Issuu

29 November 2013, Issue 677

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Tackling retail rivals

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

64,180 copies

Sea of Santas

to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

Surfing for a cause

Toys and cars collide

Drink in the success It’s not every day you strike gold – but today is one of those days for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Today Mayor Ross Paterson and CEO Glenn Snelgrove (pictured) will toast to their success as they accept a prestigious gold award from the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation. See page 3 and 18 for more. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

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The Weekend Sun

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 64,180 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes. The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Ross Brown Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Hamish Carter, Letitia Atkinson, Phillipa Yalden, Corrie Taylor, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter, Luke Balvert, Merle Foster. Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Sellars, Suzy King, Lois McKinley, Kirsty Hutcheson, Rose Hodges, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Tracey Taylor, Abby Taylor. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Digital Media: Lauren McGillivray, Jay Burston Office: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Tasha Paull, Kathy Drake.

Real reason for the season Spring has fully sprung; summer is sneaking in early and apart from the odd storm, the warm weather is reminding everyone of that special time of the year: Strange-shaped vegetable season. Forget all the Christmas nonsense, the real fun is finding distorted things growing in the backyard. Probably nothing new in some parts of the Northern Hemisphere, around Chernobyl; but here in the clean, green Bay of Plenty, many of us country bumpkins still get a kick out of finding a weird shaped vege, a rude fruit or a plant that has a stunning resemblance to David

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Cunliffe. At this point it’s probably fair to apologise to cabbages everywhere. During one of the RR in-depth research missions, one of our astute staff spotted this gem on a certain internet trading site, which fits perfectly into the Strange Vegetable Department: it’s been dubbed the ‘Green Dragon Capsicum’. It sold on Wednesday for $205 with proceeds promised to a Philippine charity for typhoon relief. Every year, we get calls to the newsroom from gardening buffs with some wacky deformed growths. Some of them have veges and fruit, too. I guess we’ll be opening the floodgates again with this story, so you may as well send in your pictures now. Let’s get it over with, and in the next couple of weeks we’ll run a sort of mixed veges assortment of your radical radishes, crude carrots and lunatic legumes. But please, stop the carrot jokes addressed to the Rabbit. Send your contributions to: brian@thesun. co.nz and include a few details, like your name, the fruit/vege variety and how much radioactive manure you’ve applied to your backyard in the last year. Meanwhile, my wife has grown these weird things. I thought there was a freak show going on in the vege patch, but she assures me they are supposed to look like this.

Last time plants like these were seen, the triffids went rampant and took over the world and went on to even greater success; they made a BBC radio dramatisation. In the book ‘The Day of the Triffids’, there are regular questions about the intelligence of

plants. Similar to real life, in which we constantly ponder if there’s any functioning brain matter among the people who make NZ television advertisements. If I were you, I wouldn’t be taking any chances when you venture to the garden centres this week – take a dose of anti-triffid venom, just in case.

More bizarre news

In other news, Save the Children has announced singing ‘superstar’ Susan Boyle is releasing a Christmas single – a duet with…Elvis. “What?” we hear you cry. How can she sing with Elvis, when he’s dead? Well, posthumously, apparently. Susan told the Sun: “Duetting with Elvis was beyond my wildest dreams. And now that this is able to raise money and help children is simply fantastic.” Elvis was unavailable for comment.

Christmas gift ideas, this week’s top ten nasty ideas For those of you struggling to find interesting Christmas gifts for your loved ones, and even for those you don’t particularly like but feel obliged (but can’t afford a dragon-shaped deformed capsicum), the RR team has some suggestions that may help. But probably not. The dog moustache. Even if you don’t have a dog, or your dog already has a great moustache, someone in the family with a big mouth will love this. As featured in last week’s newshound column, these are perfect, even post-Movember. Jump from plane. You get to throw someone out of a plane. Everyone knows someone who they’d love to see plummeting towards the earth at terminal velocity. Maybe several. Make it happen. Call John at Tauranga Tandem Skydiving. A farm. The perfect gift for animal lovers: A worm farm. Fun, sustainable and you don’t need a tractor. Unless the worms grow really big. Tauranga City Council waste minimisation programme leader Kimberley

Cleland says its worm farming workshops have doubled in size in recent years and it has had to increase the number to meet demand. Worm farms are useful in early childhood education, according to Jodi Purdie, who uses worms in her Porse programme, to instil sustainability ideas in youngsters. RR advice on worms: Don’t try milking or shearing them. An ATM skimmer. I’ve never owned one, but I hear they’re pretty good. A gift to turn a hobby into a lucrative cash earner. Beats windscreen cleaning at the traffic lights; and it’s just as illegal. A nice privet. This will be especially appreciated by those who have allergies. Even better, don’t tell them you’ve planted a surprise bush outside their home. It’s a special moment when you see the tears of appreciation welling up on their blotchy red faces! Fireworks. We just love to hear them all year round. Save up some from Guy Fawkes and give them to someone who will let them off between 1am and 4am, when we all appreciate it most. Rogue wave. A swell idea. Anyone can have a blow wave, or a Mexican wave; give the gift that will knock them off their feet. A 40 foot roller from out of the blue. A Novopay system. Better than Monopoly, you can play this game with real money and genuine irate teachers. Give it to someone with plenty of patience and a sense of humour. They’ll need it. A vital organ. Ideal for those you know who are gutless, heartless or lilly-livered. Give ’em one of yours! Goes well with our chiropractic special for politicians. (spineless). Tripe and onions. There’s just not enough of it around these days. Thrill your summer crowd with some yummy treats. They’ll always remember this year as an offal good brian@thesun.co.nz Christmas.

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Strawberries are not actually berries, but bananas are. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. The Caesar Salad is named after Caesar Cardini, a Mexican chef. The leaves of the mango tree are toxic to animals. Apples float in water because they are 25 per cent air. Tomatoes are a fruit, not a vegetable. Tomatoes are the most popular fruits in the world.

The Weekend Sun

A golden record Customer focus, innovative thinking and cost-effective solutions have won the Western Bay of Plenty District Council a prestigious NZ Business Excellence ‘Gold’ award today. The New Zealand Business Excellence Awards are the only national awards fully aligned to the internationally-respected US Baldrige criteria – just five gold awards have been presented in New Zealand in the last 15 years. Administered by the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation, they are based on international criteria using a rigorous four-step assessment process. In 2009, the Western Bay council

became the first local authority in the awards’ history to claim silver as a first-time entrant, and WBOPDC chief executive Glenn Snelgrove says a lot of work had gone into rising to gold status. “Our emphasis has been on focusing on our customers, collaborating with key partners and encouraging innovative thinking to develop cost-effective solutions for our customers. “Every member of the council team has put in a huge effort over the last four years, and we’ve achieved some really solid results.” The award is being presented today, by NZBEF chairman Neil Whittaker, at a gala luncheon in Hamilton. Western Bay Mayor Ross Paterson says the award is testimony to the style of management developed by the council under a strong team approach.

“Our political leadership relies on this sound culture of integrated planning and good team work in order to give strong governance to the district. “This award is a tremendous endorsement of council’s achievements, and I believe our ratepayers and residents can rest assured we are focused on giving them the very best service for their dollar.” Local Government Minister Chris Tremain congratulates WBPDC on its award. “It’s important that we celebrate success in local government. We need a culture of continuous improvement within the local government sector. This requires councils to benchmark themselves against others, to compare and contrast, to identify excellence and to replicate it.” NZBEF chief executive officer Mike Watson says being awarded gold puts the council in “very elite” company.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council Business Excellence Foundation Project Team: Peter Hennessey, Sue Laurence, Barbara Whitton, Olive McVicker and Gill Payne (Absent Kerrie Little). Over the last six years most of the project team have been involved in evaluating organisations around New Zealand that are working toward business excellence. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Don’t give up on the things you love. Powershop and Energy Online, a company owned by Genesis Energy, have been tempting the people of Tauranga with the promise of lower electricity charges. But if you give in to their promises, you’ll be saying goodbye to that welcome annual windfall of a TECT cheque*, this year worth $480 on average.

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The Weekend Sun

Tragedy recalled For Tauranga couple Craig and Sonia Fincham-Lubbe there are many days when the memory of losing their baby son leaves them feeling broken and lost. The couple’s baby Robbie was announced stillborn at Waikato Hospital’s birthing unit on October 22, 2012. “I have that date stamped on my heart boldly,” says Craig. Craig chose to speak to The Weekend Sun about the family’s loss after hearing about the death of another baby listed in the 2012/13 Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s serious adverse events last week. The information released yearly revealed a baby born at either Tauranga or Whakatane Hospital died at birth after failure to identify the infant was in breach position.

It was the only fatality in the 12 reported events from July 1, 2012 to June 30, 2013 at BOPDHB hospitals. Robbie’s death is not on the list, as the couple never reported the incident – but the knowledge of a similar happening brought back their terrifying and angering memories. The couple believe Robbie’s death could potentially have been prevented had it not been for a series of calls made by various medical staff involved in the days leading to the birth. “There is no definite as to what happened and why – and we have never been given answers other than it happens sometimes,” says Craig. In October last year 41-yearold Sonia was at home while Craig worked away in Mongolia. She began experiencing bleeding. Scared she called her midwife who Craig says told her it was normal and to stay home and

Craig and Sonia Fincham-Lubbe read with Craig’s two young daughters Samantha, 6, and Sarah, 9. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

rest. “The next day she phoned the midwife again with more bleeding and cramping, and an assessment was arranged and she was told she wasn’t in labour.” Sonia was checked in to Tauranga Hospital on the evening of October 21. Six hours later she went to the toilet and her waters broke. “I was on a cellphone from Mongolia, and I

said get an ambulance and get across to Waikato Hospital.” Sonia’s baby was premature and Waikato Hospital is better prepped for dealing with premature babies, says Craig. “It took a bit of effort to get her transferred. It was 2am when she got into the ambulance and they had to stop for diesel on the way. “When they arrived, basically she was put on the gurney stretcher, out popped Robbie and he was gone.” Craig arrived home a couple of days later to a “devastated” wife. “She was bad. It took her a long time to come right, and I think blokes are a bit different. We bottle it up, because your wife is falling apart and you have to be strong for her.” He says the moment of realisation came when he saw Robbie at Jones Funeral Home. The couple, who have been married for two years, believe the hardest part has been the lack of feedback and information offered by hospital staff. “In the first few weeks nobody really told us anything, we were like ‘What’s going on? Why did this happen? We struggled to get an appointment with the hospital. Seven weeks later we learned there was no reason known for Sonia to go into early labour. “There has been no accountability. We rely on these midwives and it’s a very specialist field – and it’s terrifying.” Last week’s report highlighted to Craig and Sonia the number of families who have experienced similar tragedies, and they hope their story can help others. “Sonia continues to work with women, through pilates and physiotherapy. She’s has set up a pilates pregnancy class to help women set limits and boundaries during pregnancy. For Craig, he would love to see a support network for men and welcomes men to call him if they need By Corrie Taylor support on 021491067.

Plans for carpark future

Oceanside Family Chiropractic

The Mount’s summer crowds are to be asked for ideas on how Downtown the Mount’s Phoenix carpark should be developed in future, and particularly what sort of urban park they want to see there. The idea of transforming the Mount North commercial centre, by redeveloping the carpark, was first put to Tauranga City Council in August. Resident and developer Bain McDonald with architect Graham Price presented the council with an attractive alternative. The city council is sitting on about $3.8million of development contributions for reserve land in the Mount’s infill area. Given the existence of a fund to provide mitigation through open spaces, it seems entirely logical for the reserves arm of TCC to acquire the Phoenix carpark from the transport section, says Bain. He fully supports a TCC staff recommendation to include the proposal in the council’s draft 2014/2015 annual plan to redevelop the carpark into an urban space; and also to include the required amount of development contribution funding in the plan, so ownership of the area can be transferred from transport to open space activity. The council voted in favour of this at Wednesday’s meeting, discussing the financial arrangements in confidential. The first thing to happen is expected to be a community engagement process during summer months, similar to the successful public engagement undertaken last summer for the Coastal Reserves Policy. It could involve a display on the site, and within the Mainstreet area, to generate feedback during the busy By Andrew Campbell Christmas holiday months.

The Weekend Sun

Racing for Harrison In a dawn run with a twist, runners of all shapes and sizes will dash up Mauao next week to raise funds for the Papamoa family of a 10-year old boy who is battling a rare form of cancer. The Sunrise Race for Harrison will see teams of three or four, up at the crack of dawn next Wednesday morning, collectively race from Leisure Island to the Mount’s summit to help raise funds to cover on-going treatment costs for Harrison Mundy. In June, the Mundy family discovered Harrison has Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, which requires regular doses of chemotherapy and treatment at Auckland’s Starship hospital. Event organiser and surf lifesaving friend Sarah Lockwood is compelled to help out after seeing firsthand the “incredible” amount of time the Mundy family has put into the wider community. “It’s just so sad to see them go through a hard time, and we are just doing our little bit to help them.” With the family knowing a wide array of people throughout the community – Harrison’s father Allan Papamoa and Mount Maunganui House of Travel representatives Esther RuBay, Nicola Gray, Kerri Coupe and Craig Aitkin training with Matt Cowley. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

is a Mount Maunganui school teacher and Omanu surf club member, while wife Hayley is a House of Travel Papamoa employee – the event is tailored to accommodate all ages and levels of fitness. Starting at Leisure Island, teams make their way along the boardwalk before making a dash up one of the three marked tracks to the Mauao summit. To finish the race, each team must finish intact with all members. “Harrison’s school friends will be able to participate, so will Allan’s students; and there is a lot of the surf life saving community using it as a replacement training session.” “It is a beautiful event to see the sunrise at the top and contribute to the cause.” Due to overwhelming interest and support of the event, House of Travel Papamoa is offering an all-expenses cruise and flights for two to Fiji, to be drawn from pre-race entries. Sunrise Race for Harrison is on Wednesday, December 4, beginning at the boardwalk at the Leisure Island-end of Mount Maunganui main beach. Registrations, costing $10 for teams, can be made from 6am to 6.25am, with racing at 6.30am. By Luke Balvert

A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on...

Car wedged on Fraser St

A car ended up in a precarious position after veering off the road on Fraser Street on Thursday. The Toyota Altezza was travelling along Fraser Street near 11th Avenue when it crashed into a fence, becoming wedged on the grass verge near Memorial Park. No one was injured in the crash.

Wave freaks fishermen

Scientists are scratching their heads trying to find the source of a mysterious tidal surge that struck Papamoa Beach early Saturday knocking down fishermen and bringing in lines. Fisherman Grahame Lindsey was out fishing the bottom of the tide at Karewa Parade during low tide at 5.30am on November 23 when he was stunned by the wave that powered up the beach. “It was low tide, it was about half past five and it brought the Kontiki in and laid the lines up the beach. It came in - it wasn’t just a wave it was like a tsunami. “It was quite frightening really. First time I have been fishing on the beach when that’s happened. The tide came in and it stayed in for three or four minutes, then it just drained straight out like a huge vacuum cleaner. It was quite substantial.”

Nurse fined

An aged care nurse arrested at Auckland International Airport is to pay $17,287 to ACC after being convicted of 14 fraud related charges. Diane Ruth MacDonald was sentenced in Tauranga District Court this week after being arrested on November 19 attempting to return to New Zealand from Western Australia. The 57-year-old woman was fined and sentenced to 120 hours’ community work for nine charges of dishonestly using a document under the Crimes Act and five charges of failing to declare income under the ACC Act.

Child crashes into house

A nine-year-old boy is in critical condition in Starship Hospital with head injuries after crashing into the side of a house in Welcome Bay. The boy was riding his bike in Te Arawa Place when he went down a steep hill and crashed at about 4.30pm on Wednesday. A Tauranga St John spokesperson says the boy suffered head injuries and was taken to Tauranga Hospital before a specialist retrieval team from Auckland was sent down to fly the boy to Starship Hospital.

Chamber CEO leaves

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason is stepping down after almost five years in the role. The chamber announced that Max is leaving to take up a new job as village manager at Ryman Healthcare’s Bob Owens Retirement Village in Bethlehem starting January 2014. The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated, seven days a week

www.sunlive.co.nz News tip? Phone 0800 SUNLIVE

The Weekend Sun

Empowering retailers Te Puke businesses are being asked to get behind an initiative aimed at reducing the threat of retail rivals expected to arise with the completion of the Tauranga Eastern Link. When the TEL opens, drivers will be able to bypass Te Puke when travelling to retail precincts such as Fashion Island in Papamoa and Bayfair in Mount Maunganui. To try keep customers loyal and local, Te Puke Economic Development Group’s managing director Mark Boyle has come up with the idea for Shop Te Puke – a points redemption reward programme. Mark’s been working to get local businesses’ support for the last 18 months and says the whole idea is to keep money local – so Te Puke can be acting collectively “to be in good shape when TEL opens”. “At Te Puke, you’re sitting here in very close proximity to very strong retail precincts; you’ve got Papamoa’s Fashion Island, Mount Maunganui’s Bayfair and Tauranga’s central city all within 25 minutes away. Te Puke needs to redefine itself to a strong value proposition to

attract people to businesses here. This programme will bring our town centre business together. It will enable collective power and cohesive promotion – and most importantly, it can drive value to make business more successful.” Mark says the programme is designed to reward customers by having redemption points only redeemable inside the town’s shops. Mark says with TEL hopefully diverting heavy traffic from the Western Bay township, it will give local retailers a chance to create a new destination for shoppers. If it goes ahead, the Shop Te Puke programme will see loyal shoppers “swiping cards” in Te Puke and returning to redeem points. “So we’re looking for retail outlets and businesses to belong to the programme, set it up and

contribute to its administration costs.” Mark says a decision will be made by the end of this month on if it will proceed. A Main Street Committee would oversee the programme. By Merle Foster

Te Puke Economic Development Group’s managing director Mark Boyle holding a Shop Te Puke card mock-up. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Cyclists and walkers told to share Different users of the Harbour Drive footpath are just going to have to learn to get along, Tauranga City councillors have decided this week.

The footpath, which has been the subject of opposing petitions by cyclists and pedestrians, will be shared, says councillors at Tuesday’s council meeting. The sharing is a two stage process. First, the bylaw will be changed; and then the footpath will be widened to three metres. The Traffic and Parking Bylaw is expected to be amended in February or March next year, when the signs will be changed from ‘No Cycling’ to ‘Share with Care’. Widening the footpath to match the three metres along the rest of the harbour front walkway has to go through TCC’s annual plan process. Cost to the city is expected to be about $21,000, if the $45,000 job attracts a NZ Transport Agency subsidy, and could happen later in 2014. Meanwhile, the ‘No Cycling’ signs remain, but the counter-petitioning cyclists and pedestrians have been by Tauranga City councillors told “to be nice”. Both petitions are presented by Harbour Drive residents, with Phil Simpson, from 16A Harbour Drive, taking the cyclists part; and Stewart Taylor, from 96 Harbour Drive, sticking up for pedestrians. The council first barred cyclists from the footpath in July, following complaints from pedestrians about cyclists’ bad behaviour. Because the council says it is a footpath, cyclists are legally required to keep to the road. By Andrew Campbell

The Weekend Sun

Catch a wave for a cause

Four Bay of Plenty surf schools will join others throughout the country this weekend in a drive to raise funds for disabled surfers.

Mount Maunganui Surf Academy owner Andy Collins with Kiri Binnersley and Guy Brown. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

This Sunday, Mauao’s Mount Maunganui’s Surf Academy and Hibiscus Surf School, Waihi Beach Surf School, and Ohope’s Salt Spray Surf School are among 20 surf schools providing reduced rates and free lessons as part of National Surfing Day. The initiative is a fundraiser for Disabled Surfing New Zealand, which has been chosen as the most deserving recipient after a vote on the Surfing New Zealand's Facebook page. Mount Maunganui Surf Academy owner Andy Collins encourages people to come down to the corner of Banks Ave and Marine Parade between 9am

Pahoia annual fair

Philippine fundraiser

Pahoia’s community second annual Christmas Fair, offering all things festive to celebrate togetherness and the spirit of the season, is happening tomorrow. A celebration of artists, businesses and community groups working and living around Pahoia, the fair will offer a large variety of art and crafts, jewellery, indoor and outdoor wall art, wooden toys, felted items, and Christmas gifts.

Katikati’s The Cafe at the Balcony is hosting a fundraising dinner tonight (Friday, November 29), from 6pm. The evening offers the chance to experience wonderful Filipino treats while being entertained by Ashley Smith and friends. Tickets cost $25 per person, with proceeds going to the Philippines recovery fund. To book, call 07 549 0506.

and noon this Sunday to take advantage of the cheap lessons and support a great cause. For $20, Andy, who is originally from the United Kingdom and has more than 20 years’ surfing experience, provides a one-hour lesson and all necessary equipment, including boards and wetsuits. His qualified instructors will be on hand and there will be a sausage sizzle via gold coin donation, with all of the proceeds going to DSNZ. “Togs, towels, sunscreen – easy as that,” says Andy. DSNZ helps provide specialised equipment, expertise and volunteers so disabled people can experience surfing too. Their motto ‘smiles on dials’ echoes their participants’ reactions, says DSNZ spokesperson Luke Springall. “Just seeing those smiles as people ride down a wave is amazing – and being the recipient of proceeds from the National Surfing Day lessons means we can continue providing those valuable moments well into next year.” By Simon Neate

Help for quarry park Te Puna Quarry Park volunteers received a welcomed batch of extra help this week from pupils at Selwyn Ridge Primary School. As part of the pupils’ schoolwork, they had to choose a community project to help out with, and the quarry park was the top favourite. Volunteer Jo Dawkins says it’s great that children are keen to help the park. The children brought morning tea to volunteers on Tuesday morning, and helped with gardening work.

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The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Cruising for Christmas

Jill de Buisson and Sarah Ellis began the toy run 10 years ago. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Hot rod lovers Sarah and John Ellis were so impressed seeing hundreds of classic cars take part in the annual Auckland Christmas toy run – and decided 10 years ago to hold a similar event here. “I remember being blown away they could get hundreds of cars on a Monday night. It was amazing,” says Sarah, who together with fellow rodding enthusiast Jill De Buisson have decided to launch their own toy run in Tauranga following friends being affected by cancer. This Wednesday’s Christmas run – which collects toys for the Tauranga Child Cancer Foundation and cash donations for Waipuna Hospice – will be the event’s 10-year anniversary with the run now firmly established on the Bay of Plenty motoring calendar. “I remember that first year, I would have been

happy to have five cars, and was blown away when we ended up with about 70.” This year they’re hoping to attract at least 200 cars – from vintages to classics, muscle cars to hot rods – but the event is not open to bikes or Japanese cars. Cars are to register at Truman Lane from 6pm Wednesday, December 4 – with all drivers having to ‘pay’ an entry fee of a toy that goes to the Child Cancer Foundation’s Christmas party, or a cash donation. Cars will drive from Baypark to Papamoa, along the beachfront to Mauao, before driving back through downtown Tauranga to finish at Fraser Cove, where cars will be displayed from 7.15pm. The run will go ahead no matter what the weather is. Sarah is encouraging people to donate educational toys for children aged up to 13 – like puzzles or games they can do on their own while recovering from treatment – rather than just soft toys. By Hamish Carter

Fighting nature’s fury with Lego

Otumoetai Intermediate School students Nick Freeman, 13, Alfred Shun, 12, and Sam Gillies-Smith, 12, with their robot design. Photo by Tracy Hardy. A group of Otumoetai Intermediate School students are taking Lego building to a whole new level by constructing robots used to investigate natural disasters. Three teams of Year 7 and 8 students are entering their robots into the national First Lego League competition in Auckland on Saturday. Each team has been constructing a 15cm high Lego Mind Storm robot for about 10 weeks, as part of an Incredible Minds accelerant programme at the school. Otumoetai Intermediate School robotics teacher Kate Rhodes says – along with a bit of fun – the competition teaches students problem solving and mathematics skills. “This particular competition also has a large literacy element to it because it’s got lots of researching, creating and presentations,” says Kate. “Team work is a huge part of the competition too.” This year’s theme is ‘natural disasters’ and to win students have to manoeuvre their robot around a course “about the size of a table tennis table” and complete tasks related to the theme. Engineers select different natural disasters to investigate. They then control their robots on the playing field to find an innovative solution, which could help following a natural disaster. By Zoe Hunter

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The Weekend Sun

A guest remembered One of Tauranga Historic Village’s most loyal guests, ‘Henry’ the late village cat, won’t be forgotten thanks to a new mural created by village tenants Turning Point Trust.

Nick Eggleston, Rod Witt and Noeline Neill put final touches to the village mural. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

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Henry, estimated to have reached about 18 years old, was a popular fixture at the village; turning up every day to greet people as they came through the gate. Henry passed away during completion of the mural, but will remembered on a once-barren toilet block wall at the village, transformed into a piece of art by members and staff of trust. The project was created as an exercise in confidence, team work, skill building and negotiation for Turning Point’s members – adults with varying degrees of mental illness and addiction. Beginning in August, the mural took about three months to complete and features native flora and fauna including a moa, kowhai, kiwi, weka, flax bushes – and, of course, Henry. Trust tutors Mike Maynard and Nick Eggleston

oversaw the creation, but Nick stresses it is very much a member-led project. “Mike and I were there to provide guidance, support and advice as needed but ultimately our members made the final decisions.” The project began by clearing a neglected garden and a few old trees from in front of the wall. Next, the members painted an under-coat and sketched some ideas with chalk before colouring with outdoor acrylic paint. “It was a very open-ended, organic process involving a lot of team work. We created a no pressure environment and made several changes to the mural. “I would estimate about 10 people came and went during the project.” Nick says Turning Point Trust provides mental health and addiction services for its members and offers career support, peer support and advocacy, vocational services and day activities, including an art programme. The mural is about 10 feet by 25 feet high and is covered with an anti-graffiti coating.

By Simon Neate

Santa’s run for good cause

When hundreds of make-shift Santas are streaming down the beach it can only mean one thing – the annual Great KidsCan Santa Run. And it’s back for 2013, with organisers hoping people of all ages will dress in Santa attire and join in the two-three kilometre run/walk, starting at Mount Maunganui Main Beach on Wednesday, December 4, at 6.30pm. Participants will head off from the Mount surf club at 6.30pm for a lap of the Mount base track, and return to the surf club. Organisers Rob Bathgate and Dennis DeMonchy say 2012’s Mount event was a great success, they’re now hoping for between 250-300 local participants next week. “This is a great family-friendly event, and it’s a pretty awesome sight seeing hundreds of Santas disappearing off around the Mount. Not only do you help out a great Kiwi charity, but all adult entries get a Santa suit, yours to keep,” says Rob. Last year’s event attracted 3500 participants throughout New Zealand and this year organisers are

hoping to double the number of Santa’s to more than 5000. The Santa run is a major fundraiser for KidsCan. Each entrant receives a free Santa suit (13 yearsplus) and a goodie bag as part of their entry fee. The course is kept easy so everyone can finish. Rob says so far more than 5500 Santa suits have been pre-ordered nationwide. National promoter Shaun Collins from Lactic Turkey Events says this is a great family event for people of all ages and levels of fitness. “I am stoked to see the event grow into some more new venues throughout the country this year, making it a truly national event. “No training is required, apart from donning a Santa suit, which is included in your entry fee.” Participants can run it, walk it, skip it, hop it – finish it however they like. Prizes will also be awarded to the fastest male, female, boy and girl, along with spot prizes on the day. Entries are now open: to sign up go to www.santarun.co.nz By Corrie Taylor

The Weekend Sun

Pukehina School’s ‘good sort’

Hunting a home for Harry A trapped cat was recently taken into ARRC after beating up the neighbourhood cats. The people who trapped him assumed he was wild and wondered if he needed to be put to sleep. ARRC’s co-ordinator Sue assessed the male cat and found him to be friendly and tame. After being desexed and health checked, he was named Harry. If you are interested in providing a loving home for Harry, or another friendly feline, please call ARRC on 07 579 9115. Or have a look at: www.arrc.org.nz or on the Facebook page.

Pukehina School principal and good sort Roger Reid, with his pupils. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Many teachers go beyond the call of duty – but Pukehina School principal Roger Reid really is a good sort. Going the extra mile to keep all roles at the small, rural school filled – Roger’s got parents volunteering daily to keep the school alive. But rewind to Term 3 last year – when Roger became acting principal and Pukehina School had a dilemma. With a roll dipping to 18 children, Ministry of Education-funded teaching roles reduced from two full-time equivalents to 1.5. “And the principal didn’t want to take over teaching,” says Roger, who’s been at the school seven years, teaching senior students for six. So the school’s Board of Trustees appointed Roger acting principal. “It meant I had to teach, but I couldn’t be in both junior and senior classes at once.” So Roger dipped into his own pocket to cover the void – hiring a part-time junior teacher 9am to

12.30pm daily to teach the junior class, while he taught the seniors – “and in the afternoons, I taught both”. “The Ministry part-funded this role but we didn’t have enough – so basically, I funded the extra.” Roger downplays the act, saying it was a “selfish move really, so I didn’t have to teach all of the kids by myself and try and do my principal work and admin duties”. He also solved the lack of a caretaker, by enlisting parent help. “I said if they wanted to keep Pukehina School alive – as we have a centenary coming up next year – if they want it to be here next year, they’ve got to work for it. Now we have a philosophy of ‘We are here for the kids and we are here for each other’ – and the parents are all on board,” says Roger, who has five parents cleaning the school pool. At the end of Term 1 this year, the roll increased to 26, enabling Roger funding to hire his part time teacher full-time. Now, the school’s roll of 28 allows 2.5 teachers. By Merle Foster

Alcohol policy survives council Grumblings about ‘rubber stamping’ the work of a previous city council didn’t prevent Tauranga City councillors approving the draft local alcohol policy at this week’s meeting. Talk from the new councillors is the policy, as it stands, doesn’t go far enough to reduce alcohol harm. But if they didn’t vote for it, all of the Local Alcohol Policy’s provisions for reducing the number of bottle shops, limiting opening hours and introducing one way

doors on The Strand, will disappear – and alcohol sales in the Bay of Plenty will default to the provisions of the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012. The Local Alcohol Policy is a joint policy with the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, which has already adopted the policy this week. The policy will be publicly notified between January 20 and February 4, 2014. If no appeals are made, it will be adopted 30 days later on March 17, 2014.

The maximum trading hours of 7am to 10pm applies for all off licences, and all on licences, except those in Tauranga City centre, which has stipulated maximum trading hours of 9am to 1am. City centre bar trading hours will be 9am to 3am, with a one-way door procedure from 2am. Provisions regarding trading hours and the one-way door policy don’t come into effect for three months after the public notification of the adopted policy. By Andrew Campbell

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The Weekend Sun Mount Maunganui surfer and board shaper Daryn McBride has created a unique board to raise money for Movember. Photos by Jerry Aubertin.

Riding the waves A Mount Maunganui surfer and board shaper, who has suffered from severe depression for the last 10 years, is using his skills to help spread the word about men’s mental health. With this month marking Movember, Daryn McBride was approached by ZM radio presenter – and good friend – Jay Reeve to design a surf board to raise money for the charity. Together with Gen Mo campaign images, Daryn has created a unique board to encourage men suffering mental health issues to stand up and ride the waves of life. “The board is a symbol of that to stay active – and along with a combination of other things, it’s quite a big part of staying well,” says Daryn. Surfing professionally in Australia and claiming a couple of national titles along the way, Daryn says surfing has been a significant part of overcoming his mental illness. “Surfing’s definitely something that’s helped me. It’s something that in the past I’ve done as a career; and then in the really bad times it’s something that’s been completely shelved. “And I think in hindsight it’s some-

thing that, if I had of continued to do in those bad times, I probably would have found things a little easier.” Daryn created the 9 foot 6 inch traditional single-fin surfboard at the end of October – and quite symbolically, it’s designed to be a challenging board to ride. “It’s not the easiest board to ride which is a lot like how life is,” says Daryn. “It has its challenges.” Just like life, the board has to be ridden and only the rider is in control, says Daryn. “It’s just you and the board out on the water. And if you lose it, you’ve got to swim and keep your head above the water.” Since its completion, the board has been ridden by iconic New Zealand men, including Jay Reeve and former All Black Josh Kronfeld. Daryn wants to encourage men suffering mental illnesses to get active, stay healthy and express their feelings. “Men, in particular, don’t like doing that – but the most important medical thing you can do is talk to people.” To donate and go in the draw to win Daryn’s board, text MO to 4483. Texts cost $3 and all proceeds go to Movember. The winner will be announced next month. By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun

Ripping into the news News-related hijinks and hilarity are set to grip Baycourt Theatre next month as a misfit band of comedians – commonly known as the 7 Days crew – roll into Tauranga for one unrestricted show. The 7 Days Nationwide Tour sees the popular television game show stripped down to the bare essentials of comedy and outrageous jokes – leaving behind the restrictions of television cameras and censors. And for those who are unfamiliar, ‘7 Days’ is a comedy game show, hosted by Jeremy Corbett, where teams of comedians team up and answer questions about news stories from the last week. Starting in Dunedin on December 7, the group is making their way up the country, making fun of the news, the newsmakers and each other – stopping in Tauranga on December 16. Speaking to the Weekend Sun ahead of the tour, Kiwi comedian and ‘7 Days’ team leader Paul Ego says the live show is exciting because it gives the crew a chance to push these unrestricted boundaries a fair bit more. “We have a fairly high proportion of hijinks. We look to get about a 78 to 80 per cent hijinks rating on TV and we want to get it up to 85 per cent for the live show when we do it. “Everybody that loves the TV show will know what to expect – and there will be a fair amount of laughter and certainly a large amount of offence taken by all.”

With no cameras or media restrictions Paul, Jeremy, and the rest of the team, start with quick-fire standup comedy before tearing into a no-holds-barred game of ‘7 Days’, including grilling a local politician in the Yes Minister game, and a game of My Audience Member Could Draw That. Paul is particularly looking forward to unleashing talented Kiwi actor, writer and director Josh Thomson on the Tauranga crowd, as opposed to the usual crowd favourites of Dai Henwood and Steve Wrigley, who will also be in attendance. “He is a very funny, young Tongan man and it is his first time on the road with us. “We may actually look to change the name of the city to Tao-tonga for the day; it can’t be that hard to get it through local government.”

By Luke Balvert

The Weekend Sun has a double pass to the event to give away to a lucky reader who can tell us what day the crew is in Tauranga. Enter online at www. sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section, before Wednesday, December 4.

What does a vibrant city mean? During the local body elections, you would have heard a lot of people talking about creating a vibrant city. But what does it mean? This week, the new council started to translate what we consider a vibrant city to mean in the real world. In the back of my mind is Tauranga’s age-friendly strategy. It aspires to bring people of all ages together. It promotes active lifestyles and improving accessibility for everyone. I believe council’s decisions this week make progress towards the strategy, as well as promoting the city’s vibrancy. On Tuesday, we were presented with petitions both for and against banning cyclists on the beautiful Harbour Drive foreshore at Otumoetai. After listening to both sides, we agreed to change the rules to enable both walking and cycling on the same path. Users need to ‘share with care’. The $21,000 required to widen the path will be in TCC’s draft annual plan for your feedback. The proposal to sell the Phoenix carpark on Mount Mainstreet to a developer to reduce debt has been stopped. The numbers didn’t stack up, meaning the community would lose an important asset for no benefit. But we’ve agreed to ask for your thoughts on converting the front carpark into a people-friendly urban park. The urban park would be funded by development contributions that council has already collected. Then there is the taboo subject of alcohol. Walk down the Strand at 5pm on a Friday, and you’ll see a lively and fun atmosphere. But alcohol becomes a problem when it is abused. This week we accepted the local alcohol policy, as proposed by the previous council. Any changes would have required starting the long process over again. We need to work with the police, health officials and the hospitality/retail sector to monitor progress so we have better information when the policy is next reviewed. The Tauranga Art Gallery Trust wants to establish an endowment fund to be more self-sufficient. Council has agreed to transfer $100,000 of the trust’s own funds to a separate endowment trust,

subject to various conditions. A vibrant city means different things to different people. Sometimes, it requires council to intervene. Other times, it requires council to get out of the way. Building Tauranga’s vibrancy will be a tightrope walk for the new council – as the two key election issues were managing TCC debt and retaining our young people. We need your help to get the balance right.

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Children to cruise in new area

A hand-made wooden children’s play area in the Cruise Deck at Mount Maunganui will be official opened by Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby next week. Organiser Pauline Curtis says after being struck by a large number of children running and playing in the area, retailer and local business The Spruce Up Company has created the children’s play area. “We thought it would be

lovely to have something for the children, because they do run around and they get very close to the road. “We’ve worked so hard to get this all together, and now the Mayor is coming.” Everyone is welcome to attend the opening at 10am, December 4, on the Cruise Deck, with food and entertainment provided. Phone Pauline on 021 0200 9553 for more information.

The Weekend Sun

Buzzing with the bees Global health products company Comvita has officially opened an international tourist attraction at Paengaroa with a “world-first tourism experience” for visitors. Experience Comvita – developed in a joint venture with tourism company The Department of Discovery – is an expansion of the existing Visitor Centre, which was first established in 2003. Department of Discovery managing director Andrew Te Whaiti says it’s an interactive visitor experience that tells the story of Comvita. “It’s an iconic New Zealand story; and what we’ve done is interpreted that and created a 50-minute guided tour and experience for domestic and international visitors.” Andrew says Experience Comvita is the newest tourism destination taking visitors on a journey of discovery starting with Tane, the Maori God of

Department of Discovery managing director Andrew Te Whaiti and Comvita chief executive Brett Hewlett. the forest, and the story of nature’s powerful ingredients. Then in a “world-first tourism experience”, visitors will enter a virtual beehive – an attraction Andrew says is one of the “wow factors” of the tour. In the Wellness Room, visitors see a contrast of society today; and are offered a recipe for renewal of the land and personal wellbeing. The new attraction will be mod-

elled on the ‘New Tourism’ ethos and will be a tremendous boost for tourism in the Bay of Plenty, says Andrew. “We’ve already secured contracts with some of the Chinese wholesalers, which is going to hopefully bring new visitors into the region.” The purpose-built attraction officially opened on November 27, and people are already being advised to book for the tour. By Zoe Hunter

New rat monitoring for Kiwi trust Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust is inviting keen environmentalists to help in a post-pest control programme monitoring the area’s rat population. Beginning this weekend, volunteers will work in pairs with an experienced person in each group. Lines are 1 km long and generally take about two hours to complete.

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About 12 people are needed each day, each fine weekend until the job is done. Post programme monitoring is done to gauge the effectiveness of the current pest control methods. Call Kevin McLeod on 07 570 2638 if you wish to attend. The event will be postponed if weather conditions are poor.

The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Move for performing arts centre in fire station A move to create a community performing arts centre inside Katikati’s Main St fire station building is advancing with one group seeking support from the community board. The Katikati Community Arts Trust, formed 18 months ago, is putting a proposal to Katikati Community Board next Wednesday. With Katikati Fire Brigade to move to a new site – the building’s owner, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, is earthquake-proofing it before deciding its future. Katikati Community Arts Trust chair

Alistair Boot says Katikati Memorial Hall has unsuitable stage and acoustics for theatre use, but the fire station, with its high stud, could be made suitable for very little cost.

Creating community

“We’ve seen an opportunity to create a community performing arts precinct with performance space, semi purpose-built, with good acoustics and some raised seating.” “We’re thinking the fire station could make an approximately 100 seat theatre. We’ve got 100 high-back seats with cup holders from a theatre in Auckland, lighting, some sound gear, staging and curtains –

all we need is a building.” Alistair understands buildings need high earthquake-proofing for emergency services, but says requirements for public use are somewhat lower – so the building won’t take much to strengthen for performance-based use. “The trust has been privy to an engineering report on the building, which we got a structural engineer to read, comment and do calculations from for upgrading repairs – he’s estimated between $45,000-50,000 to earthquake-proof the building to a standard for public use.” Katikati Theatre Inc has turned down hosting a Theatre Fest due to having no suitable

building, “costing our community considerable revenue”. Alistair says other groups and businesses could use the building for conferences, bringing money to the town.

Multi-purpose use

“We’ve thought about how we can make it as multi-purpose as possible, including enabling use for musical events, dance performances, and as a picture theatre, which we used to have in Katikati.” Katikati Community Board’s meeting is Wednesday, December 4, at 7pm at Katikati Library. By Merle Foster

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Christmas? Bah, humbug! Katikati Theatre Incorporated’s Dave Woodhouse easily morphs into Ebenezer Scrooge for his group’s upcoming production ‘A Christmas Carol’ written by Charles Dickens. Omokoroa and see what happens, With no performing arts base in mainly because we don’t have any their town, Katikati Theatre Inc dedicated space in Katikati.” is heading to Omokoroa with its The production, directed by Cherie annual Christmas production. Baunton, tells the tale of miser Ebenezer Scrooge, who is shown the error Twelve Katikati Theatre members will of his ways by the ghost of his late perform ‘A Christmas Carol’, written partner, Jacob Marley. by Charles Dickens, to their peninsula The production is a dramatized readneighbours next weekend. ing, with the cast having scripts, “but Katikati Theatre Inc president Dave is acted out as well”. Funds raised go to Woodhouse, who plays lead character Katikati theatre’s building fund. Ebenezer Scrooge, says the set and ‘A Christmas Carol’ is at Omokoroa costumes are mostly inferred “with Settlers’ Hall, 7.30pm Saturday, some of the performance left to the December 7. Tickets cost $10 at audience’s imagination”. Omokoroa Library or by calling 07 548 1093. “We want to bring live theatre to

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The Weekend Sun

Welcome Day:

Connecting community Welcome Bay residents are being given a chance to connect with their neighbours this Sunday, thanks to work by a group of young people. Anna Larsen, who manages Welcome Bay Community Centre, says it is great to have members of the Pathway 16-20 group take ownership of the community day and organise a fun event for the area’s residents.

Chance for togetherness

“The day is about giving the community an opportunity to come together and have some fun; and it’s been a great learning experience for everyone involved organising everything.” The community day will include performances by cultural groups from Welcome Bay and Selwyn Ridge schools, other entertainment: a hangi, market stalls, exhibits by community agencies – and a chance to find out about initiatives proposed for parks and wider Welcome Bay areas.

Raewyn Robinson, Jacob Cross and Paul Pou. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Increasing participation

Pin up pet My name is Timmy and I am a cute little 3 month old male Staffy x. I came to the SPCA after I was found on the beach all by myself. The person who found me thought I was far too small to be on my own so they brought me here. Phone 5780245 for more information or to give me a new home. Ref no. 19162

Launched last year by Sport Bay of Plenty, the Pathway 16-20 programme aims to increase participation of disengaged youth in sport and community activities. Along with organising all of the event details, they will also put on some sports activities for young people on the day. Pathway programme team leader Paul Pou, who is also on the community centre committee, says organising the event is a great way for the young people to give back to the community while learning about all of the details involved from planning the event, organising the site and everyone involved. “They’ve got a lot out of it, which has been great.” The Welcome Bay Community Centre is looking for resident feedback on project ideas for a community garden, a fruit tree grove, and a BMX park, in Owens Park. Other proposals include establishing a neighbourhood support network in the area. By Hamish Carter

Your guide to driving around the Bay of Plenty this summer State highway summer maintenance programme The NZ Transport Agency makes it a priority to maintain road surfaces to help keep New Zealanders safe while travelling on the state highways. Planned roadworks will be taking place between December

What’s happening?

Safety first – for you and our workers

2013 and March 2014. Potholes, cracks and roads that are losing

The reseal and reconstruction work is dependent on

It may seem frustrating to slow down through restricted

their skid resistance can increase the risk of crashes and injuries

favourable weather conditions; this is why the work is done

sites but the speed restrictions are there to keep you and our

so the Transport Agency is spending almost $13 million on

in summer. This annual work needs to happen to keep our roads safe and well maintained. Any issues need to be fixed

workers safe. Often speed restrictions are in place when no work is happening, these are for safety reasons, to protect

resurfacing state highways in the Bay of Plenty this summer.

and roads upgraded to ensure safe driving conditions.

By regularly resurfacing, resealing or weather proofing the roads,

What to expect?

marking is applied.

the Transport Agency can help your journeys go smoother, keep

Reconstruction and resurfacing work involves heavy

you safer on the state highways and avoid expensive reactive

machinery, loose chips, bitumen and cement. While care is

What happens to my journey?

repairs. It’s like painting your house every 10 years to protect it from wear and tear and exposure to the weather.

road users and the new surface, before sweeping and new line

taken to avoid cement and bitumen splashes it can occur at

The Transport Agency does try to minimize the impacts to your

times. Bitumen can be removed with kerosene or baby oil,

journey, however there may be short delays at times and we

and cement with clean water.

thank you for your patience.

For further information please go to www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/maintenance-programme/bay-of-plenty We’ll keep you updated on works in your area so keep an eye out for more details.

The Weekend Sun

cat rescue cal Bay strikes gold in awards d l i l W Western Bay of Plenty District Council CEO Glenn Snelgrove and Mayor Ross Paterson are celebrating today as the organisation receives a gold award from the New Zealand Business Excellence Foundation at a special ceremony at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.

Apata cat-lover Denny McLeod is looking for rural property owners wanting to tackle rodent problems. Photo by Merle Foster. behind by holidaying owners. It’s not the Christmas Apata woman “I’d like to think the owners are blissDenny McLeod would have wished for, fully unaware of the impact leaving the but after caring for a colony of wild cats cats to fend for themselves has on them for four years news she has to leave her rented property has her desperate to find and the wildlife – but it’s your responsibility as an owner.” homes for 30-odd cats. Despite a flyer drop in Whakamarama The colony, which began with three she has had no interest and will have cats four years ago, has swollen with to euthanise them if she cannot get any abandoned cats joining it and new kithelp within a fortnight. tens arriving – but contrary to popular “I’ve been spending $300 a fortnight belief, Denny says these ‘managed cats’ to feed them, and if I have to have which she feeds every night have not them euthanised that will have been a been killing birdlife. complete waste.” “But now, with me having to move, She wants to hear from anyone interI’m desperate to find people who are ested in taking a cat and will have all happy to care for them. Apart from animals health-checked and de-sexed by a few kittens they aren’t going to AARC before they go to their make good pets – but they’re ideal for orchardists or farmers who want to keep new home. For details, email her at: on top of rodents.” rowdymcleody77@gmail.com Every Christmas her colony swells by a handful of cats, thanks to those left By Hamish Carter

Last flight of the kingfisher It was a humid, steamy early summer night. Rain clouds were brooding in the Kaimais.

Good word that, brooding. Reminds me of…rain clouds. The boss and I had some time to kill in town, so we grabbed the opportunity for a bit of quality park time. Throwing a toy around, having a ball, when suddenly the boss was struck down by an angry kingfisher. Well, he wasn’t quite struck down; he has a reasonable weight advantage (read: portly) over a tiny bird. A couple of dozen times it came hurtling off the trees, pre-

sumably acting territorial about its nest. This bird had a very, very bad attitude. It continually dive bombed us as we tried to play peacefully and in harmony with nature. There is only so much a bird dog can take of this, I finally snapped. As an expert at catching things in the air, I lurched skyward as the pesky feathered marauder made another kamikaze sweep past the boss and honed in on my silky and delicate ears. Leap. Squawk. Crunch. Game over. And the clouds were brooding. -Flo

The Business Excellence Awards sets such a high benchmark – just five gold awards have been presented in New Zealand in the last 15 years. In marking the prestigious event, various customers have come forward to express their gratitude and confirm why WBPDC is a ‘golden council’. Len and Donna Hogg have been franchise owners of the KiwiSpanNZ Tauranga branch for 11 years. The couple are frequent customers of council, due to their direct involvement in the construction sector and the consequent need for building consents and other statutory requirements. “I can honestly say our dealings with the council have always been excellent,’’ says Len. “In today’s environment, it is crucial that all relevant information is collated accurately for building consents – and the thing I find most helpful is the knowledge that council staff have on the consenting process. “Whether it is the front desk staff or the building

team – everyone has good knowledge and that saves my time and costs when getting through the building consent submission process.” Ron Grant and wife Glennis have lived at Waihi Beach for 11 years, having holidayed annually on their property they have owned for 45 years. They are frequent users of council’s customer service and find staff on the front desk always helpful. Occasionally, they have had to contact the council’s Animal Services team regarding barking dogs and have found Animal Services officer Betty Hall prompt to sort out any problems. “We would far rather talk to a person than a machine – and for us council’s customer service people are always helpful, friendly and prompt with follow-up. For us, council’s system works well.” Aaron Collier has been a client of Western Bay of Plenty District Council for 14 years in his role as a planning consultant. In his role, in town planning and advisory services, Aaron is a frequent user of council services, interacting with WBOPDC’s management team, senior planning staff and administration personnel, often on a daily basis. “I find Western Bay to be a strongly customerfocused council and I receive a good response in a timely fashion when I need things done,” says Aaron. “Western Bay has certainly met the bar in this respect.” Western Bay of Plenty District Council CEO Glenn Snelgrove and Mayor Ross Paterson. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

The Weekend Sun

Fostering a new centre of science From a food basket to a centre of food science – it’s just one of the opportunities the Bay of Plenty could grasp by fostering the region as a centre of science.

House of Science director Chris Duggan says expertise in the field already underpins the region’s success in horticulture and agriculture, with the opportunity for many more roles. “There could be hugely more opportunities here. That’s the bottom line,” says Chris, who is leading the House of Science initiative that is being launched on Tuesday to support the development of science in the Western Bay. “We are struggling to attract graduates into the primary industries. A lot of our top science students, even at secondary school, are not aware of the science that is behind the development of kiwifruit, for example.” Chris says from using genetics to develop new breeds of kiwifruit, through to a Robotic Plus’s work to develop a robotic fruit picker, there is already a lot of interesting science work in the region – and by making students aware of opportunities will help attract

them back after university. “The bottom line is to connect and resource the whole science community – and hopefully, by doing so, we will help make the science community stronger and contribute to the economy.” Lyn Parlane, the manager of Priority One’s industry-schools linkage Instep, who is on the House of Science board, says fostering science is critical in helping to increase competitiveness of businesses in the region’s key sectors, including horticulture, by producing higher value products. Meanwhile, opportunities science offers the economy have been emphasised recently by professor Paul Moughan, winner of last year’s Prime Minister’s Science Prize, describing food and agriculture as New Zealand’s Silicon Valley, saying there is major potential for sophisticated value-added food products.

“There is no doubt that science and technology can be brought to bear, to increase the value of New Zealand’s food exports.” By Hamish Carter

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Sunday trading encouraged for ‘more attractive’ city A newly introduced shuttle bus service to bring cruise ship passengers into downtown Tauranga could prompt a campaign for CBDwide Sunday trading.

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Wendy Macphail Director LLB(Hons)

Tauranga retailers this month welcomed the launch of the new bus service, but Mainstreet Tauranga’s decision not to run buses on Sundays due to a lack of CBD trade has prompted some retailers to call for a fresh push for sevenday trading from all businesses. The bus will drop passengers at Red Square where they will be greeted by a Tauranga ambassador, who’ll tell them about the city’s attractions. In a joint announcement with Tourism Bay of Plenty, Mainstreet Tauranga spokeswoman Sally Cooke says it’s a “very exciting” opportunity for downtown traders and gives them a chance to get a bigger slice of $45-$50 million cruise ship passengers spend in-port. Feedback from some passengers

being disappointed on visiting the CBD prompted a joint decision by Mainstreet and TBOP not to run shuttles on Sundays because many businesses are closed. TBOP general manager Rhys Arrowsmith says it has been important for him to help get the service established, because it means more businesses have a chance to get some of the US$100 per day an average passenger spends. “It’s not hard to get them to spend money, you just have to make them feel special and create a festive feel,” says Rhys. Sally is encouraging Tauranga retailers to urge others to open Sundays if they want cruise passengers seven days a week. “At least 70 per cent of businesses need to open on Sunday to con-

sider extending the service.” All business owners spoken to at the launch are welcoming the bus service, with many calling on others to open on Sundays. Limelight owner William Tulloch, Hot Ginger’s Chris Montgomerie and Robert Harris’ Susanne Irwin –all Sunday traders – are urging others to open Sundays, saying it will help create a more attractive city. Subway owner Bruce Guise applauds the service, but is sceptical “of the chances of convincing many businesses”. Cruise ship passengers will pay $5 for a return trip – with the bus leaving the I-Port every hour from 8.30am, and departing the CBD on the hour. The shuttle will be on offered to 64 major ships. By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING Sections for sale in Palm Springs New sections are now available for purchase at the elite Palm Springs subdivision in Papamoa.

Stage 8 of the subdivision offers 46 sections for quality homes – and sales and marketing representative Annemaree Crawford is excited about market demand. “Judging by the amount of interest we’ve had – and there has been a healthy amount – we are expecting these sections will be sought after. “People are very interested in this new stage of the development.” Palm Springs is being developed by Hawridge Developments, the

developer behind Royal Palm Beach Estate. Greg Clarke, director of Hawridge Developments, began Palm Springs 10 years ago with a vision for an environmentally-friendly, beautifully-detailed community. About 300 homes are already established in the original development, and Stage 8 represents the new part of Palm Springs. Annemaree expects these sections will be very popular due to the generously-sized sections available which will allow people

“The quality of these homes is strictly monitored to protect the investment of people who go into these subdivisions.” Other features include cycle and walkways, barbecue sites, a conservation zone, and aspects designed to create a coastal feel. “We call it a prestigious subdivision and it will be a great environment for professionals and families alike.” Stage 9 is expected to roll out as soon as planning is finalised.

to build their dream home and easily include features, including a swimming pool and stunning landscaping. “Large sections are becoming harder to come by, so these sections are very much in high demand.” Greg puts a lot of time into making the subdivision its own. “He is very environmentallyfriendly, likes to encourage birdlife and pays a lot of attention to the detail of landscaping and streetscape.

By Corrie Taylor

The truth behind home insurance changes The Canterbury earthquakes have brought significant changes to New Zealand’s insurance industry – changes which are affecting all home owners. From July 1, 2013, ‘full replacement’ cover has been replaced by a ‘sum insured’ figure, which is the maximum amount payable in the event of a claim. It is now the home owner’s responsibility to nominate the ‘sum insured’. Otherwise, an insurance company may assess a default ‘sum insured’ – the average cost to build a standard house on a flat site, using the floor area of your home. However, the default method will not be specific to your property – no two properties tend to be the same. ‘Sum insured’ is a specified amount of cover in dollar terms and should include: - Residences and other buildings on a property. - Recreational features – for example, swimming pool, tennis court. - Permanent landscaping – for example, retaining walls, paving etc. - Special features – for example,

bridges, private jetties, culverts etc. There are online calculators available to assist assess ‘sum insured’ figures, but these are not property-specific and can be confusing.

much more factual, particularly if each property owner “sorts the issues” prior to their next insurance renewal. To act now is to avoid a daunting gap between what your insurance provider will pay out on a claim and the actual cost of replacement/repairs. By Ron Lander

Valuers

A registered valuer can be engaged to complete an Insurance Certificate. For many years, registered valuers have completed these for commercial and industrial properties. The certificate is comprehensive and covers all of the items critical for property insurance assessments.

B A Y

The costs

The change in home insurance is not about increasing premiums. This has already occurred through increases in the Earthquake Commission levy and the rising cost of reinsurance. Secondly, cost of insurance will depend on the final ‘sum insured’ that the insurer accepts. The cost of a professional assessment will depend on the location/property details etc. A quote can be obtained from a registered valuer, or other suitably qualified professional. The new insurance regime will be

VALUATION L

The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

The latest secret in window decor Summer is definitely here – and we all want to entertain friends and family in a home which has that special feeling of ambience.

The best way to achieve this is to install shutters. Simply tilt the blades to regulate the airflow, light and UV rays coming into your home. This offers protection for your valuable furnishings from the harsh sun. This adjustability also allows you to control privacy levels by simply adjusting the shutter, so your neighbours cannot see in. During the warmer months, shutters keep the heat out creating a cooler home in summer. Shutters are very effective at helping to reduce heat loss through a window when installed in a tight fitting frame. This helps you save money through lower energy bills while creating a warmer, healthier and more comfortable home for your family during the cooler months.

Shutters are gaining popularity, creating ambience and a modern look in any room, be it your lounge, bedroom, kitchen or bathroom. Interior shutters can be installed inside most existing windows, whether in a new home or one being renovated. Each shutter is custom designed to ensure best fit and to suit the look you

want to achieve for the room. They can be made to slide, hinge or bi-fold, depending on how you want to use them. Shutters are the ultimate in style and versatility. Any top quality window decor will not only add style to your rooms, but value to your biggest asset – your home.

Renovating to add value - it pays to have a plan Comfort, function and ambience – no matter what you want to achieve in a renovation, it always pays to have a good plan. Before you even talk to a designer or builder consider your reasons for renovating and decide whether the expense and disruption is justified. Whether you are renovating to tidy the home for sale, or improving the property to live in, nobody wants to spend more than they need to on a renova-

tion. If you are willing to do some of the work yourself – you can save some money – but you generally want to know what you spend will add to the home’s value. The assessment on what will add to the home’s value is always easier when preparing the property for sale. Repainting, repapering or changing damaged or dated fixtures, such as a cracked bathroom basin, are relatively inexpensive ways to

make the property more attractive to buyers. But, whatever you do, you need to keep the colours fairly neutral to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Building some decking to improve indoor-outdoor flow and the sense of space, or landscaping, can also increase the home’s appeal – but the key is to only spend what you will get back. Adding to property value can be trickier to assess when renovating a home you intend

to stay in. It can be easy to get carried away when updating and remodelling a home to spend money you can’t get back. It’s a trick to be aware of when you start looking at expensive work, such as moving walls. Of course, if you don’t intend selling, the money you spend on renovating will be an investment in the comfort and enjoyment of the house – just remember you probably won’t be able to recoup the money. By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

BUILDING, BUYING & RENOVATING

‘Mad’ carpet prices at midnight sale Carpet Court in Tauranga is going mad – offering significant savings on flooring at its Midnight Madness Car Park Container Sale on today and tomorrow. The sale, on from 12pm to midnight and continuing on Saturday, offers savings on flooring, including SmartStrand Rhino Carpet and clearance lines from Cavalier Bremworth. As part of the Midnight Madness sale, there will be two containers’

full of clearance stock including ceramic tiles, Quick Step laminate flooring, vinyl and tiles all priced to go. And don’t forget, “Carpet Court is more than just carpet” with drapes, blinds, ceramic tiles, laminate and vinyl flooring also available in-store. Manager Richard Stephens says Carpet Court stores across the country have chopped 25 per cent to 50 per cent off the specials instore – with some products selling at less than cost price. And that’s not all, says Richard. “Everything in the Midnight Madness sale is available six months interest and payment free when

purchasing products on Q Card.” Richard suggests customers bring in their floor plan – or measurements – and staff will calculate installation costs, find the best product for the customer, and provide a finished price all in the one visit. With Christmas fast approaching, Richard says now is the time to install carpet, vinyl and laminate flooring in the home. Most popular is SmartStrand Rhino Carpet and Pure Colour Fibre. “They don’t stain and they don’t absorb moisture,” says Richard. “So it’s not possible to mark or stain them with anything you can eat or drink.” By Zoe Hunter

Paul Hooper, a handyman with a difference From minor repairs and maintenance to small building projects, handyman Paul Hooper believes he is the only man for the job. Operating his business Handy Hooper for 20 years, Paul can take care of all of your property maintenance requirements. He can also call on other trades, including plumbing, electrical and drainage work – so customers never have to worry about those odd jobs again. In addition to his handyman work, Paul is selling Motrax trailers under the name Handy Trailers. Formerly from Waiuku, Paul moved to Tauranga with his wife Leanne this year in an effort to start up the business here. As an experienced builder, Paul knows a good build when he sees one. He and Leanne want to thank Wendy, Bob, Peter, Aron and all of the contractors at the Thorne Group for his quality-built home in Brookfield’s Urban Ridge. “Any person thinking of buying a new home

Handy Hooper owner Paul Hooper, with one of his many Motrax trailers for sale. should see the Thorne Group first, you will be in good hands.” Because he has high expectations, Paul likes to ensure he completes any job – big or small – the same way he would expect them to be completed if he was the customer. Whether you need a one-off job completed, or on-going home maintenance services, contact Paul today. By Zoe Hunter

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MADNESS SALE

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The Weekend Sun

All kinds of Santa celebrations Christmas is in full swing at Palm Beach Plaza with the looming arrival of Santa Claus next week. With freshly renovated walls sporting tinsel and ornaments, and a twinkling Christmas tree, the Palm Beach Plaza is primed and ready for the world’s favourite man in a red suit to plonk himself down on Santa’s chair early Monday morning. And there he will be, from 10am-1pm and 2pm-4pm, every day until December 23. “Because, of course, on the 24th he has to go off and prepare for his big sleigh ride,” says centre manager David Hill. And with Palm Beach Plaza undergoing a constant transformation, this year they’re doing things a bit differently, says David.

“It’s all about the big guy, and it’s all about giving.” Every day there will be free gift wrapping, free photos with Santa for anyone, and a free gift.“Bring your work group along, your colleagues, your family and children, whoever you want, and pose with Santa.” A colouring competition also offers shoppers the change to win a month’s worth of ice cream. “Our retailers are keen to get involved with Christmas in as many ways as possible, and that’s another example of their generosity.” Santa will reside in the centre of the plaza. On your way to visit, take a look at the new-look walls – gone are the centre’s old ‘eyebrows’ and it has a fresh coat of paint. “It’s all very clean and straight-lined, and ready for the next stages of renovations.” Children can also visit and play on Santa’s Village through the centre’s website. By Corrie Taylor

The growth of a community-minded village Papamoa is certainly a vibrant and communityminded ‘village’. Chris Callinan would love to receive your treasured photos to share. Please feel free to either bring them into us at No.1 The Strand or email a high resolution to:

chrisc@thesun.co.nz

The amount of genuine interest in the activity in the area has surprised many – but of course, is normal for most. Papamoa Progressive Association, which meets on the second Tuesday of each month (7.30pm at the Papamoa Library), provides an interesting variety of guest speakers and a direct link to Tauranga City Council, with our ward councillors in attendance also.

Our next speaker is Roger King, who will update us on the current situations with the work being done on (and off ), the Astrolabe Reef. Other activities in Papamoa includes: • Upgrading of Palm Beach Plaza – well worth a look if you get a few moments. This is the beginning of a total upgrade of the centre, which will include it doubling in size, a name change and an exciting mix of new retailers. The upgrade is timetabled to be completed within the next five years, during which time there will be continuous remodel-

ling, reshaping and expansion. • Approval for new subdivisions. • Roading upgrades. • Next generation broadband installation. • Substantial building of new houses. • And of course, the many interest groups that meet regularly. Papamoa retailers are in the midst of a presentation to Tauranga City Council for a targeted business rate to help run events, including the re-introduction of a Papamoa Santa parade (2014), Kite festival, Hills to the Sea fun run, and many others. If you are keen to be involved in events that will promote Papamoa as a great place to live, shop and play – please contact David Hill.

Christmas shopping in Papamoa Fancy a little Christmas shopping? Whether it’s for yourself or a gift for another, Fashion Island in Papamoa is the perfect place to snap up silly season bargains. There are lots of fashionable outlet stores to explore and delicious coffee and food options to take time out and relax.

Go check it out for yourself! The Weekend Sun has a $30 Fashion Island to give away to a lucky reader who can tell us the name of the island. Enter online at www. sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, December 4.

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The Weekend Sun

Spreading cheer with Zoe’s plates For a 13-year-old, Zoe Beck has a mighty big heart – and she’s attempting to share it with everyone this Christmas.

The Tauranga Girls’ College student is making ‘friendship plates’, designed to be given as gifts, not just on special occasions, but as a simple sign of love. The plates have a poem on them to encourage people to pass them – so it’s a gift that keeps on giving. And the idea is taking off – with international orders coming in just four days after Zoe began selling the plates on Facebook. “I didn’t expect that at all,” says Zoe. “I have plates going to Australia and Canada.” The friendship plates take 30-45 minutes to paint and decorate. The plates, bought second-hand, are then baked in the oven to set the designs. Zoe tasks friends and family to help her, resulting in an array of different-style plates for gifting – and about 60 current orders prove they are a success. While her message is one of love, Zoe’s intention is not entirely selfless. She is selling the plates at $10 each to fundraise for her entry to Miss Junior New Zealand next year. The programme runs for 12 weeks in Auckland each Sunday, so Zoe needs funds to get her there and back, as well as additional costs – about $2000 all up. Zoe’s Mother Donna Beck says the programme is not a beauty pageant, but one that encourages self-confidence, charitable work, public speaking and other life skills in young women. After making an early profit, Zoe has opted to give some of it away, organising to send plates to Starship hospital, with a local girl undergoing surgery.

Zoe Beck, with some of the Friendship Plates she is selling. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

“Zoe is using quite a big chunk of her profit to fill the plates with lollies and chocolates; and the girl is going to take them with her and present them to some of the support staff and children and families there,” says Donna. “Zoe said: ‘Why don’t we give her heaps to take up to give away, and just increase the whole idea behind the plates: spreading the joy of giving?’” To purchase a plate, visit the Zoe’s Friendship Plates page on Facebook. By Corrie Taylor

Making your own gifts and cards Give Christmas gifts a personal touch and have fun with your children by making your own presents this year. Children like mess, so combine mess making with gift giving and have fun creating Christmas gifts for the littlest girls in your life with playdough bead necklaces. You’ll need: playdough, a wooden skewer, string, and an oven. Roll playdough into small balls. Using a

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wooden skewer, gently pierce each ball all the way through. Slightly wiggle it around to widen the hole a little. Lie balls on an oven tray and place in an oven on low-heat for about 30 minutes. Check to see how they’ve hardened and move them around every 10 minutes to ensure even hardening. Once they’re hard and cool, thread together on string, tie off and let the little ones enjoy. To make your own playdough: Combine two cups flour and 1 cup salt.

Add 3/4 cup water, two drops food colouring and one tablespoon of oil and mix. Once mixed (and bread-like) knead until totally combined and smooth. Another creative idea is to make your own Christmas cards for friends and family. Getting your children to draw Christmas pictures onto the front of cards and writing a personalised message inside can give a card a tonne of love and make them all the more special to receive. They don’t have to be perfect - it’s often the little wobbles and mistakes that make homemade cards the best. Have fun this silly season, and enjoy making gifts for others together - you will save money too!

The Weekend Sun

Promise for art all go at The Cargo Shed Michael Hebenton,

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happening at the shed with new exhibitors arriving daily. “The news that the shed is now open seven days a week from 10am-4pm

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From December 2-4, Wellington theatre troupe The Lord Lackbeards is bringing Shakespeare to the shed – presenting original practice Shakespeare alongside a contemporary work by awardwinning Victoria University playwright Henrietta Bollinger. On December 14 at 2pm, STEPS Performing Arts will perform a selection of numbers from their recent production ‘Seussical’ and numbers from other musicals. The group specialises in musical theatre and theatre dance – stimulating artistic ability through dance movement, exercises,

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The Cargo Shed Collective is busy fulfilling its promises to the community to bring emerging and superior art in all forms to the shed for everyone to enjoy.

improvisation and interpretation to music On the same day, two children’s authors, Sue Richardson and Marlene Shores, will be at the shed signing, reading and promoting their new books. This will also happen on Sunday,

December 15, when Nana Gaye will be reading her books to children from 11am-12.30pm in the shed. Cargo Shed manager Kathy Sass is thrilled with the upcoming events and says this is just the beginning. “There is so much

Dancing through the decades Performers at Gillian Moore School of Dance will take audiences on a musical journey through the decades at their annual show next weekend. Director Gillian Moore says the show – ‘Let’s Dance, Through the Decades’ – is a story of two women and their lives from the 1920s to the 1990s. “It’s a celebration of all of the different dances through the decades.” The dance school’s 200 pupils, aged 3-18, will perform an array of dance styles, including ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and tap. Gillian says the show also incorporates significant historic dance events through the decades, starting from the Gatsby era, into some of the biggest musicals in Broadway. It then moves into a scene depicting the Vietnam War, which Gillian says is “a show highlight”. Some of the music may have been hits in the 1920s, but Gillian says the show incorporates some modern songs too.“I think people will enjoy music that they can identify with.”

With the help of Mount Maunganui College’s head drama teacher Wayne Flanagan, Gillian says her pupils have learned how to tell a story, from beginning to end, through dance. The 2013 show will premiere at 7pm December 6 at Baycourt Theatre. A matinee and evening show will be performed at 1pm and 7pm on December 7. Tickets cost $8 for children, aged 2-17, $30 for adults, and $25 for senior citizens. Children under age two enter free but do require a ticket. Tickets are available from Baycourt. By Zoe Hunter

has travelled fast; and visitor numbers, both local residents and tourists, have increased dramatically. “We are so excited,” she says.

The Weekend Sun

Gate Pa battle competition First flying chance for trout The first official event of the Gate Pa 2014 commemoration comes in the form of a poetry competition. Entries are now open for The Battle of Gate Pa Poetry Competition, which offers a $1000 prize to be announced on March 6, 2014. Poems entered must be about the

battle, and be a maximum of 50 lines in any poetic style. They can be written in Maori or English, but entrants must reside in the Western Bay. Postal entries close January 31, and can be sent to PO Box 11345, Palm Beach, Papamoa, 3151.

A first-time opportunity for Western Bay children to catch a wriggly, live rainbow trout at Eastern Fish and Game’s Ngongotaha hatchery is being offered thanks to help from Tauranga Anglers Club. After 25 years promoting trout fishing, outdoor recreation and conservation, TAC is now offering the Kids’ Fish Out programme. Approached by Fish and Game, TAC spokesperson Mike Jarvie says 10 adult member anglers are hoping to give as many Western Bay children – aged six to 14 – as possible the chance to learn how to fly fish, catch a trout and reel it in on December 8. The beauty of the event is Fish and Game provide fishing tackle, fly fishing rods, a plastic bag to take home a catch, safety glasses and a certificate, while TAC members teach the skill, he says. “Members will be round the pool assisting children and we’re hoping to work towards 40 per hour – this allows time to give casting instruction on fly rods and for them to catch a fish. “In the past up to 400 children have fished in one day – that’s why we need them to book.” Fish and Game communications advisor Grant Dyson says trout flinging out of the water creates an exciting atmosphere for children. “We have particular ponds dedicated to fish of a cer-

tain catchable size. Some children end up catching their first fish – with trout being quite fighty little fish to catch on a fly rod.” Mike says this Western Bay-first will hopefully translate to more young trout anglers this side of the region, with more than 27 per cent of Eastern Bay trout licences currently sold to Tauranga residents. Parents and caregivers need to book by calling Fish and Game during office hours on 07 357 5501. Entry is via $3 donation.

By Merle Foster

A Rotorua Anglers Association member helps a youngster reel in a trout at a previous Kids’ Fish Out programme.

Online communication for parents Technology is improving communication in all aspects of life, even in early childhood. The Village is one of a number of centres leading the way in the technology game with EDUCA, a system for providing parents with information about their child. Educa has been specially designed for early childhood centres, teachers and parents, to provide parents with more opportunities to become engaged and connected with

their child’s day while they are in childcare. Used as a vehicle for learning stories, centres can create e-portfolios for each child containing photos, stories, and scanned images of artwork, movies and more. Every time something is added to the child’s portfolio, or there is a newsletter sent, a message is sent to the parent’s computer, tablet or iPhone, notifying them of the new information. Parents can respond to these by adding photos and stories from home,

which leads to a greater understanding of the child and their family. Another feature of Educa is its secure nature. Unlike Facebook pages, where anyone can log on and see information posted about the centre and it’s families and children, this system is similar to online banking and is only available through a secure log in. The child’s portfolio can only be viewed by the family or individuals they invite to join. While Educa will never take the place of the physical portfolio document, which parents are given to keep, it certainly keeps parents informed of their child’s progress as they begin their learning journey.

Village VOICE

The Weekend Sun

Ripped and ready to go The Coast Kids Summer Holiday Programme is ripped and ready to go. With all of the fun children can imagine, and activities to challenge them, centre manager Matt Blockley says this summer’s programme going to be “epic”. Coast Kids is the Oscar Foundation award winners for the Best New Programme, Best Youth Leader and the Best Family Programme in the Bay –and it’s no wonder, with so many fun activities lined up. This summer, children can try out wakeboarding, surfing, mountain biking, kayaking, tubing (where an individual rides on a tube) behind the boat, rafting, quidditch, a boat cruise, fishing, snorkelling, archery, buzz the Mount with a plane flight, climb the Adrenaline Forest High ropes course, laser tag, mini putt, adventure racing and a day at Rainbows End.

Matt says Coast Kids is all about bringing families together to create a safe, fun, challenging environment for participants. There is also Camp X-Stream for nine to 13-yearolds, where Matt says they can get away for five days and create camp mayhem and enjoy many fun activities. “We go wakeboarding, tubing, fishing, mountain biking, hot pools, rafting and we get gnarley with the jet ski and hit up the slider park with our boards.” Coast Kids is running its annual Fun Family Camp at Findlay Park this weekend, where families can come together for the weekend to relax, get to know each other and create memories with their children. “We also have our family Christmas barbecue and light tree trail coming up in December; and Nigel Latta is doing a seminar with our families in the New Year.”

By Corrie Taylor

Jamming for Jethro - music to help save a life Finding $200,000 a year for medication is no easy feat – but for three-year-old Jethro Morrow it’s what’s required if he is to have a chance at a long life. At eight months old, Jethro was diagnosed with Atypical Hemolitic Uremic Syndrome, a rare condition with no current treatment guaranteed to keep him alive. The condition causes the destruction of red blood cells, acute kidney failure and a low platelet count. Jethro is the only person in New Zealand with the genetic condition. The only option lies in what is believed to be the world’s most expensive drug – Soliris – costing $200,000 annually for Jethro’s weight range. His family have been consistently denied funding

for the drug, and have launched a nationwide appeal for help. “It is our mission to somehow get him on this medicine, but everything seems to work against us. We are at a loss as to where to go from here, but to fundraise and keep applying for funding,” they say. That’s where Tauranga comes in – residents James Papesch and Debbi Smith have organised two charity events for Jethro this weekend. The first is an all-ages gig at the Legionaires Hall on Friday, November 29. Tickets are $5 at the door, from 6pm-10pm. On Saturday, an R18 gig at Brewers Bar begins at 8pm for $10 at the door. James says both events feature six bands and all proceeds go to the Jethro Morrrow Health Trust. To help out, visit the Support for Jethro Morrow Facebook page or call James on 027 435 4779.

The Weekend Sun

Saving New Zealand’s native birds ‘Dancing ballerinas’ Oropi Native Bird Rescue Haven founder Chrissy Jefferson is seeking help from the community to fund a second incubator needed to save native birds and other animals still arriving in the alreadyoverflowing haven.

Chrissy Jefferson with one of the baby pheasants at the rescue haven. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

“I like to keep the breeds separate. “We’re still getting the babies coming that have fallen out of nests, and getting blown out of nests. If there are no feathers on them, there’s no way of keeping warm.” Chrissy says people tend to forget about donating to the country’s native birds with most being unaware kereru numbers are dwindling. “The kereru numbers are declining; and it’s the kereru that keeps our forests going, because they’re the only bird that is big enough to carry the seed pods from some of the trees. “If the kereru numbers drop, then our forest numbers are going to dwindle as well.” Chrissy has been saving native birds for 53 years and says “every bird has the right to live”. She has cared for thousands of birds, with more than 400 rescued and cared for at the haven during last year. For advice on injured birds, or to donate, contact Chrissy at Oropi Native By Zoe Hunter Bird Rescue Haven.

Hundreds of native birds are rescued and taken to the haven each year – and Chrissy says more are arriving each day. This doesn’t include other animals, which are brought in requiring attention. The haven is not government-funded, so Chrissy is turning to the public to help raise the $1400 needed to purchase a second 12-inch square incubator. Chrissy purchased the haven’s existing incubator herself, about four months ago, and it is currently full with birds, from little sparrows to little blue penguins. “I don’t like to mix different types of birds together,” says Chrissy.

Flowering fuchsias will be on display for one day only at Tauranga Fuchsia Group’s 16th annual competition and show.

Flowers, pots and baskets will be at Tauranga Art and Craft Centre on Saturday, December 7. There will also be a fuchsia sale table. Group president Pat Mitchell says the day is an opportunity for flower enthusiasts to come and see all of the different types of fuchsias, while Tauranga’s top fuchsia growers are being judged. Pat says a winning fuchsia is grown with “perfection”. “The pollen has to be just right, they have to be a good shape and in good condition,” says Pat. “They’re like a dancing ballerina, people say.” The competition is from 9.30am to 4pm. Admission is $3. By Zoe Hunter

Turning hay paddock back in time A new wetland re-creates some of the former habitat along the floodplain of the Waiari Stream last century, as part of the regional council’s Kaituna River Re-Diversion and Wetland Creation project.

A Te Puke landowner has turned a hay paddock back into a wetland, with the help of Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The regional council can help create new wetlands with funding from Biodiversity or Sustainable Land Management Programmes. A Wetland Restoration Guide is on the regional council website: www.boprc.govt.nz or contact land management officer Ryan Standen on 0800 554 881 extn: 8503.

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BOPDC land management officer Ryan Standen says constructing the wetland was relatively easy, blocking drains to re-flood the area, building a structure to control the water level and an emergency spillway in case of flooding. The regional council’s Natural Resource Operations Group is offering help for landowners who want to create new wetlands within the Kaituna River catchment. “We’d like to see more wetlands to improve water quality, provide habitat for native species, cultural use and recreational opportunities,” says Ryan. Landowner Murray Fenwick says creating the wetland on his property is an exciting development. “It’s great to be able to return some of this land to the wetland it used to be, and then watch the bird life and plants return as well.”

P A S T O R A L T

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The Weekend Sun

Challenge to combat ageism in the health sector We have just completed Tauranga’s Age-Friendly City Strategy, which celebrates diversity and works to eliminate ageism and inequities. Positive attitudes to ageing, and expectations of continuing productivity, challenge the notion of older age as a time of retirement and withdrawal from society. Combating ageism in the health sector is a challenge. Are our hospital and GP surgeries truly age-friendly? When assessing an older patient are issues of loneliness and social isolation considered adequately at time of discharge or as causes

of illness? Is ageist language used? Do premises have suitable access and seating, signage clear and at a suitable height? Why are there no government guidelines for extra charging in residential care? Why is there no requirement for caregivers in home support and residential care to complete nationally recognised training? This contrasts sharply with the formal qualifications required to look after younger people.

ACC is another agency that needs to be vigilant about ageism. Businesses need to provide welcoming and accessible environments for their clients and customers. Older people have extensive experience and skills that can be of great benefit in the workplace. Employers should be looking at ways of tapping into this resource of loyal and hardworking people, yet we hear it is hard for senior work-seekers to get employment. More flexibility in working hours may be the answer for both parties.

Juggling different roles as a carer Q: I am the main caregiver for my mother. I feel like a rubber band ready to snap. I love my mother, however, I am struggling to assist her with her needs, my husband and then to keep up with the demands placed upon me as a mother. I have a 30-hour-a-week job as well which is suffering…what can I do to get help? A: Research tells us that 74 per cent of carers who hide their true feelings report fatigue, 53 per cent difficulty sleeping, 37 per cent depression and 30 per cent weight gains or loses. You need to take care of yourself. You have not mentioned how you have time out, though I imagine you do not. You need to start looking to others for support. If family or friends are not available to share the load,

you need to go further afield. Has your mother been assessed by Support Net to ascertain if she is entitled to some support? If not, please do this. If you do not have a network of additional support you might need to look at enlisting the help of a private agency. The truth is if you do not take regular breaks, you risk tipping over and being very unwell yourself. Just a small amount of personal time, to exercise or meditate, can be hugely restorative. Meet a friend for a coffee, and enlist others to help you in the support of your mother. The first step is letting others truly know how you feel. For more information, refer to our website: www.homeinstead.co.nz or phone 07 571 4228 to ask for more information. Another useful site is our international site: www.solvingfamilyconflict.com

Lions housed at Greenwood A night the Scots could be proud of celebrated the first meeting of the Tauranga Pakeke Lions Club in their new premises at Greenwood Park at Welcome Bay. Scottish Highland dancers performed at the first meeting since the closure of Bureta Park, the former home of the club. “The Scottish night was something special for everyone,” says tail twister Jim Carruthers. Jim says the club has 40 members and is always looking for new people to join their ranks.

Matua Lifecare

The Weekend Sun

Recognising Ron with medal Kibbutz

Ron Stuart’s New Zealand Army service number 625113 marks a time in his youth when military training and playing rugby reigned supreme.

flanker to lock.” As an infantryman, Ron stayed in four-man huts in Linton, and played the bagpipes every Sunday for the troop’s march to church. Peter says Ron has given back to the community as a Justice of the Peace for The number is all the 33 years; and as a member more special for the Uretara of the NZ Deerstalkers Drive resident after receivnational executive, Farm ing a New Zealand Defence Forestry Association, and Service Medal last month in the Waikato Rugby Union recognition of his time in the administration. NZ Army, completing Com“His recognition is wellpulsory Military Training. earned and well-deserved.” Awarded the medal at After training Ron home with wife Jo by KatiKatikati RSA vice president Peter Mackay and Coromandel MP moved to the Waikato, Scott Simpson award Ron Stuart a New Zealand Defence kati RSA vice president Peter met Jo, and worked as a Service Medal with his wife Jocelyn. Mackay and Coromandel contract shearer and fencer MP Scott Simpson, it tells of until applying for a civilian ballot farm at sive, full-time training followed by three when Ron was fit, eating well and playing Whakamaru. years’ part-time service in the Wellington his favourite sport instead of being wheelThe couple farmed there for 24 years West Coast and Taranaki Regiment chair-bound and reliant on others. before retiring in Katikati. territorial force. Introduced with 1909’s Defence Act, “We came here to wind down,” says Ron, He’d been shepherding in South Taranaki’s CMT applied to males aged 14-21; with who keeps busy watching sport, especially Waitotara beforehand – but at Linton Ron Ron being one of the last of 63,033 men the All Blacks. was soon recognised for his rugby skills, trained before it was abolished in 1958. Ron thinks his new accolade is “fantastic” with his big frame lending Ron, now 74, grew up in Marton and – “there’s been so much trouble gone to by itself to the sport. was “18 or 19” when he headed for Linton you folks”. “I played anything from open By Merle Foster Military Camp for CMT – 14 weeks’ inten-

– Israel

A walk to remember

A walking track at McLaren Falls Park is being named in honour of a prominent member of the Bay of Plenty Tree Society, who died last year. LOCAL NEWS + VIDEOS ANYTIME ANYWHERE

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The magnolia area at McLaren Falls Park will be officially named the David McNeil Magnolia Walkway at a ceremony at 1pm today. The naming of the track is a tribute to the long-term BOP Tree Society member, who “loved his magnolias”, according to fellow member and longtime friend Geoff Brann. Geoff, who lost his friend about 12 months ago, says a walkway has just been put through the magnolia area, so the club has dedicated it to the treeloving Tauranga resident. “It’s terrific, I’m just so pleased because he did so much work up there and he just loved the park,” says Geoff. “He [David] had a tremendous

knowledge on trees – he was very, very involved in Matamata and he just loved trees.” David owned a farm in Te Poi before becoming largely involved with tree planting at McLaren Falls through the BOP Tree Society. Geoff says David inspired him to become involved too. “Every Monday, the group meets there at 1pm and we’re all planting, labelling or sorting out the trees. “Basically, all of the trees at McLaren Falls have been planted by the tree society – and David was one of the major drivers of that.” Geoff says the walkway leads walkers on a 200 metre track through an area planted with magnolias. In honour of David, Geoff says there will be signs, with David’s name, put up at each end of the walkway. Tauranga Mayor Stuart Crosby will be at today’s ceremony to officially By Zoe Hunter name the track.

The Weekend Sun

Town crier cheers on Christmas Luxury at Omokoroa Country Estate Attired in white hose, baggy trousers, waist coat, cocked hat and a gold-braided blue jacket – 80-year-old Katikati town crier John Groves full of silly season cheer. Despite spending 18 months recovering from knee surgery, John is ready to ring his bell and shout ‘Oh yez’ Oh yez’ at two upcoming Bay of Plenty Christmas parades. This weekend he will perform at Mount Maunganui’s November 30 Christmas parade in front of an estimated 30,000 people – an act he’s done for the last four years. He will then be a part of Katikati’s December 7 Christmas Parade, after first taking up his post in the Western Bay town in October 2000. Katikati was celebrating the 125th anniversary of its founding – and John was asked to don a town crier outfit for a re-enactment event of Irish Ulster settlers. John had to present himself to then Mayor Maureen Anderson at Western Bay of Plenty District Council chambers and explain why he’d appointed himself to his role. John says they “grilled” him, then “bashed” him over the shoulder with a shovel, announcing him Katikati’s official town crier – and he’s never looked back.

He’s taken gigs at parades, shows and a myriad of events across the Bay of Plenty for the last 13 years, saying being the centre of attention with a traditional loud cry “seems to come naturally”. The Tanners Point resident is not aware of Tauranga City or the Mount having a town crier – so he contacted Mount Mainstreet to do the job himself – and he’s been in the parade ever since. “The thing that gets me about the Mount parade is there’s

something like 30,000 people watching – it’s absolutely packed,” says John, whose son Mark bought him a purpose-built bell from England. John estimates the parade is a 2km circuit – and for the first time this year he’s going to walk it. “I usually get a lift in a white MG at the front. But I had a knee replacement 18 months ago and thought this time I’d go the whole hog.” With John’s first costume wearing thin, wife Heather designed and made him a new blue ensemble two years ago. He also has a summer outfit for the upcoming hot-weather gigs.

Did you know:

Katikati town crier John Groves.

• John is an ofﬁcial town crier, but he knows of 25. • He is a member of the world register of town criers • Town criers can be traced back to 1066, when news of Britain’s invasion by King William of Normandy was passed from town to town by individuals specifically employed to call out the King’s proclamation. • They were the ﬁrst ‘talking newspapers’. •Their call ‘Oyez’, ‘Oyez’ translated to ‘hark or listen’ became known in town squares, markets or public meeting places to get people to listen to By Merle Foster the news.

As a final stage in the village’s development, Omokoroa Country Estate is currently building a number of new houses to add to the 132 well-established retirement homes already on-site.

But there’s little that’s ‘retiring’ about these new homes. They are generously sized at around 200m2, with designer kitchens and open-plan living. The luxury homes feature three bedrooms (or two bedrooms and a study), ensuite bathroom, plus a further bathroom, mostly double garaging and exceptional fixtures and fittings. A special distinction of Omokoroa Country Estate is the sense of space. The homes are on large, north-facing sites that bask in plenty of sun: nestled in beautifully landscaped grounds that

create a real enclave of privacy. Even though it’s 15 minutes from all the attractions of Tauranga City, Omokoroa Country Estate feels worlds away. On this stunning harbour peninsula, life enjoys a more peaceful pace. Swim, stroll or savor the views at a picturesque beach. Launch off the nearby boat ramp in search of snapper, or take the grandkids to the jetty and cast a line. The local bowling club and 18-hole golf course also overlook the harbour. Nearby are grocery stores, a shopping centre and a medical centre. Many motor home enthusiasts have made their home here. With this in mind, Omokoroa Country Estate offers dedicated campervan or caravan parking, and in some cases can incorporate a park by your home. An exceptional variety of amenities and activities also awaits new residents. The new homes are proving popular and a number are already sold.

Tauranga’s Most Beautiful Retirement Village

OPEN DAY · A

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Come to our Open Day and let us show you around our beautiful village. We are certain that once you have experienced Omokoroa Country Estate for yourself you will discover a place you can truly call home. There will also be an Arts & Craft sale held and Devonshire Teas available to make your day out even more worth while.

On the beautiful Omokoroa Peninsula, jutting out into the harbour just 15 minutes north of sunny Tauranga City, more and more people are settling in to enjoy life in one of New Zealand’s premier retirement villages. Living in Omokoroa Country Estate, in a peaceful country-like setting, is like living in your own private park. All year round the showcase gardens present a magnificent spectacle. Best of all, just about everything you need is right here at your doorstep!

To discover Omokoroa Country Estate for yourself, phone Sales Manager - Grant Norton 07 548 1170 or 0274 599 277 email: sales@ocestate.co.nz More information is also available on our website: www.ocestate.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Exchanging friendships at the market EVERY SUNDAY 9.00am to 1.00pm

Phoenix Car Park Downtown the Mount

www.mountmaunganui.org.nz

Market manager Trixie Allen says this is part of the market’s community support as a non-profit organisation. This year’s applicant is the Canex Group, which will be in the market from November 16 to December 14, to promote their organisation and sell tickets. As part of the Christmas Market Hamper, all ticket sales will go to the group to help fundraise for their trip to Canada. This will be presented at the market on December 14 at 10.15am, followed by eight hamper draws. Canex chairman Gary Jenkins says 11 Tauranga cadets will join 24 cadets, five officers and two civilians to travel to Canada for the Canex Friendship Exchange in 2014. During the exchange Gary says cadets – aged 13 to 18 – leave on May 13 and will be away for nearly four weeks, visiting military bases from Vancouver to Seattle. They will visit a Pearl Harbour memorial, Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri, and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific Punchbowl in Hawaii before arriving here on June 7. For some cadets, it will be the first time they’ve travelled overseas, says Gary.

Some of the Tauranga cadets to travel to Canada for the Canex Friendship Exchange in 2014. The group needs to raise $220,000 and has so far raised about $120,000. Gary says the group’s stall will educate market-goers about the trip and provide information about how to join the cadet force. “It’s a great experience for the cadets and gives them personal development. It gives them different achievements in their life.” It’s also a confidence booster, says Gary. “It’s giving them an education of travel By Zoe Hunter and different military bases.”

Coffee to tantalise the taste buds

Orgy Coffee staff Fernando, Grace, Mel and Brendon.

Coffee connoisseurs after that special blend of coffee in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere need look no further than Orgy Coffee at the Mount. “Anyone can make a coffee, but not everyone can make your day,” says owner Brendon Gilbert. Opening at 5.30am, the easy drive-through access off

Hewletts Rd and onto Hocking St allows for plenty of parking for truckers, with closing time dictated by customer flow. The definition behind the name Orgy Coffee is a level involving unrestrained indulgence – and it’s the only Mojo retailer in the Bay. With premium products and top notch blends Mojo is the largest coffee brand in the city, says Brendon. “For those wondering where Grace has gone, she is now the manager of Orgy. “Grace was missing from the coffee scene for a couple of months while waiting for Orgy to open. So if you know her and have missed her pop in and say hello.” Currently on offer are hot chocolates, fluffies, cold drinks and chocolate treats, with slushies and iced beverages to come. Buy seven drinks and get your eighth beverage free with loyalty cards and bumper stickers for everyone. Brendon says they are also planning on expanding in the New Year to mobile carts and franchise options. “It’s the perfect waiting area for Mad Soundz customers, with reasonable purchases earning a free coffee.” Orgy Coffee also offers sushi prepared by Fernando Sushi Panda, who has done sushi art for years but now has made a take away easy to eat, with warm and chilled styles of sushi and salads. Brendon says there is more planned in the pipeline “but we will settle in first and add By Letitia Atkinson to it as we go”.

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Nov13

FARMERS MARKET

Twice-yearly, at their birthday and at Christmas time, Tauranga Farmers’ Market supports another charity in the community – and this year is no different.

The Weekend Sun

Making up a change in the community Discovering the absence of a support network for hair and makeup artists in the region has prompted Lillybeth Melmoth to start one herself.

Lillybeth Melmoth hopes to meet many makeup artists at Elizabeth Cafe this weekend.

Running her own business as a makeup artist, Lillybeth is thrilled to have found success in Tauranga, but she believes many people new to the industry aren’t getting the needed encouragement, experience and mentorship. “Even if they have had some experience working in a salon, they seem to lack that confidence from not having to promote themselves; and they don’t really know what to do to get themselves out there. “I’m ready to share my knowledge and make something happen to change that. I think it would be great if those in the industry, new

and established, could share skills and tips with one another and help each other find success. “The whole idea is to share freely and not hold back and be competitive. I think people should always be learning.” Lillybeth isn’t worried about creating competition for herself. “The real 'threat' to our industry is hobbyists who offer their hair/ makeup services but are unreliable, or give the customer a bad experience and make them less likely to book a 'professional' in the future. “My hope is by bringing hair and makeup artists into the same room, we'll be inspired, challenged by each other and more likely to thrive in business in the Bay of Plenty.” Lillybeth has started WHAM Professionals Meetup, and is inviting all hair and makeup artists

Let’s all love merino in the Mount Together the team is described as “fun and dynamic, with a passion for fashion” and love promoting NZ-made merino.

Margarita Hammond-Sminth, Debbie Davis and Pauline Carter. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

I Love Merino owners Kevin and Margarita love merino – and hope their customers do too. The New Zealand-made merino clothing store has been successfully trading at Mount Maunganui for more than three years, after having a similar store in Dunedin for many years. Kevin and Margarita previously owned fashion stores in Australia before making the move back to New Zealand. After deciding to change from the South Island lifestyle, the couple moved to the North Island. They say the move was made complete when a suitable retail site became avail-

able at the Mount. The store, on Maunganui Rd, is now a popular destination for all-year-round NZ-made merino and merino possum garments. Kevin and Margarita say these products are highly sought after by Tauranga locals and international customers alike. Open seven days a week, the store has a wide selection of merchandise to choose from. Kevin, Margarita, and local ladies Pauline, Lisa and Debbie, encourage customers to visit the “friendly and welcoming” retail store for all merino and merino possum requirements.

Taylor Burley

Kleiman

to join her on Saturday, November 30, for the first meeting. The meeting starts 4.30pm at Elizabeth Cafe on Cameron Rd. Call Lillybeth on 021 150 By Corrie Taylor 1605 for more information.

The Weekend Sun

Resveratrol for energy and vitality Resveratrol is a naturally occurring compound produced by plants to help protect them from invading fungi and bacteria.

W SP fre IN OT e a P M on RI AS e Z SA ho E G ur E

In general, compounds that protect plants have protective qualities when we consume them. Grape

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skins are high in resveratrol, but its content in wine varies a lot. Most supplements use Japanese knotweed as the main source. The best supplements use extracts which concentrate levels of resveratrol to as high as 50 per cent pure trans-resveratrol. Research from Harvard University found resveratrol can turn on the SIRT1 longevity gene. Experiments on insects and worms shows resveratrol increases their lifespan by more than 25 per cent, thus showing promise to help prevent premature aging. Resveratrol can help build our resistance against invading germs by making vitamin D more

effective, thus increasing our natural antibiotic cathelicidin and also key immune system stabilising processes. I invariably include some resveratrol in programmes for people with low immunity, including autoimmune problems and those who have had past brushes with cancers. Resveratrol also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a beneficial component of anti-inflammatory supplements. It also shows promise to help people stabilise blood sugar levels and would appear to be beneficial for those with, or borderline, Type 2 diabetes. Resveratrol perhaps is the clos-

est thing to a natural anti-aging compound, by helping to prevent premature cell damage. Anything we can do that helps cell function will help prevent premature aging. While any form of resveratrol is good, it is best when combined with compounds such as OPC, alpha lipoic acid, acai extracts and other antioxidant compounds. Resveratrol is no silver bullet, but is yet another one of nature’s special compounds that can result in many – especially if taken longer term. Give me a call if you need more information. To join my weekly newsletter go to: www. johnarts.co.nz and visit: www. abundant.co.nz John Arts is a qualified nutritional therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to: www.sunlive.co.nz

It’s Christmas time: ‘Just breathe’ It’s that time of the year again – and we already feel like we’re into the swing of the festive season. I’ve asked people this week what their plans are for Christmas. It is amazing how many people that have let out sighs of frustration, or even told me to be quiet because “it doesn’t bear thinking about”. Yes, I feel like there is a lot to get done between now and then – and each week that advances toward Christmas is busier than the last, but it is always like this. I’m well aware of the list upon list of things to achieve in the next few weeks. But if I let it overwhelm me, then of course the whole thing “doesn’t bear thinking about…” How about we take one day at a

time? Let’s not worry about the stuff that’s on the list for next week. Next week isn’t here yet. Today is the day that needs our attention. If you’re worrying about not getting things done, you’re likely worrying about something that is never going to happen. A great mantra for the next few weeks is: Worry does not empty tomorrow of its troubles, it empties today of its strength. If you think it’s all bad, then you’re setting yourself up for stress. When it all gets too much, sit quietly – for even two minutes – and simply breathe. If we all simply decided to take a moment to breathe each day, life would be less chaotic and more focused –

“Life, like a mirror, never gives back more than we put into it.” – ANONYMOUS A group of students were asked to write down the initials of the people they disliked. Some students could think of only one person, others listed as many as 14. It was discovered that those who disliked the largest number of people seemed

and perhaps we would look forward to this time of the year.

the most widely disliked. Equally true, those who liked the largest number of people also tended to be the most liked. The point is that what goes around comes around. The world reflects, or gives back to us, what we are giving out. It doesn’t always come back in the same form, or from the same person, but the world is a mirror. What are you giving to others … is it something you would want to receive?

The Weekend Sun

Tauranga gym lunges to the top In a turn of events they never saw coming – the team at The Gym has beaten all of their competition to be named the most supreme gym in the country. The prestigious Supreme Gym of the Year title now belongs to the 1st Ave gym, awarded to owners and Lindsay and Lisa Chan at the New Zealand Fitness Awards in Auckland last weekend. The gym also won the Club of the Year in the over 1500 members category. “I don’t think it’s quite sunken in just yet,” says Lisa. “It’s pretty incredible – we were honoured just to be nominated, in the category we were in and who we were placed beside; and to actually win it is amazing.” The supreme title, normally taken out by national brand Les Mills gyms, has left Lindsay and Lisa utterly humbled.

“It shows what an amazing team we have and what a great job they’re doing; and it’s awesome to be from a smaller region and take this out.” Lisa also credits the wins to the gym’s new location, which they moved into in 2012. “It’s given us an opportunity to be even bigger and better at what we do. We were able to really incorporate some world-class design elements and be specific to client demands, like our female-only area and our HPA and TRX functional training zones. So that does play a big part.” Tauranga is currently one of the most competitive areas for gyms in the country. When the couple bought the gym in 2004 there were eight others in the area. There are now 36 registered gyms in Tauranga. “Our goals are to just to keep growing our brand and keep on top of the game on a national and international level. It’s about providing our clients with the best club we can.” By Corrie Taylor

All hands to the pump to beat epidemics Like it or not we are all involved in some way with the obesity and diabetes epidemics. We either have problems ourselves, or know someone close to us who has. And hey, as taxpayers the cost of all this mayhem is unbelievable. Health authorities are predicting numbers to increase significantly during the next few years. Eat For Keeps’ experience in helping thousands of people in this problem area leads us to believe that with the right education programme in place, the numbers will reduce. We have launched a dynamic free programme across the country, called The Big NZ Challenge, and are delighted New World Mount Maunganui has agreed to enter a team in the challenge and is encouraging their staff and customers to join and follow the 10 life-saving principles that prove to be so effective. I remember, a couple of years ago at New World Brookfield, where we had some notable staff successes being introduced to a customer Eric Tucker, who had read our first book and subsequently lost 27 kg and come back from the cusp of type 2 diabetes – a lifechanging experience. The average supermarket now has more than 30,000 different food items. Our view is all biologically safe food has its place – it’s really a matter of learning how to navigate this vast space and make the right choices.

So, get involved yourself – tell your friends, get a workplace, family or club team in the challenge –we need all hands to the pump to fix this massive problem. It’s simple, free and easy – go to our website, look for ‘Big NZ’ and get started. For people who would like to have the complete picture, our new book ‘The Eat For Keeps Experience’ is available in book shops, on the website, and as an e-book. I also have some limited space available for private consultations.

Lindsay and Lisa Chan accept one of their awards in Auckland. Photo by Gerald Shacklock.

The Weekend Sun

Sting in Imp’s tail After surprising many drivers with his success racing a modified Hillman Imp, Tauranga’s Reece Killingback has unfinished business in the Independent Race Classes this season. Despite missing the first meeting in the NZGT ‘allcomers’ class last season he still managed to claim second spot on the table after six races.

STOP LOOK

“We were happy with taking second, but this year we’ve decided to do all the rounds and hopefully we can go one step higher.” The Imp took out the season opener at Taupo during Labour Weekend, then narrowly missed a repeat at the latest round, taking second place at Pukekohe’s three-race event, holding a strong lead in the series. With the next event not until January 4-5 (in Taupo), you might expect Reece to be furiously tweaking the car in the workshop, but he reckons the Imp rarely needs extra work. “It’s literally jump in, turn the key, go racing, bring it home, put it in the shed.” Despite its consistent performance, Reece says the 1965 Imp – which has been raced since 1989 – is getting old and safety is becoming more of a concern as he races it “at its limit” at speeds of 240 km/h. “If we can take out the title, we are planning to retire the car, let it go out on a high note.” Reece is already building another car he plans to race

Reece Killingback, with family Leanna, Brodie, 12, and Jamie, 8, Kelly. Photo by Tracy Hardy. in the same series – but is keeping details under wraps. “Again, we’re thinking outside the square like we did with the imp. Something that nobody else has done and hopefully it will be successful.” Reece is referring to clever modifications he made to the Imp, installing the engine, trans-axle and wiring loom from a 1998 Subaru WRX Sti Reece – giving the light car a great Killingback’s power-to-weight ratio which 1965 Imp allows it to go from 0-100 performed km/h in 3.5 seconds. well on Reece thanks all of his Pukekohe’s supporters and sponsors, par‘high speed’ ticularly Stadium Cars, saying he couldn’t compete without track earlier their help. this month. By Hamish Carter

Sports Grille, Spoiler, Skirts, Silver rim, Deluxe Console

The Weekend Sun

A decade later - the Baypark Busters are back Ten years on, since hosting their last squad’s race, the Baypark Busters super stock team hopes to regain some of its legendary form on Saturday.

North Island events. Saturday’s contest will see the five-member Busters go up against the Hawkes Bay Hawkeyes, in a tactical race to have the first car finish 12 laps. Some drivers focus on defence as ‘blockers’, aiming to smash the opposition, while others are ‘run-

ners’ trying to finish first. Kyle Fraser, who, along with Kerry Remnant and Ross Ashby, is part of the team’s core of original members, says the event promises to be a great crowd pleaser. “Seeing 500 hp cars trying to take out another car at 120 km/h is pretty exciting

After dominating the national teams competition from 20022005, the Busters disbanded in 2006 when Baypark management focussed on open-wheel classes, such as sprint and saloon cars. Resurrected last year the team has enjoyed a reasonable season, placing fourth at the national championships and third at the

Motorsport wrap With the summer motorsport season well underway there is so much going on, Bay Driver is introducing a weekly wrap to help keep readers up to date with the region’s top motorsport talent.

Mount motocross glory

Top Mount Maunganui motocross riders Cody Cooper and Rhys Carter got off to a great start to the New Zealand Supercross Championships, at the opening round near Timaru on Sunday. Cody dominated the senior Open Class with a hat-trick of wins at the Backflips Clothing-sponsored event, while Rhys won the Senior Lites class. The final round was held in Winton, on Thursday but Cody looked unbeatable, leading nearest rivals Matt Haworth and Sam Duncanson by 17 points, while Rhys was only one point ahead of Jay Wilson.

Drifting off

Tauranga drivers got off to a fair start to the national drift series at the season opener at Hampton Downs earlier this month, but all are looking for improvements. After returning from Perth, Cole Armstrong’s weekend started off well on Saturday until his gearbox failed, prompting an emergency drive back to Tauranga for parts. Sunday was a better day for Cole, who qualified eighth, before losing in a battle for top eight with Andrew Redward. Fellow Western Bay driver Jodie Verhulst made it through to her first round in the elite drift competition, qualifying 26th.

to watch.” The Busters recently showed they still have what it takes, when all cars in the Rotorua Rebels team were “smashed” only half-way through the race, leaving the Busters to cruise to victory in Rotorua. “It was an absolute spanking for the Rebels,” says Kyle, who, although based in Rotorua, drives for the Baypark team. This year, Kyle’s son Josh has followed him to Baypark where he’s been competing in the mini-stocks. Josh, 16, is competing in his last

season in mini stocks – and while keen to continue on to stock cars, Kyle is hoping for a year’s break before he starts. After 15 years speedway racing – which included winning the national individual super stock title in 2008 – Kyle has decided this will be his last season and is hoping for a summer of freedom. So, will this weekend be his last time racing for the Busters at Baypark? “Potentially it could be, but never say never.” By Hamish Carter

The Weekend Sun

Ferd’s fantasy funeral

Ferd’s son Brandon Neuhaus with the VWs. Photos by Tracy Hardy.

Ferd Neuhaus had a passion for Volkswagens that lasted until the end – literally. Thanks to the generosity of his chosen funeral home, 83-year-old Ferdinandus Adrianus Bastianus Neuhaus’ funeral last weekend was an occasion any VW enthusiast would be proud of. Upon hearing Ferd was a VW lover, Elliotts Funeral Services funeral director Neil Gedge jumped at the chance to get involved. “His family said Ferd had helped set up the first New Zealand VW club in the Wellington area. And I love VWs, so I could sort of level with them. And I said to them: ‘Would you like me to try get a VW Beetle sitting outside

the chapel?’ They were just ecstatic about it because we organised for them to drive the VW to the cemetery, so they could follow the hearse.” The hearse, was in fact a VW Kombi van – an idea that came from the owner of the beetle. Neil organised the classic cars in his own time, and says it’s a common practice of the funeral directors to try to make each funeral special where they can. Ferd was born on July 10, 1930. He passed away on November 18. Ferd’s wife Agnes says her husband was a “total VW man” both in a business sense and for personal pleasure – and she can’t believe the

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level of care shown to them by the funeral directors. “They have made things as wonderful as possible for Ferd. They have shown so much care, it is unbelievable.” The pair emigrated to New Zealand from Holland after the World War 2. After spending many years in Tauranga, they moved to Hamilton, but Agnes is now considering returning to the Bay. By Corrie Taylor

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Don’t change name I’d like to add my opinion with Peri Kohu (The Sun, ‘Naming of beach a sandy issue’), as to why we need to change the name of Otumoetai beach. My grandparents arrived in Otumoetai in 1922 and I’ve lived here all of my life. My family used this beach all of the time while we were growing up and I’d find it very difficult to call the beach by any other name. Commission a plaque, create a statue or artwork to acknowledge the late Dame Evelyn Stokes’ work if need be, but don’t change our beach’s name. Ayleen Walker, Omokoroa.

Your electorate could be changing.

The Weekend Sun

Power, control, manipulation? If only Ian McLean and the Greens were genuinely concerned about the environment. The reality is they’re all about power, control and manipulation. Their flagship issue - global warming - has proved a false god, as dire predictions of 15 years ago are proving as fatally flawed as their climate models. Rather than admit they know very little and can predict even less, they bury past lies under numerous new ones hoping one might eventually come true and they can claim vindication. They promote prohibitively expensive wind farms that pollute the environment, kill wildlife, consume excessive resources to

manufacture, and have a limited life span. Due to an education system stifling critical thought, they currently hoodwink about 12 per cent of the population, but the ability to be deviously successful should not be deemed desirable. Scratch the surface, and green becomes red, one leader is a confused anarchist formerly of the McGillicuddy Serious Party and the other a communist. Mr McLean is also of this persuasion, stating all wealth should be stripped and redistributed equally. It’s the aim driving the smokescreen of climate change policies. He’d have been at home in Lenin’s Russia and Mao’s China. Perhaps, when younger, if

he’d been given a good smacking and made to learn the story of the ‘Little Red Hen’ he might understand wealth doesn’t grow on trees but has to be made and worked for. There is much selfishness and greed in the world, but it’s by no means found solely in the wealthy and the politics of envy, as practised by the Greens, who are especially negative and destructive in society. The Greens hope this proves so and intend to profit from any implosion. In a further example of hypocrisy, they vigorously oppose the selling of assets from public ownership, but wholeheartedly support stripping these same public resources from public ownership and gifting them to wealthy tribal Maori elite. Mike Kuipers von Lande, Mount Maunganui

Proposed new electorate names and boundaries for the next two general elections have been released.

What is the Greens’ first priority? Rainforest facts:

To check out the changes, go to your local library or council office or view them online at elections.org.nz. You have until 23 December to make your submission on the proposed changes.

During the last few weeks, we’ve debated, in The Sun’s letters pages, the Greens; in particular, if their first priority is dismantling capitalism or protecting the environment. I’m very pleased at last we have clear acknowledgement from two Green spokespersons (Dr Ian G McLean and Eddie Orsulich), that global income re-distribution entailing, of course, a dismantling of capitalism as we know it, is a major priority. This begs the question - which priority comes first for the Greens?

You can have your say online, by email or in writing. To find out how, visit elections.org.nz or Freephone 0800 36 76 56. The new electorate boundaries will be finalised by Easter 2014.

I believe - and I’d be happy to be proven wrong - that Green hyperbole and disinformation about the state of the planet, Green handwringing over the fate frogs in Buller’s Denniston valley, and concern over prospecting for offshore oil, is little more than hypocrisy. In fact, the watermelon label for the Greens - green outside, but red inside, is absolutely fair and accurate. Going back to Dr McLean’s original letter (that started this debate), asking why him and his Green

colleague were rejected by the electorate; prompted my response and question to Dr McLean ‘Will the Greens change tack ?’. Still, I ask Dr McLean and Eddie Orsulich: With the Greens’ failure to capture public imagination, and their terminal credibility problem, isn’t it time for a new approach? An approach that centres less on environmental horror stories and more on truth? Or is the anti-capitalist banner much more important than the real state of the planet ? M Houlding, Ohauiti.

E Orsulich’s letter ‘Riches drive climate woes’ (November 22), makes a completely a erroneous statement: rainforests are carbon absorbers. In fact, mature rainforests give off carbon, in carbon dioxide or methane form, by way of rotting, in the same amounts they absorb, via photosynthesis. They’re carbon neutral. John Mills, Mount Maunganui.

VOTING IN THE CITIZENS INITIATED REFERENDUM ON THE FOLLOWING QUESTION IS NOW OPEN.

ECM0122

“Do you support the Government selling up to 49% of Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power, Genesis Power, Solid Energy and Air New Zealand?” You should have received your voting paper in the mail by now. If you haven’t received yours, contact us now!

Freephone 0800 36 76 56

Visit our website elections.org.nz

The Weekend Sun

Boat ramp carpark belies logic I read The Sun’s article ‘Ramp rumblings’ concerning Pilot Bay boat ramp- and as I am a frequent user, I am in full agreement with Leigh Pettigrew. After the Tauranga City Council finished re-developing the carpark at the boat ramp, I went to use it. Even before I parked my trailer I could see it was a waste of ratepayers’ money - and I’m not a roading manager. If I had a two-door Rav 4, or a Mini with a dinghy, I would be able to use the carpark.

carpark was nearly full. It belies logic that Mr Parkes could not see there would be a problem when a lot of the recreational boats and vehicles are much larger than a Mini with a dinghy. Mr Parkes just has to look at the scuff tyre marks on the new carpark’s kerbing. The old parking area worked just fine, except there were not enough spaces. Please, Mr Parkes, fix the problem; it’s not working. I wont hold my breath. R Croton, Mount Maunganui.

TCC roading manager Martin Parkes should have done his trial runs when the

Natural way needed for prickly problem mowers higher, or by not mowing at all from October to January. Regular watering of small grass areas minimise prickles even when the weed is present. Clearly, accepting higher vegetation in our parks and reserves would require a shift in attitude about levels of service provided by council. However, J Duncan is absolutely right that chemical solutions should never be the first choice for environmental management, due to toxicity issues. In this case, a minor inconvenience can be easily managed using natural methods, adjusted levels of service, and tolerance - should we should encourage council to implement and promote that approach.

On November 15, R Kenyon wrote to The Sun (Papamoa digs poses prickly problem), requesting the council spray the “whole area of Papamoa... each year” in order to manage Onehunga weed. J Duncan responded (November 22), pointing out the minor inconvenience of prickles is preferred to being poisoned by steadily-accumulating toxins in our environment. Our preference for neat lawns creates perfect conditions for growth of Onehunga weed. The plant is suppressed by longer grass and shade, and its prickles (actually seeds), remain soft in wet conditions. Thus, control is easily achieved by setting

I speak on behalf of the Toxic Agrichemical Advisory Forum to TCC, a voluntary group of citizens who advise TCC on use of agrichemicals in Tauranga. Its aims are to protect public health, reduce use of agrichemicals (sprays) in Tauranga City, to require justification for any use of agrichemicals for environmental management; and to educate council and the public about toxins in our environment. Ron Lopert, Ian McLean, Ann Major, John Allen, Bill Nyhill and Catherine de Monchy sit on the forum, which meets monthly. Its role includes reviewing all requests for approval of new agrichemicals, consideration of public complaints and development of policy in relation to use of toxin. Dr Ian G McLean, Tauranga City.

Read these columns in full on www.sunlive.co.nz

Discussing electoral boundaries

The new electoral boundaries have been proposed and are out for public consultation. MP’s were able to submit their views some time ago and I took the opportunity to share what I perceived as a common-sense outcome for our region. I suggested that one Electorate could be established to include the Tauranga CBD, Otumoetai, Greerton and Parkvale, Pyes Pa and Bethlehem west to the Kaimais and north to Omokoroa. I submitted the names Matakana or Tauranga-Moana as appropriate to this area.

independent

VIEWS

My week in Tauranga

The beginning and the end

Many people turned up on Sunday evening for the last time to enjoy a meal at Bureta Park Motor Inn. I also called into the pub last Friday night. There was hardly room to move, with regulars sharing memories and looking at photographs taken during many years. These types of iconic establishments provided an opportunity for people to catch up with friends and family in their neighbourhood. The site is to be redeveloped into a Countdown Supermarket.

With Parliament in recess, I spent most of this week in Tauranga meeting with constituents, dealing with local issues and speaking with community groups. I also travelled to New Plymouth to visit Port Taranaki, and Venture Taranaki; the region’s economic development agency. On Thursday I was on the West Coast for the opening of the Amethyst Hydro Generation Scheme. The new station will produce 45 GWh of energy per annum, significantly reducing losses in transporting electricity to the West Coast and improving security of supply.

Water quality and dairying

The declining water quality in our rivers and lakes can be attributed to two primary pollutants, nitrogen and phosphorous. Both are a by-product of intensive farming of animals. The equation is simple. More animals on the land, and more land with animals, mean more pollution in our waterways. Once upon a time, New Zealand was overrun with sheep, while dairying and beef farming were niche activities. Large areas of land that had failed to support profitable sheep farming were covered in scrub or pine forest.

48 The Weekend Sun welcomes letters and photographs from readers. Preference will be given to short letters (200 words), supplied with full name and contact details. Photos are best in high resolution, jpeg format. Email: letters@thesun.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

TCC: No growth but big debt income from consent fees that will impact on TCC ability to service debt borrowings to meet CAPEX without hiking rates. Standard and Poors observe debt is very high, when compared to our fellow NZ cities. This expert commentary should gravely concern everyone in Tauranga City. Plus, capital expenditure commitments are looming; stormwater at least $70 million, the Route K /15th Ave trade-off at about $55 million (on top of burgeoning existing debt), and the gobstopping Southern Pipeline with more than $200 million still to be spent.

The 2012/2013 audited annual report of Napier City Council on page 12 outlines a comparison with New Zealand councils of a ‘similar size’ and results are shown on a simple graph. It needs little explanation; and, suffice to say, Tauranga has the highest average rates and largest increase. In addition, Standard and Poors’ latest Tauranga City Council report independently confirms the debt ratio of 243 per cent has been understated in the TCC audited annual report and is wrong; the correct figure being 270 per cent, as critics claim. Standard and Poors has reduced projected

Stormwater remedials and 15th Ave four-laning do not yet even feature in the TCC-approved annual accounts, annual or 10-year plans. Tauranga’s pie in the sky high growth rates were fifth during 2001-2006, but dropped to eigth during 2006-2013, out of 16 regions assessed in the 2013 Census results. Tauranga is not a high NZ growth area at all, to justify the massive debt and spending occurring to date. Making the best decisions for the long-term wellbeing of TCC residents in this scenario is nigh impossible and will take lots of courage. TCC - try spinning your way out of that little web. You might hide things from time to time, but in the end you won’t hide debt and rates. R Paterson, Matapihi.

Oil ship protest a sham Mail delays: I cannot believe we allow protesters to create such trumped up excuses as to why the research should not be allowed to go ahead. This little remote country of ours depends on our ability to export, to earn an income, so that we can all have a reasonable standard of living. And we need to provide employment for our people, rather than see them take off overseas. To have protesters pretending that they are doing us a favour with their protesting against the oil drilling ship is just a sham.

I write with a sense of frustration at the mixed negative messages coming our way. We celebrate the wonderful new development occurring at Tauriko Industrial Zone. It’s a $10 million investment and will employ more than 40 people, which is great news for the Tauranga region. Just as an aside, it is a Japanese company doing the development. We celebrate that, yet when it comes to other considerable investments we take a forked tongue approach. Protesters are sitting out from a ship, which is doing exploratory work to see if there is oil or gas, off New Zealand’s coast.

Margaret Murray-Benge, Tauranga City.

multiplying

Re: ‘More snail mail’ (The Sun, November 22). Some time ago, I posted a letter in Tauranga and happened to be in Katikati when it arrived four days later. And just this last week I heard from a family member who is living near Newcastle in Australia. What I sent to her (bearing several airmail stickers), took three weeks to arrive. J Z Marks, Greerton.

A world of volunteering celebrated on special day On December 5, Bay of Plenty residents are asked to recognise the region’s volunteers in their commitment to helping individuals and organisations year-round. International Volunteer Day applauds the hundreds of millions of people who volunteer to make the world a better place across the globe. Among such volunteers is 70-year-old Sandra Gilligan, who this year won the 2013 Western Bay of Plenty Volunteer Excellence Award for her dedication to more than 12 years of volunteering for multiple community organisations. Sandra was nominated by Breast Cancer Support Service Trust, where she has volunteered since 2001 following her own battle with breast cancer. She also volunteers for numerous programmes includ-

ing Merivale School’s Kickstart breakfast programme, the St Vincent de Paul Full Stop programme and the Cambodia Charitable Trust. On winning the award, Sandra says it was humbling and a real surprise. “It was very unexpected and I just feel it’s quite an honour. There are so many people out there who do amazing things, in the Bay of Plenty alone.” Her desire to give back came after battling breast cancer in 2000 and receiving the support and love of other volunteers. “I had a lot of amazing people helping me when I was sick, so it’s just giving back as you say.” While watching people suffer the disease took its toll initially, Sandra has developed coping mechanisms, including tai chi,

Thank you St John wishes to say a special thank you to its volunteers in the Bay of Plenty area who give their time to help care for others.

Heart Week Street Appeal will be held on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th of February 2014.

Please register as a volunteer today.

In New Zealand a life is lost to heart disease every 90 minutes and we are doing all we can to stop this. Please, can you help by sparing just 90 minutes of your time at our February Street Appeal?

Thank you!

Phone 0800 830 100 Text ‘volunteer’ to 244 for more info Text cost 20c Email volunteer@heartfoundation.org.nz Online www.heartfoundation.org.nz/heartweek

1960WST

We at the Heart Foundation would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers… Thank you for your passion, for all your hard work and thank you for your time. You have helped us keep more hearts beating for longer, but we’re not done yet!

Devoting your time and skills to St John makes a huge contribution and significant difference to the health and wellbeing of others in our community. For more information about volunteering for St John call 0800 ST JOHN (0800 785 646) or visit www.stjohn.org.nz St John and ASB Working Together

NEW ZEALAND

RED CROSS

and says the positives far outweigh any stress. “It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but when you’re a survivor yourself it takes a while to recover personally too. Now, I actually find it not a problem to help people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. They have all this time ahead of them where they have to go through treatment. “I find it really fulfilling and you meet some really nice people along the way.” The benefits of volunteer work are tremendous and for some volunteers life changing. If you would like to join the world of volunteering call into the office at the Historic Museum in 17th Avenue. With a quick registration process they can match you up with a volunteer role of interest to you.

The Weekend Sun

Children need yarn not trees Come on Greerton. Use your knitting skills to warm your children. It seems ridiculous to me that in a country where breakfasts are being provided at schools, and Kids Can distributes raincoats and shoes, folks would choose to knit covers for trees. Children’s trunks and limbs could well be covered with that yarn, and effort. There are two Homes of Hope in Greerton, which I feel sure would appreciate knitted or crocheted blankets, slippers and beanies for their kids. Women’s

Refuge is just down the road in Gate Pa, where there are more needy folk. The premature baby unit would also happily make use of little hats and jackets. These are just a few of the worthy causes which would appreciate your help - and the trees won’t mind missing out one bit. Many folk in Tauranga knit for overseas missions too, and are always looking for more yarn and knitters. There must be a better way to promote Greerton Village than bombing trees with knitting. Nelda McCann, Omokoroa.

Arrogance at future residents’ expense I’m replying to Tauranga City Council’s response to my initial letter ‘Enjoy the view while you can’ (The Sun, November 15). 1. Tauranga City Council states: “Tauriko Business Estate is an industrial zone”. Private land owners followed the same notification process as TCC at the re-zoning of privately-owned rural land to industrial without landowners’ consent. TCC failed to inform those involved in the legislative process, including the Governor General. It took until December 2011 for TCC to admit to landowners it failed to notify anyone of this lack of consent. Consequently, these landowners don’t recognise TCC or the alleged business estate. I notice recent purchasers of ‘surplus’ land adjacent to the so-called industrial area have to sign away

their rights to protest against any future activities of the developers, as a condition of land purchase. 2. Greenbelt is literally a green belt of land separating city from countryside, used for agriculture, forestry and outdoor leisure acts. Openness is a key feature. Storm water and toxic run-off ponds don’t constitute greenbelt land. 3. I believe Belk Rd residents have been told their buffer zone will have toetoe, flax and rimu. None of them, including their children, will live long enough to see the rimu trees provide a visual buffer to 16 metre tall buildings atop 4-5 metres of infill, with rimu noted for exceptionally slow growth rates. 4. TCC ignore my comments

on potential contamination of the Wairoa River, which is 129 metres from the alleged industrial land (Regional Council information). Tributaries going into the Wairoa, including the Belk Rd Stream and streams feeding that stream, are breeding grounds for eel and endangered native fish species. TCC seems happy to sign their death warrant, and to permit silting and contamination of the Wairoa. I’m sure whitebaiters will love this. 5. So yes, TCC put notices of Plan Change 3 in the newspaper’s public notices. TCC's confirmation of validity of this process is noticed, along with its rapacious arrogance at the expense of future Tauranga residents. Y James, Tauriko.

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The Weekend Sun

E N T E R T A I N M E N T G U I D E DVD MOVIES

MUSIC The ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay.

Friday 29 November

Te Puke Spiritual & Healing Centre

Christmas Expo at Te Puke Memorial Hall. Entry 6.30 starts 6.45pm. $10 for 1 healing, 1 reading, nibbles & games.

Saturday 30 November

Alcoholics Anonymous Women’s meeting

at Mt Maunganui Primary School, Orkney Rd 10-11am. Children welcome.

Art Exhibition by artist Alice Blackley

“A Papamoa Path”. New & original works on paper & canvas. Also featuring new rainwear label “Loutrek” by Louise Prastiti. Viewing hours Nov 30 10am - 4pm, Nov 31 11am - 2pm. 548 Reid Rd, Welcome Bay.

Bay Association of Sea Kay-

akers Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools & rescue/ towing session. Bevan 576 8885 Christmas Dance Dec 14 at Greerton Hall, 1247 Cameron Rd 7.30pm. BYO drinks & nibbles. All welcome. Supreme Dance Centre 543 2377 or 027 322 1786 or just come on the night. Dance Dance Dance Presented by Yvonne Edwards School of Dance. An exciting display from todays young talent & tomorrows future stars. Graham Young Youth Theatre, Boys College 2pm & 6pm. Tickets at Childsplay, Devonport Rd or at door. 544 1919 Garage Sale St Vincent de Paul Op Shop, out the back car park off 16th Ave 8am 12pm. Fill a bag for $1, assorted clothing, bric-a-brac, very good bargains! Fundraising for community projects. Kiwi Night Market Every Sat at Elizabeth St carpark, Tauranga 5-11pm. Live music, arts, crafts & commodity stalls. Food stalls. Free entry. www.kiwinightmarket.co.nz Market Greerton Hall 8am - 12pm. Crafts, plants, produce, bric-a-brac. Merv/ Nancy Waihi 07 863 6697 Messianic Weekly Meetings The Way meet in the Kingfisher Room, Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 10am. All welcome. 570 1438 Mount Militia Roller Derby Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre. Doors open 4pm. 2x curtain raiser bouts start 4pm. Main bout 7pm between women’s team “Yeah Nah Bro” & mens team “Franken Beans”. Tickets at door $10 adult, $5 under 12, under 5’s free. Food available. Mt Maunganui College Pool Open every Sat & Sun 11am - 3pm. $3 entry. Omokoroa Playcentre Official opening of new playground & open day with blessing & ribbon cutting Dec 7 at 2pm. $500 shed raffle. Join us for a free sausage sizzle or a play. Tammy 548 1343 Pahoia Christmas Fair At Pahoia Community Hall, on Pahoia School grounds, Esdaile Rd (off SH2) 9am - 2pm. On offer a large variety of arts & crafts, jewellery, indoor & outdoor wall art, wooden toys, felted items & Christmas gifts including Christmas stockings, quilted Advent calendars & more. St Enoch’s Church Fair At 16th Ave 9am - 12pm. Books, plants & baking.

OUT THERE GUIDE

News, reviews and opinionated raving on the music scene.

Reviews of DVDs, old and new, as well as other bits and bobs.

Stories, snippets, strangeness, and general entertainment.

The Weekend Sun’s guide to who’s playing and where.

Tauranga Farmers Market

Tauranga 5-6.30pm. Tickets $5 at door. Proceeds to Waipuna Hospice.

Wai/BOP Bisexual Women’s Group For

Never2old Mondays at BOP Polytechnic

Monday 2 December

Scouts Every Mon at Sulphur Point under Tauranga Yacht & Power Boat Club. Cubs 5-6.15pm, Scouts 6.308.30pm. 570 2080 www.sxscouts.org.nz Tauranga Badminton Club Bethlehem College Events Centre 7.30-9.30pm. Free racquet use. All players welcome. $5pp. Sue 021 194 4335 www.taurangabadmintonclub.co.nz Tauranga Creative Fibre Every Mon at Arts Centre, Elizabeth St from 9.30am. Spinning, weaving, felting, knitting, crochet & more. Learn & share in a mutually supportive club. Also on Thurs evening twice a month. Joan 577 6781

Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Christmas hamper tickets available. Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www.taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz Tauranga Fuchsia Group Meet at Arts & Crafts Centre, Elizabeth St West 1pm. Workshop preparation for show only one week away. Pat 579 1655 Tauranga Pakeke Lions Garage Sale 149 Victory St, Welcome Bay 8am start. Furniture, linen, large selection of household goods, books, plenty of other bargains. Proceeds to charity. Tauranga Radio Sailing Club Remote control yacht racing every Sat 11am - 4pm & every Weds 1-4pm at Scoria Close, the Lakes. Join the fun. www.ohope.co.nz The Cargo Shed Now open 7 days a week from 10am - 4pm. Coffee & a free biscuit with new products on display. The Sociables 30’s/40’ age group of males & females that meet once a week to socialise by dining out or participating in local activities & events. We have lots of ladies joining but need more men - come on guys, don’t be shy! Email your enquiries to: sociables@outlook.co.nz TrustPower Christmas Festival And Santa Parade, Downtown the Mount. Festivities start 10am & parade 11am. www.mountmaunganui.org.nz for details, maps etc. Village Radio Community radio broadcasting from Tauranga Historic Village 1368 kHz AM. Music of 1920’s - 80’s weekends 9am - 5pm, weekdays 10am 5pm. Specialty programmes. www.villageradio.co.nz or 571 3710 Waihi Sequence & Old Time Dance St John’s Anglican Hall, Seddon St, Waihi 4.30pm. Shared finger food tea. Ladies a plate, gents $4. Liz 07 863 8571 WHAM (Wedding Hair & Makeup) Professionals meetup. First ever meetup today at Elizabeth Cafe 4.30-5.30pm. Experience pro’s & newbies trainees welcome. Make friends, network & share knowledge. No cost. Lillybeth 021 150 1605

Sunday 1 December

Bay Bible Fellowship Welcome Bay Primary School 309 Welcome Bay Rd 10am. Praise, worship & communion. Teaching by John Kerr from “Joshua” ch 13-19, ‘Great is thy faithfulness’. www.baybiblefellowship.co.nz Bible Seminars Greerton Senior Citizen’s Hall, Maitland St, Greerton 1.45pm. Title: “The real truth about Jesus.” Interactive, Q&A. Refreshments provided. Vic 543 0504 BOP Pug Club For all pug dog owners & pugs in the area. Meet at the War Memorial, Mt Maunganui 4pm. Concert Presented by Tauranga City Silver Band & Salvation Army Band featuring conventional brass band & percussion. Programme includes movie themes, easy listening & Christmas numbers. At Salvation Army Citadel, 51 5th Ave,

Gillian Moore School of Dance - Let’s Dance Dance Education Centre - Dance Showcase 2013 7 Days LIVE

Czech & Slovak Club Tauranga Inc

Czech school for children from bi-lingual background every Sun at Arataki Community Centre 10am - 12pm. http://www. facebook.com/ceskyaslovenskyclubtauranga or csclubtauranga@hotmail.com Family Fun Day Dec 15 Held by The Phoenix at Masonic Park. Entry via gold coin donation with all proceeds going to Camp Quality Waikato/BOP – a camp for children with cancer. Owens Park Community Day At Welcome Bay 11am - 2pm. Bands, kapahaka, hangi, sausage sizzle, games, sports. Stalls to hire & hangi tickets. 544 9774 Petanque Every Sun, Tues & Thurs at Cliff Rd 12.45pm. Boules available, tuition given. 1st 3 visits free. Neita 572 3768 Prestige Singles 50+ coffee afternoon. New change of venue: Raft Expresso Bar/Eatery 2.30pm. Mix & mingle with other like-minded individuals. Gayle 027 439 3267 Radio Controlled Model Yachts Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa to race electron & similar 3ft long yachts. Graham 572 5419 St Nicholas Day Dec 8 at Arataki Community centre 10am. Interested people in this typical Czech traditional celebration welcome. Registration essential. Register at http://www.facebook.com/ceskyaslovenskyclubtauranga or email: csclubtauranga@hotmail.com Steve’s Vision Photography Gallery open including art by Clark Espin & sculpture by Brian Chrystall. 26 Wallace Place Tauriko 10am - 4pm. Signage from turnoff into Westridge Dr, off Cambridge Rd. (Open 1st Sun of month & flexible by arrangement any other day) Steve 021 128 6781 www.stevebolt.co.nz Summer Lions Market Papamoa New afternoon market held 1st & 3rd Sunday at Papamoa Sports Centre, Gordon Spratt Reserve, Parton Rd, Papamoa 1-5pm. Sunday Drivers Club Run to the Hamilton Classic Motor Show at the Classic Museum. Anyone welcome to join our runs. Partners encouraged to come along. David 544 8713 or tmec@myopera.com Tauranga Rainbow Social Network For gay/lesbian/bi/transgender, intersex. Meet 2nd Sun of month at 3pm. Peta 577 0433 or 021 128 2544 Technics Music Academy End of year concert at Pyes Pa Auditorium, 383 Pyes Pa Rd 2pm. Come along & listen to our students’ performances. Free admission, donations toward Foodbank (non perishable food, gold coin donation etc) appreciated. Kiyono 577 0450 or tma.tauranga@gmail.com

Te Puke Spiritual Discussion Group

Held 1st, 3rd, 5th Sunday at Hair Linez, Old Railway Station, Jellicoe St 10.3011.30am. Gathering of spiritual minds to discuss & learn from each other. $3 donation. Elaine 573 5361

support & social activities. Women only, transwomen welcome. Meet 4th Sun 3pm. Kaye 021 239 7142 or 07 218 1411

Bay of Plenty Pipes & Drums Army Hall, cnr 11th Ave & Devonport Rd 6.45pm. Annette 577 9272

Body & Soul Fun Fitness For over 50’s,

social events & guest speakers. Mon & Fri Greerton Hall Cameron Rd. Tues Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave. Weds City Church cnr Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St. All classes 9.15-10.15am. First class free. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified Instructor/ Cardiac Care leader.

BOP NZ Assn Rationalist & Human-

ist Branch meeting. Special meeting in lieu last sun in month at Alzheimers NZ House, 116 13th Ave, Tauranga 6.30pm. Guest speaker Max Wallace, author ‘The purple economy’ realising secularism, speaking on issues such as separation of Church & State & the Charities Act. Paul 543 3399 Chess Mt Maunganui Mount RSA Chess Club every Mon at Mount RSA, 544 Maunganui Rd. Juniors 6.15-7.15pm during school term. Open club 6-11pm Noel 579 5412 Citizens Advice Bureau Free, confidential info & advice about anything call in Mon - Fri at 38 Hamilton St, Tauranga 9am - 4pm or freephone 0800 367 222. JP service every Weds & Thurs 9-11.30am. Weds CAB service at Welcome Bay Community Centre 9.30am - 12.30pm, Fri at Mount Library 11.30am - 1.30pm. No appointment necessary. All welcome. Fitness League Safe effective, low impact fun exercise set to music using the Bagot Stack technique, designed for women of all ages & abilities. First class free. Every Mon at Settlers Hall Omokoroa 9.30am & Tues St Johns Anglican Church Waihi 9.30am. Dorothy 549 3378 Free Antenatal Classes Pirirakau Hauora, classes available each month. Venues throughout the Bay. Dates/ venues 552 4573 or email: tamarikiora@ pirirakauhauora.org.nz Freemasons World’s oldest & largest male fraternity. Make new friends & go on great social adventures or maybe find that lost symbol! Email: terryjones@outlook.com Justice of the Peace Service Centre Monday at Bayfair Shopping Centre Management office 10am - 12pm.

Harmony a Plenty Barbershop Chorus

Every Mon at Bethlehem Community Church, Moffat Rd 7pm. New members welcome. 572 3345 or www.harmonyaplenty.co.nz Hello Monday! Free healthy meal for everyone. Free wellness evaluation (offer ends Dec 16) Call: Svetlana 027 616 2124 Indoor Bowls Every Mon at St Mary’s Church, Girven Rd, Bayfair 1pm. 575 9945 Meditation Free classes Mon 10am & Weds 7.30pm. Find peace, spiritual awareness & the meaning of your life. David 576 9764

Fri 6 Dec, 7PM, Sat 7 Dec 1PM & 7PM Fri 13 Dec, 6:30PM, Sat 14 Dec 1:30PM & 7:30PM Mon 16 Dec, 7:30PM

Coming up in 2014 Baycourt presents Arts on Tour: Sad But True Carl Barron - A One Ended Stick: The Russian Imperial Ballet Company presents Don Quixote: Think Jazz, Think Easter, Think Tauranga! National Jazz Festival: Heath Franklin’s Chopper - Repeat Offender:

Fri 14 February, 8PM Sat 22 February, 8PM Weds 12 & Thurs 13 March, 8PM 17 - 21 April 2014 Tickets On Sale 1 February Thurs 1 May, 7:30PM

Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Windermere Campus 8-9pm. 0800BOPPOLY ext 6897

Southern Cross Sea Cubs &

Tauranga Friendship & Social Group

Weekly activities for over 50’s. Companionship, walks, movies, dinners, daytrips & good times. Richard 578 3894 Tauranga Pipers Club Every Mon 7pm. Enquiries welcome from pipers & drummers. 579 1460 Tauranga Rock n Roll Club At Tauranga RSA. Club night Mon 8pm. Intermediate workshop 7-8pm. Colleen 544 4676

Tauranga RSA Indoor Bowling Club

Every Mon, names in by 12.45pm for 1pm start. Junior club every Weds (from 9yrs - 18yrs) 3.30pm start. At Tauranga RSA, 1237 Cameron Rd, Tauranga. 1st 3 visits free, coaching available. Leanne 570 0154 Tauranga UFO & Paranormal Soc Meet in hall behind Historic House cnr Cameron Rd & Elizabeth St 7.30pm. Guest speaker: Her visit to Brazilian spiritual healer, John of God. Visitors welcome. Door $3 inc Christmas supper. Ian 578 5373

Tga Get Out There & Do It Meetup Group Do you want to get out & do

something? Open to all ranges of people. Make new friends & have fun & adventure along the way. http://www.meetup.com/ The-Tauranga-Get-Out-There-And-Do-ItMeetup-Group/ Underwater Hockey Club Club night every Mon at Polytech Pool 6.30-7.30pm for Juniors (Intermediate - Year 10) & Seniors 7.30-8.45pm. Learn a new sport & have fun. Returning University Students welcome, just turn up. Lance 027 287 4731 YMCA - ALFS (Active lifestyle for seniors). Smooth Movers class Mon 8.45-9.45am & 10-11am at Matua Community Hall, Levers Rd. Also 9-9.55am & 10-10.55am at Arataki Hall, Zambuk Way (off Grenada St). Tues 9.15-10.15am & 10.30-11.30am at Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd. Weds 9.15-10.15am Welcome Bay Hall, Welcome Bay Rd. Also Te Puke Senior Citizen’s Club, Jocelyn St, Te Puke 9.15-10.15am. All welcome. First class free. Thurs 9-10am at Otumoetai Action Centre, Windsor Rd. Also 10.3011.30am at Bethlehem Hall, Bethlehem Rd. Fri 9.15-10.15am at Papamoa Community Centre, Gravatt Rd. Also Fri at Papamoa Library 10.20am. 578 9272

The Weekend Sun Tuesday 3 December

Bayfair Petanque Club Every Tues &

Thurs at Bayfair Reserve, Russley Drive 1pm. Tuition & boules available for learners & visitors. Margaret 572 3173 BOP Linux Users Share & learn about free Open Source software & the Linux computer operating system first Tues at LJ Hooker cnr Cameron Rd & 8th Ave 7-9pm. Experts & beginners welcome. Free 578 6024 www.boplug.co.nz Come & See Like to know more about the Catholic faith & church? Every Tues at St Mary’s Catholic Church cnr Cameron Rd & Elizabeth St 7.30pm. 578 6209 Genesis - Women’s Group 1st & 3rd Tues during school term. 10am morning tea at St Paul’s Co-operating Church, 242 Dickson Rd, Papamoa. Final meeting for 2013. Bring a small plate & gift up to $5. New members welcome. Jennifer, Salvation Army 578 4264

Inachord Chorus Womens 4 Part Harmony Every Tues at Bethlehem

Community Church, 183 Moffat Rd 6.55pm. Enjoy the challenge of singing & performing varied repertoire. Penny 579 2945

Justice of the Peace Service Centres

Every Tues at Te Tuinga Whanau, 190 Chadwick Rd, Greerton 10am - 12pm. Mount Mainstreet Centre 11am - 1pm. Mah Jong Every Tues at St Mary’s Church, Girven Rd, Bayfair 12.45pm. 575 9945

Merge Social Connections

Group For new people to Tauranga meet 1st & 3rd Tues of month at The Raft 5pm onwards. merge.tauranga@gmail.com Otumoetai Toastmasters Leadership skills, speaking skills. At Lyceum Club rooms, 68 1st Ave 7.15-9.30pm. Allan 544 5989 Pottery Lessons for Children Every Tues at Tauranga Arts & Crafts Centre 3.45-5.15pm. Denis 544 6451 Tauranga Acoustic Music Club

McSwiggan’s Irish Pub, 158 Cambridge Rd 7.30pm. Friendly jam sessions. Sing, play or just listen. Paul 579 2346 or www.tamc.org.nz Tauranga BMX Club night every Tues. Registration from 5.15-5.50pm. Racing starts 6pm. $2 per club member, first 3 nights free to new riders. Strider racing for kids under 5. Tauranga MTB & BMX Park, 280 Cambridge Rd, Tauranga. Tauranga Scrabble Club Tues at Tauranga Bridge Club, Ngatai Rd 9am. 3 games $3. New players welcome. 544 8372 Tauranga Toastmasters Tga Lyceum Club 7.15-9.30pm. Confidence building, speaking skills, leadership skills. Alan 544 5989 Toastmasters Excel Club Learn to be a competent speaker & get your message across. 2nd, 4th & 5th Tues of the month at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way (off Grenada St) Mt Maunganui 6.15pm. New members welcome. Tess 575 6610

Wednesday 4 December Age Concern Walking Group Meet at Briscoe’s, Chapel St 10am. All welcome. 578 2631

Badminton Mt Maunganui

Summer social club night Weds at Mount Sports Centre, Maunganui Rd 7-9pm. All past & new players welcome. Janice 575 2438 or 027 201 0529

Baywide Community Law Service

Drop in clinic every Weds at 63 Willow St 5-6.30pm. No appointment necessary. Free legal assistance. 571 6812. Every Tues morning at Te Puke Clinic. For appointment 573 5614. Every Thurs morning at Katikati Clinic. For appointment 549 0399 Global Hearts Exercise Group Weds 2pm & Fri 11am. Provides group activities combined with health education that encourages members to live a healthy & active lifestyle. Proudly supported by NZ Heart Foundation. 575 0470

Justice of the Peace Service Centres

Every Weds at Citizens Advice Bureau, Hamilton St 9-11.30am. Te Puna School 6.30-7.30pm. Papamoa Library 10am - 12pm. Mount Healing & Spiritual Centre Fellowship & celebration at Omanu Bowling Club, Golf Rd, Mount. Doors open 7 for 7.30pm. Baptism of fire (meet Sharon’s group debut). Door charge $3. Janet 027 264 0226 Salvation Army Meeting For all women every Weds morning tea, 10.30am meeting at Salvation Army cnr Cameron Rd & 5th Ave Tauranga. Theme: Bread & butter. New members welcome. Jennifer 578 4264 Table Tennis Tauranga Weds 1-3pm & 7-9pm, Fri 7-9pm at Memorial Hall, QEYC. All welcome. www.sportsground.co.nz/tabletennistauranga or Bill 578 1662 Tauranga Toy Run All hotrods, muscle cars, classic cars (no jappas) meet outside Baypark Stadium 6pm. Cars end up on display at Fraser Cove. Bring along a NEW toy for Kids Cancer or cash donation for Waipuna Hospice. Jill 0274 906 326 Tauranga Whalers Sports Club Special meeting called by Board of Tauranga Whalers Sports Club in Arataki Community Centre 6pm to discuss new directions for the club & assign new roles on the committee. Any members of the public wanting to help or have a say are welcome. Toastmasters - City Early Start For GenX GenY - building confidence & leadership skills. Every Weds at Classic Flyers Avgas Cafe 6.50-8.15am or find a club near you email: LaniDTM@kol. co.nz or 571 1545. http://cityearlystart. toastmastersclubs.org TS Chatham (Sea Cadets) Every Weds at TYPBC, Keith Allan Drive, Sulphur Pt 6.30-9pm. Lee 542 5377 or 027 291 6151 or email: leew.lynnc@xtra.co.nz

Welcome Bay Community Playgroup Every Weds at 130 Ohauiti Rd 9.3011.30am except for public & school holidays. $3 morning per child, $5 a morning per family. A range of activities. Bring morning tea for your child. 544 0682

Thursday 5 December Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Salvation Army, Eversham Rd, Bayfair 7.30-8.30pm.

Awesome Clothing Sale

Historic Village, 17th Ave Tauranga 9.30-10.30am. Good quality, all sizes & styles, men’s, women’s, children’s, shoes, sheets, duvets etc. Only $2 a bag. You pick! Rain or shine. Organised by Turning Point Trust 578 6934 Club Mt Maunganui Seniors Every Thurs play indoor bowls, 500 & bolivia 12.45pm. John 575 2422 Fitness League Safe, effective, low impact exercise to music using the Bagot

Stack technique, designed for females. All ages & abilities, first class free, every Thurs Central Baptist Church Hall, cnr 13th Ave & Cameron Rd 9.30am & Weds at Katikati Memorial Hall 10am. Final classes for the year next week. Come & join in the fun. Classes resume in February. Pam 549 4799 or 021 117 170 Floral Design Workshop Today with Francine Thomas at Bella Vista Lodge. To book tickets 570 0100 French Connection For lovers of all things French. Fortnightly at Brooklyn on the Strand anytime between 4.306.30pm. Email: agohns@yahoo.co.nz Healing Rooms At Fashion Island, 42 Gravatt Rd, next to Esquires Coffee Shop. 1st & 3rd Thurs 10.30am 12.30pm. 2nd & 4th Sat 1.30-3.30pm. No appointment necessary. No charge. 021 154 0978 or 0210 271 3254 www.healingrooms.co.nz

Justice of the Peace Service Centres

Every Thurs at Citizens Advice Bureau, Hamilton St 9-11.30am. Te Puke Anglican Church 10am - 12pm. Tauranga Ethnic Council, Historic Village 11.30am - 1.30pm. Welcome Bay Community Centre 12-3pm. Keynotes 4 Part Harmony Women’s chorus meet every Thurs at Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave 6.45pm. Sing for fun & health. Nora 544 2714 Mount Underwater Club Club night at Mount Ocean Sports Clubrooms (cnr The Mall & Salisbury Ave, Mt Maunganui) 7.30pm. Christmas BBQ. New members welcome. Gail 570 1935 Mt Maunganui Creative Fibre Meet every Thurs at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way 9am - 1pm. New members welcome. Jan 574 1265 Salsa on the Strand Intro class 8pm followed by social dancing. Upstairs at Flannagans. No partner required. $2 entry (members free). www.baysalsa.co.nz Social Dancing To authentic rock n roll music at 14 Norris St, Tauranga, behind Pak n Save 7.30-9.30pm. $3 entry. Maria 576 7326 Tauranga Heart Support Group Phase 3 rehab exercise, social events & guest speakers for those with or at risk of heart disease. Every Thurs at City Church Hall, Otumoetai Rd/Sherwood St 9.3010.45am. Men & women welcome. Dianne 576 5031 Qualified instructor/ Cardiac Care leader. Te Puke Art Society Art Sale Dec 5,6 and 7 at Constables Gallery, Commerce Lane, Te Puke 10am - 4pm. All art priced to sell. Tennis Seniors 35+ Every Thurs at Tauranga Lawn TC opp Court House Cameron Rd 9am. New members welcome.

Toastmasters - Kickstart

Club Have fun while learning to speak confidently. Breakfast meeting at Alimento Cafe, 1st Ave, Tauranga 7-8.15am. Guests welcome. Helen 571 6181

Friday 6 December

Alcoholics Anonymous Open meeting

every Fri at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Tyremaster) 7.30pm. 0800 229 6757 for more meetings or assistance. Chess Tauranga Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Noel 579 5412 http:// www.westernbopchess.weebly.com/

Christmas Variety Show Greer-

ton Village School, 151 Greerton Rd, Tauranga 6-9pm. Showcasing the talents of local youngsters & entertainers. Festive trappings include candy floss, popcorn, face-painting & balloon animals & Santa will be on hand. Sing along to your favourite Christmas tunes, enjoy a picnic on the grass. Free entry, gold coin donation or can/non perishable item for Tauranga Food Bank welcome. Free Immigration Clinic Every Fri - legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812 Friday Friends 10 Pin Bowling League New members wanted. Every Fri at 13th Ave 10

“What’s On” is a FREE service for non-proﬁt clubs & organisations.

Pin 1pm (3 games). Barry/Loris 571 5492 Gay/Bi Men’s Support Group Do you need a trusting person to talk to? Discretion assured. For meetings & locations ph/text Alex 027 358 5934

Justice of the Peace Service Centres

Every Fri at Tauranga Library, NZ Room 12-2pm. Katikati Resource Centre 10am - 12pm. Tauranga RSA, Greerton 2-4pm. Bethlehem Community Church, 183 Moffats Rd 10am - 12pm. Mt Maunganui Library 11.30am - 1.30pm. New Zumba Classes Starts Dec 6 at 129 Birch Ave 5.30pm & to celebrate the first class is free. Maya 021 995 065

Email julie@thesun.co.nz or Fax 571 1116 or post to PO Box 240, Tauranga.

Deadline 3pm Tuesdays. Contributions should be less than 20 words.

52 M U S I C

The Weekend Sun P L U S

By Winston Watusi

‘Some other short headline’ ‘The last gasp of musical culture as we know it’. That's what I wanted to call this week's column, but it was too long to be a sensible headline. Similarly rejected on grounds of not fitting in the requisite space – and not really being a headline anyway – was ‘The decline and fall of western civilisation (while we weren't paying attention). As you can tell, I am less than 100 per cent cheerful and optimistic this week... And the thing that has brought me, once again, to this state of despair?

The album is dead

In economic and cultural terms it has gone the way of the dodo. I will analyse its funeral in an upcoming column but in the meantime let's have a quick wake. A brief celebration of the silliness and fun that came with a few decades of long-players. Because the UK charts organisation announced earlier this week that it had named the thousandth number one album since charts started being charts (which in the UK was 1956). That naturally threw up all sorts of trivia about albums, particularly number one ones. It got me thinking that a thousand isn't a lot of albums. In fact it's a pretty select club. Searching for data on how many albums come out each year the closest I got was Nielsen SoundScan who suggest that in 2011, 870,000 albums were released. Assuming that to be a conservative estimate it means that over the nearly sixty year chart span there have been... oh... a helluva lot of albums (did you really expect me to do a calculation?). Bucketloads. Bucketloads of bucketloads. But only 1000 of them have ever been number one in the UK. So, how about that trivia (before the bit about the fall of western civilization)? The thousandth album to become number one was Robbie Williams' Swings Both Ways. So what are we to make of the fact that the very first number one album in 1956 was Frank Sinatra's Songs For Swingin' Lovers? That swinging never goes out of style? That musical tastes have changed very little in 60 years? Surely the fact that the music has stayed the same while the artist has gone from Frank Sinatra to Robbie Williams is

symbolic of something? Is this some sort of metaphor for the aforementioned End of Musical Culture?

Who knows?

More trivia: The Beatles had fifteen of those thousand number ones. That sounds pretty impressive till you hear that The X Factor was responsible for fourteen. Although Pink Floyd had five number one albums, none of them were The Dark Side of the Moon, which remains the biggest-selling album never to reach number one. Madonna has had more number one albums than any other woman (twelve). Impressively she has had number one albums in four consecutive decades. Of ABBA's nine number one albums four were Greatest Hits sets. Elvis Presley and Robbie Williams have had the same number of number one albums (eleven). Now about that decline of western civilization... Since 1988 there has been a separate chart for compilation albums, otherwise the artist with the most number one hits would be Various Artists. Earlier this year, in its first week on sale, the eighty fifth edition of Now! That's What I Call Music outsold the entire Top 75 artist albums put together. (Did I mention the decline of... oh yes, I did.) Despite charts starting in 1956 the first woman – women in fact - to top them wasn't until 1967. (Thank you Diana Ross and the Supremes!) Between May 1963 and April 1965 the number one albums were by (in order): The Beatles, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. The longest-running number one album is the soundtrack of the film South Pacific. It was number one for seventy weeks from November 1958 to March 1960 (including the entire year of 1959), and then again in 1960 and 1961, giving it a total of 115 weeks. The biggest-selling number one album of all is Queen's Greatest Hits. We'll return to the Death of the Album in an upcoming column but, if any further proof was needed, the next number one, number 1001, due this Sunday, is One Direction's Midnight Memories. Q.E.D.

New and old in festive choral concerts Nothing evokes the sense of Christmas like a festive choral concert – and traditional music lovers are in for a treat next week with a choice of two shows by the Oriana Singers. This year the community choir will perform the modern Christmas Cantata ‘The Season of Wonders’ by American composer Joseph Martin – a work which new musical director Katrina Wickham says is filled with classic carols as well as newly composed anthems. “This makes it both familiar and fresh, drawing the

audience close with a brilliant accompaniment and poetic narration. This joyous Christmas cantata shines new light on the miracles of Christmas.” The concert is the first under Katrina Wickham, who is head of music at Papamoa College. The Oriana Singers’ Group president Jim new musical director Aldersley says the choir is Katrina Wickham is excited to welcome Katconducting ‘The Season rina and is pleased with of Wonders’ in concert her commitment to lead the group next year. next weekend. The Oriana Singers will perform at 2pm Saturday, December 7, at St Andrews Church, Dee St, Mount Maunganui; then 2pm Sunday, December 8, at St Columba Church, Otumoetai Rd, Cherrywood.

Club Mt Maunganui Friday 29 – Shy and Retiring. Mount RSA Friday 29 – Mark Taipari. Saturday 30 – Lip Service. Sunday 1 – Tauranga Big Band 4.30-7.30pm. The Crown and Badger Friday 29 – DV8. Saturday 30 – Shabang. Sunday 31 – Jessica Ross 4-7pm.

The Matua Sunday 1 – Steel Breeze 3-6pm. Wednesday 4 – A Taste of Country Night 7.30-10pm. Welcome Bay Sports Bar Friday 29 – Karaoke Xmas Factor competition. $1500 prize money. Competition heats this Friday. www. welcomebaybar.co.nz

The Weekend Sun D V D

M O V I E S

With Winston Watusi

Fantastic Not bad at all Dreadful

BEFORE MIDNIGHT Starring: Julie Delphy, Ethan Hawke - Dir: Richard Linklater Richard Linklater, for all his association with early slacker movies (Dazed and Confused, Slacker) is a man who seems to run in many directions at once and who has amassed a fascinating catalogue of films, ably crossing genres and mixing mainstream success with experimental projects. It’s hard to imagine one director making films as diverse as School Of Rock, Me and Orson Welles, Bernie, and A Scanner Darkly (not to mention Bad News Bears). Then there are his “talking films”, films where people mainly talk. Like the animated Waking Life. Or Tape. Or what will probably go down as his masterworks, the (now) trilogy of Before Sunrise (1995), Before Sunset (2004) and this

new film which is in every way the equal of its predecessors. Each of the films are two handers with Delphy and Hawke as Jesse and Celine. The first saw them meet on a train in Europe and spend a night talking in Vienna. He dreams of becoming a writer. They part, not expecting to meet again. Nine years later the second film had them reunite on the French leg of Jesse’s book tour. Now, another nine years later, they live in Paris with twin daughters and have just spent a summer in Greece. The vacation is now over, Jesse must send his teenage son off to the States, and he starts questioning his life. Again it’s the two of them talking. Again it’s

Damn fine Dubious

Thanks to Video Ezy Brookfield for the DVDs

quite brilliant. Recommended (obviously) or, if you haven’t seen any of them, start at the beginning.

In Revenge for Jolly! Harry (Brian Petso, channelling Crispin Glover) is our unreliable lowlife narrator. About to leave town to avoid debts he returns from an allnight beer session to find Jolly dead. Jolly was his small dog, the love of his life, now murdered. A wild – if rather low-key – rampage of revenge ensues as he and mate Cecil (Oscar Isaac) search for the killer, shoot people, and drink beer. Elijah Wood, Kirsten Wiig and Ryan Phillippe all pop up briefly. The tone is indie – Coen meets Tarantino, modest budget – the humour deadpan black. No socially redeeming features.

Is this The Wolverine film that fanboys have been waiting for? Haven't a clue. People seemed pretty down on the clawed one's last solo outing which I thought was pretty good. But they wanted more of “the mythology”... Which apparently involved going to Japan. So here we are in a sort of yakuza adventure which has a lot of fighting but a distinct absence of mutants. I guess it depends which bits of the franchise you like. I like mutants. Though undoubtedly well made this seemed to me the least interesting so far of the various X-Men outings.

Is it wrong to enjoy White House Down so much? I know it’s complete rubbish but of this year’s two “Die Hard in the White House” films only this one has the courage to plunge relentlessly over the top into complete abject silliness. Thus we get Jamie Foxx as the ass-kicking president protected by security bloke Channing Tatum after terrorists take over. Best bit is when they hare around the White House rose garden in the presidential limo with the prez hanging out the window firing a rocket launcher. Bet Obama never thought of that. (The villains are better in MEDIUM this one too.)

MEDIUM

SUDOKU

How to solve Sudoku!

No.1707

8 6 9 Fill the grid so that 4 6 7 every row and every 3x3 square contains 1 4 7 2 the digits 1 to 9 4 6 9 Across No. 1348 5. Light meals (6) 6. Famous Solution No.1706 inventor to solve 9 2 No.1707 How 6. Denims (5) (4,7) 9 1 7 3 8 4 6 2 5 Sudoku! 11. Class (8) River 8 6 2 7.1 5 7 4(Wairarapa) 3 9 3 4 (4) 13. Exit (6) 5 3 5 4 9 6 2 1 8 7 8 6 9 14. Ramble (6) 8. Proof 2 9 7(8)5 6 that 1 3 8 9.4 Functional 15. Alter (6) 8Fill therowgridand 6soevery 4 7 9 5 10.8 Hammered 1 6 2 4 3(6) 4 67 7 every 16. Sticks (5) imp2 4 6 7 3 5 9 1 8 3x3 square contains ression (6) 18. Young horse (4) 5 12 43 7 2 4 8 1 6 7 3 5 9 2 12. Roar (6) the digits 1 to 9 C T N E E C T E I G A S H 5 7 9 2 4 8 3 6 1 15. Island (Bay of 2 7 T OM S K I N N E R K D M 6 2 3 5 9 1 8 7 4 4 6 95 Plenty) (6) S M U C E C L D M E D A M 17. Spiders (8) Solution No.1706 P A I R E A B I D E K I M 9 2 How to solve E T D O D D G N X N O S Y 9 1 7 3 8 4 6 2 5 19. Slick (4) MO AWH A N G O J K Y M 8 2 1 5 7 6 3 9 4 20. Netbaal team (6,5) No.1707 Y E L S OW A T O S A T O 3Sudoku! 4 5 3 5 4 9 6 2 1 8 7 Down A V C D R A N G A T I R A 1 3 8 4 2 9 7 5 6 1. Happy (8) 9 7 H A R P I N G A T O I E K 8 so that 6 4 795816243 2. Descending by A U C L O C A L I M I C E Fill the grid G L U E E H I L I A O E K rope (6) 6 2 7 3every row and every 5 2 4 6 7 3 5 9 1 8 A T C A D O L E S C E N T 3. Swimwear (6) 4 8 1 6 7 3 5 9 2 3x3 square contains 4. Medical complaint F E T D E R E Y O H T T R 5 7 9 2 4 8 3 6 1 4 5 2 7 the digits 1 to 9 Solution 1347 6 2 3 5 9 1 8 7 4 (4)

SUDOKU

Given the huge box office success of The Conjuring it would seem that if you stick a “this is a true story” label on supernatural stuff people will flock to see any old twaddle. Not that The Conjuring is necessarily twaddle. But, given Hollywood’s propensity for exaggeration and America’s overabundance of crazies, the truth of the story becomes unknowable and irrelevant. The only question is whether it’s a goodMEDIUM horror film. Based on real life “psychic investigators” Ed and Lorraine Wallace, it has them helping the Perron family (mum, dad, five daughters) who have just bought a haunted house where Bad Things happened. Director James Wan orchestrates the rising tide of increasingly malevolent spookiness with spirit (Boom! Tish!).

SUDOKU

8 6

4 7 2 4

M O V I E S With Rialto

1 6 9

Mr Morgan’s Last Love

3 4 8

(M) Offensive language

A feel-good adaptation of French novel ‘La Douceur Assassine’ that tells the story of an unlikely friendship between an American widower living in Paris (Michael Caine), and a young French dance instructor (Clémence Poésy, In Bruges). When Princeton philosophy professor Matthew Morgan’s wife passes away, he retires to Paris and contemplates suicide. He meets the disarming Pauline on a bus, whose sunny disposition slowly transforms his curmudgeonly outlook on life. After he is hospitalised, Matthew must reconnect with his own estranged son and daughter, played by Justin Kirk (Weeds), and Gillian Anderson (The X-Files), and put the demons of his past to rest.

Solution Fri Nov 29 toNo.1706 Wed Dec 4 9 1Jellicoe 7 3 8Street, 4 6 Te 2 Puke. 5 131

8 6 EARLY 2 1 5SCREENINGS! 7 4 3 9 5 9 6 2 1 8 7 3 5 4 GAME ENDER’S 1 3 2 8 of4the beloved 9 7 5 6 6 4 Adaptation sci-fi novel 6 2 4 3 7 9 8 1 Harrison 5 starring Ford, Ben Kingsley, Abigail 2 4 6 7 3 5 9 1 8 and Asa Butterfield. 5 Breslin 6 7 3 5 9 2 8 16:10pm. Fri4 4:00, 7 9 3:45, 2 48:30pm. 8 3 6 1 5 11:00, Sat 2 7 1 8 7 4 6 11:00, 2 3 1:25, 5 9 6:00pm. Sun

Capitol Cinema 4

(M) Violence.

Info line 573 8055 www.tepukecinema.co.nz

NEW THIS WEEK

DELIVERY MAN

movies

(M) Offensive Language.

Vince Vaughn, Chris Pratt. An underachiever finds out he’s fathered 533 children through anonymous donations to a fertility clinic 20 years ago.

PLAYING NEW THIS THIS WEEK WEEK ININ 3D3D

THOR 2: THE DARK WORLD (3D) (M) Violence. Chris Hemsworth, Natalie

Portman, Kat Dennings, Zachary Levi, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Hiddleston.

Friday 8:35pm. Sat 1:20pm.

Fri 4:00, 8:30. Sat 1:30, 3D Film. FINAL DAYS! 6:15pm. Sun 3:50, 8:20. THE SMURFS 2 (3D) (G) Mon 2:00, 6:00pm. Adults at Kids Prices! Sat 11:00am. Sun 11:00am. Tue 12:30, 6:15pm. Wed 2:00, 6:15pm. Sexual References. The true story of Paul Potts, a shy FINAL DAYS amateur opera singer who became a phenomenon. PLAYING THIS WEEK Fri 6:20pm. Sat 4:00. Sun 6:15. Mon 6:10. THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BUTLER (M) Violence & Off Language. Forest Whitaker is Cecil Gaines - a White House butler. Tue 11:30, 6:10pm. Wed 2:30, 8:30pm. CATCHING FIRE (M) Violence. Sun 1:15. Mon 2:30. Tue 3:30. Wed 5:50pm. JACKASS PRESENTS: BAD GRANDPA Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson.

PLAYING THIS WEEK

ONE CHANCE

The Weekend Sun has two tickets to ‘Mr Morgan’s Last Love’ to give away to lucky readers who can tell us Matthew Morgan’s profession. Enter online at: www.sunlive. co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, December 4.

(PG) Viol, Coarse Lang &

(R16) Off Lang, Sexual Material & Content Thay May Offend On MEGAscreen!

Johnny Knoxville. COMEDY. Sat 6:25pm.

Mon 8:20pm. Tue 1:35pm. Wed 8:35pm.

Katniss & Peeta become targets of the Capitol.

THOR 2: THE DARK WORLD (2D) Fri 5:30, 8:30. Sat 11,

2:00, 5:05, 8:10pm. Sun 11:00, 2:00, 5:05, BEYOND THE EDGE (2D) (G) Follows Sir Edmund Hillary and his ascent of Mt. Everest 8:10pm. Mon 2, 5:05, Fri 4:00, 8:00pm. Sat 11:30, 1:30, 5:30pm 8:00pm. Tue 11:30, Sun 11:30, 3:30, 7:30pm. Mon 2:10, 6:10. 2:30, 5:30, 8:30pm. Tue 12:00, 4:00, 8:00pm. Wed 2:00, 6:00. Wed 2, 5:20, 8:20pm. (M) Violence. Sun 3:55pm. Tuesday 8:30pm.

CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

(M) Violence.

Tom Hanks. Monday 8:10pm. Tuesday 2:45pm.

CARRIE

(R16) Violence, Horror, Off Lang & Sexual Themes.

A reimagining of the classic horror tale. Julianne Moore, Chloë Grace Moretz. Sat 8:35pm. Sun 8:30pm.

Mon 4:00pm. Tue 8:35pm. Wed 4:10pm.

GARDENING WITH SOUL (G) NZ Documentary. Fri 6:00pm. Sat 3:25, 7:30pm. Sun 1:30, 5:30pm. Mon 4:10, 8:00. Tue 2:00, 6:00. Wed 4:00, 8:00.

The Weekend Sun

Dancing in The Enchanted Garden Fairies, gnomes and other enchanted characters will take to the stage for Dance Institute’s annual show next month. This year’s performance showcases the students’ talents in a collection of ballet, contemporary and modern dance styles in an end of year show called ‘The Enchanted Garden’. Dance Institute principal Shireen

Breebaart says there will be a fun array of characters on stage from pretty flowers to enchanted characters, including fairies and gnomes “as well as some creepy crawlies”. The show features all of her students, aged 5-18, with a special ballet piece by Shireen’s senior ballet pupils. She has challenged her senior students by incorporating excerpts of a well-known ballet performance called ‘Les Sylphide’.

Choreographed in the early 1900s, Shireen hopes the piece will be the highlight of the show. “I like to challenge the girls in the show, and give them something different to do. It’s a beautiful ballet to watch, but very challenging to perform.” Dancers move to a range of music from classical sounds to current pop music, which Shireen says will appeal to all age groups. Shireen says dance is great in many ways and giving children the opportunity to perform on stage helps them to build confidence. “Students learn through dance. Among learning great posture and co-ordination, students obtain great enjoyment out of dance as well.” The 2013 show premieres 7pm December 6 at Bethlehem College Performing Arts Centre. A matinee and evening show are at 1pm and 6pm on Saturday, December 7. By Zoe Hunter Dance Institute’s ballet pupils perform in 2012’s end of year show.

Serving up a barrel of laughs all night This week I had the hilarious pleasure of meeting pussy-loving Mrs Slocombe, the ever-pompous Captain Peacock and always "free" Mr Humphries. If you don’t know who I’m talking about then you, like myself, have probably never watched the much-loved British sitcom ‘Are You Being Served?’. But on Wednesday night, with no idea what to expect, myself and three friends sat down at 16th Avenue Theatre to check out their stage adaption of the show. And here’s my pun for the day – they sure served up a barrel full of laughs. For those of you who don’t know, ‘Are You Being Served?’ is set in the ladies' and gentleMy favourites: Mr Humphries (Robert Ashford-White) men's clothing departments of Grace Brothers, a and Mrs Slocombe (Christine Giddens). fictional London department store. This adaption sees owner Mr Grace close the store down for repairs and treat his staff to a “luxurious” holiday abroad. I probably don’t have to tell you that their luxury holiday does not pan out exactly as they had hoped… All of the lovable characters are there, including my new favourites Mrs Slocombe, who harbours secret desires for a male companion and wears undies stamped with the Union Jack, and the lovable “always free” senior assistant in the menswear department: Mr Humphries. Played spectacularly by Robert Ashford-White, Mr Humphries really steals the show. Whether he’s battling useless clients on the phone, or dressing up in Mrs Slocombes’ dressing gowns, he had the audience in stitches all night. The cast and crew did a fantastic job all-round of offering classic comedy – whether they were singing in the toilet or adorning blue wigs and German outfits two sizes too small. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of the show, or a newbie like me, 16th Avenue Theatre’s production is a guaranteed giggle. And if the full house on Wednesday was anything to go by, the show will be a super success. It’s all good pre-Christmas entertainment, head along and check it out for yourself – and just be glad you By Corrie Taylor don’t work for Grace Brothers.

the weekend

20 December 2012, Issue 629

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

63,860 copies

to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

Sea so na l

p am st

Santa sleighs the waves l

on g

e th

y st Ta

i ng Tak

his sleigh for a fun ride on delivery night, Santa Claus exchanged With only five sleeps to go until his big photos of him in action The Weekend Sun managed to get some an inflatable on the harbour this week. Tauranga to recharge his questions simply saying he was visiting riding the waves, but he brushed aside get their presents. “I have my and reminding children to be good to inflatables – including batteries before his marathon delivery To read more about Get Wet Adventures spies, I know if you’ve been good or bad.” 21. Photo by Tracy Hardy. page the big red shark Santa was riding – see

wa y

ho me

Tauranga’s After Hours Doctors

The Weekend Sun

Show off your wheels Mark Purchase, event organiser Les Creswell and Brett Williams. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Proud vehicle owners are being offered the chance to “show of their wheels” at Mount Maunganui Rotary Club’s first-ever auto show. Hundreds of vehicles are expected to park up on Mount Maunganui College grounds in February for the inaugural ‘Show off Your Wheels’ auto show. Show organiser and Rotary member Les Cresswell says the show gives the opportunity for individuals who are not car club members, but have a “special and loved car”, to show it off in public. “Auto clubs of all descriptions are invited whether the cars are vintage, specific makes, or modified,” says Les. Entries are not restricted to cars – it’ll be open to motorcycles, tractors, commercial vehicles and special-purpose vehicles.

In fact, “anything with wheels and a motor” can be catered for, says Les. An entertainment area will present performances during the day, with food stalls and children’s entertainment also available. With about 350 cars expected to attend the charity event, Les is confident the day will raise a lot of money for Rotary charities across the Bay of Plenty. The show is at Mount Maunganui College on February 23. To register vehicles, or commercial sites, visit: www.showoffyourwheelsautoshow.com “Indicate your interest or book your site, as interest is high,” say Les. Car registration costs $5, with primary school-aged children’s entry free when they are accompanied by an adult. By Zoe Hunter

WELCOME BAY SPORTS BAR PRESENTS

THE

S A M

TOR ion 2013 C A F petit m o C ke FIRST PRIZE $ 1000 Karao

$5 per entry Auditions - 8.30pm Friday November 15 Friday November 22 Friday November 29 Friday December 6 Friday December 13-Semi Final night

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GRAND FINAL FRIDAY - DECEMBER 20

REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BAR SO GET IN QUICK AS ENTRIES ARE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 20 CONTESTANTS PER AUDITION OF WHICH THE TOP 4 QUALIFY. please note: all registrations to be in by 8.30pm each night of auditions. COMPETITION RULES: EACH CONTESTANT WILL SING 2 SONGS AND MUST INCLUDE A CHRISTMAS SONG IN THEIR REPERTOIRE. Please Visit our website for detailed competition rules - WWW.welcomebaybar.co.nz

Jingle all the way in Santa parade This Saturday, November 30 will see Mr Claus in Mount Maunganui making one of his first appearances for the Christmas season, for the Trustpower Christmas Festival and Santa Parade. Starting at 11am, floats and participants will be brightly decorated and dressed to impress in their Christmas-themed outfits. There are four categories: sports/social clubs; education; commercial; and non-profit community groups. There is a total cash prize pool of $3500 – and for the first time, there is $1000 up for grabs for the champion float. This is the perfect opportunity for any club, group or business to showcase and promote themselves to tens of thousands of spectators, while sharing in lots of community spirit. The parade begins at Victoria Rd and will move at walking pace into Pacific Ave; then it turns into Maunganui Rd where it will travel past Burger King and up the left-hand side to the Rata St roundabout by Breakers. The parade then moves into Salisbury Ave (just past Coronation Park), which will be followed by a right turn into Victoria Rd to finish back

CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

AND SANTA PARADE ER SATURDAY 30 NOVEMB th

People enjoying last year’s Mount parade. where it started. To beat the traffic, people are encouraged to take advantage of the free Park n Ride bus. This service operates from the Mount Sports Centre (corner of Maunganui and Hull roads), along Maunganui Rd to Tawa St (from Zespri); and from Club Mount Maunganui. The pick-up point after the parade will be Tawa St for all routes. For an even better way to dodge the traffic, stick around and make a day of it. Take advantage of the recent facelift of Coronation Park by having a picnic and soak up some of the Christmas spirit.

T DOWNTOWN THE MOUN Ave

from Pacific Parade starts @ 11am Festival from 10am-1pm

T & ENTERTAINMEN FREE FAMILY FUN gymnasts, buskers, Ukelele ladies,

eet performers, more! Face painting, str s slides, and much ranga Samba, kid Calista Nelmes, Tau

BUS - 9am-1.30pm FREE PARK N RIDE Kawaka St, the Mt Sports Centre,

Mt Maunganui, ses 1, 2 or 30 Stops at the Club the Bay Hopper, Bu ZESPRI. Or catch at & , Rd ui gan Maun PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

Go to our website for maps, programmes & further details

www.mountmaunganui.org.nz or phone (07) 575 9911

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

Solution for clearing clutter Christmas is coming and Haul Away owners Neville and Jann Rau say it is time to clear the clutter. When it comes to removing unsightly junk, rubbish and garden waste removal – Neville and Jann can sort it for you. Haul Away removes, dumps and relocates anything from garden waste to old furniture, appliances and even construction junk.

FRE QUOTEE S!

Neville Rau leads the dedicated team at Haul Away.

Card

broken window handle? Their friendly team of dedicated people pride themselves on a speedy response and giving great customer service. “We tackle anything,” says Neville. This includes fixing fences to concreting patios – and they can even do office relocations. “We remove anything except nuclear waste.” The Haul Away team disposes of unwanted possessions and waste through approved council recycling and transfer stations. If you need it sorted, call Haul Away.

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The Weekend Sun

trades & services

Time 2 Shine

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The Weekend Sun

trades & services

public notices

situations vacant

wanted

computer services

situations vacant

The Weekend Sun

public notices

Hon Simon Bridges MP FOR TAURANGA

Simon Bridges MP will meet with constituents most Fridays at 184 Devonport Rd, Tauranga. Appointments necessary

P: 07 579 9016 | E: taurangamp@parliament.govt.nz

www.national.org.nz

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The Weekend Sun

cars wanted

www.sunlive.co.nz/classifieds.html

THIS WEEKS GARAGE SALES! MOUNT MAUNGANUI

21 Grenada St, Bayfair Sat 8am. Tools, toys, household goods, scoop net, 2 computer monitors.

financial

140a Valley Road 7am. Big clear out. Household items, clothing, kids gear etc.

PAPAMOA

29 Golden Sands Drive, Sat 8am. Household, kitchen ware, appliances, books, bric a brac, ofﬁce, computer items, toys etc.

PYES PA

7 Mortlake Heights, Sunday from 9am - 1pm. Moving overseas, all must go! Beds, bicycles, bookshelves, books, & lots more.

TAURANGA

St Vincent De Paul Op Shop, out the back car park off 16th Ave, Sat from 8am - 12pm. Fill a bag for $1, assorted clothing, bric a brac, very good bargains! Fundraising for community projects.

Thanks Linsa

Christmas is

covered with an easy

Unit 2/197 13 Ave, Sat & Sun 8am - 12pm. Massive moving sale, everything must go! Whole houselot, lots of kitchen ware, bedding, kids items, general clothing, etc.

JUDEA

cash loan from

Linsa Finance Ltd

0800 34 62 63

www.linsa.co.nz

0800 760 000 www.instantfinance.co.nz

BALLROOM DANCE PARTNERS required, aged between 10-18 years. No experience needed. Ph 543 2377

for sale

MOBILITY SCOOTER in excellent cond, near new and has all the accessories. $2200 o.n.o Ph 574 5600

cars for sale

IF21575

Terms & Conditions at www.instantfinance.co.nz

dancing

art & craft

MOUNT MAUNGANUI & BAYFAIR lawn mowing business. 77 lawns, loyal customers. Ph 027 501 5084

a BBQ with a hamper full of goodies valued at $680.

SENIOR NETBUDDY in-home computer coach. Basic computer skills. Seniors - Internet, email, skype. Relaxing one to one lesson. Learn at your own pace. Reasonable rates. Ph 021 246 0038

MAG WHEELS Ridler Pro Stars, Ford/Valiant ﬁtment. 2x15x10 and 2x15x4 brand new, still in boxes. $1,000 o.n.o. Ph 027 699 8356

business for sale

WIN

FREE ON SITE DIAGNOSIS & quote. We come to you & don’t charge extra for travel. Pensioner discounts. Ph Kyle at Tech Solutions 027 828 7078

JUST $19 with FREE signs & price stickers!

A GOOD NAME is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the maker of them all. A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22:1-3

Draw down a loan by 18 Dec 2013 and be in to

computers

COMPUTER GETTING you down? Problems, viruses, upgrades, internet, new or refurb PC’s tuition, or advice. Ph Bruce for a no obligation chat or quote 576 7940 or 021 260 9183

BOAT TRAILER galvanised, suit 4 to 5 metre boat. Excellent condition. $1500. Ph Graham 549 4006

bible digest

FSP 20381

child care

2014 ENROLMENTS are now available at Coastline Kids child care. WINZ subsidies and Oscar after school care available. Limited spaces. Ph Lisa for further info 027 758 5774

11 Solomon Street 8am - 1pm. Childrens clothing, bric-a-brac, household goods. Firewood $20 trailer.

THINK PERSONAL THIS CHRISTMAS with unique items made by you for someone special. Paint a Mug or dish or design and make Fused Glass Jewellery. Sat workshops or by Private group bookings. Contact Lynn at Clay Art Studio, Historic Village, 17th Ave Ph 571 3726

1 7 4 D E V O N P O R T R O A D, TAU R A N G A | ( 0 7 ) 5 7 8 7 7 1 7

cars for sale

TOYOTA DYNA FLAT DECK 1998 GVM: 5500, Engine Size: 3431 cc, Deck Size 4350x1800x600high (top 220mm Folds down) Odometer: 255937kms. Good little truck runs well surplus to requirements. Will be sold with NEW cof, rego and ruc. Ph 0274 624 769. Trade me Listing #: 667399030 Only $13,000.00

A NO DEPOSIT DEAL from $50 p/w. Cars, vans, & 4x4s. To ﬁnd out more txt ‘NEWCAR’ and your name to 9090. Learner licence welcome, some conditions apply. CAR FAIR – buy or sell any vehicle every Sunday at 11th Avenue Car park opposite Mad Butcher 8am-noon. Ph for more information 027 733 9686 or www.taurangacarfair.co.nz HOLDEN COMMODORE station wagon 1996, 187kms, tidy con, sold with new WOF/REG. $2,750 o.n.o. Ph 027 699 8356

PAVERS factory seconds half price. 55 Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui. Ph 575 4887 SMALL CONCRETE SLEEPERS everlasting and realistic from $9.00 each. Village Stone 55 Hull Rd Mt Maunganui Ph 575 4887 WEDDING DRESS size 8, ivory, thin straps, low back and covered buttons, stunning dress. Ph 578 6493 or 021 1964930

health & beauty

NATURAL NEW ZEALAND Health Products. Something for everyone. NZ Registered Natural Therapies & Natural Medicine Practitioners. Opposite BP Te Puke. Ph 573 5533 www.naturaltherapiesnz.com and www.kiwikitz.com

lifestyle coaching

A SKILL FOR YOU Happiness relies solely on how you think, Your choice. 30 yrs experience. Ph Eddie 027 5021 188 or visit www.MINDwell.co.nz FEELING LOST? Want to reconnect with self. Regain purpose, clarity and joy each day. Ph Chris at Balanced Success Coaching 027 548 2548 chris@balancedsuccess.co.nz www.balancedsuccess.co.nz Inspirational Coaching Are you sabotaging yourself? Discover what’s standing in your way to success and happiness. Rosemary Certiﬁed LOA Coach can help you. Contact 027 616 9519, rosemary@truepurpose.co.nz, www.truepurpose.co.nz

livestock

AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses. Ph 0800 369 6269

lost & found

FOUND CRICKET BAY at Pilot Bay 19 Nov. Ph 578 5771 LOST CAT Dickson Road, Papamoa Beach. Small dark brown female Burmese, no collar. Last seen Sat 9 Nov, Douglas Place. Generous reward! Please Ph Kerry 021 259 2601 SPCA FOUND - Cat, Short haired Black & White Male, Judea #19201. Orange Hen Papamoa #19204. Cat, Exotic Breed, Ohauiti #19206. Puppy, Brindle Female, Bayfair #19223. Kittens, Various areas, Various colours. Cat, Short haired Grey & White Female, Parkvale #19230. Cat, Medium haired Ginger Male, Central Tauranga #19235. Cat, Short haired Tabby Female, Bayfair #19242. Cat, Short haired Black Male, Gate Pa #19244. Cat, Medium haired Black & White, Bayfair #19246. Cat, Medium haired Grey Male, Brookﬁeld #19247. Ph 07 578 0245 for more info.

mobility

INVACARE LX4 Panther scooter for sale. Really good cond. Relatively new batteries. Can deliver $1090. Ph 544 8821 MOBILITY SCOOTERS wheelchairs walkers & more. Visit or showroom 29 Burrows St, Tauranga Ph 578 1213. Mobility Equipment & Services

trades & services

BUILDING / ROOFING Repairs, maintenance, spouting, cleaning, gutters, decks, fences & more! From alterations to new work. Registered Builder. Ph 022 121 3356 GUTTERING CLEAN and repairs moss removal. Experienced Certiﬁed Roofer. Free quotes. Ph Peter now 542 4291 or 0274 367 740 HANDYMAN BUILDING and section maintenance, decks, fencing, pergolas, painting, water blasting, odd jobs. Free quotes Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 544 5911 HOUSEWORK FAIRIES At Your Service. Weekly or Spring cleans. Moving house? Holiday Homes? Experienced, security cleared and extremely reasonable rates Ph or txt 020 4023 0886 INSECT SCREENS Measure. Make. Mend. Contact Rob at Magic Seal 543 4940 LAWN MOWING covering all of Tauranga. Experienced contractor, reliable service. Ph Chris 07 549 0446 or 027 200 8578 PAINTER / DECORATOR Interior and Exterior, quality workmanship friendly services. Over 20 years specialising in residential and more. Quality paint at trade prices. For your best advice in all areas. Ph Shane Mount/Tauranga Decorators 07 544 6495 or 021 575 307 PAINTING AND PAPERING work wanted. 40 years experience in the trade. Professional workmanship and free quotes. Ph Alpro Painters 022 062 3590 ROOF PAINTING & maintenance. Roofs rescrewed. Waterblasting, moss removal. Free quotes! Ph Mark 543 3670 or 021 0273 8840

trades & services

ROOF REPAIRS metal or onduline gutters & down pipes clean or replacement chimney repairs. Certified Roofer over 30yrs experience Free quote. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 027 436 7740 ROOFING AND SPOUTING Metal fascia, gutter & rainwater systems. Long run corrugate. Maintenance, repairs or replacement. Free no obligation quotes. PROFIX 027 496 5375 profixltd@xtra.co.nz ROOFING new roofs re-roofs spouting and repairs. Free quotes. Ph Chris 027 276 6348 or 572 3237 SCAFFOLDING prompt free quotes, friendly service, DIY or full erect & dismantle services. Safe, certified, cost effective. Safeplank Scaffolding Ph 021 680 555 STUMPINATOR STUMP Grinding free quotes & prompt service. Narrow machine to access rear yards. Ph 576 4245 or 022 076 4245 TAURANGA Tandem Skydiving Best Buzz in the Bay, Gift Vouchers. Ph 576 7990 TILER QUALIFIED TILER references available free quotes all types of work done from kitchen splashbacks to full tiled bathrooms. Contact Nelson 021 609 289 TREE SHRUB and hedges trimming, topping removal, rubbish removal, satisfaction guaranteed free quote. Ph Steve Hockly 571 5958 or 027 498 1857

transport

DRIVING MISS DAISY need to get to an appointment or want an outing? But don’t drive? Call us for safe friendly and reliable service. Discount offered to Total Mobility card holders. Ph Jackie from Driving Miss Daisy 552 6614

travel & tours

A HOLIDAY or day out. Join us for trips away, Whirinaki Forest Trees, Huka Falls Cruise, Shows, Day tours every week. Ph Kae & Rick, Hinterland Tours, 575 8118

CRUISE SHIP TOUR Auckland to Sydney, 4 nights, or Black Fern Wilderness Experience, & much more. Exploring with Hinterland Tours! Ph Kae & Rick, Hinterland Tours 575 8118 NO.8 TOURS receive your free Newsletter, enjoy VIP pricing for great day and overnight tours throughout NZ. Ph 579 3981 SHOWS COMING UP Mamma Mia, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Daniel O’Donnell, & “Annie”. Door to Door Service, Dinner, Book your tickets now. Ph Kae & Rick, Hinterland Tours 575 8118 TAURANGA TASTING TOURS & CHARTERS Dec 1: Peppertree Restaurant & Driving Creek Railway Coromandel. Jan 26: Vilagrad Winery smorgasbord. Xmas gift vouchers available. April 7-12: Marlborough Winery Tour www.tastingtours.co.nz Ph 07 544 1383

wanted

RENTAL PROPERTY WANTED Professional couple with two children looking for a 3+bedroom rental property with garage in the Papamoa area. Available to take over property immediately. Excellent references. Ph Bianca 021 044 6676.

Christmas Classifieds

The Weekend Sun

Learning to find God in all of those unexpected places This week, on this first Sunday in Advent, we start a new church year. ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’ – and, traditionally, Christians get ready for the coming of the Christ-child. Behind all of the Christmas preparations,

however, is a deeper sense of anticipation – to prepare for the coming of God in our lives. God is already everywhere around us, of course, as was the case when Jesus was born. So where, particularly, should we look for God? If the Christmas story is

anything to go by, we need to look in unexpected places – not in places of power, wealth or apparent success. An early hymn puts it this way: “Where there is love and kindness, God is there”. In places of need, disaster and heartache, failure and disappointment, where people bring

and discover love and kindness, there we find God. It involves hard work, time and energy, as did the first Christmas, but recognising God in the love and kindness of life around us, brings the true joy and hope of Christmas. Where might we look for God this week? By Viv Whimster

What and who do you celebrate at Christmas time? This coming Sunday marks the beginning of Advent – the time in the traditional church calendar when Christmas is celebrated. Advent is about expectant waiting, preparation and re-orientation, as we look forward to Christmas; and to the coming of Christ into our world. For many though, the next four weeks are regarded as the ‘silly season’, a time of stress and anxiety as we try to navigate the hustle and bustle of a consumerdriven materialistic Christmas. Fueled by clever marketing, for some Christmas brings a whole lot of pressure to give the right gifts, to eat the right food, to throw the right kind of party. But we don’t actually have to buy into these pressures. We don’t have to be overwhelmed at Christmas.Advent offers us four weeks to reorientate our thinking around the true meaning of Christmas – Christ with us. We must remember Jesus’ birth 2000 years ago; and that, in Jesus, hope entered our story. Knowing how the story unfolds, we’re reminded that in Jesus, his life, his death and his resurrection, there is an ‘arms wide open’ invitation to receive grace and love and reconciliation. Advent is also a chance to remember that Jesus still seeks to be a part of

our lives today. Hope, joy, peace and love are found in Christ – and that’s what we celebrate at Christmas. So this Christmas, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the ‘jolliness’ of the jingles, if you’re feeling pressured to give beyond your means, if you’re tempted by months and months of differed payments and interest free options, if you’re feeling anxious, stressed, disorientated, lonely or lost – take a moment to pause and reflect. Consider the reason for the season, the coming of Christ and the joy, hope, peace and love found in him.

These things can be a reality in your life today. Don’t be consumed by the consumerism of the season. Pause and take some time to reflect on what Christmas really should be. You could find a church near you that is celebrating Advent, or come and join us at St Luke’s for any or all of the next four Sundays. We’re a friendly and normal bunch of people; and this Advent, we’re seeking to re-orientate ourselves towards the true meaning of Christmas. The ‘silly season’ can be the most wonderful time of the year. By Pastor Joseph McAuley

Sunday Services 9:30am & 6:00pm Come along!

07 576 5387 252 Otumoetai Road www.citychurchtauranga.org.nz

www.

.org.nz

Sunday Gatherings 10:00 am Mount Sports Club 51 Miro Street Blake Park The Mount

www.stlukeschurch.org.nz

sunday at 10 10am am thursday at 7pm 146 devonport Rd

You'll love it! www.equipperschurch.com

The Weekend Sun

MARU ST

HOLKING ST

HEWLETTS RD  to Bridge

to Mount 

OR. GY Now open at FFEE CO EE COFF