17October2025, Issue1282
“ItstartedasadreamwhenIwasonly young,”saidBarryAnderson,picturedwith wifeBarbara.Inthe1970sthepoliceyouth aidofficerwantedtobuyahouseonthe hilloverlookingtheWairoaRiverandteach kayakingtochildrenofallages. Thecoupleboughtthepropertyin1971and
startedWaimarinoin1975.Whatensuedwas awildrideofcreatingTauranga’smosticonic adventureattraction.Thismonth,Waimarino Group,nowownedandrunbytheirsonBlair, turns50yearsold.
WhattheAndersonsstarted–withsixkayaks andasmallshedback–hasmorphedinto
Whatanadventure! threebusinesses.Today,WaimarinoAdventure Park,WaimarinoKayakToursandWaimarino Riverside–plustheWaimarinoEducation Trust–catertothelocalcommunity,schools nationwideanddomesticandinternational touristsalike.
Hundredsofyouth,families,schoolsand
travelershavemadebeautifulmemorieson theriverthankstoWaimarinoGroup,and theAndersonfamilyhopemanymorewillin future.Readmoreaboutthepark’shistory,and themassivedeals,activitiesandfunonofferthis LabourweekendtocelebrateWaimarino’s50th birthdayonpages16-17. Photo/BrydieThompson
Friday17October2025
405CameronRd,PrivateBag12002, TaurangaMailCentre,Tauranga3143.
Phone075780030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz
ads@thesun.co.nznewsroom@thesun.co.nz
TheWeekendSunispublishedeveryFridayanddistributedthroughouttheWesternBay ofPlentyfromWaihiBeach,throughKatikati,Tauranga,MountMaunganui,Papamoa andTePukeandavailabletocollectatmanystandlocationsthroughoutthearea.For afulllistofstandlocationsseehttps://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.htmlThe WeekendSunispartofNZME-NewZealandMedia&Entertainment.WekeepKiwisin theknow.Locallyproducedat405CameronRd,Tauranga
Amantorn… Whattodo?Blueandgoldorgold andblue?That’sthedilemma. GowiththeheadandbacktheSteamers? Orsurrendertotheheartandcheer Otago?
Whataquandary.Anddon’ttellmeto getoverit,thatitdoesn’tmatter.Cosit does.
AsBillShankly,thelegendaryLiverpool manager,wiselyremarked:“It’snota matteroflifeanddeath,it’smuchmore
Photo/MerleCave
Editor: MerleCave Editorial: LetitiaAtkinson,Alisha Evans,RosalieLiddleCrawford,HunterWells,Ayla Yeoman,BijouJohnson. PublicationsManager: KathySellars. Advertising: JoDelicata,SharonEyres. DesignStudio: KymJohnson,CaitlinBurns.
TheWeekendSunissubjectto NZMediaCouncilprocedures. First,emailyourcomplainttothe Editorat:newsroom@thesun.co.nz Ifnotsatisfiedorformoredetails, goto:mediacouncil.org.nz
importantthanthat”.Andsoitisfor NPCsemi-finals.
Splitloyaltiesaretearingatmy conscience.SteamersorOtago?Otagoor theSteamers?
Thoseamiablepaidtonsils,Country SportBreakfastradiohost,BK–Brian Kelly–toldmeIhavenorighttofeel torn.
“Youdon’tqualifytobeloyalto theSteamers.You’reanimportfrom Dunedin.Youneedtohavebeenintown 40yearstobeabonafideSteamersfan.” Sonotinmylifetimethen–bummer! ThefactBK’sfromWhanganuiseemsto beirrelevant.
‘Dick’themover
ButIoweittotheSteamersbecause theypromisedme,anddelivered,big Iwassittinginacafeonarecent Saturdaymorningwhenasturdyset oflegswalkedin,legsthatcouldhave doubledasbridgepiersforanewharbour crossing.TheSteamerwasonebigboy. Ipolitelyaskedifhewouldn’tmind “dickingover”WaikatoatTauranga DomainthefollowingdaybecauseI didn’tlikeWaikato.
“Exactlyourplan,”smiledthelegs.“I’d bedelightedto.”Andhedid,41-5.Oh, thejoy!SoSteamers,gotoDunedinwith myblessings.Thatshouldbealltheyneed.
Theothersideofmeneedstoremind youthatthebig,boldgold‘O’onthe chestoftheOtagoshirtdoesn’tstandfor Otago.Itstandsforoptimal,outstanding, outofthisworld,outlandish,outrageous.
Andso,ifIhadaheart,Isupposea chunkofitwouldstopinDunedin, mybirthplace.BecausewhileIsithere revelinginTauranga,thewordsofthe bardRobbieBurns,whosebronzeportrait statuepresidesoverthatcityofScottish roots,ringloudly.“Myheart’sinthe Highlands,myheartisnothere.”
Snapfrozentesticles ButasmuchasIloveDunedin,Icould neverlivethere.
sleetsidewaysupthelegofyourschool shortsasyoucycledhome.Testiclesare snapfrozenintoicicles.Itwascruel. Anditalwaysmademewonderwhythe pioneeringScotswholefttheirhomeland toescapehardshipsimplyswappedone Godforsakencoldplaceforanother.
TheSteamerswon’thavetoworrythe weather–nosquallswindorrainat ForsythBarr,arealindoorstadiumand afarcryfromTheDomain.Theworst ofitwillbethestudentsgoingoffinthe ‘Zoo’–reekingofsmokefromincinerated couchesandpre-loadedSpeightsthree star.Itcangetferal.
Anditgrates–becauseDunedinwith 132,000peopleandastaticeconomy,has anenviable,enclosed,allweather,natural grassstadium.Tauranga160,000people, aflourishingeconomy,buttheSteamers playatahotchpotchathleticsvenuewith nofloodlighting.Great!
ButevenTheDomainisaShangri-la comparedtomyrugbynurseryof Carisbrook–astinkingquagmire,some grass,butmostlymud.Cold,windy,wet, miserable.Whentheyputinnewdrains atthescoreboardcornerafewyearsago, theydugupawholelotofoldjerseysand bootsfromthemud–andprobablythe bonesofafewchirpyvisitingCanterbury fanswhohaddisappearedwithouttrace fromtheterrace.
Howromantic Ihavepainfulmemoriesofsub-Antarctic sou’westersblowinghail,snowand
ThenIbrokeranks.Andhearts.And wasIjustaboutostracised.Iforsookthe family’slongconnectionwithonerugby clubforanother.Andjustforaesthetic reasons.Ipreferredthenewclub’sstrip
–black,redandyellow.Romanimyth saysthosecoloursmeanoutofdarkness, throughfire,intolight.Howromantic. Addedawholenewintellectualleveltoa gameofrugbyIthought.
Andallquiteprophetic–because ‘Zingari’isborrowedfromtheItalianfor gypsyandwasadoptedbyEnglishcricket teamsthathadnohomeground.And IwouldcontinuetheZingaritradition inmyownway-wanderingfromjobto job,citytocity,supportingandenjoying variousrubyunions.The‘Zingari’wasin mebutasBurnssaid,theheartstayedin TheHighlands–TheHighlandsinthis casebeingthesevenhillsofhome,not Edinburgh,notRome,butDunedin.
Thefamily SoBKmayberight–Ican’tclaim loyaltytoTheSteamers.They,according toBK,area“closeknitfamily”,andyou justcan’tjustbustintothefamilybecause youchooseto.ButIlikeRichardWatt –whatIhaveseen,watchedandreadof theman.Hedoesn’tgrumpandgrunt likeothercoaches.AndlikewiseKurt Eklund–ahardballkindofguyfromall accounts,andnownursing60stichesin hisface.Hestillmanagedtosmileand chatthroughthatmutilatedfaceafter thegame.Biggertoughermenmight nothavebothered.Likethestyle.Anda thoroughlypleasantandpersonableman Iunderstand,fromthat“niceSteamers family”. So–IwanttheSteamerstowin.If theydon’t,Iwon’tmind.Ican’tlose thisweekend.Thereareonlydegreesof winning.
GlobalawardforMountaerospaceengineer MountMaunganuiaerospace engineerKeshikaWarnakula’s adviceforwomenconsidering aStemcareerpathwasto “staycurious”and“never giveup”.
Thepieceofsagecomesafter Warnakulawasthismonthnamed theAerospaceandDefenseRising StarAwards:WomeninEngineering winnerfor2025bySAEMedia Group.BasedinNewYork,SAE MediaGroupisasubsidiaryofSAE International–aglobalassociation ofmorethan128,000engineers andrelatedtechnicalexpertsinthe aerospace,automotiveandcommercial vehicleindustries,itswebsitesaid. ShewastheonlyNewZealand winneroutofthesixcategories.
TheTechBriefswebsitesaidthe prestigiousprogrammehonoured “exceptionalwomenengineerswhoare notonlymakingremarkablestridesin theirfieldsbutalsolightingtheway forfuturegenerations”.
Warnakulasaidshewasnominated bytwomanagersandfoundouton October3shehadunexpectedlywon. “Itwasamazing.”
Warnakulasaidinherexperience, therewerenotmanyfemaleengineers intheaerospaceanddefenceindustry. “It’sreallynicetoseeallthesewomen changingtheengineeringfield.”
Age11
Warnakulawas11whenherparents tookheroverseasforthefirsttime. “Ijustfellinlovewithaircrafts[sic]. ThatwasmyfirsttimeflyingsoIwas socuriousinhowthesethingsfly…”
StemFestlastmonthandat theGirlGuidingAssociation, inspiringyounggirlstopursue science,technology,engineering, andmathematics(Stem)subjects.
SyosAerospaceseniorflightmechanicsdesignengineerKeshika Warnakulahasworkedatthestart-upsince2023. Photo/Supplied
AfterschoolshedidaBachelor ofAerospaceEngineeringdegreeat KingstonUniversityinLondon.Then amaster’sdegreeinaerospacevehicle design,specialisinginaircraftdesign atCranfieldUniversityintheUK. Shedidasecondmaster’sdegreein engineeringatAucklandUniversityof Technology. Warnakulaisnowworkingher dreamjobasaseniorflightmechanics designengineeratSyosAerospace –acompanyfoundedin2021 thatdevelopsandmanufactures
autonomousuncrewedvehiclesacross air,land,seaandunderwaterdomains. Warnakulasaidshestartedworking attheMountMaunganuistart-up since2023,anditmeantshegottodo alotofthings“hands-on”andgaina lotofexperience.
‘Thebestthingever’ Warnakulasaidshemostlydid designworkonrotary-wingaircrafts, whichinvolveddoingflightmechanics calculationsandaerodynamic simulations.Shemostenjoyed
GardenTourprice:$23,995ppsharetwin
AndréRieuLiveConcert:extra (seewebsite) • Meanderwithusthroughsomeofthesweetest,loveliestcorners ofYeOldeEngland–theCotswolds,Cornwall,Devon,Dorset, Sussex–oohing-&-aahingatfairytalevillages,quaintthatched cottages,cobbledseasidetowns,castles,cathedralsandgardens sogorgeousthey’llknockyergumbootsoff!
Havingproblemswithyourhearingaids? Cometooneofour29HearingHealthStudios toexperienceNewZealand’sbestservice andtrytop-of-the-rangehearingaidtech. Ifyoulikewhatyouhear,startyour $90amonth,noobligationsubscription.
MeganWilson
Non-verbalmusicianmakesperformancedebut APāpāmoamanwithquadraplegic cerebralpalsyhasmadehisfirstlive performanceofhisownmusicat alocalmusicfestivalthankstoAI (ArtificialIntelligence)technology.
NathanSamsonThompson,aged 26,madehison-stagedebutinfront ofthousandsatYouthVoices’ActionorganisedFluroFest2025atMemorial ParklastSaturday,October11.
Heperformedhisownsong–titled ‘TouchtheWorld’–thathereleasedon globalmusicstreamingserviceSpotifyon September20.
Bornwithquadraplegiccerebralpalsy, Thompsonhasfullcognitiveability–but
restricteduseofhislimbsandisnonverbal.Toconnectwithpeople–and tomakemusic–Thompsonusesan Eyegazedevicetocontrolhiscomputer andcommunicationdeviceswithhiseye movements.“Iknowwhattodowhenit comestomusicproducing.It’sjustmy bodywon’tcooperatewithmybrain.[As aresult],Eyegazeopenedupawholenew worldforme.”
Thompsondiscoveredandbeganusing Eyegazeatage16.Withthisdevicehecan watchmovies,anime,YouTube,Netflix, andbrowsetheinternet.Ithadgivenhim independencebyenablinghimtospeak forhimself,saidThompson.
“LifebeforeEyegazewashorrendousand
VaricoseVeinsTroublingYou? Therearemyriadsymptoms, whichmayindicateyouhave varicoseveins.
Heavy,tired,oftenachyor restlesslegsarecommon symptomsalongwithlegcramps, swollenlegs,itchyskinor dermatitis,poorskinhealingand legulcers.
Ifyousufferfromanyofthesesymptoms-itcouldbewellworth consideringaconsultationwithaveinspecialist.
DrPhoebeShearmanhasrecentlyreturnedtotheBayofPlenty followingfurtherspecialisttraininginAucklandandisdedicatedto deliveringeffective,minimallyinvasivetreatmentsforvaricoseveins.
Dual-trainedinPhlebologyandGeneralPractice,DrShearmanis passionateaboutprovidingpatient-focused,comprehensivecarefor varicoseveinsandchronicvenousdiseaseandoffersEndovenous Ablation(RFA)andUltrasound-GuidedSclerotherapy.
Botharenon-surgicaltreatmentsthatarewalkinandwalkout treatments,requiringnogeneralanaesthesiaandminimaldowntime.
tedious.I’mveryfortunateandblessedto haveEyegazenow,”saidThompson,who livesinanassistedlivingresidence. Forcreatingandproducinghismusic, Thompsonsaidheusedmultipleartificial intelligenceprogramstocuratebeatsand givevoicetohisbars.Theseenablehimto projecthisvoiceandperformhismusic, saidThompson.“Iamconfidentinmy talentwithwords,”hesaid.
“Thesong,‘TouchtheWorld’,didn’t takelongtowriteandputtomusic.Allof thattookacoupleofhours.
“Thelongestpartoftheprocesswas gettingthesongmastered,asIhadtosend ittoalocalmusicproducerandthenwait untiltheyhadtimetomasterit.”
ThompsontoldTheWeekendSunhe wasexcitedtoperformontheweekend and“didn’tfeelnervous”ashe’ddonealot ofpublicspeaking.
Seetheirworth
Thestorybehindhissongwashelping peopleseetheirworth,Thompsonsaid. “Iwantpeopletoknowtheycanbetheir authenticselvesaroundme.Iwon’tjudge thematall.
“Themainmessageofthesongistolet peopleknowIloveandacceptthemjust thewaytheyare.
“There’stoomuchhatredandgreedin thisworld.Iwantedtocreateasongthat wouldmakepeoplefeelseenandloved.”
TheideacametoThompsonatnight. However,hedoesn’thaveimmediate accesstohiscommunicationdevice,so hehadtowaituntilmorning,whenin hiswheelchair,sohis“creativeideascan
flourish”.Thompsonsaidmusicmeans alottohim.Listeningtomusicand writinghisownhelpshimforgetabouthis depression.
GrowingupinaChristianfamily, worshipandgospelmusicsurrounded himathisparents’house,saidThompson. Buthishalf-sister’shousehold“embraced gangculture”.
“Therewasalotofmusicwithprofanity andpromotinggangviolence.Itwasreally conflictingforme...”
Ashegrewolder,he“swervedintohis ownlaneofmusic”.Nowhetriedtoavoid cursewordsanddrewinspirationfrom JuiceWRLD,JID,andEminem.“Music andwritinghelpmeputmytraumainto words.”
Spreadawareness Thereisn’tmuchdisabilityawareness inthemusicindustry,hesaid,andhe wantedtochangethatand“advocatefor thedisabledcommunity”.
YVAgeneralmanagerErikaHarveysaid heryouth-focusedorganisationhosted FluroFestannuallyonbehalfofTauranga CityCouncil(TCC)andTeWhatuOra HealthNewZealandtopromoteMental HealthAwarenessWeek.
Beforetheeventlastweekend,Harvey saidshewas“blownawaybyNathan’s songandcouldn’twaittohearhim performlive”.
“Hisstoryandmessageareinspirational, andweareincrediblyproudandexcited togivehimaccesstoaplatformtoshare hismusicwiththecommunity.”
BijouJohnson
Music“meansalot”to NathanSamsonThompson.
Photo/BrydieThompson
On-boardagain: Denyerplotsprioritiesforsecondterm ReturningWesternBayofPlenty MayorJamesDenyertookthecall abouthiselectionwininanunusual spot,hewascruisingtheharbourin thecoastguard’snewboat.
Denyerwasfulfillingmayoraldutiesatthe blessingoftheWaihīBeachCoastguard’snew boatontheOctober11electionday.
Hewasinvitedontheboat’smaidenvoyage andthat’swhenthecallcamethrough.“We weregoingfullboreintheharbourwhenthe callcamethroughwhichIcouldbarelyhear.”
DenyerwasaKatikati/WaihīBeach councillorbeforebecomingmayorin2022. HelivesnearKatikatiwithhispartnerSarahJaneBourneandtheirson.
Bournesaidshewas“reallyexcitedand pleased”forDenyerandwhatmostpeople didn’tseewerethelatenightsandearly morningsheputintothejob.
Ontheagenda
LocalWaterDoneWellreformthatwas currentlyunderwaywouldbe“quitebigon theagenda”,hesaid.
WesternBayofPlentyDistrictCounciland TaurangaCityCouncilwouldworktogether toformajointwaterservicesorganisationand duediligenceforthiswashappening.Therole localgovernmentshouldhaveinfuturewas also“loominglarge”,Denyersaid.
Intheshortterm,thesub-region,including Tauranga,wasinnegotiationsforaregional dealwiththeGovernment.
TheWesternBOPwasoneofthreeareasto enterintoamemorandumofunderstanding foradealinJuly.Thefirstdeal,whichis expectedtounlockfundingandresource opportunitiesforcouncils,wouldbefinalised bytheendoftheyear.
Iftheregionwassuccessful,adealwould helpDenyerachievehisprioritiesofhousing
toremovetheMāoriwardfor the2028election.Theseresults arebasedoffpreliminaryresults, representingabout95%ofall votescast.Finalresultswere releasedOctober17afterThe WeekendSunwasprinted.
LDRislocalbodyjournalism co-fundedbyRNZandNZOn Air.
WesternBay
MayorJames Denyerfound outhe’dwonthe electionoutonthe water. Photo/Supplied
andinfrastructure.SH29in
TaurikoWestandtheTakitimu NorthLinkwereRoadsof NationalSignificance–butthat didnotmeantheywere“done anddusted”,hesaid.“Weneed firmtimingandweneedthe fundinginplace–neitherof thoseexistatthemoment.”
Goodteam Theplannedhousing developmentsofTeTumu,Te KāingaandprivatelyownedBell Rdneededgovernmentassistance togetgoing,hesaid.There wouldn’tbea“lumpofmoney” withtheregionaldealbutDenyer hopeditwouldincludefunding mechanismsandassistancewith howtheprojectswereachieved. Denyersaidhehadagoodteam ofcouncillorstoworkwith.“I
wanttobuildacohesiveteamat [the]councilandworktogether forthebettermentofthedistrict.” Itwillfirsttermundernew governancearrangements,with amayorandninecouncillors. Previously,therewere11 councillors.
Therearethreenewfaceson thecouncil.Thedistrict’sfirst MaōriwardcouncillorDarlene Dinsdale,Kaimaicouncillor GraemeElvinandMaketu-Te PukecouncillorShaneBeech. Thereturningcouncillorsare mayoralrunnerupMargaret Murray-Benge,andTracey CoxheadintheKaimaiward. Katikati-WaihīBeach councillorsAllanSoleand RodneyJoyce,andGrantDally andLauraRaeintheMaketu-Te PukewardThedistrictalsovoted
ASSMART ASTHEYARE BEAUTIFUL Sorrentoshutterstransformyourhome instantlywithtimelessdesignandfunctional comfort,guaranteedtolast.Allforaprice comparabletoqualitycurtains(seriously!).
AlishaEvans, LocalDemocracyReporter
AquinasCollegeYear7student CharlieClarkeisbuzzingafter anothergreatkartingseason.
The11-year-oldwonthe2025New ZealandRotaxMaxChallengeVMR class atthebeginningofthismonth, wrappingupaseriesthatattracted topkartersfromaroundthecountry.
Theseriesranacrossthreetracks: KartsportBayofPlenty,Kartsport Rotorua,andfinishedatKartsport TokoroaonOctober4-5.
Eachroundfeaturedfourraces,and theseriesincludedbonuspointsfor fastestlapsandqualifyingpositions, whichCharliesaidmadethe championship“reallyexciting”.
Hewontwoofthethreerounds whilefellowTaurangakarterNico Thomasentookthefirstwinat KartsportBOP.
Charlie’smother,BridgetClarke, said,inthefinaltally,herson’s resultsacrosstheseries–inatightlyfoughtbattleagainstNorthIsland ChampionMatthewShawfrom Auckland–securedhimthetopstep ofthepodiumandthegrandprize,a Rotaxkartengine.
Charliesaidthefinalracewas “reallytight”.“Ipushedatthestart, whichcreatedagaptoMatthew [Shaw]andthensatbehindNico [Thomasen]forthefirsthalfofthe raceasIknewthatifwebattledit wouldletMatthewinthirdcatch backuptous,”hesaid.
“NicoandIbattledforalittlebitin
the e middle of the race, and then I maanaged topass himon the last lap for r thewin.
seconds ”
“Inthisrace, , Ifinished0.194 secondsinfrontofNicoThomasen and1.553secondsinfrontof MatthewSchaw.”
Charliesaidtheirtopspeedsonthat trackwerearound90km/hronthe straightduringeachlap.
Hisfather,DarrylClarke,saidhis sonbegankartingattheageofsixat thekarttrackinEdgecumbe.
“Heputteredaround,andyoucould literallyrunnexttohim–welove watchingthevideoswetookaround thistime.It’sreallyfunnynow lookingback,”Darrylsaid.
“HislaptimesaroundEdgecumbe atthatstagewouldhavebeenaround 60secondsperlap.Nowadaysthey wouldbearoundhalfthatat30
Darryl said that,astimewenton, if Charliefinishedinsidethetop10ata big race event, he would be wrapped Thenhewouldchasethetopfiveand thenbeonthepodium.“Nowhegets brassedoffifheisnotwinning.”
BridgetsaidCharlieattendedthe AquinasCollegeSportsAwards EveningonWednesdaytobeawarded HighSportingHonoursforhis achievementsthisyearinracing.
KartsportNZracedirector GrahameKnightsaiditwasamazing toseetheTaurangaboysgrowingup racingtogether,nettingresultslike thisonthenationalstage.
“Itshowswhatagreatnurseryour localtracksarehereintheBayof Plentyforyoungdrivers.”
“Itkeptworkingforages…” Tonyspent40yearscraftinghomesfor others.Whenheretiredat62,hefinally hadtimetobuildwhathewanted-toys forgrandchildren,furnitureforfriends, whateverhishandswantedtocreate.
“Buildingisn’tjustwhatIdid,”heexplains,runninghishandsalongthenew playhousehe’sbuilding.“It’swhoIam.” Buthiskneeshadotherplans.Thesame jointsthathadcarriedhimupscaffolding fordecadesbeganprotestingatsimple workshoptasks.Standingathisworkbench becameanendurancetest.Kneelingto sandatablelegmeantcalculatinghowhe’d getbackup.
“Istartedmodifyingeverything,”Tony admits.“Sittingmore,shortersessions.I eventhoughtaboutsellingmylargertools. Thatfeltlikegivinguppartofmyself.”
HiswifeSandrawatchedhimstrugglewithgrowingconcern.Hisdaughter noticedtooduringvisits,seeingherfather movetentativelyaroundtheworkshopthat hadoncebeenhiskingdom.
ItwasherwholeftabottleofKoruFX onhisworkbench.“Natural,madeinNew Zealand,”she’dsaidsimply.“Justtryit, Dad.”
Tonywasskepticalbutapplieditone Saturdaymorning.Thecreamabsorbed quicklywithapleasantpeppermintscent –nothinglikethemedicinalsmellofproductshe’dtriedbefore.
Sixhourslater,helookedupfromhis workinamazement.He’dbeenstanding, kneeling,movingfreelyalldaywithouthis usualbreaks.
Taurangakkarteranational champion “I’dactuallyforgottenaboutmyknees,” hesays,stillincredulous.“Forthefirsttime inmonths,Iwasjust...building.”
TherealtestcamethefollowingSaturday onhisregularhillwalkwithfriends-atraditionhe’dbeenconsideringabandoning. “Ikeptupthewholeway.Evenovertook afewpeopleonthefinalstretch,”hegrins. “Feltlikemyselfagain.”
Wordspreadthroughhiswalkinggroup, withseveralmemberstryingthecream afterseeingTony’srenewedenergy.Butit’s inhisworkshopwherethetransformation meansmost.
He’scurrentlybuildinganelaborate playhouseforhisgrandchildren,aprojectrequiringhoursofdetailedworkin positionsthatwouldhavebeenimpossible monthsago.
“MydaughtersaysI’mmovinglikeIdid
yearsago,”Tonyreflects.“Butmoreimportantly,I’mcreatingagain.Notjustmanagingoradapting,I’mactuallyenjoyingthe building.”
HismorningroutinenowincludesKoru FXalongsidehiscoffee.“Preventative maintenance,”hecallsit,usingabuilder’s brainforbodycare.
“Ispentmonthsacceptinglimitations, thinkingthiswasjustageing,”Tonysays. “Butyoudon’thavetostopbeingwho youare.Thiscreamgavemebackmy workshop,mywalks,mycraft.Therelief lastshours–sometimesIforgetI’veeven appliedit.”
Hepausesathisworkbench,surrounded bysawdustandpossibility.
“It’snotmagic.Butwhensomethinglets youkeepdoingwhatyoulove...well,that’s closeenoughforme.”
Charlie Clarke mid-race, clipping a curb with the kart in the air, followed closely by fellow local racer and rival Nico Thomasen during round 3 of the NZ Rotax Max Challenge at Kartsport Tokoroa in Tokoroa on October 5.
Photos / Joshua Devenie / Shutter Media Group
AylaYeoman
Meet Kaimai School’s new principal MeetKaimaiSchool’s newprincipal BayofPlentygardenerswhowanttoget theirgreenfingersonsomefreetomatoand beanseedscandosoviatheHeritageFood CropsResearchTrust.
Eachyearthenon-profitorganising offersKiwisfreeseedvarietiesfreelyasa wellbeinginitiativeforallNewZealanders, andgratefullyacceptsanydonationsto helpthemcontinuetheirwork.
Toreceivefivepacketsofthetrust’sbest tomatogoldenandorangevarieties,send astamped,self-addressedenvelopeinthe post,witharequestfortomatoseeds,to: HeritageFoodCropsResearchTrust,126A SpringvaleRd,Whanganui4501,New Zealand.
Thetomatoseedsshouldbeplanted indoorsinSeptemberonwardsfor transplantingoutsidewhenthereisnorisk offrost,saidthetrust.
Toobtainheirloombeanvarieties,send astamped,self-addressedpaddedbag, withnamesofanyspecificvarietiesyou’d likeorpreferenceforgreenand/ordry beanstothesameaddressasabove.If requestingbothtomatoandbeanseeds, sendonestamped,self-addressedpadded bag.TofindoutmoreabouttheHeritage FoodCropsResearchTrust,visit:www. heritaggefoodcropps.orgg.nzTheirdonation pageisat: www.heritagefoodcrops.org.nz/ donate
KaimaiSchoolstudentMahliaMeldrum,7,newprincipalMatthewJackson,and studentsLincolnMarshall,8,andEdward‘Teddy’Jackson,8. Photo/BrydieThompson
MatthewJacksonrecentlystepped intobiggershoes–orgumboots–asKaimaiSchool’snewprincipal. He’seightdaysintotherole,having embarkedonhisnewchapteratthe beginningofTerm4.
KaimaiSchoolhasarollof68students fromYears0to8,fourteachers,andtwo teacheraides.Butsmallnumbersdoesn’t dotheruralschooljustice,saidJackson. Butsmall,ruralschoolsarewhatJackson loves–hislast[postwasprincipalat PiripiriSchoolintheKingCountry. Beforethat,hewasateacherandteam leaderatTeKauwhataPrimaryforfour yearsandbeforethathetaughtatJean BattenSchoolinMangere,Auckland,for threeyears.
Makingconnections Jacksonsaidwhenyoustartanynewrole “thefocusisonmakingconnectionsand buildingrelationshipswithstaff,students, andfamilies”.
Todothat,he’dbeenwalkingaroundthe schoolmore“tryingtobeoutandabout, notgetstuckintheofficetoomuch”.
LastSaturday,KaimaiSchoolhostedtheir annualgalaandagricultureday.“Thatwas anamazingopportunitytogetout,meet withsomefamilies,andseethestudentsin theirelementwiththeiranimals.”
Hesaidsomestudentscomefromfamilies involvedwithagriculture,butheenjoyed seeingthosewho haven’texperienced
agricultureforthefirsttime.
Jackson’spreviousexperienceasprincipal ofasmall,ruralschoolmeanshe’sbeenable “togetasolidgrasponallthefundamentals ofrunningaschool”.
“Workinginsmallerschoolshasprepared mewellforthisnewchallenge,andthere willbechallengeswithit,butI’mlooking forwardtotacklingthose.
“Becauseevenasmallschoolhasthesame adminrequirementsandbackofficework thatalargerschooldoes.”
Hismantra
HesaidKaimaiSchoolwascomparatively largerthanPiripiri,soitwasniceto workwithmorepeople.“Thatgivesme opportunitiestofocusalittlebitmoreon thebiggerpicture,thestrategicplanfor theschool.Mymantraatthemomentis approachingeverythingwithalittlebitof curiosity.”
Hisoverarchinggoalwastomakethe schoolthebestitcanbeforthestudents. “Providinglearningandeducational opportunitiesinasafeenvironment,”he said.
Buthisbiggerpicture,long-term intentionsweretosustainandgrowthe school,makingitthecommunity’s“rural schoolofchoice”.
Jacksonalsowantedtocelebratewhat madeKaimaiSchooldifferentfromother, largerschoolsinthearea–thatrural aspectandsmall,communityfeeling. “Justmakingittheplacethatfamiliesand studentswanttobe.”
BijouJohnson
Callmeforyourfree,noobligationMarketAppraisal Nopressure,andit’sgoodtoknowthevalueofyourproperty. I’llkeepyouupdatedfromtimetotimeasthemarketchanges.
Morethan4300peoplesailedinto thePortofTaurangayesterday morningaboardthefirstcruiseship ofthe2025/2026season.
CelebrityEdgearrivedThursday,with 2934passengerand1377crew,and theCelebritySolsticewasdue6amthis morning,October17,bringing2852 passengersand1250crew.
TourismBayofPlentygeneralmanager OscarNathansaidtherewere82cruise shipsbookedtovisitbeforeMay5,2026, withacombinedcapacityofalmost 161,300passengersandmorethan 70,200crew.
Thiswasnineshipsfewerthanlast season,butsomeofthosevisitingwere larger.“We’reinthefortunateposition ofexpectingasimilartotalnumberof passengersandcrewaslastseason,”he said.
NathansaidTaurangawouldhost AnthemoftheSeasonLabourDay, onOctober27,withitbeingtheRoyal Caribbeanship’sonlyportofcallonits firstvisittoNewZealand.
ItisasistershipofOvationoftheSeas, thelargestcruiseshiptohavevisited TaurangaandNewZealand.
‘Massive’impact
Avalueofcruisetourismstudyonthe 2023/2024seasonshowedcruiseships contributed$111.8milliontotheregion’s economyandgeneratedemploymentfor 784people.
“Thisincluded$35.5mincruise passengerspending,$2.9mincrew spending,$16.3mincruiseship expenditureand$36.1minvisitorsector
wages.”RussellChristianfromWicked Wanders,aboutiquetouroperator specialisinginprovidingpersonalised historyandtastingtoursofthegreater Taurangaarea,saidthecruiseseasonhada “massive”impactonhisbusiness.
“Probably90%ofmybusinesscomes throughcruiseships,”hesaid.
WickedWandershostssmalltours aroundtheregion,includingdaytripsto RotoruaandHobbiton,hikesatPāpāmoa HillsCulturalHeritageRegionalParkand McLarenFalls,boattoursatWaimangu VolcanicValleytoseewherethePinkand WhiteTerraceswere,andkiwifruittasting atlocalorchards.
Christianboughtthebusinessin2019 andsaiddespitebeingimmediately plungedintotheCovid-19pandemic,it hadrecovered“fantastically”.
“We’vebeenincreasingexponentially everyyear.”
Hesaidtouristsonhistripsoften commentedonhowfriendlytheythink NewZealandersare,andsomeNorth AmericanscomparedTaurangato Hawaii.“Igettore-appreciatewhereIlive throughtheeyesofotherpeople,whichis reallycool.”
MountMaunganui-basedV8TrikeTours co-ownerNigelBusbridgesaidhethought lastseasonwouldbehislast,buthe’sback.
20-30toursdaily Busbridgesaidabout85%ofbusiness camefromthecruiseshipseason,with 20-30tourseachdayashipwasdocked.
“Ourmostpopulartouristheone-hour V8Thriller,whichgoesalongfromthe MountuptoPāpāmoaandthenback throughWelcomeBaybacktotheMount
again.”MountHotPoolsheadofaquatics MattStrangesaidwinterwasitsbusiest seasonandthecruiseseasonboosted businessduringthesummer.“About60% ofourusersareresidentsand40%are domesticandinternationaltourists.”
Repeattrippers Hesaidthemostcommonvisitorswere thoseonrepeattripswho’dtravelled aroundtheregioninpreviousvisitsand wantedtostayandenjoyTaurangaand MountMaunganuiforlonger.
Beingoneoftheonlyhotoceanwater complexesintheworld,Strangesaiditwas aspecialexperience.“Theylovethefact thattheycansoakinhotoceanwaterand lookupatMauao.”
TourismandHospitalityMinisterLouise Upstonsaidtheregionplaysanimportant partincruisetourism,whichisalsocritical
RoyalCaribbean’sAnthem oftheSeaswillvisitNew Zealandforthefirsttimeon October27,dockingatthe PortofTauranga.
insupportingtheGovernment’sgoalsof restoringvisitornumberstopre-pandemic levelsanddoublingthevalueoftourism exportsby2034.
Removebarriers Relatedworkduringthepastsixmonths includedaMinisters’roundtablewith cruiseandportsectorrepresentativesin July“todiscusshowwecouldallmakethe mostoftheopportunitiesandremovethe barriers”.
Theindustryhascomplainedtherising costofmeetingNewZealandregulations isamongfactorsputtingoperatorsoff visiting.UpstonsaidtheGovernment workedonnewwaystomanagebiofouling socruiselinescouldhaveconfidence thatanyextracleaningneededtomeet biosecurityrulescouldbedonesafely andefficiently.
AylaYeoman
Photo/RoyalCaribbean
NewMerivalecentreaimstoliftwholecommunity Theskyisthelimitforwhat Merivale’snew,purpose-built communitycentrecanachieve reckonsitslong-timesupporters, whometinthenewfacilityon October6.
“OneofthebiggestthingsI’msoexcited aboutisthefactthatthey’vegotaroomthat theycanhaveahealthfacilityin,andthat they’regoingtohaveafreedoctorandfree nursepractitionercomingin,”saidLabour MPandformerMerivaleSchoolprincipal JanTinetti.
“Thatwillmakethebiggestdifference tothiscommunity,”saidTinetti,whofelt emotionalthatthecommunityfinallyhada purpose-builtfacility.“Thesky’sthelimit!”
She’dworkedwiththecentrefornearly 20years,sinceshebecameprincipalofthe nearbyschool,“[soIknow]thedifferences thecentremakes”.
ThecentrewasblessedSeptember26, beforeitopenedOctober1.Itthenhosteda communitymorningteaOctober6,andan officialwelcomingOctober15.
TheWeekendSunvisitedearly-October tocheckoutthenewfacility.Merivale CommunityCentreoperationsmanager JenMurraysaidthenewbuildingismuch largerthanthethree-bedroomhousethe organisationhadpreviouslyusedforalmost 33years.
Butthecentre’sethoswouldremainthe same,saidMurray.“Justdropbywhenever youwant!”
Thenewfacilityhadfivespaces,including threeconsultationrooms,arangatahi(youth) room,aprivateconsultroom,largekitchen andfull-sizedoutdoorbasketballcourt.
Murraysaidduetothespaceandsize, thenewcentrewouldbeabletohostmany moregroupsfromthecommunity,including dancefitclasses,tereoZumba,immigration workshops,after-schoolprogrammes,family groupconferences,Chinesegamenights, studentcounsellingandadvicesessionsfrom theCitizensAdviceBureauandBayFinancial Mentors.
“Thecommunityarejustdelightedwith thecentre,thepossibilities,andwhatitwill meanforthem,”saidMurray.
Additionalofferings,suchasaninformation dayontheTakitimuNorthLink,willbe heldtoinform peopleaboutwhat’s happeningintheir community,said Murray.
Thecentrewas foundedinMay 1991byagroup ofresidentsliving onandaround Henderson Crescent.
InMay1991,NZ Policecommunity constableGlyn Williamscalled ameetingwith
Merivaleretailers,schoolteachers,andMāori elders.“Therewasanimageproblemtowards theMerivalecommunity,”hesaidina researchpaperreleasedin2000. “People,whethertheylivedinMerivaleor outsideofit,sawMerivaleastherougharea ofTaurangawithlotsofproblems.Beinga lowsocio-economicsuburbaddedtothis perception.Thepoliceknewtheproblemsin Merivaleweren’tasbigaspeopleperceived.” ApublicmeetingwasheldinFebruary 1992,markingtheformationoftheMerivale CommunityGroup.InDecember1994, 10KestevenAvewasofferedforsaletothe communitycentre.
Thegroupmanagedtoleasetheproperty, andthedoorsopenedinNovember1995, officiallyopeningaftermodificationsin 1996.
Thegroupvolunteeredtheirtimewiththe aimofcreatingopportunitiesforchildren intheareatogetthemoutoftroubleand
cateringforcommunityneeds.
Theorganisation’sfirstcommunitycentre coordinator,HelenUnsworth,saidthe grouporganisedcampingtrips,daytripsto Rotorua,after-schoolprogrammesandfed familiesinthecommunity.
Thegroupreminiscedaboutthepaston October6.Unsworthsaidovertheyears andstilltoday,theorganisation’spurpose hadalwaysbeenthesame.Plus,theinviting atmosphereremained.
Tinettisaidevenintheoldbuilding, MerivaleCommunityCentrewasalways thebeatingheartofthecommunityandshe lookedforwardtoseeingwhatstaffwouldbe abletoachievenowtheyhadapurpose-built facility.
AylaYeoman
Somehealthworkersareplanningtostrike Hospitals will remain open and patients will receive the care they need.
Emergency departments will be open for emergencies only and the 111service will be operating as usual.
Unless contacted directly by hospital staff, please attend your outpatient appointment or treatment as usual.
Ifit’snotanemergency,youcan: • Visit your GP, pharmacy, urgent care clinic or book an online GP appointment
• Call Healthline for free 24/7 health advice on 0800611116
• For after-hours care in rural areas, call Ka Ora on 0800252672
• Call or text 1737 for mental health support.
Findoutmoreatinfo.health.nz
Above:MerivaleCommunityCentre operationsmanagerJenMurray.Right: MerivaleCommunityCentregeneralmanagerr, DaveMerton. Photos/AylaYeoman
MerivaleCommunityCentre’scommunitymorningteaonOctober6 wasattendedbyagroupoffoundersofthefacility.
FUND DELIVERS INITIATIVES WITH IMPACT FOR OLDER KIWIS In a nation where the population is ageing rapidly, fueling innovative thinking and bringing bold ideas to life is at the heart of a fund created to improve the wellbeing of our older people.
Driven by core values of care and compassion, coupled with a desire to support delivery of high-quality care for older people who need it, regardless of place, not-for-profit residential aged care provider CHT Care Homes makes substantial annual grants through its CHT Aged Care Fund Multiple grants are awarded each year to projects focused on access to care, research into the needs of older people, and aged care workforce development
Carriann Hall, Chief Executive at CHT Care Homes reflects on the meaningful results of the projects delivered to date and their tangible impact across many areas
“The needs of older people, and the communities they are part of, are diverse and evolving,” says Mrs Hall “Through this fund we can help those with the ideas and expertise to deliver impactful initiatives to make a real difference.”
“We are committed to delivering a resident-focused experience in our care homes, whilst also recognising that we can play a much wider role in the wellbeing of older people, through our Aged Care Fund ”
Projects with Impact A broad range of organisations have received support from the fund, each with a clear goal to generate improvements in care, research or workforce development
The Third Age Health ‘Navigating Wellness’ free resources are designed to help improve the personal health care journey for older people, with an exceptional response to the handbook resulting in the creation of an online health checker tool which helps to streamline and maximise visits to the GP
Created by the New Zealand Dementia Foundation, the Dementia STARs (Short Trainings in Awareness and Responsiveness) free educational resource kits were created to assist the dementia care workforce including medical, nursing, support workers and educators The eight modules are built on expert research and sound educational principles and are designed to be easily integrated into everyday practice
‘Breaking Barriers: Understanding the Social Connection Challenges of Older Adults’ is a report from Age Concern The report draws attention to the detrimental impact of loneliness and social isolation among some older adults revealing a hidden struggle, profoundly affecting their quality of life This research report delves into the intricate web of barriers that can hinder older adults from participating in social connection opportunities in our communities Got an idea? Apply now.
Grants are considered for projects that show a clear transferable benefit, with a defined purpose and outcome Successful projects must provide robust key performance indicators and reporting to ensure each grant is being used to its fullest capacity, with maximum impact
Expressions of interest for the 2025 round of CHT Aged Care Fund grants are now open until 31 October 2025
To find out more and apply visit: cht.co.nz/aged-care-fund/
FestivalmakesartaccessibletoWBOPstudents TheTaurangaArtFestivalteam isstickingtoitsmantrathatart shouldbeaccessibletoyoung people,withfreeeventsonoffer.
ThankstothegenerosityofTaylor BrosTransport,fourshows–which promisetoinspire,entertainand educate–willbefreetoWestern BayofPlentyschoolstudents.And freebuseswillbeprovidedtothe performancesforlowdecileschools.
TaurangaArtsFestivalgeneral managerSarahCottersaidthe showsareinspiringperformances designedespeciallyforyoung audiences.Allwillbematinee performancesheldatBaycourtand the“magical”CarrusCrystalPalace.
Imaginativexperiences “Theaimistointroduceouryoung peopletopowerful,imaginative liveexperiencesandaspartofthat journey,theintentionistospark curiosity,encouragecreativity,and ignitealifelongloveforthearts,” Cottersaid.
Theshowsarecalled:‘TheGriegol’, ‘CreationCreation’and‘Allthe ThingsIWishICouldBe’–with twomatineeperformancesofthe latter–andwillbeheldonOctober 28,30and31,respectively.There’s theopportunityforwhānauto attendthesetoo,ineveningtime slots.
Theshowsarepartofawholearray ofeventsscheduledfortheOctober 23-November2TaurangaArts Festival.Seethefullprogrammeat:
www.taurangafestival.co.nz
Puppetry Cottersaid‘TheGriegol’utilises silhouettes,smoke,puppetry,live musicandliveanimationtopresent what’sdescribedasaneerie,elegant talewithoutwordsaboutdeath,love andmonsters.
“Itisrecommendedforaudiences agedsevenandmoreandisthe mastermindofNZ’sTrickofthe LightTheatre.”
Comedy ‘CreationCreation’byAustralia's WindmillTheatreCompany,isa comedyaboutlife’sbig,burning questionslike:Howdidwegethere? Arealiensreal?Isitpossibletolick yourelbow?“‘CreationCreation’ promisesa“hilariousexplosionof art,sculptureandpuppetry”.Its targetaudienceisaged10andabove, andtheshowcomestoTauranga fromAustralia,saidCottter.
VeryKiwi
‘AlltheThingsIWishICould Be’isa“veryKiwi”comedy–a wild,musicaladventureabout twolovabledadswhodreamof becomingeverythingfromAllBlacks toballerinas,madmonkeystosilly monsters,saidCotter.“TheDadduo dishuporiginalsongs,highenergy, acelebrationofimagination,and plentyofhilarity–tailoredtosuit thoseagedbetweenfourand10.”
CottersaidTaurangaArtsFestivalis proudtodeliveradesignatedschools’ programmethankstothegenerosity
‘AlltheThingsIWishICouldBe’isa“veryKiwi”comedy. Photo/Supplied ofTaylorBrosTransport,which hadsponsoredlocalschoolsto attendTaurangaArtsFestival since2017.
Lee-AnnTaylorsaidsheand herhusband,Andrew,sawthis asanimportantwaytogive backtothecommunityand supportthenextgeneration.
“Thefestival’sschool programmeopensdoorsfor youngpeopletoexperience creativity,joy,culture, andperformanceinways thatinspirepossibilities, imaginationandlearning beyondtheclassroom,”she said.
“Welovethatoursupport helpsmakethesemoments possible,”saidTaylor,whowas
thrilledthatatleast700school students–andrising–would beattending.
Aro There’salsotheopportunity forschoolpupilstoenjoy, atlow-cost,workshopswith musicalduo,Aro.
“Aro’sworkexplores themesofkaitiakitangaand manaakitanga,caringfor ourselves,oneanother,andthe worldaroundus.Thefestival teamisworkingwithYellow Eyetoofferwhatfestival organisersaredescribingasa highlyexcitingopportunity.”
Andforchildrenyoungerstill, OpusPocketOrchestrawill deliveringlivemusicforfree
via30-minuteconcertswith aspecialfocusonintroducing orchestralmusictolittle listenersatTaurangalibraryat 10amonNovember1-2. Variousfestivaldelights wouldpleaseyoungaudiences too–forexamplealarge-scale installationcalledObelisk Natura,whichwillbringlight, colourandenergytoTauranga waterfront.
Formoredetails,visit:www. taurangafestival.co.nz Schoolskeentomakethe mostofthefreeperformances canemailfestivalcoordinator KatyBainat:katy.bain@ taurangafestival.co.nzwith opportunitiessubjectto availability.
LUXURYLAKESIDERETIREMENT PacificLakesVillageissetamongsttranquilparklikegroundsandprivatelakes.Spaciousmodernvillasandterrace houseshavebeendesignedtocreateavibrantcommunity,providinganidealsettingforyouractiveandindependent lifestyle.
Thevillage’smaincommunityfacility,ThePavilion,iscurrentlyunderconstruction.Positionedonthelakesedge, thisimpressivebuildingwillhouseaneatery,loungebar,library,artstudio,beautysalon,wellnesssuiteandextensive recreationalfacilities.
Showvillaavailabletoviewbyappointment. 242GrenadaStreet,MountMaunganui
pacificlakes.co.nz|072620191
Topthingstodo,eatandsee e Whatcanwedohere?Whereis theMount?Wherearethebest swimmingbeaches?Wherecanwe eatwithaview?
Thesearesomeofthemostcommon questionsthestaffatMountisiteoff137 MaunganuiRdgetaskedduringthebusy summertouristseason.
TourismBayofPlenty(TBOP)headof destinationmanagementMaryTolleysaid somepeoplethinkthere’snotmuchtodo hereandthatTaurangaisjusta“chillatthe beach”place.
“Ourisitestaffarelocalexperts,”shesaid. SheaskedfortouristsandKiwisaliketo leanontheserviceforadvicetomaximise theirvisitorexperienceintheBayofPlenty.
“Beforethestartofeachmainvisitor season,ourisitestaffandvolunteercruise ambassadorsgetthechancetofamilsomeof theattractionsandactivitiesinourregion,to equipthemwithfirsthandknowledgewhich theycanusetopromoteorsellthem.”
Withinternationalvisitornumbers growing,especiallyAustraliansandNorth Americans,theMountisiteteamarereadyto letpeopleknowwhat’sonoffer.
“We’reseeingmorecampervantravellers andfamilies.Therearealsolotsofdomestic visitors,fromotherpartsofNZ,returning here,sometimesalongtimeaftertheirlast visit,”saidTolley.
Theirpeakhourtimesforvisitorinquiries rangefrom9.30am-11.30amand12pm-1pm andtheygetaskedalotofquestions.
“It’salwaysamusingwhensomeoneasksif there’sabustogettothetopoftheMount, oriftheycandrivetheircarupthere.
“Ifthey’reconsideringtheMauaosummit, they’llusuallyask:Howlongdoesittake? Isitsuitableforkidsortheelderly?Canwe takedogs?Canwedrivetothetoporisthere abus?”
Tolleysaidthetopthreeactivitiespeople askaboutareclimbingMauao,goingto theMountHotPoolsandswimmingat thebeaches.“Wealsotakeenquiriesand bookingsformarinewildlifecruises,scenic fl flights,sskydiving,mmotor triketours,surfing lessons,paddleboarding,aandsomuchmore.”
PilotBay Ifthey’relookinngtodosomething nearby,theMouuntisiteteam recommendPilootBayforitscalmer swimmingcondditionsandbeautiful sunsets,andawaalkaroundthe Mountbasetrackbecauseit’sdoable formostvisitorsandtheywilloftenget thechancetoseeseals.
“There’ssomuchmoretoMauaothan justawalk.Weencouragevisitors tolearnabouttthelocalhistory andstories,anndmakeareal connectionwwithourpeople andplace.
“Ifthey’rekeentodrive and head inland,weoften
recommendŌmanawaFalls,whichhas recentlybeenupgradedandfeaturesa beautifulbushwalk,stunningviews,anda popularnewcafé.
“ThePāpāmoaHillsCulturalHeritage RegionalParkisanotherfantasticspotwhere visitorscanstretchtheirlegs,capturean amazingview,andlearnaboutlocalMāori history.”
Touristsoftenwanttoknowiftheycan parknearthebeachortheMount,andask aboutpublictransporttogettoTauranga Citycentreandwheretheclosestbusstopis.
“WeworkcloselywiththeBayofPlenty RegionalCouncil,andwecanissueone-day buspassesforthedayandtimetablestosuit wherevervisitorswanttogo.”
Tolleysaidbusroutes5and21are particularlypopularwithvisitors.
IftheywanttostayinMountMaunganui, Tolleyrecommendse-bikeswhichare availableforhireashortwalkfromtheisite centre.“Everyonegetsexcitedaboutsummer. It’susuallyveryvibranthere,withmusicand lotsofvisitors,soit’sagreatatmospheretobe partof.”
ShesaidL.A.BandStanWalkerwerethe headlineactsperformingattheWharepai DomainonDecember27,andtherewould beUB40atBayOvalduringWaitangiDay weekendinFebruary2026.
“TheBlackcapsvsWestIndiescrickettest willbehappeningatBayOvaljustbefore Christmas,andtheFultonHoganMount FestivalofMultisportonJanuary17willbea hugeeventforcompetitors,supporters,and spectators.”
Staffalsorecommendindooractivitiesfor visitorsonrainydays.“Therearemoreindoor optionsnow,likeBunkergolforTheCave Pāpāmoavirtualreality.”
Shesaidothertourismoperatorswere alsoofferingnewoptions.Forexample, SkydiveTaurangawasofferingscenicflights, andMuirsTours,inMaketū,wasoffering interactivehāngifeasts.
Foodiescene Tolleysaidvisitorswanttoknowofnew cafésandrestaurantstoo.“Ourfoodiescene isstrongandgrowing,”shesaid,addingthat itcouldbeexperiencedviaatourtotrysome ofthelocaleateries.
Asthesummertourismseasonbegins, Mountisitevisitorinformationcentreis stockinguponvisitormapsandbrochureson allattractions,activitiesandaccommodation optionsintheregion.
Mountisite’sopeninghoursareTuesday 8.30am-3pm,Wednesdays10am-3pm,and ThursdaystoSaturdays8.30am-3pm.Phone: Phone:0275248893
Tourism Bay of Plenty head of destination management
Mary Tolley Photo / supplied
AylaYeoman
Ann’spassionforsteampunkcaughtonfilm FoundingmemberofSteampunk Tauranga,AnnDugmorehasspent thepastdecadeimmersedinthe imaginativeretro-futuristicworld ofgoggles,gowns,andVictorian fantasy.
HerfriendLindseyMorganrecently capturedthatspiritinastriking photographnowondisplayalongThe Strandaspartofthe‘OldistheNew Black’exhibition.Thephotowonthe ‘OutrageousFlamboyance’categoryof the2025competitionwhichwaspart ofaweek-long‘YoungatHeart’festival celebratingthecommunity’solder members.
“Thatphotowastakenwhenour steampunkgroupwenttothecircus,” Dugmoresaid.“Iworeclownmakeup–nooneelsedid,noteventherealclowns!
Butthechildrenloveditandwanted photoswithme.Lindsey’ssuchagood photographer;Ilikethatphotovery much.”
Dugmore’ssteampunkalterego,The HonourableMrsMinervaCholmonderleySmythe,hasmanyguises–from interstellaradmiraltoVictorianwar correspondent.Steampunkfashiondraws fromVictoriansensibilities,withan attitudeofmindandsocialbehaviourthat involvesbeing‘splendid’ineverythingone does.
Morethan80 Withmorethan80costumesinher collection,Dugmorehasplentyof characterstochoosefrom.
OriginallyfromEngland,hercreative backgroundasheadofartatKamoHigh SchoolinWhangāreihascarriedthrough toherpassionformedievalandVictorian costumedesign.
She’scurrentlyworkingonthreenew costumes,addingpannierstoaVictorian dressfeaturingbumblebees;“making more”ofaGustavKlimt-inspireddesign; andathirdonewhichshesaidis“hush hush”.
“IwillbejoiningtheWhangareiKraken’s LairintheThamesSteampunkFestival paradeinNovember.Theybuymaterial thatweallgetapieceoftoincorporate intoourcostumes,butitmustbeasecret.”
Shesaidmoststeampunkenthusiasts maketheirownoutfitsorstartwith op-shopfinds.
“Onceyou’vemadeone,yougetanidea forthenext–itjustkeepsgrowing.”
Herloveofdressingupsteampunkbegan
withmedievalre-enactmentsandseveral visitstoNapier’sArtDecofestival,before afriendinvitedhertoNZ’ssteampunk capital,Oamaru.
“Isaid‘Yes’beforeIevenknewwhat steampunkwas.AfterthatIthought Ireallyshouldgetagroupgoingin Tauranga.”
2017 AftermovingfromWhangareitoPaeroa andthentoTaurangawithteachingjobs, DugmorefoundedSteampunkTaurangain 2017.Fourenthusiastsattendedthatfirst meetingatacaféattheHistoricVillage–andthegrowinggrouphasbeenaddinga splashofcolourtocommunityeventsever since,fromteapotracestocharityduck races.
Now75,Dugmoreisbusysharing hercreativity.Thisweeksheheaded
toAucklandovernighttodressupas steampunkforacatwalkanda“talktosome oldpeopleinanoldfolks’home”takingher bookletof70-80costumeimages,acouple ofcostumesandsomehats.
ShesaidTaurangahasalotmoregoing foritthanWhangarei.
“I’mgettingolder,I’vegotalovelylittle cottagehere,andIlovemygarden.Imust thinkaboutthefutureandmydaughter suggestedthatIbuildahouseonherland upinWhangarei.
Realistic “SoeventuallyIshallprobablymoveup there,althoughIdon’treallywantto.I lovewhereIamatthemoment,butI’m realisticaboutwhatit’slikegettingolder.”
ForDugmore,creativity–like steampunkitself–nevergoesoutofstyle.
Tauranga’sAnnDugmorenexttothephotoherfriendLindseyMorgantookofherfor theOldistheNewBlackexhibition,onshowonTheStrand. Photo/BrydieThompson.
AnnDugmore wearingoneof hersteampunk costumes.
Photo/Supplied
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Tauranga spirtofservice a teen embodies At18,Tauranga’sMacy Svendsenalreadywearsmore uniformsthanmostpeopledo inalifetime.
Betweenleadingfellowcadetsinthe WesternBayofPlentyCadetUnit, managingshiftsatBurgerFuelin MountMaunganui,andpatrolling thebeachasasurflifesaver,service andleadershiphavebecomesecond naturetoher.
TheTaurangateensaidthecity hadbeenaconstantinfluenceonher drivetogiveback.“Thiscityhasbeen myhomeandhasshapedmetobe thepersonIamtoday.”
NowstudyingaLevel3Policeand DefenceForcePreparationcourseat TeOhomaiInstituteofTechnology, Svendsenhashersightssetfirmlyon afutureofservice–eitherasamedic intheNZArmyorasapoliceofficer. “Bothrolesgivemethechanceto serveothers,whichissomethingI’m incrediblypassionateabout.”
Thatpassiontookshapewhenshe joinedtheWBOPCadetUnit,where shequicklyrosethroughtheranks. “WhenIfirstjoinedcadets,Iset myselfabiggoaltobecomeWarrant OfficerClass2,”shesaid.“Ittooka lotofhardwork,perseveranceand consistentself-improvement,but todayI’mproudtoservemyunitas CompanySergeantMajor.”
Throughcadets,Svendsenhas honedleadership,communication, andteamworkskills–abilities sheusesinherjobatBurgerFuel, wheresheisashiftmanager.“The abilitytoleadunderpressure,stay
organised,andsupportateamhas transferreddirectlyfromcadetstomy workplace,”shesaid. Forthepastfouryears,Svendsen hasalsovolunteeredasalifeguard atMountMaunganui,whereshe’s learnedtostaycalmunderpressure andrespondtoemergencieswith confidence.“Lifeguardinghas deepenedmycommitmenttohelping othersandshownmehowrewarding communityservicecanbe.Whether it’sthroughcadets,myjob,or lifeguarding,onethinghasremained
consistent–mydrivetoserve.”
WBOPCadetUnitCommander ElishaCrawshawsaidthe organisationaimstogrowyoung peopleintocapableleaders.“It’s abouthelpingthemdevelopselfdiscipline–fromironingtheir uniformsandpackingtheirgear tolearningteamwork,bushcraft, navigationandfirstaid.Overtime, theyprogressfromleadingthemselves toleadingteamsandevenother leaders.”Crawshawsaidcadetslike Svendsenembodytheprogramme’s
purpose.“Youcanseetheir confidenceliftastheytakepride inwhattheydo.”
ForSvendsen,thatgrowthis ongoing.“AsIlooktothefuture,
whetherthat’sintheArmyor withPolice,Iknoweverything I’velearnedsofarhasprepared metostepup,leadwithintegrity, andmakearealdifference.”
RosalieLiddleCrawford
Macy Svendsen the Burger Fuel shift manager Photo / Brydie Thompson
HowWaimarinobecame aniconicadventurepark “ItstartedasadreamwhenI wasyoung.”BarryAnderson hadtravelledpasttoday’ssite ofWaimarinoandwantedto buyahouseonthehillthat overlookedtheriver.
“Iwantedtoteachkayakingtochildren ofallages,”saidBarry.Hekayakedasa kid,growingupneartheManawatuRiver inDannevirke.“Mydadwoulddropme attheriverandwithakayak.”Henever losttheloveforit.
ItwaswhenBarrywasapoliceman–a youthaidofficer–inTauranga,wife Barbarawasanurse,thathedrovepast WairoaRiverandknewhewantedapiece ofparadise.“Weboughtthepropertyin 1971whenwehadonechild,Brigitte,and startedWaimarinoin1975.Blairwasborn afewmonthsbefore,”saidBarbara.
LocalschoolteacherDean Rewetisuggestedthename‘Waimarino’ whichroughlytranslatedto‘calmwaters’. BarryandBarbaralovedit!
Sixkayaks
Thecouplestartedwithsixkayaksand asmallwoodenshed.“Onweekends mumanddadwouldbringtheirkids. Dadalwaystriedtoshowheknewhowto kayak…thatwasalwaysfuntowatch...”
Butthecouplestruggledtomakeends meet,soopenedaplantnurseryin1978to helpkeepthekayakingbusinessafloat.
ThebusinessstartedtogrowasBarbara “theWaimarinosalesperson”travelled fromKatikatitoTePukeencouraging schoolstovisit.“Wethoughtifwe couldgetfiveaweekthatwouldbe unbelievable,”saidBarry.
PeterScottofOtumoetaiIntermediate wasthefirsttakeaschooltovisit.“Hewas greatadvocateforwhatweweredoing,” saidBarry.“Iwasabletopickhowhe wouldprojectthingstothekids.”
Soon,theparkbecameasuccessful educationfacility.EveryyearBarryand Barabaratriedtointroduceanewactivity. Startingwithkayaks,thelowdive,high diveandthentheFlushandFly(now hydroslide)whichismuchlongertoday. OvertheyearstheSlip‘N’Slidewas added,plusthelowropescourseand beachvolleyball.
BlairgrewupatWaimarinowithhistwo
siblings.“Forme,kayakingissomething I’vealwaysbeenabletodo.Ijustabsorbed it,”saidBlair.At15hebecamethefirst personhisagetopaddleGrade5from thetopoftheWairoaRiverinaC1.“Still today,nobodyhaseverdoneit–nottheir firsttimepaddlinginaC1.”
Offoverseas,hereturnedhomefrom universityatage21tothefamilybusiness. Inthe1990stherockclimbingwall wasbuilt,thekayakshopopenedand computerswereintroduced.
ShortlyBlairfiguredheneededmore fundscomingintosustainhisandBarry’s jobs.“Westartedtakingtwotoursaday.” Thenthree,theneventuallyfour...
BlairandwifeCharlottepurchased thebusinessin2005anditbecame WaimarinoLtd.TheirtwosonsMarco andAlechavebothworkedthere.
Inthenext18yearsBlairandCharlotte expandeddevelopedarangeofnew additionsandcreatedWaimarinoGroup.
In2007WaimarinoKayakTourswas developedandbeganthecompany’slaunch intointernationaltourism.
In2011theWaimarinoRiversideVenue (thenWaverlyonWairoa)wasopenedfor weddings,conferencesandevents.Also in2011,WaimarinoEducationTrust wasfoundedtocontinuetheoriginal dreamandofferafter-schoolandholiday programmesforchildren.
Today,generationsoffamilieshave createdbeautifulchildhoodmemoriesat Waimarino,saidBarbara.“Grandparents comeherewho’dbeenhereaskids.”
Highlights
What’sbeenthebiggesthighlights?
“Seeingpeoplesucceed,”saidBlair.“People havingagoodtime,cominghereand enjoyingthemselves,”saidBarbara.
Barrysaid:“Barbara,fromhernursing days,implantedinmybrain:‘Whatever youdo,atleastdonoharm’,andIstuck tothat.”“Pushtheboundaries–butdono harm,”saidBlair.
Themostchallengingtimewasthe Covid-19pandemic.“The2019/2020 summerasourbusiestonrecord,” saidBlair.“Thenyougofromamultimillion-dollarturnovertolessthan10% overnight…Thescariestthingwasteeling thestaff:‘Idon’tknowwhat’sgoingon… Itwassurreal.”
Afterthreeyearsofhell–“duringthat
timeIbuiltahouse,wentthroughdivorce andhadtocomeupwithmagicalequation tokeepWaimarinoalive,”saidBlair–thingsstartedtopickupslowly.
SinceCovid,WaimarinoGrouphas continuedtogrowandtonearly50staff readyforsummer.WaimarinoEducation Trusthasnewofferingsbeingdeveloped. LastyearWaimarinoinvested$250,000 intothrillingnewfeatures–including NZ’slargestinflatableclimbingframeand waterslidecomboonwater.Bazza’sBurger Bar,inhonourofBarry,wasalsoopened.
Blairbelievesitwasraretoteachchildren howtokayakinariverataparkbackin 1975–andWaimarino’sspecialwayof doingsoisstillunrivalledtoday.
Thefamilyisequallyproudthat they’vetaughtthousandsofyouthwater safetyskills.
Thankyou!
TheAndersonfamilyandtheirstaff said“abigthankyou”toallwho’ve comethroughtheparkandsupported WaimarinoGroupovertheyears.
“Therewouldbehundredsofthousands ofpeoplewhohaveaddedsomething here,”saidBlair.“Abigthankyouto everybodyinallthegenerations.Also, thankstotheothercharitableorganisations thatkeepWaimarinoEducationTrust operating,sothekidscanreceivemany coolprogrammes.”
Barry, Barbara and Blair Anderson at their park alongside Wairoa River today Photo/ / BryddieTThompson
MerleCave
SplashintoLabourweekendat Tocelebrating50yearsofadventurethis month,WaimarinoGroupisofferingahuge threedaysoffreeactivities,tourdiscountsand water-filledfunatitsWaimarinoAdventure ParknexttotheWairoaRiverthiscoming Labourweekend.
BarryandBarbaraAndersonfoundedWaimarino alongsidetheriver–accessiblefromTaniwhaPlace–backin1975.Today,threebusinesses–Waimarino AdventurePark,WaimarinoKayakTours,and WaimarinoRiverside–alongwiththeWaimarino EducationTrustmakeupthefamily-owned WaimarinoGroup.
Celebratingandinspiring
“AsWaimarinoGroupmarks50yearsofadventure, kayaking,andcommunity,thismilestoneisnotjust aboutlookingback–it’saboutcelebratingthepeople whocontributedtothesuccessofWaimarinoGroup overtheyearsandinspiringthefuturegenerations tocreate,learn,exploreandadventure,”saidowner BlairAnderson.
ThisLabourweekend–fromSaturday,October 25throughtoMonday,October27–Waimarino A Adventure Park has a range of events are planned,
saidWaimarinoGroup marketingmanager MaddieAhern.
“Wehave50%off IndividualSupreme PassesatWaimarino AdventureParkallof Labourweekend–so don’tmissthisepicchance toexperienceTauranga’s ultimatewaterand adventureparkathalfthe price!Gatheryourfriends andfamilyandmakethemostofthelongweekend–becauseadventureisbetterwhenshared,”saidAhern.
October25
writeonWaimarinoGroup’s50thCanoe.Againat3pm afreekayakandrescuesessionwillbeon–meetatthe kayakshedandlearnsomenewskills!
October27
OnSaturday,October25,TheHitsradioteamwill beon-sitefrom11am-2pmofferingfungames.“Joinin andyoumightwinaprize!”
At12.15pmtherewillbeaManuCompetition,soget alongandsignupatreceptionbeforehandtomakea splash!Prizegivingis4pm.
At2pmafreetiedyestationwillinvitekidsofall agestogetcreativeintheWaimarinoEducationTrust activationzone.Plus,alldayeveryoneiswelcometoto theactivationzonetomaketheirmarkonWaimarino Group’s50thCanoe.At3pmafreekayakandrescue sessionison–meetatthekayakshedandlearnsome newskills!
October26
OnSunday,October26,thefunandcelebrations continuewithRichtheDJon-sitefrom11am-4pm “keepingthetunesrollingandtheenergypumping”.
At12.15pmaBombCompetitionwillbegin.Signup beforehandatreception.Prizegivingis4pm.At2pma freefacepaintingstationwillbeopentogetcreativein theWaimarinoEducationTrustactivationzone.Plus, alldayeveryoneiswelcometotheactivationzoneto
OnLabourDay–that’sMonday,October27–visitorscancompleteaChallengeCardallday,tobein towinaprize.TheBombCompetitionwillbebackat 12.15pm,withprizegivingat3pm.Thefreekayakand rescuesessionwillalsorunat3pm.
AhernsaidWaimarinoGroupwouldalsorunaraffle thewholeweekendattheparkwithallproceedsgoing toWaimarinoEducationTrust.“Wearealsorunning aPrimarySchoolColouringCompetitiontowinaTe TahiKayakProgrammeforfreeforaclassofupto32 students.Thisislivenowandthewinnerwillbedrawn onOctober28.”
Booknow! WaimarinoKayakTourswillalsohave50%offKayak andKanuToursallweekend–fromOctober25-27 inTaurangaandRotorua.“Pluswe’reoperatingmini KanutoursonLakeMcLarenonOctober25-26with ticketsfromjust$20!”
Formoreinformation,ortobookyourparkpasses and/orkayakandKanutours,goonlineto: www.waimarinogroup.com
MerleCave
Rollingupsleevesforcleanerseas Sea Cleanershasremovednearly21 millionlitresofrubbishfromNew Zealand’swaterwayssince2002–nowthenot-for-profitismaking wavesinTauranga,whereitslocal crew hasalreadyhauledoutcloseto 300,000litresinjustninemonths.
In Tauranga,themahi(work)isledby skipperJoshMalmoandhisdeckhand, TaylaHopkins.
Armedwiththeirtrustytransportand a can-doattitude,theyhitthewaterways daily tohauldebris.“We’vejustgotaute and aboat,andwetakeoffaroundthe regionanddoourthing,”Malmosaid. Oneofthemostcommonand
stubbornitemstheyfind?Tyres.“It’s phenomenalhowmanywefind,”hesaid. Volunteersplayahugeroleinthecleanups.“Ourlivesarejustsomucheasierwith volunteers,”Malmosaid.“Morehands meanwecancovermoreground.Without them,you’rewalkingawayfrompilesof rubbishyoujustdon’thavetimetogetto.” Tworegulars,SharonHoughtonand AndreaCini,arepartofawidernetworkof volunteerswhoshowuptolendahand. Theircommitmentmakesitpossibleto clearlargevolumesinasingleday,avital boostforsuchaphysicallydemandingjob, saidMalmoandHopkins.
Beyondvolunteers,SeaCleanersalso reliesonsupportindifferentways.
formyselfandacrossthecountry,I’m reallyproudofourworkandwherewe areat”.
ApartfromcleaningupSeaCleanersvisit schools,teachingtamariki(children)about theimpactofrubbishandthedifference smallactionscanmake.
“BridgeMarina,forexample,letsusput ourboatin,andotherlocalgroupshelpin lotsofsmallways.
“There’sjustsomanycontributingfactors –littlebitsofsupportthataren’tonly sponsorsbutmakeahugedifference.” Themahiisn’tglamorous,andoften thesamebeachesneedclearingagain withinweeks.
ButMalmokeepsperspective:“Ispeak
SeaCleanersareonthelookoutformore volunteerstojointheirmissionofcleaning upcoastlinesandwaterways–andno maritimeexperiencerequired.
ThoseinterestedcancontactVolunteering Servicesat:www.volunteeringservices.org.nz orcall(07)9870920.Theycanhelpother groupslookingforvolunteerstoo.
What’sthedeal TheWesternBayofPlentyRegional Dealcurrentlyundernegotiation withtheGovernmentsignalsan excitingdevelopmentforthefuture ofoursub-region.
Essentially,thiswilldefinea30-year plancoveringtheinvestmentrequired tomanagethesub-region’sgrowthand promoteeconomicdevelopment,with aprimaryfocusonthefirst10years oftheplan.Giventheimportanceofthis process,it’stimelytoask:What’sthedeal?
TheWesternBayofPlentyisoneofNew Zealand’sfastestgrowingsub-regions, sotobeselectedasoneofthreeregions tonegotiatearegionaldealwashugely important.
Inshort,‘thedeal’isalong-term strategicpartnershipinvolvingkeylocal organisations–TaurangaCityCouncil, WesternBayofPlentyDistrictCouncil, BayofPlentyRegionalCouncil,the SmartGrowthCombinedTangataWhenua Forumandeconomicdevelopmentagency PriorityOne–andtheGovernment.Its prioritiescentrearoundtheinfrastructure weneedtomeetourcurrentand futureneeds–includingourroads, water,wastewatersystemsandsocial infrastructure–withthefollowingkey objectivesinmind.
•Deliveringupto40,000newhomes
inoursub-regionandimprovinghousing affordability.
•Attractingthenewbusinessesand investmentneededtocreateupto35,000 newjobsanddeliverrealGDPgrowthof 4.5%perannum.
•Improvingaccesstoeducation, healthcareandessentialservices.
•Investinginthetransportandsocial infrastructureourgrowingsub-regionneeds.
•And,providingcertaintyaboutwhat, whenandwhereinfrastructureistobe built,becausecertaintydrivesconfidence, andconfidencedrivesinvestment.
Anotherkeyadvantageofhavingadeal inplaceisthatfuturepoliticalcycles willlargelybetakenoutoftheequation, ensuringthatwehaveanagreedeconomic growthplanthathasrigour,certaintyand commitment,withworkprogrammesthat willbedeliveredasplanned.
Oursub-regionhaswell-developedand consultedplansinplacethroughthework ofSmartGrowthandtheUrbanForm andTransportInitiative(UFTI),sowe werealreadywell-placedtonegotiateand implementadealthatwillcreatethebest possibleoutcomesforourpeople.
Thelocalpartnersmentionedabove lookforwardtokeepingthecommunity informedonourprogresstowards negotiatingandimplementingafinaldeal.
JoshMalmoandTaylaHopkinsof SeaCleanersBOP. Photos/JoshMalmo
Sea Cleaners inspiring local tamaariiki towaard d a clleaanerffutture.
Turningonehomeinto compassionatecareformany WaipunaHospiceis
proudtoannounce anewpartnership withlocalrealestate agency,TheNorthern Group,throughthe HomesforHospice campaign.
HomesforHospice willseeTheNorthern Groupsellaselected homeanddonate100% ofthecommission earnedfromthesaleto WaipunaHospice.
WaipunaHospice
Applicationsopenedthisweekforpeopletoselltheir propertyaspartoftheHomesforHospicecampaign.
Photo/Supplied
CEODavidBryantsaidthefundsraisedwill directlysupportWaipunaHospice’smissionto ensurethatnooneinTaurangaandtheWesternBay ofPlentyfaceslife-limitingillnessalone.
“Withdemandforservicescontinuingtogrow, communitypartnershipslikeHomesforHospice arecrucialinsustainingthefree,holisticcarethe hospiceprovides,”saidBryant.
Applicationsopenedthisweekforlocalsinthe WesternBayofPlentyregionwhowouldliketo selltheirpropertyaspartoftheHomesforHospice campaign.
“AtWaipunaHospice,ourworkisaboutmorethan justend-of-lifecare–it’sabouthelpingpeoplelive wellanddiewell,surroundedbycompassion,dignity, andoften,thecomfortofhome,”saidBryant.
“ThisincrediblegiftfromTheNorthernGroup meansmorepatientscanreceivein-homenursing, medicalsupport,counselling,andbereavement services–allatnocosttothemortheirfamilies.”
TheNorthernGroup isproudtosupport WaipunaHospice throughthisinitiative.
“TheworkWaipuna Hospicedoesinour communityiscrucial, andwe’rehonouredto helpsupportthem,”said LeeStringer,CEOof TheNorthernGroup. TheHomesfor Hospicecampaign demonstratesthepower oflocalpartnershipsto createlastingimpact, Stringersaid.
“Bychoosingto supportWaipuna Hospiceinthisway,TheNorthernGroupisensuring thatmorepeopleinourcommunitycanspend preciousmomentswithlovedones,supportedwith dignityandcompassion.”
WaipunaHospiceprovidesspecialistpalliative care,nursing,medicalsupport,counselling,and bereavementservicestopatientsandfamiliesin TaurangaandtheWBOP.
“Ourservicesareprovidedfreeofcharge,butthis yearwearefacedwithraising$8.1milliontorun ourhospice–withlessthanhalffundedbythe government,”saidBryant.“Tobridgethefunding gap,werelyonthegenerosityofourcommunity throughfundraising,donations,ourcharityshops, andpartnershipslikeHomesforHospice.”
Ifyou’dliketosellyourpropertyandbeapart ofHomesforHospice,youcanapplyat:https:// waipunahospice.org.nz/2025/10/homes-for-hospice
MulticulturalTaurangalaunchedaprojectthismonth tomarkthebeginningofpublishinga10-bookseries createdbyimmigrantwritersinthecommunity.
“TheMulticulturalStorybookProjectuseschildren’s literaturetobuildempathy,preserveculturalheritage,and helpyoungreadersunderstandthebeautyofmigrationand identity,”saidprojectleadKhanhNgocLe(Annie).
Morethan60peopleattendedthevibrantOctober 11launch,enjoyinganafternoonofstories,music,art, anddeliciousmulticulturalfood–ajoyfulcelebrationof Tauranga’sdiversity.
“Webelievethisinitiativehasapositiveimpactonlocal families,promotingunderstanding,inclusion,andpridein ourdiversebackgrounds,”saidLe.
Twobookswereintroduced:‘HomeIsinOurHearts’ byKhanhNgocLe(Annie),apoetictributetofamily bondsthatstretchacrossoceans,and‘TheStoryofTwo BestFriends’byRatnaSeemakurthi,atouchingtaleof friendship,heritage,andfindingbelonginginanewland. Bothauthorssharedheartfeltreflectionsonhowtheir culturalrootsshapetheirwii andfamilylifeinNewZea MulticulturalTaurangah theprojectwouldinspire morelocalimmigrantsto sharetheirstories,tohelp childrennationwide celebratedifference, kindness,andtheshared homewebuildtogether.
KhanhNgocLe(Annie) withherbook‘Home IsinOurHearts’and RatnaSeemakurthi withherbook‘The StoryofTwoBest Friends’. Photo/Supplied SponsoredContent
writing aland. oped
Howpreparedareyouif youendupinthewater? NextweekisSaferBoatingWeek(20–27October),reminding usalltothinkaheadbeforeheadingoutonthewater.Inthe last10years,176peoplelosttheirlivesinboatingaccidents–mostwereclosetoshore,ontheirownandwithoutalifejacket.
Beforeheadingoutonthewater,takingthesestepscould meanthedifferencebetweenlifeanddeath:
•Checkthemarineweatherforecastbeforeyougo
•Wearalifejacketthatfitsproperly
•Carryatleasttwowaterproofwaystocallforhelp.
Findouthowtokeepsafeonthewaterat boprc.govt.nz/boating-in-the-bay
CanIswimhere? Ifyou’replanningaswimthissummer,besuretocheckthe waterqualityisgreenforgo.
Everyweekwecollectsamplesfrommorethan90popular coastal,riverandlakesitesintheBayofPlenty.Wetestfor harmfulbacteriasuchas E.coli and Enterococci,aswellastoxic algae(cyanobacteria),tohelpkeepyouandyourwhānausafe. OurmonitoringresultsaresharedwithBayofPlentyand LakesPublicHealthService,whoissuehealthwarningsifany sitesreachunsafelevels.
Beforeyouheadout,checkthelatest swimsitegradesat lawa.org.nz
2025Elections Congratulationstoeveryonewhotookpartin thisyear’selections–whetheryoustoodasa candidateorcastyourvotetohaveyoursayin whowillrepresentyouoverthenextthreeyears.
Asthiseditionof AroundourRohe wentto print,wewerestillawaitingthefinalelection results.Preliminaryresultsareavailablenowon ourwebsite.
Oncethefinalresultsareconfirmed,we’ll postthemonline.Youcancheckthemoutat boprc.govt.nz/elections.Weexpectthefinal resultstobereleasedonFriday17October.
ItwillbefullsteamaheadforournewCouncil, whowillbesworninattheinauguralmeeting onThursday30October,aheadoftheirfirstfull CouncilmeetingonTuesday18November.
PāpāmoaHillsCulturalHeritageRegionalPark isa182-hectarepropertyexploredandenjoyed bythousandsofvisitorseachmonthwantingto takeinviewsofourstunningcoastline.
ButdidyouknowthatPāpāmoaHillsisamongthemost significanthistoricalandarchaeologicallandscapesin AotearoaNewZealand,with1,630individualarchaeological featuresrecordedwithinthepark?
TheparkhasvisibleevidenceofhistoricalMāori occupationandlinkstoMaketū,(Mauao)MountMaunganui, TaurangaMoanaandfurtherafield.Māorifrommanyiwi havelongunderstoodthestrategicimportanceofthe PāpāmoaHillswiththeircommandingpositionoverthe surroundingcoastline.
Witheightwalkingtracksthroughoutthepark,visitors canseeterraces/tukuandplatforms/papatahi,pits, middensanddefensiveearthworks,suchasditches/ maioro.Thenumberofarchaeologicalfeaturespresent insuchasmallareaisunusualforAotearoaandreflects whyitisnecessarytoprotectthesesites,andtellthe storyofthisimportantculturallandscape.
Whetheryou’relookingtoexploretheregion’srich culturalhistoryorsimplywantingtoboostyourfitness, PāpāmoaHillshassomethingforeveryone.
Opendailyfromdawntodusk,PāpāmoaHillsCultural HeritageRegionalParkisa20-minutedrivefrom Taurangaanda10-minutedrivefromTePuke.
TheTePukeclassisoneof 128runningacrossTauranga andtheWesternBayof Plentyweekly. Photo/Supplied
Every Thursday at 10am, theLyceumClubinTePuke fillswithenergyaslocals join‘KeeponYourFeet’,a strengthandbalanceclass ledbyBrendaMcKenzieand NgaireRowe.
Runningsince2017,the classhasbecomeacommunity favourite,withsomeoriginal participantsstillattending.The oldestmember,aged95,fitsthe classinbetweenroundsofgolf. Participantssaytheclasshelps themstayactiveandindependent,
with fun and companionship highonthelonglistofbenefitsof comingalongweekly.Manycredit itwithgivingthemthestrengthto “correct”themselvesduringnear fallsandtheconfidencetogetout andabout.
Fallsaretheleadingcauseof injuryinNewZealand,making upnearly40%ofACCclaims. Regularstrengthandbalance trainingcansignificantlyreduce fallsriskbyimprovinglegstrength, stability,andcoordination.
SupportedbySportBayofPlenty andACC,theTePukeclassisone of128runningacrossTauranga andtheWesternBayofPlenty
weekly These community-led sessionsofferasafe,effective,and socialwaytostaystrongandsteady.
“Manyfallsarepreventable throughsimpleandeffective exercisesandtheseclassesprovide afunwayofincludingthesein yourweek”saidAmyFowlerfrom SportBayofPlenty. Threeclassesareavailablein TePukethroughouttheweek, cateringtoarangeofabilities. FormoreinformationonTePuke classes,contactBrendaMcKenzie on0274118223orvisit: livestronger.org.nztofindaclass nearyou.
MountMaunganuiwoman
JoyRudsitsreckonsa“good, solidcountryupbringing”is what’shelpedherreachher 100thbirthday.
OnOctober25,1925,JoyRudsits (néeMurray)wasborntoGwenand Bill,joiningherolderbrother,Tom.
ShewasborninWaitara,15km outsideofNewPlymouthand grewuponafarmsouthofMount Messenger.
JoysaidherandTombiked5kmto schoolaskids,beforetheyattended boardingschool:TomtoNelson Boys’CollegeandJoytoWhanganui Girls’College.
Livingontheland “Wehadahappy,well-organised childhood,”shesmiled,reflectingon herpast.
Herfamilygrewtheirown vegetables,andherfatherkilledhis ownmeat.Theyneveremployed labouronthefarm.
“Weusedtogointothebushand lookforberries.Itgavemeagood grounding.”
Theircommunityalwayshadevents on.From“bringyourcalftoschool” daystodancesatthetownhall,there wasalwayssomethingbringingthe communitytogether. Joyfilledthetownhallwithmusic forthoseverydances.
Shebeganplaying thepianoattheage sevenandjoined choirsthroughouther education,eventually leadingthemwhen shebecameateacher.
“Ourmothermade sureweweretaught music,andIwas taughtelocution.She alwaysmadesurewe hadeverythingthat waswiseforafamily.”
Music
Musicplayedacentra roleinJoy’slife–andi stilldoes,playingfrom theradioperchedupon herChappellpiano.Sh collectedmusicfromth likesofBeethoven andWagnerwhen shewasyounger butdonatedthese toanotherhome.
She’samultiinstrumentalist, havingalsoplayed theaccordion andviolinforthe orchestraatteacher trainingcollege.
“I’vebeenateacher allmylife,”said Joy.Shetaught primaryandspecial education.
“Intheearly days,inthe KingCountry,I taughtnearthe bigsawmillthat wasthereduring thewar.Inthe
RuralrootsoffferJoy a long life lateryears,Ispent19yearsin chargeofaspecialschoolin WaikatoHospital.“Wehad threeprimaryteachers,akindy teacher, andahigh school teacherfulltime.”
Joy mether husband, EricRudsits, during WorldWar II.Thepair married afterhewasdischargedin1946, thenmovedtoTaumarunui, wheretheywelcomedtheir daughter,Wanda,andson, Kim. WandanowlivesinSan Francisco,whileKim’s daughtershavebuiltlivesfor themselvesinEngland.
wentoutat85.However, sheproudlysaidshehasno artificialkneesorhips.
Joy,aged21,withherhusbandEric ontheirweddingdayin1946.
o oy’s ates y her nt “Half nnis alks ona ayand hat!”
Along-timepatronofthe club,Jo clubma stillpay frequen visits.“ theten clubwa inhere Tuesda hasachat! Sheand hermother –shecalled “agoodsportswoman”–usedto playtogether,evenwinningthe Taranakichampsfordoubles whenJoywasateenager. Joyalsowonthesingles tournament. Now,Joybeginseveryday withamorningwalkbefore breakfast.Herroutetakesher aroundtheneighbourhood, lastingabout45minutes. Once-weekly,shewalks fromPuririParkVillagetothe MarineParadeboardwalkto enjoytheviewfromabench dedicatedtoherlateson,Kim. Forherupcomingcentenary birthday,Joyisawaitingavisit fromherdaughterWanda.
player until her shoulder
TheMount WhenEricandJoyeventually madetheirwaytotheBayof Plenty,theybuiltahouseon TaySt.JoytaughtatOmanu SchoolandjoinedMount MaunganuiTennisClub, keepingherpassionforsports alive.ShewasanA-grade playeruntilhershoulder
JoyRudsitshasbeen playingpianosince shewasseven–that’s93years. Photos/BrydieThompson
MakingtheMostofEveryDay inyourRetirement Yourretirementisn’tabout countingdownthedays-it’s aboutmakingeverydaycount. Withnostrictschedulesor alarmstoanswerto,thischapter oflifeoffersauniqueopportunity toembracethepresent.
AtMatuaVillage,webelievethebeautyofdailylifeliesinthesmall, ordinarymoments.Andthatthosemomentsareworthcelebrating. Youdon’tneedaspecialoccasiontoenjoyamorningcuppawitha friend,takeinthebirdsongfromyourdeckortodecidetolose yourselfinyourlatestbookandenjoythespringsunstreamingin. Whenit’soneofthosedaysthatyoufeellikegettingoutandabout forsomesocialtime–youmightdecidetojoinothersatthemovie afternooninournewresidents'lounge,onanoutingtoacaféfor hightea,oronaninvigoratingandlaughterfilledwalkthroughthe MatuaSaltwashwithotherresidents.
Whateveryourpace,fromonedaytothenext,it’saboutcelebrating themomentsthatmakeeachdayspecial.
BijouJohnson
Joy Rudsits, who turns 100 on October 25, gardens daily
“Breakingahabitrequires creatinganewroutine,not justbreakinganoldone”
–JamesClear
Weallhavehabits–some helpusgrow,othersholdus back.Breakingabadhabit isn’taboutsheerwillpower. Itbeginswithawareness, persistenceandsmall,realistic choices.Habitsformquietly overtime,sochangebegins bynoticingthemwith honestyandcompassion.Pay attentiontowhattriggersthe oldpattern–forexample, atensioninyourbody, arecurringthought,ora familiarsituation.Maybeyou catchyourselfoverthinking, procrastinating,worrying, rushing,orbeingselfcritical.Whenyounoticeit, pauseandtakeabreath,or simplychoosesilencebefore
MedicalProductsBilltakingshape reacting.Thatmomentof awarenessisthefirststep towardchange.Eachsmall choiceweakenstheoldhabit andstrengthensanewway forward.Changeoftenfeels sloworuncertain,butevery timeyouresponddifferently youopenspaceforgrowth andpossibility.Breaking ahabitisn’tonlyabout stoppingsomething,it’s aboutdiscoveringwhoyou canbecomewithoutit.What smallchangecouldyoubegin tomaketoday?
Ifyou’dliketoknowmore aboutstrengtheningrelationships, exploringyourpotentialandcreating transformationinyourlife,phone MaryParker,TheFastTrackCoach, on0212582145,orvisit:www. thefasttrackcoach.co.nz
Cabinetpapersreleasedthis monthshowkeygovernment decisionsaroundpharmacy ownershipandadvertisingof medicines,whichwillbe partoftheupcoming MedicalProductsBill.
“Thenewbillwillremove restrictionsonownershipof communitypharmacies,allowingfor moreflexibilityandinnovationthat willimprovesafeaccesstomedicines andhealthcare,”saidAssociate HealthMinisterCaseyCostello.
Underthechanges,pharmaciesand companiesthatownpharmacies,will nolongerneedtobemajorityowned byregisteredpharmacists,Costello said.
“Thisisanantiquatedand unnecessarylawthatcompanieshave foundcomplexwaysofworking around...However,operationof pharmacieswillcontinuetobe stronglyregulatedtoensurepatient safety,”Costellosaid.“Pharmacy activitiessuchasdispensingwill stillbesupervisedbyregistered pharmacists,andpharmacistswill stillupholdprofessionalstandards andbeexpectedtoactinthebest interestsoftheirpatients.”
TheBillwillintroduceanewrole ofsupervisorypharmacist,which willberequiredinallcompaniesthat operatemorethanonepharmacy. Thesupervisorypharmacistwillbe responsibleforcompliancewith pharmacystandardsandregulation
forthecompanyasawhole,said Costello.
“Thesechangesareaboutenabling differentmodelsforpharmacy ownership,allowingformore innovativeandintegratedhealthcare thatwillimprovesafeaccessto medicines,”Costellosaid.
TheGovernmentwouldalso makechangestotherulesaround advertisingmedicinesandmedical devices,allowingunapproved medicinestobeadvertisedand promotedinsomecircumstances.
“Theplannedchangeswill enableaccesstoinformationabout medicinesandmedicaldevices, whilestillprotectingconsumer safety.”
CostellosaidtheMedicalProducts Billwouldincludeaclearerdefinition ofadvertising,makingiteasierfor manufacturers,healthpractitioners, andthepublictounderstand. However,itwouldnotregulate
activitiessuchasfundraising, newsreportingandeducationas ‘advertising’.
“Underthecurrentlegislation,it isillegaltoadvertisetheavailability ofamedicinewhichdoesnothave Medsafeapproval,”Costellosaid. “Thisrestrictiononadvertising ofunapprovedmedicinesis aboutprotectingconsumersfrom treatmentswhichmaynotbesafeor effective,butit’salsoimportantthat ourlegislationallowssomecommonsenseexemptions.”
“Modernisingmedicinesadvertising regulationswillensurethatthepublic hasbetteraccesstoinformation onmedicalproducts,thesector understandtheirresponsibilities,and healthpractitionersareinformedof innovativetreatmentoptions.”
TheMedicalProductsBillis plannedtobeintroducedto Parliamentnextyear.Naturalhealth productsarenotpartofthenewbill.
ThePinkRibbonStreetAppealishere! Today,October17,andSaturday,October18, thestreetsofBayofPlentywillcomealivewith pinkaspassionatevolunteershitthepavement forthePinkRibbonStreetAppeal.
BreastCancerFoundationNZ’sannualfundraiser willseemorethan550Bay ofPlentyvolunteersshaking pinkbucketsaroundtheregion acrossthetwodaystoraisevital fundsforbreastcancerresearch, educationandpatientsupport.
“Breastcancerstilltakesthe livesofmorethan650New Zealanderseveryyear,butit doesn’thavetobethisway,” saysBCNZchiefexecutive Ah-LeenRayner.“Weknow
timesaretoughrightnow,butevenasmalldonation canmakeabigdifference.Yoursupportwilldirectly fundvitalprogrammeslikeournurseadviceline,a clinicaltrialinvestigatinganewwaytodiagnosebreast cancerbetter,andouriconicPinkCampervanthat travelsthecountryeducatingKiwisaboutbreasthealth andearlydetection.
“Asacharitythatdoesn’treceiveanygovernment funding,werelyentirelyonthegenerosityofNew Zealanderstokeepthesecrucialprogrammesgoing. PleasedonatewhateveryoucantothePinkRibbon StreetAppealtohelpmakesuremorewomencanlive andlivewellafterbreastcancer.”
DonationsforthePinkRibbonStreetAppealcanbe madetovolunteercollectorswhowillbeoutinforce shakingpinkbucketsacrosstheregiononOctober 17-18,onlineat:www.pinkribbonappeal.co.nzorby texting‘PINK’to2447todonate$3.
TheMMeddical l ProdductsBBill wiill beiintrodduced d toPParlliamentnextyear.
A Taurangachurchyouth leaderisvoluntarilyteaching barbershopcoursesata Taurangacommunitycentreto giveyoungpeopleconfidence tolaunchtheircareers.
ShanonRatahihasspentfouryears planninghisbarbershopcourse, whereheaimedtoprovideaspace forrangatahi(youth)whocannot afford,arenotsupported,ordonot havetheopportunitytoobtainan out-of-schoolqualification.
Thecourseswouldbeheldat MerivaleCommunityCentreand wouldbeanopportunityforhis studentstoexpandtheirskills,gain employmentandconfidence,and earn20creditsinNCEALevels1 and2.
Theformerpolytechteacher andownerofAvenueBarberson CameronRdsaidhefeltlikethis washispurpose–heisofferinghis expertiseatnocosttothecentreor thestudents.“Thisisaboutcreating
gLasteditionImentioned thatI’mregularly contactedbypeoplewith severeosteoarthritis.
Barber’sdreamgivingyoungpeoplepurpose ShannonRatahi’scurrentbarbershopcoursestudentsPrestonKingand NoraRenoldswithShanonRatahiandTeArikiBerrymanintheback, DanteJonesandPiripiSmithinthefront.
aspaceforrangatahiyouthtogeta foundationgatewayintoahigherlevelbarberingcourse.”
Thecourse–whichbeganon October6–involvedhands-on, practicaltraining,duringwhich studentslearnedhowtocut,fade, trim,andstyle.“Butmorethan
likeit’safirststep.“It’s[about] themthinkingtheycanbe barbers,butbelievingtheycan beanythingtheywant,lawyers, doctors,whatever.”
Hesaidsomeofhisstudents hadtheirownpersonal strugglesandbarriers,such asmentalhealthissues, neurologicaldisorders,family harmandaddictions.
Ratahisaideventhoughthe newcoursewasfull,healready had14youthonawaiting list.Heplannedtoholdthe
courseregularlyandsecure sponsorsinfuturetoexpandhis programmes. Hesaidhewantedtoofferthe coursetoyouths,adults,men, andwomen,andplannedto startanothercourseinfuturefor studentstobecomebeauticians aswell.
Ratahiandhopestosecure sponsorsinfuturetoexpandhis programmes.Youthwhowantto getinvolvedcanphonethe MerivaleCommunityCentreon 075786450. AylaYeoman
that,you’llgaintherespect,hustle andmindsetittakestoturnthis craftintoacareer.”
Ratahisaidthiscoursewouldact asabridgetoemployment,with thatbeingthefocusanddesired outcome.“Theydon’thavetobe barbers;they’vejustgottofeel
Understandingsevereosteoarthritis–Part2 Thisisoftenfarmerswho’vebecome restrictedbykneeosteoarthritis.The painanddiscomfortresultsinlossof mobilitywithjointreplacementtheonly option.Thislackofmobilitycancause adownwardspiralofreducedexercise, weightgainandgenerallackoffitness. Severeosteoarthritisneedsintensive nutritionaltherapy.Ifmedicationsand circumstancesallow,Iusuallystartpeople ona12-weekintensiveprogramme involvinghlTh combined ofchondr 100%wat (pepper-fr 1200mg, fishoils1 andgluco 1600mg. chondroit mostimp addinga1 watersolu
threesupplements. These d giveinitialdoses roitin1600mg, tersoluble ree)curcumin EPA from 000mg osamine While tin is the ortant, 100% uble
curcumin(fromturmeric)extractis veryhelpfulduetoitspotentantiinflammatorycapacity. Forthoselivingwithsevere osteoarthritis,regularsupplementation withcurcuminhasbeenassociatedwith reducedjointpain,improvedfunction,andlessmorningstiffness. Mostcurcuminextractsneedblackpepper tobeabsorbed.Unfortunately,thiscauses digestiveupsetssuchreflux.Ipreviously usedsuchanextractandhadmanyhaving toceasecurcumindespitebeinghelpful.
Afewyearsago,Ibecameawareofa newgenerationcurcumincomplexthat’s 100%watersoluble.Thismeansitis gentleonthestomachandabsorbedbetter t than standard curcuminbecauseit doesnotneedpeepperextract. Ihavemanycliientswithsevere osteoarthritisthaatarenowmore comfortable.Whhilethearthritis remains,reducing g inflammationand improvingjointrrepairprocessescan make a real difffference.
John Arts (Adv.DDip.Nut.Med)isa nutritional meddicinepractitionerand founder of AbundantHealthLtd. For questionsoradvice,contact John on 0800423559oremail: john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletterat: wwwabundant.co.nz
BronchiectasisClinicalResearchStudy Thisstudyisresearchinganinvestigationalproductdesignedtoreducelungflare-ups andimprovebreathingandqualityoflifeforpeoplelivingwithBronchiectasis. Youmaybeeligibletojointhisstudyifyou: •Are18yearsorolder
•HaveaconfirmeddiagnosisofbronchiectasisviaCTscan
•Haveexperiencedalunginfectionrequiringantibiotics inthepastyear
Participantswillbereimbursed upto$3,150
MomentumTauranga
JanetteisaGPwhovaluesbalance, inbothmedicineandlife.Sheis passionateaboutsupportinghealth throughevidence-basedWestern medicinealongsidecomplementary approachessuchasyoga,mindfulness, andotherholisticpractices.Mental healthandwellbeingareattheheartof hercare,andshetakestimetolisten, connect,andunderstandeachperson’s uniquestory.Janetteisacceptingnew enrolments.
FamilyDoctors,Brookfield wouldliketowelcome DrJanetteFlorendo 83PyesPaRoad, PyesPa |P:075432221 | 1CaslaniLane, TheLakes |P:075432229 223OtumoetaiRoad, Otumoetai |P:075702555 | enquiries@familydoctors.co.nz www.familydoctors.co.nz
Wearealsopleasedtoofferthefollowing newservicesatFamilyDoctors: TRAVELCLINIC: OurTravelClinicoffers traveladvice,vaccinations,andhealth preparationtailoredtoyourdestinationand needs.Casualpatientswelcome. COMPANYMEDICALS&DRUG/ ALCOHOLTESTING:Weprovidepreemployment,annual,andworkplacemedical assessments,alongwithdrugandalcohol testingservices,tohelpbusinessessupport asafeandhealthyworkforce. Acceptingenrolmentsforanyonenewto theTaurangaarea.Forpatientstransferring locallypleasecontactreceptionatoneofour locations.
Photo/AylaYeoman
New enhanced formula
T The Fronx hits a sweet spot WhenSuzukilaunchedthenew Fronxearlierthisyear,itwasclear theyhadahitontheirhands. Now,justafewmonthslater,the numberstellthestory–theFronxhas becomeSuzuki’sbest-sellingmodelin September,overtakingeventhemuchlovedSwift.
It’snothardtoseewhythissmall SUViscreatingsuchabigbuzz. TheFronxhitsasweetspotfor driverswhowantsomethingeasyto livewith,stylish,andpackedwith features,withoutspendingafortune.
Head-turningdesign Compactandagile,theFronxslips neatlyintomostgaragesandmakes lightworkofcityparking.Ithasreal presencewithitsboldfrontgrille, sleeklinesandconnectedrearLED lights.WestoppedbytheBayHome Showlastweekendandcheckedout theTaurangaMotorCompanystand. WehadacloserlookattheFronx, andthefeedbackfromshowgoerswas unanimous:“Itlooksfantastic.”The displaycardrewasteadycrowd,with plentyoftest-drivesign-ups.
Comfortableandclever Inside,theFronximpresseswith itssenseofspace.There’sexcellent visibilitythankstothehigherseating position,andplentyofroomto stretchout.Theinteriorfeelssmart andmodern–soft-touchmaterials,a two-tonecolourscheme,andalarge centraltouchscreenallcontributetoa premiumimpression.
Thetechlistisimpressiveforacar inthisclass:a360-degreecamera withfrontandrearparkingsensors, heads-updisplay,adaptivecruise control,blind-spotmonitoring, heatedfrontseats,andwireless AppleCarPlayandAndroidAuto. Everythingyouneedisincludedas standard.
Smooth,efficient,fun Underthebonnet,Suzuki’s1.5-litre SmartHybridsystemquietlyassists thepetrolengine,helpingyouuse lessfuelwithoutneedingtoplug in.Thesix-speedautomaticgearbox issmoothandresponsive,andfuel economyfromjust5.3L/100km (WLTP)meansfewerstopsatthe pump.AroundtowntheFronxfeels lightandnimble,whileontheopen
roadit’scalmandrefined–thekind ofeasy-goingdrivethat’sidealfor everydayerrandsoraweekendtrip downthecoast.
Greatvalue Suzukihaskeptthingsrefreshingly simplewiththeFronx.There’s justonefully-loadedspecification, pricedfrom$31,990+ORC,or $32,990+ORCfortwo-tone paint.Noconfusingoptionslists–everythingcomesincluded,fromthe hybridtechnologytotheadvanced safetysuite.
AndasalwayswithSuzuki,peace ofmindcomesstandardtoo:every Fronxiscoveredbyafive-year comprehensivewarrantyprogramme andfiveyearsofroadsideassistance. Seeitforyourself!
Withstronginitialsalesandpublic interesthigh,theFronxhasprovento bethesmallSUVthattrulydelivers onlooks,valueandpracticality.
Toseewhyit’sSuzuki’snewbestseller,visitTaurangaMotorCompany at100HewlettsRd,Mount Maunganui,orcall075781378to bookyourtestdrive.
AxelSmith
TasteFestivalcomingtoTauranga! AfterthesuccessofTasteFestivalsin WhanganuiandKāpiti,thecelebrationis settoarriveinTaurangathisDecember!
Bringingtogethertheregion’sbestlocal food,drink,andliveentertainment,Taste Taurangawillbeavibrantsummereventonthe waterfrontonDecember6frommidday-5pm.
“TasteTaurangaisathoughtfullycurated, boutiquefestival,limitedtoaround600guests,” saideventdirectorGioiaDamosso.
“SetagainstthestunningbackdropofTauranga’s waterfront,itoffersarelaxedatmospherewitha strongcommunityvibe,perfectforfoodlovers andthoselookingtosavoursomethingspecialas theyearwindsdown.”
Theeventwillhighlighttoplocalproducers, artisanfoodtrucks,craftbeveragesandlive music–andisdesignedtocreateadayof connection,celebrationandincredibletaste, saidDamosso.
“Whetheryou’recatchingupwithfriendsand whānauorplanningamemorableend-of-year outingforyourteamorbusiness,TasteTauranga istheperfectwaytowrapuptheyear!”
PlayyourwayacrossTauranga Playisbeingcelebratedand encouragedacrossTaurangathis comingweek,witharangeoffun, family-friendlyactivitiesonofferas partofPlayWeekAotearoa2025. RunningOctober20-26,thisnational initiativeledbySportNewZealandin collaborationwithTaurangaCityCouncil andSportBayofPlentyencouragespeople ofallagestoengageinplay.
AspartoftheplannedeventsinTauranga, adultsareaskedtochallenge
adults are asked to challenge theirworkmatesandtake partinlunchtimegamesat RedSquareorplayboard gamesatPāpāmoaLibrary.
There’sTumble Timefortoddlersat Haumaru,Mercury BayparkandPāpāmoa Sports&Recreation
Centre;discgolfatBayfairReserve;and bingoatTaurangaLibrary.
Havefunwithabubble-maker,face painting,scavengerhunt,backyardgames, giantchess,rockpaintingandhuggingcute lambsattheHistoricVillageatBub'sPlay DayonOctober23.
JumpontheHalloweenTrailatTauranga LibraryonOctober25orcheckoutNature PlayDayatYattonParkonOctober26.
Playalongthewayavoidingthe‘lava’ inthecitycentrebydownloadingamap fromtheWhat’sonTaurangawebsite.
There’salsoadownloadableinclusive activitycard,developedincollaboration withParafedBOP,offeringplaychallenges forallabilities.
“WehaveMauaoandMcLarenFallsright onourdoorstepforwonderfuloptionsto exploretheoutdoors,especiallynowthat summerisapproaching,anddaylighthours arelonger,”DeputyMayorJenScoularsaid.
“Theseoutdooroptionsreallyaddtothe diverserangeofplaygrounds.walkways, skateparks,andsportscourtsandfields availableacrossTauranga.
“IencouragethepeopleofTaurangaacross allagestomaketimeforplayintheirlives andcelebratedifferentwaystodothatover PlayWeek.”
Thefullprogrammeofeventsisat: whatsontauranga.co.nz/play-week-2025
TasteTaurangaisanR18event,andavariety ofnon-alcoholicdrinkswillbeavailable.The eventiscashless,sobringEftposorcreditcards forpurchases,plusphotoidentification.
Festival-goerscanbringfoldedchairsand picnicblanketstorelaxandenjoythefestivalin comfort.AllTasteFestivalshavedisabledaccess, includingaccessibletoiletsandpathways.
Forthosewantingtotaketheirexperienceto thenextlevel,theNZMEVIPZonewilloffer somethingextraspecial,saidDamosso.
“EnjoyafestivelunchbyBigSmokeBBQ, twohandcraftedsignaturecocktails,andaccess toanexclusiveVIPareafeaturingpremium seating,shade,andagreatviewofthefestivities, theidealwaytorelaxinstyle.”
Ticketsarestrictlylimited,sodon’tmissyour chancetoexperiencethisstandoutcelebration oflocalflavourandsummervibesintheBay ofPlenty.
Forupdatesandmoreinformation,follow @tastefestivalsnzorvisit:www.tastefestivals.co.nz
Topurchasetickets,headto:eventbrite.co.nz andsearch‘TasteTauranga’.Gatesalesare notguaranteed.
PICKUPYOURFREECOPY YoucanpickuponeofourFREEpublicationsfromanyoftheseplaces:
NZME,405CameronRd Pak‘nSave,CameronRd, Tauranga TaurangaInformation Centre, 1DevonportRd TaurangaLibrary, GoddardsArcade, 55DevonportRd TaurangaAirport GreertonLibrary TheFreshMarket, GatePaShoppingCentre MerivaleDairy, 5MerivaleRd,Parkvale SuperValueSupermarket, 83PyesPaRd,PyesPa FourSquareTheLakes, 1CaslaniLane,PyesPa FourSquare,WelcomeBay PalmersWelcomeBay, 1OhauitiRoad HartiesLiquorStore, 198MaungatapuRoad
MountBeachside HolidayPark, 1AdamsAve PaperPlus, 130MaunganuiRd NewWorld, CnrMaunganuiRd &TweedSt MountRSA, 544MaunganuiRd BayfairShoppingCentre informationdesk FreshChoicePapamoa, 20CoastBoulevard, Papamoa PapamoaPlaza FourSquarePapamoa, 4GoldenSandsDr CountdownBureta, Otumoetai FourSquareCherrywood, Otumoetai BrookfieldFoodMart, 75BellevueRd
MatuaDairy, 97LeversRd,Matua Eves,19BethlehemRd, Bethlehem Patrick’sPies, 19BethlehemRd, Bethlehem FourSquareBethlehem, 233ASH2,Bethlehem DécorGardenworld, 165MoffatRd,Bethlehem FreshChoiceOmokoroa, 160OmokoroaRd, Omokoroa KatikatiInformationCentre, 36MainRoad,Katikati KatikatiWoolworths TePuke4Square& Woolworths
KemOrmond
Joshua Coley, 5, interacting with downtown Tauranga street art Photo / Brydie Thompson
Groovyinstrumentalgrooves nstrumental grooves Therearekillerblues-rock gigsnextweekbutfirstly, instrumentalalbums.
TimJulian,fromWelcomeBay’s ColourfieldStudiohasjustreleased ‘ExperimentsInDepthOfFieldAtThe ArabicaCafé’underthebandname FragileColours. Suchalbumsusuallytryanddotwo thingssimultaneously:featureplaying interestingenoughtobeactively listenedto,whileoverallstaying restrainedenoughtofunctionas backgroundmusic.Mostincludetwo typesofinstrumental:those builtaroundamelody,or thoseassembled,usually aroundagroove.
Across 1.River(SI)(4) 7.ShewasaN.Z. novelist(4,5)
8.Inquisitive(4) 9.Amphibian(4) 10.Allege(4) 11.Bark(4) 14.Eradicate(10)
16.Lake(NI)(10)
19.Friend(4)
22.Squabble(4)
24.Jot(4)
25.Step(4)
26.Racecourse(SI) (9)
27.Drink(4) Down
1.Prudent(5)
2.Herb(5)
3.Fuel(6) 4.Dwarf(6)
No.1956
5.Ambience(4) 6.Significant(9) 12.Surround(9) 13.Game(4) 15.Wander(4) 17.Cage(6) 18.Writer(6) 20.Exploit(5) 21.Enthusuastic(5) 23Preciousstone(4)
Locally,LiamRyanhasthe mostform,havingreleased two-and-a-halfinstrumentalalbums. Heusesbothapproaches,sometunes assembliesandothersmelodies,such asthelovely‘WaltzForAmanda’from 2021’s‘WovenNotStranded’,alilting harmonicapieceplayedbyHamilton’s HaggisGuinness.
Easylistening Tuneson‘Experiments...’are constructs,specificallyaroundeight basslinesplayedbyBrianFranks,and twoofJulian’spieces.Theygroove, they’reeasylistening,andtheyfeature abunchoftopmusicians.Most impressiveisthewayJulian’skeyboards andarrangementsshapetheminto musicaljourneys.Thingshappen, thingschange,whichisanessential elementinstayinginteresting.
Importantly,Franks’bassstyleis unique.Heplaysabespokefive-string basswithtwofretlessstrings.His playingwasonethingthatraisedR’n’B bandBrilleauxfrombeingoverly-retro. He’sincrediblyactiveonYouTube,
makingbassduets withabewildering numberofpeopleall overtheworld.
Thenthere’sMarkDennison,sax, clarinet,fluteplayerandmastermind arranger.Hearrangedthehornsfor Auckland’s‘LastWaltz’concert,thejazz festival’s‘Ol’BlueEyes’showhere.His CVisridiculous.Juliansaid:“WhenI askedMarktodoacoupleofsaxsolos, hewassotakenwiththetwotracksI gavehimheworkedoutcompletebrass andwoodwindpartsforthem”. Warmstheheart Ondrumsisanoldfriend.Julianand SteveMillswenttoschooltogether inTokoroaandsoonafterwereina band,Panama.Millshasplayedin numerousTaurangabands,including MaxHeadroomwithJulian.Something aboutthatwarmsmyheart.
GuitarsaremainlytherealmofMike Kirk,currentlyplayingwithJohn Michaelz,previouslyKokomoand B-SideBand,andbeforethatmore bandsthanyoucanname.Heisa masteroftoneandtaste.Therearealso
TheBayofPlentySteamerstaketothe fieldatForsythBarrStadiuminDunedin tonight,October17,fortheirBunnings NPCsemifinalagainstOtagowithkickoffat7.15pm.TheSteamerssurgedinto thesemifinalsafterendingTasmanMako’s seasonincommandingstyle,securinga27–7
guitarsfromoverseas,recordedremotely inLondonandSlovakia. It’sondigitalplatformsnow–havea lookatit.
Thebeach,andBureta
Andgreatnewsforblues-rockfans–thecountry’scurrenthottestexponents areheadingthiswaynextweekend.BB &TheBullets,whoseexcellentalbum ‘HighTide’Ireviewedrecently,play theWaihiBeachHotelonSaturday, October25,andJackDusty’sinBureta onSunday,October26. Thethree-piece,frontedbysinger/ guitaristBrianBaker,havebeen stormingroundthecountryto enthusiasticaudienceswiththeirmix ofclassicbluesandsmartoriginals. AlbertKing,BBKing,Hendrix,this isdefinitelyashowforloversofblues guitarandrockingblues.
HearWinston’s LatestPlaylist www.tinyurl.com/2zh5hsx2
quarter-finalwinatTaurangaDomainlast weekend.Otago,secondontheNPCtable, havebeeninoutstandingform,winningtheir lastsixmatches.Thestakesarehigh,withthe Steamershuntingasecondnationaltitlesince winningtheinauguralNPCin1976,after comingwithinawhiskerofitlastyear.
TheTaurangaMoanaTauranga TangataFestival2025atLabour Weekendwillcelebrateconnections withkapahaka,sports,andplenty offunwhānau-friendlyactivities. Everyoneiswelcometocomeand enjoythevibeswithHapūKapaHaka atTeKuraoMatapihiat398Matapihi RdonSaturday,October25. ThenonSunday,October26,the energyshiftstosports,withaFunRun, TopTown,8-BallandDartsandWaka amaatWaikorire(PilotBay).Come along,bringyourwhānau,watch, cheer,eat,andenjoytheatmosphere. “Whetheryoucometowatch,cheer, eat,orjustenjoythevibes,Tauranga MoanaTaurangaTangataFestivalis atimetoconnect,celebrate,andbe partofourcommunity.Naumaihaere mai!”Entryisfree.
TimJulianand BrianFranks. Photo/Supplied
CANVAS REPAIRS •SpaPoolCovers
•BoatCoverRepairs
•OutdoorFurniture
•SleepingBagZips
•GeneralRepairs
072620022
25bBirchAve,Judea www.canvasrepairs.nz
HOUSEWASH Professionalexteriorsoft-wash foryourhouse,roofing,allfences, paths,driveways&patiosforthe bestcleaningofmoss,lichen& algaeusinginteractiveproducts. Wealsoclean&flushgutters, washexteriorofwindows&offer generalwaterblasting. Accessisneveraproblem with100mofhose.
Promptlocalservicewith over20+yrsexperience.
CalloremailAndyforafreequote housewash@xtra.co.nz
0800747787or0273134386
E:christine@bopgaragedoors.co.nz Web:www.garador.co.nz
E Alldoorsmadetoorderto customfityourhome BOPGARAGEDOORS Unit12,56NewtonStreet MountMaunganui P:075750139
E Weusethebestcomponents toensurecontinuedsafety andeaseofoperation
Forprompt,efficient,professionalservice callVivienneon075711404 emailvivienne@adminz.co.nzwww.adminz.co.nz 250ChadwickRoad,Greerton
trades&services •Headboards•CustomIndoor&OutdoorSquabs •Upholstery,Restoration&Repairs
995CameronRoad,GatePa,Tauranga 075784110•info@theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz www.theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz
Newworkorrepaints InteriorandExterior Residential/Commercial Freequotes.PhoneStewart
Callusforaconfidentialchattoday
Ross&KarenGillespie
BusinessBrokers
LicensedSalespersonREAA2008
M.0212788644
E.ross@cmbusiness.co.nz www.cmbusiness.co.nz THINKINGOFSELLINGYOURBUSINESS?
Weareaboutiquecompany,that’s whywedoafantasticjob!
domesticandcommercialbuildings Taurangalocalbusinesswith30yearsexperience.
BOPWide|0800ARPLUS|www.arplus.nz
ALUMINIMUM JOINERY REPAIRS& MAINTENANCE Atadifficulttime,knowthatyouwon’tpaya fortuneforyouandyourlovedonetobelooked afterwithdignityandrespect.
Qualified&ExperiencedFuneralDirectors
AffordableFarewellPlansTailoredToYourFamily’sNeeds
072827922 or 0800777433
info@baycremationcare.kiwi.nz baycremationcare.kiwi.nz
BAYOFPLENTY FARMERSEDUCATIONTRUST 2025SCHOLARSHIP Applicationsareinvitedfromanystudent fromtheBayofPlentyregionencompassing Opotiki,Whakatane,Kawerau,WesternBay ofPlentyDistrictCouncilsandTaurangaCity CouncilbutexcludingRotorua/Taupo DistrictCouncilarea,whoisdoingan agriculturalorveterinarycourseforatleast oneyear,eitherfullorparttime.Noagelimit orspecificNZPolytech/Universityrequired. Thisscholarshipistoassistinthepaymentof tutorialfeesintheenrolledcourse.
Applicationsclose:12thNovember2025
EmailDerekSprattforanapplicationform cowcocky70@gmail.com
NOTICEOFANNUALGENERAL MEETINGSANDELECTION Saturday,15November2025,10am Tamapahore,MangatawaMarae, 42TarehaLane,Mangatawa Karakiaandmihimihi Apologies
ManawaCommunityHousingTrust Chairperson’sReport
AnnualFinancialStatementsforYEJune 2025
AnnualPlan2025-2026
Nga¯Po¯tikia¯TamapahoreTrust AnnualReport AnnualFinancialStatementsforYEJune 2025
AnnualPlan2025-2026
Approveauditor
Approvetrusteeremuneration
GeneralBusiness
Electionoftrustee
TheNga¯Po¯tikiaTamapahoreTrustis holdinganelectionforthreevacanttrustee positions.Votingisnowopen. Theclosing dateforvotingis15November2025atthe AGM.
RegisteredmembersofNga¯Po¯tikiover18 yearsofageareeligibletovote.Votingisby wayofpostoronline.Votingpackswillbe senttoalleligibleregisteredmembers.Ifyou havenotreceivedapack,contacttheofficeat theemailbelow.
Information Anyqueries,email kiaora@ngapotiki.org. nz
Copiesoftheannualreportandfinancial statementswillbeavailableattheNga¯Po¯tiki aTamapahoreTrustoffice (gotowww. ngapotiki.org.nzfortheaddressdetails).
REMEMBRANCE DAY 11.00AM-11TH NOVEMBER2025
ARemembranceDaycommemorationservice willbeheldat WharepaiDomain,Tauranga Tuesday11thNovember2025 at11.00am
Paradewillassembleat10.45am
Medalstobewornbyallcurrentserving DefenceForcesandexServicepersonnel.
THISSERVICEISOPEN TOTHEPUBLIC
ALLTHOSEWISHINGTOLAYA
WREATHAREMOSTWELCOME
MortonAnderson,President,TaurangaRSA
VanswillberunningfrombothRSA’s Ph:TaurangaRSA5789654orMountRSA5754477
MOUNTMAUNGANUI RETURNED&SERVICES ASSOCIATION(INC)
WelfareTrust Educational Bursaries
ApplicationsareinvitedforMountMaunganuiRSA WelfareTrustEducationalBursaries.
ApplicationformsareavailablefromthePrincipal ofMountMaunganuiCollege,PapamoaCollegeor fromthemainofficeMountMaunganuiRSA,544 MaunganuiRoadMountMaunganui.
TobeeligibleforthisBursary,theapplicantsParents orGrandparentsmusthavebeenReturnedorService members,orbeacurrentAssociatememberofthe MountMaunganuiRSA.
•Yourapplicationmustbeaccompaniedbyawritten letterinwhichyou‘introduceyourself’andsetout yourreasonsforapplying.
•YoumustencloseTWOrecenttestimonials (copies).
•Youmustbepreparedtobeinterviewedbythe committee.
•YoumustresideinMountMaunganui,Arataki, PapamoaorMatapihi.
•MembershipofanyotherRSAdoesnotqualify. Applicationsclose5pmFriday31stOctober2025.
KarenCooper,RSAGeneralManager
3bedroom•2bathroom•Solar largecoveredpatio•WheelchairAccessible Enjoyamenitiesincludingpool,cafe´, pe´tanque,tennis.Golferornon-golfer, it’sabeautifulplacetolive.
