Hibiscus Matters_Issue 293_16 December 2020

December 16, 2020

Your locally-owned Community Newspaper FREE

Shout out to all Coasties: The Hibiscus Coast community came out in record numbers to celebrate at this year’s Orewa Santa Parade. Hibiscus Matters was there with its giant front-page frame, and it seems all of you wanted to be in it! Unfortunately we couldn’t include everyone, but want to thank all of you for all the lovely feedback that our team received as we went down the parade route. More photos on the back page and online at www.localmatters.co.nz

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

localmatters.co.nz

contact us...

December 16, 2020 – Issue 293

Look out for the Welcome Home guide in this issue

Hibiscus Matters: 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa, 0931 General enquiries ph 427 8188 Hibiscusmatters Localmattersnz

localmatters.co.nz LAST ISSUE FOR 2020 – NEXT ISSUE FEBRUARY 3, 2021!

Next issues: February 3 & 17 – Book your advertising now Editor: Terry Moore ph 427 8187 | terry@localmatters.co.nz

Love Soup's Julie King, left and the Community House's Christine Alesbury receive vouchers and gifts donated by the community, from Hibiscus Matters editor Terry Moore, centre.

Graphic designer: Lorry McCarthy | hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Angela Gallagher ph 022 029 1895 | sellit@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 26,550 homes and businesses twice a month: Puhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Ōrewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat • Red Beach • Whangaparāoa Peninsula Views expressed in Hibiscus Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

MERRY

Christmas!

Spirit of Christmas alive and well on Hibiscus Coast Hibiscus Matters’ annual Christmas collection was the best yet, with $1240-worth of vouchers donated as well as a big pile of treat and staple foods.

Every year our office in Florence Ave, Orewa, provides a hub, collecting donations designed to make Christmas more festive for local people facing hard times.

All donations are passed onto three local organisations – the Hibiscus Coast Community House to stock its foodbank and fill Christmas food parcels; Love Soup Hibiscus Coast for its Christmas parcels and local Police for the boxes of treats they give to families in need.

The collection ran for a month, and ended on December 7. Most donations

came in from local residents, with special mention to the anonymous donor of $300 as well as Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Leanne Willis – and Cr John Watson for their generosity.

The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board provided lots of pool and Leisure Centre passes.

In total there were $850 of supermarket vouchers, $320 of petrol vouchers and also gift vouchers for Farmers and The Warehouse.

The items were handed over to the Community House and Love Soup on Friday, December 11 and will be taken to the Police this week.

We can’t thank everyone enough for digging deep after the challenging year this has been to give to others less fortunate.

Todd Cooper www.toddcooper.co.nz

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Residents despair at abuse of reserve The thought of another summer of cars and motorbikes ‘hooning around’ on Hatfields Reserve, and having to clean up piles of rubbish including fish hooks, nails and human waste, is fueling the anger of local residents.

Toni Abrahams and a group of around 10 other Hatfields residents, mainly dog owners, say the abuse of the reserve has been going on for years.

“We have been picking up rubbish and complaining to Council for many years and have been ignored,” Toni says. “One dog got a fish hook in its mouth, and our dogs have rolled in human excrement. People drive onto the reserve and change their oil. The nature reserve is our only green space and we want it to be safe for all users.”

The seaward side of Hatfields is a public road, and freedom campers often stay there. Toni says once that side is full, people come over to the reserve side, where freedom camping is not allowed.

“It’s a lot more public on the beach side, so there’s less of an issue with rubbish and so on, but at the back of the reserve it’s concealed and people use it as a toilet and leave piles of rubbish, although there is a toilet block and rubbish bins. They have fires using pallets, leaving heaps of nails behind.”

On Labour Day residents say there were dozens of campervans on the reserve.

Toni is clear that the group has no problem with freedom campers or homeless people, saying many are respectful and tidy. A key problem she says is driving on the reserve, and this has led to confrontations with locals.

“We have no problem with sharing.

We just want everyone to stick to the rules so that residents can also enjoy the space,” she says. “It’s not safe with dogs and kids around and people picnicking, to have vehicles driving around.”

Discussing the problem with Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Gary Brown resulted in No Camping Overnight

Hatfields residents want bollards erected to prevent cars driving on the recreational area, but cost and other issues are preventing this.

signs going up on the reserve, which the group is grateful for.

However, Toni says these are often flouted and what is needed is a line of bollards or fencing parallel with the toilet block that leaves room for boaties to park cars and trailers, but prevents driving past that point.

“Gary Brown told me the quote for bollards was $18,500, as it’s quite a distance across,” she says. “I’m sure local tradies could do it cheaper than that.”

An alternative in the meantime, residents have suggested, would be signs to say ‘cars prohibited beyond this point’.

They are also seeking enforcement of Council’s rules.

Auckland Council’s compliance response and investigations manager, Kerri Fergusson, says the compliance team uses a graduated enforcement approach including dealing with overnight camping in reserves.

“This involves investigating complaints and warning overnight campers of the rules,” Kerri says. “If someone repeatedly flouts the rules,

then a trespass notice may be issued.

We work with social services to assist homeless people and identify alternative accommodation options.”

“At Hatfields Beach, two trespass notices have been issued to different people. We have installed additional signage advising of the “no camping” rule which unfortunately is destroyed regularly. The compliance team patrols the area regularly as a deterrent. If anyone has concerns about anti-social behaviour they should report this to the police.”

Local Board Chair Gary Brown says Council enforcement officers consider Hatfields a priority area and will be stepping up patrols over summer.

He says Council staff are also looking into how the problem of driving on the reserve can be rectified.

“The reserve is used for multiple purposes, some of the issues are quite complex and a long-term solution will need to be found,” he says. “To achieve that staff will follow the due process and, when ready, present their findings/solutions to the local board

Our residential landlords enjoy a range of benefits, including: A free registered valuation annually No charges for quarterly inspections No charges for arranging maintenance

and seek direction for the next steps.”

Meanwhile, Hatfields residents are gritting their teeth in preparation for another summer.

“Both driving and camping on the reserve escalates in summer,” Toni says. “We don’t know why it takes so long for something to be sorted out.”

Freedom camping bylaw a work in progress

Last year Auckland Council abandoned its first attempt to create a Freedom Camping in Vehicles bylaw, and started over again. The bylaw’s aim was to enable proactive management and enforcement of freedom camping in Auckland. A new bylaw must be in place before October 2022, although Council had hoped to have it in force this summer.

Last week Council advised the paper in a statement that work is ongoing to develop a new Freedom Camping in Vehicles Bylaw. “We are aiming to report proposed next steps and a timeline to the Governing Body early next year,” the statement said.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

Feedback Not cyclist friendly I am pleased to see the road safety improvements around Orewa town centre, especially the extension of the 30kph speed limit. One aspect that I am disappointed with is the side island that is being constructed outside 384 Hibiscus Coast Highway. As a keen cyclist, daily I observe a large number of cyclists using the highway – some in groups, others on e-bikes and age from school children to elderly residents. To date these riders enjoyed a wide road shoulder and white line, on both sides of the road, from the town centre northwards for more than a kilometre.

This has supported safe cycling. The side island will force cyclists further

localmatters.co.nz What’s on your mind? Readers are welcome to air their views. We do not publish abusive or unsigned letters. Letters may be abridged and full versions are at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Address on p2 or e:terry@localmatters.co.nz

into the road space used by motorists.

This will clearly make it less safe.

I have already experienced a near miss riding north past the island and sincerely hope no serious injury arises due to the excessive protrusion of this new north bound side island. All it would require is to reduce the width by about 250mm. The southbound side island has been constructed clear of the cycle area and is not an issue. I hope Auckland Transport will act on this suggestion urgently.

Ron Jackson, Orewa (abridged) Auckland Transport replies (abridged): After working closely with the community and business association on the design, it was clear

Local opinion

that car parking needed to be retained.

That was in the design consulted on earlier in the year and we have worked closely with the business association and local board on these designs before we asked for public feedback.

A parked car has the same effect as a gateway treatment as, either way, a person on a bike would have to go around it. Installing this threshold has allowed five new car parks to be added prior to the island, and allows for a safer gateway into the 30kph area. The 30kph means that everyone can safely share the road. We will, however, continue to monitor the installation post-construction and welcome any community feedback to: projects@ at.govt.nz.

off

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the record

Mel Buckley of Swann Beach says wearing masks up for a family visit to Santa at Coast Plaza was a fun way to mark the passing of an unforgettable year.

by Local Matters general manager Jannette Thompson

Taking stock, moving forward

A year like no other in living memory is how many of us will look back on 2020. The stuff of Hollywood movies suddenly became reality and words such as bubbles, clusters, quarantine, lockdown, community transmission and asymptomatic entered our day-to-day vocabulary. Health workers and professionals donned masks and became the new superheroes, while other less obvious pandemic heroes also emerged. Among these were the legion of supermarket employees up and down the country who smiled behind masks and Perspex while making sure shoppers didn’t sneak an extra pack of toilet rolls or bottle of hand sanitiser into their trolley.

The post-Covid fallout is still unfolding, although we know already of the devastation it has caused the airline and tourism industries. Many hospitality businesses have gone to the wall, while other small retailers are taking it one day at a time. On the positive side though, things are looking good for farmers, supermarkets and some businesses in construction and related fields are powering ahead, busier than they have ever been.

But wherever you sit on the Covid-19 repercussions spectrum, Kiwis can thank their lucky stars that they live on small islands at the bottom of the world, with stable and coherent leadership.

We’re not out of the woods yet, but it is to be hoped that with the rollout of vaccines, the world has at least turned a corner.

It would take a brave soul to predict what might happen next year, but our communities have shown an inspiring level of resilience, kindness and innovation.

There are many lessons to be learned from the past year, but perhaps the one that resonates most loudly is not to take anything for granted. The future promises us nothing, so enjoy today, especially at this time of year.

Merry Christmas to all our advertisers, delivery people and readers, and we look forward to bringing you all the news from our communities again next year.

“Deery” Christmas from the Hibiscus Matters team

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Feedback cont...

Tree concerns Wonderful that this beautiful tree has some protection (HM December 2).

My concern is if the road is widened the tree will be removed. Of course Auckland Council will give resource consent for that.

Adrienne Aston, Manly

Congratulations

to Carol Brooksmith of Stanmore Bay, winner of a copy of Magnolia Kitchen Design

by Bernadette Gee. Thanks to all who entered. Bernadette is writing a monthly column starting in Hibiscus Matters’ February 3 edition – judging by the response to the competition, it will be a well-read column.

A local who purchased a book at Rodney Age Concern in Orewa found these photos inside, together with a note signed by ‘Eloise’. She would like to find the owner of the photos.

Anyone who knows anything about this is welcome to email the Hibiscus Matters editor, terry@localmatters.co.nz or drop into our Orewa office at 21 Florence Ave (note: the office is closed December 18-January 18), or call into Rodney Age Concern in Tamariki Ave, Orewa.

Record turnouts expected for free Christmas meals

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The meal is on at Orewa Community Centre, 368 Hibiscus Coast Highway on Christmas Day, 11.30am-2pm.

Everyone is welcome and there is no need to book.

A cellist will play while everyone enjoys the free meal, with all the trimmings.

Info and donations: email christmas@ salttrust.org.nz Love Soup shares Christmas love Love Soup director Julie King is also expecting a record turnout at her charity’s free Christmas feast.

The first free Christmas dinner that Love Soup held at Whangaparaoa Hall was in 2016, and 2018 saw around 240 guests attend.

Julie says last year, because they asked for pre-registrations, this dropped to around 200 but volunteers are catering for around 200 sitting down and another 100 takeaway Christmas meals this year.

“We do think it will be big, and to ensure health and safety we can’t be overcrowded,” Julie says. “However, we have enough to feed everyone who comes and will not turn anyone away.

Once the dine-in seats run out we will provide a takeaway.”

Around 30 volunteers are involved.

Love Soup’s Christmas meal is on Sunday, December 20 at Whangaparaoa Community Hall, 5pm-8pm and includes a visit from Santa, gifts and Karaoke.

If anyone would like to help wrap gifts for the children (which is taking place from December 16-Christmas Eve), email Sue, suegurr09@gmail.com

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The tradition of providing free community Christmas meals continues this year, with organisers expecting the biggest turnout yet.

A free Christmas lunch has been held at the Orewa Community Centre on Christmas Day for 20 years, and food rescue charity Love Soup also has a very well attended Christmas meal in Whangaparaoa.

This is the 20th year that the free Christmas lunch, currently organised by the Salt Community Trust, has been held in Orewa. Last year a record 180 people attended and event coordinator Debra Hunt says she expects this year will be even bigger.

“People have had a pretty tough year and it’s been very isolating,” Debra says.

Each year 30-50 volunteers, along with business sponsors, donors and support from local churches make the event happen. There is rarely any shortage of volunteers.

“The community really makes this happen,” Debra says. “So many people work really hard and volunteers turn up despite how busy they are with their own lives. It’s a fantastic, feelgood event to be part of.”

Debra says volunteers are really excited to be able to put the event on.

“We don’t want anyone to feel isolated or lonely this Christmas,” she says.

“We have plans for operating safely if Covid-19 alert levels change, but we’re really hoping to still be at Level 1 on Christmas Day.” Extra health and hygiene measures will be in place.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our clients, thank you for your continued support this year, and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

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North Shore Aero Club’s application for Airport Authority status has drawn nearly 500 public submissions, the Ministry of Transport says.

Submissions had to be in to the Ministry by November 30 – this deadline was extended by three weeks due to the high level of interest in the community, which included a public meeting last month attended by more than 150 concerned residents.

Airport Authority status permits an organisation to make its own bylaws, which must be Government approved, and also allows compulsory acquisition of land (with approval from the Minister of Lands).

The airport’s application (HM October

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14 and November 4) is opposed by Dairy Flat residents who fear expansion of the runway, with a potential effect on neighbouring properties, as well as the impact on the community if larger numbers of bigger aircraft use the facility.

The Ministry hopes to have all the submissions available to read online shortly after Christmas, or earlier if possible.

After analysing the submissions, the Ministry will provide the Minister with advice regarding the airport’s proposal.

If the Minister decides to take the proposal forward, the final decision is then made by Cabinet.

December 16, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Viewpoint

Tough budget mixed bag Auckland Council’s proposed budget for 2021-2031 is a mixed bag for Hibiscus Coast residents, according to local Councillor John Watson.

The budget continues on from the Emergency Budget 2020/21 and the emergency is still very real, including an immense loss of Council revenue due to Covid-19.

The draft proposes a five percent rates increase next year, followed by a return to 3.5 percent in 2022, as well as a possible eight percent rise in Watercare’s charges. Rates for an average house in Auckland valued at $1,083,500 would rise from $2810 to $2957 – an increase of $147. An eight percent hike in water prices would add about $80 a year to the average water bill of $996.

Cr Watson says the cumulative impact of these increases when many are struggling and uncertainty exists due to the effects of Covid-19 concerns him.

“The council is under huge financial pressure but so are many in our community,” he says. “It will be up to the public to say whether the mayor has hit the balance between recovery and people’s capacity to pay.”

At the same time, the proposed budget facilitates infrastructure and could see the Orewa Beach seawall between Kohu St and Marine View built. A detailed project list will not be released until next year, however the Orewa Seawall is specifically mentioned in

the draft and the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board has kept it front of mind for Council.

Cr Watson also says that there is pressure on the ability to renew and maintain facilities such as libraries and recreation centres, so the Hibiscus Coast is fortunate in having had major investment recently put into the Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre and local sports fields – something the local board worked for.

A large programme of asset sales ($243m-worth in 2021-22) includes the row of 23 properties on Whangaparaoa and Brightside Roads previously detailed in this paper.

A key concern is that debt levels are reaching unsustainable levels, Cr Watson says.

“The Super City was promoted as a way to reduce costs to Aucklanders – it’s resulted in the opposite. The collective debt of the eight legacy councils in 2009 was $3.9b. Now it’s $10b and rising. Personally I don’t think the present model is sustainable and the sooner that is acknowledged the better – otherwise, after all the assets are gone, all that will remain is the prospect of year on year rates increases.”

Public consultation on the budget is planned to run next year from February 22 to March 22. Council will make final decisions in May and adopt the final budget in June. The draft proposal is linked to this story at localmatters.co.nz

with Phil Goff, Auckland Mayor phil.goff@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Striking a balance On December 1, I published my Mayoral Proposal for Auckland Council’s 10year Budget 2021-2031. In normal circumstances, this budget would have built on the investments started in the 2018 Budget, which were making inroads into Auckland’s long-term underfunding of infrastructure. However, these are not normal circumstances – the impacts of the virus slashed council income by $450 million and by 2024 income losses will cumulatively be around $1 billion.

While Council’s first obligation is to manage our finances prudently and live within our means, we do not want to make changes that take away from the best things about our city. An austerity budget that slashed services and stopped critical infrastructure projects would worsen the recession rather than stimulate recovery.

We need to keep investing in communities, infrastructure and our environment.

But that needs to be done responsibly, alongside steps to reduce expenditure and find efficiencies. We have reduced staff, constrained salaries and deferred lowerpriority projects. This year we are making savings of $120 million.

Key features of my proposal, which goes out for consultation next early year, are: Intensifying value for money and savings efforts to lock in $90 million of savings made in this year’s Emergency Budget • Continuing to sell surplus properties to realise $70 million a year for three years, with proceeds to be invested in priority infrastructure • Increasing our debt to revenue borrowing from 270 percent to a temporarily higher level of up to 290 percent in the first three years, subject to not impacting negatively on our credit rating • A long-term commitment to a 3.5 percent rates increase, with a one-off increase of 5 percent next year to help meet the Covid-19 crisis • Climate change commitments of $150 million to mitigate carbon emissions, including stopping the purchase of diesel buses, as well as planning for coastal change.

This budget will enable additional investment in transport, housing, water and the environment of around $900 million in the next three years. It will also help with the renewal of key transport, water and community facility assets.

Total capital investment over 10 years will rise from $26 billion to $31 billion.

This will stimulate construction, jobs and economic recovery, and help us tackle longer-term critical transport, water, housing and environmental issues. It will allow us to continue with projects such as the Northern Busway extension.

I acknowledge that this budget will not be all things to all people. However, I believe it strikes the right balance between recovery from Covid-19 and keeping the cost to ratepayers fair and reasonable.

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Quality building rewarded on Hibiscus Coast A number of local properties won regional awards in the annual Master Builders House of the Year awards, including the winner of the Supreme Auckland New Home award.

These homes all went into the national final, held on December 11, results of which were not available when the paper went to print but can be found at houseoftheyear.co.nz/

Above, Sentinel Homes, North & West Auckland, won the New Home $600,000–$750,000 category for this Matakatia home. Judges loved the way the U-shaped home snuggles into the bush-clad site.

Above, PSL Construction took out three top awards for this home in Dairy Flat: Auckland Supreme New Home Award, the New Home over $2 million category and the Craftsmanship Award. The home is described as “an exceptional build”, including achieving high quality detailing across a variety of complex and challenging materials.

Above, This Maddren Homes show home in Millwater won a gold award. Judges liked the way the black single-pitched pavilions contrast with ivory weatherboard pods. They also praised the “on trend” dark kitchen cabinetry and described the design as “the future of urban family living”.

Sentinel Homes, North & West Auckland, won the Greek event raises small fortune for charity New Home $600,000–$750,000 category for this An fundraising event focused on Greek dancing, live music, food and drink has raised more than 67,000 Matakatia loved theheld wayon theDecember U-shaped for Hibiscus Hospice since it was first held in 2017. This year’s home.

Greek Judges Extravaganza, snuggles into theTheo bush-clad site. says this is 5 in Orewa, brought in $23,000 (slightly more than home last year).

Convenor Simeonidis an extraordinary result considering the tumultuous year that the community has been through. Theo came up with the idea of holding a Greek inspired event to raise money, and it is organised by the Rotary Satellite Club of Orewa-Millwater. “The challenge for Greek Extravaganza 2021 is how to raise the bar even further, and we look forward to creating something special,” Theo says.

This Orewa home won the Volume/Group Housing New Home, $450,000–$750,000 award for Legendary Homes. Judges particularly noted the timeframe and cost that the home was built within.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

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Volunteer pest prevention work rewarded Last week, the local Forest and Bird Society held its inaugural awards designed to thank volunteers who contribute to the pest-free Hibiscus Coast programme.

The Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Volunteer Awards event was held on December 12. There are now 80 volunteers involved in the project, putting in over 4000 hours this year alone to helping make the Coast a safer place for native wildlife.

Project manager Jenny Hanwell says the project relies on volunteers.

“Without them we would have thousands more rats and possums damaging the local environment,” she says.

Volunteers and their families had a guided walk through Shakespear Regional Park’s Waterfall Gully, led

by Auckland Council Ranger Emma Witton, where they learned more about the rare species they are working to protect. Afterwards they shared a barbecue picnic before awards were given out.

Pest Free Hibiscus Coast began in 2014 when long standing Forest & Bird member Pauline Smith developed a vision for a Pest Free Peninsula.

In 2019 the project got big enough to need professional management and a staff team began to grow with Jenny Hanwell being recruited as project manager, Rhiannon Thomas as field officer and more recently Mark Whittington as Red Beach

Members of the Forest & Bird team with partners from Restore Hibiscus & Bays, and Auckland Council. Photo, Photo Carnival

community activator. Thanks to funding from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, DOC, the Lotteries Commission, Foundation North and Auckland Council, the project will expand further next year, with three more staff joining the team.

Volunteers take on a range of roles, including managing trap lines, helping with education and events and managing data records. Forest & Bird work with Auckland Council’s parks department to protect native wildlife in more than 70 parks in the area, as well as supporting people to trap rats

in their backyards.

At the inaugural awards, everyone received a certificate of recognition, and those who have been involved for five years or more were also given a project branded polo shirt. Extra recognition was given to several individuals for their exceptional work this year, including: Paul Wilkinson who put in over 500 hours, designing and managing the project’s recording system, amongst other tasks; Trevor Sanderson and Ross Martin for catching the most possums on their trap line in Millwater, and Derek Kelsey for overall outstanding

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contribution.

“Derek has helped with every element of the project, from supporting backyard trappers to installing monitoring tools and doing bird surveys – because of him we have been able to do so much more. He is also so generous with sharing his knowledge and experience,” Jenny says.

Prizes were donated by local businesses and Auckland Council.

If you are interested in volunteering with the Pest Free Hibiscus Coast Project, email j.hanwell@forestandbird.org.nz

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

localbusiness

Orewa Santa Parade breaks all records Everything fell into place to make this year’s Orewa New World Santa Parade by far the biggest crowd puller in the event’s history.

Spectators lined the 1.6km route 3-5 deep – bringing estimated numbers to around 8000-9000 – 40 percent more than the previous record crowd, at last year’s parade.

These numbers swelled again for the Orewa Surf Sounds concert after the parade – an estimated 15,000 attended this.

Although the fine weather on Saturday, November 28 played its part, organisers Destination Orewa Beach say several other factors were at play.

Operations manager Hellen Wilkins says they were prepared for higher numbers due to four nearby parades cancelling in the Covid-19 climate (HM November 18), and increased the provision of things like toilets, bins and security to allow for that.

“On reflection we believe the increase was a combination of post-Covid, a growing population and the event’s reputation growing,” Hellen says. “We are humbled that the community was so supportive. Seeing all the smiles on everyone’s faces makes months of planning and all the blisters on our feet so worthwhile.”

This year there were 54 floats, plus many groups of costume wearers and musicians providing plenty so see and enjoy.

The Hibiscus Matters crew enjoyed

The star of the show, Santa, rode on a sleigh borrowed from the cancelled Warkworth parade. More photos online, www. localmatters.co.nz

taking part, dressing as reindeer and handing out hundreds of candy canes.

Floats were judged, but the winners had not been announced when the newspaper went to print. The total amount raised for Orewa Surf Club from the Surf Sounds concert was also not yet known. Last year $10,000 was raised.

Zero Waste a big effort

The Santa Parade is a zero waste event, made possible by Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste and E-Cycle. It was funded by Destination Orewa Beach and grants obtained by Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste. Pixies Animal Rescue received a koha in return for manning all the bin stations. Of the total of 852kg of waste, 81 percent was recycled, was degradable or commercially composted instead of heading to landfill. All food vendors used degradable or compostable food packaging. continued p13

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Wishing you a very happy & safe Christmas with family & friends and a great 2021, Best Wishes

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

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15

FE AT U R E

Looking for lights Now that Covid-19 has snuffed out Ponsonby’s popular Franklin Road festive lights, it’s a good time to explore the local streets looking for lights.

Lights in the Heights At Christmas time, you can’t miss the festive lights and giant Santa at 233 West Hoe Heights in Orewa.

Homeowner Jason Paterson says you can see their Christmas lights glowing and flashing from as far away as Millwater Parkway – “From that distance, it looks like a big traffic accident!” he says.

Jason and his wife Tiffany began getting into Christmas lights six years ago to delight their daughter Emma, who was then two years old.

Orginally they lived in Millwater, and were inspired by the Christmas lights they saw there.

“We decided to get a couple,” Jason says. “In the third year we went a bit nuts and spent more than $1000 on lights.”

Last November the family moved to West Hoe Heights and began covering the front of their new home with Christmas lights.

This year’s display, Jason says, is the best ever and caused a few mishaps along the way.

“Some elves see-sawing weren’t bolted down properly and the wind blew them off the roof and into my car window,” Jason says. “Also three inflatables stopped working and we got 10 new ones instead. We also made our own sleigh this year.”

One of the most impressive inflatables in the Paterson’s display is a two-storey Santa.

The set up and testing, as well as ironing out any problems, takes a good week.

The lights are now on display for the community to enjoy. Also in the weekends, when the weather permits, there will be a snow effect and projectors off the garage, Jason says.

Other local streets with good Christmas lights include: y Vista Motu in Red Beach y Millwater – Bridal Place makes a special effort and there are also impressive lights on Miller Rise, Cilliers Drive and Harris Drive (off the Timberland Drive end). y Orewa – Kensington Park homes have a reputation for good lights.

Lighting up West Hoe: Emma with the giant Santa. The Patersons, Jason, Tiffany and Emma in the homemade sleigh.

Scouts light up

Following its Halloween themed Polar Plunge, Orewa Sea Scouts have again come up with an inventive fundraiser, putting on their first Christmas display for the community to enjoy. Christmas trees and lights will be set up in the Sea Scouts Hall on Arundel Reserve, 467 Hibiscus Coast Highway. Decorations, a traditional table setting and fireplace scene are also part of the display. Blacked out windows allows the lights to be enjoyed before dark, so that younger family members can come along. The display is open on December 18-21, 4pm to 9.30pm. Entry is by donation, with Eftpos available.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

Coast Summer feature

Recycled water makes splashing good fun

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Recreational facilities that recyle water, including the Splash Pad at Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre, have recently been turned on for summer to keep everyone cool and entertain the children.

Although water restrictions introduced in May during Auckland’s drought eased this week, residents and businesses are still asked to be conservative with their water use over summer.

Auckland Council says its decision to open the Splash Pads at all its leisure centres was based on the fact that they recycle a high percentage of water, the leisure centres have made significant water savings in the last nine months, and Splash Pads are very popular with the community.

Meanwhile Auckland Council is leaving its purely decorative water features turned off, unless they use recycled water.

Watercare advises that there are no restrictions covering fountains at the moment, but Council is choosing to keep them off unless they use recycled water.

This means that Orewa’s new ‘Airborne’ sculpture will remain dry for now. Council says it has no date in mind for turning it on at present, but will review this when it gets more information from Watercare. The

original hope was to use recycled water for the Orewa sculpture, but the design meant that a mist effect worked better, although this water cannot be recycled.

Water dos and don’ts From December 14, water restrictions in Auckland for households and busineses have eased. People can water their gardens, top up pools, flush boat motors and wash their homes and cars – but only using a hand-held hose fitted with a trigger nozzle. Home water blasters with trigger nozzles can also be used but sprinklers and residential irrigation systems are still not permitted.

Businesses such as house cleaners and car washers can also go back to using potable water, although non-potable water is still an option for those who wish to continue using it.

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Coast Summer feature

17

Coastguard with Dave Tilley, Coastguard Hibiscus www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

Strong crew numbers for summer

Rodders keep it local One of the most popular fundraising events in Orewa, the annual Rodders Beach Festival, is on again this summer.

This time, due to uncertainties around Covid-19, the event has been scaled back a little, and will be held over two days instead of three.

The event, on Anniversary Weekend, January 29 and 30, will be the 12th Rodders Festival to be held in Orewa.

Key activities, including the picnic in the park, drive in movie, and a chance to see the vehicles cruising through Orewa town centre, remain.

However, one of the big drawcards, the Show and Shine on Orewa Boulevard, has been cancelled. Co-organiser Sharon Morris says the public will still have plenty of opportunities to view the cars on Orewa Reserve on both days.

The first day, Friday January 29 includes the picnic and drive in movie.

The cars will be parked on the reserve from 2pm-7pm, when they cruise through Orewa heading to the North Harbour Country Club in Dairy Flat.

On Saturday 30, there is a full day of activities on Orewa Reserve including live entertainment, food stalls, and the Miss Hibiscus Vintage and Retro Tiny Tots competitions.

At 3pm the bikes and hot rods will leave the reserve for a Bike & Thunder cruise through Orewa and up to the Puhoi Pub where there will be a ‘What’s under your Hood’ and bike show.

This year’s Festival raised a recordbreaking $70,000 for the Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust and attracted a crowd of around 50,000.

Next year the funds will go to the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre. It’s an organisation close to Sharon Morris’ heart – it was started in 1998 at the instigation of her father, Keith Morris, who died the following year.

The past few weeks have seen the Hibiscus Coastguard Unit become increasingly busy. Last Sunday saw a very early start for one of our crews that started with a call from our operations room the previous evening. As Hibiscus was the duty rescue vessel for the area on the Sunday we were made aware of a yacht that started taking on water on the Saturday evening, they had come down hard off a wave and cracked their keel and were taking on water. They were able to keep the incoming water at bay with bilge pumps and temporary repairs and anchored overnight off Motuihe Island. As the yacht was based at the Panmure Yacht Club, the skipper wanted to make use of the full tide at 07.30 to ensure that the keel did not hit anything else on the way into their berth. This meant a 05.30 departure for the Hibiscus Coastguard crew to shadow the yacht back to Panmure to and be available if they needed any urgent assistance. At their home port, the damaged yacht was met by the skipper’s very relieved parents and their dog, all very happy to see them back.

While the yacht managed to return to its base without requiring our assistance, the skipper’s prudent actions meant that Coastguard would be immediately on hand if anything untoward happened. We often come across situations where people have decided to take a chance and it then turns into an emergency situation, so were more than happy to provide the backup and peace of mind that the skipper required.

The day did not end then for the Hibiscus crew, as we were tasked to assist another yacht back to Hobsonville Marina. The sole sailor had sailed the yacht to Kauri Point, but mechanical and electrical issues meant he was unable to use the motor to navigate the twisty channel to the Marina in a strengthening wind.

We soon had the yacht barged up next to our rescue vessel in fairly challenging conditions and delivered safely onto its berth.

The next task was towing a converted fishing trawler with gearbox problems from its anchorage just outside the Marine Rescue Centre in Mechanics Bay back to Hobsonville Marina. This was a heavy vessel and the choppy sea meant a slow tow.

A tired crew then returned to Gulf Harbour, 10 hours after departing!

Currently we have the highest number of operational crew that we have had in many years, which will see us able to respond to any situation when the pager goes off.

From all of us at Coastguard Hibiscus, have a fantastic Christmas and I am sure that all of us are looking forward to fantastic New Year.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

Coast Summer feature

Silverdale Market 7 Silverdale Street Saturday 8am~1pm Ph 021 030 3273

Summer wouldn’t be summer without Orewa Lions’ Big Dig.

OREWA LIONS BIG DIG SATURDAY 23rd JANUARY 2021 ALL PROCEEDS GO BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY.

BUY TICKETS On-Site from 9.30am 5 yrs & under – $5, Over 5 yrs – $10 Digging starts 11am sharp – 5 yrs & under, 11.15am sharp – Over 5 yrs

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

HIBISCUSMATTERS

Digging deep for Big Dig Orewa Lions Club is gearing up for its annual Big Dig fundraiser, and putting it together is a real community effort.

For 39 years, The Big Dig been a winning formula – children continue to enjoy digging in the sand of Orewa Beach to find iceblock sticks that earn prizes.

Work behind the scenes involves around 30 Lions volunteers, assisted by several other community groups.

Local businesses are very supportive in providing prizes. Long time volunteer Mark Rolland will rotary hoe the sand – a task he has taken on at every Big Dig – before Orewa Sea Scout volunteers bury 1000 sticks. The sticks are divided in two roped off sections of beach – one for the under-fives and one for the older ones.

Every child who finds a stick earns a small prize and an entry in a bigger prize draw. Among the prizes are

Snowplanet and Leisure Centre passes, Northern Arena swim lessons, Golf HQ lessons, toys and vouchers from local businesses.

As well as the digging itself, there are a range of games and a quickfire raffle.

Silverdale Fire Brigade will bring the kitchen fire display with its dramatic billowing flames, and a Hibiscus Coastguard boat and hot rods will be on display.

A tug of war and sack races start at 12 noon.

Proceeds go to local charities, including Orewa Surf Club, which is patrolling the beach on the day. Last year $5000 was raised.

The event is on Saturday, January 23 with registration from 9.30am. Digging starts at 11am for the under-fives and 11.15am for the over-five-year-olds.

Hibiscus Matters is a proud sponsor of The 2021 Big Dig.

Merry Christmas & afromHappy New Year the crew at The Ship & Anchor.

Thank you for your support throughout 2020 and we look forward to seeing you in 2021

Open Christmas Day 10am-5pm

Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm, Sat: 9am-3pm, Sun: Closed 639 Whangaparaoa Rd, (next to Subway) • 09 947 5487

2 Bakehouse Lane, Orewa | 11am till late TheShipAnchorRestaurantAndBar Ph 09 426 1539 | shipanchororewa.com

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Coast Summer feature

19

Carnival brings top choppers out of woodwork Despite a lack of international entrants, the splinters are set to fly at the Puhoi Woodchopping Carnival with top axeman keen to sink their blades into a competition after a disrupted season.

Puhoi Axemen Club secretary Cassandra Brown said all 45 spots for the competition on Saturday, January 9 had already been filled by the start of December.

There will be axemen representing each of the major northern woodchopping centres including Whangarei, Waiuku and Hamilton.

Big names include the return of last year’s underhand open champion, Jesse Whitehead of Waiuku.

For the first time in some years, West Auckland’s Jason Wynyard will compete at Puhoi.

Wynyard is a fourteen-time world champion winner of the Stihl Timbersport Series.

His last world championship title was in 2017. In 2003, he recorded a time of 12.11 seconds to annihilate a log.

Northland legend Jason Semenoff and his two boys Tytan and Johnson will also compete.

Cassandra says there will also be three young lads from Puhoi who will be doing their first ever competitive chop event.

Club stalwart John Sanderson says the Puhoi Axemen Club is in good shape with a mix of experienced choppers CL

Jordon Thomas, Photo, Anna Schollum Photography

and up and coming young blood.

It has 15 members, and will be represented at each of the seven northern competitive wood chopping events this season.

Thomas takes swing at open division Puhoi Axeman Jordon Thomas, 17, is taking aim at the open underhand and standing divisions after having graduated from novice ranking.

Thomas won an open competition in Helensville last season and was performing well until Covid-19 struck.

This season he is pushing even harder, training with chopping champion Jesse Whitehead and entering as many competitions as possible leading up to the Puhoi event.

At the Whangarei A&P show this month, Thomas made it to the final and placed fourth in the eleven-inch division.

Thomas and his Puhoi teammates Richard Morton, Troy Hopkins and Cam Hastie also won the team race.

The competition used pine blocks

which are harder to chop than Puhoi’s poplars and have much more variance in the grain.

Thomas will also be attending competitions in Waiuku and Rotorua in an effort to get as much experience as possible.

Other than the prize money, Thomas says it is the camaraderie of the club and the historical connection to the area that drives him to compete in the sport.

His goal is to make the NZ under-21s team.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

Coast Summer feature

Open 7 Days, 9am-5pm 5/292, The Village, Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa Mb 021 396 059 • Ph/Fx 09 421 1200 Em bikemeorewa@gmail.com • bikeme.info • the

WAINUI GOLF & FUNCTION CENTRE Would like to thank everyone for their patronage and wish all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2021!

The View Eatery Summer Hours Mon-Wed closed Thur & Sun 10:30-5:00 Fri & Sat 10:30-7:00

WAINUI STEAK NIGHT

WAINUI RIBS NIGHT Friday, 11th December 5:00 p.m. - Close Public Welcome Reservations Essential

Baby Back Ribs with Bavarian Potato Salad and Cabbage Slaw 1/2 Rack $29.5 Full Rack $39.5

CHRISTMAS BUFFET BRUNCH

Friday, 18th December 5:00 p.m. - Close Public Welcome Reservations Essential

Join us Sunday, 20th December at Wainui Golf & Function Centre for our annual Christmas Buffet Brunch. First sitting 11:00 last sitting 2:00 p.m.

Reservations Essential

Chef’s Best Steak & Chips with your favourite Pint of Beer or a Glass of house Red of White Wine $35

THE VIEW EATERY SUMMER HOURS Thursday & Sunday 10:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Friday & Sunday 10:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Monday to Wednesday Closed

wainui.online PUBLIC WELCOME!

#396 Millwater north bound exit from the motorway stay on Wainui Road for 5 minutes turn left to 35 Windmill Drive Tel (09) 444 3437

The Midge Marsden Band brings classy rhythm and blues to Dairy Flat Hall this summer.

Midge Marsden ready to rock Dairy Flat Hall With a career that spans five decades, Midge Marsden is one of New Zealand’s best- known and most well loved musicians.

At his side for 19 years has been guitarist and bandleader Chet O’Connell of Millwater.

This connection with the Coast has led to Midge and his band coming to play at Dairy Flat Hall for the first time.

Chet often plays at Dairy Flat Hall with his own band, and says it’s a great venue.

“It’s a throw back to the days of the community dances, and when weddings and other occasions were all held in community halls,” Chet says.

“I grew up playing around the North in all these halls and Midge did similar venues way back in 60s, so it’s always a great environment to perform in with a bunch of great people and a laid back atmosphere.”

The band is made up of Chet on guitar and vocals, Neil Hannan (bass and

Chet O’Connell is a long time member of Midge Marsden’s band.

vocals), who dates back to the Country Flyers with Midge in the 70s, Johnny Scott on drums and Liam Ryan (keys), who is also from the Narcs.

“It’s a rocking band and a dynamic night of music. We are looking forward to a great night of rock ‘n’ roll infused rhythm and blues – people can get up and dance or sit back and enjoy the show,” Chet says.

Midge Marsden & Band play Dairy Flat Hall on Friday, January 29, doors open 7pm. Tickets $25 from Eventfinda or at the door.

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Trove Orewa Beach, home to fashion, fun and fabulousness since the end of August and now joined by sister store, Trove Matakana (41 Matakana Valley Road, beside the glorious Fossick and Find). Summer is just around the bend and let’s face it, most of us are too thanks to 2020. It’s definitely time to “shake it off”, put on our favourite, most flamboyant Helga May linen frock and strut our stuff. Flattering styles for every woman from Italian linens and silks to Indian cotton. We also have sunhats, bags, jewellery, scarves and sarongs.

Everything you need for your summer holidays in right here at Trove.

Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm & Sunday 9.30am-4pm Shop 2, 358 Hibiscus Coast Highway Or shop online: www.trovenz.com

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December 2020/January 2021

Your essential property guide from Dairy Flat to Waipu

WelcomeHome Welcome Home

Barfoot & Thompson | LJ Hooker | MEYER Real Estate | Mike Greer Homes | Ray White | RE/MAX Realty Group | Oaks on Neville

A Local Matters publication. Distribution - 41,200 copies. Advertising enquiries: Mahurangi 09 425 9068 or Hibiscus 09 427 8188

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Enquiries over $390,000 viewing strictly by appointment

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warkworth 28 hauiti drive

whopportunity!

4 2 2 260sqm 1 Situated within walking distance of the local high school, primary school and Warkworth’s Town Centre. This substantial brick and block home would make a forthcoming auction great family home or a solid rental investment for the savvy investor. Potential is a great thing and the downstairs has “turn me into a self-contained flat” written Register your interest viewing strictly by appointment all over it. Scope to grow as your family does! Forthcoming Auction 2021.

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Just a short stroll from shops, beach walks and schools, this classy, refurbished 70’s abode would make the perfect first home or investment. Renovated to the most exacting standards throughout, with a fresh modern vibe. Sun-soaked, open-plan living area, expansive deck, with fibre cement construction. Tidy, easy-care properties in this popular suburb are always in demand. Act today!

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1

online auction (unless sold prior) 11am thu 17th december 2020 View: Sunday 12-12.30pm

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

snells Beach 7 carmen terrace

absolutely viewtiful!

3 1 2 190sqm 2 With those stunning views and boasting plenty of potential, interest in this well maintained home is sure to be high. In an exclusive location with beautifully forthcoming auction established gardens and outdoor area. This tidy home features 3 bedrooms, a modern kitchen and bathroom and two versatile living areas including a rumpus Register your interest viewing strictly by appointment room. Going to Auction in the new year, call today for more information!

steffan meyer | 021 055 4346 steffan@meyerrealestate.co.nz

www.meyerrealestate.co.nz

December 2020/January 2021

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Realty Group

www.remax.nz

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Northern Properties Ltd

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Each office independently owned and operated |

Licensed REAA 2008

ADDRESS 11 Neville Street, Warkworth, AUCKLAND 910 OFFICE 09 425 0261

December 2020/January 2021

December 2020/January 2021

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Set Date of Sale Closes 4:00pm on Wed 16th December sold prior) Set Date of (unless Sale View Closes 4:00pm on Wed 16th Phone for viewing December (unless sold prior) View and inspection times Phone for Viewing Times View ljhooker.co.nz/BMKGUK ljhooker.co.nz/BMKGUK

Unique Offering - Puhoi

5 Lifestyle Blocks For Sale Unique Offering - Puhoi

Average size one hectare (10,000m2) each.

Lushsize pasture, flat easy building sites with good access and power se Average one hectare (10,000m2) each. boundaries.

New pail fencing too.access and power services to Lushthe pasture, flat easy building sites with good Phone for Viewing Times ljhooker.co.nz/BMKGUK Newfacing pail fencing too. with tranquil bush backdrop. the boundaries.

Sunny north aspect Sunny north facing aspect with tranquil bush backdrop.

4 minutes from the new motorway - off ramp at Puhoi.

4 minutes from the new motorway - off ramp at Puhoi.

Forget the city rat race and become part of this special community s Forget the city rat race and become part of this special community spirit that this historic only 40 minutes North of the Harbour Brid this historic village village has andhas only and 40 minutes North of the Harbour Bridge.

Steven 021 888 Steven Glucina Glucina 021 888 455455 Hooker Ponsonby LJLJHooker Ponsonby

5 Lifestyle Blocks For Sale

Contact Sole Agent 888 455021 888 455 Contact Sole Steven AgentGlucina Steven021 Glucina

PonsonbyEstate Estate Agents LtdLtd Ponsonby Agents Or email: sglucina.ponsonby@ljh.co.nz for info pack.for info pack.

Or email: sglucina.ponsonby@ljh.co.nz Licensed Agent REAA 2008 Licensed Agent REAA 2008 All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own en

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ervices to

spirit that dge.

nquiries.

December 2020/January 2021

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The BEST decision ever made

DAY N E P O SDAY, THUR

28 Y R A JANU m 10am

3p

Quality designer apartments and relaxing resort facilities, uniquely placed in the centre of beautiful Warkworth town.

Come and see why our residents have chosen this bespoke retirement lifestyle.

FOR MORE INFORMATION call Sylvie on 027 314 5767 or sylvie.borrett@realliving co nz

oaks.reception@realliving.co.nz

2 bedroom apartments from $599,000 WelcomeHome

The Oaks on Neville, 9 Queen St, Warkworth www.realliving.co.nz/warkworth

3 Bedroom apartments from $990,000 December 2020/January 2021

December 16, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

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29

Three generations honoured by St John Three members of the Everiss family, spanning three generations, have been invested into the Order of St John – an honour that recognises exceptional service, rather than age or length of service.

The most recent was paramedic Andrew, whose investiture took place on November 28 at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland.

Andrew, who has served full time with St John for 18 years, was made a Member of the Order and was invested by the NZ St John Chancellor, John Whitehead.

He follows in the footsteps of his mother Barbara, who is an Officer of the Order, having served 51 years as a volunteer with St John on the Hibiscus Coast, and his grandmother Margaret Christie, who is a Member of the Order having served 30 years as a volunteer, prior to her retirement.

Barbara says it was an extremely proud day for the family and one that they will never forget.

“To have my mother, who is now 97, able to attend was exceptionally special.”

Barbara and her mother are long time Orewa residents and Andrew has lived on the Hibiscus Coast all his life, currently in Stanmore Bay.

Whangaparaoa Methodist Parish Christmas Services 2020 Christmas Eve Nativity Play, Thursday 24 December, 7.30pm at Red Beach Methodist Church,

by Rev. Hui Young Han Christmas Day Traditional Service, Friday 25 December, 10am at Manly Methodist Church,

by Rev. Hui Young Han Three generations of the Everiss family attended the St John investiture.

Are you following us on facebook and Instagram?

Hibiscus Coast Presbyterian Church 107 Centreway Rd, Orewa, Ph 09 426 4502

Christmas Services

We wish you and your family warmest blessings this Christmas. May joy, hope and love fill your hearts and the peace of Christ be with you 20 December 10am, Advent Service 4pm, Carols & Dessert Service 7pm, Wainui Settlers Church Carols 24 December 3pm, Christmas Eve Service 25 December 9.30am, Christmas Day Service You are warmly invited to celebrate the reason for the season with us

hibiscusmatters

localmattersnz

Hibiscus Coast Catholic Parish CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES St John’s Church, 180 Centreway Road, Orewa, St Francis’ Church 8 Motutapu Avenue, Manly

Christmas Eve: 5pm, Carol singing, 5.30pm, Family Vigil Mass St John’s, Orewa 11.15pm, Carol Singing St John’s, Orewa Midnight, Christmas Mass St John’s, Orewa

For more information, phone 426 5615

Red Beach Methodist Church – 76 Red Beach Road Manly Methodist Church – 945 Whangaparaoa Road

Anglican Church, Whangaparaoa

Christmas Services

December 18 7.30pm – Quiet Christmas Service December 20 4pm – Family Carols & Nativity with refreshments December 24 11pm – Midnight Mass December 25 8am – Holy Communion 10am – Family Communion

Come & worship

St Chad’s Orewa Sunday, 8am & 10am Wednesday, 9.30am Christ Church Waiwera 1st Sunday, 10am Holy Trinity, Silverdale 2nd & 4th Sunday, 9am For further information

Christmas Day: 8.30am, Family Mass St Francis, Manly

10am, Carol singing, 10.30am, Mass, St John’s, Orewa

Join us for services throughout the month:

ph 426 4952

3 Stanmore Bay Rd www.ststephenswgp.org.nz

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chadorewa@gmail.com www.hbcanglicanparish.nz

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

environment

Gardening with Dee Pignéguy mikedee@outlook.co.nz

Dirty books for summer

Hibiscus Coast Service Centre 2/23 David Sidwell Place, Whangaparaoa

• WOF • Wheel Alignment • Electronic Diagnostics • Full Service • Electrical Repairs • Lube Service • Shock Absorbers • Euro factory ECU Diagnostics • Brakes • Cam belts • Tyres • Battery Service and repairs to all makes and models

Notice to people with rain tanks On 1 March 2021, the amount private water carriers pay to fill up their tankers with water at our filling stations will increase.

There are no single solutions to mitigate against the unprecedented phenomena of climate change but a healthy soil that sequesters carbon, stores water, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions is of great importance.

Composting not only supercharges your soil while creating one of the most nutrient rich sources of fertilizers available, composting also allows you to close the loop in your consumption cycle.

Composting allows you to mimic the efficient way nature handles waste while converting your dirt into soil. Unless there are bacteria, fungi and a functioning food web to transform the nutrients artificial fertilizers are largely unused.

Building compost with food and carbon waste sources is really the only solution to add organic nitrogen and the nutrients to build urban garden soil.

Here are three books on the topic that I recommend you read over summer: For the Love of Soil, by Nicole Masters Not only a road map to healthy soil, this book has facts on soil infiltration rates and is also a fun read. “Our natural capacity to absorb water has dramatically decreased. Healthy soils can absorb over 250mm of rain in an hour,” the book reveals. “That’s nearly 10 times the infiltration rate I had been measuring around Auckland. Poor soil management is impacting on society on a massive scale.”

Nicole has tied together the soil health-plant health-animal health-human health connection with a combination of personal experience, good case studies and evidence-based science.

Dirt to Soil,by Gabe Brown Our lives depend on soil. Civilisation was made possible by agriculture developed over centuries. But today mainstream agriculture, dominated by monoculture, has become a most destructive industry. Gabe Brown shows the importance of soil biology and how integrated organic farming methods can save ecosystems while feeding the world.

If you have an interest in your health, then this book is an inspirational read.

Entangled Life: How Fungi Make our Worlds, Change our Minds and Shape our Futures, by Merlin Sheldrake Entangled Life is a journey into a world you never knew existed. It will give you a new understanding of how nearly all life relies in some way on fungi!

Current price: $1.386+GST per 1,000 litres New price: $3.90+GST per 1,000 litres

This means the cost to fill a tanker with 10,000 litres of water will rise by around $25, from $13.86 to $39.00 (+GST).

The new charge better reflects the cost of providing water at filling stations – a service which has been heavily subsidised for many years. It’s being applied after the summer peak to reduce pressure on rural and coastal communities, giving people time to learn about the change. This summer, we are opening three additional filling stations to help water carriers serve their customers in a timely manner.

www.watercare.co.nz

An Auckland Council Organisation

Garage Door Repair Man LTD Servicing Hibiscus Coast & Rodney Garage Doors for 25 years Fast professional Garage Door & Garage Door Opener Repair/Replacement

0800 63 63 48 10/22 Highgate Parkway, Silverdale

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environment

31

Store assists with rubbish reduction Some simple but effective ideas for reducing our environmental impact by recycling and reusing can be found at Whangaparaoa Community Recycling Centre’s new Eco Shop.

The little shop, in a converted shipping container, opened last month and the idea is to listen to customer feedback and add more products over time.

There is a refill station for Eco Store brand dishwashing and laundry liquids and multi-purpose cleaner, and a tag and test station so that electrical appliances can be checked before re-sale.

Locally sourced items include coats for toddlers made of wool blankets and plants from a supplier in Waiwera.

The Hibiscus Men’s Shed has built a recycling station that would be useful at home, and can be made to order.

Other useful products include rubber Safewaste

straps designed to stop the lids of wheelie bins from blowing open, or coming open when the bins fall over. When the bin is tipped into the recycling or rubbish truck, the weight allows it to open.

Buckets can be purchased for the home or workplace to fill with batteries of any size – including the small ones.

When the bucket is full, it can be taken back to the Recycling Centre and the batteries are recycled. The cost of the bucket – around $35 – covers the recycling cost.

The Eco Shop, at 637 Whangaparaoa Road is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am-2pm.

The recycling centre in Whangaparaoa now has a shop to help locals reduce, reuse and recycle. It is staffed by volunteers, including Sarah Williams.

Almost 3000 plastic bottle tops have been repurposed in an artwork that was completed recently at Orewa College. The work was made by 63 Year 8 students supported by teachers Sarah O’Donnell and Julie Gibson.

The image derives from a work by NZ artist Irina Velman, and was chosen because many of the students identify Rangitoto as their maunga (mountain). As well as tapping into creativity, construction skills and recycling, the work also involved maths in order to scale up the image. All students took part, whether sanding, priming, sketching, painting, designing, gluing or screwing the tops onto the board. Sarah says the students had huge support from the community when they needed more bottle tops. A company in Wellington even posted up a bagful of the tricky colours to get hold of – brown, orange and beige. Once a spot is found, the artwork will be displayed at the college in the New Year. The students are pictured with teachers Sarah, left, and Julie, right.

Last month, a group of volunteers once again scrambled through the bush to pick up rubbish that had been tossed into Alice Eaves Bush in Orewa.

These clean ups are needed on a regular basis.

Car parts, a huge pane of glass, pieces of metal, a supermarket trolley, six sacks full of bottles, plastic and milkshake containers and various other items were picked up and removed. On the first Saturday of the month members of this group gather to work in the bush. If you wish to join them, by all means contact Laurie Rands on 09 426 3122.

“Coming here is the best decision I ever made.” - Pat

The Oaks on Neville wish you a very Merry Christmas and Good Health for 2021 RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE AT ITS VERY BEST IN THE HEART OF WARKWORTH FOR MORE INFORMATION

Call Sylvie on 027 314 5767 or email sylvie.borrett@realliving.co.nz oaks.reception@realliving.co.nz The Oaks on Neville, 9 Queen St, Warkworth www.realliving.co.nz/warkworth

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DAY N E P O SDAY,

THUR Y 28 R JANUA pm -3 10am

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

health&family

Night Skies with James Smith, Hibiscus Coast Astronomical Society hibiscuscoastastronomy@gmail.com

Special Christmas star If you look up into the night sky during the Christmas period, you will see something rare – a special Christmas star.

To be fair, it is not really a star, but rather what astronomers call “a conjunction of planets”. This is when two planets are so close together in the sky that they appear to be a single bright star. The last time this conjunction happened was more than 800 years ago.

On December 21 (which is also our summer solstice) at around 9pm, if you look out towards the west, you will see this bright ‘star’ just above the horizon. This is the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn. This event will be visible from anywhere on the Earth, although the best views are near the equator.

Both planets will be viewable together through binoculars or a telescope. On the solstice night only, both planets and their moons will appear in the same highmagnification telescope’s frame.

Try not to miss it – this event won’t happen again for another few decades and it won’t be at Christmas time either. The two planets won’t be this close to each other again until March 15, 2080, and again sometime in the year 2400.

Some people have speculated that the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ was a special conjunction of three planets: Jupiter, Saturn and Mars. A triple conjunction is extremely rare to witness, and to most people of the time, they would have only seen and marvelled at a bright, new star shining in the heavens.

Also coming up in December is the Geminids meteor shower which peaked on December 13. This is usually a spectacular shower, with an estimated 150 meteors shooting through the sky every hour.

Meteors can be seen for a week or so on each side of the peak. The best time for viewing them would be in the early hours of the morning. While up at that time of the day, take a look at Venus which will be hanging around in the East at around 5am.

If you’re gifting a telescope or binoculars this holiday season, consider giving it in advance of this unique astronomical occasion.

With all the hubbub of the festive season, try and make the time to go out and marvel at the universe.

On behalf of the Hibiscus Coast Astronomical Society, I would like to wish you all a joyous festive season and a prosperous year to come.

Buck Shelford was made welcome by the North Shore RDA team.

Buck stops here – and so does Father Christmas North Shore Riding for the Disabled (RDA) welcomed two VIPs this month to its Stillwater base.

Former All Black and now Silverdale business owner Buck Shelford dropped in for a surprise visit on December 3, in his capacity as a member of the Northern Regional Grants Committee of The Lion Foundation.

He was there because North Shore RDA successfully applied to the Lion Foundation for a grant to enable the organisation to buy an Equissage Therapy System.

The system helps them keep their horses in peak condition and Buck wanted to see it in action. The team at North Shore RDA, pictured, were only too pleased to oblige. Equissage therapy is a way to deliver deep tissue

massage to horses via a wireless remote controlled pad.

Next up on the honoured guest list at RDA was Santa, who arrived on December 8 to hand out presents at the charity’s annual Rider Christmas Party.

The Christmas party was also attended

by Hibiscus & Bays Local Board chair Gary Brown and members Andy Dunn and Alexis Poppelbaum.

North Shore RDA president, Tim Lofts, says the Rider Party is a highlight for the group, which currently has around 80 riders.

“Thanks to our wonderful group of more than 60 volunteers and our sponsors, donors and funders who have kept us going during this Covidaffected year – we couldn’t deliver our riding services without them,” Tim says.

Retirement is having time TO ENJOY THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE

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65 Tauranga Place, Orewa 0931 M AY G R O V E V I L L A G E . C O . N Z | 0 9 4 2 7 0 0 9 0 Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

December 16, 2020 | Hibiscusmatters |

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33

Conservation volunteer home for Christmas It’s been a whirlwind of interviews and a big adjustment for Red Beach teenager Charlie Thomas, who returned last month from nine months of clean up work on a little Hawaiian atoll.

Not only did the teen emerge from a remote and Covid-19-free tropical island to a world of mask wearing, quarantine and nose swabs, but even electricity, Wifi and driving felt weird.

Although the adjustment was fairly rapid, and Charlie is enjoying sharing photos and stories online, social media was not missed.

“I realised how little I need all that,” Charlie says. “If the world lost Wifi right now, I would be totally fine – in fact, stoked.”

For nine months, Charlie’s companions on the atoll were three other volunteers, seabirds (mainly albatross), rare endangered species including Hawaiian monk seals and the Laysan teal duck, and cane spiders the size of a human hand.

The environment was a white coral beach, turquoise crystal clear lagoon and no trees, and it was “unbelievably hot” with 100 percent humidity.

Living was simple – home was a cabin with no power.

“I lived my life out of four five-gallon buckets and I was the happiest I’ve ever been,” Charlie says. “I now know that I can pack up a bag with some clothes and a few possessions and be totally

Clockwise from top, Charlie and co-worker Matt on Kure atoll. A black-footed albatross chick surrounded by plastic waste.

A curious Laysan albatross. Volunteers remove washed up debris, including fishing nets. Charlie painted this watercolour of a juvenile Laysan albatross.

happy with that. As long as you’re doing what you love and you’re having a positive impact, that’s all you need.”

There is no doubt that the team’s nine months on Kure had a positive impact. Their work included habitat restoration, removing invasive species, clearing up rubbish and monitoring wildlife.

Although it’s lovely to be home and

see family, friends and, “most of all, the dogs,” it’s a lifestyle that Charlie can’t wait to return to, and it wasn’t long before the next opportunity came along. On December 5 Charlie went to Great Mercury Island off the eastern Coromandel coast, to work with other volunteers on eradicating Argentine ants.

No doubt Charlie’s family is pleased

that the work on Great Mercury ends just in time for Christmas at home.

The 18-year-old is happy in the meantime to continue doing volunteer work while looking for a paid conservation job.

Charlie especially wishes to thank the local Rotarians and Lions who helped make the trip to Kure possible (HM February 5).

RODNEY SURGICAL YOUR LO CAL HO SPITAL

Locals are realising they can have day surgery done by Auckland’s top surgeons right here in Warkworth. No traffic or parking hassles, no need to spend hours in waiting rooms,and we provide the very best medical care.

Ask your GP if you can have it done locally or call Rodney Surgical direct.

Dulcie Baker Wellsford resident

John Beker Snells Beach resident

Dave Ryan Snells Beach resident

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

We are closed from Friday 5pm 18th December until 8am Tuesday 12th January 2021.

We look forward to seeing you in 2021

MODERN•PROFESSIONAL•LOCAL

www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz 09 425 1190

Joan Scandrett Warkworth resident

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Graham McRae Wellsford resident

Sue Monk Takatu resident

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

health&family

BAL ANCED ACUPUNCT URE WITH HENRI-NOEL VENTURINI

Youth Voice with Caitlin Watson caitewatson@gmail.com

20 lessons from 2020

ACUPUNCTURIST • TUINA MASSAGE • TAI CHI, QIGONG MARTIAL ARTS • HERBAL MEDICINE DOCTOR • NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTANT

Open: December 28, 29 & 30, re-opening Jan 11, 2021 Available Tuesday–Friday • Saturday by appointment Ph 0210 252 8882 • 1a/16 Florence Ave, Orewa henri@balancedenergy.co.nz • balancedenergy.co.nz

As we wrap up the year, it only feels natural to conclude with a reflection on 2020. The other day I attended a community meeting where we were asked about our aspirations for 2021. While the common response was “no more lockdowns”, I was struck by one particular aspiration. This was that we do not forget the lessons learnt from this year.

It is fair to say there have been lessons learned across the board. Whether it is politicians navigating unchartered territory of public health, businesses adapting to contactless service or handling day-to-day life wearing a claustrophobic face mask.

This got me thinking, what are the lessons of 2020 to carry forward into the New Year? Here is a starting list for 20 lessons from 2020: 1 We are human beings not human doings – 2020 gave a lot of us the opportunity to encounter new rhythms, slow down and identify with more than just what we do.

2 Love your local – this includes local beaches, businesses and people.

3 We are better together – we need to be placed in community to thrive.

4 Have an emergency toilet paper pack!

5 Freedom should not be taken for granted – let’s appreciate the peace and stability of our South Pacific nation.

6 Life is unpredictable – be flexible and adaptable but also demonstrate extra care, both to self and others during trying times.

7 Don’t take the simple things of life for granted such as handshakes and hugs.

8 Ramp up your resilience – safeguarding our mental health is paramount.

9 Look out for your neighbour – our society could benefit from a return to village style living and the organic connections that come at a neighbourhood level.

10 It is possible to have meetings in your pyjama pants and slippers - thanks Zoom!

I have purposefully left lessons 11-20 for you to contemplate and complete yourselves!

The Christmas and holiday period is an opportunity for reflection. It is very easy to get consumed by the culture of consumerism and busyness, but it is important to process the lessons of the year and step into a slower rhythm, embracing what really matters in life.

Furthermore, at this time of year, a special shout out is due to the locals who foot a decent power bill to give us the delight of Christmas lights, churches who put on carols and plays to remind us of the hope, peace and joy that comes with the Christmas season, and all the organisations that are preparing packs to ensure that those doing it tough this Christmas are well cared for.

We have a great community on the Coast, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a paper that commends and celebrates the great happenings and people in this place.

Merry Christmas Coasties, and all the very, very best for the New Year.

Plastic recycling upgrades

NOW OFFERING MOBILE SERVICE Whangaparaoa Vets now also offer a mobile service where an experienced Veterinarian and Veterinary Nurse come to see to your beloved pets' needs in your own home. They can also deliver food or medication and transport animals that need to come to the Clinic for surgery, Xrays, Scans, laboratory work or other procedures. NO CALL OUT FEE ON WEDNESDAYS.

TO BOOK PH 424 7752 OR EMAIL INFO@WVET.CO.NZ

Optical sorting equipment installed in Auckland Council’s Onehunga recycling facility recently will keep more plastic recycling in NZ instead of relying on international markets. The new equipment enables 99 percent of the 7700 tonnes of recyclable plastic that the facility processes each year to be correctly sorted and recycled – up to 35 percent in NZ and the rest overseas. It uses light technology to read a reflective signal from each object. This means material can be accurately identified and separated so that pure streams of each type can be recycled. Previously, plastic number 2 was going overseas and plastic number 5 has been sent to landfill since June. Both of these can now be used for a range of products, from flowerpots to culvert pipes. The new equipment will also result in a higher-quality product for use in NZ manufacturing. The upgrade is part of work with the manufacturing sector and other councils to improve recycling infrastructure nationwide.

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Remembrance trees dedicated to Orewa visionary The Hospice Christmas Trees of Remembrance at local shopping hubs have special significance this year.

As well as inviting shoppers to write on a cardboard ‘bauble’ in honour of a loved one who has died, every tree is a tribute to Orewa resident, artist and hospice visionary, Carolyn McCondach.

Carolyn died at hospice last October, leaving a legacy that permeates the local service.

The Light up a Life Christmas Tree Appeal was one of many campaigns Carolyn established to drum up awareness and support for hospice as it built its services in the Hibiscus Coast, North Shore and Warkworth/ Wellsford communities.

The Christmas campaign has endured for more than 30 years, along with the hospice shops, partnerships with community groups and the patient and family services that Carolyn helped set up as a trustee and fundraiser.

Her husband Stuart says Carolyn also hoped to establish a children’s hospice after their daughter Louise died of leukaemia in 1981, at the age of 14. At that time, Carolyn began investigating the concept of specialist palliative care for young patients.

When she came across a fledgling group in Takapuna called the North Shore Hospice Society, she quickly got involved and became chair.

It was the beginning of 25 years of

W M C

Carolyn McCondach was a hospice volunteer for 25 years.

dedicated service to hospice.

During her time with hospice, she overcame her nerves to speak to many community organisations and it was through one of those contacts that she launched the Light up a Life Christmas Tree Appeal. Carolyn’s daughter Fiona designed the two cards – a candle and a remembrance wreath – that donors hung on the trees for the next two decades.

Together with Elsie Tillett, she was also instrumental in starting the

hospice shops.

Wilf Marley, who is still on the Harbour Hospice Trust, was a great source of help and encouragement.

He visited Carolyn in hospital a few months ago and reminded her of their excitement when they raised their first $100,000. Today, Harbour Hospice raises over $4 million a year.

In 1991 she was awarded an MBE for services to the community.

She served on the hospice trust for

25 years and after retiring, turned her talents to being ‘Super Nana’, running events and creating artworks.

Hospice Trees of Remembrance can be found at: Farmers Silverdale (until Christmas Eve), New World Orewa and Whangaparaoa, Silverdale Mall (Dec 11-23). • There is also giftwrapping, in return for a donation to hospice – one in Silverdale Mall, and one in Silverdale Centre, opposite Pita Pit (December 12-24).

Whangaparaoa Medical Centre

Thank you to all our patients for the support and co-operation during this Covid-19 time. We would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a joyful and safe 2021. From your team at Whangaparaoa Medical Centre Christmas Hours: We are closed from 1pm December 24th until December 28th, 2020 (Open 29th, 30th and 31st December) and closed January 1st until January 4th, 2021.

Our hours for the holiday season are 8am to 5.30pm.

We will return to normal hours from January 5th, 2021.

16 Wade River Rd | Ph 424 8618 |

whangaparaoamedicalcentre.co.nz

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

health&family

Orewa has front row seat for rescue exercises Orewa residents were treated to some action-packed displays as crew of the Auckland Westpac Rescue Helicopter teamed up with Orewa Surf Lifesaving to perform a series of water rescue exercises on December 1.

Community interest started when the helicopter landed on Orewa Reserve in the morning. Bad weather in Muriwai meant that the training exercise was shifted to Orewa at short notice, and the helicopter crew had to obtain urgent approval from Auckland Council to land on the reserve.

The exercises included winching patients from the water up into the helicopter and advanced patient CPR on Orewa Reserve.

The helicopter, Westpac 1, is one of

Photo, Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

two Leonardo AW169s obtained from Italy last year thanks to the support of the Greater Auckland, Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel communities.

Local Whangaparaoa resident and Westpac Rescue crew chief Mark ‘Tinny’ Cannell says the training went very well but hopes such rescues won’t be needed as people get out and enjoy the summer.

Can you help Whangaparaoa Primary build its new hall?

Work began on the refurbishment of the hall at Whangaparaoa Primary last month.

Fundraising for the project is now at the stage where community donations are needed –the school is reaching out to local businesses, families and individuals to make up the shortfall required to complete the first phase of the refurbishment, the exterior. Of the $780,000 required, $650,000 has been raised so far. Despite still needing a further $130,000 to complete phase 1, there is enough money to get started and make full use of the school holiday period. Pictured supporting the contractors are Whangaparaoa School pupils, from left, Rylee Bacor, Eúan Lightfoot, Summer Hughes, Blake Richardson and Archie Kember.

Services: Homeopathy • Naturopathy • Intolerance testing • Acupuncture • Relationship counselling • Contact Care trauma release Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm (Opening Saturdays in 2021) 719 Whangaparaoa Road, Coast Plaza, (opp Post Office) TheFamilyCentreCoastPlaza thefamcentre@gmail.com

www.FamilyCentre.nz

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health&family

Blast from the Past with Susanne Wilson, Hibiscus Coast History on Facebook

Stanmore Bay was originally named Glanville’s Bay after the family who unsuccessfully attempted to farm the rugged terrain in the 1850s. The next chapter began when the Hill family emigrated to New Zealand in 1953, bought the land and renamed it Stanmore Bay. Property developers unsuccessfully attempted to rename the area Oyster Bay at the turn of the 20th Century. All that remains of this era is the small graveyard at the eastern end of the beach, containing five plots from the Harrison and Arkle families.

Bird survey looks good for natives

Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird recently completed their eighth annual bird survey in collaboration with Massey University and the results are looking promising for native species. The survey takes place across 17 sites on Whangaparaoa peninsula and around Orewa Estuary and involves volunteers carrying out five-minute bird counts. This year 30 volunteers took part and 60 percent more surveys were undertaken. Eight years of data will be published as a Masters thesis by student Hayden Pye early next year, but so far the results indicate an increase in the ratio of native and endemic species over introduced birds. Areas with lots of tree cover have more native species such as fantails, kingfishers and grey warblers. The range of rarer species is also increasing, with whiteheads continuing to be recorded outside Shakespear Open Sanctuary and several residents seeing bellbirds on the peninsula.

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Shorecare officially opened their new specialist wing, Korowai Ora, last month at their Smales Farm clinic. Local kaumātua, Reverend John Marsden CNZM blessed the new area and led the Shorecare team in a morning filled with waiata, kai, and whanaungatanga.

The new space will be used to provide a range of new services to the community, including a dedicated children’s clinic, complex wound clinic, point of care ultrasound, and minor surgery.

The name, Korowai Ora, which means cloak of wellbeing, was suggested by Reverend John Marsden. Each of the rooms in the new wing is named after a native bird, such as kereru and pūkeko, which come together to make up the cloak or korowai.

The children’s clinic or ‘KidsQ’ is a new service that is being delivered in the Korowai Ora wing. The KidsQ is being run daily between 6-10pm, with a dedicated doctor seeing children on an appointment basis.

This initiative was established to save parents from waiting for an extended time with unsettled, sick children. Sarah Peters, Nurse Manager, said that the KidsQ “has made a big difference, and is a much better experience for parents”.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

health&family

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Time to value nutrition I watched a fascinating Ted Talk video recently about the importance of sleep.

The presenter’s conclusion was that the biggest problem is not people’s lack of sleep, but simply that they don’t value sleep enough. The conclusion was if people valued sleep and made it a priority, positive action would stem from there.

The same question can be asked about nutrition and what we are choosing to eat. As a society, do we value the importance of good nutrition and the food choices we are making each day?

One thing that has become abundantly clear in 2020 is the importance of health and immunity. Nutrition plays such a key role in health. After all, you are eating 3-5 times per day; 21-35 times per week. The choices you make have a big impact on how you look, how you feel and the strength of your immune system.

As a nutritionist, I value the power of food because in the past 10 years I’ve seen the health improvements that can come when people change how they eat.

My clients have been able to improve inflammatory skin conditions, reduce levels of cholesterol and inflammation and come off blood pressure medication.

I have worked with type one and type two diabetics who have been able to drastically reduce their levels of medication.

People tell me that when they make better food choices they feel less bloated, have much more energy and feel so much more positive about life.

What is a good food choice? Real food. Eat as much fresh food as you possibly can, instead of packaged and processed food. Meals should be balanced, with portions of protein, healthy fat and carbohydrate included in every meal.

Of equal importance is how you eat. For optimal digestion, leave at least four hours between meals, so your body can fully process the meal and have the chance to rest and cleanse before the digestion process starts again. If you are trying to lose weight, allow yourself to get a little hungry between meals and avoid snacks. Don’t eat too quickly and try not to eat dinner too late. Ideally you should leave at least three hours between eating your last meal and going to bed. These simple tips will add up to make a big difference. All great results come from consistent action.

The great thing about a New Year is that it brings the opportunity for a fresh start. Forget what you did yesterday, last month or during lockdown. All that matters is what you do today. You can’t change yesterday, but you can focus on making great food choices today, so you wake up feeling better tomorrow and start your path towards improved health and vitality.

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Bringing laughs to Orewa

Floral artistry goes on display Some spectacular floral art pieces, some several metres high, went on display in Orewa recently.

The Auckland Area Designer of the Year competition, which was themed Coastal Capers, was hosted at the Orewa Baptist Church by the Hibiscus Coast Floral Art Club on December 1 and 2.

Floral artists came from around Auckland to take part and there were plenty of interested spectators through the doors when the displays opened to the public on the second day.

One of the Hibiscus Coast club’s members, Orewa gardener Angie Ng, won the Junior Award as well as the Colour Award – Angie was particularly pleased as it is the first time she has entered the competition.

Second in the Junior section was another member of the local club, Judy Gardner.

Hibiscus Coast Floral Art Club vice president, Gill Watt, says the ‘Junior’

Angie Ng of Orewa won the Junior award and Colour award for her entry, above.

category is not about age, but about whether or not you have won a Junior award previously.

The Auckland Designer of the Year title went to Lynne Causer of the Warkworth Floral Art Club.

A chance meeting on Orewa Beach has brought regular comedy nights to Orewa.

During the second lockdown, comedian Nick Rado and retired businessman Ross Chandler both went for a run on Orewa Beach and met while stretching on the same bench.

“From a 2m plus safe distance, we had a chat, stretched, then decided to have a run together,” Ross says.

Nick’s comedy CV includes writing more than 250 episodes of the TV programme 7 Days, as well as numerous awards including Best Male Comedian and Best Stand Up. He was supposed to be touring Australia, but ended up in Orewa for lockdown, while Covid-19 prevented Orewa resident Ross from taking a planned trip to Europe.

Both men were looking for a local project, and came up with the idea of producing a local comedy showcase “to give everyone something to laugh about after lockdown”.

Nick has great contacts among local comedians, and Ross enjoys organising events.

The result has been three sell-out comedy nights at Downbeat, with monthly shows planned for next year.

“Everyone wants a laugh right now, and we are pleased to be able to provide it,” Ross says.

From top, Nick Rado – live on stage and Ross Chandler

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

localsport

The start of the mixed surf race at Red Beach Surf Club’s first Candy Stripes Eliminator in 2016. The Eliminator returns as part of the Owen Chapman Cup next month for the first time since 2017. Photo, Ross Malyon

Carnival a summer highlight The Owen Chapman Cup surf carnival has been a feature of summer at Red Beach Surf Club for 65 years.

More than 300 surf lifesavers from the Northern and Bay of Plenty regions, along with competitors from clubs further south, are expected to take part in the event on Saturday, January 16.

For spectators, it’s a chance to see many of the country’s top competitors in action for a full day of competition in the water and on the sand.

The carnival will also see the return of

Local Year 5 and 6 students put 100 percent effort into long jump, high jump, relays and other athletics disciplines at a recent Interschool competition in Millwater.

Athletics day the winner

Students from eight local primary schools ran, threw and jumped in the Athletics Interschool champs, held on December 1 in Millwater.

The event was run by the Hibiscus Coast Athletics Club and appeared to be hitting the mark of combining fun and sporting achievement.

Organiser David Kayes says the enthusiasm was great to see, and there are some very talented young competitors.

Top prize overall for Year 5 was won

by Kingsway, and Silverdale took the overall trophy for Year 6.

Zach Hamilton from Kingsway won the discus with an Interschool record of 24.42m, and he was also second in shot put and high jump.

Emma Chambers from Silverdale School also stood out, winning the long jump, 80m and 800m and coming second in high jump, while another Silverdale student, Michelle Catterall, won the shot put and long jump as well as coming third in the 80m.

ve a h ou y e p o We h Merr y a safe & s from Chris tma Wed

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the Candy Stripes Eliminator event in which contestants compete against the clock in a series of surf competition disciplines. (Candy Stripes refers to the red and white colours in the ‘ladder’ of the club’s competition caps).

The Owen Chapman carnival ushers in the business end of the season as athletes begin the countdown to the Eastern Region, Northern Region and NZ Championships. The Owen Chapman Cup provides them with opportunities to assess their chances of success at these major events.

Hells Angels’ play Santa

A large group of Hells Angels and Nomads were expected to gather on their motorbikes at the Wade Tavern in Silverdale last weekend, December 12, to collect toys donated by the community and deliver them to Love Soup’s warehouse in Redvale. Everyone who donated toys was invited to join the ride down the highway.

Santa will give out the toys at Love Soup’s free Christmas meal on December 20.

Photos of the event will be posted on Hibiscus Matters’ Facebook page.

THE

Auckland Area Watch Hibiscus Matters Seawatch – TheSea Flooring People Sat

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2:55am 0.3 3:45am 0.3 4:33am 0.4 5:21am 0.5 12:13am 3.1 1:01am 3.0 1:50am 2.9 2:41am 2.8 3:35am 2.7 4:32am 2.7 5:28am 2.7 6:21am 2.8 12:40am 0.9 1:25am 0.8 2:07am 0.7 2:49am 0.7 3:29am 0.6 9:24am 3.5 10:14am 3.5 11:04am 3.4 11:53am 3.3 6:08am 0.6 6:57am 0.8 7:49am 0.9 8:44am 1.0 9:43am 1.1 10:39am 1.1 11:32am 1.1 12:20pm 1.1 7:09am 2.8 7:53am 2.9 8:34am 3.0 9:15am 3.1 9:55am 3.2

Tide 3:21pm 0.4 4:13pm 0.5 5:04pm 0.5 5:55pm 0.6 12:42pm 3.2 1:31pm 3.1 2:21pm 3.0 3:12pm 2.9 4:03pm 2.8 4:54pm 2.8 5:44pm 2.8 6:33pm 2.8 1:05pm 1.0 1:48pm 1.0 2:29pm 0.9 3:12pm 0.8 3:55pm 0.8 7:20pm 2.8 8:06pm 2.9 8:50pm 2.9 9:33pm 3.0 10:17pm 3.0 6:45pm 0.7 7:36pm 0.8 8:26pm 0.9 9:18pm 0.9 10:10pm 1.0 11:02pm 1.0 11:52pm 0.9 Times 9:43pm 3.3 10:35pm 3.3 11:25pm 3.2 5:57am 8:36pm

Sun Fishing Guide Moon

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First Full Quarter Moon Rise 7:00am Rise 8:04am Rise 9:09am Rise 10:14am Set 12:30am Set 1:01am Set 1:29am Set 1:54am Set 2:19am Set 2:44am Set 3:11am Set 3:41am Set 4:15am Set 4:55am Set 5:41am Set 6:34am Set 7:34am Set 10:15pm Set 11:08pm Set 11:53pm Rise 11:18am Rise 12:18pm Rise 1:16pm Rise 2:12pm Rise 3:08pm Rise 4:05pm Rise 5:02pm Rise 6:01pm Rise 7:00pm Rise 7:59pm Rise 8:55pm Rise 9:47pm Rise 10:33pm *Not for navigational purposes.

G

Good Fishing

F

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B

Not So Good

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The idea for a match was struck at a community engagement day. Pictured, the NX2 side.

Motorway crew vs Puhoi SC The NX2 motorway crew swapped their work boots for footie boots last month for an invitational match with Puhoi Soccer Club.

Noticing that a high number of Spanish staff with a well-known love of football were working on the project, the Puhoi club recognised the opportunity for a competitive match.

The NX2 Group is a joint venture between Fletcher Construction and Spanish construction firm Acciona Infrastructure which has brought expats in for the project.

The NX2 team was made up of engineers, surveyors, environmental advisors and interns while Puhoi sourced players across different division teams in the club.

NX2 team captain and pavements

section manager Jordan Watson said it was a close match with both sides taking the game seriously.

NX2 scored the first goal with a header at close range. Puhoi quickly evened things out with a converted penalty.

Some fancy footwork saw NX2 score their second goal, however Puhoi squeezed in an equaliser with 10 minutes to go.

“Perhaps taking advantage of some tired legs or perhaps channelling the energy of the late Diego Maradona, a wonderful through ball resulted in a chance for NX2 that just had to be taken. And, it was, for a final score of 3 – 2 to NX2,” Watson says.

He says both teams are looking forward to meeting on the pitch again next year.

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| Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020

localsport

Kite sails scaring dotterels off nests Kite surfers appear like birds of prey swooping down, to the little dotterels that nest on local beaches.

In response, the birds run away from their nests to distract the predator – this can lead to egg failure and less chicks to bolster the population of this endangered species.

It’s not a new problem, as great kiting conditions often coincide with the dotterels’ breeding season. However, Auckland Council’s senior ranger open sanctuaries, Matt Maitland, says the growth of the sport has made things worse this spring at Te Haruhi Bay in Shakespear Regional Park.

“Native birds are hard-wired to look for predators in the sky, particularly on a beach or dune system with little cover,” Matt says. “The sails of kite surfers have an effect like dogs running free – scaring the birds off their nests repeatedly.”

He says this is not only stressful and energy sapping for the birds, but once the parent is off the nest, eggs are exposed to cooling, or heating from the sun, either of which can kill the unborn chicks.

“Winds have been ideal this season at Te Haruhi Bay and we get dozens of kite surfers on a good day,” Matt says.

“It’s one of the core issues at the open sanctuary – trying to integrate a busy recreational space, working farm and pest free sanctuary.”

The birds can be disturbed as the kite surfers take their gear down to the

Dotterels at Te Haruhi Bay. Photo, Stephen Parker

sea, passing close to fenced off nesting areas. The most impact is at high tide, when the kite sailors are much closer to the birds.

“We want the public to enjoy their sport, but ask that they respect the environment too. Perhaps choose lower tide or, once in the water, go further offshore and give the birds some space. That also provides space

for other people, such as swimmers.”

Despite this issue, Matt says Shakespear is an “engine room for dotterel recovery” and, together with Tawharanui Open Sanctuary contributes around half of the regional increase in dotterel population. This year there are five chicks at Shakespear.

“Hopefully they fledge before it gets too busy,” Matt says.

Hihi (stitchbirds) released at Shakespear Open Sanctuary five months ago settled in well, with two clutches of eggs already hatched. The chicks – four females and one male – were banded. A total of 40 hihi were released in July. They are categorised as ‘threatened, nationally vulnerable’ by the Department of Conservation and are the fifth bird species to be reintroduced into the sanctuary.

Photo, M Johnston/SOSSI

Fast basketball

A focus on growing junior numbers in the local basketball club is behind a new event to be held at Silverdale School this weekend. It follows another new event, the Basketball Battle, at the Stanmore Bay Pool & Leisure Centre last weekend. Incoming chair of the Hibiscus Coast Basketball Association, Brett Forsyth, says the 3 x 3 format of the games on Sunday, December 20 at Silverdale School will be very spectatorfriendly and any supporters, family and friends are welcome to attend. The games, for children aged 10-16 years, are fast-paced, because it’s teams of three playing on half-courts. Divisions include Boys Elite, Boys Development and a Girls Only league. “Three x three gives all players huge involvement in the game and is played in a sociable, fun format,” Brett says. “We want to encourage local kids to get involved in this fast growing sport.” He says six courts will be full, from the time the first games start at 9am. Games for the U14 and U16 players start at 1pm.

Info: hibiscuscoast.basketball

Kids love tag

Each Friday night close to 900 young players converge on Hibiscus Coast Raiders’ grounds in Stanmore Bay for the club’s summer Kiwi Tag module.

It amounts to 75 teams taking part across nine different junior grades.

Hibiscus Coast Kiwi Tag coordinator Kirsti Brown says following Covid-19 disruptions to the season, is great to see such good numbers at the module.

She says not only has it encouraged kids to get active, but it has also helped provide opportunities for referees.

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6-8 Arklow Lane, Stanmore Bay Tel: (09) 428 3802 | Mob: 027 506 0400 Email: rustrepairsnz@gmail.com | Website: www.rustrepairs.co.nz

Come and see Cecily and her team for friendly advice on 1000’s of tiles.

09 424 1214 ▪ 663 Whangaparaoa Rd

Silverdale Computer Support Services At a fair price, with a personal touch Servicing the Hibiscus Coast.

We cater primarily for the 55+ age group and assist small business owners.

APPLE MAC & WINDOWS SUPPORT AT YOUR PREMISES

One-on-one tutoring – discounts available 32 Seamount Dr, Red Beach | Ph 09 427 8980 M: 022 543 2154 | E: daniel@silvercomp.co.nz

Embroidery

Corporate Apparel

Screen Printing

�

Promotional Products

SCR

FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING AND CARPENTRY NEEDS Decks • Bathrooms • Pergolas • Doors • Renovations • Fencing Gates • Maintenance • Gib fitter • Plastering • Painting • Kitchens CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE Graham Harfield | Phone 09 428 4770 | 027 428 4770 Email: graham@top2bottom.co.nz | www.top2bottom.co.nz

Roof Maintenance

Understanding roofs since 1976

SERVICES: Moss, Algae, Chemical Cleaning • Waterblasting • Repairs • Coatings – 10 year Guarantee • Housewashing • Spouting/Gutter Cleaning ROOF TYPES: Cocrete Tiles • Stone Chip Tiles • Clay Tiles • Iron Roofing

PHONE 0800 12 11 11

Certified plumber & gasfitter

Ph Shaun 021 460 487 COMMUNITY NOTICES A TALK “THE HIDDEN SIGNIFICANCE OF CHRISTMAS” at the Theosophical Society on Sunday 6th December at 2pm. A suggested donation of $5 incl tea and cake. 9E Forest Glen, off Puriri Ave. Orewa. All welcome ph 427 0149.

ARGENTINE TANGO, the social dance version of tango. Beginner classes start 31 August in Whangaparāoa. Info: email HibiscusTango@gmail.com

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU service is shutting down for Christmas at 12noon on Wed, 23 December and resumes at 9am on Wed, 13 January. In between though, we’ll be available between 29 Dec - 8 Jan from 10am to 1pm on the non-stat holiday days. Email reception. hibiscuscoast@cab.org.nz.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD CAR OR BOAT BATTERIES sitting in your garage, that you no longer want? Ōrewa Lions collect all old batteries.

ALL money received goes to the Child

027 428 4770

windowdoorrepairs.co.nz

repairs@windowdoorrepairs.co.nz

Advertise your business here for only $66+gst per insertion.

Mobility Foundation. Ph Laurie 426 3122 or Frank 021 761 161.

FREE SUMMER BEACH YOGA, 9am10am at Stanmore Park/Beach. Suitable for all levels and newcomers welcome.

Bring a yoga mat or beach towel and water bottle. Meet on the grass to the right of the playground - look for the flags. Every Saturday until March 27.

HIBISCUS COAST WRITERS CLUB for those that love writing, from hobby writer to published - regular workshops

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• Window handles • Window stay/hinges • Window restrictors • Window rubber seals • Door handles • Door hinges • Door rubber seals • Bi-fold door wheels • Ranch slider door wheels • Ranch slider lockable handle • Bi-fold door security handle • Security window stays • Window security locks • Rotten frame repairs

with optional competitions. Second Saturday each month at Pohutakawa Room, Whangaporaoa Library 1pm3pm Contact: Dorothy 029 777 1036; Marilyn 021 936 860.

REBUS CLUB OF GULF HARBOUR meets 2nd Wednesday of each month at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, 9.30am until midday. Excellent speakers and trips to places of interest for active Retirees, both men and women. Come and check out this friendly Club. Call 0274 739 787 or visit www.rebus-gulfharbour.nz

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Classifiedadvertising HOME & MAINTENANCE

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

ALARMS SECURITY AND FIRE, MONITORING, CCTV, servicing & installation, all brands 027 553 3032 www.tdssecurity.co.nz

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

BUILDER SEMI RETIRED – for all those small building jobs. Good rates. Ph/txt Rob 021 167 2155 or 09 426 2960.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE

New gardens, clean ups. Specialising in maintenance & improvement.

Phone Dave 021 950 154 HANDYMAN AVAILABLE for all those odd jobs. Ph Nev 021 399 226 @ Nev’s Odd Jobs. Great rates. Local & reliable.

KIWI ROOTS PALM & TREE MAINTENANCE, REMOVAL and hedge work. Free quotes. Phone 020 4027 6200. www.kiwiroots.co.nz A PUMP DOCTOR will keep you pumping. Ph 0274 430 654.

ARKLES BAY PAINTERS/ DECORATORS In the area for the area.

Ph Shane 021 0813 8481.

TRADESMAN PAINTER (20yrs) serving the Hibiscus Coast. New or Repaint, interior & exterior no job too small. Free competitive quotes Wayne 0274 329 397 PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps.

Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253.

WATERBLASTING & CHEMICAL HOUSE WASHING. Careful service, reasonable rates. Ph 426 2253.

WATER FILTERS - Underbench, Whole house, UV & water spotting, Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 027 478 7427 steve@aquafilter.co.nz

SERVICES BABYSITTING – Call Tayla 021 1804 754.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SITUATIONS VACANT

PUBLIC NOTICES

BARBER WANTED, Orewa. Ph Craig 021 960 793.

ESTUARY ARTS CHARITABLE TRUST is seeking an experienced education coordinator to work in our dynamic team starting mid-January 2021. Applicant must have strong IT, organisational skills, marketing experience and an education background. Email manager@estuaryarts.org for a detailed job description. Closing date 28 Dec.

HIBISCUS COAST FOREST AND BIRD Annual General Meeting, 7pm on 3rd March 2021 at The Estuary Arts Centre, Orewa. All Welcome. The meeting will be followed by a presentation from Ben Paris an expert on bats and their habitat.

DVDS & VIDEOS

FINGERNAILS & TOENAILS CUT & FILED – $30pp/$50 for 2pp. I come to you. Ph 424 0676/027 271 6676.

VIDEOS TRANSFERRED to DVD/hard drive. Phone Te Totara Video 09 422 5710 or 021 777 385.

WANTED TO BUY

WORK WANTED

TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

CARPENTER AVAIL all types of work.

Ph Thomas 027 479 5506

DINING OUT

WANTED TO RENT

FRESH SNAPPER CHIPS N SALAD, lambs fry n bacon, scallop salad, portabello mushrooms n toast.

Wed-Sun, Walnut Cafe ph 427 5570.

ROOM WANTED ASAP, Ph Craig 021 960 793

TRANSPORT

FULLY FURNISHED ROOM – Stanmore Bay. Only need to supply towels & sheets. $270/week. Incl power, gas, water, internet & Sky. Move in cost – 2 wks bond ($540) 1 wk rent in advance, to pd weekly. Wld suit prof. or student. Not suitable for couples. Wld like someone who is tidy, clean, respectful & pays rent on time. Great location & only 9 min walk to Beach. Ph. 021 116 5995.

EXHIBITION ART EXHIBITION & SALE Enjoy Neville Bradley’s Gallery 69 The Esplanade or 41 Laurence St Manly, Whangaparaoa Monday 28th December

TO RENT

The Hibiscus Matters is subject to the principles of the New Zealand Media Council. Please contact us if you have any concerns about any editorial content published in this paper. If we are unable to address your concerns to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the NZ Media Council. PO Box 10 879, Wellington 6143 or presscouncil.org.nz

SPORTS NOTICES HIBISCUS COAST SOFTBALL is looking for new players of all ages, from under 5’s to senior grades. Registrations open now for 2020/2021 Season runs through to March. To register visit hbcsoftball.org.nz hbcsoftballclub SILVERDALE TENNIS CLUB is looking for new members. All ages and abilities welcome. Wednesday 9.30am social doubles and morning tea, twilight session on Wednesday evenings 6.30pm, and Sunday Senior tennis at 10.30am. Info: phone Linda 427 8209.

20/21 SUMMER LAWN BOWLING SEASON is now underway at the Manly Lawn Bowling Club, 54 Laurence St, Manly. New members welcome, join this enterprising and friendly club.

Offering a Top Grade Grass Green and two Carpet Greens, all ages welcome.

Info: www.manlybowlingclub.co.nz

Sudoku 8 2 6 7 1 9 5 3 4

1 5 9 3 6 4 7 8 2

7 3 4 5 2 8 6 9 1

4 1 5 8 3 7 2 6 9

6 9 8 2 4 5 1 7 3

3 7 2 1 9 6 4 5 8

T H E S O L U T

9 6 3 4 5 1 8 2 7

5 8 1 9 7 2 3 4 6

I O N

2 4 7 6 8 3 9 1 5

For Brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails and coffees.

Wed-Fri 11.30am-late Sat 9.30am-late Sun 9.30am-5pm See our website for Summer opening hours

Gift vouchers available

09 777 6006 or 022 673 9388 316 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa

kawaubaykitchen@outlook.com www.kawaubaykitchen.nz Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

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Advertisment

December 2020 18-21 Orewa Sea Scouts’ Christmas display, Sea Scouts Hall,

Arundel Reserve, 467 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa, 4pm9.30pm. Entry by donation. All welcome. (see story p15)

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New Year’s Eve with Midnite Special and Kevin Greaves, Dairy Flat Hall, Postman Road, Dairy Flat, 8pm to 2021.

Entry $20. All welcome.

20

Love Soup free Christmas meal, Whangaparaoa Community Hall, starts 5pm. Full feast, Santa and Kareoke. Takeaway meals also available. All welcome. (see story p5)

24

Christmas Eve Service, 6pm, Salvation Army Hibiscus Coast, 36-38 Greenview Lane, Red Beach.

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Free Christmas lunch, Orewa Community Centre, 368 Hibiscus Coast Highway, starts 11.30am. Feast with all the trimmings. All welcome (see story p5)

January 2021 13 Launch of The Awesome Superheroes – The Bank Robbery

by Laetitia Tan, Orewa Library, 12 Moana Ave, Orewa, 11am. Laetitia has Down Syndrome and triumphed over difficulties to write this book (HM December 2). Inspiring others to open up to opportunities, adventures and achievements.

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The 65th Owen Chapman Cup surf carnival, Red Beach, starts 8.30 am. Many of NZ’s top surf athletes in action. Full programme of competition and the return of the Candy Stripes Eliminator event. (see story p40)

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The Big Dig, Orewa Beach and reserve adjacent to Orewa Surf Club. Registration starts 9.30am. Digging commences: 5 years and under 11am, Over 5 years, 11.15am. Beach games, quick fire raffles and displays until 1pm. (see story p18)

29 & 30 Rodders Beach Festival, Orewa. The famous Rodders

weekend hot rod showcase, raising funds for Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre. (see story p17)

Hibiscus Matters wishes all our readers, columnists, advertisers & delivery people a safe & enjoyable Christmas. This is the final issue of the paper for the year. Our first issue next Year will be FEBRUARY 3, 2021. Our office will close at 5pm on Friday, December 18 & re-open on Wednesday, January 13 at 8.30am.

Pharmacy Talk with Tania Adams

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Managing Stress This year I will certainly be celebrating the coming of the New Year with more gusto than usual. Our team of 5 million has hung in there and done it tough. Whilst we are certainly in a better position than almost anywhere in the world, the stress is starting to show on even the most resilient of individuals. Stress management is more important now than ever.

Everyone responds differently, so try these tips for mental health well being to find out what combination of tools work best for you: Exercise - studies show that regular aerobic exercise helps to improve stress. Almost any type of exercise will help. Even a simple 20-minute stroll can clear the mind and reduce stress.

Think Outside Yourself - giving to others by providing emotional support, giving out compliments or sharing a skill can go a long way to uplifting your spirits. Connecting with others is important for our wellbeing.

Keep up your Nutrients - Prolonged stress increases the metabolic needs of the body and can cause an increase in the use of many nutrients. A healthy diet full of fruit and vegetables, fibre, fatty fish (omega 3s), adequate protein, amongst others will help keep your body from becoming deficient. A good quality multivitamin can also be beneficial.

Take Notice - the world is a beautiful place. Be sure to watch the sun set, those waves roll in, breathe in that fresh air. Mindfulness has been shown to decrease levels of emotional exhaustion, stress, depression and anxiety as well as increase the quality of sleep.

Develop a Routine - Try to go to sleep, wake up and eat, at regular times. Routines sound dull, but they are good for our mental health.

Try Natural Remedies - there are many natural health remedies advertising that they help with stress, anxiety or depression. But do they? Yes, some can certainly help. For example, B vitamins are integral to the health and functioning of the nervous system and magnesium deficiencies have been associated with increased anxiety. Clinical trials indicate St John’s wort may be beneficial for depression. Studies on kava indicate it may reduce anxiety. As many remedies interact with medications and conditions, please come and speak to our naturopath or pharmacist about what might help you with your specific problem.

In any case say goodbye to 2020! And if you do need help, check in with us at the pharmacy or with your doctor. We are here to help you.

53B Rawhiti Road, Manly Village Whangaparaoa Ph (09) 424 7708 Fax (09) 424 7427 www.unichemmanly.co.nz

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Manly Pharmacy

Your local health professional

2 | Hibiscusmatters | December 16, 2020 48

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