The Weekend Sun 15 August

Inside this issue Calling time on licences

3

Couch surfing couple

9

Historic home for sale

4

Cyclists’ light saver?

11

Racing in colour

7

Family chasing dream

19

15 August 2014, Issue 713

Push for pennies Achieving her dream of studying at a prestigious London arts institute will cost Niamh Blackman almost $80,000. The Tauranga teen outperformed more than 4000 others to secure a spot at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, but is desperate for funding to keep her dream alive. See page 43 for more. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Tauranga’s After Hours Doctors

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY OPEN 7 DAYS 8AM - 9PM

Full medical services available including xrays. formerly known as the Accident & HealthCare Centre

19 Second Avenue - Tauranga

Opening Hours 8AM - 9PM Every Day • accident & medical • skin cancer clinic • chiropractor • physiotherapy

• family medical practice • dentist • pharmacy • xray

FREE ACC consultations for under 10 year olds before six pm week days. overnight medical advice Phone Healthline : 0800 611116

Accident & HealthCare - 19 Second Avenue - Tauranga

TEL: 577 0010

2

The Weekend Sun

The cutting edge of politics

1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga

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

We see them grinning on the billboards. But who are these people who want our votes?

The billboards tell us nothing, except a name and party. Those often shabby signs nailed up with bits of four by two give no real idea of why a voter should consider the photoshopped smiler.

Surely as a society, we’ve progressed beyond the need to have election hoardings. This is the 21st century, in case you’ve missed it, and we have a plethora of efficient communication systems, without the need for these shambolic, distracting and unproductive wastes, such as billboards.

This election, there has been an unprecedented level of sign vandalism, ironically fuelled by social media and those same communications networks that have rendered billboards obsolete.

It is time for electioneering on hoardings to be banned, and prospective voters to be required to delve deeper than the shallow signwriting. To be an effective voter and participator in sensible democracy, you need to know more about a candidate than a billboard can ever convey.

Vinyl faces

DREAM DOORS

®

The complete kitchen transformation service.

Rogers goes behind the scenes in search of characters of substance behind those smiling, vinyl faces.

We’re off to dinner with the Green Party’s McLeans and are chasing the Labour folk to see what they’re up to.

This week we’ve crossed paths with National’s BOP candidate Todd Muller, beating the streets.

How does a newbie politician catch the interest of the public, enough to persuade a vote from them? We know a bit about the old war horses who have battled through previous elections, some successful and others…well, you have to admire their tenacity.

But what about a fresh face, thrown into what some would say, is a sure seat? Is it enough to assume the loyal party voters will also follow the individual?

John Key has often said complacency is a danger when a party is doing well in the polls.

In Todd Muller’s case, he’s not taking anything for granted. He’s relying on good old-fashioned foot slog to meet as many potential voters as possible, before the September 20 general election. I tagged along for part of a day, for a first-hand look at the legwork of an aspiring politician.

Todd is the National Party candidate for the BOP electorate. It’s the one that wraps around the outside of Tauranga City; taking

Ray Gilks chats with Todd over a coffee.

Close shave: Todd Muller with Laura Wells at Kells Barbers.

in Papamoa, Welcome Bay, the rural outskirts, Te Puna and a slice of Omokoroa. It used to feature a fair swag of rural voters, but is becoming more urban.

Todd’s in the daunting position of taking over from where long-serving MP and current Health Minister, Tony Ryall, is leaving off.

Todd and National party friend Peter were busy in the heart of the bustling Papamoa shopping centre.

From there they continued door to door through the retail sector and I was interested to see how skilfully Todd assessed each situation. Some retailers and office workers were flat out, and clearly not in any position for an in-depth discussion of the state of NZ politics. Others were having a quiet afternoon, had time to vent their views, ask questions and find out a bit more about the man who wants to represent them.

Often it was simply a case of “pleased to meet you, here’s my card,” while other encounters delved into the wide gambit of NZ politics.

Todd receives a positive reception from virtually everyone he meets. People seemed impressed he’s taking the time to trudge the streets. In return, Todd seems genuinely interested to hear their stories, find out their wants and needs.

Todd’s background came in very in handy.

Whether it was knowledge and experience gained in his years with the kiwifruit industry and later as an executive of Fonterra, he knows his stuff on the economy and has a highly-tuned grasp of business and economics.

On the other hand, his down-to-earth local knowledge also helped provide the answer to some questions.

“I’ve been here since I was five,” seemed equally as reassuring to many, as his substantial business pedigree.

I was waiting for Todd to walk into a hornet’s nest of opposition; maybe a rampant greenie or a defiant Labour supporter. It didn’t happen. It seems in this business sector of Papamoa at least, they’re pretty satisfied with the general direction of the party, the government and with their years of representation by Tony Ryall.

The folk in Monroes coffee shop wanted to know what National would do about improving incentives for apprentices. They run a coffee business in tandem with a barbershop, and Andrea Kell didn’t hold back on her wish to see more done for young people seeking careers. “Our kids are our future.”

One bloke popped out of a doorway, wearing a T-shirt declaring ‘The Flux Capacitor.

Making time travel possible.’

He was pretty positive about the direction of the government and the candidate’s prospects, which must be encouraging for Todd; those time travellers are never wrong.

There was plenty of support for the employee 90 day trial period, which Todd says about 50 business owners said gave them confidence to take on extra staff. Only a couple had needed to use the clause, which meant a lot of jobs created that otherwise would not have been considered.

Listening

I came away from the afternoon with the impression this candidate really does care what people think and is prepared to listen and learn from voters.

While we are surrounded by faces on billboards pleading “Pick me” it’s good to know that beneath the corflute are some candidates who are hardworking and trustworthy; who are really prepared to listen and try their best to represent what their constituents want.

Coming soon: Dinner with the Greens.

Do they really walk the talk?

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. The Buck Stops Here – A phrase first uttered by Harry S Truman in reference to government accountability. There Ain’t No Such Thing as a Free Lunch - the first official slogan of the US Libertarian Party, a phrase popularised by Robert A. Heinlein in his 1966 novel The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.

3

The Weekend Sun

Vehicle Service Centre

w www.vehicleservicecentre.co.nz

Sarah Sadler ready for a driving lesson with April’s Driving School owner and instructor April McRae. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Licenced time out

More than 7200 Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty motorists have been sitting pretty on a learner or restricted licence for more than five years, according to New Zealand Transport Agency.

It’s a comfort that will no longer be allowed when new driver licence time limits come into effect on December 1.

Recently announced changes to the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule will for the first time set a five-year time limit on learner and restricted car and motorcycling licences.

The time limit, aimed at encouraging drivers and riders to progress to the next licence stage, comes into force on December 1.

NZTA figures released to The Weekend Sun show 7263 motorists in Tauranga and the Western Bay have held their licence for longer than will soon be allowed.

In Tauranga 2021 motorists have held a learner licence for more than five years, with 587 holding

it for more than a decade.

The city also has 3338 motorists who have held a restricted licence for more than five years, including 1386 who’ve held the licence for more than 10 years.

In comparison 708 Western Bay motorists have held their learner licence for more than five years and 1196 have held their restricted licence for the same time-period.

The new limit will not be apply to these licence holders until they renew their current licence.

April’s Driving School director April McRae says the new time limit is a positive step in ensuring motorists obtain their full licence within a reasonable timeframe.

Under the change motorists who don’t move on to the next stage within the timeframe will need to pass another theory test to renew their learner or restricted licence.

April, an instructor for 12 years, is already noticing a shift in people trying to fast-track their licence

HUGE SAVINGS

following the announcement.

“There are a lot of different reasons why people aren’t sitting their licence.

“I know one is the cost of sitting the test; and if someone fails it they sometimes become disillusioned and procrastinate from sitting it again.”

According to NZTA the price to sit a learner licence test is $96.10 and $137 for a restricted licence.

Both include a $48.70 administration fee.

Sarah Sadler, 31, has held her learner licence for nine years and says the limit will act as an incentive for people like herself.

Passing her learner licence at age 22, then living in Australia for eight years, Sarah admits she’s put off the test out of fear.

“I put it off and can’t put it off any longer, so I’m biting the bullet.

“It’s quite hard because you get into a lot of bad habits that you need to break.” By Luke Balvert

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

direct from the manufacturer Bay Blinds sells directly to the public as well as other blind re-sellers throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands supplying a comprehensive range of vertical blinds, venetian blinds, roller blinds, wood venetians and roller sun screens.

The quality of our products is equal to the very best of our out-of-town competitors, so there is no penalty when taking our cheaper option.

BAY BLINDS 8 Maleme Street, Greerton PHONE NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

% 578 7794 www.bayblinds.co.nz

in the Bay www.bayblinds.co.nz Quality Blinds 100% made

4 A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on...

The Weekend Sun

Home of history for sale

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

www.sunlive.co.nz News tips ph

0800 SUNLIVE

Woman dies in four-storey fall

A 52-year-old woman died after falling several storeys from the Sharp Tudhope law offices on Devonport Road this week.

Tauranga Police Senior Sergeant Shannon Clifford says the Tauranga woman was on the top floor of the offices when she asked to go out for some air about 10.55am Wednesday.

The woman then exited onto the fourth-floor balcony and has fallen four storeys onto the pavement below.

The woman suffered critical injuries and was transported by St John Ambulance to Tauranga Hospital where she later died.

Waihi tot’s life saving gift A Waihi family devastated by the death of their three-year-old son want the world to know “that he was a beautiful boy” who will go on to save the lives of other toddlers.

Julia and Jason Tapp lost their son Ezra when he escaped his child playpen and wandered off through the gate of his Silverton Road home into the nearby Ohinemuri River on Tuesday.

Ezra was discovered in the river by his father and a neighbour out searching and despite resuscitation attempts could not be revived.

Since the death the Tapps have learned their beloved boy’s heart is suitable for donation that will go on to help save up to three other young patients.

“His heart valves will go on to save other children,” says Ezra’s mum Julia told SunLive.

Armed chase accused in court

The 32-year-old man charged in relation to a high-speed police pursuit through Tauranga streets in which shots were allegedly fired at police, will remain behind bars.

Donny Falakoa, from Auckland, is facing 14 charges following the manhunt that closed a number of roads around Mount Maunganui on July 30.

Orphaned foal gets new home A one-year-old foal left motherless after a crash at Pukehina last week will get a new start thanks to Summer Haze Equestrian on McLaren Falls Road.

The horse was left in a distressed state when a vehicle struck and killed a mare, believed to be its mother, on State Highway 2, between Ohinepanea Road and Otamarakau on August 7.

The mare was taken to a farmer’s paddock in Pukehina while a firefighter who attended the crash frantically looks to home the one-yearold.

“We struggled to find the owner for the foal.

We tried every avenue we could think of but no luck,” says Pukehina Chief Fire Officer Errol Watts.

Errol has since received a last minute phone call from Lee and Caroline O’Grady offering to take the horse on.

www.sunlive.co.nz

Cheryl McLeay prepares to farewell the home she grew up in, frequented by many of the country’s past musicians. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

The decision to sell the home that’s been in her family for 70 years was heart-breaking for Cheryl McLeay.

Her family’s three-bedroom house at the end of a 14th Ave cul-de-sac is an original piece of Tauranga’s history and the home of a well-known family since 1943.

It’s currently on the market and Cheryl, who lives in Auckland, this week visited the home to collect her family’s possessions – left after her mother died two years ago.

Albert and Gwendoline Rawiri, both iconic characters in their own right, purchased 227 14th Ave for about £36,000.

Albert was a keen musician who toured the country playing guitar. Cheryl and younger sister Linda remember the myriads of musicians who used the house as a pit-stop during national tours.

“It was the household of musos, so when

people came on tour everyone stayed there and created havoc. All the bands of that era came through that house.”

Albert was also a guitarist in the inaugural National Jazz Festival.

“Dad is in all those pictures, because he could read music, guitarists couldn’t in those days, and being Maori on top of it.”

But it was mum Gwendoline, or Gwen, who ruled the roost, says Cheryl.

Gwen ran the couple’s takeaway restaurant The Ship’s Tavern on Harrington St. “She was very well-known in Tauranga as one of the first women to own a business.”

She was also an avid hockey player, playing for the Bay of Plenty and later becoming a patron for Hockey BOP, and vice president of NZ Hockey Association.

“Hockey was her life,” says Cheryl, who is giving many of Gwen’s hockey paraphernalia to Hockey NZ. Gwen died August 2012, leaving an estate

ACG Tauranga

Meet the Principal Learn about ACG Tauranga and our exciting plans to develop a new independent co-educational preschool to Year 13 school campus, set in spacious grounds on Pyes Pa Road.

Our Principal, Chris CottellMayhew will be in Tauranga from 18 to 21 August.

Come and talk to the Chris.

Find out how your child will benefit from our unique learning

www.acgedu.com

environment and the highly regarded Cambridge International curriculum.

To arrange a meeting or to register for a student interview, please call 07-213 0100 or email acgtauranga@acgedu.com ACG Tauranga opens in February 2015 with Years 1 to 9.

Our preschool centre opens in Term 2, 2015.

to her daughters so large it’s taken Cheryl two years to deal with the home.

Having made a life in Auckland, and with Linda living in Australia, Cheryl says she saw no other choice than to sell.

“It’s going to be hard, but I know it’s got to go.”

Cheryl would love to see the home kept as it is, but knows there’s a slim chance.

“All the gardens are still there and if they were looked after, we never bought any fruit or veggies. But realistically, I guess a developer will buy it. It is the 21st Century and this is what they’re looking for.

“It’s time for someone else to make their memories.”

Eves Realty salesperson Julie Parkinson says while overlooking Judea, with water views, the house on a 981m2 section is perfect for a developer, or anyone who loves bringing old bungalows back to life. It is to be auctioned

By Corrie Taylor September 18.

5

The Weekend Sun

A hero recognised

World War II hero John Gregson with his re-presented medal, on the left, and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.

Cosmetic Medicine

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

At age 18, in the depths of World War II, John Gregson’s heroic efforts saw him save the life of a young man aboard a torpedoed ship in the Mediterranean.

This week, 72 years to the day since, the Tauranga veteran was re-presented his prestigious Albert Medal, the highest award below the Victoria Cross, during a ceremony at Mount RSA. “They say I saved this guy’s life, but I was saving my own at the same time, so I don’t really take much credit for it,” says the humble 90-year-old.

But save a life he did, when late on August 12, 1942, while sailing to Malta, John’s convoy was torpedoed and sunk by enemy aircraft.

The ship caught fire and orders were given to abandon ship, but one of the gunners was seriously injured and pinned under a raft.

John ran to his assistance to free him. It was impossible to get him into a boat, so he dropped the gunner overboard, jumping into the sea after him and towing him 600 metres to safety.

It was later reported without his gallant and determined actions, undertaken with complete disregard of his personal safety, the injured man would have had little chance of survival.

The Albert medal was introduced in 1866 by Prince Albert for saving life at sea. John was presented his by King George the 6th in 1942.

But in 1971 the Queen declared the Albert medal obsolete and any surviving people would receive the

George Cross in its place.

“Because I’d come to live in NZ they didn’t know where I was. It was about six years before they caught up with me and told me the Albert was to be exchanged.

“I said: ‘As this was given to me by the King, I’ll keep it thank you very much’.”

John’s medals were sent to Wellington recently to be remounted, and Tauranga MP Simon Bridges had the job of personally returning them on the 72nd anniversary of his heroic actions.

“It was stressful actually. So I went to a restaurant and staff wanted to take my bag and I was like ‘No way’,” says Simon. “It’s a cool privilege to do something like this though.”

Thirty living people hold the medal, which has been awarded

By Corrie Taylor 161 times.

For a free in-home consultation, call the shutter specialists today on 0508 274 888

Santa showroomFe

142 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui

Need ideas?

Visit us at our showroom. santafeshutters.co.nz

6

The Weekend Sun

7

The Weekend Sun

Colour explosion

Participants at a previous Colour Dash.

With explosions – literally – of colour, Tauranga will get its own version of the international Colour Dash this October in what organisers hope will be the first of many.

Registrations are open for the region’s first Colour Dash on October 5, when participants will complete a 5km walk/run at Tauranga Racecourse.

While the starting gates are clean, the finish line will be a different story, with each station of the course offering sponsors a chance to douse everyone in exploding colour bombs of orange, blue, green, pink and yellow.

“It’s going to be so much fun,” says event organiser Luisa Schroder.

“This isn’t a competition or a race, it’s about everyone getting together and having a tie-dyed blast.”

She says organisers are already getting positive feedback from the public, with registrations coming in fast.

Luisa is encouraging friends and families to sign up, and for corporates to get involved.

“But it’s not just about getting work-only teams together, but giving them a chance to bring their family along too and enjoy it all together.

“There aren’t many things out there to do that suit everyone, and we want this to be fun and achievable for everybody – no matter your age or ability.”

Half of the money raised from Tauranga’s event will go to Ronald McDonald House Auckland.

“Other similar events are more about awareness, but we want to raise as much money as possible for this cause,” says Luisa.

The Tauranga event is the brainchild of Metro Marketing’s Michelle Whitmore, who took part in America’s Colour Dash early this year.

“I was looking for a way to raise funds for Ronald McDonald House Auckland. There have been similar ‘Colour Run’ events already in New Zealand’s larger cities, so I decided to take the colourful occasion to the regions,” says Michelle.

Tauranga’s dash is the inaugural event in the Dash Downunder 2014 Tour.

The event will cap at 5000, but registrations will be available on the day if numbers allow.

Register at www.colourdash.co.nz By Corrie Taylor

Survival skills at the ready

A call is being made for applications to the 2015 Tauranga Youth Search and Rescue programme.

YSAR involves a number of training activities involving the outdoors and emergency services, and is designed to introduce students into community voluntary work in the emergency services sector.

The programme will begin in February and involves two hours on a Wednesday night, and 12 weekend training activities per year.

Steve Campbell is one of the 17 leaders who run the programme and says applicants must be passionate about developing skills in the outdoors and want to be part of a community volunteer programme aligned to emergency services.

“This is a unique opportunity for young people in the Bay of Plenty to be part of a dynamic and exciting youth programme.

“Students come from various walks of life and previous outdoor experience is not essential but commitment is.”

Applications can be made online at www.ysartauranga.co.nz or by email to ysartauranga@gmail.com

By Letitia Atkinson

HUGE SAVINGS direct from the manufacturer

Quality Blinds 100% made in the Bay

BAY BLINDS

w ww ww. w.b baayyb blliin nd dss..cco o..n nzz

PHONE NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

8 Maleme Street, Greerton

% 578 7794

Anniversary Blowout Beds4u’s

Snoozer Pop-up Bed

AT DARK

ETERNITY New

NZ Best Value Trundler

10

5 5 Zoned Pocket Spring

WAS $1299

799

$

Great value for money. Complete set with 1x King Single & 1x Single, pillow top mattresses.

65% OFF!

WAS $2298

Queen Base + Mattress

799

$

on all sizes

OPEN 7 DAYS (10am - 5pm) Ph: 07 578 5874

4

PROUDLY MADE IN NEW ZEALAND

COMBO DEALS TALLBOY + 2x BEDSIDES

WAS $4898

Also Available in on all sizes Queen Base + Mattress King & Super King REJUVENATOR is crafted with sumptuous natural fillings including latex, NZ wool, high grade knitting fabric, designer poly cotton fabric combination and polyeurathane foam in pillowtop which embraces the body and diminishing the body Pressure.

T

IGH N 0 6

#

Bring back your dream sleep NZ PINE

2449 2 44

$

Queen Base + Mattress

.co.nz

REJUVENATOR

10

1499

$

Also Available in King & Super King

BEDS U

(In Bay Central Shopping Centre)

WAS $2998

Enjoy your sleep with low partner’s disturbance along with teddy bear luxurious fabrics, unsurpassed quality, instant comfort and support with a layer of Natural Latex for anti allergic, anti bacterial and anti dust mite.

Perfect Support and exceptional comfort makes this bed most favorite.

Slumberzone’s Posture Pro Spring Technology™ bed that offers it all; Comfort, Support, Luxury and Value.

65 Chapel street, Tauranga

50% OFF!

50% OFF!

NZ PINE BED FRAME WITH MATTRESS

349 $ 379 $ 449 $ 489 $

SINGLE KING SINGLE

475

$

DOUBLE QUEEN

8

The Weekend Sun

Recipe to rescue food Taking unwanted food that would otherwise be thrown away and giving it to charities to feed the city’s hungry is proving a recipe for success.

The Good Food Rescue started five months ago and has already saved more than eight tonnes of food from waste, and attracted 10 local charities to its service.

Now, founders Lavina Good, and John and Jackie Paine, want to grow the charity’s awareness and attract volunteers to continue its momentum.

Inspired by Wellington’s awardwinning Kaibosh Food Rescue Programme, the trio set about creating a Tauranga version hoping it would succeed and prompt others around New Zealand.

With the support of Brookfield New World, owned by Lavina’s husband

AT 3DESIGN, WE OFFER STATEOF-THE ART PRODUCTS AND SERVICES INCLUDING THE ALL NEW WANHAO® DUPLICATOR 4X AND DUPLICATOR 5 3D PRINTERS.

Duplicator 4X ONLY $18 per week

Interest free terms available Filament only $49 per 1kg roll Services also include: 3D Drafting, Prototyping, Offshore Product Sourcing.

07 929 7278

www.3dinnovation.co.nz 74B Maleme St, show room hours 8am – 5pm, Monday to Friday All products can be viewed on our website.

Lavina Good, Jackie and John Paine help load food for Leanne Benjamin from Merivale Whanau Aroha Centre. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Brendon, they began collecting food and personally sorting items to suit each individual charity in need.

“I identified years ago in our industry that there is food good enough to eat, but not good enough to sell,” says Lavina.

“For example, Brendon makes bread on a Monday, and if it’s not sold by Tuesday morning he used to send it to pig farms. No offence to the pigs, but I think humans are more important.

“We now get about five garbage bags full of bread every Tuesday morning.”

Lavina believes there are many

Tauranga businesses throwing food away and encourages them to contact her if they can help.

“We know it’s not economically viable for these businesses to distribute the unwanted food to the charities. So we’re the middle man.”

Food is taken to their shelter on Cameron Rd, donated by St Peters Church, where volunteers sort food which is picked up by the individual charities.

Lavina, John and Jackie each spend 30 hours a week on the project for free.

Lavina believes to keep up with operational costs and continue

to grow they will need more support long-term. She is calling for volunteers to help sort food, spending one-two hours a fortnight.

“At the moment we have about eight, but we’d like to get that up to 16.”

To help, email Jackie on gnfoodrescue@gmail.com Lavina is also one of four speakers at a fundraiser titled A Soiree Four Charity, raising money for four local charities at Trinity Wharf on August 22. There are 65 tickets left for the glamorous event. Email organiser Jess, on email j_gordon777@hotmail.com

By Corrie Taylor

Samoan battle a WWI success Gallipoli and the ‘Western Front’ are World War I battlefields commonly recalled, but New Zealand forces first saw action very early in proceedings and much closer to home at German Samoa in the Pacific.

When war broke out in Europe on August 5, 1914, Britain asked New Zealand to seize German Samoa as a ‘great and urgent Imperial service’.

New Zealand’s response was swift with the 1385strong Samoa Advance Party departing from Auckland four days later . There was no resistance from German officials or the general population, making Samoa the second German territory, after Togoland in Africa, to fall to the Allies.

Next day the German flag was lowered and all buildings and properties belonging to the previous administration were seized.

German nationals and their families were removed from Samoa and shipped back to New Zealand where there were variously interned for the duration of the war at a prison camp in Auckland’s Devonport Naval Base and on Motuihi Island in the Hauraki Gulf and Soames Island in Wellington Harbour.

The bulk of the NZ Advance Force returned to New Zealand soon after the takeover and many went on to serve with the main NZEF on Gallipoli and the Western Front.

It is not known whether any members of the Samoa Expeditionary Force were from the Western Bay of Plenty area. Aside from a handful of personnel repatriated on grounds of illness the NZ expedition was casualty-free.

By Dave Blanshard This article is part of a monthly series written to commemorate 100 years since WWI.

9

The Weekend Sun

Surf the world one couch at a time website. I came home, had a look at the site and thought it would be interesting.”

Warwick says the website allows people to sign up to offer accommodation, or meet up, and ask to ‘surf ’ at fellow members’ homes worldwide.

“The ‘couch’ may be just that, or can be a private bedroom.

“It’s not compulsory to accept a request, and the length of time for hosting is up to those involved, but is usually one-three days.”

The couple hosted their first surfer in late 2010 and first went ‘surfing’ to Australia, Sarawak and Mauritius in 2011.

It’s snowballed from there. They’ve now hosted couch surfers – aged 18 to 72 – more than 200 times.

And they’ve ‘surfed’ Australia, Europe, China, South Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Mauritius, Rwanda, Uganda and New Zealand.

Warwick says to go couch surfing you have to be a risk-taker “because it’s a bit scary early on, meeting people when they come to your house”.

“We were even more apprehensive when knocking on a door and saying ‘Hi,

we’re the people you’ve been messaging’.”

Warwick says it’s completely changed the way the couple think about travel – they now meet up overseas with surfers they’ve hosted.

When hosting, the Wrights pay for 60-70 per cent of food.

“Surfers like to cook their specialty food for the host. We’ve cooked pavlova, and made bacon, banana and maple syrup pancakes in so many homes.

“We’ll keep doing this as long as we’re fit enough.”

By Merle Foster

Strengthen your bones.

C fin om d e ou in tm or e

While others their age holiday via cruise ships and motorhomes, this Omokoroa couple see the world from couch to couch.

Having signed up with a ‘couch surfing’ website, the Wrights travel overseas by staying in strangers’ homes – or meeting for a meal or sightseeing – embracing their host’s local food, culture and way of life.

“It’s a free merry-goround of about six million people prepared to meet or accommodate you for a time – and vice versa,”

says Warwick.

The couple, who also host ‘surfers’ in their own Harbour View Rd home, is heading to Uganda in two weeks to witness the marriage of an Ugandan lady they met ‘surfing’.

The Wrights began couch surfing in October 2010, after Warwick stumbled across a Belgium woman’s travel blog while planning a trip to South America.

“She said one of the five best things she’d done was join the couch surfing

Strengthen your body.

to

Husband and wife Warwick and Chris Wright aren’t your average 68-year-olds.

Omokoroa couch surfers Chris and Warwick Wright.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Aevum Wellness Centres offer a safe, proven, nonpharmaceutical alternative to osteoporosis prevention and treatment.

Faulkner’s Pharmacy, 398 Cameron Rd, Tauranga www.aevumwellness.co.nz (07) 578 5205

Home is where the heart is

Homing pigeons are supposed to fly home no matter how far away they are taken, but a Tauranga bird has shown her affection for her owner is stronger than her homing instinct.

When James and Beverley Ingram moved from Tanners Point in Katikati to Westridge in Tauranga, they took with them the pigeon which “adopted” James after he found her in a bedraggled state in the garden following a severe storm three years ago.

After moving James made a netting cage and planned to keep ‘Pidgie’ there for two weeks to change her homing instincts. But within days she escaped.

Expecting Pidgie would turn up at Tanners Point, friends were asked to look out for her, but the next day she turned up – at Westridge.

“I couldn’t believe it. She hasn’t left since,” says James.

In returning, Pidgie has won James’ admiration but unlike others of her kind, she wouldn’t win any medals.

Homing pigeons were used extensively during both World Wars to carry secret messages across enemy lines. Some were even decorated for their bravery.

The post and wartime message services relied on the pigeon’s strong instinct to return “home” no matter where it was released.

Pidgie it seems has homed-in on James instead.

By Elaine Fisher

1 WINNER EVERY WEEK**

Simply enter into a new Weekly Rental Agreement and go into the draw to WIN $1000 worth of groceries** COMPUTING

ENTERTAINMENT

WHITEGOODS

FURNITURE

Mr Rental Tauranga 34 Chapel Steet, Tauranga For our latest offers call 0800 111 313 or visit mrrental.co.nz **The Hip Pocket Hero competition is open to New Zealand residents who enter into a new Weekly Rental Agreement with participating Mr Rental Stores during the competition period. Automatic entry on delivery of goods. Prize pool is $6000 worth of supermarket vouchers (GST inclusive) with 1 x $1000 prize drawn each week during the competition period. Competition runs from 04/08/2014 - 12/09/14. Full terms and conditions available at mrrental.co.nz/hippockethero.

+ MORE!!

10

IMEACIGALINISTGS SP

Includes I2-35mm OIS Lens

$

The Weekend Sun

AVAILABLE IN STORE AT MT MAUNGANUI

EXPERIENCE 4K! WITH

3288

1387

$

Panasonic LUMIX GH4 - Single Lens Kit.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ1000K.

• 16MP LiveMOS sensor • 3.0’’ OLED Touchscreen • 12-35mm Lens • 12FPS Burst Shooting • 4K Video Recording • Digital Viewfinder • Wi-Fi & NFC DMC-GH4AGN-K

• 1” 16MP LiveMOS sensor • 3.0’’ LCD • 16x Optical Zoom • 12FPS Burst Shooting • 4K Video Recording • Digital Viewfinder • Wi-Fi DMC-FZ1000GN

JOHN

“The GH4 is an extremely versatile camera for video and stills. The 4K video is amazing and with the environmentally sealed body I can take it anywhere without any worries.”

BUILT-IN Wi-Fi

Includes I3-32mm lens.

$

DAVID ULTRA BRIGHT OLED DIGITAL VIEW FINDER

TILTABLE DIGITAL VIEW FINDER

Includes I4-42mm lens.

I4-42mm & 45-I50mm Lenses

996

“The FZ1000 is in my opinion the best Superzoom currently on the market.

The 1” sensor and f2.8-4 lens gives incredible results across both video and stills in all lighting situations.”

1245

1286

$

$

Panasonic LUMIX GM1-Single Lens Kit.

Panasonic LUMIX G6 - Twin Lens Kit.

Panasonic LUMIX GX7 - Single Lens Kit.

• 16MP LiveMOS Sensor • 3.0” Touchsreen • Full HD Video Recording. DMC-GM1KGN-K

• 16MP LiveMOS Sensor • 3.0” Touchscreen • Full HD Video Recording DMC-G6KGN-K

• 16MP LiveMOS Sensor • 3.0” Vari-angle Touchscreen • Full HD Video Recording. DMC-GX7KGN-S 30X OPTICAL ZOOM

BUILT TOUGH! 13M WATERPROOF

BONUS*1 $500

Harvey Norman Gift Card.

$

446ea

$

575

Panasonic Lumix FT5.

Panasonic LUMIX TZ60.

• 16.1 Megapixels • 3” LCD • 4.6x Optical Zoom

• 18.1 Megapixels • 3.0” LCD • Full HD Video recording

DMC-FT5GN-A / DMC-FT5GN-D

DMC-TZ60GN-K

MASSIVE 58” 4K TV

147cmv

$

4998

Panasonic 58” (147cmv) 4K Ultra HD Smart*2 LED*3 Television.

• THX certified display with Studio Master Colour • Twin Freeview*4 HD tuners • Web browser*2

Together we can Jorja lives with burns, Sahara lives with leukaemia.

MT MAUNGANUI SHOP with CONFIDENCE. Product offers are valid until 25/08/14.

2-10 Owens Place, opposite Bayfair, Mt Maunganui.

(07) 572 7200

281193_MTM

Donate in store this August.

Shop online or mobile: harveynorman.co.nz Pick up in store or have it delivered.

*1. Bonus Harvey Norman gift card is only available with the selected product as advertised. Gift card is not redeemable for cash and cannot be used in the transaction in which it is issued. Gift card expires 24 months from date of issue. Terms and conditions apply. See in store for details. *2. Broadband internet connection and service is required at the customer’s own expense. *3. LED refers to an LCD screen combined with LED technology. See in store for further details. *4. Freeview HD is not available in all regions. See in store for further details.

11

The Weekend Sun

Lighting the cycle trail A Mount Maunganui man believes his high-powered light belt creation will help reduce the number of crashes involving cyclists, even in broad daylight.

After four years of planning and research 63-year-old Bryan Norton recently unveiled his Light-belt XL100, made up of 41 extremely high output LED lights.

The belt is designed to be worn by cyclists and is an attempt to make cyclists more visible to traffic day and night with the light, 130mm in diameter, flashing three times a second.

The Ministry of Transport’s Annual Report for 2012/13 shows accidents involving a cyclist and vehicle, resulting in death or injury, were most common between

8am-10am and 4pm-6pm.

Nationally, in the mornings there were 600 crashes involving adult cyclists and 375 with people under 18 years old. The afternoon period recorded a similar figure.

The report states during the two time periods roads are at their busiest, and in winter it is generally getting darker between 4pm-6pm, making it harder for motorists to see cyclists.

Bryan says the 41 LED lights enable the device to out-shine sunlight.

“So in daylight where 80 per cent

of cyclist accidents happen they can’t help but be noticed by drivers of vehicles.”

Bryan, who’s not a cyclist himself, hatched the idea four years ago while working in London, after narrowly avoiding a collision with a cyclist while driving.

He was making video screens comprising of LED lights at the time, and thought the lights would be better suited for a cycle safety device to benefit Kiwi cyclists.

“They [the cyclist] just seemed to pop out of nowhere and I quickly realised that this motion-induced blindness phenomenon had been in effect, where I just didn’t see them.”

An MOT spokesperson says the ministry will not comment on the invention as it does not endorse individual products.

By Luke Balvert

Bryan Norton displays his Light Belt invention.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

EXTRA

Rear cup holders

EXTRA

EXTRA

Heated door

100% 100% ELECTRIC ELECTRIC NISSAN LEAF. NISSAN LEAF. Zero Emission No Petrol No Tail Pipe

ALL NEW NAVARA ST-X LTD NOW WITH EXTRA EXTRAS NISSAN X-TRAIL NAVARA ST-X LTD ST-X LTD NAVARA

Feel the excitement of driving the future today. The Nissan Leaf is a 100% electric, zero emission vehicletoday. with all theNissan comfort and Feel the excitement of driving the future The Leaf technology you’d expect from a car aheadwith of itsalltime. is a 100% electric, zero emission vehicle the comfort and And the performance of something technology you’d expect from a car much aheadmore of its than time.that.

And the performance of something much more than that.

RANGE STARTS FROM

Zero Emission No Petrol No Tail Pipe

NOW AVAILABLE FROM NOW AVAILABLE FROM +ORC

$ $

Driver and passenger power adjustment seats

EXTRA

Leather seats

BOLD. VERSATILE. NOW STYLISH. WITH EXTRA EXTRAS NOW WITH EXTRA EXTRAS $

39,990

+ORC

EXTRA

EXTRA

EXTRA

Gunmetal door mirrors

EXTRA

SPECIAL FINANCE OFFER

3.9

+ORC

Heated door mirrors

Driver and passenger power adjustment seats

7 SEAT MODEL AVAILABLE

EXTRA

Leather seats

%

39,990 39,990

EXTRA

Rear cup holders

Privacy glass

EXTRA

FINANCE

Gunmetal front grille

36 MONTH TERM

Terms and Conditions: Offer available to approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services only and excludes all lease and some fleet purchasers. Units must be registered in August to qualify for the special finance offer. The 3.9% Finance offer applies to the new X-TRAIL (T32) variants. The 3.9% p.a. interest rate is available with zero deposit and 36 months term.

Additional finance related fees, charges, and terms and conditions apply. Additional fees and on-road charges apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and is only available while stocks last. Offer must end Aug.31st 2014.

EXTRA

17” gunmetal alloy wheels (only available on ST-X 4WD)

EXTRA

EXTRA

Gunmetal side steps

Gunmetal door handles

EXTRA

Gunmetal rear bumper

RANGE STARTS FROM RANGE STARTS FROM +GST +ORC $ 37,990 +GST +ORC

37,990 SPECIAL FINANCE OFFER $

Available in 2WD and 4WD models

3.9%

FINANCE

36 MONTH TERM

nissan.co.nz Terms and Conditions: Offer available to approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services only and excludes all lease and some fleet purchasers. Units must be registered in August to qualify for the special finance offer. The 3.9% Finance offer applies to the new Navara ST-X LTD variants (D40LM02, D40LA02, D40MM02, D40MA02, and D40ZZ02). The 3.9% p.a.interest rate is available with zero deposit and 36 months term. Additional finance related fees, charges, and terms and conditions apply. Additional fees and on-road charges apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and is only available while stocks last. Offer must end Aug.31st 2014.

Terms and Conditions: Offer available to approved applicants of Nissan Financial Services only and excludes all lease and some fleet purchasers. Units must be registered in August to qualify for the special finance offer. The 3.9% Finance Terms offer applies to the new Navara ST-XtoLTD variantsapplicants (D40LM02, D40LA02, D40MM02, D40MA02, and Conditions: Offer available approved of Nissan Financial Services only and and excludes all lease and some fleet purchasers. Units must be registered D40ZZ02). The 3.9% p.a.interest rate is available with zero depositinand 36 months term. fees,3.9% charges, andoffer termsapplies and conditions Additional fees August to qualify for Additional the specialfinance financerelated offer. The Finance to the newapply.

Navara ST-X LTD variants (D40LM02, D40LA02, D40MM02, D40MA02, and and on-road charges apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any otherThe offers andp.a.interest is only available stocks last.

Offer mustand end36 Aug.31st D40ZZ02).

3.9% rate iswhile available with zero deposit months2014. term. Additional finance related fees, charges, and terms and conditions apply. Additional fees and on-road charges apply. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers and is only available while stocks last. Offer must end Aug.31st 2014.

116 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

12

The Weekend Sun

Greerton VILLAGE Welcome to Greerton Village Just 6km from the city centre, Greerton Village is the third largest retail centre in the Bay of Plenty.

Unlike the other retail precincts around the city, Greerton Village is home to mostly locally-owned and operated businesses.

With few chain stores, shoppers are often intrigued by the unique shopping experience found in Greerton. People come from all over to treasure-hunt in its vintage op shops, and more sophisticated shoppers are equally delighted with the artisan jewellery, quality furniture, shoes, and clothing.

Quirky stores, like the hobby shop, stock products not found anywhere else in Tauranga.

Greerton has all the major banks, pharmacies, medical and dental services, along with accountants, lawyers and real estate offices. The hairdressing and beauty salons are award-winning.

Accessible from all over the region, it’s easy to get here on one of the 96 buses that pass through every day or enjoy the free parking on offer.

In the heart of Greerton Village is the primary school, the Greerton Village

kindergarten and Greerton pre-school.

It’s a family-friendly centre, and with more schools and education providers in the surrounding area this injection of youth gives the village a lively feel.

Our calendar is jam-packed with regular and annual events.

With the cherry blossom trees set to burst into life with their annual display, this time of year is perfect for a visit to Greerton Village.

For more information about these or any other events, or to view a list of Greerton Businesses, check out our website www.greertonvillage.org.nz

Here are a few events coming up this month and next: August 16 – Community Patrols Ca r Boot Sale August 16-17 – Arms and Militaria Sh ow – Greerton Hall August 22 – Too Good to Toss Fash ion Markets – Greerton Hall August 27-28 – The Bell’s Gone! Greer ton Village Primary School Production – Greerton Hall August 30 – Greerton Hall Craft M arket September 27 – Greerton Village Cherr y Blossom Festival

Bongard’s Pharmacy staff Sandra Teal, Glenis Farrington, Peter Bennet and Amy StGeorge.

Pharmacy welcomes ‘new’ owner

www.greertonvillage.org.nz

1303 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga Phone: 07 578 2008 | Email: bongardspharmacy@xtra.co.nz Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm.

Closed Saturday & public holidays Rewards � Prizes � Exclusive offers � �

PMS Black

PMS 185

l

RE Red reversed version

global

FOOTCARE

Full colour version

PMS Black

Mono version

global

FOOTCARE

PMS 185

After four years away Peter Bennet returns to Bongard’s Pharmacy as the ‘new’ owner.

Peter has had a 10-year association with Bongard’s Pharmacy, beginning work there as a locum pharmacist in 2004.

He then first purchased the business in 2006, before selling it in 2010 prior to his departure to Israel.

Peter and his family have had an amazing experience living in Israel for three years.

This experience has given him and his family a greater understanding of life in Israel and the issues surrounding that part of the world.

Peter has spoken on this topic to several community groups around the area.

Now back at Bongard’s Pharmacy, Peter has taken the pharmacy out from the Unichem Banner group and will

be running it as he did before – as an independent.

The pharmacy is again sporting the bright ‘red’ colour it had between 2006 and 2010.

The pharmacy has been known as Bongard’s Pharmacy since it was opened in Greerton in 1953 by Bill Bongard, a well-known local identity.

Sadly, Bill died in 2010.

The same friendly staff remain, offering a friendly, personal service – the same as Peter offered before – and now he’ll be the full-time pharmacist at the pharmacy, offering competitive prices and regular promotions.

Bongard’s Pharmacy has been serving Greerton for more than 60 years and remains locally-owned and will be operated and managed by owner Peter Bennet.

The Weekend Sun

13

50 EVERYTHING STOREWIDE

CURTAINS • BLINDS • FABRICS • TRACKS

20 TO

% OFF

#

HURRY MUST END MONDAY!

#Discount is off the original retail price. Offer excludes Giftware, yellow sticker clearance product, cut length fabrics, custom cut to measure track, custom making orders & gift vouchers. Stock may vary between stores. Offer available in store & online until Monday 18 August 2014.

$1000

PLUS

UP TO

E E R F IN LINING CWhUenRwTeAmake your curtains

*

TAURANGA 387 CAMERON RD • PH (07) 578 6428

Find us on:

harveyfurnishings.co.nz

BOTANY • HENDERSON • MANUKAU • MT EDEN • NORTH SHORE REMUERA • NEW LYNN • HAMILTON • WHANGAREI • PALMERSTON NORTH

above priced at $29.95 per metre and the purchase of curtain fabrics meet the to d ulate calc is lied *A ilable in conjunction with *Ava supp g cted linings apply. Free linin g in (exc (e luding our Avila range). Sele ain job, up to a maximum retail value of $1,000. Where linin e. r curt metr per price dard stan our at requ re irements of your particula lied 00 is required, this will be supp . $1,0 2014 of e Sept valu il 11th reta a until of or ss last exce e ks Blinds. Offer available while stoc Offer does not apply to Roman

14

The Weekend Sun

A call for mentors Mentors are being sought for a new initiative aiming to provide added support for at-risk youth in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Te Aranui Youth Trust launched their new Te Ara Poutama Mentoring Programme at the organisation’s charity fight night last month.

Operations manager Wendy Nicholls says the launch was well-received and now their focus is on finding mentors to keep up momentum.

The programme will see mentors paired with

a troubled youth, aged between eight-15, who are currently involved with the organisation.

“We wanted a way to support youth and their siblings once they’ve been through the Police Youth Development Programme, giving them a further 12 months’ support through mentoring,” says Wendy.

“Often these young people, for various reasons, don’t qualify for other mentoring programmes. So we wanted something specific to their needs.

“Mentors will be there to support their young person, to be a sounding block and a good role model.”

Te Aranui Youth Trust mentor Danielle Squire with student Celeste Howell, 14.

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can attend an information evening on Wednesday, September 3.

“It’s an evening where we give them an overview of the programme and someone from Youth Services will talk about the types of young people they’d be working with.”

Wendy says they are looking for people who can commit to 12 months, offering one-two hours of their time weekly.

They will first receive training to make sure they are prepared, and will be matched with a youth who shares similar interests.

“It will up to the mentors what they do, but it’s suggested they go out in the community, whether it’s fishing or going to the park.”

Wendy says the type of people who would be perfect include somebody those have just seen their youngest child leave home for university, or a young person who doesn’t have a family but loves children and is active in the community.

“Everyone has different skills they can offer to a young person, so we hope to get as many people as possible.”

Mentors will also be looked after by a full-time support person.

Wendy says they’ve raised enough money to ensure the programme is financially viable for the next few years, and she hopes it will continue long-term.

For more information phone programme coordinator Danielle Squire on 07 577 8070.

By Corrie Taylor

Putting people first Recently celebrating its 10-year anniversary, People First New Zealand is looking for more members to join its Tauranga group.

People First NZ is a self-advocacy organisation, working to empower and support people with learning disabilities.

President of Tauranga and midland region Jodie Turner enjoys working in her local and national role with the committee and encourages others to join the group. Monthly meetings are held at CCS in 14th Ave, Tauranga. Those interested can email Jodie at magicgirl@hotmail.co.nz

Farmer joins charity campaign Tauranga employees at Farmer Auto Village will get to see their boss abseil from a six-storey building next month in support of charity.

Group managing director Mike Farmer is one of 20 bosses and community leaders volunteering to abseil off the Inland Revenue Department building.

The event is to raise money for Kiwi Can and Project K youth development programmes.

To donate to the projects, visit www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/dropmikefarmer

International cricket chance New Zealand Cricket is offering the opportunity for up to 20 teams of eight youngsters to participate in a quick fire round of Kiwi Cricket, at the half time break in the first Black Caps International to be played in the Western Bay. The chance will be at the Black Caps verses South Africa ODI match at Bay Oval on October 21.

15

The Weekend Sun

Band’s all-time high Joe’s Van members Cormac Seymour, 16, Rory Priest, 16, and Jake Nicholas, 16. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Three Mount Maunganui College students are enjoying their most successful bid yet at winning the Smokefreerockquest after being named in the top 20 band finalists for the first time in five years.

Today, Joe’s Van band members Rory Priest, Cormac Seymour and Jake Nicholas are in Auckland, finding out if they’ve made it into the competition’s final top nine after a heated gig this morning.

Rory is “pretty excited” about their chances of winning 2014’s

Smokefreerockquest glory, after making this year’s top 20, a first since entering under former name R.P.M five years ago.

“It’s the furthest we’ve gotten so far,” says Rory, who hopes the band’s original funk, rock and blues sounds will set them apart from fellow finalists.

The contest’s top nine, announced today, sees six bands and three solo/duo acts in the running to win the annual young muso contest.

Jake hopes the band’s “funky grooves, good vibes and love for music” will see them through.

“We bring an old school element

of music and funk that hasn’t been seen in a long time.”

But whether they win or not, Cormac hopes to build a career in music with the band.

“We’ll still keep playing, because that’s what we love to do.

“We’ll just keep writing original music and funk out for the love of music; and if people like what we do, then that’s cool.”

Liquid Sun from Katikati College and Waihi College is also among the top 20, while Georgia Lines from Bethlehem College and JARS from Rotorua Girls’ High School are in the top 10

By Zoe Hunter solo-duo acts.

TAURANGA’S ONE-STOP KITCHEN DESTINATION | 18 KITCHENS ON DISPLAY | FREE DESIGN & QUOTE | LEADING APPLIANCE BRANDS

BONUS

PREMIUM GERMAN OVEN & INDUCTION COOKTOP VALUED AT

+

HIGH G ER L ACQU

50% OFF DISPLAY KITCHENS

5 KITCHENS MUST BE CLEARED FOR NEW MODELS - GRAB A BARGAIN!

HUGE

STAINLESS STEEL 541 LITRE SIDE BY SIDE REFRIGERATOR WITH ICE & WATER

COOKTOP RANGE INSTORE! UPRGADE TODAY!

2199

4299

$ DISHWASHERS STARTING FROM JUST

IN STUNN UER L ACQ

UP TO

WITH ALL KITCHENS NS S THIS MONTH!*

$

0 $ 2 2 ,0 0 0 0 0 t o $ 2 7 ,G MATT

0 $ 1 0 ,0 0 0 0 0 t o $ 1 5 ,LOSS

$4698

RED HOT!

T’ ‘CHALE N KITCHE

S’ ‘FOCU N KITCHE

498

$

SAVE S AVE $700

DELONGHI 90cm RANGE WITH + BONUS DOUBLE OVEN NESPRESSO Fantastic buying for this stylish Italian model!

WORTH $299!

GAS FROM

CERAMIC FROM

INDUCTION FROM

249 $495 $888

$

% 25OFF

ALL SCHOLTES OVEN WAS $4999 THIS RANGE & LEISURE $3749!

ST JU W NO FREESTANDING PYROLYTIC SELF CLEANING OVENS FROM JUST $1397! RANGE FLOOR STOCK

104 ELIZABETH ST, TAURANGA (NEXT TO NO.1 SHOES) | 07 578 6948 OR 0800 PALAZZO | sales@palazzotauranga.co.nz | www.palazzokitchens.co.nz | OPEN 7 DAYS Steel

rational

16

The Weekend Sun

And that awful old Council is at it again I’m guessing the media this week painted Council as the uncaring, bureaucratic villain that doesn’t listen to parts of its community.

This follows Council’s decision on Tuesday not to change our policy setting out how and when we use toxic chemicals to control vegetation.

Council controls weeds so people can use recreation areas, sand dunes can hold sand to protect us during storm events, and various other environmental benefits.

Our preference is to use methods

other than sprays, for example mechanical removal, to control weeds where we can. But in some cases, removal by either machine, or hand, is a lot more expensive and the weeds quickly grow back.

Staff reviewed 20 other council policies from around NZ and found we were one of the most restrictive in terms of spray use.

We believe our policy does a balanced job. We’ve agreed to a bunch of actions to ensure our staff and

COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Relax!

contractors work within the policy.

We totally respect the genuine concerns of residents, including one person who showed us medical evidence why we need to avoid spraying around him.

It’s largely a communication issue. We need to get better at telling you why, when, and how we’re going to control vegetation; and residents need to give us an early heads up of any issues.

In other news, we met our peers

from Western Bay of Plenty District Council on Wednesday. We are interested in supporting a regional cycle trail along the coast. But the project is subject to more detailed information and financial discussions in our draft Long Term Plan.

Also at the meeting, Tourism Bay of Plenty presented their statement of intent for the next three years.

I’m pleased to see a greater focus on reaching potential tourists where they make their decisions – which is usually in their home on the computer.

Priority One also reported on the steady progress the Western Bay is

making on building the economy.

My column last week on housing un-affordability got a mix of good and bad responses – the most I’ve received to date. It’s a very complex issue where I would’ve provided technical evidence if I didn’t have a word limit and it wasn’t being published in a community newspaper.

It was written to encourage you to look at the problem differently and show other ways we can reduce the costs of living.

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.

Clients seeing double Busy solicitors often wish they could be in two places at once, and at Tauranga law firm that’s exactly what appears to be going on.

Tauranga Computers Ltd

The illusion is in fact courtesy of identical twin brothers James and Alister Moran, who are both working as solicitors at Sharp Tudhope Lawyers.

A desire for a great work-life balance and passion for the law brought the high-achieving brothers to the Bay. James joined the commercial team in 2012.

Alister followed suit earlier this year, when he was offered a similar role in the firm’s property team.

“We are thrilled to be working at the same firm, we have always made a good team and it’s great to be able to bounce ideas off each other to solve a problem,” says Alister.

Physical appearances aside, Alister and James have always been similar; from places on the first XI cricket team at Sacred Heart College in Auckland during their school years, to leaving the ‘big smoke’ to study in Dunedin in 2004, to their matching accounting and law degrees.

Sharp Tudhope’s general manager Peter Wilson says some of the staff are still getting use to how similar the twins look.

“There have been a few cases of mistaken identity since Alister joined the team.”

The twins remain humble and say it is thanks to their upbringing by their supportive parents that they’ve both achieved their goal to practice law.

“Mum and Dad are extremely proud of us. They have played a big part in our success and we owe them a lot, for the amount of sacrifices they have made to see us get to where we are,” says Alister.

Far from sibling rivalry, James and Alister have high aspirations for themselves and each other.

Both twins are extremely active and, as keen surfers and hikers, enjoy the beaches and walking trails on offer in the area.

tauranga tauranga papamoa papamoa village village katikati katikati te te puna puna

Tauranga’s identical twins Alister and James Moran have clients seeing double at their shared workplace.

17

The Weekend Sun

Communication key to business As Helen Barnard marks six years since starting her own successful real estate management business, she says it’s a 100 per cent commitment to communication that is most important.

Helen Barnard is looking for someone to join her team.

“When talking with various owners that has always been their most important factor: communication with their property managers.”

The owner of Barnard Property Management says that’s one thing her team can guarantee any potential client – 100 per cent communication.

“We can never promise things will always go smoothly with a tenancy, because we are dealing with people, but we can promise 100 per cent they will always be

kept in the loop and informed of any updates.”

Helen is also proud of the fact they’ve had minimal staff changes since 2008.

“We’re really proud of the stability in our portfolio too. We manage 300 properties and have a very low turnover in property.”

Last April Helen and her ‘Supreme Dream Team’ came up with an initiative to give back to the community that has supported them.

She says the Pay It Forward campaign has now helped a dozen charities and organisations.

It works by staff donating one month’s commission to a charity of the client’s choice, when a new client places their property in the care of the team.

“Everything is still going ahead full steam. The charities are going really well and I’m thrilled.”

She thinks the reason the campaign works so well is partly because of the

Event success enjoyed by Tauranga professional Tauranga events professional Penny Mitropoulos is one of five New Zealanders to graduate as a certified festival and event executive, joining about 380 peers around the world.

The CFEE programme, administered by the International Festivals and Events Association’s Academy of Event Education, is considered the global

benchmark for event practitioners wishing to gain international recognition as professionals in their field.

It’s the first year the programme has been delivered in New Zealand, by the NZ Association of Event Professionals.

Penny was among five people to gain the qualification.

“I felt very proud to be taking back the certification to Tauranga in front of my peers in this industry,” says Penny, who works for Tauranga City Council.

“The course content was at a high level and the information shared and worked on within the group not only upskilled me in this profession but have made great networks at the same time.”

whole generous ethos of Bay of Plenty people.

Helen is also looking to add one more member to the Supreme Dream Team.

By Corrie Taylor

18

The Weekend Sun

A teenage smarty pants Olivia Donaldson is being dubbed a teenage genius after topping all of Australasia as the only student to achieve 98 per cent in a competition testing thousands of other leaners.

The 14-year-old brainbox attained High Distinction in the recent Asia Wise competition based on the Australasian geography and history curriculum’s Asian focus.

To put her score into context, the competition’s overall average was 42 per cent.

Olivia, a Year 9 Tauranga Girls’ College extension student, was given two weeks to research topics based on Asia’s culture, history and politics.

She says having the opportunity to travel to China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia during her childhood helped her familiarise herself with the areas.

“It made me understand more about the countries I’d been to, and the politics.”

Olivia spent her first four years of life living in Saudi Arabia with her family and attended the international British school and kindergarten there.

While a high achiever across all subjects, her favourite subject is science.

Outside of school, she sings, plays piano and the trumpet, and runs cross country.

“She’s a smart cookie and she’s always top of the class,” says

Olivia’s father Bob. He says him and wife Penny noticed their daughter’s intelligence from a young age.

“It was quite clear from the outset that she was intelligent and popular in just about everything.

“So in the early stages we knew she was going to be in an accelerated programme, wherever she was.”

TGC social studies teacher Murray Armstrong says Olivia blew everyone away with her “genius” scoring.

He says the college’s other students who took the test scored an average of 71 per cent, with Year 10 student Anna Jenkin attaining Distinction with 92 per cent in her year level.

Murray was one of 10 teachers selected by the Asia NZ Foundation to take part in a recent study tour of China.

The tour, he says, has the purpose of developing a China and Asia focus in

Olivia Donaldson. the NZ curriculum –something he’s keen to grow at TGC. “We are putting increasing focus on students to be ‘Asia aware’ and the Asia Wise challenge is part of this.”

Murray has developed a unit on the Chinese/NZ relationship, asking students what they would like to learn.

“They basically wanted to know to what extent NZ is now dependent on China and what might this mean for them in the future; and about the history of this relationship during the last 150 or so years.”

By Zoe Hunter

Dinner, dance and auction for Russian orphans Tauranga woman Rachael Hughes is hosting a charity event in Greerton to raise funds for her new project to help homeless pregnant women and mothers in Russia.

Previously caring for orphaned children in Russia, Rachael is back in Tauranga for one year –and on September 6 she’s hosting a dinner, dance and auction at Tauranga Racecourse.

The fundraiser is part of a new venture for Rachael’s organisation Living Hope, which aims to break the cycle of life-long poverty for young orphans in Russia

by providing housing, counselling and training.

Rachael says all funds raised next month will go to the Living Hope programme, including the new project – Ark of Hope – which will provide a home for young women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.

“These children, if we didn’t take them in, would end up in an orphanage,” says Rachael.

“We had 10 children who had legal custody granted to their parents via us last year that would otherwise have been taken away by the courts and into the orphanage.”

Rachael began caring for orphans in the East Russian village Vladivostok in 1997, when a trip changed her life.

In 1999, the Vladivostok Homeless Children’s Rehabilitation Society, Living Hope, was registered as a charitable organisation.

Rachael is giving away free tickets, worth $85, to the September 6 fundraiser in Tauranga.

Funds will be raised via an auction, which has a raft of items including an ACDC-signed guitar, skydiving vouchers and a chance to swim with dolphins.

The charity dinner, dance and auction is at Tauranga Racecourse on September 6 from 6pm. For free tickets call 07 544 4200.

By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun

19

Wrestlemania dream for Jacob The parents of a Tauranga man born with Down syndrome are on a mission to make his dream come true by raising enough money to take him to Wrestlemania in America next year.

Jim and Fiona Sytema need to raise $5500 for flights and tickets to the WWE wrestling event at Santa Clara.

Jacob, now 22, was diagnosed with Down syndrome at eight weeks old.

“He is a beautiful and bright young man and he has taught us a lot over the years, about unconditional love and to never judge a book by its cover,” says Jim. “Some people can be cruel and still stare and laugh and point at him. This hurts Jacob’s feelings and he doesn’t like socialising with people and gets upset when people make fun of him.

“I don’t understand that people don’t realise he has feelings and can get hurt just like anyone else. We can ignore it, but Jacob hasn’t learned the skills to do this.”

One of Jacob’s main passions is wrestling and his parents have so far raised $450 towards the $5500 trip.

When Jacob was six months old Jim was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease called lupus. Jim now suffers from complications of the disease – each year he loses a little mobility, and he’s had a heart attack and stroke.

The family would like to

take Jacob to Wrestlemania while Jim is still able to travel.

A fundraising barbecue will be held at The Warehouse on Cameron Rd on August 23 for the Sytema family and a fundraising page on the Givealittle website has been set up.

People wishing to donate to the family’s trip are invited to the sausage sizzle or can make a donation via www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/jacobtowrestlemania Jim wants to thank the people who’ve helped them so far, including Duco Events, Imbibe, Neighbourhood Beer Kitchen, Brookfield New World and Nosh Mount Maunganui.

“We will be at the Bethlehem Markets to sell our raffle tickets to help raise money for our son’s cause as well.”

People wanting to contact the Sytema family for sponsorship or donations can email fionasye@live.com

By Letitia Atkinson

Jacob trying on a wrestling title belt and flexing his muscles assisted by his father Jim. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

City with the blues

Tauranga residents are suffering from the winter blues with 42 per cent of the city registering as happy, according to online data.

NZ MoodMap reports an average happiness rating of 42 per cent from June to July, putting Tauranga in the lowest third of the country.

Soverign health insurer this week visited Marine Parade in Mount Maunganui to hand out candy and popcorn in an effort to sweeten the mood.

“Along with eating well, sleeping and exercising, happiness is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle,” says Sovereign chief marketing and innovation officer Chris Lamers.

Call: 574 2664 Call:(07) (07) 574 2664 or 0279 or021 021266 266 0279

e: sarah@coachmomentum.co.nz

e: sarah@coachmomentum.co.nz

20

The Weekend Sun

Daffodil Day’s bunches of support Tauranga businesses are strongly supporting the Cancer Society’s pre-sale of fresh daffodils with more than 1600 bunches sold from volunteers’ phone calls this month.

Taylor Burley

Kleiman

Waikato Bay of Plenty Cancer Society spokeswoman Rachael Mounsey says pre-selling 1600 bunches is a fantastic result and clearly shows the Tauranga community is prepared to step up and show their support.

“Our volunteers have spent two weeks on the phone to local businesses and bunches of 30 daffodils will be delivered to supportive businesses on the week of Daffodil Day from Monday, August 25.”

Daffodil Day is the Cancer Society’s biggest fundraising and awareness campaign. Taking place every August, it culminates in a nationwide street appeal on Friday, August 29.

The Cancer Society is hoping the next show of support will come from the general public purchasing fresh or fabric daffodils from their street collections on Daffodil Day. “Aside from the wonderful support of our schools and community fundraisers, who raise funds for Daffodil Day every year, the next big event will be Daffodil Day itself,” says Rachael.

Funds from Daffodil Day are used to provide supportive care services for all people with any cancer, and their whanau, carers and friends.

This includes access to support groups,

frozen meals, transport to and from medical appointments or the society’s free Living Well programmes.

Proceeds are used to fund the Cancer Society’s Lions Lodge, which provide free meals, massage, exercise and accommodation for anyone who has to travel to receive treatment at the Waikato Regional Cancer Centre.

SunSmart, smokefree and men’s health promotion programmes and cancer research also benefit from funds.

“When you look at it, there are so many reasons to donate to the Cancer Society this Daffodil Day and we’d like to thank all the people who have already so generously showed their support,” says Rachael.

“The best thing about donating to Daffodil Day is all the funds stay locally and are used to support people in your local communities.

“We know that people always give generously to Daffodil Day – and we’re sure this year will be no different.”

People can donate to the Cancer Society’s Daffodil Day appeal through street collections on Friday, August 29 or, online at www.daffodilday.org.nz, text ‘daffodil’ to 305 or visit any ANZ branch.

Nutritional therapy for polymyalgia

Acai Plus Abundant Health

Acai – Resveratrol – OPC Also with Goji, Gingko, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Green Tea, Trace Minerals

Advanced Rejuv e n a t i o n Fo r m u l a

Recently we looked at the increasingly common problem of polymyalgia rheumatica.

I was almost overwhelmed with people calling me for information and assistance. If you missed this column, please contact me and I will get you a copy.

There is a lot we can do to help re-build body processes damaged by

PMR. One of the first things is to rapidly lift vitamin D to the top of the normal range. Low vitamin D has been linked to several autoimmune problems.

Vitamin D is needed to fully activate special immune helper cells called CD4+T cells.

Poor CD4+T function will tend to encourage an inflammatory state by releasing a number of inflammatory chemicals.

In PMR, these chemicals

inflame muscles and cause stiffness and pain.

With PMR we introduce an antiinflammatory diet and specialised supplements to target failed immune system processes. We also target energy functions, as this is often greatly affected

by PMR. People with

PMR often find the low energy as debilitating as the pain and stiffness. Usually people respond within three months.

A fun part of being involved with clinical nutrition is to see often surprising longterm benefits. One of my clients first contacted me about painful shoulders.

These resolved after three months of intensive therapy. He’s now told me after six months on his programme his blood pressure has reduce to normal, his energy has returned, he’s mentally sharper and is generally feeling much better in himself. Some things change quickly, others need time and patience.

The body has an amazing ability to heal if we give it what it really needs. Please note this column is now fortnightly.

If you would like my free full weekly newsletter register at www.abundant.co.nz or email me at john@abundant.co.nz John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

21

The Weekend Sun

Fast relief for thousands Gentle, manipulative therapy to treat the cause, not the condition, is how The Morgan Clinic has helped treat more than 8500 patients in the Bay of Plenty since 1994, says owner Raylene Smalley.

The Morgan Clinic owner Raylene Smalley works on a client.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

The Mount Maunganui clinic’s therapist uses minimal fingertip pressure, accompanied by voluntary muscular movements of the patients, to gently re-align the vertebrae.

The technique was developed in 1957 by the late Ray Morgan and Harley Blows in Hamilton.

Harley moved to Auckland in the mid-1960s and opened clinics there.

Raylene says the technique rapidly gained widespread acknowledgment as the most gentle and fast relief to pain associated with the neck and back.

It is not physiotherapy, chiropractic, osteopathy or massage, says Raylene.

Because the treatment is noninvasive and non-traumatic, she

says it generally requires two or three visits for fast relief.

“We treat the cause, not the condition.”

Raylene is the daughter of co-founder Ray Morgan and was trained by her brother Roger.

She owned her clinic in Auckland before moving to Mount Maunganui in May 2003 to take over Roger’s clinic, when he moved overseas.

“Neck and back pain are common reasons why patients seek help, but there are many other ailments and injuries relating to these areas which can be treated effectively,” says Raylene.

These include migraines, headaches, sinusitis, facial palsy, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatic pain, groin, knee and ankle pain, and sport-related injuries.

“They can all be treated in this manner as treatment does not force the tissue; rather it releases the pressure on the nerve and allows the muscles to relax.”

The treatment is also beneficial for babies, with many babies referred to Raylene by midwives and Plunket, due to traumatic birthing, wind/ reflux, positional plagiocephaly, restlessness and settling.

St John’s 365 funds growing Katikati is $73,000 closer to its $800,000 fundraising goal to build a new St John Ambulance station in the town – thanks to the public.

Public donations totalling $73,000 have already been received in the appeal to raise $800,000 for a new St John Ambulance station in Katikati.

St John 365 – Build in a Year spokesperson Kate Williams says the $73,000 from the public is a good start.

“The generosity of local people and organisations is heart-warming,” says Kate.

Among the recent donations is $5000 from the Katikati RSA and RSA Village Trust, presented after the dawn service to commemorate Katikati’s role in World War I last Friday.

On the same day a Katikati family donated $30,000 to the appeal.

Since St John 365 was launched with a breakfast in July, Kate says with the support of the community and funding bodies it looks like the target will be achieved.

Plans for the new state-of-the-art station, which will also serve as a base in civil defence emergencies,

have already been drawn up for the land adjacent to Katikati’s new fire station on Sheffield St. St John Katikati has met the $230,000 cost of the land and has a further $230,000 set aside for the building, leaving $800,000 still to raise.

Donations can be made at Eves Katikati, or the Katikati Resource Centre.

Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know. – PEMA CHODRON Have you sometimes wondered why the same things keep happening to you in your relationships?

Or if you work with the public it could be the same issue with different customers. A good way of recognising patterns in your life is to listen to your feelings, intuition and thoughts.

I’ve found when I’m caught up in a pattern my emotions run a little

stronger, a bit like a warning from my subconscious to pay attention to what’s happening. However, it can be difficult to recognise a pattern in the moment – you may only see it when the situation has changed or ended, which is equally helpful.

Instead of reacting to situations, when something comes up and seems familiar stand back and ask yourself ‘What am I contributing to the situation?’

If you would like to know more about coaching phone Mary Parker for a complimentary session on 07 577 1200, or visit www.coachingtheattitude.co.nz

The

MorganClinic the gentle art of

pain relief

GTM Therapy

22

The Weekend Sun

Celebrating growing success With scrumptious homemade chillies and chutneys, a sausage sale and barbecue, and a children’s chocolate treasure hunt, Growers Direct is celebrating its third birthday in community fashion.

Paul Nielsen with Growers Direct’s seedling area. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

This Saturday everyone is invited to mark the Te Puna garden centre’s birthday with the annual free family-friendly event from 10am-2pm.

Owner Paul Nielsen says the centre’s popular chutneys and chillies will accompany a free barbecue, and hundreds of Cadbury chocolates will be hidden around the centre in a treasure hunt for children.

“We’re thrilled to be marking another year, and everyone is welcome to come enjoy the event, and browse the centre.”

Last year’s birthday celebrations coincided with the launch of the centre’s giant seedling area, which Paul says is flourishing – helping hundreds of people grow their own vegetables.

“It’s going really well. The whole vegetable category is just growing continually, and we’ve had to expand to keep up with it.”

He says people are really into growing their own produce, either for self-fulfilment or a desire for organic produce.

The seedling area boasts more than 20 varieties of tomatoes, as well as 25 varieties of chillies and peppers, “plus everything else”.

Paul’s passion for gardening, the store and its top quality plants, has resulted in the company’s massive growth in the last three years, with plant numbers going from 50,000 on opening day, to more than 100,000 today.

Plants are sold at wholesale prices, so customers don’t waste money on retail mark-ups.

By Corrie Taylor

umg.co.nz

23

The Weekend Sun

Land ownership ‘must stay’ with Kiwis

From partners to rivals, running buddies Rob Bathgate and Dennis de Monchy are heading bush on the Buffalo hunt at TECT All Terrain Park on Saturday.

Foreigners should be able to lease, but not buy New Zealand land, says a Waihi Beach rural financier.

“Foreign interests can lease as much land as they like but the sovereign ownership should stay with Kiwis,” says Don Fraser.

Don’s comments follow news of the pending sale of Lochinver Station on the Napier-Taupo Highway to Shanghai Pengxin Group Co Limited - the same company which bought the Crafar Farms.

“New Zealanders are asking why land

Trail trials of training mates Mud puddles, gnarled tree roots and bumpy terrain – it’s all part of the territory that comes with the increasingly popular activity of trail running.

But talk to seasoned runner Rob Bathgate, who has been running the region’s trails for the last four years, and he’ll tell you about the wonder of running through the wild.

“It’s a great way to see some pretty cool places,” says Rob, who downplays his talent in covering the rough terrain that saw him win last month’s Buffalo Trail Run – the first of two races in the winter series held at TECT All Terrain Park.

“I would definitely encourage

others to get into trail running and the Buffalo is a great introduction,” says Rob. “Even if you just run-walk it, it’s just good to get out there and enjoy the outdoors.”

Regular training buddy Dennis de Monchy shares Rob’s passion for trail riding.

He also hopes to claim the Buffalo title, by reclaiming the crown from Rob when he goes up against his mate in the second 12km winter series race this Saturday.

Rob downplays their rivalry simply saying they “make each other run faster”, but Dennis is upping the ante, determined to exert his dominance on the track.

“I’ve been putting in quite a bit of training,” says Dennis. “It hurt a bit being beaten by Rob. It’s one of the first times, but we don’t

compete in the same events that often.”

But rivalry was farthest from their mind last Saturday, when the pair teamed up to compete in the Great Forest Roegaine in Rotorua’s Redwoods and collected top points in the six-hour crosscountry navigation challenge with smart use of strategy and speed.

While long-time orienteering and rogaining enthusiast Dennis would love to see those sports take off in the Western Bay, he’s happy to see more involvement in trail running.

There are lots of great areas in the Western Bay to train, including the Papamoa Hills and Kaimai Ranges, says Dennis. For details, see www.facebook.com/BeyondAdventureRacing

By Hamish Carter

162

can’t be leased, instead of sold. Yes, it brings foreign money to New Zealand, but only once as a purchase, and has no value to our country in 100 years.

“The right to farm our land is gone forever.

“The solution is to change the ability for foreign interests to buy, and move to only leasing which keeps the ownership in New Zealand.”

Benefits of leasing land include New Zealanders retaining the sovereign right to the land and a continued stream of income, he says.

24

The Weekend Sun

SPORT & RECREATION

Martialling the troops for a new challenge But like many activities, without actually taking a class it can be difficult to know whether you will enjoy the pastime or find it sufficiently challenging.

To overcome this, Play in the Bay’s Move it Month in August has lined up some clubs and organisations to offer newcomers some ‘have a go’ introductory sessions.

From Taekwondo to Brazilian Capoeira, to boxing, Muay Thai fighting, Kung Fu and Tai Chi, there’s a chance to try a wide range of martial arts, each offer something different.

After 30 years’ instructing, Grant Buchanan remains as firm a believer in the benefits of martial arts.

He says martial arts, in particular, develops a disciplined and focused mindset – which Karate students at his Mile High Karate studio demonstrate outside of training.

“Predominantly, the whole idea with it is developing that underlying attitude towards success.

“It’s all about creating that black belt attitude – and you see with their academic success.”

Grant says the slow, deliberate movements of the Tai Chi he teaches to a mostly 40-plus aged class brings more benefits than most think – including helping build a focused, concentrated mindset.

And a number of opportunities exist this coming week to get a

taster of marital arts – and their benefits.

This Tuesday, Box Fit sessions are on at Global Fitness from 6.30pm. For details call Carl 07 575 0470.

On Wednesday an introduction to Yang-style Tai Chi from 1pm-2pm is at The Martial Arts Academy. For details call Elizabeth 022 055 9009.

On Thursday introductions to Kung Fu are on offer at The Martial Arts Academy. A seven14-year-old’s class is at 4.15pm, and adults at 5.30pm. For details call Ray 022 077 6484.

Next Saturday, August 23, an introductory Tai Chi session is at Young Forest Tai Chi Studio from 8.30am. For details, call 07 577 6868.

And on August 27 a fight fit

Come and Get a FREE Hearing Test

If you are having problems hearing - then talk to the experts at Applied Hearing. With over 50 years experience, we’ll help nd the right solution for you. And you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how little our hearing aids can cost and how much they will improve your life in many ways.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR A FREE HEARING TEST IF YOU’RE 50 + AND GET: • Full 60-day trial and a satisfaction guarantee • Quality Hearing Aids at affordable prices • Access to Government and Insurance Funding • Extra rebate if you buy two hearing aids • Free follow-up appointments for the rst year • Free batteries for 12 months at nalisation For a no-obligation appointment at Applied Hearing’s Mt Maunganui/ Tauranga clinic, call

Free Phone 0508 20 30 20

www.appliedhearing.co.nz

class incorporating Muay Thai kick boxing is offered by Alexis Lazo at The Martial Arts Academy from 5.30pm.

Alexis is also running an introduction to Muay Thai on August 30 at 10am.

For details, call 021 050 0574.

By Hamish Carter

Young Forest Tai Chi Studio instructors Grant Buchanan and Paul Brazier doing kempo karate. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Competitive foot traffic A star-studded field of more than 100 walkers and runners is expected to hit the tarmac in the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Road Championships, marking a change of course and solitary hit-out before the national championships.

Tomorrow the field will line up in the Tauriko Industrial Estate for the various running and walking races, ranging from 2km to 10km.

Event organiser and Tauranga Ramblers president Malcolm Taylor says the main attraction will be Waikato’s Camille Buscombe, fresh from her maiden title, and Tauranga’s own ‘super master’ Sally Gibbs.

Last week’s New Zealand Cross Country Championships saw 24-yearold Buscombe fight off strong challenges by Canterbury’s Rachel Kingsford and Auckland’s Annie

Keown and clinch her maiden title, to sit alongside a 2013 Road Champs title and two 3000m titles.

With 39 athletes signed up when entries closed this week Malcolm expects about 150 will race on the day.

Race categories range from 10 years and under right through to masters, 35 years and above. There is a 2.16km lap and a shorter 1.2km lap within the industrial area off Taurikura Drive.

Athletics Waikato-Bay of Plenty administrator Steve Rees-Jones says the event is a pivotal race leading up to the national championships, held at the same venue on September 6.

“This is the only run they are going to get before the national championships,” says Steve.

“It’s a kind of warm-up for athletes and we hope we’ll get a strong turnout because of that.”

The championships are between 11am-3pm, with motorists advised to be aware of pedestrians in the area.

By Luke Balvert

Join the part yday! b ook to GET YOUR CREW ON-COURSE FOR A SERIOUSLY GOOD CHRISTMAS PARTY.

TAURANGA - 1 & 15 NOV & 12 DEC Visit theraces.co.nz or email info@theraces.co.nz

CATR_Sun

Whether for self-defence, focusing the mind or physical fitness – there’s no shortage of great reasons for practising a martial art.

25

The Weekend Sun ITM CUP 101: SUPPORTERS GUIDE

HOW TO

ITM CUP

The ITM Cup is an exciting competition played between your beloved province and 13 others. It’s difficult to keep track of when games are on, so to help you we’ve created this ITM Cup Season Draw just for your team. Cut it out and attach it to a high traffic site like the fridge. Once there, try not to cover with other notices, like rates bills,

dental appointments, and school reports. If you’re vaguely interested in what other provinces are up to, you’ll find the full competition draw at itmcup.co.nz. But let’s be honest, this is the draw that really matters. Consult it regularly, and your family will never miss going to a match again.

So c’mon, get your tickets and let’s ITM Cup Together.

ITM CUP

2014 DRAW

WEEK

WHEN

TIME

AGAINST

WHERE

1

Friday, Aug 15

7.35pm

Southland

Invercargill

2

Sunday, Aug 24

4.35pm

Tasman

Tauranga

3

Sunday, Aug 31

2.35pm

Taranaki

New Plymouth

4

Wednesday, Sept 3

7.35pm

Manawatu

Palmerston North

4

Sunday, Sept 7

4.35pm

North Harbour

Rotorua

5

Saturday, Sept 13

2.35pm

Auckland

Rotorua

6

Saturday, Sept 20

2.35pm

Hawke’s Bay

Napier

7

Thursday, Sept 25

7.35pm

Northland

Tauranga

8

Saturday, Oct 4

5.35pm

Otago

Tauranga

9

Thursday, Oct 9

7.35pm

Waikato

Hamilton

SF

Fri – Sun, Oct 17-19

TBC

FINAL

Fri – Sat, Oct 24-25

TBC

SCORE

To ITM Cup Together, buy tickets at boprugby.co.nz/supporters-zone

Cut the draw from this page BOP

Stick on the fridge and study thoroughly

Go to the games and cheer your team on

26

The Weekend Sun

Career drop-in clinics showing off options If you’re looking for a job, looking to change jobs, or just want to know what your options are, the Career Drop-In Clinics being run tomorrow by Careers New Zealand could be just what you need.

Run as part of the Western Bay at Work event, tomorrow’s drop-in clinics are on from 10am-

11am at the Papamoa Library and 3.30pm-4.30pm at the Greerton Library.

Careers New Zealand team leader Brendon Gardner says everyone is welcome.

“It’s a great way to come along, have a chat with a Careers NZ Consultant; and find out how you can get ahead in your career.”

The open days are just two events on the Western Bay at Work calendar of events.

The annual initiative, run by Priority One in collaboration with community groups and organisations, showcases the best career and training options available in the Bay. Priority One strategic projects manager Greg Simmonds says

Thousands of students attended the Tauranga Careers and Business Expo last weekend. there’s something for everyone. on the diverse and exciting career and training “Key highlights still coming up on the events options we have on offer here, and we encourcalendar include the House of Science Open age people at any age and any stage of their Day, this Saturday from 1pm-4pm at Sulphur career to get involved and get informed.”

Point; and the University of Waikato Careers Western Bay at Work 2014 runs until Sunday, Workshops and Information Evenings next August 24. This year’s theme is ‘Learning for week.

Life.’ To view the full events calendar, go to “This annual event really puts the spotlight www.westernbayatwork.org.nz.

Time to submit

Tauranga City Council this week considered making a submission to Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s proposed Regional Coastal Environment Plan.

Some key areas of interest are tsunami hazard, harbour erosion and inundation hazard, compatibility with landbased controls on recreation and events, and harbour development zone and port zone.

To view the proposed plan and to have your say go to: www.boprc.govt.nz/knowledge-centre/plans/regional-coastal-environment-plan/ proposed-regional-coastal-environment-plan/ Submissions close with the regional council at 4pm on August 22.

TCC also this week had the option to review its policy on the use of toxic agrichemicals for vegetation control.

Council decided not to review the policy other than reviewing Schedule 1, which is the list of toxic agrichemicals approved for use.

Though politicians are lowly-ranked on most popularity polls, I personally take the job seriously – and I believe there’s a better way to involve the public in the role and work of their MP. Communities should be able to take ownership of the decisions their Member of Parliament makes for their electorate.

Public ownership and involvement is a real option in today’s electronic world – the change is not great, but for many I notice hesitation about any level of change.

Common comments include: “Well, I have voted for my party for the last 40 years, why would I change?”

Yet the same person is holding onto a smartphone, when 40 years ago they would have used a dial-button or even wind-up phone; and many shared a party line with other families.

what events are you attending?

Fri 15th & Thur 21st

Careers NZ Drop-in Clinic

Thur 21st

Assertiveness at Work

Sat 16th

House of Science Open Day

Sun 24th

Young Enterprise Trade Fair Day @ Bayfair

Mon 18th

University of Waikato Careers Workshop

Tues 26th

Recruitment for Small Businesses

Tues 19th

University of Waikato Information Evening

Thur 28th

Introduction to the Lean Business Model

full details and events calendar here: www.westernbayatwork.org.nz

Fishery management

Representing the people

independent

VIEWS

As a political candidate I get to talk to locals about a whole lot of issues. One topic that’s got under my skin is fishery management.

New Zealand fisheries management seems strangely weighted in favour of commercial fishers – despite the ownership of the resource being held undisputedly by the public. Recreational fishers and sustainability of the catch get short shrift.

Take the example of CRA2 – the crayfish area that encompasses the Bay of Plenty. The commercial catch in this region has been steady for a number of years, but more than double the number of pots were laid in 2012 as compared to 1999. More than 90 per cent of all crayfish caught in NZ are exported by commercial fishers or sold locally for up to $145 per kilogram.

27

The Weekend Sun

DESSERT

Welcoming the Asian influence

Green tapioca and pandan with dark coconut syrup

When I eat takeaways, which is not that often I hasten to add, I ever-increasingly find the local chip shop, or bakery, is often owned or run by Asians.

Serves 4 Ingredients 200g dark coconut sugar 150g green tapioca pearl 4-6 pandan leaves 200ml coconut cream Method First make a syrup by adding one cup of water to the coconut sugar and ½ the pandan leaves tied into a knot. Simmer gently until it becomes a dark syrup. Keep this warm.

Next bring two cups of water to the boil with the rest of the pandan leaves, also knotted.

Simmer for five minutes, occasionally crushing and bruising the pandan leaves to extract the flavour.

Strain off the juice and put it into a clean pot. Bring the juice back to the boil, and in a steady stream gradually add tapioca.

Add a little of the coconut sugar to this and some water if it becomes too thick, as you cook it until most of the balls become translucent. This only takes about two minutes.

Then simply spoon the green pearls onto a plate and pour on some coconut cream, and lots of the coconut sugar syrup. Yum.

To my surprise I found a new Asian supermarket right in town on Grey St. On browsing I found some pandan leaves, green pearl sago and dark coconut sugar – just what’s needed for this week’s quick and tasty, gluten-free dessert.

The shops are clean, have a lucky cat waving in attendance – and most importantly they’re popular and have great value, tasty food.

A lot of hard work goes into the preparation of the Chinesestyle buffet found in a lot of takeaway shops, which often have a large takeaway menu as well.

Out the back large woks are scraped and tossed around on gas burners and there’s a steady banter of Mandarin – the whole family is involved, with younger members often taking or running orders.

There are also an increasing number of awards being won by studious Asian bakeries for their pies – and thankfully, more Asian supermarkets stocking all sorts of wonderful groceries.

The trouble is we often don’t know a lot about what most of the products are, or how they can be used.

As Kiwis return from travel in Asia, they can revisit some of the flavours from their trip by visiting an Asian supermarket – and I guess that’s why I love to visit them.

Beersies and thank yous for all Wow, the ‘Glass Half Full’ has just reached its first birthday, so a big thank you to The Weekend Sun for the great idea, and another big thanks to Mark and The Phoenix for encouraging the column.

But the biggest thank you goes to The Weekend Sun readers, who have read the column and contacted me with suggestions, questions and ideas for upcoming articles, which can only make for an interesting year ahead.

Next Friday and Saturday (August 22-23), Wellington will be hosting the Beervana Festival 2014 – and for all you craft beer lovers, this will be your Holy Grail.

Imagine more than 200 craft beer breweries will be situated in one spot for two days, showcasing their passion and brewing skills.

With names like Little Creatures, Doctor’s Orders Brewing, Yeastie Boys, Three Boys Brewery and even three craft beer breweries from Portland, Oregon, will be there.

Who wouldn’t want the chance to meet the brewers, meet fellow brewheads and the chance to experience real

craft-beers from around our country?

Visit the Beervana website for more details if you’re interested.

Soon there’ll be daffodils and bonny lambs welcoming the coming spring – so the first thing that springs to mind is tropical cocktails, magic mojitos, Absolut’s amazing Mango Vodka, CC’s new Spiced CC. Roll on daylight saving.

In our Bay of Plenty, we’re very fortunate to experience all the spring season has to offer.

The Weekend Sun has a $50 The Phoenix voucher to give away to a lucky reader who can tell us how old this column is.

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

Entries must be received before Wednesday, August 20.

Ph 0508 KIWIFRESH (0508 549 437)

www.flaveur.co.nz

28

The Weekend Sun

Talofa lava - welcome to Samoa So you’ve been to Fiji and Rarotonga, maybe Vanuatu, and now you’re looking for a tropical break away again? Think about heading to have a look at Samoa.

Apart from producing plenty of really good rugby players, Samoa has plenty more to offer to its Kiwi cousins.

Not quite as touristy and com-

mercial as some of the other Pacific Island neighbours, Samoa is more of an adventure while still having the beautiful beaches, pristine turquoise lagoons and impressive hotels and resorts to stay at.

Samoa has a pleasant warm climate, the locals can speak both Samoan and English, and the best Samoan holiday would be to spend some of your time staying at and exploring Upolu.

From here you can visit Samoa’s capital Apia, for the markets,

crafts and produce, go to a Fia Fia cultural night, visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Botanical Garden and Museum, and maybe even going to Church if you’re there on a Sunday. Then shoot over to stay on the beautiful island of Savai’i.

Savai’i has some stunning beaches, rugged volcanic craters and lava tubes, as well as lush tropical rainforest and small traditional villages to explore. It is a quieter, relaxed place and perfect for those who don’t like crowds.

Escape to Idyllic Samoa Insel Fehmarn Hotel HHH

4 nights, flights, breakfast & late check-out from

679

$

*

Per person, twin share. Departs Auckland.

Take the kids from $339*

United Travel at The Mount

(07) 575 3068

*Terms & Conditions. Sales are valid until 20 Aug 2014 unless sold out prior. FLIGHTS: Based on flying Virgin Samoa Economy Class “Saver” fare from Auckland. Travel 9 Feb-31 Mar 2015. Kids price is based on up to 2 children 2-11 years sharing existing bedding with 2 adults. GENERAL: All prices are based on per person twin share, unless otherwise stated, in New Zealand Dollars & subject to availability. Travel agent service fees are not included.

Prices are correct at the time of printing & are subject to change without notice. Cancellation fees apply. Prices are based on payment by cash or EFTPOS only. Product is supplied by suppliers with their own terms & conditions, please contact your local United Travel for full terms & conditions. UT2111

You can go swimming with turtles, visit the blow holes and waterfalls, explore the lava fields, and then head back to your resort to relax out on the beach.

Samoa is definitely an interesting destination, with friendly welcoming locals, and is well worth taking the time to visit.

If you’re keen on heading there, give Mark and his team at United Travel at the Mount a call.

29

The Weekend Sun

Show the pollies who’s boss Voter

Re: R Stewart’s ‘Billboards up but will candidates front up?’

(The Sun, July 25). I fully agree with comments about candidates not standing on street corners, so we can see them and hear their policies With MMP almost 50 per cent of parliament consists of List members who don’t state what they stand for, thereby not responsible to the public.

With 122 members against 99 members previously, is it any wonder our country is going backwards? Voting is essential. Don’t be fooled into not voting, as this doesn’t give you the right

to complain. Not voting allows the wrong party to govern for the next three years. Show solidarity and strength to bring about change of government by casting your vote. This will show citizens of NZ will not be controlled by a parliament of only 50 per cent of elected members.

Don’t let the citizens’ call for a referendum be thrown out by Government because it doesn’t fit their plans.

Give power back to the people. All MPs need to be selected by people and be accountable to the people.

Ken Allen, Katikati.

Leader with tiger stripes?

Re: Green Party Tauranga candidate Ian McLean’s letter (The Sun, August 1). His description of the Green Party is totally misleading and idealistic.

I think the Green Party is a fraud, purporting to be Green when really they’re an extreme left party.

Co-leader Russel Norman was involved in Australia with the Socialist Workers’ Party, a revolutionary Marxist-Leninist organisation. Tigers don’t readily change their stripes. You can’t get more Left than that. One election promise is to buy back all electricity-generating companies. This

is an extreme left policy, bordering on communism, and has nothing to do with green policy.

They don’t say where the funds will come from for the buy-back.

Surely from more borrowing, putting us further in debt, but this doesn’t bother the left ‘borrow and spend’ philosophy.

Nothing in Russel’s resume supports him as a suitable candidate to serve in Government. He hasn’t been involved in commercial or business activity.

Surely some relevant experience must be required? Green is not Green, it is Left.

G Beaumont, Greerton.

Combined trio a serious threat I wish to sound a warning about the Internet Mana Party’s behaviour. This week I viewed TV footage from their political meeting.

To see Kim Dotcom inciting a large number of young-looking people to such aggressive, mocking and abusive behaviour to the democratically elected head of our country is very alarming.

This is from a non-New Zealander, accused of piracy in another country, seeking refuge in NZ and refusing to return to the country involved to honestly answer the accusations.

The other two leaders also represent factions with aspirations of power and control from differing perspectives.

The combination of these three leaders and what they stand for is a realistic threat to what most Kiwis want.

Separately these people pose less threat

but with combined financial, political experience and diversity of representation they share, and the impressionable nature of the younger voters they’re appealing to, could easily lead to an undesirable volatile mixture.

If we don’t take this seriously, use our votes and counsel our young people wisely, it could have repercussions we do not want.

This beautiful country was built on true Christian ethics and defended through two world wars by brave and concerned men and woman.

They stood for freedom peace and unity for Maori, European and other ethnic groups alike.

I appeal to fellow New Zealanders don’t be apathetic or complacent but think of our country as a whole and vote wisely.

G Williams, Ohauiti.

Get the Samsung GALAXY S5 interest free Visit us instore today at 306 Cameron Road, Tauranga or call 0800 434 448

Vodafone Power to you

Vote for the best interests of all Proper healthcare, meaningful education and genuine social welfare safety net programmes are the cornerstones of a nation. Without these any country is doomed to fail.

Add to the mix the prerequisite of equality for all citizens before the law with no special race-based privileges and certainly no non-elected, race-based representation - with or without voting rights - at either local or national government levels.

This sees we urgently need to rid ourselves of the prejudiced Waitangi Tribunal and entrenched race-based Maori seats.

Only then will Kiwis get some semblance of unity and prosperity.

The vision for voters is they must cast their vote only for someone who has the best interests of all Kiwis at heart.

Be vigilant, be wary and fight separatism.

R Paterson, Matapihi.

Send in your letters

The Weekend Sun welcomes letters and photographs from readers.

Preference is given to short letters (200 words maximum, supplied with full name and contact details.

Photos are best in high resolution, jpeg format.

Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

Samsung GALAXY S5

per month for 24 months plus $99 upfront.

Per month cost includes $39 open term plan and $39 monthly device payments.

RRP $1049

4G not available everywhere. For coverage and what you need go to vodafone.co.nz/4G Paying for your Samsung GALAXY S5 over 24 months for $78 per month is based on a $39 open term plan and requires an upfront payment of $99. You need to pay your $39 plan monthly fee in addition to the monthly device charge of $39. If you terminate your plan prior to the end of 24 months, you will need to repay the balance of your phone. For full terms and conditions go to vodafone. co.nz/monthlydevicepayments. Vodafone On Account and full package terms and conditions apply, see vodafone.co.nz/sim-only.

30

Transport policy concern: The Green Party’s transport policy removes $11 billion dollars from planned state highway projects.

These projects, which form an integral part of an overall strategy, are all of importance to regional New Zealand and some are of national importance.

It would be interesting, helpful and enlightening if the Greens would identify which of these projects would not proceed under this proposed policy.

Voters throughout the country would no doubt appreciate receiving this information.

After all 97 per cent of passenger travel and 91 per cent of freight movement in this country is by road.

The Greens need to recognise even public transport requires a well-maintained and safe roading system.

The National Government supports public transport and substantial spending during the last five years validates this.

D Sorenson, Tauranga City.

The Weekend Sun

Stifling business not way forward Re: ‘Being Green is easy’ (The Sun, August 8), Ian McLean says it himself in his first paragraph.

The Greens put the environment ahead of people. Trees and mud puddles would have more rights than people in a Green world.

If there’s a reason they should be given stick, excuse the pun, it’s for this statement.

He makes the mistake, believing everybody other than Greenies wants to live with dirty rivers and murky skies, when that’s not the fact.

We all want clean water and clear air, but we also want TVs, a new bike, electricity and cellphones. A compromise must be made for us to enjoy the lifestyle we desire - a compromise that doesn’t involve

wooden bicycles and carrier pigeons.

Big business do as much for making a clean environment as the Greenies do while providing the luxuries of life we all desire.

It wasn’t me that coined the phrase “The only true wilderness is between a Greenies ears” but as another old saying goes “Many a true word is spoken in jest”.

I don’t make a point of attacking Greenies - after all I want the same things they do - only my approach differs.

They want to stifle and penalise creativity and production for a better world. I prefer encouraging and fostering it for a better world.

To their detriment the Greenies fall into the same trap of destroying indi-

vidual and property rights as other parties.

While they continue to stifle the business world from providing the most luxurious lifestyle ever achieved in the history of this planet, they’ll continue to be the target of derision.

G Clark, Kaimai.

Selling young souls to devil Foreign farm sales: I wonder if those responsible for the smear campaign against Prime Minister John Key realise they’re showing their true colours and lack of what qualities and knowledge of world affairs is needed in a Prime Minister.

The disgusting exhibition of associate member of the Mana Party - Kim Dotcom - exhorting young people, till wet behind the ears, to attack John Key using filthy language is a case in point.

The Mana Party - which is anti-white New Zealanders and anti-Key - has sold their souls to the devil.

Similarly the pathetic video and ‘song’

isn’t going to make any impression on voters who are aware there isn’t one member of any party who can match Key in representing the best for NZ. Think of the drippy Green Party attempting negotiations with China and Barack Obama.

They would not give them the time of day.

We need international trade and communication with other leaders.

Everyone has faults, but Key has proved he’s the best man for the job.

Mary Brooks, Pyes Pa.

ELECTIONS 2014 The Weekend Sun welcomes letters and photographs from readers - including views about the upcoming election.

Preference is given to short letters (200 words maximum), supplied with full name and contact details.

Email: letters@thesun..co.nz

No cream for NZ

Revelations by Conservative Party leader Colin Craig that the cream of North Island farms Lochinver Station is in the process of being sold to the Chinese hit us like a bolt of lightening.

Once in their hands the Chinese will do only what benefits them.

It will probably become one huge dairying operation supplying milk powder to China. They have a huge demand for the product.

Further processing of milk powder into other products no doubt would take place in China, with absolutely no gain for New Zealand workers.

This deal would have gone unnoticed under the radar had Craig not broken it to us.

This same company has also purchased the Crafer farms ,plus 4000 hectares of top South Island dairy farms.

If National keeps allowing our land to be sold off to foreign buyers, what hope is there in the future for our farmers?

Margaret Hills, Bethlehem.

31

The Weekend Sun

Nothing wong with campaign launch Winston Peters’ latest heinous crime is forgetting we are now ruled by the edicts of the PC brigade and the Race Relations commission. Even our jokes may now be twisted so as to come under their steely, inquisitorial scrutiny .

This anachronism is really scraping the bottom of the barrel to justify its existence.

Yet another tightening of the straitjacket of timidity being imposed on us. NZ First’s election campaign launch was excellent - and even had some light occasional (I’ll whisper this) jokes, which were hugely enjoyed by the audience.

TV One and TV3 and Prime were assiduous in -

their filming of all proceedings. Interviews with audience members took place afterwards.

I hope we’ll have the benefit of viewing some of this on TV. It was quite delightful to see Winston Peters’ genuine amusement outside sometime later, when accosted by a microphone-toting TV presenter, presumably, with regard to the joke - which had been just a silly play on words, in no way offensive.

Susan Devoy was again out of line, and sickeningly self-righteous.

I believe the Chinese have a great sense of humour.

I seriously doubt they’d have found anything offensive, unless deliberately talked into it.

D Holm, Tauranga City.

Election no joking matter Susan Devoy is in the news yet again and not to her credit. She’s certainly “lost the plot” this time, together with her team of PC troublemakers.

The phrase ‘wight is wong’ was a term I well remember as a huge joke when I was a child.

Suddenly everything we’d become accustomed to became PC. My mother would save the labels from the Robertson’s marmalade so I could write for the novelty enamel golliwog. Along with friends, we wore them with pride until they were banned.

We’d eagerly look forward to ‘The Black and White Minstrel Show’’ on

Sunday evenings and those beautifullywritten Enid Blyton books. What harm did they do?

They certainly caused no offence or damage to a child’s mind.

We came to this beautiful country more than two decades ago and immediately became ‘Pakeha’. Did we get fussed - of course not.

What happened to humour? If it’s to be banned too we’ll become a poorer nation indeed.

This Race Relations team only harbours bitterness and hatred. Let’s engage in a more enlightened society with a wider perspective. E Jones, Papamoa.

Strap on your thinking caps One has to wonder what the Tauranga electorate thinks about when they vote.

We have a council that seems to only have three skills: how to waste money, how to spend money recklessly and build up debt at an alarming rate.

I refer to council because Cambridge Rd has been ripped up and resurfaced twice in two years, and here they go again ripping up Beaumaris Blvd for the second time in two years - there’s no need for it. If there’s a need then someone did a rotten job a year or so ago.

We have an MP who is the Energy and Resources Minister and I haven’t heard a peep out of him regarding why in Tauranga and surrounding districts we have to pay 15 per cent more for electricity and 30 per cent more household gas supply than other districts.

One has to wonder why people voted in a man who has done little or nothing for Tauranga.

Let’s hope the electorate get their thinking caps on next time round Alistair Bourne, Bethlehem.

Downsides to Capital Gains Tax Labour’s proposed Capital Gains Tax is not just for the rich, who may well deserve such a tax, its net will encompass every NZ worker.

I refer to Kiwisaver and other saving schemes, including using businesses and farms to provide for retirement.

While Kiwisavers can elect to join an income-only fund, most will quite rightly belong to growth funds. Growth is a nice word for capital gain.

Growth of the funds will be impeded by a CGT, which affects the final sum on retirement.

The Labour Party leader says withdrawals from Kiwisaver won’t be subject to this new tax.

That’s true - because the fund itself will have paid its CGT many years, in fact in some cases, decades earlier.This shows how inhibiting CGT can be, because people do switch investment-type savings at various life stages.

The downsides of CGT for the average Kiwi is far greater than the upside of collecting a new tax on windfall capital gains. And how much more so with Labour’s compulsory Kiwisaver?

B Capamagian, Tauranga City.

Election ‘ball’ in the hands of public We’re in election mode and have people vying for our vote, including Winston First.

The big question is are some, or none, interested in coming to the party with proper funding for St John ambulance?

It only requires a fraction of the cost spent by Novopay, or is it ‘Neverpay’?

A recent trip overseas found funding for ambulance services not a problem like it is in New Zealand.

Why? St John, like Police and Fire

Brigade are essential services. People who want to run the country should recognise this fact, and act on it.

This is the only time budding MPs will stop and listen.

The ball is in the hands of the public to make candidates do something useful, before they get stung in the Beehive only to reappear before next election.

Put the squeeze on your budding MP. R Chamberlain, St John volunteer, Otumoetai.

FACELIFTS

No connivers and liars, tricksters or fraudsters What I want from a new Government in New Zealand is a beautiful country with an amazing opportunity to make the world a better place.

I want leaders who stand up against tyranny. Leaders who set others before themselves. Leaders who do what they say they are going to do.

I want leaders who care about the environment, who can be honest about our problems and through negotiation and compassion reach solutions.

I don’t want connivers, liars, tricksters and fraudsters. We have a rich vein of culture in NZ and too many of us are ready to moan and condemn others for their differences. We are all different but we all want the same thing.

A land where our children can breathe fresh air, drink clean water, eat untainted food and live in peace. Please think about these things when you vote.

P Knights, Mount Maunganui.

32

The Weekend Sun

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

Friday 15 August

U3A Tauranga General meeting at Wesley

Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga. Morning tea 10.30am, speaker 11am. Penelope Jackson, Director of Tauranga Art Gallery - “Art Crime: Will the real Mr Goldie please stand up?” Visitors welcome.

WW100 Exhibition At Katikati’s Little Blue House, Main Rd until Aug 27.

Marking the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I, featuring information about each Katikati soldier killed in the conflict.

Saturday 16 August

Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s

meeting at St Andrews, Dee St 10-11am. Children welcome.

Arms & Militaria Show Aug 16-17 at Greerton Hall, Tauranga. Displays & sales tables of all kinds of sporting & military firearms, edged weapons & accessories; military collectibles, books, medals, uniforms etc. General public welcome.

Bay Association of Sea Kayakers

Fergusson Park to the mangrove island up the harbour. Bevan 576 8885

BOP Essential Tremor Support Group

Quarterly meeting Aug 23 at Evans Rd Community Church, Evans Rd, Papamoa 10am. Morning tea & guest speaker. Ann 542 4005

Cabaret Night of Glitz & Glamour

Hosted by the outrageous Diva Miss Ribena & the sisters of the moonlight lounge. Presented by Botanical Rd Kindergarten Aug 23. (Limited) tickets $60pp & include dinner. Vicky/Ange 578 4481 Car Boot Sale Every third Sat of month at Evans Rd Church. $5/car.

Bargains for all. 021 123 1157 Car Boot Sale Greerton School 7am start. Cost $5 per single site or $10 for double site. Weather permitting. Something for everyone.

Shirley 577 1116 or 0274 146 040 Come Dancing Tonight Te Puke Scottish Soc Dance at Te Puke Memorial Hall 7.30pm. Live band, great supper. All welcome. Members $7, non members $8.

Cool Cars for Cure Kids Inaugural fundraiser. Fun for all the family with classic cars, hot rods, vintage cars, music, kids entertainment & more. Gold coin donations for Cure Kids & Red Nose Day. At Bethlehem Town Centre, 19 Bethlehem Rd, Tauranga 10am - 2pm. www. shopbethlehem.co.nz/whats-on Free Self Defence Seminar Aug 23 at Western Bay Olympic Dojang, 26 Alach St, Greerton 12-2pm. Host: Self Defence Tauranga. All welcome.

Lions Clubs Young Speechmaker Contest National finals at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 90 Bethlehem Rd, Tauranga 9am – 3.30pm. Public welcome.

SPECIAL EVENTS

OUT THERE

Community events and occasions across the Bay.

Stories, snippets, strangeness, and general entertainment.

Messianic Weekly Meetings The Way meet in the Kingfisher Room, Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mount 10am. 570 1438 Mindful Awareness Event At 106 Leyland Rd, Whakamarama 12.30-4pm. Even if our lives are already fulfilling, there is ‘always more’ inspiration, empowerment, break-through & transformation. Email: btlgu@hotmail.com ph 022 452 9742 Otumoetai Indoor Bowls Champion of Champion Triples, Mount Sports Centre 9am. Karen 576 0443 Pregnancy Yoga Retreat Day Yoga, meditation, lunch, craft 9.30am 3pm. $80. Ph Sarah 021 0221 9892 Scholars Pro Musica Concert Aug 16 7.30pm & Aug 17 2.30pm at St Peter’s Anglican Church, Victoria Rd, Mount.

Title: Solemn & Serene - Schubert - Mass No 4 in C major, & Niccolo Jommelli - Requiem. Tickets from Mane Fashion, Maunganui Rd $20 in advance, $25 at door. Children free. www.scholarspromusica.org.nz Sunshine Dance Group Learn sequence dancing at a friendly club every Thurs at Baptist Church Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 7-8.30pm, followed by dancing till 10pm. $2pp includes supper.

Jan 544 4379 Taoist Tai Chi Exercise your body, challenge your mind. New class today at 15 Koromiko St, Tauranga 9am. Caroline 548 1209 Tauranga Farmers Market Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Taste sampling today. Platter sampling from 8.30am – 12pm. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket. co.nz Tauranga Leisure Marching Display day at QE Youth Centre, 11th Ave, Tauranga.

March past 10.30am. Marching starts 11am - 2pm approx. Come & enjoy the colourful displays.

Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild Every third Sat at club rooms, Yatton St, Greerton 1pm. Visitors welcome.

Geoff 579 3637 The Little Big Vintage Markets Senior Citizens Club, 345 Maunganui Rd, Mount 9am – 2pm. Qality vintage, music, coffee/cake. www.thelittlebigmarkets.co.nz The Sociables 30’s/40’ age group of males & females that meet once a week to socialise by dining out or participating in local activities & events. Men, we need you too!

Email sociables@outlook.co.nz The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber

Presented by Inachord Chorus with guest performers Petrina Thomas-Chisholm & Dave Wilson at Baycourt Theatre 7.30pm.

Tickets from www.ticketek.co.nz or 0800 842 538 The Z-Nail Gang Celebrate what the community in the BOP can create by watch-

ing the locally produced movie screening now in Rialto, Capitol, Whakamax or Basement Cinemas.

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

Sunday 17 August

ACE Brass Presented by Tauranga Musica & Legacy Funerals at Tauranga Park Auditorium, 383 Pyes Pa Rd 3pm.

Bay Bible Fellowship/Lord’s Day

Welcome Bay Primary School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Rd 10am. Praise & worship.

Gal 4:21-31- two women, two covenants, who wins? www.baybiblefellowship.co.nz Bethlehem Lions Market 1st & 3rd Sun of month at Bethlehem Town Centre 8am - 12pm.

Bible Seminars Every Sun at Greerton Senior Citizen’s Hall, Maitland St 1.45pm.

Title: “Baptism - what does the Bible say?”

Interactive, Q&A. Vic 543 0504 Czech School for Children With Czech/ Slovak background every Sun at Arataki Community Centre 10am - 12pm. New members welcome. www.facebook.com/ ceskyaslovenskyclubtauranga, email: csclubtauranga@hotmail.com Dixie Street Jazz Band At St Peter’s Church auditorium, Beach Rd, Katikati 4pm. Admission $25, includes refreshments. Toe tapping music from Australia. Proceeds to Katikati Croquet Club Inc Development Fund. Steve/Carol 549 4033 Gate Pa Tennis Club Holding 2 preseason open days for new & current members Aug 24 & Sept 7 10am - 12pm for ages 5-16. Racquets available for new players. Free coaching. Graeme 576 5178 or 0274 520 600 Katikati Tramping Club Waiotahi Karaka Loop, Thames 8am start. 6 hours - moderate. Barry 07 863 4597 Maketu Rotary Club Market 3rd & 5th Sunday at Village Green, Park Rd, Maketu. Stalls $10. Lyn 533 1572 or 021 882 059 “Meet the Candidates” BOP & Waiariki electorate candidates or a representative of each party if no candidate is standing. At Welcome Bay Community Centre, 242 Welcome Bay Rd (behind Welcome Bay Hall) 3pm.

Mix & Mingle Friendship Group 60+

Mixed company of singles 60+ that meet once a week for coffee, enjoy social dining & events. Email: mixandmingle@xtra. co.nz or 027 439 3267

Mount Mainstreet Farmers Market

Every Sun in Phoenix car park 9am - 1pm. Fresh fruit & veges, breads, cheese, oils, plants & more. 575 9911 mountmaunganui.org.nz

Mount Militia Roller Derby Recruit-

ing skaters, referees & off-skates officials 12-2pm. Open to men & women aged over 15 yrs. (Skaters under 18 need parental/guardian consent.) Skates, helmets & pads available for hire $5. Wear comfortable sports gear & bring thick pair of socks & water. www.mountmilitia.co.nz

Ngai Tahu ki Tauranga Moana Hui

Tauranga Boys’ College Wharenui, 13th Ave 1pm. Speaker: Terry Ryan - Ngai Tahu. Please bring a plate.

Petanque Every Sun, Tues & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. 578 3606 Radio Controlled Model Yachts Meet Sun & Thurs at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa 1.30pm, to sail electron & similar 3ft long yachts for fun. Beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419 Tauranga Spiritual Society Senior Citizen’s Hall, 14 Norris St. Hand on healing 4pm. Entry $5. Fellowship 7pm. Intuitive readings: Angie Duffil. Members $3, non $5. 022 067 0467

Tauranga Underwater Hockey Club

Baywave Aquatic Centre 12.30-1.30pm Juniors up to & including Year 10 students) 1.30-2.30pm Seniors (Year 11 - adults) meet every Sunday unless event on at Baywave. Lance 027 287 4731 or 578 7573

Tauranga Young Classical Musicians Soc Concert at St Enoch’s Church, 16th

Ave 2.30pm. Come & listen to our young talent.

Te Puke Country Music AGM 11am, usual club day 1pm. Members a plate please. 573 9360 Te Puke Spiritual Discussion Group 1st, 3rd & 5th Sun of month at Hair Linez, old railway Station, Jellicoe St 10.30-11.30am. $3 door. Meeting of spiritual minds, to learn & share with each other. Elaine 573 5361 or FB Hair Linez for details.

Weekend Activities for over 50’s Walks, dinners, movies, day trips & good times. Zeana 544 1513

Monday 18 August

Achieve Toastmasters Feeling anxious

about that forthcoming presentation?

Learn to speak with confidence. 1st, 3rd Mon at St Stephens Hall, Otumoetai 7.30pm. Fraser 544 4579 Badminton Tauranga Badminton Club every Mon & Weds at Bethlehem College Events Centre 7.30pm. All players welcome. Sue 021 194 4335 or www. taurangabadmintonclub.co.nz Bay of Plenty Pipes & Drums Army Hall, 11th Ave & Devonport Rd 6.45pm.

Annette 577 9272 Beginner Salsa Lessons At Otumoetai Action Centre 6.45pm. New intake every 4 weeks. Improver salsa lessons, walk in classes 7.45pm. $15 per class. www. baysalsa.co.nz

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

Bethlehem Bowls Every Mon at Bethlehem Hall, Main highway 7.15pm. First 3 nights free. 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. All classes 9.15-10.15am. First class free.

For men & women. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified Instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

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 6-11pm Noel 579 5412 Citizens Advice Bureau Free, confidential info & advice about anything call in Mon - Fri at 38 Hamilton St, Tauranga 9am - 5pm or freephone 0800 367 222 or 578 1592. JP service every Mon 1-5pm, Weds & Thurs 9am - 11.30am. Weds CAB service at Welcome Bay Community Centre 9.30am - 12.30pm, Fri at Mount Library 11.30am - 1.30pm. No appointment necessary.

Concert Mt Maunganui Senior Citizens, 345 Maunganui Rd 1.30pm. Entertainers: Back Porch, followed by afternoon tea. $3 door. All welcome.

Diabetes Support Call the Diabetes Support Line Mon - Fri for confidential & free diabetes advice & support 571 3422 Education & Achievement Assn Support group meetings for families with dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers, ADHD, visual & auditory processing disorders etc.

Free meeting open to anyone, at Summit Motor Lodge, 213 Waihi Rd 7-9pm. Jenny 027 297 5164 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 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

And advocacy: coffee & chat 10am – 12pm. 579 9890 Learn to Dance Te Puke Every Mon at St Pats Hall, Beatty Ave 6.30pm. Sequence dancing for beginners & experienced dancers. Partners required for dancers. $3pp. Gordon 572 0060 Meditation Free classes Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm. Find peace, spiritual awareness & the meaning of your life. David 576 9764 Mt Maunganui Bridge Club Sessions Mon - Fri 1pm. Weds 7pm. Novice Mon 7pm. Social Thurs 11am. Golf Rd, Mount. Judy 575 9910

as ire ylinder SERVICES

33

The Weekend Sun Otumoetai Indoor Bowls 9 Bowl

Triples, Matua Primary School Hall, Clivedene St 7.15pm. New members welcome. Karen 576 0443 Papamoa Mah Jong Club Every Mon at Papamoa Sports 12.30-4pm. Counting & non counting tables. Afternoon tea. $3 per session. All welcome.

Recycled Teenagers Gentle exercise for 50’s forwards, & injury or illness rehabilitation. Mon & Weds, 14 Norris St, Tauranga Senior Citizens Club, behind Pak n Save. Tues at St Mary’s Church Hall, Girven Rd. All 9 - 10.30am. Classes taken by qualified instructor.

First class free. Jennifer 571 1411 Taekwon Do The Silla Club train Mon & Thurs at Te Puna School Hall.

All ages welcome. Gwyn 0274 587 871 Tauranga Brass Band Practice at Legion of Frontiersmen’s Hall, 165 Elizabeth St 7-9pm. New players welcome. Peter 572 4358 Tauranga Bridge Club Sessions Mon, Weds, Thurs 7.30pm. Tues & Fri 1pm.

Social bridge Thurs 1pm. 252 Ngatai Rd. 576 5022 Tauranga Civic Choir New members welcome to join & rehearse every Mon 7.30-9.30pm. 574 6366 Tauranga Creative Fibre Every Mon at Arts Centre, Elizabeth St from 9.30am. Spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, crochet & more. Learn & share in a mutually supportive club.

Also on Thurs evening twice a month.

Joan 577 6781 Tauranga Rock n Roll Club Monday club nights 8-9.30pm.

Lessons 7-8pm. Tauranga RSA Cameron Rd. Beginners lessons Aug 18/Sept 22. Adults $45, child $30. All welcome. Website: Taurangarocknrollclub.org Liz 578 9063 after 5pm.

Tauranga RSA Indoor Bowls Mon report 12.45pm for 1pm start. Weds 3.45 for 4pm start. Leanne 570 0154 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.

Tauranga Senior Citizens Club Indoor Bowls Every Mon at St Columba Church Hall, 502 Otumoetai Rd 1-4pm. Names in by 12.45pm. $3 entry includes afternoon tea. New members welcome. 571 6663 The Writing Project For people who are working on a piece of writing or who would like to be. Meet 7pm. Kaye 07 218 1411 or 021 239 7142

Toughlove Parent Support Group

Every Mon at Totara House, 1428 Cameron Rd, Greerton 7-9pm. No need to register. 543 3194 YMCA - ALFS (Active lifestyle for seniors). Smooth Movers class Mon 9-10am & 10.15-11.15am at Matua Community Hall, Levers Rd. Also 9-9.55am & 10-10.55am at Arataki Hall, Zambuk Way (off Grenada St).

Tues 9.15-10.15am & 10.30-11.30am at Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd. Weds 9.15-10.15am Welcome Bay Hall, Welcome Bay Rd. First class free. Thurs 9-10am at Otumoetai Action Centre, Windsor Rd. Also 10.30-11.30am at Bethlehem Hall, Bethlehem Rd. Fri 9.15-10.15am at Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd. Also Fri at Papamoa Library 10.20am. 578 9272

Tuesday 19 August

2014 @ The Clothesline Quality preloved clothing babies - adults 50c - $2, & prayer for the sick. 36D MacDonald St, Mount 10am - 2pm.

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

Active Nutrition Women’s Fitness Class Every Tues & Fri meet at Mount

cenotaph, Marine Pde 9am. Aimed at women 35 & over. Improve strength,

core & flexibility, have fun. Free introductory class, $8 thereafter.

0210 476 155 email: info@ activenutrition.co.nz Altrusa Club of Tauranga Women’s community service group. Dinner & business meeting 2nd Tues. Social programme 4th Tues monthly. Interested?

Denise 570 3134 Anxiety Support Group Support for people with an experience of anxiety 1-2pm. Junction 579 9890 for info or if you need a ride.

Arataki Table Tennis Every Tues at Arataki Community Centre 7.30pm.

Social table tennis. $4 per player.

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

Lorraine 579 3229

Balmorals Leisure Marching Team

Ladies welcome to join aged 20-60 for fun, friendship & travel. Training every Tues at Greerton 6-8pm. Anita 571 4096 or 021 0257 6094 Bayfair Petanque Club Every Tues & Thurs at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Drive 1pm. Tuition & boules available for learners & visitors. Margaret 572 3173 Bethlehem Pottery Club Tues & Thurs at 13 Bethlehem Rd 10am - 3pm. Jane 552 0046

BOP Shirley Club Walking Group

Every Tues outside the Mount Surf Club 9.20am. Easy walking. Cafe jaunt after. See you there.

Conversation Cafe for Seniors Every Tues at St Andrew’s Church, Dee St, Mount 10am - 12pm. Morning tea, fellowship, games. $5. 575 9347 Excel Toastmasters Every 2nd, 4th & 5th Tues of the month at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Bayfair 6.15-8.30pm. Learn leadership & public speaking skills. Kaaren 572 5988 Gate Pa Indoor Bowls Club visit to Oropi. Kevin 543 4044 Inachord Chorus Womens 4 Part Harmony Every Tues at Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd 6.55pm. Singing & performing varied repertoire. Cathy 579 2040 email: inachordchorus@gmail.com

Israeli Dancing Beginners Class

Every Tues at Gate Pa Primary School Hall, Cameron Rd 7-8pm. All ages welcome - no partner required. Maria 544 1680

Junction Mental Health Peer Support And advocacy: coffee

& chat at Papamoa Community Centre (Papamoa Library), 15 Gravatt Rd 10am – 12pm. Junction 579 9890 Mount Morning Badminton Every Tues at Mount Sports Centre, Blake Park 9am - 12pm. Social, competitive, all ages. Beginners welcome. Racquets available. Visitors $5 per session.

Maxene 575 0162

Mount Social Table Tennis Group

Every Tues at Arataki Community Centre 7.30-9.30pm. Friendly social table tennis of all levels. $4. 575 2048

Neighbourhood Run for Beginners

Cheyne Rd neighbourhood. Warm up/running/cooling down. Free Tues/ Thurs/Fri. 6am start. 027 616 2124

Orange City Square & Round Dance Club Tues class 10am - 12pm. Weds,

plus, Thurs club night & new dancers.

7.30pm, Frontiersmen’s Hall. 543 1063 Otumoetai Toastmasters Leadership skills, speaking skills. At Lyceum Club rooms, 68 1st Ave 7.15-9.30pm. Allan 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

Saintly Shakers Preschool Music

Every Tues at St Peter’s Church, Victoria St, Mount 10-11am & Thurs at St Mary’s Church, 1 Marlin St, Bayfair 9.30-10.30am. School term only.

Music, dance, play, fun & morning tea.

Sequence Dancing Tauranga Social & Leisure Club. Every Tues at St John’s Anglican Church Hall, 94 Bureta Rd, Otumoetai 7-9.30pm. Second Tues of month 3-5.30pm. John 578 9716

South City Indoor Bowls Club

Box Drawn Mixed Pairs (Mounted Bowl). At Greerton Hall. Names in by 7.15pm. Mary 541 0687 Take a Break with Craft Every 2nd Tues at Monowai St Chapel. All ladies welcome. Betty 574 3042 Taoist Tai Chi Exercise your body, challenge your mind. New class for beginners starts today at 15 Koromiko St, Judea 12.30pm. Ann 577 9145

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

McSwiggan’s Irish Pub, 158 Cambridge Rd 7.30pm. Friendly jam sessions.

Sing, play or just listen. Paul 579 2346 or www.tamc.org.nz

Tauranga Central Ladies Probus

Meet 3rd Tues of the month at Daniels, Memorial Park, Tauranga 9.45am. Visitors & new members welcome. Gene 578 7733 Tauranga Continuing Education (50+) Group At Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga, 3rd Tues of month. Lectures start 10am. & $3 charge to cover expenses. Speaker: Gemma Piercy of University of Waikato “The history of coffee, coffee houses to cafes.” David 544 4179

Tauranga Morning Badminton Club

Every Tues & Thurs at QEII Youth Centre, Memorial Park, Tauranga 9-11.30am. New players & visitors welcome. Heather 574 0976 Tauranga Orchid Society Monthly meeting at Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave 7.30pm. Speaker: Chris Whitby, Auckland. Visitors welcome. Natalie 543 0847 Tauranga Scrabble Club Tues at Tauranga Bridge Club, Ngatai Rd 9am. 3 games $3. New players welcome. 544 8372 Tauranga Toastmasters Tga Lyceum Club 7.15-9.30pm. Confidence building, speaking skills, leadership skills. Alan 544 5989

Wednesday 20 August

Age Concern Walking Group Meet at

Kulim Park, Bureta 10am. All welcome 578 2631 Badminton Mt Maunganui Club night Weds at Mount Sports Centre, Maunganui Rd 7-9pm. Past & new players welcome. Janice 575 2438 or 027 201 0529

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 Thurs morning at Katikati Clinic. For appointment 549 0399 Bethlehem Mah Jong Club Every Weds at the Pavilion, Kempton Park Village, 40 Te Paeroa Rd, Bethlehem 1-4pm. Arrive 15 mins before play so tables can be allocated. Mah Jong lessons for beginners (by prior arrangement only). Shona 552 6230

Cribbage Club Tauranga RSA Greerton New members wanted - all ages.

Every Weds 1-3.30pm. Entrance $3.

Robert 579 1342

Fernlands Spa Water Exercise Classes Weds 10.45-11.45am held

rain or shine but not during school holidays. New participants planning to attend ph Jennifer 571 1411

Friends of the Libraries

Papamoa Book Club, Papamoa Library 10am. Theme: Books set in South America.

All welcome.

Gate Pa Indoor Bowls Box Drawn Mixed Pairs (Eric Boyles Tray) at Greerton Hall 7.30pm. Names in book. Kevin 543 4044

Gate Pa/Kaimai Women’s Institute

Meet 3rd Weds at St George’s Church Lounge 1.30pm. Speakers & demonstrators. All ladies welcome. Pat 544 2321 Global Hearts Exercise Group Weds 2-3pm & Fri 11am - 12pm. Provides group activities combined with health education that encourages members to live a healthy & active lifestyle. Mark 0274 444 945

Greerton Gold Leisure Marching Team Ladies all ages invited for fun,

fitness & friendship every Weds at Morland Fox Park 8-9.30am. No experience required.

Marion 578 1108 Healing Rooms Every Weds at Bethlehem Town Centre, corner shop behind PO 1-3pm. Christian prayer for healing.

021 110 0878 healingrooms.co.nz ICONZ for Girls Every Weds at Welcome Bay Community Centre, W/ Bay Rd, behind hall 4.15-5.45pm.

For girls aged 7-11yrs (yr 3-6). Badges, games, stories & more. Carolyn 544 0400 Inequality for All A film re-screening by popular demand. Intro & audience Q&A with Peter Malcolm, ‘Closing the Gap’ co-ordinator. Co-hosted by Uni of Waikato & www.closingthegap.org.nz. In Lecture Theatre 104, Bongard Centre, 200 Cameron Rd. Refreshments at 6pm for 6.30pm start. Gold coin entry. Register with nyree@waikato.ac.nz Kiwi Toasters Learn to speak with confidence & grow leadership skills. Meet 2nd & 4th Weds at Te Puke Hotel 5.30-7pm.

Guests welcome. Chrissy 543 9493 or c.meyer@xtra.co.nz

Mount Healing & Spiritual Centre

Fellowship & celebration at Omanu Bowling Club, Golf Rd, Mount. Doors open 7pm for 7.30pm. Guest speaker: Susan Hansen - UFO’s. $3 door. Janet 027 264 0226 Mt Maunganui Indoor Bowls Play Weds nights & Sun afternoons. Allen 575 0059 Otumoetai Care & Craft Group Every Weds during school term at St Columba Church, Cherrywood 9am - 12.30pm.

Dawn 576 7783 Papamoa Garden Circle Meet in Dune Room, Papamoa Sport & Recreation Centre 1pm. Elaine 575 5044 Pasifika Playgroup Presented

by Pacific island Community Tauranga Trust, 562 Cameron Rd every Weds during school term at Gate Pa School 9.30am - 12.30pm for 01-6yr olds. Parents/caregivers welcome.

Music, stories, dance & activities. Free entry. Emma 577 1270 Scottish Country Dancing Weds at Senior Citizens Hall, Maunganui Rd Beginners class 6pm, regular class 7.30pm. Fri at Papamoa Primary School Hall, Dickson Rd 7pm Children over 8 years welcome. 573 5055

Continued...

34

The Weekend Sun

...Continued Free - phone 575 9347 Mainly Music Every Thurs at St Enoch’s Church, nication, leadership & teamwork skills. Every Weds 16th Ave 9.30am. $3 per family. New members welcome. 578 3040 at Classic Flyers Avgas Cafe 6.45-8.15am. Build More Than Craft Every Thurs at Greerconfidence & leadership skills. To find a club near ton Bible Church Hall cnr Chadwick Rd you email: LaniDTM@gmail.com or 571 1545. & Oropi Rd 9.30-11.30am. 10 crafts with talented http://cityearlystart.toastmastersclubs.org tutors. Inspection welcome. June 544 0823 T.S Chatham (Sea Cadets) Weds during school Mount Art Group Every Thurs at St Peter’s Church term at TYPBC, Keith Allan Drive, Sulphur Pt Hall, 11 Victoria Rd 9am - 1pm. Visitors welcome.

6.15-9pm. Micah 021 336 719 or Merilynn 575 6777 cucdr@tschathamorg.nz or www.tschatham.org.nz Yoga with Ocean Views Every Weds & Fri at Fer- Mt Maunganui Creative Fibre Meet every Thurs gusson Park Sports Centre (end of Tilby Dr, Matua) at Arataki Community Centre 9am - 1pm. Share & learn spinning, weaving, crochet, knitting, felting 9.30-10.40am. $12 casual. Stella 0210 249 3690 & other creative crafts. Visitors & new members welcome. Jan 574 1265 Petanque Tauranga/BOP Club Every Thurs & Sun 6- Week Social Beginner Dance Class Starts at Cliff Rd venue 1pm start. Jo Ann 578 3606 Aug 21 at Greerton Hall, 1247 Cameron Rd Salsa on the Strand Every Thurs at La Mexica.

8pm & Aug 22 at Tauranga Primary Intro class 8pm followed by social dancing. No School Hall, 5th Ave 7pm. Learn rock partner required. $2 entry, members free. & roll, cha cha, waltz & more. Sonia, Supreme Dance Centre 544 2337 or 027 322 www.baysalsa.co.nz Simplee Cr8ive All crafts welcome every Thurs at 1786 or just turn up. First lesson free.

Arataki Community Centre, Bayfair 9am - 2.30pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting Salvation Jenny 572 5396 Army, Eversham Rd, Bayfair 7.30-8.30pm.

Sunshine Dance Group Learn sequence dancing at Army Cadets (WBOP Cadet Unit) Every a friendly club. Meet every Thurs at Baptist Church Thurs at Tauranga Army Hall 6-9.30pm.

Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 7-8.30pm, Ages 13-17 youth development with a milifollowed by dancing till 10pm. $2pp entrance tary flavour. Email: admin@wbopcu.org.nz includes supper. Jan 544 4379 Awesome Clothing Sale Good quality, all Tauranga Heart Support Group Phase 3 rehab sizes & styles - men’s women’s, children’s, exercise, social events & guest speakers for those shoes, sheets, duvets etc. Only $2 a bag, with or at risk of heart disease. Every Thurs at City you pick. Historic Village, 17th Ave 9.30Church Hall, Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St 9.3010.30am. Organised by Turning Point Trust 10.45am. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 578 6934 5031 Qualified instructor/Cardiac Care leader.

Citizens Advice Bureau Tauranga Te Pou Tauranga Model Railway Club Every Thurs & Tues Whakawhirinaki O Aotearoa AGM Aug 7.30pm. Ed 543 1108 28 at St Stephens Church, Brookfield Tce, Tauranga Pryde Youth Group For lesbian, gay, bi, Otumoetai 10am. trans. Meet 6.30pm 1st & 3rd Weds of each month Club Mt Maunganui Social games club. & 2nd & 4th Thurs. 22 3536 968 Every Thurs 12.45pm. Play indoor bowls, Tauranga Rock n Roll Social Dancers Authentic 500 & bolivia. John 575 2422 Community Bible Study International Join music every Thurs at 14 Norris St, behind Pak n Save 7.30-9.30pm. $3 entry pp - supper included. us at 14th Ave Gospel Centre 10am - 12pm Maria 576 7326 for a non denominational in-depth Bible Tauranga Storytellers’ Group Meet last Thurs of study until Sept 25. Jack/Betty 544 3809 month. Learn how to develop your storyFitness League Safe, effective, low impact telling skills. Claire 577 7220 exercise to music using the Bagot Stack Tennis Seniors WBOP Every Thurs at technique, designed for females. All ages & Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club, Wharepai abilities, complementary first class, every Domain, Cameron Rd 9am - 12pm. $3 ball fee.

Thurs Central Baptist Church Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 9.30am & Weds at New members & visitors welcome. Lynda 575 0627 Katikati Memorial Hall 10am. Pam 549 4799 Te Puke Table Tennis Club Every Thurs at Te Puke Intermediate School Hall 7-9pm. Ted 573 7216 or 021 117 170 Toastmasters - Kickstart Club Have fun while Forest & Bird Walk - Tauranga learning to speak confidently. Breakfast meeting at Branch Tauranga harbour edge & Alimento Cafe, 1st Ave, 7-8.15am. Guests welcome. town walk. Easy grade. $5. Carole Helen 571 6181 576 5698 Happiness & Our Mind Drop in meditation classes. Classes are self-contained so start 10-Pin Bowling Quicksilver League Every Fri at any date, beginners welcome. Cost $14 per 13th Ave 10.30am. Come for a fun morning. Play in class. Otumoetai Plunket, 59 Otumoetai pairs. New members welcome. Ngaire 575 3806 Rd. Monthly classes - next class Aug 21 Alcoholics Anonymous Open meeting every Fri 7-8.30pm. www.meditateintauranga.org Keynotes 4 Part Harmony Women’s chorus meet every Thurs at Wesley Church Hall, With Rialto 13th Ave 6.45pm. Sing for fun & health.

Nora 544 2714 Knitting Classes For children 8yrs onwards (adults also welcome) every Thurs at St Andrew’s Church, Dee St, Mount 3-4.30pm. opp Atuaroa Ave 9.30am - 12pm. 021 130 6476

Table Tennis Tauranga At Memorial Hall, QEYC

Toastmasters - City Early Start Improve commu-

every Weds 1-3pm & 7-9pm & every Fri 7-9pm.

All welcome. Bill 578 1662 www.sportsground. co.nz/tabletennistauranga Taoist Tai Chi Beginners class at 15 Koromiko St 5.30pm. 578 9116 Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club Every Weds at Wharepai Domain, Cameron Rd 9am - 12pm. All levels welcome. Gaynor 544 7071 Tauranga Mid-Week Tramping Group Scheltema Rd to Sheep Hill & out past cyanide tank site.

Grade moderate, 5.5 - 6 hours. Pat 544 0670 Tauranga Pryde For gay, lesbian, bi, trans & intersex youth & friends or questioning. Social & support, 4.30pm fortnightly. Look for Tauranga Pryde on Facebook or 09 376 4155 Te Puke Toy Library Weds - Sat at 248 Jellicoe St

Thursday 21 August

Friday 22 August

at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Tyremaster) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance.

Caught in the Act Celebrating National Poetry Day 2014 with words, music & song. Mauao Performing Arts Centre, 11 Totara St, Mount 7pm start. Free admission. Enquiries: dhaivatmehta7@gmail.com Chess Tauranga Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Werner 548 1111 http://www.westernbopchess.weebly.com/ Documentary Nights Every 2nd Fri at 7pm.

Many interesting & thought provoking subjects covered. Kim 576 9427 or 027 285 9611 Family History Month Every Fri in Aug in the NZ Room, Tauranga Library 11am - 4pm, a genealogist is on duty to assist with your research. Heather 578 1689 Free Immigration Assessment By Licenced Immigration Adviser. Tauranga Multicultural Ethnic Council, Historic Village, 17th Ave. For appointment ph Iryna Stewart 543 9125 or 021 0226 2619 Free Immigration Clinic Every Fri - legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812 Fundraising Quiz Night Sept 26 at Otumoetai Golf Club 7pm. $60 a team - up to 6 people in a team. Limit of 15 tables. Lots of spot prizes along with fundraising auction. Melanoma Foundation fundraiser. To reserve a table email aegissecurity@ xtra.co.nz or Heather 021 323 535 Gay/Bi Men Support Group Do you need a trusting person to talk to? Discretion assured. For meetings & locations ph/txt Alex 027 358 5934 Greerton Indoor Bowling Club Tournament – plate please, at Band Hall, Yatton St. Names in by 7.15pm. Sally 571 8914

Independent Artists Winter Exhibition

Aug 22-24 at Baycourt Exhibition Hall, Durham St 9.30am - 4.30pm.

Mount Militia Roller Derby Recruiting skaters, referees & off-skates officials 6-7.30pm. Open to men & women aged over 15 yrs.

(Skaters under 18 need parental/guardian consent.)

Skates, helmets & pads available for hire $5. Wear comfortable sports gear & bring thick pair of socks & water. www.mountmilitia.co.nz St George’s Pre-School Music Every Fri at St George’s Church, 1 Church St, Gate Pa 9.30-10.30am & morning tea. Koha. All welcome. 578 7916

“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.

M O V I E S

Just a sigh

Across No. 1384 6. Artificial lake (NI) 5. Compliant (6) (11) 6. Colour (5) 7. Sage (4) 11. Offspring (8) 8. Mount (Wellington) 13. Close (6) (8) 14 Keep (6) 15. Desfrosted (6) 9. Cashier (6) 10. Din (6) 16. Cancel (5) 12. Inequitable (6) 18. Lazy (4) C S N I E H T T I I A S H 15. River (SI) (6) 17. Heavyweight boxer J O H N K I R W I N K C M S N U Q E A L E M A B L E (5,3) T A P U E T U L I P K I M 19. Moist (4) E T D I D U G V X T A M E 20. Antagonistic (11) B A R R I S T E R J K B M Down 1. Flower (8) 2. Platter (6) 3. Zodiac sign (6) 4. Swimmiing pool (4)

Y A C A P A F

E H A V O C E

L C L C O C T

E D M A R C H

O C I D E H E

W A M A Z E D

A R G G I A E

T E X E M P T

O F T I I S O

R U A P U K E

Solution 1383

A L I U O A T

T L E N G T H

O Y K Y K E R

(M)

A chance encounter between two middle-aged passengers begins this Parisian romance, told in real time. Alix (Emmanuelle Devos), on her way to audition for a film, meets a mysterious English stranger (Gabriel Byrne).

She follows him, loves him, for a few hours, before facing what could be a new life.

The Weekend Sun has two double passes to ‘Just A Sigh’ for lucky readers who can tell us who plays the English stranger.

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

Entries must be received before Wednesday, August 20.

35

The Weekend Sun

Wanted: home for lonely art works With 160 pieces of art to choose from at Baycourt next weekend, there is no excuse to leave a wall empty at home.

The Independent Artists 14th Annual Exhibition opens Friday, August 22, with 43 artists from across the country showing off their talents.

Organiser Roy Townhill says each year a variety of artists NZwide, though the majority are Bay of Plenty residents, are invited to exhibit.

“We try to introduce half a dozen or so new artists. The popular and well-known rub shoulders with emerging artists.”

Roy says the exhibition is not just devoted to paintings, but showcasing carvings, glassware, mosaic and other mediums.

“There are all sorts of things – something for everybody – from abstract to landscape, water colours, acrylics, oils, graphite and glass.”

Artists exhibiting include Constanza Briceno, Roy Townhill (holding Adele’s painting) and Adele Crawford Frank.

Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Prices will range from $100, and entry to the exhibition is free.

The exhibition, originally started to provide a forum for Bay artists to show their work, will run Friday, August 22, to Sunday, August 24, with doors open 9.30am-4.30pm.

By Corrie Taylor

Shoot to Greerton firearms show Those who hold love and appreciation for all types of firearm and militaria should set their sights on Greerton this weekend.

The annual Tauranga Arms and Militaria Show at Greerton Hall is set to be a cracker.

Show co-organiser Kevin Hoggins says this is the 16th show in row for a group of four firearms enthusiasts, who years ago saw a need for such an event and took a punt.

It’s been going ever since and now bulges the hall each year – offering the chance to view collectable and modern militaria, edge weapons, sporting and military arms, shooting accessories, books and medals, sales tables and displays.

“It covers everything to do with militaria and firearms,” says Kevin.

“We basically invite the exhibitors to come along and they put on a display.”

Kevin says about 1000 people flow through the doors “easily” each year.

“We get a bit worried now because the Greerton Hall gets full quickly.

“To give you some idea we fill the hall up with more than 80 full-length stall tables and exhibitors put displays on tables, on the floor, up on the stage – the whole hall is choc-a-block, top to bottom.”

Kevin says the same four people who started the show from a general interest in firearms still run it –

Tauranga Muzzle Loading Gun Club president Andy Duncanson and secretary and event organiser Kevin Hoggins with rifles and bayonets featured at the show. Photo by Tracy Hardy. and they encourage all sections of the public to come along and enjoy the show.

“We used to have a show at Tauranga’s old museum but the place was too small.

“So four of us decided we’d run it for the first year.

We thought if we made enough money it would cover the cost of hosting the next show – and it’s been run like that ever since.”

Tauranga Arms and Militaria Show is at Greerton Hall on Saturday, 9am-4pm, and Sunday, 9am-3pm.

Entry costs adults 13-plus $5 and under-12s free.

Love and life in new play A gripping new production about an ordinary couple with an outstanding love for each other opens this month at 16th Avenue Theatre.

‘Skin Tight’ is Tauranga Repertory Theatre’s latest venture, written

by New Zealand playwright Gary Henderson, who won a coveted Fringe First Award at the Edinburgh Fringe in 1998.

The play is inspired by Denis Glover’s ‘The Magpies’ and is the story of Tom and Elizabeth, their farm, war, love and growing old.

Journey with them as the plot

explores their darkest secrets, passions and heart-breaking truths.

What would you say if there wasn’t much time left to tell a story?

Director Michelle McAnulty Smith says ‘Skin Tight’ is a “one-act masterpiece of raw emotion, a breathtakingly beautiful story of love and loss and is truly not one to be missed”.

Let Elizabeth and Tom live on with you forever as once seen, their story will never be forgotten.

‘Skin Tight’ is playing at 16th Avenue Theatre from August 27-September 6.

Enjoy a complete theatre experience

Skin Tight’s loved-up couple Tom and Elizabeth. with a complimentary coffee and gateaux, or a glass of wine.

‘Skin Tight’ contains sexual references. Book online or at Ticket Direct @ Baycourt.

Archaeologist to speak in city Marine archaeology enthusiasts and people interested in World War II history are invited to hear archaeologist Dr Michael Bendon speak in Tauranga next week.

On Tuesday, Michael will speak at the New Zealand Battle of Crete Association’s luncheon at Mount Maunganui RSA and to students at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.

In his speech, Michael will discuss his recent research on two British WWII shipwrecks located offshore from a large maritime city in Western Crete – Phalasarna.

The ship wrecks are reportedly from incidents which happened when the vessels were en route from Souda Bay to

Sphakia, during the Battle of Crete in May 1941.

Association secretary Colin Henderson says Michael’s talk will appeal to members of the public who are interested in archaeology, diving and maritime studies, or WWII history.

Michael will speak at NZ Battle of Crete Association’s luncheon at Mount Mount Maunganui RSA on August 19 from 10.30am and again in room H110 at BOP Polytechnic Windemere Campus from 7.30pm. A gold coin donation is optional.

Signed copies of Michael’s latest book ‘The Forgotten Flotilla’ will also be available for purchase.

The Crown and Badger McSwiggans Irish Pub Friday 15 – Keel.

Sunday 17 – Blaze 3-6pm.

Saturday 16 – Keel.

Mount RSA Friday 15 – Lip Service 7.30pm. The Matua Sunday 17 – Take Two 3-6pm.

Saturday 16 – Dixie Street Jazz Band 7.30pm.

Welcome Bay Sports Bar Sunday 17 – Andy Bowman Friday 15 – Karaoke with 4.30pm.

Paulena from 8pm.

Fri Aug 15 to Wed Aug 20 131 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke.

PLAYING THIS WEEK

THE Z-NAIL GANG

Capitol Cinema 4

(M) Violence, Off Language & Drug Use.

Comedic eco-drama made in NZ’s Bay of Plenty and Te Puke District.

Fri 3:30, 6:05pm. Sat 11:00, 1:15, 6:00pm. Sun 11:00, 1:35, 6:20pm. Mon 3:00, 5:35. Tue 1:00, 6:10pm. Wed 6:00pm.

NEW THIS WEEK THE EXPENDABLES 3 (M) Violence & Off Lang Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li.

on MEGA! Fri 3:20, 8:35. Sat 3:40, 8:30.

Sun 3:25, 8:15pm. Mon 5:05, 7:45pm.

Tue 3:10, 8:35pm. Wed 3:15, 5:55pm.

Fri 8:35pm. Sat 3:45, 6:20.

Sun 1, 6:05. Mon 3:00. Tue 1:00, 8:35.

(M) Off Language.

(R13) Violence, Offensive Language &

Info line 573 8055 www.tepukecinema.co.nz

movies

PLAYING THIS WEEK IN 3D

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (3D)

(M) Violence. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel,

Lee Pace, Benicio Del Toro, John C. Reilly.

Marvel’s deep space superhero team get a film adaptation. Fri 8:00pm.

Sat 3:15pm. Sun 3:40, 8:20pm.

Mon 3:00, 7:35pm. Tue 8:10pm.

Wed 3:15pm.

MRS. BROWN’S BOYS D’MOVIE

CALVARY

www.ev es .c o.nz

THE HUNDRED-FOOT JOURNEY

(PG) Coarse Language. About the Content That May Disturb. DRAMA. Brendan Gleeson, rivalry between an Indian Chris O’Dowd. Fri 3:45pm. Sat 1:15, 5:00. restaurant that is 100 feet Sun 6:45pm. Mon 3:30pm. Tue 2:40, away from a three-Michelin8:10pm. Wed 6:00pm. star bistro in the south of Stars Helen Mirren.

THE FACE OF LOVE (M) DRAMA, ROM. France.

Produced by Steven Spielberg & Oprah Winfrey.

Fri 6:10pm. Sat 7:00pm. Sun 3:05pm.

Fri 3:20, 6:00pm. Sat 1:00, 5:50pm.

Mon 5:50pm. Tue 4:35pm. Wed 8:00pm.

Sun 3:05, 5:40pm. Mon 5:05, 7:40pm.

HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 Tue 1:00, 6:00pm. Wed 3:15, 5:55pm.

(2D)(PG) Fantasy Violence. Sat 11:00. Sun 11:15. IDA (M) Adult Themes. Polish, Drama. Subtitles.

TINKERBELL: THE PIRATE FAIRY (G) Fri 8:05pm. Sat 3:15. Sun 11:30, 5:00.

Adults at Kids Prices! Sat 11:00. Sun 11:00. Mon 7:45pm. Tue 1:00, 6:30. Wed 3:30.

PLAYING THIS WEEK (2D)

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY (2D) (M)

Violence. Space

adventurer, & selfproclaimed “legendary outlaw”, Peter Quill is the object of a bounty hunt.

Fri 6:00. Sat 1:00, 8:35. Sun 12:50.

Tue 3:25, 6:00pm. Wed 8:30pm.

FINAL DAYS (2D) HERCULES (2D) (M) Violence, Sexual References & Off Lang.

Saturday 8:00pm. Tue 3:00pm. Wed 8:00pm.

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2D) (M) Violence & Off Language.

Sun 8:20pm. Wed 8:30pm.

ERNEST & CELESTINE (G) In Lounge Cinema.

Adults at Kids Prices! Sat

11:30am. Sun 1:20pm.

36

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

Get cleaner windows today Chris Kale from CK’s Window Cleaning.

Photo by Zoe Hunter.

Experienced window cleaner Chris Kale wants to use his 15 years of industry knowledge to professionally clean the windows of Tauranga homes to the highest standard.

Specialising in window cleaning only, Chris aims to make the inside and outside of every window appear clean and shiny again.

Owner Chris Kale says the company has seen many people hosing windows, which he says can leave unwanted water stains on the glass, because glass is porous.

He says the company’s aim is to provide a no mess, reliable window cleaning service for Tauranga residents, without hosing the windows.

For cleaner, clearer windows, give CK’s Window Cleaning a call today for a free quote.

By Zoe Hunter

Deck Restoration

We specialise in restoring weathered decks, fences & outdoor furniture

From this...

To this...

Deck cleaning, staining & oiling - fence staining & painting - garden furniture restoration 07 552 5311 Deck&FencePro specialists or 0274 108 940 Paint, Oil & Stain Restoration

Lawn and garden maintenance in one As master franchisors of a company that has been operating and growing in the Tauranga region for more than 20 years, Alisa and Bernard Satherley believe proof of a strong business lies in its ability to stand the test of time.

That’s why they believe their business – Crewcut – remains the trusted brand it is today.

Bernard Satherley hard at work.

Though Crewcut specialise in mowing lawns, they also offer a complete range of lawn and home maintenance services.

Crewcut has 21 lawn mowing operators, plus garden bag services, home cleaning and window cleaning – making them one of the biggest operations of its kind in the Bay of Plenty.

“Our popular garden bag service collects green waste from people’s backyards, so you don’t need to remember when to put it out or lug anything heavy to the kerbside,” say Alisa and Bernard.

The company offers mowing of residential lawns, and use rideon mowers for larger lifestyle and commercial properties.

Crewcut is owned and operated in the Tauranga region, and has operators covers all areas from Maketu to Katikati.

We Specialise in: • Continuous Spouting • All Metal & PVC Spouting systems • Long-run Roofing • Fascia • Repairs & Leaks • Spouting & Roof cleaning • Moss & Mold control Your local specialists

Call/text/e-mail us for a FREE no obligation quote Ph: 07 542 1016 Mob: 021 02051038 E-mail: kiwispout@kiwispout.co.nz

Time 2 Shine

The Weekend Sun

37

trades & services

SAFEPLANK SCAFFOLDING

broken window handle?

• • • • *finance available

SAFE • CERTIFIED • COST EFFECTIVE

doors • windows locks • hinges handles conservatories

for a FREE quote

07 571 4491

Sun-Tube Save $150 now

AAA

MASTER MADE & DESIGNED

NEW ZEALAND

PAINTERS TAURANGA

38

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

for sale

entertainment

Visit us.

OPEN: Monday-FridayÊ8.00am-5.30pmÊÊÊ SaturdayÊ9.00am-5.00pm

Visit us.

OPEN: Monday-FridayÊ8.00am-5.30pmÊÊÊ SaturdayÊ9.00am-5.00pm

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.

Tel:Ê07Ê578Ê6017

Tel:Ê07Ê578Ê6017

www.farmerautovillage.co.nz www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

situations vacant

DUO-BUILD Limited

FRE QUOTEE S!

s1430kwNurturedA

Card

39

The Weekend Sun

cars wanted

tuition

designers

Buyers of Damaged, Unloved & Unwanted Vehicles

Great NZ People who are Honest Vehicle Buyers Follow us on Facebook

0800 382 828

deceased

mobility A new way of driving...

Upgrade to an Elite Scooter

funeral directors

Book a test drive Phone 0800 354 837

financial

Elite Scooters Where comfort and style matter www.elitescooters.co.nz

Choose Legacy Funerals, and all the profits go to the local community.

Mike Savage For more information, call

07 543 4780

FSP 20381

Contact us to discuss pre-arrangement and pre-payment options.

We can meet at your home or at Woodhill or Tauranga Park.

0% INTEREST FAST $500

- Approvals in 30 minutes - 3 month term Terms and conditions apply. Subject to Instant Finance lending criteria and responsible lending guidelines.

All Fast $500 loans must be approved and drawn down in branch.

0800 760 000 | www.instantfinance.co.nz

Check us out on Facebook

0% interest

Need Short Term Mobility Equipment?

fast $500

Hire & Sales Available from...

Brook Street, Tauranga Ph / Fax / AHrs 07 578 4874 www.tubularequipment.co.nz Hours: Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5.00pm

Cash loan approvals in 30 minutes minutes 865 kawikadesign.com

• Knee Scooters • Wheelchairs • Orthopaedic Chairs • Commodes • Crutches • Walkers • Shower Chairs • Toilet Frames • Overbed Tables ... and more!

applies Establishment fee of $99 applies 3 month term Terms and conditions apply. Subject to Linsa Finance lending criteria and responsible lending guidelines. All $500 loans must be approved and drawn down in our branch.

0800 34 62 63 | www.linsa.co.nz 1 7 4 D E V O N P O R T R O A D, TAU R A N G A | ( 0 7 ) 5 7 8 7 7 1 7

IF21849A

- Establishment fee of $99 applies

40

The Weekend Sun computer services

public notices

public notices

3007

Hon Hon Todd Todd McClay McClay MP MP

Hon Hon Simon Simon Bridges Bridges

MP MP FOR FOR ROTORUA ROTORUA MP FOR ROTORUA

MP MP FOR FOR TAURANGA TAURANGA MP FOR TAURANGA

Ph: Ph: 07 07 348 348 5871 5871

Ph: Ph: 07 07 579 579 9016 9016

Hon Hon Anne Anne Tolley Tolley

Hon Hon Tony Tony Ryall Ryall

MP MP FOR FOR EAST EAST COAST COAST MP FOR EAST COAST

MP MP FOR FOR BAY BAY OF OF PLENTY PLENTY MP FOR BAY OF PLENTY

Ph: Ph: 07 07 307 307 1254 1254

Ph: Ph: 07 07 578 578 0175 0175 www.national.org.nz

41

The Weekend Sun

www.sunlive.co.nz/classifieds.html

THIS WEEKS GARAGE SALES! PAPAMOA 31 AMERY PLACE This Saturday, 8am start NO earlier.

Fishing gear, rods/reels, surfcasters, flasher rigs, VHF & Ariel & mount bracket, 25Lit tote tank, oil heaters, suitcases, louve doors, clothes, collectables, new trailer $1400, white leather lounge suit $400, TV cabinet, etc.

JUST $19 with FREE signs & price stickers!

arts & crafts GLASS FUSING introduction workshop. 3 hrs Sat 13th Sept booking now. Design and make your own jewellery, coasters or pictures in fused glass. Ph Lynn 571 3726 Leadlight Expressions, Historic Village, 17th Ave.

SCRAPBOOKING & CardMaking Weekend. $20 Fri 5.30pm-Sat Midnight $35 Class (4x cards or 1x page with extras) Ph 0274 303 781 or deborah@cropnshop.co.nz

bible digest I PRESS ON TOWARD the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.

And if on some point you think differently, that too good God will make clear to you. Philippians 3:14-15

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, some conditions apply.

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

childcare EXPERIENCED home based educator available for sleepovers, week days and weekends. Any age & WINZ subsidies available. Phone Lisa 027 758 5774

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

counselling C O N F I D E N T I A L COUNSELLING:NZAC registered counsellor. All issues, all ages, reasonable rates. Also Professional supervision.

Rates negotiable for students, beneficiaries etc. Ph Dr Stuart Slater on 07 576 7662 for an obligation free chat.

lost & found

cont.

Found Papamoa area, DSH Adult Black Cat Ref# 20494, Found Bellevue Area, DSH Tabby Cat Female, Ref # 20496, Found Otumoetai area, Maltese x Adult Female dog Black/White Ref# 20497If you have lost a pet, please phone us Ph SPCA 07 578 0245

entertainment

mobility

TAURANGA TANDEM SKYDIVING. Best buzz in the Bay! Gift vouchers available.

Ph 574 8533 today

MOBILITY SCOOTERS wheelchairs, walkers & more. Visit our showroom 29 Burrows St, Tauranga. Ph 578 1213 MES ‘Supporting your independence’

finance

FINANCE FOR YOU. FREE $300 grocery voucher with ALL loans over $4000. NO DEPOSIT Car, Personal and Debt Con. $5k at $45 p/w. Call 0800 899 879 or www.nzcg.co.nz.

for sale DOUBLE BED for sale. Good condition, base and mattress.

Purchased six years ago but only used for last three. Only $100 ONO. Pick up from Mount, immediately available. Ph now 021 1515 992 TWO-SEATER COUCHES X2, great condition, really comfortable, selling as downsizing. Just $200 ONO. Ph or text Rose today 021 038 4938 or 07 560 3841

gardening AFFORDABLE GARDENER for general garden maintenance.

Lots of experience. Ph Michelle 027 273 1011 GARDENER, experienced, efficient, knowledgeable, highly qualified. Maintenance, pruning, hedges, disease/pest control, garden renovations.

Ph Tita 027 6548781 or a/h 542 0120

health & beauty 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

personal DENISE (51) TAURANGA Please phone Chris 0274 743 090

trades & services APPLIANCE REPAIRS. For service of all Fisher & Paykel, Haier and Elba appliances, Ph 0800 372 273 for your local technician.

BOAT BUILDING repairs and maintenance. Timber & fibreglass trade qualified, boat builder. Ph Shaun 021 992 491 or 07 552 0277 ELECTRICIAN Jobs big or small give Ren a call 027 919 7634.

Mt Maunganui Electrical Ltd. ELECTRICIAN, Registered, 18+ years experience. Residential, commercial. New buildings, renovations, maintenance & service. Free quotes, prompt service. Ph Andrew 022 354 1960 FUTURA PROPERTY SERVICES Building maintenance, all timber & furniture repairs, landscape makeovers. Ph Bill Purdie on 575 0407 or 027 6247 247 info@futura247.co.nz GIPSTOPPER all aspects covered, specialist in remedial work. Ph 022 038 7782 GUTTERING CLEAN and repairs moss removal.

Experienced Certified Roofer.

Free quotes. Ph Peter now 542 4291 or 0274 367 740

housesitter PROFESSIONAL HOUSE MINDER available. Do you want peace of mind that your treasured home is in trustworthy hands while you are away on holiday?

Excellent references. Available now. Ph Cathie 022 162 8301

wanted

trades & services

trades & services

HANDYMAN BUILDING and section maintenance, decks, fencing, pergolas, painting, water blasting, odd jobs.

Free quotes Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 544 5911

quote.

Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740

INSECT SCREENS Measure.

Make. Mend. Ph Rob at Magic Seal 543 4940 LAWN MOWING covering all of Tauranga. Experienced contractor, reliable service. Ph Chris 549 0446 or 027 200 8578 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 PAINTER Small job specialist, guaranteed workmanship assured, semi retired tradesman. Ph Mike today 027 473 7482 or a/h 576 5501 PAINTER / A1 DECORATOR available. All interior & exterior work. Prompt, reliable, excellent references. Ph Paul 576 4793 or 027 689 6252 PAINTER / DECORATOR 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

STUMPINATOR STUMP Grinding free quotes & prompt service. Narrow machine to access rear yards. Ph 576 4245 or 022 076 4245 TILER QUALIFIED TILER references available free quotes all types of work done from kitchen splashbacks to full tiled bathrooms.

Ph Nelson 021 609 289 TREE SHRUB and hedges trimming, topping removal, rubbish removal, satisfaction guaranteed free quote. Ph Steve Hockly 571 5958 or 027 498 1857

transport DRIVING MISS DAISY – available for all! Special needs are catered for including assistance with a walker or wheelchair. Ask for us if you have an injury and have ACC subsidized transportation needs. Safe, friendly, reliable service. Ph Jackie from Driving Miss Daisy 552 6614

transport

venues

cont.

“A” RESERVE SEATS and our special concession for Matinee performance of the Sound Of Music. 3-day Rail Cart Tour in November. Book now with John’s Trips & Tours. Ph 576 9305 TRAVEL CLUB MORNING TEA 20th August with guest speaker Maurice O’Reilly speaking on his recent travels across China @ 10 am Central Baptist Church hall, Cameron Rd . Ph Zealandier Tours 575 6425 for more information.

NO.8 TOURS receive your free Newsletter, enjoy VIP pricing for great day and overnight tours throughout NZ. Ph 579 3981 TOURS FROM $25pp for 4 hours. Get a group together between 15 to 24 people and enjoy winter with friends. Phone Mt Classic Tours for more details 07 574 1779

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

wanted WANTED FREE large rug/s or off cuts of carpet for tiled floor. can pick up. Please phone Aimee 022 353 1413

wanted to rent HOLIDAY HOME WANTED to rent Waihi Beach, on or close to beach, sleeps 8-10. Approx Dec 28th - Jan 3rd. Careful family.

Ph Claire 0274 827 200 or email Claire@thesun.co.nz

travel & tours “A A A” - KENNY ROGERS LIVE, FEBRUARY 2015 - Coach Trip, GOLD Ticket, & Dinner 2. Waiheke Island Escape 3. The Sound of Music 4. Weekend in The Wairapapa. Plus many more inspiring Tours. Door to Door. Free Newsletters. Ph Hinterland Tours on 07 575 8118

PAINTERS; Husband and Wife team specialising in Interior Painting. For a quality finish with guaranteed workmanship please phone Stewart on 544 0538 or 021 929 976 and ROOF PAINTING maintenance. Roofs rescrewed.

Waterblasting, moss removal.

Free quotes! Ph Mark 543 3670 or 021 0273 8840 ROOF REPAIRS metal or onduline gutters & down pipes clean or replacement chimney repairs.

Certified Roofer over 30yrs experience Free

livestock AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses.

Ph 0800 369 6269

Open Home

lost & found FOUND Whakamarama area, DSH Black/White cat Ref# 20485, Found Te Puke Area, 2 X DSH Dark Tortishell Female Cat Ref# 20489 & 20490, Found Judea Area. Lab X Male puppy Fawn colour, Ref# 20491, Found Greerton Area, Lop eared Rabbit Male Choc Point Ref# 20492,

Mortgagee Auction

health & beauty

health & beauty Papamoa 116 Evans Road Mortgagee Auction

Here’s an ideal home if you have dependant relatives or as a home and income. The main home has three bedrooms, good living and has a self-contained flat with kitchen and own bathroom and open plan living. A unique opportunity at popular Papamoa.

Contact Lynn Eagar or John Pope and for further information go to lynneagar.raywhite.co.nz.

Ray White Hamilton 07 839 7060 91 Victoria Street (Opposite Museum)

4B 3S 2l 2C

Mortgagee Auction 12.30 pm, Wednesday 3rd September, 2014 Ray White Auction Rooms at 12 Girven Road, Mt Maunganui View Sat 2.00-2.30pm rwhamilton.co.nz ID# HAM26218

Lynn Eagar 027 458 1780 lynn.eagar@raywhite.com office 07 839 7060 John Pope 027 496 3111 john.pope@raywhite.com office 07 928 5000

rwhamilton.co.nz Online Realty Ltd (Est 1999) LICENSED (REAA 2008)

42

www. www.

.org.nz .org.nz

The Weekend Sun

The Ebola crisis and the Gospel The Ebola crisis in West Africa has – at the time of writing this – been declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organisation.

Several countries in the affected region have declared national emergencies as a result of the spread of the Ebola disease.

One news report says the two primary reasons for the unabated spread of the deadly disease is because

of inadequate infection control and traditional burial practices of the infected dead, where the body is washed and kissed by relatives.

The latter practice puts the living at risk of infection.

There appears to be strong resistance to changing age-old burial practices, even in the face of such life-threatening danger.

In the midst of the crisis, news reports of the selfless courage of doctors and medical personnel have also emerged – people who have chosen to stay in the situation and provide medical treatment to those infected with the disease.

Their selfless courage and service is a reflection of that Gospel word called agape love: selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. They are to be applauded for their work in showing mercy to the sick.

The Ebola crisis also reminds us of God’s mercy towards us sinners.

God’s perspective of us is that we are all infected by sin – Romans 3:9 says: “All…are under sin”.

On a spiritual level, sin is our Ebola.

And everyone is infected. But God knows this – that is why, in His mercy, He sent His Son Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:8 says: “God shows his agape love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”.

Dear friend, you and I might not be faced with the danger of contracting the physical disease of Ebola here in New Zealand, but have you stopped to consider your spiritual Ebola condition?

Don’t live in denial of your spiritual condition and reject the Doctor whom God has sent. God has sent a physician of the soul, Jesus Christ, to forgive and free us from slavery to our personal sin.

Jesus is the only adequate infection control against sin. Come to Jesus and embrace Him as your Saviour and Lord. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved”.

By Richard Roodt, Bay Bible Fellowship

Heaven or hell?

If you were asked the question today: “If you died tonight would you go to heaven or hell?” What would your answer be?

Sunday Gatherings 10:00 am Mount Sports Club 51 Miro Street Blake Park The Mount

www.stlukeschurch.org.nz

It sounds a simple question, and yet it is one many people stumble on.

The answer is really very simple.

However, how many of us here in Tauranga truly know the answer?

Only The Lord God Almighty truly knows the truth of your situation.

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?

The name of your local church, or the name of your Pastor, will not get you into heaven.

There is only one Name in all the world that will get you there.

Jesus Christ, the name above all names, the name above all sickness and disease.

The name at which every knee will eventually bow, one day.

How is your relationship with Jesus?

When you pray do you believe He hears your prayers? And do you have a confident expectation He will answer those prayers?

What are you doing today with the confession of faith you may have made years ago?

Are you an active Christian telling others of your faith?

I feel compelled to ask you dear reader: How will you feel at the judgement, if millions of missed opportunities pass before you in full review, and all your excuses prove to be disguises of your cowardice and pride?

God is calling you into His house this weekend.

By Grant Hynds,

The Well Christian Healing Ministries

43

The Weekend Sun

M4 wow factor

Niamh Blackman.

Saving pennies for passion Cover story Outperforming more than 4000 others to secure one of 15 prestigious placements at a London arts institute has Tauranga’s Niamh Blackman itching to leave next month.

But the 19-year-old’s future at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama is subject to her raising almost £40,000 for the final two years of her course.

Upon learning of her placement, Niamh has secured enough funding from parents and loans for her

first year’s tuition, which begins in October.

But she’s desperately seeking the community’s help to continue her dream.

“I’m really hoping there will be some incredibly kind people who can put me through.”

Niamh earned her place during an “exhausting” audition process in April in Australia.

She didn’t believe she would be successful first time around.

“Besides being absolutely amazing, I was quite shocked. I was already thinking about my audition for 2015.”

She will study a Bachelor of

Acting, with Honours.

Niamh is no stranger to the stage, she studied drama at Tauranga Girls’ College and has performed with Tauranga Musical Theatre.

She began a degree in law and science at Auckland University this year, but knew it wasn’t for her and returned home.

“I hope to perform on the international stage, and be involved in the growing New Zealand film industry.”

To help Niamh, email niamhblackman@gmail.com or phone 07 577 1454.

By Corrie Taylor

ROMANS

Renaissance Sundays 10am 345 Maunganui Rd w. www.shoreline.org.nz e. info@shoreline.org.nz p. 022 043 2334

Sunday Services 9:30am & 6:00pm Come along!

07 576 5387 252 Otumoetai Road www.citychurchtauranga.org.nz

If you’re a car nut like me, you will understand why I was so excited last Monday to drive BMW’s newlyannounced M4 supercar.

It boasts a twin turbocharged six-cylinder engine, producing 425bhp and a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission.

I drove this amazing vehicle on the road,

on the skid pan and on Hampton Downs’ race circuit.

Wow. A big thanks to Coombes Johnston BMW at Mount Maunganui, for inviting me to be part of this most enjoyable day.

Do you need high quality photo photos to promote your business? Go to www.andybelcher.com

Sharing a simple message

promises. The Government’s books are back in black, employment and wages are up, more people are in work and off the benefit, exports are high, inflation is low, crime is down, student achievement is up and the Canterbury rebuild is well underway.

We have a record of stable and purposeful leadership, and the best way to ensure New Zealand keeps growing is by returning a Nationalled Government on September 20.

Sustainable future or environmental disaster

impact on the world is growing rapidly and is unsustainable.

Our economic growth model based on consumption is depleting many of our natural resources and is leaving pollution in its wake.

We are seeing large changes in water and air quality and weather patterns, and we’re rapidly losing biodiversity as more and more species become threatened. Societal inequality is growing and with it comes unrest, and the population in many developed countries is aging.

Reducing the road toll

improve conditions for our drivers.

Firstly, we’re getting tougher on drinking and driving. From December 1, 2014, we’re lowering the adult breath alcohol limit.

It’ll drop from 400mcg of alcohol per litre of breath to 250mcg. The blood alcohol limit will reduce from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood, to 50mg.

This reiterates our government’s strong message – that drinking and driving do not mix.

Bring on more women

tured a debate between the leaders of all the major minor parties – although there are many more than the seven presented on the programme.

Did anybody notice four of those seven leaders are Maori.

Not a bad rate, with Maori representing just 15 per cent of the population.

If one adds in the leader of the NZ Independent Coalition, five leaders out of eight are Maori, or five of out 10 if Labour and National are included.

With Parliament wrapping up I’ll now be able to spend even more time in Tauranga, working hard to share our message.

And it’s a simple one. Last election we laid out our four priorities for the term: responsibly managing the Government’s finances, building a more competitive and productive economy, delivering better public services and rebuilding Christchurch.

And we have delivered on these

A conference is a great opportunity to take a step back from day-to-day imperatives and take a longterm, strategic view of issues and challenges.

I recently attended a conference run by the Environmental Defence Society, which focussed on long-term environmental trends – both globally and from a New Zealand perspective.

The picture painted was very sobering. Accept it or not, man’s negative In our rural communities and towns we rely on being able to drive ourselves from A to B. We need to feel safe, knowing other drivers are following the roads rules in road-worthy vehicles.

In our region we have far too many tragedies on our roads.

I believe the only ‘good’ road toll is a road toll numbering zero.

That’s why I’m pleased with changes the Government’s introducing to Gender balance and equitable representation by Maori and young people are all requirements of the list process for the Greens.

The current parliament has 14 Green MPs, which includes eight women, three Maori and two people aged under 35 – reflecting that process.

The next list will deliver a similarly broad array of representation.

TV3’s ‘The Nation’ last weekend fea-

44

The Weekend Sun