The Weekend Sun - 12 June 2026

Hillside hobby

It’s amazing what is hidden up State Highway 2’s side roads in the Western Bay of Plenty This week The Weekend Sun has stumbled upon something quite unique. High in the hills of Te Puna is farmer John Carmichael’s idea of a creative escape

Part workshop, part retreat, part invention lab is a cave built into an underground space carved deep into the earth.

It began when Carmichael was doing a small development on the hillside. “The digger was already on-site and I thought,

‘well… now ’ s a good time – dig me a bloody big hole in this hill’,” he said.

“It’s basically like an old silage pit, but turned inside out. We just kept building from there.”

Carmichael said the project was “just a hobby”. “But it’s one I’ve had a lot of fun with.”

It is clear this is one hobby that got very, very out of hand – in the best possible way! Turn to pages 24-25 to find

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Can I have my mountain back please?

She was brooding and craving attention. You could sense it

Because, usually, I would begin most days gazing on her, admiring her poise and dignity, relishing her in all her moods. Not recently though. Uh-huh! Not since 9.30am, January 22. The moment things changed dramatically, drastically, fatally The big slip

But this morning she had made a big effort; she’d put on her party dress. It was a

sassy, frothy little number of white misty organza. Sea smog. Eerie, but she wore it well. It billowed cheekily from her waist, just below the bush line, and tumbled away into the tide below Her upper reaches, a rich Linwood green bodice and crown soared 232 metres into the skyline. She looked magnificent.

Flouncing in finery

I’ve often seen her in a bonnet, a white smudge, a ‘ cap cloud’ they call it, sitting stationary atop her peak I’ve seen her obliterated by storm clouds, but I’ve never seen her flouncing in her finery, her party dress “Do I have your attention again?” she seemed to be asking? “Do you like what you see?”

Well, yes I do. Very much. She had inveigled her way back into my life with a bit of frippery. I liked that and promised I would drop by and say hullo. Because she loves attention, she’s a diva, a mountain amongst hills She needs people crawling over her, around her, scrambling up her, abseiling down her, soaring off her, photographing her

The party dress of sea smog had been burned off by a sun yawning awake on the eastern horizon She is true to her Māori name –“caught by the light of the day” The party dress is back in the closet, and Mauao, The Mount, is in her daywear

Except I call her ‘Fedora’ because her profile from my deck reminds me of the Indiana Jones-style hat The Fedora Very Harrison Ford

“Good morning” smiled a security guard Well, no it’s not Security guards on Adams Ave 10am Wednesday? But it has to be this way for the time

We just miss the other signs, the signs of summer – pizza, ice cream, beach towels, sunscreen, bare feet, salty sandy bodies, hurley burley, commotion, traffic, lots of cars, people, lots of people. Noise.

But the only noise today was the haunting sound of sorrow – hearts still quietly weeping for Sharon, Max, Måns, Lisa, Jacqualine and Susan whose spirits will dwell forever at the foot of Mauao

How should we commemorate them? An issue for another day

ice cream, fudge, cream and nuts – at 9 40am Glad to have helped!

I don’t want the empty takeaway joint next door on my conscience So at 9 53am I buy a $17 99 snapper burger combo I give it to a hard hat across the road I pay He eats

Above a buttress of shipping containers just inside the camping ground boundary, there’s a deep scarf in the hillside The slip Curious things don’t have to be massive to be deadly

Before it became hero wear, the Fedora was a feminist “symbol of empowerment ” So, to me, Mauao is also a monument to the independence and strength of women A mountain of many hats

Sound of sorrow

Divine hope

That’s a reason a mountain is “temporarily closed”, why security fences tell me what I can ’ t do and where I can ’ t go But there’s still an urge to charge, well waddle, up her tracks to the summit

Been there a squillion times but every time feels like the first Part of her magic I also need to talk to Monica who lives eternally at the summit I need to touch the memorial and tell her that her rape and murder 37 years ago is as senseless today as it was then

Blobs and boats

The base track is “temporarily closed” – how long is “temporarily”? Because I also need to check in with ‘Blob’, a big brown fur seal on the rocks just above the shipping channel

So I spent time with Fedora in Adams Ave this week Sad Very sad Barricades, fences, signs None beckoning or welcoming “Closed”, “Do not enter ” , “If you hear sirens, evacuate immediately!”

I sat there fiddling with my ‘ rosary ’ – a ratepayer key fob to the hot pools, or where they once were The pools were my sanctuary from whatever crap life chucked at me Soak and forget The fob did the same job as a rosary, a tangible prayer and comfort I will continue fiddling in the divine hope the pools will be delivered back Across a deserted road, a deserted ice cream shop is screaming “indulge yourself, please!” So I try to kickstart the local economy A Super Waffle –

When he sees me, he will throw his head back as if judging, “Where the hell have you been?” I also watch the Maersk mega-ships ploughing through the gut – containers going out, money coming in – a sight to delight Treasury. You can hear massive marine diesels throbbing away. What exotic destination are you off to? When will you return? It’s a sideshow but a goodie.

Is that new green growth on the face of the slip Is the scar healing? Are we healing?

Can we have our mountain back soonest, please?

Wearing her bonnet. Photo / Supplied

Ovarian cancer survivor tells story ahead of Dry July

Tauranga banking consultant Tracey Goldthorpe was “just getting into the cruise zone ” of her life when she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in December 2024.

“I was really happy I loved my work, my marriage got better year on year We were in a comfortable place ... and then this came along,” the 53-year-old said. After chemotherapy and a major operation last year, Goldthorpe is in remission and doing well.

She has returned to work part-time and is looking forward to celebrating her 35th wedding anniversary with her husband, Shane, in Australia in August. “I think it’s just reminded me that there is more to life than work and to take care of the relationships that you have around you, to enjoy every day and plan and live every day, not just say, ‘I’ll do things later’.” Goldthorpe is sharing her story ahead of the Dry July campaign – an annual challenge where participants give up alcohol for a month while raising funds for non-medical services for cancer patients in New Zealand, including the Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (Pinc and Steel), which has supported Goldthorpe with physiotherapy rehabilitation.

The numbers

Last year, 452 people from Tauranga took part in Dry July, raising more than $42,000 to support people affected by cancer According to the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand, 306 women are diagnosed and 207 women die from ovarian cancer each year Thirty per

cent of women died within one year of diagnosis The five-year survival rate was 42.8%, a foundation statement said.

Goldthorpe said she had “short, sharp, stabbing pains” in her lower pelvic area in August 2024.

Goldthorpe said she saw her doctor, who did a stomach exam and did not think there were any problems “We decided to do an ultrasound but...he didn’t put any priority on it, which is why I didn’t get it until December”

Goldthorpe said she had “ a bit of a sinking gut feeling” upon finding out she had cancer just before Christmas in 2024. “But then I have had a blessed and wonderful life. “I have had love and I’m comfortable, and we ’ re in a perfect stage of our lives, so I figured that somewhere the other shoe was going to drop sometime ”

Her treatment

Goldthorpe said she needed further tests and biopsies before a treatment plan was confirmed in March 2025 due to the type of cancer she had – a low-grade serous carcinoma. Her cancer was “inoperable” due to lesions on her organs. She started chemotherapy in April 2025. Chemotherapy shrank the lesions enough to qualify her for an operation, which she had at Auckland City Hospital in June 2025.

Goldthorpe said she had a radical hysterectomy to remove her cervix, fallopian tubes and ovaries. Doctors also removed her appendix, rectum and omentum. She required 72 staples, from just below her bra line to just above her pubic bone. Goldthorpe also had a colostomy bag until November “Now my

body’s still learning how to process my food and waste and things in a slightly different way, but I’m up and about and…everything works.”

Goldthorpe said she was doing really well overall. Sometimes she experienced fatigue and got “ a little bit fuzzy”. “Words just completely disappear sometimes, and I have to describe a thing before I can get to what it is.”

Goldthorpe said her cancer “fed on oestrogen ” and she was taking oestrogen blocker medication. Side effects included joint and muscle pain “My body’s in pain a lot of the time but I’m alive.” Now, she had “ no evidence of disease”.

Goldthorpe said she and Shane bought a small yellow caravan and had been going away on weekends. “He’s mostly done that up, but I sewed the curtains while I was home from chemo, which was quite

fun ” As for Dry July, Goldthorpe said: “Going dry for a month is a small thing when you consider how much benefit it can give somebody in their challenging times and helping them rediscover themselves”.

A Dry July statement said funds raised through the initiative supported three charities – Look Good Feel Better, Prostate Cancer Foundation of NZ and Cancer Rehabilitation Foundation (Pinc and Steel). The charities delivered programmes and services nationally for people affected by cancer This included rehabilitation to rebuild strength after treatment, exercise and recovery classes, counselling services and wellbeing support that helped people regain confidence and independence. People can register for this year ’ s Dry July challenge at: www.dryjuly.co.nz

Megan Wilson

Tauranga woman Tracey Goldthorpe pictured on her first day of chemotherapy in April 2025 after being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in December 2024. Photo / Supplied

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Mural festival to colour up Greerton

Excitement is building in a Tauranga suburb as a festival – to debut this month – will bring a burst of colour, culture and community storytelling to residents and visitors alike.

The Greerton Village Mural Festival will see five murals created across the village from June 15-26, culminating in a community celebration on June 27 at 10am at Greerton Library

Greerton Mainstreet manager Mel Carullo said the vibrant art will have a positive impact.

“This exciting initiative will see a number of talented artists transforming spaces throughout Greerton,” she said.

The festival had been initiated and overseen by Tauranga artist Sam Allen, who worked with locals to help select mural sites and develop concepts.

Give love

Allen said the project was about bringing more public art into the community

“The reason I initiated this project was to give love to Greerton because I’ve seen artworks go up around the city, the city centre, and over at the Mount, and I feel like this community needs some extra love and care – to put art on the walls and make this a better environment for people to live and work and exist here,” he said.

The five artists involved in delivering the murals are Tautoko Matehaere, Marsh Pearson, Manea Ngatai, Louis Mikaere and Millie Pidwill.

Matehaere’s mural reinterprets traditional marae architecture through a

bold purple and orange palette, centring a wharenui framed by carved guardians, native planting and a taniwha emerging from beneath a brick wall.

Flowing pathways and layered landscape forms guide the viewer through a composition inspired by tukutuku and carving patterns, blending storytelling with contemporary street art

Valuable opportunity

He said the festival was a valuable opportunity for smaller communities.

“I think this festival is really important because it brings artwork and murals to communities that don’t often get these sorts of large-scale projects

It’s a great opportunity to revitalise Greerton and to give it some new life with some amazing new artwork,” Matehaere said.

Pearson’s mural at the Chadwick Rd stairs will feature wheku and manaia figures representing kaitiaki or protectors of the area. Each figure will be positioned to watch over the space from different directions, alongside tukutuku-inspired kaokao patterns symbolising strength, support and protection.

Ngatai’s mural on the carpark side of The Salvation Army Family Store building will feature cherry blossom trees and classic cars, reflecting memories of the popular seasonal festival that’s been a notable annual feature of Greerton Village

for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come ”

Pidwill will transform the northern end of the village with a mural on the former Waipuna Hospice shop next to Greerton Hall. Her design will feature two large fantails in flight, reflecting Greerton’s connection to nature and community

A reflection

Mikaere’s design on the front of the Super Liquor store will welcome visitors entering Tauranga from the southern gateway The artwork will explore a theme of community strengthened through diversity, using woven threads and birds to represent movement, connection and freedom.

Carullo said the festival reflects the identity and spirit of the village. “The festival is a celebration of Greerton’s identity, diversity, and community spirit, while creating vibrant new public artwork

She said the June 27 celebration will bring the community together to mark the completion of the project

“The event will feature a special kapa haka performance by Greerton Village Primary School, helping to showcase the rich cultural heritage and talent within our local community”

Carullo said the project shows what can be achieved through collaboration. “We are incredibly excited to see these artworks come to life and the positive impact they will have on the look and feel of our village.”

Rosalie Liddle-Crawford

Marsh Pearson, Tautoko Matehaere and Sam Allen at the Chadwick St stairs that will have the walls transformed by Pearson’s painting.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Western Bay of Plenty sets $28.6m plan for

The bill to repair damage from severe storms this year is expected to reach $28.6 million in Western Bay of Plenty

The Western Bay of Plenty District Council has released its recovery plan, aiming to guide the next phase of this work and better prepare for future severe weather events.

The plan outlined impacts of severe weather that hit the district in January, March and April.

It said in the January 21 and 22 event, parts of the district received rainfall “equivalent to a one-in-100-year or onein-500-year event”.

The peak was 395mm in 48 hours in Tuapiro

Slips and flooding from the storm caused damage around the district and two deaths.

Yao Fang, 71, and her 10-year-old grandson, Austen Keith Richardson, died when a landslide hit a Welcome Bay Rd home early on January 22.

In neighbouring Tauranga, six people died after a landslide in Mount Maunganui later that morning

The council said four homes near the fatal Welcome Bay Rd slip were issued red placards, preventing entry Two were later downgraded to yellow, which allowed entry with restrictions.

Initial red placards at two Ōmokoroa homes have since been replaced with yellow

In total, 52 properties were assess 22 placarded during and after the Another four were yellow-sticker the March and April storms.

The council told Local Democracy Reporting that 20 homes were still placarded – one red-stickered, 16 yellow and three white, which means the building is safe to reoccupy Two assessments were yet to be completed.

Infrastructure damage

At the peak of the January event, 77 roads were closed around the district due to slips, flooding, fallen trees and debris, the plan said.

Most reopened by January 30. Some needed major repairs.

One road remains closed, but residents could still reach their properties.

The weather also impacted three waters infrastructure. Slips at Waihī Beach damaged access to stormwater ponds and water reservoirs.

stormwater pipes, footbridges, public trails and other infrastructure.

Ongoing uncertainty

The plan said residents described significant damage to homes, land, roads and local businesses in community meetings held after the January storm.

The also described the “emotional strain of displacement and ongoing uncertainty”.

“Many do not yet know the full extent of land movement around their properties and asked for clear guidance on what to expect next

“Residents told us they need better about who is responsible for slips, river blockages, fallen damage involving multiple wners or public agencies ” households remain displaced some had questions about voluntary

buy-out pathways or raised insurance challenges.

The report said that in the coming months, the council would focus on completing engagement with all affected households and placarded properties, and work closely with marae and hapū. It would finalise an infrastructure damage register, progress Government funding applications and confirm the sequencing of priority repairs so work could start as soon as resources allow

Funding

The recovery plan document sets out an estimated cost of $28,587,907, of which the council expected to fund $15,595,840.

Transportation alone made up $21.3m of that cost, with the council expecting external sources, such as NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA), to cover about $12.7m. Reserve repairs, including at the Kaiate

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s resilience adviser Jo Lynskey Photo / Supplied

that came down beside an Ōmokoroa home in January.

Photo / Sandra Conchie

storm recovery and rebuild

Falls Scenic Reserve and the Waitekohekohe Reserve, were estimated at about $4.375m.

Funding options included drawing from the council’s $9.2m contingency fund, using existing budgets, reprioritisation, loans and deferring repairs.

External funding would be sought from insurance claims, NZTA and other Government agencies

About $219,000 in donations had been distributed.

The report said the council was not a guarantor of private property interests and did not act as an insurer

Recovery actions related to private property would focus on risk management, information provision, planning tools, and enabling informed decisionmaking, rather than direct financial compensation

‘Recovery is well underway’

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer said in a media release that the storms had a profound impact across the district, and the council’s thoughts were with those continuing to live with those impacts.

“Since the severe weather, the recovery team, council staff, contractors, iwi, community organisations, volunteers and government agencies have worked tirelessly alongside our communities to support recovery ”

Denyer said the team had supported 98 recovery cases across the district, helping residents navigate what could be a complex and challenging recovery journey

He said the recovery plan provided a clear and practical roadmap for the next phase of recovery

“While recovery is well underway, there is still more work to do ”

Denyer said a prioritised roading recovery programme would be published, including indicative timeframes and regular updates so communities could see what was being fixed.

Council recovery manager Jo Lynskey said recovery

work began immediately after the events

Lynskey said the scale and complexity of the effort had required the council to reprioritise resources and pause planned work to focus on urgent recovery needs.

She said eight families remained unable to return home.

“This is a significant recovery effort for our district, and it’s important people understand the scale of work involved.”

The work took time because sites often required assessments, investigations, funding approvals and specialist design work before permanent solutions could start.

Lynskey said severe weather events were becoming more frequent and intense, and the district needed to strengthen how it prepared for future events. This plan helps provide that direction.”

The plan would guide work over the coming years and evolve as needed

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

The joy of Snowy

Tipoftheiceberg?

Ayla Yeoman

Pāpāmoa Hills area in January. Photo / File

Board game inspires peoople to

A board game inspired by the loss of a Mount Maunganui woman ’ s father is helping New Zealanders have deeper conversations, build stronger connections and make the most of their time together.

Aimee Steel created the OAN DAE Board Game after her experience caring for her father, Colvin Steel, during his battle with cancer before he died in November 2020.

Steel’s wellness brand centres on mindfulness, intentional living and meaningful connection

Its name reflects the company ’ s philosophy: “Time is yours Own your days. Live life on your terms”. For Steel, the journey began while spending precious time with her father in the final 18 months of his life after he was diagnosed.

In that period, hospice became an important source of support for the family “Because I was in sort of a carer role for him, I luckily had access to the hospice counsellor, which I very gratefully used,” Steel said.

“From that, I learned and made sure that I was doing all the things to make the most of the time I had with my dad and to make sure I had no regrets. ”

The idea

One of the most meaningful things she did was record a video interview with her father, asking him a series of questions about his life. “And now I have that video recorded forever that I can listen to, which is really special.”

Years later, conversations with a friend about starting a business sparked an idea.

“The business concept naturally developed into me saying, ‘ we need some sort of a product to help’,’” she said. “And so, I came up with the board game. ”

The OAN DAE Board Game features 96 question cards designed to spark meaningful conversations, reflection and connection. Rather than traditional gameplay, it encourages players to slow down and talk about life, relationships and personal experiences.

Questions include: How would you like to be remembered? What is the best thing about your life right now?

Do you find it difficult to express your feelings? and What do you admire most in your parents or the people that raised you?

Creating opportunities

Steel said the game is less about competition and more about creating opportunities for genuine connection.

“Although it was developed from my time with my dad, the whole business is very much around connection and being really intentional with your time, and just being really present, ” she said. “My thing is very much I’m not here to tell you how to spend your time or how to be intentional but just own it, own your day in your own way ”

The game ’ s development took longer than expected, prompting Steel to expand her vision for the brand

While working on the board game, she acquired a product called the Floating Wish Kit, which she felt perfectly complemented the themes of

connection and reflection

The kit includes special paper on which people can write a wish, intention, memory or message before lighting it and watching it float into the sky

“It definitely doesn’t have to be around grief,” Steel said

“Grief being one of them, but also intention setting, obviously making a wish, letting things go or welcoming things in.”

The products are often used together, with people playing the game before sharing wishes or reflections inspired by the conversations that emerge.

The business itself also reflects Steel’s determination. After months of unsuccessful trademark searches, she created an entirely new name.

“Everything’s taken,” she said. “I literally just invented words so that I could comfortably not only trademark it but get

the right domain and the right handles on social media.”

Be intentional

Today OAN DAE products are sold online and through about 30 stockists nationwide, with plans to expand into Australia. Steel is also exploring new ideas, including “products designed for children and additional tools that encourage meaningful conversations and mindful moments”.

Alongside growing the business, she remained passionate about supporting hospice services and honouring the role they played during her father's illness.

“For me, a big part of OAN DAE is that I’m so passionate about inspiring people to be intentional, but there’s an element of always wanting to honour hospice throughout it too and advocate for them,” she said

Retired teacher’s struggle to sleep p

Margaret’s Fitbit tells a remarkable story giving hope to thousands with sleep problems

For 35 years, Margaret commanded classrooms of teenagers The retired high school teacher who could silence a room with a look, the woman who marked essays until midnight and still bounded into school by 7am Energy was never her problem

“I loved those early mornings,” she recalls “Cup of tea, lesson plans on the table. Sleep was something I did well.”

But at 68, good sleep had become a thing of the past. Like nearly half of New Zealanders over 50, she faced nightly battles that left her exhausted and frustrated

“I’d dread the moment the lights went out, ” Margaret explains “I’d lie there for hours, tossing and turning Even when I did fall asleep, I’d wake multiple times The mornings were the worst I felt like I was dragging myself to the kettle”

She found herself avoiding invitations Book club felt like too much effort Even phone calls with her grandchildren left her drained

“You start to withdraw,” she admits “Not because you don’t want to see people, but because you don’t have the energy That’s not who I am ”

Research shows that as we age, our bodies produce less melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep Combined with increased night time anxiety and lighter sleep cycles, it creates a perfect storm of sleeplessness

Margaret had tried everything Warm milk Lavender on the pillow and various other natural remedies

“Some would make me drowsy, but I’d still

wake at 2am,” she says “Nothing helped me stay asleep”

Then her daughter mentioned reading about Koru Sleep online

“I almost didn’t bother, but she insisted”

She picked up a bottle from her local pharmacy Unlike typical sleep aids that simply combine magnesium with a herb or two, this formula took a comprehensive approach she hadn’t seen before

“What I noticed immediately was that it felt natural,” she recalls “No grogginess, no strange dreams Just a gentle settling”

The retired teacher now follows a simple routine: two capsules, 30 minutes before bed

“Within days, my Fitbit was showing longer stretches of deep sleep, the kind where your body actually repairs itself.”

“I wake up clear-headed now instead of groggy It’s like someone switched the lights back on in my life,” she laughs “I’m reading again, spending quality time with friends, keeping up with things around the garden”

For Margaret, better sleep has meant better days She’s back at book club She calls her grandchildren without watching the clock

“When you ’ re exhausted, everything feels harder Your patience, your focus, even your relationships suffer,” she reflects “Now I feel like myself again”

Her advice? “Sleep isn’t optional after 60

It’s how we stay present for the people who need us ”

You can try Koru Sleep at local community pharmacies.

OAN DAE founder Aimee Steel with the board game she developed.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Award-winning budgie breeder s set for Tauranga show

After more than five decades of keeping birds, Tauranga Bird Club vice president Richard Hindrup is still as passionate about budgies as he was when he received his first bird at the age of eight.

Fifty-two years later Hindrup will exhibit at the Tauranga Bird Show on June 20-21. “I’ve always had birds in my life,” Hindrup said. “My first bird was a budgie, and when I was 10, my grandfather built me an aviary” Hindrup joined Tauranga Bird Club as a teen and had remained involved ever since. While commitments saw him step away from the hobby at times, he returned to bird breeding seriously about four years ago Today, he keeps about 80 budgies in a colourful collection that reflects a lifelong fascination with the species

‘Very rewarding’

Hindrup only began exhibiting competitively three years ago and his dedication is already paying off At Whakatāne Bird Show he won Best Current Year Bird (Novice) and Best Any Age Bird (Novice) for his budgies. “It’s very rewarding,” he said. “There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into breeding and preparing birds for showing. When you see that ribbon on the front of the cage, it makes all the hard work worthwhile.”

“Attending the shows is the tool for evaluating how you are performing against other breeder’s birds, which gives you insights on how to improve your own stud There is a wealth of knowledge which can be sourced.”

tickets and birds, win prizes and learn about the hobby

Free membership

Preparing a bird for competition involved more than simply placing it in a show cage. “You have to train them to be comfortable in the cage and get them used to being handled,” Hindrup said. “The judges look at everything – their feather condition, how they sit on the perch, their markings, their overall appearance and presentation ” Bird showing combines skill, patience and a little luck, Hindrup said. “You never breed the perfect bird. The challenge is trying to get as close to the standard as possible. That’s what keeps people interested

Tauranga Bird Club is believed to be one of the largest and most active bird clubs in New Zealand. Hindrup said the club’s success is built on knowledgeable members, a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community “We not only focus upon domesticated birds but also native and exotic species that we see in our surroundings.”

More than 600 birds

The upcoming Tauranga Bird Show will feature 600-plus birds, including budgies, canaries and finches with exhibitors competing for top honours Visitors can try a hands-on interactive bird experience, buy raffle

The club will offer free membership at the show for the rest of the financial year, which gives access to discounted seed and activities until March 31, 2027

For those curious about bird breeding and exhibiting, Hindrup encourages them to visit the show and speak with club members.

“We’d love to invite kids to enter their birds in their own cage at the show by emailing: taurangabirdclub@ gmail.com,” Tauranga Bird Club president Sheryl Baron said. Tauranga Bird Show is at Tauranga Racecourse 1pm-5pm on June 20 and 9am-midday on June 21 and offers a colourful day out. Entry is $5 per adult, $3 per under-12, and a family pass is $12.

Care Tailored to You

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Richard Hindrup with his winning budgie.

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

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Matariki for Tamariki brings Māori New Year to stage

This month Tauranga’s Baycourt will host its first Matariki show as a stage production begins traveling the country to celebrate the Māori New Year.

The New Zealand Dance Company and Baycourt Community and Arts Centre will present Matariki for Tamariki on June 30 – the first stop of the company ’ s Te Ika-aMāui (North Island) tour.

The production follows a group of friends travelling through ngahere (forest), maunga (mountain) and moana

(sea) of Aotearoa Nine whetū

They discover the ninne whetū (stars) of the M Matariki constellation and the r role each star plays during the Māorri New Year

Creator Sean MacDoonald said the show blended storrytelling, contemporary dance a and music into an interactive expperience for audiences.

New Zealand Dance e Company producer and artistic d director Moss Patterson said thhe production was createed especially for families and told a uniquely New Zealand story “You can ’ t experience e this

particular story anywhere else in the world.”

Patterson said the narrated performance introduced each Matariki star and its qualities and stories, before dancers brought them to life on stage.

“It represents a moment of joy and celebration, and that’s what we ’ re looking forward to presenting ”

The spirit

He said the work reflected the spirit of Matariki as a time to come together, share stories and enjoy each other’s company

“I think the more we can understand and enjoy the stories of New Zealand, the more we will have the sort of fulfilling and happy stories to tell at home.”

Patterson said audiences could expect a warm, accessible and light-hearted evening of dance and storytelling celebrating the Māori New Year

Baycourt manager Renna Snook said the

performance was an exciting milestone as the venue ’ s first Matariki show “We’re proud to bring this beautiful show to Tauranga, creating another opportunity for our community to experience and celebrate Matariki together this year ”

Accessible pricing

Snook said the Addison Theatre stage will transform, with costume and set design by Rona Ngahuia Osborne and sound design by Alistair Deverick.

She said accessible pricing was a focus for the event, with tickets starting at $10.75 on the Baycourt website.

“For us, it’s about creating a sense of welcome.

“By deliberately keeping ticket prices accessible for Matariki for Tamariki, we ’ re helping ensure more whānau can experience the magic of theatre together –some for the very first time.”

Zoe Blake

The new Matariki stage production begins its Te

Spread positive vibes across BOP sports this winter

This winter a new campaign is being rolled out across the Bay of Plenty to bring a shared focus on what positive behaviour looks like in sport for tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth).

Spearheaded by Sport Bay of Plenty, the Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) campaign aims to reverberate good, positive energy across winter sports this season

“Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) focusses on what positive behaviour looks like, encouraging people to reflect on their reo (language), actions and interactions,” Sport Bay of Plenty sport development advisor Wayne Arthur said “It supports small, practical shifts that make a big difference to how sport feels for everyone involved.”

Arthur said the phrase ‘Me pai te wairua’ reflected the kaupapa of the campaign – creating a good, positive energy

becomes negative, pressure builds and enjoyment drops “Young people tell us they play sport (hākinakina) to have fun, spend time with friends, and learn new skills

“While most sporting environments are positive, it only takes a few moments of negativity to shape the experience When the fun disappears, so do players referees and volunteers ”

“For example, ‘Me’ suggests this is something we should all strive for, ‘pai’ means good or positive, and ‘wairua’ speaks to the feeling, energy and atmosphere we bring to sport. ”

Arthur said the Positive Vibes Only campaign ran at the 2024 and 2025 AIMS Games “and showed us that f h d b h l k

Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) was created by Sport Waikato and was gaining momentum across Aotearoa.

Arthur said Sport Bay of Plenty is proud to be part of the initiative, which is supported locally by a collective (rōpū) of Regional Sports Organisations and partners.

This included T N ball Ce

Bay of Plenty Football Federation, Squash Bay of Plenty Incorporated and Bay Venues Limited.

Tauranga Hockey

Association general

manager Megan Cleverley said Positive Vibes Only resonated with what she wanted sport to feel like in the local hockey community “which is welcoming, respectful and enjoyable for everyone involved”.

“The focus on reinforcing positive behaviours, rather than calling out gati s, aligns strongly with how we support our players, officials, and whānau,” Cleverley said. part of the regional RSO

collective gives us a great opportunity to contribute to a consistent, positive culture across sport in the Bay of Plenty”

The campaign is asking the public to get involved in the Positive Vibes Only competition, by nominating those who bring the best energy to sport in the BOP People can nominate the Most Positive Team, the Most Positive Coach, the Biggest Vibe Bringer, the Best Positive Vibe Only Photo, or the Best Dressed in Pink Photo

Each category winner receives a $100 Prezzy Card – and nominators have a chance to win one of five $50 Prezzy Cards Entries close July 20. To enter, visit: https://tinyurl. com/52xv3bsr

A Tauranga Hockey girls’ team showcasing the Positive Vibes Only message. Photo / Supplied

Positive Vibes Only (Me pai te wairua) campaign’s competition run until July 20

Free ClothingDay inMerivale Pāpāmoa library

Merivale Community Centre is holding a Free Clothing Day on Saturday, June 13, from 10am-1pm The centre always has clothing available M Monday to Friday – but with clothing racks overflowing, they want to destock On June 13 centre staff will haul clothing to the Pekerangi hall for one big morning. Books, household items, shoes free too The centre is a at 10 Kesteven Ave, Merivale See their Facebook page for updates

Te Ao Mārama

The Pāpāmoa community is invited to celebrate the 20th birthday of their local library and community centre on June 15. public event will feature free activities and tainment for the whole family, including faceainting, a showcase of the programmes available, and a -back on the history of the venue and site.

When the community facility first opened on June 2006, Jess Warren was a high school student who med of working there one day “When Pāpāmoa y got built on my doorstep, it was amazing.” years later she got her chance, working at the for a few hours after-school and on weekends. enjoyed it so much that after studying at university, eturned and has now worked at the library for

more than 12 years. Warren, an assistant leader at Te Ao Mārama - Pāpāmoa Library, said she was excited about the celebration on Monday

“I’ve seen the site develop over many years...and seen how libraries have changed; it has evolved with the times and we ’ re keeping up with the change ” Warren said community connection is what she loved the most about her job “I’m very people focused. I love the meaningful interactions we have with our customers, and our team is very innovative and supportive. We come up with new ways to connect with community”

She said the 20th birthday celebration was a great opportunity to show the community there was more to the library than lending out books.

There are community-focused programmes, Chrome stations for public internet use, a scanning service, digital support – and friendly staff are always on hand to

The

Pāpāmoa Library team ready to celebrate 20 years.

- 20 years of more than just books!

connect with people face-to-face and help them with their T Tauranga C City C Counciil serviice needds.

Michelle Englehardt’s introduction to Te Ao MāramaPāpāmoa Library was as a visitor looking for internet and a quiet place to work.

‘We

help’

She had now worked there for more than three years as the team leader, helping connect others to the same community services. “We help our community It’s quite a privilege,” Englehardt said “People need help with lots of things, not only books. Some people come in for a kind conversation. We have a wonderful team and they're so community focused.”

Pāpāmoa Community Centre is located within the building and managed by Bay Venues on behalf of Tauranga City Council

Venue supervisor Sylvia Wilmshurst looks after the seven rooms and spaces that can be hired for community activities, events or business functions

She will be a familiar face to anyone who regularly visits

the library – she sits at the entrance and has worked at Pāpāmoa C Communiity C Centre f for thhe past 1 12 years. She said she’d made a lot of friends over the years “and a lot of people come back to the centre just to say hello”. Wilmshurst said she enjoys giving back to the community she loves “You’re hosting activities and events that people are really thankful for”

Lots of friends

Pāpāmoa Councillor Steve Morris says when the Pāpāmoa library and community centre opened in 2006, “it helped our then much smaller Pāpāmoa feel like a community again after rapid growth in the 1990s”.

“Twenty years on, it is still doing that, supporting families, community groups, and everyday life in Pāpāmoa.

This milestone is something the community can be proud of, and it is great to see it being celebrated ”

Patrick Gibbons from the Pāpāmoa Art Collective said his group had utilised the library and community centre for most of the past 20 years. He said the facilities are

ideal for what his group needs and the central location on Gravatt Rd, next to Pāpāmoa Plaza, adds to the appeal.

Perfect place

Pāpāmoa Art Collective has more than 30 members and meets Tuesday afternoons during the school term. “It’s the perfect place,” he said. Gibbons said the group ’ s aim is to enjoy art “and the company of like-minded people”.

The Pāpāmoa Family History Group is another regular user Chairwoman Sheryl Baron believed the helpful staff and facilities have contributed to the success of her group

“The room that we use is literally opposite the door of the library, which houses, for example, our collection of all of the births, deaths and marriages that have taken place in New Zealand.

“Everything’s nice and close and everything’s interrelated, and I think that contributes to the strength of the group ”

A full schedule for the public celebration June 15 is online at: https:// tinyurl.com/mtrunbxw

Patrick Gibbons of Pāpāmoa Art Collective, which has used the library and community centre for almost 20 years Photo / Supplied

Brayden grows confidence as he tends hospice’s gardens

A young volunteer who once kept to himself is now helping shape the grounds at Waipuna Hospice – and is encouraging others to step outside their comfort zones

Brayden Collins, 21, had growth from a shy newcomer to the hospice to a proactive team member, inspiring others to see volunteering as empowering He was recently awarded Volunteer of the Month by Volunteering Services –the Bay of Plenty’s volunteer centre

Described by staff as “ very keen” and “ eager to help”, Collins’ role had grown from simple gardening tasks to actively identifying work that needs doing across the hospice grounds

Waipuna Hospice maintenance manager Stephen Taylor said Collins had developed a strong eye for detail

“He walks around and sees different things and comes back and tells me what needs to be done,” Taylor said “He’s a very keen young lad and works hard ”

‘Good for me ’ Collins, who has autism, said volunteering had helped him build confidence and spend more time outdoors

“It’s been good for me It’s got me outside of my comfort zone, ” he said “I’m more of an outdoorsy guy, so I like getting out and helping with what I can do ”

Over time, that confidence had translated into new skills – from recognising which plants need attention to using tools and maintaining large garden areas

“There’s a lot of variety here,” Collins said “We just look at what needs doing and get into it ”

Support worker Paul Terry said Collins’ attitude stood out

“Brayden’s always ready to go, ” he said “I go to pick him up, and he’s waiting, keen to get started That’s a really good sign ”

Valuable stepping stone

Terry said volunteering could be a valuable stepping stone for young people looking to build experience

“Volunteering gives young people something real: skills, knowledge, and a sense of responsibility on their CVand that can open doors,” Terry said

Brayden has also taken part in community-facing roles, including pamphlet drops and fundraising collections, helping to raise around $1,000 at a recent event

A year ago, staff say, that level of public interaction seemed unlikely

“When he first came here, he was quite shy,” said Waipuna Hospice volunteer services manager Shelley Atkinson

“Now we just let him be, and he tells us what needs to be done We’re very proud of him ”

Collins hoped to continue volunteering for as long as he could, and had a simple message for other young people considering it

“Just get out in the community and explore,” he said “You never know where you might end up helping It's a great way to build confidence and find purpose ”

Collins’ story came amid Hospice Awareness Week this month from May 11-17 and Youth Week on May 18-24

Atkinson said Waipuna Hospice was seeking more help

“It’s a great way to step into volunteering You can bring friends or

family, and it’s a really meaningful way to spend your time and make a difference ”

Vital, proud

Beyond gardening, ongoing volunteer roles included hospice retail shops, depots, and community outreach programs, offering flexible options to fit different lifestyles and interests

Waipuna Hospice marketing manager Pazia Moore said community support remained vital. “Even if you don’t volunteer, just saying thank you to our

volunteers or giving what you can makes a difference,” Moore said “We can ’ t do what we do without the community”

For Collins, that community connection was already paying off “It makes me feel proud,” he said “Getting out there and helping – that’s what it’s about ”

To volunteer or if a group needs support, Volunteering Services can help Visit: www volunteeringservices org nz or call (07) 987 0920

Brayden Collins, gardening at Waipuna Hospice. Photo / Matthew Farrell/SociaLink

Volunteers find purpose in running free laundry service

Orange Sky Aotearoa is celebrating the volunteers behind its free Tauranga community laundry pod, as the service marks one year supporting people experiencing hardship and homelessness.

The permanent laundry pod at the Cliff Rd Building was launched June last year in partnership with homeless support community organisation Under the Stars. The pod had become a regular point of connection for people accessing free laundry facilities, meals, showers, clothing support and other essential services in the city, Tauranga-based Orange Sky Aotearoa senior impact manager Kat Doughty said. She said in its first 12 months of operation the pod had supported nearly 800 people, completed more than 750 loads of laundry and created countless hours of conversation and connection through its volunteer team

Meaningful for all

Doughty said this year ’ s National Volunteer Week theme Your Year to Volunteer (Tōu tau ki te tūao) – that recognises the role volunteers play in strengthening communities and fostering belonging across Aotearoa – is something Orange Sky helpers say they experience first-hand.

Doughty said this is because the volunteering work often becomes as meaningful for the volunteers as it is for the people using the service.

“One of the things we hear time and again is that volunteers come to Orange Sky wanting to help others but often end up finding a sense of community and

connection themselves,” she said.

“The simple act of sitting down for a kōrero [talk] while someone ’ s washing is on can genuinely shift someone ’ s day It’s about creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where everyone feels seen and valued.”

Tauranga volunteer Lisa O’Neill had been part of the service since it began, leading Orange Sky’s Saturday afternoon shift alongside Under the Stars.

Living and working full-time in the city, O’Neill said she’d seen signs of homelessness and hardship becoming more visible across Tauranga in recent years.

Get back more

“To anyone considering volunteering, I would absolutely recommend it – you get back so much more than what you give.

“Not only do you get to make a real impact in the lives of those we help, but you also form connections with a team of incredible, kind, like-minded people,” she said.

“In just a few hours each week, I’ve seen first-hand how much it means to people, and I love my volunteer team. ”

The Tauranga pod operates alongside Under the Stars’ community meal service, which supports more than 100 guests each week.

While clothes are washed and dried, guests can share kai (food) and access hot showers, toiletries, towels, free clothing and haircuts

A

privilege For O’Neill, one interaction had stayed

with her. A woman who’d recently escaped domestic violence arrived with only the damp clothes on her back after using a river to wash herself

“We invited her to head straight into the warm shower inside and we washed her clothes in the meantime. Our partnership with Under The Stars meant she could go in for a hot meal too, ” O’Neill said

“We were so grateful she came to us What a privilege it was for us to help her feel like herself again, and to sit and have a conversation with such a brave woman. ”

The Tauranga pod is made possible through support from Hugo Charitable Trust, Awhero Nui Charitable Trust and Tauranga City Council alongside regular donors

It is one of eight Orange Sky service

locations supported by more than 1000 volunteers across the motu (nation).

More helpers welcome

Doughty said Orange Sky encourages more Bay of Plenty residents to consider volunteering to support its mahi (work)

“People sometimes think they need special skills or lots of spare time, but really it’s about being willing to show up, have a conversation and be part of the community,” she said

“For many of our volunteers, it’s become a place where they’ve found purpose, friendship and their people.”

To find out more about volunteering with Orange Sky, visit: orangesky.org.nz/ volunteers

Orange Sky Aotearoa’s Tauranga volunteers with those of Under The Stars at the Cliff Rd site. Photo / Supplied

Pongakawa fundraiser’s $60K out of this world!

Astronauts, aliens, cosmic creatures, a flock of sheep and a Champagne Supernova came together under one roof this month for an unforgettable evening to raise funds for Pongakawa School.

The school’s annual Quiz Night on June 6 themed ‘A Night Amongst the Stars’ attracted 256 participants, 40 sponsors and 30-odd volunteers

Event coordinator Jess Siemelink said final figures were unconfirmed but the event had raised more than $60,000.

“Every dollar raised will go towards upgrades and maintenance of the school’s senior playground, helping create a safer, more enjoyable space for our students for years to come. ”

The school’s Action Centre became a celestial wonderland – with a giant glowing moon, moon rover buggies and rocket ship – offering a night of fun and fundraising Guests were encouraged to dress in costume – Best Dressed team went to The Big Bang Gang, second was Burtonesque, and third Sofa King Smart.

“The effort put into costumes was nothing short of incredible, with

guests bringing plenty of creativity and enthusiasm,” Siemelink said.

The Trivia Newton John team won the quiz, Champagne Supernova placed second, and Istari third.

Siemelink said 32 tables of guests enjoyed a space-inspired dining experience – the menu ’ s highlight, Cosmic Ramen with pork belly

This year 14 live auctions raised more than $24,000 and 82 silent auctions netted $10,000-plus.

Siemelink said using the GalaBid platform meant guests bid on their phones – even from home “The live auction delivered plenty of laughs and remarkable generosity from our community”

Siemelink said her and fellow event coordinator Belinda Jones were supported by several hardworking teams “whose commitment ensured the evening’s success ”

“To every volunteer, sponsor, donor, business and community member who contributed in any way, thank you. Your generosity, time and support continue to make a real difference for our school.”

A special thank you went to 2026 naming rights sponsor WaterOne (Trenching & Irrigation).

g g

The Big Bang Gang won Best Dressed. Photos / Amy Piper

The Trivia Newton John team won the quiz.

Willoughby + Mike Smith

Future talent to take centre stage in the Bay y

The Bay of Plenty’s next generation of horticulture leaders will come together next Friday at Mercury Baypark for the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition, held alongside Cultivate Your Career

The combined event will run 9am to 2pm and is free and open to the public, bringing industry, students and the wider community together to showcase the breadth of opportunities within horticulture

400-plus students

Event manager Sam Vicente-Moa said more than 400 students from across the Bay of Plenty were expected to attend, with the day designed to give them a practical and engaging introduction to the industry

Alongside the competition, attendees can take part in hands-on ‘give it a go ’ modules, speak with industry representatives, and experience the variety of roles horticulture offers

“This event is about giving young people a clear picture of what horticulture really is,” Vicente-Moa said.

“It’s an opportunity to see the skills, the people, and the pathways

firsthand, and to understand that this is a modern, evolving industry with real career potential ”

Eight contestants

At the centre of the day will be this year ’ s Young Grower contestants, each representing a different part of the horticulture sector and bringing their own experience to the competition

Competitor Aimee

Barker-Gilbert, who works at Hume Pack-N-Cool, has entered for a second year, building on more than a decade of experience working alongside growers and leading teams.

Jessie Blattmann, of Trevelyans Pack and Cool, will bring a strong production background, having progressed to become her company ’ s first female orchard manager, with experience both in New Zealand and managing orchards in Japan.

Navneet Kaur, of Seeka Limited, has worked across orchard and packhouse operations, developing an end-to-end understanding of the production process on her way to becoming a shift manager

Also representing Seeka Ltd is Teriaki Williams, based in Ōpōtiki, who is passionate about promoting horticulture opportunities within his local community and encouraging

others into the industry

Danyon Robertson, of Verified Lab Services, will reflect the pace of progression possible within the sector He’d moved from seasonal work into a leadership role managing large-scale field operations across multiple regions

Nanique Bonthuys, of Prospa – EastPack, will bring a focus on continuous improvement and team development in orchard management, while Patterson Kelly, of Trevelyans Pack and Cool, would combine practical experience with formal horticulture study to

support orchard performance and development

Rounding out the group, William Kenna, of KWKiwi, will represent the next generation of his family’s business leadership, with a strong interest in innovation and sustainable growing

Diversity

“These contestants highlight the diversity of the industry,” Vicente-Moa said “They’ve come through different pathways, but all demonstrate the skills and commitment that are shaping horticulture’s future ”

Vicente-Moa said the Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition remained a key event on the horticulture calendar, with strong support from across the sector

“This is reflected in the gala dinner, to be held on the evening of June 19, which is now sold out, with more than 550 attendees expected, making it the largest event to date ”

Bay of Plenty Young Grower Competition & Cultivate Your Career is at Mercury Baypark on June 19 from 9am-2pm Entry is free

The 2026 contestants: at back from left Jessie Blattmann, Teriaki Williams, Danyon Robertson, in front from left Aimee Barker Gilbert, William Kenna, Nanique Bonthuys, Navneet Kaur Absent: Patterson Kelly Photo / Kelly O Hara

Jessie Blattmann

Orchard Manager | Trevelyans Pack and Cool

Jessie Blattmann is an orchard manager at Trevelyans Pack and Cool, overseeing kiwifruit production in the Bay of Plenty Having grown up around kiwifruit, avocados and dairy, she combines a strong horticultural background with formal business training Blattmann joined Trevelyans six years ago as an orchard supervisor and is

now the company ’ s first female kiwifruit orchard manager She recently broadened her experience by managing a SunGold orchard in Japan. Blattmann entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge herself and connect with like minded growers Outside of work, she enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and horse riding.

Patterson Kelly Orchard

Manager

| Trevelyans Pack and Cool

Patterson Kelly is an orchard manager with Trevelyans Pack and Cool, working across managed kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty He began his horticulture career at age 14 as a seasonal orchard hand and has steadily progressed through hands on roles while completing formal horticulture studies at Lincoln University Kelly enjoys the challenges

of orchard development and working with new varieties, particularly where problem solving and innovation are required He values working outdoors with a diverse team and contributing to fruit production for global markets Kelly entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to continue learning, challenge himself, and grow as an orchard manager

Photo / Supplied

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

William Kenna

Orchard and Innovation Lead | KWKiwi

William Kenna is the orchard and innovation lead at KWKiwi, the family owned kiwifruit business north of Katikati where he grew up He combines hands on orchard management with a strong interest in innovation and data driven decision making Kenna holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury, majoring in marketing and operations and

supply chain management He entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge himself, test his knowledge alongside peers, and connect with future industry leaders Passionate about sustainable growing, Kenna is focused on looking after the land for future generations Outside of work, he enjoys Formula 1 and spending time with his family

Aimee Barker Gilbert

External Operations Manager | Hume Pack N Cool

Aimee Barker Gilbert is the external operations manager at Hume Pack N Cool, with more than 11 years ’ experience in the kiwifruit industry Based in Katikati, she leads grower facing operations and brings strong commercial and people management expertise to her role. Barker Gilbert is passionate about developing teams and supporting growers, and also

gives back to the community as a trustee of the Hume Pack N Cool & Growers Community Fund. She is entering the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition for a second year after a positive experience in 2025. Outside of work, Barker Gilbert enjoys time with her two children and is treasurer of the Katikati Football Club

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Navneet Kaur

Shift Manager | Seeka Limited

Navneet Kaur is a shift manager at Seeka Limited, with seven years ’ experience across both orchard and packhouse operations in the kiwifruit industry She has progressed through a range of roles including packer, EDI supervisor, orchard supervisor, line manager, and now shift manager, giving her a strong end to end understanding of production, people, and fruit quality Kaur enjoys the

fast paced challenges of packhouse operations and working with diverse teams. She entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to support her professional development and work toward her goal of becoming a packhouse manager Outside of work, Kaur enjoys the gym, walking, driving, and spending time at the beach.

Teriaki Williams EDI

Manager | Seeka Limited

Teriaki Williams is an EDI manager at Seeka Limited, based in Ōpōtiki, where the kiwifruit industry plays a key role in the local community With experience across post harvest and orchard roles, he brings strong communication skills, confidence, and a people focused approach to his work. Williams is passionate about promoting horticulture as a

p g viable and rewarding career and has g the outdoors

been actively involved in speaking with local schools and community groups He entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge himself, grow his industry knowledge, and connect with others across the sector Outside of work, Williams enjoys spending time with family and friends and making the most of

Alessandro de Carvalho

With a background in coffee in Brazil and over 5 years experience in NZ within the Kiwifruit industry, we’re thrilled to welcome Alessandro to the Fertco team We love his passion and energy, and we know you will too!

Phone him now on 027 340 1842 or

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Danyon Robertson

Field Operations Manager | Verified Lab Services

Danyon Robertson is field operations manager at Verified Lab Services, leading large scale field services across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Coromandel, and Gisborne. Starting his career as a seasonal field technician just five years ago, he now manages multi programme delivery and a workforce of more than 100 staff at peak season. Robertson is

motivated by delivering high quality, reliable services that support growers to make confident decisions He is entering the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge himself, connect with industry peers, and continue developing as a leader Outside of work, Robertson enjoys adventure, Formula 1, and staying busy

Nanique Bonthuys Orchard Manager | Prospa (EastPack)

Nanique Bonthuys is an orchard manager with Prospa - EastPack, based in the Bay of Plenty With five years ’ experience in the horticulture industry, she enjoys the hands on nature of orchard work and the variety and challenges each season brings. Bonthuys is motivated by continuous learning and developing both her technical

and leadership skills, particularly in team management and orchard performance. She entered the Bay of Plenty Young Grower competition to challenge herself, build confidence, and connect with others who share a passion for horticulture. Outside of work, Bonthuys enjoys running and spending quality time with family and friends

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Century farmawards open for 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026 New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards, which will be celebrated next year

Organisers encourage families who have owned or had tenure and farmed their land in 1926 or earlier in New Zealand to apply. The deadline for applications is November 30.

The programme aims to capture and preserve family history which might otherwise be lost through the generations. Families submit narratives of their farm

history, together with copies of related photographs and supporting documents which are then archived at the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington, ensuring all records are kept in perpetuity

At the May 2027 awards dinner families will have a chance to meet fellow century award recipients and formally receive a distinctive bronze plaque and certificate to display on their property Families enjoy a special night where many stories of hardship, perseverance and success across more than 100-plus years are shared. Find application information online at: https://www.centuryfarms.nz

Inside the secret cave

Hidden in a hillside above Te Puna is something you would never expect to find on a working farm

Step through curved wooden doors and you enter an underground space carved deep into the earth – part workshop, part retreat, part invention lab Inside are thick timber beams, a blacksmith’s forge, a bar, dining area and kitchen, and a waterfall just outside that hums quietly in the background.

It is the creation of John Carmichael, a farmer who decided that if he needed a space like this, he would simply build it himself

“It started when we were doing a small development up there,” Carmichael said, gesturing up toward the hill. “The digger was already on-site and I thought, ‘well now ’ s a good time – dig me a bloody big hole in this hill’.”

More ambitious

That hole became something far more ambitious Cut roughly 15 metres into the side of the hill and about 8 metres wide, the space was excavated, reinforced with a retaining wall, lined with timber and concrete, and then engineered with heavy beams spanning the roof The whole structure is covered and concealed under around a metre of earth.

“It’s basically like an old silage pit, but turned inside out, ” he said “We just kept building from there.”

What sits there now is a fully functional underground cave, complete with power, lighting, and water

A cable runs nearly 300 metres from a pump shed down the hill to supply electricity

Carmichael is quick to point out it was properly engineered. “We got advice on the structure and then overbuilt it. Bigger posts, stronger than required. I wanted it safe – 100% safe ”

He believed the project did not require consent, and met all building requirements.

Inside, the space feels more like a handcrafted lodge than a farm building Massive timber beams stretch overhead. Rustic steel artwork hangs on the walls alongside salvaged farm machinery and pieces of wood shaped into sculpture. A small lounge – just four chairs tucked into an alcove – sits beside a photograph of the surrounding farm.

There is a blacksmithing forge, complete with anvils, vices and tools There is also an old shearing plant, still used on occasion, and a sharpening grinder that once came from a shearing station in the Kaimai range

Unexpected twist

Then there is the unexpected twist – the forge converts into a barbecue.

“When we ’ ve had a day working and we ’ re all done, we just lift the plate off and turn it into a barbecue,” Carmichael said “You’ve got all that heat there anyway – it’s a shame to waste it.”

John Carmichael enjoying the view from his Te Puna cave entrance. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

in the hills above Te Puna

Outside the entrance, a large table made from macrocarpa overlooks sweeping views across the Bay of Plenty On a clear day, Carmichael said you can see from the Coromandel to White Island

“It’s pretty special up here,” he said. “No houses in front, just open views. You can sit out here and it’s just… quiet.”

But the cave was never meant to be a tourist attraction. It is, he said, a place for friends, family, and the occasional celebration. Birthdays, pony club gatherings, small events – nothing commercial.

“We didn’t build it for that,” he said. “It’s just for us. A bit of fun, a place to work, and somewhere to switch off.”

Creative escape

And “switch off” is something Carmichael takes seriously Between the forge, the farm, and his various projects, the cave had become a kind of creative escape.

That creativity shows up across the property

On the farm itself, Carmichael still works cattle on what he describes as a runoff block – land used to graze young stock away from a dairy operation in Bethlehem

It is also where many of his more unusual ideas begin. One of them came when moving sheep became difficult. “I googled it and there was nothing like it in the world,” he said. “So I thought

I’ll just have to build one ”

The result was a custom-made sheep wheelchair designed to hold an animal safely while it is checked, treated, or shorn. It now sits in a shed, fully functional.

A fun hobby

“When they’re in it, they’re completely relaxed,” h he said “You can check their feet, teeth, everything “Then you just put your hand behind their neck and they’re off again ”

Another invention – a catapult used for local kids’ events – can launch hundreds of lollies at once

during fundraisers and A&P shows. And a large brazier once owned by a friend now has wheels

Carmichael laughed at the list of projects as if they were all perfectly normal farm activities

“I just like making things work,” he said. “If there’s a problem, I’ll usually end up building something for it.”

Back in the cave, the fire flickers against timber and steel. The space feels both hidden and strangely open – like something built not to impress, but to be used

“It’s just a hobby,” Carmichael said. “But it’s one I’ve had a lot of fun with.”

And sitting beneath a hill in Te Puna, it is clear this is one hobby that got very, very out of hand

in the best possible way

*Do you know of a novel, unusual or quirky project being worked on locally? If so, let us know! Email: merle cave@nzme co nz

Biosecurity symposium for kiwifruit growers

Kiwifruit Vine Health’s 2026’s Biosecurity Symposium – with the theme of ‘Staying ahead of the curve ’ – is set for Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on August 5-6.

The two-day event will include international guest speakers and dives into what it takes to be prepared: proactive readiness, fast response, and smart collaboration.

Organisers say attendees will

experience real-world insights brought to life through dynamic presentations, practical case studies, and forward-thinking discussions designed for growers, industry leaders, technical experts, and government partners.

Registrations are now open to attend the event – visit: https://kvh.org.nz/about/kvhsymposium to view the full programme or register

Enjoy reliable heating in winter and efficient cooling in summer, all while lowering your energy bills Experience optimal efficiency and improved air quality with a sustainable solution that ensures a cozy and healthy living environment

Servicing Papamoa, Tauranga & Katikati

Locally owned and operated since 2016

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

John Carmichael at work in the blacksmith area of the cave. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

John Carmichael has the ultimate ‘ man cave’, creating an actual cave in a Te Puna hillside and features a waterfall alongside Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Let me show you how we can work with you

Scottish Highlands – home to the best hot chocolate

Winter is finally here

A chill has started to nip the air, the evenings swiftly

dip into darkness and there’s one thing I’m missing…the best hot chocolate of my life, steaming hot and all the way

back in the Scottish Highlands

After living in Scotland for more than a year, it was time to end on a high! While the Antipodes were still in January summer at the start of this year, my pal Mel and I were layering up with thermals, jackets, socks and gloves to take on the Scottish Highlands in full winter swing

Hitting the road with our wee rental car from Glasgow, I was mesmerised by the blankets of endless snow as we headed deeper into the countryside Stone-style cottages puffed smoke from their chimneys, Highland Cows cosied together as Narnia-like tree ’ s arched over us with bits of snow flittering down – true winter magic!

A

rare moment

Making our way through some iconic spots like Luss, Loch Lomond, Fort William and Inverness, I half managed to achieve one of my Scottish dreams of seeing the rare red squirrel while staying at a cabin in Leckmelm, along the eastern shore

his goods and vanished forever!

Typical…but my cup was full and about to be overflowing with chocolatey goodness…

Highland chocolatier

Velvet Truffles, all perfectly made with intricate designs and colours, and carefully selected ingredients

Making our way to the Chocolate Lounge, the tough decision awaited us – what hot chocolates would we choose?

We had left seeds and fruit out for two days on the balcony, mere metres from the neighbouring forest…but alas no squirrels It wasn ’ t until we were packing up on our last morning at Leckmelm that my friend yelled from the lounge, “Georgia, come quick!”

Boosting it from the bedroom, I managed to see the arse and tail of a red fuzzy squirrel before he got

Arriving in a small village called Grandtully in Highland Perthshire, we had finally reached my personal flagship of the trip – Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier As an award-winning master chocolatier, Burnett’s store boasts cabinets fu world fam and uniqu crafted

With Burnett awarded Europe’s Best Hot Chocolate Ganache at the International Chocolate Awards amongst numerous other food and drink accolades – it felt like any choice would be the right one! The hot chocolate menu offered everything from white velvet ganache hot chocolates infused with raspberry, to drinks of 100% cocoa, inspired by Aztec and Mayan authentic hot chocolates

Keeping it super healthy, I went for Burnett’s classic hot chocolate infused with orange, while my friend went for a dark velvet hot chocolate

It was heaven in a cup as I sipped away at my new love made of smooth, rich liquid. I’ll be honest though; these hot chocolates aren ’ t for the weak. We had to take water breaks in amongst swigs due to the undeniable decadence of these signature beverages Oh, how I wish to suffer from success like that again with a chocolatesmeared smile Happy hot choccy season everyone!

The famous West Highland Line that the Jacobite Steam train travels along made popular from its feature in the Harry Potter films. ull

Georgia Minkhorst

Inverness Castle

Photos / Georgia Minkhorst

Returning visitors to Isaac Weston and Lara Bui’s Matua property can expect plenty of new discoveries when the couple opens their sculpture garden and art gallery for the Bay of Plenty Garden & Art Festival in November 2026.

“We love it because everyone arrives excited to explore,” Bui said. “They appreciate both the gardens and the art, and there’s such a positive atmosphere. Rain or shine, people are genuinely happy to be out discovering new places.”

Preparing for the festival is a year-round project. Visitors can expect to see new pathways, plantings and gardens, while

evolving collection of sculptures ensures returning visitors always have something new to see.

“With this being our sixth year, we ’ re always looking for ways to keep the experience fresh,” Bui said “The garden is always evolving, and we love creating spaces where people can slow down and explore ”

A full-time copper artist, Isaac is known for using salts, acids and sunlight to create striking patina finishes that reveal the organic beauty of copper

“I’m constantly experimenting and creating new pieces, from copper flowers to large-scale sculptures and indoor artworks,” Weston said “Copper is such a versatile material, and I enjoy exploring

E Explore copper art and sculpture

its possibilities, so there’s alway something different for people to experience.”

Visitors to the festival, which runs from November 19-22, will be able to explore the outdoor sculpture garden, browse the indoor gallery and purchase artworks directly while learning more about Isaac’s unique creative process.

ys d

Isaac’s

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Right: A copper flower in the e garden, made by Isaac Weston n

Isaac Weston and Lara Bui in their stunning Matua garden. Photos / Merle Cave

Gigs, new releases, youth showcases

Some weeks the pieces just won ’ t fit together, and this is one of them

I have a bunch of things to share but they remain stubbornly unrelated. Unsegue-able. As a heads-up they include gigs, new releases and youth showcases I think we’ll just hoe in...

To start, a couple of shows that are inward bound and proving very popular They’re both on Friday, June 19, and the first, Whakatāne’s newest musical sensation Te Wehi, is so popular that it’s been relocated from Totara Street to the much bigger space of Baycourt, interestingly changing it from a standing-only gig to a seated one

Te Wehi’s is a remarkable story, going from a Whakatāne bushman who recorded covers for TikTok to topping the charts last year while touring with the likes of L.A.B., Stan Walker and more. He won two Aotearoa Music Awards last month and just released a first album, I’m Home, to join the slew of singles since 2024.

His music is light melodic reggae with an influence of soft American R&B in the emotive often falsetto singing; lyrics are personal and heartfelt and positive There is possibly a slight country vibe though everything gets tagged country these days to try and jump the current bandwagon I predict big things ahead

A humdinger

Same night, June 19, out in Katikati there is a humdinger of a concert with Bill Angus and The Mighty Ways, who play an updated version of

English folk music Think the likes of Nick Drake or Bert Jansch with more modern trappings. Angus is a displaced Englishman who has since released three albums, the most recent being 2022’s lovely collection All Night Before the World Began His eclectic quartet includes notable Northland singer Maggie Cocco and promises viola, violin, tabla, dholak, guitar and more.

On to two new singles from Tauranga. Eccentric chart-toppers We Will Ride Fast – the musical moniker of multi-disciplinary artist Kyle Sattler – has a third 2026 single out, You NeedYou Any fears of normality creeping in are unfounded as WWRF explores the emotional fallout of breaking up by turning heartbreak into drifting cosmic debris As you do Meanwhile, guitar virtuoso Sean Bodley’s latest is the mid-tempo instrumental Midnight Confessions where his dazzling technique serves as a vehicle for a very well-constructed piece. It’s a lesson for guitarists, who

Registrations are open for 2026’s Pāpāmoa Polar Plunge on June 21 from 10am This year ’ s theme ‘Cold as Ice: Music, Movies & Icons’ Organised

with

might note that Bodley also gives guitar lessons.

Those kids can play!

I did mention a few weeks’ back that Tauranga has a thriving musical youth scene Two examples: the Upton Music School, based out of Ōtūmoetai College, host their mid-year concert at the school on June 18-19 June with dozens of performers, special guests and more. On June 21 June it’s the quarterly Rising Vibes concert at Totara St, presenting bands and performers from the main local colleges. It’s a community-based project led by the Wright Family Foundation and the Mauao Performing Arts Centre with the aim to support and nurture upcoming talent from around the Bay region. And, damn, some of those kids can play!

www tinyurl com/45zh5tkt Hear Winston’s Latest Playlist Scan the QR code or visit

music, food trucks, beach games, spot prizes and plenty of winter energy – all capped off with the exhilarating thrill of an ice-cold ocean dip

This year participants can make a donation on registration to support Pāpāmoa Surf Life Saving Club Register online at: www eventfinda co nz/2026/papamoa-polar-plunge2/bay-of-plenty Or register on the day from 9am-9 45am

A kids’ market – with youngsters selling their wares – is on at Pāpāmoa on Sunday, June 14.

The It Takes a Village Pāpāmoa Kids Market – will be held at Te Manawa ō Pāpāmoa School at 72 Te Okuroa Drive alongside the regular weekly Pāpāmoa Community Market. From 10am-12.30pm tamariki (children) will sell their wares – think toys, clothes, crafts, baking and more.

The event will offer market-goers some new finds, while the youngsters will get the opportunity to run their own stalls, showcase their creativity, sell handmade goods, and experience being little entrepreneurs. The Pāpāmoa Community Market will run its usual hours of 8.30am-1pm. Find out more about both markets on the Pāpāmoa Community Market Facebook page.

Te Wehi. Photo / Supplied

Matariki is widely recognised as a time for reflection

It provides an opportunity to celebrate shared history and to look ahead with intention, while acknowledging the traditions, language and culture that contribute to a sense of identity and belonging within everyone

This year regional focus is placed on Ururangi, the star associated with winds, aligning with the national theme of Matariki Herenga Waka - For Everyone. Tauranga’s Jack Thatcher, a master celestial navigator, said that Ururangi is about “the unseen forces that move us, test us, and carry us forward” and reminds everyone to “ move with p purppose, , stay y grounded in who we are, , and trust the pathways laid before us ” . From June 16 to July 16, the Matariki: Te Tauranga o ngā Waka event series is scheduled to take place across

Saying

‘Yes’: the teacher taking the baton to a new level

Bethlehem College music director Kelly Hayward has spent 20 years shaping young musicians in the Bay of Plenty

This month she steps into new territory, making her conducting debut with Bay of Plenty Symphonia at their upcoming concert Young@Heart 3: Growing Up Is Optional on June 20 Hayward, director of performance music at Bethlehem College who oversees its 40-piece student orchestra and other co-curricular music groups, was invited to conduct BOPS after guest conducting Youth Philharmonic Tauranga last year

The opportunity fits her philosophy perfectly “I just want to

keep saying ‘Yes’ to opportunities where I can, to keep growing and developing as a conductor”

Her programme is a suite of Italian opera overtures chosen collaboratively with BOPS musical director Michael Joel and co-conductor William McElwee

The selection includes Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito, Rossini’s Barber of Seville and Ponchielli’s Dance of the Hours, which many audiences will recognise from Disney’s Fantasia

Beneath each overture, she said, runs a current of playful energy she hopes audiences will feel The Rossini in particular captures the spirit of the concert ’ s cheeky title

The Barber of Seville features in the Looney Tunes’ Rabbit of Seville and the Ponchielli has hippos and

Tauranga Moana and the Western Bay of Plenty

Spanning locations from Waiorooro in the north to Ōtamarākau in the south, the programme of events includes performances, exhibitions, workshops and a range of family-friendly events designed to encourage community gathering, learning and participation

A free community Matariki maumaharatanga (memorial) is planned for July 10 at 6 30am at Hopukiore (Mount Drury) Reserve in Mount Maunganui. This dawn event provides an opportunity for people to gather and remember those who have passed, including the calling of names as the starts of Matariki rise

Following the devastating landslides earlier in the year, t the gathering is expected to hold particular significance, offering a space to acknowledge the impact on the community and to come together in support Find out what’s on this Matariki at: mymatariki co nz

alligators dancing in Fantasia

“That comedic spirit is right there in the music ”

Conducting an adult orchestra had also offered a different dynamic from the school rehearsal room

With BOPS, the knowledge and leadership came from within the players themselves, something she had genuinely relished

Several of her Bethlehem College students play in Youth Philharmonic Tauranga, who share the stage with BOPS on the day Young@Heart 3: Growing Up Is Optional is at Otūmoetai College

Performing Arts Centre, Saturday, June 20 from 3 30pm Tickets cost adults $15, under-18s enter for free, from Eventfinda, The Strand Tauranga, Fenton St Rotorua, or phone 0800 BUY TIX

Kelly Hayward is making her conducting debut with Bay of Plenty Symphonia on June 20 Photo / Suppllied

Te kāhui whetū o Matariki (the Matariki star cluster) taken from Mount Maunganui Main Beach. Photo / Pae Korokī, Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo 22-0379 Image credit: Amit Kamble

trades & services

i

public notices cars wanted

PUBLIC NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF OFF-

and

•

GENERAL DISTRIBUTORS LIMITED, a duly incorporated company having its registered office at 80 Favona Road Favona Auckland has made application to the District Licensing Committee at Western Bay of Plenty District Council for the renewal of its off-licence in respect of the premises situated at 123-127 Main Road, Katikati, known as Woolworths Katikati

The general nature of the business conducted under the licence is that of a supermarket

The days on which and the hours during which alcohol is sold under the licence are: Monday to Sunday 7 00am – 9 00pm for consumption off the premises

The application may be inspected during ordinary office hours at the office of the Western Bay of Plenty District Licensing Committee at 1484 Cameron Road, Greerton, Tauranga.

Any person who is entitled to object and who wishes to object to the renewal of the licence may, not later than 25 working days after the date of publication of this notice, file a notice in writing of the objection with the Secretary of the District Licensing Committee at Private Bag 12803, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143.

No objection to the renewal of a licence may be made in relation to a matter other than a matter specified in section 131 of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. This is the first publication of this notice.

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Computer Services

BusinessorResidential WindowsorAppleMac NewComputers/Laptops Repairs&Upgrades Phones&Mobiledevices Wi-FiandPrinters We come to

(07)2621000Tauranga 927CameronRoad www.silverservice.co.nz