Hibiscus Matters_Issue 368_25 March 2024

The imminent development of Stillwater Motor Camp into housing comes as no surprise for those who have long-time connections with the place, but it does uproot their way of life. Pictured is motor camp resident Kelly Haliburton packing up to leave.

Decamping for Stillwater development

Stillwater Motor Camp, which has been open for around 70 years, will close permanently next month so that the waterfront site can be developed into

Since being given notice last December, around 30 people – some who have kept sites

there for years, and a handful of permanent residents – are packing up their belongings. Caravans that no longer have tow bars, and buses whose wheels have not turned for some time, are being hauled away.

One site has been in the same family for 46 years, with three generations holidaying

there.

The 1.59ha campground, at the end of Duck Creek Road, is on a peninsula alongside the Weiti River estuary.

For seven years, it has been owned by Stillwater Holdings, which has five directors all based in the North Shore, Albany or

Rodney areas.

Development was always the plan as the campground was purchased with a 19-lot subdivision already consented. Amendments that reduced that number to 16 were consented in 2021, and it is that

continued p2

Next

Editorial:

Advertising:

plan that is being put into action.

Stillwater Holdings director and spokesperson, Peter Dawson, says all five owners will build homes there and a limited number of other sections will be for sale.

The land is zoned Residential – Single House; sites will be sold as bare land and all the houses will be either one or two-storey with design guidelines in place. A boatshed for residents will also be built.

Dawson says one of the first tasks, which is a condition of resource consent, is to reinforce and strengthen the seawall. Also with erosion and coastal inundation in mind, earthworks are needed to raise the land by around one metre.

Pohutukawa and many other large trees will remain. Public access will be provided by way of an esplanade strip around the edge and there is a public reserve at the end of the peninsula.

Access will be via a gate, but Dawson shies away from the term ‘gated community’, saying the gate will likely only be closed at night and the walkway will be accessible to the public during the day.

Kelly Haliburton has lived at the campground for 14 years, initially in a caravan and for the past 11 years in one of the original houses on the site.

The retired oil and gas worker will move back home to Levin. His partner Christine Black died six years ago and Haliburton

says she loved the place.

“I sold my boat after she died and now it’s time to move on,” he says.

The news that the campground would be developed was no surprise to him.

“We were first told to get out in 2008 when developer Evan Williams owned it, but his plans didn’t happen. It was no surprise to hear the news from the current owners, and is actually a blessing in disguise. I am here by myself and it’s time to go.”

Grim Gulf Harbour discovery remains unsolved

That said, he says it’s a shame to see this happening all over the country, as people who are long-time residents of campgrounds are generally in the lower socio-economic group and it also reduces affordable holiday options.

“It’s been a lifestyle – it’s quiet and peaceful here and, of course, ideal for anyone with a boat. So I guess development was inevitable.” w Backstory, www.localmatters.co.nz August 11, 2022

The discovery of human remains in the water off Gulf Harbour on Tuesday, March 12 shocked the community. The victim is a small, middle-aged woman, likely to be of Asian descent. Police are working to identify her, and last week said they have obtained a DNA profile. Acting Detective Inspector Tim Williams, Waitematā CIB, said while at this stage that DNA does not match NZ records, but police hope it will assist in identifying her and they are liaising with Interpol. Results of further tests are pending and CCTV footage, and information from around 100 calls from the public, is being reviewed. Williams says it is a complex case and will take time to solve. “We appreciate how unsettling this incident is for both the Gulf Harbour and wider community, and we want to reassure you we do not believe there is a wider risk to the public in relation to this death,” he says. Police ask anyone who may have information on a woman matching the description who they have concerns for to get in touch. In addition, anyone who was near the water, between Gulf Harbour and Long Bay around March 12 who saw anything of concern should contact police. The phone line for the investigation team is 0800 755 021, call 105 or visit www.police.govt.nz/use-105, using Update My Report. Reference file number 240312/9837. Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Updates will be published on Hibiscus Matters’ website, www.localmatters.co.nz and Facebook page.

The campground, above, will become a 16-Lot community.

Cost blowout for Ōrewa library renovations

The estimated cost of rebuilding Ōrewa Library has blown out by more than $1.7 million ($1,710,704) and the work could take three months longer than anticipated, the local board was told at a recent workshop.

The library, in Moana Ave, is almost 30 years old, has a leaking roof and cramped spaces that are no longer considered fit for purpose. Auckland Council estimated that upgrading the library, including adding a mezzanine floor, would cost the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board around $3.7m ($3,708,096).

However, members were told at a workshop on March 12 that with tenders now in, the cost would actually be $5,418,800. Big ticket items are $3.9m for the physical work, $310,000 for design consultancy services, $150,000 for furniture and equipment, and a contingency of $706,800. If the contingency is not required, it will be returned to the local board.

Local board members are “horrified” about the cost explosion and have asked questions about the tender process.

However, members believe that the importance of the project meant that the money had to be found.

That will mean delaying other local projects, but not cancelling any of them, chair Gary Brown says.

“It was hard to take, but we had no choice,” he says. “The reality is that costs have gone up even in the year since the process [of

An independent commissioner has ruled that a resource consent application by the owners of the shut-down Gulf Harbour Country Club will be publicly notified.

The decision means that the public will be able to make submissions on a proposal to split the 89 hectare site in two. The owners say they want to sell one portion, comprising 42 percent of the total.

Country club owner Long River Investments made the application last November, four months after it closed the facility.

Now that a decision to publicly notify the consent has been made, the applicant can choose whether to continue with the process, or withdraw the application. Last week Long River Investments director Wayne Bailey said that the company “will be proceeding” with the application. He declined to comment further.

The lobby group Keep Whangaparāoa’s

renewing the library] began.”

Council’s parks and community facilities area operations manager, Sandra May, agrees that the work is essential. She says that the estimate is based on original concept designs and more recent design work contributed to the cost increase.

“It is not unusual for the funding

Green Spaces (KWGS) welcomed the decision to notify and said it planned to help individuals make submissions.

KWGS believes that the owner plans to rezonethe land for development, despite an encumbrance protecting the site as open space for 999 years.

In her March 14 decision, commissioner

requirement to change as a project progresses and detailed design is completed,” May says.

“In the case of Ōrewa Library, elements that have impacted on the funding estimates since last year include the cost of detailed design, fluctuating exchange rates, market tension, and inflation.”

Final approval for this project, including

The application is for a boundary change to split the site into two – a roughly 37.5ha section north of Gulf Harbour Drive, and a section of just over 51.3ha. The application states that the company wants to sell the northern part and use the proceeds to redevelop the golf course on the remaining land.

Commissioner Vanessa Wilkinson cited ‘unusual circumstances’ surrounding the bid – the history of the site, its zoning and the encumbrance – and strong public interest.

Vanessa Wilkinson cited “unusual circumstances” surrounding the bid –the history of the site, its zoning and the encumbrance – and strong public interest. Her ruling went against a council planner’s view that notification was not necessary.

In its application, Long River Investments said that once the northern section was sold, it wouldn’t be possible to accommodate an 18-hole course on the remaining land. As a result, it would look to buy adjoining land, at 3-5 Daisy Burrell Drive, for which

the additional cost, will be considered at the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board’s business meeting on April 23.

If approved, work is expected to start in May at the earliest. The library will be closed for around one year (it was earlier estimated to be nine months) with its services and resources relocated to Ōrewa Community Centre.

contracts to purchase “are in place”.

However, the owner of that land, Hopper Developments, denied plans to sell (HM November 27, 2023). Hoppers began earthworks in January for an 88-home residential subdivision on that site.

In her decision, Wilkinson noted that no copies of contracts with Hoppers were provided. She pointed out that “works may have commenced on the site, calling into question the ability to purchase and use this land as the applicant suggests”.

With this in mind, KWGS spokesperson Howard Baldwin said Auckland Council should decline Long River Investments’ application, since “the rationale for the boundary change is flawed and no longer relevant”.

No dates for the public submission process have yet been set, while council awaits confirmation that the applicant wishes to proceed.

An artist’s impression of the rebuilt library. The work could cost more than $1.7m more than anticipated.

Coast community upset by rubbish bin removals

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

Complaints continue loud and clear over the removal of public rubbish bins.

When Hibiscus Matters reported last year that the bins were to be removed, little feedback was received (HM June 26, 2023) but now that the process is taking place it has caused immense concern.

The proposal was to remove 30 percent of Auckland’s 10,000 rubbish bins. Council staff told local board members last year that this could save around $1.5m per annum. It equates to the removal of almost 90 bins from public places on the Hibiscus Coast. The bins were to be removed from “low usage areas, areas with multiple bins, or

neighbourhood parks that receive active care and attention from residents”. Locally, the removals are largely from Ōrewa, Silverdale and Stanmore Bay, but all areas are affected.

Although the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board was asked for feedback last year, and members had concerns, council was insisting on the changes – its report reminded members that the Governing Body “holds the ultimate decision-making responsibility for the contracts with respect to budget and minimum service levels”.

Members were also told that if the local board did not want to remove bins, it would need to fund the ongoing service for the larger number of bins itself.

However, the move was not only a cost saving measure, with council staff pointing out that people take rubbish home with

Kāinga Ora quits Millwater

Opponents of plans to build social housing in Millwater are pleased that their two-year battle with Kāinga Ora –Home and Communities is over.

This month, Kāinga Ora announced it would sell its land at 153 Bonair Crescent where it has resource consent to build 37 homes.

Kāinga Ora (the government agency that provides rental housing for people referred by the Ministry of Social Development) purchased the site in 2020. It obtained resource consent after making minor amendments to the consent granted to the site’s previous owner, Bonair Developments, in 2018. That original consent was for 38 two-bedroomed homes. Issues raised by the community, which later formed the Bonair Action Group, included Kāinga Ora’s lack of consultation, the number of homes proposed for the 3500sqm site, the likely effect on house prices in the area and the potential for an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime. The group expressed a preference for

KiwiBuild to build on the site.

In a press release on March 14, Kāinga Ora said that delivering homes on that site was no longer financially viable because of the increasing costs facing builders and developers.

Auckland and Northland deputy chief executive, Caroline Butterworth said the investment in Millwater no longer stacked up and that selling made the best economic sense.

Butterworth said Kāinga Ora remained committed to exploring opportunities to increase the supply of public housing on the Hibiscus Coast to help provide homes for families on the housing register.

A Bonair Action Group spokesperson said it was the right decision, and that the fact that Kāinga Ora’s process had initially ignored the community was what prompted the strong response.

“We hope that, moving forward, Kāinga Ora are more diligent in engaging with the community swiftly after purchasing land for development,” the spokesperson said.

them from regional parks, where no bins are provided, and that this behavioural change will include other public areas in time.

Signs are proposed to encourage people to take their rubbish and recycling home. Local board members noted that new habits take time.

At the Planning, Environment and Parks committee on March 14, councillors questioned staff on whether the savings from bin removals were worth it.

Customer and Community Services director Dr Claudia Wyss initially asked to take the conversation offline but the number of questions from councillors meant she had to respond publicly.

Cr John Watson said he was getting a lot of complaints about bins recently and that one of the undesirable outcomes was that in

some places rubbish had just been dropped or piled up, creating a hygiene issue.”

Wyss said there was a notable change in community behaviour.

“We are seeing an increase in littering right next to bins – we do have an opportunity as Aucklanders to better look after our city,” Wyss said.

She encouraged Aucklanders to raise concerns about litter through council’s online ‘Report a Problem’ tool.

Wyss said while it might be possible in some cases to put bins back, that would come with a multimillion-dollar price tag.

She was concerned that the bin issue could detract from larger matters in council’s 10year budget, the Long Term Plan (LTP), which is out for consultation now.

Electric ferry funds fizzle out

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

Auckland Transport (AT) says electric ferry infrastructure will hang in the balance once the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT) goes. When government repealed the tax it stipulated that the remaining $360 million of funding could only be spent on three directives, cutting electric ferry costs from the mix.

At council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee on March 7, AT’s chief executive Dean Kimpton explained that part of the problem with the RFT being removed was that there were already

contracts signed with the tax in mind.

“The charging infrastructure for the electric ferries was previously funded by the RFT. It’s not provided for in the change legislation,” Kimpton said. “To stop it would mean that we would not be able to deliver a renewed ferry fleet. The existing ferry fleet has aged and needs replacing. We want to change the ferry operating model that allows us to own the fleet and contract the service provider.”

With the removal of the RFT, AT is proposing a complete reprioritisation of its capital budget. Kimpton said $20 million would need to be allocated from other projects to keep ferry charging infrastructure projects going.

Public consultation questioned

By Laura Kvigstad, Auckland

Council reporter. Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.

Last year, Auckland Council began work to bring congestion charges, referred to as ‘time of use charging’, to Auckland roads within two years.

At council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee on March 7, Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown raised questions with AT over the need for public consultation about the charge.

“If you consult first, as a result of feedback, we are going to reconsider it. If we ask everybody what we are going to do we’d never do anything,” Brown said. As an example, he said “everyone opposed Whangaparāoa’s dynamic lanes, but

someone was brave enough to do it, and now they love it.”

Mayor Brown said that he wanted two time-of-use charging roads active by mid2025, so the public could get a feel for it. This would not actually charge drivers, but there would be signs saying, ‘if you were here at 9am, it would cost you $4.50’.

“Until they have seen it, they don’t know what it is. If you consult too early there will be people who say, ‘we don’t know’,” Mayor Brown said.

AT’s chief executive Dean Kimpton said council had been very clear that AT needed to better listen to, and understand, its communities.

“I am more than willing to do trials – but I want to acknowledge that we’re being asked to take our communities with us,” Kimpton said.

Viewpoint

Wayne Walker, Hibiscus & Bays Councillor wayne.walker@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Call to keep stadium

Urgent call to action. As this paper goes to digital and print delivery there is still time to put in a submission to the Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-34 (or 10-year budget).

At stake is the loss of the North Harbour Stadium in Albany. With a replacement cost as much as $450 million, the effective loss of the stadium through deconstruction/ demolition and land sales would mean no more big sporting games, concerts and stadium entertainment events north of the Harbour Bridge. In past years, the stadium hosted the All Blacks (and South Africa), Kiwi League internationals, All Whites, FIFA matches and concerts like Cher, Pavarotti and Roger Waters. But no more, unless we save it.

The option Save Our Stadium supporters suggest is to keep the stadium, with alternative North Harbour-based management and operation – like the North Shore Stadium Trust that ran the stadium successfully in the past, financially and operationally (www.saveourstadium.co.nz).

The stadium was paid for by fundraising, donations and ratepayers north of the bridge. Supporters raised millions selling seats. North Harbour Stadium, unlike others, even has zoning protection that restricts neighbours objecting to noise and stadium activities.

As the newest stadium in Auckland (27 years) it could have years more life. Its 25,000 capacity amounts to a boutique stadium for larger events, but equally for smaller crowds. What’s needed, in my view, is management that will run the stadium to attract and support both – with attractive charges and offerings for founding sports like North Harbour Rugby and new teams from the growing women’s sport teams to new sporting franchises like Moana

Pasifika Rugby and Football Knights, who train at the stadium now.

Unlike Mount Smart and Western Springs – the two other Auckland Council owned stadiums – North Harbour has complementary surroundings such as large numbers of food and beverage offerings that benefit from stadium events, practice grounds, high performance facilities and pool already present.

Retaining the integrity of this precinct and associated parking is a no-brainer – more so with significant expansion of Westfield Mall starting soon, and ongoing population growth north of the bridge. Albany also benefited hugely from recent motorway improvements between Constellation Drive and Oteha Valley Road, plus the new motorway north. Recently, the Oteha park and ride, Auckland’s largest, was expanded.

Why should the sale of land from North Harbour Stadium be used to prop up other Auckland stadiums over the bridge that do not have the same advantages?

Population growth north of the bridge is fast and large from developments like Milldale and Wainui, then Dairy Flat, on top of infill housing everywhere.

I believe futureproofing by saving North Harbour Stadium makes sense in both the long and short term. LTP Consultation ends March 28.

The Ōrewa College Board of Trustees has appointed of Wiri Warriner as the college’s new principal. Former principal Gregory Pierce resigned at the end last year. Warriner is currently one of the deputy principals at Whangaparāoa College. He is a former Ōrewa College student. The school board will host a welcoming event –he takes up the role at the start of term 2.

Focus Hearing can help. Don’t buy a hearing aid without talking to us first. We provide:

Focus Hearing can help. Don’t buy a hearing aid without talking to us first. We provide:

• FREE 15-minute hearing checks

• Prices to suit all budgets

• FREE 15-minute hearing checks

• FULL hearing assessments with reports

•Prices to suit all budgets

• FREE hearing aid consultations & trials Southern Cross

• FULL hearing assessments with reports

• FREE

• FREE

hearing assessments with reports

• Payment options available hearing aid checks & cleaning

•Payment options available hearing aid checks & cleaning

• FREE hearing aid consultations & trials Southern Cross Health Society Easy Claim available for members

• FREE hearing aid consultations & trials Southern Cross Health Society Easy Claim available for members Ph 09 972

Respect due

For Anzac Day we think Gallipoli was a NZ and Australian thing. Because we now have so many Indians living in NZ, could we acknowledge the fact that India had 16,000 soldiers and 1600 casualties in the campaign? There were also 135,000 Chinese labourers working in France in WW1 doing all the demeaning tasks like digging the trenches, burying the bodies and working in munitions factories who never got any recognition at all for an indispensable effort toward the allied victory.

Geoff

Hansen, Hatfields Beach (abridged)

Save the stadium

I am concerned at the willingness of council to demolish the North Harbour Stadium (HM March 11). How can the city consciously demolish such an important asset to both Auckland south of the bridge and the North Shore and beyond? The stadium was developed following the North Shore local body amalgamation in the early 1990s. Mayor Ann Hartley and Councillor Pat Hadlee, along with many ratepayers, saw the benefit to the local community including Hibiscus Coast and residents further north. Our population has grown considerably in the past 30 years and its utilisation should be greater. While Auckland Unlimited may feel that it is too costly to fund, they should be looking at ways to make it profitable or at least marginal on a cash basis. To talk of demolition is nonsensical. The city is short of operating funds and has very little money available for future grandiose schemes so let’s ‘cut our coat according to our cloth’ and get someone who is really ‘unlimited’ to maximise

its benefit to greater Auckland. Now is the time to make sure council understand this, as it is a subject addressed in the 10 year plan.

Peter Burn, Gulf Harbour

Ozone eyesore

As a former resident of Stanmore Bay, I can’t believe this developer madness is to be allowed to go ahead (Ozone apartments, HM February 26). It is obvious that Ozone Ltd is simply maximising the number of units it can fit on one site, and the ‘appropriateness’ referred to of the design to fit the location are pure developer-speak. At best it reminds me of the tower blocks of the 60s, and, at the worst, Stalinesque workers’ flats. According to your article, planners say the design is ‘compatible with existing and future planned buildings in the surrounding area’. Really? Where are the other four-storey blocks in the neighbourhood, and what appropriate eyesore is next on the planning desk, then? Consider too, the number of extra vehicles on the already saturated roads of the peninsula, that this type of development generates, and where are they going to park? According to Ozone 56 units equals 34 carparks, up from 16. How magnanimous! Allowing only one car per unit, that still leaves 22 extra vehicles at least to be parked on the roadside! Come on, nearby residents, come on, Council, the Coast deserves better.

John Howard, Queensland, Australia (abridged)

Editor’s note: Ozone Limited has reduced the number of units originally planned for this site – only by one since the 2021 plan, but more than 60 units were on the plans for the site at one time.

Grass-like plant ID not confirmed

A number of readers contacted the paper asking about this reddish “seagrass” which washed up in large volumes on local beaches, including Ōrewa and Red Beach. One resident of 30 years said she had never seen it before. People want to know whether it’s the result of a change in temperature or current, due to the El Nino summer or climate change. Others asked whether the material might be good on the garden.

Biosecurity NZ has been quoted as saying it is “a type of polysiphonia, a common genus of seaweed in NZ”.

On the other hand, NIWA wants more samples before making a definitive identification. Spyridia filamentosa was suggested online, but NIWA says that may not be correct, as it does not have enough information yet to ID the plant.

Based on photos, Auckland Council’s research and evaluation unit lead environmental scientist, Dr Megan Carbines, says the plant “isn’t seagrass or caulerpa, nor is it the ‘black algae’ Okeania that washed up on Waiheke”.

Dr Carbines says it is it is likely a filamentous algae like Chaetomorpha, but there are a number of similar ones it could be.

“They are generally algae that go through blooms or increased growth, particularly

with the warmer sea temperatures we’ve had,” she says. “The accumulation here is likely due to increased growth and good onshore winds pushing it up. With the cooling temperatures and a change in wind conditions, the algae should disperse. We have seen these sorts of algal blooms over the years. It is hard to say what causes it to bloom in any one location. We expect with increasingly warm temperatures and marine heat waves to see more of these sorts of events.”

The scientists advise that most seaweeds are fine to use in the garden (apart from Okeania which contains a toxin), however they can be very salty.

Hibiscus Matters will publish the definitive ID once the scientists provide it.

If people find an unusual plant or animal on the beach that they think may be a pest species, they can report it to the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) at www.mpi.govt.nz/biosecurity/how-tofind-report-and-prevent-pests-and-diseases/ report-a-pest-or-disease/

MPI is keen to hear from anyone that thinks they have seen exotic caulerpa: www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/60919Stop-exotic-caulerpa-seaweed-poster

Historical novel nails pivotal time

Millwater author Karen McMillan drew together her love of historical fiction and strong connections with Dunedin in her latest book, Turbulent Threads She says she set the book in the period 1890-99, because NZ women got the right to vote in 1893, and it was a decade that must have been an exciting and pivotal time to be a woman.

It’s her first book for adults in seven years but the story idea had been percolating in the back of her mind for around a decade.

Gaining the Robert Lord Writer’s Cottage Residency in Dunedin enabled Karen to bring it to life, researching and visiting various sites that are in the book, including Larnach Castle.

The central character is Greer Gillies, who works as a maid at Larnach Castle after she is orphaned. Her story of resilience, love and following her dreams, is juxtaposed with the real-life story of William Larnach and his troubles, his marriage to his third wife Constance, rumours of an illicit love affair,

and his suicide in Parliament.

“I spent a whole day in Larnach Castle,” Karen says. “I took a million photos and asked staff a million questions – I bet they were pleased to see the back of me!”

She describes her book as “unashamedly romantic”, but says the challenge with historical fiction is “to nail the real life part”, so extensive research is key.

Research for her next book, another in her children’s Elastic Island series, involves a complete change of pace, as that book will be set in Fiji and Karen is heading there in May.

Win this book Hibiscus Matters (Quentin Wilson Publishing) to give away. To go in the draw, Hibiscus Matters phone number with write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into Hibiscus Matters April 12. The book retails for $37.99 and is available from book stores,

Young woman named industry leader

NZ Adviser recently released its ‘Elite Women of 2024’ – a list of 40 female mortgage industry leaders. Local 23-year-old Keagan Modlin, co-founder of the Hibiscus Coastbased mortgage advisory business The Lending Team, was the youngest woman on this year’s list. Keagan has faced challenges that include starting the business the year of record-breaking interest rate hikes. However, last year the company grew its turnover by 40 percent. She says she is now “just getting started”, despite 2024 being predicted to be a tough year for the property market.

David Joe • Aimee Parangi

Karen McMillan

Twilight Market

Thursday 28 March 4:30pm–7:30pm

Join us at our Gulf Rise Twilight Market. Shop a range of crafts and tasty treats and enjoy a drink or food from our on-site café. While you’re here, take a tour of our brand-new village facilities that have now opened, providing social and recreational spaces for all to enjoy.

Apartments from $735,000^

Features and facilities

Range of architecturally designed apartments

A vibrant, friendly, fun-loving community

Clubhouse, indoor pool, spa, café and bar

Close to supermarket, bus and medical centre

89 Symes Drive, Red Beach Call sales on 0800 005 877

Hibiscus Coast Village Open Day

Saturday 6 April, 10am–2pm

Set on 16 hectares, life in this fabulous community is like a coastal escape every day of the year. Close to every amenity and supported by a wide range of services and facilities, this is retirement living at its finest.

Serviced apartments from $380,000^

Two-bedroom apartments from $785,000^

Features and facilities

Bowling, putting green, hair salon, pool and more than 20 activity groups to choose from Shared lounge spaces, café and resident-run bar

Easy walk to local shops, public transport and medical facilities

101 Red Beach Road, Red Beach Call Kerensa on 09 421 9723

Chocolate win sweet for Silverdale business

Silverdale chocolatier Foundry Chocolate has walked away with a trove of honours in the premium beanto-bar category at the Outstanding Food Producer Awards, announced on March 19, taking four gold medals, two silvers and a bronze.

Co-founder David Herrick says to have the company’s craft chocolate win such prestigious NZ awards, and to be recognised among so many other skilled food producers, is very special.

“This is recognition of the continual work we are doing to improve our chocolatemaking craft, our investment in equipment and the time spent learning, testing and improving.”

It’s not the first time Foundry Chocolate has swept top awards for its delicacies, which are made using just two ingredients – beans from a range of cacao-growing regions, and organic sugar.

Three of this year’s four gold medal winners – featuring beans from Tanzania, Vanuatu and Mexico – have previously won golds,

including in past NZ Chocolate Awards (which this year have been rolled into the Outstanding Food Producer Awards). The fourth, made from beans from the Ea Kar farming collective in Dak Lak province, Vietnam, is the company’s newest product, which David says has been enthusiastically received.

Late last year, Foundry won three gold medals and nine at the Global Academy of Chocolate Awards in London.

David and his wife, Janelle, founded the company in Mahurangi West in 2018 and moved to Silverdale towards the end of last year.

Foundry Chocolate winners in the Outstanding Food

Producer Awards:

GOLD: Ea Kar, Dak Lak, Vietnam 70%; Kilombero Valley, Tanzania 70%; Pinalum, Malekula Island, Vanuatu 70%; Soconusco, Chiapas, Mexico 70% SILVER: Anamalai Estate, India 70%; Semuliki Forest, Uganda 70%

BRONZE: Ucayali River, Peru 70%

Ōrewa surf club build approved

Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving saw a big box ticked when it received building consent for its new clubrooms and community hub on March 8. Fundraising committee chair, John Chapman, says it was a huge relief to get the news from Auckland Council.

Before any actual building can commence, however, the club needs to have the full $8.5 million that the project is estimated to cost in the bank.

Currently it has the $2 million granted by council last year, and “a couple of hundred thousand” of the club’s money, Chapman says.

Fundraising has been ongoing for a while,

Ready to plan your next adventure?

With summer soon behind us, start planning a winter or spring getaway on a fully guided, all inclusive Seemore Tour! Flights, transport, sightseeing, meals and more are all carefully built into your itinerary so you truly enjoy your break away.

FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS

27 Jun - 2 Jul | 6 days / 5 nights

Twin share $4,490pp

Single $4,990

Experience the magic of a Mid-Winter Christmas when Greytown hosts the most magical little Christmas festival in New Zealand. This 6-day festive tour starts with a relaxing journey on the Northern Explorer Train and takes in Castlepoint, Cape Palliser, Wairarapa and a fabulous Mid-Winter Christmas dinner at a Historic Manor!

TAUPO WINTER WARMER

29 Jul - 1 Aug | 4 days / 3 nights

Twin share $2,990pp

Single $3,490

Enjoy a toasty 4-day tour in Taupo and the Central Plateau. Starting at Hobbiton, we then continue to down the country and indulge in three lakeside nights in Taupo. Take a boat cruise into Huka Falls, visit to a Siberian Husky farm & experience the snow with a ride up Whakapapa’s Gondola and more!

WORLD OF WEARABLE ARTS

NORFOLK ISLAND

24 Sep - 3 Oct | 10 days / 9 nights

24 - 29 Sep

Twin share $4,190pp

Single $4,990 3 DAY 6 DAY

27-29 Sep

Twin share $2,490pp

Single $2,890

Experience the best of Wellington and the surrounding regions over 6-days or join a 3-day city escape. Both options offer Platinum Passes to the show where you’ll be wow’d by the designs, music, lights and theatrics. We stay at a central hotel with easy access to Lampton Quay and city highlights.

Seemore Tours offer group guided travel to mature travellers. To view a full itinerary, or to learn more contact: nikki@seemoretours.co.nz | P: 0800 733 667 | seemoretours.co.nz

Twin share $8,390pp

Single $9,490

This 10-day tropical adventure kicks off with two days in Brisbane – the perfect gateway to the sunny paradise of Norfolk Island! Then with 8-days on the island we learn about the dark history while celebrating the Pacific’s best beaches; impossibly clear waters sheltered by coral reefs and dramatic headlands with endless views.

The 1900sqm building on two levels will provide for surf club operations as well as flexible space for community use.

winning lifestyle

Think award winning lifestyle

At Summerset, we’re proud of what we offer, with our outstanding facilities, welcoming communities, and excellent staff.

At Summerset, we’re proud of what we offer, with our outstanding facilities, welcoming communities, and excellent staff.

Now there are even more great reasons to choose Summerset. We’ve been voted winner of the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award, and Aged Advisor People’s Choice and Nationwide Group awards.

Now there are even more great reasons to choose Summerset. We’ve been voted winner of the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award, and Aged Advisor People’s Choice and Nationwide Group awards.

So, if you are contemplating village life, pop along to our upcoming Open Day at Summerset Milldale and take a look for yourself. Take a look through our stunning range of available* homes which are ready to move into now and view our 3D model of the site, along with plans and pricing. Plus, enjoy some sweet treats and refreshments which will be provided on the day.

Love the life you choose

So, if you are contemplating village life, pop along to our upcoming Open Day at Summerset Milldale and take a look for yourself. Take a look through our stunning range of available* homes which are ready to move into now and view our 3D model of the site, along with plans and pricing. Plus, enjoy some sweet treats and refreshments which will be provided on the day.

Love the life you choose

Open Day

Thursday 11 April, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Milldale

Open Day

Thursday 11 April, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Milldale

50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale 09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

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. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation.

*All Summerset homes are sold under a licence to occupy and are subject to availability. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation.

Inclusivity the icing on the cake

There’s a home-based artisan bakery with a difference on the Coast.

In addition to making cakes to order, Daniella WardsSepúlveda is providing skills, a sense of purpose, and a wage, to a young woman called Sophie with a winning smile and Down Syndrome.

Sophie, 24, is involved throughout the process, from collecting the ingredients to mixing batter and monitoring the oven. Her role doesn’t end when the cake is iced – Daniella ensures she’s involved in the handover of the finished product.

Before customers arrive to pick up an almond-caramel, chocolate-raspberry or any of the other cakes on offer, Daniella asks them to make time to interact with her helper for a few minutes, which she says will “make Sophie’s day – and mine”. Sophie talks about the cake they have bought, and sends customers on their way with a cheery “have a lovely day” or “enjoy the weather”.

“It sounds simple,” Daniella says, “but she’s connecting, developing social skills, and creating a special greeting for that customer.”

Daniella, a teacher and mum who’s lived in New Zealand for 15 years, decided to embark on her “inclusive bakery”, Elo’s Cakes, while visiting her native Chile where, by law, any company with a workforce of more than 50 must employ someone with special needs.

After seeing people with Down Syndrome working at a large hardware store, she thought, “I could do that in New Zealand. I love to make cakes, so the idea grew from there.” Back home on the Hibiscus Coast, she made contact with the Down Syndrome Association, and in time was put in touch with Teresa, Sophie’s mum.

“I explained my idea, and Sophie said she would like to work with me.”

Since then, Sophie has come a long way. At the start she couldn’t bear the noise of the food mixer, but now she doesn’t mind it – “a small thing, but a massive step for her”. Sophie’s in charge of getting the boxes ready for the prepared cakes. They write down her hours, and how much she needs to be paid. She prepares her own lunch at home to bring along. If they unexpectedly run out of an ingredient they make a list and go to the shop together, always paying in cash, with Sophie in charge of the money.

Everything’s a teaching moment. During our interview, Daniella defers frequently to Sophie, whose initial shyness ebbs away, her quiet words accompanied by thumbs-up gestures.

She says that her favourite cake is chocolate, that cake you make yourself tastes much better than shop-bought ones, and that when she and Daniella bake cookies, the deal is that she can only eat a maximum of two.

She made her own cake – a lemon meringue – for her birthday, loves the beach, and is a Taylor Swift fan.

Teresa, who accompanied her daughter to her job for the first few weeks, says she has become more confident.

“Having a job – even part time – has given Sophie a purpose and more motivation to get up in the morning,” she says. “Sophie has become less isolated. She has a sense of belonging. Obviously she has learnt baking, and even maths skills.”

“Having autonomy and working separately from family members has hugely boosted her morale and sense of who she is,” Teresa adds.

Daniella says she would love to create a community, where other employers do as she is doing. She envisages a day when she can take on a second helper with special needs, and let Sophie teach them what she has learned. “That’s my dream.”

“All of us at some point feel discriminated against for some reason,” Daniella says. “For someone with Down Syndrome, that happens all the time, wherever they go. If I can contribute a little bit to close that gap, I’m happy.”

“Our vision is to give room to people like Sophie, a place in society, room to work, dignity, and a salary, to show the community how much they have to offer.”

The guts to give up

Several groups of locals are spending this month giving up things that may be enjoyable, such as alcohol and sugar, but are not good for us if we over-indulge. They are making these sacrifices as part of the Gut Cancer Foundation’s annual Give it Up for Gut Cancer challenge and fundraiser. Among the groups taking part are the Clean Living Coasties, a group of seven made up of family and friends of Gut Cancer Foundation marketing and communications manager, Kristin Bernstone of Stanmore Bay.

There is also a group of four called Sugarless Coasties, and a Coastie Postie. Local businesses Northern Arena and Caci Clinic Silverdale have also joined the challenge.

Kristin says the idea of giving up sugar, alcohol or time spent on the couch is also about raising awareness that maintaining a healthy weight, being active and limiting your alcohol intake are important for gut health.

She is giving up all three, and says it’s been tough but satisfying and makes you very aware of how much sugar is hidden in many processed foods.

The challenge runs this entire month, finishing at Easter. “It’s been good to have a re-set, but I’m looking forward to a crème egg at Easter,” she says.

Around 1200 nationwide have signed up to take part and the Gut Cancer Foundation hopes to better last year’s total raised of $290,000.

The organisation formed in 2008 and is focused on funding research into better treatments for gut cancers, which include oesophagus, stomach, pancreatic and liver cancer. It also advocates for access to medicines. There are no screening programmes for gut cancers and they are hard to detect early, which is why survival rates are low. A total of 17 New Zealanders are diagnosed with a gut cancer daily, and every day eight Kiwis die of one of these cancers. More information and to support these groups go to: www.giveitup.nz/t/clean-living-coasties, www.giveitup.nz/t/ sugarless-coasties and www.giveitup.nz/t/coastie-posties

Working with Daniella has given Sophie a sense of belonging

From left, Dani and Matt Wilcocks, Kristin and Dan Bernstone

EACH number in our CodeCracker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 20 represents V, so fill in V every time the figure 20 appears. You have one letter in the control grid to start you off. Enter it in the appropriate squares in the main grid, and solve the starter word. Fill in other squares in the main and control grids with the found letters and look for the next word. Follow the word trail through the

Coast Mechanical Demo To Reno Projects

Mobile mechanic Derek Davies has a simple aim – to repair and service “anything with an engine”.

After working for a number of companies, keeping fleets of heavy machinery and trucks in top working order, Derek decided to go out on his own, and will officially launch his business on April 1. And he loves the idea of being his own boss. With his well-equipped ute and extensive tool kit, he reckons he can fix everything from trucks and cars (including hot rods) to the humble lawn mower – any make or model.

Working out what the issue is, and solving it, is a practical skill that he first learned “tinkering” with engines as a young man, alongside his brother.

driver and machine operator before being offered an apprenticeship as a heavy diesel technician around 10 years ago.

It was a life changing moment, and Derek thrived on problem solving and fixing things.

Derek and his family live in Ōrewa, but because his business, Coast Mechanical, is mobile, he provides full diagnostic, repair and servicing, Auckland-wide. He can also access auto electricians if needed.

He will even collect your vehicle, take it for a WOF and return it to you.

Derek says that being mobile is convenient for customers, and can also save them money.

“I have everything I need in my ute, so

After four years spent buying, renovating and selling houses, Stillwater couple Christina and Tyge Dellar are sharing their expertise in their new business, Demo to Reno Projects.

The pair work with clients to make-over kitchens and bathrooms, from start to finish.

“We’ve done countless bathroom and kitchen renovations when flipping houses, and got very good at it,” Tyge says.

Tyge is a builder, and former makeup artist Christina has a natural eye for design. This was the perfect combination when it came to seeing potential in a home, and bringing that vision to life.

“When we’re in a reno, it’s so exciting,” Christina says. “We love the whole process.” Their clients are people who do not enjoy that process – it is well known that renovating the kitchen or bathroom is a key way to improve the value of a home, but

and heavy machinery. With our fully equipped workshop on wheels, we come to you!

the idea of dealing with several trades and managing the project can be overwhelming and stressful.

Tyge says they start by coming up with a design that suits the client’s budget and needs. They put together a 3D plan and get to work.

“We have local trades, all Coasties, who come in and implement that and we can be in and out within a month with the right planning,” he says.

It’s not always about ripping everything out and starting fresh – Christina says updating elements such as tapware, the splashback, lighting and handles can create a whole new look.

She says renovations can also make you fall in love with your house.

“Yes, they add value if you’re selling, but once your kitchen functions well and makes entertaining easy, and your bathroom is transformed into a sanctuary, you might not want to leave,” she says.

Derek Davies Christina and Tyge Dellar

63 Short burlesque (4)

64 Money offered for lost property return (6)

65 Regret bitterly (3)

66 Owner (10)

68 Havoc (6)

69 Brave (6)

71 Pen name (9)

76 Not often (6)

77 Unit of distance (9)

79 Of different lengths (7)

81 Furrow (3)

84 Digging tool (5)

85 Narrow place

Crossword conundrum #28

restricting flow (10)

86 Trite (5)

87 Swelling (5)

88 Unable to move (6,2,3,4)

89 Bid (5)

DOWN

2 Deadly (6)

3 Precise (5)

5 Steel pin (4)

6 Audience pest (7)

7 Critical assessment of a book, film, play, concert (6)

8 Direction indicator (5)

9 Young child (7)

10 Put in jeopardy (4)

11 Pressed (6)

12 Be indecisive (5)

13 Umpire (7)

14 Shortfall (7)

18 Vitality, dynamism (3-23-2)

23 Earthenware beer mug (5)

24 Maker of metal castings (7)

26 Work build-up (7)

27 Capital of Wales (7)

29 Staying power (7)

30 Keg (6)

31 Book of maps (5)

32 Save from danger (6)

34 A Dutch cheese (4)

36 Garden figure (5)

38 Fear (5)

40 Money reserve (4)

45 Camera adjustment (5)

46 Yearly allowance (7)

47 Garden lake (4)

48 Food store (6)

49 Fragment of broken glass (5)

50 Hospital attendant (7)

52 On seafront (anag)(10)

53 Sweepstake (7)

54 Country (6)

55 Friendly and pleasant (7)

56

70

© The Puzzle Company

Heartfelt 3D works on show

An exhibition of felted 3D works, made by Stanmore Bay artist Sarndra Cowley, not only express emotion but is also accessible to the very young, making it a great option for a school holiday visit.

Sarndra has been felting for around two years, making her first pieces while studying at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology in Tauranga.

Originally her art revolved around photography, glass and ceramics – Sarndra says felting is similar to ceramics because it requires manipulating and sculpting the material.

Different wools, and silk (including Sari silk waste) combine in her work and she uses the latest technology, including 3D printing and laser cutting techniques. Ceramics and other materials are also incorporated in some pieces.

Having been a florist for 17 years, Sarndra chose blooms as the subject for her fibre sculptures that are currently on display at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa. The subject matter is thought provoking

and includes Divorce, Post Natal Depression and Motherhood. However, at the same time the felted works, large and small, are colourful and textural, fascinating to children.

Teen classes on offer for holidays

Young people aged 11 and over can get creative these school holidays with Estuary Arts Centre’s new classes designed with that age group in mind.

The centre’s new youth activator/ coordinator, Nico Benella, is also one of the tutors, bringing her expertise in illustration to the role.

The Hatfields Beach resident will be teaching digital illustration, photo illustration and gif animation basics, which she expects will go down well with this age group.

Two clay tutors will also be offering classes –either hand-building/sculpting techniques

APRIL

or pottery wheel-based, including fun clay mug making with tutor Sandra Mather and ‘Your Pet as a Pot’ clay class with Michelle O’Laughlin.

Nico says as this is new, classes will be limited to around 8-10 students, and they will be able to grow that number over time.

“There is a lot of interest in it, because it’s a bit different from more traditional art or painting,” she says.

The school holiday classes are also a taster and keen students may be able to continue with a course in term-time.

Info: www.estuaryarts.org

JOIN THE ADVENTURE THESE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS!

Trying to find something epic for the young ones to do these holidays? Look no further! Snowplanet’s April School Holiday Programs offer an awesome, action-packed week of skiing or snowboarding! Throughout the program children are separated into groups depending on their age, skill level and choice of skiing or snowboarding. It's a fun, comfortable learning environment that will suit anybody!

The program includes a 2 hour lesson each day with one of our friendly Ski & Board School Instructors, rental gear (skis/snowboard, boots, helmet) and a snack at break time.

Dates:

Monday 15th - Friday 19th April

Monday 22nd - Friday 26th April

Session times: 9:00am – 11:00am 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Scan the QR code for all the info!

From left, Photo illustration and digital illustration classes are designed for young people aged 11 plus.

Sarndra is also a student teacher in visual art and technologies at Whangaparāoa College.

Her exhibition is on at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa, March 25-April 28.

From left, Sarndra Cowley’s work ‘Motherhood’ won her a Merit award at the recent Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards. Her felting work is on display these school holidays at Estuary Arts Centre. Photos, Sarndra Cowley

Local band Rewind is back for another year to headline Ōrewa Surf Sounds.

Laid back good time at Surf Sounds

A free, family friendly concert, with entertainment, food trucks and fireworks is expected to draw both Easter weekend visitors and locals to Ōrewa Surf Sounds on March 30.

One of the key elements is the childfriendly hours – the event starts at around 4pm and the fireworks are set to begin booming as soon as it gets dark, around 8pm.

The location, by Ōrewa Beach (near the surf club) will also appeal. You can bring

a picnic, and there will also be around 30 food trucks to choose from.

A range of amusements are on offer for the young ones, including inflatables.

The event is organised by business association Destination Ōrewa Beach. It’s the first time it has been run as a standalone event – it was previously held after the Santa Parade.

Ōrewa Surf Lifesaving Club volunteers are providing carpark marshalling and other support and will be shaking buckets for

Easter fun on the hop

Although the Easter long weekend doesn’t fall over the school holidays this year, there are several opportunities around the area to keep children happy – and chocolate consumption levels boosted.

The Pūhoi village market’s traditional last Sunday of the month slot coincides this year with Easter Sunday, and an Easter theme will be very evident, with chocolate eggs and hot cross buns available, and kids invited to take part in an Easter rock hunt, with brightly painted rocks hidden instead of eggs.

An Easter hamper, comprising donated

goods from local manufacturers, will be raffled. And organisers hint that Easter decorations could even extend to some long-eared, four-legged creatures this year. The market at the Pūhoi Domain runs on March 31,from 9am to 1pm.

donations. All funds raised on the night go to the surf club’s clubroom and community facility build project. (see p9)

The Ōrewa Reserve carpark will be closed from 8am on the day, so that everything can be set up for the event. Surf Sounds carparking will be provided at Western Reserve and Destination Ōrewa operations manager, Hellen Wilkins, says expect “organised traffic mayhem” as the crowd disperses after the fireworks.

The rain date is April 6.

Rewind plays classic hits from the 60s-80s. One of its guitarists/singers, Ted Fuller, is also Silverdale fire brigade’s chief fire officer. He says the band formed in 2019, and had only one practice before Covid, before everyone had to learn the repertoire by themselves at home in lockdown. For a year they didn’t have a drummer. Now, the band has regular gigs at local bars and events.

The American game of Corn Hole is one of the options for children at the Silverdale Pioneer Village this Easter. The Pioneer Village is putting on Easter Family Days, which include children’s games and Devonshire teas on March 30 and 31. If the weather is fine, expect toss the gumboot, hopscotch, and Corn Hole outside and there will be a treasure hunt with prizes for all participants. The village, at 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale, is open from 10am to 3pm both days.

The free Easter Bunny Bash at the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA is a family-friendly event that includes fun competitions like egg and spoon races, bunny relay (with a balloon between your legs) and the Easter dance challenge. DJ and MC Alan Reeves will be providing the tunes. The event is on at the RSA on Saturday, March 30, 5pm-8pm.

Sheryl Takayama, Nutritionist sheryl@whyweightacademy.com

Health Hunting for Easter moderation

As Easter approaches, it feels like our willpower is put to the ultimate test.

With chocolate bunnies and chocolate eggs on display in every supermarket and shop, resisting temptation feels like an uphill battle. Many people have a love affair with this delicious substance, and all the fond memories that Easter evokes. For some of us, it’s more of a love-hate relationship. We love the taste in our mouths but struggle with moderation, and therefore, we’re not so fond of the after-effects.

As we are so often told, it all comes down to moderation.

If you love chocolate and can enjoy moderate portions, you’ll be pleased to know it comes with several health benefits.

Chocolate’s mood-boosting properties are backed by science. It contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to elevate mood and trigger feelings of happiness. It’s no wonder we seek out this treat for a quick mood boost during the day.

It is also high in antioxidants. Dark chocolate is rich in flavonoids, which can help to reduce inflammation and prevent oxidative stress. Chocolate is rich in the minerals potassium, phosphorous, zinc, selenium and magnesium.

Golden eggs

Let’s not forget the strong emotional connection that brings joy – the Easter egg hunts of childhood and family celebrations. But the benefits can quickly be outweighed if you struggle to keep your chocolate intake in moderation.

The World Health Organisation recommends no more than 60g (12 teaspoons) of sugar per day. A typical hollow Easter egg with chocolate buttons has 14 teaspoons of sugar, so you can see why it’s easy for a few Easter indulgences to blow out the daily limit.

Chocolate is high in fat and sugar, which is a powerful combination for weight gain. The sugar increases your blood sugar levels, encouraging fat storage. If you are not burning a lot of energy, the extra calories from fat give your body energy to store.

The high sugar content of chocolate can cause tooth decay and the caffeine can impact your sleep quality.

Luckily, there are alternatives available. I encourage my clients to eat dark chocolate (higher than 78 percent cocoa works well) as it is much lower in sugar and carboyhdrates. There’s also sugar-free chocolate, which allows you to enjoy a treat without spiking your blood sugar levels.

Olliff farm in Waitoki was on the podium at the recent Outstanding Food Producer Awards. The farm won a gold medal for its premium pasture eggs, as well as a bronze for its cos lettuce with edible flowers – fresh from its market garden.

Green scene

Hibiscus Coast Catholic Parish

EASTER SCHEDULE

Holy Thursday – 28 March: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7.30pm, St Francis’ Church

Good Friday – 29 March: Stations of the Cross, 10am St Francis’ Church

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion, 3pm, St John’s Church

Holy Saturday – 30 March: Easter Vigil Mass, 8pm, St John’s Church

Easter Sunday – 31 March: Easter Mass, 8.30am, St Francis’ Church

Easter Mass, 10.30am, St John’s Church

St John’s Church:

180 Centreway Road, Ōrewa St Francis’ Church: 8 Motutapu Ave, Manly

Maj De Poorter, SOSSI info@sossi.org.nz

Welcome wētā

Over summer, the dotterel team of rangers and SOSSI volunteers has been very busy monitoring this season’s chicks and giving them their uniquely coded very small flags (attached to a leg) to help keep track of them wherever they go once they fledge. It was such a good thing too, to observe how the many visitors on our beaches responded very responsibly to the small birds’ presence, and gave them the space they need.

The chicks of the New Zealand dotterel/ tūturiwhatu are not only very cute, but as an endangered species, it was a boost to everyone’s morale to see how the ongoing predator control resulted in at least six surviving fledglings by the end of summer.

A further joyful sight for volunteers and visitors alike was the banded rail/moho pererū parent and chicks that could sometimes be spotted crossing the road in the Okoromai Bay wetlands.

The first week of autumn saw another highlight, when the team made a special trip to Butterfly Creek in South Auckland. Their captive Rear-and-Release Programme for wētāpunga has played a vital role in securing a safe future for this endangered invertebrate species, and we were able to collect just over 600 of them to bring to Shakespear Sanctuary. When the van arrived at the sanctuary, a small group of rangers and volunteers transferred the many small containers in carrier bags, and then walked to a spot where these precious giant wētā were released. This took several hours, because to keep them

Whangaparaoa Methodist Parish Easter Services

Thursday March 28

Tenebrae

Friday March 29

Good Friday Service

Sunday March 31

Easter Sunday Services

safe, each individual needed to be given time to crawl into a suitable hiding space, either a natural one or a hollow bamboo stick that is then placed into a suitable tree. Adult wētāpunga can weigh as much as a mouse or a sparrow, but it can take up to two years for them to go through the 11 “instar” stages between egg and adult, each time shedding their skin and growing a new one. The biggest ones at our release were only halfway there, at about sixth “instar” stage, so it will be at least six months before these new arrivals will start to breed in our sanctuary. Also, at short notice after that release, four more wētāpunga arrived and there was a brief

Meet Maj

show and tell for SOSSI members. About 20 members were able to see three males and a female before they were also released. Meanwhile, the nursery is a hive of activity in preparation for the upcoming planting season, and planning is underway for future bird translocations. We encourage all to enjoy the sanctuary and, now that the summer heat has passed, it is an excellent time for a visit and a great time to explore and enjoy nature and the expansive views. There are various options for longer walks, but there is also plenty of bird watching and landscape gazing that can be done from the beach, or even from the car.

Maj De Poorter is our new SOSSI columnist. She grew up in Belgium where she graduated as an ecologist. She has been living in Okura for almost 35 years, and loves the Kiwi approach of “getting off your bum and doing something about it”. Maj says she considers it a privilege to have been able to organise the first kōkako translocations back into the Waitākere Ranges as Ark in the Park manager. She has also been manager at the Rotokare Sanctuary in Taranaki and, until recently, was the operations manager for the Forest Bridge Trust in North Rodney. Now retired, she continues her conservation efforts as a volunteer. She joined the SOSSI committee at the end of last year.

Another group of wētāpunga collected from Butterfly Creek were released at Shakespear recently. Around 1200 have been released there since 2022. Photos, Neil Davies

Street market hanging on

A street market focused on affordable produce and other items has been operating every Saturday morning in Silverdale for around 30 years. Stalls are laid out on the lower part of Silverdale Street, either side of Agency Lane, selling eggs, vegetables, Japanese food, toys, jewellery, handbags, bric-a-brac and flowers.

It once formed a vibrant and bustling hub once a week, but times are tough, and currently there are around eight permanent stallholders with others coming and going. Margaret Lewis has had a stall at the Saturday Street Market for six years, selling potted flowering plants and vegetable seedlings grown by husband Jim on their Red Beach property.

She bought the licence to run the market around two years ago and says her mission to grow the number of stallholders and customers has been frustrated by competition from online sales, malls and activities that keep families busy on Saturdays.

“Although the area around Silverdale Village is growing, the market isn’t,” she says.

“We keep it going, despite the challenges, because for many of the stallholders who have been coming a long time, the market is what keeps them going. People remember that years ago it would be packed, but things have changed, especially since Covid.

So yes, we’re struggling but we’re not giving up, as we have lots to offer.”

The market is on Saturdays, 8am-1pm.

Hall market focused on crafts

Every Saturday, around 40 market stalls fill Silverdale Hall, which is on the lower part of Silverdale Street near the intersection with Hibiscus Coast Highway. This market has been going since around 1980 at the same venue. It is run by the Silverdale Hall Committee, all volunteers, including manager Elizabeth Johnstone. The hall market is independent of the street market but the two work together, says committee member Heather Roycroft.

Half the stall fees for the hall market go to charity, while the other half covers interior maintenance.

Stallholders are all craftspeople or collectors, selling arts, crafts and antiques. One of them, committee member and

Pioneering times preserved

jeweller Philip Thornton, has had a stall at the market since 2003.

He also sells his work online and in galleries but says the market provides immediate connection with customers and brings in commissions.

“People can look at the jewellery and discuss designs,” he says. “It’s a shop front, but I don’t have to be there five days a week.”

Heather has also noticed changes over time, especially since Covid, affecting the numbers that visit the market.

Currently the hall has an Easter prize draw for all customers. The draw is on Easter Saturday.

The hall market is open the same hours as the street market, 8am-1pm Saturdays.

Silverdale Pioneer Village, at the top of Silverdale Street, is a museum of historic buildings and artefacts acquired over time from the local area. It’s an ideal place to look if you want to research, or simply get a feeling for, days long gone. The Pioneer Village is run and cared for by members of the Silverdale & Districts Historical Society and has a range of buildings dating from the 19th and 20th Centuries. It covers the entire region, from Stillwater to Waiwera, including Whangaparāoa and Ōrewa, as well as Dairy Flat and Wainui and has an extensive archive of photographs and documents. Exhibits include the gig (horse drawn cart) which was used by the Stoney family until the 1900s and the Old Post Office & General store that was once a hub where you could buy everything you needed to supplement your own farm produce. The store was uplifted from a paddock in Dairy Flat and craned onto its current site at the Village. The Old Chapel was originally sited on Whangaparāoa Peninsula and was gifted to the village in the 1960s. The Bushman’s hut was rescued from the Wainui area, deconstructed and reassembled at the village. It provided shelter for local gum-diggers and bushmen, who ate, slept, cooked and lived there, sometimes for months on end.

WHY US?

Margaret and Jim Lewis at their Silverdale stall

Op shops draw village visitors

A group of charity Op Shops in Silverdale Village are drawing customers from outside the Coast, according to shop volunteers.

People chasing a bargain have made Silverdale Village a destination, a Hospice Shop volunteer says.

Volunteers at the charity shops also say that retailers in Silverdale Village send customers their way, and that the village works together

as a group to support each other.

There are four Op Shops in the village –The Kowhai Tree, which supports Women’s Refuge, a Hospice Shop that has been there for six years, and two more recent arrivals, Salt Op Shop and the SPCA.

All the stores not only support charitable efforts but also help keep second-hand items, from clothing to homeware, in circulation and out of landfill.

From left, shop manager Suzanne Shields and volunteers Claire Carson, Judy Marshall and Cheryl McCarty at Silverdale Hospice Shop with new quilts donated by a local quilter

This Op Shop was opened by the Salt Community Trust in January, as a partner to its Ōrewa branch. The Silverdale shop, in Agency Lane, specialises in clothing and accessories, and is beginning to establish a presence in the village. The Salt Trust, based in Silverdale, operates a food bank, carries out youth work and other community initiatives.

Games galore at Whangaparāoa gala

Whangaparāoa School’s annual gala on March 16 drew enthusiastic crowds of happy children and parents to what is both a fun day and important fundraiser for the school.

From kapa haka, cheerleader, karate and fire-fighting displays by Manly firefighters to heaps of games and stalls selling food and drinks of every description, there was something for everyone on what turned out to be a fine day.

Gala project managers Alannah Elliot and Debbie Pincott

reported a provisional profit of $31,000 raised on the day. The school plans to use the funds to upgrade the orchard area to enable the children to grow more fruit, and support learning assistants. Any money left over will be used to replace playground equipment.

“We are very pleased with the support, especially in the current economic climate. But the money is just a happy byproduct of what is an opportunity to bring the community together and put on a fab day for the children.”

Rise of throwing star

Twelve-year-old Sacha Fu-Oughton of Gulf Harbour outthrew older competitors to win her shot put and discus events at a recent North Harbour Zone secondary school athletics competition.

In the under-14 competition, the Whangaparāoa College year nine student threw 25.27 metres in the discus and put the shot 8.89 metres.

Proud dad Steve Oughton says the 8.89 metre shot put was a personal best for his daughter while the discus throw was somewhat short of her PB of 27.80 metres.

Sacha trains at North Harbour Bays Athletics where her coach, Hayden Kumerich, says he has seen a great rise in her form over the past year.

Hayden says Sacha did all-round athletics as a younger girl but then took a year off when interest waned, before telling her parents she wanted to pick it up again – but with a focus on throwing this time.

“It’s not a case of an athlete being pushed by parents – this is coming from Sacha. The drive is within herself, and those are the young athletes that tend to achieve.”

In addition to North Harbour Bays Athletics training, Hayden also coaches Sacha as part of a PREP squad in Papakura at the weekends.

He says Auckland-wide champs are coming up soon, ahead of national champs in November. He is confident Sacha will do well.

“The exciting part is that she still has two more years in the same age group, and by then she could very well be dominating the division.”

Clockwise from top, Whangaparāoa School kapa haka girls in action. Firefighter Russell White chats to daughters Eden and Ella after a demonstration. Meisha, 5, and Aiella, 3, are lost in a world of soft toys. More photos, www.localmatters.co.nz

Sacha Fu-Oughton

Raft race a winner for Stillwater community

After more than 25 years afloat (more or less), Stillwater’s handmade raft race hit the water again on Sunday, March 17.

Given the date, a St Patrick’s Day theme was the obvious choice, with rafters and supporters turning out in green – and in one case potato sack – costumes.

The event, run by community volunteers, features a race from Stillwater Boat Ramp around a course on the Weiti River. All rafts are made by the competitors from recycled materials and with varying degrees of skill.

There are often water tightness issues that affect the rafts’ seaworthiness, adding to the enjoyment for spectators. Water gun fights are encouraged.

This year, five rafts were entered: The Crazy Lepas, Still Going and Potato Farm, as well as the O Mahurangi Penlink team raft and Next Level, entered by Erosion Control from Dairy Flat.

Alongside the main race were pie and pint, water balloon and gumboot throwing competitions and a rubber duck race. A few paddleboarders also raced around the course.

While most rafters only gave their chances of staying afloat 50 percent, O Mahurangi

Penlink were confident they had raft construction nailed. Their team had spent around six hours assembling the raft using recycled materials from the construction

site. The raft was donated to Stillwater Boat Club for kids to play on.

Others relied on the luck of the Irish, using materials such as empty drums and wood.

The O Mahurangi team were clear winners while second was a close thing with Potato Farm taking it just ahead of Still Going. Erosion Control’s raft utilised six 1000-litre water containers. The team’s dire predictions that it was unlikely to float well proved correct and the team came in last but were clearly having fun.

The event, including the O Mahurangi Penlink team’s sausage sizzle, raised $1500 for the Stillwater community pantry.

Clockwise from top left, Potato Farm, the O Mahurangi team, racing was tight, Still Going.

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

Odd jobs, gardening, painting & water blasting. Phone Nev 021 399 226.

CARPET LAYING, CARPET RE-STRETCH, VINYL LAYING, CARPET REPAIRS

Over 30 years’ experience.

Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

A PAINTER, SEMI-RETIRED, local with 45 years experience. Ph Rob 021 1058 793.

CARPET ADVICE, FREE QUOTE FOR STEAM CLEANS, Carpet Repairs, 35 years experience Dwayne 027 499 7929.

ELECTRICAL WORK Installation/upgrade of switch boards, down lights, power points, ceiling fans, ovens and hobs. Spa power, EV charger power. All small jobs welcome.

Ronnic Electrical Ltd 021 752 430

PEST CONTROL, Flies, spiders, cockroaches, ants, rodents, wasps. Competitive prices. Ph 426 2253.

MURRAY’S PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE SERVICE

26 years experience, based in Little Manly - off street parking. Experience essential oils massage for relaxation and wellbeing. Ph 020 4116 7992.

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB AGM, 11am Sunday, May 5, Ōrewa Community Centre, club day follows.

60’s UP MOVEMENT, HIBISCUS COAST

- Meetings are held 3rd Wednesday of every month, 10am at the RSA in Vipond Road, Whangaparāoa. Outings 1st Wednesday of month. Ph Gloria 027 386 2339

DEANZ FREE REPAIR CAFE – encouraging the concept of Repair-Renew-Reuse. Items that can be repaired include small furniture, bikes, toys, clothing, laptops and electronics and small appliances (not microwaves). Hibiscus Coast Community House, 216 Hibiscus Coast Highway, cnr HBC Highway and Centreway Rd. 1st Saturday of month, 11am-2pm. Contact: coordinator@hibiscuscoastzerowaste.co.nz

DFLAT LIVE LINE DANCING April 5 with Ann and Huia, Dairy Flat Hall, 6 Postman Road Dairy Flat 7.30-10pm. $5 entry. Licensed cash bar, bring your own nibbles.

HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC

CLUB, Sunday, April 7, 1pm at the Ōrewa Community Centre, 5$ entry, all welcome.

THE REBUS CLUB OF GULF HARBOUR meets on the second Wednesday of every month at the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, Laurie Southwick Drive, Gulf Harbour. Tickets are $5 per person and include morning tea and 2 tickets in our monthly door prize. Membership is open to men and women, both couples and singles who have or are about to retire. More info: www.rebus-gulfharbour.nz

HOUSIE AT BOWLS ŌREWA every Friday, 1pm-4pm. Lots of fun and great prizes. Ph 09 426 5937. All welcome.

28 UK rock band Skindred, Kaosis and Rumpus Machine, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, doors open 7pm, gig starts 8pm. Tickets from Eventfinda.

30 Pre-Loved Fashion & Thrift Market, Ōrewa College Arts & Events Centre, 9.30am-1pm. Quality pre-loved clothes, shoes, boots, handbags and accessories. Great fun, lots of bargains.

30 Ōrewa Surf Sounds Concert & Fireworks, Ōrewa Reserve, 4pm-8pm. Free community concert with music, featuring the band Rewind, food trucks, amusements fireworks. Fundraiser for Ōrewa Surf Club. Bring a blanket, chairs and enjoy the evening. Parking at Western Reserve. Rain date, April 6. (see story p16)

30 Easter Party with DJ Going Bananas, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 5pm-8pm. Free entry. (see p16)

30 & 31 Easter Family Days, Silverdale Pioneer Village, 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale, 10am-3pm both days. Children’s activities, Devonshire teas, pioneer displays, craft shop. (see story p16)

3 Mark Taipari, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

4 Comedy Hypnosis Show with Robert De Jong, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8pm-11pm. Tickets Eventfinda.

6 RSA Market Day, Hibiscus Coast RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 9am-12pm. Hibiscus Coast Genealogy group display a database of WW1 soldiers from the Whangaparāoa area including service records, cemetery headstones, etc. Will also assist with NZ soldiers’ WW1 records.

6 Chinese Comedy Hypnotist Haiming Jiang, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-9pm. Entry $15 per person –tickets available at the RSA and on Eventfinda.

6 AutoMatic 80s, with special guests, The People. Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 7.30pm-11.30pm. Tickets www.automatic80s.com

7 The Great Big Rescued Food Cookoff, Ōrewa Community Centre, 6.15pm-8.30pm. Spot prizes, and winning team gets a hamper of goodies. Free event, but koha for a local charity appreciated. Info: www. facebook.com/events/1107932713564297/?ref=newsfeed or email pip@ compostcollective.org.nz

8 Blacksticks play Japan, friendly practice, Metro Park hockey turf, Millwater, 4pm. Free. All welcome.

10 Chet O’Connell, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

12 Stetson Club with Chet O’Connell and Band, Dairy Flat Community Hall, 4 Postman Rd, Dairy Flat, 7.30pm -11pm. Members $10, non-members $12.50 All welcome

13 Tony as Robbie – Guess Who's Back, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8pm-11pm. Tickets Eventfinda.

14 Tony Painting, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 2pm-5pm.

14 Hoedown at the Ranch, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Free entry.

17 Steve Coppard, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free entry.

20 Children’s Disco, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 4pm-7pm. Entry $5 per child, door sales only.

24 Joy Bells, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free

25

27

1 Mark Taipari, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

4 Blame the Cats, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 7:00pm-10:30pm. Entry $8 members, $10 non-members, door sales only.

8 Gotcha Covered (with Mark Benjamin and Dianne), Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Free entry.

9 The Going Bananas Hour, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Rd, Stanmore Bay, 5.30pm-7pm. Free entry.

Getting Proactive this Winter

As the cold nights slowly start creeping in, it seems that the cold and flu season is just around the corner. With all those winter bugs about, it becomes more important than ever to be proactive with your health. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent colds and flu and stay healthy year-round.

Are you up to date with all your vaccinations? The flu vaccination is available free to all those over 65, to people with certain medical conditions and a number of other criteria. It is also available for a small fee if you do not meet the criteria and is well worth it! The new COVID booster is also now available if it has been six months since your last booster. This year’s flu vaccine will be available at Unichem Manly Pharmacy from 1st April onwards. You can book your appointment for one or both on bookmyvaccine.health.nz. If you are having trouble booking, just call us on (09) 4247708. (walk ins available at off peak times)

How about boosting your immune system naturally? Although there is still no magic cure for the common cold, there are things you can do to get your body prepared and defences activated this winter. Ask us which Top 5 Natural Supplements might assist your immune system:

1. Zinc supports your immune response and may aid your recovery from winter ills and chills.

Researchers have found that if your

2. Vitamin D levels are adequate this may have a protective effect against colds. Did you know that the amount you will need to take in the winter differs from in the summer? Ask one of our experts which dose is best for you.

Vitamin B6 3. plays an important role in keeping your immune system healthy. Some people are best to take Vitamin B6 in it’s active form or a complex. Find out which is best for you from our experts. Research shows that if you regularly supplement your diet with

4.

Vitamin C you may reduce the duration of common cold symptoms. Initial studies indicate that

5. aged garlic extract may decrease the chances of getting a cold as well as reduce symptoms and duration of illness.

Have you considered the oral vaccine, Buccaline? It is available from Unichem Manly to provide you with protection for up to three months from bacterial complications of colds. It needs to be taken when you are well. Speak with one of our pharmacists to check if it is right for you

Adequate sleep is crucial for supporting a healthy immune system. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to recharge and repair itself. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune response, making you more susceptible to infections like colds and flu. So come on Coasties - get proactive and stay healthy!

Coast brings home Auckland trophy

Hibiscus Coast Cricket Premier Men’s team are Auckland champions, after winning the Richard Jones One-Day Cup, for the first time in the club’s history. And, in a sign that the club has strong players coming through, its U17s are also Auckland champions, beating Parnell in the final of the summer series on Sunday, March 10.

The Premier Men toppled Birkenhead in the one-day (50-over) final at Victor Eaves Reserve in Ōrewa on Saturday, March 17.

The Hibiscus bowlers led the way, restricting Birkenhead to 168 runs all out in the 45th over.

The men in maroon then fought hard with the bat against a strong bowling and fielding performance from Birkenhead.

Anchoring the innings was the Coast’s international player, Max O’Dowd, who opened for the team and scored 84 not out.

The team reached the required 169 runs in the 44th over with two wickets to spare.

Team manager Gair McSkimming praised

Max’s standout batting performance but said getting into, and winning, the final was definitely a full-team effort.

O’Dowd was away for much of the season touring with The Netherlands team, so he only played two games in the Auckland one-day competition.

It is three years since the Premier Men were promoted to Auckland’s top grade in T20 and one-day competitions. Last season was virtually a washout due to bad weather, so this is their second full season of play.

After the win, captain Tony Treadaway said Hibiscus were underdogs going into the final, but they always play as a team and enjoy each other’s company on and off the field, which is a recipe for success. Hibiscus all-rounder Ramesh Lakmal has won Auckland Cricket’s Laurie Schnauer Cup, voted for by Auckland’s premier team captains. He is also a front runner for Auckland cricketer of the year, with the winner due to be announced after the paper has gone to print.

Hibiscus Cricket’s premier men’s team wasted no time breaking out the champagne following their groundbreaking win at Victor Eaves Reserve. Right, The victorious U17s.