Mahurangi Matters_Issue 253_16 July 2014

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July 16, 2014

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Puhoi • Warkworth • Snells • Matakana • Omaha • Leigh • Pakiri • Wellsford • Port Albert • Kaiwaka • Mangawhai

Kawau Island baches left to rot

These derelict waterfront baches on Kawau Island were once available to the public to rent. They were closed by the Department of Conservation 12 years ago and all attempts by residents to get them restored and re-opened have failed.

The Department of Conservation (DOC) is again being criticised for its management of property on Kawau Island with some people calling for the island to be handed over to Auckland Council.

The latest reserve in the spotlight is Sunny Bay, where DOC owns two abandoned baches.

The waterfront buildings were at one time rented out as public accommodation and residents would like to see them restored and returned to community use.

But since 2002, when DOC stopped using the houses for staff, the buildings have been empty.

An advocate for the restoration plan was Norman Gibbons, who has owned property on the island for 15 years.

“We spent about a year trying to work out a plan with DOC but it was a total waste of time,” he says. “Everything was a problem, from putting in a new wastewater system to replacing the timber on the houses or tidying up the grounds. For instance, we were told all the trees had to be carbon-dated. This

was going to mean flying an expert up from Wellington, a cost that we were expected to bear.

“Even digging a drain was going to require an archaeologist’s report. We just couldn’t make any headway and after 12 months, and thousands of dollars of our own money, we just had to walk away from it.”

The residents’ plan included leasing the property for $1 a year and in return, rebuilding and maintaining the baches for community and public use, and doing up the wharf.

“We had about $600,000 pledged towards the work, but needed a commitment from DOC to make it happen, which they just couldn’t give us. It’d be better if Auckland Council ran the place.”

Island property owner Mark Smith, who was also keen to see the baches reopened, says the idea was to make the place available for groups like canoeists, day parties, youth and as a meeting place for the rural fire service.

“Our offer was predicated on the continued on page 2

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July 16, 2014

contacts Issue 253

General enquiries: Call 425 9068 PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 17 Neville St, Warkworth 0941 Editor: Jannette Thompson 021 263 4423 editor@localmatters.co.nz Reporter: George Driver 425 9068 news@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Cathy Busbridge 022 029 1899 advertising@localmatters.co.nz Shona Mackinnon 022 029 1897 local@localmatters.co.nz Design: Clare Woods localmatters@xtra.co.nz

Mahurangi Matters is a locally owned publication, circulated twice a month to more than 13,000 homes and businesses.

Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the editor is prohibited.

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Kawau houses left to rot understanding that the community would raise the funding, and provide the materials, labour and the machinery necessary to do the work.

We thought this was well within our abilities, over a one to two year period.

“That was two years ago and nothing has happened since. The place is just being left to rot. It’s criminal.”

Warkworth-based DOC spokesperson Liz Maire says a remedial work plan for the Sunny Bay baches has been completed and would guide any restoration project.

She says that over the last few years the focus has been to engage the community in the restoration and use of the baches, but admits that to date,

from page 1

that has not been successful.

“DOC’s current priorities for Kawau Island Historic Reserve are to restore and maintain Mansion House, plus manage the recreational facilities and logging project. We would not be able to financially contribute to any proposal for upgrading/use of the facilities at Sunny Bay.” Kawau Island Residents & Ratepayers Association (KIRRA) chair Les Mellars believes DOC is in a difficult position.

“They don’t have the money to do anything themselves, but are liable in the event that anyone is injured or hurt on the property,” he says.

“It’s a crying shame to see those baches sitting there empty. Providing

opportunities for the public to enjoy Kawau is the lifeblood of the island.”

The classification of the Sunny Bay site as an historic reserve reflects the early mining history of the island and the fact that the area once formed part of Sir George Grey’s estate. The buildings have local significance as examples of early residences on the island.

DOC is currently engaged with the Treaty Settlement process, in particular with Te Marutuahu who have interests in Kawau Island. Several years ago, DOC was severely criticised by residents over its management of Mansion House.

commentonline localmatters.co.nz

Roads dominate Local Board plan meetings Auckland Council staff and Rodney Local Board members outnumbered the public at an information evening on the Local Board Plan in Wellsford this month.

The plan sets out priorities for the Local Board for the next three years and invites residents to comment

by August 6. Only about 10 people attended the meeting at the Wellsford Community Hall, which became tense as the issue of unsealed roads eclipsed the focus on other issues such as recreation facilities and town centre growth. Landowners and Contractors Association member Colin Smith said he had given up hope of achieving any progress on road sealing through submitting to the Board.

“My family has been here 150 years, and nothing has happened with road sealing,” he said. “It’s been like this all my life and I’ve submitted on it hundreds of times. I’m sick of it.”

Frustration was also vented at the Supercity structure.

“You (the Board) are not the decision makers. You are a buffer for us to take out our frustrations on,” Colin said.

The use of the old Wellsford Library was also a heated issue. Wellsford Promotions chair Stephanie Railey said locals were frustrated with the red tape involved in regaining use of the facility which became available when the new Wellsford Library opened a year ago.

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Board member John McLean assured her the community would “have the keys by Christmas”.

The prospect of a pedestrian/cycle bypass off the main road and adding two roundabouts at either end of the town was also raised.

Meanwhile, the Warkworth meeting – jointly hosted by the Warkworth Area Business Association, Warkworth Liaison Group and Mahurangi Action Plan – attracted about 40 locals, many representing community groups.

Issues discussed included roads, pest management, hall fees and work on a Warkworth Structure Plan, which may start next year.

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Briefs Get on board Auckland Transport is running a public engagement survey on Warkworth’s public transport needs, from July 21 to August 18. The survey results will be used to plan for the future of public transport for Warkworth. At a Warkworth Area Liaison Group meeting this month, members were urged to advocate for a commuter bus service between Warkworth and Silverdale or Albany, and a free park n ride. A public information event will be held on the New Network information bus (the AmBUSador), which will be parked on Queen Street, Warkworth, on Saturday August 9, from 10.30am to 2pm.

Nil average increase Springboard youth service has secured ownership of its headquarters, in Snells Beach, following an outpouring of generosity from the community.

Community secures Springboard base Springboard youth service has finally secured its own headquarters after receiving more than $200,000 from the community.

The sale of the building in Snells Beach, which is understood to have cost more than $500,000, was finalised on June 30 after a lightning 21-day fundraising campaign.

Springboard founder, Gary Diprose, initially set what he thought was an ambitious fundraising goal of $60,000 to help finance the purchase, but the final total of $204,000 more than tripled his expectations.

“When we started looking to raise the money I thought we were sunk,” Gary says. “I’m completely blown away by the result.”

Two individuals donated $50,000 and a total of seven donors contributed more than $10,000 each.

“One guy donated $50,000 over the phone. I’d never heard from him

before and he had never been here or donated before. He was leaving home to visit his son in Christchurch when he picked up a Mahurangi Matters on his way out of town. After reading the paper he called us up and said ‘I hear you guys need some funding. It’s your lucky day’,” Gary says.

“But our first donor was one of my first students here. She wanted to secure this building for other youth and donated $50. She went from a girl who was causing trouble in the community to where she is now giving back. That’s what Springboard is all about.”

All up, Springboard received 80 donations.

“They will all be honoured in an acknowledgement board in our foyer. These people will always be remembered for getting us to this stage. For getting us home.

“But it’s not only about the building.

It’s given us all a huge boost in confidence to realise how many people are cheering us on and appreciate the work we do. We don’t want crime in the community, we don’t want tagging and we are committed to helping young people give back.”

Springboard moved into the former landscape supplies shed four years ago, after generous grants from the community helped secure a oneyear lease. However, last August the landlord said he was putting the building on the market and negotiations over a purchase price went on for the next 10 months.

“We finally have a secure home which is a huge weight off us, but the journey won’t be over until the debt is gone.”

Springboard is hosting an afternoon tea on August 1 to thank all the people who have been a part of the journey to this point. Info: 425 4623 or mail@ springboard.org.nz

WATERTECH PLUS WELLSFORD

A nil average general rates increase, an extra $235,000 for environmental projects and an additional $163,000 for pest management are the major features of the Northland Regional Council’s Annual Plan for 2014/15.

For a Kaipara district ratepayer whose property has a $225,000 land value the nil increase will mean a total GST-inclusive rates bill of $207.84.

The additional funding for pest management will directed at Kai Iwi Lakes and Taharoa Domain, and to help fund a joint agency response to kauri dieback.

Grants policy A draft community grants policy for Auckland is out for consultation. The policy will guide the allocation of local and regional grants to community groups and organisations, specifically supporting social, cultural and environmental wellbeing. Feedback closes on August 11. To read the full policy, go to shapeauckland.co.nz.

Physical copies of the documents are also available at Council libraries, community centres, local board offices and service centres. Info: communityassistance@

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July 16, 2014

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OFF THE RECORD No promises The audience at a Local Board show & tell meeting in Warkworth were reassured when it came to question time that … “there is no such thing as a dumb question.” To which one of the Board members muttered, “but you might get some dumb answers.”

Email Off the Records to editor@ localmatters.co.nz

YOU SAY

We welcome your feedback but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read at localmatters.co.nz/opinion. Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

Roundabout merits

community at a previous hearing regarding Kowhai Reserve and the potential disruption due to construction. This was in 2008, six years ago. The idea of a large roundabout was only proposed last year. It seems NZTA is now going to use the same excuse for the next 10 to 15 years.

The Rodney Local Board wrote to the NZTA on 10 December 2013 requesting that Hill Street intersection be upgraded as soon as possible and that the large roundabout solution be considered.

This is surely far more relevant.

NZTA has not even had the decency to reply to the RLB request. It is time for the politicians to tell NZTA to give us a real solution now.

As the inaugural Road Safety coordinator for Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago Districts, I would like to commend Roger Williams for his Hill St/SH1 roundabout plan (MM July 2). Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra each have large volumes of traffic flowing through town using roundabouts.

Before roundabouts were installed, these towns were often gridlocked.

Now traffic flows, at reduced speed but a flow – everything from cyclists to huge truck and trailer units all giving way to all traffic on their right as they negotiate the roundabouts.

Roundabouts can be from very small and low (so truck and trailer tyres can move over them safely) right through to large raised garden roundabouts.

I invite NZTA transport planning managers to look more closely at roundabouts as an option for the Hill St/SH1 intersection in Warkworth.

Lynne Stewart Warkworth

Hill needs real solution It is time we made Hill Street intersection a Road of Electoral Significance.

Mieszko Iwaskow (NZTA) response to my roundabout proposal (MM July 2) is both misleading and disappointing. He uses the excuse that he had conversations with the

Roger Williams Warkworth

Hill St syndrome I am appalled at the endless debacle regarding the upgrade of the Hill Street intersection. I have an issue with NZTA claiming that using some of Kowhai Park is not an acceptable solution. This, they claim, is a result of consultation with the public.

What the NZTA have to realise is that the few people they have listened to are not the overwhelming majority at all.

I have yet to find a single person who has a problem with using some of Kowhai Park, which is a bit of a car

park not a ‘park’ anyway. The people opposed to this have contracted a strange disease – You Can’t Do That Syndrome (YCDTS). Unfortunately, they seem to have infected the NZTA with this disturbing affliction.

What the NZTA has to realise is that most of us would not have been aware of any meetings regarding this, let alone have time to attend. So what if some totara have to be removed! If that’s a big issue, someone can go and plant a couple of hundred somewhere else.

This intersection is a basic piece of infrastructure that many thousands of people use constantly and to not upgrade it because of a vocal minority is not acceptable. I acknowledge the disruption during construction is a concern and that would have to be carefully controlled/managed.

Could the NZTA start work by tomorrow lunchtime please? Actually, that’s a day too late.

Board recently held up for grabs as part of the $170,000 unspent budget reported in your June 18 issue) still not even begun, I would like to know where she got that figure from?

Until that study is completed, the community won’t know what we’re hoping to build nor where, so an estimated cost is far from being promulgated.

But quoting such a colossal figure is hardly going to garner community support for Council funding, nor sponsorship from potential investors, let alone community fundraising efforts.

You’d have to wonder whether our Councillor even supports this project.

Bruce Whistler Omaha Flats

I read Penny Webster’s Viewpoint (MM Jul 2) article and was quite surprised when she said “the diggings from Sandspit Marina need to be taken out and dumped at sea in the outer Hauraki Gulf. At the same time, the road to the Sandspit is being undermined by the frequent storms and the high tides. So, in not too many years, Auckland Transport/ Council is going to have to purchase fill to fix the road.”

What surprised me was Penny’s suggestion that the dredgings might

Splashing out Wow, I’ve fielded some angry community feedback in regard to Penny Webster’s Viewpoint (MM Jul 2). She has cited a figure of $25-plus million as the cost of a swimming pool for Warkworth.

With the Feasibility Study requested three years ago (and the funding allocated for it by the Rodney Local

Ruth Mills Coordinator, Mahurangi Community Sport & Recreation

Dredging claim challenged

YOU SAY

Kevin Beecher Wellsford

Dredgings debated Cr Webster’s Viewpoint (MM Jul 2) is revealing, and a number of her statements are incorrect. While it is correct is that the only available repository for marina dredgings is in the outer Hauraki Gulf, it is not “one of the conditions” of the Sandspit marina consent that the dredgings be taken there.

The Sandspit Marina Society (SMS) originally applied to dump its capital dredgings on a designated property in the Matakana estuary, but this was declined by the then consenting authorities and that decision was not appealed. SMS appears not to have applied its mind until recently to the issue of where it can legally dump its capital dredgings.

The dump site off Great Barrier Island (GB) accepts a limited quantity of capital and maintenance dredgings each year from all marinas. Auckland Council has stated that it will be challenging for

the SMS to fit its dredgings into the overall quota and applicable timeframes at the GB site which is currently under the control of Maritime NZ. As Council has no responsibility for the dump site, it has chosen to avoid the implications of the problem.

Meanwhile the Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association committee has tried twice, unsuccessfully, to interest Auckland Transport (AT) in utilising the dredgings to “futureproof ” the Sandspit, citing the same arguments now espoused by Cr Webster.

Fortunately, AT knows the applicable law, which is that any moves to dump dredgings on the Sandspit Reserve would require proper consultation with all appropriate stakeholders including the Sandspit community.

This process takes time: too much time for SMS. Abridged – Chris Rowe’s full letter can be read on the Opinion section at www.localmatters.co.nz

Mahurangi Matters

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Chris Rowe Sandspit

Thanks Auckland Transport Sharp Road now has improved safety signage on a corner where several cars have left the road this year. Serious injuries were only avoided due to seat belts, airbags and child seats. It pays to ask Auckland Transport to fix things as they do respond. I emailed them with suggestions in May and the improved signage was installed by the end of June. If you have an issue with road safety or signage just drop them a note or fill in the form on line. It works. Thanks Auckland Transport.

Tony Dunlop Warkworth

Boardwalk plea In April, I appealed to the Mayor’s office to remedy the no-compliance of boardwalks at the Sandspit playground. In a long-winded letter his office acknowledged that the installations are indeed not compliant with the building code.

While our community would expect the authority that is entrusted with enforcement of the building code would obey its own rules, the Mayor’s office in essence states that it has the discretion to weigh financial concerns against obeying the law. This is deeply troubling in a democratic society.

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be suitable for the road. It certainly is not. The dredged material is just marine mud and silt, which is totally unsuitable for roading.

What needs to be done to fix the erosion problem on the spit is blue spalls to break the water washing it away. In behind that would be ideally suited to put the equivalent to a crib wall using poplars and anchoring them down and lashing the tiers as you build up with number 8 wire. I had personal experience of this method when a flood washed out a road on the Tomarata Scenic Reserve many years ago. We used this method to fix the road and it didn’t take long for the poplars to get a hold and shoot away, and to this day heavy trucks are still driving over that section of road and no repairs have ever had to be done on it. There are many examples in this area of white rails around the slips on the edge of the road. Using poplars is cheap and the repair is there forever. Even a decent sized slip wouldn’t take much more than a day with the right gear to fix it.

Anyone reading this letter might wonder what experience I have to give this advice. Well, take your pick – at the end of the 1960s into the 1970s I worked on the Mangere Airport extension which took the first jumbo jet, I worked on the causeway at Omaha Beach and had 23 years continuous service with the Rodney District Council. So, all up, that’s over 30 years roading experience.

Email letters to editor@localmatters.co.nz

July 16, 2014

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July 16, 2014

YOU S AY The reply further states that I would be contacted by some ranger once the matter has been further explored.

It comes as no surprise that I have neither been contacted by a ranger nor have handrails been fitted to the boardwalks. Instead, the Council has taken to the $20 solution and installed signs to warn the public of the danger that the Council’s installations pose to our children. This cynical behaviour is consistent with previous experiences in our community, which clearly indicate that the Council is not willing to provide services to our rural communities in return for the exorbitant rates that are extracted from us.

The Minister has ruled against Council in a similar case and forced Council to remedy non-compliant boardwalks, which pose risks of falling and drowning to children. In the case mentioned, the respective boardwalks were 150 metres from a playground while in Sandspit the boardwalks are just 10 metres away from the playground, thus posing a significantly higher risk to our community.

I am aware that the Mayor has suggested that our rural communities should be patient until eventually the blessings of the supercity will come our way, but must admit that our patience is running out. I request again that the non-compliance is fixed without any further delay.

Gerhard Zieroth Sandspit

localmatters.co.nz Email letters to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Wheelie despair I read with interest your story on the front page (MM Jul 2). But my interest changed to despair when I read that rural residents are to be provided with wheelie bins for recycling. Are the Auckland Council contractors’ vehicles going to drive up the many right-of-ways to empty these bins? I think not.

For many residents, transporting a wheelie bin to a collection point will simply not be feasible. They do not fit in the boot of most cars. Whereas, the current system of using the blue plastic boxes is quite satisfactory for most people. I suspect that the wellintentioned staff of Auckland Council do not really understand life in rural Rodney.

Pat Emery Kaipara Flats

Hall charges I was astounded and dismayed that once again Auckland Council has not taken into account, the needs of the Rodney area. I received a letter informing me of a 350 per cent increase per hour for renting Warkworth’s Shoesmith Hall for a club. The original cost was $11 per hour and the new price was to be $39 per hour. The increased rent would have had an immediate impact on the group and would no doubt mean that some people would leave as they would not be able to afford the

increase in their club fees. I also think that the club would decide that they could no longer afford to hire this hall.

People in rural areas make the effort to become involved in a range of activities partly because of the isolation and because it is too costly and difficult without a public transport system to be able to go to Auckland City. Having a wide range of people involved in activities ranging from line dancing classes, yoga, Probus, embroidery, painting and just general social activities such as a birthday or an anniversary makes for a healthy and happy community.

Shoesmith Hall provides a venue for so many people and so many organisations. With the limitation of hall space in Warkworth there are very few options for people to use other facilities so they are a “captive” people base for the Auckland Council to earn more money.

However, just as I began this letter I was told that the Rodney Local Board had not signed off on this proposal. The notice informing me of the changes to take place on 1 July are now no longer going to occur.

The fees for the Shoesmith Hall will be $11 for peak hours and $8.80 for non-peak hours. Thank you Rodney Local Board members.

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Save Our Rail maintains watching brief It’s business as usual on the North Auckland Rail Line.

In response to an Official Information Request from Save Our Rail Northland spokesperson Alan Preston, of Mangawhai, Kiwi Rail says it intends to continue to work with existing customers with existing traffic and to identify future business opportunities with existing and potential customers.

Mr Preston says in a climate of declining oil reserves, it is imperative to maintain the line, but all he can do at this stage is maintain a watching brief.

There are currently two trains each weekday between Whangarei and Auckland. Forestry makes up around 70 per cent of the freight carried on the line and its branch line to Dargaville, with dairy making up a further 25 per cent.

The tonnage carried for the 12 months to May 25 this year was 241,258.

Tonnages on the line for the past three financial years were: 2011 308,122 2012 314,989 2013 298,344 “The future viability of this line, along with all other parts of the business of KiwiRail, remain under active consideration,” Kiwi rail said.

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July 16, 2014

Mahurangi Matters

7

Viewpoint Steve Garner, Rodney Local Board steve.garner@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Hill Street blues – still!

The Hill Street intersection continues to raise hackles. The position of the Local Board has been questioned recently and this was something of a shock. The Local Board has always and continues to have improvement to the Hill Street intersection as one of the key transport priorities for Rodney. To that end, I have addressed Auckland Council, Auckland Transport (AT), the NZTA, local resident and ratepayer groups, and everyone I can who might have influence and imparted this view. It is astonishing that we have fabulous improvements on SH1, both north and south of Hill Street, and at present the plans that were agreed and consented in 2009 are still not going to be completed. The Warkworth Area Liaison Group, Business Association, Snells Beach, Mahurangi East, Sandspit in fact nearly every ratepayer group in the area strongly support significant improvements at Hill Street. There are some who suggest that the disruption of improvements outweighs the benefit. However, by far the majority of the people I have spoken to are accepting of the fact that there will be disruption. The recent significant work done at Hudson Road is a great example of how things should be done and how disruption can be minimised and mitigated.

An estimated 67 per cent of all northbound vehicles turn east into Matakana Road and the projected numbers are similar at the completion of the Road of National Significance (RONS). More than 60 per cent of that traffic then turns onto Sandspit Road. Experts tell me that significant improvement must include increasing the capacity of the intersection for east turning traffic. Two east-turning lanes is the only way to ‘stack’ cars between the intersection and the restrictive bridge and must be part of the “solution”.

This does mean more work between SH1 and the Sandspit Road intersection, but the evidence is that this east turning traffic volume is predominately what chokes the intersection and the projections indicate this does not change significantly for local traffic even with the completion of the RONS or the suggested Matakana Link.

Transport is the single greatest issues faced by Rodney residents. It is very easy to argue that there is insufficient funding for maintenance and improvement of our roads. This must be addressed by our Councillors, AT and the NZTA. The Local Board is able to advocate only.

With regard to the Warkworth local roads, Matakana/Leigh and Sandspit/ Mahurangi East Roads need to be improved. Not just maintained but it is time for these to be upgraded and improved. Our metal roads need to be sealed and the Mansel Drive bridge portion of the Western Collector should have been completed three years ago, and is it time to also connect the two sections of Alnwick Street? I think so! Please let me know what you think: Steven.garner@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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Study tour cancelled Two Rodney Local Board members are no longer going on a North American study tour after it was cancelled due to lack of interest. Board chair Brenda Steele and deputy chair Steve Garner had been allocated $7500 from the Board’s budget to go on the 15-day tour of Victoria, Vancouver, Seattle and Portland next month called Delivering Medium Density that Works Well.

Brenda says many of those within central government who had registered their interest in the trip had pulled out once the election date was announced.

“I’m quite relieved actually. I don’t like leaving home,” Brenda says. Funding for the trip was allocated from $170,000 of left over funds in the Board’s budget, which had to be spent by the end of June.

Robyn & Garry Yates 5 Queen Street Warkworth Phone/Fax: (09) 425 8342 Email: rgyates@xtra.co.nz

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July 16, 2014

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Your rates

work hard all around Auckland Rates 2014/2015 Your rates are used to pay for things that make Auckland such a great place to live, such as improved public transport, events and parks, as well our continued investment in community facilities and infrastructure.

Auckland Council has worked hard to reduce the average rates increase to 2.5 per cent. The council has a policy to slowly reduce the rates differential on business properties over a ten-year period. Currently business pays value based general rates that are 2.53 times that of a residential property. This year it is being reduced to 2.43, which will mean that residential and farm/lifestyle properties will pay the difference. When combined with the average rates increase, the result is an average increase of 3.7 per cent for non-business properties and an average change of 0.1 per cent for business.

July 2014 saw the start of the third year of Auckland Council’s three-year move to a single rating system.

This means that over time, all Auckland properties of a similar value and use will be charged a similar amount of rates.

The transition process helps manage the rates changes, with the maximum that rates can rise for residential and farm/lifestyle properties capped at 10 per cent and the lowest they can drop is 3 per cent.

Business ratepayers have transitioned to their new rates amount, having moved from their 2011/2012 rates amount in near-equal steps over the threeyear period.

Rates notices will be sent out from early August.

For more information and to check out an estimate of your 2014/2015 rates, visit: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rates

‘Take five’ with Mayor Brown Auckland Mayor Len Brown was in Wellsford on July 4 on a whirlwind visit that included the Te Hana Te Ao Marama Marae, Wellsford School, the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Wellsford Library. He also took time to sit down for a quick Q&A with Mahurangi Matters.

Could you comment on the Local Government Commission decision not to assess the NAG proposal for a standalone unitary authority in North Rodney?

It’s important to recognise that this was a decision by the Local Government Commission made on the best advice and analysis. I believe it’s probably useful to let the supercity boundaries settle to see absolutely what the benefits or detriments are under the change. We’ve got to give it time. It’s also important to recognise that the applicants obviously feel a loss of governance and we (Council and the Local Board) need to work hard to replicate and enhance the sense of representation. It’s one of the reasons I’m here in Wellsford today.

There’s a perception that the bulk of Auckland’s rates are being spent in the urban areas. Do you think the spread of Council expenditure is fair and equitable?

Yes, I do. It’s important to remember that amalgamation brought a reduction in rating across the Rodney community. People struggle to accept this as a truth, but it is. In particular, for rural ratepayers, the differential dropped to .8. Secondly, our average rate increases have been much lower than previously indicated by Rodney District Council. The last one of 2.5 per cent shows that we’ve been as prudent as we can. Thirdly, we are trying to get an equity of spend around the region (see list p10). In Wellsford, the thing we’re most proud of is the speed at which we delivered the library.

A lot of the work is small work but it’s often the most important to people – footpaths, upgrades around townships and road sealing – and we’ve done as much of that in Rodney pro rata as anywhere else in Auckland. We’re as focused here as we are anywhere.

There’s been some criticism in the community about the lack of consultation on the Rural Urban Boundary around Warkworth and predicted growth. Is this fair?

There’s been nearly two-and-a-half years of discussion around the Unitary

Plan and the Rural Urban Boundary.

It’s yet to be finalised and we will be continuing to listen to the community.

We have that fine balancing act of not wanting too much growth so as to preserve rural amenity, while at the same time providing people with reasonable housing choices. We want the city to build up, more than out.

And the cost of providing too much residential growth in and around the rural sector is huge in terms of stormwater, wastewater and transport.

In 20 years time, what should public transport look like north of Puhoi?

I would certainly like to think that we would have a reasonable bus service here. We’re going through a massive change in public transport. This comes off the back of not doing a lot about public transport for decades.

There’s significant investment going in to rail … I wouldn’t say that there would be a commuter rail here but it is important to maintain the rail links and, in particular, get rail through to Northport. For the sake of preserving the possibility of commuter rail up here, we must maintain the rail line through Wellsford and Warkworth. I certainly encourage the community to advocate for a commuter bus service both to Warkworth, and between Warkworth and Wellsford.

At present funding levels, it will take around 155 years to seal the gravel roads in Rodney. The Local Board is asking for $10m a year for the next 10 years for sealing projects, is there any likelihood that Auckland Transport will ever agree to this?

We doubled spending on rural roads last year to $2 million, but I know that’s not enough. The decision around resealing has to be made around the framework of all our priorities in Auckland. And against lining up those priorities against the Long Term Plan (LTP) and the Auckland Plan.

There are other discussions happening about alternate, specific funding for transportation. We are looking at whether or not we should have dedicated, standalone network charges or a transport levy to deal specifically

July 16, 2014

Mahurangi Matters

Help shape Rodney

View more photos online localmatters.co.nz

The Auckland Mayor goes back to school in Wellsford.

with some of the shortfalls we have but that won’t, of itself, detract from the fact that we know we have to invest more strongly in the sealing of rural roads here. I’m confident we will give this community a better outcome than we presently have by the end of the LTP.

The Local Board has underwritten the shortfall of Stage One of the 100-yearold Town Hall restoration ($287,000). They asked the Governing Body to contribute this extra funding, but the Governing Body refused, even though the Warkworth community itself will have to raise the $1 million needed

for Stage Two. Is that fair?

I thought we had made a decision to meet that shortfall! I’ll get back to you on that.

9

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localmatters.co.nz

Have we got Rodney’s draft Local Board Plan 2014 right?

Some of the proposed ways to make Rodney better include: • advancing major road projects for Warkworth and Kumeu/Huapai • working with local businesses to make our town centres grow and thrive • providing new and improved sports and recreation facilities.

These are just some of the initiatives we propose to create a better Rodney. We need you to tell us if our plan represents your ideas and priorities.

Read the plan and complete a submission form by 6 August 2014.

What’s your position on taxpayers funding the next America’s Cup campaign?

We are! We are clearly funding the America’s Cup – the Government has made the decision to contribute.

I’m a huge supporter of the America’s Cup. Internationally, their brand is as strong as the All Blacks. It’s been great for Auckland, great for the country, great for business and great for our reputation internationally. It is important that we support them as part of the economy not just as sporting icons.

Have your say to help create the world’s most liveable city. shapeauckland.co.nz facebook.com/rodneylocalboard For more information, phone 09 301 0101

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July 16, 2014

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Are we getting our money’s worth from Auckland Council?

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The Northern Action Group, which has been advocating for a standalone Unitary Authority in North Rodney, estimates that the area north of Puhoi contributes about $42 million a year to Auckland Council in general rates, water and wastewater charges. So when Mayor Len Brown was in Wellsford this month, Mahurangi Matters asked him to point to examples of where north Rodney was better off under the amalgamated Auckland Council. In response, the Mayor’s office provided the following list of projects delivered in our area.

libraries

Replaced King George’s head Support for Kowhai Arts Support for Wellsford Community Garden Grant for Rodney Rams Grant for Mahurangi College to reestablish community education Grant to assist Neighbourhood Support

Completion of Wellsford Library Grants to voluntary libraries at Puhoi, Tapora, Point Wells and Leigh (up to $2000)

Parks Warkworth Showgrounds hockey turf Warkworth Showgrounds upgrade Atlas site consultation Funding for dredging on Mahurangi River Playspace project for Sunrise Boulevard, Snells Beach Port Albert carpark sealing Playground replacements at Martins Bay, Wellsford, Matheson Bay, Algies Bay Sandspit Reserve toilet replacement and mural Grant to Warkworth Lions for walkway from Warkworth to cement works

transport Advocating for road sealing in Rodney – Matakana Valley Road seal completion by the end of the year and Takatu Road seal completion New footpaths, Wellsford New footbridge and footpath in Puhoi approved Construction of mountable kerb outside 336 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach Footpath extension, Point Wells approved

economic development

Community facilities

Business Improvement District (BID) support for Warkworth, Wellsford ($25,000) and Snells Beach ($15,000) Support and funding for Matakana Coast & Country

Funding for Stage One of Warkworth Town Hall upgrade Grants of $3500 to each of the 11 community-owned halls in Rodney

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arts, culture and events

Distribute ARTS funding for clock tower artwork, river birds, and Pt Well/ Matakana cycleway markers Support for Kowhai Festival and Rodney Community Art Council exhibition

environment

Funding for initiatives at Leigh, Omaha Spit, Tapora, Takatu and Kaipara Flats Establishment of joint Kaipara Harbour Political Committee

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Wilmot Toyota Warkworth Rotary and Mason Contractors were thanked for their roles in building a car park at the Rodney Women’s Centre.

Team effort drives car park The Rodney Women’s Centre held a special morning tea this month to thank Warkworth Rotary and Mason Contractors for their help in completing a car park at the centre.

The $12,000 project got off the ground thanks to a $5500 grant from Warkworth Rotary, a $2500 grant from the Rotary Foundation, $2500 raised by the Women’s Centre, and discounted work from Mason Contractors, O’Connor Planning Consultants and BK Design.

Centre coordinator Colleen Julian says the car park had to be completed as a part of the resource consent for the centre The service moved into the former residential building two years ago after being evicted from the Warkworth Town Hall, which closed

for strengthening work.

Two years down the track and the resource consent has still not been granted as the centre grapples with the conditions and the costs of application.

“We’re looking at having to raise tens of thousands of dollars to meet consent costs so the help from the community with the car park is fantastic,” Colleen says.

The centre also ran a successful art exhibition in April, raising $3500 towards a playground.

“We had a lot of support from the local community and the 23 artists that submitted their work in support of the centre.”

Colleen hopes the centre will have the consent by the end of March next year.

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“Gannets” at Tawharanui There’s a new attraction at Tawharanui: a fake gannet colony has been established with the aim of attracting the real thing. A team of enthusiastic volunteers set up the new ‘colony’ of 16 plastic decoys together with nest mounds and a sound system playing gannet calls. The hope is that some passing young gannets will be encouraged by both the sight and sound of our colony and decide to adopt it as their own. While that might sound fanciful, the technique has already proved successful at Young Nicks Head, near Gisborne, and at Motuora Island, near Kawau. Gannets generally return to their birthplace to breed. So to get them to set up somewhere new requires a bit of effort. The pest-free status of Tawharanui provides a perfect location for them to establish a new colony. Apart from Muriwai, the other five gannet colonies in the Auckland region are all on offshore islands.

The Australasian Gannet is a very large bird – up to 90cm long and with a wingspan of 1.8 metres. They are found in New Zealand and south-eastern Australia with an estimated breeding population of 55,000 pairs. About 87 per cent of the adult population is in NZ with large colonies at Three Kings, White Island, Gannet Island at Kawhia, and Cape Kidnappers. About this time of year, gannets return to their colonies to breed. A single egg is laid from August onwards with the chicks hatching in late spring to early summer. Fledglings from NZ fly directly to Australia and return from their OE in their third year, although they won’t start breeding until they are five to seven years old.

Australasian gannets are not a threatened species but TOSSI is keen for them to breed at the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary. This is not just about returning another ‘missing’ species to the sanctuary: gannets play an important role in coastal ecosystems by bringing nutrients from the sea to the land, enriching the soil and providing food for invertebrates. The presence of this iconic and spectacular bird at Tawharanui alongside our marine reserve may also encourage people to consider the relationship between the terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as NZ’s crucial role in seabird conservation. Surrounded by productive oceans, we are a World Hotspot for seabirds.

More than a third of the world’s seabird species (140) occur in our territory and 36 of these species breed nowhere else. At any one time there are literally millions of seabirds out in the Hauraki Gulf. However, few people get to appreciate this richness as most of these birds breed on the outer islands like Little Barrier, Mokohinau Islands and the Poor Knights where they are safe from introduced pests such as cats, rats and stoats. The project has been funded through the Environmental Initiatives Fund of Auckland Council and by TOSSI.

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July 16, 2014

History

13

Farm buildings exempt from earthquake policy

Lyn Johnston, Albertland Museum www.albertland.co.nz

Victory Carnival 1946-style This year is the 150th anniversary of the start of World War I so many stories are being told about that conflict. However, only 21 years later, the unthinkable happened and the world was once more at war. Albertland lost family and friends in both wars.

You can imagine the rejoicing when survivors came home. In 1946 the Wharehine community organised a ‘Welcome Home’ function for their Returned Servicemen. An energetic committee, chaired by Harold Grice with secretary Noel Blackburn, decided not to have the usual dance and social because that would not cater for enough people. Instead, they planned an Athletic Sports called The Victory Carnival Sports to be held on the Marsh farm on February 16. Aquatic events would be held at the beach and athletic events on a nearby paddock.

All the athletics competitions were novelty events on a team basis. Teams competing were Middle East, Pacific and Home Guard. The weather was beautiful and an enthusiastic crowd of about 700 were there to cheer them on. Two events were particularly hilarious – one was the Old Diggers Race which had the Old Diggers leaving the starting line with a full glass (reports don’t specify with what) and finishing with as much left in the glass as possible. A newspaper report said the starter had great difficulty getting the race going as the ‘Old Diggers’ played up (as Old Diggers do) and no-one ever did find out who won.

The second highlight was the Dizzy Peg race, in which three teams took part. The men had to run about 50 yards, revolve five times around a peg which was about two feet high, then get back to the starting point as best they could. They arrived at the peg all right – that part was easy – but their efforts to regain the starting point were not so great. Tom Treadwell

Mahurangi Matters

Dizzy Peg.

The Centipede Race.

(Middle East) focussed on his objective but got onto the wrong track and barged into the crowd, landing his 15 stone neatly into a young lady’s lap. A confused Darby Watson never expected to find himself in a baby’s pram again but arrived there without ceremony or invitation. Frank Stables just couldn’t make it and his team had to go on without him. He was found some time later, half-a-mile away, still looking for the finishing post. Harry Grigg did a couple of extra turns around the peg, went the wrong way and ended up in the committee tent.

There was also barrel-rolling around a slalom course of sticks, a centipede race and a tug of war. Final results were: Home Guard 1 with 41 points; Middle East 2, 35 points; and Pacific 3, 29 points.

During the lunch break, C. Kruse officially welcomed home the Wharehine boys on behalf of the residents of the district. At the end of the day, Mr Dudding thanked all the helpers for the great work but particularly all the ladies for their catering efforts and the Warkworth Junior Brass Band for their fine performances during the day.

Farm buildings will not have to undergo earthquake assessment, under changes announced by the government this month.

Building and Construction Minister Dr Nick Smith says the risks posed by farm buildings are relatively low.

“These buildings have a low occupancy rate and there is no record of a fatality caused by a farm building collapsing in an earthquake,” Dr Smith says.

Federated Farmers submission on the policy stated the policy would have had a huge impact on farmers and is grateful for the change.

“There are 58,000 agricultural businesses and an estimated 250,000 farm buildings. At a cost of $3000 per assessment this could have cost the agricultural sector $170 million.”

The Building (Earthquake-prone Buildings) Amendment Bill requires all buildings to be assessed in the next five years. Those under 34 per cent of the building standard have to be upgraded within a period of 15 years, with a further 10-year extension available for heritage buildings. The Bill currently excludes residential buildings except those that are multi-storey and contain more than two homes.

Briefs Walking track funds Projects that improve people’s ability to get into the outdoors may qualify for funding from the NZ Walking Access Commission’s Enhanced Access Fund. A total of $76,000 is available in the current financial year. Groups seeking funding have until August 31 to apply. Projects that are eligible for funding include lighting, the installation of gates, stiles and fences, or creation of engineering reports.

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Mahurangi Matters

health&family

July 16, 2014

Sweetappreciation

Harbour Sport study shows cycling primes young drivers Harbour Sport is calling for comprehensive cycle training for all young people prior to them attaining their driving licences.

The recommendation comes following a detailed research project into whether teen cyclists make better drivers, and whether any skills they acquire while learning to ride are transferable to behind the wheel.

Harbour Sport spent 10 months on the project surveying and interviewing driving instructors and young people, and then compiling a final report.

In all, 44 driving instructors across New Zealand and 225 young people (aged 15-24) gave their thoughts for the project. Key statistics included: • Cycling was the second most recommended activity for preparing teens to drive by driving instructors.

• 68 per cent of driving instructors believed cycling is good preparation for driving.

• 88 per cent of driving instructors believe when driving, young people who cycle demonstrate a better understanding of the road environment and most demonstrate a heightened awareness of other road users.

The report’s key recommendations included: • That structured cycle training for all young people is provided prior to

with Chocolate Brown Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Congratulations to Roger and Raewyn Davies, of Pohuehue, who are the recipients of a gift basket from Chocolate Brown. Roger and Raewyn were nominated by members of the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard, who wrote:

them attaining their driver’s licences.

• That any cycle training includes the teaching of road rules and familiarisation of the road environment.

• Encourage more on-road cycling to improve cyclists’ awareness and understanding of the road rules, environment, road users and other cyclists.

Ministry of Transport figures show that in 2012, drivers aged 15 to 24 were involved in 73 fatal crashes, 549 serious injury crashes and 2626 minor injury crashes with a total social cost of $755 million.

“Roger is the president of the Kawau Volunteer Coastguard, which he devotes a lot of his time to. This is a small coastguard unit, but it covers an area from Tiri to Great Barrier and almost to the Hen And Chicken Islands including Little Barrier and the Mokohinaus.

Roger’s wife Raewyn also does a lot of behind-the-scenes organising of fundraising activities, as raising funds is a never-ending major task.

The volunteers who make up the “Kawau volunteer coastguard” think that Roger and Raewyn’s often unrecognised efforts deserve a sweetener!”

Know someone who deserves a big “thank you” for their community spirit?

Tell us and they will receive acknowledgement in Mahurangi Matters and an amazing hamper from Chocolate Brown, 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth. Send your nominations to editor@localmatters.co.nz (subject line: Sweet Appreciation) or post to: Sweet Appreciation, Mahurangi Matters, PO Box 701, Warkworth.

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The full title of this column is: Ways to boost children’s self esteem and help them ™ Call Kowhai Kids now! develop an internal source of evaluation. Now while we probably all understand the beginning of this title, many of us will be less familiar with the ending ‘to help them Give your kids the Smart Start ™ to develop an internal source of evaluation’. Simply put, this means helping children Warkworth 425 8730 Wellsford 423 8246 to feel good about themselves according to themselves, whereby they are not relying www.kowhaikids.co.nz or like us on facebook on other’s opinions or actions to feel good.

When your child achieves something, instead of saying you are proud of them, you might say that you notice their sense of pride. For example, you might say: “You’re CELEBRATING YEARS AS THE OWNER OF feeling really proud of that card you made. You know, you did a great job and you like that card.” This helps children develop an internal source of evaluation as they become aware of their own pride.

Here are some responses that help build children’s self-esteem in a way that is more centred on the child than on you (adapted from Garry Landreth’s book Play Therapy; The Art of Relationships): • You know how to make that work (when a child has figured out how to use a toy) • You have something in mind (when a child looks like they have a plan) • You remembered where that was (when a child finds something) • You know just how you want it to look (when a child is creating art) Feeling loved boosts self-esteem, and knowing that you are thought of, noticed and From July 16th through to August 31st valued helps children feel loved. Tell stories to your children about themselves when they were littler. Look at the family photos together. Tell stories of your love for them.

List the people who love them (cousins, family friends, grandparents, neighbours ...).

Tell stories about your own childhood and other family stories ... funny ones, love Quince Café Coffee FREE. ones, sad ones ... giving children a sense of belonging. If you are separated from your child’s other parent, tell good stories about this parent too; about their childhood, about their love for this child (moving beyond your own struggles with the other parent). Children have the right feel loved both their parents and they thrive New to Zealand First by Spokesperson for: on it. Any negative opinionsCommunications you may hold &about their other| parent are Science none of& Technology IT | Education Research, your child’s business. If your Women’s child masters something, then allow them to do it. Our Affairs | Youth Affairs Education and Science busyness and impatience canSelect get in Committee: the way of children expressing their competence.

Allow your child to take age-appropriate risks. Be nearby and give them your hand if they ask, but do not alwaysAuckland insist onOffice: it. This gives the message ‘I believe you can 157A Kitchener Road, PO Box 31-119, Milford Auckland manage things and I’m here Pwhen you need me’. Also you can ask for your child’s 15 ELIZABETH ST, WARKWORTH • 09 425 8142 09 489 8336 | tracey.martinmp@parliament.govt.nz guidance when they do request help. For example: “How should I do it? You know Like me on Facebook to keep up with what’s instore about doing that ... ah, so weParliament do it like that”.

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Mahurangi Matters

realestate

July 16, 2014

Mahurangi business improvement district (BID) mooted The Rodney Local Board is canvassing whether there is support for a Mahurangi Business Improvement District (BID), which would incorporate Wellsford, Warkworth and Snells Beach.

The board believes that larger BIDs, such as the recently-launched NorthWest Business Association, can be more effective.

The Warkworth Area Business Association (WABA) is already well down the track towards developing a BID of its own and the board sees the business surveys in Wellsford and Snells Beach as timely. It will spend $40,000 to survey both townships to identify the challenges that businesses in those areas face.

Board economic development portfolio holder Beth Houlbrooke says the results will also help the Board develop an Economic Development Plan over the next 12 months.

The work in Wellsford will involve an online survey, face-to-face discussions and phone surveys of businesses from Top of the Dome to the Auckland border past Te Hana.

Wellsford Promotions chair Stephanie Railey says she is unable to comment on the association’s views on a BID, as she is yet to consult with members.

The Snells Beach survey will involve approximately 60 businesses.

Beth says that as Snells Beach doesn’t have a business association, a representative from the survey

Rodney Local Board member Beth Houlbrooke says supporting more business improvement districts, or BIDs, in Rodney will save the Board money in the long run.

organisation will be employed to go door-to-door to identify businesses.

A similar survey was conducted in Warkworth this year, following a $30,000 grant from the Board.

WABA chair Rachel Callender says the information from the surveys has been invaluable.

“It gives us a good understanding of the challenges facing local businesses and the priorities businesses want WABA to focus on,” Rachel says.

Following the survey results, the association has decided to go to the next phase of investigating a BID for Warkworth. This will involve applying for more funding from the Board to further investigate the details of forming a BID. “There is initial funding involved in getting a BID off the ground, but once the model is established it’s selffunding through a targeted rate on members,” Beth says.

Since May last year the Board has

allocated $143,000 for business surveys and BID investigations.

The North-West Business Association BID is the largest geographically in the Auckland area, involving 700 businesses from Helensville, Parakai, Kumeu, Huapai, Riverhead, Kaukapakapa and Waimauku.

In total, the Board spent $73,000 on that BID with the business sector contributing about $20,000.

Board member Phelan Pirrie says a lot of the work is still done by volunteers so it is value for money, but it is essential the surveys are done professionally.

“Local business associations are already stretched for resources and rely on volunteer hours. It also needs to be an independent process to get an accurate reflection of opinions,” Phelan says.

“The costs aren’t that high when compared with the Board’s total budget.

“But the more businesses involved, the wider the costs are spread, giving better value for money.”

But Beth questions whether it is the Board’s role to invest in economic development at all.

“With Auckland Council announcing the need for major budget cuts in the 10 year plan, is economic development a core function?”

The Board allocated $25,000 for the Wellsford survey, and $15,000 for Snells Beach.

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Rams seek temporary rooms Plans to rebuild the Rodney Rams Clubroom at Whangateau have started, but club officials say their first priority is to arrange some temporary accommodation to cater for the summer touch season, which starts in October.

Chairperson Lynette Penney says it’s likely to be at least two years before any permanent structure is on site at the Whangateau Domain.

“There’s a lot of planning, fundraising and negotiating with Auckland Council to do before we can even think of building,” she says.

“In the meantime, we need somewhere for our league, touch and netball teams to socialise, which is also an important source of income for the club.”

The club is looking at using transportable rooms, which could later be sold. Lynette says the response from the community to the fire, which destroyed the building in June, has been “wonderful”.

“People have held raffles and cake stalls, and Leigh Sawmill, Tomarata Rugby Club, the Waiheke Rams Club and Warkworth RSA were among the first to organise fundraising events, and the Rodney Local Board gave $25,000 to help us get back on our feet. It’s been really awesome.

“We lost a lot of irreplaceable memorabilia in the fire – the old Omaha Rugby bell, photos of NZ rep players such as Brian Riley and the jerseys of NZ Kiwi Tawerau Nikau – but we are determined to rebuild.”

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Although it is still early days, Lynette says the cost of new clubrooms could be around $500,000. The club expects to finance this through grants, an insurance payout and fundraising.

“Ideally we’d like the new building to be bigger and in a sunnier position.

We’d love to make it a two-storey complex, like the old rugby pavilion, with changing rooms and showers downstairs, and bar/kitchen/lounge upstairs and a deck to watch the game, but doubt that we’ll be able to afford anything quite that elaborate.

“What we do want though is a community building – not just for those directly involved in our sports, but a place where locals can get together, new people in the area can come and meet their neighbours, and young people are welcome.”

Lynette says she’d also like other sports to get involved. The club fielded a netball team in the Rodney competition this season, but there is talk of tennis, cricket and waka ama also being involved.

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Mahurangi Matters

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July 16, 2014

Mahurangi students tackle sobering topic Probus speaker When a parent is sent to jail, sometimes it’s not just them who serves the sentence.

That was the theme of the Mahurangi College Stage Challenge entry this month, which saw the school placed second overall on their night, as well as netting six certificates of excellence for everything from costuming and character to choreography and set design.

Liaison teacher Jane Newby says Mahurangi delivered an excellent performance at the Aotea Centre in Auckland, which was perfectly timed and “very slick”.

Mahurangi also received the Leadership Award, recognising the contribution of the performance’s three directors – Elspeth Free, Claudia Pati and Ariaana Osborne.

Work on the seven minute 15 second production Not My Crime, Still My Sentence started last October and featured original dance, music, choreography and mime.

It tells the story of a girl whose parent is sent to jail and how that impacts on how she’s treated by her peers and the

creates debate on sentencing

Sensible Sentencing Trust representative Jock Jamieson was the guest speaker at the July meeting of the Mahurangi Probus Club, held at the Mahurangi East Community Centre.

A standout performance by Mahurangi students saw them place second in the ASB Stage Challenge.

life choices she makes.

“Children who have a parent who has been to jail are seven times more likely to end up in jail themselves,” Claudia said. “The play was about raising awareness of this and the effect that bullying can have.”

It involved nearly 60 performers from

years 10 to 13, as well as a large team backstage.

The ASB Stage Challenge is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles to NZ students.

Mahurangi came second to the St Cuthbert’s College performance Are You Game?

Power savings Electricity consumers are being reminded to shop around for a better power deal this winter. New results show that last year, Auckland households could have saved on average $158 by switching power companies. The Electricity Authority says that regional savings of nearly $80 million were available if all residential consumers switched to the cheapest supplier.

The authority is encouraging householders to check using the What’s My Number online tool. What’s My Number spokesperson Judy Bailey say it’s also about looking into different providers that offer different deals or incentives. “Some might be a better fit for you because they offer reward points, while others may check your metre remotely instead of coming to your house. It’s all about finding the best fit for you,” she says. Info: www.whatsmynumber.org.nz

He talked about the genesis of the trust, founded by farmer and father of four daughters Garth McVicar in 2001.

Club publicity officer Diane Thompson said Jock’s presentation was a factual and professional analysis of the way in which the legal system in NZ errs on the side of the perpetrators of violent crimes rather than on the suffering of the victims and their families.

Jock presented statistics from the Department of Corrections which showed that 43 per cent of prisoners released on parole are reconvicted within 24 months and 60 per cent of all prisoners in NZ are reconvicted within 24 months of their release.

According to the same statistics, on average, one NZ woman dies at the hands of her current or former partner every 26 days.

Diane said Jock’s presentation generated many questions.

He concluded his talk by reiterating that the Sensible Sentencing Trust was a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation. Info: www.sst.org.nz

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Mahurangi Matters

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What’s On at

If you want to know what’s on in the school holidays, or are already planning your next holiday, then check out the latest and upcoming events at localmatters.co.nz/whatson Members of Inner Wheel at their final get-together as a club.

Inner Wheel runs out of puff After 26 years of service to the Warkworth community, Inner Wheel has folded.

The women’s service club held a final get-together at Q Café on June 25.

Outgoing president Heather Pearce said it was a sad occasion, but not unexpected.

“We weren’t able to find people willing to become office bearers so the decision was made to close,” she said.

Over its lifetime, club members have assisted numerous local groups with donations and support including Homebuilders, Springboard, Hospice,

Women’s Refuge and the HIPPY programme, as well as Auckland hospitals.

Although it was a standalone club, it shared many of Rotary International’s values including fostering friendship, international understanding and the ideals of personal service.

“A lot of our work was done quietly in the background,” Heather said. “I think that willingness to support the community won’t disappear with the club and many members will continue individually to knit, sew and do other craft activities for groups of their choice.”

Garden Circle show Snells Beach Garden Circle is holding its annual Spring Flower Show at Mahurangi East Community Centre, Hamatana Road, Snells Beach, on Saturday September 6, from 1pm to 3.30pm. All are welcome to enter and attend. Schedules are available from Snells Beach Library, Warkworth i-Site and Ann Dewhirst on 425 5717. There will be a beautiful display of flowers, trading table with healthy plants, delicious afternoon teas, and wonderful raffles.

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Rodney Local Board finds unexpected $170,000 Sports club fire at Whangateau “not suspicious” Ratepayers fund Rodney Local Board social media trial Government spends $7.6 million on Warkworth Primary Grange development raises questions Fourth retail zone planned for Warkworth Sandspit marina dredging underway New Warkworth sergeant returns to his roots Internet marketing goes Local Groups unite over Warkworth parking

Keep coming back for regular updates, picture galleries, videos and chances to have your say on Local Matters. You can also get daily updates and join the conversation on twitter @localmattersnz or Facebook MahurangiMatters

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Mahurangi Matters

realestate

July 16, 2014

All property owners want to sell their property for the best possible price. The reality is very few succeed! Join the successful sellers who have followed the tips as outlined in our 16 page booklet on “how to sell your property for more”. Make your next property sale a stunning success.

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21

Mahurangi Matters

AT refuses Alnwick Street connection The two sections of Alnwick Street in Warkworth don’t look like being connected anytime soon.

Auckland Transport (AT) has declined a Rodney Local Board request to join the street, which is currently divided by a private property.

AT says the project will be costly and deliver little benefit.

The Board recommended AT progress joining the street “to enhance connectivity within the town”.

It made similar requests in December 2011 and January 2014. But on both occasions, it was told that joining the two sections of Alnwick Street was “likely” in future, depending on subdivision of the privately owned property.

Board transport portfolio holder Steven Garner says if the property owner decides to subdivide the section,

it would be conditional on the road connection being built. But he says there is no indication the land will be developed in the foreseeable future and it should be AT’s responsibility to progress the project.

Traffic through the town is becoming increasingly congested and another route is needed.

“In five years time it will become a real issue,” Steven says.

However, in a report to the Board this month, an AT spokesperson said it was the developers responsibility to fund the road.

“If AT was to construct the road, it would, in effect, be building a road that should be built and paid for by the developer of this land,” the report stated.

AT believes the existing roads provided sufficient access through Warkworth.

There’s no solution in sight for ‘the great divide’ of Alnwick Street.

“The connection of the two sections of Alnwick Street will deliver very little benefit to the road network and would not justify the effort and expense to pursue,” the report stated.

Steven says he will continue to advocate for funding for the link to be included in Auckland Council’s Long Term Plan.

Disability groups set to shine at Summerset Falls high tea concert Mahurangi disability groups are hosting an entertainment afternoon and high tea at Warkworth’s Summerset Falls Retirement Village next month.

Adults in Motion (AIM) and Healing Through the Arts Trust (HTA) are putting on the show on August 10, which will include professional musicians, Mahurangi College students and some HTA participants.

The trust uses sports and arts as rehabilitation tools for underprivileged and socially disadvantaged youth, and programmes for people who are socially, physically or mentally challenged.

HTA chairperson Maxine Donnellan says events like the high tea help those with disability to give back to the community.

“This is an opportunity for the people

and costumes.

“We need crockery and maybe the odd ball gown, top hat and tails. We want everything to look exquisite and elegant.”

All property owners want to sell their property for the bestMaxine possible Thealsoreality is says price. she will be visiting local florists HTA very few succeed! Join the successful sellers who have followed the tipsand as wineries outlinedwith in our participants in the hope of securing 16 page booklet on “how to sell your property for more”. Make yourfornext property donations the high tea. sale a stunning success.

HTA put on a show at Mahurangi College in 2012 called Hope on Dark • Proven selling techniques Participants of Adults in Motion in Warkworth have been rehearsing for a show Days, which was inspired by a boy’s experience, dealing with the suicide of at Summerset Falls Retirement Village.

• When is the best time to sell? a family member. at AIM with intellectual disabilities event that will bring a lot of joy to Anyone who has tea cups, jewellery Howthan to present best possible property to potential buyers AIM people will beimage dancing, to be defined by• more what setstheothers. or clothing which can be used for the them apart from the rest of us,” Maxine presenting flowers and bringing lots of High Tea can drop them off at Coconut Tips successful marketing campaign and joy to the event.” says. “They are • often on for the creating receiving a laughter Gallery, or email adultsinmotion@ end of our kindness but this time they“The Maxine looking for a little help gmail.com or phone Maxine on 021 • Understanding Buyer isCycle” have the chance to host a meaningful from the community to gather props 343 193.

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Real Estate – It’s in their DNA! • Creating a great real estate experience

You will be amazed at the difference a little creative planning and attention tobeen detail make finalforresult. not aTeresa factor!

Fourteen years selling real estate in the Rodney District has bothwill rewarding andto lifethe changing both Rob Luck Hall andisdaughter who joined Rob four years ago following her own successful real estate career established in the very competitive Auckland market. Rob’s son Martin who also has an established career in real estate, selling coastal and residential properties in Northland has recently joined the father and sister team so it really has become a “Family Affair”.

During Robs professional real estate career it has always troubled him that properties are often sold at a price that does not (for a number of reasons), represent the maximum price achievable, with money remaining in the purchaser’s pocket that should have finished up in the vendors pocket. A systematic approach to “Selling Real Estate” has resulted in personal career sales for Rob and his team in excess of 300 properties with a sales value well exceeding $200 million dollars in the residential, lifestyle and coastal real estate markets.

If you are considering selling your property either now or in the future or you would just like an update on the current market value of your property call Rob, Teresa or Martin. They will make time for an informal chat about your property and how you as the property owner can influence the sales value of your property and sell your home for more!

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Mahurangi Matters

hobbiesfeature

July 16, 2014

hobbies Mahurangi sky attracts photographers 

FEATURE

View more photos online localmatters.co.nz

Mike Mackinven

Photographers are heading to Mahurangi to take photos of the cosmos and photographer, Jonathan Green, says it could be a major tourism draw card for the area.

Jonathan has been travelling to the area to take photos of the stars since 2012.

“Warkworth is the first area north of Auckland that has low enough levels of light pollution to take these kind of photos,” Jonathan says.

The images are created using a Digital SLR (DSLR) camera and by taking multiple 20-second exposures. The long exposure time allows the camera to capture the low levels of light

Jonathan Green

emitted from stars.

“But any longer than 20 seconds and you are going to get distortions from the Earth’s rotation as the stars appear to move across the sky.”

North Shore resident Mike Mackinven started capturing starscapes around iconic Mahurangi sites last year.

“My favourite locations include the satellite station and the haunting ruins at the cement works,” Mike says.

“A lot of people don’t look to the stars and don’t know about the Milky Way, even though it’s right above them every night. It’s nice to be able to show people what is out there and what an

amazing place we exist in.”

But there is concern the bright stars will be lost as the area develops and more night lighting is installed.

Jonathan has experienced this first hand. He started out taking photos near his Coatesville home, but as the area developed he has been forced further north to avoid light pollution.

He says that unless more is done to manage lighting, such as covers for streetlights and sensors for other public lighting, the same could happen to Warkworth.

The Auckland Astronomical Society is lobbying Auckland Council to make

it compulsory for street and sport lighting to have covers so the light is only cast down, he says.

Tekapo has implemented similar regulations and became internationally recognised as a Dark Sky Reserve in 2012. Jonathan says an area like Pakiri could attract similar interest and would be a significant tourism boost for the area in the off-season.

People interested in learning the craft can get in contact with Jonathan and Mike through the Aotearoa Astrophotography Facebook page.

(Full story can be read online at www. localmatters.co.nz)

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Artists hunt for headquarters A permanent arts trail has been established at Mangawhai, which artists hope will see the town recognised as more than a place to surf, swim and play golf.

The trail has been developed by the Mangawhai Artists Association and will involve more than 20 artists, who will open their studios to the public by appointment.

Committee member Sarah C says the arts community has grown rapidly in Mangawhai and there are many artists producing great works.

The association has been running an art trail twice a year for more than a decade, attracting about 1000 people, but the new trail will now become a permanent feature of the town.

“Working as an artist can be a very solitary experience and this is away of making works more accessible to both visitors and locals,” Sarah says.

A free brochure will be released soon and will be available at community

and information centres as far afield as the Waikato.

Sarah says the trail also highlights the fact that Mangawhai is short on space for exhibitions and workshops.

The association, which has grown to about 100 members, runs regular workshops, which are often booked out in advance. But without a dedicated headquarters, the workshops are often run from artists’ homes.

Discussions are underway with Kaipara District Council about building an arts centre on land in Mangawhai Park, near the new Mangawhai Museum.

Meanwhile, the association is planning its biggest art trail event of the year on the weekend of September 27 and 28.

The event is traditionally held on Labour Weekend, but Sarah says that weekend is becoming too crowded with events.

“It’s time to set it apart as an event in its own right.”

CLASSES ALL $25 plus fabrics TuESdAy morningS • 9am - 12.30pm Learn how to make a Log Cabin Quilt.

ThurSdAy nighTS • 5.30pm - 8.30pm Come along for a fun evening of hand sewing.

Stich together an Heirloom Hexagonal Quilt.

SATURDAYS • 9am - 1pm Still Life Cushion. Fun to make. Learn a variety of embroidery stitches. A great project learning applique.

being creative is not a hobby, it’s a way of life 09 425 9440

www.pukekopatch.co.nz • pukekopatch@gmail.com

Discussion Groups:

Art Appreciation Book Talk • Creative Writing Current Affairs Poetry Reading Jazz Listening Music Appreciation Shakespeare • Local History History • Food for Thought Medical Developments Play Reading

For enquiring minds of the 3rd age • 55+ No academic qualifications necessary Contact Ernie Gidman • 09 425 9869 • vegidman@clear.net.nz

Warkworth Music presents

ANTITHESIS - a programme of opposites

New & old from the Northern & Southern Hemispheres Performed by the

keep your mind & body healthy this winter with yoga!

FRIDAY 18th July at 7.30pm

Morning & evening classes in Matakana & Warkworth Yoga mats, yoga wear available • Full timetable onwebsite

Dalecarlia Clarinet Quintet At Ascension Winery, Matakana Road, Warkworth

Adults $30 • Students Free • Info. Ph 425 7313 or 425 7015

Warkworth & Wellsford Pipe Band

Learner or experienced pipers wanted. Friendly group of all ages.

Meet at Womens Bowling Club, Shoesmith Rd, WW. Mondays 7pm.

Contact John Lane 09 422 1815

Start in July & save on fees, see website for details www.ingridyoga.co.nz • 422 3290 / 021 707486 NZ Society of Genealogists

WARKWORTH BRANCH We can help you climb your Family Tree

Regular meetings are held on the SECOND Monday of each month at 10am at Shoesmith Hall, Shoesmith Street.

NEW members welcome, contact: Margaret 4254215 or Cheryl 4259945

24

Mahurangi Matters

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July 16, 2014

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Citizens Advice Bureau Wellsford

‘Magic gathering’ catches on in Wellsford In a basement shop in Wellsford about a dozen people regularly gather to play with magic.

Paul Mills started up the store, Redzeed, below his flat in Rodney Street last year, where people from as far afield as the North Shore and Whangarei come to play trading card game Magic: The Gathering.

In a world where it seems like every teenager has access to video games in the palm of their hand, the card game is still remarkably popular, with an estimated 12 million players worldwide. It also holds the Guinness world record for the most played trading card game.

Paul was first involved with the game in Auckland, but after moving to Wellsford last year he saw a gap in the market and set up shop.

“I thought maybe I’m crazy doing this, but as soon as I opened, people came out of the woodwork,” Paul says.

The relaxed feel of the store means

Warkworth Satellite Service

A hive of information For free confidential and impartial information, advice, advocacy and support, come in and talk to us.

Our services cover from Puhoi to the Brynderwyns and Coast to Coast.

Wellsford Community Centre

1 Matheson Rd, Wellsford 0900 Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm

Queen Street, Warkworth

Auckland Council Building, The Board Room Opening hours: Wed & Fri 10am-1pm

09 423 7333 or 0800 367 222 • Cab.wells@xtra.co.nz • www.cab.org.nz

The game attracted plenty of interest at the Wellsford Show last year.

people are willing to travel to play, even if other stores are closer to them, he says.

“Other people take the game very seriously, but we are here to have fun.”

The store attracts a wide range of players, aged from nine to 60.

Players purchase a pack of 60 cards, which cost $20 and helps pay for running costs. The store has about two weekly tournaments, with prizes up for grabs.

The shop is currently only open on Friday nights and Saturdays, but it’s Paul’s dream to open full time.

“For me, that’s my mission.”

He is also looking to expand the range on sale to include Warhammer and other fantasy games and collectibles.

The game was launched in 1993 and

comes from the creators of fantasy game Dungeons and Dragons. Paul says it is about 60 per cent luck and 40 per cent skill, but the rewards are there for top-level players, who play in a professional world tour.

“That’s their ticket for the rest of their lives. That’s what I aspire to be. But they are incredibly skilful. They’re true professionals.”

Paul is busy preparing for the national tournament in Auckland in August.

The winner goes on to compete at the world championships, with the opportunity to become a fulltime professional.

New Zealand is well-respected on the international circuit, but can’t compete with Japan and the US, who are fanatical about the game, Paul says.

Kowhai Art & Craft e a friend.

Drop in. Get inspired. Mak e fun!

Create something new. Hav

the

Paint Club

Tutor Mandy Thomsett-Taylor BVA, MFA (Hon)

This exciting mixed media art course has an exploratory focus and is suited to students of all levels. The course offers a unique insight into methods of painting and drawing via a series of tutor-led sessions that explore a broad range of painting and drawing materials and approaches. Classes encompass the spirit of a personal direction and individual vision, encouraging students to develop their individual artistic voice.

Contact Mandy Thomsett-Taylor on 021 843590 or email mandytt@xtra.co.nz Seven week course - 12 places only - $300 Matakana Community Hall, Matakana, 9.30am - 12.30pm Wednesday July 23rd - Wednesday Sept 23rd

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Art + Painting / Pottery Book Art / Printmaking Freeform Kreations / Porcelain Painting Calligraphy / Felting / Spinning + Weaving / Leatherwork Art + Painting / Silk Painting / Glass Art Flax Weaving /

SH1, Warkworth Showgrounds Reserve www.kowhai-art-craft.info

Phone for info 09 427 8911

hobbiesfeature

July 16, 2014

Mahurangi Matters

25

Surprise app fees upset unsuspecting parents Warkworth Managing the settings on your smart phone or tablet could save you thousands of dollars, says Netsafe.

The advice comes as more parents are getting stung with huge fees from apps that their children are using.

Often the apps are free to download, but in-game fees and data costs can add up quickly. Many users are unaware they are incurring fees until the bill arrives at the end of the month.

Orewa resident Theresa Tudor was shocked when she received a $500 bill after her daughter was using a smart phone for a month.

Her daughter was allowed to install a number of apps on her phone under the impression that they were free to use. However, the apps chewed through 1.2 gigabytes. As the phone wasn’t on prepay, the costs continued to rise without their knowledge, until the bill came.

“I felt like we had been ripped off, that it was fraudulent, dishonest and unethical.”

After reading the terms and conditions she discovered that the apps were using data even while they were not in use.

“We had to go into the settings and turn off each individual app from using mobile data but we didn’t know this at the start. Everyone should know they need to do the same thing.”

Netsafe operations manager Lee Chisholm says many people fail to read the terms and conditions, but

Photo Club Meets the second Wednesday of the month.

Photo Challenges.

Show & Tell. Photo Safaris.

Info: Mary Moore mayree@xtra.co.nz or at

09 425 6910 there are still measures you can put in place to avoid unexpected bills.

“People can also put in a data cap or have their provider contact them when a certain percentage of data is used to avoid this sort of thing,” Lee says.

Other smartphone users have racked up thousands in fees from children buying in-game purchases.

Netsafe digital project manager Chris Hails says putting in place restrictions around how credit card details are used is vital.

“It comes down to spending the time to understand the settings on your tablet or smartphone and being certain that any credit card stored for ease of use is not wide open, allowing a one-click purchase,” Chris says.

“The simplest way to avoid big bills is to never share your password for the purchasing account with your child.

That prevents them from being able to automatically install paid apps on

SeniorNet Warkworth

the place where you acquire computer skills We offer courses for PCs, Apple Mac, IPads and Tablets from absolute beginners to advanced users.

the device without asking the parent to log-in.

“Both Google and Apple have made changes to their devices and app portals to help parents set controls and restrict purchasing permissions.”

There are clear guidelines for app developers to ensure all costs are clearly displayed, Chris says.

“The providers do police apps and take down unsuitable content and remove anything obviously breaching their terms of service if a large number of users complain about the charges made.”

Sometimes providers will reduce fees if the user feels they have been unfairly charged.

Theresa says she will not be seeking a refund.

“We have not bothered to take it up with our provider because it was our own fault for not reading the terms and conditions carefully.”

Every Wednesday Night 6.30pm Setting up 7pm Cards start sharp Betty Paxton Room Community Centre Snells Beach Supper provided.

New members and visitors welcome.

Bring along your grandchildren.

Contact Dave 425 6351 for further enquiries

We have a great range of Mosaic Supplies – indoor/outdoor bases, kitsets, glass tiles, ceramic tiles, paua and all glues and grouts.

Pop in and have a look!

We also run Mosaic Classes on Wednesday night 6-8pm please call for more details.

Tuesday 22nd July 2014 from 2.30 - 4.30pm

If you cannot attend but wish to get further information contact our course co-ordinator on 422 3728 www.seniornetwarkworth.org.nz

500 Club

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Come to our Open Day 3 Matakana Road, Warkworth and learn more about us

Snells Beach

info@webbsroofing.co.nz

www.webbsroofing.co.nz

info@warkworthtiles.co.nz

www.warkworthtiles.co.nz

Phone Bill & Sandi Webb 09 425 9080 or 021 955 549 Unit 2, 2 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

26

Mahurangi Matters

localbusiness

July 16, 2014

INTR ODUCING n

CHANGING FACES n

Poms Away

Rodney Flooring Centre

Local Brits, Christine and Martin Liggins, have opened a Warkworth store to bring back fond memories of the motherland for expatriates and travellers.

Poms Away is selling popular British food and drinks which would otherwise be hard to find.

“There are always certain things people miss when they are away from home,” Christine says.

“It’s like a trip down memory lane when you eat something like a favourite sweet from your childhood. We hope to remind people of those happy memories because it’s what you miss when you live away from where you were raised.”

“We’ve had people in the shop who haven’t been back to England for 50 years, but they still remember certain products,” Martin says.

As the shop is a bit of a Mecca for UK expats, the couple often gets involved in nostalgic discussions with customers.

“It’s good to reminisce,” Christine says.

However, surprisingly, about half of the customers have been New Zealanders.

“We get a lot of people who remember a certain product from their OE or saw something on Coronation Street and wanted to try it,” Martin says.

The couple moved to New Zealand from Lancashire 10 years ago for a change of lifestyle. Two years ago, they moved to Warkworth from the North Shore.

“We always liked coming up here on day trips and wanted a bit more space,”

The new owner of the Rodney Flooring Centre in Station Road Wellsford, Wayne Hunt, is putting 30 years experience in contract management and procurement to good use.

Wayne and partner Helen Jones have taken over from Selwyn Person who retired in March after 42 years.

“Selwyn had a huge and loyal client base who knew that they could rely on him for personal customer service and a fair price,” Wayne says. “It’s really important to us that we maintain that high level of integrity.”

The couple have only recently returned to New Zealand after two years living in the remote Northern Territory town of Nhulunbuy, whose economy is based around the huge bauxite mine nearby.

Wayne was a procurement superintendent at the alumina refinery with responsibility for a team of about 30 and an annual budget of around $1 billion.

“Living in such a remote area of Australia was fantastic. Unlike a lot of Australian mining towns, most of the workforce lived locally so there were a lot of young families and a real sense of community.”

However, when Rio Tinto closed the refinery, Wayne and Helen were given the option to relocate to another Rio Tinto site or accept redundancy.

“Both our parents are getting on in years so we decided it was time to move back.

We didn’t have any preconceived ideas of what sort of business we wanted to buy but when a broker presented Rodney

Christine and Martin Liggins

Christine says.

They started Poms Away after a Britishthemed shop in Orewa closed recently and they saw a gap in the market.

It’s all been running smoothly barring an incident with customs.

“We’ve had a shipment of throat lozenges held by customs because they have honey centres. Unfortunately, they are likely to be destroyed,” Christine says.

Before the shop, Martin worked as a carpenter for 40 years, while Christine is a budget adviser and financial literacy teacher. She continues to work in her field, working on insolvency cases in court and volunteers at the Wellsford Warkworth Budget Service.

POMS AWAY

Supplying your favourite foods from the UK Open • Mon - Fri 10am till 5pm • Sat 10am till 3pm

422 2273 • Riverside Arcade Warkworth

info@pomsaway.co.nz • www.pomsaway.co.nz

Wayne Hunt

Flooring, we really liked what we saw.”

Neither Wayne nor Helen has a connection to Wellsford – he’s from Taranaki and she’s from Auckland – but they say they have been made to feel very welcome.

“There’s a really positive vibe in Wellsford with some investment and expansion in the air. We’re looking forward to playing a bigger role in the community as a whole, not just the business community.”

Wayne says his years in procurement have taught him how to set up a supply chain that is efficient and reliable, and those savings will be passed on to customers.

“Businesses in Wellsford are fortunate that their overheads are lower, which can give us a competitive edge. One area we hope to grow is our relationship with builders, designers and architects.”

The range of flooring at the shop has already expanded from carpets and vinyls to include the eco-friendly Torlys engineered flooring range of laminates, hardwood, cork and even leather.

Locally owned flooring centre for over 40 years

Carpets fine quality wool & synthetics Vinyls huge range on display Torleys products laminate, hardwood, cork • Servicing all of Rodney and Kaipara • Guaranteed workmanship • Customer Service Phone us today on (09) 423 8169 • Competitive pricing

4 Station Road, Wellsford sales@rodneyflooring.co.nz

rurallife

July 16, 2014

Mahurangi Matters

27

Former student Jonathon Sole, who completed a Certificate in Mechanical Engineering, recommends the course for the employment opportunities it brings.

Mix of fee free courses offered Karl Neho, Syd Bristow, Chas Enright and Lawrence Cherrington at last year’s boar hunt, based in Kaiwaka.

Hunt prize pool tops $10,000 Pig hunters, fishermen and pheasant shooters are being invited to join the third annual Boar Hunt, based at Kaiwaka, next month.

Organiser Vic Birkenhead says he’s hoping a $10,000-plus prize pool will draw entries from all over the Auckland and Northland area.

The pigs can be hunted from anywhere in New Zealand, but must be caught during the hunt which runs over three days from August 8 to 10.

Last year, 101 tickets were sold and six pigs were brought in.

Prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories including average weight and mystery weight. There will also be a prize for ‘the best hard luck’ story.

Juniors who are under 14 years haven’t been forgotten with prizes in the snapper, eel and possum categories.

The final weigh-in will be held at the Three Furlongs Hotel on Sunday afternoon, between 1pm and 3pm.

The event is a fundraiser for the Point Curtis Cruising Club.

Info: Phone Vic on 021 260 9588

Mahurangi residents are being offered the chance to study for free with NorthTec, starting this month.

Fees-free programmes include business administration, painting, construction, forestry, agriculture and foundation studies.

The courses mostly last for around six months and give students a start towards a career or further studies, earning them a certificate or national certificate.

A NorthTec spokesperson says the free programmes also come with a range of extras such as free tools to give painting and construction students a head-start in the workforce or gym membership for sport and recreation students.

The majority of the courses start on Monday, July 21.

The following fees-free courses are

A

BIIGG HT

available at local NorthTec facilities: • Certificate in Elementary Construction (Level 2) – Silverdale and Kaiwaka* • Certificate in Sustainable Rural Development (Level 3) –Paparoa and Albany • Certificate in Painting (Trade) (Level 2) – Silverdale and Kaiwaka* • Certificate in Foundation Studies, Sport & Recreation focus (Level 2) –Whangaparaoa • National Certificate in Horticulture (level 3) –Whangaparaoa • National Certificate in Agriculture (general Skills) (Level 2)– Rodney

Info: www.northtec.ac.nz or phone 0800 162 100.

* These courses are fees-free for 16 to 24 year olds. Conditions may apply to other students.

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28

Mahurangi Matters

rurallife

July 16, 2014

CountryLiving Julie Cotton

Stripped of accountability

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Covering All Areas

I feel compelled to use this column to go into bat for our rural cousins within the Kaipara District. The deplorable actions and decisions of the former district council will now have long-lasting repercussions for all New Zealand ratepayers.

The judge has handed down his findings and for all intents and purposes there is no hiding the fact the Kaipara District Council failed its citizens. These findings will do little to ease the pain and financial burden of the Kaipara District ratepayers because the Bill passed through Parliament made dam sure of that!

Effectively, the Bill now requires all of us to “put up and shut up”. Ratepayers all over the country will now take cold comfort in the fact that we have been stripped of our right to accountability.

An ex-councillor on national television bemoaned the fact that ratepayers were withholding their rates. “It is our civic duty,” she decreed. Sorry, love, I disagree.

It is not our civic duty to sink our properties into generational debt so ratepayers can fund the unscrupulous, extravagant and poor decisions made behind closed doors by our elected representatives. What, however, is our “civic duty” is to collectively help pay for the maintenance and upgrading or “basic core” services that have a proven cost benefit analysis and have been transparently put to the ratepayers in a democratic way.

Along with the townies I have heard from many farming colleagues in the Kaipara district that some of their rates have increased 100 per cent over the last three years. The appointed commissioners have perceived that the minority (who do not have access to the debt incurred services) can afford to service the debt. Tell that to the farmers now amounting in the double digits whose farms are being sold up by the banks on the back of two consecutive horrific droughts.

Councils all over the country are sinking their citizens into colossal debt. We are now seeing a “borrow and spend” mentality after years of overspending on glamour projects and bureaucracy far removed from our basic core services and their need for maintenance and upgrading. Meanwhile, back at “the ranch” the rest of us mere mortals are trying desperately to live within our means.

No council or elected representative has the right to make decisions that will greatly impact the financial wellbeing of its constituents without the idea being floated transparently and democratically. The government must overturn the current legislation to make the decision-makers accountable for their actions and not the ratepayers. Perhaps then we will see reckless spending being curtailed to an acceptable and fair level.

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July 16, 2014

Enterprising rural women encouraged to enter awards Women in the rural sector who run their own business are being encouraged to enter the Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2014.

Rural Women national president Wendy McGowan says this is the sixth year the awards have been run and her organisation is already fielding inquiries from women keen to enter.

Last year’s supreme winner, Diane Coleman, of Treeline Native Nursery in Rotorua, says business is booming after the publicity that followed her win.

Though entering the awards may be outside some people’s comfort zone, Diane encourages rural businesswomen to pluck up the courage, as she did.

“Winning this award has been a once in a lifetime opportunity that was challenging, exciting, scary, fun, humbling and has really put my business on the map,” she says.

There are four award categories:

• Love of the Land, sponsored by Agrisea, for all land-based business, from animals to agriculture.

• Help! I need somebody, sponsored by Access Homehealth, for businesses providing any type of service - from retailers to agricultural contractors.

• Making it in Rural, sponsored by Telecom, for businesses that involve manufacturing or creativity.

• Stay, Play Rural, sponsored by Xero, for businesses engaged in rural tourism or hospitality.

Each category winner will receive $1000 in prize money and a trophy, with a further $1000 going to the supreme winner.

The awards will be presented at the Rural Women NZ national conference in Rotorua on November 15.

Entries close Friday, September 5.

Entry forms and further information are available at www.ruralwomen.org. nz/enterprisingruralwomen.

School technology Rural schools with less than 300 students are eligible to enter the HP Rural Schools Competition with a chance to win a share of $20,000 worth of HP products and support. Prizes might include HP notebooks, chromebooks, slates, printers and support to set up the devices for the school. Entries close on July 25 with winners announced in September. Info: Visit www. ruralwomen.org.nz/rural-school-competition

Mahurangi Matters

29

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rurallife

30

Mahurangi Matters

rurallife

July 16, 2014

Gardening Andrew Steens

Last month, we bid farewell to gardening columnist Wendy Schick, of Tumbleweed. Wendy has been giving local gardeners advice and guidance through this column for many, many years and we thank her and wish her well. Stepping in to the void is Point Wells gardening author Andrew Steens, who has a lifetime of practical experience, as well as a horticultural degree from Massey University. He believes he inherited his love of gardening from his mother, who regularly sent her six children on forays to collect horse manure and seaweed for her veges and flowers.

Caring for citrus One of the few things about winter that I actually look forward to is the ripening of citrus and, in particular, oranges. At this time of year, the oranges are the star; the trees are laden with golden orbs that bring vibrancy to the back of our garden. The crop is so heavy the branches are scraping the ground, despite the skirts being pruned to half-a-metre above the ground each winter.

When we brought the property six years ago, the orange trees were not looking too flash, even though we are on Point Wells peat soil, which citrus love. Citrus are surface feeders that hate competition around the root zone and these trees had been overgrown with kikuyu, arum lilies, queen of the night and black nightshade.

The trees were struggling to get enough nutrients and moisture over summer, resulting in small, sour fruit and yellowed leaves. In winter the arum lilies were blocking light from getting to some of the branches, causing big dead patches.

In my travels looking at properties around the area I see lots of citrus like this; spindly, sick looking trees with grass or weeds growing up to the trunk and a measly crop. The first step to improving your crop is to spray out the grass with glyphosate (or cover it in cardboard or newsprint if you are organic). The entire area under the canopy should be free of grass, out to just past the dripline, which is where most of the active roots are.

Sprinkle a few handfuls of citrus fertiliser (or use a blend of potash, blood and bone and dolomite) to give the trees a head start and then start mulching. Mulch with alternating layers of any green or brown material you can get hold of – grass clippings (don’t place these against the trunk and keep the layer to less than 5cm), wood chips, hedge clippings and all sorts of prunings go under mine. Sometimes the mulch pile under my trees can build up to 30cm high, before breaking down and feeding the roots.

After just a year or two of doing this, the results are outstanding with dark green leaves, big fruit with thin skins and excellent sweetness. A side benefit of all the mulching is that I no longer have to fertilise my trees – they get all they need from the composting mulch layer. Several years on and weeds and grass under the trees have stopped coming back, I don’t mow under the trees at all and only weedspray around the edges every 3-4 months or so to stop the kikuyu creeping back in. I also don’t have to worry about disposing of difficult to deal with plant material like palm fronds, canna stalks and cabbage tree leaves; they’re more than welcome under the citrus as they help stop the blackbirds scattering the smaller mulch materials over the lawn!

DON’T WAIT TILL IT’S TOO LATE!

Get your septic tank smelling sweet for summer!

DOES MY SEPTIC TANK NEED CLEANING? Yes, every 2-3 years.

Why? Because septic tanks are a filter. You clean your car filter and your water filters regularly and yet one of the most important filters gets forgotten - your septic tank. Keep your environment clean and green.

Rodney Septic Tank Cleaning Phone 09 422 7166 or 027 494 6370

NOT JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL!

Rodney College student Aimee Stevens is going on a fully-funded six-month exchange to Chile.

Language scholarship funds Chile adventure

A Rodney College student is jetting to Chile for six months after being one of 15 students to win a Language Immersion Award.

Year 12 student, Aimee Stevens, will leave for the coastal town of Santo Domingo next month after a year-long process of interviews, selections and preparations. It’s been a long wait since she was awarded the scholarship last August, but she says she is grateful to have had the year to hone her Spanish.

“I’ve never been more excited in my life. I’ve always loved adventure. I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Aimee says. “I’ve never been immersed in a foreign culture. I’ve never been in that situation where no-one knows me.”

Aimee will live with a host family and will go to a school with about 150 students. The 16-year-old has been learning Spanish for four years, and says she will have enough to “get by”, but hopes to become fluent.

Her host brother is the same age and has been on an English language exchange, so hopefully the language barrier won’t feel so large, she says.

g n t a i n l P IT’S

time

FRUIT TREES HAVE NOW ARRIVED

Fantastic selection to choose from

PEACHES • PLUMS • APPLES • PEARS

NECTARINES • FEIJOAS • CITRUS

Garden centre is bulging at the seams with truck loads of new stock, best range we have ever had.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-3, Sun 10-3

939 Matakana Road, Matakana • Ph: 422 7338 Fax: 422 7638 tumble.weed@actrix.co.nz • www.tumbleweed.net.nz

rurallife

July 16, 2014

Animals

Olaf Klein, Wellsford Vet Clinic www.vetsonline.co.nz/wellsfordvet

Minimising down cows Calving is upon us and with it we will always encounter a few cows that can not get up after calving. Farmers need to work to minimise the number of down cows and the time individuals spend down. There are three main categories – first and foremost are metabolic conditions; secondly, is a difficult calving causing paralysis, birth canal damage or bleeding; and thirdly, is general sickness like mastitis, Theileria, poor condition and muscle damage due to spending too much time down.

The metabolic problem is complex. Uddering-up dramatically increases demand for calcium. The cow responds by increasing mobilisation of calcium from her bones and increasing calcium absorption from her food. But many times she can not lift her blood calcium levels high enough to maintain adequate muscle function. She is weak, sluggish and, finally, becomes comatose and dies.

The magnesium we start feeding to the cow about two weeks prior to calving until well into the first third of lactation, stimulates the cow to mobilise calcium from her bones before she calves. The body tries to keep the calcium to magnesium ratio constant. Magnesium can be supplied as oxide, chloride or hepthydrate.

Magnesium oxide is used for pasture dusting at 100g/cow or as an additive to supplementary feed sat 30-40g/cow. Magnesium chloride and hepthydrate are water soluble salts that are delivered via drinking water. Starter drenches containing calcium, magnesium and energy concentrates are a very good option to get the girls over the initial dip. The ongoing feeding of calcium supplement after calving, on top of the magnesium, should be considered depending on the ration that is fed.

When a lot of the total ration is maize silage, then lime flour is needed to balance low calcium in the maize. The same applies for large amounts of fodder beet where low phosphorus has to be balanced with dicalcium phosphate as well. As a rule, never feed calcium before calving!

The actual treatment of the downer cow should focus on checking whether she is dull or alert, has she got a mastitis, is she anaemic and don’t forget to take the body temperature. The calcium is best administered intravenously (i/v). I prefer calcium/magnesium solutions because they work synergistically but straight calcium is fine. Both types of solution can go under the skin (s/c). If your solution contains dextrose as well it is better to give it i/v because it is irritant under the skin. I/v administration achieves higher peak concentrations in the blood.

Cows with nerve paralysis are often alert and should be treated with antiinflammatory straight away to minimise further tissue swelling pushing on the nerves serving the back legs. These cows should also be checked for a damaged birth canal. Hypothermia is a well-known complication of milkfever and extra dextrose infusions, plus a plastic tarp on the cow to keep her out of the weather, works wonders. Severe cases should be in a hay barn.

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Mahurangi Matters

localentertainment

July 16, 2014

Good food that’s Gluten Free

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D A I LY F R O M 1 1 A M

Fleetwood Mac tribute band members, from left, Jose Moraga on keyboards, Anna Fisher as Christine McVie, Gary Betti on drums, Alister Taylor on bass, Ken Strong on guitars, and Karen Davy as Stevie Nicks.

The rumours are true!

Fleetwood Mac fans are in for a treat when the Fleetwood Mac tribute band performs at the Orewa Arts & Events Centre, at Orewa College, on Saturday, July 26.

The concert is raising money for CanTeen, the charity that supports young people living with cancer.

Karen Davy, who fronts the show as Stevie Nicks, has 27 awards for singing and song writing, as well as holding a Guinness World record for singing (48hrs). Co-singer Anna Fisher, a music teacher and mother of two, takes the part of Christine McVie. Organisers are promising that the Dreams show will take the audience back to re-live one of the most memorable and outstanding musical experiences of the seventies and eighties.

“This amazing show features a dynamic and exciting two-and-a-half hours of hits including Gypsy, Gold Dust Woman, Dreams, Rhiannan and The Chain,” they say. “The show also features great costumes and dramatic lighting, complete with the latest special effects, to create a special atmosphere for this fantastic night.”

Audiences can get into the act with prizes for the best dressed ‘Stevie’ on the night.

There will also be a raffle, merchandise for sale, including CanTeen Bandannas, and a special door prize.

The event is BYO drinks and nibbles.

Tickets are $25 and available from Orewa Menswear on Bakehouse Lane or phone 027 297 5667.

Ticket giveaway

We have a double pass to the Dream show in Orewa to giveaway to one lucky reader. Just write your name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Fleetwood Competition, Mahurangi Matters, PO 701 Warkworth 0984; or send us a message via www.facebook.com/ Mahurangimatters subject Fleetwood. Competition closes on July 22.

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Mayor Len Brown Georgia Brierly.

congratulates

Runner’s selfless deed rewarded Auckland Mayor, Len Brown, presented Wellsford School pupil Georgia Brierly with the Sir Peter Blake Trust Young Leader Award this month.

Georgia won the award for her initiative in guiding groups of younger pupils through the school crosscountry course.

“She didn’t just do this once, but six times. Sir Peter Blake was renowned for his leadership and picking up those who are struggling and that’s just what Georgia has done here at the school,” Mr Brown said.

Georgia featured in Mahurangi Matters in March for her success in local running races, often beating the adults.

The Year 8 pupil has since come first in the Lower North Island Girls junior cross-country and was “fastest woman” in the Omaha Classic for the third year in a row and second overall. She was also first female and third overall in the recent George Heaven Te Hana Road Race.

localentertainment

July 16, 2014

Wine

Mahurangi Matters

33

Kowhai Kids Home-Based Educare ™

Ben Dugdale, Chairman, Matakana Winegrowers Assc.

Looking for home-based childcare?

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During my weekly visit to a supermarket I usually take an interest in the area where lucky shoppers can pick up their favourite wine brand for a price that they consider a bargain. Supermarkets have been able to sell wine for well over 20 years. They currently sell about 70 per cent of wine in the country to the public.

They have amazing distribution systems and know, to many significant digits, how much a product costs them to sell. Supermarkets love wine. Principally, due to the fact of the plethora of wine brands means they can negotiate the buy price with plenty of willing sellers, all happy to crawl over broken glass to plug their wine into a vast distribution system. There is no need to explain to customers the elements and values that make up the story behind the wine, they simply have to agree to some terms and conditions – a memorable one was the 2% discount that the supermarket demanded so that they paid their invoice on the due date. Ostensibly not so different from an early bird discount, except that a discount is normally offered by the vendor.

Anyway, I am amazed at the prices they sell these wines at – many at $8.99 or even below. At $8.99 incl GST means the ex GST price is $7.82. Excise tax and ALAC levy is $2.11, leaving $5.71. Large wineries with colossal tank farms and international distribution can really bring down the costs by way of giant scale.

Their packaging costs are usually about $1.50 per bottle, production costs are generally $2 per bottle and the grapes cost a further $2, which leaves about 21 cents. No account is taken for the cost of the sale, transport from warehouse, marketing and sales, in fact about a dozen other costs, both direct and indirect.

The Matakana wineries tend to have costs two or even three times this amount – purely due to the smallness of their operation and the varieties grown are not the high yield producing ones. Local producers also prefer to avoid supermarket chain distribution purely as they cannot compete on the price (which is the basis of supermarket selling). Why would you?

The aforementioned areas in the supermarket are called dump stacks for very good reason. Once you have sold you wine for $8.99, it becomes almost impossible to sell it at its ‘regular retail price’, as customers will think to themselves: “ I’ll just wait till it’s cheaper.” The compliant and increasingly overseas-controlled wine companies are happy enough as long as they can move what they now call “product” over a shorter “sales cycle” without increasing the “cost of sale’.

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Mahurangi Matters

34

localsport

July 16, 2014

Taniwha Shield opening at Kaiwaka tinged with sadness The New Zealand flag flew at half-mast at the opening of the Dave Culham Taniwha Shield rugby tournament, in Kaiwaka this month, out of respect for two Otamatea rugby identities.

Otamatea Hawks player Jordan Kemp died the weekend before the tournament, following a suspected head injury during a game between the Hawks and Old Boys Marist in Whangarei, while Kaiwaka Sports Foundation founder, John Keighley, also died during the same weekend.

At the tournament opening, event organiser Cheryl Anderson said the pair would be sorely missed, but they would have wanted the tournament to go on.

“Jordan’s family is a prominent Maori family in the community and a big supporter of the Sports Foundation,” Cheryl said.

John Keighley, who died after a long struggle with illness in his old age, was the driving force behind getting the Kaiwaka Sports Centre built.

“Every community has someone who does everything and gets things done.

That was John for Kaiwaka.

“John and Jordan were rugby nuts and I’m sure they wouldn’t have wanted their passing to hold up the rugby tournament.”

A minute’s silence was observed to remember the pair.

Eight teams of Year 7 and 8 students attended the tournament, drawing players from schools from Wellsford

View more photos online localmatters.co.nz

Opening day The Taniwha Shield tournament in Kaiwaka.

to the Far North.

Speaking at the start of the tournament, Rodney Otamatea comanager Chantelle Peeni said the loss of Jordan had hit the team hard.

“A lot of the players’ older brothers were friends with Jordan. But the tournament has been a good distraction for them. They are going to play for Jordan and use that to drive them on.”

Rodney Otamatea coach Mike Peeni

also coaches the Otamatea Hawks. He says that Jordan had come through the Taniwha tournament and was on his way to becoming a great player.

“He was quite quiet, because he was one of the younger boys. This year was a development year for him, entering the Hawks, but he was gaining confidence and performing well.”

The tournament was also hit with wild weather, which brought down trees, closing roads and forced Day Three of the tournament to relocate to

Wellsford to allow the Kaiwaka field to recover.

“I’ve been organising this tournament for months. It feels like everything that could have gone wrong, has gone wrong,” Cheryl says.

“But the boys are still playing with spirit. It can’t be much fun for them playing in pouring rain and gale-force winds.”

For tournament localmatters.co.nz

results,

visit

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Mahurangi Matters

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A programme which develops balance and coordination in toddlers has closed.

A roundup of sports activities and events in the district Tennis Games for 35yrs+ at Warkworth, Tues & Sat 1-3pm. Info: Murray Ph 425 7454.

Junior Rugby Eastern United JMB Rugby welcomes players for the Under 7s, 9s and 11s from ToTalspan Rodney the Kaiwaka/Mangawhai area.pRoud Practice sponsoRs Tues & Thurs,of 5.30pm at Kaiwaka Sports Centre. Info: Jennie 021 0276 4171 Ladies Squash Warkworth Club is starting a ladies morning, Mon, 9.30-11 a.m. Fees: $7 for and balls supplied, non-marking shoes required. a non-members.

Roundup ofRacquets spoRTs acTiviTies Coaching available.

Info: Kaye 425 6965 in THe disTRicT ibus omnimolum Rhythmic Gymnastics Is quas sint restincti umquisi muscius idipitae la et Termvendipsantus 3 Mahurangi Club’sblaborr rhythmic starts Wed July 23quiatnus Mahurangi College. Jnrs autatur sanissit, conseri onsequi denimod magnametur?

Qui omnimet as magnima 3.30–5.30pm, snrs 3.30–6.30pm.

Info: margaretwoolf@xtra.co.nz 021 707 322 gnihil il ilictati te nam qui blaboria is amusanitio. Nam excepelenis nima con pore etur?

Squash Derum est andia perfernatem fugit qui dit auditi cum eum vendusant volupta quam Wellsford evelit ipitessumSquash aut ut am.Club on SH1. Primary school aged play Mon 3.30pm, teenagers Tues 3.30pm, men Wed 4pm & women Thurs 4pm. Info: Mary 422 6190 simusci Indoorllabo Bowls Ucimporrum lautat rerum comniendel et volorrupta Hall sum Mon 1–3.30pm. First Snells Beach Clubrenducia play voloreiur, at Snells Beach ipis Community voluptatus am eum quis abor aut $20 aut utper dit, nem dolliciurem fugiate or moluptus day free.

Membership year.

Info: Joyce Graham 4256276. doluptaquis quosant iorepro volor aut inullab orrovitae eosam, soluptas volore ea delis Badminton quam, optis erum faccaborest, cus, ommoluptat aliquis di quiam eat arum serianda badminton onexTues 9.30–11.30am quiWarkworth si reptium dolutClub. quo etSocial haruptature parit, officiunt eat quatus, que pro optasim& Wed 9–11am. All welcome.

Fees:nit$5 each pietus day played orsus. $3 for members. Membership is $20 per oluptat ut restiistrum et alitias enihil ium annum. Info: Rhondda 4223565 or Lynne 4254999 oTaTuR coRum Gymnastics Nonsed exeri occabo. Parciendania sendio omnimus nonet est et qui sae pera Mahurangi Gym Club runs recreation classes on Mon at Mahurangi College endipitatur aut expereperum restrum dipid millibus vel int occaeLiz Davie-Martin old gym.

Competitive Gymharum Wedatur & reperumet Rhythmic Gym Wed. Info: doloriorumet et excearciis atibusa ntibeati molut od earum quis del magnis elizabethdm10@gmail.com oromnihil 4255705 ma pra volori ipienie niatus plibus quia veniatibus. Illorit as imusam voluptatem sitio Taekwondo officidel ium int a consequi nis rae int vidundae perferum nonem corum.

Tues & Thurs at Warkworth Sch Hall. Info: tash@jungshin.co.nz 021 ga0709 nempeRnaTis 112 Ad eic tem reiunt volut porate ped ma non niendi arum eumque.

List sports news FREE by emailing news@localmatters.co.nz

Warkworth Playgym closes Lack of interest by the community is being given as the reason for the closure of Warkworth’s Tiny Tumblers Playgym this month.

The gymnastics programme for toddlers has been based at the Warkworth Scout Den since 2010.

Mahurangi Gymnastics Club president Liz Davie-Martin says she is disappointed that there wasn’t more support for the gym.

“We couldn’t continue to subsidise the programme,” Liz says.

The gym had also missed two rounds of Rodney Local Board funding due to mishaps with the applications. Last year, there was confusion over whether or not the application was received and this year, the application was rejected as the Board only received a hard copy, when a digital copy was also required.

Liz says the group wasn’t told a digital application was needed until it was too late. But she says the funding would only have delayed the inevitable.

The club is now looking at starting a

THE scorEBoArD

similar programme for preschoolers, run out of local kindergartens. The MoveMprove is a nationwide school programme run by GymSports NZ. Liz hopes the programme will be up and running within a few months.

Meanwhile, Liz says the Gymnastics Club is thriving with more than 120 members, which has prompted her to start looking for more coaches.

“We’ve had to start a waiting list for some of the classes.”

The club is currently run out of the old Mahurangi College gym, and is desperate for new headquarters. Liz says getting a dedicated gym for the club has been a 29-year struggle.

The Club is part of the Mahurangi Community Sport and Recreation Collective, which is planning a multisport complex at the Warkworth Showgrounds. Liz hopes the complex will eventually provide a headquarters for the club.

ToTalspan Rodney TOTALSPAN RODNEY 229229 sTaTe HigHway 1 1, State Highway waRkwoRTH Warkworth Phone 09 422 pHone 09 422 31493149

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B

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Jul 20

Jul 21

Jul 22

Jul 23

Jul 24

Jul 25

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Jul 27

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Jul 30

Jul 31

Aug 1

0.3 5:38am 0.4 12:29am 3.4 1:24am 3.4 11:59am 3.3 6:32am 0.5 7:27am 0.4 5:58pm 0.5 12:53pm 3.2 1:51pm 6:56pm 0.7 7:56pm 3.5

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B

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B

5:05am 5:30pm

5:55am 6:20pm

2:19am 8:24am 2:50pm 8:57pm

7:28am 5:27pm

Best At

G

3.3 0.6 3.1 0.8

6:45am 7:10pm

3:15am 9:22am 3:51pm 9:57pm

7:27am 5:28pm

Best At

G

3.1 0.7 3.0 0.9

7:26am 5:28pm

Best At

G

7:35am 8:00pm

3.0 4:12am 0.7 10:19am 3.0 4:48pm 0.9 10:52pm

7:26am 5:29pm

Best At

F

8:25am 8:50pm

3.0 5:08am 0.8 11:14am 3.0 5:42pm 0.9 11:44pm

7:25am 5:30pm

Best At

F

9:15am 9:39pm

2.9 6:01am 2.9 12:31am 0.9 1:15am 0.8 12:03pm 0.7 6:50am 2.9 7:36am 3.0 6:31pm 3.0 12:49pm 0.7 1:30pm 7:15pm 3.1 7:57pm 0.9 7:24am 5:30pm

Best At

G

10:04am 10:28pm

7:24am 5:31pm

Best At

G

10:52am 11:16pm

11:40am

1:56am 8:19am 2:10pm 8:36pm

7:23am 5:32pm

Best At

F

0.9 3.0 0.7 3.1

12:03am 12:26pm

2:36am 8:58am 2:47pm 9:13pm

7:22am 5:33pm

Best At

F

0.8 3.0 0.7 3.1

12:48am 1:10pm

3:14am 9:36am 3:24pm 9:50pm

7:21am 5:34pm

Best At

G

0.8 3.0 0.7 3.1

7:20am 5:34pm

Best At

G

1:32am 1:54pm

0.8 3:52am 3.0 10:13am 0.7 4:02pm 3.1 10:27pm

7:20am 5:35pm

Best At

G

2:15am 2:36pm

0.8 4:30am 3.0 10:51am 0.7 4:42pm 3.1 11:06pm

7:19am 5:36pm

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G

2:57am 3:19pm

0.8 3.0 0.8 3.1

Best At

G

3:40am 4:02pm

Last New Quarter Moon Set 9:45am Set 10:23am Set 11:00am Rise 12:07am Rise 1:10am Rise 2:10am Rise 3:08am Rise 4:02am Rise 4:53am Rise 5:40am Rise 6:23am Rise 7:02am Rise 7:37am Rise 8:11am Rise 8:42am Rise 9:13am Rise 9:43am Rise 9:55pm Rise 11:02pm Set 11:37am Set 12:16pm Set 12:56pm Set 1:40pm Set 2:26pm Set 3:15pm Set 4:06pm Set 4:59pm Set 5:54pm Set 6:48pm Set 7:43pm Set 8:38pm Set 9:32pm Set 10:28pm *Not for navigational purposes.

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Mahurangi Matters

July 16, 2014

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WINDSCREEN REPAIR OR REPLACE GLAzING SERVICES MIRRORS • SPLASH BACKS • SHOWERS

0800 70 40 10

info@northglass.co.nz • www.northglass.co.nz

rochford landscapes & mini diggers

• New Residential & Architectural Joinery • Replacement Windows • Specialty Units

A OW

SS OC I

N

MULCH MAN

Producers of top quality aluminium joinery

IO AT

sales@absoluteconcrete.co.nz

ryan@btbuild.co.nz

OF

09 4312211

Ryan Bridgens 021 560 889

Phone 09 423 8945 – service all areas

ABSOLUTE CONCRETE

WATER TANKS

specialising in

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FREE LOAN TRAILERS HOME DELIVERIES 7 DAYS A WEEK

 Registered CHIMNEY & FLUE SWEEPING Certified SAFETY INSPECTIONS  Authorized SERVICE & REPAIR AGENTS  Licenced FIRE INSTALLERS & HEATING TECHNICIANS  SALES OF WOODBURNERS, COOKERS, FIREPLACES

WIN D

• Screened Topsoil • Living Earth Compost & Garden Mix • Lawn Mix • Mulch • Bark • Pebbles • Stones • Sand • Drainage • Metal • Sleepers • Pongas • Grass Seed • Fertiliser • Weedmat • Kiln Dried Firewood bagged & bulk plus much more

NE A W Z E AL

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p. 425 7367 f. 425 7368 e. rodal@ihug.co.nz www.rodneywindows.co.nz 74 Hudson Road, PO Box 259, Warkworth

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mob:0219 hm:(09)4226469 mob:021939117 Landscape & garden design • Digger hire & earth works ing@g rochford.landscaping@gmail.com m

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1.5 ton digger contracting • retaining walls ground leveling • fencing • lawn installation • edging rock work • concrete prep • decks • planting

E X P E R I E N C E D O P E R AT O R

0508 2 SCAPE • 021 939 117

PH ROSS 021 022 07579

www rochfordlandscapes.co.nz

Project management • Palm & tree installation & removal Decks, fences, paving • Water features & dams • Wetland design & planting

T O TA L L A N D S C A P E S E R V I C E S

JAMES 021 756 001

38

Mahurangi Matters

July 16, 2014

localmatters.co.nz

R&B FURNITURE REFINISHING & RESTORATION ALNWICK ST EXTENSION, WARKWORTH ROBERTSON BOATYARD Ph: 09 425 7001 • Email: info@robertsonboats.com

www.robertsonboats.com

Creative Engraving & Giftware Design & Manufacture Large Wooden Signs

Creating your ideas or ours Morrison Drive • 452 0201

wwengraving@xtra.co.nz

T H E C EN T R E F O R H E A LT H I N T H E H E A RT O F RO D N EY

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$4.40 inc GST per line or $11.20 per/cm inc GST for boxed adverts.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

HOME MAINTENANCE

Twice weekly skin cancer clinics at RSC SITuATIONS VACANT

A SMART REPAIR Service for F&P smartdrive washers, F&P/Simpson dryers. Same day service 09 423 9660 or 021 168 7349.

WATER PuMPS Low water pressure?

Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Steve 09 945 2282 ww.purewaterservices.co.nz

RSC is less than 15 mins from the Silverdale on ramp!

FOR RENT

PuBLIC NOTICES

CABINS FOR RENT 3 sizes avail.

Carpet & Curtains incl. from $65.00 pw + delivery. www.justcabins.co.nz Ph: 0800 587822/021 2812066 ROOM TO RENT Self contained room available near Leigh. Amazing views, rural setting. $160 per week. 027 362 3800 or georgefdriver@gmail.com

Come and join the fun, 1st monday of month, Upstairs New masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth, 7pm.

Proceeds to Warkworth museum.

FOR SALE PLANTS Quality groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Large and small grades.

Wholesale direct to the public. Contact growing and pre-orders welcome.

Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery, 90 Jones Road, Omaha 09 422 7307.

RAWLEIGH Products. Ph Pat 423 8851 FIREWOOD Firewood, dry, shed stored, delivered. 021 0228 4013 2002 NISSAN PRIMERA st wagon.

Gd cond. 131,000ks $6000 or near offer.

Ph 431 4966 or 027 291 1632 DRY PINECONES Local delivery $25.

Ph 425 5748

HEALTH SERVICES

Massage For Health

Massaging locally for 18 years - Qualified Relaxation, Deep tissue, Pregnancy Home clinic/Mobile. New clients welcome Ph Evelyn 09 - 425 6479 Mob 021 148 1779 Diploma Therapeutic Massage NZ College of Massage

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO!

FREE Information Evening. island Escape Cruises – Vanuatu & New Zealand. Tuesday 22 July 5.30pm. Guest speaker, exclusive deals, spot prizes and refreshments. RSVP by 18 July – seats are limited. World Travellers Warkworth Tel: 09 425 8009.

REMINDER ALL RODNEY ARTISTS ‘COLOuRS OF RODNEY’ EXHIBITION Entries to P.O.Box 243 Warkworth, by 19 September, 2014.

North Rodney CAC. Enquiries: Joy Bell Ph(09) 422 4957.

HOME BuILDERS FAMILY SERVICES AGM

4 Aug 12pm, Hexam St. Warkworth 09 425 7048

TuITION

HOME MAINTENANCE what bad-bugs are in your drinking water. We collect, test and report. Ph Simon at 09 422 9345 or tankwater@ xtra.co.nz

HANDYMAN – THE MAINTENANCE MAN Your one stop fix-it-man. Phone Jim 422 3725 or 021 254 2048 or visit www.themaintenancemanjim.co.nz

procedure room endoscopy Services will beaprovided Why travel to Auckland?

We and areanthe Rodneyservice.

Surgical Centre, privatebyday stay surgical 20 surgeons with very experienced service based approximately in Warkworth and setinupconjunction in late 2009.

We provide nursing “state of the art” day staff ensuring the highest standard of healthcare. stay surgery to the communities of Rodney and Kaipara in particular.

You are an enthusiastic and committed professional who can lead our team of nursing 77 Morrison Drive, Warkworth • Ph 09 develop 4251190this • www.rodneysurgicalcentre and peri-operative staff as Operating Room Manager and service.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, and working closely with our peri-operative team, your responsibilities will include overall leadership, maintaining the ethos of a patient centred service, day to day management of the operating rooms, working to provide quality care for people, and creating and maintaining superb relationships with specialists and other key health stakeholders.

To be successful you will have 10+ years experience in operating room based roles and have demonstrated leadership within these roles. You are a team player with a can-do attitude in achieving results, able to look after operational detail of managing stock and costs as well as having strong people skills. Most importantly, you will have the ability and personality to create enduring relationships with patients and people in our wider community.

If you thrive in a health care environment and enjoy the satisfaction of a challenging but autonomous role, and want to work closer to home and not compete with the Auckland traffic then this if for you.

Put yourself forward for this fantastic opportunity, apply now.

Send your CV and cover letter to: gm@rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz For further information call 09 425 1190 and ask for Shelley Scott General Manager

Registered Nurse Operating Room - Part time and Casual Experienced Ophthalmology scrub nurse- Part time

Rodney Surgical Centre is looking for dedicated and experienced operating room nurses to work in our 2 theatre day surgery unit, based in Warkworth and set up in late 2009. Part time and casual work is currently available.

You must hold a current New Zealand Registered Nurse Practicing Certificate and have a minimum of 18 months operating room experience. You are a team player with a can-do attitude.

If you are passionate about providing quality patient care and committed to continuous improvement, then this if for you. Apply now.

Please send CV to: gm@rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz

TEACHER AIDE : MAHuRANGI CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

TANK WATER TESTING Find out

STEVE’S MAINTENANCE lawns, hedges, waterblasting, rubbish removal, section clearing, property maintenance. No job too big or small.

Phone Steve 029 770 7101 or 09 425 9966. Serving Warkworth, Snells, matakana, Sandspit.

WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Ph Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.purewaterservices.co.nz

The latest expertise and technology is now available locally for

Operating Room Manager Rodney residents.

RSC provides two state of the art operating rooms, a

Is your child not achieving?

Proven results at individual learning levels.

Affordable private school. www.livingway.co.nz, 09 423 7727

GuITAR LESSONS Flexible & patient.

Loan guitar available. Ph martin 422 3037

TV SERVICES & SALES TV SERVICES Aerials, Dishes, Freeview sales, installation and service. Extra outlets serving the area for 18 years.

Phone Gavin 027 476 6115.

10-20 hours pr wk working with children with special learning needs.

Successful applicant(s) will support our special character.

Email principal@mahu.school.nz asap for details.

BABYSITTER WANTED Wayby area.

Drivers License needed. Ph Karyn 021 622 550

TV SERVICES & SALES

AERIAL & SATELLITE DISH INSTALLATIONS

Professional installation of Satellite Dishes and Freeview UHF Aerials.

Wall mount TV installations, multi-room Solutions. Audio and Home Theatre. TV Tuning Services.

Phone 425 5431.

TV SERVICES & SALES ALL FREEVIEW INSTALLATIONS Dish, Aerial, Additional Outlet ..

THE TV MAN IS THE ONE! FREE QuOTE Call Jim THE mAiNTENANCE mAN 021 254 2048 or visit www. themaintencemanjim.co.nz FREEVIEW TV, Audio, installation, Faults & Supply. Andrew 021 466 394 or 422 2221.

WANTED TO BuY CASH PAID TOOLS & machinery, Shed & garage clearouts. All things considered.

Call or txt 021 161 5139.

WORK WANTED REID EQuESTRIAN ENGINEERING, Wellsford. Float rebuilds, horse truck conversions, etc. Dog kennels made to measure. Quality work. Ph Ron 423 9666

localmatters.co.nz

what’s on July

See What’s On at localmatters.co.nz for a full list of upcoming events

16-18 School holiday activities, The Kauri Museum, 10am to 12noon.

Games, storytelling, crafts, gum polishing and interactive displays. Info: www.kaurimuseum.com 16 Warkworth Town Hall Advisory Committee meeting, brainstorming fundraising ideas for the hall restoration, old Masonic Hall, 7.30pm. Info: warkworthtownhall@gmail.com 17 Omaha Wastewater Treatment Plant public open day, Matakana Hall, 5pm-8pm 17 Forest & Bird Winter Talk, Totara Park, Warkworth, starts at 7.30pm. Guest speaker Dr Tim Lovegrove, Auckland Council’s senior regional advisor (fauna), on the restoration of birdlife at Tawharanui 18 Warkworth Music presents Antithesis, Ascension Wine Estate, 7.30pm 19 Omaha Wastewater Treatment Plant public open day, Omaha Community Centre, 10am-12 noon 19 Wilkinson Road Race (10km), from Kaipara Flats Hall, for runners aged over 16. Plus shorter races for children; organised by Wellsford Road Runners. Info: Caroline Marsh 423 7191 19 Concert with tributes to Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Rory Gallagher, Warkworth RSA. Fundraiser for Rodney Rams rebuild project 20 Pool challenge, indoor bowls and darts competition, Warkworth RSA, from 12.30pm. All welcome. Proceeds to Rodney Rams rebuild project.

22 Quiz Night, Bowls Warkworth, Mill Lane, 7pm for a 7.30pm start, $10 a head. Organised by Lions Club of Kowhai Coast.

22 Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show fundraiser for CanTeen, Orewa College Arts and Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm (see story p32)

List your event directly on our new What’s On calendar at localmatters.co.nz/whatson or email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

July 16, 2014

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

WINTER GRAND CHRISTMAS OPENING! WARMERS! Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

Jameson 1L

Martineau Brandy 1L Wild Moose Canadian Whisky 1L

Jim Beam bourbon 1750ml

Chivas Regal 700ml

$

$

.99

.99

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6.99

$

Black Heart / Cruiser 330ml 12s

Russian Standard Vodka 1L

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21.99 $

9ea.99

$

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Glacier Bay White Wine

Steinlager Pure 330ml 15s

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28.99

$

Wont be hard to Spot

20

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White Label $ Range 22.99

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Monteith’s Summer Ale 12s

NZ Pure 330ml NZ pure Summer Ale 330ml

Jim Beam Black 8% 330ml

$821.99

$

.99

Wolf Blass Yellow Label, Matua $ Regional 24.99 inc Pinot Noir

$

32.99

$

Smirnoff Ice Double Black 7% 335ml Bottles

Steinlager Classic 330ml 18s

$

KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s

$

.99

Aquila Sparkling

Speights Gold Medal, Waikato, Lion Red 24s

Part of the

KING HITS

Specials valid until 31 December 2011. All specials may not be available in some stores. Specials only available at Liquor Spot Stores detailed above. No Trade Sales.

Heineken Bottles 12s

$24 .99

Steinlager Pure 330ml Bottles 15s

Lion Brown 330ml Cans 18s

Carlsberg Bottles 15s

$18.99

$28.99

$22.99

5 DAYS ONLY Tuesday 15th July - Saturday19th July Seagers 1L

Muirheads Scotch Whiskey 1L

Jagermeister 1L

$31.99

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$52.99

Pepe Lopez Silver & Gold Tequila 700ml

$31.99 ea

Mount Gay Rum Eclipse 1L

STIL 1L

Jim Beam 1.75L

Stolen Rum Range White, Spice & Gold 700ml

$41.99

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Vodka Cruiser 7% 250ml Cans 12 pk OR KGB Vodka 5% 330ml Bottles 99 12pk ea

Smirnoff 5% Bottles 10 pk

Coruba & Cola 5% Bottles 12 pk

Delicious Protein Shakes available

$

33.99

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extended to the month of July!

Bombay Sapphire Gin 1L

“BEST SPOT FOR 42 YOUR29FAVOURITE DROP” 57 44 32 13 49

Grants Whiskey 1L

No Joining Fee

39

Mahurangi Matters

$20.99 Lion Ice Lager 4% 330ml Bottles 15s

$19.

Cody’s 7% 250ml Cans 12 pk OR Woodstock 5% 330ml Bottles 12 pk

$22.99 Canadian Club & Dry Cans 10 pk OR Jim Beam & Cola Cans 10 pk

$19.99 ea Tui Export Gold OR DB Draught 330ml Bottles 24s

$19.99 ea

Ranfurly 440ml Cans 18s

Haagen 330ml Bottles 15s

24 Hours is nearly here

& join us on NO Contract!

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5.30am-9pm, Fri 5.30am-8pm, Sat & Sun 8am-2pm, Public Holidays 8am-2pm

Unit 1/9-23 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

09 422 2600  gymspot@outlook.com

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$34.99 ea

$23.99

WELLSFORD LIQUOR SPOT

133 RODNEY ST, WELLSFORD | 09 423 7913 Specials valid until 31 July 2014. All specials may not be available in some stores.

Specials only available at Liquor Centre Stores detailed above. No Trade Sales.

$19.99 Part of the

40

Mahurangi Matters

July 16, 2014

localmatters.co.nz

Pasifika concert warms chilly winter afternoon A blast of Pacific warmth blew through Warkworth Primary School this month when it hosted the annual Pasifika concert to mark Kiribati Independence.

More than 40 students, representing mainly Kiribati, Tuvalu and Tonga, but also including Samoan, Cook Island Maori and Fijian Banaban children, presented a programme of dance, music and commentary on their island homes.

Music teacher Linda Gribble started the Pasifika group eight years ago.

“Many Kiribati children, whose parents work at Southern Paprika, had newly-enrolled at the school, and needed support and confidence to fit into their new environment,” she says.

“It made a big difference in those early days and now our Pasifika students are fully involved in all areas of school life. Their parents are also very helpful and supportive with our group and at school.”

The group is limited to Pacific Islanders recognising the support of their parents who teach the songs and dances, and dress the children in native costume. The school also has its own Pasifika costumes.

Mahurangi College Pasifika performed a Tongan dance at the concert, and the audience included several kindergartens and retirement home residents, and the wider school community.

“There’s always a crowd and in true

View more photos plus videos online localmatters.co.nz

The concert’s costumes represented several different Pacific Island nations.

Pasifika style, they represent all age groups and aren’t shy to call-out, cheer or dance along.

“Over the years our Pasifika group has performed at many community functions. It gives them pride in their culture to be so popular and it is great to see teacher Carol Weaver continue to nurture this at Mahurangi College.”

Mrs Gribble says the Pasifika groups is also grateful for the support of Maxine Hatfull and teacher aide Teriribwe Taukoriri.

For a full range of family health care, including A&M services in an integrated system 24 hours per day, across our region, including public holidays For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of our clinics Wellsford 220 Rodney St (Cnr. SH1 & Matheson Rd) 09 423 8086 ALSO AFTER HOURS Snells Beach 145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666

Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 Mangawhai 4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128

Maungaturoto 138 Hurndall Street 09 431 8576 Paparoa 1877 Paparoa Valley Road 09 431 7222

Wellsford Birthing Unit

Full 2 bedroom birthing and post natal care facility with your own LMC & Registered Nurses 24/7 in attendance. Birthing pool, FREE baby car seat with admission.

218 Rodney St, Wellsford Health Centre, Wellsford • Enquiries Admin 09 423 8745

PHONE 09 423 8086 FOR 24/7 AFTER HOURS URGENT SERVICE