Hibiscus Matters_ Issue 299_21 April 2021

April 21, 2021 Welcome Home Property Guide pages 17-24

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As the sun rises, a boat sinks off Little Manly Beach. The launch, Dorina, was anchored off Little Manly at Easter. No one returned for it and nearby residents alerted the Harbourmaster on April 8, afraid it might break up in a coming storm. The storm of April 10 did indeed leave the boat half-sunk. Harbourmaster Captain Andrew Hayton has declared Dorina a wreck and given the owner until April 20 to remove it. “Where a channel is not being obstructed, we do not rush in and use several thousand dollars of ratepayers’ money to raise the wreck until the owner has had a chance to deal with it themselves,” he says. Photo, Andrew Peddie

Penlink costs and timing questioned Construction of the Penlink road and bridge link between Whangaparāoa Peninsula and Redvale is due to start towards the end of this year, however questions are being asked around the timeline, which appears to have fallen behind projections, and the cost – with Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency currently having a close look at all its Auckland NZ Upgrade projects.

Whether or not there is enough money to provide a bus service along the route is also in doubt, together with uncertainty about whether two lanes, or four, will be built.

The project is in the hands of Waka Kotahi after the Government included $411m for it in its NZ Upgrade programme.

Waka Kotahi has provided regular

updates to the public since last July, but nothing went out between December and the latest update, at the start of this month. Although the transport agency says its newsletters go out “when there is an update to share, not on a set frequency”, it seems that plenty has been happening behind the scenes.

Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell said a red flag went up for him at a

select committee meeting in February when Waka Kotahi transport services general manager, Brett Gliddon, said the timeline for constructing Penlink “will be subject to funding and confirmation of the full programme”.

There were further statements in that meeting that all NZ Upgrade projects were being reassessed “to ensure the costings are robust, and the projects continued p3

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April 21, 2021 – Issue 299 Hibiscus Matters: 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa, 0931 General enquiries ph 427 8188 Hibiscusmatters Localmattersnz

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The proposed route of the new road linking Pine Valley Road to Milldale.

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New four-lane road for Milldale raises concerns Plans to build a four-lane access road from the Silverdale motorway interchange into the new Milldale development, via Dairy Flat Highway and Pine Valley Road, are causing safety and access concerns for local landowners.

Auckland Transport has served two notices of requirement on Auckland Council to upgrade Dairy Flat Highway and the Pine Valley Road intersection, as well as building a new section of road from approximately 250 metres down Pine Valley Road north across farmland to link more directly with Milldale, via a new roundabout that has already been built 150 metres along Old Pine Valley Road.

This would mean that around 200 metres of Pine Valley Road that curves northwest to the recently built temporary mini-roundabout at the junction with Old Pine Valley Road would be decommissioned and closed.

Last month’s Rodney Local Board meeting heard that three landowners most affected by the proposals had submitted a number of concerns, mainly about reduced or potentially hazardous access to their homes and

land, but also around construction nuisance such as noise, vibration and dust, and the fact that a number of mature trees, including two totaras grown from seed and planted by one Dairy Flat Highway resident’s father more than 80 years ago, would be felled.

Local Board members voted to ask that safety concerns raised by residents be considered, that safe access for all vehicles, including horse floats and cattle trucks, be included in the final construction design, and that felling of the 80-year-old totara trees should be avoided “where possible”. They also expressed concern over a lack of walking and cycling provision in the widening and upgrading of Dairy Flat Highway.

The notice of requirement applications were “limited notified”, meaning that only adjoining landowners were consulted about the proposals late last year. A panel of independent commissioners will hear submissions and issue a recommendation to Auckland Transport.

A Milldale representative was contacted for comment but did not respond by the paper’s deadline.

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Penlink questions ... capable of being executed”.

Last week Transport Minister Michael Wood told Hibiscus Matters that the projects are being reassessed, but that the Government’s commitment to build Penlink is “rock solid”.

“When the NZ Upgrade programme was initiated, some projects were still in the early stages of development,” Minister Wood says. “Following significant work, Waka Kotahi is now completing a baseline exercise to provide certainty around the scope, cost and schedule of each project, including Penlink. We’re also undertaking updated traffic modelling and an in-depth technical assessment to inform the final design and identify the best approach to the potential expansion to four lanes in future. I expect to receive updated advice soon.”

Mr Mitchell says Penlink shouldn’t even be part of this process.

“Penlink was not at an early stage of development,” he says. “They have committed to a start date and funding is allocated. Why reinvent the wheel?”

The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board recently received a confidential update from Waka Kotahi. Local board member and Penlink Now advocate, Janet Fitzgerald, says it left her confident Penlink is definitely going ahead, although it is possible the start of the build may cross over into the

contined from page 1

beginning of next year.

This month, two construction candidates were shortlisted and must set out how they would deliver the project and what it will cost. A successful bidder will then be chosen.

That process is expected to take up to six months – until around October.

A timeline on Waka Kotahi’s website shows a contract awarded mid-year.

Labour list MP based in Rodney, Marja Lubeck, shares Mrs Fitzgerald’s certainty that Penlink is “all go”, and has her fingers crossed for construction to start this year.

“Even if there are slight delays with Covid, the main thing is that it is fully funded,” she says. “I have kept a close eye on making sure that commitment remains. What makes people nervous is that it has been promised for decades.

But earlier promises were unfunded and this time there is $411m in place that makes all the difference.

It is an eye opener to see the complexity of these big projects. So many things need to happen before a spade can go into the ground. That work is well underway.”

Two lanes or four?

The local board, Penlink Now and Marja Lubeck are among those pushing for a 4-lane road and bridge.

Two lanes include provision for separated walking and cycling but four

would also provide a dedicated bus lane, speeding up travel times.

However, Mrs Fitzgerald says Waka Kotahi’s brief to construction companies is for two lanes, future-proofed for four, even though earlier projections showed four lanes could be achieved within the $411m funding envelope.

“Post-Covid, construction costs have soared. But if Waka Kotahi’s investigations prove that four lanes is the best option, they could go to the Minister for more money,” she says.

Minister Wood says any expansion to four lanes should be about public transport, and this is what he asked officials to look at. No decision has yet been made either way.

Buses are key to Government’s support of Penlink. In 2018, Auckland Transport (AT) forecast that peak demand for commuter bus services on the peninsula would double with Penlink and Waka Kotahi says improved public transport services are a big factor in the project’s favour.

However, that bus service could be in doubt.

The Regional Land Transport Plan 2021-31, released in March, is prepared

by AT and Auckland Council and outlines the intended programme of transport works. It states that there will need to be a significant funding increase – estimated at $500m over 10

years – to deliver some services. Bus services at risk include the ones via Penlink.

Environmental impacts a key concern

Building Penlink will have a major impact on the environment, including on the sedimentation of the Weiti River, and native bush and wildlife. A green forest gecko – a species that is fully protected – has been found on the Stillwater side of the route. Last September, meetings began between Waka Kotahi and environmental groups including Hibiscus Coast Forest & Bird and Friends of Okura Bush. Forest & Bird’s Pauline Smith says that Waka Kotahi is seeking an environmental award for Penlink. There is a proposal to use an Australian environmental rating system for the project, which Waka Kotahi believes will help “achieve infrastructure sustainability through more environmentally friendly and innovative approaches”. Mrs Smith says one concern for Forest & Bird, and the local board, is that the 23ha stand of native bush (known as Archer’s block), now in Crown ownership, be retained as public reserve. “We accept there will be environmental damage, and mitigation funding will have to be paid. We want it to be spent in this area. We are watching closely,” she says.

Sinking feeling in Stanmore backyard A Stanmore Bay homeowner is investigating whether a large sinkhole and subsidence in her backyard could be connected with the Mariner Rise subdivision on Link Crescent, behind the property.

The subdivision was completed by McConnell Development at the end of 2017. It included building a large retaining wall behind homes that overlook the site, in Elan Place. Properties there got a small bit of extra land, which was backfilled to make the wall.

Lynne Davidson has lived in her Elan

Place home since the end of 2014. She says when the retaining wall went in, especially the piles, her house shook.

She says a few months later she noticed a gradual sinking of one corner of her back garden. An apple tree is now leaning to one side.

The 76-year-old says things got worse recently, including cracks in the soil and paving, and more slumping.

The week before Easter, her shower, bath, sink and toilet all began filling up with water.

Plumbers discovered a hole around 2m wide and deep beneath the pipe in Lynne’s garden. Lynne says fixing the problem is proving expensive and may cost her several thousand dollars.

She is contacting McConnell Development outlining the problem.

The company’s senior development manager, Matt Anderson told Hibiscus Matters that once they hear from Lynne, they will investigate.

Lynne Davidson was shocked to find a huge sinkhole in her back garden.

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Glyphosate use update

I wonder if you could help me in understanding where we are up to with spraying on the Hibiscus Coast? I thought we were gearing up towards mechanical weed control.

Just discovered two workers on the roundabout at Arran Drive and Millwater Parkway with no protection gear, in the wind, spraying what looked like dirt. I asked them what the product was, and they replied glyphosate. I said ‘it looks like you’re spraying dirt’. The reply was: ‘there are tiny weeds there’. Unbelievable really. Can you guide me in the right direction to try and cease using this product?

Shona Roberts, Silverdale Editor responds: Last year Council passed a resolution that allows local boards to choose their own methods of weed control on roadsides, depending on what each community wants (HM December 2, 2020). On the Coast, a mixture of weed eating and glyphosate is currently used on roadsides. The budget available to deliver that choice has not yet been confirmed by Council – it will be in the Long Term Plan, which is voted on in June. Once that budget is known, the decisions will rest with the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board.

Councillor John Watson says he will be keeping a close eye on this during the Governing Body’s budget discussions to ensure there is adequate funding.

Better bus stops As a member of the Birkenhead City Council in the late 1980s, I was engaged in the upgrade of bus stops and seating for the public – a project that I believe was essential. Unfortunately these days we seem to be spending a lot of ratepayers’ money on ‘nice to do’ projects rather than basics. I am appalled at the lack of bus shelters and seating on Whangaparāoa Road and adjacent bus routes. I see people standing completely without shelter,

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waiting for buses to arrive. If Council expects commuters and others to use public transport, they and Auckland Transport need to urgently introduce a programme to supply additional shelters and seats. I cannot understand why this has not been given some priority – it was a priority in Birkenhead over 30 years ago!

Peter Burn, Gulf Harbour

Roundabout planting undecided I recently toured around the South Island and was amazed how clean everywhere was, then I returned to Auckland and what a dismal sad sight it was – especially coming off the motorway to Silverdale to see the disgusting state of the two roundabouts. They are scruffy, dull and unkempt, with all the money we pay in rates you would think the council could do something better.

Being the gateway to the north, it doesn’t give a very good impression, hopefully something can be done before next spring.

Eve Wager Ōrewa Editor’s note: Our last story on this ongoing issue was last November, at which time Council was considering planting options with a possible start date of May. I asked for an update after receiving this letter, and on April 8 Council advised that no decision about this work has been made yet, but they will know more at the end of this month.

Sign costs illuminated I am curious to see a breakdown of the costs associated with the new proposed signs on the Coast. Eg, how can the signage for Stanmore Bay Reserve estimated total be $12,341? Please ask the Council to provide a breakdown for this extravagant upgrade.

Fiona Jenkins, Stanmore Bay Auckland Council Head of Area

the record

Operations Julie Pickering responds: “The $12,341 cost associated with the erection of signage at this reserve can be broken down as follows: $2344 for new signs (where one didn’t exist previously), $8497 for renewal of existing signs and $1500 for the removal of the old signage.

The removal costs account for both labour and the cost associated with the disposal/recycling of the old sign, including posts and concrete where applicable. The costs for new and renewed signage includes the design, manufacture and installation, including labour and the material of the signs.”

Park n ride fines begin

Kiwi as

I am writing about the unfair and harsh fines handed out at Silverdale park and ride. My 18-year-old son goes to university in Auckland and catches the bus to avoid adding to the congestion (as the council has spent a lot of ratepayers’ money telling us all to do). Recently he came back to his car to find a $40 parking ticket for parking on the grass. Ok, there were signs, but he missed them and there were no spare spaces. I am disgusted that people are being fined when they are trying to do the very thing Council wants us to do but can’t because the car park is too small. On top of that, a friend of his had his licence plate stolen while parked in the car park and came back to not only find his plates gone, but also a $200 fine.

Craig McFadyen, Ōrewa (abridged) An Auckland Transport spokesperson responds: Parking on the grass at the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station is not legal. Vehicles parking on the grass will turn the area into a muddy mess as soon as it rains. There is signage to say parking is not allowed on the grass and enforcement of this began on March 23 – in the month before that, warning notices were issued. The car park is

Tim Parris-Piper of Arkles Bay found this kumara at Whangaparāoa New World recently. He is auctioning the Kiwi-shaped vegie on Trade Me and, as the paper went to print, it had reached the $30 reserve. The money is being donated to Kids Can. In 2019 a penisshaped kumara made headlines when its owner raised $245 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation, also by selling it on Trade Me.

open 24 hours a day with more than 600 spaces available to people using the bus services. We would encourage people to use the connector buses or get dropped off at the station. If you have to drive and a parking space is not available, you can park at the site of the former Nippon Judo Club – it is only a short walk away and there are parks available there. There is CCTV coverage at the station. If there is a theft issue, you must contact the police – footage is retained for seven days but can only be shared with the police.

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Feedback cont...

Less wasteful plan I find it interesting and baffling that our government should contribute $16 million towards converting Golden Bay Cement kilns to burn thousands of tons of waste tyres when the idea of a waste to energy plant instead of the Dome Valley landfill was rejected.

Waste to energy plants burn domestic and some commercial/industrial waste

and scrap tyres to produce electricity, a far more valuable form of energy than heat. In Europe, the USA and Japan, waste to energy technology is very well proven and clean enough for plants to be close to urban areas, where much of the waste is generated.

Geoff Marshall, Gulf Harbour

like sunscreen for your eyes Last month, Ōrewa Lions Club presented a $500 donation cheque to the Ōrewa Sea Scouts as a thank you for their ongoing support of The Big Dig. Each year the Sea Scouts bury hundreds of ice block sticks in the sand and act as guards prior to the start of the dig. Their assistance is very much appreciated. Pictured at the presentation are some of the Sea Scouts with Ōrewa Lions members holding the cheque.

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We asked our Facebook followers if they will travel to Australia under the new Trans-Tasman travel bubble. Here are some of the responses: Yes Malcolm Aston: No. Not worth the risk of 14% a lockdown there and back into MIQ here.

Once we’re all vaccinated then I would be keen.

Toni Field: Yes I’ll go as soon as I get the chance for some winter warmth and great Aussie food and wine.

Al Hunter-Wilson: Not yet, I will wait for the dust to settle and see how the year pans out and probably get vaccinated first.

Lorraine Gatiss: Yes, I have not seen my daughter for 12 months.

No 86% Poll results

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Mark Mitchell

MP for Whangaparaoa For appointments and assistance please get in touch 7 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa 09 426 6215 mark.mitchellmp@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Mark Mitchell MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Whangaparāoa Coastal Management Plan Pilot For Auckland Council-owned land and assets

Viewpoint with Janet Fitzgerald, Hibiscus & Bays Local Board janet.fitzgerald@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Have your say on Penlink We’re starting to feel the temperature drop and the leaves falling from the trees as autumn settles in. We’re also now halfway through the three-year Local Board term. As I reflect on my last year and a half, it has certainly been marked by significant advocacy and the highs and lows of Penlink.

The Penlink journey has been a long one – I’ve been campaigning for it for just over 30 years.

Getting big projects like Penlink achieved takes time, commitment, and a whole heap of passion. It’s one thing to have a ‘can-do’ attitude, but to achieve real results, it means tirelessly advocating at every opportunity. It means utilising the correct processes within the system to get buy-in from the right people. Things don’t just happen; you have to drive the change you want to see.

The good news is that Penlink has a $411m pool of funding under the NZ Upgrade Programme for its delivery. It’s also in the draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP) with a priority 1 rating.

The bad news is that NZTA are signaling that it will only be two-lanes. We all know that this would be a short-sighted decision that won’t cater for the projected growth of Whangaparāoa and congestion at Silverdale. More than two-lanes are also necessary to deliver the efficient public transport service that we need now.

Just because we are nearly at the ground-breaking stage, I and the Penlink Now Team are not prepared to accept a two-lane option. We’ve come too far in this journey to accept an inadequate outcome for our community. Recently, I’ve been putting pressure on NZTA staff as well as the Minister for Transport that Penlink must be four lanes. Let’s do it once and do it right.

I’m currently working on a few options as the next steps and will keep you updated. I won’t rest until Penlink is delivered to a standard that future-proofs the projected growth for our area. We’ve had our fair share of frustrations with this project before, so I see this as just another obstacle to pass.

Public feedback is open on the draft RLTP until May 2. Please take the time to have your say at www.at.govt.nz/rltp. There are a lot of local issues, such as the need for four-laned Penlink, the need for more efficient public transport services on the peninsula with more investment than is currently provided for, better connection points with Whangaparāoa Rd, adequate commuter parking and a north-facing motorway interchange.

Have your say on transport plan

Help plan for the future!

Ways you can get involved: • Come along to a public presentation on Thursday, 6 May, 6.30pm-8pm at the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43a Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay.

Public consultation is underway on the draft 10-year Regional Land Transport plan (RLTP 2021-31) proposed by Auckland Transport (AT) and Auckland Council. Several other plans feed into and connect with this plan, including Council’s Long-Term Plan, the Auckland Transport Alignment Project, Regional Fuel Tax proposals and the National Land Transport Programme. The last RLTP was only three years ago, but AT says a new one has been drafted to speed up the work begun with the 2018 plan. It has a greater emphasis on looking after transport assets, safety and climate change. Public consultation on the draft RLTP is on until May 2. Final decisions will be made public in late June. Info: www.AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay

• The public presentation on 6 May will be live streamed. The link will be www.akhaveyoursay.nz available several days prior to the event at akhaveyoursay.nz • Chat with experts at an open day on Saturday, 8 May, 10am-2pm at the Whangaparāoa Library, 9 Main Street, Stanmore Bay. www.akhaveyoursay.nz • Have your say online at akhaveyoursay.nz before 15 June 2021.

For more information about coastal management plans email coastalmanagementplans@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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Labour list MP based in Kaipara ki Mahurangi For appointments and assistance please phone: 0800 582 325 (0800 LUBECK) marja.lubeck@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Marja Lubeck, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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Siren

A MONTHLY UPDATE FROM LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES

Dangerous driving generally, and “red light runners” in particular, are causing concern on the Coast this month, especially near schools.

Fire and ambulance crews have attended a number of crashes in recent weeks and Silverdale Fire Station’s senior station officer, Jim Maclean, urged drivers to pay more attention.

“In these stressful times, it is good to be aware of the need for good driving awareness. A green light does not mean you won’t find either a red light runner or an emergency vehicle coming through the traffic at you!” he said. “Stay alert and we will all get home safely.”

His concerns were echoed by Silverdale School, where red light running is a major concern at the busy Bankside Road four-way intersection with Millwater Parkway.

“Auckland Transport Traffic Operation team has been out to check the intersection and observed a number of vehicles speeding and also a significant number running the red lights. These are not only tradespeople but also parents with children in their cars,” the school’s latest newsletter says.

“Before and after school is a busy time with children and parents using the lights to cross the road, we do not want an accident to occur because you run the red light. Please reduce your speed and look out for children.”

Drivers are also reminded to stop on yellow lights outside schools. Failing to do this could result in a $150 fine and 20 demerit points.

It is two years since Dylan Beyer of Red Beach (pictured holding sign) appeared on Hibiscus Matters’ front page for spreading the word about climate change. This month, he took part in another climate action strike and march in Auckland. Now a Year 7 student at Wentworth College, Dylan was awarded the Wentworth Head of Primary Cup last year for raising environmental awareness.

Local politicians want Ōrewa’s Bakehouse Lane to be one-way.

One-way for Bakehouse Lane?

An opinion poll indicates that people are unhappy about safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Bakehouse Lane, Ōrewa, despite the fact that no accidents have been recorded there in the last five years.

Coast People and Penlink (Hibiscus & Bays Local board chair Gary Brown and members Andy Dunn and Leanne Willis) ran a poll which received nearly 60 responses in a week.

Gary says of these, only three were happy with Bakehouse Lane.

“The rest said it was dangerous and that they had seen minor accidents there,” he says.

Minor accidents are not reported to Police and therefore don’t show up in the figures supplied to Auckland Transport (AT).

Gary says he has seen numerous near accidents and one actual accident in a short space of time.

“These were caused by the narrowness

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of the road. Our research revealed that Bakehouse Lane does not meet AT’s own minimum width requirements for two way traffic.”

An Auckland Transport spokesperson says that for new roads, the minimum width for two-way traffic is around 6m across the road, between parked cars.

Gary has measured Bakehouse Lane at around 5m, or a bit less, “depending on how well people park”.

Coast People want AT to make the road one-way, from the direction of Moana Ave, retaining all the car parks, which they think would make it safer.

“AT says this would encourage drivers to speed, so we suggested speed humps could be put in to solve that,” Gary says.

The poll remains open on Coast People and Penlink’s facebook page and Gary says they will keep pushing AT, using the results as an indication of what residents want.

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Lest We Forget

For those brave who gave their lives so we could live ours Mark Mortlock

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Fuel tax changes proposed

A graphic of how the signs could look in Silverdale Village. These options are being put before the community for comment.

Sign designs for Village Silverdale Village is to get its own distinctive signs, with support from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Initial design ideas were drafted for the Silverdale Business Association, free of charge, by local board member Andy Dunn, who is a graphic artist.

The association is now putting those options before Silverdale businesses and the wider Silverdale community.

Silverdale Business chair Theo Simeonidis says these initial designs are simply to kick-start what he hopes will be a co-operative business and community consultation process.

“We welcome and solicit people’s comments, ideas and input, including any alternative visual concepts,” he says.

It is thought that the signs could be used on around nine older style

lampposts in the village, as well as potentially on Silverdale Hall.

How much funding will be required is yet to be determined.

Silverdale residents and businesses are invited to share their thoughts and preferences, at www.silverdalebusiness. co.nz/have-your-say/

Proposed changes to the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) are being consulted on, alongside the draft RLTP. The scheme collects 10 cents per litre (plus GST) on sales of petrol and diesel within the Auckland Council boundaries from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2028. There is no proposal to alter the level of the RFT. Currently it is not proposed to extend the scheme beyond 2028, primarily because different road pricing options, including congestion pricing, are being looked into that could replace the RFT in future. Notable for the Hibiscus Coast is that the proposed $42m for the ferry service does not include changes at Gulf Harbour, such as the introduction of weekend services. It is focused on redeveloping the downtown ferry terminal and de-carbonising the fleet (electric ferries). Investment in park and ride facilities in this area are proposed, but details will only be revealed as business cases are prepared.

Penlink originally had $66m of fuel tax money allocated to it. One million of this was spent on updating the business case and land acquisition work. As the project was transferred from AT to government, $65m from the fuel tax is no longer needed. Info: akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/regional-fuel-tax https://

Electronic monitoring

The news that Ōrewa New World was switching to electronic monitoring of its carpark received a mixed response when it was announced on social media.

The time allowed for parking was also dropped to 90 minutes. Both initiatives are to ensure there is parking for the store’s customers. Number plates are scanned as cars enter and exit and the supermarket will be able to monitor things such as people who drive out, then back in. The fine will be $65 (as it is at the moment), which all goes to the monitoring company. New World will switch off the system at 6pm to allow its parks to be used by the custsomers of Ōrewa’s hospitality businesses. A Foodstuffs spokesperson says this type of monitoring is not a company-wide policy. “It is up to individual owners to decide how the parking system operates on site. In this case, shifting to an electronic parking system creates a better experience for customers, who have found that the car park often fills up with people who aren’t shopping in store.”

Foodstuffs was not able to say how many of its other stores, which include Pak ‘n’ Save and Four Square, use the system. The electronic system was expected to be operational starting last week.

Beachside pool hall plans

The new owner of the first property on Ōrewa’s beachfront to sell since it was zoned commercial, hopes to build a pool hall and piano bar there. The property, at 305 Hibiscus Coast Highway, opposite the town centre, was sold to Ross Chandler last month (HM March 17). Mr Chandler says that he has not finalised his intentions for the site, but discussions are underway.

I’ve chosen to have all my procedures and tests done here in Warkworth at Rodney Surgical.

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Mitre 10’s new store in Coast Plaza involves extending the existing building recently vacated by The Warehouse.

Mitre 10 prepares for move

Mitre 10 Whangaparāoa’s move from Karepiro Drive to Coast Plaza is in the planning and consenting stages.

Resource consent was granted in January Dr Jason Ella Wang for the company to make additions and Dr Lillian Hsu Ella Dr Jason Ng DrDr Ella Wang Dr Lillian Hsu Jason NgNg Ella Wang Lillian Hsu DrDr Jason Ng Wang Lillian Hsu Dr Jason Ng Wang Lillian Hsu Jason Wang Lillian alterations to the existing building, Dr Dr Jason NgNg Dr EllaElla Wang Dr Dr Lillian HsuHsu Ella recently vacated by The Warehouse.

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existing paved areas. It will block off the existing one-way vehicle access from the eastern carpark down to the western and basement carparks. Access to the western and basement car parks on Link Crescent will be retained.

One carpark will be lost.

A Mitre 10 spokesperson says the ambition is to relocate and open the new store early in spring.

Back stories www.localmatters.co.nz November 18, 2020

or email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz Call now arrange an appointment on (09) 972 1518 or email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz orto email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz More repairs on dynamic lane Call now arrange an appointment (09) 972 1518 or email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz Call now to to arrange an appointment onon(09) 972 1518 Matters received calls regarding a large number of missing LED light or email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz Hibiscus email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz or or email reception@millwaterdental.co.nz studs on Whangaparāoa’s dynamic lanes. The lanes, between Hibiscus Coast

Highway and Red Beach Road, have had a number of issues, resulting in costly repairs, since they opened three years ago. The system, which cost around $3 million to put in place, uses LEDs and overhead signs to adjust the lanes with peak flow and has significantly reduced congestion along this section of road in the morning and afternoon peak. In June last year, Auckland Transport (AT) told the newspaper it would trial LEDs (the light markers that sit on the carriageway) from a different supplier after failures that included lights not working or coming unstuck. Regarding the current missing lights, AT says a light sensor unit (the sign on top of the gantry that shows arrow signals when the lanes change) was replaced in early April and some of the road studs are scheduled to be replaced on May 10. The work will be done at night, and the spokesperson says there will be traffic management to keep disruption to a minimum. The cost of this work is not available as yet.

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How to enter: In 40 words or less tell us your favourite thing about a mum in your life. Email your entries to online@localmatters.co.nz, drop it in to 21 Florence Ave, Orewa or message the Hibiscus Matters Facebook page. Don’t forget to include a name and daytime phone number. Competition ends Tuesday, April 27 at 10am. Winner announced in May 9 edition of Hibiscus Matters.

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21-PRO-1232_HM-21APR

Green scene with John Stewart, SOSSI info@sossi.org.nz

Hidden from view Seabirds, including gulls, terns, penguins, petrels, shearwaters and shags, are all regular visitors to Shakespear Regional Park and those of you with boats will have encountered them all in the Hauraki Gulf.

Gulls, terns and shags nest on the surface, or in trees (in the case of shags) and are visible during the day. Few, if any, of these species nest within the park.

Penguins, petrels and shearwaters nest in burrows dug into soft soil and only come and go from land at night. Their legs are set well back on their bodies so they are somewhat clumsy on land and would be vulnerable to predators if they came ashore during the day.

Digging and lining burrows cultivates the soil while droppings (guano), shed feathers, dead bodies and unhatched eggs add vital nutrients. In prehuman times, the ecology of New Zealand’s coastal forests and of the near-shore marine environment (by nutrient-enriched run-off ) was driven by millions of nesting seabirds. The current near absence of these birds continues to impact on the health and diversity of our forests.

Since mammalian pests were removed from the Open Sanctuary, we have started to see a gradual return of burrow-nesting seabirds. Grey-faced petrels (ōi) and fluttering shearwaters (pakahā) now breed in natural sites and in nest boxes.

Little penguins (kororā) nest around the coast and regularly appear on the park’s trail cameras, which are actually deployed to spot invading predators. Tiny diving petrels (kuaka) with their blue feet and easily recognisable ‘coo-aah’ call are probably also breeding.

Recognising their calls is the easiest way to identify the birds as they skirt the coast prior to landing. Just at dusk the kororā line up along the shore about 100 metres from land. They sound like donkeys braying. Once it’s dark you can hear ōi flying overhead, making a squeaky-gate ‘oo-eee’ call, and pakahā with their long mad cackling noise. Remember, as you stroll along the clifftops, what is going on unseen under your feet.

And finally, this is a great time of year to organise a school trip to the park. SOSSI volunteers can provide talks, guided walks and other educational activities.

Info: sossi.org.nz www.

SOSSI volunteers are mourning the loss of one of their most stalwart members, Margaret Chappell. Margaret was in charge of the nursery and always encouraged the team to produce more plants than were ever asked for. So, if you have planted a tree at the open sanctuary, on one of the public planting days, it’s because of the work her team has done. Margaret also looked after the park’s dotterels along with a multitude of other tasks. Community ranger Bruce Harrison says Margaret will be greatly missed. “Because of her efforts the park is a much greener place,” he says. Margaret is pictured, in 2011, on the day the pest-free sanctuary opened.

This is one of Ōrewa Beach’s most senior Norfolk pines. A sentinel alongside the surf club, it has seen many comings and goings since it was planted early in the town’s history. What stories it could tell! Winston Pond Hibiscus Matters features a special local tree every month. It doesn’t have to be old – just attractive or important to you in some way. Maybe it supports your child’s swing, or features in a local park or on the beach? Email a photo with a brief description of the tree, its appeal and location, plus your phone number to terry@localmatters.co.nz

11

ANZAC DAY SERVICES Where

Event

Start

Ōrewa: Assemble at 12.45pm

Parade

12.50pm

Service at Remembrance Reserve, 365 Hibiscus Coast Highway

Service

1pm

Hibiscus Coast Community RSA: Service at Silverdale War Memorial Park, Hibiscus Coast Highway (beside Silverdale Rugby Club)

Service

12.15pm

Hibiscus Coast Community RSA Dawn Service: Assemble 5.45am Silverdale RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay. Service follows the parade

Parade

5.55am

Service

6am

Hibiscus Coast Community RSA Civic Service: Assemble 10.45am Silverdale RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay. Service follows the parade

Parade

11am

Service

11.05am

Puhoi: Assemble 8.45am Puhoi Rd (opposite Puhoi Pub)

Parade

8.50am

Service at War Memorial gates, Puhoi Pioneers Memorial Park

Service

9am

Upper Waiwera: Assemble at 1:45pm

Parade

2pm

Service at Upper Waiwera Cenotaph

Service

2:30pm

Visit ourauckland.nz/anzacday for: • a full list of services or phone 09 301 0101 • ways to commemorate from home Please use the NZ COVID Tracer app, stay at home if you are unwell and wear a mask on public transport.

Anzac Day services will only proceed at Alert Level 1.

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12

| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

localbusiness

INTRODUCING n

MAD About Travel They might be mad about travel, but Manly couple Phil and Katie Clark insist that they are not insane to launch a new travel agency a year into a global pandemic. Far from it, Phil reckons their timing is actually spot on. With the Australian bubble opening this week, the Pacific not far behind and thousands of Kiwis itching to get away from home, he says everything is ready to go.

“We’re doing it now because we felt it would come back this year. Now it’s all systems go and we’re feeling really good to be moving forward,” he says.

While MAD About Travel will specialise in Mountain, Adventure and Dive holidays – hence the agency’s initials – Phil and Katie can draw on more than 20 years’ experience to provide a full range of travel requirements, from flights to corporate packages.

Phil and Katie moved to the Coast in 2007 when Phil was headhunted by an adventure holiday company. After 13 years, however, Covid-19 hit, the travel industry stopped dead and Phil was made redundant.

“It’s been one hell of a year, but the big thing that Covid brought home was how much we love selling travel and how much we love our clients – we missed them desperately,” he says.

Phil says Covid-19 has made using a travel agent more important than ever, since they can provide full insurance

INTRODUCING n

Bharat Naranbhai

Moreish Café

Katie and Phil Clark

and, if there are any outbreaks or other issues, swift assistance.

“Rather than you trying to ring the airline and waiting on hold for hours, we can change flights in seconds,” he says. “If you call an airline you get someone who doesn’t know you, but with your travel agent you have a person who knows and cares about you.

“We’re local, we’ve travelled all over the world, been in the business for years and we’re passionate about it.”

Phil and Katie are also passionate about sailing – Katie is the manager at Weiti Boating Club and Phil is a former commodore of Manly Sailing Club.

MAD About Travel is fully accredited and part of the Travel Managers Group, which is owned and backed by Flight Centre.

It takes more than a few lockdowns to dampen the enthusiasm of Bharat Naranbhai, the owner of Silverdale Mall’s newest café, Moreish. He is bursting with ideas and opportunities for the light, bright ice-creamery and café, which lies at the western end of the shopping centre at the top of the carpark stairs. As well as offering a wide range of coffees, teas, smoothies and juices, plus bagels, breakfasts, sandwiches and cabinet food, Bharat is determined to broaden the dining and drinking choices for customers as much as possible. He has started by bringing in the full range of Kapiti scoop ice creams and sorbets, Fruit Flo frozen yogurt and Bon Accord frappes and smoothies, leading to a luscious and lengthy selection of ice creams, sundaes, floats and sodas.

The café is also licensed, meaning customers can have a glass of beer or wine with their lunches, and Bharat is currently in the process of hiring

a full-time chef so he can start home deliveries and catering in future.

While there are only 34 seats at Moreish itself, the café can also use an adjoining shared seating area that’s also used by a neighbouring sushi bar and café.

“Between the three of us, there are 150 seats. We all use each other’s,” Bharat says. “It’s amazing, even though there’s another coffee shop, we work like we’re a team, I really appreciate that.”

Before opening Moreish, Bharat had extensive hospitality experience in Auckland CBD, running a café, an ice cream parlour and one of the first Pita Pit franchises. Although home is still in the city, he is renting a unit in Red Beach and wants to buy a house and move to the Coast permanently.

“It’s very quiet here, but it’s getting there,” he says. “The people will come.

We’re playing the long game. I’m very happy here.”

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April 21, 2021 | Hibiscusmatters |

localbusiness

13

INTRODUCING n

The Legal Team

INTRODUCING n

From left, Claudine Conway-Cochrane, Wayne Downie and Anastasia Zaikina.

The experience and expertise gained in a lifelong career in the photographic industry is now available in Ōrewa, with the opening of Coast Photo by Wayne Downie.

Wayne has been passionate about all things film and digital since he joined a photography club at school and got his first job in a professional photographer’s lab. He ran a successful photo store in Browns Bay for 35 years, but after moving to Red Beach three years ago, decided to move his business to Bakehouse Lane, and the new shop opened in February.

Working with daughter Claudine Conway-Cochrane and assistant Anastasia Zaikina, Wayne carries an extensive range of lenses, lens filters and batteries for any type of camera, accessories, bags and tripods, plus astronomical telescopes, binoculars and even a microscope.

Coast Photo can carry out all types of printing, from regular photos up to large-scale art prints on paper and canvas, as well as special processes that can print high quality images on metal or wood.

“The image is actually printed into the material, not onto it,” Wayne says. “It’s very high quality and totally resilient – they can even be hung outside.”

Coast can also provide top quality passport or ID photos, carry out high resolution movie transfers to digital format, and print and scan from original photos, slides and negatives.

One of the team’s specialities is restoring old or damaged photographs.

“Piecing together the details of a photograph in ruins is what we do best,” Claudine says. “No matter what’s wrong with a photo, we’ve usually seen it before. And we’ve fixed it.”

The team can also provide and develop every type of good oldfashioned negative film – a process that is enjoying something of a revival at the moment.

“We have traditional film cameras, both reusable and disposable. All the younger people love it because it’s so new to them – retro is in, and they find old cameras in cupboards and op shops,” Wayne says.

Coast Photo

Bringing legal services down to earth and making solicitors more approachable is one of the key drivers behind the creation of new community law practice The Legal Team, based in Silverdale.

Founders Richard Worker and fellow directors Jessica O’Dea and Katie Self previously worked together at North Harbour Law in Ōrewa, but decided to pool their local knowledge and form their own small, hands-on practice.

The last thing they wanted was to be bland and faceless, so they gave Richard’s designer partner, Christine Granger, free rein to make The Legal Team into something a little different.

The result is a lawyers’ office like no other, with rusted steel, exposed concrete, dark wood and colourful graffiti decorating the open plan offices.

Quirky touches like a wall of plants, a collection of wall-mounted typewriters and a clutch of men’s formal hats as downlight shades combine to create a space that seems more like a hip bar or restaurant than an office.

“We wanted everything to be more relaxed,” Richard said. “We’re all locals, we’re very much connected and we’re just trying to be down to earth and approachable. People are welcome to walk in off the street and say hello.

“We didn’t want it to be clinical, we wanted people feeling comfortable.

There’s a great vibe here.”

Richard is well known on the Coast for

From left, Carol Wang, Jessica O’Dea, Richard Worker and Katie Self.

his work with Age Concern and local surf clubs, and he is on the board of Destination Ōrewa Beach. Experienced city lawyers Jessica and Katie put down local roots with their families six years ago and enjoy combining their professional and regional knowledge to assist Coast clients. They have been joined by a new lawyer, Carol Wang, a local from Millwater and a Mandarin speaker, legal executives Michelle Paul and Sharynn Walmsley and a full support team, covering all areas of commercial and company law, separation and relationship property, residential conveyancing, property sharing, asset and estate planning and access to a notary public.

MEET THE EGAL TEAM For more information: phone: 09 959 0140 email: info@thelegalteam.co.nz or visit www.thelegalteam.co.nz Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

14

| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

health&family

Mysterious case of disappearing pews The Wainui community was taken by surprise when half the pews in its little historic church disappeared.

Parishioners Alan and Rae Penney unlocked the Wainui Settlers Church in Wainui Road on Sunday, March 28 to prepare it for a service that day.

Services are usually held monthly but because of lockdowns, there had been no service since January.

Imagine the Penneys’ surprise when they found four pews, and the squabs from all eight pews, missing. A note left on the floor said “will return”.

The pews are made of kauri and believed to be as old as the church – around 160 years.

Parishioners said the service was “quite cosy” that day, perched on just four pews.

The church is locked so the person responsible must have known where to find the key. Ōrewa Police were advised, as parishioners were unsure whether the pews had been stolen or borrowed.

Early on Wednesday, March 31, the pews were discovered, left outside the church in the rain. The squabs were also returned. Locals hastily covered the pews to protect them.

Minister Werner Schroeder was pleased they were returned before the Easter service.

“It’s not the first time we’ve had things disappear,” he says. “Several years back the organ was removed and eventually

FANTAILS

Easter activities at Silverdale Pioneer Village drew a crowd on April 4, with more than 100 children taking part in the Easter bunny hunt. The forge was in operation and there was wool spinning by Lisa Clapperton as well as demonstrations of other Pioneer Era activities by volunteers from the Silverdale & Districts Historical Society. Pictured are, from left, Peter Odendaal and Ian Hacking with Peter’s 1930s car – one of many attractions at the Easter family day.

Principal moves on

found in a pub in Devonport.”

The mystery of who removed and returned the pews, and why, remains unsolved.

®

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These pews disappeared, but were returned in time for the Easter service, pictured. Minister Werner Schroeder is seated in the front pew, far right.

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April 21, 2021 | Hibiscusmatters |

health&family

15

The casual atmosphere is part of the appeal of the Anzac service at Remembrance Reserve. Photo, Andy Dunn

Resilient Anzac service needs community help Attendance at Anzac services at Ōrewa Remembrance Reserve has been growing over the years.

Residents say in the early days around 80 people took part, but recent ceremonies have attracted as many as 200.

A service has been held annually on the reserve for at least 15 years and locals seem determined to keep it going. It took place despite police warnings after the Christchurch mosque attacks in 2019, and even during lockdown last year.

The reserve, on Ōrewa Beach, was designed to be a place where the community could pay their respects to veterans in a more informal way.

It features plaques in memory of servicemen, and a flagpole erected around five years ago.

Until this year, the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA had been organising the service, although it is not an RSA site. However, they have now opted out.

Naval commander Frank Rands

has stepped in to ensure the service goes ahead this Anzac Day, with the assistance of local board member and Ōrewa resident Andy Dunn.

The service has the traditional elements such as the playing of The Last Post, readings and wreaths laid by local politicians.

Andy says people like it because it has a low-key, community feel – there’s no marching, for instance, he says.

“It attracts families who want to place flowers or poppies by the flagpole.

Sometimes people join in after walking on the beach.”

Frank says to keep it going in future years, he wants to get some Ōrewa locals involved. Anyone who can assist is welcome to email frank@randsclan. com or phone him on 021 761 161.

This year the Ōrewa Remembrance Reserve commemorative service takes place at 1pm and all are welcome (a list of local services is on ad p11).

What’s on at Estuary Arts in April 2021 G1&2: “Estuary Arts Student Showcase” group exhibition.

G3: “Tangintz” Painting and ceramics by Tania Parrott G4: “My Parallel World” painting by Evey Zhong

G5: “Mono Printing” Year 7 Orewa College students April School Holiday Programme 19 to 29 April 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa 09 426 5570 www.estuaryarts.org Find us on Facebook Open 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm

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16

| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

www.localmatters.co.nz

Poor turnout for coastal management consultation Auckland Council needs input from the Whangaparāoa community about its coastal areas, but the two presentations it has held so far have been poorly attended.

Council chose Whangaparāoa for its first Coastal Management Plan – eventually it will prepare plans covering the whole of Auckland’s coastline.

Coastal management is a major issue in the face of erosion and flooding that is getting increasingly worse with sea level rise and the other effects of climate change.

The plan is focused on Council-owned land and assets. There are 160 assets in Whangaparāoa (such as toilet blocks, steps, boat ramps and seawalls), as well as reserves and coastal roads. The consultation is to find out what the community’s priorities are – what they value about the coastal areas and how

they use those places and infrastructure.

The plans will also guide future funding for things such as protection or removal work.

The meetings to date, on March 30 and April 15, have been told that there are three approaches: doing nothing and letting nature take its course; protection such as seawalls or dunes; and managed retreat (moving out of the way).

Around 15 members of the public attended each meeting, along with Councillors Wayne Walker and John Watson, local board chair Gary Brown and member Janet Fitzgerald.

Questions from the public focused on the scale and pace of development and its impact on carbon emissions and the environment.

Water quality was also raised, and Council’s coastal and geotechnical services manager, Paul Klinac,

confirmed that stormwater will be part of future discussions.

“We heard loud and clear leading up to these meetings that this is a high priority area,” he said.

The degradation of the berm on Manly Beach due to vehicles parking there was discussed, with Klinac saying this is exactly the kind of issue they want to hear the public’s views on.

Dee Pignéguy of Tindalls Bay raised the responsibility of individuals, and developers, in mitigating climate change.

“Climate change is an unprecedented challenge driven by people, especially our industrial development and consumption,” she said. “Council should take more care with the consents it gives developers. And Council also facilitates the removal of mangroves.

Why would you do that when mangroves are 40 to 50 times more

efficient than trees for carbon capture?

We need to start managing people and let nature do the rest,” she said.

The difficulty Council faces in getting more people to take part in the Coastal Management Plan process was also raised, with hopes for a better turnout at the last two meetings (see below).

Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz February 17, 2021

Have your say

The next meeting is on May 6 at Hibiscus Coast Community RSA in Vipond Road, 6.30pm-8pm. There is also an open day on May 8 at Whangaparāoa Library, 10am-2pm.

Email coastalmanagementplans@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz Info: https:// akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/whangaparaoa-coastalmanagement-plan

Safety concerns prompt complete playground replacement The complete replacement of a playground in Gulf Harbour is expected to cost around $215,000.

The work is part of the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board’s programme of renewal, and will see the playground in Regency Park Drive moved closer to the footpath, new equipment and a scooter path installed.

Auckland Council head of area operations, Julie Pickering, says the playground was built in September

2000 and that the play equipment and timber edge were assessed as requiring renewal in 2019.

There was corrosion and rotten timber, with parts of the equipment no longer up to standard.

There have been no accidents that Council knows of at the playground.

Consultation took place in 2019, the spokesperson says, and the design of the replacement playground reflects that community feedback.

Neighbours of this little playground in Regency Park Drive, Gulf Harbour, were surprised to see all the play equipment removed recently.

It is being moved to improve drainage, as well as increase the distance between the playground and neighbouring homes.

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April/May 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 | Ryman Healthcare

A Local Matters publication. Distribution - 39,750 copies. Advertising enquiries: Mahurangi 09 425 9068 or Hibiscus 09 427 8188

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

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Enquiries over $400,000 viewing strictly by appointment

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Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

snells beach 12 washington avenue

home and garden Sheltered from the hustle and bustle yet close to every amenity you could wish for, our feature property really does represent the best of both worlds. The open plan living area is a warm and sunny space, with stunning timber floors for a touch of personality and charm. The section is the perfect size, requiring little maintenance yet boasting plenty of space for growing families. Call us today!

2

1

1

67sqm

online auction (unless sold prior) 11am wed 28th april 2021 View: Sunday 1-1.30pm

1

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www.meyerrealestate.co.nz WelcomeHome

April/May 2021

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

warkworth 3a rivendell place

Safe, secure, potential!

1.5 1 109sqm 1 2 With amenities all within walking distance, this cosy home is perfect for small families and downsizers. The sizeable kitchen, open plan living space with ranch online auction (unless sold prior) sliders leading outside and lovely high cathedral ceiling adds to the spacious 11am Fri 7th may 2021 feeling. Outside, the private deck is the perfect spot to fully appreciate the View: Sunday 12-12.30pm greenery, while the easy-care garden and the single garage add further appeal.

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

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“

The result exceeded my have no hesitation recommending Meyer Real Estate.

Evolution Realty Ltd Licensed under the REAA 2008

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www.meyerrealestate.co.nz April/May 2021

WelcomeHome

POTENTIAL LIKE NONE OTHER

Located behind the Warkworth Kauri Museum, this enormous home was made to live and breathe the vast views of Rodney. From the rural hills of Kaipara to Dome

Valley Forest - even a glimpse of Snells Beach and Little Barrier Island to the east. From sunrise to sunset, you could look for hours.

This home is in need of a visionary, ready and willing to transform this substantial residence. There is potential to create something remarkable in Warkworth.

At just over 13 acres of land, the property also has incredible development potential. There are several clearings of the partially fenced land that are ideal for a minor dwelling, or even a log cabin tucked away in the woods. There is also ideal pasture for animals, for those that wish to create that lifestyle.

Inspire and Engage Buyers Digitally with Barfoot & Thompson, Warkworth “87% of potential buyers feel that our on-line tools create a better buying experience” The secret to a successful sale is capturing the attention of an emotional buyer.

When viewing properties online, they should be able to imagine themselves being there in person and making them want to visit the first open home. Our exclusive digital marketing package achieves the best outcome and is available for any property type.

This exceptional marketing starts with magazine quality lifestyle photography that emphasise the unique character features of your home. The emotional feeling is then enhanced by providing a 3D virtual reality tour that can be viewed on any device anytime from anywhere in the world, with or without a VR headset. In fact, 69% of buyers quote to have a rich, more engaging experience, spending more time viewing each listing.

For a special home or location, we can take this to the next level by introducing a professional walk-through video with relaxing music and a drone to capture the proximity to the coastline and amenities. Social media is a great place to promote images and videos, to gain opportunistic buyers!

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Once you have their attention, why not let them see how their layout will suit, with interactive floor plans. 2D floor plans provide accurate dimensions, whilst 3D floor plans provide a doll’s house view that can be rotated. Listings with 3D floor plans have been proven to generate 17% more buyer enquiries than those without and buyers are 77% more likely to attend an open home.

Not sure if your furniture will fit? No problem. The “furnish” tool allows you to place an array of furniture into living spaces. In fact, 2 out of 3 consumers believe that it tends to attract more committed buyers.

Sometimes it’s not easy to visualise what the important room would look like if it was a different colour. The “Photo Styling” tool allows buyers to change the colours and styles of flooring, cabinets, splashbacks and countertops to suit. 7 out of 10 consumers believe that it will help you fall in love with the idea of living there!

We provide all these initiatives to increase the time that potential buyers spend looking and engaging with your property online. This builds an emotional connection with your property, which in turn, increases the number of enquiries about your property.

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WARKWORTH Coast & Country WelcomeHome

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April/May 2021

AUCTION

19 J Mason Road Tauhoa A Rural Haven - Discover accessible Tauhoa!

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5 Jade River Place Warkworth Modern Family Living Distinctive home with awesome views.

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47 Grand View Road Leigh So Close to the Beach in Matheson Bay Beautiful beach house with fabulous views of the bay and only a short walk to the all-tide beach from the bottom gate.

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112 Tawa Avenue Kaiwaka Off Grid Living - Covenanted Bush - Grazing

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3

2

1

15.42 ha

Auction 5pm, 6 May at LJ Hooker

Warkworth (unless sold prior)

View ljhooker.co.nz/DG3HAY Anna Hislop 021 170 6513

Jennie Georgetti 021 389 236

5

2

2

1426m2

For Sale By Negotiation View ljhooker.co.nz/DF8HAY Wendy Milne 021 784 942 wendy.milne@ljhooker.co.nz

3

2

2

840m2

For Sale By Negotiation View ljhooker.co.nz/DFMHAY Marie-Dominique 021 490 039 marie.lennan@ljhooker.co.nz

4.14 Ha

For Sale $685,000 View ljhooker.co.nz/DEKHAY Craig Kenyon 027 485 6833 craig.kenyon@ljhooker.co.nz

517 Mahurangi East Road Algies Bay The View Is Outstanding - The Options Aplenty

Spacious 326m2 family home with extras, fully fenced, off street parking for your boat, tractor and campervan.

LJ Hooker Warkworth 09 425 8589

4

LJ Hooker Warkworth 09 425 8589

18 Marshall Rd Kaiwaka Two Homes, Large Residential Section A home for you and extended family, investment opportunity, plenty of potential here.

LJ Hooker Warkworth 09 425 8589

24b Waterview Crescent Kaiwaka County Living - Happy Days Character cottage with a great northerly aspect, positioned with views over the property and of a rural landscape.

LJ Hooker Warkworth 09 425 8589

4

739m2

Craig Kenyon 027 485 6833

craig.kenyon@ljhooker.co.nz

163 Sandspit Road Warkworth Future Urban Land Bank Situated in a handy location close to town, the added benefit of being zoned for future urban development. Build here.

3

For Sale By Negotiation View ljhooker.co.nz/DH2HAY

1.06 Ha

For Sale $1,225,000 View ljhooker.co.nz/D5JHAY Roxanne Harrison 027 2714875 roxanne.harrison@ljhooker.co.nz

8

3

1

7242m2

For Sale By Negotiation View ljhooker.co.nz/DD0HAY Craig Kenyon 027 485 6833 craig.kenyon@ljhooker.co.nz

4

1

0

11.09 Ha

For Sale $788,000 View ljhooker.co.nz/DF4HAY Craig Kenyon 027 485 6833 craig.kenyon@ljhooker.co.nz

Broadbents 2001 Ltd 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.

April/May 2021

WelcomeHome

WelcomeHome

April/May 2021

Realty Group

www.remax.nz

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Northern Properties Ltd

April/May 2021

Each office independently owned and operated |

Licensed REAA 2008

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

WelcomeHome

“Whether we're away for a couple of days or a couple of months, we can come home knowing our home is safe and secure.”

Del and Cindy, Ryman residents

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WelcomeHome

April/May 2021

April 21, 2021 | Hibiscusmatters |

Autumn/winter feature

Autumn/winter

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25

FE AT U R E

Stillwater firewood business gets the chop Customers of Silverdale Landscape Services will no longer be getting their firewood from the family business after Auckland Council enforced an abatement notice.

The business, which includes landscaping and grave digging, operates from the owners’ home in Stillwater. Processing and selling firewood was added 10 years ago.

It employs seven staff including coowners Ruth Pine and husband Grant Amos.

Multiple complaints from neighbours about noise, as well as truck movements to and from the site, resulted in Council issuing an abatement notice last November.

These notices are issued for breaches of the Resource Management Act and, in this case, require the business to make changes, move, or close down.

There are restrictions on operations of this type and size in Stillwater’s Rural – Countryside Living zone.

The business was given until the end of February to comply.

Last month, Silverdale Landscape Services shut down its firewood operation and applied for retrospective resource consent to allow landscaping and grave digging services to continue to be based at the site. Council rejected

this application.

Neighbours, who do not wish to be named, say that it’s a relief to have a measure of peace and quiet restored.

They say the business generated “constant noise swirling around the valley,” as well as a lot of disruption with daily truck movements.

Although a key issue for complainants was noise generated by chainsawing, unloading logs and other activities, Council has taken no decibel readings, saying that the problem is simply that a landscaping yard is not a permitted activity in this zone.

While it is clear the firewood has to go, the couple still hopes to be able to run the rest of their business from home.

Ruth says the issues are the number of staff, and how many commercial vehicles operate from the site.

A Council spokesperson says the business has partially complied with the abatement notice by ceasing the processing of wood, and that staff continue to work with them to ensure full compliance.

“Their retrospective application was turned down for the rest of the landscape services because they failed to provide enough information,” the spokesperson says. “The company can

Auckland Council has shut down Ruth Pine’s firewood business.

object or put in a new application that provides the full information.”

While they prepare a new application, the family continues to run landscaping and grave digging services.

A huge pile of logs lies uncut on the property.

“We have a large amount of logs that we can’t process and have to remove

but it’s hard to do that when you can’t chainsaw them,” Ruth says. “Council told us we’ll get a fine if anyone complains about noise and we’re too scared to do anything in case we breach the abatement notice, so we haven’t even cut firewood for our own use.”

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| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

Autumn/winter feature

Resource Recovery Facility For Our Community

Silverdale Re:Sort

The green light to open has officially been granted for the opening of a new Resource Recovery Park in Silverdale. The recovery facility - dutifully named the Silverdale Re:Sort, will aim to divert a significant portion of domestic, commercial, construction and demolition waste from landfill. The facility has been a part of Econowastes long term plan to provide a suitable Resource Recovery Park that can manage the growing population demands. The Re: Sort is a state-of-the-art indoor facility designed and built specifically around resource recovery. With this type of design, we can now look at waste as a valuable resource that will create local jobs from repurposing waste.

Ray Lambert, Econowastes Managing director, explains, “about 5 years ago we realised the need to future proof the greater Whangaparaoa district with a purpose-built resource recovery park.

The development and planning phase has been challenging, we had to ensure we remained open to the general public for continuity of service but at the same time designing and building the new facility on the same site. We have appreciated the publics co-operation and understanding during this time and know the trade-off will be worth it in the long run.”

The Silverdale Re: Sort has been the most significant design and build project the company has been involved in.

Ray states the sites focus on both commercial and domestic waste is critical to meaningful waste reduction. “Many people do not realise that commercial waste accounts for a significant portion of the country’s total waste that goes to the landfill. To make any significant inroads on waste reduction, we need better separation of commercial waste streams.

A modern recovery facility like this will mean we can target and sort this waste into product streams and divert for recycling and repurposing uses”.

the facility needed to process double the current capacity with extra room for waste diversion activities.

The building itself is 30m long by 44m wide, giving a total floor area of just over 1320m2. This vast sheltered area will provide the public and our staff space to sort and recover material effectively.”

Econowaste has had to think smart about the future and establish sustainable end markets before building these facilities. For example, our Re: Fuel initiative, in partnership with Golden Bay cement, ensures all treated and non-treated wood waste that is unable to be sold onsite is being processed and reused as a bioenergy. Wood waste is one of many initiatives which will be rolled into the Silverdale facility in conjunction with scrap metal recycling, green waste and organic composting, and glass returned into bottles, just to name a few. The site also commits to providing a full suite of commodity recycling (cardboard, plastic, tin, alloy, and glass) to the public. It will aim to establish an onsite shop to resell recoverable goods in the not-too-distant future.

The company is proud to be part of an inspiring industry-leading project, which will become a real asset to reducing waste sent to landfill.

“Our company are proud locals and have been active in serving our community for over ten years. We are one of only a handful of 100% kiwi owned waste and recycling companies, and we are looking forward to providing a sustainable and local approach to the community. The site is now fully operational for the public to dispose of their waste – hope to see you soon!”

101 Foundry Road – Silverdale Opening Hours 7.30 am to 5 pm weekdays 8.30 am to 4.30 pm weekends Open seven days per week.

Most would agree the growth in the Whangaparaoa district has been extreme and a lot of infrastructure is playing catch up. “By looking at what the district needs long term in the next 30 years, we identified

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April 21, 2021 | Hibiscusmatters |

Autumn/winter feature

Tales from East Timor The ravaged landscape of war-torn East Timor is a long way from the Hibiscus Coast, but that didn’t stop Red Beach resident Christine Platt from visiting the traumatised country no less than 18 times between 2004 and 2018 to help remote communities trying to rebuild their lives.

Now the former missionary and Whangaparāoa Baptist Church member has written a book, Glimpses of Hope in East Timor, about her experiences during that time, telling stories of the conditions she encountered and the people she met and made friends with.

Christine says that, after emigrating from the UK in 2001, she didn’t even know where East Timor was, but when she met Red Beach Fellowship Church’s Simonne Dyer and Joan Bayes, who had gone there to help after the devastating violence wrought by pro-Indonesian militia, she was keen to learn more and joined them on their next trip.

“There was so much damage, so many burned out buildings in Dili. It was a while after it had happened, but there was very little happening, people were

27

Youth Voice with Caitlin Watson caitewatson@gmail.com

Accentuate the positive Christine Platt met many people who had suffered atrocities, but were courageous and inspiring.

just bashed to bits. I wondered how they were even surviving,” Christine says.

As word spread at home, more than 100 volunteers from several Hibiscus Coast churches ended up flying regularly to East Timor to help with building projects, running children’s clubs and teaching English, crochet, knitting and Bible study over a 14 year period.

“At the end of it all, I thought this has been such a big part of my life, I want to honour the relationships and experiences I’ve had, so decided to make a go of writing a book,” she says.

“One of my thoughts was to encourage people to go overseas and have a look, to learn, to discover and serve people in a totally different culture.”

Win this book – Hibiscus Matters and Christine Platt have two

copies of Glimpses of Hope in East Timor to give away. To enter the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and daytime phone, mentioning Glimpses of Hope in East Timor; or drop an entry that includes your name and phone number into our office at 21 Florence Ave. Entries close on Friday, May 7. Glimpses of Hope in East Timor is published by DayStar Books and costs $24.99.

It is available from local bookshops or www.daystarbooks.org

Social media is a powerful tool that serves a good purpose of connection.

However, it can also lead to a culture of comparison and manipulating the emotions of a vulnerable generation, notably the young.

Social media has raised the bar in our own critical self-assessment and young people who may not necessarily be discerning in evaluating the feedback, or realise that much of it is highly edited and curated, can be particularly vulnerable to its negative impacts.

I am a part of the i-Gen (born between 1995-2012) who have been brought up in the world of internet and social media. And, if I am honest about my own personal experience, I would say social media has had moments where it has bred complacency, conformity and comparison. It has made me complacent in soaking up time by unnecessarily scrolling through newsfeeds when I could channel my energy into far more productive things, led me to try and conform to the culture of ‘cool’ and negatively compare myself to others who seem to be far more successful.

As society, particularly youth, continually navigates the potential side effects of social media, there are three things that I think could help us.

First, demonstrate digital discipline – be mindful of what content you are feeding your mind and monitor how much time is spent on social media. Research shows that all screen activities are linked to less happiness, whereas non-screen activities are the reverse.

Secondly, activate affirmation – affirm your own strengths but also focus on ways to encourage and affirm the strengths of others, offline and online. Everyone can be empowered to step out and shine with their individual gifts and talents.

Finally, curate a culture of celebration. Why not take a celebratory approach, where we rejoice with our Facebook friends and Instagram followers, as opposed to comparing? Next time you feel bad after seeing someone else’s post, make a conscious effort to flip the self-judgement into an authentic appreciation of their achievement. This can make our mood more positive and benevolent.

Comparison can have an upside when you use it as motivation and inspiration.

Let others’ achievements serve as examples of where you want to go and be encouraged to take the steps to make it happen.

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| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

Autumn/winter feature

Gardening with Dee Pignéguy mikedee@outlook.co.nz

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The first downpour arriving in the last week of March made little impact on a soil that was dust dry. Luckily the showers continued throughout the week and soil moisture increased for the first few centimetres.

The storm that brought the rain also littered the beach with seaweed, and along with the goat and sheep manure and the fish frames that I dug in, I had the makings of a nutrient rich soil that would support the range of winter vegetables that I wanted to plant out.

Seeds sown a month earlier were ready.

Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi, beetroot and swedes were first to go into the newly refreshed soil. I used the cover of the early evening clouds and occasional showers to make sure the transplants would survive.

Once planted, the soil was mulched with compost and dried grass clippings to keep moisture in. As the daytime temperatures were far too fierce for the seedlings, I used a green shade cloth to protect them, which I removed every evening.

In areas where I only added well-decomposed compost, I sowed seeds of carrots, parsnips, lettuce, daikon radish, beetroot and spring onions. Again, the use of shade cloth was necessary until the first signs of germination. Carrots can take up to two weeks to germinate.

This season I grew my peas in trays and only transplanted them when they were well established. Peas are dependent on soil temperature, depth and moisture – all of which I could control and I didn’t lose any to slugs and snails. This method also allowed me to leave the eggplants in the ground a little longer, though the low night-time temperatures soon stopped their productivity.

Seedlings started in poor soil begin life stressed, so as well as using a good seedsowing mix, I used liquid manures for watering, including a mix of seaweed, nettles and comfrey.

When watering seedlings use a watering can with a large rose for a gentle spray.

Apparently watering cans have been in use since 79AD so they must have passed the ‘fit for purpose’ test!

I refreshed the herb garden with some useful winter herbs including mint, thyme, oregano, chives, and parsley. Coriander, dill and calendulas had selfseeded and were popping up everywhere, and the profusion of basil was picked and frozen for winter use.

The warm weather and soil temperature will continue for the rest of the month, so although I got a jump on winter planting, all gardeners should continue with sowing seeds of root vegetables and peas.

For certainty of winter crops, it will be better to buy seedlings, although I am still growing my own seedlings, taking the chance that this weather will continue into May.

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April 21, 2021 | Hibiscusmatters |

Autumn/winter feature

29

Cultures from around the globe were celebrated with a festival held last month in Whangaparāoa. Photos, Photo Carnival

Diverse cultures showcased in Hibiscus Coast festival Dramatic, lively and diverse performances that included a Chinese Lion dance and the sounds and rhythms of Pacifika, as well as kung fu, tai chi and kapa haka attracted a big crowd to the Coast’s first Multicultural Festival.

The event was organised by the Future Whangaparāoa Trust with support from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board.

Around 450 people packed into Sportscave in Whangaparāoa on the evening of March 26 to enjoy the wide range of live performances, as well as

Dog show bounds into Stillwater Four-legged friends Kobe, Bailey, Sparkles, Bonnie and Buckles were the inspiration for the first Stillwater Dog Show, to be held on May 2.

These dogs belong to members of the Stillwater Hall’s events committee, and when the committee was casting around for ideas for a fundraiser, a dog show was the clear favourite.

The brand new show is likely to appeal to many local dog owners in a similar way to Ōrewa Lions’ popular Hot Diggety Dog Show, which was postponed last month due to heavy rain the day before.

Veterinary nurse and Stillwater Hall

events committee member Lisa Tucker is organising the event, using her contacts to get some great sponsored prizes.

She says that the competitions are all about fun and designed for local people with their family pooch.

Categories include best support dog, best senior dog, waggiest tail, tricks, agility and the ever-popular owner lookalike and costumes.

As well as sponsored prizes, there will be rosettes for first place. Best in Show will be selected from category winners, earning the inaugural Dog Show trophy.

international food stalls and activities such as origami, rock painting and bouncy castles.

TahiMana Polynesian Fire Dancers put on a spectacular fiery finale.

Future Whangaparāoa Trust community activator Sara Mason says

more than 50 volunteers were involved in the performances and there were also 15 event volunteers.

The event cost $10,000, half of which came from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board. Sara says the organisation intends to host the event annually.

Dog show organisers and their four-legged friends, clockwise from bottom step, left, Debbie Thearle and Bonnie, Stacey Busek and Buckles, Julia Kelly and Bailey, Lisa Tucker and Kobe.

A gold coin donation is all it takes to enter a dog in a class and half the proceeds go to local dog rescue charity Saving Hope, with the rest to be put into further Stillwater community projects.

The show is on Sunday, May 2 at Stillwater Community Hall, 1a Duck

Creek Road, Stillwater, 12noon-3pm.

Note: As the newspaper goes to print, Ōrewa Lions are seeking a new date with Auckland Council for their Hot Diggety Dog Show in Ōrewa. The new date will be on Hibiscus Matters’ Facebook page as soon as we have it.

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| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

Autumn/winter feature

Night Skies

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

Autumn astronomy Autumn is my favourite time for observing the night skies. The evenings are cooler, but not yet too cold. The skies get darker earlier, so we don’t have to stay up so late, and we have the best objects to see in autumn.

Some of our favourite Southern Hemisphere constellations are in full display.

The Southern Cross is easily seen, as well as Orion (including the ‘Pot’) and Canis Major. Taurus, Cancer and Gemini are also visible in autumn.

The first two real stars to appear at night are Sirius in the northwest, which is the brightest star, followed by Canopus, the second brightest, in the southwest. These two can only be outshone by the planets: Jupiter, Venus and sometimes Mars.

Just below Sirius are another two bright stars. The orange one is the famous Betelgeuse which made the news last year, and the blueish one is Rigil. These are part of the Orion constellation. If you look at the middle of the ‘Pot handle’ with binoculars, you will see a fuzzy patch of light, this is the Great Orion Nebula. Below and to the right of Sirius is Procyon. Sirius marks the head of the Canis Major, the big dog following Orion the hunter across the sky. Procyon is the head of Canis Minor.

Looking towards the north, we can find the shell of the crab – Cancer. If you look at this area with binoculars, you will see a fuzzy patch of stars. This is the Beehive cluster, named for its shape, and is about 600 light years away. Towards the left and a little lower, we find another two bright stars, Pollux and Castor.

They mark the heads of the Gemini twins. Although they form part of the same constellation, they are very different in age, type and distance away from us.

The Southern Cross can be found high in the southeast sky. Below it are ‘the Pointers’ – Beta Centauri and Alpha Centauri. Alpha Centauri is the closest at a mere 4.3 light years away. If you look with binoculars a little to the right of the lowest arm of the cross, you will find a tight group of stars – the Jewel Box cluster. Try to see this with a telescope, as their colours are like jewels. Look down to the first ‘Pointer’ and then a little way to the left. With binoculars, you will find a faint, fuzzy orb in the sky, about the size of the full moon. This is the Omega Centauri globular cluster. If you are in a very dark spot with clear skies, you may be able to see it with the naked eye.

Other fantastic objects to look for are the dwarf galaxies: the Large Magellanic Cloud and the Small Magellanic Cloud. Rising in the southeast is Scorpio with the bright red star Antares, also known as the ‘heart of the scorpion’.

So grab binoculars or a telescope and head out to explore the evening sky. An astronomy app on your phone will help you find these objects.

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Bear prompts poetic tale A little knitted bear called Barnaby Joe has inspired an Ōrewa writer to publish a children’s book about his adventures during the time of Covid-19.

Barbara Algie’s Barnaby Joe the Magic Bear will also raise funds for Yarnteeze, a charity knitting group that created the character in the first place.

Barbara, who lives at the Evelyn Page retirement village in Ōrewa, joins the knitting group at its weekly sessions at The Coffee Club as they knit clothing, blankets and soft toys for women and children in need.

“I just come down and sit with them and greatly admire how they knit for charity,” she says. “It’s beautiful stuff and they donate it all, and buy all their own wool.”

When one member created a little knitted teddy in red trousers and a yellow top, Barbara, who has published

several books of humorous, serious and children’s poetry, was inspired to write and help the group.

“Frances knitted Barnaby Joe and I thought he’s such a feisty little fellow, I’ll bring him to life.”

Using the inspiration of the many teddies placed in windows and gardens during the first lockdown a year ago, Barbara has Barnaby Joe bringing love and joy to those who have no one to cuddle them during Covid-19.

The book was illustrated by aspiring children’s illustrator Brad Johnson, who also works in the wine department at New World, and launched at a special party at The Coffee Club last month.

Barbara is donating $5 from the sale of every book to Yarnteeze to buy more wool, and the knitting club is selling Barnaby Joe teddies for $10.

Yarnteeze founder Trish Stewart, left, with Barbara Algie and Barnaby Joe at The Coffee Club.

Before moving to Ōrewa, Barbara lived in Milford for 60 years, was a keen golfer and table tennis player and was awarded an MBE for her service as PA to the British Consul-General for 40 years. Some of her other books include

Raunchy Rhymes & Quotable Quotes, Ibbity Bibbity Bob and Zino, The Cat Who Thought He Was Somebody Else.

To buy a Barnaby Joe book or bear, contact Barbara on 427 4172 or email barbaraalgie@orcon.net.nz

Ukelele lady has students playing super fast A new qualification from “the god of ukulele” has given teacher Avon Hansen-Beadle new enthusiasm for teaching locals how to play this popular little instrument.

Recently Avon became the first woman in NZ to complete a Level 3 Certificate of Achievement from the James Hill Initiative’s teacher certification programme.

The three-year course was interrupted

by Avon’s family commitments, and then Covid-19 – she began studying towards it in 2015.

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The course is based in Canada, but Avon says James is a regular visitor to NZ. Avon has been playing and teaching ukulele since 2011, but says the qualification was still demanding.

It included hours of practice and having to run a big band (around 15 players), record the performance and write it up with lesson plans and reflections.

“I wanted to do it because of James’ approach – known as ‘the twin chord approach’,” Avon says. “Mastering this enables me to teach a complete newbie to play something basic on the ukulele

in five minutes. It is life-changing in terms of teaching and means a new player can quickly join in with more experienced ones.”

She says James has also added layers to ukulele music, so that groups of players can play classical pieces – something she calls ‘ukestraton’.

Avon teaches at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa and is introducing daytime classes. She will also bring some of the classical pieces from the James Hill course to her Ukulele Big Band.

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From left, The Black Hawk helicopter arrives at North Shore Airport. Westpac Rescue helicopter’s latest purpose-built AW109 drew a crowd.

Aero club open day a high flying success Control Club, which included aerobatics by propeller and jetpowered models.

Three helicopters, including an exUS army Black Hawk and a Navy Seasprite complete with machine guns, were also crowd-pleasers.

Also on display were around 20 club members’ aircraft, ranging from a very rare 1930s Aeronca to a replica WWII P51 Mustang, an amphibian Microlight and a recently completed Vans aircraft kit.

“We were blown away with the response,” Rodger says. “It’s 10 years since we had an open day and it was great to invite the community in.”

He says it was so well received that the club intends to do it again in two years’ time.

The open day at North Shore Aero Club’s Dairy Flat airfield on March 27 exceeded the organisers’ expectations, with a crowd of more than 3000 turning up to take a look at some unique aircraft.

Organiser Rodger Coleclough says there was “a tidal wave” of cars lined up to get into the event, and some of the food stalls ran out of food.

He says there were a lot of children keen to get up close to dozens of aircraft, including some built by club members.

Activities for the younger ones included face painting and treasure hunts, as well as sitting in an amphibious aircraft or exploring the Navy Seasprite helicopter.

Rides in two 1930s Tiger Moths were popular, along with the display by the neighbouring North Shore Remote

The sun sets on the open day, with a member’s recently built aircraft ready to fire up.

From left, A rare Yak-52 Post war Russian trainer aircraft departs on a scenic flight. Kids’ treasure hunt winner Luke Vaudrey with his prize – a model aircraft.

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Health with physiotherapist David Cooper david@kineticsrehab.co.nz

Fun number one in youth sport As we all adjust to the shift in available daylight hours, for our young people (or young at heart!) it also beckons the change in sporting seasons.

Over the last year there have been some hotly debated issues in the area of youth sport, including televising it, early specialisation, poor side-line behaviour and a plea to reduce the emphasis on competition at young ages.

This led to Sport NZ launching Balance is Better – an informative and educational platform where a more balanced approach to youth sport is championed. It has been encouraging to see it gain more widespread support since it was launched in 2019.

Angela Visek of Washington State University is one of a number of academics, some based in NZ, who have dedicated their careers to researching sport and physical activity in children and youth. A recent study looked into the reasons why children play sport – according to them, with surprising results!

Number one is fun, followed by trying your best, getting playing time, playing well together as a team and getting along with team-mates.

Among the large group of youth surveyed, other reasons cited were: “Mum and dad supporting me from the sideline”, the halftime snacks, and even the van ride to the fields. Winning ranked a lowly 48th place, while playing in tournaments ranked even lower at 63rd.

Since the turn of the millennium, youth sport has rapidly evolved to be more competitive and specialised, with academies popping up everywhere, including in almost all colleges. This approach fails to see the difference between the norm and the exception. Child prodigies like Tiger Woods are not the typical path to success that most elite athletes, have walked. By structuring our sporting organisations, schools, and seasons to ‘build’ the next superstar, a trail of destruction is left in their wake. Countless young people quit sport, get injured or burnt out and become sedentary. This can cause irreparable damage to what could have been a lifetime of enjoyment from physical activity and related health and wellbeing.

As a parent of three competitive and lively boys, we have two simple family rules when it comes to all sports or physical activity: have fun, and try your hardest.

With the new season of sport approaching, take some time to ask your child what they enjoy most about sport. Try to keep this front and centre at all times, because both the short and long term impact will be profound.

A six-week hockey skills programme for pre-school and under seven-yearold children finished towards the end of last month at Hockey Hibiscus Trust’s facility in Millwater. Led by Geoff Thompson, a feature was the regular input and involvement of current Blacksticks men’s and women’s coaches, Darren Smith and Geoff Shaw. Also involved were ex-Blacksticks player Casey Heywood and Hockey NZ goalie coach, Harley Kopa. Hockey Hibiscus Trust chair Merv Huxford says it’s a unique situation to have both international coaches living locally and with their own children in the programme. “Parents appreciated not just the fun and skills involved, but also all the coaches’ familiarity with children of this age,” Merv says. The programme is planned to recommence toward mid-year. Info: hockeyhibiscustrust@gmail.com Pictured, from left, standing, are youth programme coordinator Tia Baker, Geoff Thompson, Casey Henwood and Darren Smith.

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| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

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Aimee Bright leading the way for young women windfoilers. Photo, Adam Mustill

Manly sailors on the podium The sailors of Manly Sailing Club posted some strong results at the annual NZ Windfoiling National Championships, and the Moth Nationals, held last month in the Bay of Islands.

The relatively new sport of windfoiling is growing in popularity, but most participants are still male and Aimee Bright was the only girl in the Youth Girls’ fleet. Naturally she took out first place, while Manly Sailing Club coach Josh Bull of Red Beach placed 7th in the men’s fleet.

Aimee’s mother is Olympic board sailor Barbara Kendall. She says her own experience was similar – when she started windsurfing, there were no

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Moths are also a foiling craft and in the Moth Nationals, held the same weekend, Mattias Coutts of Tindalls Bay, aged 15, was in fine company.

He placed third behind Australian America’s Cup sailor Nathan Outteridge and Prada skipper Francesco Bruni.

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John Drakeley p: 021 150 6994 e: teamworkscaffolding@gmail.com

LIBERTY SHUTTLES TOURS NZ & AIRPORT DIRECT • Events - golf, fishing and more • Other options on request • Discount for group bookings Neale Stevens

(owner operator) 0800 99 55 11 | 09 420 5366 or 021 447 455 libertyshuttles@gmail.com | libertyshuttles.co.nz

www.positiveimage.co.nz For any queries, please contact diane@positiveimage.co.nz

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

16A Flexman Place, Silverdale

09 424 1214 ▪ 663 Whangaparaoa Rd

Peninsula

RUST & PANEL

Handmade Tie-Dyed Dog Collars, Leashes & Bandannas Custom Engraved Pet ID Tags Themed Hoodies, T-Shirts & Gifts

lunabell.co.nz lunabellapparel

MASON CONTAINERS LIMITED HIRE CONTAINER ON YOUR SITE OR OURS

Welding / Repairs for W.O.F & C.O.F, Rust Repairs, Accident Repairs, Insurance Repairs, Cars, Vans, Buses, Campers, Trucks, Trailers, Old / New - All Welcome. Affordable Quality Repairs with over 20+ years experience locally. Come see us!

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

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

Relax, your precious possessions are safe with us.

• Secure & monitored premises • Large ground floor drive-up units

0800 833 323 Visit us at 11 Sanderson Road, Warkworth www.masoncontainers.co.nz

Repairs

9–21 David Sidwell Pl, Whangaparaoa FOR HIRE & FOR SALE

Ph 09 424 6091 www.selfstorageworld.co.nz

Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

027 428 4770

windowdoorrepairs.co.nz

repairs@windowdoorrepairs.co.nz

• 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

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| Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

www.localmatters.co.nz

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

HANDYMAN – RENOVATIONS, MAINTENANCE, PUMPS, WATER FILTERS & RAIN TANKS 10% off for all Pensioners. Call me for all your handyman jobs, including renovations & maintenance. Water filters providing clean, pure drinking water. New installation and repair of all pumps. Beat the water restrictions & install a water tank.

Call John 027 441 9603 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. Shane 021 0813 8481.

PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps.

Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253.

COMMUNITY NOTICES A CLUB FOR SEMI RETIRED AND RETIRED PEOPLE. Monthly meetings with guest speakers, bus trips, luncheons, movie group, plus other social get togethers. Whangaparāoa Combined Friendship Club. 10am, Bridge Club, Edith Hopper Park, Whangaparāoa. Ph Pat 428 5285 or 027 242 8749.

CAFÉ CONNECT 10am-11.30am, 2nd Monday of the month. Over 60s group with a relaxed atmosphere. Morning tea, nostalgic singalongs. Gold coin donation.

Terry & Noelene Bradley 027 477 5014.

DO YOU HAVE ANY OLD CAR OR BOAT BATTERIES sitting in your garage, that you no longer want?

We can pick up and dispose of them. Ōrewa Lions collect old batteries, (NOT small batteries ie AAA etc) the money goes to the Child Mobility Foundation fund. Visit www.lionsclubs.org.nz/Clubs/ Activities/Child-Mobility Ph Laurie 426 3122 or Frank 021 761 161.

FLYING SOLO COASTIES A new group for solo parents on the Coast. Meet new people, build friendships, laugh, vent and support each other. A safe haven to communicate with others, sharing experiences, parenting tips etc. What happens within the group will remain confidential. There will also be meet ups/ events etc. FB: Flying Solo Coasties.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

WANTED TO BUY TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Ph 428 1587.

SITUATIONS VACANT

FINGERNAILS & TOENAILS CUT & FILED – $35pp or $50 for 2pp. I come to you. Ph (leave a message) 424 0676.

HAIRDRESSING CAN’T MAKE IT TO A HAIR SALON? no problem I can come to you.

Qualified Hairstylist providing cutting blow wave & setting services.

Please phone Julie 021 112 8015

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

MOBILE HAIRCUTS European trained hairstylist to visit you at your time, your place. Sabine Ph 426 9652 021 149 8598

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

WANTED

DVDS & VIDEOS

RETIREE WITH BASIC DIY SKILLS for mowing odd small lawn & maintenance jobs, Arkles Bay. Ph 021 946 869.

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

LOST

SERVICES RECORDING STUDIO Vocals to backing tracks, original projects, vocal training & vocal PA hire. Ph Dennis 021 115 5233.

TO RENT ROOM – AVAILABLE NOW Lovely large bedroom with own bathroom, Silverdale, $300pw. Ph Sue 027 389 3361.

RED BEACH 3 BEDROOMS + study, garage. Suit family or professional couple. No pets. Bond & refs required. $585pw. Ph 0210 8355 778.

FREE PIANO – RICH LIPP & SOHN STUTTGART. Phone 027 587 5400.

FREE SUNDAY CONCERTS – Stillwater Boating Club at 70 Duck Creek Rd, Stillwater, 3.30pm-6.30pm, free and open to the public. (on the grass picnic area in front of the club) swbc.co.nz/page/ what-s-happening/ Sunday April 11, 2s A Crowd; Sunday May 9, Happy Fish.

GOOD AS NEW PRE LOVED KIDS MARKET Sat 12 June, Ōrewa Community Centre, 9am-12pm. 45+ Stalls selling quality pre loved kids clothes, toys, games, books, bikes, buggies, nursery furniture and baby accessories. Free admission. Lets all get behind reuse, renew and recycle.

GOOD AS NEW PRE LOVED FASHION MARKET Sat 22 May, 9.30am-1pm, Ōrewa Community Centre. 30+ stalls selling pre loved clothes, shoes, boots, handbags and accessories. A fun morning of shopping and bargain hunting and sustainable fashion.

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday April 4, 1pm at the Ōrewa Community Centre, $4 entry all welcome.

HIBISCUS PETANQUE CLUB, Tuesday & Wednesday, 9am-12pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. Adjacent to Ōrewa Bowling Club, 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway. New members welcome. Ph 021 177 4820.

HIBISCUS SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB meets each Wednesday 7pm Silverdale Village Hall. Social

DINING OUT LOST COCKATIEL CALLED MANGO March 24, beloved pet of young girl.

Hand-raised cockatiel, 12 weeks old, light grey colouring with light grey speckled wings and pale yellow head, crest and tail feathers. Lost from Millwater, Silverdale end.

Contact Gilbert/Martha 021 296 6602.

FRESH SNAPPER CHIPS N SALAD, lambs fry n bacon, scallop salad, portabello mushrooms n toast. WedSun, Walnut Cafe ph 427 5570.

FOR SALE FIAT 500, Manual 65,000km, $8,995, Black 2015 one owner, CD/radio/ Bluetooth. Ph 0210 891 3216 anytime.

dancing, great music, friendly group.

Contact Gail 0274 242 792.

PUBLIC NOTICES

HEARTBEATS, HEART EVENT SURVIVORS peer-peer support group meet every 1st Tuesday, Hibiscus Coast Community House (behind Estuary Arts Centre)10am-11.30am. Include regular professional healthcare guest speakers.

All welcome. Info Trent 0220 606 199. ŌREWA COMMUNITY CHURCH ART CLASS 9am-12pm, Amateur artists who support and inspire each other, relaxed and friendly environment. Gold coin.

Alan 021 039 7155.

HIBISCUS COAST COMMUNITY HOUSE Annual General Meeting, Thursday 8 April, 12.30pm at our main site – 214E Hibiscus Coast Highway, Western Reserve, Ōrewa. The meeting will be preceded by a light lunch from 12pm. All Welcome.

SHAKESPEAR OPEN SANCTUARY SOCIETY INCORPORATED (SOSSI) Annual General Meeting, Tuesday 25 May, 1pm, the Park HQ by the new wool shed, Shakespear Regional Park, Army Bay. Members are invited for a BBQ lunch at 12pm before the AGM. HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB, Sunday, 2nd May, AGM at 11am, Ōrewa Community Centre.

PIONEER DANCE CLUB Every Thursday, 1.30pm-3.30pm, for seniors, meet, dance and make friends.

Silverdale Hall, ph 427 5542.

SERVING SPOONS free Community Lunch. Next lunch Monday 19 April, 12.30pm, St John’s Church Hall, 180 Centreway Rd, Ōrewa. All welcome!

SUNDAY SOCIAL DANCE Silverdale, ballroom, Latin American etc. all welcome. Every 4th Sunday, 5pm-8pm.

Silverdale Hall, ph 427 5542. Next event April 25.

WHANGAPARĀOA LADIES FRIENDSHIP GROUP meets 2nd Tuesday of month, Manly Bridge Club, 10am-12pm. All welcome for morning tea & friendship. Raewyn 09 424 1414.

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April 21, 2021 | Hibiscusmatters |

www.localmatters.co.nz

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Advertisment

April 25 Anzac Day services (see ad p11) May 2 Stillwater Dog Show, Stillwater Community Hall, 1a Duck

Creek Road, Stillwater, 12 noon-3pm. Fun competitions and prizes for the family pooch. (see story p29)

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Gulf Harbour Yacht Club Boat Bits & Car Boot all-sorts sale, Gulf Harbour Marina, 9am. Bring ‘n’ Buy and not just for boaties. Info and bookings, phone 09 424 2118 or email admin@ghyc.co.nz

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Whangaparāoa Coastal Plan public meeting, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa, 6.30pm-8pm (see story p16)

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Whangaparāoa Coastal Plan open day, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 10am-2pm.

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Love Food Hate Waste free workshop, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 2pm-4pm. Tips to help you save money and make the most of leftovers. All welcome. Register to attend at the library or bit.ly/37E3OAv https://

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9

Pest Free Backyard Tool library opening, shipping container

by Whangaparāoa Community Hall, 1pm-4pm. Lending free tools and materials to assist with removal of pest plants, as well as traps.

Free Ukulele Union concert, Whangaparāoa Library, Main Street, Whangaparāoa, 2pm-3pm. Followed by free workshop, where everyone can have a go at ukulele playing, 3pm-4pm.

Events listed are supplied to the paper as correct at time of going to print, but all are subject to change. Many require Auckland to be at Alert Level 1. Keep an eye on Hibiscus Matters’ Facebook, or contact the organiser, for any postponements or cancellations.

To list your event email details to: online@localmatters.co.nz

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

Pharmacy Talk with Tania Adams

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Protect Yourself This Winter With winter fast approaching it’s a good time to protect yourself against seasonal influenza with a flu shot. Coming in early for your flu shot this year is important. We don’t know when the COVID vaccine will be available to the general public. What we do know is that you will need to keep two weeks between when you get your flu shot and when you receive your COVID vaccination. So best to make like a boy scout and “Be Prepared”!

How can you get your flu shot this year? At Unichem Manly Pharmacy, we have specially trained vaccination pharmacists and are proud to be able to provide the influenza vaccination service to our Coastie community. If you are over 65 years old or pregnant, you can get your flu vaccination at the pharmacy for free. These vaccinations are available at the pharmacy now.

We are also able to provide the flu shot to you if you are under 65 for a fee. These vaccinations will be available from mid May onwards.

Additionally, we are able to organise vaccinating groups of people at an offsite location (such as a work place) which we have been doing for our local businesses and their staff.

Another vaccine worth mentioning is the oral vaccine (available in a tablet form) called Buccaline. Cold complications are serious secondary infections caused by excessive bacteria when you have a cold. These bacterial complications of colds can affect the sinuses, chest, or ears and can lead on to serious health problems such as sinus infection, asthma attacks, bronchitis, tonsilitis, ear infection and even pneumonia. Buccaline works as a preventative treatment and boosts your immunity strength to fight these infections. Buccaline is only available at your pharmacy from a pharmacist.

The Flu Shot available at Unichem Manly call 424-7708 for an appointment 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

40 | Hibiscusmatters | April 21, 2021

www.localmatters.co.nz

Clockwise from above, There were plenty of waves to play on in the first day of racing. Chris Sellars of Manly Sailing Club. Overall regatta winner Rod Dawson. Photos, Craig Butland Photography. From left, Murray Thom, 3rd place, National Champion Rod Dawson, Mark Orams, 2nd. Photo, Peter Busfield.

Weather biggest challenge for Zephyr sailors It was almost a clean sweep of the Zephyr National Championships for hosts Manly Sailing Club.

Club member Rod Dawson came in first, followed by Mark Orams of Torbay Sailing Club and Manly Sailing Club commodore Murray Thom third. Sean Herbert of Manly, who came in 8th, won the Andy Holland Youth Award.

A total of 69 boats took part, coming

from all over New Zealand. It was held over four days, from Friday, April 9 to Monday, April 12 but the storm on Saturday and light winds on Monday meant there were effectively only two days of racing.

Conditions were the most exciting on the first day, with two metre swells and 24-knot winds, but one of the definitions of the word ‘zephyr’ is light winds and that was definitely felt on Sunday, when three knots and calm

seas brought different challenges for the sailors.

Zephyrs are a sailing dinghy designed by the late Des Townson of Mahurangi.

Nationwide, there are 300 of these wooden 3.35m boats, now complemented by five new fibreglass versions built by MacKay Boat Builders of Silverdale.

At the prizegiving, Zephyr Owners Association president, Matt Mitchell

of Manly thanked all the visiting sailors and said how good it was to see many young sailors getting into a class previously known as the domain of sailors aged 50-plus.

Principal race officer Harold Bennett of Gulf Harbour said he was pleased with the good spirit of the sailors, on and off the water, and that the class brought sailors of all ages and capabilities together.