The Weekend Sun - 17 April 2026

Time to ride

Tauranga’s edition of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is on next month – and will happen the same day globally – on May 17.

Hence, co-organiser of the Tauranga ride, Darren Leggatt, is putting the call out to all Bay of Plenty bikies that it’s time to register

to ride! He wants riders and spectators alike to get involved in one of the world’s most stylish charity motorcycle events – the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

The ride raises funds and awareness for men ’ s mental health – suicide prevention and prostate cancer research – by

participants registering online with a $15 donation prior to the event.

Riders are encouraged to raise further funds for the cause beforehand the event too

The ride itself is a visual spectacle, with riders often seen in tweed suits, silk vests and bow ties on wheels from vintage

machines to modern classics – including scooters and sidecars.

“It’s about getting out there, looking sharp, and supporting something that really matters, ” Leggatt said.

Find out more on page 10

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

‘So the Sun clock story wins’

Vindicated! Thank you Noah

You proved me right

And that’s worth sharing because it hasn’t happened since ’73 when wearing hip-hugging bell bottom trousers, I accurately predicted the sun would come up

Last week, it seems, Page 2 slighted a whole generation of young people for their inability, or unwillingness, to

understand analogue clocks.

A UK teachers’ union had claimed some schools were dropping big and little hands, and faces, in preference for digital displays Because they’re easier They tell you the time You don’t have to work it out Fair enoough Yes, 3 50 is easier to grasp than 17 7 minutes to the hour of four

have to accept analogue clocks are becoming an anachronism Maybe it’s time for analogue timepieces to take a timeless time out

More bouquets

“Well, teach them” shrieked the analog cop “Isn’t that what they go to school for?”

Not Noah it seems U Uh-uh!

Noah was under orders to have family pooch at Canine Clubhouse – one of those dog day care outfits – by 10am That’s 10 o ’clock for generation Alphas Dog daycares u used to be called kennels until t they were given cutesy names and owners charged four times as much. How did dogs fill their days before daycares?

Ten to?

“KKia ora Hunter” wrote Angela Normally people only message when they’re peeveed And if one persson takes time to write and bitch, it can be extrapolated to indicate you have offended 200 others. But this time I could smell the sweet smell of poositivity, so I read on

“I really appreciated your recent editorial describing your encounter with the man in the doorway”

To keep things on track, Dad phones Noah from work first thing and asks, “What time do you plan to get out of bed to take the dog to dog-care?”

“Ten to, ” replies Noah.

Dad goes berserk “Ten to? It’s a 20-minute trip Noah, and dog-care closes for acceptances right on 10 You won ’ t get there in time ”

Noah remains calm, because ‘Noahs’ are historically calm And patient After all, it took his namesake about 120 years to build a boat Noah explains to Dad it actually gives him 30 minutes to get there

“How do you figure that?” asks an exasperated Dad

“Well, I’m getting up at 10 to 9 30 And it only takes me 10 minutes to get ready So I will have half an hour to get there ”

A homeless man – bedded down in a shop doorway He had surrendered to the cold and peed himself – a stream of which had trickled across the pavement Lovely!

It wasn ’ t difficult engaging with him – his circumstances might have been challenging but he was pleasant, polite and not unlikeable

Not so for a colleague though “I’m feeling disillusioned I’m downtown, minding my own business, when a homeless soul approached me rudely for money I said, ‘Sorry mate ’ ‘Well f**k you then,’ he spat at me Nice! Anyway the view across the harbour is uplifting at least.”

I don’t sanction that behaviour, but I also don’t think being rude and aggressive only comes with homelessness And being kind and understanding is easier than being homeless

Happy ‘bloody’ Christmas

The page ’ s industrial strength moan about post shops in Tauranga being given a terminal diagnosis prompted a story about Christmas cards, which, in their heyday, doubled mail volumes A colleague’s mother had a notebook of peopple she exchanged Christmas cards with And if she d didn’t get a card from Aunty Dolly, then Aunty Dolly waas struck off No card next year Ouch! May all your days be merry and bright!

Ten to 9.30? What? We will pause while you process 10 to 9:30

“So the Sun clock story wins,” an exasperated Dad told The Weekend Sun

Ten to 9 30 just seems to complicate something very simple But we might

Angela continued: “It was a wonderful way to humanise a siituation where many people would have looked away Hearing the reeason for the mess was truly haardhitting and exposed the pain of sleeping outside The way youur attitude transitioned d from judgement to compassion and friendliness towards the person was impactful And good d on you for shouting him a pie and a Chai Bless you for your kindness and for sharing this experiennce with The Weekend S Sun readers

Ngā mihi, Angela”

Oh, the warm glow w of praise! Sometimes, juust sometimes, nice thinngs happen Thank you A Angela

When she received a card, it was rated – a red tick for an expensive card and the sender got one of equivalent value baack A ho-hum one got a blue tick and an equally boring one was returned, and a crap one Oh the spirit of giving a and forgiving Christtmas cards were strung prominently above the fireplace, the number could be consstrued as a measure of your popularity ‘Mother’ would ensure her standing by bulking her display with cards from lasst year

Urgent curtain callout from city’s Red Cross

The Tauranga branch of the New Zealand Red Cross is calling on the community to donate preloved curtains, as its curtain bank faces a shortage.

Branch president Rick Hopcroft said the initiative, which provides warm curtains to vulnerable households across the Western Bay of Plenty, relies heavily on public generosity

“The Red Cross Tauranga curtain bank needs more curtain donations,” he said. “The curtain bank relies on donations from the public and local businesses, and right now our supply is running low”

The curtain bank plays a vital role in helping families stay warm and healthy during colder months

Donated curtains are cleaned, repaired, resized and relined by a dedicated team of volunteers before being distributed to those in need.

“A small but dedicated team of volunteers generously contribute their time and skills to repair, cut to size, and reline donated curtains, or make new warm curtains,” Hopcroft said. “These are then given

to people in need in the Western Bay of Plenty” Hopcroft said donating unused curtains is a simple way to make a meaningful difference.

“If you have preloved or unused curtains that are in good condition, donating them to our curtain bank is a great way to make sure they find a new home with a family or individual that really needs them.”

The team is particularly seeking long curtains. Donations should be clean, dry, free of mould, and without holes. Thermally lined curtains are preferred, though good-quality unlined curtains are also accepted Items such as roman blinds, net curtains and curtain tracks cannot be accepted

Curtains can be dropped off at the Red Cross Western Bay of Plenty Service Centre at 245 Chadwick Rd, Greerton, or at Red Cross shops at 199 Chadwick Rd and 272 Maunganui Rd during opening hours.

“Make sure to let the team know they’re a donation for the curtain bank,” Hopcroft said.

For those with questions about donating curtains, email: midland.area@redcross.org.nz or call 0800 Red Cross (0800 733 27677) Rosalie Liddle

Mount Maunganui’s Salisbury Wharf has been temporarily closed after structural issues requiring major repair work were identified

According to the Tauranga City Council website, Salisbury Wharf would be closed for up to 10 weeks while the council carries out structural repairs following an inspection that flagged safety concerns

The works involve the removal and replacement of key structural elements, including piles, joists and bearers that were found in poor condition during assessments

Repairs began Monday and were expected to take eight to 10 weeks to complete, the council’s website said

During this period, Salisbury Wharf would be closed to ensure public safety while construction was carried out Council said parking spaces in the nearby carpark would also be temporarily fenced off during concrete pours To minimise disruption, alternative access points have been provided, including Beacon Wharf pontoon at 50 Dive Crescent, The Strand middle pontoon, and The Strand south pontoon, the council said The Pilot Bay boat ramp at the base of Mauao remains closed indefinitely as geotechnical engineers continue to assess ongoing slip hazards in the area

Ci zens Advice Bureau 1/367 Cameron Road, Tauranga • Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Phone: 07 578 1592 • tauranga@cab.org.nz www cab org nz Te Pou Whakawhirinaki o Tauranga

Finding peace after the late shift

At 12:03am, Donna lies in bed staring at the ceiling. She got home from her shift 18 minutes ago. Straight into pyjamas. Lights off. Everything signals it’s time to sleep.

Except her mind is still in the staff room, replaying conversations with patients, wondering if she made the right calls.

“My body’s home,” the 52-year-old mental health social worker explains. “But my brain is still at work.”

After 25 years in the field, Donna had earned the right to be excellent at her job. But after three hours of broken sleep, she was dragging herself through shifts. When she wasn ’ t working, you’d usually find her walking, reading, or watching her grandson playing soccer.

Then the sleep problems crept in. First she’d lie awake for 30 minutes after late shifts. Then an hour. Before long, she was watching entire hours tick past.

“Most people finish at 5pm and go to bed at 10pm,” she explains. “That’s five hours to decompress. I was giving myself 15 minutes.” The mornings were brutal. “I’d roll out of bed still exhausted Groping my way around and trying to wake up Except I hadn’t really even been asleep”

Her grandson would ask her to watch his soccer matches She’d nod and then she would spend the match fighting to keep her eyes open

The moment that crystallised everything: he scored his first goal of the season The other parents were cheering Donna jolted awake, realising she’d missed it

“Did you see it, Nana?” he asked

“Of course, ” she lied He looked at her “You were asleep, weren ’ t you?”

He was seven He shouldn’t have to track when his grandmother was too exhausted to watch him play

Then her sister mentioned Koru Sleep, a natural supplement made in New Zealand

Donna was sceptical “Working in mental health, I’d seen every miracle cure marketed to exhausted healthcare workers I thought, ‘Another one promising the earth ’”

But she tried it Two capsules when she got home, then 30 minutes to decompress before bed

“I expected to lie there for two hours like usual,” she says “But within 20 minutes, something felt different Not knocked out but just settled Like my nervous system finally got

the message that work was over ”

The blend of passionflower, magnesium and valerian seemed to work with her body rather than against it

Within a week, she was falling asleep in 20 to 30 minutes, not hours But the real difference was the mornings

“I wasn ’ t groping my way to the kettle anymore I’d wake up feeling like I’d actually slept”

The real test came at her grandson’s next match Donna watched the full 60 minutes and saw every moment of his two goals

“You saw them both, Nana!” he beamed “Every second,” she said And she meant it

“I can be present for my clients, present for my grandson, present for my own life I am so happy to have my life back”

Crawford

Red Cross Curtain Bank volunteers Jamie Cameron and Dot Hodgson

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Funding means step forward for Mount multisport centre

A “major step ” forward for indoor sport in the Bay of Plenty has been reached, with $5 million committed to a new multi-purpose community centre.

TECT Community Trust (TECT) confirmed the grant toward a badminton and multisport community centre in Mount Maunganui this month.

A further $5m was committed toward a Cancer Lodge to be built in central Tauranga.

The funding was part of TECT’s annual distribution plan announced April 1 and was the largest annual funding commitment in TECT’s history, distributing more than $39 million. The multisport community centre is expected to provide a purpose-built, multiuse space for badminton and other indoor sports to “unlock the opportunity” for growth.

Bay of Plenty Badminton general manager of community and development Delwyn Cooper first pitched the facility to Tauranga City Council in 2008.

“For more than 15 years, I’ve been working toward the vision of a purpose-built badminton facility in Tauranga because I know what it can mean for our community”

Cooper said there were limited courts for badminton to hire, and it was always competing

with other sports for court time.

“Everyone wants the facilities at the same time,” she said “The other issue is that with the facilities that we do use, a combination of school gyms and council facilities, we often are kicked out when other events take place ”

Cooper said clubs were at capacity. “We are constantly worried about being able to offer a great experience for the players we currently have – we don’t want to lose them due to not being able to play badminton as much as they want to ”

She said a new facility would give the consistency of court time for local clubs and the community

The centre will have 16 badminton courts, or eight purpose-built badminton courts and two multisports courts, with timbersprung flooring accredited by the International Basketball Federation and Badminton World Federation.

and be located on an elevated site at Tatua Reserve on Newton St

A render of the centre, which is expected to have 16 badminton courts, while the site will be about 7500sq m Images / Supplied

The whole site is 7500sq m, and is expected to have 53 carparks

The multicourt venue will accommodate basketball, netball, futsal, pickleball, and volleyball,

“It’s not only going to meet the current needs, but it will unlock the opportunity to advance badminton to a whole new level within the Tauranga region,” Cooper said She said the association had resource and building consent and was ready to go”, but needed more funding. Bay of

Plenty Badminton is seeking an additional $5 million in funding to progress the project, and discussions were underway with a potential contributor for a further $3 million

Cooper said local clubs had played a significant role in advancing the project so far

“They’ve helped fund all the feasibility in a big chunk of the business case; they’ve been saving, and put money towards resource consent and building consent ”

The facility will also support the Aims Games, where badminton participation grew

from 325 players in 2024 to 361 in 2025. Bay of Plenty Badminton chairman Graeme Neilson said the TECT funding decision was a “major step ” forward for local indoor sport

In a statement, Nielson said the community had been asking for more indoor court space for a long time

“This funding brings a purposebuilt, multi-use facility much closer to reality and will support badminton, other indoor sports, and community connection while easing pressure on existing venues across Tauranga.”

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Bay of Plenty Badminton general manager of community and development Delwyn Cooper.

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New cancer patient lodge planned for Tauranga

The Cancer Society is planning to build a $30 million lodge in Tauranga providing free accommodation, meals and appointment transport for Bay of Plenty cancer patients.

The plan for a 40-room lodge near Tauranga Hospital, providing similar services to the organisation’s Lion’s Lodge in Hamilton, has been revealed after hitting a major funding milestone

In 2024, Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty chief executive Helen Carter spoke of its “mighty dream” to build a Tauranga facility, but said finding the right site was “like pulling a rabbit out of a hat”.

Carter said the lodge was needed because some Eastern Bay of Plenty cancer patients were “compromising” on treatments because of the costs and logistics of getting to Tauranga.

Carter this week told The Weekend Sun the project had gone from “ a long-held vision to a real and achievable goal and momentum”.

Foundational donation

She said the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT) had provided the Cancer Society with a $5m “foundational donation”, which had been “the catalyst” for the project’s momentum

“They have enabled us to send a very strong signal which is real, urgent, ready and they’ve really unlocked this project to move forward.”

Carter said community support had also raised $5m

“This is a $30m project, and we ’ ve now got a third of that ”

Carter said the site was “five minutes from the hospital” and looked forward to announcing the location after settlement.

The priority was now raising the $20m balance, and Carter urged community partners and philanthropists “ to help us complete this project”.

Her goal was to raise the balance this year and start construction early next year

The build was estimated to take between 18 months and two years.

“The clock is ticking the families need it today”

Transform care

Carter said a cancer diagnosis was a “relentless, unfolding pathway of physical, emotional, financial c challenges”

“Behind every appointment and every mile

travelled is a person and their whānau fighting ” Carter said the facility would “transform cancer care for the Bay”.

She said global research showed patient outcomes deteriorated the further they lived beyond 30 minutes from a treatment centre.

“It will make a huge difference to people and their wellbeing and their opportunity to not just survive cancer treatment but for us to support people to do as well as they possibly can..

“We want to ensure that everyone facing cancer in the Bay of Plenty can access treatment, is surrounded by support and is not alone.”

The facility would also benefit Rotorua cancer patients, particularly men receiving prostate cancer treatment in Tauranga.

Kawerau resident Julie Kelly said plans for the lodge were “absolutely wonderful”.

She had six-and-a-half weeks of daily radiation for rectal cancer in 2024 in Tauranga

The Cancer Society provided meals and hospital transport, while Health NZ’s National Travel Assistance Scheme paid for a motel in Greerton.

Grateful

The 63-year-old said she would not have been able to travel after treatment and was “grateful” she could stay in Tauranga.

Even putting the fuel crisis aside, ”not everyone has the money to travel all the time to g go back and forth”.

A TECT statement on April

The SPCA has made it easier for families to welcome a new animal into their home by launching its nationwide Clear the Shelters adoption campaign.

From April 13 to May 3, SPCA centres across the country will offer 50% off adoption fees, giving thousands of animals the chance to find loving homes before winter sets in With almost 4000 animals in SPCA care and more than 1000 ready for adoption, families are encouraged to visit their local centre and find a companion that fits perfectly into their lives.

The SPCA also asked the public to consider adopting one of its long stay residents –animals which, despite having plenty of love to give, have struggled to find a home. SPCA animal care head Selena Francisco said the SPCA reminded the public of the importance of responsible adoption, particularly during kitten season and at a time when puppies are frequently advertised

for free online “We know people can be tempted by ‘free’ kittens or puppies, but those animals are usually not desexed, microchipped, vaccinated or health checked

“When you adopt from SPCA, you ’ re choosing an animal who has been properly cared for, prepared for life as a pet, and supported by our dedicated staff and foster families It’s the responsible choice for both the animal and the adopter”

Every SPCA cat and dog adoption includes desexing, microchipping, vaccinations, a full health check and behaviour support.

Adopters also receive three months of free SPCA pet insurance, with Purina food vouchers and Pet Direct vouchers to help their new companion settle into their new home.

During the Clear the Shelters campaign, adoption fees will

1 confirmed its $5m funding for a new cancer lodge in Tauranga. This followed support for the project during community consultation on TECT’s 2026/2027 funding plans.

TECT chairman Mark Arundel said feedback showed strong support for the overall direction of TECT’s plan, particularly the need to address “longstanding gaps ” in community facility infrastructure.

Submissions supporting TECT funding the lodge said the facility would provide important support for patients having cancer treatment and benefit families in stressful situations.

Submissions arguing against the funding said it was “encroaching” on central government responsibilities, and the Cancer Society should fund the lodge.

Can you help?

Community partners and philanthropists interested in financially supporting the lodge project can contact Carter via the Cancer Society for more information. Megan Wilson

Cancer Society, Waikato/Bay of Plenty chief exxecutive Hellen Carter r Photos / Suppllied d

The Lions Cancer Lodge in Hamilton provides an example of what the Tauranga Lodge could resemble.

Fine feathers for new interchange

Artworks at the new Pāpāmoa East Interchange are helping to tell the stories of four iwi local to the area.

The new Pāpāmoa East Interchange was blessed in an official ceremony in lateMarch.

The site was blessed after a ribboncutting ceremony early on March 30, with local iwi, dignitaries, and those who worked on the project in attendance

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

Artists Jo’el Komene, Dean Flaveell and Noel McAllister worked together a as a team called Te Toi Takapū to create three design components for the interchange, which links the Tauraanga Eastern Link Toll Road/State Highhway 2 and local roads.

Komene said the project had been a good opportunity for iwi and Taurranga City Council to work together.

“It is quite significant for us as iwwi to see ourselves in our place.”

Pou, in the shape of two rau (featthers), stand 5m tall either side of the interchange entrance/exit

Named Rau Huia, Komene described the work as a “ contempoorary manifestation of the huia feather w which was worn in the pūtiki or top knot t which was a symbol of chieftainshiip”

The tips can be lit with different colours at night.

The wooden carvings flanking each

rau represent important ancestors from the four local iwi: Tūtānekai of Ngāti Whakaue, Takakopiri of Waitaha, Tatahau of Tapuika and Tamapahore of Ngā Pōtiki.

The bridge abutments have a pūhoro design representing speed, agility and movement. The design was used on traditional waka that travelled the Kaituna River and tattooed on the thighs of warrior chiefs

The bridge barriers have a tāniko design, a pattern used in weaving and cloaks to express stories, ideas and values important to the four iwi

The triangular design symbolises the mahinga kai (gardens), marae, pā sites, wāhi tapu (sacred sites) and urupā (cemetery) in the area.

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

Jo’el Komene in front of the bridge barriers that have a tāniko design, a pattern often seen on korowai bands worn by chiefs.

One of the rau on the Pāpāmoa East Interchange representing chieftainship, mana and stature

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She has a naturally quiet demeanour, making her perfect for families of all kinds She loves showing affecction and will quickly become a devoted member of the familly

Mellow greets people with quiet curiosity, not t chaos, and seems to know the world is best approached with gentle paws and a loving heart She’ll softly nuzzle you, rest her head on your lap, and wag her tail in quiet delight

Mellow thrives in calm environments She’s paatient with little hands, warm to big hearts and ready to beecome a forever friend

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Enrolment pop-ups and a community fund are just two ways the Electoral Commission will be supporting people to get enrolled in time for this year ’ s election, to be held November 7

The commission’s chief electoral officer Karl Le Quesne said a recent law change means voters need to be enrolled before advance voting starts in New Zealand “Make sure you ’ re enrolled at the address where you live by October 4 to get an EasyVote card, which will make voting faster,” Le Quesne said

The commission is undertaking a nationwide public information programme to get people enrolled, he said “There will be advertising, mailouts and community engagement to raise awareness about when you need to enrol and how to do it Starting in April, our engagement teams will be on the road providing mobile enrolment ‘ pop-ups ’ to reach eligible voters with a focus on regional and rural locations

“In September we’ll set up enrolment hubs as part of a final push to enrol people before October 4 There will be up to 10 hubs in the main centres, in areas of high population ”

New ways to enrol for General Election

The commission is also launching a Community Education Fund with up to $690,000 available to provide small grants to community-led groups focused on increasing enrolment uptake in their communities, especially in areas where the commission doesn’t have a presence “We want to continue to work with communities to create as many enrolment opportunities as possible and this fund will help us to expand our coverage, ” Le Quesne said “It makes sense for us to support community groups to help with this mahi [work] as they know their communities best ” Le Quesne said another initiative for 2026 is greater use of digital communications to contact voters “You’ll be seeing more emails and texts from the commission reminding you to enrol or update your details If we have your email address and phone number, it will help us keep in touch with you, ” he said People can enrol, check or update your details online at: vote nz or call freephone 0800 36 76 56 and ask for an enrolment form to be sent to them

Photos / Ayla Yeoman

Ayla Yemoan

Tauranga man in global mini golf comp final

A Tauranga father will represent New Zealand on the world stage for the first time in a sport typically played as family fun rather than elite competition.

James Goatley is turning a childhood dream into reality after earning a place in the 2026 World MiniGolf Federation (WMF) World Adventure Golf Tour Final.

The 46-year-old will join four other Kiwi players in Gloucester, United Kingdom, on May 1-2 to compete against some of the world’s best mini golfers. They will be competing for a prize fund of €7000 (EUR) and the world mini golf title.

“I’m not sure I could represent New Zealand in any other sport, ” he said with a laugh.

“As a child, I would have loved to represent New Zealand in a sport. I was always very sporty But it was the common tale of good at a lot of sports, but a master of none. ”

The underdogs

Goatley has been competing in the 2026 NZ Putting Tour throughout the year, sneaking into the top 40 and earning enough points to qualify for the WMF World Adventure Golf Tour Final in May

“It is much more competitive in Europe,” he said. “But New Zealand are always the underdogs.”

He will be playing alongside top Kiwi mini golfers, including Matt Ansley and Cameron Couper, who have achieved podium finishes before.

“I play against them regularly and have beaten them before,” Goatley said. “So if I can keep up with them here, then I should be ok over there.”

A 6-handicap golfer, Goatley said putting is usually the best part of his game.

“It often turns a bad day into a good one, ” he said.

‘Got

the hook’

His journey into elite mini golf began when taking his 7-year-old daughter to the New Zealand Mini Golf Open in Whitianga a few years ago He had decided to enter the family category and went on to win the amateur division “That’s where I got the hook ”

Goatley said the mini golf community was very inclusive in New Zealand.

“A lot of people think mini golf is just a bit of family fun. Some of us just take it a bit more seriously But it’s not PGA Tour golf ”

Goatley occasionally plays the Tauranga Mini Golf course at Memorial Park in preparation for big events, but said the Europe courses were a lot different.

“Here in NZ we play mini golf on artificial grass, but in Europe they play on a smoother surface,” he said. “I have to prepare for the Europeans to be a lot quicker”

His advice to others wanting to take up mini golf was to keep an eye out for New Zealand events and simply join in.

Finer skills, accuracy

“It’s one of those sports where it’s something a little bit different. Sports are often about being the strongest or fastest

But, mini golf is much more about your finer skills and accuracy ”

Goatley, who teaches at Bethlehem School, will be taking time off work to travel to the UK in May and thanked Bower Real Estate for helping to sponsor his trip

Bower Real Estate chief financial officer Dave Lathan said Goatley was an important part of the local community

“So, when the opportunity to support James in this exciting endeavour arrived, Bower jumped to assist with funding.

“At Bower we are a community focused agency with our Buddy up with Bower community help scheme that matches our agents to local community projects.”

James Goatley is turning a childhood dream into reality –playing elite mini golf on the world stage. Phhotos / Kelly OHara

City to host one combined civic service this Anzac Day

Tauranga will host one combined Anzac Day civic service this year, with Mount Maunganui not having its own for the first time.

There will be several dawn parades around the city on April 25, but Tauranga RSA’s will move to Memorial Park after it sold its Cameron Rd premises

The city’s civic service will also be held at Memorial Park, starting from 9.30am after the 6am dawn service.

Mount Maunganui’s dawn service will stay at its usual location – the Mount Maunganui Cenotaph on Marine Parade opposite Hopukiore (Mount Drury).

Tauranga RSA president Morton Anderson said the Cameron Rd premises were sold in February 2024 and the RSA vacated in February this year It currently had no site for services to be held.

“If we have a new site for Tauranga RSA by next year ’ s Anzac Day, the services will move to it – but if we don’t, it will carry on at Memorial Park.”

Reduce costs, planning

Anderson said holding a combined civic service reduced costs to both RSAs and the council. “It also means only one set of planning needed to be done, so it frees up a lot of people’s time.”

Anderson said dawn services were paid for by the host RSA, and the council contributed event support. Civic services were paid for by the council and run by the RSAs involved, he said.

This year ’ s civic service would run for about 45 minutes with a bigger parade of veterans, serving defence personnel and participating community groups.

“There are also more guest speakers and

more ceremony involved, so it takes a bit longer”

Mount Maunganui RSA president David Corin said the reason for the combined service was “ to try and streamline things”

“There’s a lot of work and funding that goes into these events, and with rising fuel costs at the moment, we want to have the planes up there flying in respect but we ’ ve got to watch the dollars we ’ re able to spend.”

All welcome

Corin said he wanted Mount residents to know that they would be welcome at the combined civic service at Memorial Park.

The 9.30am start time – 30 minutes later than usual – would allow time for people to get there.

Free park-and-ride services will operate for the Mount Maunganui Dawn Service and for both Memorial Park services, according to the council. A council statement said its work with the RSAs on the events reflected “ a shared commitment to honouring those who served and bringing the community together”.

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said Anzac Day was a time for communities to come together and reflect on the sacrifices of those who served to protect the freedoms we enjoy today

“It’s always incredibly moving to see current service personnel, veterans and their families standing alongside the wider community in remembrance.”

Particularly special

Drydale said this year ’ s civic service would be particularly special, “providing a meaningful opportunity for our local veteran community to come together at one

city event”. He encouraged the community to attend this or one of the many other Anzac Day services taking place across the city

Pāpāmoa’s Memorial Dawn Service would go head as usual at 6am at the Pāpāmoa Memorial in Stella Place beach carpark on Pāpāmoa Beach Rd.

The Pyes Pā Remembrance Service will be held 11am at Pyes Pā Cemetery

The Tauranga Moana Tumatauenga Anzac Commemorations begin 5.45am on Anzac Day at Ōpōpoti (Maungatapu) Marae, 25 Wikitoria St.

Western Bay services

In the Western Bay of Plenty district, Anzac Day services would take place at seven locations.

Dawn services will begin at 6am at Waihī Beach RSA, Tuapiro Marae at 24 Hikurangi

Rd, the Katikati War Memorial Hall and Ōmokoroa’s Rememberance Cairn in Gerald Crapp Historic Reserve.

Oropi will host a service at 10.30am at Oropi Memorial Hall and Community Centre.

Te Puke will host a civic parade at 9.50am and a 10am service at Te Puke War Memorial Hall.

At Waitangi, the dawn service will take place in front of the war memorial gates at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Matai at 6am, followed by (breakfast) at Moko Marae from 7am.

For more information on Western BOP’s Anzac Day services, visit: www.westernbay govt.nz/council/news-and-updates

For more details on Tauranga City’s Anzac Day services, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz/ news-and-events/events/anzac-day/serviceinformation

Tauranga RSA president Morton Anderson and Mount RSA vice president Judy Hallinan welcome everyone to the civic service on Anzac Day at Memorial Park. Photo / Kelly Ohara

Merle Cave

Tweed, torque and a touch of class

Tweed suits, polished boots and the low rumble of vintage engines will roll through Tauranga on May 17, as the city joins a global movement raising awareness for men ’ s health.

Tauranga’s edition of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride returns with co-organiser Darren Leggatt encouraging riders and spectators alike to get involved in one of the world’s most stylish charity motorcycle events.

“We keep the route a secret, but we will be in Bethlehem around lunchtime –about 11.30am – so people can come and have a look at the bikes,” Leggatt said.

While the full route remains under wraps, riders can expect a carefully planned journey through city streets, with safety a priority

“We tend to stay off the highways,” Leggatt said. “We’re riding in suits and stick mostly to lower speed zones. ”

The ride usually attracts 150-200 participants, with numbers previously peaking at 220, though rising costs may impact turnout this year

“With petrol prices and the cost of

everything, things are a bit tight,” he said. “But it’s still about supporting the cause. ”

That cause is central to the ride – which raises funds and awareness for men ’ s mental health – suicide prevention and prostate cancer research. Riders register online with a $15 donation and are encouraged to fundraise further funds for the cause.

Held globally the same day, the event sees tens of thousands of riders take to the streets in dapper attire. Founded in Sydney in 2012 by Mark Hawwa, it had grown into a worldwide phenomenon raising millions annually

Tauranga joined in 2015 with more than 50 riders and more than $9000 raised and had become an annual event.

The ride is also a visual spectacle, with participants visiting Tauranga Menswear and Bond & Co to embrace the theme in tweed suits, silk vests and bow ties – often with a Peaky Blinders flair

“We’ve had some fantastic outfits over the years, ” Leggatt said “And even a Jedi last year – still very dapper”

From vintage machines to modern classics, scooters and sidecars, the bikes are as varied as the riders.

Registration is essential via the official website, with ride details provided after signing up

“It’s about getting out there, looking sharp, and supporting something that really matters, ” Leggatt said Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Youthprogrammesurgedtoapply forgrants

Organisations supporting young people across the Katikati to Ōpōtiki coastal region are encouraged to apply for funding through the Bay of Plenty Education Trust’s Supplementary Grants scheme, with up to $75,000 available in 2026.

The scheme, introduced in 2021, provides financial support to groups working to empower and uplift youth in the wider Bay of Plenty Past recipients include ICONZ, the Graeme Dingle Foundation, Blue Light Ventures, House of Science, Arataki School, Big Buddy and the Youth Encounter programme.

Bay of Plenty Education Trust chairman Nick Earl said there’s no upper limit on how much an organisation can apply for, although historically the highest single grant had been $16,000.

He said the trust was keen to hear from new groups as well as previous applicants.

“We’re always open to considering agencies and organisations to support,

whether through sponsorship or in partnership with others,” Earl said “We encourage anyone who is making a difference for young people in our region to apply”

Applications are open until May 1 and can be submitted via email to: tom@ inghammora.co.nz.

There is no formal application form - applicants simply need to provide a covering letter or email outlining: - what their organisation does, - how the grant funding would be used, and

- how the application meets the criteria published on the trust ’ s website.

While best known for its annual Bay of Plenty scholarships for students entering tertiary education, the trust recognises that “ not all students choose to advance their education through tertiary studies”.

“Successful supplementary grant applicants are most often involved in empowering students to overcome life’s obstacles and teaching them tools to build resilience and improve themselves,” Earl said

Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride organisers Damian Fleming and Darren Leggatt. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Tattoo fundraiser supports youth mental health

Warning:Thisstory includes references to suicide andmental healthandmay bedistressing.

After great success at last year ’ s event, Ink for Impact is back and bigger than before.

Family-run Tauranga tattoo studio

UnderTongue Tattoo is hosting the fundraiser for Youth Central on Sunday, April 19, from 10am5pm at the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust’s base on 13th Ave. Studio co-owner Alysia Greaney said supporting Youth Central was a combination of two ideas she and co-owner Cheyne Tweeddale were passionate about: mental health and focusing on young people.

Largest dedicated

Youth Central, the home of Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust, was described as the largest dedicated youth development and community facility in New Zealand when it opened in 2022. “It’s a facility that helps young people feel supported, confident, and provides opportunities, support, community programmes, career pathways and educational pathways,” Greaney said. It includes a large gym, running track, boxing ring, commercial kitchen and dining area, presentation space, whānau area, meeting rooms, barber facilities, coffee bar and more. All proceeds from the Ink for Impact event would go directly to Youth Central. At the first Ink for Impact last year, Greaney and Tweeddale fundraised for mental

health charity Spark That Chat.

About 350 people attended and $4000 was raised. This year, Greaney had set her sights on reaching $5000.

Seven tattoo artists

The fundraiser’s set-up would be similar, with DJs, barbers, face painting and coffee trucks

There would be seven tattoo artists – four more than last year

The artists were Mayhem Ink, Paul Collier at Bohemian Tattoo, Tattooz by Muzza and Cheyne Tweeddale at UnderTongue Tattoo

Flash designs would be available for $ $100 or $150

Two barbers, including Brookfield’s Barber Spence, would offer cuts costing $20 for adults and $15

for kids. Two face painters would also be accepting donations for the fundraiser

All money raised from tattoos, barbers and face painting would go to Youth Central, with everyone donating their time. Local businesses had also donated to a raffle prize.

Open up

Bohemian Tattoo was sponsoring the artists’ tattoo equipment. Greaney said clients open up when being tattooed.“They’re sitting oneon-one with Cheyne for hours, so conversations do start. ”

because everyone suffers from some form of mental health challenge. It’s important to bring awareness and support to that ” Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust head coach and head facilitator Henry Fa’afili said about 260 tamariki (children) come through Youth Central each week.

He said chairman Craig Nees had a vision for a set-up for kids who need a bit of direction and purpose in life “It’s a safe space for kids to come and build confidence and help them towards pathways ”

M Most clients had multiple sessions, so personal relationships developed Greaney said she lost her brother to suicide in 2019, and she suffered from mental healt challenges

“I’m really passionate about he

The money raised would fund resources and equipment.

The UnderTongue Tattoo family pictured in 2025, from left Che Tweeddale, daughter Meilani, Alysia Greaney, son Healen, and daughter Aria. Photo / Brydie Thompson

Poppies with purpose

With red poppies on shop counters and in volunteers’ hands across the city, the community is being called on to support those who have served our country

ppy Day, today, 17, w Zealand Returned and Services ociation’s largest annual fundraiser, ping provide l support for wi veterans their ānau auranga RSA nager Sue rtin said more n 20,000 poppies been distributed oss the western side of city, reaching schools, inesses and rest homes

m Matua to Welcome , including Te Puna, hlehem and Tauriko We’ve gone to about

Poppy Day today April 17 is the New Asso help vital Kiw and whā Ta man Mar than had acro the c busi from Bay, Beth “W g 26 schools and more than 200 businesses and rest homes,” she said “The community is always incredibly

supportive ”

On Poppy Day, about 30 volunteers will be stationed at supermarkets, Tauranga Hospital and other key locations, collecting donations

Poppy Day 17 April

To donate to the RSA www.rsa org.nz/support-us/donate

“They’re out there giving their time to support veterans, which is just fantastic,” M i id

Martin said

New design

This year people may notice something different about the iconic red symbol

Alongside the traditiona poppy is a new design, featuring a small le positioned at 11 o ’clock –marking the Armistice signed at the 11th hour the 11th day of the 11th month, on November 11 1918

Tauranga RSA presiden Morton Anderson said the updated poppy is als biodegradable

biodegradable, reflecting a move toward more sustainable materials

“It’s still the same red poppy people

recognise, but with that added symbolism,” he said “It might take a little getting used to, but people are embracing it.”

Anderson said the poppy had long been associated with remembrance, originally tied to Armistice Day In New Zealand, however, its use became closely linked with Anzac Day after early shipments arrived too late for November 1921 commemorations.

“We’ve focused on it in the past around Anzac Day because that’s when we first received them, but we also wear them on Armistice Day,” Anderson said

“People do shifts of an hour-and-a-half to two hours, and we try to make sure everyone is comfortable, especially as many of our volunteers are retirees ”

In addition, 58 donation boxes have been placed on shop counters throughout the area

Despite the logistical challenges, Hallinan said the effort was well worth it.

“It’s only once a year, and it’s for a very good cause, ” she said “We really appreciate all the help we get from our volunteers and the generosity of the public ” Funds to veterans

Large volunteer effort

Mount RSA vice president Judy Hallinan is also coordinating a large volunteer effort, with about 70 people expected to take part in today’s street collections.

They will be stationed in pairs across roughly 12 locations throughout Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa.

“It’s a big undertaking,” Hallinan said

Funds raised through the Poppy Appeal go directly toward supporting veterans and their families, many of whom continue to live with the physical and mental impacts of their service

For more than a century, the RSA has stood alongside veterans in times of need, offering practical assistance, advocacy and care With no direct government funding, that support relies heavily on community donations

Each year, new veterans join their ranks – and the need remains ongoing “We sincerely appreciate every donation that comes in from the wider community,” Anderson said “The support from schools, businesses and individuals is just amazing.” Today, April 17, residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for volunteers, donate what they can, and wear a poppy with pride.

Tauranga RSA club manager Sue Martin with poppies to besold by volunteers on Poppy Day

Photos / Kelly O’Hara

The new poppy design with leaf

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Ōmokoroa couple celebrate 75 years of marriage

Ōmokoroa couple Ken and Frances Elphick celebrated 75 years of marriage this week.

Still living independently in their 90s, they attribute their long lives and marriage to their faith in God and living off the land.

Wendy Ive couldn’t find an anniversary card at her local book shop that celebrated 75 years of marriage to give to her parents “Not that many marriages last that long,” she said Ken and Frances Elphick, aged 98 and 95, were to mark their significant milestone on Tuesday surrounded by family, laughter, food, cake, and flowers at their Ōmokoroa home Ive, 72, their eldest daughter talked to NMZE on behalf of her parents, who are hard of hearing, from their second home, in Ngongotahā.

Tauranga 1951

After they married, the couple lived in Matamata and were sharemilking, Ive said

They bought their first farm on Paradise Valley Rd in Rotorua 72 years ago and moved there.

Ive said they milked cows twice a day

They also had sheep and deer

“Dad grew potatoes...he had a barn right on the top of Mt Ngongotahā... he baled hay, did silage. “[He] worked extremely hard. His hips were worn out before he was 40, I think ”

Ken was also an avid deer stalker, she said

God, land

Ive attributed their long lives to their faith in God and “they’ve eaten off the land”.

“We lived off meat that he would do himself the vege garden... the milk from the cows, hardly a thing was bought really from the shops. A healthy life.”

She said her mother made the “best” pavlovas and scones on the coal range.

Ive said her mother was born in Te Puke and her father in Hamilton

The couple met at Ken’s brother’s wedding in 1950 and married in 1951 in Tauranga, she said.

They have six children – Keith, Wendy, Heather, David, Joy, and Peter All are alive but Heather, who died from breast cancer about 13 years ago

They have 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and one greatgreat-grandchild

Her mother used to do the washing in a copper before using a wringer washing machine

“There were no automatic things in those days And you’d have to wring the clothes out by hand through the wringer

“Mum knitted, sewed, cooked, milked cows, did absolutely everything inside and out along with Dad

“Dad can do anything He can fix anything – he’s a master of all trades ” Ive said it was a “hard life”, but they had the “best days”.

Ive said her parents bought a kiwifruit and citrus orchard in Ōmokoroa about 40 years ago after they sold part of the Ngongotahā farm They sold the orchard when they retired.

Their secret

Ive said church had been a big part of their lives. They were Open Brethren and went to Roosevelt Road Bible Church in Western Heights.

Ive attributed their long marriage to their love for God

“In the Bible, we ’ re taught to overcome obstacles, to love one another, to put one another first, and the rewards are the great

respect you have for each other”

She said her parents were “blessed to still be around”.

“They’ve got their aches and pains, but who wouldn’t at that age?”

She said her parents lived independently, with some help from their children who did some cooking, groceries, and housework. They lived between their Ngongotahā and Ōmokoroa homes.

Asked what advice he would give to the younger generation to ensure a long life and marriage, Ken said, “To give their hearts and lives to the Lord. And work hard,” he said with a laugh

Megan Wilson

Ken and Frances Elphick on their wedding day on April 14, 1951. Photo / Supplied

Ken and Frances Elphick celebrated 75 years of marriage on April 14, 2026 Photo / Megan Wilson

When it comes to falls prevention, Berenice Langson is the person to talk to.

Three years ago, Langson began her role in the community engagement team at Hato Hone St John Western Bay of Plenty, where one of her first priorities was focusing on falls prevention in the Te Puke community With support from

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colleagues across the organisation, she set about organising her first session in a hands-on way – walking the main street of Te Puke and personally inviting people to attend. The response was more than she ever expected

On the morning of the session, Langson stood inside the Te Puke St John station as people continued to arrive, quickly filling the small space.

“If you saw the station, it’s

a little room. We had chairs on top of each other basically as people were cramming to get in,” Langson recalls.

The success of that first session led to falls prevention becoming an ongoing initiative, with several sessions scheduled throughout April

The St John programme had since been named April Falls – a month dedicated to raising awareness around fall prevention and helping people stay safe and confident in their own homes

For this month two sessions remain – in Katikati on April 21, and in Te Puke on April 29.

Langson said each session will include partners such as Sport Bay of Plenty, which offer practical advice on preventing falls and reducing risk at home.

strength and balance.”

“Participants are also guided through simple chair-based exercises that can be practised daily, including heel lifts to strengthen calf muscles, toe lifts to support the shins, and quadfocused exercises to improve leg

Guests are also invited to download the Nymbl app – a free app from ACC which helps participants continue with exercises at home.

“Everyone who attends leaves

with renewed confidence to take action for their own preventative health – and to encourage others to do the same, Langson said Find out more about St John’s Falls Prevention events by emailing: aprilfallsevents@stjohn org nz

A Tauranga woman hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast to raise vital funds for Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is encouraging others in the region to get involved.

Natarsha Jenkins, who works at BNZ Bayfair, is organising a fundraiser at the bank to raise awareness and support “We wanted to stand behind this cause because when you think about it, breast cancer touches every family in some way ” Jenkins said it might be a grandmother who always gave great hugs and made the best shortbread, a mum who was always there when you needed her, an aunty who made family gatherings brighter, a sister who you shared all your secrets with, a daughter whose future we want to protect or a best friend who has been alongside through every up and down life can throw

Create hope

Ribbon Breakfast is a meaningful way to support them, helping fund groundbreaking research, free patient services and early detection education, the foundation said.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ chief executive Ah-Leen Rayner said the flexibility of Pink Ribbon Breakfast means anyone can get involved.

“We know many households are feeling the pressures of rising living costs right now, but hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive ” Rayner said it can be as simple as a morning tea at home or work, or catch-up at your local cafe. What’s important is coming together, she said, because every effort counts.

Need more hosts!

“All of us at BNZ Bayfair are proud to stand behind this cause because when we support each other, we create hope, and hope is a powerful thing.”

Around 210 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year across the Bay of Plenty region, according to the Breast Cancer Foundation NZ. Hosting a Pink

“As a charity that doesn’t receive any government funding, we desperately need more hosts to make sure our programmes can continue supporting the thousands of Kiwi women who rely on them. Every dollar raised makes a massive difference – by hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, you ’ re turning coffee and conversation into something powerful.” Pink Ribbon Breakfast Day is May 21, but events can be held any time from March to June. For more information, visit pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz.

St John WBOP’s Berenice Langson has two Falls Prevention sessions, free for seniors, left this month. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Bay of Plenty women are urged to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast this May Photo / Supplied

Osteoarthritis is all about loss of cartilage, subsequent inflammation and changes to bone and joint structure.

Cartilage is a combination of living cells, the matrix they produce plus water These specialised cells are called chondrocytes, and their job is to secrete and maintain cartilage They repair small amounts of damage as it occurs

The result is pain and loss of mobility The ends of bones such as the femur are covered in tough, flexible articular cartilage. It may surprise that despite its tough appearance and texture, it is 80% water which acts like a shock absorber

“Change

Osteoarthritis starts when chondrocyte cells die causing cartilage to breakdown. While there are several things that can damage chondrocytes, in most cases these are a combination of free radical damage from insufficient antioxidants and biochemical changes caused by trauma to the joint. While the triggers vary, the outcome is chondrocyte death and cartilage loss.

The rise of influencers and social media skincare advice has become overwhelming.

Th The algorithm quickly learns what you engage with and feeds you more of the same, keeping you scrolling and spending But rarely is the focus on what actually delivers real, lasting results to your skin

In fact, trends are moving faster than your skin can respond But your skin is not a trend, it’s a living, breathing organ Effective skincare should work with your lifestyle, target your concerns,

Nutritional therapy can help, especially in reducing inflammation, slowing the rate of cartilage loss and improving the function of existing cartilage For example, therapeutic levels (800+ mg) of chondroitin can have significant effects on the health of chondrocytes and therefore cartilage protection and repair Glucosamine also helps maintain cartilage while curcumin from turmeric helps reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation

An ex-builder contacted me two years ago with significant knee pain from advanced osteoarthritis An orthopaedic specialist had recommended knee replacement. Two years on a personalised joint health programme, and he now has very little pain and no longer needs surgery 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 423 559 or email: john@abundant co nz Join his newsletter at: www abundant co nz

and fit within your budget. That level of personalisation simply isn’t possible through a screen. Trial-and-error skincare often leads to damaged barriers, sensitivity and wasted money Instead, trust professionals who can assess, treat and guide your skin with intention

Trends worth backing are simple and science-based: hydration, barrier repair and daily SPF Less is often more. Investing in a few high-quality, professionally recommended products will deliver better results and often cost less long term than constantly chasing viral ‘miracle’ products Also, be cautious of trends that involve over-exfoliating, using professional-grade products at home, or copying routines from influencers. You don’t see the full picture –including treatments and professional care behind the scenes.

Choose science over hype, and invest in a personalised approach to your skin At Tranquillo we offer a complimentary skin consult when you book one hour facial with us Let us take the guesswork out of your skin

the world by being yourself” – Amy Poehler

So often we think impact comes from becoming more impressive, more confident, or more like someone we admire. Yet real change tends to come from consistency, when who you are on the inside begins to match how you show up on the outside.

Being yourself isn’t about self-centredness, it’s about self-care and honesty When you bring your real temperament, story, limits, gifts, and longings into your world, you offer something no one else can bring For example, you might be naturally reflective and thoughtful – however, in group settings you feel pressure to speak quickly and

confidently like others Instead, allow yourself to speak more slowly and honestly when you do contribute Your quieter presence can create space for deeper listening in the group Authentic presence is not a personality trait – it is a practice It takes courage to stop editing yourself for approval The world doesn’t need another version of someone else – it needs the particular way you reflect truth, courage, compassion

Navy band to host free concert at Mount

The Royal New Zealand Navy Band is coming to town to perform pop hits from throughout the generations on Monday, April 20, via a free concert at Mount Maunganui

The concert, to be held outdoors at Te Papa o Nga Manu Porotakataka in the middle of the Mount, will be a pre-Anzac Day treat to the ears of passersby, the band’s leading musician Philip Wiley said

“Being a concert band, we play flute, clarinet, saxophones, French horns, euphonium, trumpets, trombones and tubas as well as percussion instruments and we have a rhythm section, with keyboards and bass guitars ”

Wiley said the Navy Band is a travelling band – and this trip would have 21 members, including 20 musicians and Lieutenant Left Commander Jan Peterson in charge.

“Defence diplomacy and community engagement is basically what we exist to do We’re the public face of the Navy and we get out and entertain communities regularly”

Wiley said the reason the band would play in Mount Maunganui is because they will be on their way to Whakatāne for a charter parade of a land-based Navy unit there “We’re going to do a parade through the streets there so we ’ re stopping off in Tauranga on the way ”

For the Mount concert the band will play pop music with a few marches mixed in “We try to play pop hits that people recognise and know – all the easy listening music ” The earliest music would be the old marches, Wiley said

Aching, cramping, itchy, restless or swollen legs?

Varicose veins may be causing these symptoms

Call to book an assessment with Dr Anuya to see what can be done non-surgically for your varicose or spider veins

“They would have been a pop hit, if you may, in the early 1900s ”

The band is based at the RNZ Navy base at Devonport in Auckland, but members are from all over Aotearoa, or New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, Wiley said “The youngest member is still 18 or 19 and our oldest is pushing 65 ”

Wiley said the Navy Band exists to provide musical

support to the RNZN, Defence Force and the Government for a range of ceremonial events and concerts around New Zealand

“We’re a full-time band, so we practice and perform regularly”

With the April 20 concert being held outside, those interested are advised to keep watch on the event ’ s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ events/34025033483807311 in case wet weather causes a cancellation.

Chief petty officer Michael Miller, from the Navy Band, performing the clarinet at a past concert.

Varicose veins – the options

There are several ways doctors can treat large varicose veins, said Cosmetic & Veins Clinic medical director Dr Anuya Deshpande.

“They can cut them out surgically, close them with heat, either from laser or radio frequency, or glue veins shut using surgical glue

“Smaller veins left after initial treatments are usually closed using injections of foam sclerosant. Spider veins can be treated with laser or intense pulsed light.”

However, not all veins treatments are equal, Dr Deshpande said “Surgery carries greater risk from the general anaesthetic, and has a greater recurrence rate.

“Vein treatment using surgical glue is relatively new and uncommon, with risks of deep vein thrombosis, heart issues, strokes, glue migration and allergic skin reactions ” Because international guidelines have heat ablation as the gold standard for varicose vein treatment, Tauranga’s Cosmetic & Veins Clinic uses Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) to close veins.

“It is virtually painless, has a lower complication rate, a higher closure rate and lower post-procedural inflammation,”

Dr Deshpande said Treatments are supervised every step by Dr Deshpande, who founded Cosmetic & Veins Clinic on Tenth Ave, central Tauranga

A fellow and board member of the

Dr Anuya Deshpande performing a non-surgiical variicose veiins procedure using RFA. Photo / Supplied

Australasian College of Phlebology (varicose vein treatment), Dr Deshpande carries out an initial medical consultation using ultrasound to diagnose the cause of symptoms in legs. She then explains treatment options to patients, and monitors progress across four-five post-procedural check-ups where she and her sonographer assess results and close any remaining leaky veins, and answer any questions.

Photo / Philip Wiley

Merle Cave

Next month will see the opening of The Thrill of Love, a gripping drama based on the true story of Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in Britain in 1955

With glamour and desperation set to light up the stage at Tauranga’s 16th Avenue Theatre commencing May 8, you can expect to be gripping the edge of your seat!

With an experienced cast, the play will be directed by Geraldine Broderick, who is no stranger to compelling British drama, having previously directed The Revlon Girl at 16th Avenue Theatre.

Broderick said The Thrill of Love explores Ruth Ellis’s tumultuous existence as a nightclub hostess in 1950s

London. Central to the story is her enthusiastic yet destructive relationship with racing driver

David Blakely, culminating in the tragic events that led to murder

The play combines noirinspired storytelling with emotional depth, delving into themes of love, obsession, and the harsh realities faced by women in a male-dominated world, Broderick said

“The audience can expect to be immersed in a world where glamour and desperation exist side by side. They will be invited to ponder issues of justice, empathy, and the true cost of love.”

The narrative intricately unravels the complexities of Ruth’s choices and the societal pressures that

Gripping drama on city stage in May

influenced her faate.

Thanks to Brodderick’s keen eye for character--driven storytelling and h her ability to elicit layered perfformances, this promises an emotionally powerful and thooughtprovoking produuction

The Thrill of Love will show at Tauranga’s 16th A Avenue Theatre from May 8-23. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www iticket.co.nz/evennts/2026/may/ the-thrill-of-love

Thanks to 16th h Ave Theatre, The Weekend Suun has one double pass to The Thrill of Love to give away to o one reader who can tell us if the show is based on a true storyy? Yes or No?

Bay of Plenty residents are encouraged to snap up tickets to two live music events at Totara Street this month, which will support those impacted by the deadly January 22 storm.

Hosted by Totara Street performance venue, both the Rock Warm Ups event on April 24 and The Mauao Landslide Fundraiser concert on April 26 will raise money for the Tauranga Mayoral Relief Fund.

Totara Street director Jay Munro said the Rock Warm Ups event will happen from 8pm to midnight next Friday, April 24, at the performance venue on Mount Maunganui’s Totara St – and The Mauao Landslide Fundraiser concert on April 26 from noon to 11pm at the same venue

Munro said Totara Street knew “ we wanted to do something” within a few days of the landslide.

“There’s a little bit of disbelief, and it’s still kind of hard to appreciate what went down. It’s the ones who died, their families, and the first responders I feel for the most. ”

Munro thanked the 100 artists and acts who volunteered for the gigs, but said only 28 could be selected.

To enter, visit: sunlive.co nz and click on the ‘ commpetitions’ tab Entries muust be in by Tuesday, A April 21

Live musicconcerts to support storm-impacted

Local acts such as Tiki Taane, Hollie Smith, No Reply, Dan Sharp, the Gunsmiths and more would play across the two-stage set-up. Munro said there would be special performances at both events.

Tiki Taane said he saw Totara Street’s Facebook post announcing the event, and he “jumped into their comments ” to volunteer

“We all want to help in some way and feel that providing our musical services while bringing the community together is the best way for us musicians to do that.”

Taane said the music community was feeling the sadness and grief around Mauao and the families who lost loved ones.

“Playing a few songs and helping out with the event is something us musicians can do easily, especially with the awesome support and infrastructure of the Totara Street team.

“Hopefully we can raise a few thousands of dollars while creating a healing space, full of great music and vibes.”

People can purchase tickets to the Rock Warm Ups and The Mauao Landslide Fundraiser events at: https://totara.flicket. co.nz/events

Bijou Johnson

d Kem Ormon

From left, Lauren Miller playing Doris Judd, Grace Gibson playing Vickie Martin, Lisa Lauder playing Ruth Ellis and Birgitte Clark playing Sylvia Shaw in The Thrill of Love. Photo / Pete Luxford

Kem Ormond

Tiki Taane will play at The Mauao Landslide Fundraiser at Totara Street this month. Photo / Alex Cairns

Thousands expected for annual duck race

Thousands of people are expected to line Tauranga’s waterfront when the Great Tauranga Duck Race annual fundraiser returns this Sunday.

Organised by the Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club, thousands of bright yellow rubber ducklings will be released into the water at The Strand Waterfront 11am on April 19, to race toward the finish line near the tidal steps opposite the Hairy Maclary statues.

The event, now in its ninth year, has become a much-loved fixture on the city’s community calendar with crowds gathering to cheer on the floating competitors

A real buzz

the biggest in the event ’ s history featuring “amazing” powered ducks navigating the course.

Last year the race raised more than

$37,000 for participating schools, the Life Education Trust and Tauranga Te Papa Rotary Club community projects

“We’re excited about the event, and the day will have a real buzz about it,” event organiser and Rotarian Alan Hitchcock said The day begins with the Corporate Duck Races at 10 30am and 10 45am, where businesses compete with large, decorated ducks representing their companies

This year organisers have introduced two corporate categories – motorised ducks and unpowered ducks – after an engineered entry from Page McCrae won last year

“Last year ’ s corporate race winners had their team cheering their duck on, and this year we have been very buoyed by the keen support of local businesses,” Hitchcock said.

He said this year ’ s corporate race will be

“Trimax Mowing Systems have two entries – one that was built from scratch by staff members in their own time using a 3D printer It will be worth coming to down to see it in action ” At 11am, 5000 numbered rubber ducklings will be released for the main race Each rubber duckling is linked to a $5 ticket, with prizes of $1000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third

Schools hawking tickets

Hitchcock said the event continued to raise funds for the community Local schools were selling many of the tickets as part of the fundraiser and keep 100% of the money from the ‘ducks’ they sell

“Local schools have used the funds they raised to build sunshades, purchase books, upgrade audiovisual equipment, and for school camps and gardens,” Hitchcock said

“Rotary funds go towards Rotary youth programmes, international projects, women and children’s wellbeing and other community projects ”

Hitchcock said the event was designed to be a fun day out for the whole community while supporting local causes

“We invite everyone young and old to come along and enjoy the morning “Harold the Giraffe from the Life Education Trust will be there along with a sausage sizzle and a coffee cart ”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

One revolution after another

When revolutions start it’s hard to know where they’re going to end

We’re currently in the early stages of the AI (Artificial Intelligence) revolution The music

world is going to change forever But then the whole world is changing because of AI – and there are upsides and downsides

The Washington Post has reported that Anthropic halted public release of the new Claude Mythos Preview, saying: “During our testing, we found that Mythos Preview is capable of identifying and then exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in every major operating system and every major web browser when directed by a user to do so ”

So while we worry whether a singer is actually AI, what that statement means is any average hacker could break into anything Anthropic is working with a consortium of companies including Apple, Google and Microsoft to try and fix it That’s the downside

In music, AI is being widely adopted – even in Tauranga And the results are impressive Small steps, and why not?

100 years ago

Coincidentally, it’s almost exactly 100 years since another revolution – television

History tells us Scottish inventor John Logie

held the first public demonstration of his “seeing by wireless” device on January 20, 1926

Within a couple of years his TV company launched and his was the main home receiver in Britain

Things were a bit different back then The Televisor, as he called it, was portrait-shaped with a screen roughly the size of a matchbox Early-adopters, or “lookers-in”, as viewers were called, paid 25 guineas, roughly $3500 today So, the cost of televisions is about the same now as it was then – at least these days the screens are bigger

Film season

Moving from television to film, in the rush of Easter I forgot to mention Tauranga Film Society (THS) has begun its annual season with films every second Wednesday at Luxe Cinemas. As usual there’s a fine mixture of classics and rarities, mostly unavailable to stream.

TFS chair Kristine Keir picked a couple and opted for epic French historical-political drama Queen Margot from director Patrice Chereau, and Iranian film 3 Faces from Jafar Panahi

Keir described 3 Faces as “ a courageous Iranian film director speaking out against the Iranian regime” “[It’s] a road movie as well and well worth a watch ” Find more at: www nzfilmsocietyorg nz or the society’s Facebook page

While we ’ re on non-musical tangents, can I recommend The Art Gallery store, which is now also online I’m a big fan of art gallery shops in general –they are fantastic places to buy unusual presents Socks, books, cups, models, playing cards, perfume, you name it, they have it With the exception, I must point out, of my two favourite art gallery pressies: drink coasters and fridge magnets I trust this will be remedied swiftly Now another plug for The Mauao Landslide Fundraiser, on Sunday, April 26, from midday until 11pm There will be two stages, dozens of acts, DJ sets and more, with a hardcore Rock and Roll Warm Ups fundraiser on Friday, April 24 Both events will be located at Totara

St performance venue in Mount Maunganui

Get tickets at: totara flicket

co nz/events

Baird

Corporate ducks competing in a previous Great Tauranga Duck Race Photo / George Novak

The Anglican Parish of Gate Pā invites the community to a short service on April 29 to mark the 162nd anniversary of the Battle of Pukehinahina - Gate Pā.

Commemoration organiser Cliff Simons said the 4pm service is to commemorate the battle.

“We want to remember all those who fought and died in this tragic event; to reflect on the consequences of the military engagements for ngā iwi o Tauranga Moana; and to consider the significance of this whole story for us as a city today”

The service will include accounts and perspectives on the battle The church bell will be rung 60 times to remember the approximately 60 men, on both sides, who lost their lives and there will be prayers/karakia for the future of our city

Prayers will be offered by some young people from local schools, as well as representatives from local iwi and armed forces and other groups.

This year the event ’ s main speaker is chair of Pukehinahina Charitable Trust, Sarah Webb, who will deliver a short reflection on the battle and on plans to commemorate and tell the story into the future, Simons said.

Anglican Parish of Gate P Pā

Reverend Deborah Garrett said because St George’s Churcch sits on the site of the Battlle of Pukehinahina - Gate Pā “ w we feel responsible for telling the story and to offer ways thaat people can hear about, enggage with, and reflect upon it and the Battle of Te Ranga, and d what they mean for us living in Tauranga Moana today”.

“This will be the eleventh h time we have offered this service as an occasion for those who wissh to continue to mark this day and its significance.”

The service is 4pm, April l 29, at Te Whare Karakia o Hori T TapuSt. George’s Anglican Chuurch, 1 Church St, Gate Pā.

Hobbiton Cup’s first clash in city

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic will bring one of the ANZ Premiership’s most anticipated rivalry fixtures to Tauranga for the first time this weekend.

The Hobbiton Cup will be on the line when the Magic verse the Northern Mystics at Mercury Baypark Arena on Saturday, April 18, from 7pm.

While the Magic regularly host matches in Tauranga, this will mark the first time the Hobbiton Cup has been played in the Bay of Plenty

The cup celebrates the connection between the Waikato and BOP regions and adds further intrigue to the on-court contest Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa said it was fitting to showcase the Hobbiton

Cup in a region that plays a vital role in the team ’ s identity “Tauranga is a place we spend a lot of time in across the season, so to be able to bring a game like this here, and one with the Hobbiton Cup on the line, is really meaningful for us

“We know how strong the support is in this region. These games are usually sold out, and the crowd plays a big part in the experience for our players ”

The Magic will also wear their Hobbiton Cup dress for the fixture, marking the occasion.

Supporters attending the Tauranga fixture can look forward to a vibrant game-day atmosphere, including music, entertainment, fan activations and post-match opportunities to connect with players. Tickets are for sale at: ticketek.co.nz

God wants to heal this world

This world that we have made, I’m not a fan

A wilfulness to wage war, to maim, to kill. Gangs and politicians, drones and bullying Our leaders incapable of empathy, missiles without a conscience Countries without compassion

A beautiful planet is brutalised. An economy of waste, our seas and skies as rubbish dumps, our land exploited and poisoned Micro plastics and forever metals

The share market booms All is well

Social media and AI Unthought and wilfully introduced As trustworthy as the designers behind it – job losses, humanity loses blood/creativity/life as a new wealthy profit from the carnage

Anxiety is the new normal

The rich holiday in Ibiza, the homeless are told to ‘ move on ’ . Big nations bully small nations Big business spans the globe paying no taxes – citizens of nowhere The rich get richer and the poor get poorer This world seems irrevocably broken This world seems incapable of nurturing healthy humans

The verse John 3:16 from the Bible says: “For God so loved the world that he sent his only son, that whoever believed in him would have eternal life” Strangely, God loves this world And I believe in a God who loves us in our selfcreated mess, our foolish decisions And he really wants to heal this world.

The Reverend Deborah Garrett in front of the Anglican Parish of Gate Pā, which sits on the site of the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā.

Commemoration of the Battle o of Pukehinahina-Gate Pā

Promote your church in our weekly community church feature Hosting something special, or welcoming new members?

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classifiedsbop@nzme co nz

Photo / Brydie Thompson

Nigel Dixon, Vicar, Holy Trinity Tauranga

995CameronRoad,GatePa,Tauranga 075784110•info@theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz

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