The Weekend Sun - 7 August 2026 by Sun Media

7 August 2026, Issue 1322

Thriving together Young Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Trevelyan Toesoliga 10, and Lachie Doole, 10, with the ball, have finished their local Coastlines competition – but they’re still training weekly at Gordon Spratt Reserve. This is because their Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Rugby League under-10s head coaches

Shannon Tutty and Jerome Fitisemanu have a vision to give kids more opportunities in rugby league. The coaches merged their club’s two under10s teams into a squad of 22 and have been taking them out of the Bay of Plenty to play against other teams further afield.

“It’s really about them enjoying the game and thriving in the game. That’s the biggest goal for us,” Tutty said. The squad will head to the 2026 Queenstown Kiwi Junior League Festival at the Global Games from October 16-18 in Queenstown – and this travel is being supported by another

local game in Pāpāmoa: Bingo! Weekly day-time Bingo run by Pāpāmoa Lions Club at The Flying Mullet Sports Bar is increasingly in popularity while raising funds to distribute to local groups, like the young Bulldogs, to help the whole community thrive. Read more on page 26. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Friday 7 August 2026 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

Smell roses, see birds Control Tower: “Wind zero niner zero at ten…”

Pilot: “Enter left downwind, runway 07/25.” Control Tower: “Cleared to land.” It could have been an ATR putting down at TRG. But it was a grey heron making a low pass down my CBD driveway on final approach to a perch high above my deck. I heard him before I saw him. Flapping

a huge, 2m wingspan, it created a deep, pulsing, whooshing sound. The stuff of big planes. What a statement! Then a partial eclipse as he flew in front of the sun; half a second of blackout. What an arrival! Followed by that distinctive, raspy, harsh cry – the “fraarnk” or “kaark” and menacing sharp bill snapping. Such an elegant creature, nature should have blessed him with a more melodic repertoire. I always thought birdwatching was for the birds – a ridiculous, worthless, waste

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of time. But here was a grey heron and I, eyeing each other intensely from about 5m. I’d been living a lie. Suddenly heron had “outed” me as a latent birder. Previously, my only interest was scaring off ghastly, manky, pooping pigeons. And wondering why seagulls deserve to be called seagulls when they never go to sea? Now I’m Googling dietary preferences of the heron. Would he like some Norwegian dill-infused smoked salmon on pumpernickel? Feeding birds, I read, cements a deep connection with nature, a shared closeness with God’s creatures. Perhaps we need a couple of raptors flying up and down Cameron Rd so we can toss them roadkill? It would create wellbeing in the hood. Google squawks at me. Don’t feed the heron bread. It’s “dangerous junk food”. Heron does “meat” – fish, frogs, tadpoles. But my fridge only does beer, eggs and blue cheese. So heron succumbs to his hunting instincts and taxis off runway 07/25 into the neighbouring tidal creek for a scoff. No cats.

Bona fide boom

Now before you snicker, and mock, old people with time to burn, birdwatching has new respectability and popularity. There’s been a bona fide “birdwatching boom”, especially among the Gen Zers in Britain – the first generation born with integrated digital body parts – you know, brain, heart, smartphone and liver. They’re not trading phones for binoculars, but switching on, in flocks, to bird watching. Almost 750,000 people, aged 16 to 29, now regularly birdwatch around the UK – up 2% since 2018. Only jewellery-making is a faster-growing hobby. What a choice. “Social media’s driving it,” said a local Gen Zer. “And you’re not weird if you’re not alone.” He’s not a card-carrying birder, but he’ll stop and appreciate the warbling of an orchestra bird in a tree. “The embodiment of nature,” he calls it. He’s the same Gen Zer that shamed me when I arrived home to a family of starlings sheltering from a stormy night on a downpipe under my garage overhang. I was about to shoo them away. “#@*+ off!” Afterall, they’d pooped all over the pipe. Saint Gen Zer of Assisi wasn’t having it. “Let them be, they’re not hurting. They’ve chosen your place to be safe and warm and dry for the night. Enjoy the fact.” Oh, the pain of being humbled and humiliated

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by youth. In England they say it’s worry about geopolitics that’s driving a positive reconnection with birds and nature. Worry and Pokémon. Because the popularity of Pokémon rocketed when they released Pokémon Go – a mobile app encouraging users to go into the real world and capture virtual monsters. Birdwatchers leaned in – their apps gamified bird spotting, with every species spotted becoming a virtual collectible card. Birdwatching had become a game. One app amassed 40 million downloads with 2 billion species observations worldwide. Another explanation was young minds fried by devices, addicted to phones, were seeking an off-ramp, a simple pleasure.

Their world, or ours?

For the uninitiated, there are distinctions between birdwatchers, or birders, and twitchers. Twitchers are hardcore, competitive enthusiasts who travel afar to spot rare species and tick them off. Birdwatchers or birders step outside and are immediately curious about what they see and hear. Like two kingfishers up there on the power lines – bright turquoise, vibrant orange. “They’re quite indifferent to us,” says the Gen-Zer. “Are we in their world, or they in ours? How can you not be impressed. Bits of ‘wild and free’ in an urban setting, making do with the space we provide them,” Gen Zer says. “Other than pigeons, the birds we see have never been domesticated and simply co-exist alongside us, making our lives that much more pleasant and interesting. Perhaps we should stop and appreciate it more?” What I didn’t appreciate was booking a front-end loader to remove grey heron’s calling card from my deck, a substantial bird with a corresponding waste output.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

Hospital cat Steps fou und safe after missing The search for Steps, Tauranga Hospital’s much-loved cat, is over after Steps was found safe less than two days after he disappeared.

The 12-year-old tabby, affectionately known as the hospital cat, had sparked a community-wide search after he was last seen at 11pm on August 3. Steps’ disappearance, along with his small shelter, prompted concern from thousands of people who knew the friendly feline. The breakthrough came on Wednesday morning when a Gate Pā resident posted on the Lost and Found Pets Tauranga Facebook page asking if anyone recognised a cat. The post described the visitor as “very friendly” and “very smart.” She said the tabby and white cat had broken through her microchip cat door before making himself comfortable on her bed last night. “Definitely a pet and currently trying to adopt me as its owner. My cat is not loving that idea.”

Most recognisable

Little did she know she had been hosting one of Tauranga’s most recognisable cats. Steps’ day-to-day caregiver, Karla Horn, spotted the post and said she had driven to the property on Thursday morning, where she was reunited with the wandering tabby. The Facebook post quickly attracted more than 1600 reactions as news spread that Steps had been found, with hundreds of relieved commenters celebrating his

safe return. One comment said: “You just had the most famous cat in NZ turn up on your doorstep! So good!” Another said: “Cat’s got no idea the whole nation’s out looking for him.” Steps, a 12-year-old tabby, is affectionately known as ‘The Hospital Cat’ after spending years comforting and greeting visitors outside Tauranga Hospital. Together with his disappearance this week, Steps’ kennel near the hospital’s carpark elevator had also disappeared.

Unusual

Owner Quinn Pratt said that while Steps had wandered off before, it was unusual for both the cat and his little house to disappear. The cat has more than 4300 Facebook followers and, within 24 hours of the first appeal for sightings, news of his disappearance had spread across Bay of Plenty and Waikato community pages. “It’s been a real reminder of just how much this little cat means to so many people.” Pratt and his wife, Emily, brought Steps and his brother home as kittens after a hunting trip to Murupara about 12 years ago. He said it was not long before Steps chose a different life. Steps made the hospital steps his home and became a familiar face to thousands of staff, patients and visitors. “For the last five years or so, Steps has really been a community asset rather than a pet belonging to a single family.” The family previously lived near the

Steps, the Tauranga Hospital Cat has been found safe. Photo / Supplied

hospital on Clarke St but moved to Welcome Bay late last year.

He seems to have an incredible ability to know who needs a little comfort.”

Day-to-day caretaker

Overwhelming

Pratt said rather than uproot Steps from the place he had claimed as home, they arranged for neighbour Karla Horn to become his day-to-day caretaker. He said Horn had done “an incredible job” caring for Steps, who spent most evenings at her house before returning to the hospital each morning. “He spends much of his time around the Emergency Department and has become famous for comforting patients and their families. “It’s not uncommon for him to jump onto a patient’s bed or curl up beside someone who is having a difficult day.

Pratt said the response to Steps’ disappearance had been overwhelming. Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford was among those who shared the appeal for sightings, while dozens of people offered to put up flyers, check CCTV footage and join the search. Prat said Steps was microchipped and had gone missing several times before being picked up by a well-meaning member of the public. “Local vets know him – and know me – well enough that I’ve had phone calls saying, ‘Quinn, your cat’s here again’.”

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Wharepai Domain gets a facelift One of Tauranga’s most historic public spaces is getting a facelift, with work underway to improve access, protect significant trees and enhance the entrance to Wharepai Domain.

The Tauranga City Council-approved project focuses mainly on the domain’s perimeter along Hamilton St, Cameron Rd and Chapel St, with improvements designed to make the reserve easier to access while supporting the growing number of sporting events and community gatherings held there. “The overall goal of this project is

to make the domain a more attractive entrance to the city that people can access more easily, with fewer road closures for events,” the council’s head of spaces and places Ross Hudson said. While much of the work centres on footpaths, parking, fencing and accessways, the project also recognises the rich history of a reserve that has served Tauranga for more than 150 years.

Aerial image of Wharepai Domain showing the planned upgrade. Image / Supplied

Heritage features

Among Wharepai Domain’s most significant heritage features are the 1921 War Memorial Gates, recognised as a Category 2 Historic Place, and the 1916 marble statue of Canon Charles Jordan.

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The former Holy Trinity vicar and ninetime Mayor of Tauranga remains the only person commemorated by a public statue in the Bay of Plenty. Wharepai Domain traces its origins to December 1873, when the former 68th Durham Light Infantry parade ground was set aside as a public domain. Additional land was added in subsequent decades to create the reserve known today as Tauranga and Wharepai Domain. The southern portion takes its name from Wharepai, the home and boarding house of Kataraina and David Asher, once located on the corner of Hamilton St and Cameron Rd. Over time the reserve evolved from grazed paddocks into Tauranga’s premier sports and events venue, home to rugby, cricket, athletics, tennis, croquet and bowls, while also hosting concerts,

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Respect

The council said the current project was designed to respect these historic and cultural values. “Archaeological authority has been granted, and the consent application included an archaeologist’s assessment. There are known archaeological features on and surrounding the reserve. We do not plan to disturb these during works,” Hudson said. The project is being implemented with involvement of Ngāi Tamarāwaho, Ngāti Tapu and Ngāi Tukairangi. “In collaboration with [the] three hapū, a pre-work blessing was held prior to work starting, and we have refurbished the pou on the corner of Hamilton St and Cameron Rd,” Hudson said.

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Friday 7 August 2026

“While much of the work centres on footpaths, parking, fencing and accessways, the project also recognises the rich history of a reserve that has served Tauranga for more than 150 years.” concentrated around the domain’s edges rather than its internal recreational facilities. Planned improvements included wider footpaths, improved accessibility, safer vehicle access for events, renewed fencing and upgraded parking areas that better protect the pūriri trees. The first stage of work, including Hamilton St upgrades and frontage fencing renewals, was expected to be complete by mid-August. Timeframes for the remaining tree pit and parking improvements will be confirmed as planning progresses.

Wharepai Domain in numbers:

Established as a public domain in 1873 Canon Charles Jordan statue in 1916 War Memorial Gates in 1921 Home to a century-old avenue of pūriri trees Rosalie Liddle Crawford Hosts events of up to 9000 people

“Hapū are supporting throu ugh physical works, providing cultural and d earthwork monitoring and will be invited to bless the site after the construction of the project.”

The trees

cypress trees aloong Hamilton St. “The cypress trees were removed partly because of safeety concerns. The branches on these trees were growing horizontally, making them prone to break and fall in high wind as evident in the April 19 cyclone,” Hudson said. “We intend to replant a mixx of native and exotic trees along Hamiltton St as part of this project.”

One of the reserve’s definin ng landscape features – the avenue of centtury-old pūriri trees along Cameron Rd – w will receive added protection. Hudson said the trees Wider vision v were a unique and valued parrt of Tauranga’s The wid der vision for Wharepai landscape. Domain extends beyond the works, “It is important to protect th hese Hudson n said. “Wharepai Domain historic trees for the people off falls witthin the city centre’s Sports Tauranga. The project includees and a Events Precinct – a place condition assessments of the for the people of Tauranga trees and construction to gather for sports and will follow protocols set events, and to exercise and in a tree protection plan.” The Charles Jordan statue at Wharepai/ Wh h enjoy public open space.” The project also Tauranga Domain. Photo / Kelly O’Hara The works were included replacing ageing

Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Water trip for fishingg mad centenarian He loves making fishing lures and today he’s reeling in his biggest catch – his centenarian birthday.

Born on August 7, 1926, Pāpāmoa man John Morris turns 100 years old today. Coming from Pinner, a small village in England, Morris said he was 18 years old when he left his hometown and joined the army. “I had four years in the armed services in Europe. That was at the end of the war and when I went back home all my old mates had gone or been killed so it was hard to settle down.” Setting his sights on a fresh start and new horizons, Morris made the six-week journey on the ship Atlantis to New Zealand in 1950.

Here, there, everywhere

“I came out here and retook on woodworking – that was my trade. I got a job in Wellington and so life started.” After a few years working in the capital, Morris gave the big smoke of Auckland a go, before heading down to the South Island with a mate and working on the Roxburgh Dam on the Clutha River. When they’d “had enough” of working on the dam, Morris and his friend put their money to good use. “We had enough money to just go and visit hotels all the way up the South Island.” Morris said they lived like this for a couple of months. “It was wonderful. We were both young and free.” Reminiscing on this time as “pretty wild”, Morris said, “We used to get up to a bit of mischief too”.

So, what was this mischief? “No, I can’t tell you that.” Only the hotels hold those secrets! Ending up in Wellington once again, Morris met a “young lassie” named Gwen at a dance hall and the pair were married in 1956. Morris and his late wife had three daughters together – Susan, June and Barbara. With one daughter having a young family in Tauranga, the pair eventually ended up in the Bay of Plenty too, at Ōmokoroa Point. “I thought that’d be a good place for fishing. So, we went fishing there, and we couldn’t believe it was so beautiful.”

Forever fishing

Morris has been a keen fisherman throughout his life, from catching roach fish along the canals in his English childhood to game fishing here in Aotearoa. Morris has lived in Metlifecare’s Pāpāmoa Beach Retirement Village since it opened back in 2005. He was one of the village’s first residents. Today, he resides in the care home, where he continues to share stories and interests with residents and staff alike. Fishing remains a favourite topic of conversation, staff said. “Staff often enjoy talking with him about their own fishing trips. He is always eager to hear how the weekend’s fishing went and what was caught,” nurse manager Trudy Anderson said. To mark Morris’ 100th birthday, Metlifecare’s Pāpāmoa Beach staff and management planned a surprise trip out on Tauranga Harbour for him late last month to celebrate his remarkable life

Turning 100 years old today, John Morris, pictured with a photo of himself with his late wife Gwen, reminisced over his life with The Weekend Sun. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

and love of fishing. “With a boat prepared and waiting, John and a friend were treated to a surprise fishing trip on the water,” Anderson said. “Although the fish proved elusive and no catches were landed that day, the outing was still a tremendous success.” Morris said it was a lovely day: “It was a very enjoyable experience, and the skipper pulled along to the fish and chip shop, and we got stuck in there.”

The Science of Sleep After 60

Margaret knows her ceiling fan has exactly 52 rotations per minute. She never used to notice such things. For 35 years, Margaret slept like a champion. The grandmother could nap anywhere. Her husband would joke that she would fall asleep mid-conversation. But wherever and whenever it was, she would always wake refreshed at dawn. Now, however, she counts ceiling fan rotations. Night after night, while her husband sleeps peacefully beside her. “It’s like my brain switches on just when it should be switching off,” says the 68-yearold. “By 3am, I’m planning shopping lists, worrying about the grandkids, replaying conversations from 1987. My mind just won’t stop.” She’s inadvertently joined what sleep scientists call the “2am club”, the millions of over-60s who find themselves wide awake when they should be deep in dreamland. Here’s what Margaret didn’t know: her brain has literally changed. After 60, our bodies produce less melatonin, the hormone that signals sleep. We spend less time in deep sleep, and the brain begins to stay alert when it should be winding down. The worries that used to fade by morning now linger on, replaying on a loop. And the restorative sleep that once came so easily? Well, that has become harder to find. The result? Margaret’s not just tired. Her appetite felt off, her morning energy had vanished, and simple tasks felt huge. Even her patience with the grandchildren was wearing thin.

World record claim

Anderson guesstimated it’d been about 15 years since Morris had last been on the water to fish, before their outing. “For John, it was a chance to reconnect with an activity that has brought him joy throughout his life. “For the staff who helped make it happen, it was an opportunity to honour a resident who has been an important part of the village community for many years.” Anderson said Morris also had a claim Advertisement

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“I didn’t realise how much it was affecting everything,” she admits. “I thought I was just getting older. I thought this was normal.” Instead of accepting exhaustion as “just part of ageing,” she started experimenting. First came cooling the bedroom, a dimmer on the lights, walks instead of evening TV. All worked a little but not the change she was seeking. The game-changer? A friend mentioned Koru Sleep. “I was sceptical,” Margaret admits. “Another supplement, another promise. But I was tired of being tired.” She discovered it takes a different approach. Rather than simply making you drowsy, it works to calm racing thoughts while supporting the body’s natural ability to produce its own sleep hormones. The formula

combines ingredients like passionflower and magnesium that work together. “Within two weeks, I had stopped counting ceiling fan rotations,” Margaret laughs. “Now I actually sleep through the night. I’d forgotten what it felt like to wake up refreshed without that morning fog.” Her husband noticed the difference before she did. “He said I seemed like myself again,” she smiles. “I hadn’t realised how much I’d changed.” The 2am club is accepting resignations. Better rest is possible after 60. Margaret’s parting advice? “Don’t accept bad sleep as normal. You deserve to wake up excited about your day, not exhausted by it.”

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The Weekend Sun

Right: Centenarian John Morris enjoyed a wonderful day out on the water ahead of his birthday thanks to the team at Metlifecare’s Pāpāmoa Beach Retirement Village.

From the wise

Asked to share his secret to longevity, Morris narrowed it down to two main things: “Bread and jam.” Perhaps his impressive age could also

Preciious Sooty

One-year-old d Sooty is a gentle female cat. She has coome out of her shell since residing aat the SPCA shelter. The happy caat with a sweet nature greets people p with tiny chirp, as if she’s saying ‘Hello’. Sooty is a quiet observer who takes in th he world around her at her own pace. Shes e’s not interested in toys or energetic games. Instead, she’s happiest spending time with those who appreciate her calm nature. Her favourite thing is a good chin rub.

Below: John Morris was part of a crew that caught a 196kg mako shark after a 3-hour struggle near Hicks Bayy. Photos / Supplied

to the h world ld record d shark h k catch h iin 1991. 1991 991 “John was part of the crew that brought this mako shark in. It was 196kg and was boated after a three-hour struggle near Hicks Bay, Gisborne.” Morris said one of his favourite parts of fishing was making lures, as well as “catching them [fish] and good friendships”. “My biggest personal catch was a 22-pound snapper, which I swapped for a crayfish.”

Frida ay 7 August 2026

be b attributed ib d to having h i hi his priorities i ii straight. “I’m number one,” Morris said. “I can look after myself fighting-wise. I boxed for a while.” Anderson hinted that Morris is a sucker for gin too, and that a bottle of red wine was waiting patiently to be enjoyed with his loved ones on his birthday. They are attending from far and wide to celebrate at the village. Although he wouldn’t divulge his hotel-hopping secrets, Morris did divulge his biggest life lesson: “Respect and appreciation of other people.” Thanks Morris and have a whopper of a birthday! Georgia Minkhorst

W While she’s not the ttype to curl up on yyour lap, she loves being close to her b people and enjoys p aff ffection in her own und derstated way. Sootty would thrive in a peacceful home where her quiet companionship is treasured d. If you u’re looking for a calm friiend who shows her love in subtle, heartfelt ways, Sooty could be the perfect addition to your family. Meet her today! Phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 5780245. Ref: 671035.

Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

From illness to inspiration: How When visitors stop to admire Jo Pedersen’s artwork at the inaugural Tauranga Art Show this month, they will see more than her years of creative experimentation and technical skill.

They will glimpse a woman who has healed herself through art, finding her way back from illness, loss and some of life’s most challenging seasons. Raised in Auckland, and encouraged to prioritise academic achievement over artistic pursuits, Pedersen always intuitively knew she was creative. She dabbled in art history studies but never considered art a realistic career pathway. “Art was always a sideline thing. I knew I was creative, but there wasn’t really room for that growing up.” It wasn’t until 2007, during a big life change, that she picked up a paintbrush as a way to process her emotions.

An outlet

“I started painting simply as an outlet. It helped me work through what I was experiencing. Then I realised, ‘Actually, I can do this’.” What began as therapy became a passion. Pedersen completed several tertiary art papers, experimented with mediums and techniques, and ultimately taught herself much of what she knows today. She became interested in abstract art for its expressive qualities, but found herself challenged by years of structured,

analytical thinking. “I had to overcome my academic wiring to become an abstract artist. I’m actually very intuitive, but I didn’t really know that until I started painting,” the Tauranga resident said. Her breakthrough came when she discovered encaustic wax painting, a centuries-old technique that combines heated beeswax with pigments. “When I found encaustic wax, I thought, ‘This is different.’ “It allowed me to loosen control and become more creative. The wax has a life of its own, and that freedom was exactly what I needed.” Over time, she developed her own techniques and style, creating richly layered works that explore the intersection of nature, human emotion, spirituality and the cosmos. Alongside encaustic wax work, she produces acrylic pieces with different meanings, and many inspired by nature and the ocean. “The waves are about the power of nature and the power of humanity. A wave can feel overwhelming when you’re knocked by it, but eventually it rolls on. That’s true in life, too.” Her encaustic works often take three to eight months to complete, with layers of wax creating depth and movement that shift as viewers move around the room. “They’re not just one subject. I weave together elements of nature and human experience. The longer people spend with them, the more they discover.”

Still on her long journey back to health, Jo Pedersen is creating and exhibiting her artwork as an important part of her healing process. Photos / Supplied

Drawn to Tauranga

After spending 14 years in the United Kingdom, Pedersen returned to New Zealand in December 2014 and settled in Tauranga, drawn by family. However, one of her greatest challenges was still to come.

At the end of 2022, despite being healthy and active, she began experiencing debilitating symptoms that left her searching for answers. “I thought it was hormonal. Then a suspicious spot turned out to be a highly invasive form of cancer.”

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

art healed a Tauranga woman Thankfully, the skin cancer was detected and removed quickly before it could spread. But Pedersen’s health continued to deteriorate. “I was struggling to shower, drive, carry groceries and even walk properly. I lost my balance. I couldn’t watch screens. I started losing weight rapidly and my body wasn’t digesting food. I could feel my body shutting down. “I now realise it was my nervous system failing – rather like a car that is running on empty and gradually slowing to a complete halt.” After extensive testing, Pedersen was diagnosed with myalgic encephalomyelitis/ chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), alongside severe hormonal imbalance associated with menopause.

there could be no negative thoughts. I had to stay positive if I was going to get through this.” The experience forced her to fundamentally rethink her relationship with herself. “It became the biggest lesson in self-love I’ve ever had. I had to stop pushing myself and start valuing myself. I had to learn to Self-love lesson tell myself, ‘I love you’.” Determined not to surrender to Recovery was slow and often frustrating, hopelessness, Pedersen drew upon her she said. extensive knowledge and training in health “I had to accept that this wasn’t and wellness something I could to support her simply fix overnight. recovery. It’s a nervous system “The first condition that thing I told requires protection, myself was that patience and rest. “Having always been a foodie and Jo Pedersen creating understanding the one of her encaustic wax artworks with importance of healthy layers of molten food, I didn’t know beeswax and pigm gment. m how to resolve this until being reminded of the Chinese medicine road to healing. “To help the body recover, you must eat food to nourish gently – so I resorted to soups and easily LIfePaths by Jo Pedersen. digestible food. A few ingredients, not the array I was used to using.” Slowly, it became easier to eat most foods, although she remains cautious. At last, the enjoyment of eating returned, The diagnosis was confronting, particularly as she was facing the illness largely alone. “I did have some people who I didn’t know who came to my assistance, and I was grateful for their help – but I was acutely aware that I needed to go deep within to get myself through this.”

N e ck o f t h e Wo o d s B e e r Co, Ta u ra n g a’s n ewe s t b rewe r y, h a s j u s t b e e n c row n e d N Z C h a m p i o n M i c ro b rewe r y a f te r o n l y 9 m o n t h s o f b rew i n g . “ T h i s i s a n u n b e l i eva b l e awa rd & a ch i eve m e n t . We l ove b e e r & to b e a b l e to co m p e te w i t h t h e b e s t i n t h e co u n t r y a n d b ri n g re co g n i t i o n to t h e B ay o f P l e n ty i s s u ch a n h o n o u r.” S co tt Tay l o r, O w n e r ( Ce n t re ) Vi rg i l e M e i l l e r, O w n e r ( R i g h t ) R e i d L i d i n g to n , B rewe r ( Le f t )

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marking a milestone in her journey of recovery and returning to her former self. By the summer of 2024-25, Pedersen began picking up a paintbrush again. “I realised I needed some happiness in my life. Art became my therapy once more.” As her health gradually improved, so too did her ability to create. “The more I painted, the better I felt. And the better I felt, the more I could create.” That makes her participation in the inaugural Tauranga Art Show particularly meaningful. “This show allows me to put myself back out into the world after everything I’ve been through.” Pedersen has begun writing about her experiences, documenting insights and reflections that emerged during her healing journey.

Have hope

“When I was sick and couldn’t do much else, I started adding to the writings I started in the UK. Knowledge about healing, sharing my realisations and stories became a necessary process on the journey – I’m now writing a book that I hope will help others going through similar experiences. “I want people to know that recovery from ME/CFS is possible. I want people to have hope. We all have more strength within us than we realise.” Visitors to Tauranga Art Show will have a rare opportunity to experience Pedersen’s encaustic and acrylic works, usually available only as commissions, from August 28-30 at Mercury Baypark.

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Soaring symbol of hope for the Mount A striking new mural of a white dove is turning heads outside a Mount Maunganui church, offering a message of peace and hope to everyone who passes by.

The large-scale artwork, painted by Australian artist Sidney Tapia across five to six days, graces Curate Church’s Newton St wall after what began as a simple catch-up between friends. Tapia and Curate Church pastors Nick and Sarah Khiroya first met more than 20 years ago at a youth service in Sydney. When Tapia recently travelled to Auckland for work, he called Nick, who invited him to Mount Maunganui.

A gift

“I said to Nick, ‘If you’ve got some wall space, I’d love to paint something’,” Tapia said. “I wanted to give a gift.” The mural was completed voluntarily, with Tapia donating his time and talent. The church provided accommodation and meals while he worked from sunrise until well after dark each day. Choosing the image took longer than painting it. “We went backwards and forwards with lots of ideas,” Khiroya said. “It almost came down to the last day before we settled on the dove.” For the church, the dove carries deep meaning. “It represents peace, truth and the Holy Spirit,” Khiroya said. Our heart is that if people drive past on Newton St they’ll appreciate the beauty of the artwork, but if they know the Bible they’ll also

be reminded that the peace of God can be with them in everyday life.” The timing had made the mural especially poignant for the Mount Maunganui community following the fatal landslide on Mauao in January. “After what we’ve experienced this year, it feels like perfect timing,” Khiroya said. “It’s about bringing restored hope, peace and light.”

Resonated

Tapia said the dove’s symbolism resonated with him immediately. “It’s peaceful, it’s graceful, but there’s also a sense of majesty and awe about it,” he said. “I wanted it to be something beautiful that people could stop and reflect on.” Throughout the week he photographed the mural’s progress, with one image capturing clouds appearing to extend the dove’s wings. “I had to do a double take,” he said. “It looked like the sky had become part of the painting.” For Tapia, the mural was an expression of gratitude rather than a commission. “When I paint, it’s an outpouring of thanksgiving,” he said. “I look at the gifts I’ve been given in life, and this is one way I can give something back.” The project also became unexpectedly personal. While Tapia was in New

Artist Sidney Tapia with the dove mural at Curate Church in Mount Maunganui. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

Zealand, family circumstances back home meant his wife and two daughters flew over to join him. He said the support they received from Curate Church during that time was overwhelming.

Touched hearts

“The church has been so accommodating,” he said. “It’s really touched our hearts.” The mural is also a visible expression of Curate Church's creative culture. “Creative arts and music have always been part of who we are,” Khiroya said. Nick and Sarah have been leading Curate Church for almost two years

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after returning to New Zealand from Australia. Sarah was born in Tauranga and attended Ōtūmoetai College before moving to Sydney to attend Bible college, where she met Nick. He later flew to New Zealand to propose to Sarah on Mauao 21 years ago. Although the couple returned often to visit family and friends over the years, this is the first time Nick has lived in Mount Maunganui. “We felt strongly that God was calling us back to New Zealand,” he said. “The last two years have been amazing. We’ve loved being here.” Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Movement 44 keeps young dancers moving

Symposium returns to Bay

The region’s Biosecurity exploring biosecurity as a Excellence Symposium is back strategic advantage for New on next Thursday, August 13, Zealand on the world stage. bringing together some of the Other speakers will include country’s sharpest biosecurity Biosecurity New Zealand deputy minds, sector leaders, and director-general Stuart Anderson, grassroots innovators for a day SYOS Aerospace founder and exploring ‘Biosecurity in a CEO Sam Vye, Dr Susanne Rapidly Changing World’. Schmidt of the University of Hosted by Tauranga Moana Canterbury, conservationist and Biosecurity Capital at Trinity bestselling author ‘The Trap Man’ Wharf, Tauranga, the event Gibson and is for everyone committed Te Tira Whakamātaki chief to protecting Aotearoa’s executive Melanie Markenvironment, economy, and way Shadbolt. of life from unwanted pests “This year’s speaker line-up and diseases. shows just how wide-reaching TMBC programme and event manager Natalie Rutene said this biosecurity has become, from year’s programme tackles the pace trade policy and nature finance of change head-on, with sessions through to drone technology, AI, and mātauranga Māori,” on innovation and technology, Rutene said. cross-sector collaboration, “It’s a genuine privilege to bring and community education, people of this calibre together in examining how biosecurity must one room, and we can’t wait to adapt as climate, trade, and see the conversations it sparks.” technology all shift at once. The event at Trinity Wharf The programme opens on August 13 from 8.15am to with New Zealand’s Special 3.45pm is open to the public. Agricultural Trade Envoy and Tickets cost $20 each online at: former Minister for Primary https://www.tmbiosecurity.co.nz Industries, Nathan Guy,

Kate Smith with her dance class. Photo / Supplied

When StarJam closed its doors last year, Kate Smith saw more than the loss of a dance class.

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She saw young people with disabilities lose a place where they felt they belonged. Determined not to let that happen, the Tauranga dance teacher founded Movement 44 – a free weekly dance programme for young people with disabilities and neurodivergent young people. One year on, the Mount Maunganui-based programme has grown to 22 participants, a full class and a growing waiting list. “It was a really sad time because I could see the impact it had on the people and the families,” Smith said of StarJam’s liquidation. “Some of them had been part of StarJam for about 25 years, so it was a big part of their lives.” Smith, who taught with StarJam, said it was her favourite day of the week. “One day I decided, ‘Do you know what? I really want to start my own dance company for them’.” She began contacting families and organising classes, launching Movement 44 in 2025. The name reflects both dance and new beginnings. “Movement” represents dance, while the number 44 came from adding together the ages of Smith and her two sons at the time. After researching its meaning, she discovered it symbolised “new growth and new beginnings”. “I thought that really tied into what I wanted to do.” The programme runs on Wednesday evenings

during the school term at the Arataki Community Centre and remains free for participants. Smith, who trained professionally at Bodywork, a performing arts college in Cambridge, England, said she wanted cost to never be a barrier for families. “I just really wanted to be able to support these people and help them have fun.” Funding from IHC helped cover studio costs and Smith volunteered her own time to run the programme. Two colleagues from her workplace at Lululemon also volunteer in the classes. Although the class is at capacity, Smith hoped additional support would allow Movement 44 to expand. “It would be so amazing if I could get this out there,” she said. “If there’s anyone who can help support this in any way, whether it’s offering a studio or helping us grow, it would make such a difference.” Rather than focusing on participants’ disabilities, Smith said the emphasis was simply on dancing together. “What I learned from StarJam is that we would never really talk about their disabilities. We were there just to dance.” For Smith, seeing the friendships, confidence and enjoyment the classes bring had made the past year worthwhile. “It’s such a cool thing to be a part of, and I just love it so much.” For those who want to support Movement 44, email: m0vem3nt44@gmail.com or search ‘movement 44’ on Instagram or Facebook. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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DMS has invested in cutting-edge automation systems Photo / Kelly O’Hara

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Women’s football pathway gives Bay The rapid rise of women’s football is beiing fellt welll beyond d th he worlld’s biggest stadiums, with a new player pathway in the Western Bay of Plenty giving talented girls the opportunity to develop closer to home.

Since the Fifa Women’s World Cup was hosted by New Zealand and Australia in 2023, participation in women’s and girls’ football has surged across the region. WaiBOP Football’s Te Ara Wāhine programme is building on that momentum by creating a pathway for talented local players. Te Ara Wāhine, meaning “the women’s pathway”,

supports more than 60 players across four squads – under-1 14s, under-1 16s, reserves and premier women – competing in the Northern Regional Football League (NRFL), the highest amateur competition in the upper North Island. The programme is already producing promising talent. Among those attracting attention are Mount Maunganui College student Lane Ririnui, 17, and 18-year-old Grace Duncan, who has also spent time training in the United States. Both have represented New Zealand and are considered players to watch in future. The initiative is overseen by WaiBOP Football’s general operations

manager Dr Alida Shanks, development coordinator Richard Lynch and development manager Ken Creswell, who represented the All Whites at the 1982 Fifa World Cup.

Little choice

For many years, talented Bay players often had little choice but to base themselves in Hamilton or Auckland if they wanted to test

themselves against stronger opposition. Lynch said the programme was created because talented local players previously had to get to training and games in Hamilton or Auckland to find the right challenges to support their development. “This gives them the opportunity to stay local while still playing against quality teams throughout Waikato and Auckland,” he said. He oversees the programme’s day-today operations while planning for future growth. “It’s really about the day-to-day running, making sure everyone has what they need and looking ahead to how we can make the programme sustainable and even stronger next year.”

Level playing field

Shanks, who has worked in football for more than 20 years and holds a PhD in gender equity in New Zealand football, said developing opportunities for women and girls is professionally and personally important.

Te Ara Wāhine, meaning “the women’s pathway”, supports more than 60 football players across four squads. Photo / Graeme Blake

We’ll put the kettle on!

Bupa Open Day

Saturday 8 August 10am – 2pm

Discover Bupa retirement village living at our Open Day this Saturday. We’re opening our doors at selected villages, so come on over, enjoy a cuppa and a bite to eat, chat to our friendly team and see if Bupa is right for you. Or book a personal visit if one on one is more your cup of tea. Accadia Tauranga

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Te Puke Te Puke

The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

girls a chance to shine Gallery director steps down After leading Toi Tauranga Art Gallery through one of the most significant periods in its history, including a redevelopment, driving record visitor numbers and delivering a renewed vision, director Sonya Korohina will resign on October 31.

“Women were banned from playing football for 5 0 years,” she said. “They only really started playing again in the 1970s, and I think we’re still paying the price for that. “That’s why supporting pathways for women and girls is so important. We’re trying to get girls back onto a level playing field.” Today, more than 2000 girls and women play football across the Bay of Plenty and nearly 100 attended recent holiday development programmes, highlighting the growing demand, Dr Shanks said.

Long-term vision

The long-term vision is to create a pathway supported collectively by clubs throughout the Western Bay, allowing players to progress without leaving the region, she said. “If we can make it sustainable and get all the clubs working together, then girls won’t necessarily have to travel to Auckland. They’ll have more opportunities to train and compete with other players who are just as passionate.” Behind the programme is a dedicated volunteer coaching team including respected Bay coaches Maia Ririnui, Jack Boland, Rochelle Weller and veteran coach Dave Rayner, alongside Lynch and other volunteers. “They’re incredible,” Lynch said. “Most of them work full-time jobs and then spend evenings and weekends coaching. They might get fuel costs covered, but they’re basically volunteers giving up huge amounts of time because they care about the girls.” Volunteer Phil Sanger, who moved from the United Kingdom to Tauranga last year, had thrown his support behind the programme.

Need support

A volunteer in youth football in Britain, he quickly recognised the enthusiasm surrounding the

A new player pathway in the Western Bay of Plenty is giving talented girls an opportunity to develop closer to home. Photo/ Rochelle Weller

local programme. “Women’s football is growing massively,” Sanger said. “The World Cup really accelerated things, and there’s so much excitement around the women’s game now. It’s fantastic to see that enthusiasm filtering down into local football.” Financial support remains one of the biggest challenges, with travel, competition costs and programme delivery requiring ongoing funding. “We need support to keep it going,” Shanks said “The enthusiasm is definitely there from the girls. We just need to match that enthusiasm with the resources to deliver the opportunities.” With women’s football continuing to grow around the world, those involved locally believe the Bay of Plenty is well placed to develop the next generation of players – provided the pathway continues to receive community support. “Our aim is simply to help every girl who wants that opportunity have the chance to reach her potential,” Lynch said. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Toi Tauranga Art Gallery as one of New Zealand’s leading regional galleries. “Toi Tauranga Art Gallery is in a strong position. We thank Sonya for her vision, leadership and dedication and wish her every success in the next chapter of her career,” Protheroe said. Korohina also established Te Kāhu o Hinewa, the gallery’s Māori Advisory Group, helping to embed Māori perspectives Following nine years with the into its future direction and gallery, in consulting, board and relationships. most recently the director role, Korohina said reopening the Korohina has guided the team gallery for the people of Tauranga through the temporary closure and subsequent $10m redevelopment had been a highlight of her career. “It has been an incredible of the gallery. privilege to work alongside such Since reopening last November, talented staff, volunteers, artists, the gallery has welcomed more supporters and partners. Together than 100,000 in visitation to we’ve created a gallery that belongs gallery, cafe and retail, and to our community and I’m strengthened its reputation as a immensely proud of what we've vibrant destination for locals and achieved together. visitors. “I’d hoped we could create The redevelopment, which a place that feels welcoming, included a new entrance, retail surprises people, reflects the space, café, creativity centre and richness of Aotearoa and Tauranga’s expanded exhibition spaces both stories and becomes part of inside and out, received national everyday life for our community. recognition with a 2026 New The response from visitors has Zealand Institute of Architects been incredibly rewarding.” Waikato and Bay of Plenty “I achieved everything I set Architecture Award in the Small out to and now, as the city’s Te Project category. Manawataki o Te Papa cultural Chair Rosemary Protheroe said precinct development progresses, Korohina had driven one of the it is the perfect time to bring fresh most ambitious periods in the thinking and energy into the role. gallery’s history. Korohina will remain in the “Sonya has provided exceptional role until the end of October. leadership during a period of enormous change, helping position Recruitment for a new director will begin this month.

Around the Rohe

AUGUST 2026

Are you ready for the Zespri AIMS Games from 5 to 11 September? With more than 14,000 visitors expected in Tauranga, our city will be humming – and a little busier than usual! Alongside Tauranga City Council, we’re helping make travel easy with a range of free transport options. Take advantage of the free Park and Ride service to the Opening Ceremony at Mercury Baypark Arena or use the free loop buses running between key Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa venues throughout the week. The Bayhopper urban network is also free for athletes and coaches. Whether you’re supporting from the sidelines or helping young athletes get to their events, travelling by bus is a great way to avoid parking stress and help keep Tauranga moving.

Bird flu has landed in New Zealand New Zealand now has its second confirmed case of H5 bird flu. Unfortunately, the virus spreads easily and despite being a low health risk to the public, it has caused major bird deaths worldwide.

Keeping safe on the water

At this stage, there isn’t an indication that the virus has spread further but the public is asked to stay alert and report sick or dead birds and animals.

Bar crossings are a high-risk activity for even the most experienced boatie. A gentle reminder to always remember to:

Key advice: • Keep your distance. Stay away from sick or dead wildlife and keep pets away too. • Keep clean. Wash your hands and clean your gear after being outdoors. • Know when to report. If you see three or more sick or dead birds, please report them to the exotic pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66. For more information about the signs of bird ﬂu, and when and how to report a suspected case, visit the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) website.

• Check the weather within 12 hours of heading out. • Check the tide for the times that you intend to leave and return – always avoid low tide. • Talk to a local about the bar conditions if you haven’t been out before. • Tie down any loose objects such as anchor and ropes. • Wear a lifejacket. • Contact Coastguard on VHF immediately before you cross and after you’ve successfully crossed. • Avoid ebb or falling tides (between high tide and low tide, when water ﬂows away from the shore). To report maritime hazards, incidents and accidents phone: 0800 5 KNOTS (0800 55 66 87).

Working together to help people and places thrive.

Rates 2026/27

Pay it your way

Your rates for this rating year are now available to view on our website.

Introducing Payble, the new way to pay your rates We’ve introduced a new online payment platform called Payble, making it easier to manage your rates payments in a way that works for you. It’s quick to set up, easy to use, and puts you in control. Sign up to Payble by 20 October 2026 and you’ll go in the draw to win one of ﬁve $100 Prezzy Cards (T&C’s apply).

Visit boprc.govt.nz/payble to learn more.

Support for community-led climate adaptation planning Climate change is affecting communities across the Bay of Plenty in different ways. Whether you’re concerned about ﬂooding, drought, coastal erosion or other climate-related risks, support is available to help your community plan ahead. Get up to $20,000 for community-led climate adaptation planning, with access to technical expertise where needed. The fund can support workshops, community conversations, local risk assessments and adaptation planning. Applications are open year-round. Find out more by visiting boprc.govt.nz/adaptation-planning

Planning a burn-off? Check before you light As winter clean-ups get underway, rural landowners are reminded to burn responsibly. Almost 40% of smoky fire complaints come from rural and semi-rural properties, often caused by damp vegetation, green waste, or other unsuitable materials being burned. Before lighting a fire, make sure you’re only burning clean, dry vegetation, check the weather conditions, let affected neighbours know, and confirm burning is permitted at your property. A little planning can help keep our communities safe, healthy, and free from unnecessary smoke.

VISIT: Regional House (Tauranga), Rotorua and Whakatāne offices PHONE: 0800 884 880 EMAIL: info@boprc.govt.nz

Find out more at www.boprc.govt.nz

Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Lions build community book exchange Book lovers have a new place to browse in Bethlehem thanks to two handy Lions members who have turned an idea into a community asset.

Bethlehem Te Puna Lions members Ron Stephens, 88, and Bernie Allen, 79, have built and installed a new community book exchange outside Bethlehem Community Church at 183 Moffat Rd. Installed the week of July 21-25, the weatherproof timber cabinet is about the size of a traditional phone box and can hold about 150 books. Built with shelves, a roof and a glass door, it was designed to keep books dry while making it easy for people to borrow and donate titles. The idea came from Allen, who approached the church seeking permission to create a book exchange on its grounds. “I thought it would be a good idea,” he said. “The church said they’d discuss it at their next meeting and, while I was away in Australia, they gave us the go-ahead.” From there, Stephens designed the structure, making use of reclaimed materials the Lions had sourced. “We got second-hand cladding and a donated door from Lion Ian Calvert, and it evolved from there,” Stephens said.

Hiccups overcome

The pair built the book exchange in Stephens’ workshop, although construction took longer than expected

after he spent several days in hospital with high blood pressure. “My wife wouldn’t let me do more than two or three hours at a time after that,” Stephens said with a laugh. Installing the completed structure proved another challenge. McLeod Cranes generously donated its services, delivering the book exchange from Stephens’ home in Cherrywood to Bethlehem. On arrival at Moffat Rd, because overhead powerlines prevented direct access, a crane lifted it over the community garden before Lions members carefully manoeuvred it into its final position. The project used about $600 worth of timber, screws and other materials, much of it funded by Bethlehem Te Puna Lions members.

Bring and take

The response has been immediate, the men said. People were dropping off bags of books while finishing touches were being completed, and within hours the shelves were already well used. “It was chock-full,” Allen said. “When we checked later, a lot of books had already gone.” Situated alongside the Bethlehem Community Garden and vegetable stand, the book exchange added another way for neighbours to connect and share with one another. Allen, who turns 80 this year, jokes he’ll soon receive his ‘OBE’ – “Over Bloody Eighty” – while Stephens, at 89, is pleased to have helped create another lasting project for the community. With books changing hands daily, the

Above: Bethlehem Te Puna Lions memb bers Ron Step phens and d Berniie Allen outside the new Community Book Exchange on Moffat Rd. Photo / Kelly O’Hara Right: The shelves can hold about 150 books. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

pair hope the little library will become a well-loved feature for readers of all ages for years to come, and that the community embrace the spirit of it. “It’s a book exchange," Allen said. “Bring a book, take a book.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

Cooking classes bringing families together A four-week community cooking course at Pāpāmoa College is helping students and their parents or caregivers gain confidence in the kitchen while spending quality time together.

The free evening classes, organised by Pāpāmoa Food Hub in partnership with Pāpāmoa College, have run in Terms 1 and 2. A third programme begins August 5 in Term 3, with student participants learning practical cooking skills, meal planning, budgeting, nutrition and food safety. Volunteer tutor Tracey Killalea said her passion for cooking and helping others inspired her to become involved with the programme. “I wanted to teach people simple ways of making food go further and create cost-effective meals,” she said. “But what we’ve found is that families are also coming along because they want to connect with their kids.” Among Term 2 participants were Pāpāmoa College students Shelby Mills, 15, and Alyssa Mills, 12, who completed the course alongside their mother, Aileen Mills. The family won the programme’s Pak’nSave Celebration Cook Off after preparing a chicken poke bowl. As well as winning the major prize of an electric wok from The Warehouse Pāpāmoa, the Mills received a Pāpāmoa Food Hub $350 food parcel voucher. Each participating group received a

kitchen-related prize from The Warehouse Pāpāmoa.

Alyssa Mills, 12, Aileen Mills and Shelby Mills, 15, with their winning chicken poke bowls. Photo / Supplied

Bonding

Aileen Mills said she enrolled her daughters because she wanted them to become more confident in the kitchen. “It was also a really nice bonding thing. There are lots of activities where you drop your children off, but not many where you actually do it alongside them.” Each weekly session ran 6pm-8pm in the college’s food technology classrooms. Tutors first demonstrated the recipe before six participating families prepared the same meal at their own workstations, learning knife skills, food preparation, cooking techniques and recipe reading. Participants took their completed meals home, while quizzes and practical activities reinforced what they had learned. Killalea said every family came with different goals. “We had all sorts of groups. There was a father and son who both had no idea about cooking, while some families were already quite confident. Others simply wanted to spend time together.” For the final cook-off, each family received a $25 Pak’nSave voucher and challenged to plan, shop for and prepare a meal within budget, with students taking the lead in the cooking. Mills said the course had changed life at home. “It’s now, ‘Is it my turn to cook?’ They

come to me for questions now. They’re much more confident and comfortable in the kitchen and much happier to help out.” She said the programme had been a positive experience for the whole family. “When I told them it was over they said, ‘Oh’. They’d really enjoyed it and would have happily kept going.”

Learning together

Pāpāmoa Food Hub manager Bruce Banks said the programme grew out of community cooking classes held in 2025 and was redesigned to involve parents and students learning together. “We wanted to focus on parent/student classes going forward,” Banks said. He hopes participants leave with new cooking skills, a better

understanding of nutrition and seasonal cooking, smarter shopping habits, family-friendly meal ideas and stronger family connections. “Cash donations to the hub for food support are not used to fund the cooking classes. These are funded from other sources.” Pāpāmoa College principal Iva Ropati said the initiative had received a strong response from families. “It is nice to give parents and caregivers the tools to cook healthy and affordable meals, particularly in tough economic times.” He said the partnership reflected the school’s commitment to working alongside its community. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us as a kura [school] to demonstrate how genuine and authentic partnership between school and

community can work in practice.” Ropati said learning together also strengthened family relationships and helped pass practical skills on to younger generations.

Break cycles

“In a time where there does seem to be an absence, rightly or wrongly, of adults actively participating in the family unit, doing things together strengthens whānau relationships. It also helps to break cycles where skills are not always passed down to younger members of the family.” The cooking classes are supported by Pak’nSave, which provides the cook-off grocery vouchers, while volunteers from Pāpāmoa Food Hub prepare and run the sessions. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Volunteers breathe new life into patrol boats Two of the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club’s hardworking patrol boats have received a major refurbishment, thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers giving their time in winter’s sailing season.

About eight to 10 club members have been working daily during the past three weeks to refurbish the club’s main race patrol boat, Harry Highet, and the smaller vessel White Patrol. Former commodore David Peet, who is co-ordinating the project, said the work continues the club’s long tradition of members pitching in to keep the fleet on the water. “The Harry Highet has served the club for 36 years, so it was due for another refurbishment,” Peet said. The vessel had a special place in the club’s historyy. Peet,, who

also co-ordinated the original construction project, said it was built entirely by volunteers beneath the yacht club during a two-and-ahalf-year period. It was named after Harry Highet, the designer of New Zealand’s iconic P Class yacht, with the Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club holding the plans and rights to the class.

The work

The boat’s latest refurbishment included new electronics, installation of an automatic anchor winch, a complete exterior repaint and a range of maintenance work to keep the vessel in top condition. “It’s all coming up spick and span,” Peet said. The Harry Highet is the club’s principal race management boat, responsible for starting and finishing races for fleets sailing on Tauranga Harbour. Thee club’ss second vessel in the Th

David Peet with long-serving volunteer Warren Belk and Bob Smythe in the background of White Wh h Patrol vessel.

From left ft, t volunteers Bob de Fluiter, Bevan Grant, Geoff Collins, Ron Daldy and Ian Watson inside the cabin,, Warren Belk,, Bob Smyythe,, David Peet and Peter Decke,, with vessel Harryy Highet under refurbishment. Photo / Kelly O’Hara inflatable patrol boats to manage workshop, known as White Patrol, Peet said. “It’s an absolutely the course and ensure racing had also received extensive repairs. amazing effort.” The fibreglass boat is used to lay Founded in 1920, Tauranga runs smoothly. race marks around the courses and Yacht & Power Boat Club has a had accumulated plenty of knocks proud history of volunteerism. Special recognition and scrapes from years of handling Members built the club’s Sulphur Peet said the refurbishment had chains and buoys. Point clubhouse in the early 1980s only been possible because of the “We’ve given that a big birthday and continued to spend thousands commitment of club volunteers. at the same time,” Peet said. of hours collectively each year to One volunteer deserved special With the two boats out of action, recognition – Warren Belk had support sailing programmes, racing the club had borrowed a vessel and maintenance of club facilities overseen the operation and to support its fortnightly winter and vessels. maintenance of the Harry Highet racing programme. The patrol boat refurbishment every week since it first entered During race days, the Harry will support sailors on Tauranga service 36 years ago. Highet works in radio contact Harbour for many more years. “The boat has been very carefully with White Patrol and the club’s looked after and run by Warren,” Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

Water confidence starts with BaySwim BaySwim is passionate about helping children of all ages develop confidence, safety skills, and a lifelong love of the water.

“One of our most popular programmes is Aquababes, designed for babies and

toddlers aged 3 months to 3 years,” said BaySwim manager Claire Horner. “These parent-and-child classes provide a fun, nurturing environment where little ones can build water confidence while strengthening the bond with their parent or caregiver.” Aquababes focuses on water confidence, early skill development, songs, play, and movement-based activities that make learning enjoyable from the very first splash, Horner said. “Our Water Babies classes for infants aged 3 to 6 months are completely free, giving families

Preschool BaySwimmers practise underwater swimming and breath control during a lesson. Photo / Supplied

the opportunity to introduce their baby to the water and begin building essential water familiarity and safety skills from an early age.” As children grow, BaySwim offers a complete swimming pathway, including Preschool classes for ages 3 to 4, school age lessons, squads for swimmers developing technique and fitness, sensory swimming programmes for children who benefit from a more

specialised learning environment, and adult swimming lessons. “Whether you’re introducing your baby to the water for the first time or supporting a swimmer through their aquatic journey, BaySwim provides a welcoming, supportive community where every swimmer can thrive.” For more information or to book, visit: bayswim.co.nz or email: aquababes@bayvenues.co.nz.

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Where caring for yourself Dip your little one’s toes into Pāpāmoa swim school changes everything For mums, grandmothers and women who spend their days caring for others, taking time for themselves rarely makes it to the top of the list.

cuisine and genuine time to unwind. Hosted at the award-winning Health & Wellness Resort near Waikato’s Lake Karapiro, guests can soak in the indoor heated mineral pool and jacuzzi, relax in the sauna, enjoy spa treatments, or simply embrace the rare luxury of Resolution Retreats offers having nowhere else to be. something rare: the The true value lies in chance to pause, what participants reflect, and reset, take home, said Jo Andrews. Andrews said. “Our women“Practical only retreats strategies, fresh create the perspective, time, space and renewed and support confidence to step away empower from the women to demands of better manage daily life and stress, restore reconnect with balance, and build what matters healthier habits that most.” Since 2012, extend far beyond their Resolution Retreats had A blissffull Yoga sessiion led by time away.” guided thousands of Resolution Retreats’ wellness Andrews said women women towards renewed investing in their manager. Photo / Supplied energy, greater resilience, wellbeing is not an and lasting wellbeing indulgence – it’s the foundation for through a thoughtfully curated living with intention, resilience, programme of inspiring workshops, fulfilment “and showing up as your restorative movement, nourishing very best for those who matter most”.

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If you’ve been thinking about enrolling your little one in swimming lessons, there’s no better time to try Fulton Swim School!

confidence, essential water safety skills and a lifelong love of the water. Fulton said families love the welcoming Pāpāmoa facility, with plenty of free parking, poolside seating, baby-changing facilities and an on-site swim shop. “Our state-of-the-art water treatment system uses advanced filtration technology and only the minimum amount of chlorine required under New Zealand regulations, providing beautifully clean, comfortable water. Book a free trial lesson this month!”

“Throughout August, we’re inviting new families to enjoy a free trial lesson with absolutely no obligation,” said the swim school’s owner and director Daniel Fulton “Our purpose-built Pāpāmoa facility features two indoor heated pools, kept at a cosy 32C year-round, creating the perfect environment for babies from just 3 months of age. “Our popular Jellyfish programme introduces little ones to the water through songs, play and confidencebuilding activities, with half-price lessons available for our youngest swimmers.” Fulton said as a child grows, so does what Fulton Swim School offers. “From learn-to-swim lessons through to private lessons, homeschool swimming groups and squads, we offer programmes for every age and stage. “Our experienced, caring instructors are passionate about helping every swimmer develop Photo / Supplied

The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

Celebrating 30 years at the heart of learning For 30 years, BestStart has supported Tamariki (children) and whānau (families) across Aotearoa through quality early learning and care.

“Since opening our first centre in Tauranga in 1996, BestStart has grown to more than 260 centres nationwide” said chief executive Fiona Hughes. “While the organisation has expanded, its purpose has remained the same: to make a positive difference in the lives of children.” This commitment had earned the trust of Kiwi families throughout New Zealand, Hughes said.

“Over the years, BestStart has been voted the country’s Most Trusted Childcare brand six times, received the Reader’s Digest Quality Service Award for eight consecutive years and is one of the few early learning providers to achieve the Education Review Office’s rating of ‘Excelling’.” As families’ needs have evolved, BestStart has developed programmes to ensure children are supported at every stage of their early learning journey.

“We have introduced programmes such as Start with Heart which focuses on responsive care for infants through to Set for School, to support preschoolers to build the confidence, skills and independence needed for a successful transition to primary school,” Hughes said. “With 21 centres across the Bay of Plenty, BestStart remains proud to be at the heart of learning for local children and families.”

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BestStart’s Set for School programme is designed to prepare your child for their transition to primary school. Photo / Supplied

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Friday 7 August 2026

Every moment offers a choice “The challenge is in the moment; the time is always now” – James Baldwin

We often wait for the “right time” to make changes, to face a challenge or to begin again. Yet life always happens in the present moment. The courage we need is not found in some future self; it is only and always available now. Every moment offers a choice: to avoid, to delay or to take a step forward. Growth begins when we meet today’s challenges today, rather than putting them

The Weekend Sun

off until “another” time. The present moment isn’t an obstacle to overcome but a place where we choose what our next step will be. What small action should I take now rather than putting it off for the perfect time?

If you’d like to know more about strengthening relationships, exploring your potential and creating transformation in your life, phone Mary Parker, The Fast Track Coach, on 021 258 2145, or visit: www.thefasttrackcoach.co.nz

Tauranga GP recognised for her community work A Tauranga GP and “tireless advocate for Māori health” has been recognised for her contribution to her community.

Dr Claire Isham is a specialist GP at Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation’s clinical director. She was awarded the Community Service Medal by the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) at a ceremony in Auckland on Saturday. The honour is presented to members who have made an outstanding contribution to the communities they serve, a Primary Health Organisation (PHO) statement on Monday said. In the statement, Isham said the recognition belonged to many. “This is a huge honour, but it doesn’t belong to me alone. “Everything the college has recognised is the work of a team. Our general practice teams, our PHO kaimahi and our community partners who show up every day for whānau. I just happen to be at the forefront of it sometimes.” Isham said she was proudest of the outreach clinics, which ran as a collaboration between Ngāti Kahu Hauora and the Hauora of Matakana and Mōtītī islands. “That only happens because of the people around me and the trust of the communities we serve. This medal is really theirs to share.” College president and Tauranga GP Dr Luke Bradford presented Isham with the award. He told the Bay of Plenty Times that Isham was one of his teachers when he was a firstyear GP registrar at Ngāti Kahu Hauora. “It was one of the highlights of the ceremony for me, to be able to honour my teacher and An organisation where those with hearing loss my friend, because we’ve stayed close ever since.” are connected, empowered and respected. Bradford said Isham was “determined and dedicated”, We provide free advice, support, education, and especially to high-needs information for those living with hearing loss. communities. She drove a lot of the efforts to get Matakana and Join our FREE Hearing Support Mōtītī Islands, off the coast Coffee Mornings on of Tauranga, set up with fast internet to run remote clinics, September 24th, November 26th Bradford said. 10:30am – Midday “She’s a tireless advocate for

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Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation clinical director and GP Dr Claire Isham. Photo / Supplied

Māori health and the inequities that come from that.” As the PHO’s clinical director, she looked after the quality and clinical programmes and standards for general practices, he said. Isham spent 10 years as part of the forensic team at Tautoko Mai Sexual Harm Support. “She was on call through many nights and weekends and helping people in their darkest hours.” Bradford said she was a “really great asset” to the wider Bay of Plenty and medical community and “the most humble person imaginable”. The PHO statement said Isham had helped shape services to “better meet the needs of Māori, rural and high-needs communities” through her clinical leadership, governance and commitment to equity. She had strengthened relationships between primary and secondary care, improving access and quality across the region, it said. Isham is chairwoman of the clinical leadership group for General Practice New Zealand, and, through other national forums and advisory groups, had been a strong advocate for primary care and for high-needs populations in system design and funding. She also contributed to the Atawhai research group, helping to advance research into interpersonal violence and improve models of care and service responses. PHO chief executive Sarah Stevenson said Isham’s leadership made a difference to the organisation and wider region. Trusted Local “Having a doctor like Claire guiding Skin Checks, for our clinical direction is something we Peace of Mind value deeply. She helps shape the standards and support that guide Book Today for a Full Body good care across Skin Check with the Bay of our practices and Plenty’s Skin Cancer Experts services, always with Comprehensive skin checks & equity and whānau treatment, all in one place. at the centre. • Full body skin checks • Surgical treatments “That kind of • Single lesion checks • Topical treatments leadership really matters for the 6 Grenada Street, Level 1, health of our Bayfair, Mount Maunganui communities.” 0800 776 877 | skinspots.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

Creatine and coggnitive performance Concerts to support Waipuna Hospice Creatine is best known for supporting muscle energy and athletic performance, but research also suggests it may have useful benefits for the brain.

A 2022 clinical review published in Nutrition Reviews found that creatine supplementation may support several aspects of cognition, including working memory, attention and reaction time. These benefi Th fits may be especiallly hellpffull fi for people whose mental performance is under strain, such as older

adults, those with poor sleep, people who are under high stress or are following low-protein diets. The review noted particularly meaningful improvements in memory among older adults compared with younger people. Other studies indicate creatine may help with complex thinking tasks, reduce mental fatigue and support faster information processing. Early research from the University of Kansas also reported cognitive improvements in people with Alzheimer’s disease. While more research is neeeded, these findings suggest creatine may havve future value in areas such as traumatic brain inju ury, depression and neurodegenerative conditions. Creatine works by helping replenish ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, thee main energy source used by nerves and musccles. Brain cells need large amounts of ATP to support electrical signalling, neurotransm mitter activity and normal cognitive funcction. By helping restore ATP levels, creaatine may support clearer, more efficient thought processes. Cellular ATP producction is also influenced by pH. If cells become too acidic, energy prod duction may be less efficient. For a freee copy of the booklet Is Your pH Heaalthy? along with complimentary pH strrips to test your pH, contact Health House on 0800 140 141. John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Medd) is a nutritional medicine practitioner. To read more by John and the Abundant Health products, visit: www.heealthhouse.co.nz, call 0800 140 141, or email: john n@healthhouse.co.nz

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After raising almost $19,000 for Waipuna Hospice in its debut year, Third Space Symphony returns to Baycourt this month with an even bigger production, expanding to two nights in the hope of raising even more for local hospice care. The musicians of Third Space will be joined by a full symphony orchestra to perform some of the world’s most iconic pop, rock and disco hits across two nights. The concerts will be held at Addison Theatre, Baycourt, on August 28-29 from 7.30pm. The programme features

orchestral arrangements of songs by Queen, ABBA, Elton John, Adele, Journey, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, Robbie Williams, The Beatles, Toto, Bon Jovi, Shania Twain, Split Enz and many more. Waipuna Hospice chief executive David Bryant said the generosity shown by Third Space and everyone involved in the production would have a lasting impact on local families. Tickets can be purchased online at: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/ third-space-symphony-no-2/ tauranga

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Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Young Pāpāmoa Bulldogs fuelled byy Lions’ bingo g days y A weekly daytime Bingo game run by Pāpāmoa Lions Club at a local sports bar is making an impact in the local community by supporting residents from young to old in different ways.

Since launching three months ago, Pāpāmoa Lion Steven Jensen said the Bingo days at The Flying Mullet Sports Bar had not only given seniors a chance to socialise regularly but was raising money to support local community groups. The Bingo is played at The Flying Mullet Sports Bar on Wednesdays from 2pm-3.30pm. “How it works is we sell tickets to Bingo for

$5 each and take 20% from every ticket sale thanks to the generosity of The Flying Mullet Sports Bar. We also sell meat raffle tickets while we’re there – and the funds accumulate.” Jensen said the event is targeted at Pāpāmoa’s retired community – and it’s working with numbers continually increasing. “The majority of attendees are ove 60 and it’s a fun, affordable social outing for them and they enjoy it." The club’s first donation from its Bingo proceeds went to training a guide dog for Blind Low Vision NZ. Now the club has handed over $1500 to the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Rugby League & Sports Club for its under-10 players to attend the Global Games in Queenstown in October. Jensen said when the Bulldogs first contacted the Lions asking for support, they couldn’t help.

DAY TIME BINGO Hosted by the Pāpāmoa Lions All proﬁts to Lions community projects

EVERY WEDNESDAY 2.00pm - 3.30pm AT THE FLYING MULLET Fashion Island, Pāpāmoa 2pm till 3.30pm

The Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Rugby League team heading to Global Games in October, with h head d coach hes Shannon Tutty and d Jerome Fitisemanu. Photo / Kelly O’Hara “Since then we’ve started running the weekly in league “and give them opportunities of Bingo and raising money, which we can spend growing in the game”. in the community. The Bingo is enabling us to The New Zealand Warriors’ success in the help other community groups. NRL competition in recent seasons is creating “People [who attend] think it’s great that buy-in for league among youngsters, he said. they can enjoy an event that gives money “League is pretty popular. You see kids directly back to the community. They’re wearing the league shirts around. Ours do always asking what’s the next project we a Warriors chant sometimes if they win. intend to support.” They’re just loving the game and that’s the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Rugby League’s undermost important thing.“It's really about them 10s head coaches enjoying the game Shannon Tutty and thriving in and Jerome the game. That’s Fitisemanu the biggest goal took two teams for us.” through the Tutty said by Coastlines playing league he competition and Fitisemanu earlier this year. hoped the Since then youngsters were they’ve been also learning life trying to keep skills they can youngsters take with them involved in the code and stretch as they grow into their skills – both adults. on and off the “They can field. carry these into “We’ve got two all walks of life. Pāpāmoa Lion Steven Jensen with Pāpāmoa club teams at Maybe one day Bulldogs under-10 head coach Jerome Fitisemanu they might a this age-group and The Flying Mullet’s Nic Layne at the funds professional and we’ve come presentation at Bingo. Photo / Supplied together as one athlete, but they for the Global might be builder Games, Tutty said. swinging a hammer. We’re trying to up skill “Basically we’re trying to give under-10s them for league and for life. Jerome and I are in our club the opportunity to play some both quite passionate about it.” different league that’s not the same as around The head coaches will take 21 kids to the here. We went to Auckland to play teams in 2026 Queenstown Kiwi Junior League Festival the first school holidays. We recently went to at the Global Games from October 16-18 in Hamilton to play a newly-formed iwi team. Queenstown. We’re also playing a couple of games locally “Fundraising for the Global Games has been before we head to Queenstown.” a big campaign, and we’re hugely thankful to Tutty said his and Fitisemanu’s vision is to the Lions club for their support and everyone give kids more opportunities in rugby league. else that helped us along the way," Tutty said. “Our district’s Coastline competition is “Their support allows us to give our tamariki awesome, but it’s just giving a little taste of league outside of the district as well.” (children) an opportunity that they will Tutty said they also want to keep kids Merle Cave remember for life.”

Vents, Heater s Solar P , an 12 Volt els, Fridge & TV’s

Caravans/Motorhome Repairs (even the rotten caravans)

43B Koromiko Street, Judea, Tauranga

07 578 0786 | www.tjmotorhomes.com

Specialises in water damage and alterations

Th W The Weekend k dS Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

Lara Hall is lecturer of violin and viola at the University of Waikato. Photo / John Borren

Rotorua stadium to host Steamers game tomorrow Those keen to support the Bay of Plenty Steamers their 2026 NPC campaign can support them in-person at their upcoming home game on August 8 on Rotorua. The BOP Steamers will take on Northland at 5.05pm Saturday, August 8, at Rotorua International Stadium.

They then have another home game in Rotorua on August 22, and three home games at Tauranga Domain on September 5 and 19, and October 4. To find out more and purchase tickets to the matches, or to see the BOP Steamers 2026 NPC Draw, visit: www. boprugby.co.nz/steamers

Rhyytthmiic viitallity to warm up winter! Thaw the icy chill of winter with the warm glow of Bay of Plenty Symphonia’s Strings Attached concert – an exploration of string orchestra music from the sparkling elegance of the Baroque to the distinctive voice of New Zealand composition.

Concertmaster of the orchestra Rebecka Beetz said Strings Attached – on August 16 from 3pm at Tauranga’s St Peters in the City – will open with two of Vivaldi’s Concertos for Strings. “They are less well-known that his Four Seasons, but they burst with the same rhythmic vitality, expressive lyricism, and the

infectious energy that have made Vivaldi so popular,” Beetz said. She said the symphonia’s string players had loved working with Lara Hall, who will be conducting the concert. “Lara is lecturer of violin and viola at the University of Waikato, and has appeared as violin soloist with the orchestra twice in recent times, and it is wonderful for us string players to learn from her,” Beetz said. The one-hour concert would also feature a Mozart Divertimento as well as a Suite for String Orchestra by Dorothy Freed – a rarely heard female New Zealand composer. Rounding off the performance would be

the ever-popular Ring Around the Moon Suite by David Farquhar, in an arrangement for string orchestra. Strings Attached is on Sunday, August 16, at 3pm at St Peters in the City, Spring St, Tauranga. Tickets cost adults $20, students $5 online at Eventfinda or on the door. Thanks to Bay of Plenty Symphonia’s, The Weekend Sun has two double passes to Strings Attached to give away to two lucky readers who can tell us what time the August 16 concert begins? To enter, visit: www. sunlive.co.nz and click on the ‘competitions’ tab. Entries must be in by Tuesday, August 11.

Churches Active In Our Community

God, kindness and grace – Part 1 The qualities of kindness and grace are two hallmarks of the Christian faith.

Enquiries 022 632 5957

ALL WELCOME

Lifezone 7 Oak Lane, Tauranga Shabbat (Sat) 10am or Youtube live @10am

Shalom

Joel & Sharon van Ameringen

021 768 043

office@bethel.org.nz BethEl.org.nz Assembly of God

Tauranga Churches

EVANS RD COMMUNITY CHURCH, PAPAMOA 30 Evans Road Phone 027 276 6868 www.evansroadchurch.org g 10am Family Service

ST ANDREWS

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

Family Friendly, All Welcome

In Ephesians 2:8 we read: “For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”. The Bible, from beginning to end (Genesis to Revelation), is essentially the story of God’s kindness The Cambridge Dictionary defines and grace towards humanityy. After God had created kindness as “the quality of being generous, helpful and caring about other everything, including the first male and female in Adam and Eve, they unfortunately rebelled against him. people, or an act showing this quality”. The Bible calls this disobedience “sin”, which ruined Acts of kindness are often motivated by the once-perfect relationship between humankind and the desire to help others, to contribute God. But God, in his kindness and grace, took the to the wellbeing of someone in need, initiative and set about restoring the relationship. and doing so without expecting Next time, in part 2, we’ll learn more about how anything in return. God went about accomplishing this. In the New Testament, the word Richard Roodt, Redeemer Church Tauranga “grace” is translated from the Greek word “charis”. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, charis referred to an undeserved, unearned favour or goodwill, most Service: 10.30am Saturdays notably a generous gift given without 70 Pooles Rd Greerton (St James) expectation of repayment. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew Find real hope, peace & strength in Christ equivalent is “chen”, once again meaning www.churchofgodslove.com favour, mercy or beauty.

Friday 7 August 2026

The Weekend Sun

Flights of Fancy takes wing in n Ōmokoroa The artistry, creativity and personal stories behind modern embroidery are on display this month in the Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild’s Flights of Fancy exhibition at Tolo – the Old Library Ōmokoroa.

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Far from the traditional image of perfectly judged needlework, the free exhibition celebrates stitching as art, storytelling and mindfulness. Running until August 30, it features about 50 bird-inspired works showcasing the diversity of contemporary embroidery, from traditional techniques to deeply personal creative expression. Exhibition co-ordinator Rose Webber said the display was designed to showcase pieces that might not normally be seen in formal exhibitions.

Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild member Deb Bowden and guild teacher Margaret Russell with some bird creations. Photos / Kelly O’Hara

70 members and is affiliated with the Association of New Zealand Embroiderers’ Guilds.

Diverse range

“The idea was to give members of the First for years guild a chance to display work that may While the guild has held exhibitions not have been suitable for exhibitions,” in the past, Webber said this is its first Webber said. “It’s a chance to show the display for several years. diverse range of stitching that’s done “Putting an exhibition together is a nowadays.” lot of work,” she said. “This display Rather than focusing on technical doesn’t have any judging or competitive perfection or competition, the exhibition element to it, but even then, it’s quite an highlights the many reasons people stitch. undertaking to co-ordinate.” “People do stitching for all sorts of The exhibition also marked a new reasons,” she said. “It’s a meditative process, direction for the guild. Rather than or they want to tell a personal story.” hiring a venue for a few days, members The collection spans generations and were invited by Tolo to create a monthexperience levels. Among the exhibits long display in a relaxed community is a piece completed by one guild setting. “We went out and had a look at A range of needlework member when the venue, liked it, and thought we could on display in the Flights she was 11 years do something a bit different,” Webber of Fancy - Avian Inspired old – now proudly said. Stitching exhibition. displayed six decades With several guild members living later at the age of 71. Other works in Ōmokoroa, the exhibition also provided an included unfinished projects that opportunity to connect with residents and newcomers have been lovingly completed, who might be interested in taking up embroidery. alongside contemporary textile art Workshops inspired by birds. Alongside the exhibition, visitors can participate in Founded in 1982, the Tauranga introductory stitching workshops every Wednesday and Embroiderers’ Guild has about Sunday morning throughout August. Participants could choose to create a felt bird, stitch a bird-themed bookmark, make a scissor No.2350 MEDIUM holder or keep, or embellish a felt needlebook. 8 4 1 The workshops cost $10, with all materials supplied, although bookings are essential. 7 8 3 Guild members will also be at the gallery every Thursday, Friday and Saturday for 1 8 4 9 informal stitching sessions, where visitors are 8 2 9 welcome to stop by, ask questions, watch demonstrations or even bring along 2 6 1 4 their own stitching projects for a chat and a stitch together. Although the exhibition 9 1 3 pieces are not for sale, visitors can browse a 5 2 3 8 well-stocked sales table featuring handmade items created by guild members. 9 8 7 Flights of Fancy - Avian Inspired Stitching is on at Tolo – the Old Library Ōmokoroa – 2 5 3 until August 30. The gallery is open Tuesdays Solution No.2349 How to solve to Sundays, 10am-4pm. Entry is free. 3 4 6 1 2 7 5 8 9 5 2 9 3 8 6 4 1 7 The Tauranga Embroiderers’ Guild meets Sudoku! 8 7 1 9 4 5 2 3 6 on Tuesdays at 10am at Tauranga South 6 8 7 4 5 1 9 2 3 Bowling Club, 15 Tutchen St (off 11th Ave), 1 5 2 8 9 3 6 7 4 Fill the grid so that Tauranga; and a Wednesday evening group 3 6 4 9 7 2 1 5 8 every row and every 9 1 5 7 3 4 8 6 2 meets 7pm-9pm. For further details, email: 3x3 square contains 2 3 4 5 6 8 7 9 1 taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com. the digits 1 to 9

SUDOKU

7 6 8 2 1 9 3 4 5

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The Weekend Sun

Friday 7 August 2026

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 8 August

Mahjong Every Monday at 12.30pm Tauranga Rowing Club

9.30am start at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. Visitors & new players welcome. Ph. Peter 574 9232

ŌtanewainukuKiwiTrust: Public Meeting Ōtanewainuku

Association Croquet On Sat, Mon, & Wed. 9.15am for

Memorial Park. Learners welcome. Contact Jill 027 476 9440 or 543 0390

10.30am – 12.30pm. All Welcome Ph Lorraine 027 408 6211

Kiwi Trust are hosting a special evening to celebrate the conservation community in their Public Meeting. Tauranga Yacht Club, 7pm.

Beth-El Messianic Family Celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) as

Pāpāmoa Family History Group It’s Family History Month

Badminton Social Badminton, Greerton Hall, Mon + Fri

did Messiah Yeshua (Jesus), his disciples and early believers. All welcome. Lifezone 7 Oaklane Judea 10am or Youtube Live @10am. Joel 021 768 043 info@bethel.org.nz

Boules - Petanque Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Club Mt Maunganui. Boules available. New players welcome. Ph Ray 027 756 3565 for times, further details. Free Repair Cafe Tauranga Volunteers come together

and fix objects destined for landfill for free. @basestation Durham street, Tauranga. Last Saturday of month 9.30-11.30am. Free ticket at www.tinkd.nz

Indoor Bowls Saturday, Tuesday and Wednesday. 12.45 am start. 50+ and over. Afternoon tea is provided. 14 Norris Street (behind Pak n Save) Carol 022 639 2411

Laughing Yoga Arataki Community Centre 10am every

Saturday. Join a friendly bunch for 45 minutes of fund and laughter! phone Jude 021-0277 5901

St Stephen’s Jigsaw Library Every Saturday

10am-12noon. Hire for 2 weeks a variety of 600 puzzles. Cnr of Brookfield and Highmore Terrace.

St Peters Jigsaw Library Every Saturday 2pm-4pm . Hire for 2 weeks a variety of puzzles. Cash only. Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui.

Tauranga Scottish Society Sequence dance 4th Sat

Monthly at Wesley Church Hall 100/13th Ave 7pm. Dancing, raffles and supper All welcome Ph Nola 576 5076

Tauranga Social Dance Club Sequence Dancing 2nd Sat

monthly 7pm St Johns Church Hall 94 Bureta Road $7 incl Supper and raffles All welcome Ph Nola 576 5076

Sunday 9 August

Accordion Music Group Every third Sunday of the month,

Welcome Bay Hall, 1-4pm, $4.00pp, afternoon tea supplied, everyone welcome to an afternoon of evergreen music. Ph Joy 027 285 3093

Falun Dafa Easy Exercises Rise above the chaos & noise

using this free mind/body practice. Call/text Judy 021 0425 398. https://en.falundafa.org/index.html

Golf Croquet On Sun, Tues, & Thurs. 8.30am for 9am

start at Club Mt Maunganui, 45 Kawaka St. Visitors & new players welcome. Ph Graham 07 572 1032

- come and join us to learn how to research your whakapapa. Tahora Room, Pāpāmoa Library, 10am.

Papamoa Mah jong Papamoa Mah jong 12.15pm - 4.00pm Bowling Club Rooms, 2 Alice Lane Gordon Spratt Reserve Come and have some fun. Afternoon tea provided. Ph Wendy 021 0238 7283 or Chris 027 415 5771

Papamoa Patchers Patchwork and Quilting meet at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Hall from 9.30am - 12.30pm each Monday. New members welcome. Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise St. Peters church hall,

15 Victoria Rd, Mt Maunganui. 9.30-11am. Suitable joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident & illness. Strength, coordination & balance. Jennifer 027 206 0776.

Scottish Country Dance Club Scottish Country Dancing

every Monday 7.15-9.30pm St Johns Church Hall 94 Bureta Road. Everyone welcome for fun, friendship and fitness Ph Bruce 021 630 529

Tauranga City Brass Tauranga City Brass Band Practice nights on a Monday. 7pm to 9pm for Snr Band. Jnr band from 5:30 to 7pm. Contact Jeremy 021 132 3341

Tauranga and District Stamp Club Every second Monday (10am) and fourth Monday (7.30pm) of each month. Wesley Hall, 100 Thirteenth Avenue. New members welcome. Ross 578 8215. Jill 578 0930. Tauranga Theatre Organ Society Meet at Baycourt Theatre at 1.00pm. Hear and play Tauranga’s historic Wurlitzer organ. All welcome, no charge. Ph 552 0243

Tauranga Vision Club Tauranga Vision Club (affiliated to

Friendship NZ) meets 4th Monday each month at Tauranga Citz Club 10 am - noon. New members welcome. Ph Jim 022 088 7760

Te Puke Community Menz Shed 48 Cameron Road, Te Puke. Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-12.30pm. Share your skills & knowledge, learn new skills or redevelop your old skills. Ph Mike Harman 027 444 8559 or Phillip Du Plooy 021 756 604. U3A Tauranga Seniors Group We have interest groups

running Mon-Fri. Computing, card & board games, dining, films, history, music, photography, exercise, sciences. www. u3atauranga.kiwi.nz

Womens Art Group We are a Women’s Art group who

Road, 11am-12. Strength & balance classes for older adults, all levels of fitness welcome. Contact Sharnie 021 111 8617

fun fitness to music. Improve strength & balance & gain more confidence. Open to public also. Ph 022 340 6219

Korero with kawhe Every Tuesday morning at 10

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild Wednesdays 7-9pm. Everyone

Let’s Learn Something New An A-Z of Clubs, Courses &

Tauranga Midweek Tramping Group Walk around Redwoods. Papamoa or T Crossing. Moderate. Sue 022 326 7015

GRINDZ cafe 1st Ave. Practise your reo, all levels. Use it or lose it. Korerorero. Te ako. Te katakata. Classes happening now. Find an activity, join, & do it! All ages. www.letslearn.co.nz or ph 07 578 9416

welcome. For venue confirmation please contact Linda 027 369 0984 or taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com

Migrant Seniors Morning Tea 10am - 12pm, Multicultural

Tauranga South garden club Meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 1pm at Baptist church corner Cameron Rd and 13th Ave. all welcome. Enquiries Margaret 021 0172 02184

Mount Runners and Walkers Join us at 9.30am for a run or walk at our club rooms in May Street, all weather, all year round, Tuesdays and Fridays, all welcome.

Thursday 13 August

Tauranga, complex 1, Historic Village, 17th Avenue. To register/more information ph 07 571 6419 or email enquiries@trmc.co.nz

Olympic Style Rifle Shooting Every Tuesday evening at

7.00pm at the Tauranga Target Rifle Club’s range, 165 Elizabeth Street, opposite Tyre master. Public welcome. All gear and coaching provided.

Scrabble Weekly. Tauranga Citizens Club. 9:15am-1pm. 3 games. All very Welcome. Further details - jacqui@malpass. co.nz Social Petanque Join us for some fun at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Dr. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. New players very welcome. Call 021 1580 129 for details. Recycled Teenagers Gentle Exercise Mt. Bible Chapel cnr. Monowai and Bedford 9-10.30am. Suitable for joint replacements, arthritics, recovery from accident or illness. Strength, coordination & balance. Jennifer 027 206 0776 Tauranga Embroiderers Guild Meets Tuesdays @ Bowls Tauranga South, 15 Tutchen St (off 11th Ave) 10am 2.30pm. Everyone welcome. Contact Linda 027 369 0984 or taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com Tauranga Model Railway Club Club meets Tuesday 9.30am & Thursday 7.30pm corner Mirrielees & Cross roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233

Tauranga Morning Badminton Club Come join us at

Haumaru Sports Centre, 483 Cameron Road. Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30am to midday. Casual players welcome. Contact Pam, 022 806 9117

Tauranga Scrabble Club Tuesday Scrabble. Meet weekly for

friendly & competitive games at Tauranga Citizens Club

Te Puna Quarry Park Many tasks for active volunteers in a friendly team environment 8:30am-noon each week. Contact Jennifer 021 132 9585 or email tepunaquarrypark@ gmail.com

Wednesday 12 August 500 Cards Play 500 1pm Wednesdays at St Thomas More

500 Card Club Mount Community Hall. 12.15 pm Fun and friendly group. All ages all welcome. Afternoon tea provided. Parking available. Bus stop nearby. Ph 027 658 6848

Adult Social Ballroom/Latin Dance Free Introductory Ballroom/Latin Dance Lesson Enquire now! www.udance2. co.nz Email: udance2@xtra.co.nz Phone 021 230 3187 Coffee/Conversation Group -Greerton Age Concern

Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Greerton Senior Citizens Hall, 33 Maitland Street, 10.30am - 12noon, cost $3pp. All Welcome.

Creative Fibre Tauranga Knitting, crochet, spinning, weaving, felting & dyeing. Mondays 9:30am, & 2nd & 4th Thurs 6:30pm. 177 Elizabeth St. Enjoy learning new crafts. Joan 021 323 325 Croquet in the Domain Tauranga Croquet Club invites newcomers to try croquet at the Domain. Friday, 1PM - all welcome, no experience needed. Info: 020 4112 0241 Fairy Flexercise with Fitness League Exercise, movement and dance focusing on posture, strenghtening, stretching and flexibility, suit all ages and abilities, 10am Baptist Church Hall, 13th Ave. Pam 021 117 7170 Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Thursday, Welcome Bay Community Centre, 1-2.30pm.

Healing Rooms Prayer NEW TIME for WINTER. 1-3pm Every Thursday. St Peters Church. Cameron Rd Entrance. Experience God’s Healing. All Welcome. No charge. facebook.com/TaurangaCentralHealingRooms 027 640 1263 Keynotes Women’s Barbershop Chorus Love to sing, start 2026 on a tuneful note. Women any age welcome, 7pm Wesley Hall, 100 13th Avenue. Contact Bernice 576 4848, 027442 4642.

Learn to play bowls Free coaching. Lots of fun. Beginners

Mah Jong Experienced players invited Sunday & Thursday

meet every Monday 10am, 68 1st Ave to paint together in a supportive environment. Beginners welcome. Annie 021 186 4429

Church, 17 Gloucester Rd. $4, including refreshments and prizes. Barbara 0272169066 or Bob 027 478 6282.

most welcome. Meet new people. Keep active. Papamoa Bowls Inc, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Papamoa. Thursdays 10am to 12pm.

Miniatures Club Tauranga “Making it Small” Meetings 2nd Sunday each month [Feb-Nov] 10am to 4pm. Art and Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth Street Tauranga. Contact: Jan 021 2145192

Tuesday 11 August

10 Pin Bowling 1pm 135 13th Ave Tauranga. We are a mixed social group, non competitive but record the score. Contact Glenda 021 257 8678

Mt Maunganui Creative Fibre Thursdays 9.30am 12.30pm St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Dee St. Mt

12.45 - 4pm, learners to be arranged. Te Puke Lyceum Rooms 8 Palmer Pl, ph coordinator 027 430 6383

Otumoetai Rotary Carboot Sale 8.00am for buyers at

Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Road for Otumoetai Rotary. Sellers $10. Details Brian 021 122 8735 or Bevan 027 461 2127

Otumoetai Rotary Electronic Recycling Electronic

Recycling. Give your gear a new life. Fees apply. Otumoetai College Car Park Windsor Rd 8.00am. Brian 021 12 28735

Pyes Pa Walking Group We are a casual medium paced

group. Leaving from outside Fez Kebab, Pyes Pa Shops at 9am. About 1 hour, followed by a cafe visit.

Radio Controlled Model Yachts Sundays 1:00-3:30pm, at Pond behind 22 Montego Drive Papamoa, sailing Electron Radio Controlled Yachts for fun and competition. Adult beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419.

Rifle Range Open Day Managed by NZDA-BOP branch at TECT All Terrain park, upper Pyes Pa. Last Sunday of every month (except December), 9am – 3pm. Day fees apply. Must bring a valid firearms license, and all rifles and ammo to be inspected upon arrival. Info www.deerstalkersbop.org.nz Tauranga Model Aircraft Club Interested in flying model

planes? Join us every weekend at TECT Park weather permitting between 10-3pm. Beginners welcome. Directions & webcam on our website www.taurangamodelfly.org

Tauranga Organ Keyboard Society Meets at 1.30pm

Change of Venue - will meet at 7 St Michaels Ave, Bethlehem. Come and listen of play Organ, Clavinova, Piano. A Friendly Bunch Contact Maureen 544 5013

Monday 10 August

500 Card Group Every Monday (except public holidays)

500 Card Club Mount Community Hall. 12.15 pm Fun and

friendly group. All ages all welcome. Afternoon tea provided. Parking available. Bus stop nearby. Queries to 027 658 6848

Altrusa Ladies Service Group Join a group of women for

community projects & social events. We meet 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month. Sandra 027 4838454; www.altrusa. org.nz

Arataki Coastal Club For retired/semi-retired people, enjoying friendship, interesting speakers 2nd Tuesday each month 9.45am Arataki Community Centre. Contact Robyn 572 2908/Pat 574 4257 for more information. Body+Soul for 50+ Fun Fitness for men and women.

Starseed UFO club tga Social group for people who are into

and balance to great music. Men and women welcome, make new friends. 9.15am Bethlehem hall opposite Woolworths. Ph Dianne 027 431 4326

Bolivia Te Puke Every Wednesday at RSA Te Puke 1pm-

Wednesday 12.30 for 1pm start. Tauranga Citz Club, 13th Ave.New players very welcome. Jill 021 1606 143

Chess at Mount Maunganui Mount Maunganui RSA Chess

Coffee/Conversation Group -Brookfield Age Concern

Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group at St Stephens Church, 9 Brookfield Terrace, 10.30am 12noon, cost $5pp. All Welcome.

alternative realities and ufos. Step out of the box and into a coffee meet up. Monthly meetings. Ph Dan 022 462 3316

Tauranga Photographic Society Like to improve your

photography? We met 1st and third Thursday of each month Feb-Nov. Full details on website www.taurangaphoto.nz

Te Puke Mah Jong Lyceum Club rooms 8 Palmer Pl. 12.45 -4.00 pm Convenor 027 430 6383

Women’s Book Group We are a group of women who enjoy

reading books and of course each others company, 68 1st Avenue, 1st Thursday each month at 1pm. Jean 021 821 540

Womens Singing Group We are a group of women who enjoy singing together. Learners very welcome. Thursdays 10am, 68 1st Avenue Tauranga. Ann 027 280 3510

Coffee/Conversation Group Te Puke Age Concern

Tauranga holds a friendly Coffee and Conversation Group, Te Puke Citizens RSA, 179 Jellicoe Street, 10am – 11.30, cost $5pp. All Welcome.

Improve Strength & Balance Steady as you go (saygo) Exercise programme keeps you mobile. Friendly group. 2-3pm Wednesdays at St Johns Church Hall, Burtea Road. Phone Angela 576 9847.

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

Ladies Tennis Every Wednesday at Tauranga Lawn Tennis

a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come see us! Every Friday at Pāpāmoa Library 1-2:30pm.

Marching For Leisure A non-competitive activity for mature

Cards 500 & Rummikub Senior Citizens Club at RSA Te Puke 1pm-4pm. Come and have some fun. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Ph Brenda 027 229 6992

Multicultural Morning Tea Join us for Morning Tea

Papamoa Indoor Bowls New members welcome at our

Newcomers Coffee Meetup Group New to Tauranga?

RAeS BOP Branch meeting Join our organisation for monthly presentations on various aviation matters. At Classic Flyers Museum from 6.00pm, and supper provided.

a form? Accompany you to an appointment? Talk to an agency? Come speak to an Advocate! Every Tuesday, Greerton Library, 1-2:30pm.

Golden Brass Band Practices every Tuesday at Tauranga

Greerton Garden Club Meets every 2nd Monday of the month Feb-Nov at the Greerton Senior Centre, 33 Maitland St, Greerton at 1pm. Visitors Welcome. Ph:027 253 6704

Greerton Walking Group Meet outside Greerton Library at

singing for twenty years. We practise Monday evenings 7-9pm. Ph Frank 576 3037 David 576 0578

Russley Dr. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. Friendly club, all welcome. Boules available. Call 0211580129 for details.

Body+Soul 50+Fun Fitness For better health, strength

Club 13th Ave 10.00am. Come along for Fun Fellowship And Friendship. Visitors very welcome. Pam 578 3757

Greerton Indoor Bowling Club Greerton Senior Citizens

Invitation to singing men Harmony-A-Plenty has been

Give Petanque a go Play social petanque at Bayfair Reserve,

Serenata Singers Thursdays 10 - 11.30, Methodist Church Hall, 2 Oroua Street, Te Puke. Phone Anne 027 850 3776

Cards - cribbage Come and join our friendly group every

club, 45 Kawaka Street, Tues 6:15pm & 7pm onwards. excl. Public holidays. for more info http:/www.westernbopchess. weebly.com/ or search “Western BOP Chess”

Maunganui. Spinning, knitting, weaving, felting, crochet etc all fibrecrafts. Very friendly group.

Wednesday, 6pm-7pm, Welcome Bay Primary School Hall, 309 Welcome Bay Road. Phone Sonia 0273221786 or Just come along. Details on website: www.supremedancecentre.nz

Cherrywood Probus 2nd Tuesday of Month @ Citizens

Euchre Tauranga Euchre Club, Monday evenings from 7pm.

members welcome. Come and join us for a evening of fun and bowls. Phone Karen 576 0443

Beginner Social Ballroom/Latin Group Dance Class

4pm beginners welcome. Come and join our friendly group. Ph Brenda 027 229 6992

Band Hall 10 Yatton Street Greerton from 10am till 12 noon. This is a social group to enjoy music making. Phone Malcolm Gapes 027 224 3045

Indoor Bowls Matua Primary School Hall at 7.15pm. New

group for all ages and all fitness levels. 10am start, Wylie Street (bottom of street), Greerton.

Exercise for better health, strength and balance to great music. Tauranga Senior Citizens hall Norris St. Ph Dianne 027 431 4326

from 9.30-11.30am, held at Age Concern, 177A Fraser Street, Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided.

Inquiries - Graeme 027 543 0872

Age Concern Walking Group A friendly weekly walking

Hall in Maitland Street, Greerton on Tuesday nights from 7pm. New members welcome. Phone Sally 021 172 6004.

Club. Come join in ladies tennis from 9-11 am. New or seasoned players are welcome

ladies. Fun, fitness, friendship. For Tauranga teams practice contact Brenda Potter 021 704 553.

every Wednesday, 10am at Tauranga Multicultural Centre, Historic Village. Meet new people, enjoy conversation and a welcoming community atmosphere.

9am for a gentle, local walk with a friendly crowd, followed by a cafe visit. All welcome. Contact Mike 021 180 7429.

Come along to meet other like-minded people and make new connections. For more information email enquiries@ trmc.co.nz or phone 07 571 6419

Inachord Singers Tauranga Women’s Chorus with Musical

Omanu Rebus Club Join our monthly meeting 9.30am

Director Dan Ieremia. Non audition. Tuesdays at 6.45pm Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffat Road. Contact: Julie 021 025 26805 or Sabine 021 111 8659

Keep On Your Feet Katikati Community Centre, 45 Beach

at Golf Road Bridge Club. Enjoy morning tea,guest speaker,raffles other activities for Older Adults. Ph Margaret 021 170 5933

Seniors Fitness Greenwood Park Wednesdays 9.15am for

Friday 14 August

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

friendly daytime indoor bowls club. Papamoa Sports Centre Gordon Spratt Park. 11.45am to 3pm. Contact Neal 027 544 5460.

Tauranga Patchwork & Quilters Every 2nd & 4th Friday at 10am. Tauranga Art & Craft Centre, 177 Elizabeth St. Contact: taurangaquilters@gmail.com

Te Puke Knit Natter Every Friday 10am to 12pm At

Te Puke Library Bring your knitting or crocheting. All welcome. Enquiries to Moureen 022 584 1636

Friday 7 August 2026

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deaths INGRAM-SEAL, June. (nee Wallis) Passed away on Saturday 25 July 2026, aged 92. Dearly loved wife of the late Stephen. Treasured mother and mother-inFirewood law of Leigh and Maria, Russell, and Janette. Loved sister-in-law of Dawn Wallis. Dear friend to Dawn Harris, Rhonda and Chris, Linda and Nora. According to June’s Phone wishes, a private service 021 552 748 has been held. Messages may be sent to the Ingram-Seal family, c/- Hope Family Funerals, FIREWOOD dry, seasoned 2A Loop Road, RD 6, hot mix. $100 cube, no Tauranga 3176 or on delivery. Phone 027 912 5040 hopefunerals.co.nz.

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Last weekend was International Blues Music Day, a perfect excuse to bask in something musically lowdown ‘n’ dirty. Mind you I was still recovering after overindulging on July 29, International Lasagne Day. Yep, everything gets a day. The SPCA is starting to fundraise for what it calls SPCA Cupcake Day; that begins August 5 and climaxes on Cupcake Day, September 16. But the SPCA has been playing fast and loose. There is already an ‘official’ International Cupcake Day, December 15. And for lovers of something more specific there’s Chocolate Cupcake Day on October 18.

Bruce Rolands, bass player-singer Ian Clark and drummer Verne Bigwood. Between them they’ve played in more bands than I can count, including DIC, Brilleaux, The Stonebabies, Smoking Embers, MK Ultra, Capo Regime, The Carradines and Dead Simple. A first self-titled album arrived in 2002, all nasty punk attitude and attack and some very good songs. Be Sensible, released last weekend, is the first taste of the band’s album, Dreadnought, due for release in September.

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Stunt Clown gets sensible Every day is a celebration at the moment. I like it.

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Friday 7 August 2026

Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard AGM

Sunday 16th August 2026 at 2 pm at Waihi Beach Coastguard Headquarters, Bowentown Agenda • Apologies • Obituaries • Confirmation of 2025 General Meetings’ Minutes • Presidents’ Reports • Financial Officer's Reports • Election of Officers • General Business All welcome Joanne Curd, Secretary Ph 027 5200 727 admin@waihibeachcoastguard.co.nz

August, in which we find ourselves, is a time to salute animals. This month alone we have the following: International Clouded Leopard Day; International Cat Day; World Lion Day; World Elephant Day; World Lizard Day; World Honey Bee Day; International Orangutan Day; International Whale Shark Day; and last, but not least, World Mosquito Day. In case you think I’m just making this up, let me mention that World Mosquito Day commemorates the day in 1902 when Sir Ronald Ross discovered that female mosquitoes transmit malaria between humans. So there. My favourites of this month are Black Cat Appreciation Day on August 17 and – again I’m not making this up – International Strange Music Day on August 24. I’m not sure exactly how to celebrate that but, getting in early, the new single from Stunt Clown fits the bill. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned the band’s long-awaited second album and, suddenly, here it comes. Stunt Clown was formed in 2000 by four music scene veterans: singerguitarist Shane Duncan, guitarist

It’s a step forward in every way, straddling punk, post-punk and alternative rock. And although I harbour healthy scepticism of music videos in general, the YouTube video singer Shane Duncan has made for the song is simply sensational. World class. Though I should mention two things: it does contain what I can only describe as ‘Satanic imagery’; and it’s made with AI. On the former, I don’t care. I find Satanic stuff a bit silly but it doesn’t bother me. On the latter, I don’t care. It is end results that matter and the video looks amazing and imaginative. Earlier this year local Latin experimentalists Vogon released a brilliant concept album The Havana Files. It was accompanied by similarly imaginative videos made using AI. Who cares about the AI component? There is a huge gulf between using it as a creative tool and using it pretend you are creative.

Hear Winston’s Latest Playlist Scan the QR code, or visit:

www.tinyurl.com/4yvbpz9v

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