For more than 125 years, St Joseph’s Catholic Church has stood watch over Te Puna, serving as both a place of worship and a landmark overlooking Tauranga Harbour Now the muchloved church is preparing for its next chapter, with a seismic strengthening and restoration
project to preserve the building for future generations Built by members of Pirirākau hapū using timber floated down the Te Puna River, the church is rich in Māori and Catholic history and remains home to treasured features
Church’s next chapter
including its historical bell, believed to have been gifted by Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier
The community is rallying behind the restoration, with a fundraising quiz and auction night for St Joseph’s Church Seismic Remediation Project at Te Puna Hall on
Read the full story on pages 18-19
August 1 “It’s our turn to make sure it stands strong for another hundred years, ” said descendant Mike Borell, pictured with Father Isaac Fransen
Photo / Kelly OHara
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How to hug a hedgehog
“Erinaceus Europaeus Hedgehogs ”
Here we go “What do you know about hedgehogs JB?”
I don’t know anything about hedgehogs Nor do I particularly care about hedgehogs. For a couple of reasons
If I show one tiny, spiky bit of interest in hedgehogs, H.R.H., that’s Her Royal Haughtiness who’s asking me the hedgehog question, the boss who wields the power and pays my beer tab, will have me scribbling 800 words on these ghastly, smelly, diseased, quilled things that really aren ’ t much good for anything.
It seems they’re just an exotic, invasive pest which beat up on our endangered ground-nesting birds. So no! It’s not politic to know anything about hedgehogs.
Except, EXCEPT – they have 5000 to 7000 quills. That’s a lot. And I suppose it raises prickly questions about the birthing process of hedgehogs. Questions I don’t have answers to I also know in England, where the little “hogs” are endemic, they were called “hedgepigs” or “urchins” – that’s where sea urchins got their name. Information that will keep you awake at night
Snuffle and grunt
However, if Mrs Tiggy-Winkle shuffled under the hedge and set up shop in my
backyard, I would be delighted I would forage some slugs, snails, worms to make her snuffle and grunt with delight. She, of course, is Beatrix Potter’s stout little hedgehog washerwoman of fiction, who lovingly does laundry and ironing for everyone in the neighborhood. Imagine? Where do we find one? Because 30 years ago I had a ‘Tiggy-Winkle’ moment. I remarked critically and unnecessarily about the “railway track” – two seams, ironed into the sleeve of a business shirt by someone trying to be nice and kind Bad call! Off went the iron, out the window went the goodwill. “Do it yourself then.” So, I ironed five business shirts a week for the next 30 years. The price of being a smart-ass
Deadset slobbish
I know people who don’t iron shirts at all. Nor pillowcases They specifically buy clothes that don’t require ironing. Deadset common and lazy Mrs Tiggy-Winkle would be all prickly and snuffly to know 70% of NZers don’t even own an iron. They just wear, wash, shake, hang and wear again. Where’s the pride? Buy an iron and steam a nice tidy crease into your attitude and appearance. Anyhow, I digress yet again. H.R.H has seen a Facebook page promoting hedgehog wellbeing – Hedgehog Rescue New Zealand it’s called – rescuing sick, injured, orphaned, deprived, anxious
and dysfunctional hedgehogs pining for England. I thought we were in the business of ‘controlling’ hedgehogs, not conserving and offering them therapy and social services?
Hedgehogs vs cars
Hedgehogs are a pest, a menace with no known predator except for cross-ply tyres doing 100km/h. It’s the only time I see hedgehogs – moulied on the motorway
Like possums, they don’t react smart in the headlights. Rolling in a ball and activating your quills in defence is actually no defence against two tonnes of hedgehog indifferent car Spplat! Another biosecurity t threat resolved
So where’s the Facebook page, the outpouring of love and concern for the important native species like t the lesser tailed bat?
The tuatara? ? And Hamilton’s f frog?
Hedgehogs s are only here beecause our forefathers wanted to bring a little of Enngland with them.
The same b blokes introduced rabbits, stoats, weasells and d rats to a ground d level l ecosystem dominated by flightless birds, reptiles and insects. The immigrant animals must have thought they’d been treated to a bottomless lunch
“What zoonotic disease would Sir like with his hedgehog?” asks the waiter “Salmonellosis, bacterial or fungal ringworm? Explosive diarrhea’s very popular in the USA right now ”
This is a just one idea from ‘101 Things to do with a Dead Hedgehog’ compiled by the nomadic communities of Europe Encase hedgehog, quills and all, in firm mud and toss it in the fire. The mud bakes rock hard and when smashed open, comes away with all the quills leaving a roast meat called ‘hotchi-witchi’, tasting like rabbit or lean pork.
101 Recipes for HHs
Pity it’s unwise to eat the wee hogs.
It’s suggested the fat, blood and meat haad curaativve qualittiees – I would probably opt for a course of antibiotics.
Love
thine heedgehog
If you resist eating your hedgehog, they can make exxcellent pets. Low maintenance, quite independent. Frisky y and skittish – snufflffling, 3 or 4km at night, alone. So when you wakke up, your pet is arrivving home exercised, buuggered and needing a nap. They’re neither cuddly nor affffectionate So a l lot of f blokkes would align with a hedgehog.
Then I read about some kind St Francis of Assisi type trying to get an orphaned hedgehog 200km from Queenstown to Hedgehog Rescue in Invercargill. So there’s love the length of this land for these unlovable things.
New programme helps men rebuild after cancer
A Tauranga woman who watched her husband battle cancer in silence is hoping a new recovery programme will ensure other men don’t have to face the journey alone.
Rotary Club of Tauranga Te Papa has partnered with Health Quarters, a gym in Willow St, to launch a 12-week pilot programme combining supervised exercise with peer support for men recovering from cancer
The initiative was inspired by Rotary member Jenny Robertson’s experience caring for her late husband Hugh, who lived with prostate cancer before dying in May 2025 of a heart attack linked to the long-term effects of his treatment.
Robertson said they did not hear of any cancer support groups for men in Tauranga throughout his illness, and were never referred to any
Having twice experienced cancer herself, Robertson said she was struck by the difference in support promoted to women. “You get referred to so many groups when you ’ re a woman, but I didn’t hear any of that when…he was sick.”
She believes her husband, who was a private man, would have benefited from being alongside others facing similar challenges. “If he had somewhere he could have gone, had a cup of coffee afterwards and talked to people in the same boat, I just feel it would have helped.”
The programme was developed with Health Quarters director Diego Rosenberg, whose own family has been affected by cancer His father
died of lung cancer when Rosenberg was 6. His mother is in remission after treatment for bladder cancer
“One of our members is from the Rotary Club of Ōmokoroa. They’re doing a programme in a local gym, so she asked me to review putting something together for people who live more central to Tauranga CBD.”
He said exercise is only one part of recovery and that nutrition guidelines and mindset protocols are often overlooked.
“A big chunk of recovery is having a multi-layered plan of action,” Rosenberg said.
“People feel isolated. There’s something powerful about having a community of individuals who are going through similar situations, where they can come together, feel supported and know they don’t have
to do it on their own.
The programme will cater for 12 men undergoing treatment, in remission or recovering from cancer
Before joining the weekly sessions, each participant would receive an individual assessment to ensure the programme is tailored to their health, fitness and stage of recovery
Rosenberg said keeping groups small allows participants to receive close supervision while building genuine connections with one another “I love New Zealand men, but there’s often a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude where men keep everything to themselves,” he said.
“It’s important for people to be able to express themselves and to be heard. That’s an important part of the healing process. ”
Tauranga Te Papa Rotary is
subsidising the pilot, reducing the cost to $5 a session. Organisers are seeking referrals from medical professionals and cancer support services to fill the first intake to begin in early September Men interested can email
we@healthquarters.co.nz
The Rotary club is running a movie f fundraiser or the programme on August 6 at Luxe Cinemas, For information email: Jnrobertson46@gmail.com
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Rotary Club of Tauranga Te Papa member Jenny Robertson and Health Quarters director Diego Rosenberg. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Pensioners call for fairer dog
A Western Bay of Plenty resident is sickened by the council’s latest dog registration fee hike.
Maketū pensioner Carolyn Symmans said she did not believe the fees were fair “It’s really sickening,” she told Local Democracy Reporting.
Registration fees go towards pounds, dog parks, signage, poo bag dispensers, animal service callouts, investigations, education and enforcement
Symmans said she did not understand why she should be paying for impounding and enforcement when her dogs had never roamed or caused issues “I don’t see why we should be paying for other people’s mistakes ”
Western Bay of Plenty District Council dog registration fees for the 2026/2027 year are $154 for a non-neutered dog. This is an increase from $140 for 2025/2026
Fees must be paid before August 4; otherwise, late fees will be added
Symmans said she owned two pedigree show dogs, was a member of Dogs New Zealand and was an experienced trainer and show dog judge
No fair go
Both of her dogs, chihuahua Kree and sky terrier Moana, have not been desexed because she enters them in shows, so she has to pay $154 per dog this year “I’m only on a pension That’s a hell of a lot of money ”
She said Dannevirke members of Dogs New Zealand were eligible for reduced
registration fees of $88, down from $164 if paid before August 1
She had pushed for a discount in the Western Bay but it had “fallen on deaf ears ”
She said the council was not giving good dog owners a fair go.
Some councils have reduced registration fees for owners meeting certain requirements
Rotorua has a category called the Selected Dog Owner Status Owners will pay $90 instead of $125 if they meet criteria, their application is accepted and they pay on time
Symmans compared the Western Bay’s fees to those of other councils in the region
Matakana Island has a registration fee of $55 per dog
What about cats?
Symmans said she also believed cats should be registered and kept in confined areas
She suggested owners use catios –enclosed indoor, outdoor spaces often made with wooden frames and wire mesh – so felines were not able to wander and put wildlife at risk.
Pāpāmoa resident Geoff Latter also suggested the costs of the Tauranga council’s animal services could be covered better if cats were registered.
“There are more cats in this area than there are dogs ”
Latter owns two Italian greyhounds, Molly and Miley
“For many of us in Tauranga, our dogs
are not merely pets – they are integral members of our families, providing joy, companionship, and even therapeutic benefits,” he told a council public forum in March
“This is particularly true for the significant portion of our population who are retirees, a group that makes up nearly 15% of the Bay of Plenty’s residents ”
He said many retirees were on fixed incomes and feeling the financial strain of the registration fees
Discount idea
Tauranga City Council fees are $133 per dog, with penalty fees added if paid after July 31 This is an increase from $129 for 2025/2026
Latter spoke about Auckland’s Responsible Dog Owner Licence Owners who meet specific criteria pay $92 or $78 for a desexed dog, compared to $182 and $131
“This initiative not only provided financial relief but it also incentivised responsible dog ownership ” He said the
Maketu pensioner Carolyn Symmans with her Sky Terrier, Moana and Chihuahua, Kree. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
registration costs as fees increase
city council could introduce a similar programme.
Latter told Local Democracy Reporting he had sent his suggestion out to his community and received about 800 signatures in support.
He presented the petition to the council at the March forum.
Late registration fees
Each Bay of Plenty council has a penalty fee for late payments.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council animal services team leader Peter Hrstich
said about 10% of dog owners had not paid their registration fees in time for the 2025/2026 year
“This was a big improvement from the 2024/2025 year, when around 20% of dogs had not paid their registration fees in time ”
He said the council had been reminding owners on social media, texts and emails about the registration to encourage them to budget ahead
“We know many households are facing financial pressures at the moment, and we don’t want dog owners paying more than
they need to ”
He said owners with a history of paying on time should contact the council before August if they needed a little extra time.
The council could consider extending their payment deadline for a few weeks without applying a late penalty, with each request assessed case-by-case.
Matakana Island
Hrstich said dogs on Matakana Island were charged a lower registration fee because they required little animal services support.
The district council declined to comment on cat registration fees.
Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Oscar Glossop said 12,962 of Tauranga’s known dogs were registered for the 2025/26 year before the late fee came into effect.
About 1500 dogs were registered after
the July 31 deadline and had the late penalty applied.
People having difficulty were encouraged to contact the council The council did not offer a discounted fee.
Glossop said a responsible dog owner discount was explored during the early stages of the Dog Management Policy and Bylaw and Keeping of Animals Bylaw review
Cat registration was also raised through the bylaw review Consultation on the proposed changes to the bylaws closed on July 2 The council is considering feedback received through the submission process
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
OHara
Ayla Yeoman
Tauranga animal services team leader Oscar Glossop. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Western Bay council’s animal services team lead Peter Hrstich Photo / Supplied
Tens of thousands of Kiwis are expected to apply to work in the 2026 General Election with recruitment under way
The Electoral Commission will need more than 22,000 people to help deliver this year ’ s general election. “If you want to support your community to have their say then please apply,” chief electoral officer Karl Le Quesne said.
The commission is looking for people who pay attention to detail, are organised and efficient, and excited to be part of the election team.
Roles range fr eetin voters in votes, logistical
administrative tasks in an office. “These aren ’ t voluntary roles, they are paid and full training is provided You can work full-time, part-time, or even just for a day,” Le Quesne said. “There are opportunities that could suit students and other people in our communities looking for some work experience. You get to be part of one of New Zealand’s most important events and also build your CV Many New Zealanders return to work for us during election years and we would also love to hear from them again ” o apply, see: work.elections. Jobs are listed by electorate.
Two young Mount Maunganui Swimming Club athletes are heading to Argentina this September to represent New Zealand at the Junior World Open Water Championships.
Amelia ‘Bug’ McEwan, 14, and Sheldon Hogan, 16, earned their places on the national team from competing in the New Zealand Open Water Championships in Lake Taupō earlier this year, and achieving the required qualifying 1500m pool times
McEwan arrives in top form after she won the girls’ 13-14 years 5km title at the national championships and claimed bronze in the 2km swim at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships on the Gold Coast.
The pair have also been named in Swimming New Zealand's inaugural 2026/27 National Youth Programme (Olympic Pathway) Squad, which recognises 130 promising swimmers from 41 clubs nationwide and is designed to support athletes, coaches and clubs on the pathway from age-group competition to the international stage.
Coached by Stan TeokotaiWhite, the McEwan and Hogan have spent years building towards the opportunity
Mount s swiimmers make
At the Junior World Championships, McEwan will contest the 5km event for 14-15-year-olds, while Hogan will race the 7.5km event for 16-17-year-olds
For McEwan, representing New Zealand on the world stage is a dream come true
“I’m really excited,” she said “I reckon it’ll be really fun, and I think it’ll be cool to meet people from other countries too ”
The open water specialist said she preferred to swim in open water.
“It’s better than the pool because you don’t have to turn You can just keep swimming ”
McEwan, an accomplished Mount Maunganui surf lifesaver, has represented New Zealand previously and competed successfully in Australia She holds multiple New Zealand Surf Life
Saving Pool Championship records and has enjoyed success across swimming, open water and surf lifesaving events
Looking further ahead, she hopes to follow in the footsteps of her older sister Talitha, who is on a swimming scholarship in Florida
“I’d like to get a scholarship to Hawaii,” McEwan said
Both families are working hard to meet the costs of international competition
McEwan’s family has been fundraising via Givealittle page, selling firewood and homemade fudge, and seeking sponsorship to help cover flights, accommodation, team fees, specialist racing gear, uniforms and other costs associated with representing New Zealand in Argentina
Mother Veronika McEwan said younger elite athletes often fall
Open water swimmer Amelia McEwan. Photo / Supplied
waves on the world stage
through the cracks when it comes to funding opportunities because many sports grants have minimum age requirements of 15 or 16
“It’s disappointing that there isn’t more support available for athletes who reach this level at such a young age, ” she said
“International sport competitions come at a high cost financially,”
Sheldon’s mother Lorraine Hogan said With training and competitions filling most weeks, fundraising opportunities were limited, although the Hogan family had a l launched a Givealittle campaign to help meet costs of flights, a accommodation, team fees, u uniforms, competition expenses
a and specialist equipment
Like many age-group athletes in New Zealand, Sheldon must
largely fund his international campaign himself
Sheldon began swimming with Mount Maunganui Swimming Club when he was seven and has been coached by Teokotai-White for the past decade
His family said his selection is the reward for years of balancing school with early mornings in the pool and open water, developing the endurance and resilience to compete at the highest level
A natural distance swimmer, his long-term ambition is clear “Olympics,” Lorraine said
C Club captain Monique Beattie said the pair’s achievements reflected years of commitment rather than overnight success
“They are both very dedicated to the sport, ” she said “We’ve got a great supportive coaching team, but it didn’t just wake up and
happen for them They’ve both been working very hard ”
The club has nearly 200 members and many senior athletes start pool sessions before dawn and return later for more swimming or gym work
“It’s not uncommon for them to leave the pool, go straight to school, then come back before they go home and train again,” Beattie said
While the coaches are paid, she said the club’s board is volunteerrun
Both McEwan and Hogan will leave New Zealand late-AAugust ahead of the championships in Santa Fe
Nominations for 2027’s Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa are open. Te Koruru (Patron) Miriama Kamo said the awards belong to everyone with a story to tell.
“Every year I’m reminded that the people who deserve recognition are rarely the ones putting their own hand up ” That’s why the awards exist, she said, “ so the rest of us can do it for them”.
“Whether it’s a nomination for the person who runs the local food bank or the young innovator solving
a problem no one else has cracked, we want to hear it. Nominating takes minutes, but the recognition can change a life.” Award categories include New Zealander of the Year, Young New Zealander of the Year, Senior New Zealander of the Year, Local Hero of the Year, New Zealand Innovator of the Year, New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year, and New Zealand Community of the Year Nominations can be made until midnight August 18 at: nzawards.org.nz. Winners will be declared next April.
Both families encouraged people who’d like to support the swimmers’ journeys to donate via their Givealittle pages or share the campaigns within the community Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Open water swimmer Sheldon Hogan.
For those who like to be sustainable and value their environment, a locallymade free app has new features that might appeal.
The Green Team App, facilitated by Envirohub Bay of Plenty through the Waiariki Park Region Initiative, now lets users log backyard predator catches as part of the Predator Free Bay of Plenty programme. The app now offers a simple way to log rats, possums or other catches, feeding real data back into regional predator control efforts.
People can also find their
nearest op shop via a new Op Shop Directory that maps every second-hand shop across the region.
The app has also launched a monthly prize draw Monthly eco challenges, covering everything from food waste to water conservation, now come with an added incentive: complete them and go in the draw to win! This month’s prize is an Envirohub tote bag with sustainable goodies
Envirohub Bay of Plenty’s Green Team coordinator
The Green Team App is free to download on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Auto extravaganza man
A man who has voluntarily raised tens of thousands of dollars for Hato Hone St John ambulance service in Tauranga and the Hawke’s Bay has been recognised for his efforts
Neville McKay, who lived in Tauranga for 52 years before shifting south three years ago, was bestowed a Priory Vote of Thanks (PVOT) in the Hawke’s Bay on June 29
Neville told The Weekend Sun the award had “ come out of the blue” and he was “ very humbled” The 78-year-old was presented with the award by the St John Hawke’s Bay Area Committee at a ceremony at St Matthew’s Church in Hastings
Humble, dedicated
Officer of the Order of St John, Tony Ludlow, said Neville is a humble and dedicated supporter of St John who has worked tirelessly for many years to secure positive outcomes for the organisation
J recommendation of the Priory Honours Committee and Priory Chapter to recognise individuals, groups or businesses that have made a significant contribution or provided outstanding service to the organisation It is the highest award St John can bestow a civilian
“
A passionate motor vehicle enthusiast, he successfully organised the Tauranga Auto Extravaganza for four years while living in Tauranga with all proceeds donated to St John
“After relocating to Hawke’s Bay three years ago, Neville initiated a similar event at the Tomoana Showgrounds in Hastings Through his extensive
Elevated Care Tailored to You
Neville and Carol McKay, with Commander of the Order of St John, Andrew Hedge, after the award presentation.
Photo / Supplied
recognised for his fundraising work
community networks and ability to secure sponsorship, he continues to organise both large and small scale vehicle events across Hawke’s Bay with all proceeds supporting St John Hawke’s Bay”
Neville, who lived in Tauranga for 52 years, still organises the annual Tauranga Auto Extravaganza remotely too He said the Tauranga show drew about 6500 people this year while Hawke’s Bay’s last show attracted 8000 “All proceeds continue to go back to the respective local St John branches,” Neville said
Up to $100K
Asked how much in total he had raised for St John, Neville said, “A lot! It could be up to $100,000 ”
Presenting the award to Neville, Commander of the Order of St John, Andrew Hedge, said: “Neville, your commitment and your enthusiasm, taking your passion, your interest in life and making it something that can support our Order is something for which we are very, very grateful”
St John Hawke’s Bay area chair David van Oeveren said Neville “embodies the spirit of community service”. St John fundraising is used to fund about 50 new ambulances a year, ambulance stations, life-saving equipment and critical infrastructure to ensure the organisation can continue delivering emergency care to communities across New Zealand
“His passion, generosity and commitment have made a real difference
to St John and the communities we serve Through his fundraising efforts, he has not only raised significant funds but also inspired others to get behind our organisation,” van Oeveren said “The Priory Vote of Thanks is a fitting recognition of his many years of dedicated support, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he and his wife
Carol have done for St John ”
His backbone
Neville, who received the honour as Carol watched with their dog Susie, said he didn’t ask for recognition “From day one I did it [his charitable work] from my heart I wanted to give to St John’s for what they’ve done for me over the years and it’s very important to me and my wife ”
Carol, aged 80, was his main source of support “since day one ” , Neville said He also paid tribute to Susie “who goes everywhere with me, even collecting money at the supermarkets” “I always say to the people, ‘Pat the dog and put the money in the container’ ”
Neville thanked everyone for supporting his fundraising efforts, including Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay event sponsors. He also acknowledged friend Keith Sawyer, who helped him start the Tauranga Auto Extravaganza in 2019, now held annually at Mercury Baypark
“When we moved back to Hastings I went into St John’s and said, ‘Would you like someone to raise some money for you?’ They didn’t say ‘ no ’ ”
Not only him
Neville was also quick to point out that proceeds raised for St John in the two regions were not achieved by him alone “It’s not only me I’m only a cog in the wheel It’s all the other people who have helped it’s brilliant I’m very proud to do it for St John’s They need it ”
McKay said his petrol-head passion and his involvement with St John go back many years “I used to look after the original Baypark raceway for 10 years I was tied up with doing things for St John then ”
He said his efforts were driven by St John had done for him and his family “When my wife was 35, she was rushed to Auckland Hospital by ambulance with a brain haemorrhage They were
absolutely brilliant I I’ve also had sickness and they’ve rushed to me “I was in a wheelchair for four and a half years If I pressed my St John alarm, the ambulance came and they [the paramedics] were absolutely out of this world, what they do They are not recognised enough ”
Neville and Coral both wear St John medical alarms and are thankful for the benefits the devices offer senior Kiwis “Mine has GPS so when I come through to Tauranga, if I press it they know where I am ”
Neville said Repco had secured naming rights to the auto shows and both were recently put into a charitable trust “We have teams in both locations who, with me, will continue to run the shows annually”
Merle Cave
Neville McKay, promoting 2026’s Tauranga Auto Extravaganza earlier this year. Photo / David Hall
Event to ripple drowning prevention message
Mount Maunganui’s Baywave pools facility will become a hub for water safety education and family fun tomorrow when a community event is held to mark World Drowning Prevention Day
BaySwim, Baywave and the Aquatic Survival Skills Trust will host the July 25 event, from 11am to 3pm, in partnership with Tauranga City Council to raise awareness that drowning is preventable through education, water confidence and community action.
While standard Baywave entry prices apply, the first 100 people through the doors between 11am and 3pm will receive a free blue slushie with their pool entry.
Organisers also encourage attendees to arrive dressed up in blue to show their support for water safety awareness
Participation in the event is free, including interactive water safety activities, practical demonstrations, educational displays, giveaways and the chance to meet local organisations dedicated to keeping people safe in, on and around the water
Knowledge, confidence
BaySwim manager Claire Horner said the day is about giving families the knowledge and confidence to stay safe while enjoying the region’s waterways “World Drowning Prevention Day is an opportunity to start important conversations about water safety and ensure families have access to practical knowledge and skills that can help keep
them safe in, on and around the water, ” she said
“As a city and region surrounded by water, this message is especially relevant for our community”
Horner said bringing local water safety organisations together in one place allows them to share expertise while engaging families in a fun and meaningful way
“We want people to leave this event not only having had a great day out with their whānau and friends but also feeling more confident and informed about staying safe around water ”
Aquatic Survival Skills Trust founder and director Anne McLeod said World Drowning Prevention Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in reducing preventable drownings
“Living in the Bay of Plenty, we are incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by beautiful beaches, rivers, lakes and pools,” she said
“These environments provide endless opportunities for recreation, but they also demand respect, knowledge and preparation ”
Essential skills
McLeod said the trust ’ s free schoolbased programme equips children with essential aquatic survival skills and water safety knowledge, helping them to develop the confidence to make safer decisions around water
She believed every member of the community could contribute to preventing drowning, learn to recognise potential hazards and develop the skills to respond safely
effective tool for preventing drownings
“Every lesson delivered, every conversation started and every child who gains aquatic survival skills creates a ripple effect that reaches families, friends and future generations,” Horner said
Trust educator Zack Taylor said “aquatic survival starts with every one of us ”
“Drowning prevention isn’t just the responsibility of emergency services or educators – it’s something every parent, grandparent, teacher, employer and community member can influence,” Taylor said “Small actions and good decisions save lives ”
Aquatic Survival Skills Trust operations manager Kent Horner said education remained the most
Aquatic Survival Skills Trust operations manager Kent Horner with senior education instructor Zack Taylor. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
John Bertrand Collectables Buying
Oyou are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in” “Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables
“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant “Nothing is too small for our consideration We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said The buyers will be in Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week (see details below)
As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal ”
Gold & Silver
AtVery High Prices
Over the last couple of years, we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals The gold price in New Zealand is still at historically high levels
So gather up all your unwanted items and make an appointment to see the buyers Tony Grant says “We can buy gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains, Brooches etc ), Coins (Sovereigns and the like) Alluvial (River Gold) virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins he said
TInteresting Small Collectables Wanted
he buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items
“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant, buyer for the Company “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said
Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes
Collectors NeedWar Medals
Currently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand LandWars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased, but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service, these can add great value to a group stated Mr Tony Grant,
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Volunteer callout for Whai home games
Whai Basketball is calling for more volunteers to help deliver gameday experiences while continuing to build pathways for young Bay of Plenty players to pursue professional basketball careers without leaving Tauranga.
General manager Adam Dunstan said Whai was founded five years ago with a vision of using basketball to
build a more vibrant, socially connected city
“We’re about much more than professional basketball,” Dunstan said. “Our professional teams are what people see on television, but behind that there’s a huge amount of work happening in the community”
Whai operates through two not-for-profit organisations, Dunstan said. One manages the men ’ s and women ’ s National Basketball League teams, while another focuses on community programmes,
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player development, school visits and holiday camps.
A key part of that work is the academy programme, which guides young players from intermediate school through to elite performance training.
Dunstan said the aim is to identify local talent early and provide a pathway to the professional game. The approach is already producing results, he said.
This season, six players who’ve progressed through the Whai academy have appeared for the men ’ s team, while the women ’ s programme was also expected to field six academy graduates.
“That’s something we ’ re really proud of,” Dunstan said “Our founders committed to developing local players, and now we ’ re seeing athletes reach the highest level of basketball in New Zealand.”
Beyond developing players, the Whai professional teams inspire the next generation through regular school visits.
Last year, players visited schools more than 70 times, introducing children to basketball while showing them they can pursue the sport without moving away
Dunstan said basketball’s popularity has grown rapidly in recent years, helped by New Zealand’s success on the international stage and improved local facilities. “There wasn ’ t really a pathway when I was growing
up, ” he said. “Now we ’ re trying to show young people they can stay in Tauranga, continue their education and still chase high-level basketball.”
Volunteers play a vital role in making that vision possible, Dunstan said. Whai relies on volunteers for almost every aspect of home games, including ticketing, entry management, corporate hospitality, merchandise sales, game-day setup and packdown, and creating an exciting atmosphere for supporters.
The organisation is recruiting volunteers for six home games from late-September to lateNovember “People don’t have to
be basketball fans to volunteer If they want to help create something positive for Tauranga and be part of a great live sporting experience, we’d love to have them involved,” Dunstan said
While Whai continues to grow, he said raising awareness remains one of the organisation’s biggest challenges “We’re here to stay, ” Dunstan said “The sport is only going to get bigger, and we want the community to come on that journey with us ”
To volunteer in the Bay of Plenty, visit: www volunteeringservices.org.nz or call 07 987 0920.Or help the Whai at: https://tinyurl.com/2tbrcm6k
Whai volunteers Sharon, Greg and Andrea. Photo / Supplied
Why exercise matters for men with prostate cancer
For many men, a prostate cancer diagnosis brings an understandable focus on treatment and medical appointments
Yet one of the most powerful tools for improving recovery and wellbeing may be something surprisingly simple: exercise Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ chief
executive Peter Dickens said research showed that tailored exercise could help men before, during and after prostate cancer treatment
“It can reduce fatigue, improve muscle strength, support bone health, boost cardiovascular fitness and help manage side effects such as incontinence
“Exercise has also been linked to
Newchanging facilities forAratakiPark
Tauranga City Council is installing new changing facilities at Arataki Park to support the growing number of sports teams using the park.
The facilities, for sports groups only, will be at the park entrance pathway off Monowai St. The council said the facility will include two buildings, each containing three showers and two toilets, including a combined accessible shower and toilet cubicle. A canopy will provide covered access between the buildings, with a deck,
stairs and ramp creating an accessible connection to the changing rooms
“This will be an interim, relocatable facility, providing sports teams with the amenities they need on training and game days while longer-term planning for the park continues.”
The buildings could be relocated to other sites where needed in future.
Work was to begin late-July and be completed early-September Find out more at: https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz
improved mental wellbeing and may reduce the risk of cancer returning in some men ”
But the benefits go beyond physical health, Dickens said Doug Cresswell joined the Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Prost-FIT programme after undergoing treatment for prostate cancer
While he noticed improvements in his strength and flexibility, he said the programme also had a major positive effect on his mental wellbeing
Just as importantly, he said he found himself “ among people who understood the challenges” he was facing
That sense of camaraderie can be invaluable, Dickens said
“A cancer diagnosis can feel isolating, and connecting with others on a similar journey provides encouragement, understanding and practical support
The friendships formed through exercise can become just as important as the exercise itself.”
The Prostate Cancer Foundation's Prost-FIT programme combines strength, cardiovascular and pelvic floor training in a supportive environment designed specifically for men living with prostate cancer
For more information, contact the Prostate Cancer Foundation Information Service on 0800 66 0800 or visit: www prostate org nz/prost-fit to find a class near you.
Nana’s secret to moving free
For the last few years, Christine watched other grandparents chase their grandkids around the playground while she sat out
“I’d gotten quite good at making excuses, ” the 64-year-old admits “When my granddaughter would tug at my hand saying ‘Come on, Nana!’ I’d have to tell her Nana needed to rest But really, I just didn’t have the confidence anymore ”
The gradual changes in her knees had transformed Christine from an active grandmother into someone who measured life in careful steps. Every outing required planning. The local park, just 400 metres away, felt impossibly far
“The worst part wasn ’ t physical - it was watching life happen without me, ” she explains “I’d tried various products for joint support Some upset my stomach Others smelled awful and left marks on everything Nothing gave me the confidence to get moving again”
Christine had settled into a cautious routine, always thinking about her knees “I kept thinking about my mother’s health I could see myself heading down the same path of limitations”
Then two months ago, while at the local pharmacy, Christine noticed a small display for Koru FX - a natural joint and muscle relief cream made in New Zealand
“I was sceptical - I’d tried so many things,” she says “But I’d seen it talked about online and the lady said it’s been selling really well which made me think it was worth trying”
Christine began applying the cream directly to both knees each morning and night, gently massaging it in “It absorbed beautifully, with a
pleasant peppermint scent No sticky residue on my clothes”
“After a few weeks, I noticed I was moving differently More confidently My knees felt supported,” she reflects “If I overdid it, the Koru FX was easy to pop on quickly and I’d feel it getting to work right away ”
The real test came when her three-year-old granddaughter arrived for a visit
“She asked if we could go to the park, and I almost said my usual ‘ not today’ Then I realised - I felt ready to try Not reckless, just ready”
The 400-metre walk that had seemed like miles suddenly wasn ’ t Christine found herself not just at the park, but participating - pushing her granddaughter on the swings, even managing a gentle game of chase
“She looked at me with these huge eyes and
said, ‘Nana, you ’ re playing!’ That’s when I felt like crying,” Christine laughs, eyes misting at the memory “Three years of watching from that bench, and finally I was part of her world again”
Now, Christine continues to reclaim pieces of her life Daily walks to the shops Standing and baking with her granddaughter Even careful gardening, kneeling with support
“I’m still cautious, but I’m not afraid anymore, ” she says “The cream gives my knees the support I need to be present in my own life again”
She’s careful not to overdo things but finds herself saying yes to activities more often
“People ask what changed, and I tell them ‘Koru FX’,” she grins
It’s a massive year ahead for the Bay of Plenty Steamers as they prepare to launch their 2026 National Provincial Championship (NPC) campaign with a blend of experienced leaders and emerging talent.
Rugby fans can get an early look at the squad when the Steamers take on Auckland in a preseason clash at Katikati Rugby Club, Moore Park, today, July 24 The event runs 11am–3pm, with kick-off at 1pm Entry is by gold coin donation, the kitchen and bar will be open, and a junior curtain-raiser is planned With the club carpark closed, spectators are asked to use street parking along Fairview St and Middlebrooke Dr
Campaign begins July 30
The preseason fixture comes just days before the Steamers begin their 2026 NPC campaign away to Waikato at FMG Stadium in Hamilton on July 30.
Bay of Plenty Rugby said this season ’ s draw is an alternating home-and-away schedule across the competition.
The Steamers have five home games and four away fixtures, with matches shared between Rotorua International Stadium and Tauranga Domain.
“We’ve landed a perfect alternating home and away draw this season, the
dream schedule for players and f Bay of Plenty Rugby wrote on it Facebook page. “Even better, we heading back to Saturday footy Rotorua, with two Saturday gam locked in for the season. Can’t w to see the stands packed and the buzzing again.”
The squad
The 2026 squad combines pro performers with some of New Z rugby’s brightest rising stars. Vet hooker Kurt Eklund returns for eighth and final season in Steam colours, bringing valuable leader alongside experienced forwards Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tevita Mafileo, Joe Johnston and Pasilio Tosi.
The backline is packed with attacking firepower, featuring Richard Judd, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Lucas Cashmore, Riley Hohepa, Leroy Carter, Fehi Fineanganofo and Emoni Narawa.
Adding even more excitement is the addition of World Rugby Men’s Sevens Breakthrough Player of the Year Kele Lasaqa, whose speed and attacking instincts have made him one of the game ’ s most exciting young players. The 2026 campaign also carries extra significance as the Steamers look to add another chapter to Bay of Plenty rugby history
The province’s only NPC title came in the competition’s inaugural season
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in 1976, meaning the team is chasing a second championship 50 years on After reaching the NPC final in 2024, where they narrowly lost to Wellington after extra time, the Steamers will be determined to build on that momentum and challenge for honours once again.
Fixtures
Following the opening match against Waikato, the Steamers return home to Rotorua to host Northland on August 8 before taking on Canterbury in Christchurch Supporters will also enjoy home clashes against Taranaki, Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay and North Harbour
As winter sets in, Western Bay of Plenty District Council is urging households to keep fats, oils and grease out of sinks and drains to help prevent ‘fatbergs’
Fatbergs are large blockages that form when cooking fats harden in pipes and combine with other debris, such as wet wipes, paper towels and other items that end up in the wastewater system after being flushed down the toilet
Wastewater overflows have cost the council more than $38,000 in the past year
Council general manager infrastructure Brad Singh said winter is when people tend to cook more comfort food – “but it’s also when fats and oils harden faster inside pipes, creating stubborn blockages that can lead to wastewater overflows”
Singh said fats, oils and grease should never be poured down the sink. “Even small amounts can build up over time as they cool and stick to pipe walls ”
What’s flushed down the toilet played a big role, with wet wipes a major contributor to pipe blockages, Singh said
“Despite what the packaging says, so-called ‘flushable’ wipes don’t break down like toilet paper They can combine with fats and other debris in the wastewater network, helping fatbergs grow ”
Singh said overflows are messy, expensive to clean up and could impact communities and the environment – but are largely preventable
The council advises people to let fats, oils and grease cool, then scrape or pour them into a container before putting them in the rubbish; scrape food scraps into the bin before washing dishes; and wipe greasy pots and pans with a paper towel before washing
Lastly, households should only flush the three Ps: pee, poo and toilet paper
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The Bay of Plenty Steamers have five home games during the coming NPC season. Photo / BOP Rugby
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Volunteer service club calls for new blood
For more than 30 years, Altrusa International of Tauranga has been quietly making a difference in the community
The volunteer service club has been serving the city since 1995 through projects focused on literacy, education and practical support.
Newly re-elected president Sandra Bonney said while the club was not widely known, its impact could be found across the city
“I think one of our biggest challenges is simply that people don’t know who Altrusa is or what we do ”
The club is part of the international Altrusa organisation, which was founded to support professional women in leading community service projects.
The Tauranga branch has 23 members who meet regularly to organise
fundraisers, volunteer initiatives and community projects.
The heart
Bonney said literacy was at the heart of the club’s work. “We know literacy changes lives.”
Members volunteer as reading helpers at Gate Pā and Merivale schools, and provide annual literacy awards to students showing improvement
Proceeds from the club’s quiz night in March funded literacy resources for both schools, including reading comprehension sets for Merivale School and phonics kits for junior classrooms at Gate Pā School.
To mark International Literacy Day on September 8, members will visit Merivale School to read Dr Seuss stories before donating the books to students
The club’s work also extends well beyond the classroom, Bonney said
Members prepare chocolate eggs for
Easter and shortbread for Christmas to accompany Meals on Wheels deliveries and they make Christmas crackers for children spending the festive season in hospital
The club also assembles distraction packs filled with books, colouring activities and toys for children whose families are accessing Tauranga Living Without Violence, maintain Otumoetai Plunket Centre gardens, and had provided swimming togs, towels and sanitary product packs to local schools.
New, young blood
“We try to keep our ear to the ground for opportunities where we can help,” Bonney said This year, members are knitting woollen beanies for the Active Hearts Foundation in Nepal, aiming to make at
least 50 before they are sent overseas Bonney said attracting new members was one of the club’s biggest priorities.
“As our membership gets older, we’d love to see younger people come through. They bring fresh ideas, different skills and new energy You meet new people, build friendships, develop new skills and become part of something bigger than yourself ” Altrusa hopes to continue growing its partnerships, expanding its projects and raising awareness of its work. “We’re a group of women who enjoy each other’s company But we ’ re here because we want to make a difference. Even the small projects can have a real impact.”
To join Altrusa in Tauranga, email: president.tauranga@altrusa.org.nz
Sandra Bonney dressed as Cat in the Hat, with a few Altrusa members as they prepare for International Literacy Day with Dr Seuss books for students. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Members of Altrusa International of Tauranga volunteering on one of the club’s many community projects. Photo / Supplied
Zoe Blake
Submiissiions open on
drafft regional public transport plan
Bay of Plenty residents have until August 6 to make a submission on the draft document that set outs how public transport will be planned, funded and delivered across the region.
The draft Bay of Plenty Regional Public Transport Plan 2026-2036, which proposes an immediate focus on making better use of existing services and current investment, is out for public consultation with two community events planned for Tauranga this month.
Staff from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which administers the plan, will be at Tauranga Little Big Markets at Coronation Park in Mount Maunganui tomorrow, from 9am-2pm
People could also learn more about the draft plan, ask questions and give thoughts at the Junior Tough Guy and Gal challenge at Mercury Baypark on July 28 from 9am-1pm.
The draft plan can be found online at: www.participate.boprc.govt.nz/rptp-2026
Expectations, realities
Bay of Plenty regional councillor and regional transport committee Chair
Ken Shirley said the draft plan reflected increasing expectations and the different realities faced across the region.
“People want public transport to be reliable, practical, easy to understand and connected to the places they need to go, but there is no single solution for the whole region.
“We need to get the best from the services and investments we already have, target improvements where they can make the greatest difference, and prepare carefully for longer-term growth.”
In the first three years, the draft plan focused on reviewing and improving public transport networks, services and timetables,
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It prioritised making services more reliable, frequent and accessible, implementing improved technology to create better customer experience.
Longer-term planning required significant public transport infrastructure and closer integration with urban growth and land-use planning.
3.4 million
According to the council, about 3.4 million passenger boardings were recorded across the Bay of Plenty public transport network in the 2024/2025 financial year, which highlighted the role it played in how people move around the region.
“The Bay of Plenty is changing quickly, and demand for public transport will only continue to grow, ” Shirley said “We need to plan for that growth now, making sure the network can respond to changing communities, travel patterns and expectations over time ”
While wider reform conversations about the future of local government structures are happening, Shirley said it remained important to have both a short and long-term vision for local public transport services
“Whatever changes come, people will still need reliable, accessible public transport, and we need to be clear about the role it plays in supporting our communities.”
Have a say
The draft plan is open for consultation until 4pm on August 6. To view the consultation document, or make a submission, visit: participate.boprc.govt. nz/rptp-2026
Printed consultation documents and submission forms are at council offices in Tauranga, Whakatāne and Rotorua Hearings are planned for late-August, with the final plan to be considered for adoption in December
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St Joseph’s Church has watched over Te Puna for more than 125 years, its white timber walls and distinctive bell tower standing as a landmark overlooking the harbour
Now the historical church is preparing for its next chapter, with a major seismic strengthening and restoration project designed to ensure it continues serving the community
The St Joseph’s Church Seismic Remediation Project will strengthen the building to meet current NZ earthquake standards while preserving the character of one of Te Puna’s most historical buildings
A community quiz and auction night at Te Puna Hall next Saturday, August 1, is one of several fundraising events to help bring the nearly $490,000 project to life
Family and community
For Mike Borell, whose great-grandfather Werahiko Borell built the church alongside Hone Bidois, the project is about honouring both family and community
“I’m also a descendant of the Bidois whānau,” Borell said. “The church has been a significant pou standing strong for the community and the faith over many years
Our role now is to honour our ancestors ”
The church’s story began in the late 1800s, when the predominantly Catholic Pirirākau hapū spent two years constructing what would become Te Puna’s only church
Werahiko Borell and Hone Bidois, both descendants of French settlers who married into Pirirākau families, led the project
According to church records, the building’s timber was sourced from the forests of Whakamārama, where rimu trees were felled, pit-sawn, floated down the Te Puna River and hauled by horse to the site.
The first post was blessed on November 1, 1898, before the church officially opened on January 1, 1900.
Borell said the master builders used no nails in the original construction “They interlocked it all That’s how skilled they were ”
Today the church still features native kauri and rewarewa panelling, carved entrances, tukutuku panels and stainedglass windows, reflecting Māori and Catholic traditions
The bell
It remains deeply connected to Pirirākau and the four local marae – Tutereinga, Poututerangi, Paparoa and Tawhitinui –which have supported fundraising efforts. Last year, Pirirākau Tribal Authority gifted
three historical interpretation panels detailing the church’s story
The building also houses one of the Bay of Plenty’s most significant Catholic artefacts – its historical bell
Gifted by Bishop Jean Baptiste Pompallier, who introduced the Catholic faith to New Zealand in the 1840s, the bell first hung at the Catholic church in Ōtūmoetai before finding its home in Te Puna
Project committee chair Tim Dunn said the bell remains central to the church’s identity
“It still rings every Sunday,” he said.
“When we rebuild the tower, we’ll bring the bell down, clean it up and see if we can discover more about its origins.”
The church’s baptismal font, also brought by Bishop Pompallier, remains another treasured link to early missionary years.
While the church has been carefully maintained over its lifetime, including major renovations before its centenary in 2000, current building standards require it
Mike Borell and Father Isaac Fransen at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Te Puna.
Photos / Kelly OHara
set for new chapter
to receive further work.
Following an earthquake assessment, engineers identified the bell tower needed seismic strengthening
“The tower is the earthquake-prone part, ” Dunn said “We’re going to rebuild it, so it looks exactly the same because we don’t want to change the appearance of the church ”
The project will also repair deteriorating weatherboards, restore a leaking stainedglass window and complete other maintenance.
Part of history
Although not formally registered as a heritage building, St Joseph’s is regarded as an important part of Te Puna’s history
Father Isaac Fransen, who has served at the church for the past year, said its significance extends beyond its architecture.
“I’ve always loved this church. It’s a privilege to be part of a place that has such strong connections to the beginnings of the Catholic faith in this region ”
He particularly likes the local story that the church once served as a landmark for ships entering Tauranga Harbour
“I’ve heard it described as a beacon for
ships coming into port. That’s how I see the church today as well. By renovating it we want to keep that beacon alive and keep the bell ringing for many years to come ”
The project committee hopes the wider Te Puna community will help achieve that goal Fundraising organiser Jocelyn Gascoigne said the August 1 quiz and auction night has attracted generous support from local businesses and residents
Todd Muller will host the quiz, with Ryan Bradley from Bayleys conducting the live auction. Guests can enjoy raffles and major auction items, including an Air New Zealand mystery trip, a boat trip, and a weekend away For Borell, preserving St Joseph’s is about ensuring the vision of the original builders continues to inspire future generations
“They built something that’s lasted 126 years, ” he said. “Now it’s our turn to make sure it stands strong for another hundred.”
The St Joseph's Church Seismic Remediation Project fundraising quiz and auction night will be held at Te Puna Hall from 7pm on August 1. Tickets cost $30 each from the Humantix website and include a light supper
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The work behind the new lookout
Those who visit Minden Lookout’s new covered viewing platform may wonder how it was built.
A mix of modern construction methods and locally sourced materials have gone into the rebuild project
The new single-storey structure recently replaced the original platform, which was mainly made of timber and removed in 2024 after being deemed unsafe by council.
Designed to meet modern building code requirements, the new platform features steel roof beams, a timber boardwalk and decking, and an accessible pathway
takes on residential and light to medium commercial projects.
The project also incorporated Bay of Plenty-grown pinus radiata timber and NZ-made Coloursteel roofing.
A local company that won the project tender, issued by Western Bay of Plenty District Council, opted to use structural steel that was fabricated locally by Mitre Steel Ltd.
Led by owner-operator Alan Pipes, Mitre Steel Ltd brings more than 40 years ’ hands-on experience in mild steel fabrication, structural steel, and general engineering
He oversees each project, to ensure a consistently high standard of workmanship
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Built around the existing stone plinth and viewing dial, the project involved specialist stonemasonry work, including re-grouting, repairing loose stones and strengthening the plinth with concrete.
The original two-storey viewing platform was built in 1977 by Ōmokoroa Te Puna Lions Club
(now Bethlehem Te Puna Lions Club) and gifted to Tauranga County Council in 1978. This council, with others, merged to become WBOP District Council.
The new structure was made to reflect the history of the landmark while meeting today’s safety standards.
Th The timber interior of the St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Te Puna.
The new covered viewing platform at Minden Lookout. Photo / Supplied
Losers everywhere you look
Last week we talked Loserpalooza. Let’s continue
Recapping quickly, Loserpalooza is Tauranga’s annual alternative one-day music festival, now in its eighth year, held at the Mount’s Totara Street performance venue. It’s happening Saturday, August 15, midday to midnight, with 25 local bands alternating between two stages, and all proceeds go to Lifeline for suicide awareness and prevention.
It’s quite a thing Last time I was blown away: by the music, the organisation, and the vibes The only thing I regretted is that bands playing on the smaller upstairs stage were so good I’d love to have seen them main stage with a full lighting set-up I’m thinking particularly of This Is How We Die, Dead Simple and We Will Ride Fast, the first two of whom will play again this year
Established to young
The line-up ranges from older established bands such as punk veterans Stunt Clown – still waiting for that album boys! – Threat Meet.Protocol and Carrion Bride, to Pipeline Punks, four young women from Ōtūmoetai and Katikati colleges, previously members of teenage punk sensations Sewerside Rats and mature beyond their years in terms of songcraft.
Twenty-five bands is a lot, so let me just give honourable mentions to Wince, one of the few bands travelling from out of town, former Tauranga boys and members of Abysm, now living in Wellington
It’s all voluntary so hats off for a sevenhour trip for a good cause I’ve heard their music described as “weirdo grindcore” Also on my must-see list is False Waltons, whose album from last year, The Purpose, and recent live shows have
pushed them to the top of the local pile. And one more: Cat Face. They’ve risen from the ashes of Liberated Squid, Deadman 6 and a bunch of other legendary outfits to become the first Loserpalooza band this year to have t-shirts made. Go Cat Face!
The rest of the bands? Dead Empire, Pugmen, Hyrokken, Crate of Chaos, Velouria, Meet Me at the Cemetery, Talismer, Kingfish, Six Two's, Skonk, Two Skinner, Club Meds, Eddie and the Dreamers, Hemordroid, Everything is F***ed, and Grown Downz.
For the juniors
Also, for the first time, there’s an underage warm-up on Friday 14 at Ōkahukura on Grey St, under the direction of Ryan Greenwood, artist, photographer, drummer with Skonk, and generally essential person on the alternative scene.
He told me: “There’s been an explosion in the all-ages music scene in Tauranga over the past year While Totara St
serves as a fantastic host for Austin Cunningham’s yearly Tauranga showcase and Lifeline fundraiser Loserpalooza, its liquor licensing cuts out to anyone under the age of 18 after 7pm.
“Juniorpalooza gives our youngest and most passionate gig-goers a night to fully revel in the Loser experience and shines the spotlight on up-and-coming college bands ”
The bands are Spud from Mount Maunganui College, The Mindless from Pāpāmoa College, and Hang Time from Ōtūmoetai College plus “old-timers” Brain Squash. Greenwood chose them after performances at the recent BOP Regional Smokefree Rockquest competition, where Spud took second place at the final.
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Mid-winter Christmas celebration at Mount Maunganuichurch
Mount Maunganui’s St Peter’s Anglican Church invites the community to a mid-winter Christmas celebration tomorrow, July 25, combining music, fellowship and fundraising for local families in need.
The evening begins with refreshments and a relaxed social gathering from 6pm, followed by a candlelit programme at 7pm featuring readings, music and community singing centred on themes of love, kindness, peace, humility and joy
The Victoria Rd church will be decorated in a traditional northern hemisphere Christmas style, with a real Christmas tree and candlelight, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Organ Scholar Karen Mosen said the event was inspired by a desire to bring people together following a challenging start to the year for the Mount Maunganui community
“We felt there was a need for an event that gives people the chance to come together, connect with others and take part in something uplifting,” Mosen said She said the evening is also an opportunity to support those doing it tough, with all koha (donations) going to providing meals for vulnerable families through the parish and wider community networks.
“It’s about celebrating the values of aroha, manaakitanga (kindness and support) and whanaungatanga (kinship)
while helping make a real difference for people who need a hand We hope people will come along, enjoy the evening and share in a sense of warmth and community”
The mid-winter Christmas celebration is open to everyone. Entry is via koha (donation).
Spud. Photo / Doug Menzies
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
St Peter’s Anglican Church. Photo / Bruce Barnard
Shakespeare in Love on stage
The curtain is set to rise on one of the most ambitious productions ever staged at 16th Ave Theatre, with Shakespeare in Love running from August 7-22.
Based on the Oscar-winning 1998 film, the romantic comedy follows a struggling William Shakespeare who finds inspiration in Viola, a noblewoman who disguises herself as a man to perform on stage Their forbidden romance inspires the writing of Romeo and Juliet, weaving together wit, passion, duels, deception, and plenty of lively backstage mayhem
For first-time director Andre Liddicoat, the production’s biggest draw is its sheer scale
“People always talk about a show unlike any other, but this one really is,” he said.
Unlike a typical 16th Ave Theatre play, Shakespeare in Love features a cast of nearly 25 performers, an elaborate set complete with a working balcony and revolving stage, sumptuous costumes and even a live band performing an original underscore throughout the performance.
“It has the scale of a high-end musical, but it's a non-musical,” Liddicoat said.
Leading the cast are Michael Hebenton as William Shakespeare and Annabelle Moffat as Viola in her first leading role.
Behind the scenes, a large team of newcomers joins experienced volunteers to bring the production to life. Stage manager Lillia Varley leads the backstage crew
through rapid set changes, some completed in as little as 10 seconds.
Running for about two hours, including a 15-minute interval, the season includes 12 performances
“This is a spectacular show, and people will be impressed with the level of commitment, talent and professionalism the cast and crew are bringing to the stage, ” Liddicoat said
TheWeekend Sun has four double passes for opening night on August 7 to give away to four readers who can tell us who plays Viola?
Find out more about the event on Facebook. Search ‘Greerton Cherry Blossom Festival’
Blossom festival returns in Greerton
Save the date of September 19 this year – a popular family festival is coming back to life in Tauranga City
Greerton Village’s Cherry Blossom Festival is set for Saturday, September 19 from 10am-3pm
As in the previous years, the spring event will boast live entertainment, food and market stalls, family activities, classic cars, the Greerton Village School Gala, and blossom magic
To enter, visit: www.sunlive.co.nz and click on the ‘competitions’ tab Entries must be in by Tuesday, July 28.
Churches Active In Our Community
earnin to e content
Finding contentment is elusive for many.
The apostle Paul, who wrote he’d learned to be content in whatever state he was in despite the extreme trials he faced, gives six keys for contentment.
Here they are below, all from Philippians 4:
1 Reflect on positive things Don’t dwell on negative thoughts Many of us are able to immediately turn our minds away from unwanted evil thoughts Try doing the same with negative thoughts
2 Run after the positive things – do them Sharing your food with a hungry person is always more satisfying than just contemplating doing so
3 Reset affections away from worldly things to spiritual things: Failure to enjoy or achieve worldly desires happens often However, rich spiritual blessings are always in reach
4 Request of God and rely on Him Anxiety is a huge source of discontentment, so we ’ re reminded not to be anxious about anything, but rather to let our requests be made to the omnipotent, omnipresence, omniscient and omni-benevolent God in whom we can trust
5 Rejoice in the Lord Delight in Him Cherish who He is, what He’s done, what He’s doing and what He will do If we seek our joy and contentment in things or people that can fail, remember how God is the same from everlasting to everlasting
6 Recognise your source of
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Contact us today classifiedsbop@nzme co nz
strength. Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me ” . Great strength is found in a close relationship with Christ If contentment ’ s eluding you, I hope this provides helpful revelation to you
David Kidd, Church of God’s Love
Annabelle Moffat as Viola and Michael Hebenton as William Shakespeare. Photo / Supplied
HOOPER, Dennis Allan. Peacefully on 18th July 2026 after a brief illness. Much loved husband of Joanne. Loved father and father-in-law of Megan and Nick, Stephen and Kate Treasured grandfather of seven grandchildren. A service will be held at Manukau Memorial Gardens Chapel, 361 Puhinui Road, Wiri on Tuesday 28 July at 1pm. For those who are unable to attend, the funeral will be live streamed https:/ /together.oneroomstrea m7ing.com/A927PV
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