Mahurangi Matters_Issue 180_18 May 2011

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18 May 2011

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

Rodney out of rates scheme postponement

A view of the proposed retirement village from Queen Street, with the Warkworth Inn in the foreground.

Rural landowners in Rodney hoping for some form of rates relief in Auckland Council’s annual plan are likely to be disappointed.

Despite Council’s intention to standardise the postponement scheme across Auckland, Rodney rural landholders have been excluded.

Council estimates that the large amount of valuable coastal farmland in Rodney would add an estimated $270,000 excluding GST to the cost of the scheme.

Financial policy team leader Andrew Duncan says the Rodney scheme was due to expire on June 30 anyway and Rodney District Council had made no provision for it in its 2010/11 budget.

Investors unveil multi-million dollar Inside this issue retirement village for Warkworth Gearing up for Catwalk Arts

continued page 2

A bold plan to build three retirement apartment blocks plus 10 retail shops, behind the Warkworth Inn in Queen Street, will be submitted to Auckland Council for resource consent early next month.

Although the project is non-complying and at least six trees will be removed Joint venture Rose Casey Ltd and – the site is zoned commercial; the – the developers are confident it’s The Oaks On Neville Ltd purchased building height exceeds what is “the right development, in the right the 6000 sqm site last October. The continued page 22 permissible under the District Plan location”.

page 5

In residence

Building feature – pages 18 to 31

Rural roundup pages 32 to 36

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2 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

Mahurangimatters is a locally owned publication,

Issue 180

circulated twice a month to more than 12,200 homes and businesses.

Next issues are June 1 & June 15 – Book your advertising now Enquiries: ph 425 9068 • fax 425 9088 • PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941

17 Neville Street (corner Neville & Alnwick Streets) Warkworth

localmatters@xtra.co.nz • www.localmatters.co.nz Editor: Jannette Thompson • ph 425 9068 • editor@localmatters.co.nz Advertising: Cathy Butland • ph 431 4966 • advertising@localmatters.co.nz

Sandra Staines • ph 431 5649 • mahurangi@localmatters.co.nz Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers.

All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the editor is prohibited.

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ACHOO the friendly flu bug will visit to Tomarata School this month, as lessons in respiratory hygiene kick off around the country.

Flu targets most vulnerable A Sneezesafe message is being spread through schools this month.

Top New Zealand virologist Dr Lance young age will begin a positive flow-on Jennings says the flu can cause serious effect in their families and communities respiratory complications, especially and throughout their lives.” for children and the elderly.

Dr Jennings says that there’s a collision The more children know about how of circumstances which make children flu spreads, the more they can help among the most vulnerable keep themselves and others keep well. “We know that children have suffered “Schools which are taking steps to from H1N1 09 in large numbers in help protect their children from the the past two New Zealand winters. We ravages of flu with respiratory hygiene also know that children are the most education, are also indirectly keeping prolific spreaders of flu.” children learning,” Dr Jennings says. Dr Jennings says that H1N1 09 along “There’s an education up-side, as well with the H3N2 and B viruses are as benefits for the community. Children expected to be the seasonal flu viruses who grasp good respiratory hygiene at a circulating this winter.

Postponement axed At the annual plan submission hearings, Warkworth registered valuer Guy Scholefield said reverting Rodney rural land to the full rating system was inequitable.

“All farmland in Auckland should be treated on an equal basis,” he said.

Mr Scholefield presented the example of a property that had good views and access to the tidal reaches of the Mahurangi Harbour, which had a rateable land value of $8.6 million in 2007. After objections, this was reduced to $5.4 million.

He said that before deductions, the total RDC and ARC rates for the year 2010/11 amounted to $17,500.

The farm covered 125 hectares, of

from page 1

which 104 hectares was pasture, carrying about 1200 stock units.

Thus the rating liability was $14.50 per stock unit. The total rates for the current year amounted to nearly 88 percent of the gross farm income.

By comparison, a typical inland farm was currently paying $2.50 to $5 per stock unit in rates for a property utilising the same services and other location factors.

“All coastal and other farmland containing potential should be assessed on a special rateable value basis which would then provide for rates postponement. It is only then that farmers can hope to achieve any sort of profitability or parity with inland farmers.”

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 3

National treasure docks at Kauri Museum A kauri clinker sailing dinghy now on permanent display at The Kauri Museum, at Matakohe, was recognised as “a national treasure” by Museum Trust Board chairman Derek Hope at last week’s gifting ceremony.

The 16-foot vessel ‘Tara’ represents the last boat designed and built by renowned North Shore boat builder Arch Logan, the son of Scottish immigrant Robert Logan who came to New Zealand in 1874 and soon established himself as a steam launch, yacht and boat builder. She was given to the museum by Mt Eden’s Tony Jennings who inherited her from his uncle, Jack Gifford.

Built around 1938 for Mr ‘Tup’ Goldie, Tara was bought by Mr Gifford in 1958 and touched up with new paint over her antifouling and the addition of a gold leaf trim, but otherwise remains in rare, original condition.

Mr Jennings said it was with mixed emotions that he gave away the vessel on which he’d enjoyed a number of trips around Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki Gulf.

From left, curator Betty Nelley, donor Tony Jennings and museum trust chairman “Frankly, it’s hard to part with her…but Derek Hope are all smiles as Tara is officially gifted to the museum. More photos I’m glad she’s here and people will have of this event can be viewed at localmatters.co.nz the chance to come and admire her.”

He said the quality kauri construction meant she drew just a few inches of water and was particularly stable even when walking around on board. However, unstepping the mast to store her had been “an absolute mission” demanding strong arms to prevent it toppling.

Mr Hope said Tara was “a dream fit” for the museum’s yachting collection, joining the Brooke family Frostbite ‘Kia Toa’ and a collection of Don Brooke’s model Logan kauri yachts, in illustrating an important use of kauri timber.

Curator Betty Nelley said Tara highlighted the fact that “great boat builders in New Zealand history and quality kauri timber go handin-hand”. The vessel had arrived in excellent condition, requiring little more than a gentle dust before going on display, she said.

“The sails are close to perfect and there is hardly a mark to be seen, even Donor Tony Jennings with respected Kumeu boat builder Robert Brooke who though they are more than 70 years was present, along with fellow influential boat builders, his brother Don Brooke old.” and John and Judy Salthouse.

Fieldays ticket giveaway Mahurangi Matters has two double passes to giveaway to the Fieldays, held from June 15-18 at Mystery Creek Event Centre, Hamilton. To enter write your name and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to: Fieldays Competition, Mahurangi Matters PO Box 701 Warkworth.

Competition closes June 1.

Briefs Youth crime spree Two youths, aged 13 and 15, went on a crime spree from Maungaturoto recently. They broke into two vehicles, stealing money from one, before stealing another vehicle from the gas service station and crashing it a short distance down the road. Ruakaka Sgt Ken Andrews says the pair then hitch hiked to Warkworth where they broke into a further five cars before being apprehended by Warkworth Police.

They have been referred to Youth Aid in Whangarei.

Puhoi Hall garage sale The annual Puhoi Hall fundraiser will be held on May 28 and 29. Large items can be collected, by phoning Cody on 422 0891. Other items can be left at the hall from May 26 onwards, but call Cody first. Items must be a in a good resaleable condition. All proceeds will go towards maintaining the Puhoi community hall.

Young talent slot Singer/songwriter, Charlotte Silverstone, 19, has been selected to open Greg Johnson’s Matakana show on Queen’s Birthday weekend, Sunday June 5, at Ascension Wine Estate. Charlotte, from Kaukapakapa, was one 18 entrants from the Rodney region who accepted Johnson’s invitation to audition to be the opening act at his Matakana show.

Charlotte is a graduate of the Faculty of Performing and Screen Arts, Unitec – Auckland where she completed her Diploma in Contemporary Music on an academic scholarship.

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4 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

Lecture provides dementia update

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

Horses for courses If I may be permitted an answer to your correspondent in Feedback (MM May 4) regarding Natives vs Nasties. The spectrum of wonder that is the plant world includes no “nasties” – a particularly inelegant way of describing any plant variety.

Anthropomorphism is becoming all too common in spoken and written English. Chaucer would certainly not have understood the description of any plant as “nasty”: People perhaps, but not plants.

I am sorry that your correspondent saw too few kowhai trees. In flower, they

are impressive but not more so than the flowering cherry, I’ll wager. Has your correspondent not seen the magnificent flowering cherry gracing the corner, beside Stubbs, our local butcher?

To describe this as “cheap and nasty” reveals an aesthetical appreciation blinkered by national and cultural hegemony which is all too common amongst uneducated New Zealanders.

The very grass which feeds our sheep and cattle is alien. The timber of which our dwellings are constructed is alien. The sheep and cattle are alien.

We are aliens.

I support the appeal to plant a kowhai for its amenity value. But it has no other; Mrs Williams would be none too happy in a kowhai-framed house in Algies Bay. By all means, let us appreciate what is good and useful about NZ timbers.

But let us not be blinded to the fact that there are horses for courses in the arboreal as in the steeplechasing world.

New Zealand is a lovely place, but let us not be so chauvinistic as to miss all the rest of God’s wonders.

Roger Stansfield, Mahurangi West

Changing of the guard at Warkworth Probus Warkworth Probus Club immediate past president Peter Rose has handed over the chain of office to incoming president Bob Dye. Peter has been president for the last two years and oversaw the celebrations last June for the club’s 25th anniversary. Bob moved to Warkworth four years ago, after retiring from a busy working life in the UK where he worked as the technical manager for an international chemical company involved with thin plastic films, mainly used in packaging.

Other recent Probus activities include a talk from Civil Defence on preparations for a major emergency and a coach trip to the Auckland Transport Centre and Naval Museum in Devonport. Peter Rose, pictured left, congratulates Bob Dye on election to the position of president.

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FEEDBACK

Neurologist Dr Kiri Brickell will offer practical answers on understanding dementia and how to manage it, when she speaks in Warkworth later this month.

The free public lecture, hosted by the Warkworth Liaison Group of Alzheimers Auckland, will be held at the Warkworth Town Hall on May 31, at 2pm. Rodney Alzheimers key dementia worker Paddy Sullivan says by 2026, the number of people with dementia in NZ will have doubled.

“More than 42,000 people have the disease currently,” she says. “It’s predicted that this number will grow to 74,821 in 2026 and to 146,699 by 2050. But it affects many more people than that, including family members and carers.”

Mrs Sullivan says this ‘epidemic’ is largely due to an ageing population and the fact that the disease, which results in memory loss, personality changes and loss of independence, has no cure. A total of 46 people a day are diagnosed in NZ. Dr Brickell is currently a senior lecturer at the Centre For Brain Research at North Shore Hospital’s memory clinic. She also works privately as a general neurologist and as a consultant for a concussion clinic. Her specialist areas include dementia, especially early on-set and familial dementia, mild traumatic injury and headache.

Alzheimers Auckland provides free dementia services throughout the Rodney district including information, support, education, and socialisation for people with dementia and relief for carers. This can include house calls, telephone support and carer education courses.

Entry to the Town Hall lecture is free but a gold coin donation would be appreciated. Afternoon tea provided.

For assistance with dementia-related issues in the Rodney area contact Rodney dementia key worker Paddy Sullivan on 425 9707, paddys@ alzheimers.co.nz or visit alzheimers.co.nz

Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 5

SMALL CHANGE MEANS A LOT Please round up for Hospice

SHOP at Warkworth New World May 16-23.

SAY YES when the checkout operator invites you to round your purchase up to the nearest dollar for Hospice.

FEEL GOOD knowing you’re helping Hospice.

WARKWORTH

SUPPORTING WARKWORTH WELLSFORD HOSPICE Caring for terminally ill people in our community

FUNDRAISER FOR WARKWORTH WELLSFORD HOSPICE Sharleen Greer, pictured with daughter Ella, participated in the 2009 World of Wearable Arts show, in Wellington. She gives would-be designers some tips: • Look around the house for items that will inspire creativity.

• Sketch various designs.

• Be prepared to be flexible, the idea you start with may be different from the final creation.

• Once you think the design is finished, take photos for another perspective.

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Creative art helps Hospice

Art will soon take to the catwalk in an array of dazzling creations to raise money for the care of terminally ill Hospice patients.

In its sixth year, Catwalk Arts is the up to $10,000. major fundraising event for Warkworth The wearable arts show is open to Wellsford Hospice. The wearable art anyone, with a category to suit all awards, which attracted 57 entrants last creative talents. New categories have year, will be held at Ascension Wine been added this year, These include Estate on August 26 and 27. ‘creative families’ where parents can Hospice fundraising coordinator help their children and ‘under the Lesley Ingham says monies raised from lights’ with black lights used to make the gala show, matinee and evening costumes stand out. ‘Boots and all’ was show will go towards their biggest inspired by the Rugby World Cup and cost, which is wages. The money helps ‘mannequins’ will transform a plastic maintain community nurses, family torso into a work of art, with the winner support staff and counsellors, along decided by public vote. As always there with phones and vehicles so we can will be the open and student categories, and sizeable cash prizes. reach our patients 24/7.

Major sponsor this year is AMP Entry forms are available from the Dynamics in Warkworth. Financial Mahurangi Matters, Neville St, the advisor Richard Gerard says for every Hospice Shop in Argyle Angle and the dollar that Hospice raises, AMP will Hospice office on Woodcocks Road. match it with an additional 50 cents, Info: catwalkarts.com

UNLEASH YOUR IMAGINATION enter Catwalk Arts 2011

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6 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

Exchange leads sea-faring couple on world odyssey A visit to Tomarata as part of a youth exchange programme more than 20 years ago infected then18-year-old Brian Thom with an ambition to sail across the world. The United States teacher and builder recently fulfilled his vow to return aboard his own yacht.

Brian lived and worked with Tomarata dairy farmers, John and Annette Carr, for eight months of his year-long exchange in 1990 during which they introduced him to the pleasures of sailing on the Hauraki Gulf.

On moving to Santa Cruz in 1998, Brian bought and lived on a 29-foot yacht and after meeting and marrying fellow teacher Megan, she too moved aboard. In 2003 they flew out to visit the Carrs, who now live in Warkworth, and Brian promised the next time they’d see him he would be aboard his own yacht.

Back in the States they decided to invest in the dream, buying 42-foot heavy displacement, offshore cruiser Nomad in 2004 and beginning a major overhaul to gear her up for their voyage.

“When we left for New Zealand we still weren’t really ready to do open ocean crossings, so we went all the way down Mexico, through central America to United States teachers and long haul sailors Brian and Megan Thom with their 10-month-old daughter Eloise.

Panama to gain experience and enjoy meals from scratch to washing clothes daughter Eloise. those destinations on the way. That know about financial crises,” he says. gradual start included 18 months in They were lucky to avoid the tsunami by hand and ongoing maintenance For the past eight months they’ve been Mexico and a couple of return trips that struck Samoa, which occurred responsibilities. enjoying the pleasures of sailing the to the states to work before eventually after they had left and while on their Despite what some of their friends Hauraki Gulf as a family, moored often they headed out to the open ocean. way to Fiji, but were sad to lose a good seem to think “it’s not all Margaritas at Scotts Landing and occasionally at on the deck,” she says.

Wilson Cement Works. As soon as For Megan, the biggest challenge was friend in the event. overcoming the safety concerns of Although Brian admits they Meeting up with other members of the the weather allows they will leave for being offshore, with ocean legs as long encountered “some wild weather” he sailing fraternity on arrival in Opua at Tonga and the Pacific Islands, Megan as 24 days and 2900 miles to tackle on embraces it as part of the trip and the end of 2009 was like being part flying with Eloise while Brian mans the way. The best part was spending he doesn’t count his week of major of a graduating class celebrating their the boat with the help of an American a lot of time working as a team with whiplash after being dumped on to a common achievement, Brian says. friend who has flown out to crew.

Brian, she says. reef while surfing as serious, as it didn’t He had sailed the final leg from Fiji They expect to get back to New With appropriate safety and require hospitalisation. virtually single-handed, as Megan was Zealand around November, then head communications equipment, and “It’s not an adventure until things get suffering morning sickness during the home for Christmas and a bit more plenty of spare parts on board, her uncomfortable and start going wrong - first trimester of her pregnancy. Soon work, before returning here around safety concerns proved unfounded. that’s when you know it’s not a vacation.” after arriving they flew back to the April to plan the next step.

Brian says overall their voyage was a Megan agrees that the reality includes US for almost a year to do some work “At some point we’re going to have to “dream run” devoid of major problems plenty of hard work from preparing and enable her to give birth to their think about going home,” Brian admits. and it was a pleasure to break free from society’s pressures.

Free furniture fulfils need “We were crossing the Pacific during the global financial crisis but we had Guests hosted by The Kauri Museum at Matakohe will be sitting pretty thanks to the donation of used tables and no idea. We were catching fish and the chairs by The Mangawhai Club. Twelve eight-seater tables and 100 chairs were given to museum when the club recently sun would come up in the morning upgraded its dining furniture. Manager Wayne Williams says the club is always happy to help out in the community. and go down at night and the wind Museum administration manager Colleen Glass says the furniture was a welcome gift, which has already been put to would blow. The natural world doesn’t good use and will continue to be invaluable in helping the museum host guests for conferences, events and exhibitions.

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 7

Warkworth Music Society

V8 Vocal Ensemble presents

‘V8 Uncorked’

This acclaimed 8 voice ‘a capella’ group return by popular request to present another wide ranging programme of favourite works in stunning style.

‘Very stylish, totally entertaining and polished’ Sunday 29th May at 4pm, Ascension Wine Estate, Matakana Rd, Warkworth

Tickets at door Adults $25 • Students Free • Info: 425 7313

You are invited to join us for the V8 hosted the opening event at the Sing Aotearoa Festival in 2009 and were the opera chamber chorus for Opera in the Pa in Rotorua in 2007.

V8 ready to set Belfry ringing The acclaimed V8 Vocal Ensemble Ascension Wine Estate on May 29.

The show is part of the Warkworth Music Society programme.

V8 is recognised as Auckland’s premier ‘a cappella’ octet and will appear in Matakana fresh from their successful collaboration with the NZ Symphony Orchestra performing Luciano Berio’s landmark composition Sinfonia in the Auckland Arts Festival.

This superbly slick ensemble sings unaccompanied eight-part harmony, and brings a programme of hugely varied and entertaining classical pieces, vocal jazz and finger-clicking arrangements of pop hits.

Their concert in the sympathetic ambience of The Belfry at Ascension

will present ‘V8 Uncorked’ at the two years ago had a large audience buzzing.

Formed in 1998, the members are all past or present members of the NZ National Youth Choir and Voices NZ Chamber Choir, both conducted by Dr Karen Grylls.

“All the members of V8 are experienced singers and they deliver an excellent example of sensitive ensemble singing, wonderful diction and superb musicianship,” adjudicator Janet Lince says. “Very stylish, totally entertaining and polished.”

The show starts at 4pm and tickets will be available at the door. Info: Phone 425 7313.

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Weighing up the risks

For many years I have met many investors who have made the following statement: “I am a low risk investor and believe only in bricks and mortar”; or “they don’t make more land, so scarcity will make it valuable in the future”.

One learns to listen to such comments and realise that many investors have no wish to open their thoughts to the possible risks property investment quietly hides within the opportunity, since as with any investment there are significant risks that should be carefully understood.

I was in Christchurch recently and was very disturbed listening to the many sad stories where hundreds of commercial property investors have lost many millions of dollars through events that have transpired since the February earthquake. It took my mind back some years when I engaged Ibbotson & Associates from the US to design some asset allocation models for New Zealand investors. Embedded in their report were the geological risks in New Zealand from either earthquakes or volcanic activities and how high these real risks were. As a consequence, their strong suggestion was to minimise any liquidity risk with efficient diversification out of NZ. In Christchurch, many substantial property investors have lost the income from tenants as well as the bricks and mortar. In fact, even those who had replacement insurance are now finding their policies do not allow for new earthquake code compliance issues, so they need to find further capital. This may sound easy but it is extremely difficult to arrange banking facilities without a strong tenant.

When farmers talk about the scarcity of land they also need to consider that land values are also dependant on the income the land produces. Ibbotson had concerns of the risk of foot and mouth diseases or TB and what economic effect such diseases could have on land holdings. In conclusion, the only way to minimise risk is to “diversify” across all asset classes, both locally and internationally. In this way, investors manage risk prudently and make the most of all the opportunities available.

A disclosure statement for Alex Fowler is available on request and is free of charges, or can be viewed at www.localmatters.co.nz

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 9

localbusiness INTR ODUCING n

Edwood Industries Wellsford-based business Edwood Industries is offering a one-stopshop for forestry owners aiming to maximise their returns both now and in the future.

General manager Eddie Casey has 30 years of experience working for some of the country’s biggest forestry companies and says the huge demand for logs in China, India and South East Asia means the potential of woodlots at all stages is at an all time high.

“It’s been about 15 years since log prices were at such a good rate and despite our high dollar it’s a good time to sell.”

However, the best prices are reserved for those who’ve managed their forestry wisely, he says, and thinning trees at seven or eight years old is especially critical.

“Just as farmers control the number of stock units on a hectare of grass, a hectare will only grow so much timber and you need to thin out your trees to maximise the quality.”

Current high log prices mean the difference between a pruned and unpruned log isn’t that great but malformed trees are low value and get in the way of harvesting and replanting, he says.

“The cost of thinning is a third of the cost of pruning and for that small capital investment you’ll reap three times the rewards.”

The company’s services include everything from planting, to pruning and thinning, marketing, harvesting and land re-establishment in forestry or pasture. At any stage, Eddie offers a free on-site consultation to form strategies to enhance the asset’s value.

Finance deals offsetting the cost of

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Wade Glass, Rick Middleton and our team can provide taxation solutions for small and large businesses.

We provide a mix of local knowledge and specialist tax advisory from our offices in Warkworth and Newmarket.

Warkworth Office Level 1, 2 Wharf Street, Warkworth Phone: 09 425 8536 Fax: 09 425 8530 Wade Glass Email: wade.glass@kgal.co.nz Rick Middleton Email: rick.middleton@kgal.co.nz Website: www.kgal.co.nz Eddie Casey

thinning and management against eventual returns are also available.

A six-strong harvest crew tackles forestry blocks of all sizes, carefully managing the site and clean up to minimise their impact on the land and infrastructure. Local company Aztec Forestry Transport carries the logs, while the country’s largest forestry consultancy, PF Olsen, provides an extensive cutting list and vital security of payment.

A life-long Wellsford district local Eddie is a keen surfer and fisherman who also owns the successful Hot az Hell firewood business, but he is most passionate about forestry.

“I look at forests I’ve planted and feel proud to know that they’re going to create employment and export income, while their owners do exceptionally well.”

Briefs Northern youth silent The Auckland Council Youth Advisory Panel has been established, but without a voice from northern Rodney. Although two South Kaipara Youth Forum representatives have seats on the panel, Auckland Councillor Michael Goudie says north Rodney representatives will be included at a later date. He says because of time constraints in this foundation year, representatives were chosen from existing youth councils and forums. The panel’s purpose is to communicate the views of young people to Auckland Council and connect young people with programmes and events. The panel meets monthly and representatives range from 15 to 21 years.

A Kiwiana occasion Kiwiana is the theme for this year’s Puhoi dance, to be held on June 11, from 8pm to 12pm. There will be a live band and raffles. BYO and a plate to share for supper, gold coin donation. Tickets available from Cody 422 0891.

10 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

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Rural land for rural production?

The process of setting the direction for the space that is now governed by Auckland Council is well underway. The Rodney Local Board has completed 15 public meetings to gather the thoughts and aspirations of Rodney (as much as is possible). We have done this to try and ensure that the draft Annual Plan reflects collectively what we want for our space. Auckland is 90 percent rural. It is of note that only two of the 21 local boards are rural. Some have a tiny amount of rural land but, by far, the greatest rural land mass falls in Rodney and Franklin.

At a recent meeting of the Rodney and Franklin Local Boards, we confirmed that we share similar issues and have similar aspirations. Protection of productive land primarily for production, rating relief for high net value non-productive land and considered, consistent, ecologically sustainable growth and development of our wards. We also recognise that growth and development may ‘look’ and ‘feel’ very different to what happens in the urban centres.

We are the playgrounds and primary produce supplier for the Auckland metropolis and beyond and it is important that we maintain this production basis and our identity and difference from urban Auckland. This is what attracts residents and visitors to Rodney. It appears that we do not want to have uncontrolled urban sprawl across our entire space and our communities want to see the implementation of development plans which have been completed or considered. Puhoi, Matakana and Warkworth are among many of our settlements where considerable time, energy and thought has been applied to a vision that is appropriate. These are well documented and generally accepted as a great place from which to base decisions and direct activity.

The Auckland Plan and the Local Board Plans are the opportunity we have now to influence what our space looks like. I would like to thank all those who have attended our meetings and encourage as many people as possible to speak up during the next six to eight months and ensure that Rodney does not get ‘lost’ in urban-dominated Auckland and plans and decisions made are appropriate for us.

Labour launches Rodney bid Labour Party candidate for the Rodney electorate Christine Rose will launch her campaign in the Methodist Church Hall at Manly on May 24.

Mrs Rose says the Labour Party for women’s refuges and girls’ selfcampaign will highlight four major defence classes are all impacting policies – the foolishness of asset sales, severely on Rodney communities. getting a hold on rapidly increasing “The government has also signalled living costs, investing in skills and reduced funding for local roading and training, and putting kids first. this is a real concern for our farmers “Labour’s policies are especially and businesses.” relevant to Rodney, given its growing Mrs Rose says that these issues have population and proportion of young been raised by Rodney residents and people,” she says. “Cuts to funding investors as she has toured the district, for early childhood education, skills visiting educational facilities and training and adult community social service providers. The launch education, along with cuts to support starts at 7.30pm.

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 11

Genealogy club celebrates quarter century Vintage steam Wellsford Genealogy Group members have tracked hundreds of relatives through several centuries and around the train journey globe but at their latest meeting focused on their more recent history.

While the group existed informally as north-bound early as 1981, with the first written record of a meeting in 1983, it wasn’t until February 1986 that it officially joined the New Zealand Society of Genealogists (NZSG).

The original 27-strong group covered an area from from Puhoi to Waipu, before Warkworth and Waipu established groups of their own. The inaugural president was the late Marj Inger, who led members in gathering and recording information from headstones throughout the district, helping to create one of NZSG’s exclusive resources.

Current president Tony Moore and his wife Colleen are among six of the original Wellsford group who remain part of it today. Tony says the research challenge is what he most enjoys about genealogy. In the past 12 months he’s resolved two mysteries about key family members that apparently disappeared and he previously discovered details of Maori ancestry that was never mentioned by his parents.

The past 25 years have seen research options expand considerably, from having to visit Auckland’s Mormon Church to view their records, to using the club’s own microfiche resources and more recently, to surfing the internet.

However, Colleen points out that the club’s microfiche records, including national births, deaths and marriages from 1840-1990, remain useful, providing access to material not available

A stream train excursion from Auckland to Whangarei on May 28 may be the last chance to travel through the scenic north via train.

KiwiRail is assessing the viability of the line, which is under threat of closure.

Mainline Steam Heritage Trust operations manager Michael Tolich says the trust is hoping for a positive outcome following the review.

“This rail line is different to others as it pulls away from the road and takes passengers through some beautiful scenery which most people would not otherwise be able to see.”

Steam locomotive Ja1275, built in the 1950s, came to the Trust from Les Hostick of Hamilton in 1994, where it was fully restored and returned to mainline service in 2004. The special passenger service, which can carry up to 300 patrons, will run from Ellerslie with pick-ups at Helensville and Wellsford. Excursions operated by the Trust raise money for the rebuilding and maintenance of Mainline’s historic locomotive collection.

Michael says the Trust enjoys running the services as they showcase New Zealand’s rail heritage to both young and old.

For booking details visit: mainlinesteam.co.nz

Wellsford genealogists have enjoyed making new connections for the past 25 years.

on the internet due to privacy laws and representing original documentation rather than indexes that may include errors in transcription or interpretation.

While those new to genealogy commonly aim to see “how far back” they can go with their family tree, Tony believes it’s best to go back just a few generations and branch out to discover living family members who can provide invaluable insights into family history.

“The records of people who’ve died are always going to be there, so research enough to find out how many living people you can meet and go and talk to them,” he says.

Colleen enjoys finding more and more relatives, including fourth or fifth cousins, meeting up with some of them and sharing information.

However, dead ends and the occasional rebuff from people who don’t want to get involved are inevitable.

“Most New Zealanders aim to find

No celebration is complete without a cake. Pictured Eileen Warth (left) and Jenny Wilson.

the ship that their family came out on, where they came from and can usually trace back a few generations beyond that, but it’s difficult to get beyond 1700 because, unless you were landed gentry or royalty, earlier records weren’t usually kept,” she says.

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Water for Elephants is an adaptation of a hugely popular best-selling novel of the same name. The screen version sees the Twilight Saga’s Robert Pattinson in the lead role of Jacob who loses his parents in a car accident on the day he is sitting his final veterinary exam. With little left in his life, he jumps a train and finds himself immediately immersed in the paradoxical world of a travelling circus. Reese Witherspoon plays the love interest whose husband (played by Christoph Waltz) is the charismatic but ruthless and brutal boss/ringleader of the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Though the film has more of a female skew, not least for Twilight fans who can get their Rob-fix, there is definitely something in this film for everyone. The sugary sheen of the public view is just a façade for what is a brutal existence for man and animal. Though there are solid performances across the board, it is the beautiful cinematography that is the real star here, while the set dressing is magnificent and brings the viewer into the depression-era setting.

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The story centers on the meeting and ensuing courting of his third wife Miriam (Rosamund Pike) at his wedding to his Jewish, trust-fund wealthy and neurotic second wife, hilariously played by Minnie Driver. Based on Mordecai Richler’s prize-winning comic novel Barney’s Version is a very strong comedic drama with a brilliant performance by Giamatti, as well as solid support from the likes of Rosamund Pike, Minnie Driver and a star turn from Dustin Hoffman as Barney’s loose-cannon father Izzy who is more side-kick than father figure.

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 13

The Pakiri Stables, by Richard Smallfield.

Life through a camera lens

Next month, there will be a focus on photography at two local exhibitions, which are running as part of the annual Auckland Festival of Photography.

The festival is NZ’s largest photographic Andrew Martin, Marshall Lefferts and event, encouraging more people to Maria Krajcirovic. The exhibition will celebrate the art of photography through run from June 3 to 26. free public access to professionally- Meanwhile, photographers Richard curated exhibitions.

Smallfield, Karen Williamson, Matakana Country Park Gallery is a Di Halstead, Mary Moore, Sue Fringe Venue and will showcase nine Hill, Jasmine Kovach and Hannah photographers, who all live in the local Sutherland will exhibit their work in area. The exhibition space will be the a show called Coast, at Leigh Sawmill Mezzanine Floor, previously the home Café, from June 3 to 25. for Matakana Pictures which ran as a The exhibition represents the work of dedicated photography gallery for a an enthusiastic group of artists who year before closing in 2006. meet regularly to share knowledge, Next month’s show will feature some of enthusiasm and inspiration on all the artists who exhibited at Matakana things to do with photography. Richard Pictures and introduce some new faces. Smallfield is a founding member of the Exhibitors are Ian Macdonald who group and he is well known for his back founded Matakana Pictures, Richard roads series where he documents the Collins, Murray Savidan, Barbara changing rural environment around Cope, Paul Konings, Di Halstead, Leigh and Warkworth.

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Heritage day digs into Matakana’s disappearing history People with documents and photographs that can shed light on Matakana’s history are invited to attend the inaugural Matakana Heritage Day on Sunday June 19.

The event will be held in the Matakana “People will be able to take their memorabilia home with them, but at Hall, from 11am to 3pm.

The organisers, mostly people who least we will begin to get a picture of have had a long association with the what is in community hands.” area, say the day has been borne out of Ina says some unexpected photographs concern that a lot of the history of the have already surfaced just through word-of-mouth. These include a shot village is being lost.

“This was brought home quite of the wharf in the 1930s, which shows starkly when the shops in the village a number of craft at anchor; an 1894 development were flooded earlier school photo; and a series held by Austin this year,” Anthea McKergow says. Smith which captures the growth of “Families who have lived here for Matakana from the 1890s to the 1940s. generations remember Matakana Anthea says another reason for starting flooding on several occasions; the this process is that two important anniversaries are on the horizon – flooding wasn’t something new.”

Brian Wenzlick says that many recent Matakana School will enter its 150th arrivals to the village don’t have the year next January and St Leonards benefit of stories being handed down Anglican Church turns 100 in 2014.

Info: Anthea McKergow 422 6219.

The original Cruikshank Store, in Matakana. from generation to generation.

“They think that what they see in the village today is more or less how it’s always been,” he says. “In fact, buildings have come and gone, or Members of the Kowhai Coast Lions by Dorothy’s, Not Just Hats and been moved to different locations.”

Club have been busy on some successful Warkworth Footwear.

Ina Shaw, whose father once ran fundraising projects recently.

Organsiers thanked sponsors several businesses in the district, says Their Easter raffle raised $1000, Warkworth New World and there is not a lot of information in which was used to purchase a digital Tumbleweed, as well as Snells Beach the public realm about the early days hearing book for one visually impaired junior school students who made of the town, so that’s why they have person in the area. decorations, the models, dressers and decided to appeal for photographs and The winners of the Easter Basket Raffle the Lions who set up the hall and documents held in private collections. were Christine and David Foster, part- served the delicious supper.

“We don’t think anyone has the whole time residents of Snells Beach. Second The next fundraising event will be a story – it’s going to be a matter of prize went to B. Lambert from Kaipara. Fundraising Fun Dance for local fire The Easter Bonnet competition winner. piecing the history together bit-by- A successful Easter-themed Fashion brigades, which will be held in the demonstration, raffles and dancing. bit,” she says.

Parade raised enough to buy a second Snells Beach Community Centre on Admission is $10 and ladies a plate.

The organisers plan to record what digital hearing book. It was held at June 4, starting at 7.30pm.

Info and tickets: Phone Lynne 425 turns up at the Heritage Day. Warkworth Bowls and was supported The evening will include a zumba 4999 or Olwyn 425 4673.

Busy fundraising programme for Kowhai Lions

• •

Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 15

lifematters

Pre-schoolers’ programme delivers positive results

Our Rehab Gym HAS EXPANDED!

Children in Wellsford’s HIPPY (Home Interaction for Parents of Pre-school Youngsters) programme marked a milestone last week, receiving certificates for completing a year of the course which boosts their preparation for school.

Co-ordinator Carolynne Andrew daughter Sapphire Wheater has been says she’s thrilled with the progress of in the programme since May last year the internationally recognised non- when Ashleigh was concerned about profit programme, which is achieving balancing Sapphire’s needs with those “astounding” changes for local of her newborn son. She says it has participants after just a year in operation. encouraged her to spend regular one“All parents want to do their best for on-one time with Sapphire and helped their children, but there is no handbook her to understand her basic learning that tells you what your child needs needs and capabilities. to know before they go to school and Having regular access to a tutor is an what you can do. That’s what the important element, providing ongoing programme does in a systematic, fun advice and support that means any and constructive way,” she says. questions are quickly resolved. Ashleigh In weekly, one-hour sessions a tutor says Sapphire is quite shy but the course visits families in their home to guide has helped her to “open up a bit” giving them through using supplied resources her the confidence she will need when to teach children basic colours, shapes, she starts school in September. numbers and concepts and explain The programme had an initial intake their importance. Parents commit to of 30 three-and-a-half to four-andworking through the materials with a-half-year-olds in March last year their child 15 minutes a day, five days and currently includes 28 youngsters. a week for 30 weeks each year.

Demand for the service has resulted in a “The system ensures the parent knows waiting list for the next intake early next what they’re doing and that there year, when some children complete the are a lot of affirmations of children’s course. The programme is funded by attitudes, behaviours and efforts. That the Waitemata District Health Board kind of positive reinforcement flows for two years and will be reviewing its through the rest of the family.” future funding structure to ensure its Ashleigh Paikea’s four-year-old continuation from the end of this year.

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By Liz Cole, Homebuilders family support worker

With the pressures of modern life parents often find themselves struggling with their children. Everything can become a rush and a stress rather than a joy.

Getting joy into your parenting brings more love into it and more satisfaction.

This in turn affects your children’s behaviour and you find they are happier and less demanding.

A great way to start this transformation is to spend some time every day really being with your child. This means leaving the housework for later, not answering the phone, not talking to other adults and focussing all your attention on your child. During this time you need to get alongside whatever they are doing and join in. Be silly, read a book, dance together, make art together, kick a ball… and while you do this really notice what a wonderful individual they are. Soak them in like you did when they were a baby, fall in love with them again and again.

This will help you to create a good story in your mind about who they are and it will help you to enjoy parenting again.

If you have more than one child, try to get a few one-on-one sessions of love with each child. To do this you may need to ask for the help of another parent or adult. Or you may need to take opportunities such as different bedtimes or kindy times to create space for one-on-one time. Also a key to joyful parenting is making sure you have some pleasurable time for yourself that is fulfilling and nourishing. Parents need to be nurtured too. For support around parenting check out Homebuilders SKIP Parenting and Bag of Tricks courses or phone to talk to a family support worker.

Singing for their supper invite

Tania Verdonk Is Singing For Their Supper is the title of a fundraising evening to be held in the Anglican Church Warkworth, on Friday, May 27 at 7.30pm.

Tania specialised in choral studies and for Christchurch earthquake victims. conducting under Dr Karen Grylls, at She will perform a selection of Free Consultation what have you got to lose? Call now... the University of Auckland, and holds songs, ranging from easy-listening to a diploma in performance singing thought-provoking, which she says system : slim Warkworth from the Royal School of Music. She will appeal to all ages. Proceeds will Call Lianna 021 424 781 or email: lianna@bodynsoul.co.nz is organising the event to raise money go towards a programme run by an Anglican parish in east Christchurch, an area badly hit by the earthquake.

Each week the parish provides a free hot meal to those who need it, as well Come and view our 17 bed, spacious home set in tranquil grounds 2 minutes as supporting local folk in many other north of Orewa. Enjoy the company of others & the very best of care sorts of ways.

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Sessions available for reasonable donation till the end of May

Girls self-defence A one-day self-defence and personal safety workshop for girls aged eight to 12 years will be held at Totara Park Retirement Village, on July 19. The girls will learn how to resist uncomfortable or unwanted approaches, and how to say ‘no’ in unsafe situations. Self defence is about empowering girls, realising their potential, building confidence and teaching them to take care of themselves in all situations.

Info: Lorraine Moir 425 7261 or 0800 237 674.

Visit our What’s On section at www.localmatters.co.nz

Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 17

History

with Lyn Johnston, Albertland Museum

www.albertland.co.nz

Letter from the gumfields

Albertland had its fair share of gumdiggers when gum was a valuable commodity. As fields worked out some men tried their luck elsewhere. Here are excerpts from a letter written by Stan Rogers to Harold Marsh when he and his mates were in the far north field at Hohoura. It gives a vivid and rather hilarious description of their life.

Jack Riley was a well-known Albertland identity, and spent his last days retired on the banks of the Opou Creek. Jack McDonald was another local man much in demand for musical evenings, being an excellent violinist. Henry Sefton was killed in WWI. Hohoura - July 1904 Dear Harold, Something struck me funny so I thought I would write you a few lines, as I haven’t heard from you or anything about you all up that way for a long time, how does that strike you, comical I expect, anyhow we are all well up here at present hoping this will find you & all the rest of my friends in Wharehine in good health & spirits.

There are four of us up here Riley, Henry, Jack & myself, & bye the bye Riley has a motor car & all hands on the field sings out ‘how’s the motor-car getting along?’

It is all right while its going, but when out he feels the cold slightly & gently does a promenade to the first chimney with a fire on, & that’s Henry’s as he is

a lb outrageous price, there is plenty of gum up here but you have to handle it very carefully as it is all rubbish mostly, & the good gum scarce. There is a fair demand at present for this class of gum, otherwise we would do very little, as it is we’re not doing too well the weather being against us lately.

We have a chap in the camp plays the cornet & it goes all right too, he plays it most every night, one has an accordion & can’t play for anyone to listen to. The rest of the boys wish to be remembered to all up that way, hoping you are all well up your way at present, as we are all well. I will come to a close by wishing you all good night.

Jack Riley (seated) and his mates outside their gum diggers’ hut on the Opou field. Photo, Albertland Museum, Harold Marsh Collection.

his next door neighbour.

We had a dreadful storm when coming up to Hohoura & had to put in to Whangarei Heads for shelter for a day & night, there was a spray flying about & a few of us felt the swell very much, especially the females.

We were not sorry when we reached Hohoura, & to make things worse there was a concert the 2nd night we stayed there. We reckoned on getting to bed early on account of not having any sleep the night before as the cook

& waitresses were all boozing a bit with a few Austrians who got the stuff for them. We could hear them breaking the necks of the bottles & you know the rest. Well, the concert & dance came to a close about ½ past 2 o’clock & then the blokes came down to the pub & a chap by the name of Neil McLeod had a set of bag-pipes & they had him playing from then till day-break, so you can form some idea of how we managed to squeeze a little sleep out.

No fruit up here of any kind under 1/-

Japanese study offer After the devastating tsunami that stuck Japan in March, Mahurangi College has offered assistance to Japanese students at their sister school Sendai Ikuei. Mahurangi College was given special approval by the Ministry of Education to invite five extra students from Sendai to study at the school, exempt of any fees. Riona Sakai, 16, has taken up the offer and will arrive next month.

Despite several families offering to host the students, a Mahurangi College spokesperson says that so far they have only received interest from Riona. “This isn’t surprising,” he says. “Parents will be very cautious of where their children are and what they are doing after this shocking event. They would want to keep them close.” Riona, who has yet to confirm what subjects she will take, will join Year 12 and will stay until term one next year. Mahurangi College has had an exchange programme with Sendai Ikuei for 10 years.

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From your old friend and wellwisher Stanley Rogers E T Mark your calendar – Saturday, 28 May, 1.30pm. The annual Albertlanders Celebrations will take place at the Port Albert Hall. The programme will include a screening of the new DVD The Albertland Gumdiggers and Paul Campbell’s sneak preview of his new publication Images of Albertland, a compilation of Harold Marsh’s classic photographs. Entry $5 adults, $1 children, includes afternoon tea. The evening show, May Music and Mayhem Party kicks off at 7.30pm. Tickets $20 head. Info: Barbara Lane 423 8187.

This is a fundraising dance and supper for the 150th Albertlander Celebrations.

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18 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

BU IL D I N G F E AT U R E

in residence

Quake-ravaged city captures Warkworth engineer’s interest Helping out after the Christchurch earthquakes was a humanitarian gesture for Warkworth engineer Colin Ashby, but professional curiosity and a surfeit of work are what have enticed him to stay.

A geotechnical and structural engineer, he found the different impacts of the two earthquakes intriguing and says they have inspired ideas “so cunning you could pin a tail on them and call them a ferret”.

With relatives in Christchurch, Colin was quick to volunteer to help civil defence after the first earthquake in September last year. That led to paid work until he decided to return home a fortnight before Christmas. Within a week of the second quake in February he was back volunteering, assessing damage and escorting people into the Red Zone to retrieve vital records.

“When I first came down I was concerned that I might be out of my league due to the local geology, but within a day I felt quite comfortable assessing and understanding what was happening.”

However, he was surprised to find a significant difference between Christchurch and Auckland construction practices.

Colin Ashby is coming to grips with a new construction climate in Christchurch.

“After the first earthquake I inspected about eight blocks of flats that had effectively ‘broken their backs’ through the absence of reinforcing in their floor slabs. At first I thought someone had made a mistake, then I found out that was the norm.”

Reinforced slabs are standard in Warkworth and Auckland where they counter the effects of expansive clay soils, but Colin says under normal conditions Christchurch soils are firm and not prone to shrinking and swelling.

While he acknowledges that some reinforced slabs did snap in the quake, he is convinced reinforcing could have significantly improved building survival and he has since made submissions to building regulators suggesting reinforced slabs be made compulsory and that risks posed by ground prone to liquefaction be recognised.

“The building code currently allows lousy foundations on ground that’s likely to be succumb to liquefaction.

It’s really stupid. If your roof blows off

or your wall falls down you can fix it, but if your foundations or slab break it’s a write-off.”

He says Ashby Consulting favours a “waffle slab design” of large polystyrene squares set in a grid pattern with reinforcing steel rods on the bottom and mesh over the top which is quick and easy to lay.

The system has been used by a major housing developer and has prevented even minor surface cracks that are common in other concrete slabs. Colin says Christchurch houses that used the approach survived intact, although the slabs were slightly tilted.

Other plans include developing affordable residential base isolators that would reduce shaking to 10 to 20 percent of what would otherwise occur.

Though already included in places like Parliament, base isolators currently come at a hefty cost, well beyond the reach of individual home owners.

Colin has already spent five of the past eight months in Christchurch, commuting back to Warkworth on an occasional basis and feeding work through the local team. He anticipates at least a decade’s solid work in Christchurch, contrasting continued next page

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“There are a lot of people who are quite shell-shocked, but to me it’s an adventure.”

Colin was there for one of the major aftershocks and admitted his reaction was “yahoo!”. It was on a trip back through Auckland that he had a vague sense that something was wrong.

“I couldn’t pinpoint what it was, then I realised – it was that there were no damaged buildings.”

While Christchurch housing is at a premium, Colin says he has plans to build. Not surprisingly the design will include a “waffle” slab, the prototype of his base isolators “and possibly some cunning ferret ideas about tsunamis as well.”

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with the current noticeable downturn in the north and plans to relocate permanently with his wife before the end of the year, while still retaining his Warkworth team.

“In many ways I feel called to stay.

I’ve got over 40 years of engineering experience, particularly in slab design and ground-structure interface. There are a lot of people that are structural engineers and there are a lot that are geotechnical, but not many have both backgrounds and that could be helpful.”

He’s not fazed by the prospect of further earthquakes, convinced that anything dangerous has already fallen or been roped off, although he is slightly bothered by the possibility of tsunamis.

from page 18

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While many others are looking to escape the stresses of quake-ravaged Christchurch and its ongoing aftershocks, tradesmen from around the country are flocking to the region to be part of the repair work that promises to keep them busy for years to come.

Snells Beach’s Alan Raney is just one of the local builders who were attracted to the prospect after struggling to find work in Auckland. Unlike those who are commuting long distance to be part of the job, Alan has relocated permanently to the city.

He was considering the move to be close to his son’s family even before the first earthquake in September last year and rather than being put off by the event, decided it was simply another good reason to go.

Initially working with local builders, he’s since joined Fletcher Construction which was appointed by the Earthquake Commission (EQC) to manage the repair of approximately 50,000 moderately or seriously damaged properties.

Although at first concerned by aftershocks, Alan says he has now acclimatised to them. Fortunately,

Alan Raney

both he and his son’s family were out of the city when the second earthquake struck, although his son’s Wainoni home was partially damaged and required some repairs.

Until recently the building work being undertaken on private houses has focused on emergency repairs like fixing damaged roofs and broken windows, pulling down chimneys and getting heating re-established as winter sets in, however, Alan says it’s now moved to undertaking full repair jobs. continued next page

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 21 BUILDING FEATURE

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Christchurch rebuild For him the biggest change is being “off the tools” and supervising and organising other builders instead.

After the second earthquake he returned to Christchurch with his wife, despite family remaining in Snells Beach and Auckland thinking they were “a bit crazy” to go.

Finding a rental house is proving a challenge, as many of those they saw were available before they left Auckland have since been damaged and taken off the market.

Alan says an initial plan to spend about two years in the southern city is likely to be revised upwards as it’s clear the rebuilding effort will take much longer.

He says the work has attracted builders from around the country and there’s still room for more, although it’s important that they’re registered through the Certified Builders Association or Master Builders Federation, to ensure only quality reconstruction.

from page 20

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22 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

Retirement village joint venture owners already own and operate the Pakuranga Retirement Village, one of the largest retirement centres in NZ, and have been in the industry for 25 years.

Company directors are Warkworth solicitor Chris Murphy, who is also involved in the Rodney Surgical Centre, and Auckland accountant Greg Kasper, who has family links to the Mahurangi district – his father owned and operated the Jane Gifford.

Mr Murphy says the development will inject new life into Warkworth and consultation with community groups so far has been “very encouraging”.

“It’s rare to find a piece of land in the middle of a township big enough to take a viable retirement village development,” he says. “The site offers huge advantages for retirees because services and recreational facilities are mostly within walking distance.

“We know there may be issues, but we think this is an exciting project for Warkworth and we hope that by talking to people now, any valid concerns can be addressed early in the process.”

Mr Murphy says the development will be called The Oaks Village.

It will comprise three accommodation blocks, ranging from four to six storeys including ground floor retail space. In

from page 1

total, there will be 86 independent-living apartments, 10 retail shops including a café, a 30-room rest home/hospital facility, an 80-bay underground carpark, and leisure facilities including a private gym and swimming pool. When fully occupied, the apartments are expected to cater for about 130 residents.

The existing inn will retain its heritage façade, but lose its western annex.

Improvements will include a quality restaurant and bar, with the possibility of an upstairs reception/conference centre.

Mr Murphy says that with public support, it could take as little as a few months to gain the necessary council consents and construction will take a further 18 months to two years.

The entire complex, including landscaping, will be constructed in ‘one hit’ to lessen the impact on Warkworth.

However, the internal fit-outs will focus firstly on the main building which includes the rest home, village facilities and retail areas. The remaining apartment blocks will be fitted out in stages.

Apartments will be sold on a ‘licence to occupy’ basis which are likely to range from $300,000 to $800,000, based on current valuations, and there will also be a weekly service charge. continued next page

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Retirement village “Experience tells us that to be attractive to the age group we’re targeting, the average apartment price has to be below the average house price. This allows residents to sell their home and put away a ‘nest egg’ so they aren’t totally dependent on their pension.”

It’s a $30-plus million project with a very small build or development margin. However, Mr Murphy says it works financially as a long-term business model.

“A quick turnover from the site just isn’t feasible and is probably one of the reasons previous developments have foundered.”

Mr Murphy says the height of the apartment blocks was an important consideration in the design of the village. Under the District Plan, building heights in Warkworth are limited to 10.5m; the three apartment blocks will range from 13.6m to 19.8m.

“We don’t want it to be imposing. The buildings are set back from the Neville Street boundary and we have used the contour of the site to disguise, as much as possible, the bulk of the buildings. We are also retaining most of the oak trees because they provide a natural screen, but also because we want a green area.

“We could have brought the buildings down in height by doing away with the shops, but to ensure residents’ security, we would have had to build a gated community and we didn’t think this would appeal to either Council or the community.”

The minimum age of occupants will be 60 years, although the average age of entry at other retirement facilities is nearer to 78 years, and apartments turn over on average every seven years.

When the plan was presented to last month’s Warkworth Community Liaison Group meeting, the developers were questioned on issues such as noise, parking, costs, impacts on existing infrastructure and the loss of trees.

After the meeting, Warkworth GreyPower president Anne Martin said it was an innovative idea to build a retirement home in the centre of town.

“Normally, they are put on the

from page 22

fringes,” she said. “I’m not sure if people are ready for apartment living in Warkworth, but the level of security it provides will be attractive. It will certainly give elderly people a choice and I like the idea that it’s not being closed off from the community – the retail shops and café will draw lots of people into the complex.

“My only thought would be that anyone looking at this type of accommodation should carefully consider what the licence to occupy agreement means and be aware of the weekly maintenance charge.”

Businessman Richard Papworth said the project would give the centre of Warkworth some vibrancy and would be good news for retailers.

“It’s a fantastic proposal that will enhance the character of the town,” he said.

Tree Council board member Hueline Massey said at least two of the trees listed for removal were on the Notable Trees Schedule, providing a high level of protection, and a further five oaks would be severely pruned.

“The pruned trees will also suffer when the basement parking area is constructed, as this will lower the water table and put them under further stress,” she said.

Mrs Massey also questioned the need for the one-way driveway from Neville Street, through the oaks.

“I’m not concerned so much for the trees, as the road will be a raised platform, but it will generate more traffic through the retail section which won’t make the area as pedestrian-friendly as it could be.”

Mrs Massey commended the developers for the planned planting programme around the oaks and felt that the site would benefit from longterm ownership.

“There will be more of a commitment to carry-out the plan,” she said.

A model of The Oaks can be viewed at the offices of Webster, Malcolm & Kilpatrick, Lawlink House, Neville Street, Warkworth, during normal business hours.

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Employers within the building industry are encouraged to look at taking on apprentices now. Young people looking at careers in building may be hard to come by next year.

Building skills shortage looms as training numbers stagnate Demand for skilled labour within the building and construction industry could outstrip that seen in the boom years leading up to 2007.

Early indications are that New Zealand needs more than double the number of workers currently working in the industry in the medium term.

Building & Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO) chief executive Ruma Karaitiana says the boom and bust nature of the building industry is again rearing its head.

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“This time however, the boom is advancing quickly and dramatically; this won’t be a gradual increase in activity as seen in previous cycles,” he says. “Rebuilding in Canterbury, leaky-homes remedial work and pentup housing shortages are set to suckup every last building professional in the country.”

Although this news is a relief for many builders, it poses serious challenges for industry training. Nationally, the number of people completing building trade qualifications has decreased by nearly 40 per cent since 2007.

“The building industry needs to recognise the importance to train now.

We have young people ready to start working, but the reality is that many builders are still doing it tough, and are struggling to hire apprentices. We fear that by the time builders are ready to hire again, it will be too late.”

The BCITO is in preliminary discussions with other industry stakeholders to look at what new initiatives and strategies can be deployed.

“We are also looking to work closely with polytechnics, which do a great job of preparing the next generation of builders. However, theory is just one aspect of becoming a builder. We really need these young people on building sites, getting their hands dirty whilst applying best-practice building techniques. Employers therefore play a key part in delivering the skills we need.”

The BCITO can be contacted on 0800 422 486.

Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 25 BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

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Pink-stained H1.2 timber is set to simplify building materials.

A move to simplify timber treatment standards will come into full effect on July 1 when pink-stained H1.2 treated timber will become the norm for almost all enclosed timber framing.

Announcing the change earlier this year Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson said the new system would replace as many as four different classes of timber currently used in house framing, including untreated timber, which had proved complex and costly, sometimes leading to mistakes on site.

For example, under the old rules timber framing in the external walls of a house must be treated but roof trusses and framing for internal walls can be untreated. Under the new system H1.2 will be used for all of the walls and the roof trusses.

Operations manager of the Certified Builders Association NZ, Jason McClintock, says the change will mainly impact on designers and builders who specify materials, but will benefit homeowners by eliminating confusion and the possibility of

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builders cutting corners with framing to save costs.

He says H1.2 is a boron treated timber that has good resistance to decay, water penetration and insect attacks and represents the industry “coming full circle” to use treatments of the past.

Department of Building and Housing guidelines on the change state boron has been used commercially as a timber preservative in New Zealand since the 1950s, with no known health issues for timber users or building inhabitants.

However, untreated Douglas fir framing will be an option under the new system, but only if specific lowrisk conditions are met.

Mr McClintock says that the new regulations will mean more protection and probably less cost, if problems do arise.

“If you have got a leak, rather than the framing rotting away very quickly and leaving you with no wall, you’ll see signs of deterioration and can address that before you lose the structural integrity of your home.”

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26 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

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Structural integrity is under the spotlight in local house sales as savvy buyers seek independent checks before committing their cash, according to owner director of Ray White Real Estate Warkworth Ken Bogue.

Leaky homes publicity and growing awareness of potentially high costs of Code of Compliance issues are behind the intensive scrutiny which can be particularly challenging for local areas such as Algies Bay and Snells Beach, where many of what were originally beach houses have been added to over the years, sometimes without official paperwork.

“More contracts are done these days that are subject to independent building reports than ever before,” Ken says.

A clear majority of contracts involve clauses about checks by independent builders, weatherproofing experts or infrared testing for dampness.

“People are extremely cautious and if something hasn’t got a Code of Compliance they’re either walking a way or demanding the vendors sort it out. Some vendors are unable to comply with that because they’re unaware of the history of the building.”

Those cases lead to added costs for “safe and sanitary reports” by independent engineers which may in turn lead to expensive work that needs to be done.

“A few years ago people would accept it as it is because of other factors such as position, but because houses are getting harder to sell because of Code of Compliance issues people are no longer willing to take the risk and it’s slowed the process up considerably.”

Ken Bogue

For sellers doing up their houses to sell, DIY is fine if it’s done properly and has all of the necessary consents, but can be a false economy if you don’t “tick all the boxes”.

Ken recommends that vendors get a LIM report themselves before putting their property on the market to make sure the property is compliant and if it’s not, undertake the work necessary to get it up to standard.

“It will save a lot of stress later on and it will improve the price you get.”

If people do decide to take a house on with Code of Compliance issues, they either make it conditional on the vendor doing the work or they make sure that they’re covered to do it themselves by taking money off the sale price, he says.

“Sometimes a small amount spent on repairing the issue in advance can be recovered two or three times by an improvement in the sale value.”

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 27 BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

Tree removal goes sky high Removal of a 30m poplar leaning precariously over the Matakana Village Farmers Market by helicopter last week was part of costly work to remediate the area following major flood damage at the end of January.

Auckland Council’s team leader parks and coastal operations, Chris Burgess, says the tree’s significant lean, decay in between two main trunks and undermining of its root system by the floods, meant it posed a serious risk to the public.

Removing the tree in sections by helicopter was the only option due to the tree’s size and location, lack of access for a suitable crane and the position of nearby buildings.

Under the supervision of Citycare, local teams from Treescape and Skyworks Helicopters made around fifty 900-kilo lifts with about a twominute turn around, cutting and carrying pieces of the tree to the nearby Kiwi Welldrillers site, where they were immediately processed into chip and firewood.

Manager of the Matakana Village Farmers Market, Michael Kessell, was impressed by the professionalism of workers removing the tree and says the cost was justified because of the real danger it posed.

Up and away.

“One fall would have wiped out the whole market and the people within it,” he says.

Other post-flood works include the installation of large rocks via crane to protect the bank below Matakana Market Kitchen (MMK), clearance of bamboo and debris from the banks, replacing gravel in the riverside paths and replanting banks with low growing plants that won’t inhibit any future floodwaters.

Mr Burgess says the tree removal was a major part of the remediation work costs that could add up to as much as $100,000 in total.

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BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

Sea spray assault can have serious structural affects While a coastal home is usually a bonus, it can come with added maintenance issues that have potentially serious consequences if left unchecked.

Certified Master Builders Auckland regional coordinator Chris Ewens warns that salt-laden air can have harsh impacts on critical building components and you don’t have to live right on the waterfront to be exposed to it. In fact the New Zealand Building Code identifies the whole area from Tuakau to Maungaturoto as Sea Spray Zone One, the highest level of risk.

While from 1999 building standards required stainless steel structural fixings in sea spray-affected areas, older houses could be at risk.

Mr Ewens says that prior to the leaky homes issue galvanised fixings and arsenic-based timber treatments were all that was available, elements that could combine to weaken bolts, nails and joist hangers commonly found in the supporting structures of pole houses and decks.

“Galvanising a nail makes it better able to handle the rain but weakens it structurally. At the same time arsenic treatment in the timber can eat away at the bolts causing them to weaken from the inside out, problems compounded by corrosion of salt spray.”

Deck failures around the country have occurred when fixings give way, he says, sometimes with fatal results.

In Omaha in January ten people were injured and nine hospitalised, after they fell 2-3m when a deck suddenly collapsed.

“People in pole houses are also often unaware that that should check that the bolts and braces for their poles are

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tight. If left unaddressed, high winds can cause buildings to move much more than they should, putting undue pressure on fixings that can suddenly give way.”

He recommends checks are done annually, simply by looking for signs of corrosion and testing bolts for tightness. Internal corrosion will be revealed if bolts break when they’re tightened.

“Some loosening over time is normal as timber dries out and shrinks.

Checking should only take a few minutes, but if you don’t do it five or 10 years down the track you’ve got degradation of metal fixings compounded with drying of timber, resulting in quite a bit of movement.

“If you see something, you’re going to nip it in the bud early and it’s going to be a lot cheaper, but if you leave it too long you could be up for a brand new deck.”

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 29 BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

New tool in builder’s box A new on-line service will allow licensed building practitioners to register their skills and expertise on the internet.

As part of the Licensed Building Practitioner Scheme, an online service has been launched through the Department of Building and Housing website at dbh.govt.nz/lbp where licensed building practitioners can register online, edit their profiles and update their skills and expertise.

The database doubles as a tool for consumers to check if practitioners are licensed and to obtain the latest information about them.

“The public needs to have confidence in the building industry and in the quality of their work, especially given the rebuilding being undertaken in Christchurch,” Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says.

“Already 8300 licences have been issued, and the scheme is on track to hit the target of 14,000 by March 2012.

“My goal is to ensure the public is confident that licensed building practitioners are competent, and that homes and buildings are designed and built right first time.”

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BUILDING FEATURE

in residence

Government delivering on leaky homes assistance A financial assistance package for leaky home owners is a step closer following a second reading of the Weathertight Homes Resolution Services (Financial Assistance Package) Amendment Bill, in Parliament, on May 12.

Under the Bill, eligible homeowners will receive a 25 percent contribution from the Government and may receive 25 percent from their local council to repair their leaky home.

Building and Construction Minister Maurice Williamson says the financial assistance package will ensure more time and money is spent repairing leaky homes instead of disputing the problem.

Leaky home owners who use the scheme must agree not to sue contributing councils and the Crown but can still pursue builders, developers and

manufacturers of defective products. Full details of the package will be announced after the supporting legislation has progressed through Parliament.

“Meantime I would urge home owners close to the 10-year limit on lodging claims to ‘stop the clock’ by lodging a claim with the Department of Building and Housing now. Assuming the claim is eligible they can choose the financial assistance package when it becomes operational.”

The leaky home problem has cost Auckland ratepayers nearly $100 million so far. To date the various Auckland councils have settled 722 claims costing them $92 million.

There’s still 267 active claims and 1091 pending claims involving around 3500 properties.

Info: dbh.govt.nz

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Cash, travel, trade goods and study grants are among prizes up for grabs in the Registered Master Builders Apprentice of the Year competition. A joint initiative run by the Registered Master Builders Federation (RMBF), Carters and the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO), it aims to recognise excellence among carpentry apprentices and raise awareness of careers in the building and construction industry. The competition is for apprentices up to 26-years-old who are nearing completion of a National Certificate in Carpentry. Applications close 30 June. Info: www.masterbuilder.org.nz

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 31 BUILDING FEATURE

COASTAL CONCEPTS

in residence

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Promising trend in house sales The average house sales price in Auckland of $544,975 for April showed that the record prices achieved in March have depth.

“The average price of $581,190 in March, a record, was always recognised as a one off occurrence,” according to Barfoot & Thompson managing director Peter Thompson.

“However, with April’s average price being close to $3500 above that for April last year, and the highest average price we have ever achieved in an April, it shows there is forward momentum in prices,” he said. “In each of the four months of this year, the average price achieved has exceeded that for its comparative month of the previous year.

“Other than for March that increase has been modest, but there is a pattern of small gains. “Activity in the top end of the market remains particularly strong, and a third of all the homes we

sold had values exceeding $750,000 while we sold 52 homes with values in excess of $1 million, eight more than in April last year.”

Mr Thompson said that sales volumes showed the same trend.

“In April we sold 723 homes, 7.7 percent more than in April last year and, if you exclude March’s figures, it was the most homes we have sold in a month for 11 months.”

The number of new homes listed in April at 1033 eased significantly, and were one-third down on those for March and February, and down 21.3 percent on those in April last year.

“There is renewed interest in the Auckland market at present. However, this was countered in April through a lack of new listings.”

At the end of April, Barfoot & Thompson had 5580 properties on its books, the lowest number in six months.

Why pay more than you have to?

As energy costs rise, building an energy-smart home is more important than ever. Before building, think about the size of house required – smaller is better as the initial costs are lower and it takes less to heat and cool it.

Thick walls are another feature of an energy smart home. Thicker walls allow more room for insulation. A wide range of insulation products are available with many containing recycled material, such as wool, or in fully recycled formats such as polystyrene sheets. The ‘R value’ measures how good the insulation material is at containing heat. The higher the R value, the better the insulation will be. The insulation needs to be properly installed to reach the R value.

Double or triple glazed windows and energy efficient appliances are two other features which will return

savings year after year.

Building smarter means choosing materials that are sustainable. It means designing and building homes that maximise occupants’ health and comfort, while also costing less to run.

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32 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

ruralrodney

Hard graft holding fast to heritage trees Mangawhai Heads nurseryman Benji Woodman is working to preserve the best of the Mahurangi region’s fruit trees while enabling locals to enjoy self-sufficiency in fruit supply.

Inspired by a permaculture course with Joe Polaischer at Rainbow Valley Farm, Benji was a former nurseryman for Koanga Gardens before setting up his own Forgotten Fruits Nursery which emphases the robust qualities of heritage trees.

With the cooperation of residents and nurserymen throughout the district he’s replicating some of the best performing local trees through budding and grafting on to suitable root stocks.

Peaches have been the exception, staying true to form seedlings, with some of the best specimens coming from the most neglected trees.

“Matakana Green’s Special Peach was years old, all alone by the cow Benji Woodman grows his budded and grafted fruit trees in the ground, rather shed in the gnarliest of positions than in pots, to maximise root growth. getting battered by the wind and not about holding on to it and trying to different climate, so when they’re pampered at all, but producing the control it, it’s about letting a lot of planted in the north’s higher humidity hugest peaches every year,” he says. people experience how good they are.” they get brown rot and other diseases.”

People have willingly provided access Benji says that in commercial varieties Root stocks are another important to trees, including those at Mavis taste often takes a back seat to other part of the formula and should Smith’s historic Totara House orchard qualities making heritage flavours a suit the desired size of tree and clay at Matakohe’s Kauri Museum and refreshing change. Growing locally- soils. Standard Northern Spy rootstock Benji always shares the resulting trees proven varieties can also minimise is good for apples and standard trifoliata in return. maintenance requirements. for citrus, which may otherwise “I like to be able to disperse them “A lot of nursery trees are generic fail to thrive. Benji grows his in among friends free of charge. It’s not varieties grown further south in a the ground, rather than pots, to

Tips for home orchardists For Benji’s top orchard growing tips, view this story at localmatters.co.nz maximise their development.

He recommends giving up the struggle to grow the likes of avocados in the clay, or apricots, cherries, currants and gooseberries that aren’t well-suited to local conditions and turning to more amenable heritage trees and subtropicals like bananas, babacos, pawpaws, casimiroas, cherimoyas, sub tropical guavas and pepinos.

“Don’t decide what you want and struggle to stop it getting sick. Look for the varieties of trees best suited to the more humid north and enjoy them.”

Benji indicates the amount of wood required for a standard graft.

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 33

Land of plenty delivers to the community Whoever said 10 acres is not a productive unit hasn’t visited Jaraho Gardens, a Mangawhai block that has sustained not only its owners, but also locals and farmers market regulars, for years.

Ray and Jan Holland looked at up to 40 properties from the Hokianga to Nelson before choosing the Mangawhai plot 16 years ago, attracted by the contours of the land and a spring-fed swamp, sensing its potential despite the neglected cow paddocks with just a few inches of topsoil, covered in kikuyu between knee and waist high.

After establishing some shelter they began to tame the land in their spare time, starting a commercial flower business they hoped would be a project for semi-retirement. However, the costly destruction of a beetle- Jeanette Vickers (left) and Jan Holland harvest hydroponically grown salad leaves. contaminated export order, knocked A former policeman and school newer variety “Luisa” is now Ray’s their enthusiasm and Ray gave up on executive officer, Ray is now a salesman favourite, with seven-year-old trees, flowers in favour of heritage fruit trees. for Agrissentials convinced that what capable of producing around 100-150 “I tried to get the old apples, plums, goes into the ground determines what kg of large fruit each per season. peaches, quince and figs. Now everyone’s you get out of it and that standard However, there’s plenty of diversity and chemical fertilisers are inadequate for no space is wasted. Produce from below looking for the old trees,” he says.

The initial aim was self-sufficiency, with balanced growth. ground includes garlic, parsnips and produce 12 months of the year, but the “When you chuck alien stuff at the beetroot; courgettes and scallopini are result has far exceeded that. In a decade ground, you force things and the grown between rows of trees; and vines living on the block they have applied plant becomes softer and more easily sport the likes of beans, snow peas, grapes bio-grow principles to gain production attacked by pathogens and insects.” and tropical passionfruit. The more of 30-40 times their own requirements. For Ray, the ultimate tree is one common citrus, stone and pip fruits “I don’t spray or water any of my trees that thrives naturally, with minimal are complemented with a wide range and produces a of sub-tropicals including cherimoyas with chemicals, if they die they get cut intervention out and I replace them with something bumper crop and he’s continually and sapotes, pawpaw, banana, tamarillo, that does survive. It’s a matter of things experimenting with location and feijoas, loquats and figs, as well as walnuts, finding where they do their very best management to find what works best. almonds, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans and we just take it from there.” ” Plums are the biggest crop and the and more.

ruralrodney

Ray and Jan make their own wine and keep chickens and bees. Timber trees provide posts, rails, firewood and future possibilities.

Ray says companion planting enhances production where possible, for example, cherimoyas are positioned under poplars whose zinc-rich leaves benefit the fruit.

Jan is a regular stall-holder at Whangarei Farmers’ Market selling produce including her hand-picked bags of mixed-leaf lettuce and mesculin grown hydroponically, with fish and seaweed fertilisers, and known for their long-lasting freshness.

“We figured we’d take what we wanted and sell our surplus, but it’s worked the other way round, we get the seconds and sell the firsts through the farmers market at Whangarei and at the gate,” Ray laughs.

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34 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

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Fruit for the picking

We are so fortunate to live in a country that has an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables at any given time of the year. We are now in the midst of harvesting apples, pears, feijoas, persimmon and citrus, giving plenty of choice for winter.

Feijoas are easy to grow and will provide you with masses of fruit late autumn. There are a wide selection of varieties available, named varieties are cutting grown and will fruit in the first year planted. Plants will produce heavier crops if more than one type is planted, ensuring cross-pollination and will extend the fruiting season. Feijoa sellowiana is generally a seedling form which can take years to produce fruit and is generally inferior in quality. Feijoas make a fantastic hedge that will tolerate wind and even coastal conditions. Plant trees in a sunny, well-drained position. Water well during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing, fertilise in spring. Feijoa fruit can be used in many different ways – juices (peel first), muffins, cakes, bottled or preserved and probably the most common NZ desert apple and feijoa crumble.

I have been experimenting with the fruit and made a very simple dessert by cutting all the fruit in two, scooping out the flesh, adding a couple of passionfruit and some preserved ginger, sliced, with some of the syrup from the ginger, mixed together and served with ice cream. It’s quite decadent but light and refreshing.

Measurements don’t need to be precise just add according to taste.

We recently visited an aunt and uncle in Taupo who live on a small fully-fenced section. Every panel of their fence has some form of fruit tree planted in front of it, all espaliered. It was the most spectacular sight; the pears and the apples were all in heavy fruit, looking so good it seemed sacrilege to pick them. The term espalier refers to the way fruit trees are trained to grow against a wall. It makes the tree easier to prune and the fruit easier to pick. This decorative method was often used in traditional walled kitchen gardens and is perfectly suited to growing fruit in the smaller garden. An espalier tree has branches trained horizontally on either side of the stem to make a compact, but productive tree. A plant that has been espaliered correctly is a beautiful asset to any garden or wall, and once your espalier fruit tree has been established it will require less pruning and more support as the fruit grows heavier.

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Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 35

Wine

Your chance to try unique wines at special prices

with Robin Ransom www.matakanawine.com President, Matakana Winegrowers Inc

Grape harvest a La Nina

Global weather has just come through a fairly intense La Nina episode. La Nina is one extreme of the phenomenon called the Southern Oscillation, the other extreme being El Nino. La Nina produces much warmer weather than usual in the summer with plenty of sunshine, but it can also be considerably wetter, with the risk of more tropical cyclones.

For grape growers, La Nina can be challenging. All of New Zealand’s wine regions experienced this summer’s version, which gave us consistently warm and sunny weather throughout the summer, excellent for bringing grapes to maturity, but also a good deal of rain. Much of the rain came in two events on consecutive weekends in late January – both resulting from ex-tropical cyclones.

Many readers will recall vividly the flooding and damage they caused. These storms had the effect of saturating our soils, and a few subsequent “top-up” rain events spread through the remainder of the summer and early autumn ensured that the soil never dried out as it does in a “normal” summer.

The effects on the Matakana grape harvest have been mixed. Moist conditions encouraged more mildews and bunch rots than usual, which meant more work in the vineyard to control disease and remove rot-affected fruit. This resulted in smaller crops, but wetter soils produced large and very juicy grapes. The abundance of warmth and sun meant the fruit achieved very good levels of ripeness, but the juiciness could possibly mean slightly less intense wines. The jury is still out on that one.

The relatively trying conditions of the vintage inevitably produced a measure of disappointment amongst winegrowers, especially compared with 2010, which was exceptional in every way. But now that the vintage is over and the glorious aromas of fermenting wine are starting to subside in the winery, winemakers are in a better position to evaluate the results of 2011. We are certainly very satisfied at this point with what we have in tank and barrel, both in quality and quantity.

Tapora water The Tapora Farming Community Water Supply Association Limited will hold its annual general meeting of shareholders on May 24, at the Tapora Community Centre. The meeting will start at 10am. Info: G Wright 422 1819.

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36 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

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Removing unwanted objects

Vets are frequently involved in the removal of unwanted objects from their patients. This is most apparent around calving, when a large part of the workload involves extracting calves from the back end, and occasionally the side, of cows.

Things removed are sometimes a little more unexpected, including the following: yy A grapefruit stuck behind the tongue in a cow. Initially, we were unable to get our fingers around it, but eventually the grapefruit was successfully extracted with a large corkscrew – a bit like pulling a cork out of a bottle of pinot gris. yy Barley grass awns, removed from various parts of the body of usually fluffy dogs, particularly between the toes and within ears. Occasionally these are found popping out of the skin quite a distance from the point of entry, such as the shoulder region after entering between toes. yy All manner of objects removed from the intestinal tracts of young dogs. A personal favourite of mine was a tea towel, which the owner (a café owner) had used to mop up bacon fat after a busy Sunday brunch. The same dog was a slow learner, having had two previous intestinal surgeries for foreign object removal.

Dogs have no concept of maintaining their owner’s dignity in choosing what they consume, with condoms and tampons being frequent offenders. yy Horses have an uncanny ability to stake themselves on wooden posts, and it’s not unusual to extract bits of timber from deep within a wound. yy Blades of grass are frequently found in the backs of cats’ throats, causing them to snort, snuffle and sneeze until removed. yy Chewed up and splintered bone seems to be able to get right to the end of the gastrointestinal tract of large dogs, until failing to exit at the last hurdle.

The constipation usually is noticed on Wednesday, continues to occur on Thursday and is brought to the vet on Friday afternoon. Extraction of these unwanted objects does not need any further description.

Kawau advisory feels forgotten The Kawau Island Advisory Committee (KIAC) is asking Auckland Council to reinstate it as a formal committee.

Former committee member Lyn Local Board meeting on May 9.

Hume presented the case to the Rodney She said the group provided valuable representation for Kawau Island, facilitating the flow of information Call us for a professional between Council and residents on matters of concern. Kawau Island consultation Residents and Ratepayers Association chair Paul Harper wrote to John Carter Glenn Metcalf Andrew Dunlop on November 28 last year, outlining Development Manager Survey Information his disappointment that KIAC was not 09 431 4444 021 619 307 retained in the new Council structure.

Email: terra@terragroup.co.nz Mr Carter said KIAC was a committee constituted by former Rodney Council, Unit 8, The Hub, therefore any decision to constitute 6 Molesworth Drive, Mangawhai a new KIAC would fall under the Telephone: 09 431 4444 responsibility of Auckland Council.

Coast to Coast Vets Warkworth & Wellsford QUALITY VET CARE FOR YOUR PETS, HORSES AND LIVESTOCK

18 Neville St, Warkworth • 09 425 8244 4 School Rd, Wellsford • 09 423 7048

Absolute Concrete

WATER TANKS

094312211

Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 37

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE ONLY $46(+GST)* PER INSERTION Phone 425 9068 for more information or email your advertisement to localmatters@xtra.co.nz *for a three insertion contract.

Phone: 09 425 7510 Fax: 09 422 2011

YOUR LOCAL AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE

FROG POOL FARM

COMPOSITE JOINERY Ltd Composite Joinery Ltd 7 Glenmore Drive Warkworth 0941

64 Hamatana Road, Snells Beach

Ph 09 425 5025 • www.autohaus.co.nz

EXCELLENCE IN FURNITURE

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

Recycled Matai

Good food that’s Gluten Free

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

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

Custom Built Kitchens

NZ Made Solid Wood

Ph 425 9030 • Dome Valley 5 minutes past Warkworth

Household Water Deliveries

Homeshield Building & Security

Grant Julius 0800 474 435

grant@homeshield.co.nz

0800 747 928

Alarms, CCTV, Automatic Gates

mobile: 027 556 6111

Deck, Fence, Alterations, Maintenance

• Household Water • Pressure Wash Down • Water Tank Cleaning

Ben Gardner

• Vacuum Truck Available

BL

S IND

Agents for

and Vacuum

• All Water Needs

TANK WATER TESTING We collect samples of your tank or bore water, have them analysed for microbes at an IANZ reg. laboratory.

Our written report explains the results and makes recommendations.

ING

S

HOME SERVICES SECURITY DOORS • SHUTTERS • SCREENS

Phone 09 431 4939 • Swimming Pool Fills

Mobile 021 431 493 or 021 778 177

AW N

• Installation of all VLR products • Blind cleaning & repairs • Home maintenance & repair jobs

Take a look at our testimonials page to see what some of our fantastic customers have to say about us.

vlr.frank@yahoo.co.nz | www.venluree.co.nz

Ph Allan 0212136892 • www.lawnsalive.co.nz

MOBILITY SCOOTERS Rodney - North Shore

SALES AND SERVICE Noel & Lyn Beale 09 422 2615 Warkworth 0800 002 884

09 431 4999

tankwater@xtra.co.nz | www.tankwatertesting.info

GAVIN BROUGH Ph 09 425 5495 Mob 0274 766 115

WATSON

PLUMBING & GAS

AUTHORISED AGENT

LTD

Freeview Sales & Installation TV & FM Aerials

Auto GlAss • Mirrors DesiGner GlAss • GlAzinG 54A Mangawhai Heads Road, Mangawhai www.northglass.co.nz

Phone Simon Breeze (09) 422 9345

TV AERIAL & SATELLITE SERVICES

At Lawns Alive we offer a superior property maintenance service, specialising in large property lawn and garden maintenance.

For FREE quotes phone Frank on

09 4222 603 or 021 2144 250

since 1966

Lawns Alive

where the grass is always greener

BLOCKED DRAINS CLEARED! SEWER & STORMWATER

utilising A.E.S. Hydrojet Cleaning Machine Drain location / camera inspection

Phone Ian on 027 495 8566

Workshop: (09) 423 8576 | wpg.ltd@xtra.co.nz 152M

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

38 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Advertise your classifieds and church notices here for only 30c+GST per word for run-ons or $6.70 per/cm+GST for boxed adverts.

BUSINESS & FINANCE

FOR SALE

INTUITIVE BUSINESS MENTORING Hit a brick wall? www.sensingbusiness.co.nz or phone Brigid 426 8361.

FLIGHTS

SCENIC FLIGHTS $39, 20 mins; $49, 30 mins. Min. 3 passengers. Trial flights $75. Gift vouchers available.

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

Min. 3 passengers.

NORTH CAPE FLIGHTS $375 each.

Min 3 passengers.

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

FOR HIRE SAND ARENA 60x40 jumps and poles available. Point Wells Road. Individual or group concessions. For bookings phone Liz 021 300 450 or 422 9705.

FIREWOOD

Large Trailer $120  Half Trailer $70 Free delivery.

Phone 021 431 200 FREEVIEW 1080 high definition decoder with recorder $275. Freeview installations dish decoder complete from $450. Call Jim THE MAINTENANCE MAN 422 3725 or 021 254 2048.

RAWLEIGH PRODUCTS available.

Phone Patrick 425 0448.

HOUSESITTING HOUSE

Central Queen Street Warkworth

SITTER

AVAILABLE

Experienced, non-smoker, mature, short term OK. Phone 09 431 5662.

HOME MAINTENANCE BRIGHT OUTLOOk WINDOW CLEANING - We provide window cleaning services, insect spraying and house washing. Prompt and reliable service. Ph 09 423 0453 or 0211065717.

MARkETS

CRAZY CLEARANCE CHARITY MARkET

FOR LEASE

OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE

SITUATIONS VACANT

Saturday June 4th Queen’s Birthday Weekend To be held @ the Warkworth Town Hall, cnr Neville & Alnwick Streets For more information and to make a booking call Teresa on 09-945 0899 or 0211-514-889.

WARkWORTH MUSEUM MARkET, Queens Birthday Weekend - Saturday June 4th, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter Street, Warkworth. Enquiries 425 8482.

85 sqm Air conditioned Phone 021 927 198

PHOTOGRAPHIC & DIGITAL

DENTAL ASSISTANT WANTED

A qualified or experienced dental assistant is required to assist at Mangawhai Dental, 30 Moir Street, Mangawhai Village.

8-45am to 5pm Mondays only.

Start date will be 13th June 2011.

Please phone Donelle on 09 638 3424

PUBLIC NOTICES

DOUBLE BEDROOM WITH OWN BATHROOM, would suit professional or adult student who likes children.

Very close to town. $150pw + exp (not including food). Ph Michelle 021 425 949.

FOR SALE REINFORCING MESH 668 Light Gauge, $20 per sheet. Phone 425 5170.

Saturday

WDHS & MAHURANGI COLLEGE REUNION

Celebrating 150 years of district wide education – Easter 2012.

For more info and free registration visit www.mahurangi.school.nz

TRAVEL

WINE TASTING CLUB

RUNAWAY TO ROTORUA from $99 per person for 2 nights. Add on Lake Spa entry at the Polynesian Spa for only $39 per person. Contact Debbie for more info PH: (09) 425 8009 or email debbie@ warkworthtravel.co.nz

First Monday of the month at The Vintry, 7pm start for 6-8 tastings.

JUNE Pinot Noir • JULY Shiraz/Syrah AUGUST Unusual varieties Cost varies to cover tasting costs.

Limited seats available.

Cheese or nibbles to accompany.

This is a pleasure tasting club only, wines not offered for sale, no pressure to buy.

WELLINGTON FLY/RAIL PACkAGES including flight one way, train one way, 2 nights accommodation, Wellington transfers all from just $339pp ex Auckland. Contact Lynette for more info PH: (09) 425 8009 or email lynette@ warkworthtravel.co.nz

Call 423 0251 Helena or Nicki.

READINGS

QUEENSTOWN SkI PACkAGE including return flights, 4 nights accommodation, lift passes & mountain transfers from $799pp. Contact Kelly for more info PH: (09) 425 8009 or email kelly@warkworthtravel.co.nz

BRIGID IS AVAILABLE FOR READINGS

Visit www.makingachange.co.nz or phone 09 426 8361.

Sudoku - the numbers game 2

PUBLIC NOTICES

FOR SALE

READINGS REUNIONS

To be held at the Museum, Sunday 22 May 2011 at 2pm.

Afternoon tea to follow.

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

BINGO, BINGO, BINGO! Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of the month, Upstairs New Masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth. 7pm start. Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

ANGEL

mornings. Matakana Village.

WARkWORTH & DISTRICTS MUSEUM AGM

PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIES

FOR RENT

READINGS

FREE JP SERVICE Every Monday, 10am-2pm, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter St, Warkworth. No appointment necessary.

Services include witnessing, affidavits, immigration & marriage dissolution.

Sponsored by Mahurangi Matters

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FOR SALE – WARKWORTH COMMERCIAL

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9 4 x Retail units plus 1 office unit. Central Warkworth, currently returning $136,297 + GST p.a.

For an information pack phone Gary Seekup 027 226 9880 DDI 09 359 7880 Email: g.seekup@barfoot.co.nz SOLE AGENT

3

4

9

HARD

Licensed under the REAA 2008

Fill in this grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

www.sudokupuzz.com Solution page 39

Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011 | 39

what’s on

Sponsored by

TOTALSPAN Rodney

scoreboard

May 2011

19

A roundup of sports activities and events in the district Badminton

yy Indoor – Held every Thursday at the Paparoa Hall. All welcome. Kids years 5 and over 5.30-7pm and adults from 7-9pm. $2 per session for students, adult $3. Some racquets available. Table tennis available between games. Info: Pete 431 6822 or Nathan 431 7379. yy Social – Held at the Rodney College Gym on Monday nights until October 3. Children ($25 term or $2 a night) 6.30-7.30pm; adults ($45 term or $4 a night) 7.30-9pm. All levels welcome, spare racquets available. Info Jo Walker 423 7677 or John & Kaulene Bassett 423 8768. yy Mahurangi – Games played Tuesday 9.30am-12noon, Mahurangi Community Centre. Ideal for parents/caregivers of preschoolers – preschoolers story time in the library joining community centre. Info: Rhondda 422 3565.

Indoor Soccer

yy Junior indoor soccer is played every Tuesday from 4.30-5.30pm at the Mangawhai Beach School gym. The competition is for boys and girls aged 9-14 years; cost is $1.50 per child. Adults, 14 years and over play 7-8pm, $2.50. No shoes, no play. Info Nikki 021 120 5410.

Bowls

yy Snells Beach social club – Indoor bowls played every Wednesday 9.3011.30am, Snells Beach Methodist Church. Men and women any age welcome.

Club often goes on social outings. $2 per session. Info: Merle 425 5227. yy The Omaha Beach Bowling Club programme for May tournaments entries to Jim McKinlay by preceding Sunday. Play for Thursday May 26 – 3 bowl pairs a/c mufti 9.30 am start. Roll-ups on the alternate Thursdays, starting 12.54pm, and most Fridays at 3pm. Post entries.

New membership enquiries welcome. Info: Jim McKinlay 422 9063.

To list information about your club or team’s sporting activities, phone Nichole on 425 9068 or email news@localmatters.co.nz

229 State Highway 1, Warkworth Phone 09 422 3149 0800 TOTALSPAN

TOTALSPAN.CO.NZ

(0800 868 257)

C OME SEE US F OR FIELDAY SPECIALS  CLASSIFIEDS

continued

TUITION SING RIGHT LESSONS available.

Includes presentation and performance. Experienced teacher.

Singers workshops available.

Phone Robyn on 0274 725 610 or email: robynhill@xtra.co.nz

TV SERVICES & SALES TV TUNING. DVD’s / Sky / Video / Freeview etc. Phone 425 5431.

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

Phone Gavin 027 4766115.

VEHICLES PARk AND SELL Gull Snells Beach.

Weekly rates. Great exposure. Phone 09 425 4092.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE for June 1 issue is Tuesday May 24 Phone 425 9068 or email localmatters@xtra.co.nz to book your classified advertising

Sudoku - the solution 1

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Forest and Bird Mid North Winter Talks series, discussion on bees, Totara Park Village Hall, Warkworth, 7.30pm.

20 Air Guitar Competition Leigh Sawmill. Starts 9.30pm. Ph 422 6019.

21 Warkworth & Districts Croquet Club Inc annual meeting, Pt Wells Community Hall, at 1pm.

21 The Broadsides + Heart Attack Alley, Leigh Sawmill. Ph 422 6019.

22 Warkworth & Districts Museum annual meeting, 2pm.

21 Kaipara Young Farmers Club Masquerade Dance Party, Tauhoa Hall, 7pm. Cash bar, $20 entry, live band, spit roast dinner, best dressed prizes. Info: Katherine Tucker 021 0228 5387.

21, 26-28 For Today, Mahurangi College senior school production.

22 Mangawhai Track Network meeting and talk, Senior Citizens Hall in Fagan Place, Mangawhai Heads, from 1.30pm.

Info: Martina Tschirky 4315 161 or Bill Bygrave 431 2057.

27 Annual Pot Luck Winter Dinner, Whangateau Hall, from 7pm.

Live music by Damage. All residents from Whangateau and environs welcome. Free, plus koha for band.

27 Tania Verdonk Is Singing For Their Supper fundraising evening, Warkworth Anglican Church, 7.30pm. Info: 422 3562 or 425 0570 (see story p16).

27 Bookings for Northland agrichemical collection close.

Info: www.agrecovery.co.nz/chemicals or 0800 247 326.

27 Warkworth & Districts Grey Power Association annual meeting, Methodist Church Lounge, Warkworth. Members only 10.30am11am. Guest speaker Phil Goff, 11am-12noon. Public welcome.

27 Warkworth Floral Art Club invites past members to a luncheon and demonstration to celebrate the club’s 20th anniversary.

Info: Penny 425 4993.

28 Sophie Burbery + Watercolours, Leigh Sawmill. Phone 422 6019 or www.myspace.com/sophieburbery 28 Stream train excursion on locomotive Ja1275, from Auckland to Whangarei, pick ups in Helensville and Wellsford (see story p11).

28 Annual Albertlanders Celebration, Port Albert Hall, starts 1.30pm and continues with evening May Music and Mayhem.

Info: Barbara Lane 423 8187 (see History column p17).

28-29 Puhoi Hall garage sale, 8am to 5pm Sat, 9am to 3pm Sun. 29 Artur Cimirro, Leigh Sawmill. Brazilian concert pianist and composer. Phone 422 6019.

29 V8 Vocal Ensemble, Ascension Wine Estate (see story p7).

31 Alzheimer’s presentation, Warkworth Town Hall, 2pm (see story p4).

June 3-26 4 4

4 4 4

Photographic Exhibitions, Matakana Country Park and Leigh Sawmill (see story p13).

Warkworth Museum Market, Old Masonic Hall, 8am start.

Fundraising Fun Dance, Snells Beach Community Centre, 7.30pm organised by Kowhai Coast Lions Club for Warkworth, Matakana and Mahurangi Fire Brigades. Info and tickets: Phone Lynne 425 4999 or Olwyn 425 4673.

Half Price Clearance Book Fair from 9am, Mangawhai Museum, Molesworth Drive. Nothing over $3. Cash only. All proceeds towards new museum building fund.

Crazy Clearance Charity Market, Queen’s Birthday Weekend, Warkworth Town Hall, cnr Neville & Alnwick Streets. Info and to make a booking call Teresa on 09 945 0899 or 0211 514 889.

Car Boot Sale, Matakana School, from 7.30am-11.30am to raise funds for the Special Needs department. $10 per car, pay on arrival. Sausage sizzle and refreshments. Info: Phone the school on 422 7309 and leave a message for Wendy.

For inclusion in the What’s On, here and on our website email your events to editor@localmatters.co.nz

40 | Mahurangimatters 18 May 2011

First to finish the 6km route were a mother and daughter pair from Te Hana; Shawnee Bridge-Elliot and Catherine Elliot.

Women step out for Hospice Cockayne surfing in last year’s North Island Longboard Champs held at Forestry. Photo, www.photocpl.co.nz

Close to 300 women put on their walking shoes for Hibiscus Hospice in the inaugural Twilight Walk held in Orewa on May 7. In addition to those who walked, many friends and family supported the event through sponsorship. A total of $9300 has been raised so far – with more to come from sponsorship pledges due in over the next few weeks.

Walkers chose from either a 6km or 12km route; with the first walkers returning in an hour and the last finishing in just under three hours.

Hospice communications manager Dyan Cann says next year’s event will be even bigger and better.

Locals take on world’s best longboarders Two local surfers have been selected for the 2011 New Zealand Surfing team, which will compete in the prestigious Billabong ISA World Surfing Games in Panama, from June 25 to July 3.

Matt Cockayne, of Mangawhai Heads, on record. He placed second behind “I’ve had a great summer of surfing and and Phil Morris, of Orewa, will be Orewa surfer Thomas Kibblewhite in this is the icing on the cake,” he says. part of a team of 12 who will compete the Open Longboard Division at the He is currently riding for long-term against more than 200 surfers, from Surfing National Championships held sponsor Mickey T/Bear Surfboards 35 countries. Morris is already in in Dunedin in January. He followed made in Raglan but is looking for other Panama, working on super yachts and this up with a stellar performance on sponsors. He plans to run a fundraising preparing for the contest. the Hyundai Pro Longboard Tour surfing contest later this month to help Cockayne, who currently lives in placing fourth overall. towards raising the $4800 required to Red Beach, has been a long-standing Cockayne says he is excited to represent attend the ISA World Games. Anyone competitor on the NZ Longboard NZ and is looking forward to surfing interested in supporting him in can scene and 2011 has been his best year against the world’s best longboarders. email matt_cockayne@hotmail.com.

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 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 visit Mahurangi Matters online at www.localmatters.co.nz