The Weekend Sun - 8 May 2026

8 May 2026, Issue 1309

Olympian lands Meet Connor Bell (pictured) – he’s Tauranga City’s newest resident Olympian after moving here earlier this year alongside partner Bridget, training under coach Kirsten Hellier in nearby Pāpāmoa.

The 24-year-old national record holder has represented New Zealand at 2018 Youth Olympic Games, 2022

Commonwealth Games, 2023 World Championships, 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 Tokyo World Championships.

Following a busy international season, Bell said the change of scenery had offered a valuable reset as he balances training with full-time psychology study through Massey University.

His achievements already place him among the country’s best, including multiple national titles and a record-breaking discus throw of 69.51 metres set in 2025 in the United States.

He is also busy giving back to the community through school visits to talk to students as a New Zealand Olympic

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Committee ambassador, sharing his journey from a rural upbringing to the world stage and encouraging young athletes to pursue their goals.

With his sights set on future global competition, he said: “I’m still building”.

Read more on page 6.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

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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

Editor: Merle Cave Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Hunter Wells, Ayla Yeoman. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars.

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Breaking up with big tobacco I am not a smoker. Nor an wine involved, if the chat was right ex-smoker. But a sleeping smoker. and someone was passing round a A hibernating smoker. A cranky old free, cheeky ‘durry’, I might weaken.

Absolutely I might. bear that could waken and combust Because nicotine is a cruel and highly in a cloud of cigarette smoke…given additive poison. It owns you, doesn’t let you forget, doesn’t let you go. Ever. Big the chance.

Because, even though it’s half a century since I quit, since I finally stubbed out, if the moment was right, if it was late and loud, if there was a glass of red

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tobacco gnaws away at the soul, so you have to be vigilant.

The man who saved me from myself was a fire and brimstone “stop smoking” psychotherapist who evangelised to a bunch of us tragic and beaten addicts: “You think B&H are your comfort? You think Rothmans are your friends?” he bellowed at us in Bible-bashing style.

“Well, your comfort and friends are your goddamn enemy!”

Those were the days, the early 1980s, when “friends” and “enemies” cost $1.08 for a pack of 20. Today they cost the thick end of $50. Anyhow, this psychotherapist clambered from his pulpit and demanded everyone light up a cigarette.

Figure that? Smoking at a ‘stop smoking’ class.

Like starting an AA meeting with a Jägerbomb. Or committing a quick ‘with intent to injure’ before a restorative justice conference.

Why all this, you will be asking?

Because last week I was consumed by a cloud of Chernobyl proportions – packed with more than 7000 nasties including arsenic, ammonia and nicotine. Second-hand smoke from a wizened, diehard fagger, hanging off the end of a $3 tailormade at a hospitality venue. Good on you bloke. Thanks for that. Made my feelings known – nothing more sanctimonious than a reformed anything.

Cough and gob

He was unapologetic. He was outside, in a designated area, so he was allowed to smoke. Yup, he was. But his poison wafted where people were relaxing.

Snapped! The evidence.

Gag, heave, wheeze

We puffed on. Nothing said. Just a heaving of tarred and tortured lungs, coughing, and a low cloud ceiling of cigarette smoke. Disgusting. When a fag was finished, another was lit, and another, and another. Industrial strength chain smoking. People turned green, retched, gasped. And puffed again. Everyone on the brink of self-immolation. Smoking ourselves into submission. We teared up, gagged, heaved, wheezed. And puffed again. I feel quite nauseous at the memory. I can smell it. Distinctly.

Phantosmia or olfactory hallucination they call it – the smell of an odour that isn’t there. But like my gym socks, the smell is there, and will never go away.

It worked though – I went cold turkey on a 20-a-day cigarette habit, 40 on a big Saturday night.

chugged one of those cute, brightly coloured electronic devices, everyone and everything was enveloped by a huge cloud of Blue Razz, or Polar Mint or Vanilla Custard. I was waiting for a K99 – radio code for fire appliance in attendance, scene well involved.

And everyone downwind winced at the sickly sweet by-product. Less harmful than cigarette smoke but still not safe.

So another round of complaining and abuse. And another burst of selfentitlement from the vapers.

Never, ever, again

Is there a lesson to be learned from Queensland? It has clobbered vapers.

The sale of nicotine vaping products from retails shops is now banned.

They’re now deemed to be prescription medicines and only legally sold from a pharmacy to adults with a valid prescription.

In the UK, they’ve passed a Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which effectively creates a “smoke-free generation”.

It’s illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on, or after, January 1, 2009 – a rolling ban which raises the legal smoking age by one year, every year, starting in 2027. That means anyone born after that date will never be able to legally buy tobacco products in the UK.

Miss a chance?

Trying to breathe. They shamed him into moving where he coughed and gobbed.

Nice! And not before he dropped half a still burning cigarette in the ashtray, causing wisps of smoke to drift over everyone and everything for a few minutes. Nicer! Not being holier than thou – I could have been ghastly, nasty, smokey, bad man had it not been for my “tough love” psychotherapist in 1980.

A table away three young vapers were self-immolating. Whenever someone

Had I been born in another time and in another country, that would have saved me a helluva lot money and coughing fits.

Apparently we had similar worldleading “smoke-free generation” legislation but it was repealed – partially, it seems, to fund tax cuts, and mitigate the risk of a tobacco black market.

And there were other bullets in the anti-smoking arsenal. Did we pass up a chance?

At the end of my ‘stop smoking’ class, I watched Mr Pointy Head climb in his car where he promptly lit up a fag. Do as I say, not what I do. I am still doing as he said. Thank you.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

3

Petitioon launch hed d over Pāpāmoa toll A Pāpāmoa business owner warns a planned toll at the Pāpāmoa East Interchange will place more pressure on local families, workers and firms facing rising costs.

consistency in tolling,” Barton said. board recommended proceeding. The “Whilst some users may choose the free decision was approved by the Minister of route rather than the toll route, we do Transport and Cabinet. anticipate some users will choose the faster “Tolling enabled the construction of the Tauranga Eastern Link to be brought forward tolled route. Opening of the interchange still provides an improved outcome and options and ensures all users contribute to the road compared to before [the interchange].” they are using,” Collins said.

Collins said the additional toll point would Tauranga City Council infrastructure ensure all users contribute fairly. portfolio manager Chris Barton said the “Those who benefit from improved access council had not been a party in decisionBrian and Loretta Johnstone at the interchange. and reduced travel times should share in the making on tolling, nor received any revenue Photo / Kelly O’Hara cost, rather than relying solely on national from the tolls. funding or existing toll payers.”

“Council made a submission [to NZTA “Why would places like Tauriko, Sandhurst Loretta Johnstone, who owns and operates Johnstone, however, maintained that the during the consultation period]. In summary, or Hamilton East not be charged to use an Mitre 10 Pāpāmoa with husband Brian, has policy placed an unfair burden on the local Tauranga City Council acknowledges the off-ramp? It doesn’t make sense that Pāpāmoa launched an online petition calling for the community. “If people oppose the toll, I need for fairness in tolling for anyone using East is being singled out. toll to be reconsidered. encourage them to sign the petition so their (part of ) the Tauranga Eastern Link but “There’s already congestion through The couple are relocating their store at voices can be heard.” Rosalie Liddle Crawford advocated for a lower toll fee. Tauranga Te Puke, and that will only get worse as Gravatt Rd to a new Mitre 10 MEGA City Council also raised concerns around Pāpāmoa East grows,” she said. development at the Sands in Pāpāmoa East – “We have staff who will choose to drive a major investment expected to create more through Te Puke rather than pay two tolls than 80 jobs. However, Johnstone said the each day.” newly approved toll risks undermining that Johnstone said the toll could have wider growth. “This is not about debating toll roads economic implications, particularly for new in general,” she said. developments like the Sands.

“The Pāpāmoa interchange is the only off“As a greenfields site, we’re already planning ramp on the Tauranga Eastern Link that will for gradual growth, but adding a toll creates be tolled anywhere in New Zealand – and another barrier and could discourage other that’s what makes it unfair.” retailers from investing in the area,” she said.

From late 2026, drivers will pay $1.10 for “With the rising cost of living, an extra light vehicles and $2.80 for heavy vehicles daily cost to get to work is significant. It’s between Domain Rd and the interchange, in something our team is worried about, and it’s addition to existing TEL tolls. not attractive for people we’re trying to hire.”

Johnstone said the cost will quickly add She said some customers had already up for residents. “As a mainly commuter • VIDEO & AUDIO CONVERSIONS • CINE FILM to DVD indicated they may not follow the business to community, this impacts people taking kids • PHOTO & 35MM SLIDE SCANNING • PHOTO ALBUM SCANNING G its new location because of the toll. to school, going to sports, or travelling to In response, NZ Transport Agency Waka Tauranga and Mount Maunganui for work.

• PROFESSIONAL HIGH RESOLUTION PHOTO SCANNING Kotahi (NZTA) regional manager for Families haven’t fully realised the daily cost.

• PHOTO RESTORATION & MANIPULATION • POST PRODUCTION VIDEO EDITING system design Susan Collins said the second Even a short trip could mean multiple toll toll point was approved following a full charges a day.” assessment and public consultation process.

She also questioned why interchanges For pricing check out our website www.digitalphotovideo.co.nz More than 3400 submissions were received, elsewhere were not tolled and warned some with low levels of support, but the NZTA drivers would avoid the route altogether.

Phone 07 576 4158 or 0210 764 908 | Email photo.video.tga@xtra.co.nz | Tauranga

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Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

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Historic Hopukiore caves sealed Three historic caves at Mount Maunganui’s popular and culturally significant Hopukiore (Mt Drury) Reserve have been sealed with uniquely patterned barriers following engagement with mana whenua.

“The Hopukiore caves were sealed following engagement with mana whenua due to ongoing operational issues and disrespect such as graffiti and littering,” Tauranga City Council head of spaces and places Alison Law said.

“The caves hold cultural significance, and their protection is important to mana whenua and council.”

Law said the cave protection design, which is laser-cut onto the barriers, was developed in partnership with mana whenua.

“Artists from both Ngāi Tukairangi and Ngāti Kuku provided designs that were incorporated into the corten steel panel. The intent was to respectfully acknowledge the cultural significance of the site while clearly signalling that access to the caves is restricted.”

The panels also include gated access for maintenance and rubbish removal.

Law said it was hoped removing public access to the caves would protect them from littering and vandalism and reduce anti-social behaviour in the area.

The caves have long-standing cultural importance with Hopukiore a site for tā moko (traditional tattooing), with kiore (native rat) teeth and bones used as tools.

Following the Battle of Hopukiore in

1820, its caves were used for burials, and the site remains a wāhi tapu (sacred place).

In the 1840s, the 40-metre high Hopukiore was used by British troops as a military base. The 80th Regiment occupied the hill from 1842 to 1843. In 1852, Commander Byron Drury, after surveying the Bay of Plenty aboard HMS Pandora, was recognised by naming it Mount Drury.

More recently, a man lived in one of the caves for two years. “The cave protection was not specifically implemented as a response to homelessness, although mana whenua did express a desire for the caves to be protected for this reason as well,” Law said.

“The request to seal the caves predates the period when people were living in them.”

Law said safety concerns related to landslides or rocky slopes were not a factor in the decision.

“Council has been working on a range of improvements at Hopukiore and has been actively engaging with mana whenua, Heritage New Zealand, and the accessibility community.”

The original total budget for the pathway and cave works was about

The designs developed in partnership with mana whenua have been laser-cut onto the corten steel panels. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

$400,000, with representatives of Ngāti Kuku and Ngāi Tukairangi hapū consulted on the upgrade.

As part of the improvements, a missing section of pathway along Pacific Ave had been completed, creating a continuous loop around the base of the reserve, and

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requiring the removal of two of the 12 carparks. On the Maunganui Rd side, a timber boardwalk had replaced sections of steep and narrow path, improving accessibility.

The footpath upgrades were completed mid-2025, while the cave sealing was finished last month.

Law said engagement on the project had also informed plans to upgrade the existing playground, with a strong focus on inclusivity.

“The timing of construction will be aligned with the plans for reopening Mauao, which will need to be staged, and it must be based on safety evidence,” Law Rosalie Liddle Crawford said.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

5

Frocks on Bikes keeps cycling social For Tauranga’s Frocks on Bikes, cycling isn’t about speed, competition or lycra – it’s about connection, confidence and cycling.

The community group, which encourages women to get out on their bikes, has been quietly building momentum since it launched locally in 2010. Today, it offers regular rides, social outings and a supportive environment for riders of all abilities.

Co-organiser Rachel Blennerhassett said the group is all about making cycling accessible and enjoyable. “It’s very relaxed - no stress, no fuss,” she said. “You don’t need special gear. It’s just about getting out there and enjoying it.”

Frocks on Bikes began in Wellington in 2008 after participants in a Bike to Work Day noticed a lack of female participation.

Barriers included perceptions around cycling culture and clothing.

The name itself challenges those ideas.

“A frock is kind of the opposite of what people think of as typical cycling wear,” Blennerhassett said. “It shows you can just hop on a bike as you are.”

While frocks are encouraged, they’re not essential. Many riders opt for practical clothing with a fun twist.

“It’s not necessarily actually practical, but most of our leaders do try and grab a frock or a skirt or something to kind of look the part,” Blennerhassett said.

Rachel joined the group around five years ago after getting a bike and looking for new places to ride beyond her Welcome Bay neighbourhood.

Rachel Blennerhassett, Katy Freeman and Maleta Knight are three of the five Frocks on Bikes leaders. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

“I was wanting to find other places to ride… outside of my neighbourhood,” she said. “By joining Frocks on Bikes, I slowly got to know of all the other bike routes around.”

She later stepped into a leadership role and is now part of a team of five organisers – Rachel, Laura, Sue, Katy and Maleta – who coordinate the Tauranga rides.

“We now have five leaders, so that we can hopefully just set a calendar and go, okay, between the five of us, we should be able to get at least two, if not three of us there to help run the ride.”

Rides are held monthly, alternating between Saturdays and Sundays, and

usually run for two to three hours including a café stop.

“The coffee stop is always the social side of the ride,” Blennerhassett said. “You can’t really socialise on a bike.”

Popular routes include Pāpāmoa to Maketū, rides out to Ōmokoroa and around Tauranga’s extensive network of cycleways An upcoming ride on May 17 through McLaren Falls and along the Ruahihi Canal will take advantage of the autumn scenery.

“It won’t be a very long ride, but it’ll be very pretty that time of year – assuming Mother Nature plays ball, of course.”

The group is also looking to expand its

horizons with day trips further afield, showcasing other scenic cycling spots within easy reach of Tauranga such as Rotorua and the Waikato cycle trails.

While many members now use e-bikes, the group welcomes all riders and ensures no one is left behind.

“We are not exclusively an e-bike group; we do welcome people on manual bikes as well,” Blennerhassett said. “We try and keep the pace to such that they can actually participate without running themselves ragged.”

To support riders of different abilities, leaders position themselves throughout the group.

“We’ll have one who’s the leader, one who’s in the middle, and one who’s a tailend Charlie,” Blennerhassett said. “So that the group stays together.”

Group sizes vary from small gatherings to more than 20 riders, and participants are encouraged to RSVP via the Frocks on Bikes Tauranga Facebook page.

Despite the name, the group isn’t strictly limited to women with partners sometimes joining in.

“We do occasionally have what we call ‘honorary frocks’ come along,” Blennerhassett said. “As long as they’re happy being outnumbered and henpecked, we don’t mind.”

At its heart, Frocks on Bikes is about removing barriers and making cycling feel approachable.

“It’s about getting on your bike, whenever you can,” Blennerhassett said.

For more information or to join an upcoming ride, visit Frocks on Bikes Tauranga on Facebook.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Friday 8 May 2026

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6

Olympic discus throw wer land ds in Tauranga Olympic discus thrower Connor Bell has quietly relocated to Bethlehem, bringing one of New Zealand’s top field athletes into the Tauranga community as he balances elite sport, study, and a more grounded training base.

The 24-year-old national record holder in the discus throw has represented New Zealand at 2018 Youth Olympic Games, 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2023 World Championships, 2024 Paris Olympics and 2025 Tokyo World Championships.

He moved to Tauranga earlier this year after competing in Tokyo, where he placed 10th, leaving his 70L bin full of discuses back in Auckland at his parents’ place.

After a short holiday with his partner Bridget, Bell initially spent time in Whangārei before settling in Tauranga in mid-to-late January – a move he said was influenced by lifestyle and training logistics. “We moved down to Tauranga mainly because my partner got a really cool job working for SLR, and my coach lives in Pāpāmoa, so it’s really convenient for both,” he said.

Good reset

Bell said the change had provided a good reset after a busy international season. He is coached by Kirsten Hellier, one of New Zealand’s most respected throws coaches, and continued to be part of High Performance Sport New

Zealand’s wider support system.

Despite stepping back slightly from full competition load this year, Bell’s résumé already places him among the country’s most successful field athletes.

He holds multiple NZ age-group records and a senior national record.

In 2023, he broke the national discus record twice, ultimately extending it six times as a senior, pushing it to 69.51 metres in 2025 in the United States.

Discus thrower Connor Bell with his 2018 Youth Olympic gold medal.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Whole team effort

“Being an individual sport, people think it’s just you,” he said.

“But really, I’ve got a whole team behind me – coaches, physios, nutritionists, psychologists. They all contribute to those performances.”

Bell said one of the biggest shocks of competing at the Olympics was not the competition itself, but the intensity of global attention surrounding it. “There was so much media presence and build-up, and then afterwards everyone just moves on really quickly,” he said. “That was a big learning for me – how fast the world moves on from big moments.”

Now balancing his athletics career with full-time study towards a Bachelor of Science in psychology with Massey University, Bell said he was deliberately taking a slightly quieter year as he adjusts to life in Tauranga and prepares for future goals, including the 2027 World Athletics Championships.

His interest in psychology is closely tied to both sport and broader systems such as emergency communications and human performance under pressure. “I’m really in

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interested in how people make decisions in high-pressure environments and how systems can be designed to reduce error and improve performance,” he said.

Giving back

Bell also spends time giving back to the community, visiting local schools through New Zealand Olympic Committee ambassador work, where he shares his journey from a small rural school in Waitoki to the world stage.

“I talk about how sport gave me

confidence when I was struggling socially at school,” he said. “It’s about showing kids that you can come from anywhere and still achieve big things.”

For now, Tauranga offered a quieter base for one of New Zealand’s most recognisable throwing talents – with training, study, and community engagement all forming part of his next chapter. “I’ve had some really special moments in my career already,” he said.

“But I’m still building.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

7

Chocky fish donut supports CF awareness OMG! Decadent Donuts owner Aleesha Goudie has launched a limited-edition Chocky Fish donut.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

A Pāpāmoa food trailer has turned a Kiwi treat into a force for good, with a special donut created to support Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

OMG! Decadent Donuts owner Aleesha Goudie has launched a limited-edition ‘Chocky Fish’ donut, with proceeds going to Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand – a cause close to her heart. Goudie’s young niece,

who lives with cystic fibrosis, was the inspiration behind the initiative.

“She’s just turned 3 and has had a really happy, healthy start to life,” Goudie said. “But it’s something her family has to think about every day.

It changes everything.”

Wanting to make a meaningful contribution, Goudie combined a long-held idea for a chocolate fishinspired donut with the timing of Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month.

Chocolate fish have become a symbol within the cystic fibrosis community, making the concept

especially fitting.

“It just felt like the perfect opportunity to turn something fun into a fundraiser,” she said. “It’s a great cause for us to support because it’s so close to our family.”

The Chocky Fish donut blends two existing flavours – strawberry and vanilla with cacao and sea salt – to recreate the nostalgic taste of the classic chocolate fish. While the donut itself remains round, the flavour captures the familiar combination of chocolate and marshmallow.

During May, when customers purchase a six-pack of the donuts $5 is donated to Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand. There is also an option to donate a gold coin in exchange for a chocolate fish. Goudie said community fundraising is a big part of what her business stands for.

“I really love the local, community vibe. We’ve done fundraisers before, and it’s amazing what people will get behind when it means something.” Her connection with Cystic Fibrosis NZ is growing, with plans to link with local families and support the community beyond May.

Goudie said the fundraiser reflected the inclusive philosophy behind OMG! Decadent Donuts – a business built around making treats all can enjoy. The donuts are vegan, gluten-free and made without common allergens, allowing more people to indulge without worry. “We want people to feel like they don’t have to miss out,” she said. “And if we can do that while also giving back, that’s even better.”

The Chocky Fish donuts are available throughout May at the OMG! Decadent Donuts trailer at 1 Enterprise Drive, Pāpāmoa.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

8

Historic Tauranga scene brought to life A striking new mural in central Tauranga is turning back the clock, capturing a moment from the city’s earliest days and honouring the people who helped shape it.

horse and cart, played a key role in shaping Tauranga’s early transport routes and waterfront.

Mikaere, who suggested the mural concept to council, said the image was chosen for its direct connection to the site. “I knew that photograph existed, and it’s just about where the reserve is, so it felt really appropriate.”

The mural forms part of ongoing

The mural at Aspen Reserve is a reproduction of a photograph taken in the 1800s.

Photo / Graham Hoete

Painted by multi-disciplinary artist Graham Hoete, the large-scale artwork at Aspen Reserve on the corner of Willow and McLean streets is a reproduction of a historic photograph from the 1880s.

The image shows two Māori men working to form what is now Willow St – one seated in a horse-drawn cart, the other standing with a wheelbarrow and spade, a small dog by his side.

Local historian Buddy ‘Mr G’ artwork,” he said. “It’s Mikaere said the men about preserving and sharing were members of Ngāi that moment in time. time ” Tamarāwaho hapū of Working from an archival Ngāti Ranginui and were Willow Street c1880. Photo / Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 99-729 image sourced through the among those who carried Tauranga library, Hoete completed the out major infrastructure work in early efforts to enhance Aspen Reserve, a small mural in just under four days, carefully Tauranga. inner-city park with deep historical roots. balancing artistic interpretation with Plans for the space include carved pou, historical accuracy.

Making Willow St improved seating and the potential for a “The original photo was quite blurry, so “One of the men is Matiu Tu Teau. small performance area for events such as it was a challenge,” he said. “I tried to stay They’re basically making Willow St,” jazz concerts. true to what I could see and not overMikaere said. “These are the same men interpret it.” who worked on cutting through the area Preserving, sharing For Hoete, the mural is part of a broader by where Trinity Wharf is today, helping Hoete said the project was an commitment to telling local stories create space for the railway line and opportunity to explore Tauranga’s layered through public art. contributing to the reclamation along The history while respecting the original “It’s about keeping those conversations Strand and Chapel St.” photographer. “It’s not about making it a alive – the good, the bad, and everything The work, done largely by hand with

It feels like getting your life back

Sarita’s grandson wanted to kick a ball.

He’s two. That’s what two-year-olds do.

They find a ball, they kick it, they chase it, they want you to chase it with them. It’s not complicated. It’s not meant to be hard.

But for Sarita, it had become a real mission.

“I thought I was just getting to that stage,” the 68-year-old Southland woman says.

“Getting old and sliding to the sideline now, you know?”

Sarita lives in Southland, where cold seems to get into everything. The winters are long, the frosts are sharp, and if your joints are giving you trouble, the weather makes sure you know about it.

She had always been active. Walking, gardening, keeping the section tidy. But over time, everything started to slow down.

Her ankle lost its strength. Her knees began to resist. Her back joined in. It crept across her body like a frost, settling into every joint.

The gardening went first. Then the walking.

Then the lawns became a battle.

The worst moment came when her son visited. He looked at the garden she could no longer keep up with. And he did what any good son would do. He ripped it out.

“It was like ripping my heart out,” Sarita says. “But I couldn’t keep up with it. I knew I couldn’t.”

That’s the thing about losing your independence slowly. The people who love you start stepping in. And every time they do, the world gets a little smaller.

One afternoon, Sarita walked into her local chemist looking for something different. The woman behind the counter handed her a small, NZ made, natural cream, Koru FX. “She said, try this and see how it goes,” Sarita recalls.

Sarita wasn’t entirely convinced. She’d been dealing with her joints for long enough

in between.” Aspen Reserve itself sits on land significant to both Māori and early European settlement settlement, once part of a large, large cultivated area.

The reserve has held small community events, and discussions around its redevelopment were held in 2017 as part of Tauranga City Council’s ‘Heart of the City’ programme aimed at revitalising the CBD. A blessing for Aspen Reserve is planned for 9am, May 11, taking place ahead of further enhancements to the site.

As the mural now looks out over the evolving reserve, it offers passersby a glimpse into the past - and a reminder of the hands that helped build the city.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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to wonder how much a cream could really do.

She took the bottle home. Rubbed some into her thumb, which had been clicking for weeks.

The cream absorbed quickly. Pleasant smell.

She kept using it. Morning and night. A few days in, she went back and bought more.

The change came in small moments. By the second week, she was moving more freely. By the third, the improvement was real.

Then the weather changed. In Southland, that’s the real test. Sunshine gave way to rain, and Sarita braced herself for the rebellion that always followed.

It didn’t come.

“If you talk to people who deal with this, the weather changes are the worst,” she says. “But

I just didn’t feel it.”

She mowed the lawns. Started thinking about the garden again. And then there was her grandson.

“Being supported I can run around with him,” Sarita says. “I can chase him and I can even race him. I can kick balls with my right foot and my left foot. Before, I just couldn’t trust myself.”

She had him over recently. They spent the afternoon chasing each other, kicking balls.

The kind of afternoon that two-year-olds think is normal and grandmothers know is a gift.

“It feels like you’ve got life back in you,” she says.

“And that’s all I wanted.”

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Friday 8 May 2026

10

The Weekend Sun

What’s inside the classroom science kits?

As the nationwide rollout of House of Science resource kits gathers pace, many are curious and asking a simple question: what exactly is inside the boxes heading into classrooms?

The answer, according to House of Science kit designer and medical microbiology scientist Jane Hoggard, is a carefully-crafted collection of experiments, resources and activities designed to turn curiosity into hands-on learning. The kits are a comprehensive library of bilingual resources that empower teachers to deliver great science lessons.

Founded in Tauranga by CEO Chris Duggan, the organisation was selected by the Government in February as the supplier for the nationwide rollout of curriculum-aligned science kits to every state and state-integrated school for Years 0-8.

Hoggard’s job is to design them from the ground up – developing the experiments, trialling them in schools and preparing them for large-scale production before they are distributed to regional centres around the country.

Each kit arrives at a school packed with everything a teacher needs to run a series of science lessons.

“There’s a teacher manual and usually 8 to 10 experiments in every kit,” Hoggard said.

“All the equipment and consumables are included, so teachers don’t have to go out and source anything themselves. The idea is that everything they need to deliver the activities is right there in the box.”

The kits are designed for students from

Year 0 to Year 8 and remain at a school for about three weeks, allowing multiple classes to use them before they are returned, checked, restocked and sent out again.

Spark interest

Teachers can choose from a growing library of topics – currently numbering more than 40 different kits – covering areas such as earthquakes, microbes, buoyancy, heat, forensics, space science and the ocean.

Catchy names help spark interest, with kits including titles like Float My Boat, exploring buoyancy, Mighty Microbes, which looks at microorganisms, and May the Force Be With You, focusing on the science of forces.

The kits incorporate stories, experiments and practical investigations designed for different look at information, age groups, meaning interpret it and make younger students informed decisions.” might begin with Developing a new basic observations A three-dimensional puzzle of the kit can take several while older students tectonic plates of the Earth helps students months, Hoggard explore more understand how the planet is structured. said. complex ideas.

The process begins with research and Hoggard said the aim is not just to teach prototyping, followed by classroom trials scientific facts, but to develop critical in “test schools” where teachers and thinking skills. students try the activities and provide “It’s about getting students to observe feedback. carefully, ask questions and think about From there the resources are refined, evidence,” she said. translated into te reo Māori, and prepared “Science isn’t just about producing for manufacturing. scientists – it’s also about helping people “We want to know how it works in a become scientifically literate so they can

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Tony Weigel wearing a mask, and Bruce Henderson in the House of Science workshop building components for the science kits. Photos / Kelly O’Hara

real classroom,” Hoggard said.

“If something needs adjusting, we change it before it goes into full production.”

Durable, practical

The kits are also designed with durability and practicality in mind.

They must be robust enough to withstand repeated use by hundreds of students while remaining simple for teachers to set up and pack away.

The resources are then assembled in Tauranga before being distributed through regional House of Science centres that manage deliveries,

The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

11

Poripori Rd closes for slip repairs

House of Science kit designer Jane Hoggard with CEO Chris Duggan.

A slip on Poripori Rd. Photo / Supplied

returns and maintenance. With the new Government contract set to expand the programme to every state and state-integrated primary and intermediate school, the scale of production is about to increase dramatically.

About 1400 kits circulate around the country every three weeks to more than 700 schools.

Within the next two years that number was expected to grow to about 8000 with House of Science expanding to reach about 2100 schools.

Reach 500,000

Duggan said while that is a threefold increase in the number of schools, it represented a tenfold increase in the number of students impacted.

“From a current reach of 50,000 students every three weeks, we need to scale up to reach 500,000,” she said. “We will also need four times the number of staff to manufacture and deliver the kits.”

The growth would see the organisation move into larger premises in Judea to accommodate increased production and operations, with national coverage expected by early to mid-2027.

Despite the growth, Hoggard said the core aim remained the same as when she first joined the initiative as a volunteer more than a decade ago.

“At the heart of it, we want kids to stay curious about the world around them,” she said.

“If you can keep that curiosity alive when they’re young, it makes a huge difference to how they approach learning later on.” Rosalie Liddle Crawford

from either side of the site, however there will be no through access,” council said.

A second slip, located about 600m from the State Highway 29 intersection, would be repaired under Stop/Go traffic management.

“This work includes minor earthworks, stormwater upgrades, kerb and channel installation, and chipseal surfacing, with delays expected.”

Detours wouldbe in place via SH29, Cambridge Rd, SH 2, Wairoa Rd and Crawford Rd. Council’s director transportation Calum McLean said this was a complex slip repair project, and “a full closure was the safest and quickest way to complete the work”.

For updates, visit: yourplace.westernbay.govt. nz/poripori-road-slip-repairs

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Poripori Road will be closed to through traffic for about eight weeks while essential works are carried out to repair two significant roadside slips.

The slips, which developed in 2023 during Cyclone Gabrielle, had continued to deteriorate over time and were affecting the stability and integrity of the road, according to Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

The road closure between Kumikumi Rd and Tebbutt Rd would be in place from May 11 to July 3, dependent on weather, the council said.

The larger slip, located about 600m south of Tebbutt Rd would require a full 24/7 closure while a mechanically stabilised earth wall and associated drainage and structural works are completed.

“Residents will still be able to access their properties

Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

12

World’s best gin made right here in Tauranga!

Tauranga-based Clarity Distilling Company has made history on the world stage, with its Clarity Navy Gin crowned Gin of the Year at the 2026 London Spirits Competition – the first time a New Zealand gin has taken out the title.

Competing against gins from more than 30 countries, the win marks a major milestone for the young distillery and a standout moment for the craft spirits industry in Aotearoa.

The Navy Gin also secured Double Gold and Spirit of the Year New Zealand, achieving an outstanding 98-point score – the highest in the competition and one of four spirits overall to be rated so highly.

The win builds on an extraordinary run for the distillery, which also claimed Gold and Spirit of the Year New Zealand in 2025 for its Clarity Navy Gin, and the same title in 2024 for its Clarity 2023 Gin – cementing its place as one of NZ’s most exciting emerging spirits brands.

Launched early 2023, Clarity co-founders George White and Stephanie Downer say the recognition is both humbling and motivating.

“We’re still a small, hands-on team from Tauranga, so to be consistently recognised on a global stage like this is pretty surreal,” George said. “It’s a reflection of the work that’s gone in behind the scenes; sticking with our complex processes, even when it’s challenging.”

Stephanie said if bigger international brands visited their set-up “they’d probably be pretty surprised – it’s a lot smaller than they might

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Clarity Distilling Company co-founders George White and Stephanie Downer make their world-recognised gin here in Tauriko. Photos / Alice Veysey expect”. The pair, who are often mistaken for a couple, are in fact long-time colleagues who’ve worked together for more than a decade.

They first met when George acquired a business in Rotorua where Stephanie was working in 2015. After expanding the business, George sold it before the pair took a leap into an entirely new industry.

An accountant by trade, George had no experience in the drinks sector beyond bartending in his younger years. Stephanie, a legal executive and solo mother to daughter Isabelle, was in a similar position. “We really came into this with no preconceived ideas – we just enjoyed a great gin,” said Stephanie.

“A lot of what we’ve built has come down to gut instinct, a huge amount of research and being incredibly detail-focused. We’re always learning.”

That mindset had helped them navigate a tough operating environment, they said.

Clarity launched at the start of the recession, yet had managed to achieve steady growth of between 5-10% year-on-year.

The gin market itself – usually a summer favourite renowned for increased sales in spring and early summer – had proven unpredictable.

“The last 12 months especially have been all over the place,” said George. “We’ve had quiet periods when we expected things to be busy, and then suddenly big spikes when we didn’t.

There’s no clear trend right now.”

With ongoing global pressures from tariffs, fuel costs and economic uncertainty, the business was taking a measured approach to growth. Positioned at the premium end of the market, Clarity Navy Gin retails at $84.99, making it a considered purchase for consumers. “It’s definitely a top-shelf product,” said George. “So we’re realistic about the environment we’re operating in and focused on building sustainably.”

Clarity Navy Gin was crowned Gin of the Year’at the 2026 London Spirits Competition.

D Despite thiss, demand con ntinued to grow, drivven by the quality of the product duct itself. itself “The The flavour profile, profile the way the botanicals are layered, the presentation – we’re extremely proud of how it all comes together,” said Stephanie. “Once people try it, they come back.”

The business had steadily expanded its footprint – it’s now stocked in bars, restaurants and bottle stores nationwide, while continuing to invest in production capability and new product development.

A key point of difference is Clarity’s meticulous production process. Rather than distilling all botanicals together – the industry norm – each ingredient is distilled individually before being blended.

“Every botanical behaves differently,” said Stephanie. “Some need time, some need a lighter touch. Treating them individually gives us full control over flavour and consistency.”

Looking ahead, Clarity had its sights firmly set on the UK and Europe, with plans and opportunities already in motion.

“Our goal has always been to build something sustainable and long-term,” said Stephanie. “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but we’re still very much just getting started.”

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

13

New 30km/h variable speed limits for drivers

There are overtaking lanes on State Highway 29 outside Kaimai School. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

New variable speed zones around schools will be “actively enforced”, Western Bayy of Plentyy police p say. y A new Ministry of Transport rule came into effect in October 2024, requiring streets outside urban school gates to have a 30km/h variable speed limit by July 1.

Rural schools must have a variable speed limit of 60km/h or less.

The lower speeds will apply for up to 45 minutes during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Schools can also activate the signs for short periods at other especially busy times, such as school sport days.

It means changes for schools where a Tauranga City Council-initiated 40km/h variable limit had previously been in place.

The council has been installing new variable speed zone signs - covered for now - outside schools since late 2024.

“The reduced speed limits will be actively enforced,” Hunter said.

“Please take extra care when travelling through school zones and help keep our tamariki safe.”

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi website said variable speed limit signs would be installed outside all schools with gates on state highways by July 1.

Other affected local schools included Pahoia School on State Highway 2, where the 100km/h limit will drop to

60km/h when signs are active, and Pyes Pā Road School, from 80km/h to 30km/h.

Kaimai School principal Matthew Jackson told NZME in February that its variable speed limit of 60km/h would be in place from 8am-9am and 2.20pm-3pm.

Jackson said the school was confident the new variable signs, with effective enforcement of these limits, would go a long way towards reducing the risk to the students and families of Kaimai School.

Council manager for transport strategy and assurance Karen Hay said these would start being uncovered on a rolling basis b between t llate t M May and d early l JJune.

Western Bay of Plenty head of road policing Senior Sergeant Wayne Hunter said variable speed signs were already active on the highways outside ACG Tauranga and Kaimai School on State Highway 29.

The speed limits at both locations would reduce from 100km/h to 60km/h when the signs were active.

Hunter said it could be a big adjustment for motorists in those areas.

The initial focus for police would be educating drivers, but from July, “she’ll be all on”, he said.

He asked that motorists be aware of the new variable speed school zones as they came into force, and adjust their speed accordingly.

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Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

14

Council chair responds to Govt’s local reform fast-track invitation

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair Matemoana McDonald said this week’s announcement on simplifying local government underscores the importance of strong relationships across the region and the sector.

On May 5 the Government announced it would give councils a three-month window to put forward proposals to simplify and strengthen local government in their regions, said RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Local Government Minister Simon Watts.

Bishop said New Zealand’s local government system is too complex, too costly, and too hard to navigate.

“We currently have 78 city and district, regional, and unitary councils across the country – a high number for a country of our size.

“Councils shape the places we live and the services we rely on. But too often, the system is tangled in duplication, disagreements, and decisions that defy common sense.”

McDonald said: “While the changes ahead are significant and far reaching, working together will be essential in

navigating the transition and ensuring communities continue to be well served”.

“I’m pleased the Government is retaining regional councillor roles until the end of this term. They bring a wealth of experience, a deep understanding of their communities and the needs of the environment. Their voices will be essential in shaping a stronger, more effective structure for the future.”

McDonald noted the importance of regional-scale delivery and looked forward to more detail from the Government in due course.

“There are clear benefits

that come from operating at a regional scale, which we have always advocated for and will continue to do so.”

While too early to determine whether the Bay of Plenty woould seek to enter the Governmentt’s proposed ‘Head Start’ processs, McDonald called for urgent regional collaboration. “I am requesting an urgent Bay of Plenty Mayoral Forum to discuss…and consider the nexxt steps for our region.

“Although much remains unknown, we have been Bay of Plenty Regional Council preparing for change and are chairwoman Matemoana well positioned to help lead McDonald. Photo / Supplied this transition.”

Local supermarket celebrates new facility with free community event Brookfield New World is hosting a free community event – of kai (food), games and a grocery giveaway – tomorrow to celebrate an upgrade to the supermarket’s click & collect facilities.

“We’ve had click & collect for quite some years now, but we've got a brand new canopy that’s just been built. This will keep everybody dry – our customers and staff – whether collecting or loading orders and keep them out of the sun in the summertime.

“We’ve also had new click & collect From 10am-1pm customers are invited carpark linings painted and created a to enjoy a free sausage sizzle and bacon new layout to make the space bigger.” and egg butties while they check out Marsden said the work was done to the upgrade of the click & collect area make it easier for customers to collect adjacent to the store. their orders – “especially the ones with “We have some free games for people to little children or the elderly, who use our play, and some prizes and giveaways worth services or need assistance with $2000 in total,” said Brookfield New their groceries”.

World online manager Briar Marsden.

Marsden said everyone is welcome She said the free communityy along tomorrow, May 9 – with the free event will celebrate their food, games and giveawaays from click & collect’s new 10am-1pm. facilities.

“The whole event is freee to the community to come in aand learn about our click & collect servicce and our brand new space, but also eenjoy some snacks and treeats and have a really n nice time.”

The iconic K Kaimai Eggs trruck and staff w will be on-site tooo, for those w wanting to leearn about how th heir product is p produced locally aat Aongatete.

“So get along toomorrow, The upgraded click & collect facilities at M May 9!”

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

15

Black Ferns inspire school students The Black Ferns have swapped stadium lights for a school field, inspiring students with a surprise training session.

Marihi Fox, 9, said he had played rugby for “three or four years” and wanted to get some advice on how to do “better tackles”.

“I want to see some cool moves, some that we’ve never seen before.

Cheers and wide-eyed excitement rippled “I think it’s really cool that they chose across Te Kura o Matapihi on Monday as the Black Ferns took to the field in front of our school, even though there are millions of other schools they could go to.” an audience of future players.

Te Iria Te Kakau, 10, said watching the Students and kaiako (teachers) welcomed Black Ferns train showed her that girls can the team with a waiata, followed by a thank be just as strong as boys. you from player Katelyn Vaha’akolo.

“It’s very exciting, I’ve The team then responded with a waiata watched heaps of their games of their own, before beginning training. and my favourite thing is how Students, many of whom already played they’re strong and they’re not rugby themselves, described the experience boys, they’re girls.” as “exciting”, with Te Iria said she h had been some eager to pick playing rugby for two years and up some “cool she loved tackling people. moves” from She wanted to learn how to the team. do “some intercep pts” and said she was planningg to ask the playyers how to be fast. “We [girls] can be just as stron ng as boys.”

Th The students had made siggns for the team, p proudly holding them up and cheering as the Black Ferns trained on the school’s field.

Kaiako Aroha Munkedal said the visit was “very inspiring” for the school community.

“It’s just the visualness Te Kura o Matapihi kaiako Aroha Munkedal (left) t), with students and physicalness of Marihi Fox, 9 (centre), and Te Iria Te Kakau, 10, (right). seeing them, rather

The Black Ferns took to the field at Te Kura o Matapihi for a surprise training session in front off stud dents. Photos / Kaitlyn Morrell

than seeing them on TV. It’s very different having an experience like this.”

She said it was a “bit of surprise” for the school and they had to keep it under wraps for a couple of days.

“It’s awesome to see the wāhine Māori in sport who are doing so well and have reached the pinnacle of Aotearoa, they’re on the world stage.”

Munkedal said seeing the team in person made a “huge difference” to the students’ outlooks and taught them how wāhine had to work hard to get where they were.

“Having the Black Ferns come to our little kura here in Tauranga Moana, where

you wouldn’t expect them to come, we feel really privileged.”

The training session was organised through connections with the Aotearoa Māori Sports Awards Trust, and chief executive Dick Garratt helped bring the team to the kura.

He said the goal was to give students a rare opportunity to witness what it took to reach the top level of sport – and to inspire them to pursue their own goals.

“These girls have had their own trials and tribulations to get where they are today. They are world champions, Olympic champions, and so they’re showcasing that here today.

“To see them in person and how they go through their training is an outstanding inspiration for our tamariki.”

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Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

16

Orchard open day shows real-w world ways to care for land Two men from a Western Bay of Plenty iwi collective will open the gates to one of their orchards to visitors today as part of winning the Bay of Plenty Regional Supreme Winners title at 2026’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Charles Russell and Tom Heeney of Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective, located in Te Puke were recognised for building a large-scale kiwifruit operation grounded in cultural values, environmental stewardship and strong commercial performance.

Spanning more than 224 hectares, with more than 101ha of productive canopy, Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective is a strategic partnership between Te Arawa Group Holdings, Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, and Rotomā No 1 Incorporation.

Established in 2018, the business operates across 14 titles and produces both gold and green kiwifruit.

At the heart of the operation is a clear vision to create long-term prosperity while upholding the mana of the whenua as taonga tuku iho, an intergenerational treasure.

BOP Ballance Farm Environment Awards Judges praised the strength of the collective’s governance and clarity of direction. “Clearly articulated objectives and strategy, embedded

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within tikanga, with strong reporting systems that demonstrate accountability and measurable progress.”

They also highlighted the balance achieved across all aspects of the business. “Decision making consistently balances environmental responsibility, cultural integrity and commercial performance, creating a resilient and future-focused enterprise.”

Judges said environmental stewardship was visible across the orchards, with 13,000 native plants established in 2025, alongside extensive wetland creation and riparian restoration. The orchards also served as research sites, hosting trials on native pollinators and supporting biodiversity outcomes.

Innovation initiatives included recycling 450km of growing string annually into plastic pallets, use of drone technology for pest plant management and ongoing investment in emissions reduction through native planting under the Emissions Trading Scheme.

Judges recognised the broader leadership shown by the collective. “Thoughtful lead dersh hip, uplliffting community and d honouring the stewardship of both past and

future kaitiaki of their land.”

“Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective set a powerful example for other landowners…guided by long-term vision, stewardship and commitment to collective benefit for both people and the land.”

Mātai Pacific Iwi Collective CEO Charles Russell said for the collective, success was defined by more than financial performance.

“We are most proud of delivering on our guiding principles – building sustainable growth, safeguarding our assets for future generations and embedding our Māori values into every aspect of our operations.”

As regional supreme winers, today the collective will host registered guests at its Mātai No 5 Orchard in Te Puke from 10am-noon.

The session would explore how productive land use can go hand-in-hand with environmental stewardship and community wellbeing with a focus on Manaaki Whenua Kaitiakitanga (biodiversity), Tiaki Whenua (on orchard) and Ora Tangata (social and community). Speakers would include Tim Wood dward d, Les Anstiss, Tom Heeney, Alex Shortcliffe and Charles Russell.

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

17

Mobile Te Puke Farrmers market seeks supp pliers

A new communitydriven initiative is set to bring fresh, locallygrown food closer to Te Puke residents – but organisers say they need more growers and makers to get it off the ground.

Supported by Te Puke Maketu Kai Resilience Group and led by Nina Vergnes from The Daily Café, the proposed Te Puke Farmers Market is taking a fresh approach to the traditional farmers’ market model.

Still in the final planning stages, the project combines the idea of a weekly physical market with a mobile, order-andcollect system designed to better suit the region.

“We feel like we’re very close to launching,” Vergnes said. “Now it’s about making sure we have enough growers and makers involved to make it work.”

The mobile concept is inspired by a successful rural model in Southland, where produce is collected from local suppliers and delivered to community “hubs” for pick-up.

Longwood Loop in western Southland works as an online ordering platform and uses a delivery van system to pull together produce from multiple local producers.

With the ‘paddock-toplate’ model, customers order online, then get a combined delivery.

Run by volunteers it’s often described as a ‘farmers market delivered to your door’ because

it bundles diff fferent ff producers into one order and one drop-off route.

Produce rangge can include fresh milk, cheeses, meat cuts, eggs, veggetables, and small-batch gooods such as honey and preeserves.

Vergnes said d under the Te Puke van and d hub delivery model, custom mers would also place ord ders online, then collect th heir goods from nearby loocations or hubs across the area – from the township to surrounding communities such as Pukehina and Pongakawa.

“The idea is that people don’t have to travel far – less than 10 km – either to drop off their produce or to collect their shopping,” Vergnes said.

Organisers are working through logistics, including identifying

Recognise New Zealand horticulture industry’s unseen contributors

Horticulture New Zealand is calling for nominations for its 2026 industry awards, which recognise excellence, leadership, service and innovation across the sector.

The awards span six categories and aim to highlight the often unseen contributions of individuals and teams driving the success of New Zealand horticulture.

Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board chair Bernadine Guilleux said the awards were an opportunity to shine a light on the individuals and teams whose efforts often go unrecognised.

“These awards are about celebrating the people who make a real difference – those who lead, innovate, support others and consistently go the extra mile.

“Nominating someone is a simple but powerful way to acknowledge that contribution and share their story with the wider sector and New Zealand.”

There are six awards categories: the Bledisloe Cup for outstanding and

meritorious contribution to NZ’s horticulture industry; the President’s Trophy recognising persons showing promise in the industry business and/or leadership; the Industry Service Award, for people other than a grower, with dedicated service in a supplier or service role; the Sustainable Innovation Award for a person or team who are developing, or have developed, technologies, innovation or undertaken research that increases productivity, profitability or environmental sustainability; the Manaaki Award is for a person, group or organisation that had risen beyond the call of duty to support employers and workers; and the HortNZ Life Member Award for growers with dedicated service as office holders of HortNZ and/or an affiliated product group or grower association.

Only HortNZ active grower members, affiliated product groups or associations can make nominations before June 15.

Visit www.hortnz.co.nz.

suitable hub locations such as community halls, schools or local properties, while building a network of suppliers.

The system wouldn’t run public stalls but would operate on weekly routes

The Daily Café manager Nina Vergnes.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

and online pre-orders.

So far, about 10-15 growers and makers have expressed interest, but more were needed to ensure a strong and sustainable offering.

Growers and makers

interested in being part of the Te Puke Farmers Market can get in contact with Nina Vergnes by email on: nina@thedaily.org.nz or drop in to see her at the Daily Café.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

18 8

Volunteer day at Ōtanewainuku forest Ōtanewainuku Kiwi Trust is having a forest work day this Sunday, May 10, to undertake bait station maintenance and line clearing.

Those interested need to arrive at Ōtanewainuku Shelter opposite the carpark at 680 Mountain Rd, Oropi, by 8.45am.

All tools, gloves and boots brought by volunteers must be clean of soil and seeds to protect the biosecurity of the forest.

New volunteers need to make themselves known to the person in charge of the day on arrival. After a briefing new helpers will be partnered with an experienced volunteer on a suitable line according to fitness.

New volunteers need to complete the trust’s online secure Volunteer Form before working in the forest. Visit: kiwitrust.org/get-involved/volunteer Participants need to wear sturdy footwear or working boots, appropriate clothes, raincoat, and bring snacks and plenty of water. Gardening gloves, a hi-viz vest and personal first aid kit – including any allergy medications – are recommended for the trip. Sausage sizzle, biscuits and drinks will be provided afterwards. Cancellations will be posted on the trust’s Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/otanewainuku

Coastal planting day on Maketū Spit

Coast Care and Maketū Ongatoro Wetland Society (MOWS) are hosting a local planting day on Maketū Spit this Mother’s Day, May 10.

People are invited to come along from 9.30am and asked to bring gardening gloves, gumboots or sturdy, covered walking shoes or boots, a sunhat, water and a raincoat just in case.

Those keen should meet at the Maketū boat ramp carpark on Beach Rd to be ferried across the channel to Maketū Spit. Lifejackets will be provided.

For more information, contact MOWS chairperson Janie Sevenson on 022 027 6897 or email: janie@maketuwetlands.org.nz

Collect pesky moth pllant pod ds to help local ecosystems thrive Envirohub Bay of Plenty is calling on the community to take action against one of the region’s most persistent invasive weeds through its annual Moth Plant Pod Competition.

As part of Envirohub’s Space for Nature programme, the competition invites individuals, schools, whānau and community groups to collect pods, keep them contained so they can’t burst and spread – and drop them at a weigh-in event on May 17.

Rose Riley of Space for Nature said the competition was aimed at preventing the spread of the damaging pest plant across local ecosystems.

She said moth plant is a fast-growing invasive vine that smothers native vegetation and spreads rapidly through wind-dispersed seeds. “Each pod can contain hundreds to thousands of seeds, meaning every pod removed has a direct and measurable impact on reducing future infestations.

“We know how passionate our community is about protecting our environment,” Riley said.

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“This competition is a simple but powerful way for people to get involved.

Every pod collected is a step towards healthy biodiversity.”

Participants can collect pods from their backyard and local areas and bring them to the collection point at Envirohub’s base 31B Glasgow St from 10am on May 17.

“The sticky milk from the plant is a skin irritant, so cover up and wear gloves,” Riley said.

Prizes will be awarded across a range of categories, recognising individual and group efforts.

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The moth plant is a fast-growing invasive vine that smothers native vegetation. Photo / Supplied

The May 17 event willll run from Th f 10am3pm, and also provides opportunity to hear from pest plant expert Dave Grimmer from Bay of Plenty Regional Council, to learn more about biodiversity and pest plant management.

“The event also highlights the importance of ongoing pest plant control and community-led environmental stewardship,” Riley said.

Open now

“This is hands-on environmental action that anyone can take part in. By working together, we can significantly reduce the spread of moth plant and protect our native biodiversity for future generations.”

The Space for Nature Moth Plant Pod Competition is open now. For more information on how to participate, including collection guidelines and event details, visit: https://envirohub.org.nz/ event/moth-plant-pod-competition

Plant sale offers last-minute mum gift dash

Fabulous plants, pots, crafts, garden tools, baking, jams and Mother’s Day treats will be for sale at Te Puna Quarry Park this Sunday, May 10.

The park’s annual Mother’s Day Plant sale will happen from 10am-1pm at the gallery building/dragon lawn area, with many items that will appeal to greenfingers.

Indoor, outdoor and potted plants will be for sale – so there will be something for any mother who loves gardening.

There will be a pamper mum raffle; and children can make posies for mum too.

Cash and online banking payments will be accepted, and Ōmokoroa Lions Club will hold a sausage sizzle. So take mum along and treat her!

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

19

Bucchianico – a hobbit’s life for me Half a Middle Earth away, nestled in the quaint town of Bucchianico, is Italy’s very own shire inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings.

Tackling the Kiwi quintessential two winters ago, one of my longtime besties and I squeezed our lives into our 60L suitcases, said goodbye to our hometowns and headed off on an OE. After sailing through Croatia, busing through Albania, coasting in Corfu and ferrying over to Italy – it was finally time for Maya and I to join the wonderful world of WWOOFing. That is, volunteering through Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms, Italia style!

Low on travel funds and ready to immerse ourselves into Italian culture, we booked the first volunteer spots we could – tomato harvesting in Bucchianico, a small town of the province Chieti, in Italy’s Abruzzo region. Warmly welcomed by hosts Luisa Giannangeli and Fabio Ruano to our new hillside home, we didn’t realise we’d soon see a little slice of Aotearoa in the most unexpected way.

Shire by night

Turns out Bucchianico has its very own real-life hobbit, Nicolas Gentile, who has built his shire styled village in the town’s countryside. While we didn’t get to meet the hobbit superfan ourselves, we did get to explore his shire by moonlight, wandering along lantern lit trails as we spied cosy looking hobbit homes. That night also happened to be an outdoor LOTR movie screening, and as I stood miles away from New Zealand, watching Italian dubbed Gollum on the projector shrieking, “Il mio tesoro! [My precious!]”, I felt like I was in a weird fever dream. I could almost

bittersweet farewell to our shire pace of life and our wholesome Italian family, setting forth to

Georgia Minkhorst

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Above: Tomato harvesting at dusk with Bucchianico in the distance.

Left: One of hobbit superfan Nicolas Gentile’s cosy shire dwellings by night. Photos / Georgia Minkhorst

hear my mum saying, “You’re never far from home”. Yet, it wasn’t a dream induced by too much Limoncello – it was all very real – our Italian hobbit lifestyle had begun!

‘Mangia! Mangia!’

Like hobbits who notoriously love a meal, having not one but two breakfasts, our time in Bucchianico was deliciously centred around food. Whether we were harvesting it, preserving it, cooking it, trading it or having a cat nap after scoffing it – food was the order of the day.

In the morning we’d wake to the whistle of a Moka espresso pot on the stove, slathering Luisa’s fig jam onto thick slices of homemade bread, before heading down to the old cellar to chop and boil

tomatoes for sauce, braid onions into bushels, and dry figs.

Come afternoon, it was time to make the tastiest salads packed with baby potatoes, fresh greens, chunks of local cheese, family friend’s pasta, lashings of olive oil and flavourful tomatoes. Maya and I never wanted to put too much on our plates, yet with true hobbit mentality Luisa and Fabio would always shout, “Mangia! Mangia!

[Eat, Eat!]” With our bellies full, it was then time for our ‘pisolino’ or nap. As the heat of the day eased, we’d head to the tomato fields overlooking the town, picking perfectly sunkissed tomatoes, before sharing stories around the dinner table with a cold beer and sometimes heading up the hill for a cheeky gelato and live music.

After two dreamy weeks living like this, it was time to say a

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the fiery pits of Mordor – aka London. Grazie Bucchianico!

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Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

20

Playing the blues in a crisis It shouldn’t surprise anyone to hear there’s something of a crisis in the music world; these days there are crises everywhere.

Across 6. Attackers (10) 8. Cape (NI) (4) 9. Cut (4) 10. Discharge from a wound (5) 11. Swing (4) 12. Sponge cake (9) 16. Artificial lake (NI) (9) 20. Self-satisfied (4) 22. Fruit (5) 23. File (4) 24. Region (4) 25. He was an All Black in the 1940’s (3,7) Down 1. Programme (6) 2. Ambiguous (7) 3. Request (6) 4. Sob (6)

No. 1983

5. Consumers (5) 7. Customary (5) 13. Drink (3) 14. Involve (7) 15. Well-dressed (5) 17. Kind (6) 18. Magnanimous (6) 19. Quit (6) 21. Scowl (5)

B E R T S U T C L I F F E E F I O P O U M O R A N L R E G A L C B A L A N C E A E H C U K A L L V A P V T O T A R A GM Y R T L E E B C A G S G T I J I E N Y U P S E T G P S Y C H O A X L D E I G E H A K L L T E A C U P G T U A T U A T R T M S D K S D I W L T E X E C U T E N D R A K E N M A L A E A A E E N V N D O U G L A S WR I G H T

Solution 1982

There’s the oil crisis, the butter crisis, and the continuing affordability crisis, of which I’m currently stuck at the not being able to afford to get out of bed stage. It’s a worry.

Clearly bands are having a hard time. It’s a squeeze from all directions.

Touring bands are now paying a chunk more for travel, and audiences don’t have a lot of dosh to splash on going out.

So hats off to bands that are brave enough to be still doing the hard yards and to the venues that are still supporting music despite smaller crowd numbers.

I was struck by this when BB & The Bullets, the pride of Whanganui, played at Jack Dusty’s in Bureta a couple of Saturday’s back. BB & The Bullets is a blues-rock guitar trio led by singer-songwriter-guitarist Brian Baker. I’ve been keeping an eye on them because I reckon they are the hardest working band in the country.

Old school way

What fascinates me is that they are doing it the old school way. They released a debut album last year; half classic blues, half original. They were signed to France’s prestigious Dixie Frog label. They released a second album last month. Each album has imaginative accompanying videos. And throughout that time they have toured relentlessly, up and down the country, playing for five or 500 people, gigging, gigging, gigging...

This is the classic template. Or it used to be when the world leaned more

BB & The Bullets.

Photo / Jack Michalski

analogue. Does it still work? I’m fascinated but, in the meantime, the new album, Wrong Side of The River, is really impressive, impeccable hi-energy blues-rock. It’s been charting in several places internationally, showing that they’ve certainly built a strong online following.

The crowd at Jack Dusty’s was down on numbers but enthusiastic. As I mentioned at the start, bars all over are quiet so I commend Jack Dusty’s, which still features music Saturdays and Sundays, with an open mic night on Wednesdays and the ukulele group Mondays. Good job!

New jam session

Also, a shout out to The Barrel Room and The Matua Bar for offering regular high quality music. And just a quick heads up, there is a new jam session every Thursday at the new Social Club in Greerton. Sounds like some good

players have been turning up and much fun is being had.

In Waihī there’s a splendid double-header on May 22 when singersongwriter – and much more – Jan Hellriegel comes to town for a forum and concert at the Little Theatre.

It’s come about because of the Air Sculptures songwriting courses Liam Ryan has been running in Waihī, working with 30 local songwriters.

Hellriegel will discuss her career since winning Most Promising Female Vocalist at the 1996 NZ Music Awards. She now heads New Zealand’s main independent music publisher, Songbroker.

The forum is for an hour from 5pm, then the concert, with Dan Sharp opening, at 7pm.

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

www.tinyurl.com/4v5m8kku

Harvest market to take over Te Puna tomorrow The annual Te Puna Harvest Market is on tomorrow, May 9, featuring local produce, craft stalls, food trucks, a live band, and giant pumpkin and scarecrow competitions.

The market will be held at Te Puna Hall, behind the BP station, from noon-4pm.

MEDIUM

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No.2337

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7 7 2 8 9 9 7 6 4 2 8 9 1 2 6 4 3 6 6

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

Solution No.2336

8 4 3 2 6 5 9 7 1 7 2 4 5 9 8 1 3 6 6 1 9 4 5 7 3 8 2

5 7 1 6 2 9 8 9 4 1 7 3 6 3 2 5 4 8 1 5 9 8 3 6 4 6 3 7 1 2 2 8 7 4 9 5 3 4 5 2 8 7 9 2 8 3 6 1 7 1 6 9 5 4

Entry is free and there will be attractions to draw young and old – including produce, crafts, flowers and plants, baking and preserves for sale, free children’s activities, a live band, dance performances, balloon magic, face painting, performing sheep, and a range of food trucks offering everything from ice cream to Korean cuisine; and Te Puna Schol will have a sausage sizzle.

There will also be a sale of ex-Te Puna Library books, at $2 each.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 8 May 2026

21

A unique musical experience is coming to town

Opus Orchestra double bassists Alex Huang and William Taber. Photto / Richhardd Lummus

Opus Orchestra will present a powerful programme of orchestral and vocal music this month by pairing a New Zealand opera by Dame Gillian Karawe Whitehead with one of Beethoven’s most exhilarating works.

of history, loss, identity and return.”

The work will be brought to life by three emerging Kiwi singers – soprano Katherine Winitana, baritone Tomairangi Henare and bass Samuel McKeever, supported by Waikato University’s Voice Programme Ensemble and Opus Orchestra.

The Journey of Mataatua Whare alongside Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto will be performed at Baycourt Theatre from 3pm May 16 under the title Mataatua & Beethoven.

Conducted by Peter Walls, the concert brings together two contrasting-yetcomplementary works to create a unique experience that reflects local stories and universal human themes.

“The Journey of Mataatua Whare tells the true story of the great wharenui Mataatua, built in Whakatāne in 1875 by Ngāti Awa. Taken overseas without consent, the wharenui spent decades travelling the world before finally returning home in 2011,” Walls said. “It’s a very moving story

The other piece – Beethoven’s beloved Emperor Concerto – has Kiwi pianist Stephen De Pledge taking centre stage as soloist.

“The Emperor is a truly symphonic concerto, majestic and triumphant, in which the pianist really gets to interact with the orchestra, which makes it such a joy to perform,” De Pledge said. “I’m especially delighted to be making my debut with the orchestra of my ‘home’ region for this concert.”

Mataatua & Beethoven is at Baycourt, Tauranga, on May 16. Tickets are available via Eventfinda; additional performances – with tickets via Ticketmaster – are May 15 at Sir Howard Morrison Centre in Rotorua and May 17 at BNZ Theatre, Hamilton. See the advert on this page for more information.

Thanks to Opus Orchestra, The Weekend Sun has two double passes to Mataatua & Beethoven to give to two readers who tell us who will perform as the piano soloist?

To enter, visit

www.sunlive.co.nz and click on the ‘competitions’ tab. Entries must be in by Tuesday, May 12.

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Frameless Glass Acrylic Linings Shower Packs Shower Trays Opus Orchestra performing inside Mataatua Whare. Photo / Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa

Building confidence for migrant workers

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A new communication training programme aimed at helping migrants build confidence and succeed in New Zealand workplaces is returning to Tauranga this month.

conflict and engage effectively in professional and social settings. The course with Speech NZ teacher Lee Watkins and mentor Pieter de Zwart is also expected to benefit those working in interpreting and translating roles.

The course is aligned with the Speech New Zealand The Migrant Workplace Communication Training Professional Speaking syllabus, giving participants course, a collaboration between Multicultural the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification Tauranga and Speech with NZQA Level 3 NZ, begins May 9 at the equivalency.

Multicultural Tauranga “By equipping migrants office in 17th Ave. with the tools to Designed for migrants communicate confidently, with a good level of the course helps unlock English, the course opportunities not just focuses on building for individuals, but confidence and practical for the wider region,” communication skills D’Mello said. for real-world situations, The programme is including job interviews, heavily subsidised, workplace interactions with participants paying Participants wh ho complleted d th he Migrant Workkpllace and presentations. a $30 administration Communication Training course in 2025. Photo / Supplied Multicultural Tauranga fee. Examination costs president Premila are covered ensuring D’Mello said the initiative supports both individuals accessibility for a wide range of participants. and the wider community. “As Tauranga continues Sessions will run Saturdays through May and June, to grow as a multicultural city, initiatives like this with an assessment day on July 4. play a vital role in fostering inclusion, improving “The course offers more than just training, helping employment outcomes, and strengthening community migrants build confidence, connections and a sense of connections,” she said. belonging in New Zealand,” D’Mello said.

Participants will learn how to speak about their Spaces on the course are still available. To register, email: manager@trmc.co.nz Rosalie Liddle Crawford experience, give and receive feedback, manage

MATAATUA & BEETHOVEN OPERA IN CONCERT & PIANO CONCERTO

A moving new opera by Dame Gillian Whitehead and Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 CONDUCTOR - Peter Walls PIANIST - Stephen De Pledge SINGERS - Katherine Winitana, Tomairangi Henare, Samuel McKeever CHORUS - Waikato University Voice Programme Ensemble

16 TAURANGA Baycourt Theatre, 3pm May

Tickets from Eventfinda and at the door.

Friday 8 May 2026

The Weekend Sun

22

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The Weekend Sun

23

cars wanted

computers

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

Phone

DRY hot gum. $160 per cube.

Free delivery to Tauranga/ Mount. Min. 2 cube order.

Phone Keith 021 377 387.

Gardening & Landscaping

MOUNT MAUNGANUI RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC)

NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING (EGM)

Click on Funeral Notices

DRY FIREWOOD 021 552 748

public notices

www.sunlive.co.nz

Firewood

Notice is hereby given that an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Mt Maunganui RSA will be held on: Date: Sunday 7th June 2026 Time: 1:00PM Venue: Mt Maunganui RSA Clubrooms PURPOSE OF THE MEETING: The purpose of this meeting is to cover: 1. Sale update and vote, if applicable; 2. Club Mount Maunganui merger update; 3. Club lending limits increase; 4. Membership fees 2026/2027; 5. Appointment of auditors; 6. Member motions - proposed changes to the constitution; and 7. Members - no confidence vote.

All members are encouraged to attend, and information packs will be emailed to all members one week before the meeting. If you do not have an email address, you can collect a printed copy from the office. Your input and votes are vital to the future direction of the club. To vote, you must be a current financial member.

David Corin, Mount Maunganui RSA President

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

Affordable rates. Ph Phil 027 655 4265.

LANDSCAPE GARDENER

Experienced, efficient, knowledgeable and highly qualified.

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

Ph Ben 021 133 1857

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Wanted to Buy or Exchange WANTED: Anything related to or from the old Grand Hotel, Princes Street, Auckland (1889–1966). Contact William 021 128 4043 / Email: tktk79201@gmail.com

Wanted to Rent

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

Friday 8 May 2026

Council to seek community views on reserve toilet Western Bay of Plenty District Council is seeking extra feedback on the public toilet at Precious Family Reserve in Ōmokoroa.

Reserve Concept Plan, which was adopted in 2018 following public consultation.

The plan, which showed the toilet in a different location, stated that the final site would be decided following investigations The Projects and Monitoring for stormwater management, the Committee made the move council said. following criticism about the Due to the location of underground consultation process before the wastewater pipes and storage tanks, toilet’s installation last July. the original location was shifted, After a robust discussion, with resource consent granted for a councillors voted 8-2 for a new more suitable site nearby. round of consultation on the Adjoining residents presented a presence and placement of a toilet petition to council in March 2025 in the reserve, including the current opposing the new location. location, other options and the While there was no legal associated costs.

The council estimated it would cost requirement to consult on the toilet’s exact location, it was $145,000 to relocate the toilet to acknowledged at this week’s meeting a new position on the reserve, and that there could have been better $50,000 to remove it and relocate it communication to a different site with adjoining elsewhere in the residents and district. The cost the community of the project to at large, given date is $80,000, that it had been council said. seven years since The toilet was installed after the concept plan being approved was adopted, the by the Projects council said. and Monitoring Consultation Committee at with the its June 2025 Ōmokoroa meeting. community will The Precious family It is part of the take place later Reserve toilet. Photo / Supplied Precious Family this year.

Te Puke Quarry Road partially closed Western Bay of Plenty District Council has advised that a portion of Te Puke Quarry Road will be closed for the month to allow contractors to safely replace a stormwater culvert.

The road – between numbers 20 and 39 – is expected to remain closed until May 30, weather

permitting. “Access to properties will be maintained, and staff will be on-site to assist when required,” council said.

Traffic management will be in place with a detour via Manoeka Rd. Those with any questions or concerns can contact the council on 0800 926 732 or 07 571 8008.

Churches Active In Our Community

God is a personal God We can seem like disposable purposeless beings, amongst the billions, who appear for a very short time in history, then fade away, forgotten.

There was a woman in the bible, an Egyptian slave girl, who was rejected and abused by her masters, and cast out into the wilderness. Her name was Hagar.

The incredible thing about this story is that the Lord spoke to her, stating that He had heard her affliction, and told her of things to come for her and her offspring.

Astonishingly, Hagar called the name of

Pastor Ralph Sutherland, Living Well Church Papamoa

Enquiries 022 632 5957

Tauranga

ALL WELCOME

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

Shalom

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043

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

Churches

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

ST ANDREWS

Cnr Macville Rd & Dee St, Mt Maunganui. Phone 575 9347 www.mountchurch.org.nz Rev Douglas Bradley 10am Family Service

Family Friendly, All Welcome

God ‘El Roi’ meaning “the God who sees me” which became one of the primary names of God. This revelation to Hagar became a testimony of many throughout history and up to 2.6 billion Christians in our present day.

God is a personal God. David exclaimed in Psalms: “O Lord, You have examined my heart and know everything about me”.

Samuel observed that: “…man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”.

Jesus said: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age”.

Clearly, He is a God who sees us, knows us, and is with us – always.

Does God have any interest in us – at all? At times, the horror of world events, along with our own struggles, can paint a picture of a distant God who cares little for what is going on in planet earth.

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