The Weekend Sun - 30 May 2025

30 May 2025, Issue 1262

Pushing their limits Six elite fitness athletes from Tauranga are headed to Chicago to represent New Zealand at the Hyrox World Championships from June 12-15.

Harry Hall, Chas Clark, Chanée King, Megan Hattingh, Kelvin Clark and Aidan Lett, pictured, will compete as

three two-person teams. The group train at Th TheeLab Athletic Club in Tauranga City, which is dedicated to Hyrox – an international indoor fitness race, combining endurance running and functional training.

Harry Hall and Chas Clark will race in

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the Pro Doubles 30-39 category, Aidan Lett and Kelvin Clark in the Pro Doubles 50-59, and Megan Hattingh with Chanée King in the Open Doubles 30-39.

Hall will also participate in the Team NZ relay, and Chas Clark will compete in the mixed doubles.

The teams qualified after an impressive showing at an Auckland Hyrox event, placing them in the top 1% globally.

Now, they’re seeking support to help cover the high costs of travel and competition.

Read more on page 8. Photo / Brydie Thompson

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Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

2 The Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area. For a full list of stand locations see https://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.html The Weekend Sun is part of NZME - New Zealand Media & Entertainment. We keep Kiwis in the know. Locally produced at 405 Cameron Rd, Tauranga

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Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Caitlin Burns.

About as close as it gets It’s a story that needs to be told. Right here, right now. Sounds like that Fatboy Slim anthem. Right here, right now…

Especially now the tumult has died, now that the smoke from the Sistine Chapel and the thuribles of the Papal installation has dissipated. Being a boring ‘Proddie’, I didn’t know how much the Catholics love their smoke.

And now that the cardinals have packed their dinky red sneakers and jazzy scarlet zucchettos and cassocks and gone back to their day jobs in the dioceses, and TV broadcast trucks have disappeared from Vatican Square.

So the time is very right to share something deeply personal and spiritual.

I know Bob Prevost. Robert Francis Prevost.

You’d know him as the newly-elected Pope

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Leo XIV. Well, I don’t know him personally. But I know a bloke, Mick ‘thuh Merican’ Wook, lately of Tauranga, who knows him.

Well, that’s hyperbole too. He doesn’t personally know the Pope either. But as Mick likes to explain, with respect, the Pope is his brother by a different father to a different mother.

And come Monday, September 14, Mick would not be surprised to get a papal phone call. And the chat could go like this.

weighs 92kg. A month ago, Mick weighed 92kg. Extraordinary!

The Pope’s brother is from New Lenox, a southwest suburb of Chicago. Mick’s best mate lives in New Lenox.

So the question is, why wasn’t the media clamouring to tell Mick’s story?

Why weren’t the TV broadcast trucks parked up at Mick’s front door the week

Like for like

The Tauranga connection doesn’t end there. Mick “thuh ‘Merican” Wook, says the Pope is 175.26cm tall. Mick is 175.26cm tall. Mick says the Pope

– sinful and not very Papal stuff.

And they wouldn’t have interviewed the Peruvian Football Club honcho, who received a non-playing membership fee from the Pope before he was the Pope. That was decidedly underwhelming. They should have spoken to Astro Twin Mick because Astro Twin Mick had a real story to tell.

A beatific smile

Hello Mick

“Salve Mick, quid agis?” this man of many tongues would say quietly in Latin – because that’s the way it shakes down in the Vatican.

Or he might say: “Hola Mick, como estas?” from his days in Peru, or just good old: “Hello Mick, how are yuh?” from his days at home in Chicaw-go.

Then the Pope would wish Mick a happy birthday. And Mick, in turn, would wish the Holy Father happy birthday. Because, inconceivably, the two men, Mick and the Pope, share a date of birth.

Not just a birthday, but the actual date of birth, Wednesday, September 14, 1955. They were born on the same day, of the same month, of the same year.

Both are 69.

I can sense gasps of astonishment as you digest this. Holy Mother of Jesus!

What a coincidence, what a story!

Mick and Pope Leo are twins – not biological, but Astro Twins, or Star Twins, as the astrologers call them.

Birthday twins, Birthday Buddies.

And the probability of meeting someone with your exact birthday and age is approximately one in 36,865.

The Weekend Sun is subject to NZ Media Council procedures.

First, email your complaint to the Editor at: newsroom@thesun.co.nz If not satisfied or for more details, go to: mediacouncil.org.nz

around the election of the new Pope?

He had a real story to tell. But, instead d, we were forced to watch parad des off people basking in refl fleected fl d glory, telling tenuous stories ab bout their flimsy, farremoved connecction to the new Pope.

Such as: “I drovve past St Mary of the Assumption Primaary school where Pope Leo was educated””.

Cue breathless tones from CNN anchor. “Wow! Tell uss more.”

I know if CNN had been aware of Mick’s Papal connection, it wou uld have cancelled the Vatican n pizzeria waiter who took th he Pope’s pepperoni lunch ordeer 10 years ago. That might have been newsworthy had it been a Heell pizza because Hell pizzas are called Lust, Greed, Wrath, Envy, Pride and Gluttony

The coincidence doesn’t end there. Both Mick and the Pope are “dual citizens” – the Pope in United States and Peru; and Mick in the USA and New Zealand.

The Pope saw a White Sox game at the new Comiskey ballpark on Chicago’s south side. And our Mick was at the first ever White Sox game at that very same ballpark. How about that?

And here’s Mick sharing his story over a pint. I was in the presence of greatness and the blessed. And Mick was wearing this beatific smile – a look of rapture, joy and peace. Very unsettling. bviously had a moment He’d ob of great reealisation and revelation.

Or perhaps it wass the beer kicking in? On the other hand, it was sad because Mick’s storry should have made wonderful ‘Breakingg News’ on the world stage – and now it’s relegated to Page 2 of a poxy coommunity rag in Tauranga. Sorry Mick.

The Pope’s brother livees in Naples, Florida. Mickk’s been to Napless, Florida, seeveral times.

Well I never!

There the Th ncidence coin ends – because he Pope while th is supremeely Catholic, Mick’s of the secular world, pagan. But he will still dine out on his Papal connection anytime.

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“Water is just something that the minute you get in it, your body is free, you’re safe.

For me, there’s no wheelchairs.” want to see that go.”

Suzie Edmonds, who started Project STOP, said the community appreciated the effort of the working group and others who “stood strong” to save the pool.

“This was a collective effort, driven by a single powerful goal, and that was to save the Ōtūmoetai Pool.”

Council spaces and places strategic planning and partnerships manager Ross Hudson said if the council kept the Ōtūmoetai Pool, the Memorial Park Aquatic Centre would cater for 15-20 years of growth.

The council put plans for the $105m aquatic centre on hold late last year to look at other design

Pool saved from closure!

options. Councillor Glen Crowther was involved in trying to save the Ōtūmoetai Pool before being elected last year. He said things got off to a “bad start”, but the council turned a corner after engaging with the working group.

“It’s been a really positive turnaround. I’m supportive of the investment into Ōtūmoetai, I think that’s essential.”

The council also approved the development of an Aquatics Network Plan for Tauranga.

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

The Ōtūmoetai Pool will stay open and be upgraded. Photo / Bay of Plenty Times

The Ōtūmoetai Pool, an “amazing community asset” that was slated for closure, will stay open and be upgraded. The decision was made at Tauranga City Council annual plan deliberations on Tuesday.

The council voted to keep the pool open and invest $5.71m between 2027 and 2033 for maintenance and upgrades. The plant room and filtration system would be upgraded and pool entry ramps added to increase accessibility.

In 2023, the Commission governing the council decided to decommission the Ōtūmoetai Pool in 2027 once the new Memorial Park Aquatic Centre was open.

Reasons for closing the pool were its age of 57 years, geotechnical issues, and the “unsustainable” cost to keep it operating.

The community opposed the closure and the Save The Ōtūmoetai Pool - Project STOP campaign was launched.

The council set up a working group in April 2024 with people from Ōtūmoetai College,

Evolution Aquatics, community representatives and an independent aquatic facilities expert.

The group recommended keeping and upgrading the pool.

Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting, working group member Matthew King said Tauranga was coastal, so water safety was “hugely important”.

The Ōtūmoetai catchment had more than 5800 students and the pool was needed for those children to learn to swim, said King, who was an Ōtūmoetai College board member.

“It’s an important skill for our kids to have.”

Fellow working group member Amanda Lowry said she broke her neck 12 years ago and when she came back to Tauranga there were no council facilities where she could swim.

“Water is just something that the minute you get in it, your body is free, you’re safe. For me, there’s no wheelchairs.”

Lowry fundraised $8000 for the Ōtūmoetai Pool hoist. In 2022, upgrades added an accessible toilet and change facility. “The place is set up to be an amazing community asset. I just don’t

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Friday 30 May 2025 A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on...

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‘Almost impossible’ to find a carpark

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Centre to host first national event Tauranga’s newest sports facility is set to host its first national tournament.

The Foot Locker Under 20 Basketball Nationals will take place at the new University of Waikato Haumaru Sport and Recreation Centre during King’s Birthday weekend. The former The Warehouse site on Cameron Rd was purchased by the council in early-2024 and has been converted into a multi-purpose indoor sport and recreation centre.

The Basketball New Zealand tournament gives representative-level players a final chance to compete at age-group level on the national stage. It brings together young talent from across the country – including Kiwis returning from overseas – and is free for the public to attend.

Cocaine seizure

Customs has seized 130kg of cocaine at the Port of Tauranga, smuggled inside a shipping container sent from Italy.

Customs’ maritime manager Robert Smith said his officers found the Class A drug earlier this week after assessing the container as suspicious and running it through an X-ray.

The total amount seized was worth up to $50.44 million, Smith said. The container was loaded with machinery and had arrived from Italy via Panama, he said.

After an X-ray and a physical examination, officers found 130 blocks of cocaine, each 1kg, inside duffel bags at the front of the container.

Winter tramping

As King’s Birthday weekend marks the official start of winter, the NZ Mountain Safety Council is reminding trampers to choose tracks that are suitable for the season. “Winter is a great time to get outdoors, but extra caution was essential to take into account the colder, wetter weather and reduced daylight hours,” said chief executive Mike Daisley.

“Alpine routes need to be put on hold until summer, except for trampers with the skills and equipment to manage the complexities of ice, snow and avalanche danger, but there are plenty of other options across the motu.”

Hung jury in rape trial

A drunken, but consensual act after an evening of flirtation during St Patrick’s Day festivities – or a man who had sex with an intoxicated sleeping woman who’d put herself to bed? That was the key question lingering at the end of a week-long trial in the Tauranga District Court – and one the jury was ultimately unable to agree upon.

After about six hours of deliberation, jurors were discharged on Friday night, having failed to reach a verdict. The matter has now been put to an administrative hearing, where it is expected a date will be set for a retrial.

The Tauranga Hospital carpark.

Photo / Brydie Thompson

The Bay of Plenty community has spoken up about the difficulty of finding a carpark at Tauranga Hospital, and are asking for change.

The Weekend Sun surveyed the community on Facebook, asking for their experiences with carparking at Tauranga Hospital.

More than 100 readers reported struggling to find a carpark when attending Tauranga Hospital for an appointment or to visit a friend or family member.

Choley Barke found the nearest carpark to the hospital, still far away, as they were full.

She had to walk from the opposite end of the carpark while in labour. Later, she went through a traumatic birth experience, and once she was discharged from the hospital, she then had to walk again to the opposite end of the carpark, just after having a baby.

Then, when her baby was three months old, she had to revisit the hospital for appointments. Again, she struggled to find a carpark and had to walk through the rain holding her baby.

Stacey Cryer said a family member had been visiting the cancer centre, where the carparks are often full, and they had to walk up a steep hill while feeling very sick to get to their vehicle.

Feeling unsafe

A Tauranga Hospital staff member, who asked not to be named, said they often

finished their shift around midnight and had to walk in the dark feeling unsafe to their car.

“We have to park in the streets surrounding the hospital as the staff carpark is almost always full before afternoon shift and even if you do manage to find a park in there it’s poorly lit, isolated and unsafe to walk to in the middle of the night,” they said.

Others said they had circled around the carpark block several times, taking up to half an hour, sometimes longer, to find a carpark.

“It’s far worse compared to a year ago,” said Tracey Valentine. “I’ve driven my dad to his last two appointments so I can drop him off. Even with a mobility card he can’t get a carpark and allows himself an extra hour to find a carpark if he’s on his own.”.

Very stressful

Adrienne Turner was 40 weeks pregnant and days away from being due. “I had to visit the hospital and finding a park was ridiculous. [It] Must be so hard for the elderly if I found it difficult being 40 weeks pregnant.” Pam McKeown’s husband was in the hospital for five weeks last year. “Trying to get a parking space at any time of day and night was very stressful, knowing he was waiting on you to be with him.”

Toni Fisher spent an hour driving around, then gave up and missed his appointment.

“Does my head in this place.”

Andrew Ruiha Whare said all carparks on the surrounding roads were full, so he had to

park by Tauranga Boys’ College.

Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora Bay of Plenty group director of operations Pauline McGrath said ensuring timely access to health services is a priority. “This includes making sure people who need to visit Tauranga Hospital have options for parking on-site, alongside alternatives such as public transport.

Considering options

“While we acknowledge parking spaces are in high demand, our public parking is free, and we have allocated accessible parking for those who need it. As we have previously stated, we are considering options for further parking as part of our hospital redevelopment plan, which is in progress.”

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell said he had also experienced challenges when parking a vehicle at Tauranga Hospital. He encouraged Tauranga Hospital and Tauranga City Council to address this. “I encourage both of them to take the community feedback on board and respond accordingly.”

A Tauranga City Council spokesperson said the council did not want to comment.

Uffindell said it is important that people working, seeking treatment or visiting loved ones at Tauranga Hospital have access to carparks that are safe and accessible. Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford agreed with Uffindell and had nothing further to add.

Ayla Yeoman

The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

5

Concert to boost band numbers Tauranga City Brass is putting on a show for the community to display their skills and draw in some much-needed new members.

‘Celebrations of Brass’ at Graham Young Youth Theatre this Sunday, June 1, at 5pm will offer an evening of bold and brilliant music from Tauranga City Brass led by talented conductor Steve Thompson, said flugelhorn player, committee chair and conductor of the auxiliary band Annabelle Stewart.

Varied programme

“Featuring a varied programme including test piece, this concert highlights the skill and versatility of the band across styles and eras.”

Stewart said the show is a must-ssee for lovers of live music and brass band tradition. “It promises to be a great night for the whole family. The band is desperately trying to find more players. Usually we go to a contest every year, but we’re not going this year because we don’t have enough players available. This is our big concert of the year to make up for it.”

The concert will include soloists from most sections of the band, jazz pieces,

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test pieces, marches and more. “You’ll get to have a really close-up experience.”

Ticket sales will go towards covering event costs and if a profit is made it will go towards fixing the hole in the band room’s leaky roof.

Players and volunteers wanted

In a bid to get more interest, the committee is looking to provide a scholarship to a tertiary student interested in committing at least one year to the band.

“We’re quite motivated to support tertiary students so we’re looking at putting a scholarship up at the end of the year. It’s a great opportunity for people who are thinking about playing,” said Stewart.

“We also have an active learner band – called the auxiliaryy – which is mainlyy aimed at school-agged learners, with six schools represented by our players.

The youngest player is just nine years old.”

Stewart conducts this band and encourages all learners to join the group. “We welcome all abilities and can help with sourcing lessons and an instrument.”

The committee also needs volunteers to fill the roles of treasurer and a general committee member. Brass banding is a supportive and encouraging community, Stewart said. “You don’t have to be a prodigy.”

Find out more at: https://ww www ww.taurangacitybrass. w com/ For show tickets visit: https://events.humanitix. com/celebrations-of-brass. Door sales will be limited.

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Tauranga City Brass Band bass player Graeme Thomas and Tauranga City Brass Auxiliary cornet player Harper Shallard. Photo / Brydie Thompson

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Four decades selling homes When Julene Foster set foot in real estate at the Mount, there were no cellphones, internet, websites or social media platforms. There weren’t even open homes!

“I began selling homes with Eves Coxhead & Associates – that was EVES’ brand name at the time – in their Maunganui Rd office in 1979.

I started with just a radio-telephone and a very large listing book!”

This month the 81-year-old renewed her real estate licence and doesn’t plan on retiring. “I can’t find

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6

the retirement date on the calendar,” joked the businesswoman.

Oysters and chips

Entering the workforce 46 years ago, when it was dominated by men, Foster said: “Well, you sort of had to make it clear that you weren’t there to mother them or clean up the dishes or anything”. But she did have an agreement with one male colleague. “Every Friday I’d tidy up his listing book for him and he’d shout me oysters and chips for lunch.

I’m a great fan of oysters and chips!”

In 1979, at which point Julene, aged 36, was married to Bill Foster

and had “three beautiful girls” in their teens – the question was – why go into real estate?

“I’d always had an interest in real estate because my father was a bricklayer and Bill was a qualified builder.”

Julene Foster has been selling house in the MountPāpāmoa area for an impressive 46 years and isn’t keen on retiring just yet.

Photo / Brydie Thompson

600th resident

Foster, who had lived at the Mount since 1959 before her and Bill built a new house in Pāpāmoa and moved there in 1973, said: “The landscape has changed dramatically!”

“When we moved to Pāpāmoa I was the 600th resident – now there’s about 29,000 residents!”

Back then she had no immediate neighbours whatsoever.

What kept her in real estate?

“I’ve just always had a passion for it. I enjoy meeting people and helping them to achieve their goals. I’ve formed great friendships and relationships along the way.” This had also enabled her success. “Some properties, you know, I’ve sold four or five times over.”

She’d also dealt with couples in her early days only to go on to make sales with their children and grandchildren. “I’ve sold houses to people from multiple generations and all walks of life.”

Turning 82 in August – The Sun reminded Foster that many people her age start to put their feet up. “A lot of people I’ve

worked with have retired. But I love it,” said Foster. “I’ve been a widow for 24 years, so real estate’s my life. I go to work every day to do what I love.”

One of the longest-serving real estate agents in Tauranga, Foster continues to meet new people and cherishes her old connections.

Five cycles

Are some houses harder to sell than others? “Yes, definitely, and a lot of it is to do with the location…you know years ago we used to write the deal up on

the bonnet of the car and shake hands. Things are very different now!”

Foster said she’d been through five real estate cycles with one of those during New Zealand’s carless days in 1979-1980. “We had to nominate our carless day and of course it was always your carless day when you needed to write up your deals, so I’d have to bike down to the office, get out the old trusty typewriter with the blue carbon copy paper and type up an agreement then pedal back to meet the buyer to sign up.”

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

7

Have your say on speedway proposal Tauranga City Council wants residents’ feedback on a proposal to extend speedway at Mercury Baypark Stadium until 2039. Current agreements are in place for speedway to continue at Mercury Baypark Stadium until 2029.

Council said it has developed the terms of a proposed agreement with Speedway Racing Ltd to extend Speedway to 2039, with Speedway

Racing Ltd to buy the North Stand (15,600 seats) from council for a nominal fee ($1), and lease the land associated with speedway operations for a percentage of the speedway revenue.

To have you say, visit: letstalk. tauranga.govt.nz/projects/ help-steer-the-future-of-mercurybaypark-stadium Consultation closes June 23, 2025.

Julene Foster, third from frr left ftt in front frr row, surrounded by her EVE VES E Mount office colleagues today. Photo / Supplied

the buyers are,” are, she quipped. Foster was one Moreover, no internet, no cellphones and of roughly 23 real estate agents in the Mountno open homes meant no marketing and no advertising, said Julene. So how did agents list and Pāpāmoa in the 1980s. Today the number is much larger. “In early days you had a very good sell houses? “We knocked on people’s doors; that’s comradeship with all the agents in town because how we did it.” The only other way – apart from relying on ‘For Sale’ signs – was constant in-person there so few of us. On a Friday night we’d go to the EVES’ office on Cameron Rd, have drinks net-working. “I was secretary and then treasurer and nibbles with of the intermediate the solicitors, then school committee. I head to Harrington’s served on the board of nightclub and twist governors at Mount the night away to College. I was secretary Chubby Checker! then treasurer of the These days everyone swimming club, and does their own I used to run school thing.” holiday programmes for youth.

Good soul “I’d run discos every In the 1980s Saturday night at the Foster studied for intermediate, raising an associate licence, funds for building the then opened her own school’s swimming real estate agency in pool. I’d hire a disc The EVES team celebrating a decade in business in the early-1990s. “I jockey and the kids would pay $2 to get in, Tauranga in 1973, with Julene Foster the fourth female had Mount Realty from the left in the second row. Photo / Supplied First National for and we would twist the about 12 years then sold it on the passing of my night away.” husband. Prior to that, I’d managed offices for Max By forming many relationships, Julene said: Eves, and Richard Cashmore for First National, and “People would ask me to list their house – or they’d say: ‘We want to buy a new place, what have also Professionals.”

EVES chief executive officer Heath Young said you got on your books?’”

Foster is highly valued at EVES for her extensive Open homes.. knowledge of property in the BOP and her warm personality. “I think she is one of those good souls, Open homes didn’t begin until the 1980s, said with good energy who’s sharp as a tack. She’s great Foster. “The first I did was for three hours on a company and loves talking about the good old Sunday afternoon!” Compare this to 30 minutes each, today, she said. Does the freshly-baked bread days, and she’s a very active and well-regarded team member in our EVES Mount office.” trick work? “It can do…depends how hungry Merle Cave

T H E

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The Weekend Sun

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Six athletes bound for Hyrox world champs Championships span four days.

Tauranga’s three two-person teams will Six of New Zealand’s top fitness athletes, all compete in different divisions of the hailing from Tauranga, will represent their global fitness race. country at the Hyrox World Championships Each race follows a consistent format – participants complete eight in Chicago from June 12-15. functional workout stations, with a The group – comprising four men and two 1km run between each, said Hall, who women – train at TheLab Athletic Club in will compete alongside Chas Clark in Tauranga City, which is dedicated to Hyrox the Pro Doubles 30-39 age category and hybrid training. Hyrox is an international “Aidan Lett and Kelvin Clark qualified indoor fitness race, combining endurance running in the Pro Doubles 50-59 category, and functional training, according to Tauranga while Megan Hattingh and Chanée competitor Harry Hall. The Hyrox World King secured a spot in the Open Doubles 30-39 division,” Hall said.

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Events are held in stadium-like venues open to a wide range of fitness levels via various competitive categories. Global participation had risen from 150,000 to more than 550,000 athletes, said Hall, who has been training for Hyrox for about 18 months. “I came on to the scene through the gyms and then Chas [Clark] asked if I wanted to do a doubles competition, so we decided to give it a bit of a nudge.”

Chas Clark and Kelvin Clark, co-owners of TheLab, developed the team’s training programmes.

Preparation is intense – athletes commit 10-25 hours per week.

Qualifying for the world championships was no easy feat, said Hall. Their first competition in Brisbane showed promise, but a narrow 15-second miss in August

At back - Chas Clark, Harry Hall, Aidan Lett, Kelvin Clark. In front frr - Chanée King, Megan Hattingh. Training at TheLab in Tauranga. Photo / Brydie Thompson

2024 cost them a world championship berth. In Melbourne later that year, Hall competed despite an injury, and the pair finished 12th out of 80 teams.

Their successful qualifying bid came at an Auckland Hyrox event in February, where 6000 athletes competed in front of 9000 spectators. “That moment was one of real satisfaction – only the top 1% make it through to the world championships,” said Hall. “We’ve all sacrificed a lot to train at this level. I’ve got a wife and two young kids, aged one and four, so balancing family life with training hasn’t been easy.”

Hall described Hyrox as a sport that rewards endurance, mental strength, and community spirit. “Hyrox is an endurance race that tests you on different levels and

you need to be a good runner. It’s designed for anyone to compete in and it’s very community based. You turn up on the day and it’s electric with everyone cheering you on.”

Price tag

Getting to Chicago has a hefty price tag.

With travel, accommodation and entry fees exceeding $10,000, the teams had been fundraising and seeking sponsorship. “The biggest challenge now is getting there,” said Hall. “The strong US dollar makes it even harder. We’d love to self-fund, but any help – big or small – would mean the world.”

Supporters can contribute to the athletes’ efforts via Givealittle fundraising pages.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

9

Take the plunge!

OFF THE BEATEN PATH. ON EVERYONE’S MUST-EAT BUCKET LIST. Hidden in the sun-soaked corner of the Bay of Plenty lies a beachside legend that locals whisper about, foodies hunt for, and lucky roadies stumble upon with wide-eyed wonder…

Last year at the Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service annual Polar Plunge. Photo / Supplied

Get ready to brave the cold with a chilly plunge before the winter sets in.

Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service, with the support of volunteer surf lifeguards, is hosting its annual Polar Plunge on King’s Birthday weekend, from 1pm Saturday, May 31.

“It’s a much-loved annual tradition that brings our community together for a fun and slightly mad dash through the surf,” said Waihī Beach Lifeguard Service spokeswoman Natalie Llloyd.

To add to the fun, participants are encouraged to dress up in costumes and there will be prizes for best dressed across multiple categories: individuals, whānau, under-12s and team entries.

“The event kicks off with a safety briefing at 1.15pm, followed by the plunge at 1.30pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.”

All proceeds will go back to providing equipment and training for the lifeguards and the junior surf programme.

“Afterwards, the surf club will have hot drinks, snacks and Amber’s famous mulled wine, plus The Deck Kitchen & Bar will be open all day for socialising and warm-ups.”

Lloyd said the event had been happening for decades and was a great snapshot of Waihī Beach’s

unique winter spirit. “Everyone’s welcome, whether you’re plunging or just there for the spectacle.”

She said the event was a great way to rid of any stress and be creative, adding that people from ages five to 80 and dogs get dressed up.

“We’ve had a fully dressed bride and groom, many variations of animal costumes, a fireman, Wally [from ‘Where’s Wally?’ books], Barbie and many more – we just love the imagination people use and can’t wait to see what they’ll come up with this year.”

Waihī Beach resident and dog walker Monique Scarlett from House of Pucci had participated for the last three years. “I do it for lots of reasons, but I just love supporting the surf lifesaving club,” said Scarlett. “The beach is my spiritual home and where I love to be – when my feet hit the sand the world melts away.

“The Polar Plunge is so good for the soul, whether you’re into the health benefits of getting into the cold water or not, but I love dressing up and getting involved.”

Scarlett said the event is a great way for her clients, dog-friends and connections to come together. All of her dogs will be coming along this weekend.

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The Weekend Sun

Connecting and understanding Matariki is the focus of the June 19 event in Katikati.

Photo / Supplied

‘Reading of the Stars’ in Katikati There will be no light pollution – no street lights, no traffic lights, no neon signs to take away from the moment.

Just a couple of hundred people hopefully, Katikati locals, men women, and children, huddled together in the early evening darkness on Te Rereatukahia Marae in Rereatukahia Pa Road, eyes tilted to the northeast sky and waiting for the galaxy to deliver its own very special light show.

Mātauranga Māori, or ancestral knowledge and wisdom, is at the heart of Matariki, so on the evening of June 19, eyes will be up and ears will be tuned to two experts, Ngairo Eruera and Haimona Brown, who will help the marae crowd connect and understand that constellation of stars which, in Māori culture is Matariki, and also known as Pleiades or The Seven Sisters.

It’s the town’s second annual ‘Readings of the Stars’ event – a Māori insight, in a Māori setting, into Matariki – the first of two major, back-toback events in the town to celebrate Matariki.

Natural home

Friday 30 May 2025

11

“It’s an even more significant, an even more special occasion this time,” according to Paula Gaelic, manager of Western Bay Museum and one of Katkati’s collaborative community partners organising the event.

“Because, at their request, the event is going to its obvious and natural home, Te Rereatukahia Marae for the first time.”

“When our marae community has a platform to be seen and heard, that alone is empowering for us,” said the marae’s Hone Winder-Murray.

“And what resonates deeply with our people is when we embrace the unique identity of each of our communities through sharing kai and korero.”

And in the process, they will promote a broader understanding and appreciation of the national holiday called Matariki for the Katikati

A place to find Matariki events

Matariki events across Tauranga Moana and Western Bay of Plenty, from Waiororo near Athenree in the north to Ōtamarākau, near Maketu, in the south, can be found online.

Matariki is the Māori name for the star cluster also known as the Pleiades – and the Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka website at: www.matarikitetaurangaongawaka. co.nz has information on Matariki and local events.

Matariki started in our rohe May

28, and this year’s event programme in Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay area embraces the theme of Waipuna-ā-rangi.

Waipuna-ā-rangi is a whetū (star) in the Matariki cluster (Te Kāhui o Matariki). She is connected to the rains (ua) and other atmospheric conditions. Translated, Waipuna-ā-rangi means water that pools in the sky (ngā puna wai i te Rangi). Find out about events and Matariki at: www. matarikitetaurangaongawaka.co.nz

MISSING BURMESE CAT

community. “It also means a lot of people who’ve never been to a marae and are curious, will get the experience,” said Gaelic. “It’s lovely.”

She said Haimona Brown will have a large map of the night sky laid out on the ground that people can reference. “All part of viewing and understanding the stars,” said Gaelic.

And there will be alternative activities for the kids.

Working together

The reappearance of the Matariki cluster brings the past year to a close and heralds in the new. It is a time for remembrance, honouring those lost since the last rising.

It will celebrate the present, people gathering to give thanks for what we have. And it looks to the future, with the promise of new things and new direction.

Historically, the stars of Matariki were also closely aligned to planting, harvesting and hunting.

So everyone will be hoping a bright and clear show from the cluster which will signify an abundant season ahead.

It’s what the collaborative Katikati partnership is all about, said Gaelic. “A community working together, delivering events that are a fun learning experience.”

Read the stars, gather at the gates to Te Rereatukahia Marae on Rereatukahia Pa Rd at 5pm on Thursday, June 19, and be welcomed onto the marae and drawn into the galaxy and the world of the stars – Matariki.

Get to understand and enjoy why you will be having a holiday the following day.

‘Reading of the Stars’ comes the evening before the Matariki Dawn Service on June 20 at Te Whareorahi, the Park Rd Reserve, just before dawn at 5.30am.

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Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

12

News from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council MAY 2025

Thinking about putting your hand up to represent your community?

Local body elections are happening in October, but now’s the time to get ready if you’re thinking about putting your name forward as a candidate.

On 18 June at 6pm, we’ll be holding an information session for anyone who wants to find out more about what it means to be a Regional Councillor, so that everyone from across the region can attend. We’re holding it online and will be recording and posting it to our website after the event if you miss it.

Keep an eye on our website at boprc.govt.nz/elections or follow our Facebook page for the full event details and to learn more.

Come and have a kōrero

We’re doing an online survey from June 3 to understand what matters to you about where you live, what you think we do well and where we could improve.

boprc.govt.nz/bay-say

Take our survey & be in to win a $100 Prezzy card!

Baybus OnDemand fare changes in Tauranga South Baybus OnDemand is a flexible public transport service being trialled in Tauranga South, offering shared rides that you book when you need them. There is no set route or timetable.

From Monday 28 April, fares for the service changed to $5.00 standard, or $4.00 with a Bee Card. Free transfers and free youth travel no longer apply, but discounted youth and concession fares are available with a registered Bee Card.

Find out more at baybus.co.nz/ondemandfares

Pest plant of the month: Moth plant At this time of the year, moth plant is found across our region.

Why is it a pest? This fastgrowing vine chokes native plants, smothering everything in its path.

Its sticky flowers can even kill butterflies and the sap from the plant can cause skin irritation.

How to get rid of it? You can hand pull the vine out all year round or you can cut and paste to kill the vine during summer and autumn.

Find out more at boprc.govt.nz/pest-plants Our biosecurity officer, Dave, has some tips for you to get rid of this plant.

Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

12

WE’RE ALL ABOUT CARING FOR OUR COAST

Our beaches and their sand dunes are the buffer between land and sea, keeping communities safe, and providing a home to native birds and insects.

The popularity of our beaches, a changing climate, pests and development pressures are all affecting the health of our coast, particularly dunes. This makes the work of programmes such as Coast Care even more important, to make sure our beaches remain for many more years to come.

Coast Care is a restoration programme, run in partnership with Regional Council, local coastal city and district councils and the Department of Conservation, with the support of thousands of volunteers across the region.

Coast Care volunteers help with beach clean-ups, planting native dune plants, managing the spread of weeds and pests, fencing and much more. They are an integral part of keeping local beaches in good shape.

Find out more at boprc.govt.nz/coast-care

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council works to ensure our region’s environment and its people thrive.

Find out about the work we do at www.boprc.govt.nz

Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

14

Hellp warm city’s most vulnerable Bay Venues. “It’s quite a big project,” said Stace.

Meal managers received first aid, de-escalation, and first aid training, Under the Stars strategic partnership and funding and promoted a positive environment for those who used their services. manager Anii Stace said the organisation needed The meal service is noon Thursdays sleeping bagss, jumpers, blankets, beanies, and and 5pm Saturdays. Alongside the socks for the people they help. meal, was an option for people to take The deman nd for clothing, showers, and shelter away hot soup and a table of canned rose in winteer because many could not afford goods, and drinks would be freely laundry serviices, Stace said. “Some can be in wet given away. clothes and shoes for days,” Stace said.

Under the Stars was created in 2014 Under the Stars invited The Weekend Sun to its by Liz Kite, said Stace. “She started Thursday meeal, for which a team of meal managers prepared the food at 45 Cliff Rd, provided free by with a plastic picnic table in the middle of town, giving out food she had available.”

A Taurangga group that provides free meals to those in need is asking the community for help to keep people warm this winter.

Tina Fraser and Ani Stace from Under the Stars are running the group’s winter warmth drive. Photo / Tom Eley

Borderline

The group moved to its Cliff Rd location in 2016 and celebrated its 10th anniversary last year.

Hot showers, toilets and many of life’s necessities were found there,

Stace said. The service was not only for those who slept rough on the street, but also for those who were on the borderline and did not have access to laundry or cooking facilities.

“The other day, [a client] just got out of prison, he’s in accommodation, and he hadn’t had a hot meal for a month because there were no cooking facilities,” Stace said.

Under the Stars received support from Tauranga City Council and use parts of the carpark on Cliff Rd free of charge.

Judgement-free

The service was judgment-free and had some basic rules about respect, but would not refuse people food, Stace said. “We will feed them in the carpark.”

To make donations, email: admin@underthestars.org.nz or Tom Eley phone: 022 379 6371.

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Everyone loves Migo – from SPCA volunteers and staff to the puppies he plays so gently with, he has stolen everyone’s heart.

If Migo’s lovely, bright eyes and coat don’t grab you then his gentle nature and intelligence will. He’s just happy to have company and will make a great dog for a family who can spend time with him.

Migo has gained some manners along the way and is happy to sit and wait for his meals – he’s great on a walk, our dog walkers report. Migo is energetic and will need walks and lots of play. Apply to meet Migo today! Phone: 07 5780245. Ref: 636712.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

15

Bouncy Bruno!

Te Puke Primary at Showquest 2024.

Photo / Chontalle Musson

Showquest set to let students shine A nationwide performing arts programme is in Tauranga next month for young people to perform original art, music, dance and drama on-stage.

An expected 270 students will design, produce and perform their stories in a powerful night of celebration at Showquest Bay of Plenty at Baycourt Theatre on June 4 from 6.30pm.

Showquest – known as a platform for youth voices to be heard – replaced both J Rock and the Stage Challenge events in 2017.

Showquest Bay of Plenty, run by Rockquest Promotions, is one of 12 regional events taking place across Aotearoa from May 1-June 26.

Leadership

“It’s the largest performing arts programme in New Zealand, supported by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Development,” said

producer Kelsey Moller.

“It’s an opportunity for young people to create and perform on-stage and a huge focus of the programme is student leadership.”

Moller said a key aim is to empower youth to take on leadership roles on and off-stage as performers, stage managers, choreographers or directors.

Aquinas College, Te Puke Primary and Pāpāmoa Primary will compete in Showquest BOP’s performance category on June 4, while Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Waihī College, Katikati College and Tauranga Girls’ College will compete in the TOI, wearable art garments category.

Each performance is 10 minutes and needs to tell a story and have a theme. Aquinas College have chosen ‘The Arts through the Ages’.

Te Puke Primary explores the idea of going one night without technology, called ‘Imagine it’.

“One night, all the lights go out – no TVs, no tablets, no tech at all.

At first, everyone is like: ‘What do

we do now?’ But then something amazing happens...imagination.”

Pāpāmoa Primary School will follow a journey of belonging which they have called ‘Ko wai au?’

“Through drama, dance and song, we explore what it means to find your voice, stand tall in your uniqueness, and celebrate the courage it takes to be yourself.”

The wearable art category, TOI, is in collaboration with the World of Wearable Art.

45 garments

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We are seeking a Foster-too-Adopt home for him because this is the best option for Bruno while he is still rehabilitating from his surggery.

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“Young people create a wearable art garment, we photograph the garments and they do a catwalk on-stage,” said Moller.

TOI will have a digital national final on July 30 and winners will receive tickets to attend the World of Wearable Art. Moller said she expects 45 garments from the four Bay of Plenty schools. To purchase spectator tickets, visit EventFinda or Baycourt Addison Theatre.

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HELP STEER THE

FUTURE OF

MERCURY BAYPARK STADIUM You decide!

Mercury Baypark Stadium has been home to Speedway for over 20 years. But with current agreements set to end in 2029, the next chapter is up to you.

Council is asking for your feedback on a proposal to: → Extend Speedway to 2039

Are we on the right track or...... is it time for something new?

If Speedway doesn’t continue, Mercury Baypark Stadium could be reimagined for community-run or commercially-run recreational activities.

Each way forward has trade-offs including different costs, opportunities, and implications.

→ Sell the North Stand to Speedway Racing Ltd for $1

Now’s the time to have your say.

→ Lease the land and transfer stadium upkeep to Speedway

Consultation is open from Monday 26 May, 5pm and closes on Monday 23 June, 5pm.

Community consultation sessions: → Monday 9 June 5:30pm – 7:30pm Mercury Baypark Arena Suites. → Saturday 14 June 10:00am – 12:00pm at Mercury Baypark Arena Suites.

Visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/baypark

Friday 30 May 2025

Redecorating Renovating or Building?

The Weekend Sun

16

Volunteers head to Vanuatu to build classroom

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Volunteers heading to Vanuatu: Nathan Black, Tony Skegg, Mark Holmberg, Diana Judge, Helen Holmberg, Jo Biggs and Shannon Moyle. Photo / Brydie Thompson

A group of 25 Kiwi volunteers are heading to Vanuatu on King’s Birthday weekend to build a school classroom.

The volunteers will spend six days from June 2-7 building a 96m2 concrete block classroom at the V2 Life School located in the Teouma Valley, about 20 minutes from Port Vila. The trip is hosted by New Zealand charitable organisation Volunteer Build, founded by Pāpāmoa resident Diana Judge.

Volunteer Build takes volunteers and funds to trusted projects overseas, where teams build infrastructure required by a community to support the relief of poverty for those in need.

Judge said the Vanuatu school V2 Life had seen its roll increase from 40 students to more than 200 since 2019. “The demand for further classrooms to accommodate children as they age out of primary education is great.”

The demand for a new classroom had heavily increased since the Port Vila earthquake on December 17, 2024, where according to the Vanuatu Government, more than 107 classrooms in at least 45 schools have been either partially or completely damaged or destroyed. “As education is one of

$450

the key factors in breaking the cycle of poverty for communities in need, new classrooms are a priority.

“Thankfully, no students were at the V2 Life school on the day of the earthquake, and none of the three classrooms that Volunteer Build has built at the V2 Life School in July 2023 and August 2024 were damaged,” said Judge.

The cost of building materials for the double classroom being built in June is NZ$50,000.

Mount Maunganui resident and director of Structure Properties Ltd, Shannon Moyle, took his family to build a classroom with Volunteer Build at the school last August. “After such a worthwhile experience he has since recruited a group of 11 local construction professionals as part of the 25-strong team for this year’s build. With that level of building skill on the team, it was decided to take on a double classroom build in just six days.”

Volunteers are required to provide a $1000 building donation and the remaining $25,000 is being fundraised. “We’ve still got $1400 of building materials left to raise by the end of May, so anyone that wants to sponsor or donate to this worthwhile project would be most welcome to reach out to us.”

To donate, visit: www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-usAyla Yeoman build-2-classrooms-for-local-kids

The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

17

Tips for a warm, dry home this wiinter As winter approaches, so does the chance for an increase of cold, damp and mouldy properties.

The Building Research Association of New Zealand, the Home Performance Advisor Training Programme, the Eco Design Advisor Service and Beacon Pathway have put together best practice tips to help people keep their homes warm, dry and healthy.

BRANZ Warmer, Drier, Healthier Homes research programme leader Mark Jones said his organisation’s house condition surveys have provided evidence on the condition of New Zealand’s housing stock for across two decades. “We know that although some progress has been made, a significant number of New Zealand homes still lack adequate insulation or heating and have issues with damp and mould.”

Keep heat in

Home Performance Advisor Training Programme co-manager Vicki Cowan said there are key principles to maintaining

a healthy living environment.

“Keep the heat in, let the sun in and turn on your heater. Keep moisture out and flush your house with fresh air daily.

“Think of your home as your car…you need to know how to ‘drive’ it efficiently and safely and keep it in good working order.”

Tips for healthy homes

Keep heat in by covering windows, ideally with layered or lined curtains or blinds, and close them when it starts to get dark. People can also improvise with things like towels, blankets or duvets.

Any opening to the outside – for example, a badly sealed window, a door with gaps, or an open disused chimney – will be letting heat out. Block up holes and draughts if possible.

Showering, cooking, washing up and even breathing produce a lot of moisture and can lead to dampness and mould. If available, always use rangehood and extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom when cooking, showering or bathing.

They should be run while

people are cooking or washing,, and for a good 10 minutes afterwards, to ensure the room m is clear of moisture.

When cooking keep lids on pots and pans, and opening a window wide helps let moisturre out. Wipe up condensation daily and dry the cloth outside so th he moisture is out of the house.

Drying clothes indoors is another major source of moisture. It’s not always easy foor people working away from hom me to hang washing outside so now w’s the time to do it – see what difference it makes and create a new habit.

BRANZ research showed opening a window or door wide for 10 minutes is far more effective than leaving a window open a tiny bit for a long time, which makes the house cold. A blast of fresh air twice-a-day will get rid of unwanted moisture.

Heating advice

As winter approaches, the need for heating will be greater.

Maintaining a healthy indoor temperature – at least 18 degrees Celsius in any occupied areas of the home – is really important

Winter fire safety advice from FENZ Every year, as temperatures drop, Fire and Emergency New Zealand see a significant increase in the number of house fires.

As such, FENZ asks people follow these fire simple home safety.

Make sure heaters have at least a one-metre of clear space surrounding them while in use, they are plugged directly into a wall socket; and clothing and other items are not left to dry on top of them.

For LPG gas heaters – if it doesn’t light straight away, turn it off then try again. Don’t let the gas build up before trying to relight it.

Make sure heaters have at least one metre of clear space surrounding them while in use.

Ensure the heater has been serviced within the last 12 months, and fresh air is coming into the house while it’s in use.

Get your fireplace cleaned before you light the first fire of the season. Always use a fireguard

when the fire is lit; and keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

Make sure ashes are left to cool before disposing of them, are emptied into a metal bin and water is poured over them.

Don’t install a smoke alarm in your laundry, try a heat alarm instead.

Make sure the lint filter in your dryer is cleaned before every use, to avoid build-up and risk of fire. Don’t overload the dryer, ensure there is space around the machine to allow for proper venting; and use the full cycle, including cool down.

Check for hotspots in your electric blanket by turning it on high for 15 minutes, then switching it off and running your hand over the blanket.

Also ensure blankets are less than five years old and have been rolled, not folded in storage.

Always turn of blankets before going to sleep.

For more tips, see: www ww ww.fireandemergency.nz/ w winter-fire-safety

for our health. A warmer home is also less likely to have problems with moisture.

When it’s sunny, open curtains to let in free heat.

Clean heat pump filters so they work better. It’s advised to run heat pumps at 18-22 degrees Celsius but no higher because they will be less efficient when run at high temperatures.

Use whatever heating sources are available except unflued gas heaters, which release moisture and harmful gases into the home.

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Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

18

Bay’s biggest Lego show on the wayy!

The ground floor of Tauranga Racecourse is about to be overtaken by inspiring and colourful creations as Bricks of Plenty’s annual Lego show gets underway on June 14-15.

“This will be our biggest show to date,” said Bricks of Plenty’s Lego ambassador Jesse Ingham. “There will be 100 tables

worth of Lego on display with nearly 50 people exhibiting creations – we’re trying to cover all the different themes that Lego has.”

Ingham said there will be lots of new, exciting creations for people of all ages and walks of life to ooh and aah over at his club’s second annual show. “The new Formula 1 Lego models are out and some club members are quite keen on that. There’s been a lot of building in

other themes too, such as Harrry Potter, Star Wars and new Technic sets.

“There will be builds people probably haven’t seen before – including club members’ own creations. We’ve got a lot of young people who are relatively new to the club, and this will be their first big show. They reallyy build some incredible stuff.”

An experience

Ingham said some creations have stories behind them; some are seek-and-finds with items hidden for people to ‘seek’ “and others are purely the exhibitor’s interest”.

However, Ingham said the show is not just about Lego – “we try to provide an experience”.

“We’ve got a bigger expanded brick pit this year, with more space for people to play with Lego. There’s a cafe, Toy World will be present, and there will be a sales tables.”

Ingham said the sensory hour is back this year too – from 9am-10am

Brothers Nate Dawson, 13, and Fraser Dawson, 11, will exhibit their fairground creation at the June 14-15 show. Photo / Brydie Thompson Sunday, June 15. “It’s a quiet time where people who might feel overloaded by crowds can come in. We dim the lights and ensure there’s no noisy displays going.”

So why do people love Lego?

“I think it’s the creativity, the possibilities, the opportunities, the visions and being able to see what people have created out of essentially what is a child’s toy,” said Ingham.

Bricks of Plenty President Jenny Coffey said last year more than 5000 people attended the show.

“From the proceeds we donated

Lego sets to three hospitals’ children’s wards in the Bay of Plenty. “Our mission remains the same this year – to grow the exposure of Lego and what it can do, and also raise funds for a number of charities for children here in the BOP.” Bricks of Plenty’s annual Lego show is 10am-4pm Saturday, June 14, and Sunday, June 15, at Tauranga Racecourse Event Centre, 1383 Cameron Rd, Greerton.

A sensory hour is on Sunday 9am-10am for those who want to avoid crowds and noise. Merle Cave

Breaking the silence on trauma A powerful art exhibition open at The Incubator Creative Hub is set to spark difficult conversations and inspire healing and change.

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‘Nothing to See Here’, a solo exhibition by Tauranga artist Karlie Brunswick confronts the often-unseen legacy of childhood trauma through a deeply personal and visually arresting body of work.

The exhibition, which runs until June 7, presents a raw and unflinching look at the pain of abuse and the silence that too often surrounds it.

Using symbolic, doll-like imagery that blends innocence with unsettling undertones, Brunswick’s art reflects the way society frequently overlooks – or chooses not to see – the suffering of children.

Each piece tells a story of neglect, complicity, survival, and is a public reckoning with what too often remains hidden.

One of the artworks in Karlie Brunswick’s Brunswick’s solo exhibition courage in sharing ‘Nothing to See Here’.

her story through art is not just healing for her – it’s a call to all of us to pay attention and act, said The Incubator director Simone Anderson. “It’s a vital challenge to all of us.

Trauma thrives in silence, and her work demands that we look, that we ask, and that we refuse to turn away when something isn’t Karlie Brunswick in her studio. Photo / Supplied right. Art has the power to break taboos, and Karlie’s voice is a testament to that.”

Despite its emotional gravity, the exhibition is also a testament to artistic talent – the self-taught artist’s richly textured, symbol-laden works are as visually compelling as they are thematically bold.

Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support service is supporting ‘Nothing to See Here’ – and its social change and prevention manager Julie Phillips said real change begins when people truly see and believe survivors.

“Karlie’s bravery in sharing her story through art is powerful and necessary. This exhibition is a reminder that silence protects no one.”

‘Nothing to See Here’ is at The People’s Gallery – Toi Ka Rere at the Tauranga Historic Village until June 7.

Open daily from 10am-3pm, admission is free.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

19

Empowering youngg daancers to take the stage Th Project P j Hip Hi Hop H Dance D The Competition returns to Mercury Arena Baypark this King’s Birthday weekend, bringing more than 1000 young dancers from across Aotearoa to the two-day celebration of movement, music, and mana.

Founder and event director Sarah Martin said the highenergy dance competition – on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1 – gives young people the opportunity to grow, create, and express themselves – “whether they’re just starting out or competing at an elite level”.

Martin began the competition while teaching at Te Puke High

S h l – the h first fi event was held h ld School at Baycourt in 2010 with nine crews and 70 dancers.

Last year the competition attracted 1004 dancers from 94 crews, drew more than 2400 spectators. This year, the event is set to be even bigger, with 102 crews registered, said Martin.

Gain confidence “Project [Hip Hop] was designed to provide an opportunity for entry-level dancers to experience a highquality dance competition event to gain confidence to enter other national events. A fullcircle moment for me this year is seeing Te Puke High School entering again for the first time in over a decade, led by their head of dance, Jennifer Cram, who was a student of mine back

h iit allll when began.”

The competition begins Saturday, May 31, by featuring beginner and school-age crews in the Primary, Junior Novice, Varsity Novice, and Mega School divisions. ‘Flame’ from frr Pāpāmoa dance school Phoenix Performing Arts, at a past competition. Photo / Supplied Sunday, June 1, will showcase top The Project Hip Hop Dance Arena Baypark, Mount Maunganui. open division crews which Competition is Saturday, May Spectator tickets can be purchased will compete in Junior, Mini, 31 and Sunday, June 1, Mercury from Ticketek online.

Varsity, Adult, and Mega Crew categories, with $22,000 in prize money up for grabs.

This event is supported by the Tauranga Event Fund.

A past performance of Handel by Scholars Baroque Aotearoa. Photo / Phoebe Schum

FREE Concert

YPT presents...

Symphonic Showdown Conductor: Kelly Hayward

Concert wiill illumiinate two Baroque giiants

The timeless brilliance of two Baroque giants will be illuminated in Tauranga next month when Scholars Baroque Aotearoa and Opus Orchestra join forces for a captivating concert.

Their first concert of the 2025 season, Scholars Baroque presents ‘Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and Bach’s ‘Mass in A Major’ on June 14 at St Peters in the City. The concert will also take place in Matamata on June 15.

Conductor Chalium Poppy said ‘Gloria’ is an extremely well-known and favourite piece of music that audiences love, which will be followed by something new. “‘Gloria’ is glorious and I love performing it just as much as our audiences love hearing it – but we also want to give them something new, a little more challenging, which they might not have heard before.”

This where Bach’s ‘Mass in A Major’ comes in.

“We don’t do Bach often. His music is incredibly complicated and difficult,” said Poppy. “It’s very demanding and exacting…and a different language

altogether in so many respects.”

Hence why 75% of the choir’s rehearsal time has been spent on the Bach. “‘Mass in A Major’ is scored really beautifully. It’s for a string orchestra, but he’s added two flutes, which just give it a really beautiful, almost sort of, French note.”

“The choral writing is lovely, and there are three solo arias, which will feature our soloists who are coming from across New Zealand for this performance.”

Scholars Baroque ‘Vivaldi’s ‘Gloria’ and Bach’s ‘Mass in A Major’ concert is on Saturday, June 14, from 7.30pm at St Peters in the City, 130 Spring St, Tauranga. For ticket purchase and information, visit: www.scholarsbaroque.com The Weekend Sun has two double passes to Scholars Baroque Aotearoa’s June 14 concert in Tauranga to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us who created ‘Gloria’?

Enter at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the ‘competitions’ tab by Merle Cave Tuesday, June 3.

Saturday

June 14th 4PM Graham Young Youth Theatre

TAURANGA CITIZENS’ CLUB RESTAURANT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

All you can eat Buffet Only $27.50 This weeks Saturday night entertainment

MAKE BELIEVE

Join the Tauranga Citizens Club for only $35 and a one off administration fee of $10 RESTAURANT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Entertainment in the Restaurant Saturday 31st May A highly recommended new band

“Make Believe”

IN THE ARTIE STEWART LOUNGE

Friday 13th June

NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE Open to members affiliated Members and their guests NO CHARGE Ph 07 578 7023. www.tgacitz.co.nz.

170 Thirteenth Avenue, Tauranga South

Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

20

A monster d drummer – right here...

I wanted to highlight three shows today. But first, there is so much happening that occurrences not strictly time-sensitive get delayed.

And delayed and delayed.

Across 7. Fruit (12) 8. Optimistic (6) 9. River(NI) (6) 10. Lake (SI) (7) 12. Fine (5) 15. Foam (5) 16. Desert (7) 18. Racecourse (SI) (6) 20. Notoriety (6) 22. Nerves (inf) (12) Down 1. Nonsense (8) 2. Peak (4) 3. Strew (7) 4. Colour (5) 5. Regular (8)

No. 1937

6. Stride (4) 11. Duffer (inf) (8) 13. Month (8) 14. Caretaker (7) 17. Anchored float markers (5) 19. Rodents (4) 21. Lies (4)

C O N F E S TW I C A A H A P OO R K N I G H T S M S O U R E I L L M A T S S R A K E E M A L A R K E Y E K D C D P GO X E MN T S A L A R Y GWA RM T H Y E L S OWG T OO A T O T A C T I C G U N S U R E A M T A I L G N T E I U K MO R E P O R K I M A N A Z U P X E T I N I A O N K A N E I G H B O U R L Y M F T T T E E E T O Y T E R

Solution 1936

One person I’ve been meaning to write about is Pāpāmoa drummer Stan Bicknell. As a drummer, Stan is a monster. An absolutely jaw-dropping monster. He returned to live in Pāpāmoa as a Covid-19 response after 12 years in Melbourne, during which he toured and recorded with the likes of Kimbra, Miami Horror, Tonight Alive and Ecca Vandal.

Here, as well as his own band, The New Caledonia, he is a session drummer and educator. He has been developing a drum teaching philosophy called Mastermind Drummer – see the website of the same name – which aims to develop drumming skills in tandem with mental attitude to music. It’s a fascinating approach; there are also a bunch of invaluable free lessons there and on his Facebook page.

But the big, slightly belated, news is that Stan has been auditioning... for Primus.

Stan Bicknell, centre, with members of Primus. Photo / Supplied

and astonishingly complex. Think a power trio playing Frank Zappa. It’s hard – really hard.

At the end of last year Primus lost their drummer so conducted a worldwide search, listening to more than 6000 audition tapes. From those they chose 11 drummers to travel stateside for auditions. Stan was one.

This is now slightly old news and, no, Stan didn’t get the ‘Skull Crusha’ gig. But the whole If you don’t know Primuss, process is now the reason for the dramaticc online on Primus’ ellipsis is that Primus is YouTube channel a superstar band. Not and elsewhere: necessarily commercially ‘Primus Interstellar but in the world of D Drum Derby’. The alternative prog-rock, 12th h and final episode Primus are “it”. Their drop pped earlier this music – three-piece, mon nth. guitar, bass, drums – is You u can see Stan both wilfully eccentric audiitioning in Episode 4, ‘SSkull Crusha’, named afterr Stan’s special steell-made snare drum, whicch does almost thatt to guitarist Ler LaL Londe’s head. Stan’s playying throughout is simply incredible.

And d he’s here, in Pāp pāmoa, friendly and d approachable and Ash Grunwald. Photo / Supplied

HARD

SUDOKU

1 7

8 3 5

9

9 5

3 1

2 5 4 5 6

7 5 9 6 9 9 3

6 1

How to solve Sudoku!

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

No.2290

1

4 7 9 5 2

Solution No.2289

1 5 4 8 7 2 3 6 9 5 2 1 9 4 6 7 3 8 2 1 5 6 8 7 4 9 3

3 6 9 2 7 8 1 4 5 9 3 6 7 8 2 1 4 5 8 9 7 3 6 4 5 2 3 8 1 7 4 1 6 5 9 2 9 7 4 6 8 3 2 3 1 4 5 9 6 5 8 7 2 1

probably the best drummer you’ll ever meet. Okay. Three gigs. I haven’t left much space. Sorry.

Australians incoming!

Thursday, June 5, Ash Grunwald is at Totara Street. Ash is an Australian bluesman, a guitarist and singer with a string of awards: six Australian Top-50 albums, five ARIA nominations, four AIR nominations, two APRA Awards, and the prize for Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards. Need I say more?

Next night, June 6, more Australians are coming – this time to Katikati’s Arts Junction in the form of alt-country trio Rufous Whistler.

They’re celebrating their debut album ‘National Panic’ so expect fiddles, mandolins, banjos, and guitars as they blend modern folk and country.

And one more: that same Friday, June 6, at Voodoo Lounge you get three bands and three DJs. The bands are Angela Cruzat, White Lace & Strange, and Dead Empire, who’ve just launched a new single Devine Intervention. Expect six hours of fun – what’s not to like?

Hear Winston’s Latest Playlist Scan the QR code, or visit:

www.tinyurl.com/hsnrp728

The gloves are off in Tauranga this weekend The 41st North Island Golden Gloves will hit Tauranga this King’s Birthday weekend in what is being described as one of the biggest boxing tournaments in New Zealand.

Boxers, coaches, team managers, referee and judges, along with a myriad of supporters, will converge on the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust in 13th Ave. The North Island Golden Gloves is a regional amateur boxing tournament in New Zealand, considered the second-most prestigious event after the national championships, according to Sporty. co.nz It is a major event for amateur boxers to showcase their skills and compete for a title.

Golden Gloves is open to the full spectrum of boxing levels, from elite national title holders and national representatives to Mini-Cadets aged 10-13 who have had limited fighting experience.

The 41st North Island Golden Gloves is at Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust, 135 Thirteenth Ave, from May 30-June 2. Preliminary competition begins 11am Saturday, May 31. Find out more at: www.goldengloves.nz

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Friday 30 May 2025

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Celebrate 20 years of Classic F Flyers

Classic Flyyer marketingg managger Coreyy Tyyler and founder, CEO and trustee member Andrew Gormlie with the North American AT6 Texan (Harvard). Photo / Brydie Thompson marketing manager Corey Tyler. “This will be a Mount Maunganui’s iconic classic aircraft museum is celebrating 20 years of existence neat way to look back at the crew, some of their achievements and the journey so far. The keepsake by giving away prizes to the public will be for sale at the gift shop.” this weekend.

The museum was just an idea in pilot Andrew Gormlie’s head 21 years ago.

People who pay to enter the 20-year-old museum A group of classic aircraft and artefact collectors from May 31-June 2 will go into a draw to win had banded together and Gormlie decided it was one of three prizes. time to show off their collection.

First prize is a Classic Adventure Flight voucher A year later, 50 aircraft collectors found a valued $600; second prize is kid’s party voucher for location for their display. six kids with adults valued at $160, and the third “We wondered what it would look like in 20 prize is an AvGas Café Loyalty Card valued at $50. years and it’s like everything you can never quite The museum will also host a kids’ treasure hunt tell, but we expected some growth. We didn’t – where youngsters can search for chocolate fish – expect this much growth,” said Gormlie. from 9am-3pm daily throughout the weekend.

“It went from 50 people to about 3500 members The on-site AvGas Café will run specials through now and 180 volunteers as opposed to the initial the long weekend too, with items priced at $20 20 odd,” he said, and the double building site each – to align with the 20-year celebration. turned into a five-building complex.

For those keen to see how the museum has grown Everyone is welcome to enjoy the festivities this since it opened in – a coffee table tribute book weekend via paid entry to the museum, which is filled with fascinating highlights from the last two located at 9 Jean Batten Drive. For more information, Ayla Yeoman decades will be on offer to view, said the museum’s visit: www.classicflyersnz.com

sunlive.co.nz

Churches Active In Our Community

Follow the instructions...

We put all the pieces out on the floor, read the first part of the instructions and then began to assemble it.

We thought we knew what we were doing.

Not so, as it happens.

What we should have done was to read all the instructions, and then start assembling it.

Well, after quite a long time, we finally finished, only to find we had some bits left over – which we promptly ignored.

We found that these bits were to help the stability of the barbecue, but as we didn’t want to pull everything apart and start again, we just lived with it being wobbly.

Church Services at the Anglican Parish of Mount Maunganui "

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As we all know, following the instructions is very important if we want to successfully build something, and the same applies to our lives.

The Bible is our instruction book.

It gives us information on how to live God’s way. The Bible tells us: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and

St Peter’s, 15 Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui

Rev Sandra Warner, St. Columba Presbyterian Church

Service: 10.30am Saturdays

70 Pooles Rd Greerton (St James) Find real hope, peace & strength in Christ www.churchofgodslove.com

Enquiries 022 632 5957

YOU ARE INVITED TO

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Lifezone 7 Oak Lane, Tauranga Shabbat (Sat) 10am or Youtube live @10am

Shalom

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Contact Parish Office Ph: 07 575 9945

giving instruction for right living” (2 Timothy 3:16).

May we read and follow God’s instructions in order to build good stable lives that contribute to the wellbeing of the community.

PS. I’m never going to build a barbecue again! God bless you all.

Churches EVANS RD COMMUNITY CHURCH PAPAMOA 30 Evans Road www.evansroadchurch.org 10am Familly Service

ST ANDREWS

Crn Macville Rd & Dee St Maunganui Phone 575 9347 www.mountchurch.org.nz Rev Douglas Bradley 9:00am Traditional Service 10:30am Contemporary Service

Family Friendly, All Welcome

COMMUNION SERVICE THIS SUNDAY

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GRAVATT ROAD A NEW LIFE CHURCH

Once upon a time, my husband and I bought a barbecue. It came as a flat pack with a lot of bits and pieces.

Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

22

CLASSIFIEDSECTION

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 30 May 2025

23

trades & services

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We come to you!

(07 ) 262 1000 Tauranga info@silverservice.co.nz www.silverservice.co.nz

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Te Puke Memorial Hall

Friday 20th June 8am to 6pm Saturday 21st June 9am to 5pm Sunday 22nd June 9am to 3pm Special Table with very old books, some collectables.

Recycled bags welcomed Eftpos available Sponsored by

Another Kiwicoast Lions Project

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LEO “the friendly” dly” PLUMBER

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Main Office & Hillsdene Chapel 143 Thirteenth Avenue Tauranga Mount Harbour Chapel cnr Puriri & Tawa Streets Mount Maunganui Te Puke Family Lounge at Methodist Church Oroua Street Te Puke

AC Petfoods collect injured and unwanted cows and horses. Phone 0800 369 6269

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enquiry@jonesandco.co.nz www.jonesandco.co.nz Chris & Carolyn Andrews - Owners

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Friday 30 May 2025

The Weekend Sun

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