Eight Mount Maunganui College surfers are preparing to represent New Zealand at the prestigious Honua Finals in Hawaii this month after earning an invitation to the world-renowned schools surfing event
The invitation-only competition, often described as the World Cup of
Interscholastic Surfing, will be held at Ala Moana Bowls on Oahu from July 23-26 and features top school surfing teams from around the globe
Coach Andrew Fredrickson said the invitation is a significant achievement for the school and its athletes “Our surfers
from Mount Maunganui College have been recognised internationally as being of this calibre,” he said
The travelling squad includes eight student surfers and two coaches Among them are Noah Ramsbottom, 15, and Izzy Evans, 16, (pictured)
The team has been training hard while fundraising to help cover travel costs and will carry the support of the Mount community as they take on some of the world’s best young surfers
Read more on pages 10-11
This September, join the Glenbrook Vintage Railway aboard our private heritage tour train for a memorable journey of steam, scenery and spring colour.
Highlights include:
• Private GVR heritage tour train
• Steam-hauled journeys with JA 1271
• Carterton Daffodil Festival
• Raurimu Spiral and Central Plateau scenery
• Auckland and Wellington tour options
• Fully escorted packages or train-only fares
405CameronRd,PrivateBag12002, TaurangaMailCentre,Tauranga3143.
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Editor: MerleCave Editorial: LetitiaAtkinson, RosalieLiddleCrawford,HunterWells,AylaYeoman. PublicationsManager: KathySellars. Advertising: CadeHughes,JoDelicata,SharonEyres,BenSimpson. Design n Studio: KymJohnson,CaitlinBurns.
ThebunnyisstillAWOLthisweek,sohere’s onehisscribblesofwisdomfrombackin June2023.Enjoy!
Wearefritteringourlivesaway.But whatreallychafesthethighs,what reallycurdlesthecream,isthatit’s happeningunwittingly.Ourtimeis beingfritteredforus.
Fiveor10minutesatatime,quarterof anhourhere,halfanhourthere.Ourmost preciousgift.Takenbystealth.
IwasdoingStuff’squiz,asIdoevery morningandafternoon.Initselfasad statementonmylife.Ilookforwardto theStuffquiz.PerhapsIneedtherapy?Or apet.Orahobby.Orapartner.ApetI think.
BecauseoneoftheStuffquestionssaid thatastudyhastalliedthenumberof monthsofadriver’slife(insertyourname) –thathavebeenspentwaitingforred lightstoturngreen.Three,six,12or18? Whatdoyouthink?
Theanswerissix.Soofthe864months Ihavebeenontheplanet,sixofthem havebeenspentedgingevercloserto thegrave,atredlights.Youcan’tusethe timeproductivelylikeplayingWordleor checkingemails–youarelimitedinhow youusethoseemptymoments.
Youcanchoosefromrhinotillexomania (pickingyournose),suspiration(sighing),
needlesslyadjustingyourmanhood(selfexplanatory),orcheckingthepreciseorigin ofyourborborygmus(intestinalgurgling). Eachoneofthemusefulbuthardly fulfilling.Youwouldn’twanttodieinthe process,youwouldn’twantittobeyour lastactontheplanet.“OhJBhadahappy lifeandendeditwithaflourish–hisindex fingeruphisnoseandhislargeintestine rumbling.Andataredlight.”
ThetrafficplannersareplayingGod. Theyhavestolen.694percentofmylife frommewhileIhavewaitedatredlights. IbettheysitwatchingmeonCCTV, snickeringasmytimeebbs.
Ittakesaboutfiveminutestodo15Stuff multiplechoicequestions–10minutes outofmylifeeveryday.TenminutesI don’tgetback.Two-and-a-halfdaysofmy year.Atage72,Ihavealreadyusedmy allottedthreescoreyearsand10…‘thedays ofouryears’,accordingtotheBible.Iam clingingtoanytimeIhaveinthebank.So shouldIreallyfrittertwo-a-halfdayseach yearscoring‘nicetry’or‘youcandobetter’ atStufftriviaquizzes?
“WhataboutWakaKotahi?”shrilledan outragedcolleagueandKatikaticommuter. “WakaKotahi,servantsofthepeople, robbingusblindatthesametime.”
Shereferstothe16.4km,34-minute, commutertripdownStateHighway2 fromKatikatitoTaurangathatcaninvolve staringupsomeone’sexhaustpipeforoneand-a-halfhours.
Sofivereturntripseachweekcrawlingor stoppeddead.Thelosttimeissomething
wecan’treclaim.So perhapstheycouldbill WakaKotahi$35anhour forallthefulsomeenjoymeent andhappinessarbitrarily strippedfromourliveswhille tryingtonegotiateSH2?
Thekettle
IamwatchingthekettlebboilasI ponderallthis.Andwheniitwhistles andturnsoff,Iamremindeedanother threeorfourminutesofnoon-productive timehasbeencutoffmyliffe.
Dothemath–fourcupsoofDarjjeeling g a day,everydayforayear.IfIstartedboiling thekettle,asaseriousteadrinker,aged20, that’snearlyanothersevenmonthsoffmy life….withnothingtoshow.Fritteredon atrifle.Plusthetimespentatredtraffic lights.
TheWeekendSunissubjectto NZMediaCouncilprocedures. First,emailyourcomplainttothe Editorat:newsroom@thesun.co.nz Ifnotsatisfiedorformoredetails, goto:mediacouncil.org.nz
PerhapsIshouldresearchconstructive, productive,uplifting,rewardingactivities waitingforakettletoboil.Forexample –maybeIcouldpackmywholedaily exerciseroutineintothatfourminutes. AndnowI’vegotIronMaiden’ssong ‘WastedYears’crashingroundinmyhead.
“Nowunderstand, Don’twasteyourtimealwayssearching forthosewastedyears.”
IfindIronMaidenloudaggressiveand mangledevenwhenI’mjustscribbling downtheirlyrics.
“Faceup,makeyourstand….” Realiseyou’relivinginthegoldenyears, hey!”
Heyyeah!Makkesmewonder whoelseisflfleecingmeofmy goldenyeears?Forone...the veryperssonwhoswore theHippoocraticOathto uphold d specificethical standdardstopromote m mylongevity.
Th Thedoctor –at t $50-$60a consuultationonhow tobestpreserveor extendwhattimeIhave left.But t Igobbleup30 t to 40 minutesofitin thewaitingroom.That’s2.6hoursayear ofmylifeifImakefourappointments. Icouldhaveseenacoupleofmovies, re-arrangedmysocksdraw,takenapumice tothecallousesonmyfeet.Endless excitementandjoy.Butno–Iwaswaiting andwasting.
PsychiatristElisabethKuble-Ross–she’sstudiednear-death,whichat72, putsmerightinherstudydemographic. Elisabethnailedit.“It’sonlywhenwe trulyunderstandwehavealimitedtime onearth,andhavenowayofknowing whenourtimeisup,thatwewillbeginto liveeachdaytoitsfullest,asifitwerethe onlyonewehad.”Therearenocreditsfor waitingatredlightsorwatchingthekettle boil.Andit’snotthatwehavelittletime, butmorethatwewasteagooddealofthe timewedohave.Orsomeoneelsedoes.
Bookyourconsultationwithanultrasound assessmenttodaytofindoutwhat’sunderneathyour legveinsandbeonestepclosertohealthierlegs.
•Mostpatientscanreturntoworkthenextdayiftheychooseto. •SouthernCross,NIBandotherinsuranceprovidersaffiliated. Medicalnecessitycriteriaapply.
oremail-info@cosmeticandveins.nz
ABayofPlentymedicalcentrethatfearedhaving tocutservicesamidfundingreformswillkeepits ruralcontractforanotheryear.
KatikatiMedicalCentreco-ownerandGPDrVicky Jonessaidshewas“quiterelieved”HealthNZreformsto ruralfundingwerenotgoingaheadthisyear.
Therewas,however,“stillabitofaguillotine hangingoverourhead”fornextyear,withchangesnot completelyoffthetable.
JonestoldNZMEinAprilthecentrecouldbe reclassifiedas“urban”underpotentialnewfunding provisionsfromJuly1.
Shesaidlosingitsruralcontract,worth“several hundredthousanddollars”,maymeancuttinghours andservices,andpatientshavingtotraveltoTauranga forcareonweekends,publicholidaysandfor“anything complicated”.
HealthNewZealandTeWhatuOrasaidatthe timeitwasreviewingruralfunding recommendationsfora“nationally framework.
Ora said at the g nationallyafter y consistent”
HealthNZconfirmedonJune24 to“redistributeruralfundingbased methodology”waswithdrawnfollo Theagency’sfinalfundingofferw practicewithanadditional$120.6 andincludes$3.1mforruralpract previouslyreceiveruralfunding.
HealthNZsaidaworking groupto“furtherrefine”the ruralfundingframeworkwould beestablishedaheadofthe 2027-2028negotiations.
Bigchanges
HealthMinisterSimeon BrownsaidonJune19that 86%ofGPclinicsvotedin favourofHealthNZ’s2026-27 fundingpackage.
4 theproposal d onastandard owingsectorfeedback. willprovidegeneral 6 millioneachyear ticesthatdidnot
HesaidfromJuly1,theformulausedtodistribute fundingtogeneralpractice–knownascapitation funding–wouldchangeforthefirsttimeinmorethan 20years.
Previously,fundingwasbasedontheageandsexof enrolledpatientsanddidnotincludeotherindicators ofhealthneedsorthecostofdeliveringcareindifferent areas.
Brownsaidthefundingformulawouldalsoinclude multimorbidity,ruralityandsocioeconomicdeprivation, “betterrecognisingtherealhealthneedsofthepeople eachclinicserves”.
HealthNZ’sfundingofferincludeda6.32%increaseto basecapitationrates,andensuredeverypracticereceived atleasta4%increaseaftercapitationreweighting.
Jonessaidshewashappycapitationwasbeing reweightedbutshewouldpreferethnicitytohavebeen included.
Appointmentsforthoseaged18andolderwouldrise from$58to$62andACCappointmentsfrom$45to $50,Jonessaid.
PricesforCommunityServiceCardholderswouldnot change,shesaid.
InaJune19statement,GeneralPracticeOwners AssociationchairmanDrAngusChamberssaidthe capitationreweightingrepresented“ahistoricvotefor historicchange”.
ChamberssaidthepackagereflectedtheGovernment’s willingnesstoaddress“long-standingflaws”inthe fundingsystembutnoteverypracticewouldbenefit equally.
About20%ofpracticesmaycome“undergreater pressurethanusual”toincreasefeesinfutureyearsasthe transitionarrangementswinddown,hesaid.
“WeknowthatMāoriandPacificIslandpeoplehave
We know that Māori and Pacific Island people have worseoutcomes.”
Shesaidsomepracticeswouldlosemoneyinthenew dealandwouldneedtransitionfunding,whichwasalso notwhatshewanted.
ShesaidKatikatiMedicalCentre’s fundingwasnotgoingup6.32% anditsfeesweregoing upslightly“toget ustothe6.32%”.
Chamberssaidthesectorwouldpushforfurther improvementswhenthefundingmodelwasreviewed in2028.Includingethnicitywouldbepartofthose discussions.
Formulatobereviewedagain
HealthNZfunding,communityandmentalhealth actingdirectorMartinHeffordsaidthereweighted capitationformulawould“bettertargetfundingatthose withthegreatestneed”.
Whilethenewformulawasrecognisedasan improvement,“itiscertainlynotperfect”andwas intendedtobereviewedin2028.
Heffordsaidsomepracticesgainedlessthanthe6.32% increasebecauseofthechangestotheformulabut HealthNZwouldtopthosepracticesuptoatleasta4% uplift.
“Weexpectthatmostconsultationfeeswillremain stablethisyearbecauseoftheuplifts.”
HesaidHealthNZwascommittedtoworkingwith thesectortoensurefundingarrangementssupported equitableandsustainableaccesstoprimarycareservices forcommunitiesacrossNewZealand.
Fivestrikingnewmuralsnow brightenGreertonVillage followingtheinaugural GreertonWhakanuia KotahitangaMuralFestival. Organiserssaytheprojecthas alreadyleftalastinglegacy.
Thefestivalsawartiststransform wallsonCameronRd,Chadwick Rd,GreertonRdandMitchellSt fromJune15-26,creatinglarge-scale publicartworkscelebratingGreerton’s people,cultureandidentity.
Thefestivalwasoverseenbythe GreertonBusinessAssociation andmanagedbyGreertonVillage MainstreetmanagerMelCarullo. ItwasinitiatedbyTaurangaartist andcuratorSamAllen,whoworked withthecommunitytoselectmural sitesanddevelopconcepts.Artist TautokoMatehaerecoordinatedthe artistsduringpaintingalongside Carullo.
Shesaidthefestivalwasembraced byresidentsandvisitorsalike.“The GreertonVillageMuralFestival
hasbeenanincredibleexperience, withlocalsandvisitorsenjoyingthe chancetowatchourtalentedartists bringthesestunningmuralstolifein realtime,”shesaid.
“Asthefiveartistsworkedontheir murals,thepublicstoppedbytosay helloandwatchthematwork.Our artistshavelovedconnectingwiththe communityandsharingtheircreative processalongtheway.”
Shesaidthefestivalcelebrated Greerton’sidentity,diversityand communityspirit,whilecreating publicartworkthatwouldbeenjoyed formanyyears.
Thefiveparticipatingartistswere TautokoMatehaere,MarshPearson, ManeaNgatai,LouisMikaereand MilliePidwill.
Matehaeresaiddespiteafew logisticalchallenges,includingwet weather,stolenbatteriesfroman elevatedworkplatformandaccess issuesatonesite,theprojectwas overwhelminglysuccessful.
“Itwasgreattointeractwiththe public.Iprobablyspoketomorethan 200peopleovertheweekandthe
TautokoMatehaere’s muralinMitchellSt.
feedbackwasawesome.The maincommentsIgotwere thatGreertonreallyneeded this.Peoplewerehappyto seesomecolourgouponthe wallsbecausethey’vebeen wantingsomethinglikethis forsolong.”
Hesaidthepublic’s responsekepttheartists motivated.“Wegottosee fiveamazingnewmurals paintedinGreertonandthe communitylovedit.”
Eachmuralreflectsa
differentaspectofGreerton andTaurangaMoana. LouisMikaere’smural ontheSuperLiquor buildingwelcomesvisitors enteringthecityfromthe south.InspiredbyTeAo Māori,thedesignexplores communitystrengthened throughdiversityusing woventhreads,withbirds tobeaddedassymbolsof movement,connectionand freedom.
AttheChadwickRdstairs
MilliePidwell’smuralontheformer WaipunaHospicebuilding.
LouisMikaere’smuralontheSuper Liquorbuilding.
besideLeesonChadwick,MarshPearson’s muralfeatureswhekuandmanaiafigures representingkaitiaki(guardians)watching overthearea.Traditionaltukutuku-inspired patternssymbolisestrength,supportand protection.
MilliePidwill’smuralatGreertonVillage Schooltellsthestoryofthelandtheschool sitsononcebeingathrivingfoodgarden
wherekaiwasgatheredtonourishpeople acrossTaurangaMoana.“WhileIwas painting,tūībirdskeptflyinginandperching inthetreerightbesideme–it’slikethey werepartof f thhestorytoo,””Piddwelll wroteon Facebook.
Duringthefestival,shepaintedtwolarge nativefantailssurroundedbycherryblossoms ontheformerWaipunaHospicebuilding. ThemuralcelebratesGreerton’sconnection tonaturewhilecreatingacolourfulnorthern gatewayintothevillage.
ManeaNgatai’smuralonTheSalvation ArmyFamilyStorerecallsGreerton’swelllovedcherryblossomfestivalviaflowering treesandclassiccars,combininglocal memorieswithhiscontemporarymuralstyle.
Matehaere’smuralonMitchellSt reinterpretstraditionalmaraearchitecture usingboldpurpleandorangetones.The workfeaturesacentralwharenuiframed
bycarvedguardians,nativeplantingand ataniwhaemergingfrombeneathabrick wall,blendingMāoristorytellingwith contemporarystreetart.
A Althhough h affewpeoplleexpressed d diffffering opinionsaboutsomeoftheartworks, Matehaeresaidthatwaspartofcreating publicart.“Youcan’tpleaseeveryone.Artis subjectiveandwe’reusedtothat.Working inpublicart,peoplearealwaysgoingtohave differentopinions,buttheresponseoverall wasoverwhelminglypositive.”
CarullothankedTaurangaCityCouncilfor fundingthefestival,andGreertonBusiness AssociationBoard,GreertonVillageSchool, CreativeBayofPlenty,localbusinesses,mural hostsandresidentswhostoppedtoencourage theartiststhroughoutthefortnight.
Asmallinformalmuralblessingceremony willtakeplaceoutsideGreertonLibraryon July8at1pm.
AhistoricalpropertyinTauranga Citywillopenitsdoorsforfour specialeveningsthismonth,allowing visitorstoexperiencethehomeasit wouldhavefaredonawinter’sevening inyesteryear.
BrainWatkinsHouseat233 CameronRdwasbuiltin1881by JosephBrainandwasregisteredbythe NewZealandHistoricPlacesTrustasa CategoryIIHistoricPlace.
Occupiedbyonefamilyfornearly 100yearsandfilledwithoriginal contents,thehouseoffersaninsight intothelifeofamiddleclassEuropean familyofthelate19thandearly20th centuries
Thehousenormallyopenstothe publiconSundaysfrom2pm-4pm.
Thespecialeveningviewingswillbe onJuly6-9from5pm-7pm. Theeventswillfeaturestoriesabout thearrivalofelectricityinTauranga, anoutdoorMatarikiconstellation display.
Totakethechilloffandcelebratethe earthandheavens,kūmarasoupwill beforsale.
Inspiredbyvolunteerhouseguide BronwynGriffiths,theeventsarea fundraiserforTaurangaHistorical Society,whichisresponsiblefor management,preservationanddisplay oftheBrainWatkinsHouseMuseum. Thosekeenareencouragedtorugup. Entryis$5peradultandchildrengain freeentry.
WesternBayofPlentyDistrict Council’sCommunityMatching Fundisopen,invitingcommunity organisationstoapplyforfunding. Atotalof$170,000isavailablethis year,including$110,000throughthe GeneralFundforsocial,recreationaland culturalinitiatives,and$60,000through theEnvironmentalFundforprojectsthat supportthenaturalenvironment. Thefundisdesignedtobackprojects wherecommunitiesarealready contributingtheirowntime,skills, materialsorfundraisingefforts. Councilcancontributeupto50 percentofthetotalprojectcost,with applicantsmakingupthebalance–for example,throughvolunteertime,donated professionalservicesandmaterials,and fundraisingordonations.
Ideasintoaction
Oneoflastyear’ssuccessfulrecipients wasTeRangaSchool,whichreceived $5000towardsitsnewjuniorplayspace. Theprojectincludedasensorygarden, flowingstream,mudkitchen,sandpit, playcaféandastagewithmusical instruments,creatinganengagingoutdoor environmentwherechildrencanlearn, playandexplore.
TeRangaSchoolprincipalAimee Kennedysaidtheywerethrilledwiththe outcomeoftheirnewjuniorplayspace.
“Thisareahasbroughtcreativityand imaginativeplaybacktolifeforour tamariki(children),”shesaid.
“Notonlyarestudentshavingfun,but theyarealsodevelopingimportantsocial, finemotor,andgrossmotorskillsthrough play.Thisprojecthasbeenagamechanger forourschool,andithasbeenfantastic toseemembersofourwidercommunity enjoyingthespaceoutsideofschool hours.”
Councilgeneralmanagerstrategyand communityAnnikaLanesaidthefund recognisesthevalueofcommunityefforts andhelpslocalgroupsturnideasinto action.“Amazingthingscanbeachieved whenpeoplecometogetherwithashared goal,andcombinetheirtime,skillsand resources.Weencouragecommunity groupsandorganisationstothinkabout projectsthatwillmakealastingdifference andapplyforfunding,”shesaid.
Thefundsupportsprojectsthatmeeta communityneedanddeliverclearpublic benefits,includingnewinitiativesorpilot projects,one-offcommunityprojects orevents,equipmentandmaterials, environmentalprojects,communication oreducationinitiatives;andsomeprojectrelatedoperatingcostsdirectlytiedto deliveringafundedactivity.
Tohelppeopleunderstandthefundand applicationprocess,councilishosting fivedrop-inquestionandanswersessions acrossthedistrict.Eachsessionwillrun for90minutes,startingat11.30am. SessionswillbeheldJuly13atTePuke Library;July14atŌmokoroaLibrary; July15atPātukiManawa(Katikati Library);July16atTeAraMātauranga -WaihīBeachLibrary;andJuly17at MaketūCommunityCentre. ApplicationscloseJuly31,andwillbe assessedwithrecommendationspresented tocouncillorsMargaretMurray-Benge, AllanSoleandLauraRae.
Formoreinformation,including eligibilitycriteria,visit:www.westernbay. govt.nz/community-matching-fund
Anafternoonofelegantdining, friendshipandgenerositywillhelp supporttwoimportantcommunity causes.
TheRotaryClubofTaurangaTe PapaishostingaHighTeaandCharity AuctionthismonthonSaturday, July11,from2.30pmto4.30pmat BethlehemBaptistChurch.
Thefundraisingeventisbeing organisedbytheclub’snewwomenand childrenhealthandwellbeingcommittee inpartnershipwithTaurangaDaysfor Girls.
CommitteememberMariaDangerfield saidproceedsfromtheeventwillgo towardsrefurbishingtheplayground attheOpenHomeFoundation’sOasis Houseandprovidingsuppliesforthe DaysforGirlsprogramme.
“Everyticketpurchasedandeverybid placedwillhelpsupporttwooutstanding causesthataremakingarealdifference inourcommunity,”Dangerfieldsaid.
OasisHouseprovidesfamily-based overnightrespitecareforchildren withhighneeds,includingthosewith autismspectrumdisorderorintellectual disabilities,givingfamiliesandwhānau valuablesupportwhileensuringchildren receivequalitycareinahome-like environment.
TheHighTeafollowsarecentRotary workingbeeatOasisHouse,where volunteersfromTaurangaTePapa RotaryandDaysforGirlsbeganphase oneofrefurbishingthefacility’soutdoor area.
“Theprojectbroughttogether
volunteerstoimprovetheoutdoor spacesforthechildrenandfamilieswho usethefacility,”Dangerfieldsaid.
“Butthereismoreworktodowith fundsraised,helpingtoprovide specialisedplaygroundequipment.”
TheHighTeaandCharityAuction willalsosupportDaysforGirls,an internationalorganisationthatworksto eliminateperiodpovertybyproviding sustainable,reusablemenstrualkitsand healtheducationtowomenandgirls aroundtheworld.
TheNewZealandarmofthecharity mobilisesvolunteerstosewreusable hygienekits,whilealsohelpingto improveaccesstomenstrualhealth information,enablingmoregirlstostay inschoolandwomentoparticipatefully intheircommunities.
Guestsattendingtheeventcanenjoy
sweetandsavourytreatswhilebidding onauctionitems,withallfundsraised supportingthetwocharities.
Dangerfieldsaidtheafternoonoffers anopportunityforpeopletoenjoygood companywhilecontributingtoprojects thatcreatelastingbenefitsforlocal familiesandvulnerablecommunities. Ticketsare$45perperson,and numbersarelimited.
TheRotaryClubofTaurangaTe Papaisalsowelcomingnewmembers andvolunteersinterestedinjoining itswomenandchildrenhealthand wellbeingcommittee. Formoreinformation,tomake donations,ortopurchasetickets, visittaurangatepaparotary.clubor contactMariaDangerfieldatmaria@ nickdangerfield.com
TaurangasistersJennyEagle,86,andDaphne Wright,92,finishingofftheirknitteddonations forOperationCover-Uplastmonth.
NextWednesdayis‘Dday’forWestern BayofPlenty’sOperationCover-Up.
From9.30amto11.30amonJuly8thosewho’ve knittedblanketsandclothingforpeopleinEastern Europeancountriescandroptheirdonationsat OakLaneCommunityChurchinJudea. WesternBayofPlentyareaco-ordinatorSharman Marshencouragedknitterstodropofffinished itemsonthecollectionday,sotheycanbebaled andshippedoverseas.
“Ialsowantthecommunitytoknowthattheyare welcometocomeandviewthedisplayofcollected itemsbetween9.30amto11.30amonWednesday,” shesaid.
“Asusual,weareputtingonamorningteaat 10am,followedbyashortpresentationwithvideo fromthefield.Variousresthomesandthelikecan bringavanofpeopletoseethedisplay.”
Marshsaidknitteddonationsmustbenewand abovechildren’ssize4–preferablyofwoollen content.“Toiletries,children’ssmalltoysand games,footwearandnewly-purchasedwarm clothingwillalsobeaccepted.”
OakLaneCommunityChurchislocatedat 7OakLaneinJudea.Thosewithenquiriescan callSharmanMarshon0272454034oremail: tsmarsh@kinect.co.nz
Aftermorethanfivedecades breedingbudgerigars,Tonyand RobynGrinterhaveaddedanother accoladetotheircollectionofprizes, winningBestBudgerigarinShowat TaurangaBirdClub’sannual birdshow.
TheWelcomeBaycouple’sstriking opalinegrey-greenbirdbeatabout160 otherentriesforthecovetedtitleatthe showinJune.
ForTonyandRobyn,breeding budgerigarsisfarmorethana hobby.Theirdedicationtothe birdshasseenthembecome respectedbreeders,exhibitors andjudgesonthenationalbirdshowcircuit.
“We’realwayslookingtobreed birdsthatareclosertothe standard,”Tonysaid.“You’re lookingatshape,colourand overallquality.It’sachallenge, andthat’spartofwhatmakesit soenjoyable.”
Thewinningbirdis3yearsold andstoodoutforitsqualityand presentation,impressingjudgesin highlycompetitivefield.
Ribbonsandfriendships
TheGrintersarenostrangerstot showbench.Overtheyearstheyh exhibitedatbirdshowsthroughou theNorthIsland,andhavecollect numerousawardsalongtheway.
BothTonyandRobynarealsoqu judgesandregularlytravelthecou supportingbirdshowsandfellow
a s the have ut ted ualified untry
breeders.
Whileribbonsandtrophiesare rewarding,Tonysaidthefriendships formedthroughthebirdcommunityare equallyimportant.
“We’vemetalotoffriendsthrough birdshows,notjustinTaurangabutall aroundthecountry.”
ThecouplemovedtoTauranga fromHamiltonin2020,joiningthe TaurangaBirdClub,whichhasenjoyed aresurgenceinrecentyearsafter membershipnumbersoncedipped. gaiscurrently estrongestclubs. otalotofmembers mplyenjoybirds, hertheyexhibitor club’sannual wreflectedthat wingenthusiasm. ubpresidentSheryl aronsaidorganisers ereoverwhelmedby hepublicresponse, ithabout1300 eopleattending crosstwodays. “Wewere bsolutelyslammed,” Baronsaid.“People werewaitingin linetogetin, andthefeedback fromvisitorswas incredible.”
membership num “Taurang oneofth We’vego whosim wheth not.” The show grow Clu
Familiesflocked totheeventtosee hundredsofbirds ondisplay,while
TonyGrinterwiththebudgerigarthatwonBestBudgerigaratTauranga
childrenenjoyedinteractiveattractions includingopportunitiestomeetand handletamebirds.
Baronsaidshow-goerstravelledfrom asfarasAucklandandHamilton,with manycommentingthatitwasoneofthe bestbirdshowstheyhadexperiencedin years.
Aboost
Thesuccessfuleventalsoprovideda boostfortheclub’sfuture,withnearly30 newmemberssigningup,boostingthe clubmembershiptonearly100. “That’sprobablythebestoutcome forme,”Baronsaid.“It’swonderfulto seepeoplediscoveringthehobbyand wantingtobecomeinvolved.
“Thisyearweinvitedpeopletojoin theclubforfreeupuntilthe31stof August,becausethat’stheendofour financialyear.Theycanseewhatwe’re about,andiftheylikeus,canjoinup forthenewyearstartingonthefirstof September.”
Pursuitcontinues
ForTonyandRobyn,thereislittletime torestontheirlatestsuccess.Thepairwill soontraveltoOamarufortheBudgerigar Society’sannualshowandAGM,where theywilljoinfellowenthusiasts. Backhome,thenextgenerationof youngbirdsisalreadybeingassessed andpaired,asthecouplecontinuetheir pursuitofbreedingexcellence.
Priceincreaseforrubbishtagsand loosegreenwasteinWesternBay
ThisweekthepriceofPay-AsYou-Throw(PAYT)rubbishtags andloosegreenwastedrop-offs increasedforWesternBayof Plentyresidents. WesternBayofPlentyCouncil announcedthechangesinits weeklynewsemail,sayingthe priceincreaseswerebecauseof therisingcoststodeliverthe services.FromJuly1aPAYT rubbishtagincreasedfrom $4.80eachto$5.20.Thecharge forloosegreenwastedropped offatthecouncil’srecyclingand greenwastecentresincreased from$30to$45percubic metre.
Thechangebroughtthecostof
loosegreenwasteintolinewith chargesofbaggedgreenwaste, thecouncilsaid,“sopeopleare payingasimilaramountfora similarvolumeofgreenwaste, regardlessofhowitarrivesatthe transferstation”.
Thecouncilalsoadvised thatwhile$5.20istheRRP (recommendedretailprice)for thePAYTtag,retailerscould settheirownprices.“Residents lookingforthelowest-priced PAYTtagscanpurchasethem fromcouncillibrariesand servicecentres,wheretheyare soldattheRRP.”Findoutmore at:www.westernbay.govt.nz/ council/news-and-updates
NZME,405CameronRd Pak‘nSave,CameronRd, Tauranga TaurangaInformation Centre,1DevonportRd TaurangaLibrary, GoddardsArcade, 55DevonportRd TaurangaAirport GreertonLibrary TheFreshMarket, GatePaShoppingCentre MerivaleDairy,5Merivale Rd,Parkvale SuperValueSupermarket, 83PyesPaRd,PyesPa FourSquareTheLakes, 1CaslaniLane,PyesPa FourSquare,Welcome Bay PalmersWelcomeBay, 1OhauitiRoad HartiesLiquorStore,
198MaungatapuRoad PaperPlus, 130MaunganuiRd NewWorld,Cnr MaunganuiRd&Tweed St MountRSA, 544MaunganuiRd BayfairShoppingCentre informationdesk FreshChoicePapamoa, 20CoastBoulevard, Papamoa PapamoaPlaza FourSquarePapamoa, 4GoldenSandsDr CountdownBureta, Otumoetai FourSquare Cherrywood, Otumoetai BrookfieldFoodMart, 75BellevueRd
MatuaDairy,97Levers Rd,Matua
Patrick’sPies, 19BethlehemRd, Bethlehem FourSquareBethlehem, 233ASH2,Bethlehem DécorGardenworld, 165MoffatRd, Bethlehem FreshChoiceOmokoroa, 160OmokoroaRd, Omokoroa KatikatiInformation Centre, 36MainRoad,Katikati KatikatiWoolworths TePuke4Square& Woolworths
EightMountMaunganuiCollegesurfersare preparingtotakeonsomeoftheworld’sbest youngwaveridersafterqualifyingforthe HonuaFinalsinHawaiithismonth.
Theinvitation-onlyevent,knownastheWorldCup ofInterscholasticSurfing,willbringtogethertop schoolsurfingteamsfromaroundtheglobefromJuly 23-26atAlaMoanaBowlsonOahu.
MountMaunganuiCollegeteacherandcoach AndrewFredricksonsaidbeinginvitedtocompete isasignificantachievementfortheschoolandits surfers.
“OursurfersfromMountMaunganuiCollege havebeenrecognisedinternationallyasbeingofthis calibre.”
Theteamwasselectedbasedonperformancesin SurfingNewZealandevents,schoolcompetitions andBayBoardriderscontests,aswellascommitment totraining,teamcultureandschoolachievement.
SurfinghaslongbeenastrongpartoflifeatMount MaunganuiCollege,withabout100studentstaking partincoachingandtrainingprogrammeseachyear.
“Surfing,bothrecreationallyandcompetitively,has alwaysbeenwellrepresentedatMountMaunganui Collegethroughouttheyears,”Fredricksonsaid.“It
Patricia’sinternalalarmgoesoffat5amevery morning.Ithasdonethisfor50years.
Hereyesopen.Thebedroomisstilldark.The houseisquietexceptforthefirstbirdsstarting theirchorus.She’sawake.Butshe’snotreally awake.
“IlietherefeelinglikeI’vebeenhitbyatruck,” the73-year-oldexplains.“Mybodyclockwould wakemeuprightontime,buttherestofme hasn’tcaughtup.”
At73,Patriciastilltendstohergarden,takes dailywalksthroughtown,andcatcheslocal showswhentheycomethrough.Herhusband, 75,doesthesame.They’rethekindofcouple who’vebeenmarriedsolongtheywalkinsync withoutthinkingaboutit.
Retirementwassupposedtobetheirreward fordecadesofwork.
“Weearnedthis,”Patriciasays.“Wedid everythingright.Retirementwassupposedto bewhenwefinallygottoenjoyitall.”
Butsomewherearound60,sleepstarted changing.Notdramaticallyatfirst,justlighter, lessrestorative.Thenherhusbandbegan experiencingthesamething.Nowinsteadof wakingat5amreadyfortheday,theywere bothwakingfeelingdrainedandnotexcitedfor theday.
Themorningwalksbecameharderfirst.Then thegardenbecameachore.Bylunchtime, they’dbothbeexhausted.
“Theworstpartwaswatchingeachother decline,”Patriciaadmits.“Hewasgrumpy.Iwas snappy.Wejustweren’tourselves.”
ThecrystallisingmomentcameonaThursday evening.They’dboughtticketstoalocalshow. At6:30pm,Patriciafoundherhusband
asleepinhischair.
“Ilookedathimandthought,I’mjustas exhausted.What’sthepoint?”
Theydidn’tgo.Thirtydollarswasted. Herhusbandsuggestedtheyacceptit. “Maybethisisjustbeinginour70s.”
ButPatriciawasn’treadytoacceptthat. Scrollingonlineonemorning,shefound KoruSleep,anaturalsupplementmadein NewZealand.Theblendofpassionflower, magnesiumandvalerianwasdesignedto supportthebody’sownsleepchemistry.
“Ithoughtitwasprobablyanotheronethat promisestheworldanddeliversnothing,” Patriciaadmits.
Butsheorderedabottle.Bothdecidedtotry it.Whenherbodyclockwentoffat5amthe nextmorning,somethingwasdifferent.
Shefeltrested.
“UsuallyIfeellikeI’vebeendraggedthrough ahedgebackwards.ButthatmorningIactually feltokay.”
Herhusbandstirredbesideher.“Howdoyou feel?”sheasked.
“Actually...notbad.”
Withinaweek,bothwerewakingat5am feelingfreshagain.Themorningwalkscame back.Insteadofdraggingthemselvesaround, theywerewalkingbriskly,actuallyenjoying itagain.
Weekthree,theywenttoalocalshow.Not onlydidtheystayawake,theyenjoyedit.
“We’reactuallylivingourretirementnow,” Patriciareflects.“Notjustsurvivingit.Weare ourselvesagain.Whenyou’rerested,everything becomespossible.”
continuestogrow.”
Thetravellingsquadincludeseight studentsurfersandtwostaffcoaches–FredricksonandKhanButler.
Dreamcometrue
ForYear12studentIzzyEvans,16,the opportunitytocompeteinternationallyis adreamcometrue.
“Itfeelssounrealtohavethisamazing opportunity,”shesaid.
“I’mjustsooverlyexcited;wordscan’t evenexplain.”
Evanssaidshe“literallyjumpedupand downwithexcitement”whenshefound outshewasheadingtoHawaii.
Surfingplaysamajorroleinherlife.“If I’mhavingahardorstressfulday,Iwill justheadoutforasurfinthebeautiful ocean,anditalwaysclearsmymind.”
Sheisparticularlylookingforwardto meetingsurfersfromaroundtheworld andtestingherselfagainstinternational competition.
“I’malsolookingforwardtobeingable tosurfintogsagaininwarmwaterin beautifulHawaii.”
Morethanasport
Year11studentCharlieHartstone,15, saidrepresentinghisschoolattheeventis aprivilege.
Hartstonesaidheneverimaginedhe wouldhavethechancetosurfthefamous AlaMoanaBowlsinacontest.
“Iwassuperexcited.IneverthoughtI wouldgetachancetosurfawavelikeAla MoanaBowlinacontestwithjustthree otherpeople.”
ForHartstone,surfingismorethan
asport.“SurfingiswhoIam.Ican’t imaginenotsurfing,andI’lldoitforthe restofmylife.”
Inpreparationfortheevent,theteam hasbeenfocusingonsurftechnique, competitionstrategy,andstrengthand conditioningtraining.
Theyalsodrewinspirationfrom watchingtheWorldSurfLeague ChampionshipToureventheatsatManu Bay,Raglan,earlierthisyear.
Whiletheopportunityisexciting, getting a team to Hawaii comes with high costs,includingflights,accommodation, competitionfees,uniforms,insurance, foodandtransport.
The team has been fundraising through the sale of specially designed T-shirts and are currently working on boardshorts and hats
Theshirtswerecreatedbylocaldesigner SteveKirkbyofParkbyProjects anddraw inspirationfromthestoryofTeTokaa Tirikawa,reflectingthemesofresilience andstandingstrongthroughadversity. Fredricksonsaidcommunitysupport hasalreadybeenstrongwithsponsorship fromAaronCookatBaySportand Orthopaedics,StonewoodHomes,Bay Instruments,BowerRealEstate,E.C. CheethamTransport,DWButcher&Co. andCraigsInvestmentPartnersaswell as previous support from Curve Surf and NZWindows.“Thereisabigcostforour topcompetitivesurferstogettoevents,” hesaid.
“Wehopetouseanawesomeproduct that we can sell to the public that helps us raise some money and is a win-win for everyone ”
Both Evans and Hartstone said local support means a great deal to
theteam.“Thisissuchanamazing opportunityforusandyoursupport wouldmeansomuchtomeandthe team,”Evanssaid.
Hartstoneagrees.“Weareagreatgroup oflocalkidswhoareoutdoingwhatwe loveandneedallthesupportwecanget.”
Whilebothsurfershavecompetitive goals,theyarealsodeterminedtomake themostoftheexperience.“Ithink everyone would like to win, but the competitionisgoingtobesupertough,” Evanssaid.
“Mygoalwouldbetoatleastmakeit throughacoupleofroundsandenjoythe experience ”
Hartstone’s goal is simple: “Make it through my first heat and then progress as far as I can ”
PacificCoastVillageoffersacomprehensiverangeofcare-fromindependentlivingand servicedapartmentstoresidentialagedcare,includingdementiacare.DesignedwithPacific Coast’sconsideredapproach,TeManaakiCareCentreprovidesresidentswithluxuryliving alongsideelevatedcaretailoredtoyourneeds.
Privatetoursavailablebyappointment. 210MaranuiStreet,MountMaunganui pacificcoastvillage.co.nz|075723029
TheGovernmenthasannouncedanewvoluntaryHeadStartpathwayfor councilsthatwanttoputforwardlocalgovernmentreorganisationproposals aheadofwiderreformfrom2028.
Alongsidecityanddistrictcouncils,weareseekingfeedbackonarange ofpossibleoptions.Eachhasadvantagesandtrade-offs,andpublicinputis animportantpartofunderstandingwhatmattersmosttocommunities. Yourviewswillhelpidentifythevalues,prioritiesandoutcomesthatmatter most,soanyfuturemodelcanbeassessedagainstwhatwillbestservethe wholeBayofPlenty–nowandintothefuture.
ConfirmationthattheH5N1strainofbirdflucausedthedeath oftwomigratoryseabirdsinWesternAustraliainlateJune meanstheriskofitsarrivalintoNewZealandisonestepcloser.
Thevirus,whichspreadseasilyamongbirds,wasfirst identifiedin2020andsincethenhasspreadrapidlyaround theworld,causinglarge-scaledeathsinwildbirds,poultry andsomemammals.
Theviruswillmostlikelyarriveherethroughmigratingbirds, soit’simportantweworktogethertoreduceitsimpactby keepingacloseeyeoutforanysickordeadbirds.
Publicurgedtoreportsickordeadwildbirds
Oneofthemostnoticeablesigns ofbirdfluistheswiftdeath ofmultiplebirdsinagroup.
MinistryforPrimaryIndustries (MPI)isleadingthebirdflu response.Itasksthatifyou seethreeormoresickordead wildbirdsinagroup,reportit immediatelytotheexotic pestanddiseasehotlineon 0800809966. Donothandle ormovethem.
Haveyoursayonlineat
boprc.govt.nz/simplifying-local-government orcomeandtalktousataneventnearyou: ŌtūmoetaiFootballClub
Where: FergussonPark, TilbyDrive,Matua
When: Saturday4July 2026from8am.
Marinepestsareaconstantthreattoourcoastalparadise. Theseschoolholidays,we’reinvitingkidsaged14yearsandunder tolearnaboutsomeofthemarinepeststhatthreatenour BayofPlentycoastalwaters.
Designasuperherotohelpfight themandbeintoWINepicprizes. ScantheQRcode formoreinformation andtoenter.
On25June,weformallyadoptedthe2026/27AnnualPlan, confirminganoveralltotalratesincreaseof0.4%.
Indevelopingtheplan,weengagedwidelyacrosstheregion–meetingdirectlywithcommunities,receivingformalsubmissions, andhearingdiverseperspectivesontheissuesthatmatterthemost.
Recognisingtheongoingcostpressuresfacinghouseholds,we havebeencarefultomakeeverydollarcountwhilestillensuringthat wedelivertheworkthatmattersmost–protectingtheenvironment, supportingourcommunitiesandplanningforthefuture.
The8.4%generalratesincreaseoriginallyforecastintheLongTerm Planhasbeenreducedto2.9%(includinggrowthandinflation),with totaltargetedratesdecreasingby2.2%(althoughindividualtargeted rateswillvarydependingonthelevelofserviceyoureceive).
• ImplementanewRegionalBenefitFundofupto$20m tosupportmajorregionalinfrastructureprojects.
• Supportacollaborative,regionalapproachthatmeets CentralGovernment’sSimplifyingLocalGovernment expectationsthroughtheallocationof$1m.
• Providemorethan$1.9mfundingsupportthroughour CommunityFundingprogramme.
• Continuetoensurewatersafetyacrossrivers,lakesand seathroughourHarbourmasterteam.
• Continuetodeliverbiosecuritymanagement,including prioritypestssuchasaquaticweedsandkauridieback.
• Continueresourceconsenting,andcompliancemonitoring andenforcement.
• SupportthedeliveryoftheWesternBayofPlentyCity andRegionalDealbyallocating$170k.
• BaybustimetableimprovementsplannedforDecember2026.
• IntroductionofadditionalschoolbusservicesintheTaurangaarea.
• EnsurePāpāmoaHillsCulturalHeritageRegionalParkisopen tothepublictoenjoy,includingrestorationfromweatherdamage.
• SupportCoastCaretoenhancesanddunerestoration alongthecoast.
Tillyhassaslightlycalmerapproachtoliffe thanherrambunctiousbrotherTiger.This 3-month-oldfemalekittenisoftenhappiesst entertainingherselfwithherfavouritetoys or relaxinginacosyspot.
Thislittletuxedoladyisascharmingasthhey come–andsheknowsit!Tillyhasmastereed theartoflookingirresistiblycutetoearn extraadmiration,praise,andattentionfrom m people.Onelookathersweetface,andyou’ll understandwhyshegetsawaywithit.
Playful,affectionate,andfullofpersonaliity, Tillyisreadytobringjoy,companionship and plentyofsmilestoherforeverhome.Ifyou u ’ re lookingforakittenwithjusttherightmix x of fun,sweetness,andcharm,Tillymaybethhe perfectmatchforyou.PhoneTaurangaSPCA on075780245. Ref:666003.
Taurangaresidentshaveachance tomorrow,July4,togivein-person feedbacktoToiMoanaBayof PlentyRegionalCouncilonthe futureoflocalgovernment.
Thecouncilishostingthreecommunity eventstomorrow–inTauranga,Rotorua andŌhope–forpeopletotalkwithregional representativesonthefutureshapeoflocal governmentintheBayofPlenty.
InTauranga,peoplecanattendacouncil gazebofrom8amtomiddayatŌtūmoetai FootballClubgroundsonTilbyDrivetofill inasurveyandchatwithstaff.
ThecouncilhasalsoinvitedBOPresidents togivefeedbackonlineat:boprc.govt.nz/ simplifying-local-governmentfromJune29 toJuly12.
Thiscallforfeedbackcomesascouncils acrossNewZealandconsideroptions undertheGovernment’sSimplifyingLocal Governmentprogramme,includingthe voluntaryHeadStartpathwayforregions toexplorepossiblereorganisationaheadof widerreformfrom2028.
BOPRCchairMatemoanaMcDonaldsaid theprocesswasanopportunitytoconsider whatfuturearrangementswouldbestsupport theregionovertime.
“Thereisacleardirectionoftravelforlocal governmentreform,anditisimportantthe BayofPlentyispartofthatconversation,” shesaidinastatement.
“Thefeedbackwereceivethroughthis processisaboutunderstandingwhatmatters mosttoourcommunitiesandstakeholders asthosediscussionsdevelop,includinghow servicesaredelivered,howdecisionsare made,andhowlocalandregionalinterests arebalanced.”
Thecouncilisseekingfeedbackonarange ofpossibleapproachestolocalgovernment intheregion.Theseincludedmodelswith differentcombinationsofregionalandlocal structures,eachwithdistinctstrengthsand trade-offs.
McDonaldsaidanyfuturemodelshould beconsideredonhowwellitdeliversfor thewholeregion,andnotedthatmanyof theservicespeoplerelyonoperatebeyond individualcouncilboundaries.
“Floodprotection,riverandcatchment management,biosecurity,regionalplanning, environmentalmonitoringandpublic transportalldependoncoordinateddelivery acrosstheregion,”shesaid.
“Atthesametime,anyfuture arrangementmustensurelocalcommunities haveameaningfulvoiceindecisionsthat affectthem.”
McDonaldsaidcostandefficiencywere importantconsiderationsinthisprocess, andtheevidencesofarsuggestedsomesubregionalmodelsmaynotdeliverthesebenefits aseffectivelyasaregion-wideapproach.
“Theanalysistodatesuggestsaregionwidemodelisbetterplacedtodeliver long-termefficienciesfortheBayofPlenty, particularlythroughsharedservices,and cleareraccountability.
“Sub-regionalmodelsmayofferastronger senseoflocalvisibility,buttheycanalso createextracostandcomplexitywhere functions,capabilityandsystemsneedtobe repeatedacrossmultipleorganisations.That canmakeithardertoachievethesimplicity, consistencyandcoordinationthisreformis intendedtodeliver.”
McDonaldsaiditwasimportantthat allimplicationswerecarefullyconsidered throughtheHeadStartprocess,both financialandnon-financial.
“Ourfocusmustbeonfindingthemodel thatworksbestforthewholeBayofPlenty overthelongterm.”
Whileregionalcouncilscouldnot submitaproposaltotheGovernmentfor reorganisationunderitsHeadStartpathway, McDonaldsaidtheycouldcontributeto regionaldiscussionsandprovidecontexton howservicesarecurrentlydelivered.
“Ourroleistosupportinformeddiscussion byprovidingevidenceandpracticalinsight intohowregionalservicesoperate,andwhat needstobeconsideredinanyfuturemodel.”
Peoplecanfindoutmoreandprovide feedbackatboprc.govt.nz/simplifying-localgovernmentuntilJuly12orspeakwith regionalcouncilrepresentativesateventson July4.
Living withfoot arthritis can affect everypartofyour life. It keepsyou from enjoyingthe good things in life –playingwiththe grandchildren, playing golf, evenworking in the garden. It would beniceto get out of bed – just one morning–without foot pain.
•Osteoarthritis•Topof foot pain • Bunions
•Clawed orhammertoes • Big toe joint pain
Footarthritis isnot just old age. No question, ifyou’rehavingfootpain then something is wrong. It’snot normalageingtohurt all the time. Pain in yourfoot isnotasignofoldage.Ifthat was true, all 360jointsinyourbodywouldhurtsince your whole bodyis thesameage.
“IonlywishIhadfoundyousooner” HaveaFMTPodiatristevaluate
Justcallbetween3rdand17thJulyandhere’swhatyouwillget:
•Anin-depthconsultationaboutyourfootpain
•Completehands-onjointexam
•Wewillanswerallyourquestions
ATauranga-basedcharityis steppingupsupportforKiwis livingwithcomplexchronic illnesses,tacklingisolation amongthosewithME/CFS, fibromyalgiaandlongCovid.
ComplexChronicIllnessSupport (CCISupport)isanot-for-profit organisationofferingservices includingeducation,advocacy, counsellingandpeersupport.
ChiefexecutiveMirandaWhitwell saidmanypeoplefeelisolatedand disbelievedwhenlivingwiththese conditions.“They...cancarryalot ofguiltaboutnotbeingabletodo thethingsothersmightexpectof them,likeworkingorkeepingup witheverydaylife.
“Formanypeople,it’snotthat thosearoundthemdon’tcare,but thattheseconditionscanbereally hardtounderstandifyouhaven’t experiencedthemyourself.”
Whitwellsaidthatlackof
understandingcanleavepeople feelingalone.
“That’swhyourroletohelpbuild understanding,whileofferingaspace wherepeoplefeelvalidated,heard andsupported,issovital.”
Shedescribeddailylifeformanyas aconstantbalancingact.
“Imagineifyou’vechargedyour phoneanditlooks100%.WithME/ CFStheycouldwakeupandit’s 30%,andtheyhavetodecidewhat todowiththatenergy–whether theyeat,showerorhaveavisitor.
“Everythingisatrade-off,andif theygooverthatlimittheycanend upinbedformultipledays.”
CCISupportworksalongside GPsandhospitalstohelppeople maintainstabilityandindependence, particularlyasdemandforservices growsandsomemembersrequire home-basedcareorarebedbound.
Accessible,low-energywaysto connect–includingonlinesupport–arecritical,Whitwellsaid,especially givenlimitedhealthcarepathwaysfor manyoftheconditions.
Forsomemembers,theorganisation hasbecomealifeline.“Before findingthem,Ifeltcompletelyalone
Themajorfunctionofcreatine istoregenerateATP(adenosine triphosphate),theformofenergy ourbodiesmakefromfood. Creatinesupportsbothmuscularand cognitiveperformancebyregeneratingATP duringhigh-intensityactivities. Mostpeoplelinkcreatineprimarilyto musclegrowthandathleticperformance. However,recentresearchhasbegunto explaincreatine’simpressiveeffectson cognitivefunction,makingitaneffective dietarysupplement,notjustforathletesbut anyoneseekingmentalclarityandresilience. CreatineworksthroughATPregeneration, andcellularATPproductionispHsensitive. AcidiccellsproduceATPlessefficiently. Pleasephone0800140141forafreecopy ofthebooklet IsyourpHHealthy with complimentarypHstrips.
B Brain energy productionis particularly relevaant during periodds of intense mentaal activittyor
andoverwhelmed.NowIfeel understood,supported,andmore incontrolofmycondition,”one membersaid. Supportistailoredtoeach individual,withmembersableto accessone-on-onesupport,peer groups,wellnessprogrammes, workshops,educationsessions andpracticalhelpsuchascare packages,mealsupportand wellnesschecks.Helpisalso availableforwhānau,carers, schoolsandhealthprofessionals. Despitethedemand,CCI Supporthasattimesbeenforced
toclosereferrals,leavingdozens ofpeoplewaitingforassistance. Whitwellsaidraisingawareness waskeytoensuringpeopleget helpearlier.“Sometimesjust knowingsupportisoutthereand available,andreachingoutfor help,isreallyimportantbecause wearethereandwecare.
“Doingitaloneissodifficult,so reachingoutforsupportcanbe life-changing.”
Peopleseekingsupportcan learnmoreviatheorganisation’s websiteat:ccisupport.org.nz
stress,whenthebrain’sdemandforATP spikes.Supplementingwithcreatinehas beenshowntomaintainoptimalbrain energylevels,potentiallyimprovingmemory, attention,andreactiontime.
Severalstudiessuggestcreatine supplementationcanimprovecognitive performance,especiallyintasksrequiring rapidthinkingorproblem-solving.For students,professionals,orolderadults, thiscanmeansharperfocusandenhanced mentalstaminaduringprolongedperiods ofconcentration.
Creatine’sneuroprotectivepropertiesmay alsohelpbufferthebrainagainstfatigue andage-relateddecline.Importantly,the cognitivebenefitsarenotlimitedtohealthy individuals–thoseexperiencingsleep deprivationorneurologicalconditionshave alsodemonstratedimprovedoutcomes withcreatine.
Whenchoosingacreatinesupplement,look forhighlysolublecreatinemonohydrate. Highsolubilitymeansrapidabsorptionand reducesthelikelihoodofdigestiveupsets suchasbloating.
JohnArts(Adv.Dip.Nut. Med)isanutritionalmedicine practitioner.Toreadmore byJohnandtheAbundant Healthproducts,visit:www. healthhouse.co.nz,call 0800140141,oremail: john@healthhouse.co.nz.
Creatinehaslongbeenknown inthesportsworld,andresearch isnowshowingitmayoffer importantbenefitswellbeyond thegym.Itisanaturalpartofthe body’senergysystemandplaysa keyroleinbothmusclefunction andbrainenergy.
Wechoseapharmaceutical-grade creatinemonohydratewithhigh solubility.ThishelpsHealthHouse Creatineabsorbquickly,giving musclesandnervestheenergy theyneedforfasterresults.
Across
7. Skilledjoiner(12)
8.Tunnel(NI)(6)
9. Stockings(6)
10.Generally (7)
12.Concur(5)
15.Nitwit(5)
16.Town(NI)(7)
18.Talkative(6)
20.Ordinary (6)
22.PreviousAllBlack captain(5,7)
Down
1.Troubled(8)
2.Rigid(4)
3.Decipherable(7)
4.Alter(5)
5.Window(8)
6. Smile(4)
11.Unsuccessful(8)
13.Instalments(8)
14.Crepe(7)
17.Religioussongs(5)
19.Maoriwardance(4)
21.Prestige(Maori)(4)
Perhapsit'sathrowbacktomy moreradicalyouth,butI’ma suckerforapoliticalsong.
MorelikelyitwasseeingStrawbs onBritishrecordcharttelevision programme TopOfThePops singing PartofaUnion.
Iranroundthehousecopying themfordaysthoughitwashardly apoliticalawakening,whatwith beingeightandnotknowingwhata unionwas.
NewZealanddoesnothaveagreat lineageofpoliticalsongs.
Sure,weremembertheheady daysofHerbs’ FrenchLetter andthe protestingToppTwins,post-punk bandBlamBlamBlam’s ThereisNo DepressionInNewZealand andThe Knobz’s Culture.Buttheveryfact thatthosewere40yearsagorather reinforcesthepoint.
Istruggletothinkofmuchpolitical musicsinceoutsidetherap/hip-hop/ reggaescene.
Uncommon
You’dthinkthesewouldbeideal timesforwritingandreleasing musicinimmediatereactionto currentevents.Yet,despitethe technologymakingiteasierthan ever,it’suncommon.AtleastBruce Springsteen’sbeendoingitin reactiontoAmerica’sauthoritarian crackdown.
AndhatsofftoWellington bluesmanDarrenWatson,who justreleasedanewsong, MoveOn, inresponsetocurrentinitiativeof shufflingthehomelesstoplaces wheretheywon’tdisturbdecentfolk likeyouandme.
Watsonfirstcametoprominence inthe1980swithhigh-flyingblues
bandChicagoSmokeshop. Hehasmademuchfine musicsince. Inrecentyearsthatincluded afairwhackofpolitical songsincludingtheinfamous PlanetKey,whichcauseda stirwhentheguardiansof ourelectionsdebatedincourt whetherananti-government songconstitutedpolitical advertisingorfreespeech. Goodsong. Thenewsongisverygood too,apitch-perfectacoustic slidepiecewithagreatlyric, timelessbluesandtimely politicalcommentary.
Ashout-outtoAdamMcGrath ofChristchurchbandTheEastern, anotherofthiscountry’savowed politicalsingers. Hisalbum,releasedinMay, The PoliticsOfWorkingPeople,subtitled SongsfromandfortheMaritime UnionofNewZealand,comeswith sampledhistoricalvoicessuchas JockBarnes,unionleaderduringthe 1951waterfrontstrike. It'sapowerfulsetoforiginalsongs, fromsparseballadstorollickingreels andgrungierfolk.
Followingthatbluesthread...Trevor Braunias,somethingofanaceblues guitarist,isfrontingabandatthe July17BlackCoffeesessionatthe TaurangaClub. Thesemonthlyjazz/bluesevenings arereallypickingupsteamand Brauniashasassembledatop-notch
BayofPlentyresidentshaveuntilMonday,July 5,togetoutintheirgardenandcountbirdsforthe country’sannualsurveyofourfeatheredfriends. TheNewZealandGardenBirdsurveyasks peopletocountbirdsintheirbackyardsforone hourbetweenJune27andJuly5. Peoplecanchooseonehourononedayduring
bunchoflocalplayerstooffergig TheSongsofChessRecords ChessRecordsfortheless-obsessed bluesloverswasChicago’smain labelinthe1950sand1960s,whose rosterincludedMuddyWaters, LittleWalter,Howlin’Wolf,Sonny BoyWilliamson,EttaJames, ChuckBerry,youknow,everybody important.It’llbeakillernight. Moreblues?
InternationalBluesMusicDay isthefirstSaturdayinAugust. WhichmeansKokomo'sannual bluescelebrations:August1atThe JamFactoryfollowedbySunday afternoonatKatikati'sArtsJunction. AftertheirbigEasterBaycourt concertperhapsgetinquick.
thesurveyperiodandcountthebirdstheysee, thenuploadtheirtalliestothewebsiteat: https://gardenbirdsurvey.nz Hereparticipantswillfindatallysheettofillout andsubmit.Thewebsitealsohasidentification resourcesifneeded.Findoutmoreat: https://gardenbirdsurvey.nz/faq/
OrganisersoftheTauranga-based FungiFestNZarerunningThe MushroomMarketthisSunday,July5at GreertonHall.
Thefree-entryevent,from10am-3pm, willofferfungiart,food,agiantfungi photowall,artisanmushroomproducts, acreativezone,badgemaking,raffles andmore.
Themarketisthefinaleofthe2026 FungiFestNZandisopenforallto stepintotheweirdlywonderfulworld offungi.Akoha(donation)onentryis appreciated.
Thosewhoturnupdressedinafungiinspiredcostumehaveachancetowin spotprizesforcreativeingenuityand cleverupcycling.Prizesincludebooks, pins,patches,jewelleryand vinylstickers.Findoutmoreat: www.ecoscievents.org.nz/fungifestnz
Pāpāmoaresidentsareturning asimplegameofbingointo meaningfulcommunitysupport, withaweeklysessionalreadyraising thousandsforcharityjustweeks afterlaunching.
PāpāmoaLionsClubraised$2000from itsWednesdaybingosessionsattheFlying MulletSportsBar,withthefirstdonation goingtowardstrainingaguidedogfor BlindLowVisionNZ.
It’sthenationalorganisationsupporting peoplewhoareblind,deafblindorhave lowvision,toliveindependently.
Akeypartofitsworkistheguidedog programme,whichprovidesspecially traineddogstoassistwithmobilityand confidence.
ThefundsfromthePāpāmoaLions ClubwereformallypresentedtoLions districtgovernorLouFielder,supporting herchosenproject–aguidedogpuppy namedLulu.
Theinitiative,launchedjustafew monthsago,wasdesignedtodomore thanraisemoney.
LionsmemberStevenJensensaidthe daytimesessionswereintentionally createdtoofferasocialoutingforpeople whomaynotwanttogooutatnight.
“It’saveryeasygametoplayandanyone canjoinin,”Jensensaid.
“Peoplecomealongforabitoffun,but theyalsolikeknowingthey’rehelpingthe community.”
Theweeklysessionshavesteadily grown,nowattractingabout40players eachweek.
Formany,ithasbecomearegularsocial catch-up,withsmallgroupsoffriends attendingtogether.
Jensensaidbeingabletoclearlyshow wherethemoneywasgoinghashelped buildsupport.
“Withtheguidedog,forexample,we bringitinandshowthebingoplayers–thisiswhereyourmoneyisgoing.People reallyconnectwiththat.”
The$2000milestonewasreachedwithin aboutsixtoeightweeks,highlighting boththepopularityofthesessionsand thegenerosityofthoseattending.
Withoutcommunitybacking,theLions Clubwouldstruggletocarryoutitswork, Jensensaid.
“Besidesraisingfunds,italsohelps peopleunderstandwhatLionsdoesinthe community,”hesaid.
“Traditionally,wejustgetonanddo thingsquietly,butpeoplearemorelikely tosupportusiftheycanseetheimpact.”
Theclubplanstocontinuerunningthe sessions,withmorelocalprojectsalready inthepipeline–includingsupportfor asportinggroup,aschoolinitiativeand potentialcommunitysafetyequipment.
Jensensaidinitiativeslikethebingo nightsresonatedsostronglybecausethe benefitswerelocal.
“Wetrytoputmoneybackinto Pāpāmoa.Whenpeopleknowit’s stayinginthecommunity,thatresonates
SueMcCowanholdingaguidedogpuppy,LionsdistrictgovernorLouFielder, MarkGrantoftheFlyingMulletbarandLions’memberStevenJensen.
withthem.”
BlindLowVisionNZchiefexecutive AndreaMidgensaiddonationshelp peopleaccessthelife-changingsupportof aguidedog.
“Theysupporteverystageofthe programme–frombreedingandpuppy raisingthroughtospecialisttrainingand matchingeachdogwiththerightperson.”
Itcostsabout$175,000tobreed, trainandsupportafullyqualifiedguide
dogoveritsworkinglife,Midgensaid, coveringeverythingfrombreedingand specialisttrainingtoongoingcare. Guidedogservicesreceiveno governmentfunding,relyingentirelyon donationsandcommunitysupport. “Everydonationhelpsfund programmesthatsupportpeopleto movethroughtheirdaywithgreater confidenceandconnection.”
KaitlynMorrell
Anewimmersivelight experienceissettoheadline Tauranga’sschoolholiday entertainmentthismonth.
Afterattractingmorethan 20,000visitorsinAuckland, DreamerarrivesatMercury BayparkArenafromJuly10-19, transformingthevenueintoacolourful indoorworldofinteractivelight,sound anddigitalinstallations.
Ticketgiveaway
twoadultsandtwochildren–togive awaytooneluckyreaderwhocan telluswheretheeventwilltake place?Toenter,visit www.sunlive.co.nzandclickon the‘competitions’tab.Entries mustbeinbyTuesday,July7.
Designedforallages,theweatherproof experienceinvitesvisitorstowander throughglowingenvironments,play interactivegames,drawwithlight,dance alongsidelight-suitperformersand watchdigitaltechnologytransformthem intobouquets.
Thelightfestival,createdforcurious minds,hasfamilypassesandfreeentry forchildrenagedunder5.Theexperience featureslowlightingandambientaudio. Interactiveinstallationsaredesignedtobe accessibleforpeopleusingwheelchairs, withlevelaccessthroughoutthe exhibitionspace.Ticketscanbepurchased at:www.dreamer.nz.
ThankstotheteambehindDreamer, TheWeekendSun hasonefamilypass–for
HostedbythePāpāmoaLions AllprofitstoLionscommunityprojects
EVERYWEDNESDAY 2.00pm-3.30pm ATTHEFLYINGMULLET
2pmtill 3.30pm
Along-standingMountMaunganuiartcollectiveis invitingthepublictoexperienceitslatestexhibition, relocatedthisyearfollowingdisruptionatMauao.
TheMountArtGroup, establishedin1974,hasgrown from21membersmeetingin atutor’sgaragetoathriving collectiveof40artists.Nowinits 52ndyear,thegroupcontinues tomeetweeklyatStPeter’s ChurchHallonVictoriaSt, wheremembersgatherevery Thursdaymorningtocreateand sharetheirwork.
Knownforitssupportive andencouragingculture,the groupplacesastrongemphasis onfosteringcreativityand appreciationamongitsmembers, manyofwhomhavedeveloped theirartisticskillswithinthe collectiveenvironment.
Thegroupisbestknown
publiclyforits annualexhibition, traditionallyheld attheMountSurf Club.However,due totherecentdisaster atMauao,organisers havebeenforcedto shiftboththedate andvenueforthis year’sevent. Theexhibitionwill nowbeheldatMount MaunganuiCollege overtheMatariki weekend,providing
afreshopportunity forthecommunityto engagewithlocalart. MountMaunganui Collegestudentswill alsobeexhibiting theirartwork. Artloversare encouragedtoattend, viewthediverse worksondisplay,and supportlocalartistsby takinghomeapieceof MountMaunganui’s creativespirit.
To the modern ear, the phrase ‘Life without limits’ sounds like a great thing to embrace
Imagine having the ability to go wherever you want to go, do whatever you want to do, and achieve whatever you set your heart to There are plenty of voices around us advocating we embrace this as a life credo
However, on closer examination we may find that these voices are like that of the sirens of Greek mythology drawing us on towards the rocks of ruin It was supposedly to life without limits that the serpent, depicted in Genesis 3 drew Adam and Eve The implicit lie was that, “God’s limit is keeping you from your best life”
Actually, lifewithout limits, is a life of excess, chaos, anarchy and loss It is, in essence, a description of hell Like King Midas of old,we find that the golden touch actuallyrobs us of all that is good In overabundant gaining, we lose the things in life that are of most value
The truth is, that God has not kept usfrom the best, but kept us for the best; that His limits are His love in action, protecting all that issacred, beautiful and worthwhile in life
Saturday4July
AssociationCroquet OnSat,Mon,&Wed.9.15am for9.30amstartatClubMtMaunganui,45KawakaSt. Visitors&newplayerswelcome.Ph.Peter5749232
Badminton SocialBadminton,GreertonHall,Mon+Fri 10.30am–12.30pm.AllWelcomePhoneLorraineon027 4086211
Beth-ElMessianicFamily CelebrateShabbat(Sabbath)as didMessiahYeshua(Jesus),hisdisciplesandearlybelievers. Allwelcome.Lifezone7OaklaneJudea10amorYoutube Live@10am.Joel021768043info@bethel.org.nz
Boules-Petanque EveryTuesday,ThursdayandSaturday atClubMtMaunganui.Boulesavailable.Newplayers welcome.PhRay0277563565fortimes,furtherdetails. FreeRepairCafeTauranga Volunteerscometogether andfixobjectsdestinedforlandfillforfree.@basestation Durhamstreet,Tauranga.LastSaturdayofmonth9.3011.30am.Freeticketatwww.tinkd.nz
IndoorBowls Saturday,TuesdayandWednesday.12.45am start.50+andover.Afternoonteaisprovided.14Norris Street(behindPaknSave)Carol0226392411
LaughingYoga AratakiCommunityCentre10amevery Saturday.Joinafriendlybunchfor45minutesoffundand laughter!phoneJude021-02775901
StStephen’sJigsawLibrary EverySaturday 10am-12noon.Hirefor2weeksavarietyof600puzzles. CnrofBrookfieldandHighmoreTerrace.
TaurangaScottishSociety Sequencedance4thSat MonthlyatWesleyChurchHall100/13thAve7pm. Dancing,rafflesandsupperAllwelcomePhNola5765076
TaurangaSocialDanceClub SequenceDancing2ndSat monthly7pmStJohnsChurchHall94BuretaRoad$7incl SupperandrafflesAllwelcomePhNola5765076
Sunday5July
AccordionMusicGroup EverythirdSundayofthe month,WelcomeBayHall,1-4pm,$4.00pp,afternoontea supplied,everyonewelcometoanafternoonofevergreen music.PhJoy0272853093
FalunDafaEasyExercises Riseabovethechaos&noise usingthisfreemind/bodypractice.Call/textJudy0210425 398.https://en.falundafa.org/index.html
GolfCroquet OnSun,Tues,&Thurs.8.30amfor9am startatClubMtMaunganui,45KawakaSt.Visitors&new playerswelcome.PhGraham075721032
MahJong ExperiencedplayersinvitedSunday&Thursday 12.45-4pm,learnerstobearranged.TePukeLyceum Rooms8PalmerPl,phcoordinator0274306383
MiniaturesClubTauranga “MakingitSmall”Meetings 2ndSundayeachmonth[Feb-Nov]10amto4pm.Artand CraftCentre,177ElizabethStreetTauranga.Contact:Jan 0212145192
OtumoetaiRotaryCarbootSale 8.00amforbuyersat OtumoetaiCollegeCarParkWindsorRoadforOtumoetai Rotary.Sellers$10.DetailsBrian0211228735orBevan 0274612127
OtumoetaiRotaryElectronicRecycling Electronic Recycling.Giveyourgearanewlife.Feesapply.Otumoetai CollegeCarParkWindsorRd8.00am.Brian0211228735
PyesPaWalkingGroup Weareacasualmediumpaced group.LeavingfromoutsideFezKebab,PyesPaShopsat 9am.About1hour,followedbyacafevisit.
RadioControlledModelYachts Sundays1:00-3:30pm,at Pondbehind22MontegoDrivePapamoa,sailingElectron RadioControlledYachtsforfunandcompetition.Adult beginnerswelcome.Graham5725419.
RifleRangeOpenDay ManagedbyNZDA-BOPbranchat TECTAllTerrainpark,upperPyesPa.LastSundayofevery month(exceptDecember),9am–3pm.Dayfeesapply.Must bringavalidfirearmslicense,andallriflesandammotobe inspecteduponarrival.Infowww.deerstalkersbop.org.nz
TaurangaModelAircraftClub Interestedinflyingmodel planes?JoinuseveryweekendatTECTParkweather permittingbetween10-3pm.Beginnerswelcome.Directions &webcamonourwebsitewww.taurangamodelfly.org
TaurangaOrganKeyboardSociety Meetsat1.30pm ChangeofVenue-willmeetat7StMichaelsAve, Bethlehem.ComeandlistenofplayOrgan,Clavinova, Piano.AFriendlyBunchContactMaureen5445013
TheMushroomMarketFFNZ26 Giantfungiphoto wall,Food&beverage,Mushroomproducts,Tattoo,Art, Sculpture,Books,Creativezone,Raffle,&more!10am3pm,GreertonHall,Freeentry-Kohaappreciated.www. ecoscievents.org.nz/event-details/the-mushroom-market WanganuiGirls’CollegeOGA TaurangaBranchare holdingtheirMid-YearLuncheonattheOakTree Restaurant.ForfurtherdetailscontactPauline5482110or clansgbp@gmail.comAllexpupilswelcome.
Monday6July
500CardGroup EveryMonday(exceptpublicholidays) from9.30-11.30am,heldatAgeConcern,177AFraser Street,Tauranga,$2donation,lightrefreshmentprovided. Euchre TaurangaEuchreClub,Mondayeveningsfrom 7pm.Inquiries-Graeme0275430872 GreertonGardenClub Meetsevery2ndMondayofthe monthFeb-NovattheGreertonSeniorCentre,33Maitland St,Greertonat1pm.VisitorsWelcome.Ph:0272536704
IndoorBowls MatuaPrimarySchoolHallat7.15pm.New memberswelcome.Comeandjoinusforaeveningoffun
andbowls.PhoneKaren5760443
Invitationtosingingmen Harmony-A-Plentyhasbeen singingfortwentyyears.WepractiseMondayevenings 7-9pm.PhFrank5763037David5760578
Mahjong EveryMondayat12.30pmTaurangaRowing ClubMemorialPark.Learnerswelcome.ContactJill027 4769440or5430390
PapamoaMahjong PapamoaMahjong12.15pm4.00pmBowlingClubRooms,2AliceLaneGordonSpratt ReserveComeandhavesomefun.Afternoonteaprovided. PhWendy02102387283orChris0274155771
PapamoaPatchers PatchworkandQuiltingmeetatSt Andrew’sPresbyterianChurchHallfrom9.30am-12.30pm eachMonday.Newmemberswelcome.
RecycledTeenagersGentleExercise St.Peterschurch hall,15VictoriaRd,MtMaunganui.9.30-11am.Suitable jointreplacements,arthritics,recoveryfromaccident& illness.Strength,coordination&balance.Jennifer027206 0776.
ScottishCountryDanceClub ScottishCountryDancing everyMonday7.15-9.30pmStJohnsChurchHall94 BuretaRoad.Everyonewelcomeforfun,friendshipand fitnessPhBruce021630529
TaurangaCityBrass TaurangaCityBrassBandPractice nightsonaMonday.7pmto9pmforSnrBand.Jnrband from5:30to7pm.ContactJeremy0211323341
TaurangaandDistrictStampClub EverysecondMonday (10am)andfourthMonday(7.30pm)ofeachmonth. WesleyHall,100ThirteenthAvenue.Newmembers welcome.Ross5788215.Jill5780930.
TaurangaTheatreOrganSociety MeetatBaycourt Theatreat1.00pm.HearandplayTauranga’shistoric Wurlitzerorgan.Allwelcome,nocharge.Ph5520243
TaurangaVisionClub TaurangaVisionClub(affiliatedto FriendshipNZ)meets4thMondayeachmonthatTauranga CitzClub10am-noon.Newmemberswelcome.PhJim 0220887760
TePukeCommunityMenzShed 48CameronRoad,Te Puke.Mon,Wed,Fri9am-12.30pm.Shareyourskills& knowledge,learnnewskillsorredevelopyouroldskills. PhMikeHarman0274448559orPhillipDuPlooy021 756604.
U3ATaurangaSeniorsGroup Wehaveinterestgroups runningMon-Fri.Computing,card&boardgames,dining, films,history,music,photography,exercise,sciences.www. u3atauranga.kiwi.nz
Women’sArtGroup WeareaWomen’sArtgroupwho meeteveryMonday10am,681stAvetopainttogetherin asupportiveenvironment.Beginnerswelcome.Annie021 1864429
500CardClub MountCommunityHall.12.15pmFun andfriendlygroup.Allagesallwelcome.Afternoontea provided.Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby.Queriesto027 6586848
AltrusaLadiesServiceGroup Joinagroupofwomenfor communityprojects&socialevents.Wemeet2nd&4th Tuesdaysofthemonth.Sandra0274838454;www.altrusa. org.nz
AratakiCoastalClub Meeton2ndTuesdayofthemonth 9.30amAratakiCommunityCentreforfriendship,morning tea,guestspeaker,dining,outingsetc.ContactRobyn572 2908,Bev5753348
Body+Soulfor50+ FunFitnessformenandwomen. Exerciseforbetterhealth,strengthandbalancetogreat music.TaurangaSeniorCitizenshallNorrisSt.PhDianne 0274314326
CherrywoodProbus 2ndTuesdayofMonth@Citizens Club13thAve10.00am.ComealongforFunFellowship AndFriendship.Visitorsverywelcome.Pam5783757
ChessatMountMaunganui MountMaunganuiRSAChess club,45KawakaStreet,Tues6:15pm&7pmonwards.excl. Publicholidays.formoreinfohttp:/www.westernbopchess. weebly.com/orsearch“WesternBOPChess” Coffee/ConversationGroupTePuke AgeConcern TaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffeeandConversationGroup, TePukeCitizensRSA,179JellicoeStreet,10am–11.30, cost$5pp.AllWelcome.
FreePublicAdvocacyService Needhelpcompleting aform?Accompanyyoutoanappointment?Talkto anagency?ComespeaktoanAdvocate!EveryTuesday, GreertonLibrary,1-2:30pm.
GoldenBrassBand PracticeseveryTuesdayatTauranga BandHall10YattonStreetGreertonfrom10amtill12 noon.Thisisasocialgrouptoenjoymusicmaking.Phone MalcolmGapes0272243045
GreertonIndoorBowlingClub GreertonSeniorCitizens HallinMaitlandStreet,GreertononTuesdaynightsfrom 7pm.Newmemberswelcome.PhoneSally0211726004. GreertonWalkingGroup MeetoutsideGreertonLibraryat 9amforagentle,localwalkwithafriendlycrowd,followed byacafevisit.Allwelcome.ContactMike0211807429. InachordSingersTauranga Women’sChoruswith MusicalDirectorDanIeremia.Nonaudition.Tuesdaysat 6.45pmBethlehemCommunityChurch,183MoffatRoad. Contact:Julie02102526805orSabine0211118659
KeepOnYourFeet KatikatiCommunityCentre,45Beach Road,11am-12.Strength&balanceclassesforolderadults, alllevelsoffitnesswelcome.ContactSharnie0211118617
Korerowithkawhe EveryTuesdaymorningat10
GRINDZcafe1stAve.Practiseyourreo,alllevels.Useitor loseit.Korerorero.Teako.Tekatakata. Let’sLearnSomethingNew AnA-ZofClubs,Courses& Classeshappeningnow.Findanactivity,join,&doit!All ages.www.letslearn.co.nzorph075789416
MigrantSeniorsMorningTea 10am-12pm, MulticulturalTauranga,complex1,HistoricVillage,17th Avenue.Toregister/moreinformationph075716419or emailenquiries@trmc.co.nz
MountRunnersandWalkers Joinusat9.30amforarun orwalkatourclubroomsinMayStreet,allweather,allyear round,TuesdaysandFridays,allwelcome.
OlympicStyleRifleShooting EveryTuesdayeveningat 7.00pmattheTaurangaTargetRifleClub’srange,165 ElizabethStreet,oppositeTyremaster.Publicwelcome.All gearandcoachingprovided.
Scrabble Weekly.TaurangaCitizensClub.9:15am-1pm.3 games.AllveryWelcome.Furtherdetails-jacqui@malpass. co.nz
SocialPetanque JoinusforsomefunatBayfairReserve, RussleyDr.12.45to2.30pm,TuesandThurs.Newplayers verywelcome.Call0211580129fordetails.
RecycledTeenagersGentleExercise Mt.BibleChapel cnr.MonowaiandBedford9-10.30am.Suitableforjoint replacements,arthritics,recoveryfromaccidentorillness. Strength,coordination&balance.Jennifer0272060776
TaurangaEmbroiderersGuild MeetsTuesdays@Bowls TaurangaSouth,15TutchenSt(off11thAve)10am2.30pm.Everyonewelcome.ContactLinda0273690984 ortaurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com
TaurangaModelRailwayClub ClubmeetsTuesday 9.30am&Thursday7.30pmcornerMirrielees&Cross roads,SulphurPoint.PhMike021939233
TaurangaMorningBadmintonClub Comejoinusat HaumaruSportsCentre,483CameronRoad.Tuesdays andThursdays9:30amtomidday.Casualplayerswelcome. ContactPam,0228069117
TaurangaScrabbleClub TuesdayScrabble.Meetweekly forfriendly&competitivegamesatTaurangaCitizensClub TePunaQuarryPark Manytasksforactivevolunteers inafriendlyteamenvironment8:30am-nooneach week.ContactJennifer0211329585oremail tepunaquarrypark@gmail.com
Wednesday8July
500Cards Play5001pmWednesdaysatStThomasMore Church,17GloucesterRd.$4,includingrefreshmentsand prizes.Barbara0272169066orBob0274786282. 10PinBowling 1pm13513thAveTauranga.Wearea mixedsocialgroup,noncompetitivebutrecordthescore. ContactGlenda0212578678
AgeConcernWalkingGroup Afriendlyweeklywalking groupforallagesandallfitnesslevels.10amstart,Wylie Street(bottomofstreet),Greerton.
BeginnerSocialBallroom/LatinGroup DanceClass Wednesday,6pm-7pm,WelcomeBayPrimarySchool Hall,309WelcomeBayRoad.PhoneSonia0273221786 orJustcomealong.Detailsonwebsite:www. supremedancecentre.nz
Body+Soul50+FunFitness Forbetterhealth,strength andbalancetogreatmusic.Menandwomenwelcome, makenewfriends.9.15amBethlehemhallopposite Woolworths.PhDianne0274314326
BoliviaTePuke EveryWednesdayatRSATePuke1pm4pmbeginnerswelcome.Comeandjoinourfriendlygroup. PhBrenda0272296992
Cards-cribbage Comeandjoinourfriendlygroupevery Wednesday12.30for1pmstart.TaurangaCitzClub,13th Ave.Newplayersverywelcome.Jill0211606143
Coffee/ConversationGroup-Brookfield AgeConcern TaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffeeandConversationGroup atStStephensChurch,9BrookfieldTerrace,10.30am12noon,cost$5pp.AllWelcome. ImproveStrength&Balance Steadyasyougo(saygo) Exerciseprogrammekeepsyoumobile.Friendlygroup. 2-3pmWednesdaysatStJohnsChurchHall,BurteaRoad. PhoneAngela5769847.
Ladies’Tennis EveryWednesdayatTaurangaLawnTennis Club.Comejoininladiestennisfrom9-11am.Newor seasonedplayersarewelcome MarchingForLeisure Anon-competitiveactivityfor matureladies.Fun,fitness,friendship.ForTaurangateams practicecontactBrendaPotter021704553. MulticulturalMorningTea JoinusforMorningTea everyWednesday,10amatTaurangaMulticulturalCentre, HistoricVillage.Meetnewpeople,enjoyconversationanda welcomingcommunityatmosphere. NewcomersCoffeeMeetupGroup NewtoTauranga? Comealongtomeetotherlike-mindedpeopleandmake newconnections.Formoreinformationemailenquiries@ trmc.co.nzorphone075716419 OmanuRebusClub Joinourmonthlymeeting9.30am atGolfRoadBridgeClub.Enjoymorningtea,guest speaker,rafflesotheractivitiesforOlderAdults.PhMargaret 0211705933
SeniorsFitnessGreenwoodPark Wednesdays9.15amfor funfitnesstomusic.Improvestrength&balance&gain moreconfidence.Opentopublicalso.Ph0223406219 TaurangaEmbroiderersGuild Wednesdays7-9pm. Everyonewelcome.Forvenueconfirmationpleasecontact
Linda0273690984ortaurangaembroiderersguild@gmail. com
TaurangaMidweekTrampingGroup OldWiresTrack andreturnfromMaratotoTrack.Beth.Mod.Jeanne 0272422755
TaurangaSouthgardenclub Meets1stWednesdayofthe monthat1pmatBaptistchurchcornerCameronRdand 13thAve.allwelcome.EnquiriesMargaret021017202184
Thursday9July
500CardClub MountCommunityHall.12.15pmFun andfriendlygroup.Allagesallwelcome.Afternoontea provided.Parkingavailable.Busstopnearby.Ph027658 6848
AdultSocialBallroom/LatinDance FreeIntroductory Ballroom/LatinDanceLessonEnquirenow!www.udance2. co.nzEmail:udance2@xtra.co.nzPhone0212303187
Coffee/ConversationGroup-Greerton AgeConcern TaurangaholdsafriendlyCoffeeandConversationGroup, GreertonSeniorCitizensHall,33MaitlandStreet,10.30am -12noon,cost$3pp.AllWelcome.
CreativeFibreTauranga Knitting,crochet,spinning, weaving,felting&dyeing.Mondays9:30am,&2nd&4th Thurs6:30pm.177ElizabethSt.Enjoylearningnewcrafts. Joan021323325
CroquetintheDomain TaurangaCroquetClubinvites newcomerstotrycroquetattheDomain.Friday,1PM-all welcome,noexperienceneeded.Info:02041120241 FairyFlexercisewithFitnessLeague Exercise,movement anddancefocusingonposture,strenghtening,stretching andflexibility,suitallagesandabilities,10amBaptist ChurchHall,13thAve.Pam0211177170
FreePublicAdvocacyService Needhelpcompleting aform?Accompanyyoutoanappointment?Talktoan agency?Comeseeus!EveryThursday,WelcomeBay CommunityCentre,1-2.30pm.
HealingRoomsPrayer 7-9pmEveryThursday.StPeters Church.CameronRdEntrance.ExperienceGod’sHealing, physical,emotional,spiritual.AllWelcome.Nocharge. facebook.com/TaurangaCentralHealingRooms0276401263
KeynotesWomen’sBarbershopChorus Lovetosing,start 2026onatunefulnote.Womenanyagewelcome,7pm WesleyHall,10013thAvenue.ContactBernice5764848, 0274424642.
Learntoplaybowls Freecoaching.Lotsoffun.Beginners mostwelcome.Meetnewpeople.Keepactive.Papamoa BowlsInc,GordonSprattReserve,Papamoa.Thursdays 10amto12pm.
MtMaunganuiCreativeFibre Thursdays9.30am12.30pmSt.Andrews PresbyterianChurch,DeeSt.Mt Maunganui.Spinning,knitting,weaving,felting,crochet etcallfibrecrafts.Veryfriendlygroup.
GivePetanqueago PlaysocialpetanqueatBayfairReserve, RussleyDr.12.45to2.30pm,TuesandThurs.Friendly club,allwelcome.Boulesavailable.Call0211580129for details.
SerenataSingers Thursdays10-11.30,MethodistChurch Hall,2OrouaStreet,TePuke.PhoneAnne0278503776 StarseedUFOclubtga Socialgroupforpeoplewhoare intoalternativerealitiesandufos.Stepoutoftheboxand intoacoffeemeetup.Monthlymeetings.PhDan022462 3316
TaurangaPhotographicSociety
Liketoimproveyourphotography?Wemet1standthird ThursdayofeachmonthFeb-Nov.Fulldetailsonwebsite www.taurangaphoto.nz
TePukeMahJong LyceumClubrooms8PalmerPl. 12.45-4.00pmConvenor0274306383
Women’sBookGroup Weareagroupofwomenwhoenjoy readingbooksandofcourseeachotherscompany,681st Avenue,1stThursdayeachmonthat1pm.PhJean021 821540
Women’sSingingGroup Weareagroupofwomenwho enjoysingingtogether.Learnersverywelcome.Thursdays 10am,681stAvenueTauranga.Ann0272803510
Friday10July
FreePublicAdvocacyService Needhelpcompleting aform?Accompanyyoutoanappointment?Talktoan agency?Comeseeus!EveryFridayatPāpāmoaLibrary 1-2:30pm.
Cards500&Rummikub SeniorCitizensClubatRSATe Puke1pm-4pm.Comeandhavesomefun.Afternoontea provided.Allwelcome.PhBrenda0272296992
PapamoaIndoorBowls Newmemberswelcomeatour friendlydaytimeindoorbowlsclub.PapamoaSports CentreGordonSprattPark.11.45amto3pm.Contact Neal0275445460.
RAeSBOPBranchmeeting Joinourorganisationfor monthlypresentationsonvariousaviationmatters.Classic FlyersMuseumfrom6pm,andsupperprovided. TaurangaPatchwork&Quilters Every2nd&4thFriday at10am.TaurangaArt&CraftCentre,177ElizabethSt. Contact:taurangaquilters@gmail.com
TePukeKnitNatter EveryFriday10amto12pmAt TePuke LibraryBringyourknittingorcrocheting.All welcome.Enquiriesto Moureen0225841636
Experienced Bigorsmalljobs
PH:Geoff0211488344 or075441205 geoff.triwest@gmail.com
Newworkorrepaints InteriorandExterior Residential/Commercial Freequotes.PhoneStewart
•Headboards•CustomIndoor&OutdoorSquabs •Upholstery,Restoration&Repairs
995CameronRoad,GatePa,Tauranga 075784110•info@theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz www.theupholsteryshoppe.co.nz
Weareaboutiquecompany,that’s whywedoafantasticjob! Wetakethestressoutof
021877262 info@yellowbrick.co.nz yellowbrick.co.nz
HighQualityWork
CostEffectiveSolutions
NewBuilds Renovations
Decks GibStopping Tiling Concreting
Plastering TinyHomes 30+Years Experience PHONEDANNY 0225152477
HeadstoneandMem al CertifiedFuneralDirectorwith3 experience,including24years LivedinTaurangafor53years.
IndependentMarriageCelebra u nt
MyPrivilegeToCareForYou
0221557204 mikes53@outlook.co www.mikesavagecelebrant.
FurtherInformation
TaurangaCityCouncilisnotifyingproposedprivatePlanChange40–Mount MaunganuiGolfClubIncorporatedtotheOperativeTaurangaCityPlanto rezoneapproximately4378m2oflandoftheexistingPassiveOpenSpace Zone,toMediumDensityResidentialZone,overthelandlocatedat11Fairway Avenue.
ProposedprivatePlanChange40totheTaurangaCityPlanmaybeinspected orobtainedduringofficehoursatthefollowinglocations:
•TaurangaCityCouncilwebsite:https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/council/ strategies-and-plans/tauranga-city-plan/proposed-plan-changes •MountMaunganuiLibrary,398MaunganuiRoad
Anyone,ortheirorganisation,maymakeasubmissionontheproposedprivate planchangebysendingawrittensubmissionnolaterthan5.00pmon3August 2026eitherviatheonlinesubmissionformonCouncil’swebsite,viaemailto PlanChange40@tauranga.govt.nzorviapostaddressedto:
HeadofCityPlanningandGrowth
TaurangaCityCouncil
FreepostAuthorityNumber370
PrivateBag12022
Tauranga3143
SubmissionsshouldbeintheformatofForm5oftheResourceManagement (Forms,FeesandProcedure)Regulations2003.Submissionformsareavailable fromtheCouncilwebsite,CustomerServiceCentre,andlibraries.
Followingtheclosingdateforsubmissions,publicnotificationwillbegiven oftheavailabilitytoviewasummaryofallsubmissionsandwhereboththe summaryandfullsubmissionscanbeinspected.Furthersubmissionsin supportof,orinoppositiontoanysubmissionreceivedwillthenbeabletobe made.
TheCouncilwillthenarrangethehearingofallsubmissionsreceivedandwill publiclynotifythedates,timesandplacesofthehearing.
TaurangaCityCouncil,21DevonportRoad PrivateBag12022,Tauranga,Telephone075777000 www.tauranga.govt.nz
Weareseekinga pianist/accompanist forourchoirin Katikati. Accompanistwillbe requiredtoattend weeklypracticesand plannedConcerts throughouttheyear.
PleaseContact: KarenSellers (Secretary) Ph:0211285684
ComputerServices
BusinessorResidential WindowsorAppleMac NewComputers/Laptops Repairs&Upgrades Phones&Mobiledevices Wi-FiandPrinters Wecometoyou!
(07)2621000Tauranga 927CameronRoad www.silverservice.co.nz
www.sunlive.co.nz ClickonFuneralNotices
Firewood FIREWOOD dry,seasoned hotmix.$100cube,no delivery.Phone0279125040
Gardening& Landscaping
A1HANDYMANSERVICES waterblasting,painting,gib repairs,sectiontidyups, fence&gaterepairs, carpentry,gardening. Affordablerates.PhPhil 0276554265.
Gardening& Landscaping
LANDSCAPE GARDENER
Experienced,efficient, knowledgeableand highlyqualified. Maintenance,pruning, hedges,shrubs,roses; disease/pestcontrol, lawns,treework, gardenrenovations; designandplant. PhBen0211331857 bellissimolandscapes@hotmail.com
Employment Vacancies
WANTEDRELIEFMILKERS &CALFREARERS
MaketuandPongakawaarea.House availabletotherightperson. Phone0274918450
HOUSEWASH
SoftwashwithKemwashforthebestexteriorclean &treatmentof: Algae,moss&lichenforyourhouse,roof, patios,paths&driveway. LocalService20yearsexperience CallDrewdirect0278664100
DesignedfortheQualityEuropeanandNorthAmericanMarkets
OurcompanyhasbeenoperatingvehiclegaragesinNewZealandforover20yearswithan averageannualturnoverofover4millionNZDollars.Wehavealargemobilityscooterworkshop withanextensiveandfullrangeofpartsandaccessories.
Weguaranteequalityservicewithqualifiedtechniciansavailableforyourpeaceofmind. AllNORDICmobilityscootersmeethighinternationalQualityandSafetystandards.
