Mahurangi Matters_Issue 230_17 July 2013 by Localmatters

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Council floats life jacket bylaw

17 July 2013 Rodney Local Board member June Turner supports tougher rules for lifejackets.

The Rodney Local Board is backing a proposed new bylaw that would make it compulsory to wear lifejackets on small boats. Lifejackets are currently required to be carried on small boats, but they do not have to be worn. The new bylaw would apply to all boats under 6m, except surfboards, divers, and small dinghies travelling to shore from large boats. Board member June Turner says the board wants to discuss the proposal further to ensure it is not too restrictive. Rodney has a water sport culture, she says, and it still wants people to be able to have fun. Board member John McLean has described it as “just common sense”, and Brenda Steele says it is a “good bylaw”. But Thomas Grace has questioned whether it would be able to be enforced. According to Council, the bylaw, which is still in the early stages of discussion, would be policed by the Harbour Master “assisted by field staff of various council departments”. But the proposal has alarmed some local boaties. Stanmore Bay Boating Club spokesman Mike continued page 3

New motorway to bypass Warkworth

Warkworth residents hoping for a link from the Woodcocks Rd industrial area to the new motorway proposed from Puhoi appear to have had their hopes dashed. The latest version of the route from Concerns have been raised that many Warkworth Area Liaison Group this However, they have confirmed the the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) residents in Warkworth, Sandspit and month that Mahurangi College had motorway would almost certainly join shows the new motorway would bypass Snells Beach are unlikely to travel north opposed any access along Woodcocks up with a new link road to Matakana, Warkworth completely, forcing residents in order to head south, and will therefore Rd. Staff also stressed that the main via a large roundabout, which is highly purpose of the motorway was to likely to push development to the north to drive almost as far north as Kaipara not benefit from the new motorway. NZTA staff told a meeting of the improve access to Northland. continued page 3 Flats Rd to access the new route.

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The future of the Warkworth A&P Show has been secured — but a wee problem has cropped up. You could even say that organisers are later this year to raise further funds. in the poo — due to the difficulty Meanwhile, there have also been some they are having procuring up to 20 changes following the society’s annual portaloos for next year’s event. meeting at the end of June. Show secretary Marjorie Blythen has Long-serving president Ian Ferguson told the Rodney Local Board the has taken over as the society’s patron, partial closure of McEntee Hire last Drew Marshall has moved to president, year has caught the society short. and agricultural journalist Allan None of the other hire companies Barber is the new chairman. Allan and in the region were able to provide his wife Vanessa own Sugarloaf Lodge portaloos at that time of year, she outside Matakana and he also chairs said, when they were in their highest tourism organisation Matakana Coast demand. The shortage was also of & Country. concern to the Warkworth Rodeo. Warkworth businessman Mike “We are very delighted to see and hear Bremner, who owns the Stihl Shop new toilet blocks going ahead on the with his wife Roanne, has joined Showgrounds, but the committee is the executive committee. There are very concerned because their size is not also several new general committee much different to what is there now.” members: Duncan Napier of Bayleys While the future of the toilet facilities Warkworth, Vanessa Barber, Emma remains up in the air, organisers are Boyd and Michelle Lang. delighted that a new sponsor has been While the society is thrilled with its found for the show. new sponsor, it is continuing to urge As Mahurangi Matters reported in the community to buy a membership March, there were serious concerns to help with fundraising. that the region’s longest-running A $25 membership entitles an entire annual event could face closure due a family to entry to all A&P shows in funding shortfall, including the loss of the northern region, from Clevedon to Kaitaia. major sponsor Wharehine. Following publicity about the show’s Next year’s Warkworth A&P Show will plight, Bayleys has agreed to take over take place on Auckland Anniversary the naming rights for an initial three- Weekend, on January 25, with the year period and will run an auction equestrian section also on the Sunday. Westinghouse Electric Ovens Mitsubishi Frigeration

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Te Arai panel appointed

Puhoi to Warkworth motorway of Warkworth, and towards the coast. It is understood Auckland Council planners are already redrawing the rural urban boundary proposed for Warkworth, to reflect the same changes. While Puhoi residents have won their battle to get access to the motorway, the latest route shows there will only be a northbound off-ramp, and a southbound on-ramp, meaning anyone heading north would not be able to hop off, and then back on, the motorway. The public will be able to make submissions on the route later this year, probably in October or November, when it is likely to be publicly notified. A board of inquiry is expected to hold a hearing early next year, and is required to make a decision within nine months. But the earliest work is likely to begin is 2016, and NZTA’s latest estimate is that it would be unlikely to be completed until 2020, or even 2025.

Lifejackets Cahill does not believe the bylaw would change behaviour. “The best way to influence the culture around lifejackets is education,” he

Meanwhile, investigation of the Warkworth to Wellsford leg has been postponed indefinitely, due to tests that have shown land in the area is so unstable, it would be uneconomic to build a motorway on top of it. It is the poorest possible soil seen in New Zealand. Staff have confirmed that the 18km Puhoi to Warkworth leg, which is expected to cost around $760 million to build, would include 2km of viaducts, including one at the end of Perry Rd over a significant stand of kauri trees. There would also be a viaduct over Woodcocks Rd. At this stage, there are no plans to include a park-and-ride facility. NZTA maintains that the new stretch will not necessarily be tolled, although it is preparing a report on the tolling options. Staff have noted that Wellington’s new northern motorway, known as Transmission Gully, will not be tolled, although in that case the project is being completed as a public

from page 1 says. “Council would be far better to put resources into promoting the current bylaw and education initiatives, especially for new boaties.”

from page 1 private partnership. It has also been confirmed that if the new motorway does go ahead, responsibility for the old state highway will be transferred to Auckland Council. Rodney Local Board member June Turner expressed dismay that work on the Hill Street intersection was being delayed in the meantime, and that some local roads were already in a perilous state. “Are they going to wait until we drop into the Mahurangi Harbour?” she exclaimed. So far, NZTA has bought nine properties in the path of the motorway, and plans to buy more once more funding is available. It is holding several “drop-in days” for the public to ask questions about the project this month. They will take place in Warkworth’s Old Masonic Hall on July 18 (2-8pm) and July 19 (9am-1pm); and at the Puhoi Farmer’s Market on July 28 (9am-1pm). Do you think wearing lifejackets on small boats should be made compulsory? Take part in our online forum at www.localmatters.co.nz

More than 600 people have asked to be heard at a hearing for a private plan change to allow a housing development at Te Arai. A hearing date has yet to be set, but Auckland Council believes it could take up to two weeks to process the 627 submitters who have asked to be heard. Leigh McGregor will chair the hearing panel, assisted by Mark Farnsworth, Conway Stewart and Melean Absolom. The private plan change, submitted by Te Arai Coastal Lands Trust, seeks to create 44 rural-residential lots of one to two hectares, and two larger lots, in exchange for vesting 172ha of land for public reserve and protection of a wetland. Of the 2255 submissions received, 1671 were against, 582 were for and two were neutral. Fears for shorebirds breeding in the area and the lack of infrastructure to service the development were two reasons cited by submitters opposing the plan. Te Arai’s untouched coastline and remoteness, the possibility that climate change and natural hazards might affect the area, and the adverse effects on surf and water quality were also raised as issues of concern. Those in favour said the project was consistent with the existing subdivision provisions in the District Plan, it would support the economic development of Te Uri o Hau, and the new public reserve would guarantee public access to the coast and avoid development close to the coast. While some major bodies such as the NZ Historic Places Trust, the Auckland Conservation Board and the Rodney Local Board oppose the plan, others such as the Department of Conservation have withdrawn their opposition providing certain conditions are set. These include that there is a ban on cats and dogs, no further subdivision is allowed, and a shorebird plan is drawn up.

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OFF THE RECORD Explosive lyrics From the Tapora School newsletter: “The reason they went to Tapora was so they could make music in a nice quiet place. While on the farm they started making a song called Grenade. Mike says it is about blowing up sheep. I recommend you listen to their latest song Grenade. So far it sounds like a great song.” Off the record contributions welcome. Email to editor@localmatters.co.nz

Outrageous fortune While totally sympathetic to Dr Scoggins’ rates campaign (MM, June 19), there are two points with which we would take issue. Firstly, for some of us the rates crunch arrived under the RDC regime, and of course the new Auckland Council knew a good cash cow when it saw one! Secondly, again for some of us, the issue with “capital value” is not the dwelling value but the land value. We set up a modest deer farm as a retirement activity some years ago. At the time, land value, input costs (including rates) and earnings were in balance and the net profit of the farm was an acceptable return on the initial investment. Now, the net profit of our considerable labour goes directly to Council in the form of rates — for what? We have the same old unsealed road running past our front gate, and a recycling collection. Full stop. The only crops that might turn an acceptable return on this bit of dirt would be poppies or cannabis. Or houses — an option made very difficult and costly thanks to Council. Is this what Council regards as a fair system? One can only conclude it does not give a damn. The root problem is the outrageous practice of using capital value as the basis upon which rates are struck. Council seems incapable of understanding that “capital value” does not pay the bills. By definition, rates are

Letters can be sent to editor@localmatters.co.nz or PO Box 701, Warkworth required to provide essential services, so a system for striking rates must be devised that is at least vaguely related to the earning capacity and infrastructure requirements of the rating unit. If every modest middle class household (like ours) in Auckland were charged the same rates that we are charged, and provided as few services, Auckland could have its inner city rail loop by the proverbial lunchtime. Eric and Betty Terzaghi, Matakana

Supercity juggernaut Hats off to Alistair Mason for telling it like it is and to the NAG movement for trying to do something about it. The bureaucratic juggernaut that is our Supercity, with its “eyes bigger than its belly” mentality, is swallowing our communities. Most rural ratepayers who are left to wallow in their own muddy roads and inadequate town sewerage don’t really give a toss about granite-paved boardwalks and copper-clad buildings in Auckland. The burgeoning industry created for compliance and consent is just a fancy way to steal our money and poke it into the city. I support keeping the money in our communities and giving locals the employment. Bugger the Supercity! You can keep your fancy wish list, and your “out of control debt” that goes along with it. Cheryle Wright, Tapora

Mythical Matakana Why have the residents of Warkworth sat passively by while their town’s character is submerged by the mythical Matakana Coast? For years we had the Kowhai Coast with its symbol of the beautiful kowhai flower. What symbol will the Matakana (shifty-eyed, suspicious) Coast present? With the focus all on Matakana, one wonders if Warkworth is still the satellite town for the district. Were local iwi consulted on this inappropriate use of their name? I live in the Omaha (“Place of Plenty”) area, the catchment of the Whangateau Harbour extending from Pakiri to Tawharanui. This is a true coastal area of regional significance named for its qualities by Maori many generations ago. It is NOT Matakana Coast. Elizabeth Foster, Whangateau

Trucks Crossing Does anybody out there remember the jacaranda tree near the RSA and the rimu that used to grace Neville Street in Warkworth? According to MM on June 5, the construction of the new retirement village on Neville Street will involve “the removal of one notable tree, pruning of all remaining notable trees, and the removal of four generally protected trees”. What I would like to know, before the five trees are “removed” — that is to say,

cut down — is exactly which trees are to get the chop? Does anybody know? And has anyone informed the ducks about the effect that pruning and chopping will have on their food supply of acorns? And does “Ducks Crossing” now become “Trucks Crossing”? Penelope Barrott, Sandspit Developer Greg Kaspar responds:

Having spent considerable sums on arborists’ reports, very much wishing to retain as many viable trees as we could and carry out further planting on Neville St, we are confident the Neville St trees will be in a better state in due course than they currently are. Some of the existing trees are in a bad state and will not last a lot longer because of age and poor care by previous owners — a fact not fully appreciated by many people. The trees to be removed are on Neville St. The resource consent contains conditions protecting tree roots during construction and we have obtained expert advice on the adequacy of continuing water supply to the tree roots. We have always seen a notable grove of oak trees on Neville St as a feature of the village, hence our name, “The Oaks On Neville”. We welcome your letters but letters under 300 words are preferred. We reserve the right to abridge them as necessary. Unabridged versions can be read under Opinion at www.localmatters.co.nz

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– Pūhoi to Wellsford

Have a question? Come and ask us. The Further North Alliance and the NZ Transport Agency are holding open drop-in days in July. There will be large plans of the proposed Pūhoi to Warkworth motorway available to view and staff available to answer any questions you may have about the upcoming consent process. We look forward to meeting you.

Thursday 18 July 2pm–8pm , Old Masonic Hall in Warkworth Friday 19 July 9am–1pm, Old Masonic Hall in Warkworh Sunday 28 July 9am–1pm, Pūhoi Farmer’s Market, Town Centre MM_01

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Indicative prices for berths at a new marina proposed for Sandspit should be revealed within the next few weeks. The Sandspit Yacht Club has begun Island. The contract specifies that the contacting around 90 people who marina be completed before May 2015. have previously shown an interest in Meanwhile early results from an the development. independent study of sediment levels But the club acknowledges some will be presented to Auckland Council’s people have probably lost interest, Environment and Sustainability Forum as the project got bogged down in on July 22. disputes and delays. Marine biologist Dr Roger Grace, It is now looking for new members who is studying sedimentation at as it begins taking firm orders for both Sandspit and in the Whangateau the 131-berth facility, which is being Harbour, says although the results are marketed as the only new mooring far from conclusive at this stage, the facility likely to become available in the levels detected at Sandspit are much Rodney region in the foreseeable future. higher than the estimates predicted A prospectus outlining all the in reports prepared on behalf of the information required, including berth Sandspit Marina Society. prices and tenure, is expected to be “We believe these preliminary results available before the end of August are significant and warrant the and will also be placed on the marina’s attention of Auckland policy makers,” website. Dr Grace says. The move follows the signing of a Also presenting at the forum will be contract this month with Hopper Sandspit resident Michael Taplin who Construction and Pacific Pontoons will give councillors an update on his to build the marina. The $13 million paper Marinas – Private Asset or Public contract could begin as soon as October, Liability? He says the paper includes with the deepening of an access channel recent information and analysis on from the Sandspit wharf to the existing the operating costs of marinas and the club haulout area and bunding. The burden that dredging places on berth marina will be located in the Matakana holders. River directly in front of the club. The main part of the project involves An update on this story, following the dry digging just over 100,000m2 of Environment Forum presentation, will material from the marina basin and be posted on our website on July 23. barging it to a site behind Great Barrier Info: sandspitmarina.co.nz

P: 0800 P2WNZTA (0800 7296982) E: puhoi-wellsford@nzta.govt.nz W: www.nzta.govt.nz/puhoi-wellsford

6 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013

Asian buyer tipped to Wonderful hats for Hospice take over Ascension Rumours are rife that an Asian buyer is poised to take over Ascension Wine Estate in Matakana. Receivers are refusing to confirm the creditors. You’re considered an identity of the new owner, but it is unsecured creditor — the final party understood the deal did not require to get paid if the company’s still afloat Overseas Investment Office approval. or if there’s any money left from the They will only say that all the sale of its assets.” conditions of the deal have been met, Mr McKay says he is unaware of how hence it becoming an unconditional many vouchers are outstanding, and it will be up to the new owners to sale. The sale is not due to be completed decide whether they want to honour until October, or earlier by mutual the vouchers once they take over the agreement. The business is continuing business, so holders are probably best to operate as normal in the interim, to hang on to them in the meantime. including accepting bookings for According to Corporate Finance, there will be sufficient money available once November and beyond. Receiver Andrew McKay, from the sale process is complete to meet Corporate Finance, says the new all preferential creditors. There is also owners are not yet ready to reveal their likely to be enough for a distribution to unsecured creditors. “However, we plans. are currently unable to estimate the “The new owners want to take it value of those funds,” they say in their forward and they want to carry on first report. and do the functions and enhance the business they’ve purchased. More will Secured creditors include the BNZ, come out once they get advised how Carter Holt Harvey, Portacom, to do that. All we’re waiting for is the Choice Catering Equipment, Rapid Labels, Alleasing, Marac Finance, money.” Classic Oak Products, Guala Closures, Classic Hits Winery Tour promoter Corporate Rentals, Rent Plus Campbell Smith says it is certainly Funding, Negociants, Federal Geo his intention to bring the show to and Financial Synergy. Ascension next year as per usual. The receivers have declined to reveal It is less clear what will happen particulars of the company’s debts to Ascension vouchers, which the and liabilities “due to commercial receivers have been declining to sensitivity”. They have also omitted honour. “certain details” concerning the Warkworth teacher Breda Matthews unconditional sale of the business wrote to Consumer magazine this assets “as we believe that their month, complaining that an unnamed inclusion would materially prejudice winery would not honour $200 of gift the exercise of our functions”. vouchers she was given for Christmas. At the time of receivership, the The magazine noted that companies company was estimated to have $5.1 did not have to honour vouchers when million in assets, based on their book they were in receivership. value. “You can lodge a claim with the The business, land and buildings receivers, but unfortunately your were put up for tender, but a buyer claim is likely to be well down the offered an unconditional deal that was pecking order,” it explained. “The accepted before the tender process was receiver’s first job is to pay secured completed.

Warkworth Wellsford Hospice’s rag-cutting team got out their glad rags this month, for their annual lunch. The team, who volunteer on Tuesday mornings to cut rags for the charity, chose the Matakana Village Pub as the venue for this year’s event on July 2. The “Hats for Hospice” theme ensured other diners felt under-dressed, with some spectacular millinery on show, as well as some rather fine garments.

Laura Lynch with a watercolour of the Leigh area.

Church to celebrate centennial Fans of Warkworth artist Ina Shaw will be able to buy a selection of her works next month to keep on their walls – at a bargain price. The watercolours, which depict the Mahurangi coastline, feature in a 2014 calendar that is being sold to raise money for St Leonard’s Church in Matakana.

The church is about to begin a series of events to celebrate its centennial, and the first event will be a community get-together on August 2. The calendar will be for sale at the event, which will take place from 5pm to 7pm. Info: Laura Lynch 422 7653.

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NAG promises smaller council rates bills The map shows the proposed boundary for the new unitary council.

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The group proposing a new North Rodney Unitary Council, based in Warkworth, believes it can deliver the same level of services as Auckland Council, but for 10 to 15 percent less than ratepayers are currently paying. Local government financial and policy “Unitary councils, as opposed to analyst Larry Mitchell, who has a 20- territorial authorities such as the year track record in local government former Rodney District Council, have financial management, says Auckland added responsibilities but these fall Council is a very expensive beast with mainly in the area of environmental These additional high overheads, high debt and large management. services will probably add 10 to 12 numbers of employees. “What we’re proposing is a no-frills, percent to overall running costs but cost-effective council which will focus even still, rates will be less than under Auckland Council. on core services,” he says. The Northern Action Group (NAG) “I can say this because rather than will conduct a poll during August creating a ‘wish list’ and striking a and September to gauge support for rate to pay for it, we’ll be doing it the setting up a unitary council between other way around and rates will be Puhoi and Te Hana, including Kawau based on affordability. Anything that communities want over and above the Island. basic services will be funded through Nearly 30 percent of operating targeted rates.” expenditure under the proposed council would go to roading, while other Larry says that theoretically, north infrastructure such as water, wastewater Rodney should be able to exit and waste will soak up a further 26 Auckland without a debt. percent, the group believes. The balance “Although Rodney District Council would be spent on recreational reserves, entered the Supercity as one of the property management, libraries, most highly indebted councils, nearly community facilities and economic all of it related to expenditure in the development. Democracy services, south, so the north should not be which would include support for five burdened with that debt. These and part-time councillors plus a community- other negotiations are ones that we elected mayor, would receive 3 percent hope to be able to submit to the Local Government Commission.” of the budget. Larry says the smart use of contractors, Larry says there are at least a dozen with a bias towards local companies, small urban/rural councils such as would mean that the amount of plant Matamata Piako District Council and equipment the new council would which operate very satisfactorily in require could be kept to a minimum. New Zealand. “NAG has based its The council would also have a “buy modeling on those councils.” local” policy. Info: www.nag.org.nz

An open letter to the people of Wellsford

The Rodney Local Board would like to thank everyone involved in the opening of the new Wellsford War Memorial Library, Te Whare Pukapuka o Wakapirau He Tohu Whakamaharatanga Ki Ngā Pakanga. The local board members were impressed with the enthusiasm shown for the new library and thrilled to receive so many positive comments about what a great community asset it is. They were also delighted to welcome so many people at the opening celebration. Thanks must go to the people of Wellsford, the mana whenua and everyone from the community organisations who helped make the opening such a success. Thank you also to the talented local artists who performed at the free concert, the library members who helped officially open the library, the Friends of the Library, volunteers and library staff. The new library is now yours and we look forward to it becoming a central part of your community.

Find out more: phone 09 301 0101 or visit www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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I recently approached Debra about purchasing an investment property in Wellsford. Debra acted promptly to take me on a thorough tour of all of the homes she had listed, all the while enthusiastically sharing her knowledge of the area. What impressed me most was the fact that Debra ‘actively’ marketed the homes she was selling - discussing their benefits and encouraging me, by providing answers to all of my questions. I dealt with a number of agents in the area and none were as thorough, interesting, positive, and knowledgeable, as this little dynamo. Debra’s persistence paid off and she successfully managed to negotiate a satisfactory purchase for me. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the whole buying process was stress free, and she has been a pleasure to deal with throughout. I urge anyone who is selling their home to meet Debra, as she lives and breathes her job, follows up on all potential purchasers, and persists, to achieve the sale you are looking for – Cheers, Vicky Crawford

258 RODNEY STREET, WELLSFORD

Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 9

School holiday magic on show at the Kauri Museum Children and their caregivers will be treated to a special “magic lantern” show these school holidays at the Kauri Museum. The museum will be demonstrating a Museum genuine magic lantern – the forerunner staff Diane of the modern movie projector — MacDonald bought by a Kaiwaka man from the and Jos Keay. famous inventor Thomas Edison more than a century ago. Egbert John Dowson, known to his family as Bert, was born in Kaiwaka in 1871. As a young man he travelled the world, including America, England, Scotland and Wales. He also visited the Great Exhibition in Paris and Africa. While in the United States he visited Thomas Edison. At first he was refused permission to see him, and told that less than one in 100 people were granted an appointment. But Egbert replied that he had not come all the way around the world to be turned away, and refused to leave until he was granted an interview. While he was there he purchased a magic lantern and a set of slides, which he used to show in Kaiwaka. In 1899 he bought a buggy and harness, then travelled around Northland on horseback showing the slides. In 1900 he was returning from another overseas trip when the Boer War started. He joined up and went with Museum for safekeeping, and the staff and storytelling will also be part of the the sixth contingent to South Africa, are thrilled to have the opportunity to school holiday programme that will run weekdays from 10am until 4pm. share this ancient technology. where he was killed in action in 1902. This collection is now at The Kauri Kauri gum polishing, pianola recitals Info: 431 7417 or kaurimuseum.com.

Open every day, Brick Bay is a sanctuary this winter. Explore the Sculpture Trail, warm up in the Glass House with a platter and mulled wine, or just pop in for great coffee and delicious cakes. Open every day 10am- 5pm. Brick Bay Wines & Sculpture Trail Arabella Lane, Snells Beach | Phone 09 425 4690 www.brickbay.co.nz

Briefs Pottery plan approved Morris and James Pottery, in Matakana, has been granted permission to conduct tourism tours and host occasional events under a District Plan change, approved by independent commissioners. Plan Change 163 also allows the business to manufacture and sell a wider range of products. However, a proposal to provide a rehabilitation gymnasium was declined.

New rates out soon Ratepayers in the Mahurangi region will find out in the first week of August how much their rates bill will be for the 2013/14 year. Double-digit rate increases are expected for some households, as part of the transition to the Supercity. Auckland Council has noted that the average increase across Auckland will be 2.9 percent.

Competition winners Congratulations to Pat Cooper-Jenkins, of Warkworth, who won tickets to the Matakantata Choir concert, and Ruth Miller, who won a copy of the book Treasuring Our Biodiversity.

Gang patch ban progresses Rodney MP Mark Mitchell’s gang insignia bill has passed the committee stage in Parliament. The Bill aims to reduce gang intimidation in all central and local government buildings by banning gang insignia in these places. Breaking the law would result in an arrest, a $2000 fine, and the destruction of the gang patch.

10 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013

History with Lyn Johnston Albertland Museum

think global www.albertland.co.nz

Life and love in Albertland Some 20 years after the Albertlanders arrived and families grew, many daughters left home to go into “service”, usually in Auckland. These girls, often friends from childhood, corresponded regularly with wonderful gossipy letters. (I’ve mentioned the importance of letters before). My Great-Aunt Ella worked first in Auckland, then for her Uncle Will in Paeroa. When she returned home to Wharehine, Paeroa friends kept her up-to-date with social life and fashion near the goldfields. Lizzie Sorensen wrote in 1889 that “every girl in Paeroa wears a bustle, even little girls eight and nine years old wears one!!” And oh, their love life. Teenage girls haven’t changed in the past 120 years. They asked each other if they had a “masher” (an admirer), talked about who was “gone” on who and which relationships had broken up. When I read that “Jim and Minnie have gone outside to spoon”, I guessed they weren’t drinking soup. Some girls were very choosy about their men. Gertie Brookes told Ella that she’d lied in her last letter, and had said that her masher did not smoke but “he came home with me two or three times and one of these times I saw him smoking and that was enough for me, I would not speak to him at Chapel nor anywhere else.” She went on to say that she might be considered hard for giving someone up because he smoked and perhaps she might end up an old maid (she didn’t). As for men who drank – they would never be considered suitable. These teen romances rarely came to anything. Girls grew up and married other men, some from out of the district. All the letters I’ve read say how happy they were with great love and respect for their husbands. Pioneer wives worked hard but rarely complained – that’s how life was. Often distance (and the state of the roads) meant friends couldn’t visit each other so they continued to write, describing domestic life, and of course their children. Speaking of children, as soon as a woman found out she was expecting, she had to write to book the midwife. Louise Flower (nee Grice) told how difficult it was taking Sunday School classes and practising the organ with “Baby”. She said she took him once but he laughed and talked at the Minister so she had to take him out again. Louise finished her letter by saying: “The young shaver is on my knee at this minute worrying the life out of me, so I guess I will have to say goodbye.” Their letters are a fantastic personal history of Victorian and Edwardian life and an invaluable source of family information. Note: All letters quoted are in the archives of the Albertland Museum and Heritage Centre.

Tawharanui bird-watching hide Bird watchers at Tawharanui will be pleased with the latest addition to the park — a bird hide. Situated on the edge of the lagoon, the bird hide is an ideal site to sit and watch the many species of birds that congregate here. The bird hide links some old and new residents of the park. It was funded by a one-off donation from 96-year-old Winnie Thompson, whose late husband Frank lived on the park as a young boy. “My husband lived in the house when young. We visited the place some years ago. He was very interested in seeing the farm after so many years,” Mrs Thompson says. “You can see the bird hide from the house, so it is lovely to re-establish the Thompson connection to the park and know that people will enjoy watching the birds.” The unpublished memoirs of Frank Thompson, whose parents owned from 1920-24 what is now the Tawharanui Regional Park, give an insight into the reality of life at the end of the dirt roads. “The farm was at the end of a peninsula and was mostly hilly with a lot of bush. There were neighbours close by but we seldom saw other people except at school. We hand milked cows before and after school. The cream went to Auckland by steamer once a week. We did not have a wireless and one of our main pleasures was from the dogs and horses. Another pastime was sliding down steep hills sitting on dried nikau leaves. The isolation at Takatu made me very shy and broke the spirit of both Mum and Dad.”

The family walked off the land, relinquishing it to the former owners, who still held the mortgage. The bird hide was designed and built by Roger Williams with the able assistance of Ray Blackburn. Roger visited similar hides at Ambury Regional Park and talked with Tim Lovegrove, the Auckland Council ornithologist, to ensure the design gave the best possible viewing of the large number of birds that visit the lagoon. The hide is very close to the main road through the park and easily accessible to visitors. Informative signage with photographs by Alison Stanes grace the wall so visitors are able to identify the birds they see and learn a little of their life cycles and habitat preferences. Pateke, one of our more recent residents in the park, are a common sight on the lagoon, along with eight other bird species. Check out the bird hide on your next visit to Tawharanui. Next Sunday in the Park will be on August 4. Join us to plant trees from our nursery and enjoy a barbecue afterwards in the woolshed. All welcome. Info: tossi.org.nz

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Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 11

Dinner reunites old pals

Former members of NZ’s armed services and territorial force gathered for a Ladies Formal Dining In evening at the Salty Dog Inn, Snells Beach, on July 6. A total of 55 people attended, many of who served overseas in Malaysia, Borneo, Thailand and Vietnam. The Dining In president was Lt Col Geoffrey Bowes, assisted by Dining In vice-president Staff Sgt Vince Anaki. Also present was Brigadier Mike Dudman and his wife Margaret. Guest speakers were Lt Col Kevin Ashcroft, of Hokianga, and Major Syd Dewes, of Auckland. The dinner was organised by Neville and Barbara Kidd, of Matakana. Neville said many of the servicemen and their wives had been well acquainted while serving overseas, but had lost touch over time. For many, it was their first reunion in nearly 40 years. “It was a great success and the Salty Dog did us proud,” Neville said.

Fire extinguished at Rusty Pelican Fire damaged the roof of Matakana restaurant the Rusty Pelican on the morning of July 8. Owner Daniel Baturic says a passerby noticed flames on the roof and alerted the secretary and cleaner inside. Mr Baturic used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before three fire engines arrived from Warkworth and Matakana. “The fire started after an electrical fault in a refrigeration compressor unit,” Mr Baturic says. “The unit was damaged but it was insured and replaced later that afternoon. The restaurant’s interior wasn’t affected at all.” The Rusty Pelican is open for business as usual.

Open 11am – 4pm Friday Saturday Sunday

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12 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013

n FAM I LY H E A LTH & B EAUT Y

lifematters

Child car seats mandatory until age 7 Brutal violence towards Children are now required to use an appropriate car seat up to their seventh birthday. The law change has been greeted as a positive step by Safekids New Zealand, the injury prevention service of Starship Children’s Health, although it says the issue is not about age and primary school kids are safer in a booster seat until they are the correct height. Leading paediatric intensivist Dr Liz Segedin says seatbelts are designed to fit an adult body and if children use an adult seatbelt that does not fit them correctly, their bodies move more than they should. “By just using adult seatbelts, children are at an increased risk of severe head injuries to the abdominal organs, spinal fractures and of paralysis due to damage to the spinal cord.” To significantly reduce the risk of injury, Dr Segedin and Safekids New Zealand recommend that children use appropriate child restraints or booster seats until they are 148cm tall. “By using a booster seat, in the same kind of crash, the difference could mean an uninjured child instead Isabelle Franks of Warkworth Plunket, gets Cruz of a severely injured or paralysed child,” Dr Segedin Davis, 3, fitted in a harness booster. says. Zealand children who turn seven years old are still Safekids New Zealand has been campaigning for a too small to use an adult seatbelt.” height-based rule since 2007. Plunket’s national child safety advisor, Sue Campbell, Director Ann Weaver says parents must follow agrees with Safekids and adds that the maximum age the new law, but also seriously consider keeping should be raised to 11. primary school children in booster seats until they “We would like to see New Zealand law progress are 148cm tall. even further to see all child passengers up to 11 years “Seven is not a magic age number. Some children of age, or up to 148cm in height, use an appropriate grow faster than others, but the majority of New child restraint at all times.”

women increasing

Women’s Refuge has noticed a worrying increase in the number of particularly cruel and brutal incidents of domestic violence. It is the agency’s appeal awareness and appeal month and collectors will be out on the streets between July 15 and 21. Women’s Refuge chief executive Heather Henare says she is deeply concerned about a growing number of violent acts that are extraordinarily severe. “Many of our refuges are reporting this trend. The reasons for this increase are unclear but certainly the use of weapons such as knives and guns are commonly reported to me, alongside other hideous methods of abuse such as inflicting burns.” Ms Henare says refuges are saying that more and more women who come to them are at high risk, with complex issues to work through. “Many experience violence that is akin to torture and it takes significant skill and support to help them work through this abuse,” she says. Ms Henare says refuges will use the month to raise awareness about domestic violence, its prevention and how to respond to it. “We also need to raise money for the work we do as we respond to an average of one call every six minutes to our crisis line 0800 REFUGE,” she says. “Donations will go towards the costs of having hundreds of dedicated advocates available 24 hours a day to assist those women who find their voices.”

SummerSet FallS’ new care centre At Summerset we offer a comprehensive range of care services, from a little help with everyday living right through to rest home and hospital level care. As your needs change we support you, while helping you to get the most from life. With our Village Centre now open, we are able to offer a choice of care options, including beautiful one bedroom care apartments. To find out more please call our Nurse Manager, Kim Kerby on 09 425 1200. Our village is at 31 Mansel Drive, Warkworth.

Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 13

lifematters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n First-time mums Holly Livesey (left) with 8-month-old Abyssinia, and Hope Gunson with 6-month-old Jaxson, love the whole experience of breast-feeding.

Women encouraged to breastfeed Warkworth women will breast feed en masse next month to highlight an annual awareness week. The Big Latch On is a partnership between Women’s and the community. Centre Rodney and Women’s Health Action and Research shows that appropriate community, supports women coming together to breastfeed at peer support and family links are critical for the same time. breastfeeding women and have a positive influence The event will be held from 10.30am at Women’s on breastfeeding rates and duration. Centre Rodney at 10 Morpeth Street in Warkworth Women’s Health Action director Julie Roadfordon August 2. Poupard says the Big Latch On is a great community This year the World Breastfeeding Week theme event. “It’s a lot of fun, you get to meet other is peer support, which recognises that successful women, and previous participants tell us they made breastfeeding requires support from family, friends new friends and like supporting each other.”

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A new Elective Surgery Centre has opened at North Shore Hospital, with promises that it will “significantly reduce” the time patients wait for non-urgent surgery. The new $39 million state-of-the-art facility has been described as the most modern surgical facility in the country, and is intended to increase access to elective surgery for people living in the district. Waitemata District Health Board CEO Dr Dale Bramley says the area has the largest and secondfastest growing population of all 20 DHBs in New Zealand. “As our population ages and expands, we are experiencing an escalating demand for acute and elective surgery across the Waitemata area.” In most cases, patients will need only one visit to hospital prior to surgery, he says. They will also have greater certainty around their treatment times. Waitemata DHB chairman Dr Lester Levy says the centre will allow the DHB to deliver more surgeries at less cost – to the benefit of patients. “Our aspiration for the project is to create a high quality, highly efficient and cost-effective centre for fast-stream elective surgical services – one where the patient is the absolute priority and which would be New Zealand’s most productive, with results better than that achieved in both private and other public hospitals in the country.” It includes four operating theatres, a post-anaesthesia care unit, a theatre sterile supply unit, 40 inpatient beds, four pre-operative consulting rooms, four outpatient consulting rooms and two pre-admission assessment rooms. It is expected to undertake nearly 6000 operations per year.

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14 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013

lifematters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

Living life to the full By Tess Williamson, Homebuilders disability information worker

Having a long-term condition does not mean you can’t enjoy life to the full – learning some new skills and strategies can enable you to improve your quality of life. There is good evidence that self-management skills confer real benefits - improved health and wellbeing, increased ability to work and carry out everyday tasks, and reduction of stress. Understanding the condition, learning how to effectively communicate with health professionals, and understanding how to take medication is just the start. An understanding of pain, knowing “what hurts and what harms”, how to manage pain and fatigue, and finding out what exercises are safe for damaged joints to maximise mobility and strength, all improve our physical wellbeing. Learning to deal with the stigma and attitudes of other people, and managing your fears and frustrations, is equally important. It is normal to aspire to a good relationship with our spouse or partner but there may be unique difficulties or worries with intimacy, which can be caused by the medical condition, medication, painful or artificial joints, and other factors. The need for self-care - keeping fit, eating well, getting adequate sleep and dealing with our negative emotions - is harder to achieve when you’re unwell and yet it is all the more important. Those in paid or unpaid employment need extra skills to juggle their various needs for support with their working life. An important part of self-management is knowing where and how to get support such as assessors, equipment, home-based support services, community organisations, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, counsellors and more. Advocacy from a trained advocate can also be invaluable. ProCare Health offers self-management courses in North Shore (email life@procare. co.nz or ph 09 374-6815). If you would like to learn some self-management skills, Homebuilders Family Services and Arthritis New Zealand invite you to join us on August 12 for an informative day of short talks, gentle exercise sessions and the opportunity to talk with our speakers. The Independent Living Service (ILS) Mobile Service will also be present with a large range of products and technology. Kaz Howlett will have a mobility scooter on display. It also offers free demonstrations in your home environment. If cost is a barrier, ILS will have Lottery Grant application forms available. Phone clinics are available from Arthritis NZ for individual support – please call 0800 663 463 or call Tess at Homebuilders on 425 7048 for more information.

St John Week raises $3600

An ASB Bank staff cake stall helped raise $775 for St John Week last month. Pictured are staff members Sandy Hudson and Juanita Oldfield, manning the stall. Paper Plus supported the week with a window display and Craig Julyan helped raise $1279 by shaking a bucket outside Warkworth New World. A raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, also raised $1098, giving a total of $3600, including donations. “Our thanks to all the Warkworth people that supported us, and the businesses that donated prizes,” says Alan Boniface, chairman of the Warkworth Area Committee.

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

Self-Management Workshop This free workshop is organised by Homebuilders Family Services & Arthritis New Zealand Monday, 12 August 2013 from 9.30am to 3pm Warkworth Methodist Church Hall (opposite the RSA)

Early Learning Centre Where learning and discovery are nurtured by nature

SPEAKERS: Georgina Greville

Olivia Simpson

Francesca Holloway

Alice Sullivan

Kaz Howlett

Carolyn Wilson

Rose Shackleton

Catharina Zuidgeest

Registered Nurse, Arthritis Educator Arthritis New Zealand Northern Regional and Advocacy Manager

Independent Living Service Mobile Service Manager Community Occupational Therapist, WDHB Eugene Sims

Physiotherapist & Natural Medicine Practitioner, Warkworth Natural Therapies

Physiotherapist, Kowhai Physiotherapy Occupational Therapist, Restart Rehab & Associates Occupational Therapist, Restart Rehab & Associates Counsellor & Craniosacral Therapist Sue O’Reilly

Pilates Instructor Warkworth Physiotherapy

LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE PROVIDED THROUGHOUT THE DAY

For more information and a detailed programme or to register for this FREE WORKSHOP please phone Tess at Homebuilders on 425 7048 or email us at homebuilders.warkworth@paradise.net.nz

A world of discovery in our outdoor classroom Licensed from birth to 5 years 7am-6pm

Phone 425 0511

www.natures-nest.co.nz 33 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 15

Sing a song to banish those winter blues Want to beat the winter blues? There’s nothing quite like singing to warm your soul, says Sally Randall. Sally is president of the Local Vocals Choir, and she is encouraging Mahurangi residents to come along to a series of 10 community singing sessions which start on July 21 at the Wellsford District Community Centre.

The sessions were held last year, and were a huge success. They culminated in a community concert, which will be held again this year. The choir, formerly known as the Wellsford Community Choir, recently sang at the Wellsford Library official opening. It grew from Sally’s passionate belief that singing is beneficial for

health and wellbeing. The choir’s committee has again been allocated funding from Auckland Council Creative Communities NZ, which means participation requires only a gold coin each time. Info: singlvc@gmail.com or call Sally on 423 9393. Or facebook.com/ sinlvc.

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Room 5 of Tomarata School was recently transformed into a café when the students put into practice what they had learned about healthy eating. The Year 5 and 6 students planned and prepared a healthy breakfast for 33 junior students and served them in the “café” classroom. The breakfast involved a lot of planning, including preparing menus, compiling shopping lists, writing invitations, and decorating tables. The students had researched foods that would get all the ticks for nutritional value and were helped with donations from Sanitarium, Yoplait and Kelloggs. The fresh fruit salad was particularly popular, as were the fruit and yoghurt smoothies. The “customers” all had healthy appetites and while waiting for their courses they were kept busy completing word finds and other food-related activities. The fresh fruit salad proved to be one of the most popular menu items.

80 100 110

Classroom becomes café for a day

lifematters

FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY n

WHO’S HOPPING ON?

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16 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013

localbusiness INTR ODUCING n

RE-BR ANDING n

Juggles Boutique

The BeeHive Childcare Centre

When you walk into Juggles Boutique in the Riverview Plaza, it is obvious that its owner has a passion for what she does. The store is beautifully fitted out, and smells gorgeous. And the wide range of nearly new quality labels on sale at affordable prices is impressive. The store’s owner, Elaine BraidwoodSigley, is originally from Auckland, and spent just over three years living in Mapua before moving to Warkworth just before Christmas to be closer to family. She already owns two successful boutiques in Nelson and Albany, and now she has brought her successful mix of new and nearly new fashion to Warkworth. Elaine knows only too well how important it is for her customers that her stock is not sourced locally. Knowledgeable about apparel and the value of quality labels, she sources all her stock from out of the local area. She doesn’t buy on consignment, preferring to buy outright, so any goods she buys from locals will be sent to her other stores. She is fastidious about hygiene, laundering all the stock before checking and pressing each garment.

The BeeHive Childcare Centre at Snells Beach has undergone a major transformation, with a new name and new owners. Previously known as Kidzway, and then the LIFE Childcare Centre, the centre is now buzzing under the ownership of local residents Paul and Sally Carstensen. Sally has spent most of her career in the international freight and logistics industry, before she and her husband moved to Tanzania to do voluntary work. They moved back to New Zealand to be closer to family, and particularly Sally’s mother, who lives at Snells Beach. Sally was working as the administration manager for LIFE Childcare Centre when the opportunity to buy the business came up. “For me personally, it was just hearing some of the parents talking about the centre one day, and saying how fantastic it was,” says Sally. “We decided we could do something with it.” The new name just “popped out” one day, she says. As well as being a former police officer, who at one stage worked in Wellsford, Paul is a beekeeper, so

Elaine Braidwood-Sigley

Recycling quality clothing is Elaine’s passion and Juggles stocks apparel in all forms, including dresses, skirts, tops, jackets and pants in most sizes. There are also matching accessories such as scarves, shawls, bags, purses, shoes and jewellery, as well as new garments from the New Zealanddesigned Cashews range, which caters for plus-sizes. For those interested in “exclusive evenings”, she will book groups of up to 10 people at $10 per person, with wine and nibbles provided.

Rodney MP Mark Mitchell at the official opening.

“The BeeHive” seemed perfect. The centre has had a major makeover, which parents are thrilled with, says Sally. It has also downsized its licence to 30 children of all ages, and introduced much more flexible hours. Although the Christian focus remains, it has made a huge difference having an owner-manager on site, she believes. “It’s very much a community-focussed centre and having local people here is definitely beneficial,” she says. “It’s a really welcoming environment, and parents know their children are safe and nurtured here.”

New & Nearly New Labels Clothing & Accessories Come and enjoy a truly special shopping experience Beautiful winter stock in now Cashews Range - sizes up to 26 Shop 4, Riverview Plaza 4 Kapanui Road, Warkworth jugglesboutique@gmail.com 09 425 8489 / 027 515 7007

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Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 17

localbusiness CHANGING PLACES n

INTR ODUCING n

A graphic design business run by two brothers has moved to a prominent position in Warkworth’s CBD. Luke and Matthew Williamson formed Halcyon Design in 2001 after spending a decade working with their two other siblings in a graphic design and illustration company called Tradewinds. The brothers moved Halcyon Design from Takapuna to Warkworth’s Neville St in 2007 before shifting to Lilburn St in 2008. They are now in light and airy new premises opposite the BridgeHouse, beside the Mahurangi River, in Elizabeth St. Encouraging clients to carefully consider their core brand and continuity of design is the primary interest for Halcyon Design. As part of this process, they produce logos, brochures, flyers, websites, advertisements, signs and more besides. Luke says there were risks coming north but the duo soon found steady work through the former Rodney District Council, the Health Quality and Safety Commission and local medical and surgical centres. Recently they have assisted with communications for the NZTA Puhoi to Wellsford Highway, Wharehine,

People living in the Warkworth area now have more choice when it comes to furniture with the opening of a wholesale store at the end of Glenmore Drive. Mike Sussock started Warkworth Furniture Wholesalers in March after deciding semi-retirement wasn’t for him. His shop sells a range of fabric and genuine leather lounge suites and dining tables made from Russian oak and pine. The fabric lounge suites can be custommade to suit requirements with alterations possible on measurements such as arm size, and the depth and height of seats. There are also other items such as TV cabinets, bookcases, bedroom suites, coffee tables, buffet sideboards, hall tables, display cabinets and wine racks. Mike owned Sofa Direct in Kingsland for 16 years and moved to Mangawhai a year ago. He worked part-time from home as a furniture upholsterer but decided he missed interacting with the public. “I was getting bored and saw a gap in the market. My passion was reignited when I came here.” Warkworth Furniture Wholesalers is the only store between Albany and Whangarei to stock exclusive Sealy beds. Mike describes them as the

Halcyon Design

Warkworth Furniture Wholesalers

Matthew (left) and Luke Williamson.

Bayleys Real Estate and Mahurangi Oysters. After the sale of the building on Lilburn St, they have joined local transport advocate Bevan Woodward in Elizabeth St. Luke and Matthew helped Bevan with the design for the local Kowhai Connection bus and are assisting him with communications material for the Auckland Harbour Bridge Skypath. Halcyon Design’s branding material includes old photos of holidays at local beaches such as Pakiri, and is focused on the brothers’ love of design, family and the ocean – the essential elements of their studio’s personality. The brothers say some people balk at the idea of working with family, but they have always got along.

Mike Sussock

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18 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013

ruralrodney

Youth avoiding agriculture: new president Wellsford resident Steve Levet has complained about the lack of young people working in the agriculture industry in his new role as head of Rural Contractors New Zealand. Mr Levet was elected president at of staff can also be an issue. the association’s annual conference Careers NZ chief executive Graeme last month. It has 450 members and Benny says his organisation could represents up to 3000 workers across do better in showing interesting and the sector. lucrative opportunities for young He says even though agriculture ranks people in agriculture but the industry as New Zealand’s most productive, must take some responsibility for innovative sector and offers a variety not making itself appealing to young of career opportunities, contractors people and for not providing relevant, are finding it increasingly difficult up-to-date information. to recruit skilled workers and are “Agriculture continues to be bringing in overseas workers to fill the misunderstood by urban communities. gap. The real pool of talent that agriculture “I find it astounding that schools and needs to attract is not just the sons other educational institutions are not and daughters of farmers, as was the more actively encouraging young case in the past, but highly qualified people to look at the agricultural young urban people. The challenge Rural Contractors New Zealand president Steve Levet says only less academic is in marketing itself in a new way to sector for career opportunities.” appeal to those people.” Mr Levet says he is concerned to hear students are encouraged to take agricultural subjects at school. feedback that some educators still view Rural Contractors NZ offers a career Farm Employee Remuneration survey Mr Benny says to attract highly the agricultural sector as a second-class path for young people entering found that remuneration levels for skilled people, agriculture needs to career option and only less academic the industry with qualifications up most pastoral farm positions have set a clearer structure that takes young students are encouraged to take on to diploma level for those already continued to increase – with the graduates from secondary school working, he notes. average farm worker now earning through to work. agricultural subjects at school. “That really is last-century thinking “There is also plenty of evidence $5500 or more than the average “Dairy New Zealand have made when you consider that people to suggest those working in the annual wage. a start on attracting smart young sector are better Industry insiders say young people people into the industry, but more entering the agricultural sector will find agricultural progression is given and, with shortages remunerated than their peers working are put off by agriculture’s long hours, needs to be done, and other parts of limited holidays and having to supply the agricultural industry need to in the field internationally, they can in other sectors.” end up having a global career.” A Federated Farmers/Rabobank 2013 their own equipment. Poor treatment follow suit.”

Come in and talk to Peter, DJ and the helpful team at the Farm & Lifestyle Centre about ... Supplementary winter feeding Pasture management Keeping warm and dry 2-4 Morrison Drive, Warkworth Phone 09 425 7754 Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-1pm farmandlifestyle.co.nz

Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 19

ruralrodney

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Oyster farmers face fines

Marine farmers are facing daily fines of up to $750 for failing to lodge bonds designed to spare ratepayers the cost of cleaning up oyster farms. The Northland Regional Council says disrepair or are abandoned can have it has been trying to reach a mutually a number of adverse environmental acceptable solution with oyster effects and pose a navigation hazard. farmers to protect roughly 300ha of He says it is not unreasonable for the public space occupied by the almost region’s ratepayers to expect that those who were gaining commercial benefit 100 oyster farms involved. Consents and monitoring senior from what was effectively exclusive use programme manager Colin Dall says of public space should pay to clean it there are two abandoned farms in the up if things went wrong. northern arm of the Kaipara Harbour The owner of BioMarine and a and six in a derelict state. Seven member of Mahurangi Oyster farmers in the area have been sent Growers, Jim Dollimore, has one farm in the South Kaipara and 14 in abatement notices. Mr Dall says under the terms of their the Mahurangi. He has been in the resource consents, farmers are required industry since 1978 and says there’s to lodge a bond of $9000 for each between 35 and 40 farms altogether in the Mahurangi Harbour. hectare of developed farm. By obtaining a bank-guaranteed bond, Mr Dollimore says only one oyster the average oyster farmer with about farm has been abandoned in the 4ha of farm structures would need to harbour – at the back of Dyers Creek and that was in 1990. If dredging of the pay as little as $360 annually. Mahurangi River proceeded, it would The bonds are designed to help cover be an opportunity to clean it up. the extensive costs of attempting to clean up farms, but oyster farmers He says Auckland Council hasn’t have repeatedly cited tough financial decided whether to have a bond. times as a key factor in the ongoing “Auckland Council is waiting for the Ministry of Primary Industries to sort delays to lodging them. Council is poised this week to issue out a nationwide bond system.” abatement notices, giving oyster Mr Dollimore says poorly maintained farmers another three months to oyster farms can be “visually lodge the required bonds (or an disturbing” and affect water flows. acceptable alternative) or face further He says Mahurangi oysters are the best enforcement action, including daily performing oysters in the north and fines of up to $750. have become sought after because they Mr Dall says farms that fall into are surviving the Pacific Oyster virus.

Decision on diazinon welcomed

Federated Farmers has welcomed a decision by the Environmental Protection Authority to gradually phase out the use of organophosphates and carbamates (OPCs). “Extending the use of diazinon through to 2028 was the right thing to do because farmers have little or no alternatives at this time,” says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers vice-president. The decision to state on the label that diazinon is toxic to bees is sensible, and the other recommendations are “inherently sound”, he says. “It is a practical response from the EPA to recognise that crop cycle is more important than trying to restrict use of OPC to time of year or number of times per year.”

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

Playing favourites with wine As a winemaker, I’m asked a lot of wine questions – particularly at social functions. The most common question is: “What’s your favourite wine?” The truth is, I don’t have one. So much about wine is contextual – that is, the environment in which you are drinking it. A peachy, pungent and chilled chardonnay on a sunny afternoon in late February, accompanied by pan-fried Kawau Bay snapper and Mahurangi Harbour oysters, would come out tops – but not so much six months later, when winter’s chill and soggy mud makes one crave a muscular syrah with reheated beef and bean stew by a glowing, bone-warming fire. After a day’s work, a nice pleasant red whilst making dinner works best for me, but just what that red is primarily depends on what’s on special at the local supermarket or wine shop. Recent news articles about wine tasting have pointed towards the unreliable nature of wine judges and/or wine critics. The key argument is the term “unreliable”, which means that the score is not replicated with subsequent tastings by the same people, of the same wine. An American wine producer was puzzled by varying scores of his and other wines, and set out to chart the “reliability”. Not unnaturally, he found that the same wine would have high scores one Wine, Mahurangi oysters and snapper are an unbeatable combination. day and low scores the next. This proves that wine is an ever-changing sensory product and should be consumed, not just with food, but with an open mind. If winemakers strived to make a product the same, year in year out, then we would start to produce and market water, Coke or globally branded lager. The context in which you drink wine plays a big part in your perception of that wine. Wine judging is very far removed from how people drink and enjoy wines. The main purpose is to promote wines that are true to type character and free of fault. This means that a highly awarded merlot must smell of, and taste like, a merlot and then not have any negative smells, tastes and textures that are derived from inferior grapes, spoilage micro-organisms or excessive acid and tannins. However, it must be said that all wine shows are merely reflections of what the judges thought at that time, on that day, and remembering that the wine was judged alongside its peers – up to 45 at a time. One should use medals and awards as a suggestion or a rough guide, because once you enter the worlds of tastes and textures you will discover flavours and experiences that are beyond words, numbers and star ratings. I very much encourage the wine-imbibing public to look beyond the racks at the local supermarket and discover the fascinating tastes and characters of the local winegrowers. Then ask them what their favourite wine is. Their answer will be different to mine, and just as valid.

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Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 21

ruralrodney

Federated Farmers backs Wellsford motorway

Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills says he is “appalled” at the way the proposed motorway from Puhoi to Wellsford has been “demonised”. Mr Wills told Federated Farmers’ much focus on cities and especially national conference this month the Auckland, risks gutting provincial new motorway was vital to open up New Zealand to fuel the growth of our the Northland economy to Auckland’s largest city,” he said. air and sea ports. Mr Wills cited the Government’s But in the same breath he criticised support of ultra-fast broadband as an the Government’s support for major example of how the rural sector got a transport projects in Auckland, pointing raw deal. out that better access to the internet “Urban got $1.5 billion while rural could alleviate the pressure Auckland is originally got $48 million. Due to putting on rural land for housing. some strong advocacy from Federated “Four percent of former farmland is Farmers, it was eventually raised now under tarmac there and as Mark to $300 million, but you can see a Twain noted, we aren’t making land pattern. While the primary industries generate 72 percent of the exports, anymore,” he said. some may say we are not feeling 72 Mr Wills told the conference he percent of the love.” wanted to see the Government focus on an “infrastructural trinity” of He described agriculture as New transport, internet and water storage Zealand’s “star-turn” in terms of labour force productivity, because of to boost the agricultural sector. its efficiency. “We are also on the cusp There was potential for another of a new agricultural and industrial 420,000ha of land to be irrigated over revolution that will remove humans time. Research from the NZ Institute from many roles. Not just on-farm but of Economic Research suggested in our towns and cities too.” exports could be boosted by $4 billion While red meat had an exciting future, a year by 2026, supporting thousands it was currently the “problem child” of of new jobs. New Zealand’s primary industries: “the The $400 million pledged to accelerate C student with masses of potential but irrigation paled against the amount could do better,” he said. Federated expected to be spent on infrastructure Farmers was working with Ministry in Auckland and Christchurch. officials, the processors and Beef+Lamb. “We are grateful for anything to “We need bold thinking, we need speed up rural infrastructure but too change and we need it soon.”

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Hypothermia – it’s not cool Spring calving has started in the winterless north. In other words, it is mid-winter. Cows are calving in the hope that peak lactation will coincide with peak spring grass growth in a few months, but in the meantime we are all in for plenty of wet, windy, miserable weather. Two important cow health disorders that occur at calving time are milk fever and prolapsed uterus. Both conditions are very treatable but in both, hypothermia can cause treatment failures. With milk fever, so much calcium is diverted to milk production that there is not enough left over for its role in muscle contraction. The cow stops eating, goes down and loses her ability to shiver. By not eating she is no longer stoking her rumen fermentation vat where 50 litres of food and microbes are generating heat. Treating uncomplicated milk fever with intravenous calcium is perhaps the most spectacular remedy response in all of animal medicine. Half a tonne of lifeless blood and bone should rise to become a functional animal within minutes. Hypothermia will so often ruin the celebration. If the weather is cold, cover her with something like a sheet of heavy plastic to break the wind chill, and fill a 20 litre container or two with hot water and put it under the plastic near her body. If she’s in a soggy area, move her as soon as possible. Prolapsed uterus occurs in beef or dairy heifers that have had a really tight fit calving and in dairy cows down with milk fever and consequently no muscle tone. It usually happens within hours of giving birth. Over the years a few farmers have described to me this condition of a huge, 20kg, 1m-long red mass hanging out the back of a cow and how they shot her because they could not believe any animal could survive that. Prolapsed uterus is very treatable and most survivors will go on to get in-calf for next year. But many cows die before treatment and a sizable percentage will die after treatment. I believe there are only two major factors contributing to the loss: one is trauma to the prolapse and ensuing blood loss, and the other factor is hypothermia. The cow’s womb, which still has the blood supply needed to grow a 40kg calf, has now been turned inside out and exposed to the elements. There is no thick skin covering, it is wet and in the wind it is losing the cow’s body heat to the environment at an alarming rate. If the cow is down, cover the prolapse at least (or preferably all of her) to protect her from the wind. Use the hot water bottle trick if possible. If she has her head up do not give her calcium yet. If she is semi-comatose give half the calcium you would normally give a milk fever cow. Call the vet and tell yourself : “The real spring is not that far away.”

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Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 23

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We may have had a beautiful extended summer this year, however we are certainly making up for it now. The frosts have come and we’ve had more than our fair share of rain. Frosts can be devastating for some plants. If you’re concerned that some plants can’t handle the cold, think about moving them indoors, where possible. Alternatively, use frost cloth or other protection. Don’t be tempted to cut any frost-damaged or tatty leaves off any frost-damaged shrubs in the garden — they are actually protecting the lower parts of the plant. Wait until spring, when all danger of frost has passed, before pruning. It’s likely the plants will simply send out fresh shoots and you will then be able to tidy up the dead bits. Until then be patient and cover any plants, if possible, to prevent them burning. Now is the time for planting fruit trees. There is certainly a great selection available including peaches, plums, nectarines, apples, citrus and feijoas. There is nothing nicer than being able to pick fruit from your own tree. The flavour is so much more intense. If you want to grow your own delicious strawberries this season, now is the time to get them planted. Strawberries require cold temperatures early on to stimulate flower growth. Growing strawberries is relatively easy. Choose a well-drained, sunny position. Mounding will improve drainage as they do not like wet feet. Covering the mounds with black plastic will keep plants clean but newspaper is a better alternative, as it allows moisture and air to penetrate the soil. Top the newspaper with mulch. If you do use polythene, plant into holes and try to keep the holes as small as possible to prevent weed growth. Fertilise every few weeks with specially formulated strawberry food, which is high in potassium to ensure large tasty fruit, to encourage stronger, healthier plants. Pick off any early forming flowers and fruit until the weather warms up a little. This will ensure a larger, healthier harvest. Slugs and snails can be a problem with the ripening fruit. Pea straw mulch will help, however you will probably need Tui Quash or Yates Baysol slug pellets. Strawberries grow from a leafy crown, sending out runners that develop leaves and roots from which new plants form. In the first season, runners should be removed so that the plant’s energies go into producing fruit rather than foliage. In the second season, plants can be left to form runners that are removed and replanted for the next season’s fruiting. Strawberries can be left in the garden for up to three seasons before planting new plants, although fruiting will not be as abundant as the first season. Although it is important to water plants regularly in the growing season if weather is dry, remember to reduce watering as berries start to redden. At this stage, overwatering will result in soft, flavourless berries and will increase the chance of botrytis. Don’t forget that birds like them as much as we do, so ensure you cover the plants carefully with bird netting. Try and keep the netting raised up off the plants, as this will prevent the foliage growing through the holes and making it difficult to lift the netting for easy picking. Whether they spill out of strawberry planters, or tumble from hanging baskets or troughs or any other container, or even share a spot in the flower or vegetable garden, strawberries do not require a lot of space and are very rewarding to grow.

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tackling technology IT FEATURE

Tablets such as iPads are a hit with older people Tablets such as iPads are proving popular amongst older people, with more than 100 taking training courses at Warkworth’s SeniorNet in the past 18 months. Secretary Anne Murphy says the devices are easier to manage than PCs and “not as frightening” for older people. “All you have to do is press a button and up things come. They’re light. You don’t need to lug them around. You can just shove them in your handbag.” Ms Murphy says the training courses teach people to get to grips with minicomputers – from turning them on to seeing what each function does and learning how to use in-built software known as “apps”. “You can take photos and sort them in different albums, send and receive emails, listen to music, take video, write letters and view the internet.” Users need an internet connection to go online. This can be done by installing a wireless modem, or going somewhere like McDonald’s where wireless internet is offered for free. The other option is to use wireless 3G, which is the network used by cellphones. It only comes with some

Nine pupils in the first lesson of four planned for SeniorNet’s basic iPad course.

devices and can be more expensive. Mel Woodley runs basic and advanced iPad courses, which involve four twohour sessions over four weeks. Each course is limited to eight attendees, and six have been held so far. Most people have had previous experience with a PC but that isn’t a prerequisite. “The beauty of the iPad is being able

to change the size of the font. You can increase it by pushing your fingers apart and you can choose different themes like white-on-black or blackon-white. Many don’t go back to reading conventional books.” Mr Woodley also shows people how to set up an “Apple ID” which allows people to easily purchase items using their credit card details.

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He explains SeniorNet has purchased demonstration Android and Microsoft tablets so it can give lessons for those devices as well. Until now 80 percent of course participants have owned an iPad. Warkworth resident Heather Metcalfe, 70, was given an iPad for her birthday and says the SeniorNet course has helped her understand how to use it. “The course notes were particularly helpful.” She took her device with her on a cruise to Australia and used it as a diary, to read books and take photos. “We used to take photos and leave them on our PC but now we make them into a slideshow. It’s like viewing them in a digital photoframe.” Tablets are being used to jump-start memory, mobility and social skills that have deteriorated through age, Alzheimers disease or other types of dementia. A team from Johannes Gutenburg University at Mainz in Germany found older people read faster using tablets and eBook readers such as Kindles. If you are keen to do an iPad or tablet course, register your interest with SeniorNet.

Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 25 IT FEATURE

tackling technology

Choosing the correct cloud Cloud computing has been around since the 1950s but the improvement in the reliability of data links has seen it become a more viable business tool. Aubrey Donovan, of Warkworth IT firm Donovan IT Strategic Consulting, says there’s three different types of clouds for people to consider. The first category is the public cloud. It offers services over the internet for public use and includes big players such as Google, Microsoft, Facebook and Dropbox. “It’s like sitting down at a coffee shop with your laptop and using their internet. You have no real control over the service you are getting — you are only interested in a specific outcome and receive very little customisation — but it meets a price point and is convenient. ” Another category is the private cloud, which is akin to leasing an office space in a multi-storey building but owning your own furniture. “You put your IT equipment in a service provider’s datacentre and take advantage of what that offers.” Customers are still responsible for their own data, equipment and support. Then there’s the virtual private cloud, which is like leasing a fully managed office. “You don’t own anything but everything is provided for as part

of a monthly service. If you’re an organisation that uses resource-intensive applications, you’ll find benefits from the private or virtual private cloud, but if you’ve got customers requiring a high level of service 24 hours a day, the virtual private cloud could be the most suitable.” Mr Donovan says virtual private clouds are the most flexible option, although they can be more expensive, but still much more efficient than managing data oneself. Packages can be adjusted monthly. “It’s a true utility-based platform. Even though it could cost more upfront, reduced maintenance and support, charges, and the improved service outweigh these costs.” Things to watch out for include what happens when you terminate your cloud contract or move to another provider. Companies have been known to deny access and delete historical data, Mr Donovan says. Data sovereignty – meaning the country in which information is hosted — is another consideration. “It’s illegal to store customer credit card or bank details outside of New Zealand. So if you are looking at online trading or business to business, make sure you ask your hosting provider where it stores its data and backups.”

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26 | Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 IT FEATURE

tackling technology ‘Bring your own device’ for Mahurangi College Mahurangi College is preparing to launch a voluntary bring your own device system from 2014. Some students are already bringing their own tablets but they don’t connect up to the school network, while others are sharing the school’s devices but they can’t take them home. They are used for art, graphics and some sciences. Trials will take place during the second half of this year to ensure technical glitches are fixed. Feedback from parents and students will be considered before a final policy is put in place. Parents can view the draft policy on the school’s website. Principal David Macleod says: “We’re cautious. We will introduce it but we want to make sure it works really well. We don’t want any equity issues and we don’t want to put undue pressure on parents to have to buy a device.” If families can’t afford a tablet, students will be able to use one owned by the school. Recent building work at the school has seen all classrooms connected with ultra-fast broadband. Teachers are now looking at how to enhance their students’ learning using the devices. Manager of IT systems and teacher Vern Dempster says the ability for students to access a personal device has a tremendous potential to

change the way they learn. “I’ve been involved at Mahurangi College since we got the first Apple II in 1980. I saw computers as a tool to allow students to practise skills they needed help with. They also enable them to do things they couldn’t do with a pen and paper.” Mr Dempster says he moved to the idea of students using software to create something rather than using it to recite.

He believes one-on-one devices have the ability to increase equity because every student has the ability to access life-changing information. “The difference is getting kids to see the potential as a learning device and not a gaming device.” Mr Dempster cautions the machines aren’t useful learning tools unless students develop an independent learning style. “We hope this allows teachers to

develop a more independent approach to learning so more students are focused and able to work at their own level more easily instead of the teacher having to deal with different groups at different levels in a single class.” He says the intention is for students to bring wireless devices only, which will ensure access to the internet is filtered in the same way present school machines are. The IT manager teaches level 3 web design online to students in Whangarei and Pahiatua, and locally at Orewa and Kingsway College as part of his school’s involvement with a collection of distance learning schools known as HarbourNet. This allows 15 Mahurangi College students to take classes taught online from other schools that otherwise wouldn’t be provided because of insufficient numbers or timetable clashes. Subjects include accounting and art history. The college is also using video conferencing to enhance English lessons for ESOL students from Kiribati and Tuvalu. “They’re improving their skills and using lots of great learning activities that aren’t possible in a normal classroom,” Mr Dempster says. “It’s increased their motivation and engagement for learning.”

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Mahurangimatters 17 July 2013 | 27

localentertainment

The Great Crooners are coming to Centrestage The Daytime Concert Series is coming to Orewa this month, with a performance of lounge music titled “The Great Crooners”. The July 25 show celebrates the 200 concerts per year in 24 venues rich, velvety music made famous throughout New Zealand and has by the likes of Dean Martin, Frank become the largest employer of Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Doris Day and professional singers and artists of its Rosemary Clooney, with songs such type in New Zealand since it began 11 as Sway, Unforgettable, Embraceable years ago. You, Catch a Falling Star, New York, Concerts begin at 11am and tickets New York, Hey there and Memories are are $30 including lunch with the made of this. artists. It features three professional singers: Info: Phone 0508 266 237 (toll Tom Sharplin, Debbie Penney and free), email bookings@operatunity. Bonaventure Allan-Moetaua. They co.nz or daytimeconcerts.co.nz. are supported by a three-piece band including one of New Zealand’s most respected sax players, Bruce French, bass player Ray Eade, and Prize pack giveaway talented pianist Ron Coleman, who To win two tickets to the Orewa has been working and living overseas, concert on July 25, a CD and a performing on cruise ships for the commemorative book, see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ past 12 years. mahurangimatters. Competition The Daytime Concert Series, closes on July 21. presented by Operatunity, runs over

Get creative again with wine cosy competition The Wacky Wine Bottle Cosy competition is on again. Last year’s competition was such a big hit, the organisers have decided to repeat it. Led by Matakana’s crochet queen Sharleen Greer, the competition is again being hosted by Matakana wine

bar The Vintry, which is hoping for even more entries this year. Prizes from local vineyards, valued at $250 each, will be up for grabs in each category: best knitted, best crocheted, best local wine label or wine-style interpretation, wackiest original

design, and people’s choice award. Entries close at 5pm on August 2. Entry forms and conditions can be downloaded from The Vintry’s website or picked up at the wine bar. Info: thevintry.co.nz or Nicki at nickiaych@yahoo.com.

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