Issuu

Thriving on the extreme

Mount Maunganui extreme sports athlete Flynn Chisholm has broken the New Zealand 24-hour pull-up record after completing an astonishing 4110 pull-ups about 10 hours early

The 21-year-old surpassed the previous

record of 4035 pull-ups after 14 hours and 25 minutes before battling cramping and fatigue to push even further

The challenge began 11am on May 9 and continued through the night with support from family and friends

Chisholm, who is also an elite speed climber and international death diver, said he thrives on extreme physical challenges.

The latest achievement adds to a remarkable sporting resume that already included breaking the New Zealand and Oceania

See page 10 for the full story on

gruelling world-class effort and what challenge he plans to

death diving record in Spain last year

Chisholm said his Christian faith plays a major role in his sport and mindset.

Chisholm’s

tackle next.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Celebrating a ‘Jool’ in the crown

The neon above the door on Auckland’s Civic Theatre advertised the show started in an hour and half But in fact a show was going down right now, right outside the theatre on the street.

The place was pumping

Two young women in cowboy hats, jeans and boots

one on guitar – were belting out their own brand, their own tunes – singing, yodelling and laughing.

“We’re stroppy, aggressive, We’ll take on the

world. We’re untouchable, unt

It was 1981 and I didn’t kn just been introduced to Hom now the Topp Twins, the Da gay, busking, twin sisters from farm near Huntly That alone nicely And we loved and cel departure from the social nor

Boozy abandon

touchable girls ” now it, but I had memade Jam –ames, a couple of m down on the e sets them apart lebrated this rms of the time

Nosey

questions

“What y “We don’t tie that wa “We must Lynda?”

Outside the Civic, 200-300 nicely oiled from Friday nigh drinks, packed the Queen St was as wide as Devonport Rd get a later bus home when th went home. And bouyed wit abandon, they tossed one, tw five and ten dollar notes into an open guitar case as Jools and Lynda, the irrepressible folk duo, played up to them.

0 Aucklanders, ht after-work pavement which d They would he Twins th boozy

Busker business was brisk

“I feel a new tractor coming on, ” joked Lynda. Or a comment like that. Half a dozen cops there to keep the peace and the pedestrian traffic flowing gave up, melded into the audience and clapped and sang a song that would become a Topp Twins anthem.

Loved a good cause

This was down coun slapping I the compa really nose t n ‘Hun Chihua Anyhow exactly ma mainstrea

Tickle

uh reckon Jools?,” asked Lynda. just give our time to any suit and alks past. ” “Quite right,” said Jools. have consensus. What yuh think followed by uproarious laughter, ntry firm handshakes and shoulder t was humbling because I was in any of stardom and I had some y questions. But they only wanted to talk about boring me. What? They also mocked me mercilessly about my name. Hunter was uncommon back then. Not so ow I recently heard a woman call nter ’ to a very ugly Affenpinscher/ hua-cross dog Bloody lovely! I reminded ‘Jools’ her name wasn ’ t ainstream. “But I’m not really a m kind of girl,” she confessed d

Then I p them I real fired, not s We’ll figh wrong, Wel long ” That tick from their Girls believ intimate u

“We live in a world that doesn’t care much, You’ve got to stand up, you ’ ve got to have guts Oh yeah, we ’ re untouchable, but we touch, We’re untouchable girls.”

I had no idea at the time what this song was about – neither did the other punters at this spontaneous, freebie Topp Twins street gig. They just wanted a good time, not a life lesson. But I would learn much later, this week in fact, that the song was a celebration of individuality, sexuality and activism. That’s their life’s work in a sentence really

The Topp Twins loved a good cause – they loved the power of protest, loved raising awareness, and used their music to express themselves, whether about Bastion Point, a nuclear free New Zealand, the Springbok tour, women ’ s lib or homosexual law reform. They would sing provocatively about it, smile about it and invite us to think about it. And we did I did.

Like after surviving the infamous aerial flour bombing of the Eden Park Springbok tour protest in September 1981, I agreed with the twins that the tour was horribly wrong, should never have happened

Silenced

But all through all those dreadfully divisive times the Topp Twins chirped on, using their music to keep us smiling, to spread messages and help heal deep wounds We owe them.

But now the beloved comedic duo has been silenced The twins are now just one twin.

Dame Jools has died, aged 68, after a 22-year struggle with breast cancer The country is worse off for it. It’s a sad time.

I always admired the way Jools and Lynda transcended the deep seated intolerance of LGBTQ people and their rights, because I suspect I may have been insensitive at one time.

The twins would take their shows to the backwaters, the pubs, woolsheds, community halls etc where conservative attitudes tended to be entrenched Often those same people parked their prejudices and filled the venues. The Twins were a liberating force, and we loved them for it.

I met them. They were in the green room at an Auckland TV station early one morning waiting to go on air I just busted in for some celebrity worship “You gotta moment?” I asked.

ulled a rabbit out of the hat – told lly liked their song Freedom and sang, some lyrics back at them. for our freedom , we will never be ll just keep fighting, No matter how kled. They loved it. I came away 2009 documentary Untouchable ving I’d just seen something very , uplifting and special. Where else in the world can they say a favourite homegrown act is a couple of lesbian, singing, yodelling, comedian twin sisters from down on the farm? Jools left a message thanking New Zealanders for “being there for us”. No Jools – for 40 years you were there for us. The pleasure was all ours. Rest well and thank you

The late Jools Topp Photo / Supplied

The Topp Twins, Jools as Camp Leader and and Lynda as Camp Mother. Photo / File

New WBOP council boss to focus on basics and value

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s new chief executive says some decisions he makes may not be popular, but they will be necessary

Matt Potton started his role on May 11, replacing former chief executive John Holyoake, who resigned in March last year Mariam Taris, who was the council’s chief executive from 2014 to 2021, held the position in the interim.

Potton told Local Democracy Reporting his focus was on “doing the basics well” and delivering consistent, reliable services that the community could trust.

“It’s making sure the organisation remembers what our purpose is and who we ’ re there for,” Potton said.

“Providing value for money is more important than ever We have a responsibility to be efficient with ratepayer money, recognising the real cost-of-living pressures many are facing, while also delivering the infrastructure and services our communities rely on. ”

Potton started at the council in 2009 as a finance manager and was its chief financial officer from 2014 to 2017. He left the council to work in the commercial sector, but returned last year as the council’s corporate services general manager

The CEO role was one Potton said he had been interested in for a long time “I liked the idea of working with the community and the organisation. It was an opportunity to lead it through some challenging times.”

Diversity, exciting

He returned to local government for

the “diversity”, saying the work was constantly evolving and changing, making it “exciting”.

“It never gets stale; you never get bored.”

Potton spoke about the importance of doing the small things well, as those were the things people saw and were bothered by

“If you ’ ve got a tatty playground that upsets the community because they want to use it

“Their first reaction is often, ‘That’s what my rates are paying for Why can ’ t we use it? If you ’ re not doing that well, what else does it mean you ’ re not doing well?’ That’s when perception becomes people’s reality”

Value

He said doing the basics well demonstrated value Potton said compromises on costs were necessary and “nice-to-haves might become less achievable”

When asked how he planned to approach unpredictable issues such as the recent weather events, he said “knee-jerk reactions” should be avoided and issues should be looked at objectively

“That might not be the most popular course of action, but it’s the right thing for the community, health and safety, and financially”

He said the best approach to unpredictable issues was to find a bit of calmness and link it back to something that has happened in the past to learn from

Europe to the Bay

Potton was born and raised in Gibraltar, a tiny British territory in

southern Europe, and moved to New Zealand in 1988 after visiting for a holiday, meeting his Katikati wife Kylie and never leaving

The couple lived in the Athenree/ Waihī Beach area for two years before moving to Auckland But four years later, they moved to Brookfield to raise their children, Heath and Willow, now 20 and 22

Potton has worked in a wide variety of industries, including commercial construction, professional services, motorcycles and diving.

The Pottons were inspired to get into childcare when their children were young and set up two preschools: Little

Woods in Welcome Bay and Fern Garden in Ōtūmoetai

Potton said his varied experience taught him the importance of communication

“I’m a big believer in teamwork ”

He said he had an open door and liked to discuss solutions to ensure decisions were well thought through

He said he aimed to be an approachable, informed, reliable, transparent and stable influence – LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Ayla Yeoman

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s

Mount Maunganui landslide: Council

Tauranga City Council has debated building a $215,000 temporary bund to replace shipping containers used as a landslide barrier in Mount Maunganui.

On Tuesday this week the council discussed proposed options for Adams Ave behind closed doors, despite objections from two councillors.

It reopened the meeting to make a decision, seeking more information about alternatives.

The shipping containers were installed at the foot of Mauao after the January 22 landslide killed six holidaymakers and damaged facilities.

Protocols were also introduced to close Adams Ave to traffic during times of heightened slip risk, such as during severe weather

The road had been closed several times since and this was expected to keep happening over the next 6-18 months, a council staff report said.

The report recommended building an engineered bund – a 2.5m-high earthen mound – to replace the containers as the best option to reduce this disruption for the community

A bund would mean the road would not have to close, the report by principal strategic advisor Nick Chester and spaces and places project outcomes manager Amanda Davies said.

It would be an interim measure while longer-term decisions were made about the area.

Other options included ballasting the

pp g placed between the e slip and Adams Ave in Mount Maunganui.

shipping containers; retaining the current container arrangement with a one-way road closure; or keeping the status quo.

The council was working to reopen the mountain’s slip-damaged summit tracks and the Pilot Bay boat ramp

The ramp and carpark had been closed since the slip due to being in a runout zone, but on May 12, the council directed staff work at pace to reopen it.

Tuesday’s report said good progress had

been made towards reopening the boat ramp

This would improve public access and, along with other measures, allow a reduction in the security presence around Mauao

Security costs would reduce from $5040 to $2160 per day

Public exclusion

A report by WSP detailing the landslide

response and Adams Ave mitigation strategy was kept publicly excluded at the meeting

This report would be released to the public when the Quantitative Landslide Risk Assessment (QLRA) was publicly released, which is due in July Council recovery manager Charlie Rahiri said the topic had to be discussed in a publicly excluded session “ to stop prejudice around the QLRA process,

Elevated Care Tailored to You

Paciﬁc Coast Village offers a comprehensive range of care - from independent living and serviced apartments to residential aged care, including dementia care Designed with Paciﬁc Coast’s considered approach,Te Manaaki Care Centre provides residents with luxury living alongside elevated care tailored to your needs

Private tours available by appointment.

210 Maranui Street, Mount Maunganui

paciﬁccoastvillage co nz | 07 572 3029

Photos / Kelly OHara

Shi in containers

considers bund option for Adams Ave

which was looking at the risk around the hot pools and campgrounds”

Rahiri said the information could be misinterpreted by the public as part of the QLRA and prejudice the process if released early.

“Exclusion is also necessary to support risk management, public health and safety in accordance with Section 2 of the Local Government Official Information Meetings Act,” he said Matua-Ōtūmoetai Ward councillor Glen Crowther said not releasing the report could seem like “trying to deny [the public] access to factual information”, as opposed to showing transparency

He said he thought people would be “reassured” by seeing the report

Arataki Ward councillor Rick Curach said if the actual reason for not allowing the information to be shared with the public was due to the risk of misinterpretation, it did not fit into the act

Mayor Mahé Drysdale said he accepted Rahiri’s official reason

After a majority vote, the council went into a public-excluded session, but later continued in an open session

Shipping containers

Council staff could not say how much it was costing to lease the shipping containers when asked by Drysdale.

The mayor said the information was needed to understand the difference between keeping the containers or building the bund Drysdale said he was comfortable with

the containers and opening Adams Ave at all times, including during Level 3 – the highest emergency level of the Trigger Action Response Plan

“I’m comfortable that there is an acceptable risk there ” ‘Got to start...’

He said he was not prepared to make a decision and wanted to wait for the new report to understand and weigh the risk and decide if it was acceptable

“We’re getting ourselves through the next six weeks or so until we get a QLRA and we can make better decisions

“We’ve got to start opening things up, and we ’ ve got to start understanding our risks and deciding what we ’ re comfortable with

“Let’s do it once and do it right ”

Drysdale said alarm systems on Mauao would be triggered if any of the hill moved, which counted as a mitigation

Pāpāmoa Ward councillor Steve Morris said he did not like the containers and he was “ very keen to look at any and every option we have for removing them”

Morris said if the report found a barrier was needed, his preference would be for a bund

“Those containers need to go, ” he said

“The sooner we can get a more aesthetically pleasing view down there for Adams Ave, the better”

Councillors Kevin Schuler and Glen Crowther also shared their distaste for the containers Councillors rejected the

recommendation to build a bund and ordered a new report considering the implications of eaving the shipping containers, with the ability for Adams Ave to remain open to two-way traffic, along with appropriate signage warning the public of any residual risk

The council told Local Democracy Reporting after the meeting the shipping container lease costs were $1,200 per month excluding GST

The bund

The report said the bund would provide the most effective and proportionate response, improving

Still making the rounds at 80

Elizabeth isn’t the kind of 80-year-old who sits and waits for visitors She gets out and goeslookingforcompany

Most mornings she’s up between half past six and seven Warm water with lemon and honey, then she’s out the door with her dog, arounda blockorthree,before breakfast

“I’ve never wanted to stay at home since my husband passed on,” she says “I miss the company SoIget out andgolookingforit ”

That means walking Up and down the street, twice a day most days Into town, back again Staying connected to the small rural communityshe’sbeenpart offordecades

“If I wait for visitors, I’ll be waiting a long time,” Elizabeth says “So I’m the one who doesthe visiting”

It’s not a complaint It’s just how it is And for Elizabeth, that’s ﬁne As long as she can keepmoving

But her knee had started to become a problem Andthatmeanteverythingelsecould become a problem too

She knew the trajectory Less movement leads to more stiffness More stiffness leads to less movement She’d seen that cycle before andhadnointentionofgettingcaught init

“Twenty-four years ago now, I took my last pill,” she says “And I didn’t want to go back Not formyknee,not foranything”

Her husband had been a believer in natural approaches Ginseng, ginkgo, pumpkin seeds He’dsupportedherthroughtheyearswhenshe wastryingtomanage herhealthdifferently

That experience shaped how she thinks aboutherbody Ifsomething’sgoingtosupport her,shewantsittoworkwithher,notoverride it Natural Simple Somethingshe controls

So when her knee started making itself known,shewantedtoﬁndanaturalsupportso she wouldn’t lose that control

Shewalkedintoherlocalpharmacy,looking for something different Something topical Somethingnatural

The woman behind the counter handed her KoruFX

Elizabethwasn’tentirelysureitwouldmake a difference Could a cream really offer the kindofsupport she needed?

She took it home Worked it into her knee that night

Koru FX is made in New Zealand from natural ingredients It absorbs quickly, no stickyresidue,nosyntheticsmell Justasimple formula she couldaddtoherroutine

She kept using it Morning and night, massagingit intoherknee before herwalk

“Once I tried it,” she says, “I never looked back”

Herwalkscontinue,thedoggetshisexercise, and Elizabeth?Well, she gets her fresh air, her company,andherreasonstoleave the house

She’supanddownthestreetmostdays Into towninthemorning,backforthedog,thenout againinthe afternoon

“I can’t stay at home,” she says “I’m the one whovisits That’sjust whoIam ”

At 80, Elizabeth has found what works for her Koru FX, a natural approach from her localpharmacy,andthefreedomtokeepdoing what mattersmost

Getting out, staying connected, and being knownasthe one whoshowsup

access and community outcomes while continuing to prioritise public safety

It would be constructed along the upslope side of Adams Ave and covered in a hydro-seeded vegetation layer

The estimated construction cost was $215,936

The 1049cu m of imported granular fill, costing $139,537, could be reused as part of a future permanent structure – LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Ayla Yeoman

Alarms would sound if senses were triggered by another landslide

Sustainablefashion entries open

Registrations are now open for high school students and adults to enter a local sustainable fashion competition that tasks participants to transform second-hand garments into a ready-towear outfit

Those interested in upcycling discarded garments into runwayworthy looks need to register for the Re:Stitched Runway competition and fashion show by June 15

Registered participants will be provided with a selection of garments on June 27 – choose five from a curated pile – donated by local second-hand clothing organisation Turning Point Trust – and a Challenge Garment that must be incorporated into their design in a creative way

Participants will then have one month

to create their final outfit before taking it to the runway at the Re:Stitched Runway Fashion Show and Awards Night on July 25 at The Cargo Shed in Tauranga City.

Organised by Envirohub Bay of Plenty, the competition is intended for students, emerging creatives, hobbyists and community participants

Established fashion professionals working in the industry are encouraged to support rather than compete

Entries will be judged by a panel at the Re:Stitched Runway Fashion Show on wearability construction, creativity and sustainability

Individuals and groups can enter –find a full brief on the competition and entry details at: https://envirohub org nz/programmes/sustainable-textiles

Possum and pest hunt to support school

Te Ranga School’s annual Possum & Pest Hunt is on next weekend, with the event offering Bay of Plenty residents the chance to support the kura and contribute to local pest control efforts

The 2026 competition’s hunting period is from midday June 4 to 9am June 7 Weigh-in and counting begins 9am June 7 at Te Ranga Community Hall, next to Te Ranga Primary School, 1492 Te Matai Rd, Te Puke

Eligible pests include possums, rabbits, hares, rats, wallabies, stoats and ferrets – no road kills, frozen or decomposing animals will be accepted The competition is open to all deer species – animals must be wild, not

farm-reared, and caught or shot by the entrant

There will be cash prizes for highest tallies of possums and average weight pig, deer and goat

This year Hunt for Good – a not-forprofit providing venison donations to food banks – invites hunters to donate their meat for it to be harvested and donated

Prizegiving on June 7 will have a gala day with a barbecue and games on the school’s back field, a bush classroom tour, toss the poss with an artificial possum, and killer hill run

Prizegiving begins 11 45am To enter the competition, visit: https://teranga school nz

What’sYourPropertyWorth?

Tauranga’s aviation museum is calling for volunteers to help inspire the next generation of flying enthusiasts via its hands-on programmes for school students

Classic Flyers and JNP Aviation Training, which jointly run primary and intermediate-aged ‘flight school’ programmes and secondary school aeroengineering courses, need to expand their volunteer tutoring team

Practical exposure

Classic Flyers sales and marketing manager Cory Tyler said the programmes give students practical exposure to aviation, engineering, science and history in an engaging environment

“We’re passionate about creating engaging, interactive experiences that spark curiosity in aviation, engineering, history and science through hands-on learning and conversation,” Tyler said

The primary and intermediate flight school sessions for 5-13-yearolds introduce younger

Aviation musuem needs more help to tutor youth

students to the basics of aviation, including how planes stay in the air, wing design, thrust and lift

“It’s really basic flight learning,” Tyler said

“We run PowerPoint presentations showing how planes stay in the sky, then there are activities and interaction with the students. It’s really about encouraging curiosity and confidence.”

The programmes are typically half-day sessions; schoos arrive in the morning and leave by lunchtime

The secondary school programme focuses on introductory aero-engineering and gateway-style aviation training Students learn practical skills such as riveting aircraft panels, drilling rivet holes, aircraft preparation and aviation safety procedures

“Students learn the introductory facets of aircraft maintenance, design, engineering operations and aviation health and safety in a unique hands-on environment,” Tyler said.

Volunteer tutors don’t need to be pilots or aviation engineers, justpeople who enjoy

working with young people and helping them learn. “We really just need people who are good with students and enjoy tutoring,” Tyler said

All encouraged

Retired teachers, educators, trainee teachers and community volunteers are all encouraged to apply

The programmes operate up to four times per week

Organisers hope to recruit an additional four to six volunteers to support growing demand from local schools. While the positions are voluntary, tutors are provided meals, refreshments and the opportunity to be part of a supportive team environment “Whether you ’ re retired from a training role, studying to be a teacher, or simply looking to volunteer your skills in a meaningful way, we’d love to hear from you, ” Tyler said

People interested in becoming involved can contact Classic Flyers through the organisation’s Facebook page or call 07 572 4000

For more information, visit: www classicflyersnz com

Secondary school students learn how to prepare a jet during the introduction to aero-engineering course at Classic Flyers. Photo / Supplied

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

DonatejammiesthisJune Student wins Chinese title

The nationwide charitable winter initiative that collects new pyjamas for children in need is about to kick off

This y year Jammies for June –spearheaded by the Middlemore Foundation and the Wellington Hospitals foundations and supported by Kiwi Olympic champion Dame Valerie Adams – aims to collect 25,000 pairs of pyjamas for 25,000 kids. The donations will be gifted to children before they leave both Middlemore and Wellington hospitals this winter

NZ People can support the initiative people in three ways. Donation cash online at: www jammiesforjjune org g nz/donation to provide the initiative with funds to purchase pyjamas

Or register a Jammie Squad to collect new pyjamas until the end of June at: www jammiesforjune.org.nz/ fundraise/jammies-for-june26

Or drop off pyjamas to the Middlemore Foundation in Auckland from 9 30am-3pm Monday-Thursday, by calling ahead on (09) 270 8808

Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School student Harper Stull has taken out first place in the Wellington regional final of the 2026 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Language Proficiency Competition.

In 2025 the initiative provided 28,173 pairs of warm, winter pyjamas to kids in need across

Find out more at: www jammiesforjune org nz

Harper travelled to Wellington on May 23 with the school’s Mandarin language tutor Miss Li to compete in the event at Rutherford House at Victoria University of Wellington’s Pipitea campus. The competition was sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand and organised by the Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington. Harper impressed judges with a traditional Chinese dance performance and an interview conducted in Mandarin.

Courage, drive

In a post on social media, Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School praised Harper’s dedication and preparation leading up to the competition. “Miss Li and Harper spent the last couple of weeks working hard on Harper’s Mandarin speaking, and Harper put the mahi into learning the traditional dance she performed so gracefully,” the school said.

School principal Blake Carlin said they were “incredibly proud of her achievements”. “She truly

Harper Stull impressed judges by conducting an interview in Mandarin Photo / Supplied

embodies what we want for our students: the courage to take risks and the drive to seize every opportunity,” Carlin said “Her success is a perfect reflection of our intermediate school ethos and our core values in action.”

The school acknowledged Miss Li for securing travel funding via the Confucius Institute.

Amazing to watch

Harper’s mother Lauren Stull said seeing her daughter take on the opportunity “and make the most of all OIS offers has been truly amazing to watch”.

“Harper has a passion for dance

and trains for an hour or two most days in the week at either Turning Pointe Tauranga for her ballet or KJ Studios for her modern dance She loves performing and saw this competition as another way to share her love of the stage with people,” Lauren said Winners of the primary, secondary and tertiary categories now have the opportunity to travel to China to compete in the global final of the competition. “She is excited about continuing her journey learning Mandarin and the opportunities this may bring in the future,” Lauren said

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Selwyn Ridge embracing Wednesday Challenge

A Tauranga primary school has cut its gate drop-offs by 40% in three years by joining a city-wide initiative that encourages residents to ditch private vehicle use for healthier transport options.

Since Selwyn Ridge School joined the Wednesday Challenge in Schools programme in 2023 gate drop-offs reduced from 59% to 18% – and a further 29% of students now opt for Park and Stride options

The school reported that walking rates had also increased from 23% to an average of 34% in that time, peaking at 48% Moreover the statistics contributed to the school shifting from 41% of students using active and shared transport modes to an average of 53%

The programme encourages students to use active and shared transport options each Wednesday, including walking, biking, scootering, public transport and carpooling

The Wednesday Challenge in Schools programme is supported by Bay Trust and TECT and has been run in Tauranga for six years The programme is facilitated by the Travel Safe team

a joint community-focused road safety initiative between Tauranga City Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, NZ Police, and NZ Transport Agency Selwyn Ridge School associate principal Kim Abbott said the programme had become part of the school’s identity

“Our tamariki join the Travel Safe

team and take the lead in encouraging everyone to get actively travelling, with plenty of friendly competition along the way They create educational and uplifting messages to share across our kura and wider community”

Abbott said the initiative had also created leadership opportunities for the Selwyn Ridge’s senior students “They’ve had opportunities to influence our school, community and environment through purposeful planning, sparking conversations about health and sustainability, and taking action together

“It has also opened doors for students who might not usually put themselves forward, offering a space to grow confidence and leadership as Wednesday Challenge champions ”

The Wednesday Challenge, which has a business and a schools programme, is run in cities across New Zealand to reduce congestion, lower carbon emissions and improve residents’ wellbeing

Similarly, fellow city kura Matua School had also seen strong results through the school programme The school had increased sustainable travel use from 60% in August 2022, when it joined the programme, to 70% by of Term 1 this year Cycling rates had increased from 15% to 28% - which is the highest proportion of student cyclists across all Wednesday Challenge schools nationwide Wednesday Challenge Schools’ programme coordinator Anna Mosley said the results were extremely

encouraging “I think they reflect a broader shift across Tauranga, with schools, families and communities increasingly recognising the benefits of active travel,” she said “From reducing congestion at school gates to saving money on fuel, building skills and improving student wellbeing, there are many positives, and we are delighted Tauranga schools are embracing the Challenge ” For more information, visit www wednesdaychallenge co nz

Tauranga City Council is reviewing its Stormwater Bylaw 2015, which is open for public feedback until June 5

According to the council, this bylaw provides the rules for how stormwater is managed within Tauranga, helping to prevent pollution, protect public infrastructure, and ensure new developments contribute to a healthy, resilient city

The council wants to adopt a revised Stormwater Bylaw 2026 with key proposed changes to include the name of the bylaw to ‘Stormwater Bylaw 2026’, updated definitions and terminology, reframing of the purpose of the bylaw, clearer requirements for pollution prevention

and responsibility to report unauthorised discharges, mandatory compliance with the Infrastructure Development Code for new stormwater works and vested assets, a three-step approval process for new connections to the public stormwater network, stronger provisions for recovering costs from those who fail to comply; explicit protection of the stormwater network from damage, interference, and unauthorised building over or near assets; and a statement of infringement offences under the bylaw

To find out more about the posed changes or to give feedback, visit: https://letstalk tauranga govt nz/ projects/stormwater-bylaw-review

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Selwyn Ridge pupils collecting data and giving away spot prizes at a Travel Safe school gate acttivattion p partty. P Photo / Suppllied d

Mount athlete breaks NZ pull-up record

Mount Maunganui extreme sports athlete Flynn Chisholm has added another feat to his growing list of achievements – this time completing 4110 pull-ups in 24 hours to break the New Zealand record. The challenge began 11am May 9 at Reboot Gym in Mount Maunganui and he finished the 24-hour challenge about 10 hours early

Chisholm beat the previous New Zealand record stood of 4035 pullups. He surpassed that mark after 14 hours and 25 minutes before

pushing on through fatigue and cramping to finish with 4110.

“I got past the [previous] record….then my muscles really started to seize up, ” the 21-year-old said. “I was just doing little sets of pull-ups and started to fizzle out at the end.”

Without an official Guinness adjudicator present, the attempt was livestreamed and monitored by supporters at the gym to ensure every repetition met the standard, with full arm extension and the chin clearing the bar

Chisholm said his strategy was to complete six pull-ups every minute for the first five hours – reaching

1800 pull-ups – before easing to five per minute for much of the remaining challenge.

To sustain himself physically, he relied on simple carbohydrates, electrolytes and caffeine. “I had heaps of plain bread, fruit like bananas and grapes, lollies for simple sugars, baby food yoghurts when I didn’t feel like eating, and probably 10 coffees,” he said.

The motivation

By the early hours of Sunday morning, only a small support crew remained beside him, including his father Simon, younger brother Toby, and a close friend Chisholm said the challenge was partly motivated by his love of extreme physical goals and partly to help promote the family-owned gym. “My dad owns the gym, so I wanted to help promote it,” he said. “But I also love facing massive challenges I like to get a challenge, work really hard towards it, and once I crack it, move on to something else.”

The latest feat adds to an already extraordinary sporting resume.

Last August Chisholm broke the New Zealand and Oceania death diving record after leaping 40.5 metres from a cliff in Spain – a jump placing him among the

highest death divers in the world. He’s also an elite speed climber who had represented New Zealand internationally, competing at youth world championships, world cups and Oceania championships across the globe

Earlier this year he placed fourth at the Oceania Speed Climbing Championships in Mount Maunganui and is preparing to compete at a world cup event in Chile later this year

Mindset, faith

Chisholm said his Christian faith played a major role in both his sport and mindset. “I’m pretty blessed to travel the world and see God’s creation,” he said “Most of the time I’m jumping at really beautiful waterfalls or cliffs. For me, it’s a form of glorifying Him and worshipping Him in those environments.”

Despite the danger associated with death diving, Chisholm emphasised his strong focus on safety and responsible training. “I’m able to teach people to do it safely and show it’s not just a reckless sport, ” he said Looking ahead, Chisholm hoped to secure sponsorship as he pursues his goal of becoming one of the world’s top death divers and potentially setting a new world height record. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Flynn Chisholm in the gym at Mount Maunganui. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Photo / Supplied

Freedom from Arthritis Pain

Why wait and let it get so bad that surgery becomes your only option?

Living with foot arthritis can affect every part of your life. It keeps you from enjoying the good things in life –playing with the grandchildren, playing golf, even working in the garden. It would be nice to get out of bed – just one morning – without foot pain.

Do you have any of these Arthritic foot problems?

• Osteoarthritis • Top of foot pain • Bunions

• Clawed or hammer toes • Big toe joint pain

Foot arthritis is not just old age. No question, if you’re having foot pain then something is wrong It’s not normal ageing to hurt all the time. Pain in your foot is not a sign of old age. If that was true, all 360 joints in your body would hurt since your whole body is the same age.

“I only wish I had found you sooner”

Just call between 29th May and 12th June and here’s

• An in-depth consultation about your foot pain

• Complete hands-on joint exam

• We will answer all your questions

Two city law firms’ integration a natural progression

Two Tauranga law firms have announced they will integrate next month in what is a natural progression that will deliver positive growth for all clients.

Max Hamilton’s JK Hamilton Law will integrate with Jackson Reeves Lawyers and move to operating from its office from July 1.

Jackson Reeves Lawyers director Mike Dorset said the integration would only create one change – Hamilton’s clients will meet him at the Jackson Reeves office at 31 Hamilton St He said the integration was borne from a strong and deliberate decision by both practices, which have deep community roots and similar values.

Most respected

Hamilton is one of the region’s most trusted and respected commercial and property legal practitioners.

His long-standing practice was built on exceptional client relationships.

Hamilton, who had operated from his office on the other side of Harrington House, said he would continue to work with existing clients from the Jackson Reeves office with his legal secretary Julia – so they will

be greeted by a familiar face as usual.

“I’ve got families that I’ve acted for, for many years.

“Several are multigenerational clients – I act for their parents, grandparents and adult children.

“It’s certainly more than being an advisor – I have a meaningful relationship with them.”

Similar outlook

Hamilton had decided to integrate his practice with Jackson Reeves due to his close relationship with Dorset and fellow director Justin Arnold and the continued growth of his firm

“I’ve worked with Mike and Justin for many years and we have a similar outlook, a similar way of working.

“All three of us enjoy the relationship we have with our clients as people, rather than just as a business transaction. That’s what makes our jobs interesting, Hamilton said.

“What will benefit my clients is that we will have deeper resources.

“Having those extra hands will be great ”

Dorset, and more recently Arnold, had built Jackson Reeves into one of Tauranga’s most trusted law firms since its inception in the 1950s by Maurice Jackson and David Reeves.

The firm is known for a practical, relationship-focused approach and a genuine commitment to the community they work in.

A good fit

Dorset said Hamilton and Julia will strengthen their firm’s commercial and property capability significantly “Our story is similar to Max’s and we like the way he treats clients – that’s what makes this integration a good fit.”

Dorset said Hamilton’s commercial law expertise is renowned not only in this city but throughout the industry

Big step forward

“That’s something we want to learn from – it’s a real positive for our clients, and a big step forward.”

Arnold said the practices’ skillsets complemented each other “and we will grow and expand our expertise from that. Having that extra resource with

Max – it all fits well ”

The trio see the July 1 integration as an exciting next step forward for all clients from a team they already know and trust.

“This is a natural coming together for our practices and for our clients

“It will drive growth that allows us to stay true to what we do best – looking after our clients well in a community we are proud to be part of ”

Max Hamilton, left, will integrate JK Hamilton Law practice with Jackson Reeves Law on July 1, and team up with Justin Arnold and Mike Dorset. Photo / Merle Cave

Sanctuary showcases beauty of timber from family farm

A home of two havens – one for living, another for hosting – is the result of a Western Bay family using their contacts, knowledge and rural resources to achieve their renovation dream.

Alison purchased the four-bedroom, twobathroom home in October 2020. “When we bought this place we’d made our minds up that we’d renovate it.”

A 4.5-year renovation transformed and extended the home into a guest wing and a functioning family home similar to a duplex.

The home’s kitchen was enlarged and updated, an office was added to one end of the home plus the drive-in garage was transformed into a hallway and two bedrooms. Meanwhile, two bedrooms changed into a walk-in pantry and laundry rooms.

The ‘living’ part is carpeted with cats purring at ankles, and light-colour painted, gibbed walls.

The second part of the renovation

straight in from the front-door to the kitchen We also blocked off an office to make a walk-in pantry ”

was a 15m by 15m extension built to accommodate visitors and host special occasions – and is a stark contrast to the above, with lined timber walls moodily showing off the beauty of the natural product. The extension blueprint has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a laundry, music room, dry storage and bag storage rooms, and a 10m by 8m L-shaped room with a formal lounge/entertainment area with fireplace and adjacent lounge with hidden dry storage.

The extension is a creative legacy that honours the family’s rural history Lined floor to ceiling with a range of timbers – many from Alison’s family farm that was sold in recent years – it offers a space of tranquillity and an entertaining oasis. With the project wide-ranging, MySpace opted to review the kitchen renovation and extension.

The kitchen

The kitchen upgrade began after Alison moved in. “We’ve made the bench triple the size and pushed it out to the lounge to make the kitchen bigger,” she said

“We removed a pantry and created a new entry to the kitchen because we got sick of walking round the hallway with our groceries,” Alison said. “Now we come

The home was run off 18 solar panels and gas “I removed the gas ovens and put in electric I removed the gas heaters and put in an air conditioner but left the fireplace this end for heating

“The whole place now runs completely from solar energy from 75 panels ”

The extension

The 15m by 15m extension was built by Dave Sherlock, a subcontractor who Alison said “ was on-site virtually every day for overseeing [t was hands-on

The extensi

concrete slab timber subflo framing was with timber the family

But it is the lined with to pine, magno from a pear t family farm –the extension wonderland. vanities were from farm-so wood. “Ther different grai and styles used

-site r 13 months he job] and n ” ion is a b with a oor and built on-site sourced by e walls –otara, Norfolk lia and wood tree from the that make n its own Bathroom e made ourced e are ins

throughout – so it doesn’t all look the same. Each type of timber brings character and breaks up the look. For example, you can see the window frames stand out because taraire is used for those while the walls are Norfolk pine.”

Six logs of Norfolk pine – each 3.7m long – plus the magnolia, a total of more than 30 tonne, were brought from the farm. “The magnolia was a 143-year-old tree. ”

Each room is named after a wood species – rimu, rewarewa, tānekaha, tōtara, etc with signs above doors – some purchased from down south

The new la bathrooms we with an alum sealed produc Alison said by 8m entert room has a p ceiling, the w Norfolk pine floor is tarair fireplace has built stone w large hearth stones are fro creekbed on Alison said ATD Stonem made the fir wall – w does A

Th l undry and ere lined iniumct. the 10 5m tainment poplar walls are e and the re The a customwall and “The om a dry the farm,”

“Todd from masons replace what he really is Attention To Detail.” A plaque

reads ‘Dum spiro, spero - While I breathe I hope’ – a Latin motto adopted by the family

The hearth is made from a 9mm piece of steel from a Waihī Gold Mine boiler, Alison said. “It’s been flattened and made to size – it’s 2.02m by 1.6m so when you open the fire door you don’t scorch the wood floor if a log falls ” Three hung lanterns, bought by Alison’s late grandmother, finish the fireplace. The room ’ s rimu doors have had resin added, with a black base and semi-clear fill by Steve Lee at Serenity Hill Handcrafted Designz “Most people want swirls but we wanted to see the depth of the timber”

Alison said Lee also refined timber tables with bright blue resin

The dining space has food served from the kitchen. “The roller-door cabinetry allows us to store small appliances – it’s that minimalist look.”

Alison said her family worked hard to keep renovation costs down by using their farmsourced wood, their long-held contacts, and researching products that could substitute others “We shopped around for roof prices to get it done cheaper and we did do some work ourselves ”

For example, family and friends sanded the floors at a cost $5000 – instead of a quoted $27,000 “It may not perfect but timber is basically a living thing, and it saved a lot of money and is ideal for what we want. ”

The extension of interweaving timber species – native and exotic – creates a sanctuary that both showcases and honours the beauty of the wood that comes from a place very special to Alison’s family Not even the cats are allowed in. “The other side is where we live with our cats. This is a cat-free zone. ”

The fireplace, with stones from the farm’s dry creekbed. Photos / Merle Cave

The entertainment room showcasing the farm’s timber

A bedroom with timber walls

Merle Cave

As smart as they are beautiful

Beautiful homes should feel comfortable too. At Sorrento Shutters, window furnishings are chosen not just for their aesthetic, but for the way they improve warmth, privacy and everyday living year-round.

From keeping homes warmer through winter to filtering light and creating a sense of calm within a space, the right shutters and blinds can completely change how a home feels to live in.

Working with homeowners across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, the team sees a growing shift towards homes that feel as good as they look

“People are thinking more carefully about how they live in their spaces, ” said local owner-operator Kane Burton-Brown. “They want products that elevate the look of a room, but also genuinely improve comfort and day-to-day living.”

That’s where shutters stand apart, he said “Custom shutters create a fitted barrier against the window frame, which helps reduce draughts and improve insulation

“Well-fitted shutters can reduce heat loss through windows by more than 50%, making homes feel noticeably warmer and cosier through winter, while also helping regulate temperature year-round,” BurtonBrown said.

Timeless favourite

•

Plantation timber shutters remain a timeless favourite, adding warmth and elegant structure to both contemporary and classic interiors.

Sorrento’s PVC shutters offer the same clean, architectural finish, with added durability that makes them ideal for wet areas, family homes and coastal environments, BurtonBrown said.

“We offer a wide range of colours and stains, along with full colour-matching, so everything feels completely integrated into the home

The offering extends beyond shutters, with a premium range of New Zealand-made blinds, including motorised roller blinds, classic venetians and insulated honeycomb styles

Unique design

or layered with shutters for added warmth, softness and flexibility, with warranties ranging from five to seven years depending on the product

Personal approach

“But what clients often love most is the atmosphere these products create. There’s a softness and sense of comfort that changes how a room feels.”

All Sorrento shutters are custom-made and designed to last, backed by a 10-year warranty

Particularly popular through winter, honeycomb blinds feature a unique cellular design that traps air within the blind itself, helping improve insulation and retain warmth while maintaining a clean, modern aesthetic, said Burton-Brown. With extensive fabric and colour options, blinds can work beautifully on their own

“What underpins everything we do is a very personal approach,” said Burton-Brown. “From the first consultation through to installation, clients deal with one person who understands their home, style and goals from start to finish.”

Sorrento Shutters offers free, no-obligation in-home consultations, with expert advice and a custom quote provided on the spot For more information, contact Kane Burton-Brown on 07 577 0077 or visit: sorrentoshutters co nz

Staycations are back!

Holiday every evening and at weekends in your very own backyard oasis!

Kevin & Anita Horan owner operators of Poolpac NZ, based in Mount Maunganui, are excited to introduce the fully tiled plunge pools to their product range

These pools are unique, being a fibreglass shell with a full ceramic tile finish.

Fast to install as they are a drop-in pool, with no need for an expensive concr surface and then finished with ceramic tiles.

a ceramic finish, modern with a stylish design, compact, durable and best of all, low maintenance,” said Anita

Not only will it add value to your home, but it will also let you experience a level of style and luxury

“Our plunge pools are fully tiled with

The design of the plunge pool enables easily walk down into the , which has been designed for comfort and relaxation, she said.

What a wonderful way to exercise and destress after an exhausting day at work

“We can take care of permits, engineer reports, site checks, delivery, and installation so you don't have to We m to make the process sy as possible for our customers, ” said Anita

“We also have a large range of sizes to suit small or larger spaces. Whether you are planning a new build or looking to enhance your existing space, we have a pool to suit,” said Anita Kem Ormond

If you are planning a building project, you need to think about the difference between a new build and a renovation or extension

The Government has a Building Performance website that offers valuable information, such as below.

In any building project there are unknown factors, particularly if the project is large or complex.

In a renovation or alteration, your existing building's construction

may not be understood until part way through the building process You will also need to make compromises to work with what already exists.

If you ’ re doing the work yourself, plan well so that you are prepared for changes and delays. If you're using professionals, check they are familiar with the challenges of renovating.

Talk to your council in the early stages of your project so you know what you need to take into account. Find out more at: www.building.govt.nz

Enhance and extend y your outdoor livinng

See the difference SUNVUE can make to your outdoor living space.

Proudly locally owned and operated from their busy workshop base in Maleme St in Tauranga, the team at SUNVUE are the experts to contact for outdoor living solutions.

SUNVUE’s range of aluminium pergolas, outdoor blinds and accessories are designed to be both durable and attractive, providing a stylish addition to any outdoor area

Co-owner Lee Weatherley said that

“installing a SUNVUE covered pergola is like adding a new room to your home – for a fraction of the price”.

Custom-made

“All SUNVUE pergolas are custom-made to your specific property, we don’t try to make a one-size-fits-all design that may not completely work for you and the space you want covered.”

Lee said: “As a result, our pergolas look like they were always a part of your home, rather than an add-on”.

She wanted people to know that optional outdoor blinds or awnings can also be added

at any stage after a SUNVUE pergola installation.

“These help to maximise your living options and optimise year-round use of your outdoor living space, particularly if you cosy it up over the cooler months with a heater etc ”

weather conditions and all four seasons, our designs ensure the best of both worlds in terms of yearround living spaces, ” John said.

The SUNVUE Galaxy and Halo pergola styles are designed and custom built right here in New Zealand with a focus on only using quality products, including NZ made aluminium, and great workmanship

“A SUNVUE pergola offers 99% UV protection and will block out undesirable weather, while still letting lots of light into your home,” said co-owner John Weatherley “When considering New Zealand

If it’s a carport you are after, SUNVUE can design and build that for you too Made from low-maintenance aluminium, powdercoated to your choice of colour and with a range of roofing options, a SUNVUE carport is a stylish addition to any home, John said Best service

“All said and done, SUNVUE is committed to providing our valued customers with absolutely the best

products and service!”

Their “ no cutting corners ” business approach results in a premium build, which will not only stand the test of time but also add real value to your property, said John “It’s easy to see the difference when you choose SUNVUE.” The SUNVUE team service an area which extends from Taupo to North Auckland and everywhere in between.

If you would like a free, no-obligation quotation, give the friendly SUNVUE team a call today on: 0508 SUNVUE (0508 786-883) or visit: www.sunvue.co.nz

Premium Outdoor Living

See the difference with a quality addition to your home, thanks to SUNVUE Photo /

Bespoke solutions for your backyard

Enjoy sunshine and privacy this winter, and keep unsightly rubbish bins at bay with bespoke timber solutions by Trellis Outdoor Centre

Michelle Mare has been the proud owner of Trellis Outdoor Centre in Greerton since November 2025, having started her first job in New Zealand there almost eight years ago Her love for woodwork has spanned across two decades and continents!

“I have always loved transforming piles of timber into something beautiful and functional,” said Mare Life in South Africa saw her making custom-designed treehouses and jungle gyms, but in New Zealand her love has been helping clients create the perfect custom solutions to elevate their outdoor spaces Whether you need trellis,

planters, fixed louvre or bespoke outdoor furniture and storage –

Mare has you covered

“It’s very rewarding for me to be involved in a client’s project from start to finish because I get to see their happy, smiling faces ”

All it takes is a minor adjustment in fence height using a custom trellis fence raiser to feel more at ease in your space, said Mare.

“We’ve seen a surge in the need for privacy now that developers are building right up to boundary lines Our trellis panels allow light through, so there aren ’ t the same height restrictions as those placed on solid boundary fences.

“We love easing the pain of a blindsided homeowner who has watched in dismay as a row of units has replaced the house next door!”

Custom trellis doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank either Mare said that customers

are generally surprised at the competitive pricing when compared to mass produced off-the-shelf options at hardware stores “Made-to-measure also means less labour costs when it comes to installing the panels as no alterations need to be done on site-and the avid DIYer can easily tackle the install themselves”

Hands-on and client focused, Mare consults and measures up properties from Ōmokoroa to Te Puke “No two orders are the same and no two sites are the same ” With winter approaching, now is the time to tackle those property upgrades you thought about in summer, that were put on the back burner Pop in and discuss your needs with Mare and let her turn your ideas into reality

She has tackled a range of bespoke timber orders from a “catio” in Ōmokoroa, to an enclosed gazebo in Pāpāmoa and even an outhouse for Matakana Island!

Her current focus is on creating an attractive, practical solution to the problem of unsightly rubbish bins that tend to be an eyesore next to garages and entrances Now you can recycle and discard refuse without compromising the outdoor aesthetic you ’ ve so carefully crafted!

Mare is running a special promotion for her Rubbish Bin Enclosures and said the first five readers to quote this promotion in TheWeekend Sun will receive a 10% discount See the advert for contact details and call now!

Georgia Minkhorst

Custom planter boxes created by Trellis Outdoor Centre. Photos / Supplied

Michelle Mare is the proud owner of Trellis Outdoor Centre in Greerton.

Opportunity –

Luxury Fairview Living

Positioned to capture the sun and sweeping views, this well-presented home offers relaxed living in a peaceful setting The north-facing open plan living flows effortlessly to a large patio overlooking neighbouring farmland and stretching views across to the Kaimais

Ross

$1 295 000

VIEWING

Sunday 31 May 1:30pm-2:00pm or By Appointment

With the departure date approaching, the vendor is motivated to sell their property Enjoy relaxed living in this well-designed Generation home overlooking the 8th fairway The home is perfectly set up to make the most of its peaceful golf course outlook FOR SALE

Ross

$1,045,000

VIEWING

Sunday 31 May 3:00-3:30pm or By Appointment

SALE

$2 195 000

VIEWING

Sunday 31st May 12:45pm - 1:15pm or By Appointment

Prestigious Fairview Estate home with multiple living areas, sun-soaked indoor–outdoor living and expansive views High stud ceilings wide hallways and quality finishes throughout reinforce the home s sense of space and sophistication

Ross Collins 022 458 8600 r collins@barfoot co nz

Griff Cooke 027 810 7679 g cooke@barfoot co nz

Fairview Townhouse: Golf & Kaimai ViewsMust Go!

Entry through private road via Fairview Golf Course, one of the last remaining architecturally designed freehold townhouses in The Greens Extra benefits are available to sweeten the deal FOR SALE

$895,000

VIEWING Sunday 31 May 12:00pm - 12:30pm or By Appointment

Ross Collins 022 458 8600

r collins@barfoot co nz

$865

$895

Last

$895,000

$365,000

Looking for something easy, fun and a little bit different this King’s Birthday weekend?

Head into Tauranga’s city centre for bold nights and bright lights with POP! Glow, Go!

Running across four evenings from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1, the Tauranga waterfront is getting ready to host a glowing playground of activity, filled with performance and hands-on fun for the whole family

At the heart of the event are two large-scale light installations – one never seen before, lighting up the waterfront each evening and

transforming the space into an immersive, colourful experience.

From 5pm to 8pm each night, the event offers a range of activities

These include trying circus skills with Have a Glow Circus, snapping pictures in a photobooth, fire performances, roaming luminous characters and neon face painting

Locals and visitors can also take a more relaxed approach and simply wander through the glowing displays and take in the atmosphere

Downtown Tauranga manager

Genevieve Whitson said live music in the city centre will feature each night “adding to the lively atmosphere throughout the main streets ” “Remember that free parking is

also available in the city centre 5pm, as well as on weekends an public holidays, so getting into city is easy ”

She encourages attendees to m a full evening of their visit by exploring what the city centre has offer with a great selection of di and local eateries, or enjoying a beverage while taking in the event. “Attendees are encouraged to dr warmly, bring family and friends experience the waterfront in a ne and engaging way ”

The POP! Glow, Go! event is delivered by Tauranga City Council, Downtown Tauranga and Vesica

For more information, visit: whatsontauranga.co.nz/citycentr

Joey is a handsome 1-year-old mixed breed male dog with a big heart and so much potential. He needs a loving forever home where he can settle down, feel safe, and continue to grow into an amazing companion.

Joey hasn’t had the easiest start to life, but despite this he remains affectionate, eager to please, and full of love He forms strong bonds with people and truly enjoys attention and being included in daily life He’s the

wants someone to believe in him His

for many homes and lifestyles

Joey is intelligent and learns

encouragement and

will need continued

but

Hello Aisha & Bebe, farewell Jools

It’s the end of May; another NZ Music Month is coming to an end.

To be honest, I’ve grown increasingly sceptical about the whole venture. It’s simplistic to say something like “ every month should be New Zealand Music Month” but sometimes the current model feels like perhaps just an excuse to plug the most mainstream bands rather than expose the massive amount of largely-ignored more independent music, which I believe was the original point. But, by the same token, anything that gets bands out and gigging is a good thing There’s actually a show tonight, May 29, at The Jam Factory which is a little last-minute to mention I know, but better late than never

New duo’s gig

This is from a new duo on the scene, though they will be backed by a full band at the show They are Aisha & Bebe, best friends from Ōtūmoetai College, who placed second overall at the Smokefreerockquest Solo-Duo National Final last year Think acoustic guitar and two voices in harmony Since then they’ve played support for Georgia Lines and Frankie Venter and released the song Blank Space

It’s interesting that the recorded song, which was on last week’s playlist and will be on again this week, differs from their live approach, losing the acoustic guitar and subtly pivoting from folk to pop electronica through the change of instrumentation This is something I see a lot right now, indie

folk being retooled for pop radio

At the show they will be backed by Matt Bodman and members of Eddie and the Dreamers and No Code, an enviable band by any standards, with support act Marnie Came. A new song, Violet, drops the next day

What’s particularly heartening is to see yet another generation of Tauranga musicians emerging

There are already second-generation musicians from Tauranga such as Oscar Lavën and Dylan Israel in their 30s so it’s good to watch a new crop growing.

One thing Tauranga is quite good at is supporting young musicians, with events such as the quarterly Rising Vibes gigs at Totara Street – the next one is June 21 – and the Band And Deliver series at The Jam Factory

Thank you Jools!

But I don’t think I can finish this week without a big doff of the cowboy hat to The Topps Twins,

A community catch-up event with Tauranga City Council on working towards the safe reopening of Mauao will be at the Little Big Markets on June 6.

The markets will be held at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui next Saturday, June 6, from 9am-2pm.

The Tauranga City Council gazebo will on-site

Jools and Linda. I don’t really have anything to say except, like Jools herself, ‘Thank you’.

The Topp Twins have been part of my life for about as long as I can think, and I’m old enough to remember Untouchable Girls and the antinuclear protests back in the 1980s. They’ve always been there, whether on television or stage,. The last time they were here, being brilliant and funny, was five years ago at Katikati’s avocado festival There was always something absolutely irreplaceably special about them; something uniquely part of New Zealand. Like the whole country I’m heartbroken I’ve never been able to listen to Calf Club Day without a tear in my eye Now it just wrecks me But their music is so wonderful and we still have it Thank you for everything Jools

with its Recovery Team so people can learn more on work being done towards the safe reopening of Mauao, and find out what’s happening across the city as the council works towards recovery from the January events More information cab be found at: https://www tauranga govt nz/council/ mauao-landslide

A community planting event is happening at Taylor Reserve on June 7 from 9.30am-11.30am – and everyone is welcome along to help As part of Tauranga City Council’s work to upgrade Whakahoutanga ki Taylor Reserve, the reserve ’ s access road, carpark and boat ramp has been closed form March 23 to June 5. On June 7 the community is welcome help add native dune plants to the upgraded sections of Taylor Reserve Those interested are advised

Aisha & Bebe

Youth hip hop showcase set to light up Baypark

More than 1300 young dancers from across New Zealand – and for the first time overseas – are preparing to take the stage at Mercury Baypark Arena for one of the country ’ s biggest hip hop dance events.

PROJECT 2026 returns on King’s Birthday Weekend from May 30 to June 1, bringing together 140 dance crews for three days of competition, workshops and performances celebrating youth, creativity and community Now in its 17th year, the hip hop crew dance competition has grown from humble beginnings in Te Puke into a nationally recognised event attracting dancers from throughout New Zealand and beyond Event director Sarah Martin said Project began in 2010 after conversations with students at Te Puke High School who wanted competition experience but

lacked the confidence to enter larger national events “That first competition had nine crews and about 70 dancers Now we ’ ve grown to 140 crews with over 1300 dancers competing this year ”

Major milestone

The event features divisions for intermediate and secondary schools, mega school crews, novice dancers and elite open crews competing for more than $20,000 in prize money

This year also marks a major milestone, with international crews joining the competition for the first time. “We’ve got three crews coming from Australia and one from Brazil. It’s really exciting to welcome international dancers into the Project family”

Alongside the competition free public workshops will be held Monday, June 1, for young to learn choreography and develop new skills alongside industry mentors. The workshops will be delivered in partnership with youth group The Wave and were

designed for dancers wanting to challenge themselves in a supportive environment.

Martin said the event had built a strong reputation nationally because of its focus on encouraging and uplifting young people “Our slogan is to grow, create, express and develop, and we haven’t wavered from that People know it’s a professional event where dancers will be supported and looked after”

Reunion of sorts

The event had become a reunion of sorts for New Zealand’s dance community, with former students, parents and tutors returning each year to volunteer and reconnect.

“For me it’s about family and connection,” Martin said “It’s the one time every year where our dance community gets back together”

Project had also helped launch successful careers in the industry Internationally respected

Localvoice for the voiceless turns 5

Free Public Advocacy Service is celebrating five years of helping people across Tauranga and the Western Bay access support and navigate challenging situations.

The registered charity assists people dealing with agencies such as Work and Income, ACC and tenancy services, as well as helping with forms, letters and appointments.

Coordinator Carol Heena said the service aims to support anyone struggling to “ use their voice”.

“We help people in whatever issue they have,” Heena said.

The organisation operates advocacy clinics at Arataki Community Centre, Greerton Library, Welcome Bay Community Centre, Pāpāmoa Community Centre, Te Puke’s The Hub, and

Tauranga Library on Saturdays. Appointments can also be arranged online or by phone.

Th i i f d il bl to ad M co fre

The service is free and available anyone needing guidance or dvocacy support

More information, clinic times and ntact details are available through eepublicadvocacyservice co nz

choreographer Josh Cesan of Auckland’s Identity Dance Company competed at earlier Project events before going on to teach around the world Cesan and Joseph Asi from Red Studio will be there this weekend Martin said keeping Projectin Tauranga had always been intentional “It was about creating opportunities for the Bay of Plenty region. And let’s be honest – the Bay is a pretty great place for people to come for a long weekend ” Project 2026 tickets are at: www.urbandance.org.nz

Need help ﬁlling in a form? We can help Need support dealing with an organisation? We can help Need someone to come with you to an appointment? We can help

If we can’t help, we will ﬁnd someone that can

The meaning of Trinity Sunday on May 31

Trinity Sunday is a historic date in the Church calendar, and is celebrated on the first Sunday after Pentecost each year Trinity Sunday honours and remembers the core Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity: one God in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

Trinity Sunday was established in 1334 to remind Christian believers of their core belief in God as one substance, yet three persons

The three persons of God are: God as Creator (Father), God as Saviour (Son), and God as the Comforter/Sanctifier (Holy Spirit) This core doctrine refuted the teaching of Arianism, which held that Christ (as Son) had a created finite nature rather than a nature equal in divinity with God the Father Arianism was denounced by the early church as a major heresy

To the finite human mind, it doesn’t seem comprehensible how God could be three distinct Persons, but only one God The Bible however teaches this clearly in many places, that the Father is God, that Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit is God And yet, God is one (not three)

declare with your

‘Jesus

and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved”

Richard Roodt, Redeemer Church Tauranga

Project 2026 returns with 140 hip hop dance crews competing at Mercury Baypark Arena on King’s Birthday weekend. Photo / Supplied

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

situations vacant

Casual Class 4 Driver (Ideal for retirees)

We are seeking an experienced, reliable and safe Class 4 Driver based in the Te Puke area

The role would suit a Semi-retired or Retired Driver wanting to supplement their retirement income and stay connected to the industry without fulltime burnout. Easy hours, good pay rate

The role is delivering product from Te Puke to Kawerau and return, every second day

Requirements: