Mahurangi Matters_Issue 383_18 March 2020

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Beth Noy harvests pinot gris at Matakana Estate. Matakana vineyards say the long, dry spell has been great for grapes.

Scramble to bring in stunning harvest Drought conditions that have devastated farms in much of the country have proved a major boon for Matakana vineyards.

Matakana Winegrowers president Hegman Foster says 2020 is shaping up to be a great year for local wines and will perhaps rival the excellent 2010 vintage, produced in a similarly dry year.

“The dry conditions, the extended sunshine hours and the heat, all these things help,” he says.

“I think the reds will probably be where this is noticed most – things like syrah and some of the Italian red varietals.”

Mr Foster, who owns Omaha Bay

Vineyard, says 18 months to two years from now the reds will start appearing on the market and have the potential to improve even further by aging in the bottle, depending on the variety and how they have been made.

“People should get hold of them and take the advice written on the bottle or from the winemaker on the

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ageing potential,” he says.

The first Matakana white wines and rosés will start appearing around Christmas, although chardonnays will be a little later, as they need to sit in barrels longer.

Mr Foster says that none of the continued page 2

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2 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

Contact

Issue 383

Mahurangi Matters

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Scramble to bring in harvest vineyards in Matakana are irrigated, which has served them well during the long, dry spell.

It means vines tend to be deep rooted where moisture takes a long time to dry out.

Irrigated vines tend to have shallower roots and the irrigation struggles to compensate for the drier soil.

“If you are looking at sustainable farming, you probably don’t want to be irrigating. You are not doing what the land is designed to do,” Mr Foster says.

The favourable weather for grapes has meant they have ripened quicker and vineyards have had to scramble to start the grape harvest at the beginning of this month, about two weeks earlier than usual.

Matakana Estate head winemaker Richard Robson says it was essential to get the grapes off early before their sugar content got too high.

The higher the sugar content, the higher the alcoholic content of the wine. If the alcoholic content is too high, it overpowers all the fruit flavours.

Despite the rush, the early harvest is seen as yet another advantage.

Monarch Estate owner Rachael Coates says harvesting before the rain starts avoids the disease that often accompanies rain. It also gives limited opportunity for birds to peck at the fruit.

“We are flat out in the middle of our harvest at the moment. I think it is

from page 1

going to be a brilliant year for wine,” she says.

Mr Robson says the overall quality of the wine produced in Matakana is likely to be good, but remains more circumspect about whether 2020 will turn out to be a great year.

“It’s hard to pick a variety that is going to be great until you have actually made it,” he says.

Book giveaway winner The winner of a copy of Ice Breaker! by Maria Gill was Viv Dorward. Congratulations Viv.

Rainfall figures for February 0mm

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11.4mm

6.5mm

18mm

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Snells Beach

1.5mm

0mm

Algies Bay

Spotlight on Warkworth Highest rainfall day February 20 (3.5mm)

Year to date: 14.5mm Same time last year: 71mm

Latest: Water supply companies are advising that the average wait time for water delivery is between two-and-a-half and six weeks. Some companies are doing up to 22 deliveries a day, as well as additional night deliveries. * All figures collected by Mahurangi Matters. Do not reproduce without the permission of Local Matters Inc.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 3

College student walkout planned over climate change inaction About one-third of Mahurangi College students are expected to walk out of classrooms on Friday, April 3, to demand more action on climate change.

The students will head to central Auckland to join others in a mass School Strike 4 Climate (SS4C) rally – a global movement inspired by 17-year-old Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.

The walkout has been organised by an environmental group within the school – SS4C Mahu – led by head boy Robbie Ennis and senior student Jowan Nute. Most students will travel to Auckland via chartered buses, but a committed group of about 30 will walk from Albany on Thursday evening to cut down on the use of fossil fuels for the journey.

They will be joined by students from other high schools they pass as they head south.

The students are hoping to secure offers of lifts on sailing boats to complete the last leg of their journey from Devonport into the central city.

Robbie says the strikes are not about radically opposing the Government or causing havoc for the sake of it.

“It is a peaceful demonstration of the thousands of people asking the Government to take the environmental crisis that is global warming seriously – so that youth and future generations have a planet to call home,” he says.

It is anticipated the Auckland rally will encourage all generations to attend – not just students – and numbers will likely exceed the 80,000 who participated last year.

Robbie says students have advised the Mahurangi College Board of Trustees of the planned strike and although the board has not officially endorsed the strike, they have not tried to stand in the students’ way.

He says the strike is the first step in a year-long plan to transform Mahurangi College into a sustainable school that

Head boy Robbie Ennis discusses the campaign strategy with fellow climate activists.

cares for its environment. Initiatives proposed include establishing an

effective compost system within the college and running workshops to

educate students on living sustainable lifestyles.

Submissions open soon on Dome dump Ten months after Waste Management lodged its application to build a landfill in the Dome Valley, the public looks set to be able to have their say at last on the controversial proposal from next week.

Waste Management filed its resource consent application in May last year to build and operate the landfill and also requested a private plan change to have the site and surrounds rezoned from rural production to special purpose (landfill precinct).

However, no one could make submissions until both applications were publicly notified, which was delayed while Auckland Council sought further detailed information on Waste Management’s plans.

Principal project lead Warwick Pascoe said at the time, public notification would only occur when Council had determined that enough information had been provided to enable people to be fully informed as to how they might be affected.

Council was due to confirm the

public notification date of Thursday, March 26, as Mahurangi Matters went to press. If that date was missed, notification will happen on April 30.

Due to the large amount of information in both applications, the period when interested parties can make submissions is being doubled from 20 to 40 working days, with a closing date of Tuesday, May 26 if notified on March 26.

As soon as public notification occurs, all relevant information will be available for download from the Council website, and hard copies of the updated application information will be available at Wellsford War Memorial Library, and the Warkworth, Orewa and Graham Street (Auckland CBD) Council service centres. Submissions can be made online or via a special submission form available from Council.

Mr Pascoe said people could also write their own submissions, but the forms were being provided to make the process easier and to ensure submissions were legally valid. People

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without internet access will be able to visit their local library and download a form from Council’s website, with assistance from a librarian if required.

“Please note that the private plan change and resource consent application are going through separate processes, and people will need to lodge separate submissions if they want to have their say on both of them,” he said.

Protest group Fight the Tip, Save the Dome has asked Council to hold a community information session to advise people on exactly what’s involved in making a submission. Executive member Michelle Carmichael said it would share a skeleton version of its own planned submission at any such meeting.

“We hope that sharing our group and Council information will mean that anyone interested in making a submission will feel more confident to take part in the process,” she says.

“It is important that we all take this opportunity to voice our concerns.”

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OFF THE RECORD Off the record contributions welcome.

Email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Off the Record

See story page 1 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

Defence of cattery I would like to put in a good word for the Sandspit Road Boarding Cattery.

I have known Julia for over 60 years and have always sent our various cats to her cattery when necessary. My son even brings his beautiful Burmese up from Sandringham as the cat is so happy there. Not all cat owners are considerate either. On occasions Julia has had to put herself out to meet their demands – some even expect the cattery to be open on Christmas Day. What has happened is a tragic accident – no cat has escaped from this facility before and I know Julia is devastated. Fortunately, she has received a lot of local support. As for certifying catteries, I think most owners vote with their feet. If a cattery is not up to standard, they will not leave their cat there. I am really sorry about what happened to the lovely cat, but it seems a pity that this unfortunate accident should bring such harsh criticism of the cattery which has served the community so well for the past 15 years.

Gillian Carline, Algies Bay.

Disappointing coverage It was with great disappointment that I read the front page article regarding the Sandspit Road Boarding Cattery (MM March 4). Until then I thought that the Mahurangi Matters paper was a supporter of local people, businesses and events. Obviously not! If this

essential business should close down as a result of your article it will leave a huge gap for Rodney area pet owners, many of whom have left their cats numerous times with utmost confidence regarding their care. I am a cat owner and know from experience that this is a well-run, clean, efficient and, above all, caring environment for the cats. They treat all the animals in their care with respect and affection.

Mr and Mrs Fraser are well respected and community minded people and I consider that they have suffered more than enough trauma and stress since this sad and unfortunate incident without a local paper printing this vilifying and biased account.

Billie Hurdley, Warkworth

No favours I am writing to you regarding the article on the Sandspit Road cattery in which you have victimised the owner to the point of affecting her health. You omitted to mention she has run the cattery for 15 years without incident. It was indeed a tragic accident for everyone which did not need to be sensationalised.

I am a cat lover and own a cat, so I do understand. It is a bad example of small town journalism. This article does your publication no favours.

Helen Rattray, Matakana

Editor’s note: To clarify, Mrs Fraser told Mahurangi Matters that she was closing the cattery as a result of

the incident and her age. Also, the article did refer to the cattery’s almost unblemished record over the last 15 years. Though Mrs Fraser identified one incident 11 years ago when a cat escaped the isolation area when she was heading out to see her daughter in intensive care.

Global warming hoax The New Zealand scientist Professor Ralph Cooney calls for more action on climate change (MM March 4).

But large numbers of very experienced climate scientists are stating that we are getting too much biased reporting, including calls for action. It is not hard to research information today that calls out these sorts of statements as false and non-scientific, based on emotive and political propaganda. There is an increasing daily diet via our media that gets our daily weather and global warming science confused. Even our children at schools can be getting fear-based, non-science material, Greta style. Serious researched science reveals conclusive evidence that socalled man-made global warming is not settled science at all.

See the Era of Light publication, where over 31,000 scientists say global warming is a hoax. Over 9000 of those signing have PhDs with the consensus that carbon dioxide is essential for the earth for it to survive and has been a lot higher in the past. Recent recorded evidence relating to Australian bush

fires, temperature rises, Great Barrier and reef coral health are covered by two Australian scientists who have researched scientific material evidencing the political and media falseness.

Maurice Hooper, Snells Beach (abridged)

Clarification In a story headlined Camera key to liquor robbery (MM March 4), Mahurangi Matters identified the community groups and businesses that had contributed to the cost of a high-tech surveillance camera in Snells Beach that was instrumental in generating leads in a liquor store robbery. The story neglected to mention that the Algies Bay Residents and Ratepayers Association was a significant contributor towards the cost of the camera. Apologies for the oversight, and a big thanks to Algies Bay Residents and Ratepayers.

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YOU SAY

Ideas for a permanent solution to the Hill Street intersection continue to flood in. Richard Papworth suggested to the Warkworth Area Liaison Group that this traffic light configuration might just do the trick.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 5

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Community concerns This being my initial column since the October 2019 Rodney Local Board elections, can I personally thank all those who supported myself, and the independents’ cause generally, to secure three of the four northern board seats.

This is the start we sought in working toward a more transparent, community responsive local board, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.

Prior to the elections, I spent several weeks on the street talking with town and rural residents alike about their aspirations for the various communities in which they live. Our incoming Local Board must meet those challenges to our rapidly growing rural playground on Auckland’s back door, against a backdrop of existing facilities and services that are already struggling to meet current demand.

Concern out there includes getting our fair share of the rates we presently pay down to Auckland back up here and spent locally. Another concern is to not pay twice or more, via a series of additional targeted rates, for services that are otherwise included in the basic rates elsewhere in the Supercity. There is also a strong desire to sort out the present patch-up mentality for existing tar seal. We need to fix it right first time, we need more sealed roading and footpaths, and better maintenance of metal roads, to reduce harmful health effects. Our Local Board will be working hard to secure the recently announced increased share of Auckland’s regional fuel tax, which is presently deferred spending for five years.

We need to prioritise this money for long-overdue roading upgrade work.

What about the positives? Great to see the progress on the new Ara Tuhono Puhoi to Warkworth motorway. Having attended the most recent resident update meeting with NX2, work is well in place to span Puhoi Road early this month. Also sounding very positive is the Matakana link road, together with the recent release of the approved design to fix Hill Street.

A series of local community ratepayer group meetings has provided a range of matters for local board consideration. These include support to re-establish an Algies Bay sea wall, presently at risk of failing; getting behind the dredging project for the Mahurangi River; working alongside the various traffic-orientated community groups, including various proposed and existing recreation facilities.

Great to visit with the Snells Beach bush walk creation committee late last year as they forge their way to Warkworth. I was also fortunate to meet recently with a representative of the NZ Walking Commission and other local volunteers, discussing their desire to establish an expanded network of local walking tracks to be included within the Council’s Rodney Local Paths (Greenways) Plan, with a goal to get more of the community out enjoying the many country walkways and cycle trails.

I’m looking forward to being out and about over the coming term and am more than happy to receive a call or txt on 021 195 6366, or email, to advocate or assist.

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Hauraki mussel project impresses Conservation Minister Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage got a first-hand look at efforts to restore the Hauraki Gulf, just a few kilometres from the Mahurangi coastline.

The minister boarded the Auckland University vessel Hawere at Sandspit on February 29 to view efforts to establish mussel beds close to Motuora Island.

The mussel project is being undertaken

by Revive Our Gulf – a partnership of scientists and environmental advocates, who hope to improve water quality and increase the abundance and diversity of marine life in the gulf.

Mussels are renowned for their capabilities as “filter feeders”, whereby they feed on sediment and other impurities in the water, improving its purity and clarity.

At the same time, the beds provide an excellent habitat for young fish.

On reaching Motuora Island, Auckland University divers, Dr Jenny Hillman and Mallory Sea, plunged into the ocean equipped with a video camera. Live images of a mussel bed were fed back to Hawere for the minister and members of her entourage to view.

They were provided with a running commentary from Professor Simon Thrush, director of Auckland University’s Institute of Marine Science.

Revive Our Gulf volunteers explained that to form the mussel beds, tonnes of mussels are tossed overboard from

Professor Simon Thrush briefs Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage while watching a live camera feed on marine activity surrounding the mussel bed.

barges. Once in the ocean, mussels will crawl together and attach to one another and to stones and bits of shell on the sea floor, eventually forming a mussel bed.

A challenge was to try to encourage the mussels to reproduce and Revive our Gulf was continuing to refine its approach to make beds more sustainable.

Revive Our Gulf trustee Bill Davies said ensuring the mussels had babies was crucial.

“There is no way we can restore the whole Hauraki Gulf by scrounging mussels and borrowing boats from whoever we can and dumping mussels

in the sea 10 tonnes at a time,” he said.

Ms Sage said she was impressed by the practical nature of the project, which aimed to establish 1000 square kilometres of mussel beds. She also praised its collaborative nature – drawing on expertise and support from various groups including The Nature Conservancy, Auckland University and local iwi Ngati Manuhiri.

She said the health of the gulf depended on the restoration of the mussel beds because of the basic habitat they provided for other marine life to build upon.

She said the Government was supporting Revive Our Gulf with

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funding from the Department of Conservation and Ministry of Fisheries. She added that it was equally important for the Government to ensure current environmental legislation did not unnecessarily impede creation of the beds.

Ms Sage’s visit came in the wake of the State of our Gulf 2020 report released by the Hauraki Gulf Forum late last month.

The report lamented that environmental degradation continued in the Gulf with sediment, chemicals and plastics continuing to wash into the sea at an alarming rate. The number of marine continued next page

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 7

from previous page

pests has more than doubled since 2000 and there have been sharp rises in the number of threatened seabird species.

Meanwhile, crayfish and cockles have become harder to find.

About 80 years ago, mussel beds were found extensively throughout the Gulf, but commercial dredging operations virtually eliminated them with devastating consequences for the marine environment.

Sage unrepentant on landfill Meanwhile, while lauding the efforts of Revive Our Gulf to improve water quality, Ms Sage had no regrets in approving a land purchase for the construction of a rubbish tip in the Dome Valley, which critics say risks polluting the Kaipara Harbour for centuries to come.

Ms Sage, in her capacity as Land Information Minister, granted Overseas Investment Office approval for Waste Management to purchase 1000ha of farm and forestry land, just north of Dome valley, for a landfill.

Asked if she was confident leachate from the landfill would not end up polluting the Kaipara, Ms Sage said such questions were a matter for Auckland Council to examine in detail as part of its resource consent process.

She was sure Council would look at the science and the expert evidence.

“It has nothing to do with my role with the overseas investment legislation, which was only in relation to the purchase of the land,” she said.

Ms Sage added that New Zealand

MASSIVE

MARCH Divers Mallory Sea, left, and Dr Jenny Hillman operated the underwater camera.

continued to need landfills but nevertheless, the Government sought to reduce waste going into them.

She said a key aspect of Government policy going forward was to increase landfill levies to ensure more revenue was available for recycling and waste minimisation.

Ms Sage reiterated her opposition to a waste-to-energy plant as an alternative to landfill.

“People who are suggesting wasteto-energy are really wanting to treat the atmosphere as a dump, because waste-to-energy produces toxic byproducts,” she said.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 9

Gift of sun shelter prompts outrage in Snells Beach A gift of a sun shelter to the Snells Beach community has erupted into a bitter row, with a group of residents continuing to voice strong opposition to it.

Kawau Bay Fishing Club proposed to build the modest shelter – comprising a table, some seating and a roof – after an earlier plan of building clubrooms fell through.

Club members undertook fundraising for the clubrooms in the late 1990s, but escalating building costs and the financial strain of maintaining the rooms meant they never eventuated.

Instead, the club decided to “give back to the community” by using money raised to build a sun shelter at Sunburst Reserve.

Over the next four years, the club secured more than 280 signatures in support of the project, plus landowner approval from Auckland Council.

Last month, the club voted in favour of proceeding with construction of the shelter.

But the move has infuriated about 30 residents living in nearby Sunburst Avenue, Kahurangi Place and Tamatea Drive who emphatically say they don’t want it.

In a letter to the club, the objectors complain the shelter is likely to attract unwanted illegal night-time activities, including the consumption of alcohol and drugs and vandalism.

Resident Chas Benest, who was among the signatories of the letter, said he could imagine lying awake in

bed at 1am.

“You hear music, you hear laughter.

Then there’s an argument. First two people arguing, then four people arguing. Then there’s a fight and glass getting broken. Then there are cars screeching off up the street,” he said.

Another objector complained the shelter would be an eyesore designed for an Australian bush setting, not a beach setting surrounded by multimillion dollar homes.

Objectors were further dismayed after approaching an 18-year-old woman who declined to join the protest against the shelter. She said: “We love gazebos, make sure it has ashtrays.”

The objectors additionally complain that the reserve will interfere with the rigging of kites for kite surfers and will restrict vehicle access to the reserve in an emergency.

Objectors are frustrated with the Rodney Local Board, saying 12 submissions opposing the proposed structure and its siting were sent to the Board around March and April 2018.

Objectors say they were assured there would be further consultation with affected parties but no such consultation took place.

Kawau Bay Fishing Club secretary Gael Knight said the club “struggles with the validity” of objectors’ concerns.

She said Council does not believe a shelter would attract illegal night-time activities, and there was already a liquor ban in the area from 9pm onwards.

The modest sun shelter has attracted a storm of protest.

Proposed location of the sun shelter.

“There is no way to prevent illegal night-time activity, either here or anywhere else along the beach. That is why we have police,” she said.

Ms Knight added the design of the shelter was “not unattractive” and denied that it would restrict vehicle access and kite flying.

“We are genuinely sad that this small group of people doesn’t like the idea of the shelter, but we don’t believe that the rest of the community should miss out because of this,” she said.

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She said several community organisations had volunteered to supply materials for the shelter and it was hoped construction could begin before winter sets in.

Local Board chair Phelan Pirrie said the Board endorsed the club’s landowner approval application to build the shelter after a presentation in 2018.

Mr Pirrie did not respond when asked if he felt the community had been adequately consulted on the shelter.

10 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 11

Hill Street advocates – “show us the money” Mahurangi residents popped the Champagne corks when it was announced that Auckland Transport had settled on a design for fixing the infamous Hill Street intersection in Warkworth, but some local advocates still have their doubts.

Rodney Local Board deputy chair Beth Houlbrooke says that no funding has been committed for Hill Street in Auckland Council’s Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) 2018-2028 or Finance Minister Grant Robertson’s infrastructure budget.

“Therefore, this funding will have to come from re-prioritising the current RLTP. That means there will be winners and losers,” Ms Houlbrooke says.

“We will be competing with 19 other Council wards for transport infrastructure funding, so we cannot rely on one councillor to be able to get this funded in the next 10-year budget, let alone early in that budget.”

But Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers says the RLTP is set to be updated in June next year and he is confident it will see funding for Hill Street included.

“The RLTP is linked to the Council Long Term Plan and the Mayor controls the budget. The Mayor and Deputy Mayor are in full support and supported me to push this with Auckland Transport (AT),” Cr Sayer says.

Cr Sayers says the rough estimated cost for the Hill Street redesign is $15

million and it is likely taxpayers will pay 75 per cent of the cost via the NZ Transport Agency. AT will pay the balance through rates and the regional fuel tax.

“This is an AT project and the fact that the AT board has already approved

Hill Street to be advanced to be built really says it all,” Cr Sayers says.

Nevertheless, both Cr Sayers and Ms Houlbrooke agree that those wanting Hill Street fixed must continue to apply pressure by making submissions on the RLTP. Submissions open

later this year.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is that the public continue to put momentum behind the business case that has been completed. We don’t want this to become another Penlink,” Ms Houlbrooke says.

Council gets an earful from Warkworth on CCOs Auckland Council held a drop-in session at the Warkworth Town Hall recently to gather feedback for a review on Council Controlled Organisations (CCOs), and residents took the opportunity to air their gripes.

So many turned up that facilitators had to set out chairs and organise people into groups to ensure everyone was heard.

A common theme was that CCOs did not understand the diverse needs of the Rodney district.

Many members of the crowd agreed that Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development (ATEED) was superfluous to the Rodney District and ought not to be paid for in local rates.

However, former Rodney mayor Penny Webster said ATEED had sent personnel to the area to promote tourism.

Local Board member Tim Holdgate said Auckland Transport needed to fund local buses, instead of using a targeted rate.

Warkworth’s John Blackey said there was a lack of accountability among CCOs.

Tim Holdgate said Watercare had allowed the Wellsford water reservoir to become sludge.

“Talking to a CCO is like pressing a marshmallow. You push it in and then it returns to the same shape,” Mr Blackey said.

Another complaint was that Panuku Development had too much sway over selling property owned by Council – referencing the near sale of the carpark on Baxter Street in Warkworth in 2017.

“Panuku needs clearer direction about what to do outside the metropolitan area. They came to Warkworth in the winter and wanted to sell the car park because they thought there wasn’t a parking issue,” Ms Webster said.

Council is currently undertaking a wide-ranging review of its CCOs with the aim of ensuring Aucklanders are getting value for money.

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Our services include ‌ Funerals: We can arrange individual plans to suit every budget Cremations: Whether you want a simple and direct cremation, or a full funeral service followed by cremation, we are here to help Memorial services: A time for storytelling and celebration Grief support: Helping people navigate through the grieving process, both before and after the service Monumental work: Permanent memorialisation with commemorative plaques or headstones Eco-friendly: Whether it is the choice of casket or the vehicles we use, we offer a range of environmentally-friendly funeral options All our services come with written estimates, so there are no hidden costs.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 13

Trading Post sets Highfield Reserve on path to success Highfield Garden Reserve at Algies Bay received a substantial funding boost recently, when Mahu Community Trading Post donated $6000 for a new landscaping project.

Peter Caccia-Birch, who looks after Highfield’s famous donkeys, said the reserve’s advisory committee had a vision to create an educational area for children and visitors focusing on native trees and shrubs, which required the construction of a gravel path and boardwalk.

However, materials and equipment were priced at $6000, so the committee approached the Mahu Community Trading Post for help and were delighted to be granted the full amount.

Trading Post volunteers paid a visit to Highfield on March 5 to see where the new 100-metre Lily Pond Walk was going in, as well as tour the rest of the reserve and meet the donkeys.

Mr Caccia-Birch said a lot of work had been done on the path already, clearing the ground and planting natives.

“This was a complete jungle, but we’ve just chipped away at it. We’ve put in 20 different trees and shrubs already and want to build that up to 30 or 40,” he said. “Metal will be laid this month and then our guys will get on with the boardwalk.”

The $6000 cheque was the latest in a series of donations by the Mahu Community Trading Post, which raises funds selling donated goods at its shop in Warkworth every Wednesday. Since opening 18 months ago, Trading Post volunteers have donated $150,000 to Mahurangi community groups and causes.

Beware “summer ice” The NZ Transport Agency is warning drivers to beware of “summer ice”. The “ice” appears when rain hits roads after a long dry spell, creating a slippery surface.

Volunteers helping volunteers – Mahu Community Trading Post president John Carr and secretary Desiree Hoey presented a cheque for $6000 to the Highfield Garden Reserve for the new Lily Pond Walk.

Boost for culture and community at Te Hana A new twilight market, a Maori wearable arts show and a winter food festival are among a number of new public events being planned for the Te Hana Te Ao Marama cultural centre this year.

Linda Clapham, who was instrumental in establishing the centre and retains a supervisory managerial role there, says the Te Hana Charitable Trust is planning to boost its community engagement by opening its doors more often.

“We have some really exciting public events happening over the next 12 months. It actually started in December with our first event, Carols by Starlight, then we had our Waitangi Day celebration last month, which went really well,” she says.

A new monthly twilight market started on March 6, with stalls, open mic music and hangi. July 4 will see the return of Dream Weaver, a Maori wearable arts evening with dinner and a catwalk show. There will be three age categories – under 12, 13 to 17, and over 18 – and entries all have to feature Maori cultural content, either through the use of traditional

materials or design.

“We’ve had these in the past and they’ve been extremely successful. It’s all about community coming together and celebrating Matariki,” Linda says.

Then, later in July or early August, Te Hana Te Ao Marama will host a gourmet celebration of Kaitiakitanga and Kaipara kai moana (guardianship and seafood) as part of Auckland Council’s Elemental light and food midwinter festival.

The new public events come on top of the cultural centre’s regular tours and visits from school groups, cruise ship passengers, international students and indigenous groups.

“Although we’re involved in some business activities, we’re a social enterprise,” Linda says. “Our main focus is on cultural education, sharing knowledge and breaking down barriers.”

She says the centre aims to get to the stage where it will open regularly for visitors to drop in, rather than having to prebook.

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14 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020 CHANGING FACES n

Procar Vehicle Servicing Centre North Harbour Vehicles has purchased Procar in Warkworth to make it more convenient for Hyundai, Isuzu and Renault owners to have their vehicles serviced under warranty.

Harbour Vehicles has the exclusive rights for the three brands, from the Harbour Bridge to the Brynderwyns.

Dealer principal Dave Bonniface says there are more than 500 registered Hyundai, Isuzu and Renault owners in the Warkworth area, and they are sick of travelling to Auckland for servicing.

“We have been on the North Shore for 23 years and are locally owned and operated, as are the New Zealand branches of the brands we work with.”

He says having a vehicle continually serviced at a specialist centre saves car owners in the long run, because any issues that crop up can easily be fixed.

“We know the typical issues and have specialised scan tools. People want the guarantee that their car is fixed correctly and with the right parts.”

Harbour Vehicles will retain the name Procar for its Warkworth service centre and will continue to service all other makes and models of cars. Dave says existing customers will be able to take advantage of three brand new courtesy cars.

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Dave says if locals spot a car on the North Harbour Vehicles website, it can be brought up to Warkworth for them to test drive.

Dave said he intended to open a site in Warkworth for some time but found that a lack of industrial premises meant it was easier to buy an existing business.

“As the area grows, we will grow with it. We may open a North Harbour Vehicles yard here soon.”

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Construction has started on an 1800 square metre PlaceMakers store and 3600 square metre yard at 64 Morrison Drive. The new PlaceMakers is scheduled to open later this year. The branch will service both public and trade customers. Warkworth customers will be able to place orders for larger interior items – such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and wardrobes – from PlaceMakers in Silverdale. Branch manager Latham Broadstock says PlaceMakers will soon be hiring 10 team members for the store. Mr Latham has been with PlaceMakers for 10 years, and is currently based at PlaceMakers in Silverdale.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 15

Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Congratulations to Josie Young, of Kaipara Flats, who is a recipient of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Josie was nominated by Rachel Drum, who wrote:

really like to nominate “myI would fab neighbour, Josie

ry ap to m uc re od 0 tr 90 In r $ e off

Young. What an awesome lady she is. From the day we moved in she has helped us out – from connecting us to the local community, being a shoulder to cry on, being a guardian angel knocking on the door right when you need her, to feeding our hens. The love she shows our two little girls is adorable too. We feel blessed to have such support right on our doorstep. When neighbours become like family!

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 18, 2020

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There will be a $100 gift voucher for the best dressed stall holder.

Pasifika festival at Mahurangi East Mahurangi East Community Centre will host a mini Pasifika festival and market celebrating the culture of Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Saturday, March 28, from 4pm to 8pm.

The event will highlight the indigenous cultures of the five provinces of PNG. There will be a range of food stalls, as well as arts, crafts, quality used clothing and live demonstrations.

Items on sale include Labanda Teko bags and PNGstyle “flap flap” sarongs, Pāua Paul’s exotic carved masks, Colleen Kangwai books and hangi packs.

The event is being run as a fundraiser for the Labanda Teko not-for-profit society, directed by Madeline Holland of Snells Beach.

Madeline has recently assisted people in Papua New

Guinea to set up a school, providing a building and resources.

The group is also seeking work opportunities in New Zealand to enable them to earn and send money home to support their families.

For information on the festival or to book a stall contact crazysewinglady47@gmail.com

Testostrogen postponed A planned performance of the transgender play Testostrogen, by Sandspit playwright Joanna Pearce, has been postponed. Performances for school students were due to begin at the Warkworth Town Hall this month. Performances have been rescheduled for September to coincide with New Zealand Theatre month.

The film adaptation of the literary classic has received rave reviews.

Copperfield fundraiser Warkworth Rotary will hold a special advanced screening of David Copperfield at the Matakana Cinemas on Wednesday, March 25, at 6pm.

The film is based on Charles Dickens’s iconic semiautobiographical novel, chronicling the life of a young man finding his place in the chaotic world of 1840s England.

Tickets are $20 and are available from the Mahurangi Matters office at 17 Neville Street in Warkworth.

Proceeds go towards Rotary youth projects, including scouts, student science forum and the young leadership award.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 17

River history launches Warkworth Town Hall talks Browne and the HMSS Buffalo, off Spar Station Cove on the Mahurangi River, will be the subject of the first Warkworth Town Hall Talk of the year, which will be held on Thursday, March 26.

The speaker will be Auckland Council cultural heritage specialist Robert Brassey.

Mr Brassey will discuss a new chapter in the Mahurangi Harbour’s history contained in Bob Moxon Browne’s recently published history of the Browne family.

The book, titled The Moxon Brownes, An Account of Octavius Browne, tells the story of the author’s own ancestors over the last 250 years.

The story starts with an 18th century drawing master and calligrapher, his son who deserted his family to start a new life as an artist in America, and the exploits of his grandson Octavius and his family.

Octavius’s brother, Gordon Browne, is the man credited with establishing New Zealand’s timber export trade

Discussion of a chapter in Bob Moxon Browne’s book will be a feature of talk.

and the first European settlement in the Auckland region.

Talk organiser Cimino Cole hopes to screen a recorded video statement from the author Bob Moxon Brown at the talk. Doors open at 5.15pm for a 5.30pm start.

Entries open for Art’nTartan Organisers are calling for entries for this year’s Art’nTartan wearable arts spectacular. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Waipu Museum’s wearable arts contest and show.

Participating artists and designers will vie for a prize pool of around $15,000 over four main categories, plus an everpopular mask section for children.

The only criteria is garments must contain an element of visible and obvious tartan, whether painted, stitched, welded, engineered, embroidered or woven. Garments can be made from any kind of material.

Artistic director Debi Walters Brown says any aspect of art that is wearable can find a place in Art’nTartan.

“The work must be original, innovative, revolutionary and well-made. Copies and store-bought costumes will not be

allowed,” she says.

Debi’s concept for the show will aim to present the costumes in a way that highlights the skill of the designers and models. This will include the use of lighting effects, music, kapa haka groups, singers, dancers and the Scottish pipers representative of the heritage of Waipu.

Entry forms can be downloaded from the Waipu museum website or collected from the front desk of the Museum.

The entry fee is $25 per garment and $10 for mask entries. Entries close on April 24.

Designers’ creations will need to be completed by June 7 for preliminary judging. Keep an eye on the Waipu Museum Art’nTartan Facebook page for updates.

Info: artntartan@gmail.com

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18 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

While the awe-inspiring sculptures undoubtedly steal the show, a diverse range of exotic animals such as giraffe, zebra and North American bison also call Gibbs Farm home.

Sculpture park opens for museum fundraiser The Gibbs Farm sculpture park, overlooking the Kaipara Harbour, will open its gates next month to raise money for an extension to the Albertland Museum in Wellsford.

Owner Alan Gibbs is the museum’s patron and an Albertland descendant.

Museum volunteer Lyn Johnston says the event is a chance for locals to visit a world-class destination, which is home to many major site-specific artworks by some of the world’s most significant artists.

The museum’s building project will

double the size of the current building in Port Albert Road and could cost around $1 million. It will provide additional display space and storage, as well as a special exhibition area and workshop.

The museum already has $200,000 put aside for the build, but will need to raise the balance through grants and fundraising.

Only about a half of the museum’s total collection is on display. As well as journals and ships’ passenger lists dating back to the 1860s, it has unpublished manuscripts and

FINAL WORKSHOPS AND NEW ARTS EVENTS: MAY 2-8 Set among the vineyards, beaches and boutiques of Matakana, our week of workshops is almost sold out. LAST FEW PLACES LEFT:

thousands of photographs, including around 10,000 in the Marsh Collection and 20,000 from the Coast to Coast newspaper collection.

The Gibbs Farm fundraiser will be held on Thursday, April 9.

Visitors are encouraged to take a picnic lunch, although Wellsford Plunket will have light snacks available to buy. Coffee and ice creams will also be available.

Tickets cost $40 for adults, $30 for seniors and $10 for students, and are available at albertlandmuseum.co.nz

Commissioned Alan Gibbs bought the farm on the Kaipara Coast Highway from Neil Barr in 1991. In the intervening 30 years, he has installed major works by Graham Bennett, Chris Booth, Daniel Buren, Bill Culbert, Neil Dawson, Marijke de Goey, Andy Goldsworthy, Ralph Hotere, Anish Kapoor, Sol LeWitt, Len Lye, Russell Moses, Peter Nicholls, Eric Orr, Tony Oursler, George Rickey, Peter Roche, Richard Serra, Kenneth Snelson, Richard Thompson, Leon van den Eijkel and Zhan Wang. Most works in the collection are commissioned.

Albertland Heritage Centre - Fundraising Event

Gibbs Sculpture Farm Visit 9 April 2020

FIVE DAY COURSES: • SPLASH PAINT with a GOW LANGSFORD ARTIST • WRITE beautiful fiction with an AWARD WINNING NZ AUTHOR • Create textile art INSPIRED BY NATURE • BUILD a ukulele with a MASTER LUTHIER SHORT COURSES: • STYLE AND PHOTOGRAPH a STILL LIFE with personal objects • Learn to PAINT BOTANICALS • STITCH your way to FLORAL ART • MASTER THE WORLD of SMARTPHONE photography • SCREENPRINT funky fabric

+ PARTICIPANT’S DINNER + MUSIC EVENT + BRICK BAY ARTS PANEL: ‘WOMEN IN ART’ [ discussing gender bias in New Zealand art ]

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We thank our Patron Alan Gibbs, for allowing us to visit his property.

You’re invited to join us and view these magnificent sculptures and exotic animals.

Entry by prepaid ticket only.

Order your tickets online now at www.albertlandmuseum.co.nz

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 19

Creative Matakana discussion panel tackles gender bias A series of Creative Matakana arts workshops will conclude with a panel discussion on gender bias in the arts, in New Zealand and internationally.

Spokesperson Kathy Hunter says despite around 70 per cent of fine arts graduates in New Zealand being women, only around 30 per cent of solo shows nationally are by female artists.

“This issue is being energetically addressed globally in 2020, but how can we tip the balance in Aotearoa?” she says.

Four industry professionals will discuss the problem – Ane Tonga, the new curator of Pacific Art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki; Anna Miles, gallery director; Rosanna Raymond, cross-practice artist and longstanding member of Pacific Sisters arts collective; and text-based artist and feminist Deborah Rundle.

The discussion will held at The Glass House at Brick Bay, Arabella Lane, Snells Beach, at 5.30pm on Friday, May 8. Tickets are $35.

Creative Matakana has also announced another new event for its workshop programme.

Lindsay Marks, who is leading a workshop to make your own ukulele, will be playing guitar alongside members of local band Pipi Pickers on mandolin, banjo and double-bass.

At the concert, there will be a selection of some of Lindsay’s hand-made instruments on display.

Warkworth & District Museum Our first Tea & Talk of 2020 Join us for a talk on the Wyatt Sawmill in Leigh.

Monday 23rd March, 10am at the Museum.

Entry by donation.

Adult $7 • Child $3 (6-16 years) • Child under 6 FREE Family $15 (2 adults + all Children) Open 7 Days, Monday to Sunday 10am – 3pm Eftpos & Credit Cards accepted.

Warkworth & Districts Museum. Parry Kauri Park, Tudor Collins Drive (Off Wilson Road, Warkworth) Ph: 09 425 7093 | Email: warkworthmuseum@xtra.co.nz www.warkworthmuseum.co.nz Member of the Pacific Sisters art collective, Rosanna Raymond, will participate in a panel discussion on women and art. Photo, Rebecca Zephyr Thomas

The concert will be held at the Whangateau Hall on Wednesday, May 6 at 6.30pm. No tickets are required and entry is by koha.

To book the remaining spots for workshops or tickets for the panel discussion and dinner, go to creativematakana.nz/extra-events-1

Mahurangi Action presents:

WARKWORTH TOWN HALL TALKS A series of free monthly talks relevant to our town and the wider community

The Browne legacy

Robert Brassey, Auckland Council Principal Specialist Cultural Heritage One of the area’s pioneering entrepreneurs, Gordon Browne, comes under scrutiny in a new book written by a Moxon Browne descendent, Bob Moxon Browne QC, of England. Archaeologist and heritage specialist Robert Brassey will take a closer look at the chapter devoted to Browne’s life and how his early activities lead to the wider exploration of the Tamaki-Makaurau region.

Warkworth Town Hall, Thursday, 26 March, Doors open for refreshments at 5pm, talk starts at 5.30pm. FREE Supported by Mahurangi Matters

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Caring for the locals who support us Sponsors of

Warkworth Food Rescue Life continues to bring challenges on a daily basis and while some issues grab headlines, the day to day problems that are with us continue to exist. The coronavirus has impacted our communities in many ways and recent reports include panic buying at supermarkets.

For many in our community the ability to panic buy is a far-off dream as “emergency” supplies are basically a daily need. Whether it is bread or canned goods, the Warkworth Rotary/Lions Food Rescue run in conjunction with the Mahurangi District food banks ensures that the panic is taken out of the equation for those in need.

Local fruit growers constantly amaze us as they support the venture by bringing fruit to be distributed through the food rescue chain. Since its inception donated food approaching 65 tonnes has passed through the Food Rescue base and has reached those in need. The Rotary and Lions clubs of the district are grateful for the generosity shown by local businesses and individuals.

Sadly after the panic of the coronavirus has passed, the issue of hunger in our community will still be with us and the Warkworth Rotary/Lions Food Rescue will continue to support our community.

If you are interested in donating food: Call 0274 776 519 or email warkworthfoodrescue@gmail.com

Thanks to our locals supporting us, we are able to support our local community I

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makingcents

20 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

makingcents

FE AT U R E

Big business criticised for failing to pay bills on time Large businesses need to pay invoices on time or pay a penalty, Minister for Small Business Stuart Nash told a gathering in Warkworth last month.

Mr Nash said he was proposing legislation that would require businesses to pay invoices within 20 days of an invoice being issued.

A discussion document released on the Ministry of Business and Innovation website proposes allowing businesses to charge interest on outstanding invoices.

Mr Nash said this was to prevent small businesses being used by large businesses as banks by drawing out payment.

“Often large businesses use an uneven power balance to push unconscionable payment terms on their small business providers,” he said.

The discussion document suggests small businesses should be able to charge at least 2.8 per cent per annum on outstanding invoices and opportunity costs from reduced cash flow should also be considered.

According to the document, twothirds of businesses have had an invoice not paid in time in the last 12 months, with payments being 8.6 days late on average.

From left, Stuart Nash, MP Marja Lubeck and One Warkworth chair Chris Murphy met business representatives in Warkworth last month.

Accounting platform Xero estimates that small businesses in New Zealand are owed about $7.4 billion in unpaid invoices.

At the meeting in Warkworth, Mr Nash also raised the possibility of raising the GST threshold from $60,000 to $80,000.

Further, he said he would consider raising the provisional tax threshold from $2500 to $5000.

Other topics raised at the meeting

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in Warkworth included whether businesses would be liable for accidents by employees under the influence of cannabis, if the upcoming referendum resulted in legalisation.

Mr Nash said just as in the case of alcohol, employees would be expected not to arrive at work intoxicated.

“As long as a business had a risk mitigation programme in place, I don’t believe it would be liable,” he said.

One Warkworth chair Chris Murphy

investment income, so there are now large changes to previous tax outcomes.

Plus we have the Bright Line Test - if house sold at a gain within five years – it is now taxed as part of your annual income.

End of Year Tax Tips With 31 March now close, there is some very worthwhile forward planning you can do now, to save income tax.

DEBTORS Review these carefully if any are unlikely to pay, write them off the ledger as bad debts. Still try to recover these, but if you do, you pay tax only when they are received.

CREDITORS March accounts payable after 1 April – if income earned is higher than

asked the minister to advocate for funding to dredge the Mahurangi River in Warkworth, saying it would improve industry in the area by adding a transport link.

Mr Nash said at a cost of $1.5 million a year for the next three years, it was obviously a worthwhile project and he would take it up with the Mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff.

“Council spills more than $1.5 million in coffee each year. It’s not just about downtown Auckland,” he said.

usual, order now so these can be claimed this year. Any assets needed – likewise one month depreciation can be claimed.

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makingcents

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 21

Mosaic Classes

Money Christine Liggins, Debtfix www.debtfix.co.nz

Speak up on finance blues Financial pressure is building in the region with the unrelenting drought and Covid-19 threatening the liquidity of farmers, tourism, hospitality businesses and the forestry sector. So if you think your financial situation is about to suffer, now is the time to start talking with suppliers and creditors to make a plan that works for everyone. With open communication, you may discover that they can extend credit for you or introduce a payment plan that you can manage, and they are happy with. Alternatively, your business may be doing okay and paying your accounts sooner will improve the cash flow of a supplier who is feeling the pinch.

The banks are calling on the Reserve Bank to reduce the official cash rate, which would reduce interest rates for businesses who may want to increase their borrowing. This is great if you are a booming entrepreneur with a decent chunk of capital, but if you are borrowing to maintain cash flow or pay wages it may not be a good idea to increase debt.

A better option could be reviewing where you can make cutbacks to get through the short-term economic blip, such as delaying buying new equipment or being realistic about reducing expenses. Again, talk to your bank business manager and maybe a business adviser, if they can think outside of the square.

The rural community is supported by the Ministry of Primary Industries and there are social welfare funds available for those in extreme hardship, and there is increased flexibility with Inland Revenue. If you are an employee and you lose your job, register with Work and Income straight away, because there may be a stand-down period before you can receive any benefits.

Just like business owners, individuals with unexpected cash flow problems that make it difficult to meet obligations – such as rent and payments due to lenders – need to talk to the people they owe money. It may be possible to arrange a payment holiday or to reduce the amount of payments until you find another job. Don’t be shy to ask.

For businesses and individuals, it is important to face up to your financial reality because missed payments can result in penalties, thus increasing your total debt. It seems likely everyone will feel the financial impact of a double whammy to our local economy. Now is the time for the community to rally together. People are helping one another by sharing water, and we should consider how we can support businesses who are bearing the brunt of reduced tourist numbers and an export downturn.

Many hospitality businesses and tour operators offer innovative added value for locals during the quieter winter months, and they may need to launch good deals right now to improve cash flow. More than anything, talk to someone if you have concerns about debt, budgeting and cash flow. They may not have the solution, but they may know where to find it.

Carol Henderson takes her seat Warkworth Community Shop has a new scheme, whereby shop volunteers get the chance to donate $500 of the money raised in the shop to a cause of their choice.

Among the first to take advantage was volunteer Carol Henderson, who opted to sponsor a seat in the Warkworth Town Hall and support ongoing improvements at the hall.

“I’m so passionate about the Town Hall – look what has happened to it.

It’s fabulous,” she says.

Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Trust chair Peter Henderson says around half a dozen seats are still available to be sponsored in the dress circle. To sponsor a seat, phone Peter on 0274 776 519.

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makingcents

22 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

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makingcents

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 23

North Rodney employers struggle to find skilled workers Businesses in north Rodney say a lack of a trained workforce is making hiring difficult.

This is good news for those who are moving to the area and are willing to retrain, or youth who are approaching employment age and want to upskill.

MS Engineering general manager Graham Buchs says sourcing skilled labour in the manufacturing industry has meant supporting migrants to move to the area. “I have placed a heavy emphasis on training, and our apprenticeship scheme grew to support eight apprentices at its peak,� he says. “This provides the industry with sorely needed tradesmen, but also allows the business to train the people it needs within the company.�

Wharehine general manager Andrew Booth says the company is currently hiring for a number of roles, including truck drivers, excavator operators and site traffic management supervisors. “We are happy to bring on young, energetic locals with a willingness to learn. We really do have to put the time into training, as the numbers of new people entering our industry is dwindling,� Andrew says.

A number of companies related to the construction industry agreed that major growth-driven projects in the area, including the Warkworth to Puhoi motorway, have siphoned off the local workforce.

Atlas Concrete Warkworth depot

There are jobs in the district for those who are willing to train.

manager Troy Rolfe-Vyson says truck drivers ought to be on the Government’s skills shortage list. “It’s not an issue of pay rate – there just aren’t the people to fill the positions.�

Rodney Aggregates business manager Daniel Le Roux says his business has retrained everyone from baristas to dressmakers to perform jobs in the quarry industry.

Davco Electrical director Dave Morrison says when he lists a job, the majority of the applications he receives are from overseas, many from people do not even have visas to work in New Zealand.

“The problem in our area is a low population and a lack of training opportunities,� Dave says.

A Biomarine Oysters spokesperson says they hire factory workers from a combination of WINZ applicants, backpackers and local youth. “People who can afford to live in Warkworth are not usually looking for factory jobs. We take on youth when they are taking a gap year after study.�

Springboard managing director Gary Diprose says its programme has had several successes in getting local youth into employment.

We offer half day ($100) and full day ($200) business courses at local venues

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“We have managed to get kids into hospitality and construction jobs, such as the motorway, and the wastewater pipeline in Snells Beach. “It’s vital to employ youth as the area grows – it gives labour to the community and ensures young people find their fit.�

According to Statistics New Zealand, the unemployment rate in the Auckland region dropped from 4.3 per cent in December 2018 to 4.1 per cent in December 2019.

Nationally, the unemployment rate has fallen from 6.3 per cent to 4 per cent in the last 10 years.

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rurallife

24 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

Country living Julie Cotton admin@oceanique.co.nz

Teats in a tangle I’ve been kicking around with dairy farmers for quite some time now, and up until now had managed to avoid the milking. However, this is a story that needs to be told so in order to do so, I mentally cancelled my non-existent Saturday night social life in favour of daggy pyjamas, Netflix and a 3am alarm bell. In the dark, I zoomed off to my old mate Brian Mason’s farm in Tomarata, as keen as biscuits to get the Full Monty milking experience. We jumped in the RTV and set about getting the first herd of 350 cows in the milking shed. My initial train of thought transported me back a few years to when I was a working mum on the daily expressing milk grind. I wasn’t at all surprised that the cows quite happily walked down to the shed. Us women would be bolting down that race for that long-awaited morning pressure release.

We got the shed all sparked up, and it was game on.

Brian was ever so politely trying to pass on a lifetime of knowledge as I was busy mucking up his whole system. Honestly, everything happens so fast in the milking shed, but I still managed to squeeze in some jealous thoughts of my days, long gone, glued to the couch after work with those old leaky manual breast pumps and aching wrists.

These cows are on to something here. I was very surprised at how heavy the cups are and the intrinsic process of pressing the suction button while wrestling with udders, trying to line them up and not getting tangled up. My lack of skill in this area could now possibly explain my historical D-grade lactation skills.

At one stage, I was so busy fidgeting around with

Julie Cotton performs the milking shed blues.

udders and cups, the young lass was halfway around the rotary and I hadn’t even got a drop of milk out.

Never fear, by 5am the lovely Mr James MakaeaTavalu rocks in, bright as a button, ready to take over the reins, so Brian can go and get the second herd of 350 in. James is a south Auckland lad who came to work for Brian six years ago. He was quite shocked to find a strange woman in his shed that morning, and I have to say he had the most wonderfully demure bedside manner as he gently helped me learn the ropes. He explained that there were many more jobs to do on the dairy farm, but his favourite part was milking his “girls”, and he knows every one of the 700 that he milks. I asked James if he had a favourite and with a smile he singled out number 225, even though she was his temperamental one. Apparently, number 225 gives an occasional kickback. ‘Oh,’ I thought, ‘don’t worry Missy 225, most of us chicks could be guilty of the occasional kickback if our

‘lady lumps’ were getting messed around with at 4am’. Chatting to James, I became aware that he was extremely proud of his job and his genuine love for his girls shone out as a guiding light against the reality of repetitive monotony.

As the morning sun rose, Brian and I gently walked these working girls back to their paddocks, where a choice of breakfast options awaited. The work is early, long and relentless and trust me when I say, the meek do not inherit these sheds in the bitter, cold winter. This mob has got backbone and grunt, but it’s more than that, isn’t it? I feel comfort and privilege knowing these strong men and women are out there with their herds through feast or famine, feeding our families. So let’s put down the Champagne, and raise our blue cheese, knowing that while the end result of their toil may well eventually land on our waistline, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 25

growth&prosperity

F E AT URE

Express patrons to enjoy environmentally friendly luxury Mahurangi commuters heading into Auckland city will have the chance to travel in a new all-electric luxury coach later this year.

Mahu City Express plans to buy a TCE12 coach from Chinese manufacturer Yutong for its daily Snells Beach to Auckland bus service.

It is believed the TCE12 will be the first electric coach operating a bus service in New Zealand, though there are already some all-electric buses.

Mahu City Express director Julian Ostling hopes to take delivery of the coach in July, assuming there are no complications arising from the coronavirus.

He says the coach features the usual high-end luxury furnishings, including leather reclining seats, carpets, airconditioning, double-glazing and USB ports.

He says in addition to the environmental benefits of running an all-electric vehicle, the TCE12 will give passengers an even better ride than they have enjoyed previously.

“We try to give our passengers a quality ride anyway, and this will take it up a level. It will be so much quieter and smoother and should make the journey quicker as well,” he says.

There are no plans to increase fares to

The all-electric TCE12 features all the high-end furnishings of a luxury coach.

travel on the TCE12. A weekly pass to commute to Auckland via Mahu City Express is currently $135.

Depending on configuration, the coach has between 40 and 50 seats and has a range of about 300km on a single charge, depending on how the coach is driven and the terrain.

The new coach will replace one of Mahu City Express’s existing coaches.

Ultimately, it is hoped to replace all Mahu’s existing vehicles with electric ones.

The TCE 12 costs more than $600,000

and the first one is being co-funded by the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA).

Mr Ostling says the authority is eager to see how the TCE12 service works out while securing more exposure for electric vehicles generally. It is also happy Mahu City Express is installing charging stations for the coaches, which can then be used by other motorists.

Mr Ostling says it’s likely Mahu City Express will install a charging station in the carpark at Snells Beach Baptist

Church or possibly at Snells Beach School. A second one may be installed in Auckland.

“The more chargers there are, the easier it is for the general public to take up electric vehicles. We believe in them, too. They are the right answer for the future and the environment,” he says.

Mr Ostling hopes to expand Mahu City Express’s fleet of coaches as the population grows and to offer more departure times.

He says future coaches will likely have to be entirely funded by Mahu City Express, but anticipates revenue from fares and charter work will justify the investment.

Mr Ostling remains untroubled by competition from Auckland Transport, which introduced a rival bus service about 18 months ago.

He says initially more budgetconscious passengers who were willing to sacrifice comfort and convenience for a lower price did switch to AT. As a result, passenger numbers on Mahu City Express fell by about 15 per cent.

However by last October, passenger numbers had recovered to about what they were previously.

“It did have an impact, but not a catastrophic one fortunately,” he says.

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growth&prosperity

26 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

The Pūhoi to Warkworth project KEY DESIGN BENEFITS

Structures

The Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway is being designed to international standards to be one of the safest roads in New Zealand.

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Pukerito (Northern Connection)

Te Arawhiti ki Ōkahu EXISTING SH1 NORTH

2 Te Arawhiti ki Pūhoi 3 Watson Bridge

P2Wk MOTORWAY

4 Hikauae underpass

Drivers will enjoy several benefits including:

5 Te Tapuwae o Kahumatamomoe

You will have an enjoyable driving experience, with a smoother road surface which reduces noise and water spray.

6 Perry Road underpass

The road will follow the contours of the land as closely as possible, and be curved and scenic. It will mean you can be sure of reliable and easy-to-plan journey times.

8 Woodcocks Road Bridge

Where the new motorway rejoins the existing SH1 north of Warkworth, a new roundabout will ensure drivers can safely rejoin SH1 and travel south to Warkworth or north to Wellsford. It will also give access to a proposed future link road to Matakana and the coast.

7 Te Arawhiti Pua Ngahere

9 Mahurangi Bridge

Drivers will have a truly scenic trip. Going through the majestic cut slopes of Pakiri sedimentary rock up to 50 metres high will give a sense of penetrating through the rock face.

Warkworth

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10 Carran Road underpass

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The curvilinear design (curved to fit in with the contours of the land) also acts as a safety feature. Because there are no long straights, drivers are discouraged from driving at excessive speeds.

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Another safety feature is having a paved central median strip, so that maintenance workers don’t need to mow a grassed area.

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Wire rope barriers will be positioned in both the central median strip and at the sides of the road. These external barriers are to restrain vehicles that could otherwise run off the road in the event of crash. A three-metre shoulder area will allow ample room for access for emergency vehicles.

EXISTING SH1 SOUTH

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Onto new motorway from Pūhoi to Auckland Off new motorway from Auckland to Pūhoi To & from – Hibiscus Highway To & from – Warkworth – Current SH1

The Greenroads® Design Philosophy is a sustainability certification system that is specific to the design and construction of roading projects.

NX2 recognises that sustainability is best achieved by collaborating in design, construction and asset management. The international “Greenroads principles” contribute to that approach.

It requires a project team to achieve 12 mandatory requirements covering sustainable outcomes such as habitat conservation, work zone health and safety, recycled and recovered content.

Project teams progressively upload evidence to show they have achieved project requirements and credits during the detailed design and construction phase.

NX2 is contracted to achieve a Greenroads® Silver Rating for the Pūhoi-to-Warkworth motorway.

The Pūhoi Interchange At Pūhoi, the ramps on to and off the motorway are both “south-facing”.

This means if you are heading north, you can exit at Pūhoi. You can also go south by joining the motorway at Pūhoi. For Pūhoi traffic going north to Warkworth, or for traffic from Warkworth going to Pūhoi, drivers will use the current SH1. Access will be at an intersection reached by a road going underneath the new motorway.

At this stage, we do not expect enough demand for north-facing ramps for several years and therefore they are not included in the current project. North-facing ramps also present a number of engineering and environmental challenges and would have a significant cost. The current designation has enough space for future ramps should they be required.

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growth&prosperity

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 27 Advertorial

EARTHWORKS To construct the new motorway, we need the quantity of material being cut from the hills to balance out the material filling the gullies.

Across the whole project there is over 7 million cubic metres of existing ground to excavate or ‘cut’. Around 5 million cubic metres of the excavated material will be used as fill to build-up the motorway and create a smooth road gradient. There will be around 2 million cubic metres of unsuitable materials, which will be moved to soil disposal sites within the project area.

Some of these materials (which include topsoils) will be used for reshaping and landscaping the surrounding areas of the new motorway.

The 18.5km project alignment has been divided into four zones; north, central north, central south and south. Each zone has different amounts of earthworks. The central north zone has the most earthworks to complete, due to the steep hills and deep gullies in the forestry area. These zones are designed to balance out the mass haul of ‘cut’ materials that need to be moved to ‘fill’ areas, reducing the distance materials need to travel, as much as possible.

ORIGINAL GROUND LEVEL

NEW GROUND LEVEL

VEGETATION

To build the new motorway, there are a range of activities that need to be completed; including tree felling, excavating/digging, rock blasting, transporting materials, removal of buildings, establishing foundations and building structures.

Typical cross-section of a fill

ORIGINAL GROUND LEVEL

NEW GROUND LEVEL

Managing Construction Impacts

VEGETATION

Typical cross-section of a cut

Most of the project’s earthworks will be completed between October – April, when weather is typically drier and will be completed over the next three years (2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20).

Some of the anticipated effects from construction include noise, dust, vibration, heavy construction vehicles (e.g. truck and trailers) and sometimes the need to operate at night-time. The project’s consent conditions, set by the Board of Inquiry, prescribe how the project must operate to manage the effects of construction and reduce the impact on project neighbours and the wider community.

To ensure the project complies with these conditions, the construction activities are regularly assessed and monitored by the project team.

Regular communication with project neighbours is also an important part of ensuring residents are aware of the works and can provide feedback or ask questions about the works.

The Pūhoi to Warkworth project is being delivered by a Public Private Partnership (PPP) consortium, NX2.

A PPP is a long-term contract between the public and private sectors covering the financing, construction and operation of public infrastructure and services.

Pūhoi to Warkworth will be an ‘availability’ PPP. This means that payments are not linked to traffic volumes. In some overseas PPP highway infrastructure projects, the patronage risk was passed back to the private sector (i.e. revenue from patronage was used to pay for the private finance). However, in recent years, most PPPs in Australia and elsewhere have been constructed using the ‘availability’ model chosen by the Transport Agency for the Transmission Gully project and now for the Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway.

The project will be operated, on behalf of NX2, for 25 years by an operating and maintenance joint venture. This joint venture of Acciona Concessions and Higgins will maintain the road, operate the asset and provide prompt response to motorists using it, (such as in the event of a breakdown or accident). High quality standards must be met in all aspects and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will be in place to measure this. The PPP consortium is then paid

for operating and maintaining the road ensuring it is safe and available to traffic.

NX2 has sub-contracted a Construction Joint Venture (CJV) for these works comprising of Fletcher Construction Company Ltd and Acciona Infrastructure. In turn, the CJV is sub-contracting work to other firms, such as Beca and Tonkin + Taylor for designs.

The Fletcher Acciona CJV will employ a range of local suppliers, companies and personnel to support the delivery of the project.

Fletcher Construction Company Limited is a leading general contractor throughout New Zealand and the South Pacific. It operates across all sectors of the industry and is owned by the NZX listed company, Fletcher Building Ltd. Acciona Infrastructure is one of the foremost Spanish business corporations, leader in the development and management of infrastructure, renewable energy, water and services. Acciona covers all aspects of work in each area, from design and engineering to implementation and subsequent maintenance.

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28 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

Residents quarrel with quarries as demand drives expansion New housing, road sealing and new motorways in north Rodney are fuelling demand for raw materials, but a number of rural quarries have fallen foul of residents.

There are at least eight quarries and mines in northern rural Rodney and some are applying for consents for expansion.

Residents on Underwood Road in Port Albert are involved in a dust up with quarry owners Avoca Lime, which is applying to expand its consent to allow 150 trucks a day, up from 60.

Resident Pat Curtis says neighbours’ main concern is that the Avoca trucks refuse to use the northern end of the road, which is sealed, and instead take a shorter route to the south to State Highway 16.

She says the issue began when the small rural quarry, which mined lime for local use, was bought by Whangareibased Avoca.

“The previous consent was given to Peter Booth and allowed for 60 trucks a day, but he certainly didn’t reach that number. Avoca is a big business using truck and trailers to cart lime to South Auckland,” Pat says.

“They use the consent to the maximum and it coats our houses with dust. The road is used by a school bus and families from JV Grant Road, but at 5.8 metres wide, there’s hardly room to safely pass a truck.”

Neighbours are currently in negotiation with Avoca and have requested its

Te Arai residents say the Lake Road quarry has already expanded beyond its consent limitations.

trucks use a northern access point on the quarry’s boundaries to limit use of Underwood Road. However, an agreement has yet to be reached.

A similar dispute is taking place on Lake Road, in Te Arai, where a quarry was sold by the Pacey family to O’Callaghan Holdings.

The aggregate quarry in Te Arai was the subject of a two-week Environment Court hearing in January and a ruling is expected next month.

O’Callaghan Holdings sought to

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overturn a previous decision by Auckland Council not to allow expansion at the quarry from a take of 60,000 cubic metres to 130,000 cubic metres annually.

Neighbour Vince Moores, of the Lake Road Preservation Society, said his concern was that the expansion would mean up to 100 trucks a day on a narrow, unsealed road.

One argument presented at the hearing was that increased production of aggregate was needed for

sealing Rodney roads.

Auckland Transport spokesperson Mark Hannan acknowledges that the sealing of local roads would benefit from nearby sources of aggregate.

“We support quarries to the extent that we benefit from there being local quarries that produce good quality aggregate. If our suppliers need to buy from further afield, then we will pay more.”

However, Mr Hannan says it is the overall cost and not a shortage of metal that currently hampers sealing of Rodney roads.

“Working on the 650km of remaining unsealed roads in Rodney, at an average cost of $600,000 a km, means that it would cost $390 million.”

According to Auckland Transport’s priority list for roads to be sealed, work has only begun on eight of the 735 roads on the list.

Meanwhile, at Pakiri Beach, McCallum Bros consent to extract sand for use in concrete will expire in May and locals are set to contest it.

A petition to Auckland Council asking it not to renew the consent has so far collected 1735 signatures.

The company was granted permits from the Environment Court in 2006 to extract up to 76,000 cubic metres of sand every year for 14 years.

Friends of Pakiri spokesman Nick Williams says this time residents are going be more savvy about opposing the consent and are collecting donations online to mount their case.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 29

Plan will guide Mangawhai growth for next 30 years Planners will brief Kaipara District Council on a proposed spatial plan for Mangawhai on April 1, which aims to guide the town’s growth and development over the next 25 to 30 years.

Planners anticipate Mangawhai’s current population of about 5000 will reach more than 15,000 by 2043.

District planner Paul Waanders says the spatial plan brings together all the previous plans Mangawhai has had over the years, giving a “solid framework to build on the future”.

“The community of Mangawhai has been engaged and incredibly passionate about contributing to the building of this spatial plan – attending events, offering feedback and bringing helpful local knowledge to the process,” he says.

To successfully meet the demands of a growing population, planners have identified key challenges the town will have to overcome.

These include: • Lack of public transport • Lack of cycling and pedestrian networks • Limited community facilities • Lack of business-zoned land • Limited information on stormwater catchments • Traffic congestion • Low visibility of Maori and early settlers’ history and culture.

Proposals to address these

The spatial plan will include proposals for expanded commercial and industrial areas in Mangawhai.

shortcomings and build a bright future include a new civic precinct, more sports and recreation facilities, expanded commercial and industrial areas with strong green buffers, optimisation of urban areas with more infill housing, protection of the coastal environment and heritage sites, and the provision of more safe walking and cycling options.

Mr Waanders says once the Council has been briefed on the proposed spatial plan, there will be more consultation and opportunities for the public to have their say.

“The work we are now doing, sets us up to ensure future work is aligned and has a firm foundation of local knowledge and insight,” he says.

Background on the spatial plan can be found at the Kaipara District Council website kaipara.govt.nz/council/ consultation-and-public-notices/haveyour-say

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30 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

91 properties make way for Warkworth to Te Hana road Residents along the designated route for the Warkworth to Te Hana motorway will receive notification from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) this month that their properties are scheduled for purchase.

The NZTA is applying for resource consent from Auckland Council for the motorway.

The application notes the tentative start date for motorway construction is 2030 and the bulk of property purchases will not take place until 2027.

However, the NZTA can make an earlier property purchase on hardship grounds if the landowner is affected by factors such as illness. They have already bought 16 properties.

Once the consent application is lodged this month, landowners are also entitled to apply to the Environment Court to have their property immediately purchased by NZTA if they can demonstrate that they are unable to sell on the open market because of being on the designated route.

For those who might think about holding out until after construction begins, the NZTA has the power under the Public Works Act to compulsorily acquire the property.

There are 91 properties spread across 1347ha along

the designated route, and the NZTA predicts it will cost $87 million to acquire them all.

The entire motorway project is estimated to cost between $1.7 and $2.1 billion.

The project funding model is still to be decided and theoretically could include a public-private partnership, similar to the tolled Johnstones Hill Tunnels.

As part of the application process for the resource consent, the NZTA has prepared a detailed business case analysis for the indicative route.

The business case predicts the new motorway will reduce road closures buy 90 per cent, reduce deaths and serious injuries by 100 per cent and increase GDP by 30 per cent, due to increased freight accessibility.

Overall, it estimates that it would generate $696 million in economic benefits to the Warkworth-Wellsford area.

Copies of the consent application for the project are expected to be available at the Warkworth and Wellsford libraries by the end of the month. Council is likely to call for submissions on the notified consent sometime in the middle of this year.

To view the full business case, see this story online: localmatters. co.nz

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 31

CHANGING PLACES n

WARKWORTH

Flooring Xtra After 16 years tucked away in Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Flooring Xtra owners John and Rachel Fox are loving their new “dress circle” location, plumb on the corner of Woodcocks Road and Morrison Drive.

The huge new tilt-slab showroom has been kitted out in on-trend industrial chic by their new retail manager and interior designer, Jaz Crilly, with soaring ceilings, bespoke copper lamps and toning shades of concrete, charcoal and wood. Designer rugs, throws and cushions join the district’s largest selection of carpeting, vinyl, tiles and hard flooring – wood and laminate – on display.

“This is such a great location,” Rachel says. “We have much better visibility – people know we’re here – and much better parking. And we couldn’t have done a fit-out of this calibre in our old location.”

In addition to the airy display area, the new HQ includes staff offices and a meeting room to consult with clients.

The move coincides with a big surge in building in the area, John says.

“Warkworth is growing dramatically.

These are exciting times for the town and surrounding area, and we want to be a part of that. There are a lot of homes being built and a lot of growth.”

John and Rachel, who live at Point Wells and also own the Silverdale

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Flooring Xtra, say that having a customer-focused team means they can offer the best service to clients, whether they are building or renovating.

“We’ve got a really experienced team, they put the customer ahead of everything they do and try to make the process enjoyable,” Rachel says.

“Flooring is a big upheaval, so we try to offer as much assistance as we can.”

As for what’s hot in flooring right now, it’s neutral tones, lots of texture and laminate.

“There’s a lot more laminate going down now,” John says. “Timber you need to love, care and look after.

Laminate, you can put it down and forget it about it. It doesn’t fade, it’s low maintenance, you don’t have to worry about it.”

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32 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

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Matakana dips toe into alternative water sourcing Drought conditions and desperate shortages have prompted Matakana Community Group (MCG) to seek alternative sources of water, including a look at whether town water connection might be a future possibility.

With tanks running dry and up to eight-week waits for deliveries, February’s MCG quarterly meeting heard from secretary Liz Sharek that the present water situation was “untenable”.

“We need potable water and we need extreme strategies. It’s ridiculous at the moment, a health and safety issue. And businesses are affected, too,” she said.

“This summer is so dry, but it’s not exceptional – these conditions do and will re-occur on a regular basis. The population is growing, and there are large subdivisions going in when the private water carriers can’t keep up with present demand.”

She added that as Watercare already had an established wastewater network in place throughout Matakana, Point Wells and Omaha, that could potentially make the addition of a town water supply swifter and more straightforward.

Scott McCallum said local bore licences were no longer being issued, and dams would be the most effective means of extra supply.

“Years ago, there used to be a test dam at Waiwhiu (in the Dome Valley),” he said. “There’s a huge potential to trap water up there and bring it down.

It would be a gravity system, and it wouldn’t interfere with the aquifer.”

Rodney Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke said it was unlikely that everyone would be keen on the idea of switching from tank to town water – being “metered and treated” – and the cost of connection could also be an obstacle.

Councillor Greg Sayers said he would be happy to set up a preliminary

meeting with Watercare, just so the MCG could understand the exploratory processes that might be required should enough local residents show an interest in connecting to a reticulated system in future.

Members voted to ask Cr Sayers to set up such a meeting, as well as approach Point Wells and Omaha to see if they were interested in the idea of reticulation, and to come up with a drought response plan before next summer.

Cr Sayers said afterwards that any such meeting about reticulation for Matakana would only be to gather facts about the processes, options and costs involved, as well as the likelihood of Watercare even being prepared to explore the idea.

“Those facts would then need to be presented back to the MCG to see if they wanted to canvass the wider affected area of households in Matakana to see if there was any significant interest and/or likely uptake to join a reticulated water system,” he said. “There may not be. People may be quite happy with the status quo, especially if an alternative supply of water could be made available in drought conditions.”

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The community group wants to put a drought relief strategy in place after the unprecedented dry season, which has seen severe water shortages and the Matakana falls reduced to a trickle.

growth&prosperity

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 33

Parting shot at road advocates Warkworth’s most dogmatic campaigner for fewer roads, lower speed limits and more opportunities for walking and cycling has quit town and headed to Nelson.

Bevan Woodward and his wife Gera Verheul have regularly fostered children and Bevan will take up a new part-time role as a social worker with the Ministry for Children.

Before he left, Mr Woodward took a parting shot at the forces that have pushed for roading projects such as the Matakana link road and the upgrade of the Hill Street intersection.

“What I have realised is the development of Warkworth is led by people who make money from that development,” he said.

“Things like climate change, liveability and community – these concepts become mere side issues.

It’s all about unlocking profit for the already wealthy.”

Mr Woodward believes the Matakana link road should be two lanes only and an expanded Hill Street intersection would be unnecessary once the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway and Matakana link road are complete.

“We can’t just keep planning for more private car use; it’s not the future. Big roads ironically only lead to more traffic,” he said.

“We will end up like Albany and everybody will be surprised as to how it happened and disappointed it happened, but the property developers

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Mr Woodward said Nelson had embraced the walking and cycling message and praised the conversion of an old railway corridor from Nelson to Wakefield into a cycleway.

But he said there was still more to be done. Among the things he hopes to campaign for in the future are greater incentives to use public transport.

When swiping a HOP card on the bus, he believed money should be deposited into your account rather than deducted from it.

“Climate change and the issues of congestion and air pollution are so real, we should be paying people to use public transport,” he said.

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health&family

34 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

health&family

L I V I NG W E LL

Matakana writer launches guide to good night’s sleep The vital role that getting a good night’s sleep plays in keeping people healthy, happy and sane will be discussed at a book launch and author talk at Warkworth Library this Thursday, March 19th.

Matakana author Janis Grummitt has written Sleep Well to Live Well – Tips From a Recovered Insomniac as a guide to the importance of good sleep, something which she says is often ignored as a fundamental tool for wellness.

“There’s so much about diets and exercise out there, but not much on sleep,” she says. “But sleep is the foundation for everything – it is your great enabler.”

She says that poor sleep can contribute to a range of health issues, from weight gain, accidents and low energy to dementia, depression and diabetes.

“The brain and body rejuvenate during sleep, it allows your brain to ‘clean’ itself and update,” Janis says.

“If you’re not getting good sleep, your brain isn’t able to perform essential processes.”

Her book outlines a simple approach that she has used to improve her own sleep and wellbeing using methods she has tried and tested herself.

“I had to do a lot of research and translating from medical-speak, and develop my own process, but I went from being a really bad insomniac to getting a great night’s sleep.”

The book includes testimonials from several NZ sleep health experts and local GP Dr Steve Maric, who recommends it as “informative and comprehensive with lots of practical advice”.

As well as her book, Janis also carries out one-to-one sleep coaching consultations and she is planning to establish local “sleep circles”, where people can meet to discuss sleep issues and support each other, as well as group talks and workshops.

The book will be launched at Warkworth Library on Thursday, March 19 from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Copies cost $35 and are available from wiringwarrior.com/books-to-buy

Book giveaway Mahurangi Matters has a copy of Sleep Well to Live Well – Tips From a Recovered Insomniac to give away.

To enter the draw, simply email your name and contact details to reporter@localmatters.co.nz with ‘Sleep Well’ in the subject line.

Closing date: Wednesday, March 25.

Janis Grummitt struggled to find a good sleep guide, so she wrote her own.

Free child car seat checks in Wellsford A free clinic to check and install babies’ and children’s car seats is being held in Wellsford on Tuesday, March 24. Experts from Plunket and Auckland Transport will be at the Wellsford Community Centre carpark at 224 Rodney Street, from 9am to noon, offering advice and practical assistance to ensure all seats are installed and fitted correctly. All welcome.

Info: Call or text 021 682 572 or email aucklandcarseats@plunket.org.nz

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health&family

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 35

MEET YOUR VIVO THE GRANGE HAIRSTYLISTS!

Homebuilders Maria Collins, Help Desk Advocate www.homebuildersfs.org

Help at hand With Christmas and the holidays truly over and the school year firmly underway, it is good to have an understanding about the services that are provided in our community to support people in many ways. Homebuilders provides many services from north of Waiwera to the Kaipara district boundary, and recently celebrated its 31st birthday.

Family Support helps families in difficult times. This can mean support in relationship issues, parenting issues and communication difficulties. An experienced person, with a wide range of skills, can come into your home or meet at our centre, which is based in Warkworth.

The Chrysalis Children’s Programme is designed especially to support children during those times when life events or change is overwhelming, and they are in need of extra care. Our advocacy service offers support and advice with services like Work and Income, help in filling out paperwork, referrals to other services and booking appointments, such as the free legal clinics. In addition, Homebuilders has a youth counselling service, which offers one-to-one support for youth who are experiencing difficult times. There is also a wonderful community garden that is there for people to utilise.

Beyond Homebuilders, The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has been a staple in our community for many years and helps people who are having trouble managing money. CAB is manned by volunteers and they can come to your home. At times we can all use help, especially in our current climate of rising petrol, food and rental costs.

Women’s Centre Rodney offers support for women in our community in a confidential environment. They have a support group, young mum’s group and Pasifika group. They also provide a counselling service and many courses that are offered during the year. Mahurangi Presbyterian Church is the provider of food parcels in our community. This is a vital service, so if you are cleaning out your pantry, fridge and/or freezer please consider this great service. In the last few years, the demand for food parcels has increased hugely.

If you need more information about these services either Google them or ring Homebuilders Family Services on 425 7048 from 9am-noon, Monday to Friday.

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Senior Stylist Reinette Marais is originally from South Africa. Her journey began a decade ago, after finishing high school. “I completed a cosmetology program and earned my cosmetology license. It took 3 years, 1500 hours, long days, loads of studying, tons of tears and a copious amount of caffeine but it is, to this day, my greatest achievement!” she enthuses. But hairdressing wasn’t always the number one plan. “At the beginning of my studies, I figured hairdressing would be my backup plan, but boy was I wrong! After my first semester my heart ached to be behind the chair, creating beautiful things each day!”

What makes working as a Vivo stylist such a rewarding job? “You are constantly learning from and educating others. Thanks to Vivo, we have a well established platform, where we are continually educated.

Each time a client sits in my chair for a consultation or service, they’ll learn something about their hair or products.” But that’s not the best part, says Reinette. “ It’s making people feel beautiful. The greatest thing about working in the beauty industry is watching your client transform.When

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my clients are in awe of themselves after a service, that is the moment I live for.”

Leandrie, Senior Stylist, feels the same. “I’ve been in the hair industry for 8 years now and I just keep falling in love with it more and more everyday! I recently moved from SA to join the Vivo team as a Senior Stylist.” It turns out to have been quite the fit. “I’m so thankful for my new found ‘hair family’. It has been such a comfort to join this supportive, caring and motivating team.” Lea quickly discovered that Vivo was a place where she could accelerate her career. “Ongoing training and skill development is something I’ve always been drawn to as I believe that my clients deserve the best. I enjoy learning new techniques and new formulations that are made available to us through the Vivo education program.”

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36 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

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Around 60 riders and their horses took to the hills around Ahuroa for a two-day horse trek through farmland last month.

The event, which crossed several properties and took in views of the Kaipara Harbour, raised more than $8000, which will be split equally between Ahuroa School and Ahuroa Community Hall.

This was the second such trek and by far the most successful, according to Ahuroa Hall Advisory Committee chair Jo Bullock, with riders of all ages coming from as far away as Kerikeri.

“We were all super-stoked with how the trek turned out this year,” she said. “We really pulled it together, community-wide. It was so gratifying to see the locals come together and make this weekend a fun and

successful event. It was wonderful working together with such a great group of people.”

She said many people contributed to the success of the trek, from farmers allowing access to their land to families providing food, hospitality and support to the riders, especially Nicky and Dan Berger, and Karyn Maddren and Sue Meszaros, for hosting, and trek leader Rachel Jenks.

“There were so many mums and dads and aunts and uncles who gave up all or part of their weekend for this event,” Jo said. “We are so grateful to all these individuals and families. They were fantastic at getting stuff done and we had lots of fun to boot.”

There are already plans to run a third trek in 2021.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 37

rurallife Pest trap lending library launched ON THE LAND

Help is at hand for people keen to control pests but who don’t own the right traps, thanks to the Whangateau Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA).

The committee has set up a predator trap lending library of around 40 different traps to catch rats, stoats, possums, cats and even wild pigs. They are available to borrow by anyone living from Quintal Road in Big Omaha through to Whangateau itself and out as far as Ti Point.

A deposit is required for each trap loaned, which is refunded when it is returned, and nonWRRA members will have to pay $10 to join the association, but otherwise the traps are free to borrow.

Funding to buy the traps came via a $2500 grant from the Department of Conservation. WRRA committee member Audrey Sharp says the initiative will help people who either don’t want to or can’t afford to buy their own traps, which can cost upwards of $100 each, or for those who want to try an alternative trapping method.

“If people are using one type of trap, sometimes it’s good to have a change. A different one might work better,” she says. “I was using a standard rat trap and getting nothing, but when I tried a gas-powered bolt

Dairy duo do the double at Northland awards evening It was a case of deja moo for two local dairymen at the annual Northland Dairy Industry Awards, held in Whangarei on March 7.

Wellsford farm manager Fred Hohaia was runnerup in the Dairy Manager category, and Kaiwaka farm assistant Tipene Hape came third in the Dairy Trainee section – the second time both men had achieved that particular placing.

Fred Hohaia, who manages Colin and Isabella Beazley’s 500-cow herd at Te Hana, also placed second in the 2018 awards.

This year, he took home $2500 in prizes and two merit awards. He said he enjoyed the awards’ process and future farming goals for him and his partner Sarah included herd ownership and property investment.

“I’ve been farming for a number of years now and still enjoy the challenges each season brings,” he said. “We are on a path to herd ownership through hard work and determination.”

Tipene Hape milks 440 cows on Kevin Sidwell’s Kaiwaka property. He first placed third in the trainee category at the 2019 awards. This year, the 24-year-old won $1250 in prizes.

“I’ve really enjoyed the peer-to-peer contact through the awards and stepping outside my comfort zone,” he said.

Hugh McKergow and Audrey Sharp with some of the different traps available.

trap, I caught eight in one night.”

Audrey says there is scope to expand the trap library further, depending on demand, and WRRA hopes to set up some kind of record of pests killed.

Info and bookings: Email Audrey Sharp at am.sharp56@gmail.com or call Hugh McKergow on 422 6219.

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rurallife

38 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

Wellsford

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Animals Neil Warnock, Wellsford Vet Clinic www.vetsonline.co.nz/wellsfordvet

• A Saturday morning clinic.

Benefits of microchips

• An after hours emergency service in Wellsford.

Since 2006, it has been a legal requirement that all dogs that are registered with the Council must be microchipped. The only exceptions to this are working dogs. Although this isn’t strictly policed by ourselves, as veterinarians we would strongly advise you that the process of microchipping your pet is highly advantageous. Microchipping can be seen as an added expense, but it is the best way to protect your pet from getting lost or stolen.

Unfortunately, it is an all too common occurrence that a pet is handed into our clinic that has been wandering the streets, and we have no idea who the owner is as there is no microchip present. The only thing we can do with these animals is ring animal control and hope they can track down the owner. Sometimes the animal may even have a microchip, but because it isn’t registered at our veterinary clinic or isn’t registered with the New Zealand Companion Animal Register (NZCAR), we still have to hand it over to animal control.

When you register your dog with the Council, its microchip number is linked to your contact details. This means that if your dog goes missing and is collected by animal control, they will be able to contact you immediately and arrange for the dog to be picked up. Living on the border of Auckland and Kaipara can cause problems, however, as the two Council’s don’t share this information. If your pet goes missing in Kaipara, but is registered in Auckland, the Kaipara District Council will not have your contact details. This can prolong the time it takes to get your pet back to you.

To combat this, we highly recommend registering your pet on NZCAR, which is a national database of pet ownership and can be accessed by all councils and all vet clinics to track a pet’s microchip number to its owner. This means if a pet is handed in to our clinic, we can bypass animal control, contact you directly and speed up the process of getting your pet back to you, along with saving you the $200 fine to get your pet released from the pound. It also has the benefit that cats and rabbits can be registered as well.

The process of microchipping is a relatively straight forward one that takes less than five minutes and involves injecting the microchip under the skin of the dog. The majority of patients tolerate this very well.

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 39

Central’s Tips

Gardening

March 2020

Andrew Steens

Growing pains This week I would like to talk about growth. No, not the sort of growth that one would normally assume I would be talking about, but rather the expansion and intensification of urban growth. It’s an area that I have a deep interest in due to my horticultural and real estate background. Now let me start by saying there are as many different views on the costs and benefits of urban growth as there are people on this planet. I don’t expect everyone to agree, this is just my perspective.

Growth is inevitable, unless by some miracle (or the implementation of an authoritarian government decree) people are restricted to producing less than two children per couple. Growth is further spurred by the thousands that immigrate every year, as New Zealand is seen as such a desirable place to bring up families. These extra people all need somewhere to live and the growth itself adds to our GDP, which in turn adds to one quite important aspect of quality of life for all – a healthy economy.

However, growth also comes at a cost; increased congestion on roads and amenities, added pressure on services and the environment, and so on. But most importantly from my perspective, and possibly not noticed by most of the population, is the permanent removal of highly productive land from horticultural areas. The world is not overendowed with high quality soils. We can’t afford to keep losing more every year. Across the world, this has been going on for centuries. Auckland is a good example. Suburbs such as St Johns, Otahuhu, Mangere were all built on exceptionally productive volcanic soils. Here in northern Rodney and Mangawhai, we’re not exactly blessed with good soils. Aside from a few pockets such as Tapora, some of Tomarata, Omaha Flats and the Tara Road area in Mangawhai, most of our soils are heavy clay, not ideal for most crops.

I find it quite distressing to see these areas get chopped up into ever smaller pieces, eventually becoming so small that they are useless for anything but an unproductive lifestyle block or worse, a new residential subdivision. This is an issue that only central government can really deal with. Unless Grade 1 and Grade 2 quality blocks of land above an economic size are forever protected from development by statute, the inevitable destruction of this vital food producing land will continue.

Until one sad day, we wake up to a country that can no longer feed itself.

The garden is bursting with produce. Harvest beans, tomatoes and corn. Place ripening melons and pumpkins on a bed of dry straw, to prevent them rotting. Protect ripening fruit and berries and start preparing the garden for autumn.

In the Edible Garden • A great harvest time in the vegetable garden with corn, tomatoes and beans on tap now. If heritage varieties have been planted, you can begin to dry and save seed

• Ripening melons and pumpkins need a dry base to sit on, such as straw

• Cover figs, blueberries and late summer raspberries with bird netting

The rest of the Garden • Choose your tulip, hyacinth and daffodil bulbs from garden centres or on-line stores. If you don’t have much winter sun, crocuses and daffodils will grow in shady areas

• Once the rain returns after summer, you can start a lawn with seed from our Prolawn range, where we have blends for all types of lawns. Get a great result by adding Prolawn Turfmaster Starter fertiliser with your seed, and water daily

• Trim hedges now for a crisp shape. Add some Living Earth Garden Mix around the roots to give it a bit of a boost

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40 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

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Well, it’s with some relief that we’ve seen a smidgeon of moisture this past week, and the temperatures have blessedly fallen to a more autumnal feel. Enough to see signs of life in our grey paddocks as a green buzz-cut appears and seeds germinate in anticipation of more. The past two months have delivered scarcely 12mm into the rain gauge, as we’ve managed to miss out on most of the fleeting showers that fell across the region. However, it never ceases to amaze me how well stock do on the highly-concentrated feed left in the paddocks, so we are entering the autumn ‘tup’ in not too bad shape.

Unfortunately, it can often be early autumn that is hardest to manage as we enter a “green drought�. It can look okay, but there’s not much to eat out there. This is when stored feed-stocks come into their own, if you have any left. Otherwise, it’s buy in feed or sell more stock – which is hard in a market depressed by a pandemic.

Folk are going into even more debt just to get through.

So the rams went out this week for their annual ‘hurrah’, or tupping season. Eagerly anticipated, as attested by the loud clunks in the ram paddocks as they butt heads to see who takes the honours. Some of my chaps have large horns and so put on particularly spectacular displays of masculine virility, backing up and then coming together with the force of two steam trains, much like the bighorn sheep of the Rocky Mountains. We can only hope more autumn rains allow them to maintain some of their magnificence over the coming gruelling weeks.

In the meantime, down in our regenerated soils, fungal hyphae tangle through 25,000km per square metre of soil, doing their damnedest to deliver not only water but concentrated minerals and trace elements to the plants still feeding the livestock in our depleted paddocks. I kid you not, I have this on authority from esteemed soil microbiologist Walter Jehne. This is what is keeping plants healthy through our more frequent droughts, and what will bring recovery so much quicker to our rain-starved paddocks when it does finally arrive. Walter had many other fascinating insights into how to rehydrate our soils, which you can listen to here: anchor.fm/tangled/episodes/9-Walter-Jehne--Rebuilding-the-Earths-Soil-Sponge-e4majh

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 41

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42 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

ELECTRICIAN | ENGINEERING | FARM & SUPPLIES | FURNITURE | GLAZIERS | HANDYMAN | JOINERY | LANDSCAPING & SUPPLIES | LOCKSMITH | MOVING & STORAGE | PAINTING & PLASTERING

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March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 43 PAINTING & PLASTERING | PEST CONTROL | PLASTERER | PLUMBING | PROPERTY MANAGEMENT |SECURITY | TV AERIAL/DIGITAL | WATER

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44 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020 Local Board Member Colin Smith says if Wellsford residents don’t submit on the 2020 plan, the town won’t receive funding for development.

Members of the LCPA voted in favour of a motion to have the rural portion of the Rodney Local Board targeted rates returned for use on roads.

Wellsford residents urged to demand fair share of funds The Rodney Local Board has invested $25,000 in producing a report on priorities for development in Wellsford and board member Colin Smith wants residents to endorse it.

Top priorities outlined in the Wellsford Community Voices report include developing Centennial Park, establishing local training opportunities for youth, Friday night food markets, new toilets and turning Wellsford into a cultural destination.

Mr Smith hosted a meeting with the Landowners and Contractors Protection Association (LCPA) this month and told residents they needed to participate in the democratic process if Wellsford was to get its fair share of funding for development.

The 2020 Rodney Local Board plan is currently open for submissions and residents are invited

to share their ideas for the future of the district, including Wellsford, either online or via forms in public libraries.

Mr Smith says when submissions were open for the first Rodney Local Board plan in 2014, only three submissions were received from residents in Wellsford.

“In 2017 we got 2000 submissions, and this year I want 4000 submissions,” Mr Smith says.

“Warkworth is a satellite city, so of course it gets funding and development. They say it’s coming for Wellsford, but we are still just funding the City Rail Link with our rates.

“It’s up to us to speak up.”

The topic of the Rodney Local Board transport targeted rate came up at the LCPA meeting.

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Mr Smith said he would vote against using the targeted rate funds for a temporary park and ride in Warkworth and instead advocate their use for sealing rural roads.

“I’m not voting for that park and ride. I don’t care.

We can use the new PAK’nSAVE as a park and ride.”

Mr Smith said the Local Board was trying to have the popular Warkworth to Wellsford 998 bus service funded by Auckland Transport, which would free up rate funds.

Submissions on the Local Board plan are open until April, and once a new plan has been drafted it will be again open for submission.

The Wellsford Community Voices booklet, along with a form for endorsing it, is available at the Wellsford War Memorial Library.

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No obligation enquiries 021 772 359 REGISTERED CELEBRANT

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

Sudoku

Solution

HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT

WATER PUMPS - No water? Old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation.

Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 steve@aquafilterrodney.co.nz

WINDOW CLEANING/HOUSEWASH/ GUTTER CLEANING Local professional service. Ph Pat 022-646-5849.

PUBLIC NOTICES VOLUNTEER NOW! Our Hospice Shops need you. Make new friends, flexible hours. Call Lorna to find out more, 09 425 9535.

WERE YOU BORN IN 1943? And live in the Melwood Drive area, Warkworth.

Please email johndaniell@xtra.co.nz

SITUATION VACANT

FOR SALE RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 09 423 7875

HORSE TRUCKS & FLOATS REID EQUESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

EXCAVATOR OPERATORS

HOME MAINTENANCE & IMPROVEMENT

Mason Contractors, a long established Warkworth based company requires excavator operators for projects in the North Auckland area.

Blue Skies Cleaning

Applicants must have minimum 5 years experience in all aspects of civil construction site works. Experience operating other machinery (Dozers, Dumpers etc) would be an advantage as may be required.

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

Ph Pat 022-646-5849 WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 021 278 7427 steve@aquafilterrodney.co.nz

localmatters.co.nz

This is an opportunity to join a team environment with a long-established Warkworth company. A Pre-employment drug test is required.

Apply to: Simon Martin – Phone 022 176 7094 MASON CONTRACTORS LTD 76 Hudson Road, Warkworth, Phone 09 425 7799 Email: simon@masoncontractors.co.nz Mason Contractors is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace

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localsport

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 45

Your Community Newspaper FREE

Proudly Locally Owned

S C O R E B OA R D List sports news FREE by emailing news@localmatters.co.nz

The event coincided with NZ national children’s day.

The junior netball season starts in Wellsford on May 9.

Young netball players in Wellsford were joined by Northern Mystics players Emma Iverson and Grace Nweke for a training session at the Netball Rodney Centre in Centennial Park last week.

Sixty-two children turned out to run through drills and learn technique from the star players from the Northland and Auckland representative team.

“It’s great to see so much talent. Soon there will be Wellsford players coming down to rival our positions,” Iverson said.

Centre vice president Lynette Gubb had organised for Iverson and Nweke to come for the annual Centennial Park children’s day before that was cancelled.

“We decided to host them for a Rodney netball festival, to get the kids thinking about netball ahead of the season starting on May 8,” Gubb said.

She said the Mystics’ star appeal even helped to draw some boys out to try their hand at netball.

The day was a helpful boost in numbers for Wellsford Netball club, which held its annual muster immediately afterwards.

There were spot prizes for the children from Farmlands Wellsford, the Warehouse and National Children’s Day. The Northern Mystics will next play Canterbury’s Good Oil Tactix at the Eventfinda Stadium in Wairau Valley on Sunday, March 22.

Representative players check out talent in Wellsford

RODNEY SEPTIC TANK CLEANING

DOES MY SEPTIC TANK NEED CLEANING? Yes, every 2-3 years. Why? Because septic tanks are a filter. You clean your car filter and your water filters regularly and yet one of the most important filtersgets forgotten - your septic tank. Keep your environment clean and green.

Football players URGENTLY needed Warkworth AFC is looking for players to join its over-35s team.

Training is on Wednesdays at 6.30pm at Shoesmith Domain. Any skill level welcome. This year, the club is unable to field a first team or reserves. Ph: Mark 021 224 6645.

Fun run to Te Hana The annual George Heaven Te Hana road race will be held on Sunday, March 29 at 1pm. Registrations are open from 11.30am at the Wellsford Primary School hall and the race starts at 1pm on School Road. Entry is $5, and runners can get a ride back to the start for a gold coin donation, with proceeds going to the Wellsford Fire Brigade. Ph: Keith Marshall 09 423 7191.

Otamatea and Eastern rugby muster The Otamatea Hawks are holding a muster for players aged 5 to 16 on Thursday, March 19, at 5pm at the Kaiwaka Sports Association. Bring boots and mouthguard. Bring any boots you can’t fit for a boot swap. Juniors – teawh@hotmail.com, seniors – otahawks@gmail.com Stay safe in surf Surf Life Saving Northern Region lifeguards are warning surfers and swimmers not to overestimate their abilities as paid weekday patrols have come to an end. Weekend patrols will continue at Mangawhai Heads until Easter weekend.

A roundup of sports activities and events in the district

Got a story to tell? Let us know.

Email editor@localmatters.co.nz

Place your advertising with Ken or Marc today!

Phone 09 425 9068 | localmatters.co.nz

PHONE 09 422 7166 OR 027 494 6370

LOOK OUT FOR US AROUND TOWN!

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localsport

46 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

Mahurangi East now has two carpeted greens installed by Tiger Turf.

Back, from left, Ben and Nick Sundvick, Daniel Fogden, captain Steven MacDonald, Nikhil Aggarwal, Neville Porteous, Bruce Batten, Jack McLaren. Front, from left, Russell Fenwick, Ian and Ross Neal.

New green for club

Wellsford Cricket back to winning form The Wellsford Cricket Club has won the 40-over Rodney Championship for the first time since 1987.

The club started the season strong, with four wins in five weeks, and continued to build momentum, making it into the final of the concurrently run T20 competition.

Wellsford lost that final to the Whangateau Rams, so when the two teams faced each other in the final round robin of the 40-over, a rivalry had brewed.

Wellsford restricted the Rams to 116 in 10 overs and chased them down with 120 runs and only four wickets down.

Wellsford manager Ross Neal says it was the game that clinched the competition.

By the time the team played its final match against Warkworth, it had already won as rival contender, Pakiri, had been knocked out by Kaipara.

Wellsford finished with 13 points on the standings tables. Warkworth came second with nine points.

Highlights for the season included Neville Porteus finishing number one on the fielding leader board

with five catches, Bruce Batten was second in the bowling with 11 wickets and Nikhil Aggarwal was third on both, batting with 197 runs and bowling with nine wickets.

“Rodney College students, Nick and Ben Sundvick, had a good season and are going to turn out to be great cricketers if they stick at it,” Neal says.

Five years ago, the club was on the brink of folding, struggling to field sufficient numbers for games. Its fortunes started to turn when Ross Neal returned from coaching rugby in the UK and took over as manager.

Wellsford was further bolstered with four players when the Otamatea cricket team folded two years ago.

“This season we had a full team every week – it makes a huge difference having 11 players on the field. It also helps not to be ringing around on Friday night looking for players.

“Now that we have a core team, we are looking to attract more new players. We like to give everyone a shot.”

Neal says with the club in winning form, it will look at securing sponsorship ahead of next season.

Want Your D House SOL Wed

Mar 18

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Mahurangi East Bowling Club celebrated the opening of its new carpet green this month with a tournament that attracted 32 teams.

Thanks to the efforts of organiser Gary Gibson, teams of triples filled the two greens with players coming from as far north as Mangawhai and as far south as Blockhouse Bay in Auckland.

There was a generous spread of tea and nibbles thanks to sponsor the Oaks on Neville.

First place in the tournament went to H. Bailey, R. Ruddell and D. McGill of Mahurangi East and second place to M. Feek, T. Holdsworth and C. Maddren of Blockhouse Bay. Meanwhile, the Oaks on Neville open fours tournament will be held at Bowls Warkworth on Saturday, April 4.

Tournaments chair John Hurdley says $4000 in cash prizes is expected to attract 30 teams from Helensville to Whangarei.

Bowls Warkworth also recently received a $4000 grant from the Mahu Community Trading post which it has used to update its equipment and tidy the grounds.

Don’t Delay call Mick Fay today!

021 544 769

RayWhite

Ray White SeaSea Watch Auckland Area Watch

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3:21am 3.1 4:23am 3.0 5:23am 3.0 6:19am 3.0 12:48am 1.0 1:34am 0.9 2:15am 0.9 2:53am 0.8 3:29am 0.8 4:05am 0.8 4:41am 0.9 5:18am 0.9 12:00am 3.1 12:40am 3.0 1:26am 3.0 2:18am 2.9 3:18am 2.9 9:25am 1.0 10:27am 1.0 11:26am 1.0 12:20pm 1.0 7:09am 3.0 7:55am 3.1 8:37am 3.1 9:17am 3.1 9:54am 3.1 10:31am 3.1 11:07am 3.1 11:44am 3.1 5:57am 1.0 6:41am 1.0 7:30am 1.1 8:26am 1.1 9:27am 1.1

Tide 3:40pm 2.9 4:41pm 2.9 5:42pm 2.8 6:40pm 2.9 1:10pm 1.0 1:55pm 0.9 2:36pm 0.9 3:15pm 0.8 3:51pm 0.8 4:28pm 0.8 5:04pm 0.8 5:41pm 0.8 12:23pm 3.0 1:05pm 2.9 1:51pm 2.9 2:44pm 2.9 3:44pm 2.9 6:20pm 0.8 7:03pm 0.9 7:52pm 0.9 8:49pm 1.0 9:53pm 0.9 7:31pm 2.9 8:17pm 3.0 8:59pm 3.0 9:37pm 3.1 10:12pm 3.1 10:47pm 3.1 11:23pm 3.1 Times 9:50pm 0.9 10:54pm 1.0 11:55pm 1.0 7:22am 7:35pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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New First Moon Quarter Rise 1:11am Rise 2:06am Rise 3:03am Rise 4:01am Rise 4:59am Rise 5:56am Rise 6:52am Rise 7:48am Rise 8:43am Rise 9:39am Rise 10:36am Rise 11:35am Rise 12:34pm Rise 1:33pm Rise 2:30pm Set 12:18am Set 1:17am Set 4:12pm Set 4:59pm Set 5:39pm Set 6:14pm Set 6:46pm Set 7:14pm Set 7:40pm Set 8:08pm Set 8:34pm Set 9:01pm Set 9:31pm Set 10:04pm Set 10:42pm Set 11:26pm Rise 3:25pm Rise 4:15pm *Not for navigational purposes.

Mick Fay

G

Good Fishing

F

Fair Fishing

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Not So Good

www.tidewiz.com

www.tidespy.com

www.ofu.co.nz

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.

localmatters.co.nz

March 18, 2020 Mahurangimatters 47

What’s on

Part in NZCREAM KILKENNY Liquor 330ml BotsChain OR SOMERSBY St of the largest GUINNESS OR HAAGEN

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

March 19

19 21 21

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25 26

26 28 28 29

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Author talk and book launch, Warkworth Library, 5.307.30pm. Local author Janis Grummitt on her new book, Sleep Well to Live Well - Tips from a recovered insomniac. Info: 09 427 3920 or email warklib@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz (see story p34) 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.

Warkworth A&P Show, Warkworth Showgrounds, 9am. Horse agility, goats, live music, free kids’ rides and more.

Info: warkworthshow.co.nz Rainbow Valley Farm Open Day, 588 Matakana Valley Road, 10.30am-2pm. Permaculture tours at 11am, noon and 1pm.

Wear sturdy shoes, BYO picnic. Entry $5. Info: Rainbow Valley Farm on Facebook or kaipatiki.org.nz/ecofest/21-march Leigh Raft Race, Mathesons Bay, 2pm.

Late Summer Harvest market, Riverside Farm, 1030 West Coast Road, Ahuroa. Cash only.

Warkworth Museum Tea & Talk, “Wyatt Sawmill in Leigh”, Warkworth Museum, 10am. Entry by donation.

Snells Beach Indoor Bowls, Snells Beach Community Centre, 12.45pm. Every Monday, new members welcome. Info: Pam 425 6405 or Neil 425 5371.

Plunket Child Car Seat Checking clinic, Wellsford Community Centre carpark, 9am-noon. Free installation and advice. Info: Call or text 021 682572 or email aucklandcarseats@plunket.org.nz (see brief p34) David Copperfield advanced screening, Matakana Cinemas, 6pm. Proceeds go to Rotary youth projects. Tickets $20 from Mahurangi Matters (see story p16) Grey Power Warkworth general meeting, Totara Park Retirement Village, Melwood Drive, 10am. Guest speaker, Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer Devan Flewellyn. All welcome.

Browne and the Buffalo, a talk by Robert Brassey, Warkworth Town Hall, 5pm for 5.30pm start. All welcome (see story p17) Pasifika twilight festival and market, Mahurangi East Community Centre, 4pm-8pm. A celebration of Papua New Guinea culture. (see story p17) Goat Island snorkel day, 10am-3pm. Meet on grassed area by Goat island marine Discovery Centre. Info: emr.org.nz Puhoi Village Market, Puhoi Sports Ground, 9am. Coffee, food, crafts, veggies and garden produce, plus car boot sale.

To rent a site, phone Jaqui 021 977 181.

April 4 5 5

5 9

Warkworth Museum summer markets, outside old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, 8am Plunket Challenge, Action Matakana, Omaha Valley Road, 9am. Fundraiser for Wellsford Plunket Rooms. Info: Tania Hamilton on 021 264 0424 Composting workshop, Matakana Hall, 10am-noon.

Introduction to three basic composting systems. Registered participants will receive $40 off a new composting system. Free. Info and booking: Look under Workshops at compostcollective.org.nz Duo Möller-Fraticelli, Warkworth Town Hall, 4pm. A unique fusion of Swedish perfection and Argentinian passion.

Gibbs Farm tour, fundraiser for Albertland Museum. Info: albertlandmuseum.co.nz (see story p18)

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48 Mahurangimatters March 18, 2020

localmatters.co.nz

Despite their name, the cars are only Corvettes in the sense that the bodies are moulded to the distinctive Chevrolet design.

Scott Lansdowne got his racing start at the Wellsford racing track.

Tom Roberts gained his title after only five seasons of racing.

Lansdowne was in fourth.

“Scott’s lucky I let him pass me,” Roberts jokes.

Both say their blood starts pumping from the moment they step on the track and nothing compares to the adrenaline rush of racing.

“Speedway in general is very intense because there are so many cars within millimetres of each other going as fast they can,” Roberts says.

“Afterwards it feels as if you’ve had a workout, because even with power steering a bump in the track can just about rip the steering wheel out of your hand.”

After having an incident-free race, Lansdowne slid across the finish line only to crash directly into a wall.

He says it was worth it to be able to have a national title decal printed on

the side of his car for next year.

Their saloon Corvettes are 500 horsepower with 350 cubic inch (5.7 litre) engines.

“It’s a lot of power, but it’s never enough. You’re still always trying to push your foot through the floor,” Roberts says.

The Corvettes sport a full fibreglass body and steel tube chassis and each weigh 1100kg, less than a typical road car, which weighs 1500-1800kg. The cars are completely custom-built with parts ordered from the United States.

Lansdowne and Roberts have been driving race cars for 27 years and six years respectively, formerly racing on Wellsford and Whangateau tracks.

They say it is saddening that the racing tracks in north Rodney have closed, and it’s time the sport was revived.

“The clubs closed down because people complained about the noise levels, but these days cars have mufflers to bring noise down to regulation decibels,” Roberts says.

An intact track built in a disused quarry on land owned by the Council in Whangateau still exists. The current leaseholders have recently moved to a new location, leaving questions as to whether it may again become available.

Roberts and Lansdowne will next compete at the Auckland Saloon racing championships, at Waikaraka park on April 25, to take their shot at holding two titles in one season.

“We wouldn’t be able to do it without our amazing sponsors and pit crew, as well as our families, who allow us to compete in this very demanding sport,” Roberts says.

First national titles for local race car stars Puhoi’s Scott Lansdowne and Warkworth’s Tom Roberts earned their first national racing titles at the New Zealand Saloon Racing Championships at the Huntly International Speedway last month.

Lansdowne came second with a fastest lap time of 15.36 seconds while Roberts came third with 15.83 seconds.

The pair have spent the season chasing each other around the track at speedways all the way from Invercargill to Auckland.

The national championship is raced across two days, with drivers accumulating points that earn them a ranking. The ranking is used to determine their starting place in the final race.

Roberts was in second position at the starting line for the final, while

For a full range of family medical care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours a day, across our region, including public holidays

For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics Snells Beach Mangawhai 145 Mahurangi East Road 4 Fagan Place 09 425 6666 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday 09 431 4128 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

WELLSFORD

09 423 8086 Open 8am-8pm, Daily

Maungaturoto/Paparoa 138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Open 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

WELLSFORD AFTER HOURS

Phone 09 423 8086 for 24/7 urgent doctor service, 8pm-8am.

220 Rodney St (Cnr. SH1 & Matheson Rd), Wellsford

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PHONE 09 423 8086 FOR 24/7 URGENT DOCTOR SERVICE