Te Puke News

Rats, goats and gumboots N

Gumboot-throwing was one of the games at this year ’ s Possum and Pest Hunt at Te Ranga School More than 1200 pests were removed from the environment around the

scchool as a result of the three-day hunt that culminated in a gala at the school where numbers were totted up, there was a chance to learn about a range of

environmental issues and initiatives, take part in games and generally support the school The hunt brought in 813 possums, 311 rabbits and hares, 88 wallabies, 10

pigs, 21 deer, 11 goats, and eight rats The gala also saw Year 7-8 students running market stalls as part of an enterprise unit this term Read more on page 3 Photo / Supplied

Creative writing adventure in Western BOP

Bookrapt – Bay of Plenty Children’s Literature Association – is gearing up for a storytelling extravaganza as it sets to host a morning of inspiring, fun, and interactive writing and illustration workshops at Paengaroa School on July 9.

“The workshops which promise to ignite imaginations and celebrate creativity across all ages are made possible through the generous support of Western Bay Creative Communities and Western Bay of Plenty District Libraries,” said Bookrapt chairwoman and awardwinning author Angie Belcher

Belcher said the event features a stellar lineup of award-winning authors and illustrators, ready to share their secrets, spark inspiration and guide children – and their parents or grandparents – to discover the joy of writing and storytelling “The sessions are tailored for children as young as four right through to teens and adults ”

The sessions include Collaborative Storytelling, a playful session for ages four-six to create a group story full of fun and imagination with energetic librarian and amateur actor Penny Guy

Sessions

Belcher will be guiding five-seven-yearold children in discovering the magic of rhythm, rhyme, and wordplay with Playing with Words.

Rachel Weston, bestselling author of ‘Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet’, will be taking seven-10-year-old detectives on an exciting non-fiction fact-finding mission.

For ages seven–10 and 11–14, Make Your Mark are two popular illustration workshops led by local artist Debbie Tipuna and promise hands-on creativity with expert guidance.

Tom Fitzgibbon Award winner Carol Garden will be taking 11-14-year-olds for a session on learning how to turn average stories into unforgettable tales with Make Your Story Zing.

Helping children explore identity and storytelling through a cultural lens is the focus of Kiri-Michelle Mohi, author of the ‘Real Raw Resources’ series, with the It’s OK to Be Different session.

Lee Murray, ONZM, will conduct two engaging sessions for ages 15-plus, one on crafting compelling poetry and the second on exploring voice and memory through Personal Narrative.

A session for teens and adults with historian and author Debbie McCauley

offers a deep dive into the local history and significance of Te Tiriti in Tauranga “Events of this calibre don’t often come to the Western Bay so our highly motivated team of organisers – all readers and writers – are hoping it will be a huge success and lead to further events, ” Belcher said

Workshops

Workshops are timed so parents or grandparents can participate alongside their tamariki. Each event is $5 per person with sponsored spots available for those who need support.

Spaces are limited and expected to fill quickly Schools are encouraged to register groups, and families are welcome to attend together For booking and inquiries, email: bookraptnz@gmail.com or visit: www.bookraptnz.wordpress.com or phone/text 02102488981.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Rachel Weston, bestselling author of ‘Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet’ reading to children. Photo / Supplied

More than 1200 pests were removed from the environment around Te Ranga School as a result of this year ’ s Possum and Pest Hunt

The three-day hunt culminated in a gala at the school where numbers were totted up, there was a chance to learn about a range of environmental issues and initiatives, take part in games and generally support the school

“We were thrilled to welcome around 700 people to Te Ranga School for this year ’ s Possum and Pest Hunt, a much-loved event that’s become a proud part of our school’s identity,” said principal Aimee Kennedy

The hunt brought in 813 possums, 311 rabbits and hares, 88 wallabies, 10 pigs, 21 deer, 11 goats, and eight rats

“Every effort plays a vital role in protecting our bush and native wildlife ”

The day also included a range of environmental

stands aimed at educating the community on how best to care for the environment and native species. “Visitors also had the chance to explore our school’s bush classroom, which showcases our ongoing commitment to sustainability and hands-on learning

The gala saw Year 7-8 students running market stalls as part of an enterprise unit this term.

“Their creativity and effort contributed significantly to the day’s success and brought in a large amount of money for the school ”

Although the final total is still being finalised, early estimates suggest close to $40,000 was raised

“That’s an incredible start toward our goal of $170,000 to replace the school playground

“Several locals shared fond memories of playing on the current playground over 30 years ago, so it’s well and truly due for an upgrade,” said Kennedy “We’ve still got a way to go, but this is a brilliant first step ”

$200k Te Puke plaza upgrade aims to revitalise town centre

It’s been a long time coming but Te Puke’s Heritage Plaza is finally getting a refresh

The open area on Jellicoe St, in front of My Pharmacy and Te Puke Jewellers, was created as part of the town beautification project in the latter part of 2016 and early-2017

It has been controversial almost from day one, partly because of the resulting loss of on-street parking spaces and also because of criticism that it is not an attractive space and, as a result, it is seldom used for anything more than walking to the pedestrian crossing

Its transformation is due to begin next week when work starts on a green, welcoming space designed to encourage people to pause, connect and enjoy the town centre

Estimated to take six weeks, the new design includes nikau palms, garden beds, lighting and new seating nooks

Joint project

The $200,000 project is a joint initiative between the Te Puke Community Board and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, with funding drawn equally from the board’s roading account and the council’s transportation budget.

Te Puke Community Board chairwoman Kassie Ellis said the project reflected the board’s commitment to improving public spaces and supporting a more vibrant town centre – while acknowledging that not everyone will see it the same way

“Like any town project, there are always a range of views,” said Ellis.

“But the board believes this upgrade will add real value – creating a people-friendly space where locals and

Pest hunt raises $40k for playground upgrade pg

visitors can pause, connect and enjoy what our town centre has to offer”

Designs were developed in 2024 by Bay of Plenty-based landscape architect Nichola Vague, and the final design approved in April this year.

Future artworks were also planned, with the support of local iwi Tapuika and Waitaha

These would be developed to reflect a shared vision, upholding the identity, values, and histories of mana whenua through appropriate kōrero and artistic elements within the space

Local vision

Council’s director of transportation Calum McLean said the project reflected the value of strong local leadership and detailed planning

“This is a great example of local vision being brought to

life – led by the community board, shaped with iwi input, and delivered with council support. ”

The upgrade will have a big impact on how people experience the town centre, he said.

“It’s great to see the community’s ideas taking shape –supported by the council’s role in delivery. Work is set to be completed by early-August, weather permitting.

“We know Jellicoe St is a busy and important part of Te Puke, so we ’ ve worked closely with contractors to minimise disruption, keep footpaths open, and ensure safe access throughout construction.”

Work will take place between 7am-5pm Monday-Friday, with Saturday work from 7am-1pm if required.

The site and a small number of adjacent carparks will be temporarily closed during this time

gov

Above: Work on the refurbishment of the Heritage Plaza is due to begin next week. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

Right: An artist’s impression of the new Heritage Plaza design. Image / Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Ben Fletcher with a shout out. Photos / Supplied

Kaia Tamihana suitably dressed for a possum and pest hunt

Envirohub was one of the organisations with stalls at the gala.

Volunteer firefighter, surf rescuer

share their inspiring stories

This week is National Volunteer Week

It’s a week to honour the collective energies and efforts of volunteers across New Zealand and a time to recognise and thank the millions of people who give their time and skills to our communities

Stuart Whitaker spoke to two of the many volunteers in our community, volunteer firefighter Diana Hutchings and Pukehina Surf Rescue treasurer and junior surf helper Kate Pomare

Hutchings has been with Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade for almost five years

She’s now a qualified firefighter

“I’d always wanted to do something with emergency services, always grew up thinking I’d be a police officer, but then I fell into my dream role ”

She’s an operations manager at H2 Orchard

Contracting Ltd

“I moved into town and stared hearing the [fire] siren and thought that might be a bit of me so I went along to training one Wednesday and that was it ”

Right move

Hutchings said right from day one, she has known it was the right move

“It’s hugely rewarding I think the more they put into it, the more you get out – it’s great for yourself

as well as it is for other people ”

They may not be getting paid, but volunteer firefighters have to go through a rigorous training and week-long recruits’ course before becoming qualified She said other, especially more senior, brigade members helped her and the four other recruits she was on the course with prepare with extra weekly trainings

Gnarly calls

There is also inherent danger in the role, although that isn’t something she thinks about

“I just think, if it was me who was calling for help, or if it was my family who was calling for help, I’d want to know that someone who is dedicated and passionate about it is going to show them ”

w up and help

She said while there were some “ gn she tries not to remember, and that available, others are memorable for

narly” calls that support is good reasons k from a nces where nd they’ve

“I really like getting someone back medical event – I’ve had three instan we ’ ve been called to heart attacks, an survived ”

Hutchings hadn’t done much volunteering previously and said jo the brigade came “ out of the blue”.

Anyone interested in joining the brigade can go along to training

oining e

nights each Wednesday to find out what it’s all about, she said

Surf rescue

Kate Pomare is co-treasurer at

Pukehina Surf Rescue – but also gets out on to the beach at times, helping out with the junior surf programme and the club’s Groms Surf group

It’s a group she helped set up for young and old members wanting to learn how to surf

“There are up to 50 people and we all get in the water – kids and adults

We started regularly meeting last summer, ” she said

Along with work colleague Martin

Pipe, it’s been a busy

few years taking care of the club’s accounts during its new clubhouse build She first became involved in the club when her children joined and is on the committee

The treasurer role fitted in with her skills and experience

“I fell into the role because there was a need and at the time they were building the new surf club and it just seemed such a worthwhile cause to dedicate your time to

“Martin has volunteered quite a lot of time during the build of the new surf club as well, and between the both of us we have helped with the finanncial side of that which is been a mammmoth effort ”

Now the project has been largely commpleted, Pomare has found more ways to be involved

“I’m in there helping with the club – it’s pretty fun and it’s been a great club to be involved in

Areas of interest

“ThThere’s other areas I’d like to help witth, especially junior surf, which is my interest, but also the events

We recently ran the first movie night out there, which was really fun ” Pomare said to anyone looking to volunteer in any way: “volunteer with something that you are passionate about, that you want to give back to It’s very fulfilling”

National Volunteer Week is largest celebration of volunteers and volunteering

The theme is

Whiiria te tangata – weaving the peopple together Volunteering weaves us toogether, strengthening the fabric of our communities for a stronger, morre inclusive Aotearoa

More than half of NZers volunteer and they play vital roles – as coaches, caregivers, emergency responders, commmunity builders, environmental champions, and more.

Reecognising volunteers fosters a cultuure of appreciation and inspires futuure generations to get involved

Stuart Whitaker

Left f : Diana Hutchings has been a volunteer firefighter r with Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade foor almost five years. Photo / Supplied

Kate Pomare says Pukehina Surf Rescue is a great club to be involved in. Photo / Stuart Whitaker

Te Puke’s kiwifruit heritage centre set for Capitol Theatre

The Kiwifruit Capital of the World Te Puke Heritage Visitor Centre has found a home in the Capitol Theatre, it was confirmed recently

Stuart Whitaker sat down with project leader Sue Matthews to find out more about the concept, how things are progressing and what securing a home for the centre means.

What is the Te Puke Kiwifruit Capital of the World Heritage Society Inc trying to achieve?

To become a conduit to bring together and develop synergies within our Te Puke district heritage space. We want to work together to build something that will grow and strengthen our identity, inspire pride, connection, health, wellbeing, optimism and discovery for generations to come.

We need to preserve what we have in our communities – have you thought about those kiwifruit icons just gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe and want them protected and available to add to our story? Some of it will be generational. Please contact us at: matapara-@xtra.co nz

Why an incorporated society and not a trust?

We purposefully chose this to enable our community to have input into the direction and running of The Kiwifruit Capital of the World – Te Puke

Climate

goodness experience.

We have a workshop planned to get feedback from some of our key community leaders Who is facilitating this workshop?

A director from Stitchbird, experts in visitor experience and public space design, will weave their magic to provide an interactive professional experience within our district. How are things progressing?

Fantastic We have leased the bottom floor of the Capitol Theatre and the takeover date is July 1. The overarching focus will be the kiwifruit story There will also be opportunities to celebrate Te Puke and our nine distinct communities.

Te Puke is surrounded by vibrant communities of Manoeka, Te Matai, Rangiuru, Waitangi, Paengaroa, Maketū, Pongakawa, Pukehina and Ōtamarākau. These communities are blessed with iwi, schools, economic drivers and generational connections and are inclusive of our multicultural communities.

We want to walk beside them to find ways to celebrate each unique community

We want to to find out the communities’ aspirations for being part of a “vibrant, actionfocused and alive” heritage space

When we develop resources and stories around each community there will be an opportunity to have these as part of our celebrations and then when it is time for the next exhibition – these can

New Zealanders expecting more extreme weather events want more to be done to reduce the risks and costs of these events to help keep insurance affordable and available.

According to the latest climate change poll from AMI, State, and NZI, 90% of New Zealanders anticipate more extreme storms, 89% foresee more frequent and intense flooding, and 88% expect coastal flooding due to rising sea levels.

be disseminated back out to the communities – into our community halls and public spaces and create an ongoing platform to recognise and celebrate the greatness of each community For example, when we highlight Pongakawa, there is so much to celebrate from the school, the hall, heritage house, environmental wetlands We will listen to these stories to learn and celebrate around their heroes, eg Denny Hulme, sportspeople. We wish to sincerely thanks our iwi/hapū, Te Puke and our nine rural communities, business leaders and our multicultural communities, for supporting and encouraging this vision over many years. We have reached a point where we can now focus on this kiwifruit and community stories and make

“Recent and regular weather events are still fresh in people’s minds and continue to have a profound effect on the country, highlighting for many the very real impact that our changing climate is having on our communities,” said Amanda Whiting, CEO of AMI, State and NZI, in a statement.

As New Zealanders brace for a future shaped by more frequent and severe climate events, many expect the cost of these events to be reflected in insurance premiums. However, they only want to

our exhibition spaces a reality

Your encouragement, optimism and generosity in the gifting of time, wisdom, knowledge, ideas, along with significant donations of money and chattels, is deeply appreciated and valued. We have now reached the $100,000 as part of the establishment strategy

Sitting beside this is to now apply seriously for funding agencies to develop the next phase

To this end, we now have a bank account, and this makes it easier for donating those oneoff donations that are going to support the development of the actual exhibition spaces. What are our points of difference?

Firstly, the district’s assets: schools, people, industry, manufacturing, sawmills, dairying, high-quality milk

pay for the risks they themselves face: 60% agree that insurers should raise premiums for those that face more risk, 45% say that people only paying for the risk they face is the fairest way to set premiums, with 10% saying that everyone paying the same regardless of the risk they face is fairest. Moreover, 71% say they accept they will have to pay more for their insurance if they live in a highrisk location, but only 17% are willing to subsidise the insurance of people who live in high-risk locations; and 60% of

products, kiwifruit, with amazing soils, weather

It offers great growing conditions, and this traverses the whole community wellbeing.

The second point is that we are not a museum.

Thirdly, our communities are linked to the Te Arawa rohe and we have the 10 distinct communities (nine rural communities, plus Te Puke) to celebrate and can be part of developing healthy positive communities.

We want to connect with children, youth, adults and retirees

There can be specific exhibitions and opportunities to engage within our multicultural communities by having interpreters available for specific exhibitions. Stuart Whitaker

people agree that insurers should focus on incentivising risk reduction by making it more difficult or more costly to insure in high-risk areas.

“New Zealanders understand that increased risk leads to higher insurance costs and that greater use of risk-based pricing is the fairest way to reflect those costs in people’s premiums.

The Kiwifruit Capital of the World Te Puke Heritage Visitor Centre will be housed in the Capitol Theatre.

Formidable duo are winners and grinners – in work and in life

Arun Mehan didn’t expect to win Bayleys Rookie of the Year award this year – but it probably didn’t surprise his father-in-law A stalwart of Te Puke’s horticultural landscape for 32 years, Snow Williams also claimed a well-deserved award as Individual Country Salesperson of the Year

Together they are formidable – both in work and in homelife Te Puke s a small place – people cross paths quickly Married to Snow s daughter, it might have taken a little persuasion to push Arun into real estate but he grabbed attention straight away Selling four properties in a week early on, Arun’s personal number of residential sales for 2024/25 is 46 Alongside Snow, lifestyle sales climb higher again

Mentored by Snow from the outset, Arun sums it up nicely

“Everything I know, I know from Snow”

Don’t for a minute think he rides on Snow’s coat tails – though they are worth hanging on to Snow saw something in Arun from the outset – and couldn’t be happier to have him as a son-in-law The transition from managerial roles to real estate wasn t something Arun considered – until Snow Sit down with this pair for a while – and their bond is obvious

After almost a year in real estate Arun is as familiar around the traps as Snow – heavily involved in the community, doing up to seven appraisals a week by his person-to-person approach and door knocking Also believing he should give back; Arun donates money to Te Puke Fire Brigade and from every sale and sponsors schools in Te Puke Pongakawa and Paengaroa

Sales come quickly thanks to his personal approach and forthright honesty when appraising a property placing it correctly and being upfront with everything when it comes to marketing, presentation and the best sales process to run with Thanks to a signiﬁcant data base that Snow has built up in his 32 years, and Arun s own system – connecting people with property underpins what both men achieve

Ironically, Arun says it s not the money that drives him It’s people People ﬁrst property second That might sound trite – but Arun’s personality and authenticity can’t be taken lightly Snow has long held a largerthan-life character; his originality and straight talking sometimes not going down well with some vendors Arun has a similar approach – he s willing to walk away from a sale if he knows he won’t be able to attain a vendor’s expectation Yet often he gets more Both men have irresistible self-belief – refreshingly unpretentious and in touch with the market

That market has changed since the heady post Covid days, when prices were, at times, obscene Reality revolves around current statistics, and being truthful for these men Sold signs don t lie Arun s residential sales are impressive – Te Puke Papamoa Pongakawa Pukehina – even Omokoroa; a property that had little prior success on the market Snow’s record speaks for itself – top country salesman this year

Together they run their own show – Arun’s PA Danielle Perry, also integral to the team – mindful of Bayleys’ brand, yet with a spark that sets them apart Look out for the billboards and back-of-the-bus images soon The twinkle in their eyes is hard to ignore

Shale and Arun Mehan

Mark Macky Snow Williams Mike Bayley

Stephen

RESULTS. LOCAL EXPERTISE.

Recently SOLD properties from Arun and Snow

Puke

Local Classifieds

Kim Watt

Licensee Salesperson

Be First This Selling Season

Listing before Spring means less competition and more buyer attention. Serious buyers are already active and they're waiting for the right home.

Thinking of selling? Get ahead of the crowd. Kim Watt is a trusted local expert who delivers standout results with smart marketing, strong negotiation, and genuine care.

Get ahead of the market success starts NOW.