Issuu

4 September 2026, Issue 1326

Something wicked! Tauranga Musical Theatre has done it again. Following acclaimed productions of Matilda, Les Misérables and Jersey Boys, TMT’s latest large-scale production of Wicked is being shown at Baycourt Community and Arts Centre from

September 17 to October 3. The production promises to showcase the depth of musical theatre talent in our city. At the heart of Wicked is the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, pictured as played by Ashleen Fahy, the powerful and

misunderstood young woman, and Glinda, the popular and sparkling social star. Director David Adkins said the musical’s themes were as relevant as ever. “This globally beloved and monumentally

popular musical…is a story about identity, friendship, acceptance of difference and challenging narratives.” Find out more about the show, and how to get tickets, on page 23. Photo / Media Masters

Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

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

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

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

‘Blood is the life’- Dracula Most of us have our price, a breaking point where we can be bought and sold.

In this case the price was just $21.80. A bribe, a sweetener – a $21.80 bowl of pork and prawn wonton noodle soup. And a side of hoisin bok choy at a cheap and cheerful “chinois”. As well as the joy of slurping and slopping, and soy spatters on the shirt front, that $21.80, that bucket of pork

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and prawn wonton noodle soup could have saved a life. Certainly changed a few lives. People like you and I needing emergency trauma care, major surgery, or ongoing treatment for serious medical conditions were helped by my investment in a soup. More than 10 years, 150 lives affected for the good. For just $21.80. That’s a good return on good soup. Good because Chinese have been serving it up since the Qing dynasty in 1644. Wonton translates to “swallowing clouds” even though wontons resemble shrunken brains harvested from shrunken heads. That doesn’t assist enjoyment – so we will go with “swallowing clouds”.

Hocus pocus

Let’s unravel this story. A young man doesn’tt like needles. Nasty, sharp, penetrating things. Trypanophobia it’s called – an irrational fear of injections or hypodermic needles. Causes anxiety and distress for 25% of us. “Getting palpitations at the thought,” said Wuss. “And lightheaded.” All because I suggested he join me for a “bloodletting”. That’s an ancient hocus pocus practice of draining a person’s blood because, apparently, too much caused sickness. I was suggesting a modern “bloodletting” – a noble procedure called phlebotomy, blood extraction for donation and transfusion. Still an emphatic “No!” from Wuss, until he was bribed. A lunch. My buy. Pork and prawn wonton noodle soup. Suddenly, fears and phobias flew out the window. Because a poor, hungry student had a sniff of free food.

Pumping, gushing

“Nek minute” the palpitating, lightheaded one was lying on a flash ergonomic blood donor bed with a 18-gauge needle protruding from his

median cubital vein. And the blood was pumping, gushing! Roughly one pint, 470ml, as much as 10% of his blood volume. He’d replenish it in month or so. Then a bloke thing, a contest. Of course. We both frantically work the squeeze balls, which contracts the arm muscles, and in turn speed up the blood flow. Nothing at stake except bragging rights, if you fill the collection bag first. He’s chuckling. He enjoyed winning, he enjoyed blood technicians fussing over this first-timer, and he scored a free lunch. Food over phobia. Wontons over weak knees. That was 10 years ago. And he’s chuckling again, because not-so-Wussynow has since made 50 Blood Service visits to donate plasma. “…. a vital contribution,” said his Blood Service certificate, “A priceless gift that can save lives,” said Rachel Bowman of the Blood Service. It was used to create 11 lifesaving products to treat 50 illnesses, from cancer and kidney disease to blood clots and liver failure.

Fifty visits puts our “donor” in a tiny, highly committed percentage of the population who give regularly, loyally. Makes him an elite, highly dedicated lifesaver. The NZ Blood Service likes his kind. “Thank you for your generosity and commitment,” Bowman said. “You should feel proud.” “Glad to have helped,” smiled our donor. Why do we do it? For our “donor” it was a “habit that became a selfless hobby”. He reckons we should all have a

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

charitable outlet. But while 88% of us think donating is a good thing, just 4% follow through. I enjoyed the technician exclaiming, “Oooh! That’s a lovely vein” just before he drained my lifeblood and whisked it off to perform its magic. I would feel a bit sanctimonious. But I also wondered if some poor patient had woken up unusually irritable, intolerant, craving a cold beer and yelling “Up The Wahs” because my cranky blood donation was messing with their metabolism.

Sloshing carwash sounds

Blood donating is not cheap. Not for me. Because not-so-Wuss and I have probably had as many visits back to that Chinese restaurant where it all started. There’s 120 items on the menu – roast duck on rice through steamed chicken on rice. But we never strayed from N1 – Prawn Wonton Soup with noodles. A nod to the NZ Blood Service. We walk in, mix chilli oil and soy sauce, grab an iced green tea, then 10 minutes of sloshing, carwash sounds as soup is gargled. No talk. Doesn’tt need to be. Donors tell of “treats” at the Blood Service – water, juice or tea to replenish fluids, a biscuit to boost blood sugars to avoid dizziness, lightheadedness. Must get a packet for Work Wife.

Go and give!

Now here’s a thought, a free and futile one. If the Blood Service wants to build on its 117,000 active donors, then throw around a few vouchers for pork and prawn wonton noodle soup. That’ll pull in poor, hungry, freeloading students whose goodwill can be bought and sold. Give blood because you never know when you might need the favour back. Book via the NZ Blood Service app or website or call 0800 GIVE BLOOD.

The Weekend Sun

Friday 4 September 2026

Crash on Old Coach Rd raises safety concerns on liability or potential outcomes. Any lessons learned or improvements identified will be considered once that process has been completed.” The council said no separately identified resealing, line marking or sweeping works had been recorded between May 2025 and August 2026. “Any such activities that may have occurred would have been undertaken as part of broader contractual works delivered under separate contracts and are not recorded or reported as individual work items,” McLean said. Because the road was swept

A motorcyclist says he was lucky to escape serious injury when his bike suddenly lost traction on loose gravel covering a lane of Old Coach Rd on August 16. Jeremy Newell, from Wainui near Ōpōtiki, was leading a group of Ulysses Motorcycle Club riders heading towards Tauranga when he crashed on a 35km/h bend on the Western Bay of Plenty road. Newell said the group had come over a rise, and he could see the approaching right-hand bend about 80m ahead. “I saw nothing untoward that I thought I saw, like a bit of a light patch on the road.” He slowed from about 70-80km/h to about 50km/h before entering the bend. “As soon as I entered the curve, my wheels just went from underneath me.” He said his motorcycle slid into the roadside drain while he was thrown to the side. Newell said he was shocked when he got back on his feet and saw the amount of gravel on the road. “The depth of the gravel on the road – it was the full width of the lane and covered it completely.” A rider behind him saw what was happening and managed to avoid the crash. The rest of the group stopped before the affected section. Newell said he spoke to residents living near the corner, who told him roadworks had taken place on August 13 and that signs had been removed August 14.

following notification of the August 16 crash, McLean said no further sweeps were planned. Newell is seeking reimbursement of his $300 insurance excess. “It’s not really the money, it’s the bloody principle,” he said. His motorcycle was written off because its front wheel went into the drain, damaging the frame. His helmet, jacket and jeans were also damaged. Newell suffered a blow to his shoulder and cuts to his face but did not require medical treatment. “I was very lucky I didn’t really get too injured,” he said. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The crash scene on Old Coach Rd, showing the gravel. Photo / Supplied According to Newell, one of the residents told him up to four cars had subsequently gone off the road between August 14-16. Western Bay of Plenty District Council director transportation Calum McLean confirmed the council was notified of the August 16 motorcycle crash and received a further report from Newell on August 18. “In response, our contractor arranged for the road to be swept and any loose material removed,” McLean said. Newell reported the incident to police and contacted the council after returning home. He said the council initially told

him someone had been sent to inspect the afternoon of August 16 but could not find anything. After he supplied photographs, he said an engineer subsequently inspected the site and the gravel was swept. Newell also submitted an online report to council and said he was told an investigation would be carried out. McLean said the council takes incidents on its roads seriously and reviews concerns raised by road users. “The matter is currently being managed by the party and insurers involved,” he said. “As this process is still underway, it would be inappropriate to comment

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Election reminders and enrolment hubs With the election approaching, people are encouraged to take a few minutes to make sure their enrolment details are correct and that they are ready to vote. “We posted enrolment packs to 3.6 million enrolled voters last month so people could check their details. We’re getting a lot of packs returned to us because people have moved. If you didn’t receive a pack, it means you are not enrolled or need to update your address,” Electoral Commission director of strategic engagement and partnerships Shane Whitfield said. “We’re following up the packs with more than 2 million reminder emails

that will be sent between August 31 and September 20 to voters who’ve previously given us their email.” People enrolled by October 4 would receive an EasyVote card. The last day to enrol or update details for the 2026 General Election is midnight on October 25. Voting will start October 26, and election day is November 7. People could check their enrolment details and find more information about enrolling and voting at: vote.nz. Anyone who needs an enrolment form can phone 0800 36 76 56 or text their name and address to 3676. Calls and texts are free.

Good Neighbour volunteers will dish up nearly 4000 meals to Zespri Aims athletes this coming week. Photos / Jamie Troughton / D’scribe Media

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It takes a lot of tucker to power nearly 15,000 young athletes for a week but luckily Tauranga charity Good Neighbour knows a thing or two about feeding masses. This year, Good Neighbour volunteers will help dish up 3880 meals to Zespri Aims athletes, using rescued food that would otherwise go to waste. It’s a win-win-win – as Good Neighbour general manager Renee Hanna explained – they’re able to supply nutritious meals below market cost, using donated food items, while fundraising to help locals. “We try and keep costs down as much as possible, because lots of schools and communities work really hard to fundraise just to get here,” Hanna said. “There’s no one else like Good Neighbour in New Zealand, we’re a local, community-based organisation and we feel very proud of Aims because it’s a huge thing for a city like Tauranga.” The annual intermediate-aged sporting tournament starts tomorrow, September 5, with 14,506 athletes from 467 schools hitting the city to play in a range of sporting codes. Organisers said last year’s Aims Games attracted 23,425 visitors to the city and generated $9,751,958 in tourism expenditure.

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The net benefit to Tauranga was $5,806,942 – a significant jump from the last time it was measured, at $4.33 million in 2024. And Good Neighbour’s involvement in the tournament is a double-edged sword – at the end of the week, the charity will gratefully accept any leftover the food teams may have. “Snack foods are something we have a really high demand for,” Hanna said. “They’re ideal for kids’ school lunches, so it’s really awesome when that sort of thing comes in, but we also get a lot of bananas and boxes of cereal, all of which is really helpful to local families.” More than 300 volunteers help keep Good Neighbour ticking, including a team from tournament sponsor Zespri, who popped in last week to help prepare Aims meals. Good Neighbour supplies 7200 meals every week, rescues $4.8m of food and has branched out into a range of valuable community services, like lawn mowing, garden clean-ups, youth employment programmes and firewood. “Having an event like Aims here in Tauranga helps showcase other cool things about the city, such as all the amazing volunteers we have at Good Neighbour,” Hanna said. “I really like that it shows people outside of Tauranga what can be achieved.” Jamie Troughton

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 4 September 2026

Blake’s in it for the ride, not the result A dozen fallls, a th hickk coat off mud d and one massive grin – mountainbiker Blake Wilson was having the time of his life.

He’s about to do it all over again, as the Saint Kentigern College rider takes part in his first Zespri AIMS Games, which starts tomorrow, September 5. For the past two weekends, Blake, 12, has been up at Pāpāmoa’s Summerhill track getting some practice runs in. His first visit coincided with a mock race, which drew nearly 200 intermediateaged riders from around the North Island.

His focus

Blake finished last in every run but that only told a fraction of his inspiring story. It was the way he bounced back from each fall, got back on his trusty steed, and did it all with his trademark grin

th hat turned d him into a crowd d favourite among the riders. “I’m not looking for a gold medal or focused on getting that first place next week,” he said. “I’m just focusing on having as much fun as I can, meeting new mates, getting better for next year, and coming back in one piece!” Blake didn’t know what to expect as he took on the Summerhill tracks for the first time, but the Year 7 student was quickly reminded of what he loves about mountain biking. “It’s very fun but harder than the tracks I go to in Auckland. But I like it more because it challenges me and pushes me out of my comfort zone.” Blake took a big spill over the handlebars when his brakes stopped working during the mock race. Even after a visit from the medic, Blake had only one goal in mind as he jumped straight back on. “I want to finish the race. I came here

to fi finish h th he race.”” It’’s not onlly th he excitement of mountain biking that Blake loves. He said his passion for the sport has largely come from dad Brad Wilson, with the two spending most Sundays tackling tracks together. It is a shared adventure that’s taken Blake from a seat at the back of dad’s bike to his own full-suspension bike that he’s just scored for his Aims Games debut, and his dad couldn’t be prouder. “Blake just loves being around other people and giving everything a go,” Wilson said. “He doesn’t mind not being the quickest, but he just has a great attitude. He falls off and just gets right back on – the more mud, the more fun.”

More technical all

AIMS Games mountain biking co-ordinator Tristan Haycock said the

Summerh hilll traills were more tech hnicall th han in previous years, making the practice race an important opportunityy for riders to gain n experience. He said Blake had stood out among the competitors. “He had a couple of decent spills but the way he bounced up, kept riding and did it all with a massive grin gave him a bit of cult status by the end of the day.”

654 riders

A record number of 654 riders will be tacklling the Summerhill tracks at this year’ss AIMS Games, up from 487 riders last year. It comes amid another record year for Aims, with 14,507 athletes set to take part, from 467 schools across New Zealand and the South Pacific. With race day approaching next week, Blake’s priorities are clear: to improve, represent his school and enjoy the experience. If he comes home covered in mud, even better.

Shania Callenderr

Blake Wilson, 12, will compete in mountain biking in the Zespri Aims Games. Photo / Jamie Troughton / Dscribe Media

Grandmother’s spring after winter

For Elaine, the realisation crept up slowly. First came the hesitation before lifting her youngest grandchild. Then the excuses when they ran to her with arms outstretched. “I couldn’t pick the little ones up anymore,” the active grandmother admits, her voice catching at the memory. “I was unsure – am I going to drop them, or am I going to have to let go?” The discomfort in her elbow had quietly stolen one of her greatest joys – those spontaneous cuddles and carries that grandparents treasure. Every morning brought familiar stiffness and another day of careful movements and missed moments. That changed one evening when Elaine decided to try Koru FX, a natural New Zealand-made cream she’d heard about at her local pharmacy. “I applied it to my elbow that was really bothering me that night,” she recalls. What happened next caught her completely off guard. “In the morning, I got up and actually didn’t have to worry about it. I thought, oh wow, this is what I’ve been looking for.” The transformation Elaine describes is almost poetic in its simplicity. “You know how you feel between seasons, winter and summer, when the sun finally arrives? That’s how I’m feeling now.” For months, she explains, the discomfort had been constant. “You’re always thinking about it, instinctively bracing yourself in the morning because you expect it to be there.” But that first morning after using the cream brought an unfamiliar sensation –

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freedom. “I got up and didn’t have to think twice. I just moved naturally.” Now, Elaine’s mornings start differently. Instead of hesitating, she reaches for her grandchildren without concern. The natural cream, containing ingredients like arnica, mānuka, and black pepper oils, has become part of her daily routine. “Just last night, she came running in and jumped up,” Elaine shares, smiling at the memory. “I just grabbed her and picked her up. No second thought. Those moments – you can’t get them back once they’re gone.” The relief isn’t just physical for Elaine. “It’s mentally liberating too. When you stop worrying about your body letting you down, you can just be present.” She’s particularly pleased the product is

natural and locally made. “I prefer natural products, especially being around the kids all the time. Finding something that works AND aligns with my values – that’s special.” Elaine is among thousands of New Zealanders who’ve discovered Koru FX, seeking natural support for tired joints and muscles. The Christchurch-based company has built a following among Kiwis looking for locally-made alternatives. For Elaine, the change has been profound yet simple. “When my granddaughter runs at me now, I don’t hesitate. I just open my arms. It feels like spring after a long winter.” Her advice? “Don’t accept limitations as permanent. The right support can bring your spring back.”

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Merivale centre is open to all This month five Tauranga-Western Bay community centres are running an awareness and fundraising campaign to future-proof their existence. It will shine a light on centres at Merivale, Welcome Bay, Gate Pā, Katikati and Te Puke. This week Merle Cave visits Merivale Community Centre.

It’s 10am Monday and you can’t get a carpark near Merivale Community Centre. Three dogs are tied to the stair railing, mobility scooters are positioned on all angles and an adjacent laundry room is humming! Enter the building and seats are full of people waiting for the afternoon’s Kai Distribution of free food. Kaumatua ‘Poppa Bill’ Wilson is chatting to everyone, keeping minds busy and the atmosphere warm. In the community kitchen a group from Pearanui Trust cook vegetable soup for visitors and make cheesecakes for their Manaakitanga Through Food Programme. In the hall, Rowan Dawson takes people with disabilities through his Circability course.

Buzzing with activity

Like a hive for bees, Merivale’s community centre is buzzing with activity for residents – of all ages, stages, backgrounds, cultures and nationalities. “We do all sorts – it’s very much driven by people who come through the door,” Centre manager Jen Murray said. “We’re reacting to the need in the

community, so we host a number of organisations on-site because we have a trusted relationship with our community. “We also run a variety of programmes – again, partnering with organisations and community members.” Mondays the centre hosts Huria Trust Clinic’s free nurse consultations. Bay Financial Mentors drop in 1pm-3pm. Merivale Community Centre Thanks to Good Neighbour, operations manager Jen Murray. kai is distributed to whanau in need from 2.30pm. Zumba each working 1 day classes run at night. a week, a full-time Tuesdays offer a Manaaki parents’ social worker and group. Wednesdays is strength and a youth worker,” balance classes for older adults, Murray said. counselling sessions, a Men’s Circle Free food is a support group, and a night dance fitness big demand, she class.Thursdays Bay Financial Mentors said. Additional are back, plus counselling sessions, a to Mondays’ Kai walking group, a tenancy relationship Distributions, Gate Pā residents Blache Beg and daughter Debbie try a manager, ACC physio by koha, and community members Circability workshop at the centre. Photos / Merle Cave homework help for Years 9-13. voluntarily cook meals Friday is Workbridge, an employment on-site to have food find out what they’re here for and link drop-in service, counselling, and an in the freezer available them up with the appropriate staff or afternoon HBU health Waka. at any time. service. “Poppa Bill is a regular feature, A free after-school programme runs The laundry is open 9am-5pm so we know that he’s always there to Monday to Friday, and a rangatahi weekdays for people to use for free. welcome people.” (youth) hub opens Friday nights. Bathrooms – for showers – are open the Asked why community centres are On top of this is a range of extra same times and staff swipe people in. needed, Murray said, “They create a offerings. For example, a monthly safe space for everyone, and a sense of No judgement Hapori Kai Community Meal where belonging, which many community Murray said no-one judges anyone at anyone can attend the centre for a members are missing, particularly those the centre. “We don’t discriminate. We free dinner. disengaged from society for one reason treat everybody the same, and we try to “We have three student counsellors

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Friday 4 September 2026

but need keeps on increasing

or another”. Murray said community members who don’t need services stop in to chat, volunteer or donate food and goods. “We’ve always got clothing, books and household goods to give out. We frequently have beds stacked in reception, so people can help themselves.” Murray said the level of need was increasing. “Obviously, the new building creates a lot of opportunities for us, but we’ve seen numbers go up significantly. We used to operate out of a 3-bedroom house so it was limited in what it could offer...but what we can do now is so much more visible.” Murray’s team of 8 paid staff, full and part-timers, have to work out what services they offer according to funding the centre receives. “We’re always hitting the ceiling of what we can get and that dictates the staff and programmes that we can run. Our operating costs are about $520,000 per year for business as usual. Each year we need to apply for everything.” The centre has more than 30 volunteers “and we wouldn’t be able to run without them”. “They do everything from sorting donations to helping at reception and on our afterschool programme and kai distribution They’re just incredible.”

Pressures dialled up

The old centre didn’t record numbers, but Murray said, “Well over 550 people are coming through this centre a week”. She estimated the old building would have seen about 100 per week.

“On kai distribution day, we used to see 30-40 people needing support, now we see about 100 on a Monday. This peaks at 140 during Christmas-New Year.” Murray said many society pressures were dialled up. Cost of living was – unsurprisingly – impacting all parts of communities. “It’s getting harder and harder out there and we always say to people, ‘Make sure you pay your rent and your power because if you lose those there’s not much we can do to support that, but we can help you with clothing, food and household goods.” Murray said food was one item people could cut back on, “so kai resilience is a massive issue”. “On kai distribution day we see double income families struggling because even on minimum wage, with a family, it’s really tough...” Once people become homeless more issues come into play, she said. About 70% of visitors come from Merivale or surrounding areas. An estimated 5% were homeless. The rest were from slightly further out. Many visitors were people “who society is not fair to, for one reason or another”. Murray said much work is done with disadvantaged youth, who are disengaged from school, which could be because of a multitude of reasons.

See the value

She wants the centres’ awareness campaign to show the heavy workload they’re doing to build up their

Susanna Talbot and Kaarina Kotanen showing the no-bake cheesecakes their group made.

communities, i i which hi h in i turn makes k society a better place for all. “...Just how much we do, how busy we are, the effect we’re having on the community, because we see a lot of value in the work we do. We believe it has a positive impact on people and that has a flow-on effect. If people know that they’re safe, they belong, they’re getting help and can connect with services they need that lifts pressure from other services and means these people are less likely to head into other troubles.”

Murray M said id the h centre h has a small ll Oranga Tamariki contract to fund part of its social and youth workers’ wages “but the rest we have to raise ourselves”. Every non-profit organisation is scrambling to secure the same grants, which makes it difficult to gain support, Murray said. Any donation people could give this month would be well used, she said. “Every little bit helps. It really does.” To support the campaign, visit: www. BOPComCentres.nz

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Fifty years on, Bay’s rugby heroes gather Fifty years after making Bay of Plenty rugby history, the surviving members of the province’s 1976 championship-winning team are preparing to come together again – possibly for the final time.

The reunion will take place at Tauranga Domain tomorrow, September 5, when the Bay of Plenty Steamers host Manawatū in an NPC Heritage Round clash. About 11 surviving members of the 1976 side were expected to attend, along with former All Blacks from the era. The 1976 team won Bay of Plenty’s first and only NPC championship. Former All Blacks captains Graeme Crossman and Andy Leslie helped organise the reunion. Crossman, a BOPRU patron, captained the Bay of Plenty side for much of his playing career. He was selected for the All Blacks from 1974 to 1976 and was on the All Blacks three-month South African tour when the Bay side won the championship. This year also marked 50 years since the historic All Blacks tour, with about 17 surviving members of the wider group expected to also gather in Tauranga this weekend. “It’s the 50th year and it coincides with the All Blacks playing the third test next weekend in South Africa,” Crossman said. The former All Blacks also wanted to acknowledge the achievement of the Bay team. “Those All Blacks who remain and can attend are going to go to the game on Saturday and applaud the Bay of Plenty team,” Crossman said. Barry Spry, a 1976 Bay team member,

said the reunion would be particularly poignant after 50 years. “Unfortunately, 11 guys are gone and there’s 11 coming to the reunion. It’s just so sad that it’s only a small contingent now and this will be our last time together possibly.” The 1976 Bay side was a relatively small operation by today’s standards. Coach Eric Anderson selected a squad of 23, and 19 played in the championship campaign. Their triumph also helped launch several Bay players’ international careers. “From our success in ‘76, four of our backs then got selected to tour Argentina,” Spry said. “That was the start of the Graham Mourie/Andy Hayden era. So technically, we had six All Blacks in Bay of

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union senior representatives 1976, winners of the inaugural National Provincial Championship. Photo / NPC50

Tomorrow’s double-header!

Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Richard Watt (far right) with surviving members of the 1976 championship-winning side who will reunite at a home game this season. Plenty that year.” Tomorrow’s celebrations would include a luncheon for the 1976 Bay of Plenty and All Blacks teams’ surviving members and their families before watching the game at Tauranga Domain. The 1976 players would also form a guard of honour for the Steamers. Bay of Plenty Rugby had

produced a special heritage jersey featuring the names of the 1976 squad. Crossman said it was important the players who won the championship received the recognition they deserved. “I don’t want the guys who played in the team 50 years ago to be forgotten.”

BOP versus Manawatū kick off 2.05pm, with Bay of Plenty Volcanix versus Canterbury at 11.35am in a double-header. Steamers head coach Richard Watt said his team was looking forward to returning to Tauranga after their recent 22-19 win over Auckland at Eden Park. “It’s awesome that it’s Heritage Week because we’ve themed our NPC campaign honouring the legacy of the 1976 team,” Watt said. “We are chasing the championship hard on the 50th anniversary of that great milestone.” The Steamers currently sit sixth after five matches. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Ten people, three vacancies

Traffic warning ahead of 2026 Zespri AIMS Games Mount Maunganui’s Hewletts Rd, where incidents or events can create gridlock for long periods of time. Photo / File

More than 14,500 young athletes and supporters are expected to swell traffic across Tauranga for the 2026 Zespri AIMS Games. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said roads around key venues would be busiest before and after events, with free shuttle and bus services to help ease congestion. The week-long sporting event runs from September 5 to 11, with competitions taking place across Tauranga, Ōmokoroa, Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa and Te Puke. Bay of Plenty journey manager Matt Gajzago said in a statement that people should factor extra travel time into their plans. “It’s going to be a busy and exciting week across the city, so the best thing people can do is plan ahead before they leave. “Please allow extra time for your journey, follow the signs and traffic management, and check Journey Planner for real-time updates before heading out.”

Free public transport

To help ease congestion, Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council

would provide a range of free public transport options. A free Park and Ride service will operate for the Zespri AIMS Games Opening Ceremony, transporting people between Blake Park and Gordon Spratt Reserve and Mercury Baypark Arena. Athletes and supporters attending events in Mount Maunganui and Pāpāmoa were encouraged to use the free loop bus service. From September 7 to 11, branded buses will run every 30 minutes between major venues including Gordon Spratt Reserve, Mercury Baypark, Baywave, Blake Park, Mount Mainstreet and Pilot Bay. Athletes, coaches and referees will be able to travel free on Tauranga’s Baybus urban network during the games. NZTA said planned state highway roadworks around Tauranga would be carefully managed to minimise disruption, although some work that cannot be safely paused will continue. Motorists were advised to allow extra time, check road conditions before travelling, follow temporary speed limits and take extra care around busy venues, pedestrian crossings and areas with higher numbers of children and spectators.

Ten candidates will contest three vacant positions on the TECT Community Trust board after nominations closed at noon on August 28. Independent Returning Officer Warwick Lampp said in a statement that there had again been strong interest in the trustee election, with 10 nominations received for the three available positions, a media release said. The number of candidates is up from nine in 2024 but down slightly from 12 in 2022. The confirmed candidates are: Hori Ahomiro, Ray Anderson, Mark Arundel, Kate Barry-Piceno, Debbie Ireland, Mark Irving, Murray Lapworth, Fraser Lellman, Jon Murie, and Andrew von Dadelszen Current trustee Peter Blackwell has chosen not to seek re-eelection, while incumbent trustees Kate Barry-Piceno and Mark Arundel are standing again. As more candidates than positions

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have been nominated, an election will be held. Voting will be conducted online only using the First Past the Post (FPP) voting system, with no postal voting available. Voting Papers containing voting instructions for online voting will be sent to eligible electors from September 25. Candidate names will appear in a random order on the voting website. Online voting closes at 12 noon on October 23. TECT, which manages one of New Zealand’s largest community trust funds, distributes millions of dollars annually to community organisations, projects and initiatives across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Further information about the election and the role of trustees is available on the TECT website at: www ww ww.tect.org.nz/trusteew election-2026

The Weekend Sun

Inquisitive Iris!

SH29 to close for two nights

Iris is a beautiful 3-month-old medium-sized crossbreed puppy who arrived in SPCA care with her fivesibling litter. Their owner became overwhelmed and struggled to manage the number of animals in their care. Bright, friendly and full of charm, Iris is always ready to investigate something new. She has a playful spirit, loves spending time with people, and isn’t shy about asking for a cuddle when she’s tired from her adventures. Safe and thriving, Iris is looking for a family to call her own. She would love a home where she can continue to grow in confidence, learn about the world, and be showered with love. After an uncertain start, Iris is ready for her next

Friday 4 September 2026

chapter – she’s hoping it begins with you. Meet her today. Phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 5780245. Ref no: 670701.

Nightworks will close SH29 over the Kaimai Range on September 13-14. Photo / NZTA

Motorists crossing the Kaimai Range were urged to plan ahead, with State Highway 29 to close overnight for two nights this month. The highway would close between 8pm and 3am on September 13, and September 14, reopening to traffic | each morning. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Bay of Plenty area manager Sandra King said the closures were needed so crews could safely complete the final stage of a programme designed to improve safety and resilience at the Ruahihi Bluffs site, near the Ruahihi Power Station. “Following urgent scaling work completed in late 2025, crews began installing a rockfall protection system in February this year to help prevent falling rocks from reaching the state highway,” King said. “We’re now returning to install the final components of the system, including two steel trusses weighing 1500kg each. Once in place, the rockfall protection system will provide an additional layer of protection for people using this important route.” The installation would require a 100tonne crane and a large worksite, making a full road closure the safest option, King said. “Given the size of the machinery and

the nature of the work, it is not safe or practical to keep the road open.” A further night of stop-go traffic management would be in place at the Ruahihi Bluffs on September 18, between 8pm and 3am while the site was dismantled. Significant delays were expected, with traffic allowed through on the hour. NZTA would also use the closures to complete other maintenance along the corridor, including work associated with the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement, drainage improvements and road surface maintenance. Closure points would be established at SH29/SH24 and SH29/SH28 intersections on the Waikato side, and at SH29/Redwood Lane/Kaweroa Drive roundabout on the Bay of Plenty side. Residents would continue to have access to their properties from the relevant side of the closure, although delays were expected. A local detour around the Ruahihi Bluffs site would be available via the Ōmanawa, Peers and McLaren Falls roads, while emergency services would have access through the worksite if required. Northbound traffic was advised to use SH2 via Karangahake Gorge, SH24, SH27 and SH26. Southbound traffic could travel via SH5, SH30, SH33 and SH2 through Rotorua. Light vehicles also had the option of SH36.

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

12 2

A listening ear wheen it matters most Cake, balloons and a chance for a chat will help shine a light on the quiet work of hospital chaplains next week.

Tauranga Hospital’s chaplaincy team is stepping into the spotlight for Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week from September 7-13. The week will give patients, whānau, staff and visitors a chance to find out more about the people who provide spiritual, emotional and pastoral support within the hospital. The main event will be a cake and bake stall in the hospital entrance from 11.30am-2pm on Thursday, September 10, where people can meet the chaplaincy team. Volunteer chaplaincy assistant Dan “the Puppet Man”, well known in Tauranga churches, will be at the entrance displaying his balloon-modelling skills. Lead chaplain Reverend Graham Silkstone said much of chaplaincy came down to something very simple – being there for people in what could often be difficult and uncertain times. “For many people in our hospital, chaplains are the person who turns up at your bed with a smile and a compassionate listening ear,” he said.

Five

Tauranga Hospital has five chaplains – Reverends Graham Silkstone, Andrew Rowe, Leanne Brooks, and Amy Beale, and regional chaplain Reverend Matiu Best, based at the hospital. They are supported by about 18 volunteer

chaplaincy assistants, many whom devote an hour or two each week visiting a particular ward. Because the assistants have regular time on the wards, they often spend longer talking with patients. “Most of our team are volunteers, giving their time for free to make another’s stay in hospital bearable,” Silkstone said. Chaplains were available to people of all faiths – and to those with no religious affiliation. The hospital chapel provided a quiet space for prayer, reflection or simply a few peaceful moments. It included a prayer mat for Muslim visitors and a font for Catholic visitors.

On-call 24/7

The chapel is open 24/7, while chaplains were on-call around the clock. Silkstone’s own role included ensuring the chaplaincy service ran smoothly, visiting wards and spending time with hospital staff. “Chaplains have a long history in hospitals around the world,” he said. “In a modern hospital we provide a service of caring alongside all of the many other voluntary groups who can be found on our hospital wards.” The team also holds a Christian service in the hospital chapel every Sunday. Silkstone said this is the first time he’d been involved in Hospital Chaplaincy Awareness Week because the Tauranga chaplaincy team decided it was time to make something of it. “Chaplaincy is actually a big ministry.

Tauranga Hospital chaplain Andrew Rowe in the Tauranga Hospital Chapel. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

It’s quite a unique experience.” Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa was incepted in 1972, when nine church denominations came together to establish a national hospital chaplaincy service in the public health system. Today the organisation provided pastoral, spiritual and religious care in hospitals with chaplains listening and providing support regardless of a person’s denomination, faith, beliefs, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.

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Compassion, connection

The organisation’s latest figures show more than 90 chaplains worked in 39 hospitals nationwide. For Silkstone, the heart of the work was compassion and connection – offering a listening ear when someone may be facing one of the toughest times of their life. Next week, Tauranga Hospital’s Chaplaincy team hopes more people discover what happens behind the Rosalie Liddle Crawford scenes.

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Simpler and safer to request information It is now easier for members of the public to request information about a third party, if they have concerns about their own safety, or the safety of a family member or friend, said NZ Police. A new online form to request information, through the Family Violence Information Disclosure Scheme (FVIDS), is now available. The form can be found at: www.police. govt.nz/use-105/fvids Historically, people had to call 105 or go into a police station to request this information. Having this online

form will make the process easier and safer for people who do not feel able to attend a police station in person or may feel uneasy speaking to someone over the phone. “These changes aim to improve accessibility, consistency and safety for individuals and whānau seeking information through this scheme,” says Inspector Ngahiraka Latimer, acting national manager family harm prevention. “People seeking information will have easier access, and will be able to do so with greater privacy and safety.” Applicants are still able to engage by calling 105 or applying in person at a police station.

From league to food parcels to Scouts

Food parcels loaded up by Pāpāmoa Food Hub volunteers, ready to give to local families in need.

Two more Pāpāmoa community groups will be boosted by a Lionsrun weekday Bingo competition that encourages socialisation among local seniors.

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

Steven Jensen’s Pāpāmoa Lions Club launched their Bingo days at The Flying Mullet Sports Bar four months ago. Funds raised from the weekly event, held Wednesdays 2pm-3.30pm, were first gifted to Blind Low Vision NZ and the Pāpāmoa Bulldogs Rugby League & Sports Club. On August 26, at bingo, the Lions presented Pāpāmoa Food Hub with $2000. Next up will be Pāpāmoa Scout Group, Jensen said. Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks said the $2000 would be allocated to purchasing fresh food – dairy, meat, fruit and vegetables – for parcels given to struggling community members. “We were very pleased to hear that they selected us...People are starting to realise how much food insecurity there is, even in our community, and that there is somebody out doing something towards it. But the work all costs money.” Banks said $2000 would give somewhere around 45 top-ups to food parcels. Pāpāmoa Food Hub helped 863 people in the last financial year to March 31, 2026, Banks said. “This equated to distributing $77,900 worth of food, which was 13 tonnes. Our volunteers gave us 3400 hours of their time and drove 9500km – all for nothing. .” In a letter requesting support, Ilka Sissingh said a Pāpāmoa group of 11 Scouts, aged 11 to 13, would use funds

Pāpāmoa Food Hub founder Bruce Banks at Bingo with Pāpāmoa Lions Club’s Judy and Huck Taingahue. Photos / Supplied to attend the New Zealand Scout Jamboree this year. “Jamboree is a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity for Scouts of this age group, bringing together young people from across New Zealand to participate in leadership development, outdoor education, teamwork challenges, community building, and personal growth experiences,” Sissingh said. To attend Jamboree, each Scout must raise about $3000. The group’s total fundraising goal is about $33,000. Fundraising can be particularly challenging for those aged from 11 to 13 years because they were unable to take on official employment, she said. “Despite these challenges, the Scouts have shown incredible commitment, motivation, and perseverance. Receiving grant support would help ensure every Scout has the opportunity to attend jamboree regardless of financial circumstances.” Jensen encouraged more Pāpāmoa residents to get along to the 2pm-3.30pm Bingo sessions on Wednesdays at the Flying Mullet bar. “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.”

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The Weekend Sun

Still centrecourtt at 90! Athole Herbert is 90, but you wouldn’t know it from his tennis schedule.

He still takes to the local tennis courts four days a week – and has for decades. Herbert joined Pāpāmoa Tennis Club 36 years ago and helped shape its courts, clubhouse and community as Pāpāmoa grew around it. Ask him about what he has done, and he is quick to brush it off because for him, it’s always been about the people. “When you look around today, everybody’s chatting together, and it’s absolutely just like being home.

Exercise

“All these people that you know and everybody looks after everybody else. It’s great.” Herbert first picked up a racket at 50, after years at a desk job left him wanting more exercise. He said staying active had long been important to him and his wife Anna shared the same attitude. She’d been going to the gym four days a week for more than 40 years and was working her way back after breaking her hip. “It’s important for everybody to do some exercise,” Herbert said. “Even if they do a bit three or four or five times a week, just half an hour or an hour, that’ll make a huge difference to your life in the long term.” Splitting his time between Pāpāmoa and Mount Maunganui tennis clubs, he found what started as a way to stay

fit became so much bigger. Herbert said lots had changed since he first began playing tennis.

Off the courts

The Pāpāmoa club had four courts at the time, before Western Bay Tennis added another 10. He was heavily involved in that expansion, helping establish the trust that would own the additional courts, and played a role in getting the club’s current clubhouse built. Herbert was also president of Mount Maunganui Tennis Club for three years. But his community involvement had extended well beyond tennis. Herbert spent 12 years as a regional councillor and worked at the Port of Tauranga, witnessing the port’s transformation, including the development of Sulphur Point and its first container crane. In 2008, he was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal for his community service. Paul Hickey, who organised the Tuesday and Friday tennis groups and had been part of the club for 19 years, said Herbert had always been a formidable opponent. “He was a big challenge; he was a spinner and a lefty and everything.” As both men aged, the fact they were still turning up mattered most. “But now that he’s gone from 70 to 90 and I’ve gone from whatever to whatever ... there’s something for everyone in this club, whatever your level is, there’s something for everyone,” Hickey said. Club president Kevin Mayall said Herbert was one of the people responsible for creating the strong community spirit

aroound the club. “H He doesn’t know it, but that’s just who he is. He’s just such an awesome guy. “Th That’s a really cool thing about the Pāp pāmoa Tennis Club, that Pāpāmoa vib be, and it’s because of him.”

Friday 4 September 2026

Athole Herbert at the place he loves most – the tennis courts. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

No othing to incredible

Mayall M said Herbert had hellped shape the tennis club intoo what it is today. “W When you look back at wh hat Athole actually did, you u’ve got to remember Pāp pāmoa had nothing herre,” he said. “A Athole’s actually made wh hat we’re standing on now w. It’s incredible.”

Mayall M said the club had close to 5 500 members when school proogrammes were included, witth a focus on getting families invvolved and making tennis acccessible to people of all ages and d abilities. “G Getting people active, lau ughing, enjoying life – that’s wh hat we’re about.” Zoe Blake

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Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

50 years – a parcel of love What started with a young man taking parcels into a Paeroa shoe store back in the 1970s has turned into 50 years of marriage, delivering love and memories.

Bellevue couple Trish (nee Odlum) and Ian McGonigal celebrated their golden, 50th wedding anniversary last month. The pair said they met while Trish was working at Bates Shoe store in Paeroa and Ian was working as a truck driver. Two years later they were engaged. The couple wed on August 7, 1976, at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Paeroa. “Where Trish worked was two doors down from the road service depot and we were introduced basically by some mutual friends that knew Trish’s parents and my parents,” said Ian, aged 75. “The guys at work got to hear about it, so every time there was a parcel to take to the shoe shop, it was my job to go meet this chick,” he said. “I’d go in, in shorts, boots and a singlet.” “We were pretty busy in the shoe store in the afternoons, and he came in and stood silently waiting,” said Trish, 71.

First date

Their first impressions of one another? “She was quite a good looker,” said Ian. “I suppose you were stable,” said Trish. “You weren’t a loony!” The couple’s first date was at the Thames Picture Theatres. “It was a war movie,” said Trish. “Fancy taking a girl to a war movie? Especially where they all get taken to a concentration camp…” “I’m not really the romantic type,” said Ian. “Never have been – but that was it.

We clicked.” Heading into married life, the couple wound up in Tauranga in 1978 after Ian had a job transfer with New Zealand Road Services. The pair became proud parents of two daughters, Heather in 1981, and Louise in 1983, and today have two granddaughters.

In love and in business

While raising their daughters, the couple owned and ran a same-day courier business from Tauranga to Gisborne. For more than 20 years Ian ran deliveries while Trish headed the administration side of things. Starting their own courier business was “just a crazy idea,” Ian said, after he finished his job with New Zealand Couriers. “We decided we’d have a crack at that. It was actually a guy that put me onto it to give it a go … he gave me a list of five or six customers to go and see that he knew would use [the service] and so I went and saw them and started it from there.” Teaming up as husband and wife in business went smoothly. “He was away a lot of it and I’d be here looking after the admin. It worked out well,” said Trish.

Thick and thin

Today the couple are happily retired. But 50 years of marriage hadn’t come without its trials. Both Trish and Ian faced health and medical hardships at the same time in 2016. “Trish went through breast cancer the same time I had my two knees replaced,” said Ian.

Golden wedding anniversary couple, Trish and Ian McGonigal, say the key to a long marriage is compromise. Photo / Kelly O’Hara “I had my operation in 2 2015 … then in January in tthe New Year, I started my cchemo and everything, and tthat was hard,” said Trish. “It all happened at once. We shut the business down for three or four months, but everybody came back … It was trying but we got through it.”

‘Agree to disagree’

And the burning truth to having a successful marriage? “Just agree to disagree,” said Ian. “Compromise is a big thing. If you come

across a sticky situation, you work it out together.” “The ones these days, they give up,” Trish said. Kicking back in their reclining chairs, the couple said they still knew how to give compliments too. “He hasn’t aged very much,” said Trish. “I don’t know about that,” Ian fired back. “Trish is very determined. Strong-minded I suppose you’d say,” said Ian. “Ian’s been there for us all and we’re in this together,” reckons Trish. Georgia Minkhorst *Has someone in your family hit a major milestone or life achievement? Let us know! Email: merle.cave@nzme.co.nz with the details.

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Multi-day touring of NZ and Overseas by rail - For info and itineraries www.gvr.org.nz or phone 09 236 3546

Around the Rohe

Get ahead of the game with free buses during Zespri AIMS Games With more than 20,000 visitors expected in Tauranga for Zespri AIMS Games next week, things will be a little busier than usual. We’ve teamed up with Tauranga City Council to provide free transport options, including Loop Buses to travel between key venues, a Park and Ride service for the Opening Ceremony and free travel on the Baybus urban network for athletes and coaches. Scan the QR code to learn more.

SEPTEMBER 2026

Spring into Pāpāmoa Hills, but stick to the tracks With spring underway, more people are enjoying Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park. While some tracks remain closed following severe weather earlier this year, work is continuing behind the scenes to plan repairs and safely reopen more areas of the park. In the meantime, we want to remind visitors to the park to follow all signage and stick to open tracks, as some areas remain closed due to ongoing risks from slips and unstable ground. The Pūraho Track, Summerhills Track and Karangaumu Track (via an alternative route) are currently open, and work is continuing behind the scenes to get further tracks open soon. Thank you for your patience and support while this work continues.

Looking for meaningful summer work experience?

Your rates invoice is almost ready

Applications for our 2026/27 Summer Experience Programme are now open. The paid 12-week programme (16 November 2026 – 5 February 2027) offers hands-on experience working on real projects that support our region and environment.

Payble is our new ﬂexible way to pay your rates. Get set up before your rates invoice arrives in September and choose a payment option that works for you. Pay in full, set up AutoPay, or create a payment plan that suits your budget.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, self-motivated people who are studying, planning to study, recently left school, or are keen to gain experience in a new career path.

Over time, Payble will become our preferred way to pay rates, replacing direct debit.

Applications close 12 noon, Monday 14 September.

Rates are due 20 October 2026.

Scan the QR code to learn more.

Visit boprc.govt.nz/payble to learn more and get set up.

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

Working together to help people and places thrive.

Find out more at www.boprc.govt.nz

Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Protect the peop ple you love Waipuna Hospice Wills Month returns this September, giving local people the opportunity to write a basic will, or update an existing one, for free.

Waipuna Hospice CEO David Bryant said writing a will helps protect the people you love, ensures your wishes are clear and gives you peace of mind that the things that matter most have been taken care of. Thanks to the generosity of participating local legal firms, the usual fee for a basic will or basic update will be waived during the campaign, he said. “In return, Waipuna Hospice asks people to consider gifting just 1% of their estate to hospice. The remaining 99% can protect their loved ones, while their 1% helps ensure hospice care is available for future generations.” For Sharon and her husband Richard Holmes, making a will was first and foremost about bringing clarity and reassurance to their blended family. Once they had provided for their children, they also chose to include a gift to Waipuna Hospice. “I know that we all have

somebody, that at some stage will need the service, and I think Waipuna Hospice is a Godsend,” Sharon said. Although she had expected writing a will to be daunting, Sharon said she found the experience much easier than anticipated. “It’s such a weight off our shoulders! It just gives peace of mind, and our gift to Waipuna has a real sense of purpose about it.” Bryant said gifts in wills would become increasingly important as the need for hospice care continued to grow. “Every year, Waipuna Hospice must raise over $8 million to continue providing our care and support at no cost to our patients and their whānau,” Bryant said. “And that demand is only growing, with the number of New Zealanders needing hospice care expected to double by 2045. “Gifts in wills help us plan for that future and ensure Waipuna Hospice can continue to be here for the future generations who will need us.” Waipuna Hospice provides specialist palliative care for people living with life-limiting illnesses, supporting them to live as well

Above: Waipuna Hospice provides palliative care for th hose wiith h life-llimiitiing illnesses. Photo / George Novak

Right: For Sharon Holmes, writing a will brought peace of mind for her family and the opportunity to leave a lasting gift to Waipuna Hospice. Photo / Supplied

and as comfortably as possible. Care is provided wherever patients call home, with support also available for their families and whānau. Anyone wishing to take up the Wills Month offer must first register with Waipuna Hospice. They will then receive a list of participating legal firms and a pre-will checklist before contacting their preferred firm directly to make an appointment. Appointments can fill quickly, so early registration is encouraged. To register or learn more, visit: https:// waipunahospice.org.nz/2026/08/willsmonth/ or call 07 552 4380 ext. 211.

Write a basic Will for FREE this September Waipuna Hospice is offering you the chance to create a basic Will or update an existing Will for FREE, either online or by visiting one of our participating local solicitors. By leaving just 1% to Waipuna Hospice, you can ensure 99% goes to caring for your loved ones, while also creating a lasting legacy.

To sign up for your free Will call 07 282 8568 or visit www.waipunahospice.org.nz

The Weekend Sun

Friday 4 September 2026

A great chance to consider your options Preparing or updating a will is a task many people postpone.

Wills Month in September offers an opportunity to ensure your will reflects the people, places and causes that matter to you. Recent research commissioned by Communityy Foundations of

Aotearoa NZ indicated that many Kiwis were actively considering their wishes. More than half of those surveyed had either already included a charitable gift in their will, were thinking about it, or intended to do so. Supporting th heir personall vallues was a strong motivation, while almost 9 in 10 of those surveyed prefer to

Acorn Foundation donor Betty Owen. Photo / Supplied

support local causes. For most people, providing for family in a will is the first priority, Acorn chief executive Lori Luke said. “A charitable gift is also a fantastic way to support a cause or a community that has played a meaningful role in someone’s life,” Luke said. During September, 10 local law firms will update a simple will free-of-charge for people who choose to include a gift to Acorn Foundation. The law firms included Anderson Law

Office, Beach Law Papamoa, Burley Castle Hawkins Lawyers, Cooney Lees Morgan, Fenton McFadden, Holland Beckett Law, Kaimai Law, Sharp Tudhope Lawyers and Advocate Legal Limited. “This means you can add Acorn to an existing will without paying for the update,” Luke said. “There is no single right way to write a will. It reflects your personal values and should feel right for you and your family. Wills Month is a great chance to consider your options.”

Outline what matters to you most September is Wills Month in New Zealand, an annual nationwide campaign led by Community Foundations of Aotearoa NZ (CFANZ) to encourage people to create a new will, update an existing one, and consider leaving a charitable gift. According to CFANZ, Wills Month served as a reminder to ensure people’s legal instructions, asset division and executor choices were clear and up to date. It also served to protect loved ones. “Having an up-todate will reduces confusion and heartache for your whānau.” As part of Wills Month, a number of local law firms, charities and online platforms offered special promotions, discounts, or free will-writing services during September if people included a charitable bequest.

According to Giving in Aotearoa NZ, research conducted by BERL in 2026, most people were interested in gifts in wills as an extension of their personal values. Consumer NZ said 50% of New Zealanders have a will. “Wills aren’t just for those who have a lot of assets. Every adult should have a will. If you die without a will, the law is inflexible about what happens to your possessions,” it said. “A will can also help you leave a legacy for your loved ones to remember you by.” According to Consumer NZ, a will should state the following: that it’s your last will and revokes all previous wills; how you want your estate distributed; who will be your executor; who will be the legal guardian(s) of children under 18 if you and your partner are dead; anything else that’s important to you (such as instructions for your funeral). Find out more about making a will at: www.consumer.org.nz/money/personalfinance/wills

Making plans for the future is also about choosing how you want to live it. At Althorp Village, independent living means beautiful surroundings, genuine community, friendship and security with the freedom to enjoy retirement your way Family owned. Beautifully established. Wonderfully connected.

Come and experience the Althorp Difference.

Friday 4 September 2026

Attitudes, choices, and responses

“The most powerful challenge to our personal mindset is the realisation that we are entirely responsible for how we react to a world we cannot control” – Unknown Life will always contain circumstances beyond our control – for example, other people’s choices, unexpected events, difficult situations. Our choices lie in the space between what happens and how we respond. Taking responsibility for our reactions does not mean accepting everything that happens; it means choosing not to surrender our peace to things we cannot change.

It’s important to recognise that our attitude, choices, and responses are where our true power can emerge. What situation am I trying to control that I need to let go of or view from a different perspective?

Pink Caravan to off ffer f free breast health advice in BOP

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

Body Treatments in Judea, Tauranga, offer a range of beauty eauty therapy and wellness treatments to the Tauranga area. ea.

Eye Trio

This month a bright pink campervan offering free breast health advice takes to Bay of Plenty roads for the first time. The Breast Cancer Foundation NZ Pink Campervan will visit communities across the region. Stops are planned in Pāpāmoa, Merivale, Katikati, Te Puke, Tauranga City, Te Puna and Welcome Bay, and more locations would be confirmed, the foundation said. Two specialist breast nurses would travel aboard the campervan, providing breast health education and The Pink Campervan is a vehicle for women to connect advice, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. with the Breast Cancer Foundation. Photo / Supplied

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The Weekend Sun

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The campervan will be parked at locations including supermarkets and community centres, and people can stop in without an appointment. The nurses will also deliver education sessions at workplaces, marae and other community venues. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ head of nursing and community outreach Sarah Timmis encouraged locals to stop by to learn how to protect themselves from breast cancer. “Early detection of breast cancer is the key to survival,” Timmis said. “One of the best ways we can save lives from breast cancer is to spread knowledge about the importance of going for mammograms and being breast aware.” She said the foundation’s nurse educators could provide advice on reducing breast cancer risk, recognising signs and symptoms, and enrolling for breast screening. The foundation said mammograms would not

offered on-board the Pink Campervan, which is separate from BreastScreen Aotearoa’s mobile breast screening vans.

Connect

“The Pink Campervan is a place where all women are welcome to connect with us and walk away feeling empowered to take charge of their breast health.” Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women, with about 210 women diagnosed in the Bay of Plenty each year. According to the foundation, women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer through a mammogram have a 10-year survival rate of 95%. The Pink Campervan was launched in 2023, replacing the foundation’s long-serving retro caravan that spent nearly a decade travelling the country delivering breast health education. Visit breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/pink-campervan for more information.

Pop in for free breast health advice at these Western Bay locations:

07 577 6712

138 Fraser Street, Tauranga boutiqueaudiology.co.nz

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Pirirakau Hauora, Te Puna

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Event Partners:

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OCT 1

The Weekend Sun

Friday 4 September 2026

Think Berberine, think blood sugar

From lefft, t, St John WBOP area op perations managger Mat Delaneyy, donors Erle and Ursula Dunseath,, St John central region donor relationship specialist Gunner Lovich, St John chaplain John Hebenton, Dame of the Order of St John Jane Swainson, and Matua Tamiti Tata of Ngati Ranginui iwi. Photo / Supplied

New ambulance to boost St John’s response A new emergency ambulance is serving the Bay of Plenty thanks to the generosity of Tauranga couple Erle and Ursula Dunseath.

The new Generation 4 ambulance was blessed during a special ceremony at the Tauranga ambulance station on August 29, attended by the Dunseath family, Hato Hone St John ambulance staff and fundraising team members. The vehicle is fitted with modern equipment, including a power-load electric stretcher and stair carry chair, which will make it easier and safer to move patients in and out of the ambulance. The Dunseaths said they planned to leave a gift for an ambulance

in their wills, but after discussing it with their lawyer realised by making the donation now they “could see the difference it would make and watch it become a reality”. Ursula said St John ambulance had responded to Erle on many occasions, providing outstanding care and support when it was needed most. “This donation is our way of giving back and expressing our gratitude for the remarkable work the teams do every day. It is the least we can do to thank them for their dedication, compassion, and service to our community,” she said. Hato Hone St John provides emergency ambulance services to 90% of people in New Zealand

across 97% of the country. Western Bay of Plenty area operations manager Mat Delaney thanked the Dunseaths for their gift, which would benefit the region. “This new ambulance enables our crews to use modern life-saving equipment to continue helping people in their time of need,” he said. According to St John, its workload in the Western Bay of Plenty had been rising yearon-year, with more than 25,000 emergency ambulance callouts in the wider Tauranga area in the past 12 months. It was estimated that during its lifetime, the ambulance would travel more than 500,000km and respond to more than 30,000 incidents.

Your body has finely tuned systems for turning food into usable energy. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose (blood sugar), which enters the bloodstream.

The pancreas then releases insulin, a hormone that helps move glucose from the blood into cells, where it can be used for fuel. Problems can arise when blood sugar remains too high or when cells become less responsive to insulin. Excess glucose can attach to proteins and fats in the bloodstream, forming harmful compounds that may promote inflammation and tissue damage. This is a particular concern in prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. The body can store some glucose as glycogen for later use, but once stores are full, surplus glucose may be converted into triglycerides and stored as body fat. This is why weight gain and raised triglyceride levels can reflect poor blood sugar control. The most important step is diet. Reducing sugar and carbohydrates, while focusing

on low-starch plant foods, healthy fats and quality protein to support steadier blood sugar. Contact me for a copy of my Healthy Eating Guide. Two supplements may also be useful: a high-quality, watersoluble berberine extract and chromium polynicotinate. Both are involved in normal blood sugar metabolism. Berberine supports AMPK, often called the body’s “energy switch”. AMPK helps maintain healthy blood sugar balance by reducing further glucose production and encouraging glucose to move from the bloodstream into cells for energy. Chromium supports insulin receptor function, helping cells respond to insulin more effectively. A water-soluble berberine extract may also improve absorption and reduce digestive discomfort associated with standard berberine.

John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner. To read more by John and the Abundant Health products, visit: www.healthhouse. co.nz, call 0800 140 141, or email: john@healthhouse.co.nz

Berberine Balance

A smarter way to take berberine Berberine has become one of the most talked-about natural ingredients for supporting healthy blood sugar balance, weight management and overall metabolic health. Unfortunately, traditional berberine extracts are poorly absorbed, often require high daily doses, and can cause digestive discomfort in some people.

Health House’s new Berberine Balance features Metaberine® Each capsule provides 200mg of Metaberine®, a new generation of berberine developed using patented BioSOLVE® technology (optimising water solubility). This advanced extract is designed to be absorbed more efficiently than standard berberine extracts, allowing a much lower daily dose.

Berberine Balance combines modern ingredient technology with one of the world's most researched botanical ingredients to provide a well-absorbed and well-tolerated option for everyday use.

Supports: Normal blood glucose metabolism Healthy fat metabolism Your body's natural metabolic balance Natural energy and general wellbeing Can interact with prescription medications for blood sugar management such as metformin, and certain blood thinnerss.

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Chromium Each capsule combines Metaberine® with chromium polynicotinate. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that also complements the benefits of berberine. Always read the label and use as directed. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Free delivery IN NEW ZEALAND

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Health House | Private Bag 12029, Tauranga 3143, New Zealand Retail Store / Head Office | 1 Whakakake Street, Tauriko, Tauranga 3110

Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

It’s time to act forr men’s health Do Something Blue to help a mate throu ugh this September – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

If you haaven’t been directly affected by prostate can ncer you’re bound to know someone whoo has. One in eight Kiwi men – fathers, brothers, husband ds, sons or best mates – will develop cancer in their lifetime. About 4000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, and it is the most common cancer for men in New w Zealand, apart from skin cancers. People are encouraged to get beh hind Blue September by creating theirr own fundraiser – it could be an even nt, a challenge for yourself, a workp place quiz, get creative! Funds raised will help the Prrostate Cancer Foundation provide the support services that they and their families need, advocate for improved stan ndards of care and invest in research that will not only save their lives but help th hem live their best life beyond diagnosiss. Every dollar raised during Blue Septeember makes this possible – every effort, every activity, every dollar, every cent, however small. Every little makes a lot. To create a fundraiser, visit: bluesep ptember.org.nz

Wh What h is prostate cancer?

The prostate is the small gland that sits below the bladder and is part of the malle reproductive system. Like the rest of th he body, the prostate is made of tin ny 'building blocks' called cells. Prosttate cancer is the abnormal growth of these cells into a lump or tumour.

Prostate cancer symptoms

The symptoms of prostate cancer are often hard to pick out and confused d with other non-cancerous con nditions. Thee symp Th ptoms of prostate cancer may include: • difficulty peeing. • peeing more often, especially at night. • pain when peeing. • blood in pee or semen. Often there are no signs of early-stage prostate cancer. Having these symptoms does not mean you have prostate cancer, but it is important to have any changes checked by your doctor.

Talkiing to your doctor

• Make a list of what you are feeling and how often it happens, including as much detail as possible.

People are encouraged to get behind Blue September by creating fundraising events.

• Think abou ut you ur family/whānau history of caancer and d tell your doctor. • Go bacck to your docctor if you don't feel bettter, even if tests shoow you don't have a problem - you can askk for a secon nd opinion if you want onee. • Take a family/whānau memberr or friiend with you to the appointment for su upport.

Alastair Beer Auctions is proud to support

BLUE SEPTEMBER

Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

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Wh What h causes it?

Like many ty types y of cancer, we don n’t always kn now why people get prostatte cancer, but some things increase you ur risk. These risk factors include: • getting older. • if your father or brother has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Find more resources on prostate cancer at: blueseptember.org.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Friday 4 September 2026

Tauranga gets ready to defy gravity and Morgan Kitching take on the principal roles, with Fletcher Oxford returning to Tauranga as Fiyero following more than 1000 performances at Universal Studios. Director David Adkins said the musical’s themes were as relevant as ever. “This globally beloved and monumentally popular musical…is a story about identity, friendship, acceptance of difference and challenging narratives.” Almost 100 performers auditioned, with Adkins adding, “The standard was very high, meaning, we have a cast of the very highest calibre”. The production is also a celebration of community commitment. TMT President Keegan Millar said, “It takes a village to get these incredible shows into Baycourt” with more

than 130 volunteers contributing across the cast, crew, orchestra and production teams. With its spectacular staging, memorable score and songs including Defying Gravity and Popular,

Hear All the Bs for free from Tauranga’s youth orchestra

How to solve Sudoku!

Tauranga is about to gett a little more magical, as Tauranga Musical Theatre (TMT) brings the global phenomenon Wicked to Baycourt Community and Arts Centre from September 17 to October 3.

Ashleen Fahy as Elphaba and Morgan Kitching as Glinda. Photo / Media Masters

Bodacious bangers to beautiful ballads, Tauranga’s youth orchestra will this month present a concert that celebrates music from composer whose surnames start with B. Youth Philharmonic Tauranga presents All the Bs on Saturday, September 12 from 4pm at St Peter’s in the City. The orchestra’s music director William McElwee said concert-goers could expect a range of interesting entertainment to unfold. “Bodacious bangers by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Dave Brubeck, and a healthy

Following acclaimed productions of Matilda, Les Misérables and Jersey Boys, TMT’s latest large-scale production promises to showcase the depth of musicaal theatre talent in our cityy. At the heart of Wicked is thee unlikely friendship betw tween w Elphaba, the powerful and d misunderstood young woman, and Glinda, the popular and sparklling social starr. Ashleen Fahy

dose of other B-related orchestral phenomena – think Bumblebees, Corpse Brides, and even more!” After no youth orchestra for two decades, the city saw the birth of Youth Philharmonic Tauranga at a symphonic workshop in October 2016 under conductor Justus Rozemond. Today youth rehearse weekly to learn classical music together and learn how to play in an orchestra, McElwee said. “We have 35 young players on the orchestra who can’tt wait to share what they’ve been working on,” McElwee said. All the Bs is on Saturday, September 12 from 4pm at St Peter’s in the City, 130

Youth Philharmonic Tauranga has 35 youth involved. Photo / Supplied

Spring St, Tauranga. The event is free to all. To find out more about Youth Philharmonic Tauranga, visit: www.ypt.co.nz

VERY EASY

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

SUDOKU

4 3

2 5

Wicked is set to be one of Tauranga’s theatrical highlights of 2026 and a fitting celebration of the remarkable talent found right here at home. Tickets are on sale now at Eventfinda.

6 7 8 7 1 8

No.2354

7 8 6 1 2 6 5 8 4 3 6 8 9 6 3 9 4 1 7 3 2 6 7 9 4

Fill the grid so that every row and every 3x3 square contains the digits 1 to 9

Solution No.2353

6 8 5 9 1 4 7 3 2 1 9 3 5 6 7 2 4 8 3 5 6 8 7 1 4 2 9

1 7 2 3 8 6 4 5 9 5 4 8 2 3 1 6 9 7 7 1 4 9 2 5 8 6 3

4 9 3 2 7 5 6 1 8 7 2 6 8 4 9 5 3 1 9 8 2 3 6 4 1 5 7

Friday 4 September 2026

The Weekend Sun

Show-ing the beauty of orchid growing When Cindy Duck walked into last year’s Tauranga Orchid Show, she was blown away by the plants, as well as the people behind them.

Across 1. All Black captain (1936) (4,9) 8. Below (5) 9. Expand (7) 10. Stagger (6) 11. Break free (6) 12. Lessen (5) 14. Criminal (5) 18. Soothing (6) 20. Extinct bird (6) 23. River (NI) (7) 24. Vegetable (5) 25. Town (SI) (6,7) Down 1. Sprightly (6) 2. Beg (5) 3. Clothing (7) 4. Conception (4) 5. Movies (5)

No. 2000

6. Cyclone (7) 7. Cooked (6) 13. Number (7) 15. Charm (7) 16. Increase (6) 17. Game (6) 19. Sidestep (5) 21. Straighten (5) 22. Taxis (4)

S E A R C H E D I F AWN A A C E E A G O I L K OM S T O P E R A N G I O R A A E C L E E G A I R K S M A N T I C F G T E T C H Y A B C C E C G I I J K I M T E K A P O G O C C U P Y A M C D E H G N I U K L M A B L A Z E G H B R I S K A A C B E R G F I R K HM G R E Y T E A L I A V I D A G C S E N G A I N K RM L O S S E T U K I T U K I

Solution 1999

Duck said her mother had taught her to garden “so I love green things”. Last year she rescued a few Phalaenopsis (Moth orchids) from grocery stores and incidentally found another variety in her garden – but it was the show that tipped the scales. Today she has more than 150 orchid plants at her home, with plans for more. “My husband Malcolm has been so

obliging. He built me a little greenhouse under the deck. He also built me a few holders to house the outdoor varieties, which I’m working on filling.” What is it with orchids that had taken her? “Oh, the flowers, the challenge of growing them, the beauty – honestly, there is so much variety. There are easy, intermediate and hard-to-grow ones. Anything that takes your fancy – orchids have got it. Colour, vibrancy, orch fragrrance, flower size, indoor, outdoor [variieties] – you name it! “Itt’s just gobsmacking! You just stand amaazed at this plant and genus and everrything they have.” The Tauranga Orchid Show, open Th 10am m-4pm on September 18 and 10am3pm m on September 19 at Tauranga Raceecourse, will boast mass displays of flow wering plants, free growing advice, pottting demonstrations, orchids and otheer unusual plants for sale, plus a cafe, raffl ffles and free parking. Entry is $5 per ad dult. Under-12s are free. While she’s not yet showing oorchids, Duck will definitely be at the show. “I will be purchasing plants. I have a budget this time. I’ll also be volunteering with the society to host the show.”

“Oh my goodness, it was absolutely fantastic,” the Tauranga South resident said. “I went nuts, bought everything ything I could afford, then promptlyy joined the club because I needed to leaarn to grow these things!” She is encouraging fellow Bay B residents to attend the 2026 Taurangaa Orchid Show on September 18-19 at a Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton to eenjoy the unexpected fascination. Duck said besides the perm meating fragrance and riot of colour, show-goers will find Tauranga Orchid Society S members present who are w willing to share all their green-fingered know wledge. “These people are just so eager e to teach you and get you on n board. “They are so enthusiastic and so full of knowledge about growing orchids – they have just encouraged my passion along.” Cindy Duck with some of her beloved orchids. Photo / Kelly O’H Hara

Merle Cave

A new era for the jazz festival Everyone I know has the flu. It’s a bit miserable.

We seem to have arrived at the “hunker down for a couple more weeks, spring is nearly here” part of the year. Everyone is planning for things to start again. This is true of the Tauranga Jazz Society, which had its AGM last week and where big changes are mooted for Easter’s annual festival, following the resignation of festival manager Marc Anderson after six years in charge. To say Anderson is a festival veteran isn’t exaggerating. He first experienced it as a drummer from Whakatāne High School, playing in the youth band competitions in 1982 under the guidance of inspirational teacher Tom Baylis. It was something that stayed with him as he lived and worked overseas. On his return from the UK he became involved, first as production manager in 2017 then festival manager in 2020.

A shepherd

He’s shepherded the festival through difficult times. There was the Covid-led shift one year from Easter to Matariki, then in 2025 his team’s biggest challenge, one he was rightly proud of: moving an essentially outdoor festival indoors in the face of a weather bomb without cancelling a performance. I watched that in action, and it made my jaw drop. It was an incredible feat of calm precise organisation. In keeping with his local outlook, the concerts Anderson looks back on most fondly are ones that allowed musicians to realise special projects, whether it be reuniting drummer Stan Bicknell’s group New Caledonia or offering a platform to the likes of Laughton Kora’s Black Comet or Tauranga’s Kokomo.

Anderson remains busy. He manages the Garden & Art Festival and organises the regular Band & Deliver youth concerts. As a drummer, he’s just finished a successful series of Adele shows with his wife, singer Caitriona Fallon. Meanwhile, the jazz festival’s future is a work in progress with the Jazz Society Committee taking over with support from short-term contractors. Finally, a gig. I’ve avoided mentioning it for two reasons: Firstly, it’s ages away. Secondly, I assumed it would immediately sell out. With tickets available, let me tempt fate...

One gig!

A Tauranga/Waikato institution, The Torch Songs Band began with Liam Ryan, piano, and Carol Storey, vocals, growing in the early 2000s to a 6-piece which played jazz and arts festivals across Aotearoa. Running the gamut from the titular torch songs to wild Latin guitar extravaganzas their concerts were always a blast, showcasing not only the band’s virtuoso musicianship but also a palpable personal camaraderie. Now, after 35 years, Storey and Ryan, guitarist Dave Maybee, trumpeter Grant Mason, bass player Wayne Melville and drummer Neil Reynolds will play one Hear Winston’s final show together. It’s on October 18 Latest Playlist and should be in a stadium. But it’s at Scan the QR code, or visit: The Jam Factory, so only 50 lucky people tinyurl.com/h834ws9x get tickets.

Tauranga Orchid Show 2026 Fri Sept 18 10am - 4pm Sat Sept 19 10am - 3pm Tauranga Racecourse $5 entry (under 12 Free) Massed displays of ﬂowering plants Free growing advice & potting demos Orchids & other unusual plants for sale Cafe, raﬄes, cash out available and free parking

The Weekend Sun

Friday 4 September 2026

THE WEEKEND SUN

Saturday 5 September

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

7-9pm. Ph Frank 576 3037 David 576 0578

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

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

Bay Singles Social Group Join a bunch of over 50’s young

ŌtanewainukuKiwiTrust: Public Meeting

singles. Weekend dinners, pot-lucks, occasional outings. Have a go! Ph Lorna 027 427 5635, Andrea 021 133 0313

Beth-El Messianic Family Celebrate Shabbat (Sabbath) as

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

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

Pāpāmoa Family History Group It’s Family History Month

Free Repair Cafe Tauranga Volunteers come together and

Papamoa Mah jong Papamoa Mah jong 12.15pm - 4.00pm

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

Tauranga Woodcrafters Guild Hobbyist woodworkers. New members welcomed and coached. Mornings. Carving Mondays, Turning Tues, Scrollsaw Wed, Woodcraft/Open workshops Thurs &Sat. Some other sessions. Details on website https://taurangawoodcrafters.org

Sunday 6 September

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 It’s Springtime - Update yourself with mind /body practice. Always free. https://en.falundafa. org/falun-dafa-global-contacts.html#Oceania Call/text Judy 021 0425 398.

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 Mah Jong Experienced players invited Sunday & Thursday 12.45 - 4pm, learners to be arranged. Te Puke Lyceum Rooms 8 Palmer Pl, ph coordinator 027 430 6383 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

Otumoetai Rotary Carboot Sale 8.00am for buyers at

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

conversation in Māori, all levels welcome! 10am GRINDS FirstAv. Nau mai i āu kōrero me tō harikoa.

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

Tauranga Midweek Tramping Group Toi’s Walk, from central Whakatane, Otawairere Beach, Otawaiwere, loop back to carpark. Papamoa. Mod. Bev 027 446 2615

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

Classes happening now. Find an activity, join, & do it! All ages. www.letslearn.co.nz or ph 07 578 9416

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

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.

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

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

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 City Brass Tauranga City Brass Band Practice

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

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 Model Railway Club Club meets Tuesday 9.30am & Thursday 7.30pm corner Mirrielees & Cross roads, Sulphur Point. Ph Mike 021 939 233

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 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 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

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

Tuesday 8 September

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

369 0984 or taurangaembroiderersguild@gmail.com

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 9 September 500 Cards Play 500 1pm Wednesdays at St Thomas More Church, 17 Gloucester Rd. $4, including refreshments and prizes. Barbara 0272169066 or Bob 027 478 6282. 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 Age Concern Walking Group A friendly weekly walking

group for all ages and all fitness levels. 10am start, meet at Tay Street Café, Mount Maunganui

Beginner Social Ballroom/Latin Group Dance Class

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

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

Thursday 10 September

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 Calling ex Guides All ex Pippin, Brownie, Guide,

Ranger or Commissioners are welcome to join us on the last Thursday of the month at the Atrium Coffee Shop Otumoetai Tauranga 10am. Contact Carole Lindsay 022 365 0548

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

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

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

Give Petanque a go Play social petanque at Bayfair Reserve,

Russley Dr. 12.45 to 2.30pm, Tues and Thurs. Friendly club, all welcome. Boules available. Call 021 158 0129 for details.

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

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

Arataki Coastal Club For retired/semi-retired people, enjoying friendship, interesting speakers 2nd Tuesday each month 9.45am Arataki Community Centre. Contact Robyn 5722908/Pat 5744257 for more information.

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 1pm4pm beginners welcome. Come and join our friendly group. Ph Brenda 027 229 6992

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

Pyes Pa Walking Group We are a casual medium paced

Body+Soul for 50+ Fun Fitness for men and women.

Cards - cribbage Come and join our friendly group every

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

Starseed UFO club tga Social group for people who are into 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

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

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

Pond behind 22 Montego Drive Papamoa, sailing Electron Radio Controlled Yachts for fun and competition. Adult beginners welcome. Graham 572 5419.

Cherrywood Probus 2nd Tuesday of Month @ Citizens

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

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

Chess at Mount Maunganui Mount Maunganui RSA Chess 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”

Exercise programme keeps you mobile. Friendly group. 2-3pm Wednesdays at St Johns Church Hall, Burtea Road. Phone Angela 576 9847.

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

Tauranga Model Aircraft Club Interested in flying model

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.

Ladies Tennis Every Wednesday at Tauranga Lawn Tennis

Friday 11 September

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

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 7 September

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

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing 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

500 Card Group Every Monday (except public holidays)

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

Badminton Social Badminton, Greerton Hall, Mon + Fri

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

from 9.30-11.30am, held at Age Concern, 177A Fraser Street, Tauranga, $2 donation, light refreshment provided. 10.30am – 12.30pm. All Welcome Ph Lorraine 027 408 6211

Euchre Tauranga Euchre Club, Monday evenings from 7pm. Inquiries - Graeme 027 543 0872

Greerton Walking Group Meet outside Greerton Library at 9am for a gentle, local walk with a friendly crowd, followed by a cafe visit. All welcome. Contact Mike 021 180 7429.

Greerton Garden Club Meets every 2nd Monday of the

Inachord Singers Tauranga Women’s Chorus with Musical

month Feb-Nov at the Greerton Senior Centre, 33 Maitland St, Greerton at 1pm. Visitors Welcome. Ph:027 253 6704

Indoor Bowls Matua Primary School Hall at 7.15pm. New members welcome. Come and join us for a evening of fun and bowls. Phone Karen 576 0443

Invitation to singing men Harmony-A-Plenty has been singing for twenty years. We practise Monday evenings

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

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

Korero with kawhe Join us Tuesday mornings for coffee and

Coffee/Conversation Group -Brookfield Age Concern

Improve Strength & Balance Steady as you go (saygo)

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

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

Free Public Advocacy Service Need help completing

Marching For Leisure A non-competitive activity for mature

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

Matua Garden Club Meet at Fergusson Park Otumoetai Sports and Recreation Clubrooms Matua. 3rd Wednesday of every month 10am-12pm Contact 021 071 5712 for enquiries.

Cards 500 & Rummikub Senior Citizens Club at RSA Te

Multicultural Morning Tea Join us for Morning Tea

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

ladies. Fun, fitness and friendship. For Tauranga teams practice and contact details ph Linda Wakefield 021 546 605

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

Newcomers Coffee Meetup Group New to Tauranga?

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

Omanu Rebus Club Join our monthly meeting 9.30am at

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

Seniors Fitness Greenwood Park Wednesdays 9.15am for fun fitness to music. Improve strength & balance & gain more confidence. Open to public also. Ph 022 340 6219

Tauranga Embroiderers Guild Wednesdays 7-9pm. Everyone welcome. For venue confirmation please contact Linda 027

Puke 1pm-4pm. Come and have some fun. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Ph Brenda 027 229 6992

Papamoa Indoor Bowls New members welcome at our

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

Yoga For Seniors Accredited Live Stronger for Longer

class fostering strength, balance, flexibility, breathing and mindfulness. On a mat or optionally seated. The Avenues, Tauranga, 9.30-10.30am. Asunta 021-0614394

Friday 4 September 2026

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Experienced, efficient, knowledgeable and highly qualified. Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lawns, tree work, garden renovations; design and plant.

07 282 7922 or 0800 777 433

Caring for our Community since 1909

of the Citizens Advice Bureau, Tauranga at 11.30am Monday 14th September 2026 at Central Baptist Church, 640 Cameron Rd, Tauranga (Upstairs)

0800 888 337 Geniune Callers Only All ages and areas welcome

Qualified & Experienced Funeral Directors

FUNERAL SERVICES

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

If you’re tired of being alone and seeking female company, call today to meet her.

At a difficult time, know that you won’t pay a fortune for you and your loved one to be looked after with dignity and respect.

0800 446 332

The Board of the Citizens Advice Bureau TAURANGA Cordially invites you to the

Livestock & Poultry

HOUSE & land maintenance AC Petfoods collect injured and repair. Large number of and unwanted cows and services available and horses. Phone 0800 369 6269 adaptive to requirements. Ph 027 210 1931.

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

PS ANDREW & JANE PARRINGTON

oel & Sharon van Ameringe

PAPAMOA COMMUNITY CENTRE

Shalom

021 768 043

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

SUNDAYS 3PM GRAVATT ROAD A NEW LIFE CHURCH

NORDICMOBILITYSUPERSTORE

www.mobilitysuperstorebop.com OFFER EXPIRES 30/09/2026

Designed for the Quality European and North American Markets Our company has been operating vehicle garages in New Zealand for over 20 years with an average annual turnover of over 4 million NZ Dollars. We have a large mobility scooter workshop with an extensive and full range of parts and accessories. We guarantee quality service with qualiﬁed technicians available for your peace of mind. All NORDIC mobility scooters meet high international Quality and Safety standards.

NORDIC LUXURY EXPLORER

Large Heavy Duty Luxury Scooter

PACKAGE INCLUDES

• Free 3 year AA Roadside Assistance • Free Tool Kit and Safety Flag • Free Cane and Cane Holder • Free Windscreen • Free Dustcover • Adjustable Tiller • Free Rear Lockable Storage Compartment • Luxury High Back Adjustable Swivel Seat

Phone 0800 69 66 73 For your FREE demonstration at your home NOW

SPECIFICATIONS - Weight Capacity - 180kg - Weight with Batteries - 147kg - Motor Size - 24V / 800W - Max Forward Speed - 15km/h - Distance Range - up to 60km

- Ground Clearance - 12cm - Batteries - 12V /75Ahx2 - Overall Dimensions: 1480 x 640 x 1120mm - Full front and Rear Suspension

ALL WALKERS 1/2 PRICE

50% OFF

MASSIVE SAVINGS ON:

PRIDE LIFT CHAIRS 1/2 PRICE

ELECTRIC LIFT BEDS - New Zealand Made

ELECTRIC LIFT RECLINER CHAIRS

PLUS ALL OTHER MOBILITY PRODUCTS!

From No Deposit & 12 Months Interest Free! T&C’s apply. Offer Expires 30/09/2026

NORDIC MOBILITY - KEEPING YOU INDEPENDENT

visit www.mobilitysuperstorebop.com visit www.mobilitysuperstorebop.com

132 JELLICOE ST, TE PUKE PHONE: 0800 69 66 73 SHOP HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

132 JELLICOE ST, TE PUKE • PHONE: 0800 69 66 73 SHOP HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-1pm

s2402KWNordic

20% OFF