Gourd-geous!
Gus Funnell, three,
sister Emily Funnell, one, pictured – love it! Now Minden grandmother Vicki Ostler
CAN YOU HELP?
An ote for Anthony
Funny old ncle Anthony Silly
old Uncle Anthony “What a ningnong!” as Aunty Dolly would say. He’s just unscrewed the lid, red or yellow, on that hoary old Marmite versus Vegemite stoush
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Norman Albanese, the ‘ one term wonder’ – that’s what Ozzie pundits are picking – could have been, should have been, magnanimous in winning the ‘ meaty, yeasty ’ Vegemite-gate battle with the Canadian food police, and just let it go
But no! Dignity in victory, or defeat, is not the Aussie way They lose bad, and win worse. Because in gloating to Australia that he’d got 8000 jars of Vegemite back on the shelf in an Ontario café after food regulators pulled the stuff because of non-compliant added vitamins, Mr Albanese fired a cheap shot at a fine Kiwi institution “Rubbish,” he called Marmite. “Rubbish ” How rude! How disrespectful of this could-be, soon-to-be, leader of an opposition party Because in smearing a fine Kiwi product, a Kiwi icon, Uncle Tony just possibly alienated many tens of thousands of Kiwis who are now card-carrying Australians and have been enfranchised for 2025’s Australian federal election on May Marmite-eaters Uncle Tony! New Zealand-born people who are now permanent residents across the Tasman doing God’s work gentrifying Australia Will that work ever be finished?
‘Marmite’s rubbish’
daub their support for campaigning opposition leader Peter Dutton with a big finger smear of Marmite – that gloriously distinctive, intensely salty and savoury yeast extract spread The God-given one with a velvety smooth and sticky texture and lingering, almost beefy f , concentrated soy sauce, undertones Does that paint the picture?
And when they enter the polling booths this weekend, and the marker pen is hovering over Labor or Liberal, they won ’ t be pondering policy on migration reforms, housing, the cost of living or kangaroo culls Oh no They’ll remember, with outrage, the “Marmite is rubbish” comment They’ll vote with their taste buds
And on their ballot, they could well
As opposed to the other with the stronger, slightly bitter, yeasty flavour with a thicker, more spreadable paste-like texture
That’s how elections can be fought, and lost Insult Marmite and you insult a nation We Kiwis are a finicky, fastidious and fussy lot who believe Marmite is Vegemite for the sophisticated, the discerning. And we are what we eat Which is mostly Marmite. Because some less than scientific nd slightly dodgy polls show armite beats Vegemite in the pularity stakes – between 51% d 55% of consumers opting for rmite A close thing – but still a n. Just like one underarm delivery win a cricket match And destroy ente.
o fence-sitting
me stats are much clearer In 22 it was reported Foodstuffs, hich owns New World, Pak’nSave d Four Square supermarkets, was ling twice as much Marmite as emite Game, set and spread ly as it is – the issue still divides us Trump Like rainbow crossings Treaty Principles Bills And you can ’ t be a fence-sitter You a person who can live withou music and art, but you proba live without Marmite. An am four would be heavenly – a sl smeared lovingly with Marmi reading Percy Bysshe Shelley, on a Vermeer, while listening ‘The Ring Cycle’ A total plac But here are those happily t in a void of neutrality My offi was blessed enough to be bor Marmite family, married a Ve bloke and hates both
“I have got through life very well with neither”
In Christchurch there’s this innate “first four ships” snobbery which demands locals to ask which school you went to Your answer determined whether they wished continuing the chat
However, I came from a hardball town where Marmite and Vegemite defined us It kind of set people apart Catholic or Protestant, Labour or National, soccer or rugby, Marmite or Vegemite. It created division.
An issue that divides
For breakfast we’d have toast slathered with Marmite, if poorly we were given a glob of medicinal Marmite, or a Marmite hot drink. Then there’d be globs of Marmite to oomph up the gravy or casserole for dinner
But we also knew of people down the road, who were quite different People said they dressed funny, voted Social Credit and ate Vegemite Why did that matter? It just did
In the interests of a fair spread – here are some Vegemite endorsements “Don’t know why Aussie shops stock Marmite Just buy the real thing.”
“I will happily eat a spoonful of Vegemite Don’t understand people who only stain their toast with it ”
“Comparing Vegemite to Marmite is like comparing Mike Tyson to Jake Paul ” Is it? Pass the Marmite while I figure h
might be t poetry, bly can ’ t algam of all ice of toast te while while gazing to Wagner’s e rapped ce go-to n into a gemite t at one.
Repeated dumping ‘just heartbreaking’
The manager of St Mary’s Opportunity Shop in Mount Maunganui admits she’s been reduced to tears over the rubbish dumped there.
“I love what I do and the people I work with, but to spend the first hour of my day removing what’s obviously just trash is so frustrating,” said Lana Pearson.
Household refuse – including private mail and photographs – has been strewn outside the building and along the fence line. The op shop’s commercial bins have been broken into for household rubbish to be left inside. On one occasion, human waste was left at the front door
“The dumping happens a lot and I have been in contact with the police about it,” said Pearson The most recent incident happened on April 7, when staff arrived to find a large amount of waste left outside the op shop
“We’re trying hard to run a small community op shop and to keep prices as low as possible, but sometimes we ’ ve had to hire a skip or cleaners and that just les the
community” Any profits from the thrift store go to St Mary’s and St Peter’s churches, said Reverend
Sue Genner
“We’ve been renovating the preschool that’s on-site as it had faulty piling.
“The Anglican Parish of Mount Maunganui seeks to serve its community, and many of the volunteers in the op shop are our parishioners, so this is very disheartening to them.
“As St Mary’s church, the op shop, and the preschool all share the same carpark, this impacts us all.
“It is deeply disappointing to see this dumping occur and to have to wear the additional costs of that impacting our ability to offer some relief to those who are struggling in these difficult times.”
The shop staff are grateful for the support they’ve received, but say the actions of some only make their job harder
“People are leaving rubbish we can ’ t use – like clothing that stinks or has stains and household goods that are damaged,” said Pearson. “Op shopping is my life; I call it treasure hunting I love this job, but the dumping is just heartbreaking ”
St Mary’s Oportunity Shop worker Karen Graham, manager Lana Pearson and fellow staff member Mercedes Aracil Rizo are fed up with people dumping rubbish at their Mount Maunganui facility Photo / Brydie Thompson
Rolleston wins Tauranga Māori ward
Hemi Rolleston is Tauranga’s new Māori ward councillor, taking up the seat his nephew was unable to fill.
Tauranga City Council released the final result for the Te Awanui Ward byelection on Wednesday evening, after voting closed midday Tuesday
The Te Awanui Māori Ward byelection was triggered after Mikaere Sydney resigned his position in January
Sydney was elected to the council in July 2024 but was unable to take up his position due to illness
The final vote count shows Rolleston won by 119 votes. He received 543 votes.
Rolleston, who is Sydney’s uncle, told Local Democracy Reporting he was proud and elated to take on the role. “The message is clear the community supports me, and I won ’ t let them down,” he said.
“A special mihi to Mikaere, much aroha to him at this time.”
The 56-year-old, who has whakapapa to Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa, lives in Matapihi.
He is a professional director and previously worked at Tauranga City Council as the head of Māori land. He has also been a board member of Priority One, Grow Rotorua and SmartGrowth.
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said he was looking forward to welcoming Rolleston to the council governance table. “The Māori Ward is an important seat because it helps ensure there is wide community representation.
“I look forward to councillor elect Rolleston joining our team of 10 and providing a voice for the Te Awanui Ward as we work collaboratively for the good of Tauranga.”
Rolleston would officially join the council on May 8.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Hemi Rolleston has won the Te Awanui Māori Ward seat.
Photo / Supplied
SPCA
Tilly, a true rescue cat!
A female cat discovered living in a vehicle in Tauranga by the SPCA has recovered from cat flu and having her ears amputated – now she needs a forever home
‘Tilly’ is being touted as a “ true rescue cat ” by Tauranga SPCA staff after she was taken to the Alach St centre five months ago with severe cat flu and sunburned ears
“Tilly has had quite the ordeal for a two-and-ahalf year-old cat; her living conditions were not ideal, and she desperately needed to see a vet, ” said Tauranga SPCA animal attendant Bethany Thomson
A member of the public alerted Tauranga SPCA to Tilly’s living situation, and SPCA acted, said Thomson “Tilly came in to us through a welfare concern reported to SPCA
“She had given birth in the car – and both Tilly and her kitten had quite severe cat flu Tilly clearly needed some help as the living conditions in the car were not adequate ”
Sunburn
Thomson said when Tilly was admitted to the centre ’ s hospital for treatment of cat flu “It took her along time to get over it ” Then, Tilly underwent an operation to remove her sun-damaged white-coloured ears, caused by high UV exposure in the car and no pet sunscreen, said Thomson. “Because she is a white cat they sunburn easily It is recommended for white cats that owners apply sunscreen ” Thomson said the edges of both of Tilly’s ears looked slightly discoloured – and, sadly, they’d taken too much sun damage and needed to be removed. “Our vet assessed it [the sunburn] was precancerous and it was best to remove Tilly’s ears before it spread ” The short-haired domestic cat has now fully recovered – with hearing in both ears intact– and Tauranga SPCA is trying to re-home her Indoors
“We would like to Tilly be homed indoors to protect her from the sun and so her ears don’t fill up with rainwater – and we need family that will apply pet sunscreen on her nose regularly because it is white “She is confident so a family with children would suit as long as she can be
kept inside ” In fact, Thomson said the white-coloured cat with a uniquely patterned “raccoon-like” tail isn’t shy about her ear-less face.
“She’s a big fan of the ferret look! She is super friendly and has the loudest purr Tilly would be a great fit in most families because she’s so easy-going and chill!”
Thomson said Tilly’s recovery had taken months of dedication and care from SPCA staff and volunteers.
“She’s conquered cat-flu and damaged ears, and now her sweet, loving personality shines – and she’s looking for a family to cherish her and to spoil her rotten!
“He ears are now fully healed so no further treatment is needed – she just needs a loving home to take her in ”
If you ’ re willing to make a real difference to a feline which has been through so much strife, phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 578 0245 Ref: 624478
Hand your capital gains over to a retirement village OR...
You have a operator,
Tilly is looking for an indoorsonly home. Photo / Supplied
Tauranga
animal attendant Bethany Thomson with the fully recovered Tilly
Photo / Merle Cave
Merle Cave
One very obvious and alarming reason for the birthrate showing an evident decline is the increase in abortions, seen in New Zealand In 2019, there were 12 587 abortions
This is heartbreaking
babies were given the chance to live, this would dramatically increase the
necessary value of 2 1 (the replacement rate) AB
References [1]J; C Replacement eve fertiityandfuturepopuationgrowth Populatontrends Availableat https//pubmedncbinmnhgov/7834459/# text Indeveloped countries repacemen level needtobemuchhigher (Accessed:27March2025)
[2]Kenny,K (2024)Fewerbirths anoderpopulation doesitmatter?whatyouneedtoknow RNZ Avaiableat:https://wwwrnzconz/news/what-you-need-toknow/509980/fewer-births-an-older-population-does-it-matter-what-you-need-to-know(Accessed:27March2025)
[3] GeneralAbortionRateinNewZealand(nodate)FigureNZ Avaiableat:https//figurenz/chart/ZWtChT4SBLhmoHsB(Accessed 28March2025)
‘all-round good fella’
It’s the story of many threads – a suburban dynasty, a coach who’s held in quiet wonderment, the curious birth of a women ’ s rugby league
team, and a sprawling sports ground that in reality is a community backyard.
All these threads are proudly intertwined in this first
“Come on darling,” said the coach. “I’ve got you. You’re coming with me. ”
A touching moment that is recounted with deep pride, deep gratitude and even deeper respect. And two teeny, telltale tears
Jorjah Murray had suffered an excruciating, hyper-extended knee on a rugby league pitch in Kawerau She saved a try, but not the game
And when her coach, a sinewy character called Michael “Mickel” Rawiri, came running to her rescue, Jorjah yelled: “No! I don’t want to break you ” Because Jorjah is, by her own admission, a big girl, a beefy lass, maybe 120kg of strapping rugby league prop
Rawiri didn’t hesitate He hefted the injured woman and carted her off to safety, to comfort, and to treatment
“Just one of the reasons we love him,” said Jorjah She doesn’t use the “love” word flippantly Because seldom are coaches and delicate, innermost feelings uttered in the same breath
You can pick up one of our FREE publications from any of these
NZME, 405 Cameron Rd
Pak ‘n Save, Cameron Rd, Tauranga
Goddards Arcade, 55 Devonport Rd
Tauranga Airport
Greerton Library
The Fresh Market
Gate Pa Shopping Centre
SuperValue Supermarket, 83 Pyes Pa Rd, Pyes Pa
Four Square The Lakes, 1 Caslani Lane, Pyes Pa
Palmers Welcome Bay, 1 Ohauiti Road
Rawiri is a 45-year-old coach, inspiration, minder and mentor to the first Arataki Bears
Women’s Rugby League team
Kind, caring, humble
“Sounds strange, but he’s the rock and soul of the sisterhood,” said Aimee Murray, the inspiration behind the Bears and “mother” to the team “Yep, Mickel, an all-round good fella ” That got Aimee thinking Why don’t people like Mickel get the recognition they deserve? So Aimee and the Bears women decided to fly his flag “I’m just surprised this man has not been acknowledged ” Until now Right here
The “good all-round fella” gives every waking moment God gave him to anyone and everyone who kicks a football around Arataki Park – rugby, league or touch, men and women
When not playing, he’s coaching and when not coaching, he’s advising
“Kind, caring, humble, patient and driven,” said Aimee
Four Square, Welcome Bay
Harties Liquor Store, 198 Maungatapu Road
Mount Beachside Holiday Park, 1
Adams Ave
Paper Plus, 130 Maunganui Rd
Park Mini Mart, 423 Maunganui Rd
New World, Cnr Maunganui Rd & Tweed St
Mount RSA 544 Maunganui Rd
Bayfair Shopping Centre
information desk
FreshChoice Papamoa
20 Coast Boulevard, Papamoa
Papamoa Plaza
Papamoa Library
Four Square Papamoa,
4 Golden Sands Dr Countdown Bureta, Otumoetai
Four Square Cherrywood, Otumoetai
Brookfield Food Mart, 75 Bellevue Rd
Matua Dairy 97 Levers Rd Matua
Eves 19 Bethlehem Rd Bethlehem
Patrick’s Pies, 19 Bethlehem Rd, Bethlehem
Four Square Bethlehem, 233A SH2, Bethlehem
Décor Gardenworld, 165 Moffat Rd Bethlehem
FreshChoice Omokoroa
160 Omokoroa Rd Omokoroa
Katikati Information Centre
36 Main Road, Katikati
instalment of a two-part series on Arataki Sports Club stalwart Michael ‘Mickel’ Rawiri by The Weekend Sun reporter Hunter Wells
The coach and his charges –Mickel Rawiri and the Arataki Women’s Rugby League team
Photo / Brydie Thompson
The Links Ave father-of-four and grandfather is also a father figure to the whole Arataki Sports Club Community and beyond
Happy
“Mickel’s problem is that he can ’ t say ‘No’,” said the coach’s offsider, Ray Atkins
Women’s rugby training Tuesday and Thursday night, and women ’ s league Friday night
“Mmm – my wife would probably say I take on too much,” admits Rawiri There’s a cautious giggle. “But she happy”
says as long as it makes me
After four year Tauranga East c Mitchell kids’ ru now the Wasps r kids’ rugby coach organiser and coa Mount College m team
rs being the oach in the Tai ugby set-up, he’s representative h and fixtures ach of the mixed touch
“He will put hi anything,” said A community need Mickel Rawiri.”
is hand up for Atkins “The ds people like finished
And’s he’s just fi a season of playi touch at a nation tournament in Christchurch.
Touch is Mickel’ gig. He won gold at last year ’ s over-40s world championships in the UK and he was most valuable player in the final. The “all-round
good fella” himself is the self-effacing type; he doesn’t seek or enjoy attention. Michael Rawiri –aka Mickel, DJ Mickel, Mickey Chow, Kookie, Dad, coach, cuz – he answers to them all He just doesn’t like talking about himself. But that’s okay Mickel, because there are lots of other people who will Glowingly, reverentially
‘The Uncle’
“A wairua – a spirit – surrounds him,” offered Atkins “He’d sit at the back and immediately be asked to move up front ” He’s the epitome of mana.
Quietly spoken, but everyone listens, humble but knowledgeable, caring and talented, they say A very special e hoa, or friend, to Atkins “Mickel is someone you aspire to be like And I am here because he is here ”
Arataki Sports Club president
Billy Russell said: “It’s always about manaakitanga (respect, generosity and care) with Mickel [He’s] the
uncle you never knew you had ” Rawiri says it’s “ no point having all this sporting experience and wisdom and not sharing it” “And it makes me happy” Like when Aimee Murray put out feelers on social media for a first-ever Arataki Sports Club women ’ s league team last year “Mickel dropped off his daughter for the first workout and 10 minutes later he was running drills By week three, he was coach ” Next week, The Weekend Sun finds out what drives Mickel Rawiri, a legend from the first family of Arataki Park and a dream rising from the ashes
Hunter Wells
The world age group touch champion in full flight. Photo / Supplied
Mickel Rawiri – the man who can’t say ‘No’. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Massive pumpkins take centre stage
Just like the produce it’s becoming renowned for, the annual Te Puna Hall Harvest Market is growing bigger and better every year.
The festival – which is organised with the aim of connecting the rural community and celebrating the best of the area – is being held on Saturday, May 3, from 12pm-4pm, at the Te Puna Hall.
“Harvest festivals around the world traditionally celebrate the harvest,”
said organiser Sue Clarke.
“Because Te Puna is a horticultural area with the kiwifruit harvest going on, avocados, feijoas, and everything else, we wanted to put something on for our community”
Clarke said this year the number of stallholders – from growers to craftspeople to artisan producers –has flourished so much that produce and wares will spill out of Te Puna Hall and into the adjacent paddock.
“For the kids we have free balloon animals, free donkey and pony rides
and cute animals for cuddles, face painting and activities,” said Clarke.
“We also have and around 16 different food trucks, craft stalls, fresh flowers, plants, a fourpiece band playing, books and lots of artisan producers for the foodies.”
Local schools and several organisations will run fundraisers too
“There will be an interactive kids’ dance performance, a scarecrow competition – and, of course, the pumpkin contest. ”
Committee member Vicki Ostler will enter her enormous pumpkin that grew “by accident” in the vegie patch of her Minden home.
“It was November last year when I put a few seeds in the ground, then I went away to Christchurch and when I next looked about six weeks later, there was a great big pumpkin in the garden,” she said.
“I’d only watered it once but it was sitting on a well mulched slope in full sun, so maybe that helped ”
The pumpkin competition is a major drawcard for the annual harvest market, said Clarke.
Last year there were about 40 entries, with the biggest weighing a whopping 98.7kg
“But it’s not just about size,” said Clarke, who said the contest ’ s categories include heaviest, roundest, cutest, ugliest – and new for this year –best carved pumpkin.
“Bring your pumpkins to the back of the hall in the morning before the market starts – and between 10am and 11 am – so they can be registered, judged and be on display before it gets too busy
“The prizegiving will take place at 2pm. Remember all entrants will get a prize.”
The market drew in about 5000 attendees last year, Clarke said
“It was huge. And we expect it to be even bigger this year ”
The annual Te Puna Hall Harvest Market is on Saturday, May 3, from 12pm-4pm.
Minden resident Vicki Ostler, pictured with Te Puna Harvest Market’s Sue Clarke, and her orange whoppers that she’ll enter in this weekend’s pumpkin contest. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Debbie Griffiths
LYNLEY PARK
It’s the one and only Elijah! This 17-week-old Staffy-cross pup is a cuddle monster who is great at making friends. He is learning quickly and knows “sit”, “wait”, “spin”, “down”, “shake” and “out”!
He sleeps through the night in his crate, is toilet-trained and has been fostered with another dog.
Elijah would love another doggy friend to play with and to be fully included in family life. He is ready for his furever
the value of your property
I’ll keep you updated from time to time as the market changes
Donor isits
A Tauranga supporter of a Kiwi organisation that provides treatment to Ethiopian women who’ve suffered an obstetric fistula recently visited the African country to see the dire situation for herself
Retiree Noeline Campbell, one of Hamlin Fistula New Zealand’s major donors, was invited to join the charity’s Supporters Tour in Southern Ethiopia for 13 days in March.
There she saw the life-changing work of the Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia organisation.
according to Hamlin Fistula NZ. This results in a hole forming between the birth canal and bladder and/or rectum, resulting in uncontrollable leaking of urine and faeces, said Hamlin Fistula NZ fundraising manager Jayne Rattray
have had fistulas. I couldn’t walk past that.”
Returning to NZ from Kazakhstan in 2014, she found out about Hamlin Fistula NZ.
The charitable organisation –founded by NZ and Australian obstetrician-gynaecologists Dr Reg and Catherine Hamlin in the 1960s – is committed to treating and preventing childbirth injuries, restoring health and transforming lives in Ethiopia.
See first-hand
Some women also suffer from paralysis caused by nerve damage. “Tragically, more than 90% of women who suffer an obstetric fistula will give birth to a stillborn baby, often after an agonising obstructed labour that has lasted several days ” Rattray said a fistula deeply affects a woman ’ s life. “It causes horrific, life-altering damage to the woman ’ s body, and brings with it severe social stigma due to their smell, rejection and deepening poverty ”
Hidden away
Campbell said her trip allowed her to see firsthand the work of Dr Reg and Catherine Hamlin in Ethiopia and the impact of the organisation’s hospitals and midwifery clinics.
Campbell has been making donations to Hamlin Fistula NZ since 2021 after reading about a charity for obstetric fistula sufferers when living in Kazakhstan. “It described what a fistula was and it was just so horrible. I couldn’t imagine the tragedy of being a young woman who suddenly her life is turned upside down because she’s had a fistula.”
Life-changing injury
An obstetric fistula happens when a baby becomes stuck inside a mother’s body during childbirth with no midwife or doctor available to assist,
Campbell said many women don’t even want to stand up, their husbands reject them, and many sufferers commit suicide. Survivors often live hidden away for years, sometimes decades, not realising they can be helped “I gave birth once, forcepsassisted. I have three sisters, two of them needed caesareans, one needed two caesareans, ” said Campbell. “Out of Mum’s four daughters, three of us might
“Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia provides the gold standard of fistula care worldwide,” said Campbell.
Rattray said the root cause of a fistula is a lack of access to quality maternal care, which makes it more common in underdeveloped countries – particularly in rural communities. “In rural Ethiopia, 50% of women give birth without a midwife or doctor present, ” said Rattray Campbell’s tour group visited the Hamlin Fistula Hospital
Tauranga woman Noeline Campbell is the Hamlin Fistula Foundation’s biggest Kiwi donor Photo / Ayla Yeoman
in Addis Ababa. “One of the highlights at the hospital was meeting Mamitu [Gashe], an early fistula patient of Hamlin’s.
“She was an illiterate village girl, yet, under their care and tutelage she became one of the world’s premier fistula surgeons
“Now aged about 86, she works daily at the hospital wherever she sees a need, though no longer as a surgeon. ”
Village of Joy
Rattray said an estimated 31,000 women still suffer from untreated birth injuries, with an estimated 1000 new cases each year Hamlin Fistula Ethiopia reported its six hospitals performed a record-breaking 4272 surgeries in 2024.
Campbell also visited Hamlin’s rehabilitation centre, Desta Mender – or Village of Joy –
for former patients who need ongoing care post-operation
“Not only does Desta Mender provide a home but also a range of skills from which the women choose to learn too, to become self-supporting. Skills include pottery, embroidery and sewing,” said Campbell. “When they’re able to return to their villages, they are given seed money to turn their skill into a business.”
However, some – rejected by their families and with nowhere to go – stay at Desta Mender for the rest of their lives and work at the village. Ex-patients also work at the hospital as nurse aids; others find work in Addis Ababa. “No one will move on from Hamlin care with no means of support. ”
Since coming home, Campbell continues to support the charity
by donating to the Master of Midwifery programme held by Hamlin College of Midwives.
“We visited Hamlin College of Midwives, which opened in 2007, for Bachelor of Nursing (Midwifery) degrees and more recently for Master of Nursing (Midwifery) degrees
Spreading awareness
“In a country radically short of doctors, a Master of Nursing can take the place of a doctor, delivering babies by caesarean section or with forceps.”
Campbell plans to speak at Tauranga service clubs to spread awareness about Hamlin Fistula NZ. Hamlin Fistula NZ offers two Ethiopian tours per year, in March and November More information is at: https:// hamlinfistula.org.nz
Lakes Village is set amongst tranquil park like grounds and private lakes. Spacious
One of Noeline Campbell’s highlights at the hospital was meeting Mamitu Gashe, an early fistula patient of the Hamlins.
Photo / Supplied
Desta Mender or ‘Village
who need
care
their
Photo / Supplied
Ayla Yeoman
Medical aid ship departs for Pacific
Tauranga-based medical aid ship YWAM
Kohha wiill set t saiil for r Fiji annd Tuvallu t this month for a six-month mission to deliver healthcare services to remote communities
The crew, supported by a dedicated network of partners and volunteers, has spent months preparing for the voyage, which aims to reach thousands in need.
Director Marty Emmett expressed gratitude to the “Koha family” for making the mission possible, noting that more than 12,000 people have received care from previous deployments
More than 30,000 services have been delivered at no cost during the last four years, said Emmett. The ship’s 2025 vision includes expanding into Tuvalu – opening up new opportunities for
impact and collaboration, said Emmett “Every life changed is because of generosity,” he said A full complement of exceptional mariners is on-board, and the galley team has stocked final provisions to ensure the crew is well-nourished for the months ahead Final preparations also included loading 50,000 litres of fuel
An ongoing fundraising effort launched in March to secure $250,000 for the mission is just $50,000 short. Emmett asked supporters to help meet the final fuel costs, saying, “Each deployment is a testament to divine intervention, and this week is no exception”
Emmett said the vessel will leave Tauranga’s Port in coming days. “If you want to wave the ship off follow YWAM Ship’s social media for updates ” *Donations can be made at: ywamshipsaotearoa.org.nz
• Specialty Single Origins Now stashed at 6/22 Hull Road, Mount Maunganui Mon - Fri 7.30am - 1pm.
• Espresso’s & Brews
• National award winning blends
YWAM Koha is due to leave Tauranga this month Photo / Supplied
Ready to get insidde!
New Tauranga indoor courts to open, just in time for winter
Four new indoor courts will open this month in Tauranga, providing the community with much-needed space for sport and recreation as the city continues to grow.
The former site of The Warehouse on Cameron Rd was purchased by Tauranga City Council in early-2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose sport and recreation centre featuring indoor sports courts and plenty of parking
The new venue, named Haumaru, will be managed by Bay Venues on behalf of the council It will be called The University of Waikato Haumaru Sport & Recreation Centre and will be open fulltime from Monday, May 12
Haumaru will be home to a wide range of community sports, including
basketball, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, netball, and more
“We are very excited to see this project completed in such a quick turnaround time and look forward to using it,” said Volleyball Tauranga manager Jenny Kirk
More sport opportunities
She said the new facility will help provide more indoor sport opportunities for people of all ages in Tauranga
“It’s been over 10 years since we added indoor court space for our ever-growing community,” Kirk said
Haumaru will also help host large sports tournaments that come to the city There will be opportunities for casual bookings and court hire, as well as recreational activities for local schools and the wider community This will include Tumble Time play sessions for preschoolers and their parents during weekdays The
public will g get a chance to check out T Tauranga City Council’s neewest facility at a Community Fun Day event on Saaturday, May 10, from 100am-2pm
Open d day
The day w will feature free activitiees and games, have-a-go spports sessions, food trucks, and plenty of fun for the kids, including a special play area wiith h an inflatable slide
Can my employer just change my work hours?
Ci zens Advice Bureau
1/367 Cameron Road, Tauranga • Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Phone: 07 578 1592 • tauranga@cab org nz www.cab.org.nz Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Tauranga
Tauranga City Basketball competitions and events manager Helen Richardson said it was “ very exciting” to have four new courts to use for competitions and tournaments “We’ve been at capacity for many of our competitions, the additional courts will help alleviate some of the strain and creative ways to fit teams and games in “We are excited to be able to offer mid-week adults’ competitions, including a Masters league, that we haven’t been able to due to lack of court space Huge thank you to Tauranga City Council and Bay Venues for getting this up and running so quickly”
Welcome
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said he’s looking forward to seeing the new community venue full of life when it opens “With both our city’s population
and participation in indoor sports on the rise, Haumaru is a welcome addition to the network of community facilities across the city,” he said
“Its central location and ease of access will make this venue a great place for people of all ages and abilities to come together, be active and have fun It will also contribute to the wider transformation of Tauranga city centre, as we work to make it an even better place for people to live, learn, work and play”
Kudos for repurpose
Bay Venues chief executive Chad Hooker commended council on its decision to invest in community facilities to cater for a growing population and for having the vision to repurpose an existing building to deliver new courts quickly and cost effectively
Hooker emphasised the importance of partnership and collaboration in delivering high-quality public amenities
“The creation of Haumaru has been a combined effort We’ve worked closely throughout with TCC, mana whenua, community sports organisations, Apollo Projects as the main contractor, The University of Waikato, and many other key stakeholders in the city
“We are looking forward to celebrating the opening of this new venue with all
these partners and the wider community
Please come along and join us ”
The name “Haumaru” was gifted by mana whenua The name has local significance and is also about health and wellbeing, which fits with the active sport and recreation activities that will take place in this facility
The University of Waikato is the naming rights partner for Haumaru, through its commercial partnership with Bay Venues, helping to support the activation and growth of Tauranga’s sports and fitness venues
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones said the opening of Haumaru reflects the University’s longterm commitment to Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty “Tauranga has been our home for more than 30 years, and we are continuing to increase our contribution to the city and region Haumaru is a fantastic new space for people to connect, get active, and enjoy Its central location, not far from our campus, strengthens the vibrant city centre environment we ’ re helping to build, offering more opportunities for our students for study, recreation, and connection We’re proud to be part of Tauranga’s growth and look forward to seeing students and the wider community making the most of the new facility,” Professor Jones said
Can my employer just change my work hours?
Your employer is only allowed to change your work hours if you agree to it, or your employment agreement allows for it.
This includes changing the number of hours you work, your start and finish times, and/or the days of the week you will work
Your employer should always act fairly and reasonably before making a change to your work hours. Even if the employment agreement allows for changes to work hours, the employer should explain to you why they want to make the change, give you
On May 24, Tauranga’s Waterfront will come alive with the energy, talent and voices of our next generation
time to get independent advice and consider your thoughts. If your time and days of work are normally organised by shifts or a roster, your employment agreement needs to have a clause that covers what happens if a shift is cancelled. If your agreement does not have a clause about cancelling shifts, but your employer cancels a shift anyway, they must pay you what you would have received for that shift. If you think you ’ ve been unfairly treated, there are steps you can take to resolve the issue with your employer For more information, see: cab org.nz/article/KB00041532
YouthFest 2025 is more than just a celebration, it’s a blueprint for how things should be done when it comes to engaging young people
At Youth Voices Action, we ’ ve always believed that if you ’ re planning something for young people, you need to plan it with them That’s not just a buzzword it’s common sense But it’s something that’s still surprisingly rare Too often, decisions get made in boardrooms and passed down, missing the mark entirely YouthFest flips that model on its head
This event has been built from the ground up by our youth panel They’ve picked the acts They’re MCing on the day and running the show They’ve decided what matters, what’s cool, and what feels right And when you give young people real responsibility and the trust
to lead, they show up They deliver They raise the bar Events like YouthFest aren ’ t just a good time – though trust me, it will be – they’re proof that engagement isn’t hard when you treat young people as equal partners, not token voices It’s not about a survey or a checkbox It’s about building something together
This one day in May represents months of listening, debating, dreaming and doing It’s the result of community backing, local businesses stepping up, volunteers rolling up their sleeves, and young people leading the way That’s what makes it powerful. So if you ' re wondering what real engagement looks like, come down to the CBD Waterfront on the strand, Saturday, May 24, during Youth Week! Hear the music Watch the performances Feel the energy And be reminded this is what happens when we stop designing for people and start designing with
Tauranga City Basketball’s Helen Richardson and Volleyball Tauranga’s Jenny Kirk outside the new facility on Cameron Rd. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Say Goodbye to Heel Pain
You might not be able to exercise, keep up with family and friends work or even get out of bed in the morning without hobbling. You have spent hundreds of dollars on orthotics that don’t fit in all your shoes.
Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your feet hurt and the pain just won’t go away!
Do You Have Any of The Following Conditions?
• Heel Pain • Plantar Fasciitis • Achy feet
• Tight legs • Sore Achilles tendon
Foot Pain Is Not Just ‘old age’. No Question… if you are having foot pain than something is wrong. It’s not normal ageing to hurt all the time. Pain is your body’s warning sign telling you something is wrong Finding the problem and fixing it has to be a top priority!
Have a Expert Podiatrist Evaluate Your Foot for Only $40 (Usually $105) Offer valid between 2nd of May - 16th of May 2025 Here’s what you’ll get…
• An in-depth consultation about your foot pain.
• A complete joint hands-on assessment to find the“cause”of your problem and gait analysis.
Ho our ork envvironment can affect our skin
I thought I’d d direct my column to o be about working in a an office or at a home offiffice, and the effect this has on our skin.
Let’s look at the environment first. There could be air conditionning, fluorescent lights, laptops, computers, cellpphones, open plan, sitting by windows, UV, h heat or cold, stress – and that is just to name a few factors!
Then there’s yoou – what you started the day with to give you u energy to get through. Was it a healthy breakfasst or an energy drink?
Skin is the larggest organ of our body It contains many s specialised cells and structures. It functions as s a protective barrier that interfaces w with a sometimes hostile environment, it maintains the proper temperature for r the body to function well, and it gathers seensory information from the environment A And did you know it is everchanging at a raate dependent on our age, health and environmennt? Anywhere from 28-65 days
So we need to take great care of our skin
from the inside and outside – to give it the building blocks required.
Relief from joint pain – Part 1
Joint pain from osteoarthritis can be anything from annoying to debilitating
At Tranquillo, we have a state-of-theart Observ 520 skin scanner that helps you see your skin as we analyse it with you At a consultation
we like to go through all your existing products, how you use them and why and how often, and help put a planned skincare regime in place All this and more is needed to help you have the best skin you can have.
Early this year someone contacted me about osteoarthritis in his knees and elbows He needed knee braces to get around and the pain prevented him doing many activities he enjoyed He’d resorted to cortisone injections for relief and was booked for another I started him on a double dose of my joint supplement This gave him 1600mg of chondroitin sulphate, 1600mg of glucosamine sulphate and 400mg of the latest 100% water soluble curcumin, from turmeric, extract While glucosamine and curcumin are important, it’s the chondroitin that generates the greatest impact on arthritis joints
Chondroitin sulphate helps to reduce inflammation in affected joints It promotes repair and maintenance of cartilage, thereby improving joint function and mobility Research indicates chondroitin sulphate plays a crucial role in supporting chondrocytes, the cells responsible for cartilage repair and maintenance Studies show chondroitin enhances the synthesis of extracellular matrix components, which are essential for the structural integrity of cartilage Furthermore, chondroitin sulphate aids in reducing the activity of enzymes that destroy cartilage tissue, thereby preserving joint function
The real test of any supplement is whether it works I often ask clients to rate their pain out of 10 We then compare against this when we conduct
our first review, typically after six weeks
At the first review, my client noticed improvements He was able to get around without knee braces and had cancelled the steroid injection Speaking to him recently, he was much more comfortable and now back l l f
competitive
Feel free to request a copy of my osteoarthritis programme John Arts (Adv Dip Nut Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd
questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant co nz Join his newsletter at: www abundant co nz
95 for 3 bottles free freight or 1 bottle for $36 95 plus $5 99 postage 60 Capsules per Bottle
•
Symphonia season begins with violin
An afternoon of musical masterpieces awaits the audience at Holy Trinity Church, when Bay of Plenty Symphonia, under the baton of Michael Joel, perform their first concert of 2025.
The event will feature one of the most popular concertos ever written for the violin, said Joel And BOP Symphonia is delighted to welcome University of Waikato violin lecturer, Lara Hall, to perform this epic concerto with the orchestra as the centrepiece of its first concert of 2025
“Less famous, but no less of a masterpiece, ‘Appalachian Spring’ by American composer Aaron Copland was written for the ballet company of American choreographer Martha Graham Copland consciously uses a spare and direct musical language with plain melodies and lively rhythms to evoke the simple life of the ballet’s protagonists in 19th Century rural Pennsylvania.”
The audience should also listen out for well-known Shaker tune ‘Simple Gifts’ in
the last section of the suite, Joel said “Rounding off the afternoon of musical delights will be Debussy’s ‘Petite Suite’. It takes us on a journey from gently rolling waves in the first movement to a playful second movement and finally some joyful dance rhythms carrying the listener to the end of the suite.”
‘Beethoven’s Violin’, conducted by Michael Joel, is 3pm Sunday, May 11, at Holy Trinity Church, 215 Devonport Rd Door tickets cost adults $25 or $20 online
from: www eventfinda co nz, at Tauranga’s iSITE, or phone 0800 BUY TIX (289 849) Booking fees apply Under-19s gain free entry and don’t require a ticket
The Weekend Sun has one double pass to give away to one lucky reader who can tell us the name of the violin lecturer who will join BOP Symphonia’s first 2025 concert?
Enter online at: sunlive co nz under the competitions tab by Tuesday, May 6
Despite writing for newspapers for more than 30 years I still have no idea how it all works, what makes a story a story
Two musicians I hugely admired have died in the last week but for some reason neither seems to have been mentioned in the press Let me at least give them the briefest of mentions here Roy Phillips, singer and Hammond organ player with legendary 1960s-1970s band The Peddlers, died on April 24 at his Christchurch home He was 83 I was introduced to Roy’s music by Wellington’s king of humorous swing Andrew Londonin in the mid-1980s and was lucky enough to hear his last Tauranga performance in 2017
One of the greats
Roy suffered from emphysema and his singing at that last show was certainly limited but it was still clear that he was one of the greats I urge you to revisit some of his classic moments Another musician whose
Big part of jazz scene
Farewell to The Peddlers and Pere Ubu
music deeply affected me who died last week was David Thomas He was less well-known but was founder and leader of Pere Ubu, a radical 1970s band who created an almost indescribable mix of post-punk rock and Avant Garde industrial noise. And that was before punk even existed
Their first single from 1975, ‘30 Seconds Over Tokyo’ is a monstrous mind-blowing howl of a song; their debut album ‘The Modern Dance’ is one of the great rock albums ‘Terminal Tower’, their collection of singles and B-sides is an attack on your senses that leaves you reeling with its sustained brilliance. There were 14 Pere Ubu albums in all; they go all over the place and contain moments of magic, moments where you ’ re just glad that someone as individual and crazy and inspiring as David Thomas got to make music at all
I also want to mention the death of NZ jazz pianist and Tauranga resident John Key Despite suffering from emphysema John had a residence at Jais Aben until a month before he died Moving from Auckland a few years back he’d become a big part of Tauranga’s jazz scene John arrived in NZ in 1973 and worked as a soloist With The Rodger Fox Big Band he toured Europe
and performed at the prestigious Montreax Jazz Festival and London’s Ronnie Scott Club. His own Jazz combo, Strange Fruit, were regulars on the Auckland club scene and released three excellent albums He had many friends and admirers here. I was one. R.I.P John.
Conductor
Michael Joel. Photos / Supplied
Delicious extra lunch menu at the White House
A Te Puna restaurant that’s become a favourite with locals celebrating special occasions over lunch and dinner has launched an additional daytime menu
Tucked just off the main road, White House is a relaxed yet stylish space with plenty of outside seating where good homemade food and warm, welcoming service go hand in hand.
Dishes like dumplings in coconut laksa and seafood chowder are made from scratch, so it’s no surprise it’s become a go-to for dinners But, as co-owner Penny Oxnam points out, White House also offers a great option for lunch
“After six years, some people still don’t realise we ’ re open from midday Wednesday to Sunday,” she said
easonal desserts like berry tart and rich cheesecake served in a white hocolate dome.
Only 10 minutes from Tauranga, nd with easy parking, White House s just as suited to a casual catch-up
with friends and family as it is to a work meeting over lunch
White House Restaurant Te Puna is behind Farmlands, off Minden Rd, Te Puna Visit whitehousetepuna com for opening hours and all menus
SMALL PLATES
GARLIC BREAD (GFO)
Confit garlic herb butter, toasted sourdough
SALT AND PEPPER CALAMARI
Miso sesame slaw spicy mayo
BEEF TATAKI ON CRISPY RICE
The new lunch offering is $45 and main, or main and dessert
“We’re so proud of the kitchen team, ” said Oxnam
“They have plenty of input into the menu There’s a strong focus on fresh, local ingredients, with
White House is a relaxed yet stylish space which promises good homemade food and warm, welcoming service
flavour profiles ranging from Asian fusion to traditional ” Favourites like fish and chips, arancini balls, and chef Chloe’s carefully crafted dumplings sit alongside
Dragon boat clubopens its heart
They’re a grooup of breast cancer “ t thrivers” – not survivors s – eager to share their love of dragon boating
The Boobops Baay of Plenty Dragon Booat Club is holding a ‘Give e it a Go’ day this Saturday, , May 3, at Sulphur Poinnt boat ramp from 9am, t to show the public what thhey’re all about Coach and founnding member Judith Butler said it’s an opportunitty for the community to meet their team and haave some fun on the water
A towel and a smile
“There’s no age limit and no pressure to be competitive. Some of our paddlers were terrified of water at first and they’ve been with us now for years. We provide lifejackets, and we ’ re strict on safety. Just come dressed in warm layers, bring a towel and a smile,” said Butler
The public who visit the open day and want to join up – if they haven’t experienced breast cancer, can join one of the Boobops’ fellow local dragon boating teams, Butler said
The Tauranga-based Boobops has 45 members, ranging in age from 40-78. In April, it was one of six breast cancer teams at the national championships at Lake Karapiro and brought home a silver and two bronze medals.
“For people who don’t want to commit to training three times a week, we have more relaxed Tuesday morning social paddles with coffee afterwards,” said Butler
‘Sisterhood’
The Boobops was inspired by Canadian research that found paddling could aid post-surgery breast cancer recovery Butler described the group as a “sisterhood” with benefits that extend far beyond physical fitness. “We don’t dwell on the fact that we ’ ve all had breast cancer, ” said Butler, who has battled breast cancer twice. “We’re just an amazing group of women who’ve grabbed hold of life. We’re here for one common reason and I’ve made lifelong friends I never would have met otherwise.”
The team has raced in Italy and Australia and has
plans to travel to France next year However, some of the most memorable moments happen quietly on the water “We once had orcas come right up to us off ff Sullphhur Poiint,” ” Butller saiid “We offten see stingrays and fish jumping, but this was something else. It was unbelievable.”
The Boobops’ ‘Give it a Go’ Day is Saturday, May 3, from 9am at Sulphur Point boat ramp
Eye fillet, crispy sushi rice, ponzu sauce, spicy mayo
MUSHROOM ARANCINI (VG)
Creamy vegan mushroom risotto balls stuffed with vegan mozzarella, sugo sauce
MAIN MEALS
BEER BATTERED FISH AND CHIPS
Tartare sauce lemon mushy peas
VEGAN DUMPLING LAKSA
Creamy laksa sauce, rice noodles, greens
SEAFOOD CHOWDER
Mussels prawns calamari fish creamy dill sauce and toasted sourdough
MOROCCAN CHICKEN PIZZA
Sugo Moroccan sliced chicken red onion capsicum fresh tomato, basil and aioli
DESSERTS
BLUEBERRY MOUSSE TART
Creamy blueberry mousse in a rich chocolate shell, sorbet
CITRUS RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE
Vibrant citrus and raspberry cheesecake on a buttery gluten free base
AFFOGATO
Vanilla bean ice cream, double espresso 15E Minden Road Te Puna P 07 552 4443 E office@whitehousetepuna com W whitehousetepuna com
TheRestaurant isClosedto thePublicthis Saturdaynight foraPrivate Function Elvis Tribute Show CheOrton $25pp Sunday25thMay
Debbie Griffiths
The whole Boobops team last year. Photo / Supplied
Photos / Supplied
Saturday 3 May
Art in the Park
Original art for sale Coronation Park, Mt Maunganui Weather permitting 9am - 5pm Tauranga Society of Artists
Association Croquet
On Sat, Mon, & Wed 9 15am for 9 30am start at Club
Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St Visitors & new players welcome Ph Peter 07 574 9232
Badminton
Social Badminton, Greerton Hall, Mon + Fri 10 30am – 12 30pm All Welcome Phone Lorraine 027-408-6211
Bay Singles Social Group
Join a bunch of over 50s young singles Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762, Andrea 021 133 0313
Beth-El Messianic Family
Celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) as did Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), his disciples and early believers All welcome Lifezone -7-Oaklane-Judea-Tauranga 10am or Youtube
Live @10am Joel 021 768 043 info@bethel org nz
Boules - Petanque
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Club Mt
Maunganui Boules available New players welcome Ph Ray 027 756 3565 for times further details
Indoor Bowls
Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday 12 45 am start 50+ and over Afternoon tea is provided 14 Norris Street (behind Pak n Save) Carol 022 639 2411
Indoor Bowls
Matua Primary School Hall at 7 15pm New members
welcome Come and join us for a evening of fun and bowls Phone Ken 5766048
Sing Music from Tina NZCF Workshop in Tauranga with music director of award-winning ensembles, David Squire Perform iconic songs from the film Tina, Sat 10 May 1-4pm Register online NZCForg nz
St Stephen’s Jigsaw Library
Every Saturday 10am-12noon Hire for 2 weeks a variety of 600 puzzles Cnr of Brookfield and Highmore Terrace
Tauranga Social Dance Club
Sequence Dance 2nd Sat monthly 7pm St Johns Church Hall Bureta $7 plus raffles Supper All welcome Ph Nola 027 323 2882
Sunday 4 May
Accordion Music Group
Every third Sunday of the month, Welcome Bay Hall, 1-4pm, $4 00pp, afternoon tea supplied, everyone welcome to an afternoon of evergreen music Ph Joy 027 285 3093
Electronic Recycling
Electronic Recycling Give your gear a new life Fees apply Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Rd 8 00am Brian 021 122 8735
Golf Croquet
On Sun Tues & Thurs 8 30am for 9am start at Club
Mt Maunganui 45 Kawaka St Visitors & new players
welcome Ph Graham 07 572 1032
Quakers in Tauranga
Explore your spiritual journey amongst supportive Friends in our mostly silent meeting All welcome Third Sunday of month 10am-12 Hall behind Brain Watkins House Corner Cameron/Elizabeth Street Ph 027 387 2790 Quakers nz
Otumoetai Rotary Carboot Sale
8 00am for buyers at Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Road for Otumoetai Rotary Sellers $10 Details Brian 021 1228735 Bevan 027 461 2127
Radio Controlled Model Yachts
Sundays 1:00-3:30pm, at Pond behind 22 Montego Drive Papamoa, sailing Electron Radio Controlled Yachts for fun and competition Adult beginners welcome Graham 572 5419
Sounds Natural Sound Bath
Healing tones that deeply relax and refresh Every
second Sunday of the month, 2-4pm, Mount Maunganui Community Hall Contact Anne 027 471 3122 for details
Tauranga Model Aircraft Club
Interested in flying model planes? Join us every Sunday at TECT Park weather permitting between 10-3pm Beginners welcome Directions & webcam on our website www taurangamodelflyorg
Tauranga Organ Keyboard Society
Meets at 1 30pm Carmel Country Estate Social Centre 11 Hollister Lane, Ohauiti, Tauranga Play or listen to Organ, Clavinova, Piano Maureen 544 5013
Monday 5 May
500 Card Group
Every Monday (except public holidays) from 9 3011 30am held at Age Concern 177A Fraser Street Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided - all welcome!
Cards (500)
Monday and Thursday 12 45 pm start 50+ and over 14 Norris Street (behind Pak n Save) Ph Carol 022 639 2411
Chess in Mount Maunganui 544 Maunganui Rd, Mount RSA, Mondays (excl public holidays) Early program 6 15pm-7pm Late program 7pm onwards Casual chess allowed Search “Western BoP Chess”
Creative Fibre Tauranga
Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing
Mondays 9:30am & 2nd and 4th Thursdays 6:30pm 177 Elizabeth St Enjoy learning new crafts Ph Joan 021 323 325
Euchre
Tauranga Euchre club Mondays 7pm - 9pm Inquiries plse TXT 027 543 0872
Greerton Garden Club
Meets every 2nd Monday of the month Feb-Nov at
St James Church Hall, Pooles Road, Greerton at 1pm
Visitors Extremely Welcome Ph 579 6003
Invitation to singing men
Harmony-A-Plenty has been singing for twenty years
We practise Monday evenings 7-9pm Ph Frank 576 3037
David 576 0578
Keep On Your Feet
Omokoroa, 11am-12, Settlers Hall, 334 Omokoroa Rd
Strength & Balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome Contact Sharnie on 021 111 8617
Miniatures Club Tauranga
“Making it Small” Meetings second Sunday each month
[Feb-Nov] 10am to 4pm Arts and Crafts Centre 177
Elizabeth Street Tauranga Contact Jan 021 214 5192
Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise
St Peters church hall, 15 Victoria Rd, Mount
Maunganui 9 30-11am Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident & illness Strength, coordination & balance Jennifer 027 206 0776
Tai Chi Practice Group
Join our friendly group Mondays 11 30am Mount Community Hall 345 Maunganui Road All ages and abilities welcome Parking available Bus stop nearby
Enquires Jay 022 467 5687
Tauranga City Brass
Brass Band Practice Monday nights 7pm Till 9pm at 10
Yatton Street Greerton all Brass players and Percussion players welcome
Tauranga and District Stamp Club
Every second Monday (10am) and fourth Monday (7 30pm) of each month Wesley Hall 100 Thirteenth Avenue New members welcome Ross 578 8215 Jill 578 0930
Tauranga Vision Club
Tauranga Vision Club (affiliated to Friendship NZ)
meets 4th Monday each month at Tauranga Citz Club 10 am - noon New members welcome Ph Jim 022 088 7760
Te Puke Community Menz Shed 48 Cameron Road, Te Puke Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-12 30pm Share your skills & knowledge, learn new skills or redevelop your old skills Ph Mike Harman 027 444 8559 or Phillip Du Plooy 021 756 604
U3A Tauranga Seniors Group
We have interest groups running Mon-Fri Computing, card & board games, dining, films, history, music, photography exercise sciences www u3atauranga kiwi nz
Womens Art Group We are a Women’s Art group who meet every Monday 10am, 68 1st Ave to paint together in a supportive environment Beginners welcome Annie 021 186 4429
Tuesday 6 May
500 Card Club
Mount Community Hall 12 15 pm Fun and friendly group All ages all welcome Afternoon tea provided Parking available Bus stop nearby Queries to 027 658 6848
Altrusa Ladies Service Group
Come and join a group of women for community projects & social events Meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays Ph Pam 027 253 7562 or visit www altrusa org nz We meet 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month
Arataki Coastal Club
Meet on 2nd Tuesday of the month 9 30am
Arataki Community Centre for friendship, morning tea, guest speaker, dining, outings etc Contact Robyn 572 2908, Bev 575 3348
Body+Soul for 50+
Fun Fitness for men and women Exercise for better health, strength and balance to great music Tauranga Senior Citizens hall Norris St Ph Dianne 027 431 4326
Cherrywood Probus
Meet every 2nd Tuesday of Month @ Citizens Club 13th Ave 10 00am Come along for Fun Fellowship And Friendship Visitors very welcome Pam 578 3757
Christian Meditators
We invite you to join our small friendly group of Christian meditators for weekly meditation on Tuesday evenings To join or for more information contact Paula 027 576 5235
Coffee/Conversation Group Te Puke
Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group Te Puke Citizens RSA 179 Jellicoe Street 10am – 11 30 cost $5pp All Welcome
Free Public Advocacy Service
Need help completing a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come speak to an Advocate! Every Tuesday Greerton Library 1-2:30pm
Greerton Indoor Bowling Club
Club Night, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, Maitland
Street New Members welcome Coaching available Phone Sally 021 172 6004
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
Inachord Singers Tauranga
Womens Chorus Join us with our new Musical Director Dan Ireremia 7pm Bethlehem
Community Church, 183 Moffat Road
Contact: Julie 021 0252 6805 or Sabine 021 111 8659
Keep On Your Feet
Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach Road, 11am-12
Strength & balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617
Let’s Learn Something New An A-Z of Clubs Courses & Classes happening now Find an activity join & do it! All ages www letslearn co nz or ph 07 578 9416
Martial Arts Confidence Focus
Kids (7+) 5-6pm Youth/Adults 6-8pm Tuesday in Aikido Hall Morland Fox Park Greerton Friday
Elizabeth St Hall Details Ph: Ray 0220 776484
Migrant Seniors Morning Tea 10am - 12pm, Multicultural Tauranga, complex 1, Historic Village, 17th Avenue
To register/more information ph 07 571 6419 or email enquiries@trmc co nz
Olympic Style Rifle Shooting
Every Tuesday evening at 7 00pm at the Tauranga Target Rifle Clubs range, 165 Elizabeth Street, opposite Tyre master Public welcome All gear and coaching provided
Overeaters Anonymous Is your eating out of control? Undereating overeatingOA can help Meet Tuesday, 7-8pm, and Friday, 11am to 12 Ph or text 022 048 8275
Science fiction coffee club
Enthusiasts of science fiction or emerging technologies including AI electro magnetic frequencies humanities futuristic future Meet like minded people over a coffee and chat Phone Dan 022 462 3316
Tauranga Embroiderers Guild
Meets Tuesdays @ Bowls Tauranga South, 15 Tutchen St (off 11th Ave) 10am - 2 30pm
Everyone welcome Contact Linda 027 369 0984 or taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail com
Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters
Every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 7pm and 2nd & 4th Friday at 10am Tauranga Art & Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth St Contact: taurangaquilters@gmail com
Tauranga Model Railway Club
Club meets Tuesday 9 30am & Thursday 7 30pm corner Mirrielees & Cross roads, Sulphur Point Ph Mike 021 939 233
Tauranga Scrabble Club
Tuesday Scrabble Meet weekly for friendly & competitive games at Tauranga Citizens Club 9 30am - 12 45pm Ph Fay 021 1648180
Tauranga SeniorNet Club
Open Day & Registration Day--Tuesday 14th January at Building, No70, Historic Village, Tga All welcome Visit our website --taurangaseniornet co,nz for more information
Yoga Private Classes
Feel uncomfortable in a group setting? Or have special needs? I can design a class to specifically suit your needs/capabilities Contact Asunta 021 061 4394 or yogaindailylife@pl net
Wednesday 7 May
10 Pin Bowling
1pm at 10 Pin Tauranga,135 Thirteenth Ave Mixed group play for fun but keep the score Very occasionally competitive Ph Glenda 021 257 8678
Age Concern Walking Group
A friendly weekly walking group for all ages and all fitness levels 10am start, meet at Fergusson Park (carpark)
Beginner Social Ballroom/Latin Group
Starts 12 February 6pm-7pm Welcome Bay School
Hall Just come along on the night to enrol More details please ring Sonia 027 322 1786
Body+Soul 50+Fun Fitness
For better health strength and balance to great music
Men and women welcome make new friends 9 15am
Bethlehem hall opposite Woolworths Ph Dianne 027 431 4326
Bolivia Te Puke
Every Wednesday Lyceum Club 8 Palmer Place 1pm4pm beginners welcome Come and join our friendly group Ph Brenda 027 229 6992
Cards - cribbage
You are very welcome to join our friendly group every
Wednesday 12 30 for 1pm start at RSA rooms Cameron
Rd Greerton Jill 021 160 6143
Coffee/Conversation Group - Brookfield
Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group at St Stephens Church 9 Brookfield Terrace, 10 30am - 12noon, cost $5pp All Welcome
Fernland Spa Gentle Exercise
Warm mineral water no chlorine Suitable for joint
replacements arthritics & recovery from accident & illness Strength coordination & balance Not school holidays Jennifer 027 206 0776
Improve Strength & Balance
Steady as you go (faygo) Exercise programme keeps you mobile Friendly group 2-3pm Wednesdays at St Johns Church Hall Burtea Road Phone Angela 576 9847
Marching For Leisure
A non-competitive activity for mature ladies Fun, fitness
and friendship For all Tauranga team ’ s practice details please contact Linda Wakefield 021 546 605
Newcomers Coffee Meetup Group
Have you just moved to Tauranga? Come along to meet other like-minded people and make new connections For more information email enquiries@trmc co nzor phone 07 571 6419
Omanu Rebus Club
Join our monthly meeting 9 30am at Mt Maunganui RSA Enjoy complimentary morning tea,guest
Age Concern Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, 33 Maitland Street, 10 30am - 12noon, cost $3pp All Welcome Creative Fibre Tauranga Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing Mondays 9:30am & 2nd & 4th Thurs 6:30pm 177 Elizabeth St Enjoy learning new crafts Joan 021 323 325 Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Thursday, Welcome Bay Community Centre, 1-2 30pm Healing Rooms Prayer 6-8pm Every Thursday St Peters Church Cameron Rd entrance Experience God’s healing All welcome No charge facebook com/TaurangaCentralHealingRooms 027 640 1263
Keynotes Women s Barbershop Chorus Meet 7pm Wesley Hall, 100 13th Avenue Can you keep a tune while others sing a different melody? We need you Contact Bernice 576 4848 Charmaine 027 422 1133 Mt Maunganui Creative Fibre Every Thursday 9 30am - 12 30pm St Andrews Presbyterian Church Dee St Mt Maunganui Spinning knitting weaving felting crochet etc all fibrecrafts Very friendly group
Serenata Singers Join our friendly welcoming group Thursdays 1011 30, Methodist Church Hall, 2 Oroua Street, Te Puke Phone Anne 027 850 3776
Women’s Book Group We are a group of women who enjoy
Friday
Tauranga cruise season to end on high note
ere is just one more cruise ship – the Insignia – to visit Tauranga on May 27, whhich h wiill mark k thhe end d of f thhe ciity’ ’ s cruiise ship season for 2024/2025.
After May 27, Tauranga’s shores will not see another cruise ship until the Celebrity Edge visits on October 16, and heralds the 2025/2026 season.
April 15’s departure of the Royal Princess from Mount Maunganui signalled the end of the main cruise ship season for Tauranga this year
We’ve recently celebrated Easter and Anzac Day; both events where we pay tribute to a sacrifice that has been made for us
There is a difference between them, however Only on one of these occasions do we celebrate the fact that someone rose again after death Not just in our hearts, but in history This marks the uniqueness of Christianity. We believe that Jesus not only lived and died, but rose again and is living now
Does it matter? It seems the early church thought so: “If Christ has not been raised, you are still dead in your sins (1 Cor 15:17)” But it also matters in this way: “Those who believe in him are not only joined to his death, but to his resurrection (Rom 6:5)”
And the implications of this are profound “It means that the power that operated in Jesus operates in those who believe in Him (Rom 8:11)” That means for starters, because of Jesus you can have confidence in God God is on your side You can overcome temptation and sin
This doesn’t mean life will be easy We are flesh and blood and still weakened by sin But it does
Prior to leaving, Tauranga’s cruise ambassadors, who volunteer their time to welcome visitors, wrapped up their season with a special farewell event, including stepping onto the Royal Princess for a memorable visit.
Tourism Bay of Plenty told The Weekend Sun that Tauranga has had a strong 2024/2025 cruise season, with 91 ship arrivals bringing thousands of passengers and crew into the region.
“These visits provide a significant boost to our local economy, supporting hospitality, retail, tourism operators, and transport providers,” said Tourism BOP general manager Oscar Nathan
The overall arrival experience and passengers ’ direct disembarkation on to the port – with Mauao in the foreground – constantly rates
Tauranga the best port experience in New Zealand among visiting cruise liners, Nathan said
“The vibrancy that cruise visitors bring is felt right across the city, from our waterfront to our town centres, and we ’ re proud to be a key gateway for cruise travel in New Zealand ”
Final tallies for ship visits and the full economic impact are still being confirmed but Nathan said as of March 18, the 2024/2025 season brought an estimated 143,279 passengers and 62,804 crew to our shores – which is more than 206,000 people in total.
“These provisional figures are in line with recent seasons and represent a significant contribution to our local visitor economy, ” Nathan said
“There were a few itinerary changes due to weather, such as a cancelled berth from the Westerdam and adjusted schedules for the Crown Princess and MSC Magnifica, but the season remained strong overall.
“Throughout the season, ambassadors and staff were proud to showcase the best of the coastal Bay of Plenty to guests from around the world ”
The Insignia will make a late season call on May 27 ahead of winter “We’re looking forward to welcoming back the Celebrity Edge in October and kicking off another exciting season this coming spring,” Nathan said
Churches Active In Our Community
mean hope Everything will ultimately go God’s way – the way of renewal and resurrection This reminds us that the Easter season is not simply a once-a-year event but a
