The Weekend Sun - 5 April 2024

It’s the Bayfair pedestrian subway, the tunnel under the motorway, that very nearly wasn’t. It was there originally and then struck o the plans for the new interchange and yover. Too hard, too expensive, they said. But wisdom and the

Snazzy tunnel of tales

will of the people won over and the new subway is being transformed into a work of art telling passersby – and there’s plenty of them through the tunnel – the story of Matapihi and surrounds. e murals are being done by the Ahipoutu Collective – a

family owned and run business of carvers, tattooists and painters. “I’m the Uncle, the leading hand,” says Stuart McDonald, pictured. “And we’re all from Matapihi, born and raised here, so we know the land, the people and the stories.” e theme of

the artwork is the fauna of the area – and it’s proving popular. While e Weekend Sun was in the tunnel this week, people were stopping, watching and discussing. e full story of a collective stamping its mark is on pages 4-5. Photo: John Borren.

DST sets a man thinking…

Since 2am September 24 last year, my life has been running an hour late. at’s because my clock with the big roman numerals doesn’t do Daylight Saving Time.

It was no conscious protest. I just didn’t adjust it. I knew that whenever I looked at the clock everyone was an hour ahead of me. But of course this weekend, the country, clock and I slip back seamlessly into sync. No need to tinker with the hands.

Putting the clock back sets o a predictable and depressing seasonal chorus – “April already, where’s the time gone?”

Where’s my life gone more to the point.

Got me thinking about summers long ago when time did not matter. We were working class southern Presbyterians – we thrived on hardship and loved a basic make-do summer at an equally basic crib. ere was no clock, no watches, so no-one asked for, nor knew, the time. Daylight Saving Time would not have made one iota of di erence.

You ate when hungry – not because it was dinnertime. You lay down when you were tired, not because it was bedtime. Putin, Trump and Netanyahu didn’t set the mood of the day because there was no radio or TV.

If you weren’t asleep you were outside.

You rose with the sun and you settled about 10pm, shortly after the last over of cricket when it was just too dark to see the ball.

Sixty years ago

at was Harwood Township – 30 minutes from the Dunedin CBD on the Otago Peninsula. Sixty years ago it was just a handful of cribs. Even fewer people. at summer there was just us, and the ounder, pipi and blue cod and rabbits – trussed and stu ed with sage and onion.

Last chore of the day was to wade out in the shallows at the bottom of the drive and nail a fat ounder for breakfast – bubble-andsqueak, fried eggs and ounder. Divine! We lived in our togs. And most nights they had dried su ciently to sleep in them too. Don’t turn your noses up – they were self-

laundered twice-a-day when we jumped o the seawall into the high tide.

On a few occasions this family of six travelled three-and-a-half hours in a 1947 Austin 10 – 80 km/hr downhill –to another crib at Kingston at the foot of Lake Wakatipu.

Dad chugging rollies, youngest bro on mum’s lap, no seat belts, and three other boys bitching in the back seat: “Are we there yet?”

Crib

A crib is de ned as a small, cheaply constructed dwelling. Yup – that was our fairytale. Just four walls, two hotplates and a crazy, eclectic assortment of furniture and furnishings. We specialised in minimalist but magical destinations. e word ‘crib’, I’m told, is from Shakespeare’s Henry VI. “Why rather, sleep, liest thou in smoky cribs.”

And the di erence between a bach and a crib?

My old man would say you can walk inside a crib with feet covered in sand and no-one cares. And a crib is a place which has an outdoor bath.

It’s called a lake, river or ocean.

paste. And we were the kids that got Mum’s meat paste. Do you sense the snippiness?

On Tuesday and ursday mornings you’d wake to the Kingston Flyer arriving from Invercargill – it’d pull up, snorting, steaming and protesting in the dirt square in front of the pub. To a boy it was more beast than machine. I’d half expect this iron horse to rear up. At the same time the Lady of the Lake, the quietly elegant steamship TSS Earnslaw, was noseying around the headland to meet the train. When it moored we boys helped transfer mail and bits and bobs from train to ship. We were a crucial, unpaid, cog in the Wakatipu supply chain. ere were misadventures and scrapes.

None

And it boasted a ‘business’ wing, a long drop with a door that wouldn’t close so doing your business became everyone’s business.

Bach

‘Bach’ from bachelor pad or a Welsh word for ‘small’ and ‘little’. A bach oor will be covered in Bremworth textured loop pile. P t!! A bach will have a bathroom and en suite and Egyptian cotton sheet sets. So baches and cribs are as alike as pâté and meat

I cramped up in the cruelly cold, glacier-fed waters of Lake Wakatipu after I jumped o the wharf 100 metres from shore. e bro was rowing nearby and pulled me out. I suspect he thought twice before saving me. e dead possum the same bro brought home wasn’t dead. When he opened the sack, it leapt out, hissed and spat at him and clawed open a deep gash on his leg.

Great entertainment – screaming, blood and a .22 ri e shot to nally dispatch the ‘possum’. Another bro was in the bu when he fell backwards onto an open re grate. Now you could play noughts and crosses on his butt. It was all very Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn-ish. Since then work has taken me to some relatively plush hotels around the world –from Kuala Lumpur to San Francisco, New York to Paris and Puerto Rico. But none have provided me the same pleasure and privilege as a few cruddy South Island cribs.

Council backtracks Council backtracks on rent increases on rent increases Council on

Organisations are relieved the council has backed down on proposed “nightmare” fees at Tauranga’s Historic Village. e village is home to dozens of community organisations. Tauranga City Council proposed raising the rent by 31 per cent for some retail buildings and 23.5 per cent for some buildings classed as warehouses. e community organisations would have been given a 20 per cent discount on their licence to occupy/rent. After huge backlash from creatives and village tenants, the council created a new community category, which provides a 35 per cent discount on standard rent. Larger venues will also have their rent capped at 100m2.

Incubator director Simone Anderson is “very relieved”, saying the community rent category means they are no worse o . “Some other tenants, they’re de nitely much better o and it’s now proportionate with what the funding environment is for most of us.”

If the fee increases went ahead, e Incubator would have had to scale back their services and redundancies were likely, says Simone. “It would’ve been extremely di cult, sort of a nightmare situation.”

Other organisations would have had to leave, says Simone. e rent increases were part of the council’s 2024-2034 Long Term Plan.

During February’s hearings, HV tenants and Incubator sta and supporters lled council chambers urging them not to “kill” the village with fee increases. e council also proposed a new operating expenses structure. e average fee would have been $29.48 per square metre of space rented each year.

Operating costs at the village for 2024/2025 are expected to be $204,104 and the council intended to get $167,023 from tenants.

During LTP deliberations last month council changed this to $50 a year for tenants with a sink, $100 per year if they had a toilet, and electricity would be charged based on use.

Simone says the operating costs would have been more of a “serious issue” for tenants than the rent increase. “We are quite relieved that they’ve actually changed their mind on that.”

TCC manager venues and events Nelita Byrne says the proposed operating costs were not part of the LTP but were brought into the conversation through the submission process. With the new structure the council expects to recover $52,248 in operating expenses including electricity, says Nelita.

During LTP deliberations commission chair Anne Tolley said ratepayers would be subsidising the rest of the costs not covered by village tenants.

Simone says this is fair because the village is a community facility. “Everybody enjoys the lawns being mowed and uses the public toilets, it’s not just the tenants. You can see council’s thinking initially in terms it’s [ e Historic Village] a commercial space, but it’s really not. I see it as a community space.”

Simone applauds the council for listening and making changes to the proposed fees. e fees will be formally adopted as part of the 2024-2034 LTP late-April.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Pisa Oak Dining Chairs

e Incubator at the Historic Village was facing una ordable fees. Photo: supplied.

Teachings in the tunnel Teachings in the tunnel

Overhead there are four lanes of State Highway 2 tra c thundering by at 50 km/hr.

But just below, in a quite a di erent world, in the dimness of a pedestrian subway that just about never was, the artists are oblivious.

ey’re transforming the walls of the Bayfair motorway tunnel into a 30 or 40 metre storybook. A mural.

“ e theme is the species of animals that once inhabited the area,” says Stuart McDonald – ‘leading hand’ of a team from the family-owned and run Ahipoutu Collective, which has been commissioned by the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to paint the tunnel.

“Animals that were special to our

people, and some that are still special.”

Like the Tītī, the muttonbird, or sooty shearwater, that adorns the Matapihi entranceway to the tunnel. Muttonbirds at Bayfair? Really?

“Yup, there used to be a lot of muttonbirds round here, but now the only place you might nd a few is Karewa Island,” says Stuart. Karewa Island is a small predator-free wildlife sanctuary 6km o Matakana Island.

Learnings

e storybook will also teach us Matapihi was renowned for its rich water resources. “Where we’re standing was a river that owed out to the sea.” So here’s stu to be taught and learned about Matapihi and its people.

ere’s a bluetooth speaker booming out rap beats in the tunnel. But it’s the meditative state that comes with mural painting that’s medicine for this artist. “I lost a son to cancer seven years ago, but the artwork puts me in a state of calm,” says Stuart.

He’s in that zone right now. “Happy to chat but can I carry on painting?” And he does.

Art and artists

Inside the tunnel Picasso is at work on the wall. Yes Picasso! Not the in uential Spanish 20th Century co-founder of the Cubist movement but Picasso the tattooist, carver and painter out of Tokoroa.

“Dad loves art and artists,” says Picasso

Consultation open on recreational kina limit

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking people’s views on proposals to change the recreational daily bag limits for kina (Evechinus chloroticus and Centrostephanus rodgersii) in Fisheries Management Area 1.

As de ned in Schedule 1 of the Fisheries Act 1996, the FMA 1 covers the east coast of the North Island from North Cape down to Cape Runaway in the Bay of Plenty. e proposals are part of a package of measures to help address kina barrens – which are areas of the sea oor that have a lack of vegetation due to overgrazing by kina. e current limits are set under the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 2013 and are speci ed in the Fisheries (Recreational Management Controls) Notice.

Fisheries NZ is adopting an integrated management approach to try to reduce the spread of barren areas. is includes a suite of management initiatives aimed at restoring

kelp forests and mitigating the adverse e ects of urchin barrens.

Adjusting recreational daily limits for kina is one of many tools in FNZ’s broader management e orts. ere are three options proposed for kina in FMA 1.

Option 1 is the status quo – meaning FNZ would retain the current daily limit of 50 kina per person per day.

Option 2 is to increase the daily limit from 50 to 100 kina per person per day. Option 3 is to increase the daily limit from 50 to 150 kina per person per day.

FNZ would like to know people’s views and what option people support. Or whether people have an alternative option. Consultation closes 5pm on May 3, 2024. For a summary of the three proposed options and access to the consultation document, visit: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/ consultations

Picasso, the other artist, from Tokoroa. Picasso Amouta is the collective’s tattooist, carver and painter, living out one of his passions in the pedestrian subway beneath the new Bayfair yover.. Photos: John Borren.

are quietly but very visibly transforming the landscape of Bayfair, Baypark and Matapihi – one mural at a time, one tā moko at a time, one pou whenua or carved land post at a time.

Picasso’s passion

But our Picasso is an accomplished artist in his own right. “Never got into tagging or gra ti – was no good at it. is is my passion.” He’s four years into his ‘apprenticeship’ with Stuart. And also just starting out on his tā moko journey.

“I try to put the young ones into the space where they feel they might want to do it too,” says the boss, the teacher and artist. “I started my moko 17 years ago. I still have living and learning to do. So no! Not nished yet. Still some to go.”

His grandmother was the rst in the family in a long time, to get the markings, the moko kauae or chin tattoo. “When I asked her if I could get one, she said as long as I smiled.”

Right on cue, the nely-tattooed face explodes with a trademark grin and he heaves with laughter. Grandmother would approve.

Stuart, along with the four street artists, two fulltime carvers and ve tattoo artists in the collective

“Ahipoutu is the name of our collective and also the name of our whenua, our papakainga just up the road from here. We’re all from Matapihi, all born and raised around here. We are proud of who we are and want to engage.”

People listening

And they’re making a bold visual statement –like the three imposing pou whenua installed on the Baypark roundabout, like the murals on the noise wall along the rail corridor at Bayfair. And there are more pou whenua planned – for the Bayfair roundabout right above our heads. “You will see our work going up especially around road developments – part of an agreement between Waka Kotahi and tangata whenua. We are given the opportunity to tell our story through our art.” And people are listening to that story. “We see some of the locals two or three times a day going back and forth through the tunnel. ey stop, they chat and they really like it. It’s cool.” Hunter Wells

Amouta. Hence the name. He has a sibling called Dante after the English Pre-Raphaelite artist and another called Degas after the French Impressionist.

Stuart ‘I’m the uncle’ McDonald leads the team painting its story on the Bayfair subway, carving and tattooing its mark on the cityscape. Photos: John Borren.

A kit and ca-Boodle of culture!

He’s a Filipino, with a Spanish name, who speaks English with an American accent that lives in Pāpāmoa and owns an Italian restaurant. Phew!

And despite living in New Zealand for 30 years – with a mix of cultures ying all about him – it’s Mark Lucero’s Filipino roots that will triumph this month at his Pizza Library as he shelves the dough to

bring a ‘Boodle Fight’ for a night.

e origins

A traditional Boodle Fight in the Philippines is where a communal feast is served on banana leaves and eaten without utensils. Mark says the Boodle Fight was invented in the Philippine Military around World War II. “ ey didn’t have any plates, forks, knives or whatever to carry around. So what they did have,

they spread on the ground and put all the food they hunted there with rice. Usually because they hunted in the forest, they barbecued [meat], and ate communally with their hands.” at’s when the ‘ ght’ for food would begin.

“You got a whole bunch of food there and you’re hungry, and if you’re slow, you lose out.”

Camaraderie & cuisine

As part of the Flavours of Plenty Food Festival, Mark and wife Cathy will host a Boodle Fight at their Mount Maunganui Pizza Library.

“I think there’ll be a bit of culture shock, but I don’t want to shock people too much,” say Mark. “If they want to try eating

MĀORI ELECTORAL OPTION

with their hands, I will have gloves available.” Otherwise people can tuck in with spoon, fork and knife.

“What’s traditionally in a Boodle Fight is of course rice, barbecued chicken, seafood, pork – all sorts!” Marks says the Boodle Fight is about sharing food with others and camaraderie.

“Basically what we’re trying to do is to introduce people to Filipino cooking.”

Cook Asian kai

Sharing his food, culture, and Filipino history with people, Mark also wants to introduce people to cooking Asian kai.

“A lot of Kiwis love Asian food and they eat Asian foods in restaurants, but they don’t know

how to cook it themselves. And I want to show them how you can cook it really easy.”

So Mark will invite people on an Asian food store eld trip to get them started. “I’ve been all over the world and [Filipino food] is still the best. It’s my comfort food.”

And his favourite thing about his Filipino culture? Mark says it’s the people’s hospitality. “When you come into somebody’s house we have a greeting called ‘Kumain Ka Na?’ which literally means ‘Have you eaten?’ If you say – ‘No, not yet’ – we will feed you to death!”

To see what else is on o er in the Flavours of Plenty Festival, visit: www. avoursofplentyfestival.com/

Māori mā, you have until 19 April to choose if you want to be on the Māori roll or the general roll for the Tauranga City Council election.

Georgia Minkhorst

Pizza Library’s Ron Angels and Nisha Rani enjoying their boss Mark Lucero’s Filipino kai. Photo: John Borren.

Jazz just lets them explore

e Wright Family Foundation 46th National Youth Jazz Competition went o with foot-tapping beats and funky tunes last week, honing the skills of the next jazz generation!

With three full performance days, the competition saw more than 600 secondary students come from across Aotearoa to give their best.

e Weekend Sun caught up with Bethlehem College Year 13 students Isla Bircham and Luke Tuhairwe after their Big Band performance.

“It’s our last year playing at Jazz Fest so it just feels more special growing with the band and working together,” says Isla, who plays trumpet. After playing their sets, the event’s judges Lana Law and Dr Rodger Fox gave the Big Band some pro pointers.

“Dr Rodger Fox is always good in the rhythm

section and gives a lot of good tips,” says Luke, who plays guitar. “ e feedback they get from guest judges after they perform is really valuable, as is watching other school bands – there is always something to learn and aspire to from watching others,” says BC director of performance music Kelly Hayward.

Auckland’s King College took out the Best of Festival Trophy for Most Outstanding Jazz Band. Later in the year, Kelly says BC’s Big Band will head to Wellington for the Musicworks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa to further nesse their jazz music.

“Jazz is a great vehicle to explore creativity within music, especially when students begin to improvise, and it also teaches them good fundamentals of technique and playing with others,” says Kelly. “It’s a lot more technical than other kinds of music and more freeing,” says Luke. “It’s di erent and cool, and I can kind of bob my knees to it,” says Isla. Georgia Minkhorst

You’re invited to an exclusive Summerset by the Dunes event

Summerset by the Dunes in Papamoa warmly invites you to attend one of our upcoming informative seminars on the Enduring Power of Attorney, hosted by Diane Harvey from Beach Law, Papamoa.

We welcome you and your family members to join this community event and gain valuable insights on how to best organise your affairs. Seminars are scheduled at 2pm and 5:30pm on Thursday 11 April, followed by a Q&A session. Kindly RSVP to Brenda Drew at 07 542 9082 to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.

Additionally, while you’re here, we invite you to explore our brand-new village centre. Our show homes will also be open for you to tour.

Love the life you choose

EPOA Seminar with Beach Law

Thursday 11 April, 2pm & 5:30pm

Summerset by the Dunes

35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach 07 542 9082 | summerset.co.nz/papamoa

BOP flicks captions on and inclusion in!

For the first time ever in the Bay of Plenty, there will be an open caption movie screening specifically for our hard of hearing and deaf community.

Hearing Support Bay of Plenty and Sonic Cinema have teamed up, and will be playing ‘The Duke’ on Sunday, April 28 from 1.30pm at The Historic Village Cinema. This screening will have assistive captioned text throughout the duration of the film, providing an inclusive viewing experience for those with hearing loss.

Cinema loving

“Enjoying the full movie experience in a cinema can be difficult for those with hearing loss,” says Hearing Support BOP Tauranga manager Helen Rodgers. “While sound in general is heard, speech clarity of is often difficult to pick up and so a lot of the plot can often be missed.”

Helen hasn’t been to a cinema herself in about 20 years due to hearing difficulties and needing the assistance of captions.

“To see a movie, actually out at the movies – rather than just sitting at home watching Netflix – will be great.”

Some of our region’s cinemas offer individualised transcribing

‘machines’ for people with hearing loss, but they don’t include captions on the actual cinema screen, says Helen.

“As far as we’re aware, this is the first time this type of open caption screening is happening in the BOP,” says Sonic Cinema manager Melanie Mills.

Banding together

Melanie says Sonic Cinema has been facilitating low-sensory cinema events in The Village Cinema since 2017. “These events cater for members of our community who have alternate sensory, neurological or physical needs, where going to the movies can prove to be a challenge.

“At Sonic Cinema, we always consider the sensory needs of our clients to provide a comfortable

and inviting cinema experience. “After meeting Helen last year, the open-captioned cinema event concept was something we thought was serendipitous with the mission and values Sonic Cinema advocates for,” says Melanie.

The film screening Helen and Melanie have chosen for later this month is ‘The Duke’ – an uplifting and inspiring British film set in the 1960s, based on the true story of Kempton Bunton, a 60-year-old taxi driver who stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. Bunton sent random notes stating he’d return the painting on the condition the Government invested more in care for the elderly. “Hopefully,

if this event is well-received, we can activate regular Sunday matinee film screenings for our hard of hearing and deaf community,” says Melanie.

More regular

“We’d really like to make it a more regular event where people become almost like a little film club; then they can start making suggestions of movies they’d like to see,” says Helen.

“It’s all about inclusion and

accommodating for needs that haven’t been met with enjoying a film at the cinema,” says Melanie.

Bookings are essential. Spouses, partners and whanau are welcome to attend, and snacks will be available to purchase at the cinema too.

For more information and to book, visit: www.theincubator.co.nz/eventdetails/the-duke Or email: tauranga@hearing.org.nz Or see the advert on page 23 of this edition.

Sonic Cinema manager Melanie Mills and Hearing Support BOP Tauranga manager Helen Rodgers will host an open caption movie screening on April 28. Photo: John Borren.

Georgia Minkhorst

Daylight Saving ends this weekend!

Sorry folks – it’s time to get ready for Aotearoa’s colder months of the year.

is weekend marks the end of Daylight Saving. Daylight Saving ends at 3am on the rst Sunday in April – this means you will need to adjust battery-operated wall clocks back one hour before heading to bed this Saturday night. However most phones and digital appliances complete the task themselves automatically these

days. While checking your timepieces, Fire & Emergency NZ asks Kiwis to check all smoke alarms in the house.

“ is is also the weekend to check your smoke alarms are working, no matter how new they are or how recently you changed the battery,” says FENZ national advisor re risk management Pete Gallagher. “Fire moves very fast. You only have three minutes to escape.”

Daylight Saving returns in New Zealand on September 29, 2024.

Helping Pam to get overseas surgery

A Western Bay of Plenty woman ghting for her life against multiple health conditions has found her only treatment option is to undergo urgent life-saving and expensive surgery in Europe.

Pam Coburn, age 40, of Athenree, has endured a lifetime of illness and injuries, followed by two-and-a-half years of progressively worsening debilitating symptoms. ese are all now explained given her recent diagnosis of classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome – cEDS. She also has the rare co-occurring condition Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndrome, or AVCS.

In a lot of constant pain, she can no longer eat or drink, and has a pump for feeds and uids through a nasojejunal tube. “I’ve been deteriorating fast since January [2024],” says Pam.

EDS is a rare genetic connective tissue disorder, severely a ecting Pam’s entire body. Only a tiny percentage of EDS su erers also get AVCS.

Daily battles

She battles daily with debilitating abdominal and pelvic pain, fatigue, migraines, tinnitus and nausea.

Rachel Cole

As there is no treatment for EDS and AVCS in New Zealand, the only option for Pam is urgent life-saving surgery in Europe at a cost of about $180,000.

When Pam was born, she had gastrointestinal issues, and at age nine, underwent surgery for an umbilical hernia.

At 18, she developed a GERD type disorder and kidney issues and at 25, passed three large kidney stones while travelling overseas, At 30, she developed

gastroparesis with both stomach valves becoming paralysed and requiring surgery. Her latest symptoms came on at age 38 and are getting worse. “ e doctors thought it was because of my previous gastroparesis diagnosis, which clouded their search for answers and diagnosis,” says Pam. e mother and small business owner became severely unwell in August 2021, previously enjoying an active adventurous life with husband Jon and sons Benny, eight, and Ollie, aged six. Every day her family watches as Pam’s quality of life becomes critically reduced. “She is malnourished and has been tube-fed via di erent methods since April 2022,” says Jon. “She can barely make it out of bed these last few months.”

Misunderstood

Pam’s sister Renee Taylor has set up a Givealittle page to raise funds. “EDS and AVCS are extremely misunderstood in NZ and there is little to no treatment for it here,” says Renee.

“Health insurance is also of no use. Both of these conditions are not acknowledged in NZ’s public health system, nor covered by private health insurance. Surgery overseas is now what needs to happen,” says Renee.

Pam’s hopeful surgery could lead to her being able to eat and drink again, and for her feeding tube to be removed.

“Even though I’m on a feeding

tube, and taking medications to help store fat, I’m struggling to gain weight.” As such surgery needs to happen sooner rather than later. e cost will be about $200,000 with airfares, post-operative care and further recovery, physiotherapy, and tests in NZ privately on return.

Help

Renee says getting the funds together fast is key. “Our mum Joy Veen will be accompanying her overseas for this. We need all the help we can get,” says Renee. To help raise funds for Pam’s surgery, visit: Givealittle.co.nz/ cause/pam-urgently-needs-lifesaving-surgery-overseas

Pam is also asking the community via the ‘Pam’s Positively Full Life’ Facebook page to donate a product, service, donation or voucher to create prize packs for a social media ra e.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

adventurous life with

Pam Coburn with her husband Jon and sons Ollie, 6, and Benny, 8.

Photo: supplied.

SALE

Massive 30-66% discounts off genuine Danish Skovby & HOUE Furniture WAREHOUSE CLEARANCE

Skovby #65 Chairs

Now $799 $2409

HOUE - FALK Dining Chair

Now $499 $879

HOUE - SIKO Lounge Chair

Now $779 $1929

Skovby #26 Dining Table (extends to 12 seats)

Now $3999 $6499

Many more models available at huge discounts!

53 Unutoto Place, Tauriko, Tauranga

www.danishfurniture.nz

An artist’s impression of the new playground.

Te Puna playground soon to take flight

Tamariki will soon be able to spin, swing and y their way to fun at a new playground in Te Puna.

Construction of the playground, at Maramatanga Park on the top corner of Te Puna and Tangitu roads, will begin on Monday, April 8, and is expected to take ve weeks –depending on weather.

e $323,000 facility will include a natural play wonderland, slide, swings, spinning ‘Supernova’ balancing

wheel and a ying fox. Jointly funded by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and a generous $190,000 grant from the Lion Foundation, the design considers community feedback, with a ying fox being one of the most desired pieces of play equipment. “Neighbourhood playgrounds like this are a vital part of our communities. Not only do they provide healthy spaces for children to play, but they are also a place where families can meet and connect,” says WBOPDC project manager

Marcia Velloen.

“During the design phase, we invited the local community to meet with us on-site to share their ideas on what sorts of play equipment they would like to see included. A ying fox was at the top of the list for many tamariki and rangatahi, and we are looking forward to seeing it in action.”

To keep everyone safe, signage will be installed, and the site fenced o while work is undertaken by council contractors.

Photo: Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

John Bertrand Collectables Buying in the Bay of Plenty Next Week

Once again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Limited are visiting the Bay of Plenty next week. Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in”. “Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant. Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables.

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant. “Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in convenient locations in the Bay of Plenty next week (see details below). As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”

Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices

During these uncertain times we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals. The gold price in New Zealand is at near record levels so gather up all your unwanted items and take them along to the buyers. Tony Grant says “We can buy old gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc), Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

The buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting the Bay of Plenty next week, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc. Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items.

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company. “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

Collectors Need War Medals

Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars. General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant. Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

E arly New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue Mr Grant is in the Bay of Plenty next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

Do you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them! We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 10 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.

WAR MEDALS ETC

• The New Zealand Wars & Boer War Medals

• 1st World War Medals

• 2nd World War Medals, Stars etc

• Orders and Decorations

• Korea & Vietnam Medals

• Antarctic or other Polar Medals

• Fire Brigade Medals

• Lodge Medals

• Shooting Medals

• Military Badges and all other Military Medals

• Gold returning Fob Medals or “Tokens of Honour” from residents of small town New Zealand

HISTORICAL MEDALS

• A&P Show- Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals

• Commemorative Medals & Medalets

• Prize Medals (Gold & Silver)

• Sports Medals (Gold

Mr

Confident, joyful and horse loving kids took to the arena for Tauranga Riding for the Disabled’s 50th Anniversary showcase on Wednesday, April 3.

Greenpark School students saddled up and showed what they’ve been learning with Tauranga RDA this term.

But it was private rider, eight-yearold Khalifa Tamehana, who caught the attention of The Weekend Sun. Khalifa, who has autism and ADHD, is absolutely loving Tauranga RDA.

“The benefits Khalifa has experienced is his enthusiastic attitude each Monday to come and ride ‘Chester’,” says his

caregiver and grandma Brenda Sandhu. “He’s really focused on the task at hand, which is great to see. Actions speak louder than verbal with Khalifa.”

Brenda says Khalifa’s time with Tauranga RDA has been rewarding for the whole whānau too. “Experiencing the joy on their child’s face is very special for the child and their family.”

The eight-year-old stuck to riding his favourite stead to honour the charity’s milestone event on Wednesday. “Khalifa loves ‘Chester’ the most... [he’s] such a chilled horse, which is great for a child like Khalifa.” For anyone who is considering to ride at Tauranga RDA, Brenda says they “should absolutely do it!”

What started with five horses and 12 riders has now become an evergrowing legacy 50 years later, with Tauranga Riding for the Disabled having 21 horses and more than 150 riders today!

Tauranga RDA enhances the confidence and independence of people with physical, social and intellectual challenges – and this week they celebrated 50 years of serving the community.

“It’s special to pay tribute to an organisation built over 50 years with so much community support,” says RDA general manager Elisha Olds.

“The growth has been continual, and demand continues to grow, it’s great to be part of the journey.”

The idea to create an RDA in New Zealand was first sparked by Tom Atchison, who was inspired after visiting an RDA in England in 1970.

He then approached Betty Blundell in the early-1970s, and together they started Tauranga RDA. A committee

was formed and riding officially started in 1974 at Putt Ponies in Bethlehem, before moving to Kaka Street Special School, and then finally to 44 Ngāpeke Rd, Welcome Bay in 1976 - Tauranga RDA’s present day home.

Celebrating decades’ worth of memories, the Tauranga RDA unveiled their history board on Wednesday.

“Our history board is a collection of past and present images that runs along our viewing gallery, it’s a lovely reminder of our journey,” says Elisha.

Tauranga RDA has taken on many projects to expand their community offerings in its time too.

In 1979 and 1980, a covered tie up and riding facility was built by Tauranga Rotary, student workers and volunteers, totalling $33,000.

In 2012, the indoor arena was officially opened, meaning riders could ride rain or shine.

Elisha thanks the volunteers, donors, sponsors, and grant organisations who have helped Tauranga RDA grow over the years. “We definitely want to be around for another 50 years!”

Meet ready-to-go Rufus! Safer speeds proposed for schools and city centre

A new speed limit proposal could change the way we drive around Tauranga in a bid to keep people safe.

Tauranga City Council is consulting on a Speed Management Plan which proposes 30km/hr speed limits on roads around local schools, some marae, and the city centre. Council’s manager of transport infrastructure outcomes Kelvin Hill says speed is the biggest factor in whether a crash is avoidable and how serious it is. “Speed limits have a key role to play in keeping people safe, especially vulnerable road

users such as people walking and cycling.

“Our local schools in particular have told us that increased tra c and people driving vehicles at high speeds is a signi cant risk to student safety.” e plan proposes a mix of permanent and variable 30km/ hr speed limits around the city’s 45 schools. Marae will also be able to opt for reduced speed limits outside their gates.

Some of these speed limit changes will be ‘variable’, which means they will only apply during peak periods such as school drop-o and pick-up times.

Kelvin says the speed

management plan proposes to make the city centre’s current temporary 30km/hr speed limit permanent and extend the existing area slightly.

Council is also proposing reduced speed limits at the State Highway 2 interchange at Domain and Tara roads in Pāpāmoa, as well as nearby Parton Rd, and Welcome Bay Rd near the council boundary with the Western Bay of Plenty District.

Consultation on the Speed Management Plan opens on Friday, April 5. Have your say by visiting: letstalk.tauranga.govt. nz/saferspeeds

Let’s talk about speed limits

Rufus is a goofy, happy, playful boy! is little guy is only two months old.

He’s super a ectionate and loves people. Our foster parent tells us he will be his new family’s best friend, their constant companion and always be by their side.

Rufus loves to play, his favourite toy is his rope that he chases, chews and tosses

around. He’s always ready to go!

But after a hard round of playing, he’s ready to snuggle up for a wellearned snooze.

Sweet, silly and loveable, Rufus will win you over in no time! Still a young puppy, he’s best suited to a home where someone can check on him during the day or work partially from home. Come and meet this adorable goofball today! Phone the SPCA on: 07 5780245.

Ref: 602138.

Early Detection, Expert Treatment.

Early Detection, Expert Treatment.

Early Detection, Expert Treatment.

Trust Our Skin Cancer Specialists for Comprehensive Care Throughout Your Journey.

Trust Our Skin Cancer Specialists for Comprehensive Care Throughout Your Journey.

Trust Our Skin Cancer Specialists for Comprehensive Care Throughout Your Journey.

Early Detection, Expert Treatment.

Skin Checks

Skin Checks

Skin Checks

Comprehensive Full Body Mole Mapping

Trust Our Skin Cancer Specialists for Comprehensive Care Throughout Your Journey.

Comprehensive Full Body Mole Mapping

Comprehensive Full Body Mole Mapping

Skin Checks

Skin Cancer Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments

Skin Cancer Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments

Skin Cancer Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments

Comprehensive Full Body Mole Mapping

Skin Cancer Surgical and Non-surgical Treatments

0800 776 877 skinspots.co.nz

0800 776 877 skinspots.co.nz

0800 776 877 skinspots.co.nz

Outside our schools?

In our city centre?

We’re looking to reduce speed limits near schools and in our city centre to 30km/h as part of our speed management plan.

Setting speed limits is more than just a number on a sign – it’s all about people and how we keep them safe.

42 Girven Rd, Mt Maunganui

42 Girven Rd, Mt Maunganui

42 Girven Rd, Mt Maunganui

0800 776 877 skinspots.co.nz

42 Girven Rd, Mt Maunganui

Give us a steer on our plan by 5pm on Friday, 3 May 2024.

Join us for a chat when we are out in the community:

Saturday, 13 April 2024

Little Big Markets

Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui 9am - 2pm

Saturday, 20 April 2024

Little Big Markets

Pāpāmoa Pony Club 9am - 2pm

07 577 7000

letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/ saferspeeds

Tauranga City Council is consulting on a Speed Management Plan which will see 30km/hr speed limits introduced on roads around the city’s schools, some marae, and the CBD.

A councillor ‘universally liked and respected’

A Western Bay of Plenty councillor is being remembered as “extremely caring, devoted to his community”.

Maketū-Te Puke councillor Richard Crawford passed away Sunday morning after su ering a heart attack while cycling in the Redwoods in Rotorua last Saturday.

His death will leave a “big void,” says close friend and former Maketū Community Board chairman Shane Beech. He described Richard as “extremely caring, devoted to the community and volunteer services”.

A former chair of the Te Puke Community Board, Richard was also a member of the Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade for 13 years –which is how he met Beech. “He volunteered his time and he just kept going and going.”

Totally committed

Richard, an avid sherman, once had his boat break down at sea and had to be towed in by coastguard, with Shane a member. “It was a rather embarrassing moment for him, but quite a laugh for us.”

Te Puke re chief Dale Lindsay says Richard’s death has “rocked the core of our brigade”.

e 66-year-old joined the brigade in 2009 and quickly became an integral part of the team, says Dale.

“He was a totally committed, he pretty much immersed himself

in everything he did.” Richard’s enthusiasm and positivity permeated everything he did, says Dale. Even after leaving in 2022 Richard stayed in close contact with the brigade and would often turn up to medical calls if the brigade needed him.

Dale says it was tough to lose Richard from the service but after becoming a councillor in 2022 something had to give.

One of six siblings and the youngest of four brothers, e Crawford boys were never far apart and would help out on their dad’s milk run before dawn each morning, says Chris.

Sorely missed

had the

He also admired his “master networking” abilities. is sentiment is mirrored by Chrissi Robinson, who is general manager of e Daily Charitable Trust which Richard helped found.

He was a “visionary for the birth” of the community organisation that runs a not-forpro t café and provides lunches to more than 2000 children on weekdays.

pro t café and provides walk our

“Richard loved to walk into a room of friends or strangers...he was our ‘schmoozer’.

“He genuinely

“He genuinely loved people. We are really going to miss his encouragement.” Richard’s brother Chris remembers them growing up in Mount Maunganui as “beach bums” that loved to surf.

as “beach bums” that loved Richard Crawford served 13 years on the Te Puke Volunteer Fire Brigade.

Photo: Supplied.

He attended Mount Maunganui Primary School and loved playing hockey. As an adult he started his own building company, continued to surf, loved jetski shing and cycling. Richard met his wife Julie in Texas even though they both grew up in the Mount. ey have four children and three grandchildren.

Mayor James Denyer says council is “shattered by the news” of Richard’s passing. “His contribution at council and previously on the Te Puke Community Board was signi cant and his commitment to community organisations in Te Puke was much valued. He will be sorely missed.” Richard’s funeral is at e Orchard Church in Te Puke today, April 5, at 1pm.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

Speak up on how you want to be represented!

Public submissions are now open for residents to have their say on the representation of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

Western Bay Mayor James Denyer says representation lies at the heart of a thriving democracy and community “ensuring that the voices of everyone are heard, considered, and represented in decision-making processes”. Councils are required to review their representation arrangements every six years to

ensure it is e ective and fair for the community. is includes boundaries of districts’ voting wards and numbers of elected councillors.

“We last did a review in 2018 and our district has changed since then,” says James. “Our community is evolving, and our representation arrangements need to keep pace.”

Population estimates, according to Stats NZ, show nearly 12,000 newcomers to the Western BOP – from 48,960 in June 2017 to 60,770 in June 2023 – since the 2018 Representation Review. is includes the General Electoral population increasing from 43,000

to 53,500 and the Māori electoral population increasing from 5960 to 7240. e district is also becoming increasingly diverse.

“So, it’s now time to review the representation arrangements and we’re keen to hear your feedback.”

As part of the ‘Do You Know: Representation Review Edition, Kei te mōhio koe: Te Putanga Arotake Whakaata’ process the council has already decided the First Past the Post electoral system will be used for the 2025 and 2028 Local Body Elections.

It’s also decided to establish Māori wards for the 2025 election.

Following this community kōrero, council will develop a draft proposal and check in with the community one more time later this year, July-August, before adopting the nal arrangements.

Any changes will be in place for WBOPDC’s next election in 2025.

To give feedback on the Representation Review, or to see where community events are being held, visit: haveyoursay. westernbay.govt.nz/rep-review-2024

Or you can grab a copy at council library and service centres or: email: haveyoursay@westernbay.govt.nz

You are welcome to worship with us each Sabbath (Saturday)

St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mt Maunganui

Bible Study 9:30am • Worship Service 10:45am

Enquiries 021 277 1909

We look forward to seeing you!

S2214cbMount

mtmaunganui.adventist.org.nz

Feedback closes 5pm Monday, April 15, 2024.

Keeping cash in families’ back pockets

e National-led Government has announced our next step to ease the cost of living for Kiwi families.

From July 1, our FamilyBoost policy will ensure eligible families can receive up to $75 per week to help with early childhood education expenses. is is $3900 a year and will make a real di erence to Kiwi families.

It’s tough right now for so many families – whether they’re lling up the trolley or the car, or paying the mortgage or rent. Help with childcare costs will go a long way to easing the pressure on families’ back pockets.

All families earning up to $180,000 with early childhood education costs are eligible, with a sliding scale for those earning

more than $140,000 to ensure that aid is directed to families in the most nancial need. Families can submit their ECE invoices in the myIR site every quarter, beginning on July 1, 2024. e rst batch of refunds will be issued in October 2024, and quarterly from there with a maximum possible return of $975.

FamilyBoost ful ls a campaign promise and is an important piece of the Government’s overall tax plan, aimed to provide direct cost-of-living support for families.

We’re also going to provide tax relief through our rst Budget in May, to let you keep more of your own hard-earned money. is Government is focused on rebuilding our economy so we can ease the cost of living for all New Zealanders and FamilyBoost is a key part of that approach.

Churches Active In Our Community

Are you already a Quaker?

Quakers believe in the values of peace, integrity, community, equality, simplicity and stewardship.

Do you have similar values? You might already be a Quaker!

People who come regularly have found friends, which is what Quakers call themselves, to be supportive, friendly and welcoming.

Some have said: “I love the opportunity to meditate in silence”.

says: “I appreciate the warm welcome and period of peaceful silence”.

And: “I appreciate the sincere friendships I have made and the freedom and support they gave me to grow in my own way”.

BETH - EL la tyb

BETH - EL la tyb

And: “I value being part of a faith community that enables me to learn ways of cooperation and integrity that I can put into practice”. Another

Quakers are involved at the international level of negotiations on climate change and peacekeeping. ey are acting against war and nuclear weapons. ey founded Greenpeace and helped to found Oxfam and Amnesty International.

If you feel there is something of Quakers in you, we would love to meet you.

Sue Reynolds, Tauranga Quaker Worship

SABBATH 10AM

SABBATH 10AM

ALL WELCOME SHALOM

ALL WELCOME SHALOM

OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

OTUMOETAI PRIMARY

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043

021 768 043

Our meeting each Sunday starts with a friendly chat at 10am over a cup of tea or co ee. At 10.30am we gather in a circle for an hour of shared silence. is peaceful silence o ers everyone an opportunity to communicate with that of God in them in their own way.

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

info@bethel.org.nz

info@bethel.org.nz

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz

Messianic Family bethel.org.nz

During this period someone might stand up and say something they feel inspired to share. At the end of the silence there is an opportunity to share, if you wish.

Can my joints improve? Part 1

I’ve been working with someone who has had problems with his knees. He had damaged one knee some time ago. In more recent times his ‘good’ knee had started to deteriorate from osteoarthritis.

Eventually his ‘good’ knee became worse than the knee damaged in an accident. During a monthly review he told me the results were amazing. He has much less pain and is more mobile. He has come from a position where working was becoming increasingly di cult to now being more con dent about the future. ere are several lessons we can

learn from this. e rst is our bodies have an extraordinary ability to heal. However, this healing is dependent on the smooth operation of our healing systems.

In many cases healing is restricted because the body system designed to heal the damage is somehow faulty or has just stopped functioning. e outcome is always disease.

In this case we made several changes. e rst was to try and identify foods that either caused in ammation or in some way restricted healing. Two

of the most important groups of nutrients are fats, because they govern the in ammatory pathways and antioxidants as they protect our cells from damage. We can also cheat a bit, but in a good way. I see e ective joint health supplements as the ultimate cheat. We can target speci c compounds that have a direct therapeutic function in sore joints. is can often reverse the discomfort and reduction in mobility by adding therapeutic levels of chondroitin sulphate to greatly impact the health and stability of cartilage. Adding water-soluble curcumin, from turmeric, we can reduce in ammation and swelling in the joint capsule. Next column we’ll look at the second lesson we can learn.

The problem with teenagers...

Many would say: ‘Well, where do we start?’ but I want to speci cally address the issue of problematic teenage skin.

For more information, call me or email: john@abundant.co.nz Or read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz John Arts is a quali ed nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559.

It’s no secret that many teenagers experience times when their skin is a ected by conditions such as acne and excessive oil ow.

Of course, behind these problem skin conditions are hormonal changes that are part and parcel of growing through these teenage years – and while many will grow out of their problematic skin, it can take a number of years. e rst rule is to clean the skin thoroughly. is means buying a good quality gel cleanser from a reputable clinic that will help lift the oil and dirt from the skin properly.

And for the young ladies, taking make-up o

isn’t cleaning. is step simply removes the make-up, we then need to lift the oil, dirt and bacteria o with a cleanser.

Use a soft exfoliant regularly. ere are exfoliants and then there are good exfoliants. Your local therapist will be able to show you soft granular exfoliants or enzyme exfoliants that won’t cut or scratch the skin like many of the nut kernel and silica-based brands commonly found in the supermarket.

Wear sunscreen every day – no matter what the weather conditions might be or how long you will be out in the sun. ere is a lot more to sunscreen than SPF so get professional advice.

For the young ladies it is important to wear good make-up. Ask your local therapist for a trial make-up and see how light and easy to apply a good quality mineral make-up is.

How do you define your own personal success?

“ e true de nition of success is our willingness to express our true nature in spite of our fears”

– Rhonda Britten.

achieving it today.

Success has many di erent meanings depending on what is important to you. It can mean nancial success, or healthy relationships, or strong family connections. It can mean conquering certain fears you have or achieving a healthy mental balance. One helpful way to move towards creating a platform for success is to see how it is expressed in the quality of your relationships and your service towards others.

If you were to write down your de nition of success, how would you express it? en explore how you are working towards

If you’d like to know more about coaching, strengthening relationships, exploring your potential, creating transformation, phone Mary Parker, e Fast Track Coach, on: 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

e world can be strange. Even l’il ol’ New Zealand sometimes surprises.

Who would have expected, for instance, Easter news to be dominated by tales of religious fanatics attacking rainbows. Colours can be so divisive.

Luckily no such animosity exists in the blues.

Sure there are divisions – there’s Chicago blues, and Texas blues and Mississippi blues, and more – but they can appear on-stage together without paint being thrown. A lucky escape, I guess, for “the devil’s music”.

riving

Tauranga is actually a city with a thriving blues scene. e three names recognised nationally are hi-energy modern bluesman Grant Haua, signed to a French blues label; traditionalist Mike Garner; and blues ‘n’ roots out t Kokomo, but there is a wide and active engagement. Most prominent is the monthly Tauranga Blues Jam, which occurs at Tauranga Sports Fishing Club, Sulphur Point, on the second Wednesday of each month.

It’s a well-attended night, and free to everyone; something between a jam and an open mic session, where bands contact organiser Simon Fenlon, of the band KAOS, for a slot. ere’s also a house band, Chill Factor. March saw many people play, including Bill Ward, Lost Mountain Hillbilly Bandits, Dionne Stanbridge, Hypnotic Erra, Craig Norman, Band Of Robbers, and Tina Turley.

Sideways

And around now I realise this column is going sideways. What should happen next: reviews of new albums by frequent blues visitors e Flaming Mudcats and aforementioned trad man Mike Garner. ey both released new work just before Easter. But that has to wait – check this week’s playlist for an advance listen – as at this point I really should mention Tina Turley. Tina is a Canadian singer, coming to town in a few weeks’ time, more country than blues, but de nitely worth catching. She sings a mixture of her own songs and well-chosen country covers and has a band

Tauranga’s thriving blues scene

assembled from Hamilton musicians. She’s at the Entertainers Club on Sunday, April 14, from 5pm at the Citz Club on Cameron Rd, tickets are $20. Opening the night with de nitely bluesy sounds is Karen Clarke Blues Woman. Yes, that’s her name; she hails from Taranaki. Karen has a ne voice and good songs. She released a full album in 2022 and a further couple of singles since. One other quick mention – Friday, April 12, the Katikati Folk Club host singer-songwriter Rachel Dawick at the Arts Junction. Rachel should have a full column about her: she lives in London and is just launching a book

and album, ‘London Labour and the London Poor’, recreating the voices and stories of 19th Century London. Do check the KKFC website – this could be a really special night.

P.S. Update! Last Friday I got an email from Rod Taylor, director of Tauranga’s Luxe Cinema, with the fantastic news that they have secured the 2024 NZ International Film Festival for Tauranga. anks to their huge e orts we can now enjoy the NZIFF in August. Kudos!

Listen to Winston’s latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/48L3cfRGC omKZ231IzRRau?si=886316c615a04373

Singer-songwriter Rachel Dawick. Photo: supplied.

Karen Clarke Blues Woman. Photo: supplied.

Canadian singer Tina Turley. Photo: supplied.

Unmissable opera in the city

Opera fans are in for a musical treat this Saturday, as talented young singers and an international baritone perform a concert hosted by Tauranga Opera Forum Trust.

‘An Afternoon of Operatic Favourites’ begins 2.30pm April 6, at the Wesley Centre with an impressive line-up of singers, says Tauranga Opera Forum Trust chair John Hodgson.

“We have our three secondary student scholarship recipients performing, three tertiary students from the University of Waikato’s Conservatorium of Music, plus an international baritone.”

John says the trust established

annual scholarships for local students “to promote opera in Tauranga”. “We like to give the students and our members the opportunity to enjoy opera together by hosting a concert of student performances.” is year’s scholarship students are Year 13s Ansh Dhot and Ashana Watene, and Year 12 Yanni Gorsame. All three ladies have “beautiful voices and are wonderful singers in the opera genre”.

Invited Waikato university students – currently studying for their Masters degrees – are Emma Ruske, Emily Scott, and Grace McCarthy-Sinclair

“We feel very pleased to have these singers to perform as they not only o er more mature singing but they talk to our high school student

scholars to give them a pathway for music education.

“ is gives secondary students some idea of what it’s like going to university to study music and, of course, our members –the audience – get the bene t of all this singing!”

John has also managed to get international baritone Zhou Nan – who has a ve-year work visa to sing in New Zealand –to perform. “We’re excited Nan is keen to work with Tauranga Opera Forum – and it’s a bonus to have someone of his calibre performing at this event.”

‘An Afternoon of Operatic Favourites’ is 2.30pm April 6, at the Wesley Centre in 13th Ave, Tauranga. For ticket information, see the advert on this page.

Fly away with model aircraft club

Almost seven decades after being gifted his rst remote control aeroplane, Roger Peddle still loves the hobby.

In fact, as a ying instructor for Tauranga Model Aircraft Club, he’s eager to share the passion with new, younger members.

“Every ne day, we’re out ying,” says Roger. “Getting out in the fresh air is great to start with but also the youngsters are getting all this technological knowledge from us older guys.

“ e electronics blow me away. ere’s a lot to learn and I nd it fascinating but the young guys who come along just seem to get it intuitively. “Nate, here, just picked up the control and knew what to do.”

Fifteen-year-old Nate Wadsworth already ies drones and drives robots. He’s interested in the challenge of learning to y remote control planes. “Drones are great but take most of the work away with their stabilisation and auto-pilot tricks,” says Nate. “I like the idea of ying planes as having more thinking involved. It takes more skill.” e larger model planes can have a wingspan of around three metres and 250cc motors, but Roger recommends new members begin with smaller models. “ ey’re great for learning to control and a trainer will stand alongside giving advice.

“You can slowly decrease the amount of auto stabilising as your ying skills improve. ey’re also not so expensive if you crash,” says Roger.

When he started with the club, Roger admits he crashed lots of planes. “Another member saw that happening and took me under his wing to teach me. ese days we can bind transmitters so the trainee has control but if he gets into trouble I can quickly take over. e chance of you crashing your plane reduces a lot.”

Roger suggests anyone interested in joining should contact a club member. “ at way you can get some advice on the rst plane to buy. You don’t want to get something too sophisticated. You’ll crash it and that’s discouraging.

“If you like it, you can work towards your pilot’s licence and compete. We’ve even had locals at recent world championships.”

For more information, see: taurangamodel y.org

Or email Roger directly at: roger@ezlife.nz

Merle Cave

Debbie Griffiths

Tauranga Model Aircraft Club ying instructor Roger Peddle and 15 year-old Nate Wadsworth. Photo: Debbie Gri ths.

Tauranga secondary student scholarship recipient Year 13 Ansh Dhot will perform in ‘An Afternoon of Operatic Favourites’. Inset: International baritone Zhou Nan.

Photos: supplied.

Harbourside Restaurant

Win tickets to NZ Highwaymen’s winter tour!

New Zealand’s Highwaymen, between them, have recorded more than 100 albums –many of which went gold and platinum. And now, on their nal tour, there’s a once-in-alifetime opportunity to see four of NZ’s most loved country artists performing together ‘live’ on the same stage.

Brendan Dugan, Eddie Low, Gray Bartlett, and Dennis Marsh are the NZ Highwaymen.

ey are back in June and July in both North and South islands with some new songs, and still with each star’s favourites, along with a humorous and entertaining show.

“We loved the Tauranga audience so much, we have decided to return and catch up with our Bay of Plenty friends one more time,” says Eddie.

NZ Highwaymen will perform at Holy Trinity Tauranga from 7pm on ursday, June 20.

Visit: www.nzhighwaymen. com for more information and to purchase tickets and preorder their new live DVD/CD signed to pick up on the night. e Weekend Sun has one double pass to give away to see NZ Highwaymen – plus a copy of the new live DVD personally signed – for one lucky reader who can tell us the names of the NZ Highwaymen?

Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the ‘Competitions’ section.

Wētā, Tuna and Kārearea are mates of Gary the Glowworm, and are traveling to attend his rave in the cave birthday party.

e friends face a number of trials on the road, and learn that despite their di erences, they can achieve their goals by working together!

‘Land of the Long Long Drive’ is a story that’s been “loved by… audience[s] from tots to grandparents,” says Deborah Rea from eatreview.

e tale for Kiwi kids features iconic New Zealand creatures, landscapes and fresh waiata by NZ singer-songwriter Benny Tipene. Winner of the three-toeight-year-old

section of Playmarket’s Plays for the Young Competition, ‘Land of the Long Long Drive’ brings you a laugh-out-loud, inspiring adventure of three unlikely heroes. is show jumps into life with beautiful costumes from Gridley by Victoria, who is a costumier for the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and support from Capital E National eatre for Children through their Creative Residency programme. is show for the whole family is the third tour from the 2024 stable of touring artists with Arts On Tour NZ. And it will be a long long drive of more than 6000km for the cast and crew of the company.

‘Land of the Long Drive’ is coming to 16th Ave eatre on Sunday, April 7, from 2pm-3pm. Tickets cost $20 each, or $50 for a family of four.

For more information and tickets, visit: www.event nda.co.nz/2024/land-of-thelong-long-drive/tauranga

Building apprentices from Tauranga will go hammer-to-hammer this weekend to vie for New Zealand Certi ed Builders Apprentice Challenge glory.

Competing for the title of Tauranga’s NZCB Apprentice Challenge winner and a spot in the national nal, the apprentices will be tasked with completing a challenging project during eight hours that will put their skills to the test. e challenge is on Saturday, April 6, at Te Pūkenga Toi Ohomai Campus, 70 Windermere Drive, Poike, and is open to the public to attend and support local building talent. e event begins 8am and the best time

Entries close Tuesday, April 9. Dennis Marsh, Eddie Low, Gray Bartlett, and Brendan Dugan.

Long road trip with a great story for kids

Buildingapprenticesvietonailtitle

to attend is 3pm onwards, with Tauranga’s Apprentice Challenge 2024 winner being announced around 5pm.

To decide the winner, a judging panel of building practitioners and industry educators will assess each apprentice’s technical skills and technique, the quality of their workmanship, precision of measuring and cutting, assembly and ability to work to a detailed plan – all while working against the clock.

e winner will go on to represent Tauranga in the national NZCB Apprentice Challenge at the NZCB Annual Conference and Expo in Wellington on June 21-22.

Amazing art and a 50-year celebration!

The Mount Art Group’s annual exhibition is coming up – this one is not to be missed!

Not only is the group showing more than 200 artworks –including acrylic, watercolour,

oil, pastel, pencil and mixed media pieces – it will also host a student art display and is celebrating 50 years of existence.

Spokesperson Rosslyn McSweeney says Mount Art Group’s Annual Art Sale & Exhibition will take over Mount College’s hall for three days

On the hunt these holidays

Are you up for an adventure this school holidays? Your help is needed to track down eight of the ‘Most Wanted’ invasive critters and diseases ‘hiding’ around the Bay of Plenty!

Kicking off this April, gather your mates and whānau to join the annual biosecurity hunt – a simple interactive virtual hunt aimed at raising awareness about exotic threats that we want to keep out of our region – all while entertaining kids over the holidays.

The hunt takes place at the Mount, and it’s super easy to play using your smartphone and the free Actionbound geocaching app. All you need to do is follow the clues and hunt down those pesky invaders virtually ‘hiding’ in the area. The route is about 1.5-2km long and you can explore on foot any time between April 5 and May 5.

No phone? No problem! Visit the website to print the hunt worksheet. Then, hit the pavement at Pilot Bay and follow the stickers to uncover the

from April 13-15. “Alongside the 200-plus artworks there will be a section reserved to display works from the Mount College’s senior art students.

Cash ‘n’ Carry

“Entry to the event is a gold coin donation – making it an affordable exhibition to all – and the sale is ‘Cash ‘n’ Carry’. This means you pay then take away the art you have chosen.”

Rosslyn says the only thing about the event that’s changed is the location – with the Mount College Hall the new venue.

“Although the venue has changed, the quality and variety of the work is up to its normal high standard.”

And the exhibition doubles as a celebration of 50 years of the group’s existence.

“As an art group we had humble beginnings in a garage under the guidance of tutor Toni Quinlan,” says Rosslyn.

“As the group developed she put forward an idea to form a club

The Semmens Family will be playing along this school holidays. Photo: supplied.

clues and join in the fun.

Plus, every completed hunt is entered into the prize pool for epic local adventures like Canopy Tours, Dolphin Wildlife Cruises and an exploration of Middle Earth. Don’t forget to snap some pics along the way – there are prizes up for grabs for the best adventure photo.

You can find step-by-step guides for playing at: www.greathunt.co.nz

The hunt has been put together by the Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital initiative raising biosecurity awareness throughout the region.

– which they did – the first session being held at the local football club hall May 2, 1974 – with the name ‘Mount Creative Painters Group’.

“So they had taken a big step forward into the developing art scene in the Tauranga area.”

From small beginnings, the group now boasts 36 members who come from all over the region including overseas. “We’re now The Mount Art Group and cater for all stages of

development in our art journey. “We welcome you to come along, see artists at work and enjoy our latest exhibition and art sale this month.” Mount Art Group’s Annual Art Sale & Exhibition is at Mount College Hall from 9am-5pm Saturday, April 13, and Sunday, April 14; and 9am-4pm on Monday, April 15. Entry is a gold coin donation. See the advert on page 20 of this edition for more details.

Merle Cave

A taste of the quality on offer at the Mount Art Group’s Annual Art Sale & Exhibition on April 13-15. Photo: supplied.

Saturday April 6

Art in the Park

Original art for sale. Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui. 9am - 4pm.

Weather permitting. Tauranga Society of Artists

Association Croquet

Sat. Mon. & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. Newplayers & visitors welcome. Ph

Malcolm 027 681 5204

Bay Singles Social Group

50’s young singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph

Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313

BOP Annual Orchid Show

Today at TePuke Memorial Hall 10am- 4pm. Adults $3. Orchids, hoyas, tropical, fruit trees, pot sales, ra e, eftpos available. Faye Diprose 07 573 9710 diproses@kinect.co.nz

Katikati Bowling Club

8 Park Rd 1.45pm

Katikati Toy Library

Family-focused facility o ering 600+ toys to loan to children zero-10. Tues 6.30-8pm Weds 2.30-4pm Sat 9am-10am. Located behind the Christian Centre, Henry Rd, Katikati

Tauranga Farmers Market

7.45am-12noon at Tauranga Primary School cnr Cameron Rd & 5th Avenue. Rain, hail or shine. Direct from the Producers. Support local

Sunday April 7

Already a Quaker?

Do you believe in peace, integrity, community, equality, simplicity and stewardship? Join us Sundays 10-12 behind Brain Watkins Historical House. Tauranga

Quaker Worship

Farmers Market - Mount Mainstreet

Every Sunday 9am-1pm rain or shine! Te Papa o Nga Manu

Porotakataka (Phoenix Park)

www.mountmainstreet.nz

Golf Croquet

Sun. Tues. & urs. at Club Mt

Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 8.30am for 9am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph. Nev 07 575 5121

Otumoetai Rotary Carboot Sale

8.00am for buyers at Otumoetai College

Car Park Windsor Road for Otumoetai

Rotary. Sellers $10. Details Brian 021 122 8735 Bevan 027 461 2127

Papamoa Lions Club Market

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

Small Dog Gatherings

Socialise and play for small dogs, 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, 1.30pm @ Syndenham Park, Millers Rd, Brook eld. Free of Charge. 022 403 6640

Tauranga Model Aircraft Club

Interested in ying model planes? Join us every Sunday at TECT Park weather permitting between 10-3pm. Beginners welcome. Directions and webcam on our website www.taurangamodel y.org

Monday April 8

500 Card Group

Every Monday (except public holidays) from 9.30-11.30am, held at Age Concern, 177A Fraser Street, Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided - all welcome! Association Croquet

Sat. Mon. & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. Newplayers & visitors welcome. Ph Malcolm 027 681 5204

Badminton

Shuttlecocks & Hens Social Badminton at Greerton Hall. Mon & Fri 10.30am to 12.30pm all welcome. Ph Lorraine 027 408 6211 or Pam 021 048 5674

Chess in Mount Maunganui

Mount RSA Chess Club 544 Maunganui Rd, Mondays (excl public holidays). Early program 6.15pm-7pm Late program 7pm onwards. Casual Chess allowed. Search “Western BoP Chess”. Ph 027 339 3151

Greerton Garden Club

Greerton Garden Club meets 2nd Monday each month at St James Church hall, Pooles Road, Greerton at 1pm. Visitors Welcome. Ph 07 5628855

Indoor Bowls

Matua Primary School Hall at 7.15pm.

New members welcome. Come and join us for a evening of fun and bowls.

Phone Karen 576 0443

Katikati Bowling Club

Mixed 2 x 4 x 2. Reporting time 9.15am

Keep On Your Feet

Omokoroa, 11am-12, Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd. Strength & Balance classes for older adults, all levels of tness welcome. Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617

Papamoa Family History Group

Meets 2nd Monday Feb - Dec, 10am - 2pm at Papamoa Community Centre. Visitors and new members welcome. Beginner Classes starting 10 April. papgen@ gmail.com

Tauranga Stamp Club

Wesley Methodist Church, 100 irteenth Ave. 10am on the 2nd & 7.30pm on the 4th Monday of the month. All welcome. Ph Tony 07 549 5015 or Jill 07 578 0930

Tuesday April 9

Altrusa Ladies Service Group

Come and join a bunch of women for community projects and social events. Meet 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Phone Pam 027-2537562 or visit www.altrusa.org.nz

Bayfair Petanque Club

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and urs. New players welcome, Boules available. Call Simon 021 158 0129 for details

Cherrywood Probus

Meet on 2nd Tuesday of Month

@ TGA Citizens Club 13th Ave 10.00am. Come along for Fun Fellowship & Friendship. Visitors very Welcome. Phone Pam 578 3757

Coffee/Conversation Group Te Puke

Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Co ee and Conversation Group, Te Puke Citizens RSA, 179 Jellicoe Street, 10am11.30, cost $5pp. All Welcome. Golf Croquet

Sun. Tues. & urs. at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 8.30am for 9am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph. Nev 07 575 5121

Greerton Walking Group

Meet outside Greerton Library at 9am for a gentle, local walk with a friendly crowd, followed by a cafe visit. All welcome. Contact Mike 021 180 7429

Keep On Your Feet

Katikati Rugby & Sports Club, Moore Park 10.30-11.30am Strength & Balance classes for older adults, all levels of tness welcome. Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617

Otumoetai Walking Group

Meet at 9am at Kulim Park. Ph Danny 576 6480

Overeaters Anonymous

Do you starve, binge, purge or overeat? Overeaters Anonymous may have an answer. Meetings in Tauranga Tuesday evening and Friday midday. 021 0236 3236

Petanque @ Bayfair

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and urs. Friendly club, all welcome. Boules available. Call Simon 021 1580 129 for details.

Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

Greerton RSA 7pm. Friendly gettogether, all instruments, all levels of ability. Come in & enjoy some live music. Grant 578 6448

Tauranga Model Railway Club Club meets Tuesday 9.30am & ursday 7.30pm, corner Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233

Yoga, Private Classes

Feel uncomfortable in a group setting? Or have special needs? I can design a class to speci cally suit your needs/capabilities. Tuesdays and ursdays. Contact Asunta 021 061 4394

Wednesday April 10

10 Pin Bowling

1pm at 10 Pin Tauranga, 135 irteenth Ave. Mixed group play for fun but keep the score. Very occasionally competitive. Ph Glenda 021 257 8678

Age Concern Walking Group

Thursday April 11

Bayfair Petanque Club

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and urs. New players welcome, Boules available. Call Simon 021 158 0129 for details

Coffee/Conversation GroupGreerton

Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Co ee and Conversation Group, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, 33 Maitland Street, 10.30am12noon, cost $3pp. All Welcome. Creative Fibre Mt Maunganui

Spinning,weaving,felting,knitting,c rochet etc. ursday weekly 9.30 am12.30 pm. St. Andrews Church Hall, Dee Street, Mt. Maunganui. Learn, share, new skills. Ph Joy 022 354 2835

A friendly weekly walking group for all ages and all tness levels. 10am start, meet at Kmart, Bethlehem. Association Croquet Sat. Mon. & Wed at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 9.15am for 9.30am start. Newplayers & visitors welcome. Ph Malcolm 027 681 5204

Flexercise With Fitness League Exercise, movement, dance, focusing on posture, balance, stretching, strengthening & exibility, suitable all ages, 10am, Central Baptist Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga. Pam 021 117 7170

Genies Unbottled Belly Dance

Avenues Friendship Club Meets rst Wednesday of each month at 9.30am. Tauranga Citizens Club. 13th Avenue. Guest Speakers. Visitors always welcome. Phone 027 4061 846

Beginner Social Dance Group 8-9pm, Welcome Bay School Hall, Welcome Bay Rd, Ballroom/Latin/ Rock&Roll. Just come along on the night to enrol. Ph Sonia 0273 221 786

Katikati Bowling Club 8 Park Rd. Mixed Roll-ups 12.453pm

Marching For Leisure

A non-competitive activity for mature ladies. Fun Fitness and Friendship. For details of Tauranga team practice please contact Bernie Taylor 027 775 5612

Papamoa Garden Circle Meets monthly 1pm (2nd Weds of each month) at Papamoa Sports/Recreation Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve. Competitions, sales table, prize draws. New members and visitors welcome. Contact Lee 021 110 3234

Scottish Country Ceilidh Dancing Mount Community Centre 345 Maunganui Road 7 pm. No partners required. $4 Ph. Geo rey 5440839 Lynne 021 140 7912

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild

Meets EVERY Wednesday at Tauranga Rowing Club, Devonport Road 10am-2.30pm and 7-9pm. Beginners very welcome. Contact Yvonne Horsfall Ph 07 572 0927 / 027 478 4519

Tauranga South Garden Club

Meets rst Weds of the month in the Baptist church corner Cameron Rd & irteenth Ave. Guest speaker and monthly competitions. All welcome. Enquiries Margaret Ph 021 0172 02184

Small friendly sessions limited to 5 people on ursday evenings in Te Puna, beginners welcome. Phone or text Linley 027 286 3452

Golf Croquet Sun. Tues. & urs. at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. 8.30am for 9am start. New players & visitors welcome. Ph. Nev 07 575 5121

Katikati Bowling Club

8 Park Rd Rummikub 1-4pm, $3 entry

Petanque @ Bayfair

Play social petanque at Russley Reserve Bayfair. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and urs. Friendly club, all welcome. Boules available. Call Simon 021 1580 129 for details.

Tauranga Model Railway Club Club meets Tuesday 9.30am & ursday 7.30pm, corner Mirrielees & Cross Roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233

Friday April 12

Badminton

Shuttlecocks & Hens Social Badminton at Greerton Hall. Mon & Fri 10.30am to 12.30pm all welcome. Ph Lorraine 027 408 6211 or Pam 021 048 5674

Katikati Bowling Club

Mixed roll up. Reporting time 1.45pm. Visitors welcome. Coaching available. Social activities commence at 4pm

Overeaters Anonymous

Do you starve, binge, purge or overeat? Overeaters Anonymous may have an answer. Meetings in Tauranga Tuesday evening and Friday midday. 021 0236 3236

Tauranga Chess Club Discover the thrill of chess! Join us Fridays at 7pm in Tauranga Citizens Club Committee Room. All levels and ages welcome. Contact Marcus at TaurangaChessClub@gmail.com.

e team at Trees Done Ltd o er a large range of services and can get almost any job done, including formative pruning of young trees, selective pruning of mature trees, reducing trees to improve views, thinning canopies to allow more sunlight into houses or gardens and large to small dismantling of trees and shrubs.

Old club finds new home

A social badminton club that dates back 40 years has found a new home at Greerton Hall.

e Social Badminton Club Tauranga was started in 1987 by a group of mums who wanted to get out of the house with their youngsters. “It was new when I joined,” says one of the longest-serving members Sharon Ross.

ey also undertake orchard work, including avocado reduction, limb thinning, crown lifting, lowering limbs and chipping, stump grinding, maintaining trees in rental and lifestyle properties, tree planting and ringing trunks or branches for rewood and mulching. For free advice and free quotes, please don’t hesitate to call Trees Done Ltd, servicing all areas in and around the Bay.

At the time she had moved to Tauranga and didn’t know anyone. “My daughter started school and I was at home with my three-year-old when I saw an advert for social badminton inviting mums with their kids to Otūmoetai Baptist Church,” says Sharon.

Get social

“It was great; a really supportive group because we were all in the same boat. ere were about a dozen of us just who wanted some exercise. We took turns playing and looking after each other’s kids and we’d stop for co ee and a biscuit.”

While the location has moved several times over the years, the social aspect of the club remains the same – with players regularly hitting ‘pause’ to make a hot drink and chat.

Another change is the name – Shuttlecocks & Hens is to re ect that the club has grown to include men as well as players of any age, including Judea resident Colleen Hamilton. “I’ve been playing badminton since 1957 and I’ll keep coming until I can’t play anymore,” says the 93-year-old.

No wrong way

Colleen, who played badminton competitively in her twenties when living in ames Valley, says the game involves more strategy than some may think. “You’re trying to decide where to place the shot, not just hit it because it’s coming towards you,” says Colleen. “I just love the people and it keeps me active.”

Meanwhile, 19-year-old Noah Parr, who is visiting from Switzerland, has been playing with the group while staying with family in Tauranga. “ ere’s no wrong way and no high expectations – and that’s what I really like about this group,” says Noah. “You don’t feel judged. You can just play and learn and develop at your own speed. It’s been a really nice experience.”

Shuttlecocks & Hens - Social Badminton Club

Tauranga meets 10.30am-noon every Monday and Friday at Greerton Hall, 1263 Cameron Rd. Entry is $5 per player. To nd out more, contact Lorraine on: 07 579 3229.

Colleen Hamilton, aged 93, still loves the game and the club. Photo: Debbie Gri ths.