29 August 2025, Issue 1265
For our future
Rotarian Lyall Holmes is calling on 200 volunteers to help Tauranga’s four Rotary clubs plant 5000 native trees in Kōpūrererua Valley on Sunday, September 14 – one of several hands-on events happening across the region next month as part of the new Footprints for Our Future initiative The
week-long Rotary-led initiative from September 8-14 will see clubs, schools and community groups from Katikati all the way to Ōhope take action to restore local waterways, dunes, and reserves Plantings, stream clean-ups and dune restoration events are also planned for Pāpāmoa and Katikati.
“K Valley is a truly valuable resource, and the more people who understand its value to our city, the better,” said Holmes. “It’s two hours of planting, followed by a good old-fashioned sausage sizzle ” One of the week’s flagship events is ‘Healing
our Waters’, an evening discussion hosted at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus on September 10, featuring leading experts Dr Mike Joy, Professor Chris Battershill, and environmental adviser John Burke. To read more go to pages 6 and 10 Photo / Brydie Thompson.
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When love was undone by a zit
I was praying for it to stay dormant, and unseen, at least until after the last dance. Until the final riffs of Bob Dylan’s ‘Positively Fourth Street’ had faded, the lights had gone up and the Bible class dance was over Until I had held her Ooh Fiona! Perhaps even whispered that I liked her. How gallant, how courtly
Bible class social because that was what we did in the 1960s We didn’t go to bars and clubs at 10.30pm on a Saturday night. We were headed home on the last bus at that hour The social was held in the church hall where God’s “keepers of decency” patrolled, prising apart over-amorous dancers and dislodging knee-sitters. That was the level of promiscuous behaviour that prevailed in those days. Outrageous! Hullo!
Anyhow, this teenager, this young buck, was infatuated with the cutest twitching nose on Watership Down. Ooh Fiona! She was a netballer, an artist, played the violin and had a luxuriant mane of wavy red hair It swished in slow motion.
A vision of loveliness. I rehearsed a few conversation-starters and one day after finding a backbone, I stammered “hullo” at her What a line? Sure to become a bullet point in a ‘How to Win a Heart’ manual A stuttering, salivating “Hullo!” Hey Valentino!
But incredibly, astonishingly, she smiled right back and said: “Hi” How inspired? “Hi” I quivered and quaked Suddenly, cosines and tangents were irrelevant Conjugating French verbs was yesterday I was too busy wrestling with a complex and wonderfully fuzzy thing called love
That was when I plottted my own ‘OOperation Overlord’, my D-Day
On Saturday night at t the Bible Class Social when Dunedin’s answeer to Dylan headed down ‘Positively Fourth Streeet ’ yet again, “You’ve got a lot of nerve etc, ettc” , I would summon up some nerve of my ownn, fluff up the bobtail and sidle over and ask her to dance Just hopefully, that wee nose would twitch connsent I played the moment over and over in my mind u until Saturday evening when n this bunny was preening foor the dance. When I pressed d the nose up against the batthroom mirror, there it was A huge pimple of snow-capped d K2 proportions There had d been low level seismic activity alll week, but now it was set to blow On Saturday
night On D-Day A large beacon of despair smack on my chin Lovely
No last dance
When K2 erupted all over the bathroom mirror my plans disintegrated with it. There could be no social There could be no last dance A combination of excess oil, clogged hair follicles, bacteria and inflammation, and whatever else causes a K2, had spectacularly scuttled my love quest Foiled by a zit! “If she is a good person, she will see past it” I was assured But I was distraught I remember weeping with frustration and disappointment Acne can be cruel Adolescence, and pimples, can mess with your emotions
Eventually K2 disappeared off the landscape, as did the love interest I never saw her again It was only 60 years ago Perhaps there’s still a chance? Perhaps she’s still out there? Where art thou Fiona? The face has cleared
No sympathy from one colleague: “Well, we all had a pimple that needed popping” He wasn ’ t to know that for a couplle of f years I was allways s just a few pimples away from a fullface breakout They dictated d what I did, when, and with who A motley, pock-marked, pimply complexion ruled my life My mother understood my pain She would gaze at me, smile and placce a reassuring hand on the minefield that was my face – almost as if she was s defying some hiideously contagious disease For a few moments I did not feel like an outcast
So it’s probably not surprising my heart went out to Skye Stout last week Don’t know her, just know of her – as much of the world knows her now for all the wrong reasons
Skye’s a 16-year-old who had just signed her first professional football contract with Kilmarnock Football Club in Scotland It should have been a moment of great pride, a moment to cherish The club celebrated her – splashed her image all over the Club’s official account –a nod to talent and success
Flick them a finger
But some ignorant, gutless, faceless, bullying trolls chose to look right past her achievement and mercilessly savaged her online for her facial acne Humiliated her Charming!
To suffocate the haters, the club tore down all the posts mentioning Skye
Skye flicked her detractors a stylish, defiant finger by slamming in a free-kick from the edge of the box in her first game You can ’ t take success away from success
Why don’t the trolls show Skye’s courage and crawl out of their dark, sad caves and show their faces? Have an opinion? Then own it Let’s see what hate looks like And perhaps they could tell us what they have achieved in life that goes anywhere near the deeds of our young midfielder
As one Skye supporter posted: “You are a strong beautiful young lady” Another said: “Grown-ups abusing a 16-year-old What sad pathetic, unhappy lives they must have”
Bullies never win!
And from sister Tamlyn: “Thanks for showing baby sister love and support Means a lot Xxx”
P Project may proceed without NZTA
A major Tauranga road project is set to go ahead without New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) funding, but there will be compromises
Cameron Rd Stage 2 involved fully or partially four-laning the southern end of the central arterial route, between 17th Ave and Maleme St
Water infrastructure under the road would also be upgraded, with ratepayers set to pay more than $100 million of the total costs
The project follows the controversial $110m Cameron Rd Stage 1, which focused on the north end and finished in early 2024
Tauranga City Council planned to co-fund Stage 2 with NZTA, but the project was not prioritised in the current National Land Transport programme
Councillors were presented with a revised “value for money ” option at a meeting on Tuesday
The original designs for the transport infrastructure were costed at $164 million, but the redesign was estimated to cost $98 8m
with pavers, signage and beautification similar to Cameron Rd Stage 1, but the new design focused on transport outcomes, he said
There are multiple options proposed for Greerton Village that would see either two lanes or four lanes of traffic, and traffic signals or roundabouts at the Chadwick Rd and Cornwall St intersections
The options would be presented to the community for feedback, which would be incorporated into further designs
Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the redesign was a “suboptimal solution” but it would deliver something now Otherwise, the council would be talking about this
in 10 years ’ time and the project could cost $300m, he said “If we want to deliver a project, this is our best opportunity to deliver it ”
The council unanimously decided to commit to delivering the project
Concept designs would go out for public feedback once the council had confirmation the IAF funding was still available.
This could be funded through a $56 4m grant from the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund (IAF), $22 4m in developer contributions and $20m from an Infrastructure Funding and Financing Levy that would be paid back by ratepayers through a targeted rate
The $86 7m water infrastructure required is funded through the current Long Term Plan
This means ratepayers would foot at least $106 7m of the total project bill – and the IAF grant was also not guaranteed
The IAF was being reviewed, so there was a risk this funding source could be lost
However, the fund administrator said if the council committed to delivering the project by June 30, 2030, it could increase the chance of keeping the funding Council senior project manager Richard O’Kane said the proposed designs came with compromises and trade-offs
A key challenge was enabling right turns along the route, another was beautification of the berms and urban revitalisation, O’Kane said
The original design included new footpaths
A report would come back to the City Future Committee in 2026 to confirm the design before detailed design planning took place - LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
Cameron Rd would become four lanes from 17th
Ave if the Cameron Road Stage 2 project goes ahead
Photo / John Borren
Alisha Evans, Local Democracy Reporter
Council cuts $3.87m
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Public transport funding has been cut in a fast-growing region where traffic congestion is a common complaint.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council sliced $3.87 million out of its public transport budget as part of its 2025/2026 Annual Plan, with the Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty areas most affected.
The council made savings by cutting projects such as a Pāpāmoa park and ride trial, deferring plans to expand the bus network and removing or amalgamating some routes.
The cuts helped the council bring its general rates rise down to 3% from a forecast 8.2%, with targeted rates for transport services down 2%.
The public transport spend would be $56.6m.
Affordability concerns
Regional council public transport director Oliver Haycock said this was achieved by reviewing budgets, considering affordability concerns and adapting to changing economic conditions.
A reduction in the subsidy received from the New Zeland Transport Agency (NZTA) for public transport meant the council had to reassess its plans, he said. The council requested $128m for public transport services from NZTA for 20242027 but had $111.9m approved, leaving a $16.1m shortfall.
For 2025/2026, the council would receive about $3.9m less in government subsidy for proposed improvement projects, Haycock said He said without the full subsidy, ratepayers would have had to pay for the projects, but the councillors decided this was not appropriate.
The council saved $1.4m by cancelling three key projects. These were:
The Pāpāmoa park and ride trial – a joint initiative with Tauranga City Council for an express peak bus service between a temporary parking facility in Pāpāmoa East and the city centre – saving $900,000.
Another $200,000 was saved by cancelling tertiary commuter services between Bay of Plenty urban centres because patronage was low and the NZTA funding was declined
A feasibility study into the previous government ’ s bus decarbonisation targets was no longer needed, which saved $300,000.
Biggest saving
The council’s biggest savings of $3.7m came from moderating its approach to growth and finding efficiencies in the current network, Haycock said In April, bus routes 71 and 70 were amalgamated
to create Route 7 and the outbound Route 52x in the morning was removed, due to “ very low patronage”.
Councillors also approved funding to extend the On Demand bus trial in Tauranga South
This meant the council achieved $3.87m in public transport savings, Haycock said The council’s Long Term Plan included funding to expand the bus network to support the “significant growth” in Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty, but the councillors decided general growth in the network could be deferred, he said Tauranga’s population growth averaged 2% a year over the five years to 2024, according to Infometrics data.
For the Western Bay of Plenty it was 2.4% a year over the same period, compared with 1.2% a year for New Zealand
Haycock said there were no specific growth projects planned but the funding was earmarked to support the Connected Centres model set out in the Urban Form and Transport Initiative report. The initiative focused on supporting liveable community outcomes and finding answers for housing capacity, intensification and multi-modal transport.
“At the heart of our transport network are the buses, routes and services that people in our region rely on every day That isn’t going to change.
“Last year was a record-breaking year, with almost 3.4 million trips made on our networks across the Bay of Plenty.”
Not doing more
Regional council Public Transport Committee chairman Andrew von Dadelszen said the council did not reduce current services. “It’s not that we are doing less, it’s that we ’ re not doing more. ”
The goal was to grow bus patronage and get “ smarter ” with how the council delivered services, he said
He had a vision for an orbiter service that ran a central route through Greerton, Cameron Rd, the city centre and Mount Maunganui, with smaller buses servicing the suburbs from this route.
There would be costs involved because interchanges would be needed for people to transfer buses, but von Dadelszen believed it would be more efficient than running big buses on routes with low patronage.
Should grow with area
Wednesday Challenge national project co-ordinator Heidi Hughes said public transport budgets should be growing with an area.
Wednesday Challenge national project
co-ordinator Heidi Hughes said public transport budgets should grow with cities.
Photos / George Novak
from transport kitty
Bay of Plenty Regional Council
sliced $3.87 million out of its public transport budget as part of its 2025/2026 Annual Plan.
This was difficult for councils because of the reduced government funding, she said.
“They wouldn’t have made such drastic cuts if it hadn’t been that the government policy statement completely changed the emphasis from public transport to allocating funding to roads.”
The Wednesday Challenge encourages people to not use cars for their Wednesday commutes.
Public transport funding needed to be prioritised, but the regional council needed support from the Government and city and district councils that managed the bus stops, Hughes said.
“Councils should be prioritising it, especially with a growing city”
She said more greenfield development, combined with restricting public transport finance, would
“end up creating more congestion and worse outcomes in the future”.
Denser development should be encouraged instead of urban sprawl, she said
Traffic congestion was behind only crime in the top complaints of Tauranga residents polled in the 2024 Quality of Life Survey It was a concern for 43% of respondents, higher than in the other eight areas surveyed.
Perceptions of public transport also generally ranked lower in Tauranga than other main centres.
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Providing professional and compassionate care when you need it most.
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Positive action for fuuture generations
A week-long environmental initiative is taking place across the Bay of Plenty next month, uniting Rotary clubs, schools and community groups in a collective mission to restore and protect the region’s waterways and coastlines.
Footprints for Our Future will run from September 8-14 and feature a wide range of events – from hands-on clean-ups and native
tree planting days to an evening of thought-provoking presentations.
Rotary’s Bay of Plenty Community Group leader Carmen Goodwin said the week is designed to create long-term impact and strengthen community connection to local land and water
“Our shared goal is to protect and regenerate our local environments, while inspiring meaningful action for a healthier future,” said Goodwin
One of the flagship events is ‘Healing Our Waters’, an evening
discussion hosted at the University of Waikato’s Tauranga campus on Tuesday, September 10.
The event would feature freshwater ecologist Dr Mike Joy, marine ecologist and environmental scientist, Professor Chris Battershill and environmental adviser John Burke.
Attendees will learn about the science behind ecosystem restoration alongside practical steps communities can take to safeguard these vital environments
“You’ll also hear inspiring local stories of action already underway in the Bay of Plenty, leaving you informed, hopeful, and ready to be part of the change,” Goodwin said
Throughout the week Rotary clubs region-wide will host environmental action days, calling for volunteers to join in a variety of outdoor efforts – including rubbish collection, dune planting,
Professor Chris Battershill is one of three speakers at ‘Healing our Waters’ on September 10, which is part of the Rotary-organised Footprints for Our Future week in September.
stream restoration and native tree planting. Planned activities include tree planting in Katikati, Kōpūrererua Valley and Ōhope, dune planting in Pāpāmoa, and reserve renovation in Kawerau
The events would be led by the Rotary Clubs of Katikati/Ōmokoroa, Pāpāmoa, Tauranga Te Papa, Tauranga Sunrise, Tauranga, Otūmoetai, and Whakatāne.
“This is where we get our hands dirty – in the best way, ” said Goodwin. “Whether you're pulling weeds, planting seedlings, or collecting rubbish, your mahi will leave a visible, lasting mark.” Families, school groups and individuals of all ages and abilities are encouraged to participate. For event details and to register, visit: www.footprintsforourfuture.org.nz
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Photo / Supplied
The Weekend Sun turns 25!
This month marks a significant milestone for Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region: The Weekend Sun newspaper celebrates 25 years since its first edition hit letterboxes on August 25, 2000.
From its early days as a bold local voice in the media landscape to becoming a trusted household name, The Weekend Sun has spent the last quarter-century documenting the stories that matter most to our community – big and small, joyful and difficult, historic and every day
When The Weekend Sun was launched in the year 2000 by Sun Media’s Brian and Claire Rogers, it filled a gap in the local media market with a simple mission: to provide free, accessible, and truly local journalism to the people of Tauranga and surrounding areas “We would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal readers and our loyal advertisers who have continued to support us over the last 25 years, ” said The Weekend editor Merle Cave
that aimed to unashamedly serve its community – and I believe it continues to do so today
“I congratulate our team of staff for the hard work behind the scenes to get The Weekend Sun to print each week – and I thank our community for their unwavering support ”
For 25 years the newspaper has
Sun became known not just for covering council meetings, local sports, and community events, but for digging deeper into the issues affecting local residents
The paper has told thousands of local stories, championed good causes and celebrated local people doing extraordinary things It has also provided a platform for local columnists, community leaders, and residents to share their views
“This publication was started by the Rogers family as a bold, feisty, grassroots community newspaper
been delivered free every Friday to homes and businesses across the region – now reaching more than 50,000 readers every week
During the years, The Weekend
Cave said The Weekend Sun has consistently focused on what makes Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty tick “Here’s to the next chapter – and many more weekends of stories worth telling!”
Key milestones
• 2000 – The Weekend Sun publishes its first edition.
• 2005 – Launch of SunLive.co.nz.
• 2010s – Coverage expands with more in-depth reporting
• 2020 – Throughout the pandemic, The Weekend Sun played a key role in keeping communities informed.
• March 2024 – The Weekend Sun was acquired by New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) as part of its acquisition of SunMedia.
• August 2025 – The Weekend Sun newspaper turns 25 years old.
Today is Daffodil Day Aotearoa – and the opportunity to support a charity that supports the one in three New Zealanders who are diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.
Fundraising events specialist Alyson Bowker said the Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty is not directly government funded – however their services are free for people with cancer and their whānau.
“These services include transport to treatment, support from experienced cancer care professionals, support groups, accommodation near to treatment centres and access to counselling.”
All funds raised locally stay here to support to the Society Waikato/ BOP branch.
Today volunteers will man street appeals around Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay, Pāpāmoa, Te Puke and Katikati to collect donations. Or donate online at: daffodilday.org.nz
Tauranga families have a unique chance next month to plant a native tree, snap a selfie with it, and return in the years ahead to watch it grow – all while helping restore one of the city’s most significant ecological and cultural landscapes.
The Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust is calling on 200 volunteers to join 200 local Rotarians in planting 5000 native trees in the Kōpūrererua Valley Reserve on Sunday, September 14.
reserve. Kōpūrererua Valley is not only an important wetland and ecological corridor – it holds deep cultural and historical significance, and is part of the ancestral lands of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, for whom the valley and nearby Waikareao Estuary are treasured kete kai (food baskets). The area was also a site of pivotal 19th Century battles between Māori and British colonial forces, with remnants of Puketoromiro Pā and other archaeological features still visible today Kōpūrererua Valley received national recognition in May, earning a Healthy Parks Merit Award in the 2025 Recreation Aotearoa Parks Awards.
While the award was presented to TCC, Holmes said it also reflected the efforts of countless volunteers and the trust partners across two decades of transformation work.
“We’re inviting the public to come along and be part of this special day,” said trust board chair Lyall Holmes. “It’s two hours of planting, followed by a good old-fashioned sausage sizzle. K Valley is a truly valuable resource, and the more people who understand its value to our city, the better”
Volunteers are encouraged to pre-register via the Humanitix website so organisers can plan for numbers. The planting event would run 9.30am-12pm, with access via the Marshall Ave entrance to the valley “Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Environmental Enhancement fund and Powerco will pay for a mixture of plant species,” Holmes said. “We appreciate their generosity”
Established in 2004, the Tauranga Rotary Centennial Trust is a long-term collaboration between Tauranga’s four Rotary clubs – Tauranga, Tauranga Te Papa, Tauranga Sunrise, and Otūmoetai – in partnership with Tauranga City Council, BOPRC, and local iwi.
During the last 20 years the project has seen more than $2 million invested into revitalising the 364-hectare
The value of K Valley extended well beyond its role in improving stormwater quality before it flows into Tauranga Harbour, said Holmes, because it now served as a key transport and recreational link through the city
Alongside the state highway corridor connecting Tauriko to Mount Maunganui – a vital route for portbound freight – the reserve boasts 12km of walking and cycling paths. These encourage residents and visitors alike to explore the valley’s rich biodiversity and connect with its layered history
“Soak up the tranquillity, share a sense of history, ecology and recreational possibilities in this jewel of Tauranga city Bring your families and enjoy a sausage sizzle,” Holmes said.
To register for the September 14 planting day, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/plantingday
TRCT board chair Lyall Holmes next to native trees planted 20-plus years ago. Photo / Brydie Thompson.
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
My name is Shaun McCann, owner of Corrective Foot Solutions. Over the past eight years since we’ve opened the doors, we’ve helped hundreds of bunion patients get rid of their bunion pain, improve too deviation, wear more shoes and lead an active lifestyle without surgery. We use Foot Mobilisation Therapy which is a gentle hands-on technique that corrects the cause of your bunion by working on the misalignments in the foot, as well as strengthening the weakened muscles around the joints.
Acorn achieves record-breaking $5m in communit funding
y y g
The Western Bay of Plenty is celebrating a milestone in local
generosity with the Acorn Foundation announcing its largest ever annual distribution – more than $5.1 million to community organisations and scholarships programmes across the region. Since its beginnings in 2003, Acorn has granted more than $25 million, thanks to generous donors who have established more than 500 funds. Each gift is invested in perpetuity, with annual returns directed to causes identified by Acorn's donors.
A k f f 2025 h b i elderly residents – particularly ga 2023 research as one of the most Foundation CEO Lori Luke nding from Acorn’s Vital Impact
Fund, including groups like Age Concern Tauranga, Abbbeyfielld Western Bay of f Pllentyy, and Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
For Abbeyfield WBOP’s Katikati housing g project, the grant was pivotal. “This has hellped us reach our final target of $280,000,” said chairperson Carole Parker, who described Acorn’s support as both financial and motivational for their committee.
Luke said the foundation’s results showed the strength of local giving. “Our donors continnue to amaze us with their commitment to creaating lasting change. This investment will ripple across our community for years to come. ”
With September marking Wills Month, Acorn encouraged locals to consider leaving g a legacy gift – or to give while they are alive.
Donor Adrienne Coad reflected on her giving to the Acorn Foundation “I absoluutely love the feeling of being able to see what m my money is doing ”
Luke said: “When a community gives together, the impact can be felt for generatioons ” .
A former journalist will take over the role of chief executive at Priority One later this year
Dave Courtney will take up the position on December 1.
He will replace Nigel Tutt, who is leaving the organisation to take up a new role as managing director of Stuff Digital.
Courtney joins Western Bay of Plenty’s economic development agency from his current role as chief customer officer at Silver Fern Farms, where he leads a global team of more than 120 people across New Zealand, China, Japan, Korea, the Middle East, the United Kingdom and the United States
He has been responsible for leading a team tasked with driving the company ’ s global sales, growth and innovation strategy
Originally from Blenheim, C career has spanned journalism, public sector, corporate leaders international markets.
After starting out as a journal Courtney moved into strategic communications and stakehold management with the New Ze Defence Force and the Ministr Foreign Affairs and Trade, befo joining the private sector
In 2011, he relocated to Tauranga to join Zespri International, moving through various roles and finishing his career there as the chief grower and alliances officer as part of
Zespri’s executive team He continued his time in the primary industry with the move to Silver Fern Farms in 2021.
Speaking about his appointment, Courtney said he was excited to be based back in the Bay of Plenty and contribute to shaping the region’s future. “This role sits right at the intersection of my personal and professional aspirations.
“I’m thrilled to be coming home to the Bay and joining an organisation that plays such a pivotal role in shaping the region’s economic future.
“Priority One’s work alongside business, iwi, education and local government partners is making a real difference, and I’m looking forward to working with the team and our stakeholders to build on that momentum.
”
Priority One chairman Todd Muller said Courtney’s appointment marks an exciting new ganisation and the region. exceptional combination ommercial expertise and n to this region o navigate complexity, e highest levels, and bring er around a shared vision aluable as we continue ve economic growth and ate opportunities for our ommunity
“Dave brings an e of leadership, co deep connection
“His ability to influence at the people togethe will be inva to driv crea co
trategy ourtney ’ s the ship and list, c der aland ry of ore y pp chapter for the org
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have someone of Dave’s calibre leading Priority One into its next phase ” To find out more about Priority One, visit: www.priorityone.co.nz
Sponsored Content
Dave Courtney becomes chief executive of Priority One on December 1 Photo / Suppllied d
Acorn Foundation’s Legacy giving manager Campbell Higgins with Acorn donor Adrienne Coad. Photo / Supplied
Sisters in Country in Tauranga this weekend!
This Sunday, August 31, Bay of Plenty music lovers are in for a treat as the ‘Sisters in Country’ – a dynamic trio of New Zealand country music royalty – perform in Tauranga.
This special show – starting 4pm at the Tauranga Citz Club – offers a rare opportunity to see three of New Zealand’s most celebrated artists on one stage, delivering an afternoon of incredible music and nostalgic charm
Headlining the group is Jodi Vaughan, a true legend of New Zealand’s music scene
A household name from her captivating performances on the iconic 1980s television show ‘That’s Country’, Vaughan’s voice and stage presence have captivated
audiences for decades
“Her performance promises to evoke memories of a golden age of country music, connecting with fans who have followed her career since the very beginning,” said Aly Cook, another incredible ‘sister’ alongside masterful Marian Burns, affectionately known as the ‘Fiddle Queen’.
“Burns’ virtuosic fiddle playing is a showstopper in its own right, adding a rich, lively layer to every song, ” said Cook
Together, their combined talents create a musical harmony that is both breathtaking and deeply moving.
The Tauranga Citz Club show is more than just a concert, said Cook “It’s a chance to experience the genuine camaraderie and passion us three women share for our craft.”
Cook said they aim to represent the heart
NZHighwaymen
and soul of New Zealand country music “and we believe our performance is a mustsee for anyone who remembers the classic sounds of a generation”
For those who can ’ t make it to this weekend, Sisters in Country also headlining the Harmony R tour in Australia in January 202 – taking those on the tour from a Sydney harbour cruise and Hunter Valley wine experience to Tamworth Country Music Festival to the Gold Coast
However, this Sunday, August 31’s show is the perfect opportunity to catch these beloved artists up-close “Don’t miss this chance to witness our show
Beethoven’s unique anddistinctivestyle
compositions, said Scholars Baroque Aotearoa conductor Chalium Poppy
Scholars Baroque Aotearoa chamber choir will perform their second concert of the 2025 season, which champions one of the most iconic composers of all time, Ludwig van Beethoven
“This is a concert of immense power and beauty Both works are extremely dramatic. The ‘Mass in C’ will feature some exceptionally fine expressive and colourful singing that the Scholars Baroque are now famous for”
“It is Jiang’s last year with us as one of our choral scholars before we say goodbye to him as he leaves for university,” said Poppy
Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will present Beethoven’s ‘Mass in C’ and young scholar David Jiang will perform ‘Piano Sonata No 8 in C Minor’ on September 13-14 at Mount Maunganui and Rotorua respectively Featuring Christchurch organist Jeremy Woodside and an impressive line-up of New Zealand soloists, the concert brings together two distinct but equally powerful works by Beethoven
Composed from 1807-1808, ‘Mass in C’ is one of Beethoven’s early sacred choral compositions written at time when he was developing his distinctive style
“He was one of the finalists this year in the symphony’s concerto competition, so we felt it was right to celebrate him The pathétique is full of frustration and angst as Beethoven comes from the time Beethoven wrestled with his loss of hearing ” Scholars Baroque Aotearoa will present
Beethoven’s ‘Piano Sonata No 8 in C Minor’, commonly known as ‘Sonata Pathétique’, was written in 1798 when the c composer was 27 years old It has remained one of his most celebrated
Beethoven’s ‘Mass in C’ is St Peter’s Anglican Church, 15 Victoria Rd, Mount Maunganui, on September 13 at 7.30pm; and St Luke’s Anglican Church, 1223 Amohia St, Rotorua, on September 14 at 2.30pm. For ticket purchase and information, visit: www scholarsbaroque com
– it promises to be full of heart, soul, and spectacular music!” Tickets and information can be
Kem Ormond
Scholars Baroque Aotearoa chamber choir will perform their second concert of the 2025 season on September 13-14 Inset: David Jiang Photos / Supplied
Film festival treats and more
The Tauranga edition of this year ’ s New Zealand International Film Festival has arrived
It’s always a bittersweet moment for film-lovers as the smaller Tauranga iteration, while offering many treats, inevitably loses gems we know screened at the Auckland festival.
It does rather reflect the view that Tauranga is a middle-of-the-road place.
Thus we get ‘Anchor Me’, about Don McGlashan, but not ‘Life In One Chord’ exploring Straitjacket Fits’ somewhat spikier Shayne Carter Of Auckland’s two films by director Richard Linklater, we get ‘Blue Moon’, about popular composers Hart, Rogers, and Hammerstein, but not ‘Nouvelle Vague’, his playful take on challenging French filmmaker Jean-Luc Goddard
John & Yoko
Not that I don’t highly recommend ‘Anchor Me’ and ‘Blue Moon’. There are a number of other worthwhile documentaries too
‘One to One: John & Yoko’ explores the couple’s life in 1970’s New York City complete with priceless footage from John Lennon’s 1972 concert at Madison Square Garden Also on the documentary front is ‘Not Only Fred Dagg’, a film made by John Clarke’s daughter Lorin about New Zealand’s greatest humourist and writer of at least two of our greatest songs And one more without musical connection: Gaylene Preston’s ‘War Stories Our Mothers Never Told Us’, made in 1995. It’s an amazing film It does exactly what the title says, interviewing seven extraordinary ordinary women and it’s a heartbreaking joy Oh,
and Gaylene is Jan Preston’s sister so there is a musical connection
The festival runs until September 7 at Luxe Cinemas Tauranga. Circling back to Don McGlashan, as well as the documentary, his new album ‘Take It To The Bridge’, a live set with violinist Anita Clark, has just been released, the first live album of his long career His filmed concert last month with Clark at the RNZ Studio is on YouTube; search for ‘Don McGlashan –Full Performance (Live at RNZ)’
Richard O’Brien
Meanwhile, Katikati’s star of stage and screen Richard O’Brien has been popping up all over the film world, what with ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ turning 50 this year In June it shared the cover of the UK’s ‘Sight & Sound’ magazine with 1975’s biggest hit ‘Jaws’ There’s also his son Linus O’Brien’s documentary ‘Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror’ which is doing the
The National Wild Goat Hunting Competition is open for hunters to help tackle Aotearoa’s growing wild goat population The nationwide contest has more than $70,000 worth of prizes to win across multiple categories and is open until November 26.
To enter, hunters must take their goat tails or heads into an entry location during the competition period.
rounds of documentary festivals. So let me quietly hip y’all to what must be the bargain of the year, especially if you live near Te Puna. Each month at the charming White House restaurant O’Brien has a new artwork for sale, what he calls his “doodles”, framed A3 colour pencil drawings They are delightful and whimsical, reminiscent of children’s book illustrations. Just write your offer on the sheet of paper, bids start at $40 and are donated to Starship Children’s Hospital. Full disclosure: I got last month’s doodle, a fat cat lying on a sofa. It cost $100 and is sitting on the piano right now I couldn’t be happier There you go! A chance to own an original Richard O’Brien artwork Don’t say you never get the good oil from Winston.
Hear
www tinyurl com/22hy3ne4
Wild goat hunting competition gets under way Candidates afternoon
All goat tails and goat heads entered must be wild and taken legally, recreationally, and humanely All who enter go in the draw to win national and local prizes. Wild goat heads can only be taken to New Zealand Deerstalkers Association branches.
Enter at: www.doc.govt.nz/news/events/nationalevents/national-wild-goat-hunting-competition
Katikati and Waihī Beach residents who want to know more about candidates standing in the Local Body Elections should get to The Hub tomorrow
A Meet the Candidates event – for the four Katikati Community Board and two Western Bay of Plenty District Council Katikati-Waihī Beach councillor seats – begins 2pm Saturday, August 30 at The Hub’s McKinney Room next to Katikati Library
The event is organised by the Katikati and Waihī Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association
Katch Katikati promotions manager Jacqui Knight said the association would host another event on September 4; plus a September 17 ‘It’s in the Ballot’ event is on the cards too, with more details to come.
“It’s more important than ever to learn about our local candidates,” said Knight.
“These are the people who will shape the decisions that impact our community every day If we care about the future of Katikati, we need to make informed choices about who best represents our values and aspirations.” Voting papers begin arriving in letterboxes from September 9, the day voting opens. Voting closes midday October 11 Find out more at: yourplace. westernbay.govt.nz/hub-page/elections
Wednesday,
We’ve
What’s it about?
Hope
Perhaps you ’ re facing a trial in your life like you ’ ve never faced before?
In the midst of such a trial myself, what I especially notice is how some of the Bible’s Psalms really speak words of wisdom, comfort and encouragement I’ve also noticed how biblical words of encouragement and songs on Christian radio are so much more meaningful and helpful than ever
This reminds me as a pastor to always remember to preach sermons addressing the tough everyday life issues we all face Recently, I think I’ve done this more During the past year, our website has contained messages on self-control, mental health, overcoming addiction, loving our enemies, forgiveness, courage, inner peace through the Gospel of Peace, and much more
A wonderful thing about the Bible is it’s full of stories of real people who faced real trials Some failed Some struggled through, but overcame; and some triumphed victoriously through God’s strength
The Christian life can be tough too, but the Bible doesn’t hide this reality The apostle Peter wrote: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer (1 Peter 4:12-15)”
The Bible keeps it real and has real comfort and answers for you too!
Kidd, Church of God’s
Churches Active In Our Community
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