The Weekend Sun - 26 March 2021 by Sun Media

26 March 2021, Issue 1052

Taking flight Bringing together remembrance and hope for the future, 34 volunteer pilots will fly a knitted poppy and star into Tauranga on Saturday as part of a nationwide tour. With a flight itinerary of 30 locations across New

Zealand, the Poppy Flight will land to a fabulous welcoming party at Classic Flyers. At each stop on their journey, hand-knitted poppies and stars from local knitters will be added to giant masterpieces, with local communities and schools joining

in the fun before they are flown on to the next location. Dubbed The Poppy Flight Project, the mission is to raise funds for the RSA, NZ Warbirds Association and The Starship Foundation. Continues on page 3. Photo: John Borren.

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper. 70,500 copies to the homes of 182,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

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Friday 26 March 2021

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The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 69,062 homes of more than 182,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount NEWSPAPER Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke. Produced by Sun Media Audited Circulation Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 31/09/2019 1 The Strand, Tauranga. ABC Audited Circulation 31/09/2019.

The Weekend Sun

Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Jay Burston Editor: Dan Sheridan Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Alisha Evans, MacKenzie Dyer, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Ursula Keay, Mathew Nash. Photography: John Borren. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Bianca Lawton, Jo Delicata, Karlene Sherris, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Sharon Eyres, Ian Evans, Sophie Main, Nadia Glover. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Caitlin Burns. IT: Lauren James Office: Angela Speer, Debbie Kirk.

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The three little property investors Mrs Pig was very tired and did not want to look after her three little pigs anymore.

expected was that they would be blamed for this, and it was a big shock when the big bad wolf came calling. The wolf knocked on the first little pig’s door. So, she freed up some equity in her Te “Little pig, little pig, stop buying all the Puna lifestyle block to provide a house houses or I’ll huff and puff and make lots The Weekenddeposit Sun for each Combined Circulation BOP Times of them and told them of disparaging remarks about you.” 69,062 circulation of NZME 10,162 circulation to leave.

THE PERFECT O FFI C E AT

They all did very well in the property Larger deposits market because it didn’t even matter if “No,” said the little pig. “Not by the hair your house wasCombined made of BOP cheese, it doubled Times, Katikati Advertiser of my chinny, chin, chin. We are a freein value before it went mouldy. and Te Puke Times circulation ismarket economy and you can’t do that.” p: 07 578 0030 Eventually, they all had enough equity to in total. less than HALF with only 32,138 e: ads@thesun.co.nz So the big bad wolf introduced become property investors. legislation forcing the little pig to make his The first little pig put as little money as rental properties warm and comfortable possible into his property portfolio and HOME at great cost. It huffed and puffed at the borrowed the rest. banks and forced them to demand larger His portfolio quickly grew until he deposits from the little pig. had lots of houses which he rented out to Eventually it blew down the little pig’s other animals. The second little pig did not have the same appetite for risk but had a similar investment approach, albeit with higher equity in each house. His property portfolio did not grow as quickly but he wouldn’t lose everything if house prices went down.

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The third little pig went down a different road because he didn’t trust the banks. The other little pigs laughed as he laboured away renovating and flipping houses until he owned several rental properties which were unencumbered by loans. He would have had many more except the Resource Management Act made it impossible to do anything quickly or cheaply. This inability to build houses easily was the main reason the little pigs were getting so wealthy. You see, the big bad wolf had been taking taxes off all the animals for many years but had not been putting any of that money into making sure there were enough places to build houses. The population was growing, so lots of different animals now had nowhere to live. Supply and demand forces resulted in price increases. What none of the little property investors

low-equity property investment model. The first little pig consolidated his equity into fewer homes and joined the second pig in a family trust and they continued on their merry way. House prices kept rising. By now, the big bad wolf was very hungry for a solution and very mad. It tried building its own houses but it wasn’t very good at it. It decided to get rid of the Resource Management Act and

replace it with something else. But that would take years and would probably just make it worse. So it paid the second little pig a visit. “Little pig, little pig, stop going to auctions and inflating property prices, or I’ll blow your houses down.” The little pig replied: “No, not by the hair of my chinny, chin, chin. I’m a longterm property investor with a sensible amount of equity and no re-named capital gains tax will hurt me.”

Baby boomers

But the second little pig and his brother watched in horror as the big bad wolf took away their ability to claim interest as a business expense. “You can’t do that,” screamed the pigs as they ran to their accountant. They tried putting rents up to stop the portfolio from losing money, but the bleating from the tenants was unbearable. Everyone was miserable, except the third little pig. He was smoking cigars with his brothers when the big bad wolf came calling. “Little pig, little pig, sell your houses to first home buyers cheaply or I’ll blow them all down.” “Good luck with that buddy,” said the third little pig. “I’ll hang onto my houses until they meet the bright-line test.” The wolf huffed and puffed, but no matter how much wind it produced it could not bring down property prices. It scrambled on the roof and started climbing down the chimney. The three brothers quickly boiled up an election pot full of baby boomers - each one had been sliced and diced by the wolf’s investor rules. Too late, the wolf realised what was about to happen and it plunged into a scathing pot full of boomers, still seething from the loss of their passive income. The end. daniel@thesun.co.nz

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. In the original Three Little Pigs story, the pigs ordered their houses from their mother before she passed away, proving that even the Three Little Pigs couldn’t get on the property ladder without the help of their parents.

The Weekend Sun

Poppies take to the skies Continued

Sylvia McGrath, Heather Pearce, Elaine Paterson, Cecily Williams and Lorraine Hart from Bayswater have knitted poppies and stars to be added to the artworks. Photo: John Borren.

Pilot Warren Butler will fly the Whitianga to Tauranga leg of the journey, arriving at 11am on March 27 at Tauranga Airport, before taxiing around to the museum. Classic Flyers CEO Andrew Gormlie and fellow pilot Roger Van der Zanden will then fly the artworks on to Gisborne on Sunday in a Harvard. The packed day of events runs from 11am-1.30pm and includes a dance showcase by KJ Studios, fire engine rides, lots of kids’ learning activities and plenty of fun, with entry by gold coin donation. There will be five performances from the KJ Studios dancers, and Ultimate Sounds DJ Bob will also entertain the crowds. “Our senior jazz troupe, Vixen, will be performing,” says Kelsey Andrew from KJ Studios. “It is their last year of dancing. We’ve also got Kit, which is our four-to-six year olds, then our hip hop group Artic. Next will be Swift, our junior jazz crew, then John Tetley-Jones and Tazmyn Newman will perform something selfchoreographed specifically for this event.” The day will also feature a group of five knitters from Bayswater Village, who have been knitting poppies and stars for the artworks. “We’ve been patiently waiting to do this since last

year,” says Elaine Paterson from Bayswater Village. The knitters have produced around 100 red, black and white poppies, as well as pink stars, and will add them to the artworks, with poppies supporting the RSA and stars supporting Starship. It is the brainchild of travel broker Melanie Salisbury. The giant poppy and star will be flown around New Zealand for four weeks in the lead up to ANZAC Day 2021. “Our project got shut down last year,” says Melanie. “The knitters have been knitting poppies for a long time now. It was originally planned for the lead up to ANZAC Day 2020, but was cancelled the week before departure due to lockdown. So the project was moved forward to ANZAC Day 2021. “It’s about bringing together remembrance and hope for the future. It will encourage our children to remember those who fought for our freedom, many of whom paid the ultimate price.” The public, including schools and local RSAs, are invited to attend the event. The finished poppy and star will be presented to the charities, along with donations, on ANZAC Day 2021. For more information, visit: www.poppyflight.co.nz Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun NZ’s fifth-best barista Matt Ross. Photo: John Borren.

Have you ever been told that your heart doesn’t pump as well as it used to, or perhaps you have to take water pills to help with your breathing or for swelling in your legs?

Fifth is brew-tiful

P3 Research are looking for volunteers to take part in the FineArts Heart Failure study - a new study testing a potential new treatment to help your heart pump better.

If Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie can conquer America as ‘New Zealand’s 4th Most Popular Parody Duo’, then there’s a formidable future ahead for New Zealand’s fifth-top barista, Matt Ross.

You may qualify to take part in this study if you: • Are aged 40 years or older • Are taking ‘water tablets’ • Have had a scan of your heart within the last 12 months • Have well controlled blood pressure (either with or without medication) • You will be reimbursed for reasonable travel expenses

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The Flight of the Conchords duo refer to themselves as “the almost award-winning fourthmost-popular folk duo in New Zealand”. It’s clearly ‘Kiwi as’ to be fourth. But why be fourth when you can be fifth? Matt, owner of Mt Zion Coffee at Our Place, not only won fifth place in last weekend’s Meadow Fresh NZ Barista Championship, but he came fifth in the 2019 NZ Latte Art championship. It’s reassuring to have a local barista who is so consistent with his work. He’s also starting his fifth week at Mt Zion, after previously working at Folk. “I’ve been a barista for five years,” says Matt. “Over the last few years I’ve wanted to branch out and do my own thing.” He’s entered the NZ Barista competition for the past two years.

“There wasn’t one last year because of Covid. It got postponed twice and then cancelled. “I entered for the first time a couple of years ago. “I really loved the competition scene and meeting all the amazing people from around the country.” Asked about the coincidence of coming fifth in both the NZ Latte Art and NZ Barista championships, Matt says he seems to like the number five. He grew up in Auckland, which is where he developed his love of coffee. “It was really random,” he explains. “An awesome Christian couple from a coffee shop in Auckland gave me an opportunity. “I dove in, loved it and stayed there.” Matt and wife Hannah came to Tauranga when Hannah started studying at BTI. His newly-opened shop, Mt Zion Coffee, derives its name from the Bible. “Mt Zion was a place of community, a place of gathering,” says Matt. “That’s what we want our coffee shop to be about. People can come and feel like they can be themselves, and have a place to hang out.” Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

50 years of racing Racing Tauranga general manager Louise Dean with the Japan Trophy. Photo: John Borren.

The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr Koichi Ito, will present the Japan Trophy on the race’s 50th anniversary at Tauranga Racecourse on Saturday. His Excellency has been invited by Racing Tauranga for the March 27 meeting, alongside Mr Yohei Fujitani, chief of the economic section at the Embassy of Japan in New Zealand. “Before Covid, representatives from the Japan Racing Association would travel to Tauranga with the large silver trophy to present to the race winner,” says Racing Tauranga general manager Louise Dean. “In exchange, Racing Tauranga would present the JRA with a trophy for the winner of their race at Nakayama.”

Originally called the Japan/Bay of Plenty International, some of the very best have triumphed since Spectre, ridden by Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Ron Taylor, won the inaugural race in 1971. The Group 2 Ultimate Mazda Japan Trophy - the longest-running and highest-profile race at the Tauranga Racecourse - is run over 1600 metres, for a stake of $100,000. On Saturday, the Tauranga Intermediate Te Whanau o Te Maro Hauhake group will perform a powhiri, and Millie Beech, a 13-year-old student from Otumoetai College, will sing both the Japanese and New Zealand national anthems. “We are very honoured to have a strong and enduring relationship like this,” says Louise. The first race is at 12:23pm on Saturday, with the Japan Trophy Race at 3:20pm. Admission is free.

Essential infrastructure? At a time when residents and businesses are being told to pay unprecedented rates rises for ‘essential’ infrastructure, I can reveal the greatest beneficiary of your 2021 rates increase–not roads, but council staff salaries, which are increasing from $66 million to $81 million in a single year. Last week, this record growth was put in the budget without question or debate from the Commission, so it wasn’t in the news.

They’re proposing to take an additional 20 per cent in property rates and 30 per cent in water rates - increases sold as being needed to ‘catch up’ on ‘essential’ infrastructure, but a significant proportion of the rates hike is consumed by a 22.7 per cent increase in the staff salary budget. There have, so far, been no attempts to create a more efficient and effective council organisation as residents, rightly or wrongly, expected. Instead,

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as Oscar Wilde once said: “The bureaucracy is expanding to meet the needs of the expanding bureaucracy.” There have been numerous press releases on ‘essential’ infrastructure, but the numbers paint a different story. Council should only sign new employment contracts for 18 months. When democracy is restored, residents will insist on a more efficient and effective public service.

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The Weekend Sun

Social media grows crop swap One morning last week, Jo Shannon emailed Jessie Grimmer, who lives a street away. She copied in a couple of others. “I am think of doing a plant swap at the park on Saturday, March 27,” Jo wrote in her email. “Would you be keen to join the streets? “Thought we’d to it early 9am – 10.30am, might try to get a coffee truck if people want to buy a coffee too.” Jo also happens to be the Carysfort Street Neighbourhood Support facilitator. The replies came back quickly. “Let’s do this!” and “Cool idea for Neighbours Day!” were just a couple. A letter box drop was planned and a message posted to Neighbourhood Support Omanu Area coordinator Linda Thompson’s Facebook page, and shared to the Bayfair community page. Then Instagram. And the Neighbourhood Support Facebook pages for Omanu, Papamoa, Bayfair and Western BOP. Social media at its best was in full flight. The park Jo was referring to is Horoipia Reserve, which had Whether it’s a growing family you need to accommodate a new CCTV camera installed following intimidating and or a desire to add value to your current property, disruptive behaviour which Versatile Tauranga has the solution for you. made it unsafe for neighbouring Visit our display centre: Monday to Friday, 8am-4.30pm families to use the park. 30-32 Fifteenth Avenue, or by appointment. Leander Street Tauranga, 07 578 8898 Neighbourhood Support tauranga@versatile.co.nz coordinator Jessie Grimmer has about 50 families in their 0800 VERSATILE street’s neighbourhood support versatile.co.nz group. She and Jo brought their

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two groups together to have a party in the park to celebrate the cameras. The message for Saturday from the two coordinators is clear: “Bring a plant to share with a neighbour, and take something new home”. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. “We immediately saw the plant swap initiative as a perfect match for our community, which includes backyard beehives, nano orchards and flower enthusiasts,” says Jo.

“I believe it is important for kids to learn and care about plants, bees and food origins.” Jo says that, as a community, they are lucky to have Horoipia Reserve where they can run these types of events. “The reserve is a bustling hive of activity all hours of the day, with families, older children and dog walkers.” says Jo. The Happy Neighbours Day Plant Swap is at Horoipia Reserve from 9–10.30am on Saturday, March 27.

The Weekend Sun

Photo: Darren Stanley Photography.

Four years of hard work for the Waikato Offroad Racing Club came to fruition last weekend, with the first ever national racing event held at their TECT Park track. The club hosted the first North Island round of the national off-road racing series. Club president Colin Meredith has been working on the track for the last four years and says it’s hard not to get emotional seeing the track used for national racing for the first time. “It’s the first time we’ve put our track on display to all the major racers in the North Island,” he says. “It’s very gratifying.” Race day ran smoothly, with all races running on time and there were no dust issues, which meant the track didn’t have to be watered throughout the day. “It’s probably the first time that any of us have been to off-road racing where dust hasn’t become an issue during the day,” says Colin. “We had a fantastic day and all the competitors were very, very positive. We’re pumped about how

Friday 26 March 2021

Off-road racing a roaring success well it went here.” Some 47 cars entered 14 different classes, and they all put on a great show for the 400strong crowd. The first round saw some fierce competition, with locals Dion Edgecombe and Dyson Delahunty taking out first and second in the S class. The national series is shaping up to be a tough battle leading up to the finals in October. Club member Dion is hoping the number of spectators will continue to increase as word spreads about their TECT venue and events. “A lot of people here had never been to off-road racing before and they said: ‘when’s the next one? “‘We’re coming back’,” says Dion. Part of the management team at Daltons, Dion and the crew spent the three weeks leading up to the race refining the track. He raced on Saturday and says the track held up really well and provides good viewing for spectators in a beautiful setting. “I could be a little bit biased, but I would call it the best off-road racing track in the country at the current time.” Alisha Evans

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Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Where is the bubble, Government? For separated families and a tourism industry that is on its knees, the government’s inaction and uncertainty on opening the trans-Tasman bubble is now unacceptable. The social and economic benefits of the bubble are clear, with key stakeholders including epidemiologists giving it the green light. The social: I’ve been receiving many emails from residents who’ve been separated from their families, some for over a year. Whether it’s critical migrant workers, such as the nurses who arrived in Tauranga prior to Covid whose families have been refused entry to New Zealand, or constituents in all manner of places abroad who can’t get home due to MIQ being overrun, residents are desperate to reunite with their families.

The economic: Tourism NZ has estimated that, alongside domestic tourism, the bubble would see overall tourism revenue return to 70 per cent of pre-Covid revenue. With Australians being our largest international visitor group, I urge the government to set a date for the bubble to give our desperate tourism businesses certainty and, in the meantime, provide them with the targeted support they need. Locally, we’re seeing souvenir shops at the Mount close their doors and businesses reliant on international visitors frantically looking for different markets - not to mention the fallout from a year without cruise ships in our port. The bubble would also free up 40 per cent of MIQ capacity, which is currently being taken up by Kiwis returning from Australia. To add your weight to this, I encourage you to sign National’s petition at: www.national.org.nz/ open-the-trans-tasman-bubble-now

We’re building back better A year ago, New Zealand went into lockdown. We stayed home and saved lives, and now our economy has bounced back faster than expected. A lot has changed in the past 12 months, but government’s top priorities have not. We remain committed to keeping New Zealanders safe from Covid, minimising the ongoing economic impact of the virus, and building back better. Last year we knew it would be important to invest in training and education for people who

might have lost their jobs, or who wanted to move into a sector with brighter prospects. That’s why we established the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund, which covers costs for learners in targeted vocational programmes and all apprenticeships. The latest data shows that some 106,600 people have taken advantage of free trades training, including more than 58,000 apprentices. Supporting New Zealanders into education and training serves

a double duty, not only helping to minimise the economic impact of Covid, but ensuring we’ll have the workforce to build back better – whether in housing, health, education or transport. We’ve seen what we can achieve as a team of five million. As I look to the future and think about the potential we have to launch on a new trajectory when our borders re-open, I’m more optimistic than ever.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

Tauranga City director of football Barry Gardiner and head of youth talent development Maia Ririnui.

Hon Jan Tinetti Labour List MP

For appointments and assistance please phone: 07 571 2492 jan.tinetti@parliament.govt.nz @jantinetti

Photo: John Borren. Authorised by Hon Jan Tinetti MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

The big kick off The football season gets underway this weekend in the Bay of Plenty, with Tauranga City in NRFL Division 1 action. The Links Avenue-based side have been working hard in pre-season ahead of their opening game against Waiheke United in Auckland. Getting out of the blocks strong and early will be key to any potential promotion campaign. “We have to aim for promotion and hopefully we have got enough quality,” says Tauranga City director of football, Barry Gardiner. “We have the potential, but we need to get off to a good start and pick up points in early games. “If you look at previous seasons, league winners have only lost two or three games, so you can’t go too far behind too early.” While the core group remains in the team, Barry is happy to be able to add some fresh faces as well. “We’ve got a couple of changes and some younger players pushing into the first team,” he says. “There’s about four or five that are 17 or 18. “We’ve also acquired a couple of signings, some more experienced players. We have a bit of consistency in who we have got, but we’ve also added a little more with senior players coming in and youngsters pushing on.” As well as the first-team, Tauranga City’s under23 side will play in the NRFL Division 2, whilst the third string will be in the WaiBop Senior Federation Premiership alongside local rivals Papamoa and Otumoetai. Papamoa are reigning champions, and head coach Anthony Meiklejohn is hoping they can retain the title and win promotion to the National League system, even though there have been changes at the club. “We’ve lost a few but gained a few as well - some bigger, experienced players. It is a bit of a refresher to the squad with a lot of quality,” he says. “We’ll try and get promotion. It was

disappointing last year with Covid - we were meant to go up but there was no play-off. “We’ve won it two years in a row without going up, so the boys are chomping at the bit.” Like Tauranga, Papamoa are also putting a bigger emphasis on growing local talent this season. “One thing we are working on massively this year is youth,” admits Anthony. “We have a couple of under-19s that are in our squad this year and we are focusing on building for the future as well. It has been awesome to see all the hard work the club is doing in the background.” Over at Otumoetai, youth development is also a major goal. “We still have most of our core from last season,” says club president Paul Thomas, “but it is a younger team. There are a few new faces and a couple of the older ones have moved on. “A lot of them have come through the club and through the college and championship team.” In order to prepare for their title defence, Papamoa have worked to a pre-season regimen previously tailored for Australian A-League side Central Coast Mariners, in partnership with ReDefined Gym. “Our plans and goals are to go unbeaten again,” says Anthony. “I think it is 38 games so far and we have a target for 50, so fingers crossed.” Barry is tipping Papamoa to be strong again, although Waikato-based Ngaruawahia United have been causing a stir. Meanwhile, Otumoetai should not be ruled out. As Paul points out, they have enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season campaign. “Papamoa are the defending champs and have won it two years in a row, so will always be strong,” he says. “But pre-season has gone really well. We have played some good teams and tried different formations, so that has worked out well.” Papamoa, Tauranga City and Otumoetai’s WaiBop Premier sides are all away on the opening weekend, facing Otorohanga, West Hamilton Mathew Nash United and Taupo respectively.

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Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Strength in numbers

How we’re rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine We have secured enough doses of the Pfizer vaccine for everyone 16 years and over in Aotearoa. Any vaccine’s strength is in numbers. The more of us who get vaccinated, the stronger and safer we’ll all be. It will give us more freedom in our daily lives, and more options for our whānau, our businesses and our country. Because when we roll up our own sleeves, we’re helping to protect all of us. Here are the key facts about the Pfizer vaccine: It’s safe

It’s effective

It’s free

It has been approved by our own Medsafe experts. It’s also already been used successfully all around the world by millions of people, and by thousands here in New Zealand too.

The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective when you receive both doses.

The vaccine will be free for everyone in the country. We have secured over 10 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine. That’s enough for all of New Zealand.

New Zealand’s vaccination rollout plan The rollout plan for the Pfizer vaccine is simple. Everyone in the country aged 16 and over falls into one of four groups. Firstly, we’ll protect those most at risk of picking up the virus in their workplaces – and then those most at risk of getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. NOW

FROM MARCH

FROM MAY

FROM JULY

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Group 4

Border and MIQ workers

Frontline workers and people in high-risk areas

65+ and people with underlying health conditions or disabilities

Everyone else aged 16 and over

More strength. More freedom. More options. We’ll let you know when it’s your turn for the vaccine. Until then, please keep using the NZ COVID Tracer app, and stay home if you’re sick.

Covid19.govt.nz/vaccine

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

Add more bus routes

Well done, Brenda Williams, to ask why there is no bus service to Baypark (The Weekend Sun, March 19, page 25). I will extend that question to ask why there is no bus service to Tauranga Airport? It would surely be a simple matter to run a bus service at suitable times, in both directions, through the airport and air passengers could then easily move on to Mount Maunganui or Tauranga City, where new arrivals could avail themselves of further transport to, say, Greerton, Omokoroa or Papamoa. As it stands now, an arriving

passenger at the airport needs to have a private car available, a pick-up from friends/ relatives, or an expensive taxi fare. Most major cities, nationally and internationally, have an available bus service from their airport into their CBD – why is Tauranga Airport lagging so far behind? Who would be the decision makers here? The bus service company, or regional or central Council? Get real, whomever has the power, and expand your thinking to provide a better bus service, to include both Baypark and Tauranga Airport. Jocelyn MacIntyre, Pahoia.

Routes should be reviewed I was amazed to read fantasy figures provided by the council. 200,000 passengers get on the bus on Cameron Road each year; that is 548 passengers per day, seven days a week, for the year. Even more outrageous was the figure of one million bus passengers who ride down Cameron Road each year. That is equal to 2739 passengers per day, seven days a week, for the year. My observation of bus patronage out our way is abysmal; buses driving around with no one on board right through to 9:30pm at night. Some are

double parked with the sign on ‘out of service’ because they have got around their circuit quickly through lack of passenger pickups. Having shaded windows ensures ratepayers cannot see how poorly supported the buses are. We need a bus service having said all that, but maybe poorly supported routes should be reviewed. Peter Forward, Pyes Pa.

Voicing your opinion In response to Lana’s letter (The Weekend Sun, March 19, page 25), thank you for such a clear headed letter. In our beautiful country, where so many rights we took for granted, such as free speech, democracy (Local Council Bill) and harmony, have been/will be taken from us, you have put into public view what many New Zealanders think, but perhaps are afraid to voice their opinions fearing that often misused word ‘racist’ being flung at them. If New Zealanders do not stand up to this insidious and divisive drive to favour one race over others, which is morally indefensible, we will be responsible for the overturning of our freedom as we know it. As Lana so aptly put it: “We are one people.” Many races with intermingled blood-lines, many cultures, but New Zealanders all. Let’s keep it that way. Helen Weston, Katikati.

Simon Bridges Q&A Your chance to chat to your Tauranga MP Come talk Tauranga housing and other issues that matter to you Tuesday 30 March, 6.30pm - 7.30pm Tauranga Citizens Club, 170 13th Avenue, Tauranga For more information, contact maree.brookes@parliament.govt.nz or phone 07 577 0923

Authorised by Simon Bridges, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

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Friday 26 March 2021

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It can be drawn up for personal care and welfare, authorising your attorney (often a family member or trusted friend) to make decisions relating to your health and welfare, such as choosing a rest home or medical treatment, and can only come into effect if you lose your mental capacity due to illness, accident or agerelated disease. If you do not have one set up and you are not able to manage anymore, your family would need to apply to the Family Court to have someone appointed as a welfare guardian. This can be expensive and time-consuming, and the court may

not appoint the person you would have chosen. An Enduring Power of Attorney can also be set up specifically for property matters, providing your attorney with the power to make decisions relating to your money and property. It can be used immediately, or only if you lose mental capacity. It could be used, for example, if you are out of the country for a long time and you need someone to keep an eye on your financial affairs. An Enduring Power of Attorney does not assume that mental capacity is permanently lost if capacity is regained, the attorney’s authority can be revoked or suspended. If you would like to set up an Enduring Power of Attorney, contact the team at Lyon O’Neale Arnold Lawyers on: 07 928 4422.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

In the right direction The last two weeks has seen a flurry of decisions from the newly-appointed commission at Tauranga City Council. They have taken action on a number of projects, most notably the Memorial Park pool upgrade, a waste treatment upgrade, a new library, the civic administration building and the defunct carpark on Harrington Street. From an economic perspective it is great to see council getting on with matters. Regardless of whether the decisions are ones that you may agree with, the positive thing is that the city is actually making decisions. Now that we have clarity on some key matters, I would expect development in the CBD to take off. The effect of the civic administration building decision on future development is worth thinking about. For those unaware, the current building on Willow Street is a leaker, with an entire floor uninhabitable for several years. A decision to demolish the current site and build a new one has been on the table for a few years, with the site and developer/investor up in the air. The effect of this disruption on council staff has been pronounced – they are split across three sites in an elongated state of makeshift arrangements, which is not an ideal position for any organisation trying to improve confidence and performance. The prolonged delay causes flow-on effects across the entire CBD. There are several sites with willing developers ready to build a new office for the council. Council are a solid and reliable tenant, so most developers, not unreasonably, will wait to see if they can get the council’s business before exploring other options.

The Harrington Street carpark.

Indecision not only holds up this one development, it delays many others as everyone in the market then waits. Now that there is a plan locked in, these other parties will simply get on with other developments instead. We now have good market signals about the Tauranga CBD, which will aide further developments. It has been hard to encourage new businesses and developers into the CBD and talk up a rejuvenation when the party with the most interest in it – the council – has been unable to invest itself. These decisions send a very clear signal that Tauranga’s CBD is worth investing in. When you couple this positivity with the momentum we already have in buildings like Elizabeth Towers, The University of Waikato and an increasing amount of residential developments such as Latitude, the outlook is much stronger over the

next five years. More offices and residential accommodation in the city centre will result in a resurgence in retail. The benefits of a stronger CBD are huge; it is cheaper for the city to build up rather than out, and it will improve employment and transport options. Now we have action in their city centre, the commissioners should be applauded for recognising the need for decisions and dealing to them in short order. That will only help our city.

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Public holidays and your rights What are you entitled to if you work on a public holiday? It very much depends on whether the public holiday falls on a day you would otherwise work on, and whether your employment agreement requires you to work on a public holiday. If you were employed specifically to work on public holidays, then you are entitled to be paid at least time-and-a-half for the hours you work (but you aren’t entitled to an alternative paid day off unless this is something that you and your employer have agreed to). If you were not employed to just work on public holidays and your employer requires you to work on one that falls on a day you would not otherwise work, you’re entitled to time-and-a-half for those

hours but are not entitled to an alternative holiday (unless this is something that you and your employer have agreed to). If you were not employed just to work on public holidays, and your employer requires you to work on one that falls on a day you would otherwise work on, your employer must pay you at least time-and-a-half for each hour of work plus give you an alternative paid day off at a later date. The alternative holiday (also called a ‘day off in lieu’) must be a whole day, even if you only worked on part of the public holiday. If you and your employer can’t agree what date you want to observe the public holiday, your employer is able to decide for you (providing it is a reasonable date) and give you at least 14 days’ notice of the date.

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Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Zipping around in Rotorua this Easter If you’re planning a bit of an Easter escape, Skyline Rotorua is the place to go. Not only will the award-winning Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar be open for Skyline’s existing lunch

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and dinner seatings, but breakfast is back, serving a sumptuous array of delicious New Zealand Easterthemed cuisine. Thanks to the extensive lunch and dinner menus, there’s something to delight everyone’s palette.

Luging in a whole new light.

The world-famous luge and mountain biking tracks will also be open, with extended hours throughout the holiday weekend. Skyline Rotorua is home to New Zealand’s first all-season, gondola-assisted bike lift park, which gives access to world-class downhill mountain biking. Skyline MTB Park gives riders easy access to a 12-kilometre trail network, featuring varying terrain for all ability levels. For those who like to luge under lights, the Night Luge is running from 6-10pm. Escape to a magical

wonderland with some of Skyline Rotorua’s tracks lit and ready for night luging. Riders can choose to take the Scenic Track, with amazing multi-coloured lights, or enjoy the twinkling white lights of the Intermediate Track. Whether it’s relaxing with a glass of Volcanic Hills wine and enjoying the view, or a thirst for the adrenaline on the Skyswing or Zipline, there is something for everyone at Skyline Rotorua this Easter. To plan your own exciting itinerary, visit: www.skyline.co.nz

Easter Bunny hopping through Te Puke The Easter Bunny will be hopping around Te Puke from 3-5.30pm this Wednesday, March 31, for the New World Te Puke Easter Egg Trail. “The Easter Bunny was unable to visit our trail last year due to Covid,” says Epic Te Puke Marketing Manager Rebecca Larsen, “and we are excited that we can go ahead with the event this year.” Moret than 30 local businesses and groups are making the fun trail possible, alongside major sponsor New World Te Puke. The Easter Egg Trail starts at the library, and includes Jellicoe Street, Jocelyn Street, Oxford Street, Palmer Place and Heritage Walkway through to the supermarket. Anyone doing the trail can count up how many eggs they see and tell the Easter Bunny at the end. “Children need to have a parent with them and be safe while crossing roads, as the roads won’t be

Logan and Torsen Anger feeding a rabbit from Ponies Plus.

closed,” says Rebecca. “We also will have bunnies coming in from Bunnyton, and pony and donkey rides from Ponies Plus. Children and their parents can follow the Easter Egg Trail to meet the Easter Bunny.”

The Weekend Sun

A symphony of jazz George Gershwin’s best known composition, Rhapsody in Blue, will be the centrepiece of Bay of Plenty Symphonia’s Easter concert, as Tauranga’s community orchestra take part in the National Jazz Festival for the very first time. The famous jazz-inspired orchestral piece features ex Tauranga Girls’ College student and pianist Soomin Kim, who was the worthy winner of the Symphonia’s Rising Stars competition in 2015. Soomin went on to complete her performance degree at Auckland University, where she won many scholarships and prizes and performed with musicians from the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Her interpretation of Rhapsody in Blue is eagerly awaited by the Symphonia players. “Our community orchestra has accompanied Soomin several times over the years, and we are always amazed by

her talent,” says oboist Maggie Gething. “She’s sure to bring something very special to this well-known piece.” Gershwin’s Three Preludes is also on the programme. These jazzy short pieces were originally written for piano, but subsequently arranged for a number of different instruments. “The Preludes will probably be familiar to the audience, although they may not have heard the themes in an orchestral arrangement,” adds Maggie. “Our music director, Justus Rozemond, has arranged them for orchestra and they are a lot of fun to play and listen to.” The concert opens with the overture to Treemonisha, an unusual and rarely-performed opera by American ragtime composer Scott Joplin, and closes with a major orchestral work by Duke Ellington. Originally conceived as ballet music, Ellington’s suite The River alternates symphonic classical passages with jazz and swing - a unique kaleidoscopic sound picture of a river’s

Pianist Soomin Kim, who will play with the Bay of Plenty Symphonia on Easter Sunday.

turbulent journey from burbling spring towards final peace at the sea. “We don’t know of any previous performances of The River in New Zealand,” says Maggie. “It is exciting for our players to tackle, as there are a lot of contrasts and it has many challenging aspects. We hope the audience will love it!” Symphony of Jazz, conducted by Justus Rozemond, will be performed at Baycourt, at 2pm on Sunday April 4. Tickets are $10 (child), $30 (senior and student) and $35 (adult) plus service fees. They can be purchased at the box office or via Ticketek.

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Friday 26 March 2021

Apprenticeship Boost extension a welcome bonus for tradies The government’s extension of the Apprenticeship Boost initiative until August 2022 will support trades and trades training and keep Kiwis employed, BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope says. Through Apprenticeship Boost, employers can access a subsidy of $1000 per month for first year apprentices and $500 per month for second year apprentices. "Businesses have responded positively to Apprenticeship Boost with record signups of apprentices in critical industries like construction. "The extension keeps more people employed and learning

important vocational skills that will help provide the necessary skilled workforce for New Zealand’s economic recovery from the pandemic. "Given an apprenticeship can take four years to complete, there is a long pipeline for skills. “This initiative needs to be in place permanently to make sure businesses have confidence to continue building the skills pipeline and help address the skill shortages New Zealand faced before Covid. "This is a great example of Government and business working together to address our workforce challenges," says Kirk.

Govt housing package backs first home buyers

The government has announced a housing package that will increase the supply of houses, remove incentives for speculators and hopefully deliver a more sustainable housing market. “This is a package of both urgent and long-term measures that will increase housing supply, relieve pressure on the market and make it easier for firsthome buyers,” says Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. “The housing crisis is a problem decades in the making that will take time to turn around, but these measures will make a difference. “There is no silver bullet, but combined all of these measures will start to make a difference.” Housing Minister Megan Woods says government is speeding up the pace and scale of house building, via a $3.8 billion Housing Acceleration Fund. “We estimate the Housing Acceleration Fund will help green light tens of thousands of house builds in the short-to-medium term,” says Woods. “Investment in infrastructure has been identified as one of the key actions the government can take to increase the supply of housing in the short term. “This fund will jump-start housing developments by funding the necessary services, like roads and pipes to homes, which are currently holding up development. “The government will also assist Kainga Ora to

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borrow an additional $2 billion that will assist in bringing a range of development forward through strategic land purchases.” First home buyers will also get more help to enter the housing market, with increases to First Home Products’ income caps and changes to regional price caps. In 2019, government changed the rules so people only needed a five per cent home deposit before they can apply for help. That is being expanded to ensure more people are included. This expansion comes alongside the recent RBNZ loan-to-value ratio changes that will see investors require a 40 per cent deposit from May 1, 2021. “Income caps to get financial assistance will be lifted from $85,000 to $95,000 for single buyers, and from $130,000 to $150,000 for two or more buyers,” adds Woods. “The changes to the house price and income caps will take effect on April 1, 2021.” Changes to regional price caps on new build and existing properties will also reflect the increased price of housing. “This package of measures will help first home buyers into the market, boost activity and create jobs in the construction sector, as we recover from the impacts of Covid-19,’ Woods says. A further package specifically targeted at Maori housing is being developed for Budget 2021, which is due on May 20.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

Optimism continues in lifestyle sector Data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows there were 302 less lifestyle property sales for the three months ended February 2021 than for the three months ended January – a drop of almost 11 per cent. Overall, there were 2471 lifestyle property sales in the three months ended February 2021, compared to 1769 lifestyle property sales for the three months ended February 2020, and 2773 for the three months ended January 2021. Some 9244 lifestyle properties were sold in the year to February this year, 1992 (or 27.5 per cent) more than were sold in the year to February 2020. The value of lifestyle properties sold was $8.77 billion for the year to February 2021. The median price for all lifestyle properties sold in the three months to February 2021 was $845,000, and was $135,000 higher compared to the three months ended February 2020 (up 19 per cent). “Sales figures for the three month period ending February 2021 reflect an easing trend from the previous period ending January 2021,” says rural spokesman at REINZ Brian Peacocke. “Nevertheless, on a month-by-month basis, February sales were 32 per cent

ahead of the figures for the previous month of January “Again, acknowledging February sales alone, all regions apart from one achieved an increase in sales, albeit quite small in some cases. “Market conditions remain strong, listings in many areas are constrained and the timeframe for achieving a sale is reducing. “Given the current level of interest rates

and the consistency in the median price, the outlook for the sector at this stage is extremely positive.” Points of interest around New Zealand include the central regions. Waikato volumes increased 53 per cent from last month, with activity in the Waikato district double that for Waipa. The Bay of Plenty recovered strongly from January figures, with Western Bay of Plenty easily dominating in the

numbers game, while Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay remained flat and Taranaki bounced back vigorously from last month to be on par with the three month period preceding Christmas. Median prices slipped back in the Waikato, improved in the Bay of Plenty, dropped 21 per cent in Gisborne and eight per cent in both Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki.

Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Regional rents on the rise Strong rent growth in the regions drove the national median weekly rent up two per cent year-on-year in February, according to the latest Trade Me Rental Price Index.

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Trade Me Property sales director Gavin Lloyd says every region across the country saw a year-onyear increase in median weekly rent in February, with the biggest increases seen in Manawatu/ Whanganui (16 per cent), Hawke’s Bay (15 per cent) and Taranaki (13 per cent). “Many of our provinces experienced recordbreaking rents in February,” says Gavin, “with Gisborne ($535), Hawke’s Bay ($530), Marlborough ($480) and Waikato ($485) all hitting new highs. “Northland also had a standout month, with the median weekly rent hitting $500 for the first time.” Gavin says increasing interest for rentals in the regions was driving prices up. “Demand for rental properties in Marlborough rose a staggering 46 per cent, Northland was up 35 per cent and Manawatu/ Whanganui rose 17 per cent on last year. “The provinces are becoming increasingly

popular for some tenants, and with more Kiwis able to work remotely since Covid. “This is a trend that will likely continue for the foreseeable future.” Nationally, Gavin says demand was down by three per cent compared with February last year, while supply was up by six per cent. “This marks the second month in a row we have seen supply outweighing demand. If this continues we may well see prices cool off as we head into winter, which will be welcome news for renters around the country.” Gavin says rent for large houses (five-plus bedrooms) reached an all-time high in February, at $900 per week. “The median weekly rent for all house sizes saw year-onyear increases in every region, with the exception of five-plus bedroom houses outside of Auckland (minus two per cent) and in Wellington (minus eight per cent).” The median weekly rent for units reached an all-time high of $435 in February. “On the other hand,” says Gavin, “the national median weekly rent for apartments fell by three per cent year-on-year to $485 last month.”

Power prices down, usage up in 2020

Data released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment shows Kiwi households benefitted from reductions in power prices in 2020. The real unit-price of electricity fell to the lowest level since 2012, says Electricity Retailers’ Association chief executive Cameron Burrows. “Unsurprisingly, 2020 saw residential electricity use increase as Kiwis stayed home during Covid-19 lockdowns,” says Cameron, “with power use up eight per cent between March and June compared to the previous year. “This went counter to a longrunning trend of falling residential power use, in part as homes become more energy efficient. “That means that in 2020, Kiwis

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

Latest housing tax policy a boost for business Auckland-based ABC Business Sales have suggested the government’s new housing policy is a clear indication they want to encourage more New Zealanders to invest dollars into the business sector and away from residential property. “That is the key takeaway from the government’s latest policy announcement,” says managing director, Chris Small. “This new policy, that removes tax deductibility

for interest costs associated with residential property investment and extends the Brightline Test period, further reduces the commercial benefits of residential property investment. “At the same time, business ownership continues to be exempt from any capital gains tax and all interest costs continue to be 100 per cent tax deductible. “The government has a strong view that business investment is better for the economy and creates more jobs compared to the non-productive property asset sector.

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Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Easter and yarn bombing in Greerton

Carol Power wrapped in knitting.

Easter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time for the Easter Bunny to hop into Greerton for a visit. On Thursday, April 1, the Easter Bunny will be around Greerton Village centre handing out Easter eggs to children and big kids too. So if you see the bunny – he might be riding a unicycle – say hi and you may be rewarded with a chocolate egg. It’s been really popular in the past, with either an Easter Bunny or maybe a ‘Valentino’ for Valentine’s Day going through the centre and handing out small goodies. No-one expects something for nothing, so even if it is only a chocolate it often makes the day of the young at heart. Make sure you head to Greerton between 11am–1pm next Thursday to catch the Bunny himself! In other Greerton news, the yarn bombers are coming along nicely with their pieces that will adorn our trees throughout July and August.

We’re expecting around 30 colourful trees, as this year’s theme is ‘Colour my World’. This is the 10th anniversary of the Greerton Village Yarn Bombing installations, and people travel from all over the Bay of Plenty and further to see these amazing creations. One of our trees is even bombed by ladies who come all the way up from Wellington! Last year was their first time here, and they had such a good time that they’re back in again this year. We are incredibly lucky to have Ray White Greerton (Crockford Real Estate) as our sponsor once again, and they are putting up $2000 of cash prizes for local charities that are nominated by our knitters for both a public vote and judged prize. Greerton Village Community Association will be putting up an additional prize for the school section. If you would like to participate – even by embellishing previously-used sleeves – or are ambitious enough to take on a tree, then be quick to contact our yarn The Easter Bunny will bomb co-ordinator, Carol Power via: greertonyarnbombing@gmail.com or: be paying Greerton a visit in the near future. 027 498 3947.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 26 March 2021

21 THE WEEKEND SUN

The Weekend Sun’s ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay. Pg24

Exciting world of jazz and film Okay. Last column before the Jazz Festival arrives. It’s quite exciting... There is a veritable deluge of music about to flood the town, with more details being announced every day. That’s Part One this week; the Film Society has just started its new season – that’s Part Two. The latest jazz festival reveal is the Downtown Carnival line-up. This is, for many, the centrepiece of the festival. It is accessible by a mere gold coin donation, making it open to literally everyone, and is a wonderful opportunity to hang out downtown by the water, either blowing your entire budget on food and drink or spending nothing and just enjoying the music. There will be five stages - three along The Strand, one in Wharf Street and one in Red Square - and around 30 bands. Mandy Ryan, the festival’s general manager, reckons the big story this year is how Covid has brought so many musicians home. “It’s exciting to see so many jazz musicians back in the New Zealand scene and playing at the National Jazz Festival,” she says. As an example she cites Spiral a great groove band from Auckland who this year will have their original line-up playing, as founder members Joel Vinson and Steve Harvie are back in the country after living overseas.

Returnees

A number of artists are new to the festival after returning from stints abroad. Mandy says: “London-based Bridget Walsh is performing with Jess Hix as 10:32, playing bootyshaking neo-soul and exploring elements of jazz, hip-hop, and drum and bass. They’re really pushing the jazz envelope.” Then there’s the Mandy Meadows Band. Mandy is another returnee from England now living in

The society meets every second Tuesday Tauranga. She is at the Rialto Cinema, for a selection of an accomplished films that include world cinema, classics, jazz, cabaret documentaries and much more. and pop singer with five years’ Not Netflix experience I spoke with indefatigable committee member in London performing in luxury Neale Blaymires, who said: “Tauranga Film Society hotels as well as throughout Europe is the antidote to Netflix. Video-hire stores have (including at Ronnie Scott’s!). The Carnival runs on Saturday and gone the way of the dinosaur and anyone who signed up to Netflix soon discovered their range of Sunday from midday-6pm. Of the films is highly disappointing. many, many bands, you might like “Plus, trying to watch a film online while to check out some of the following: interrupted by all the distractions of the family Caitriona Fallon, Holy Pocket, home is like snacking from a buffet, rather than Superhero Second Line, Kokomo, sitting down to a satisfying three-course meal. Lewis McCallum, The Torch Songs “So do yourself a favour and check out Tauranga Band, Afrolites, and old favourites from Wellington Shaken Not Stirred. Film Society, where you can enjoy films not to be found on Netflix, and on a giant screen with The good news is that the festival surround sound. It’s also a good excuse to get out website has been updated and there of the house.” are descriptions of each act. Find it As to picks from all at: www.jazz.org.nz the current line-up? Okay. That’s a whole President Michael bunch of music. On O'Brien has a few: to the Tauranga Film “I am particularly Society, who officially looking forward to kicked off their 2021 A Matter of Life and programme last week Death, which gets with Lebanese film rediscovered by each The Insult. new generation of But, fear not. film goers. Missing the first film “Sweet Country by of the season matters Warwick Thornton, little, as you can join the director of the society at any time Samson and Delilah, and you don’t pay for is promising and films already shown. Bridget Walsh from London. looks to be similar to The Chant of Jimmy Blacksmith, which was one of the highlights of last year’s season. “I am also looking forward to Louis Malle’s debut film Elevator to the Gallows, which was one of the early films of the French New Wave, and Z by Costa-Gavras, which is very famous but I have never seen.” Find full details at: www.nzfilmsociety.org.nz/tauranga.html VERY EASY

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No.2081

How to solve Sudoku!

4 7 3 1 5 6 Fill the grid so that 9 every row and every contains 7 9 3x3thesquare 3 6 2 digits 1 to 9 1 4 6 9 7 Across No. 1721 Solution No.2080 How to solve 7 6 8 2 7.4 He 9 5is 7a popular 3 1 6. Insect (4) Sudoku! No.2081 2 6 8 4actor 5 (5,7) 11. Unskilled (8) 55 96 8 3 6 94 53 178.18 comedic 2 (6) 9 3 7 6 Swamp hen 13. Answerable (8) 6 3 9 7 4 Fill the grid so that 1 2 8 9.5 Scope (6) 14. Hungry (7) 7 6row and every 1 every 5 3 7 410.9 Funny 8 1 5 2 6 (7) 17. Soil (5) 5 9 6 7 4 2 1 8 3 (5) 19. Weapons (4) 37 9 3x3 square contains 4 2 4 512.6 Colour 7 9 3 1 8 the digits 1 to 9 7 6 315. 21. Impulse (4) 2 Advantage 1 8 4 5 9(5) 19 2 67 8 7 5 4 payment 2 6 7 (7) C O N E E T T C I G A U H 8 1 9 16. 3 Non A C O N S O L A T I O N M

SUDOKU

4 7 13 1 3 99 3 6 2 1 4 46 7 to solve How No.2072 5 9 8Sudoku! 3 6 4 7 so that 5 9 Fill1the grid6 3every row and every4 3x3 square contains 6 digits 8 71 to 9 4 1 2 the

SUDOKU 1

7 6 1 2 Corner of 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 5 Ph: 578 7023 | www.tgacitz.co.nz 6 8 4 7 9

7 8 2

SUDOKU

6 9

Solution No.2071 8 2 4 6 3 9 7 5 1 1 5 3 7 8 2 6 9 4 7 6 9 4 1 5 2 3 8

6 9 4 1 3 5 2 7 8

Solution Solution No.2080 No.2080 8 2 4 9 5 7 3 3 7 1 2 6 8 4 5 1 8 3 7 6 9 2 8 5 6 3 9 7 7 4 9 8 1 5 2 9 6 7 4 2 1 8 4 5 6 7 9 3 1 6 3 2 1 8 4 5 1 9 3 5 4 2 6

1 5 2 4 6 3 8 9 7

18. Floor covering (6) 20. River (SI) (6) 22. Town (NI) (12) Down 1. Amazing (8) 2. Drink (4) 3. Unprincipled (7) 4. Fruit (5) 5. Flower (8)

S D E T Y B A D Z A F

R E P E E I D I O C Y

U E D K L S T A P A T

C R O A C H A L O P E

E E D P O O I O E I E

M A T O W P I G S T Y

L U G G G G G U I U E

N C E R T S N E L L S

M K X E O E T I I A O

R L E F I D E L I T Y

Solution 1720

T A M U A D I A O E T

K N O T T O O Z E D E

S D T E O N K Y K M R

Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

Studio set for inaugural art fair Artist Jacki Barklie opened Back Studio with the intention of throwing open the doors and inviting other creatives to collaborate and exhibit their work. “In saying this, artists are welcome to do solo exhibitions,” says the studio’s artistic director and creator. “Some artists are planning exhibitions that will be site specific, meaning they will be utilising the space and height and creating a show that quite possibly could not be accommodated elsewhere.” The inaugural art fair at Back Studio is coming up, and there are a dozen artists exhibiting. Jacki invites everyone to come on in, indulge in the viewing and purchase art that is diverse and affordable. “It’s only been a month since we opened our doors, but the artists’ response has been huge. There are so many skilled artists out there who would like to have a light shone on their works. “The artists have been enthused on their visit to the space. Back Studio has a very contemporary feel - the design, size and height of the building leads the imagination.” She says her experience as a local artist has highlighted the need to exhibit her work and for authentic local collaboration with other likeminded creative practitioners. “It seems to me that there is not a lot of options out there that are facilitating this type of collaboration in the arts and group events. If you do happen to find a place there is a waiting list of approximately two years for exhibitors.” Her unique, industrial studio has been designed

Artistic director and creator of Back Studio Jacki Barklie.

to create a space that is pliable and able to adapt to the whims of a variety of artists looking to display their work. With 170 square metres to play with, Back Studio is open to a variety of possibilities. “Rent a wall, rent a movable wall, rent a photography corner or rent the space for a fashion show/event or whatever you need,” says Jacki. “No matter how big or how small the project, the ideas are endless. “I’m so grateful for the support of the Creative Bay of Plenty team for understanding my vision and their help to make this a reality.” The collaborative art fair will be held at Back Studio, Unit 1/105 Matakokiri Drive. A preview takes place on Thursday, April 1 from 5-7pm, with the fair running from Friday, April 2 to Monday, April 5, between 10am-4pm each day. For more information and to learn more about Back Studio, visit: www.backstudio.co.nz or: www.facebook.com/BackStudioArt/events

Seminar tackles a taboo subject Incontinence affects one in four of the general population, and one in three women who have had a baby.

FOUR SEASONS

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

Addison Theatre (Dance)

Fri 09 Apr 7:30pm Addison Theatre (Orchestra)

58TH NATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL TAURANGA

FIREBIRD

Wed 31 Mar – Sun 04 Apr

Sat 10 Apr 7:30pm

Tauranga Jazz Society

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra

Baycourt Community & Arts Centre Visit baycourt.co.nz for details

Addison Theatre (Orchestra)

Addison Theatre (Dance)

ACE BRASS

New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in association with Project Prima Volta

Addison Theatre (Music)

Sun 11 Apr 2pm Addison Theatre (Music)

o. nz

Tauranga Musica

BROADWAY MATINEE WITH PROJECT PRIMA VOLTA

Stetson Production

Thu 08 Apr 7:30pm

Tue 27 Apr 7:00pm

Wed 28 Apr 7pm X Space (Chamber Ensemble)

rt .c

YESTERDAY

PARRIS GOEBEL PRESENTS THE ROYAL FAMILY TOUR Parris Goebel

Sat 27 Mar 6:30pm Sun 28 Mar 11am & 3pm

ticketek.co.nz 0800 TICKETEK Baycourt Box Office – Ensure you are buying through Ticketek outlets only.

CIRCUS CIRCUS Dance Avenue

WHAT’S ON

The Continence NZ website, www.continence.org.nz features plenty of resources, downloadable information, leaflets, webinars and products for those who may need Continence NZ was established more information. There is also a free, 30 years ago to provide a service to confidential national helpline which incontinence sufferers, caregivers, can be reached via: 0800 658 814. health professionals and the public. “Incontinence is an embarrassing or Continence nurse specialist Janet even taboo subject,” says Janet, “so Thackray says the organisation I try to make my talks interesting, provides information and education informative and fun, to help overcome on bowel and bladder issues for both the shame and embarrassment adults and children. incontinence can cause. “I have more than 20 years’ experience “I talk about how to manage in continence nursing after becoming common bladder and bowel issues and a continence nurse specialist for show some of the ‘interesting’ pads, Auckland DHB,” she says. products and gadgets available.” “I now work as a continence Continence nurse educator for Continence NZ and have specialist Janet Thackray. A seminar will be held on Tuesday, April 13, at the Tauranga Citizens funding to give free education sessions Club from 10.30am-12pm. to community groups on managing bladder To register, call Age Concern on: 07 578 2631. and bowel issues.”

The Weekend Sun

Relive those 70s sounds

Musician, singer and MC Ali Harper.

Get ready to boogie the night away, with all your favourite 70s hits brought right to your backyard. A special New Zealand production of Yesterday is coming to Baycourt Community and Arts Centre on Thursday, April 8. Musician, singer and MC Ali Harper is one of the starry-eyed cast members, along with Matthew Pike, Leanne Howell and Cole Johnston, and says she’s excited to bring the show to Tauranga. “We’ll be celebrating all those wonderful hits from the 1970s,” says Ali. “It’s amazing how nostalgia ignites all this joy; I think it really takes you back to yesterday, when things were a bit less complicated than they are today. “I’m a big fan of 70s music. It’s really melodic and lyrical, you can sing along to it, and it covers so many different styles and genres.” The Las Vegas cast of ‘Yesterday Once More’ is unable to perform their show due to Covid19 restrictions, but local cast members will be bringing the beat instead. Production company the Stetson Group stepped up and found domestic talent to fill in. “I love what the Stetson Group has done,” says Ali. “They said ‘actually, we don’t need international talent, we have plenty right here’ and found domestic talent to perform.” From songs such as ABBA’s Dancing Queen to Kenny Rogers’ Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town, and Boney M’s Rivers Of Babylon to Leo Sayer’s You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, you’ll enjoy a two-hour show of non-stop hits, colourful choreography and informative, humorous banter. For more information and to book tickets, visit: www.stetsongroup.com

Friday 26 March 2021

Tauranga Citizens Club

Dave Cross with some of his militaria collection. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Collectorama this weekend It’s time to travel back and enjoy the relics of the past at the upcoming Arms and Militaria Show. Held at Greerton Hall this Saturday and Sunday, the Arms and Militaria Show is the perfect place for budding and long-standing collectors and anyone with an interest. “There’ll be stuff for the likes of militaria collectors, those who are into sporting firearms, knives and more,” says one of the show’s organisers Dave Cross. “There’ll be all sorts there! Medals, swords, firearms bayonets and much more.” There will be interesting displays, people to chat to and plenty of unique and interesting items to have a gander at. “If you’re new to collecting or interested in getting started, there will be plenty of people to have a chat to, including dealers and people who have been collecting for years,” adds Dave. “If you’ve got anything that might be of interest, bring it along and you can have it appraised or sell it on.” The Arms and Militaria Show will be held at the Greerton Hall this Saturday, March 27, from 9am-4pm and Sunday, March 28, from 10am3pm. Nicole McKee from the ACT party will also be attending the show.

Friday 26 March 2021

The Weekend Sun

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 27 March

A Course In Miracles Are you stuck in

past grievances & resentments? Get over it! Free internet forgiveness workshop that transforms your thinking from fear to love. https://jenniferhadley.com/howget-over-it Text 0210 274 2502 Art Cold Wax Workshops New art medium in NZ. Very popular overseas. Workshops at The Artery, Historic Village. Email kiwisuemac@gmail.com Art In The Park Original art for sale. Weather permitting. 9am-4pm. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. Tauranga Society of Artists Association Croquet At Club Mount Maunganui, Kawaka St. Mon, Wed, Sat; 9:15am for 9:30am start. Visitors, new players welcome. Ph Jacqui 07 574 9232 Bay Singles Social Group Join a bunch of over 50s young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313 Beth-El Messianic Family Jews & Gentiles celebrating Messiah Yeshua (Jesus). He is returning. Be ready. You are welcome. Shabbat Shalom Otumoetai Primary @ 10am. Ph Joel 021 768 043 Car Boot Sale Welcome Bay Community Church, 340 Welcome Bay Rd 8-11 am. $5 per stall. Sausage sizzle. Cancelled if wet. Circus Circus By Dance Avenue. Dancers from 2yrs plus! Jazz, ballet & tap dancers & the impressive acrobats will leave you wowed! Baycourt 6:30pm Death Cafe Grindz Cafe 1pm lively discussions on life, dying & death. Agenda free. Relaxed & friendly group of folk. taurangadeathcafe@gmail.com Greerton Hall Market 2nd & last Saturday of each month. 8am-12pm. Stalls inside/outside. Discounts for charity groups. Refreshments at kitchen. Ph/txt for site. Tricia 07 543 1487 or 027 908 2952, www.facebook.com/ greertonhallmarket Invitation To Meditate Follow your own meditation practice with friends in 1 hour of silence. 10am-12 in hall behind Brain Watkins House, 233 Cameron Rd. Refreshments. All welcome. Txt 0210 274 2502 Jigsaw Library St Stephen’s church, Highmore Tce 10am-12pm. Choose from 500 puzzles. Hire for 50c or $1, for 2 weeks Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd 12:453pm Katikati Lions Garage Sale 8-11am Containers behind Caltex, Main Rd Katikati. Indoor & outdoor furniture, tools, electrical, books, golf clubs, bric-abrac & more. Ph Arthur 021 663 603 LOL Laughter Wellness We don’t laugh because we’re happy, we’re happy because we laugh! Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, 11-11:45am. No experience required. Koha. Ph Trish 022 036 6768 lollaughterwellness@gmail.com Otumoetai Tennis Club Adult tennis. 1:30pm. Bellevue Park Windsor Rd (adjacent to swimming pool). New players & visitors welcome. Ph Victor 027 577 1818 a/hrs. Saturday Night Movie Screening: Rams. $10. Doors open 6pm for 6:30pm screening at the Junction Theatre, 36 Main Rd, Katikati. Ph 07 549 1658

Synchronised Swimming Friendly synchronised swimming club based at Baywave. Beginners train Sat mornings. First lesson free. Ph Jo 027 543 1697, www.taurangasynchro.co.nz, Facebook: @taurangasynchroNZ Taoist Tai Chi Arts Cultivating Balance. New beginning classes. Mon-Sat, Tauranga, Te Puke, Papamoa, Mt Maunganui, Katikati. www.taoisttaichi.org for schedule & times or ph 07 578 9116 Tauranga Farmers Market 7:45-12pm at Tauranga Primary School, 31 5th Ave. Rain, hail or shine. Direct from the producers. Support local. Tauranga Militaria Show Tauranga Arms & Militaria show at Greerton Hall. Today 9-4, Sunday 10-3. Adults $10. Children under 12 free. Tauranga Scottish Society Sequence

Dance, Wesley Church Hall, 100 13th Ave, 7-10pm, $7 includes supper & raffle, warm welcome. Ph 07 218 1318 The DooDahs Birthday Tour 1pm, Mt College. Ages 3-8. Come join us & celebrate at a family show with our music, dancing & lots of laughs! The Rvmes Band Eclectic band weaving together Latin, Gypsy Jazz, Funk, Rock n Roll & Reggae 7pm, Jam Factory, Historic Village, 17th Ave. Book @ www. theincubator.co.nz. The Sociables A group of males & females in their 30s/40s/50s that meet to participate in events, dining out or bushwalks. Sat & Sun. Ph 022 012 0376 Village Radio Museum Community Radio broadcasting nostalgic music & Community Notices seven days on 1368 KHz AM Band. Radio Museum open from 10am. Request line 571 3710

Sunday 28 March

Bible Seminar 1:45pm Greerton

Senior Citizen’s Hall, Maitland St, Greerton. Title: Jesus, God’s son. Bible teaching. Interactive, Q&A. All welcome. Mary 573 5537 Circus Circus By Dance Avenue. Dancers from 2yrs plus! Jazz, ballet & tap dancers & the impressive acrobats will leave you wowed! Baycourt 11am & 3pm Croquet Tauranga Domain, Cameron Rd, Sun, Tues, Fri, 12:45 for 1pm start. Beginners welcome. Ph Peter 571 0633 Estēre Concert New interpretations of age-old tales. Electric blue witch-hop, electronic, folk, R&B. 7pm, Jam Factory, Historic Village, 17th Ave. Book @ www. theincubator.co.nz

Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet

Held every Sunday 9-1pm rain or shine! Te Papa o Nga Manu Porotakataka (Phoenix Park). www.mountmainstreet. nz Free Skating Lesson Join our class at 10am, Memorial Park skate area. Bring rollerblades, helmet & water. Email adrenalineskatingclub@gmail.com. Cancelled if wet. Golf Croquet At Club Mount Maunganui, Kawaka St. Tues, Thurs, Sun; 9:15am for 9:30am start. Visitors, new players welcome. Ph Nev 07 575 5121 Katikati Tramping Club Woodlands Rd to Lindemann Rd, Moderate 7 hours. Ph Grant 07 985 1111 Mah Jong Te Puke All players welcome 12:45-4pm. New player lessons on Thursdays. Lyceum Rooms, 8 Palmer Pl, Te Puke. Ph Gig 027 430 6383

Maketu Market 3rd & 5th Sunday of

month. Set up 7am at Maketu Village Green. Ph Maureen 021 267 1685 Medieval Swordfighting Learn to fight with swords axes, spears, etc. in a controlled safe & fun environment. Memorial park 1:30pm Messy Church Join us for fun activities, faith exploration, celebration time. Meal provided. 4-6pm at St John’s Anglican Church, 94 Bureta Rd NZDA BOP Range Day NZDA BOP branch run public open days last Sunday each month at their 300m range in TECT All Terrain Park. 9am-3pm $20 bring firearms licence Quakers In Tauranga All welcome to join mostly silent meeting exploring the spiritual experience of each person. 10am, 233 Cameron Rd. 07 543 3101 Pahoia Markets Cancelled this month. pahoiamarkets@gmail.com Papamoa Country Music Club Come along to the Gordon Spratt Reserve & join us for an afternoon of music at 1pm. Afternoon tea will be provided

Papamoa Lions Club Market

2nd & 4th Sunday Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa. Gates open 7am for stall holder entry. Wayne 027 974 5699

Radio Controlled Model Yachts

Sundays & Thursdays 1:30-4pm. Pond behind 22 Montego Dr, Papamoa. Sailing “Electron” radio controlled yachts for fun. Adult beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419 Taize At St. Georges Join us for a contemplative service based on the style & music of the Taize Community, 7pm, 1 Church St, Gate Pa. www.stgeorgesgatepa.com Teaching From The Bible Simple teachings of Jesus Christ from the Bible. 7-8pm, Welcome Bay Community Hall. All welcome. Info/transport ph Rachel 027 841 3652 Underwater Hockey Baywave Pool. Intermediate age & above. Gear provided & first 3 Have-a-go sessions free. 5-6pm Have-a-go & novice players. 6:15-7:45pm experienced players. https://www.sporty.co.nz/taurangauhc

Monday 29 March

Active Seniors Exercise Group

Strength & balance classes Mon & Thur. Intermediate class 9:30, low impact 11am. City Church, Otumoetai. Friendly classes for seniors

Age Concern 500 Cards

Friendly fun group gets together 9:30-11.30am (except Public Holidays) at Age Concern, 177a Fraser St, Tauranga. $2 donation Argentine Tango in Tauranga The dance that makes you feel! Learn technique, posture & how to move with connection. Ph Denise 0204 006 1340, Facebook “Tango In Tauranga” Art Group Welcome Bay Meets Lighthouse Church 9:30-12. Relax, chat, create, no pressure. All levels of skill welcome. Ph Denis 07 544 6451

Badminton Club, Aquinas College

7-9pm, Aquinas College Events Centre. Seniors & Year 11 upwards. Casual players welcome, $8pp. Club racquets available. Ph/txt Noel 027 622 9797 www.sporty/taurangabadmintonclub. co.nz

Beginner Social Dance Class Mon

7pm or Wed at 8pm, both Welcome Bay School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Rd. Ph 544 2337 or 027 322 1786 Bethlehem Indoor Bowls Bethlehem Hall. Names in by 7:15pm for 7:30pm start. New members of all ages welcome. Ph John 027 654 1298 Chess at Mount Maunganui Mount RSA Chess Club, 544 Maunganui Rd. 6-7pm during school term. Late program 7pm onwards. Incl casual games. Ph Helmut 027 414 7254 ESOL Free ESOL & Christian Conversation Classes, Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd. 9:30-11:30 (except school holidays). Fitness For Over 50s Aerobics, strength & balance class at St Mary’s Church Hall, 33 Girven Rd. 9:15am. 1st class free.

Harmony-A-Plenty Barbershop Singers

Do you like singing? Come & have fun with us. We’ll teach you barbershop. Bethlehem Community Church, Moffat Rd. 7pm. Incls supper. Ph Errol 07 543 4138 Indoor Bowls St Mary’s Church Hall, 33 Girven Rd, Bayfair. Register by 12:20pm. All welcome. $4 entry Indoor Bowls 6:45pm, St Columba Church Hall, Cherrywood. $10 annual subs, $2/evening. Everyone/all levels welcome. Ph Paul 576 6324 Indoor Bowls Matua Primary School Hall (Clivedene St entrance) 7:15pm. New members welcome. Come along & give bowls a go. See you there or ph Karen 576 0443 Keep On Your Feet Omokoroa 11am12, Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd. Strength & balance classes for older adults. All levels of fitness welcome. Ph Sharnie 021 111 8617 Marching For Leisure A non-competitive activity for mature ladies. Fun, fitness & friendship. For Tauranga team’s details ph Jeanette Craike 027 548 0240

Mt RSA Indoor Bowls

Rollups each Mon & Thurs. Entries in by 6:45pm. $3 entry. Newcomers welcome. Ph Joy 027 308 7271 Oceanside Probus Club 9:30am, Omanu Golf Club, Matapihi Rd. Mt. All welcome. Ph Brenda 575 0314 or Myra-Lou 575 6595

Omokoroa Indoor Bowling Club

Omokoroa Settlers Hall 1pm for 1:30pm start. All welcome. Equipment provided. Smooth soled shoes/slippers please. ph Anne 548 1636 Parents Support Group 10am-12 for parents/caregivers & 0-2yr olds. Upstairs, Bethlehem Birthing Ctr, 1 Te Paeroa Rd. Hosted by Project Generate. Ph 07 549 4522 Pickleball Keep fit having fun! Mount Sports Ctr, cnr Maunganui & Hull Rds. 9:30am-12. Equipment available. Ph Bob 027 478 6282, Viv 021 162 3342

Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise

Mon 9:15-10:45am Tga Senior Citizens Club, 14 Norris St. Tues 9-10:30am St Marys Church Hall, 33/19 Girven Rd. Jennifer 571 1411 or 027 206 077 Silla Taekwon-do Club Taekwon-do classes at Silla TKD Club, Mon & Thurs at Te Puna school Hall, 6-7:30pm. Affordable rates. Ph George 022 437 4403 https://www.facebook.com/Silla-

Tae-Kwon-Do-112414698778951/

Suicide Bereavement Information Series 4-part series for anyone bereaved

or impacted by suicide. 6-7:30pm in Greerton. Free & open to 18+. RSVP to amy@griefsupport.org.nz or 578 4480 Tai Chi Beginner Classes TePuke Memorial Hall Mon 5:30pm, Tues/ Thurs 9:30am. St Georges Church Hall, Greerton Wed 9:30am. TePuna Memorial Hall Thurs 9:30am. $5 Ph David 027 222 2824 Tauranga Creative Fibre Today 9:30am, also 2nd/4th Thurs 7pm. Come along & join us to learn knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, dyeing & felting. 177 Elizabeth St. Ph Cathy 07 570 2191

Tauranga Scottish Country Dancing

Beginner Classes 6:30-7:30. General dancing 7:30-10, St John’s Church Hall, 94 Bureta Rd. Ph Heather 021 1855 747 Tauranga Senior Citizens Club CARDS 500 Mon & Thurs. INDOOR BOWLS Tues, Wed & Sat. 12:45pm start.14 Norris St (behind Pak n Save). Entry $3. New members welcome. Welcome Bay Indoor Bowls Welcome Bay Hall. New members welcome. Names in by 7:15pm. Finish approx 9:30pm. Ph Gordon 07 544 2882

Tuesday 30 March

500 Cards Over 50s, join in Tues

& Thur at 12:30, Senior City Hall, Maunganui Rd. Lots of fun & refreshments provided. Members needed. Ph Sue 021 043 9170 Badminton Keep fit & have fun at our friendly club. 9am-11:30 Tues & Thurs, Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, 71 11th Ave Tauranga. Bob 027 478 6282, Melissa 027 307 6800 Coffee Meet, Nuenergy Healing Take a look at the natural rhythm of life & how it affects you. 10am at Q Cafe, 88 Coast Blvd, Papamoa. Conversation Cafe 10-11:45am, Dee St Presbyterian Church hall. Varied program, morning tea. Aimed at seniors. All welcome. $5 pp or $5 couple. Make new friends. Ph 544 0951 Fitness Fun At Cherrywood Cardio, weights, pilates, floor work & dance. Make new friends. Coffee afterwards. St Columba Church 502 Otumoetai Rd, 9:30-10:30am. Ph Gloria 021 139 2448 Inachord Tauranga Women who love to sing & have fun meet 7pm at Community Church Moffat Rd Bethlehem. New members are always welcome. Musical Director Andrew Braid. Ph Rhonda 027 323 9497 Inner Wheel Tauranga Women working together to help local charities/worthy causes succeed. Next meeting April 6th 7pm, please come join us. Tory 0210 873 1153 Israeli Dancing Beginners class 6:307:30 Gate Pa Primary School hall, Cameron Rd. All ages welcome. Ph Maria 022 165 2114 Katikati Parents Group 10-11am. Welcoming all parents, caregivers and 0-2 year olds. Plunket Rooms, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Hosted by Project Generate. Ph 07 549 4522 Keep On Your Feet Katikati 10:30am-11:30am, Catholic Church hall, 89 Beach Rd. Strength & balance classes for older adults. All levels of fitness welcome. Ph Sharnie 021 111 8617

PHOTO OF THE WEEK MARCH 26 FRI