Jackie Bristow live in Raglan
by Janine Jackson
Healthline
Singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow brings her Let It Rain tour to Raglan on Sunday, March 22, performing in the atmospheric setting of the Raglan Heritage Church.
5pm-8am Weekends/Holidays 24 hours 0800 252 672
Currently touring New Zealand, Jackie will share songs from her sixth studio album, Goldmine, an uplifting release that expands her Americana roots into a more accessible, melodydriven sound while staying true to her storytelling heart.
“I’m not 25 anymore,” Jackie says. “I’ve got experience in life and in the industry. I love writing songs and performing, and I always want to keep the innocence alive.”
The concert features intimate, acoustic performances with her longtime musical partner, Australian-born guitarist and producer Mark Punch, along with support from renowned local musicians Dave Maybee and Peter Skandera of Legendary Raglan Mudsharks fame.
cnr Bow Street & James Street
Holy Communion service every Sunday at 9.30
visitors very welcome
Contact person : Hazel 0221065990
Also promoting the gig, Dave says it will be a night to remember.
“Get it in your diary, because this is a rare opportunity to see an exceptional Kiwi artist perform along with her Aussie producer guitarist," he says Goldmine marks a creative fullcircle moment, with award-winning producer Matt Fell – who produced Jackie’s debut album – reuniting with
Bristow and Punch to “make the record we always wanted to make.”
The album’s lead single, Let It Rain, is the first recorded duet between Jackie and Katrina, sisters who grew up singing together in the deep south of New Zealand and first performed on stage at the NZ Gold Guitar Awards at ages 11 and eight.
“It was an incredible time in our lives,” Jackie recalls. “We were surrounded by a vibrant community of young singers and musicians. Those years shaped us.”
Co-written with acclaimed California songwriter Rosa Pullman, Let It Rain reflects the album’s themes of reconnection, renewal, and return.
From early beginnings in Gore, through the pubs and clubs of Sydney, to building a respected career in the United States, Jackie has become known as a soulful, compelling live performer. Praised by American Songwriter for “crafting some of the most beautiful, compelling Americana today,” she has toured extensively across the US, New Zealand, and Europe, opening for artists including Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak, Art Garfunkel, Tommy Emmanuel, and Rick Springfield.
Jackie Bristow: Let It Rain Sunday, March 22, 7–10pm Raglan Heritage Church (Stewart Street & Wainui Road)
$25 door sales | Online tickets at www.songkick.com and humanitix. com/nz
27-29 Manukau Road, Raglan 3225 Ph 07 825 8306
Young gun makes Manu grand final
by Janine Jackson
The Z Manu World Champs is back this summer – and 12-year-old Hotumauea TaiRakena has already made a massive splash, launching himself straight into the grand final.
With an impressive eight-metre splash height – just 10 centimetres more than his closest rival – Hotumauea will head to Auckland on March 14 to go head-to-head with competitors from around Aotearoa and across the ditch in Australia.
Hotumauea reckons he’s been doing manus since he was born, but his Nan, Rereata Rupapere says it was probably closer to age four, when he took his first leap off the Raglan footbridge at Papahua.
These days, his favourite place to manu is the jetty at the end of Bow Street.
“It’s a good jumping spot,” he says.
Most weekends, Hotumauea can be found there with other local kids, perfecting their manu techniques and chasing bigger, louder splashes.
“You get into a V-shape, and once you hit the water you let out – let your whole body out like you’re sleeping,” Hotumauea explains.
In manu terms, that moment is known as the ‘pop’ – a key part of the jump designed to create a massive, explosive and loud splash.
In Aotearoa’s water-bombing culture, the manu is a specialised and highly technical version of the traditional bomb, focused entirely on achieving maximum vertical splash height. The impact point comes from the lower back or tailbone, and while all manus are bombs, not all bombs are manus. Other styles include the cannonball, staple, gorilla and coffin.
At the champs a freestyle division provides the opportunity for fans of the other bombing styles to compete.
From the very beginning, the Z Manu World Champs have used cuttingedge ManuTech software, developed in partnership with AUT. The system captures each jump on video, instantly freezes the moment of impact and calculates splash height, allowing a unique and accurate score to be given to every athlete.
A student at Te Kōpuku High in Hamilton, Hotumauea came to live with his Nan as a baby and spent his early school years at Te Mata School.
He will compete in the
division at Karanga Plaza in Auckland on March 14.
Raglan Surf Co are running a raffle to help get Hotumaea to the finals, and have also donated a clothing package for the young competitor. Tickets are available at the shop at 7 Wainui Road. Thanks also to Tony from Te Uku Roast Office for making a cash donation.
tamariki/kids
Hotumauea Tai-Rakena (right) and his cousin Romeo Tuwhangai check out their favourite spot to bomb.
Shaping a stronger Raglan workforce
from Go Raglan (Whaingaroa Destination Management Organisation)
Raglan’s business community recently gathered for a hui focused on developing a strong, sustainable local workforce.
Hosted by Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation/Go Raglan and the Raglan Business Chamber, the hui Shaping a Stronger Local Workforce brought together employers from hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, retail, professional services and the outdoors sector.
WRDMO manager Jacqueline Anderson says the turnout and depth of conversation reflected how critical workforce issues have become for local businesses. “What we heard clearly is that businesses are committed to employing locally, but the system around them isn’t always set up to support that,” she says. “This kōrero is about listening first, and then finding ways to turn those insights into practical actions.”
A number of common barriers to recruiting locally were identified, including a small and transient labour pool, high staff turn-over, and challenges around reliability and retention. Accommodation shortages were frequently raised, particularly for seasonal and full-time workers, alongside the difficulty of sustaining employment through the off-season.
Skill shortages emerged as another strong theme. Businesses reported difficulties attracting experienced and qualified staff, especially for leadership, management, and specialist roles. Gaps in literacy, numeracy, work readiness, and people-management skills were seen as ongoing challenges across sectors. Many employers noted the time and cost involved in training staff, particularly when relying heavily on on-the-job learning.
Tourism and Events Workforce
Development Advisor Jami Dickson says the feedback highlighted both challenges and opportunities. “There’s a lot of goodwill here and a desire to support local people into work,” she says. “What we’re hearing is the need for better pathways – especially for young people – and more coordinated training and support that works for both employers and jobseekers.”
The transition from school into employment was a key focus of discussion. While businesses see real potential in Raglan’s rangatahi, many felt clearer pathways, work experience and mentoring are needed to bridge the gap between education and the workplace.
Ideas such as shared labour pools, local training hubs, coordinated induction programmes, and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications locally were also explored.
The insights gathered will now inform the next phase of workforce planning, including an employment gap analysis, a workforce development strategy focused on local and youth employment, and practical training and support recommendations.
The consultation period remains open until Tuesday, March 31, with opportunities for one-on-one conversations with Jami or written feedback via a follow-up survey.
Organisers thanked all attendees for their valuable insights and acknowledged the ongoing support of Waikato District Council’s Takitini Economic Development team.
Please scan the QR code below to access the Employer Workforce Survey
This survey invites local businesses and operators to share their workforce needs, challenges, and ideas. A broader survey for the wider community and rangatahi will be released later as part of the wider consultation process.
To connect with Jami Dickson for a meeting, email jami@raglanihub.nz
Maramataka and our wellbeing in Whāingaroa
from Tumanako - Suicide Awareness Whaingaroa
In Raglan, the Maramataka — the Māori lunar calendar — is a gentle reminder to slow down and stay connected to the natural rhythms around us.
Each moon phase gives us a feel for the day: some are great for getting out on the moana at Ngarunui, walking through Kōpua, or catching up with whānau, while others are better for taking it easy as the tides move through Whāingaroa Harbour.
By noticing these shifts — the moods of Karioi, the colours over the estuary, or how the surf feels — we can tune in to what our mind and body need. The Maramataka reminds us to find balance, caring for ourselves, the community, and the whenua that makes Whaingaroa unique.
Check out these two great resources below to find out more about how we can use Maramataka to support our Mind Health.
Maramataka Online | All Right? - Check out Maramataka online where you can look at the calendar on your device, download the calendar, or order your very own.
Ao Maarama - Te Rau Ora - this is an interactive app that uses the Maramataka, Te Whare Tapa Wha & Mauri Ora Tai Pari to help build awareness, knowledge & connections with the rhythms of wellbeing.
While the factors driving the housing market activity have shifted with the seasons, there’s one thing you can count on. With a unique blend of expertise, international networks and a suite of innovative marketing tools, Bayleys is the agency for all your property needs.
Residential, commercial, rural and lifestyle – we deliver the best results. Get in touch:
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Commercial and Industrial Sales and Leasing
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Full circle : Raglan couple buys back childcare they set up 29 years ago
by Edith Symes
In a remarkable case of going “full circle”, longtime locals Merren and Mike Goodison have bought back the childcare centre they set up in downtown Raglan almost three decades ago.
The upper Wainui Rd couple is now enthusiastically giving the Wallis St centre a well-overdue makeover, with the outdoor playground full of new equipment and toys the children proudly show off to their parents as they come in each day.
And that’s just for starters. New fences and gates will soon be installed, and a repaint of the interior is scheduled for next month. “There’s lots of work ahead but we love it,” Merren told the Chronicle.
The couple has been away almost a decade from the Wallis St facility – now called Whaingaroa Childcare Centre – having established it back in 1997 and run it successfully for 20 years while their own three boys were growing up.
It has had two changes of ownership since they sold up in 2017 – to focus on establishing Matapihi Kindergarten in rural Te Mata – but Merren and Mike reckon they just couldn’t resist the opportunity to buy back their original centre.
Merren was busy last week sorting out a chokka storeroom, and artfully creating new learning areas to encourage her young protégés’ imagination. “I’m very excited; I’m in my happy place making something beautiful for our children (to enjoy),” she says.
Before turning the dollhouse-like building – originally of all things a bakery – into Raglan’s first early childcare centre almost three decades ago, Merren was working as one of two teachers at the local kindergarten in Stewart St.
Her reasoning back then was that while the town had a kindergarten and a kohanga reo, there wasn’t an all-day facility where parents could leave their children when commuting over the divvy. Also, Raglan Kindergarten’s roll was growing so fast at the time that it couldn’t take pre-schoolers until they were four years old.
So the enterprising couple conducted a survey to see how many residents would be likely to use an early childcare centre. They got 24 positive replies, Merren recalls, and decided “that’s enough, let’s go for it!” The rest is history.
With two of her original teaching staff – Angela Kimber and Anne Snowden – now also returning as relievers, Merren says “it feels like coming back to your roots”.
Others of the Goodison family are also involved, just like in the old days.
Mike – a draughtsman who works from home – was always caretaker of the outdoors area and he has resumed that role. He and their boys used to come to the centre after work and school to help Merren clean, for which the boys got their pocket-money.
The now-adult boys and their partners all helped to get the outdoors ship-shape the weekend Merren and Mike took back ownership. The family working bee has “transformed” a tired-looking playground into an inspiring environment of discovery for the children to learn and grow, says Merren proudly.
And there’s been one particularly pleasant surprise. Lurking in a pond beneath a mess of overgrown weeds they found two turtles – one of them, Honu, who’s been there now for the full 29 years and looks to be going nowhere fast.
Reframing the Raglan Arts Centre Gallery
by Janine Jackson
The Raglan Arts Centre Gallery is being given a new lease of life as it looks ahead to a future rich with creative opportunity in Whāingaroa Raglan.
New volunteer arts coordinator Ruth Hickman-Goodall is drawing on her artistic talents and long-standing love of the arts to relaunch the gallery.
Ruth is inviting all artists to a hui on Wednesday, March 25 at 6pm at the Raglan Arts Centre. “This is an opportunity for our local creatives to have a say on the future direction of the gallery,” she says.
The first exhibition titled My Dream Is Hope, opens in April. Ruth wanted the inaugural exhibition to strike an optimistic tone and provide inspiration for artists of all ages. “The theme is personal to each artist – it’s their dream of hope. The world can feel pretty bleak at times, so I wanted to focus on something uplifting.”
Recently renovated to better showcase visual art, the Gallery has the potential to once again become a vibrant hub for creative expression. Ruth hopes her role will help unlock that potential.
Creating opportunities for local communities to engage with and participate in the arts is something close to Ruth’s heart. A former Head of Art at Hillcrest High School, she has nurtured the creative development of countless students throughout her career.
Following April’s exhibition, Ruth will curate a second show in May to coincide with the World Surf League Championship Tour. The Surfelicious Art Show will celebrate surf culture and beach vibes and is open to artists of all disciplines.
“I’ll be encouraging artists to think about smaller works and art objects that international visitors can easily take home,” she says.
She’s also putting the call out for volunteers to help keep the gallery open. “Volunteers are the backbone of our community. Our gallery volunteers just need an appreciation of art and a willingness to support our local arts community,” she says.
Newly self-employed, Ruth now balances her own practice at her CodeOrange Studio specialising in painting, art tutoring and upcycled textiles – while helping guide the Old School Art Gallery into a dynamic and inclusive future.
“My aim is for the gallery to be an inclusive space for all artists, and a place where everyone can enjoy the creativity that is alive and well in Raglan.”
To find out more about My Dream Is Hope or The Surfelicious Art Show, contact Ruth at thegallery@ raglanartscentre.co.nz and you can view Ruth’s work at codeorangestudio.com.
Whaingaroa Te Tiriti Activation Group: Growing Community Understanding
by Michelle Levy - Toitu Whaingaroa
Tangata Tiriti -Treaty People have been delivering workshops in Whaingaroa for over 10 years. Led by Dr Ingrid Huygens, this relationship was first initiated by Lisa Thomson and the Raglan Community Board. Since 2019 the Tangata Tiriti workshops in Whaingaroa have been supported by the Raglan Naturally Community Trust.
For many, the knowledge shared in these workshops has been a source of major ‘aha’ moments about Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Previous workshop participants talk about how they learnt about “the history of Māori before Pākehā arrived – the thriving economy and people”, and how “This needs to be taught in our schools. I will personally continue to advocate for change and acknowledgement of the past”. For others, the overall approach stood out, “I have attended a few Te Tiriti workshops, and this one was a fresh approach”.
The Te Tiriti community workshops have also grown the capacity of the wider community to more fully engage in Te Tiriti-related activations such as the Treaty Principles Bill submission writing and the Save our Māori Wards campaign.
Having local Tangata Tiriti workshop facilitators has always been the longterm goal for Whaingaroa. In October 2025 this goal was achieved.
Driving the achievement of this goal was the-then Raglan Naturally coordinator Gabrielle Parson, alongside the Toitū Whaingaroa team. They knew there were passionate people in the Whaingaroa community who would make great Te Tiriti workshop facilitators. However, they also knew that stepping into that facilitation role could be daunting, especially on top of already busy work and family lives. A staged process where confidence was gradually nurtured was needed.
An initial introductory community kōrero was held in February 2025. This was open to anyone interested in being part of a local group focused on activating Te Tiriti o Waitangi in Whaingaroa, whatever that might look like. There were 15 people who attended this introductory kōrero.
From the introductory kōrero, 11 people from Whaingaroa signed up for the Tangata Tiriti facilitator training. Jointly delivered by a team from Tangata Tiriti and Toitū Whaingaroa, the training was held over two weekends in April and May 2025. Seven trainee facilitators from Mahi Mihinare, Anglican Action Kirikiriroa also joined our training.
For trainee Jess Thornley, the training was a perfect opportunity to return her roots.
“I had been living and working overseas for nearly fifteen years. When I came home to Whaingaroa with my two daughters in 2018 I knew it was important to refresh my understanding and renew my commitment to Te Tiriti, and to reconnect with my roots in a meaningful way. My grandad, known as ‘Digger’ was the Doctor in Raglan back in the day. As Tangata Tiriti Pākehā he formed a special relationship with mana whenua, that really embodied the spirit of partnership as set out in Te Tiriti. I wanted to honour that and do my bit. Becoming a facilitator felt like something I could do, some real action I could take”.
The goal was more than simply training individual workshop facilitators. It was important to nurture a supportive group who would grow together. The staged process where trainees learnt to deliver evidence-based education processes and activities was central to building this collective confidence. The success of this approach was evident during the training when some realised that not only were they capable of being Te Tiriti facilitators, it was actually fun!
Trainees came to see that, “You didn’t have to be an expert. Being a coleader is powerful. The activities have been expertly designed and refined. Trust them”. Mentorship and feedback was also central to the training process.
Of those who completed the Te Tiriti facilitator training, eight have gone on to form the core ‘Whaingaroa Te Tiriti Activation Group’. Including a wide range of backgrounds, skills, and life experiences, the core group is Whaea Ruhi Haru, Whaea Pania Meredith, Gabrielle Parson, Jess Thornley, Alicia Sunnex, Annie Gordon, Holly Dove, and Helen Ritchie.
After completing the facilitator training, the group began an intensive
process of preparing for the delivery of their own workshop. Mentored by experienced Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People facilitators and the Toitū Whaingaroa team, the Whaingaroa Te Tiriti Activation Group very successfully delivered their first Te Tiriti o Waitangi community workshop on October 18th 2025. Feedback from that workshop included, “the way the workshop is delivered with the activities is a great way to learn. I left feeling very empowered and educated”. The success of the facilitation team in, “hosting us so graciously and facilitating such a complex topic with aroha and care” was also highlighted.
The collective approach to workshop delivery taken by the Whaingaroa Te Tiriti Activation Group means there is a supportive group approach to learning, knowledge and skill sharing, problem solving and ongoing reflective practice. With group members taking responsibility for leading out specific workshop activities, both facilitators and workshop participants are exposed to a diverse range of presentation approaches and styles.
As one activation group member says, “knowing our Te Tiriti history feels critically important, for the future of
our community and our country”. The Whaingaroa Te Tiriti Activation Group are well on their way to supporting the Whaingaroa community to grow and embed understandings of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in positive, inclusive and proactive ways across our community.
Don’t miss out on the next community workshop on Saturday March 28th. See the poster for more details.
If your organisation/group is interesting in hosting a workshop please contact Gabrielle on gabrielleparsonraglan@gmail.com / 021 844 785 for more information.
Apply now for Meridian’s Power Up Community Fund
We’re proud to back local projects in the communities around our wind farms and hydro stations with our Power Up fund. Power Up Te Uku provides grants for projects in Raglan, Te Mata, Waitetuna and Te Uku that support sustainable community development. How to apply
Applications are open until midnight on Sun 26th April 2026. For more information and to apply:
• visit www.meridianenergy.co.nz/community call 021 980 565 scan the code
Old School gallery packed for ‘Tiny House Diaries’ launch
by Edith Symes
There wasn’t a spare seat, aptly enough, at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre last week for the launch of a longtime local identity’s new book all about the trials and tribulations of living in spaces too small to swing the proverbial cat.
Or in life coach Stephanie Philp’s case, bunk in with a much-loved Tibetan terrier and a pet parrot.
‘Tiny House Diaries’ is not the first book Stephanie’s written but it’s by far her most personal, she told friends and acquaintances who packed The Gallery at the Old School last week for the launch.
There was much hilarity and even some tears as Steph related what a struggle her life had been the past few years – having to vacate her comfortable rental apartment in town and move into a “teeny tiny” caravan in the country for six months while organising for a tiny house and all its utilities to be installed on a rural Waitetuna site.
“I was so stressed,” she said of sleeping and working in a spatially challenged caravan with her dog Ragz and parrot Shaggy. But Steph didn’t have a Plan B.
She grappled with what her life had come to, her personal crisis accentuated by regular trips to the laundrette back in town and the demoralising task of emptying a toilet cassette. “There’s no pride left after doing all that,” she quipped.
And when her tiny house arrived, it seemed everything that could go wrong did. It was offloaded on the right site but in the wrong place, for
starters, until a local hero came to her rescue and shifted it.
Still, the tiny house – at 10 x 3m – felt like a mansion after the caravan which measured just 2 x 3.5m, Steph laughed.
She explained to her audience how ‘Tiny House Diaries’ was born from these experiences, having recorded them first in diary form during the ordeal of simply trying to think outside the box and keep a roof over her head.
She said she knew she was resilient “but not that resilient”.
And while it was not a lot of fun for a long time, she added, “fortunately I’ve got a sense of humour”.
Steph also believed that remaining positive through the tough times would ultimately end happily. “It took a while but now I feel grounded again,” she insisted at the book launch.
‘Tiny House Diaries’ details these circumstances which led to such a big lifestyle change – and what Steph learnt from it all – while also offering invaluable tips for anyone thinking about downsizing, decluttering or simplifying their life.
It’s not just about stuff, Steph says, it’s about headspace. “What we let go of physically often mirrors what we’re ready to release internally.”
That paring down of stuff – and the simplicity of Steph’s life in a tiny house for almost three years now – has brought to her an unexpected sense of freedom which, in turn, has compelled her to share her story.
Steph was very visible around town as that story played out –frequently walking her “sidekick” Ragz (who sadly has since died) –and was stopped often by locals who would lend an ear or offer support.
“That’s why you’re all here,” she told those gathered at the launch, adding how “essential” her friends were. “I feel immense appreciation
for the kindness of the Raglan community.”
Steph’s story has since been filmed for popular YouTube channel ‘Living Big in a Tiny House’, which has millions of subscribers worldwide.
*’Tiny House Diaries’ will be available in Raglan at Made Gallery, Zinnia and IHub Information Centre; also as an ebook via Amazon.
Reunion for early Te Mata and Te Hutewai families
Local women Anne Postlewaight and her daughter Anita have taken on the daunting task of organising a family reunion for the Saunders, Stephenson and Cornes families, all early settlers of the Te Mata and Te Hutewai areas.
At first glance, it might not sound like too difficult a challenge. With access to modern technology, a few phone calls and some emails can quickly bring people together.
However, when one looks more closely at the history of these families and realises how many descendants they now have, the scale of the task becomes clear. Many of the early settlers worked tirelessly on local farms and in businesses, helping to build a strong and enduring community in the area.
The first of these families, George and Emily Saunders, sailed from England in 1860 with three sons, one of whom died during the voyage. On arrival, reaching the land they had purchased in the Te Hutewai district was no easy task. The family sought refuge with Bob Vernon in Te Mata while William built their first rudimentary house. Life was challenging, and the family moved between the farm and Auckland at times to find extra work.
Eventually their son William J. Saunders took over the farm and married Rose Yearbury. Families were large in those days, so it was fortunate that one of William’s sons, Ted, took over the family farm, while another son, George, farmed an original block nearby.
It was at this point that the Saunders and Cornes families became connected, when Ethel Cornes married George.
Ethel’s parents, John and Mary Cornes, had moved from Te Aroha and settled on a farm in Te Mata in 1904. They had six sons and one daughter, Ethel. Music was important in the household, and several family members played the piano and violin. John and Mary remained on the farm until retirement, after which it was taken over by their son Albert.
Further connections followed when William Cornes married one of the Saunders sisters, Muriel, strengthening the ties between the families. They had seven sons and one daughter. Their youngest son, Albert, took over the farm after returning from World War I. It was said that he was not a farmer at heart and much preferred photography. He was often called upon to photograph local weddings, and many of his photographs remain within the family archives. His eldest son, John, later kept the farm in the family.
The third family represented at the reunion is the Stephensons.
George Stephenson came to Te Hutewai to farm in 1908. He married Wilhelmina, known as Dibby. One of their sons, Bill, married Heather Saunders, and another son, Wally, married Rosemary Saunders, linking the three families again in the next generation.
After the prolific growth of these families over the generations, it is easy to see that sorting out the family connections could become somewhat confusing. However, it also promises to be a lot of fun. The youngest generation will be catered for with games on the school grounds, while the adults share food and stories in the Te Mata Hall. Many
family members have gathered information over the years and are keen to fill in the gaps.
Reunion details
On Saturday 4 April 2026 (Easter weekend), descendants of these families and anyone else interested are invited to meet at Te Mata Hall from 11.00am onwards to:
• Register their connection or interest
• Bring a plate and soft drinks for a shared lunch (tea and coffee will be provided)
• Bring photos and shared history
• Catch up with friends and relatives
• Meet the next generation
Children are most welcome, with activities available on the school grounds opposite to keep them occupied. A small donation towards hall hire would be appreciated.
Programme for the day
11.00am – 1.00pm: Meet and greet, share family history and connections
1.00pm – 2.00pm: Welcome and shared lunch
2.00pm – 3.00pm: Family group photos and whole group photo
Video clips
Visual displays
Books available to read or purchase
The organisers look forward to catching up, reconnecting families and recording the stories of the newer and extended generations.
For further information or to register your interest, contact: Anita Postlewaight
Email: reunion.temata@gmail.com
Phone: 021 212 2414
from Raglan Museum
Clockwise from top left: Dibby and George Stephenson, John Cornes, Mary Macpherson, William Saunders and Rose Yearbury.
Raglan Medical’s nursing team: caring for our whānau
At Raglan Medical, our nursing team is here to support the health and wellbeing of our community — from pēpi and tamariki through to kaumātua. We know that living rurally can make access to healthcare more challenging, so our nurses work closely with our GPs to make care easier to access, closer to home, and centred around whānau.
Nurse Prescribers: Care When You Need It
We’re proud to have Registered Nurse Prescribers as part of our team. These are experienced nurses with advanced training who can assess, diagnose, and prescribe treatment for many everyday health concerns.
Having Nurse Prescribers available means many patients can be seen sooner, without needing to wait for a GP appointment. They work closely with our doctors and nursing team, and if something is more complex, it is carefully triaged to the right clinician.
Our Nurse Prescribers — Fi, Amber, Liz, Selina, Kim, and Aimee — can help with a wide range of health needs, including:
• Common childhood illnesses like coughs, colds, fevers, and rashes
• Skin infections, eye, throat, and sinus infections
• Urinary tract infections (for females aged 12 and over)
• Eczema, fungal infections, scabies, and head lice
• Sexual health care, including STI treatment
• Asthma inhalers, allergies, and everyday pain relief
• Ear infections and ear wax micro suction
This helps whānau get the care they need, when they need it, while keeping GP appointments available for more complex health concerns.
Nurse Telephone Triage: Helping You Find the Right Care
When you call Raglan Medical, you may be offered nurse telephone triage. This is a way for our nurses to listen, ask a few key questions, and help guide you to the right care.
Nurse triage helps us understand how urgent a concern is and what support is needed — whether that’s advice, an appointment, or follow-up care. It helps reduce waiting times, supports early care, and reassures patients that their concern is being taken seriously from the start.
Practice Nurses: A Trusted Part of Our Community
Practice nurses are often the familiar faces our community sees regularly. At Raglan Medical, our nurses provide a wide range of care, including:
• Health assessments and patient triage
• Childhood and adult immunisations
• Wound care, suturing, and dressings
• Ongoing care for long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma, and heart health
• Cervical screening and women’s health care
• Sexual health testing, treatment, and education
• Health checks, lifestyle advice, and prevention support
• Medication education and follow-up
• Coordinating referrals and nurse led clinics
Our practice nurses work alongside GPs and Nurse Prescribers to provide care that is respectful, supportive, and focused on the whole person and their whānau.
Welcome to the Team: Simone TarrantKeepa
We are pleased to welcome Simone TarrantKeepa to our team and to the Raglan community for the next 11 weeks. Simone is a Bachelor of Nursing student with a strong interest in rural and communitybased primary health care, and she brings a compassionate, peoplecentred approach to her work.
Originally based in the Waikato, Simone is currently completing her nursing studies through Wintec and has gained valuable handson experience across a range of clinical settings. Her placements have included aged care facilities,
hospital oncology services, and daystay surgical units, where she has worked closely with patients and whānau, supporting them through assessment, care, and recovery.
Simone is passionate about cultural safety, continuity of care, and building meaningful relationships with the people she supports. She is motivated by the opportunity to contribute positively to rural health services and to support individuals and families within their own communities.
We are delighted to have Simone on board and look forward to the care, dedication, and enthusiasm she brings to her role.
Late Night Clinics
To better support our community, Raglan Medical is now open until 7:00pm every Thursday evening. These latenight clinics are designed for rangitangi who study over the divy, people who work, have caring responsibilities, or find it difficult to attend during the day.
Each Thursday evening, four clinicians are on duty, including two GPs and Nurse Prescribers, giving our community more choice and flexibility when booking appointments. Call
Aimee Ange Fi
Katie Kim Liz Selina
Aspirations for Lorenzen Bay Reserve recognised
from Waikato District Council
Waikato District Council’s Assets and Infrastructure Committee has approved updates to the Natural Reserves Management Plan for Lorenzen Bay Reserve, Raglan following consultation last year.
The update formally endorses Kirikiripu Catchment Care’s communityled Waikokowai/ Lorenzen Bay Reserve Restoration and Development Plan, which outlines a shared vision for the future care, restoration, and use of the reserve.
Lorenzen Bay Reserve has become a focal point for community-led ecological restoration and recreational development, with local residents actively involved in improving the reserve since 2013.
The four-hectare reserve is located in the eastern area of Raglan, and encompasses a diverse landscape of coastal wetland, stream ecosystems and lowland forest. The reserve’s Waikokowai Stream flows from the slopes of Kirikiripu puke/hill to Lorenzen Bay in Whāingaroa Harbour.
The plan means volunteers will be able to work collaboratively with council, within the Kirikiripu Catchment Care umbrella to participate in projects on the reserve. This approach will ensure that volunteers and
letters
May
council are working towards a common goal on the reserve.
Consultation on the amendments to section 2.6.2 Lorenzen Bay Reserve of the Natural Reserves Management Plan 2018 was open from 31 October 2025 to 1 December 2025, and 34 submissions were received.
Overall, submitters supported the proposed approach to conservation and enhancement of the natural environment, and that it was good to see a focus on ecological enhancement and supported improved access within the wetland area.
Whāingaroa general ward councillor Lisa Thomson acknowledged the work of Kirikiripu Catchment Care, the community and iwi to develop the plan.
“This group of volunteers are on the ground doing the mahi to help restore and enhance the reserve, and it’s great to see this community-led plan formally endorsed. The plan supports long-term stewardship of this important natural space and provides a framework for its implementation.”
Kirikiripu Catchment Care coordinator Rebecca Eivers says they are delighted at the support from the Whāingaroa community through the consultation.
“The endorsement of our plan enables our group of hard working, committed
Whaaingaroa Palestine Solidarity up-date:
Whaaingaroa Palestine Solidarity has continued over the summer months, to raise awareness of the situation of Palestinians and raise funds for medical aid for Gaza. We have held monthly flagwaving events in support of Palestinians, calling on the NZ government to place sanctions on Israel. We held a highly successful and celebratory “Gig for Palestine” on 28 January. Huge thanks to the thirteen local musicians, sound and light technicians, Wyld café, the large number of volunteers, and all of those who came out in support --- a fantastic evening of great music and conversation. Money from door sales has been sent to Palestine Australia New Zealand Medical Association. PANZMA, a humanitarian organisation, is still able to get medical aid into Gaza. In another fund-raising effort, a community member generously
volunteers to continue to restore and develop the reserve, an area that is precious to us all.
“We are grateful to Waikato District Council and staff for their support, and to everyone who helped develop the Waikokowai / Lorenzen Bay Reserve Restoration and Development Plan. It brings together over 10 years of community work and outlines ideas for the future including native planting, better access, nature play areas, and educational signs.”
Waikato District Council will now work with Kirikiripu Catchment Care to draft the
donated an electric bike for us to raffle for Medical aid for Gaza and this was won by Mark of Kerikeri. We had a stall at the Dolphin day on March 7, engaging with many local people concerned about the present Israeli/US renewed bombings in Lebanon and Iran and the continuing dire situation for Gazans, who are living under occupation, with Israel controlling border crossings and all aid going into the Gaza strip.
Whaaingaroa Palestine Solidarity is holding a Rally for Palestine on Saturday 21 March at 11am. We are marking 50 years since the Day of the Land (Yawm al-Ard) in 1976, the mass mobilisation of resistance by Palestinians living within Israel. We also remember the over 73,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza in the last 28 months.
People may think that the so-called ceasefire marked the end of Israel’s bombing of Gaza. But bombings and
killings continue. Over 640 people have been killed in Gaza since 10 October 2025. Others have died from preventable disease, cold, and malnutrition. Israel now occupies over 50 % of the Gaza strip, and controls all of the borders, sea and air space of this now even smaller piece of Palestinian land. Israel vets everything that goes into Gaza. The situation is desperate. Palestinians need adequate quality food, clean water, medical supplies, housing, infrastructure for sewage/rubbish disposal to prevent the spread of diseases such as cholera and infections etc. The promised 600 trucks of aid a day going into Gaza have never materialised. As the Israel and US invasion of Iran and Lebanon is taking the headlines, more land grabs are taking place in the Occupied Palestinian West Bank where over 40,000 Palestinians have been forced from their land since October 2023.
volunteer agreement outlining the works able to be carried out on the reserve.
Open Spaces Services Manager Glyn Morgan says that while general ideas from the plan are being endorsed, Kirikiripu Catchment Care will have parameters in their volunteer agreement as to what they can undertake and what council can deliver to support the project.
Infrastructure, including access upgrades, benches, boardwalks etc. would require approval from council staff prior to being undertaken. As part of that process local feedback from the community will be sought.
The expropriation of Palestinian land was first resisted in a co-ordinated and organised way in March 1976. Palestinians called a general strike on 30 March 1976 to oppose Israel’s land theft and discrimination of Palestinian citizens in Isreal. The peaceful demonstrations were confronted by the Israeli police and army. Six Palestinians were shot: Khayr Muhammad Yasin, Raja Hussein Abu Riya, Khader Abd Khalil, Khadija Juhayna, Muhammad Yusuf Taha, and Rafat Zuhairi, tens injured, and hundreds arrested (Ilan Pappe, The Forgotten Palestinians).Our rally commemorates this day, which not only marks the historical event but draws attention to Israel’s continuous violent process of settler-colonial occupation of Palestinian, Lebanese, and Syrian land and the present invasion of Iran.
Come and join us on March 21, meeting outside the library at 11am.
Regsitrations opens for Raglan Arts Weekend
Registration for the Raglan Arts Weekend for this year has officially opened this week and all artists are strongly urged to register as soon as possible. Registration for RAW studios (both solo and group studios) is open for 3 weeks max, with the closing date of 30 March brought forward if the max quota is reached.
Raglan’s annual self-guided art trail usually shares over 65 artists in approximately 40 studios and plans to keep the event a similar size. It is based on a ‘first come, first served’ approach to keep it fair for all.
“We’ve had a great registration response in the first couple of days, with some of our old faves, as well as some new names coming forward to participate,” says Nicky Brzeska, RAW Co-Ordinator. “We’ve been working
closely with our artists to ensure our 2026 event is a success for everyone, and we are getting very excited to share Raglan’s best art talent with you over Labour Weekend this year – so get in quick!” she says.
New artists can also apply to be a part of The Hatch, RAW’s incubator for new art talent in Raglan. The Hatch is an application process and 15 artists will be chosen to form a group exhibition in the Town Hall. Applications for The Hatch are open now, and close 20 April. Applicants will be informed on the 30 April.
Visit www.raglanartsweekend.nz/ registration to register for RAW (online registrations only) or to get more information for applying for The Hatch.
Good luck to our art community - we can't wait to help promote your work which really fascinates and inspires our locals and visitors - both young and old!
Māori Surfing Nationals
Held over the weekend of 7–8 March, the Aotearoa Māori Surfing Titles in Taranaki saw some standout performances from Raglan surfers.
Xander Banks took out the Under 18 Boys title and also placed second in the Open Men’s division. Jarrto Toomey also delivered a strong performance, finishing first in the Over 40s division.
Local wins double gold in Oz
F
ormer Raglan local Ollie Tucker Houston has achieved an impressive result at the BJJAO League National Australian Championships held in Byron Bay last weekend.
Now living in Queensland, Ollie won double gold, taking first place in both the Under 33kg, 11-year-old Grey Belt Gi division and the Under 37kg, 11-year-old Grey Belt No Gi division.
Ollie first began his martial arts journey at The Refinery Dojo in Raglan, where he started his training before moving to Australia. His success on the national stage is a proud moment for the young athlete and a great achievement for a former local.
RAGLAN
Modern
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
home times are tidal so if you do not want to drive around, a short boat ride leaving the Raglan Wharf will be provided.
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
RAGLAN 4 Maungatawhiri Road
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625
E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
RAGLAN 4 Maungatawhiri Road
RAGLAN 4 Maungatawhiri Road
Don’t Miss This One!
Don’t
Hinuera
plus onebedroom self-contained unit downstairs that could be a private space or generate extra income. The surrounding decks are ideal for taking in the rural views. Included are two one-bedroom pods, each with own bathroom, could host extended family, guests or be an Air BnB opportunity.
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625
E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
RAGLAN 822
Richard
WAITETUNA 2651 State Highway 23 Rural Bliss: 87ha Farm With Modern Amenities
RAGLAN
freehold title. Be captivated by the views across the coastline. The section has been fully fenced and entirely planted in mixed native trees creating a low maintenance lifestyle retreat with no restrictive covenants. A geotech report is available, the building platform is ready, and driveway has been formed.
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625 E richard.thomson@pggwrightson.co.nz
RAGLAN Bare Land
• Te Akau Wharf Road, 991m2, asking $349K
• Stage 1, Te Uku Village subdivsion, 5,000 - 6,000m2, asking $500K Four sections, 9A, 9B, 9C, and 61 Pond Road, 6,000 - 8,000m2, asking $600K
• Three Sections, 377, 337A and 337B Te Papatapu Road, 8,000m2, asking $550K 375 Okete Road, 8,000m2, price by negotiation 1597 Whaanga Road, 1.1007ha, asking $890K
• 467A Te Mata Road, 1.577ha, asking $565K
• 119 Te Papatapu Road, 5.271ha, asking $650K
• 201 Pond Road, 7.498ha, asking $900K
185 Waingaro Landing Road, 12. 4985ha, asking $780K Pond Road, 90.7128ha, asking $1.5M
Te Akau Coast Road, 44.296ha, asking $630K
• Te Papatapu Road, 93.98ha, asking $1.58M
2/25
rwraglan.co.nz/RAG30649
Saturday 14 March
what’s on
CROP SWAP. First and third Sundays of the month. 9.30 -10.30am at Bowling Club, James Street. Bring anything from the kitchen or garden to swap - seedlings, plants, produce, preserves, baking. It’s not direct swapping, we share abundance, and everyone gets a bit of everything! All welcome
RAGLAN GROWERS
MARKET, 5-7pm Every Friday on Stewart Street Remember to bring your reusables!
FRIENDS OF KAITOKE
WALKWAY meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays every month at 9am to remove pest plants and restore the native environment. Email Whāingaroaweed busters@gmail.com for the meeting point.
For Sale
FIREWOOD DRY, DELIVERED. - trailer load - dry old man pine - 215.00, Pine210.00, Blackwood 220.00. Phone 021 0771524. Wanted
WORKER WANTED: Someone to assist with outside and gardening work. general tyding up: 8258124.
RALLY FOR PALESTINE
Saturday 21 March at 11am, meet outside the library. Marking the 50th anniversairy of Palestine Land Day—resistance agianst Israeli occupation.
RAGLAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY NEXT MEETING
AGM - Tuesday 17 March at 1pm in the Church Hall, Stewart Street. Guest speaker - Sarah Oliver from Flowering Bean. Floral Art theme – Vertical Thrust. Normal competitions, display table, sales table, Garden Vibes, raffle, afternoon tea. All welcome.
CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES
RAGLAN ARTS WEEKEND REGISTRATIONS
NOW OPEN
Registrations for RAW and applications for The Hatch (emerging artists). Limited places, don’t delay! www.raglanartsweekend.nz/registration/ CALL FOR ARTISTS
The Clay Shed invites submissions for 2 themed group exhibitions - “Mugs, Mostly” April 4-11 and “Into The Blue” 30 May-13 June. Check our website for details and online registration form – www.raglanartscentre.co.nz or email info@ raglanartcentre.co.nz.
ART COMPETITION – MY DREAM IS HOPE
All Raglan artists are invited to submit work for this competition and associated curated exhibition at the Raglan Arts Centre Gallery in April. A cash prize will be awarded in each of the 2 categories - for ages under 20 and open. For full details check our website raglanartscentre.co.nz or email gallery@raglanartscentre.co.nz.
LOSING IT - FRIDAY 13 MARCH
A powerful new play exploring dementia, love and loss, by Sandra Shearer and Ceridwyn Parr. Followed by an informal discussion of the issues raised with the writers. Eva’s Room, 2pm-3pm. Entry by koha.
SARAH SPARKLES ONE-NIGHT ART SALEFRIDAY 13 MARCH
A single evening to experience works in pottery, painting and drawing, with artworks available for purchase, selected artworks by silent auction. 6-9pm. Free entry.
LIVE AND LOCAL – FRIDAY 13 MAR
Our regular showcase of awesome Whaingaroa talent – this month featuring long-time favourites TeamSquad, plus Niko and Tamma & Bede, both acts brand new to our stage. Whare Tapere, 7.309.30pm, doors open 7pm. Recommended entry $10, Minimum $5 – pay what you can afford. Free entry for ages 17 and under. Licensed bar and café open.
GALLERY HUI – WEDNESDAY 25 MARCH
• Low Cost Counselling
• Free Budget Service
• Drop-in Lounge
• OpShop
c: +64 204 140 6587
e: cycled.design@outlook.com w: www.cycled-design.com
Our new gallery co-ordinator needs your input! Come along and be involved in shaping the future of the Raglan Arts Centre Gallery. 6pm, all welcome.
MOVIES AT THE OLD SCHOOL
HOLY DAYS
(PG | 101 mins) Sat 14 Mar 5pm
TENOR, MY NAME IS PATI (PG | 96 mins) Sat 14 Mar 7.30pm Sat 28 Mar 4.45pm
English and Samoan with subtitles
WICKED FOR GOOD (PG | 137 mins) Sun 15 Mar 4pm I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 (PG | 110 mins) Sun 15 Mar 7pm Sun 19 April 4.30pm
REGULAR EVENTS
Ragtimers Ukulele Group 2nd and every subsequent Wed 4pm
Clay Shed Members’ Night weekly on Wed 5-7pm
Karioi Quilts & Crafts Monthly on 2nd Thurs, 10am
Raglan Art Group restarts 6 Mar
Backgammon Club monthly on last Fri, 5pm
Readers Book Club monthly on last Fri, 10.30am
Contact 825 0023 | www.raglanartscentre.co.nz/
• Rooms for Hire
• Justice of the Peace
• Alcohol & Drug Services
• Youth Programs
• Information Technology Support
Please contact us for more information Ph: 825 8142 info@raglancommunityhouse.org.nz www.raglancommunityhouse.org.nz
45 Bow Street, Raglan
Maui Dolphin Day & Recycled Raft Race update coming next issue
11 Sunshine Rise, Raglan —
By Neg 3 BED | 1 BATH | 2 LIVING
Sunshine Rise - Nature’s Retreat | Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac, 11 Sunshine Rise presents a rare opportunity to secure a three bedroom home on a generous 941sqm site, positioned positioned to capture all day sun while overlooking a lush native bush reserve A wraparound deck with a sleek glass balustrade ensures the view remains uninterrupted and the connection to the outdoors seamless. Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the property’s infrastructure, with solar panels harnessing the northern sun and a substantial 33,000L water tank, supported by town supply.
Open Home: Sat 2-2.30pm & Sun 1-1.30pm
Jono Hutson 021 488 766
jonoh@lodge.co.nz
51 Norrie Avenue, Raglan —
By Neg
Harbour And Bar Views, With Productive Garden | Enjoy views of the Inner Harbour, Mt Karioi and the Raglan Bar, perfectly framed by stunning sunsets. Thoughtfully developed, this 831sqm haven offers a blend of self-sufficiency, privacy and potential. An exceptional opportunity for couples or families ready to realise their urban lifestyle dream. Set back from the road, the property welcomes you into a private retreat. The low-maintenance landscaped garden features a relaxed mix of natives, fruit trees and shrubs. Rich hardwood floors add character and provide the ideal base for a stylish refresh. The generous double garage includes a high-stud section, adding practical versatility.
Open Home: Sat 1-1.30pm
Jono Hutson 021 488 766
jonoh@lodge.co.nz
3/25 Rangitahi Road, Raglan —
By Neg 2
Townhouse Living with Ease - North Point Residences | Blending modern style with relaxed coastal appeal, this beautifully designed townhouse offers effortless, low maintenance living, perfect for those dreaming of a laid-back lifestyle by the sea. Upstairs, a generous open plan kitchen and lounge area provides multiple vantage points of the inner harbour. Expansive sliders span the width of the living space, opening onto a sun soaked deck and creating seamless indoor/outdoor flow ideal for entertaining guests. The contemporary kitchen is equipped with quality appliances and complemented by striking Victorian ash oak flooring and balustrades, adding warmth and character to the light filled interior.
Open Home: Sun 11-11.30am
Jono Hutson 021 488 766
jonoh@lodge.co.nz
19 Maataitai Road, Raglan —
$1,250,000
4 BED | 2 BATH
Home & Income Opportunity | Be In For Summer | Thoughtfully designed by Orange Architecture and meticulously crafted by Hardie Homes, this property offers more than meets the eye. Positioned in a private, sunny location just a short stroll from the water’s edge and set against the backdrop of a generous green reserve, it perfectly blends modern comfort with the natural beauty of the peninsula. Private from the main residence, the selfcontained space boasts a good sized bathroom and independent gas supply for added comfort and flexibility. Designed for future potential, this structure is well engineered to support a second level.
Open Home: Sun 2.30-3pm
Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz
