The Weekend Sun - 2 April 2026

2 April 2026, Issue 1304

Pumpkin mania!

Northern Health School Tauranga held its first-ever Giant Pumpkin Day this week – and it did not disappoint!

Months in the making, participants nurtured their plants from seeds back in September, battling through a summer of rain and hail.

On Tuesday morning, they hauled their pumpkins in for judgment. Associate principal Robyn Meikle, pictured with her giant beauty, walked away with the heaviest title, while student Blake Roberts claimed the student category. Senior student William White won the weirdest pumpkin

for his quirky design. There were cookies, clay pumpkins, and a vibe deputy unit leader Karla Revell described as a real positive feel.

“We made lots of fantastic contributions from students and staff. A really good vibe.”

Meikle said the day meant something bigger than winning first place.

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But plans are already underway for her to defend the title in an even bigger competition next year. Read the full story on page 15.

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Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

2

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

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Old school, uncool and gobbledyygook What runs, but has no legs? Or… runs but never walks. Or…has two hands, a face, but no arms or legs?

Figure it for yourself my old Tick-tock.

Corny old riddle-dee-diddles, that have probably been getting dad joke groans for as long as there have been mechanical clocks. But they’re losing relevance, becoming obsolete. I read recently these brainteasers are being wasted on those

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who should be falling about and laughing hysterically – the kids.

They don’t get the joke because they increasingly don’t understand big hands and little hands, quarter past and quarter to. And half past. They don’t understand analogue time. “Why would you, if you don’t have to?” was a fair enough response. We don’t drive a pony and trap anymore. Unless you’re Pennsylvania Dutch. Or you like A&P shows. Likewise quills and inkwells…sadly.

Leagues are bollocks

What about imperial units and the duodecimal currency system? Miles in a nautical league? Feet in a chain. Crowns in a pound, shillings in a guinea? Stuff we had drilled into us. But, admittedly, seldom, if ever, used.

“Blah!” offered a Young Bright Spark – YBS. Blah equals baloney. He’s right.

Except to make sense of Jules Verne’s novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. A league is 4.8km. And not 20,000 down but rather distance travelled under the sea by the submarine Nautilus.

See – it doesn’t have to be common usage to be fascinating.

But YBS has decided leagues are “bollocks”. I sympathise – because after 57 years of the metric system, I know what 6ft 1in looks like, but not 185.42cm. If the police put out a “dangerous wanted man” bulletin and estimated his height in centimetres I wouldn’t know if they were looking for dwarf or giant.

display…”

Anyhow, UK teachers says schools are swapping out analog clocks for digital displays that count downwards or backwards. The exam room revolution has started. Back in the exam room, it seems YBSs are gobbling valuable time calculating how much time they have left on the analogue clock. It’s causing stress and confusion and could make the difference between a C for a pass, or F for bummed out. “Well, teach them analog,” screamed the critics. “Isn’t that why they’re at school? To learn stuff?”

Impress the ‘deb’

I don’t think kids would thank you for shoe lace lessons. Neither would this old dog. There comes a time when you crink your crack whenever you bend to tie laces.

I plead infirmity and park on the stairs to do it.

They could teach kids to drive a manual shift. More fun, and safer. Better control.

And it would help when you want to borrow Dad’s race red Mustang Dark Horse with a six-speed manual shift for the school ball. That would impress the debutante more than knowing how to circular waltz. Without analogue how will digitised kids know clockwise from anti-clockwise. When a Reddit bloke told his digital nephew to unscrew wheel nuts ‘anticlockwise’ when changing a wheel, “he didn’t have a clue what I was talking about”. Bloke then took several minutes loosening the nuts nephew had tried to undo clockwise.

If kids can’t read analogue, they certainly won’t understand Roman numerals. Been doing the job for 2000 years and still wonderfully symbolic and aesthetic. How else would we ID Queens, Kings, Popes, book chapters and Olympics? How?

Revolution has started

Now, a British teachers’ union says students are more used to digital time and don’t know how to read analogue. The world is digital. If it has hands and face, it’s analogue, it’s old school, uncool and gobbledygook.

It’s 3.40, not 20 minutes to 4 o’clock anymore, or 20 to 4. Try explaining that when the big hand moves over the hour its ‘past’ something, and beyond the half hour it’s ‘to’ something else.

“The big hand is busy But the small hand has power The large one counts minutes, The little one names hours.”

Who would be inspired to compose a ditty about a digital display?

“Hickory dickory dock, The mouse ran up the alphanumeric

suggest schools teach kids useful life lessons like tying shoelaces. Isn’t that why they invented Velcro, loafers and Crocs? So we don’t tangle in shoes laces.

Sometimes knowing stuff doesn’t help because it’s been calculated we waste six hours of lifetime each year tying laces.

‘Ding bloody dong!’

Slip this into the curriculum then...

“When both hands Join at the top It’s sure to be twelve o’clock, Whether it’s twelve at noon Or twelve at night Depends on if it’s dark or light.”

From high on their horses, the critics

Without knowing Roman numerals they would ignore Katikati’s main street memorial clock. And wouldn’t take a moment to appreciate the old Post Office clock in Harington St because it’s all X’s, V’s, and I’s. They’d just reach for the phone. Where’s the sense of history, the charm and romance? Throw up the scaffolding right now and swap out the eight hands on Big Ben. Stick up four humungous digital displays. Would the Great Bell still chime over Westminster, or would bright red digital displays silently, unceremoniously and soullessly record the passing of time?

The Weekend Sun

Thursday 2 April 2026

3

Mount RSA opts to sell land, pursue merger Mount Maunganui RSA members have voted to sell the club’s land and pursue a merger with Club Mount Maunganui in a move to secure its long-term survival.

The decision was made at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on Monday night, attended by 374 members, as the Mount RSA confronts increasing financial pressure and a deteriorating state of its Maunganui Rd premises. The meeting followed a proposed merger with Tauranga RSA falling through earlier this year, leaving Mount Maunganui RSA to consider its options independently.

Members were told the Mount RSA was at a “crunch point”, with president David Corin warning it could not continue operating under its current model.

“The Mount RSA has been spending more than it earns – we are absolutely broke. We cannot trade when insolvent,” Corin said.

He outlined a prolonged period of financial decline, including a $350,000 debt and ongoing monthly losses, which had been reduced from about $30,000 to $10,000 but remained unsustainable.

Limited options

Corin said the club also faced significant maintenance issues, including a leaking roof, outdated electrical systems, and structural problems, with parts of the building sinking. “No one wants the RSA to

An aerial view of the Mount Maunganui RSA property, which is bordered by a medical centre and veteran’s village that are not included in the sale. Photo / Supplied

close. We are not here to close the Mount RSA – we are here to save it,” he said.

Mount RSA acting general manager Jonathan Clarke told members the club had been losing money for more than a decade and was now approaching potential liquidation.

“We’re already making difficult short-term decisions just to cover essentials like staff wages, and the situation is worsening week by week.”

Clarke said rising costs – including increases of 10-15% from suppliers – were compounding the problem, while revenue and membership engagement continued to decline.

He said development of the current site was no longer a viable shortterm solution, particularly after a prospective developer withdrew shortly before the meeting.

“Most development options would take two to three years – time we don’t have.”

He outlined two realistic pathways – merging with another

club or selling the land to create an investment fund capable of generating ongoing income.

Following presentations and a question-and-answer session chaired

by Graeme Elvin, members voted in favour of both selling the club’s land and pursuing a merger.

In the first vote on the club’s financial pathway, 281 members supported a land sale, and 48 favoured insolvency management.

In the second vote on future structure, 279 members backed merging with Club Mount Maunganui, while 73 voted against this. The outcome gave the club a clear mandate to pursue both options simultaneously.

funding for veteran welfare.

Club Mount Maunganui president Dean Wearne, who attended the meeting with club manager Fred Ferris, said the vote marked the beginning of a formal negotiation process between the two organisations. “Mount RSA have made a decision to enter into negotiations to merge with Club Mount Maunganui,” Wearne said.

He said Club Mount Maunganui had prior experience with mergers including with the Cosmopolitan Club, Mount Bowls Club and Mount Croquet Club.

“Now we’ve got to work together as committees to put together information that goes to our Club

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Clarke said proceeds from a land sale could be invested to generate an estimated $500,000 to $600,000 annually, helping restore member benefits and significantly increase

Seven children, one hipp

Janet always dreamed of retiring to the Hawke’s Bay. She and her husband had talked about it for years. The wineries. The orchards. Long walks through the countryside that people travelled from all over the world to see.

And after raising seven children, surely she’d earned the right to enjoy what came after.

“I carried all seven of my kids on that hip,” she says. “It’s just what you do as a mum. You don’t think about what it might mean later.”

What it meant later was that her hip remembered every single one of them. Seven children, decades of carrying them, and now her body was asking for something back.

Janet found herself counting benches. Not because she collected them, but because every walk started with a calculation of how far to the next one, how long before she’d need to stop, and whether it was worth starting at all.

Cold mornings were the worst. Her hip would stiffen overnight and take half the day to loosen. By the time it eased, the motivation had gone.

“You adjust,” she says. “You tell yourself this is just how it is now.”

She’d tried what was available. Creams that promised so much but nothing quite did the job for her. Janet had made her peace with a life smaller than what she had hoped for.

Then her grandson came to visit.

He’d heard about Koru FX through his work.

Customers had been talking about how this natural cream had supported their joints and muscles. He thought about his grandmother, about her hip, and about all those walks she couldn’t take anymore.

He brought a few bottles and then went to see her.

Janet was willing to try. But she wasn’t expecting much. “Hope was something I’d learned to ration,” she admits.

Mount Maunganui members to decide whether a merger is appropriate for both clubs,” he said. “I don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be… as clubs, we’re well suited.”

The Mount RSA executive will now progress the land sale and plan for a potential merger.

Members will receive updates in coming weeks, including opportunities for input.

Clarke said veteran accommodation at Mount Maunganui RSA Village next to Mount RSA is under a separate trust, and would not be affected by the land sale.

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Morning and night, she rubbed it into her hip. It became part of her routine, sitting right there on her bedside table next to her reading glasses.

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Not perfectly, not like she was twenty again.

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Within weeks, she was moving differently.

Not having to think so much. Not planning every step.

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The next time her grandson visited, Janet made sure to tell him. The wineries and

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“He was so chuffed,” she says. “He’d wanted to help his nan, and he had.”

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“I just love being able to get out and about now,” she says. “To walk around the wineries without worrying about how far the next seat is.”

Seven children. Decades of carrying them.

And now, finally, her hip is letting her walk free.

“My grandson just wanted to help his nan,” she says. “And he did.”

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The Weekend Sun

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Bob Tafan when he began daily radiotherapy treatment after surgery to remove part of a brain tumour. Photos / Supplied A migrant father living in Pongakawa headaches and memory loss.

The Tafans made four visits to the doctor is battling brain cancer as his visa is in January, each time sent home with about to end. paracetamol and anti-nausea medication.

After weeks of worsening symptoms, Now his family is searching for their next Bob was taken by ambulance to Waikato steps, uncertain about what their future in Hospital on January 23, where doctors New Zealand might look like. discovered a large tumour in the frontal Bob and Becky Tafan moved to New lobes of his brain. He underwent surgery Zealand from Vanuatu in 2023 with their soon after. Becky admitted she was scared four children – Fredrick, 15, Elizabeth, 12, but had trust in God. Junior, 9, and Harrison, 3 – on a working visa, hoping to build a stable life. The Mounting expenses family settled in Pongakawa.

Surgery removed some of the tumour, but Before that, Bob spent more than a decade what remained could not be safely taken out. coming here solo as a recognised seasonal Bob has since returned home and begun worker in kiwifruit orchards. six weeks of daily radiotherapy, to be followed by six cycles of chemotherapy over Stability unravelled 36 weeks. The family lives an hour from But his family’s stability unravelled after Christmas when Bob began suffering Tauranga’s Kathleen Kilgour Centre, where

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 2 April 2026

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tumour alters family’s future Bob Tafan underwent surgery to remove as much of the brain tumour as safely possible.

Bob receives his treatment, and neither he nor Becky can drive, relying on volunteers for daily transport.

Becky worked as many hours as she could picking kiwifruit and caring for their children, but it was not enough to keep up with mounting expenses.

As non-New Zealand citizens, they have been unable to access government support, and an application for emergency assistance was declined.

The loss of income has left the family struggling to cover their essentials.

Despite that, Becky said they were grateful to be in New Zealand. “It’s good to be here. Good hospital here, good treatment.”

Garcia Contracting Services managing director Luciano Garcia said Bob had worked for him since 2015. Garcia said Bob quickly proved himself as a natural leader who consistently went above and beyond. “I saw potential ..He solved problems, trained people, very good cultural interaction, he embraces diversity.”

He said he hoped Bob could stay in New Zealand to focus on recovering and eventually return to work, with visas extended so the whole family could remain together. Garcia stepped in to help and arranged for family members to travel to New Zealand.

Bob’s father arrived last week, along with Becky’s

sister and her husband, offering the family some much needed comfort.

Their youngest son, Harrison, had gone back to Vanuatu to stay with family while his siblings remain at school in New Zealand.

Kylie DellaBarca Steel, who is chief executive of the Fruit of the Pacific charity, has been supporting the family. She has worked with recognised seasonal workers since 2008, and Bob’s dad was among the first groups she supported.

In recent years, her children became friends with Bob Bob and Becky Tafan, with their children, navigating life far from and Becky’s, and the families grew closer. home as they face Bob’s diagnosis.

‘Is everything okay?’

should contact them as early as DellaBarca Steel was there the day Bob was taken to possible. the hospital. “I was only there because I was picking He said medical related visa up their son for a play date. And I looked at Bob. I matters were assessed on a case said, ‘Is everything okay?’ because he was wobbly on his by case basis. legs and he didn’t look like he recognised me...and then he just didn’t come home from the hospital.”

What began as helping with childcare soon expanded to providing meals, covering essentials, and arranging transport.

DellaBarca Steel, who was treated for leukaemia three years ago, said her experience helped her understand the uncertainty Bob is facing, as well as the toll it took on loved ones.

A Givealittle page has been set up to help cover the family’s essential living costs at: givealittle.co.nz/cause/ stand-beside-bob-and-becky

Visa until June

While Bob’s treatment will continue into next year, his visa only allows him to stay in New Zealand until June.

Steel said the Tafans were fearful of what would happen when their time in New Zealand runs out, with no clear path ahead.

Immigration New Zealand director of visa Jock Gilray said anyone who became seriously unwell and was unable to continue meeting their visa conditions

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Harry’s lifeline on four legs For 7-year-old Harry Ward and his family, Kōwhai is much more than a companion – she is a lifeline.

Harry lives with Congenital Myasthenia, a rare neuromuscular condition that affects the body’s ability to produce acetylcholine, the chemical responsible for sending messages from the brain to the muscles. Harry can suddenly stop breathing, requiring immediate support from a ventilator.

The Matua boy’s early years were marked by long hospital stays and constant vigilance.

On edge

“The first two years of Harry’s life were spent mostly in hospital, and the next two largely at home as we learned how to manage his condition,” said his mother Natasha Ward.

“It was a really challenging time. We were always on edge, watching his breathing and ready to act at any moment.”

When Harry was aged 2 his parents decided to apply for an assistance dog – unsure if they would ever receive one.

“As much as we wished for an assistance dog, we didn’t really believe it would happen,” Ward said. “We knew how in demand they are and how much training is involved.”

The Weekend Sun

6

That changed in 2023, when Kōwhai, a golden Labrador, entered their lives.

Trained through the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust, Kōwhai has transformed not only Harry’s daily routine, but the entire family’s ability to engage with the world around them.

“She has an extraordinary calming effect on him,” Ward said. “Her assistance in helping Harry self-manage his condition is beyond what we ever thought possible.”

Kōwhai is trained to recognise when Harry is becoming fatigued. She gently nudges him behind the knees to prompt him to sit down, helping prevent potentially dangerous episodes.

When he needs reassurance, she provides what’s known as “deep pressure” by resting her chin on his legs.

Beyond physical

“If he feels his body starting to tire, he’ll go and sit with Kōwhai until he’s ‘recharged’,” Ward said.

The impact goes beyond physical safety.

Kōwhai had also helped Harry navigate the emotional challenges of living with a condition that sets him apart from other children.

“He often needs to use his ventilator in public, which can be hard for a young child,” Ward

Four service dogs selected by artist Sam Allen to feature in a mural at Memorial Park has prompted The Weekend Sun to run a series of six ‘Service Dog Mural’ stories. Today’s fourth story is about Harry Ward and his dog Kōwhai.

said. “But with Kōwhai beside him, he feels more confident and calm.” Kōwhai is never far from Harry’s side – whether she’s watching him play quietly, retrieving his medical bag when needed, or simply offering companionship.

“She gives him unconditional love and friendship. When he needs quiet time, she’ll just sit and watch him play for hours.

He’s never alone.”

Gratitude

Harry’s experience with Kōwhai had also strengthened his connection with others. At a recent photoshoot for the mural, he was thrilled to meet other working dogs and their owners.

“He was buzzing afterwards,” Ward said.

“He loved hearing about the different jobs the dogs do and meeting people who understand his world.”

The opportunity to be part of the mural came through connections with his school and community, and the family says it’s an honour to be included.

For Harry’s mother, the artwork represented not just awareness, but gratitude.

“Having Kōwhai in our lives helps us all stay connected, calm, grounded and positive,” she said.

“We will be forever grateful.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Harry Ward with his father Ben Ward and brother James and Kōwhai. Photo / Nicholas Charles

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Thursday 2 April 2026

More safety measures for SH29 and Ōmanawa Rd Additional traffic management will be introduced on State Highway 29 and at the intersection of Ōmanawa Rd, as part of the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement project.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regional manager infrastructure delivery for the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Adrian Jones said the measures were designed to make turning movements safer and to encourage better compliance with the reduced speed limit through the worksite.

“Safety is our top priority. With construction activity increasing and visibility changing as the new road alignment is built up, these temporary measures will help protect everyone accessing the state highway, travelling through the site and our crews on the ground,” Jones said.

The new layout included a merge lane to help people turning right out of Ōmanawa Rd to join SH29 safely. The Ōmanawa Rd limit line would be moved forward, giving drivers a clearer view of eastbound traffic and allowing them to cross one lane before merging safely with westbound vehicles.

Right turns into Ōmanawa Rd would be temporarily stopped to create space for the merge lane and simplify traffic movements at the intersection. Drivers wanting to turn right into Ōmanawa Rd will be able to use a short detour of about 3km via the SH29/ Redwood Lane roundabout.

To support safer speeds, larger speed limit signs, improved road markings and side islands will be installed to the west of the intersection to reinforce the temporary 50km/hr speed limit.

“To keep everyone safe while this work is underway, we’re adjusting the layout, so drivers have better visibility and traffic movements are more predictable,” Jones said.

To implement the changes, stop/go and a reduced 30km/hr speed limit will be in place from 7pm-6am from April 7-9.

The Weekend Sun

8

Dragon watching the pumps She’s back. And this time, she’s not watching the ocean – she’s watching the petrol board.

Mount Maunganui’s rogue dragon sculpture, Toa Ahi, has re-emerged in a new nest on Maunganui Rd – perched high on a stand and staring directly over the fence at the neighbouring BP Connect petrol station like a fiery watchdog of the forecourt.

If dragons are known for guarding treasure, this one appears to be guarding something far more precious in 2026 – fuel.

Owners Graham and Carol Foote said the placement wasn’t meant to make a statement – but they admit the dragon’s new line of sight has raised a few eyebrows.

“She’s definitely looking in the right direction,” Graham said.

“With prices the way they are, maybe she’s just checking no one’s stealing it.”

The 1.2m-tall Art of Outdoors sculpture – crafted from scrap metal including car parts, bolts and horseshoes – first captured the public’s imagination when it mysteriously appeared overnight at Pilot Bay last August.

Back then, she looked out over the water. Now, she’s looking out over something a little less calming – 91 petrol pushing well past $3 a litre.

Toa Ahi’s return comes as fuel prices across New Zealand have surged dramatically in the past month – and Tauranga has felt it just as sharply.

At the start of March, motorists in the Bay could still find 91 petrol for about

Toa Ahi, the metal dragon that first appeared in Mount Maunganui last August is back, next door to Mount Maunganui’s BP Connect, looking over the fence at the rising fuel prices.

Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

$2.60 to $2.90 per litre. Fast-forward a few weeks, and many are now paying about $3.30-plus for 91 petrol – with some stations even higher.

That’s a jump of roughly 40 to 50 cents per litre in a single month. In percentage terms, it’s about a 20% increase – the kind that turns a casual top-up into a small financial event.

For a typical 50-litre tank, that’s an extra $20-$25 gone in one fill. The price of diesel also increased significantly during March, with the additional road user cost of $75 per 1000km on top of that.

It’s all enough, perhaps, to make even

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a metal dragon wince. “She’s gone from watching paddleboarders to watching the fuel board climb,” one passerby joked.

“Maybe she’s breathing fire on the prices.”

While her seaside perch is gone, Toa Ahi hasn’t lost her audience.

“People are stopping and taking photos,” Carol said. “We’re just glad that we’ve found a final resting place for it.”

Whether guarding or judging, Toa Ahi is once again doing what she does best – getting people talking. *The price of 91 petrol in this article was verified

at the time of print.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Around the Rohe

Commissioning ceremony marks return of Waihī wetland After many decades as a working farm, water is once again flowing through Te Heriheri Wetland (formerly known as the Cutwater Road Wetland), signalling the land’s transformation back to its original state.

At a special ceremony, Te Wahapū o Waihī and the Regional Council stood alongside staff, iwi and hapū leaders, local and central government officials, and members of the community to commission Te Heriheri Wetland.

The transformation of Te Heriheri Wetland was made possible thanks to project partners Te Wahapū o Waihī - the collective of Ngāti Whakahemo, Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Pikiao and Tapuika - and Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional, who purchased the land with the goal of restoring the health and mauri of the Waihī Estuary.

APRIL 2026

Looking at travel options?

Baybus services continue to operate across the region. If you’re new to catching the bus, it’s easy to get started and you can save on your fare by using a Bee Card.

Visit www.baybus.co.nz to find out how to use the bus and to plan your journey.

Heading out on the water?

To find out more scan the QR code:

KO TŌ REO, KO TŌ ANAMATA YOUR VOICE, YOUR FUTURE We asked and you answered – thank you to everyone who had their say on the Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan Amendment consultation over the past month. Your feedback helps us make decisions that shape our region, now and into the future.

What’s next?

With submissions now closed, hearings are due to be held in April, with deliberations in May. Adoption of the Annual Plan 2026/27 and Long Term Plan Amendment is expected in June 2026.

Remember that the three reef areas making up the Motiti Protection Area are strictly no-take zones. That means no fishing, no gathering and no removing marine life of any kind. These protections are unique in Aotearoa and play an important role in restoring the health of our coastal waters.

Our patrols are out on the water regularly, checking in with boaties and making sure everyone understands the rules.

They have found most people are doing the right thing, but a few needed reminding.

Help keep these reefs thriving, know the rules before you go.

Visit us online for more info.

VISIT: Regional House (Tauranga), Rotorua and Whakatāne offices PHONE: 0800 884 880 EMAIL: info@boprc.govt.nz

Working together to help people and places thrive.

Find out more at www.boprc.govt.nz

Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

10

Blackley remembered for couple’s work One of the founders behind the creation of Summerhill – Pāpāmoa’s widely used outdoor recreation and education facility on a working farm and forestry operation – has been remembered for an enduring gift.

David Loreburn Blackley died aged 95 on March 3, 2026, “under a Blood Moon” according to his death notice – a poetic detail fitting for a man

so closely tied to the rhythms of land and sky.

Born in Heretaunga near Wellington on November 2, 1930, to Sam and Catherine Blackley, David met 17-yearold Cloie as a 20-year-old while aboard a ship returning to New Zealand in 1950.

In 1959, David and Cloie bought Summerhill on Reid Rd in the Pāpāmoa Hills, arriving from a remote Wairoa farm to seek new opportunities. What they found was a rundown block of land, covered in gorse, with

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During the following decades, the couple transformed the original holding into a productive and diverse 400-hectare farming and forestry operation.

Recreation, education

For many in the wider Bay of Plenty, the Blackley name is synonymous with Summerhill.

The ridgeline property shares a boundary with the Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park, enabling families to park at Summerhill and walk a shorter distance to Pāpāmoa Pā. Today, this land serves as a rare greenbelt on the edge of the rapidly expanding Tauranga city.

Summerhill is owned by Summerhill Charitable Trust, founded by David and Cloie in 2014, with the aim of promoting recreation and education in the Pāpāmoa Hills.

“That legacy was no accident.

It was the result of decades of vision, diversification, hard work and, ultimately, extraordinary generosity,” Summerhill Charitable Trust chair Richard Balm said.

Vision beyond farming

His family said David was known for thinking “outside the square.”

Long before it became common, the couple experimented with agroforestry, integrating trees and

Summerhill founders Cloie and David Blackley. Photo / Supplied

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The Weekend Sun

and enduring gift eucalypts and poplar – to control soil erosion,” a NZ Farm Forestry Association spokesperson said.

David was also quick to adopt innovations such as aerial topdressing in the late-1950s, transforming soil fertility and livestock health. These decisions, 40 years on, had created an attractive, diverse and resilient landscape.

The Summerhill Golf Course was another example of alternative land use.

For David, the farm was never just about production. From early on, he and

Cloie welcomed others onto the land – opening tracks for schools, walkers, horse riders and, later, mountain bikers, long before public access became formalised.

Close to a growing Tauranga and Pāpāmoa population, Summerhill evolved into something unique – a working farm that also served as a recreational and educational resource.

Next generation mattered

Community initiatives followed. In 2009, David founded the A1 Academy, offering leadership training to secondary school students. Now rebranded as NextGen Leader, it reaches students across Bay of Plenty schools.

Daughter Rose Blackley said he also encouraged Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology agricultural and forestry students to gain practical experience on the farm.

“He always believed the next generation mattered,” Rose said. “One of the greatest joys our parents had was watching the youth enjoying the property, from the AIMS Games mountain bike downhill drops to the high-viz preschoolers walking to their forest classrooms.”

Farm and community hub

An inventor, David Blackley developed the ‘Rocket Wool Press’, which allowed more wool to be packed into a fadge, saving labour and improving efficiency over traditional methods. Photo / Supplied

Thursday 2 April 2026

11

Today, Summerhill remains a working farm, running sheep and cattle while supporting forestry, conservation plantings and the charitable trust.

Native bush areas have been protected, waterways restored, and an ecological corridor established.

At the same time, the property has become a hub for outdoor activity, with

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Aerial view of Summerhill – Pāpāmoa’s widely used outdoor recreation and education facility on a working farm and forestry operation. Photo / Supplied

walking and mountain biking trails drawing thousands of visitors each month. Major events hosted there include the AIMS Games mountain biking, National School MTB Championships, orienteering and trail running races.

“I refer to it as Tauranga’s Cornwall Park,” Balm said.

Using Summerhill timbers and wool, a new purpose-built community centre known as ‘The Base’ was recently opened, which is used extensively for local events.

Those who knew David speak of his practical intelligence, curiosity, endless energy and willingness to try new ideas.

“I remember him saying, ‘Where there is a will there is a way’,” said Rose.

‘Remarkable legacy’

In announcing his death, The Summerhill Charitable Trust described his “love for the land” and the “remarkable

legacy” he and Cloie created.

“It is a legacy measured not only in hectares, but in the experiences of the countless walkers, riders, students and families who have found connection and enjoyment there,” Balm said.

David Blackley is survived by his w ife Cloie, their four daughters, nine grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. His life’s work endures in the hills above Tauranga – in the trees they planted, the tracks they opened, and the land held in trust for all. *Summerhill wants the Bay of Plenty communtiy to know that it has re-opened following January’s landslide damage throughout the Pāpāmoa hills. Runners, walkers and mountain bikers are welcome seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

For more information on what’s on offer at Summerhill, visit: www.summerhill.nz Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

12

Fairness backlash over new TEL/SH2 tolll New charges on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road have been labelled “unfair” and potentially damaging to Pāpāmoa East businesses.

Motorists who stop at Pāpāmoa East, before continuing on the Tauranga Eastern Link/State Highway 2 (TEL) will be charged twice, more than they would pay to drive the same distance without stopping.

The new Pāpāmoa East Interchange was blessed in an official ceremony on Monday, and is expected to open before Good Friday.

The project, which has been under construction for four years, was jointly funded by Tauranga City Council and NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and was finished early and under budget at $90 million.

Hundreds concerned

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford posted on Facebook, saying he had heard from hundreds of residents concerned about the new toll taking effect in late 2026.

Rutherford and NZTA confirmed late last week there would be a second tolling point added between the Domain Rd and Pāpāmoa East interchanges.

Travelling this section will cost $1.10 for light vehicles and $2.80 for heavy vehicles.

Travelling the full length of the TEL (Domain Rd to Paengaroa), or between Pāpāmoa East and Paengaroa, would cost $2.30 for light vehicles and $5.60 for

heavy vehicles. Rutherford said if drivers exit at the Pāpāmoa East Interchange to shop at The Sands or visit friends and family, then re-join the TEL at the same spot, they would be charged two separate tolls once the new point was active.

“For example, $1.10 for the short northern section plus $2.30 for the southern section, totalling $3.40.”

The Pāpāmoa East Interchange was expected to be open for the Easter long weekend.

Photo / Ayla Yeoman

‘Feel unfair’

“That extra $1.10 simply for stopping to shop locally, visit family and friends, or whatever it may be, does feel unfair and goes against supporting new development and businesses in Pāpāmoa East,” he said.

Rutherford wrote to NZTA seeking its justification for treating an exit and re-join as two separate trips, and asking it to reconsider.

“I have already heard from several affected businesses and residents who believe this is unfair,” he wrote.

Matua-Ōtūmoetai ward councillor Glen Crowther also posted about the “unfairness” of the extra charge for people stopping off at Pāpāmoa East.

“Why should they pay the full toll, $2.30 for cars, for that leg of the motorway, when they already pay a half toll, $1.10, for the other leg?

“I can now only hope that NZTA will change the unfairness of their extra toll on people who stop off at Pāpāmoa East.”

Contribute fairly

An NZTA spokesperson confirmed motorists who hop off and on the highway at Pāpāmoa will be charged two separate tolls.

“This is the same for someone who exits

at Paengaroa and re-enters a short time later.”

The second toll point ensured all TEL users contributed fairly, wherever they entered the toll road.

“Without the additional toll point, only users travelling from the Paengaroa side would continue to pay, while others could benefit from the same improved access and reduced travel times without contributing,” the spokesperson said.

A free alternative route was available for those making short trips and wanting to avoid paying two fees.

Opening ceremony

The site was blessed after a ribboncutting ceremony early on Monday morning, March 30.

Rutherford told Local Democracy Reporting at the event that he lived on Te

Okuroa Dr, and had been using the new interchange’s eastbound off-ramp since it opened early in August.

He said it had taken two to three minutes off his trip home and eased congestion at the Domain Rd TEL exit, which was often at a “standstill” from 4pm onwards.

Pāpāmoa ward councillor Steve Morris said the interchange meant more time with his family before his daughter heads off to the United States for university.

Morris said he had lived in Pāpāmoa since he was 9 months old, when there were 1900 residents. Now there were 38,000. “The community has changed a Ayla Yeoman lot.”

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Entries open for 2026 Bay of Plenty Export Awards Entries are now open for the 2026 ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards, with the awards gala to be held August 7 at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui.

The awards, which will celebrate the achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses exporting goods and services to global markets, will close for entries June 8.

ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee chairman Warwick Downing said the event was a platform to recognise outstanding businesses, and a prime opportunity for networking and knowledgesharing. “These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the

incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world.

“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”

This year’s event, organised by the EMA and ExportNZ in partnership with NZTE, has an awards gala theme of On The World Stage The award categories are: Air NZ Cargo Best Emerging Business: Celebrating early-stage export success; Port of Tauranga Excellence in Innovation: Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally; Zespri Unsung

Export Hero – Outstanding Individual Contribution: Honouring an individual who has made a significant material contribution to export growth - often behind the scenes; Page Macrae Service to Export: Recognising the significant and sustained contribution of an individual or organisation to exporting success; and Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year: Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.

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Entries close June 8, finalists will be announced July 10. The awards gala is on August 7.

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Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

14

Three city events coincide to celebrate our best friends “And to really celebrate them, I decided A celebration of dogs in all their forms – from lifesaving service animals to select service dogs – to acknowledge all the work they do for us humans.” to beloved family pets – is coming The idea was sparked during travels to together in one lively morning at Nepal, where Allen witnessed a festival dedicated entirely to honouring dogs.

Memorial Park on April 11.

At the heart of the festivities, which includes the popular Bark in the Park and Pooch in the Pool events, is the unveiling of a new public canine-themed mural by Tauranga artist Sam Allen.

Titled Our Best Friends, the artwork pays tribute to service dogs and the vital roles they play in supporting people and communities.

For Allen, the mural is more than just public art – it’s a heartfelt ‘thank you’.

“I wanted to celebrate dogs,” he said.

Similar experiences in Japan reinforced the universal bond people share with their canine companions.

In common

“It struck me that loving dogs is something almost everyone has in common,” he said. “No matter your background, social or economic situation – it’s something we can all connect on.”

Back home in Tauranga, Allen put a call out on local Facebook community pages asking for dog nominations. The response was overwhelming – more than 350 comments poured in, with people nominating their own beloved companions and others in the community.

From these, he selected four service dogs which have roles that reach far beyond their immediate families: Kora, a search and rescue dog involved in the Tauranga landslides; Milly, a conservation detection dog; Easton, a guide dog; and Kōwhai, an assistance dog.

“I selected service dogs because they’ve dedicated their lives to helping multiple people,” Allen said.

“Most people nominated their own dog, which is fair – there’s that personal connection. But I felt it was important to give the spotlight to dogs serving the wider community.”

Accessibility

In a thoughtful touch, the mural, developed with support from Tauranga

Artist Sam Allen painting ‘Our Best Friends’, the mural at Memorial Park celebrating service dogs. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

City Council’s public art fund, was designed with accessibility in mind.

Raised tactile elements allow people with low or no vision to experience the artwork through touch –a meaningful inclusion, particularly as one of the featured handlers is blind.

The unveiling, running from 9am-12pm at Memorial Park, is being opened up as a community celebration – and everyone is encouraged to bring their dogs along.

Coinciding with the launch are two popular events hosted by Tauranga City Council, transforming the park into a hub of canine activity.

Bark in the Park, held at Jordan Field from 9am to 12pm, invites dog owners to connect, learn and enjoy a relaxed morning out. The event features educational booths on topics such as microchipping and

dog-friendly walking spots, along with live music, agility demonstrations, food trucks, giveaways and dog play areas.

Splash-filled experience

Meanwhile, nearby, Pooch in the Pool returns at Memorial Pool, offering a splash-filled experience for dogs of all sizes. Running from 10am-4pm, the event includes dedicated swim sessions for small, medium and large dogs, along with games, treats and prizes. Entry is $16 per dog, with proceeds supporting charity.

Together, the mural unveiling, Bark in the Park and Pooch in the Pool promise a day that celebrates not just dogs, but the joy, companionship and service they bring to everyday life.

As Allen puts it: “It’s about giving thanks.”

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 2 April 2026

15

School’s first Giant Pumpkin kin k in Day Da a growing success Pumpkins of every shape – and some of enormous size – filled Northern Health School Tauranga on Tuesday, March 30, for its first Giant Pumpkin Day.

The day featured pumpkinthemed activities alongside judging in multiple competition categories.

After being given giant pumpkin seeds last September, participants spent months nurturing their plants.

The lead up built excitement and nd encouraged n r d engagement n m nt

across the school community.

Five pumpkins went on to compete in the heaviest weight category.

Taking out the title was a 55kg giant grown by the school’s associate principal Robyn Meikle.

Close behind was student Blakes Roberts, whose 35kg pumpkin won the student category.

Senior student William White claimed the weirdest pumpkin category for his quirky design.

Students were also able to shape their own clay pumpkins to later glaze once kiln-fired.

Younger students had baked pumpkin-shaped cookies in the days leading up to the event, then d decorated d them h on the h d day witth coloured icing and sprinkles.

Meikle was quietly confiden nt in the final weeks after her pumpkin had a late growtth burst.

Though she said the journey to the podium m proved challenging aafter a summer of difficu ult growing conditioons.

“The weather, with all the rain r

Associate principal Robyn Meikle was stoked to win her school’s Giant Pumpkin competition. Photos / Kelly O’Hara

Northern Health School Tauranga students Harry Ward, 7, and Piper Button, 10, with their pumpkin entries. and the hail and things like that, the growing conditions over the summer were quite tricky.”

Meikle said the day served a deeper purpose for the school.

“It gives our students the opportunity to participate in events like regular schools. It’s fun, it connects us with our community, our students, our Northern Health School whānau, and our stakeholders.”

Tauranga student entries School unit co-leader Karla into the school’s inaugural Revell said while the pumpkins Pumpkin Competition. had endured heavy rain, the mood on Tuesday was anything school’s most successful to date, but damp. “We made lots of she said. “It’s one of those events fantastic contributions from that anybody can get involved in, students and staff. [It was] A and it doesn’t matter who you are really good vibe, lots of positive, or what your background is – it just a real positive feel.” allows everyone to have a sense of Revell said the activities also success or an element they could.” encouraged communication and Planning is already underway connection among students who for the 2026/2027 competition to make it even bigger and better. might not usually interact.

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Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

16

Walk, raise funds for locals with Parkinson’s Do you know that Parkinson’s is the fastestgrowing neurological condition in the world?

And it is estimated that 13,000 people are living with the condition in New Zealand right now? Moreover, this number is expected to double within the next 20 years, according to national charitable trust Parkinson’s New Zealand.

As a result, building public awareness of the disease is the reason behind the trust’s Red Tulip Walk in the Bay of Plenty, on Saturday, April 18, commencing at 10am.

While the average age for diagnosis is 59 years, Sonia Park, who resides in Tauranga, was only 42 and training for a marathon when she noticed symptoms such as muscle tightness, as well as leg and foot cramping.

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Over time she also noticed changes affecting the muscles in her throat and her speech.

A roller-coaster ride

For two years she felt like she was on a rollercoaster ride, visiting specialists, including trying holistic forms of medicine until she was finally diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Now aged 55, Park is adapting to the changes this has brought to her life – including receiving Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy in Auckland in 2019 to help with symptoms.

“Parkinson’s has restricted my everyday activities,” Park said. “I can no longer work, have lost a lot of my independence, and sometimes I feel very isolated,” she said.

However she has learnt to slow down and pace herself, discovered the importance of exercise, and found Parkinson’s New Zealand in the Bay of Plenty. The local Red Tulip Group caters for a wide range of people with Parkinson’s, Park said.

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New Zealand Food Safety is sharing some simple guidance to prevent people getting a rare but life-threatening foodborne illness.

“Although listeriosis is rare in New Zealand, vulnerable people die of this preventable disease every year, so we want to share some practical steps people can take at home to avoid getting sick,” said New Zealand Food Safety deputy director-general Vincent Arbuckle.

Listeriosis is caused by eating or drinking food with high levels of Listeria.

Most at-risk

Arbuckle said listeria was invisible, had no odour and, unlike most bacteria, could continue to grow when food is refrigerated.

“The most recent annual report concerning Foodborne Diseases in New Zealand shows that there was a single death from listeria in 2024...But even one death is one too many, so that’s why we are continuing our efforts to get those most at risk – pregnant women and older people – to better understand the dangers of listeriosis and what to do to decrease them.”

Infections in healthy adults are unlikely to be severe, but listeriosis during pregnancy can cause miscarriage,

meeting point in the boardwalk beachfront pathway opposite Tay St Café. Event participation costs $25 per adult, under-16s gain free entry – and the first 50 entries will receive a free T-shirt.

To sign up for the event, visit: events.humanitix.com/red-tulipwalk-bay-of-plenty-2026 Kem Ormond

premature labour, stillbirth, or disease in the newborn baby, Arbuckle said.

As people age the immune system gets weaker. This means foods you safely ate in the past may no longer be safe for you to eat, Arbuckle said.

“Some people may not be aware of this. So, we’re highlighting higher-risk foods while sharing some foodsafety advice on how to make them safe to eat.”

Higher-risk foods

Higher-risk foods included ready-to-eat meat products (like deli meats and pâtés), smoked seafood (especially cold smoked fish), soft cheeses (like brie, camembert, and paneer), unpasteurised dairy products (like raw milk and cheese), and leafy greens and bagged salad (like mesclun and spinach). A fuller list of at-risk foods is at: www.mpi. govt.nz/food-safety-home/food-poisoning-symptomscauses/listeria-infection-symptoms-advice To lower the risk of getting listeriosis, people could choose safer foods, heat food to piping hot (above 75°C) before eating, wash and dry raw fruit and vegetables thoroughly first before eating, only eat recently-prepared food, refrigerate leftovers quickly and avoid eating leftovers that won’t be reheated.

To find out more, see: www.mpi.govt.nz

Red Tulip Walk in the Bay of Plenty 10am, Sat 18 April, Mount Maunganui

20 YEARS EXPERIENCE

the onset of the disease can often be hard for other people to understand. I have learnt, Parkinson’s doesn’t control me, it is not paramount to my life!”

Park hoped fellow Bay of Plenty residents would get behind the BOP Red Tulip Walk on April 18 at 10am, with this year’s event being held at a new location – the

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 2 April 2026

17

versus sus mistakes Let’s talk cartilage losss – Part 1 Success stories ve “If you want to be successful, learn from other people’s mistakes, don’t learn from the success stories” – Jack Ma

In theory osteoarthritis, also known as OA, is one of the simplest health problems.

For years we thought that cartilage in our joints just wore away over time. We now know that OA is a complex disease where the processes that reduce cartilage are affected by genetics, past joint trauma and nutrition, especially levels of trace minerals and antioxidants.

Cartilage has no nerve or blood supply and appears as lifeless tissue. Cartilage is in fact dynamic tissue. It is a matrix of proteins (collagen and elastin), chondroitin sulphate, water and living cells called chondrocytes.

Each chondrocyte maintains a small patch of cartilage repairing damage by secreting new cartilage where needed. When chondrocytes are damaged or die it cannot

maintain cartilage. Eventually, cartilage thins leading to a painful bone-on-bone scenario.

Hand joints are susceptible to OA, especially the basal thumb joint. Nutritional therapy can be very effective but small joints take a few months to respond. It seems counter-intuitive, but big weight-bearing joints especially knees tend to respond faster.

I’ve been helping someone with OA in their base thumb joint at the wrist. Within three months the pain had reduced, and after a

year, discomfort is minor and only when under heavy use.

I use a three-pronged approach to supporting cartilage. Firstly, I add compounds, especially chondroitin, to support and repair cartilage. Secondly, I add curcumin from turmeric and Omega 3 fish oil to reduce inflammation.

Often, inflammation causes more pain and mobility loss than the actual cartilage damage. Thirdly, I add the antioxidants that protect chondrocyte cells from further damage.

Success stories often show us the destination, however they don’t usually show the terrain. They highlight what worked, and edit out what didn’t. Mistakes, on the other hand, reveal the real learning – the missteps, the assumptions, the blind spots, the turning points that can shape growth.

When we study mistakes, we gain insight into what to avoid in future, what to strengthen, and

what becomes important to us under pressure. Other people’s mistakes can become a form of borrowed wisdom that allows us to move forward with more awareness and fewer suppositions. This will apply whether we are facing a work situation or a relational one.

If you’d like to know more about strengthening relationships, exploring your potential and creating transformation in your life, phone Mary Parker, The Fast Track Coach, on 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz.

Rollout of lower bowel screening age continues being expanded in stages to make sure services have the workforce and endoscopy capacity needed to safely support more people being screened,” Brown said.

Meanwhile, rollout of the FIT for Symptomatic pathway is continuing, with full implementation expected by October. “It delivers two key benefits: helping detect bowel cancer earlier in people with symptoms, including those not eligible for routine screening, and making better use of colonoscopy services,” Brown said. See: www.healthnz.govt.nz

More Kiwis are able to access bowel screening earlier, with the starting age lowered from 60 to 58 in the central and lower North Island, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. “This means thousands more people will have access to lifesaving screening, giving them the best chance of having bowel cancer detected early, when it can often be successfully treated,” Brown said.

About 40,000 extra people will become eligible in the first year, with the majority to be invited for free bowel screening by April 2027. “The programme is

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Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

18

Welcome to sunny u y Tauranga... u g Welcome to Tauranga!

I’m talking of course to all you Aucklanders.

Across 6. Devastating (11) 7. Mix (4) 8. Racecourse (NI) (8) 9. Pure (6) 10. Receive (6) 12. Pinnies (6) 15. Town (NI) (6) 17. Child’s game (8) 19. Implement (4) 20. He was an All Black 1980-92 (4,7) Down 1. Coffee (8) 2. Squirm (6) 3. Skin condition (6) 4. Droop (4) 5. Improve (6)

No. 1978

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C S N A E B T U I WA S H G L E N T U R N E R K K M S A U S E N L B MO K A Y F L AWE K N OWN K U M E O D E D U G L X G O R E I M P R OM P T U J K I M Y E L S OWU T O D A T O A L C D A M B I G U O U S C OWS I A G N T B I N K A N C H I R E D I I D L E M E G A E L I I I O O O K A R CWA I P U K U R A U F E T L E N E MO S T D R

Solution 1977

You probably discovered this helpful weekly publication in a supermarket or motel or shop counter while still decompressing from the traffic and confusion of big city life, eager to enjoy Easter in our quiet sunny seaside hamlet.

You might think that I’m going to offer some sort of helpful guide to the best things to do in Tauranga. Think again. The main food critic from your main newspaper recently ran his list of NZ’s 10 Best Foodie Cities. No Tauranga, no Mount. The verdict on us was “feeling a little stuck where they are”.

So if you want to find any of our many excellent restaurants, you’re on your own.

We know all the best places and we’re happy to eat in them without being crowded out by urban sophisticates.

No, I’m kidding. We’re chuffed to have y’all – spend up large, party like it’s still 2025, and enjoy the jazz festival.

Fundraising gig

But, whatever you do, don’t come back at the end of April for the big fundraising gig. It’ll be completely packed. The only reason I’m even mentioning it so early is that it’s one for which local folk might not want to wait before grabbing tickets.

What we’re looking at is a fundraiser following the deadly Mauao landslide.

On Sunday, April 22 from midday Totara Street at the Mount, which will host 11 hours of music with two live stages and a DJ courtyard. Every ticket purchased and donation made goes directly to the Tauranga Mayoral Relief Fund, supporting families of those lost in the landslide.

Tiki Taane.

Photo / Alex Cairns

Jay Monroe of Totara Street said: “This is a day about unity, remembrance, and backing the people who need us most. Our community has always shown up when it matters and this is the Bay of Plenty music scene stepping up”.

He said that the response from the local music community was overwhelming, with more than 100 artists volunteering to perform.

It is indeed a huge bill, including headliner Tiki Taane, Darz Music featuring Frances Phoenix, The John Michaelz Band, The Gunsmiths, Stella Riley, Sonorous, K Holla, No Reply, Red Street, Noel Smith, Derek Toner & Tuner, Frances Ellen, Iz Waddid Iz, Dan Sharp, and many many more.

The event is supervised, with under18s welcome when accompanied by their parent or legal guardian and at $30 a ticket, it will sell out quickly.

Other gigs

For the more hardcore inclined there’s a companion Rock and Roll Warm Ups show at Totara Street on Friday, April 24, raising funds for the same fund – you’ll get five bands for $5. The bands are Afterlight, Bones Inc, Dead Empire, Koolaid and Token Ceremony.

And just quickly, three killer incoming gigs: On Thursday, April 9, astonishing Australian acoustic guitarist Ben Catley is at the Jam Factory and pianistic legend Michael Houstoun is at Baycourt; on Sunday, April 12 Dunedin five-piece Michael Morris & The Sonic Boom bring a new 22-song double album and quirky heavy ‘70s retro-rock to the Jam Factory.

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

www.tinyurl.com/awupemfv

Free family fun on offer at Art in the Park

Tauranga City Council is hosting a free Art in the Park event on Wednesday, April 8 and Saturday, April 11 to keep youngsters busy these school holidays.

From 10am-4pm on both days all ages are welcome to stop by Tauranga Waterfront and get creative.

There will be a range of mini art activities to get

MEDIUM

SUDOKU 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

2 3 6

No.2332

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4 8 9 6 4 6 5 Solution No.2331

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involved with, whether kids would like to do a step by step painting or if they prefer to go with their creative flow. There will also be opportunities to try a fun collaborative art piece with a friend.

The free event is for the whole family, so if you feel like getting arty, get along – and get those creative juices flowing.

Easter basketball on at Mercury Baypark Basketballs will be bouncing throughout the long weekend at Mercury Baypark Arena as a long-running representative competition takes place from Good Friday, April 3 to Easter Monday, April 6.

The Mel Young Easter Classic is celebrating 38 years of competition in 2026, with the tournament set to bring together the basketball community across the motu, competing in five age groups from U12 to U20, one adult grade, and exciting new grades planned for this year including Wheelchair, Whaikaha, Masters, and Walking Basketball.

Spectators can catch the action daily from 8am-10pm, with opportunities for everyone to be involved – showing the tournament is a true celebration of inclusion, community, and the enduring legacy of Mel Young, inspiring generations of players, coaches, officials, and supporters.

Find out more about the tournament, game time and have-a-go sessions at: taurangacitybasketball.co.nz/mel-youngeaster-classic

The Weekend Sun

Thursday 2 April 2026

19

Easter readingg and egg-scapades gg Easter weekend will be a vibrant celebration of creativity and community, with events in Tauranga and Te Puke offering something for all ages.

acctivity on Easter Saaturday, April 4, as Ju ubilee Park hosts The G Great Easter Easel E Egg-Scapade – an art sccavenger hunt and free faamily festival from 9aam to 1pm.

The event invites viisitors to explore the park in search of 12 giiant Easter eggs on eaasels, with each eggBook lovers and sh haped canvas uniquely bargain hunters will Margaret Cooper, Jill Best and Ann Pritchard painted by local artists have another chance outside the 63 Devonport Rd shop where the an nd community groups. to snap up a good read Easter pop-up sale will be held. Photo / Kelly O’Hara Participants can vote at a three-day Easter foor their favourite pop-up sale hosted by d design, i with ith voting ti closing l i midday and winners the Rotary Club of Tauranga. announced 12.30pm.

Running from Saturday, April 4, to Monday, Families can also take part in a hands-on April 6, at 63 Devonport Rd, opposite collaborative artwork, contributing to the ‘EGGDevonport Towers, the sale follows the club’s PIC Community Egg’, or join the scavenger hunt recent annual book fair. by collecting stamps at each egg for a chance to Coordinator Jill Best said the pop-up is an win prizes, including a children’s mountain bike opportunity to rehome remaining books, jigsaws from MyRide Te Puke. and artwork while continuing to support worthy For those keen to explore further, the Te Ara causes. “Following the successful 39th annual Kahikatea Pathway will feature hidden painted Tauranga Rotary book sale, there were books, art rocks that can be exchanged for Easter treats at and jigsaws left over,” she said. the EPIC Te Puke tent.

About 750 items, including books and puzzles “There is one rock per child, so everyone gets a along with about 20 artworks will be available, chance,” organiser Sally Benning said. with most books priced between $2 and $8.

The festival will also feature a wide range of A selection of more valuable titles from New free activities, including meeting the Easter Zealand and overseas will also be on offer.

Bunny, Fun First Football, balloon twisting, face Best said proceeds from the sale will go toward a painting, pony rides, the COLAB play trailer, range of charities, many of them local. photobooth, spot prizes, and a variety of market “Last year’s recipients included Waipuna stalls and food vendors.

Hospice, SPCA and Starship Hospital, and Some decorated Easter eggs will be auctioned on TradeMe as well. Find more Easter weekend ongoing sponsorship of a horse for local Riding events at: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz for the Disabled,” Best said.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford Te Puke will also be buzzing with colour and

100k’s in 30 Days challengee returns Registration is now open for 100k’s in 30 Days – a community challenge encouraging participants to complete 100km of physical activity across 30 days while raising vital funds for the Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust (BCSSTT).

Among those supporting this year’s event will be breast cancer survivor Deb Cory, who was diagnosed with triple Breast cancer survivor Deb Cory will negative breast cancer in November 2024 – a decade after supporting her take part in 100k’s in 30 Days to give sister through the same diagnosis. back to the Breast Cancer Support Following extensive chemotherapy Service Tauranga Trust. Photo / Supplied and surgery, Cory is now cancer-free people of all fitness levels to take part by and credits BCSSTT with helping her through the most challenging period of walking, running, swimming, skating, or mixing activities. her life.

Funds raised support people affected The service provided practical and by breast cancer across Tauranga emotional support, including regular and the Western Bay of Plenty and check-ins, handmade post-surgery provide a critical source of income for pillows, restorative massages, informative speakers, and home baking BCSSTT, which is celebrating 35 years of supporting women and families when it was needed most, Cory said. through breast cancer in 2026.

“This challenge is my way of giving In 2025, the event accounted for back to an extraordinary community nearly 30% of the trust’s total income. that helps women stay afloat during To find out more about 100k’s their breast cancer journeys,” she said. in 30 Days and to sign up, visit: Now in its fifth year, 100k’s in 30 Days runs throughout May and invites www.100ksin30days.nz.

fundraising for:

Move your way this May and help us raise vital funds for locals diagnosed with breast cancer.

Every dollar raised stays right here in our community, supporting clients of Breast Cancer Support Services Tauranga Trust.

Early Bird registration now open!

www.100ksin30days.nz

SCAN HERE TO REGISTER BCSSTT is 100% community funded.

Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

20

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 4 April

Ohauiti, Tauranga. Play or listen to Organ, Clavinova, Piano. Maureen 544 5013.

Maunganui. Weather permitting. 9am - 5pm. Tauranga Society of Artists

Association Croquet On Sat, Mon, & Wed. 9.15am

Marching For Leisure A non-competitive activity for

Monday 6 April

a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come speak to an Advocate! Every Tuesday, Greerton Library, 1-2:30pm.

Greerton Indoor Bowling Club Greerton Senior Citizens

Newcomers Coffee Meetup Group New to Tauranga?

for 9.30am start at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. Visitors & new players welcome. Ph. Peter 07 574 9232

from 9.30-11.30am, held at Age Concern, 177A Fraser Street, Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided all welcome!

Greerton Walking Group Meet outside Greerton Library at

Badminton Social Badminton, Greerton Hall, Mon + Fri

Euchre Tauranga Euchre Club, Monday evenings from

Art in the Park Original art for sale. Coronation Park, Mt

10.30am – 12.30pm. All Welcome Phone Lorraine 027 408 6211

500 Card Group Every Monday (except public holidays)

7pm. Inquiries - Graeme 027 543 0872

singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings.

Have a go! Ph Delia 027 284 8762 or Andrea 021 133 031

Greerton Garden Club Greerton Garden Club Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month in the Greerton Senior Center, 33 Maitland Street, Greerton -1pm. Visitors Welcome. Ph 027 253 6704

Beth-El Messianic Family Celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) as

Invitation to singing men Harmony-A-Plenty has been

Bay Singles Social Group Join a bunch of over 50’s young

did Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), his disciples and early believers.

All welcome. Lifezone -7-Oaklane-Judea-Tauranga 10am or Youtube Live @10am. Joel 021 768 043 info@bethel.org.nz

Boules - Petanque Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Club Mt Maunganui. Boules available. New players welcome. Ph Ray 027 756 3565 for times, further details.

Falun Dafa An ancient mind /body programme perfect

for today. Eliminate stress, anxiety and pain. For locations around Tauranga call/text Judy 021 0425 398. https:// en.falundafa.org

Indoor Bowls Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 12.45 am start. 50+ and over. Afternoon tea is provided. 14 Norris Street (behind Pak n Save) Carol 022 639 2411

Indoor Bowls Matua Primary School Hall at 715pm. New members welcome. Come and join us for a evening of fun and bowls. Phone Karen 576 0443

Laughing Yoga Arataki Community Centre 10am every

Saturday. Join a friendly bunch for 45 minutes of fund and laughter! phone Jude 021-0277 5901

Scottish Country Dance Club Come and try Scottish

Country Dancing every Monday 7.15pm - 9.30pm, St Johns Church Hall, Bureta, All welcome for fun and exercise. Ph Joy 027 285 3093

St Stephen’s Jigsaw Library Every Saturday

10am-12noon. Hire for 2 weeks a variety of 600 puzzles.

Cnr of Brookfield and Highmore Terrace.

Tauranga Numismatic Society Interested in coins,

banknotes, medals, etc. Dealers present. Come and see us.

Coin and Stamp Fair, Tauranga Methodist Church, 100 13th Avenue 9am-3pm.

singing for twenty years. We practise Monday evenings 7-9pm. Ph Frank 576 3037 David 576 0578

Keep On Your Feet Omokoroa, 11am-12, Settlers Hall,

334 Omokoroa Rd. Strength & Balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome. Contact Sharnie on 021 111 8617

Library Lunchtime Art Class Learn how to create stylised

local landscape art at Tauranga City Library. No experience required- just come along! Monday 8 Dec, 12 – 12.45pm

Mahjong Every Monday at 12.30pm Tauranga Rowing

Club Memorial Park. Learners welcome. Contact Jill 0274769440 or 5430390

Miniatures Club Tauranga “Making it Small” Meetings

second Sunday each month [Feb-Nov] 10am to 4pm. Arts and Crafts Centre 177 Elizabeth Street Tauranga. Contact Jan 021 214 5192

Papamoa Mah jong Papamoa Mah jong 12.15pm -

4.00pm Bowling Club Rooms, 2 Alice Lane Gordon Spratt Reserve Come and have some fun. Afternoon tea provided.

Ph Wendy 021 0238 7283 or Chris 027 415 5771

Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise St. Peters church hall, 15 Victoria Rd, Mount Maunganui. 9.30-11am.

Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident & illness. Strength, coordination & balance.

Jennifer 027 206 0776.

Sunday 5 April

Accordion Music Group Every third Sunday of the

month, Welcome Bay Hall, 1-4pm, $4.00pp, afternoon tea supplied, everyone welcome to an afternoon of evergreen music. Ph Joy 027 285 3093

Electronic Recycling Electronic Recycling. Give your gear

a new life. Fees apply. Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Rd 8.00am. Brian 021 122 8735

Golf Croquet On Sun, Tues, & Thurs. 8.30am for 9am

start at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. Visitors & new players welcome. Ph Graham 07 572 1032

Quakers in Tauranga Explore your spiritual journey

amongst supportive Friends in our mostly silent meeting.

Second Sunday of month. 10am-12 Brain Watkins House, Cameron Rd/Elizabeth St. Ph 027 458 1322

Mah Jong Experienced players invited Sunday & Thursday

12.45 - 4pm, learners to be arranged. Te Puke Lyceum Rooms 8 Palmer Pl, ph coordinator 027 430 6383

Miniatures Club Tauranga “Making it Small” Meetings 2nd Sunday each month [Feb-Nov] 10am to 4pm.

Art and Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth Street Tauranga.

Contact: Jan 021 2145192 Otumoetai Rotary Carboot Sale 8.00am for buyers at Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Road for Otumoetai Rotary. Sellers $10. Details Brian 021 122 8735 or Bevan 027 461 2127

Radio Controlled Model Yachts Sundays 1:00-3:30pm, at Pond behind 22 Montego Drive Papamoa, sailing Electron Radio Controlled Yachts for fun and competition. Adult beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419.

Rifle Range Open Day Managed by NZDA-BOP branch at TECT All Terrain park, upper Pyes Pa. Last Sunday of every month (except December), 9am – 3pm. Day fees apply. Must bring a valid firearms license, and all rifles and ammo to be inspected upon arrival. Info www.deerstalkersbop.org.nz Soul Food Relax, unwind, be still, reflect, refresh, enjoy.

Share in a selection of sacred and inspirational writings and music from around the world. Usually held on the last Sunday of the month. All welcome. Ph 543 0434 Tauranga Model Aircraft Club Interested in flying model

planes? Join us every weekend at TECT Park weather permitting between 10-3pm. Beginners welcome. Directions & webcam on our website www.taurangamodelfly.org

Tauranga Organ Keyboard Society Meets at 1.30pm

Carmel Country Estate Social Centre, 11 Hollister Lane,

Come along to meet other like-minded people and make new connections. For more information email enquiries@ trmc.co.nz or phone 07 571 6419

Omanu Rebus Club Join our monthly meeting 9.30am at Mt Maunganui RSA. Enjoy morning tea, guest speaker, raffles other activities for Older Adults. Ph Margaret 021 170 5933

Seniors Fitness Greenwood Park Wednesdays 9.15am for

Keep On Your Feet Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach

fun fitness to music. Improve strength & balance & gain more confidence. Open to public also. Ph 022 340 6219

Let’s Learn Something New An A-Z of Clubs, Courses &

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild Wednesdays 7-9pm.

Everyone welcome. For venue confirmation please contact Linda 027 369 0984 or taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com

Maori Conversation Practice your reo. Use it or lose it. Join

Tauranga Midweek Tramping Group TECT Park Ramble. T Crossing. Easy. George 021 127 5018 Tauranga South garden club Meets 1st Wednesday of the

Road, 11am-12. Strength & balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome. Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617 Classes happening now. Find an activity, join, & do it! All ages. www.letslearn.co.nz or ph 07 578 9416

us for weekly conversations in Maori language over a coffee.

Grinds Cafe 10am Tuesdays.For more information phone 027 284 9738

Migrant Seniors Morning Tea 10am - 12pm,

Multicultural Tauranga, complex 1, Historic Village, 17th Avenue. To register/more information ph 07 571 6419 or email enquiries@trmc.co.nz

Mount Runners and Walkers Join us at 9.30am for a run

or walk at our club rooms in May Street, all weather, all year round, Tuesdays and Fridays, all welcome.

Olympic Style Rifle Shooting Every Tuesday evening at

7.00pm at the Tauranga Target Rifle Club’s range, 165 Elizabeth Street, opposite Tyre master. Public welcome. All gear and coaching provided.

month at 1pm at Baptist church corner Cameron Rd and 13th Ave. all welcome. Enquiries Margaret 021 0172 02184

Thursday 9 April

500 Card Club Mount Community Hall. 12.15 pm Fun and friendly group. All ages all welcome. Afternoon tea provided. Parking available. Bus stop nearby. Ph 027 658 6848

Coffee/Conversation Group -Greerton Age Concern

Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, 33 Maitland Street, 10.30am - 12noon, cost $3pp. All Welcome.

Overeaters Anonymous Is your eating affecting the

Creative Fibre Tauranga Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing. Mondays 9:30am, & 2nd & 4th Thurs 6:30pm. 177 Elizabeth St. Enjoy learning new crafts.

Joan 021 323 325

Petanque @ Bayfair Reserve Play social petanque at

Flexercise with Fitness League Exercise, movement and dance focusing on posture, strenghtening, stretching and flexibility, suit all ages and abilities, 10am Baptist Church Hall, 13th Ave. Pam 021 117 7170

way you, or someone else, live your lives? Overeating, undereating - meet every Tuesday 7 to 8pm, Fridays 11-12pm. 022 064 2186

Tauranga and District Stamp Club Every second Monday

Theatre at 1.00pm. Hear and play Tauranga’s historic Wurlitzer organ. All welcome, no charge. Ph 5520243

youth players. Doubles, Singles, Tactics, Developing your OWN style. NZ Tennis qualified teacher Joseph Walsh. 020 4015 2094 or coachkoha@gmail.com

Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Road.

Contact: Julie 021 0252 6805 or Sabine 021 111 8659

Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise Mt. Bible Chapel cnr. Monowai and Bedford 9-10.30am. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident or illness.

Strength, coordination & balance. Jennifer 027 206 0776

nights on a Monday. 7pm to 9pm for Snr Band. Jnr band from 5:30 to 7pm. Contact Jeremy 021 132 3341

Tauranga Social Dance Club Sequence Dancing 2nd Sat

Te Puke Community Tennis FREE lessons for intermediate

Inachord Singers Tauranga Women’s Chorus. 7pm

Bayfair Reserve, Russley Dr. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. Friendly club, all welcome. Boules available. Call 021 158 0129 for details.

Tauranga Scottish Society Sequence dance 4th Sat

monthly 7pm St Johns Church Hall 94 Bureta Road $7 incl Supper and raffles All welcome Ph Nola 576 5076

9am for a gentle, local walk with a friendly crowd, followed by a cafe visit. All welcome. Contact Mike 021 180 7429.

Tauranga City Brass Tauranga City Brass Band Practice

(10am) and fourth Monday (7.30pm) of each month.

Wesley Hall, 100 Thirteenth Avenue. New members welcome. Ross 578 8215. Jill 578 0930.

Monthly at Wesley Church Hall 100/13th Ave 7pm.

Dancing, raffles and supper All welcome Ph Nola 576 5076

Hall in Maitland Street, Greerton on Tuesday nights from 7pm. New members welcome. Phone Sally 021 172 6004.

mature ladies. Fun, fitness and friendship. For Tauranga team practice details contact Bernie Taylor 027 775 5612

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild Meets Tuesdays @ Bowls

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Thursday, Welcome Bay Community Centre, 1-2.30pm.

Healing Rooms Prayer NEW TIME 7-9pm Every

Tauranga Theatre Organ Society Meet at Baycourt

Tauranga South, 15 Tutchen St (off 11th Ave) 10am 2.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact Linda 027 369 0984 or taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com

Thursday. St Peters Church. Cameron Rd Entrance.

Experience God’s Healing, physical, emotional, spiritual. All Welcome. No charge. facebook.com/ TaurangaCentralHealingRooms 027 640 1263

Tauranga Vision Club Tauranga Vision Club (affiliated to

Tauranga Model Railway Club Club meets Tuesday

Keynotes Women’s Barbershop Chorus Love to sing, start

Te Puke Community Menz Shed 48 Cameron Road, Te

Tauranga Morning Badminton Club Come join us at Haumaru Sports Centre, 483 Cameron Road. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am to midday. Casual players welcome.

Contact Pam, 022 806 9117

Learn to play bowls Free coaching. Lots of fun. Beginners

Friendship NZ) meets 4th Monday each month at Tauranga Citz Club 10 am - noon. New members welcome. Ph Jim 022 088 7760 Puke. Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-12.30pm. Share your skills & knowledge, learn new skills or redevelop your old skills.

Ph Mike Harman 027 444 8559 or Phillip Du Plooy 021 756 604.

U3A Tauranga Seniors Group We have interest groups

running Mon-Fri. Computing, card & board games, dining, films, history, music, photography, exercise, sciences. www. u3atauranga.kiwi.nz

Womens Art Group We are a Women’s Art group who meet every Monday 10am, 68 1st Ave to paint together in a supportive environment. Beginners welcome. Annie 021 186 4429

Tuesday 7 April

500 Card Club Mount Community Hall. 12.15 pm Fun

and friendly group. All ages all welcome. Afternoon tea provided. Parking available. Bus stop nearby. Queries to 027 658 6848

Altrusa Ladies Service Group Come and join a group of

women for community projects & social events. We meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month. Ph Maggie 0274476530 or visit www.altrusa.org.nz.

Arataki Coastal Club Meet on 2nd Tuesday of the month 9.30am Arataki Community Centre for friendship, morning tea, guest speaker, dining, outings etc. Contact Robyn 572 2908, Bev 575 3348 Body+Soul for 50+ Fun Fitness for men and women.

Exercise for better health, strength and balance to great music. Tauranga Senior Citizens hall Norris St. Ph Dianne 027 431 4326

Cherrywood Probus Meet every 2nd Tuesday of Month

@ Citizens Club 13th Ave 10.00am. Come along for Fun Fellowship And Friendship. Visitors very welcome. Pam 578 3757

Chess at Mount Maunganui Mount Maunganui RSA

Chess club, 544 Maunganui Rd, Mondays 6:15pm & 7pm onwards. excl. Public holidays. for more info http:/www. westernbopchess.weebly.com/ or search “Western BOP Chess”

9.30am & Thursday 7.30pm corner Mirrielees & Cross roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233

Tauranga Scrabble Club Tuesday Scrabble. Meet weekly for friendly & competitive games at Tauranga Citizens Club 9.30am - 12.45pm. Ph. Fay 021 1648180.

Te Puna Quarry Park Many tasks for active volunteers in a friendly team environment 8:30am-noon each week. Contact Jennifer 021 132 9585 or email tepunaquarrypark@gmail.com

Wednesday 8 April 10 Pin Bowling 1pm 135 13th Ave Tauranga. We are a

mixed social group, non competitive except with ourselves.

Contact Glenda 0212578678 for more info

Age Concern Walking Group A friendly weekly walking

group for all ages and all fitness levels. 10am start, meet at Pacific Avenue (by the toilets)..

Beginner Social Ballroom/Latin Group Dance Class

Wednesday, 6pm-7pm, Welcome Bay Primary School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Road. Phone Sonia 0273221786 or Just come along. Details on website: www.supremedancecentre. nz

Body+Soul 50+Fun Fitness For better health, strength and balance to great music. Men and women welcome, make new friends. 9.15am Bethlehem hall opposite Woolworths. Ph Dianne 027 431 4326

Bolivia Te Puke Every Wednesday Lyceum Club 8 Palmer

Place 1pm-4pm beginners welcome. Come and join our friendly group Ph Brenda 027 229 6992

Cards - cribbage Come and join our friendly group every Wednesday 12.30 for 1pm start. Tauranga Citz Club, 13th Ave.New players very welcome. Jill 021 1606 143 Coffee/Conversation Group -Brookfield Age Concern

Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, 33 Maitland Street, 10.30am - 12noon, cost $3pp. All Welcome.

Fernland Spa Water Exercise Gentle exercise in warm

Coffee/Conversation Group Te Puke Age Concern

mineral water. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics & recovery from accident or illness. Good for strength, coordination & balance. Jennifer 027 206 0776

Croquet in the Domain Tues and Weds. Tauranga Croquet

Improve Strength & Balance Steady as you go (saygo) Exercise programme keeps you mobile. Friendly group.

2-3pm Wednesdays at St Johns Church Hall, Burtea Road.

Phone Angela 576 9847.

Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Te Puke Citizens RSA, 179 Jellicoe Street, 10am – 11.30, cost $5pp. All Welcome.

Club. A great place for Christmas team-building events. For more info phone: 020 4112 0241

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

Ladies Tennis Every Wednesday at Tauranga Lawn Tennis Club. Come join in ladies tennis from 9-11 am. New or seasoned players are welcome

2026 on a tuneful note. Women any age welcome, 7pm Wesley Hall, 100 13th Avenue. Contact Bernice 576 4848, 0274424642. most welcome. Meet new people. Keep active. Papamoa Bowls Inc, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa. Thursdays 10am to 12pm.

Mt Maunganui Creative Fibre Every Thursday 9.30am - 12.30pm St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Dee St. Mt

Maunganui. Spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, crochet etc all fibrecrafts. Very friendly group.

Serenata Singers Thursdays 10 - 11.30, Methodist Church Hall, 2 Oroua Street, Te Puke. Phone Anne 027 850 3776

Starseed UFO club tga Social group for people who are

into alternative realities and ufos. Step out of the box and into a coffee meet up. Monthly meetings. Phone Dan 022 462 3316

Te Puke Mah Jong Lyceum Club rooms 8 Palmer Pl. 12.45 -4.00 pm Convenor 027 430 6383

Women’s Book Group We are a group of women who enjoy reading books and of course each others company, 68 1st Avenue, 1st Thursday each month at 1pm. Jean 021 821 540

Womens Singing Group We are a group of women who enjoy singing together. Learners very welcome. Starts February 13th on Thursday 10am, 68 1st Avenue Tauranga.

Ann 027 280 3510

Friday 10 April

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Friday at Pāpāmoa Library 1-2:30pm.

Cards 500 & Rummikub Senior Citizens Club Te Puke 8 Palmer Place Lyceum Club 12.45-3pm. Come and have some fun Afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Ph Brenda 027 229 6992 Papamoa Indoor Bowls New members welcome at our

friendly daytime indoor bowls club. Papamoa Sports Centre Gordon Spratt Park. 11.45am to 3pm. Contact Neal 027 544 5460.

RAeS BOP Branch meeting Join our organisation for monthly presentations on various aviation matters. At Classic Flyers Museum from 6.00pm, and supper provided.

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters Every 2nd & 4th Friday at 10am. Tauranga Art & Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth St. Contact: taurangaquilters@gmail.com

Te Puke Knit Natter Every Friday 10am to 12pm At

Te Puke Library Bring your knitting or crocheting. All welcome. Enquiries to Moureen 022 584 1636

The Weekend Sun

Thursday 2 April 2026

21

Churches Active In Our Community

Th his Easter know n th hat hope is stilll possible Easter is a celeebration full of life.

It’s an announ ncement that hope is not buried, th hat love has the final word, and th hat new beginnings are alw ways possible.

It’s a time when peeople gather, share kai (food), enjoy the lasst warmth of autumn, and look ahead with a reenewed sense of possibilityy.

And yet, this yearr, Easter arrives in a world that feels heavy vy. y Across the globe, conflict continues, commun nities are displaced, and many are living witth deep uncertainty.

Closer to home, thee rising cost of living, housing pressures, and the ongoing impacts

of extreme weather events are being felt by many. It can feel, at times, like the weight of the world is hard to carry.

One of the things that continually pulls me back to a faith in God, in the midst of all this, is that my faith doesn’t ignore those realities. It doesn’t pretend everything is fine or rush past the pain. Instead, it meets us there and insists that even there, hope is still possible.

Easter reminds us that darkness doesn’t get the final word. That even in the midst of uncertainty and struggle, something new can begin.

In our own communities, that hope can take a simple, practical shape: checking in

on a neighbour, sharing what we have, choosing compassion when it would be easier to turn away. These small acts matter. They are how hope becomes visible.

This Easter, even in a complicated and uncertain time, may we find moments of joy, hold tightly to hope, and be part of building a more compassionate Aotearoa together.

John Carr, Western Bay of Plenty Parish Circuit Minister for Wesley, St. Stephens and Te Puke

Expanding compassion and love in a decisive way, while participating in a much older and universal current of divine compassion that belongs to all humanityy.

The impulse to love and care for strangers is wide, ancient and not exclusive to any single religious tradition.

Many spiritual paths taught universal compassion.

In Judaism is the command to love the sojourner, in Buddhist karunā . is to care for all beings. In Hindu and Vedic teachings, the message is to see the whole world as one family (vasudhaiva kutumbakam); and Confucian and Taoist . traditions emphasise harmony, humility and living in accordance with the Tao in ways that nurture life and avoid harm.

In Zoroastrianism, an ancient monotheistic tradition, the ethical ideal of ‘Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds’ grounds moral responsibility toward others as part of humanity’s participation in truth against falsehood and cruelty, weaving care for others into a cosmic insight transcending tribe and self-interest.

The teachings of Jesus profoundly shaped the moral fibre of the Western world, especially in expanding compassion beyond family, tribe, and nation to include the poor, the marginalised, and even the enemy. Christianityy played a decisive role in embedding care for the stranger into Western institutions, culture, and conscience.

From an interfaith perspective, Jesus can be perceived not as originator of compassion

Bhadra Dasi Reid, Tauranga Moana Interf rfaith f Council

for strangers, but as one of humanity’s great emb bod diments and d transmiitters off a tiimelless, diviine ethic of love – a love that has flowed through many cultures and revelations, each expressing it in its own language and historical context.

In that sense, Jesus helped transform the West

St Peter’s, 15 Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui

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

Messianic Family No meeting 4 April at Lifezone over Passover Appointed Time Leaven Free Week

021 768 043

Holy Thursday / Mass of the Lords Supper Thursday 2 April

Enquiries 022 632 5957

7pm St Mary Immaculate (After the Mass Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until 10pm) Reconciliation: 9-10pm St Mary Immaculate

3pm Veneration of the Cross St Joseph’s, Te Puna 3pm Veneration of the Cross St Mary Immaculate

Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday:

Saturday 4 April 7pm Vigil St Mary Immaculate (No mass at Omokorroa) 9am Stations of the Cross, St Joseph’s, Te Puna Sunday 5 April 8am St Mary Immaculatee 11am Stations of the Cross 9am St Therese Bethlehem St Mary Immaculate 10.30am St Mary Immaculate

Good Friday 3 April

St Joseph’s: 10 Pitua Rd, Te Puna St Therese: 217 Bethlehem Rd, Bethlehem SMI: St Mary Immaculate, 114 Elizabeth St

St John’s

Anglican Church

CHURCH

Services for Holy Week and Easter

LIVING WELL PAPAMOA

Good Friday 9.30 am Prayer Vigil

EVERY SUNDAY

Holy Saturday 7.00 pm Service of Light and Word and Eucharist

SUNDAYS 3PM

Easter Day 9.30 am Holy Eucharist

A NEW LIFE CHURCH

la tyb

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

94 Bureta Road, Otumoetai

GRAVATT ROAD

BETH - EL

Catholic Parish EASTER SERVICES The of St Thomas Aquinas

YOU ARE INVITED TO

PAPAMOA COMMUNITY CENTRE

Family

Cnr Macvillle Rd & Dee St, Friendly, Mt Maunganui. Phone 575 9347 All www.mountchurch.org.nz Welcome Rev Douglas Bradley Good Friday 3rd April - 10am; Sunday 5th April - 10am

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

Holy Saturday Midday prayer Easter Sunday 9:30 am Holy Eucharist with Service of Light & renewal of Baptismal vows

30 Evans Road Phone 027 276 6868 www.evansroadchurch.org Good Friday Service - 9.30am; Easter Sunday Service - 10.00am

Shalom

Service: 10.30am Saturdays

Anglican Parish of Mount Maunganui Good Friday 2:00 pm Walk the Stations of the Cross 7:30 pm Stabat Mater concert

Churches

EVANS RD COMMUNITY CHURCH, PAPAMOA

ST ANDREWS

HOLY WEEK

Maundy Thursday Midday Prayer 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Foot-washing

Tauranga

All welcome

MAUNDY THURSDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE 2 APRIL 7PM GOOD FRIDAY REFLECTIVE SERVICE 3 APRIL 3PM EASTER SUNDAY COMMUNION SERVICE 5 APRIL 9.30AM

Thursday 2 April 2026

The Weekend Sun

22

CLASSIFIEDSECTION

PH: 07 578 0030 EMAIL: ads@thesun.co.nz

Pages can be viewed online at www.theweekendsun.co.nz

trades & services

• Headboards • Custom Indoor & Outdoor Squabs • Upholstery, Restoration & Repairs 995 Cameron Road, Gate Pa, Tauranga 07 578 4110 • info@theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz

www.theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz

Interior and Exterior Residential/Commercial Free quotes. Phone Stewart

Experienced Big or small jobs

PH: Geoff 021 148 8344 or 07 544 1205 geoff.triwest@gmail.com

ITS EARTHMOVING LTD

High Quality Work Cost Effective Solutions

• Tiny Homes • Gib Stopping • Renovations • Concreting • Decks • Plastering • Tiling • New Builds

30+ Years Experience Phone Danny 022 515 2477

Bobcat and Excavator Services • Power Raking • Auger Drilling • Drainage and Septic Tanks Backflow Device Install & Testing

For all your Landscaping & Earthmoving requirements.

- Bathrooms - Floors - Kitchens - Walls

NEED A PROPERTTY MANAGER?

PHONE: 07 575 0773

We are a boutique company, that’s why we do a fantastic job!

We take the stress out of property management!

7% +gst ONE FLAT FEE, NO HIDDEN CHARGES

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info@yellowbrick.co.nz yellowbrick.co.nz

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Roof need painting?

Class A & Class B Certified

Safe & professional asbestos removal for domestic and commercial buildings

Visit our Showroom - 119 Newton Street, Mt. www.premiereshowers.co.nz

DECORATING

& All Building Services

• Bathroom & Kitchens • Paint & Paper Interior Plastering • Tiling

30+ years in the business QUALITY BUILDING SERVICES For a FREE quote call Lindsay or Jan today 575 7474 or 0274 735 369

021 1964 694

HEAT PUMPS & AIR CONDITIONING ����������� ������

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PLUMBER • Bathroom Renovations • General Plumbing Repairs • Full Shower Replacements • Baths, Vanities,Toilets • Mains Pressure Hot Water • Gas Hot Water • Free Quotes

kevsplumbingltd.co.nz

KEV’S PLUMBING LTD 027 646 0223 OR 0800 427 933

IALIZ

BOP

WIDE

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Same day install!!

BOP Wide | 0800 ARPLUS | www.arplus.nz

EC

ED

Tauranga local business with 30 years experience.

Bathroom Renovations Shower replacements Frameless Glass Showers Showers Manufactured in the Mount Expert Team - installers, builders etc

WE DO THE LOT!

Call or text Dallas for a free, no obligation quote:

Asbestos Removal

021 990 104

Specialising in: • Exterior & Interior Painting & Plastering • Repaints • Roof Paints

IN TIN

S2313

Over 30 Years Experience For a Competitive Quote, Phone Kevin

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Builder

BUILDER S2231cb

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The Weekend Sun

public notices

trades & services

funeral services

Tauranga Senior CitizensAGMClub Inc. ������ ������� ���������������������� ������ ������ � ������� ����� ��� ��� ����

Thursday 2 April 2026

23

Mike Savage

Celebrant and Funeral Care

For Sale

To be held on the 8th May 2026 at 1.30pm at the Tauranga Senior Citizens Club Inc.

BROIL King BBQ, 5 burner complete with gas bottle and cover. Needs one new caster. $150. Urgent removal. $50 will go to Cancer Society.

Phone 07 282 9206

Gardening & Landscaping

Headstone and Mem

al

Certified Funeral Director with 3 experience, including 24 years Lived in Tauranga for 53 years.

Independent Marriage Celebra ant

My Privilege To Care For You u

022 155 7204 mikes53@outlook.co

www.mikesavagecelebrant.

A1 HANDYMAN SERVICES waterblasting, painting, gib repairs, section tidy ups, fence & gate repairs, carpentry, gardening.

Affordable rates. Ph Phil 027 655 4265.

REMEMBER YOUR LOVED ONES IN A SPECIAL WAY THIS ANZAC DAY

LANDSCAPE GARDENER

Experienced, efficient, knowledgeable and highly qualified.

Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lawns, tree work, garden renovations; design and plant.

On Friday 24th April in The Weekend Sun, we will be publishing a special remembrance column in our Family Notices section, to honour & remember our loved ones.

Ph Ben 021 133 1857

At a difficult time, know that you won’t pay a fortune for you and your loved one to be looked after with dignity and respect.

Qualified & Experienced Funeral Directors Affordable Farewell Plans Tailored To Your Family’s Needs

07 282 7922 or 0800 777 433 info@baycremationcare.kiwi.nz baycremationcare.kiwi.nz

bellissimolandscapes@hotmail.com

Livestock & Poultry

For only $45 you will receive your own personal remembrance notice.

Other sizes available on request.

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

Lost and Found

LOST Car Cover, silver with green reflection tape. Lost in the Brookfield area. Phone 027 6056 401.

Public Notices

WORLD OF WEARABLE ART Tour – Oct 3–6. Travel by train to Wellington, Platinum WOW seats & coach included.

Call Zealandier Tours 572 4118 for full itinerary.

To place your notice email us at classifiedsbop@nzme.co.nz or Phone 07 577 7770

FUNERAL SERVICES Caring for our Community since 1909

“Small Enough To Care”

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

deaths

computers

DENTON, Beryl.

Passed away peacefully on the 28th March 2026.

Beloved wife of the late Jim. Beloved Mother to Greg and Gill, and proud Grandmother. A talented craft and textile artist.

According to Beryl’s wishes a private cremation has taken place. Messages may be sent to the Denton family, c/- Hope Family Funerals, 2A Loop Road, RD 6, Tauranga 3176 or on hopefunerals.co.nz.

Computer Services Business or Residential Windows or Apple Mac New Computers / Laptops Repairs & Upgrades Phones & Mobile devices Wi-Fi and Printers

We come to you!

(07)2621000 Tauranga 927 Cameron Road www.silverservice.co.nz

recently departed

PRINGLE, James Scott. (Jim) On 17 March 2026, Jim passed away peacefully at Tauranga Hospital aged 97 years.

Dearly loved husband of Margaret and loved father of Doug, Glenda and his extended family.

“Rejoice , Jim has gone home”.

An intimate farewell with family and close friends, was held at Legacy funerals, Gate Pa onFriday 20 March.

In lieu of flowers, donations to National Heart Foundation would be appreciated and may be left at https://www. heartfoundation.org.nz/ Communications to the Jim Pringle Family, C/- Legacy Funerals, PO Box 3136, Tauranga 3142.

Please remember us in your Will and leave a legacy of hope

Phone 07 578 4009

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

THANK YOU!

Wanted to Rent

HOUSE/APARTMENT, 2 bdrm, close to city & long term, very responsible couple. Phone 07 578 3668.

LOOKING for land in suburban Tauranga for an 8mtr modern self contained caravan, for 1 person. Will pay upto $300pw. Ph 020 4333 005.

*Notice includes image of poppy (as per example) and up to 7 lines of text.

public notices

Click on Funeral Notices

When there is a Will, there is a way to help life live on.

For more information breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/bequests 0800 902 732

cars wanted

We are seeking any descendants or relatives of the following individuals: Name

Date of birth

Date of death Age at death

Mr Michael McIvor

1852

28/12/1882

30

Mr Jean Rival (Also known as Frenchy)

1857

30/09/1884

27

Mrs Catherine Mary Overington

25/06/1863

01/01/1885

21

Mr Joseph Kinsley (Kensely)

28/10/1831

08/04/1896

66

We are carrying out some historical record checks relating to historic graves.

If you are familiar with any of the above individuals, please contact the Cemetery Supervisor at Tauranga City Council on 07 577 7000

www.tauranga.govt.nz

0800 53 00 00

www.sunlive.co.nz

Leaving a gift to BCFNZ in your Will can make a real difference.

CEMETERIES NOTICE

Tauranga City Council, 21 Devonport Road Private Bag 12022, Tauranga, Telephone 07 577 7000

For more information call

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OPEN weekda ys 10-3

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15A Brighton Way - $510,000

Outdoor Activities • Bowls • Golf Croquet • Petanque • Walking Group • Garden Club • Golf driving range Indoor Activities

This lovely North facing townhouse has one bedroom and one bathroom, and a lovely sunny pa o with a glimpse of the Mount.

It has generous storage, heatpumps in both the lounge and bedroom, and is in easy walking distance to the Lodge, Pool and Main Facili es. At $510,000 it is not to be missed.

20 Cumberworth – $520,000

• Mahjong • Rumi Kub • Scrabble, Bridge • Darts • Line Dancing • Pool & Snooker • Knit and Na er • Pool, Spas and Gym • Art room, Cra s • Movie Theatre • Choir If you’re thinking of a change in lifestyle - Althorp Village has it all!

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It catches lots of sun and has a lovely pa o where you can sit with a cup of tea, read or just watch the world go by !

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Closed over Easter or call Claire for an appt 021 061 7247

For more info contact Claire Keen on 07 543 4008 or 021 061 7247.

9 Grantston Drive, Pyes Pa, Tauranga, Bay of Plenty. www.althorpvillage.co.nz