Mahurangi Matters_Issue 217_12 December 2012

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12 December 2012

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

AS SEEN ON TV

Your complete local entertainment guide

Centre liftout

Spirit of Christmas Keep it local

pages 13 to 18

Local business Who’s new around town

Destination Mahurangi Insert

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The new Warkworth on-demand bus service, christened The Kowhai Connection, has been delayed until next year.

Sustainable transport advocate Bevan The 12-month trial is being funded several ways and planning the detail to Woodward had hoped to see the by Auckland Transport and the NZ get it right was taking a little longer pilot service up and running before Transport Agency which are each than initially envisaged.

Christmas. contributing $50,000. New World “Auckland Transport and the local “It’s very disappointing, but we Warkworth is providing the bus. team in Warkworth are committed are now looking forward to a mid- An Auckland Transport spokesperson to getting this product right from February launch,” he said. said the trial service was innovative in continued page 3

Summer Blast

|

Paperwork delays Warkworth bus trial

Inside this issue

SUMMER 2012/13

Displaying the true meaning of Christmas, Mahurangi residents have again given generously to the annual Homebuilders/ Mahurangi Matters Christmas Appeal.

The collection has amounted to car loads of gifts which will brighten Christmas Day for many struggling families in our local community. Mahurangi Matters editor Jannette Thompson and Homebuilders coordinator Quentin Jukes say it feels good to be part of such a caring community. “It was lovely to see the spirit of giving. Many of the gifts were purchased especially for the appeal and one grandmother brought in several gifts, which she placed under the tree on behalf of her newly-born great-granddaughter.” One woman commented: “Some have so much and some have so little. Thanks for organising the appeal which, hopefully, means that what’s available is shared around a little more fairly.”

Three-year-old Alaithia Melia, of Mangawhai was one of the visitors at the Kowhai Coast Lions Club Christmas tree display in the Old Masonic Hall.

of

Thank you, readers

2 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

Seasons Greetings

Save your water during Summer .....

Mahurangi Matters wishes readers a very Merry Christmas.

Kowhai Laundry

“ WE WASH WHILE YOU SHOP ” • Household washing • Blankets • Sleeping bags

• Duvets • Picnic rugs • Beach towels

Mahurangimatters is a locally owned publication, circulated Issue 217

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The future of seven healthy pohutukawa trees on the Whangateau Domain foreshore is in doubt following Auckland Council works to recreate the naturally occurring beachfront and replace the failing seawall.

The $435,000 project started in challenging location,” he says.

August and was timed to coincide with “The original designs for this project the re-build of the Omaha seawall to did not propose to keep the trees, but achieve some efficiencies. following public consultation, it was However, Council’s local and sports decided that Council would attempt parks north manager Martin van to retain them.

Jaarsveld says, that as with any works “We will now keep a close eye on the carried out in this environment, access trees over the summer and we plan to for contractors is dependent on the meet with local residents early next tides. year to assess whether the efforts to He says the trees were originally keep them are proving successful.” planted on reclaimed land, well Additional planting is also planned for forward of the natural high tide mark. the area, including trees back from the “As the foreshore retreats to a more new foreshore pathway and planting natural location, the trees are left in a on the beach.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 3

Ngati Manuhiri celebrates claim settlement

Briefs

The future use of the Warkworth Courthouse will rest in the hands of Ngati Manuhiri following Parliament’s settlement of the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngāti Manuhiri last month.

The settlement includes commercial and financial redress worth $9 million made up of $2.498 million cash, and the Warkworth District Court and Pakiri School sites, which will be leased back to the Crown. Also included is the return of six culturally significant sites. Among them is 1.2 hectares on Hauturu/Little Barrier Island, 40 hectares north of Pakiri Beach and a marginal strip at Goat Island.

The claims of Ngāti Manuhiri relate to the loss of land and the actions of the Crown, covering the eastern coastline from Whangaparaoa/Orewa to Mangawhai. The hapu has more than 1000 members.

Chief executive Mook Hohneck says the settlement process had been long and emotionally draining, but he was pleased an outcome had been achieved.

“It’s time now to steady the ship, get some good advice over the next 12 Representatives of Ngati Manuhiri, including Kamatua Laly Haddon (front), months and put in place strategies gathered in Wellington for the historic settlement of the hapu’s Waitangi claims. that will deliver benefit to the widest providing services, in areas such Council of 30 hectares in Pakiri to add spread of members,” he said. as health and employment, which to the regional park is wonderful, but “It’s going to be an exciting time with our people should be able to access we’ll be asking ‘where do we fit in this arrangement?’” lots of opportunities but we need to sit through normal channels.” down and talk to everyone about what Mook says the settlement also In regards to the courthouse, the their aspirations are for the tribe.” establishes Ngati Manuhiri’s vested Ministry of Justice has a 10-year lease Mook says one of the challenges is interest in the coastline between on the building but announced in that only a very small percentage of Waiwera and Te Arai, and how the October that it is rationalising services beneficiaries, possibly around three Crown makes provision for Ngati nationally and would close Warkworth percent, live locally, with many living Manuhiri when it sets up regional early next year. parks and marine reserves still has to Copies of the deeds of settlement overseas. are available on the Office of Treaty “We need a strategy that reflects that be determined. spread plus we don’t want to start “The latest purchase by Auckland Settlements’ website www.ots.govt.nz

Pakiri park

Bus trial delay the outset,” he said. “Regrettably, this means a delay in the launch until after the Christmas and New Year period.”

It is understood the delay is due to holdups in completing the necessary paper work, including finalising a contract.

Meanwhile, details of the service are being put in place. Bevan says it will offer three ride choices. Passengers can

Auckland Council has paid $1.2 million to purchase 29.5 hectares of land at Pakiri as an addition to the existing regional parkland. The property is largely low-lying pasture on Pakiri River Road and offers opportunities to enhance access to existing regional parkland. Councillor Sandra Coney says this was a strategic purchase that ensures this parkland can be developed to its full potential in the future. “This property provides a link between the road and the existing beachfront block of parkland,” she says. “It has potential for back-tobasics camping, car-parking facilities and vehicle access.” Development of the land will be considered as part of the future concept planning for the parkland at Pakiri and will be subject to public consultation and engagement with mana whenua. Council will take ownership of the property next July.

Park surveillance In response to concerns about ongoing anti-social behaviour by youths in Lucy Moore Park, in Warkworth, Insite Security is installing a high-powered PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) camera on one of the nearby business premises.

The camera will feed ‘live’ images to the Insite office where operators will be able to monitor the build-up and behaviour of anyone in the park.

It will also identify if any criminal activities are occurring so Police or an Insite Patrol can then be dispatched.

Five PTZ cameras are already installed throughout the main traffic areas within Warkworth township.

appeal from page 1 Sanderson The granting of a resource consent, that would allow Watercare to draw from

pick up a ride from a designated bus stop, hail and ride (providing the bus can stop safely) or arrange a pick-up and drop-off service via txt message, freephone or online.

The buses will service the wider Warkworth catchment, out as far as Leigh and Algies Bay. (See cartoon page 4)

a bore in Sanderson Road, has been appealed. The appeal, which was lodged

by Dennis Brown, of Kaipara Flats, is expected to be heard next April. In the meantime, court-directed mediation involving Watercare, Mr Brown and Auckland Council was due to be held in Warkworth this week. The consent was opposed by some residents in the Sanderson Road catchment, who believed the amount of water being drawn from the bore would undermine existing water supplies. The bore, as well as a take from Mahurangi River, are part of a Watercare strategy to secure a water supply for Warkworth, to meet the town’s growth over the next 35 years.

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4 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

OFF THE RECORD

Growth at any cost?

It was with grave concern that I read Local Board representative June Turner’s article (MM 14 Nov). In the article, she asked us to think about where we would like to see 20,000 homes placed around Warkworth in relation to Auckland Council’s draft Unitary Plan that envisages Warkworth as a satellite town of Auckland.

The population of Warkworth Town at the last census (2006) was 3270.

This number of people would likely be housed in the vicinity of 1500 homes. On that basis then, 20,000 new homes may well generate a population increase of some 40,000 people. This means we are looking at turning our picturesque ruralbased town into a small city the size of Whangarei (population 44,052) or Rotorua (39,450).

Is this really the answer? Is this what we want?

The Ministry for the Environment produced a paper in 2005 on

Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth

NZ Urban Design Protocol. This recommended that councils encourage the development of medium density housing (30 to 66 dwellings/ha) and mixed-use urban design. This was to reduce Greenfield development, traffic emissions and other associated traffic issues and make efficient use of existing infrastructure. The paper also encouraged any development to incorporate a capacity to adapt to changing needs.

The majority of us who have chosen to live in Warkworth have done so because we wish to live in a small, friendly community. I, for one, do not wish to see this town turned into a small city.

Lyn Wade, Warkworth.

Shining lights Brian Oakes and Nicola Brown have been the primary movers and shakers in the effort to Light up Warkworth, on behalf of the Warkworth Area Business Association. Brian is the lighting expert and Nicola the very

efficient administrator of this quite involved project.

Dave Morrison, of Davco Electrical, has also given freely of his time to connect up the power for the project.

Dave Cash has been pulled out of retirement to help and has done so willingly with his usual humour.

They have measured, ordered, sold and installed these lights with the help of friends, neighbours and anyone else they could press into service. A large part of the business community has also been generous in donating their hard-earned cash for the project.

It has been a wonderful example of what a community can achieve in a very short time and will enhance our lovely town for Christmas shopping, as well as into the future.

I hope Warkworth supports this effort by shopping locally.

Well done to all involved.

Heather & David Metcalfe, Warkworth.

Council on holiday call Auckland Council’s 24-hour call centre, available on 09 301 0101, will operate as usual throughout the holiday period, including Christmas Day, seven days a week. Information on all Council services, from parks to recycling, can also be found at www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Meanwhile, from Christmas Day until Sunday January 6, most Council rubbish and recycling collections will run one day later than usual. The same rules apply for collections over the Auckland Anniversary Day holiday, January 28, with normal collections resuming on Monday February 4. Residents using private collection services should contact their service providers for holiday collection schedules. All council service centres will close at 5pm on Friday December 21 and re-open on Monday January 7. The Rodney Local Board office, in Orewa, will close at 12 noon on December 21 and re-open on January 7. Local libraries will be closed on December 25 and 26, and January 1 and 2. For public transport queries, visit www.at.co.nz or call 0800 10 30 80.

Do as I say Snapped at Whangateau Domain, we think that not only the grass but the sign may be in danger!

Take cover Room 3 at Tomarata School were talking about civil defence recently when one student told his teacher: “Once up north, we were warned about a salami!”

It’s all relative On a Year 2 walk to the library, a Warkworth Primary School student was talking to one of the Mums.

“Are you from Thailand?” she asked.

“No, I’m from India.” Still curious, she asked: “Is it hot in India?” “Yes.” Trying to put this in perspective, the little girl then asked: “Hot enough to melt chocolate?”

DIY horrors Overheard in the shopping aisle – “What are the three words that Dad’s fear most at this time of year?” “Credit card rejected?” “No, ‘some assembly required’.”

Off the record contributions welcome.

Email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Book competition winners Congratulations to our book competition winners Sally Challinoe, Marie Anticich, Kath Chappell and Dawn Powell who each won a copy of Scout 100 Years Astern by Sandra Gorter.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 5

Chinese investors with Crafer connection buy Hobbs Wharf The failed Hobbs Wharf development, in Gulf Harbour, has been sold to Chinese-backed Top Harbour Ltd, for $35 million.

Gulf Corporation, formerly owned by “You have to have pretty deep pockets the now bankrupt Jamie Peters, was to deliver a project like this to its full developing Hobbs Wharf before it potential,” he says. went into receivership in 2009.

Delivering the project will include Warkworth developer Michael progressively building 1000 homes, Webb-Speight, who was involved including apartments and substantial in the Hobbs Wharf project with cliff-top properties with multi-million Mr Peters, says that although the dollar price tags, on the 31-hectare Overseas Investment Office (OIO) site, based around a waterfront village approved the sale in September, it with shops, restaurants, marina berths also imposed interim criteria which and new harbour-edge facilities. delayed the signing of the contract Mr Webb-Speight says Top Harbour until November 29. plans to market the properties The delay, in part, was because Top internationally and is confident of Harbour is 45 percent owned by strong demand.

Zhaobai Jiang, who is also the chair Top Harbour chief executive Sean of Shanghai Pengxin, the company Pan says with the strong financial and behind the controversial Crafer Farms technical support of the company’s purchase earlier this year. Another 45 shareholders, a special and distinct percent is owned by Shanghai Zendai environment with its own identity will Property Ltd, of Hong Kong, with NZ- be created. The company is investing based Westlake Investments holding $550 million over the next eight years the remaining 10 percent share. in the development. It will establish Mr Webb-Speight, who is playing an an office in Gulf Harbour and plans advisory role with the new owners, to carry out landscaping, roading and says the OIO wanted to satisfy itself infrastructure work this summer. that Top Harbour had the ability and Work on building the first homes finances to deliver the project. is expected to start late next year.

It has set in place strict timeframes for These are to be stand-alone family completion of various works. homes overlooking the golf course He says the receiver was satisfied that no- and marina. Branded as Fairway Bay, one in NZ wanted to buy Hobbs Wharf these residences will share community and the surrounding land bordering the facilities including a swimming pool, eastern shore of Gulf Harbour marina, clubhouse and tennis court. The homes will be priced from $595,000. for more than Top Harbour offered.

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Artwork captures children’s aspirations The hopes and dreams of students at Matakana School’s Montessori classroom will take flight next March as part of a huge installation project being undertaken by contemporary artist Tiffany Singh.

Fly Me Up To Where You Are has been commissioned by the Auckland Arts Festival and involves a large-scale work made up of hundreds of Tibetan-type prayer flags designed and made by Auckland school children.

The work will emblazon Aotea Square with colour from March 6 to 24.

Singh was in Matakana this month to talk through the project with the Matakana students while they painted their flags.

She said the students, aged between five and 11 years, were given quite a lot of background material prior to the painting day so they could think through the concepts and digest the sentiment of what the artwork was about. She said it was important that they understood the nature of the collaboration between the artist and the audience, and grasped the conceptual weight behind the project. Artist Tiffany Singh talks to Matakana School student Indiana Durrant, 7, about “It’s been interesting working in her hopes and dreams. the different schools and seeing the different aspirations,” Tiffany said.

“While the themes of nature, peace and family come through quite strongly, in the lower decile schools the needs and wants are a lot more basic – safety, warmth and food were their concerns.

“I think it’s quite sad that in a relatively affluent country such as NZ our children don’t have bigger dreams.”

The Matakana flags also represented mixed aspirations with students dreaming of everything from being the world’s greatest accordion player or an All Black to a bigger home, peace and a personal robot for everyone.

Singh is a globally-recognised artist whose signature method involves working directly with specific communities before turning the The prayer flags will remain at the school until the exhibition next March. resulting material into surprising and The concurrent exhibition Fly Me to life through stunning film and breathtaking art works.

Up To Where You Are: Te Waharoa, at photography by Robert George. While She says the current work is designed to Ponsonby’s Artstation, will be a chance they are there, audiences will be able to bring the voices of Auckland’s children for anyone interested in seeing the full make their own dream flag which will be story of Tiffany Singh’s project come added to the Aotea Square installation. directly to the heart of the city.

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Probus tours village Thirty members and friends of the Wellsford Combined Probus Club ended the year’s programme with a visit to the Te Hana Te Ao Marama Maori Cultural Centre on November 30. The visitors were welcomed by Thomas de Thierry. Ruby Neilson gave a talk and demonstration on flax weaving and Annie Iere lead a tour through the outdoor section of the village. Wellsford Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Friday of every month at the Bowling Club rooms, behind the Community Centre, in Wellsford. The regular programme includes guest speakers, as well as morning tea and friendship.

New members welcome. Info: Beverley Davidson 423 9552 or Beth Shepherd 423 8640.

Christmas in Matakana A good crowd turned out for the annual Matakana Christmas Celebration, sponsored by Plume Cafe and Matakana Village. The Christmasthemed Indie Market added sparkle and entertainment included the Matakana School choir and kapa haka groups, Leigh School kapa haka, and Wendy Douglas’ Matakana’s Got Talent winners showcased dancing, singing and hip hop. Santa arrived, courtesy of the Matakana Fire Brigade, followed by carols with Matakantata and the Warkworth Brass Band. The evening’s finale was the switching on of the village Christmas lights at dusk.

MOTAT sparkle On Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings from December 14 to 23, plus on Christmas Eve, MOTAT visitors can celebrate the magic of Christmas with a special Christmas Lights display, from 8pm to 11pm. There will be live entertainment, Christmas displays and night rides on the heritage trams. Entry will be by gold coin donation, with all proceeds going towards purchasing Christmas gifts for New Zealand charities Barnardos and the Auckland City Mission.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 7

think global

act local

Seabirds return

By James Ross

Tawharanui Open Sanctuary has achieved what is thought to be the first record of diving petrels breeding on the mainland in New Zealand. Seabird specialist Graeme Taylor discovered the chick in a nest on the cliffs of Tokatu Point last month. Diving petrels are known to breed on many of the larger islands around the Hauraki Gulf and on islands elsewhere in New Zealand, but this is a “first” on the mainland.

For the past year, three sound systems have broadcast a variety of seabird calls from the headlands of Tokatu Point far out over the waters of the Gulf. The aim is to give the impression of a busy seabird rookery. Automatic cameras placed close to the speakers have shown that many seabirds have been induced to land by the ‘birdy stereos’. However, the presence of a diving petrel nest just a few metres from a speaker is stunning confirmation of the success of the project.

Diving petrels are excellent divers and fly close to the water with rapid wing beats. Much of their habitat has been destroyed by coastal development for houses and agriculture. Pest plants also encroach upon their habitat and fishing nets and plastic rubbish threaten their survival.

Diving petrels generally return to their place of birth to breed and lay only one egg per year so building up a significant population can be a slow process. They nest in burrows and are, therefore, highly susceptible to predation from rats, weasels, stoats, dogs and pigs.

Clearly, the predator control efforts of Auckland Council and TOSSI at Tawharanui have been instrumental to their return to the mainland.

New Zealand has the highest number of endemic breeding seabird species – birds that breed nowhere else in the An adult diving petrel or kuaka – the world. There are 350 species and 140 Maori name refers to the female call.

Photo Graeme Taylor of those occur within NZ waters. A staggering 26 of those species are known to breed in the Hauraki Gulf. To put that in perspective, the Chatham Islands have 28 breeding species and the Kermadec Islands 14 breeding species. Our own backyard is a seabird breeding hot spot!

Seabirds play an important role in the functioning of coastal ecosystems. When they come to shore they deposit guano that increases soil fertility, which in turn benefits plants, insects and reptiles. The return of seabirds to Tawharanui will be a significant boost to restoration efforts.

Local seabird expert Chris Gaskin has been instrumental in developing the seabird project at Tawharanui and has completed a Seabird Restoration Plan for the sanctuary. Chris commented that this is the first full season that the sound systems have been in operation so to get a species to breed in such a short time is amazing. The next step is to install artificial burrows for seabirds at key sites to make the area even more attractive as a breeding site.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 9

Bridges aplenty for Matakana river crossing Garden ramble First there were no bridges and then rumbles funds there were two.

The Matakana Community Group took delivery of another of Auckland’s second-hand pedestrian bridges last month. The first bridge, a blue 23-metre span which once formed part of the footbridge across Tamaki Drive, near the Parnell Baths, arrived on November 17 and is being stored at the Wharehine yard, on the south side of the village.

The second bridge arrived 10 days later and has taken up temporary residence in the Kiwi Welldrillers yard, on the northern side of the river. This bridge is 35-metres long and once formed one half of the crossing over the southern motorway, near Remuera.

Matakana Walkway organiser Scott McCallum said the group came across the second bridge purely by luck.

“We’d put a few scouts out and Tony Whincop was in the pub when he heard about the second bridge and it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up,” Scott said. “Northern Gateway Alliance was looking at disposing of it and needed a quick decision so we said ‘yes’. It’s ideal really, because it’s extra length will mean it will easily span the full distance across the river in one hit.

Gateway Alliance was very helpful in making the whole thing happen.”

The community group has since offered the blue bridge to Matakana School as a possible solution to improving access for students from the Tamahunga Drive area. It costs the school around $1500 every year to erect a temporary bridge

Welcoming bridge number two to Matakana were, clockwise from front, Neville Johnson, Scott McCallum, Tony Whincop, Ras Sutherland and Jenni Francis.

to cater for the gala crowds and Board of Trustee member Graeme Smith says that money could go towards the cost of purchasing the bridge. The matter is under discussion.

“It’s a great opportunity – I’d hate to see it lost,” he said.

Meanwhile, walkway volunteers will be busy over summer cleaning and servicing the new 35-metre bridge which will provide a vital link between the village and the Omaha/Pt Wells walkway. They hope to have it in place by around March/April next year.

Crossing the river has been one of

the major challenges in the walkway project. Initially, quotes to construct a bridge came in at around $250,000.

The purchase and installation of the recycled Remuera bridge is expected to cost around $30,000, providing Auckland Transport comes to the party with modest consent fees.

The community group would be very grateful for any donations.

To see a video of the bridge arriving in Matakana, read this story online at www.localmatters.co.nz

About 300 garden enthusiasts, who joined the Palmers Planet Mangawhai Garden Ramble last month, helped raise $9000 for the Mangawhai Kindergarten and Mangawhai/ Kaiwaka Plunket.

The funds will help with ongoing running costs, new resources and specific projects such as repairs to old roofing at the kindergarten.

Garden Ramble committee organiser Autumn Kidd says she is thrilled with the result, not just because of the money raised but also because of the enjoyment people got from the event.

Sponsorship, a raffle and refreshments and plant sales helped make up the total amount raised. Zonta made $1000 from serving high tea at Tara Lodge and this amount will go specifically towards a shade sail at Rose Madsen Cottage.

The raffle was won by Melodie Vickars, of Auckland/Mangawhai, second prize – Gaylene Gray, of Whangarei, and third prize – Max Kidd, of Te Arai.

The organisers thanked the community and businesses for their support. Any feedback or suggestions of gardens to include in future rambles is welcome.

Contact: kaiwakamangawhai@ plunket.org.nz or phone Mangawhai Kindergarten 4314333.

Keep up-to-date with daily postings at facebook.com/mahurangimatters

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10 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

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with James Rolfe, Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council

Farewell Rodney Being my last Viewpoint column for Mahurangi Matters, it is probably appropriate to reflect on what I have taken from my time on the Rodney Local Board. The thing I have found most striking, is the propensity for projects, large or small, to cost far more than would be necessary if the same thing were being done by private individuals or companies. Couple this with an attitude that many people in the Council organisation seem to have, namely that a project is worth doing if the money can be found irrespective of any cost/benefit analysis, and it is unsurprising that rates bills are so high. The assertion that something is ‘for the community’ is frequently used as a trump card by Council staff, elected members and ratepayers, in any discussion around whether something is worth doing. That said, there are plenty of Council staff who are committed, engaged and do excellent work. Being such a large organisation, there is also a lot of dead wood.

In terms of dealing with the public, it has been inspiring to see the large numbers of people who work, frequently in voluntary roles, for the good of the community in all areas ranging from environmental to sporting organisations. There is a lot more going on in Rodney than most people are probably aware of. It is endlessly frustrating that it is so difficult at times to get support, be it financial or otherwise, for some of these groups. On the other side of the coin, there is also the part of the role that involves dealing with people’s issues and complaints.

Naturally, this is part of the role and it is satisfying when an outcome can be achieved quickly, but frequently this isn’t the case. A piece of advice to readers – when you are wanting to raise issues, do so in a logical and coherent manner.

Hyperbolic and emotive rhetoric does not spur others into action, it simply makes you sound at best a little eccentric and at worst, unhinged.

There are also a number of terms and catch phrases I can no longer hear without an involuntary twitch being triggered. These include ‘scoping work’, ‘step change’ and any document called a ‘plan’. Auckland Council has an inexhaustible supply of plans. The first two years of Auckland Council’s existence has been consumed by an endless planning process. Granted, this visioning work is important, but where does the planning end and the delivery begin?

Rodney Local Board member James Rolfe, who represents the Wellsford subdivision, has moved permanently to New Plymouth.

an i r e yt b s e i pr g n a hur a m

Your invitation to Christmas Services Family Service December 23rd, 9:00am and 10:30am

Christmas 6:00pm 8:00pm 10:00pm Christmas

Eve Celebration Warkworth St Andrews Matakana Country Park Warkworth Day, December 25th — 9:30am

December 30th January 6th and 13th — 10:30am January 20th and 27th — 9:00am and 10:30am 5 Pulham Road, Warkworth. Phone 425 8861, www.mahu.org.nz

Red Letter runners

The Red Letter Day team again completed the Auckland half marathon raising funds for the NZ Centre for Conservation Medicine.

The team of 18 included village store owners Tracey Lawton, Lucy Harris and Wendy Adams. Local doctor Bruce Sutherland also joined the team along with former Warkworth vet and Conservation Medicine manager Craig Pritchard. The team raised $3716.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 11

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Warkworth Bound The SAFE collectors will be easy to spot in their colourful costumes. Pictured preparing for the collection in Matakana and Warkworth are, from left, Carrie Wooller, Chantoya Isaksson and Bree Wooller. This will be the third year the girls have collected for SAFE.

Collection benefits animals Animal lovers around NZ will be dressing up in animal costumes for the annual SAFE appeal this month.

Collectors will rattle their buckets Bean says more collectors are needed. on the streets of Matakana and “If you are able to spare a few hours to Warkworth on December 21 and 22. collect in your area, we would be very The much-needed donations will go grateful,” she says. towards the work done by SAFE, an organisation dedicated to defending Last year, the appeal raised more than animals against cruelty and abuse, $300,000. particularly factory-farmed animals.

To register as a collector, go to www.

Mahurangi area coordinator Glenys safe.org.nz/Appeal

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12 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

History with Lyn Johnston Albertland Museum

www.albertland.co.nz

The first steamer arrived in Port Albert on December 14, 1866, although the channel had been buoyed some time earlier. A newspaper cutting in an old scrapbook, kept by one of the early pioneers and dated December 28, 1866, described the event. The writer referred to the excited anticipation of the steamer Prince Alfred arriving with visitors aboard. Many people were busily preparing for the coming of friends. The storekeepers were painting and one solitary bachelor was renovating the door and window of his home — perhaps hoping to attract the eye of some fair visitor?

The steamer was expected on Saturday morning’s tide but didn’t appear, much to the disappointment of the large crowd who gathered to welcome her. Saturday evening came but still no steamer and the residents began to worry. However, on Sunday morning she could be seen coming up the river in fine style, casting anchor off the jetty about 9 am. She’d been delayed on the Manukau and Kaipara Heads for 18 hours in heavy fog. About one-third of her 60 passengers were for Port Albert.

On the Monday morning, everyone was very busy loading and unloading goods from the steamer. After the hardships of the previous four years, the settlers were determined to support her. She left at noon for other settlements on the Kaipara.

The settlers appear to have had their ‘steam up’ too and everyone who could spare the time decided to make the most of Christmas week by enjoying themselves.

The Te Wheau settlers took the lead by having a social party at Brookes, but the weather was unkind, which rather spoiled things. On Tuesday, however, the weather improved so they met again, determined to have fun. Singing, dancing and other amusements were indulged in, the party breaking up at a late hour.

To celebrate the steamer’s arrival, a regatta was held at Port Albert on Boxing Day. After the races, about 30 people gathered at Mr Day’s place for dinner, doing ample justice to the good things provided by their host. Another tea party was arranged for next day, with the visitors and crew of the Prince Alfred as guests, if she was in the river. Tickets were free, the costs to be defrayed by subscription. About 120 people sat down to tea. Unfortunately, the steamer hadn’t returned so many friends were absent.

In the evening, a meeting was held in the chapel where Mr Brookes was called on to preside and, after an opening song, he remarked on the desirability of having the steamer service continued if properly supported by the settlers in the Kaipara districts. John Shepherd agreed with this as did the Rev. Edger, who told them how much he had enjoyed the trip from Onehunga to Port Albert.

From then on the Prince Alfred came monthly and, in the 1870s, when the Kaipara railway opened between Riverhead and Helensville, a weekly steam service was established to Port Albert. Some of the other vessels were the Lily, Kina, Minnie Casey and the Durham. These little ships were the Albertlanders’ vital life-line for many years.

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Good Samaritan tires, but her shoes may prove hard to fill The kindness of neighbours and friends at a time in Helen Crompton’s life when she needed a hand has reaped dividends for families, and particularly children, in South Auckland.

Helen and her husband David, of Snells Beach, are regular volunteers for Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. For the past 14 years, Helen has been taking home damaged or soiled children’s clothing, books and other resources that would otherwise be thrown away or used for rags. Patiently, she washes, mends and restores each item, encouraging David to help where he can, and then they carefully pack the goods into bags and head south to kindergartens, Plunket, primary schools, the women’s prison or the Kids First ward at Middlemore Hospital. In fact, anyone in need who crosses Helen’s path is likely to become a recipient of her kind heart.

“I don’t give away anything that I wouldn’t put on my own grandchildren,” she says. “If a child looks good, it not only makes the child feel good but it makes the parent feel proud as well.”

Helen says that as a war baby, she has a natural instinct to reuse and not waste. But she puts her compassion for others down to the fact that in some cases, she knows exactly how they feel.

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Helen Crompton is looking for someone to either take over from her or at least work alongside her. She said it would be too hard just to walk away.

“My children and I went through some pretty hard times when my first marriage broke up and we had to make a dollar stretch as far as it possibly could. I’ll never forget the kindness of people who would help us out in any small way they could, even if it was just offering a few extra potatoes or some fruit off their trees. I knew I could never repay them at the time, but I made myself a promise that one day I would help others, the way those

people had helped and encouraged me, and make that circle bigger.”

Helen says they concentrate on South Auckland because that’s where the need is greatest.

“There are 34,000 children in Decile 1 schools in that area who are so very grateful for anything we can give them.

I just find it hard to understand how people can throw out things like bikes, toys, games and sports equipment

which could easily be repaired and given to someone else less fortunate.”

When Helen discovered there was a particular need for knickers in schools, she made a point of letting Hospice know that no knickers were to be thrown away. She collected, washed and mended them, and then passed them on to primary schools.

“A lot of the children who start school down there aren’t toilet trained. This means that if they have an accident and there aren’t any replacement knickers, they have to be sent home. When they get home they often get a belting and they soon learn to hate school as a result.

“We hear a lot of stories that would break your heart, but it’s the stories of kindness and gratitude they we remember.”

The couple say they are forever grateful for the support of Hospice.

“This is one of the most loving, caring and giving communities you could ever hope to find. People such as Christine Sanderson and Trevor Cooper are simply amazing.”

Now nearing her seventies, with two knee replacements behind her, Helen feels it may be time to slow down a little. She says David’s health also worries her and she feels it’s time they took some time to share as a couple.

14 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

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ENDURANT BATTERIES Your local Auto Electrical & Battery Specialist 27 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Phone Mike 09 425 7969 or 027 220 7006 Email: autec@clear.net.nz Open most Saturdays 9am-12pm by appointment CHRISTMAS HOURS: Closing December 21st Open 27th & 28th December & 3rd & 4th January

Lights on for Warkworth Hospice If you’ve ever been frustrated by tangled Christmas tree lights, spare a thought for Brian Oakes, who has just arranged 10,000 lights outside his house in Warkworth.

Brian decorates his house and garden at 31 Ashmore Crescent every Christmas and invites the public to come and enjoy the spectacle. Visitors can show their appreciation by putting some spare change in the box provided and all donations go to Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. It takes Brian two weeks to install all the lights and decorations, and he will switch them on every evening from now until January 6.

Waipu rocks into Christmas Planning of traditional Christmas celebrations are well underway in Waipu.

The fun will kick off with the Waipu Christmas Parade, on Christmas Eve, December 24, which starts at 7pm.

There will also be Carols by Candlelight and a midnight church service.

Organisers say it is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to celebrate the festive season and what is, for many, the start of the summer holidays.

It’s free to enter a float and there are some serious prizes to be won, thanks to the support of Whangarei District Council. The best float in the parade will receive $500 and five runner-up prizes of $100 each are also on offer.

There is also a $50 prize for the best dressed Christmas-themed spectator at the parade. The event is organised by the Waipu Business and Promotions Group and entry forms are available from Waipu Real Estate. Phone Judy Guy on 432 4000.

The Carols by Candlelight, also on Christmas Eve, start at 8.30pm, after the parade, at the Waipu Presbyterian Church, The Centre, Waipu.

The carol singing will be followed by supper in the Church Hall. Info: Cally James on 09 432 1536.

The Midnight Service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, 8 Nova Scotia Drive, starts at 11pm with carols. Communion will be held at 11.30pm. All welcome.

Gifts Galore • Jewellery • Wall Art • Fashion Accessories • Handbags • Toys • Kitchenware • NZ Gift Section • Cards • Baby Section

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 15 SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

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Warkworth librarians, from left, Lisa Outwin, Sally Ingham and Emily Flaws getting into the spirit of the school holiday programme Dare to Explore reading adventure.

Reading adventure launched Auckland Libraries launched its free summer reading programme for children aged five to 13 on December 10.

The Dare to Explore challenge offers activities that children can do at home, on holiday, at the library, on the internet and with friends.

The initiative encourages children to register and pledge to read every day of the holidays, even if it is only for 10 minutes each day.

Warkworth children and youth librarian Emily Flaws says the idea

is for participants to finish as many challenge sets as they can.

“If they finish at least four fun challenges they’ll get a certificate plus an invitation to the celebration party,” she says.

“Last year, more than 6000 Auckland children enjoyed the adventure and parents told us they loved the programme as well.”

The event runs until January 25.

Register online or at any local Auckland library.

Info: aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or phone 09 301 0101

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16 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

keep it local

Escaping the Claus of debt

By David Kneebone, Sorted spokesperson

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Christmas Day – it’s the same time every year, yet somehow it’s the one day that creeps up on us. Suddenly, shop windows are full of tinsel, the shopping malls are chock-a-block and you can almost taste the pavlova.

At Christmas we shop, travel, eat and play and it’s easy to get caught up in festive cheer and have your financial plans derailed as a result. Even though you may have managed your money successfully throughout the year, rational decision-making can go out the window as emotions take over at the mere glimpse of a Christmas tree.

As we enter the Christmas countdown, enjoying the hype is part of the fun, but can you find ways to celebrate that don’t pack a big financial punch?

If you’ve got a large family you might want to think about introducing a secret Santa present system, where each adult gives and receives one present. This may keep costs down and

minimise the pressure that surrounds gift giving.

As Kiwis we like to ‘muck in’ and what better time to do it than at Christmas?

If you’re hosting the Christmas meal this year share the load with others and ask family members to contribute. You can have a fun, stress-free holiday with family and friends without becoming the Christmas Grinch or losing all your financial control in the shops. It’s about considering what makes a great Christmas for you and your family – whether it’s about the people you spend the day with, maintaining traditions or doing something completely new.

When you recall your favourite Christmases, it’s more likely to be the people you were with than the expensive gourmet ham or extravagant gifts you were given. Focus on how you can recreate those experiences and you might find this Christmas can be less about the money and more about the fun times.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 17 SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

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Lots more photos of the parade at www.localmatters.co.nz

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Wellsford turns on the tinsel Hundreds of people lined Rodney Street in Wellsford on Saturday, December 1, to give the festive season its official welcome with the annual Christmas Santa Parade.

A total of 127 floats took part, setting a new parade record. Senior Constable Neil Winterbottom provided the official police escort at the head of the parade, followed by the Warkworth Pipe Band which put everyone in the mood with their rendition of numerous Christmas carol favourites.

The procession finale was, of course, Santa’s sleigh.

The parade, which closes State Highway 1 through the town for more than hour, started and finished at the old railway station.

One of the main organisers of the event is Tony Sowden, on behalf of Wellsford Promotions. He says each year, parents, carers and the wider community are putting more and more care and effort into their float decorations.

“It just keeps getting better every year,” he says.

The prizes for best floats were awarded as follows:

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18 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

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Tips on reducing holiday waste

“Taste the difference”

“M eat the way nature intended”

Aucklanders, including us here in Rodney, throw away a third more rubbish than normal over Christmas and the summer holidays. That’s a massive amount of extra waste to landfill which is expensive and wasteful. Most of it is recyclables such as glass, cans and plastic. By putting a little thought into it, and taking a little extra care, we can make a big difference. Have a great summer and here’s some ideas to help better manage your waste: Reduce

yy reduce packaging for gifts yy give gifts of time or energy or experiences yy pass on unwanted gifts to others or donate them to charity yy buy gifts from recycled materials yy send an electronic Christmas card if you have access to the internet yy avoid food waste – don’t overstock – use up leftovers quickly Re-use

yy be creative with Christmas present wrapping yy save old calendars for attractive wrapping paper yy cut up old Christmas cards for present tags yy save ribbons and wrapping for re-using yy buy native Christmas trees with roots to plant in the garden later yy buy an artificial Christmas tree which can be used year-after-year Recycle

yy be sure to recycle those extra cans, glass and plastic bottles over Christmas yy flatten cans and plastic bottles so they take up less room in your bin yy locate your nearest recycling drop-off point while you’re away or take your recycling home with you yy separate cardboard packaging and gift catalogues for recycling yy pass unwanted clothing to a charity clothing bin or op shop yy keep rubbish off the beach and out of the ocean this summer yy compost fruit and vege peelings from your festive fare yy take your Bokashi bucket with you on holiday and compost food scraps yy check with Sustainable Coastlines for a holiday beach cleanup near you.

Large range of quality gifts from as little as $5 up to exclusive Fine French fragrances including Gucci, Opium, Versace, YSL, Calvin Klein

Spend $35 on gifts & receive a FREE Jungle teddy or 500ml Body lotion Spend $75 and receive a FREE Summer Scarf Wellsford Pharmacy 2002 Ltd Phone 423 8145 | Fax 423 8144 | 156 Rodney Street, Wellsford

www.wellsfordpharmacy.co.nz

Alistair Morrow MPS Jacqui Rogers MPS

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 19 35

localbusiness

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Matakana Four Square

Bobbins Bernina Drycleaning

Enthusiasm is one of the most obvious qualities that the new owner of Matakana Four Square, Tim Wilson, brings to the business.

He can’t wait for the Christmas rush and is eagerly anticipating the annual influx of summer visitors.

“I love being around people,” he says.

“Matakana has such a good buzz about it and there’s a really positive feel about the place.”

Tim grew-up in Palmerston North, moving to Wellington to do a Bachelor of Commerce and Administration degree.

He spent five years in Auckland working in commercial property sales before heading overseas as an International Nepalese Foundation volunteer where he worked in a medical camp in Nepal.

“It was an awesome experience in a very remote part of the country.

Many of the locals had never seen a European before.”

When he returned to NZ, he started looking for a community-based business to put his energy into. He worked for several grocery stores around the North Island, offering them a week’s work for free so he could learn the basics of the trade and see first-hand

The new owner of the Bobbins Bernina Drycleaning in River View Plaza Warkworth, Heather Macferson, has a lifetime of sewing experience which she is keen to share with customers.

Heather was a home economics/ clothing teacher in Christchurch, Waikato and Auckland, including many years at Takapuna Normal Intermediate School, before moving to Warkworth in June.

She says her many years in the classroom have made her very familiar with Bernina machines and she enjoys teaching beginners and children. Lessons are free with any machine purchase.

“It’s my point of difference,” she says.

“When you buy a sewing machine from me, not only do you get the full Bernina guarantee and service back-up, but you also get unlimited assistance with your sewing.

“When a person is struggling with a garment, a bit of advice is often all that is needed.”

The store also offers a drycleaning and shoe repair service, and clothing alterations and repairs are a large part of business.

Heather says there has been a resurgence of interest in sewing, but not as a means of saving money which

Tim Wilson

how different stores were run.

“I read a lot of business books and am very goal-orientated. Just before I bought the Matakana store, I read Robert Laidlaw: Man of Our Time, the story of the founder of Farmers.

He was such an astute businessman, but also had compassion and a great sense of community – I can’t think of anyone better on whom I’d like to model myself and this store.”

Tim says staff motivation, personal customer service, a good range of stock at good prices, and a friendly, welcoming store are all priorities.

“I want to build on the good work invested in the business by the former owner Prashant and develop it further.”

Heather Macferson

may have once been the motivation.

“You can’t compete with cheap imports, but women are returning to sewing in order to create, through their choice of colours, styles and fabrics, clothes that are individual, as well as stunning patchwork and quilting projects.”

The Bernina shop carries a range of sewing requisites including zips, a new DMC embroidery thread stand and quilters’ items from NZ and the US. Heather is also adding quilting patterns and kitsets.

“I joined Warkworth Quilters when I moved north and I have to admit, I’ve caught the bug badly. It’s very addictive – all you want to do is play with fabrics.”

U n w ra p c rea t i ve a as m t s i r h C MATAKANA 21 Matakana Valley Road Matakana Phone: 422 7213

DELIVERING EVERYDAY EXCELLENCE YOUR STORE FOR FRESH PRODUCE AND GROCERY

all new 7 series from just $5199

Save up to $3500 on premium machines

bernettes from just $249 Bobbins Bernina

Shop 2, Riverview Plaza, Kapanui St Phone 09 425 8750

P LUS, save 20% on Bernina and bernette accessories

36 20 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

localbusiness INTR ODUCING n

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In today’s throwaway world, Joanna Curtis is going against the grain by offering a service to people who like to get their money’s worth out of clothing.

Joanna has opened Revision Professional Sewing Services in Warkworth’s River View Plaza, where she can alter, repair or renovate clothing, cushion covers, curtains, squabs and leatherwork.

“I learned to sew dolls clothes on my grandmother’s treadle Singer sewing machine and then went on to do clothing and textiles at high school,” she says. “I’ve worked as a seamstress/ machinist for about 20 years and for the past 13 years, I’ve run my own business in Birkenhead.”

Joanna and her husband Kevin made the decision to move north, to be nearer family, about a year ago. However, the right property continues to elude them.

The couple are members of the Auckland and Region German Short-haired Pointer Club and their dog Wilson is a current North Island Champion.

“We’re looking for the whole lifestyle package – 10 to 20 acres which will provide room for an orchard and a place to exercise the dogs. We haven’t found it yet, but I decided to set up my business anyway and commute until we do.”

Joanna says the machines she uses give a professional finish, which is particularly

Numerous polls show that New Zealanders love Asian food and it is that fact alone that makes restaurant manager Mohit Kandwal confident about the success of Thai Aroma, which recently opened at Snells Beach.

Mohit says surveys of Kiwis’ eating habits consistently show a preference for Asian food, even ahead of fish and chips.

He credits this taste preference to the fact that Asian food is made fresh with fresh ingredients and vegetables always make up a large part of any meal.

“Everyone is more conscious of their health these days and Thai food, which uses little oil and no fat, is definitely a winner in that regard,” he says. “Plus, it is a very flavoursome type of cooking.

“People are travelling widely and I think this makes them a little more adventurous when it comes to trying new food.”

Thai Aroma, on Mahurangi East Road, operates from the premises where Indian Aroma was formerly located. The restaurant can seat up to 42 and group bookings are welcome.

The kitchen is run by two chefs who

Revision Professional Sewing Service Thai Aroma

Joanna Curtis, with Lucy.

important for knitwear. She says she can handle almost any type of repair, whether it is a family heirloom that may have sentimental value through to fine leatherwork on women’s jackets or handbags. She also does hand sewing and mending if the job requires it.

“I recently worked on a korowai, which needed repair. On these sorts of jobs you have to be mindful to ensure that anything you add is appropriate and enhances the look of the garment.”

Joanna says she is happy to quote on any job, large or small.

“It’s a lot cheaper to repair or replace domes, zippers and buttons than buy whole new garments.”

Manager Mohit Kandwal

specialise in authentic Thai cuisine.

The menu offers a full range of rice and noodle dishes, plenty of vegetarian choices and eight chef ’s specials. All dishes can be prepared gluten-free.

House specials include tamarind duck which is a marinated and grilled, and served on a bed of vegetables, and lamb racks, which are marinated in garlic and Thai herbs and spices, and served on stir-fried vegetables.

Support the businesses that support Mahurangi Matters.

Revision Professional Sewing Services

Clothing Alterations Resizing • Restyling Zippers • Leather and much more

Shop 6 River View Plaza Tues-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-12pm Phone 09 425 9673

CATERING, TAKEAWAYS & DELIVERY FINE DINING RESTAURANT – BYO ORDER ONLINE

www.thaiaroma.co.nz ChRISTmAS BOOKINGS 332 mAhURANGI EAST ROAD, SNELLS BEACh

09 425 6785

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Warkworth Rentals & Property Management A new owner of Warkworth Rentals & Property Management, Brigette Phillips, says the one thing she wants to impress upon landlords is that she has the experience to run a good property management business.

“I started off in property management when I put together my own property investment portfolio in the Bay of Islands,” she says.

“I concentrated on buying and selling for the first five or six years, and real estate agents and friends kept asking me to manage their properties. One thing lead to another and I ended up setting up Northland Property Management Ltd, with my business partner Wendy Matthews, and we now cover the whole of Northland.”

Eight years on and Brigette says she doesn’t think there is much she hasn’t seen or had to deal with, either as a landlord or on a landlord’s behalf.

“One area we know really well is the Residential Tenancies Act. This is a specialised area of real estate law and I’ve had to go before the tribunal on many occasions so I have a thorough understanding of what it means and how it can help property owners manage their tenancy and minimise risk.”

Born in Kaitaia and raised on the

Owner Brigette Phillips.

outskirts of Kaikohe, Brigette is the daughter of well-known stock agent Murdoch Phillips.

She says she was looking at setting up a property management business in West Harbour when the Warkworth opportunity came along. The plan is to expand the business to the Hibiscus Coast and further north. In the New Year, the company will introduce a new software programme where landlords can log-on and check their statements online, dates that tenants have paid, amounts and invoices.

Brigette says on the whole, tenants in the Mahurangi area present few issues.

There is always a demands for rentals, particularly for three or fourbedroomed family homes.

the

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 29 37 21

localbusiness grapevine

Mangawhai snags medal

When it comes to sausages, the Mangawhai Meat Shop is proving it’s a cut above the rest.

The shop recently won a silver medal for its smoked kransky sausage in the Devro NZ Sausage Competition, which attracted more than 450 entries nationwide.

Shop owner Dan Klink says the winning sausage was a Russian recipe, which he learned as an apprentice.

“I only took over the shop seven months ago, so this is the first time we’ve entered anything like this,” he says. “We were pretty rapt to bring home a silver medal.”

Shop owner Dan Klink “tweaked” a Russian Dan, who has spent the past five recipe to pick-up the silver medal. years in London and Melbourne, says he loves experimenting with new flavours and ingredients, and customers can look forward to regularly seeing new versions of old favourites.

The overall competition winner was the smoked kielbasa from Island Bay & Strathmore Butcheries in Wellington. The People’s Choice Award was won by Franklin Country Meats with their smoked paprika and cheese sausage.

Service Centre leased to Zeald Auckland Council Property has leased Level One of the Orewa Service Centre, formerly the Rodney District Council administration centre, to Zeald NZ. The rest of the 7500sqm building is used by around 230 Council staff providing customer, property, regulatory and finance services. The Hibiscus & Bays and Rodney local boards also use the premises, as well as a few civil defence staff.

The future plan for properties such as the Service Centre will be determined as part of a wider review of Council’s service delivery options.

Warkworth Rentals & Property Management “Your Investment is Our Investment”

Covering Puhoi to Mangawhai     

Property Management  Casual Letting Comprehensive Tenant Screening  Quarterly Inspection Competitive Management Rates  Prompt Reporting Tailored Management Options  Free Rental Apprasils Commitment to both landlord and tenant

Mandy Harrison Letting Agent / Property Manager

Communication | Communication | Communication Cnr Mill Lane & Elizabeth Street, PO Box 332, Warkworth 0941 P: 09 425 8008 or 0800 729 736 F: 09 425 8866 email: enquiries@warkworthrentals.co.nz www.warkworthrentals.co.nz

Quality Meats & Deli Goods We are open everyday from 8.30am - 6.30pm from Thursday 20th of December till Sunday 6th of January.

Christmas day and Boxing day - CLOSED

Mangawhai Meat Shop

09 431 4564

Shop 4, Moir Street, Mangawhai Village

38 22 30 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

localbusiness

Mark Mitchell M P FO R RO D N E Y

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Meet Mark Mitchell at Warkworth Council Offices, 1 Baxter St, on Friday 14th December, 10am-2pm

Cafe Sandspit

For appointments and assistance please call Orewa: 09 426 6215 | Warkworth: 09 425 8603 Email: mp.rodney@parliament.govt.nz

www.markmitchell.co.nz

www.national.org.nz

A Toyota ‘No Worries’ Service Plan gives you the following benefits:

Assurance of Toyota Genuine Parts & Service Tailored Pre-Paid Servicing Protection against inflation Choice of two servicing levels Some conditions apply - please contact us to discuss further

Wilmot Toyota www.wilmot.co.nz

Corner Whitaker Rd & Mill Lane Warkworth Service DDI 09 425 1090 service@wilmot.toyota.co.nz

The new owners of Cafe Sandspit, Justin and Robyn Kingston, are confident that serving rustic but sophisticated food at a spectacular waterfront location, will be a winning combination.

The couple took over the iconic cafe on Sandspit Wharf in October. Since then, they have started to revamp and update the décor and menu, putting into practice ideas and experience learned over many years in the hospitality industry.

Justin says some of the changes are only subtle at this stage, but the aim is to move from a lunch bar type of operation to something that reflects upmarket casual dining during the day and fine dining at night. A major improvement has been the addition of an outdoor dining area, which has doubled the seating capacity of the location to 80.

“At night, we still want to be able to offer the burgers and chips outside and as takeaways, but our aim is also

to deliver a fine dining choice that includes table service and consistently good food and wine,” he says.

The choice of dishes on the menu has already expanded three-fold, and all dishes are available as half-size options for children and seniors.

“Robyn and I didn’t rush into this venture – we’ve been thinking and planning this for about 10 years. When we saw the cafe for sale, we knew we had found just what we were looking for. Our drive is to create a restaurant that, in time, becomes a destination.”

Justin says this summer will be an opportunity to settle into the new business before making too many changes. He says however, that making locals feel welcome and providing a good restaurant for local dining is an important part of the strategy. With this in mind, specialty nights and entertainment during winter are being planned.

When it comes to your biggest asset, local experience counts!

If you are buying, selling, re-financing or investing in property, talk to the professionals at HSL Property Valuers. The HSL team cam provide in-depth and independent advice on a full range of properties throughout the Rodney and Kaipara Districts.

HSL provide REGISTERED PROPERTY VALUATIONS for sale, purchase, finance, disputes, compensation and insurance purposes. For all your property needs contact HSL today, the trusted name in Property Valuation.

Wishes all its ‘valued’ clients a very Merry Christmas!

Valuing Rodney & Kaipara Districts since 1978 valuers@hsl.net.nz • www.hsl.net.nz WARKWORTH OFFICE 52 Queen Street. Phone 09 425 8810 steve@hsl.net.nz • guy@hsl.net.nz WELLSFORD, MANGAWHAI & THE KAIPARA DISTRICT Phone 09 423 8846 / 027 587 3962 neil@hsl.net.nz • ray@hsl.net.nz

Morrison Design Build & Consultancy Thinking of upgrading your Home, Bach or Property?

If you have an idea, or would like an idea, give us the opportunity to provide the answers. Whether it be Building advice, Planning advice, Building works that don’t require a consent or Landscaping.

With 35 years in the Warkworth, Matakana & Districts we have knowledge and experience of virtually all aspects of building work, from New Homes to Alterations, Sheds, Swimming pools, Bridges, even Garden furniture.

For further ideas contact us on 09 422 9866 or 021 422 986 | www.stuartmorrison.co.nz | stumo@slingshot.co.nz

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 31 39 23 29

n FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUT Y

healthmatters

Community Foot Services

Volunteers help boost student reading levels

A recently-introduced reading programme at Warkworth Primary School, utilising volunteers, is paying dividends for young students.

The Reading Club is an initiative of Sandspit resident Rosie Fowler and reading recovery teacher Jenny Chadfield.

It provides students, who need a little extra help, an opportunity to read aloud for about 10-minutes a day, four days a week.

Jenny says the regularity of the sessions is boosting students’ confidence and some of the children’s reading ages have risen substantially.

“The students are selected by their teachers for various reasons – sometimes Reading Club it can be a way of giving them greater volunteer confidence or comprehension in their Dianne Moon reading,” Jenny says. with Christina School principal Cynthia Holden says Tepania.

Rosie approached the school at a time proud of themselves. when it was looking at how it could help volunteers are needed. all students develop a love of reading.

“Volunteers are given guidance on the “If we want our school leavers to be “The children have developed great ‘dos and don’ts’, but most people know well-educated, then I believe we need affection for their reading club what to do – it’s just like listening to to put the effort into making sure volunteer and this has helped build your own child or grandchild reading,” they learn good reading skills when their love of reading, as well as a warm she says. they are little. It’s something that, as relationship with members of the “Although the programme is designed a community, we can all help with.” community,” she says. for the children, the volunteers get Rosie says once the programme is There are now about 65 children the satisfaction of seeing the students firmly embedded into Warkworth, she participating, along with about 30 blossom as their reading improves. would like to see it extended to other volunteers. But Rosie says more They become more confident and schools in the area.

Clinic: Snells Beach Medical Centre Corner Dalton Rd & Mahurangi East Rd

Phone (09) 425 5055

Summer Classes at

Matakana Village & Sandspit

Yana Yoga

The art of a journey to balance and awareness

Matakana Village Thursday 6pm • Sunday 9.30am (No class 23rd December)

Please call 09 422 3134 or 022-011-3541

Nail Creations Artistic Colour Gloss Gel Polish $35 Flexible hours & evening appointments Mobile Service available for Bridal, Ball, Party packages

Ph Natalie 425 6458 / 021 757 157

...and always, we will be here Just one call away

BODY PAIN? TRY BOWEN Adele Panckhurst

Registered Accredited Bowen Therapist

THURSDAYS - WARKWORTH 26 9 36 4 0800 BOWEN 4 U

021 2434 988 delsbiz@clear.net.nz

40 24 32 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

Milford Eye Clinic Warkworth Branch

Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens • Dr Nadeem Ahmad • Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie

Serving the eye needs of North Shore and Rodney for over 30 years Purpose-built eye consulting rooms in Warkworth.

Surgery available at Rodney Surgical Centre or Shore Surgery, Milford, as appropriate.

For your convenience consultations available at Milford, Red Beach and Warkworth.

• Milford Eye Clinic, 181 Shakespeare Road, Milford • Coastcare, Red Beach Shopping Centre, Red Beach • Warkworth, Unit 3, Warkworth Health Centre, Cnr Alnwick & Percy Streets, Warkworth

For all appointments phone 09 422 6871

healthmatters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

Extra help available

By Maria Collins, Homebuilders’ help desk advocate

If you are a low income earner, you are entitled to apply to Work and Income for a one-off, recoverable assistance payment for an “immediate need” for an essential item. Examples of the type of costs that can be applied for include dentures, hearing aids and spectacles, school uniforms, an overdue power or water bill, bonds and rent in advance.

In certain special circumstances, you can apply for this payment to meet the cost of an item or service, provided Work and Income deem that you or your family will suffer serious hardship if you do not receive this help.

Recoverable Assistance Payments do not incur interest, but must be paid back to Work and Income at weekly intervals.

As a low income earner, your gross income before tax would need to be: Family Circumstances Single 16-17 years Single 18+ years Sole parent with 1 child Sole parent with 2+ children Married with or without children

You can also apply for the Recoverable Assistance Payment if your cash assets are less than the following amounts: Family Circumstances Single person without dependent children Married/Civil Union/Sole Parent

For all your beauty therapy needs

GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS Jane Iredale Makeup Environ Skincare

Gross Weekly Income $460.09 $528.79 $641.65 $676.01 $768.03

Cash Asset Limit $1,007.28 $1,678.39

Even if you meet the criteria, there are general rules that apply to all applications.

Work and Income must look at: yy Whether a payment would best meet your IMMEDIATE need; yy Your ability to meet the need from your own resources; yy Any assistance that might be available from other sources to meet your need; yy Your existing level of debt; yy The effect on you and your immediate family if the need is not met, and when that effect might be expected to impact on your family.

To apply, you will need to go to the Warkworth Service Centre and ask for the Recoverable Assistance form, and fill it out, stating the amount you need and why. Get the form date stamped and make an appointment to see a case worker.

Work and Income will require proof of the cost of the item or service. You will also need to take to the appointment a copy of your bank statement and two forms of identification. Contact Homebuilders Family Services on 425 7048 if you have any further queries.

Mobile phone thanks

Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland has said thanks to all those who have donated their old phones.

Since the appeal started in February 2009, more than $1.8 million has been raised for the Starship National Air Ambulance service.

STOCKISTS OF:

HOMEBUILDERS FAMILY SERVICES 5 Hexham Street, Warkworth • Phone 425 7048

HOMEBUILDERS HOLIDAY HOURS The Family Centre will be closed from 12noon on Friday, 21 December and re-open on Monday, 7 January.

Our answerphone will be regularly checked for urgent messages during that break.

Phone 09 422 9007 • Matakana Village Complex

Our Op Shop will be closed from 1pm on Friday, 21 December and will re-open on Monday, 21st January 2013.

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 33 41 25 29

sweet appreciation

Cataract specialist in Warkworth

Congratulations to Dianne Denton, of Tomarata, who is this month’s recipient of a hamper from Chocolate Brown Warkworth. Dianne was nominated by Sheila Russell, of the Tomarata Playcentre, who writes:

I’d like to nominate Dianne Denton for her outstanding contribution to Tomarata Playcentre. Dianne has been a dedicated member of our centre giving so much of her time and energy into ensuring our centre thrives over the last eight years. She is a very special lady who goes out of her way to support and help others around her. It is those little extra things that really make the difference, from baking and cooking meals for new mums to giving very relaxing Bowen therapy to those of us who are a bit bent out of shape. Her youngest son Carlo is due to start school in December so we reluctantly have to say goodbye to Dianne. But, we wish her and her family all the best as they move on to the next stage of their lives.

Dr Mark Donaldson of Eye Doctors and team perform the first cataract operation in the Rodney Surgical Centre, July 2010.

Dr Donaldson, cataract specialist now performs surgery in Warkworth.

He offers: • the latest technology locally at the Rodney Surgical Centre • a team of experienced local theatre staff • no need for patients to travel No referral necessary.

Phone Eye Doctors on 09 520 9689 to make an appointment to see Dr Donaldson at the Warkworth Medical Centre and the Rodney Surgical Centre.

chocolate brown

only the good stuff...

Cafe / Chocolaterie / Gifts Phone 09 422 2677 No 6 Mill Lane, Warkworth www.chocolatebrown.co.nz 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.

Dr Mark Donaldson FRANZCO

web

www.eyedoctors.co.nz

call

(09) 520 9689

last open day before christmas!

Open Day

15 December, 11am – 3pm Stage 4 - new release of villas Come along to the last of our Open Days for 2012 and choose your new home for the new year.

This is your opportunity to view some of our last riverside villas with northwest-facing views over the delightful Mahurangi River.

We also have the location and plans for the next stage of our growing village. These two and

three bedroom villas with single and double garaging have proven to be very popular.

Come and see why for yourself.

If you can’t wait for Stage 4 to be complete we have stunning options available for you to move into right now! With licences to occupy from $325,000 – there really is something for everyone!

For more information please call Steven Garner on 09 425 1202. You’ll find us at 31 Mansell Drive, Warkworth.

THE BEST – ONCE AGAIN Summerset recognised as Australasia’s best retirement village operator three years in a row.

42 26 34 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

Bag a bargain with the feel-good factor

SHOP HOSPICE

healthmatters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

Leaving home?

Furnish your f lat from the Hospice Garage Sale 2 stores open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm Warkworth Argyll Angle, Queen St behind Gaby’s Wellsford 181 Rodney Street PLUS Garage Sale every Wed 7-11am Hospice House 51 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth

www.warkworthwellsfordhospice.co.nz

p. 425 9535

Warkworth Area Medical Centre Hours Christmas / New Year 2012/13 Warkworth Medical Centre

Kowhai Surgery

Volunteers brought plenty of enthusiasm to the first community garden working bee.

Good roll-up for garden start About 40 enthusiastic willing workers turned out for the first working bee at the new Matakana Community Garden, next to the hall, on November 25.

Organisers say plenty was “We are really heartened by the accomplished. A skip full of rubbish tremendous support from community including old tyres, glass, plastic members and businesses, and thank and steel was disposed of, and the everyone who came along on the day,” garden bed was sheet-mulched with Trish Allen said. newspaper and cardboard.

Special thanks to Downers for supplying Compost, horse and donkey manure, a digger, Treescape, Matakana Sawmill, grass clippings and wood chips were Matakana ITM, Martin Dancy for a added to the mix, and compost bins water tank, Stephen Smythe for timber, were built and a tank stand erected.

Ant Morris and Tony Kember for Pumpkin seedlings from Mandy Purvis posts, Masons for a skip, Les Floralies and Matakana 4 Square. were planted the following weekend.

Christmas Eve

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-5pm 8am-5pm

Christmas Day

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

CLOSED CLOSED

December 26

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

CLOSED 8am-12.30pm

December 27

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-8pm 8am-5pm

December 28

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-5pm 8am-5pm

(09) 425 1199

December 29

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

Medical Emergency Services are available everyday except Christmas Day.

December 30

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

New Years Eve

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-8pm 8am-5pm

For direct connection to the duty clinic or the after hours Triage Service phone ....

New Years Day

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

Smooth wrinkles, soften lines and restore volume with this 30-minute anti-ageing treatment – just in time for Christmas.

January 2

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-12.30pm CLOSED

January 3

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-8pm 8am-5pm

Treatment includes: • 1ml Restylane® • 1ml Perlane® • Restylane Recover Cream

January 4

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-5pm 8am-5pm

January 5

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

CLOSED 8am-12.30pm

January 6

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

CLOSED 8am-12.30pm

January 7

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-8pm 8am-5pm

January 8

Warkworth Medical Centre Kowhai Surgery

8am-5pm 8am-8pm

11 Alnwick St Warkworth

SURGERY LTD

10 Percy St Warkworth

(09) 425 7358

Normal Surgery Hours resume Monday January 7th Snells Beach Medical Centre is open as usual 8am - 5pm EXCEPT on Public Holidays, Saturdays and Sundays

Need a 30-minute refresh?

We also offer a FREE Cosmetic consultation with a specialist nurse.

Phone: 09 422 2202 Warkworth: Unit 3, Warkworth Medical Centre, Cnr Alnwick and Percy Streets

Appearance | Veins | Skin cancer

www.skininstitute.co.nz

Restylane® is a cosmetic dermal filler that restores volume to the skin to smooth facial wrinkles, enhance facial shape or create fuller lips. Restylane® is available on prescription from a medical professional, and is delivered by injection into the dermis. Restylane® should not be injected into blood vessels as this may lead to a lack of blood supply to the skin. Restylane® contains hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the human body and helps increase moisture to the skin. Treatment benefits are instant; do not affect facial expression and results usually last 6-12 months. Ongoing treatments are recommended to maintain best results. After a Restylane® treatment you may expect some degree of redness, swelling, pain or tenderness, itching and/or bruising which usually only lasts a few days. Inflammatory reactions may last up to two weeks in rare cases. Adverse effects from treatment are extremely rare and may include allergy, infection, granuloma formation, persistent discolouration at the injection site, and or ulceration of the skin. Exposure to sunlight should be avoided during the initial post treatment phase. Restylane® should not be used in or near sites where there are active skin disease, inflammation or infection, or where a permanent implant has been placed. Restylane® is not recommended for people taking blood thinning medicines or Roaccutane for acne, and has not been tested in pregnant or breast feeding women. Restylane® is an unfunded medicine, and there will be a charge for the medicine and consultation.

Contains: Hyaluronic acid 20mg/ml phosphate buffered saline, pH 7 q.s Q-Med ltd. Auckland. Distributed by Healthcare Logistics. Auckland. TAPS NA 6033

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 35 43 27 29

ruralrodney Landscape Gardening

&

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Design | Maintenance | Construction | Planting

Give us a call !

0800 863 093

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Green fingers given a boost Gardening projects at Tomarata School have been given a boost, with a $2000 grant from Farmlands and Rural Women NZ. The school was one of six North collaborated to distribute the proceeds Island rural schools chosen from 113 from the Farmlands Ladies Nights, applicants. which are held around the North Principal Lynne Duffin says the Island during October. money will be used to upgrade the “The resurgence of interest in eating school’s compost system, as part of its fresh food and getting back to basics WasteWise contract with Auckland was reflected in the large number of Council. applications we received,” Rural Women “Each class has a garden area and national president, Liz Evans, says. all students are encouraged to be The school will also receive gardening involved,” Lynne says. “We have two equipment from McGregor’s worm farms and are gradually working Gardening, a gardening starter kit towards moving rubbish bins from the from Yates, fertiliser from Agrisea playground. An orchard has also been NZ and a copy of ‘A Good Harvest established.”

– recipes from the gardens of Rural This is the third time that Rural Women New Zealand’ so the children Women and Farmlands have can put all their produce to good use.

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At the presentation were, from left, Brendda Salt who prepared the application, principal Lynne Duffin, Farmlands Wellsford manager Ross Mullan and Rural Women Top of the North Island national councillor Mary Dale-Taylor. Also present were local Forest Reserve branch members Isobel Greenwood, Marie Alpe and Doreen Richards.

Ph/Fax: 423 7339 or 027 495 6674 Sunglasses Safety rated

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44 28 36 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

Gardening with Wendy Schick Wishes you a Merry Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the new year

We will be closed from December 22nd until January 7th Hours: January 7th-18th from 9am-4pm • Normal hours resume January 21st from 8am-4.30pm • Closed weekends in January 90 Jones Road, Omaha • Phone: 09 422 7307 • Fax: 09 422 9308 admin@libertypark.co.nz • www.libertypark.co.nz

CleanStream SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS

Turn your wastewater into a liquid asset TXR-1 Tank System

We can provide you with the latest technology in Wastewater Treatment Systems.

Phone us for a no-obligation site inspection to evaluate your requirements.

TERRAFORCE NZ LIMITED Phone 09 425 9614 • mobile 021 643 060 or visit www.wastewatersolutions.co.nz

www.tumbleweed.net.nz

Here comes the sun The weather is beginning to warm up and we will be starting to think about eating outdoors. Therefore, this is a great time to brighten up outdoor entertaining areas. Sun-loving and tolerant of heat, petunias will flower throughout summer, providing a wide range of vibrant colours.

Whether they are planted in the garden, pots or baskets, they will brighten up any area. If planted in baskets or pots, try mixing them with lobelia so they both spill over the sides, making a very pretty show indeed.

If your vegetable garden is near your outdoor eating area, plant some flowers in with the vegies. It can look stunning. Many flowers are also edible and make a great addition to salads. Some, such as marigolds, alyssum, cleome, nasturtium, violets and calendulas, are also useful in attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests. Impatiens are another tough resilient plant providing months of cheerful colour. While they prefer a shady spot, they can be grown in the sun if well watered. They also do well in baskets or pots.

Geraniums, hot red and lavender, planted in terracotta pots, will conjure an Italian feel. If you are after a more subtropical effect, then hibiscus and bougainvillea will hit the spot. Plants that flower during summer seem to come in vibrant, bright colours, perhaps due to the hotter climate; a little like the hot, spicy foods eaten in hot climatic countries.

If you prefer a softer palette, white hydrangeas, geraniums and impatiens are very restful planted in group plantings. White is a beautiful colour that glows in the evening, providing natural luminescent light.

It’s now time to plant pumpkins and watermelons, which will only grow when the sun has warmed the soil. But don’t wait until Christmas because if they are planted too late, they might not ripen before the weather turns cold again in autumn.

From all of us at Tumbleweed we would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. Thanks for your support and see you all again next year.

Orang - Otang Tree Trimmers 2008 Ltd

• Chipping & Stump Grinding • Tree Removal • Shelter Belt Removal • Pruning & Dead Wooding • Land, Section & View Clearing • Arborists • Insured

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Chilli Plants - ALL HALF PRICE while stocks last Normal business hours: Mon-Fri 8-5, Sat 8-4, Sun 10-4 CLOSED CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY Open 10am-3pm 27th December to 7th January 939 Matakana Rd, Matakana Phone: 422 7338 | Fax: 422 7638 tumble.weed@actrix.co.nz | www.tumbleweed.net.nz

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 29 45 37

Wine with Ben Dugdale mardale@clear.net.nz Chairman, Matakana Winegrowers Association

Summer – bring it on

As we gently ease into the warm embrace of summer, several things begin to happen. We suddenly remember all those little jobs around the house that needed doing prior to summer arriving and lo and behold, a few bright sunny days spur us into action. In vineyard terms, it’s all go from now on. Vines, which burst forth several months ago, will suddenly gather momentum given sunlight and rain.

They will flower in the coming weeks – the weather at this point will dictate the “cropping level” – warm, sunny conditions will increase the amount of pollinated flowers which will, in turn, increase the amount of berries on a bunch.

Towards Christmas, teams of leaf pluckers will head out into the vineyards to carefully remove the leaves that surround the grape bunches. This will do two things – it will expose the bunch to more sunlight and will allow more airflow around the grapes. The sunlight will assist in ripening the grapes and the airflow will decrease the risk of diseases. Bird nets will be unfurled in vineyards in January and February, and then the wine growers begin the wait, anticipating the upcoming harvest. It is a wonderful, anxious time for all involved as we carefully mull over weather websites and make sure the sprayer is ready to go.

Pre-Christmas is also the time when various agencies burst into print, as if to justify their existence, by producing screeds of reports. One such recent example was the Vineyard Register Report 2012 produced by the NZ Winegrowers. The Vineyard Register tells us that the Auckland/Northland region, in total, produces one percent of all the wine made in NZ. Matakana’s production would, therefore, be no more than point-three percent of NZ’s production. That’s okay – I’d rather be small and perfectly formed, than a lumbering behemoth. Those who know me will find that last part amusing. This got me thinking. Matakana is ‘a very small’ region inside ‘quite a small’ region. How does one compete with the bigger areas, particularly with distribution networks and channels into supermarkets? One cannot compete on price as there is always someone bigger than you with cheaper costs of production. Therefore, the Matakana winegrowers must compete on the unique characters and exclusive flavours of this region. It comes down to having a great product, a unique story and an awareness for service and hospitality. Therefore, over the upcoming glorious NZ summer, I encourage everyone, and particularly those who are entertaining guests from far and wide, to explore our Matakana wineries and tasting rooms. There is a wealth of fascinating stories and interesting flavours right here, in our very own backyard. Cheers!

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Premium Garden Mix ................$65/cu Post Peelings ............................$30/cu Woodchips ................................$30/cu Topsoil (covered) ............ $30-40/cu

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Bagged Coco Fibre

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Bulk Chicken Manure .... $35/½cu or $75/cu Bagged Chicken Manure ........ $10/40L Bag Bagged Garden Mix ................ $7/40L Bag ................ $7/40L Bag

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Have a safe & happy Christmas Closing 20/12/12 5pm Re-opening 9/1/13 8am

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DELIVERY AVAILABLE • FREE LOAN TRAILER

Honest ‘value-for-money’ service • Servicing & repairs - petrol & diesel • SuperCharge Batteries • Tyres from Duffs Tyres • Trailer WOF $20 • Car WOF $45 • Servicing from just $160 • Courtesy cars available

21 years in business & STILL going strong

Cameron Auto Services - Ph 425 7575 Unit 3 / 6 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

46 30 38 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

SUMMER EXCURSIONS aboard the JANE GIFFORD – Dec 2012 – Jan 2013 December Sat 08 Departs at 3.30pm. 1hr Excursion on the historic Mahurangi River SPECIAL 3 HOUR XMAS EXCURSION – SAT 22ND DECEMBER – Departs 1.30pm – Cruise to Scotts Landing – Mahurangi Heads / Return. Reservations necessary. BYO. Adults $40 - Seniors $35 - Child $15 Family $100 - Child under 5yrs FREE January Wed 02 – Departs 10am & 11.15am Thu 03 – Departs 10.30am & 11.45am Fri 04 – Departs at 11.30am Sat 05 – Departs at 12.30pm SPECIAL 3 HOUR EXCURSION – SUNDAY 6TH JANUARY – Departs 12.30 – Picnic Luncheon Cruise to Scotts Landing / Return. Reservations necessary. BYO Welcome. Costs above.

SPECIAL 2 HOUR EXCURSION – SATURDAY 19TH JANUARY – Departs 1pm – Excursion down & into the Mahurangi Harbour / Return. Reservations necessary. Adults $30 – Seniors $25 – Child $10 Family $75 – Child under 5yrs FREE Note: All Excursions subject to extreme weather conditions. Please wear flat sole shoes.

Bring jacket. Reporting time 15mins prior to departure.

RESERVATIONS 0274 849 935 • www.janegifford.org.nz

Wellsford

VET CLINIC

We provide: • Care for all your veterinary needs.

• Five dedicated Vets and friendly office staff, who deliver a comprehensive service.

• A Saturday morning clinic.

• An after hours emergency service in Wellsford.

116 Rodney Street, Wellsford (next to the library, opposite McDonalds)

Phone 423 8008

www.vetsonline.co.nz/wellsfordvet

Animals with David Haugh

More than meets the eye

CCN, not quite the infinitely more famous broadcaster CNN, stands for cerebro cortical necrosis. This means – brain, outer part, tissue death. CCN is also known as polioencepholomalacia which means – whole, brain, softening. You can tell already, for those who have it, this is a serious disease. Untreated, it is usually fatal. But treatment is simple and can produce one of the most spectacular responses seen in veterinary medicine. As a cattle, sheep or goat farmer, you might say: “What on earth is this? I’ve never seen it.” But if I invented a colloquial name, such as blind staggers, a little bell might be ringing in the back of your cerebral cortex.

I keep an eye out for CCN in well-fed, dairy weaners from late November through December and occasionally into January. Only one, or a small percentage in a mob, tends to be affected. To begin with, they are a bit incoordinated and look like they have rye grass staggers. But the incoordination gets progressively worse and blindness develops. The eyes remain fine but the brain damage causes the blindness. There is mental disorientation, the animals go down and later show twitching, fitting and death. From beginning to end may take about five days. In cattle it is seen not just in dairy weaners, although the disease is rare in individuals over two years old.

Apparently, epidemics of this disease can occur in sheep and goats, and sheep can have a mild form where they go blind for a few weeks then come right.

CCN is caused by a deficiency of thiamine (vitamin B1). Normally, the myriad of ‘friendly’ bacteria and protozoa that live in the fore-stomachs of ruminants produce enough thiamine for their hosts’ needs. If the gut bacterial flora change enough – usually from certain changes in diet – to those that produce thiamine destroying enzymes or the animal eats plants containing these ‘thiaminases’, then disease will follow. Treatment with injectable thiamine is often fully curative. Late starting of treatment may fail or leave animals permanently intellectually impaired.

Interestingly, fish contain thiaminase enzymes. Although cats don’t technically get CCN, they can get a condition called, you guessed it, ‘thiamine deficiency’ if they eat lots of fish. Symptoms include wobbliness, weakness, depression, carrying their head flexed down, dementia and fits. Many years ago I heard a story about some Otago University students who, in the interests of science, went on a fish ‘n’ chip and beer only diet to see what dietary deficiency would surface first. I’m pretty sure it was thiamine deficiency. So, in summary, if you see your weaners walking around incoordinated before the traditional rye grass staggers time and you discover they can’t actually see anything then think of CCN.

FARRIER

Vaughan Palatchie

Local Farrier with 24 years Professional Experience Offers ... Calm, Patient and Practical Shoeing All Hoof Care Requirements for Your Loyal Hack, Sport or Competition Horse HOT / COLD / REMEDIAL INTERFERENCE SHOEING

Reiki Healing A place dedicated to natural healing for: •people •pets •farm animals

Mobile 021 425 383 • Home 09 422 4080 Email ggshufarrierservices@gmail.com

To learn more visit www.goldenreikihealing.co.nz or phone Tracy 09 423 9636

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 39 47 31 29

College leaders appointed Rodney College student leaders for 2013 were announced at senior prizegiving last month.

Head boy and girl will be Liam Connolly and Alana Torrie (pictured). Other appointments are: Sports captains – Hayley Aldworth and Matty Northin; cultural leaders – Rebecca Simmonds and Charlene Kahotea; student support leaders – Jessica McClure and Bryce Robertson; social action leaders – Rochelle Rodgers and Hannah Reid; house leaders – Hanover, Kenzie Drew; Miles, Shannon Sweetman; Tyburnia, Tyra-Li Humfrey; and Wattenbach, Daniel Hassall. The students will attend leadership training at AUT University next month.

Sponsored by

TOTALSPAN Rodney

scoreboard

A roundup of sports activities and events in the district Golf

yy Warkworth Golf Club has a number of tournaments coming up over the summer break. It will hold a Christmas Open Tournament on December 16. All affiliated players welcome, great prizes. Entry $35.

The New Year Open will be held on January 2 – all affiliated players welcome, this is a day of golf not to be missed. Entry $35. On January 27, the club will host the Matakana Masters Tournament, open to men over 40 years of age, affiliated players. To book for any of these tournaments, phone 425 8248.

Junior golf

Wellsford horticultural break-up Members of the Wellsford Horticultural Society ended their year with a luncheon at the home of society president Norma Brookes recently. The showers continued through the day but the gardens all around were a picture and the ‘bring a plate’ food offerings were spectacular and enjoyed by all.

The group meets on the fourth Thursday of every month with interesting bus outings through the summer months and speakers of interest during the winter.

Club information: Norma Brookes 423 8010 or Adrienne Atkinson 431 2706.

yy The Mangawhai Golf Club is inviting new junior members to come along and see if they like golf. Boys and girls over eight years old are welcome, under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Mix of on-course play and off-course coaching. Info: Denise Stuart 431 4023, or email stubuild@clear.net.nz Karate

yy Go-Kan-Ryu (GKR) Karate re-starts its Monday night training sessions at the Masonic Hall, Baxter Street Warkworth on January 7, from 7.30pm. Suitable for children over five years old, adults and families welcome. Visitors welcome. Info: Hayden 021 753 115, visit: gkrkarate.com Tennis

yy Wellsford Tennis has midweek tennis on Wednesdays, from 9.30am.

All welcome, racquets available. Info: Vanessa Oldfield 423 7066 List sports news by emailing editor@localmatters.co.nz

229 State Highway 1, Warkworth Phone 09 422 3149 0800 TOTALSPAN (0800 868 257)

GREENWOOD

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48 40 32 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

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Phone 425 9068 for more information or email your advertisement to localmatters@xtra.co.nz *for a three insertion contract.

COMPOSITE JOINERY Ltd Composite Joinery Ltd 7 Glenmore Drive Warkworth 0941

Phone: 09 425 7510 Fax: 09 422 2011

64 Hamatana Road, Snells Beach

We specialise in: • Vantage Aluminium Joinery • APL | Architectural Series • Metro Series • Internal and External Timber Joinery

sales@compositejoinery.co.nz www.compositejoinery.co.nz

Ph 09 425 5025 • www.autohaus.co.nz

YOUR LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE

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

0800 70 40 10

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

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES Freeview Sales & Installation TV & FM Aerials

Good food that’s Gluten Free

18b Glenmore Drive, Warkworth 425 9593 • elocinfoods@xtra.co.nz www.elocinfoods.co.nz

GAVIN BROUGH Ph 09 425 5495 Mob 0274 766 115

Denis 021 945 498 Joel 021 422 592

Foundations • Floors • Drives • Paths • Digger & Truck Hire Concrete Specialists backed by over 30 years experience Established since 1984

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Martin Greenleaf

D.Ac., Bac.Ac., Acupuncturist Member of NZ Register of Acupuncturists

Registered ACC Referral Provider

TREATS MOST HEALTH PROBLEMS Over 30 years experience Available Monday & Thursday in Warkworth

Lavender House

Local roots mean more

Carpet, Vinyl, Cork, Ceramic Tiles, Wood & Laminate

09 422 2275 21 Glenmore Drive www.flooringxtra.co.nz 146M

David Just Developments Ltd Bathroom and Kitchen renovations Over 25 years experience References available from past clients

David Just • Ph: 0274 753 574 justdevo@farmside.co.nz

27 Lilburn Street, Warkworth 09 422 3729 or 09 480 2255 martingreenleaf@xtra.co.nz

AUTHORISED AGENT

Pumps / Water Tanks / Filtration / Treatment Spa & Pool Shop / Pool Valet Service Water Blasters / Sprayers Hose & Fittings / Mobile & Workshop Service 31 WOODCOCKS RD - WARKWORTH - PH 425 9100

dens@xtra.co.nz PO Box 193, Warkworth

0800 METAL 4 U

• Metal supplies • Landscape supplies • Topsoil • Bark & mulch • Truck hire • Bulk haulage

183 Sandspit Road, Warkworth Phone 0800 638 254 (0800 Metal 4 U)

Household Water Deliveries 0800 747 928 mobile: 027 556 6111

water

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WATER

0800 638 254 OR 09 422 3700

BICYCLE MECHANIC Shimano approved Fully equipped workshop Road Bikes Mountain Bikes Full Suspension BMX Bikes Parts & Accessories

Matakana Bicycle Hire | 09 423 0076 951 Matakana Road, Matakana info@matakanabicyclehire.co.nz

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 41 49 33 29

Welch Painting & Decorating Mark Welch

• Painting • Paper Hanging • Spray Painting • Water Blasting

Mob: 027 240 8330 A/h : 422 2678 • Fax: 422 2676

Custom Built Kitchens Matai Furniture Homeware & Kitchenware Leadlight Lamps & Gifts Gardenware Crystals, Gems & Candles

NZ Made Solid Wood

153M

• EARTH • • Integrated Water Solutions •

There’s a little touch of magic at Frog Pool Farm

• WATER •

Phone Dave 09 425 7970 mob 021 704 056 • email vortech@xtra.co.nz

• Specialists in Passive Concepts •

FROG POOL FARM

• Landscape • Site Works • Retaining •

Phone 425 9030 • Dome Valley 5 minutes past Warkworth

For Tractor Repairs • Servicing • Sales • Spares • Small Engines Kitchens Bathrooms Entertainment Units Laundries ▌ Wardrobes and Offices ▌

▌

From design to installation we’ve got you covered Contact Neil 09 425 7017 or 021 070 0643 neiltcabinetmaker@xtra.co.nz www.cabinetmakeranddesign.co.nz NOW AT 16A GleNmOre Drive, WArkWOrTh

Call Dave the Tractor Man Today

SNELLS BEACH

PHONE 09 425 5597

146M

Tickidi Boo CHECK US OUT! NEW DECOR • NEW MENU

Winter hours: Mon-Fri 8-4, Sat 8.30-3, Sun 9-3 1 Queen Street, Warkworth • Phone 425 8749

RODNEY

Offering more selection of

wine • beer • grocery deli • vegetables Parking & back entrance available for customer convenience

175 Rodney Street, Wellsford • Ph 423 8238

Property Management

Your one stop Cleaning and Maintenance shop Big jobs, little jobs odd jobs, all jobs Just call to ask

Home 09 4250995 Peter 021 912805 Annie 021892467

HOME MAINTENANCE HANDYMAN Phillip Keesing Decks Ph. (09) 422 6036 Fences Mob. 021 045 0132 General repairs pjkeesing@gmail.com Clean ups All things considered General repairs covering a wide range of jobs around the house including decks and fences

NORTHERN

Digital Freeview Satellite

DENTISTRY

Installation & Repairs

EQUINE Rachel Fletcher – Equine Dentist Cert. Equine Dentistry NZEDS (NZQA).

Ph 09 422 5118 / 021 137 5272 northernequinedentistry@yahoo.com “Committed to providing the best dental care for your horse”

TV • Video • DVD Tuning Additional TV Outlets Phone David Redding 09 422 7227 or 0274 585 457

✆ Works: 09 425 6997 H: 09 425 4654 Mob: 021 947 710 Email: david@fortenz.co.nz Callouts & Recovery 24/7

Focus Fencing Farm & Domestic Fencing  Post & Rail Post Driving  Cattle Yards  Retaining Walls  Wooden Farm Gates & Hardware  

Contact Jeff mobile 021 996 713 a/hrs 09 423 7310 stevies.fencing@xtra.co.nz

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

www.robertsonboatsnz.com

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE FOR ONLY +GST* PER INSERTION

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Phone Cathy or Renee 425 9068 or email your advert to advertising@localmatters.co.nz *for a three insertion contract

50 34 42 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING FOR SALE

HOME MAINTENANCE

VEHICLES

FREEVIEW AERIAL OR SATELLITE DISH ... DON’T KNOW? For a site survey and quote call JIM THE MAINTENANCE MAN 021 254 2048 or 422 3725 or visit www.themaintenancemanjim.co.nz

PLASTERING - GIB STOPPING All aspects of stopping. Coveing specialist.

25 years experience. Phone Karl Hall 0210 424 296.

PARK & SELL Gull Snells Beach. Weekly rates. Great exposure. Phone 425 4092..

MULCH : ARBORISTS

Large or Small, Mow/Mulch, Slash, Garden, Clean-up, Gutter, Hedge, Rubbish etc All work guaranteed!

Free Quotes

WELLSFORD SWIMMING CLUB AGM

ANNIVERSARIES

67th Anniversary

PAXTON - KRILETICH On December 20, 1945 Betty and Eric were married in Auckland. Much loved by their 5 children, 14 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren.

Congratulations on your 67th Anniversary.

FITNESS

PILATES MAT CLASSES

Thursday 5.30pm, Fri 9am-11am Matakana Hall. Pilates Machinery.

ACTIVE LIVING PHYSIO Phone 422 7220

Any quantity.

Contact Al Dave Contracting 09 422 7487 or 021 969 112.

RAWLEIGH PRODUCTS available.

Phone Patrick 425 8851.

UNIQUE HERITAGE GARDEN CENTRE Kaiwaka Organics. Selling Heritage Fruit Trees, Seeds and organic gardening products. This business, including the buildings is for sale. For information contact Romi: angel_land@xtra.co.nz or phone 09 4312732

FOR HIRE PUHOI CENTENNIAL HALL Capacity

200, reasonable rates. Phone Kathy on 422 0891 or email puhoi.hall@hiko.co.nz

FLIGHTS

GARDENING / PLANTS PLANTS, Quality groundcovers, shrubs and trees. Large and small grades.

Wholesale direct to the public. Liberty Park Native Tree Nursery, 90 Jones Road, Omaha 09 422 7307.

HEALTH SERVICES BOWTECH

NORTH CAPE FLIGHTS $375 each.

Min 3 passengers.

Rodney Aero Club Ph 425 8735 or Rod Miller Phone 425 5612

FOR LEASE 350 MAHURANGI EAST ROAD, SNELLS BEACH 143.2sqm.

Ideal professional office.

Contact Jim (Owner) 021 621 124.

WARKWORTH OFFICE, CLINIC OR WORKSPACE

Near shops, peaceful setting, parking.

Daily or weekly rates. Now or new year. Info: lightways@xtra.co.nz

FOR RENT

FOR SALE BBQ TABLES, 6 seater, treated smooth pine. Brand new. Free delivery local area. $175. Phone Martin 022 052 8890

CHEAP CARPET Roll Ends – Room Sizes Overlocking Service Rodney Flooring Centre 4 Station Road, Wellsford Ph: 09 423 8169

BOWEN

THERAPY

COUNSELLING Professional Experienced. A powerful way to gain perspective and effect change in our lives. Contact Phillipa Reeve 09 423 0483 or 021 0271 8621.

MASSAGE FOR HEALTH CLINIC

Diploma Therapeutic Massage NZCM 16 years professional experience Deep tissue, Relaxing, Pregnancy, Home Clinic/Mobile Massage, Xmas Gift Vouchers aVailable Evelyn 09 422 3222 or 021 148 1779 or evelyn-ems@hotmail.com

HOBBIES & RECREATION

Horse riding WarkWortH

Book Now 1hr $40 • 2hrs $75 Phone 425 8517 42 Kaipara Flats Road, Warkworth www.come.to/horseriding HOME MAINTENANCE

AT FENCE KING We do all types of fences. Satisfaction guaranteed for prompt service and a free competitive quote. Phone Sam-the-fenceman 021 1264 660 or 09 424 8874.

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

December 17th at Rodney College School Pool at 6pm.

Contact Sharnelle Lewis on 423 9422

www.jimsmowing.co.nz

LIONS WISH TO THANK the community for its support of the Garden Makeover Raffle drawn 3/12/12: 1st 1557 Paxton Selkirk; 2nd 1814 Ross Stone.

Gavin Brough, Fundraising Chairman

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.

NOTICE OF MEETING The ANNUAL MEETING OF Omaha Beach Community ( Inc) will be held at Omaha Beach Club, North West Anchorage, Omaha Beach on Thurs Jan 3rd 2013 at 4pm.

TANK WATER TESTING Find out what bad-bugs are in your drinking water. We collect, test and report. Phone Simon at 09 422 9345 or tankwater@xtra.co.nz 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 WATER PUMPS Low water pressure?

Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation.

Work guaranteed.

Phone Steve 09 945 2282 or www. purewaterservices.co.nz

MARKETS MUSEUM SUMMER MARKET 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth.

Enquiries Warkworth 425 8482.

GUITAR EVENING WORKSHOP

Family Fun Scenic farm & forest rides Quiet horses & ponies • Birthday rides Lessons • Suit beginners & experienced riders & people with Disabilities Social, Language & School Groups

PUBLIC NOTICES

Phone 0800 4 546 546

MUSIC TUITION



SANDSPIT Congenial, single person sought to share large furnished house, sea view, with 2 other professionals.

NS, independent person preferred.

From January 7th. $200pw + power lightways@xtra.co.nz

/

Contact Adele 0800 BOWEN 4 U (0800 269 364)



SCENIC FLIGHTS $39, 20 mins; $49, 30 mins. Min. 3 passengers. Trial flights $79. Gift vouchers available.

GREAT BARRIER FLIGHTS. Special stopover up to 4 hours. Return $99.

Min. 3 passengers.

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only

$2.95+GST per line or $8.85 per/cm+GST for boxed adverts.

Starting Feb 2013 in Warkworth (depending on numbers) For adults who already play chords but would like to progress further, learning: Fingerstyle, Strum Patterns, Tablature, bit of Spanish Guitar etc.

If interested phone Heather on 09 425 8707

PHOTOGRAPHIC & DIGITAL PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES

Videos, slides & old 8mm films all on to DVD. Ph TeTotara Video (09) 422 5710.

TV SERVICES & SALES TV SERVICES Freeview, dishes, aerials, boxes. Sales, installation and repairs.

Phone Gavin 027 4766115.

• FREEVIEW • HOME THEATRE • • SATELLITE • Installation, advice and supply.

Phone Andrew 021 466 394.

aGeNDa 1) Welcome 2) Apologies 3) Confirmation of Minutes of the Annual Meeting held 8th Jan 2012 4) Receipt of the President’s Report for 2012 5) Receipt of the Annual Accounts for the period ending 31 Oct 2012 6) Confirmation of the appointment of a Chartered Accountant to conduct a Review Engagement for the period ending 31 Oct 2013 7) Confirmation of Amount of the Annual Subscription Fee for the 2013 Subscription Year and 2012/13 Security Levy – as recommended by the Committee 8) Election of the Committee for the 2013 year from nominations received in accordance with the Constitution 9) Receipt of Club Reports - Golf - Bowls - Tennis - Surf Club - Outrigger Canoe 10) General Business Trish Jackson, Secretary Omaha Beach Community Inc

WANTED CASH PAID Tools and machinery, shed and 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.

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Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 43 51 35 29

CHRISTMAS

CHURCH NOTICES All of us here At the

MAhurAngi Methodist PArish

wish you a Joyful and Meaningful Christmas and a Blessed and Fruitful New Year, 2013, and we invite you to join us at any of our Christmas and New Year’s worship services of Celebration & Reflection: Monday, 24th December 7pm @ Point Wells Community Church (William St, Point Wells) Combined Parish Service of Christmas Carols, etc.

Tuesday, 25th December Christmas Day 9am @ Snells Beach Community Church (325 Mahurangi East Road, Snells Beach) Combined Parish Service

CATHOLIC CHURCH

Holyname Catholic Church 6 Alnwick Street, Warkworth Sts Peter & Paul Catholic Church, Puhoi 425 8545 • www.holyname.org.nz

CHRIsTmAs mAss TImes 2012

Reconciliation times after 9am Saturday Morning Mass or by appointment with Father

Christmas eve monday 24th Dec

Monday, 31st December New Year’s Eve 11pm @ Warkworth Methodist Church (1 Hexham Street, Warkworth) Combined Parish Watch-Night Service.

For further information Parish Office Phone 425 8660 or The Minister Phone 021 0271 4099

Warkworth 12 midnight

ANGLICAN PARISH OF WELLSFORD

Warkworth 9.30am Carols begin 30mins before 7pm and 9pm Masses only

Tauhoa Community Hall Thursday 20th December, 7.30pm

Warkworth 7pm and Puhoi 9pm

midnight mass mon 24th Dec Christmas Day Tuesday 25th Dec

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

mass Times from monday to sunday

Wellsford Children’s Christingle All Saints, 17-19 Port Albert Road Sunday 23rd December, 9.30am

Monday - Warkworth 9am • Tuesday - Warkworth 5.15pm Wednesday - Puhoi 9am • Thursday - Warkworth 9am Friday - Warkworth 11am Saturday - Warkworth 9am & Vigil - Warkworth 6pm Sunday - Puhoi 8.30am & Warkworth 10.30am

Advent and Christmas Services and Occasions in the

Warkworth Anglican Parish

Friday 14th December at 7pm Unpacking Bethlehem Carols – in Christ Church with support from Kai Rhythmix Saturday 15th December at 3pm Messy Christmas and Children’s Nativity Christmas Eve 7pm Carol Service, St.Alban’s, Kaipara Flats 11.15pm Midnight Service begins at Christ Church Christmas Day 8am Christ Church, Warkworth 9.30am Christ Church, Warkworth 9.30am St.Leonard’s, Matakana 9.30am St.Michael and All Angels, Leigh

www.anglican-warkworth.org

Tomarata Christmas Carols St Francis in the Fields Sunday 23rd December, 7.30pm Wellsford Family Service All Saints, 9.30am Christmas Day, Tuesday 25th All enquiries phone 09 4222 560

See also Scoreboard (page 31) for sporting events For links to more information about some of these events, as well as listings through to the end of the year, visit the What’s On calendar online at www.localmatters.co.nz

14 14

Late night shopping Wellsford. Shops will open until 7pm.

Matakantata Concert, Matakana Village hall, 7.30pm. Tickets are $15 adults, gold coin children 14-16 Christmas Fair, Pt Wells Hall. Info: Chaleyne on 422 7438 16 Matakana Indie Craft Market 9.30 to 2.30pm 21&22 SAFE appeal (see story p11) 24 Waipu Christmas Parade and Carols by Candlelight (see story p14) 27 Jimmy Barnes, Mangawhai Tavern (story & ad p11, centre liftout) 28 Knights of the Dub table (see ad p2, centre liftout) 28-Jan 3 Great Summer Art Exhibition, Mahurangi East Community Centre (see story and ad p3, centre liftout) 29 Seasick Steve, Mangawhai Tavern (story & ad p14, centre liftout) 30 Jimmy Barnes, Mangawhai Tavern (story & ad p11, centre liftout) 31 Mangawhai Heads Volunteer Lifesaving Street Collection

January 2013 1

Warkworth Rodeo, Warkworth Showgrounds (see story & ad p79, centre liftout) 1 Waipu Highland Games, Caledonia Park (see story p10, centre liftout ) 5 Six60 Summer Tour (see story & ad p12, centre liftout) 6&7 Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, Ascension Wine Estate www. ascensionwine.co.nz (see ad p13, centre liftout) 11&12 Waipu Grand Pageant (see story p10, centre liftout) 12 Puhoi Wood Chopping Carnival 9am-5pm (see stories p4-6, centre liftout) 16 Live Comedy, Leigh Sawmill Café (see story p13, centre liftout) 20 Bohemian descendants morning tea for Goldcard holders, Puhoi Hall, 11am (see brief p6, centre liftout) 27 Mangawhai Heads Beach Day Info: mangawhaisurf@xtra.co.nz Email your events to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Design Manufacture Install

GATEway meets in the Scout Hall, Shoesmith Street

CHRISTMAS DAY

9:30am to 10:30am To us a Saviour is given

SUNDAY 30 DEC 2012

Beach Service 10am, Martins Bay BBQ at 12noon

SUNDAY 6 JAN 2013 9:30am Scout Hall

For Christmas church services please see advert on page 10

December 2012

CHRISTMAS – NEW YEAR SERVICES

SUNDAY 13 JAN 2013 5 Pulham Road, Warkworth Phone 425 8861

what’s on

Beach Service as above Come & Join us as we Celebrate His Goodness!

www.thegateway.org.nz admin@thegateway.org.nz Colin Shilston Pastor • 09 425 7383

Contact details: Peter or Tony 09 422 2001 Tony 021 681 140 Peter 021 681150 www.kitchenworks.co.nz

Showroom and Factory

23 Morrison Drive | Warkworth

KitchenWorks provides high quality kitchens and cabinetry with superior service. With your essential input, we can design a kitchen that suits your needs and space, is aesthetically pleasing and is highly functional.

A kitchen that works!

We’ll come to you or you can visit us in our showroom, open Monday to Friday and Saturday morning.

52 36 44 | Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012

Warkworth walks over-subscribed

About 300 walkers took up the invitation to visit some of Warkworth’s best kept secrets on foot, during the annual Warkworth Walks last month.

Organisers said that from the heights of Hauturu to the valleys of Kaipara, everyone enjoyed the scenic and gastronomic delights of the greater Warkworth area. Walkers came from as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Dunedin.

“The committee is really proud that, in our fourth year, all walks sold out,” spokesperson Luke Williamson said.

“In fact, 80 percent were sold within three days of going on offer.

“We estimate the event injects around $20,000 into the local community with recipients including bars, cafes, vineyards, accommodation, transport, The weather couldn’t have been better for those who joined the Te Muri, caterers, printers and more.”

Mahurangi & Vineyard Walk.

Luke said the committee had received great feedback and Warkworth’s reputation for a combination of fabulous walks and fabulous food has been enhanced.

The committee is currently working on fine tuning existing walks for next year and coming up with some new ones.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in joining us for next year’s walks to sign up early to the mailing list on our website at www. warkworthwalks.co.nz.”

Luke thanked guides, committee members, hosts and walkers, and the many additional supporters, who contributed to the event’s success.

Time for a break on the Glorit walk.

Harbour offers basketball coaching Six basketball coaching development sessions will be run over six weeks at the North Shore Events Centre early next year.

Harbour Basketball’s coach development manager Alex Stojkavic says the sessions will be an opportunity to improve the quality of coaching being delivered to Harbour’s 50-plus representative coaches and to show them they are an important part of the Harbour Basketball program.

Stojkavic will run the first half of the workshop on basketball-specific coach development. The second half will be run

by Dave Keelty and will be on universal coach development topics including long-term athlete development, teaching games for understanding, questioning and feedback, and building positive team culture.

The event dates are still being finalised, but they are most likely be held on Saturday mornings starting the first week in February.

Enquiries welcome. Phone Dave Keelty at Harbour Sport on 09 448 0307 or call Harbour Basketball at 443 3854.

Merry Christmas from the Mahurangi Matters team

To provide high quality primary care to the persons of our region addressing the issues of access and equity with innovation.

Please note our service continues to remain accessible 24 hours per day over the holiday period CLINICS: We are a network of clinics providing comprehensive primary care including Snells Beach 145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666 24 HOUR SERVICES Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737 available at our A & M Centre in Mangawhai 4 Fagan Place 09 431 4128 Wellsford at an affordable price Maungaturoto 138 Hurndall St 09 431 8576 Paparoa 1877 Paparoa Valley Rd 09 431 7222 For further information and new Wellsford 220 Rodney Street 09 423 8086 enrolments, please contact any of (Cnr. Highway 1 & Matheson Rd)

our clinics

Phone 09 423 8086 for 24/7 after hours urgent service Delivered twice a month to 12,350 homes & businesses throughout north Auckland

Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout 12 December 2012

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 19

As this issue of Mahurangi Matters went to press, Hobsonville was mopping up after a tornado, Carols

by Candlelight was cancelled due to bad weather and the question on everyone’s lips was: “Where is summer?” Our theory is that Mother Nature is waiting for the schools to finish and businesses to shut before she turns on the heat.

SUMMER

But take heart, that regardless of what the weather does, this summer is shaping up to be a hot one for local entertainment. Some of NZ’s top acts, not to mention a few overseas ring-ins, are heading our way starting with Katchafire and Ladi6 at Mangawhai Tavern on Boxing Day through to the Matakana Summer Concert featuring Pat Benatar on February 17.

Keep this liftout handy so you know who’s playing, and where and when.

Rain or shine, have a great summer.

T S BLA

Plume, the vineyard restaurant, a 'must visit' destination on any Matakana P wine or food journey and the perfect setting for that special day! w

Plume, a 2011 & 2012

Cuisine

"Cellar door tastings and delicious French-themed fare" Cuisine Magazine.

For current opening hours please call or visit www.plumerestaurant.co.nz 49a Sharp Road, Matakana Telephone: 09 422 7915 reservations@plumerestaurant.co.nz

recommended New Zealand restaurant

Plume, proudly the house of

2 Mahurangi Matters12- Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 December 2012 20 | Mahurangimatters

your

SUMMER

BLAST

LOCAL MARKET

Ticket giveaway

guide

W = Weekly M = Monthly

W Waipu Boutique Sunday Market

W Matakana Village Farmers Market

Waipu Coronation Hall, 9am-1pm Sunday Dec 9&23, Jan 13, Feb 10 Cafe, local produce & NZ Craft (new only) Contact Pav 432 1891 or Ginny 021 126 4437 email: enquiries@waipumarket.co.nz

W Mangawhai Beach & Country

The Mangawhai Domain, New and preloved goods - carboot sites available Dec 15th, Christmas Twilight, 3-6pm Sundays, Jan 6, 13, 20, 27, 9am-1pm Contact: Sue 0274 586 144 or email toriamartin@hotmail.com

Fresh food and produce market 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana Saturdays 8am-1pm Contact: Michael 021 1414 308 or email: mihou@clear.net.nz

Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to the Knights of the Dub Table show at the Leigh Sawmill on December 28 to give away. To enter, write your name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to: Knights of the Dub Table Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth.

Alternatively, enter by sending us a private message, with the competition name as the subject, to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/mahurangimatters).

Competition closes December 20.

W Matakana Indie Market

Upcycled ethical crafting • Live bands 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana Sunday 9.30am-2.30pm Contact: Steph 021 817 579 email: grassroutenaturopathics@gmail.com

Knights of the Dub Table

W Mangawhai Village Market

Mangawhai Library Hall, 45 Moir Street, Mangawhai Saturdays 9am-1pm Contact: Marita Draper 021 598 917

Dub soldiers play in Leigh Recently nominated for the best Maori urban roots/reggae album at the Waiata Maori Music Awards, sixpiece band Knights of the Dub Table are heading to the Leigh Sawmill on December 28.

Combining elements of electronica into their own fusion of dub-flavoured music, the audience can look forward to soulful vocals, live MCing, heavy bass lines and uplifting songs.

Lead singer Reti Hedley, also known as Mr Samy’samson, says it was an honour to be nominated for a Maori Music Award.

“It was the first time and the experience was quite humbling,” he says.

“The ceremony was held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House, in Hastings, in September, and it was awesome to see all the great Maori talent in Aotearoa.”

Since getting together in 2008, the band has performed at festivals across the country including a gig at Matakana Music Mountain.

In 2010, the Knights released the ‘Tronic EP’ containing four original Knights tracks plus five bonus remixes

from Tiki Taane, Optimus Gryme, AUM, Undertow and their very own Mr Samy’samson.

The Knights have also featured on compilation CDs, The Best Of Conscious Roots 2012 and Dub Zealand 2011 as well as an upcoming compilation with European company EDI Productions.

The band released its debut album Way of the DUB last year.

Reti says the band has used this album to experiment with their sound.

“We are pushing the envelope with our sound and are continuing to engineer our own unique synths and pads, and we are really lapping up sound design.

The music is moving into a more electronic realm, rather than reggae, but we are keeping with our dub roots.

We are also trying to keep our hip-hop influences running through the music.

Taking those electronic songs and actually playing them in the live arena is a challenge but its great to work hard on something and really smash it out when the time comes to perform in front of a crowd. We are focusing on our live show to make it an overall experience for our fans.”

New Zealand’s only

27 Ti Point Rd

LEIGH

09 4226021 Tuataras Exotic Lizards OPEN DAILY New Zealand Lizards 10a.m to 5p.m Chameleons Adults $20 Schoolchildren $10 Tortoises Family Pass 2 adults 2 schoolchildren $50 Alligators Phone

www.knightsofthedubtable.com

Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 3 | 21 Mahurangimatters 12 December

SUMMER

Part of the largest Liquor Chain in NZ

BLAST

CHRISTMAS Part of the largest Liquor Chain inLiquor NZ Chain in NZ Part of the largest – GRAND CHEER CHRISTMAS Time for some OPENING! yo ho ho!

GRAND CHRISTMAS OPENING! Jameson 1L

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44.99

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Corbans White Label

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Jim Beam bourbon 1750ml

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Painter Patricia Turney has been a Exhibition, over the past 10 years.

33

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Speights Gold Medal, Waikato, Lion Redexhibitor 24s regular

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Steinlager Pure 330ml 15s

49.99

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32.99 Chatelle$2 FOR 20

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Jim Beam Black 8% 330ml

21.99

$34 .99.99 32

NZ Pure 330ml NZ pure Summer Ale 330ml

Woodstock 8% 4pk

$

18.99

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24.99

Monteith’s Summer Ale 12s

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Jagermeister 700ml

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22.99

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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.

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Canterbury Cream 700ml

Whisky 1L

Teachers McKenna Lindauer Brandy 1L Teachers Whiskey Bourbon Monteith’s Summer Smirnoff Ice Double Black 7% 335ml Bottles Canterbury Special OR Ale 12s Steinlager Classic Whisky1L 1L 1L 330ml 18s Reserve CreamStolen Dark $ 1L .99 $ 700ml Rum 22 24.99

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KGB / Wild Moose 330ml 12s

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Lindauer Special Reserve

Jack Daniels 1L

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Black Heart / Cruiser 330ml 12s

Russian Standard Vodka 1L

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Jack Jack Daniels Steinlager Pure Daniels 1L 1L 15s 330ml

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Art 6show takes32centre court $

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$22.99

Cruiser Bottles 12pk

each Woodstock 8% 4pk

than 100 and supporting junior tennis.

Jim Beam Black 8% 330ml Lion Red, Speights Gold Medal, KGBartists / Wild Moose 330ml 12s Speights Summit, Waikato 15s Bottles NZ will be on Judy says the club is grateful for the $34.99 $ display when the annual Great continued$ support 4 DAYS 18.99ONLY $10.99 $20.99 .99 .99 of major sponsor $ $ .99 19 21 Summer Art Exhibition opens its Bayleys Real Estate.

21 Wed 12th Dec to Sat 15th Dec doors at a Premier Night, on Friday, Money raised this year will go towards Pepe Lopez Smirnoff 5% Barrel 51 December 28.

Malibu 1L be hard to Spot Gold Tequila Bottles 10pk Part Bottles of the 12pk the costWont of resurfacing four of the OR OR Silver Now in its 19th year, the six-day older courts.

Kahlua 1L Tequila 700ml exhibition in the Mahurangi East Snells Beach artist Patricia Turney, Community Centre is a major fundraiser who has been a regular Specials valid until 31 December 2011. All specials may not be available in some stores.

Specialsexhibitor only available at Liquor Spot Stores detailed above. No Trade Sales. for the Mahurangi East Tennis Club. $39.99 each $31.99 over the last 10 years, says one of $22.99 $19.99 Convenor Judy Phillips says she is the attractions of the show is that expecting somewhere between 300 although it’s local, it showcases work Canterbury Jim Beam and 400 paintings to be on display.

Stil Lindauer from all over NZ. Cream 750ml Bourbon Vodka 1L Classic “It’s shaping up to be another exciting “It’s well patronised, is held in a great 1750ml Range exhibition, with artworks displayed venue and is very well-run.” she says. $11.99 in three categories – professional, “As an artist, you can’t ask for much $30.99 $59.99 intermediate and novice,” Judy says. $10.99 more than that.” each “There will also be woodturning, Although Patricia is mainly a or 2 for $22 sculpture, mixed media, copper watercolourist, she has painted in Billy Maverick Jim Beam & Cola Jim Beam Black & Becks 12 Bottles works, jewellery, book binding and acrylics and pastels, done some pottery 8% Cans 12pk 330ml Cans 15pk OR Cola 330ml Cans 12pk cards, some amazing raffles and the and was a keen weaver for a number now-famous Ace Cafe with its home of years. She regularly exhibits and $19.99 made cakes, savouries and muffins.” $20.99 has won numerous awards including $29.99 Last year’s exhibition raised $15,000 the ASB Premier Art Award at which helped pay off the cost of Pumphouse Takapuna. Patricia and her Carlsberg Woodstock Honey Heineken Cody’s building new courts. Some of the husband Brian ran their own gallery at 15s Bottles 8% Cans 12pk 12s Bottles VSOP 4YO Cans funds were also spent on refurbishing Northcote Point for many years. of the clubrooms, court maintenance (See ad below for exhibition details). $22.99 $24.99 $24.99 $22.99 Black / Cruiser The Heart work of more 330ml 12s from throughout

I

GREAT SUMMER

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Snells Beach Community Centre Hamatana Road, Snells Beach Preview Evening Fri 28th Dec, 7pm – Admission $10

Exhibition Opening hours: Sat 29th Dec - Wed 2nd Jan, 9.30am - 4.30pm Thurs 3rd Jan, 9.30am - noon Cafe open Daily

HOT CHRISTMAS DEAL $19.99

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$10.99

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WELLSFORD LIQUOR SPOT

133 RODNEY ST, WELLSFORD | 09 423 7913 Specials valid until 31 December 2012. All specials may not be available in some stores.

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

Part of the

4 Mahurangi Matters12- Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 December 2012 22 | Mahurangimatters

SUMMER

BLAST

PUHOI WOOD CHOPPING CARNIVAL JANUARY 12, 2013

Axemen prepare to mix muscle and sweat in annual carnival Axemen from around the country will once again go head-to-head, setting woodchips flying at the annual Puhoi Axemen’s wood chopping on the front lawn of the Puhoi Pub on January 12.

Puhoi Axemen’s Club president Mike Paddison says the free event is well attended by both participants and spectators. The event will draw more than 32 competitors from Taranaki and Taupo northwards, including the top axemen in the region and around 14 from the Puhoi club itself.

A series of 12 events will be spread throughout the day from 9.30am to 5pm with popular team contests between about eight Puhoi axemen and a matching contingent from a visiting club, scheduled at the middle and end of the day.

Other events will include single and double-handed sawing, including the Jack and Jill (male and female duo) competition, standing and underhand chop, axe throwing and particularly challenging jigger board, requiring axemen to first scale a nearly four metre pole, before cutting a block on top of it.

Thanks to the ongoing support of Puhoi businesses each event offers prize money with up to $200 for the winner of a single event and further

Axemen from all over the North Island will put their skills and strength to the test at the Puhoi carnival on January 1.

Photo, Colin Stables from TheCameraShop

prizes for second, third and fourth, though Mike says additional support could always be put to good use.

To keep competition lively, a handicapping system is linked to the winnings, with novices starting on a count of three seconds, which goes up by a second every time they win $50 and can go down, if after repeated

competitions no prize money is won.

Mike says there’s no age limit for participants and the Puhoi club’s current members range from about 15 to 65 years.

A fencing contractor by trade, he got involved himself about five years ago and enjoys the camaraderie, opportunities to travel and the

competitive nature of the sport both within and outside of the club.

Participants keep up their form, competing in multiple A&P events and the Puhoi club will be also be running further wood chopping carnivals at Warkworth A&P Show on January 26 and at Helensville A&P show on February 23.

Historic Puhoi Hotel

Estab. 1879

An Era Experience

Puhoi Annual Wood Chopping Carnival 2013 Pub Lawn Saturday 12 January 9am - 5pm Music live from 6pm • Bistro open

• Enjoy country hotel hospitality • On and off licence • We cater for all occasions • Open 7 days • Phone 09 422 0812 FIRST OFFICIAL EVENT OF 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 53 | 23 Mahurangimatters 12 December

SUMMER

BLAST

PUHOI RIVER CANOE HIRE Proud sponsor

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Performers, Buskers, Artists & Craft stalls Contact: David Poole 09 428 3836 hibiscuscoastcommunityarts@hotmail.com

For a video of the Puhoi Axemen in action, see this story at

www.localmatters.co.nz

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6 Mahurangi Matters12- Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 December 2012 24 | Mahurangimatters

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BLAST

JANUARY 12, 2013

Warkworth teenager makes the cut in woodchopping circles When 16-year-old Emma Sanderson first told her friends she’d be busy “chopping” at the weekend, they thought she said “shopping”.

It came as something of a surprise to her Mahurangi College peers, that the netball playing, jazz and hip hop dancing, former cheerleader and academic high achiever, had added sawing and wood chopping to her activities.

Emma decided to give it a go after seeing her father, John, join the Puhoi Axemen’s Club and compete in a number shows that included female competitors.

She first joined her Dad in the “Jack and Jill” male and female sawing event a few years ago, and has also competed with him in double sawing categories against all-male teams. This year will be her second also competing in the underhand chop, standing on a log and cutting through it with an axe, in which a lack of female competitors means she normally competes against males.

Emma says she found existing club members extremely welcoming and supportive, as they are with all newcomers to the sport, although the barrage of handy tips was a little overwhelming before she found her own preferred style.

Emma Sanderson comes with an impressive wood chopping pedigree, which includes her father John and grandfather Morris. Although Morris wasn’t a competitor, he spent years breaking in nearly 300 hectares of new farming country at Ahuroa using an axe. Photo, Colin Stables from TheCameraShop

She has her own axe, that’s slightly lighter and with a shorter handle than some, as well as socks made of the same chain mesh used for butchers’ gloves, to reduce the harm if the axe strikes her foot.

She says performing in front of a crowd is no problem to Emma, who finds it less scary than a dance concert, because the crowds often know little about technique and are simply impressed that she’s participating.

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Though women competitors are the minority, she has not been the only female competitor at Puhoi. Last year, Renee MacDonnell, 17, was also sawing with her father and recently Puhoi Pub’s Bev Smith has also tried her hand at sawing. Wood chopping was part of Emma’s successful pitch to be selected as a college sports prefect next year, and she plans to continue the sport for the foreseeable future.

Sharing Puhoi memories Celebrations marking the arrival of the Bohemian settlers to Puhoi 150 years ago will get underway on January 20 with a morning tea in the Puhoi Hall for all Goldcard carrying descendants. One of the organisers Jenny Schollum says the day will start at 11am with morning tea and go on until there is no-one left to talk to.

People are asked to take along photos to help with sharing of memories of Puhoi and families and updates of your family tree. “We hoping younger Goldcarders will try to bring older descendants,” Jenny says. “Gold coin donation will be appreciated.”

There will also be a mass on the same day, starting at 8.30am. Info: Jenny Schollum, Puhoi Historical Society 422 5510 (message) or jenny@ puhoihistoricalsociety.org.nz

Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 7 | 25 Mahurangimatters 12 December

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WARKWORTH RODEO JANUARY 1, 2013

Rodeo Club retains prized position on circuit calendar In the 28 years that Krista Fletcher has been secretary of the Warkworth Rodeo, the event has only had to be postponed or cancelled three times.

Last January’s event was one of those occasions.

The arena at the Warkworth Showgrounds looked more like a lake on December 31 when the decision was made to postpone a week to January 6.

Normally, the rodeo attracts between 8000 and 10,000 spectators – the crowd this year was less than half that number.

“It was definitely the right decision, but it did cost us in gate takings,” Krista says. “Consequently, next month’s purse is the same as this year.”

Krista says New Year’s Day is a prime spot on the NZ rodeo circuit calendar and Warkworth has no intention of giving it up.

The January 1 event will present the usual programme of bucking bulls and broncos, barrel races, junior events and team competitions. Some individual events carry a purse of $500.

One of the big drawcards will be the Friesian/Brahman-cross bull named

Thunder who will be making his 15th rodeo appearance next month.

A bull isn’t ‘ridden’ unless a rider can stay on for eight seconds and Thunder has remained unridden for the past eight years. Last year, a young Australian rodeo rider flew to NZ specifically to ride Thunder and came off in 2.2 seconds.

The rodeo requires around 40 bulls and 36 horses, but unlike many other rodeos, the animals in the Warkworth event are used only in Warkworth.

They spend the other 364 days of the year on either the rodeo farm in Wyllie Road or on a club member’s property.

Krista says they receive a lot of care and attention to ensure they are in tip top condition for their January 1 day out.

In last January’s event, 14 cowboys competed in the open bull ride, but only three bulls were ridden.

“We have some really good bulls.”

Warkworth Rodeo organisers are hoping there will be a little less mud to contend with at next month’s rodeo. Photo, 3 Sisters Photography www.3sistersphotography.co.nz

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8 Mahurangi Matters12- Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 December 2012 26 | Mahurangimatters

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WARKWORTH RODEO JANUARY 1, 2013

Bucking Brahman cross-breeds await Warkworth debut Tomarata couple, Tom and Marie Whiteford, are looking forward to next month’s Warkworth Rodeo with a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Eleven of the bucking bulls at the event originated on their farm, the result of a careful breeding and selection process, which started nearly a decade ago. This will be their first outing in the rodeo arena. Marie is matter-offact about the outcome.

“I guess we’re going to find out whether or not we’ve been wasting our time,” Marie says.

But the couple feel reasonably confident their bulls will live up to their expectations.

“I don’t have any doubt that they’re going to buck,” Tom says. “I’ve seen one clear a six-foot cattle yard fence – they’ll buck alright.”

The couple can also take heart from the fact that one of their progeny Touchwood has never been ridden* in the 19 times he has been in the arena.

Marie and Tom started experimenting with Brahman cross-breeds about nine years ago. They believe the Brahman make better bucking bulls because of their natural athleticism. As well as being tick resistant and better at coping with dry weather, they are also

Taj, a Brahman/Friesian cross, was Tom and Marie Whiteford’s first “AI baby”.

faster and can think quickly.

The couple’s first stock came from imported semen straws from Australia and the US, where a single straw can cost from $100 and $1000 depending on the bull’s pedigree.

Although they borrowed and then bought a bull from local Brahman breeder Vanessa Doggett, they have gone back to using artificial insemination to ensure diversity in the NZ blood stock.

Tom adds that the US has been breeding bucking bulls for generations and the imported semen will help improve NZ’s bucking bull stock overall. The Whitefords are one of four farms in NZ specialising in breeding bucking stock from Brahman.

“What we’re ultimately looking for are bulls that have strong backs and are well muscled with good colour markings.”

The mix of cattle on their 56-hectare beef farm include pure Braham, Braham/

Hereford, Friesian, Braham/Friesian, Santa Gertrudis, Santa Gertrudis / Braham and Jersey/Brahman. The next breed to be added to the mix will be the African Zabue, which they are introducing for its colour.

“Colour’s a big thing in rodeo. It adds something to the show when the bulls are a bit different and can be easily identified.”

Marie says the farm, and the opportunity to experiment with the different cattle breeds, is realising a dream.

“I’ve always been a city person but there’s just something about working with cattle that I love,” she says. “It’s purely a hobby, but a lot of care goes into what we do.

“It can be hard work at times and I have to admit that sometimes we do ask ourselves why we do it.”

Tom says he’s really looking forward to seeing the bulls at the Warkworth Rodeo.

“I think we’ll get a helluva buzz when they come out of the gates.”

Marie works at RD1 in Wellsford, while Tom works for a hay and silage business Mainland Contractors. *In rodeo, a bull isn’t considered to have been ridden unless a rider can stay on for at least eight seconds.

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Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 9 | 27 Mahurangimatters 12 December

SUMMER

BLAST The rodeo club is giving people a chance to learn how to ride prior to the rodeo on January 1.

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Rodeo rookies climb aboard Budding rodeo stars are being given an opportunity to have a practice run under the experienced eye of former NZ bucking bull champion Marty Westlake.

Warkworth Rodeo Club member Tom Whiteford says the club is running introductory sessions, designed for anyone who might think they would like to give rodeo a go.

“We’ve already had seven guys and two girls take up the offer,” he says.

“They’re a mixed bunch – electricians, builders and mechanics, and a couple of school students.”

The sessions begin with participants ‘riding’ a 44-gallon drum so they can

learn how to fall off without hurting themselves. After that, they are put on a quiet heifer.

Tom says spectators at the rodeo are always given the chance to ‘have a go’ and a lot of ‘egging on’ can take place, particularly among young men. Some of them are “townies” who have no idea of how to sit on a steer, let alone ride it.

“Marty’s got a lot of experience and the sessions can give these young guys a chance to see if they like it or not, before going out in front of a whole crowd of people.”

Anyone interested in taking up the offer can phone Tom on 431 5802.

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Mahurangi Matters Entertainment Mahurangimatters 12 -December 2012liftout • 12 December 2012 28 | 10

SUMMER

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WAIPU HIGHLAND GAMES JANUARY 1, 2013

Pageant fosters reconciliation New Zealand author Dame Fiona Kidman was recently in Waipu to rehearse her role as guest narrator for the Waipu Grand Pageant, to be performed on January 11 and 12.

Author of more than 20 books and a string of awards and literary prizes, Fiona has strong links with Waipu and its people. But this was not always the case.

She says she was simply following an instinct when she first considered writing a book based on the Waipu migration story. As a teenager in Waipu she had been fascinated with the ‘legend’ of a local woman the locals called ‘Kitty Slick’, who allegedly kept to herself for 57 years and died alone in a farmhouse on the outskirts of the centre.

She was also familiar with the migration story – the band of Highlanders who fled from Scotland to Nova Scotia and then on to Waipu 30 years later, following their enigmatic leader, the Rev Norman McLeod.

The Book of Secrets combines these elements into a fictional account of the journey through the eyes of three generations of women and it won the fiction category of the New Zealand Book Awards in 1988. But, it did not go down so well in Waipu, where locals believed the book’s main character, Maria, was based on ‘Kitty Slick’, and Fiona found herself ‘not

Dame Fiona Kidman Photo, Bev Brett

highly welcome’ for a time.

In 2005, not long after the first pageant, Fiona was invited to give a talk to locals on the difference between fiction and reality, and she explained that Maria was a fictional construct.

Next month’s pageant has a production budget of $240,000, of which $90,000 will be spent on sound and lighting.

The Book of Secrets has never been out of print in 27 years. A new edition, with local photographs, was released earlier this month.

Pageant information: 09 432 0746 www.waipumuseum.com, or grandpageantwaipu@gmail.com

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The Scottish celebration crosses all age barriers.

Genealogy high on Games agenda The Waipu Caledonian Society will stage its 142nd Highland Games on January 1.

Visitors will come from all over NZ to compete in piping, fiddling, drumming, highland dancing, athletics and heavyweight field events, all dressed in kilts. It is an opportunity to share their Clan heritage and genealogy.

Organisers say it keeps the Scottish traditions alive, not only in Waipu but throughout New Zealand.

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The Waipu Highland Games are an iconic Northland event and the International Highland Games Association voted the event as the best of its kind in the world. It is also the home of the annual NZ Heavyweight Championships, which has been won for the past 15 years by Pat Hellier.

Genealogy is a big part of the day and each Clan Society has a tent in the Avenue of the Clans and members of the public are encouraged to talk with them about the Clans they belong to. Information will be available to anyone who is interested in tracing their family heritage. The official morning parade starts at 9.30am, which involves a procession of the Clans down the main street of Waipu.

The day itself is based at the Waipu Caledonian Park and winds-up with the the annual Ceilidh (pronounced ‘Kaylee’), a vibrant dance event.

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Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 11| 29 Mahurangimatters 12 December

SUMMER

BLAST

Barnes storms back onto Kiwi stages In a tour that promises to be bigger than Boxing Day on the motorway, one of Australasia’s foremost rock singers Jimmy Barnes returns to Matakana and Mangawhai this summer.

Continuing his love affair with NZ, this will be the eighth time Jimmy and his family have spent Christmas/New Year here.

“I keep running into all these Kiwis in Australia and wonder what the hell they are doing there – NZ is paradise!” he says.

Jimmy has spent the better half of 2012 exploring new ventures in music. He is currently lecturing at Berklee College Hit-maker Jimmy Barnes has had 14 in Boston, the largest college of Australian Top 40 albums with Cold Chisel and 13 charting solo albums. contemporary music in the world, and has been teaching students Australian special guest on the tour Gin Wigmore.

Rock and live performance, as well as Gin says it’ll be a summer of good old taking classes in guitar techniques in rock n roll and she’s looking forward songwriting, poetry and lyric, pro- to picking up a few tips from a “true tools, and Spanish 1. touring master”.

Having a phenomenal catalogue of Rounding out the bill will be the Thomas solo hits and Cold Chisel classics Oliver Band from Wellington. The band which make up his live set, Jimmy will blends grinding blues beats with clean fire up for his first show on December folk melodies, and slip solid rock into 27 at Mangawhai Tavern. big-chorused country/roots ballads.

Professionalism, great songs, a strong The Red Hot Summer Tour will play rock n roll heart, and a healthy at Mangawhai Tavern on December knowledge of classic rock and soul 27 and Matakana Country Park on is what Jimmy has in common with December 30.

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Mahurangi Matters Entertainment Mahurangimatters 12 -December 2012liftout • 12 December 2012 30 | 12

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Massive line-up heading for Country Park

Five big acts, known for their live and massive performances, head to Matakana on Saturday January 5.

For one show only, concert goers can get their fix of Shihad, Six60, I Am Giant, David Dallas and King Cannons – all on one stage at Matakana Country Park.

There isn’t much that hasn’t been written about Shihad, but both the NZ and Australian press brimmed with excitement in the wake of the Meanest tour. The Meanest album and tour was by no means intended to herald a break or even a hiatus for Shihad as plans are in place for a return to Europe in May to record their ninth album.

And then there’s NZ’s most successful band of 2011/ 2012 – Six60.

Following on from an extremely successful worldwide tour earlier this Shihad will play in Mangawhai and Matakana next month. year, six music awards in November and a sold out Album Anniversary David Dallas has had a huge year. strength-to-strength, playing ever show in Auckland, Six60 is bringing With his signing to US label Duck bigger venues to ever more rabid fans. the live and massive back home to Down Muslc, and the simultaneous Following their sell-out tour of NZ release date across the globe for The earlier this year, the band bring back New Zealand this summer.

I Am Giant is now based in London, Rose Tint. David Dallas is flying the their brash take on Clash-style social so a day at the beach will be just New Zealand flag high as he continues commentary and their own unique what these boys need. Already festival to collaborate and compete with some ‘electrified soul and roll’ that has won stalwarts, despite only a few short years of the biggest names in American hip- them the hearts and minds of so many.

Shihad, I Am Giant and King together, the band’s debut album The hop.

Horrifying Truth was last year’s biggest King Cannons are already a big deal Cannons will also play at Mangawhai SIX60-MATAKANS AD-220x108-26_11_12_SIX60-MATAKANS AD-220x108-26_11_12 26/11/2012 14:19 Page here and in Australia, and go from Tavern on January 3. 1 selling NZ rock album.

MASSIVE ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS

SUMMER TOUR

Ticket giveaway Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to the Classic hits Winery Tour on February 2 to give away. To enter, write your name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to: Winery Tour, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth. Alternatively, enter by sending us a private message, with Winery Tour as the subject, to our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/mahurangimatters). Competition closes January 16.

Fat Freedy drops in for winery gig Wellington based seven-piece masters of dub, reggae, soul and RnB – Fat Freddy’s Drop – will headline the Classic Hits Winery Tour, which plays at Ascension Wine Estate on February 2.

Fat Freddy will be joined by Anika, Boh & Hollie: Together in Concert, and another collaboration of equally legendary kiwi musicians, The Adults, featuring Jon Toogood, Julia Deans and Shayne Carter. After a massive year with 19 European and several Australian shows including the Sydney Opera House, Fat Freddy’s Drop is just about to head into the recording studio to record their next album, Blackbird, which is due for release in February.

Info: www.winerytour.co.nz.

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Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 13| 31 Mahurangimatters 12 December

SUMMER

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BLAST

Ticket giveaway

Home-grown comedy in Leigh During the day Adrian Sutton works as a mechanic at Autohaus European in Snells Beach, but there’s another side to the Mahurangi College old boy.

On selected evenings and weekends, Adrian moonlights as a stand-up comic in Auckland. That’s about to change when Comedy Capers brings a live comedy show to the Leigh Sawmill Café on January 16.

Adrian will perform to a hometown audience, alongside NZ comedians Simon McKinney, Tevita Manukia and David Oakes in a show compered by the man who was last year voted NZ’s Best MC, Nick Rado.

Adrian got into comedy after heckling a performer at Kitty O’Brien’s in the early 1990s. The audience enjoyed the repartee and Adrian was invited back for a regular spot on open mic nights.

Six years travelling overseas didn’t cure him of the buzz he says he gets from comedy and now he’s back doing three or four shows a month.

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comedy to take

“The process of taking something that is just an idea through to delivery and getting an audience reaction is quite addictive,” he says. “Plus, my job as a mechanic is pretty serious because it’s all about safety. The comedy provides a nice contrast. I haven’t died on stage yet, but I’m sure my day will come!”

He says he’s looking forward to doing a local gig and if the show is successful, he hopes stand-up nights could become a regular feature at the Leigh venue.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA

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Melbourne’s Essential Theatre transforms Ascension’s vineyard to the Dukedom of Illyria as a comedic polot of love, cross dressing and mistaken identities.

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Mahurangi Matters has a double pass to give away to the Live Comedy night on January 16. To enter, write your name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to: Live Comedy, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth. Alternatively, enter by sending us a private message, with Live Comedy as the subject, to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ mahurangimatters). Competition closes January 9.

‘Twelfth Night’

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Information and tickets www.AscensionWine.co.nz/comingevents or stop in at the winery 480 Matakana Road, Matakana

Mahurangi Matters Entertainment Mahurangimatters 12-December 2012liftout • 12 December 2012 32 | 14

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Summer fun – if you can stand the pace Mangawhai hosting Mangawhai Tavern will be rocking around US blues legend the clock from December 26 to January 5 with a huge line-up of summer entertainment, featuring top NZ and overseas acts.

Proprietor Gillian Houser says the logistics of making it all happen are mind-boggling but it’s a lot of fun “providing you can stand the pace”.

“The mood at the tavern over summer is just so good, it’s infectious,” she says.

“Everyone’s having a good time and that brings a lot of energy. The entertainment and the people it draws to the village, really bring Mangawhai alive and the economic spin-offs are amazing. Accommodation venues fill up and people come up to spend money and enjoy themselves.”

For the tavern, it means extra staff – some of the concerts can require up to 50 house staff and security – and an almost 24-hour operation as back-to-back acts load and unload.

“We start getting enquiries about our summer entertainment about the middle of the year.

That’s how popular it’s become.”

Gillian, who has been in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years, says she tries to get a mix of entertainment covering all genres and age groups.

Acts appearing at the tavern this summer include Katchafire & Ladi6, Jimmy Barnes & Gin Wigmore, Anika Moa – Boh Runga – Hollie Smith, Shihad and Kora.

A bona-fide box-car jumping ramblin’ man, Seasick Steve will perform at Mangawhai Tavern on December 29, one of only two shows he’ll do in NZ. Tavern proprietor Gillian Houser says she’s delighted to The dungaree-clad, bring Seasick Steve to heavily-bearded, seventyaudiences in the north. something Seasick Steve “He’s a real sensation has become something of in the US and the UK a touring phenomenon. He will play at the Mangawhai so it’s a bit of a coup to Tavern later this month. get him here,” she says.

There are a lot of blues musicians out there, but few have actually lived it like Seasick Steve. Born in California, in 1941, he spent much of his life travelling around the States and didn’t settle down into a ‘career’ in music until he was in his 40s.

He started as a session musician, recording engineer and sometime busker, and released his debut solo album Dog House Music in 2006 at the age of 65. A performance on the influential Jools Holland’s Hootenanny show that same year exposed him to a much wider audience and sudden, unlikely popularity. The last few years have seen him sign to a major label, record with KT Tunstall and most of Nick Cave’s Grinderman, share stages with Dave Grohl and John Paul Jones, win awards, perform numerous sell-out tours of the UK and Europe, and star in a documentary.

From top, I Am Giant, King Cannons, and Six60.

December

ainment rt te n E e iv L l a iv st e F r a e Y Christmas & New

DEC 26 KATCHAFIRE & LADI 6 DOORS OPEN 7PM, TICKETS $47.00 DEC 27 JIMMY BARNES & GIN WIGMORE

JAN 1

DEC 28 YEBIISU 8.30PM ENTRY $10 or free for MT VIP card members

JAN 2

DEC 29 SEASICK STEVE DOORS OPEN 7PM, Tickets $65.00 DEC 30 JOE COCKER TRIBUTE - featuring Col Jones 8.30PM

JAN 3

DOORS OPEN 7.00PM, TICKETS $77.00

ENTRY $10.00 or free for MT VIP card members

DEC 31 ANIKA MOA - BOH RUNGA - HOLLIE SMITH - OCEANIA STORM DOORS OPEN 7.00PM - TICKETS $55.00

JAN 4 JAN 5

January

TEMPIST FUJIT 4.00PM, FREE ENTRY MANGAWHAI TAVERN WET T-SHIRT COMPETITION 4.30PM HOT SPIT ROAST ON THE DECK FROM 4.00PM THE DAMAGES 4.00PM, FREE ENTRY HOT SPIT ROAST ON THE DECK FROM 4.00PM SHIHAD - I AM GIANT - KING CANNONS DOORS OPEN 7.00PM, TICKETS $62.00

RIQI HARAWIRA & FRANKO HEKE 8.30PM ENTRY $5.00 or free for MT VIP card members KORA with THE NUDGE DOORS OPEN 7.00PM, TICKETS $52.00

ESTUARY CAFÉ OPEN 7 DAYS – 7 NIGHTS

BREAKFAST- LUNCH - DINNER ON THE DECK OVERLOOKING THE ESTUARY – MEALS START FROM $12.50 - CHILDRENS MEALS $8.00

HOT SPIT ROAST BUFFET ON THE DECK WITH ENTERTAINMENT

From 4.00pm New Years Day Jan1 & Jan 2 – ADULTS $13.50 CHILDREN $8.00 FAMILY OF 4 $39.00

TAVERN HOURS DEC 26 - JAN 6 - OPEN 10AM - 1AM • PH 431 4505 • COURTESY VEHICLE SERVICE AVAILABLE Email: gillianhouser@mangawhaitavern.co.nz • www.mangawhaitavern.co.nz

Entertainment • Restaurant • Functions • Weddings • Beer Garden • Live Music • TAB • Pokies

Mahurangi Matters - Entertainment liftout • 12 December 2012 2012 15| 33 Mahurangimatters 12 December

SUMMER

BLAST

Rockers blast back from past Music legends Pat Benatar and guitarist Neil Giraldo, Bachman & Turner and America will take the stage at the Matakana Country Park, on February 17.

A four-time Grammy winner, Benatar has had a string of chart toppers over the years including Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Love Is A Battlefield, Heartbreaker, We Belong, Fire & Ice, We Live For Love, You Better Run and Invincible. She and husband Giraldo have been making music together for 34 years. Giraldo has worked on many hits for artists such as John Waite, Rick Springfield, Kenny Loggins and Steve Forbert.

After reuniting for the first time in more than 20 years, Randy Bachman and Fred Turner continue to thrill fans around the world with their powerdriven tunes. The giants of rock n’ roll will be Taking Care of Business while in NZ by performing their vast catalogue of hits along with a sprinkling of new tracks.

Bachman earned his first colossal success with Winnipeg rock band The Guess Who when American Woman shot to the number one spot on the Billboard charts, a first for any Canadian act.

With Fred Turner, the duo became part of Bachman-Turner Overdrive and gained global success selling in excess of

Pat Benatar is the winner of an unprecedented four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Performance.

30 million records, earning a staggering 120 platinum, gold and silver discs, and notching up hits in more than 20 countries. BTO reached number one on Billboard’s singles chart with hits like You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet. America formed 42 years ago when Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, along with former band mate Dan Peek who passed away last year, met at a London high school and harmonized their way to the top of the charts with their signature song A Horse with No Name.

Mahurangi Matters Entertainment Mahurangimatters 12 -December 2012liftout • 12 December 2012 34 | 16

SUMMER

BLAST

Artists find home on former Omaha Valley farm Local artists have a new venue to showcase their work in Matakana.

The Vivian, in Omaha Valley Road, opened on December 1 with its inaugural exhibition featuring the works of Mike Petrie, Virginia Leonard, Vicki Fanning, Louise Mcrae, Garry Currin, Emma Bass, Billy Apple, Star and Ra Gossage, Barry Lett, John Haines and Ian Macdonald.

Set on just over a hectare of former grazing land, the new gallery was conceived by Helen Crosby, Oliver King and Virginia Leonard.

Oliver says the vision is to sympathetically put together art, artists, buildings and the environment and see what evolves.

“The idea of the gallery has been bubbling away for about six years,” he says. “But nothing happened because we didn’t feel Matakana was quite ready for it. More recently, the need for some place to show the work of local artists was becoming more apparent.

Small groups such as the Matakana Group and the Matakana Valley Road artists have been doing their own thing, finding their own venues in community halls and sheds, so in the end we decided perhaps it was time.”

Mike Petrie designed the new purpose-built gallery which looks something like a farm barn from the outside. The interior is divided into gallery spaces, an office cum social space, and a reading room/ library which stocks art books and a collection of art news donated by the Siddell family. The grounds provide ample room for outside installations.

Virginia says the gallery is intentionally out of the hustle and bustle of the village so it can offer

The new gallery has a rustic ambience that is welcoming rather than intimidating.

visitors a different experience. She says it will be an opportunity to relax, contemplate, wander around and appreciate the art.

“It will also be a home for artists, where they can collaborate and experiment,” she says.

The gallery is located at 39 Omaha Valley Road.

OPEN

FROM OPEN 7AM- -3PM, 3.30PM, 7 DAYS OPEN 8AM 7 DAYS 1335 LEIGH ROAD, MATAKANA TELEPHONE 09 423 0390 OUR PATISSERIE IS OPEN DAILY WITH SELECTIONS OF BREADS AND PASTRIES. WWW.PLUMERESTAURANT.CO.NZ

30TH NOV.