Issuu

d n e k e e w e h t The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

22 February 2013, Issue 637

63,360 copies

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

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Season begins

Search for species

Double trouble

Seedy secrets Bayfair gardener Neville Bright hopes playing music, along with a secret fertiliser formula, will pay off at this weekend’s giant pumpkin contest in Bethlehem. Neville’s pumpkin has captured the attention of neighbours who are placed bets on its weight this week. More than 100 pumpkin growers are expected to compete in the contest when town meets country at Bethlehem’s inaugural ‘Summer Vintage Fair’. See page 23 for full story. Photo by Tracy Hardy

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The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 63,460 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes. The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

The Weekend Sun Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Ross Brown Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Hamish Carter, Letitia Atkinson, Phillipa Yalden, Corrie Taylor, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter, Luke Balvert. Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Andrews, Suzy King, Lois McKinley, Kirsty Hutcheson, Rose Hodges, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Caro Leuschke, Abby Taylor. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Office: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Tasha Paull, Julia Price, Kathy Drake.

The sharks are circling Not a metaphor. The sharks really are circling. A couple of sharks emerged from the depths this week and did what sharks do best. Snap at opportunity.

Our first encounter was over a reef off the southern tip of Great Mercury Island. I’d bagged a couple of nice butterfish and a moderately good snapper, and was quietly stalking a really big snapper, just around a kelpy rock outcrop. Suddenly a large

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torpedo shape cruised into my path. Pretty sure it was a mako, with blue topsides, a distinctive line along its length fading into a lighter colour – pointy nose, dark eyes and the top of its tail slightly longer than the lower part. I didn’t think they grew bigger than 4m. This was bigger. It may have been a white (like the one that pursued Brendan Faulkner in his dinghy a few months ago in the same area) but the markings don’t tally, and mine was a sexy shaped shark. Whites tend to be pretty ugly from the front, like a Humber 80 with a bent front grille. I was surprised at my reaction. Hollywood has conditioned us to panic. That didn’t happen. I thought there must be something wrong with me. People are supposed to thrash about in wild bouts of terror. I was far too intrigued to do much other than feel massively disappointed that the camera in the underwater housing was sitting on the boat, half a mile away.

Big beauty

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Watching the shark circle I was anxious, but not fearful. I remember thinking, well, if this is it, there’s not much I can do. Any thoughts of self-preservation were swept aside, in total awe of the beauty and grace of this big creature. And it was big. The body was the diameter of a wine barrel and it was at least 14 foot long. Things underwater look about 25 per cent bigger through a mask, even then, it was still BIG. We’ve seen plenty of two or three metre makos and the occasional thresher, but they were guppies compared to this mother. A couple of opportunist kingfish escorted on each flank, I remember chuckling through my snorkel thinking they must be the shark equivalent of Christine Rankin’s earrings. A kind of fishy status symbol. I remember saying a few other words through my snorkel too. Along the lines of “that’s a mighty big shark,” although “mighty” may not have been the exact terminology. There were quite a few F words, such as flippin fantastic fish … or something along those lines. Sizing up the distance from the shore and the massive beast that was sweeping in between, I distanced myself with the 20 metres of rope to my floating catchbag, (wishing now it was 100m) and hoped the shark was more interested in that. Keeping the speargun between myself and the shark, I figured it could eat that

first if it came at me, teeth first. Finning quietly away on my back, watching the beast the whole time, it followed for at least ten minutes, nudging the catchbag a few times and making some eerily close passes to me. I unclipped the floatline and said through my snorkel “float away, far away”. The opposite happened. A wave picked up the float and it came whooshing within reach, so I tipped out some of the contents. The shark swooped for a look at a butterfish, but left it. Seizing the snapper by the tail, I threw it as far as an anxious diver can throw a slippery fish, and tried to stealthily add distance. The snapper was technically well dispatched, having been iki spiked, but still giving the odd twitch. The shark took it in one smooth gulp, more of an inhale than a bite. I never saw any teeth, just one smooth collection manoeuvre. I was hoping that was it, but it followed me, still circling and passing close, until I closed the gap to the mainland. Then I noticed something peculiar – all the fish that generally had been swimming away from me, suddenly starting overtaking me beneath. Even a few stingray shot through the lower passing lane. I didn’t think that was a good sign and sure enough, the shark came zooming up from behind and below, eyeballed me again and then U-turned at speed and disappeared just as I reached the shallows. Near the beach, Claire was swimming out to meet me. “Get out of the water,” was all the advice needed. I always knew she was a fast swimmer, but she lit up like a hydroplane. When all seemed clear, I recovered the remains of my catch and a few bits of gear strewn around the bay. Telling the story on the beach, with a couple of steadying bourbons, the reality started to sink in. Returning to the boat, anchored less than 50m off the beach, we were only 20m out in the dinghy when Claire yelled “there’s your shark”. That was an hour after my first encounter. It was still there! This time, coming straight at the dinghy – dorsal fin cutting a direct path towards us and the tail occasionally

“Suddenly smaller fish were overtaking me... I didn’t think that was a good sign.” breaking the surface. The stuff of movies. It passed underneath and turned in its own length right below the inflatable, in less than two metres of water. It was then we confirmed the size of the shark. Seemingly twice as long as the 2.5metres inflatable and we could see both pectoral fins either side of the dinghy. It then took off at speed, straight out of the bay. It was a priviledge to see such an amazing animal, without being eaten. I do not want to see it again.

Shark encounter No.2

This is not a tale of an impressive, elegant wonder of nature. It is the sad story of some opportunistic scavenging. The mayor of Tauranga has publically backed another newspaper organisation, endorsing its products and declaring it “your community news, this is your local paper”. Wrong, Mr Crosby. Wrong that you are publically endorsing another product. Wrong in your rant, that the other paper is community news and wrong that it is local. Sun Media is the only local paper. It is locally owned and operated by the Rogers family. The Times is Australian owned and ceased being a locally owned paper when the Cross family sold it decades ago. Nor is it community news. It is not the community paper. The Weekend Sun is your community paper. It’s not the job of the mayor to run around playing favourites. Nor for that matter, the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. Max Mason. The pair of you should be ashamed. Why is the mayor scavenging and back slapping with the Australianowned media? Is it election year? How, Mayor Crosby can you on one hand lambast the media at a recent Papamoa Progressive Association meeting, then turn around and suck up? Mr Crosby, your endorsement is completely inappropriate. You should retract or resign. Yes, the sharks are circling.

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. Mako sharks grow on average to a length of 13 feet (4m). Shortfin mako sharks are members of the Lamnidae family they grow at twice the rate of some oother species in that family. They don’t usually attack unless provoked.

The Weekend Sun

Rena’s fate Court to decide

The removal or otherwise of the wreck of the Rena from Astrolabe Reef will probably be decided in the Environment Court. The wreck’s owners and insurers announcement this week that they intend seeking an RMA resource consent to leave the remainder of the wreck on the reef was quickly followed by a statement from lawyers and local iwi saying they will push for the removal of the entire wreck from the reef. The announcement from the Rena’s owners and insurers The Swedish Club is no surprise. The sunken stern section of the wreck is lying in deep water. Cutting up the stern section and removing it will be more expensive and dangerous than what has

been achieved so far. In addition the size of the floating plant required will guarantee a degree of environmental damage just from the securing systems, never mind the trash that will be scattered across the reef in the cutting up process. As TMC Ltd Roger King asked this week, they are looking at the expenditure of more millions in a dangerous undertaking, with what result? It will also mean the exclusion zone remaining on the reef and vicinity for several more years. Buddy Mikaere says the people of Motiti Island continue to be subject to the impact of the grounding. “The people of Motiti are supported in their stance by other mainland iwi and hapu groups. There is a wall of iwi support from Tauranga to Whakatane solidly

against leaving the wreck behind.” Lawyer representing the group, Robert Makgill, says the iwi view is that the only way to restore the Astrolabe’s pristine marine environment is to remove the wreck, safely and completely. “Without doubt that’s going to be a considerably more expensive option for The Swedish Club than their preferred option,” says Robert. “It is important to recognise that the decision whether to leave the wreck behind is not The Swedish Club’s decision to make.” He’s concerned at the lack of information supplied by The Swedish Club to date. “We trust that the RMA process will ensure the environmental, economic and cultural impacts of leaving the wreck behind are thoroughly examined,” says Robert. By Andrew Campbell

The Weekend Sun

City’s future proofing links cyclists Cyclists will be spoilt for choice once completion of the Tauranga Eastern Link is completed in early 2016. Construction is continuing on the four-lane Tauranga Eastern Link which will run from Mount Maunganui near ASB Stadium to the existing

junction of State Highway 2 and 33 near Paengaroa. Once completed, the link seen as a step to future proof the area, will provide an eight kilometre cycle way for cyclists currently going from the Kaituna River Bridge to Te Tumu Road and linking up to Papamoa East. NZ Transport Agency senior project manager Wayne Troughton says it is going to be great for all cyclists, and discussion with some Te Puke groups to link all the cycle ways together are currently underway. Construction teams are working on the 150 metre Kaituna River Bridge which had the first of seven concrete sections poured on Tuesday and heavy construction traffic is proposed to be running across the bridge by May this year. More than 270 steel sections, including steel girders and cross members, have been lifted into place since November.

“Now the 100mm pre-cast and reenforced concrete panels will slot together like a jigsaw puzzle,” says Wayne. “Once it is all complete a final layer of concrete will be laid.” The four lane bridge will carry two lanes of traffic in each direction, separated by a median wire rope barrier. A three metre wide pedestrian/cycleway will be constructed on the eastern side of the bridge. The bridge will cross over a realigned Bell Road and Kaituna River and will be the longest of the seven bridges being built for the $455 million TEL project four-laning from Te Maunga near ASB Stadium to Paengaroa. The Tauranga Eastern Link is one of seven ‘Roads of National Significance’ identified by Government as essential state highway projects linked to New Zealand’s economic prosperity. By Luke Balvert

Safety breaches decline

Fewer Police Safety Orders were issued in January 2013 than in December 2012. Police Safety Orders are proving a valuable tool, with the number issued in the Western Bay of Plenty remaining steady and the number breached remaining low. In June 2012, Western Bay of Plenty police issued 35 safety orders, compared with the 23 issued in January. In December 36 orders were issued, with only four breaches recorded. Western Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Clifford Paxton says police have been able to issue PSOs since July 2010. “The orders are an option for police attending family violence incidents where there is insufficient evidence of an offence but action is necessary to ensure the safety of the people at the address. “Police are able to order a person out of the premises, effective immediately, for a period of up to five days.” Clifford says the orders are a tool that enable police to help keep families safe from domestic violence through the removal of the other party where there is insufficient evidence of the offence being committed. “Removal of the other party ensures a cooling off period and enables victims time to make future decisions and gain further assistance where necessary.”

By Letitia Atkinson

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The Weekend Sun

Culture on song

Te Kapa Haka o Ngati Ranginui members Ruamahau Malcolm-Heke, Cheryl Toma, Kaleza Malcolm-Heke, Iziah Malcolm-Heke and Gary Heke prepare for Te Matatini nationals in Rotorua this weekend. Photo Bruce Barnard.

A year after winning selection to represent the Takitimu Waka, Tauranga’s Ngati Ranginui kapa haka group take to the national stage today. Kirsty Willison, a spokesperson for the 40-strong team, says everyone in the adult group is very excited about taking to the stage on behalf of their iwi, hapu and whanau. A long-term member herself, Kirsty says everyone has been training hard to prepare for Te Matatini nationals event, with regular practice sessions since October. The 40-year-old event is the pinnacle of kapa haka performance. “I think it’s really something special. It’s a point of great pride to

be representing our waka, iwi and culture against all the other top teams.” They will compete against 40 other teams – including three from Australia – with a full 30-minute bracket of seven song and dance items. Three of the group’s items are original compositions from performer and one of the tutors, Tracey Togo – which pay tribute to a different part of the iwi history or whakapapa (genealogy). Tracey’s compositions include pieces relating to the connection of Ngati Ranginui to the region, a tribute to some of grand stateswomen of the iwi who have passed away during the past 20 years, and a waiata about the female lineage from the Takitimu waka. “We always pay tribute to the male line, so it’s a change to pay

tribute to their partners and the different areas where they are from.” After placing reasonably well in 2009, the last competition the group performed at, Tracey says they are aiming for the top 20 this year. “We’ve got quite a few young ones coming through and we’ve asked them to treat it like another game of rugby, to give it everything. And their level of commitment has been huge.” Kirsty thanks everyone involved – including volunteers, supporters and financial sponsors – saying the group would not have been able to compete without them. Te Matatini is in Rotorua, with the group’s first performance on Friday and finals on Sunday. By Hamish Carter

PROUD TO BE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED

6 A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on... Read these stories in full at www.sunlive.co.nz

Crash kills mother near Te Puke

A fatal crash near Te Puke killed a 33-year-old woman and left her 14-yearold son fighting for his life on Sunday. The woman died when the car she was driving towards Papamoa on State Highway 2 crossed the centre line and crashed head-on into a silver van travelling towards Te Puke. Emergency services were called to the crash in an area known as Long Swamp at about 4.15pm. The 14-year-old boy was cut free by firefighters and taken to Tauranga Hospital before later being transferred to Waikato Hospital. Another 14-year-old boy in the same vehicle and four others aging from four to 44 years old were taken to hospital with minor injuries and later discharged.

Bus crashes into city cafe

A Bay Hopper bus crashed into a cafe on Hamilton Street in Tauranga City on Tuesday. At about 4.15pm, the bus turning from Cameron Road into Hamilton Street crossed the centre line and ploughed into the decking of Cafe Alfresco. No one was injured in the accident and police are continuing to investigate.

Teen falls from school roof

A teenage boy is in Tauranga Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit after falling two metres from the roof of a building at Arataki Primary School. The 14-year-old boy was climbing along roofs at the school on Kaimanawa Street about 7pm on Monday when he fell, hitting his head on the ground. He was taken to Tauranga Hospital by Mount Maunganui St John paramedics.

Residents warned of ‘bogus’ workers

Residents in Te Puna and Whakamarama are being warned of ‘bogus’ contractors pretending to work for council to undertake work before threatening residents to pay huge bills. Western Bay of Plenty District Council transportation manager Alex Finn says council has received concerned reports from residents in Paparoa Road and Plummers Point about ‘bogus’ workers offering to undertake works on council’s behalf. He says these so called ‘sub-contractors’ are approaching private residences offering to work on driveways and install vehicle crossings at a cheap price before demanding higher prices once the work is complete. In some cases Alex says these people are using “stand-over” and threatening tactics to try to extort large amounts of money from residents.

Woman escapes car fire

A car caught fire on Maunganui Road this week just moments after the driver jumped out of the vehicle. Michelle King was driving her friend’s silver Mitsubishi Lancer along Maunganui Road around 12.15pm when the car starting filling with smoke. She quickly pulled over to the side of the road just past Concord Avenue and jumped out before the engine bay was engulfed in flames. Mount Maunganui firefighters and police were called to the fire where one lane heading towards Bayfair was partially blocked to traffic while firefighters dealt with the fire. News tips call 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Hundred years New CEO of fire fighting Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade is celebrating its centenary this year and seeking information from the public about the brigade’s past. The brigade will turn 100 on October 10 and chief fire officer Glenn Williams says they are planning events to celebrate the occasion and would like information about the brigade’s past. “We are using a number of media outlets to get the information out to former brigade members and the public to inform them of the weekend’s activities, which include, other than the meeting on the Thursday, registration and a get-together at the station on the Friday night October 11.” Glenn says on the Sunday of that

weekend they plan to have a church parade followed by a farewell. “The brigade has been working on a centenary book for the last few years now to record the brigade’s history. “We are also asking past members and the public to put forward any old memorabilia or photographs of the brigade’s activities.” Glenn says the brigade is an integral part of the community and responds to many other emergencies, such as disasters, medical emergencies and animal rescues. He says it would be great if anyone who has information about the brigade’s history could contact them. The public can contact the brigade by emailing glenn.williams@fire.org.nz, via Facebook or by post: Te Puke Fire Brigade PO Box 292, Te Puke. By Letitia Atkinson

Total fire ban in city A total fire ban is now in place across the city as sunshine and dry conditions continue to dominate the forecast. New Zealand Fire Service has recommended Tauranga City Council implement a total fire ban in conjunction with the ban being imposed across the Western Bay Moana Rural Fire District. The Tauranga City total fire ban is effective from 6am today until further notice. The fire ban means that with the exception of gas fuelled fires, no open fire will be permitted in Tauranga City. The MetService is predicting mostly dry and settled weather the next 10 days with highs of 26 degrees for Tauranga and sunshine with light to no wind through until March 1. Fire Service Bay of Plenty area manager Murray Binning says with no rain on the radar and increasingly dry conditions now is the best time to enforce a total fire ban. “We are concerned. It is getting into

extreme fire conditions, and there is no meaningful rain forecast. “We have been conscious of other neighbouring areas enforcing total fire bans for a number of weeks and have been working with the Western Bay rural fire, which have been monitoring the weather on a daily basis.” Murray says although Tauranga is not as dry as other areas it does have a lot of dry undergrowth and rural tracks. He says the public are using commonsense and understand conditions are dry so are refraining from lighting fires. “The public have been fantastic, everyone is aware that it is dry and only set to get dryer. We request members of the public to be conscious of the dry conditions, across most of the country.” The last total fire ban enforced in Tauranga was in the summer of 2010. Anyone who sees smoke or fire should immediately call the ‘111’ emergency number and ask for the fire service. By Phillipa Yalden

Tauranga’s new CEO Garry Poole.

Wellington City Council chief executive Garry Poole was confirmed as the new chief executive of Tauranga City Council this week. Tauranga City Council made the announcement on Tuesday and Garry is expected to take up his new Tauranga job in April – after working out his contract with Wellington City Council, and training his Wellington replacement. Garry has been Wellington’s CEO for 15 years. Wellington City councillors failed to renew his contract in December following a performance review in August. As Wellington CEO Garry was paid $420,000 a year. As Tauranga CEO his pay is $340,000 a year – set by the government and based on population. “The elected members were very conscious of the importance of this decision for staff, the organisation, residents, stakeholders and the wider community,” says Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby. “Garry comes to Tauranga City Council as a highly respected and vastly experienced local government chief executive. “We are very excited to bring him to Tauranga.” The appointment is the end result of a very robust selection process, says Stuart. “The current organisation review has been a difficult time for Tauranga City Council staff. Garry’s appointment as chief executive is a significant and positive step forward for the organisation as it refocuses itself.” As Wellington City Council CEO, Garry Poole is responsible for a staff of 1400 people – and an organisation with more than $7 billion worth of assets and a total income of more than $450 million. Garry’s background is in auditing background. He is a former executive director for Audit New Zealand, and has worked for the Audit Office in New Zealand and overseas. He is a fellow chartered accountant and is the past vice president of the Wellington Rugby Union. During his time in Wellington, Garry invested in events and social infrastructure while maintaining sound city foundations to deliver a vibrant city that the Lonely Planet guide referred to as “the coolest little capital in the world”. By Andrew Campbell

The Weekend Sun

Stone the crows Welcome Bay Kindergarten children George Kyd, 4, and India Keam, 4, with Sally Sunflower Scarecrow – their entry in Bethlehem Town Centre’s inaugural scarecrow competition this weekend. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

When it came to building a scarecrow, the pupils at Welcome Bay Kindergarten knew the obvious place to start was in the garden. Teacher Susan Skarratt says their garden is a major focus at the centre and the pupils loved the idea of using flowers and other garden materials to fashion the scarecrow. “Everyone thought it was a fantastic idea and has really loved making it.” The kindergarten, involved in the Enviroschools pro-

gramme, has been growing tomatoes, corn, pumpkins, cucumber, carrots, lettuce and other crops in its garden – where Sally Sunflower Scarecrow will soon take pride of place after this weekend’s Bethlehem Town Centre scarecrow competition. “I’m sure the scarecrow will make a difference. The birds can be a bit of a problem – especially for the plum tree which we have to protect with a net.” Susan says the children love the garden and are always picking crops to prepare food, such as tomato salsa or the plum ice cream they made this week.

Banking on Donaldson’s Dairy Plans for a Hairy Maclary sculpture park on Tauranga’s waterfront have had a boost from ANZ, with the bank’s 14 Western Bay branches throwing support behind the project. Creative Tauranga CEO Tracey Rudduck-Gudsell welcomes the ANZ’s support and urges everyone to get behind the fundraising project to ensure the sculptures can be installed in time for Hairy Maclary’s 30th birthday celebrations in July. Tracey says there is a lot of interest in the project, which will attract lots of visitors to the city centre, but half of the $800,000 target still needs to be fundraised in time.

“Everyone wants to know when it is coming – I’ve been hearing from the cruise ships and tour operators who all want to know. I’ve been blown away by just how much interest there is.” Tracey says Hairy Maclary’s 30th birthday will generate international attention for Tauranga if the sculptures are installed on the waterfront opposite Masonic Park in time. ANZ Bay of Plenty business development manager Shane Southby says bank staff will be encouraging everyone to

donate to the project through collection boxes that are being installed in-store next week. “We thought it was a great local project to help promote and we want to do what we can to help.” ANZ’s staff foundation is also considering donating to the sculpture project, which will include large bronze statues of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy and eight of his friends. Tracey says every cent counts in the collection, and wants to hear from other businesses wanting to donate or display support for the project. Details: www.hairymaclarysculptures.org.nz By Hamish Carter

Creative Tauranga CEO Tracy Rudduck-Gudsell and Shane Southby from ANZ hope the collection boxes in ANZ branches will help pay for the Hairy Maclary sculpture park. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Pin Up Pet My name is Jack and I am an 8 week old male Staffy cross. I am a gorgeous puppy who came to the SPCA with my 6 brothers and sisters after our previous owner could no longer look after us. We have been at one of the SPCA’s awesome foster homes where we have been with other dogs and a variety of livestock. All of us have fantastic natures and with lots of love, attention and a little training we will soon become well behaved members of the family for the rest of our lives. Please ask to meet me or one of my brothers or sisters and see for yourself what wonderful pets/companions we will be or phone 5780 245 for more information. Ref no. 17981

The Weekend Sun

Sisters among youth to battle surf Hundreds of junior athletes will hit the waters of Mount Main Beach this weekend as the four day Oceans’13 U14 New Zealand Surf Lifesaving Championships continue.

The first heat began yesterday attracting juniors 14-years-old and under from all around New Zealand, including Mount Maunganui sisters Georgia and Bella Akroyd.

The sisters have had a great last six months – Georgia won the NZU12 and Intermediate School water polo championships, while Bella is now a New Zealand swimming champion. Georgia, 12, who started surf lifesaving when she was five years old, began surf lifesaving to pursue her love for the sport. “It’s really fun and it’s a great family environment and you make lot of great friends all over the country.” Having competed in the Oceans’13 series

for three years, Georgia says she will help her younger sister to prepare for the championships. Together they swim and surf train about seven times a week. This is the first time 10-year-old Bella has competed in the Oceans’13 NZ championships but she says she is not nervous. “I’m not too bad because I just came out of

the Nationals but I was nervous then. I like the fact that anything can happen.” The sisters’ mum Carly says Georgia has been Bella’s idol throughout the season. “She is as good as she is because she’s been chasing her sister all these years.” For the second year in a row, the event doubles as the finale of the Sonic Surf Race series, opposing some of New Zealand’s best senior talent against each other in three ironman eliminator races today and tomorrow. The championships run February 21-24. By Zoe Hunter

Georgia competing at last month’s Papamoa Junior Invitational. Photo by Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Journalism.

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Celebratory tour for mountain climbers A Tauranga woman is organising a humanitarian tour of Nepal to celebrate the anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who climbed Mount Everest 60 years ago.

they don’t have an opportunity to do that. “You bring them here, you inspire them, and then you send our students to there and learn how grateful we can be here for what we have. “But show them how they can come into the Understanding Sir Edmund 21st century while they Hillary’s desire to help the Himaremind us what’s really layan children, tour organiser important in life because Barbara Ann Guiney has created a Barbara (centre) is organising a tour in that’s all they love is the 13 day expedition to Kathmandu. April to create a cultural exchange. love for each other. A year ago Barbara visited a Nepal “If you marry the two school where she witnessed children hopefully it’ll be a great learning experience on both living in conditions with no electricity, no hot water, sides,” she says. and no money to visit their parents. Proceeds of the trip will go towards setting up a New She says the tour will create a cultural exchange Zealand cultural exchange with Nepal. between New Zealand and Nepal children where they On February 27, an information evening will be held will be inspired by each other’s way of living. at House of Travel Mount Maunganui at 6pm, with “I believe in travel and getting out and getting By Zoe Hunter inspired by what the rest of the world is doing, because the tour beginning April 24.

The Weekend Sun

Thousand species challenge The wrybill is one of the species sure to be found during the bioblitz. Photo by Ian Southey.

Katikati couple Peter Maddison and Eila Lawton are hoping to find at least one new species during an 18-hour ‘bioblitz’ in Thames next week. On Thursday, February 28, the couple will be joined by nearly 40 of New Zealand’s leading scientists, as well as children from Te Puna School and home-schooled students across the Western Bay, in a search to find and identify every possible living organism on the coast and in the sea adjacent to Miranda.

From 6am to midnight, experts will lead forays into different parts of this area, returning to the Shorebird Centre with their finds. There the organisms will be identified and many of them displayed. Peter, an entomologist, says new species are frequently found during a bioblitz and they will be catalogued and preserved for further study. Eila says these events are popular in larger cities, but are rarely done in smaller areas and for that reason, it will be exciting. “It’s really unusual. I hope a whole lot of fun and learning is had,” she says.

From little acorns to The Big Apple

Eila hopes they will find 1000 different organisms during the day, from fish and other marine and freshwater organisms, to lizards, birds and flowering plants. The search area comprises Robert Findlay Reserve and adjoining land belonging to the Dalton Family and Department of Conservation. The EcoQuest Education Foundation, local iwi and fishermen are essential members of the team. For more information, visit www. shorebird.org.nz or phone the Shorebird Centre, 09 232 2781. Coffee and snacks will be provided by Tikapa Flavas. By Corrie Taylor

Acorn Foundation’s founding chairman Bill Holland is heading to New York on a fellowship to study options for a national organisation for foundations. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Leading Tauranga lawyer Bill Holland has beaten off competition from 45 countries to earn a research scholarship in New York to build on his success establishing Tauranga’s Acorn Foundation. The passionate advocate of the philanthropic foundation says he was excited to be one of five recipients PAINT,PAINT, WALLPAPER, DRAPES AND BLINDS WALLPAPER, DRAPES AND BLINDS of a fellowship and is looking forward to heading to HOME SHOW New York in April. It will continue his mission to grow the foundation, which began with a visit to a SPECIALS New York conference 10 years earlier. Come and see us for great “It is very exciting. Given the numbers who applied Come anddeals see at usStand for great 262 Jo Knell (95), I didn’t think I had a shot.” deals at Stand 262 Jo Knell The City University of New York fellowship covers living costs for a month, and offers him access to leaders in the community and philanthropic sector to research a paper. Bill, who is a partner at Holland Beckett and last year received a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for community service, will be looking at what issues need to be considered when forming a national body for community trusts. When Bill went to the conference 10 years ago he was uncertain if the concept of bequesting to a foundation would work in New Zealand, but has been delighted with success of Acorn and growth of other foundations since. “It’s gone extremely well,” says Bill, who two years ago stood down from the trust’s board after eight years. In his time leading the trust it grew dramatically and is now the leading foundation of nine operating in the country. Acorn had $6.417m invested at June 2012 and distributed $316,077 to the community last year. “The next level is we want to establish a national association in New Zealand. So I will be studying what is the best role for a national association in order to fulfil the potential of these community foundations COLOURPLUS Mt Maunganui to promote philanthropy.” 5 Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui After talking to heads of other national bodies he will write a report on alternative models which he Ph 07 575 3379 hopes will provide a roadmap for New Zealand. He www.colourplus.co.nz says the national body will formalise links between foundations and set required standards. Freephone 0800 733 030

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Top sport student awarded Year 12 Otumoetai College student Emma Dwight entered her NCEA scholarship exam not expecting to pass – now she has been awarded New Zealand’s top student for Physical Education.

After attending the study workshops mostly for the free food, Emma was not expecting to pass her scholarship exam and says being awarded top student in New Zealand is ‘ridiculous’. “I’m just ecstatic really. I didn’t even take Level 3 Sports Science. I basically took it as a as a practice run this year. “I didn’t think I would pass that exam when I sat it.” Emma scored a total of 22 out of a possible 24 for her Physical Education scholarship exam and was awarded a yearly prize of $2000 for three years. In May the 17-year-old will be awarded her scholarship in a special awards ceremony at Government House in Wellington.

Year 12 students Katie Wilson and Cameron Apeldoorn have also been awarded scholarships. Cameron and Katie are part of an Advanced Learning Programme and studied maths a year ahead of their classmates. Taking NCEA Level 3 Calculus in Year 12, the pair thought they may as well try their chances at scholarship. “That’s the only one that’s really easy to take a year early,” Katie says. Although she has not yet decided on where she will end up next year, Katie says she is happy to have a scholarship to her name. “It’s nice to be able to say I have already got a scholarship.” Following in the footsteps of her fellow students, Emma says she may attempt to complete a mathematics scholarship this year. The trio would like to thank their teachers who helped them study for their exams.

Year 12 Otumoetai College students Cameron Apeldoorn, Katie Wilson and Emma Dwight have been awarded scholarships.

By Zoe Hunter

Stepping out for poverty A group of adventurous and big-hearted Tauranga residents are taking on a 36-hour trek for charity– The Oxfam Trailwalker. On April 6-7, twenty-year-olds Nikki Friar, Katherine Dyer, Rebecca Ludgate and Brodie Barrow-Fraser will walk a 100km trek into bush land to raise awareness of world poverty. Oxfam is an international confederation of 17 organisations working in 94 countries finding lasting solutions to poverty and injustice. The Oxfam Trailwalker is an annual event held in Taupo, attracting teams from as far as Hong Kong, Singapore, United States and Australia. Nikki says the team, who call themselves Twenty Aplenty, have already started training for the walk and are raising funds to support Oxfam. “It’s such a great charity and they don’t specifically help one place in the world and I really like that. It’s global.” The team’s training routine involves walks of at least 10km about three times a week, including a walk of more than 20km at least once a

week. However Nikki says people don’t have to be ultrafit to enter. “Like many of the other participants, we’re not athletes – we’re out to have fun and raise money for Oxfam’s work while we’re at it.” Katherine and Nikki are both employed at Bivouac Outdoors in Tauranga – a key sponsor for the Oxfam Trailwalker. Having so far raised a little more than $1000, the team’s goal is to raise $2500. They aim to complete the trail in under 30 hours. Oxfam’s executive director Barry Coates is inspired by the way the team has taken on the challenge and are positively impacting the lives of those in extreme poverty. “Over the course of 100 kilometres individuals offer a hand to support teammates through the hard parts, while the team as a whole is reaching out to support communities in the developing world.” To donate, visit http://www. oxfamtrailwalker.org.nz/otw13/ teams/twenty-aplenty By Zoe Hunter

Nikki Friar and Katherine Dyer are part of the TwentyAPlenty team walking the 100km Oxfam Trailwalker. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

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Road safety still a major issue

Swords at the ready

Sustainability and economic development in the Bay of Plenty may be on the rise but safety on the roads is still a major issue for the region, according to new data. These are among the key findings of the Regional Land Transport Strategy’s data collection for 2012. Regional Transport Committee chairman Councillor Jane Nees says these results highlight both economic growth in the Bay, and positive change in travel choices. “The data is a good indicator that people and businesses are making more considered transport choices, and also finding our transport services efficient, reliable, and good value for

money. It also shows that the Bay has seen some positive economic growth, with an increasing role for rail in the movement of freight in our region.” The report also highlighted road safety is still a major issue. “While fatalities and serious injuries on our roads have actually decreased, alcohol and speed are still major contributors to road accidents. a quarter of all fatalities and serious injuries have alcohol and speed as contributing factors.” The findings showed that, from July 2011 to June 2012 the use of public transport in the Bay of Plenty increased from 8.2 annual trips per person to 10.6 annual trips per person.

John Maine and David Layzell play fight at the mock Roman village. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Trousers and pens were traded for togas and swords in Paengaroa last weekend, when a group of Roman enthusiasts lived as Romans and consecrated the site for an ancient culture centre. Organiser Kelvin O’Hara says it was a successful first event attracting 30 enthusiasts from around the North Island, with strong support to develop the bare site on O’Hara Game Estate for regular gatherings.

After a busy weekend of activities at the educational centre Thithe Sensear – ranging from gladiatorial spectacle to a spit roast feast - Kelvin says the focus is now on earthworks to develop the site with a permanent Roman marching camp and amphitheatre areas. “The feedback from everyone who stayed and residents who popped by was really positive and everyone’s looking forward to more events and developing it into a permanent village.” Kelvin is planning to have both the camp and theatre to seat 60 completed by next summer and is

already planning a catapult event using replica Roman siege weapons in May. Meanwhile TECT All Terrain Park operations manager Bill Wheeler has been in discussions with Tauranga medieval enthusiasts over using the park for activities, but no plans are confirmed. Bill is waiting for a formal application from the medieval group to use the park, which would then be assesessed on criteria for park use. He says a medieval village was a long term goal for the group. By Hamish Carter

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The Weekend Sun

Who will be the first to stand up here? I stood up a few years ago at an international conference and asked a minister why a certain piece of legislation was already due for review and there had been no evidence of the first version ever having appeared at the district level. His answer was that I should understand that democracy might not be the best form of government but it is the best we get at the moment. He then pleaded another meeting and walked out of the conference. Those were the bad old days. Two weeks ago Dr Mike Reid from Local Government New Zealand explained the new rules for local government. You now can be an instrument for change in your own district. Any individual or

group now has the authority to write directly to his organisation in Wellington and, providing you are serious, they will listen and on your initiative alone will follow through with you to implement the change. Frivolous and undocumented applications won’t get very far but if you have done your homework, you will be treated seriously. This will include explaining how the change should be achieved, how it will promote good government and that you have provided some demonstrable community support in the form of surveys, meetings, correspondence and so on. Councils and other organisations have always had the opportunity to make an appeal for

change to local government but the opportunity is open now for anyone or any group in New Zealand to influence their local government directly. Theoretically this is a great idea but how could it happen? All we need is for someone with a bright idea willing to stand up and make a case. This was later defined at the conference as ‘leadership’. Majority support is not necessary only demonstrable support for a great idea. Who will be the first to stand up? Who will be the first to stand up in your town – in your street? If this stranger, this essential element for this new democratic way, stands up demanding your attention with what might be

a bright idea, are you going to listen? I mentioned people standing on soap boxes on street corners previously. Apart from no-one knowing what a soap box looks like, who would be willing to support some outspoken radical at a local meeting and be willing to support his ideas? The conference came to the conclusion that our main problem wasn’t lack of ideas; it was lack of leadership in our society, but is that really our problem? Sir Bob Harvey voiced his concern over the passionless people. He reported that at meetings a few years ago 30 or 40 would arrive at council to hear and later voice their opinions. He reported nowadays he is lucky to see more than one or two. Read this column in full on www.sunlive.co.nz

Growing up in Tauranga Recently I was asked to comment about raising a family in New Zealand as opposed to overseas.

To the Bay of Plenty Communities, Since the grounding of the MV Rena on 5th October 2011 work has continued, often under challenging conditions, to reduce the eﬀects of the grounding so that the community can once again access and enjoy the coastal environment and Otaiti (Astrolabe Reef).

From these studies and feedback from the community we have identiﬁed a preferred option, which is to apply under the Resource Management Act for consents to leave the remaining parts of the bow and stern sections on the reef.

During the recovery process, the owner and I have met and worked alongside many of those aﬀected, to whom we are very grateful.

Before those consents are given eﬀect to, however, further work will be needed to clean the wreck and make it safe. Monitoring of the wreck and its surrounding environment will also continue.

We have also been working hard to determine a longterm solution for the future of the wreck. As most people realised when her hull split in two and sank last year – this is neither a short nor simple process. At that time, the Rena was still carrying a large amount of cargo and some residual fuel oil. Step-bystep, and working with various authorities, salvage experts, environmental consultants, volunteers and the wider community - a lot has been achieved. While operations have been frustrated by changeable and stormy conditions that have prevented salvage work at the reef on almost three out of every ﬁve days, Resolve Fire & Salvage are doing an outstanding job to reduce the bow and collect hundreds of tonnes of debris from the seabed around the reef. Alongside the work out on the water, environmental, cultural, social, and economic assessments have been undertaken to help determine the best solution for the future of the wreck.

To learn more about the on-going work programme and the preferred option there will be two further drop-in Open Days (see details below), hui with Iwi at Motiti, Maketu and Matakana as well as various special interest and focus group meetings. To learn more and have your say by the 16th of March visit: www.renaproject.co.nz. Over the next few weeks, I look forward to receiving further feedback from the community. Sincerely,

John D. Owen The Swedish Club Insurers for the Owners, Daina Shipping Co.

Drop-in Open Days with posters, videos, models and project team members, will be held at the following venues: Tuesday 26th February 4-7pm, Club Mount Maunganui, Totara Street, Mount Maunganui.

Thursday 28th February 4-7pm, Mount Surf Club, Adams Avenue, Mount Maunganui.

Obviously there are a range of circumstances and I understand that some families are finding it very difficult. But New Zealand is still an amazing place to raise children and I reckon Tauranga must be one of the best parts in our country in which to do so. Obvious points to make include our weather and climate. Children can be real children, enjoying the outdoors all day long. Wherever you live here you are close to a park with a playground and the water. We also have great early childhood education, schools and healthcare in this city. As I said to the journalist I talked to, my wife and I have personally found the assistance from the nurses on PlunketLine very helpful and comforting, and free doctor visits for under-sixes also ensures children get the best possible start in life. The sign on the primary school nearest me encourages children to walk to school rather than be dropped off by family. I was initially surprised by this, but on reflection it’s a great message. Obviously, it’s primarily about health and lifestyle, but it is also a reflection of the general safety of our city. I am grateful we live in a place like this where children can roam around and don’t need to be shuttled from one indoor area to the next. Police roll out new technology to fight crime All New Zealanders have a right to feel safe in their homes and communities, and National remains committed to building a safer New Zealand. I was delighted with the recent news that frontline police will soon start using smartphones and tablets that will free up 41,526 police hours in the Bay of Plenty Police District every year. This means cops will have more time out in their communities. In a three-month roll-out starting in April, 6086 officers across New Zealand will receive the devices. The devices save, on average, 30 minutes per officer per shift, meaning just over half a million more frontline police hours every year are being invested in crime prevention – the equivalent of about 345 extra police. Smartphones and tablets will be introduced across the country, with 6500 frontline officers being issued a smartphone by mid-2014, and 3900 staff receiving tablets. One of our priorities this term is delivering better public services. Making sure our police have the tools they need to spend more time on crime prevention, and less time on paperwork, is important to achieving this. This new technology means police will be able to access, input and share vital information on the spot, like offender details and information on places and vehicles, without having to go back to their station or radio in. It will help officers make immediate and better decisions on the ground, which will reduce safety risks for officers and the public, and increase time police spend out in their communities. Read this column in full on www.sunlive.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

The big question: what to do with the Rena? The Rena debris on the Astrolabe Reef is a huge problem for us all. The reality is that to remove it completely is likely to be at such a cost to the salvers that the owners and insurers are likely to walk away – no matter what the community wants. Having already spent around $275m on this salvage operation, the costs just continue to rise. There really is no easy answer. To make the site safe will likely require the hull to be

blown open with explosives, and the environmentalists will throw their arms in horror. The risk for us all is that unless we agree to this, the salvers are likely to walk away, with litigation being extremely expensive and over a very long timeframe. The salvers tell me that while using explosives will kill some fish life, the dead fish will ensure a feeding frenzy for other fish, and won’t be detrimental

longer term. They say that it will be just too dangerous to leave the site as it currently is, and yet it is becoming prohibitively costly to undertake a total removal. Nothing is easy here. The bright prospect for our recreational divers is that there is likely to remain a treasure trove of trophies left if the wreck isn’t removed. Eight hundred tonnes of aluminium

ingots were lost in this tragedy, and at approximately $80 an ingot this would definitely entice a frenzy of divers to recover whatever is left. However, right now the dive site is incredibly dangerous, with tonnes of once coiled wire entangling the dive site. We have to be pragmatic about any decision-making, and we also have to be

careful not to let perceived culturalism hinder the process. This is going to be an extremely difficult decision, and is going to require some level headed decision making. If you have a view on these or any other local government issues, I invite you to email me: andrew@vond.co.nz or visit www.vond.co.nz

Debris recovered from the Rena, including entangled wire.

Making an affordable swimming campaign As an island nation, we are blessed with an abundance of fabulous beaches, lakes and rivers, all of which provide boundless opportunities for a host of aquatic sports and recreational activities. Many believe that aquatic activities are a birthright of all New Zealanders. Most readers likely had the good fortune of being taught to swim at school. Being able to swim is considered a critical life skill and an essential part of school physical education programmes. Sadly today it is a challenge for many schools to provide for swim instruction, as the cost of providing and maintaining a swimming complex is outside the scope of today’s school’s budget. The new pool at Omokoroa School cost the community $310,000. Some local school principals report swimming is difficult to programme and that there has been a significant decline in children’s swimming skills. Though subsidised, there is a lack of space in local pools. This limited access means some schools are

only able to run two-week swim programmes. The alternative for parents is to enrol their children into a professional swim school or club, where in Tauranga the practice is for coaches to hire a training lane. On top of coaching costs, the pupils also pay the standard entrance fee of $4.70 per swim. Compared to other council sporting and recreational facilities children may use, swimming costs in this city are expensive and prohibitive for many families. Use of parks and reserves is free for children (football, rugby, netball, tennis courts etc), use of the library the same. These are not essential life skills activities. We must make swimming affordable. Join my endeavour and sign my petition to make swim training more affordable. Drowning remains the second leading cause of unintentional death for children under 14 in our country. I believe that a gold coin entry to all local swim facilities for all children (including secondary school) is reasonable and fair.

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Facebook.com/Brendan.horan.336 twitter.com/brendanhoran or phone Brendan 07 574 0253.

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Sharing wealth makes us all richer Bouquets to council for running a series of workshops asking how to make Tauranga more aged-friendly.

are unaffordable. The city needs to provide for those folk too, but we should also ask why some people struggle to afford a suitable retirement despite a lifetime of contribution. As for many of the The workshops ills in our society, the focused on services, answer may lie in such as transportation, the income gap – the access to health facilisimple fact that there ties, parking, community are enormous differBy Ian McLean, spokesperson for the support, security, and ences in the way wealth Green Party so on. These are mostly is distributed through our provided if one lives in a society. retirement village and it could be Young, old, or just interested? argued that a city well-supplied Come and discuss the income gap with retirement villages is already and its implications at the Wesley an aged-friendly city. Centre, 100 13th Ave, 7:00 pm, But for some, retirement villages Monday 25 February.

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The Weekend Sun

Positive partnerships and community I recently attended two events that were quite different but both shared the themes of working together and looking ahead to make the region an even better place. I was privileged to speak at the Waitangi Day dawn ceremony at Hopukiore (Mount Drury). To me, the Treaty of Waitangi is about both the past and the future. There have been grievances and settling these can be a long and sometimes difficult process. But honouring the treaty is not just about remedying the past – it’s also about looking forward to a

shared future. The second event was a Rethinking Local Government Conference – which brought together the region’s mayors and chair, council representatives, business people and interested public. Following the day’s presentations and discussion the regional mayors and myself agreed on a joint statement that emphasised our willingness to work to come together to collaborate and share information. We’ll continue to work together as we develop a shared vision for our region. It’s activities like this that mean local bodies in the Bay of Plenty

are seen as role models for how we develop partnerships and collaborate for the benefit of our communities. Another example of positive partnerships and working together was last week’s opening of a new pest plant collection facility at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Windermere campus. The facility is a tool we will use to introduce and educate our communities about pests, and where we can confirm the identity of plants found around the region. Again this has been made possible only through having good relationships and a collaborative approach to working – for the benefit of the Bay of Plenty community.

Collaboration is surely the way to go Last week I attended the official opening of a collaborative initiative between Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. A new regional pest plant collection was unveiled at the Windermere campus of the polytechnic in a purpose built “polytunnel” which was jointly funded between the regional council and the polytechnic. The poly-tunnel will hold about 100 different species of pest plants from around the region. This is an example of a win-win through collaboration. For the polytechnic, the inclusion of the pest collection adds another learning dimension to their training orchard, research orchard and student gardens, and complements new learning facilities for approximately 40 full-time horticulture students.

For the regional council, which has a statutory role in the management and eradication of specified pest plants within the Bay of Plenty, it will help educate the public on the identification of pest plants and how to control them. It will also serve as a collection facility where pest plants collected in the field or by the public can be correctly identified. Establishing and maintaining effective partnerships within the community, and benefiting the community, are key focuses for the regional council – especially where costs can be shared. This facility is a great example of the collaborative approach which provides benefits to both our ratepayers and our local partners. If you have any views on this or any other issue, please email me: neesj@xtra.co.nz or phone 07 579 5150. Or you can check out my website www.janenees.co.nz

Learn about search for extrasolar planets Bright in the northwest, Jupiter appears soon after sunset and sets around 11pm midmonth. Saturn is in the east at dusk, on the opposite side of the sky to Jupiter. Above and left of it is Spica the brightest star in Virgo. A telescope magnifying 20 times will show Saturn’s rings. Sirius is the brightest star in the night sky, though fainter than Jupiter. It appears at dusk, northwest of overhead. It is quickly followed by Canopus, southwest of the zenith. Below Sirius are Rigel and Betelgeuse, the brightest stars in Orion. Between them is a line of three stars: Orion’s belt. Orion’s belt

points down and left to a V-shaped pattern of stars above Jupiter. These make the face of Taurus the Bull. Aldebaran is the orange star above Jupiter. Its name is Arabic for ‘the eye of the bull’. Below Jupiter, low in the northwest, is the Pleiades or Matariki star cluster, setting early. Crux, the Southern Cross, is in the southeast. Below it are Beta and Alpha Centauri, often called ‘The Pointers’. Alpha Centauri is the closest naked-eye star, 4.3 light years away. Beta Centauri, like most of the stars in Crux, is a blue-giant star hundreds of light years away. The Clouds of Magellan, LMC and SMC are high in the south sky, easily seen by eye on a dark moonless night. They are two small

galaxies about 160 000 and 200 000 light years away. On March 22 Tauranga Astronomy Society is hosting Stardome astronomer Grant Christie, speaking on the topic of extrasolar planets. This should be a riveting talk from someone very much involved in the hunt for planets outside of our solar system. The TAS Observatory is located at the clubrooms in Fergusson Park, Matua. Public meetings are every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. For more information, phone 07 543 5358. Data courtesy of Stardome, Auckland and the Royal Astronomical Society of New Zealand. Jonathon Palmer, Tauranga Astronomical Society secretary

The Weekend Sun

One brave kid helps another Choosing to ‘Shave His Lid for a Brave Kid’, former Papamoa resident Dylan Curtis will be losing his hair at the Mount Beach Bald event in support of child cancer. It was when his mother suggested he have a haircut that the 12-year-old decided ‘why not shave it all off for charity?’. He wants to raise $1000 in the hope of helping to find a cure for the disease. “I want to help sick kids and hopefully find a cure for cancer.” Dylan was quick to show his support for the Child Cancer Foun-

dation after his aunty Heather died of cancer more than a decade ago and his great grandma also died of cancer two years ago. CCF fundraising and business development manager Delwynne Hahunga admires Dylan’s courage and says he is the youngest participant yet this year to register to ‘Shave His Lid for a Brave Kid’. “We are willing and able to shave the lids of 100 brave people, and to achieve this, we need more people to register and do the same as Dylan is doing.”

More than 50 people shaved their heads to raise money for children with cancer when the event debuted last year, including prominent Tauranga residents Dame Susan Devoy and Port of Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns. This year Zespri CEO Lain Jager will shave his head for child cancer. On March 2, Mount Beach Bald starts at 2pm under the Mount Surf Club. Salon One, The Cove are supporting this event, supplying professional hairdressers to carry out the shaves. Register at www.FunRazor. org.nz or donate at www. fundraiseonline.co.nz/ dylancurtis By Zoe Hunter

Successful surfing for everyone Everybody loves the feel of the surf washing over them, but even in beach-mad Western Bay the water is generally off-limits to those with disabilities. Next weekend the annual Catch a Wave Day is at Omanu Beach and the call is going out for as many volunteers as possible to help as many people get into the surf as possible. Organiser Annie Farnsworth says everybody involved gets a lot of out of the event, not only the people with

Overload: call for cat lovers to help Cat lovers are being urged to adopt kittens after Tauranga’s Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre has been overwhelmed with strays. Director Liza Schneider says a campaign to spay stray cats has seen the centre given many strays. “We have been inundated with kittens and need to find them homes.” Liza says the kittens

Dylan Curtis is shaving his head at Mount Beach Bald on March 2. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

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disabilities, who get to safely feel the waves crash over them. “It’s such a great day. All the volunteers absolutely love being part of it and they all want to come back the next year. “Sometimes we need between eight and 15 volunteers to safely have one person in the surf, so we need as much help as we can get.” The event is at Omanu on Saturday March 2, with volunteer sign-up from 8.30am. Anyone wanting to help should phone Annie, 09 418 9918 or email disabledsurfers@gmail.com

which are not too wild to rehome, have been fostered and are ready to find homes where they will make good pets. Following on from Gareth Morgan’s call for tighter controls on cats to help protect birdlife, Liza is stressing the importance of spaying stray breeding cats to reduce their impact on pets and the environment. Liza says the centre’s limited funding means it cannot address the

whole problem, but is doing what it can and is beginning to make some impact on the stray cat population. To adopt a kitten or cat, phone centre coordinator Sue Mackey, 07 552 5503, or go to www.arrc.org.nz

This is our harbour. What are we doing to protect it? Find out. Join us. Tauranga Harbour Symposium Thursday March 7th 9am – 5pm - Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club, Sulphur Point

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Limited Seats Available. Find Out More. Visit www.boprc.govt.nz and search Tauranga Harbour Symposium or Email: harboursymposium@boprc.govt.nz for full details, a programme and registration.

The Weekend Sun

Good things come to those who wait The seemingly never ending quest for our new city CEO came to a conclusion this week when Garry Poole was appointed. Garry comes to Tauranga from his position as CEO Wellington. My enquiries (including the internet – source of all truth!) indicate that Wellington councillors declined to renew Garry’s contract for a third time on a majority vote. That’s how it works these days. No more jobs for life and the new political climate in Wellington Local Government with Green leanings means Tauranga gets a CEO with vast experience and a business network background unparalleled. Gary will need all this as it is expected he will hit the ground running. There will be no traditional honeymoon time “to get his feet under the desk.” Garry will be involved immediately in shaping his executive team and the form of the organisation to take our city to the future – with no or minimal cost increases to maintain levels of service. Garry’s salary will be an all-inclusive package of $340,000. Council no longer includes add-ons like car, super, medical insurance. He starts full time after Easter.

At full council elected members had the regular (and hoary old chestnut) debate on city parking wardens issuing tickets for expired rego and WOF on cars parked on city streets and parking lots – but not parking buildings? Go figure that one if vehicle safety is truly the reason to issue a ticket. For instance there is no vehicle safety issue in a lapsed rego. You have to have a valid WOF first so it could be seen that a ticket for lapsed rego is revenue gathering. And remember rego is a Government/ACC tax. At present ticket receivers have a 14 day grace to remedy any rego and/or WOF that has been expired up to two months. And after the usual lengthy and sometimes emotive debate that’s the way it will stay. Figures produced by staff showed that revenue from this activity had fallen indicating that, indeed, the two month period was working as tickets are only waived once the transgression has been fixed.

Underlying concern

My underlying concern is that revenue rising is also a motive. Fine revenue gets split 50/50 with Central Government BUT Council covers all costs. Surprise, surprise. It is also true that Council needs to work hand in hand with all Gov-

ernment agencies – in this case the police and Council does that. The other side of the discussion is that all shopping mall carparks are “unpoliced” as they are private property. CBD and other shopping centres like the Mount have claimed “unfair competition.” Murray Guy said he felt a Tui ad coming on “…its vehicle safety that’s our concern.”

Endowment plan

The more things change the more they stay the same. A consultant’s report on the Art Gallery recommended amongst other things “the establishment of an independently government Endowment Fund is adopted as the governance model for the public Art Gallery.” This was supposed to be a founding principle for the Art Gallery many years ago when Art Gallery supporters came to Council on behalf of a group of people proposing to fund the Art Gallery using endowments from art lovers to fund the capital and on-going operational costs. Elected members were asked to stump up with $1 million as a public capital contribution

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“and you’ll never hear from us again.” So $1 million was duly provided but some time later they were back again for another $1 million which they got. They did raise about $5 million themselves to fund the Gallery building. Subsequently ratepayers were asked to contribute operational expenses and this presently costs ratepayers around $900,000 per annum. So good luck on the endowment plan – better late than never.

Geological risks

Staff reported back on getting the Southern Pipeline across the inner harbour from Memorial Park to Matapihi. Some time ago I raised with staff the possibility of taking some geological risks in the interests of saving capital costs and major disruption to the CBD by laying the pipeline in the sand in a direct line across the harbour. There is a concrete sewer pipe connecting Anchorage Grove at Maungatapu to Memorial Park. It goes up and down in the soft sand but it’s been there for 50 years or so with little problem. So Council has authorised staff to liaise with the private sector “seeking external partnering, early contractor involvement, competitive pricing/ escape clause and risk assessment.” With new materials and drilling techniques the industry has taken quantum leaps since this project began. From the heady days of “pre financial crisis” where total cost estimate were headed north of $130 million it is now hoped to keep this major (and necessary – wastewater doesn’t stop coming!) project at around $100 million. Matapihi to Te Maunga pipeline tender is going out March/April.

‘MADNESS’

With the recent meteorite emergency at Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia (oh blast, alright – it bears considering whether Council should be considering getting together a Meteor Alert Designation New Emergency Security System or MADNESS for short. With the sometimes way out and emotive outbursts on Tsunami sirens as the

panacea for a tidal wave it seems only a matter of time before some of those living in the hills are demanding similar safety warning consideration.

Make a plan

There was a presentation at Council this week. The Smartgrowth committee comprising representatives from the three Councils (WBOPDC, TCC and Regional) had a confidential tsunami risk assessment session. Why it was in confidential escapes me. There was just some factual information about what happens if this or that happens. In the tsunami advice pamphlet it says quite clearly (as if you need to be told) that no one is coming to save you in a tsunami. Make your own plans, get going at the first sign of earthquake, go on foot – few will escape by car, and get away from the coast to higher ground. A major tsunami is likely to arrive very quickly and there could be little or no advance warnings from authorities. The point everyone should focus on is that sirens and evacuation plans are only part of the equation. Like wearing a lifejacket is a good idea in some circumstances it’s not a guarantee of survival. Living on the coast has a natural risk factor. All the sirens and evacuation plans in the world will be of little use in the event of a locally generated tsunami. It’s all dependent on the lead time of the warning, authorities are able to generate. The public demand for sirens is understandable and given suitable lead time will be of assistance to a successful evacuation plan but, like the MADNESS suggestion outline above, is not going to mitigate or resolve even a major part of the risk. No one saw this small meteor coming and the same risk is present with tidal waves. We need to keep this tsunami warning system and evacuation plan in perspective. As I’ve noted before, after the 1500’s tidal wave swept through the coastal strip the Maori moved up into the Papamoa Hills – and they didn’t have access to sirens and evacuation plans. By the way Chelyabinsk Oblast is nicknamed Tankograd after the famous Russian T34 tank built there during WWII. Just thought you would like to know that. This week’s mindbender from Montesquieu – the less men think the more they talk.

The Weekend Sun

Playful pooches having fun in the sunshine Greetings Sunners, it looks like you have all been enjoying the fantastic Bay of Plenty summer. I sure have, which is why in Newshound world, no news is good news.

Skyla cools off with the hose. From Erina Crichton.

Meg swimming in the Coromandel.

Spoodle Cassie on holiday in Tairua. From Gary Pettitt.

Above: This is Rosie with her frisbee at the beach.

New blood test service for Tauranga pets New state-of-the-art bench-top laboratory equipment at Tauranga Vets is allowing pet owners to have their sick animals tested earlier and closer to home. The new bench-top blood analysers for haematology and biochemistry equipment allow animals to be tested on the spot, with results available in minutes. Companion animal vet Heather Jackson and MD David McDonnell looking through Oscar’s wellness results. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Vet nurse technician Kylee Rendall processing a blood sample for bio chemical analysis and vet nurse Kat Hutchinson examines samples. Photo by Tracy Hardy. The process is completed by a veterinary nurse technician who will take a blood test from the animal and process the blood using the new equipment. The pet owner will have results in around eight minutes. Veterinarian David McDonnell says the new equipment allows veterinarians to provide faster blood test results without having to send the bloods out of town. “It saves a lot of time and cost and provides a lot more peace of mind for the veterinarian and the animal owner.” David says as part of the practice’s wellness programme veterinarians can monitor the pet’s baseline

wellness level with the help of the new equipment. “On a clinical exam many animals presented to the veterinarian may not have any disease seen on the surface with the physical exams, which is something that you might see, hear, or touch. “But there are many abnormalities that cannot be detected by seeing, hearing, or feeling. So by doing some blood tests, we can actually look a bit more beneath the surface and look for changes in the organ systems.” By Zoe Hunter

We’ve dedicated today’s page to your photos, showing some of the antics my furry friends have been up to. Thanks for your amazing photos, keep them coming! - Flo. photos@thesun.co.nz

Loving 20

The Weekend Sun

Being prepared eases stress during grieving The passing of a loved one is one of the hardest things to deal with. The last thing people want to do while they’re grieving is turn their home upside down to find birth certificates and other documents. Regularly hearing from families who have to scour drawers, cupboards and boxes to fund what they need, Tony Hope from Hope Family Funerals says they have a solution for grieving families. “People say it is hard enough coping with a loss and they don’t need the extra stress of looking for these documents at this time. “If only they had recorded all the details somewhere.” To try to ease this burden for grieving families, Hope Family Funerals has developed an ‘Important Personal Documents Folder’.

The folder can be used to store everything from birth and marriage certificates and wills, to bank details, insurance policies and funeral wishes. “It really is something that every family should have,” says Tony. “It makes things so much easier in a very stressful time. The folder has helped many people bring all of their important documents and details together, and when the time comes, will hopefully help to reduce some of the family’s stress.” Tony offers all readers a free copy of the Important Personal Documents Folder and Funeral Guide. To receive one, simply phone Hope Family Funerals and one will be posted out. A copy of the guide can also be downloaded from the company’s website.

Tony Hope says every family should have an Important Personal Documents Folder. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

How to choose a professional funeral celebrant When someone we love dies, our lives are changed forever.

person to conduct the funeral service. The professional funeral celebrant you select should work closely and At such a time strong emotions, feelings, confusion compassionately with you to create and shock are some of the natural responses to our a personalised service reflecting and loss. Amid this turmoil of grief we come face-to-face celebrating the life of the person who with the reality of planning a funeral for a treasured has died. This helps you to say farewell family member of any age, even a baby who died in a dignified and meaningful way. before birth. Many families choose a funeral celebrant The celebrant respects the unique to conduct a personal, unique and meaningful service personalities of those with whom they for their loved one; in fact, celebrant-led funerals work, being sensitive to family needs, make up the largest proportion of funerals in New wishes, values, philosophical and spirZealand. If you are a member of a religious denomi- itual beliefs and cultural backgrounds. nation, your priest or minister will be the most likely A key role is to help the family and Operating from from our our country country funeral funeral home home in in aa garden garden setting setting close friends to gather their stories, Operating tributes, memories and the special qualities of the person who has died. Selections of music, singing, verse or poems may be included. The funeral service then becomes a dedicated time for family and friends to honour and celebrate the person’s life, express their love and their sorrow, say farewell, and kindle hope for the future – in ways right and true for them. Love and memories do not end with death – they live on with us in our

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Anytime Phone 07 07 543 543 3151 3151 Anytime Phone The Hope Family offer a comprehensive funeral service. We are here to The Hope Family offer a comprehensive funeral service. We are here to listen and guide families in a caring, compassionate, economical way. listen and guide families in a caring, compassionate, economical way.

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By Pamela Lane-Parr, funeral celebrant

Loving Katikati still searching for missing father

The Weekend Sun

This week marked five years since Katikati father of two Siegfried Newman went missing without a trace – but residents haven’t stopped searching for him. “A number of people make a point of looking for Siggy whenever they go into the Kaimai Bush and there’s scores of people, both locals and from outside the area, who haven’t forgotten about him,” says Andy Goodall, who for months after Siggy disappeared carried out his own intensive searches. Although no sign of him has been found and Siggy has been officially declared dead by the courts, Andy says there are many unanswered questions surrounding what happened to him. “As time goes on I can’t help wondering if something sinister happened. I don’t believe he deserted his sons. If he could have returned to them, he would have.” Siggy vanished on February 25, 2008, after dropping his sons, Thomas and Oliver, then aged nine and seven, at Pahoia School at 8.45am and then purchasing frozen meals for the family from a business at Whakamarama by around 9am. Shortly before 10am Katikati woman Carol Newcombe, who had been helping with gardening, arrived at the Newman’s Lund Rd home (just south of Katikati) to find Siggy’s car in the carport, and another man who said he had an appointment with Siggy, at the house, but no sign of Siggy.

When Siggy failed to turn up later in the day, police were contacted and a search begun, with neighbours, parents from the school and police taking part. On Tuesday morning an official search started, with police using the Newman home as headquarters. Despite intensive searching of the property and surrounding orchards, farms and bush, no sign of Siggy was found and experienced LandSAR searchers say it was puzzling because no clues to the direction Siggy may have travelled were found. A further search for Siggy was carried out in October 2009, when his case was used as the basis for a LandSAR weekend exercise involving 64 volunteers and a cadaver dog, but again no clues as to his whereabouts were found. At the time of his disappearance, police said Siggy, 48, was suffering from depression over the loss of his wife, Vicki, who is described as positive and strong woman who kept her illness quiet for a long time but had died in November 2007 of cancer. German-born Siggy changed his name from Mensel to his wife’s name, and his family says he was committed to building a life in New Zealand. Friends say although he was grieving for Vicki, he was not sui-

cidal and lived for his boys, even planning a tramping trip with them. Back in 2008 police also said Siggy was alive on Tuesday February 26, the day after he went missing, because two parents reported seeing him at Pahoia School around 2.45pm that afternoon. However, police could not explain how he got to the school, given his vehicle was in Lund Rd and nearly 13 kilometres away. Thomas and Oliver are now living with their mother’s family in Wellington but the double tragedy which struck their lives, losing first their mother, who was the family breadwinner and mainstay and then their father, shocked and saddened the Katikati community. “We would like answers for the boys and urge anyone who is walking in the bush to keep an look out for a pair of glasses, a belt buckle, a backpack or anything which might lead us to Siggy,” says Andy. Despite the passage of time, if Siggy is somewhere in the outdoors, his remains could still be found, just as in the case of a Katikati woman who went missing last century, whose remains were to be found 11 years later within the original search area. If anyone has any information about Siegfried Newman, they should phone Tauranga police, 07 577 4300. By Elaine Fisher

Saying farewell to a loved one is a celebration If it is on your mind to ask someone for advice on having just lost a loved one – don’t be afraid to ask for it. You will be pleased that you put yourself at ease to help you cope with the funeral process. This is one of the constant concerns of funeral directors and celebrants when meeting with grieving families. There may be issues of concern related to one or more family members, where an individual feels at odds to express their feelings or is unsure of asking for guidance or support on an issue for fear of sounding not in control, or at least raising a matter of trivia. Wrong. Your fears, and that niggling concern that you might appear insignificant to the minds of others, is very much of prime concern – your funeral director and celebrant are there to help you in the

Complete Bereavement care …from the time you call, until your final goodbye.

celebration of the life of a loved one. Put simply, if it is on your mind and you are unsure of the right way to approach an issue, ask for help from your service provider. You will be glad you did. Grief has its own place in the scheme of things, and loving memories will always help us through the grieving process. They give us strength at a difficult time. Other highlights embracing today’s modern funeral service, is the introduction of humour in its rightful place and the involvement of family members of all ages, to help build a meaningful and informative record of the life being celebrated. One recent funeral service for a 70-plus family member involved a speaker as young as four, who not only provided a rare glimpse of a meaningful family relationship, but was rightly acknowledged for his expertise, with applause from among those in attendance. How you remember your loved ones and say farewell should highlight the meaningful contribution of that life. Your funeral director and celebrant are well trained and experienced, to help you make it happen.

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By Roger Magee

The Weekend Sun

Pistol club open day in sights

Kaimai Pistol Club senior members will give shooting demonstrations during the open day on March 17.

The public will have the opportunity to learn about the sport of target shooting with firearms when Kaimai Pistol Club holds an open day on Sunday March 17. Tauranga Synchronised Swimming Club.

If you are a good swimmer, enjoy music, dance or gymnastics – this could be the sport for you. ph Angela Thomas 552-5416

It’s a rare opportunity as the club seldom opens its range to the general public but secretary Jim Anderson says members are keen to share their sport with others. Established 27 years ago on a piece of privately owned land on Hot Springs Rd just south of Katikati, the range is high in the hills, adjacent to the Kaimai Forest Park. The facilities are purpose-built to enable the safe firing of pistols, rifles, revolvers and shotguns in a controlled environment which includes four separate ranges able to be set up with difference courses to test marksmanship skills. Jim says the sport appeals to men and women of all ages, from teens to senior citizens, and from all walks of life who enjoy the

challenge of improving their speed and accuracy with their chosen firearm. The open day, which begins at 10.30am and ends at 4pm will use three ranges with displays on each by senior club members at 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Following a safety briefing, and under the direction of qualified range officers, members of the public will have the opportunity to try their hand at shooting too. An information tent will be set up with a display of equipment including guns and leather gear, as well information on fire arms safety and licencing from the Police. Club members will be on hand to answer questions. One of the founding members

Tauranga Gliding Club - for membership enquiries phone Mark Arundel on 576 7729 or 0274 536007 or visit us at Tauranga Airport Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesday afternoon (weather permitting) www.glidingtauranga.co.nz

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of the club says while regular club shoots are competitive, the appeal of the sport is in fact competing against yourself. “You are continually striving to improve on your last score which is a combination of accuracy and speed and it’s a sport you can enjoy at any age.” Kaimai Pistol Club is on Hot Springs Road about 5.5kms from State Highway 2. There is a sign at the farm gate entrance to the range, which is just below the carpark at the start of a walking track into the forest. The range will be open to the public from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday March 17. To find out more about the sport of pistol shooting, go to www. pistolnz.org.nz

Tauranga Indoor Bowling Club -

We invite you to experience the game of bowls every Monday night at 7.15pm. First three nights FREE!! Bethlehem Hall, Main Highway. Ph Wendy 07-578-2585

The Weekend Sun

Up the garden path Bayfair gardener Neville Bright is usually happy to share tips on growing the best vege – but not when it comes to his giant pumpkin.

The pumpkins will be displayed at the centre in the area between Options Living and Video Ezy. All pumpkin entries must be delivered to the centre between 3pm-6pm today, and the winners in the many different categories, including the biggest pumpkin, will be announced at 10am on Sunday, February 24 as part of the two-day Bethlehem Summer Vintage Fair. By Hamish Carter

“It’s all top secret,” he declares, when asked for details on how he has been tending his pumpkin. “I can’t divulge my fertilisers or tell you anything.” Bayfair Neville is competing in the Bay’s Bigpumpkin gest Pumpkin contest at the Bethlehem grower Town Centre’s Summer Vintage Fair Neville Bright this weekend. is taking “It’s my first competition – it’s been bets from a whole lot of fun, but I’m not sure neighbours on about our chances or not.” his vegetable’s After 23 years living in Australia, weight. where he struggled to grow anything Photo by Tracy Hardy. without continual spraying and attention, Neville has been enjoying gardening in the Bay’s naturally fertile soil since returning home a year ago. Other vegetables he has been growing include a bumper crop of tomatoes, cabbages and broccoli. His pumpkin drew so much attention from his neighbours, they held a pumpkin party on Thursday where people took bets on how much the giant vegetable will grow. Neville says the pumpkin is still expanding every day, but has been hesitant to weigh it to avoid damaging it. He is waiting until the final minute today to cut the pumpkin before taking it to the Bethlehem competition.

THIS

Fun of the fair drives sequel Strong interest in Bethlehem Town Centre’s Summer Vintage Fair, with its giant pumpkin and scarecrow competitions, could see it become an annual event. Event organiser Lynley Hancox has been delighted with the response for the event, with more than 150 people or groups registering to enter the competitions along with strong interest in the fair’s rides, games, entertainment and market stalls. “It promises be a fun family weekend with music, entertainment and bargains for shoppers, along with all your classic fair rides,” says Lynley. Retailers are taking part in a window dressing competition and the centre will be festooned with bunting, adding to the atmosphere. Both the pumpkin and scarecrow contests are sponsored by Bethlehem Town Centre, Kings Seeds, Media Works, SunMedia and More FM and are part of the two day Bethlehem Town Centre Vintage Fair this weekend.

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Mount Drury – historic treasure trove

South East Asia awaits Asia. Immerse your senses in the cities – from the imperial citadels and breath-taking street scenes, to the smells, tastes and sounds of the local markets. Relax and rejuvenate in the country – cycling the rice paddy fields, drifting in an ancient wooden junk boat and soaking in the balmy South China Sea. The experiences of Vietnam and Cambodia are difficult to capture in words, however the memories of the dramatic landscapes, creative cuisine and friendly locals will last a lifetime.

Beauty of Cambodia

Cambodia is a dramatic country of contrasts, from the temples of Angkor Wat to the legacy of the Khmer Rouge; hill stations and southern beaches, to cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.

The Weekend Sun

The most compelling impression of Cambodia has to be its people; raw, trusting, forever friendly despite it’s hard past.

Vietnam country of smiles From Hanoi in the north, the amazing Sapa Hill-tribe people, junk boat cruising amongst Halong Bay’s limestone pinnacles, cooking classes, beaches and imperial citadels of Hoi An and Hue to the historic Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) with the Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta and Reunification Palace – Vietnam has it all. If you can see yourself in South East Asia then come and see us first, Harvey World Travel Downtown the Mount for an exciting event with APT Tours, Wednesday February 27. Phone 07 572 3040 now to register as spaces are limited.

NZ Historic Places Trust regional archaeologist Rachel Darmody and her assistant archaeologist Cathleen Hauman examine some of Mount Drury’s caves. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Home to a popular playground and public toilets, Mount Drury’s green oasis between shops, apartments and the beach, is the site of one of Tauranga’s hidden gems with its rich history. Often described to visitors as ‘mini Mauao’, the Mount Maunganui landmark can be considered just that with its high concentration of archaeological features stretching from Tauranga’s earliest Polynesian settlers to early last century. NZ Historic Places Trust regional archaeologist Rachel Darmody says the region’s first Polynesian settlers initially settled in Pilot Bay when they arrived about 1290, before beginning to build the pa at Hopu Kiore (Mount Drury) about 1500. It was named for being a favourite place to catch kiore (Pacific rat), which were trapped during the winter months before being skinned, cooked and preserved in fat. None of the animal went to waste, with the pelts used for making cloaks and local tradition suggesting even the teeth were used as tools for fine carving. In 1820 more than 300 people were slain in a battle at Hopu Kiore between the well-armed Ngapuhi and the gun-less Ngaiterangi. The chivalrous treatment of Ngapuhi leader Te Morenga after he was captured by Ngaiterangi chief Te Waru led to peace between the two tribes. Te Waru’s decision to spare Te Morenga, saying ‘now bind me and take me to the war party at Pilot Bay’ prompted a new peace, with all of the Ngaiterangi dead honoured with burial in the caves around Mount Drury. Rachel says you can still see some of the setting for the battle today where a terrace around the north

and west side of the summit has a narrow depression thought to represent a palisade line, or similar defensive system of the pa. The terraces on the southern and western slopes of the summit have circular and rectangular depressions, suggesting this is where people were living and storing their crops. In December 1842 fifty men of the 80th Regiment, under Major Bunbury, and three guns from the HMS Tortoise, were set up on the eastern side of Hopu Kiore to deter hostilities between Arawa and Ngaiterangi. Conflict never arose but the regiment stayed on until March the next year. Today there are still several visible features that might relate to the military camp on the eastern side of Hopu Kiore, including a large terrace opposite the Rita Street intersection that might represent the barracks building. The soldiers also made use of the nearby caves; one was enlarged and shelves installed for munitions storage. They also fitted a door. Another cave was thought to have been used for more general storage, while another was used as a bakehouse. Mount Drury was also used as a quarry in the early 20th century, and in 1912 a quarry railway line and crushing plant was constructed. Its rolling slopes of were always popular as a picnic spot for families who got off the railway line at Mount Drury. The long terrace at the western foot of Hopu Kiore is a remnant of the railway or loading platform and up till the 1980s you could still identify the caretaker’s lodge near the current toilet block by a wild rambling rose, arum lilies and fruit trees. Concrete pads near the southern playground may relate to this, or even to a children’s miniature railway operated between 1967 and 1975 by the Lions Club of Mount Maunganui.

AP T Asia & Eu r op e

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Cruise into Downtown the Mount for an exciting travel evening with new APT Asia adventures & preview the 2014 APT River Cruising at 2013 prices, including free deals & exclusive specials*. Refreshments included! WHEN: Wednesday 27 February 2012 at 5.15pm - 7.00pm WHERE: In store, 149 Maunganui Road, Downtown the Mount RSVP: Email or phone by 26 Feb. Hurry, space is limited! BONUS: Free suitcase & $100 Duty Free Voucher per Asia booking*

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The Weekend Sun

Learning your town: an historic look into Pilot Bay Everybody thinks they know their home well but how well do you really know the Western Bay? With the summer season offering a chance to explore off the beaten track, Hamish Carter talks to NZ Historic Places Trust assistant regional archaeologist Cathleen Hauman about Pilot Bay and Mount Drury’s history. Archaeologist Cathleen Hauman says long before Pilot Bay was full of smart modern apartments and motels, the area was one of the Western Bay’s first settlement sites. Photos by Bruce Barnard.

Favoured as an ideal place for building children’s water confidence or watching the cruise ships depart, Pilot Bay has a rich history of settlement dating back approximately 700 years.

“They give us an insight into what daily life was like for the people who lived here. “Most of the artefacts relate to activities like fishing and canoe construction and repair, and include adzes – used for wood working, one-piece moa bone fish hooks, chert and chalcedony drill points used to make the fish hooks, and chisels used for tattooing.” Large quantities of basalt from Tahanga in the Coromandel, argillite from D’Urville Island in Marlborough Sounds, and obsidian mostly from Mayor Island were also found on the site, showing they were trading with others, including some from quite distant areas. Cathleen says animal remains left onsite show the villagers were eating mainly seafood – with snapper and sea mammals particular favourites. “They may have also been hunting and eating moa, but it is more likely that they sourced their bone for fishhook manufacture from a nearby fossil deposit, or else traded with other populations for what they needed.” Fossilised moa footprints have been found

While smart apartments and motels sit along Pilot Bay’s The Mall, archaeological researchers have established the area is one of Tauranga’s few ‘archaic’ sites. NZ Historic Places Trust assistant regional archaeologist Cathleen Hauman says the first Polynesian settlers established a village when they arrived (circa 12001300s). Small portions of a once thriving village have been unearthed under 37 The Mall and other sites along the bay frontage. The village has been dated to between 1315 and 1360 AD. Cathleen says the village offers a rare insight into Bay of Plenty early history, revealing artefacts similar to those found on other Polynesian islands.

Escape and Explore

in the Eastern Bay of Plenty at Matata and Ohiwa, suggesting moa would have been around. Much of the archaic village site – which is believed to have stretched as far inland as Victoria Rd – has not been investigated as it is protected under the coastal reserve and private properties. By the 1850s the Pilot Bay area had been abandoned by Maori, soon becoming a popular outing destination for Tauranga residents (from the 1880s) taking steam boat excursions across the harbour, disembarking at a stone wharf

built for the ferry at the northern end of the bay. Records show that on Christmas Day in 1888 at least 250 people visited the Mount, via Pilot Bay, and a further 400 made the trip on the following New Year’s Day. The first Pilot Bay property was sold in 1888. Taking advantage of the offer was former Tauranga mayor John Cuthbert Adams, whose solid kauri batten and board cottage holiday retreat was the only privately owned home in Pilot Bay in 1906 (aside from the pilot’s house).

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The Weekend Sun

Salon Upgrade

Everyone loves this new look SNIPS pics & ed

Having operated as a hair and beauty salon for more than nine years, the organic hair products and services at Snipz had become so popular owner Jude Griffiths decided it was time to expand. Not wanting to turn away clients, the popularity was a major factor in the decision to close the beauty salon and concentrate on providing professional and organic hair care – a move proving very successful in every way. “Everybody is just so thrilled,” says Jude. “The staff, the clients, they all say what an amazing transition it has been, and they’re loving the new and improved look.” During the Christmas break, Snipz was stripped of

its old look and restyled into a modern salon offering a calm, relaxed and fun environment. Jude says staff can now concentrate on offering specialist hair care, including organic colour and perms, hair extensions, and professional cuts and colours. There is also a cutting bar – where clients can walk in, no appointment necessary, and get their hair cut by a senior stylist. “We found this works really well for people who are busy and perhaps don’t like to book appointments.” Not wanting to leave their beauty clients in the lurch, Jude has teamed up with Inga from Elleversence and is sending her clients there. “I didn’t want to neglect the clients who have supported us throughout the years. Their clinic is well-suited to our clients and honours our vouchers and structure.” By Corrie Taylor

Escape the hectic world Staff at Ellervescence are welcoming new clients to the popular Beauty Salon between Greerton and Gate Pa. Owner Inge Friday says their friendly team is dedicated to providing superb pampering and relaxation. “Our clients can enjoy quality time for themselves while enjoying our professional top quality treatments and product. “Ellervescence has a lovely relaxing environment where you can escape from the hectic world outside and the strains of everyday life,” says Inge. Beauty therapist’s Chris Ware

and Inge have more than 40 years combined experience in the beauty industry, both overseas and in New Zealand. Inge is particularly known for her fantastic Brazilian waxing and Chris is extremely passionate concerning her facials and the great benefits that the clients receive. Inge says popular choices are couple treatments in the couple’s room, warm bamboo massage, facials and waxing. Ellervescence now takes online bookings and also welcomes group bookings – with hen’s parties, stag dos, and couple massages the most popular choices.

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The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

Students build country’s first programmed home By Zoe Hunter and Corrie Taylor

Not everyone can say they have built a house from scratch – but the students at Bay of Plenty Polytechnic can. Not just any old house either, but one that does what you tell it to. Carpentry students from Bay of Plenty Polytechnic have been busy constructing homes, building them from the ground up – something they do each year. These houses are built to almost completion – still needing to be painted, plastered and have floor coverings put down, but they will then be sold to the public. Last year BOP Polytechnic introduced a partnership with the building and electrical students fitting the houses with home automation systems. With the new technology home owners can pre-programme the home so when they step in the door the lights are on and dinner is simmering – all with a push of a button. Home owners can also turn on electrical appliances and lights using the automated system.

BOP Polytechnic carpentry group leader Brian Dillon says the home automation system is very convenient for the home owner. “Even without the remote aspect you can programme it so your lights come on at certain times of the day and at certain strengths. “There’s capacity to actually do it remotely from your smart phone.” Brian says the system also acts as a safety procedure where the homeowner can go home to a house that is already lit. “If you can control when the energy is getting used in your house, then you can control how much you use and therefore how much it costs.” BOP Polytechnic is the first polytechnic in the country to include this technology into the student built houses and one lucky person could be the new owner of the home when it goes up for sale. Brian hopes to make the collaboration project a compulsory part of the carpentry programme. The team are having a barbeque today to showcase the finished houses to the staff at BOP Polytechnic.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic electrical technician Allan Dyson demonstrates the new home automation system.

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BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

Painting exteriors the right way – helpful hints While Tauranga is experiencing this hot, dry weather – why not take advantage of the summery conditions and paint the exterior of your house. Here are some helpful guidelines from Mitre 10 to help you:

Choose your paint

You have a choice of two paint types: water-based or solvent-based. Water-based paints offer a number of advantages, including easy application, rapid drying and easy cleaning up after painting. Gloss acrylic paints are commonly used for weatherboard homes, while low sheen acrylic paints are popular on brick, cement render and concrete surfaces. Generally, solvent-based enamel paints are preferred wherever a tough, hard-wearing, ‘easy-to-wipe clean’ surface is required.

How much paint?

For outside walls, multiply length by height to gauge the area in square metres, then subtract door and window areas from the total. To determine window and door areas, multiply their width by their height. One litre of paint will cover approximately 14 square metres, but allow an extra 20 per cent for rough or porous surfaces, and an extra 10 per cent for weatherboard edges.

Preparation

The first thing is to take a long critical look at your house to see what needs to

be done. It’s important to fix every fault before you begin, as the faults and defects tend to be magnified when painted. When preparing a house for painting, be aware of the possibility of lead-based paint. It’s not possible to identify lead-based paint by appearance, but if a building is more than 25 years old it is best to assume that it has been painted with lead-based paint and is a health risk, so suitable precautions need to be taken.

Painted surfaces

All peeling paint must be scraped or wire brushed away, then primed. Use a heat gun to soften the old paint, so it’s easy to scrape off with a stripping knife or scraper. Use a chemical stripper around windows as a heat stripper may crack the glass. Fill cracks and holes. Thoroughly sand the whole area to be painted to clear any uneven spots and give the new paint a slightly roughened

surface it can stick to, especially if the existing paint is a gloss enamel.

Getting it done

The first step is to mix the paint thoroughly. Use a flat paddle stick or a ruler and stir from the bottom upwards until the paint is

smooth and colour is even. Use a roller if possible on flat surfaces as paint will go on five times faster than with a brush. After coating about one square metre, even out the paint by lightly rolling across the surface with an almost dry roller. Always work from the unpainted area back into the painted area, maintaining a wet edge to avoid lap marks. Be sure to prime any new or exposed metal on gutters and downpipes before painting. For windows, start by cutting in around the glass with

Home for sale offers independent living Everyone’s moving to the Bay: young professionals, families, people starting home businesses – and sometimes the older generation of family members come too. Hence the demand for homes with ‘granny flats’ – offering independent living for families and their elderly relatives. A sunny, spacious property perfect for a number of diverse situations is for sale at 14 Bucklands Crescent, Papamoa. Commissioned by a couple wanting to bring their 83-year-old parent from Wellington, they asked their builder to design a home allowing them to live under the same roof, while offering both parties independ-

ence. It worked so well the couple hardly realised Dad was there. “Our connecting door was always locked – Dad came over for a meal sometimes, but he used the front door,” says the current owner.

a small brush, then use a larger brush for the surrounding frame. Use masking tape along the glass edge to give a clean finish.

“Dad even had his own telephone and electricity accounts.” In 2012, the then 90-year-old dad’s health declined. “From then we used the connecting door more often and Dad came to the main house regularly for meals. “Now that Dad’s gone we’ve realised this asset is too big for the two of us. There must be someone out there who’s looking for one of the options this property offers. “We’ve loved living here, it’s such a great location, quiet but handy to everything. We’ll be sad to leave.” He says the countless options of this property will suit a wide range of situations. For further information, view Trade Me ID number CZS284.

Show us your handiwork Attention renovators: Have you recently renovated an aspect of your home? The Weekend Sun would love to show off your handiwork! Send in your before and after pictures, with a contact phone number to corrie@thesun.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Clues help find the missing Ready to search – LandSAR volunteers on a training exercise in the Central Plateau.

Learning tracking and lost person behaviour and the chance to work with police and the military are among the opportunities available to volunteer members of Waihi Land Search and Rescue. Wymond Symes of Waihi LandSAR says they are always looking for more members. “Level of fitness is not an issue for those who have the skills to do administrative or communications work. There’s a role for almost anyone who wants to be involved,” Wymond told a breakfast meeting organised by Katikati’s promotion organisation Katch Katikati earlier this month. Waihi LandSAR currently has 28 volunteer members aged from 20s to 60s, many of them from Katikati, each with different skill sets. They are part of a 3000-strong national organisation of volunteers

on-call to help find people missing in the outdoors. Waihi LandSAR attends around 10 to 20 call-outs a year, but sometimes may have several in just a month. “We usually need around 12 people for each incident and can call on other LandSAR groups to help. And if a volunteer has work or family commitments, they are under no obligation to attend a call-out.” It costs around $3000 to train a LandSAR volunteer and a further $3000 to equip them and recent funding cuts mean volunteers are now contributing towards some of those costs themselves. “We receive financial assistance from community groups, businesses and organisations and sometimes from the people we rescue, for which we are very grateful. “Waihi LandSAR has recently purchased a trailer to transport all our equipment and Hauraki Dis-

Enjoy the outdoors “An early-morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.” – HENRY DAVID THOREAU In our busy world we can get caught up in the every day commitments to the point where the things we don’t consider a priority are omitted. The interesting thing is that it’s often the small and insignificant things that can have the most importance when seen from the perspective of the big picture. How we start our day can have a major impact on how the rest of it goes. What small thing could you do for yourself each day that would put a more positive spin on the rest of it? If you would like to find out more about coaching, phone Mary Parker for a complimentary session 07 577 1200, email info@coachingtheattitude.co.nz or visit www.coachingtheattitude.co.nz

trict Council, Fonterra and Waihi Rotary and Lions clubs have all helped with funding. “We are now fundraising for a stretcher which will cost between $2500 and $3000.” Wymond’s advice to anyone setting off for even a few hours walk in the outdoors is to tell someone where they are going, what their planned route is and when they will return. “If you become lost, stay where you are, but if you must move on, leave plenty of signs like breaking the fronds of silver ferns, using pebbles or sticks to point to a direction of travel and if you are using huts, always fill in the hut book with information of your intentions. We will always find you quicker if you stay put than if we have to keep tracking you.” For more information about Waihi LandSAR, or to make a donation, phone Wymond, 0275 608 776. Search and Rescue New Zealand, go to www.landsar.org.nz By Elaine Fisher

The Weekend Sun

Bethlehem - Te P una Lions Club

Community at heart for Lions Minty fresh fundraising As the annual Bay of Plenty/ Waikato Lions convention takes place this weekend, members from the Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions Club reflect on the many ways in which the organisation has contributed to society, both locally and internationally throughout the years. The International Association

of Lions Clubs was founded in 1917 in Chicago, but it was 1955 when New Zealand saw its first club formed. There are now 1.3million members in 206 countries. The Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions have partnered with The Weekend Sun in an effort to spread the word about the club and their work in the community

throughout the years. Local Lion representative Colin Gill says the club centres around fellowship – with members thriving on working with like-minded people in their mission to serve. Read the below stories to learn more about the club’s efforts throughout New Zealand. Stories by Corrie Taylor

A quality experience for young cancer patients For children, their annual Camp Quality was held in Cambridge last year, with 47 children living with life-threatening cancer taking part in a week-long camp filled with fun and games. The goal of these camps is to make sure children have the best possible time, make great friendships and take home beautiful memories. Each child has trained companion, with 47 children taking part in

2012, says camp volunteer Ron Stephens. Camp activities include Rainbows End visit, helicopter rides, Waimarino water activities, pistol shooting, rock climbing, crafts and models – with a concert night to finish it all off. Ron says the children all went home with wide smiles and memories of “a week full of activities that they had no time to think about their health”.

After taking charge of the venture 10 years ago, more than $27,000 has been donated to the Lions own New Zealand trust – the Lloyd Morgan Lions Club Charitable Trust. “If your business or organisation has people with a sweet tooth or passing foot traffic, you might like to think about becoming an outlet for Lions Mints and give your support to the Lions Gael Ansell, aka Mr Mints. Photo by Ross Brown. movement in New Zealand.” One of the many fundraising methods Gael can be contacted on 07 571 used by the Lions, and one of the most 1524. popular, are the famous Lions’ Mints. Another way to aid the Lions is Past district governor Gael Ansell, aka by seeking them out at the BethMr Mints, has been in the mint scene for lehem Markets every first and more than 30 years, beginning with his third Sunday in Bethlehem Town club in Wellington, and says it is a simple Centre. Colin Gill says this market and successful method of raising money has become popular with both stall throughout the community. holders and the public.

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The Weekend Sun

Bethlehem - Te P una Lions Club New wheels:

Youth mission successful projects a high Providing a helping hand priority Members of the Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions assist with fundraising at the 2012 Te Puna School Gala Day.

Youth work is incredibly important for the Lions and they focus a lot of their time on improving the lives of young people in New Zealand and afar. The Lions International Youth Camp has run for many years, as has the Lions International Youth Exchange programme, helping young people travel and gain valuable life experience overseas. The Lions also aid in the Spirit of Adventure, and the speechmaker and peace poster competitions.

President Stu Gray at the handover of the new van donated by the Bethlehem Te Puna Lions. The Guardian Trust and The Lloyd One of the club’s many goals was Morgan Lions Club Charitable to provide Avalon, a learning centre Trust,” says Stu. Through selling the for people with disabilities, with a old van and getting a generous price new van. on the new model, the club raised “It is vitally important that the enough money to purchase a new Avalon fleet is kept on the road with reliable vehicles,” says club president van for the centre, handing over the keys with great joy on January 27. Stu Gray. Project organiser Brian Wright says This was achieved in January 2012 this supports the international Lions through “an enormous amount of Club motto: To empower volunteers work from members of the club, to serve their communities, meet selling raffle tickets, working at the humanitarian needs, encourage Bethlehem Sunday Markets, and peace and promote understanding. help from the Longmuir Trust,

Raising more than $3million is no easy feat – but it’s a task the Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions, along with more than 70 Waikato/BOP clubs, tackled. In 2010 the Lions committed to raising the $3million needed to assist in building a new accommodation facility in Hamilton for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Cancer Society. The lodge houses cancer patients from across the regions as they receive treatment. Providing free accommodation and meals in a home away from home atmosphere to more than 700 people each year, the lodge was a worthy project for the Lions, says Colin. Since 1971 the previous lodge on the grounds of the Waikato Hospital provided free meals, accommodation and support to thousands of people. Due to an increased need for the

Lodge and the Waikato DHB’s need to expand its services, the Cancer Society purchased the site of the old Braemar Hospital in 2007 and sold the current Lodge to the Waikato DHB. Lions Clubs throughout the region have fundraised for the Lodge in past years and they have pledged their support for this project. In recognition of their support, in 1996 the Lodge became known as the Lions Cancer Lodge and this recognition will continue at the new site. The Bethlehem/Te Puna Lions don’t limit themselves to their region. Following the large Christchurch earthquakes, the Lions sent more than 25 bins of oranges and avocados as well as $10,000 to assist in a Lions recovery programme. Lions Clubs International also gave US$110,000 from its International Foundation.

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The Weekend Sun

Ford fanatics to gather

Ford cars, commercials or hot rods, Barry says highlights will be displays of two racing cars. Bill Ward, who was the first New Zealander to race on the US salt flats in 1979, will display his Kiwi A Salt rear-engined modified Bonneville car (pictured). Tauranga rally driver Phil Campbell’s brand new Fiesta R2 will also be in display. The state of the art rally car has just had work completed on it, in time for Phil to compete in it in the national rally series.

Cars can be entered in eight categories – ranging from best vintage or veteran Ford (up to 1931), post vintage (up to 1940), along with best American, European, Australian cars, through to commercial, competition and hot rod categories. Entries can be made on the day or by contacting Barry on 027 201 0428. The Sunday March 3 event, which is a fundraiser for the Child Cancer Foundation, opens to the public from 10am-2.30pm. www.fordmusclecars.org.nz By Hamish Carter

Ford Muscle Car Club president Barry Gordon has owned dozens of Fords. Next Sunday he is entering his latest love – a 1999 Falcon XH2 XR8 SVO in the All Ford Day competition. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Anyone with a Ford in their garage or shed will have the perfect excuse to get it out next weekend when the Tauranga-

based Ford Muscle Club hosts its annual All Ford Day event at Blake Park. Club founder and current president Barry Gordon is hoping the day, which has been a club tradition since 2000, will attract a record number of vehicles. “We’re hoping to have 300 vehicles – we’ve had quite a lot of interest in the day – but have never quite reached 300 before so

hopefully this year. “We want to hear from all Ford enthusiasts. It’s open to anyone, not just members.” Barry says All Ford Day has become one of the top Ford events in the country, with cars previously coming from as far as Wellington and expects it to be a closely contested event. Along with the chance to feast your eyes on the wide range or

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The Weekend Sun

Streets ahead in Paeroa Organisers of Paeroa’s Battle of the Street motorcycling races have declared last Sunday’s event a major success – despite an accident leaving one rider critically injured.

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Positive Paeroa town promoter Jo Tilsley says everyone in the 15,000 strong crowd had a great time with lots of excitement on the street track. “It was great to see lots of new riders taking part as well as some of the old favourites like Tony Rees, who had a fabulous day.” Whakatane Honda rider Rees, a multiple former national superbike champion, finished runner-up overall at the 22nd annual street racing event. He finished closely behind Wel-

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lington rider Sloan Frost. Among the hundreds of riders competing were many from the Western Bay, including Phil Clarke (pictured on no. 32), who described it as a great day and was relatively happy with his fourth and fifth placing his pre ’82 class races. “It could have been a second then I ran out of brakes, but those things tend to happen on street

Tauranga rider Phil Clarke (no. 32) was among Western Bay riders who competed at Paeroa’s Battle of the Street races. Photos by Bruce Barnard.

races. At the end of day it’s really just about having fun,” says Phil. Event promoter Jo says there are no plans for any changes following the rider’s accident during practice. When The Weekend Sun went to print Auckland rider Lance Lowe was in a critical but stable condition. By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

New technology assists with golfing performance Imagine you’re a low single figure handicap golfer on the cusp of greatness.

system, delivers an incredible amount of information to a golfer through the form of a wrist watch. The system, retailing for $369, comes with data covering 25,000 pre-loaded courses, including the exact distance from anywhere to the front, back and middle of every green on the course. In addition, the device offers players the ability to load four custom points per hole; the distance a tree on a dogleg is from the tee box or how far it is to carry a troublesome bunker. Matt says most courses in New Zealand have agreed to the use of GPS technology as it speeds up playing times. It is legal to use in tournaments, and Matt says some secondtier nationwide tours around the globe are considering the technology so promising players on the way up don’t have to fork out for a caddy. The device can’t figure out gradients, but has a battery which lasts up to 50 per cent longer than the competition – amounting to about two or three rounds per charge.

You’ve never beaten par at Tauranga Golf Club before, but you’re even against the card and in the rough to the left side of the 18th fairway with one very important wedge to play. The wind’s in your face a touch; you can see it stirring the tops of trees at the height your ball is likely to travel. The 100 metre marker is about 20 metres in front of your ball and the pin is tucked in the back left corner of the green, which slopes from back to front. Your hand hovers above the various wedges in your bag, from pitching, to gap, to sand, which yield a difference in distance with a full swing of 25-30 metres. With the pressure on and members peeping down the finishing hole from the safety of the clubhouse, which club do you hit? Matt Blackbourn of Brittain Wynyard & Co thinks he has Matt Blackbourn of Brittain Wynyard & Co. measures a way to figure it out – the Busnell Neo Plus. Tauranga Golf Club’s infamous 12th hole, known as The Knoll. The device, which works in the same manner as a car’s GPS

By Ben Guild

Photo by Ben Guild.

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The ride, organised and lead by Tauranga City Council active travel coordinator Bruce Galloway, will take riders off the highways and main roads to follow a 30km circuit through Tauranga’s many off-road tracks. Bruce, a passionate cyclist himself, will be stitching together many of the tracks he has taken riders on in his series of Discover Tauranga Pathways rides that he has led during the month, but says the event it only open to those over 15 years of age with a reasonable level of fitness.

“We will be riding at a reasonable pace and you need to be able to cycle 30 kilometres comfortably. If you can do that, it should be a lot of fun.” Bruce expects strong interest from bikers, saying the ride has become more and more popular every year since he held the first 30km ride five years ago. Starting from Red Square at 7.30am on Saturday March 3, riders will head out to Fergusson Park, then along the Carmichael Reserve trail by the salt marsh, around Waikareao Estuary, before heading up the valley behind the hospital towards Greerton, to Pemberton Park, then Fraser Cove, before reaching the Historic Village in 16th Ave. This weekend cyclists can take part in 10km beach ride from

Ultimate Ride organiser Bruce Galloway (centre) and Vic Furlan (left) take a well-earned break on an earlier ride. Bowentown Heads to Waihi Beach (leaving Bowentown Surf Club at 11am on Saturday February 23), while on Sunday a family bike ride will be held through Katikati finishing with a swim and sausage sizzle at the pool (leaves George Vesey Stewart Park from 3pm, for details phone Jacqui at Katch Katikati, 07 549 5250). Pick up the Bike Month calendar from a library or download from www.sportbop.co.nz/playinthebay For more details, phone Nicki 07 578 0016 ext 829 or email nickis@sportbop.co.nz By Hamish Carter

It’s the INSIDE STORY that counts

TOP 10 TIPS 1

for a healthier sleep 5

Make sleep a priority

Eight hours of long and undisrupted sleep is optimum required for body and mind to rest and restore.

Keep a regular schedule: seven days a week

Varying the hours of sleep can cause a jetlag condition. No sleeping in on weekends or days off. Even if you go to bed late or sleep badly, stick to your wake up time or risk sleeping badly the next night.

Nap when needed

Regular naps could decrease your sleep drive.

Wind down: keep a routine

Avoid stressful mental activities before bedtime; this will prevent the increase in adrenaline.

Eat right, but not right before bed

Time your evening meal to finish at least three hours before bedtime (four to five hours is optimal).

Exercise regularly, but not before bedtime

The right bed will reduce pressure points. Select a bed that is wide enough, long enough and with the correct degree of comfort to avoid pressure points and discomfort.

a bed that’s 10 Select perfect for you

Create the perfect sleep environment

Factors that could affect your sleep environment that you should consider are

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The Weekend Sun

Magical anti-bullying message Papamoa School students were entertained by award winning magician yesterday as Greg Britt attempted to make the issue of bullying disappear. Greg, more commonly known as Elgregoe, is touring schools around the Bay of Plenty promoting his anti-bul-

lying messages. The 2013 show ‘You’ve Got the Power,’ supported by TrustPower, is themed around being a hero at school and has a strong emphasis on anti-bullying. He is visiting Fairhaven School and Te Puke Intermediate today.

Anglers cast their rods along the beach at Papamoa.

Big crowd at fishing bonanza On March 8-10, the competition will make Papamoa Beach look as though a picket fence has been put up, with anglers surfcasting rods along the beach. Sponsored this year by North Island Fork Lifts from Mount Maunganui and Hanes Engineering from Hamilton, this is the third year the Rotary Club of Papamoa, in association with Western Bay Surfcasting Club, have run this event. As many as 500 entrants are expected to compete for the $10,000 first prize – going to the heaviest

Kahawai caught during the weekend. There will be many more prizes too. The weekend starts off on Friday night at Gordon Spratt Reserve in Parton Road with registrations from 5pm and briefing at 8pm. Cast is at 7am on Saturday, with fishing closing at 3pm, weigh-in at 4pm. Sunday starts at 7am and closes 2pm, with weigh in at 2.30pm. The major prize giving starts at 3pm. Entries can be for individuals or there is also the teams’ event – where the team can win the WBSC cup loaded with another $1000, plus a one day luxury fishing trip on the Ultimate Brandy’s. You can still enter at www.kahawaiworldcup.com or until 8pm Friday at Gordon Spratt Reserve.

Invitation to Papamoa’s picnic fiesta Pack up your picnic blanket and head to Papamoa Primary School next Saturday for a fun community celebration.

have to bring their picnic blankets, with all money raised going on school projects. “Come and join in with the events on the day. Make it a great day out, with fun for all the family. It’s all aimed for being an afternoon of pure fun and enjoyment.” The fiesta will offer fun rides and a variety of food and activity stalls. The event runs from 3-7pm at the school (corner of Parton and Dickson roads). The entry fee is $5 per family or $2/adult or $1/ child. No EFTPOS will be available and alcohol is not permitted.

Enthralling, Animal Free Entertainment For All!

Combining entertainment and standard gala attractions, school PTA chairperson Alona Van Leur says the inaugural ‘Papamoa Picnic Fiesta’ will offer a fun evening for everyone and encourages anyone to attend. “It’s definitely not just for the school community – anyone can come along from Papamoa or Te

Puke or beyond.” Alona says the new event will include performances by school groups – including the choir, kapa haka and Jump Jam groups – while Jack Sparrow and his band of pirates from Prime Productions will be adding to the atmosphere as they wander through the crowds in costume. “We’re encouraging boys to come dressed up pirates or girls as princesses because we have a princess and the pea competition with a mattress.” Alona says there will be lots of food on offer so families will only

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The Weekend Sun

Second chance at learning offered Tauranga residents are being offered a second chance learning opportunity thanks to Tauranga-based education and training provider Edvance.

Committed to increasing skills for work, learning and life, Edvance is offering a 17-week evening course to help people prepare for a career change. The Government-funded course specialises in assisting people to qualify for entry into the army, air force, navy or police force, preparing them for the pre-entry assessments which are one of the requirements before being accepted into the forces. Open entry courses are held in Tauranga, Auckland and Dunedin. Edvance, now in its eighth year, also delivers NZQA accredited and Tertiary Education Commission subsidised workplace-based training programmes nationwide where tutors deliver literacy, numeracy, communication and leadership programmes in the workplace. This year Edvance business development manager Sue Hawkins welcomes programme manager

Lynne Whitaker to the team. “It’s been a pleasure to welcome Mrs Whitaker, who is well known and well respected in Tauranga, to our operations team.” Lynne brings her knowledge in tertiary education and commercial business to the Edvance programmes. Sue says more than 100 adults attended the Pre-Entry Defence and Police course last year and more than 200 employees accessed workplace training programes. “It was a successful year and I fully expect this year to be just as exciting.” The next Defence Force and Police PreEntry course starts in March and runs 6-9pm two nights a week for 17 weeks. The free course has a $150 administration fee which is payable on enrolment.

Project manager Lynne Whitaker is inviting people to attend the course two nights a week. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

By Zoe Hunter

Union between Bay and Hamburg benefits continue WORKPLACE TUTORING

The Western Bay’s place as a centre of marine research was consolidated this week when the University of Waikato hosted research partners from the Germany’s University of Bremen. The ‘Intercoast programme’ partnership between the universities was established

in 2010 to promote international collaboration in research of changes affecting the coastal environment. Both the Bay of Plenty and Hamburg areas face pressure from population growth, commercial development and recreational use. Waikato will soon host a new batch of

German students following the announcement of a second round of doctoral research projects. University of Waikato Coastal Science chair professor Chris Battershill says Intercoast is delivering major benefits and is “enormously helpful” in environmental monitoring after the Rena grounding.

The Weekend Sun

Seminar teaching residents how to trade successfully

A seminar teaching people how to trade foreign currency by using high probability and low risk strategies is being held next week. On February 28, professional trading coach Mark Lynch is inviting people to attend a seminar helping them prepare for ‘Trading in the Now’. Mark is working alongside founder of Trading in the Now Andy Russell Mark who communicates the skills people need to become successful traders in a two hour seminar. Mark says learning the technical skills to trade foreign currency successfully is not rocket science, but emotional and psychological challenges can let most people down. “Trading should be treated as a business. So many people start trading without any coaching and it’s so easy to lose money.” The seminar introduces the key

Mark is hosting a seminar next week introducing people how to trade foreign currency. Photo by Tracy Hardy. concepts of trading, including what currency trading is, chart analysis, risk management, money management, creating a trading plan and most importantly, managing your emotions. Mark will also cover the effect of compound interest through trading over a number of years. “Trading is not about getting rich quick. It’s about having patience and discipline and building up a skill through practising.” After working in finance for more than 30 years, Mark says people want to know how to be right most of the time. The seminar will also cover how to deal with losses. “It takes time to become a good trader. It’s not you against the market, it’s you against you.” On Thursday the seminar begins 5.30pm at Bureta Park Motor Inn, Vale Street, Otumoetai. By Zoe Hunter

Better options for paying home loans Don’t settle for the status quo. For years now New Zealanders with home loans have had limited options, found it difficult to change lending providers and have had to settle for the status quo when it comes to paying off their home loan. They have generally taken the full 30 years to pay it off and paid hundreds of thousands in interest to the bank in the process.

However things are changing. There are now many more options when it comes to types of home loans available, from fixed to floating, revolving to offset. When looking at other home loan options it’s important not to be drawn in by flashy offers that banks advertise but instead to look at what is really important to you. What do you want to achieve, what are your short term and long term goals?

Course a success for Tauranga couple

Once you know this then you can choose a home loan structure that will have you achieve your goals. For example, if your goal is to pay off your home loan as quickly as possible, did you know that simply by structuring your home loan correctly you could pay your home loan back years earlier and save tens of thousands in interest costs, without having to increase your repayments? If you have a home loan, call Roger Tamblin today for an obligation free comparison of how New Zealand Home Loans could help you achieve your goals.

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“My husband and I did the CAP money course about six months ago, just before the birth of our third child, and we found it really helpful. It made us sit down and review where all our money was going, decide how to pay off our debts and plan for future situations. The facilitators gave us ideas of how to save money on existing outgoings, helped us come up with a weekly budget that suited our family and made provision for us going down to one income. We implemented the cash system as soon as we could, and found we managed our money much better as we could see where it was going. After a couple of weeks, we reviewed our budget and made any adjustments. CAP money has really helped us feel more in control of our money.” – Catherine Davies, with husband Mark.

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The Weekend Sun

Picture collection ‘speaks a thousand words’ Keeping Kiwis Independant

Sun Media’s general manager Ross Brown is taking a series of photos aimed at capturing the lives of elderly Bay residents, as part of Tauranga’s Age-Friendly Project. Project organiser Rochelle Friend says Ross has done a “tremendous job” displaying the active and joyful lives of elderly, and the photos are receiving fantastic feedback. “Ross really understands what we are trying to achieve with the project. He kindly volunteered this collection to support the work we’re doing.” Ross says it’s exciting to be a part of such a project and he is happy to help.

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The Weekend Sun

Cycle-powered smoothies launch Sustainable Backyards is once again on its way. Learn how to make a difference in your own backyard, be inspired by amazing workshops and fun events, and take action by making a personal or community pledge for Earth Hour 2013. Come down to the launch morning at The Strand waterfront on Friday, March 1 between 7am and 9am. Pick up a copy of the calendar of This cycle-powered smoothie maker is launching Sustainable Backyards 2013.

events, get discounted coffee if you bring your own mug, or take on Will from Classic Hits to see who can make the fastest smoothie using cycle-power. Come and make a pledge for Earth Hour, get a free cupcake and go in the draw to win an eco-hamper full of goodies.

Feedback from age friendly city workshops The seven age friendly city workshops have now been held with in most cases good representation of the age group and a few interested younger people. It was good to hear all the views, including those who came on mobility scooters, those sight impaired (the guide dog enjoyed a bowl of water!) and thanks to the interpreter for the deaf participants. Most people seemed really happy with where they lived but still had strong opinions on housing,

transport and communications. A common theme was the need for the individual to make the effort to join in or seek information. A lot of bad feeling for those who use disabled parks but have no disability. Maybe not everyone realises that the orange ‘stickers’ have to be purchased. Many people registered an interest in follow-up information once the responses have been analysed. When a strategy has been formulated there will be another opportunity for community

comment. Where do you get information? Talking to people in the workshops, it became clear that many do not realise what services there are in the community. It was good to see more than you might think use computers to search for information. The free local newspapers received good comments for the role they play in getting information and news to resi-

What do I do when Mum says ‘no’? Q. I am at my wit’s end. I love my mother dearly, however she desperately needs help with just some of the basics and she so deserves it. However, whenever I mention getting someone in to assist her with changing her bed, vacuuming and laundry, she refuses, saying she can manage. What am I to do as sadly I just do not have the time to do these things myself? A: For many of us, receiving help is usually very hard, and harder still when you realise you might no longer be capable of some of the things that gave you your purpose to your day, or that you might be a burden on others. I know this is not how you feel, you just want to be providing support for your mother, however often seniors feel a burden, or wonder what is left for them to do, or that it is a waste of money, as these things are just not impor-

tant to them in their day-to-day life. Remember a lot of our seniors have been through wars, depressions; they know hard times and have learnt to do the best they can. We have never experienced even a fraction of what they have been through or taught through their parents. All I can advise is to go in gently, ask why she is so resistant, listen, and probably explain from your point of view that you need to know these things are being done. You understand it is not about her needs perhaps, but yours, and your peace of mind that she has someone to help her. Tell her by having someone assist it means that you can spend the time with her as you would like and not worrying about chores that you might feel need to be done. It will take time and patience but listen to her concerns and be honest about yours and perhaps you can meet at least half way. Debra Jager is managing director of Home Instead. Home Instead staff specialise in caring for your loved ones. Whatever your needs, staff have trained and flexible staff available to assist you. Phone today, 07 571 4228, or visit www.homeinstead.co.nz

dents. Age Concern is a resource that more people should be aware of. A phone call (07 578 2631) can connect you with a wide variety of information on any topic concerning older people. Try us first.

The full calendar of events will be available at envirohub.org.nz from February 22 and in the centre of The Weekend Sun on Friday, March 1. Don’t forget to ‘Like’ Tauranga Environment Centre on Facebook to receive regular updates on events (search for Sustainable Backyards). Thank you to Sustainable Backyards 2013 headline sponsors: TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Pub Charity.

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The Weekend Sun

Friends celebrating 50 years of nursing These ladies may look sweet and innocent now – but as they pose for the camera they giggle and reminisce about nights spent decorating each other’s rooms with toilet paper, and shimmying down the fire escape after lights out.

Tauranga Hospital nursing class of ’66: Nancy Harvey, Claire Fisher, Morven Skinner, Fran Percy, Winsome Edwards and Dorothy Finlay. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

with the introduction of throw away bandages and disinfectants, other times for the worse. “The golden age of nursing is long gone,” says Nancy Harvey. “Technology has changed the industry dramatically. “As junior nurses, we were tasked with rinsing metal bedpans, and pulling them out of the water with hot tongs.” Twelve of the 16 graduates will attend the reunion on March 8-9 where stories of their time spent sharing the nurses’ quarters will surely be told. Since graduating, the women have scattered across the world, working in the UK, helping set up

The six women are part of the Tauranga nursing class of 1966 – a group of lifelong friends bonded by their three years spent training in Tauranga Hospital. Having gone through life together, sharing rooms, weddings, meals and lengthy phone calls, next month they will celebrate their 50th reunion. The women talk of how much has changed since they began their careers five decades ago. “Back then you were either a teacher or a nurse,” says Dorothy Finlay. During their training and years of work, they have seen the nursing industry dramatically transformed – sometimes for the better,

Sleep tight with a cool new bed in the Mount Bill Strang shows off the new bed helping residents to get a great night’s sleep.

A new bed exclusive to Furniture Gallery in Mount Maunganui is helping people get a good night’s sleep by eliminating pressure points and adjusting to the body’s temperature.

eliminating the pressure points, it’s allowing you to go through the night without tossing and turning and waking. “They say we spend a third of our lives in bed, so it is important that we get a good night sleep and that we don’t wake up with achy bones.” Furniture Gallery has a cool alternative with the FlexGel Axis range offering customers the option to have an Outlast fabric, which disperses then stores body heat and

brings it back once the body cools down, quilted into the top comfort layer of the mattress. The Outlast fabric is already built in to the Elite FlexGel range. All foams are environmentally friendly and asthma council approved. Trade in an old bed for a FlexGel at Furniture Gallery today and receive free delivery. By Zoe Hunter

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Similar to an ice cube tray, the mattress is made up of a gel product lined into a grid of 4cm high gel walls. Sitting on an eight inch pocket spring system, the bed also eliminates partner disturbance. Moulding to the body shape, FlexGel was first designed in the United States for burn care hospital units, used to eliminate pressure points and provide a constantly cool temperature for the patient. The beds are designed for anyone suffering from sciatica, fibromyalgia or back problems, and have proven to help with menopause. Furniture Gallery bedding manager Bill Strang and owner Barry Muir say it is important to get a good night’s sleep. “Where you’ve got a bed that is

Photo by Tracy Hardy.

hospitals in the Middle East, or running emergency departments in hospitals. Each woman agrees they are so lucky to have one another, and admit their time together was ‘the golden years’. “It was the pinnacle of our careers,” says Fran Percy. “It’s very special.” The reunion on March 8-9 will include dinner and lunch dates, and a tour through the now very different looking Tauranga Hospital. By Corrie Taylor

The Weekend Sun

Lazy summer snacking - done right The days seem to be getting hotter and even Lazing about in the sun and doing outside microgreen farmers are finding their soil is activities helps fuel a decent hunger, but you often feel like snacking rather than a constantly drying out. big meal.

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Maybe it’s because of the heat that many people prefer smaller plates of food: salads, cold meats, dips, fresh bread – that sort of lazy summer snacking. As I was walking around the Mount early one morning I noticed a few rabbits scurrying around and it reminded me of the crisp rabbit parcels I used to have on the menu. It was like a rabbit stew, thickened and then wrapped into a tubular shape inside a

9.00am to 1.00pm

spring roll wrapper. So I thought about all the people who wouldn’t eat rabbit and what if I changed the main ingredient to chicken thighs and added potatoes – voilà, an instant summer snack! This week I will also repeat last year’s recipe for roasted peach chutney that goes so well with the crispy chicken, rosemary and potato parcels. Peaches are in now but take

Chicken rosemary and potato parcels Ingredients 12-15 rolls 1.5kg skinless boneless chicken thighs 2 cloves peeled chopped garlic

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my advice and use golden queen peaches for this recipe. You may be aware of the recent news media investigation into supermarket overcharging for their fresh produce. The price is one thing, but what about the freshness? Buy local, buy from the farmers’ market or even a farmers roadside stall. That way you can be sure you’re getting fresh fruit and vegetables.

3 sprigs rosemary chopped 3 tablespoons lemon juice 4 tablespoon vegetable oil Pinch sea salt Freshly ground black pepper 1kg peeled boiled potatoes let go cold 1pkt spring roll wrappers supermarket freezer or Asian supermarket 2 tablespoons cornflour ¼ cup water 1 little egg white

Method Cut the thighs up into pieces and marinate in lemon juice, oil, rosemary and garlic for 3-4 hours. Season then bake in a moderate oven (180) for 15-20 minutes. Strain off any liquid into a pot and thicken with some of the cornflour and water mixed together, then add potatoes slightly mushed and mix all together and allow to cool. Once cooled, roll up into a cylinder and seal the roll using a glue of cornflour, egg white and water. Shallow fry in hot oil and drain on kitchen paper. Serve with an aged peach chutney – mine lasts for a year!

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The Weekend Sun

Roast peach chutney Ingredients 8kg golden queen peaches: blanched with skin removed and destoned 6 cloves of garlic

6 medium red onion sliced Sprig of rosemary 500 mills cider vinegar 600 grams brown sugar or palm sugar

1 tbsp coriander 1 tbsp cumin powder 6-8 black cardamom pods 1 cinnamon stick 1 whole sliced lemon

Method Prepare the peaches by criss-crossing the bottom with a sharp knife and plunging into boiling water, then into cold water to make it easier to remove the skin. Cut the peaches up into large chunks. Spread peaches in a large baking dish and roast as is for about 40 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. While the peaches are cooking, cook up the vinegar, sugar and chopped onion, with ground cardamom and cinnamon in mortar and pestle and add this. Once the peaches have browned, sprinkle over small bits of the rosemary, sliced garlic, and the lemon.

Pour the syrup over the peaches and return to oven for around 2.5-3 hours. Sterilize jars and sit in a water bath. Fill to the top then return to the oven and cook in the jars with the lids not fully tightened. Cook for another hour then, while still warm screw, the lids down tight and turn upside down until they’re cool. Try not to open for two or three months to let the flavours develop then enjoy the taste of summer in the middle of winter.

Finger food and high tea secrets shared Don’t miss a unique opportunity to learn how to create great food with minimum effort and maximum effect.

Seagars Cook School is coming to Tauranga on Saturday, March 2. Emily Cross from Seagars Cook School will be holding two exciting cooking demonstrations at the Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre. People can learn how to create ‘divine’ morning and afternoon teas at the High Tea session, from 10am-1pm, or delicious finger food for easy entertaining from 3-6pm. Fundraiser organiser Tonia Proctor says the two seminars offered a one-off opportunity to learn how to create great food with

minimum effort and maximum effect. Tonia says the two exciting demonstrations by Emily Cross from Seagar Cook School will have participants looking for excuses to have guests over to use their new ideas. “You can learn how to create divine morning and afternoon teas at the High Tea Session (10am- 1pm) or delicious finger food for Easy Entertaining from 3pm-6pm that will make you the envy of your friends.” At $80 per session, people will get to sample the food and take away recipe booklets as well. Spaces are limited, so be

in quick. The sessions are proudly presented by Bethlehem College Hockey and generously sponsored by Culinary Council, Gate Pa. Tickets are available at www.culinarycouncil. co.nz or in-store.

The Weekend Sun

Learning to breathe a little easier with OPC Taylor Burley

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I first started to experiment with high potency grape seed extracts in the mid-1990s. These compounds, also called OPC, have antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties and can improve immune system function by reducing allergic responses, acting as a natural antihistamine. I have no doubt that these extraordinary compounds played a central role in reversing the chronic bronchitis and other respiratory problems I had developed in my 30s. Research by Zhou (et.al 2011) demonstrated that GSE reduced inflammation of airways by inhibiting allergic and inflammatory responses. I have found that high GSE doses are very important with up to 500mg of OPC daily in combination with vitamin C

respiratory disease and proband bioflavonoids. Further ably most cancers and studies by Chatzi (et. al 2007) identified many others. I am not for a lower rates of asthma moment saying that among Mediterranean populations and a good diet and supplement will cure noted that this diet is asthma or COPD high in compounds including OPCs and but these principles, anti-inflammatory fats alongside proactive medical care, can make including olive oils and with John Arts omega 3 from oily fish. a huge difference to Our Kiwi high starch, low people lives. What frustrates me the most is knowing that so vegetable and poor fat diets are the breeding ground for many people could make real these diseases. improvements in their respiratory health by adopting these Add to this an alarming and increasing vitamin D deficiency principles. and the result is our appalling Feel free to contact me for further information. respiratory health, noted by high levels of childhood asthma and John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. If you have questions or would like a free nutriother respiratory problems. Either tional plan phone John on 0800 423559 get vitamin D from the sun or or email john@johnartsco.nz You can join his weekly email newsletter at from supplements or be prepared www.johnarts.co.nz or visit www.abundant.co.nz to face a continued battle with

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Don’t bury your head in the sand I find it interesting when I speak to groups about heart health, the diverse range of opinions within the group about getting their heart checked. There is always a group of enthusiastic individuals who think it is a great idea and book in immediately. There is also always a group, perhaps a handful of individuals, who have already had a cardiac event and have (hopefully) gotten themselves sorted.

BOOK YOUR COMPREHENSIVE CARDIAC CHECKUP “Come and see me, get some practical advice to make positive changes to your life. If you are male and over 45 years of age or female over 55 years of age you need to have your heart checked. Dr Anna Rolleston.”

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Then there is the group who just don’t want to know – these are usually the individuals that need to come and have a good check over but for one reason or another they simply do not want to hear about their health. You cannot force someone to be proactive, especially when change is required to make a health improvement, but I do try my best to appeal to this group even though I know it’s probably not going to result in them turning up on the doorstep. The group who also often do not take up the offer of a heart check are women. So many women say to me, “Oh I should send my husband to see you” with not a thought in their mind that perhaps they should come as well. Women tend to be complacent about heart disease, thinking that it’s a man’s disease and women are less affected. Unfortunately this is not the case. It may have been in the past but with equality in society women have also received equality in the heart disease stakes. In fact the Heart Foundation has made it quite clear to researchers in heart health that projects that focus on women and heart health will be looked on favourably as it’s an area we have not done well previously. Did you know that: • Women who smoke risk having a heart attack 19 years earlier than women who don’t smoke. • Nearly two thirds of the deaths from heart attacks in women occur among those who have no history of chest pain. • 42 per cent of women who have a heart attack die within a year compared to 24 per cent of men. • Last year more women had heart attacks than men. Heart disease is a societal issue. Ladies, think about yourselves as well as the men in your lives.

The Weekend Sun

‘Backbone’ of ambulance service taking a back seat We are grateful that we are able to go and help people.” He is looking forward to enjoying life away from work, including plans to travel and spending valuable time with his two children and three grandchildren. “You don’t know what weekends are with shift work and working four days on, four days off. “It will be nice to have weekends again and sleep in my own bed.” St John Tauranga team manager Ross Clarke says as part of senior manage-

ment Paul has helped spearhead a lot of change in the organisation within the Western Bay of Plenty. “He has been the backbone to the service. The experience and knowledge Paul possesses will be sorely missed. “During Paul’s time he managed, inspired, mentored and taught many of us. While it is sad Paul will be leaving the permanent service, I am also encouraged that his experience and wisdom will still be available to us.” By Luke Balvert

Paul Sullivan is retiring from permanent full-time service after 36 years with St John Tauranga.

After a 48-year career with St John, 36 of those years based in Tauranga, the 66-year-old has decided to take a step back and retire from permanent full-time service. What started in 1964 as a Wellington volunteer cadet, while employed as a coppersmith and sheet metal apprentice in Lower

Hutt, saw Paul become the first advanced paramedic in the Western Bay of Plenty in 1988. Labelled by staff as the ‘backbone’ of the Tauranga organisation, Paul says he was hooked right from the beginning. “I just loved it and you do not think like that [to be involved in the industry for nearly 50 years] when you’re 17.” Before joining St John Tauranga on January 5, 1977, Paul worked for the Wellington Free Ambulance for six years, taking what he describes as a ‘serious’ pay cut. “I was earning $40 a week in my apprenticeship and dropped $4 to $36 to work for the ambulance.

Still births increase in the Bay of Plenty The number of still births in the Bay of Plenty has risen in the past three years, according to statistics from Statistics New Zealand. In 2009 eight still births were recorded, compared to the 16 recorded in 2012. The number of still births recorded in 2010 was 12, with that figure increasing by one to 13 in 2011. Despite the increase of still births in the Bay of Plenty, the number of infant deaths and the infant mortality rate nationally were at record lows in 2012. Statistics New Zealand says a total of 256 infant deaths (under one year of age) were registered in New Zealand during this period, down from 290 in 2011. The infant mortality rate was 4.2 infant deaths per 1000 live births in 2012, down from 4.7 in 2011 and 5.6 in 2002. By Letitia Atkinson

Back then it was quite a significant drop in pay.” Along the way he has seen huge improvements, including the integration of women and advancement in medical technology. “When I started mouth-to-mouth was just starting to come in. The ambulance services did not have bags and masks, we just had some pipes.” Paul sees the position as an opportunity to help the community rather than to sensationalise or dramatise the situation. “I see it as someone else’s misfortune and it’s real to them. “We do not get pleasure out of going and seeing people hurt badly.

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When the flashing light and sirens of a St John ambulance rushes past, Paul Sullivan can sit back and take heart in what he has achieved with the organisation.

The Weekend Sun

Out of sight, out of mind Closure rumour ‘not full truth’ Plain packaging for smokes

A move to introduce plain packaging on cigarettes is being welcomed by the Cancer Society. Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia announced this week that the Government will introduce plain packaging for tobacco products. Tariana says the move will reduce the last hint of glamour from smoking. Cancer Society tobacco control advisor Skye Kimura the announcement is long-awaited by all tobacco control groups and

something the Cancer Society has been campaigning for, for a long time. “This is a major step. No longer will tobacco products be decorated with desirable colours and prominent branding – future plain packaging, with large graphic warnings, will depict the reality instead.” New Zealand is set to become the second country to introduce plain packaging for tobacco after

Australia introduced the measure late last year. The Government has to wait until legal decisions in Australia are completed before the policy can be introduced here. Chapman Tripp law partner Daniel Kalderimis says any decision to adopt plain packaging would lead to legal challenges to the process of the legislation and under international law. If challenges are launched, it is most likely tobacco companies would use New Zealand’s bilateral trade agreement with Hong Kong to launch a challenge, says Daniel. “Law changes would likely be met with the filing of legal challenges ‘the next day’ as was the case in Australia.”

Rumours of a ward at Tauranga Hospital closing during the Christmas period are being confirmed by Bay of Plenty District Health Board. The rumour stated the hospital closed the ward as part of costcutting measures, but the hospital says the ward was closed during the festive season because demand for the ward was low. “We try to prudently manage valuable hospital resources,” says Tauranga Hospital coordinator Julie Williams. “Consequently, a ward did close over the Christmas period as demand was low.” She says it is typical for demand to be low during summer. “It was predicted by our forecasting data.

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“As soon as the ward was needed again, it was reopened and has remained so since February 4.” Julie says the hospital has a number of procedures in place if demand for a ward is low or if the hospital reaches maximum capacity. “We would return patients to other hospitals, in our case usually back to Whakatane Hospital, where possible. “We would open additional capacity areas such as medical day stay for overnight patients. We would

also ask doctors to review all of their patients to see if any were suitable for discharge.” Julie says people need to remember to keep the hospital Emergency Department for emergency, lifethreatening conditions only. “If patients present with minor conditions such as hayfever or everyday ailments, it puts enormous pressure on staff resources set up to look after those experiencing urgent medical situations.”

By Letitia Atkinson

Purple and proud for epilepsy International Purple Day is just around the corner – a day dedicated to raising funds for the estimated 90,000 people in New Zealand suffering with epilepsy. On March 26, Epilepsy New Zealand is asking people to dress up in all things purple, from stripes and florals, to polka dots and paisley. As long as it’s purple, it

will be perfect for Purple Day. Residents are also being encouraged to organise an event at work, school or with friends – to create a theme and go the extra mile for the cause. To host or participate, register www.epilepsy.org.nz online or email national@epilepsy.org.nz. All funds raised will go directly to Epilepsy New Zealand.

Tauranga’s small residents can also dress in purple to raise money against epilepsy.

The Weekend Sun

I have read that organisations associated with problem gambling are seeking an increase in their take from Lotto funds by $1.4 million to combat the effects on their customers from high jackpot prizes and the associated promotional advertising. They shouldn’t waste their time on such people. It doesn’t take much effort to tell such people that to put money into Lotto instead of providing food for the family and paying the bills is just plain dumb. I too am more inclined to buy a powerball ticket when the prize money is high. I do it for a very sound and rational reason. It is called greed. Whilst I acknowledge that I can afford my indulgence I am quite sure that if my circumstances were different I would get my priorities right. A decision on buying a Lotto ticket is simple. I strongly object to any of my Lotto money (the current amount is $4 million) being siphoned off to organisations who think they can stop stupid people from being stupid. I much prefer that aspect of my proclivity to go to worthwhile charities, or even taxes to the Government. Bill Capamagian, Tauranga.

So few visionaries in region Why do we have so few visionary thinkers? e.g. the late Sir Bob Owens, even Bob Clarkson - maybe the answer is in the name Bob! It has taken another Bob, Bob Harvey (former mayor or Waitakere) who was reported at the recent Regional Forum, to have given an inspirational speech on strategy. Bob Harvey, strongly advocated for a rail link between Auckland and Tauranga as a game changer and I agree. So current leaders, get off the fence, end your deafening silence, and let’s set the vision! Tim Short, Ohauiti.

Grey Power and constitution Regarding the Constitution issue, I would like to assure R. McGuinness (15/2/13) that Grey Power certainly does not ‘dismiss discussion of it as being political’. Locally & nationally, Grey Power has been very supportive of the ‘Save Our Constitution’ campaign. We totally oppose the government’s plan to impose a new constitution on New Zealanders. Geoff Parker, Constitution Review Coordinator.

Spot the stereotype The arrival of the Weekend Sun and Property News together is always a joy, allowing my weekly game of ‘Spot the Stereotype’. This in a week when the lead in judging by appearances/religion/gender was taken by Richard Prosser MP, whose sole redeeming feature seems to be a name made for appropriate rhyming slang. First place this week then to Graeme from Tauranga Motor Company for his briefing on the no doubt brilliant Kia Sorento, described as “...a nice riding vehicle which women like to drive around town – while it can also double as a (sic) off road vehicle for the adventurous men in the family.” Wow, I bet he goes down a storm with the ladies in the showroom – out here in the sticks most women I know would insert some slip in his differential if he came out with that one. I have a weekly bet with myself as to how many pages of the Property Press will pass before “workshop for the man of the house”, “shed for the boys toys” or “paddock for the daughter’s pony” or similar will shine off the page and let us know how life is supposed to be, while the developed world ambles slowly and carefully into a slightly more enlightened, dare I say nicer, future. Old dependables LJ Hooker on page 12 and 13 worthy winners with “little boys garden” (what the...?) and “man cave” (lady boudoir perhaps? Probably just a shed). So, suitably refreshed for my weekends stereotyping I’m off to town to discriminate against anyone who looks Muslim, gay, foreign, Jewish, Catholic, male, female or like they might be an MP. I’ll be wearing my new T-shirt “WOMAN – KNOW YOUR PLACE”. Steve Long, Katikati.

Combining into single lemon Tauranga residents and ratepayers should reflect on Tauranga Council’s news that it intends to amalgamate its failing institutions Tauranga City Venues with Tauranga City Aquatics into a single lemon. The rationale for this attempt to fly under the radar is probably that these CCO’s are failing so badly financially there is nowhere left to hide, smoke and mirrors and creative accounting won’t work any more. Just ask yourself, do elected TCC Councillors have any clue when 20 of our rates are gobbled up on these lemons when surely Council needed to take back both operations and bite the bullet. Currently TCC takes our rates money and gives us little other than increased debt in return. S. Paterson, Arataki.

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54 Court Briefs Drug accused heading to trial

Three Tauranga men facing drug charges are likely to head to trial. Co-accused Troy Kakau, Isaac Kilby and Shaun McDonald appeared in the Tauranga District Court on Wednesday. Representatives for the accused, who all stood in the dock together, asked for their clients to be remanded on bail and in custody for a post committal conference on March 4. McDonald and Kilby are remanded on bail and Troy Kakau will remain behind bars as he continues to serve the remainder of his existing sentence for another offence. The alleged offenders are facing a raft of drug charges including having equipment/material with intent, procuring/possessing methamphetamine/ amphetamine and producing/manufacturing methamphetamine/amphetamine. The trio were arrested following drug raids in Welcome Bay in November 2012.

Man charged in attempted abduction

A Tauranga man accused of attempting to abduct an 11-year-old girl in Ohauiti will stay behind bars until his next court appearance. Aden Kingi, 28, appeared in the Tauranga District Court on Monday charged with attempted abduction and possession of cannabis. The Ohauiti man is accused of attempting to abduct the 11-year-old while she was out biking on Ohauiti Road on February 11. The accused is yet to enter a plea to the charges. He was remanded in custody until his next appearance on March 4.

Home detention for tax evader

A former Tauranga businessman was sentenced to nine months’ home detention after admitting to filing false GST returns totalling $110,000. Peter Noel Gatenby was sentenced in Tauranga District Court on Monday on seven charges of filing false GST returns. He previously admitted to preparing and filing seven false GST claims between October 2010 and November 2011. Inland Revenue investigations and advice general manager Patrick Goggin says Gatenby registered an internet retailing business for GST in September 2010 and immediately began filing false returns. “Our staff noticed that his GST return for the previous two months requested a refund of just over $25,000 but returned zero income.”

Child abuse sentencing adjourned A Bay of Plenty couple who admitted to the ill treatment of a toddler in their care have had their sentencing adjourned. Stephen, 52, and Eunice, 42, Towns were due to appear in the Tauranga District Court on Monday, but their sentencing date was adjourned until March 26. The couple pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm and Stephen pleaded guilty to an extra charge of assault during an earlier appearance in the Whakatane District Court. During that appearance the court heard how the two-year-old boy was hit as a form of corrective discipline and subjected to a 10 minute cold shower causing his body to go into hypothermic shock after he refused to eat his breakfast. He was taken to Whakatane Hospital when he fell unconscious on May 11, 2012.

Reward for information

Police investigating the murder of Paeroa business man Jordan Voudouris, who was fatally shot last year, are offering a $50,000 reward for key information. Police made a public appeal on Police Ten 7 on Thursday, February 14, asking for people with vital information to come forward. Detective Sergeant Glenn Tinsley says with Operation Olive now into its eighth month the enquiry team still believe someone could hold information that could solve the mystery. He says the Police Commissioner authorised a reward of up to $50,000 to be paid for material information or evidence which leads to the identity and conviction of any person or persons responsible for the death of Jordan. Anyone with any information on the identity of the offender or offenders or other information that could assist is asked to contact the Operation Olive enquiry team on 0508 Paeroa (723762) or their nearest police station. Alternatively, information can be left via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.

Silence from our MP Like Pete Kelly, I requested a reply from Simon Bridges several weeks ago and the silence from our elected MP was deafening. I asked him to expand on exactly what he means by “broad cross-party agreement” in relation to the upcoming constitutional review. There was not a chirrup from our chosen one, not even an acknowledgement that I had spoken! The one and only reason for the review is to entrench the Treaty of Waitangi in a written constitution. Overseas experts are urgently warning us not to go there as this will end democracy and be replaced by a divisive tribalism. The general public are yet to be informed of this devious and secretive deal between the National and Maori Parties who are quietly keeping it under the radar and seem intent on pushing it through with most of us being unaware of the implications. The most frightening aspect is that once passed it cannot be changed and will be set in stone. For ever! Simon Bridges, your party has used taxpayer’s money to stitch up this deal so that your party can hold on to power. As our elected representative, you owe it to us to inform the general public of what has been happening - to our detriment - behind firmly closed doors. Only then can we truly add the “Hon” to your title. Robin Bishop, Tauranga.

No reply to challenge or acknowledgement Yes, Pete Kelly, of course you’re right about Simon Bridges. I didn’t for a moment hold my breath for a reply to my challenge! Also, I thought maybe some locals with stars in their eyes, might like a chance to note his actual sincerity as representative of the Tauranga public. Others have tried to get a public response frrm him in this way, but not even the courtesy of acknowledgement? Loosen that grip on Papa Key’s apron strings, me lad, stop trying to look important, and do your proper job, without fear or favour.. listen! It’ll pay in the long run, and you may even earn some respect. Meantime any reputation, is slipping fast... Why do they insist on calling these discussions and debates on the dastardly constitutional project “conversations”? It trivialises the matter, and implies that it’s a relaxed, over-a-cup-of-tea thing. And we know the danger in having talks over those cups of tea! D. Holm, Tauranga.

The Weekend Sun

Make your voice heard Exactly correct R Bailey I wonder what happened to the eight New Zealand citizens who should have been on that Review committee! Shame on the National government for allowing a Maori party driven Constitutional Review. One wonders at the integrity! There is enough division and dissent building in NZ now because of the separatism that already exists and the money gravy train that is being given to the favoured few especially when the majority of NZ is struggling to survive and our national debt rises. So for this biased Constitutional review to happen this way with a single minded agenda of installing the treaty of Waitangi in concrete in a ‘Writ-

ten Constitution’ is enough to tip Kiwis over the edge. We have a great constitution now that allowed us to be the first country in the world to give women the vote give Maori men the vote and major labour reforms all because we have a ‘unwritten Constitution’. So ‘if it ain’t broke why fix it’. So NZ make your voice heard write to your politicians c/o Parliament Buildings, Wellington. Or email eg john.key@national.org. nz or simon.bridges@national.org.nz plus the other email address for the review committee; constitutionalreview@justice.govt.nz Make your voice heard remember ‘the squeaky wheel gets the oil!’ C. Humphreys, Tauranga.

Heartfelt thanks to Mount helpers I would like to thank the many people that came to the aid of my ill mother on Mount Maunganui on Saturday 2 February 2013. My mother collapsed and became unconscious whilst walking up the mount. At the time I didn’t get a chance to say thank you to the people that spoke to the emergency services on the phone and the many others that offered assistance, water and stopped access to walkers on this spot up the mount. I would especially like to thank “Sue” who was absolutely amazing and was my rock in this time of desperate need and your reassurance and assistance was truly tremendous and I am forever grateful and you solidified for me how proud I am to be a New Zealander. I cannot praise enough the valued

TECT Helicopter Rescue service and the St Johns Paramedics that remained calm caring and thoughtful throughout the time when tending to my who is doing just fine and this experience has made her make necessary changes to her health for the better. In recent times their has been negative publicity about the lack of assistance the member of the public received when trying to flag down people to come to the aid of the now drowned woman in Mount Maunganui, my experience from the people up the mount that day was a truly different experience. My family and I are grateful to everyone’s help and without the genuine willingness to help from passers by the outcome could have been very different. Danica Turner.

Why vote for much of the same? Recently, at a showing of Les Miserables, one patron was heard to say that nothing has changed, which made one think that he is correct. National and Labour are making noises getting ready for the next general election with more promises for a better society,but for whom? Why vote for much of the same? if an MP does not agree to resign if he, or she cannot deliver, then do not vote. Labour was in for three terms still no control on property investors, National the same. So young people trying to buy their first home have virtually no support, except for the Salvation Army

the rest are deaf. So now we will build massive cheap housing not unlike the slums, that have been knocked down in the UK which produced much crime. The people at the bottom of the heap will soon realise that the system is totally unfair, and will react to correct it. Many MPs are in The Parliament for No 1 and their ego, its easy to be humble on $200,000. Ask Helen Clark she went to look after the world’s poor, on nearly 1M tax free. oh well someone has to do it. Can you hear the people sing? Ron Chamberlain Otumoetai.

The Weekend Sun

Southern pipeline A Southern Pipeline peer review by Beca in July 2008 wasn’t complimentary. It seemed to question the excessive contingency figures and lack of time to report. No doubt TCC Councillors read the BECA report and analysed it. From what I could see, the comparative figures between the Southern Pipeline and a stand-alone plant at Tauriko seemed flawed and inaccurate to the detriment of any Tauriko option. The late Graham H Clarke made an in-depth study and investigation into the suitability of a Wanaka type scheme. Correspondence, meetings and submissions to Council were all to no avail, TCC would not even allow the Wanaka contractors to undertake investigations and costings. Little wonder TCC spindoctoring costs now approach $2 million per annum. Surely the Tauriko option was the best choice, on a cost basis plus the natural disaster risk factor as it is better to spread installations. There was also the prospect of a design and build package like Wanaka’s Project Pure with a treatment plant costing $9.5 million vs. Tauranga mega-millions warranted due consideration. Quality would be similar, capacity much the same so what’s going on here? The ground stability issues at Tauriko are no worse than Te Maunga and TCC can’t deliver all the sewage to Te Maunga, it simply won’t cope with it. Transporting sewage huge distances is ridiculous and the Te Maunga facility still has to accommodate all the future Papamoa growth. R Paterson, Matapihi. The Weekend Sun welcomes letters from readers. Preference will be given to letters that are short (200 words) and supplied with full name and contact details.

Council dealings a joy Ignoring their non-Maori ancestors It’s nice to be able to give praise where it’s due, isn’t that right Perry. Twice this summer I’ve had people say to me that their recent experience at the Tauranga City Council was an absolute joy, compared to recent experiences of a similar nature elsewhere. One couple are multi-property owners from the Kapiti Coast who’ve just bought here and the other has property on the North Shore and now also in Tauranga. It’s great to hear this sort of thing as it can help put things into perspective. This city hasn’t always rated itself too well in the past, but comments like this tell us that perhaps we’re not so bad here after all. Ay Perry. The Port is a great example but there are lots of smaller businesses in this town that do a great job and we need to pat them on the back when it’s due. So, well done Tauranga City Council. Whatever you’re doing down there in Willow Street, something’s working. Graeme Martin, Otumoetai.

Removing Rena costs The ongoing cost of removing the Rena is hard to stomach. Is it not time for compromise - let’s cut a deal with the Rena owners and leave the remainder of the ship on the reef for underwater clubs, and get the Rena owners to front up with a cash endowment? While there may be moral and cultural issues at stake by leaving the wreck on the reef, there is right now the opportunity to finally start a fund for a sensible and safe Bay of Plenty Museum building site where Maori and European artifacts, history and culture can be given a home with the assistance and acknowledgement to the Rena owners. If by some chance this passing thought were to come about, then old silly siting issues would resurface, but at least a real building may materialise after the bickering? CS Adams, Tauranga.

Why do so many academics of mixed ethnic stock choose to celebrate their iwi blood lines while completely ignoring their nonMaori ancestors? What is so worthy about revering forebears who, from the time they made their migratory travels east to the Pacific, left behind most of the crafts, skills and knowledge, most of the culture that had been developed in Mesopotamia, so that by the time they reached New Zealand they had degenerated into a basic Stone-age people without written language, the ability to use metal, fashion clay, manufacture basic culinary utensils,

utilise the wheel and even make weapons like the bow for engaging an enemy at a distance? Their clothing was basic in the extreme and they lived harsh, crude, brutish and mostly brief lives. These academics choose not to acknowledge the other side of their ancestry. The side that led to the advances of European, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures and the benefits that accrued from these advances and that their iwi were only too willing to embrace with the arrival of the new settlers. Bryan Johnson, Omokoroa.

The Weekend Sun

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

Saturday 23 February

2013 Christian Singles Born again

friendship group who meet monthly socially. 021 182 7972 Arataki JMC Rugby 2013 All grades - U/6s through to U/13s. Muster & whanau day 11am - 2pm & again March 9 (same time). All past, present & new players interested in playing junior rugby this year to come along. Bring all the whanau & a picnic lunch. There will be games & races relating to rugby for all to enjoy. Art in the Park Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui 8.30am – 5pm, weather permitting. Tauranga Society of Artists offer for sale a variety of art to suit all tastes. Balmorals Leisure Marching Team Welcome ladies to join this awesome sport for fun, friendship & travel. 30-60 age group. Anita 571 4096 a/hs or 0210 257 6094 Bay Association of Sea Kayakers Waihi Coast paddle. 30km. Bevan 576 8885 BOKWA Fitness Class dOmokoroa Settlers Hall, Omokoroa Rd 9.30am. Get fit, lose weight, have fun. Give it a go. Beginners welcome. Instructor Sarah 021 185 3363 http:// www.bokwafitness.com/ Come Dancing Tonight Sequence & old time dancing, great music & supper. Greerton Hall 7.30-11pm. Entry $5. All welcome. Run by Tauranga Scottish Soc. Allyson 576 9194 Market Greerton Hall 8am - 12pm. Crafts, plants, produce, bric-a-brac. Merv or Nancy, Waihi 07 863 6697 Messianic Weekly Meetings The Way meet in the Kingfisher Room, Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 10am. All welcome. 570 1438

Princess Project Fundraiser Garage Sale

At 196 Marine Pde, Mount 7.30pm. Lots of goods, golf clubs, clothes. Come get a bargain & support a great cause. Tauranga Farmers Market Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz Te Puke Cricket 125th Anniversary A day of cricket followed by evening dinner Easter Sat. pam.tod@win.co.nz for info & tickets. The Sociables Males/Females 30’s/40’s. 022 012 0376 Youth Garage Sale Youth fund-raising at Salvation Army cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd 7am. Mimi 027 837 6431

Sunday 24 February

Bay Association of Sea Kayakers Whanganui River trip. 145km

in 5 days. Bevan 576 8885

Bible Seminars Sundays at Greerton Senior

Citizen’s Hall, Maitland St, Greerton 1.45pm. Title: “Understanding Bible Prophecy.” Interactive, Q&A. Refreshments provided. All welcome. Vic 543 0504

News, reviews and opinionated raving on the music scene.

Healing Meeting with Western Carryer City

Life Church, 174 11th Ave, Tauranga 6.30pm. Come & have your needs met through the power of Jesus Christ. 571 6316 Learning Spiritual Laws Sunday’s at Plunket Rooms, 59 Otumoetai Rd, Tauranga 10-11am. $5 donation, children free. Remember & celebrate who you are! Lions Car Fair Buy & sell cars, motorbikes & motorhomes, 11 Ave carpark (opp Mad Butcher) 8am - 12pm. www.taurangacarfair. co.nz Mount Mainstreet Farmers Market Every Sun in Phoenix car park 9am - 1pm. Fresh fruit & veges, breads, cheese, oils, plants & more. All home grown & home made. Downtown the Mount open 7 days. 575 9911 mountmaunganui.org.nz Papamoa Country Music Club Meet 4th Sunday of month at Papamoa Sports & Recreation Centre, Parton Rd 1-4.30pm with top NZ country entertainer Joy Adams. Members $3 (plate please). Visitors $4, includes afternoon tea. Sharon 572 1983 Petanque Every Sun, Tues & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. Neita 572 3768 Picnic Fundraiser Big secondhand stall, coffee & cake, sausage sizzle & waterslide & flying fox for the kids. At Tauranga Waldorf School, 364 Welcome Bay Rd 11am - 2pm. All welcome. Prayer & Healing Fest Are you sick or in pain? Prayer changes things. Held at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre Gym, Memorial Park cnr 11th Ave & Devonport Rd 2.30-5pm. Prayer for children & babies. Email: prayersandhealingfest@gmail.com Radio Controlled Model Yachts Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa to race electron class yachts. Graham 572 5419 Rifle Range Public Open Day Open to public on last Sun of the month. Range at end of Ngawaro Rd, at the TECT All Terrain Park 9am 3pm. Some targets available to purchase, or bring your own. Must bring own ammo, shooting rests, ear muffs etc. Firearms license must be presented at registration area. $15pp (cash only). No cellphone coverage. www.deerstalkersbop.org.nz Singles Mix & Mingle 50+ coffee afternoon at Zaggers Cafe, Chapel St 2.30pm. Mix & mingle with other like-minded singles in a relaxed atmosphere. Gayle 027 439 3267 Tauranga Rainbow Social Network For gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender. Meet today 12noon. Kaye 021 239 7142 or 07 218 1411 Theosophical Society “Climate Change: What is the future of our world?” At Tauranga Yoga Centre, Elizabeth St West 2pm. Entry by donation. All welcome. June 576 6106

Monday 25 February

Argentine Tango for Beginners 6 week introduction to Salon Tango starts March 11 7.10pm. This unique social dance is growing in NZ & worldwide. First lesson free. Carl 021 280 4464 or email: carl@eltango.co.nz

DVD MOVIES Reviews of DVDs, old and new, as well as other bits and bobs.

Babies Moves & Groves Every Mon at Arataki Community Centre 11am - 12pm. Movement to music for 0-18 months with a range of music, instruments & equipment. Matt 575 2048 Bay Wing Chun Self Defence Women’s only classes Mon 6.30-8.30pm. Public sessions Tues/Weds 6.30-8.30pm & Sat 10am - 12pm. Kids Sat 10am - 12pm. 4 Cherokee Pl, Mt Maunganui. www.baywingchun.school.nz 0800 398 225 Bethlehem Bowls Every Mon 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. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified Instructor/Cardiac Care leader. Fire Brigade Bowling Club Club night at Greerton Hall, Cameron Rd 7.30pm. Bring a friend. Sharon 543 3929 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. Phone Dorothy 549 3378 Free Antenatal Classes Pirirakau Hauora, classes available each month in 2013. Venues throughout the Bay. For dates & venues ph 552 4573 or email: tamarikiora@pirirakauhauora.org.nz Genealogy Friendly Group Meet in Mako Room, Papamoa Community Centre 1pm. Assistance offered to anyone with an interest in researching their family history. Daphne 575 4674 Harmony a Plenty Barbershop Chorus Every Mon at Bethlehem Community Church, Moffat Rd 7pm. New members welcome. 572 3345 or www.harmonyaplenty.co.nz Meditation Free classes Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm. Find peace, spiritual awareness & the meaning of your life. David 576 9764 Mount Maunganui Bridge Club Beginners bridge lessons Mondays 7.15pm. $30 for 10 lessons, students $20. Brenda 574 2770 Mt Maunganui Senior Citizens AGM March 11 at 345 Maunganui Rd 1.30pm. Otumoetai Indoor Bowls Club night Matua Primary School Hall, Clivedene St 7.15pm. New members welcome. Bring a friend along. Karen 576 0443 Papamoa Mahjong Club Every Mon at Papamoa Sports club 12.30pm. All members & new players welcome. Sue 0272 744 969 Public Meeting “Why closing the Wealth Gap benefits all New Zealanders” with Bryan Gould & panel of invited MP’s at Wesley Centre, 100 13th Ave, Tauranga 7pm. Supper provided. Gold coin donation. Presented by Closing the Gap Tauranga – Income Equality Aotearoa New Zealand Inc.

OUT THERE GUIDE Stories, snippets, strangeness, and general entertainment.

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. Taken by Heart Foundation phase 3 cardiac instructor. First class free. Jennifer 571 1411 Relationships Aotearoa Mon - ManMade - a course specifically designed for men 6.30-8.30pm. Tues - Parenting Through Separation. Free course for separating parents 6.30-8.30pm. Weds - Parenting for Success, parenting your 2-12yr olds 7-9pm. Parenting through Separation, Papamoa 10am - 12pm. Thurs - Positively Me 4 women 6.30-8.30pm. Parenting through separation 10am - 12pm. 576 8392 Scottish Country Dancing Every Mon at St John’s Church Hall, Bureta Rd, Tauranga 7.30-9.30pm. New members/ beginners welcome. Sarah 579 0123 Swedish Lessons Organised by Swedish Assn of BOP every Mon 3.15-5.15pm. Gisela 572 1056 Taekwon-Do Kids Otumoetai Action Centre 4.15-5.15pm. A modern, dynamic martial art. Ages 5-11 years. Followed by Family Class at Pillans Point School 5.40pm start. ce_young@ hotmail.com Tauranga Creative Fibre Every Mon at Arts Centre, Elizabeth St 9.30am. Spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, crochet, beading & more. Learn & share in a mutually supportive club. Also on Thurs evenings twice a month. Joan 577 6781 Tools to Love By Hear the seven sacred sounds of silence. Resolve repressed childhood memories. Heal serious illness without surgery. Choose what you want to be life seminar. 6pm start. Entry by koha. Carl 021 753 693 Welcome to the New Dark Age An exhibition at Gallery59, 50 Ninth Ave by Don Overbeay, (HOD Creative Arts Waiaraki Institute of Technology. Weekdays 8am - 5pm. Saturdays 10am - 1pm. Held until March 8. 577 9397 Wing Chun Women Women’s only self defence club. 0800 FYT BAK or Nicky 021 148 6467 YMCA - ALFS (Active lifestyle for seniors). Smooth Movers class Mon 8.45-9.45am & 10-11am 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 9.1510.15am Welcome Bay Hall, Welcome Bay Rd. Also Te Puke Senior Citizen’s Club, Jocelyn St, Te Puke 9.15-10.15am. All welcome. First class free. Thurs 8.45-9.45am at Otumoetai Action Centre, Windsor Rd. Also 10.30-11.30am at Bethlehem Hall, Bethlehem Rd. Fri 9.1510.15am at Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd. 578 9272 Youngforest Tai Chi School Free info classes for February. Classes with Sifu Grant Buchanan & his instructors. Unlock the secrets of Tai

The Weekend Sun’s guide to who’s playing and where. Chi, Chi Gong & Internal Kung Fu. Classes all week. To book 577 6868

Tuesday 26 February

2013 Christian Singles Meet 1st & 3rd Tues

of month at McCafe, Maunganui Rd 10am. 021 182 7972 Badminton (Social) Every Tues at Otumoetai Baptist Hall 9.30am - 12pm. Racquets available. All welcome. Lorraine 579 3229 Bayfair Petanque Club Meet every Tues & Thurs at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Drive 1pm. Tuition & boules available for learners & visitors. Margaret 572 3173 BOP Shirley Club Walking Group Every Tues meet outside Mount Surf Club 9.20am. Easy walking. Great group. Cafe jaunt after. See you there. Bureta Garden Circle Monthly meeting at St John’s Church Hall, 94 Bureta Rd, Otumoetai 1.30pm. Visitors welcome. Colleen 576 7610 Fibromyalgia Support Group Meet at Hillier Centre, Mt Maunganui 1.30pm. Phone Maureen 576 3256

Freestyle BMX Club BMX Inc

Become a BMX Inc member in the month of Feb to go in the draw to win a $50 Rocket Bike voucher & more prizes. Conditions apply. See our Facebook page for more details. Paul 021 916 6571 Gate Pa Indoor Bowls Combined night with South City (Lynn Rodgers Memorial) at Greerton Hall 7.30pm. Marg 543 3394 Genesis - Women’s Group Every Tues during school term. Picnic morning tea at Pilot Bay 10am. Bring plate & beach chair. New members welcome. Jennifer, Salvation Army 578 4264 Inachord Chorus Ladies 4 part harmony every Tues at Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd 6.45pm. Enjoy singing & meet new friends. Shona 0272 801 004 or Sabine on 577 0455 (day). Israeli Dancing Beginners classes every Tues at Gate Pa School Hall 7-8pm. No partners required. All ages welcome. Maria 544 1680

Mount Aglow All ladies invited to meeting at Salvation Army, 57 Eversham Rd, Mt Maunganui 9.45am. Join us if you are needing a new direction to your life. Guest speaker: Kerry Barclay – Testimony, healing. Shared lunch to follow. All welcome. Raewyn 574 6967 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, first day free. Students $2. Season commences March 5. Margaret 575 9792 Mount Social Table Tennis Every Tues at Arataki Community Centre 7.30-9.30pm. Social, fun group. Paddles available. Matt 575 2048 Sequence Dancing St Johns Anglican

Church Hall, 94 Bureta Rd, Otumoetai. Tues 7-9.30pm, second Tues of month 3-5.30pm. Visitors welcome. John 578 9716

Tide times have been corrected for daylight saving time. Tauranga tide heights in metres. The full month’s tide information is available on www.sunlive.co.nz. Every effort has been made to ensure that these times and tides are correct, no responsibility will be accepted for any inaccuracies, omissions, or misuse or misinterpretation of the values for tides and times published.

www.manutere.co.nz Email your catch (High Resolution Jpeg ) to photos@thesun.co.nz, subject line ‘Catch of the Week’, name, age, contact details & description of fish and location & be in to WIN!

The Weekend Sun Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

Cedar Lounge, Bureta Park, Vale St 7.30pm. Friendly jam sessions or open concert 4th Tues & 2nd Sun, 1pm. Sing, play or just listen. Paul 579 2346 or www. tamc.org.nz

Tauranga Astronomical Society

Observatory & hall pen at Fergusson Park 7.30pm. Featuring DVD programme that investigates the moon as a potentially huge, future source of energy for our planet. Telescope viewing if weather permits. Public welcome. 576 5389 Tauranga Scrabble Club Every Tues at Tauranga Bridge Club, Ngatai Rd 9am. 3 games $2.50. New players welcome. 544 8372 Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Charity Regatta March 5 from 12-8.30pm. For information or bookings email: info@ttprotary.co.nz or Alan 576 7695 Tauranga Toastmasters Tga Lyceum Club 1st Tues 7.15-8.45pm. Exterminate the butterflies, confidence building, improving public speaking & leadership skills. Alan 544 5989 Toastmasters Excel Club Learn to be a competent speaker & get your message across. Meetings held on 2nd, 4th & 5th Tues of the month at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way (off Grenada St) Mt Maunganui 6.15pm. New members welcome. Tess 575 6610 Widow & Widowers Club People living alone invited to Arts & Crafts Centre, Elizabeth St 2pm. Margaret 576 5292 YMCA Sit n Fit Class Tues at Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd, Papamoa 11.30am - 12.30pm. Weds at Greenwood Park Village, Welcome Bay Rd 11am 12pm. Social exercise seated to music. All welcome. 578 9272

Wednesday 27 February

Alcoholics Anonymous St Mary’s School Hall, Tauranga 7.30pm.

Badminton Mt Maunganui Every

Weds, summer social club night at Mount Sports Centre, Maunganui Rd 7-9pm. Cost $8 per night. All 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 Bible Study Is the Bible Gods word? Matua area Weds 7.30pm. Tom 022 123 7753 or email: tomg@bbf.org.nz or view www. baybiblefellowship.co.nz BOP at Heart AGM March 20 at Durham Street Business Centre 7.30pm. 0800 126 745 Fernlands Spa Water Exercise Class Weds 10.45-11.45am. Held rain or shine but not during school holidays. Pool class recommencing March 6 to be confirmed. New participants planning to attend, Jennifer 571 1411. Gate Pa Indoor Bowls Friends & neighbours night at Greerton Hall 7.30pm. Small plate for supper. Marg 543 3394 Global Hearts Exercise Group Weds 2pm & Fri 11am. Provides group activities combined with health education that encourages members to live a healthy & active lifestyle. Classes run by certified Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitator. Vikki 575 0470 or 0272 800 388 Merge Social Group For newcomers to Tauranga. Meet 1st & 3rd Tues at Nautilus Bar, Sulphur Pt 5pm. Sandra 021 565 459 Mt Maunganui RSA Women’s section social afternoon 1.30pm. Entertainment, bring & buy, raffles, afternoon tea.

Otumoetai Toy Box Toy Library

94 Bureta Rd. Open Weds 6.30-8.30pm, Thurs & Fri 9.30-11.30am. A number of membership options available. 576 9923 or 027 857 7452 Salvation Army Meeting For all women every Weds 10am morning tea, 10.30am meeting at Salvation Army cnr Cameron Rd & 5th Ave, Tauranga. Theme: Colour my world brown - wear something brown. New members welcome. Jennifer 578 4264 Soulfood Relax, unwind, be still, reflect, refresh & enjoy. Share in a selection of sacred & inspirational writings & music from around the world. At 6 Moiri Place, Maungatapu 7.30pm. 544 2786

Table Tennis Tauranga Memorial Hall,

QEYC. Weds 1-3pm, 7-9pm. Fri 7-9pm. All welcome. www.sportsground.co.nz/ tabbletennistauranga Bill 578 1662 Taekwon-Do Beginners Class Otumoetai Action Centre 3.30-4.30pm. Followed by Family Class 5.40pm. First class free. ce_young@hotmail. com or 021 980 878 Taoist Tai Chi Beginners course at St Paul’s Church Hall, Dickson Rd, Papamoa 6-8pm. Jeannie 542 1939 Tauranga Sequence Dance Club Weds & Mon at Norris St, Tauranga 7-10pm. Lovely dances, tuition, fun, bring partner. Barbara 552 6227 Te Puke Spiritual & Healing Centre Art Gallery, Commerce Lane, Te Puke. Doors open 6.45pm for 7.15pm start. Guest speaker: Crystal Clear Intentions - crystal healing energy. $4. Monique 573 4687 Toastmasters - City Early Start Improve communication, leadership & teamwork skills. Join the motivated & enthusiastic group every Weds at Classic Flyers Avgas Cafe 6.45-8.15am. Email: LaniDTM@kol. co.nz or 571 1545. Website: http://cityearlystart.toastmastersclubs.org

Toastmasters Tauranga South Area

Leadership skills, speaking skills. Weds at St George’s Church Hall cnr Cameron Rd & Church St 7.15pm. All welcome. Phone Alan 544 5989 TS Chatham (Sea Cadets) Every Weds at TYPBC, Keith Allan Drive, Sulphur Pt 6.30-9pm. Lee 542 5377 or 027 291 6151 or email: leew.lynnc@xtra.co.nz Walking Group Age Concern walking group meet at Te Puna Beach end, off Waitui Grove 10am. Take a picnic. All welcome. 578 2631 Yoga Every Weds & Fri at Fergusson Park Sports Centre (End of Tilby Drive, Matua) 9.30-10.40am. Term 1 until 19 April. Quiet, peaceful, ocean view. $10 casual/$80 term. Stella 021 0249 6390 or email: YogaTauranga@gmail.com

Thursday 28 February

Age Concern Tauranga Monthly meeting

at Tauranga Senior Citizens Club, 14 Norris St (behind Pak n Save) 10am. Speaker: Tauranga Budget Advisory Service – “Living on the pension.” Cost $3pp includes morning tea before starting. All welcome. Phone 578 2631 Begin Again Create the life you want in 2013 & beyond. Study group to understand & utilise the subconscious mind, stillness & meditation, & spiritual principles to help you obtain the life that is designed especially for you. No charge. 571 5188 BOP Golf Croquet Championship Four days at Tauranga Domain. Top quality exponents of this exciting version of croquet on free of charge. Sponsored by Eves Realty Ltd. Dance Classes Starting Soon Learn to dance sequence & old time, starts March 7 7-10pm. Baptist Church Hall, cnr Cameron & 13th Ave. Step by step instructions. Free entry on your first night. $2 entry includes tea/coffee. Run by Sunshine Dance Group. Allyson 576 9194 Divorce Care 13 week recovery course for those experiencing divorce or separation. Thurs at Holy Trinity Church, old hall cnr Devonport Rd & 4th Ave, Tauranga 7-9pm. Places limited. Office 578 7718 Fitness League Safe, effective, low impact exercise to music using the Bagot Stack technique, designed for females. All ages & abilities, first class free, every Thurs Central Baptist Church Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 9.30am & Weds at Katikati Memorial Hall 10am. Pam 549 4799 or 021 117 170 French Group For lovers of all things French. Meet like minded people Brooklyn Pizzeria on the Strand. Fortnightly Thursdays 4.30-6.30pm. Andrea: agohns@ yahoo.co.nz Happiness & Our Mind Drop-in meditation classes. Beginners welcome. Classes are self contained, start any date. Cost $14 per class. Otumoetai Plunket, 59 Otumoetai Rd. Monthly classes, next class March 14 7-8.30pm www.meditateintauranga.org Keynotes 4 Part Harmony Women’s Chorus Meet every Thurs at Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave 6.45pm. Sing for fun & health. Nora 544 2714

Meditation Group Monthly group, next group March 28 7-8.30pm. Open to anyone interested in improving their understanding & practice of meditation & Buddhism. Gold coin donation welcome. Dianne email: dianeestellehowell@yahoo.co.nz or 577 1484 www.meditateintauranga.org

Meet with Labour’s Deputy Leader

Grant Robertson at Wesley Centre, 100 13th Ave, Tauranga 7-8.15pm. What can Labour do for you? New jobs, 100,000 affordable homes & a fairer tax system. More Than Craft Many crafts available at Greerton Bible Church, cnr Chadwick & Oropi Rds 9.30-11.30am. $3 per morning. Great creche. New members welcome. Ruth 576 0955 Omokoroa Boat Club Annual Fishing Comp Children’s competition. Briefing at club Feb 28 7pm. Starts March 2 6am – 3pm. Prize giving 4pm after competition closes. Entry $5 each child. Goodie bag for all kids entered. All welcome. Taekwon-Do Tauranga Girls College 3.30-4.30pm. Girls only class. Self defence focus. Activities Room. ce_young@hotmail.com or phone 021 980 878 Tauranga Bridge Club Social bridge starts March 7 at 252 Ngatai Rd 1pm. 576 5022 Tauranga Heart Support Group Phase 3 rehab exercise, social events & guest speakers for those with or at risk of heart disease. Every Thurs at City Church Hall, Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St 9.3010.45am. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified instructor/ Cardiac Care leader. Tauranga Photographic Society Meet on first & third Thurs of month from Feb Nov at Art & Crafts Centre, 177 Elizabeth St West, Tauranga 7.30pm. info@taurangaphoto.org.nz

Tauranga Rock n Roll Social Dancing

Every Thurs at Senior Citizen’s Hall, 14 Norris St, Tauranga 7.30-9.30pm. $3 door entry. All welcome. Maria 576 7326 Tauranga Storytellers’ Group Meet last Thurs of every month. Claire 577 7220 Te Puke Mah Jong Group Lyceum Club room, Palmer Place. Every Thurs 1pm. All players welcome. Beginners lessons 10.30am. Gig 573 5355 Twilight Market Every Thurs at Bethlehem Town Centre 3-7pm.

Friday 1 March

26th Easter Book Sale Rotary

Club of Tauranga need your books. Sale held March 30, 31 1 April 2013 at new venue, Countdown’s old Foodtown Building Cameron Rd, opp Tauranga Boys College. Please deliver unwanted books, magazines, sheet music, records, cassette tapes, CD’s, videos, DVDs & jigsaw puzzles to Caltex Welcome Bay, Bayfair, Greerton, 14th Ave, Katikati or for collection Ross 544 0817 Alcoholics Anonymous Open meeting every Fri at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Tyremaster) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance. Chess Tauranga Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Noel 579 5412 http://www. westernbopchess.weebly.com/ Free Immigration Clinic Every Fri - legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812 Kowhai Probus of Bethlehem Meet 1st Fri of the month in the Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd, Bethlehem 10am. Guest speaker/10 minute speaker. Morning tea. New members welcome. Phone Joan 579 2336

“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.

58 M U S I C

P L U S

The Weekend Sun

By Winston Watusi

Oscar day: the nominations are in - and they are great Monday is Oscar day and there’s been a real shock this year – the Academy has actually nominated good films! We all hunker down for the Oscars here at the Watusi Country Club. Any excuse, after all, for a party. It may be too hot to don those tuxes but we’ll be breaking out the pina coladas and popcorn and rockin’ our t-shirts along with the red carpet. It does make easier that – after last year’s debacle – the nine films chosen as Best Picture nominees are all really worth seeing. I would go as far as saying that few of last year’s films, winning pic The Artist possibly excepted, would stand up besides even the worst of this year’s nominees. The other thing that separates this year’s Oscars is that I’ve actually, for a change, seen all the films nominated. Normally I’m happy to wing it having seen about half of them. That’s because I’m not going to waste my life going to the cinema to watch films I’m almost absolutely sure I’ll hate. It also gets expensive and I don’t get comps for this stuff. As it was I caught many of last year’s nominees later on DVD and was astonished that anyone bothered to

nominate them. Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close? The Help? Moneyball? Warhorse? Seriously? Best Films? I don’t think so. These are flicks that barely anyone remembers a year later. Even the good ones from last year – Midnight in Paris, The Descendants – seem like modest (if enjoyable) outings. This year it’s different. There are nine films nominated and I could certainly make a case for at least seven of them winning. Let’s concentrate on those Best Picture nominees since the actors and actresses seem to pretty much have it sown up. Daniel Day Lewis will win Best Actor for his astounding turn as Lincoln; Jennifer Lawrence will win for Silver Linings Playbook (unless the Academy have a burst of senior citizen love and give it to 92-year-old Emmanuelle Riva); Anne Hathaway will win Best Supporting Actress for singing that song in Les Mis; and Christoph Waltz, despite winning Best Supporting Actor at every other ceremony will probably miss out to Tommy Lee Jones’ barnstorming in Lincoln.

But Best Film? Lincoln is admirable, smart and engrossing, but it’s a little solemn and does slip occasionally towards Steven Spielberg’s regular sentimentality. Big subject though, worthy nominee. Django Unchained is violent and compulsively over the top, Tarantino at his most Tarantino-esque. It’s also – bravely and surprisingly – the first recent Hollywood film I can think of that tackles the era of slavery in America (Lincoln really doesn’t since there are very few black people in it). The Life of Pi is a thing of wonder: it would be a worthy winner, astounding to look at and deeply human. Beasts of the Southern Wild has similar strengths but, while opening new worlds, is possibly a little lightweight in this company. Les Mis is also astounding to look at and certainly wipes the floor with musical offerings such as Chicago. I guess it depends how much you like the tunes... Zero Dark Thirty and Silver Linings Playbook both tackle important subjects – the war on terror and mental illness – and do so expertly. Both are remarkable films and well

M O V I E S Brewers Bar Thursday 14 March – Villainy and Rival State – Mode. Set. Clear tour. R18. Presale tickets $25. Buy tickets from NZtix.

Cornerstone Pub Friday 22 – Jam Dr. Rock. 10opm – late. Saturday 23 – 55 Drive. Rock. 10pm – late. Sunday 24 – Tim Armstrong. Easy listening. 3-6pm. Monday 25 – Jam night 8pm. Wednesday 27 – Native Poms 10pm.

Across 1. Hobble (4) 7. Columnist and comedian (6,3) 8. Hesitate (4) 9. Blaspheme (4) 10. Trees (4) 11. District (4) 14. Understand (10) 16. Famous sailor (5,5) 19. Finished (4) 22. Fish (4) 24. Pledge (4) 25. Shrivelled (4) 26.MEDIUM Behaviour (9) 27. Insects (4) Down 1. Zodiac sign (5) 2. Quarrel (5) 3. Nothingness (6) 4. Addict (6)

5. Lap (4) 6. Game (9) 12. Demoted (9) 13. Pain (4) 15. Attention (4) MEDIUM 17. Bay (NI) (6) 18. River (SI) (6) 20. Sea (5) 21. Odds and ..... (5) 23 Peep (4)

No.1667

51 7 6 7 5 91 4 3 9 8 27 4 C C N K E D T S I P A G H J O H N C A M P B E L L M 5 9 6 4 S R U I E U L E M E T U S F O X T O N G A N K L E T 3 How 4to solve7 E N D E D T G K X A M8P T L A U N D E R T A B A T E No.1667 Y R L G O D G B O O A1 H O7 6 Sudoku! B Y W A Y I T O K O R O A 1 5 A T T I I A G L T R I U K 9Fill the grid so that 8 B O T T O M G O B L I G E5 Z K P A E7 B I N I I 1 O H K4 7every row and every A A C H I E V E9 M E N3T S 3x3 square contains F Y T U E R E Y O D T S R 8 2 4 4 digits 13to 9 the Solution 1307 5 9 6 Solution No.1666 4 7 3 8 4 6 5 7 9 8 2 1 3

SUDOKU

Beautiful Creatures (M) Supernatural themes and violence

Small-town teen Ethan Wate (Alden Ehrenreich) dreams of escaping his ordinary life until the day he meets Lena Duchannes (Alice Englert). His attraction is intense: this is the girl he has been dreaming of – literally. They have the How to solve same sense of humour. They have both No.1667 lostSudoku! their mums. And unbeknownst to them, they are inextricably linked by supernatural events that took place long Fillbefore the grid that they so were born. 1 4 every rowwhen andLena every Even confesses to being a 3x3‘Caster’, squarea witch, contains and warns him that the digitsbe1hurt to 9just by being with her, he could Ethan’s affections are unwavering. But as 6

Welcome Bay Sports Bar Friday 22 – PJ’s karaoke 8pm – 12am. Karaoke queen.

3 8 SUDOKU

No. 1308

Mount RSA Friday 22 – Iceﬁre. Saturday 23 – Terry Jensen Trio. Sunday 24 – Jackson 4.307.30pm.

SUDOKU 1

With Capital Theatre

Crown and Badger Friday 22 – Piston Broke. Saturday 23 – Business Time. Sunday 24 – Andy Craw, Chris Gunn and Mike Kirk 3-6pm. Wednesday 27 - Country music night. A mix of country-rock, blues & traditional.

Club Mt Maunganui Friday 22 – Double Exposure.

MEDIUM

worth your time, the former almost a police procedural (think David Fincher’s Zodiac for a similar approach), the latter staying the right side of cuteness and refusing to pander to its clearly damaged protagonists. Then there are Argo and Amour. Amour won’t win. It’s an unflinching study of two very elderly people dealing with Alzheimer’s, directed with Austrian Michael Haneke’s usual rigour. It’s deeply moving and not fun at all. Argo is the opposite, a blatant crowdpleaser, hugely enjoyable and fantastically directed (making Ben Affleck’s Best Director snub even more blatant). The way it juggles tension and comedy without either unbalancing the other is remarkable. It’s the lightest, but also the most purely entertaining of the films. So I think Argo will probably win. Which is fine with me – at least all the nominees merit their inclusion. Hunker down in front of your tellies at 11.30am on Monday, or tape it and party into the night. The Oscars may be crap but, just occasionally, they get something right.

7 8 2 5 9 to 7 solve 4How Sudoku!

4 9 2 Fill the grid so that 8 every row and every 5 3x3 square contains 6 7 the digits 1 to 9 1 3

4 9 2 8 5 6 7 1 3

Solution No.1666 6 5 7 9 8 2 1 3 8 4 2 1 7 5 7 1 5 3 6 9 4 1 4 9 5 3 6 7 2 3 8 6 7 1 9 9 7 1 4 2 3 8 5 2 6 8 9 4 3 8 6 3 7 4 5 2 4 9 2 1 5 8 6

3 6 8 2 4 5 1 9 7

Solution No.1666 6 5 7 9 8 2 1 3 8 4 2 1 7 5 7 1 5 3 6 9 4 1 4 9 5 3 6 7 2 3 8 6 7 1 9 9 7 1 4 2 3 8 5 2 6 8 9 4 3 8 6 3 7 4 5 2 4 9 2 1 5 8 6

3 6 8 2 4 5 1 9 7

Lena’s 16th birthday approaches, everything spins desperately out of control. She know the forces of Light and Dark will soon converge to claim her for good or evil. And as Darkness closes in on Lena, she will have to choose between saving Ethan and holding on to everything else she cares about. Imaginative, dark and funny, Beautiful Creatures is a haunting, supernatural love story about an ordinary boy in love with a powerful sorceress who wants to be normal – and the dangerous secret that changes their lives forever. New this week at Capitol Cinema 4, Te Puke.

The Weekend Sun D V D

M O V I E S

With Winston Watusi

LAWLESS Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Tom Hardy, Jessica Chastain The last collaboration between director Hillcoat and screenwriter Nick Cave was the brutally impressive tale of early Australia The Proposition. This time, with a story of bootleggers in the wilds of 1930s Virginia they lighten things up a bit, though there are still frequent outbursts of violence. Based on a book about the “true” exploits of the Bondurant brothers (Le Beouf being the youngster, Hardy the taciturn leader) it pits them against both gangsters and the law, the former in the shape of Gary Oldman, the latter embodied by Guy Peace in possibly his most The Courier opens in vertiginous fashion with Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s titular employee – the best in the business! - rescuing a kidnapped woman from the top of a rollercoaster. Then he’s given 60 hours to deliver a suitcase to the elusive “Evil Sivle”, $1 million if he finds him, dead family if he fails. Why? Who knows. In fact, all we know about Evil Sivle is that he’s evil and that the more the courier looks for him the more the bodies pile up. But the filmmakers have loftier ambitions and the final third delivers increasing weirdness, time jumps and twists. Unfortunately it’s almost completely botched, the pacing off, the story confusing and plot threads left hanging.

M O V I E S

Fantastic Not bad at all Dreadful

Dir: John Hillcoat

Thanks to Video Ezy Brookfield for the DVDs

eccentric turn to date, a fascinating – if slightly over-the-top – portrait of repressed psychosis. Unsurprisingly the brothers won’t bow to anyone and never back down from a fight. The hills are alive with the sound of moonshine and the period and surly Southern self-reliance are nicely evoked. The film seems to be looking for a greater resonance, wanting to say something about America and her “freedoms”, but ends up as more of a rip roaring yarn and is none the worse for it. Hardy again excels and even La Beouf is less irritating than usual. I liked it.

Fire with Fire may win no prizes for originality but it’s a slick good-looking action thriller that generally avoids insulting its audience’s intelligence. Think Contraband or a film from the late Tony Scott. In it Josh Duhamel’s fire-fighter witnesses a convenience store murder committed by a fearsome white supremacist crime boss (Vincent D’Onofrio). He agrees to testify and goes into witness protection but, realising that the bad guys aren’t going to stop, he goes all vigilante (hence the title). Duhamel struggles convincingly as the everyman hero, D’Onofrio brings a real brutality to proceedings and Bruce Willis and Rosario Dawson are solid in smaller roles.

Damn fine Dubious

Cosmopolis deeply divided audiences, as you would expect from a film that for most of its running time features Robert Pattinson sitting in the back of a limo. I should add that it’s a really fantastic limo – art designed into a hermetically sealed black wonder – and that he doesn’t just sit: he talks to visitors, has sex, has a medical examination and more. He’s a jaded billionaire, heading downtown for a haircut through Occupy-type riots while gambling his fortune on the future of the Chinese yuan. Directed by David Cronenberg from a novel by Don Delillo this is pretty austere stuff but I enjoyed it immensely: challenging and oddly funny (in a deadpan way).

I missed this when it came out last year but, for anyone with an interest in the man who spread reggae throughout the world it is well worthwhile viewing. Marley , originally slated as another Martin Scorsese project, ended up in the hands of Oscar-winning documentarian Kevin MacDonald and he makes a fine job of things. There’s nothing here to surprise aficionados but the interview subjects, from Bunny Wailer onwards, are entertaining and it’s a good overview of the man’s life, philosophy and extraordinary achievements. You could complain that it never really goes deep enough and doesn’t feature enough music but, as a primer, this covers most of the bases.

WHAT DAD EVER SAYS NO TO NEW POWER TOOLS? Fathers Who Dare Win proudly invite all dads and grand-dads (yeah OK, wives too) to hear top communicators, Ian Grant and Dr. Curt Thompson, share invaluable secrets of parenting, tried and tested strategies and up-to-date research on the science, spirituality and psyche of fatherhood. Power tools for your parenting tool shed!

Ian Grant QSO, best-selling

With Rialto

author and NZ’s foremost parenting coach on strategies including ‘How to be an Awesome Dad in Just Thirty Minutes’.

Amour (R13)

Contains content that may disturb Georges and Anne are in their eighties. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, who is also a musician, lives abroad with her family. One day, Anne has an attack. The couple’s bond of love is severely tested. The Weekend Sun has a double pass to Amour for a lucky reader who can tell us what age group Georges and Anne are in. Enter online at www. sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, February 27.

Dr. Curt Thompson MD

psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author of best-seller Anatomy of the Soul presents research with profoundly practical implications for how we parent.

TAURANGA

Saturday 16 March, 7:30pm, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Devonport Road.

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The Weekend Sun

Advisor putting his hair where his mouth is Independent insurance advisor Mike Lloyd is ‘putting his hair where his mouth is’ to raise money for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

Following the death of a close personal friend in 2012, Mike is busy fundraising in preparation for March 4 – when he will shave his head as part of Fidelity Life’s 2013 Shave for a Cure. “Over the next month I will be fundraising for LBC and I ask you for your support. In return, I will shave off my hair

FOR A CURE

in support of this great cause.” Six Kiwi children and adults are diagnosed with blood cancers each day and while leukaemia is the most common childhood cancer, the majority of people diagnosed with blood cancers are adults over 50 years - the age of many of Mike’s policyholders. “Blood cancers have a very real relevance to the insurance services I provide.” Mike is a long-time supporter of the cause, but admits he has always been the sponsor of someone else. After losing a dear friend last year, he decided he would take the lead. “It’s such a great cause, and even donating $20 would be an amazing help. All it takes is a quick click on the link.” The event is at Tauranga Game Fishing Club, Sulphur Point from 3.30-4.30pm. Refreshments and nibbles will be served during this time and guests can watch the shaving take place. To make a donation via credit card or direct debit, visit www.shaveforacure.co.nz and type Mike’s name. By Corrie Taylor

Mike Lloyd will go bald in March to fight cancer. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Rotary Club dishes up another Kitchen Hell Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise members showed off their culinary skills with gusto in November last year as part of a club fundraiser – Kitchen Hell. Kitchen Hell and the Treasured Art Auction were the club’s major fundraising events for 2012. Held at Tauranga Girls’ College, 10 club members were joined by three celebrity chefs to present their special three-course meals to a table of 10 diners. “Generally, people cook well and our members are happy to give it a go,’” says Kitchen Hell organiser Ursula Segalla. “The quality of food was great and everyone enjoyed themselves.” The next Kitchen Hell is scheduled for November this year. During the past three years more than $14,000 has been raised for disaster relief organisation ShelterBox and anti-poverty charity Cambodia Charitable Trust. Last year, a $9000 cheque was handed to ShelterBox and more than $5000 has gone to the Cambodia Charitable Trust from the Kitchen Hell proceeds.

Thank you!!

Sue and Daniel Clements help raise money for two worthwhile charities overseas. The New Zealand-based trust helps Cambodian women and children escape the trap of extreme poverty and slavery by providing housing, healthcare and education. Tauranga Sunrise’s Kitchen Hell would not succeed without the support of an impressive group of sponsors: The Aussie Butcher Gate Pa, The Fresh Market Gate Pa, New World Gate Pa, Matisse,

We would like to thank our sponsors and the public who supported our Kitchen Hell fundraiser in November 2012.

Hillsdene Wines, Blow Hairdressers, Bays Print, The Salon, Travelcom, Blomquist Bakery, Karmic Cup Cakes, Perfectly Polished Nails @ Salon One the Cove, Comvita, A List Beauty, and motivation4u limited. “We would like to thank them once again for their on-going support and hope they will be on board for this year’s event.”

TAURANGA SUNRISE ROTARY

2012

Your generosity has once again afforded us the opportunity to gift a further $2,500 to the Cambodia Charitable Trust and purchase a further three ShelterBoxes for deployment to disaster areas. This is becoming a regular fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Tauranga Sunrise and we look forward to another successful event in November this year!

Gold Sponsors G

John & Raewyn Van Bommel P: (07) 579 6000 E: jrcj@xtra.co.nz

Logan & David Stewart P: (07) 578 6790 E: logan@mygreengrocer.co.nz

Silver Sponsors

Catherine Versalko-West P: (07) 571 4740 E: catherine.versalko-west@nw.co.nz

Susie Pierce P: (021) 302 265 E: susie.pierce@matisse.co.nz

Bronze Sponsors (raffles)

Carolyn & Doug Bennett P: (07) 578 7236 E: carolyn@hillsdenewines.co.nz

Glenn Dougal P: (07) 927 4443 E: gd@wavedesign.co.nz

Ian Carnie P: (07) 571 2315 E: ian@baysprint.co.nz

Bret Holmes P: (07) 0578 2540 E: the.salon@xtra.co.nz

Blow Aaron Fenwick P: (07) 543 2295 E: blowhairco@xtra.co.nz

Blomquist Bakery Tauranga Susan Blomquist P: (07) 571 5133 E: d.s.blomquist@xtra.co.nz

Comvita Miranda Milne P: (07) 533 1426 E: miranda.milne@comvita.com

A List Beauty Rachel Ackerly P: (07) 579 6439 E: info@alistbeauty.co.nz

Karmic Cupcakes and Perfectly Polished Nails Ania Gratkowski P: (021) 213 1945

Travelcom Don Menzies P: (021) 243 3101 E: don@travelcomagency.co.nz

motivation4U Steffi Mueller P: (07) 574 8404 E: steffi@motivation4u.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Learn how to have a happier marriage A marriage conference boasting national success is coming to Te Puke next month.

Derbies to open Super season Rugby friendships will be momentarily put aside this weekend as the first full round of the Super Rugby Championship sparks to life. Following the Australian conference starting last week, four of the five New Zealand franchises are looking to open their accounts in style with two highly anticipated New Zealand derbies. The Highlanders will face the Chiefs in Dunedin while the Hurricanes take on the Blues in Wellington. Chiefs coach Dave Rennie and his squad head into the season on the back of three preseason wins against the Highlanders, Reds and Hurricanes aiming to collect back-to-back championships. They face a stern opening assignment against the boys from the south who have recruited strongly in the offseason acquiring Ma’a Nonu, Brad Thorn and Tony Woodcock. Following a string of injuries to his

backline stocks, Dave has named his team mixed with international experience and the latest wave of x-factor, including loosehead prop Pauliasi Manu, fullback Gareth Anscombe and All Blacks Liam Messam and Aaron Cruden. Tim Nanai-Williams will take the field at centre, after a solid performance in last week’s trial against the Hurricanes while midfielders, Bundee Aki and Charlie Ngatai have both been cleared to play. Bay of Plenty Steamers players Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane set to start in the forward pack with Tanerau Latimer and Lelia Masaga named on the bench. Bundee and Charlie along with winger Patrick Osborne and hooker Rhys Marshall will make their Investec Super Rugby debuts while Andrew Horrell, Robbie Robinson, Brendon Leonard, and Richard Kahui all remain out injured. “I know the boys have been training hard and are looking forward to getting stuck into it, especially our new caps,” says Dave. By Luke Balvert

On Saturday, March 9 ‘A Day Together’ will teach couples to live more happily together as one. Organised by Family Life and sponsored by New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated, the popular event is coming to Te Puke for the first time, aimed at helping a community struggling with rural issues. The day conference consists of five fun-filled sessions, including understanding why relationships can be hard work, discovering the four keys for a strong relationship, learning how to handle conflict, discovering how to have a vibrant sexual relationship, and finding out all you need to make your marriage thrive.

Martyn and Christina Robinson. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

“The day is for anyone in a relationship and will help you reconnect and focus on one of the most important parts of life,” says organiser Chrissi Robinson. NZKGI’s support has also enabled organisers to reduce entry costs significantly. The cost per person is $25 including lunch, morning and afternoon tea, and workbooks – a saving of more than 50 per cent off usual costs. For more information, phone Chrissi, 07 533 1182 or book online at www.familylife.org.nz

The Weekend Sun

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Todd McClay MP

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MP FOR ROTORUA

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situations vacant

The Weekend Sun travel & tours

health & beauty

mobility Keeping Kiwis Independant

Seasonal Workers Wanted

We are inviting both experienced Satara staff from previous years, and new faces with an interest in the kiwifruit industry, to apply for a variety of seasonal positions at packhouses. No experience necessary, on site training provided. All applicants must be able to prove they have the ability to work in New Zealand. We need: • • • • •

Graders Tally Clerks Lab Staff (Washer Rd site) Canteen staff Forklift Drivers (OSH certification necessary)

• • • • • •

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Please note that Satara has policies in place to ensure that it maintains a safe and drug free workplace. Positions available at: • Collins Lane, Te Puke • Griffin Road, Tauriko

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Applications will be received onsite from: 9am - 12 noon daily Monday to Friday only. Phone 0800 189 111 or email employment@satara.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Ph 07 928 3042 or email tasha@thesun.co.nz art & craft

ONE DAY MOSAIC WORKSHOP 9am - 4pm Saturday 2nd March. A full day of creativity & fun. You choose your project & we take it through to completion on the day. Indoor, outdoor, ﬂat or 3D, we cover it all. Clay Art Studio, Historic Village, 17th Ave Ph 571 3726 www.clayartstudio.co.nz

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cars for sale

CAR FAIR – buy or sell any vehicle every Sunday at 11th Avenue Car park opposite Mad Butcher 8am-noon. Vehicle Finance available from Heartland Finance. Ph for more information 027 733 9686 or www.taurangacarfair.co.nz

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competitions. Aged between 9 & 10. No experience needed. Ph 027 411 7652

for sale

PRIMARY UNIFORM Brookﬁeld school. Bulk buy about 40-50 items in the box for $50 (that’s about $1 each) 5yrs to 12yrs – Hats, Tshirts, Pants, Shorts, Skorts, Skirts, Vests, Sweatshirts. Some in new condition & some in used - MUST SELL we have moved – text 027 211 9193 SMALL CONCRETE SLEEPERS everlasting and realistic from $9.00 each. Village Stone 53 Hull Rd Mt Maunganui Ph 575 4887 GREEN BUDGIE approx 3 months old $15 each. Just come out of nest box so hand tameable. Unsure of gender. Ph 027 561 1106

free room

AVAILABLE in exchange for baby sitting while I’m at work. From 3pm Tues - Fri & from 7am Sat. Must have own car. Wanted asap. Ph 552 6757

health & beauty

SENSUAL THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE In a quiet peaceful setting in Papamoa Beach Ph Emily on 021 185 1624

house sitter

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 from the 25th February. Ph Cathie 022 162 8301

lifestyle coaching

CAREER RESTRUCTURING? Creating opportunity from Change. Ph Chris at Balanced Success Coaching 027 548 2548 chris@balancedsuccess.co.nz www.balancedsuccess.co.nz

livestock

AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses. Ph 0800 369 6269

mobility

gardening

MOBILITY SCOOTERS wheelchairs walkers & more. Visit or showroom 29 Burrows St, Tauranga Ph 578 1213. Mobility Equipment & Services

health & beauty

STAIRLIFTS – Make life easy with a stairlift enjoy the home you love by installing an Acorn Stairlift. Call us now TOLL FREE 0800 782 475 or www.acornstairlifts.co.nz

GARDEN MAINTENANCE tree pruning, hedge trimming, section tidy ups, green waste removed, odd jobs, affordable prices, Ph Philip 0800 334 453 A GUARANTEED weight loss lose up to 15kg, 30 day Money Back Guarantee. Free trial Ph 09 374 2554 www.healthbuz.net LIGHTHOUSE CLINIC PSYCHOLOGY specializes in Anxiety - Depression - Stress Sexual Abuse - Eating Disorders - Addictions - Relationships Reg Psychologists Ph 07 578 5445 www.lighthouseclinic.co.nz LOSE WEIGHT feel great! Join a ‘New Look’ clinic in your area. Healthy eating with real food. Ph Bernice now 576 4848 NATURAL NEW ZEALAND Health Products. Something for everyone. NZ Registered Natural Therapies and Natural Medicine Practitioners. Opposite BP Te Puke. Ph 573 5533 www.naturaltherapiesnz.com and www.kiwikitz.com

personal

ACTIVE MAN who loves being outdoors, enjoys cycling, walking & ﬁshing, is seeking a campion mid 70’s. Ph Owen 027 278 041

situations vacant

BE YOUR OWN BOSS in 2013. Email hishersnz@xtra. co.nz & learn how to have fun & work the hours you want.

to rent

3 BEDROOMS 1 bathroom brick house with internal garage. Property in Te Puna. Large section with lawn mowing included in rent. Available for 12 months. $225.00 per week email taniadeniset@gmail.com

trades & services

A1 AIRCONDITIONAL & Electrical for all your electrical needs. Low rates, great service. Ph 027 547 3831 or 543 0062 BUILDER/HANDYMAN 45yrs experience, no job too small. Ph Bryan on 027 408 3905 BUILDERS Murray Pedersen licensed builder with his experienced team will undertake additions renovations also reclads. We can arrange plans & consents. Ph 575 7870 ELECTRICIAN A professional and affordable registered electrician. New builds alterations repairs. Ph Steve 578 0555 or 027 848 6042 EXTERIOR HOUSE WASHING bsp house washing. 30 years in the industry, high & low pressure cleaning. Competitive rates, free quotes. Ph mark 027 699 8356 a/hours 544 4541 FREEVIEW DIGITAL TV switch over of older sets. Ph Mark 578 6619 or 027 578 6610. Free quotes & warrantee. GORSE SPRAYING Do you have a gorse problem? Ph today for a free quote for all gorse control. Ph Scott 027 462 4769 GUTTERING CLEAN and repairs moss removal. Experienced Certiﬁed Roofer. Free quotes. Ph Peter now 542 4291 or 0274 367 740 HANDYMAN BUILDING and section maintenance decks fencing pergolas painting water blasting odd jobs. Free quotes Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 544 5911 INSECT SCREENS Measure. Make. Mend. Contact Rob at Magic Seal 543 4940 LAWN MOWING garden tidy, etc. Call me for a quote & let me keep your lawns tidy. Experienced operator. Ph Mark 021 220 3111 PAINTER

DECORATOR

Interior & 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

trades & services

PAINTING small job specialist, guaranteed workmanship assured, semi retired tradesman. Ph Mike a/h 576 5501 or 027 473 7482 ROOFING & SPOUTING Metal fascia, gutter and rainwater systems. Long run corrugate. Maintenance, repairs or replacement. Free no obligation quotes. PROFIX 027 496 5375 profixltd@xtra.co.nz ROOFING new roofs re-roofs spouting & repairs. Free quotes. Ph Chris 027 276 6348 or 572 3237 ROOF REPAIRS metal or onduline gutters & down pipes clean or replacement chimney repairs. Certified Roofer over 30yrs experience Free quote. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 0274 367 740 SCAFFOLDING prompt free quotes, friendly service, DIY or full erect & dismantle services. Safe, certified, cost effective. Safeplank Scaffolding 021 680 555 STUMPINATOR STUMP Grinding free quotes & prompt service. Narrow machine to access rear yards. Ph 576 4245 or 022 076 4245 TAURANGA TANDEM SKYDIVING Best Buzz in the Bay, Gift Vouchers. Ph 576 7990 TILER QUALIFIED TILER references available free quotes all types of work done from kitchen splashbacks to full tiled bathrooms. Contact Nelson 021 609 289 TREES TREES TREES Felling, Pruning, Maintenance, Chipping, & Removal. Ph Scott Today on 027 462 4769 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 need to get to an appointment or want an outing? But don’t drive? Call us for safe friendly and reliable service. Discount offered to

transport

Total Mobility card holders. Phone Jackie from Driving Miss Daisy, 552 6614

travel & tours

A HOLIDAY or dayout. Every week. Small Group Tours. Door to Door Hinterland Tours Ph Kae & Rick 07 575 8118 ARE YOU looking for a day out or maybe a tour? Ph us for a copy of our weekly travel calendar. Outings include shows shopping markets luncheons mystery tours, scenic drives industry tours and even overnight tours. Ph Zealandier Tours 07 575 6425 admin@zealandiertours.com

wanted to rent

PAPAMOA PLEASE! 3 Bedroom home needed asap for a minimum of 6 months. Work full time with 2 school aged children who go to Papamoa School. Own my own home in Brookﬁeld but need to move to Papamoa. Contact Kathy on 027 211 9193 or email kjandrews@clear.net.nz

LOOK

BAYLINE COACHES Day trips, away trips or sight seeing & tours! Call for a free quote today Ph 578 3113 SCOTTSDALE SENIOR TOURS fully escorted owner/ operated since 1978. Ph free for colour brochure today 0800 664 414. Also see www.scottsdaletours.co.nz

THE SUNDAY LUNCH CLUB Bistro Lago, Taupo, March 10; Bracu, Bombay, April 14; Daltons Plantation, Matamata, 5 May; Vin Alto, Clevedon, May 12. Newsletters available.Ph 544 1383 tgatastingtours@xtra.co.nz

wanted

ANTIQUES, COINS, medals, china, glass, Kiwiana, Australiana, militaria, toys, anything old and interesting. 021 392913 or 07 549 0139 mark.holwerda@vodafone. co.nz

CORFLUTE

SIGNS for sustainable tree project. Can pick up. Email claire@thesun. co.nz

ROOFING IRON – In useable

condition please to put up a lean to for kids outside toys. Text or Ph Jim 021 233 4340

WANTED

either donation or small cost carpet square for classroom mat email hoskinfam@xtra.co.nz

BROOKFIELD

23c Bellevue Road, Sat 8am. Moving overseas sale! Washer & dryer, dinning table, fridge, king single bed & general household items.

MAUTA

10 Strange Grove, Sat 7.45am. Fishing gear, life jackets, roof racks, large desk, coffee tables, kids & kitchen things etc.

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

153 Totara Street, Sat 9th March 8am. Sausage sizzle, Rafﬂe, overalls, linen plus more! All funds to Child Cancer

GREERTON

41 Tom Muir Drive, Sat 8am - if raining will hold next Sat. Lots of bits & pieces that comes from a deceased estate. Oven, concrete paddle, etc.

The Weekend Sun

Is the world a better place now? What or who determines our values, our morals and our standards in today’s fast-changing world?

better than God. The Ten Commandments were not given as an unattainable goal but as the minimal standard for a society to follow to avoid imploding on itself. The world is not a better place now than it was previously and ignoring Biblical values and standards and replacing them with ‘modern humanistic thinking’ has degraded society and modern society is imploding upon itself. What was once right is now wrong, what was once wrong is now right. What was once unacceptable is now acceptable and what was once unacceptable is now acceptable. That’s not progress, that’s regression. The ‘new tolerance’ and our enlightened thinking haven’t improved the quality and standard of family life, they haven’t improved the safety of women or children nor have they helped with issues like morality, racism, poverty, drug use or man’s

What or who determines what is acceptable and what is not? It seems that ultimately it is society itself, or we ourselves. A recent article in the New Zealand Herald spoke of an entertainer’s lifestyle choice and the acceptance of that choice by others in that industry. One music producer said of this acceptance by others: “It speaks to the advancements of our culture. It feels like the culture’s moving forward and he’s a representative of the new acceptance in the world for different ideas, which just broadens our experience, makes the world a better place.” According to this commonly held view, the world is a better place now than it was previously because society now embraces lifestyle choices, values, standards, morals Sunday Services and ethics which we 9:30am & 6:00pm once understood and Come along! accepted as being 07 576 5387 wrong, indecent 252 Otumoetai Road and false, as well as www.citychurchtauranga.org.nz morally and ethically indefensible. At one time, Biblical values and Biblical standards governed our sociesunday at 10 10am am ties and ruled our thursday at 7pm consciences. Now, we think that we know 146 devonport Rd www.equipperschurch.com

You'll love it!

Book your space NOW for The Weekend Sun Church Section.

inhumanity to man. Despite the ‘lessons’ in tolerance and advanced thinking that have come from the Holocaust and two world wars, the world scene is a proliferation of wars and increased preparation of weapons of mass destruction. Is the world a better place now than it was even ten years ago? Does man in his own wisdom know better than the God who created him & who gave him directions for living through the Holy Scriptures? What do you think? It is past time to get back to the Bible and the God of the Bible. By Peter Whitcombe, Jesus First Church

Sunday Gatherings 10:00 am Mount Sports Club 51 Miro Street Blake Park The Mount

www.stlukeschurch.org.nz

Baby fitness world record attempt Tauranga mother Sarah Stephenson is calling all mothers to be a part of history as she plans to set a world breaking ‘mums and bubs’ exercise routine in Mount Maunganui next week. On Monday Sarah is hoping for more than 50 mothers and their babies to participate in a 40-minute fitness class in an attempt to set a world record for the most ‘mums and bubs’ to exercise at a single venue. “We’re sort of trying to introduce a healthy yet fun take on the coffee group for mums.” Having given birth to her son Oliver last year, and finding it hard to leave him to go to the gym, Sarah choreographed a routine involving both mothers and their babies. “It’s a good bonding session. We stick together and give each other that little bit of extra help whilst also building a nice bond with our baby and installing from a very young age to the baby that healthy living is the good way to go.”

The Weekend Sun

Australia checks out NZ’s childcare Australia is saying ‘hello’ to New Zealand’s home-based childcare model as major reforms in the early childcare education sector progress.

Sarah Stephenson with Oliver. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Sarah hopes to make the world record attempt an annual event. The fitness routine will take place at Mount Maunganui Sports Centre on February 25. Registrations By Zoe Hunter open 10am.

New reforms reducing child to teacher ratios in daycare centres have attracted the interest of Childcare and Early Childhood Learning in Australia. New Zealand Home Education Learning Organisation president Jenny Yule says Australia has shown strong interest in the PORSE model, which follows a one adult to two children under two-years-old ratio. Jenny says 90 per cent of development occurs in the first three years of a child’s life and this proves a critical time to introduce a model of childcare where the baby is in a one-to-one arrangement. “Home-based education provides small groups for small children and it meets what the early brain development research shares with us about the need for babies to have one-on-one care for consistency in wiring up the brain during the important years of social and emotional development.” Home Early Learning Organisation is yet to have a qualification for the home-based sector and Jenny says the country needs a new model of childcare where babies needing support for early brain development can be supported. “Home based has always been there

Sussan Ley and Jenny Yule are comparing New Zealand childcare methods with Australia’s. but it’s never been supported to grow.” Shadow minister for Childcare and Early Childhood Learning Sussan Ley visited PORSE last year, examining childcare models in neighbouring countries. Sussan says HELO’s founding members, including PORSE, believe the return to care and learning in family homes is the wisest way forward for delivering state-funded early childhood care and education for babies and young children. “We have committed to having our productivity commission undertake an inquiry into childcare as a whole and home-based care will certainly be considered within this context. However, this could not occur By Zoe Hunter until we are elected to govern.”

The place of technology in children’s classrooms

“It takes a Village to raise a child”

GENUINE 20 HOURS FREE ECE for 3 to 5 year olds

NEW ‘Cool for School’ Programme Run by an experienced new entrant teacher, to prepare children for a successful transition to school. 171B Moffat Road, Bethlehem (Next door to Décor Garden Centre)

Phone (07) 576-0183 www.villagechildcare.co.nz

You have won this week’s Prize Pack from Nappies for Less, Casandra Jane Photography & Baby on the move.

Technology experts say children need to have access to technology if they want to succeed in the modern world. How young is too young, and how should these first steps into technology be taken? Research cited in Ministry of Education documents indicate that “ICT can enhance children’s learning and encourage purposeful and exploratory play, collaboration, cooperation, discussion, creativity, problem-solving, risk-taking and flexible thinking.” (Ministry of Education, 2005a, p.3). Most experts believe computers are not developmentally appropriate for children under the age of three. However, these same experts believe children three years and older begin to effectively explore and use computers. Children who have reached this age are gaining an interest in symbolic representation – speaking, writing, drawing and using numbers. These interests match well with the use of technology when it is appropriately integrated into the early childhood setting.

Village VOICE Cool for School teacher Amber Rutherford introduces technology skills in her small group classes at The Village. At The Village, we use computers, digital cameras and iPads in our Preschool and Cool for School Programme. Photos of children and the community can be taken with digital cameras and combined with text and pictures to create stories for children’s portfolios, which the children can later re-visit. Older children can use video cameras to record work in progress or centre events. Skype and web cameras provide wonderful oppor-

tunities for correspondence with families and other early childhood centres throughout the world. With appropriate guidance, technology can be used as a tool for improving children’s learning through exploration, creative problem solving, and self-guided instruction. It should not, however, replace other areas of the curriculum essential for children of this age, including physical play, outdoor exploration, art, music, and more.

The Weekend Sun

Community companions Members from Tauranga and Hitachi communitues celebrated their tenth year as sister cities last week. Main picture: Hitachi High School students Wataru Satake, 17, Masahiro Iida, 17, and Ren Moriyama, 17, show Greenpark School pupils Abbie Matthews, 10 , and Ihaia Hartley, 10, their Kendo equipment. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

Students were able to get a hands-on try at kendo. , 10, and Isabella Laquarn Courtney

Haruki Ishikawa teaches Amelia Phillips, 10, how to write his school name. Greenpark School pupils enjoying the kendo demonstration.

Ten pin champs recognised This month’s recipients for Mobility Equipment & Services’ ‘Special Achievers Award’ are Grant Boyes and Len Just. The pair are celebrating from recent sporting successes, including competing in the Bay of Plenty Regional Special Olympics and achieving first place in the Ten Pin Bowling Championships.

Both boys have been selected to represent Bay of Plenty at the 2013 National Summer Games in Dunedin later this year. Grant and Len were nominated by Avalon in Tauranga. If you know someone with a disability who has achieved something outstanding and would be a worthy recipient for next month’s award, please make a nomination by phoning Mobility Equipment & Services BOP Ltd, 07 578 1213.

Grant Boyes and Len Just are looking forward to competing in the National Summer Games. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Tukaokao, 10.

Morgan Riley, 9, Georgina Vanbussel, 10, wi woollen, 10, and Tamara th their creation s.

Kelly Morgan, 10, Maddie Lewin, 10, and Mitchell Tumpag, 9, practise origami.

The Weekend Sun