ArecordnumberofTaurangaBMX ClubriderswillrepresentNewZealandat the2026BMXWorldChampionshipsin Brisbanenextmonth.
The17ridersmakeuponeoftheclub’s strongestcontingentsinyears,withthe eventrunningfromJuly17-25and
attractingcompetitorsfromaroundthe world,fromyoungchildrenthroughto ridersintheir70s.
Amongthoseheadingoveris10-year-old BlakeTiewhowillberepresentingNew Zealandintheten-year-oldboys’sectionof thechampionships.
TaurangaBMXClubcommitteemember KimCrawfordsaiditwasexcitingtoseeso manyridersmakethecut.
“We’vegot17ridersfromTaurangathat areallgoingovertoBrisbaneinJulyto raceattheBMXWorldChamps,sowe’re veryproud,”shesaid.“Theridersgetthis
opportunitytogoandrepresentNew Zealand.”
Crawfordsaidstrongcoaching,including OlympianKurtPickardandAndrew Hickey,hashelpeddevelopridersreadyfor theworldstage. Readmoreonpage4. Photo/KellyO’Hara.
TheWeekendSun Friday26June2026
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Afterlastweek’slamentofhisloathing ofourpresentseason,winter,Jim Bunnyhasgoneundergroundforafew weeks.Sowe’veburroweddeepintothe droppings-filledarchivestofindsome ofhismostpeculiarandidiosyncratic musingsinrecentyears.Enjoy!
Sitbackandrejoice.Hallelujahand passthegrass,leaves,grainsand thornydesertplants.
Because2024isTheYearofthe Camelid–celebrating“thetimeless bondbetweenArabsandcamelids”, toshowhowimportanttheyareto thelivelihoodsofmillionsofpeople in90countries,theircontributionto foodsecurity,nutritionandeconomic growth.
Iamsureyouarepoositively glowing at thenews.
I’llsaveyouaGoogllesearch–a camelidisaneven-toeedungulate, aruminantmammalwwithathreechamberedstomach.
Acamel,allamaoraan alpaca…Youanythewwiser?
First,thedirty,diseasedandmuch unlovedpigeon.
That’stheirreputationbecausecity pigeonsperchhighandpoopon everyoneandeverything.
Pigeonsarecalledratswithwings.And theyhavethatratcunning.
Wewereremindedofthisacoupleof w weeks ago when a pigeon outsmarted the pestcontrollersandsecurityataNew Zealandsupermarket.
Thepigeonflewin,didalowpassover
underabarrageofGermanfire.
Bulletszippedallaroundasthebird fl flew440kmbback k toitscoop.
CheriAmilaythereonitsback k and coveredinblood–blindedinonneeye,a shottothebreastboneandaleghanging byjustafewtendons.
Buthowdidwegettto this?
Howdidthosebadtempered,bad-manneered, spittingandkickingccamels, creaturesofthedevil,manage tocorraltheheartsanndminds oftheentireUnitedNNationsto becomeanimaloftheyear.
I’vealreadyfiredoffamessageof protesttoAntonioGuuterres. Anditdemandsdrafftresolution 2344/181revokingthhe2024 InternationalYearoftthe Camelid be submittedtotheGeneralAssembly. WewillseewhatsortofpowerThe WeekendSunpulls.
fruitandvegetables,skirtedwineand b beer,bbanked around the deli and bakery andcameinforagracefultwo-point landingdownthedrygoodsaislesbythe bulkseeds,legumesandgrains.
Whatabird!Butthemessageggot throughandnearly200liveswere saved.CherAmiwasawaardedthe FrenchCroixdeGuerre–crossofwar.
CherAmiwas immortalisedinverse.
“Littlescrawnyblue andwhite,Messeenger formenwhofifight, Tellmeofthedeep redscar,There,just wherenofeathhersare.”
CherAmidied d of warwoundsin1919.A A taxidermistpreservedwhatwasleft–oneeye,astumpand d affewffeathhers.
Livinginahippo’sbutt
Showermanhasbeen Manufacturing&Installing QualityShowersacrosstheBOP &Waikatosince1997. Wespecialisein manufacturingandinstalling NEWSHOWERMANshowers intoneworpreparedspaces.
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Foulsmellingsoup
Anyhowcamelids–vilethings. Camelshaveaviciousslashingbite. Theyalsogoba‘foulsmellingsoupof regurgitatedfood’ifyouupsetthem.
Nostyle!
DidyouknowAustraliahasthelargest wildpopulationofArabiancamelsin theworld?
Yep–it’sacountryofconvictblood andcamels.
SowhyaredrovesofKiwisheaded there?ButIdigress…
Llamasarealsointothespittingthing –streamsofgreen,partially-digested food.
Andthere’ssomethingcalledBerserk Llamasyndrome,BLS,oraberrant behavioursyndromewhichcausesthem tobedangerouslyaggressivetohumans.
AnyhowMrGuterres–Irespectfully submittwonewandmoredeserving contendersforUNYearofthe Whatever.
Thepigeonthenstuckhisbeakintoa dispenserandgorgedhimself.
Healthissuesaside,that’sonedamned smartpigeon.
Howdiditknowwheretogo?Where diditgetitsco-ordinates?
“Itwasoutofnecessity,”thepigeon latertoldTheWeekendSun.
“Peopleusedtotossusbreadcrusts downonmarketsquare.Butwithfood pricessoaringpeopleareeatingthe cruststhemselves.”
AndifDavidSeymourhashisway,the crustswillbecommandeeredforschool lunches.
Toaddtomycasefor‘International YearofthePigeon’thereisthelegendof ‘CherAmi’orDearFriend.
CherAmiwasservinginthetrenches duringWWIwhenacommanderof trappedinfantryneededtogetcrucial informationbackbehindthelines.
ThejobfelltoCherAmi,whotookoff
Irespectfullysubmitanotherof God’screaturesfortheUN‘Year oftheWhatever’–ifonlyforits extraordinarilydifficultlivingsituation. It’sthePlacobdelloidesJaegerskioeldi. Thesecreaturesliveinthebuttof hippopotami.
Youheardmeright.Hipposhavevery thick,toughskinandalayerofblubber. Andthebuttistheonlypartofthe hippothat’ssufficientlyvascularised,or veiny,fortheleechestogetagoodblood meal.
Itmustbedifficultforthe PlacobdelloidesJaegerskioelditoaccept thecrueldeallifehasdealtit.
Butassomecompensation,ithasbeen blesseditwithtwopowerfulsuckersto withstandthehippo’sratherexplosive bowelmovements.
Wewerethinkingofdoor-stoppingthe leechforcomment,butthatwouldhave createdhealthandsafetyissues.
Andso,intheirignominy,Isuggest PlacobdelloidesJaegerskioeldideserves celebration.Weallloveanunderdog.
GreyPowerNewZealand hasappointedanewnational presidentastheorganisation lookstostrengthenits advocacyforolderKiwis.
Katikati-basedDavidMarshall waselectedattheorganisation’s annualmeetingaftermorethana decadeofinvolvement.
BeforeretiringtotheBayof Plenty,Marshallworkedin education,healthcaremarketing andconsulting,includingoverseas roles.
HejoinedtheBayofPlenty zonein2015andservedasvicepresidentformorethanseven yearsbeforebeingelectedtothe nationalboardin2020.In2023, hebecamenationalvice-president.
MarshallleadsGreyPower’s retirementincomeandtaxation work,chairsitsmarketing committee,andishelping developapilottosupportolder homeownersunabletodownsize becauseofalackofbridging finance.
Speakingaboutthechallenges facingolderNewZealanders,he saidtherewerea“few,”including supportforthosewantingtostay intheirhomes.
“There’sdefinitelyinsufficient qualityofsupporttoenable peopletoageintheirownhomes, ratherthanhavingtogointoan institution,tobeasindependent aspossible.”
Therewasalsoagrowingneed
foraccessiblehomes,whichhe describedasa“significantarea” requiringurgentattention.
Accesstohealthcare,particularly electivesurgery,wasanother concern.
Marshallsaidthehealthcare systemwasunder“somuch pressure”,citingissuesacross homecaresupport,accessto surgery,anddifficultyseeingGPs forpreventivecare.
“Regardlessofage,althoughit becomesmoreimportantwith increasingage,isthetimely availabilityofelectivesurgeryfor people.”
Hesaidthecostofliving remainedafrequentconcern forGreyPowermembers,with about40%relyingsolelyonNew ZealandSuper.
Risinginflationwasputting pressureonmany,particularly tenants.
“That’swhatthey’restruggling withdaytoday.It’sreallythose mostvulnerable,particularlythose whohavetorent,whoareusinga lotofthatincome,50%oreven moreontheirrent.
“There’snotmuchleftfor anythingelse,andwe’reseeing moreolderpeoplehavingtouse foodbanks,whichtheywouldhave neverconsideredintheirlives before.”
AsMarshallstepsintohisnew rolebeforetheelection,hesaid thekeypolicyareashewanted politicalpartiestoprioritisewere superannuationandhealthcare.
“Wewantcertaintyandwant toknowthatwhateverisplanned
iscross-partyagreedandthe consequencesarebeinglooked at.”
“Peoplemaybelivingina housethatlooksgoodfrom theoutside,buttheygoto bedearlyinwintertousean electricblanketbecausethey can’taffordtoheattheirhouse. “Thentheyskimponmeals, justbecauseit’ssochallenging tosurvive,sowewantsome assurancethatsuperisdone correctly.”
Arecord-sizedcontingentfrom TaurangaBMXClubispreparing torepresentNewZealandatthe 2026BMXWorldChampionships inBrisbanenextmonth.
Seventeenridersfromtheclubhave qualifiedfortheevent,whichruns fromJuly17-25,makingitoneof theclub’slargestgroupstoattendthe championshipsinmanyyears.
Theridersearnedtheirplacesby finishinginthetopeightoftheirage groupsateitherthe2025or2026BMX NationalChampionships.Otherswere abletoapplyforwildcardentriesif injuryorothercircumstancesprevented themfromcompetingatnationals.
AmongthoseheadingtoBrisbane is10-year-oldJacobCrawford,who securedawildcardentryafterbreaking hiscollarbonejustaweekbeforethe nationalchampionships.
Hismother,TaurangaBMXClub committeememberKimCrawford, saidtheopportunitytocompeteata worldchampionshipwasasignificant achievement.
“We’vegot17ridersfromTauranga thatareallgoingovertoBrisbaneinJuly toraceattheBMXWorldChamps,so we’reveryproud,”shesaid.
“It’sawesomethatthesekidsgettogo, alongwithadults.Theridersgetthis opportunitytogoandrepresentNew Zealand.”
TaurangaBMXClubpresident AmandaWithingtonsaidtheriders hadputinahugeeffortleadingupto nationals.
“Theclubisveryproudof allourridersheadingoverto the2026WorldChamps,” shesaid.
“Theyallworkedsohard trainingonandoffthe trackleadinguptoourNZ NationalsbackinMarch.”
Withingtonsaidthe experienceofcompeting overseaswouldbeinvaluable formanyoftheriders, particularlyyounger members.
“It’sanamazing opportunityforourriders whohaveneverexperienced ridingonaninternational track–theatmosphereis huge,”shesaid.
“Alotoftheyounger ridersareespeciallylooking forwardtogoingtowatch theirBMXidols,theelite ridersfromalloverthe world,whotheywouldnormallyfollow andwatchtheirracesonsocialmediaor YouTube.”
TaurangaBMXClubriderswill competeacrossarangeofagecategories, fromyouthdivisionsthroughtoadult classes.
Thechampionshipsattractriders fromaroundtheworldandfeature competitorsrangingfromchildren throughtoridersintheir70s.
Crawfordsaidhavingthe2026event inAustraliahadmadethetripmore accessibleforNewZealandfamilies.
“HavingitsoclosetohomeinAustralia thisyearhasjustbeensogreat,”shesaid.
“Theachievementofgoingoverand wearingthesilverfernandtheblackand whitejerseyisgoingtobeawesomefor everyone.”
Crawfordbelievestheclub’ssuccess reflectsthestrengthofitscoaching programmeandthededicationofits riders.
“We’reveryluckyhereinTaurangathat we’vegottworeallyamazingcoaches availabletous,”shesaid.
ThecoachesincludeformerOlympian KurtPickardandexperiencedBMX coachAndrewHickey,whohavehelped developriderscapableofcompetingon theinternationalstage.
“Forasmallerclub,wedefinitelyalways
comebackandthrowourweightaround atnationals,whichisgreat,”Crawford said.
“We’reveryluckytohavethosecoaches becausethatmakesallthedifference.”
TheBrisbanechampionshipswill provideriderswiththechancetotest themselvesagainstsomeoftheworld’s bestBMXathleteswhileproudly representingbothTaurangaandNew Zealand.
“Theclub’sextremelyproudof everybodythatrepresentsNewZealand,” Crawfordsaid.
“Andwe’rereallyexcitedtobetogether asaclubrepresentingNewZealandand Tauranga.”
RosalieLiddleCrawford
AnewclubinTaurangaiscreatingare settingforpeopletoshareandtradethe passionsandwareseachmonth.
elaxed irskills,
TePunawomanJessicaCarsonhasfoundedt TaurangaHomemaker’sClubsothosewholike canconnectwithlikemindedpeopleandgoho abundleoftreasuresfromtheirfellowartisans free!
Carsonsaidshestartedtheclubaboutsixmo afterseeingasimilargrouponlineinAustralia.
“Idecidedweneededahomemaker’sclubloc Shehasorganisedtheclubsomembersmeet monthlyatalocalcafé,amember’shomeorap sharehomemadetreasures,produceandmorew another.
“It’slikeyou’regettingtogotoamarketbutthere’s noexchangeofanymoney.”
the e creating omewith –for onthsago cally.” uponceparkto withone h ’
Sohowdoesitwork?“Eachpersonbringsfiveofthe sameorsimilaritemtoswap,thenyougettotakehome fivedifferenttreasuresfromdifferenthomemakers,” Carsonsaid.
Carsonsaidmemberswillalwaysfindsomethingto eat,enjoyoradmire.
“We’vehadallsortsofthingsfromknittedandsewn goods,homebaking,gardenproduce,preservessuchas jamsandchutneys,naturalremedies,skincare,candles, blooms–allsorts!”
Sofartheclub’sFacebookpagehad150members, about10peoplewereattendingmonthlymeet-upsso far.Thepageandclubisfreetojoin,andmeet-upsare freetoattend,Carsonsaid.
Thepart-timehome-based hairdresserlivesonafamilyorchard with accesstolotsoffruittrees andthespacetogrowavegetable garden.
“Ienjoyasimplelifeandbeing abletopreservewhatwehavebrings mejoy.Yes,ifwehaveanabundance thenit’sagreatopportunitytobase myswapitemaroundwhatIhave accessto,reducingcostandwaste.
“ButIalsoliketogooutsidemy comfortzoneandtrynewthings likesoapandcandlemaking.”
Carsonsaidsharingandtrading withintheclubhadopenedher mindtotryingnewthingsthatshe would’veneverconsideredbefore.
“It’sbroadenedmyhorizons.I’ve discoveredessentialoilsactually havesomanyuses.Ididn’tknow theywerereallygoodforsinuses, headaches,andachesandpains.
“SonowI’vestartedbuying essentialoilsandIusethemto fragrancemycandles.” Carsonsaidshewouldlovetosee herbuddingclubgrow.
•Treatmentsarenon-
74TenthAvenue,Tauranga3110 www.cosmeticandveins.nz
“Itbuildscommunitythese gatherings.They’resocial,yougetto makeconnectionsandmakefriends. It’smorethanjusttheswapping, butalsoaboutbeingabletoshareif you’vegotanabundanceofproduce orifyou’vegotacreativeniche.”
ThenextTaurangaHomemaker’s Clubwillbeat10amonSaturday, July11atŌmokoroaDomain Beach.Peoplecanlearnmoreby searchingTaurangaHomemakers ClubonFacebook. GeorgiaMinkhorst
Email:info@cosmeticandveins.nz
Foranimalrescuegroupsaround theBayofPlenty,winterisoften whenthecommunity’squiet strugglesarriveattheirdoors–in theformofpetsneedinghomes.
Behindthecalmofcolderdaysand quieterstreets,rescueorganisationssay demandcontinuestobuild.
Moreanimalownersarereachingout forhelp,drivenbytherisingcostsof careorchangesincircumstances.
R Rescuersareurgiingpeoplletoreach h outearlier,sayingsituationsare easiertomanagebeforetheybecome overwhelming.
BayofPlentycatrescueMoggies hashadmorerequestsforrehoming comparedtopreviousyears.
FounderFrancescaHarveysaid thatwhilewinterbroughtitsown challenges,rescueorganisationswere operatingundercapacitypressures year-round.
Shesaidtheincreasewaslinkedto broaderfinancial pressures,housing insecurity,and peoplerelocating.
“Wearehearingfrompeoplewho lovetheiranimalsbutarestruggling toaffordveterinarycare,pet-friendly housing,ortheongoingcosts associatedwithpetownership.”
Harveysaidrescueorganisationswere seeiingmorellarge,mulltii-gennerational cathouseholdsneedinghelp p
TaurangaSPCAcentre managerAndreaCrompton saysmorefamilieswere requestingtosurrender theiranimalstotheSPCA.
Colonies
Often,anundesexedfemallecatwould havealitter,followedbylitttersfrom heroffspring,resultingincooloniesof 10to20catsbeforehelpwaassought.
“Thesesituationscanquickly becomeoverwhelmingforthhepeople involvedanddifficultforresscuesto accommodate.”
Harveysaidhermostimpoortant messagewastoreachoutfor r help soonerratherthanlater.
“Earlyinterventiongivesffamilies, communities,andrescueorgganisations thebestchanceoffindingppositive outcomesfor animals.”
Tauranga SPCA centremanager Andrea Crompton saidthaatasthecost of living increases,morefamilies were requesting tosurrrendertheir animals to the SPCA A “While we believetthatSPCA desexing educationishavinga positive impact andnumbers are down, the requesstto rehome owned animmalsison the increase ” Crompton saidtheSPCA sometimes had todeecline
requestsfrompeoplewishingto surrendertheiranimalssoitcould prioritisecareforsick,injured,and vulnerableanimals.
“It’sreallyhardformyselfandmy team,butweneedtokeeptoourcore purposesothatwedon’teverhavethe needtoclosethedoorsonanimalswho areinseriousneedofcare.”
Vada’sAngelsAnimalRescueteam managerKatrinaThompsonsaid demandforrehomingserviceshad risen,withmorerescueorganisations reachingorexceedingcapacity.
“Manyrescueorganisationsarebeing forcedtolimitorpauseintakesbecause theysimplydonothavethefoster homes,funding,orresourcestosafely takeonadditionalanimals.”
ThompsonsaidVada’sAngels hadbroughtin87dogsfromthree differentpoundsontopofcommunity surrendersandwelfarecases.
“Thedemandisrelentless,and unfortunately,thenumberofanimals needinghelpfarexceedstheresources available.”
Shesaidtherewasalsoa“noticeable increase”inownersurrenders. Risinglivingcosts,jobinsecurity,and concernsaboutthefuturewereforcing manyfamiliestomakeheartbreaking decisionsaboutpetstheygenuinely loved,shesaid.
WildtoWarmthCatRescuefounder HopeDobbssaidtheorganisationwas
Behindthecalmofcolderdaysandquieterstreets,animalrescue organisationssaydemandcontinuestobuild.
receivingatleastthreecallsadayfrom peoplelookingtorehometheircats.
“Mostofthosecasesincludemultiple cats,sometimesit’lljustbewildcats frompeoplenotdesexingtheircats, buttherehasbeenanincreaseinpeople tryingtore-homecats.”
ShesaidWildtoWarmthwasat “completecapacity”andsowereother rescuesintheregion.
Therescueis“quitesmall”compared tootherorganisations,withcapacityfor only20to30catsatatime.
BecauseWildtoWarmthoperated entirelythroughfosterhomes,itdoesnot maintainaphysicalshelter,Dobbssaid.
Photo/KellyO’Hara
“It’sbeenalotmoretomanage, usuallythereisadipwithcatswhenit comestowinterbecauseofthekitten seasonbutitseemsthisyeartherehasn’t beenadie-down.”
Dobbssaidadoptionrateshad declined,makingitmoredifficultfor therescuetomovecatsthroughthe system.
Withlimitedcapacity,theorganisation reliedonsuccessfuladoptionstocreate spaceforadditionalcatsinneed.
“Thepressuretotakeincatsnever goesaway,soifsomeoneouttherecan help,it’sassimpleasthat.”
KaitlynMorrell
Tauranga Crossing has launched a $20,000 scholarshipprogramme tosupportBayofPlentystudents intotertiarystudy.
The shoppingcentrehaspartnered with Toi OhomaiInstituteof Technology toofferfour$5000 scholarshipsoverthenextacademic year.
Two scholarshipswillgotostudents beginningstudyinsemestertw t oof 2026, withanothertw t oavailablefor those startinginearly2027.
TaurangaCrossingcentremanager Janet Vincentsaidtheinitiativereflects thecentre’songoingcommitmentto supportingthelocalcommunity asit approachesits10thanniversarylater this year
“For nearlyadecade,wehave championedthepeoplewhomakeour community stronger,”Vincentsaid.
“ThroughourpartnershipwithToi Ohomai,TaurangaCrossingisproud tofully fundthesescholarships,helping ensure localstudentscanpursuetheir ambitionswithoutfinancialbarriers standing intheway.”
The new programmebuildson Tauranga Crossing’sLocalLegends initiative,whichrecognisedcommunity championsacrosstheBoP.
The focusisnowshiftingtosupport future leadersthrougheducation.The scholarshipscomeasmanystudents faceincreasing financial pressures from
TaurangaCrossingCEOAndrew Campbell,left f ,ToiOhomaimarketing andcreativemanagerTomWorsp,and TaurangaCrossingcentremanager JanetVincent.
tertiarystudyandaredesignedtolet recipientsfocusontheirstudiesand careergoals.ToiOhomaimarketingand creativemanagerTomWorspsaidthe partnershipwillhelpcreateopportunities forlearnersacrosstheregion.
“Educationtransformslivesand shapesourregion’sfuture,”Worsp said.Applicationsforthefirsttw t o scholarshipsareopenandcloseJuly5.
Successfulrecipientswillbe announcedJuly20.Fordetailsandto apply, visit www toiohomai ac nz
APāpāmoaCollegeexchange studentismakingalltheright moves,onandoffthechessboard.
KeithWongwitwichote,12,took outtheRegionalInterschoolChess Championshiplastweek,goingunbeaten acrosstheentiretournamentina standoutperformance.
Hewonsixgamestofinishfirstoverall, securingthe12-year-oldtitleanda regionalchampionshipmedal.
Keith,fromBangkok,hasspent aschoolterminNewZealandon exchange,representingPāpāmoaCollege duringhistimeinTauranga.
“Itwasexcitingbecauseitwasthefirst timeI’vecompetedinanothercountry,
anditwasveryfun,”hesaid.
Thecompetitionbroughttogether studentsfromacrosstheregion,with multiplegamesplayedthroughoutthe day,testingnotonlyskill,butpatience andfocus.
Keithsaidhewasproudofhisresult andthewayheplayedacrossthe tournament.
“Ihadbeenpreparingalotforthe tournament,andIjustsaidtomyself, becalm,don’tpanicanddon’trush anything.”
Heearnedanexcellencecertificatefor placinginthetop10%ofallplayers.
Hewasalsoawardedbadgesfor achievingcheckmateusingbothabishop andaknight,afeatthathighlights
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g gprecisionint endstages.
“Ifeelreally wasagreatac forme,ande anothercoun exciting.”
Whatheen playingchess peopleandh friends.
“It’sawayf clearmymin thedayandr Hehasbeen playingchess sincehewas 5,learning allthetips andtricks fromhis father.
thegame’strickiest y proud.It chievement especiallyin ntry,that’salways njoyedmostabout s wasmeetingnew havingfunwith formeto ndfor relax.”
“Mydad andIwentto ahotelwhere therewasa chessboard, andhetaugh mehowtopl Ilikedthestr andtheconc thegame,so moreandmore.”
Heregularlytakes partineventsrun bytheRedKnight Chessacademyandisregisteredwiththe InternationalChessFederation(FIDE).
groupcompetition. Hesaidbeinga s playercamedown calmandundersta opponenttobefu “Theyneedtokn andwhethertopla ortakeasteadypo Keith’shostmum Eyres,saidKeith’s “phenomenal” incredibly achievem “Iwas howqu hewas every non lik t she Ke the at h could “He’s understated verytactica Itwasinsp KeithWongwitwichote,12,took outtheRegionalInterschoolChess Championship. Photo/Supplied
Histournamenthistoryincludes severalpodiumfinishes,includingafirst runner-upplacinginanunder-10age-
strongchess ntostaying andingyour ullyprepared. nowthemselves ayaggressively osition.”
,Sharon swinwas ”andshewas proudofhis ment. surprisedat uietlyconfident sabout ything,very nchalant.Ireally ketheideathat thiskid’sgiving everythinga go.”
Eyressaid ehadfaced ithacross echessboard home,and dn’tbeathim. justquietly d,andit’sall alforhim.” piringtosee someonesoyoungmoveto adifferentcountry,adaptso quicklyandapproachevery opportunitywithanopen mind–somethingshebelievedadultscould learnfrom.
“Theydon’tquit,theydon’tgiveup,and weasadultscantakealotawayfromthat. Iaminspiredbyhim.”
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TaurangaWaldorfSchoolstudentshavebeenlettingtheircreativityshinemakingtheir Matarikilanterns. Photo/KellyO’Hara
TaurangaWaldorfSchoolwilllight upbeneaththestarswithconnection andarohatocelebrateMatariki thisyear.
OnThursday,July2,whenthesky hasdarkenedat5.30pm,theschoolwill gatherwiththecommunity,sharingin lanternlight,kaiandreflectionasthose whohavecomebeforeusarehonoured.
“Eversincetheschoolhasbeenin existencesince1989,we’vehada lanternfestivalwhichisliketaking thelastlightofautumnintowinter,” festivalcoordinatorLouiseGawnsaid. Now,theschoolunifiesthistradition withMāoriNewYear.“Weare
celebratingMatarikiwithourTeHuia MāramaaMatariki,whichincludes aspiralwalk,signifyingendingsand beginnings.”
Thethemeofthisyear’sMāori NewYearis‘Matarikiherengawaka,’ translatingto–‘Matarikiisamooring placeforallcanoes.’
“There’ssuchabeautifulfitbetween thefestivalandthisyear’sthemeof Matariki,”boardchairMelAuldsaid.
“It’saboutunity,inclusion,and sharedheritage.”
“Thisreallyisatimeforpeopleto cometogether,rememberthosewho havepassed,celebratethem,lookahead andhavethissharedfestivalofaroha, reflectionandconnection.”
Inthefestival’slead-up,thestudents havebeenbusymakingtheirunique lanternsandwilllearnaboutthe differentstarsofMatarikiintheir school’splay,includingourregion’s focusonUrurangi–theMatarikistar connectedtothewindsandwhichrests atthehighestpointofthecluster.
“[Thestudents]reallygetafeelforthe characteristicsofthedifferentMatariki stars…andbringthethoughtsofthe starsintothefestival,”Gawnsaid.
Amongstthereflectivefestivities, familiesandthecommunitywillbe abletoenjoypumpkinandkumara soup,sausagesizzleandAuld’spersonal
favouriteappledrink.“Yougetacup ofthiswarmspicedappledrinkand you’reinthedark,it’scold,you’re bumpingintopeopleyouknowand there’sthiswarmreverencetothe crowdgathering.”
“It’sabeautifulfestivaltobepartof.” ‘TeHuiMaramaaMatariki:Tauranga WaldorfSchoolMatarikiLight Festival’isfreeentryandwillbeheld onThursday,July2,from5.30–7.30pmatTaurangaWaldorfSchool, 364WelcomeBayRd. Peopleareaskedtobringcashforkai andkohadonationforlanterns.
GeorgiaMinkhorst
At12:03am,Donnaliesinbedstaringat theceiling.Shegothomefromhershift18 minutesago.Straightintopyjamas.Lightsoff. Everythingsignalsit’stimetosleep.
Excepthermindisstillinthestaffroom, replayingconversationswithpatients, wonderingifshemadetherightcalls.
“Mybody’shome,”the52-year-oldmental healthsocialworkerexplains.“Butmybrainis stillatwork.”
After25yearsinthefield,Donnahad earnedtherighttobeexcellentatherjob. Butafterthreehoursofbrokensleep,shewas draggingherselfthroughshifts.Whenshe wasn’tworking,you’dusuallyfindherwalking, reading,orwatchinghergrandsonplaying soccer.
Thenthesleepproblemscreptin.Firstshe’d lieawakefor30minutesafterlateshifts.Then anhour.Beforelong,shewaswatchingentire hourstickpast.
“Mostpeoplefinishat5pmandgotobed at10pm,”sheexplains.“That’sfivehoursto decompress.Iwasgivingmyself15minutes.” Themorningswerebrutal.“I’drolloutof bedstillexhausted.Gropingmywayaround andtryingtowakeup.ExceptIhadn’treally evenbeenasleep.”
Hergrandsonwouldaskhertowatchhis soccermatches.She’dnodandthenshewould spendthematchfightingtokeephereyes open.
Themomentthatcrystallisedeverything:he scoredhisfirstgoaloftheseason.Theother parentswerecheering.Donnajoltedawake, realisingshe’dmissedit.
“Didyouseeit,Nana?”heasked.
“Ofcourse,”shelied.Helookedather.“You wereasleep,weren’tyou?”
Hewasseven.Heshouldn’thavetotrack whenhisgrandmotherwastooexhaustedto watchhimplay.
ThenhersistermentionedKoruSleep,a naturalsupplementmadeinNewZealand. Donnawassceptical.“Workinginmental health,I’dseeneverymiraclecuremarketed toexhaustedhealthcareworkers.Ithought, ‘Anotheronepromisingtheearth.’”
Butshetriedit.Twocapsuleswhenshegot home,then30minutestodecompressbefore bed.
“Iexpectedtolietherefortwohourslike usual,”shesays.“Butwithin20minutes, somethingfeltdifferent.Notknockedoutbut justsettled.Likemynervoussystemfinallygot
themessagethatworkwasover.”
Theblendofpassionflower,magnesiumand valerianseemedtoworkwithherbodyrather thanagainstit.
Withinaweek,shewasfallingasleepin20to 30minutes,nothours.Buttherealdifference wasthemornings.
“Iwasn’tgropingmywaytothekettle anymore.I’dwakeupfeelinglikeI’dactually slept.”
Therealtestcameathergrandson’snext match.Donnawatchedthefull60minutes andsaweverymomentofhistwogoals. “Yousawthemboth,Nana!”hebeamed. “Everysecond,”shesaid.Andshemeantit. “Icanbepresentformyclients,presentfor mygrandson,presentformyownlife.Iamso happytohavemylifeback.”
Themedicalvessel YWAM
Koha departedTauranga onSaturday,June20, boundforFijiwhere itwillspendthenext fourmonthsdelivering healthcareservicesto someofthePacific’s mostremoteisland communities.
YWAMShipsAotearoa managingdirectorMarty Emmettsaidthemission
willincludenineweeksof structuredhealthoutreaches acrossFiji’sfourdivisions.
“Ourgoalistodeliverhealth andhealingservicestomore than4000Fijiansthisyear,” Emmettsaid.
Thedeploymentfollows anextensiverefitearlierthis year,withthevesselspending fiveweeksoutofthewater inAucklandundergoing maintenanceandupgrades.
Workcarriedoutby contractors,includingTitan MarineEngineeringand
YWAMKohapartneredwithEngineersWithoutBordersNewZealandtodeliver126watertankstoremote communitiesacrosstheislandsofTuvalu. Photo/Supplied
SuperYachtCoatings,includedhullblastingand repainting,upgradestoonboardsystems,and installationofanewgenerator.
Thevesselhasalsobeenissuedwithanewfive-year surveycertificate.
Emmettsaidthiswasaimedatensuringtheship’s long-termimpactinthePacific.
“Thevisionforthosefivemonthswastofutureproofthevesseltomaximiseherimpactformany yearstocome,”hesaid.
“Wearedeeplygratefulforthefaithfulsupportthat madethispossible.”
Koha returnedtoTaurangainlateMaybefore preparingforitslatestmission.
Therearecurrently18crewmembersaboardfor thevoyagetoFiji,withadditionalpersonnelsetto joinduringoutreachoperations.Thefirstmajor programmeisscheduledtobeginonJuly4onthe islandofTaveuni.
Healthservicesbeingdeliveredfromtheship includedentalcare,optometry,basichealthchecks, healtheducation,andoccupationaltherapywiththe distributionofassistivedevices.
Aland-basedclinichasalreadycommencedthis weekintheSuvaregion,withteamsexpectingto assistseveralhundredpeopleinitsfirstweekof operation.
TheFijiprogrammeisdeliveredinpartnership withtheFijiMinistryofHealth,withasharedfocus onimprovingaccesstohealthcareinmaritimeand
4DAYS
remoteislandcommunities.
ThevesselwasgiftedtoTauranga-basedcharity YWAMShipsAotearoain2019byStoneyCreek Shippingandrenamed Koha –theMāoriwordfor gift–toreflectitspurpose.Since2021,itsassociated TrinityKohaDentalClinichasalsoprovidedmore than5500dentalservicesinNewZealand.
In2021,TrinityKohaDentalClinicwaslaunched, whichhasnowservedmorethan5500KiwisinNZ.
TheFijiHighCommissionerformallyinvited theorganisationtodeploytoFiji,withthemaiden medicalvoyagetakingplacein2022.
In2023,YSAsigneda10-yearMemorandum ofUnderstandingwiththeFijiGovernment, strengtheningalong-termcollaborationwiththeFiji MinistryofHealth.
Emmettsaidtheorganisationiscontinuingtorelyon communitysupportbothinNewZealandandabroad.
“First,prayforus.WeneedGod’shelpinallthat wedo,”hesaid.
“Second,agiftof$60deliversonehealthservice. Thathelpsusservethousandsofpeoplethisyear.”
Withthevesselnowbackinactiveservicefollowing itsrefit,Emmettsaidtheorganisation’sfocusis onsustainedoutreachacrossFijithroughtolate October,intendingtoexpandaccesstoessential healthcareforremotecommunitiesacrossthePacific.
RosalieLiddleCrawford
7DAYS
For 10 years, Sailability Taurangahasbeenhelping p people of all abilities experiencethesimplejoyof sailing.
Thismonth,thecommunityfocusedclubcelebratedthedecade milestonewithaspecialwaterfront anniversaryevent.
Thevolunteer-runorganisation wasbuiltonasimplemission: toprovideopportunitiesfor peoplewithdisabilitiesto developself-confidenceanda senseofachievementinasafe environment.
Itoffersopportunitiesforschoolagedchildrenthroughtoseniors, encouragingthemtoparticipate andchallengethemselvesina varietyofsailingexperiences.
AlistairEagleson,chairmanof Sailability’sboardoftrusteesand directorofthesailingprogramme, saidtheorganisationwanted everyonetohavethesame opportunities.
“Sailabilitywillcontinueto takethedisoutofdisabilityand givepeopleofallabilitiesthe opportunitytosail.”
Hesaidtheprogrammewasopen toeveryonewithadisabilityor impairmentandalsohadsailors withlowvisionandhearing impairments.
“Forsomesailors,wecanprovide sailingexperiencesand,with support,theycanachieveandface challengesinawaytheymaynot havethoughtpossible.”
Sailingoptionsrangedfrom
relaxed sailing to learning the ropes,participatingineventsand evenracing.
E Eagllesonsaiid Saiilabbility Tauranga’sgrowthhadbeen “rapid”comparedwithotherclubs aroundthecountry.
Morethan1000sailing experiencesaredeliveredeachyear, withabout36sailorstakingtothe watereachsailingday,supported byadedicatedteamofmorethan 30volunteers.
“Ahighlightisseeingthesailors’ reactionstobeingonthewater inasmallyacht,atonewiththe environment,excited,somechatty, somequietlyreflective.”
Sailorsaresupportedby volunteerswithequipment, includingspecialisedhoists allowingthosewithlimited mobilitytosafelygetinandout ofboats.
Thereisonesailingdayperweek foreightmonthsoftheyearand fortnightlysailingdaysduring June,JulyandAugust.
Sailingday
Asailingdayinvolvesonehour onthewater,includingatowfrom theSulphurPointmarinaoutonto theharbour,anda45-minutesail beforebeingtowedbacktothe marina.
“Observingsailorsprogressing inthesailingprogrammeis rewardingastheyprovetheyare motivatedtomeetthechallenges ofsailing,”Eaglesonsaid.
The10thanniversarycelebration washeldonJune23,andwas opentoallcurrentandpast volunteers,includingtrustees, sailors,theircaregivers,supporting
organisations and families
Clubcaptain RhondaRitchie saidtheorganisationwasfilled wiith h “keensaiilors” ” whhoworkked d hardtocreateaninclusive atmosphere.
“Weencouragerespect, inclusiveness,andquality,andso Iliketothinkthatourattitude towardsthesesailorshasalotto dowithcamaraderieandthefact thattheycomeback.”
Ritchiesaidthatovertime, sailorsoftenbecamemore confidentandintegratedintothe widersailingcommunity.
“Itgivesusallanexcusetocarry onsailingwhenwemightbe gettingpastsailingbiggerboats; we’restillcuttingaroundonthe water.”
Shesaidtheorganisationtook greatsatisfactioninseeingsailors progresswithintheprogramme.
“Tobeoutonthewaterinany formisawonderfulactivity; itgivesadventure,buildsselfconfidence,andit’sawaytoget somefreedomfromthemundane ofeveryday.”
SailabilityTaurangaisnow lookingtothefuture,withplans todevelopapermanent,fit-forpurposestoragefacilityforits boatsandequipment.
Ritchiesaidexpandingthe organisation’sfleetwoulddepend onsecuringadedicatedstorage space.
Alarge-scaleinteractivelightexperiencethatattracted 20,000visitorsinAucklandisheadingtoTaurangafor theJulyschoolholidays.
DreamerwillrunatMercuryBayparkArenafromJuly10to19, promisingafullyimmersiveindoorexperiencedesignedforfamilies andvisitorsofallages.
The10-dayeventwillseethearenatransformedintoacolourful worldoflight,soundandinteractiveinstallations,offeringa weatherproofoptionduringthewinterbreak.
Visitorswillbeabletoexploreaseriesoflarge-scaledisplaysand activities,includinglightdrawing,interactivegames,anddigital installationsthatrespondtomovement.
EventproducerJamieNewmansaidinamediareleasethat theresponsetoDreamer’sdebutseasoninAucklandexceeded expectations.
“Seeingmorethan20,000peoplestepintoDreamerinAuckland wasincredible.
“WealwayshopedDreamerwouldtravelbeyondAuckland,and we’reexcitedtobebringingtheexperiencetoTaurangatheseschool holidays.”
Newmansaidtheconceptwasdesignedtoencouragecreativity, explorationandsharedexperiences.
“Wintercanmakeitdifficulttoplanfamilyoutings,sowe’ve createdsomethingthat’scompletelyweatherproofwhilestill deliveringthatsenseofmagicanddiscovery.”
TheBayparkeventwillrundailyduringtheschoolholidays,with extendedhoursonopeningdayandweekends.
DreamerticketsareonsalethroughTicketek,withpricesstarting from$16forchildrenand$24foradults.Familypassesarealso available.
“Atthemomentwe’resortof tickingoverbutthatwillbeour nextpush,buildingourown storageshed,togiveusmoreroom toexpand.”
KaitlynMorrell
Fromhands-ontechdemostoideasthatcouldhelp householdscutpowerbills,anewfestivalissettoplug Taurangaintoamoresustainablefuturethisspring.
STEMWanaTrusthaveannouncedtheinauguralMakerFestNZ, afreetwo-dayeventfocusedonrenewableenergyandelectrification, heldonSeptember12to13attheBasestation.
Yoursupportenablesusto providecareandwrap-around supportfortamariki,sothat theyareempoweredand equippedtobetheleaders oftheirlivesandoftheir futuregenerations.
SupportprovidedbyHomesofHopein2025 22 42 14
Childrenwere providedfulltimecare Childrenwere provided Child-CentredPlay Childrenwerereturned totheirwhānau Supportsessions
389 22 22
“Theeventisthefirstofitskind atthisscaleintheBayofPlenty,” organiserssay.
Itwillbringtogethermakers, educators,studentsandfamilies showcasingsolutionsandideasfora cleaner,moreenergy-efficientfuture.
Organiserssaytheeventwilltackle issuesincludingrelianceonfossil fuels,environmentalimpacts,limited accesstosustainabletechnologies, insufficientpublicengagementin climateaction,andthegrowingskills gapingreentechnologies.
STEMWanaTrust’sprojectand communityco-ordinatorFeliaFaber saidoneofthemainbenefitsofthe festivalwasthatitfosteredaculture ofinnovationandcollaboration.
“Itencouragesparticipantstoshare ideas,learnfromeachother,and developnewprojects.”
Shesaiditalsosupported communityengagementbybringing peopletogetheraroundshared interestsintechnology,renewable energyandsustainability.
“MakerFestwillprovideeducational opportunities,promoteSTEM learning,andcaninspirefuturecareers increativeandtechnicalfields.”
Fabersaidvisitorscanexpecta vibrantatmospherefullofcreativity andinnovation.
“Theeventisthefirstofitskindat thisscaleintheBayofPlenty.”
Shesaidvisitorswillhavethe opportunitytoexplorehands-on workshops,seeuniqueDIYprojects, andparticipateininteractive activities.
“It’safunandinspiring environmentthatencourageslearning,
experimentation,and showcasingcreative talents.”
STEMWanaTrust announcedthe inauguralMakerFest NZ,afreetwo-day eventinTauranga, heldonSeptember 12to13atthe Basestation.
Aseriesoflead-up eventsarealsoplanned, includingastudentfocusedSTEMdayon July29andadesign challengearoundAugust1aimedat showcasingemergingideasandtalent.
eventsthathelpcommunities betterunderstandenergyuseand sustainability.
DuringtheSeptemberfestival weekend,attendeescanexpecta programmeoftechtalks,workshops andinteractiveexhibits.
Therewillbeopportunitiesto meetmakersandseesustainable technologydemonstrationsinaction.
Thefestivalisdesignedfora diverseaudience,includingcreators, inventors,students,educators, families,entrepreneurs,and communitymemberspassionateabout innovationandhands-onlearning. Powercoisthefestival’sheadline sponsor,supportingtheeventaspart ofitswidercommunityandenergy initiatives.
APowercospokespersonsaidthe companywasproudtosupport
“Whetherit’srestoringbiodiversity, helpingthenextgenerationlearn aboutSTEM,orhelpingpeople makethemostoftheirenergyuse, welovegettingbehindthecausesour customersarepassionateabout.”
MakerFestiscallingonmakersand innovatorsfromacrossNewZealand totakepartinaweekendcelebrating artisans,engineers,designers, hobbyists,entrepreneursandother creativeproblem-solverswhoare passionateaboutinnovationand inspiringthenextgeneration. “Ifyouhaveapassionformaking andadesiretoshareyourknowledge, wewanttohearfromyou.” Formoreinformationvisitwww. makerfest.nz
Setamongsttranquilpark-likegroundsandprivatelakes,PacificLakesVillageoffersspacious modernvillasandterracehousesdesignedforavibrant,activeandindependentlifestyle.
ThePavilionisnowopen–thevillage’simpressivecommunitycentrefeaturesacafé,brasserie, loungebar,library,artstudio,billiardsroomandawellnesssuitewithasalonandnailspa.
Tauranga’sbiggestcraftshowwillbe returningtoGreertoninJuly.
Featuringmorethan20stallholders acrossarangeofhandicrafts,theCraft andCreateshowwillbeheldonJuly3-4 attheTaurangaRacecourse.
Entrytotheshow free,however, adonationbox atthedoorwill seeallproceeds donatedtoalocal charity.
Eventorganiser MikeSaunders saidthisyear’s line-upoffers visitorsmore varietythanever.
we’vealsogotstallholdersspecialising inquilting,teddybearmaking,fabrics, paintandmore.”
Thevenuehasacaféforthosewanting totakeabreakfromshoppingand enjoyacoffeeandasnack,plentyoffree parking,andMikesaysmost lholderswill haveEFTPOS available.
Morethan20stallholderswillshowcasecrafts attheCraft&CreateshowinGreerton.
“Thisyearwe’ve gotafewnewexhibitors,whowill bringmorethanjustscrapbookingand cardmakingtothemix.
“Alongsideourpapercraftstands,
Therearealso anumberof classesavailable, forthosewanting ogohomewith newproject. Mostofthesecan ebookedonthe day. Theshowwill beopenfrom 9.30am-5pmonFriday,July3,and 9.30am-3pmonSaturday,July4. Formoreinformation,visit: www.craftandcreate.co.nz
Anavian-inspired textiledisplayby theTauranga Embroiderers’Guild willtakeflightin Ōmokoroanext month,showcasinga widerangeofstitched worksalongside hands-onworkshops forthepublic.
Titled FlightsofFancy, thedisplaywillrunfrom August5to30atThe OldLibraryŌmokoroa (TOLO)Gallery, featuringbird-themed creationscraftedbyguild members.
Visitorscanexpect adiverserangeof embroidery,witheach piecetellingitsown storythroughdetailed stitchwork,saidRose Webber,guildmember coordinatingtheevent. Aseriesofintroductory workshopswillrun alongsidethedisplayon
Guild members will showcase their craft - and share theirskills-duringthemonth-longŌmokoroadisplay.
WednesdayandSunday mornings,offering participantsthechance totrytheirhandata varietyofsmallprojects, includingfeltbirds, bookmarks,scissorholders andneedlebooks. Webbersaidworkshops cost$10,withall materialsprovided,and bookingsarerequired. Shesaidguildmembers willalsobepresentat thegalleryonThursdays, FridaysandSaturdays tosharetheirskills
informally,withvisitors invitedtobringalong theirownstitchingto workoninarelaxed, socialsetting. Thedisplaywillbeopen TuesdaytoSundayfrom 10amto4pm,withfree entry. Moreinformationis availableviatheTauranga Embroiderers’Guild socialmediapages,orby contactingorganisersvia email(stitchAugust26@ gmail.com)tosecurea workshopplace.
TaurangaEmbroiderer’sGuildpresents
5th-30thAugust
TheOldLibraryOmokoroaGallery McDonnellSt,Omokoroa Tuesday-Sunday10am-4pm
FordetailsofMakeandTakeworkshops pleasecontactRoseat stitchAugust26@gmail.com
Athird-generation Katikatikiwifruitgrower combiningorchard know-howwithcuttingedgeinnovationhasbeen namedtheBayofPlenty’s topyounghorticultural talentfor2026.
WilliamKennahastaken outthe2026BayofPlenty YoungGrowerregionaltitle, aflagshipcompetitionrunby HorticultureNewZealand recognisingemergingleaders inthesector,aftercompeting
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The29-year-oldisan orchardandinnovationleadat hisfamily’sbusiness,KWKiwi, whereheblendshands-on growingwiththedevelopment ofnewtechnologyaimed atimprovingproductivity andsustainabilityacross theindustry.Hiswinearns himaplaceatthenational YoungGroweroftheYear final,hostedbyHorticulture NewZealandinCromwell onAugust27-28,where hewillcompeteagainstsix
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Ourlovelynorthfacingfirst floorGardenApartment has2bedrooms,2full bathroomsandan internallaundry.The stunningopenplan kitchen,diningand loungecapturesfullsun andopensontoalovely privatedeck.Underfloorheating throughoutisviaborewatertokeepyouwarmand toastythroughthewinter,aswellasaheatpumpfor airconforthosehotsummerdays.TheAptisspacious withgenerousstorage,secureparkingandlookout ontobeautifullymanicuredgarden.
otherregionalwinnersforthe nationaltitle.
Kennareturnedtothefamily orchardnearKatikatiin2020 aftercompletingadegreein marketingandlogisticsand workinginWellington’swider fruitandvegetablesector.
AtKWKiwi,thebusinessis alsoinvolvedindevelopping g horticulturaltechnology, includingtoolsfor non-destructivefruit measurementand forecasting, improved water use, and climate insights
designedtosupportgrowers nationwide.Kennasaidthe roleofferedvarietyandthe opportunitytohelpshapethe futureoftheindustry.
“Igrewuplearningaboutthe businessandreallyenjoythe opportunitiesforinnovation andgrowingagreatproduct whichishealthyandenjoyedby c consumers around the woorld.”
HesaidtheYoungGrower competitionisakey pathwayfordeveloping skillsandhighlighting horticulture careers
“The competition is absolutely important to encourage people to upskill and learn different skills It showcases what the career possibilities are, ” he said Runner-up
intheregionaleventwas AimeeBarker-Gilbert,external operationsmanageratHume Pack-N-CoolinKatikati,while thirdplacewenttoPatterson Kelly,anorchardmanagerwith Trevelyan’sPackandCoolin TePuke.
HorticultureNewZealandchief executiveKateScottsaidthe r regiionnal l commpettitionnsceelebrate thehighcalibreofyoung g people workingintheindustryandhelp promotecareer pathways
“Theydo itto recognise and celebrate the very high calibre of young people we have working in the industry and to demonstrate to others the many pathways horticulture offers,” she said The Young Grower competitions are held across the country each year, culminating in a national final showcasing thenext generation of horticultural leaders
Thisspacious2bedroom plusofficeapartmenthas onebathroom,2toilets, anopenplankitchen, loungeanddining thatopenontoalarge covereddeck.Thereis aninternallaundryand underfloorheatinginthe tiledareas.Locatedintheheart oftheLodgewitheasyaccesstoalltheactivitiesthis aptisaccessedthroughabeautifullydesignedatrium.
Thislovely2-bedroom, 1-bathroomtownhouse featuresanopen-plan dining,kitchen,andliving areathatalsoopensonto asmall,sunny,northfacingpatio.TheVillais elevated,hasaviewofthe Mountandisaneasyaccess totheLodgeandactivities. Thereisaheatpumpforheatingandcoolinginthe lounge.Theeasyaccesscarportcomeswithastorage cupboard.ItisashortstrolltotheLodge,activities andlocalShopsthroughourlovelygardens.Socome visitusandviewtoday.
Homeownersconsidering anewheatpumporair conditioningsystem – or needingservicingforan existingunit – cancall onexperiencedlocal electricianMikeBrennan ofQBElectricalandAir Conditioning.
BasedinWhakamārama,near Tauranga,Mikehasrecently returnedtotheBayofPlenty
afterworkinginAuckland, bringingwithhimextensive industryexperienceandastrong focusoncustomersatisfaction. Withmorethan20years asaqualifiedelectricianand 15yearsspecialisinginheat pumpsandairconditioning, Mikeoffersend-to-endservice. Fromassessingaproperty andrecommendingthemost suitablesystemthroughto installationandongoing maintenance,heprovides
tailoredsolutionsdesignedto deliveryear-roundcomfort. QBElectricalandAir Conditioningspecialisesin Mitsubishiheatpumps,abrand wellknownforreliabilityand energyefficiency.However,Mike alsoinstallsandservicesallmajor brands,ensuringcustomers receivetherightsolutionfor theirhome,lifestyleandbudget.
Asenergyefficiencybecomes anincreasingpriorityinmodern buildsandrenovations,heat pumpsareemergingasaleading choice.Unliketraditional woodburners,whichcanlose significantheatandrequire ongoingmaintenance,heat pumpsuseadvancedtechnology totransferthermalenergyrather thangenerateit.Thisdelivers consistentindoortemperatures withgreaterefficiencyandease ofuse.
Theperformancegapis significant.Heatpumpstypically operateat300-400%efficiency, withaveragewinterrunning costsofabout$60permonth. Bycomparison,woodburners operateataround50–70% efficiency,gasheatersat70-90%, andelectricheatersat100%oftenwithconsiderablyhigher runningcosts.
Forhomeownerslooking tobalancecomfort,costand sustainability,aprofessionally installedheatpumpsystem offersapracticallong-term solution.Withexpertadvice andqualityworkmanship,QB ElectricalandAirConditioning helpsensureeachsystemis
matchedtothepropertyand performsatitsbest. Toarrangeaconsultationor discussyouroptions,contact MikeBrennanon0277888400, emailmike@qbelectrical.co.nz, orvisittheQBElectricalandAir ConditioningFacebookpage.
AmajorexpansionoftheArvida BethlehemShoresretirement communityinTaurangahasbeen officiallyopened,markingthe completionofa$100million development.
TaurangaMayorMahéDrysdalejoined residents,staffandinvitedguestsforthe openingceremony,whichincludeda ribboncuttingandplaqueunveiling.
Thedevelopmentadds53independent livingapartmentsand55caresuites,
providingresthome,hospital anddementia-levelcarewithin thesamevillage.
Arvidachiefexecutive JeremyNicollsaidtheproject completedthefinalstageof thecommunity’sdevelopment.
“Thisdevelopmentcompletes thevillageandbringstogether independentlivingandcare inawaythatsupportschoice, comfortandcontinuityfor residents,”Nicollsaid.
haveahomeinTauranga,” hesaid.
“There’snotonlyaround 60newjobsinour economy,butalsothrough theconstructionthere werelotsoftradiesand contractorsworking,which helpsdrivetheeconomy.”
Nicollsaiddemandforthe newapartmentshadbeen strong,withresidentsdrawn to elevated living options and views across Tauranga
Thenewfacilitiesare designedtoallowresidents toremainwithinthesame communityastheirneeds change,withpurpose-built environmentsandshared spacesincludinglounges, diningareas,cafésand landscapedcourtyards.
Caresuiteshavebeen arrangedinsmaller, household-stylegroupings tocreateamorehomelike setting.
Drysdalesaidtheexpansion woulddeliversignificant benefitsforthewider Taurangacommunity.
“It’sagreatfacilityfor Tauranga.Asamayor,I’m mostexcitedthatwe’vegot 100newhomes,andaspeople moveintoaretirementvillage theyselltheiroldhome, whichallowsmorepeopleto ThenewlycompletedapartmentsandcarecentreatArvidaBethlehemShoresinTauranga.
Bigenoughtodeliver. Smallenoughtocare.
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BayofPlentyvolunteerswilltraveltoVanuatuinJulytobuildanew
AteamofBayofPlentyvolunteers willtraveltoVanuatunextmonth tobuildanewclassroomblock, aimingtoboostaccesstosecondary educationinthePacificnation.
Thegroupof19buildersand experiencedDIYersplanstoconstructa 96sqmconcrete-blockclassroomatV2 LifeSchoolnearPortVilainjustfive days,startingJuly6.
ThetripisorganisedbyVolunteer Build,acharitableinitiativeconnecting
volunteerswithcommunityprojects aroundtheworldthatsupport infrastructuredevelopmentandpoverty relief.Since2008,theorganisationhas takenmorethan800volunteersto buildhomesandclassroomsacross countries,includingFiji,Nepal, CambodiaandTonga.
Desire
VolunteerBuildfounderDiana Judge,ofPāpāmoa,saidtheprojectwas drivenbyadesiretoimproveeducation opportunitiesincommunitiesfacing shortagesoffacilities.
“Theclassroomwillbereadyfor occupationinfivedays,”shesaid.
JudgesaidVanuatu’sDepartmentof Educationhadidentifiedashortfallof about400secondaryschoolclassrooms, limitingstudents’abilitytocontinue theireducation.
“Everychildthathasaccesstosecondary educationhastheopportunitytowardsa betterlifeandfuture,”shesaid.
The$50,000projectisfundedthrough donationsandvolunteercontributions, witheachparticipantcontributing$1000 towardsbuildingmaterials.Organisers
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arestillseekingtoraisethefinal$25,000, withfourplacesremainingonthetrip.
SeveralBayofPlentybuildersand businessownersarepartoftheteam, includingTaurangapropertydeveloper ShannonMoyle,hiswifePatriaand daughterMcKenzie.
Moylesaidtheprojecthadalasting impactonboththecommunityandthose takingpart.
“Thechildrenarejustsoexcitedtogoto school.Thereisneveradryeyewhenwe
handovertheclassrooms,”hesaid.
MonohomesdirectorNathanMouldey, returningforasecondyear,saidthe experiencewasdrivenbyseeingthe responsefromlocalfamiliesandteachers. “It’sprettyspecial,”hesaid.
BowerchiefexecutiveHaydenDuncan saidjoiningthebuildalignedwithhis company’sfocusongivingback.
“Givingbacktocommunitieshasalways beenimportanttousatBower,”hesaid. Organisersareencouragingcommunity supportthroughdonationsandvolunteer sign-upsaheadoftheJulybuild.
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Aswinterbitesacross Tauranga,ahomelessness supportgroupisurging thecommunitytodig intowardrobesandspare cupboardstohelpthose facingthecoldon thestreets.
UnderTheStarshas launcheditsannualWarmer WinterAppealcallingfor donationsofessentialitemsto supportpeopleexperiencing homelessnessthroughthe coolermonths.
TheTauranga-based
charitableorganisation supportspeopleexperiencing homelessnessandhardship.
OperatingfromCliffRdHall, itprovidespracticalassistance includingfood,clothing, advocacyandconnectionsto supportservices.
Thegroupsaysthecoldis alreadybeingfeltbysomeof thecity’smostvulnerable,with demandforwarmclothingand shelter-relateditemsincreasing astemperaturesdrop.
GeneralmanagerChris Emmettsaidtheorganisation focusedontheneedsofthe homelesscommunityatthe
startofwinter.
“Thingsarealittlebittougher, andthere’sawholelotof vulnerablepeopleouttherethat areintoughsituations.
“Atthistimeoftheyear, thingsgetcolderandalittlebit moredifficultforthehomeless communityandthevulnerable community.
“Sothat’swherewe’vebuiltup ourcapabilitytobeabletohelp supportpeopleinneed.”
Throughouttheyear,Under theStarsdistributesmeals, donatedclothing,beddingand otheressentialsdirectlytopeople accessingitsservices.
Theorganisationalsoworks alongsideothercommunity agenciestoconnectpeoplewith housing,healthandsocialsupport whereneeded.
UnderTheStarshaslauncheditsannual‘WarmerWinterAppeal’, callingfordonationsofessentialitemstosupportpeoplethroughwinter.
differenceforthosespending extendedtimeoutdoors.
Thiswinter,donationsofjackets, coatsandotherwarmclothing werebeingsought,alongwith scarves,beanies,glovesandsocks.
“Wegothroughtheitemsand makeajudgmentonwhatcanand can’tbeusedandthen,atanyone time,they’relaidout,forpeopleto havealookthrough,”Emmettsaid.
Hesaidpeoplecanchoosewhat theycanusethemselvesbecause everyone’ssituationwasdifferent.
“There’sawholelotofpeople outtherethatmightn’tbeinthe samesituation,so,that’swhywe putthespotlightonatthistimeof theyear.”
Theitemsmakeasignificant
“It’saboutthecommunitybeing resilientandlookingafterthe mostvulnerablepeople.
“Ifwecanlessenthetransition ofpeople’ssituations,soit’snot chronic,it’smoreepisodic,that willhelpwithourcommunity’s wellbeing.”
Theappealalsoincludesrequests forlargeritemssuchastents, blanketsandsleepingbags,which helpprovidebasicprotectionfrom harshweatherconditions.
Newandgentlyuseditemsare welcome,providedtheyareclean andingoodcondition,making iteasyforpeopletocontribute practically.
“Weareheretohelpandsupport, butwhatweshouldbetryingtodo ismovepeoplethroughatransition intoabettersituation.”
Donationscanbedroppedoff atCliffRdHallduringscheduled collectiontimesthroughout theweekaspartoftheWinter WarmerAppeal,whichwillrun forthenextsixtoeightweeks.
UndertheStarsencourages anyoneunabletoattendtogetin touchdirectlytooffersupportin otherways.
Collectiondetails:
Where: DropoffatCliffRdHall
When: Tuesdaysnoon–2pm, Thursdays10am–1pm, Saturdays3pm–6pm
KaitlynMorrell
As winter bites and household buddgetsremaiintiighht,KKiwiis areturningbacktooneofthe simplestandmostaffordable waystofeedafamily–homemadevegetablesoup.
Theback-to-basicsapproachis encouragedby5+ADay,with theorganisationsayingseasonal wintervegetableswereplentiful, cost-effectiveandidealfor creatingheartymealsthatcan stretchacrossseveraldays.
Broccoli,carrots,cauliflower, kūmara,parsnipsandpotatoes wereamongvegetablesinseason, offeringvalueandversatilityfor homecookslookingtokeepfood costsincheck.
DrCarolynLister,principal scientistattheBioeconomy ScienceInstituteandatrusteeof the5+ADayCharitableTrust, saidthatsoupswereaneasyand practicalwaytoturnaffordable produceintonutritiousmealsfor thewholefamily.
“Whenvegetablesareinseason, they’regenerallyattheirbest value,bestqualityandbest flavour,”shesaid.
“Wintervegetablesareincredibly versatileandsoupsareoneofthe quickestandeasiestwaystoturn
affordable produce into meals that are nutritious,wwarming and satisfyingforthewholewhānau.”
Shesaidsoupswereparticularly well-suitedtobusyhouseholds, offeringflexibilityandhelpingto reducefoodwaste.“Abigpotof soupcanoftenfeedafamilyfor severalmeals,makingitidealfor leftovers,lunchesorbatchcooking aheadofbusyweeknights.
“Throwingeverythingintoa slowcookeratthestartoftheday meansdinnerisreadywhenyou gethome.
“Addingyourchoiceofprotein –suchaschicken,chickpeasor lentils–isalsoaneasywayto turnsimplevegetablesoupsinto completemeals.”
Withgrocerypricescontinuing toclimb,5+ADaysaidbuying seasonalproduceremainedan effectivewayforconsumers tomanagecostswithout compromisingonnutrition.
“Wintervegetablesmightseem simple,buttheypunch wellabovetheirweight nutritionally,”Listersaid.
“Theycontain importantnutrients includingfibre,vitamin C,beta-caroteneand
antioxidants that help support overall health and wellbeing duringthecoldermonths.”
Theorganisationalsoencouraged shopperstochooseNewZealandgrownproduce,sayingitwould supportgrowersandregional communitiesatachallengingtime.
Growerswerefacingongoing pressurefromrisingproduction costs,includingfuel,freightand fertiliser.“NewZealandgrowers workincrediblyhardtokeepfresh produceonourshelvesyearround,”Listersaid.
“Bychoosinglocal,seasonal vegetables,consumersarenot onlygettinggreatvaluebutalso supportingthepeoplegrowing foodforourcommunities.”
Forthoselookingfor inspiration,5+ADayhasarange ofsimple,budget-friendlysoup recipesavailableat:5aday.co.nz
WesternBayLibrarieshas launchedanupdatedversionof itslibraryapp,makingitsimpler andmoreaccessibleforpeople toborrowbooks,tapintodigital resourcesandstayconnected withlibraryservices. Whilepeoplecanstillcreate booklists,tracktheirreading, andsharereviewsastheydid before,thenew-lookversion introducesarefresheddesign, improvednavigation,andseveral newfeaturesaimedatenhancing theoveralluserexperience.
Akeyimprovementisanew accessibilityfeaturethatallows userstoadjustdisplaysettings, includingtheoptiontoselecta typefacedesignedtomakereading easierforpeoplewithdyslexia.
Theupdatedappalsoincludes dynamic‘bookriver’displays, quicklinkstomakelibrary roombookings,anddedicated sectionsforeventsand‘What’s On’.Libraryappuserswill
alsobenefitfromanupdate banner,highlightingimportant information,suchaslibrary closures.
Alongsidetheseupdates, theappcontinuestoprovide accesstoawiderangeofdigital resources,includinginternational newspapersandmagazines, offeringmembersevenmoreways tostayinformedandentertained. “We’reexcitedtooffera simpler,moreaccessiblewayfor ourcommunitytoconnectwith everythingthelibraryhasto offer,”customerservicemanager ValetaDuncansaid. “Librariesareaboutmuchmore thanbooks,andthisappmakes iteasierforpeopletodiscover everythingwehaveonoffer–fromeventsandprogrammesto e-booksandonlineresources.We can’twaitforourcommunityto exploreit.”Theappisavailable todownloadorupdateatGoogle PlayortheAppleAppStore.
Resentment poisons the heart, but Christ showsus the way to live free
There is one consistent theme running through any andeveryculture or people group in the world today, andthat is ‘Hate & Resentments’. Of course, many will deny that this is true for them and will fight vehemently to prove it wrong! Then,of course, there are folkwho have beentreated terribly and feel justified in holding hateand resentment of others, especially if there is no acknowledgement fromtheother party The onegreat problem with anyone holding onto andliving with hate andresentment is this: the very universe itself will not back you up in this, but willgo against you.
Your physical, mental, social and spiritual faculties will goagainst you Jesus Christ set the bar of love impossibly high if we live without Him, but absolutely attainable only with Him; “This is mycommandment, love one another as I have lovedyou ” (John 15:11-14) Here are two helpful steps to take to get rid of resentments:
1) Remember thatresentments have no
Doyouhaveafamilysoup recipeyou’dliketoshare?Sendit, withaphotoofthecookedmeal, to:merle.cave@nzme.co.nzwith ‘SoupShare’inthesubjectline. TheWeekendSun will chooseonerecipetofeature innextweek’spaper–and theproviderwillwina$50 Pak’nSavesupermarket voucher.
part or lot with a Christian - You cannot hold both Christand resentments One or theother must go Whether justified or unjustified,resentments aredisastrous tothe inner life;they are poison.
2) Remember that no one has treated you worse than you havetreated God, and yet God forgives and forgets.
Finally, many folk say they cannot believe in a God of judgment. Well,lifeitself proves to us, I believe, thatwe judgeand torture ourselves within Resentmentsmean inner conflict, division, unhappiness and torture It is simply not the way to live ‘TheWay’ is Jesus Christ in you
Service:10.30amSaturdays 70PoolesRdGreerton(StJames) Findrealhope,peace&strengthinChrist www.churchofgodslove.com
6. Previous NZ cricket captain (6,4)
7. Fair (4)
8. Island (NI) (8)
9. Fuel (6)
10. Pester (6)
12. River (NI) (6)
15. Captivating (6)
17. Differing (8)
19. Ripped (4)
20. Native bird (11) Down
1. Standards (8)
2. Gloomy (6)
3. Stamp out (6)
4. Meat (4)
5. Game (6)
Rodent (5)
Spinning (8) 13. Affix (6) 14 Only (6) 15. Brandy (6) 16. Animal (5) 18. Burden (4)
I hang out with musicians a lot, so it’s quite possible I don’t have the clearest view of the world.
I hang out with musicians a lot so it’s possible I don’t have the clearest view of the world.
Aside from the usual conversations – gigs, gear, guitarists – one thing has been on many minds recently.
It’s a new musical business model which has hit Tauranga. Not just Tauranga, all over, and by that I mean all over the world: 100 cities worldwide.
This is “The Jazz Room”. They advertise shows as musical events, but the music isn’t really important. It’s the business model.
First you find suitable venues, somewhere not too expensive. For The Jazz Room that’s the Cargo Shed and Classic Flyers. Then you advertise heavily on social media. Then, if you sell enough tickets, you hire a band.
You might spot the unusual element. The promoters appear to be doing things backwards. But that’s the model. Shows are exactly an hour long, so two a night. Promoters provide an hour’s worth of musical charts and a band leader and then sign up local musicians to play.
There are currently two shows on offer: A Journey To The Heart Of New Orleans and Marvin Gaye In A Night Of Soul. Tickets are $37 to $57. I talked to people who went to the New Orleans show. They said the ending was weird. On the hour mark the band finished the last song and just stopped and left. I
guess time was up. What amuses me was that the organisers are clearly shooting in the dark hunting for suitable musos.
Kokomo and other surprised bands got emails asking if they wanted to play New Orleans music and even the jazz society has been asked to help.
Let me quote a representative recent email: “We have a jazz concert series called ‘The Jazz Room’, and are looking for bands to play these shows in Tauranga. We have a Marvin Gaye show on 7th August, and some New Orleans shows scheduled for late September and November.
I wondered if you could suggest musicians I could get in touch with? If you know of a Soul singer, and a jazz/ swing/New Orleans singer or band, I would be super grateful. I am based in Madrid so unfortunately don’t have any contacts in New Zealand.”
I did have a chat with Waihi musical legend Liam Ryan, who also runs the Youth Comps at the Jazz Festival. He said: “I am conflicted between wanting to see local musicians working
and not wanting to be colonised by invisible aliens. I am a localist. I have been known to prance about here on the outskirts of the kingdom with my middle finger in the air shouting ‘Cuba Street and Queen Street are irrelevant to me!’. I guess I would add Madrid to that list now.”
I’m with Liam. But you gotta admire the gall of their advertising tag-line: “This is not just a concert. This is jazz. A celebration of music and culture. Nothing but good vibes, all night long.” Well, maybe for an hour.
www.tinyurl.com/mv7848zz
A Matariki Shared Kai is bringing the community together in support of people experiencing homelessness in Greerton on Friday evening.
The family-friendly event begins at 5.30pm and is hosted by Mana Greerton, with support from local homelessness organisations and volunteers.
He Kaupapa Kotahitanga Trust co-chairperson and one of the event organisers Angela Wallace said they welcome community members to share a meal and make connections.
“It should be a relaxed vibe, enjoying kai together, and the feeling of unity that you get when you share a meal with a bunch of other people.”
Wallace said Matariki provides an extra opportunity to reflect and look at the year gone by, while also showing support for some of the community’s most vulnerable members.
“Those people who are homeless walk away from that event feeling, feeling loved, feeling seen, and knowing that there are people around who value them as a person.”
While organisers hope people will bring a plate to share, she stressed it is not necessary and that there will be plenty of food available.
“It might be a bit outside your comfort zone, but just come, and you might be surprised that you walk away feeling uplifted and like you’ve made some good connections.”
She said it is also a way to gather support for advocacy efforts opposing proposed move-on order legislation.
The proposed move-on orders would allow police to direct people aged 14 and over to leave an area for up to 24 hours if they are begging, rough sleeping or deemed to be acting in a disruptive, threatening or intimidating way.
The event will provide information for people wanting to make submissions, with the submission deadline approaching on July 2.
“Give people the chance to write their submission... wanting to counter that message
and go, no, we value you, we see you as a person, and we want to share our meal with you. ”
BayofPlentyresidentsareinvited toobservetheMāoriNewYear(Te MātahioteTau)atKatikati’sfree communityMatarikidawnevent onJuly10atTeWhareoRahi,Park RoadReserve,ParkRoad,Katikati. OrganisedbyWesternBayMuseum incollaborationwithmanawhenuaTe RereatukahiaMaraeoNgāiTamawhariua, theeventisatimeforthecommunityto cometogethertocelebrateMatarikiby settingnewgoals,rememberingthosewho havepassedandthesharingofkai(food). MuseummanagerPaulaGaelicsaid thisyear’sthemeishonouringUrurangi,
NgairoErueraleadingthehautapu ceremonyatlastyear’sKatikati’sfree communityMatarikidawnevent.
thewhetū/starrepresenting‘thewindsof thesky’,connectedtotheweathergod Tāwhirimātea.
Gaelicsaidalotofpeoplewerelearning moreaboutMatariki,andconnecting withitsincethepublicholidaywas introducedinJune2022torecognise TeAoMāori(theMāoriworldview)of theMāoriNewYear.
Areset
“WithMatarikibeingthetimewhenthe starclusterappears–formany,theynow useitasatimeofyeartosetnewgoals, rememberthosethathavepassedandto letsomethingsgo.It’salsoaboutlooking forwardtowhatwe’vegotcominginthe yearahead.Itallowsustoreset.”
Gaelicsaidtheeventisguidedbymana whenua“tohelpuswiththeiraspirations forthecommunityevent–becausefor themit’salotdeeperwiththetikanga aroundit”.
Forthewidercommunity,theeventis anextraordinarychancetolearnmore aboutTeAoMāori(theMāoriworld view),Gaelicsaid.
The2026eventwouldrunsimilartolast year.PeoplewerewelcomeattheParkRd Reservefrom5.30am.
Gaelicsaidthe5-metrereplicaTeAuo Maui,WakaTaua(carvedMāoricanoe), housedatthemuseumwillagainbe placedatthereserve.“Thewakahas broughtthisamazingwairua[spirit]to themuseumwhenTeAuoMauiarrived lastyear;Matariki2025,andIknowit willbringwairuatothiseventtoo.”
NgairoEruerapointingoutwhetū/starsatlastyear’sKatikati’sfree communityMatarikidawnevent.
Highlyrespectedpūkengamatua (seniorlecturer)intereoMāoribased inTauranga,NgairoEruerawould leadthehautapuceremony–asacred ritualdedicatedtorememberingloved oneswho’vepassedaway,makingfood offeringstotheMatarikistarcluster,and lookingforwardtoaprosperousnewyear. “He’sanexpertonMatarikiandwe’re privilegedtohavehim.We’vealsogot HingangaroaSmith–ourmuseum’s PouMataurangaMāori(traditional Māoriknowledgelead).Theyhave intergenerationalknowledgewhich they’resharingwithus.”
SmithsaidMatarikiisatimefor learningforeveryone–includingMāori.
“ForalotofMāoritheknowledgehas alwaysbeentherebutit’sonlybeenin pockets…sowe’requitefortunatetohave Ngairo[Eruera]whoisanadvocateand giveseveryoneaccesstoit.”
Aftertheceremonyandjuston sunrise,ahangibreakfastandfrybread burgerswillbefreeforustoenjoy togetherthankstotheKaupapaMāori CommunityEventFund.
“Attendeescanhavethechoiceof either,”Gaelicsaid.“Thesharingofkai [food]isaveryimportantpartofthe culturalsideoftheevent.”
Smithsaidthecomingtogetherof peopleisthemagicalpartofMatariki. “Itdoesn’tmatterwhetheryou’re Samoan,MāoriorChinese–Matariki shinesonallofus.”
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