Hibiscus Matters_Issue 373_5 June 2024

From June 4, same address, different office

Council demolishes country club in wake of two suspicious fires

After two fires gutted buildings at Gulf Harbour Country Club recently, Auckland Council was forced to step in to make the privately owned site safe. The country club was closed by its owner Long River Investments almost a year ago and has been vandalised and graffitied since.

The two suspicious fires, on May 18 and 20, are under investigation by Fire and Emergency NZ and police. The first reduced the former Pro Shop building to ruins, and the second destroyed large parts of the roof and interior of the main clubhouse.

Council’s compliance team leader, Paul

Northover, says following the fires, council’s first port of call was Wayne Bailey, director of Long River Investments. Repeated attempts to contact him proved fruitless.

As a result, council invoked Section 129 of the Building Act so it could issue a Dangerous Building Notice and demolish

the remaining structure, which could have collapsed at any time following the fires.

“Members of the public were accessing the buildings, and it had become a health and safety issue,” Northover said.

Tonkin and Taylor engineers and council

Going, going, gone! Demolition of the fire ravaged Gulf Harbour Country Club building took only a few hours although the final cleanup took most of last week. A handful of residents were there to watch the walls come down.

21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa, 0931 | ph 09 427 8188

Hibiscusmatters

Localmattersnz

June 20,

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

compliance officers inspected the buildings on May 21, concluding that “repair may not be economically viable and demolition needed to be considered”.

Demolition began on May 23, after safety fencing and 24-hour security was put in place.

Northover said getting the warrant to enable demolition, which had to be signed off by council’s chief executive or delegated authority, was not what caused the two-day delay before demolition could begin.

“We had to serve notice on the property owner, and also became aware that the tower at the end of the building is full of essential cellphone equipment servicing Gulf Harbour, which had to be kept operational,” he said.

The tower is not considered unsafe in its current state, and was therefore not demolished. Staff from Spark were onsite during the demolition to work on equipment in the tower.

Ward Demo was contracted to demolish the buildings, guided by council and the engineers’ report.

Who will end up paying for the process, which took around a week, has yet to be determined. Initially, council (ratepayers) pay contractors, including security guards, but Northover says all those costs are recoverable from the owner under the Building Act. The costs also can be placed as a charge on the property’s title.

A recent attempt to put Long River Investments into liquidation failed, but numerous other creditors are waiting in the wings.

Lobby group Keep Whangaparāoa’s Green Spaces (KWGS) says the demolition has left its position unchanged – it believes that the golf course must be retained and restored and that it can be a viable business.

KWGS is organising a public meeting, with details expected to be confirmed soon.

The investigation

• Fire and Emergency (FENZ) investigate the cause of the fire. Waitemata assistant area commander Shaun Pilgrim says that may never be known as the state of the buildings hampered investigations. “Arson is a very serious crime and proving it has to be 100 percent accurate,” he says. “Determining the cause and finding exactly where the fire started will be very difficult and it is likely the conclusion could be “undetermined with a high probability of deliberately lit”.

• Police focus on who may be responsible, and that investigation is ongoing. Police ask anyone with footage or information that may assist to visit https://www.police. govt.nz/use-105 or phone 105 quoting file number 240521/3517. Information can also be provided anonymously on 0800 555 111.

While much of the damage at the country club before the fire could be put down to random acts of vandalism, several of the tags indicated anger towards property owner Long River Investments director, Wayne Bailey.

The tower, a cellphone hub, remains.

Library services suspended as upgrade begins

Library users in and around Ōrewa will have no service available locally for four weeks, from the time the library on Moana Avenue closes on June 10 until a temporary mini library opens at the Ōrewa Community Centre on July 8.

Auckland Council is undertaking an extensive upgrade of the library, which includes building a mezzanine floor.

Construction work will begin, on July 1, and the library will be closed for “about 15 months”, an Auckland Council spokesperson said.

It’s the second time the estimated time for the work has been extended and the starting time pushed back: Last October, a senior official said the upgrade would begin in March and take about nine months. And in April, council said the work would begin in May and take approximately a year.

Visitor numbers at Ōrewa Library have increased to more than 235,000 a year. The $5.5 million project, approved and funded by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board,

aims to transform the outdated building into a modern community facility.

The existing footprint will be retained but reconfigured, a mezzanine floor will be added, and the leaking curved roof will be replaced with a new mono pitch roof.

Council manager area operations Sandra May explained how the transition process will work.

Library services will be suspended from Monday, June 10, to give staff sufficient time to relocate resources and set up the temporary mini library service at the community centre.

Initial site preparations, including fencing, signage and safety measures, will be made from June 20, with physical work expected to get underway from July 1, she said.

On July 8, the mini library at the community centre will open. It will be located in the small hall, while the centre’s main hall remains available for community use.

“We understand this change may be

frustrating for some customers and we are working to mitigate that as we move towards the next stage of the redesign,”

May said. “Plans are underway to set up an ex-mobile library to house the children’s library at the community centre for the duration of the project.”

In addition to the temporary facility, customers are welcome to use other libraries throughout the build period. Those nearest to Ōrewa are Whangaparāoa (9km), Albany village (21km) and East Coast Bays (24km).

Local Board deputy chair Gary Brown said the upgrade was essential and would be well worth the wait.

“We know that the library is a popular hub for our community and that closing it will be inconvenient to all,” he said. “The ever-increasing demand on library services with visitor numbers topping 235,000, our area’s growing population, along with the building’s maintenance requirements – this upgrade needs to happen

Brown said plans were in place to minimise the effects of the closure.

“All credit to library staff who are doing everything they can to reduce the impact on the community as much as possible,” he said.

“The upgraded library is going to be amazing and has significant improvements for everyone. The downstairs area won’t be cramped and cluttered anymore. It will have better sightlines and be more open. There will be more spaces to relax and a new lift to the mezzanine floor.”

According to a budget breakdown, the cost of the physical work will be $3.9 million. Other costs are for design consultancy services ($330,000), ancillary work ($260,000), fixed furniture and equipment ($160,000), temporary relocation services ($60,000), project management fees ($50,000) and consent fees ($23,000). A contingency of $717,000 makes up the total project cost of $5.5 million.

Cameras to survey flood-prone Hibiscus Coast sites

Auckland Council will increase its surveillance of flood-prone areas on the Hibiscus Coast, via hot spot cameras.

Four cameras will be positioned in Whangaparāoa, where stormwater infrastructure overflowed in last year’s floods.

In total, 56 flood hot spot cameras will be installed around Auckland, joining an existing network that is being expanded as a result of funding approved in the Longterm Plan (budget).

Locally, there will be two cameras in Stanmore Bay – at the Knott Road end of D’Oyly Reserve, and on the corner of Brightside Road and Kauri Road, as well as Ferry Road, Stormwater Pond Reserve in Arkles Bay, and Kukuwai Avenue near Red Beach Road.

Healthy Waters general manager, Craig Mcilroy, says the cameras are part of improving the way council manages stormwater and protects people and property from flooding.

He says the hot spots selected are known flood risks, because debris often builds up, causing blockages. They are usually associated with stormwater pipe inlet grilles.

“This technology will eventually allow our contractors to clear blockages as soon as they are detected,” Mcilroy says.

“While they will take time to establish, we anticipate these cameras will eventually automate a notification to our on-call

This intersection, pictured during last year’s Auckland Anniversary Day floods, is among those where flood ‘hot spot’ cameras will be installed. A camera will also keep an eye on the overflow in D’Oyly Reserve, which blocked with debris in the Anniversary Day floods.

operations staff when debris is building up, or we’re seeing a higher flow of water.”

The cameras should be installed within the next six months.

Council is also reliant on residents to report blockages to stormwater infrastructure. At a Hibiscus and Bays Local Board workshop on May 14, Healthy Waters’ staff discussed

encouraging homeowners to prepare their homes for winter storms, as well as to report any stormwater infrastructure blockages via the council call centre, especially if urgent.

AT agrees to act after school raises speeding concerns

Auckland Transport (AT) has agreed to short-term measures to encourage drivers to slow down when passing Ōrewa Primary, after students monitored vehicles being driven along busy Maire Road at up to 84 kilometres an hour.

A visiting AT official told the school last week that it will also investigate installing safety infrastructure, such as trafficcalming devices, as a longer-term solution. But the school’s desire for a lower speed limit on Maire Road will depend on central government decisions, senior transportation engineer Ivy Hao of AT’s road safety engineering team said After the coalition government signalled a shift on speed limit policy nationwide, AT paused its Safe Speeds Programme and was seeking further direction, since it was required to align with central government policy.

Once AT had an update on the new rule being formulated by government, it would engage with Ōrewa Primary again to propose a lower speed limit near the school, she said.

Hao acknowledged that the school’s concerns about speeding vehicles on Maire Road aligned with AT’s own recorded speed data. Heavy commercial vehicles were using

the road due to new developments underway nearby, and during school pickup time, some drivers overtook at speed, encroaching on the flush median or even the opposite lane.

The measures that AT recently agreed to include additional signs and road markings to increase drivers’ awareness, and the installation of flexiposts near the pedestrian crossing to visually narrow the road and encourage drivers to slow down.

Principal Claire Janes welcomed the “very constructive meeting” with AT.

The meeting was arranged after Hibiscus Matters sent queries to AT about the situation. A spokesperson said in response that AT was “happy to revisit the location and consider any improvements that could be implemented in the short-term”.

Earlier attempts to get action on the situation included a letter to AT from Ōrewa Primary presiding board member Kerry Gower voicing concern about students’ safety due to the speeding. In response, AT had said the area had a “low collective risk rating” and it could not provide a timeframe for a proposed upgrade to raise the pedestrian crossing.

A “collective risk rating” is the measure of the total number of fatal and serious injury

crashes per kilometre over a section of road.

“We are concerned about the safety of our tamariki and have asked for reasonable measures that AT have acknowledged are appropriate,” Gower said at the time. “Does a child need to be hurt in a crash for there to be action?”

Gower said members of the school’s Travelwise team had clocked drivers travelling at up to 84kph along Maire Road. The speed limit is 50kph

The school responded by using signs to remind motorists to drive carefully around the school.

AT’s head of road safety engineering

Michael Brown said in a statement that AT was fully committed to road safety, and would work with the school to improve the existing situation.

“Safety is always our top priority for everyone no matter how they travel – and this is so important around schools.”

Brown also said that, given the government’s pivot on speed limit policy, “we are in a bit of a holding pattern until the new speed setting rule is put in place”.

Transport Minister Simeon Brown announced in March that Cabinet had agreed on a new Land Transport Rule, to

along Maire Road.

be signed by the end of 2024, reversing what he called the previous government’s “nanny state” blanket speed reductions. In line with the National-ACT coalition agreement, the new rule will require variable speed limits around schools during pick-up and drop-off times, rather than permanent reductions. Brown said similar approaches were used in parts of Britain, Australia, the US and other countries to prioritise safety.

Council cracks down on Coast’s illegal advertising signs

Motorists may have noticed a rash of orange stickers plastered on signboards along Whangaparāoa Road and Hibiscus Coast Highway in Ōrewa and Silverdale last week.

Auckland Council compliance officers cracked down after receiving several complaints about hoarding-style advertising placed without authorisation on public land across the city.

“When investigating two signs in Silverdale and Whangaparāoa, officers found many similar signs of various sizes at several locations in the area and placed illegal signage stickers on each of them,” compliance manager Adrian Wilson said.

Almost 60 signs were identified and stickered on the Coast.

The stickers informed the owners that the signs were illegal and should be removed immediately. They were warned that council may remove the signs and charge owners for removal and storage.

By late last week, most of the stickered signs appeared to have been removed.

Signs are typically put up at night, and in some cases there is evidence that heavy

machinery has been used to sink sizeable poles.

The council response stoked reaction on social media, with some people suggesting the actions were unnecessary and a waste of ratepayers’ money.

“Small businesses are still struggling and it’s really not hurting anyone,” wrote one.

The owner of a painting company said his sign had been targeted even though it was on private property. He told the paper his company had been given permission by a customer to erect a sign on their property after completing a job.

Among the signs targeted were several belonging to Reliable Concrete Cleaning Solutions, whose director Nathan Gibbs said the company has been using them for a long time.

“These signs have been the best way for us to receive business within our local area,” he said, adding that council compliance officers seemed to be “doing their darnedest to stop businesses from making money”.

Wilson said the proliferation of signage can divert drivers’ attention from the road.

“While advertising for community events

signage is permitted at some approved sites on public land, businesses are generally not permitted to erect signs on public land –or on private land not associated with the business premises where it can be viewed from the road corridor, as they can be distracting to motorists.”

Approved locations on the Coast for signs promoting community events include opposite the library on Whangaparāoa

Road and opposite the campground in Ōrewa.

Under a signage bylaw, different rules apply to signs relating to businesses, events, estate agents and elections, and to various types, sizes and locations of signs. A fixed fee for approvals under the bylaw is $1664. For more information, and to apply for council approval: www.aucklandcouncil.govt. nz/licences-regulations/signs/Pages/default.aspx

Ōrewa Primary students, with teacher Cherise Patsalosavis-Crerar, urge motorists to slow down

Auckland Council said it found and stickered almost 60 offending signs on the Coast.

Viewpoint

Mark Mitchell, Whangaparāoa MP mark.mitchellmp@parliament.govt.nz

Laser focus on crime

This government is laser focused on putting public safety back at the heart of our justice system.

As part of this, we’re putting gangs on notice and giving police substantial new powers so the public can have a sense that our police control the streets, and not the gangs.

Gangs have operated in a very permissive environment and have acted as if they have impunity. We’ve had gangs move into our own electorate with the purchase of commercial property in Silverdale. I received strong community feedback about the fact we don’t want a gang presence in our area, or the misery they peddle through drug dealing.

The government has taken the first steps to address the problem. Our Law-andOrder agenda includes Three Strikes legislation, banning gang patches, limits on sentencing discounts by judges, firearms prohibition orders, giving police the power to issue non-consorting orders and dispersal notices to gang members, as well as establishing military style academies for our most serious violent youth offenders. These changes are designed to remove the danger and risk to our communities and

shift these offenders to an environment where we can try to rehabilitate them.

As Corrections Minister, I recently announced a significant boost in funding to Corrections of $1.9 billion. This will be used to increase prison capacity with an 810-bed expansion at Waikeria prison, strengthen the frontline with more Corrections officers, and meet frontline pay increases. We are serious about tackling crime, and we know that, with the measures we’re taking, the prison population will initially grow.

As Minister for Police, I made it clear to the Commissioner that I expect police to be highly visible in our communities. Since then, foot patrols around the country have increased by over 50 percent. Police will also be reinforced with over 500 new officers over the next two years.

New Zealand should be one of the safest countries in the world. But instead, we’ve been heading the other way. I’m fully focused on getting us back on track and I’m encouraged with the progress we’re making.

As always, if you have any issues you need help with, or topics you want to discuss with me, my Ōrewa office is open, and I look forward to seeing you all this year.

Councillors say more work needed on local board reorganisation

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

At Auckland Council’s Governing Body meeting on May 30, councillors debated whether or not to consult the public about the proposal to reorganise local boards, potentially reducing the number of boards from 21 to 15. Under the proposal, the Hibiscus and Bays and Upper Harbour local boards would combine, becoming the largest local board in Auckland with an estimated population of 191,700 – larger than cities like Hamilton or Tauranga. Many councillors felt that the proposed restructure was ‘underbaked’ including Albany Ward Cr John Watson who called

his proposed local board ‘a mega-board’. “There is not going to be support for this [from the public] – it’s confusing,” Cr Watson said. “You need a PhD in local government to understand this.” Fellow Cr Wayne Walker also supported delaying the work in favour of a more robust process. Consultation was voted down with five votes in favour and 16 (including Crs Watson and Walker) against, so that more work can be done on the proposed reorganisation. Cr Watson said after the meeting that the proposed reorganisation is driven mainly by cost savings and bureaucratic convenience. “There would be few benefits to local communities, in fact it would make a distant bureaucracy even more distant,” he said.

Coasties caring Coastiesfor...

LocalOpinion

Principled decision

I enjoyed reading the piece about the new principal at Ōrewa College (HM May 20). Our daughter has just turned nine, and it’s a big decision to know which school to send her to, so the article was very useful. Keep up the good work.

Dave Mason, Ōrewa

Not missing the drive

I used to have issues parking in Ōrewa, where I work, and I was heartily sick of having to drive around looking for a park in the residential streets. Until I changed my habits. I don’t need my car for work, so I now walk part of the way, then catch a bus the rest of the way to and from. It’s cheaper than petrol, and I have come to enjoy the walking time to de-stress and let my thoughts wander. Yes, even when the weather is foul. I think more of us could look at this and leave the car at home.

Catherine Greenwood, Little Manly Ōrewa

needs carpark building

In Our Opinion (HM May 20) the editor said “It is not unreasonable to expect people to park a short distance away from work”. In a country where 30 percent of adults are obese and another 37 percent overweight, and considering the huge health costs arising from this pandemic of podginess, wouldn’t it be beneficial for people to walk part of the way to work each day? In Japan, employees walk or cycle to the rail/bus station, catch public transport, then walk from the station to work, reversing the procedure going home. By this means they average an hour’s walking a day. Could this, along with their diet, explain why only 5 percent of Japanese people are obese? With 125 million people, Japan has managed its mass transit problem by providing excellent public transport infrastructure. Stations, shopping malls and supermarkets provide some parking, and ample metered docking racks for bikes. There are multi-storey carparks, and mini carparks utilising empty house lots. Bus companies run smaller buses and more frequent services. Trains are frequent and run on time. Drivers who

kill or injure cyclists or pedestrians, face huge fines that can bankrupt their family. Consequently they are extremely cautious around these people. Parking on the street is banned, and households are prohibited from owning a car unless they have a parking space at home and at work! Obviously there are significant differences between our two countries. Japan’s densely populated cities are built on coastal plains so cycling and walking are easier. Commuters still have to be shoe-horned into rush-hour trains, and heart attack victims die in ambulances stuck in traffic. NZ suburbs were planned on the extensive, auto-centric LA model and civic leaders failed to incorporate adequate rail into the infrastructure. Park-and-ride facilities immediately filled up with commuters from further out and should have been built multistorey. What Ōrewa needs is a multistorey civic carpark. Perhaps behind and above the library, adjacent to the Nautilus apartments retaining wall, incorporated into the library modernisation plan?

Andrew Westaway, Ōrewa

Parking privileges

It was good to find out what was behind the Plaza’s need to bring in a time limit for parking in its carpark (HM May 6). I have often parked there and noticed the upper carpark was quite full, but when I went in to the shops, the Plaza was not packed with shoppers. Parking in a privately owned place like a mall is not a right, it is a privilege and provided to make things easier for businesses and their customers. Your paper was very timely in providing a balanced view that was decidedly lacking on social media!

Susan Thomas, Manly

Who should clear streams?

I write regarding the story in May 20 edition, “Flood response money flows downstream”. The former Rodney District Council removed silt from the streams on a regular basis – not only did they keep up with stormwater maintenance but took full responsibility for the tidal stream that runs along the back of Red Beach Surf Club and Pinewoods Motor Camp. As soon as

Auckland Council took over from Rodney all this maintenance stopped. Rodney District Council had built a retaining wall along some residents’ property that backed onto this stream and were about to clear weed and mangroves from the Pinewoods Motor Camp side, then dredge the built-up silt to encourage a clear out flow of water. Council’s position now is that residents must maintain half the tidal stream, with Pinewood’s Motor Camp retaining the other half – a sort of line down the middle of a tidal stream. Whoever dreamed up this idea must have a great imagination. This area now has had a massive build-up of stormwater with the golf course gone and housing replacing it, plus a general build-up from maybe one house on a section to several apartments, with this stream sitting at one of the lowest points in Red Beach. As Gary Brown said, we can all understand the importance of planting banks when practical, but the local board had contractors prepared to dredge drains at a minimal cost to the area. It would be great to see them around our stream, clearing weed and dredging years of built up silt but we will not be holding our breath. It will be a lot easier to wait for the next flooding of the area as Council continues to do nothing.

Arthur Amis, Red Beach  (abridged)

Spray and walk away

It had become a habit for me to get a coffee from a local café a few mornings a week, and drink it over by the Ōrewa Beach sculpture, where I could chat to other locals and enjoy the view. A great way to start the day. Unfortunately, when the wind is blowing off shore a cold mist now blows from said sculpture, causing those seated nearby to move away. This is a public space and while a water sculpture is a great idea, could it not be designed so it doesn’t wet people?

Mary Lawrence, Ōrewa

The Doors winners

Congratulations to Jayne Cowley, of Whangaparāoa, Judy Curson of Arkles Bay and Angeline Evans Johanson of Ōrewa, who each won a double VIP pass to The Doors Live at Parāoa Brewing Co. Thanks to all who entered.

Top community paper

Hibiscus Matters’ sister paper, Mahurangi Matters, was named Community Newspaper of the Year at last month’s prestigious Voyager Media Awards. The judges said the paper exemplified the sort of local issues coverage that made community newspapers important. They commended the paper for its strong mix of local government coverage, opinion, sport and celebratory pieces on pillars of the community, “making the paper an overall rich and satisfying read”.

Parting Shot

This solo golfer was spotted on the Gulf Harbour green recently, teeing off not long before demolition of the country club’s buildings began.

Eggceptional names

Stanmore Bay School asked parents, staff and students for ideas when they had three chickens to name. We love the Enviro Group’s choice of: Egg Sheeran, Scrambles and Ruffles.

Wynne winning at 106

At 106 years

She

Crossley Court manager Elaine Redulla says Winifred is happiest on sunny days, when she likes to walk around the facility with a caregiver, sit where she can enjoy the sun and chat with others.

“She can be very chatty and knows a lot of what is going on in New Zealand and around the world,” Elaine says. “She listens to the news and, whatever topic you talk about, she always has something to add.” Wynne was born on May 19, 1918, in Walton on Thames, England. Most of her work was administrative and included being head of a department of 15 surgeons at Waikato Hospital. Wynne used to be involved with the Silverdale Historical Society and Herb Society. Among her interests are gardening, reading and listening to talkback radio.

Winifred Ruge blew out six candles on her 106th birthday.

Cow-free dairy in the spotlight

It’s been an exciting few weeks for Daisy Lab co-founders Nikki Freed and Irina Miller.

On May 15 the company, which makes proteins identical to those found in milk, in a lab, got approval from the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to scale up production. This was followed by the announcement that Daisy Lab is a finalist in the Fieldays Innovation Awards.

The process, called precision fermentation, entails genetically modifying yeasts so that, when fermented, they produce a protein like whey or casein, with any genetically modified (GM) organisms removed from the final product.

Freed, the company’s chief scientific officer, who lives in Ōkura, says the project began, in 2020, because Miller is vegan, and Freed loves cheese.

“We struggled to find a good vegan cheese,” she says. “So cheese was the driving force, then we changed tack.”

She says there are already a lot of products made with precision fermentation on the supermarket shelves, including rennet used to make cheese, some vanilla flavourings and stevia.

The GM aspect means it is a contained and tightly regulated process. It is also a growing area for start-ups in the food sector.

“We use yeast as the host organism, which is generally recognised as safe, and produce a protein that people consume every day, so I believe it’s a safe product and process,” Freed says. “Why would you use a cow, when you can use microbes for the same thing?”

Daisy Lab’s product is a dried powder. The company works with local producers, such as ice cream or cheese makers, who add the powder to different vegan formulations (oat milk or nut cheeses, for example) to

Nikki Freed , co-founder of Daisy Lab paddleboarding on Okura Estuary.

increase the protein content and improve flavour and texture.

Recently Daisy Lab had a small tasting of prototype products, including cheese.

“The ones we trialled included cashewbased blue cheese and camembert. I was very hesitant, as a cheese lover, but they tasted amazing,” Freed says.

Even scaled up, Freed says Daisy Lab will still be a pilot – not at commercial stage yet.

“We’d need at least 18 months to see a commercial product, which would require further approval.”

Daisy Lab is a finalist in the Prototype category of the Fieldays Innovation Awards. Winners will be announced on June 13.

In business

Michael Goudie michael@teandem.co.nz

Beating self-doubt

Every business owner deals with self-doubt. Doing the actual work might be easy, but running the business is the hard part. It’s like raising a baby and worrying about the kind of teenager they will become, when you really need to focus on getting through the baby stage first. Most of the time, I feel like I’m living in the hope that we are making good decisions and we are heading in the right direction.

I think I’m addicted to being busy, wearing it like a badge of honour as a way of proving my worth. I chew through the never-ending workload to strike out all possible paths to failure. Everything sits in the blur of priority and productivity.

There’s an adage about looking after yourself so you can look after others. Running a business is no different. You have to look after number one, yourself, both mentally and physically before looking after the business.

I am by no means good at this; I absolutely tax my body and get caught in mental vortexes. If I am not careful, I hit autopilot, lose motivation, discipline and accountability, and close down, becoming pessimistic. We overthink, overanalyse, and avoid tough truths, trying to make sense of everything.

I have bad days where I feel anxious, other people’s opinions cut deep, and I’m terrified of letting others down. Everything feels chaotic and disorganised. But when I let go of that fear, things change. I accept

that I might disappoint some people and that failure is okay. This helps me regain control, stick to my plan, and find time for the fun parts of running a business.

Recently, I listened to a podcast featuring Dave Wood, a specialist in stress mitigation, recovery, and mental preparedness for athletes. He asked what percentage of mental or physical effort is required to achieve goals. While most people debated around 70/30, he answered with 100 percent mental and 100 percent physical. Some of my tools include getting outside,

If I am not careful, I hit autopilot, lose motivation, discipline and accountability, and close down

running, throwing a ball for the dog, and riding a bike with my boys. I also stand in front of a mirror and tell myself I’m doing a good job. I ensure the person in the mirror has integrity and honesty. I remind myself that things could be worse, I don’t have to prove anything to anyone, and I’m not alone in this journey. Believe in yourself and what we are building.

Practising the above helps lift the fog. Ultimately, overcoming self-doubt is about keeping things simple, disciplined, and accountable. Understand that fear is part of the journey, but it doesn’t have to control you.

Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

Love the choice.

Love the choice.

Retirement can be blissfully laid back, or it can be wonderfully unretiring and active.

Retirement can be blissfully laid back, or it can be wonderfully unretiring and active.

At Summerset Milldale, it’s your choice. From day to day, you have the freedom to pursue all your passions and hobbies, or just find a place to relax. All set within a secure, warm and friendly community.

At Summerset Milldale, it’s your choice. From day to day, you have the freedom to pursue all your passions and hobbies, or just find a place to relax. All set within a secure, warm and friendly community.

Come and take a look for yourself at our upcoming Open Day.

Come and take a look for yourself at our upcoming Open Day.

Love the life you choose. Dear diary, here’s to the 7-day weekend

Love the life you choose.

Open Day

Open Day

Sunday 9 June, 10am - 2pm

Sunday 9 June, 10am - 2pm

Summerset Milldale

Summerset Milldale

50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale

50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale

Sales suite entrance on Te Taruna Drive 09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

Sales suite entrance on Te Taruna Drive 09 304 1632 | milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

Sundial plate stolen from Ōrewa park

The brazen theft of a heavy metal sundial plate from a public park in Ōrewa has upset local residents, and Auckland Council is urging anyone with information to notify the police.

The brass or bronze plate, 54cm in diameter, was prised off its stone plinth at Maygrove Park, probably overnight during the weekend of May 18-19. The large disc is topped by what’s known as a gnomon –the upright pointer which casts a shadow across the plate, indicating the time of day.

The top of the plinth shows gouge marks and the dried remnants of adhesive that had been used to affix the plate to its housing.

Linda Nash, who lives nearby, noticed the missing plate when walking her dog on the evening of May 19. As she walked there regularly, she was fairly certain it had been there the previous day.

Linda said her grandchildren had enjoyed learning to tell the time from the sundial.

“I was shocked to see it gone. I’ve lived here for 17 years, and the sundial has been here for all of that time.”

The incident was a good reminder for the community to stay alert, she said.

Council manager area operations Sandra May said council was aware that the sundial plate had been taken and had reported the matter to police.

“We are disappointed with the theft of this item, which was installed for the enjoyment of the community,” she said.

Judging from aerial photos, Auckland Council believed the sundial in Maygrove Park was installed sometime between 1996 and 2001, but could provide no further information.

Two scrap metal dealers in Silverdale and a large one on the North Shore said they

had not been offered the item but would keep a lookout. They agreed the sundial apparatus would be an unusual piece of metal for someone to bring in, and would raise suspicions.

The NZ Association of Metal Recyclers said it works actively to fight the problem of metal theft, and encourages victims of theft to report both to police and on the association’s website (nzamr.org.nz), which

More rats, less possums

This autumn, Forest & Bird’s Pest Free Hibiscus Coast team has been carrying out its seasonal monitoring of pest animals. Around 500 monitoring devices (tracking tunnels and wax bite tags), are deployed by volunteers across local parks and large private blocks to give a snapshot of rat, possum, hedgehog and mouse activity, twice each year. While recent rat monitoring results remain relatively low for an urban area, the team has reported a marked increase in activity compared to this time last year in certain areas. A long, dry summer has resulted in a lot of plants seeding and fruiting abundantly, which provides food for birds, but also for the rats. Rats breed so quickly that their numbers can expand rapidly by spring.

However, the number of possums detected remains very low (indications of only one live animal) and trap catches were very spread out.

Pest Free Hibiscus Coast wants to capitalise on that, and encourages anyone who has a bush block on the peninsula to borrow one of their possum traps.

Project manager Jenny Hanwell says that pest monitoring information is essential to help the team plan and refine pest control across the area, and continue to expand control of those species that damage threatened native species.

has a “Report stolen metals” feature. “No professional metal recycler wants to be associated with the problem of stolen metals,” said the association’s president, Glen Jacobs. “Items like the sundial will be more valuable in their original state than when sold as scrap.”

Can any reader shed any light on the history of the sundial in Maygrove Park? Please get in touch if you can.

“It is also useful for letting volunteers know, if there is a lot of activity on their trapline, that it’s a good idea to try changing the lure type, or we sometimes move or add traps,” she says. “We also need to remind everyone who has a backyard rat trap to make sure it is cleaned and set, as this time of year rats are moving closer to our homes in search of food and shelter.”

Rat traps available: www.forestandbird.org. nz/how-can-you-help-pfhc

At Dils, our homemade sausage rolls aren’t just crisp and delicious, they’re also a familiar comfort when friends and family get together to share love and memories.

At Dils we put more care into every part of a funeral. Because it’s the details that make it perfect. for

beautiful funerals

Linda Nash noticed the missing plate while walking her dog.

Come along to our open days.

DISCOVER YOUR COASTAL OASIS

DISCOVER YOUR COASTAL OASIS

Friday 7 and Saturday 8 June, 10am - 3pm.

Arvida Peninsula Club, 441 Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay.

Friday 7 and Saturday 8 June, 10am - 3pm.

Call Robyn on 021 983 669 or find out more at arvida.co.nz/peninsulaclub Come along to our open days.

Arvida Peninsula Club, 441 Whangaparāoa Road, Stanmore Bay.

Open the doors of Arvida Peninsula Club to discover your perfect home amidst the ocean breeze. Enjoy independence with ease in a well-established retirement community, flourishing with freedom and fun. Close to beautiful beaches and shopping centres.

Open the doors of Arvida Peninsula Club to discover your perfect home amidst the ocean breeze. Enjoy independence with ease in a well-established retirement community, flourishing with freedom and fun. Close to beautiful beaches and shopping centres.

Availability is rare, so don’t miss your chance to secure your spot in our spacious villas and apartments for over-65s.

Availability is rare, so don’t miss your chance to secure your spot in our spacious villas and apartments for over-65s.

Call Robyn on 021 983 669 or find out more at arvida.co.nz/peninsulaclub

Manly fire team completes epic fundraising challenge

This year, most of Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade’s Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge team chose to take part in the toughest category – Firefighter of Steel – which requires carrying a steel cylinder and climbing an extra nine floors.

They also did the heavy lifting in fundraising, bringing in their highest ever amount for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ.

The steel cylinders and kit weigh 18kg, so Firefighters of Steel carry nearly 30kg –

around 6kg more than the others – as they climb the stairs to floor number 60.

A total of 120 firefighters from around the country took on this category, including 21 women – among them, Manly’s Janette Baird and Jade Wickman. Jade placed fifth in the Female Open category (25:39), and Janette (25:31) was fourth.

The number of women in Firefighter of Steel has been increasing in recent years.

Just prior to the event, held on Saturday

May 18, Janette was at the fire at Gulf Harbour Country Club which destroyed the former golf Pro Shop.

The crew was there from 3.30am, returning to the Manly station three hours later.

After a night like that, Janette says it was tight getting to the Skytower for her 9.30am start, but she made it.

This was her first entry in the Steel category, having competed in the Sky Tower Challenge several times before, and,

perhaps because it pushed her to her limits, she says she would definitely do it again. The epic climb is an annual fundraiser for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer NZ.

Manly Brigade raised more than $12,500, with Russell White raising the most ($2186).

The event’s fundraising site remains open until June 18. So far $1,940,000 has been raised so organisers are hoping some final donations will get them to the $2 million mark. https://firefighterschallenge.org.nz/

Left from top, Manly firefighters Jade Wickman and Janette Baird were among 21 women who took part in the tough Firefighter of Steel category. Photos, Bex Charteris. Above from left, Russell White and Shaun Gartland on their way to the Sky Tower. Photos, Cerise Jordan.

EACH number in our CodeCracker grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. For example, today 15 represents C, so fill in C every time the figure 15 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 puzzle to its completion.

www.codecracker.co.nz

Drug taking – what could possibly go wrong?

Putting the fun into pharmaceuticals is comedian Jonathan Falconer, who is bringing his show The Science of Getting 2 High to Parāoa Brewing this month.

The show draws on his academic knowledge – he has a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and works at Otago University – along with his wide personal experience of drugs.

He says the show, a blend of standup and entertaining lecture, is without moral judgements, designed to make people laugh. Achieving that reaction is his natural high. However, he says if there are any more serious takeouts for his audiences,  it would be to do good research on any drug you are considering taking.

He says because they are highly addictive, meth and heroin are definitely no-go areas “unless maybe you’re 85 and the risk of ruining your life is a bit lower”.

Jonathan, an American who now lives in

NZ, appears to have always been interested in drugs, and followed this by taking a university paper on the Pharmacology of Psychoactive drugs.

“Then I was on a beach in Hawaii and a guy offered me a bunch of mushrooms,” he says. So began his first high, an experience he describes as ‘life changing’.

“I started travelling more, seeing more concerts and living a life with a lot more adventure,” he says. “It helped me realise that the only thing we have is living in the present moment.”

In his show, he will also talk about the things that can go wrong with drug taking.

“I’ve always been fascinated by bad trips and wanted to try one. Eventually, I did succeed. Even though it can be terrifying, I learned something and it was not the worst experience of my life.”

The Science of Getting 2 High is on at Parāoa Brewing on June 22. Tickets from Eventfinda.

Sing like no one is watching

A new community group that enables people to sing with others, but without an audience, is starting in Ōrewa.

Hatfields Beach resident Andrew Westaway, who describes himself as a “shower and car karaoke” singer, is behind the initiative. He is also a piano student, who can read music.

Andrew says the idea is to provide a regular opportunity for locals to enjoy singing popular jazz standards together in an informal group, for fun and the therapeutic

value of singing.

“I’m looking for anyone who, like me, enjoys singing but not performing,” he says. This will be a singalong group with no solo performances, concerts, rehearsing or auditions. And you won’t have to read music or sing difficult harmonies.”

His musical preference for the group is for Broadway jazz standards from the 1920s to the 50s, “but you won’t have to sing like Frank Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald”.

“Most of these songs were hits from

Broadway musicals, written by classically trained composers like George Gershwin, Richard Rodgers and Cole Porter. Others were written by jazz musicians like Duke Ellington or Erroll Garner. The  songs were often written to fit the narrative of a show, and, generally, to cheer people up. Consequently they are short and simple but catchy. It was the pop music of the time,” he says.

Andrew wants live accompaniment to the singing and is looking for backing musicians, perhaps retired people who play

WIN tickets

Hibiscus Matters has two double passes to The Science of Getting 2 High to giveaway. To enter the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with The Science of Getting 2 High in the message. Alternatively, write your name, address and phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into The Science of Getting 2 High giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Ōrewa. Entries close on Friday, June 14. Note: Winners will be notified by phone, so a daytime number, and email address, must be included with entries.

at a good level and can read music, as well as a few singers with strong voices to lead. But apart from that, he is open to whoever wants to get involved

“I’m jumping in to see who turns up,” he says. “It’s a low stress, low anxiety approach and everyone is welcome.”

The first Singalong is on Sunday, June 9 at Ōrewa Beach Primary School, 280 Centreway Road, 7pm-9pm. Just turn up, or for more info email andrewjameswestaway@gmail.com

Jonathan Falconer, academic and comedian, is bringing his show to Whangaparāoa.

Crossword conundrum #33

© The Puzzle Company

Miniature house with big fundraising role

A little dolls’ house much loved by a local family has had a complete makeover and is looking fresh and ready for a new home.

It is being sold by Kathy Ellery to raise funds for Sister Sponsa, a nun, midwife and nurse who runs a health clinic in the Solomon Islands.

Kathy found the dolls’ house on a berm ‘free’ several years ago and her children played with it when they were young. It was showing its age, when Kathy decided to ask her great uncle Pieter Dekker of Ōrewa to restore it so she could raise funds for the clinic.

Ninety-six-year-old Pieter, a carpenter and “building perfectionist”, says he enjoyed the job, which included repairs, paint and “a safety rail on the stairs to ensure it was

compliant”. He also made some doll-size furniture and his wife Heather crocheted new bedding.

Kathy says in its refurbished state, a family or maybe a childcare centre, is going to love the dolls’ house – the money will be used for supplies for the clinic.

“Sister Sponsa works as a missionary, without pay, in a small island of 3000 people and it is more than four hours from the nearest hospital, by boat,” Kathy says.

“The clinic is so basic and has no water supply directly to it. Last year, Sister Sponsa along with two priests and four other nuns, helped more than 400 patients.” Anyone interested in purchasing the dolls’ house can contact Kathy, email kathyellery37@ gmail.com

JUNE EXHIBITIONS

Cat carer found

A story in Hibiscus Matters’ May 20 edition led to a happy reunion for Burmese cat DJ and the tradie, David Tornquist of Red Beach, who cared for him. The Clynes family cat, DJ, was missing from his Arkles Bay home for five and a half months. It appears he spent most of that hanging around David’s work at Wyatt Landscape Supplies in Dairy Flat until David, who made friends with DJ and shared his lunch with him, decided to adopt him. “It was getting cold at night and I didn’t like to think of him out there by himself,” David says. When he took DJ to the vet, the cat was identified by his microchip, which meant he could be returned to his overjoyed owners. After seeing the story in the paper, David visited the family, who wanted to thank him in person. David, who loves animals, says he is very happy that he could help get DJ back home.

The dolls’ house will be sold to raise funds for a health clinic run by a missionary in the Solomon Islands. From left, Kathy Ellery and her great uncle Pieter Dekker. Above, before the make over.

David Tornquist, right and daughter Karlie, catches up with David’s ‘work buddy’ DJ, as well as DJ’s owners, the Clynes family.

Sister Sponsa

Book reaffirms that children’s life stories matter

Red Beach author Rose Stanley has a new children’s book out, inspired by the courage she has witnessed in kids who have learned the power of speaking about what is happening in their lives – telling their own stories, their way.

Rose has worked for years in pastoral care and pastoral care training at state schools, especially in a highly-regarded small group programme called Seasons for Growth, which she says helps children to understand what happens when they experience change and loss and grief.

In the course of the work, she was privy to kids sharing what was going on in their lives, and became aware not only that they have a story to tell, but how important it is that they feel able to do so.

Experiences varied widely – from the sadness of a pet dying to facing the reality of an incarcerated parent, uncertainties surrounding separation and custody arrangements, family illness and bereavement, or difficulties making friends at school.

“I loved that the programme allowed the kids to say: This is how it happened for me, this is how I felt.

“It was really brave – not necessarily sharing everything, but even just a little bit of what was going on for them. And you could see them thinking how good it had been to talk – a weight off their shoulders.”

Rose says the idea then developed of writing a book that could help children to understand “that feelings are okay”.

The Story of You, written for 6-12 year olds, aims to help children discover that, whatever they experience in life, they are both the author and the main character of their own, unique story. And, importantly,

that “how it turns out is up to you”. Rose says that in addition to young readers themselves, parents or grandparents could read it with a loved one, and it could also be helpful for counsellors and therapists working with young children.

“I wanted it to be a fun read, to remind children that we all have stories to tell. It might be a small story or a big story, it doesn’t matter, but it’s your voice that should come through.”

In addition to young readers, parents or grandparents could read it with a loved one, and it could also be helpful for counsellors and therapists working with young children

Rose also cites as an inspiration the work of journalist and mental health advocate Jehan Casinader, whose book This Is Not How It Ends: How rewriting your story can save your life deals with how the power of storytelling helped him get through a fouryear struggle with depression.

She hopes her book will encourage young readers “to know early on that their story has a lot of power in it, both in the way they see it but also in the retelling of it”.

Rose traces back her interest in mental health issues to her own experiences as a teenager, when after her Dad died when she was 13, her Mum was left on her own to parent three teenagers.

“In those days you were told to suck it up and go back and look after your kids. There

was huge fallout for us,” she recalls. “So it’s always been in the background for me, and it became more and more important to be part of that conversation.”

Rose, who has lived on the Hibiscus Coast for most of the last 18 years, has written four previous children’s books. She is taking a break from the pastoral care role this year, enjoying spending time with her first grandchild and working on other projects, including a first adult non-fiction book.

WIN this book

Hibiscus Matters has two copies of The Story of You to give away. To go into the draw, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters on Facebook and message us your name and phone number with The Story of You in the message. Alternatively, write your name, address and a daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post or drop into The Story of You giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Avenue, Ōrewa. Entries close on Friday, June 21.

Rose Stanley is inspired by courageous kids.

New Coastie

Ed Amon edamonnz@gmail.com

Sibling duties

On the busy streets of Karachi, Pakistan, as a young teen, I was burdened with a responsibility I didn’t choose: being the eldest sibling in a joint-family household. My days were often filled with unwinnable arguments over chores that my role as the eldest child had forced onto me.

“Why do I always have to get the naan?” I’d protest, only to be met with my mother’s response: “because you are the eldest”. In my teenage world, where fairness seemed a distant concept, my bitterness seethed silently beneath the surface.

But it wasn’t just about naan runs and sibling squabbles. Karachi was a city with its own challenges and dangers in the 1990s, especially for a teenager navigating its streets. As I trudged through the bustling streets to do multitudes of mundane chores, my mind would often wander to the cricket game that I was missing out on while I guiltily had a smoke – a fleeting moment of solace amidst the chaos.

In Karachi, every corner held a story, every face a secret. From the neighbourhood cobbler with a perpetual cigarette dangling from his lips to the local tough guy armed and dangerous yet somehow a symbol of protection in a city rife with uncertainty. This was my world. I knew my city didn’t care for me, but I had the deepest love for her.

It was a common occurrence in the midst of everyday life for tragedy to strike. While

on chores, on the way back from school, or hanging out in front of a friend’s house having sand baked sweet potato, I would hear gunshots leading to chaos, and find myself in the heart of a drive-by shooting. I was always faced with the choice of rubbernecking or running for my life. I was a child; I chose the latter.

In the end, instinct always guided me home. My home was my refuge amidst the familiarity of my family and the comfort of a cricket match playing out on TV. The experience would always leave me feeling small and shallow. Suddenly, my gripes with my family about the unfairness of doing chores would seem tiny and frivolous. Home, untouched by the turmoil out in the city, was something sacred to protect. I couldn’t have my little brothers out there. As I grew older, I resolved that it was my responsibility to protect them. However, I continued to argue with my mother about the unfairness of it all because who doesn’t enjoy teasing their mum a little?

In the end, it is not about responsibility but about resilience and strength in the face of adversity. We all have different roles in our families. Sometimes, we complain about them. We feel constricted by them. But family is all we have.

Unlike the city that didn’t reciprocate the love I had for her, I always found love in my family, and I would do anything in my power to protect them.

Village to farm scheme opens eyes

A group of Evelyn Page retirement village residents recently got to see first-hand where their food scraps end up when they visited a Waitoki farm that has been converted into a banana plantation.

Five years ago, the Ōrewa village signed up to the City to Farm project, which collects food scraps from local organisations and businesses. The food scraps, which would otherwise go into landfill, are fermented, then composted on the farm. This nourishes the banana crop.

The amount of scraps collected from the village will soon tip over the 100 tonne mark.

According to Sustainable North Trust’s Betsy Kettle, this equates to 190 tonnes of greenhouse gases diverted from the environment.

Residents Graeme Howard, Sue Hoy and Sylvia Glenister were excited to visit farmer Phil Grainger’s plantation to find out more about the process.

It was Graeme who first spotted an article about the pilot scheme in Hibiscus Matters in 2019 and suggested joining to the village’s management team.

“Village manager Jill Clark immediately saw the benefits of diverting food scraps from the kitchen from going into landfill, and agreed that our village could participate,” Graeme says.

“I see the 45 litre food scrap bins being taken away from the village regularly but never realised how much tonnage was being composted from just the Hibiscus Coast. That gives me a warm fuzzy feeling.”

Betsy said the City to Farm scheme epitomises a true circular economy, with the delivery of 5kg of bananas to a local kindergarten each week currently being trialled.

Zeroing in on lunchbox litter

A request to Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste from a teacher at Ōrewa Primary highlighted students’ interest in the amount of wrappers and plastics that accumulate in the drains.

This term the school’s central theme is sustainability, with seniors (Year 4-6) looking at restoring the school’s native bush and stream, while junior students (Year 1-3) explore sustainability initiatives, including wastewater and stormwater management.

As a result of observing the waste packaging ending up in the drains, students are aiming to make their school lunches wrapper-free.

The school contacted Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste, which will be working with them on education and waste audits this month.

It’s the first time that the Zero Waste education team has been asked to focus on the litter created by lunchbox packaging, Eco-ECE Facilitator Samantha Holder says.

The initiative will include a waste audit and collection of the litter outside that ends up in their drains, followed by a shopping game where children can explore options for a common lunchbox item – for example buying a big bag of chips and splitting it up or buying smaller, single serve bags.

“The cost and waste when buying a larger bag is far less than buying individual bags,” Samantha says. “While we understand that children do not do the food shopping, it can create conversations at home with friends and families.”

Locally owned &

for over 30 years

Top, Evelyn Page residents, from left, Graeme Howard, Sue Hoy and Sylvia Glenister with a bunch of bananas grown using food scraps from their retirement village as fertiliser. Above, Waitoki farmer Phil Grainger offers City to Farm’s Betsy Kettle and Evelyn Page residents Graeme Howard and Sylvia Glenister a freshly harvested banana

Green scene

Stef Muller Pallarès estefania.mullerpallares@gmail.com

Small steps having an impact

The earlier that habits are instilled, the more likely they are to stick long-term, which is why getting early childhood centres (ECEs) on board with sustainable practices has been a focus for our local environmental group.

Eco Early Childhood Education is a programme partially funded by the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board that operates under Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste, a charitable environmental trust. The project brings trained facilitators into centres to help with sustainability and zero waste. Sam Imhof, who has been managing the project, has worked with more than 20 local centres over the past four years. Thanks to the local board funding, the programme is free to centres in the area.

Sam works through a 10-step plan over the course of six months so that centres have support in making real, sustainable change equipped with the knowledge and practices to help reduce and divert waste from landfill. Centred around the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship and protection), the programme aims to not only reduce the waste produced by the ECEs, but to instil values of environmental stewardship at an early age.

The programme begins with an assessment, a first waste audit, staff and family workshops, suggestions to better reduce, reuse and recycle, support in setting up organics diversion, a final waste audit and a final session with the offer of more support, where needed. It involves staff and families in waste reduction and can provide

workshops on topics such as composting, alternatives to plastic, food waste reduction and cloth nappies.

Many local ECEs have signed up, and made remarkable progress toward being low-waste centres. As a centre commits to certain practices, or completes steps of the programme, they receive a certificate with badges to mark their achievements. They are awarded for things such as completing waste audits, recycling soft plastics, holding educational workshops for families, swapping to reusable hand towels and nappies, using sustainable resources and more. The two most common actions that centres have taken up, and which have had the greatest impact, are swapping to reusable hand towels and diverting organics. Sam provides reusable handtowels that she sources secondhand, then cuts and overlocks herself. Using them in a centre saves hundreds of single-use paper towels a year.

Centres are supported to divert their organics from landfills by either setting up collections with City to Farm (which takes food scraps to a local farm for composting and growing food), or establishing an onsite compost.

Once centres divert one tonne of food scraps from landfill, they receive an award and dedicate their own tree at the City to Farm site.

If there is anything these tamariki can teach us, it is that building daily habits and taking small steps can have a great impact if we all work together. Info: ecoece.co.nz/services

Skin cancer and the law

You may be reading the title and asking – what is the relationship?

“Can you go to jail for not wearing sunscreen?”

“Will it be considered child abuse to not put it on your kids at the beach?”

Well not quite, but there have recently been some interesting developments in this space both here and overseas, that raise questions about how the law can help protect against the harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer. In 2022, the Sunscreen Product Safety Standard came into effect. This new regulation is well received and minimizes the chance of a consumer buying ineffective sunscreen. This does happen and the consumer was not protected until now. Rules about correct labelling, removing false claims and proving that the ingredients are what they say they are, mean that we can all now have more confidence in sunscreen purchases.

In 2015 the Health and Safety at Work Act made special mention of sun safety for those working outside. High risk workplaces now need to implement SunSmart policies in their workplace, such as providing protective clothing, sunblock and provision of workplace skin checks. Are you a groundskeeper, PE teacher or builder? Do you feel that your workplace could be safer? It might be a time to make sure that your employer is aware of their obligations to keep you safe. Lastly, a bugbear of mine and something where the law in my opinion has not gone far enough – sunbeds. Solaria or sunbeds can cause skin cancer just like the sun itself and are not safe for cosmetic use. They are currently illegal for use in those under 18, but in my opinion should be banned for all ages (unless using for a specific medical conditions). Specialists have been calling for this for years and tanning salons are not allowed in Australia, but perplexingly still manage to survive legally in New Zealand. The law should step in here to help protect the population from the scourge of melanoma and other skin cancers.

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm | 18 Florence Ave, Ōrewa Clinic: 09 242 7546 | support@skinsafe.co.nz

Time to get planting on the Coast

Planting season gets underway this month with a range of options for anyone who would like to get their hands dirty and make a contribution to improving the Coast’s environment. Families are always at the forefront of these community plantings, with all age groups taking part.

Shakespear Regional Park June 9 & 22 and July 14 & 27

This year’s planting days at Shakespear Regional Park will take place around the upper Waterfall Gully catchment area.  It is hoped that around 15,000 trees can be planted, with help from the public across four days. An additional 2000 trees will be planted by school groups and corporate volunteers.

The main species are māanuka and kānuka (60 percent), along with flax, cabbage tree, kowhai, and fruiting broadleaf species such as mahoe, mapou, and karamu.

These plantings will extend a forested area and provide around two hectares of new habitat for wildlife within the pest free open sanctuary.

All trees have been provided by Auckland Botanic Gardens and Shakespear Open Sanctuary Society’s volunteer nursery, which is supported by Trees that Count and Project Crimson.

Info: see What’s On, p27.

Restore Hibiscus & Bays plantings

• Ōtanerua Reserve, Hatfields Beach –June 16

Restore Hibiscus & Bays has been supporting a community group at this reserve since 2021. This year, 100 trees will be planted at the front of the reserve and a further 400 native grasses into the riparian (streamside) edge in the bush providing

further habitat and helping to stabilise the stream bank.

• Amorino Park, Red Beach – June 23

There are 410 trees to be planted this year. Restore Hibiscus & Bays and the community first planted this area in 2022, transforming a boggy area.

• Pacific Parade Coastal Reserve, Army Bay

– July 6

This year there are 500 trees to go in to extend the planting area, further transforming what was once a weedinfested, debris-strewn wasteland and providing more habitat for native species. Already, saddleback/tīeke have been heard at Pacific Parade.

• Kath Hopper Drive, Ōrewa – June 26 The site is a saltmarsh, classified as a terrestrial Significant Ecological Area and a Biodiversity Focus Area. It is deemed to

be particularly ecologically important and warrants careful management, to protect the indigenous biodiversity present. This season 1000 plants, including trees and grasses, are to go in, providing habitat for at-risk species such as banded rail and fernbirds, as well as nursery habitat for native fish.

• Okoromai-Clansman Reserve, Army Bay – August 24 This reserve is a Significant Ecological Area and offers planters the chance to be amongst diverse native plant species and maybe hear some very special birds, including the kākāriki which have been visiting lately. There is also an opportunity for a corporate group to have a weekday planting day at OkoromaiClansman towards the end of August – see contact below to book in.  Info: https://restorehb.org.nz/planting-days or https://restorehb.org.nz/whats-on/

Canberra cup beckons junior footballers

A team of young footballers from the Hibiscus Coast Football Club is hoping to take part in a big tournament in Australia and its members, aged 11 and 12, have been fundraising hard for more than six months. Junior club captain Angus Goodrick says it has been a dream of the club’s committee to send teams to international tournaments. They are trying to make it happen this year as part of commemorations of the club’s 50th season. “The team consists of a number of former and current students of Whangaparāoa Primary and other Hibiscus Coast schools who have been selected to represent the club, and the tournament offers a fantastic experience for these young athletes,” Angus says. The event, the Kanga Cup, takes place in Canberra in the July school holidays. It is the largest football tournament in the southern hemisphere with teams coming from all over the world to take part. Parents have organised wine tasting nights and quiz nights to make it more affordable for everyone and the team has also gained sponsorship from Mitre10 Silverdale and Ze Build. The latest fundraiser for the team is a quiz night, open to the public, to be held at Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday, June 15. The quiz will be hosted by Jim Kayes. Tickets $20 from Eventfinda.

Girls footy under lights

Hibiscus Coast football club is putting on a free event for girls aged 4-9 years, who want to give football a go. There will be fun activities with great coaches, and prizes to be won. The Girls Night Under Lights is on Friday, June 14 at Metro Park, Millwater, from 5.30pm (registration opens 5pm). Info: www.hbcafc.org.nz/girls-football

Tania Adams, Pharmacist tania.adams@unichemmanly.co.nz

Is it a cold, flu or covid?

Sometimes a cold feels so bad that we are convinced we must have the flu. Manflu is a thing! But how can you tell the difference between a cold and the flu? And what about covid?

Colds, influenza and covid are all caused by viruses. Symptoms of a cold appear over one to two days and are usually mild including a sore throat, sneezing, runny nose and congestion. You may also have a cough and slight headache especially if sinuses are blocked. There can be a mild fever but not usually any muscle pain. Influenza (flu) symptoms, on the other hand, come on very quickly. One minute you are fine and the next , you are not. Symptoms are more severe than a cold, such as moderate to severe headache, muscle aches, fever, extreme tiredness and maybe a dry cough.  While colds and flu exhibit different symptoms, distinguishing covid infections from colds and flu can be very difficult as many of the symptoms overlap. There are some uncommon symptoms that are particular to covid, such as loss of taste/ smell and gastrointestinal symptoms. However mild covid infections seem to mimic a cold and the more severe covid infections have very similar symptoms to flu. This means there is really only one way to be certain if you have covid and that is to test. The latest RAT tests for sale at pharmacies check for covid along with influenza A and B and RSV.  For both flu and covid, the best treatment

Health Silverdale Village Market

is prevention. The official flu season has already started, although actual cases of flu remain low, which means there is still time to get yourself vaccinated. Covid does not seem to have a season, as such, but is prevalent in our community all year round. Vaccinations for covid are available every six months to everyone over 30 years old. The current covid vaccination covers the latest variants, so if it has been six months since your last covid booster, then it’s time to consider getting another.

Treatment options for colds, and mild cases of flu or covid, have just got better with the oral decongestant pseudoephidrine coming back on the market. Medicines containing pseudoephidrine are now classified as pharmacist only medicines which means you will be able to buy them at a pharmacy, but a pharmacist will need to speak with you about whether the product is suitable for you. They will also need to record your details.

Other treatments for colds, mild flu and covid include pain relievers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, saline nasal rinses and other nasal decongestants. Lastly, if you test positive for covid or flu and are feeling poorly, be sure to call a healthcare professional for help and advice. The anti-viral Paxlovid remains funded for those over 65 years old or who meet certain criteria and may be prescribed by your doctor or a specialised pharmacist. Tamiflu is an antiviral treatment available for flu and can be purchased as a pharmacist only medicine.

Nestled in the tranquil Red Beach, Gulf Rise is the ultimate destination for your retirement dreams, offering five-star facilities and a vibrant community.

From charming and efficient to spacious and welcoming, our diverse selection of architecturally designed apartments brings you the epitome of luxury retirement living.

Our gorgeous gift shop is located in a tiny Victorian summer house in the grounds of Orewa House. Call in for a delightfully unique shopping experience. All natural skincare, candles, crystals, jewellery and other lovely treasures. Open Friday to Sunday 11am to 3pm

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Joynt takes dramatic world champs bronze

Just three months out from the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, Milldale paraathlete Mitch Joynt ran a lifetime best in the 200 metre T64 race at the Para Athletics World Championships in Kobe, Japan on May 25, setting a new Oceania record in the process.

The 29-year-old came in fourth, but after the first-placed Italian athlete Francesco Loragno was disqualified for a lane infringement, Joynt was upgraded to the podium, taking the bronze medal.

The Kiwi’s time of 23.15 seconds, a new Oceania record, was just 0.04 seconds behind the gold medal-winning time of Brazil’s Wallison Andrew Fortes (who moved up from silver after Loragno’s disqualification).

It was Joynt’s second successive Para World bronze medal in the 200m T64 event, after taking third place in last year’s championships in Paris Joynt has a trademark strong late finish, and the race in Japan was no exception. As the field entered the home straight, he was

running virtually last, before unleashing his late charge.

“I’m really happy with the time,” he said.

“It is obviously nice to win another global medal but I’m always in competition with myself and I’ve never run a faster race.

“Just like in Paris last year I was pretty much dead last coming off the bend, so I had them exactly where I wanted them,” he said.

“I’ve always been known as a slow starter and that gets highlighted even more on the world stage, but I’m also known as a really strong finisher and that has never been shown more than in this final. Being within 0.04 of gold does sting a bit but it does show how close I am to the top guys.”

The T64 class is for para-athletes who have movement moderately affected in one lower leg, or the absence of one or both legs below the knee.

Joynt lost his right leg below the knee following a woodchipper accident in Mangawhai in 2013. He is the NZ national

Champion sailor shares ups and downs at yacht club talk

Former America’s Cup sailor Rick Dodson, who is giving a talk at Gulf Harbour Yacht Club on June 6, says one thing he has learned from sailing races is “never, ever give up”. That philosophy has also been demonstrated in his own life – Rick was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1997 and went on to represent his country again, competing in the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Assisted by three good friends, Hayden Whitburn, Matt Mason and Joey Allan, Rick’s talk at the yacht club will provide insight into both his time as a top, able-

bodied sailor and as a Paralympian. At the heart of it is not just sailing, but other sailors.

“The best part of my career was not just winning, but the friendships I made –and they still help me to this day,” he says. “The support I had from friends was overwhelming – for example, Russell [Coutts] and my friends helped me fundraise to get to Rio for the Paralympics.”

He says a highlight of the Paralympics was meeting amazing athletes, and talking to them about their disabilities and how they deal with them.

“They are bloody strong people and good sailors.”

Rick has high hopes for the upcoming America’s Cup campaign, saying Team NZ’s boat “looks the best overall and the crew work looks slick”.

“I am disappointed the event has left NZ but understand why it moved to Europe. It all comes down to what is best for sponsors and the teams – the money. I really hope it comes back to NZ, but it might be a few cycles away.”

He says it’s been a long time between visits to Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, where he once

raced Etchells, but he’s excited to return.

“It’s a great place to sail, nice breeze and friendly people. It’s amazing how the place has expanded over the years.”

The book about his life and career: Storms Ahead, by Rebecca Hayter, published last year, will be available at the talk.

“The book is about my life – the highs and lows. I want to tell people life is hard, but never ever give up!”

The talk, America’s Cup champion to Paralympian is at the yacht club on Thursday, June 6, starting 7pm. All welcome. More info, see What’s On, p27.

record-holder for the 100m, 200m, 400m and 800m T64, and holds the world record for the 800m T64, a time of 2:17.22, set in Auckland in 2022.

The five-strong New Zealand team finished

the nine-day Kobe championships with eight medals – two gold, four silver and two bronze – a performance which Athletics NZ said “offers real optimism going into the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games”.

Mitch Joynt storms home in Kobe. Photo, Athletics NZ

The scenic Ōrewa Half Marathon course is one of the reasons that makes it so popular, organisers say.

New personal best for Ōrewa

The Ōrewa Half Marathon, to be held on Sunday, June 9, outran organisers’ expectations, with entries selling out for the first time.

The 600 participants signed up are aged from teenagers to 80 years old.

The event offers 5km and 10km options as well as the Half Marathon (21.1km), and can be walked or run. It has been part of Run 21’s family friendly series of coastal half marathons since 2021.

Co-director Natalie Waters says it has always attracted high participation rates, something she puts down to a scenic course, designed to give runners and walkers a bit

Lasting memories

of everything.

She says Run 21 prioritises keeping prices down, which means trying to avoid roads as traffic management is expensive.

The other key is maintaining a grassroots, community feel, which Natalie says encourages and supports new runners.

“In Ōrewa, families come down to support and have picnics,” she says. “There will be elite runners taking part who want to beat their personal bests, while for others running their first 5km without stopping is a big deal. They push and inspire each other.”

All the marshalls this year are volunteers from Ōrewa Sea Scouts.

The nine giant picture frames that encourage visitors to stop and admire Auckland’s regional parks celebrated their 25th anniversary last month. The frames were installed in 1999, long before social media, to highlight scenic spots and have since become highly ‘Instagrammable’, with thousands of visitors putting themselves, friends and family in the frame to take snaps and selfies. They were installed as part of an award-winning campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi called ‘Put yourself in the Picture’. As well as the one at Shakespear Regional Park, pictured, there are frames at Waitākere, Tāpapakanga, Ambury, Āwhitu, Hunua, Long Bay and Mahurangi Regional Parks. Fun fact: On one side of each frame is a park ranger.

ToTalspan Rodney pRoud sponsoRs of

THE scor EBoArD

aRoundup of spoRTs acTiviTies in THe disTRicT

FOOTBALL FUNDRAISER

To support a junior team of Hibiscus Coast Football Club footballers, a quiz night will be held at Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club on Saturday, June 15, hosted by Jim Kayes. Tickets $20 from Eventfinda.

SAILING SEMINAR

On June 20, the winners of the first mixed team award in the Round the North Island sailing race, Anna Merchant and Aaron Hume-Merry, talk about all things sailing, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, near the ferry, 7pm-8.30pm. All welcome, $5 entry for nonYacht Club members.

RUN MILLWATER

Free, fun, friendly 5km community activity. What a way to start your weekend! Every Saturday, 8am-9am, meeting at Metro Park sportsfields, Millwater. Walk, run, jog, volunteer or spectate! All welcome. Info: www.parkrun.co.nz/millwater/

ŌREWA CROQUET CLUB

Come and see if croquet is for you. Golf croquet is played Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings and Association on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings. Coaching programme and mallets available. If interested phone the club on 09426 3506 or Pixie 021 0249 5910 or visit 43 Hatton Road Ōrewa

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

List your sports here FREE email: terry@localmatters.co.nz

ToTalspan Rodney 229 sTaTe HigHway 1 waRkwoRTH pHone 09 422 3149

HOME & MAINTENANCE

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

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

Over 30 years’ experience. Contact Dexter 027 4956 436

DRAINLAYERS

For your drainage requirements. Certified drain layers. All Round Drainage Ltd: Ph/txt 0274 890 851 email jeff@ardnz.com

HANDYMAN

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

HOUSE WASHING - SOFT WASH / LOW PRESSURE / CHEMICAL WASH Also Window Cleaning / Gutter Clearing Careful service, reasonable rates. Phone 021 057 9743

PUMP DOCTOR

WATER PUMP & FILTER SERVICES. New installs for all your water pump requirements. Ph 0274 430 654.

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

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

ESTATE LANDSCAPES – For all of your landscaping needs Ph SEAN 027 904 7506

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 Eradication of rats & mice. Competitive Rates. Ph 426 2253 Ph 027 286 7321, www.noratsandmice.nz

Classifieds

DVDS & VIDEOS

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

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

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

WANTED

BENCH SEAT WITH CAST IRON ENDSany condition wanted. Ph. 021 0226 8673

SERVICES

CAN’T MAKE IT TO A HAIR SALON? No problem I can come to you. Qualified Hairstylist providing cutting and blow wave services. Please phone Julie 021 112 8015

FURNITURE REMOVALS

exp Owner Operator 30 years. Single Items to Flat/House lots. Silverdale Based. Ph Gavin 0274 973 867

HYPNOTHERAPY

Lose weight. stop smoking. anxiety and depression, confidence, self esteem. Ph 021 635 966 www.hypnotherapy2succeed.co.nz

Exercycle Model U15 EXTERRA. Perfect condition – near new, $650 (RRP $849 save $209) phone 09

CARAVAN PROJECT Rebuilt chassis, new: tyres, bearings, side panels, lever arms/corner legs rebuilt and painted. $1500 ONO. Ph Marsh 0276 636 291

MANLY PARK SENIORS TENNIS CLUB

AGM, 11am Friday July 5. 56 Laurence St, Manly. Notices of Motion to be with the Secretary 21 days prior.

HOUSIE

$1000 JACKPOT

Played 1pm Every Friday, Clubrooms Bowls Ōrewa, Ph 09 426 5937 LIFE COACH LET THE SUNSHINE IN ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS: Free session Contact Steve 021 264 2506 www.hibiscuslifecoach.com

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

TAROT & ASTROLOGY CONSULTATIONS Available in Dairy Flat. Contact Ruby 020 410 70203.

ACROSS: 1 Spots, 4 Go off the deep end, 14 Crave, 15 Total, 16 Roundabout, 17 Parka, 19 Lid, 20 Blunder, 21 Statuette, 22 Cavity, 25 Arrogance, 27 Prefer, 28 Bricks, 33 Falsehoods, 35 Nil, 36 Shoved, 37 Draw, 39 Lit, 41 Lullaby, 42 Baffle, 43 Commotion, 44 Tulle, 45 Beverage, 50 As, 51 Stretchy, 55 Strut, 58 Barricade, 59 Threat, 60 Library, 61 Wee, 63 Exit, 64 Resign, 65 Mug, 66 Improvised, 68 Choker, 69 Mascot, 71 Sovereign, 76 Bitter, 77 Profanity, 79 Control, 81 Car, 84 Rival, 85 Volleyball, 86 Films, 87 Passé, 88 Frog in the throat, 89 Ghost. DOWN: 2 People, 3 Train, 5 Oboe, 6 Fanatic, 7 Traits, 8 Erode, 9 Entitle, 10 Pops, 11 Normal, 12 Early, 13 Leaders, 14 Calibre, 18 Xenophobia, 23 Mayor, 24 Rejoice, 26 Resolve, 27 Pullets, 29 Cardiac, 30 Danube, 31 Sniff, 32 Permit, 34 Swap, 36 Still, 38 Windy, 40 Core, 45 Bible, 46 Vertigo, 47 Raid, 48 Gnawed, 49 Brown, 50 Attempt, 52 Rhinoceros, 53 Turning, 54 Harden, 55 Seminar, 56 Drugs, 57 Taxi, 62 Spree, 67 Venture, 68 Concept, 70 Caravan, 72 October, 73 Beaver, 74 Insect, 75 Cosmos, 76 Brisk, 78 Filth, 80 Thigh, 82 Slug, 83 Plea.

5:24am1.0 11:40am2.9 5:29pm0.9 12:02am3.1 6:12am1.0 12:26pm2.9 6:17pm1.0 12:48am3.0 6:59am1.1 1:13pm2.8 7:08pm1.1 1:35am2.9 7:47am1.1 2:03pm2.7 8:02pm1.2 2:23am2.9 8:36am1.1 2:56pm2.7 8:58pm1.2 3:11am2.8 9:25am1.1 3:51pm2.7 9:51pm1.2 3:59am2.8 10:15am1.0 4:45pm2.8 10:41pm1.1 4:48am2.8 11:04am1.0 5:35pm2.9 11:28pm1.1 5:37am2.9 11:51am0.9 6:23pm3.0 12:14am1.0 6:26am2.9 12:37pm0.8 7:08pm3.1 1:00am0.9 7:15am3.0 1:23pm0.7 7:53pm3.2 1:46am0.9 8:04am3.1 2:08pm0.6 8:38pm3.3 7:28am 5:12pm 7:28am 5:12pm 7:29am 5:12pm 7:29am 5:12pm 7:30am 5:12pm 7:30am 5:12pm

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

1-14

Hibiscus Coast Photography Exhibition, Whangaparāoa Library. Free

6 America’s Cup champion to Paralympian, a talk by former America’s Cup sailor Rick Dodson, with Matt Mason and Joey Allan, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, near the ferry, 7pm-8.30pm. All welcome, $5 entry for non-Yacht Club members. (see story p24)

6 Quiz Night and Music with Going Bananas, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 5.30pm-7pm. Free entry.

6 Tough Conversations workshop for parents and caregivers, Silverdale Primary School, 6.30pm-8.30pm. Helping navigate tough conversations with pre-school and primary school aged children. Fundraiser for Silverdale Playcentre. Tickets $20. www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/12324

7 Whangaparāoa Superblues, Ōrewa Bridge Club, 121 Westhoe Road, 10am11.30am. hosted by Whangaparāoa MP Mark Mitchell. Guest speaker Upper Harbour MP Cameron Brewer. Entry $10pp, morning tea provided. RSVP mitchell.national@gmail.com

8 Jordan Luck Band Winter Tour, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8.30pm-11.30pm. All the well-loved hits. Tickets from Eventfinda

8 Auckland Youth Orchestra, Ōrewa Arts & Events Centre, Ōrewa College, Riverside Road, Ōrewa, 4.30pm-6.15pm. Tickets: Adult $25, Senior $20, Student/Child $10 from Eventfinda.

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

9 Community planting day, Shakespear Regional Park, starting 10am. All welcome. The other community planting dates are June 22 and July 14 and 27. Bring clean, sturdy covered footwear, gardening gloves, a rain jacket, sunhat and sunscreen. You can bring your own clean spade, but they are also supplied. Info: https:// ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/tags/planting/ (see story p22)

10 Home Gardening Guide in Mandarin, Whangaparāoa Library, 10.30am. Gardening talk for Mandarin-speakers. Free.

11 Flower Exhibition - Puttin on the Ritz, Ōrewa Baptist Church, 11.30am2.30pm. Trading table, raffles, and silent auction. $5 entry. Tea, coffee and lunch available $10. 1920-1930's theme.

14 Hell Freezes Over/Kiwi Eagles Experience, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8.30pm-11.30pm. NZ’s premier international touring Eagles tribute band. Tickets from Eventfinda.

15 Winter Fabfest, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 2pm-12am. Ten fine NZ bands. Put on your dancing shoes! Tickets from Eventfinda

15  Dave Ewart Jnr, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. $5 members, $10 non-members – door sales only.

16 Death Café, Whangaparāoa Library, 10.30am. Coffee, cake and open conversations about grief, death and dying. Free. All welcome

16 Gutter Kitties fundraising Believe it or Not quiz, Parāoa Brewing Co, Whangaparāoa, 2pm. Maximum of six per table. Tickets $20pp (includes raffle ticket). Prizes for top three tables. Tickets from Eventfinda.

17 Age Concern’s Support for Seniors, Whangaparāoa Library, 10.30am. Detailing support services for older people. Free. RSVP WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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

20 Campaigning to race Round the North Island, winners of the first mixed team award, Anna Merchant and Aaron Hume-Merry, talk about all things sailing, Gulf Harbour Yacht Club, near the ferry, 7pm-8.30pm. All welcome, $5 entry for non-Yacht Club members.

20 Quiz Night and Music with Going Bananas, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 5.30pm-7pm. Free entry.

21 Roller Disco Round 2, Parāoa Brewing Co, 719A Whangaparāoa Rd, 5pm-7pm.

22 The Science of Getting 2 High, Parāoa Brewing, 719A Whangaparāoa Road, 8pm-9.20pm. With comedian and academic Jonathan Falconer. Tickets from Eventfinda. (see story p15)

26  Chet O’Connell, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 6:30pm-8:30pm. Free entry.

28 Stetson Club with Chet O’Connell band, Dairy Flat Community Hall, 4 Postman Rd, Dairy Flat. 7.30pm-11pm. Members $10, non-members $12.50. Licensed cash bar. Bring your own nibbles. All welcome.

29 Shindig Down Under, Hibiscus Coast Community RSA, 43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay, 7pm-10.30pm. Free entry.

29 Peter Snell Youth Village Open Day, 1212 Whangaparāoa Road, Gulf Harbour, 10am-4pm. All welcome.

30 Naturopath Rachelle Turrell’s Improve & Reset Gut Health, Whangaparāoa Library, 11am. How to produce and maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Free event. RSVP WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz RESCHEDULED from June 4.

See www.localmatters.co.nz/whats-on/ for

Boost your immunity

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Cover yourself this winter

Vaccination available now

See one of our friendly vaccinators, Tracy, Susan or Angela for vaccination against influenza, Covid and more.

Walk ins available on Monday, Wednesday ans Fridays or book online on bookmyvaccine.health.nz or phone us on 09 424 7708 for assistance.

Travel vaccines also available.

Jammies for June

Collection Point at Unichem Manly

Every winter thousands of kiwi kids go to sleep each night without warm pjs to combat the cold and preventable illness. Donate new winter pjs and help a child this winter.

See unichemmanly.co.nz for details.

Sartorial elegance – and fundraising chops to boot

Rory O’Malley of Hibiscus Coast took honours as the biggest fundraiser in the country in this year’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, a fast-growing global event raising money for men’s health and prostate cancer awareness.

Riders in Auckland and a dozen other centres in New Zealand joined those across the world dressing up in dapper suits and ties and taking their motorcycles, vintage or otherwise, for a spin on May 19.

With almost 400 riders registered in Auckland and some 1340 riders across NZ, Rory topped the national fundraiser leaderboard, raising $6232 (as of May 28).

The achievement has won him the right to lead the pack in next year’s ride – on a brand-new Triumph, and wearing a suit that will be tailor-made for him by Barkers.

The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride started in Sydney in 2012, and within a year the number of participants had climbed to 11,000 riders in 145 cities around the world. Since 2016, Movember has been the official charity partner.

Last year the themed ride saw 106,000 riders, in 893 cities in 107 countries, raise a total of $7.45 million. This year’s ride saw a record 113,314 riders take part; other 2024 stats are still being compiled.

Rory attributed his success to family and friends on the Hibiscus Coast and supporters of his gardening business, Tidy Kiwi Gardening. He is also a member of the group Every Sunday Motorcycle Collective, which has 35 riders in its Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride team.

It was Rory’s second time doing the event.

“I did it in 2022, and loved it,” he says. “This time I decided to go hard and raise as much as possible.”

Rory has had a few friends and family members grapple with depression, and the issue of men’s health, physical and mental, is important to him, he says.

“We all have stories of ourselves and others around us that need assistance getting through the biggest thing we will ever know – life.”

Rory and his daughter Mila in Ōrewa, gearing up for the ride on his Benelli Custom 502C. The 2024 Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride at Auckland’s Viaduct Basin on May 19.