27 March 2015

27 March 2015, Issue 744

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

Footing a premier start – p11

64,980 copies

to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

A yarn bomb sign-up – p34

Champion speedway event – p46

Flick the switch Tomorrow night, switch off the box, flick off the lights and re-energise your sustainability efforts by heading to Tauranga’s free Earth Hour event at Coronation Park.

A night of food, fun and entertainment – completely run off the grid – is on offer from 5pm, with Earth Hour being celebrated power-free from 8.30pm-9.30pm.

But this year’s torch-filled, glow stick-laden junket has a few new tricks to make Tauranga’s environmental awareness glow. To learn more, see page 4. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

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ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 64,980 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes.

The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

The Weekend Sun Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Letitia Atkinson, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter, Luke Balvert, Merle Foster, David Tauranga, Dan Sheridan, Hunter Wells.

Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Sellars, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Rose Hodges, Tasha Paull, Lucy Pattison, Bianca Lawton, Cath Jump, Doug Britton, Chloe Brown, Vanessa Lee, Jo Delicata. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Digital Media: Lauren McGillivray, Jay Burston Office: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Kathy Drake.

Ordinary Kiwis just doing the right thing Concerned that many tourists arriving in New Zealand are overweight and a health danger to themselves, RR is urging vigilante Kiwis to confiscate their lunches. It’s for their own good.

We’d like to see New Zealanders take matters into their own hands to help fat foreigners save themselves from themselves.

You never know when one them might die of obesity, choke on a bun, roll off a cliff or accidentally sit on one

of their offspring, so we are urging all well-meaning NZers to become voluntary Lunch Safety Wardens.

Don’t let that poor tourist succumb to temptation in the pie shop. Aid that holidaymaker picnicking in the park by quarantining their quiche and quinoa.

Dose of daily Rabbit

RR has been dragged kicking and screaming into the digital age, with Rogers Rabbits now on Facebook. Check out the page and click ‘like’ to get more Rabbit in your week.

There will be new stuff up

We are looking for people who: • are 40 years of age or older • are male or female • have a history of smoking • currently use inhalers • have received antibiotics or steroid treatment in the last 12 months for chest infections • are able to attend regular clinics at the hospital.

For more information, please contact the Research Nurse on 07 557 5242.

This study is sponsored by GSK

there most days, plus out-takes and bits that my wife won’t let me put in the paper. It’s The Rabbit almost uncensored… and you get to comment too.

Backward boaters

There’s been quite a fuss this week about naughty schoolboy rowers who got turfed out of the team for gooning at the airport. Then their daddies went to court and got the poor wee things reinstated in the team.

There’s been a lot of commentary all week about the rights and wrongs of the school not being able to discipline bad behaviour and whether parents should be able to cane the school through the court.

Some are even asking where is the self-respect?

Well as a kayaker, I really have to question, did they ever have any? Anyone who sits backward in a boat watching where they’ve been, clearly doesn’t have any self-respect and certainly no foresight. And all rowers are navigation hazards – not keeping a proper lookout.

Perhaps they need to turn their life around, by turning their bums around and facing frontwards.

Just sayin’. (Backward boater backlash invited: ‘like’ Rogers Rabbits, now on Facebook).

My Everest

Just completed my Everest Challenge…on social media I’ve achieved at least 38 friends climbing the Mount at least 38 times in 38 days. Took a lot out of me, depleted a fair bit of my day reading about it, but the satisfaction is immense.

Selfless commitment

Big story this week, a real scoop: ice cream truck breaks down.

Did they warn other motorists by putting cones out on the road?

Will it cost hundreds and thousands to repair?

Turns out, it was a stunt by Tip Top to promote a new product. They gave away 1500 ice creams with the story that the truck had broken down and therefore the product

needed to be given away before it melted. Such personal sacrifice, those voluntary Trumpet eaters displayed.

Reminds me of the day a beer truck crashed near the Waikareao causeway.

There was a huge turnout of volunteers to help clean up the mess. Hey, it’s the Kiwi way. Always keen to lend a hand…

Romeo muscles in

‘Roger’ has always been the accepted acknowledgement, in radio communications.

Everyone knows that ‘Roger’ means message received and accepted.

Affirmative, if you want to be really pedantic. But there’s a new interloper on the scene. Romeo. For some inexplicable reason, some agencies have been tending to use Romeo instead of Roger.

Some PC do gooder namby pamby communications boffins have allowed the phonetic ‘R’ imposter to sneak in the back door of the radio room.

This has got Roger pretty hot under the collar. There’s no room for Romeo to muscle in, on radio acknowledgements. He should stick to poncing about in tights chasing Juliet and leave the real radio work to the experienced and accepted Roger Original. Roger that.

Joke of the week

A magician works on a cruise ship. The audience is different each week so he does the same tricks.

The problem is, the captain’s parrot sees all the shows and figures out every trick.

He shouts in the middle of the show: ‘Look, it’s not the same hat. Look, he’s hiding the flowers under the table. Hey, why are all the cards the ace of spades?’

The magician is furious but, as it’s the captain’s parrot, he can do nothing. Then one day the ship sinks and the magician is floating on wreckage with the parrot.

They glare at each other but say nothing.

Finally, after a week, the parrot says: ‘Okay, I give up.

Where’s the boat?’ brian@thesun.co.nz

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. Radio use of “Roger” comes from the initial R of received: R was called Roger in the radio alphabets by the military at the time of the invention of the radio, such as the Army/Navy and RAF phonetic alphabet. Romeo is used for “R”, rather than “Roger” in the modern international NATO phonetic alphabet.

3

The Weekend Sun

Amy versus the landlord

An ugly spat Is she the victim or is she the tenant from hell?

Amy Barlow’s is a slip of a woman but she won’t be messed with. And she’s refusing to be “monstered” out of her rental home.

For their part, the property managers say she’s “used all her excuses” and is making it impossible for them to be conciliatory and understanding. And they say she’s in their debt.

It’s a typical and bitter ‘he says, she says’ dispute between landlord and tenant and one the Ministry of Justice Tenancy Tribunal will have to unravel. “I’m a model tenant, the property is clean and tidy; the rent’s up to date. This isn’t about the property, I feel it’s personal and I won’t budge.”

The ogre, the alleged ogre, in this case is the landlord and property manager, Tauranga Rentals. They say it has everything to do with the property.

“Amy Barlow? We only know her as Amy Tame. She’s in rent arrears of $930.44,” says Tauranga Rentals principal Daniel Lusby. And that is legal grounds for eviction.

This is just one of 20,000 similar cases adjudicated each year by the Tenancy Tribunal – the Ministry of Justice constituted body set up to settle issues landlords and tenants have been unable to settle.

This case has been festering for months. There’s been give-andtake on both sides without resolution. So it’s now been added to the tribunal’s case load.

Amy’s a 36-year-old solo mother with a landlord wants rid of her, wants her gone. “But I know my rights,” says Amy. “I’ve done my research, I’ve got my case together and I’m fighting back. I will not roll over. Not yet.”

And when her landlord slapped her with an eviction notice recently it fuelled tensions and Amy counter-punched. She got herself lawyered up, filed with the Tenancy Tribunal and is now waiting for her day in court. That’s next Wednesday.

But someone is going to lose – one side could end up out of pocket, the other out of home. So who do you believe? And how do you get to the bottom of it?

“Well, there are always two sides to any story,” says Baywide Community Law Service managing solicitor Beverley Edwards.

And this one is no different.

To read the full story, go to SunLive.co.nz and search

By Hunter Wells ‘Mum’s tenancy feud heats up’.

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4

Sunmedia Briefs 36x2 A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on...

The Weekend Sun

An energising Earth Hour event Cover story

The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated, seven days a week

www.sunlive.co.nz News tips ph

0800 SUNLIVE

Offer accepted for WWII medals

The last Dam Buster has accepted an offer from British philanthropist Lord Michael Ashcroft to buy his war medals and keep them in NZ. Tauranga’s Les Munro, the 95-year-old survivor of the famous World War II raid, planned to auction his medals in London this week, with proceeds going to the upkeep of the Bomber Command Memorial in the English capital.

However, Lord Ashcroft stepped in with a proposal to keep the medals in the country.

A night of food, fun and entertainment completely run off the grid – sporting a green meaning – is on offer to Bay of Plenty residents tomorrow night.

Tauranga is celebrating Earth Hour at Coronation Park from 5pm-9.30pm with gourmet food, music and a premiere screening of the Enspire BOP youth video challenge finalists.

Organised by Tauranga City Council, sustainability advisor Michelle Elborn says the free event’s ethos is to bring the community together to celebrate Earth Hour, which is an international event to raise awareness and stimulate action towards caring for the planet.

“Earth hour is a great opportunity to raise awareness on local environmental issues – and inspire local community action,” says Michelle.

Earth Hour involves people around the globe

Tauranga makes top 10

Tauranga has secured a top-10 spot on the list of traveller-chosen destinations throughout NZ. The list, released by the world’s largest travel site TripAdvisor sees Tauranga claim 10th spot as part of their 2015 Travellers’ Choice awards.

Queenstown was named as the top spot, but Rotorua makes it a Bay of Plenty double in the top 10, claiming fourth spot.

Pressure after LIM report delays

A surge in Land Information Memorandum report applications has left Tauranga City Council struggling to keep up with demand and real estate agents “frustrated” by delays.

Figures released by TCC show in the 12 months to February, LIM applications are up 25 per cent, sitting at 1826 compared to 1455 in February 2014. TCC customer services manager Margaret Batchelar admits LIM report applications have increased “significantly” since last November.

Roundabout for Te Puna

A two-lane roundabout will be built at the intersection of Te Puna and Minden roads next summer, boosting safety on State Highway 2.

NZTA has approved $7m in funding to cover property purchase and construction costs.

Subject to approvals, property purchase and tender process, construction will start in summer.

SunLive comment of week

On the issue of delays to LIM reports frustrating real estate agents, Murray Guy says: “Why not make property information accessible online to all? Customers do their own search, and pay on line. Less staff, reduced costs and increased efficiency”.

Tauranga City Council sustainability advisor Michelle Elborn hopes more youth will head to Tauranga’s Earth Hour event tomorrow night. switching off to the electrical world from 8.30pm-9.30pm NZ time as a symbol of support.

Tauranga’s event will showcase sustainable event management. From 5pm tomorrow the Gourmet Night Markets will be serving food made from local produce – and the market will run totally electricity-free.

Torches and lanterns

“Instead lighting will be via torches and lanterns, and cooking done by gas.

And vendors can only use local New Zealand produce,” says Michelle.

“So there will be no imported produce used – another nice development which has environmental benefits.”

Plus, recycling stations will be in place and all food stalls will provide compostable servery. “With everyone’s help we hope to divert 99 per cent of the events waste from landfill – to be almost zero waste.”

Simultaneously, a concert will celebrate local musicians, thanks to the Mauao Performing Arts Centre, on a stage powered by solar energy.

This year’s exciting new feature is a screening of four finalist entries in the Enspire BOP video challenge, during Earth Hour itself from 8.30pm.

“We planned to premiere the Enspire

BOP finalists at Earth Hour, to share youth thinking around environmental issues and what action can be taken to care for our local natural environment.”

“The movie screen will be off the grid too. A solar power unit thanks to Sunsonics will be there during the day [tomorrow] collecting solar energy that gets stored in a battery to utilise during the evening.”

After the screening TEDx’s Sheldon Nesdale will gift prizes to the finalists.

A number of environmental organisations will be at the markets too; Sustainable Coastline will be touting their beach clean-ups, plus Mauao Area Wildlife Trust, Envirohub with bicyclemaking smoothies, the Hydrohub and Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Tauranga City Council will be providing information too

Family friendly

Michelle says the event is familyfriendly but she’d like to see more youth attend. Bring a blanket, lantern and enjoy the night’s atmosphere, entertainment and glowing environmental messages. “We’ll go into darkness at 8.30pm.”

If tomorrow night is wet the event will be on Sunday at the same time.

By Merle Foster

5

The Weekend Sun

Warning for councillors By attacking weeds before they become trees, Tauranga City Council can save ratepayers tens of thousands of dollars every year, according to local resident Bryan Norton.

Wilding pines, wattles and Taiwan cherry trees are the main offenders, with the latter particularly fast growing and able to leap from a sapling to two metre tall tree in a year.

Bryan, who has been a reserves officer with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council for 14 years, spoke to Tauranga City councillor’s during their City Vision Committee’s public forum this week.

He wants TCC’s contractors to be instructed to pull up seedlings when they come across them, instead of being called back later when the tree is a nuisance.

Not only is Taiwan cherry fast growing, it’s a weed species that will grow up through regenerating native bush, says Bryan.

“The problem with it is not only is it extremely abundant and fast growing, they don’t stop growing until they are 15m high, so they will dominate a

forest,” says Bryan told The Weekend Sun. “It will still grow in the full shade of heavy native forest. There will just be a profusion of Taiwan cherry seedlings on a forest floor – and some land owners are rather aghast when I have to put the firm word on the protection covenant on their land, [that] they have to deal with it.”

Taiwan cherry, or prunus companulata, was sold in garden centres about 15 years ago, but is now wellknown as a weed species.

Bryan says nurseries sold them because they bring the native birds around – but the birds spread the cherry seeds, and the trees don’t stay contained.

“The Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Northland Regional Council and a few others recognise it as a weed species but it’s not on the list of species that must be controlled – at least it’s not yet,” says Bryan.

“I deal with a number of plant pest control contractors in my job, and they’re talking about the scourge of Taiwan cherry.

“You notice the seedling might Beds be eight inches high and if you don’t do anything about it, come back in Shelving Units a year’s time and you will find it 2.5m high.”

He watched a Taiwan cherry tree at the Cupboards bottom of Welcome Bay Rd grow for two TV Units years before it began getting in the way of pedestrians and interfering with sight lines for traffic.

Then, contractor Arborcare was called in.

Bryan says it probably cost ratepayers about $450 to have the tree felled.

“The financial incentive is to do something much easier and more cost homes 4 or effective Fowler – to pull out a10x7 seedling sapling, than it isSettings to dealing with each tree.”

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The Weekend Sun

A journalism and food journey in Nanchang

A total of 10 Bay of Plenty students are going to Nanchang in China on Monday.

She leaves the country on Monday and she hasn’t thought much about what she’s going to pack in her bags.

But the Year 13 Otumoetai College student supposes it will all become real when she arrives in a city where the whole of New Zealand could probably fit.

Shevaun Harley departs for Nanchang in China at 10am Monday. She’s travelling with eight other girls and one boy from Otumoetai College, Te Puke High School, Bethlehem College, Aquinas College and Mount Maunganui College.

They’ll each spend a month in the world’s most populous country, going to school, seeing the sights and experiencing a totally different culture.

“All the girls are pretty excited to go shopping – but I’m pretty excited to do the Tai Chi,” says Shevaun.

“We’re all going to get up early and go to the Tai Chi classes – but my host family’s willing to take me to the zoos. Seeing a panda will be pretty cool.”

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They’ll also be able to bite into some very different cuisine. And chopsticks.

“That’s going to be interesting.”

The trip is part of a one-month research scholarship, funded by the New Zealand China Friendship Society Simon Deng Cultural Exchange Fund.

Each student has been granted either a journalism, art, or horticultural scholarship. Shevaun’s is a journalism scholarship. She’ll focus on the traditional cuisine and look at how it’s reported in the media.

Shevaun knows there’s going to be a big difference between the way we eat dinner, to the way the Chinese do.

“They put all their food in the middle of the table and you’re expected to help yourself. “Here, we have someone who dishes the food for you and you have that portion.”

She’s expecting school to be a lot harder too.

“I’m excited. It’s going to be cool to see a different aspect of school. It might be a bit harder but I’m keen to give it a go.”

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7

The Weekend Sun

Spotting solar spectacles from Tauranga We were warned as children not to look at the sun – you will go blind – something called solar retinopathy.

and green light so only the red light of those massive solar disturbances can be seen.

“You can probably sense my excitement,” says Stuart.

“It’s a very small manoeuvrable instrument so we can get it out quickly, stick it on the deck and take a look at the sun which is easy to line up.”

“We will pick up information and advice from the professionals around the planet. They will tell us what is happening and we will take a look.”

It’s quite a departure for the club,

which normally views stars, planets and other heavenly bodies through its big telescope at night.

The new telescope is not just for the buffs. “We want to encourage people of all ages to know we have an observatory with instruments, which will allow them to become aware of what exists beyond planet earth.”

To learn more about the club or new telescope, view the Tauranga Astronomical Society Facebook page or call 07 576 1943.

By Hunter Wells

Tauranga Astronomical Society president Stuart Murray watches the sun from 150 million kilometres away. Below: A photograph of the sun, which Stuart took with the society’s new telescope.

While damage could be a reality, warnings of total blindness were probably overstated.

However, staring at the sun in Tauranga can now be a safe, exciting and spectacular experience.

The Tauranga Astronomical Society has invested $4000 in an instrument which enables safe gazing at sunspots, solar flares and all the other “dramatic and dynamic” events occurring on the surface of the sun.

“These unimaginably large bursts of energy can only be viewed clearly with this sort of telescope,” says Tauranga Astronomical Society president

Stuart Murray. “You’ve probably seen pictures in books of the major eruptions, massive explosions in the sun’s atmosphere – they extend millions and millions of kilometres from the surface of the sun.

“They put on a wonderful show and now we have a chance to see them first-hand.”

Most of the sun is made up of hydrogen and during periods of explosive activity there is a very narrow red part of the light spectrum that can be viewed.

The new telescope is designed with special filters cutting out the white, blue

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8

The Weekend Sun

Give Jack his scooter back A message from Jack Cloughley to the reprobate who nicked his flash Blunt Prodigal.

“Please give it back – because I love that scooter.”

If you know scooters and you know Blunt Prodigals – they are the business. Prodigal by name and prodigal by nature – they’re lavish and luxuriant by scooter standards. “It looks really cool,” boasts Jack.

To give that degree of “coolness” perspective, all Jack’s scooter and skateboard mates think it’s “really cool too”. So object of admiration becomes object of envy.

Jack got his distinctive American purple and silver stunt scooter for his 10th birthday on Monday March 16. Five days later it was gone – stolen! Taken from the bike sheds at Papamoa Primary.

Jack Cloughley has to ride his old scooter to school.

“I am really sad,” says Jack.

So are his Mum and Dad, who spent nearly $400 “Now I know I shouldn’t have.” But she accepts it on the scooter. Dad bought it back from was probably just some opportunist thief.

America while on a business trip – it was “It’s very distinctive though. exactly what Jack wanted for his birthday.

“It’s probably safe to say there aren’t Jack rode the Blunt to school Friday morning two purple and silver Blunts in Papamoa. So if it’s and, as is practice at Papamoa primary, the carearound it’ll be spotted.” taker locked the bike sheds until the other end of In the meantime Jack’s back to riding his tired the school day. “The Blunt would have been a very old ‘dunger’ scooter to school and the skateboard attractive proposition for someone who knew what it park. It doesn’t hold the same interest and he can’t was” says Jack’s Mum Delwyn. execute those “deck touches off the ramp” or They would have seen Jack riding it, followed him “180s on the ground”. and picked exactly the right time to strike – once the The Cloughley’s have researched online and bike shed was unlocked and before Jack had time to there are no replacement Blunts in New Zealand. reclaim the machine.

“Of course, ultimately we would like the original “I got a call at work – the scooter had gone and Jack back,” says Delwyn. was miserable,” says Delwyn.

And that would make a 10-year-old scooter/ “I even started to cry,” says Jack. skateboard nut very happy.

An admission like that from a But Jack’s playing hardball and has a word for 10-year-old bloke tells us somethe scooter sinner. “Steal my scooter again and thing about his level of despair.

I’ll call the Police and have you arrested.”

“But my friends helped me.”

Seems this young man, who appreciates A replica of Jack’s stolen Delwyn did wonder about letting right from wrong, is not yet ready to forgive.

Blunt Prodigal scooter. him ride it to school.

By Hunter Wells

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9

The Weekend Sun

A preseason punch

Otumoetai College’s First XV hone their skills ahead of tomorrow’s Western BOP Co Ed First XV tournament. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Early season bragging rights well and truly go on the line this weekend as six Western Bay of Plenty First XVs battle it out for preseason supremacy.

What started out as a cry for valuable pre-season hit outs is fast become a highly rewarding two-day tournament heading into the upcoming rugby season.

Tomorrow’s Western Bay of Plenty Co Ed First XV tournament sees the likes of hosts Otumoetai College, Te Puke High School and Te Whar Kura O Mauao take part in the fast and furious shortened format.

Instead of traditional 40-minute halves, games are 20 minutes each way with sides getting two matches on the

opening day – dipping their feet back into the physical rigours.

Pool A has Bethlehem College, Te Whar Kura O Mauao and Te Puke High School while Pool B sees Otumoetai College, Western Heights High School, and Katikati College.

Once pool play is accomplished sides reconvene on Tuesday for a chance to take the silverware.

Otumoetai College head of physical education Jamie Davis says the tournament, heading into its fifth edition, is the perfect way for co-educational schools to start the season.

Davis, also the college’s First XV coach, formulated the concept after constant attempts to arrange pre-season fixtures with other schools fell through.

Something that’s now proving beneficial to both players and coaches.

“It’s been very popular and now is a

cemented fixture on their calendar.”

And 2015 seems a tightly contested fixture with the previous year’s winner yet to lift the winner’s shield two years in a row. Aquinas College, 2014’s winners, aren’t involved this year due to a lack of players.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union secondary schools manager Ian Parata says the great initiative has sides set to “fight it out for supremacy” in the Western Bay. Play starts at Otumoetai College from 9.30am tomorrow with the final pool play match at 2.30pm between Otumoetai College and Western Heights High School.

Finals day is this Tuesday from 10am with the

By Luke Balvert final at 1pm.

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10 Changes to Route K name and tolls Planning for the coastal environment The New Zealand Transport Agency is taking over Route K and the associated Tauranga City Council debt in July 2015.

The road will have a name change and will be called the Takitimu Connection Toll Road.

The NZTA updated elected council members this week on their tolling operation.

A new electronic toll gantry is being installed on Route K. The system recognises the size of vehicles and their number plates and assigns the correct toll – for Route K the amount will be $1.80 for light vehicles and motorbikes and $4.80

for heavy vehicles. People will be able to set up an account, which will link to their vehicle’s registration plate. They can choose whether they want the account to be topped up automatically when it drops below a certain level or topped up manually at any time.

Like the Northern Gateway Toll Road the NZTA currently operates, people have five days to pay after going through the toll gantry, but if payment is not received an additional administration fee will be charged.

People will also be able to pay as they go; online, via the 0800 number or over-the-counter at selected service stations.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Coastal Environment Plan is a statutory document which sets objectives, policies and rules for the development and use of the coastal environment.

Following a review in 2012, and the release of a proposed plan in 2013, the new Regional Coastal Plan is now in the final submission stages of development.

I’m one of the members of the Hearings Panel, which is charged with hearing submissions and making final decisions on the content of the plan.

There is a huge amount of reading and even with use of electronic documents – a huge amount of paper.

There have been 143 submissions to the plan and 53 further submissions. There will be nine days of hearings and probably another couple of days for deliberations.

Then there is always the possibility a submitter may appeal the plan to the Environment Court.

The time and cost of these planning processes may horrify some, but it is very important to get the plan as right as possible because it’s critical for the use and protection of our coastal marine area.

If you have views on this or any other issue, you can email me at neesj@xtra.co.nz or ring me on 07 579 5150.

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FOR LIFE

The Weekend Sun

Breaking the cycle Last week Social Development Minister Anne Tolley announced that the number of teen parents on a benefit has nearly halved since 2009.

This is due in part to an improving economy and the creation of more jobs, and also the significant work and focus the National-led Government has put into getting people off welfare and into work.

Figures show there were 48 per cent fewer teen mums on benefits at the end of 2014 compared to 2009.

This is the lowest level since 1988 and means 30,000 fewer children are living in benefit-dependent households.

We have taken a more ‘hands-on’ approach to teen parents, pairing them with a mentor who can work with them to get into education or training and help them manage their money and pay their bills. We have also increased access to budgeting and parenting courses, as well as childcare.

We are committed to supporting people get off benefits and into education or work.

Read these columns in full at www.sunlive.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Footballers’ fierce focus Don’t be fooled by the smiles and enthusiasm shining on Links Ave, Tauranga City United is under no illusions a chance to kick it with the big boys is going to be a challenge.

This weekend is the start of the Northern League Division 1 competition, a fierce landscape of both skilful attack resolute defence, with the odd wonder goal thrown in for good measure.

And nestled among the majority of Auckland-based sides is Tauranga City United – buoyed by a stellar 2014 season where they clinched the Northern Regional Football League Division 2 title.

Tauranga City United coach

Duncan Lowry, ahead of their opening clash with Hibiscus Coast, believes the side is well placed to make the step up – although they won’t have it all their own way.

“It’s going to be tough and not going to be easy this year.

Some teams have been there a while.”

Lowry was instrumental in guiding the Blues to promotion after taking out last year’s Division 2 title, and he isn’t ruling out the side pushing for another step up the ladder.

“How good would it be if we get promotion [to Premier division] because we’d have Hamilton Wanderers, Melville and ourselves [from WaikatoBOP]. How good would it be for the BOP soccer region if

we’ve got three teams in the top premier division in the area?

“Our plan, when we sat down two years ago, was to get into Division Two as quickly as possible. It was a three-year plan and we’re a year ahead of ourselves so nothing’s really changed; we’ll just move the goalposts and try and gain promotion this year.

“If we finish third from the bottom we’ll have succeeded because we’ve gone up a league and not got relegated. Deep down that’s what I want.”

Big losses for Lowry is centre-half and 2014 captain Sam O’Regan, who moved to Wairarapa Bush while Mark van der Salm went on his OE. Brighton-born O’Regan was one of the league’s most skilful defenders and an influential figure alongside Jeral Hughes.

From Brighton, former Crystal Palace player Hughes has been retained and earmarked to again be chief playmaker.

Tauranga City United’s first home match at Links Ave, Mount Maunganui is on Good Friday at 2.30pm against North Shore United.

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The Weekend Sun

An enduring race for Hayden A Tauranga mountain biker is competing in a New Zealandfirst event to Rotorua this week, which is pitting him against more than 400 riders from around the world.

Mount Maunganui’s Hayden Lee began competing in Crankworx Rotorua in the Whakarewarewa Forest

on Wednesday – mountain biking with the world’s best until this Sunday, with one stage at the Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park.

The event is first stage of the Enduro World Series, which includes competing in the Giant Toa Enduro tomorrow.

There, the 28-year-old will take on the Whakarewarewa Forest in a oneday race touted as ‘a long day in the saddle’.

people's question siMon BridgestiMe with siMon Bridges Your chance to put questions to Your Mp People's Question Time is coming to Tauranga Boys’ College, Graham Young Theatre, Cameron Road, Tauranga on Wednesday 15 April 2015 7pm - 9pm.

People's Question Time is coming to Tauranga Boys’ College, Graham Young Theatre, This twice-yearly Q&A session enables the15 people of Tauranga to question their Cameron Road, Tauranga on Wednesday April 2015 7pm - 9pm. local MP and find out about his plans and priorities for the city.

Topics up for discussion will include:

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For more information, contact : 07 577 0923 or maree.brookes@parliament.govt.nz

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“It’s extremely physically demanding with a lot of adrenalin; pretty gnarly,” says Hayden.

“It’s like downhill mountain biking, where you race against the clock, but we have seven stages through the day to complete in a certain amount of time.

“In downhill you get a chairlift or transport to the top of the hill, but we have to ride to the top, so it’s going to be a big day on the bike.”

With a daytime job as a plumber at JT Plumbing, it’s pretty hard to compete against the best, but Hayden’s aiming for a top-15 placing. “I think there will be a couple of hundred riders.”

Mountain biking for about 15 years, Hayden says his uncle and cousin ‘got me into it’.

“I went along with them and got hooked.”

Hayden says the aim of getting into an international team has kept him dedicated to the sport. “I’m just trying to make the most of it and make it a job one day.”

Competing for a decade, Hayden is now part of The New Zealand Giant Fox Gravity team in the Enduro series.

“I went over and did a lot of racing in Europe last year and got a few podiums which I was happy with. I struggled with neck issues the last few years; it’s held me back a lot in terms of training 100 per cent.”

But he does know Saturday’s track, having ridden it a couple of times. “I know what we’re in for”, says Hayden, who thanks all of his sponsors for their

By Merle Foster support.

Tauranga mountain biker Hayden Lee is competing against 400 riders in Crankworx Rotorua. Photo by Alick Saunders photography.

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Show your pug love They’re tiny but when it comes to personality all other dogs pale in comparison to the pintsized pug.

Local pedigree pug owners are being invited to a get-together down at Memorial Park on Eleventh Ave this Sunday.

Auckland Pug Club secretary and Tauranga local Julie Hudson is calling on local pug owners to join her for a get-together at Memorial Park on Eleventh Ave this Sunday.

Julie says the club is wanting to establish an official presence here in town for local pedigree pug owners.

“We thought it’d be nice to get something going, whether as a regular walking group, hold match days, or something along those lines.

“This Sunday I would love people to show up with their pugs so we can sit down and talk about what they would like to see happen here.”

Julie says any group established here would most likely be a “sub-club” of the Auckland Pug Club; the oldest of three groups officially recognised by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

Along with putting local owners in touch with one and other, the group would also share information, tips and advice on all things pug.

“There’s a lot of people who have pugs in Tauranga and the Mount and we want to encourage people to do the correct breeding rights and provide the proper care.

“If the weather is bad I’ll still go down and even if it’s just two people, well it’s two people more than I had before. This is just a start really.”

Julie will be down by the water at Memorial Park on Eleventh Ave this Sunday from 2pm.

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The Weekend Sun

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16

The Weekend Sun

Cycling towards good road-user attitudes Despite dodgy driving getting headlines lately, Tauranga cycling advocate Iris Thomas believes things are much better on a local level.

Iris has been running award-winning cycling programme Kids Can Ride for nearly a decade, in conjunction with Tauranga City Council’s Travel Safe team, and spends much of her week on the roads teaching nearly 4000 Year 5-6 children every year.

She’s delighted to report a positive trend emerging during the last few years in the city.

“Driver behaviour has definitely improved since we’ve been running this programme and people are a lot more tolerant of cyclists, particularly kids on bikes.

“We still see the odd bit of stupidity on the road and impatience but it’s become the exception in recent times. Drivers still need to be vigilant and share the road careful with cyclists but we’re definitely on the right track.”

Tauranga City councillor Matt Cowley spent an

Tauranga City Councillor Matt Cowley joined Kids Can Ride founder Iris Thomas and Greenpark School students for a practical cycle safety road session. Photo by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services afternoon with a class of Year 6 students from Greenpark School recently, tackling the streets around Greerton on his vintage Raleigh 20 with the Kids Can Ride team.

“The council is a big supporter of this programme and other Travel Safe ventures and it was immediately clear why – the practical skills the kids learned were just invaluable,” says Matt.

“The best part, however, is that at the same time the young cyclists are applying their give way rules and practising safe riding, they’re also being great role models out on the road.

“You could see motorists around us pause, give us space, and consider their own driving actions.”

By Jamie Troughton

How to teach children sharing is caring You’ve just invited some coffee group mums over for a catch up and your darling little child has decided every toy they own is only for their hands. Sound familiar?

Don’t be too concerned. Young children by nature are very selfcentred, so they tend to want things such as food, toys and attention all to themselves.

They have little or no regard for the needs of others and it takes several years of maturation and experience for children to learn to take another’s feelings into account. Obviously as a parent

there are things you can do to try and encourage sharing.

First and foremost you can be a role model and look for opportunities around the home and amongst friends and family to share. Ensure you include your child within the process and consciously demonstrate real life situations.

When building blocks together say: “Here you go, take a turn and put this one on, then I’ll put one on so we are sharing blocks”. If you’re feeling very brave, try and share a piece of fruit with them

emphasising the sharing of a mandarin or apple.

No matter what the scenario, make a real point of the sharing as children are great observers and imitators.

Another great tool is to recognise and praise sharing whenever you see an opportunity. For example if one of their little friends is sharing, say: “Oh I like the way you are sharing your toys Connor”.

“That is very caring.”

It will probably make both children eager to get that positive attention from you and buy into the art of sharing.

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The Weekend Sun

Community first for Heartland manager Ten years after moving to Tauranga, Deborah Lee is confident she’s “where she belongs”.

Originally from Palmerston North, Deborah returned from a long stay in Australia to manage the local Heartland Bank branch, purposely choosing to work for a business whose attitude and values reflect her own.

“I love the Heartland way: the importance we place on building genuine and caring relationships with customers and finding solutions for their specific needs.

“For example, I had one elderly lady with no family, who needed urgent cataract surgery. I went to visit her and organised a Home Equity Loan to cover the operation, and a new television to watch with her much-improved vision!

“Heartland’s commitment to investing in the community is another great fit for me,” says Deborah, who has volunteered for various organisations over the years, including

Tauranga’s Heartland Bank manager Deborah Lee takes great pleasure in providing customers with financial support to achieve their goals.

Downtown Tauranga, the Chamber of Commerce, the Tauranga Club and other community clubs and events, many of which are sponsored by Heartland Bank.

Given her affinity for helping others, it’s no coincidence that Deborah takes great pleasure in providing customers with financial support to achieve their goals.

“Products like our Home Equity Loan can be life-changing,” says Deborah.

“Whether it’s for an unexpected expense, some urgent repairs or home renovation, or to visit family overseas, we can help customers access the money they need, without having to sell their home. Instead, they can stay where they belong – in their own home.”

“We’re committed to helping people through transitional stages in life, which otherwise might be quite challenging, and we take the time to talk to them about what they really need. We also make great cups of tea!”

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The Weekend Sun

Kind-hearted caring for fellow residents Alzheimers Tauranga is looking for kind-hearted Tauranga residents who can spare one-three hours per week to give companionship to people within the community living with dementia.

Dementia is the progressive loss of brain function. It occurs as a result of physical changes in the structure of the brain which can effect memory, thinking, behaviour and emotion. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimers.

Hodgson Village

Miranda Smith volunteers playing a word game.

Alzheimers Tauranga helps those living with dementia by providing support, information and education.

They also offer support groups for people living with dementia and carers, families/whanau, as well as volunteer companion services. Volunteer co-ordinator Faye Philp says they are looking for more volunteers who can work with people living with dementia to help with social group situations – and/or companionship in the home. Volunteers are also needed for events, fundraising and awareness activities.

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“Ideally, if you’ve got a medical or social work background, have cared for a loved one, or have had some exposure with looking after someone living with dementia – that would be a great advantage. However, training is given.”

Studies show dementia touches the lives of two out of every three New Zealanders.

Faye says locally, there’s been a 38 per cent increase in contact with people from 2013-2014. “The end of 2014 saw 405 active client cases within the branch and a total data base of 1510 people on it. “There are an estimated 53,000 kiwis who have dementia and this is expected to triple by 2050.” Dementia Awareness Month is September and Alzheimers Day is on September 21. For more information on how to help, email Faye at volunteers.tauranga@alzheimers.org.nz

Connecting to others During workshops for the Age-Friendly City Strategy the public told us, among other things, it was important to support people to remain in their own homes, and more should be done to connect neighbours and to reduce social isolation.

Several goals within the Age-Friendly City Strategy cover these issues and many actions have been and continue to be carried out by various organisations to achieve these – Age Concern, Acorn Foundation and Neighbourhood Support to name just a few.

Earlier this year Age Concern encouraged seniors to try being neighbourly online and this month TCC joined the call for neighbours and community groups to connect to neighbourly.co.nz – a website to improve interaction and connection between neighbours.

The website is informative – making it easy to keep in contact – and is private and secure.

And it’s especially designed for you and your neighbours; allowing you to get to know what’s available in your neighbourhood.

We can all create safer neighbourhoods and build strong communities – just a friendly wave or ‘hello’ means a lot to someone who lives on their own.

19

The Weekend Sun

Building muscle strengthens joints A new research review suggests exercising to build muscle will help with everyday tasks.

prevent joint problems by building up muscles, which protects joints. “Strong leg muscles help support knees and hips to relieve pain and stiffness. Strengthening muscles helps Indiana University professor Chiung-ju Liu says prevent falls by improving aging and loss of muscle strength is a gradual balance and walking, enabling process. people to get up from their “Older adults may not realise they are losing chair and climb stairs more muscle strength which forces them to give up easily.” things they used to do.

Liu says even people aged in “They give up little by little, first their eighties with some type of making fewer trips for groceries, health condition can do some cooking less often and then taking fewer gentle exercise to improve their showers. Before long they are well muscle strength. down the path to disablement.”

Jenny says exercise is not an Liu says having to depend inconvenience, it’s an opporon others places them at risk tunity, and many muscle of requiring rest home care. strengthening exercises can be The study shows exercise done sitting down. programmes help people build “While watching TV or sitting muscle. Simply having enough at a desk an Aircycle exerciser prostrength to do things, including vides an easy way to help strengthen carrying groceries, can make a muscles, improve balance and mobility, difference to their lives. relieve cramps, joint pain and stiffness, While exercise used to be reduce swollen ankles and boost circulaconsidered a risk factor for Keeping muscle tion. “Do today what others won’t, so you arthritis, causing wear and strength is key can do tomorrow what others can’t.” tear on the joints – Jenny for older adults Aircycles are available in pharmacies for Watson from Air Cycle says about $35. to stay active. there is growing evidence that exercise can

‘Luxurious’ boutique living in Bethlehem

Robin Ayres, happy Woodlands Village resident.

Photo by Amanda Aitken Photography.

Tauranga’s Robin Ayres loves her new home. She’s the very first resident of Woodlands Boutique Retirement Village, and is happy to be so.

The boutique luxury gated retirement village on Bethlehem’s Carmichael Road caught Robin’s eye while she was walking with a friend. One year later, she moved in to her sunny, new, architecturally designed 185m2 home.

“I just love this house,” says Robin. “It’s so spacious and beautifully finished. I’m thrilled with all of the eco-friendly options including the rainwater tank and solar panels. I love living here.”

People can share in the luxury by becoming one of Robin’s neighbours, with 17 dwellings up for sale.

There are both stand alone and duplex residences available in generous house sizes of 148m2 to 185m2.

Each high quality, architecturally-designed, luxuryappointed, two or three bedroom home features

landscaped gardens and double carpeted garages.

A home at Woodlands includes cost saving solar energy, a northerly aspect, energy efficient LED lighting, full insulation and 2.7m high ceilings.

Robin is enjoying watching the village take place around her, with plans including community vegetable gardens, a clubhouse and spa. She also enjoys walking to the nearby Bethlehem shops.

“I have plenty of friends happily living in large retirement villages, but that’s not for me,” says Robin.

“Here, it’s intimate and boutique. I couldn’t live in an apartment. I need to get my hands in the soil and I’ve been able to plant all my favourite things here.”

For a retirement ‘rich in goodness’, contact village owner Sarndra Newman today. She’d love to talk with you.

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20

The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

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Shane employs full-time installers warming a home.

With the temperatures “With up to a 500 per cent return and says the company takes total soon to be slipping into on the power purchased, Fujitsu responsibility for each job, from single digits – and winter has the biggest and most energy initial consultation and product efficient heat pump range on the recommendation, to putting the bringing those cold market in New Zealand.” equipment in place. mornings – Snowden There’s also the added advantage He says the team provide ongoing Electrical is expecting many maintenance and servicing, with of being able to cool the home and dehumidify the air during summer, helpful advice on the best way to homeowners to turn their says Shane. thoughts to efficient heating. operate your equipment, being “With the addition of a pebble only a phone call away.

That’s where Snowden Electriwireless unit you can also control “For us it’s not about selling heat cal comes in, with its 20 years’ your unit with a smart phone from pumps – it’s about providing soluexperience installing Fujitsu heat just about anywhere.” tions. We always provide advice pumps in Tauranga homes under Snowden Electrical is an accredand help to make sure customers the direction of owner Shane ited Fujitsu dealer, selling and get the right solution for Snowden. installing high walls to fully ducted their needs.”

Shane says now is the time for air conditioning systems. They are Shane says most people know people to start thinking about an offering autumn specials so cusa heat pump is the best and efficient heating system. tomers can be ready for winter. most cost-efficient answer to

Renovating and building to the highest level If you are thinking about renovating or altering your home, Trig Construction can provide a ‘one-stop shop’, taking care of your project from concept through to completion.

Trig Construction managing director Shane Swan says, “We pride ourselves on the quality of our workmanship and strive to make the renovating experience an enjoyable one”.

Shane’s excellent team all have diverse backgrounds and this means there will be very few situations that they have not come across before.

They cover the Western Bay of Plenty and do all types of residential and light commercial work. Phone Shane today to discuss your exciting upcoming project.

Trig Construction’s Shane Swan on the job.

21

The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

Simple steps to fix draughty, cold homes People are being urged to take simple steps to make sure their houses are warmer and drier this winter and save on energy bills.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority’s Christian Hoerning says it’s hard to keep a draughty house warm and comfortable but problems are usually fairly cheap and easy to fix.

It’s autumn and that means cooler days are on the way.

Spending a few hours draughtproofing your home will pay off with a warmer, cosier home when winter arrives.

One of the first steps is to check hinges and catches or latches. If they are loose, tighten them up.

Weather stripping can be used to seal gaps around many doors or windows and it’s easy to use.

If you get draughts from around doors or window trims, seal behind them

with clear or paintable sealant.

For gaps under doors, you can fit draught excluders, either brush strip types or for external doors, spring loaded automatic seals.

Damaged rubber seals around aluminium joinery can easily be replaced.

If you have an unused fireplace, you’ll get a lot of draughts.

Block the chimney with a rub-

bish bag filled with shredded newspapers or you can buy inflatable bags.

Make sure no one tries to light the fire with a blocked chimney.

If you have holes in floorboards, cover from underneath with a small square of timber.

Unsealed skirting boards and cornices can be dealt with by using flexible silicon-based or latex sealants to seal the top and bottom of skirting boards and cornices, or remove them and foam the gap where the floor and wall or the ceiling and wall meet.

People may be surprised to learn there are gaps around electrical wiring and plumbing passages through walls, floors and ceilings.

For smaller gaps, seal using silicone sealants, or for bigger gaps use polyurethane foam.

These passages are often hidden so don’t forget to look behind kitchen and bathroom cabinetry

Supplying and installing showers to the Bay Premiere Showers don’t just install supply and install showers – they offer a renovation service that allows them to offer an extra level of expertise and service to their customers.

Premiere Showers director Steve Catley.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

The Mount Maunganui-based manufacturing company specialises in the manufacturing of bathroom showers.

Operating for more than 15 years, the company supply and install showers to many top Tauranga builders and first class building companies throughout New Zealand – as well as selling direct to the public from their Mount Maunganui showroom.

Owner Steve Catley says another aspect of their business that works to complement their offerings is their renovation service.

Renovations start from as low as $2500 including both supply and installation.

Steve says the manufacturing side of their business is something they’re proud of.

“All the showers we manufacture are made locally in our factory in Portside Drive Mount Maunganui.

We have our own shower tray mould designs which we use for the manufacturing of our shower trays.

Our shower doors are assembled here along with the moulding and production of our showers liners.”

Premiere Showers have spent many years adapting the best practice techniques to ensure their products are produced to the highest of standards, says Steve.

“We offer a terrific variety of showers; while showers can be custom built to suit any and all individual requirements.”

Additionally, Premiere Showers will carry out a free shower and bathroom inspection, working with customers to achieve the results that they want and deserve.

For more information, visit Premiere Showers showroom today, or see www.premiereshowers.co.nz

and inside wardrobes and hot water cupboards. Air leakage and heat loss can be a real problem with older style recessed downlights.

Most downlights installed until mid2012 cannot be sealed or covered as it could cause a fire hazard, so holes are required in insulation to create a safety gap.

The best solution is to replace these old style downlights with modern IC or IC-F rated LED downlights that

can be insulated over, or removing them altogether. Surface-mounted or suspended light fittings allow you to plug the holes in the ceiling and can be insulated right over.

And if your house isn’t insulated or the insulation is old or needs topping up, you’ll struggle to stay warm. So look into new insulation options.

For more information on draught-proofing your home, see www.energywise.govt.nz

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22

The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

Lighting up Tauranga

Dice Solutions owner Tim Clarkin.

Whether its electrical installations, repairs, or maintenance needed, Tim Clarkin from Tauranga’s Domestic Industrial Commercial Electrical Solutions believes he’s well equipped to satisfy all your electrical requirements.

The new business provides a complete range of electrical services, including LED lighting and solar power, to homes, businesses, commercial and rural sites from Tauranga to Waihi and the Coromandel.DICE Solutions specialise in alterations, new housing and commercial buildings.

Tim has 20 years’ experience in all

aspects of electrical installation and servicing. He aims to provide a friendly, comprehensive electrical service, focusing on professionalism and safety at all times.

“We pride ourselves on promptly responding to call-outs, ensuring your electrics are repaired or installed to exceptional standards,” says Tim. He says they are a small company, which means customers can deal directly with the owners of the business.

To discuss your electrical requirements, contact DICE Solutions today.

Having the Bay’s roofing needs covered Roofing Industries Tauranga can cover your roofing needs no sweat.

When it comes to roofing, the experienced team at Roofing Industries Tauranga have got it covered.

They manufacture and supply tailormade innovative and visually appealing metal roofing, cladding and rainwater goods for commercial, industrial, rural and residential projects.

The company says the new depot at 49 Aerodrome Rd is an extension of their Taupo operation.

“We’re New Zealand’s only 100 per cent nationally owned and operated metal roof cladding manufacturing business, which means we cover both the North and South Island.”

The company says they’re also exclusive suppliers of the True Oak Corrugate – a brand they call a New Zealand first.

“The True Oak Corrugate is the first major advance in metal corrugated roofing for more than 70 years.

“It’s a big improvement on your

standard corrugate that you get nowadays. It’s got a lot stronger profile and can be used down to a four degree pitch – and has cleaner, sharper lines than the standard corrugate.

“True Oak has less overlap lines and is generally an all-round great product.”

The company says Roofing Industries’ much respected technical design team continues to think outside the square with the result that innovative and fully tested residential roofing systems are provided to the customer.

“If you are seeking stylish roofing and cladding systems bringing that point of difference to your project, then we most certainly have the appropriate products.

“We only use NZ manufactured products and also 100 per cent NZ backed warranties.”

Many members of the team have more than 20 years’ experience in the roofing industry under their belts, says the company.

By Zoe Hunter

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Perfect for your next project.

The Weekend Sun BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

Home cleaning in good hands Grime Off Now owner Roger Bailey and his team, ready to tackle your house.

Tauranga residents can save themselves money with correct paint washing procedures using safe cleaning products carried out by the team at Grime Off Now in Tauranga.

Grime Off Now is now offering solutions to prevent the deterioration process to colour-steel and painted surfaces caused by build-up of oxidising agents including mould, algae and particularly the corrosive nature of salt in coastal regions.

The team has more than 21 years’ experience in the industry, so customers are in good hands.

The experienced team use a quiet and gentle cleaning process, with streakfree windows guaranteed.

They cover all exterior needs, including roof, gutters, fascia, eaves, windows, concrete, fencing and more.

They’ll also aim to get rid of spider and cobwebs, cockroaches, flies and ants.

Customers are offered a quick, fixed quote prior to work beginning.

For a professional home or build clean, contact Grime Off Now today.

Expanding horticultural knowledge with Gary

Tauranga agribusiness tutor Gary Geurts.

Tauranga residents keen to expand their horticultural knowledge are encouraged to join agribusiness tutor Gary Geurts on his amenity landscaping course, starting May 5.

Gary says Agribusiness Training is a large NZQA accredited provider, with training leading to national and local qualifications that are based on formally assessed NZQA unit standards.

“Our locally based courses provide students with quality face-to-face learning from highly qualified industry based tutors.”

Gary has always been a keen horticul-

turist. Having grown up on a vineyard that produced table grapes, he worked in the family business while studying his Horticulture Diploma in NDH Fruit Production through Lincoln University.

After purchasing the business, he continued to grow table grapes – while diversifying into tomatoes, capsicums, fancy lettuce and telegraph cucumbers.

Gary is passionate about getting adults involved in horticulture. He’s been tutoring horticultural courses since 2008.

During this time he’s shared his extensive skills and knowledge on programmes, including plant propagation, amenity landscaping, pest, disease and weed management – as well as pruning and organics.

23

24

The Weekend Sun

Proposed 8.5 per cent rate rise – outrageous Feedback from my first editorial was our Bay of Plenty Regional Council was indignant I said they received about $40m in dividend income from the 73,687,536 shares owned

by Quayside Holdings (their 100% subsidiary) in Port of Tauranga.

Of interest, at $16.70 per share for Port of Tauranga shares, this equates to an investment market value of $1.23 billion, or $4596 for every resident in the Bay of Plenty.

I didn’t drill into the detail in which Quayside issued $200m of perpetual preference shares (effectively borrowing from investors), and therefore part of this $40m dividend goes towards paying interest to these investors.

However, regional council receive the interest on the $200m, plus an approximate $4m a year in tax credits, with the proviso they spend this money on regional infrastructure initiatives.

This was a really smart move by our regional council, which has seen that $200m fund grow substantially.

However, I would note this was established in 2008, and yet seven years on the Bay of Plenty region hasn’t seen much of this promised infrastructural spend.

In February, the regional council tabled their own commissioned Henley Hutchings Report on Local Government Reorganisation.

It stated: “In 2013/2014, 64 per cent of general rates revenue was projected to be collected from Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty district. Rotorua was projected to contribute 19 per cent, Whakatane 12 per cent, Opotiki four per cent and Kawerau one per cent. The location from which rate revenue is collected is not the same as the location that BOPRC expenditure takes place. A considerable proportion of rate revenue is gathered from urban areas. The BOPRC functions tend to

be focused on non-urban areas although the effects of these functions are felt everywhere”.

The fact is Tauranga City, in particular, is heavily subsidising ratepayers in Rotorua and to a lesser extent the Eastern Bay. My question is why should Tauranga City ratepayers subsidise, year after year, ratepayers in Rotorua and the East?

Come on regional council – an 8.5 per cent proposed rate rise for our ratepayers is a disgrace. Regional councillors are elected, by us ratepayers, to use their governance skills.

So it’s time to put a blowtorch to inefficiency and ineffectiveness, and not to continue to allow an already bloated bureaucracy to continue to be, what can only be described as out of control.

If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me at andrew@vond.co.nz or visit www.vond.co.nz

Measuring the heartbeat of our community What do people who live in the Western Bay really love about living here? What concerns them most, and what are their priorities for improvement?

These were some of the questions posed by Acorn Foundation’s Vital Signs recent survey. Acorn Foundation general manager Nicky Wilkins says the survey measures the health and vitality of the region

AIMS Games opening ceremony 2013.

Support your community in a range of areas critical to quality of life.

“It’s the first time this internationally recognised tool has been used in New Zealand.

Nicky says it will give local councils and funders a clear direction as to what the priorities are they need to address.

“Vital Signs has been a very effective collaboration between Acorn, TECT, BayTrust, Legacy Trust and the local councils, supported by the Hood family trust. The report is highly readable, and gives us a wonderful snapshot of how people rate our performance as a region in 12 key areas.”

The Vital Signs report allocates a

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grade from A to E across each of the 12 sectors, which include everything from health and housing to getting started – and the gap between rich and poor.

Nicky says the Vital Signs report will be a crucial tool for the Acorn Foundation as funders, to help them understand where their support is most needed.

“We will be talking to our other partners in the project about what role each of us can play in addressing the priorities that people have identified.”

The report is available on Acorn’s website www.acornfoundation.org. nz or from the Acorn office at 78 First Ave, Tauranga.

25

The Weekend Sun

Tauranga brokers merge The new Tauranga Insurance Services’ team is ready to serve the city.

Two Tauranga insurance brokerages have joined forces, giving the Bay of Plenty access to insurance options from around the world.

Devonport Rd in Tauranga. They say the merger has brought together a collection of highly qualified and experienced personnel.

Experience and strength

Keiran and Sharee Vlietstra of Tauranga Insurance Services have been in business since 1991, while BrokerWeb Risk Services Ltd – previously known as GHI Group Ltd – was established back in 1986.

New offices

The new joint venture will be known as BrokerWeb Risk Services Ltd. Keiran and Sharee’s address remains unchanged, but together they have moved into new offices at 195

In addition to this, the new company which is already part of the exclusive nationwide BrokerWeb Group, is now also part of Austbrokers. That’s said to be one of Australasia’s largest insurance broking entities, thus providing experience and strength to the business.

“Our aim is to provide an exceptional customer experience by not only providing an analysis of your insurance requirements – but competitive premiums, a personalised claims service and access to our exclusive range of policy wordings,” say the new team.

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26

The Weekend Sun

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They’ve been selling the bicycle brand Specialized as the dealers for the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui regions for five months now.

RideBikes owner Victor Haupt says the Specialized bicycles and product range has proven very popular with his customers.

“We have seen a great uptake in our workshop and have seen some record months.”

Adding to the success, Specialized has just released the new Turbo Electric bike, which is available at RideBikes now.

Victor says the Specialized Turbo combines speed and style through an innovative electric-assist motor,

advanced electronics and sleek design.

“It’s capable of a reaching a top speed of 28m/h, which gives superhuman power to the rider.”

RideBikes have plenty of Specialized and Giant stock to clear. Victor says the autumn sale that’s on now gives customers great bargains on all Specialized and Giant bikes and products.

When it comes to bikes, the team of keen cyclists know what they’re talking about.

They host shop rides on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to get as many people in the Bay of Plenty on their bikes as possible. In conjunction with Sports Bay of Plenty, RideBikes have also added a Wednesday evening mountain bike ride at 6.15pm. “These have been drawing great numbers,” says Victor.

For more information, contact RideBikes

By Zoe Hunter in Tauranga.

27

The Weekend Sun

SPORT & RECREATION

The solution for gym-shy folk The team at Mr Rental understand the idea of going to the gym can be daunting – so they have a solution for the gymshy to exercise in the privacy of their own home.

Mr Rental owner Stephen Warne, mobile representative Ryan Alderton and receptionist Charlene Pulham.

People can rent treadmills, rowers, cross trainers, exercycles and

spin bikes from the Chapel St store from as little as $11 per week.

Tauranga franchisee Stephen Warne says the best thing is people can exercise in their own home.

“You can have it delivered free to your home and start exercising straight away in the privacy of your own home, without having to organise time and effort to go to the gym.”

Stephen says renting equipment means people don’t have

to come up with the full purchase price.

They also have the flexibility of upgrading their equipment when they wish.

He says it’s a hassle-free process and customers are guaranteed repair or replacement of any rented equipment.

Stephen is also seeing people trying one type of exercise for a while, then swapping equipment to another type.

“Equipment is also available for people who are rehabilitating from an injury.

Let loose and get adventurous RI

T

DVENT L-A U RE

Next week marks the start of Sport Bay of Plenty’s ‘Adventure Month’ bringing with it the chance to explore a new area or have a go at doing something a bit different.

Leading the charge is Mount Maunganui’s The Rock House holding classes on free running, tumbling, and aerial silk classes later in the month.

Boasting a gymnastic background the free classes involve running, climbing, swinging, and vaulting over obstacles along while tumbling sees participants learning cartwheels and forward rolls.

“It’s brilliant for core strength and flexibility. It’s quite a unique way of getting fitter,” says The Rock House owner Sue Hair.

“They are all great fun to do. Everything sort of complements each other where the aerial silk complements the climbing and the tumbling.”

For further details call Sue at The Rock House on 07 572 4920.

Other activities on offer include a bouncing fun at Dialled Indoor Tramp Park with an Easter egg hunt on Good Friday. Call Caroline on 07 574 5923.

There’s a kayak fishing session on April 5 at Karewa Parade, Papamoa. Call Tim on 027 668 9904.

And on April 7 there’s a ‘Pop over to Paradise’ walk to Orokawa Bay from Waihi Beach as part of the ECHO Walking Festival. Register at www.echowalk-fest.org.nz For details on these and more activities download a copy of the programme at www.sportbop.co.nz

AP

Whether it’s tumbling, glow worm walks at TECT All Terrain Park or conquering a high ropes course, Bay of Plenty residents are being encouraged to let their adventurous side loose this April.

W S I H

And of course, with renting them you only need them for the length of your rehabilitation so you can just return it.”

The store also has appliances, furniture, TV, audio and visual equipment as well as computing and gaming for rent.

Stephen says the benefits of renting are flexible agreements for as little or as long as you like, fast approval and free delivery and installation.

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your

DISTRICT COUNCIL

Long Term Plan 2015–2025

The Weekend Sun

OUR PLAN FOR THE NEXT 10 YEARS The Western Bay of Plenty District is a special place to live. A place that’s rich in history, has a vibrant sense of purpose and an exciting outlook for the future.

Council is currently reviewing our 10-year plan of projects and activities. We’re making plans about what we want to achieve for our District, the projects you want to see happen over the next 10 years, and how to fund them. We need your help to ensure we get it right.

Please take a look at our draft plan and let us know your views.

DEALING WITH DEBT In the early 2000s we put in a lot of infrastructure, such as roads and wastewater systems, to support our growing population. This is mainly funded by loans to spread cost between current ratepayers and future ratepayers (who will also use the infrastructure).

By June 2015 our net total debt is expected to be $135 million.

Since the global economic downturn began in 2008 our income from housing and property development has fallen. This means our debt cannot be paid off as quickly as was planned and so interest costs have increased. There is an average annual shortfall of $2.5 million per year between our income from development and the interest costs on our loans.

We think it is vital to pay the interest so it does not accumulate and add to our overall debt. We also want to pay back the principal of the loans where possible.

We’re proposing to fund these loan repayments using a combination of a uniform annual charge per ratepayer and rates based on the capital and land values of your property.

PLEASE TELL US YOUR THOUGHTS ON OUR PROPOSAL.

BUILDING A NEW LIBRARY IN KATIKATI Over time we plan to upgrade all the libraries in our District to ensure they meet our communities’ needs. In 2013 we upgraded the Te Puke Library and are now turning our attention to Katikati.

We had planned to build a new library in 2021, but the Katikati community told us they’d like this to happen sooner.

We propose to bring forward the new library build to start in 2016.

This would be a medium sized space with the library, Council services, and a multi-use room space for the community to use. The total cost would be about $2.3 million.

This would be built on the ‘Dunning property’ between Talisman Drive and Main Road.

We would have the potential to expand the building in the future.

DO YOU AGREE WITH OUR PLAN FOR THE LIBRARY?

KEEPING A LID ON RATES RISES We want to ensure the Western Bay remains an affordable place to live.

For the next 10 years we have committed to increasing our total rates income by no more than 5 percent per year. In most years, the total increase will be much lower (the 10 year average is 3.2 percent).

The planned total rates increase for 2016 is 4.85 percent. The actual change in the rates you pay depends on the type of property you own, its value, and what Council services you use (for example, whether you are connected to our wastewater system).

GET A COPY OF THE CONSULTATION DOCUMENT OR SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF HOW YOUR RATES WILL CHANGE.

PROVIDING PEDAL POWER Cycleways offer many benefits to the community, including health and fitness benefits, recreation opportunities, and bringing tourists to the District.

In response to community requests, we’re planning to start work on three cycle routes in our District:

1

Omokoroa to Tauranga along a coastal route

2

Tauranga Eastern Link, from Kaituna Road to Maketu and Paengaroa

3

Waihi to Waihi Beach

This will cost about $6 million in total.

We propose contributing half of the total cost ($3 million). We would seek the remaining funding from central government, other local authorities and community funding trusts.

DO YOU AGREE WITH OUR PROPOSED INVESTMENT IN CYCLEWAYS?

www.westernbay.govt.nz

29

The Weekend Sun

FOCUSING ON FLOODING Some parts of our District are more at risk of flooding than others, especially low lying areas near the coast. We provide stormwater systems such as pipes, drains, and outlets into rivers and the ocean, to help prevent flooding of homes.

Stormwater systems are very expensive to build and maintain. We need to balance the flooding risk with the high cost of flood prevention works.

Over the next ten years, we plan to focus mainly on maintaining our current stormwater network. We’re also proposing to undertake new stormwater projects in Waihi Beach, as this is one of the worst hit areas.

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF OUR PLANS?

Owners of houses that are at high risk of flooding can lower the risk by raising their home. To encourage affected property owners to undertake this work we plan to waive the consent fees.

UP TO

$3000

PER HOME

FOR RAISING HOMES IN HIGH RISK AREAS

PROTECTING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE

WE’D ALSO LOVE YOUR FEEDBACK ON OUR PLAN TO: • Provide funding support to the Waihi Beach Community Events and Promotions Association

We have a role in protecting our District’s cultural heritage.

This includes acting as an advocate, facilitator and partner to assist the community to protect important cultural and heritage sites and artefacts.

We’ve considered whether, as part of this role, we should provide a museum for our District. Our current financial priorities are to reduce debt and focus on other services, but if a community wants to establish a museum in their area, we will consider supporting them.

The Heritage Museum located in Katikati closed in May 2014 due to financial difficulties.

We have taken ownership of the collection to ensure it is preserved.

• Change the way we fund swimming pools

NEED MORE INFORMATION? We’ve developed a consultation document which has more information on our proposals, costs, options we’ve considered, and how each of these options will impact on your rates.

While we do not see providing museums as our core business, we do need to think about our responsibility for the museum collection. Members of the Katikati community have told us that they would like to operate a museum and we are considering how we can best support this.

This is available at Council offices or by calling 07 579 6742. It’s also available on our website www.westernbay.govt.nz or by emailing longtermplan@westernbay.govt.nz.

We’re thinking of providing an initial grant of $210,000 to fit out the former Katikati Fire Station to become suitable to house the collection.

We’d also fund half of the annual operating costs (up to $60,000). We’d expect that our operational funding grant would be matched by the organisation running the museum.

Our website also has detailed supporting information about our plans.

LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS.

During April we will be travelling around the District to answer your questions and chat with you about our proposals.

TUESDAY, 7 APRIL • 1pm – 4pm • Paengaroa Hall WEDNESDAY, 8 APRIL • 5pm – 8pm • Omokoroa Settlers Hall THURSDAY, 9 APRIL • 7pm – 9pm • Te Puna Hall SATURDAY, 11 APRIL • 9am – 12 noon • Moggies Market Katikati MONDAY, 13 APRIL • 9am – 12 noon • Te Puke Post Office

TUESDAY, 14 APRIL • 9am – 12 noon • Pukehina Community Hall TUESDAY, 14 APRIL • 3pm – 6pm • Maketu Fire Station WEDNESDAY, 15 APRIL • 9am – 12 noon • Pongakawa Hall THURSDAY, 16 APRIL • 9am – 12 noon • Oropi Hall SATURDAY, 18 APRIL • 9am – 12 noon • Waihi Beach Church Hall

GIVE FEEDBACK ONLINE

PRESENT YOUR VIEWS

Go to our website and click the link on the home page.

There will also be a chance to present your views verbally to Council during 11 – 15 May 2015. If you would like to meet with Council please email longtermplan@westernbay.govt.nz or contact us on 07 579 6742.

ALL WRITTEN FEEDBACK MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4PM THURSDAY, 30 APRIL

2015

www.westernbay.govt.nz

Te Kaunihera a rohe mai i nga Kuri-a-Wharei ki Otamarakau ki te Uru

People • Plan • Progress

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WANT TO HAVE YOUR SAY?

30

The Weekend Sun

Mount’s timely challenge Their friends and family think they’re crazy but the challenge of hiking up and down the Mount 38 times in 50 hours is just a step outside their comfort zone, according to Tauranga group.

This afternoon Trudy and Shaun McKenzie, Jo Amrein-Palairet and Tim Haig will take on the foot driven activity in the hopes of raising vital funds for surf lifesaving.

Since February 13 Mauao’s walking tracks have been overrun with people getting behind The Mount Everest challenge, with funds raised going to Mount Maunganui, Omanu, and Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Clubs – set aside for supporting the volunteer lifeguard services.

And this group are no different to anyone else taking on the challenge, whether they be conventional, or making the climb in full firefighter attire.

“Shaun, Jo and myself thought we better step it up a bit and do something a bit out of the ordinary – a challenge within a challenge,” says Trudy. “It’s a little bit daunting to think about it, but I think if we have prepared and trained for it, it will be achievable.”

Leading up to the 50-hour challenge, the group’s been clocking up the kilometres with a number of trips up the Mount and Papamoa Hills. Shaun and Trudy have completed more than 50 ascents each so far since the challenge started,

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while Jo’s completed 38.

“We [Trudy and Jo] head up the Mount at crazy hours, about 5am, and do a couple [trips] in the morning to head off to be at work by 7.30am and then we might do some in the afternoons.”

Basing themselves at Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, the group begin their lengthy ascent at 4pm today, with an estimated 6pm finish on Sunday.

The event is the brainchild of 93.4 MORE FM Tauranga, in collaboration with Surf Life Saving NZ Eastern Region, More FM general manager Belinda says more than $64,000 has been raised ahead of the April 3 final walk.

It’s estimated more than 600

people are participating, with 270 fundraising pages set up – many in teams of up to 25 people.

Adding to the final push, the Police are coming in full uniform to do the challenge on Monday – with 38 officers doing it once each.

And while it is ‘heart-warming’ the most important aspect Belinda wants to get across is people put in the effort to raise funds.

“Just keep donating and donating. This is an amazing personal challenge but the whole goal of it is to raise those funds.

“They [the surf lifesavers] are blown away. I think they just keep looking at the total each day thinking ‘oh my gosh' and what this means to them.” By Luke Balvert

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Trudy McKenzie, Shaun McKenzie and Jo Amrein-Palairet are preparing to tackle the Mount Everest Challenge in 50 hours.

CoQ10 is a vitamin-like compound that plays critical roles in making our energy. Our heart, nerves, brain and muscles have high CoQ10 demand because they

have the greatest energy requirements.

It is like the fuel hose in your car bringing fuel to the engine to make power. It also acts as an antioxidant protecting cholesterol from inflaming and damaging blood vessels.

Those with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, especially polymyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, MS and Parkinson’s, should be taking 100-200mg of a good CoQ10 daily. This is in addition to a good multiantioxidant and solid Omega 3 doses.

Some doctors and pharmacists understand that many of the side effects of statin cholesterol medication are caused by the drug blocking CoQ10. Some studies estimate those on statins have 50 per cent reduced CoQ10. This is much like compressing your car fuel hose so that only 50 per cent of the fuel gets to the engine. It will still run, just not very well. Statins reduce CoQ10. Less CoQ10 means less power.

The most common side effects are low energy, muscle weakness, muscle pain, reduced motivation and. in some cases, memory loss. I spoke with a client the other day who went to his GP saying he thought the statins caused memory loss. His GP admitted he also had to stop them as his memory was failing fast.

For those who cannot tolerate cholesterol medication I recommend using diet, exercise and a patented supplement to help balance cholesterol.

If you’re on statins I usually recommend the rapid absorption CoQsol.

This rapidly lifts CoQ10, and in most cases side effects fade over a few months. Please contact me for personalised advice if you have any of the issues mentioned here.

Join my full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz To Mount

To Papamoa

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

31

The Weekend Sun

The magnificence of practising mindful eating Life is busy and we can often go through days not even really aware of what we are doing. Our mind is somewhere else while we are performing our usual tasks.

An example is eating. On a busy work day do you eat as quickly as possible, or even worse at your desk, and not even taste what’s in your mouth? Or when driving do you miss seeing usual landmarks because your mind is running a

million miles an hour? If these scenarios sound familiar then perhaps you are in need of mindfulness training.

I often describe mindfulness as the process of seeing the stories that your mind creates and then learning strategies to avoid living those stories. An example is mindful eating, where you actually think about what each mouthful tastes like. You allow yourself to be completely aware

of the process of eating instead of putting food in your mouth and processing it while your mind is working on something else completely.

From a heart-health point of view we know that a full mind is a cause of stress and therefore we recommend mindfulness as a stress management technique. If we were just a bit more mindful we’d all move a wee bit further along

on the health and wellness continuum.

The best person to ask about mindfulness is our newest addition at the Manawaora Centre, mindfulness con-

sultant Natasha Rix. She has turned our spare room into a beautiful space, perfect for learning how to manage our often wild and over-reacting minds.

Being sun smart essential to skin health New Zealand and Australia undoubtedly have the highest rates for both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer in light skinned populations in the world.

So what can we do about this? We don’t want to move. We love where we live and who wouldn’t envy us for living in the Bay of Plenty.

The main modifiable risk for skin cancer is therefore UV exposure. Research has shown melanoma risk is strongly associated with blistering sunburns between 15-20 years of age, so please look after your children and teenagers.

However, Dr Sandra Winhoven.

there’s no need to get slack in your older days as continued exposure increases your risk for non-melanoma skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

There is plenty of evidence for regular sunscreen use preventing the development of melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer and photo ageing – or wrinkles.

However, most of us use a fraction of the recommended amounts of sunscreen; and even if used appropriately it doesn’t provide complete protection, shade and protective clothing are still an essential part of being sun smart.

Did you know most burns happen during homebased activities such as gardening, and not at the beach? There has been controversies regarding safety and efficacy of sunscreen.

However, published data has shown sunscreen to protect against skin cancer and not to cause subnormal vitamin D levels or an association with systemic toxicity in humans.

Reassuringly, NZ research has shown exposure of hands, face and neck for three minutes per day in an Auckland summer through to about 60 minutes per day in Invercargill winter is sufficient to maintain normal vitamin D levels.

So please continue to slip, slop, slap and wrap!

Contact the Skin Centre on 0800 SkinCentre

By Dr Sandra Winhoven MRCP (UK) (754 623).

Enter the world of the honey bee

20% OFF Comvita Products

Come experience the best attraction in the Bay… the Experience Comvita Guided Tour. and receive a 20% discount off* Comvita products in our retail store following your tour! Offer valid until 7th April.

“Join our guided tour and discover the world of the honey bee and the wonder of nature’s intelligence” Experience Comvita 23 Wilson Road South, Paengaroa, Te Puke 3189 Bookings are essential. Ph: 0800 493 782 or 07 533 1987

Exercise is important for good health Exercise is helpful in the management of many conditions: Anxiety, Arthritis, Dementia/Alzheimers, Depression, Diabetes, Heart Disease,Osteporosis & Renal Disease

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Have an assessment with a clinical exercise physiologist at The Cardiac Clinic.

0508 CARDIAC (0508 227 342) www.thecardiacclinic.co.nz

32

The Weekend Sun

Hearing loss advice offered Industry and technology have made our world a noisier place to live in – and loud noise is one of the most common causes of hearing loss, according to Tauranga Bay of Plenty Hearing Association.

as using drills, hammers, lawnmowers, power tools, chain saws and jack hammers.“NIIHL is 100 per cent preventable by avoiding noises 85 decibels and above. To reduce your risk of NIHL, reduce the volume, move away from the noise source, or wear ear protection.”

As part of Hearing Association Week on March 20-27, the Tauranga BOP Hearing Association is educating Bay families affected by hearing impairments on the causes of hearing loss and how they can help.

According to the association, up to 85 decibels are safe levels, while more than 130 decibels can cause instant hearing loss. Pain can begin at more than 125 decibels, and 90-120 decibels may result in hearing loss.

So how can the Tauranga Hearing Association help? Toni says it’s a not-for-profit organisation that can assist with free impartial advice and support on all aspects of hearing.

Ear damage

Michael Coddington Carey Wright

Project and information coordinator Toni Bieleski says Noise Induced Hearing Loss causes permanent damage and also can contribute to tinnitus, a condition characterised by ringing, swishing, or other noises that appear to be originating in the ear or head.

“NIHL is caused when your ears receive one-time or repeated exposure to loud sounds.

Damage happens to the tiny hairs inside the cochlea, and once this damage occurs it is irreversible.” Toni says the causes of NIHL can be exposure to music from MP3s, iPods, home and car stereos, night clubs, bars, concerts and fitness classes.

She says activities including, hunting, target shooting, motor racing, stock cars, motor bike riding, and fireworks displays can also be a cause of NIHL – as well

Whether you’re just curious about having your ears and hearing checked or if you want to change the way you hear we can help you. With over 50 years in business Applied Hearing still offers the best hearing care with traditional values and personal attention with clinics from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

Our most popular services are; and tting of the latest hearing instruments some of which are exclusive to us, but all brands are available.

• Full frequency Hearing Tests and monitoring for Musicians and Audiophiles up to 16 kHz and custom Musician Plugs and Noise lters for Industrial and Recreational Noise Protection.

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• Custom and Preformed Ear Plugs for Swimming, Sleeping [Snorers] and Flying.

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“We offer free trials for a range of assistive devices including telephones, door bells and personal listening devices and quality low cost hearing aids.”

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and maintenance servicing, as well as hearing aid batteries, wax guards and cleaning tool kits.

In-house training

“We can deliver a 30-40 minute presentation to your community group or workplace on all aspects of hearing and in-house training on how to communicate effectively with the hearing impaired and hearing aid care.”

They are also agents for hearing aid repairs and offer ear plugs for musicians, parties, concerts, swimmers and flying.

33

The Weekend Sun

Papamoa ‘first choice’ for new and existing residents Papamoa retailers have certainly touched upon a strong chord of community needs.

Starting with the inaugural Santa Parade with more than 56 floats and 10,000 spectators, the community has clearly signalled that events with a strong family and community focus are going to be well supported.

Upcoming events such as the Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Saturday, March 28, and Freezin’ for a Reason Polar plunge on Sunday, June 21 have generated an enormous amount of interest from locals and local community groups.

Numerous events are scheduled for inclusion in the Papamoa diary, and with event organisers (local and

national) vying for time and space in Papamoa, we are in the delightful position of being able to begin work on our website of free and local events and activities.

Set to go live in July 2015, events from across the region and across the country look set to bring a renewed life and exciting vibrant feel to the Bay’s fastest growing suburb.

Watch this space for event and website launch dates.

The residential and retail growth is continuing at a rate among the highest in New Zealand. Recent retail and housing developments will cement Papamoa as the best place to live, shop and play.

The early opening of the Tauranga Eastern link

Free fragrance giveaway smells good With NZSale opening at Fashion Island this week – NZSale is going to give a lucky winner a free gift of fragrance.

Nestled in Papamoa, the array of outlet stores offer a large range of clothes and items at bargain prices, as well as new

season fashions – making it a fantastic option for style and savings.

The Weekend Sun has a free fragrance to give away to a lucky reader who can tell us where Fashion Island is located?

Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section.

Entries must be received before Wednesday, April 1.

and the release of further land for subdivision will certainly increase the accessibility of Papamoa to the rest of the region. Formally an outpost of

Tauranga, Papamoa is becoming the first choice for existing residents and new ‘locals’ to live, relax and shop – this is why we love being here.

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A chance to meet Papamoa’s ‘neighbours’ Papamoa community groups are invited to show their ‘neighbours’ what they’re all about at this Sunday’s Neighbours Aoteroa Fun Day at Simpson Reserve.

Many groups, clubs and organisations will be operating either a food stall, table display or demonstration to show residents who they are and what they have to

offer to the community. It’s about seeing what makes a suburb tick.

Sunday’s Fun Day will offer food and refreshment stalls, demonstrations, displays, bouncy castles, chair-o-plane and carousels.

It’s being sponsored by the Tauranga City Council as part of the Community

Match Fund Initiative.

There’s also $1000 worth of items and vouchers to be raffled off, with Papamoa Surf Lifesaving Club and Papamoa Support Centre the beneficiaries.

The Neighbours Aotearoa Fun Day is on March 29 from 10am-3pm at Simpson Reserve in Papamoa. Entry is free.

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34

The Weekend Sun

Greerton Guerillas to bomb the town The Greerton Guerillas need willing hands to knit or crochet rows or squares, which will be joined together to yarn bomb the community trees in July.

Greerton Village Mainstreet manager David Hart says yarn bombing happens when objects are suddenly covered in knitted or crocheted creations, for the visual enjoyment of the public.

“In Greerton Village we have trees, so that’s where they start. But lamp posts, bollards, and signs are all fair game too.”

If you want to be part of Yarnbombing 2015, knitted rows and squares need to be sent in to Greerton Lotto by early June, in order to be ready for the ‘bombing’ of Greerton Village’s trees and other objects in July.

David says the Greerton Guerillas consider themselves yarn artists – and anyone interested in joining the group can contact Greerton Lotto.

“Even if you don’t know how to knit or crochet, the Greerton Guerillas are willing to teach anybody.”

He says the call for contributions has gone international this year, with the Greerton Guerillas getting in touch with knitting and crocheting groups overseas to send through rows and squares for the Greerton Village yarn bombing in July.

“Those already involved say it’s a fun and creative way to get involved in building community spirit, and making friends along the way.”

Greerton Guerillas are knitting up a storm to yarn bomb Tauranga in a way we haven’t seen before.

Bringing fashion and fibre to life in festival Creative Fibre’s national festival next month promises to be a three-day extravaganza for fibre crafters and artists, knitters, weavers and felters.

Organisers say the Fashion, Fibre and Fun festival brings a lively weekend of demonstrations, the national exhibition, and a huge trades’ hall with everything a fibre artist could desire to the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre in Rotorua on April 10-12.

“More than 300 national and international members have registered for the festival which includes 25 workshops and lectures for members at the performing arts centre and the Arts Village.”

At 2pm on Saturday, unique hand-made fashion garments will be modelled on the catwalk at the historic Blue Baths in an afternoon show, followed by an evening show with dinner at 7pm.

On Sunday, the fashion garments will be on display at the performing arts centre, with some for sale.

Organisers say there’ll be a wealth of playful, parUnique hand-made ticipatory demonstrations garments will grace the of knitting, crocheting Fashion, Fibre and fun and spinning in the centre Festival in Rotorua. foyer.

“Check out the hilarious Gigantic Knitting on alkathene pipes, or try your hand at fleece sorting, carding, or French knitting.”

The national exhibition will fill the concert chamber with more than 130 pieces, including floor rugs, gossamer shawls, baskets, sculptures, garments, scarves, and wall hangings – all crafted by hand.

Fashion, Fibre and Fun opens at 9am on Friday, April 10, and continues daily to Sunday, April 12.

Show tickets and packages, including a day pass to the event are available by phoning 07 576 8670.

For further information contact Delight Gartlein on 07 357 2575 or visit www.creativefibre.org.nz

The Weekend Sun

35

36

The Weekend Sun

Rice is a nice autumn snack There is always some form of rice in the pantry. Recently, I was rummaging through the clutter and found arborio rice for my curry instead of basmati.

I also found a packet of Vietnamese rice paper, the inspiration for a lunchtime snack on a hot autumn day.

The thing about rice is its versatility seems to be endless. One of the by-products of rice is rice flour, useful for so many things. You can add it to a gluten-free flour mix or to a favourite batter mix to make it extra crispy.

Rice flour is a must in the pantry, especially for the increasing number of people on a gluten-free diet. I haven’t attempted to make rice paper sheets myself, but have used rice flour in pancake and crepe mixes with a lot of success.

Making the flour itself isn’t that difficult if you have a good blender and a few hours to soak the rice, drain and blend in small batches, and then cook over a low heat to evaporate and dry. I’ve tried this once with basmati when I had a recipe that only needed one cup of rice flour.

You can turn nearly any bean or grain into a flour that can be used as a starch or binder. It’s just about learning the right technique, something Google is good at.

But to keep things simple, gluten-free and absolutely yummy this week, I’m poaching some chicken in lime and coconut, then shredding and mixing with traditional ingredients to make my favourite rice paper rolls.

SNACKS

Vietnamese style rice paper rolls Makes 12 rolls

Ingredients 1 large 200g chicken breast 2-3 kaffir lime leaves 3 discs palm sugar 80-90g ½ cup lime juice 2 cups water 150ml coconut cream 1 packet large size rice paper 1 packet vermicelli 100g fresh bean sprouts 1 cup thinly sliced cabbage 1 thinly sliced spring onion 1 thinly sliced red pepper 1 small handful chopped mint Coriander leaves Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Sweet chilli sauce for dipping Method In a small pot poach the chicken breast in water, lime juice, palm sugar and lime leaf. When nearly cooked, add coconut cream. Reduce the heat and stir so the juices don’t catch.

Once cooked allow to cool completely in the resulting creamy, limed, sugary juice.

Cook the vermicelli noodles in boiling water for two to three minutes, then drain and cut up and mix with the rest of the salad ingredients.

Soak the paper sheets one at a time in warm water for about one-two minutes depending on water temperature. Rest separately on a clean tea towel to swell and go wrinkly.

Shred up the chicken and add to the salad and vermicelli mix. Add in just enough coconut reduction to moisten the mix. Taste and season with salt and pepper, then roll up in rice paper before they begin to dry out. Do not overfill and remember to fold in the ends. Cover and keep in the fridge, then serve with a bowl of sweet chilli sauce on the side.

Yorkshireman serves up Yorkshire puds

OUR GIANT YORKSHIRE PUDDINGS ARE BACK

when the Yorkshire Puddings will be on,” says owner Duncan Place – himself a Yorkshireman by birth.

“It’s fantastic how popular they have become since we introduced them four years ago. “Normally we put them back on with the full winter menu, but with so many enquiries I’ve decided we’ll start them earlier.”

Duncan says Yorkshire puddings are not a pudding at all but a savoury batter made from eggs, milk and flour which are cooked in a hot oven.

Cafe Paradiso serve the giant plate-sized YorkDuncan Place and his giant Yorkshire puddings. shire pudding filled

As autumn arrives and the temperatures drop, Café Paradiso in Te Puna has put their ‘famous’ giant Yorkshire puddings back on the menu early this year.

“We have people from throughout the North Island phoning to check

Book a table to avoid dissapointment Open 7 days • Licensed • Village@7, Cnr SH2 & Clarke Road, Te Puna.

T: 07 5526686

Ph 0508 KIWIFRESH (0508 549 437)

with slices of roast beef, onion gravy and horseradish cream.

Also returning early is their gourmet beef and caramelised onion sandwich. The Cafe’s ‘exceptional’ homemade gourmet pies, fresh soups and seafood chowder are available daily, as well as a range of home-made cakes.

“Customers with gluten and dairy intolerances are well catered for across the menu,” says Duncan.

“So now is the time to visit Cafe Paradiso for some satisfying homemade comfort food.”

Cafe Paradiso is at 7 Clarke Road, Te Puna, off State Highway 2 within the Village@7 complex.

“With plenty of parking and a warm welcome guaranteed, it’s a top destination for everyone,” says Duncan.

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The Weekend Sun

Tempt the tastebuds, indulge the senses Food, fun and family entertainment is being served up at Pahoia School’s annual community Food Festival on Saturday.

Hot roast chicken, barbecues, salads, pig on spit – as well as cakes and cold drinks will tempt the tastebuds at the fundraising event for the Esdaile Rd school on March 28.

School board of trustees member Michelle Raitak says highlights include the bucking bull and super slides.

People indulging at the last food fest. “There’s going to be great food, great enter-

tainment and a great family day out.”

All proceeds from the event will go towards education and sports resources for the school.

“At the moment we are looking to get some more netball teams and sports teams, because we’ve changed our school uniforms recently to bright green,” says Michelle.

According to Michelle, the school fundraiser has been going since before 2009.

“The idea of having the Food Festival in the first term is to get our new community together in a fun and social way of networking.”

Pahoia School’s Food Festival is on March 28 from 4pm.

By Zoe Hunter

The last chance for Bay’s backyard summer food The re-birth of summer food markets has brought a sense of funfilled adventures to different parts of our city. It brought the cheeky playfulness of the British sitcom ‘Last of the Summer Wine’, where people had fun not acting their age, to Tauranga.

This is the last weekend when you can enjoy a meal in your community’s backyard this summer as the Dinner in the Domain at Papamoa finished on Thursday and the Gourmet Night Market at Coronation Park has an encore evening for ‘Earth Hour’ this Saturday.

The farmers markets throughout the city will hopefully continue to provide fresh and unique produce from around the region.

These local food initiatives bring out the city’s heart and soul. The event managers deserve every last

praise they receive as they’re showing how people can make things happen.

Council’s role has largely been to get out of the way. In the past we’ve generally provided our property rent free for a few weeks to get markets started.

In Coronation Park, council invested in minor upgrades to supply power boxes, but it’s been up to the managers to make the events successful.

Council has also supported a few markets and events to pilot waste reduction initiatives. I’m not sure on the diversion rate for the Christmas in the Park event, but the Gourmet Night Market was an amazing success – on average 97 per cent of waste from each market

was diverted from landfill.

Speaking of bringing communities together, this weekend is Neighbours Day. Streets, cul-de-sacs, and neighbourhoods are encouraged to get to know your neighbours.

It could be over a barbecue, game of street cricket, or even a simple door-knocking walk along your street.

There are lots of other events planned around the city.

Check out www.neighboursday. org.nz to see if there’s an event near you – or you can start your own!

For instance, there’s a working bee for the Hardford Ave community at Papamoa; a street working hard to change its reputation.

Grab a bear and picnic with teddy Families are invited to grab Ted, Teddy, or Mr Bear for Papamoa’s Teddy Bears Picnic on tomorrow.

Papamoa Unlimited event manager Kate Percy says the aim of the free event on March 28 at Papamoa Plaza is to encourage families to come along with their picnic lunch and enjoy free entertainment.

There’ll be a bouncy castle and merry-go-round, face

painting, balloons, pony rides and petting animals from 11am-1pm.

Kate says Papamoa Unlimited prides itself on putting on free events for the community and this is no exception.

The event will proceed no matter the weather. If it’s raining, the picnic will be held inside the Plaza.

Running from 9am11am, there will be fixing and painting fences in the reserve and preparing gardens on the Lyn Grove roundabout for planting for when the weather cools down.

Meet at the Papamoa Support Centre if you’re interested.

Feel free to email me your thoughts (matt.cowley@tauranga. govt.nz), call/text me on 027 6989 548, and follow me at www.facebook. com/a.younger.voice

Baked fresh this mmmorning for added mmm

Visit us today, to pick up a 6-pack of Hot Cross Buns.

So fresh they mmmelt in your mmmouth!

Gate Pa Shopping Centre 1000 Cameron Rd Tauranga

38

The Weekend Sun

Tauranga Eastern Link

Project update

March 2015

March update - it’s amazing how much the Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL) has changed in just the past year.

Bruce Road to Te Maunga

2014

Domain Road to Bruce Road

2015

2014

Te Tumu Road to Pah Road

2014

2015

Pah Road to Kaituna River bridge

2015

2014

2015

Domain Road interchange artworks

Spinifex site

Pa structure site

The plans to build two large-scale artworks at the Domain Road interchange have recently been revealed. The sculptures will be installed on either side of the interchange, which is considered the eastern gateway to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

Travellers arriving from the east will see a Pa structure

concepts forward for the project but Regan’s ideas stood

that represents ‘arriving’ to Tauranga. The sculpture is

out as he’d thoroughly researched the history and

inspired by the history of the pa sites amongst the

environment, and used these as his inspiration.

Papamoa Hills, which form the backdrop to the location.

The Pa will be constructed from galvanised w-section guard railing (which you can see on any road) and will be set upon the hill standing nine metres high.

Construction began this month and the sculptures will be completed in time for opening. The Domain Road artworks will sit alongside the other urban design elements; the legend of Mangatawa on the Mangatawa

As travellers leave the area they will see the Spinifex, near

interchange, the flax motif panels on the Domain Road

the Tara Road roundabout and the on-ramp to the

interchange, Parton Road overbridge and Maketu bridge,

motorway. The Spinifex represents the seaside and

the waka and taniwha panels on the Kaituna River

beach, referencing the coastal plant that is a key feature

bridge, and the Waharoa (gateway) at the Paengaroa

of the Papamoa beachscape. The sculpture will be built

roundabout.

from aluminium street light poles.

Artist’s impression of the Pa artwork

The purpose of the artistic treatments to the TEL is to

The artist behind the two works is Regan Gentry, a

enrich the motorway experience and to add character to

well-known New Zealand artist, who has strong family

the infrastructure and the landscape. The sculptures are

ties to the area and use to holiday here as a child. There

designed to be viewed by moving motorists and will

were a number of highly talented artists who put their

enhance the visual experience of the motorway.

Sign up

Domain Road interchange aerial highlighting the two gateway sites

Artist’s impression of the Spinifex artwork

Stay up-to-date on TEL news by signing up to the TEL mailing list www.nzta.govt.nz/tel-mailing-list Visit us at the TEL Visitor Information Centre 65 Tara Road, Papamoa.

Monday to Friday 8.00am to 4.30pm.

View the TEL from above A 45 minute walk from the Papamoa Hills Regional Park car park will take you to the summit where binoculars have been installed, providing a view of the majority of the TEL.

Phone us on 0800 tel info (0800 835 463)

39

The Weekend Sun

Tauranga Eastern Link

Project update

March 2015

Some frequently asked questions on the TEL Construction

Tolling

When will the road be opened?

Where does the toll road start?

The road will be opened in two phases. The first section, the existing State Highway 2 between Te Maunga and the Domain Road interchange, will be fully opened by June and the second section, the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, will be opened by August 2015.

If heading east towards Whakatane and Rotorua the toll road starts at the Domain Road interchange and finishes at the Paengaroa roundabout. If heading west towards Tauranga, traffic will get onto the toll road at the Paengaroa roundabout.

When will the Papamoa East interchange be constructed?

How much is the toll tariff for the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road?

The Papamoa East interchange is a Tauranga City Council project. It relies on the development of the surrounding area to get to a certain level for construction to begin.

When will the Mangatawa interchange open?

The Mangatawa interchange will be opened as part of the second phase of opening the road. This will include the Truman Lane connection.

Where is the team at with the re-construction of the damaged bridge at the Domain Road interchange?

The fire damaged sections of bridge B at the Domain Road interchange have been de-constructed and the re-build work is now well underway. The replacement bridge beams were lifted in place last week.

The opening tariffs will be $2 for light vehicles and motorcycles and $5 for heavy vehicles over 3.5 tonne.

Did you know?

The Paengaroa roundabout is the largest two-lane roundabout in NZ!

Will there be a public open day?

Yes, there will be a public open day for the full completion of the project. Plans are currently being drawn up and dates will be released in the near future.

When will the four-laned section of Domain Road, as part of the TEL, be completed?

How long is the toll road?

The full length of the toll road is 15 kilometres.

Why is a section of the TEL tolled?

Tolling the TEL allowed construction to be brought forward by 10 years.

Using tolling to fund state highway projects allows road users and the community to enjoy the benefits of the project sooner.

How do I pay?

Customers will be encouraged to set up an online account. One account will cover the three toll roads that the Transport Agency will operate from July 2015; the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, the Northern Gateway Toll Road (north of Auckland) and the Takitimu Connection Toll Road (previously Route K).

Alternatively, customers will be able to pay online, over-the-counter at selected service stations or via the contact centre.

Do I need an e-tag?

The four lanes of Domain Road will be opened to traffic in April.

E-tags are not needed with this electronic toll collection system.

Will the cycleway open ahead of the road opening?

How does electronic tolling work?

The team are looking into opening the cycleway to the public ahead of August.

The system uses cameras and sensors with optical character recognition technology to capture an image of a vehicle’s registration plate and assign the correct toll tariff, based on the size of the vehicle. Internationally, the trend of toll roads is to move to free-flow electronic collection.

What happens to the existing State Highway 2 through Te Puke?

The road will come under the ownership and operation of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and the state highway status will be removed. The road name will be announced by the Council in April / May.

What will the speed limit be?

What will the name of the road be?

Following the public survey late last year the name of the road is the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road.

Upon opening the speed limit will be 100km — from Te Maunga to the Paengaroa roundabout.

When will the Kairua Road on and off ramps be open?

The current on and off ramps in place at Kairua Road are temporary; the final ones will be completed in April.

What is a motorway and what is an expressway in relation to the TEL? The Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road will be classified as motorway and State Highway 2 between the Domain Road interchange and Te Maunga will be an expressway.

Visit our website

www.nzta.govt.nz/tel

for more construction images and videos.

Like us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP

For more FAQ’s visit the project website:

www.nzta.govt.nz/tel/faqs If you’ve got a TEL question email us at

taurangaeasternlink@nzta.govt.nz

Follow us on Twitter

www.twitter.com/NZTAwaibop

40

The Weekend Sun

Israel really is true democracy Re: ‘Can Israel really be called a democracy’ (The Weekend Sun, March 13).Wesley Parish questions whether or not Israel is a democratic nation and accuses Israel of ‘habitual use of lethal force against Palestinians’.

He states Israel expelled most of the Arab population in 1948 and then tries to compare this to Spain’s expulsion of Jews in 1492.

In fact Israeli Arabs have equal voting rights to Israeli Jews and currently hold 13 seats in the Knesset. Israel is the region’s only true democracy.

Israeli Jews would dearly love to live in peace alongside their Arab brethren but when percussion bombs are thrown at Jewish vehicles, when Jews are kidnapped and murdered, when tractors are driven into Jewish pedestrians, when bus loads of Jewish children are blown up, when whole familes are slaughtered in their beds (the list of unprovoked atrocities goes on) then the culprits must face the consequences as they should in any civilised country.

Israel didn’t expel anyone in 1948 and in fact encouraged their Arab population to stay - it was the Arab League which urged Arabs to leave Palestine so they could move in and wipe out the Jews.

Since they failed to do this those Arabs, who did leave, were not able to return and the Arab nations have deliberately failed to absorb them ever since; instead using them as political pawns. It’s little known that at the same time in 1948 almost the exactly the same number of Jews were truly forcibly ejected from Arab countries - about 800,000 people.

But to compare the voluntary exit of Palestinian Arabs in 1948 to the Spanish expulsion of Jews in 1492 is malicious.

In 1948 Arabs were free to choose to leave Israel or to participate in the building of the new nation. In contrast the Jews of Spain in 1492 had no choice - they died if they stayed and many died trying to leave.

T Beswick, Te Puna.

NZ liberties in serious trouble? Pondering payouts...

I’ve just read the book ‘Dirty Politics’, which Nicy Hager produced before the last election.

We are continually told there is no corruption in New Zealand. I’ve never totally believed this and if the comments many make about politicians are true, many others don’t either.

After reading this, if a quarter of it is true, (and I have no reason to believe it isn’t), then true democracy in New Zealand is in serious trouble.

The really scary bit was when I rang a good selection of my friends, all of

SPECIAL NOTE: “My email has apparently been playing up in the past. Please resend any photo’s that I have not used. My apologies for this glitch”.

whom were deeply interested in the last election, only to find that none of them had actually read it either.

The way people give away their power is by thinking they don’t have any; and the ones who didn’t vote in the last election certainly did that.

But this is worse.

This is people manipulating the power of all voters, intending or otherwise, by using the technique of hidden negative campaigning. May I suggest you get this book and make your own mind up.

To the average New Zealander it would seem more fair if the Government would show as much circumspection in the pay out of the Maori land claims supported by the Waitangi Tribunal and require the same verification of these claims that they are showing in their reluctance to pay out David Baine.

B Johnson, Omokoroa.

R McGuinness, Tauranga.

Road tunnel idea’s been driven for years I agree with Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller’s statement that it would be “nice to have” a road tunnel through the Kaimai Range and cut the time of travel from Hamilton to Tauranga.

He also stated that we should be digging it now. Where?

Looking at the plan of the range the rail tunnel at Apata is the shortest route so maybe a four lane road tunnel adjacent to the rail tunnel?

At present, road traffic enters the roads system to the Port at toll road, Route K. But with the traffic running on SH2 from Apata being routed through Bethlehem this would be unacceptable. We already have too many road accidents on that route.

So unless Todd has other plans?

I find it strange this statement was made at a meeting in Welcome Bay, being when I first came to Tauranga in 1975 there was talk of a tunnel under the Hairini roundabout linking Welcome Bay road with 15th Ave. They are still waiting, so I won’t hold my breath for the Kaimai tunnel.

P Turner, Tauranga.

Do you have an issue or concern you think is worth raising?

The Weekend Sun welcomes letters and photographs.

Preference will be given to letters that are short (200 words) and supplied with the writer’s full name and contact details.

Photographs are best in high resolution and jpeg format.

Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

41

The Weekend Sun

WIN A CAR

WIN A CAR

Turning Turner’s new site into a destination Forget about waiting until the auction – Turners customers can buy their dream car on the spot at the new site at Mount Maunganui, where there’s more room and plenty of parking.

Daniel Peet from Turners says the new site on Hull Rd means choosing Turners is no longer a spur of the moment decision for customers – it’s a destination.

“We’ve got good quality cars available at good prices.”

Potential buyers can see what they’ve got

The Turners team Daniel Peet, Carl Jarmin and Amanda Stephens. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

on offer at the grand opening of the new premises, with an open day on Saturday, March 28, from 9am-4pm. They’ll have a special finance rate on the day too of just 11.95 per cent.

About 20 cars will go under the hammer on the day, starting at 11am. “There’ll be all sorts up for auction,” says Daniel.

People can also marvel at a brand new 2015 McLaren P1 street-legal super car, valued at $2.5m. Daniel says it’s one of 375 made in the world. But that’s definitely not up for auction. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see it,” says Daniel.

They’re also giving away a 2005 Honda Fit. All people need to do is turn up, fill in an entry form, watch it get blown around inside More FM’s prize machine, and hopefully be pulled out as the winning ticket.

The excitement of the draw all unfolds at 12pm.

There’ll also be a free sausage sizzle to tempt everyone’s tastebuds come lunchtime.

Daniel says the aim of the open day is for residents to come and see what’s happening at their bigger and better premises’ grand opening.

He says Turners offer a range of vehicles

Thanking the Focus on success Turners’ team Marra Construction would like to thank the project team Turners, Focus on Property and Ignite Architects and all subcontractors and suppliers for the successful completion of this project.

“We appreciate having the opportunity to work alongside Focus on Property,” say the team.

“The project ran very smoothly and was completed on time and to an agreed budget.”

The two buildings on-site involved demolition and reconstruction. The main building is made up of a combination of timber-framed walls and concrete tilt panels and inside has new offices with glass partitions, new lighting and data.

The other building to be used for vehicle preparation involved new roofing, cladding, roller doors. The yard was also revamped with new carparks and flood lighting.

“We wish the Turners team all the best in their new premises.”

Focus on Property congratulates Turners on moving to their new purpose built site after a prompt $1.3million development process.

Turners, the largest car auction house in New Zealand, moved into the newly fitted Hull Rd building, on a 8097m2 site, in February relocating from their previous hub on Hewletts Rd. Focus on Property director Kevin Baker says leading up to the move a six-month demolition and construction project was handled by site manager Roger Doddrell of Marra Construction between August 2014 and February 2015.

And it couldn’t have goner smoother, completing the project successfully and on time for Turners heading into a nine-year lease.

The demolition work was undertaken by A&J Demolition, roofing by Roof the Bay, and on-site carpentry and repairs done by Peter Bath Taylor Builders.

“We take pride in completing successful projects for our clients and we look forward to managing this property into the future for the success of both our tenant and to assure future asset value for our client,” says Kevin.

from value cars to near new cars at a fixed price. You can also trade in and trade up.

They can offer finance, give warranties and insurances and offer a car valet service on the new purchase, all from the one venue.

“It’s is easy to buy from Turners,” says Daniel.

“We do security and mechanical checks for peace of mind when buying.”

Daniel says they have an experienced team at Turners, who are renowned for delivering results for buyers and sellers by providing easy access, a hassle-free process and the quality and reassurance of dealing with a trusted brand.

Turners open day is on Saturday, March 28, from 9am-4pm at the new premises on Hull Rd.

By Zoe Hunter

42

The Weekend Sun

E N T E R T A I N M E N T G U I D E MUSIC The Weekend Sun’s ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay.

Friday 27 March

Peta Mathias A comedy show from one

of NZ’s best loved personalities. Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, 38 Durham St 8-10.30pm. www.baycourt.co.nz

Saturday 28 March Art in the Park Tauranga

Society of Artists offer for sale a variety of art to suit all tastes. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui 8.30am – 5pm, weather permitting.

Battle of Gate Pa Exhibition

Tauranga Moana Maori Trust Board Hall, No 3 The Strand. Open every Fri, Sat & Sun & on cruise ship days 10am - 4pm.

Entry is free to children, adults asked for gold coin donation.

Baypark Family Speedway Ebbett Holden Speedway Special featuring Harry Fredrickson Sotck Car Gold Cup. Gates open 5pm, racing starts 6pm. www. bayparkspeedway.co.nz Charity Book Launch April 11 - Karena & Kasey Bird’s (Masterchef NZ) cookbook launch at The Orchard Church, Te Puke 7pm. Tickets $20 each available from Paperplus Te Puke, includes supper & recipes. Spot prizes & book signings.

Money raised will go to help 5 year old James Reid’s operation.

Come Dancing Tonight Sequence & old time dancing, great music & supper.

Greerton Hall 7.30-11pm. Entry $6.

Run by Tauranga Scottish Soc. Allyson 576 9194 Concert & Exhibition Held by the Polish Community Trust for all lovers of classical composers at Tauranga Art Gallery 4pm. Combined with exhibition of photographs taken in Poland & NZ with photographer Krzysztof Pfeiffer giving talk about that project. Tickets at the Gallery $15, children under 12 free. To book 578 7933 Earth Hour Celebration Kati KaiWay (Gilfillan Reserve), Katikati 8-9pm. Bring torches, dessert for your family & something to sit on. Entertainment provided.

Entry: Gold coin donation.

Family Fun Day: Wild Thing The day includes face painting, Wild Thing Art Hunt, story telling & Kids Art Studios. At Tauranga Art Gallery 10am - 3pm. Prizes for best dressed animals. All activities except the Kids Art Studios are covered by the entry fee cost of $5 per family.

Ha Derech/The Way Messianic Kehilat

Now at Hillier Centre, Bayfair Shabbat/ Saturday 10am. A one new man community & welcome all seekers of the truth.

544 7424 or 021 0226 3515 Harbourside Carnival Omokoroa Point School, 37 Hamurana Rd 3-7pm. Pirate themed event, bouncy castles, young entrepreneur stall-holders, Captain Festus McBoyle & his Feral Troop, & teachers Walk –the-Plank. 548 0748 www.omokoroapoint.school.nz

SPECIAL EVENTS

GUIDE

News, reviews and opinionated raving on the music scene. Pg 45

Community events and occasions across the Bay. Pg 46

The Weekend Sun’s guide to who’s playing and where.

Let’s Dance Ballroom & Latin Dance Club Live dance tempo music. Second Sat

Bee Interest Group Monthly meeting at

behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa, to sail electron & similar 3ft long yachts for fun. Beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419 Riverboat Ramble Mark Taipari live on the Otunui Paddleboat, cruising 2hrs up the Wairoa River from 3-5pm. Bring a picnic.

Bookings essential at http://www.treatme. co.nz/Deal/HawkesBay/the-paddleboatcompany-mar15rr. Peter 0274 183 930 St Peter’s Chancel Choir Evensong at St Peter’s Anglican Church, 15 Victoria Road Mount 4pm.

Taize Service Come & join us for a quiet, contemplative service based on the style & music of the Taize Community in France. At St George’s Church, Gate Pa 7pm.

Tauranga Night Market Arts, crafts, jewellery, fresh produce, food stalls & more.

Bayfair Shopping Centre, cnr Maunganui Rd & Girven Rd, Mt Maunganui 5.3011pm. Free entry. 022 588 2282 or email: tauranganightmarket@hotmail.com Tauranga Spiritual Society Inc Mini Expo. Healers & readers. Senior Citizens Hall, 14 Norris St, doors open 6.30pm for 1pm. Members $5, non $10 (inc membership). 022 0670 467 Underwater Hockey Every Sunday at Baywave. Gear & coaching available for beginners. New members welcome.

Juniors (under 15) 5-6.15pm. Seniors (over 15) 6-7.40pm. Lance 027 287 4731 or lancepotaka@orcon.net.nz

of month at Bethlehem Hall 7-10.30pm.

Bruce 576 5598 Market Crafts, plants, produce, bric-abrac. Greerton Hall 8am – 12pm. Nancy/ Merv 07 863 6697

Maungatapu/Welcome Bay Car Seat Clinic Free car seat safety checking &

anchor bolt installations. Bouncy castle, sausage sizzle, face-painting, craft activities, giveaways & more. Welcome Bay Community Hall 9am - 12pm.

Mosaic Exhibition Open Day April 4 & April 6 20 Primrose Place, Papamoa 9am – 4pm both days. Gold coin donation for Waipuna Hospice.

Ngamatea School Centenary

Whangaehu Valley, April 4 with an afternoon gathering & evening barbecue. 06 342 8827 or pongo.ginne@inspire.net.nz

Pahoia School Community Foodfest

Spit roasts, curries, Japanese cuisine, nacho’s, waffles, cakes & more from 4pm. Entertainment includes a bucking bull & super slides. Support Pahoia School.

Papamoa Group Dogwalking Fortnightly group dog walk around waterways & beaches. Meet at Papamoa Plaza 9am.

Tennille 021 030 6835 Rotary Club Tga Easter Book Sale 4, 5 & 6 April at 6 Triton Ave, Mt Maunganui (Old Mount Action Centre). Deliver unwanted books, records CDs, DVDs to 6 Triton Ave. Taichi Qigong Every Sat in Memorial Park between mini golf & playground 10am. Free to join in.

Tauranga Quadcopter Racing Fpv club & social group. Every Sat 8am. Locations vary. Quadcopterracing@yahoo.co.nz Tauranga Farmers Market Fresh & artisian produced food. Every Sat at Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd 7.45am - 12pm. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz Turners Car Auction Opening Day - car give away & auction at 26 Hull Rd from 9am.

Village Radio Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1920’s - 80’s weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am - 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710

Waihi Beach Community Garage Sale

Held April 4 8.30-11.30am. Bargains & items to suit everyone. Funds raised for table hire goes towards the upkeep of the hall. Tables inside hall are $20 & spaces outside in the carpark are $15.

Books essential. Alison 07 863 4010 or alisonm54@gmail.com

Sunday 29 March

Bay Bible Fellowship/Lord’s Day Join for worship. God’s character on display.

Colossians 3:1-4 “Minds focussed on Christ.” Pastor Lincoln Forlong.

Welcome Bay Primary School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Rd 10am. www.bbf.net.nz

242 Woodland Rd, Katikati 2pm. Bring your bee suit & something to share for afternoon tea. Gordon 027 544 2882 Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Market Over 100 stalls at 17th Avenue Historic Village from 9am.

BOP Linux Users Bimonthly hands on day. Bring your computer for help with Linux & Open Source software. Arts & Crafts Centre (back room) cnr Elizabeth St & Glasgow St 9.30am – 3pm. $2 door charge. 578 6024 www.boplug.co.nz

Bruce Galloway Guided Bike Rides

Meet at 17th Ave West (Historic Village) 9-11.30am. 577 5243 Choral Evensong At St Peter’s Anglican Church, Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui 4pm. Visitors welcome.

Czech & Slovak Club “Noc s Andersenem” an afternoon with story reading, carnival & games. Matua Hall, Levers Rd, Tauranga. www.facebook.com/csclubtauranga, email info@csclubtauranga.nz or Jana 579 3918

Have You had a Spiritual Experience

Attend a fascinating 3 week discussion for people of all faiths. Free book & CD. Hillier Centre, 39 Gloucester Rd, Mount 10.30am - 12pm. 021 976 691.

Sponsored by ECKANKAR NZ www.eckankar.org

Home Computer Club (Tga) Inc

Computer enthusiasts meet last Sun of month to share knowledge & experience at Arts & Crafts Centre, Elizabeth St West, 9.30am - 12.30pm approx. $3 door charge. Visitors welcome.

544 2067

Weekend Activities for the Over 60’s

Maketu Rotary Club Market

Walks, dinners, day trips & good times.

Gloria 544 1834 Welcome Bay Neighbours Day An event for the entire family. Bouncy castles, treasure hunt, waterslide, $12 hangi & more at Tye Park 10am - 3pm.

Mount Mainstreet Farmers Market Fresh fruit & veges,

Monday 30 March

3rd & 5th Sunday at Village Green, Park Rd, Maketu.

Stalls $10. Maureen 533 2340

breads, cheese, oils, plants & more. All home grown & home made. Every Sun in Phoenix car park 9am - 1pm. 575 9911 mountmaunganui.org.nz Neighbours Day Aotearoa Family fun day at Simpson Reserve cnr Parton & Dickson Rd, Papamoa 10am - 3pm.

Showcase of local community groups & non-profit organisations, with food stalls, bouncy castles & prizes up for grabs. To register ph Tita 027 654 8781 or www.neighboursday.org.nz

NZ Assn of Rationalists & Humanists

BOP branch - speaker: Abby Munro “Vaccinations.” General discussion at Alzheimers House, 116 13th Ave 1.303.30pm. Judi 576 6872 Petanque Every Sun & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. 578 3606 Quakers in Tauranga Mainly silent worship, hour long meeting followed by tea & talk. Every Sunday in hall behind Brain Watkins Historic House 10am. 544 0448 Radio Controlled Model Yachts Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond

Achieve Toastmasters Making it on

Mondays. 1st, 3rd & 5th Mon at St Stephen’s Church Hall, Brookfield, Tga 7.30pm. Chrissy 543 9493 Badminton Tauranga Badminton Club every Mon & Weds at Bethlehem College Events Centre 7.30-9.30pm. All players welcome. Sue 021 194 4335 Bay of Plenty Pipes & Drums Army Hall, cnr 11th Ave & Devonport Rd 6.45pm. Annette 577 9272 Bethlehem Bowls Every Mon at Bethlehem Hall, Main highway 7.15pm. First 3 nights free. Young or old welcome.

Wendy 578 2585 Body & Soul Fun Fitness For over 50’s, social events & guest speakers. Mon & Fri Greerton Hall Cameron Rd. Tues Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave. Weds City Church cnr Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St. Thurs at Tauranga Senior Citizens Hall, Norris St behind Pak n Save. All classes 9.15-10.15am. First class free. For men & women. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified Instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

BOP Tree Society Inc AGM at McLarens Falls Park, upper hostel 1.30pm. Election

PLEASE NOTE: Easter What’s On and Gig Guide deadlines.

Send through your items by 4:00pm Monday 30th March for Thursday 2 April edition. of Officers & general business. 543 2152

Cancer Society Mix & match open

talks at 111 Cameron Rd, Tauranga 10-11.30am. 571 2035 Cherrywood Probus Meet 2nd Mon of month at Tauranga Citizens Club, 13th Ave 10am. New members welcome. Pam 578 3757 Chess Mt Maunganui Mount RSA Chess Club every Mon at Mount RSA, 544 Maunganui Rd. Juniors 6.15-7.15pm during school term. Open club 6pm & 7.30pm onwards. Noel 579 5412 Citizens Advice Bureau Free, confidential info & advice about anything call in Mon - Fri at 38 Hamilton St, Tauranga 9am - 5pm or free-phone 0800 367 222 or 578 1592.

Civic Choir Tauranga Every Mon at Wesley Church, 13th Ave 7.30pm. New members welcome. Heather 575 9092 Creative Fibre Meet every 1st, 3rd & 5th Tues at Omokoroa Settlers Hall, Omokoroa Rd 9.30am - 2pm. Marie 579 1230 Fitness League Safe effective, low impact fun exercise set to music using the Bagot Stack technique, designed for women of all ages & abilities.

First class free. Every Mon at Settlers Hall Omokoroa 9.30am & Tues St Johns Anglican Church Waihi 9.30am. Dorothy 549 3378

FreshMoves Dance Festival “Innovation” Baycourt 7pm. Featuring: Te

Puke Primary, Te Puke Intermediate, Pongakawa, Matahui, Omanu, Pyes Pa, Greenpark. Tickets through Ticketek.

Harmony a Plenty Barbershop Chorus

Every Mon at Bethlehem Community Church, Moffat Rd 7pm. New members welcome. 572 3345 or www.harmonyaplenty.co.nz Junction Mental Health Peer support & advocacy: coffee & chat 10am – 12pm.

Junction 579 9890 Leisure Marching For exercise, fun & fellowship. Ladies 50+ required. No experience necessary. Coreen 570 0172 Meditation Group Free classes Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm. Find peace, spiritual awareness & the meaning of your life. David 576 9764 Monday Night Dance Group Learn sequence dancing every Mon at St Pats Hall, Beatty Ave, Te Puke 6.30-8.30pm.

Sequence dancing for learners & advanced dancers. Gordon 572 0060

Nam Wah Pai Kung Fu

Papamoa training every Mon & Thurs at Tahatai Coast School 6.15-7.40pm.

Brian 021 241 7059 Recycled Teenagers Gentle exercise for 50’s forwards, & injury or illness rehabilitation. Mon & Weds at 14 Norris St, Tauranga Citizen’s Club behind Pak n Save. Tues at St Mary’s Church Hall cnr Girven Rd & Marlin St, all classes 9-10.30am. Classes taken

43

The Weekend Sun by qualified instructor. First class free.

Jennifer 571 1411 Omanu Bowling Club Twilight bowls every Mon 6-8pm. Flat shoes essential.

Otumoetai Indoor Bowls Box Drawn Triples, Matua Primary School Hall, Clivedene St, 7.15pm. New members welcome. Karen 576 0443 Snooker At Mt Maunganui RSA every Mon 12.15pm & Weds 6.15pm. New members welcome, tuition available.

Keith 021 170 2394

St Columba Indoor Bowling Club

Every Mon at Church Hall, 502 Otumoetai Rd. Names in by 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Entry $2. New members welcome. Paul 576 6324 Tauranga Brass Meet at Frontiersmen’s Hall, Elizabeth St West 7-9pm. New players welcome. Some instruments available. Peter 572 4358 Tauranga Creative Fibre Spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, crochet & more. Learn & share in a mutually supportive club. Every Mon at Arts Centre, Elizabeth St from 9.30am. Also on Thurs evening twice a month. Joan 577 6781 Tauranga’s Hidden Jewel Join the BOP Tree Society on a guided walk around the many trails in the park.

McLaren Falls, McLaren Falls Rd, Tauranga 10.30am – 12pm. Part of Play in the Bay’s Walk Month. Register 578 0016 Tauranga Open Support Group Support for those with a cancer diagnosis & their partners/support persons.

2nd Mon of month at Cancer Society Rooms, 111 Cameron Rd, Tauranga 1.30-3pm. 571 2035 Tauranga Senior Citizens Club Cards, 500 & Bridge Mon & Thurs. Indoor Bowls Tues, Weds & Sat at 14 Norris St, behind Pak n Save 1-4pm. Register by 12.45pm. $2 includes afternoon tea.

New members welcome.

Theatre Club Nights Learn about theatre without any pressure to ‘perform’. First Mon of month at Litt Park Theatre, Park Lane, Te Puke 7pm. Jim 575 8977 Water for the Soul Do you feel spiritually isolated? Study Genesis to Revelation in a way that comes alive.

Join us for evening study, relationship & social times. Vivienne 571 5188 or 021 264 6002 YMCA - ALFS Active Lifestyles For Seniors. First class free. Open to both men & women. Mon: Matua Community Hall, Levers Rd 9am & 10.15am.

Arataki Hall, Zambuk Way (off Grenada St) 9am. Tues: Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd 9.15am & 10.30am. Sit & Be Fit 11.30am at Papamoa Community Centre. Smooth Movers Weds 9.15am Welcome Bay Hall, Welcome Bay Rd. Sit & Be Fit 11am Greenwood Park Village, Welcome Bay. Thurs: Otumoetai Action Centre, Windsor Rd 9am. Bethlehem Hall, Bethlehem Rd 10.30am. Fri: Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd 9.15am & 10.30am. 578 9272 www.ymcatauranga.org.nz Yoga with HanneHatha Gentle hatha yoga, peaceful studio in Bethlehem.

Every Mon & Weds 9.30am & 5.30pm.

Hanne 027 244 6710

Tuesday 31 March

ABC - Avenues Badminton Club Every

Tues at Tauranga Intermediate School Sports Centre. Juniors 6-7.30pm (term

time). Seniors (Adults) 7.30-9.30pm.

Club racquets & coaching available.

Delwyn 027 212 4720

Alcoholics Anonymous Mt Maunganui Open meeting every Tues 11

Victoria Road St Peters Hall 7.30pm.

0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance.

Altrusa Club of Tauranga

Women’s community service group. Dinner & business meeting 2nd Tues. Social programme 4th Tues - monthly. Interested? Denise 570 3134 At the Clothesline Quality pre-loved clothing. Children $1, adults $2 every Tues & Fri at 36d MacDonald St, Mt Maunganui (Face2Face Church) 10am - 2pm. Also prayer for the sick on request.

Badminton (Social) Every Tues at Otumoetai Baptist Hall 9.30am 12pm. Racquets available. All welcome.

Lorraine 579 3229 Balmorals Marching Team Ex-marchers aged 30-60 welcome to join for fun, friendship, travel etc. Anita 571 4096 or 021 0257 6094 Bayfair Petanque Club Tuition & boules available for learners & visitors.

Every Tues & Thurs at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Drive 1pm. Margaret 572 3173 Bethlehem Pottery Club Open Tues, Weds, Thurs 10am - 3pm or when the flag is flying. Call in to meet the members & find out how to join or email: bethlehempottery@gmail.com Brookfield Walking Group Meet every Tues & Fri at St Stephens Church, Brookfield Tce, Otumoetai 9am. New members welcome. Judy 576 6443 Cards 500 Every Tues & Thurs at Mt Maunganui Senior Citizens, 345 Maunganui Rd 1pm. 575 4650 Drawing/Painting Varied art programmes every Tues at 171a Elizabeth St West 7-9pm. Interested? 576 9592 Excel Toastmasters Learn leadership & public speaking skills. Meet every 2nd, 4th & 5th Tues of the month at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Bayfair 6.15-8.30pm. Kaaren 572 5988 FreshMoves Dance Festival “Innovation” Baycourt 7pm. Featuring: Papamoa Primary, Mount Intermediate, Te Puna, Te Kura o Te Paroa, Matua, Te Akau Ki Papamoa. Tickets through Ticketek.

Golden Kiwis Leisure Marching Team

Fun, fellowship, exercise for ladies 55+ at Blake Park netball courts 10am.

Coreen 570 0172 Inachord Chorus Womens 4 Part Harmony Enjoy the challenge of singing & performing varied repertoire. Every Tues at Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd 6.55pm. Cathy 579 2040 email: inachordchorus@gmail.com Home Instead Senior Care Reminder that the community music event for April 7 at Greerton Hall is cancelled.

Israeli Dancing Beginners class every Tues at Gate Pa Primary School, Cameron Rd 7-8pm. All ages welcome, no partner required. Maria 544 1680 or 022 165 2114

Meditation - Free 6 Week Course

Every Tues at Senior Citizens Hall, Norris St (behind Pak n Save) 7pm.

Join in any time. Ian 576 2032

Mount Morning Badminton Social, competitive, all ages, beginners welcome. Racquets available. Every Tues at Mount Sports Centre,

Blake Park 9am - 12pm. Visitors $5 per session. Maxeen 575 016 Mount Scottish Society AGM April 8 at 57 Wairoa Rd 7.30pm. Following the AGM tea/coffee will be served.

Elizabeth 544 5633 Nam Wah Pai Kung Fu Training at Tauranga Boys College Tues & Thurs 6-7.30pm. New members welcome.

Brian 021 241 7059 Neighbourhood Run Running all year round. Cheyne Rd 6am start. Free.

Every Tues/Thurs/Fri. Svetlana 027 616 2124 Ocean Running Club Every Tues 5k Family Fun Run or walk during daylight saving. Registration at Mt Ocean Sports Club, Pilot Bay from 5.15pm. Walkers start from 5.30pm Runners 6pm. $5 entry, free drink & spot prizes. Phil 021 383 354 Otumoetai Toastmasters Leadership skills, speaking skills. At Lyceum Club rooms, 68 1st Ave 7.15-9.30pm. Alan 544 5989 Overeaters Anonymous Is your eating affecting the way you, or someone else, live your lives? Overeating, undereating - meet every Tues at Church of Christ, 1400 Cameron Rd 7-8pm. 544 1213 Preschool Music Bring your preschool children along for music, dancing, social interaction & morning tea.

Saintly Shakers every Tues at St Peter’s Church, Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui 10am & every Thurs at St Mary’s Church, Bayfair 9.30am. $3 per family.

575 9945 Seasons Group For children & youth who have experience of separated parents, or a family member having died or moved away. Meet every Tues or Thurs 4-5pm in Mt Maunganui. Children talk together about their loss or change.

Naudeen 021 766 769 or 07 213 0218 Sequence Dancing Tauranga Social & Leisure Club, St John’s Anglican Church Hall, 94 Bureta Rd, Otumoetai. Every Tuesday’s 7-9.30pm, second Tues of month 3-5.30pm. Visitors welcome. John 578 9716 South City Bowling Club Championship Singles (McKinley Cup). Markers please. Greerton Hall 7pm. New members welcome. Mary 541 0687

Switched On Community Seminar

Support a family member or friend who requires assistance with day to day living? Held at Arataki Community Centre 10am - 12pm. Free. www.switchedon.org.nz Take a Break with Craft Every 2nd Tues at Monowai St Chapel. All ladies welcome. Betty 574 3042 Tauranga Acoustic Music Club Jam sessions. Sing, play or just listen & enjoy. Greerton RSA 7.30-10pm.

Sheryl 552 5906

Tauranga Morning Badminton Club

Every Tues & Thurs at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Memorial Park cnr 11th Ave & Devonport Rd 9-11.30am.

Heather 574 0976 Tauranga Samba Practice nights every Tues at Mount Sports Club cnr Hull & Maunganui Rds 7-9pm. New members welcome. Kim 021 173 9416 Tauranga Tango Practica A great opportunity to practice Argentine Tango in an informal setting. At The Citz Club, 170 13th Ave (opp Boys College), Tauranga 7-9.30pm. Free of charge. www.facebook.com/tangointauranga

Tauranga Toastmasters Confidence building, speaking skills, leadership skills. Tga Lyceum Club 7.15-9.30pm. Alan 544 5989

Diversus ‘Latin for Diverse’ group exhibition

Wednesday 1 April

Fernlands Spa Water Exercise Classes

Age Concern Walking Group Meet at Car-

michael Rd, Millers Rd car park 10am. All welcome. 578 2631 Arabian Spice Belly Dance Group Learn this exciting form of dance while getting fit & meeting people. Every Weds at St Columba Church, 502 Otumoetai Rd 6.30-8.30pm. 576 4112, arabianspicegroup@gmail.com or http://arabianspicee.wix.com/arabian-spice-bellydance Arataki Omanu Scout Group Keas 5.5-8yr olds Weds 5.45-6.45pm. Cubs 8-10.5yr olds Mon 6-7.30pm. Scout 10.5-14yrs olds Thurs 6-8pm. Arataki Omanu Scout Hall, Moa Park, Valley Rd, Mt Maunganui. Christine 572 2606 Baywide Community Law Service Drop in clinic every Weds at 63 Willow St 5-6.30pm.

No appointment necessary. Free legal assistance. 571 6812. Every Tues morning at Te Puke Clinic. For appointment 573 5614.

Every 2nd Thurs morning at Katikati Clinic.

For appointment 549 0399 Bowls Indoor Every Weds & Fri at Mt Maunganui Senior Citizens, 345 Maunganui Rd names in 12.45pm. 575 4650 Cards Do you play cribbage or would like to learn the game?

Every Weds at Tauranga RSA 1pm. New members welcome.

Rona 578 7939

at Creative Tauranga with local artists from Parent to Parent Coastal BOP & Turning Point Trust April 1-27.

Weds 10.45-11.45am. Held rain or shine but not during school holidays. New participants planning to attend ph Jennifer 571 1411.

Free Legal Education Seminar ‘Law for Lunch’ held first & third Weds of month at Baywide Community Law, 63 Willow St, Tauranga 12.15-1pm. Today: Family Trusts (Kaimai Law) 571 6812 Gate Pa Indoor Bowls Ladies Singles & Garden Forest Marine Mens Singles (Ballinger Trophy). Markers required. Greerton Hall 7.30pm. Kevin 543 4044 Gate Pa Tennis Club Social tennis for all levels. Make new friends while getting some exercise. No commitment or fee for first 3 attendances. Every Weds 9am - 12pm. Geoff 570 1168 or 021 474 807

Greerton Gold Leisure Marching Team

Seeking ladies of all ages. No experience required. Every Weds meet at Moreland Fox Park 8-9.30am. Marion 578 1108 Healing Rooms Experience God’s healing touch at Fashion Island, 42 Gravatt Rd, Papamoa next to Esquires every Weds 5-6pm.

No appointment necessary, no charge. www. healingrooms.co.nz or 022 120 5406 Indoor Bowls at Ohauiti Every Weds at Ohauiti Settlers Hall 7.15-9.30pm. No experience necessary. All ages welcome. Glennis 544 4022.

Continued...

44

The Weekend Sun

...Continued Kiwi Toasters - Te Puke Mini

workshop: “Meeting procedure.”

Meet 1st & 3rd Weds at Jellicoe room, Te Puke Hotel 5.30-7pm.

Chrissy 543 9493 or c.meyer@xtra. co.nz

Mount Healing & Spiritual Centre

Guest speakers: Bev King & Elaine Sollett, mediumship. Fellowship & celebration at Omanu Bowling Club, Golf Rd, Mount. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Door charge $3. Janet 027 264 0226 Ninja Knits Knitters, crocheters, felters etc.

Yarnbomb, swap patterns & teach each other new skills. All ages & beginners welcome. Every 2nd & 4th Weds at The Incubator, Historic Village 7pm. On Facebook.

Scottish Country Dancing Every Weds at Senior Citizens Hall, Maunganui Rd, Mt Maunganui.

Beginners class 6pm, regular class 7.30pm. 573 5055 Single Coffee Club 60+ Mixed company of singles 60+ that meet up once a week of coffee, enjoy socialising & meeting new friends. Email: mixandmingle@ xtra.co.nz or 027 439 3267 Table Tennis Tauranga At Memorial Hall, QEYC every Weds 1-3pm & 7-9pm & every Fri 7-9pm. Bill 578 1662 www.sportsground.co.nz/ tabletennistauranga

Tauranga Embroider’s Guild

Every Weds at Tauranga Rowing Club rooms, Memorial Park 10am - 2.30pm & 7-9pm. Juniors 4-5.30pm. Beginners & experienced stitchers welcome. Nancy 544 4778

Tauranga Mid-Week Tramping Group Waitawheta Hut direct from

Franklin Rd & return. Option to return via Kauri Loop. Grade easy or moderate, approx 5.5hrs. Pat 544 0670 Tauranga RSA Texas Hold-em Poker Club New members welcome, will teach you how to play. Buy in $10.

Every Weds 7.30pm. PJ 543 2279

Toastmasters City Early Start

The 6 F’s Club - Fast, focused, flexible, feedback, friendly & fun.

Confidence & leadership building.

Every Weds at Avgas Cafe, Classic Flyers 6.50-8.15am. 021 044 5654 LaniDTM@gmail.com or http://cityearlystart.toastmastersclubs.org

7.30pm. Prize giving, supper. New members welcome. Gail 021 471 768 or gail.bingham58@gmail.com

Awesome Clothing Sale Good quality, all sizes & styles. Men’s, women’s, children’s, shoes, sheets, duvets etc. Only $3 a bag, you pick.

Historic Village, 17th Ave 9.3010.30am. Organised by Turning Point Trust 578 6934 Club Mt Maunganui Social games club. Play indoor bowls, 500 & bolivia every Thurs 12.45pm. John 575 2422

- 12pm, Weds Advanced & Thurs Club Night & New Dancers. Frontiersmen’s Hall 7.30pm. 543 1063

Thursday 2 April

Community Bible Study International Join us for a non denomina-

tional Bible study at 14th Ave Gospel Centre 10am - 12pm. Jack/Betty 544 3809 Easter Journey Walk-Through Exhibition April 2-6, experience the Easter Journey. A multi-media, multi-sensory, interactive exhibition April 2 3-9pm, Fri 3 – Sunday 5 9am – 6pm, Mon 6 8.30am – 12pm.

Bethlehem Baptist Church, 90 Bethlehem Rd. Entry by donation. www. easterjourney.co.nz Fitness League Safe, effective, low impact exercise to music using the Bagot Stack technique, designed for females. All ages & abilities, complementary first class, every Thurs Central Baptist Church Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 9.30am & Weds at Katikati Memorial Hall 10am.

Pam 549 4799 or 021 117 170 Grey Power Coffee Morning Held first Thurs of every month at Village Café, next to Grey Power Office, Historic Village, 17th Ave 10am.

571 2558 Happiness & Our Mind Dropin meditation classes. Beginners welcome. Classes are self-contained so start any date. $14 per class. New venue: Tauranga Plunket, 471 Devonport Rd. Monthly classes, next class April 16 7-8.30pm. www. meditateintauranga.org Keynotes 4 Part Harmony Women’s chorus meet every Thurs at Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave 6.45pm. Sing for fun & health. Nora 544 2714 Mount Underwater Club Club night at Ocean Sports Clubrooms, cnr The Mall/Salisbury Ave, Mt Maunganui

Orange City Square & Round Dance Club Tues morning 10am

Relationship Addiction Anonymous

A supportive self-help group for women whose relationships with men have, up to now, usually been destructive. Every Thurs at Hanmer Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton 10-11.30am. Liz 0274 362 800 Senior Tennis At Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club, Wharepai Domain, for ages 35+ from 9-11.30am. $3 ball fee. New members welcome.

Simplee Cre8tive Ladies craft group every Thurs at Arataki Community Centre, Bayfair 9am - 2.30pm. Bring your favourite craft or do a new one.

Jenny 572 5396 Sunshine Dance Group Learn sequence dancing at a friendly club.

Meet every Thurs at Baptist Church Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 7-8.30pm, followed by dancing till 10pm. $2pp, entrance includes supper. Jan 544 4379

Tauranga Branch NZ Soc of Genealogists Monthly meeting at St James church hall, Greerton 7.30pm. 578 1689

Tauranga Heart Support Group Low impact group exercise

for those with or at risk of heart disease. City Church, Otumoetai 9.30-10.30am. $3.50pp includes light refreshment. Hannah (Clinical Exercise Physiologist) 0508 227 342 Tauranga Jazz Festival Proudly presented by Tauranga Jazz Society April 2-6. www.jazz.org.nz

Tauranga Machine Knitters Club Inc AGM at St Enoch’s Church Hall 1.30pm.

Tauranga Rock n Roll Social Dancers Have fun dancing to

authentic rock & roll music every Thurs at Senior Citizens Hall, 14 Norris St (behind Pak n Save) 7.30-9.30pm. $3pp. Check out FB. Maria 576 7326 Young Parents Group (For ages 20 & under) every Thurs at Plunket, 471 Devonport Rd, Tauranga 12pm. Lunch provided. Text Rozi 027 924 6526

Friday 3 April

10pin Bowling Quicksilver League

Come for a fun morning on Friday’s at 13th Ave 10.30am. We play in pairs. New members welcome. Ngaire 575 3806 Alcoholics Anonymous Open meeting every Fri at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Bridgestone) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance.

Chess Tauranga Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm & 7pm onwards for the whole family.

Werner 548 1111 http://www.westernbopchess.weebly.com/ Easter Services April 3 – Join for Family Service as we learn, eat & worship at St Mary’s, Bayfair 10am.

Passion & communion service at St Peter’s Church, Victoria Rd 1pm.

April 5 Easter Sunday St Peter’s Church, Victoria Rd 8am. St Mary’s Church, Bayfair 10am.

Free Immigration Clinic Every Fri - legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812 Little Shop of Horrors Comedy horror rock musical about a florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on human blood & flesh. Held April 17 - May 2 at Westside Theatre. Adults $30, Senior $28, child $20 from Creative Tauranga or www.iTicket.co.nz Presented by Tauranga Musical Theatre.

Mobile Phone Workshop Not sure how to use your mobile phone? Book now for your lessons & learn the basics. Gayle 578 1878 Music to Mary Featuring Stabat Mater by Luigi Boccherini, Salve Regina & Haec est Regina by GF Handel at St Peter’s Anglican Church, 15 Victoria Rd 7.30pm.

Orchid Show Bay of Plenty Orchid Society at Te Puke War Memorial Hall April 10 & 11 10am – 4pm.

Admission $3 adult, children free.

The Sociables 30’s/40’s age group of males & females that meet up once a week to socialise by dining out or participating in local activities & event. Email: sociables@outlook.co.nz

Cleaning up the coastline Bay of Plenty beachgoers are encouraged to celebrate their coastline by helping to clean up at Mount Maunganui’s beach tomorrow, as part of The Love Project.

Organised by Sustainable Coastlines and Phoenix Drinks, the beach clean-up is on March 28 from 10am-12pm.

People can meet by the big blue

Across No. 1415 7. Mountains (SI) 6. Island (4) (8,4) 11. Sections (8) 8. Fool (6) 13. Faith (8) 9. Unsuccessful (6) 14. Hotel (Tongariro) (7) 10. Adoration (7) 17. Love (5) 12. Wed (5) 19. Sacred (Maori) (4) 15. Handling (5) 21. Similar (4) 16. Coax (7) C O N S E S T S I A A A H A B L A C K S T I C K S M 18. Look after (6) S L U T E I L A M H T S S 20. Bay (NI) (6) T I T I E I N T R E P I D 22. Famous film direct- E N D R D N G U X E M S T or (5,7) E D GL I N G G S H O R T S Z O W G T O C A T O Y E Down S T R E A M G S O C I A L A E T A I E G E T U I S K 1. Game (8) M A T A K A N A I P I H A 2. Deposit (4) Z C P I E G I M I I O E K 3. Sure (7) A U N D E R T A K E R S M F P T E E E E N O D T E R 4. Cutting tool (5) Solution 1414 5. Final (8)

Sustainable Coastlines flags on the grassy knoll at the end of Tay St. Rubbish sacks, gloves and health and safety information will be provided. All people need to do is sign in, collect clean-up equipment and get stuck in.

Phoenix Drinks will be supplying refreshments for all participants.

People need to bring to bring sturdy shoes, warm and waterproof clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen, reusable water bottle and a camera for those wanting to capture their progress.

“What’s On” in the Weekend Sun is a free service for non-profit clubs and organisations.

Email julie@thesun.co.nz or fax 571 1116 or post to PO Box 240, Tauranga.

Deadline 3pm Tuesday.

Contributions should be less than 20 words.

Mount RSA Friday 27 – Lip Service 7.30pm.

Saturday 28 – Black Top Blur 7.30pm.

Sunday 29 – Lynda Innes 4.30pm.

The Crown & Badger Friday 27 – Red Zone.

Saturday 28 – Shabang.

The Matua Friday 29 – Denise Hyde and “Wireless” 3-6pm.

Wednesday 1 – A Taste of Country Night 7.30-10pm.

Welcome Bay Bar Friday 27 – Karaoke with Paulena 8pm until late.

45

The Weekend Sun M U S I C

P L U S

By Winston Watusi

Reasons to be cheerful – Part 26 We continue the occasional series wherein Winston expounds on things that currently make him happy. And this week he’s very happy. As happy as a monkey in a monkey tree. Happy about gigs, happy about albums, happy about sharing a new drink with y’all.

He’s so happy that he’ll have a bunch more reasons to be cheerful next week...

135) A new B-Side Band album!

They’ve been maintaining a relatively low-key presence recently but Tauranga’s B-Side Band has a short and sharp album to unveil and it’s a very good one.

The eight tunes on the quirky rockabilly rebels’ ‘Fast Forward’ find them in the company of new drummer Blair Williams and still benefiting from the distinctive guitar of Mike Kirk.

Produced by singer Paul Parkhouse, most of the songs are his (one from Simon Elton and one from Blair), you’ll find the band in sterling form, tough and humorous, happily exploring weird sounds and revelling in Paul’s unique harmonica style.

136) The Nairobi Trio is back!

It seems like quite a while since the Nairobi boys hit town but four or five of them will be here on Easter Monday

The Nairobi Trio. enjoying the open air of the Te Puna Quarry amphitheatre.

It’s a $25-per-carload, bring a picnic, let the good times roll for an hour or two, sort of day, kicking off about 3pm.

Wet weather venue is the soon-to-berelocated Te Puna War Memorial Hall at the corner of Te Puna Rd and State Highway 2. Entry there is $15 or $10 per person, depending on who you talk to.

137) Blues at the gallery! We’ll get back to this closer to the time but, just as a quick heads up, award-winning Canadian guitarist Joel Fafard brings his bag of Southern roots tunes and blues classics to the Art Gallery on April 16, an event not to be missed by blues lovers. Support will be courtesy of Mike Garner, who also performs at Brew Bar on The Strand this Saturday, March 28 at 4pm.

138) Bob’s new album! Mr Dylan has nailed it with his new collection of old torch ballads, Shadows in the Night, all of which were at one time performed by a certain Mr Sinatra.

All slow tunes, from the obscure ‘Stay With Me’ to the well-known – the slowest ‘Autumn Leaves’ ever recorded – it’s a thing of great, rip-yer-heart-out, beauty.

139) Bands are breaking up! After a decade in which every old band in the universe reunited to milk the nostalgia circuit one more time, a couple of metal’s more colourful outfits are calling it a day: Black Sabbath is knocking it on the head after Tokyo’s Ozzfest at the end of the year while Motley Crue play their first-and-last-ever New Zealand date in Auckland on May 9.

All four original Motley band members have signed a binding ‘Cessation Of Touring’ agreement, to take effect after this year’s New Year’s Eve show in LA. Opening for them at Vector Arena is young up-and-comer Alice Cooper.

140) But not all of them! Did I mention nostalgia? Said milking continues apace and eighties diehard fans can get a serious fix of it on April 1 at Vector Arena, enjoying the combined talents and impressive wigs of Billy Idol, Cheap Trick and The Angels.

‘Nuff said.

141)...and some never do! Forget

those young whipper-snappers, The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra, swinging the blues since 1935, is coming to New Zealand for the band’s 80th anniversary tour, the closest show is the Founders in Hamilton on May 27.

Current members still include a core hired by Basie, including saxophonist John Williams and trombonist Clarence Banks, as well as former members of Stan Kenton’s, Benny Goodman’s and Lionel Hampton’s ensembles. Two thumbs up!

142) Chocolate cake! Yes, this is the drink mentioned in the intro! A bit more fancy than usual but delicious nonetheless: dip a wedge of lemon in sugar;

mix equal measures Frangelico (hazelnut liqueur) and vodka in a shot glass.

Drink it in one, then suck the lemon. Prepare to be surprised because, astonishingly enough, it really does taste like chocolate cake. Despite the complete absence of chocolate.

Or cake. Cheers!

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For more info visit us in store at 306 Cameron Road Tauranga. *Data allowance reverts to 1.5GB after 24 months.

Offer available until 31 March 2015. Customers who change plans during the 24 month period will no longer receive their bonus data. Vodafone On Account and full package terms and conditions apply, see vodafone.co.nz/openterm

46

The Weekend Sun

Speedway’s biggest field yet The biggest field of stock cars to take to the track at one time in the history of Baypark tracks is set to offer premium entertainment at ASB Baypark Family Speedway on Saturday.

That’s according to speedway promoter Bernie Gillon, who has confirmed they’ve received 43 entries for the feature event – the Harry Frederickson Stock Car Gold Cup. “Interest is still strong from other tracks so we could get as many as 46 stock cars this weekend, which would make it possibly the biggest field of stock cars ever seen in one race in New Zealand.

“We will definitely be running them all together.

More than 40 stock cars lined up in four lines for the start of each race will be a great site to see.”

Bernie says competition between the cars from the different race tracks will mean it will probably take on the form of an all-in team’s race.

“It is great to have this much interest in the Harry Frederickson Gold Cup, as more than three generations of the Frederickson family have been huge supporters and contributors to ASB Baypark Speedway.

Harry Frederickson’s grandson Scott will be racing in Saturday night’s event.”

Other classes racing on March 28 will be Sprint Cars, Saloon Cars, Adult Mini Stocks and Youth

Cruise escapes!

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Come instore | 0800 838 747 houseoftravel.co.nz House of Travel Papamoa | 542 9300 | papamoa@hot.co.nz House of Travel Tauranga | 577 0235| tauranga@hot.co.nz House of Travel Mt Maunganui | 572 8000 | mtmaunganui@hot.co.nz *Terms and conditions apply. Please see instore for more details.

Mini Stocks. Gates open at 5pm and racing starts at 6.30pm. Tickets are available online, at ASB Baypark and at the gate.

THE N I L E V TR A

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Tokyo

(Y ohama) (Yok

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Harry Frederickson’s grandson Scott will be racing in Saturday night’s event.

47

The Weekend Sun

trades profiles Calling for more volunteers Dave Mcintosh and his wife have been keeping an eye on the Tauranga CBD as police volunteers for eight years.

They are the longest serving volunteers and are joined by 10 others who take turns patrolling the CBD. Police volunteers are based in the office next to Tauranga City Council on Willow St and patrol the streets from 10am2pm.

Senior Constable Ian Searle says the volunteers are about having a presence in the community and being the eyes and ears of Police.

“We don’t get hands on with anything. If we see something suspicious, we will report it to Police.”

Ian says police volunteers act as a deterrent for the criminal element in the town.

“While the current volunteers do a great job, new volunteers would be welcomed.

“People wanting to volunteer will be vetted by Police before they join the team.”

People interested in volunteering can drop into the Willow St office between 10.30pm2pm, or email Ian at ian.searle@ police.govt.nz

By Letitia Atkinson

Senior Constable Ian Searle is calling for more people to join the Tauranga Police Volunteers.

A wild sort of family fun day Families are being encouraged to bring the creative creatures from their brood to Tauranga Art Gallery this weekend for a Wild Thing themed fun day.

Tomorrow, from 10am-3pm, the gallery fun day is being run in conjunction with its exhibitions ‘Wildlife Photographer of the Year’, and ‘Ewan McDougall: Fun and Fury’.

Families can come dressed as their favourite wild thing and have their face painted to match when they get there.

There will be prizes for best dressed animals, and the day includes a Wild Thing Art Hunt and storytelling for a $5 per family entry.

Plus, there’s kids art studios at Emma Prill’s Ocean’s Surprise Workshop at the gallery.

Children use a range of materials including glow in the dark paint to explore the majestic and fascinating creature that may not be known to them, called ‘Man o war’, inspired by Matthew Smith's intriguing photograph Sailing By. Emma’s Saturday workshops cater to five-eight-year-olds from 10am-12 noon, then nine-12-year-olds form 1pm3pm.

On Sunday, the workshops are on again – for five-eightyear-olds from 10am-12 noon, then seven-10-year-olds from 1pm-3pm.

To learn more, see www.artgallery.org.nz

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

48

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

Detecting leaks in the Bay and beyond Detect-A-Leak owner John Pope understands a leaking home could be bad for your health, not to mention your wallet.

“All homes could benefit from a moisture inspection, but if your home is more than 10 years old this will greatly increase the risk of leaks.”

Why? John says most people ask:

“If my home leaked surely I would know?”

But unfortunately most leaks go unnoticed until the damage is done, says John.

“As part of our inspection we will also point out any high risk areas or moisture related maintenance issues we find so that preventative maintenance work can be done, even if they are not leaking.”

John has many years’ experience in the building industry and recently completed preventative maintenance work on his own Papamoa property.

If you would like a quote or more information, give John a call on 0800 338-328.

For more information, go to Detect-A-Leak.co.nz

Jeff ’s the man to call

Jeff Warren from J.C.J Plumbing. Photo by Zoe Hunter.

Whether it’s plumbing repairs or gas fitting, or anything in between – just call Jeff Warren.

JEFF

Jeff from J.C.J Plumbing prides himself as being an honest and reliable sole trader with 36 years’ experience in the plumbing and gas industry.

JUST

CALL

From the first phone call to completion of the job – all work is carried out by the craftsman plumber, so customers know who they are dealing with from start to finish.

“This makes for a more personal relationship with the customer,” says Jeff.

Blocked drains are not a worry for Jeff, who can complete a camera inspection of the drain to help get to the bottom of the problem.

Jeff realises his reputation depends on good quality work and does his utmost to deliver.

By Zoe Hunter

49

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL SAFEPLANK SCAFFOLDING

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50

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

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51

The Weekend Sun trades & services

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advertising

52 reunion

financial

The Weekend Sun

funeral directors

Choose Legacy Funerals, and all the profits go to the local community.

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53

The Weekend Sun

public notices

The gamble of buying at auction they actually have to, and many are there for a bargain.

Some agencies have bonus schemes to encourage their salespeople to promote auctions.

Price it right, present it at its best and have your salesperson working on the most appropriate promotion to hit the biggest target market for your potential buyers.

There’s plenty out there who’d love to buy, if it weren’t for the auction tag.

By Shirley Wells, Crockford Real Estate

I’ve discussed this previously and I’ll probably do so again. If we were Auckland and the market was manic then I’d have to agree that auction is an option.

HON SIMON BRIDGES MP FOR TAURANGA

TODD MULLER

MP FOR BAY OF PLENTY Simon Bridges MP and Todd Muller MP will meet with constituents most Fridays at 184 Devonport Rd, Tauranga. Appointments necessary.

Simon Bridges MP | P: 07 579 9016 | E: taurangamp@parliament.govt.nz Todd Muller MP | P: 07 578 0175 | E: Todd.MullerMP@parliament.govt.nz Authorised by Hon Simon Bridges and Todd Muller MP, 184 Devonport Road, Tauranga 3110

www.national.org.nz

But do you realise just how many people are excluded from considering buying at auction?

At auction you need to have completed due diligence and be an unconditional buyer.

Due diligence could or should involve a building report, LIM report and or council file at the very least and could set you back $1000 before you even bid.

Possibly, you’ll need a registered valuation for bank finance to be approved prior to auction – another $500-$600.

So many people tell me they do not look twice at a property if there is no price indication for them to consider, another deterrent putting buyers off.

That goes for POA, negotiation etc If a property is ‘hot’ a multiple offer is more likely to have buyers putting in their best offer, as the process is effectively a silent auction and each buyer is unaware of the other buyers’ intentions.

At auction the buyer will not increase their offer any more than

54

The Weekend Sun

www.sunlive.co.nz/classifieds.html

EKS E W S I TH E GARAG !

SALES

gardening

MOUNT MAUNGANUI 17

ASCOT

PLACE

cont.

LAWN MOWING covering all of Tauranga. Experienced contractor, reliable service.

Ph Chris 549 0446 or 027 200 8578

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Maunganui.

House lot, something for all, rustic garden art, plough wagon wheels, cream can, plants, furniture, kitchen clothes, kid’s stuff. Open 7 am. Every thing has to go 7/48 MAUNGANUI ROAD Mt Maunganui. Clothes 8, 10, some 12. Shoes size 7.5 (5 uk). Juicer, body board, some camping gear, other random stuff

JUST $19 with FREE signs & price stickers! arts & crafts SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ARE HERE Timetable out now for our holiday programme which includes soap making, ceramic painting and mosaics. www.clayartstudio. co.nz or contact Lynn 571 3726 Clay Art Studio, Historic Village, 17th Ave

bible digest ‘YOU ARE the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’’. Matthew 5:14 16

cars for sale A NO DEPOSIT DEAL from $50 p/w. Cars, vans, & 4x4s.

To find out more txt ‘NEWCAR’ and your name to 9090.

Learner licence welcome, with good guarantor.

CAR FAIR – buy or sell any vehicle every Sunday at 11th Avenue Car park opposite Mad Butcher 8am-noon. Ph for more information 027 733 9686 or www.taurangacarfair. co.nz

computers COMPUTER GETTING you down? Problems, viruses, upgrades, internet, new or refurb PC’s tuition, or advice.

Ph Bruce for a no obligation chat or quote 576 7940 or 021 260 9183 FREE ON SITE DIAGNOSIS & quote. We come to you & don’t charge extra for travel. Pensioner discounts.

Ph Kyle at Tech Solutions 027 828 7078

entertainment TAURANGA TANDEM SKYDIVING best buzz in the Bay! Gift vouchers available.

Ph 574 8533 today

gardening BE READY for Autumn!

Leaves controlled, lawns mowed, trees/ hedges trimmed, garden maintenance, general tidy ups, rubbish removal. Quality work. Ph Steve 571 2295 or 021 0264 8265

LAWNMOWING HONEST reliable operator. Mulch or catch + edges done from only $15. Ph Hayden 281 1026 (toll free Tga wide) or text 027 201 2886 RELIABLE experienced gardener does weeding, pruning, raise gardens bed, trimming and lawn mowing.

Discount for Veterans and Pensioners. All green waste taken. Ph Damon 021-202 3558

for sale 5 x KITTENS ready for a new home, majority black with white socks, one grey/white $20 each. Phone 0273481706

lost & found

trades & services

FOUND Papamoa Area, DSH Black/White young adult Ref# 21545

travel & tours

painting. Best rates in town.

Ph Dan 022 421 4261 for a free quote

FOUND Papamoa Area, DSH Tabby Adult Male cat, Ref# 21546

FUTURA PROPERTY SERVICES Building maintenance, timber repairs, landscape features. Contact us about the best new sunroof materials available.

Ph Bill Purdie on 575 0407 or 027 6247 247 info@futura247.co.nz

“A A” 1. FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY - 20 Tunnel Tour - Stratford Whangamomona Taumarunui. - 2.Bay of Islands & 90 Mile Beach.

3. Country Luncheons.

Plus many other exciting journeys. Door to Door Service. Free Newsletters.

Contact The Hinterland Tours Team on 07 575 8118 or 027 235 7714

cont.

FOUND Te Puna, DMH Tabby Female Cat, Ref# 21529 FOUND Welcome Bay Area, DSH Grey/White Female Aged Cat, Ref# 21547 FOUND Kittens, various colours, from various areas if you have lost one Please call SPCA 07 578 0245

mobility MOBILITY SCOOTERS & MORE. Visit our showroom, 29 Burrows St, Tauranga Ph 578 1213 Mobility Equipment & Services. ‘Supporting your independence’

public notices

WINDSURFER board Mistral Explosion and cover $150. The following don’t fit the board - boom, carbon fibre mast and three North sails $400. Three fins $50 each. For more information Ph 549 4006

NGAMATEA SCHOOL CENTENARY, Whangaehu Valley, Easter Saturday, 4 April 2015, with an afternoon gathering and evening barbecue. Ph 06-342-8827 or 06-342-8561, pongo.ginne@ inspire.net.nz

health & beauty

SEMI RETIRED EARTHMOVING Operator Wanted for Occassional Projects. Digger dozer & cable scoop operation.

Ph Chris 027 4931 108

HELPFUL friendly advise/ assistance readily available.

Membership $20p.a. WBOP Ostomy Assn. Ph Richard on 07 573 7443 P.O Box 10011 Bayfair, Mount Maunganui ostomybop@gmail.com NATURAL NEW ZEALAND Health Products & Clinic.

Something for everyone.

NZ Registered Natural Therapies & Natural Medicine Practitioners. Opposite BP Te Puke. Ph 573 5533 www. naturaltherapiesnz.com and www.kiwikitz.com

housesitter TRUSTED HOUSESITTERS available from 26th April – 21st May. 14 years housesitting experience in Tauranga, excellent references.

Ph 027 302 8328

join a club WIN $500 CASH MONTHLY! Join Te Puna Hunting & Fishing club for only $10 per adult and enter our monthly competition Prime Explosives 500, you could win $500 Cash every month. Check out www. tepunahuntingfishingclub. co.nz or check out our facebook page to keep up to date www.facebook.com/ tepunahuntfishclub EVER HEARD OF Bay network singles club? We are an activities ans friendship club for singles 55+ why be lonely. Contact Jean 5769988

livestock AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses. Ph 0800 369 6269

lost & found FOUND Bethlehem Area, Sharpei X Puppy, Female Tan/ White FOUND Brookfield Area, DSH Black/White Female Cat, Ref# 21540 FOUND Greerton Area, Rabbit Tan Adult Male Ref# 21548 FOUND Katikati Area, DSH Tabby Female Cat, Ref# 21536 FOUND Ohauiti Area, Rabbit, Brown/White Female Adult, Ref# 21532

therapist RELATIONSHIP THERAPIST Betina Anderson is now available for appointments.

Betina a mature woman, believes the foundation of all our relationships begins with ourselves. Ph 0274 791 206 Em: care@flowerbank.co.nz

trades & services AFFORDABLE BUILDING MAINTENANCE House repairs, spouting/ roofing repairs, house painting, general maintenance. 20 years experience. Ph Andy 022 3190 996 APPLIANCE REPAIRS For service of all Fisher & Paykel, Haier and Elba appliances, Ph 0800 372 273 for your local technician.

BECK’S PAINTERS & DECORATORS, interior, exterior- apprentice trained over 15 years experience.

Based in Matua and covering all of Tauranga ph 021 124 1389 or 07 576 9963 BOAT BUILDING repairs and maintenance. Timber & fibreglass trade qualified, boat builder. Ph Shaun 021 992 491 or 07 552 0277 BRYCE DECORATING Interior & exterior painting, wallpapering. Quality work.

Ph Wayne 579 5588 or 021 162 7052 ELECTRICIAN, 18+ years experience, NZ registered.

Residential & commercial, maintenance & service, new builds, renovations. Fast, friendly service. Ph Andrew 022 354 1960 FLOOR & WALL TILER. Over 35 years experience.

All tiles, stone & slate.

Ph 027 317 9031 FRESH COATS PAINTING Interior & Exterior. Quality worksmanship guaranteed.

Residential & commercial.

Plasterboard fix/stop. Roof

HANDYMAN BUILDING and section maintenance, decks, fencing, pergolas, painting, water blasting, odd jobs. Free quotes Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 544 5911 INSECT SCREENS Measure.

Make. Mend. Ph Rob at Magic Seal 543 4940 PA I N T E R / D E C O R AT O R Interior and Exterior, quality workmanship friendly services. Over 20 years specialising in residential and more. Quality paint at trade prices. For your best advice in all areas. Ph Shane Mount/Tauranga Decorators 07 544 6495 or 021 575 307 PAINTERS AVAILABLE for immediate start. Interior/ exterior.

Guaranteed workmanship.

For free quotes, Ph Graeme today 022 0466 776 or 07 544 5234 PLASTERER Interior 30+years. Skimming walls, make good ceilings, walls, Cornice Cove. Plasterboard stopping. Small jobs. Free quote. Ph Stan 021 130 2621 REROOF OR ROOF REPAIRS - Long run Roofing.

Will be completed over weekend. Free quotes. Good references. 10yrs exp. Ph 027 725 7986 REVIVE YOUR DRIVE A clean and seal helps: Prevent staining; Cleaning made easy. Prevents Colour loss; Adds value to your home.

Commercial Grade Sealer.

Free Quotes. Ph Adam Concrete Replacements 0274 598 571 Member of CCANZ ROOF REPAIRS free quotes for all maintenance of leaking roofs, gutter cleaning & repairs. Chimney maintenance & repairs.

Registered roofer, 30yrs exp. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740 ROOF PAINTING and maintenance.

Roofs rescrewed.

Waterblasting, moss removal. Free quotes!

Ph Mark 543 3670 or 021 0273 8840 TREE SHRUB and hedges trimming, topping removal, rubbish removal, palm pruning or removal, satisfaction guaranteed free quote. Ph Steve Hockly 571 5958 or 027 498 1857

transport DRIVING MISS DAISY – more than a taxi service! We will attend doctor’s appointments with the client and transmit relevant information back to family, assist with shopping or ensure children safely attend sports practices or music lessons. Safe, friendly, reliable service. Ph Jackie from Driving Miss Daisy 552 6614

BOOK NOW FOR for the Musical ‘Singin’ in the Rain the popular production set to make a ‘’splash’’ in Auckland.

Sensational song and dance numbers. ‘’A’’ Reserve seats and door to door transport to a Matinee. Phone John’s Door to Door Tours 576 9305 EVER EXPERIENCED the mountain tops draped in a blanket of glistening snow, with crisp blue sky and spectacular scenery to take your breath away?

Observe from aboard the world famous Tranzalpine Train - South Island Winter Snow Train Tour Friday 27th August- Ph Zealandier Tours 575 6425 ARE YOU on your own and like to travel? Join our reputable tour company for regular outings Contact emma@zealandiertours.com or Ph 575 6425 NO.8 TOURS TRAVEL CLUB Extended Tours: Specialists in fully escorted day & extended tours. Up and coming tours; May 2015; Wandering Wairarapa 6th-8th May; Marlborough Sounds Mail Boat Run 18th22nd May; JUNE 2015; Winter Escape to Tropical North Queensland 3rd-11th June 2015; Raurimu Spiral Chateau Overnight. 22nd23rd June Free pick-up, Free newsletter. Seats are limited, don’t miss out, Book now!

Ph 579 3981 1907 PADDLEBOAT River Cruises. Cruise up the Wairoa River with complimentary tea/coffee.

From $25 and group discounts, open 7 days. Bookings essential 0274183930, w w w. p a d d l e b o a t . c o . n z , www.facebook.com/otunui

venues FOR WEDDINGS, FUNCTIONS OR MEETINGS check out No.1 The Strand, a beautiful historic setting.

Ph Tony 07 928 3676 or email tony@thesun.co.nz WEDDINGS, PARTIES, MEETINGS etc.

With stunning Harbour views, fully licensed bar & kitchen onsite.

Restaurant open every Friday from 5pm & Sunday from 4.30pm. Tauranga Fish & Dive Club, 60 Cross Rd, Sulphur Point. Ph 571 8450 or text 027 318 5760 www.tfdc.co.nz

wanted FREE GREEN WASTE dump by lawn contractor in exchange for ??? Tauranga area. Ph Steve 021 0264 8265 or 571 2295 WANTED TO RENT Professional family seeking 2-3 bedroom house.

Anywhere considered.

Have references. Ph Jo 027 3481 706

Sunday Gatherings 10:00 am Mount Sports Club 51 Miro Street Blake Park The Mount

www.stlukeschurch.org.nz

HOLY CRICKET @ MOSAIC

WATCH THE CWC FINAL ON THE BIG SCREEN. Free backyard BBQ

4.30 PM 37 NEWTON ST

30 MIN SERVICE BETWEEN INNINGS DEAN BROWNLIE SPEAKING (Current Blackcap)

55

The Weekend Sun

What is freedom to you?

Everyone desires freedom and liberty. Each individual’s definition of freedom differs from the next, and we need to be wary of not walking away from Godly ways and living in our search for freedom and liberty.

In 2 Pet 2:19-20, Christians are being warned of a false liberty that is being preached by those still bowing down to corrupt things of the world themselves, bringing men into bondage. God has called His people out of the world to be different and to make a difference.

God told Moses to instruct Aaron to bless the children of Israel saying: “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee.”

In Hebrew

the word ‘keep’ is ‘shaw-mar’, which means, to hedge about with a thorny fence. God protects us by placing a fence of restraint around us.

2 Cor 3:17 “Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty”.

That still small voice, the Spirit of God, of conviction and restraint, that leads us into His righteousness, is the same voice that leads us away from the bondage of sin when we listen to it. The Spirit lusts against the flesh and the flesh against the Spirit; they are contrary to one another.

The Holy Spirit brings true liberty as we are led away from the things that bind us. The prodigal son tried living a life unto himself and ended up bound in a pigpen.

He finally experienced love and joy, back in his father’s house, his fence of protection.

A call to support Israel The world is currently seeing a form of racism in the Middle East that our liberated generation would never have believed possible.

Although this generation has witnessed the horrors of World War II and the evil anti-Semitism, or racism, of Nazi Germany, we’re currently seeing the same thing happening again – less 100 years later.

Unbelievably, Israel and the Jewish people are once again being singled out and discriminated against.

Because of the lies and propaganda fed through the media, even intelligent people are turning against Israel and the Jewish people, who have suffered more than any ethnic group in history.

Israel is the only democratic nation in the Middle East. Jews, Christians

and Moslems, along with a multitude of other ethnic peoples, live side-byside in what is arguably the most free, innovative, progressive, democracy in the world.

Women, the press and a diverse range of religious and ethnic minorities enjoy a freedom that should be celebrated, not discriminated against.

What on earth has Israel and the Jewish people done to deserve such bad press when they are only trying to defend their democratic nation against nations which have declared their intensions to annihilate her?

It’s time for intelligent people to get the facts and support all those who desire to live in freedom from oppression and tyranny.

Although the Middle East situation is complex, let’s give Israel a fair go and get the full story. By Dave Fredrickson, Mount Baptist Church

www.

The Story pt3

.org.nz

Joseph : From Slave to Deputy Pharoah

Sunday@10am

7 Oak Lane Judea behind Resene

WESLEY CHURCH

9.30am MORNING WORSHIP - PALM SUNDAY All-age service led by Rev Leigh Sundberg Minister: Rev Leigh Sundberg 100, 13th Avenue, Tauranga ph: 578-8493 http://www.wesley.co.nz

ST JAMES UNION CHURCH 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP Starts with a cuppa at 10.00 a.m.

Minister: Rev Simon Cornwall Cnr Devon & Pooles Road, Greerton ph: 541-2182

56

The Weekend Sun

ON NOW

greenslades furniture greenslades furniture 287 Cameron Rd, Tauranga | PH 07 571 8174 | OPEN 7 Days | www.greensladesfurniture.co.nz 287 Cameron Rd, Tauranga | PH 07 571 8174 | OPEN 7 Days | www.greensladesfurniture.co.nz