Hibiscus Matters_ Issue 318_7 March 2022

Council parks Manly bollards

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Bylaw enforcement needed NOW

March 7, 2022

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Airborne at 100

At 100 years of age, war veteran Ron Taylor, left, was relaxed and happy as he climbed aboard a twoseater Glastar for a flight from Dairy Flat airfield to Ardmore. The pilot, North Shore Aero Club member Lloyd Morris, right, was among several who took veterans for flights in their privately owned planes as part of the club’s RSA Day. (See story p24)

Groundbreaking Covid case – Churches v State Ōrewa Community Church has joined 14 others in taking the government to court over restrictions imposed under the Covid-19 traffic light system.

They claim their right to practise their religion, including gathering to worship, and being open to all, are unfairly impacted by the Covid-19 traffic light restrictions.

Madeleine Flannagan of Hibiscus Coast

Legal Chambers is one of two barristers representing the 15 applicants (on behalf of 110 churches and two mosques).

Flannagan describes the case, Ōrewa Community Church and Others v Minister for Covid-19 Response and Director General of Health, as constitutionally important.

Key to the applicants’ case is that Section 15 of the NZ Bill of Rights Act, 1990

www.Ōrewacarservices.co.nz

states that every person has the right to manifest their religion or belief in worship, observance, practice or teaching, either individually or in community with others, in public or private.

For Ōrewa Community Church, pastor Dave Bradley says, it’s simply about fairness.

Bradley says government is not respecting that religious practice is a fundamental

right, along with things like healthcare, food, shelter and education.

“They put religion in the same basket with entertainment – but we are teaching and for our congregation going to church can be as important as supermarket shopping,” he says.

His church elders decided to stand up continued p2

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www.localmatters.co.nz Next issue: March 21, 2022 Book your advertising now General manager: Jannette Thompson gm@localmatters.co.nz Editor: Terry Moore ph 427 8187 terry@localmatters.co.nz Graphic designer: Lorry McCarthy hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz Online: Alysha Dudley ph 022 544 0249 online@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Angela Gallagher ph 022 029 1895 sellit@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 25,500 homes and businesses fortnightly: Puhoi • Waiwera • Hatfields • Ōrewa • Silverdale • Millwater • Dairy Flat • Red Beach • Whangaparāoa Peninsula Views expressed in Hibiscus Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without editor’s permission is prohibited.

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continued from p1 and be counted with the other applicants, Bradley says, because their congregation of more than 200 people will be affected, even under the Green traffic lights setting.

The church has chosen not to operate with vaccine passes, so the number limits for gatherings are tight – just 25 at the Red setting. Currently they are holding two small groups for church on Sundays and a few very small ones in private homes during the week.

Pre-recorded online services are also an option, and Bradley says although these are available to all, “they are not church”.

“Online is better than nothing, but church is the people, so unless they gather, it’s not church,” he says.

“We could have 100 in church with vaccine passports, but we will suffer the tighter limit because I don’t want to stand at the door and deny entry,” Bradley says. “Would Jesus have asked for a vaccine pass?”

He says views among the congregation about this decision is mixed.

“We have the same challenges as other churches, and the nation as a whole – differences of opinion. Some are frustrated that 100 of us can’t gather because we have chosen not to use the passports. Whereas others agree wholeheartedly.”

He says the church’s leadership team believes in following the rules that government sets – and will continue to do so.

“But we are questioning those rules because they limit our ability to exercise our faith.”

Flannagan says leaders in the Christian community approached her towards the end of last year, saying they were impacted by the traffic light rules and asking what could be done.

“We didn’t know if anyone would sign on,” she says. “Churches in NZ don’t sue the government – it just doesn’t happen.”

However, 15 applicants did, and they are asking the court to determine whether or not the traffic light system is unlawful under the Bill of Rights.

“Not one of the applicants underestimates

From left, Ōrewa Community Church pastor Dave Bradley with local barrister representing the applicants, Madeleine Flannagan.

the health situation, or wants to spread Covid-19. They would accept the option of seeing a vaccination pass, or a rapid antigen test taken that morning – or a test taken right then and there,” Flannagan says.

She says the traffic light system was the game changer that resulted in the churches and mosques taking this action.

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Would Jesus have asked for a vaccine pass?

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“Everyone was in the same boat under the Alert Levels, and there was a known timeframe but the traffic lights are about how we live with Covid-19 long term, with no end date in sight. It’s also possible that the rules may tighten again in future, if there’s another outbreak or variant, so this case sets an important precedent.”

The recent decision of Justice Cooke that removed the vaccine mandate for Police and Defence Force workers is encouraging for the applicants, Flannagan says.

“It shows the court will require government to have good reasons for limiting rights and freedoms, and that it must continually review its policies with the Bill of Rights in mind.”

She says expert advice in support of the

applicants’ claim, including from her husband, Ōrewa theologian and teacher, Dr Matthew Flannagan, points to less restrictive policies affecting worship in countries such as the United Kingdom, America, most of Australia, and many countries in Europe, that are still effective at keeping people safe from Covid-19.

On behalf of the defendants, a spokesperson from the Covid-19 Group, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, says they are unable to comment on the claim while the matter is before the courts.

However, the spokesperson says that like all gatherings (such as weddings, funerals and tangihanga), faith-based services carry with them the risk of transmission of Covid-19 while the virus is in the community.

“Capacity limits provide an important layer of protection when people gather, reducing the likelihood of transmission of the virus,” the spokesperson says.

“Being vaccinated reduces the chance of more serious infection and the risk of transmitting it to others, and therefore up to 100 people can gather where My Vaccine Pass requirements are used. Where they are not used, the limit is 25, in recognition of the heightened risk that comes with unvaccinated people, or people of mixed vaccination status, gathering in one place.”

It is anticipated that the case will be heard in the Wellington High Court in June.

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Beachfront bollards parked – for now Pressure from both sides is being exerted on Hibiscus and Bays Local Board members after they discussed the options for bollards along part of Manly beachfront at a recent workshop.

The initial plan was to install 300 bollards along 330m of The Esplanade beachfront, taking away most of the parking – the aim was to reduce erosion and damage to pohutukawa tree roots.

Community opposition saw the plan postponed and the public consulted.

The workshop on February 24, which was attended by five members of the public, included a presentation by Auckland Council staff showing the results of public consultation.

A total of 176 responses were received during the consultation – 155 of the respondents (89.6 percent) live within a short drive of Manly Beach. The majority, 56 percent, were opposed to the installation of the bollards, with 43 percent in favour.

Staff put four options before the local board – to proceed as proposed and repair existing damaged bollards at the end of Cross St; to not install the bollards (but repair the damaged bollards); to install a few bollards around each tree, and repair damaged bollards; or to put the project on hold pending a full assessment of the work needed to manage the Manly beachfront area.

Other bollard business

The bollards were to be introduced to reduce erosion and damage to native tree roots, but the process is controversial as it involves restricting beachside parking.

After a wide-ranging discussion, local board members appeared to generally agree that postponing the work, pending more investigation could be a way forward. They plan to have a site meeting with Council staff once the current Covid-19 outbreak is over.

A lot of the comments made by submitters focused on a lack of parking near Manly Beach and local board chair Gary Brown says investigating alternative parking – something Cr Wayne Walker is already looking into – will be important.

He says since the workshop, he has heard from people saying the bollards must go in, and others saying they must not.

“It’s been deferred because we want to get it right,” Brown says. “Whatever the ultimate decision is, we will upset some people and there will need to be compromise.

Protection of the dunes and trees is important – but maybe less bollards, not 300.”

He says members hope the site meeting could be held in April or May, but that depends on the Covid-19 outbreak.

• Next up – bollards are to go along Moana Reserve, Ōrewa, to prevent people driving onto the reserve and parking. Council staff told the local board that parking on this reserve has become a serious problem over summer. Methods of restricting access have been investigated and the local board agreed that bollards were needed. Council staff hope to install bollards along the yellow and red lines (see map). This will leave access for public events, but not for parking. However, due to underground services, Council will need to obtain permission from Watercare in order to proceed. • Bollards have been installed along Hatfields Beach Reserve – the work was completed in January. These bollards were requested by the community and are to prevent vehicles driving onto the reserve and staying overnight. ‘No Overnight Camping’ signs were also put in place.

Bylaw enforcement called for by local board Enforcement of Auckland Council bylaws – including those relating to pollution from building sites, dog control and camping in tents on beach reserves – is being sought by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board. And they anticipate that other local boards could join them to provide strength in numbers.

The local board is hoping that it could lead to a review of the entire enforcement process, and funding for that, within Council.

Member Alexis Poppelbaum presented her Notice of Motion seeking bylaw and legislative compliance enforcement at the local board’s first business meeting of the year, on February 17.

Transport to enforce bylaws,” she told the local board.

“What point is there in having all these bylaws if they are not enforced? Signs are not enough,” Poppelbaum said.

Board members agreed, saying that resourcing and the skeleton staff available, particularly over summer, were part of the problem.

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CCO’s, with Poppelbaum noting that other local boards in north Auckland are supportive and doing similar notices of motion.

She says local boards in other parts of the city may also join the call for more enforcement.

“Power in numbers would send a strong message,” she says. “Each local board has

What is the point in having all these bylaws if they are not enforced?

Signs are not enough.

She says the issue was highlighted by the overnight camping that took place on local beach reserves this summer.

“The staff we do have are proactive and fantastic, but there are not enough of them.

Council’s money is tight but there is an opportunity to streamline and efficiencies to save money.”

“It demonstrates that something is needed to address lack of action, delayed action and the inability of Council and Auckland

Members consider the Notice of Motion could open the door for a ‘whole of system’ review of enforcement by Council and its

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issues that need enforcement.”

Among other things, the Notice of Motion states that: “enforcement of its many bylaws, including enforcement responsibilities ... is a core and essential function of Council”.

It seeks “an increase in employed compliance enforcement officers; that work

be routinely contracted out to third parties during peak times; and that issues regarding who is responsible in certain areas (Auckland Transport or Council, for example) be sorted out.

It also thanks staff in the Compliance and Community Facilities teams “who are doing an outstanding job under the circumstances of being severely underresourced to deal with the sheer volume and variety of compliance breaches”.

Poppelbaum says what happens next remains to be seen, but it is an issue that needs urgent attention, especially given the wide range of bylaw breaches reported by residents and elected members across Auckland that are not being responded to.

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VIOLENCE escalates against Council staff

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council Reporter. Funded by NZ on Air

Reports of violence and abuse against Auckland Council staff have quadrupled since the introduction of Covid vaccine mandates, according to a health and safety wellbeing report presented to Council’s Governing Body on February 24.

Health and safety manager Elaine Toal said in November last year, there were 36 reports of workplace violence compared to 152 in December when the mandates were introduced. In January, violence had a slight decrease with 140 reports from staff.

Face-mask requirements and vaccine passports were linked to the majority of the reports.

In response, Council has developed the Speak Up and No Excuse for Abuse programmes.

Toal says the No Excuse for Abuse programme is designed to remind Aucklanders that council staff are just like them and deserve respect, while Speak Up is a reporting tool for staff.

Cr Fa’anana Efeso Collins emphasised the importance of using an external service provider for the Speak Up programme.

“What’s really important is that it provides a level of confidentiality. Staff need to have the confidence that there’s a level of anonymity,” Collins said.

Cr Richard Hills was concerned that

Auckland could see a rise in violence.

“By the looks of Wellington, these incidents could increase,” Hills said.

While 83 percent of Council staff support vaccine mandates, Hills said it would not be easy telling someone they could not come into a facility.

Hills said even staff not at Council facilities were experiencing abuse. He said enforcement officers who attended freedom camping complaints were spat at.

“Our staff are being abused and I want to see a reduction in violence,” he said.

Hills asked how support was being wrapped around staff at this time.

Toal said when an incident occurred, staff were supported through a follow-up process.

“Those events were concentrated across libraries. There was a focus on providing de-escalation training for library staff,” Toal said.

Cr Linda Cooper said she was concerned by the limited number of methods Council has to address the violence.

“Staff are experiencing a level of aggression and we’re asking the public to be nice,” Cooper said.

She clarified it was not Council’s fault, but was concerned for the effect it would have on staffing.

General manager risk and assurance Mark Maloney said staffing levels had remained consistent despite the increases in violence.

The Speak Up programme starts this month.

Reform of Hauraki Gulf Forum causes division among members

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council Reporter. Funded by NZ on Air

The Hauraki Gulf Forum has agreed to lobby for a change in the legislation that governs it, but the decision was far from unanimous.

The forum was told at its meeting on February 28 that legislative change was needed to deliver two outcomes – a longterm statutory vision and strategy, which would have greater influence on decisionmakers, and a refreshed composition of the forum, with refreshed functions, powers and budget.

The vote on whether or not to support the proposal was split – 11 members voted for the proposal, seven voted against and three abstained.

A report titled Proposed Advocacy Position stated that the forum was operating on a shoestring budget and described the functions of the forum as “broad and overly prescriptive”. It said that in the 22 years since it was set-up, it was fair to say the original design of the forum had been found wanting, particularly in respect of the Marine Park itself.

The proposal went on to say the forum’s ability to engage in statutory decisionmaking processes, unless requested, had rendered it absent at key moments.

Author of the proposal and executive officer of the Hauraki Gulf Forum, Alex Rogers, told the forum that the change proposed was a “once in a generation” shot.

He said that the forum had discussed an update to the Act for the better part of a decade with three external reviews in the past seven years. The Act had been repeatedly called ineffective and internally inconsistent, he said.

However, the debate largely focused on the issue of co-governance with mana whenua. The forum currently has 12 elected representatives of local councils, three Government representatives and six tangata whenua. Under the proposal, this would change to an equal number of mana whenua and council/government representatives.

Some forum members felt the forum needed elected members “for accountability

and democracy’s sake”.

Waikato District Council’s Cr Rob McGuire was concerned by the lack of representation from around the Gulf.

“My council won’t be there in the new scenario; I’m very concerned where we’re heading with this,” McGuire said.

In response, Rogers said the proposal was not that specific.

“We want to leave that flexibility to Ministers. I wouldn’t want you to feel like your representation is gone,” Rogers said.

Rogers did not detail the composition of the forum in his proposal aside from the equal partnership between officials and mana whenua.

Albany Ward Cr Wayne Walker feared the forum’s new position could result in the government taking over the forum.

“When the forum was created, it was done with the idea of having decision-makers on the forum,” Cr Walker said.

Rogers said that the forum was not an elected body.

“It’s an appointed body,” he said.

Co-chair Pippa Coom said the proposal had been the subject of a deliberate misinformation campaign, which she hoped members could see through.

Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie said leadership by the co-chairs – Pippa Coom and Nicola MacDonald – had been ineffective and she was concerned with the lack of action from the forum.

Tangata whenua Mook Hohneck defended the co-chairs.

“How dare you run them down,” he said.

“Two years ago, you couldn’t get tangata whenua to come to the table.

“There is a definite undercurrent that you do not want Māori to be an equal partner.

“Māori have been advocates of conservation long before the forum came along.”

Tangata whenua Charmaine Bailie acknowledged the work the forum had achieved, but said change was necessary.

Bailie said, “Mana whenua are well aware of what it is to have a diminished voice.”

The controversial nature of the proposal means any amendments to the Act by Central Government will involve public submissions.

There is a definite undercurrent that you do not want Māori to be an equal partner.

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

Funding Auckland’s climate change action The impact of Covid-19 on our lives and community, with the latest Omicron outbreak, continues to dominate our thinking and the way we live.

While we have been more fortunate than most countries, the pandemic has exacted a real cost. However, even as we emerge from the pandemic, we need to be thinking about another threat to humanity: global heating, and how we can best respond to head off the huge economic and environmental costs this poses to our children and grandchildren.

A key feature of our budget this year is a Climate Action Package that aims to reduce carbon emissions, deliver better public transport, build more walking and cycling infrastructure and beautify neighbourhoods by planting trees across our region.

Auckland councillors, in recognition of this threat, voted unanimously to declare a Climate Emergency in 2019, and unanimously adopted a Climate Action Plan in 2020.

The proposed Climate Action Package will fund a billion-dollar programme of work to reduce Auckland’s emissions, with over $400 million from government to match our local efforts. It includes more than $600 million to deliver new and frequent bus services throughout the city, which will see more than a million Aucklanders living within 500m of an improved bus route. The package will provide for 79 new electric or hydrogen buses, low-emission ferries and infrastructure upgrades, increased funding for cycling and walking infrastructure, and urban forest across the region.

For the north of Auckland, the Climate Action

Package—if supported by councillors— will deliver improvements to provide more services on four upper North Shore bus routes as well increased frequency at peak times on the Warkworth to Hibiscus Coast Station route. The NX1 route will also be upgraded to provide a service at least every 15 minutes between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week.

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With more than 40 percent of Auckland’s total emissions coming from transport, enabling people to get around the city by public transport, walking and cycling is one of the most effective ways to reduce emissions.

Improving services across our region will lower carbon emissions from private vehicles and reduce traffic congestion for people such as tradies and others who do need to drive.

The Climate Action Package will be funded by a Climate Action Targeted Rate of around $1.12 per week for ratepayers with a median-value property (now worth more than $1 million) as well as co-funding from government and fares from increased public transport patronage.

It’s a small weekly sum but a big investment in our city and in future generations, enabling us to make the critical changes necessary if we are to avoid a climate disaster.

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OurOpinion Coutts conundrum

Manly Sailing Club president, Sir Russell Coutts’ support of the protestors occupying parliament grounds in Wellington sent a flurry of emails my way. “What does the club think of it and how about the sponsors?” were among the questions raised by readers of this paper. There are several reasons why I will not be asking the club, or its sponsors, those questions: He was not representing the sailing club at the protest. He was there as an individual with a political point of view. The mandate is among the issues he is opposed to. No fan of what he calls “mainstream” media at the best of times, he is also among those who believe publicly funded journalism means publicly controlled journalism. There is room for improvement in analysis of what government spits out but with “mainstream” media you have checks and balances – not so much with media found outside the mainstream.

Whatever you think of the government’s response to Covid-19, it has been an attempt to deal with an ongoing health emergency and is therefore not perfect. It asked people to put the wellbeing of the community as a whole above their rights as individuals. As well as so far keeping our number of deaths from the virus relatively low and hospitals and health workers overworked and stressed but not yet overwhelmed, it has caused people to lose their jobs, impacted businesses and blocked Kiwis from returning home. There are a lot of inconsistencies in the rules. People waving placards about freedom should perhaps bear in mind that in this country, we have the freedom to protest and express political views. While exercising that right, the Wellington protestors prevented businesses from operating and affected the ability of people to go about their daily lives – some of the very downsides of the pandemic response that they are so vehemently against. Protest, is confrontational and pushes the boundaries – that it turned violent should surprise no one. Even so, taking part in it does not impact Sir Russell’s role as a sailing instructor and president of the local club. If sailing club members or sponsors don’t like Sir Russell’s views, what to do about it is for them to decide.

He may find favour with others for having the courage of his convictions. There are many others in this community, in various occupations, who, as private individuals, have been part of protests during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is when they are paid from the public purse that the lines become more blurred. For example, politicians should be open with their employers (the community) as to where they stand on political issues like this, so that voters are fully informed. For anyone else, it is their business – and whether or not we share those views, everyone should definitely defend their right to air them.

Terry Moore, Editor

YourOpinion Read the fine print

Following Neil Anderson’s suggestion (Letters, HM February 7) that MP Mark Mitchell was “into misinformation mode” over 3 Waters, I’d like to warn him not to rely on Government summaries of proposed legislation. If seeking the full truth, it always pays to seek out and read the policies and legislation in full. That can be quite an eye-opener. Three Waters is no different to many other horrors being pushed through Parliament. Ownership is a nebulous word when “control” of the assets and their revenue is to be given to other unelected, unaccountable and unchallengeable parties.

Fiona Mackenzie, Stanmore Bay

Opinions ignored

This government and their partners seem intent on winding the clock back in NZ to the time of tribal rule. First He Puapua, which was kept secret from the 2020 electorate so has no mandate and now Alex Rogers [Hauraki Gulf Forum executive officer] says that we have nothing to fear from the changes in the governance of the Hauraki Gulf. Au contraire, as with He Puapua, when someone says nothing, the truth is that there is probably much to be afraid of. On another topic – the 3 Waters reforms — in a letter in Hibiscus Matters February 21 edition, there were a couple of important points that were missed or ignored. It is stated that there has been consultation with local councils, and while this is true, the vast majority are against it, so the government has listened but completely ignored what was being said. This is almost the definition of an autocracy. Completely missed or avoided was the governance of the new authority which will be 50 percent local authority and 50 percent local iwi. Why was this missed?

Geoff Marshall, Gulf Harbour

FENZ support

I write in response to the story about paid fire crew at Silverdale (HM February 21). The Silverdale community can be assured Fire and Emergency will be there when our help is needed in an emergency.

Silverdale fire station has a Yellow Watch career crew, who operate 7am-5.30pm Monday to Friday, as well as one of the largest volunteer fire brigades in

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Auckland with more than 50 volunteers.

Both volunteers and career crew work hard to protect the community. I am extremely proud of their mahi and the commitment. I also appreciate that our volunteers give up their time to be there for their community. We have more than 35 composite (career and volunteer) fire stations across NZ. It is usual that they may respond to emergencies together.

The Silverdale crews are also backed by more than 70 stations across Auckland, including Albany and East Coast Bays.

They can be quickly deployed to assist Silverdale if more resources are needed.

When looking at the future needs for the Hibiscus Coast, as with the rest of NZ, we listen and talk to a wide range of stakeholders. We regularly meet with Auckland Council to plan for the future growth of Auckland. When we plan and allocate resources, we consider factors including access to motorways and local hubs and how potentially station or personnel change will increase our response capabilities. When looking to futureproof our capabilities, we look at large geographical areas, growth analysis and callout patterns. Fire and Emergency is committed to making sure we have the right resources in the right places.

We are dedicated to supporting our communities, and continue to plan for their future needs.

Ron Devlin, Region Manager Te Hiku Fire and Emergency NZ (abridged)

Loo art needed

As a long time community worker in Silverdale, I was invited to a meeting regarding the toilets. Later I was sent the plans for the renovation but, because I’m not an expert, didn’t realise the dimensions of the new toilets. Once they were completed, I was very disappointed as inside the ladies where it had been painted a warm cream colour and had artworks and decorative tiles, it was now a cold white. As well I found when I used the single toilet, my thigh was against the sanitary bin. How can the Council say that the toilet area is okay? I have offered to replace the artworks and the community noticeboard we had for the ladies, at my own expense, but this has been turned down. I know that there was rarely any damage in the ladies’ toilet – it was always in the men’s, which was not decorated.

Lorraine Sampson, Silverdale

Homeless concerns

I understand how annoying some people find freedom camping at their local car parks but at least they’re generally in self contained campervans – unlike the homeless people living at the East side of Stanmore Bay Beach with their dogs.

Unroadworthy vehicles, cars all over, no toilet or shower facilities, shaving and cooking in the public carpark, despite there being signs clearly stating no overnight camping. When will this be addressed?

Council don’t care, my kids are too nervous to use their local beach walkway.

Antony Clark, Stanmore Bay Auckland Council Regional Compliance team leader Mark Parkinson responds: “Our Regional Compliance team regularly attend the Stanmore Bay area to speak with those that are Freedom Camping and ask them to move on. On occasion, we are made aware of rough sleepers in the area and when that occurs, we work with our community outreach partners to engage with them to try to get them into alternative accommodation. Our teams will check on the current situation and to see if any further action is required. If you suspect someone is rough sleeping, report it to the council on 09 3010101, or via the online Report a Problem tool, so that we can engage the necessary support services to give them the help they need.” He also notes that the Stanmore Bay carpark is an Auckland Transport (AT) asset and as such, any decisions to trespass Freedom Campers would be made by AT.

Camper alternatives

I support the crackdown on people abusing the opportunity to freedom camp (Camping crackdown begins at Hammerhead. HM February 7) but unfortunately it seems that complaints often class all campervan/caravan owners as irresponsible and unwelcome. The NZ Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) leads the way in responsible camping, taking action against members who are reported to have camped or acted inappropriately. There are also domestic and overseas travellers in hired vehicles from reputable companies who are usually responsible too. These vehicles are fully self-contained and now there is a new certification card that has to be displayed in the window of any officially selfcontained vehicle. However a minority of

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from previous page number of allocated motorhome parking spaces on the Hammerhead to 10 and that the local board feel there is a need for it to be 20. Some nights the number even exceeds 20. There is also a new parking area across the road from Army Bay that has been allocated for boat trailer parking but not for overnight camping. Surely it would be safer to have all the trailers kept on the same side of the road as the Army Bay launch ramp, and then allocate say 10 parking spaces for genuine self-contained vehicles in the new parking area to overnight? This would also provide an alternative to the Hammerhead.

Many of the occupants want to walk or cycle in Shakespear Park, go birdwatching, or just spend one or two nights in a place where they can easily access downtown Auckland, and do not need to park near the ramp. Finally, from all I read, however hard our local board members who know the area work for us, the all-powerful Auckland Council overrides recommendations and does whatever it wants.

Diane Lindsay, Gulf Harbour (abridged)

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Recently the carved wooden seats on Te Ara Tahuna/Ōrewa Estuary walk and cycleway were damaged again. Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member Janet Fitzgerald was among those who advised Auckland Council staff about the most recent vandalism.

Auckland Council area operations manager Kris Bird says the damaged seats will need to be temporarily removed and staff are in discussions with the Hibiscus Men’s Shed to see if they are able to assist with restoring them. The seats were hand carved by master carvers who were inmates of Paremoremo Prison. There have been a number of incidents of vandalism since they were put in at the end of 2012.

Solution page 30

people do not obey the rules. Many display a self-contained sticker but are not truly selfcontained. There are also those who display NZMCA ‘wings’ but are not members of the association. In 2018 I emailed our local board members, with photographs, about one vehicle that was abusing the rules. Not only was it a continual over-stayer – there was a related car parked alongside taking up a second parking space. I received a polite response to say that the local board had no resources for enforcement. I have photos of that same vehicle in 2019 (not during lockdowns) and it is still there today. So I fully support trespassing someone like this, who has lived here for at least four years.

Responsible campers who frequent the Hammerhead a couple of times a year also complain about the one or two vehicles that have a constant presence, aware that this minority gives all of them a bad name. It is a fantastic freedom camping site and we should be happy that people want to visit, but only if they do so responsibly. I recently read that Council plans to reduce the

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Coast feels pain of lack of after hour vets Pet owners know that injuries, accidents and illness can strike a pet at any time – and these things often happen outside working hours.

On the Hibiscus Coast, the nearest emergency (after hours) vet services are on the North Shore and in Albany, which can mean a stressful late night drive only to find the practice is too busy to help, and be sent on into other parts of Auckland city.

Local vets say that there is a huge need for an after hours veterinary service on the Coast – but that it will be a long time coming.

Vet Matt Gumbrell of Ōrewa Beach Vets says the workload of vets has also increased, with population growth and an estimated 30 percent rise in pet ownership since the first lockdown. He says lockdowns have also made owners more vigilant about their pet’s health – and this is one reason for people noticing the lack of emergency services even more at present.

“The nature of after hours services is that the random occurrence of needs means

demand cannot be predicted – and so sometimes the service will be overwhelmed.

No vet is happy with this, as we all want our patients to be able to be seen when needed. But as in human health, when there is overwhelming demand, we need to carefully prioritize pets with serious problems such as severe trauma or illness.”

Gumbrell says other factors at play include the cost of equipping and staffing a high quality after hours service, which is substantial, and vet burnout.

“Part of the reason for the shortage of vets is a high attrition rate due to the challenges of the job and resulting mental health issues. Those of us who have done on-call emergency cover in the past can attest to the strain it places on us.”

One local vet who has experienced this for himself is Vet Brett Finlayson of Ōrewa, Manly and Millwater Vet Hospitals.

Finlayson operated an after hours (24/7) service for his own clients and other practices for 17 years – from 2004-2021.

“Most of that time I did it on my own, until it got too busy and I managed to get other vets in our practice to help me out,” Finlayson says.

He says he then looked seriously at setting up a stand-alone designated after hours service, where staff were at the clinic overnight (as opposed to being at home and available for call outs). But it was impossible to staff it and currently staffing is even more of an issue.

“There was a shortage of vets and vet nurses before Covid-19 and now there is a catastrophic shortage of both,” he says.

“It is hard enough to get and keep staff to run the normal hour clinics let alone an afterhours clinic. Of course part of that is a desire of staff to have some sort of normal life – and rightly so.”

“We are lucky to have two after hours clinics as close as Albany and Glenfield but yes, there is a huge need for an afterhours service on the Coast. Is it going to happen in the forseable future? Almost certainly not.”

Local vets say that the Coast needs its own after hours service but getting one looks unlikely

Resident gets sinking feeling as report clears developer Stanmore Bay homeowner Lynne Davidson says she has been left high and dry when it comes to solving the problem of subsidence on her property.

She asked the developers of Marina Rise, McConnell Development, to look into the matter because the slumping and cracks in paving began after they put in a retaining wall behind the property. A hole around 2m wide and deep was found beneath a pipe in Lynne’s garden.

Mariner Rise investigated and commissioned a report, which Lynne received last month.

The report concluded that the retaining wall is in good condition and that the

sinkhole formed because of a blockage in a private line entering the public line. The blockage was cleared, which the report surmised should have solved the problem. It notes that the sinkhole should be backfilled with compacted gravel to prevent further slumping, whereas Lynne is refilling it with topsoil that settles over time.

However, Lynne says the fact is that she has been left with a hole and slumping paving.

“It’s still sinking and as fast as I top it up, it sinks again,” she says. I’ve had to remove one tree and another is still on a lean. The concrete outside the backdoor is slowly subsiding more. There was no mention of the concrete subsidence in the report. So

it’s fair to say I’m not entirely happy.”

Lynne has lived in her property since 2014 and says the problems began after McConnell Development completed Mariner Rise at the end of 2017. The subdivision included building a large retaining wall behind homes that overlook the site, in Elan Place.

Lynne says it’s been a frustrating process, and she is unsure what to do next. She will contact McConnell Development to say she does not agree with the report’s findings while she considers her options.

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Backstories April 21, 2021

Lynne Davidson’s backyard is still subsiding, but the developers of neighbouring Marina Rise say they did not cause the problem. She is pictured last year, when the hole was discovered.

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Mask exemption advice a minefield for schools Wearing masks is something that the majority of principals, teachers, staff and students at local schools are getting on with – although no one is enjoying it.

Currently, staff and students from Year 4 and up must wear masks indoors and when in close contact with others.

Local schools contacted by Hibiscus Matters generally have low numbers of students with exemptions from mask wearing – ranging from 3-13 percent in Year 4 and older – and very few staff have exemptions.

However, keeping up with frequent Ministry of Education bulletins containing ever-changing advice around things like enforcement, as the levels stepped down, has caused headaches for busy princpals, teachers, staff and school boards.

Under Alert Level 3, last November, the Ministry advised schools to see proof of exemption (a card from the Ministry of Health, letter or medical certificate from a health professional) or to “make a pragmatic decision about enforcing the face covering requirement” while waiting for that proof to be supplied.

Later that month, the advice was that not

wearing a face covering is a breach of the Covid-19 Response health order – but that schools were not required to enforce mask wearing.

By the end of January, with the Red traffic light setting now in place, the advice was that the exemption card process was “being abused by some families who do not want their child wearing a mask” and that schools should manage that behaviour “in the same way you might enforce uniform rules”.

By February 1, schools were being told to handle non-mask wearing in a sensitive way by having a conversation with parents/ caregivers and the latest advice, on February 15, was that “anyone who considers they meet the [exemption] criteria cannot be required to provide evidence that they are exempted”.

This meant that schools are also relieved from enforcing mask wearing at school.

Stanmore Bay School Board presiding member, Sam Ereckson, says the school is committed to following the Ministry’s directives.

“However, like many things occurring, they are fluid and may shift depending on government strategy,” he says. “I understand every school is dealing with

similar interactions, diverting energy from learning and teaching.”

Ereckson says he is sure some students will not wear masks because they just don’t want to, or their parents don’t want them to.

“On the flip side there are some whose parents have requested an exemption, yet at school the child wants to wear a mask.

You also see opposing parental views from the same whanau. Our staff encourage mask use and follow the mandate, but their primary job is to teach and as such any child that does not wish to comply is not to be ostracised or disciplined.”

Whangaparāoa College principal, Steve McCracken, says the current setting means staff must take a student’s word for it that they have an exemption, whereas previously they had to check for proof.

“Advice from the Ministry changes almost daily,” he says. Ōrewa Beach Primary principal, Katherine Pascoe, says her school has around 13 percent of students from Year 4 and up without masks, due to exemptions or communication with parents.

“Some have reasons, some don’t,” Pascoe says. “We have been advised not to follow

these up and to just accept this, which we have had to do. We know it’s difficult – we know masks are hot and uncomfortable, however we are so proud of the children that are being resilient and brave, wearing them to keep safe.”

Mask exemptions

• While masks are currently mandatory in a range of settings, this does not apply to people with a physical or sensory disability, mental health or other health condition that makes wearing a face mask unsuitable. • People for whom a face mask is unsuitable need to be able to access businesses and services, including education, like everyone else.

Businesses and others need to ensure they do not discriminate against people who are exempt from wearing a face mask. Equally, their staff have a right to be safe from abusive behaviour.

If an exchange about face covering requirements escalates, businesses should apply their usual conflict resolution process. • Businesses have a right to query whether people are exempt but should do so appropriately and be aware that no one is obliged to share personal information. If someone tells you they are exempt, it is best if you take them at their word. • Some people find a mask uncomfortable or do not like wearing one. This is not usually a valid reason for an exemption. • At the Red setting, face masks must be worn: by students in Years 4-13 when indoors, or on school and public transport; by teachers and staff supporting Year 4-13 students when indoors. They must wear medical grade masks. • Face masks are not required: when playing sport or recreational activities outdoors; for students in Years 1-3 and staff who support those students.

• Any children, young people or teachers who wish to continue wearing face masks outside those settings can do so.

AK HAVE YOUR SAY

‘We want more focus on climate action’ Have your say on how we can speed up our climate response in Auckland Council’s Annual Budget 2022/2023.

Go to akhaveyoursay.nz/budget

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feature.business&technology

We are back in the neigbourhood

Ray White Orewa Your local property experts

5 Tamariki Avenue, Orewa Phone: 09 424 9169 rworewa.co.nz 12

| Hibiscusmatters | March7, 2022

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500-home subdivision final phase East Coast Heights, behind the park ‘n’ ride in Silverdale, is ready to develop its final two residential stages and recently applied for resource consent to do so.

The development, by Build Rich, with entry off East Coast Road, is 26ha in total and its elevation means it has a major visual impact – especially when coming onto the Coast from the motorway at Silverdale.

When complete, the development will contain close to 500 homes, and a commercial centre (Stage 5).

So far, two residential stages are complete – Stage 1, of around 118 homes, is sold out and Stage 2, around 100 homes, is 80 percent sold.

A further 276 new homes are proposed for the 10ha that make up Stages 3 and 4 together.

The consent application also includes a wetland enhancement and restoration on the site’s southern boundary.

The commercial development, due for completion in mid-2023, proposes retail, a gym, office space, food and beverage, and a supermarket.

Auckland Council planners are currently processing the resource consent application.

Backstories www.localmatters.co.nz February 19, 2020 and February 17, 2021

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East Coast Heights has applied for its final 276 homes.

Auckland Council savings continue to trickle in

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council Reporter. Funded by NZ on Air

It seems every cloud has a silver lining, even during Covid.

Auckland Council’s Value for Money Committee was told on February 17 that Council had reduced its spending by $70.6 million at the end of last year and was well on its way to meeting its target of $90 million in budget savings for the 2021/22 financial year.

General manager of financial and business performance Nicola Mills said however, it was becoming more challenging to find efficiency improvements.

“For instance, we saved $30,000 by mailing fewer rate notices,” Mills said.

“But most of the savings have come from lower operating costs under Covid restrictions.”

In her report on the savings, Mills said the $6 million saved in the second quarter was

achieved mainly because expenditure was less than what was planned due to cautious financial management, different ways of working during Covid-19 restrictions and delays in capital projects meaning consequential operating costs would start later. As well, staff costs were less because vacancies had not been filled due to labour market conditions. There were some additional procurement savings achieved through contract negotiation.

A total of $1 million was saved from new ways of working under Covid-19 restrictions such as online Council meetings, which meant less catering and administration costs.

Cr Angela Dalton was concerned that finding savings opportunities was getting tougher every year. Chairperson Desley Simpson echoed Dalton’s concerns.

“A lot of these are now little pieces of savings,” Simpson said.

Mayor Phil Goff said Council needed to look for new ideas to save in the coming years.

“Every day I pick up the Herald and see these large public notices that I reckon nobody reads,” he said.

These notices cost Council about $700,000 annually.

“It’s a hell of a lot of money that you’re spending every year for no good purpose,” Goff said.

Goff wondered if smaller notices that pointed to where the public could find more information were possible.

The Local Government Act 2002 requires councils to publish public notices making the cost a Central Government issue.

Mills was unsure if smaller notices were an option, but they were already working to move notices online where possible.

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Website 101 – getting started Having been in website design and development for nearly 20 years in Ōrewa, Jason Carr of Fuel Design has seen websites that work, and some that don’t. Here are his tips for a business website to be proud of: • CHOOSE THE RIGHT PLATFORM

Believe it or not there are a lot of website platforms other than WordPress or Shopify.

Although these systems may be adequate for your business, have you considered alternatives? There are platforms that have email marketing and Customer Journeys built-in, Xero/MYOB and local courier integration – and amazing Google PageSpeed Insights results.

• SPEED COUNTS

Both search engines and visitors want your website to be fast. Google puts a big emphasis on the Mobile PageSpeed these days as, believe it or not, 75 percent or more of your website visitors may be using a mobile device. You can test your website speeds (and more) by searching for ‘Google PageSpeed Insights’ and enter your website

address to get a score on mobile and desktop.

• THE WRITE APPROACH

Most businesses we speak to really dislike the idea of writing blogs and other articles for their site. But the ones who do it well often reap the rewards, both in improved Google results and more traffic from their social media. Blogs also help to position your brand well with existing customers – turning them into repeat customers over time with increased brand loyalty.

• TURNING THE MARKETING ‘WHEEL’

Many people have well designed websites and are sending people to their social media accounts (like Facebook business pages) and losing traffic, when it should often be the other way around. Your social media channels should be sending people

ALTOGETHER YOUR LOCAL COMMERCIAL

to read your blogs and other interesting information on your website – where you have your services, prices, testimonials, case-studies, articles, maybe online shop and most definitely a strong call-to-action to get in touch or to make a product enquiry or purchase.

• DIY OR PROFESSIONAL?

If you’re not an expert website designer, should you even be creating your own businesses website? In NZ we all like to have a go and save money, but there is the potential that the wrong choices could damage your brand and online sales.

There’s a lot more to a website than meets the eye. Pretty pictures will get you so far, but in a competitive world, you need to ensure your website is as good as possible, so it is worth considering whether to give it a go yourself, or bring in a professional.

EXPERTS

Mayor Phil Goff is calling on Aucklanders to have their say on Auckland Council’s 2022/23 Annual Budget, which opened for public consultation recently. The Mayor says the proposed budget is strongly focused on tackling the climate crisis while continuing to address financial pressures caused by Covid-19 and maintain high levels of investment in infrastructure. He says the grim report by the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released last week, shows urgent need for climate action. “The IPCC report indicates that we are already at 1.1°C of global warming and our window of opportunity to avoid the very worst effects of climate change is closing fast,” Goff says. Council is proposing a Climate Action Targeted Rate to deliver $1 billion of investment in new climate initiatives.

Feedback can be provided online, via email, by phone, post and at Have Your Say events – visit AKhaveyoursay.nz to find out more and have your say. Consultation closes on March 28. After decisions are made in June, the final budget will be available at http:// aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

New player in market

The closure of Life Pharmacy in Coast Plaza this month upset customers – it is understood the store has been in Whangaparāoa for several decades.

Pharmacy staff, and Green Cross Health, which represents Life Pharmacy, did not wish to comment. However, a spokesperson for Coast Plaza’s management, Murchison Group, says that the previous landlord and the pharmacy were unable to agree on commercial terms. Bargain Chemist will move into the store vacated by Life Pharmacy late next month. Bargain Chemist did not respond to requests for an interview, but its website states that it opened its first budget-priced pharmacy in 2018 and is growing rapidly. The impact of this cut price model on local pharmacies, including other Life Pharmacies and Unichem, remains to be seen.

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Have your say

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Health Sheryl Takayama, Nutritionist sheryl@whyweightacademy.com

Technology: friend or foe of weight loss?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a simple app on your phone could accelerate weight loss?

Judging by the number of apps, programmes and gadgets out there, there’s no shortage of developers trying to create a product to help achieve this goal.

The Lyons Den Barbershop

U

sually we would enter a lion’s den with caution – but not this one.

The Lyons Den Barbershop, owned by Nico and Ruby Lyons, is designed to make people instantly feel welcome, relaxed and at home.

The retro-look barber’s chairs are super comfortable, while a stylish fit-out, including a custom-made ‘barn door’ and range of artworks depicting celebrities as Generals gives the place personality.

Barber Nico opened the The Lyons Den in Hillary Square, Ōrewa, last month. It is co-owned by his partner Ruby, who is also a hair stylist.

The 27-year-old honed his skills as a barber at a young age – he was in demand to cut his friends’ hair when he was just 15.

He has been a professional barber for almost a decade, most recently working in

Nico Lyons

Epsom – but it’s the first time he’s had his own salon.

The X factor for any barber is the ability to make people of all ages and walks of life feel at ease and Nico has this in spades.

Most of all, he loves using his skills to give clients a fresh look. As well as cutting their hair, he has Nishman hair and beard styling products and a small range of Offside tshirts, shorts, hats and masks, so everyone leaves the barbershop feeling and looking good.

His clients, who are 99 percent men, range in age from children to 99-years.

After lockdown, longer styles are popular, he says, even for older clients.

“People come to me because they like what I do, and I am always upskilling and keeping up with trends,” he says.

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There are phone apps that tell you what to eat and give access to hundreds of recipes. You can track your calories in precise detail, scanning barcodes and accessing global databases of foods. Detailed graphs show exactly how much weight you will lose if you follow the plan.

Technology allows us to track almost every health measure imaginable. A fitness tracking watch will tell you exactly how many steps you are doing each day, how fast your heart is beating and even the different sleep cycles you go through each night. Jumping on the scales to weigh yourself seems archaic compared to new tests available where blood samples, urine and breath analysis are used to find out if your body is burning fat for energy.

Health can even be analysed at a genetic level. A saliva sample can give insights into how key health markers like inflammation, cardiovascular health and fat metabolism are regulated, showing you where you may potentially be vulnerable to illness.

We humans certainly have a thirst for knowledge, but does it actually help, or are we overcomplicating things unnecessarily?

I’ve found that people who really love data do have increased motivation when they have more data to analyse, especially when they can see with evidence that their actions are working. I’ve seen clients completely

change their behaviours when their DNA profile shows the potential impact of lifestyle choices at a genetic level.

Studies back this up. Researchers from the University of Cambridge found in a large study last year that digital technologies that allowed tracking of eating behaviours and physical activity were effective in improving weight loss and reducing calorie intake in overweight adults, leading to better results compared to people who weren’t tracking.

However, I also see people get very frustrated when they are spending time (and money) tracking their actions but not seeing the promised results. This may mean they quit because they feel that their efforts are not working.

I remember the words of a university Professor when asked about the technicalities of different weight loss devices. His advice was simple: “If you are trying to lose weight and want to know if it’s working, just stand naked in front of the mirror once a week and see if your body shape is changing. It’s as simple as that.”

Weight loss can be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be. Apps, devices and tests can offer deeper insights into the data, but it is certainly not a ‘must have’. My clients who fill in a food diary on paper are just as successful as those who use a phone app.

What really matters is finding what works for you as an individual and then developing the patience, consistency and determination to not give up until you reach your goal.

If this could be bundled up and sold as an app, I’m sure it would be a winner!

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A Warkworth business owner, who was swindled out of $760 by a man purporting to be a retired painter, hopes that by speaking about it publicly he can prevent other people from falling into the same trap.

Seafood n Eat It owner Kamal Prajapati says he trusted the man because he was old.

“I’ve owned fish shops in Neville Street for 17 years and this is the first time anything like this has happened to me,” he says.

“I don’t care about the money – you can always make more money – but I want other people, especially elderly people, to know that these sorts of people are in our community and they need to be wary of them.

“I have no doubt he will continue to try the same thing on other people.”

Kamal’s problems started when the elderly man came into the shop selling bogus raffle tickets. He saw Kamal was busy painting and offered his services.

“Given his age, I didn’t think he would be able to reach the high ceilings but he said he had a gang of young men who worked for cash who would be able to finish the job for me. He quoted $2000 with 10 percent up front. I gave him $200 and then I asked him about replacing the awning out the front.

“He said he would need to talk to his boys, then rang back 30 minutes later and said ‘yes’, he could do it.

“The next time I saw him I gave him $560 as a deposit for the awning. On the day he was meant to start painting, he left a message on my landline saying that one of the boys had an appendix problem, but they would be on the job the following day.”

That was the last Kamal heard from him.

The man left a mobile phone contact number and gave his address as James Street, Snells Beach, but attempts to reach him have failed.

Kamal contacted Warkworth Police, but they

New Coastie Ed Amon

edamonnz@gmail.com

Kamal Prajapati

said it was not a criminal matter and referred him to the Consumer Protection Authority.

Kamal is resigned to the fact that he has lost his money, but has posted a photo of the man on his shop counter in the hope that someone will recognise him so he can be stopped.

Millions scammed

Scams cost trusting Kiwis millions of dollars every year. The Consumer Protection Authority says whenever anyone is asked to make a payment or provide their personal information, they should stop and think, “Is this for real? They offer the following steps to help protect yourself from scams: Be suspicious. Scammers work hard to appear trustworthy, and it’s good to do some research or thinking before you engage with a person or opportunity. • Don’t trust unexpected contact. Scams most often come through cold contact, such as an unexpected phone call or email.

Always take steps to find out more before considering any offers. • Do your research.

Use the internet to look into the names of people or companies who approach you.

• Resist demands to act quickly. Anyone presenting a legitimate opportunity will allow you time to consider your response.

If you feel under pressure, take some time — or turn it down. • Keep your computer virus protection up to date. CERT NZ’s website has advice for anyone wanting to improve their personal cyber security. Info: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/news-andmedia/fraud-awareness-week-2020/

Tech trials me anything I want in a second. Groceries, clothes, gadgets, conspiracy theories – all within reach from my own couch. And the pace of this change, my God! Consider social media. I sign up to Facebook – get on Twitter, old man. I download Twitter – get Snapchat you dinosaur. I build a profile on Snapchat – Instagram is where it’s at granddad. Reddit, Tik Tok, Watsapp, Wechat, Telegram, it goes on and on. Everything can be done with an app. All this development within a very short span of time. Give me a minute to catch up!

Humans evolved over millions of years. Our brains are not really equipped to deal with this pace of change.

Sometimes I feel everything is changing too fast. I am a millennial. Three years ago my age cohort and our place in society was all the rage in conversations, newspaper articles, and jokes. It seemed everybody hated us because we were allegedly weak and entitled. Today the subject of public malign in the culture is Generation Z or the Zoomers.

I find myself complaining about the “new generation” and their “laziness” and “screen time” so much that I have to deliberately check myself. Am I being a hypocrite? Just a few years ago I did not like it when I was being complained about by the older generations. Am I just jealous and should get on with the times?

There are many positives of these developments. The new generation is very socially aware, climate conscious, open to change and overall the most open minded to race, sexuality/gender, religion and nationality. Technology has improved global health and global human connectivity.

After a few months of self-reflection, I have come to this conclusion: there is some validity to our complaining. Hear this young old man out. For decades we had a landline and an answering machine, and a couple of TV channels. That is all we had through the 60s, 70s, 80s and much of the 90s. We remembered phone numbers, carried pens, and got the news the next day. We were happy with that. The pace of change was manageable. The phone can go in multiple rooms? Fantastic. Call waiting? Sign me up.

No more rotary on the phone, and you can just press the numbered buttons to call someone? Yes, let’s do it.

However, while living your life and running your business, if you get ridiculed for not being “up with it” or overwhelmed by the fact that now you have to put yourself on Tik Tok when you just signed up to Instagram, just take a breath, have a little winge and a whine. We deserve to do that. Not everything has to be adopted right away.

I completely skipped Pinterest, and my life did not get ruined.

Our ancestors whined about us, we deserve to complain about our decendents occasionally.

Fast forward to 2022. I have a powerful supercomputer in my pocket which can get

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Hibiscus Men’s Shed Trust chair Maurice Browning says their shed is one of the biggest in the country.

The men enjo be a communityymsporacning tea in the area that will shed is complete. e and kitchen when the

Shed slowly shaping up

Work is continuing on the Hibiscus Men’s Shed in Silverdale, with eager shed members doing a lot of the interior fit out.

However, completion and the official opening have been further delayed by the shortage of construction materials.

One example is the gib board that was ordered before the end of last year and is not expected to arrive until April, at the earliest.

Hibiscus Men’s Shed Trust chair Maurice Browning says this has put the work back

by several months – his best guess is that the opening planned for July will now be towards the end of this year.

Price increases have also taken a toll on grant funding, which is not going as far as hoped.

Although this is frustrating, it is a nationwide problem and the Men’s Shed members are confident that when complete, their shed will be worth the effort.

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machinery, some of which was donated by Atlas Concrete.

One of the biggest areas is for woodwork.

There are separate sanding and spray booths and a large outdoor extractor unit to make sure the health and safety codes are met.

There is also an IT room, which Maurice says will be used for showing instructional videos, making models and repair work as well as teaching small groups of young people.

While work on the shed continues, Hibiscus Men’s Shed Trust has a month-

by-month lease with Waka Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency on part of the building at 1 Brightside Road.

The organisation has been working towards establishing a purpose-built facility on the Hibiscus Coast since 2015.

The sheds are not-for-profit workshops proven to have benefits for men’s mental health. Members can drop into the shed for a chat and to work on practical community, or personal, projects.

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Auckland Transport’s (AT) next crop of roads identified for lower speeds includes sections of Hibiscus Coast Highway, East Coast Road and Dairy Flat Highway. They are among 1646 Auckland roads where AT is proposing to drop speeds. The affected sections of Hibiscus Coast Highway include the section through Silverdale that is currently 70kph – this would drop to 60kph. Public consultation is underway, and anyone can have their say until April 3 at https://at.govt.nz/about-us/have-your-say/proposed-speed-limit-changesphase-three/ If approved, these changes will come into force in November/December – AT says this is dependent on public feedback, AT Board approval and implementation considerations. Slow around Stanmore Meanwhile speeds around Stanmore Bay School are among those already consulted on and set to go to the AT board for final approval on March 31, with implementation in June. They include dropping the speed to 30kph along the full length of Waiora Road, Greta Place, Elliston Crescent and Charlotte Street as well as Gledstane Road (between Elliston Crescent and D’Oyly Drive).

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Sue Smith’s image Full throttle dragster was the champion in Set Subject at the Hibiscus Coast Photographic Club’s February club night – held via Zoom. The subject this time was Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Sue’s picture is a “panning” shot. Tilting the image gives it an increased sense of speed. Taken with a slow shutter speed (1/50 of a second) and small aperture, f22, Sue followed the dragster to have it sharply in focus while the foreground and background are blurred. The image was taken with a Canon 5D Mk3.

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March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

19

Kicking cancer in the gut

Ethan Whear spends as much time as possible in his new pool.

Lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk of getting certain cancers are the focus of this month’s Give It Up for Gut Cancer campaign.

Swimming a winning formula

Hundreds of Kiwis are giving up alcohol, sugar or a sedentary lifestyle (the couch) in March, while raising money for the Gut Cancer Foundation (GCF).

She says his water confidence has increased and the water calms him.

The relaxing power of water is especially important for five year old Ethan Whear, who suffers from seizures and muscle spasms caused by a rare condition called leukodystrophy, along with a number of associated health problems.

Frequent muscle spasms force his body into a state of constant tension and being in the water helps alleviate this and allow his muscles to relax.

Purchasing a pool was beyond the Gulf Harbour family’s reach, but last month, Hell Pizza’s Satan’s Little Helper charity stepped in, providing a pool and toys.

Ethan’s mum, Amy, says he goes in the pool every day. “Even if it’s raining, he’ll stand by the window until it stops and then he’ll ask to go in,” she says.

“Sometimes we’ll hold him in the water, or he’ll use the pool noodles and float,” she says. “It helps him sleep better as well, because he’s more relaxed.”

Leukodystrophy has no cure, so treatment is limited to managing symptoms.

Amy says despite these enormous challenges, her son is determined to make the most of life and that Ethan was super excited when he recently started school.

She says the whole family is making use of the pool during the hot summer.

“It has been so great for Ethan – and even better that we can all enjoy it,” she says.

“Thank you Satan’s Little Helper.”

Seaweek includes Shakespear snorkel

This year’s Seaweek includes a guided snorkelling session at Te Haruhi Bay in Shakespear Regional Park on Sunday, March 27. Snorkellers could discover sea creatures such as glass shrimp, triplefins or nudibranchs. This event is funded by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, The Bobby Stafford-Bush Foundation and Auckland Unlimited. Registration essential. Info: look for Shakespear Snorkel Day on Facebook. Seaweek is Aotearoa’s annual national week devoted to the ocean, and this year, it’s encouraging Kiwis to ‘connect to the sea’.

Do you have difficulty hearing?

Geese could be gone

Auckland Council plans to have geese that live around Arran Point and Grand Drive in Ōrewa removed and rehomed. Recently some of the geese were hit by a car and killed, upsetting some residents. However, at a Hibiscus and Bays Local Board workshop on February 24, Council staff told members that complaints have been received about the Arran Point geese. “Staff are getting quotes from Wildlands Consultants to capture and • Prices to suit all budgets • FREE 15-minute hearing checks rehome the geese,” the staff report said.

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One of the faces of the campaign is Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre Never2Old instructor Aviv Jones.

She has posted exercise videos on the campaign’s website and Facebook page to encourage people to get moving and says she is hopeful that the new habits formed may last longer than March.

“It takes three to four weeks to create a habit, so we hope those changes may become more permanent for people,” she says.

Aviv lost her best friend Esther to pancreatic cancer five years ago and is passionate about this cause.

As well as the videos, Aviv has chosen to give up sugar in March.

Gut cancers affect the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and bowel. So it makes sense that there is a strong link between them and things like obesity, alcohol consumption and sedentary behaviour.

“They are some of the cancers that people don’t talk about as much,” Aviv says. “Yet

Stanmore Bay Leisure Centre instructor Aviv Jones is encouraging people to Give It Up for Gut Cancer.

they often have poor outcomes and are hugely on the rise.”

This is the second year that the GCF is running this campaign – they hope it will be come an annual fundraiser.

It is still possible to donate to this cause: www.giveitup.nz Info: www.gutcancer.org.nz/gut-cancers/

AT sounds drop off warning

Some passenger drop-offs at the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station in Silverdale are causing safety concerns for Auckland Transport (AT). Passengers who are being dropped off at the Z petrol station are then crossing busy Painton Road to get to the bus station. However, AT says there is a safer option. “If those doing the drop-offs continued up Painton Road to the roundabout, went around the roundabout and back down Painton, they could drop their passengers at the bus layby area (now a 5-minute parking zone),” an AT spokesperson says. AT is in the process of getting better signs up to encourage more drop offs in the layby area on Painton Road.

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Down time for birds We’re all feeling the heat right now – some of us love it but others – not so much. Those who aren’t so happy just hunker down and get through until autumn brings cooler weather.

It’s much the same for birds. The hard work of rearing chicks through the spring and early summer is over and life goes quiet.

The dawn chorus of late summer is nothing to what it was in spring. Even the tui is quieter and has stopped waking us at ungodly hours of the morning.

Right now many birds are going through their main moult - you may have noticed the blackbirds in your own garden looking bedraggled. Their old worn feathers are falling out and being replaced with new ones. This lasts into the autumn when birds start to seem their normal selves.

Away from our gardens, similar things are happening. The robins/toutouwai at Shakespear Regional Park will be reclusive and shabby. Grey warbler/riroriro have gone quiet and the persistent “kek kek kek” of the kingfisher/kotare is much reduced.

Perhaps these birds know it is useless to call when the loud chorus of the cicada is at its February peak and drowning out all other sounds in the bush.

By the way, keep an eye out for North Island robins along the peninsula. The young birds disperse widely from home and there is a good chance they will one day settle in bush reserves such as those along the Weiti River.

And what can we do to help the birds through this time? If you have a birdbath

then keep it full and clean. High summer temperatures mean the water can go off more quickly than usual. Having the birdbath under the shade of a tree helps.

Even the tui is quieter and has stopped waking us at ungodly hours of the morning.

As the temperatures start to fall and the birds are looking in top condition again, the dawn chorus comes back in full force.

Among the first to start singing again will be the song thrush. In April they will dust themselves off, fly to the top of a tree or power pole and start to sing their hearts out. They will soon be joined by others – the silvereyes, grey warblers and tuis.

The abundant natural food supply of late summer can also lead to larger numbers of rats around our gardens. It’s a good time to tidy up your rat-traps and maybe try a new bait to see what you can attract.

It was the beach that first drew Carl Dooley to New Zealand.

“I remember standing on Milford Beach on my second day in the country,” he recalls. “And it just felt like I’d been there before.”

Today, some 12 years later, Carl still has a view of the beach as the manager of Dil’s Hibiscus Coast; a beautifully designed new funeral home in Stanmore Bay.

Dils Hibiscus Coast. A very special place.

Ask anyone who lives there and they’ll tell you that the Hibiscus Coast is a special place. Things are different in this idyllic part of Auckland. The pace, like the dress code, is relaxed and you’re never more than a few minutes from a pristine stretch of beach.

Tellingly, when we meet on a sunny February morning, Carl isn’t wearing the traditional funeral director’s formal suit.

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“ we’re anything but traditional”

An affable Englishman with a hearty laugh, Carl instantly makes you feel at ease as he and Dil’s General Manager, Wade Downey, show us around the new building.

“I never get tired of this view.” Carl says, looking through the big feature window that frames the sea and surrounding homes in the chapel.

The fact that Dil’s sits next to family homes in a quiet suburban street says a lot about the philosophy of the company.

“We’re proud to be a part of the community,” says funeral director and Army Bay resident, Kathy Fransham. “People know us not just as funeral directors, but also, as their neighbours.”

“I love working at Dil’s because they do things differently.” Carl says. “It’s a more relaxed experience and I think it’s so important that people feel like they can just be themselves.”

Longtime coaster, Wade Downey, says that the new building was designed to “We go to extraordinary lengths reflect the Hibiscus coast way to ensure that people get to of life. “We really wanted say goodbye in their own a connection with the sea,” special way. It’s a real honour he says. “Having loads of to be able to help. I couldn’t for beautiful natural light and being able funerals have a more rewarding job or a to see the ocean creates nicer place to do it.” a really uplifting feeling.”

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March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

21

Sand sculptors focus on the light side of life

Members of the Hibiscus Coast Cricket Club were on the shovels as the project began last week.

In Good Form’s two sand sculptors were giving out few clues about what this year’s sculpture on Moana Reserve might be, as they began work on it last week.

However, two things definitely off the list are Covid-19 and politics (Russia’s invasion of Ukraine).

“It will be something a bit quirky to make people smile,” one sculptor said.

Twenty tonnes of sand was trucked into Moana Reserve on February 28 so that the Christchurch sculptors could create a giant sculpture.

This is the eighth year that the sand sculpting has taken place on the reserve. The sculpture was expected to be revealed last weekend, on March 5, weather permitting.

The sculpture, and the chalk art created in association with it this year, is funded by business association Destination Ōrewa Beach.

FANTAILS

In Good Form’s Asheley Elizabeth created three pieces of chalk art in Ōrewa, starting on February 21, including a khoi pond in Hillary Square and a large-scale tui in flight.

She was assisted by artist Helen Beswick in making the tui on Moana Reserve.

Last week, a small group of locals assisted a whale which had came close to shore on Red Beach to head back out to sea. On March 1, when the whale was spotted, Project Jonah was called but before its team arrived, locals helped the whale out of the breakers. Matt Bayes saw the animal while fishing from his kayak. He says it didn’t completely beach – it remained moving in knee-deep water – but was near the shore. He estimated it was more than 3m long. As the tide was low, he says its chances were good of refloating as the tide came in but it didn’t come to that, as locals came to its aid. Project Jonah’s Louisa Hawkes says photographs indicate it may be a beaked whale. She says while everyone wants to see whales returned to the water when they strand, there are often underlying reasons why they strand.

“A beaked whale in coastal waters is concerning, as they are deep water animals,” she says. “The fact it’s been seen in the same location for several days also indicates problems. It is unlikely to be feeding so close to shore, so could be deteriorating in body condition. It is important for us to assess its health, whether in the breakers or beached.” She recommends if the whale is seen near shore again to wait until Project Jonah or DOC arrive before taking action. “We can also give advice on avoiding injury – a strong possibility with a stressed wild animal rolling in the surf.” Project Jonah asks locals to keep an eye on beaches in the area and phone 0800 DOC HOT or 0800 4 WHALE if it restrands.

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 7, 2022

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Couple marks platinum milestone

Finding Independence and Peace of Mind

Murray and Olive Brighouse, both 92, recently celebrated their Platinum (70th) wedding anniversary with close family.

Five generations gathered for the occasion, the youngest being the couple’s great great grandchildren, Robert, aged two, and Alexandra (seven months).

Olive and Murray were married on February 16, 1952 in New Lynn. They have lived in Whangaparāoa for the past 35 years – during that time they have been the owners of Manly Takeaways and very active members of the Weiti Boating Club.

The couple still live in their beloved home of 28 years in Manly.

Patricia and Charles finally reached that stage in life when they chose to move into a retirement village. They love their self-contained unit surrounded by manicured gardens and sitting close to waterside boardwalks. However, as health issues began to affect their ability to complete tasks around the home, they feared they might have to move.

“For us,” says Charles, “it was about remaining independent for as long as possible in a home we love. It was hard to come to terms with thinking that our health might mean we had to move away.”

Five generations were there to share Olive and Murray Brighouse’s 70th wedding anniversary.

Water quality analysis

Auckland Council staff have suggested that a programme designed to analyse the quality of water leaving small building sites should be brought to an end. The Hibiscus and Bays Local Board has funded the programme for the past three years and at a recent workshop, members were updated on its progress. Initially the work involved water quality testing on small-scale developments (up to 500m2 or 250m3) that included earthworks permitted under the Unitary Plan. The aim was to gather evidence about which contaminants in local waterways are related to sediment discharges from such sites. The results provided data, but compliance was also part of the mix if deemed necessary. The next steps include more data collection and follow up site visits, until June. The programme now has three years of data and staff recommended to members that once results are provided to the local board, the programme be discontinued.

It’s a dilemma faced by many people who are older or who live with a disability – deciding when it’s the right time to leave the home you love and move into more structured care. Because Patricia and Charles weren’t ready to make that decision just yet, they found a home healthcare provider who could help them with the tasks they were unable to do for themselves.

“We heard about Visionwest. The moment we met with them we were impressed by their desire to do whatever it took to keep us in our home. The service is totally reliable. The carers are understanding of the different stages of aging and disability and adaptable to meeting people’s needs. We would thoroughly recommend Visionwest.”

Visionwest’s team of Support Workers enable over 7,000 clients to experience the independence and sense of security that comes from receiving regular in-home support.

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March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Close up look at classic aircraft in Dairy Flat Around 50 veterans and members of RSAs on the North Shore and Warkworth, who were special guests at North Shore Aero Club in Dairy Flat, appeared to relish the opportunity to see vintage aircraft up close.

Details such as the engine types, the rivets and the beautiful condition of the nine planes were a cause for much discussion during the inspection.

The RSA visitors were then flown to Ardmore in private planes owned by club members. At Ardmore they toured the Warbirds Museum and then flew back to the Dairy Flat airport for lunch.

This is the second time that the club has invited veterans for an RSA Day. Event organiser Anton Ramenskiy says the original numbers of veterans halved because of the Covid-19 outbreak but the aero club was pleased to still be able to put on its event, on Saturday, February 26.

He says many commented that the flight was a highlight, along with being able to see the planes up close and talk with their owners about each aircraft’s unique history and stories.

Among those owners are Gilly and Stan Smith of Stanmore Bay who own and care for several rare aircraft.

Stan uses his skills as an engineer to spend thousands of hours restoring and rebuilding the planes, including making any parts needed. The former TEAL pilot also teaches flying at the aero club – the couple has been members since 1970. Gilly, too, has her pilot’s licence.

Anton says the club will make the RSA Day a regular event – “we want to bring as many veterans here as possible,” he says.

Top, The ‘shiniest plane’ award, had there been one, would have gone to this silver three-quarter Mustang, which also received praise for its flush rivets from those who inspected it closely. Above, Stan and Gilly Smith of Stanmore Bay are custodians of several special and rare aircraft (including this ex-RNZAF Auster), painstakingly restored by Stan in a hanger at Dairy Flat airfield. Left, Among Stan and Gilly’s aircraft is this long serving de Havilland 84A Dragon, Taniwha, which in its day performed airforce, surveying, flying school and commercial roles.

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 7, 2022

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Pre heat the oven to 150°C. Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the bacon and onions. Add the spices, garlic, salt and pepper and BBQ sauce, then sear until bacon in cooked. Set aside to cool. Now prepare the dough: mix the milk, vinegar and lemon juice in a jug. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the dough hook attached. Add the butter, mix until a fine crumb. Slowly pour in the blended milk, vinegar and lemon juice, to form a soft dough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Roll out to about 6mm thick. Spread the pizza sauce across the rolled dough. Cover with your bacon mixture and top with cheese. Tightly roll up the dough. Cut into 2.5cm-thick circles. Place on a pre lined baking try. Lightly brush with beaten egg.

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March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Stars align for Youth in Transition fundraiser Some famous sportspeople, including Olympians, lined up to play golf and raise funds in Youth in Transition’s Golf Fore Life event last month.

New tournament in memory of Matt

The fundraising tournament was held on a picture perfect day on February 24 at Gulf Harbour Country Club.

Warkworth Golf Club will be the venue for a new charity day being organised in memory of murdered police officer Matt Hunt next month.

The Matt Hunt Memorial Golf Tournament will be a three-ball Ambrose event on Sunday, March 13, with of prizes worth more than $6500.

Organiser Michael Campbell says Warkworth was chosen for the new tournament as Matt had played at the club and it was close to where his mum Diane lives.

“Golf was a game that Matt loved and the golf course was a place he would connect on weekends with friends and family,” he said.

“This is a chance for friends, family, police and the community to come together and share a day of laughter and happiness as we remember Matt.”

Funds raised from fees and donations will go to Pilgrim Bandits, a charity that works with injured military and emergency service people to help them heal and overcome challenges, and which has named one of its programmes after Matt Hunt.

Entries are now closed for the tournament, but donations can be made at www. matthuntmemorial.com

A total of 100 golfers participated in the tournament. Local business representatives and community members rubbed shoulders with Olympic rowing gold medallists Tom Mackintosh, Matt Macdonald and Phil Wilson as well as former All Blacks Troy Flavell, Olo Brown, Joe and Jeremy Stanley and Terry Wright, and former All Blacks coach John Hart.

From top, Tournament participants ready to tee off. Olympic Gold Medallists Eric Murray (far left) and Tom Mackintosh (far right) with some of the Golf Fore Life players. Youth in Transition Director and Co-Founder, Tina Jones (second from left), with volunteers Bev Stanford, Catherine Hayes and Susan Lott.

Everyone played a full 18 holes and there were also on-course competitions and activities, a barbecue and post-game buffet.

This was followed by an auction which included signed sports memorabilia, exclusive golfing packages with sports stars, a fishing charter and a stay at Wairakei Golf Course and Sanctuary.

Sian Stimson, who is on the organising committee, said it was a fantastic day – and not only because the weather was ideal.

“We were thrilled with the turnout, especially as we’d had to postpone from the original October date,” Sian says. “It was a great opportunity to promote Youth In Transition’s

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life changing work for young people in our community. In addition, we were able to raise significant funds which will go directly to paying for the counselling hours and support we offer young people on our programme.”

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 7, 2022

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Cole Davies of Waitoki is a rising motocross star.

Photo, Steve Smith

Young motocross star with talent to burn The newest and youngest Altherm JCR Yamaha motocross team recruit, Ōrewa College student Cole Davies, made a stunning debut at the Waikato Motocross Championships last month, winning the senior MX125 class, aged only 14 years.

Other competitors in that class are generally aged 17 and over.

Team manager Josh Coppins says the young Waitoki resident has an exciting future in the sport.

“It’s a pretty impressive achievement to be that young and win the senior 125 class,” Coppins says. “This result suggests that Cole has a very exciting future ahead with us. We’re looking forward to the next step.”

He says the Waikato event, held on February 19, was one of very few that could take place this season under the Covid-19 Red light restrictions.

“It was a strange day as the younger riders have been training hard and preparing regardless but the older riders have been working their day jobs, or they’ve been in an unknown state, wondering what’s going to happen with the future of racing with Covid-19.”

Cole first got on a motocross bike when he was just four years old and has been winning national competitions ever since he began racing.

Backstories, www.localmatters.co.nz May 5, 2021

Jumping into Ballers Night Club There’s a new “night club” in town – focused on healthy activity and a sense of belonging for Coast youth.

The Ballers Night Club, which started last week (Friday, March 4) is a social youth basketball programme facilitated

by Coast Youth Community Trust (CYC) and funded by Harbour Sport.

Programme manager, Caitlin Watson, says it came about as there are not many things for people aged 14-18 to do in Whangaparāoa on a Friday night.

“It provies a positive, safe community space for young people to hang out and ball,” she says. It’s not the first time that basketball has provided a way of encouraging youth to be active, learn team values, develop confidence and build a positive social community supported by mentors.

Similar programmes have been run with students at local schools. Caitlin says The Ballers Night Club is based on Midnight Basketball in the USA, which was a programme developed to curb inner city crime and keep youth off the street late at night. “Basketball is a great game to help build community,” Caitlin says. “Our team are there to connect and play ball with youth. Each Friday night session involves sharing food, listening to a short talk given by a positive role model and participating in a social basketball scrimmage.” The Ballers Night Club is for 14-18-year olds.

It is at Whangaparāoa College’s gym on Friday nights, from 7.30pm-10pm. You need to register in advance to take part (no vaccination passes needed) - email caitlin@coast.org.nz

From left, CYC community worker Caitlin Watson and CYC Trust Youth Coach Peter Rubaduka

www.localmatters.co.nz

March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

27

Students empowering voyage The chance to sail on the Spirit of New Zealand was grabbed with both hands by two Whangaparāoa College Year 12 students last year.

seas – in fact the whole voyage was based on ‘learning by doing’.

The students said that they enjoyed meeting others from very different backgrounds – forming enduring friendships.

This once in a lifetime opportunity also gave the two students a new level of self-empowerment, increased their understanding of others, and boosted their self-confidence and leadership capabilities significantly – Joshua went on to become the college’s head boy and Isabelle a prefect.

Over summer, Isabelle also joined a Vickers 95 sailboat as the third crew member sailing in a rally from Opua, Bay of Islands, round Cape Reinga, down the west coast to the Abel Tasman National Park.

Gulf Harbour Yacht Club recently co-funded another student for a 10-day development voyage on the Spirit of New Zealand which is set to take place later this month.

Gulf Harbour Yacht Club and the college co-sponsored Isabelle Booth and Joshua Ahn so they could get on board separate 10-day development voyages on the Spirit of Adventure Trust’s tall ship.

On February 25, in an event delayed by lockdowns, yacht club members and guests were treated to a presentation by the students describing their onboard experiences and the life-changing benefits of their voyages.

It included many anecdotes of their time living “like sardines in a can” on board the ship. They described the early morning swims, climbing to the top of the masts (where the views were incredible), and handling the ship in strong winds and high

Joshua Ahn and Isabelle Booth on the Spirit of NZ.

Future looking bright for Bright Windfoiler Aimee Bright of Stanmore Bay successfully defended her national title last month and her future looks bright in the sport.

The 16-year-old won the U19 Female category for the second year in a row, when she competed in the Yachting NZ Windfoiling Nationals, hosted by Devonport’s Wakatere Sailing Club last month.

The Stanmore Bay teenager, whose mother is Olympic board sailor Barbara Kendall, also placed third in the Open Women’s event – a significant achievement against experienced competitors.

From left, Aimee Bright in action. Photo, Craig Butland Photography. Up and coming 16-year-old Aimee Bright, far right, came third in the Open Women’s event. From left, national women’s champion, Veerle ten Have, and former standup paddle world champion Brianna Orams, second. Photo, Barbara Kendall

She raced on an IQ Olympic Foil – the new Olympic class for Paris in 2024.

(also a founding member of the Windfoil NZ Class Association) says the biggest plus of windfoiling has been retention of teenage

Wakatere Sailing Club member, Gary Hill

sailors – particularly women – in the sport.

Aimee’s success in the Nationals helped earn her a place in the NZ Youth Sailing

team which will compete at the Youth Sailing World Championships in The Hague, July 8-15.

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 7, 2022

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Coastguard Zane Bryhn, Coastguard Hibiscus crew chief www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz

Small price to pay Coastguard Hibiscus are still being kept extremely busy with the weather playing ball – well, mostly.

Cyclone Dovi kept most people off the water, but not everyone. An incident north of the peninsula had another Coastguard Unit out in that weather. A 5-metre runabout with five people onboard had capsized in atrocious conditions leaving all 5 in the water. In this instance the outcome was a good one with all 5 rescued however it could have been much worse. This is a reminder to us all that we need to ensure the condition are safe and that the sea can be a treacherous foe.

Check the weather conditions and forecast before you launch.

Membership options cost as little as $115 a year and for that you get peace of mind and the potential to save a significant bill.

Non-members who require our services get charged $280 an hour from the time our vessel hits the water until the time we get back to our berth. If you require a tow, this amount can add up extremely quickly.

Memberships can also be a great gift to your family members giving you peace of mind that if something happens – we will be there to help. With the cost of fuel sky rocketing, the membership fee is not unreasonable for the services provided.

even a more significant portion of those are simple flat batteries. There are some simple yet effective ways to keep your batteries in good shape. Make sure your battery is properly installed. A boat can take a pounding, which means the battery will too. Minimise movement and water ingress by having the battery securely fastened in your hold.

Keep terminals free of corrosion. Check terminal connectors regularly to avoid loss of conductivity. Make sure these terminals are tight.

Don’t mix old batteries with new ones in the same battery bank. While it seems like this would increase your overall capacity, old batteries tend to pull down the new ones to their deteriorated level.

Many batteries can lose as much as 30 percent of their charge over winter, and left un-maintained can lose even more charge.

Keeping your batteries charged will help avoid this; leaving them in a discharged state for any length of time will damage them and lower their capacity.

Battery care

If you’re not going to be running the boat for a length of time, it’s a good idea to set up a small solar charger for your battery – this helps keep it topped up, and in a healthy state. A small ‘trickle charger’ should only cost you $50 or so – a decent investment to keep more expensive batteries in good nick.

Most of the taskings we have had over the summer months have been breakdowns and

Safe boating everyone and keep safe on and off the water.

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

THE scorEBoArD ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of THE scorEBoArD scorEBoArD aATHE Roundup spoRTs acTiviTies IN in THE THe DISTRICT disTRicT ROUNDUP of OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES SUPPORTING LOCAL SPORT FOR FIVE YEARS AND RUNNING

RUGBY Register now for this season at Silverdale Rugby Club. Registration and weighin takes place March 22, 23 and 24, at the clubrooms, 6pm-8pm. Info www. silverdalerugby.co.nz/ HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAIDERS Hibiscus Coast Raiders Club turns 40 this year. On Friday, July 1 a weekend of celebrations to mark the occasion will commence. July 2 will be a Club Day, with teams playing t home and in the evening there will be a mix and mingle, buffet and speeches. On July 3, the weekend will finish with a Masters Module. Details will be on the HBC Raiders Rugby League and Sports Club Facebook page. If you want to help with preparations or to attend, contact organisers - Karen Gibbons, 021 164 4810, karengibbons2@gmail. com or Roger Reid, 021 177 7255, tutrays@hotmail.com HIBISCUS COAST FOOTBALL CLUB Hibiscus Coast AFC will soon begin its Junior training camps. They take place at Stanmore Bay Park from March 22-27. Info: https://hbcafc.org.nz/trials ToTalspan Rodney ToTalspan Rodney 229your sTaTe HigHway 1 email: terry@localmatters.co.nz List sports here FREE 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149 ToTalspan Rodney pHone 09 422 3149 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

Are you following us on facebook? www.facebook.com/hibiscusmatters

NOW OPEN IN HIBISCUS COAST!

w w w. r o o f r a c k c e n t r e . c o . n z 1 2 K a r e p i r o D r i v e , S t a n m o r e B a y, 0 9 4 2 1 1 5 5 8 www.localmatters.co.nz

March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

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• Farm Dams & Drainage • House Sites • Driveways • Pole Drilling • Mulching • Bulldozer & Scoop Services • Transport up to 18 Tonne • Truck Hire • Metal Supply

D I G G E R

S E R V I C E S

Over 30 years experience • Quotes given

Phone Wayne 021 953 527

Call Andy to supply, install, service and repair all major Heat Pump brands and for all your Electrical needs

phone 021 819 733

or email andy@airpower.net.nz

Have your say

Proposed speed limit changes Safe Speeds Programme – Phase 3 Auckland Transport is proposing to set new permanent speed limits on approximately 1,646 roads around Auckland.

This includes 980 roads near schools and high-risk rural areas such as the Āwhitu Peninsula.

Classifieds HOME & MAINTENANCE ALARMS SECURITY AND FIRE, MONITORING, CCTV, servicing & installation, all brands 027 553 3032 www.tdssecurity.co.nz 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. For all of your handyman jobs, including renovations & maintenance.

Call John 027 441 9603 KIWI ROOTS PALM & TREE MAINTENANCE, REMOVAL, STUMP grinding, mulching & hedge work. Free quotes. Ph 020 4027 6200 kiwiroots.co.nz

MINT HOME CLEANING

your local cleaning team is ready to deliver our 5 star shine in your home for weekly cleaning, spring or moving cleans For a FREE quote 0800 297 253 www.minthomecleaning.co.nz

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

SERVICES KNIFE & SCISSOR SHARPENING Free pickup/delivery Ōrewa – Millwater – Silverdale (min charge $20) 10% OFF 3 + KNIVES. Slow turning wetstones and special jigs used to get accurate edge angles.

For enquiries THE SHARP END TXT ONLY: 0212 868 252 or email: thesharpendnz@gmail.com

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

TURN YOUR LIFE AROUND The Christ Returns – A course in Miracles • The Way of Mastery.

Student – Teacher Ron Moncur Phone 09 424 2753

HAIRDRESSING

MR FILTER

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

Qualified Hairstylist providing cutting and blow wave services.

Please phone Julie 021 112 8015

A PUMP DOCTOR will keep you pumping.

Ph 0274 430 654.

ALL YEAR LAWNCARE. Servicing the Coast and surrounding areas. Please call for a free quote on your lawn requirements. Quality ride-on and push mow cuts. Ph Jeff 0274 218 672.

ARKLES BAY PAINTERS/DECORATORS In the area for the area. Shane 021 0813 8481.

CARPET CLEANING, repairs and installation. Dwayne 0274 997 929’ HANDYMAN / BUILDER / JOINER Bathrooms, building maintenance, leaks, windows & doors. No job too small. Phone Steve 027 220 7168.

PAUL THE PAINTER 027 550 3635 interior & exterior.

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

WATER PUMPS - no water? old cast iron pump? Sales Service & Installation. Work Guaranteed. Ph Steve 027 478 7427 healthy@aquaworks.co.nz

WANTED TO BUY

Water Filters. Pumps. Rain Tanks.

Unique water filter covers for outside installations. Call John 027 441 9603 or mrfilter@radiantsolutions.co.nz

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

TO BUY, RECORDS/LP’S Phone 428 1587.

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

SITUATIONS VACANT PART-TIME DRIVER We are looking for a part time driver for a sucker truck.

You will need a class two licence. DG Endorsement would be an advantage.

The successful applicant will undertake 3 months training. Please apply in writing to isukupltd1999@gmail.com PART-TIME WEEKEND CLEANER, Silverdale and Ōrewa. Must have drivers licence, own vehicle, double vaccinated, some experience and able to work unsupervised. Contact Lou 021 764 833.

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers.

Prompt service ph 021 168 7349.

Hiring?

Advertise online with Hibiscus Matters

www.localmatters.co.nz/jobs localmatters.co.nz/jobs

Give your feedback by 3 April 2022 If you have difficulty completing the online form, or want to present your views on the proposal to AT in person, please call us on 09 355 3553 or email ATSpeedProgramme@AT.govt.nz

To learn more and tell us what you think, visit: AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay J007752_10.02.22

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| Hibiscusmatters | March 7, 2022

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To list events, email: online@localmatters.co.nz

Note: All events subject to appropriate Covid-19 ‘traffic light’ Levels

Pharmacy Talk with Tania Adams

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

March

Managing Stress

7to

Apr3

Elemental is the inaugural exhibition by two local artists SiLKA and Tiina Power.

The works are in a style called ‘contemporary tonalism’ – an impressionistic style depicting atmosphere using tonal qualities and a limited colour palette. They are supported by Susan King with a display of her elegant sterling silver stacker rings.

Estuary Arts Centre, Western Reserve, Ōrewa.

15

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Hibiscus Coast Community Arts Council Inc AGM, Destination Ōrewa Beach office, 350 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa (upstairs next to Cheeky Chapati), 5.30pm.

Maygrove Residents Association annual picnic at Maygrove Lake on Neighbours Day, Lakeside Drive, Ōrewa, starting at 12.30pm. All welcome. Please bring a plate, and a chair if you have one. Tea, coffee and games are provided.

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

Tom & Pat Mutch of Ōrewa

Join us for services throughout the month:

Congratulations on your 60th Wedding Anniversary on March 3rd.

Love from all the family

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

DRUM TUTOR WANTED HIBISCUS COAST HIGHLAND PIPES AND DRUMS We are wanting a snare/ side drum tutor to join our band and/or tutor others. Tuition on bag pipes offered also. No previous experience needed to learn. All levels of playing and supporters welcome. Contact Leslee 0274 267 170 or Bob 09 424 1838.

For further information

ph 426 4952

chadorewa@gmail.com www.hbcanglicanparish.nz

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

www.localmatters.co.nz

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

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

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

HAPPY DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

60 years of marriage, 720 months of hugs, 3130 weeks of laughter, 21,915 days of patience, 525,950 hours of love.

Just when we thought times couldn’t be more stressful, it appears they can! Whilst we are renown for our chilled out, relaxed, beachy attitude here on the Coast, I have to say I have never encountered so many stressed out Coasties and who could blame them?

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

Develop a Routine - Try to go to sleep, wake up and eat, at regular times.

Routines sound dull, but they are good for our mental health.

Try Natural Remedies - there are many natural health remedies advertising that they help with stress, anxiety or depression. But do they? Yes, some can certainly help. For example, recent studies indicate that l-theanine may may help reduce stress and anxiety in people undergoing acute stressful situations. B vitamins are integral to the health and functioning of the nervous system and magnesium deficiencies have been associated with increased anxiety. Clinical trials indicate St John’s wort may be beneficial for depression. As many remedies interact with medications and conditions, please come and speak to our natural health experts or our pharmacists about what might help you.

Get enough sleep - there’s nothing worse than being tired! It makes us crabby and unable to deal with things not going our way, adding to our stress. There are many ways to help you get a good night’s sleep. Sleep hygiene is a must. Our natural health experts can take you through how to improve this. Natural remedies such as passionflower (may assist with anxiety and sleep) or valerian (may improve sleep quality) are worth investigating. Melatonin is regarded as a hormone which regulates the circadian rhythm of sleep. It is available on prescription after a consultation with your doctor to check that it is appropriate for you.

So Coasties, it is true. We face hard times and we are all doing it tough.

Try and take a deep breath of our wonderful sea air and keep calm.

And if you do need help, check in with us at the pharmacy or with your doctor. We are here to help you.

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

Manly Pharmacy

Your local health professional March 7, 2022 | Hibiscusmatters |

31

Tough day at the office for Ōrewa runner Right up until the day it was to start, on February 19, organisers of the Cargo Plus Coastal Challenge were not sure whether or not the event could go ahead.

Because it is a hospice fundraiser, possible cancellation would have struck a blow to Harbour Hospice, as well as the event organisers, Total Sport.

However, the Covid-19 gods were in a positive mood, and almost 50 runners were able to line up on Waiwera Beach waiting for the start gun.

They were taking part on the event’s 20th anniversary, which included a 33km Full Monty course and, for the first time, a 50km ultra marathon.

Among them was Greg Shaw of Ōrewa, a 67-year-old consultant engineer who chose the ultra marathon option – a route from

Waiwera to Manly, across the peninsula to Arkles Bay and on to Devonport.

Greg was nervous – straight out of hospital, it was touch and go whether he would be able to compete.

A urinary tract issue saw him spend two nights in hospital, the week before the event.

“Everyone said ‘that’s the end of your run’,” Greg says.

However, he wasn’t going to let down the supporters, who had already sponsored him to the tune of several thousand dollars.

“My GP said to try it and monitor myself, stopping if I needed to, and I took that advice.”

Along the way, he was slowed down by having to swim a rock section affected by an exceptionally high tide, deal with leg cramps and an injury to a calf muscle.

“I also wedged a foot between two rocks and thought I’d broken a bone, but I gritted it out and kept running,” he says.

Foremost in his mind was not to let donors down, as well as achieve his personal goal of running the 50km.

His persistence paid off – he completed the event in 7hrs12mins, coming in 27th male and first in his Over 60 age group.

Best of all, he says, he raised more money than any other competitor – $11,500 and counting. The event as a whole has raised $70,000 plus to date.

Greg would like to get his contribution up to a nice round figure of $12,000. You can donate at https://50k-for-hospice.raisely.com/ gregory-thomas-shaw Backstories, www.localmatters.co.nz Sept 27, 2021

w

Third time a charm for 50k in a Day walker This month, Ōrewa massage therapist Roger White will spend a day (around 10 hours) walking 50km in Shakespear Regional Park to raise funds for charity.

The challenge is something Roger is well used to – this is his third ‘50k in a Day’ charity walk. He walked seven times around Ōrewa Estuary in 2020 for Adults In Motion and last year completed 50km in Wenderholm Regional Park for the CYC Trust.

The 64-year-old says walking is his main form of exercise, but it’s also much more.

“I follow in the footsteps of the famous

New Zealander A H Reed, using walking not only to remain fit and healthy, but also to get out and meet people and promote healthy living,” he says.

Having lived locally for 17 years, he says the local beaches, regional parks, coastline and pathways provide plenty of beautiful places to walk.

For his next walk, on Saturday, March 26, Roger has selected a route that consists of five laps of a 10km circuit within Shakespear Regional Park, starting just after 6am and finishing around 4.30pm.

This time he is raising funds for TimeOut – a charity that provides Kiwis with a terminal illness with the opportunity to have a short break with their family and create some memories to treasure. They do this by connecting them with holiday homeowners who are willing to donate time in their properties free of charge.

Info: www.facebook.com/50kinaday Donations can be made to Roger’s 50k in a Day account 38 9022 0210413 00.

TimeOut is always looking for more holiday homeowners prepared to donate a short stay in their property. Info: www.timeoutnz.org

Greg Shaw was front and centre at the start of the race, on Waiwera Beach. Photo, Mark Fordham, Total Sport. Rock running was a major challenge.

Photo, Photos4sale

Roger White

NOBODY CAN HEAR IN A NOISY PLACE, RIGHT? The most common first sign of a reduction in hearing ability is difficulty understanding people when there are lots of competing sounds around you, such as in a café, a busy restaurant or family gathering. This reduction usually occurs very gradually and leaves you having to ask people to repeat, or resorting to nodding and smiling, hoping you have said, “Yes” and “No” at the right time.

The friendly, professional team at HEAR AGAIN are here to help. They can quickly assess your hearing with a FREE Initial Hearing Check; clear your ears of wax using gentle micro-suction; or if you need them, they have the very latest European Digital Hearing Devices.

Give your ears a treat today!

www.hearagain.co.nz www.hearagain.co.nz 32 | Hibiscusmatters | March 7, 2022

09 4246035

COAST PLAZA, WHANGAPARAOA info@hearagain.co.nz info@hearagain.co.nz www.localmatters.co.nz