Issuu

16 January 2025, Issue 1293

Dreaming big! Choosing songs and shaping harmonies is under way for Tauranga’s much-loved Primary Schools Music Festival, when hundreds of young voices will once again fill Baycourt’s Addison Theatre. One of the Bay of Plenty’s longest-running community arts events, the festival celebrates

its 70th anniversary this coming August, with more than 1000 students from 32 primary and intermediate schools performing across five nights. This year’s theme, Dream Big, reflects both the aspirations of the children on stage and the vision that launched the festival seven

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decades ago. “The festival started as a dream 70 years ago, and here we are, still going strong, still giving children this incredible opportunity to perform on a professional stage,” said Rachael McKoy, who is pictured on the right with fellow co-director and conductor Jeremy Hantler to the left.

Students from Years 4-8 will perform massed choir numbers alongside individual school items, including a special anniversary song from the festival’s early years. The festival runs at Baycourt August 31-September 4. Read more on page 12. Photo / Jo Jones

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Friday 16 January 2026

The Weekend Sun

405 Cameron Rd, Private Bag 12002, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143. Phone 07 578 0030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

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

Editor: Merle Cave Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Alisha Evans, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Hunter Wells, Ayla Yeoman, Bijou Johnson. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Jo Delicata, Sharon Eyres. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Caitlin Burns.

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Make ‘em and then break ‘em Don’t we just love weakness in people. Makes us feel more comfortable about our own foiblees, flaws and failings.

Like the 80% of people who set themselves up to fail by making rash, unrealistic, unachievable New Year resolutions. Yes, 80%! Why bother? Like the chunky – or is that size-ism? – who, on a whim and wish, sign with a gym pledging to lose 10kg, only for those dreams to be swamped in a tsunami of sweat and delusion. You quit in pain and shame and seek solace in a litre of Coke and a Triple Whopper and side of fries. But don’t worry – only 49 more weekly $30 donations, to the gym before your 12-month contract expires. Gyms must love New Year.

Angry belly

And those who make serious dietary decisions in their head while lying on the couch scoffing saturated fats, added sugar and sodium. It’s the psychological versus the physiological – the mind overflowing with good intention while the stomach is growling. An angry belly always wins. I thought about pulling the belt in a notch over Christmas. But it was only a thought while couch-bound watching cricket on TV with a frosty IPA in one hand, another waiting, and mining a

mountain of chicken biryani with the other. I was stacking on weight while toying with the idea of losing it. The belt has actually been eased out two notches. But it didn’t count as failure, more an idea not seriously pursued. Meanwhile, the shirt buttons are creaking and straining. And my Christmas excesses actually become your problem. Yes, because the shirt that yesterday fitted, today gapes – revealing a Nullarbor-sized expanse of pink and hairy when seated. It’s embarrassing when someone’s eye line suddenly fixes on your navel. You adjust and they disgust.

Big, quick, easy

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I read resolutions should involve small, sustainable steps over time. So self-improvement is manageable and achievable without us getting overwhelmed. I prefer big, quick, easy steps with immediate positive outcomes and gratification. If I could manage that I would patent it. I would be a rich man. So this is the reality. This is the time frame for how we pathetic beings, we ‘resolution-ists’, will unravel this year. It’s a statement on spinelessness. Because already, three weeks into the New Year, 23% of us will have quit our resolutions. Come February, another 40-43% will folded. So why not save ourselves the anguish and quit now? By year’s end research suggests 92% of us will have failed. Crashed. Burned. Amongst my inner circle of cynics is a bloke who resolved ’26 would be a year of niceness – being nice to strangers, greeting them, complimenting them, making them, and him, feel positive. Cure a few social anxieties. How noble.

Nice versus creepy

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The resolution didn’t get off the ground. He took it for a for a test before Christmas and returned broken and disillusioned. “I forgot how difficult people are, how emotionally detached and disengaged they are. Life would be so much easier if

we didn’t have to deal with people.” He was hoping strangers might contribute to his own mental well-being in ’26. But they probably thought he was creepy. He’s back to his delightful, distrusting, cynical best, avoiding eye-contact and frivolous exchanges out there in the wide world. And he’s a better person for it. There’s another 30-plus guy cruising aimlessly and carefree through bachelorhood. His life is uncluttered, uncomplicated and utterly indulgent. All his married mates are telling him to settle down while at the same time seething with envy at a life without boundaries. But at Christmas he decided ’26 would be the year to capitalise on his “charm, kindness, emotional intelligence, maturity, humour, respect and sense of purpose” and good looks – and find a ‘Mrs Right’. It’s the stuff of White Knights. But this lovelorn has only 11 months left to sort the rest of his life. At last report not so much as a nibble. And so a guy who drives 150 metres to the dairy is now offering romantic walks of discovery as an inducement. Good luck with that Casanova.

Do it and be damned

Who are these ‘resolution-ists’? Perhaps we can classify them. There are the ‘smart’ – they figure,

quickly, that a New Year resolution is a dumb thing. So they don’t. Sensible. There are the ‘shrewd’ – they see lessons being learned even from failing. The ‘analysts’ do a spreadsheet of pros and cons and scare off. The ‘cavalier’ think about it briefly, talk loudly about it a lot, do it and be damned. Who cares? The ‘optimists’ reckon everyone should be goal oriented and ambitious and make a New Year resolution. Then come December, we’ll all be burning joss sticks and singing Marley songs of unity and peace and self-improvement.

The anxious and smug

The ‘false witnesses’ quietly fail in their resolve and lie to save face. The ‘two-faced’ offer love, hope and support. But behind your back, are waiting, and hoping you develop a leak and sink. The ‘pragmatists’ speak realistically about the difficulties to be faced. If there’s fun to be had, they will kill it. The ‘anxious’ worry whether they can psychologically cope with failure. Should they have a therapist on standby? There are the ‘self-satisfied’ – they watch smugly from the sidelines, glad they won’t be along on this journey as it falters and fizzles. New Year Resolutions? Perhaps next year.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 16 January 2026

Council installs floatation devices at selected sites Tauranga City Council says it can’t afford to install public water rescue equipment along the entire Tauranga coastline despite a Surf Life Saving New Zealand recommendation.

The equipment includes flotation devices such as rescue buoys and life rings that could be used by bystanders attempting a rescue before emergency services arrive. The devices are commonly installed at coastlines, lakes and harbours to improve water safety. Eastern region lifesaving manager Chaz Gibbons-Campbell said SLSNZ had requested public rescue equipment be installed at 51 beach access points across Tauranga – three at Pilot Bay, three at Mauao and 45 at ocean beaches. The recommendation followed a 2024 councilcommissioned review of coastal hazards, beach use and rescue data, and a coroner’s finding that Bay of Plenty father Reon Wikeepa,

who drowned at Moturiki in 2023, would have had a greater chance of survival if those attempting to rescue him had ready access to a flotation device. The council said it had opted for a more “targeted approach” to rolling out the rescue equipment. “Maintaining signage and rescue equipment across dozens of sites would require significant upfront investment as well as ongoing operational funding, with current resources not permitting the entire project to be completed at once,” the council said in a statement to The Weekend Sun. Instead, council said it was prioritising locations where safety measures would have the greatest impact while remaining practical and sustainable. Public rescue equipment and water safety signage had been installed at Mount Maunganui, Ōmanu and Pāpāmoa surf clubs, and the Moturiki track entrance. Installations at surf clubs were funded through ACC as part of a nationwide

programme delivered by SLSNZ in partnership with councils. Equipment was installed at two additional sites – Arataki Beach and the Otira Close beach access – in December and this would be monitored this summer. The council said further locations may be considered in 2026. Gibbons-Campbell welcomed the council’s new installations, describing both Arataki and Otira Close as high-risk areas. “Those were the two spots where we were having all those rescues and bystander rescues in November, so that’s awesome,” he said. While SLSNZ report recommended rescue equipment at every beach accessway, Gibbons-Campbell acknowledged that full coverage was not always feasible. “I can understand that it’s not always feasible, but highlighting key spots is also really good.”

He suggested community funding could help expand the rollout if council budgets were a limiting factor. “There are other council areas where local community groups have funded the public rescue equipment and worked with council to get it installed.” The council said the rescue equipment rollout sits alongside a broader water safety programme being developed with Drowning Prevention NZ, including a Tauranga-specific strategic water safety framework, hazard assessments, community engagement and skill development around water safety, and nationally aligned safety messaging. Gibbons-Campbell said collaboration was positive and hoped progress would continue. “Anything that gets rescue equipment where people need it is a good step.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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SLSNZ’s David Cooper and TCC Arataki ward councillor Rick Curach with the newly-installed public rescue equipment at Otira Close beach access. Photo / David Hall

Back behind the wheel again Three weeks after handing in his keys, Terence was back behind the wheel of another Scania. His wife still won’t let him forget she was right - nor that he had the shortest retirement she’s ever heard of. For 15 years, the 66-year-old had driven heavy haulage, commanding a 500hp Scania truck. It was the kind of career that becomes a lifestyle. But inside the cab, his body was telling him to stop. Years ago, Terence had crashed a motorcycle high up in the Hakataramea Pass, blown off the road by high winds. He severely damaged his left knee. Even after a while, the joint never felt quite right. Driving a truck isn’t like driving a car. The clutch is heavy. The gearbox demands constant work from your left leg - up, down, up, down - shift after shift, hour after hour. For Terence, every push sent a reminder through his knee and ankle. “I was exhausted,” he admits. “Loss of mobility, loss of sleep. I just felt beaten.” One stormy night, after a team meeting, Terence had finally had enough. He climbed out of his truck, handed in his keys, and walked away from the career he loved. “I thought, ‘What do I do now?’” At home, his wife had been reading about Koru FX, a natural cream made in Christchurch. She ordered him a bottle. “I wasn’t interested,” Terence laughs. “I thought it would be like everything else I’d tried. But she insisted.” The bottle sat unopened for days. Then one morning, with nothing to lose, Terence

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applied it to his knee. The cream absorbed quickly with a pleasant peppermint scent, not sticky, not stinking like a rugby locker room. “I noticed it took the edge off,” he says. “But I wasn’t convinced.” That afternoon, an old mate rang. Word had got around that Terence had hung up his keys. His friend needed someone to cover a shift and the truck had an 18-speed Road Ranger gearbox. “For those not in trucking,” Terence explains, “a Road Ranger requires heavy, constant clutch work. The same thing that did me in.” “I thought, ‘Perfect,’” Terence grins. “If this cream is useless, I’ll know by tonight. Then I can write to the company and tell them so.” He climbed into the cab. Pushed the clutch. The knee responded. “I did a full day’s work,” he says, still

amazed. “Got out at the end of the shift and could move freely. No seizing. Nothing.” Instead of a complaint, Terence sent Koru Nutrition his story. What makes Koru FX different is its triple-action formula. The blend of 16 natural oils, including mānuka, arnica, and black pepper, work synergistically. Warming oils help the ingredients penetrate deep, while peppermint provides fast-acting support. Arnica and calendula then deliver long-lasting comfort. The retirement he thought was forced upon him has been postponed. He’s back doing what he loves, commanding the Scania on the roads he knows best. These days, Koru FX is part of his morning routine before every shift. “My wife won’t let me forget she was right,” he laughs. “But I don’t mind. I’m back in the truck.”

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The Weekend Sun

Exporting NZ When Professor Dr Jens Mueller arrived in New Zealand more than 30 years ago, it was never meant to be permanent.

Professor Dr Jens Mueller travels up to 160 days a year selling NZ education around the globe. Photos / David Hall

Living in California, he had planned a mid-year ski holiday in Argentina. Enroute to LAX, a radio report announced there was no snow. His taxi driver suggested New Zealand. Moments later, Mueller booked a flight, briefly confusing Auckland with Oakland, and boarded anyway. Landing in Queenstown he found little snow and plenty of rock. After abandoning the slopes, he retreated to a local pub, where he met a woman from Hamilton. That chance meeting would eventually anchor him in the Bay of Plenty where he has lived for 35 years since 1991. During that time, he has become one of NZ’s most influential figures in international education, governance and public service. Distinguished by an unusually long list of academic titles, Mueller is a former Pharmac board member, licensed immigration adviser, governance specialist, university executive, and advocate for Māori economic development. Somewhere along the way, he also began developing a sculpture park on his Pyes Pā property.

Black sheep

A sculpture Jens Mueller brought back from Cape Town for his Pyes Pā property.

His path into academia was anything but traditional. “I was never at university until I was quite successful in business,” he said.

“Everyone else in my family studied first. I was the black sheep.” Mueller spent two decades in the United States as a “workout CEO” brought in to rescue struggling companies. His final role involved turning around a failing chain of Californian hospitals – high-risk, highpressure work that ended successfully. He then flew to New Zealand to “retire”. “It lasted a few months,” he said. “Waking up every day deciding what you don’t have to do is stressful.” Before that retirement attempt, Mueller had enrolled in an MBA programme in Chicago, accepted on professional experience alone. He loved it – especially law – which led to two law degrees in California, an immigration law qualification, a doctorate, a master’s degree, a PhD in governance from the University of Canterbury, and several postgraduate diplomas.

Curiosity and mentors

In total, he holds seven advanced qualifications. He describes it as “a bit like overkill” driven not by ambition but curiosity and exceptional mentors – the most notable being legendary management guru Peter Drucker. Mueller’s NZ academic career began unexpectedly, with a guest lecture at Waikato University that turned into a job offer. He later joined Massey University, eventually becoming executive director of international sales – a role that sees him travelling up to 160 days a year. A major contribution to NZ’s education sector had been Mueller’s integration of

The Weekend Sun

Friday 16 January 2026

education around the world

international student recruitment with immigration pathways. “Students don’t come just to study – they come because they want a future here,” he said. Seeing that universities offered little direct support for visas, residency or career transitions, Mueller became a licensed immigration adviser and built a model combining education and migration advice. The approach has helped students from India, China, Southeast Asia and Africa navigate long-term pathways into Kiwi life.

Evidence-based

With nearly 27% of New Zealanders born overseas, Mueller believed the country must continue welcoming global talent to remain competitive. Previously advising on health policy for both the Clinton and George H.W. Bush administrations, Mueller served on NZ’s Pharmac board during a period of significant change, including the rise of high-cost biologic cancer treatments. “The emotional side of medicine is always there,” he said. “But funding decisions must be evidence-based.” He also sits on technology company boards, supports not-for-profits – often pro bono – and works extensively with Māori organisations on governance development. One of his most meaningful roles is as a trustee of the Pukehinahina Charitable Trust, dedicated to preserving the Gate Pā and Pukehinahina battle sites. The trust is

now progressing plans for a national Māori Land Wars Museum, with architectural designs underway for a Cameron Rd site.

Jens Mueller had a circular bookcase built to hold some of his book collection.

Widely underestimated

Mueller believes Māori economic capability is widely underestimated. “The Māori economy is worth over $70 billion,” he said. “They don’t broadcast success loudly – like the kumara, it doesn’t need to brag about its sweetness.” He argued Māori enterprises thrived when given global reach and connections. And despite recent global and domestic challenges, Mueller was optimistic.“[I think] 2026 will be a better year for New Zealand,” he said. “Student enrolments are rebounding, and immigration policy is finally aligned with education.” He saw international education, tourism and food production as NZ’s most sustainable exports. “It’s whitecollar exporting. We don’t need mines. here, it’s extraordinary,” he said. “It tells you someone believes what We sell education, tourism and food. you’re doing matters. When you sell The world has to eat.” NZ education from New Zealand in Commonwealth countries like India, Matters Kenya and South Africa, having a royal Mueller was appointed an Member honour is helpful.” of the New Zealand Order of Merit From a misdirected ski trip to (MNZM) in 2015 and an Officer shaping global education pathways, of the New Zealand Order of Jens Mueller’s life has been defined by Merit (ONZM) in 2026 – honours curiosity and fearlessness. he described as humbling and “If you only do what everyone else motivating. does,” he said, “you end up average.” “For a lower middle-class German who travelled the world before settling Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

‘Koro Fridge’ drives his way ay into to a co colouring ou g boo book At 80 years old, Chris McAlpine starts many mornings the same way – behind the wheel of an UZABUS, greeting children by name and listening to their laughter as the sun rises over Tauranga. Now the much-loved school bus and cruise ship tour driver, known affectionately as ‘Koro Fridge’, has found himself featured in a new colouring book celebrating Tauranga landmarks and community characters.The book, titled Koro Fridge’s Tiki Tour of Tauranga, was released before Christmas and highlights local scenes and people who help bring the city to life – including McAlpine in his bus, doing what he loves most.

Got bored

“I was a bit humbled by it, to be honest,” McAlpine said. “I never expected something like that.” Written by Tommy ‘Kapai’ Wilson, edited by Jenny Argante and illustrated by Rob Morgenstern using a variety of digital tools including AI applications, the book was sponsored by local businesses. McAlpine has been driving school buses and cruise ship visitor tours for the past four years, after retiring from a long career that included roles in education, rugby administration, golf management and as chief executive of Bay of Plenty Golf. “I retired, had some time off – and I got bored,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve always had my licences, I enjoy kids, and I just thought I’d give bus driving a go. I absolutely love it.” His school bus work had included runs

to most Tauranga colleges, transporting rangatahi (youth) from Matakana Island, and to Pyes Pā and Ōropi Schools.

By name

“I make sure I know every kid by name,” he said. “I greet them by name and farewell them by name. I think it’s important they know they matter – that they’re not just another passenger.” That philosophy, he said, also helped keep his mind sharp. “I use it as a good excuse to keep my memory working as I get older,” he said. “It works both ways.” In between school runs, McAlpine also drives tour buses for cruise ship visitors, showing off what he calls “my backyard”. “I love the Bay,” he said. “What better job than taking people around and helping them enjoy it too?” Tours range from Tauranga highlights to further afield, with McAlpine favouring storytelling over statistics. “Less is more,” he said. “I’d rather talk about events and experiences than numbers.” The nickname ‘Fridge’ had followed McAlpine for decades, originating from the well-known McAlpine refrigeration business and later reinforced through rugby and golf circles. The ‘Koro’ addition, he said, had simply come with age.

Playful teaching taonga

As for the colouring book itself, McAlpine admitted it inspired a new hobby. “I hadn’t coloured in for 50 years,” he said. “But I bought some pencils and found it really relaxing – quite therapeutic, actually.” Wilson said the book was dreamed up

Tour bus driver Chris ‘Koro Fridge’ McAlpine with a copy of the colouring book ‘Koro Fridge’s Tiki Tour of Tauranga’. Photo / David Hall

to share local stories and showcase local heroes – “especially the ones we race past every day without really seeing”. “The Tiki Tour of Tauranga is a playful teaching taonga that shows our kids how beautiful our own backyard is. It’s all about connecting and rediscovering. If you want to grow free-range kids, feed them backyard stories.” Most of the first 1000 copies were gifted to Tauranga schools and Tauranga Hospital children’s ward before Christmas. Copies had also made their way to McAlpine’s grandchildren, nieces and nephews – and even back to him in coloured form. With his licence current for the year ahead, McAlpine said this

may be his final year driving buses – but he had no plans to slow down just yet.

Lucky

“It’s a great way to start the day,” he said. “Kids’ laughter, good people, and showing off Tauranga – I’ve been very lucky.” Copies of the colouring book are available from The Book Club, 77 Devonport Rd, Tauranga. The Weekend Sun has two copies to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us where people can purchase the colouring book in Tauranga? To enter, visit: wwwsunlive. co.nz and click on the ‘competitions’ tab. Entries must be in by January 20. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

Stay cool without the air con! The Weekend Sun is running a series of eight ‘Summer Smart’ stories with our good friend Elfie the Circus Elf helping us out to keep safe and healthy these Christmas holidays. Today’s Summer Smart #6 is on keeping cool without air conditioning.

Not everyone has the luxury of air conditioning, and with power prices climbing, many households are looking for low-cost, low-tech ways to keep cool through the Bay of Plenty’s warmest months. Luckily, Kiwis are a resourceful bunch – and there are plenty of clever ways to beat the heat without blowing the budget. Keep windows closed during the day when the air is hot – especially on the sunny side of the house. Open them early morning and after 7pm to let in cooler air. Setting up a fan in front of an open window at night can draw cooler air in faster. For a fan hack for maximum chill, a standard pedestal fan can work even better with a few tweaks. Place a frozen bottle of water or a bowl of ice in front of it or set it up facing a shaded window to pull in outside air, and angle it low in the evening as cooler air sinks.

DIY shade

Hang light-coloured sheets or thermal curtains over sunny

Friday 16 January 2026

Waipuna Hospice seeks more volunteers

At Waipuna Hospice, volunteers are a driving force behind specialist palliative care, supporting patients and whānau and keeping daily operations running in the Western Bay of Plenty. Elfie is encouraging everyone to find ways to stay cool this summer. Photo / David Hall

windows. Use reflective film or temporary car sunshades on hot glass doors and plant fast-growing shade plants or climbers along fences. A pop-up gazebo or a strategically placed beach umbrella can create an instant cool zone.

The body

Remember to cool your body, not just the room. Keep a spray bottle of water in the fridge for quick skin spritzing. Use cool flannels on your neck, wrists and ankles. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and go barefoot at home. You can also take lukewarm or cold showers, as hot showers raise your core temperature. A fun thing to do is put a t-shirt and pair of shorts through the washing machine and

then put them on still damp – it can keep your body cool for hours. Remember to stay hydrated – it’s your body’s built-in cooling system, and you can keep water bottles topped up in the fridge. If your home gets too hot during the day, cool off at a local library, shopping centre and movie theatres with free air-conditioning. Or head to public swimming pools or shaded playgrounds. You don’t need a flash cooling system – just a few smart habits and a bit of planning. With a little preparation, you can stay cool, comfortable and safe – all summer. *The Weekend Sun gives special thanks to Circus in a Flash Ltd - We bring the Circus to you for bringing this series to life.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Waipuna Hospice volunteer services manager Shelley Atkinson said their contribution is absolutely vital. “Our volunteers are extraordinary. Their generosity and commitment hold the hospice up in ways many people never see. Everything we do is stronger because of our volunteers.” Volunteers contribute in many ways, supporting retail shops and depots as well as donation drives including Hospice Awareness Week and the annual Remembrance Tree appeal. Atkinson said that Waipuna Hospice keeps these opportunities flexible and accessible. “Whether it’s joining a shift in one of our shops or lending a hand for a couple of hours at a donation drive, there really is a way for everyone to contribute,” she said. Beyond this, Atkinson said that their impact goes far beyond practical support. “They bring joy, energy, and a real sense of connection. There is so much positivity and camaraderie seen within our volunteering community.” Volunteers also assist patients and whānau through compassionate, people-focused roles that lighten the load during an important time. Many bring creativity, fresh perspectives, and lived experience that enrich how the hospice operates day-to-day. “They’re incredibly generous with their time and expertise,” Atkinson said. “They’re just so selfless and that’s something really special.” With a renewed focus on sustainability and community engagement, Waipuna Hospice is seeking additional volunteers to support its retail teams for 2026. “We really do have a role for everyone,” Atkinson said. “Volunteering here is about being part of something meaningful and making a genuine difference.” If you’d like to volunteer or your group needs support, Volunteering Services can help. Visit: www. volunteeringservices.org.nz or call 07 987 0920.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 16 January 2026

Community Constable talks on city’s challenges Tauranga North Community Constable Christopher Connolly said dedicated police units, community partnerships and public vigilance are playing a key role in addressing crime across the city – but challenges remain. Connolly, who has spent nearly eight years with New Zealand Police, was appointed Tauranga North community constable in May last year after working in frontline and road policing roles across Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Tauranga. “It was a nice change going from dealing with people who weren’t always happy to see me, to dealing with members of the public who give me a warm welcome,” he said. In addition to community policing, Connolly is part of the Western Bay of Plenty’s search and rescue team and carries out relief forensic photography work.

Six stations

Western Bay of Plenty policing includes six stations – Katikati, Te Puke, Greerton, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Tauranga. The Tauranga City station operates as the region’s only 24-hour station. Connolly said retail crime was one of the biggest ongoing challenges, particularly low-value shoplifting. However the creation of a dedicated retail crime unit had significantly improved outcomes, he said. “Police found a small number of offenders were repeatedly targeting multiple retailers, often without incidents

another growing concern, particularly among the region’s elderly or vulnerable people, with offenders often requesting untraceable payments such as gift cards.

Join a community patrol

Connolly said strong community connections were essential in preventing crime and responding to emergencies. He encouraged residents to get involved with the Tauranga North Community Patrol. “Being visible, connected and prepared makes a real difference,” he said. “We’re always looking for volunteers who want to give back and help keep their community safe.” Contact the Tauranga North Community Patrol online via: https://cpnz.org.nz/joincpnz/bay-plenty/ Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Tauranga North community Constable Christopher Connolly.

Super-friendly Sid

Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

being reported.” In one December 2024 case, the retail crime unit recovered $10,000 worth of stolen goods from 15 local retailers after tracking known offenders through the city’s camera network. “The pair claimed they had been Christmas shopping.” He said many retailers were unaware that items had been stolen. Gang activity throughout the Bay of Plenty was another concern. Connolly said a dedicated gang unit now targeted offenders who breached bail or failed to appear in court, improving compliance with gang legislation. “Gang patches are gone for the most part. You’re not seeing the large gang

rides and gatherings. It’s helping the community feel safer,” he said. Road safety also remained a priority nationwide, with increased staffing for road policing and lower tolerance for dangerous driving. Connolly said targeted operations continued to address boy racing, road rage and dangerous vehicle modifications. Online fraud was also on the rise, with increasingly sophisticated scams involving fake delivery notifications, toll fees and subscription-style thefts. “They take small amounts over time, which can go unnoticed,” Connolly said. He urged people to regularly check their bank statements. Romance scams were

Meet Sid, the male Giant Flemish-cross rabbit. Sid was found in a backyard, caught snacking in the family’s vegetable garden. Unfortunately, after advertising, no owner has come forward and he is now available for adoption. Even though he may look like a typical wild rabbit, he is is super friendly and able to be hand-fed his favourite treats. Sid was also a super star with the camera and came up close to inspect while having his photos taken. If you have a secure hutch and want to add a new friend to your household, come in and meet Sid today. Phone Tauranga SPCA 07 578 0245. Ref: 655417.

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Friday 16 January 2026

Police warn against nitrous oxide ‘nang’ use while driving Bay of Plenty Police are seeing a concerning increase of nitrous oxide use while driving. Police said some people illegitimately used the small sliver canisters while driving, and put all road users at significant risk. Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause euphoria and dissociation, among other side effects. While these effects are generally short term, they seriously impact a person’s capability to drive and make cognitive decisions. Bay of Plenty road policing manager Inspector Phil Gillbanks said using nitrous oxide while driving extremely concerning behaviour. “The effects might be temporary, but there is no margin for error when you’re driving tonnes of metal around. “If you black out while you’re driving then you’re likely to kill or maim yourself, your passengers, or some other innocent person – why would you want to take that risk? “If you see someone inhaling from balloons or similar items while driving, call 111 immediately. You could save a life,” Gillbanks said. “If you have any information concerning the illegal sale of nitrous oxide, or anywhere this is being sold for other than its intended purpose, please notify Police via our 105 service.” If you’re concerned about your own drinking or drug taking, call the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681.

The Weekend Sun

Couple seek family of engraved clock A striking black marble clock that has been carefully kept in a Tauranga household for more than 40 years is now at the centre of a heartfelt search to reunite it with its original family.

Dennis and Leonie Marsh with the black marble clock. Photo / David Hall

Long-time city residents Dennis and Leonie Marsh now hope The Weekend Sun can help trace descendants of a man named Mr H. Davy, whose name is engraved on the clock along with the words From St Andrews Choir and the date 13/8/79.

Denny’s of Grey Street

The clock came into the Marshes’ possession in the early-1980s, when Dennis was running a second-hand shop in Grey St, Tauranga. The shop, known as Denny’s of Grey Street, regularly received entire house lots when families cleared estates. “This clock arrived as part of a family lot,” Leonie Marsh said. “Dennis bought it, but he always felt it was something special – more than just an item to sell.” The couple believed even then that the clock was likely a family heirloom. Rather than on-sell it, they kept it and later had it professionally repaired after the marble top was damaged. When the shop closed about 40 years ago, the clock went home with them. “It’s been Dennis’ pride and joy,” Leonie said. “But we’ve always known there’s a family out there who would treasure it far more than we can.” The clock is believed to date back at least a century, possibly earlier. Friends

with an interest in antiques and church history have suggested the inscription does not refer to 1979, but to a much earlier year. The reference to St Andrew’s Choir and the style of engraving point to a possible English origin.

Meant something

The silver presentation plaque suggests the clock may have been gifted to Mr Davy in recognition of his involvement with the choir – perhaps marking years of service or a significant milestone. “It’s such a beautiful piece,” Leonie said. “If it was just an ordinary clock, it might not matter so much, but this clearly meant something to someone.”

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Now w living at Carmel Village Countryy Lodgge, the Marshes feel the time is right to pass the clock back to the family it belongs to. They are appealing to anyone who may recognise the name Mr Davy, have links to St Andrew’s Church or Choir, or know of ancestors who emigrated to New Zealand and may have lost track of a treasured family item.

Get in touch!

“We’d just love to see it returned to a relative – a child, grandchild, cousin, anyone,” Leonie said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact The Weekend Sun by emailing: Rosalie. LiddleCrawford@nzme.co.nz or phoning 027 210 5483. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

MONDAY 26 JAN (Auckland Anniversary)

TUESDAY 27 JAN

WEDNESDAY 28 JAN

MATUA

KA KATIKA A KATI A

TAURA RANGA A

9.30am to 11.00am

Matua Hall

Katikati War Memorial Hall

110 Levers Road BETHLEHEM 12noon to 1.30pm Bethlehem Community Church Lounge 183 Moffatt Road

Main Road, Katikati

9.30am to 11.00am Tauranga Central Baptist Church Lounge 640 Cameron Road

GREERTON

(parking off 11th Ave)

12noon to 1.30pm

OTUMOETAI

Greerton Community Hall

12.30pm to 1.30pm

1257 Cameron Road

St Johns Church Hall 94 Bureta Road

OMOKOROA

PAPAMOA

2.30pm to 4.00pm

Settlers Hall

Papamoa Community Centre

Te Puke Memorial Hall

334 Omokoroa Road

& Library , 15 Gravatt Road

130 Jellicoe Street

TE PUKE 2.30pm- 3.30pm

Friday 16 January 2026

The Weekend Sun

Conductors turn dream into song Hundreds of young voices will once again fill the Addison Theatre at Baycourt later this year – but the work behind Tauranga’s much-loved Primary Schools Music Festival is already well under way. Now in its 70th year, the festival brings together more than 1000 students from 32 primary and intermediate schools across the Bay of Plenty. They will perform across five nights in what has become one of the region’s longest running and most significant community arts events. This year’s theme, Dream Big, reflects both the hopes of the children on stage and the vision that first launched the festival.

“The festival itself started as a dream 70 years ago,” said co-director and conductor Rachael McKoy, a Bethlehem College teacher. “And here we are now, still going strong, still giving children this incredible opportunity to perform on a professional stage.” McKoy and fellow co-director and conductor Jeremy Hantler, a Matua School music teacher, are already deep into planning – selecting songs, writing harmonies and creating arrangements for the massed choirs. “We’re choosing about 10 core songs that tie into the theme of Dream Big – songs about reaching for more, trying your best, and believing in yourself,” McKoy said. “At the same time, we have to think very carefully about vocal range, age, and accessibility.”

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Students participating range from Year 4-8, meaning arrangements must suit developing voices while still sounding rich and exciting. “We write many of the arrangements ourselves,” McKoy said. “Usually two-part harmonies, with opportunities for soloists. We want to showcase the beautiful singers we have.” Each school also performs its own choir items. In total, audiences can expect 15-20 songs each evening, combining massed choir numbers with individual school performances. Accompanists will be Bethlehem College music teacher Andrea Pooley and Tauranga Intermediate music specialist Sonja Parrott. “It’s an absolute privilege to be a part of such a strong, long-standing, proud event here in our Tauranga community,” Hantler said. “The APPA Choir Festiivall in Auckkland d has allso been running for 70 years plu us, stopped alongside many other choir festivals around thee country during Covid. They had a year off and never started again. We’re lucky that ours has had the resiliencce to continue.” The scale of the Tauran nga event is immense. Preparations stretch acrooss the school year. Term 1 teachers receive a specially

prepared music book and rehearsal recordings. Term 2-3 are for massed rehearsals with hundreds of children bussed to central venues to practise singing together – often for the first time.

For life

“For some schools, this is their big event for the year,” McKoy said. “It’s what the children work towards for months. Being on that stage, knowing their parents, grandparents and whānau are watching – that’s a memory they’ll carry for life.” This year’s 70th anniversary will also be marked with one song composed 70 years ago being brought back into the programme. While thriving artistically, organisers said the festival faces growing financial pressure. “We’re incredibly grateful for support like the Western Bay Community Event Fund, which helps cover the Baycourt venue. But costs everywhere are rising, and funding is getting harder to secure.” The festival is not-for-profit, and organisers are determined to keep ticket prices affordable. “We don’t want cost to be a barrier,” McKoy said. “This festival needs to stay accessible – especially for families and communities who don’t often get opportunities like this.”

Investing in children

As a result, the committee was actively seeking community partners and sponsors to help ensure the festival’s future. “This is about investing in children, creativity, and confidence,” McKoy said. “Seventy years on, the magic of hearing hundreds of young voices sing togeth her is stiill just as powerffull.”” Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival is at Baycourt Theatre from August 31-September 4. Potential sponsors or partners can email: tpsmfestival@gmail.com Rosalie Liddle Crawford

MATAHUI SCHOOL Matahui School is a primary and middle school in the Western Bay of Plenty. We cater for students in Years 1 – 8. At our school, we embrace each child’s unique qualities and strengths, celebrate neurodiversity, aim to build positive self-esteem, and foster a love l off learning. l i Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival co-directors and conductors Rachael McKoy and Jeremy Hantler preparing music for this year’s event. Photo / Jo Jones

DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS Matahui’s conscious education e approach really resonates with us, beccause she’s deeply curious and a natural leader. She’s learning to lead with empathy and d purpose.” Sian, Parentt

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Th Weekend The W k dS Sun

Friday 16 January 2026 6

13 3

Bay of Plenty ha has restricted fire season, permits needed

The Bay of Plenty, including Tauranga, this week moved in to a restricted fire season.

How to water that garden wisely This summer, Tauranga is thankfully spared water restrictions for the first time in three years.

from the bath and transfer it to your patio pots and veggie gardens. Over the long term, you’ll save money on your water bill.

Still, we all can and should do our part to conserve water whenever we can. Knowing when and how much to water our gardens, while also conserving as much as we can, is vital. Here are a few tips to make every drop count.

Time it right

Rain barrels

Installing rain barrels is a great way to store rainwater for later. It should only be used on your plants, and never for drinking. Rain barrels come in all different shapes, sizes, and materials. Choose one that works within your budget. Most are easy to install, relatively affordable, and save you money in the long run on your water bill.

Recycle bath water

If you have kids who take a bath every day, don’t let that water go to waste! Instead, use it to water your plants! Use eco-friendly, all natural soaps and shampoos at bath time so that the water is safe to recycle onto your plants. Keep a few buckets and watering cans handy in your bathroom to scoop up the water

Watering your garden is best done in the morning or early evening to maximise the plants’ water uptake and cut down on evaporation. Keep in mind that watering at night can invite slugs and snails to munch on your tender seedlings, and attract moisture-loving pests like earwigs. If you’re worried about pests, it’s best to water in the early morning – especially before a hot, sunny day.

A restricted fire season means a permit is required to light an open-air fire. Fire and Emergency New Zealand community risk manager Luke Burgess said the recent warm and dry weather meant the fire risk across the region had increased. “In these conditions fire will travel fast and will be difficult for our crews to extinguish,” Burgess said. “Having a restricted fire season gives us greater control of who can burn and when, and we can provide direct fire safety advice to those completing burns.” The pub Th blic can n ap pply forr a perrmit att: ww www ww.checkitsalright.nz w Burgess said although some isolated rain was forecast, it would be predominantly dry, hot and windy which increased the fire danger. “We are asking the public to

take extra care during these conditions.” The restricted fire season would be in place until further notice, Burgess said.

Fire seasons

FENZ used fire seasons to inform the public about the requirements for or restrictions on lighting fires in the open air, and to manage the use of fire to protect communities from the consequences of unwanted fire. FENZ can declare or revoke a prohibited or restricted fire season in an area, and uses its fire seasons, prohibitions and restrictions policy and associated processes to manage this. Fire seasons are applied to geographic zones based on the fire environment (fuel types, curing, weather, topography, historic trends); fire climatic zones; topographical boundaries/features (rivers, roads, coast lines, forest and national park boundaries); and fire control considerations.

Water retention

Plants need time to take in water through their roots, so maintaining a good moisture balance in your soil is key. Cover your beds with wood chip or river stones to help retain moisture. Mix organic matter (dead leaves, grass clippings, decomposed food scraps, coffee grounds) into your soil to help the soil retain moisture for longer.

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Friday 16 January 2026

The Weekend Sun

Head to Hamilton for an unforgettable forgettable summer adventure! Bay of Plenty families looking to mix up their summer plans are invited to Hamilton, where New Zealand’s biggest inflatable run, The Ninja Run, is now in action.

Barnes founded the Ninja Run – born out of their award-winning Ninja Valley. “Summer in the Bay of Plenty is already active and outdoors, so we wanted to offer something that adds variety,” said Beuzeval. “The Ninja Run gives families and The Ninja Run – open daily from 9am7pm at Claudelands Oval until February groups a reason to try something completely different – something big, 1 – features 15 giant inflatable obstacles physical and memorable.” including a crowd-favourite 13-metre, A short drive from Tauranga, The four-lane waterslide! Ninja Run is a mildly challenging inland Built for all ages and abilities, the 2.5km course is a high-energy alternative adventure for families, sports teams and groups during summer. to beach days and backyard activities, Participants can complete as many said Grant Beuzeval who with Tom laps of the course as they wish as a The Ninja Run, which is open 9am-7pm daily until February 1, is proving hugely timed challenge popular wtih young and old alike this summer. Photos / Supplied wearing raceTOLL FREE 0800 77 00 70 | Tony: 027 466 1557 tracking devices encouraged to turn the trip into a arrive mid-morning and still be or enjoy it untimed, at their Hostess: Margaret Jones 027 269 4277 longer stay. there well into the afternoon,” own pace. “We’ve built this as more than Beuzeval said. margaretjjones13@yahoo.com Beyond the course, visitors are just a run. Each participant receives a Email: info@goldentours.co.nz There’s the Finisher’s Medal, and $1 from waterslide every ticket will be donated to the to enjoy Variety charity. afterwards, All Ninja Run participants will outdoor games also receive 50% off a future visit like volleyball and swingball, to Ninja Valley in Hamilton, making it easy for Bay of Plenty plus you can TOUR INCLUDES FAREWELL SPIT TOUR | BREAKFASTS & DINNERS families and groups to turn one bring a picnic Explore the wonders of the South Island with us! summer trip into two memorable or enjoy the Cost of tour based on twin share. experiences. food trucks For an itinerary please ring TONY For more information and tickets, on-site. It’s the visit: www.theninjarun.co.nz Or kind of place The Ninja Run is at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton. Enquiries any time: TOLL FREE 0800 77 00 70 where you can see their advert on this page.

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The best of the Bay of Plenty – in one app A revamped destination app is helping locals and holidaymakers make the most of the Bay of Plenty this summer, serving up the region’s top deals, attractions, eateries, and scenic spots in one place.

Tourism Bay of Plenty first launched the Explore Bay of Plenty app during the quieter winter off-season. Now it’s been refreshed with new summer offers from local businesses and a live schedule of cruise ship arrivals and departures at the Port of Tauranga. “Explore Bay of Plenty is the first official app we’ve had for Tauranga and our coastal destination,” TBOP general manager Oscar Nathan said. “It’s helping visitors connect with all the places, activities, and businesses that locals love, and we’re expecting it to be super popular as we head into our busiest season,” Nathan said.

Designed for use on the go, the app puts key regional information at users’ fingertips, including dining options, family-friendly activities, walking and cycling tracks, events, and historic and cultural sites across Tauranga and Western BOP. Nathan said the app’s personalised itineraries and intuitive ‘what’s near me’ suggestions were part of a wider digital push. “We’re striving to be one of the most digitally innovative RTOs [Regional Tourism Organisations] in the country, with the app and our digital kiosk network enabling us to share important and inspirational information with locals and visitors alike.” He said the tool was boosting local business visibility. “This helps businesses to plan their days and resources accordingly.” Explore Bay of Plenty is free to download from the App Store or Google Play. More details at: bayofplentynz.com/destination-app-explorebay-of-plenty. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 16 January 2026

Pilot dives into nto his 70th year Most people celebrate milestone birthdays with cake and candles. John ‘JC’ Mathewson chose to swim around Mauao.

The 70-year-old Mount Maunganui resident and recentlyretired Air New Zealand A320 captain and former RNZAF A4 Skyhawk fighter pilot completed the swim earlier this month to mark both his 70th birthday and the end of a remarkable 50-year flying career. “I set a goal to swim around the Mount on my 70th birthday,” Mathewson said. “My birthday was December 31, but the weather didn’t play ball, so I went around on January 3, supported by a couple of good mates.” Although he’s swum around Mauao before, the birthday milestone idea was sparked by a recent achievement made by one of his two sons, well-known NZ comedian Rhys Mathewson.

50 years in the clouds

“He ran the New York Marathon, and I thought, ‘well, if he can do that, I can train up p and swim

around the Mount on my 70th’,” Mathewson said. It was a fitting way to celebrate retirement. He finished up with Air New Zealand on December 18 after 30 years with the airline, following 20 years flying fighter jets with the Air Force. Mathewson joined the Air Force University Cadet scheme at 18 and subsequently gained his Air Force wings in 1978. While his career coincided with a relatively quiet international period, he flew in what was then NZ’s offensive air combat force. “We trained for combat,” he said. “That was our role.” During his service, New Zealand had the option of sending fighter aircraft to support the Gulf War but ultimately chose not to deploy them. “That was just the way it went,” Mathewson said. “We were ready to be involved, but those decisions are made at a government level.” He trained at bases including Wigram and Ohakea, completed overseas postings in Australia and Malaysia, and flew Skyhawk fighter jets. “I also commanded a Skyhawk squadron in Australia. Those were standout years. The

ped Ocean swimmer Rex Harding, Andy Windle in the kayak, and blue-cap John Mathewson after completing a swim around Mauao. Photo / Supplied

John Mathewson with Fighter Jets NZ’s L39 Albatross at Classic Flyers. Photo / David Hall

Skyhawk was our fighter, we were going to replace it with the F-16s, but the deal was cancelled and Air Combat Force disbanded.”

Career high

He said four years of display flying in the A4 Skyhawk were a career highlight. He also flew and instructed on the Northrop F-5E and F-5F Tiger with the Royal Malaysian Air Force for two years. Transitioning into commercial aviation with Air New Zealand, Mathewson flew both short-haul and long-haul routes in Friendships “back in the day”, as well as 737s, A320s, and eight years on Boeing 777 aircraft. He moved to Tauranga from Auckland in 2015 as part of what he calls an “advanced retirement plan”, drawn by friendships with good mates like two well-known former

policemen, Peter Blackwell and Greg Turner, the beach, and the outdoor lifestyle including rounds of golf at Mount Golf Club. “Everything I like doing is here,” he said. “I love the ocean.” Now retired, he swims, cycles, goes to the gym and plays golf – a game he has enjoyed since he was eight years old.

Gym, swim, or spin

Captain John Mathewson with

his A320 flight crew before his “When you spend 20 years in last flight with Air NZ, flying the air force, especially doing Adelaide to Auckland. Photo / Supplied fighter flying, you have to be pretty fit for that kind of flying. “The L39 operation at I’ve stayed fit, and of course Fighter Jets is top shelf. All our work gets in the way, but now passengers love the experience, works not in the way, so I’ll do and it is quite neat to see the something every day whether big smile on their faces when it’s gym, swim, or spin.” they hop out of the jet.” Mathewson also flies for With his wife Linda, pleasure, piloting L39 jet Mathewson is planning an aircraft with Fighter Jets NZ at “eternal summer”, splitting time Tauranga Airport and said he between New Zealand and the had no intention of giving up United Kingdom each year. Rosalie Liddle Crawford flying altogether.

Churches Active In Our Community

The human soul’s true nature All people come from one source – not many, but the one God Almighty, origin of all, who made heaven and earth and everything within them. As sugar is sweet, as fire is hot, as water is wet, so the human soul’s true nature is devotion to God. Though we may have strayed – like water frozen into ice – our original essence remains, quietly waiting, hidden yet intact. Nature itself whispers spiritual truths. Consider the sun: Its light reveals all around us. Its warmth sustains life. Its perfect shape, moving across the sky, leaves us in wonder. As the sun presents various

aspects, so does God. Each soul, each faith, perceives Him uniquely, as reflected in the diversity of religious paths and sacred texts. Thus, believers of different faiths may see God differently, yet all are touching the same truth. For example, consider these scriptures. “There is one God and Father of all (Ephesians 4:6)”. “We praise Thee, O Lord of all beings (Avesta, Yasna 34.1)”. “One Lord, One Master, the Creator of all (Guru Granth Sahib, Ang 62)”. “Say: He is God, the One (Qur’an 112:1)”. Interfaith calls us to honour our own faiths while embracing these truths, realising our shared siblinghood under the one Divine, for the sake of world unity and peace.

Bhadra Dasi Reid, Tauranga Moana Interf rfaith f Council

Enquiries 022 632 5957

Tauranga

ALL WELCOME

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

Shalom

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043

office@bethel.org.nz BethEl.org.nz Assembly of God

Churches

EVANS RD COMMUNITY CHURCH, PAPAMOA 30 Evans Road Phone 027 276 6868 www.evansroadchurch.org Through the Summer - Family Service 10 am

ST ANDREWS

Family

Cnr Macvillle Rd & Dee St, Friendly, Mt Maunganui. Phone 575 9347 All www.mountchurch.org.nz Welcome Rev Douglas Bradley Through the Summer Combined Service 9:30am

Today, I’m sharing a few timeless truths known since Vedic times.

Friday 16 January 2026

The Weekend Sun

Last year’ss blues – and more! Last week we looked at 2025 music from the Bay of Plenty. Let’s cast the net wider...

It was easy last week – aside from Te Puke punks Punktuation who have removed their music from the platform it was on, Spotify. This week it’s all over the place. I’ll start with some blues. Off to a flying start from Whanganui is BB & The Bullets with their debut album ‘High Tide’. The powerhouse electric guitar trio fronted by Brian Baker reinvigorate retro blues standards but what impresses ultimately are Baker’s original songs which sit comfortably in such august company.

Grant Haua and David Noël.

Immaculate

Across No. 1967 7. Previous NZ crick- 6. Close (4) et captain (5,7) 11. Spectators (8) 8. Observed (6) 13. Cautiously (8) 9. Broken (6) 14. Permission (7) 10. Falls (SI) (7) 17. Puny (5) 12. Colour (5) 19. Beyond (4) 15. Apart (5) 21. Extinct birds (4) 16. Subject matter (7) C O N D E I T J I G A G H A B R I A N L A H O R E M 18. Native bird (6) S R U L E C L C M A T C S 20. Lake (SI) (6) T A X I E H O K I T I K A 22. Inadvertently (12) E S D G D E G E X E M O T T H R E A D G T H R U S H Down Y E L N OWG T O A A T O M I L T O N G R E V E A L 1. Vessels (3,5) A M T A I E G E T E I I K 2. Doubtful (4) S M I D G E N S I N O T E 3. Cheese (7) Z U P A E D I U I O O C K A N EWP L Y MO U T H M 4. Rapid (5) F E T N E E E E O S T E R 5. Disagreement (8) Solution 1966

There were two immaculate acoustic albums out of Wellington: ‘Darren Watson Sings John Hiatt’ saw the bluesman convert nine of Hiatt’s songs into tough, often anguished, country blues; tastefully underplayed and focused, it rises well above the “tribute album” moniker. The other is a bit hard to find but available via download and CD from Bandcamp. It’s ‘Lost And Found’ from Bill Lake’s Slow Bake, a trio led by the former Windy City Struggler, largely recorded live, containing what you could almost call a song cycle – 10 songs musing on ageing and mortality. And life. There are heavy themes but Lake approaches them with a lightness of touch that allows for moments of pure joy amidst reflection.

Hooked

I could write a whole column and more about this album: the skill of the songwriting – including final songs written with the late Arthur Baysting – the strange resonance of Lake’s ageing voice, Alan Norman’s beautiful

Photo / Supplied

accordion, just everything really. After the second listen I was hooked and I expect that to last for a long time. Back to Tauranga blues-wise, Grant Haua, now spending significant time annually playing in Europe, released a collaboration with French musician David Noël under the band name Atua Blues. ‘Two Roots’ is a soulful collection of funky acoustic blues with lovely harmonies and a couple of wellchosen covers. For the first time recently local blues stalwarts Kokomo failed to release anything, but their guitarist Santiago Rebagliati produced one of my favourite 2025 songs, ‘Mi Casa Es Tu Casa’. It’s on YouTube. Expect an album this year.

History

Meanwhile, Shane Davies from Whakamarama’s Soundtree Studio continues to create music at a dizzying rate. His 16-song album ‘Silence’ dropped last year and he’s already

released two songs this year, the latest being ‘Who Are We’. It’s all on his Facebook page. Finally, two reissues. Seventies’ progrock band Think, featuring mercurial Tauranga stalwart Ritchie Pickett, made one album, ‘You Give Me A Buzz’. Now re-available it is a thing of wonder. And 30 years after recording it as a demo, nineties Tauranga outfit From The Dark had their ‘In The Last Days of The Sun’ album re-released worldwide by Australian label Charnel Sanctum, who say “it marks a pivotal moment in the history of New Zealand’s Black Metal scene...this demo was one of the first to capture the essence of pure Black Metal from this location”. That’s history mate. Made right here.

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

www.tinyurl.com/mkk8nkdz

Free carnival-themed Lego event for kids Build it, share it spin it – Te Ao Mārama Pāpāmoa Library is hosting a free collaborative carnival-themed Lego event for youngsters tomorrow, January 17. Those aged five-12 are invited to let their imagination run wild as they create colourful, carnival-themed Lego masterpieces at the MEDIUM

8 5 8 3 1 9

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

No.2321

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library. Kids can work together or individually, watch the carnival come to life and celebrate creativity in full swing. Pop by between 9.30am-11.30am to enjoy this free holiday activity – no registration necessary. Adults must stay and supervise their children. Find out more at: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz

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Surf life saving action at Eastern Regional Championships The 62nd Eastern Regional Championships returns to Mount Maunganui Main Beach this month. The 2026 surf life saving event is from 10am-7pm Friday, January 24, and 8am-4pm on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26. The Eastern Region spans the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, but will also attract competitors nationwide, with Regional Champions and Overall Top Club titles up for grabs. The competition will include a wide variety of events, requiring varying levels of technical skill and physical fitness. Spectators will be able to watch all the swimming, IRB boat, and paddling action for free from the shore. Find out more at: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Friday 16 January 2026

Repaying the kindness with free food A Tauranga restaurant known for its generosity is once again opening its doors to those in need, with a free community meal planned later this month.

to afford a special meal around Christmas or New Year, and we want to make sure no one feels left out.” The free lunch is open to individuals and families facing financial hardship due to job loss, illness, or other circumstances.

Castle 91, located at 2 Jude Place in Brookfield, will provide free meals for the community on Monday, January 19, continuing a tradition the restaurant has upheld since the Covid-19 pandemic. Owner Mike Dhillion said the initiative is about giving back to the community that had supported Castle 91 through both good times and challenges. “As part of this community, we believe it’s our responsibility to help where we can,”” Dhillion saiid. “Not everyone is ab ble

The impact

Harjeet Singh cooking at Castle 91. Photo / David Hall

Castle 91 first hosted a free meal as a one-off in 2018, but demand during the pandemic highlighted the level of need. Since then, the restaurant had made the event an annual fixture, serving hundreds of meals in recent years. Dhillion said one of the most rewarding aspects had been seeing the impact small acts of kindness could have. “We’’ve had d peoplle come backk month hs

Castle 91 owner Mike Dhillion.

later just to say ‘thank you’ once they were back on their feet,” he said. “Those moments remind us why we do this.” Guests on January 19 will be offered a selection of Indian dishes, including butter chicken and vegetarian options, served with rice and naan bread. The team is preparing to cater for up to 120 people, with capacity to serve more if needed. The event comes after a challenging year for the Castle 91 team following a fire at their Cameron Rd restaurant in June. “Normally, we serve this free lunch every year from Castle 91, Cameron Rd, Greerton. Unfortunately, this year Castle

91 caught fire and is not operating yet,” Dhillion said. “While we have certainly faced a challenging time due to the fire, we remain committed to supporting our community and will continue to do so.

Thank you

“The messages and help we received after the fire were overwhelming. This is our way of saying thank you to Tauranga.” The free community meal will be held from late morning at Castle 91, 2 Jude Place, Brookfield. No booking is required. For more information, contact the restaurant on 07 571 8891. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

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Friday 16 January 2026

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If a Quorum is not present, the meeting will be adjourned until 1.00pm On Sunday 22nd February 2026 Business 1.0 Update on the outcome of the proposed amalgamation between the Mount Maunganui RSA and the Tauranga RSA. 2.0 Update on the Tauranga RSA Support Trust acquisition and direction. Please present your membership card for registration Sue Martin, Tauranga RSA Manager

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