morrison, Vipond, Steele and Stubbs.

In a twist of fate, it was an electrician from Stubbs Electrical who found the documents while trying to feed wires through the crawl space underneath the bank.

There are also a number of cheques

from local businesses, including Wellsford Butchery, Wellsford Pharmacy and Wellsford Motors.

BNZ heritage curator Tanya Connor says it is a mystery as to why the cheques would be stashed underneath the Warkworth bank, particularly as they clearly come from Wellsford.

“There were no sophisticated destruction bins back then, so after processing, cheques would usually be burned at the branch,” she says.

According to BNZ, the cheques, right, should have been destroyed.

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Professor concludes career with plea for action on climate Kaipara Flats Professor Ralph Cooney finished his valedictory address at Auckland University last month with a stirring appeal for action on climate change.

Prof. Cooney, an expert on materials surface chemistry, made the remarks after reviewing his five decades of research and academic leadership roles, which began at the time of the first moon landing.

His Auckland University positions included Head of Chemistry, Executive Dean of Science, Pro Vice Chancellor and Head of the Tamaki Innovation Campus.

Prof. Cooney began his comments on climate change by quoting former United States President Barack Obama: “There’s one issue that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other and that is the urgent and growing threat of a changing climate.”

Prof. Cooney said it was time to put the debate about climate change aside and instead, decide what to do about it.

“It’s really important to recognise that climate change is not just going to affect the wealthy countries, but it’s also going to have a great impact on poor countries,” he said.

“We must look for solutions that are not just high tech solutions, but solutions that are low-tech as well.

Both can be done.”

In terms of low-tech solutions, Prof.

Cooney praised the United Nations’ establishment of a soil remediation fund to restore “alienated” soils in poorer countries, such as those found in Africa.

He said the move would do much to not only to address climate change but would also address issues of poverty and low food production.

In terms of high-tech solutions, Prof Cooney said we were in the midst of a revolution in terms of electric transport, which would not only see the development of more electric cars, but also of electric planes and ships.

In this regard, he acknowledged the world was still heavily dependent on lithium-ion batteries and, unfortunately, the world’s supply of lithium was limited.

“We are looking for new types of batteries and super capacitors so there’s great potential for some hightech research into these areas,” he said.

Prof. Cooney praised the efforts of companies like Dow Chemical and Unilever, responsible for production of hundreds of different plastic products.

He said these companies had made a commitment to trim commercial plastics in production around the world to only those that were totally recyclable, and they aimed to do this within the next five years.

Prof. Cooney urged stronger connections between materials researchers and environmental and oceanographic researchers to more

Professor Ralph Cooney with grandson Quinn, 17, at a reception following Prof Cooney’s valedictory address. Quinn Cooney also aims to pursue a career in science.

effectively tackle the challenge posed by climate change.

Earlier in his address, Prof. Cooney provided an overview of his academic career, highlighting the scientists who has inspired him and his principal research interests.

His key published papers have covered the fields of spectroscopy (the study of light and wavelength), adsorption (the process by which solids hold molecules of gas or liquid), catalysis (acceleration of chemical reactions), electrochemistry and nanotechnology (the study and use of tiny particles).

Prof. Cooney says science is a discipline which involves many builders and a

few architects.

“I would urge young researchers at the start of their career to be focused and diligent and precise about your building, but try and also have some aspiration to reshape science itself,” he said.

Prof. Cooney said in retirement he looked forward to continuing his research interests giving talks to community groups, and writing a science column for Mahurangi Matters.

“My motivation is not to promote science but to help the community understand science in matters that may confuse or worry them,” he said Read Prof. Cooney’s latest column on page 39.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 15

Rubbish dumped in stream A cleaning contractor in Wellsford is asking locals to keep an eye out for a recidivist rubbish dumper, who is fouling up a stream with sacks of used nappies and household waste.

Last month, Dan, of Civic Contractors in Wellsford, was sent to clean up rubbish that had reportedly been thrown off a bridge near 180 Wellsford Valley Road.

It took the contractor hours to clear up the piles of household waste, which had become lodged in trees as well as carried along by the watercourse.

The stream is a tributary of the Topuni River, which feeds into the Kaipara Harbour.

When Dan drove by the site the next day, he ended up fuming after finding

the stream area again littered with piles of rubbish bags.

“There were black sacks and kitchen bin bags filled with household waste, including used nappies, plastic bottles and cans,” Dan says.

“If you are buying kitchen bags then why not just get an orange Northland, Waste bag and dispose of it properly.

There’s no excuse for it,” he says.

Dan is encouraging anyone who may have information or has witnessed rubbish dumping to call the Council on 0800 NO DUMP. “New Zealand is trying to clean up its creeks and streams. Clearing up household waste is a waste of my time and council resources.”

Hazardous waste sparks truck fires Auckland Council has issued a warning to residents following a spate of recycling truck fires.

The fires are blamed on hazardous waste being dumped into household recycling bins.

Likely culprits include gas cooker canisters, lighter fluid cans and a motor vehicle cam belt wrapped around a packer mechanism.

Aucklanders are cautioned to take care with what they put in their recycling bins to avoid the risk of serious harm, especially to waste contractor employees, nearby traffic and passing pedestrians.

Councillor Richard Hills, chair of the environment and climate change committee, says hazardous waste,

including flammable and combustible items, should never be placed in kerbside rubbish and recycling bins.

“Because of the compacting equipment in collection truck hoppers, there is a significant chance of a fire occurring when items are crushed by the compactor,” he said.

Cr Hills says that it has been fortunate that a more serious incident has not occurred, thanks to the vigilance of truck operators, rigid safety protocols that are in place if a fire occurs, and the rapid responses from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.

Last month, recycling truck fires were reported in Ōtara, Lynfield and Sunnynook.

Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Congratulations to Bruce Trethewey, of Scotts Landing, who is a recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Bruce was nominated by Naga Brand, who wrote:

“

I would like to put forward the best neighbour ever for a Sweet Appreciation award. Bruce does all sorts for older people on Ridge Road and in Snells Beach and Auckland.

He has been a founding member of the Men’s Shed in Warkworth and has recently given time, materials and money for a new project at Snells Beach School. He is an energiser bunny with a heart of gold.

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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16 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

localmatters.co.nz

Transport takes lion share of Council spending

Info: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/have-your-say

Local Board plan Meanwhile, the first round of engagement on the draft Rodney Local Board plan is also open for the submission of ideas. The plan is a strategic threeyear document that will guide the Board’s decision making in areas such as transport, the environment, diversity, working with mana whenua, local economic development, climate issues and ensuring local community facilities and parks meet the needs of their communities.

“Ideas” must be submitted by the end of this month, with formal consultation set down for June.

To post an idea, visit akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal

Open Day Sunday 8 March 10am - 3pm Summerset Falls 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth

Expenditure

Transport – $1,326m (capital); $1,508m (operating) Key projects: The City Rail Link, Puhinui Bus-Train Interchange and the first phase of the $1.4 billion Eastern Busway project.

Water, wastewater, stormwater – $685m (capex); $741m (opex) Key projects: Investment of around $40 million to improve the quality of our harbours, beaches and streams supported by the Water Quality Targeted Rate, including major projects in St Mary’s Bay and Herne Bay. Parks & community - $342m (capex); $784m (opex) Operating expenditure covers parks, libraries, pools, recreation centres, halls and events.

Centres development – $252m (capex); $131m (opex) Key focus: The city centre development programme which is preparing Auckland to host major events such as the 36th Americas Cup and APEC. Economic & cultural development – $42m (capex); $226m (opex) Key focus: Providing arts, natural environment, sport and live performance events.

Environmental management & regulation – $26m (capex); $455m (opex) Key projects: Investment of around $38 million to help protect our natural environment and tackle the pests, weeds and diseases that threaten many of our native species, including upgrading over 40kms of tracks to manage the risk of kauri dieback disease.

Council administration & support – $18m (capex); $519m (opex) Key focus: Covers elected representative and emergency services.

Climate emergency

Council has declared a climate emergency, and climate change will be a key issue for the next 10year Budget 2021-2031. In the interim, Council will invest $900,000 in 2020/21 on foundation work for climate change actions. This includes developing climate assessment tools, reviewing the Auckland Unitary Plan from a climate perspective and embedding natural hazard risk assessment and integrating data. Council will also look at understanding the likely economic impacts of climate change, the Māori world view on climate change and focusing on communications and

Council plans to invest $6.6m on new community assets in Rodney and $15m to maintain and operate assets ($13.5m on community services, $400,000 on environmental services, $200,000 on planning services and $1m on governance).

Pool change Council is proposing to replace the $130 first inspection fee with an annual targeted rate of $44 for all pool owners. Any follow-up inspections will continue to be charged separately.

If the pool owner arranges an inspection from an independently qualified pool inspector, then the targeted rate will reduce to $22 to cover administration.

tools to embed behaviour change. Money is being set aside to plant 1.5 million trees over the next three years (an additional 500,000 over what was planned, at a cost of $2.7 million) and continue to progress coastal protection as part of the $90 million programme agreed in the 10-year budget.

Council plans to reduce its own emissions by nearly 20 per cent over the next five years by reducing the fleet size and moving to electric vehicles, investing $6.3 million over the next five years to do this. It will also phase out gas boilers in aquatic centres, at a cost of $9 million over the next five years.

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Transport initiatives will take the largest chunk of money raised in Auckland Council’s annual budget, which is forecasting capital investment of $2.7 billion and operating expenditure of $4.36 billion in 2020/21.

Mahurangi ratepayers are currently being asked to give feedback on Council’s spending priorities during a four-week consultation period, which closes on March 22.

The budget focuses on issues around rates, growth and local priorities, but transport – inner city public transport, walking and cycling pathways, and road safety – is the big ticket item. Council is budgeting to spend $1326 million on transport capital projects and will put aside a further $1508 million for operating expenses (see panel right).

The average general rate rise will be limited to 3.5 per cent, the uniform annual general charge will be limited to 3.5 per cent and there will be a continued reduction in the business differential rate. The regional fuel tax, water quality targeted rate and the natural environment targeted rate will remain the same.

A drop-in session to talk about the budget will be held outside New World Supermarket in Warkworth on Saturday March 7, from 2pm to 4pm.

Rodney priorities

localmatters.co.nz/whatson

what’son

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 17

E NT E R TA I NM E NT

Forward looking Tapora festival creates positive change The 2020 Earth Beat festival will feature an eclectic mix of music from folk to funk, including 39 local and international acts, as well as workshops for everything from yoga to growing oyster mushrooms.

Around 2500 people are expected to attend the festival at Atiu Creek Regional Park at Tapora from March 20 to 22.

Co-founder Issac Oron describes Earth Beat as a platform for positive change and hopes it will have an impact beyond good times at the event.

There will be a number of speakers including Muslim human rights advocate Anjum Rahman, who will talk on a strategy for inclusiveness in Aotearoa.

Green MP Chloe Swarbrick will speak on what the legalisation of cannabis in New Zealand might look like.

Community campaign organisation ActionStation will be at the festival creating content for a campaign for a universal basic income.

“Festivals are an amazing tool for change because they bring large numbers of people together,” Issac says.

For the first time, the festival is trying to create the largest vegetarian hangi

Earth Beat festival is a family-friendly event with all ages welcome.

ever made in New Zealand with help from local iwi, Te Uri o Hau. Issac says Earth Beat is Auckland’s only zero-waste festival and attendees bring all their own cups, plates and cutlery.

There is a compost pile for food waste.

Each year the festival builds a new structure at Atiu Creek that becomes available to the public. The vision is to have permanent compostable toilets, a community kitchen and gardens.

Issac comes from Israel and has been a DJ, as a well as a food technologist.

He sees his mission as guiding people to become leaders of change.

“I just wanted to see a bit of progress around the world, and New Zealand is a great place for showing the world new ways of living and what can be possible.”

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18 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

Top dance group celebrates “our home” Black Grace, one of New Zealand’s top contemporary dance companies, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with a 10-date tour of regional Auckland, starting in Warkworth on March 18.

The critically acclaimed group will be performing the latest installment of its long-running show, Verses, which is a collection of short dance works inspired by, and dedicated to, life in Tamaki Makaurau / Auckland.

Founding artistic director Neil Ieremia created the dance pieces after being inspired by words, lyrics, lines and verse, and setting them to an eclectic mix of his favourite pieces of music, a soundtrack he describes “as diverse as our city’s population”.

“Verses is our way of celebrating our home and our people,” he says.

Black Grace was founded in Auckland in 1995 and has attracted international acclaim for its innovative, high energy performances full of strength, stamina and spirit. The New York Times called them “startlingly fresh, full of invention and infectious exuberance”.

The one-hour show will be performed at Warkworth Town Hall on Wednesday, March 18 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost $20 and are only available at the door.

They will go on sale an hour before the performance starts.

Black Grace will also appear at Orewa Community Centre on Saturday, March 21; Waiuku Memorial Town Hall on Wednesday, March 25; and Helensville War Memorial Hall on Thursday, March 26. All shows start at 7.30pm.

The tour is part of the 2020 Auckland Arts Festival, which runs from March 11 to 29.

Amitai Pati shares a romantic moment with Amelia Berry at the Opera Picnic in Matakana.

Romance blooms at opera picnic Soprano Amelia Berry joked she was singing so many love arias with handsome male co-stars that she was obliged to give each of them a rose after the style of TV show The Bachelorette.

Accordingly, a bunch of roses were stacked neatly on the piano, ready for presentation to the smiling men, during Auckland Opera Studio’s Opera Picnic held in the grounds of a private home in Matakana on Saturday, February 22.

Around 700 people attended the concert, which featured tenors Amitai Pati, of Sol3 Mio, and Ipu Laga’aia, plus bass baritone Joel Amosa. They were joined by soprano Tayla Alexander and Claire Caldwell on piano.

The concert featured a wide range of music both traditional and contemporary drawn from the world’s most famous operas and musicals.

Info: blackgrace.co.nz Right, Black Grace is renowned for its innovative and energetic routines.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 19

Cuisine Nicola Bolton

nicolabolton.lan@gmail.com

Hello feijoas!

Summer is on the way out, and I feel a bit sad about that. I have had to bid a temporary farewell to singlets, jandals, BBQs and strawberries. I can, however, soon say, “Hello!” to feijoas. That really turns my frown upside down. I adore feijoas both fresh and baked. They are a good source of dietary fibre, which can help lower our cholesterol and optimise our digestion. They have vitamins that aid our body function and minerals like Vitamin C to help boost our immunity.

They are good for us and they taste amazing. I really like to scoop the flesh out of a feijoa and eat it fresh but that’s not much of a recipe is it? Instead, I am going to share a dessert with you that takes 15 minutes to prepare and around 45 minutes to bake. This is a delectable dish that must be served with fresh cream or vanilla ice-cream. Please let me reiterate “must be”. It is a crumble, and I pride myself on my crumbles. I hope you love this one.

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4 medium apples - I use green or red 10+ medium feijoas 1 large lemon or two small ones A pinch of salt 1 ¼ cup raw sugar ½ cup whole almonds

½ cup rolled oats ¼ cup peanuts or cashew nuts ¼ cup desiccated coconut ½ cup plain flour 50g chilled butter 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Preheat your oven on bake at 180C. Peel and de-seed your apples, then chop them into small chunks – no need to be neat here. Throw your apples into a high baking dish; approx 20cm x 20cm. Scoop all the insides out of your feijoas (make sure you get everything) and throw them in with your apple chunks. Zest the skin of your lemon and pop the zest in a medium-sized bowl for later. Cut your lemon in half and squeeze the juice of both halves over your fruit; be sure to collect the seeds. Add your pinch of salt and sprinkle over only half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Mix everything well, then lightly press flat into the baking dish.

Grab your bowl with the lemon zest. Chop or crush your almonds and peanuts/ cashew nuts coarsely and throw them in with the zest. Add your rolled oats, coconut, 1 tsp of cinnamon, flour and quarter cup of raw sugar. Give everything a gentle mix.

Cut the chilled butter in to small chunks and pop it in with the dry ingredients.

You need to get your hands dirty now. Use your fingers to rub the butter through the dry ingredients. This may take a few minutes. You want to keep rubbing the butter through until you have small balls. Add a little bit more butter if necessary or flour if it’s too wet.

Once you’ve made your crumble, distribute it evenly over top of the wet ingredients in the baking dish. Gently spread the crumble flat as you did with the fruit. Sprinkle a little bit more sugar and cinnamon over if you have more available and place the dish in the centre of the oven. We don’t want the crumble too close to the top of the oven, because the crumble will burn but the fruit won’t bake. It will take about 40-50 minutes for the apples to start breaking down. You know the crumble is done when the fruit starts to bubble up around all four sides of the baking dish. Serve immediately with a really big dollop of runny cream or ice-cream over the top.

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20 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

Warkworth Music announces 2020 line-up Dahlias raise double for dementia unit

Warkworth Music’s 2020 concert season contains a diverse range of musical experiences, including seven chamber music concerts kicking off on April 5 with Duo Möller-Fraticelli.

Warkworth Music spokesperson Lisa Outwin says the masterful husband and wife guitar duo, comprising Johannes Möller and Laura Fraticelli, creates a unique fusion between Swedish perfection and Argentinian passion.

Their programme will include Argentinian tangos, the romantic music of Hungarian guitar virtuoso Johann Kaspar Mertz and Johannes Möller’s own compositions.

“Their emotional playing style, as well as their strong connection and stage presence, make their performances unforgettable events,” Lisa says.

The duo’s concert will be followed up on May 3 with a performance by the Aroha Quartet – one of New Zealand’s finest chamber music ensembles. Their programme will include Haydn’s “Lark” Quartet and Tchaikovsky’s String Quartet No. 1 in D. On June 28, University of Auckland senior lecturer and internationally acclaimed pianist Stephen De Pledge will perform his entertaining 50th birthday recital with favourites from Chopin, Prokofiev and Bach.

On July 19, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra’s Concert Master, Finnishborn Vesa-Matti Leppänen, leads Vesa and Friends, performing Beethoven and

Mozart on horn, violin, viola and cello.

Jazz enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Lucien Johnson Quartet on August 15. Johnson has been described as “a saxophonist and composer of rare excellence and mettle” (Wellington Jazz Festival), and “a miraculous musician” (Radio NZ). He is joined in this quartet by some of New Zealand’s finest musicians on tenor saxophone, piano, double bass and drums.

On September 19, the St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra will perform works by Faure, Copland and the well-known Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor.

The concert season finishes on October 17 with the award-winning Marmen Quartet, which has built an international reputation for courage, vitality and vigour in their performances.

Their programme will include Schubert, Debussy and Mendelssohn.

All concerts will be held at the Warkworth Town Hall, with full concert details and ticket sales available at warkworthmusic. org.nz

The Dahlias for Dementia garden tour held last month sold 700 tickets – 200 more than expected.

Tour organiser Karen Smales set a target of $20,000 for funds generated by the event and was blown away to raise $40,000. It is a vital boost of cash-in-hand for the 14-bed dementia unit being built at the Riverview Rest Home in Maungaturoto.

“Despite the drought, which caused everyone stress, property owners kept their gardens going beautifully and the feedback from the tour has been amazing,” Karen says.

Highlights on the tour included an established fruit garden in Whakapirau where guests ate bananas straight off the tree, and a men’s shed with a collection of vintage motorcycles.

“Trevor Brijevich in Maungaturoto also raised money by selling produce from his gigantic vegetable garden on the tour and donated the proceeds.”

Karen thanked sponsors, including Delmaine Foods, House of Travel and Arborcare Tree Maintenance.

“The event could cover nearly all its costs, meaning the funds raised go straight to the dementia unit.”

Duo Möller-Fraticelli: Swedish perfection and Argentinian passion.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 21

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22 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020 CONCRETE | CONSTRUCTION | CONTRACTORS | ELECTRICIAN | ENGINEERING | FARM & SUPPLIES | FENCING | FLOORING

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53 Station Road, Wellsford • Phone (09) 423 7358 Email: wellsfordglass@xtra.co.nz

1 STOP SHOP FOR HANDYMAN SERVICES Peter 021 912 805 tickidiboo@orcon.net.nz

Local and Reliable

G

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • APL | Architectural Series • Metro Series

Building Maintenance Repairs Cleaning

K

itchen Colours and Wood Finishes

Spraypainters of quality kitchens Lacquers, enamels, urethanes, 2 pacs, clearcoats Resprays and Recolours

Phone / Fax Gary 425 7669 Unit 21/30 Hudson Road, Warkworth

09 425 7510

7 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

sales@compositejoinery.co.nz • www.compositejoinery.co.nz YOU CAN RELY ON THE TEAM AT COMPOSITE JOINERY WITH OVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

WG

Domestic and Commercial Glazing Glass Showers Splash Backs Mirrors • Cat Doors Windscreen Replacement and Chip Repair

arkworth lass & lazing

20 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth 09 425 8678 • 021 952 077 wwglassandglazing@xtra.co.nz

Beauty Therapy & Nail Creations for head to toe pampering

Alison Wech

C.I.D.E.S.C.O, C.I.B.T.A.C, dip Beauty Therapy, dip Electrolysis, dip Body Therapy, dip Nail Technician

46 McKinney Road, Warkworth Mob 021 051 3661 • Ph 09 425 7776 tlcbeautytherapynails@yahoo.co.nz

• Facials • Waxing • Tinting • Gel Nails • Acrylic Nails • Manicures • Pedicures • Electrolysis • Make-up • Body Wraps • Massage • Spray Tans

Say No to Leaky Homes

THE ULTIMATE ALUMINIUM

WINDOW AND DOOR FLASHING SYSTEM

• Robust, Good Looking and Durable • Specify Best Practice, Specify Flashman • The only Flashing System Guaranteed

Northland 0800 55 66 00 www.flashman.co.nz

Beautiful Landscapes Start Here

TOTAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

Retaining Walls • Decks • Pergolas • Fencing • Concreting • Custom Buildings • Planting Services

for complete quality projects

Imagine | Transform | Enjoy

LBP with 35 + years experience delivering excellence for customers who demand perfection

MATAKANA LANDSCAPES

021 085 12024 | matakanalandscapes@gmail.com

• Lawns - contouring & seeding • Top soil • Retaining Walls • Driveways • Paths • Digger • Truck • Tractor Phone Bruce 425 7766 a/h 021 055 4226 I take the hard work out of Landscaping

We dig weekends.

• Retaining Walls/Decks • Fences • Paving/Concreting • Planting • 1.7 tonne digger and operator hire Ph Jeff - 021 368 552 | warkworthlandscaping@gmail.com www.warkworthlandscaping.co.nz

Topsoil • Compost & Garden Mix • Lawn Mix Grass Seed • Bark • Pebbles • Stones • Sand Drainage • Metal • Fertilisers and much more!

FREE LOAN TRAILERS • HOME DELIVERIES 7 DAYS 09 425 9780 • 25-31 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

www.centrallandscapes.co.nz

The re-tube specialists New boats from 2.1 to 5.5m Full repair service on any inflatable brand. 100% NZ Made

1487A State Highway 17, Dairy Flat Ph: 021 570 505 • em: info@seafarerinflatables.co.nz

www.seafarerinflatables.co.nz

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WE CAN •Sand•Metal•Shell•Pebble•Scoria •Mulch•Garden Mix•Topsoil•Compost

DELIVER! •Tirau Gold•Pine Chip•Cambian Bark

183 SANDSPIT RD, WARKWORTH • OPEN 7 DAYS! Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm Sat: 7am-4pm Sun: 9am-3pm

MASON CONTAINERS LIMITED | Container Sales | Container Hire | Self Storage | Hiab Cartage

0800 833 323 Visit to view containers at 76 Hudson Road, Warkworth admin@masoncontainers.co.nz | masoncontainers.co.nz

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24 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

MOVING & STORAGE | PAINTERS & PLASTERERS | PEST CONTROL | PICTURE FRAMERS | PLASTERERS | PLUMBING | PRINTING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | ROOFING | SCAFFOLDING | SCRAP METAL

WARKWORTH

REMOVALS

• Owner Operator • Local and Long Distance • Packing Service • Packing Materials

James Taylor 0275 489 104

Warkworthremovals@me.com Warkworthremovals.co.nz

09 425 9679

CraigthePainter

Since 1997

• Residential Specialists • Interior | Exterior • Plus Stopping & Skim Plastering

021-858 524 | 09-423 After 8521 Hours

Exterior/Interior/Roofs/Staining

WE TAKE CARE OF YOUR PESTS!

WARKWORTH PICTURE FRAMERS

Email: craigthepainter@xtra.co.nz

We supply cost effective & affordable service for long term control of pests!

Painting and Decorating New builds Re-paints Re-stains Roofs • Commercial • Water blasting •

•

•

Ph: Luke 021 507 463 luke.raphaella@gmail.com

Rodney Insect & Pest Control

Call today!

021 0214 2252 | 09 422 6141

John Beker YOUR LOCAL PLASTERER

Husband & Wife team • harley.mcvay@xtra.co.nz

Harley 021 0220 8727 or 09 423 9012

COMPLETE CUSTOM FRAMING SERVICE David and Pat Little P. 09 425 8143 E. the_littles@xtra.co.nz 15 Coquette Street,Warkworth 0910 DAVID LITTLE GCF

Cameron Carlaw Ph: 09 422 2376 M: 027 468 4695

GIB stopping, cornice, patching and all repairs.

Fast and friendly service, competitive & fair rates.

P O Box 444, Warkworth 0941 gas@northengas.co.nz

GAS SERVICES I HOT WATER I PLUMBING MAINTENANCE

Call John 021 107 3658

www.northengas.co.nz

& DRAINLAYING

Helping you with plumbing, drainlaying, jet machine & drain camera

Have a look on our website to see the huge range of items we can custom brand to suit your needs.

www.positiveimage.co.nz

tplumber@xtra.co.nz

For any queries, please contact us on:

09 424 1262

021 102 4561

sales@positiveimage.co.nz

TRIED – TESTED – TRUSTED

18A Silverdale Street, Silverdale

• New Roofs • Roof Repairs • Re-roofs • Roof Inspections Specialists in long-run roofing A great team you can trust

For a fresh approach in Property Management, with proven results.

Serving Puhoi to Ruakaka.

Sam 021 1966 391 / Shona 021 539 391 rentalsitn@bayleys.co.nz

Roofing NZ Ltd

ROOF AND CLADDING SPECIALISTS NEW LONG-RUN IRON

Rob Campbell Northern Contracts Manager

0800 649 324 | 021 425 117 rob@rightnowroofing.co.nz www. rightnowroofing.co.nz

Tickle 021 356 965 RNZ Matt iron.man@xtra.co.nz

Servicing Auckland - Rodney - Kaipara

Metroscaff Limited

For your safety we have: • Experienced Qualified Scaffolders • Full range of Equipment • Including Alloy Mobile & Builder’s Props

PHONE 0800 622 7929

OMAHA - SNELLS BEACH - WARKWORTH - MANGAWHAI Member of Scaffolding and Rigging New Zealand

- Residential & Light Commercial - Quick Stage - OSH Standards - Tube & Clip - Qualified Scaffolders - Reliable Service P 09 425 0300 M 021 774 653 F 09 423 0017 admin@metroscaff.co.nz www.metroscaff.co.nz

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Buyers of: Copper • Brass • Aluminium • Lead • Steel • Stainless Steel • Batteries • Cable • Machinery • Electric Motors • Cars • Car Removal. Pick up or drop off bins

Phone 0800 14 15 30 • 426 9150 35 Forge Road, Silverdale

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 25

MacJimray Septic Cleaning Services are the septic tank cleaning specialists in your district.

SECURITY |Residential SEPTIC TANKS | SURVEYORSfast, | TILING | TV AERIAL & DIGITAL | WATER to commercial, reliable, professional service at competitive rates.

Serving and Protecting our Community for over 15 Years

• Rural & Urban Subdivision • Boundary Locations • Site Contour Plans • Construction Set-out

.

Septic Tank/Grease Trap Cleaning Septic & Sewerage Treatment Systems

Don’t let your septic tank become costly - service it now!

23 Bertram Street, Warkworth

DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL • New Alarms - Design, Install & Service • CCTV - Design, Install & Service • Panic Alarms • Fire Alarm Systems • Access Control Systems • Alarm Monitoring • Rapid Response 24/7 • Premise Patrols • Lockup Checks

Rupert Mather 021 425 837 Graeme Smith 021 422 983 09 425 7393 admin@wwsurveyors.co.nz

FOR ALL YOUR SECURITY NEEDS!

Hibiscus Tiling

Contact Insite for your

Digital Freeview Satellite Installation & Repairs

Wall & floor tiling • Accredited Waterproofer Underfloorheating • Free consultations and quotations • 23 years experience

FREE SECURITY appraisal.

0800 66 24 24 www.insitesecurity.co.nz

127

TV • FM Aerials • Tuning Additional TV Outlets Phone David Redding 09 422 7227 or 0274 585 457

Phone Darcy 021 482 308

Pump & Filtration Services (2007) Ltd

• Water Filters • UV Sterilisers • Reverse Osmosis • Water Coolers • Whole House • Water Pumps • Tanks • Rain Harvesting • Pre-Tank Filters Call Steve 027 478 7427

steve@aquafilter.co.nz

Rodney Sales & Service 09 425 6080

We Service All Leading Brands! www.aquafilter.co.nz

clean. care. repair.

WATER TANK CLEANING & REPAIR SERVICES

Warkworth: Phone Karl or Kylie Oldham 027 240 7791 email: mobikair.rodney@gmail.com

Mangawhai: Phil Lathrope 431 4608 | 021 642 668 email: mobikair.mangawhai@gmail.com

www.mobi-kair.co.nz

Household Water Deliveries 0800 747 928 mobile: 027 556 6111

31 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth 09 425 9100 splashwater@xtra.co.nz

Shop hours Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat 9am-12pm

Tanks: New & Cleaned • Pipes: PVC & PE, Filter Systems Pumps: New & Rebuilt, Pipes & Parts, Irrigation Supplies • Pool & Spa Cleaning Equipment, Chemicals 6 Worker Rd, Wellsford • sales@watertechplus.co.nz • www.watertechplus.co.nz • Open Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING APPLIANCE REPAIRS

DRIVEWAYS MAINTENANCE Grading, rolling & metalling for rural Driveways. No job too BIG or small. Ph Bruce 425 7766

M: 021 425 887 T: 09 425 0075 E: pumps4u@live.com

Pumps & Filters Water Treatment Spa & Pool Shop Water Testing Valet Service Water Blasters Tanks & Sprayers 24 Hour Mobile & Workshop Service

09 423 8061

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Prompt service 021 168 7349.

• Water treatment & Filtration • Pumps • Pool & Spas • Waterblasters 7days / 24hours Paul Harris

Certified Structural Steel Welding

CERTIFIED WELDER

Gideon 022 512 4817 weldinghotspot@gmail.com

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$4.55 inc GST per line or $11.60 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

CELEBRANT

BUSINESS FOR SALE

WEDDINGS Simple affordable Registry style ceremonies $95.

Garden, beach or at home.

No obligation enquiries 021 772 359

PROFITABLE CLEANING BUSINESS Long term local clients. Huge potential.

Training provided.

Genuine inquiries Call 021 0825 8242.

REGISTERED CELEBRANT

We come to you to save you time

FOR SALE RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 09 423 7875

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HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 steve@aquafilterrodney.co.nz WINDOW CLEANING/HOUSEWASH/ GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

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26 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT

Blue Skies Cleaning Window Cleaning, Soft Bio House Wash, Gutter Clean, All Exterior Cleaning, Water Blasting, Roof Treatment, Local Professional service.

Ph Pat 022-646-5849

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

Ph Paul 09 422 0500 or 027 29 222 04 WATER PUMPS - No water? Old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 steve@aquafilterrodney.co.nz

MARKETS MUSEUM SUMMER MARKETS 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth. Enquiries Warkworth 425 8482.

Sudoku

Solution

CHURCH NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES STALL HOLDERS REQUIRED Mahurangi East Community Hall.

Labanda Teko Pasifika Twilight Mini-Festival. March 28, 4-8pm.

Stall holder table $20, food stall $30.

Enquires crazysewinglady47@gmail.com VOLUNTEER NOW! Our Hospice Shops need you. Make new friends, flexible hours. Call Lorna to find out more, 09 425 9535.

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Phone 425 8545

www.holyname.org.nz

Holy Mass Timetable:

YOUTH HEALTH REGISTERED NURSE, PART TIME (0.5FTE) We are seeking a Youth Health or General Practice experienced Nurse to work at Rodney College in the WDHB funded School Based Health Service.

You will be youth focused and confident working with families and the school pastoral team.

The successful applicant must have: • Current NZ APC • Cross cultural competence • Medtech skills • A Youth Health qualification or a commitment to undertake study

invite you to join with them for Sunday worship Christian Fellowship Wellsford “The Station”, 18 Station Road, Wellsford. Sunday Service 10.15am.

Contact Geoff 423 7789

PUHOI

SS. Peter & Paul Church Sunday: 8.30am

Wellsford Church of Christ 269 Rodney Street, Wellsford.

Sunday Service 10am.

Contact Dennis 423 8640

MAHURANGI METHODIST PARISH

Wellsford Co-operating Parish 253 Rodney Street, Wellsford. Sunday Service 9.45am. Contact David 423 7150

Warkworth Methodist

Wellsford Catholic Parish 6 Matheson Road, Wellsford.

Sunday Service 10am.

Contact Father Bill 423 8170

Holy Name Church, 6 Alnwick Street Saturday Vigil: 6.00pm Sunday: 10.30am

1 Hexham Street, Warkworth Parish Office: Ph 425 8660 Sunday Service 10.30am HALL BOOKINGS PH 425 8053

Snell’s Beach Community Church 325 Mahurangi East Rd Sunday Service 9am HALL BOOKINGS PH 425 5612

Church office - 425 8660

5 Pulham Road, Warkworth Phone 425 8861 www.mahu.org.nz Sunday Services 9am & 10.30am

localmatters.co.nz

WELLSFORD CHURCHES

WARKWORTH

SITUATION VACANT

Start date as soon as possible Apply in writing with your CV, covering letter and the names of 2 referees to: principal@rodneycollege.school.nz or post to Principal, Rodney College, 287319 Rodney Street, Wellsford 0900.

Applications close Tuesday 10 March 2020

LOve LocaL Get vocaL

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$4.55 inc GST per line or $11.60 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

We want to hear from you! Tell us what we should focus on over the next three years to make your community better through our 2020 Local Board Plans.

Have your say now at akhaveyoursay.co.nz/lovelocal

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Community Bible Church Rodney Wellsford Community Centre. Sunday Service 10am. Contact Alvyn 423 8006 All Saint’s Anglican Church 17 Port Albert Road, Wellsford. Sunday Service 11am. Contact Minister Wayne Thornton 423 8250 Combined Churches ‘Stations of the Cross’ Hosted by Wellsford Catholic Parish.

April 5th 7pm The deadline for classified advertising for our March 18 paper is March 11.

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

If it’s local, let us know!

Mahurangi Matters 425 9068

familymatters

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 27

familymatters

FE AT U RE

School zoning pushes up house prices for young families School zones introduced to Mahurangi in 2017 have altered the property market as young families flock to the area – particularly in Matakana.

Local real estate agents Mahurangi Matters spoke to agree that the Warkworth School and Snells Beach Primary school zones are drawcards for property purchases, but Matakana School has more of a reputation.

Bayley’s Antony Shaw says the allure of Matakana School draws families from Warkworth to buy in to the zone to allow their kids to attend there, despite a limited housing stock.

RE/MAX Warkworth owner Ben Kloppers says families in northern suburbs such as Whangateau or Point Wells look to move to Matakana because it is on their way to work in Warkworth, whereas Leigh School would be a detour.

According to realestateinvestar.co.nz, the median house price in Matakana is $1.14 million, which is up 17 per cent in the last two years, but properties have sold for as low as $400,000 on Green Road.

Mike Pero’s Rick Law says he meets with young families every weekend who are looking to move from Auckland.

“Often they retain their jobs in

Ray White Warkworth director Terrence Banks says first home buyers need to build a relationship with an agent if they want an affordable home in an increasingly scarce market.

Auckland and commute, but they want to get on the property ladder,” he says.

“Our market here is more buoyant than further north because of the constant top-up of the buying pool by young families.”

The median house price in Warkworth has increased to $870,000 in the last 12 months, up from $740,000 in the previous 12 months.

Terrence Banks says house prices in the area are quickly catching up with Auckland and the best deals are to be found in outlying areas, such as Ahuroa,

Pakiri, Wellsford and Port Albert.

He says a popular option for first home buyers in north Rodney are cross lease properties. These have limitations on alterations, but are often more affordable.

Instead of subdividing a quarter-acre property, a cross lease allows multiple homeowners to take an “undivided share” of the property, and they are particularly common in north Rodney.

Terrence says increasingly parents are buying a share of their children’s first home and multiple couples pool together to buy a house to able to get

into the market.

His advice for first home buyers is to build a relationship with legal, financial and real estate advisers as early in the process as possible.

“Make a list of what you are willing to compromise on and what you are not.

Then your agent can build a profile of properties to look for.”

RE/MAX Warkworth property manager Tina Garland says the rental market is equally hot, with young families renting in the area before they buy.

“We can’t get enough rentals in Warkworth and Snells Beach for the number of enquiries we receive,” she says.

She says people are even willing to sign rental contracts before they have seen the property, but as a property manager she won’t allow it.

She advises contacting a few property managers two months before moving to get pre-checks done such as credit history, references and criminal record.

“Don’t wait for something to just come up, because you won’t get it.

There’s too much competition.”

She says those looking for a standalone house to rent will have to get a three-bedroom home, which costs around $550 a week.

Mahurangi Kindergarten Warkworth’s only PUBLIC Kindergarten Providing an early year’s education for every child to believe in themselves and to achieve their dreams and aspirations

FULLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS Connecting children with nature through Bush Babies childcare.

WELL-RESOURCED ENVIRONMENT

At Bush Babies we are a little bit special.

Locally owned and operated by a qualified, registered teacher, we live and breathe fun and learning through play. We offer a naturebased preschool with daily trips into nature.

We follow a play-based emergent curriculum where nature is our primary provocation – the bush feeds our curriculum.

Enroll today and choose Bush Babies to begin or compliment your child’s learning adventure.

AFFORDABLE EDUCATION

30 Free Hours (T&C’s apply) Kindergarten hours Monday-Friday 8.45am – 2.45pm You are welcome to pop in and visit at any time!

Contact us P: 09 425 7096 E: mahurangi@kaitiakikindergartens.org.nz

13 Albert Road, Warkworth

bushbabieschildcareltd@gmail.com | 09 945 3997

part of Kaitiaki Kindergarten Association W: kaitiakikindergartens.org.nz Online applications are welcome for children 2 years old and over.

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familymatters

28 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

You can get the 998 bus to come and see us in Wellsford.

Coronavirus: How do I keep my family safe?

More than 2000 people have died of coronavirus and half the population of China have faced travel restrictions in a desperate bid to halt the spread of the disease. Mahurangi Matters asked Mahurangi epidemiologist Dr Jason Gurney on the risks to New Zealand and how young families can protect themselves …

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Q. As we go to press, coronavirus has spread to 27 countries beyond China. How worried should we be in New Zealand?

It is natural to feel scared when novel diseases emerge – particularly when they impact so many people. In New Zealand, we are very lucky to be naturally protected from these diseases due to our remote island status – but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be vigilant and do what we need to do to minimise the risks.

Q. If one of my children has seen something in the news about coronavirus and is getting anxious what can I say to put their mind at rest?

Firstly, it’s important to remember that we have not had any confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus (known as COVID-19) in New Zealand just yet. Secondly, even if the disease does arrive here, it’s worth reminding your child that the chances of them actually getting the disease are likely very small – and even if they get the illness, the chances of dying from it are also really small. Nevertheless, COVID-19 has impacted a lot of lives, which is why it is all over the news. Your child is very unlikely to benefit from hearing this news every day, so the more you can do to shield them from it the better.

Q. Suppose my child is sitting next to a Chinese student at school.

Should I be concerned?

There is no need for concern. Firstly, if the child has recently arrived from areas of China where the outbreak occurred, then the New Zealand

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Government has put steps in place to protect the wider population. For example, through the quarantine base at Whangaparaoa. Secondly, if the child has arrived from a part of China that is outside the outbreak zone, then the chances that they are infected are extremely remote. As a community, we all need to ensure that we do not use this outbreak as a reason to ostracise the Chinese, or to treat them with any less dignity or respect than that afforded to anyone else. We should all be aware of our cultural biases and do what we can to support those who might be the target of unjustifiable angst.

Q. Is there anything a child or indeed any individual can do to protect themselves and others?

The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads through droplets, so in reality our best hope is to do the things that we should be doing to prevent the spread of other more immediately relevant diseases like influenza. Things like proper hand washing, and practicing good cough and sneeze etiquette – in other words coughing or sneezing into a tissue or into our elbow and away from others.

Q. There are a lot of ads appearing in email inboxes promoting the use of face masks in the wake of the coronavirus. Is it worth getting masks for my family?

If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with a suspected COVID-19 infection. You might consider wearing continued next page

familymatters

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 29

from previous page

a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

I would not necessarily advise people to do that in New Zealand at this stage, but we may need to rethink this if there was a serious outbreak of coronavirus in New Zealand.

Q. Given the ease with which the coronavirus appears to spread, are there any general lessons we can learn about preventing transmission of disease?

The principal symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, coughing and difficulty breathing – symptoms also shared by other more immediately relevant diseases like influenza. If your child has these symptoms, then they should see a doctor. It’s always best to keep kids with coughs, runny noses and other respiratory symptoms away from school, to prevent the spread of whatever illness is causing these symptoms. When considering whether to send their child to school, parents should be thinking about what is best for the wider class, school and community – not just what is best for them or their child.

Q. Beyond hand washing and watching how we cough and sneeze, what other basic hygiene rules should we be teaching our children?

Our kids have a tendency to rush boring things like hygiene – my own kids make me cringe by effectively “showing” their hands to the water after finishing their business in the toilet! My advice: take some time this week to stand with your kids and show them how to properly rinse and wash their hands with soap and warm water.

Teach them the three key steps of proper hand washing: first, we scrub our hands – including in between our fingers – with soap to pick up all those germs. The germs stick to the soapy mixture, which is why soap is so important to proper hand washing.

Second, we rinse all the soap off to get rid of all those germs. Lastly, we dry our hands properly. These three simple steps – conducted before meals, using the toilet or any other dirty activities – are really important ways that we can stop the spread of infectious diseases.

Q. Back in 2003, there was a similar concern over a SARS outbreak in China. But you don’t hear much about SARS now. Is the coronavirus similarly likely to die out, or does it pose a more severe threat than SARS? It’s still very early to tell what is going to happen with this illness. Experts believe that it will probably follow a similar pattern to influenza – in other words, its burden might extend a lot longer than the SARS outbreak.

Dr Jason Gurney

Q. Do you think the NZ Government is doing enough to stop the disease entering New Zealand? Could it be doing more? Can we hope to keep the disease out of New Zealand or is it inevitable that it will come here?

The Government has a pandemic plan and is currently putting that into operation. We can always be doing more – but our Government has enacted some really critical steps, like travel restrictions and other border control measures to keep the disease out of New Zealand. That’s our biggest objective: to keep the disease out entirely, or at least keep it out for as long as possible. The more time we can buy before the disease arrives is more time that we have to learn about this disease, how to contain it and how to prevent or treat it. In terms of whether it is inevitable that the disease will arrive in New Zealand, only time will tell.

Q. How can we prepare ourselves in advance should coronavirus come to New Zealand. Could it have the kind of impact it is having in China or are we better protected here?

Experts agree that our key preparatory steps include … a) increased public awareness of the importance of staying home when you’re sick, especially with respiratory illnesses; b) increased presence of alcohol sanitisers at health facilities; and c) increased public awareness of proper hand washing practices and cough/sneeze etiquette.

If the disease does arrive in New Zealand, our current best defence is to do exactly what we should be doing to prevent other diseases like influenza. As mentioned earlier, we have natural border protection, which is very much to our advantage. We are also less densely-populated than some parts of China, which is an additional advantage.

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Reach Forward EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

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familymatters

30 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

Rodney’s changing face

Sally Wilson, left, and Sue Wynyard at their 20th anniversary and retirement celebration, wearing their Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit awards they received in the last Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Birthing centre founders hand over baby After 20 years of nurture and development, Warkworth midwives Sally Wilson and Sue Wynyard are bidding farewell to their most precious baby – the community birthing centre that they founded and built to serve local mothers and families.

Over the past two decades, almost 2800 babies have been born at the centre and more than 11,600 mums have stayed there to recuperate having given birth elsewhere. Sally and Sue have been on hand throughout.

Now they are stepping down for a well-earned retirement and are handing over the reins of the birthing centre. They couldn’t be happier with the new owners - Nicky Snedden and Donna Hamilton, who are also Warkworth midwives.

“We had two groups in contention, one was more corporate, but we’ve always wished it was midwives running the centre,” Sally says. “We’re just delighted it’s Nicky and Donna as they’re two midwives and they’ll keep the same ethos and philosophy that we have worked for, and hopefully increase the number of natural births here.”

Sally and Sue founded Warkworth Birthing Centre following the closure of the old Warkworth

maternity hospital in the mid-1990s. Together with Glen Hoare, they became independent midwives and negotiated with the Government to run a birthing and postnatal care centre for the area. They formed a trust to act as landlord for the centre, with a mandate that it would be owned by the community as a maternity facility in perpetuity.

The Warkworth Birthing Centre opened in View Road in February 2000 with one birthing room and two postnatal beds. Today, there are two birthing rooms, an assessment room, 10 postnatal rooms and 34 staff, including nurse Sara Marshall who has been there since Day One. Sally and Sue’s retirement, the centre’s 20th anniversary and the handover to Nicky and Donna were all celebrated at a party in the grounds of the maternity unit on Saturday, February 22.

Sally and Sue thanked the local community for all their support over the years, as well as all the women and families who have used the birthing centre, trust members and support agencies. They said that while they would miss being at the centre, they were looking forward to being able to relax and travel, and not being on call 24/7 or caught up in local traffic.

Statistics New Zealand released demographic data from the 2018 census late last year showing the population of the Rodney District was 66,400, up from 49,400 in 2006.

Figures also showed that after a dip in 2013, the number of young families, comprising parents in their 30s and 40s along with under-15s, had grown.

In 2018, 25 per cent of the population was aged between 30 and 49 and children under the age of 15 accounted for 20 per cent.

This represents a growth of 10 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.

Those in the 15-29 age bracket grew by 49 per cent from 2006 to 2018, suggesting an increased willingness of young people to live in Rodney.

However, the fastest growth in numbers was among those aged 65 and over. This demographic saw numbers increase by 90 per cent between 2006 and 2018.

This is in part because the demographic had a low starting point. Numbers increased from 5800 people to 11,100.

There are nearly 2000 more children under 15 in Rodney compared to a decade ago.

ECE Teacher position at KingsWay Early Learning Centre Where learning and discovery are nurtured by nature

We are looking for an Early Childhood Teacher who is motivated and passionate about providing best learning outcomes for children in a Christ-centred setting. This role is part time and located at Snells Beach, Mahurangi. The successful applicant will be part of our well established team of experienced teachers.

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health&family

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 31

L I V I NG W E LL

Dance class to celebrate Women’s Day Free workshop Warkworth Town Hall is hosting a free Nia dance class on Friday, March 6, to celebrate International Women’s Day. Internationally acclaimed composer and vocalist Lis Addison will be joined by dance instructor Mariska van Egmond for a 60-minute introduction to Nia and KiVo. Nia is a dance style that provides physical exercise through movement to music, while KiVo aims at improving mental wellbeing and social connection through singing.

The event is a collaboration between the Town Hall, Matakana Moves and Women’s Centre Rodney.

Women’s Centre course coordinator Bridget Farmiloe says there will also be the opportunity to contribute towards a combined artwork.

“It will give women the chance to express themselves and their feelings about being a woman and contribute to International Women’s Day celebrations,” Bridget says.

“The event is a chance for women to connect with others and take some time out to celebrate being a woman and advocate for further steps towards equal rights for all.”

Artwork will be set up from 9am, while the dance class will run from 9.30am

on well-being for the elderly

Matakana Moves’ dance instructor Mariska van Egmond also holds Nia dance classes at the Warkworth Town Hall on Wednesdays at 9.30am.

to 10.30am, followed by refreshments until midday.

The event is the second time the Women’s Centre has collaborated with Matakana Moves. The organisations held a fundraiser at Christmas that raised $250 for the centre.

“We both have a firm commitment to empower and connect women, so it

makes sense to work together,” Bridget says.

International Women’s Day is officially on Saturday, March 8, and has been celebrated since 1911.

It is a time to celebrate the achievements of women, whether social, political, economic or cultural.

This year the theme is #EachforEqual.

A free hands-on workshop that will look at issues connected with elder wellbeing will take place at The Club Mangawhai on Wednesday, March 25.

Guest speakers Julie Mulligan, of Hospice Whangarei, and Marilyn Brooks, of the Public Trust, will touch on several sensitive topics, including elder risk and exposure, as well as information regarding enduring powers of attorney for property, personal care and welfare. Lunch will be provided.

Seniors and anyone with an interest in the care of the elderly are encouraged to attend.

Those wishing to do so should email ataylor@uriohau.co.nz or call 0800 438894 by March 18.

The event is hosted by Te Uri o Hau, Tangata Development, Otamatea Community Services and Te Whai Community Trust.

The Club Mangawhai is located at 219 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai. The workshop runs from 10am-2.30pm.

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32 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

Mahurangi emergency response group holds open day Mahurangi West Community Response Group will hold an open day to ensure that the community is ready to respond in case of a major disaster.

Group member Fran Ashton says Mahurangi West is particularly vulnerable because it only has one road in and out and no fire station.

“For example, if there was a major earthquake and it cut off road access, and emergency services were busy responding elsewhere, it is quite possible we would be on our own,” Fran says.

“The idea for the day is to join together to share ideas and skills and make sure a network is in place in case of an emergency.”

There will also be a bouncy castle and games for kids and a sausage sizzle at the end of the day.

The response group has now been in operation for two years and this is the first open day event it has held since forming.

The group has a cache of supplies at the Mahurangi West Hall, including cooking gear, blankets and power generators.

It has set up a relay of radios among its residents which would allow it to communicate with the outside world in case of a disaster.

Attendees will be shown how to use a defibrillator and how to sound the portable air horn in case of an emergency.

The response group is made up of communities from Hungry Creek to Pukapuka but Fran says anyone is welcome to come along and get an insight into disaster response.

“It’s important that people from the community turn up because if there is an incident in the summer, nonpermanent residents and holidaymakers won’t know what to do, and it will be up to us to guide them.”

The open day is being held at the Mahurangi West Hall on Sunday, March 15 from 3pm to 6pm.

The Mahurangi West community is fortunate to have two qualified incident controllers among its residents.

Songs, shorebirds and watery words for Seaweek Seaweek is being celebrated in style at Mahurangi East Library this week, with an evening of music, entertainment and refreshments on Friday, March 6, from 7pm.

The Mahurangi Seaweed Jade Ukes Crew will get things started with sea-inspired set of nauticalthemed songs, then local wildlife photographer and campaigner Michele MacKenzie will share her portfolio of photos documenting local shorebird life, including a very special dotterel whanau that

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After a break for a light supper served by the Friends of Mahurangi East Library, there will be an open mic session by the Winter Words Group and friends, where all are welcome to share poems and writing on water and the sea.

Entry costs $5, which includes a free glass of wine – bring your own glass. Adults and teens only.

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Consultations available at our Warkworth, Orewa and Milford branches.

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For all appointments phone 09 422 6871

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 33

Warkworth Birth Centre ALL SERVICES ARE FREE

Grey Power Warkworth executive members Vivienne Mickleson, left, and Carol Greenwood are keen to hear from people with fresh ideas.

Grey Power seeks volunteers to save group from closing The advocacy group Grey Power in Warkworth has put a call out for “new blood”.

The group will hold its annual meeting in May and needs volunteers to join the committee.

If no-one comes forward, the group will go into recess.

President Carol Greenwood, who will retire at the meeting after three years at the helm, says if that happens it will be a loss for the community.

“Grey Power is non-political and advocates on behalf of people in the 50-plus age group, providing a voice for the elderly,” Carol says.

“We hold general meetings five times a year where issues relevant to our age group can be discussed and debated.

There is always a guest speaker and over the years these talks have covered topics ranging from policing to health and library services.”

Carol says the club is in its current position mainly due to illness but with 260 members on the books, she hopes someone will come forward to stave off closure.

“A lot of new people are moving to the area so the need for Grey Power will only increase.”

For more information, phone Vivienne Mickleson on 902 9207 (evenings).

quality maternity care

Prenatal Classes

All welcome no matter where you plan to birth.  FREE pregnancy tests  Prenatal classes, birth venue & post-natal stay  Own room in peaceful surroundings  Excellent equipment and atmosphere  Pools available for labour and/or birth  Midwives on call at all times, and as backup for your caregiver (LMC)  Full post-natal hospital stay  24 hour Registered Midwives/ Nurses to care for you and your baby  You can transfer from your birth hospital within 12 hours of normal birth or 24 - 48 hours following a Caesarean

Prenatal classes are a great way to meet other expectant parents, learn about birthing choices, and gain confidence. Held at the Warkworth Birthing Centre, with a tour of the birthing rooms included.

Courses are FREE. Participants receive extensive handouts and a personalised facebook group.

For booking classes please phone the Centre 9am - 4pm, Monday to Friday.

For further information talk to your LMC/Midwife or Warkworth Birth Centre

Phone 09 425 8201

56 View Road, Warkworth

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34 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

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be accompanied by an adult beach observer and the minimum age is five.

The fun starts at 10am and finishes at 3pm, with latest registrations by 2.30pm. Participants can bring their own gear or borrow EMR’s masks, snorkels, fins and wetsuits. They should meet at the grassy area on the way up to the Goat Island Marine Reserve.

Info: email auckland@emr.org.nz, visit emr.org.nz or Experiencing Marine Reserves on Facebook

Visit us at 6 Morpeth St, Warkworth

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Participants can expect to see a range of marine life, including giant snapper, silver drummer and crayfish during the day, which is organised by Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) and celebrates Seaweek. The snorkel day is recommended for the whole family, though children under 15 must

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In 1985 Dr Akerman, a world-renowned expert in melanoma, said, “With big enough hopes and serious enough convictions, no human being need die of a melanoma.” Despite his optimism, in New Zealand we currently have about 350 people die each year from melanoma – a similar number to our road toll.

Melanoma is on your skin and visible for all to see. It doesn’t need an invasive procedure to diagnose, unlike bowel cancer that requires a colonoscopy, or breast cancer that requires a mammogram. All that is needed to diagnose melanoma is an educated eye. If diagnosed early, melanomas are completely curable with a relatively minor procedure done under local anaesthetic.

Broadly speaking, there are two types of melanoma: flat, slow-growing melanomas that take years to become invasive and spread, and nodular melanomas that become invasive within months. The slow-growing melanomas can be diagnosed with the use of a dermoscope by your doctor before they become invasive.

Annual checks with your doctor are sufficient for this type of melanoma. On the other hand the nodular variant, if it appears between annual skin checks, may well be invasive before your next visit to the doctor. Fortunately, nodular melanomas are usually obvious to the untrained eye as “not right” and most patients, if they look, will recognise a nodular lesion. These nodular melanomas are responsible for a large proportion of deaths.

Why are people still dying of melanoma? Mainly because patients don’t look at their own skin on a regular basis. Most patients are able to diagnose their own melanoma in plenty of time for a cure, they just need to look. To start the process of massively reducing your risk of dying of a melanoma, you should see a doctor competent in dermoscopy to get a baseline examination. Thereafter have annual checks. In addition, and maybe more importantly, you need to do selfchecks each month of your own skin with the help of mirrors and or a partner.

If a new, changing or strange lesion appears between your annual checks, show your doctor. Often it will be benign, and if not will likely be curable with a small procedure. It really is that simple.

New medicines are now becoming available to treat late-stage melanoma and this is very exciting. Until recently, a melanoma that had spread was always terminal but now between 30 to 50 per cent of patients with metastatic melanoma can potentially get long-term remission (and possibly a cure) with these new treatments.

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A&Pshow

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 35

FE ATU R E

Mahurangi College kapa haka will be back this year.

Competitive shearing always draws a crowd.

Kids will get a free ride in the tea cups.

Family fun and interaction is the name of the game at this year’s Warkworth A&P Show, which takes place at the showgrounds on Saturday, March 21.

Highlights include free kids’ rides and entertainment, a new fun look at where food comes from and a chance to try horse agility, as well as old A&P favourites such as woodchopping, sheep shearing and all-day live music.

This will be the second show since the date was switched from its former Auckland Anniversary Weekend slot to a Saturday in March, and organisers are happy that they’ve made the right move.

A&P Show secretary Penny Webster says things went much more smoothly without the headache of holiday traffic in 2019.

“Last year was first on a new date and it was so much more of a fun day, because there were no problems with traffic, it was easy to get to and that’s what we

were trying to do,” she says. “Numbers were good, even though there were other things going on.”

She says parents will appreciate that the Fun Zone is back, with free rides all day for children, thanks to sponsorship by Northland Waste and Masons.

“Usually, you go to a show and you’re forever handing out $5 bills to the kids all the time. Here, they can stay on all day if they want to,” she says.

Fun Zone attractions will include the caterpillar, a merry-go-round, tea cups, jousting and a giant slide.

Animal fans can check out the goat classes, petting zoo, dog agility display, miniature horses, rabbits, pony rides and a new horse agility clinic (see story p38). There may also be a few show cattle, though current drought conditions may limit entries.

The main entertainment stage will feature local bands Raw Jam, Bad Neighbours and bluegrass trio Otherwise Fine, plus kapa haka and Pasifika performances by

Mahurangi College students, as well as Sue and Bruce’s Family Feast, a fun show about where food comes from (see separate story). The Warkworth and Wellsford Pipe Band will also be playing.

The rural skills of competitive woodchopping and sheep shearing will again be on view, and the always popular indoor marquee will feature nearly 160 classes of fruit, vegetables, flowers, preserves, baking, needlework and crafts. With the summer holidays over, Penny Webster has been dropping off schedules at schools and hopes that more students will enter some of the 51 classes in the Kids’ Corner section.

There will also be a strong trade and commercial presence, and plenty of food and drink, from pies and bacon butties to ice cream, milkshakes and coffee.

The show starts at 9am and tickets cost $15 per adult, or $30 per family with up to four children.

Focus on family fun and games for 153rd Warkworth A&P

Info: warkworthshow.co.nz

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36 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

SEE US AT THE WARKWORTH A&P SHOW, 21 MARCH 2020

Can-am ATV’s Ron and Ken’s working team of goats.

Goats called to testify in court

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In times gone by, the Warkworth A&P show caused a national controversy when the Wechs of Windy Ridge showed off their working team of goats.

Back in the 1920s, Ron Wech, aged 8, and brother Ken had trained a group of goats and harnessed them with specially made rigging modelled on gear used for bullock teams.

The goats had a practical purpose, carting milk and fence posts from the dairy shed to the main road.

Ron’s grandson, George Wech, of Kaipara Flats, recalls being told that the boys would also take their goats to the A&P show and charge other children for rides.

At the 1928 show, the boys were captured by prominent press photographer Tudor Collins and the picture was published in an Auckland newspaper.

The image caused a stir as the law prohibited animals other than horses, bullocks and dogs from being harnessed for working purposes.

As a result, the boys’ father, Robert Wech, was served with a summons from police, charged with animal cruelty.

The boys and the goats were transported by truck down to Auckland to appear in court.

The courtroom heard from Bob Wech that the goats were of a pleasant disposition and if called they would willingly come.

The goats themselves were then called to the stand and the magistrate was so impressed by their nature, that he discharged the Wechs without conviction against advice from police.

Ron and Ken came from a family of 12 children, descended from Bohemian migrants. Members of the family still live at Windy Ridge today.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 37

Horses and ponies learn to negotiate a wide variety of obstacles in agility courses.

World-beating horse agility champ runs clinic at show Horse riders who fancy trying something a little different with their steed should sign up for a special equine clinic being run at this year’s Warkworth A&P Show on Saturday, March 21.

Claire Perilli is running a Horse Agility practice day and competition at the show, where she will teach riders all about the art of navigating a range of obstacles while both horse and handler are on foot.

Claire is New Zealand’s only accredited Horse Agility trainer and she is also the current On-Lead World Champion.

She says horse agility is wonderful for building up a close relationship with horses while having fun, but it also

gives the animals valuable knowledge.

“Horse agility provides them with real life skills – teaching them to go through narrow gaps helps them go through narrow gateways or the confined spaces of a float. Walking over tarps and mats helps when walking over bridges, or coping with the change of surface in a float,” she says.

The two-hour clinic will consist of a course walk, explanation and tips, an hour’s practice under Claire’s guidance, and finish with a competition to put new skills to the test. All competitors will receive a ribbon and a feedback sheet.

The clinic is open to anyone, young or old, and any size horse, though it

should be at least two years old. All that handlers need to bring is a head collar and a long lead rope.

“Beginners are welcome, as are muddy, ungroomed horses,” Claire adds.

The clinic will run from 10am to noon with a maximum of 10 participants, though an afternoon session may be added if interest is high enough. Entry costs $30 (or $20 for International Horse Agility Club members), which includes an A&P gate pass. Registration and pre-payment are essential to confirm a place.

Info and bookings: Claire Perilli on 027 863 2607, email crg.perilli@gmail.com or Claire’s Horses – IQ Equine on Facebook

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A fun-filled interactive show designed to educate young audiences on exactly where their food comes from will be a highlight on the main stage at this year’s Warkworth A&P Show.

Sue and Bruce’s Family Feast tells the story of a farming couple who have to enlist the help of extended family – the audience – to grow, gather and prepare all the food needed for a long overdue reunion at the farm.

Actors Thomas Gowing and Tomasin Fisher-Johnson, who play Bruce and Sue, say the resulting activity is hilarious, raucous and irresistible to kids.

“There will be garden watering, carrot pulling, tomato picking, sun dancing,

singalongs, dog wrangling and more,” Thomas says. “Let’s just hope Bruce can catch the pesky pig for the main course!”

The show lasts around 20 minutes and it will be performed four times during the Warkworth A&P show on Saturday, March 21.

“It’s an interactive piece with lovable, entertaining characters, and has the kids coming back again and again to see it,” Thomas says.

WARKWORTH

MOTORHOMES

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Audience participation is a big part of the show.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 39

Science

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In terms of our galaxy, planet earth is rather insignificant.

Our galaxy, our future In conversations with friends, I have occasionally been asked the question, “What is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?” The answer is always immediate and clear for me. The stars of our home galaxy, the Milky Way, are by far the most beautiful and thought provoking of all observations. The Milky Way galaxy on a clear, moonless night in dark zones away from the light pollution of our cities, inspires deep thought and wonder. Hundreds of thousands of years ago ancient members of our species, Homo sapiens, would have gazed at the same unchanging night sky that we see now, free from the modern distractions of our cluttered planet. Polynesian navigators in waka travelling across the Pacific Ocean several centuries ago, en route from Hundreds of Hawaiki to Aotearoa, charted their journeys using the stars of the southern hemisphere. thousands of years Contemporary astronomers using modern ago, ancient members telescopes, such as the Hubble Space Telescope, of our species, Homo continue to discover extraordinary new insights sapiens, would have into the Milky Way. The galaxy consists of two gazed at the same disk-like structures, which we on earth view from the side. Our galaxy contains over 200 billion unchanging night sky stars and over 100 billion planets. Planet earth, that we see now … together with our sun and solar system, is on the fringes of the galaxy. What we see in the night sky is a view back to the centre of the galaxy from about 30,000 light years away. The conclusion is very clear: planet earth and its many forms of life are very insignificant in the massive context of our galaxy. Current thinking suggests that the apparently infinite expanse of space may be filled with many other universes (the multiverse hypothesis). With every new observation using improved telescopes looking deeper and deeper into seemingly empty space, it is apparent that the physical universe continues beyond detection. Therefore, perhaps the greatest unanswered question in science can now be posed: What are the physical dimensions of the universe(s)?

Recent study has provided an updated age for the Milky Way galaxy at about 13 billion years. This compares to the age of our sun and planet earth (about 4.6 billion years). The first forms of life on planet earth appeared about 4.3 billion years ago and the first hominid (our early ancestors) 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago.

Our species, Homo sapiens, emerged from our hominid ancestors from 200,000 to several hundred thousand years ago. A final consensus on a more precise age depends on resolving conflicting theories, which have attracted intense debate.

These timelines reinforce the view of modern science regarding the relative insignificance of Homo sapiens in space and time. This contemporary realisation that we humans are not the centre or pinnacle of all existence may help us deal with critical problems now arising on our increasingly overcrowded and changing planet. Our tenure on earth will not be endless.

“

”

&

Pets Vets Corner

Pet of the Month Cracker the ram

Cracker

the

ram

lamb

was

presented on farm with a significant hemorrhage post shearing.

Upon

questioning

the

rather

embarrassed owner thought he may have accidentally removed his pizzle with the shears, ouch!

Other than the aforementioned injury, the shearing effort on the whole was a good clean job, but due to a run of ewe lambs prior, Cracker was the first unfortunate male picked out of the pen. Cracker’s bad day picked up though when on exam it was found he only had a severe skin wound and no permanent damage was done. So after a bit of a stitch up, some pain relief and antibiotics he was back up and running as normal.

So please, if you’re shearing your sheep don’t forget the boys are a bit different than the girls.

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40 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

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Ric Kayne’d over road name consultation

The main girders are being laid across the new Puhoi motorway bridge this month.

Bridge works block access to Puhoi Puhoi residents are facing lengthy night-time detours along narrow, metalled roads over the next two weeks, with motorway bridge works partially blocking Puhoi Road, near its junction with SH1.

NX2’s structure team is working overnight to install large metal cross beams, girders and bracing on the Arawhiti ki Puhoi Bridge, which will cross Puhoi Road alongside the existing highway.

The bulk of the work is taking place between 9pm and 4.30am from Sunday to Thursday, from now until March 20. This week, the road will be closed between those times on Monday, March 2, then stop-go boards will be in place from Tuesday, March 3 to Thursday, March 5. At this stage, the road will then be closed completely between 9pm and 4.30am from Sunday to Thursday, March 8 to 12, and March 15 to 20. However, wherever possible, workers will use stop-go boards instead.

Anyone wanting to get into or out of Puhoi during those hours will have to travel via the narrow Krippner, Noakes Hill and Upper Waiwera Roads south of Puhoi, or Ahuroa Road out to West Coast Road heading north.

A number of residents voiced concerns on social media over the safety of these alternative routes, especially the southbound detour, which is known locally as “the goat track”.

NX2 said it acknowledged the inconvenience of the works to motorists and Puhoi residents and thanked them for their understanding while it carried out the essential girder installation.

There will be no night works on any Friday or Saturday nights to allow access to the Puhoi pub and sports club.

Info: Freephone 0508 7295 4636, email info@nx2group.com or visit puhoinz.com

Plans to name a new private subdivision at Te Arai after developer and golf course owner Ric Kayne’s three daughters have hit a stumbling block.

Rodney Local Board members voted to defer approval of the name Jemasa Lane – which comes from the first two letters of Mr Kayne’s daughters, Jenni, Maggie and Saree – after hearing no iwi consultation had been undertaken or, if it had, no evidence provided by Te Arai North Ltd. Dairy Flat Board member Louise Johnston said that at a time when Council was looking at things like renaming parks with Maori names, developers needed to take the issue more seriously.

“It’s really important to have that iwi consultation and developers need to be a bit more proactive,” she said. “We need to be a bit tougher with developers to make sure they do consult.”

Vicki Kenny, who represents Kumeu, agreed.

“They should provide evidence such as a letter or email from iwi to say they don’t object. And that name is pretty lame in my opinion.”

Members voted to defer the decision to approve the road name Jemasa Lane until iwi consultation had been undertaken and their views reported back to the Board.

Auckland Council road naming guidelines include a preference for names that reflect historical or ancestral linkage to the area in question. The use of Maori names is also actively encouraged.

School pedestrian upgrades Kaipara District Council (KDC) announced last month that it will improve safety at pedestrian crossings outside Mangawhai Beach School and Maungaturoto School. KDC infrastructure manager Jim Sephton says the Council is improving signage to make the crossings more visible to drivers.

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 41

History

Judy Waters, Warkworth & District Museum www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz TOTALSPAN RODNEY PROUD SPONSORS OF

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

SCOREBOARD THE scorEBoArD SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT FOR FIVE YEARS AND RUNNING

A roundup of activities and events in thedisTRicT district a Roundup ofsports spoRTs acTiviTies in THe Matakana netball The Matakana Hawks are calling for players from Years 0-8 to register for the winter season. Teams practice at the Matakana Netball Club after school and games are played on Saturdays at the Rodney Netball Centre in Wellsford. Register before March 13 at Matakana Netball on Facebook or email matakanahawks@gmail.com Warkworth netball Winter netball starts Friday, May 8, for seniors and Saturday, May 9, for juniors. Musters will take place on March 9, 10 and 11 from 3.45pm. See warkworthnetballclub.com for specifics.

Restored military vehicles at Riverina.

Beverley Simmons, left, with American ex-servicemen and their wives at Riverina in 1992.

The house served as the headquarters for American troops stationed around Warkworth during World War II.

Remembering Riverina From small beginnings, the archives kept at the Warkworth Museum have grown into a useful resource. Donations of photographs, documents, family trees, diaries and publications of local interest continue to arrive for appraisal.

Last year, access was given to memorabilia collected by the late Beverley Simmons during her 50-year association with the landmark property known as Riverina in Wilson Road. The house itself is interesting and much has been written about it, but the people who have lived in it over its chequered history are equally engaging. Correspondence kept by Beverley chronicled the visits of former residents to share their memories.

Grandchildren of Nathaniel and Florence Wilson recalled childhood days when Warkworth’s economic growth was closely linked to the fortunes of Wilson’s Cement Works. Riverina stood proudly as testimony to the success of a blacksmith’s son who, with his brothers, founded the cement industry in New Zealand and became known as “the father of Warkworth”.

Riverina was completed in 1902 and stayed in the Wilson family until it was purchased by William Fife in 1938. Leased to the NZ Army for the war years, it became the headquarters for the 5000 American troops stationed here from 1942 to 1944. When some of these men returned for a visit 50 years later, there was little left of the 40 camps around the district, but at least former officers could show their wives where they had lived in Riverina.

Another return visitor was Pat Baker, who brought her family to see where she had come in 1955 as a 19-year-old bride to cook for her husband and 24 road makers employed by Bitumix. Trucks and machinery soon turned the once elegant Riverina gardens into a quagmire.

Beverley collected information about the men who had worked shifts at the cement works and one, Bertram Spinks Trethowen, who had been the lime works manager, bought Riverina in 1963, planning to restore the house to its former grandeur. Sadly, he died before this happened. Ownership passed to Beverley and Ronald Simmons in 1969.

After years of neglect, the house required a lengthy period of restoration and refurbishment, which would have daunted most people.

In the community, Beverley became a strong advocate for the preservation of heritage sites. Her work as a member of the Historic Places Trust saw a number of local buildings recognised as worthy of protection.

It has been a fascinating exercise adding the Beverley Simmons collection to our archive shelves. It will be a valuable resource for researchers in the future.

Have a bowl in Warkworth Have you thought you would like to give lawn bowls a go? Warkworth bowls is welcoming new players to roll up on Mondays or Thursdays, 12.45-4pm. Coaching and assistance provided. Contact Julie 021 827 855 or Hugh 021 272 8085.

Basketball coaches wanted Mahurangi Basketball Club is calling for a coach to support their fast-growing membership. Top-level experience is not needed – just an enthusiasm for the game. Contact Gav at mahurangibasketball@gmail.com Netball festival Centennial Park, in Wellsford, will host a day of fun activities and special guests from the Northern Mystics netball team on Sunday, March 8 from 10am-noon.

It is open to players Years 1-9 and is a free event. To register, email netballrodneycenter@xtra.co.nz

ToTalspan Rodney List sports news FREE by emailing 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 news@localmatters.co.nz waRkwoRTH TOTALSPAN RODNEY pHone 09 422 3149 229 STATE HIGHWAY 1, WARKWORTH PHONE 09 422 3149

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42 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

The Whangateau Rams club is the northernmost club associated with Auckland Rugby League.

Junior rugby league returns to Whangateau Rams Club For the first time in 10 years, the Whangateau Rams Club will host a junior rugby league programme this season.

Over the next five weeks, the Rams are holding rugby league training sessions at various locations across Rodney, from Snells Beach to Te Hana.

Parents and players aged six to 18, are invited to turn up and get a feel for the game.

Trainings will take place on Wednesdays from 4.30pm to 6pm,

starting at Goodall Reserve in Snells Beach on Wednesday, March 4.

Further locations will be announced on the Rodney Rams Rugby League Club Facebook page.

Meanwhile, the club held its first junior tag prizegiving last month after a successful season that saw it compete at a club challenge day in Cornwall Park in Auckland.

The wahine toa trophy for most valuable girl went to Kyla Payne, while the tane toa trophy for most valuable

boy went to Ollie Edwards.

A 30-year-old trophy was also brought out of the cupboard for junior club player of the year, which was awarded to Oshana Lima.

The junior tag programme has been the first step in re-establishing rugby league at the Rams.

Co-ordinator Craig Lees says the idea is to get a new generation of juniors coming through the club with a view to raise representative players from Rodney and ultimately a premier side.

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“The club is in its infancy but the infrastructure is in place in terms of a formal association with Auckland Rugby League (ARL),” he says.

Lees says Whangateau has the opportunity to revive rugby league, being a central location between Warkworth and Wellsford and having the facilities to run up to four games at once.

“A lot of the parents of these tag kids once played league at Whangateau, and they are passing on the torch.”

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 43

Fishing

BOWLS WARKWORTH WELCOMES YOU!

Anthony Roberts, Tackle & Outdoors tecnisportnz@gmail.com

A Game for All Ages

Plentiful pelagics

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If it’s pelagics you are targeting, then I am sure you have done well lately.

Yellowfin tuna seem to be making a comeback in our area after many years of absence and can be caught from the Mokohinau Islands area and around Great Barrier Island. Green colour game lures seem to be the preferred colour if you plan on targeting them. We managed to get a triple hook up last week, however I was the one to drop mine shortly after the strike. The two that were landed were 18+ kilos and sure made for some great mouth watering barbecued steaks. Skipjack tuna have also The yellowfin made for some great, mouthbeen around and are being watering barbecued steaks. seen in closer between Leigh Reef and Little Barrier, as well as further out toward the Mokes. They always seem to grab the smaller skippy lures. Pink is the favourite colour. For those of you who think skipjack are only good for bait, think again. They are great eating if prepared correctly. The secret is to make sure they are cooked rare. The big mistake everybody makes is to overcook them, resulting in food that tastes like dry cardboard. Skipjack are lean swimming machines and have no body fat.

These fish must swim about three to four times their body length every second just to survive. Cut out the four fillets leaving no bones, take off the skin, add a liberal amount of course salt and pepper and hot smoke. Make sure the fish is rare and still moist. If it is not tasty, you have overcooked it! Try again, you won’t be sorry.

Kingfish have also been on the bite and good areas to find them have been around Flat Rock, Leigh Reef, and further away around Anchorite and Horn Rock for those who like to travel. They generally like a lot of water movement.

If you are seeing them on the sounder but not getting them to take the speed jigs or surface poppers and stick baits, then a live bait will work. It is always good practice to try to get some live baits before going out to your favoured spot. Jack mackerel, kahawai and especially koheru make for great live baits. If one of these cannot entice a kingi to dinner, nothing will.

Snapper fishing has generally been slow during February. Don’t feel bad if you have struggled on some days. It has taken some hard work on certain days to get a good feed, but hang in there because March generally brings them back on to the bite in bigger numbers. It also makes for easier fishing leading up to the winter months. The best fishing weather will be over the next few months as the days get cooler with less wind. Tight Lines!

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44 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

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Welcome back! As I write this, many families are still waiting desperately for rain. It has been so encouraging to see our community helping each other out, role modeling life values to our younger generation. Walking the talk is something we encourage our staff and students to do on a daily basis;

from expressing gratitude and stepping outside comfort zones to help others, to taking the time to get to know the challenges others face. We hope this pays back not only to our families, but also to our hardworking and generous wider community; and hopefully the change to Autumn will bring rain.

A special welcome to all families new to Mahurangi College. We hope your children are settling in well at our place, are starting to make friends and feel that they belong.

Our Year 7 camp is specifically designed to support the transition for our new juniors.

This year’s camp to Mangawhai was a great success with many valuable outcomes and new connections made for students and staff.

Many thanks to our parent helpers for your care in supporting our new students.

the end of last term. They just missed out on taking out the final with a narrow 10-6 loss to Howick, which was televised live on Sky TV. Congratulations to Chrysanthe Hawken, Eden Connolly, George DurbanBurgess and Tamatea Winiana for being named in the NZSS Touch Nationals Mixed tournament team. Congratulations also to Robbie McFarlane who threw a personal best to place 2nd in the Senior Boys Javelin at the NZSS Senior Athletics competition held in December last year. Also to Brianna Cadwallader who placed 5th in the 100m Hurdles Final, and 2nd in 300m Hurdles Final. Last month, our Equestrian team also won the NSSSA Northland Showjumping Competition. Well done to all for representing our place with sportsmanship and pride.

A warm welcome also to our new staff and student leaders. I am looking forward to working alongside you throughout the year.

Our seniors will have many opportunities to put into practice the leadership training they have received throughout their time at Mahu, and while camping and tramping Great Barrier in January. Our student Heads always start the year with big shoes to fill, but always end the year not only filling them, but also leaving behind their own unique and

Issue 01 2020

valuable legacy. Welcome to our 2020 Head Boy and Girl; Robbie Ennis and Leilani Jones, and to our Deputy Head Boy and Girl; Alex Bindon and Coco Bone. All the very best for your year of activity ahead.

We held our Academic Blues evening on Wednesday 12 February, recognising our 97 students who gained NCEA endorsed with Excellence in 2019. Our guest speaker was 2017 Head Girl, Hannah Powell, who is now studying Education and Maori at Victoria University. Congratulations to our Scholarship winners; Robbie Ennis, Ysabella Stevenson, Leilani Jones, Sam Chitty and Ben Holland. Preliminary NCEA results have been very pleasing, with our students achieving well above the National decile average at all levels for both boys and girls. Confirmed NCEA results will come out in April or May. Our Senior Mixed Touch Team placed second in NZ at the NZSS Touch Nationals held at

In week 3, we held our first interhouse event for 2020, interhouse athletics.

Congratulations to Blue house who took out the first house win of the year, followed by

MAHUHUKITERANGI CHALLENGING. EXCELLING. BELONGING. OUR PLACE

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Yellow, then Orange. Our next house event and another highlight of the school year interhouse swimming - will be held in two weeks time on Friday 13 March.

As part of their sustainability learning, Year 9 students spent some time targeting the invasive weed Tradescantia, present between our school and the Mahurangi River. In just one hour the students were able to clear out 70% of the weed in their targeted area. It will be a long process to completely eradicate it, but it was encouraging to see a significant impact made in such a short period time.

The year ahead promises to be busy and productive, with many inside and outside the classroom, and behind the scenes projects planned. We look forward to keeping you updated as the year progresses. Please feel free to call in or contact us at anytime.

David Macleod PRINCIPAL

MAHURANGI.SCHOOL.NZ

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March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 45

LEARNING TO BE CONFIDENT TEAM PLAYERS AND LEADERS Challenging students to take risks; be brave; determined and adventurous; and to link learning with the world around them are just some of the aims of our outdoor education programme.

With such a beautiful and accessible backyard right on our doorstep where better to learn?

Year 9 Camp: During the last week of Term 4, 230 students, prefects, parent helpers and teachers headed down to the Karangahake Gorge to the beautiful Dickey Flats Adventure campsite. Students spent the week camping in tents and taking part in challenging and fun activities each day; including abseiling, bush craft, bivouacking, tramping and rafting. A big step up from Year 7 and 8 camps, the camp is designed to challenge our students to be adventurous in the outdoors and to learn what it means to be a member of a working team. A big well done to everyone involved.

Year 13 Camp: After a delayed start, 111

students, parents and teachers descended on Great Barrier Island for our annual Year 13 leadership and outdoor adventure camp.

The hot, dry January weather played a part in ensuring an enjoyable if exhausting expedition. Unheeded advice regarding good quality socks resulted in a few painful blisters, however, through endurance, these were carried as a medal of honour. The incredible 360º views from the summit of Hirakimata provided much consolation. The camp ended with a BBQ and concert at Port Fitzroy, with Mr Winiana’s Bravo Company taking out first prize for ‘Great Barrier Island’s Got Talent’.

Year 7 Camp: Our new juniors began their year spending 2-days at Marsden Point camp, Mangawhai. The purpose of the camp was to get to know each other while exploring a range of outdoor activities. Students kayaked and paddle boarded, shot air-riffles and bow and arrows at targets (and even each other using soft archery arrows). They soared on flying foxes, raced down water slides and challenged themselves with trust activities and obstacle courses. We can only run these camps with the help of volunteer parents, and we are very grateful for the dozens who joined our students and staff. Many thanks to you all!

LEILANI JONES

ACHIEVER OF THE MONTH HEAD GIRL

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46 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

2017 Junior Logger winner Bassie Waldron performs a nose ride.

Masters of the ‘old All levels represented at tennis open mal’ in Mangawhai The 125-year-old club had been in disrepair for 20 years, but a restoration project has given it a new lease of life.

Registrations are open on the Matakana Tennis Club Facebook page until March 15 and the club is reminding people to reserve their place early.

This year the club is hosting members, players and partners for a barn party at the Hideaway HQ, once playing has concluded on Saturday.

“This time we wanted to make it an event people could turn up to for the weekend and enjoy with friends and family and have a party,” O’Sullivan says.

Base FM Radio DJ Dan Paine of Matakana will be in charge of tunes for the evening.

Tickets to the barn party are $40, which includes a meal and first drink.

The Matakana Open is sponsored by Sawmill Brewery, Bayleys in the North, Matakana Cinemas and Middleton Holland and Associates.

The Matakana Tennis Open returns on March 21-22 after a successful inaugural tournament last year, following a restoration project paid for by the community.

Last year saw 50 players from all over New Zealand turn up to play on the brand-new turf at Matakana Tennis Club.

Club president David O’Sullivan says half of the entrants came from outside the area, with some flying in for the occasion, so the club is getting a good reputation.

O’Sullivan says for the upcoming competition there will be divisions for all levels of playing ability.

“People will get to see good tennis with ranked players making up the top division.”

There will be cash prizes as well as giveaways from Matakana cinemas.

Want Your D House SOL Wed

Thu

Mar 4

Fri

Mar 5

Sat

Mar 6

Mangawhai is hosting the seventh annual Logger Heads surfing competition this Saturday, March 7.

The Logger Heads event is one of the last surviving longboard surfing competitions in the country and is highly anticipated by surfers from all breaks.

Last year saw 63 surfers compete at Mangawhai across nine divisions, including the Old Mal division, which requires surfers to use pre-1970s longboards.

A logger board is traditionally longer than nine feet, has a single fin and is ridden without an arm leash.

Because they are less agile, they take longer to master and it is considered a lost art form among surfers.

Having a heavier board with more space allows for techniques like nose riding, which is not often seen on modern, smaller boards.

See Logger Heads NZ on Facebook for details.

Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today!

021 544 769

RayWhite

Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Watch Sun

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Tide 3:11pm 2.8 4:10pm 2.8 5:14pm 2.9 6:19pm 3.0 12:55pm 0.8 1:51pm 0.6 2:44pm 0.4 3:36pm 0.3 4:26pm 0.3 5:16pm 0.3 6:06pm 0.4 12:54pm 3.4 1:47pm 3.2 2:42pm 3.1 3:40pm 2.9 4:41pm 2.9 5:42pm 2.8 6:57pm 0.5 7:51pm 0.7 8:48pm 0.8 9:50pm 0.9 10:54pm 1.0 11:55pm 1.0 7:19pm 3.2 8:16pm 3.3 9:09pm 3.5 10:01pm 3.6 10:51pm 3.6 11:41pm 3.6 Times 9:20pm 1.0 10:22pm 1.0 11:26pm 0.9 7:10am 7:56pm

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Full Moon Set 12:46am Set 1:34am Set 2:31am Set 3:36am Set 4:46am Set 6:00am Set 7:14am Set 8:28am Set 9:41am Set 10:53am Set 12:04pm Set 1:13pm Set Rise 3:41pm Rise 4:40pm Rise 5:35pm Rise 6:24pm Rise 7:09pm Rise 7:49pm Rise 8:26pm Rise 9:01pm Rise 9:35pm Rise 10:11pm Rise 10:50pm Rise 11:32pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Mick Fay

G

Good Fishing

F

Fair Fishing

B

Not So Good

www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com

7:21am 7:37pm

6:52am 7:20pm

Last Quarter

7:22am 7:35pm

Best At

G

7:47am 8:14pm

7:23am 7:34pm

Best At

F

8:41am 9:08pm

Best At

B

9:33am 9:59pm

Best At

B

10:23am 10:47pm

2:18pm Rise 12:19am Rise 1:11am Rise 2:06am Rise 3:03am Set 3:18pm Set 4:12pm Set 4:59pm Set 5:39pm

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Graphic supplied by OceanFun Publishing Ltd.

Licensee Agent Snells Beach 021 544 769 E. mick.fay@raywhite.com W. mickfay.raywhite.com Support the advertisers who support Mahurangi Matters.

7:24am 7:33pm

localmatters.co.nz

March 4, 2020 Mahurangimatters 47

What’s on

WHATS ON THIS MONTH AT THE

See localmatters.co.nz/whats-on.html for a full list of upcoming events

March

Review of Council Controlled Organisations, Warkworth Town Hall, 3-4pm. Opportunity to share your views.

5 Meet Leighton Baker & Elliot Ikilei, of the New Conservative Party, Warkworth Town Hall, 7pm (see ad p11) 6 Nia dance class, Warkworth Town Hall, 9.30am, free dance class to celebrate International Women’s Day. info@niamatakakan.co.nz (see ad p31) 6 World Day of Prayer Service, Warkworth Anglican Church, Church Hill, 10am; an ecumenical service prepared by the people of Zimbabwe. All welcome.

6 Twilight Market, Te Hana Te Ao Marama, SH 1, 4pm-late.

Info: Linda Clapham on 021 128 3244 6 Seaweed, Shore Birds and Sea Words, Mahurangi East Library, Hamatana Road, Snells Beach, 7-10pm. $5 entry (see story p32) 7 Family Fun Day, Highfield Donkey Reserve, Algies Bay, 11am2pm. Donkey rides, children’s races, tug of war, barbecue. Free.

Info: Email peteandval@slingshot.co.nz (see story p11) 7 Mahurangi River rubbish clean-up, meet on Wharf Street by the Jane Gifford, 9am. Warkworth Rotary will supply rubbish bags - bring a friend and some gloves.

7 Leigh Fishing Contest, Leigh Hall, weigh in from 1-3.30pm info: leighfishingcontest.org.nz 8 Andy Buchinger, Tahi Bar Warkworth, 4-7pm 8 Top of the Rock fun run, Baldrock Road, Kaiwaka. Info: kaiwakasports.co.nz 8 Motorway open day (see ad p5) 9 Ranfurly Scottish Dancing Club, “Have a go” night, Presbyterian Church Hall, Pulham Road, Warkworth, 7.15pm.

All welcome, including singles. Bring water and light shoes.

Info: Elaine Goldthorpe 0274 320 032 14 British India Society Bungalow meeting, Mahurangi East Community Centre, Snells Beach, 10am-3.30pm. Dr Jonathan Lee will speak on The Indus and Beyond: India’s N.W. Frontier & Afghanistan. All welcome, entry $5. RSVP: nz@fibis.org 14 Clubs & Groups Day, Warkworth Town Hall, 10am-2pm.

Showcase for local organisations, organised by Warkworth Library.

Free. Info: Email katherine.mitchell@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 15 Kaukapakapa Village Market, 947 Kaipara Coast Highway, SH16; 8.30am-1pm 15 Airshow, Ardmore, gates open 9am. Aerial & static displays, including World War II fighter planes. Info: iticket.co.nz 15 Emergency Response open day, Mahurangi West Hall, 3-6pm. (see story p32) 15 Allana Goldsmith jazz concert, Couldrey House, Wenderholm, 5pm. Tickets $35 for adults (includes free entry to Couldrey House), from eventfinda.co.nz 15 Motorway open day (see ad p5) 16 Warkworth BID, voting closes (see ad p12) 19 Forest & Bird Warkworth Area, AGM, Totara Park Retirement Village Hall, 7.30pm. Talk by Annette Lees on New Zealand’s special swimmable places. All welcome.

21 Warkworth A&P Lifestyle Show (see pgs 35-38) 22-23 Senior Surf Lifesaving Championships, Omaha Surf Lifesaving Club, Omaha Beach.

22-23 Elder Wellbeing Workshop, The Club Mangawhai, 10am2.30pm. Info: call 0800 438 894 or email ataylor@uriohau.co.nz (see story p31) 26 Grey Power Warkworth general meeting, Totara Park Retirement Village, Melwood Dv, 10am. Guest speaker, Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Devan Flewellyn. All welcome.

28 Snorkel Day, Goat Island Marine Reserve, 10am (see story p34) 5

Warkworth RSA LIVE BANDS EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT, NO COVER CHARGE Friday 6th March

Friday 27th March

Blame the Cats

Happy Fish

Saturday 7th March

Saturday 28th March

Open Mic

Damage

Friday 13th March

McSweeney Brothers

Tuesday Night Poker at 6.30pm Live Music Wednesdays 12-1pm Thursday Cards at 1 pm

Friday 20th March

Ladies Pool Thursdays at 1 pm

Slow Water Band

Raffles Friday from 5.15pm

Not a member - Try us with a no cost 1 month temporary member card, available at the Bar when you call in.

28 Neville Street, Warkworth Phone 425 8568

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48 Mahurangimatters March 4, 2020

localmatters.co.nz

An artist’s impression of the planned Mahurangi Sports Centre.

Collective seeks final approval for multisport facility The Mahurangi Sport and Recreation Collective continues to churn through required paperwork to secure the necessary approvals from Auckland Council for a new multisport facility and bike and skate park at Warkworth showgrounds.

Spokesperson Nicola Jones says the Collective has had some preliminary designs drawn up, but cannot really progress them until it has secured Council’s agreement on the use of the land.

Meanwhile, the Collective continues to consult with regional sports groups on the precise nature of the facility.

Jones says there has been especially

strong interest from groups wishing to host pickleball, badminton and basketball at the new facility.

“Harbour basketball tell us there is a huge demand for basketball courts north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

It’s a sport that is growing exponentially at the moment,” she says.

She adds that in the wider Warkworth area there are simply not enough existing indoor facilities to cope with demand.

“A lot of clubs don’t have the ability to grow and some cannot even establish themselves because there is nowhere to base themselves.”

Jones says the Collective is busy connecting with all interested groups to ascertain their needs so that the new facility might cater for them, and this necessarily takes time.

It is anticipated that the new facility will feature one or more netball courts – the largest indoor court – with smaller courts marked within them.

A separate space would accommodate gym sports. When not being used as a gym, this space could be used for yoga, tai chi, preschool groups or exercise groups for seniors.

In addition, there will likely be a reception area, offices, kitchen, and toilets. Future stages of the project

could include lounges, bars and changing rooms.

The Collective has applied to Auckland Council’s sport and recreation fund to help build the centre. The Collective hopes the Council will “put some skin in the game” before it seeks additional money from private and other donors.

In 2018, the Rodney Local Board approved a grant of $150,000 to cover the cost of the design and geological engineering required for the construction of the facility.

Jones says the Collective hopes to begin construction of the multisport centre at the end of this year.

Rodney Surgical has always been friendly, efficient and thorough throughout my treatment.

Dave Ryan Snells Beach resident

I have had multiple skin cancers removed and am now under 6-monthly review. Reliable follow up monitoring has been crucial.

Apart from being close to home, Rodney Surgical has a modern facility with ample parking, which is a bonus. There is no waiting around in queues and no over-stressed staff.

My advice is to ask your GP if you can have it done locally.

Or ring Rodney Surgical direct.

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