The Weekend Sun - 25 July 2025

25 July 2025, Issue 1270

Time to shine!

Finance manager Liam Geraghty and principal Jacq Price have swapped their day jobs and twirled out of their comfort zones along with 10 others from the Pillans Point School community to bring a dance show fundraiser to life next Saturday, August 2.

‘A Sky Full of Stars’ will be a nearprofessional show of glitz, glamour – similar

to TV’s ‘Dancing with the Stars’ – where six couples vie for glory on-stage while raising funds for the school.

The couples won’t reveal their dance style or song until they’ll perform – and a winner will be crowned at the night’s end.

Price has been learning to dance alongside Geraghty, a Pillans Point School parent and

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Learning her dance, Price said: “I have to say it’s been a very humbling experience to learn something from scratch as an adult – but incredible too! It’s been a lot of fun – but now we’re getting close and the thought of actually having to not only perform, but it’s a competition, the costumes and the whole

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With The Cargo Shed tickets sold out, new satellite venue CBK Tauranga will have the show livestreamed – so it will be interactive between the two sites.

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Friday 25 July 2025

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Her point was that on average, we zombies spend four hours an nd 37 minutes on their phon nes each day.

One day per week, six days per month, or approximately 70 days per year. You can argue the num mbers, but give or take a cou uple of hours, we are still addiccted to our devices.

And Nice Lady was suggesting nicely that there aree much better, more fulfilling things to do with that time. Like having a picnic for one under a tree on the traffic island on Cameron Rd, learning Icelandic, or seeing if you can fit in your fridge.

Did you know we check our phones on average 58 times per day. That doesn’t seem many. But time is a precious, finite, irreplaceable resource and probably shouldn’t be wasted. I wonder if someone who’s just been given a terminal diagnosis scrambles for their mobile to pack in as much tech time as possible before logging off forever.

Nice Lady was basically telling us to put our mobile phones down and smell the hyacinths and gardenias. Look up, at the

sandwiches and their phones, and didn’t look beyond the little screens for half an hour before going back to the office.

Why bother?

Clashes with kids

A blue whale could have broached off the pontoon, orcas could have been mating out on the briny, a tsunami could have swept up the harbour and they wouldn’t have flinched. I hope they do dopamine detox at the weekend. Did they even notice the fishing trawler cast its lines and chug out into the stream and give me the need to read ‘The Old Man and the Sea’ again? I am not being self-

righteous – I know the urge, know the need. The phone will ping while driving and it’s all I can do to ignore it. How many times have I pulled over to get a call or message I didn’t need to know about. Do I ignore a ping in the dead of night? And in the morning do I reach for the phone before the eyes have prised open?

Ever heard of wall riders? Th Theey are people, especially kids, who use the guidance and security of walls too creep along so they don’t have to look away from their phones.

Some more unsubstantiated bu ut believable numbers for you. App parently, 80% of teens check their phoness hourly and 72% felt the urgen nt need to respond to texts and social networking. Also, 36% % of parents argued dailyy with their kids about device use.

That I would believe. The gym amazes – I walked in the same day I met Nice Lady and cou unted 27 people there. Tweenty of them were on their phones. Not sure of the aerobic value, bu ut they were paying someone good money for a membership only to speend that time on their phone.

Treadmills and mobiles

A gym conversation goes somethiing like this. “C Can I borrow that machine for a minute?” “No, I’m using it.” “No you aren’t, you’re on your phone.”

Cue hissy fit, indignation, feigned hurt.

On the treadmill before the mat has done one single revolution, a speaker call is made. “Hi – I’m having a workout …”

No you aren’t, you are talking on your phone. You don’t even look like you’re breaking a sweat. And when the phone call ends, the workout ends. Buggered from all the yapping. Enough to drive you outside to look skyward. Hang on … that’ll be the phone.

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So this zombie did – up over the iPhone, up over the 65-inch, 36 months interest-free Samsung. It was Saturday morning and Zombie was having a double device “happy” on the couch.

Phone and TV. Plus scrambled eggs. And a scrambled mind because the head had been hijacked by all the numbing crap I was reading on my phone.

Stories like “I am pregnant to a Martian”. Didn’t she take precautions?

Are there paternity tests for extraterrestrials? Can you make inter-ggalactic alimony paym ments? See what I mean?

Then I did what Nice Lady asked and my gaze continued on an upward trajectory as far as it could – to the ceiling, which h I decided probably needs a couple of coats of natural and non-toxiic ceiling white. But that wasn’t th he point.

sky, and start appreciating what’s going on around us.

“The blue stuff,” reminded Nice Lady, “is the sky. It could change your day if you let it”. You might see a cloud scudding – scud, scud, scud. Clouds before the wind. A free show of nature’s forces.

And we might have seen the godwits doing a low pass over The Strand as they exit on their 12,000km feed and breed trip to Alaska. Look up, wave and wish them “bon vol” – “have a good flight”, “hope you get tailwinds”. Get the point? On Th Thee Strand, three offi fficce types arrive with their lunch to soak up some essential Vitamin D and absorb the sights and sounds at a quiet special place.

Except they didn’t. They took out their

Learning Icelandic

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At the whim of ringtones “Look up” begged the nice lady on TV. “Please look up.”

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Friday 25 July 2025

3

More calls for action

Merivale residents say it may take someone being seriously injured before Tauranga City Council acts on safety concerns on Fraser St. Paul Griffiths, who has lived on the street for 20 years, said the situation has deteriorated over time. “It feels like someone will have to die before the council does anything,” he said.

Merivale Community Centre office manager Gemma Cramp said some residents have stopped walking, even short distances, because of safety concerns. “I live just down the road from here, and I will not send my kids up to the dairy to buy milk,” she said.

The road is often used as a shortcut by drivers trying to avoid Cameron Rd, creating congestion and hazardous conditions outside the community centre, Cramp said. “You can drive a lot faster on Fraser St, and often drivers do not slow down for roundabouts.”

Merivale School principal Tom Pakeau said a walking school bus was introduced to help students cross Fraser St safely. While he believed the crossing is reasonably safe, Pakeau said traffic lights that completely stop vehicles would have been more effective and sensible.

“The school has been working with council proactively, and they’ve presented several options in supporting community safety. Discussions are still taking place.”

Julie Underwood, who has lived in Merivale for 40 years, wrote to council requesting safety improvements.

“You take your life in your hands when crossing the road here,” she said.

In June 2025, Underwood and fellow resident Peter McTavish met Mayor Mahe Drysdale to discuss potential safety upgrades, including improved lighting at the intersection of Merivale and Fraser streets. “He really listened to us,” Underwood said.

Three pedestrian crossings and two roundabouts exist

Merivale Community Centre office manager Gemma Cramp. Photo / Brydie Thompson at Merivale shops, said TCC acting manager of safety and sustainability Karen Hay. “Two of these crossings were added in early-2025 to improve accessibility, following community concerns and a prioritised investigation in late-2024.”

The crossings support safe access for the school and community centre, Hay said. “Pedestrian crossings are a common safety feature across NZ, giving pedestrians priority over vehicles.”

She said signalised crossings were not chosen in this area in order to balance traffic flow with safety outcomes. “The crossings are located within a lowspeed zone designed for 30 km/h, with actual approach speeds averaging around 43 km/h. Significantly lower than busier areas like Fraser St and 13th Ave. Our assessment confirms that the current pedestrian crossings are appropriate, based on the earlier investigation and the area’s traffic conditions.”

If residents raise road safety concerns, the council investigates and develops plans which are prioritised across the city within available funding, she said.

“Fraser St is also a key transport corridor for the city.

Council is undertaking an investigation currently to look at how these routes can be optimised through the arterial route review project,” said Hay. She said council was looking forward to working with residents to alleviate their concerns. *Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz

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Hairini resident Graham Hopkins, who asked council to reopen Hairini St in 2020, is happy about the trial.

Photo / John Borren

A trial reopening of a Tauranga street closed for seven years has been labelled a “good outcome” for nearby residents feeling stuck “in a rat trap”.

opposition from residents upset about a lack of consultation and communication about the changes.

The decision to reopen the street was made at Tauranga City Council City Delivery Committee meeting on Tuesday.

Transport planners, however, are concerned it will create safety issues.

The citybound Hairini St slip lane to Turret Rd and the Hairini Bridge will reopen, except from 6.30am-9.30am weekdays, for a three-month trial from October.

The road was closed in July 2018 when the Maungatapu Underpass opened, to avoid having three lanes merging into one at the notorious traffic bottleneck. It became a bus-only lane.

This meant to leave Hairini, motorists had to backtrack to the State Highway 29 Hairini St intersection. The slip lane’s closure was met with

Another way out

The council worked with local hapū Ngāi Te Ahi to develop options for the trial.

Ngāi Te Ahi representative Irene Walker told Local Democracy Reporting that Hairini Marae asked the council for the street to be reopened five years ago.

The opening was a “good outcome” because it allowed people the freedom to move, she said.

“Residents like the idea that they don’t feel as though they’re in a rat trap. There is another way out.”

Council staff recommended traffic calming measures for Hairini St, such as speed bumps, but the committee opted to do this only if required after the

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Friday 25 July 2025

5

to reopen for trial after seven years closed traffic calming, staff costs and a contingency would be about $40,000, down from about $110,000.

Drysdale didn’t want council to spend more than it had to when there may not be a problem. If the trial created safety issues, then council could act, he said.

Safety

The Hairini St slip lane to Turret Rd and Hairini Bridge closed July 2018 when the Maungatapu Underpass opened, and became a bus-only lane.

Photo / Andrew Warner

trial began because of the cost.

Walker said she wasn’t worried about no new safety measures because she didn’t think they were needed.

A trial

Hairini resident Graham Hopkins first asked the council to reopen the street in 2020. The trial was a chance to see if it would work, he said. “I’m not overly excited, but I am happy that they’re at least going to give it a trial.”

Having to backtrack to get to Turret Rd added about 1km to a trip and getting on to the roundabout could be difficult, he said.

Hopkins said he did not have concerns about safety because the slip lane was residents’ main accessway prior to the street’s closure. A pedestrian crossing on Hairini St would be a “good idea” for children walking to school, he said.

Mayor Mahé Drysdale asked for the cost of traffic calming measures. Council

Councillor Rod Taylor said: “How many chances of safety do you get? The first thing that might happen is someone gets run over.” The staff had considered potential safety issues and the “risk is too high.”

Welcome Bay ward councillor Hautapu Baker said he grew up in the neighbourhood and children from four schools used the area. “I would hate for us to respond to an accident rather than be proactive to prevent something.” Councillor Glen Crowther said the road would be closed when children were going to school. Afternoon traffic would head out of the city

and not use the citybound slip lane much. There were other areas in the city where children were more at risk, he said.

Council consulted residents in the directly affected area and found 80% of 92 responses supported a trial reopening, with the rest opposed. Some 78% supported traffic calming on Hairini St, with most in favour of speedhumps.

Councillors approved the trial reopening with a $40,000 budget. Traffic calming measures would be installed if required once the trial began. Once the trial was complete residents would be surveyed again, and staff would report the trial’s results back to council for a decision on the slip lane’s future.

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

transport programme manager Brent Goodhue said the cost was $20,000 for the safety measures and $10,000 in traffic management while they were installed.

More traffic, potentially driving faster down Hairini St, was expected when the road opened, he said. “We would end up with negative impacts to the local community if we didn’t put those [safety measures] in at the same time.”

The trial would allow council to assess safety, accessibility and monitor the impact it had on the wider road network, said Goodhue.

It would also determine the viability of a long-term solution after construction of the proposed Turret Rd / 15th Ave upgrades.

June council data showed an average of 27,671 vehicles used the Hairini Bridge/ Turret Rd corridor each day.

Director of transport Mike Seabourne said the trial’s estimated cost without

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Friday 25 July 2025

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Tridents expand into contact American football On the back of becoming national champions in men’s flag American Football at the end of March, the Tauranga City Tridents’ short off-season is coming to an end.

And the more traditional other side of their club activity – contact American Football – is gearing up ahead of the summer season with three open days for people to find out more about the sport and club.

The first open day is this Sunday, July

27, from 1pm-3pm; then Saturday, August 2, from 10am-12 noon; and Sunday, August 10, from 3pm-5pm.

The Tridents will host the open days at Welcome Bay’s Waipuna Park, where players aged 16-plus can try out the sport under the tutelage of experienced coaches Zhivan Alach, Christopher Petitpas and Cameron Laing, who collectively have several decades of experience playing and coaching the sport, said Tridents president Alex Hatwell.

The Tridents became the Bay of Plenty’s first American Football club in nearly two decades when they began

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30 sets

Thanks to a grant from Sport Bay of Plenty’s Tu Manawa fund in 2022, that vision had begun to take shape, said Hatwell. The club was able to purchase 30 sets of contact football gear, with support subsidies from the NZ American Football Federation.

Slow-going in the early days, they now have more than 120 registered club members, Hatwell said.

“For the past couple of summers we’ve been able to upskill 10-20 players each season and for the most committed and talented, arrange loan placements to other clubs so they can get real game experience in helmets and pads.

“The club is hoping to build on this platform, by getting to a point where they can enter their own standalone team into the competition.”

Every body

operating in October 2021, Hatwell said. “While flag football, the non-contact version of the sport, was the first cab off the rank due to its accessibility and smaller equipment requirements, the club’s long-term vision always included establishing a contact football team,” Hatwell said.

Hatwell reckons American football really is a sport for every body shape. “While the fast and athletic receivers tend to shine across many sports, this sport also caters to bigger athletes who might struggle with the endurance

The Tauranga City Tridents American Football club is hosting three open days for people to find out more about the sport and club. Photo / Supplied demands of rugby or league.

“These big units are essential on the offensive line – protecting the quarterback and carving out running lanes in the trenches of the line of scrimmage.

“We want to see these guys come down and give the sport a go, even if they haven’t been involved in other sports for a while.”

First step

While playing locally is the first step, there are now genuine pathways in American football for Kiwis, said Hatwell.

Recently, both the NZ U18 and Senior Men’s teams competed against Australia, reflecting the sport’s rising profile on both sides of the Tasman. “Increasingly, Kiwi athletes are also securing college scholarships to the United

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States, turning local talent into dual sporting and educational opportunities.”

Hatwell said the most prominent success story from downunder is Jordan Mailata, who transitioned from the trans-Tasman-based National Rugby League to become a starting offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL) in the US with the Super Bowlwinning Philadelphia Eagles. “And with the NFL Academy opening on the Gold Coast in 2024, there’s now a dedicated regional hub focused on identifying and developing talent from across the South Pacific,” Hatwell said.

The Tridents’ three open days would offer all equipment needed for newbies. Potential athletes just need to bring water, boots and some exercise clothes.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

7

Unwanted chairs with unforgettable stories the first two years of his life. His gesture had inspired other exhibitors to join in, turning the exhibition into a fundraiser.

“The vision was to provide a creative outlet for students, staff, and outside agencies of the NHS to come together and strengthen connections,” said Newbold. “Seeing the collaboration, the stories, and even the friendly rugby banter between participants has been incredible.”

The exhibition offered participants a chance to learn through hands-on experience, from conceptualisation and planning to completing and presenting their final pieces in a professional

gallery setting. Some transformed chairs remained functional; others had been sculpted into imaginative installations.

“We’ve been completely blown away,” said The Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson. “The transformation is remarkable – these chairs have stopped being mere furniture and become imaginative works of art, each imbued with a meaningful story. The level of creativity and community spirit on display is exceptional and had brought smiles to the faces of those visiting the gallery.

“This is a terrific example of the power of community arts.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Northern Health School student, Harry Ward, 6, with his ‘Arragog the Monster’ chair at the ‘All About the Chair’ exhibition at The Incubator Gallery. Photo / Brydie Thompson

A new exhibition at The Incubator Gallery is turning heads – and chairs.

All About the Chair, which is open until August 9, is a bold community art project that transforms unwanted furniture into powerful works of art.

Spearheaded by Jan Newbold, head of art at the Northern Health School, the exhibition features 27 upcycled and unwanted chairs reimagined by a diverse group of students, staff, and community partners – including Maternal Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Gender Dynamix. The project brought together participants aged six to 65, with artistic abilities ranging from beginner to experienced. While each chair tells a story, a standout

piece is ‘Arragog the Monster’, created by six-year-old Harry Ward, the youngest exhibitor.

Harry’s second entry, ‘Beaudi’, inspired by his love of the Blues Rugby franchise, and a recent meeting with star player Beauden Barrett, sparked a playful rivalry when Chiefs’ fan Cherie Anderson created a ‘‘But Damien’s Better’ chair.

Harry’s mother, Natasha Ward, said the experience has been transformational. “Harry’s confidence has bloomed since starting at Northern Health School last year. On Saturday, he was even greeting visitors at the gallery – something he never would have done before.

It’s been amazing to see.”

Harry had also donated his artwork to a silent auction to raise funds for Starship Hospital, where he spent

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Friday 25 July 2025

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High-schoolers upcycle fashion fit for a runwayy A Katikati College student has taken out Envirohub’s Re:Stitched Runway contest for 2025 after placing second last year.

Katikati College Year 12 student Zoe Wallis won the competition after her sister Gail Wallis walked the runway at the July 12 fashion show at The Cargo Shed in her outfit that took three weeks to make.

Wallis, who as up against 20 fellow high school fashionistas on a mission to create an outfit in one month using recycled garments, said her design consisted of a denim jacket, a patchwork denim skirt, a bag and two scrunchies.

She used the “challenge item” – a piece of a hi-vis vest – to make some vibrant orange fish, turning the jacket into a stylish fishermen’s piece.

“Sustainability and upcycling have been a passion of mine ever since I’d learnt of the devastating effects of over-consumerism and fast fashion,” said Wallis.

Her part

She’d spent the last few years learning how to do her part to combat this by learning how to sew, saying it had “become my way of trying to help the planet out”.

Now Wallis often spent her time making her own clothing using preowned bedsheets.

“I try not to shop at any fast fashion stores. Their turnover in clothes and items always makes me feel ill.”

Despite being her second attempt, the

contest was daunting for Wallis. “I knew my sewing was good, I knew that my detailing was well done, and that I used the hi-vis and the clothes effectively, but I had no clue how I compared to everyone else.”

She hoped to make upcycled clothing for a living when she’s older. “I love sewing and have fun doing so. My goal is to find, or create a business where I can incorporate my love for tailoring with my love for upcycling.”

A rey Dubois Aud wearing her sson, Quentin Dubois’ design.

D

Something with ‘harmony’

Runner-up in the high school category was CNED online French school student Quentin Dubois, who’d received a sewing machine for his birthday.

His friend suggested he compete, so Dubois did went on YouTube for inspiration from upcyclers.

After collecting his garments to ‘recycle’ from Envirohub with some ideas, he panicked and “had to rethink everything”.

Eventually, he found five pieces and came up with a design to incorporate the bright orange hi-vis material and make something with “harmony”.

With his mother, Audrey Dubois, being his model, he designed something she would feel comfortable wearing dayto-day. The end result was a skirt, scarf, bag and shirt, which he remade three times before he found the perfect look.

“From start to end, I would always change something and then at the last four or five days, I stopped and just said: ‘Leave it on the side, it’s done now’.”

The outfit took Dubois 50 hours to

the design created Gail Wallis, 14, wearing pictured on right, by her sister Zoe Wallis, phy tos / Morgan Hide Photogra which won first place. Pho

create and his auntie had create, already bagsed the bag.

Later, after prizegiving, open category winner, Rhonda Hewlett, asked Dubois to meet with her so she could train him and pass along sewing techniques.

Event organiser Hannah Cousar said each contestant had a month to create their outfit, starting by collecting five garments and a ‘challenge garment’ from Envirohub on June 14. “The goal was to

spark change to t more mo ecoconscious decisions,” said Cousar.

Fierce

Each outfit was marked based on a four-part judging criterion – wearability, construction, creativity and sustainability. The annual upcycled fashion show was held on July 12 at The Cargo Shed. “The outfits blew everyone away,” said Cousar.

“The challenge garment that

th allll incorporated they i t d made d it look like it was a cohesive collection going down the runway, which was really cool.”

Judge Vincent Callister, founder of Waste Wizards Limited, said the fashion show competition – watched by more than 185 people – was fierce. “I don’t think all the entrants quite know how well they did,” he said. “It was all executed to a very high Ayla Yeoman degree.”

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John Bertrand Collectables Are Buying in Tauranga and Bay of Plenty Next Week

nce again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week.

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

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.

“Nothing is too small for our consideration. We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said. The buyers will be in Mr Anthony (Tony) Tauranga and Bay of Plenty W. Grant next week (see details below).

Fellow of the Royal Numismatic As Tony Grant points out “If Society of New Zealand Incorporated you are in doubt about any Director and Buyer John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd items you may wish to sell, Author of the John Bertrand bring them along for an NZ Coin & Banknote Catalogue instant appraisal.”

Gold & Silver At Near Record Prices

D

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

We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said.

E

T

Interesting Small Collectables Wanted

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

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company.

“We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said.

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

arly New Zealand Banknotes dated before 1932 are currently fetching big money! This is according to Mr Tony Grant, author of the John Bertrand New Zealand Coin & Banknote Catalogue.

Mr Grant is in Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week on a buying trip for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd and would be very keen to see any of these issues. “We will pay at least $300 for any undamaged Ten Shilling or One Pound

banknote from a New Zealand trading bank dated 1932 or before.

Denominations of five pounds and higher would be worth from $700. “Any banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant.

Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes. All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues.

Collectors Need War Medals

C

urrently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals. These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand Land Wars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts. New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars.

General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers. “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd. “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with. These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them. We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said.

Old Coins Can Toss Up a Rarity

D

o you have a bunch of old coins sitting around in your drawers and cupboards? You just never know what rarities may be lurking there. The advice from Tony Grant from John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited is to “bring them in and let us have a look”. “No need to sort anything out just bring them in ‘as is’ and please don’t clean them!

We can go through coin accumulations and collections fairly quickly” he said. The buyers are particularly keen to buy pre 1946 New Zealand Silver Coins for at least 20 times their face value (more for quantity). “In any event we will buy All Coins,” said Mr Grant.

JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) ARE BUYING NOW!!

GOLD & SILVER

OLD GOLD

TOKENS

• Racing Cups • A&P Show Cups • Sports Cups • Presentation Keys & Trowels • Show Pieces • Sterling Silver Tea Sets • Sterling Silver Cutlery • Scrap Gold & Silver *No EPNS or Silver Plated items Please*

• Unwanted Jewellery or Broken Rings • Gold Chains • Gold Watch Cases • Alluvial (River) Gold • Dental Gold • Gold Coins • Gold Racing & Trophy Cups

COINS • All Gold & Silver Coins • Gold Sovereigns • Gold Half Sovereigns • NZ Silver Coins 1946 & Before (at least 20 times face value) • Also wanted NZ & World Coins after 1946 • Australian Silver Coins to 1963 • English Silver Coins to 1946 • NZ 1935 “Waitangi Crown” • USA Coins up to 1964 • Old Collections & Accumulations of World Coins • Modern Collector’s Coins & Sets • NZ Reserve Bank Sets *No Pennies or Halfpennies Please*

WAR MEDALS ETC • The New Zealand Wars & Boer War Medals • 1st World War Medals • 2nd World War Medals, Stars etc • Orders and Decorations • Korea & Vietnam Medals • Antarctic or other Polar Medals • Fire Brigade Medals • Lodge Medals • Shooting Medals • Military Badges and all other Military Medals • Gold returning Fob Medals or “Tokens of Honour” from residents of small town New Zealand

• NZ & Australian “Tradesmen’s” Tokens • NZ Transportation Tokens • Railway Passes • Tram Tokens (not Dunedin Tramways) • Presbyterian Church Communion Tokens • Bread Tokens • Theatre, Cafe, Discount Tokens etc • Any other tokens relating to early New Zealand

COLLECTABLES

WRIST & POCKET WATCHES

• Albums & Accumulations of Pre 1920s Postcards (used or unused) • Old Fountain Pens • Small Chinese & Japanese Antiques • Maori & Pacific Artefacts

• Gold & Silver Pocket Watches • Any Rolex Watches • Omega Gents Watches • Any Breitling, Jaegar Le Coultre, Vacheron & Constantin, Patek Philippe, or IWC Watches • Moon Phase Watches • Chiming or Alarm Watches (Pocket or Wrist) • Military Watches • Divers Watches • All other pre 1950s wind up watches (parts value only) *No Quartz or Battery Operated Watches Please*

HISTORICAL MEDALS • A&P Show- Gold, Silver & Bronze Medals • Commemorative Medals & Medalets • Prize Medals (Gold & Silver) • Sports Medals (Gold & Silver) • Life Saving Medals • Shipwreck Medals • Coronation Medals • etc, etc, etc

BANKNOTES • NZ & Australian “Trading Bank” Notes pre 1932 (e.g. Bank of New South Wales, Bank of NZ etc) • Reserve Bank of NZ Pre-Decimal Notes • Any £20, £50 or £100 Notes • Hong Kong & Malayan Banknotes • Australian Pre Decimal Notes • Australian “Star” Notes • Early Fijian and Samoan Banknotes • NZ Traders Promissary Notes (1840s) • NZ Government Debentures • NZ Banknotes overprinted for use in Fiji, Cook Islands etc • Postal Notes • All other World Banknotes

No item too small for our consideration

JOHN BERTRAND (COLLECTABLES) LTD

OUR BUYERS ARE IN YOUR AREA NEXT WEEK

WE WANT TO BUY – CASH-IN NO W

PAPAMOA

Wed 30 July

Papamoa Library & Community Centre, Tohora Room, 15 Gravatt Road

9 am to 11 am

WELCOME BAY

Wed 30 July

Welcome Bay Community Hall, 250 Welcome Bay Road

12 noon to 1 pm

OTUMOETAI

Wed 30 July

Baptist Church, 8 Claremont Terrace, parking entry from Grange Road

2 pm to 4 pm

GREERTON

Thurs 31 July

Greerton Community Hall, 1263 Cameron Road

9 am to 11 am

KATIKATI

Thurs 31 July

Katikati War Memorial Hall Lounge, 29 Main Road

12 noon to 2 pm

OMOKOROA

Thurs 31 July

Omokoroa Pavillion Social Space, 28 Western Avenue

3 pm to 4 pm

MT MAUNGANUI

Fri 1 Aug

St Andrew’s Church Hall, 6 Dee Street

9 am to 11 am

TE PUKE

Fri 1 Aug

Te Puke Memorial Hall, Pioneer Lounge, 130 Jellicoe Street

12 noon to 1 pm

BETHLEHEM

Fri 1 Aug

Bethlehem Community Hall, 239 State Highway 2

2 pm to 4 pm

TAURANGA

Sat 2 Aug

Central Baptist Church Lounge, 640 Cameron Road, entry & parking 13th Avenue

9 am to 11 am

ALSO AT ACACIA BAY

Sat 2 Aug

Acacia Bay Community Hall, 2 Wakeman Road

2 pm to 4 pm

TAUPO

Sun 3 Aug

Acapulco Motor Inn Conference Room, 19 Rifle Range Road

10 am to 12 noon

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Pllease note: If you selll anything to us, suitablle ID is required.. Pllease allso bring your bank account detaills for the deposit of funds for larger purchases..

John Bertrand The Trusted Name In Numismatics Since 1965!

John Bertrand (Collectables) Limited T: 04 232 9832 • E: info@bertrand.co.nz Level 1 Harcourt’s Building, 215 Main Road, Tawa, Wellington 5028 PO Box 323, Wellington 6140

Members of the Australasian Numismatic Dealers Association and the New Zealand Numismatic Dealers Association

Friday 25 July 2025

The Weekend Sun

10

A week to celebrate Vanuatu heritage and Bislama The Bislama language of Vanuatu is to have its first awareness week in the Bay of Plenty with celebrations from July 27-August 2.

On Sunday, July 27, the Ni-Vanuatu Bay of Plenty Association will host the first Bislama Language Week and

celebrate the 45th anniversary of Vanuatu independence with cultural performances, traditional dances, live music, storytelling and more.

Bislama is one of the three official languages in Vanuata alongside English and French and came about in the time of Blackbirding in the mid-1800s where people were taken from the Solomons, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu to Australia to work in the sugar cane

Photo / Supplied

fields, said event organiser Roxy Burt.

“They needed to come up with a language that they could all understand. Over time, it developed and then it w was brought ug back to Vanuatu,” V u u, said d the Ni-Vanuatu N V u u Bay of Plenty Association member. “It became known as the language used for trading.”

Unites us

The language had grown and evolved and now there are similar versions across Melanesia. “We all understand each other,” Burt said.

The language is now called Wantok, Burt said. “It means we all speak the same language. We call it the language that unites us.”

In celebration of the language and 45 years of Vanuatu independence, the association had organised a week-long celebrations and entertainment for the whole Bay of Plenty community. This Sunday, July 27, at 9am the association will host an official opening celebration at Pāpāmoa Sports & Recreation Centre, which the community is welcome to attend Monday and Tuesday, July 28-29, association representatives will visit schools to educate Tauranga children on Bislama language and Vanuatu culture.

Later Tuesday, July 29, from 7pm will be a pandanus weaving exhibition at DMS packhouse in Te Puna.

The 45th anniversary of Vanuatu’s independence falls on Wednesday, July 30, when a Vanuatu a flagraising ceremony will be held at Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Barkes Corner headquarters.

On Thursday, July 31, a film screening of ‘Pamdemonium’, which explores Vanuatu’s response to Cyclone Pam, will be at Lifezone Church in Judea.

The Tai o Fenua u Kindergarten d g – a place p that nurtures u u and celebrates Pacific languages, culture and identity– in Tauranga South, where Burt works, will receive an August 2 visit from Ni-Vanuatu BOP representatives.

The same day, August 2, an official closing ceremony and party will be at Te Puke War Memorial Hall from 5pm. Te Ao Marama - Tauranga Library will host an exhibition of historical Ni-Vanuatu artefacts from Wednesday, July 30, onwards Burt said this first Bislama language week in NZ was a long time coming.

Climate change

The week aims to acknowledge and learn about the impacts of climate change, Burt said. “Climate change is something that’s hitting the Pacific more than any other region in the world and Vanuatu has been at the forefront of advocating for Pacific countries.”

Climate justice advocates in Vanuatu are awaiting for a decision by the United Nations for bigger countries to acknowledge that climate change is happening in the islands.

Though the Pacific countries are not big contributors to carbon emissions, they’re the ones facing the consequences, said Burt.

She said the rising sea levels are cutting away at their land, and crop growth is changing. “It’s at the forefront of our minds because we live off the land.” Ayla Yeoman

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Friday 25 July 2025

Friday 25 July 2025

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Nominations for local elections close August 1

Turn your skill into additional income.

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Western Bay of Plenty people have until August 1 to get their nominations in for seats on the district council, community boards, or the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. Photo / Alex Cairns

Councils in the Western Bay of Plenty district are calling on people to get their nominations in for the upcoming Local Body Elections – and early.

Please send d us a samplle with h 30 sts x 20 rows with a colour change patch in the middle. Along with your phone number and email address.

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Nominations to stand for the council and the community boards of the Western Bay of Plenty District – and council seats on Bay of Plenty Regional Council – close at midday, next Friday, August 1.

Voters will elect one Western BOP District Mayor (at large), and nine councillors, which comprise two for the Katikati-Waihī Beach ward, three for Kaimai ward, three for the Maketū-Te Puke ward and one in the new Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward – to be elected by those on the Māori Electoral Roll.

Community board members across five boards, with new subdivisions introduced in some areas to ensure more localised representation, would also be elected.

For the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, a total of 14 regional councillor seats are up for grabs, to represent Tauranga, Western BOP, Rotorua, Whakatāne, Kawerau, Ōpōtiki and a small part of Taupō.

Passion and purpose

Western Bay of Plenty District Council had called on locals with passion, purpose and community pride to put their name forward.

WBOPDC governance manager Robyn Garrett said if residents care about their community, want to see change happen and are ready to step up, now’s their chance to get involved.“You don’t have to be a seasoned politician to stand – just someone who cares about their community,” said Garrett.

“Our elected members are just everyday people who want to make a difference. They’re parents, growers, volunteers, business owners and kaimahi [workers] who care deeply about where they live.

We’re encouraging anyone who’s passionate about their place to consider standing.

“Standing for council is one of the most direct and powerful ways to represent your community and help shape its future. The simple truth is that local government runs best when everyday people get involved.”

She said councillors and community board members set the direction for their towns and

rohe, influence how rates are spent and services are delivered, and help make decisions on issues like transport, infrastructure, environment and community wellbeing. “You don’t need to be a political expert or have a background in governance. You just need to care about your community, be willing to listen and learn, and want to make a positive difference in the place you call home,” Garrett said.

Get in early!

BOPRC wanted anyone thinking of getting their nomination in for this year’s Local Body Elections to do so early.

BOPRC governance manager Steve Groom getting forms in early allowed time for council staff to check and process them – a vital part of the process that allowed any errors to be corrected or questions to be clarified before nominations close at midday on August 1.

“While there’s the temptation to just hold back and get your nomination in closer to the deadline, we don’t recommend people do this,” Groom said.

“We’ve had experiences in the past where nominations have been submitted close to the midday last-day cut-off and, unfortunately, have had errors in them that could not be corrected in the remaining time. We’re here to help and screen the nominations for any issues that prevent them being processed, but we can’t do that if time is against us.”

If you’re going to stand, go and see the council or give them a call earlier in the week, said Groom.

“If there’s something holding you back from putting your hand up – whether that be a part of the process or a question about the role and what it involves, come and have a chat.”

Groom said standing for council is a great thing to do: “It takes courage to put yourself out there, but the difference you can make for your communities, and for the people who live in the Bay of Plenty now, and into the future makes it very worthwhile.” To find out more on BOPRC seats, see: www.boprc.govt.nz/elections To view WBOPDC seats, see: www.westernbay. govt.nz/council/elections For both councils, voting opens September 9 and closes October 11. * With Tauranga City Council having been elected on July 20, 2024, the council’s next election is scheduled for 2028.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

13

l a n o i Nat y a D n Ope g 2 Au

Our doors are open

National Open Day, Saturday 2 August, 10am–2pm We’re opening our retirement villages and can’t wait to welcome you.

Come and explore, we’ll provide plenty of complimentary refreshments.

For more info contact your local village or visit metlifecare.co.nz Greenwood Park Tauranga Jamie | 07 544 7711

Bayswater Village Mt Maunganui Amy | 07 547 4175

Pāpāmoa Beach Village Pāpāmoa Beach Amy | 07 547 4175

Bay Sands Village Mt Maunganui Jamie | 07 572 9090

For information on the full list of villages participating in National Open Day please visit metlifecare.co.nz/nationalopenday

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The Avenues Tauranga Jamie | 07 544 7711

Friday 25 July 2025

The Weekend Sun

14

Dress blue for Bayw ywave w pool party ty! y

Manu’s your man!

Manu is a four-month-old male puppy needing a loving home to take care of him.

A real sweetie, which come on leaps and bounds, this pup has been through a lot in his short life and still has moments where he can be a little timid.

He needs understanding home who’ll work with him to reassure and build his confidence.

Manu’s foster home has given him a great foundation to make transitioning into his forever home a breeze. He loves to play, do zoomies, and get lots of cuddles. Loud noises and coming up behind him can still be a little scary.

He has almost mastered toilet training

and is learning basic commands like ‘sit’.

Manu has got along so well with another dog, so could be a great choice if you have a dog that needs company.

Manu will grow into a large boy so the ideal home would have a good-sized, full- fenced section. Apply to meet Manu today! Phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 5780245. Ref: 641678.

Come see us at

Senior & Travel Expo 22-23 March Stand 36

Aquatic Survival Skills’ Ash Cockayne at back, and Kent Horner and Bay Swim manager Claire Horner.

Photo / Brydie Thompson

A Bay of Plenty water safety organisation is keen to get the “aquatic survival starts with you” message across with a fun, blue-themed event at Baywave TECT Aquatic & Leisure Centre on World Drowning Prevention Day. “Everyone who comes dressed in blue from 4pm8pm on July 25 will receive a discounted pool entry, and the first 100 kids through the doors will get a free slushy,” said operations manager Kent Horner of the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust, which provides water safety education to children in local schools.

Activities galore!

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Horner said at the July 25 event, Baywave’s favourite giant duck, Bluey, will roam the venue with lollies.

“There will be small inflatables in the learner pool, an opportunity to walk the plank on Baywave’s pirate ship, and the wave pool will be on.”

Spot prizes, giveaways, water safety activities and demonstrations are all part of the Baywave collaboration between Tauranga swimming school BaySwim and the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust, which had also brought together other organisations committed to water safety and drowning prevention.

“It’s the perfect opportunity to bring our strongest aquatic survival advocates together and remind the community that drowning is preventable,” said Horner.

There will be demonstrations and educational activities run by Surf Life Saving NZ, Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s harbourmaster team, Waimarino, and Coastguard. “Come along and take part in this community event and help us increase awareness and engagement around water safety in the region,” said Bay Venues head of aquatics Matthew Strange.

“The goal is to equip whānau with knowledge,

confidence, and practical strategies to stay safe in, on, and around the water – whether it’s the ocean, rivers, pools, or lakes.”

Olympian Moss Burmester would attend to spread his passion for water safety and swimming. “Aquatic survival skills should be a fundamental life skill for every Kiwi, so everyone can enjoy the water safely and prevent drownings,” said the Commonwealth Games gold medalist.

Vital preventative

BOPRC maritime officer II, Jules Taylor, said the harbourmaster team ensures everyone using the region’s lakes, rivers and harbours remains safe, through education and enforcement.

“We’re proud to support World Drowning Prevention Day and share advice on some of the waterrelated hints and tips that could ultimately save your life. Come and meet some of the Harbourmaster team at Baywave on Friday.”

Surf Life Saving NZ’s Eastern Region community education coordinator Alana Pearce said education is a vital preventative measure to reduce the drowning toll “and events like this are an important way to raise awareness for water safety and remind our community on the best ways to keep themselves safe at or in the water”.

Horner said blue McLeod cranes parked on Truman Lane, visible from Hewletts Rd, and outside Baywave on Friday, will carry banners with the aquatic survival message. He encouraged businesses and schools to dress up blue on the day for a gold coin donation to help create awareness. “The funds will help ensure every primary school child in our region can access a pool to learn the practical components of aquatic survival skills and keep themselves safe in the water.”

Find out more at: www.aquaticsurvivalskills.nz Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

15

Friday 25 July 2025

Summerset by the Dunes High Teas Summerset by the Dunes in Papamoa offers a relaxing, low-maintenance lifestyle, in a vibrant and welcoming village, with resort style facilities, and a renowned continuum of care. All safe and secure within our fully gated community (care is subject to availability and eligibility criteria).

We know that moving to a retirement village is a big decision. So why not come along to our High Teas, every Thursday in July at 10:30am. See for yourself why our residents love the Summerset life.

Love the life you choose.

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Every Thursday in July, 10:30am Summerset by the Dunes 35 Manawa Road, Papamoa Beach 07 542 9082 | papamoa.sales@summerset.co.nz Homes sold under licence to occupy, subject to availability. Summerset does not offer rental accommodation. Care subject to eligibility.

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Friday 25 July 2025

The Weekend Sun

16

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Holy Trinity Tauranga parish pastor Donald Carter in the Phyllis Carmichael Chapel, which is part of the Jordan Centre. Photo / Brydie Thompson

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A once-modest 1950s church hall beside Holy Trinity Tauranga has been transformed into a state-of-the-art conference and events facility, complete with a sacred new chapel honouring a century of parish history.

Now known as the Jordan Centre, the refurbished space on Devonport Rd brings together legacy, faith, and modern function – more than 20 years after a devastating fire reshaped the heart of the parish.

Originally serving as a temporary place of worship after the iconic Holy Trinity Church burned down in an arson attack in 1999, the old hall was long overdue for an upgrade, said Parish Pastor Donald Carter.

“We got to the point where I said to the vestry: ‘If the roof comes off this old hall and kills somebody, you’re liable’. ‘We better do something’ was the response.”

Plans to demolish and rebuild it hadn’t materialised due to financial constraints.

Bold decision

However, in 2020 the bold decision was made: to preserve the hall and transform it into a modern facility serving both the church and the wider Tauranga community.

Designed by Chris Moore of Jigsaw Architects and built by Arrowsmith Builders, the Jordan Centre now features a range of flexible spaces, including meeting rooms, breakout spaces, a professional kitchen, and high-capacity Wi-Fi. The centre can host everything from business conferences to community gatherings, and is equipped with advanced audio-visual systems, air conditioning, and accessible amenities.

“We basically gutted the place, keeping the floor,

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

17

Centre honours both past and future and rebuilt, with breakout rooms and a mechanical door that divides the space into two. Essentially, creating five breakout spaces. We can seat 800 people in the auditorium, and 160 in the Jordan Centre.”

The chapel

A key feature of the redevelopment is the Phyllis Carmichael Chapel, a quiet, reflective space at the western end of the building, named after a long-time parishioner whose generous legacy helped fund the project, said Carter.

The chapel seats 70 and hosts smaller worship gatherings, weddings, funerals and weekly services. Its most striking features are three restored stained-glass windows salvaged from the original 1875 church, serving as a significant memorial to soldiers lost in World War I, Carter said.

“They were commissioned by the widow of a soldier who died at Gallipoli and made in England in 1923.”

Originally thought destroyed in the fire, the

Christ is still the reason why windows were rediscovered we come in here.” in 2020 and painstakingly The Jordan Centre is restored by local craftsman named in honour of Rev Steve Sinclair from Leadlight Canon Charles Jordan, Expressions during the the church’s first vicar Covid lockdowns. and a five-time Mayor of They depict the crucifixion Tauranga, reflecting both the of Christ flanked by Mary ecclesiastical and civic roots and John, with Carter of the church in the city. saying it was a phenomenal moment when they What’s changed realised the windows would miraculously fit the exact The transformation space the architect had includes a large multi-use allowed. hall that can seat up to 190 “We found them after the people and divide into two The restored Mary window soundproofed sections for chapel had been designed, in the Phyllis Carmichael if we’d known about them versatility, said Carter.

Chapel. Photo / Brydie Thompson before, we probably would The original kitchen and have built the chapel around stage were removed to make them. But then they would have become the way for modern amenities and natural light centre of worship and not Christ.” now floods in through new street-facing “They’re part of the beauty, the taonga, windows – a conscious design choice to they’re a part of the story but they’re not it. connect the space with the community, Carter said. “We wanted the community to be able to see in, and for us to see out.”

Already in high demand, the Jordan Centre has been used by Tauranga City Council, Priority One, and other local organisations for meetings, conferences, and events.

Facility manager Jackie Kim oversees bookings and catering. Carter said “venue hire is going crackerjacks”.

the church’s military heritage as well, including its connection to the Hauraki Regiment.

Their regimental colours are laid up at the church, and annual parades are held, spilling over from the chapel into the centre’s foyer.

“There’s an old hymn that we sang with the Hauraki’s: ‘Oh God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast (our fire) and our eternal home’. And it was like God said: ‘I was there when the old place burned down, and I will be there when the chapel’s been built. I haven’t left’. It’s incredibly meaningful for us,” Carter said.

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The Weekend Sun

18

‘A Sky Full of Stars’ are set to shine!

Twelve people who have never danced on-stage before – including a principal – are set to shine on August 2 as Pillans Point School’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ fundraiser unfolds.

Similar to the ‘Dancing with the Stars’ TV show, the Pillans Point version has paired up 12 unsuspecting members of the

school’s community to dance their way to glory to raise funds for a new turf cover.

The event is at The Cargo Shed, Downtown Tauranga, from 6.30pm on SAturday, August 2 – and will be streamed live to satellite site CBK Tauranga on Spring St – such is the demand to see the highly-polished production and raise funds for the school project. Plus, the couples will not reveal their dance style or song until they’ll perform!

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Pillans Point’s ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ fundraiser has paired up 12 unsuspecting members of the school’s community to dance their way to glory on August 2. Photo / Alisha Taylor

A collaboration between the school’s Parent Teacher Association and Board of Trustees, creative director Tahlia Charleson said each couple had been paired with a professional dance tutor from studios around the Bay of Plenty.

“Each pair has received one hour of tuition per week for the last 15 weeks, and the rest is on them to perfect and learn their routine.”

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Charleson said all 12 dancers are connected to the school in some way – “we’ve got teachers, BOT members, PTA members, parents and former parents – we’ve got also former NZ Warriors player Henry Fa’afili from the Youth BOP Development Trust”.

Charleson said the show would basically run to the same format as DWTS. For each couple, a behind-the-scenes journey reel would be shown, the couple would dance, and be interviewed by parent and BOT member-turned MC Clay Fulcher before three celebrity judges give the couple their final score.

“The top two dance off at the end of the night for our first crowning champion.”

Charleson said couples would be judged on their whole act – from stage performance and presence, technicality of footwork, personality and character to costume, lighting etc.

A labour of love

“They’ve had 15 weeks to learn it, and this is it,” said Charleson, who with two children at the school, and now 30 weeks pregnant, came up with the idea more than a year ago. Since then 15-plus committee members had been very busy.

“It’s a huge labour of love from many people wearing lots of different hats!” She said the show is something fun and unique to bring to

Taurangga “and to our school”.

School principal Jacq Price, who will dance with Classic Group’s general manager of finance and school parent/BOT member Liam Geraghty, said: “All of us have started from ground zero if you like...”.

Learning her dance, Price said: “I have to say it’s been a very humbling experience to learn something from scratch as an adult – but incredible too! It’s been a lot of fun – but now we’re getting close and the thought of actually having to not only perform, but it’s a competition, the costumes and the whole shebang…it will be pretty amazing.” With the black tie event at The Cargo Shed sold out – CBK Tauranga, owned by school parent Billy Emeny, had become a satellite venue.

CBK Tauranga

Charleson said the show will be livestreamed to CBK Tauranga, which would be “fully kitted out with glitz and glamour” – and have appearances from dancers, “so it’ll be an interactive experience between the two locations”.

Businesses had donated prizes to the fundraiser’s live auction. “We’ve got a fundraising app that will be live, so people can bid on auction items – there’s really big ticket items including a once-in-a-lifetime Warriors experience.” Extra entertainment at both venues was organised by Charleson’s musician husband lining up acts.

Price said her school, with a roll of 530 Year 0-6 students, would greatly benefit from the new turf cover increasing out-of-class learning experiences, outdoor and sports events “and would also benefit the wider community after-hours, too”.

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

20

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Project manager Ashley Dagg with principal Alastair Sinton. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Mount Maunganui College is amid its largest capital investment, constructing a teaching complex to transform the school and support modern learning.

The 18-month project, which began last December, includes 32 new teaching spaces, four science labs, information technology communications rooms and standard classrooms.

Principal Alastair Sinton called it a “gamechanger” for the college, especially for departments such as mathematics, which have operated out of prefabs for years. “For a school our size, this is huge,” Sinton said. “It’ll be great to finally offer students warm, dry, fit-for-purpose classrooms.”

A rollercoaster

The development follows years of delays, political hurdles and planning setbacks. “I had my first conversation with the Ministry of Education about this eight years ago,” Sinton said. “It’s been a rollercoaster, with changes in government and funding uncertainty.”

Originally planned as one large building, the final approved design comprises three standardised blocks, which helped keep costs down and speed up approval.

Minister of Education Erica Stanford said the costs of new facilities had been driven down by using offsite builds and repeatable designs.

It means the cost of a new classroom was $620,000 on average, compared with $1.2 million at the end of 2023. “They may not win an architectural award, but that’s not what we’re trying to achieve here,” Stanford said. “We’re trying to have more of these classrooms across New Zealand. And all of the classrooms I’ve been in, and the teachers I’ve spoken to, they love these classrooms.”

Previous upgrades to the college include a communal dining space (Wharekai) and refurbished technology rooms in Block H. But this current development, Sinton said, is the most transformative in the school’s history.

Reshapes flow

“This project reshapes the flow of the entire campus. It’s not about increasing capacity, it’s about finally meeting our entitlement and replacing ageing facilities that have reached, or exceeded, their lifespan.”

An enrolment scheme introduced four years ago had helped manage roll growth, ensuring the new facilities meet current, not expanding, needs, Sinton said.

He credits the school board and Ministry of Education staff for their persistence. “We had people within the ministry who really believed in this project. They worked hard behind the scenes and I want to acknowledge their efforts.”

Now in his eighth year as principal, Sinton remains passionate about the school’s inclusive ethos. “As a school, we are here to serve the needs of every student in our community and embracing inclusiveness becomes a way of being. That is something I’m really proud of and motivated by.

“Our students have consistently been achieving well above the national average now for the better part of 20 years,” Sinton said.

He also acknowledged the foundation laid by former principals and his personal connection to the school – his mother, wife and children are all part of the college’s community.

With the new build on track to open next year, Sinton considered it a long-overdue investment in students, staff and the future of education at Mount Maunganui College.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

21

Fruit and community at Central Mews Tucked away in Mount Maunganui’s industrial area, a thriving orchard has blossomed into a green oasis, providing the Central Mews, residential complex with a point of connection around fruit and vegetables.

While the 17 Owens Place complex features 72 fully occupied townhouses, it’s the flourishing garden spaces that have captured the hearts of residents, particularly children and families.

In 2023, body corporate site manager Murray Lilley spearheaded the creation of the orchard, working with local businesses to bring the project to life. “We created it for the kids so they could learn about and pick fruit for their lunches every day.” Lilley, who moved from Auckland to help establish the site,

saw the potential to give the dense urban space a community vibe.

More value

“I thought the place needed more value – something to bring people together. Once you come inside the complex, it’s got a completely different vibe from the surrounding industrial area.”

With support from the local business community the idea quickly gained momentum.

Donations of materials and support helped turn the vision into reality.

In the last two years, Lilley had planted mandarins, apples, grapes, feijoas, kiwifruit and passionfruit.

He’s also added large pots of herbs and tomatoes, inviting residents to help themselves. A sign reads: “FRUIT 4 KIDS”.

Thee complex is home to about Th 350 people, many from diverse

backgrounds. “We’ve got a great mix of cultures living here.

Everyone enjoys using the space.”

Residents said the orchard had become a cherished part of their daily lives.

Ajani Peiris, who moved in with her husband and two children in 2023, said the garden had become a go-to destination. “My daughter, Anika, who’s 11, loves taking her friends there when they visit. They walk around and pick fruit. My eight-year-old son loves it too. It really feels like a community here.”

Resident Cherie Elsegood had watched the space transform under Lilley’s care.

“Many complexes don’t have anything like this, especially for children. But here, they can open the big gate, come in, and pick fresh fruit. It’s lovely to see different cultures come together in a shared space like this.”

She hoped this model would inspire future housing developments. “Spaces like these should be part of planning, especially when kids are growing up in apartments. It’s been lovely to watch.”

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Elsegood, said the garden fills a crucial need for green space in high-density housing developments.

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Central Mews body corporate site manager Murray Lilley in the orchard. Photo / Brydie Thompson

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Friday 25 July 2025

The Weekend Sun

22

Soaring collectivelyy at Totara St I must confess that on first listening, back in the day, ambient music left me somewhat bemused.

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Coming at the tail of the punk revolution, music with purpose that engaged and challenged, the idea of floating clouds of background sound seemed anathema to me.

There’s an old joke that the best place to listen to bagpipes from is just out of earshot; that almost seemed the guiding philosophy of ambient music.

It was Brian Eno who led many of us down this path – though there were other ambient pioneers – and it was his most hardcore work that eventually brought me round. Eno’s ‘Thursday Afternoon (1985)’ is a single, hour-long piece, made possible by the advent of CDs, that comprises dreamy meditative keyboard notes. It never really changes and nothing really “happens”; it just flows. Slowly.

The idea is not to “listen” to it per se, but to have it play subtly in the background, like an incense stick burning, to provide an almost subconscious “mood”.

As a bullish youth this seemed an absurd idea, music that doesn’t “do” anything. But as I’ve mellowed, my mind has relaxed and expanded, and ideas that were new and weird have become commonplace. If ‘Thursday afternoon’ was in its way “peak ambient” then its influence now has crossed all musical boundaries.

Shifted sideways

And the meaning of the term ambient has shifted sideways: basically, it now means any atmospheric musical soundscape used on songs. Tauranga’s latest proponent of what they describe as “ambient electronica” is Soaring

Collective, who, after dipping their toes in the waters of The Jam Factory, are now ramping it up for a big Totara Street show on Saturday, August 8, with added support from very likeable band Red Street and singer Amelia McNabb.

Soaring Collective, now a trio, are promising an immersive night of music and visuals as they match their atmospheric songs to a full light show and storytelling projections.

Originally formed by Cian O’Cinnseala and Serge Balmer, the band is no longer an intimate electronic duo because of Balmer leaving Tauranga. O’Cinnseala has recruited his old friend Derek Toner and drummer James Bos.

Two Irishmen

Soaring Collective.

Photo / Supplied

O’Cinnseala and Toner have form.

They’re two Irishmen who’ve played music together since being at school in Ireland. Separate travels around the world led them both to Tauranga, where they formed The Mellow Drops and then Nine Mile Stone, releasing albums for each band of intelligent, ambitious songs with vague Pink Floyd leanings.

But that was a decade ago. Since then

O’Cinnseala has served as one of the Bay of Plenty’s best soundmen and Toner has released a very good album ‘The Importance Of Yar’ under the band name Tuner. And they’ve continued to play together.

I wouldn’t actually describe Soaring Collective as ambient electronica. I don’t think they’re ambient enough. Stuff happens. But what to call it? Laidbacksoundscaped-folk-pop-rock? That’s a mouthful. Whatever it is, the show should be well worthwhile. Perhaps get some idea from this week’s playlist, especially curated by Soaring Collective.

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

www.tinyurl.com/57dxx3ty

Shop sustainably at thrift market at the Mount

If you’re starting to think of spring or summer, which are not too far away, and want to update your wardrobe accordingly, a much-loved about event is on next weekend.

The Thrifted Find Markets, hosted by the people behind the Little Big Markets, is back at Coronation Park in Mount Maunganui, on Sunday, August 3, from 9am-2pm.

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With free entry, walk in and expect to find a DJ, vintage and pre-loved clothes stalls, street food, rack sales, and much more.

Friends would love an epic day of thrifting – finding lots of hidden gems to bulk out your wardrobe while shopping sustainably. Find out more at: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/thriftedfinds-market/mt-maunganui

New app to explore the Bay of Plenty Tourism Bay of Plenty has launched a new app to share important and inspirational information with locals and visitors alike.

The Explore Bay of Plenty app now live on Google Play and the App Store.

“We’re striving to be one of the most digitally innovative Regional Tourism Organisations in the country, which is why we’ve established a multi-purpose digital kiosk network and handy new destination app.”

The has a handy interactive map and heaps of useful intel about the region’s top attractions, exclusive deals, and interesting cultural stories. Read more and access the app QR code at: www. bayofplentynz.com/destination-appexplore-bay-of-plenty/

The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

23

Ceramics and pottery showcase

The Pot House Gallery at The Incubator Creative Hub is hosting a free exhibition at The Historic Village that explores an exceptional collection of ceramics and pottery.

Each of the Pot House ceramic artists has crafted a selection of pieces that reflects their unique style and technique.

This exhibition will delve into the playful and intriguing theme of ‘Feet of Clay’ which showcases how each artist takes on the challenge of portraying the theme and confronts perceptions. Visitors are invited to

ponder the imperfections and vulnerabilities inherent in both the medium and the human experience.

Focusing on the significance of Feet of Clay, the exhibition offers a conversation about the diverse approaches to contemporary ceramics, viewed through the lens of clay and the essence of being a potter.

Sponsored by Gate Pā New World, the free exhibition at The Historic Village on 17th Ave, Tauranga, is on display in The Pot House Gallery from 10am-3.30pm on a number of dates until August 9. See more at: www.theincubator.co.nz

Elisha Tie and Jasper Zhang will perform a double violin concerto by Vivaldi at the concert. Photos / Supplied

Seven youth musicians to perform at Rising Stars An afternoon of beautiful music and exceptional talent this Sunday, will see seven young musicians perform with the Bay of Plenty’s community orchestra in Tauranga.

The popular Rising Stars Concerto Competition is back for 2025 at Tauranga Boys’ College Graham Young Youth Theatre from 3.30pm on July 27.

The biennial Rising Stars concerto competitions had been a popular part of BOP Symphonia’s repertoire since 2009, and had given many secondary school-level students from around the region a rare opportunity to perform with a live orchestra, said guest conductor McElwee.

“The recent introduction of a composition class has led to some exciting new talent being recognised; and many [past entrants] continue to support the orchestra now and then.”

This year’s finalists are dedicated musicians – and often top in their chosen sport too, McElwee said. “They are active in music groups at their schools and many play in the Youth Philharmonic Tauranga and other local ensembles.”

Bethlehem College Year 7 student Jasper Zhang will perform a double violin concerto by Vivaldi

with fellow Bethlehem College student, Year 9 Elisha Tie. Papamoa College’s Rima Azuma, who is passionate about piano, will play a movement from Grieg’s ‘Piano Concerto’.

Bethlehem College Year 7 student Esha Xu plays many instruments but had chosen to perform the first movement of Mozart’s ‘Piano Concerto No.23’ in A Major.

Year 12 student Heejae Choi, also Bethlehem College, plays several instruments but had chosen to perform the ‘Oboe Concerto’ in C Major by Haydn.

Tauranga Boys’ College Year 13 student Hugo Broad will perform a movement from F. Strauss’ ‘Horn Concerto, Op.8’.

Bethlehem College student Zekai (David) Jiang will perform the second movement from Rachmaninov’s ‘Piano Concerto No.2’.

Plus, 2023’s Rising Star Enoch Tie, who won this year’s composition entry, will perform Gabriel Faure’s ‘Fantaisie’ for flute and orchestra.

BOP Symphonia’s Rising Stars concert is this Sunday, July 27, at 3.30pm at Tauranga Boys’ College, Graham Young Youth Theatre. Tickets are $25 per adult and $15 per child/student plus booking fees at: www.eventfinda.co.nz. Door sales will be limited.

TAURANGA CITIZENS’ CLUB FRIDAY NIGHT: KARAOKE IN THE ARTIE STEWART LOUNGE 7.30PM - 10.30PM. Members, guests and affiliated members and their guests

SATURDAY NIGHT: DINE & DANCE TO STAGETALK RESTAURANT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

RESTAURANT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Join the Tauranga Citizens Club for only $35 and a one off admin fee of $10

Friday night in the Club rooms this week:

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Friday 25 July 2025

The Weekend Sun

24

Off-season dragon boat regatta aids Coastguard Despite the cold, the Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club will hold an off-season regatta in Tauranga this weekend for North Island paddlers.

welcome competitors from across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Auckland regions.”

The regatta will involve two divisions, a mixed category and a women’s category.

The first year the club hosted the regatta in 2021, six teams competed.

“Last year’s event had 16 teams from as far as Wellington and Taranaki competing,” Nicholson said.

Club president Karl Nicholson said the Splash n Dash Dragon Boat Festival on this Sunday, July 27, from 10am-2pm at The Strand on the waterfront aimed to keep the passion for the sport alive by celebrating fitness, camaraderie, and the thrill of dragon boating in Tauranga.

“It’s also an opportunity to give back to our community,” he said. “Any money raised from entry fees will go to Tauranga Coastguard.”

At The Strand

However, this year’s event would be slightly different. Instead of being at the end of Tauriko’s Caslani Lane, the event has shifted to The Strand at the Tauranga Waterfront for more public visibility.

“We’re even hoping to offer the public a chance to hop aboard and experience the boats firsthand.

“The Strand is such a beautiful area. Hopefully, it works both ways in bringing spectacle down to the waterfront as well as exposure for our sport.

13 teams

This year, 13 teams have entered.

“A slight dip from our usual numbers due to many New Zealand paddlers competing at the World Championships in Germany,” Nicholson said.

“Nonetheless, we’re thrilled to

This Sunday’s Splash n Dash Dragon Boat Festival on Tauranga Waterfront will be full of water-filled action, with 13 teams paddling in the event. Photo / Supplied

“Only experienced i d paddlers ddl affiliated with regional dragon boat clubs are invited to ensure high-calibre racing and safety on the water.”

Reconnect

Paddlers will range from 12 to older than 70. This event would give people the opportunity to come out of winter hibernation and get back on the water,

said id Ni Nicholson. h l “M “Many off our teams are using the off-season to recover, so this gives our people the chance to get back out there.

“But also, one of the most critical impacts is that it allows people to reconnect with their second families, aka their teammates, whom they start to miss about now,” said

Ni h l Nicholson.

“For “F most off us, dragon boating is about more than racing.

“It’s the spirit of teamwork, the exhilaration of physical challenge, and a deep connection with the water.”

The public is welcome to watch the races and find more information about the club on its Facebook page. Ayla Yeoman

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Work is now progressing on the Tauranga Art Gallery upgrade works, which means there will be intermittent truck movements at the western end of Masonic Park to enable the delivery of concrete, according to Tauranga City Council.

“There will be clearly marked diversions in place for pedestrians using Masonic Park.

“When concrete trucks are moving within the western section of Masonic Park, traffic controllers will assist in guiding pedestrians safely through the space. At times, traffic controllers may need to temporarily stop traffic on Willow St to allow concrete trucks to access the service lane within Masonic Park. To allow a sufficient turning circle for concrete trucks, four carparks alongside the Willow St hoardings will be temporarily removed.”

Tauranga Art Gallery is undergoing renovations as part of the $306m Te Manawataki o Te Papa civic precinct project in the city centre.

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Knowing the fear of the Lord

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

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There are a lot of things that can provoke the willies. From bein ng afraid of the dark, to spiders to, in my casee, great heights. You would never find me going near a bungee jump or donning a parachute!

Perhaps a more com mmon fear is what in the Bible is called “the feear of man”. This is the kind of fear thaat results from an anxiety about whaat others think about us or wh hat they might do to us. It can n lead us to avoid others or have an overreliance on their opinion or approval. It’s whatt creates peer pressure and com mpromise.

I think most of us, myself included, struggle wiith this type of “fear” to some deggree.

Fortunately, the Scrriptures provide the medicine. Proverrbs 29:25 says: “Fear

of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe”. The answer is havingg a biggger view of God than we do of others. As Proverbs 9:10 saays: “The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one iss understanding”.

The fear of the Lord means having awe and reverence for God’s hooliness, his majesty, his power. Knowiing this fear of the Lord can give us security because of how much h God loves us. As Jesus says: “So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrrows”.

While I probably won’t be jumping ou ut of an aeroplane anytime sooon, the fear of the Lord surely helps keep other fears in perspeective! May it do the same for you u.

Re ev Mike Kirkby-Sing, Bethlehem m Community Church

The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

25

KNOW YOUR

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Market steady, but regional activity gains pace The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand has this month released figures for June 2025, which showed a relatively stable market.

Although there had been increases in the number of sales compared to June 2024, the median price for New Zealand remained unchanged, and listings across the country also declined.

According to the REINZ June 2025 full Monthly Property Report, the median price for New Zealand was steady year-on-year at $770,000. Excluding Auckland, the median price increased by 1.7% year-on-year to reach $691,500. Auckland experienced a further decline year-on-year, decreasing by 3.4% to $990,000.

Ten out of the 16 regions reported an increase in median prices compared to June 2024, said the report.

The most significant increase was seen on the West Coast, up 35.5% from $310,000 to $420,000. Southland reached a record high in its median price, reaching $502,500 – the first record median price in any region since January.

Steady, but with movement

“We’re seeing a market that is steady on the surface but with some movement underneath at a regional level,” said REINZ chief executive Lizzy Ryley.

“The unchanged national median price suggests stability, yet this reflects contrasting regional dynamics, with some areas experiencing renewed growth year-on-year.”

The number of properties sold across

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the country increased by 20.3% year-onyear, increasing from 4877 to 5865. When excluding Auckland, sales increased by 21.4%, from 3371 to 4091.

Bay of Plenty

Looking to the regions, the highest yearon-year increase was recorded in Gisborne, which saw a 70.0% increase, from 20 to 34 sales. Other regions with notable sales increases included Southland (+34.9%), Bay of Plenty (+33.3%) and Marlborough (+32.7%).

Ryley said June is typically a quieter month for real estate, and while the seasonal slowdown was expected, sales came in slightly below typical early winter levels.

“Nationally, seasonally adjusted sales fell by around 5%, suggesting some caution in the market, but compared to this time last year, sales remain significantly stronger overall.”

Looking at properties coming to market, New Zealand saw a 2.5% decline in listings compared to June 2024, totalling 7612 listings. Excluding Auckland, there was also a decrease in listings, down 3.3% to 4700. Inventory levels across the country, however, continue to rise, increasing by 2% year-on-year to 32,384 properties available for sale.

Auctions

Nationally, there were 676 auction sales reported in June 2025, representing 11.5% of all sales. For New Zealand, excluding Auckland, there were 315 auction sales, which were 7.7% of all sales. The median

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number of days to sell for New Zealand increased by three days to 50 days.

Excluding Auckland, it rose by four days to reach a median of 50 days as well.

Ryley said that while properties are still selling, the increase in median days to sell indicates that buyers are taking a more considered approach.

“This shift probably reflects a broader sense of caution, with many buyers feeling they have the time to explore their options, especially with the amount of choice they have.

“Most vendors are entering the market with realistic price expectations and a willingness to adapt to current conditions, especially those motivated to sell.

“However, many are receiving offers below

their anticipated value, prompting some to delay listing, or relisting, until spring or summer, when market activity may show signs of improvement.”

The HPI

The House Price Index for New Zealand is currently at 3580, showing a year-on-year increase of 0.3% and a decrease of 0.8% compared to May 2025. During the past five years, the average annual growth rate of New Zealand’s HPI has been 3.9%.

For the full Monthly Property Report from REINZ for June 2025, see: www. reinz.co.nz/libraryviewer?ResourceID=775 For the House Price Index Report for June 2025, see: www.reinz.co.nz/ libraryviewer?ResourceID=776

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 25 July 2025

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The Weekend Sun

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