Issuu

9 July 2026, Issue 1318

A niche nine-to-five

“I never really saw myself in such a unique job such as this,” Wylie told The Weekend Sun, as he nears two decades in his employment. Wylie’s nine-to-five job is working in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, which

involves regular rehearsals with the concert band made up of about 25 musicians who play a range of instruments, as well as overseas travel and welcoming heads of state to Aotearoa. In 2016 Wiley was the

New Zealand Defence Force’s drummer to commence the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli. Find out how he fell into this niche full-time role on page 10. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

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If you’re spending this long weekend reflecting on your employment, why not take a leaf out of Pāpāmoa man Philip Wiley’s song sheets. Do something you love – even if you can’t see yourself in such a job.

2024 • 2025 • 2026 NE W

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Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

405 Cameron Rd, Private Bag 12002, Tauranga Mail Centre, Tauranga 3143. Phone 07 578 0030 www.theweekendsun.co.nz ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area. For a full list of stand locations see https://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.html The Weekend Sun is part of NZME - New Zealand Media & Entertainment. We keep Kiwis in the know. Locally produced at 405 Cameron Rd, Tauranga

Editor: Merle Cave Editorial: Letitia Atkinson, Rosalie Liddle Crawford, Hunter Wells, Ayla Yeoman. Publications Manager: Kathy Sellars. Advertising: Cade Hughes, Jo Delicata, Sharon Eyres, Ben Simpson. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, Caitlin Burns.

The Weekend Sun is subject to NZ Media Council procedures. First, email your complaint to the Editor at: newsroom@thesun.co.nz If not satisfied or for more details, go to: mediacouncil.org.nz

What whales are gossiping about… The bunny is still underground. While he’s away, enjoy this column of his from May 2024.

thwapping. Whales thwap too, along with that chorus of other sounds mentioned… groan, snort, whistles, clicks etc. You see today we are all about whales and whale Grunts, groans, snorts, barks, clicks, speak. I’ve just watched Pommy comedian Josh whistles and thwaps. Widdicombe’s wee vid on how to whale Onomatopoeia – words that phonetically speak. Listen carefully and I will turn you represent the sound they describe: oink, into 40 metric tons of ‘thwapping’ sperm meow, roar. I love the word ‘thwap’ – the whale. sound of striking or slapping something Josh says you make whale talk by with a loud, heavy impact. Thwap! “moving air between your mouth and That’s what ram raiders need – a good lungs without letting any escape”. “Hold your nose, close your mouth and say ‘Oh’ three times.” There! Bet you are trying it. Sitting in the privacy of your own home, curtains drawn and mimicking 15 metres of blubber. Weirdos!

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Eavesdropping boffins

We are talking whale because some nosey scientists have been eavesdropping on 60 sperm whales around the Eastern Caribbean, listening into their most personal and private communications. How rude! Now, analysis of those recordings by The Dominica Sperm Whale Project has concluded whale speak is much more complex than previously thought. The sperm whale can combine and modulate different clicks and rhythms to create an informationcarrying ability similar to human language. And so the boffins have developed a whale phonetic alphabet, a separate symbol for every distinguishable sound they make. Okay – so what are the whales talking about... Little Moby: “What are we doing today Mum? Mum Whale: “(Yawn) The same as we’ve done every day for 20 million years – wallow around in the ocean, dodge some container ships, might even treat you to some Kentucky Fried Krill.” Little Moby: “I ate four tonnes of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans yesterday. Krill overkrill.” Mum Whale: “Don’t you mean overkill?”

Little Moby: “Let’s not quibble over sperm-antics Mum.” Apparently different species of whale speak different languages. Doesn’t surprise me because I don’t speak Swahili or Cantonese.

Free diving

Mum Whale: “We might even do some free diving.” Little Moby: “What’s that?” Mum Whale: “You take a deep breath, put a finger over your blowhole and dive 3000 metres straight down, for an hour. And if you see a submarine on the way down, flick them a bird, or a fluke, cos they can only do 1000 metres. Losers!” Little Moby: “I don’t think I am a sperm whale because that scares the w-hell out of me.” Mum Whale: “Or we could drop into Kaikōura, do a few breaches, moon the

research and being simmered, grilled, deep-fried or served raw, as sashimi, in a downtown Tokyo restaurant being the same thing.

Whale meat

Because whale meat has emerged from the culinary shadows and is socially acceptable again. Japan even has whale meat vending machines. Whale meat is lower in calories, and higher in protein, than chicken. Anyone for crispy buttermilk fried whale tonight? Apparently whale meat is dark and tastes gamey, like beef, but richer and not at all fishy. And every bit of the whale goes on the plate – jaw, stomach, tail, cheek and back…and the pièce de résistance, the penis. Which raises questions about preparation and presentation. Mum Whale: “In everyone’s best interests dear we eat 4 per cent of our body weight every day so the Japanese are protecting the marine food chain by controlling the whale population.”

Ambergris

whale watchers. I laugh so much my blubber jiggles.” Then the whale speak gets serious... Little Moby: “Mum, I think I must be a Minke, not a Sperm? Mum Whale: “How?” Little Moby: “Because there’s a bloke on a Japanese factory ship over there pointing a harpoon at me.” Mum Whale: “You’re not a target species. But if you do get shot it’s over quick. The grenade-tipped harpoon explodes on impact, expanding barbs and killing you instantly. All in the name of scientific research.” There are some things a little whale doesn’t need to know – like scientific

Little Moby: “Why do you have barnacles all over your face Mum?” Mum Whale: “Doesn’t matter dear. Men aren’t interested in that end.” Little Moby: “You probably need ambergris.” Mum Whale: “Did you say ham-burg-ers?” Little Moby: “No! Ambergris, am-bergris. Whenever food or bacteria gets lodged in my gullet or digestive system I barf up a big dollop of solid, waxy whale vomit. Humans love it – use it in the manufacture of perfumes and aphrodisiacs.” This stuff costs $40,000 a kilo – it’s the most valuable animal goop in the world. Mum Whale: “Now, can we talk birds and bees. You have got 20 years to reach sexual maturity, because then I’m off with the girls. I am matrilineal. And you do what a boy whale’s gotta do.”

The Weekend Sun

Thursday 9 July 2026

Warm feet, brighter futures res for Pāpāmoa students A new community partnership is helping ensure dozens of Pāpāmoa College students can head to school this winter with warm, dry feet. The Pāpāmoa Food Hub has joined forces with The Warehouse Pāpāmoa to launch the Winter Shoe Program, providing 50 pairs of new winter shoes to students identified by the school as needing extra support. The idea came from Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks, who said the initiative grew from a desire to address practical barriers facing local families. “If kids are not suitably dressed, it often highlights wider issues such as food insecurity or financial hardship,” Banks said.

Warm feet, less shame

He said the programme aligns with the Food Hub’s commitment to supporting local people with dignity and practical care. “It’s about warm feet, less shame and giving students the ability to learn without absenteeism.” Banks approached The Warehouse Pāpāmoa with the idea, and store manager Josh Nalder quickly came on board. “When we heard about students coming to school without proper winter shoes, we knew this was something we wanted to support,” Nalder said. “The Warehouse is part of this community, and we are proud to help make a positive difference for local kids and families. “Sometimes a practical item like a pair

of shoes can have a huge impact.” The pilot project, valued at about $2000, has been funded through The Warehouse’s local community support programme, which is partly supported by sales of its reusable $1 shopping bags. Pāpāmoa College principal Iva Ropati said the need is very real. “Some families are struggling to meet basic needs,” he said. “We are seeing more students taking advantage of our lunch and breakfast provisions. The colder months affect those students and consistently they come to school without school jackets or jumpers.”

Discretely

Ropati said shoes are distributed discreetly to protect students’ privacy and mana (pride). “We have positive relationships with parents and whanau so the gift of shoes can be offered without any embarrassment and much appreciated,” Ropati said. He believes proper footwear can have a significant impact on students’ confidence and school engagement. “All young people just want to be the same in terms of fitting in and being part of our community. Dressed in the correct uniform provides them with a stronger sense of confidence and belonging.” He said when young people feel good about themselves, they generally do well overall in all aspects of social and learning contexts. “Students thrive when they feel part of the team and are included. Their motivation to attend school regularly

The Warehouse Pāpāmoa store manager Josh Nalder, Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks and Pāpāmoa College principal Iva Ropati. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

is a positive outcome when they are appropriately dressed, especially during the colder months of the year.” The initiative also reflects the college’s wider focus on community connection. “We don’t want to work in isolation but aspire to work in partnership with our wider community as one big team,” Ropati said

Help to expand

Banks said Pāpāmoa’s strong community spirit made collaborations like this possible. “Pāpāmoa is a tight-knit community. This pilot has shown us that when we work together, we can respond quickly and make a genuine difference

where it is needed most.” The Pāpāmoa Food Hub supported almost 800 people during 2025 and hoped to increase that by 50 per cent this financial year, with plans to expand the Winter Shoe Program next year if further community support is available. “Our goal has always been to stand in the gap for local families in practical ways,” he said. “When children have what they need to feel warm, confident and included at school, the whole community benefits.” If you can support Pāpāmoa Food Hub with their efforts to expand the Winter Shoe Program next year, email: admin@ Rosalie Liddle Crawford papfoodhub.org.nz

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Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Intermediate welcom mes new principal Ōtūmoetai Intermediate’s new principal has big shoes to fill as he succeeds Henk Popping, who held the position for more than two decades. But Blake Carlin says he’s only a size 11.

Carlin stepped into the role eight weeks ago after Popping’s 26-year tenure. Popping retired at the end of term one this year, telling The Weekend Sun: “It just felt right”. Carlin, who had been principal of Pyes Pā School since 2017, said “it’s like being home” back in the intermediate system. He fondly remembered the friendships and camaraderie he found during his own time in intermediate. “Intermediate school was always my favourite time in education.” Carlin started his career as a teacher at Tauranga Intermediate in 2003, and worked his way up to deputy principal before leaving to become principal of Pyes Pā School in 2017. He said there was a plethora of opportunities at intermediate. “It’s a special time of your life. Students are starting to ask questions, to push boundaries; they’re developing their own personalities and character traits.”

Giving opportunity

He said Ōtūmoetai Intermediate’s good reputation and traditions drew him to the role. “It’s an opportunity to work with a larger cohort of students.” Carlin felt privileged to be following in Popping’s footsteps.

He said he wanted to continue meeting the Blake Carlin began his role as Ōtūmoetai students’ needs by “giving Intermediate’s new principal eight weeks ago. them the opportunity to Photo / Kelly O’Hara explore who they are and what they want to be like”. Carlin had been asked what he would change about the school, but he said: “It’s more about strengthening what fits”. “Ensuring we continue to fit the needs of the emerging adolescents at intermediate.” Carlin said the new curriculum presented exciting opportunities and challenges. The Government was overhauling NCEA and the New Zealand curriculum for Years 0-10.He said the He said “staying awesome” means school would look at nearby primaries continuing to be the best version of and Ōtūmoetai College next door, and yourself time and time again. consider how the intermediate could Carlin never thought he would become contribute to them. a principal – his dream was to be a Carlin said his education philosophy professional rugby player. revolved around the concepts of He pursued a teaching career alongside tūrangawaewae (a place to stand), rugby, and when opportunities arose, he followed them. belonging, and empowerment. Carlin completed a Master’s degree in “Creating a sense of belonging for Educational Leadership in 2016. students and empowering them to be Outside of work, Carlin said he was an their best version of themselves.” avid gardener and he also participated in a ‘Stay awesome’ fantasy surfing league. Carlin’s goal for students was that they He said past students still came up to “stay awesome”. him in the supermarket to greet him and “It’s not hard to be awesome, but it’s tell him what they were doing now. hard to stay awesome.” “It’s not always the ones who have gone

Tip of the iceberg?

on to do big things – you think about the ones you really made a difference for.”

Time

Carlin said advice that had stuck with him throughout his career was to “take every opportunity and give people time”. When Carlin moved into his new office, he hung his parting gift – a surfboard signed by staff members from Pyes Pā School - on the wall. Carlin’s picture was not yet on the wall alongside previous Ōtūmoetai Intermediate principals, however there was a spot for him next to Popping. Carlin said he needed to “earn the jersey”. Bijou Johnson

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 9 July 2026

The Daily Café closes for six-week makeover

The Daily Café manager Nina Vergnes. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

The Daily Café in Te Puke has closed its doors for six weeks while it undergoes a major renovation designed to strengthen its role as a café and a community food hub. Manager Nina Vergnes said the project is about much more than refurbishing the Commerce Lane café. “It’s not just about renovating the café. It’s about creating a space that will serve our community for another 10 years.” The café, run by The Daily Charitable Trust, is a social enterprise whose café and catering income helps fund programmes that make nutritious food more accessible across the Te Puke district. A key part of the renovation is converting the rear of the premises into a larger commercial kitchen with expanded chilled and frozen storage.

“We’re not losing any seating, but after 10 years we also needed to carry out maintenance and bring the building up to current compliance requirements.” The renovations would include improved toilet facilities and a more flexible dining area that can be used afterhours by community groups. Vergnes said Te Puke had few venues suitable for small to medium-sized meetings and events, so the space would be available, usually free of charge, for non-profit organisations. The renovation has been funded largely through savings from the trust’s former school lunch programme, along with a community fundraiser and support from local businesses, Vergnes said.

Rather than replacing equipment, the trust will reuse most of the commercial kitchen equipment it already owns, she said. The organisation has six permanent staff and is increasingly relying on volunteers to support its work. Vergnes said the project would not have happened without community backing. “A big thank you to our volunteers, local businesses and everyone who’s supported us. What we do, we do for the community – it’s about food and connection.” The Daily Café is expected to reopen in mid-August. The trust plans to celebrate the café’s 10th anniversary in October.

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The upgrade followed the closure of the trust’s separate commercial kitchen p on Jellicoe St late last year after it lost its school lunches contract. Although that operation ended, Vergnes said the need for a commercial kitchen did not. “We still need a place where we can prepare frozen meals for families, rescue surplus produce and process large quantities of food for distribution through the community.” The trust rescues fruit, buys staple ingredients and supplies food to local schools, making storage and food processing space essential. Bringing everything together under one roof would also eliminate the cost of operating two leased premises. New Show Home Coming in Spring 2026! While the kitchen is being significantly To discuss new builds or renovations contact Soren: enlarged, customers will notice few Mob: 021 208 4842 | Ph: 07 572 1865 changes to the café itself, Vergnes said.

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Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Communities to mark Matariki in many ways From hot chocolates to hāngī, storytelling to stargazing, markets to star trails and illuminated waterways and the launch of a new waka tētē, communities are invited to come together to celebrate as Matariki dawns across Western Bay and Tauranga.

Today, July 9, a dawn viewing was to take place outside Waihī Beach Coastguard building in Bowentown, with speakers from Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū ki Otawhiwhi Marae and Waihī Beach School students sharing insights and stories followed by kai. Simultaneously, a fireside Hautapu ceremony was to be held on Matakana Island at Te Uretureture from 5.30am, followed by a parakuihi ā-hāpori (community breakfast).

Katikati

Tomorrow, July 10, Katikati will host its fourth annual community Matariki dawn event from 6am at Te Whare o Rahi, Park Road Reserve, to honour Ururangi the whetū (star) representing the ‘winds of the sky’. A free hot chocolate, hāngī or fry bread burger breakfast will be offered afterwards. The free event will be hosted by Western Bay Museum in collaboration with Te Rereatukahia o Ngāi Tamawhariua. This year Ngāti Kurī, of Tapuika iwi, will lead festivities at Te Matai Pā in Maketū. Manuhiri (visitors) are invited to ‘Waka tētē ki Kaituna Awa’, at 7.30am on July 10, where a newly built

Ngairo Eruera points out stars with a green laser beam last Matariki in Katikati. Photo / Anna Menendez Photography

waka tētē will be launched at Ford Rd, acknowledging the deep relationship between Ngāti Kurī and Kaituna Awa. A pōhiri (welcome) and kai will follow at Te Matai Pā, recognising the waka tētē launch as a significant blessing and achievement for Ngāti Kurī. Te Kete Matariki - Te Puke, the annual Matariki event – a partnership with tāngata whenua and Te Puke hapori (community) – takes a break this year and will return 2027. In Tauranga families can explore the digital matARiki Sculpture Trail in Masonic Park, Wharf St and 59 The Strand in the CBD, and Porotakataka Park in Mount Maunganui until July 18. Presented by Te Tuhi Māreikura Trust and curated by Te Tauranga Toi, the trail is an innovative augmented reality

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exhibition celebrating the rising of Matariki. Scan QR codes to reveal and interact with each artwork in real time. Also in the city centre is another Matariki Star Trail, where people can learn more about the Matariki constellation by scanning QR codes at a range of locations. Find out more at: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz

Mount Maunganui

On tomorrow’s national public holiday, July 10, Matariki Maumaharatanga at Hopukiore, Mount Drury Reserve, invites the community to gather before dawn to reflect and connect, remember and honour loved ones, and to welcome the rising of the Matariki stars together. The Little Big Markets Matariki edition, presented in collaboration with

Te Puna Rangiriri Trust, is on from 9am-2pm July 10 at Coronation Park on Maunganui Rd. The event will feature a Star Dome Observatory, offering a 360-degree digital planetarium experience where attendees can explore the stars and stories of Matariki (registrations are required). Families can also take part in manu horewai (traditional kite) making workshops with master navigator Jack Thatcher. In Pāpāmoa, Light Up the Waterways returns for one night –July 10 – will transform local waterways into a magical winter display of light. To make the experience safer for everyone, entry is via free ticketed timeslots this year. Find more Matariki events at: www. matarikitetaurangaongawaka.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 9 July 2026

Winter magic at McLaren Falls Park Families looking for a low-cost way to keep children entertained this school holidays will find plenty to explore at McLaren Falls Park, where a new StoryWalk is bringing an award-finalist New Zealand picture book to life.

Author Kiri Lightfoot said she was “thrilled” to learn her bilingual picture book Te Ngahere i te Pō / The Forest at Night had been chosen for the interactive trail along the park’s popular Waterfall Track. “A StoryWalk brings my two favourite things together - reading and time in nature,” Lightfoot said. “It feels very special to have our book chosen for this walk and I knew I wanted to experience it.”

Hidden world

Inspired by a night walk through the Waitākere Ranges with a park ranger, the story explores the hidden world of New Zealand’s nocturnal forest creatures as

day turns to night. “He showed us all the nocturnal animals in the ngahere [forest] and how magical it was as the creatures of the day go to sleep, handing over to the creatures of the night – just as the sun hands over to the moon,” she said. “The fact the glowworms are there on the Waterfall Track makes it even more special.” Illustrated by Pippa Keel Situ, the book was a finalist in the 2026 New Zealand Booklovers Awards. Pages are displayed along the pram and wheelchair-friendly Waterfall Track, with interactive prompts and QR codes linking to an audio version. Tauranga City Council principal park ranger Beau Bennett said the book was chosen especially to celebrate the native flora and fauna at McLaren Falls Park, and for daytime visitors to learn about the magic of the forest as darkness falls. “McLaren Falls Park rangers love seeing families out enjoying new and different areas of the park during school holidays, and StoryWalk provides a great way to do

Families can enjoy a seasonal Winter Scavenger Hunt at McLaren Falls Park.

Author Kiri Lightfoot at one of the StoryWalk panels along the Waterfall Track at McLaren Falls Park. Photos / Kelly O’Hara

that,” Bennett said.

Several activities

The StoryWalk is one of several activities available as part of McLaren Falls Park’s ‘Choose Your Own Adventure Day – Winter Magic’ programme. Families can also enjoy a seasonal Winter Scavenger Hunt, discover the park’s walking tracks and waterfalls, or return after dark to see the sparkling titiwai (glowworms). “I love our forests here in Aotearoa and believe time in nature is so important for us – it’s good for our mental health, good for our bodies, and we also know the

importance of reading for our tamariki,” Lightfoot said. “How great to have it all in one place.” Located about 20 minutes from Tauranga, McLaren Falls Park is open daily. Go in the draw to win one of three signed copies of Te Ngahere i te Pō! Send an email to parks.projects@tauranga. govt.nz to say what you loved about the StoryWalk, or send a photo of you enjoying the StoryWalk. Winners will be drawn on July 20 at 12pm and notified via email. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Woodcrafters shape school science kits “It’s to make kids think,” Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild member Mike Buck, 87, said. “For a starter, they’re completely puzzled.”

That’s exactly the reaction House of Science hopes thousands of New Zealand children will have when they encounter one of 560 handcrafted wooden puzzles made by members of the Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild. The unique partnership between the two Tauranga charities will see the puzzles, known as Splinks, included in House of Science’s What Do You Think? (He aha ō whakaaro?) science kits, encouraging children to observe carefully, ask questions

and think critically like scientists. The collaboration follows House of Science securing a $39.9 million, fouryear Ministry of Education contract to supply hands-on science kits to every primary and intermediate school in New Zealand by mid-2027. House of Science production manager Anna Henson said the funding meant the charity had to swiftly increase production. “Our contract with the Ministry of Education has meant we’ve had to upscale rapidly and increase the number of kits we have. The things we’ve made ourselves in the past now require some outside help,” she said. “We are trying to find ways to keep

What’sYourPropertyWorth? Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild member Mike Buck. Photos / Kelly O’Hara

things local and also maintain the quality and love that has always gone into our kits. The Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild seemed like like-minded people who are passionate about their craft, so we reached out to them.” The partnership also had an unexpected connection, with one guild member having previously volunteered delivering House of Science kits. Buck has been instrumental in designing the specialised jigs that enable volunteers to produce the intricate wooden puzzles accurately and efficiently.

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Custom jigs

The retired woodworker said House of Science approached the guild after demand for the handcrafted puzzles outgrew previous production. “They decided to give us a call and see whether we could handle it.” He spent weeks developing custom jigs for every stage of the process, from cutting timber to identical lengths and routing precise points to drilling perfectly aligned holes. “The most critical part is making sure every single point is exactly the same,” he said. Early production wasn’t without challenges. “We had a little bit of a problem with alignment on the drills. Initially we turned some out and they weren’t very good at all, so I reconfigured the jigs. Now we feel we’re on the right path.”

Rachel Cole & Co

About six guild members can work simultaneously on different stages of production. During one five-hour session they completed about 170 Splinks, with the full order expected to take about five weeks working one day each week.

Hidden lesson

The deceptively simple-looking puzzle has a hidden lesson. Children are shown how a pointed wooden piece appears to spring back into place after being pulled from the block. The apparent mystery encourages them to work out the real explanation - there is no spring or elastic band, only the demonstrator’s thumb and finger creating the illusion. “It’s to make kids think,” Buck said. “They’re busy looking at you as you pull it out, not concentrating on the hand that’s actually making it work.” Henson said the Splink was one of many activities designed to foster scientific thinking. “It is designed to get students thinking like scientists to try and figure out how things work. There are many activities designed to get students observing, asking questions and thinking critically.” The 560 puzzles will be used in more than 2100 primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand as House of Science reaches full national coverage.

Tradition continues

For Buck, the project continued a long

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 9 July 2026

Become part of a life saving team

Above left: Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild president Paul Glenton and member Gavin Bell at work. Above right: House of Science production manager Anna Henson. Photo / Supplied

“It helps us run our club. We teach woodworking to people who want to learn, including quite a lot of ladies, and it’s about us older generation trying to pass on the skills we’ve developed over the years.”

Support local

Henson said the collaboration reflected House of Science’s commitment to supporting local organisations while improving learning outcomes for children. “We are a charity that was created to empower teachers and improve outcomes for children within our community.

Where we can, we want to keep things local and, if there is an opportunity to create a partnership that mutually benefits another local charity that is also doing good within our community, that aligns perfectly with what we are all about.” She said community support had been central to the organisation’s success. “Making science accessible to every child in New Zealand is at the heart of what we do, and that becomes much more achievable when communities work together.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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tradition of supporting children’s learning. Before Covid-19, the guild regularly hosted children who struggled in mainstream classrooms, pairing each child with a volunteer “woodwork granddad” for one-on-one mentoring while teaching practical woodworking skills. “The results were just phenomenal,” Buck said. “The attitudes and everything started to change tremendously.” While the guild is being paid for the House of Science work, Buck said the income would help sustain its community work.

For more info scan the QR code, call us on (07) 578 5579, or tauranga.support@coastguard.nz 72 Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point

Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Powering the Navy with pe percussion He’s been part of the New Zealand Navy for nearly two decades, but instead of being at the helm of ships, weaponry or defence strategy, he’s been armed with percussion and tempo. Pāpāmoa’s Philip Wiley doesn’t have your average nine-to-five job – he’s one of the talented Kiwi musicians who make up the Royal New Zealand Navy Band. Coming from a musical family with both parents playing in the Manukau Concert Band in Auckland, Wiley said he got into music at an early age. “I started piano lessons when I was about 6 or 7 years old in primary school which gave me a really good foundation and knowledge of music. Then later I moved into drum lessons and became a percussionist from that.” The 36-year-old said he was fresh out of high school when the opportunity arose to join the Royal New Zealand Navy Band, which travels around Aotearoa as well as overseas in its work. “I happened to do a concert where one of the Navy band members was also playing and she said, ‘Oh we’ve just had a percussionist leave and we’re going to audition soon, so come along!’” This chance encounter opened the door to his career in the Navy Band, which Wiley said is a concert band made up of about 25 musicians who play a range of instruments. “We play flute, clarinet, saxophones, French horns, euphonium, trumpets, trombones and tubas, as well

Pāpāmoa’s Philip Wiley has been a percussionist in the Royal New Zealand Navy Band for nearly two decades. Photo: Kelly O’hara.

as percussion instruments and we have a rhythm section, with keyboards and bass guitars,” said Wiley, who mainly plays the drums. “I never really saw myself in such a unique job such as this. I think a career in music was always on the cards for me, whichever avenue I chose – but until I had the opportunity to audition, I never really saw it much as an option.”

Ships, presidents

What he loves most about being in the band is the variety and value the role brings. “What we get to do is pretty awesome because we can go from standing on parade for a visiting Head of State to visiting a local school, pre-school or out to rest homes, or supporting ships that are coming home and being there to

entertain the families whose loved ones have been away for months.” The most recent Head of State that Wiley said the band welcomed at Government House in Auckland was the president of Palau – Surangel Whipps Jr. Playing official visitors’ national anthems with the Navy band is, Wiley said, “end of the arrow” within defence. “We’re the soft feathery end at the back that helps with the diplomacy and the soft conversations rather than the more attacking end [of the arrow].”

Lockdowns, distant shores

As part of the New Zealand Defence Force, members of the band are required to pass all aptitude, physical and medical testing that other defence personnel need to complete, Wiley said.

During New Zealand’s Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020 he was called upon to act as a co-ordinator in a managed isolation facility. “That was very different to our dayto-day in the band and was a cool opportunity to work in a multi-agency role and managing all the people returning to New Zealand to make sure all their needs were met.” Wiley said his unique job had also taken him to some extraordinary places offshore. “For anyone in a New Zealand military band the pinnacle is being able to travel to Turkey to perform at Anzac Day on the Gallipoli Peninsula and I’ve been lucky to do that twice so that’s pretty cool.” Moreover, in 2016 Wiley got to stand as the New Zealand Defence Force’s drummer to commence the Anzac Day commemorations in Gallipoli. “You’re the only sound that’s heard at the start of the service to drum them down. It’s pretty special.”

A tattoo

Looking further across the globe, Wiley said he hoped the band would get to play in Edinburgh, Scotland one day. “I know the band, as a whole, would like to get overseas to one of the big international military tattoos like in Edinburgh. The Edinburgh tattoo in Auckland this year was great!” *Do you have an unusual, quirky or novel nine-to-five job you’d like to share with readers? If so, email your contact details and a brief description of your employment to: merle.cave@nzme.co.nz

Georgia Minkhorst

Secret to keeping up with the grandkids

Murray watched Harper setting up her toy cash register on the lawn with neatly arranged plastic vegetables in rows. “Grandad, you’re the customer!” announced the 4-year-old. Without hesitation, Murray dropped to the grass, ready for another round of shops. Later, he’d realise he’d been up and down a dozen times without even thinking about it. At 56, Murray runs a successful business and maintains his property with pride. Between work, doing the jobs around the house, and keeping those hedges perfectly trimmed, he’s always on the move. But keeping up with his energetic grandkids, Harper and Archie, had started to challenge even this active grandad. “I’ve always been hands-on,” Murray explains. “But those little ones are nonstop. One minute you’re playing shops, next you’re a patient at their hospital, then you’re a jungle gym. It’s a workout!” The small business owner noticed he was starting to feel it, old rugby knees complaining, that twisted ankle acting up after a day of play. He wasn’t sidelined, but he wasn’t at his best either. When his son dropped him some Koru FX cream, Murray was skeptical but curious. “I thought, why not? If it helps, it’s worth a shot.” What impressed Murray was how natural it felt. No burning sensation or sticky residue - just an initial warmth that absorbed quickly.

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and sometimes after particularly active days or visits from the grandkids. “I tried it on a Friday night,” he recalls. “Saturday I was out doing the hedges. Sunday I got around to staining the deck. By Monday, I ordered my own tubes.” These days, Murray keeps Koru FX within easy reach: bedside table, office nook, and pantry. “With busy grandkids, you need to be ready for anything,” he laughs. “Yesterday I was a gorilla and a climbing frame – all before lunch. Today Harper announced I’m going to be a horse!” His take? “Don’t wait until you need it. Stay ahead of the game.” Ask for Koru FX at your local pharmacy.

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Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Matariki inspires trio of new exhibitions Three new exhibitions celebrating the themes of Matariki are on display at The Incubator Creative Hub, following their launch at a monthly Art Street Party.

The exhibitions at Tauranga’s Historic Village bring together artists ranging from emerging students to experienced practitioners, exploring themes of remembrance, renewal, identity and connection through a diverse range of creative works. Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson said Matariki provides the perfect opportunity to bring people together through creativity. “Matariki is a time to reflect, celebrate new beginnings and connect with one another. These exhibitions capture that spirit beautifully, bringing together artists at different stages of their creative journeys and sharing stories that connect our past, present and future.” In The People’s Gallery Toi Ka Rere, Ngā Hihi o Matariki features work by students from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa studying Toi Paematua Toi Ataata. “The exhibition showcases creative exploration through toi Māori and contemporary practice, with works inspired by the themes of Matariki, including remembrance, resilience, renewal and aspiration,” Anderson said.

The Pot House Gallery is hosting Cera’muka, a collection of handsculpted ceramics by Hayley Smith. The exhibition combines ceramic works with muka extracted from harakeke, creating traditional Māori-inspired adornments that celebrate the Matariki season. “This is Hayley Smith’s first solo exhibition, and the works are glazed and fired using our community kilns, encompassing many years of the sharing of Hayley’s knowledge to deliver this body of work,” Anderson said. The Incubator Gallery is presenting

Northern Health School pupil Harry Ward, age 7, with artwork created for the exhibition at The Incubator Gallery.

Te Waka o Rangi: Stories Written in the Stars, a collaborative exhibition by students from Northern Health School. “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Northern Health School as our feature exhibition in the Incubator

Incubator Creative Hub director Simone Anderson with one of the artworks on display. Photos / Kelly O’Hara

Gallery this Matariki,” Anderson said. “Their beautiful display explores Te Waka o Rangi and the many layers of meaning held within Matariki – stars, stories and remembrance – brought to life through harakeke whetū and a striking manu tukutuku created by

ākonga.” Anderson said the exhibition also explores What’s in a Name?, where curiosity about the local street names Harata Way and Hoariri Way led

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pupils to research local history. This included the story of Harata of Ngāi Tamarāwaho and the Battle of Pukehinahina (Gate Pā), with knowledge shared by Ngāi Tamarāwaho kaumātua Tamati Tata. She said the exhibitions highlight the important role creativity plays in building confidence and strengthening community. “Every person who walks through the door helps an artist take that next step, build confidence and feel seen.” The exhibitions are open 10am-3pm daily until July 25. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The Weekend Sun

y 9 July 2026 Thursday

Two merger proposals for the Western Bay

The proposed sub-regional unitary authority.

Alll Bay of Plentyy councils becoming one, or Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty pairing up and adding regional council functions. These are the two amalgamation options the Western Bay of Plenty District Council has decided to pursue. The consensus from councillors in Tuesday’s meeting was that the Government’s local government reform push meant the council continuing in its current form was not a viable option. Local Government Minister Simon Watts and RMA Reform and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop are leading the Simplifying Local Government programme, which aims to create fewer, larger councils. In May, they gave councils two options: the voluntary “head start” pathway or the compulsory “backstop” process. The head start pathway allowed councils to propose reorganisation plans. The Government encouraged these to be unitary authorities, with regional council and territorial authority functions. Otherwise, the fate of councils rested with compulsory Government-led reforms through the backstop process. Regional councillors would be disestablished at the 2028 local elections. More than 2000 pieces of feedback were received from 262 submitters. The most popular scenarios, each receiving 27% support, were a sub-regional unitary authority and a Western Bay unitary authority.

Two options

A sub-regional unitary authority would see councils from the Western Bay, and Tauranga, combine, and take on Bay of Plenty Regional Council functions. A Western Bay unitary authority would see the Western Bay council survive but increase its scope to include regional council functions. The community expressed concerns about taking on debt from other councils, retaining a strong local voice, and fair treatment of rural and urban communities. A majority voted to proceed on the head start pathway and develop proposals for two mergers.

The councils in the proposed regional unitary authority.

As well as a sub-regional authorityy, the councill woulld expllore forming a regionall unitary authority including all councils in the BOP. The latter had 19.6% public support in consultation. Proposals would be developed for a Bay of Plenty-wide regional unitary authority and a sub-regional unitary authority. The benefits of a Bay of Plenty-wide merger, as identified by council staff, were more efficient planning, a new planning system, and a simplified local governance arrangement. These benefits were also identified for the sub-regional option, alongside alignment with SmartGrowth and alignment with boundaries used for the shared Tauranga/Western Bay water organisation and regional deal. SmartGrowth and the Western Bay regional deal are growth partnerships between councils. The council decided against other merger options, with Mayor James Denyer describing some as “non-starters”. These included merging district councils, splitting the Western Bay council, the Western Bay council surviving, or waiting for the compulsory reforms.

Tauranga City Council

Tauranga City Council agreed last week to work on a unitary authority proposal with some or all Bay of Plenty councils and willing adjoining district councils from other regions. Head start outline proposals were due by August 9. Cabinet would assess these and advise councils on the outcome in September. Final proposals for those chosen to progress were due March 2027, with subsequent decisions expected in May. If proposals were declined or a council opted for the backstop pathway, this process would begin after the 2028 local elections.

Images / Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Nacho is your guy!

Nacho has been having the time of his life with one of our wonderful SPCA fosterr carers, and he’s stolen a few hearts along the way. This 2-monthold male pup absolutely loves other dogs and is always ready to make a new playmate. His favorite toy? A rope! His favorite game? A good old-fashioned tug-of-war. If you’re looking for a pup that will keep you smiling, Nacho is your guy.

He’s a clever cookie too – he’s alreadyy learnt that toileting is foor outside and shoes are not chew toys. He’s eager to learn and is taking everything in his stride. When the adventures are over, Nacho switches to cuddle mode – he’s happiest when he’s close to his people. Meet Nacho today! Phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 5780245. Ref: 669747

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What’s next for buses? Help shape public transport in the Bay.

The draft Regional Public Transport Plan 2026–2036 is open for consultation. Share your feedback by 6 August participate.boprc.govt.nz/rptp-2026 or call 0800 884 880

Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Tauranga students head to Africa for debating world finals When the world’s best young debaters gather in Kenya this July, two students from Tauranga will be among those representing New Zealand.

Tauranga Girls’ College student Pearl Vahey-Bourne, 17, and Tauranga Boys’ College head boy Oliver Larsen, 17, have been selected for the national team. The selection follows their success at the New Zealand Schools’ Debating Championships in Wellington last month. Larsen will captain the side at the World Schools Debating Championships, while Pearl joins him in a squad made up of New Zealand’s top five secondary school debaters. Held in Nairobi from July 14-24, the world championship attracts more than 700 competitors, coaches and judges from more than 80 countries each year. Vahey-Bourne said being selected to represent New Zealand was “hard to comprehend”. She first competed in Year 11 after joining her school’s team as a last-minute third member and said the experience inspired her to pursue debating more seriously. “I’m still pretty new to debating in some ways, so I was pretty shocked to be selected. I didn’t expect it at all.”

Top four

The Bay of Plenty team was one of the standout performers at the national championships, making the top four. Their run came to an end in the semifinals, where they debated whether mineral-rich African states should form a collective bargaining cartel for

critical minerals. Vahey-Bourne said the team remained undefeated through the preliminary rounds but was disappointed to fall short before the championship final. “Especially to have beaten Otago twice already, but they’re such an amazing team and went on to win it.” Vahey-Bourne said she used to be “really shy”, but debating had helped build her confidence in public speaking. “I’m a third speaker, so I speak last, and it’s mainly responsive, so I find that being able to think on my feet is pretty good.” As she prepared for Kenya, VaheyBournesaid she was most looking forward to experiencing a large-scale international competition and, above all, immersing herself in African culture. “I’m most nervous about the actual debating. Having to get up and talk in front of all these people who are obviously so talented, it’s terrifying.” Tauranga Boys’ College head boy Oliver Larsen was selected as captain of the New Zealand team. He has represented the Bay of Plenty for the past three years and was named as a reserve for the national team last year. “Getting selected for the team was a goal of mine this year and taking that extra step of getting captain was pretty surreal.” He said in the last couple of years, leadership had been his biggest strength. “I’ve always been the second speaker, so I help our first speaker build their case and establish what we’re going to say.” When asked what he loved most about debating, Larsen said the “arguing part was fun” but also the challenge of how to approach a topic. He said teams often only have an hour to come up with a case to compete against

Tauranga Girls’ College student Pearl Vahey-Bourne and Tauranga Boys’ College head boy Oliver Larsen will go to the World Schools Debating Championships. Photos / Supplied some of the “smartest kids” in New represent New Zealand. “He gets to lead Zealand - and now the world. the team and travel the world, I mean, “I like being analytical. I find that it’s that’s got to be the ultimate story for any probably the most enjoyable part when young person, that if you work hard, you come up with a cool idea or a good doors will open for you.” response, so it’s just breaking it down Turner said he hoped the experience and staying rational.” would help the students grow and challenge themselves in a field they were Cultures and backgrounds passionate about. Larsen said that, as he headed to Kenya, “I just think being able to get there, he was most looking forward to meeting compete, test themselves, meet other people from different cultures and young people their age, is going to be backgrounds who shared his interests. exciting for them.” “After debating for a while, you get familiar with topics, so it’ll be cool now to The 2026 NZ Schools Debating Team: understand the wider world perspectives.” Oliver Larsen (Bay of Plenty), Emily Roy (Otago), Cerisa Gu (Auckland), Pearl Tauranga Boys’ College principal Vahey-Bourne (Bay of Plenty), Andrew Turner said the school was and Michael Cash (Wellington). “really proud” of Larsen for pursuing Kaitlyn Morrell his passion and earning the chance to

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Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

From BOP to the Black Sea: For most people, a cycling holiday might involve a few scenic trails, and a leisurely café stop.

child we’d cycle parts of the river,” she said. “I was always wondering what was beyond where we’d stopped. When the opportunity came up to do the whole For Bay of Plenty conservationists Anna journey we thought, ‘what better way to connect with the river than combining it Wentsch and Callum Armstrong, it means pedalling nearly twice the length of with our passion for conservation?’” Armstrong, 33, admits he New Zealand through some of Europe’s enthusiastically agreed before realising most diverse landscapes – all in pursuit quite what he’d signed up for. of one goal: finding new ways to inspire “When Anna said she wanted to cycle people to care for nature. the entire Danube, I said, ‘Absolutely The pair, founders of the Bay of Plentybased Conservation Amplified Charitable – let’s do it’. Then I researched it and realised it’s about 2850 kilometres Trust, set off on June 18 to cycle the full almost twice the 2850-kilometre length of New length of the Zealand.” Danube River, The couple are travelling from travelling through its source in up to 10 countries, Donaueschingen, averaging between Germany, to the 60km and 90km Danube Delta on daily while coping Romania’s Black with Europe’s Sea coast. summer heatwave. The 10-week “We’ve learned journey is far more to get up before than an endurance Callum Armstrong and Anna Wentsch’s sunrise,” Wentsch challenge. Along bikes at the Passau Donau-Inn Confluence. said. “That gives us the way they are the cooler part of the day for riding.” documenting conservation projects, One early highlight was spotting a meeting scientists and local communities, European beaver in Germany — a species and asking what New Zealand can once hunted to near extinction but learn from one of the world’s most now returning to parts of the river after international rivers. decades of protection. “It was really special,” Wentsch said. Childhood dream “Where we saw it is one of the areas For Wentsch, 32, the expedition is the they’ve naturally recolonised.” fulfilment of a childhood dream. The beavers’ comeback also illustrates “I grew up near the Danube and as a

Callum Armstrong and Anna Wentsch on the first day of their Danube River cycle. Photos / Conservation Amplified

one of the Danube’s biggest conservation challenges. Much of the river has been modified with dams and channels for hydroelectric power and shipping, disrupting fish migration and floodplain ecosystems. One of the first experts they interviewed had spent two decades restoring fish passage around dams by creating bypass channels and reconnecting floodplains.

New perspective

The experience had already given Armstrong a new perspective on NZ’s own environmental decisions. “In Germany there are hydroelectric dams every 15km in some sections,” he said. “They’re now working with what they’ve already got and trying to recover what they’ve already lost. “In New Zealand we’re looking at building

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The Weekend Sun

Thursday 9 July 2026

Duo cycle the Danube River The Danube Spring, regarded as the symbolic start of the Danube River.

more hydroelectric power stations. We need electricity - that’s a fact but we also need to look overseas to understand the ecological consequences and learn from places that have already been through it.” Armstrong said seeing Europe’s long history of development had highlighted the challenge of balancing conservation with industry, housing and economic growth. “It’s opened my mind to the diplomacy involved when so many different interests are at play. Nature has to have a place alongside everything else.” The expedition will eventually take the pair to the internationally significant Danube Delta, where they plan to document largescale wetland restoration, the return of ecosystem-shaping herbivores and efforts to reconnect waterways for migrating fish. If circumstances allow, they also

hope to explore conservation work linked to neighbouring Ukraine. “What really blows my mind is that despite everything happening because of the war, conservation efforts are continuing,” Armstrong said. “There’s an incredible story of resilience and hope there that we want to share.”

New doco

The entire expedition is being filmed as a three-part documentary series covering the Danube from source to sea, restoration of the delta, and conservation work continuing despite the challenges created by the war in Ukraine. The couple launched Conservation Amplified in August 2024 after visiting New Zealand’s subantarctic islands through the True Young Explorer Scholarship programme. “We realised there’s so much

beauty on our doorstep, but most people aren’t aware of what’s happening or how they can help,” Armstrong, said. “One of the biggest constraints to getting more action for nature is simply people knowing these projects exist.” The charity aims to reach new audiences through storytelling, podcasts, films and social media. “We’re on a mission to make conservation mainstream,” Armstrong said. “Too often conservation talks to itself. We want to get people outside that bubble interested.” Back home, they hope their journey encourages Bay of Plenty residents to discover local conservation groups restoring rivers, protecting wetlands or caring for native wildlife. “I think we often frame conservation as ‘nature’s broken and we need to fix it’,” Armstrong said. “There’s truth in that, but it’s also about finding community. Helping nature gives people friendship, connection, exercise and purpose. It’s something everyone can be part of.” As their wheels continue turning east towards the Black Sea, Wentsch said the biggest lessons are still to come. “We’re only at the beginning. There’s so much more to discover.”

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and social media, where the pair are sharing regular updates from the road.

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Spaces available on tours in 2027

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Order your FREE GUIDE Call 0800 45 45 49 or visit tritonhearing.co.nz

Readers can follow the expedition through Conservation Amplified’s website, YouTube channel

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For more information please contact NZ Adventures Please phone 03 218 8569 Mobile 027 550 6727 or 027 4354 267 Email: info@nzadventures.co.nz

Or visit our website www.nzadventures.co.nz

Look forward to hearing from you

Thursday 9 July 2026

The Weekend Sun

Reconnecting Reconnecting Nathan Bjerring and Nathan Gibson with the winning Manuka Smoked Sliced Ham. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Silver success for Waihī Beach Butchery Waihī Beach Butchery has earned national recognition, taking home a silver medal at the 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards for its Manuka Smoked Sliced Ham.

For owners Nathan and Heidi Bjerring and their team, it was their first time entering the competition, making the achievement even more special. “We couldn’t believe it,” Bjerring said. The four-person team travelled to the awards night at Auckland's Viaduct last week, knowing they’d secured a medal but it wasn’t until winners were announced that they discovered it was silver in the Sliced Ham category. Bjerring said the award reflects the quality of the product they had worked hard to perfect. “The secret is a good smoked flavour using mānuka wood,” he said. “We also use good quality New Zealand pork, which makes a big difference.” Bjerring has worked as a butcher at Waihī Beach Butchery since 2011 and, together with his wife Heidi, has owned the business for six years. In 2022, they won the Retail Business of the Year in the Katikati and Waihī Beach Community

Business Awards. Although Bjerring had seen a previous employer enjoy success in national competitions, this is his first award he had entered himself. The recognition had been warmly received by customers. “They’re stoked that they’ve got a quality butcher shop in the village,” Bjerring said. “They love our product; they love the quality.” The 100% New Zealand Bacon and Ham Awards attracted 233 entries from butcheries and retailers nationwide. Products were judged across eight categories during three days by a panel of experienced butchers and culinary experts. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to products made using 100% New Zealand-born and raised pork. Technical judge Todd Treadwell said 2026’s winners demonstrated the balance, flavour and craftsmanship the judges were looking for, highlighting the high standard of New Zealand bacon and ham products. While his team hadn’t had time to celebrate since the awards night, Bjerring said they remained focused on what they do best. “We’re always selling top-quality products with good, friendly Rosalie Liddle Crawford service,” he said.

Winning awards is something we’re proud of, but the real achievement is the hard work, dedication, and passion that our team brings every single day. From preparing quality cuts and crafting premium smallgoods to serving our customers with a smile, every member of our butchery plays a part in what we do. To our loyal customers, thank you for your continued support and trust. Choosing to shop local means everything to us, and we’re committed to delivering the quality and service you’ve come to expect.

Jemma Ostenfeld is a seed saver. Photos / Kelly O’Hara and Marty Robinson, who own No toilet, no running water, Valley Farm, Ostenfeld no phone service and shoddy Redwood said she had about one quarter acre electricity. It’s the “feral of land to tend to her nursery and garden known as ‘The Eastern Field’ dirtbag” life to power her – a direct translation of her Danish passion for seed saving and she surname. Ostenfeld had shifted her seed wouldn’t have it any other way. saving project, established in 2022, Jemma Ostenfeld describes herself from Rotorua to Whakatāne, and now as a “certain kind of crazy” living in has set roots down in Paengaroa. a paddock at a Paengaroa farm to “Essentially…I grow plants for their grow heritage seeds, foster local food seeds, harvest a bunch of seeds and security and connect with the land then use them to turn into seedlings for home gardeners,” Ostenfeld said. and community. Thanks to Chrissi

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with the land, one seed at a time

“The idea behind that is making heritage seeds more available to people, and then the deeper idea behind that is bridging the gap for people to connect back to the land.” So, what are ‘heritage seeds’ and why save them? “Technically [they’re] traditional varieties of seeds that are over 50 to100 years old,” Ostenfeld said. “They’re varieties that haven’t been interfered with in our industrial system, so these seeds essentially retain their original properties from way back from our ancestors. “They [are known to] retain higher nutrients, the taste is amazing; there’s better pest and disease resistance because they’ve adapted to the climate they’re grown in,” she said.

Beauty to tree-hugging

Ostenfeld hasn’t always been in the hands-on seed-saving world, however. “I’m from the Gold Coast, Australia. It’s the complete opposite, which is why I think I like New Zealand so much.” “I was a beauty therapist, which included make-up. You know, true Gold Coast vibes!” Leaving to live in Melbourne, Ostenfeld said it was here she had her first experience in an organic garden and taste of the growing community. By the age of 21 she was headed for Canada to plant trees. “That’s when I became a feral dirtbag.” “You live in the bush, you’re camping for three months, there’s bears around you…I think that’s what actually kickstarted the rugged lifestyle.” Living between Canada and Australia for six years, Ostenfeld was 27 when she came to Aotearoa. She travelled around or a

Jemma Ostenfeld is living on a quarter acre of land in Paengaroa, where she runs her seed saving project.

few years volunteering for Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) hosts, interning and working to gain hands-on seed saving and growing experience. “That’s when I got my passion of: ‘Oh this is what speaks to me’.”

‘Worth it’

Now aged 34, Ostenfeld’s life had been centred around her green house, nursery and garden of The Eastern Field for the past four years. “I am a solo worker, I have no money, I have no formal experience, I have no home and no land [ownership].” The reality of this for Ostenfeld? Rustic living to say the least! “I live in my tiny little off grid caravan. “I’ve got a really crappy solar set up. So, I’ve got a little bit of electricity. I’ve got lights and a fridge that kind of works.” She doesn’t have running water in her living set up or even a loo. “I have to walk really far to get to the toilet. It’s a hard life but it’s so worth it.” Yet Ostenfeld says a rugged lifestyle has its upsides. “It’s been really nice not having much phone reception because it means I spend more time connected with nature and the land.” She says the grower lifestyle is “unpredictable” being at the hands of the environment, with much of her income relying on sales at Tauranga Farmers Market which is also weather dependent. “It’s a risky business but I think it comes back to that driving force that pushes you forward…the passion is so strong and the intention behind it is so good that it’s like: ‘How could you not do it?’”

Seeing how Ostenfeld thrives chasing her passion has seemed to soften her mother’s concerns, however. “She’s come to visit [from Australia] and come to the Tauranga Farmer’s Market before and seen me interact with people and how people respond to it. She understands it a little bit better now and is very supportive of that.” Ostenfeld often spends the whole day at the market chatting, educating and sharing her love of seed saving with others. “I’m mainly just trying to give people the confidence to go in and experiment in their space and find a way that works for them.”

She hopes to get more people growing with her new ‘Rooted & Rising’ seedling boxes, a monthly heritage seedling subscription from The Eastern Field. “My future desires are pretty simple. It’s just being content working with the land, creating a really strong connection to the land that I’m working on, and then being able to show that to other people to hopefully inspire them. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help and generosity from so many people in such little ways. I feel like I’m living a dream.” Keep up with The Eastern Field at: https:/theeasternfield.com Georgia Minkhorst

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The rise of the tribute show I’ve been thinking recently about tribute shows.

Across No. 1992 1. Container (4) 5. Exclude (4) 7. Previous All Black 6. Egotist (9) captain (45) 12. Vegetable (9) 8. Woodwind instrum-13. Couch (4) ent (4)15. Mountain parrots (4) 9. Fish (4) 17. Prodigy (6) 10. Domesticated (4) 18. Discount (6) 11. Carps (4) 20. Perfect (5) 14. Lizard (5,5) 21. Broken (5) 16. River (SI) (10) 23 Sad (inf) (4) 19. Ill (4) C H N F E L T E I S A G H C A B I N E T M A K E R M 22. Smear (4) S R U R E G L E M Y T I S 24. Apprehends (4) K A I M A I G N Y L O N S E S D E D B G D X I M P T 25. Vehicle (4) U S U A L L Y T A G R E E 26. Native bird (9) Y E L B O E G P O H A P O 27. Level (4) I D I O T I K A I T A I A A T T R I H G N T R I S K Down C H A T T Y G C O MM O N 1. Colour (5) Z A P I E M I A I A O D K 2. Incorrect (5) A K E V I N S K I N N E R F A T E E S E E O A T S R 3. Native tree (6) 4. Flightless bird (6) Solution 1991

It stuck with me after writing somewhat disapprovingly two weeks back about ‘Jazz Room’ concerts happening in Tauranga throughout this year. They are tribute shows of New Orleans jazz and Marvin Gaye soul. Aside from providing good money for musicians, the whole thing seems a very impersonal business model with music simply a convenient product. And maybe that’s all it is. As I said then, I hang out with musicians a lot so it’s possible I don’t have the clearest view of the world. But call me a hopeless romantic or musical snob, I don’t care – I expect more from music than just being a convenient product. So, tribute shows ... I don’t even really know how to define tribute shows. Is any concert of songs by a specific artist, by definition, a tribute show? Or do you have to dress up and pretend to sing and act like them?

Helluva lot

One thing I know: there are a helluva lot of them. At Totara Street on August 1 there’s Woodstocked, a ‘Live Rock Tribute Fest’ featuring a set each of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Weezer, and Pearl Jam. Meanwhile, Baycourt is already advertising Leonard Cohen, The Beatles, Credence, The Bee Gees, The Traveling Wilburys, and Fleetwood Mac, with November 22 offering a remarkable double bill: Taylor Swift at 2pm then Neil Diamond at 7pm. Everyone has their opinion of tribute shows, whatever the exact

definition. Personally, I have no interest in the pretend dress-up approach. I don’t want someone imitating someone else. But I’m all for a concert where someone’s music is interpreted and presented by someone else. Shows like Caitriona Fallon. Photo / Brydie Thompson that can even be revelatory. tribute concerts featuring Band Still, there are contradictions. I legend Garth Hudson. know musicians in Beatles shows Dennison confirms the show’s who are some of the most dedicated ambition: “Most singers would run players I’ve met, obsessed with screaming in the other direction if exactly the right tone and look. Fine, they were asked to perform a night it’s a Beatles show. Similarly, Pink of Adele songs. They’re notoriously Floyd Experience’s The Wall tour. If I demanding, both emotionally and went, would I want a wall? Hell yeah! physically”. He’s been “blown away There’s a local show at Baycourt on with Caitriona’s amazing voice and August 8, which seems to be doing her generous, warm stage presence”. all the right things: Caitriona Fallon “To do Adele’s music justice, is leading a 10-piece band for Rolling we needed more instruments and in The Deep – Songs of Adele. vocalists,” Dennison said. “Luckily, there’s many talented musicians in The ambition the BOP, so we’ve included two local Fallon is about as good a singer singers, a string section and Ben as I know in Tauranga, which you Wilcock from Rotorua on piano.” need to be for songs with the range of Adele’s. She’s assembled a crack Hear Winston’s band under the musical direction Latest Playlist of arranger and sax player Mark Scan the QR code, or visit: Dennison, whose boundless CV www.tinyurl.com/2zmrbfvy includes the Auckland Last Waltz

Beer group to pour city’s first craft beer fest A new craft beer festival celebrating the Bay Organised by local craft beer community of Plenty’s independent brewing scene is set group Tauranga Taps, the event aims to showcase the quality and diversity of beers to debut in Tauranga this August. being produced across the region while

supporting local businesses and encouraging The inaugural Tauranga Taps Beer Festival will community connections. be held at the Cargo Shed on Saturday, August 8, bringing together seven local breweries and cideries for Tauranga Taps was founded by local an afternoon of beer tasting, food and entertainment. beer enthusiasts Kevin Downie and Brian Jarreau and has grown into one of the Bay’s most active beer groups. The organisation regularly hosts brewery visits, tasting events MEDIUM No.2346 and organised tours throughout the Bay of 3 2 4 Plenty and Waikato. “We wanted to create an event that 6 4 9 1 celebrates the fantastic breweries we have right here in our own backyard,” Downie 1 2 said. “This festival is about bringing people together, supporting local businesses and 3 1 4 8 showcasing the quality of craft beer being produced in the Bay of Plenty.” 5 3 Attendance will be capped at 250 people, 8 1 7 5 allowing festivalgoers the opportunity to meet brewers, learn about the brewing 1 3 process and sample a wide range of locally crafted beers. Guests will receive a 6 8 4 5 commemorative tasting glass and be able to try everything from hoppy IPAs and crisp 6 7 5 lagers to rich stouts and specialty brews. Solution No.2345 How to solve Organisers hope the event will attract 4 2 1 9 5 6 3 8 7 visitors from across the Bay of Plenty, 8 9 5 4 3 7 2 1 6 Sudoku! 7 6 3 8 2 1 5 9 4 Waikato and Auckland and become an 1 5 8 7 9 3 6 4 2 annual celebration of the region’s thriving 9 3 7 6 4 2 1 5 8 Fill the grid so that craft beer culture. 2 1 6 4 8 5 9 7 3 every row and every For tickets and more information, visit 3 9 2 5 8 4 6 7 1 3x3 square contains 3 7 9 2 1 4 .8 6 5 Tauranga Taps on Facebook or Instagram or the digits 1 to 9 2 1 6 5 7 8 4 3 9 email taurangataps@gmail.com

SUDOKU

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Thursday 9 July 2026

Taurangga SeniorNet Dragon boat dash at waterfront to host open day The Splash n Dash Dragon Boat Festival returns to The Strand Waterfront on Saturday, July 18, from 9am-2pm, promising an exciting day of fast-paced racing and family-friendly entertainment.

SeniorNet is hosting a free frr open day on July 16 at its new space at Wesley Methodist Church.

Tauranga residents wanting help with digital technology are invited to attend a free open day as SeniorNet marks a move to a new venue. Tauranga SeniorNet Club Inc. will host its open day on Thursday, July 16, from 10am to 2pm at the Spencer Pascoe Room at Wesley Methodist Church on Thirteenth Avenue. The event aims to support people who lack confidence using phones, tablets, or computers, and to help them stay connected with everyday services such as banking, healthcare, and government agencies.

Set against the stunning waterfront backdrop, the festival will welcome dragon boat teams from across the North Island as they compete in a thrilling display of teamwork, skill and determination. Spectators can enjoy excellent viewing from the waterfront while soaking up the lively atmosphere that makes this event a favourite on the local calendar. Whether you’re cheering on friends and family, discovering dragon boating for the first time, or simply looking for a great day SeniorNet has been operating in Tauranga since 1997, providing technology coaching for adults aged 40 to 90. The organisation relies on volunteer tutors who guide learners through digital skills at their own pace. At its new venue, the group offers pre-booked, one-on-one coaching sessions tailored to individual devices and experience levels. Visitors to the open day will be able to meet volunteers, explore the new space, and learn more about the support available. Further information is available on the group’s website.

Gain confidence with technology Come to Tauranga SeniorNet

The Splash n Dash Dragon Boat Festival will be held on The Strand Waterfront on July 18. Photo / Supplied out, there’s plenty of excitement to enjoy. With close racing, colourful boats and a vibrant community spirit, the Splash n Dash Dragon Boat Festival is a family event. Find out more at: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz

Churches Active In Our Community

From the teachings of Jesus Tom Holland is an interesting author. He is a Greco-Roman scholar who has written widely. His book on Islam, In the Shadow of the Sword, questioned its historicity – he then begun his research a book to expose Christianity called Dominion. He expected to find a similar lack of integrity in the history around Christianity and he was somewhat surprised. He has commented in many contexts that he saw much of the good stuff in the West coming from the Greeks (democracy, philosophy) and the Romans (law, service). His research shattered this naivety. He discovered these empires were thoroughly brutal and only the elites benefitted from the wealth and power of empire. He argued Christianity brought all that is good into Western society... Holland, as quoted from

Learn from somebody of your own age.

Dominion on page 494, said: “That every human being possessed an equal dignityy was not remotely self-evident a truth. A Roman would have laughed at it. To campaign against discrimination on the grounds of gender or sexualityy, however, was to depend on large numbers of people sharing in a common assumption: that everyone possessed an inherent worth. “The origins of this principle – as Nietzsche had so contemptuously pointed out – lay not in the French Revolution,

Nigel Dixon, Holy Trinity Church

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nor in the Declaration of Independence, nor in the Enlightenment, but in the Bible”. This view that people have worth, that love is to be a way of life, that service is noble – it came from Christianityy, from the teachings of Jesus. While sometimes the church gets it very wrong, we only know that because we are so thoroughly impacted by the love message of Jesus. Holland now calls himself a cultural Christian!

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

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Wesley Methodist Church, 100 Thirteenth Avenue, Tauranga. Look for our flag.

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KATIKATI MURAL TOWN SINGERS We are seeking a pianist/accompanist for our choir in Katikati. Accompanist will be required to attend weekly practices and planned Concerts throughout the year.

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The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has prepared the DRAFT Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036 for public submissions. Consultation begins at 9.00am on Monday, 6 July 2026 and closes at 4.00pm on Thursday, 6 August 2026. The Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036 (RPTP) is the key statutory document for public transport planning and investment in the region. The current plan has been in place since 2022 and requires updating to reﬂect changes in public transport over this period. Any person or organisation can make a submission. The draft RPTP, the consultation document, and the submission form are available on the Council’s consultation website “Participate” under participate boprc.govt.nz/rptp-2026 All documents will also be available in print form at your local Regional Council offices. Public Hearings are currently scheduled to be held on the 19-21 August 2026. For more information or to request a copy of the documentation, including a printed submission form please email rptp@boprc.govt.nz or phone 0800 884 880. Fiona McTavish Chief Executive Monday, 6 July 2026.

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