Softball saviour
He’s there day and night, according to Western Bay of Plenty Softball Association vice president Vance Tuheke. “He puts in way too many hours and has done a great job for WBOP softball.”
He’s talking about WBOP softball club president Paul Goodall, pictured, who began
Photo / Brydie Thompson
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Memorably unmeemorable moments
It was a crisis, a conflagration as reported in a newspaper of February 27, 1906. But the story still has legs, still resonates.
The flames had taken hold. The house was well ablaze. Oh dear! The fire brigade was turned out and galloped towards the fire – yes galloped, because this was 120 years ago Then the cavalry, with hoses, suddenly whinnies to a halt when it’s realised the fire is outside the borough boundary, outside its jurisdiction, outside its responsibility Because the mayor had said so Then against a backdrop of flames, smoke and destruction, the fire brigade calmly trotted back to the station while the house and contents were “cremated”. Lovely! Amusing now, but you can
bet the owner of the ashes and embers was soon banging on the door of the Mayoral Chambers questioning the occupant ’ s parentage.
It’s fascinating what gems you encounter when you give over valuable company time to thumbing through old, crusty, dusty, stained and dog-eared volumes that always seem to find a home on my desk. Perhaps old just attracts old? Like a copy of the ‘New Zealand Herald’s ‘100 Years of News – 1863 to 1963’. So old the front-page image of Auckland’s One Tree Hill still has a tree on it. “No Tree Hill” now, of course. It’s a 128-page chronicle offering a “reflective slice in the life of a nation and progress of the world” or stepping stones in a 100-year-old story I keep coming back to it for juicy snippets of what has gone before There’s the macabre from 1865: “Rev hanged at the door of his church”.
Snuffed out
There’s the reassuring from 1910: “Despite fears mankind would be snuffed out, Earth has passed through the tail of Halley’s Comet and we still breathe”
There’s the inconceivable from 1872: “Children aged 6 and 8 sent to prison for theft and then whipped”.
And the despairing from the hell of 1917: “Bloodbath at Passchendaele, enemy machinegun fire swelled to a shriek, many fell, but the men pressed on”. Events that shaped us At the other extreme there were these solitaires, these gems. It was 1894 and a young, unnamed A-list couple were at the altar The air was bubbling with love and hope and happiness. But then love sputters and dies. “NO!” said the bride. She didn’t want to have and to hold “I won ’ t have him ” Imagine the gasps and gulps from the dearly gathered Then “owing to the disposition of the bride-elect”, the ref was forced to call the match off Before he had even blown time-on
As I have discovered, love’s such an ephemeral thing What did they do with
all the asparagus rolls and butterfly cakes? And the presents? There was no salacious detail to wallow in, so use your imagination It’s often more fun.
Flap over flappers
Then the “spotlight of 1928” fixed on the flappers Although the Rev Leonard H. Hunt of the Mt Eden Presbyterian Church might have transposed the “f” for an “s”.
Flappers were young women who embraced a rebellious and liberated lifestyle, challenging societal norms and expectations “At your peril,” warned the Rev ‘The New Zealand Herald’ story of the time said: “You couldn’t tell the mothers from the misses – modern, stylish, little felt hats pulled tight over bobbed hair, short skirts a whole inch or so above the knee, and the rest was silk stockinged legs in shades like ‘ sun blush’” Gosh, is anyone feeling faint? Flappers also enjoyed smoking, drinking and dancing.
From the pulpit, Rev Hunt was in a flap over flappers It was bound to end badly He suggested flappers were aping men in their weaknesses and vices – and expecting permanent happiness from pleasures that could never give it. “They
argue if it’s good for men it’s good for women But is it?” Regardless Rev, a hundred years later they’re still partying, puffing and chugging and dancing, still “getting jiggy”, the hems have soared even higher, and society as we know it hasn’t disintegrated. After reluctant brides and flamboyant flappers comes the story of another woman who knew her mind – the no-nonsense, not-tobe-trifled-with Mrs lizabeth Yates, new Mayor of Onehunga nd first lady mayor in he British Empire. The outgoing mayor atronisingly suggested heed the motto on back of the mayoral hair – “Be just and fear not ” – because that was the only way she could do her job Pffft!
Good riddance
Mrs Yates “regretted” the man ’ s last words as mayor – read peed off “I don’t need reminding. I have been just, and I have not feared, all my life.”
Mrs Yates’ new council members were described as “municipal experimentalists”, but it wasn ’ t an experiment universally accepted. Four male councillors, including the town clerk, resigned. Good riddance because Mrs Yates said men had had an “unsatisfactory” time on a council whose affairs would be better looked after by a woman.
Despite her doggedness, the newspaper reported Mrs Mayor “ wore a plain yet neat and become costume ” for her installation “Blue and white print dress with a white front, puffed sleeves and a zouave jacket.” We weren ’ t told what the outgoing male mayor wore for the occasion. Funny that!
Waipuna Hospice
CEO Daivid Bryant said his organisation is at risk of disappearing from our communities because of the lack of funding
Waipuna Hospice faces raising $8.1 million in the next financial year to cover a funding shortfall to keep providing its services –which is putting its operation at risk.
“I want to speak honestly about our challenges and raise awareness about the uncertain future of hospice care, ” said CEO Daivid Bryant on National Hospice Awareness Week from May 12-18. “While our commitment to compassionate care has never wavered, the growing gap between what it costs to provide our services and the funding we receive from Health NZTe Whatu Ora is putting that future at risk.”
Waipuna Hospice – one of the largest of 28 hospices in the country – has 44% of its total operating costs covered by Health NZ.
This week the service is caring for 243 people, the majority in their own homes, facing terminal illnesses, ensuring they and their families feel supported and safe, Bryant said.
“The key message of this Hospice Awareness Week is that we are at risk of disappearing from our communities because of the lack of funding from Health NZ. I think in the next three-five years if we haven’t turned around this situation [by then] then we ’ re at risk of not being here ” Bryant said as much as Waipuna Hospice does try to raise the annual shortfall of funds, it never meets the target. “No – last year our result was a $1.7 million deficit.” Bryant said in the Western Bay of Plenty, the need for hospice care is only increasing; and the costs of delivering care are rising. “However, the contract we have with Health NZ has not increased much at
Hospice calls for more funding
all, in fact very marginally…and so the gap keeps on widening.” Waipuna is doing everything it can to prevent this happening. “We continue to do everything we can to control costs – but there is a bottom-line cost for funding this service and Health NZ is not supporting it.”
Health NZ planning, funding and outcomes acting national director Jason Power said Health NZ is committed to working with hospices and a range of other services to ensure palliative care meets the needs of all New Zealanders. “We regularly engage with hospices and Hospice NZ, and they are very much front and centre of our National Palliative Care Work Programme that is underway”
Power said Health NZ provided $113.6 million in funding to 28 hospices for the 2023/2024 finanical year “We are currently working through uplifts or increases for the funded sector, which includes hospice Hospices, including Waipuna Hospice, will be advised of the level of uplift, along with other contracted providers, when the uplift is confirmed.”
Power said Health NZ remain committed to ensuring palliative and end-of-life care is of high quality and meets the needs of all New Zealanders. “To achieve this, we established a national palliative care work programme in 2023. The purpose of this programme is to build on previous work and develop a nationally consistent approach to palliative and end-of-life care planning, funding, service delivery and outcomes. ” Waipuna Hospice will be collecting donations in the community this weekend via Hospice Awareness Week appeal, and ask people to donate generously Or visit: waipunahospice.org.nz, or call 07 552 4380.
*Read the full story at: www.sunlive.co.nz Merle Cave
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Tauranga man NZ Softballer of the Year
It was the year that McDonald’s Happy Meals, the Walkman and Strawberry Shortcake was introduced to the world – and Bellevue’s Paul Goodall was introduced to the world of softball.
Goodall lived in Auckland and was a senior in high school in 1979 when a mate threw him a softball glove and he’s never looked back – dedicating 46 years to the sport, which has now honoured him nationally for his service.
At the 2025 Softball New Zealand Annual Awards in Christchurch on May 3, Goodall was named Administrator of the Year, and also received the event ’ s top award –Softballer of the Year
“It means the world,” said the 62-year-old, who is Western Bay of Plenty Softball Association presiden
Mind-blowing
“[Winning] administrator [of the Year] was great and I was happy wit that – but to win the supreme awar was mind-blowing!”
Goodall began playing softball at Long Bay College in Auckland after a peer asked him to practise with him. After a few throws it was clear to the other student that Goodall had potential
According to Goodall, his softball playing friend said: “I tell you what mate, you ’ ve got a pretty accurate arm. You should play softball”.
In 1980, he joined East Coast Bays United Softball Club, then the North Harbour Softball Committee as a club delegate from 1982 and
went to England to play from 1986-1994
Returning to New Zealand in 1994, he rejoined East Coast Bays United and became club president from 2006-2012 Then it was across town to Birkdale Falcons Softball Club, where he became president in 2012
The heart and backbone
After he’d “had enough of Auckland”
Goodall and his family moved to Tauranga, where his brother was living, in 2016. He became president of the Western Bay of Plenty Softball Association in 2017.
Goodall said softball wasn ’ t a big sport in Tauranga back then The WBOP club had about 180 members “There was no men ’ s competition and d thhere were f few laddies teams and a few junior teams. It was trundling along but needed an injection of enthusiasm and knowledge. I’d had 35 years up at North Harbour softball so I thought I was the right man for the job ”
Fast-forward to today and WBOPSA boasts a range of men ’ s, women ’ s teams and junior teams –all thanks to Goodall. And, with combining with Tauranga City Baseball club, WBOPSA now has more than 400 members
At the awards night, Goodall was described as being “the heart and backbone of softball in the Bay of Plenty”
“As president of WBOPSA, he wears countless hats – not by choice, but out of dedication to keeping the sport alive and thriving,” said his administrator awards citation.
“He tirelessly runs the committee, organises draws, sets up the diamonds weekly, handles conflicts, umpires on Saturdays, and even oversees junior games – often single-handedly Without Paul, softball in the BOP would be almost non-existent. His passion and commitment are unmatched, and despite the enormous workload, he remains accessible, reliable, and always willing to step in when needed It’s a role few could handle, yet he does it without expectation of recognition.”
He was also recognised for ensuring players, coaches and families can continue to enjoy the sport. “His efforts deserve to be acknowledged at a
Softball New Zealand’s Administrator and Softballer of the Year 2024-2025 is Paul Goodall, president of the Western Bay of Plenty Softball Association.
Day and night
WBOPSA vice president Vance Tuheke, who has known Goodall since before softball, said he’s at the club “day and night”. “He’s done magnificent things for us, ” Tuheke said “He puts in way too many hours and he has done great for our WBOP softball.”
And despite retiring from playing a few years ago, Goodall is keen to keep pushing the sport forward in the region in the role as president of the WBOP club, and umpiring games. “It’s my passion!” His motto is that he “plays for the love of the game and the people that play the game”.
So he’ll keep communicating with teams, doing the secretarial and treasurer roles, looking after the grounds at Carlton Reserve, getting sponsors, putting in grant applications, coordinating rep teams and running committee meetings. “I do everything ”
So why softball? “It’s a very easy game to play and a lot of fun and all over and done within a couple of hours, so it doesn't take you a whole weekend ” Goodall said the softball season starts up again on October 11 for seniors and November 1 for juniors. “There will be have-a-go days for the kids the two weekends leading up to November 1.”
For more information, visit: www.sporty.co.nz/ WBOPsoftball
Ayla Yeoman
national level, as he truly exemplifies what it means to be an outstanding sports administrator”
Photo / Brydie Thompson
LYNLEY PARK
Community services under one roof
In a move expected to benefit the community, two long-standing social service agencies have officially moved into a shared, purpose-built premises at 126 Eleventh Ave, Tauranga.
Family Works and Enliven – both operating under Presbyterian Support Northern – began working from their new location on May 12. This marks the first time the two services have co-located in Tauranga, despite years of collaboration.
Family Works provides counselling and social services for children and families, while Enliven delivers home-based support and individualised funding services for people living with disabilities or requiring care at home.
PSN chief executive Shaun Greaves said the centralisation was a strategic and communityfocused step forward.
“The site has undergone a full fit-out to ensure it meets the therapeutic and practical needs of both our staff and the people we support. ”
Family Works’ formerly leased rooms at Mount
Maunganui’s Hillier Centre and Enliven vacated Chadwick House in Greerton.
Family Works’ Bay of Plenty area manager Julie Peake said the new location offers logistical and therapeutic benefits. “It’s central and close to key arterial routes, which is important as our staff regularly travel to schools...and with nearby public transport, it’s more accessible for the families we support. ”
Family Works’ services include counselling and social work for children and families, Women Against Violence Education, Social Workers in Schools, Parenting Through Separation and the Restore programme.
The facility includes four therapeutic rooms, a shared training and programmes room, and a meeting space. Family Works has 16 staff on-site, while Enliven has seven office-based staff with a wider team of 170 support workers.
Enliven’s southern area manager Heather Mitchell said the move strengthens an already close working relationship “This is just the best thing ”
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Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Family Works’ Julie Peake, Enliven’s Heather Mitchell, PSN CEO Shaun Greaves and fundraising general manager Lisa Rudolphe with Grenville Hendricks of Family Works, and Wendy Hoskin and Jeanette Third of Enliven Photo / Brydie Thompson
Lives enlightened by y learrning: 60 ears stronng
Reflecting on 60 years of Ōtūmoetai College with former deputy principal Bruce Farthing reveals a rich tapestry of memories and milestones that have deeply shaped the lives of thousands
From modest beginnings in 1965 to becoming one of Tauranga’s largest secondary schools, the college’s influence on the community is undeniable “Ōtūmoetai College is the single largest
institution in the western part of this city,” said Farthing, who worked at the school from 1984 to 2019.
“Most people have had something to do with it – whether as a student, a parent, or simply someone with an opinion about the place.”
And those opinions span the full spectrum. “Some will tell you they hated it, many will tell you they loved it, and everything in between,” he said.
But one thing is certain – the school’s longevity and consistency have made it a cornerstone of the region.
One testament to that stability is its
leadership history – five principals in 60 years “Howard Webber was the founding principal from 1965 to 1970. He handed over to Alastair Murray, who served until 1983 and later became chief inspector for the Department of Education in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty,” Farthing said “Then came Peter Malcolm who had a long rein – from 1984-2000 – followed
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by Dave Randell who led from 2000-2017 Current principal is Russell Gordon, [who] has continued that legacy It shows great stability” Farthing, who served under three principals, said while each brought different strengths they all shared a passion for the school’s success.
800 to 2000-plus
When Ōtūmoetai College opened, it was designed for 800 students with a standard layout of Nelson blocks, an administration area, and a library Growth soon followed. “A science block was added, then a new library The original gym was joined by a second one. The school has served more than 2000 students for many years now ” As the student population grew, so did the staff Long-serving educators became part of the institution’s DNA – deputy principals like Sheryl Dawson, Dallas Collett and Farthing himself – and more recently, Pip Woodward who joined the
leadership team in 2008 Heads of departments also provided enduring leadership “English teachers like Alex Gray and David Shefferd. Science educators Paul Furneaux and Jean Gratten Technology experts Ross Davidson and Kevin Meyer In PE, we had Noel Hull and Jamie Davis. In social sciences, myself, Larry Dixon, and Nick Page,” Farthing said.
Life coach
Other names are recalled – Brian Ducker, Barry Herring, Iain MacGregor, Henry Dixon, Eileen Oates, Marny Bradley, Donovan Bell, Bob Walls and caretaker Bill Nicholls. Of music teacher Bob Addison a past student said he “ was more than a music teacher – he was a life coach to so many students”. Curriculum, naturally, has evolved with time and changing societal values. “There’s now a greater emphasis on exploring Te ao Māori. The college focus is teaching on the broader story of Aotearoa New
Hospice is not fully funded by the government and needs to raise $8.1 million this year to continue caring for the
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Bruce Farthing with the recently published third edition of ‘Life Enlightened by Learning’. Photo / David Hall
Zealand – and incorporating Māori concepts and values into everyday,” Farthing said. Technology and more recently artificial intelligence has dramatically reshaped how education is delivered. “When I started as DP in 1997, I didn’t even have an email address. Now you can ’ t run the school without a phone.”
Extra-curricular excellence
“From the early-1970s, Bob Addison’s musicals earned acclaim, and the school has gained national prominence in drama and debating.” The school’s international programme has also added depth and diversity “We have an absolute opportunity in what I call the cultural flowering of NZ – through their food, clothing, traditions, how they celebrate – and it’s become woven into our Pākehā and Māori culture ” In 1978 the school was gifted land in the Kaimai Range by the Mackersey family, which led to an outdoor education centre being built. “That land has been invaluable to our outdoor programmes, ” Farthing said. The sense of tradition runs deep The Cook family is an example of the school’s intergenerational legacy Duncan Cook, son of foundation board member Mrs D.N.J. Cook, attended the college, as did his children. His daughter, Ashley, is now on staff, and his grandchildren are enrolled Sporting success is another source of pride. The school is known nationally for its
volleyball and netball programmes, thanks to Stewart Henderson and Sheryl Dawson, respectively “We’ve been strong across many sports – basketball, athletics, cricket, hockey, kayaking, rowing, rugby, swimming, squash – it’s all been there.”
High achieving alumni
The college has also produced high-achieving alumni. Cricketer Trent Boult, hockey coach Alan Galletly, his Olympian daughter Joanne and All Black Gary Braid and Māori All Black Glen Jackson have walked its halls. Sam Charlton played a record number of games for the NZ Black Sticks.
In academics, Rhodes scholar Richard Higgins, engineering professor Jonathan Cullen at Cambridge, choreographer Michael Ralph, Emma Dwight who won a scholarship to Harvard, and others who worked at Nasa, as senior doctors and King’s Counsel are among its most notable graduates. “At the end of the day, the attitude a student brings often determines their path and how the individual will drive his or her own success, ” Farthing said.
In time for the 60th reunion on May 31, the third volume of ‘Life Enlightened by Learning – a chronicle of the school’s history’ – has been completed. Registrations for the reunion dinner close May 23. Register at: https://otc.school.nz Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Founding principal Howard Webber from 1965-1970. Photo / Supplied
Principal from 1970-1983, Alastair Murray Photo / Supplied
Principal from 1984-2000, Peter Malcolm Photo / Supplied
Principal from 2000-2017, Dave Randell. Photo / Andrew Warner
Current principal Russell Gordon. Photo / Supplied
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Residents rally against Tauranga rates increase
[in future].” Drysdale said the Annual Plan tried to strike a balance between investing in the city and affordability for ratepayers. “The real challenge is we have a huge infrastructure deficit. We’ve got to be mindful of that when we ’ re prioritising our money ”
The council found $29m in savings to lower the rates rise from 20% to 12%, he said. The councillors had given the organisation direction to reduce costs across its operations to keep rates down, Drysdale said Disestablishing 100 roles was part of this, he said.
2025/2026 to 10%, or lower”
To achieve a 0% residential rates rise, $80m in savings would need to be found, he said “Taking $80m out of a business our size in one year is actually nigh impossible.”
A public rally will be held to urge Tauranga City Council to “ stop the spend” and remove rates increases
Jan Gyenge has organised the event at 1pm at M Memorial Park this Sunday, May 18
The Tauranga resident said the proposed overall r rates increase of 12% was unsustainable. It was 4 8 t times inflation of 2.5%, which was “unconscionable,” G Gyenge said. “People are doing it really tough, it’s j just not sustainable ”
The rally wasn ’ t about asking the councillors to listen, but expecting them to act differently when they voted on expenditure, Gyenge said. She said she wanted them to reduce their appetite for spending.
“It’s about the whole organisation becoming lean and mean and fully efficient with absolutely no wasted cents at all.”
Gyenge looked at the council’s financials and said finding an extra $40m in savings would avoid the need to increase residential rates
Mayor Mahé Drysdale told her during an Annual Plan submission hearing it would take $80m in
savings to avoid a rates rise Gyenge said the rally was needed to draw the community together and provide an outlet for people unable to take part in the hearings “It’s not an isolated event It’s the beginning of the community saying: ‘This is what we think’. It’ll l be a platform for the community”
Consultation on TCC’s draft Annual Plan ran from March 28-April 28 Hearings for submitters were on Tuesday and Wednesday Mount Maunganui Ratepayers, Residents and Retailers Association chair Tim Maltby said there was s a lot of worry and anger in the community about council spending and rates increases. Most people’s wages increased in line with inflation at about 3% but a rates increase of 12% was unaffordable, he said. “We believe that the council vastly overspends. If council was reorganised and restructured so that it was running properly and doing its job properly, there would be no need for a rates increase ” It was “totally unrealistic” to expect a zero rates increase this year, Maltby said.
“If the elected members wanted to, they could force a restructure that would drastically reduce costs and it would be quite feasible to have a 0% rates increase
“I can assure the people of Tauranga that elected members are working hard to find savings, which would reduce the average rates increase for
Feedback council received during consultation ranged from people saying facilities were not meeting needs of the community to concern about rates, Drysdale said There were 968 written submissions and 96 people asked to speak at the hearings. Final decisions would be made after Annual Plan deliberations on May 26. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
Jan Gyenge at the Tauranga
Photo / Alisha Evans
BOP regional councillor resigns
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council will operate with one less councillor until October’s Local Body Elections after councillor Paula Thompson resigned this week. Thompson, who is one of five general constituency councillors representing Tauranga, will retire May 23. Her resignation would not trigger a byelection because it falls within 12 months of the Local Body Elections on October 11, a council statement said. Thompson has served as a councillor since 2010.
BOPRC chair Doug Leeder thanked councillor Thompson for her contributions
“On behalf of all of us, I acknowledge and thank her for the huge contribution she has made to regional council, and by extension the difference she’s made for our region and the people who call it home.
“Her selfless and future-focused approach reflects the spirit of community that councillor Thompson has brought to regional council,” Leeder said
St John cadet Alana Gage-Brown, 14, learns some lifesaving skills from
Building life skills in youth
No day is the same for Hato Hone St John paramedics but for Mat Delaney, the desire to serve his community remains constant.
“You’re there in a patient’s time of need, whatever that may be. It’s a privileged position to be in.”
Delaney was 14 when he joined the Hato Hone St John youth programme. Now, 26 years later, he’s Hato Hone St John’s area operations manager for Western Bay of Plenty
“I was keen on medicine after high school,” he said. “I’d thought about becoming a doctor, so it seemed like a great way to explore that path.”
By 16, Delaney was supporting community events and later worked at major sports games and concerts After studying at Auckland University, he went full-time as an ambulance officer “I attended my first cardiac arrest when I was 21. Now I’m employing 21-year-olds. You develop personal resilience strategies like surfing or running, whatever fills your cup ”
Delaney said he was drawn to the unpredictability of paramedic work, recalling one instance when he was called to what turned out to be cat scratches, and the sense of service. “I was raised by parents with a strong community focus. Helping people in their most vulnerable moments has always felt like an honour Now, as area manager, I get to support an entire team of staff to do this.”
He’s passionate about encouraging young people to get involved in Hato Hone St John cadet programme.
New skills
The Cadet Programme is for children aged sevenplus, who learn first aid and emergency training, and develop leadership and decision-making skills. Cadets meet once-weekly and are grouped according to their age and needs, to work towards attaining badges with the goal of earning their
Grand Prior’s Award.
“The cadet programme is a great way to build life skills and confidence,” he said “If something we teach a young person helps their family one day, then job done.”
That message resonated with Tauranga 14-yearold Alana Gage-Brown, who begged her mum to sign her up after seeing a flyer at the age of eight. Now a Year 10 student at Ōtūmoetai College and a corporal in St John, Gage-Brown has grown in confidence, her leadership ability and her skills in first aid.
“I kind of brag to my friends that if they broke a leg or had a seizure, I’d know what to do,” she laughed. “I used to be so skittish, but the mock scenarios and training have helped a lot.”
Gage-Brown hopes to become a lawyer one day –but right now she’s focused on the annual St John Interdistrict competition this Saturday, May 17, which will bring together cadets from around the upper North Island, including the Bay of Plenty, Lakes, Taranaki, King Country, Waikato, East Coast and Tokoroa divisions come together
Practice into
action
The competition sends teams of four into scenario-based tasks – where they are briefed on a scenario – such as an accident, a DIY accident, playground mishap, medical event, etc – and they have 10 minutes to enter and treat the ‘patients’ they find. “It’s big this year, ” said Gage-Brown. “I’m so excited. We get to put everything we ’ ve trained for into practice.”
For Delaney, resilience and a cool head under pressure are key to what can be a high-pressure job
“If you ’ re passionate about making a difference, love problem-solving and can handle stress, it could be the perfect fit.”
To join the Hato Hone St John youth programme, visit: youth.stjohn.org.nz
WBOP area operations manager Mat Delaney.
Photo / Debbie Griffiths
Debbie Griffiths
Introducing Nami – a real princess, who is proving to be a smart and loyal little pup
Muck in at the quarry
park
If you love whiling away your free time behind a weed eater, chainsaw or tractor –or simply by getting stuck into gardening – you might be able to help out Te Puna Quarry Park
Park committee vice-president Ian Cross said the non-profit group is running short of volunteers to help in range of outdoor work at the park
smaller group meets Thursday mornings too
“Tuesday morning is our main work day; and the area we are looking after is about 25 hectares
“Involved in that is a lot of garden maintenance – weeding, pruning and planting – then about half of the area is in native bush So there’s lots of track maintenance and weed control work in that area, which is quite steep – there’s now only a couple of us looking after it ”
“Over the years we have lost many of our volunteers, particularly the men, and we are having trouble recruiting replacements,” said Cross
“There is just a small gang of us now looking after the native bush block and doing all the maintenance and heavier work ”
Te Puna Quarry Park started life as a rock quarry in the early-1900s, through until 1979
The Te Puna Quarry Park Society was formed in 1993, and three years later began developing the park into the treasure it is today
About 25 hectares
The park – located 110 Te Puna Quarry Rd –features 17 special gardens and outdoor artwork to explore, and is open all day, every day, and admission is free
Cross said volunteers usually meet at the park Tuesday mornings 8 30am-noon, however, a
Cross said being such a large park, volunteers have tractors, trucks, chippers, chainsaws and weed eaters at their disposal for maintenance tasks “We’re currently down to five or six men who regularly show up for this work ”
As a result, the park committee invites anyone who may be able to spare a few hours Tuesdays, Thursdays – or whenever they have time – to give them a call, or simply turn up
Any time or task!
“There’s a whole range of work to undertake –and particularly some of this is more suited to men But we ’ re looking for people who might be interested in any task at all – and when they have time to come It isn’t an onerous position – you don’t have to show up every week, you just come along when it suits you, even if it’s only once a month ”
To enquire about volunteering at Te Puna Quarry Park, phone Ian Cross on 021 490 609 or Jennifer Day on 021 132 9585 Merle Cave
Te Puna Quarry Park committee president Shona Purves with vice president Ian Cross need more helpers to get stuck in to jobs at the park. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Michelle and her sister Orla were found filthy, hungry and in desperate need of help Now sleek
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Remembering those who battled in Crete
When Joy Adams attends Mount Maunganui’s Battle of Crete memorial service this Sunday, May 18, she’ll be thinking of her late father hiding from Germans in a Crete hen house near 80 years ago.
“When hidden in the rear of a darkened hen house the enemy were reluctant to enter The benefit of this was breakfasting on raw eggs, ” said the Tauranga woman of her father’s World War II experience on the Greek island.
Adams, a member of the New Zealand Battle of Crete Association, said there are “ many Crete veterans living in Tauranga”. The Battle of Crete was a major Axis airborne and amphibious operation during World War II to capture the island of Crete, which began the morning of May 20, 1941.
Only once
The battle, which lasted 12 days, involved New Zealand, Australian, British and Greek troops, assisted by Cretan civilians, trying to repel an airborne assault by the Germans.
Of the 7700 New Zealand soldiers stationed on Crete, more than 2000 New Zealand soldiers were captured, and 671 died.
Among the survivors was Adams’ late father, Lieutenant Sergeant Bertram ‘Snowy’ Smith,
who fought in the battle with the 20th Battalion, C Company
Adams said Smith was away at WWII for four-and a-half years and returned home from the war to go farming in Whakamaru before he retired and spent 30 years in Tauranga before his death in 2000.
Adams, who said her father was reluctant to speak about his experience in the Battle of Crete to family, was only prompted on the subject once. “They fired their rifles at the descending Para troops until their rifles overheated, waited until they cooled, then recommenced firing,” Adams said, retelling her late father’s story
However, Smith did speak to family passionately of the camaraderie during the war
“[When] He was one of the walking wounded he was tasked with finding his own way across Crete to Sfakia for evacuation, which included the 2000m high White Mountains and 100km trek ”
Close relationship
She said that along the way, the Cretans offered her dad shelter in hen houses.
Upon his arrival at Sfakia, he could see the hospital ships waiting offshore. Despite his injuries, he was able to swim out to the ship on May 29, 1941, his 24th birthday
Adams said New Zealand’s participation in the battle created a close relationship
between Aotearoa and Crete.
“The Cretans love Kiwis because we as New Zealanders went during World War II to fight in their country and save the country from the enemy and lost a lot of lives in the process.
“There’s been a close bond ever since with New Zealanders because they appreciate very much the sacrifice that New Zealanders made during World
War II ” The annual Battle of Crete memorial service on Sunday, May 18, at 10.30am at the Mount Maunganui RSA is free for the public to attend. There will be marching by the Western Bay of Plenty Cadet Unit and the NZ Cadet Forces, a performance by Tauranga’s Athena Greek Dance Group, followed by catering.
Joy Adams holding a picture of her late father Bertram ‘Snowy’ Smith who fought in the Battle of Crete. Photo / Supplied
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Car show raises $11K for ambulance service
As Neville McKay and his team of Tauranga Auto Extravaganza helpers handed over their biggest cheque yet to Tauranga’s Hato Hone St John this month, the man in charge was already planning a bigger show for next year
A whopping $11,000 was raised at the popular Tauranga Auto Extravaganza, which took place on March 2 this year at Mount
Maunganui McKay spends the whole year organising the event, to raise as much money as he can for a cause close to his heart – Tauranga St John And now residing in Hastings, he’s created a “sister show” there to help St John in Hawke’s Bay too
“We really need St John,” said McKay “We all need help from them at some point in time And we need to get more funds to them so they can do their job ”
McKay said it’s important for
people to know that the money raised at March 2’s Tauranga Auto Extravaganza has been given directly to Tauranga’s Hato Hone St John “I want people to know the money we raise Tauranga Auto Extravaganza stays in Tauranga – it doesn’t go into a bottomless pit somewhere else ” McKay said a big thanks must go to all of the Tauranga show sponsors “Because if it wasn ’ t for the sponsors we wouldn’t be able to have a show Being a family event, we make sure we have attractions for kids – and this all comes from the sponsors ” McKay also wanted to mention the show is not a one-man band “It’s not only me who puts on this show – it’s a team effort and I’m grateful for all the help and hard work put in by those behind the scenes with me ”
staff welfare and supporting our community programmes within the Bay of Plenty region ”
New venue for 2026!
Hato Hone St John Tauranga area committee chair Vaughan Coy said Tauranga’s Auto Extravaganza is a much-loved event that attracts passionate locals “and we want to thank the team behind the event for its continued support and generosity”
“This year, an amazing $11,000 was raised for Hato Hone St John, which will go towards
After the donation get-together with St John at their 17th Avenue on May 8, McKay has revealed Tauranga’s 2026 show is on the move –to Mercury Baypark “We have changed location, so the 2026 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza will be held at Baypark raceway We can get so many things in there it’s not funny – and they wanted us there as well It’s going to be great venue because everyone knows where it is, it’s a central location, there is heaps of parking, and it’s a venue that is tied up with cars as well ”
The 2026 Tauranga Auto Extravaganza at Mercury Baypark raceway will be on March 8 –“ so watch this space!”
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Merle Cave
Vaughan Coy, Nigel Guyot, Keith Sawyer, Neville McKay, Barry Gordon, Matthew Nelson, Kelvin Clout and Bob Kidd at the donation get-together.
Photo / Brydie Thompson
Meet the Tasman: K Kia’ ’ s b big ute is a beaut!
The wait is almost over
The highly anticipated Kia Tasman ute is soon to arrive in New Zealand, and I had an early look at a pre-production model ahead of its official launch.
Debut buzz
Since its global reveal late last year, the Kia Tasman has generated significant buzz, both online and across the automotive industry This marks Kia’s entry into the ute market – a major milestone for a brand known for producing reliable, high-quality vehicles at scale. There is good reason for the excitement. Kia’s roots were in the manufacture of military-grade vehicles, and the Tasman benefits from that expertise. Designed to be rugged and versatile, it has undergone more than 18,000 rounds of global testing – from sand dunes in Dubai and rocky trails in California to water crossings in Korea and off-road trials in Australia.
Big, bold and capable
We were lucky enough to view the Tasman at Kia’s New Zealand facility First impressions are: it’s big – I mean oh-my-gosh-look-at-the-sizeof-it big! – tough and ready for anything. Not surprising when you consider it’s both longer and taller than Toyota’s Hilux and Ford’s Ranger, except the Raptor which is shorter but 6mm taller It’s bold and imposing, with a wide stance and muscular design. The pre-production model we viewed was fitted with custom 33-inch wheels, giving it an even more aggressive, takeon-anything look A big talking point has been the wheel arches. We were initially unsure about them from photos However, now, after we ’ ve seen the Tasman up-close, we love them. In fact, this is a vehicle you really need to see in person to appreciate its strong presence.
Premium and practical
The Tasman’s objective was to provide luxury SUV-levels of refinement in a tough, go anywhere, ute body shell It does this with, standard across the range, features like near-30inch panoramic display, along with access to the Kia Connect app for remote vehicle functions. Depending on the specification, features available include leather upholstery, poweradjustable seating with heating and ventilation,
wireless phone charging, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, and a Harman/Kardon premium audio system Cabin space is generous in both rows, and higher-spec models offer sliding and reclining rear seats, which are relatively uncommon in this segment.
Built to perform
Powering the Tasman is a 2.2-litre turbo diesel engine, delivering 154kW of power and 440Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Kia has also added a number of clever design touches including storage compartments hidden in the wheel arches, a convertible centre armrest that doubles as a workbench/table, and multiple power outlets placed inside the cabin and in the tray
Speaking of trays, according to Kia, the Tasman boasts a class-leading tray capacity of around 1200 litres.
Adaptable
Kia has developed an extensive list of accessories for the Tasman, allowing owners to tailor the vehicle to their lifestyle or work requirements In addition to the tow bar –with a 3500kg braked towing capacity – the list includes tray covers, roof racks, snorkel kits, canopies and various off-road accessories The scale of the accessory range signals Kia’s intent to offer broad flexibility for different users and make the Tasman a success from the outset
Pricing and availability
The Kia Tasman is available for preorders now, with prices ranging from $52,690+ORC for the TX Double Cab 4WD Auto up to $79,690+ORC for the
Those interested in learning more can visit Tauranga Kia, located at 100 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, or call them on 07 578 1378 for details
Axel Smith
This month the Winter Energy Payment kicks in to help those aged 65-plus keep their homes warm and dry during winter
Those who receive NZ Super or the Veteran’s Pension, will be entitled to receive it from May 1-October 1 and it is paid automatically; you don’t need to apply The first full Winter Energy Payment will be on Tuesday, May 20, according to the Office of Seniors’ latest newsletter “Couples and people with dependent children will get $31 82 a week Single and widowed people
Winter Energy Payment k kickks in
will get $20 46 a week Couples will receive a combined payment which is made to one person in the couple – unfortunately we can ’ t split it, but we can switch it to the other person ’ s account ” To split the payment, call the Ministry of Social Development Seniors Line on 0800 552 002
For those who don’t want to get the Winter Energy Payment, you can opt out by contacting MSD “If you ’ ve opted out in the past and want to get this payment again, contact MSD on 0800 552 002 between Monday-Friday 7am-6pm and Saturday 8am-1pm ”
.. keep them in hand for
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A legend on the course
He’s referred to as “ a bit of a legend” and “ a really good bloke”.
Ray Pittams, aged 90, is also well-known among members at the Tauranga Golf Club for scoring under or at his age an astonishing 224 times.
“I hit the course par of 71 when I was 71,” said the Pyes Pā resident. “Today, I’ve hit a round of 88, so I’m pretty happy with that.”
The former King Country sheep and cattle farmer picked up golf in his mid-20s as a hobby that gave him a break from work
“A group of farmers and two country school teachers formed a nine-hole golf course in the country at Mapiu, halfway between Te Kūiti and Taumarunui and we played every Sunday afternoon,” said Pittams.
“To learn, I put a full-length mirror in front of myself outside and copied the swing of a professional golfer named Sam Snead.
“That’s how I taught myself to play golf ”
He joined the golf club at Greerton in 1980 and is now the third oldest member, playing golf three times each week.
“It’s good for upper body strength and the legs,” said Pittams. “It’s a good sport to take up because
it’s a game for life. “I used to play on single figures and I’ve won a fair few trophies over the years; open days and the five course classic I’m still competitive but I don’t go into match play tournaments anymore. ”
Pittams’ only concession to his age is that he uses a buggy to get around the course and finds it more difficult to see the ball.
“The guys I play with are excellent. I don’t think I’d be able to play without them helping me, ” he said “Sometimes they joke around and try to point me in the wrong direction but I could almost go by feel, now I know straight away if I’ve hit the ball right.”
Tauranga Golf Club manager Michelle Towersey said golf is an excellent way for seniors to stay active, both physically and socially
“Golf provides a connection with friends, even if your golf isn’t great, ” she said
“As our members get older, they can adapt their swing or use a golf cart to suit their mobility If you walk the course, it’s certainly easy to get 10,000 steps in a day
“It’s about getting out in nature and you can ’ t help but feel good when you ’ ve been out golfing ”
Debbie Griffiths
Ray Pittams at Tauranga Golf Club in Greerton
Photo / Debbie Griffiths
“I’d been to Summerset on a couple of occasions as part of my job as Eve’s Real Estate branch manager in Pāpāmoa.
My wife Heather and I looked at villages in the area and when we compared them all, we felt that Summerset is superior in a lot of ways, ” said Summerset resident Trevor Hansen.
Feels like home
“When we started to look for a retirement village, we included our children. We have three adult boys, two locally and one in Germany
The local boys came with us to visit villages,” said Trevor
“The main draw was that Summerset is modern with a number of different facilities on-site that were superior, and the location is close to our sons and the grandkids.”
The Hansens also liked the village cafe as well as the people “The staff were very friendly towards us, even though we hadn’t yet signed up When you throw all of that into the mix, Summerset was ticking so many boxes.”
“And Heather liked this village for
‘Summerset superior in a lot of ways ’
the newness and its safe and secure, with care facilities for later,” said Trevor
Value of village living
The Hansens felt more informed than others might when they started looking for a retirement village and were keen to share the importance of understanding the value you ’ re really getting when signing up to a village
“Being in real estate helped a bit with understanding contracts and I knew about Licence To Occupy Agreements,” said Trevor
“I’m not saying I’m an expert, we t took legal advice, and our solicitor was our trustee A fundamental thing to understand is the deferred
management fee As long as you can g get your head around that, then you can see the benefits for you ” Trevor said it’s also important to get your families
support on what you ’ re doing “In real estate, I dealt with a number of people who were thinking about going into a village who were talked out of it by their children I saw people in their late eighties and nineties saying:
‘We’re not going to sell now, we ’ re going to stay here’ Our family said: ‘Go for it’ ”
“I believe that above all you have to place a high value and worth on the lifestyle and camaraderie And all the facilities and activities you can do on your doorstep Then there’s the safety and security You need to place a lot of worth and value on enjoying
all that while you ’ re alive,” Trevor said.
Since moving in, the Hansens have more in their diaries than ever Trevor participates in the ukelele group, bowls and pool teams While Heather is a fan of the fitness classes and enjoys crafting
If you ’ re contemplating village life, pop in and spend some time in the village You can enjoy a cuppa and treat in the café or just call in and talk with the friendly team and chat with residents who already love the Summerset life Summerset by the Dunes, 35 Manawa Rd, Pāpāmoa
Love the care around you. At Summerset, there’s always a helping hand when you need it. Alongside our neighbourly community, our villages are designed so that as your needs change, we have different levels of care and support across our villages (subject to availability and eligibility criteria). We call it our continuum of care but really, it’s about always being there
Love the life you choose.
Summerset by the Dunes 07 542 9082 summerset.co.nz/papamoa
Summerset by the Dunes residents, Heather and Trevor Hansen Photo / Supplied
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Our bodies have extraordinary defence and repair processes.
I recently took a chunk out of my shin. A few minutes later bleeding stopped, and a clot formed The next week the area became red with inflammation opening blood vessels to bring a variety of compounds to heal the damaged tissue. Inflammation
subsided and new skin is forming Our joints have healing processes unique to joints If cartilage is damaged, specialist cartilage cells called chondrocytes are stimulated to make a cocktail of compounds including chondroitin to secrete new cartilage to repair damage. Joint pain from osteoarthritis can significantly reduce quality of f life thhrough h paiin and d restricted mobility There is a downside because inflammation brings more fluid into the joint capsule. This is the cause of pain, swelling, heat and redness that can be part of osteoarthritis This inflammation often causes more discomfort and lack of mobility than actual cartilage loss. This is why reducing inflammation is the most important part of
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Winter is a great time of the year to get varicose veins treated, as well as more intense laser resurfacing work on the face, hands, neck and decolletage
During the cooler months of the year, the compression stockings worn after vein treatments don’t get so hot and sticky, and with the sun less intense, resurfaced skin heals better, according to Cosmetic & Veins founder and medical director, Dr Anuya Deshpande
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Late-2023 I was contacted by someone with serious knee ossteoarthritis, who was advised he’d need a knee replacement. I started him on a programme of f 1600mg of chondroitin, 16600mg of glucosamine and 4000mg of 100% water-soluble cuurcumin, from turmeric Affter a few months he reported immprovements. Two years latter, his knees are much more coomfortable with improved mobility
This programme works because thhe compounds stimulate cartilage repair processes while reducing inflammation and protecting the joint from further deterioration. This often means a real improvement in quality of life. 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. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz.
Dr Anuya Deshpande.
Photo / Supplied
wearing shorts again “Those patients usually also find they get much better sleep, as legs with untreated varicose veins can feel heavy, crampy, restless and achy or itchy”
If you have these symptoms, an ultrasound mapping will reveal what is going on in the leg veins, and if treatment is required, it can be done non-surgically under local anaesthetic, said Deshpande
“Patients can walk out following treatment, and get back to work the next day if they choose to ”
When it comes to treatment of the skin, the more intense the treatment, the better the long term results in terms of rejuvenation, said Deshpande
Cosmetic & Veins Clinic treats skin with a mixture of medical devices and dermatology grade skin care systems
“We added a multi-platform, medical grade laser to the clinic last year that’s great for treatment of pigmentation, redness, spider veins and fine lines ” An initial consultation gives patients the opportunity to discuss symptoms and find out about what’s possible.
The Heart Foundation is launching a nationwide blood pressure awareness campaign this month to encourage Kiwis to get their blood pressure checked.
Tauranga residents will be able to get a free blood pressure check at pop-up events on May 19 or May 26 at St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church at 134 Sixteenth Ave from 10am-2pm both days.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects a million New Zealanders and is the single biggest risk factor for New Zealand’s biggest killer –heart disease – according to the foundation.
Heart Foundation medical director Dr Gerry Devlin said one in three New Zealanders aged above 30 have high blood
We’re always looking ahead at our clinic – and we can tell you that Veloce is the future of skin rejuvenation.
Free blood pressure checks on n offer in to n
pressure. Of those, one-quarter have it under control.
“There are 350,000 Kiwis who have high blood pressure and don’t know it,” Devlin said “High blood pressure damages your arteries and can lead to serious complications such as heart attack and stroke. It’s often referred to as a silent killer because high blood pressure itself rarely has symptoms. ”
With New Zealand blood pressure control rates lagging behind nations like Germany, Canada, the UK and the US, the Heart Foundation is determined to help turn that around 12,000 lives
“We should be aiming to double blood pressure control rates by 50% over the next 10 years, ” said Devlin. “If we can achieve it, we will save 12,000 lives by 2040. If we adopt a
more ambitious goal to achieve 70% control by 2030, the number of deaths averted will be considerably higher.”
Devlin said high blood pressure contributes to 45% – about 4000 people – of the cardiovascular deaths in New Zealand each year
Get checks!
Successfully managing blood pressure can have a dramatic impact on heart health, said Devlin. “For every 10-point drop in your systolic * blood pressure, you reduce your risk of a heart event by 20%.”
Blood pressure checks can be done by a doctor, nurse or at selected pharmacies. Home monitors are also an option “We want to encourage New Zealanders to get their checks done, understand what the numbers mean and take charge
Agamechanger inskinrejuvenation g
of their heart health to live a longer, healthier life ”
There are maany actions people can take to prrevent and help manage high b blood pressure, which include e exercising more, reducinng salt intake, improving sleeep, reducing stress, increasiing nutrition and reducing alcohhol all have an immediate and positive effect on blood pressure
The foundation’s free blood pressure checkks for the public around Aotearroa began May 17. See a list o of locations at: heartfounddation org nz/ bp-pop-up-evvents
This revolutionary Intense Pulsed Dual Light treatment has quickly become a favourite for clients and skin professionals alike, thanks to its ability to deliver real results in fewer sessions
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Funeral home opens its doors to the public
From race car detailed caskets, services in the family orchard, or an evening service followed by a sit-down meal, Tauranga funeral director Fergus Keith has seen it all
“It’s a privilege to work with families at their worst time,” he said “We get unusual requests every day and our job is to make them happen ”
Legacy Funerals’ upcoming open day on Saturday, May 24, is an opportunity to see behind the scenes of the operation
“People are often curious about
what happens when we die, said Keith “This is a chance to understand the process and normalise the conversation.”
Visitors can see the mortuary, casket room and arrangement rooms, with staff on hand to answer questions
“We’re often asked: ‘Do I need to be embalmed?’ and ‘How quickly do I need to have a funeral, and do I even need one?’,” said Keith “If there’s no service, families can struggle to say their goodbyes, but we can assist whatever the need ”
Legacy Funerals has three chapels in Tauranga and also arranges personalised farewells
at beaches, sports clubs, homes and once, on a barge in the harbour
“We’re really open, ” said Keith. “Our job is to say ‘Yes’ to what families want, then find a way to make it happen ”
The team also supports preplanning of funerals “You can choose everything from the casket to the music and even the vehicle,” said Keith. “You don’t get much say in when you die but you can have a say in what happens after”
Legacy Funerals’ Open Day on Saturday, May 24, is from 10am to midday at 383 Pyes Pa Road
The third Neighbourhood Support Western Bay of Plenty Sirens and Services Day is set to be the biggest yet, with 24 organisations confirmed so far The free event on Saturday, May 24, from 1pm-4.30pm at Merivale Action Centre is designed to connect families with vital support agencies.
“It’s an event to bring the community together to learn about services like police, fire and Hato Hone St John as well as community services they can access, ” said event coordinator Rebecca Larsen.
As well as free health checks and haircuts, safety education, free vaccinations, CPR demonstrations, support for over-65s and financial
Learn about the sirens andservices at Merivale
advice, attendees will c collect stamps in a ‘ passport ’ as they learn n about everything from smear tests to scaam prevention
At the end, they’ll reeceive a free goodie bag filled with h essentials like toothpaste, deodorant t and household cleaning supplies
“We’re hoping to buuild a good understanding of whaat ’ s out there and strong relationships in n the community Neighbourhood Suppport is about bringing people together in safety,” said Larsen
There will be a free b barbecue and water with balloon annimals and face painting to keep kids entertained
“We want our local families to leave with more than they a arrived with – as well as the information they need to support their family,” said Gemma Cramp from Merivale e Community Centre
“Our theme is ‘hauora’ or ‘wellbeing’, so it’s a day for neighbbours to meet, families to learn, and everyone to feel supported.”
Neighbourhood Support WBOP’s Sirens and Services Daay on Saturday, May 24, from 1pm-4.30pm is a free event at Merivale Action Centre.
Saturday,24May2025 | 10:00amuntil12noon 383PyesPaRoad,PyesPa,Tauranga RSVPbyphoneoremail: 075434780 | office@legacyfuneralsco.nz
Take a tour of Legacy Tauranga Discover the peace of mind that pre-planning brings, ask questions and enjoy a lovely morning tea on us
075434780 legacyfunerals.co.nz @legacyfuneralsnz
D Debbie Griffiths
Debbie Griffiths
Kathy Webb from Neighbour Support with Gemma Cramp invite the whole community to this year ’ s Sirens & Services Day at Merivale on May 24. Photo / Brydie Thompson
Funeral director Fergus Keith is inviting the public behind the scenes of Legacy Funerals at its May 24 Open Day. Photo / Supplied
Rocket Man versus Piano Man in Tauranga!
Hit tribute show ‘Elton John vs Billy Joel’ is back for an epic 13-stop 2025 national tour – and now it’s Tauranga’s turn!
Yes folks, it’s time to sing your heart out with the ‘Rocket Man’ versus ‘Piano Man’ when they perform at Baycourt Theatre from 7 30pm on Friday, May 23
After captivating Kiwi audiences in 2023 and 2024, professional musicians Cam
and
are back with their powerhouse show
“Audiences can expect a huge night, featuring grand pianos, dazzling costumes, complete with all the unforgettable hits, this is a must-see event for music lovers of all ages, ” said musician Cam Crawford
“Join us for an intimate night out as we perform the greatest hits of Elton John and Billy Joel – including ‘Piano Man’, ‘Rocket
Man’, ‘Uptown Girl’, ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’, ‘Bennie and the Jets’ and many more!”
Cam & Sam are accomplished performers who’ve spent decades mastering their craft, earning NZ Music Chart successes, and performing across Australia, Europe, Asia, the US, and Pacific
“Our passion for live music and love of legends Sir Elton John and Billy Joel led us to create this electrifying show, which we have meticulously refined to deliver an authentic and unforgettable experience
Our last show in Tauranga in 2024 was a sellout, so we can ’ t wait to return to the region ”
The duo is also incredibly proud to have an all NZ cast and crew for the Aotearoa tour So don’t miss your chance to experience this spectacular celebration of two of music’s greatest icons, performed by NZ’s own world-class tribute duo!
The Elton John vs Billy Joel NZ Tribute show is at Tauranga’s Baycourt Theatre Friday, May 23 Purchase tickets at: www camandsam co nz/elton-vs-billy or from Baycourt box office or: www baycourt co nz
The Weekend Sun has two
BOP Wrestling Championships in Katikati
A full day of action is promised for those who head along to the Bay of Plenty Wrestling Championships being held in Katikati this Sunday, May 18
Event organiser Bobette Tanner said the championships – which is open to everyone –begins 9am at Katikati College’s Action Centre, on Beach Rd
“Anyone in New Zealand can enter the championships so we do get competitors who travel from around the North Island, from afar afield as Auckland, Hamilton, the Mount, maybe the odd one or two from Wellington ” Tanner said this is the second year in a row
Katikati Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Club has won the bid to hold the event
“Last year we had about 80 wrestlers compete, ” said Tanner
The championships is run in age-groups for under-10s, 10-13s, under-15s, under-17s, under19s, and a female and male category for the adults section
“And all of these age-groups are then put in groups by their weight, and only under-10s will wrestle both sexes ” Tanner said the draw is created so it is fair to newer wrestlers and enjoyable for the kids
Spectators can watch the May 18 event for free – bring your food, and a coffee cart will be on-site
Cam & Sam last toured NZ
Crawford
Sam Hyde – known as Cam & Sam –
An ‘Elton John vs. Billy Joel’ tribute show is back in Tauranga on May 23 thanks to musicians Cam Crawford and Sam Hyde Photo / Paul Howell
A feast of alternative sounds
Music of all flavours is continually bubbling away in Tauranga – and, if you ’ re into something with alternative spicing, then next weekend offers a banquet.
Perhaps the build-up to Loserpalooza has started Yes, let’s begin there because the annual festival at Totara Street is back for its eighth year on June 21, running from noon to midnight, featuring no less than 24 bands from Tauranga’s voluminous alternative scene.
That scene is a big and unwieldy beast so expect everything from bands sounding like Hüsker Dü on steroids to things damn near approaching pop music Colour me excited
In the meantime, you can scratch your alternative itches for three consecutive days, starting at The Jam Factory on Friday, May 23, when Te Puke High School punk trio Punktuation take centre stage. They sound like the sort of rebellious punks that kicked it all off 50 years ago – seriously, 50 years? – and are certainly not lacking in confidence given they cite Nirvana, The Beatles and Joy Division in their PR blurb.
They’ll be joined by established thrashers Skonk and Sewerside Rats – all three bands are Loserpaloozaring in June.
The sickest
Next night, Saturday, May 24, Totara Street at the Mount hosts a veritable deluge of Auckland bands and a couple from Hamilton, with an early 5.30pm kick-off
For an idea of what to expect let me quote the promoters: “Festival of the sickest bands, playing the sickest sounds”. It is called, no surprises here, Sick Set Bro The audience? Fans of “brutal screams, heavy guitar melodies, and a bit of singing is cool too”.
For the record I’ll list the bands From Auckland we have Qualms, Kiero, Amanaki, Animal Head and Soul Stroke; from Hamilton there’s Jobsite and Static; and, rounding out the bill, from Rotorua and the Manawatu are Barracks and The Rising Tide.
None of those will be play at Loserpalooza since all 24 of the Loser bands are local. But someone who will is
unique proponent of the musical shopping trolley The Beatnik Staffs.
The one-man – sometimes twoman – band fronted by Zig Beatnik and his converted Countdown shopping trolley play an afternoon show on Sunday, May 25, at a venue I haven’t previously had the pleasure of mentioning: record and bookstore Round & Round at the Mount.
Slightly less alternative
One more show, for those who like their alternative music slightly less alternative, the latest iteration of Satellite Session is happening at the 16 Ave Theatre on Saturday, May 24, with four distinctly different acts. There’s Matty & The Buxtones. Matty Buxton fronts the seven-
piece band and plays smooth jazzy funky pop. They’ve been touring the country and Matty writes a good catchy song. There’s also an acoustic set from Amelia McNabb, a Kiwi/ Scottish singer-songwriter who recently released the single ‘Villain’ I’ve seen the other two acts playing at Agave, the cool new Mexican spot in the Mount’s Cruise Deck. Drosan are Argentinian and play a distinctly modern brand of instrumental jazz funk, and Brazilian Camila Lenhart sings over looped soundscapes of guitar, percussion and violin
Matty Buxton. Photos / Supplied
Zig Beatnik.
Amelia McNabb.
Amanda takes flight into show world
She’s been helping out behind the scenes for years, but now it’s “show time” for Judea woman Amanda Adamson and her favourite feathered friends
Tauranga Bird Club’s annual Bird Show & Sale is this Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, at Mount Sports
Centre and, for the first time, Adamson is showing three hook beak Bourke’s parakeets
“They were chicks from this season, ” said Adamson, who was bitten by the birdkeeping bug 10 years ago
budgies,
‘Quite a few…’
How many birds does she have now? “Well, I’m not really entirely sure…” What!? “Quite a few…” And how many is quite a few? “I’ve got eight aviaries ” Wow! “The little patio cage is long gone!”
“The bird thing? I started off with a couple of birds in 2015 My father-in-law had a little cage on the side of this house with four budgies and I always said to of re ts ”
my husband: ‘That’s what I’d like, one o those’ And it never happened ” Then she came across a little patio cage and things took flight Her first birds we a Turquoisine pair she purchased from Hamilton “They’re like little mini parrot
Among her untallied brood are the Bourke’s, some Turquoisines, a pair of Barrabands “and some Red-rumped parrots, which I just recently acquired” Ironically, Adamson doesn’t like loud noise, so her choice of species is very particular “All the birds I have are lovely, sweet-sounding little birds that don’t make a lot of racket I can ’ t deal with racket!” (I bet the neighbours are happy) She did try cockatiels and Ringnecks “They were way too noisy for me – so they all moved on ”
In her blood
Meanwhile, as the brood grows so does the job list for Adamson’s husband “I’ve acquired a couple of garden sheds over the years and got him to convert them into aviaries for me. ” Covid lockdown was also happily spent building an aviary
So why birds? “I just love their nature, and watching them in their little world – they’re just incredible to watch I sit on the deck and watch them in summer and they twitter around and do these zoomies in the air I don’t know I just find them relaxing and I just love them ” And the bird bug is her in blood “I know my aunty had budgies and used to show them at the Tauranga club, and my
CommunityForum Expogoes rural
The Maketu-Te Puke Community Forum Expo is heading east to take place in Paengaroa. The forum on Wednesday, May 21 from 7pm-9pm at Paengaroa Community Hall offers people the chance to hear updates, share views, and connect with Western Bay of Plenty District Council and community groups in a relaxed setting. The first hour, from 7pm-8pm, will explore the new Te Puke-Eastern Community Board area, which will extend further east than the current community board area, taking in Te Puke, Paengaroa, Pukehina and Pongakawa, and
take effect after October’s Local Body Elections. From 8pm-9pm, the event shifts into expo mode, where attendees can move between different tables and talk directly with council staff and elected members about topics that matter most to them In the last few months, Community Expos have been held in Katikati and Te Puna, with more than 120 people attending to learn about projects happening in their communities and give their feedback. The Maketu-Te Puke Community Forum Expo is last one for 2025.
nana had bud too – but it’s taken me a b longer to get the showing of things It’s been on the radar but I thought this year I’ll give it a go and ju see what hap
The show
dgies just bit into side s ust pens ” w ay, May m-5pm
Amazingly, the story of God’s rescue plan for humanity through Christ on the cross begins in Eden
Adam and Eve sinned and God uttered words the gravity of which could never be underestimated: “What is this you have done?” Count up all the sin ever committed and the price God thought necessary to pay for sin’s forgiveness and you’ll understand the gravity of God’s “What is this you have done?”; and we’ll also understand the gravity of just one of our own sins!
God said to the serpent: “Because you have done this I will put enmity between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel”
The interpretation of many scholars is: the serpent ’ s Satan, the woman ’ s Eve, the serpent/ Satan’s seed are those against the true God,
the Seed of the woman is Jesus, Jesus bruises Satan’s head, Satan bruises Jesus’ heel, bruising of a heel is less serious than the bruising of a head, Jesus landed a serious and eternal bruise to Satan’s head by the effects of the cross and Satan only landed a temporary blow to Christ through Christ having to suffer for humanity’s sin Isaiah 53:5, which Christians believe speaks of Christ, said “He was bruised for our iniquities” Much more could be said about this remarkable early prophesy about the good news of Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection As you reflect on it, I pray you’ll appreciate how amazing God and the Bible are David Kidd, Church of God’s Love
On Saturda 17, from 1pm 5pm and Sunday, May 18, from 9am-midday, the Mount Sports Centre on Maunganui Rd will come alive with a cacophony of birds talking, squawking, dancing, flicking seed out of their nests while battling for the best prizes in their respective categories
More than 500 birds of 17 species will be exhibited There’s “hands-on” encounter for the kids, plus raffles, a silent auction, and a range of birds and accessories for sale Entry is $5 per adult, under-12s $3 and $12 per family
Adamson, who joined the club in its darkest days a decade ago “when it was nearly dying” is rapt that today it is “booming!”
“So please come along and see the birds and what our club is all about,” she said
Merle Cave
Enjoy a community planting day at Pāpāmoa East Interchange
Are you keen to roll up your sleeves and help create a lush, green gateway to the new bridge that will improve connections for Pāpāmoa East?
This Saturday, May 17, the public can meet at the end of Te Okuroa Drive in Pāpāmoa from 11am-2pm for a fun day of planting, hosted by HEB Construction
This event is open for all ages, kids are welcome to join the action and will get a chance to jump in the seat of some big machines on-site Tools and plants will be provided, and there will be a free sausage sizzle and ice cream stall But remember –closed shoes are essential For more information about the Pāpāmoa East Interchange, visit: letstalk tauranga govt nz
Christ was bruised for our iniquities
Amanda Adamson with one of the Bourke’s she will enter at her Tauranga Bird Club’s annual Bird Show this weekend. Photos / Brydie Thompson
A Turquoisine fr f om Amanda’s Adamson’s un-numbered brood.
