Hibiscus Matters_Issue 360_13 November 2023

15/09/2023

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Find your ‘wai’ – On the Water

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Te Tupu Ngātahi Supporting Growth

November 13, 2023

Christmas cheer collections Figure 1-1: The North Projects/NoRs

Roading plans upset landowners

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A home is being built in Milldale, with the proceeds of sale donated to Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving’s new community hub and clubrooms. There to see the concrete poured and the project underway are, from left, Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving’s Andrea May and chair Jon Copeland, ACL contractor Levi Ata and Stu Handford, GJ Gardener Homes construction project manager.

Business gives Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving community hub major funding boost

The community is pulling together to get the building of Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving’s new clubrooms and community hub by Ōrewa Beach across the finish line.

The build, estimated to cost more than $8.5m, has been a long time in the making – talks began with Auckland Council more

than a decade ago (in 2011).

Last year, fundraising began in earnest.

Along the way, there have been grants from the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board for feasibility studies and consenting fees and, in September, the fundraising took a massive leap forward with a $2m grant from Council.

and Bayleys In the North are donating their services for the marketing and auction.

Ross and Elaine Morley own GJ Gardner Rodney. Elaine says when the surf club asked whether they could help, building a home to sell seemed the logical way to

The latest offer of support, from GJ Gardener Homes, has made fundraising committee chair, John Chapman, “ecstatic”.

The company is to donate the sale proceeds of a home it is building in Milldale to the project. Tradies are providing cut price deals and real estate agents Mackey’s Real Estate

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November 13, 2023 – Issue 360

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Next issue: November 27, 2023 Book your advertising now General manager: Jannette Thompson gm@localmatters.co.nz Editorial: Terry Moore ph 022 019 6569 terry@localmatters.co.nz Patrick Goodenough ph 022 549 8271 news@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Angela Gallagher ph 022 029 1895 sellit@localmatters.co.nz Leigh Cameron ph 022 096 8517 sales@localmatters.co.nz Graphic design: Lorry McCarthy hibiscus@localmatters.co.nz A division of Local Matters. Hibiscus Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated to more than 22,450 homes and businesses fortnightly: Pūhoi • 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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The concrete pour at Milldale.

make a contribution.

“In any project such as this, success is the accumulation of the generosity of many and we have been fortunate to have incredible support from our local sub-contractors and suppliers with many donating their time or materials for free thus allowing the final sale price and profit to be as significant as possible for the club,” she says.

“These new club rooms are a much needed centre for the community and by supporting it, we feel we are making an investment in the health and learning of the local youth.

Surf clubs are not just about patrolling the beach but also about instilling valuable life skills, promoting fitness, and fostering a sense of belonging. This initiative is an embodiment of the belief that supporting organisations that nurture the younger generation is essential for building a vibrant and resilient community.”

John Chapman says the offer is a big shot in the arm for the project.

“We have been blown away by the buyin,” he says. “All their tradies and subcontractors, including some who are also members of the club, are helping out.”

With the concrete slab poured on October 31, it is hoped that the home in Milldale could be finished next April.

John says that the majority of the preconstruction phase for the community hub is now behind them, with building consent the only item that remains to be ticked off.

“This means that every cent we raise from here goes into actual bricks and mortar,” he says.

More support is coming in all the time. The club is hoping for significant funds through Surf Lifesaving NZ, and John says local community groups, such as Ōrewa Lions Club, are also making the surf club a priority, with proceeds from this summer’s Big Dig, and calendar sales going to the project.

The surf club hopes to put its building consent application in soon, and John says the best case scenario is that building could commence towards the end of next year.

Landmark building on the way

• The surf club building is 1900sqm over two levels with an additional 150sqm of cantilevered deck. • The layout was designed by Product X Architecture to provide for growth and diversity of use – particularly by the community. • The ground floor houses the bulk of club operations, while the upper floor will provide flexible space for community use, including meetings, functions and events. It includes a commercial kitchen. • The club restaurant and bar will also be open to the public. • The location of the building, which is around 23m further back towards the road than the current clubrooms, widens the adjacent beachside reserve area and increases the prominence of the building on Hibiscus Coast Highway where it can anchor itself as a local hub and landmark. • Info: visit www.orewasurflifesavingcommunityhub.co.nz

Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving’s new building – the top floor will be a community hub with lifesaving operations on the lower floor.

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Infrastructure plans impact 1000 landowners Landowners in parts of Dairy Flat, Stillwater, Silverdale and Wainui East are gearing up in opposition to plans that could see their land taken for roading infrastructure – but not for at least a decade.

Last month, 13 Notices of Requirement (NoRs) were lodged with Auckland Council

by Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport under its Supporting Growth Programme.

The notices (which are subject to a public notification process, similar to resource consent), affect around 1000 landowners, protecting the land for future acquisition under the Public Works Act for infrastructure use.

The proposed projects include a rapid transit corridor and rapid transit stations,

including one in Milldale, and a park and ride facility for 500 cars in Pine Valley Road.

Whether or not any of this work will ever be funded is unknown. But until that funding becomes available, the properties could have the NoR on them, impacting any future sales or development plans they may have, for 10-30 years.

Dairy Flat Landowners chair, Brian Sutton, says that timeframe is a key issue.

“We are not opposed to a rapid transit corridor and forward planning is a good idea,” Sutton says. “But there are issues with this plan, including the suggested route. Putting rapid transit alongside the motorway would be fairly easy, but to say you may put it through people’s properties,

says. “They are devastated.”

The NoRs are expected to be publicly notified by Council on November 16.

Once notified, people will have 20 working days to make a submission.

A hearing with Independent Hearing Commissioners could be held mid-2024, after which the commissioners will make a recommendation to Waka Kotahi and Auckland Transport. There may also be Environment Court appeals, which can take up to two years to resolve.

The notices are at www.aucklandcouncil. govt.nz/plans-projects-policies-reportsbylaws/our-plans-strategies/unitary-plan/ auckland-unitary-plan-modifications/ notices-of-requirement-to-designate-land/ Pages/default.aspx

in the distant future – that gives major uncertainty.”

Sutton, and Rodney Local Board member for Dairy Flat, Louise Johnston, also share concerns about the route itself, which has been placed through some of the most expensive parts of Dairy Flat, with many lifestyle blocks.

“Apart from anything else, those will be really expensive to buy out,” Johnston says.

“Putting the route through paddocks could save a lot of money. You have to think it will end up being totally unaffordable.”

Johnston says what is proposed is a real burden for affected landowners, who feel like they’re not being considered when massive planning decisions are made.

“I’ve had people phoning me, in tears,” she

Ōrewa Reserve options to be considered in New Year It is eight months since Auckland Council revealed options for the future of Ōrewa Reserve (HM March 6) and since then, things have gone quiet as work goes on behind the scenes to progress those proposals.

The latest update is that options for management of this section of the beach will be presented to the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board again in February, with public consultation planned to take place after that.

Resilient Land and Coasts general manger, Paul Klinac, says the emphasis of those plans is on naturalising the coastal edge to build resilience to coastal processes.

“We are currently working with mana whenua and aim to present a report for the local board in February, which will set out options for future management direction.

Public consultation on the options is planned thereafter,” Klinac says. “Once the local board has endorsed a direction, we can prioritise renewal projects on the reserve, and get funding allocated to coastal edge management projects via the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s work programme.”

It was clear from the plans presented to the local board in March that a seawall along the reserve is unlikely, because of cost and a preference for working with nature. Discussions around the future of the Norfolk pines on the beach edge and what people most want to protect will be key during public consultation.

Meanwhile, every time there is an easterly storm, residents voice their ongoing concerns that Ōrewa Reserve is being

Photo, Auckland Council

Photo, Auckland Council

eroded away, while Council “twiddles its thumbs”.

These calls grew louder after a storm – the remnants of ex-tropical cyclone Lola – coincided with king tides at the end of last month.

It caused severe damage to Ōrewa Beach, and repairs got underway there on November 6. They included bringing in rock under emergency response provisions

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to protect the reserve and pathways at the north end, near Arundel Reserve, removing debris and repairing the boat ramp at Puriri Avenue which is currently closed.

Another round of moving sand from the southern end to the area in front of Ōrewa Recreation Reserve was included in the work. This was to removing the steep scarp by Ōrewa Reserve and create a buffer for future storms.

Erosion and damage to Ōrewa Beach, caused by a recent storm, renewed calls for action from Auckland Council.

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Waka Kotahi offers help with bus station

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter and staff reporter. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Waka Kotahi is offering to help prepare the ground for the ‘kiss and ride’ bus station that was to operate at the Whangaparāoa Road end of the O Mahurangi Penlink route, but only if Auckland Transport will make a commitment that the station will be built.

The bus station was included in the plan for O Mahurangi Penlink, but local board members were told by Auckland Transport (AT) recently that there was no funding for it (HM October 2).

The interchange was expected to service 5000 people and reduce the current bus trip by 20 minutes.

Waka Kotahi recently offered to form up the site on the corner of Cedar Terrace and

Whangaparāoa Road while its machinery is there. However, a Waka Kotahi spokesperson says it will only do that work if AT commits to funding the bus station.

“We are having those discussions with AT now,” the spokesperson says. “We really hope it goes ahead, as it is really needed.”

Hibiscus & Bays Local Board member, Alexis Poppelbaum reiterated Waka Kotahi’s offer at the AT board’s October 31 meeting.

“It is a one-time only offer,” she said. “We have quite a major problem. Without a bus interchange there is nowhere for buses to turn around. Waka Kotahi is offering to help with this project while they have machinery on the ground – but they need some kind of commitment from AT to make that go ahead.”

She said the community, and the local board, believed it would be foolish to miss

the opportunity.

AT’s acting chair Wayne Donnelly said the presentation was a timely reminder.

“Your presentation encourages us to push harder on those things,” Donnelly said.

Local board deputy chair Julia Parfitt said members know that AT is at the will of government and Auckland Council when it came to funding.

“Sufficient funding should go towards these projects that have been long in development and long in delivery,” Parfitt said.

She said the board would continue to advocate to government and council for support.

While AT made no indication they would commit funding to the interchange, staff were asked to follow up with the opportunity Waka Kotahi has offered.

Auckland Transport considers ferry contract

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland Council reporter. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

The Hibiscus & Bays Local Board has already called for Fullers360’s ferry contract to be relinquished and the Auckland Transport (AT) board appears to have that option on their mind as well.

A report summarising Fullers contract was attached to the AT board’s October 31 meeting agenda including options to terminate the contract.

Staff said that the information about the contract was included because the board was interested in contractual levers regarding Fullers’ performance.

The summary of the Fullers contract terms includes exit provisions such as “any non-trivial failure…to comply with its obligations”.

At the same meeting, AT hinted at possible ferry price rises because of the level of subsidy currently required to cover the cost of operations.

Board members raised their eyebrows at a report that some ferry runs have subsidies of more than $30 per passenger.

The report said longer routes, like Gulf Harbour or Pine Harbour, require more funding.

The report showed that the Gulf Harbour

run charges users $11.60 while the cost per passenger is $41.16.

AT’s report acknowledged that the issue would need to be addressed, either through increased funding or increasing fares to passengers.

The news comes after a tumultuous time for ferry services with the Gulf Harbour and Half Moon Bay ferries significantly reducing their services while crew are trained.

Executive general manager Stacey van der Putten said Auckland’s ferry services are not financially sustainable.

“The net cost per passenger has increased

tremendously – it’s quite a complicated mode with a complicated history,” van der Putten said.

Acting chair Wayne Donnelly put question marks over Auckland’s ferry services entirely.

“I think the subsidy has tripled, so one of the hard questions we need to ask is – is this the start of a journey or the end?”

Donnelly asked.

Van der Putten responded the costs had changed 10-fold, but that ferry services are necessary.

“We are part of a city and need a good ferry network,” van der Putter said.

Whangaparāoa bluer than ever in final count

With 100 percent of the votes now counted, election results reflect an even stronger swing to the right in the Whangaparāoa electorate. The National Party was 14,305 votes ahead of second placed Labour in Whangaparāoa on election night – this increased to a lead of 17,889 after special votes were counted. National won 53.07 percent of the vote in this electorate. National’s Mark Mitchell had a lead of 19,300 over Labour’s local candidate Estefania Muller Pallarès, which increased to 23,376 in the final count. Act NZ’s party vote increased from 4827 to 5627, remaining third in Whangaparāoa. The Greens were fourth, however, Greens candidate Lorraine Newman increased her lead over Act NZ’s Simon Angelo (from 600 to 965 votes). Full results: www.electionresults.govt.nz

Freedom camping funds

Auckland Council is better equipped to educate and enforce freedom camping rules this summer. Funding of $256,000 secured through the Ministry of Business Employment and Innovation’s Freedom Camping Transition Fund will be used to increase numbers of the compliance unit, who carry out proactive monitoring and patrols at prohibited and restricted sites, as well as hot spot areas for anti-social behaviour.

Areas covered will include Ōrewa, Gulf Harbour and other local beaches as they are popular with campers. From early December until late February, a team of ambassadors and compliance officers will visit the region’s popular summer spots to educate visitors on the rules around freedom camping and camping in vehicles. They will also carry out evening patrols of areas identified in previous years as being hotspots for anti-social behaviour, providing public reassurance and education for rulebreakers. Ambassadors will be supported by a team of security officers and NZ Police where necessary. The approach is to provide education first, such as reminding campers of the rules around waste-disposal, ensuring people aren’t staying more than the maximum two nights in the same area, or reminding people of the many other campsites and holiday parks where they can legally stay. Trespass notices and infringement fines can also be issued if required.

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Viewpoint wayne.brown@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

One year in Having just passed my first anniversary as Mayor, I think it’s a good time to do a stocktake of progress so far. Commentators have said my first year has seen me lead a council through what’s been perhaps the most difficult period since the supercity amalgamated – the catastrophic Anniversary weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle. On top of that, I inherited a heap of debt and an ever widening $325 million budget hole.

I swore I would face issues head-on, make tough decisions, and fix Auckland.

A majority of Aucklanders voted to stop wasting money. They said they wanted better, cheaper, and faster services. My councillors and I managed to agree on a budget that cut costs. It involved compromise, but that means we listened to Aucklanders and made decisions, which is our job. We reduced our operating spend by $83 million in the Annual Budget. Just by being grumpy and asking for better returns, the Port of Auckland increased its dividend by $10 million this year. I also asked council to accelerate their office consolidation programme. So far this has shrunk the number of offices council and CCOs have in the CBD, a move that will contribute to $13 million a year in savings.

I don’t think it’s unreasonable that CCOs share offices with council to reduce costs.

Councillors agreed to the partial sale of Auckland Airport shares, too.

We need to sell investments that don’t return our cost of capital. If it is costing Aucklanders more money to keep owning assets than they return in cash, then it’s time to sell up and invest in something that can help reduce rates in the long term. Right now, in this high interest rate environment, the best investment we can make is to pay down debt.

I also campaigned on finishing the big projects and making the most of what we have before starting new projects. This couldn’t be more true than in transport and infrastructure. I am leading the development of an integrated transport plan that we will agree with central government, which is already underway.

I want to prioritise rail infrastructure and

the use of rail to get big trucks off the road.

Early in my term I secured government funding for completing the Eastern Busway; the next priority is the Northwestern Busway, and it is my vision that these will be up and running as smoothly and efficiently as the Northern Busway already is. I’m pushing to make better use of transponders on buses to wake up traffic lights when a bus approaches and more dynamic lanes to move traffic better in peak times. I’m also looking at where time-of-use charging might be helpful.

We have a significant capital programme

I have been reminding staff it is their job to advise elected officials, and that elected officials alone make the decisions being delivered for more efficient growth, and our Making Space for Water programme, as well as things like the Central Interceptor to deal with wastewater overflows, under construction. These are important following the floods.

I also promised to take back control of CCOs. I have been reminding staff that while they are experts in their field, it is their job to advise elected officials, and that elected officials alone make the decisions on behalf of Aucklanders. That is how democracy works. On that note, I’ve been able to get councillors to provide clearer direction to CCOs, and even Auckland Transport is beginning to change its approach. Legislative change is also on the way.

The Long-Term Plan (LTP) is our next big challenge – to get consensus on what we invest in for the next 10 years. So far, I have ensured it is done differently, bringing councillors in from the beginning with a joint direction document for the council group on what our priorities are and what we want to see in the LTP. We are getting more information than we have had before to make the best decisions for Aucklanders on the things that matter to them.

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Supermarket accused

I’m sorry to hear that the online shop Supie has collapsed as we need competitors for the supermarkets in this shopping space.

I am angry with the lack of community spirit shown by New World in Moana Ave, Ōrewa. They put up a fence beside their parking area, on their boundary, as a demarcation line against the fruit and veg shop down the alley. When that shop closed a delightful small grocer (Ōrewa Grocer) set up shop selling a range of products, many of the items different to the supermarket shop. It was wonderful to have a Farro- style competitor beside New World. Low and behold New World started stacking all its huge plastic waste piles against its fence, and a container as well – just to make sure we couldn’t see the new grocer. I loved that little grocer but it collapsed! Now an Indian grocer has opened in this vacated shop next to the supermarket. I wish them well!

Our daughter lives in Adelaide where the supermarkets are surrounded by independent shops: the butcher; the liquor store; the fruit and vegetable shop; a cheese and French bread counter and the whole shopping experience feels like a friendly community village. I want to feel good about NZ as a society but sadly sometimes I am very disappointed.

Win Gebbie, Ōrewa Steve McClean, New World Ōrewa owner/operator, responds (abridged): “Being 100 percent locally owned and operated, we work closely with our neighbours in the business community.

They’re a good bunch of people and we look out for one another. I had a great relationship with Todd, from the Ōrewa

Grocer your reader is referring to, and would let him use our freezer space when he ran out of room in his – we got on well.

We love competition because it brings out the best in us, helping us grow and evolve to better serve the community. We take health and safety really seriously and the fence your reader is referring to has one purpose. Built over a decade ago, its job is to keep people safe by ensuring they don’t wander through our busy delivery zone, where we’ve got large trucks delivering products to our store. Community spirit and seeing all Ōrewa’s businesses succeed is something I’m passionate about which is why I’ve been on the Board of Destination Ōrewa, our local business association, for several years now. After the pandemic, New World Ōrewa offered all local hospitality businesses $200 to spend in store to help them get reset and we’ll continue to support local as much as possible. We also work closely with KiwiHarvest, who collect the food and everyday essentials we can no longer sell and distribute to those in the community who need it the most. Ōrewa is an amazing community and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.

Rocks required

I note with concern the extent of sand erosion on Ōrewa Beach. The Norfolk Pines are also at risk, their roots are exposed and subject to all weather conditions. If in fact the Council intends to reconstruct the land into a recreational area (as has previously been reported in Hibiscus Matters), then by letting these trees remain in their current vulnerable condition it is inevitable that the trees will die. Periodic cosmetic planting of unsuitable plant species has resulted in the plants perishing submerged in sand

Fulton Hogan’s solution for windborne sand on the Ōrewa footpath – just pile it onto Council’s garden! Question – what happens when they get to the top of the fence?

Brian Mudge, Ōrewa

and salt. The Council appointed bulldozer moving sand in the attempt to reinforce a sand barrier is a total waste of both time and money. With each severe easterly wind/ storm/weather event even more of the sand is eroded. Whilst I acknowledge that there are Council budget restraints, I fail to see the need for even more “consultants” and “research on a proposed seawall” when in fact, at least in the interim, a large barrier of rocks (possibly mesh contained) would protect both the sand and the trees.

Jill Charlton, Ōrewa Editor’s note: As per our story in March 6, 2023 edition, the reserve plans indicate Council’s preference for removal of the old Norfolk pines on the shoreline. For an update regarding public consultation on those plans, p3.

Mind numbing

Regarding the illegal soil dump at 93 The Esplanade, Manly (HM October 30) – it is mind numbing how someone in this day and age would assume that dumping piles of soil and rocks on a public reserve did not need permission, or is it just a case of ‘look what I have done, now let’s get it legalised?’

I would trust the powers that be will do the right thing and get the mess removed.

off

YourOpinion

Contributions to this page are welcome but letters under 250 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at www. localmatters.co.nz/opinion Letters should be sent to terry@localmatters.co.nz or 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa 0931. Note: We do not publish abusive or unsigned letters.

the record

A bird that is nesting outside Ōrewa’s Good Hub café has taken a shine to plastic. Not only has the blackbird chosen a site above a plastic plant for her nest, but she built her nest out of plastic rubbish. Good Hub’s owners are keeping an eye on her and say she is feisty and determined. To date, two eggs have been laid.

Congratulations to Rhonda Beet of Ōrewa, who won a copy of The Locket by Anna Hendry. Thanks to all who entered.

Sel Jones, Manly

Les Miserables a joy

What a joy Les Miserables the musical was at Centrestage Theatre. Fantastic singing and acting, amazing orchestral backing and the best value possible. We loved every minute of it and consider ourselves very fortunate to have this theatre literally in our backyard. Well done, and thank you.

Sue Norwood and Peter Evans, Ōrewa Well known entertainer and TV presenter Suzy Cato was a special guest at Ōrewa Primary School’s recent book week. Suzy entertained her young Ōrewa Primary School audience with readings from several of her books. The students especially enjoyed Christmas in Summer, Going on a Holiday and I can Do It – Suzy said I Can Do It is one of her favourites, with the message that anything is possible with the right attitude. Suzy also sang several songs.

A blockage to a wastewater pipe in Red Beach last month showed the impact that actions such as flushing wet wipes, or putting large items down a manhole, can have. On October 9, Watercare became aware of a wastewater overflow on Bay Vista Drive. Head of service delivery Sharon Danks says the crew arrived to find a large piece of wood that had created a blockage in the network. They pulled it out, along with a cluster of wet wipes that had contributed to the blockage. They then carried out a thorough clean-up of the affected area. “As [the wood] couldn’t have been flushed down a toilet, we can only assume it was put into a manhole.

Needless to say, no one should be lifting a manhole and putting anything into the wastewater network,” Danks says.

“And as for the wet wipes, which were likely flushed locally in Red Beach, these belong in the bin.”

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Christmas donations desperately needed

Hibiscus Matters cannot run our annual collection for local charities this Christmas, as we are not yet back in our Florence Avenue office.

For many years we have taken in kind donations of treat foods to support Love Soup, the Hibiscus Coast Community House and Salt Trust with their foodbanks and Christmas parcels.

Those organisations still desperately need that support, and here’s how you can help:

Hibiscus Coast Community House office coordinator, Judith Pearce surrounded by empty foodbank shelves

Salt Community Trust

This Silverdale based organisation has a foodbank and is making up Christmas hampers again this year. Salt’s Jodie Leqeta says they would appreciate any donations as they are already supporting more than 120 families and usually end up with 3040 more by Christmas time. “Budget constraints mean meeting the demand this year is going to be a challenge,” she says.

The Trust also gladly accepts financial donations towards perishable food items.

All donations can be dropped into the Salt Op Shop, 41 Florence Ave, Ōrewa during business hours.

Salt shopping list s

Lollies and marshmallow Jelly and Instant Desserts Chocolate biscuits and crackers Meringue nests Juice Onion soup mix and Reduced Cream Pancake shake mix and Maple Syrup

Hibiscus Coast Community House office coordinator, Judith Pearce, says its Ōrewa foodbank service is flat out and desperate for supplies. “In October we had more than 44 parcels to prepare for the local community and most of them were large families,” she says. The previous month was similar. People out there are definitely struggling to feed their families. We are almost out of food again having been to the supermarket ourselves at least six or seven times. We are still receiving generous donations but we just can’t keep up with the demand.”

Community Housewdlisert

Long life milk, milk po Tinned vegies and fruit Baked beans and spaghetti Pasta sauces s Milo, tea, coffee, drink sachet Jam, Weetbix or cornflakes, Pasta and rice rs Muesli bars, biscuits, cracke Tinned or packet soup vours) Tinned tuna/chicken (mild fla Gluten free food d All donations gratefully receive – no expired items please.

Love Soup

Love Soup will hold a free Christmas dinner at Whangaparāoa Hall on December 19. It also provides food parcels, and demand is high at this time of year. Director Julie King says the team are after any Christmas treat food such as sweets, chocolates, biscuits, Christmas puddings, candy canes etc.

Donations should be handed in at their new centre at 1 Brightside Road, Stanmore Bay, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10am-2pm.

Other times, take donations to 87 Stanmore Bay Road or to Whangaparāoa Hall, every third Sunday of the month, 10am-7pm.

NZ Sothebys International Realty office at 1/326 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Ōrewa has begun collecting gift donations for Woven Earth, a charity that helps family violence survivors rebuild their lives by furnishing their houses. Any Christmas gifts for children, gift vouchers, blankets, or household items are welcome – anything that could help someone starting over. The collection started November 10 and runs until December 15. Drop off is between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

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November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

7

Dr Phil Clark

Beyond Radiology

Y

ou can’t miss the Northern Specialist Centre, a purposebuilt building opposite the park ‘n’ ride in Silverdale.

It is home to its biggest tenant, Beyond Radiology, and is set to become a hub for a wide range of specialist radiology and medical services.

The facility is the brainchild of Radiologist Dr Phil Clark, and is the third Beyond Radiology clinic – the others are in Auckland and Christchurch.

Phil’s vision was for a NZ-owned, clinician-led, five-star centre with the latest medical imaging technology, welcoming and accessible to all. Seeing it open recently was the fulfilment of six years of hard work and substantial investment.

Having lived in Gulf Harbour, and with family still in the area, Phil says it was important to him to bring these top quality services to the Hibiscus Coast.

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He is passionate about radiology’s role in healthcare, and says quality people, equipment and service is key. Beyond Radiology includes MRI with Artificial Intelligence built-in, showing a level of detail that Phil describes as “a gamechanger”. They also have the only CT scanner on the Hibiscus Coast. There is a dedicated breast imaging service including Mammography, MRI breast scans and biopsies, image guided injections, Ultrasound scanning and X-Ray.

aking moving home not just easy but “joyful” – that’s the vision of Move By Design, a Snells Beach-based company helping those facing what can be one of life’s most stressful events.

The Northern Specialist centre includes medical specialists who work closely with the Beyond Radiology team, including Orthopaedic Surgeons, an Ear Nose & Throat surgeon, Musculoskeletal specialist and Cardiologists, with more to come.

Rather than work in the removal field, however, she pursued a career incorporating project management, aligning well with a liking for “being organised and organising things”, working with people, and keeping deadlines.

Phil says the service includes supporting Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ, by performing public hospital outsourced scans, allowing patients to have their imaging done locally.

The time for a change felt right after moving from the North Shore to Snells Beach. With neither Clare nor her husband having family in New Zealand, the move

for a seamless, stress-free move.

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Clare Gregory-Jones is something of an expert at moving, with a family history in the furniture removal businesses in the UK, and multiple house moves herself, including immigrating to New Zealand 20 years ago.

was prompted by a desire to feel more connected in a small community – a desire she feels is definitely being met.

Helping people across Rodney and the wider Auckland region, the business offers a range of services tailored to a client’s needs, including sorting, decluttering, packing, removals and unpacking – even making beds or hanging art. On moving day itself, everything is managed, “so the client can take a back seat, go to lunch, relax”.

“Moving can be a really exciting time, a fresh start,” Clare says. “But there’s this huge mountain between the life you have now and getting to that destination.”

“Move By Design aims to genuinely make moving easy, and help clients experience the excitement and joy of a new place from day one.”

“I like making a difference,” she says. “This is my way of making a difference.”

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| Hibiscusmatters | November 13, 2023

Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

Business Phil Pickford,

phil.pickford@thinkdifferently.kiwi.nz

Fighting failure Information released in the BWA Insolvency quarterly report recently makes for concerning reading: company failures (liquidations, receiverships and voluntary administrations) in NZ increased by 69 percent between the second quarter of 2022 and the second quarter of 2023. When looking at the total number of start-ups or new companies formed since 2020, 40 percent had failed by the first quarter of 2023.

We can see this from our experiences locally – the number of cafés that have changed hands, and “for lease” signs both in town and in business or industrial areas. I don’t want to focus on the negatives here, I want to talk more about why. And what you can do to improve your chances of survival in a very difficult business environment that continues to be affected by lack of demand, interest rates, cost of living, supply and staff shortages – indeed just about everything that is outside your influence as a business owner.

We don’t need to be rocket scientists to know why businesses fail. Invariably failure happens because the business in no longer liquid – it has no cash to buy the stuff that it needs to sell, or provide the services that its customers want. There are a myriad of reasons for this. Since 2020 many businesses have been hanging on by a thread, just getting through Covid-19, but the headwinds of inflation, for some, were the final blow.

Often, in times such as these, some of those are beyond the control of the

business owner and even the most prudent management does not ensure that they are better positioned for what is to come.

Also, in some instances businesses fail because of mismanagement.

What is mismanagement, or more to the point, what is good management?

Good management is about planning and foresight. It is about building adaptability that will enable a business to change quickly and in the right direction.

Darwin is often misrepresented in his theory of evolution whereby the common belief is “survival of the fittest.” He never said that!

What he did say, was that those species that have the ability to adapt to changes in their environment will survive. It’s the same in business! To adapt we need to be lean, quick and on our toes. We need to have shed the fat, cut our suit to fit the market conditions, and do it early.

Good management is also about discipline and grit. When market conditions are tough, when demand for our products or services are decreasing, when interest rates are increasing, when our suppliers are putting up prices, we have to make the tough decisions. It may mean job cuts. It will mean a close investigation of every one of our fixed costs. But if we do it early enough, with discipline and grit, we will live to fight another day. Because this business environment will bounce back. It always does. Those that survive will then reap the rewards.

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November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

9

Dairy Flat Surf Park plans surging forward A surf park proposed by international developer Aventuur for Dairy Flat is moving forward, with its resource consent application recently re-lodged under the Government’s Covid-19 recovery fast-track consenting process.

The 43ha surf park began the consent process earlier this year (HM June 12) but withdrew that application – Aventuur spokesperson, Trevor Mckewen, says this was to enhance the submission by providing further information, detail and consultants’ reports.

Proposed to be located at 1350 Dairy Flat Highway, the Auckland Surf Park has a focus on sustainability and Mckewen says it has been designed to integrate with the surrounding landscape and “embody the area’s rural aesthetic”.

The proposal includes a Wavegarden ‘Cove’ lagoon, offering surfing and wellbeing experiences, as well as highperformance sports and leisure facilities, accommodation, a restaurant and public outdoor amenities.

Targeting a NZ Green Buildings Council Green Star rating, the master-planned development will also include a solar farm and data centre – the innovative idea is to capture excess heat from the data centre (powered by renewable energy, including on-site generation from the solar farm) to warm the park’s surfing lagoon, yearround.

The surf park is expected to create more than 400 jobs during construction and 120 full-time equivalent positions once operational.

Mckewen says the project has received widespread support from leading sporting, tourism and community organisations as well as a number of sportspeople, including

Clockwise from top left, The surf park site is in the middle of rural Dairy Flat. Keen surfer Sir John Kirwan is a partner in the project. The latest designs show how the proposed Auckland Surf Park could look.

some top Kiwi professional surfers.

Project partner, Sir John Kirwan, says as well as providing a “world-class surf park”, the design includes a proposal to regenerate existing streams, and ‘naturescape’ the property using only endemic local species.

Subject to approvals being received from relevant authorities, the surf park could open to the public in summer 2026/2027.

Flooding to be “managed” in future development areas.

Auckland Council’s re-evaluation of future development areas, in light of flooding in the region, was adopted recently. Council’s Future Development Strategy reassessed all areas that had not yet been live zoned to determine whether they were suitable for future growth.

The areas included Hatfields Beach, Dairy Flat, Silverdale, Upper Ōrewa, Weiti and Wainui. Four areas were partially or entirely removed from urban development because “significant hazard constraints” made development there inappropriate. Locally, the only area off the table for development was Hatfields Beach (stage 2). In Dairy Flat, Wainui East and Upper Ōrewa, infrastructure delivery to support development was pushed out to 2050. In Silverdale West that delivery is now 2030 and Weiti 2035. The report stated that although “moderate natural hazard risks” exist in those areas, in particular flooding, they could be appropriately managed with suitable structure planning.

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Local grants handed out

Local recipients of grants from Round 1 include: Hibiscus Coast Senior Citizens Association, $2500 towards venue hire; NZ Guitar Ensemble Charitable Trust, $1000 towards venue hire for camp at YMCA Shakespear Lodge; Coast Community Trust, $2300 towards running the Meals & More programme; Manly Park Tennis Club, $2000 towards equipment; Age Concern

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While most of the groups who obtained grants are well established locally, the Hibiscus Coast & Bays Sea Cadets is still in its early formative stages. Sea Cadets are aligned with the Royal NZ Navy. The local branch’s community relationship adviser, Terry Creagh, says the group will initially be based, far from the sea, in Dairy Flat, but eventually hopes to find a base nearer the ocean. A recruitment drive will get underway in due course.

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Grants for sport facility development open

Sports organisations wanting to develop their facilities can now apply for a slice of $13.6 million funding through Auckland Council’s Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund (SRFIF), to help achieve their goals. Applications for the 2024/25 Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund opened on November 13 and close on January 29. The SRFIF is contestable and open to non-council organisations for significant facility development. It has a focus on communities that are in the greatest need of investment and large-scale community sport facility development projects that can leverage additional investment. Funding decisions will be made by the relevant Governing Body committee next August. Info: visit the Auckland Council website. To discuss your proposal, or for any questions about the process, contact sportandrecreation@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Bayes Annual Christmas Tour 6 days, 23-28 December 2023 $2580 single, $1985pp twin/double The Stress-free way to enjoy Christmas. No cooking, no dishes, no worries. This year we are off to explore Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty on your all-inclusive Christmas get away! Staying in the Millennium Rotorua and experiencing all the region has to offer including a wonderful Kiwi Christmas Lunch and dinner.

Check our website for full itinerary:

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The community patrol was granted $10,000 towards security cameras to be placed at the entrances to Ōrewa and Business Whangaparāoa got the same sum towards delivering its events and projects.

Rodney $2300 for Christmas Concert; Air Training Corps No. 5 (Rodney) Squadron, $3000 for uniforms; Rotary Club of Ōrewa-Millwater, $1500 towards venue hire; Ōrewa Croquet Club, $2000 for mallets; Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol, $10,000 towards security cameras at entrances to Ōrewa; Ōrewa Elevate Trust, $2000 for event costs; Hibiscus Coast & Bays Sea Cadets, $2000 towards recruitment; Rodney Aphasia Group, $1500 for venue hire and admin; Business Whangaparāoa, $10,000 for event and project delivery; Agora Connections Trust, $2000 for Children’s Day event at Manly Park; Sustainable North Trust, $3000 for waste services at events; NZ Blue Light Ventures, $1000 for handbooks at local colleges; Salt Community Trust, $2800 for website rebuild; Silverdale & Districts Historical Society, $2600 for hot water cylinder.

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The Hibiscus Coast Community Patrol, and Business Whangaparāoa were the beneficiaries of the two largest grants handed out to local organisations by the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board at its October 24 meeting.

www.seriouseyes.co.nz November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

11

Summerset Milldale * selling off plans now Summerset Milldale is excited to announce our first release of homes are selling off plans now.* Once complete, the village will offer a range of independent homes to choose from including a variety of villa types. Plus, we will have a wide range of care options, including serviced apartments, a care centre and our industry-leading memory care centre. All safe and secure within a fully gated village community.

Summerset Milldale is located close to Silverdale and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in one of Auckland’s newest and most affordable suburbs. It will offer the perfect retirement lifestyle, close to beaches, cafes and shopping, everything the Hibiscus Coast has to offer. Visit our sales office today to discuss the range of homes and floor plans for the first release, with our Sales Manager, Nicola Redmond.

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Summerset Milldale sales office 50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale 09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz *All Summerset homes are sold under a licence to occupy and are subject to availability. Image is artist impression as of January 2023.

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| Hibiscusmatters | November 13, 2023

Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

Shakespear sanctuary's workshop something to celebrate After years of making do with cobbled together structures and portacoms, it was exciting for the rangers and Shakespear Open Sanctuary (SOSSI) volunteers to see the purpose-built workshop open in the regional park last week.

Rangers and volunteers have operated out of temporary buildings on the hilltop, where the new workshop is located, since 2017 after the old one at Te Haruhi Bay, became unusable due to flooding.

Auckland Council open sanctuary senior ranger, Matt Maitland, says staff and volunteers coped admirably with that setup for 6-7 years, but the new 336sqm workshop will be much appreciated by all.

Planning and consenting began around two years ago, and the build took around six months and cost $1.6m in total.

Matt says it is a hub for all the park operations, with space for woodworking including trap box building, storage of traps, baits and lures and a hygenic conservation room for supplementary feed for wildlife. There is also a toilet and

Rangers, volunteers, construction workers and guests celebrate the opening of the workshop. It was gifted the name Hau Taiao – the breath of the environment.

kitchenette, with a spectacular view across the bay, where workers can have a break. A separate office is alongside.

The building allows rainwater to be

harvested, which will be used in the nearby nursery, and solar panels on the roof provide for the daytime needs of the workshop. Excess power is fed back into the grid to offset costs.

The workshop was officially blessed by Ngati Manuhiri on Thursday, November 9 and rangers and volunteers wasted no time moving in.

Central Silverdale site for sale More than 4500sqm of land right in the heart of Silverdale Village went on the market this month.

The land, at 2-8 Agency Lane and 15-19 Silverdale Street, is made up of four titles, which are for sale individually or together.

It includes several commercial buildings. It also includes a small grassy space, which, although it is privately owned, has been used by the public, including stallholders at the Saturday community market, for some years.

The marketing, by Real estate agent Alex

Perigo of Bayleys, states that the Business Town Centre zoning provides both residential and commercial opportunities for investors, land bankers or developers.

The land has been in the Painton family for many years and was also put on the market back in 2015 (HM August 31, 2015) – at that time, locals were concerned about the potential to lose the green space.

The properties are for sale by tender, closing December 6.

Right, This large piece of land in Silverdale Village is up for sale.

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November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

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14

| Hibiscusmatters | November 13, 2023

Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

Best trappers on Hibiscus Coast Two student members of a trapping group at Whangaparāoa College have been going above and beyond, their efforts acknowledged recently for the most rats caught in a single year on any of the Coast’s 120 traplines.

Kealan Jay and Ruby Douglas have given up many hours of their own time to make a real difference to the rat population in and around the school, catching a total of 58 rats this year. They received an award for their contribution at the annual Pest Free Hibiscus Coast volunteer celebration and awards, held last weekend (November 12).

The Pest Free Hibiscus Coast’s Jenny Hanwell has been working with the college’s EnviroGroup on the trapping for around three years. There are two traplines that encircle the school. They target introduced pests – in particular, rats and possums. Several of the school’s learners are involved in the weekly management of the lines, checking, recording catches and rebaiting them.

Jenny says this year’s students have been particularly proactive.

Ruby says she does this work because she wants to do something to help native birds and protect the environment.

“I’m not usually outdoorsy but was looking for something extracurricular that’s a bit different,” she says. “And I love birds, so have really got into this.”

Ruby says she is torn between applying to study conservation or anthropology at university.

The traps are so well used that Pest Free Hibiscus Coast recently upgraded them to a more hardwearing trap type.

Pictured, EnviroGroup lead Maria Sinclair with rat catcher Ruby Douglas at Whangaparāoa College.

Land retained by college

A piece of land on Whangaparāoa Road, that is part of Whangaparāoa College will now not be subdivided and sold for residential development. The land, which runs along Whangaparāoa Road, west from the corner of Stanmore Bay Road to opposite the town centre, is zoned Residential – Terraced Housing and Apartments, and was readied for sale by the Ministry of Education some years ago. Car access to the site was a sticking point, and discussions about that began with Auckland Council in 2020. It has been decided that the land will not be subdivided and is instead being retained by the Ministry of Education, “with an eye toward developing the college for future roll growth.”

Get those parcels sent

The dates for sending overseas parcels in time for Christmas, by economy post, is drawing near. To send a parcel to the South Pacific, Europe, Asia or the UK using economy post you will need to post it by Friday, November 24 – with the rest of the world needing to be sent

by Monday, November 20. Cut-off dates for courier and express items can be found on nzpost.co.nz

Dotterels still to settle

Manly’s rare NZ dotterels are so far not settling on any nests, after two breeding pairs started nests on or near the beach, and at Manly Fire Station. So far, five nests have been started by the little birds. Two were washed away in the recent storm, one was predated and one interfered with (minders are uncertain what happened). The one at the fire station was recently abandoned. Forest and Bird’s Jenny Hanwell says she and the volunteer dotterel minder group remain confident that nests can be established as there is still plenty of time for pairs to try again before the end of the breeding season. She says the dotterels at Shakespear Regional Park also lost nests to the cyclone. Photo, Di Waring

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We provide an unparalleled and comprehensive range of property services tailored to the unique requirements of our clients.

Bayleys Hibiscus Coast offers comprehensive skills in selling a wide range of property for our clients including: Residential, Coastal, Waterfront, Commercial Leasing and Sales, Lifestyle and Country property plus Residential Property Management. We would be delighted to introduce you to Bayleys’ commitment to surpassing our clients’ expectations and maximising value for our vendors. We look forward to your call.

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November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

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Excitement builds for parade The ever-popular Ōrewa Santa Parade will take place on November 25, with the route unchanged – from Florence Ave along the highway to Ōrewa Beach Reserve carpark.

the Steam Engine, Batman, licenced TV characters, a convoy of Hibiscus Rodders Club cars, as well as many local community groups.

Last year was one of the biggest ever, with an estimated crowd of 6000-7000.

The biggest change this year is that instead of the Surf Sounds event, which has been separated from the Santa Parade and moved to March 30 (Easter weekend), there will be a smaller food truck and amusements carnival on Ōrewa Beach reserve, by the surf club, from 3.30pm to 8pm, operated by the Ōrewa-Millwater Rotary Club.

To date 30 floats are confirmed, but that number could as much as double by parade day, organisers say.

Music will be in the capable hands of parade leaders Hibiscus Coast Pipe Band as well as the Hibiscus Coast Concert band, Geiger Musik and Falun Dafa bands.

Local business will showcase their brands whilst getting into the Christmas spirit, and there’ll be cheerleaders, Taekwondo and kickboxing demonstrations, Sammy

The parade starts at 4.30pm.

The rain date is November 26.

It’s not too late to let organisers know that you want a float – either vehicle, walking group, performance group or other – email admin@orewabeach.co.nz

Among those entering a float for the first time this year, is Pest Free Hibiscus Coast. The organisation is working with the local branch of Forest & Bird on the project. Pest Free Hibiscus Coast community activator, Andrea Dick says the float will include a number of children dressed up as rats sitting in a giant trap and others in bird costumes flying around. The children are members of Forest & Bird’s Kiwi Conservation Club, as well as the children of local backyard trappers. To avoid the use of plastic, there has been a lot of creativity in creating the float, including making masks from papier mache. Fantails (piwakawaka) made of flax will be handed out along the parade route. The children are pictured at a costume-making session recently held at Whangaparāoa library.

Wedding portrait mystery remains unsolved

Barbara Fromont of Ōrewa, left, and Janine Arthur with the wedding photo found at a charity shop.

When a very old and beautiful wedding photo was among items donated to the Coast Pet Care charity shop in Silverdale, volunteers decided to do some research.

Store volunteer Janine Arthur says although they could have sold the frame many times over, they wanted to try and get both photo and frame back to a family member.

“We believe the portrait was taken in the late 1930s, which would mean the bride and groom would have been born 1920 or thereabouts,” Janine says. “We wondered if they had some family in the local area.”

She says it’s not the first time that the store has turned detective to return items to original owners, including war memorabilia.

“You could just put it in the shop, or even dispose of it, but history is important and these things can be precious to the right

person,” she says.

Social media did not bear fruit, so they spread the word further afield via Timespanner, eventually making contact with someone in Melbourne, and from there, his mother, Barbara Fromont, in Ōrewa.

Last month, Barbara collected the photo from the store, in hopes that it depicts her deceased husband’s uncle Terry’s wedding to Muriel.

Barbara says having looked into it more closely, she is still not 100 percent sure that it is her husband’s uncle and aunt in the image, but the family are enjoying delving into their archives to try and solve the mystery.

She says if anyone else sees the image and believes it may be their relatives, please contact her via the Hibiscus Matters’ editor, (contact details on p2).

The mystery of who the couple in the photo is, remains unsolved.

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Coast takes off as premier wing foiling destination The Hibiscus Coast is rapidly gaining recognition as a premier wing foiling destination, according to local foilers.

Keen foiler Nick Humphreys, owner of Underground Surf, says the region has been attracting wing foilers from around the world because it offers everything from exhilarating down-wind runs to a growing race scene.

Down-wind runs can see foilers ride their craft all the way from Ōrewa or Hatfields Beach to Army Bay, from Shakespear to Takapuna or Arkles to Shakespear.

“We are seeing a big increase in people who are coming here just to wing foil,” Nick says. “Of course they are also staying, eating, shopping and being entertained

locally, bringing in more tourist dollars.”

One of the major drawcards is Whangaparāoa Peninsula’s unique shape, which captures all wind angles within a short drive.

Nick says one of the most popular spots is Manly Beach which is fantastic for beginners to experts and captures the wind in most directions.

Depending on the wind direction on a particular day, foilers may head to Tindalls Bay, Shakespear Bay or Ōrewa Beach.

“One of the most exciting forms of foiling is downwind runs where the rider can surf endless waves on the foil and glide through the ocean. Army Bay to Ōrewa, Mahurangi to Manly and Arkles Bay to Shakespear are all very popular runs with a growing community

The Hibiscus Coast is now on the map of top wing foiling destinations, thanks to opportunities to fly like this. Photo, @undergroundsurfnz

of watermen and women,” Nick says.

Another of the driving forces behind the rise of the Hibiscus Coast as a wing foiling destination is the racing organised at Manly Sailing Club by Sam Thom, a renowned figure in the wing-foiling community who

has been working closely with the club to promote and develop the sport in the region.

The club has hosted wing foil races, including the NZ Wing Foil Nationals that drew competitors from as far away as Australia.

Catamaran championship racing comes to Manly Sailing club Manly Sailing Club Vice Commodore Harold Bennett says that when the club hosts the Auckland A Class Catamaran Championship this weekend, it will be something of a trial run for the Worlds, which the club will host in 2025.

He says it the first time Manly has hosted the Auckland championships for this class of vessel, and they are doing it partly so that they can explore course options and

feature.onthewater

formats for the Worlds.

The Auckland event will draw around 15 catamarans to Manly – the Worlds could see 60-70.

The boats are divided into two divisions – classic (non-foiling) and Open, which is for the foiling catamarans.

Harold says around half the boats will be foiling, and the courses need to take the

differences between foiling and non-foiling boats into consideration.

One option that will be tested at the Auckland Championship is running the classic division in the morning, when winds are generally lighter, and the foiling division in the afternoon.

On the second day of the Auckland champs, all the boats will be out on the same course at the same time, but the foilers will have

marks further out to windward.

Harold says it will be interesting to have the A Class catamarans here, as they haven’t raced off Manly before.

“The boats are fairly impressive at around 18ft,” he says.

The Auckland A Class Catamaran Championship will be sailed off Manly Beach on November 18 and 19.

November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

19

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Making a call on weather Summer is still elusive, and the high winds and tail ends of cyclones continue to batter Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel. We have been teased with a few days of what summer is, yet no real long periods of fine weather. On that note, there are times where some people will chance it which can be detrimental. The forecast is your friend and, as the saying goes, “if in doubt – don’t go out”.

On Sunday November 29, Hibiscus had an urgent page to launch our Sea Legs vessel – Hibiscus Rescue 2 from Stanmore Bay with reports of a person in the water somewhere between Ōrewa and Army Bay. With the wind blowing constantly at 40 knots and gusting up to 60 knots our skippers need to make a call on our crew’s safety in these conditions. We have operating limits for each of our vessels and this must be considered when deciding to respond to these incidents. We train in heavy weather because of this, but the safety of our crew is paramount. It was decided that the Eagle Helicopter would be dispatched to try and reduce the search area from the air.

Visibility was limited due to the weather, but two kayakers were spotted trying to make their way back to shore. Luckily they managed to get back on dry land, however this could have been catastrophic.

We were delighted that one of the Hibiscus Crew, Michelle Smyth won Unit Support Volunteer of the Year at the annual Coastguard NZ awards (HM October 30).

A refit is in progress for Hibiscus Rescue 1

Michelle is our recruitment officer as well as an active deckhand and truly dedicated to our unit. She guides our new recruits and makes sure they feel part of our unit and she also volunteers for off water activities such as selling raffle tickets and community engagements. We are extremely proud and lucky to have her in our unit.

Hibiscus Rescue 1 is midway through her refit and is in the stages of being put back together. This is a massive undertaking and, as we all know, there are hidden issues that are encountered along the way. We were hoping to have it back in service by the end of November however we need to ensure that everything is done correctly so it may be delayed a further couple of weeks.

Once we get the vessel back, we must reequip it with all the rescue gear and then run in the new engines.

The year has been wet and windy so far with limited windows to get out on the water. Be safe out there and always check the forecast before launching, no matter what your vessel is.

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Epic row stopping in at Coast clubs Stolen trailer recovered

Quick action by members of the Hibiscus Coast Boating Club saw a jet skier reunited with his stolen trailer in record quick time. Club commodore, Mike Maher, says the jet skier, who lives in Red Beach, parked his vehicle and trailer in the car park by the boating club, in Stanmore Bay reserve, before launching his jet ski.

He discovered both truck and trailer had been stolen when he returned. Mike put the word out to the club’s 400 members on its social media page, and instantly got a response from someone who had spotted the trailer abandoned in a nearby street.

That member brought the trailer down to Stanmore Bay for the jet skier, and they also dropped him home. The vehicle is still missing, but there are leads and the Police have been informed. Mike says the speed of the response – with a result within 40 minutes – was impressive and the jet skier was “over the moon” to get his trailer back.

He has since joined the club. Another result from the incident, which took place last month, is that the club is hoping to fund CCTV cameras for the carpark.

An innovative and adventurous fundraiser is planned that involves a four-person crew rowing around the whole east coast of the country, including stops locally at Red Beach and Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Clubs.

Ian Hamilton of Invercargill, having already rowed with three others across Foveaux Strait, in 2010, and Cook Strait (2016), is the instigator of the challenge.

Along the way, he and those who row with and support him, will raise funds for four charities – Surf Lifesaving NZ, Lions Clubs NZ Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Service, the Child Cancer Foundation and Starship Children’s Hospital.

At this stage, the plan is to start the coastal row adventure on December 2, rowing from the South Cape of Stewart Island to Bluff, then Bluff to Cape Reinga next year from February to July.

Rowers from all over the country will be tag teaming during the event.

The crew is expected to arrive in Red Beach and Ōrewa on its way north, around midJune. They will row in a quad Coastal Rowing Boat, averaging 40km per day, weather and sea permitting. There is support crew in a fishing boat.

Surf Lifesaving Clubs’ inflatable rescue boats from each area will be used to swap rowers in and out, with spare rowers, from the support boats. Waka Ama and Surf Boats may also rowing alongside when conditions permit.

Along the way, Lions Clubs are main points of contact, holding events and being available to support at landing sites.

They will also arrange fundraisers in the form of meetups, visits by Olympic rowers, presentations to schools and so on.

As things progress, there will be further stories on local events in this newspaper.

The instigator of the row around NZ’s east coast hopes to raise millions for charity.

Consultation underway

Sunglasses essential for eye wellbeing From Ōrewa Optics owner Petra Hewitt comes a timely reminder that sunglasses with UV protection are not just for fashion, but important for good eye health.

Long-term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation can increase your risk of developing a cataract or macular degeneration and UV exposure adds up over time. It can also cause tissue elevations on the surface of your eye, called pingueculae and pterygia.

The team at Ōrewa Optics say that a common symptom of sun damage to eyes is watery or teary eyes due to dryness.

Because the skin on and around your eyelid is the thinnest of the whole body, it’s important to protect not just the eyes themselves, but the skin around them.

Damage is more easily seen on the skin, than on the eye, so things such as wrinkles, accentuated skin furrows, sagging, loss of

elasticity, and mottled pigmentation are all indications of potential sun damage.

Opticians recommend: wearing sunglasses year-round, whenever out in the sun, choosing lenses that block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB light, and wearing a hat with a brim.

If you have any concerns about long-term sun exposure on your eyes (no concern is too small), please contact your Optician.

Freshwater rules are changing and Aucklanders are being asked for input into how to improve the region’s rivers, lakes and streams as Auckland Council develops its implementation of Auckland’s freshwater policy. This work is required by the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management (NPS-FM) which will affect how Aucklanders manage their land and water use. It applies to rivers, streams, lakes, wetlands, aquifers and springs.

The council must notify changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan by December 31, 2024 and must also prepare action plans to support stakeholders and community groups to improve freshwater resources as soon as practicable. This consultation on freshwater opened on November 3 and runs until December 4. Info and feedback: Go to AkHaveYourSay.NZ

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Coast Critters James Dale, Zoology professor, Massey University j.dale@massey.ac.nz

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Bottlenose dolphins swimming with lucky onlookers, Laura Redfern and Madison and Julia Dale. Photo: James Dale.

Snorkeling our backyard A great way to enjoy some of the amazing wildlife in the area is by taking a dip in the ocean with your mask and snorkel.

There are amazing marine reserves at Tāwharanui, Goat Island and Okura/Long Bay. But even along any of our coastlines there are great opportunities to enjoy marine life. A good time to snorkel our coasts is when south westerly winds are prevailing, as this tends to co-occur with increased water clarity in the region.

A common sight to see while snorkeling are big schools of fish like snapper and kahawai. Also, there are lots of little guys to see. For instance, spotted wrasse and yellow-tailed mackerel are very common.

Every once in a while, you may even encounter eagle rays swimming by.

One animal I am always on the lookout for when I snorkel is the octopus. Octopuses are very clever members of the same taxonomic group as snails and clams.

They are generally pretty common, but can be very tricky to spot. I often wonder how many octopuses I have swam over, that have seen me, but that I had no idea was there. However, a good clue to their presence is seeing a clusters of shells and pebbles near or around holes or overhangs.

If you look more closely you may then see an octopus hiding out and peering at you.

By far the most amazing snorkeling experience my family and I enjoyed on the coast was three years ago when a pod of bottlenose dolphins spent the entire day at Little Manly beach. They pitched up in the morning and countless people, including heaps of children, had a chance to swim with them. The dolphins were genuinely curious about the many people watching and swimming close to shore. They would come close to snorkelers and swim circles around them. Many of them were doing fantastic leaps, mere metres away from the people in the water. One dolphin had a little bunch of kelp that it seemed to be using as a toy, placing it on its dorsal fin and swimming around with it, then letting it go for a bit before retrieving it and arranging it back onto its fin.

And as that wonderful day drew to a close, the dolphins were still there. As the sun set and it got darker, they seemed to decide that they had had enough of their sightseeing adventure, and they swam off out to sea. On the following day there was no sign of them. Why did they choose that one day to spend with so many onlookers?

I guess only the dolphins really know the answer to that question. One thing for sure though, is that it was an utterly amazing wildlife experience for so many.

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Health Sheryl Takayama, Nutritionist sheryl@whyweightacademy.com

Healthy holiday vibes Planning on heading away for a summer holiday? There’s nothing quite like the excitement of an upcoming trip to get your ‘motivation muscle’ activated again – especially if it involves tropical beaches and togs!

Good nutrition will help you feel your best as you prepare for your trip, as well as while you’re away. Just because you’re out of the house, it doesn’t mean you have to abandon all the good habits and routines.

Here are some tips to help you stay on track when you travel, and at your destination: • Decide your goal before you go: This is the most important step of all. Make the decision in advance about how you want to feel when you are traveling. How do you want to feel when you get home? Once you’ve decided on your goal, work backwards and determine your actions from there. Making the decision before you even leave will give you a far better chance of staying on track. • Plan ahead: Once you have a confirmed itinerary, get on the web and look for restaurants and cafes with suitable options. This research will be helpful if you get caught out and need to

make a decision in a hurry. • Pack snacks: I recently did a road trip of the North Island and my ‘emergency snack box’ was invaluable.

A snack can help to keep blood sugar levels stable between meals. Good examples include nuts, protein bars, biltong, dark chocolate, cheese and crackers and high-protein muesli bars. • Stay hydrated: Don’t fall into the trap of forgetting to drink water when you’re away, as dehydration has a big impact on digestion and energy levels. It’s particularly important to stay hydrated if you’re eating saltier restaurant foods. • Balance your plate: Make sure your main meals include protein (eg meat, seafood, chicken, eggs or a vegetarian alternative,) vegetables and a portion of healthy fats (eg olive oil, avocado, cheese, olives). This will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable if you are going longer between meals. • Make breakfast the most important meal of the day: When you start the day with a healthy meal that includes protein, fruit and vegetables and healthy fats, you will feel satisfied throughout the day and have a much better chance of staying on track and ending the day well.

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CAB stays home

Auckland Council has now decided that Ōrewa Citizens Advice Bureau no longer needs to vacate its premises in the Ōrewa Community Centre while the roof of the building is repaired. This means CAB’s planned move to Ray White offices in Ōrewa is no longer required, and you can find CAB Ōrewa in their usual location, in normal opening hours.

Leisure Centre fees

A recent re-assessment of Auckland Council’s charges at its Leisure Centres has left the free swimming for children aged 16 and under in place. There will be increases to adult casual entry fees, in line with inflation, across council owned pools from January 2024.

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New Ōrewa base for mental health services A new mental health and addictions facility opened in Ōrewa this month, as a result of rising need for its services.

is valuable –want to be as sustainable as possible and to support communities to be resilient and self-sufficient, so we always try to employ local people and operate on a serve local, work local, live local principle.”

A recruitment drive is due to begin and eventually the Ōrewa Ember hub will be staffed by around 20-30.

This is the organisation’s eighth office in the North Island – along with some residential services.

Referrals generally come from health professionals, such as GPs. Darryl says although some group sessions are run at the hub, most of the hub’s mental health and addiction services are delivered in people’s homes – they include support to find jobs or housing, as well as general support.

Ember Korowai Takitini, the Hibiscus and Rodney Ember Hub, in Centreway Road, is part of a charitable group, delivering services mostly funded by Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ. Its chief executive, Darryl Bishop, lives in Ōrewa.

He says the organisation already provides services in the area but opened a local office because population growth has led to an increase in demand.

“We are the largest organisation providing those services on the Coast and Rodney,” he says.

“We also wanted to employ some local Coast people,” he says. “Local expertise

The Māori name of the organisation, Korowai Takitini, translates as “a cloak of many parts”, referring to its wrap around services at a time “when someone’s ember burns low and we seek to support them to nurture it back to a healthy flame”.

Darryl says with increasing awareness and funding around mental health, they are seeing more people earlier.

He says the opening of the Ōrewa office marks a significant milestone in Ember’s support of people with mental health and addiction needs in the region.

“With a team of experienced and empathetic professionals embedded in the local community, Ember will provide essential support to residents on their journey towards better mental health and recovery.”

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Darryl Bishop

Fireman’s lift assists injured beach goer When Lee Kellow took his dog for its regular walk on the Red Beach side of Ōrewa Estuary, on October 26, he did not expect to become a good Samaritan and also have his daily fitness training called upon.

Lee says it was low tide and in the distance he could see a small black hump on the sand right out on the sand bar where the estuary flows into the sea.

“I’d never noticed a rock out there, so I went to take a closer look,” he says.

As he got closer, he could see a lady on the ground in a lot of pain and distress with another lady dog walker with her.

“It turned out that a dog had run into her and really messed up her leg,” Lee says.

Her husband was working in Leigh and the wait for the ambulance was 4-5 hours for non-life threatening injuries.

“She was in agony and unable to move. So, it was either wait for an ambulance or use some functional fitness and old fashioned grit,” he says.

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to do a fireman’s carry across sandy uneven terrain – “but it was that or wait for the tide to come in and wash us away!”

So he carried her on his shoulder back across the beach, up the steps and hill to the other dog walker’s car.

They then drove her to Red Beach Medical.

Lee says he has told members of the F45 about it in the context of “the importance of being fit because someday you might just need it”.

The Stanmore Bay resident, who does not want to be named, has a fracture which the doctor described “as being something they see from a high speed car accident”.

Her knee is also damaged. She is keeping her leg immobile for 6-8 weeks with a further 4-6 months recovery after and in the future could need a knee replacement.

She says she is very grateful for Lee’s assistance – “It was a feat of strength and I am grateful beyond words,” she says.

She says no one was to blame, as two dogs were chasing each other and came close then one ran into her. “It hit me on the right side of my right leg. It wasn’t a huge dog, it was the angle it hit me at, and there was a massive impact. There was nobody to blame – the dog did nothing wrong,” she says.

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Youth worker Hannah Lochhead, left and college student Lexi Wiig ran the Auckland Half Marathon together in support of each other, and the Coast Youth Community Trust (CYC). Photos, Lily Gatman

Marathon a metaphor for mutual support When Whangaparāoa College Year 11 student Lexi Wiig ran the Auckland Half Marathon recently, she matched her pace to that of her CYC mentor, Hannah Lochhead.

“I could have finished it sooner, but we stuck together so it became a mental game,” Lexi says.

Although youth worker Hannah is no slouch when it comes to exercise, and regularly does F45 sessions, running was a new and big challenge for her. Lexi, on the other hand, had a. head start. She began running at the start of the year and found it gave her time out, stress relief and other mental health benefits. She had already completed a half marathon before the Auckland event on October 29.

“It is an escape,” she says. “If you’re having a bad day, you can step out of reality for a bit.”

Hannah and Lexi have had a mentoring relationship for the past year. They took on the half marathon, Hannah says, to demonstrate how a youth worker builds a relationship with a young person.

“It was a metaphor for what it looks like to get alongside someone and encourage and learn from each other,” Hannah says.

Hannah says running was “terrifying” for her.

“I ask young people to challenge themselves and go out of

their comfort zone, so I wanted to push myself to do the same,” she says.

After “a couple of months” of training, they lined up at the start.

They ran the entire 21.1km, “slow and steady”, in just over three hours, raising $2000 for CYC. “I just felt so proud, the whole way,” Lexi says.

“If I can do it, anyone can,” Hannah says. “Having someone there to do it with makes all the difference.”

Their donation page is still open – look for Run for Youth Wellbeing on Givealittle.

Making Men feel fab

A chance for a Q & A and chat with ex-All Black Grant Fox and fishing guru Bill Hohepa are part of a Feeling Fabulous Men’s Wellness Day on Sunday, November 19 in Stillwater. The day is designed for men who have gone through grief, bereavement, loss, trauma or depression. It will be a relaxing afternoon with food and refreshments, and plenty of information. The event is by invitation only and takes place from 12.30pm-4pm.

If you would like to attend, email hello@feelingfab.org. nz or phone Elizabeth on 021 137 3155.

Ōrewa Lions past president Daryl Crosby accepts the award certificate from last year’s District Governor, Ricky Singh. With the club’s three awards are, from left, Ōrewa Lions’ Murray Jones, Daryl Crosby and president Wendy Miller.

Lions king in district

For the second time in a row, Ōrewa Lions Club has been selected as the best in its district. The district is large – including 57 clubs and covering an area from Kaitaia in the north to Waiuku in the south and across to the Coromandel Peninsula plus Fiji, Samoa and American Samoa. The club was presented with the Outstanding Club award at the district convention in Warkworth on October 28. They also topped the Best Bulletin and Community Awareness & Communications categories. President Wendy Miller says members were thrilled to receive the three awards Currently Ōrewa Lions Club has 54 members, both men and women. Wendy says the group has been proud to serve our local community for almost 60 years.

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Cats take control Rosco and Kane turned two-years-old last month. They are sitting on either side of me as I think about what to write for my fortnightly column for Hibiscus Matters.

Their piercing gaze has formed a forcefield around my brain which blocks any idea that tries to enter it. It seems that they are ordering me to write about them as they control my brain with their magical powers. So here we go.

Rosco and Kane are my cats. They are not just my cats, they are my best friends. I did not feel that way when my wife suggested that we needed to get a cat. I mounted a fierce opposition to the idea. We are not cat people; we are independent millennials; we go to parties, sip on craft beer and converse about the latest Paris fashion trends. As I was babbling my opposition to the idea of a pet, I started to realise; who am I kidding? I am none of these things. I am a nerd academic.

I read non-fiction and journal articles. I watch copious amounts of political TV and movies. I don’t go to parties – in fact, I rejoice when parties are cancelled. There is no better feeling than when there is a Facebook event cancellation notification on my phone. I am an introvert, which is also very cool, but not in a cliched way. It was time to get a kitten.

Gutter Kitties run a tremendous local rescue operation for cats. They rescue, foster, litter train, desex, and give medical care to cats until they find a loving home.

You cannot just go and pick up a kitten on a whim from Gutter Kitties. We had to

go through an interview process with the foster parent and when she felt that it was a good match, we were able to adopt Rosco and Kane. I sincerely think that Gutter Kitties deserve our financial generosity this Christmas, so please, google them and contribute if you can.

Why did we get two kittens? I couldn’t bear the thought of bringing in a singular nonhuman species in my house. I thought it would be lonely coming out of a litter of several kittens and living in a house with alien humans who have no idea of what it might be thinking or feeling. I felt that there was camaraderie needed so they have each other when the humans are being stupid and selfish. So, we adopted bonded brothers who couldn’t be separated. I named them Rosco and Kane after the cricketing legends, Ross Taylor, and Kane Williamson.

I cannot imagine my life without them.

Rosco knows when I am stressed or sick and he always flops on the side of my body and purrs furiously to take all that stress away. Kane is attached to my wife and hangs around her like a secret service agent.

They love each other, engaging in playful zoomies and thorough cleaning sessions.

They care for us and demand our love.

They are indoor cats because I don’t want them to be roadkill and I don’t want them killing any of the native birds that hang around in our gardens. They are family.

They are still staring at me while I finish this. Alright, time for a cuddle.

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Connecting makers to their market Locally made arts and crafts, bought direct from the people that made them (and in time for Christmas) turned last year’s inaugural Estuary Arts Centre Makers Market into a roaring success with more than 6000 visitors.

This year the pre-Christmas Makers Market will be held on November 25, providing something to do in Ōrewa ahead of the Santa Parade.

The outdoor market, alongside the arts centre and Ōrewa Estuary, will have more than 30 art and craft stalls, buskers and food trucks, while inside the art centre there will be ‘have-a-go’ art sessions and demonstrations by artists and tutors.

In the galleries there will be the annual Cash and Carry under $500 exhibition – this allows you to purchase an artwork and take it away the same day.

Among the stall holders is Michelle Impey of Ōrewa, who makes contemporary and functional work such as mugs and bowls, on her potter’s wheel.

She works fulltime as Save the Kiwi chief executive and says pottery has always fascinated her. As well as making her own, it is her go-to purchase when travelling.

“It’s heavy and breakable, so not ideal for travel, but seeing those pieces in my home brings me joy,” she says.

Creative pair Jeremy and Rachel Trotter of Ruff Tūporo in Stillwater repurpose and rework NZ wood into usable wood art. It began, Rachel says, as a result of 25 years in the sawmill industry and working with a local woodworker.

“Jeremy has always taken a keen interest in finding things that were unused, broken or unwanted and transforming them into something that has the potential to become a great piece of workable art,” she says.

The original products that the couple will bring to the market include candleholders, brisket boards, chopping blocks and wood art.

The market is on Saturday, November 25 from 11am-4pm. More info, see What’s On.

Above, Jeremy and Rachel Trotter and their work.

Above, Michelle Impey. Her work includes handmade mugs and bowls.

Support sought for Silverdale Village mural When you are not commissioned to create a public artwork, but can see the need for murals on rundown outdoor walls, how can you make it happen?

Local artist Sue Law asked herself this question. She also wanted to give young artists experience making murals.

Her answer was to get artists together to collaborate – so began the Mural Moreporks collective on messenger.

They approached local business associations, and in Silverdale Village, alongside the Pioneer Village, a blank concrete block wall was found in need of beautifying.

The owner was keen, so Sue designed

“I paid them a living wage,” Sue says.

“There’s no reason for artists to work for free – we have qualifications and skills that we should be able to earn a living from.”

a mural, working with Pioneer Village volunteers who provided inspiring historical photos of the area.

Fundraising for the project, Sue says, took more than a year of applying for grants.

Resene donated paint and graffiti guard, and Ben Ravenhall of WRNZ offered to apply the graffiti guard free of charge – a saving of around $5000, Sue says.

Signpost Signs made it possible for Sue to erect a sign acknowledging everyone who contributed.

Four others worked on the mural with Sue – Andrea Dick, Michael Berry, Jasmin Murray and Daniel Law.

The mural includes depictions of the Weiti River, old Wade Hotel, gumdiggers store and Holy Trinity Church as well as people weaving flax and eeling.

About halfway through, the money ran out.

“Some of the other artists said they’d keep going as volunteers, but they deserve to be paid,” Sue says.

She is continuing to seek more sponsorship and funding, while working on the mural

Artist Sue Law continues to work on this mural, unpaid, after funding ran out.

to see it finished.

“After this is completed, we want to paint more, so any owners of suitable walls are welcome to get in touch,” she says.

Anyone who can assist can contact Sue at studio22@slingshot.co.nz

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BARFOOT&THOMPSON Support the advertisers who support Hibiscus Matters

Our best shot Hibiscus Coast Photographic Club www.hcpc.org.nz

This image, called Cathedral Cove at Dawn, won Dianne Stitt top print in last month’s set subject which was Open Landscapes. Dianne says she loves this photo” – “it is the kind of photo I hoped I would learn to capture when I started on my photography journey,” she says. “It’s very pleasing to have my own photo on our wall rather than someone else’s generic print.” The image was taken on a Sony Alpha 7 Mk3, with a Sony 16-35mm wide angle lens. The camera was mounted on a tripod and the exposure was half a second.

Floral fair fundraiser

A fair devoted to all things floral will take place on November 25 in and around the Holy Trinity Church, in Silverdale. It has been organised by the Hibiscus Coast Floral Art Group and features examples of their work, including wreaths, candelabras, swags and posies which will decorate the church. In addition, the Floral and Craft Fair features stalls selling items such as plants, Christmas crafts and fresh flower posies. There will be live music and Devonshire teas available. The group’s treasurer, Marion Heyrick, says this is the first time they have decorated the church but a few years ago they decorated Couldrey House in a similar way. She says fundraising like this subsidises activities for members during the year – the group also provides weekly flowers for Harbour Hospice’s front desk and donates Christmas gifts to Women’s Refuge. More details, see What’s On.

Twilight Christmas Market Thursday 23 November, 5pm–8:30pm 89 Symes Drive, Red Beach Join our merry celebrations at our Twilight Christmas Market. Enjoy live music, shop a range of crafts and tasty treats and enjoy a hot drink or food from our on-site café.

Tours of our Independent Living Units and newly opened Care Suites will also be available.

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FRIDAY: Silverdale Rugby Club, every fourth Friday of the month, 4pm-8pm (next market Nov 24) • SATURDAY: Silverdale Market, every Saturday from 8am-1pm, 7 Silverdale Street • SUNDAY: Ōrewa Artisan Market, Estuary Arts Centre, 9am-1pm • Ōrewa Beach Farmers Market, every Sunday from 8am-12.30pm, Ōrewa Square • Silverdale Night Market, 5pm until late, in the carpark underneath The Warehouse in Silverdale • Hibiscus Coast Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren Car Boot & Craft Market fundraiser, every second Sunday of the month (next market Nov 12) from 10am-2pm, Lower Coast Plaza Carpark, Whangaparāoa.

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

November

Pharmacy Talk

17

The Waterways, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.pm. Free entry.

17

The Waterways, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.pm. Free entry.

17

The Hypno Show, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7.30pm-9pm. Entry $20 per person.

18

Blame the Cats, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7.pm-10.30pm. Entry $8.

18

Dining for a Difference – community formal dinner and auction, Ōrewa Arts & Events Centre, Riverside Road, Ōrewa, 6pm-9pm.

Fundraiser for Coast Community Trust. Tickets $125 from Eventbrite www.eventbrite.com/e/dining-for-a-difference-coast-community-dinnerauction-tickets-704360951567?aff=oddtdtcreator

18

Motel California Eagles Tribute experience, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda

18

Christmas Craft Fair, Waiwera Road (Riverhaven Hall if wet), 9am3pm. Great Christmas gift options. Handcrafted, homemade, home baked items made by local talent. Cash only.

Next year prescriptions from the GP will continue to be FREE for those 65 years and older, children under 14 and people who are community services card holders.

18

Motel California Eagles Tribute experience, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 8.30pm-11.30pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

Why you should use our service

19

Steve Coppard, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

19

Men’s Wellness Day, Stillwater, 12.30pm-4pm. Q&A with former All Black Grant Fox and chat with fishing guru Bill Hohepa. Event organised by Feeling Fab. Food and refreshments provided.

Invitation only. Info: Elizabeth 021 137 3155 or hello@feelingfab.org.nz

22

Sharón Blow, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

Providing a high level of service to our customers while they are visiting us at Unichem Manly Pharmacy is our mission. But the service you see is just a piece of what we do when we receive your prescription. People often wonder what we do back there in the dispensary! So I thought I’d write you a few stories of what a patient journey might look like at Unichem Manly Pharmacy.

23

Force Femme - Connect to Grow event, CoastLab CoWorking, Florence Ave, Ōrewa, 6pm. For like-minded women in business – ‘Success starts within: Mental & Physical Wellness’. Tickets from coastlab.co.nz

24

Final meeting of year for Hibiscus Coast Grey Power, St John’s Catholic Church hall, 180 Centreway Road, Ōrewa, 1.30pm. All seniors welcome. Info: contact Simonne, 027 212 8322, 09 424 1315, or b.sdyer@xtra.co.nz

25

Divas & Diamonds, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10:30pm. Entry $20 per person.

25

Whangaparāoa Primary School Market Day, at the school, 39 Ladies Mile, Manly, 10am-2pm. Stalls with food and gift ideas. All welcome.

25

Estuary Arts Centre pre-Christmas Maker’s Market. Outside arts centre, by Ōrewa Estuary, 11am-4pm. Wide range of stalls, including arts and crafts, buskers and food trucks. Have-a-go art sessions and demonstrations by artists and tutors, inside. Cash and Carry under $500 exhibition. Rain date: Saturday, December 2. (see story p28)

25

Ōrewa Beach Santa Parade, from Florence Ave to Ōrewa Beach reserve carpark, parade starts 4.30pm. Followed by a carnival, Ōrewa Beach reserve by the surf club, 4pm-8pm, with amusements and food trucks. Rain date, November 26. (see story p17)

25

Run-by-Kids market, Whangaparāoa Community Hall, 9am-12pm.

Stalls of pre-loved or homemade items. Stocking fillers galore! Stalls created and run by 5-12-year-olds.

25

White Chapel Jak, Parāoa Brewing Co., 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, popular covers band, Parāoa, 8.30pm-11pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

25

Hibiscus Coast Floral Art Group Floral and Craft Fair, Holy Trinity Church, 50 Silverdale Street (next to Stella Maris), 10am-2pm. Floral designs to view, stalls, live music and Devonshire teas. Cash sales only. All welcome. (see story p29)

26

Open Mic/Jam afternoon for young musicians, Dairy Flat Hall, Postman Road, Dairy Flat. Doors open and barbeque fired up 12pm, Open Mic/Jam starts 1pm. PA, mics, stands, drum kit and bass amp provided. Giving newly formed bands and school bands a chance to perform on either indoor or (weather permitting) outdoor stage. Bands, contact info@DairyFlatLive.com to book a spot, solo musicians just turn up.

27

Safe & Savvy with ASB’s Lisa Trist, Whangaparāoa Library, 11am. Designed to help you understand more about and protect yourself against online scams, fraud and elder abuse. RSVP to WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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

with Tania Adams

Pharmacist at Unichem Manly

Free Prescriptions?

Yes, it’s true. Currently prescriptions are FREE for everyone who visits their GP. No matter which pharmacy you go to. So you can get amazing service free from us at Unichem Manly Pharmacy. We think we do a great job at helping you with your medicines and hope you feel the same if you’ve visited us.

Sarah has a urinary tract infection and needs an antibiotic. We check if she is allergic to the antibiotic. We check if there are any interactions with other medicines she has been prescribed. We check her blood tests to make sure her kidney function is sufficient for the medicine. If it is too low, we’ll have to contact the doctor and change her antibiotic. Her kidney function is fine, but we note that last time she took this medicine it was a different dose so we make sure Sarah understands this. (if she is relying on memory, she might take too much!) We advise her not to purchase urinary alkinizers as this particular antibiotic would become inactivated by them and no longer help her. We also give her a pamphlet about what to expect and side effects of her medication. She’s had a few urinary tract infections lately so we talk with her about how to prevent urinary tract infections in the future. Sarah leaves our store happy with her new plan.

John has some long term conditions and is on several medications to treat them. Whenever his prescription arrives, we check that it lists all his medications we expected, then we pack it into a personalized sachet pack for him. He takes some medication at breakfast and some more at dinner. When he goes out for dinner on a Friday night, he takes his dinner sachet with him. He also gets a updated medication card. If he visits a specialist or if the ambulance is called he can show them what medication he is already taking. Today he visited the dentist. The pain medication prescribed will interact with his other medications and could cause major kidney issues. We’ve contacted the prescriber to change the medicine. We are also keeping an eye on his diabetes blood test results. They are the reason he started taking his medication in a sachet pack as he was often missing his dinner dose of diabetes medication. One of our specialised pharmacists reviewed his medicine with him and came up with a plan for John with tips of how to manage his medication including the sachet pack. Now he doesn’t miss doses anymore and his blood results are looking better. John says he’s really happy with the sachet packs. They make his life so much easier.

A good pharmacist can make a world of difference. Come and find out why our customers say we are their favourite pharmacy.

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

Manly Pharmacy

Your local health professional November 13, 2023 | Hibiscusmatters |

31

Clockwise from top left, Rally driver Hayden Paddon, centre, with Whangaparāoa College’s Evolocity team, from left, Quinten McDonald, William Mueggenburg, teacher Vidya Ram and former student Katie Nottage. Kingsway’s victorious team was, from left, Kyle Akers, Beau England, Tim Erasmus (in the kart) and Samuel Anderson. Hayden Paddon shows what the Team Electric Rally Car can do. Katie Nottage driving in the Time Attack Endurance event. She started the project over a year ago and took time out of her university to return and see it to completion. The start of the sprint race with William Mueggenburg driving.

Teams power forward in Evolocity challenge Hibiscus Coast teams continue to do well in the Evolocity challenge.

The challenge involves students designing, making, testing and racing an electric bike or kart.

Around 30 teams from all over the North Island took part in the national competition on October 28 at Mt Smart.

In their first year of competition, Kingsway’s team won all their races, taking the title for the Time Attack Endurance and drag races in the Standard Kart category.

Kingsway teacher Juergen Lier says the school is super proud of its Year 11 team, called AE2.

He thanked Whangaparāoa College for donating an old mobility scooter chassis, which got the project started.

“The team is hoping to attract more sponsors next year to help them with resources or expertise to enter the open class which allows them to use 3kw motors,” Juergen says.

Whangaparāoa College teams have placed

32 | Hibiscusmatters | November 13, 2023

well in the competition over the last five years, and this year’s nationals was no exception. Their team, made up of Year 12 and 13s and one former student, entered the Open Kart category with a kart called Bed Rull, placing second in both the drag race and Time Attack Endurance events.

Teacher Colin Watts, who along with Vidya Ram and Gary Mueggenburg supported the team over the year-long project, says it attracts students considering mechanical engineering at university. They learn technical skills, programming and

have to meet strict design specifications.

“It’s a ‘real-life’ project, linking with tertiary and industry skills,” he says.

The National Rally Day itself was exciting for all involved, featuring rally driver Hayden Paddon, Eva Hakansson, electric motorcycle racer, and Bill Dube, global pioneer of electric motorcycles.

The event was televised by Sky Sport.

“Our vehicle was the only one with a homebuilt lithium polymer battery, which fascinated the journalists,” Colin says.

www.localmatters.co.nz