When I moved to the Coast from the city 12 years ago, I was worried about feeling isolated, having no theatres close by showing indie films (a pre-children passion I hoped to return to) and being too far from the zoo. With the cost of fuel at the moment a drive to the city can feel even further than it usually does. But what I’ve found living here on the Coast is that the beaches, the scenery and the community more than make up for having the Lido and the lions on your doorstep, when you head to the city, just plan a full day to make it really worth your while, and while your kids are in that animal fascination stage, Sheep World isn’t without its charms.
We have some great local content for you in this month, including the celebration of an amazing milestone for Silverdale-based charity Woven Earth, we shine a light on creative Coastie Emma Conway and her work with local children, we profile the talented team at the Hibiscus Highland Dancing School, and Coastguard Hibiscus share the history behind their incorporation into Coastguard New Zealand.
With the weather turning a little wintery, this issue’s Found & Fancied brings you some stunning items of cosy clothing available in local stores, we have ideas for creating all-weather outdoor spaces, a sculpture walk that never takes you too far from ‘shelter’ that serves delicious food and local wine, and our recipes offer the perfect twocourse meal to make your mum for lunch on Mother’s Day, with a flavourful bacon hock and vegetable soup to warm you through and a deliciously moist carrot cake with cream cheese icing for afters.
Please, pop your feet up and enjoy.
Claire Nevans
INTRODUCING THE SANCTUARY NOW SELLING
A limited collection of refined apartments and penthouses, designed for those ready to elevate their next chapter. Introducing the most exclusive release within the award-winning Kensington Park, a curated collection of architecturally designed residences across two elegant towers, balancing privacy, elevation, and connection to nature.
Light-filled interiors, open-plan living, and two private rooftop terraces offer sweeping park, bush, and coastal views. More than an apartment, it’s a new way of living.
Completion due July 2027.
Print | Digital | Social
FOLLOW US
thecoastiesmag.co.nz
TheCoastiesMag
thecoastiesmag
11YEARS
DESIGN
PUBLISHER
Grayson & Sarah Furniss
MANAGING EDITOR
Claire Nevans
GRAPHIC DESIGN
KD Design
PRINTER
Treehouse Print
CONTACT US
021 771 140 advertising@thecoastiesmag.co.nz
CONTRIBUTORS
Hayley Crawford
Karen McMillan
Mark Lane
Tim Lawrence
Carmen Bird
Chris Norris
IN THE LOOP
New school update
Always ear to the ground, our mag team recently heard some suggestions and concerns from the community that the 12 new classrooms being built at Orewa College may be ‘instead of’ the new high school planned in Upper Orewa Road.
We are pleased to advise that the Ministry of Education has confirmed the extra classrooms at Orewa College are to accommodate roll growth within the Orewa College zone and that ‘the Ministry continues to plan to open the proposed secondary school at 37 Upper Orewa Road by 2030’. The timeframe is, of course, dependent on continued monitoring of the scale of growth and demand, funding and the approval of project budgets.
They also advised that the secondary school will incorporate Years 7 and 8, and that while the secondary school is required first, it is planned that the site will also eventually accommodate a separate primary school.
Image sourced from www.fasttrack.govt.nz
Coast Storm Volleyball gearing up for second season
For adults on the Coast interested in volleyball, the Coast Storm Volleyball Club are running trials over several Saturday mornings in May for the
upcoming Northern Zone season and the New Zealand Club Championships in October. Last year was their inaugural season with two men’s teams competing, the B team playing a crucial development role for young and emerging players in our community. Feedback has been so positive they are looking forward to an incredible 2026, including the hope of also having women’s team/s in the competition this time.
Based out of Kingsway College, the club also run a social tournament at Orewa College, which is already underway for this year. If you’re keen on trialling for the competition teams, check out their socials for specific dates and times.
www.coaststormvolleyball.com
Construction challenges delay Penlink further
Local opinions are divided on whether the O Mahurangi Penlink highway will solve the travel woes of those living on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and ease congestion at the Hibiscus Coast Highway bottleneck around Silverdale, but latest reports from the developers advise that we’ll have to wait a bit longer before we can experience the benefits of the project for ourselves.
Challenges and complexities with the building of the bridge over the Weiti River that provides the crucial connection of the Penlink project have caused the opening to be revised to late 2029, around 12 months later than previously expected.
While the delays are frustrating, safety must, of course, comes first.
Image sourced from www.nzta.govt.nz
FOUND & FANCIED
3.
at Divine Goddess Hillary Square, Orewa
Nordic slipper socks at Bed, Bath and Beyond Silverdale Centre, Silverdale
1. Matteo jacket in espresso at Sedàe Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa
2. Capella cardi in oat at Hartleys Silverdale Mall, Silverdale
Zion knit
Keeping tradition alive through local highland dance
We are lucky to have a rich variety of dance schools available on the Hibiscus Coast, and that includes Hibiscus Highland dance, a private dance school based in Orewa that has been bringing the tradition of Highland dancing to our local community for over 15 years. Owner Fiona Hunt is a New Zealand qualified Highland and National dance teacher who established her school to share her passion for Highland dancing. The school teaches children from ages four and up, building friendships that last a lifetime.
Highland dancing takes competitors across New Zealand, giving young dancers the opportunity to experience new places and meet new people. During the summer season many competitions are held at A&P shows across the country, where dancers perform on outdoor stages in front of large crowds. Most recently, the Hibiscus Highland dance group travelled to Warkworth for a performance display at the local A&P show there. Winter brings indoor competitions,
when the group will travel to Dunedin for the King’s birthday, and then to Blenheim for the national competition. In some age groups there are over fifty competitors.
Fiona says that the sport ‘teaches them a healthy, competitive nature’ and helps to build resilience in students. Relationships formed in the studio are further strengthened through competition where students learn to celebrate and support each other through both successes and setbacks. This balance of competition with celebration fosters strong sportsmanship and a healthy competitive spirit.
Highland dancing is a highly intricate traditional Scottish art form that combines technique with storytelling. The dances depict themes of victory, battle and Scottish history and folklore, using movement to bring cultural heritage to life. Highland dances include the Highland Fling, the Sword Dance, the Seann Triubhas, the Highland Reel and the
Reel of Tulloch. National dances include the Irish Jig, the Irish Hornpipe, the Irish Reel, the Double Time Jig and the Sailor’s Hornpipe. The Sailor’s Hornpipe for example, represents the movement and actions of sailors working on a ship.
Although each dance has its own story and style, they are all highly energetic and physically demanding. Dancers require strong flexibility, core stability and powerful muscles in the legs, as well as strong upper body control, to maintain precise and controlled arm positions throughout performances. It is a very physically demanding sport, but one that pays off. The dancers learn coordination, rhythm and timing, determination, resilience and motivation. It also builds confidence and discipline that extend beyond dance.
Fiona says ‘the things we teach them in dance are things they can carry into their lives later on.’ She has seen firsthand the growth within children as dance brings them out of their shells, ‘I’ve started with kids who were really shy and wouldn’t get on the stage to ones who are jumping to get up there.’ For many, the Highland dancing is more than just a hobby, it’s becomes a real passion.
Fiona welcomes newcomers of all experience levels and encourages parents to bring their children along for a trial lesson. Email her on hibiscushighlanddanceschool@ gmail.com or visit https://www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100057728010064 for more information.
Lizzie Blanchard | Feature Writer
SKIN, TREATED WITH INTENTION.
5/2 Central Boulevard, Silverdale Parking in the Briscoes complex 09 4210910
https: //kateallen.co.nz
Located in the heart of Silverdale, Kate Allen Aesthetics is a results-driven clinic known for its personalised approach to skin, beauty and conf idence
From advanced skin treatments and injectables to tailored skincare plans, every experience is designed to feel considered, calm, and completely customised to you
MORE THAN JUST SKIN
Sun damage, uneven tone, hormonal pigmentation, we take a long-term approach to correction.
Kate Allen Aesthetics offers a full range of advanced treatments including:
Skin treatments & advanced facials
Cosmetic injectables
Skin needling & laser
Medical-grade skincare
Personalised treatment plans
All delivered by an experienced team, in a space designed to feel welcoming, elevated and results-focused
Because real skin results are built over time, not rushed.
YOUR STARTING POINT: CONSULTATION
Every skin journey begins with a personalised consultation. This is where we take the time to understand your skin, your lifestyle, and your goals, so we can create a plan that’s tailored, realistic , and results-focused
No guesswork Just clarity
KATE’S SEASONAL SKIN TIP
“Now is the perfect time to start treating unwanted pigment We work with you to ensure your skin is at optimal health to respond best to our pigment treatments, which may include skincare, laser or chemical peels”
– Kate Allen, Founder
THE PLACE YOU COME TO FEEL CONFIDENT IN YOUR SKIN
Whether you’re starting your skin journey or ref ining your results, Kate Allen Aesthetics is here to guide you every step of the way.
Book your complimentar y consul tation today.
Major milestone for local charity Woven Earth
I recently spent the day behind the lens with the Woven Earth team, watching something extraordinary unfold. As a photographer, I am accustomed to documenting moments. But this wasn’t just a moment – it was a transformation. An empty house slowly became a home, shaped by the hands of volunteers who have furnished over 1,000 homes for survivors of domestic violence since 2019. That number represents more than 3,000 adults and children who have walked into a new beginning after leaving everything behind.
Based in Silverdale, Woven Earth exists for families who flee violent households with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. CEO and Founder Kerryn Thrupp knows that reality intimately. She told me how the idea for the charity formed when she was living in refuge herself, trying to rebuild from scratch. Returning to New Zealand after spending time in a refuge in Australia, she faced the same barriers so many survivors still face today — no financial support, no practical help and an overwhelming sense of starting
again from zero. That gap is exactly what Woven Earth now fills.
I watched volunteers unload donated furniture, carry in beds, assemble tables, and stock cupboards with pantry essentials. Children’s rooms were created with such care — soft toys arranged on pillows, books chosen to match their ages. Tiny details that said, ‘You matter’. Bathrooms were filled with toiletries, kitchens with baking and fresh flowers were placed on the bench as the final touch. Every room felt intentional, personal, human.
They do this four times a week across the Auckland region. Four families every week who get to open a door and see not emptiness, but hope and possibility.
Frontline agencies see the impact daily. Sophie Maclaren from Shine says that many families arrive at refuge with only what they’re wearing. Woven Earth removes one of the biggest barriers to starting again — the cost of rebuilding a household from nothing. Their work restores dignity at a
moment when people need it most.
Reaching 1,000 homes is a milestone Kerryn describes as bittersweet. It’s heartbreaking that the need is so great — and incredible that so many families have been supported. Demand is only rising, with family harm at its highest level since 2018.
As I photographed the final room being finished, I realised this wasn’t just furniture. It was stability. It was safety. It was the first page of a new chapter for a family who has already survived more than most of us will ever understand.
Woven Earth calls it furnishing homes. What I saw was the rebuilding of lives.
Find out more about Woven Earth by visiting their website www.wovenearth.org.nz or contact Kerryn on 021 151 2626.
Words and images by Carmen Bird Carmen Bird Photography
Prepare your child for school with Kindercare Silverdale
Parenting is a journey filled with big decisions. Choosing the right childcare for your precious child is one of the most important decisions you will make in these early years.
Kindercare Silverdale makes this choice easy, with qualified Teachers who honour the trust you place in us, and will partner with you in preparing your child for a confident start to school and life.
Why is Kindercare Silverdale your easy choice?
Creating strong foundations for learning and life
One of the things that sets Kindercare Silverdale apart is our Kererū Room, a thoughtfully designed space to support a smooth transition to school. Here, tamariki experience individualised attention in a small, nurturing environment. With low Teacher-to-child ratios, we build a connected relationship with your child, and create an individual learning plan that prepares them for school.
Children are seen and heard
Teachers recognise each child’s uniqueness, encouraging them to be curious, ask questions and explore their world. We foster social confidence and healthy communication skills to anchor them as they settle into school.
Collaboration, not just communication
School-readiness is a team effort. This is why as parents, you are encouraged to actively participate in your child’s care and learning every step of the way. Our team is your partner in parenthood, sharing progress, listening to your aspirations and working together towards great outcomes for your child.
Connected to our Coast community
It takes a village. And we have great relationships with the local schools and organisations, making transition visits and field trips an active part of our curriculum.
Championing STEAM learning
We foster wonder and curiosity. STEAM not only nurtures creativity and imaginative thinking, it also develops teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Give your child The Kindercare Advantage™ ...where curiosity and questions are encouraged, exploring the world is magical, milestones are celebrated, and childhood is cherished.
Call to book a visit: 09 427 4001
Less fuel, more community
Rethinking how we live
At a recent session between member of the Independent Board, we focused on sharing practical ideas to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. The aim was not doom and gloom, but a shift in perspective. By looking closer to home and refocusing on the micro economy, we can ease pressure on fuel use while maintaining a positive, creative mindset.
Reframing your thinking away from fossil fuels can incorporate:
• using cars less where possible
• choosing alternative ways to get around such as walking, running or biking
• working from home when you can –businesses can play a leadership role by encouraging flexibility
• taking more of your business activity online using instant messaging or video meetings, not simply shifting to e-commerce if it still depends heavily on freight
• focus on what you can influence and letting go of what you cannot
Support local businesses who aren’t shipping goods from far afield by:
• shopping regularly at local markets such as Orewa Produce Markets on Sundays, Gulf Harbour Craft Markets on selected Sundays, Silverdale Village Markets on Saturdays and Stanmore Bay Park Market on Saturdays
• looking beyond the obvious to seek out local producers
• using local service providers you can walk or ride to and local trades
• asking hospitality businesses where they source their produce and supporting those who grow their own or buy locally
• if possible, choose to work locally
Become a local champion by:
• being mindful, noticing the pressure points and lend inga hand to neighbours
• looking for ways to support community organisations
• backing charities where the money stays within your community
• helping others manage uncertainty and change
You can also take a close look and supply chains and then avoid products made offshore to reduce reliance on fuel-heavy shipping and choose products that require less fossil fuel in their manufacture.
Be conscious of your everyday choices. This is a moment that calls for creativity. Simplifying how we live may bring unexpected benefits, including improved wellbeing and better physical health through reduced driving.
Silverdale Business is running the campaign BE LOCAL, SUPPORT LOCAL. It is a timely reminder that where we spend our money matters, and shopping locally truly does make a difference.
As a final challenge, try this today: choose one local business that is less reliant on fossil fuels and switch to it immediately. One small change can have a real impact.
Chris Norris | AllBrand
Cert. MKTG | MCC | Cert. Typography
Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. Mentor with the Business Mentors Programme at MBIE. Now running a locally focussed branding business. Allbrand.co.nz – Revealing the true USP in businesses. Chris@allbrand.co.nz
Excerpt from a session between members of the Independent Board
I am really pushing the limits calling this a hike, but honestly, it was such a good day out that the definition feels irrelevant. It did involve walking, nature and a bit of effort, so I’m counting it. With that in mind, I rallied a few friends for a Friday escape and we headed up to Matakana, ready for a mix of browsing, eating and light exploring.
The drive up was easy, and we made the most of the homeware stores along the way. Matakana does this well: shelves full of things you didn’t know you wanted until you saw them. A few purchases later, we carried on to Brick Bay where I’d booked lunch.
We grabbed a table on the cantilevered deck overlooking the lake and settled in. Lunch was relaxed and delicious. Brick Bay have their own vineyard and several wines to their name just to enhance the dining experience, or you can purchase a bottle to take home.
After fuelling up, we started the walk through the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail. It’s not a strenuous track, more of a steady loop through stunning bush, wetlands, and open spaces, but what makes it interesting is of course the art. Instead of a permanent collection, the trail operates as a rotating showcase of large outdoor works by New Zealand artists. New pieces arrive, others move on, and some are repositioned, which means the walk is never quite the same twice. The changing light and seasons add another layer, reshaping how each sculpture interacts with its surroundings.
Most of the works are by contemporary New Zealand artists, and many are available to purchase. Each sculpture is accompanied by notes about the artist and the ideas behind the work, which adds helpful context to the how and why. The artworks themselves are wonderfully varied: steel forms twisting toward the sky, delicate installations tucked into the bush, interesting carvings. Exploring the trail is a thought provoking experience with lots of lively chat.
What’s easy to miss at first is that the trail isn’t only about sculpture. It’s also part of Brick Bay’s long-term effort to restore the land into a thriving native ecosystem. As you move through different parts of the property, you can see areas of new planting and regeneration taking shape.
By the time we looped back to the start, we’d covered enough ground to justify calling it a walk — maybe not a hike, but close enough. Good food, good company, art and nature. A solid Friday out.
310320
Carmen Bird
Carmen Bird Photography
Too processed to be true The rise of ultra-processed foods
New Zealand has among the highest global rates of bowel cancer, increasingly diagnosed at younger ages. I am often asked as a gastroenterologist about the cause of this. More evidence has come to light about ultra-processed foods, made from refined ingredients, additives and very little whole or real food. Our ancestors were never exposed to this, and the human gut has not evolved to handle it. This includes emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers, and stabilisers, added to improve taste, texture and shelf life rather than nutrition.
Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria called the microbiome, crucial for digestion, immunity, weight, and mood. High ultra-processed food intake disrupts this ecosystem, causing inflammation, bloating, fatigue, variable bowels and even polyps or cancer.
A large long-term study followed nearly 30,000 nurses for 25 years (mean age 45), tracking diet and Colonoscopy results. Ultra-processed foods made up 35% of intake, and those with the highest consumption had 45% more precancerous polyps than those
with the least, reinforcing the link between diet and health outcomes.
It’s not about eliminating processed foods but prioritising filling whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and lean meat. A simple rule: if a product has a long ingredient list with unfamiliar names or can sit out for days and still look good, it’s likely ultra-processed. Real, minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, or cooked leftovers tend to spoil.
At Waitemata Endoscopy, we aim to make taking a proactive approach to your gut health easy and can offer most standard Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy appointments within 7 working days of receiving a referral to our group of experienced Specialists*
Visit https://waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/conditions to view my talk about gut health.
Dr Cameron Schauer
Gastroenterologist and Interventional Endoscopist
Waitemata Endoscopy
THE GREEN SPOT
It’s widely understood that petrol doesn’t just drive cars, but also releases gases that drive climate change. Saving on fuel has been a popular topic of late and if you haven’t learned the many tips that have been circulating, read on.
Speeding increases fuel use due to more air resistance, so driving over the speed limit can raise your petrol usage by 10%, while decreasing from 100km/h to 80, for example, can save about 15%. Driving smoothly without hard braking will also help, so remove your foot from the accelerator to slow down gradually and avoid speeding up quickly too. Cruise control functions are beneficial for this.
Keep your load light, removing any unnecessary weight inside or outside the car. This includes even a small roof rack or unused bike rack as they create wind drag. Switch the car off if you’re stopping for more than 30 seconds. Auto stop-start can save around 7% of fuel during city driving so if your car has that technology make sure it’s working. Staying on top of your servicing and tyre pressure checks will help your car run more efficiently and use less gas.
In terms of purchasing a fuel-efficient car, choose the smallest vehicle to suit your needs as it will need the least energy to move. Newer models are usually cheaper to run because manufacturers have improved fuel efficiency in their technology. Automatic features like tyre pressure monitoring, auto stop-start or cruise control are advantageous
as well as proof of a long servicing history. Look out for star ratings showing a vehicle’s energy efficiency so that you can choose a car with low emissions. And of course, buying an electric vehicle or hybrid will considerably reduce emissions and I will tackle this long-debated topic next month.
Finally, the most obvious solution is to not drive a car at all. Where possible, switch to public transport, cycling, scootering (responsibly), walking or working from home. These tips for decarbonising transport should be considered whether we are in an oil crisis or not because less gas in your car means less gases damaging our atmosphere.
Hayley Crawford | @trashtalkingmama
COOKING QUESTIONS
Your own personal chef with Mark Lane
I have been cooking professionally for 39 years. My business, Culinary Lane Catering, is based in Millwater, providing three and five course dinners in your home, out-catering and grazing tables. Gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions.
Trish: When I am deciding what to cook for a three-course meal for guests, what should I take into account when deciding what starter, main and dessert will work well together? Is it more about how full they will get or flavours that suit each other or follow on from each other well?
To be honest, trying to synchronize a 3-course meal is quite technical, even for professional chefs. If you think when you order from an a la carte menu, you often choose each course to what main ingredient you want to eat, such as beef, chicken or fish. You don’t usually see if your main will flow nicely with your entrée and dessert. It is such a personal decision, but just be confident in your choices, use great ingredients and cook well. The more you do it the better you will become. Here are some simple rules to help have a ‘balanced’ menu for your guests.
Consider who you are cooking for. Big eaters, calorie counters, dietary requirements, family, best friends or first-time friend group? This can help you set the tone of your menu. Is there a theme to your menu? Maybe Moroccan, Japanese, French, Asian fusion, 4th of July, or your wife’s big birthday and she wants her favourite.
Plan your main course first and this will help you decide the entrée and the dessert as think of the main as being the ‘showstopper’ and the entrée and dessert to support the main course.
Think about the season. If it is winter or autumn you can look at some heavier meals,
braised, heavi er sauces, hot entrée or dessert. For summer and spring use lighter meals, more cold items, lighter flavours. Plan your menu first by going to a great vegetable shop, butcher, fish monger and see the best products in season, as this will often give you inspiration to get the ball rolling.
Consider your main ingredients or protein. If you have chosen beef for example, which cut, eye fillet (the best) or beef cheeks (hard to get right but worth the effort). Then the sauce. Will you make a bearnaise or braise the beef cheeks, which will become the sauce. Choose your starch or farinaceous component, potato, rice, pasta. Then choose your vegetables to suit, perhaps asparagus in season, maybe a salad or something heavier like roasted root vegetables.
Once you have the main sorted, choose the entrée and dessert. If you have chosen fish for your main, then maybe don’t have seafood for the entrée, unless seafood is one of your themes. Do you want a heavier risotto or pasta entree as it’s winter or a lighter salad? Use different cooking techniques. Panfried the fish? Then deepfry or smoke the entrée. Make sure you don’t use the same ingredients in the entrée as the main and think about how you plan to plate and serve them all. If you have a heavier entrée and main, then maybe don’t finish with a bread pudding, but maybe a lighter lemon tart or crème brulee.
Try to use different plates for each course, round, platters, or deep bowls. Draw a picture you each course of how you plan to plate it. Research ideas online or from cook books, I often still do this myself to get inspiration.
At the end of the day, the meal is part of event, but entertaining with friends, family or colleagues is the main part. Just be well organized with an order and prep list and get as much cooked and prepared before the guests arrive.
Nick: Can you please share what oils you use on a regular basis. What are your go-to options and when do you use them, and how does using butter to cook in fit with the oils as well? Thanks.
I love using olive oils, which are rich in monounsaturated fats (the good one). Light olive oil for hot cooking methods and extra virgin for flavouring or where I want the flavour to be stronger. You can use extra virgin for hot cookery, but it does have a lower smoke point so be more careful with the heat. Avocado oil has a very high smoke point so is also great for hot cookery and is also great for cold cookery.
I only use canola, sunflower, peanut, vegetable or grapeseed oils for deep-frying and dressings as they have a natural flavour but certainly aren’t as beneficial for your health. They are, of course, are a lot cheaper. Personally, I don’t use butter for hot cookery as the milk in the butter is too hard to control at high heats and will burn. I will use clarified butter or Gee for hot cookery as it has a higher smoke point of 252°C, where whole butter has a smoke point of 177°C. Use butter to finish the cooking process for items such as pan-seared meats or seafood, finish with whole cold diced butter and keep spooning (nappe) over the meat for the last couple of minutes to enhance the final flavour.
Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering www.culinarylane.co.nz culinarylane@gmail.com
When fear and anxiety disturb your future
Will my business venture fail? Will I grow old with dementia? Will the cancer return? Will there be another global recession? These are real questions about real concerns, but our imagined fear and anxiety about the outcome are not real.
Fear is a response to present danger, anxiety is triggered by uncertainty of the future
Our brain is designed to activate a response to danger, such as defending ourselves when physically attacked, running from a fire or staying still when a snake slithers close. These are three stress responses: fight, flight, freeze. They are automatic, but not always accurate in assessing real danger.
Fear is a reactive emotion to a real threat, and anxiety is a stress response to a perceived threat. When we can identify what we are feeling, we will know how to manage it.
Worrying about the future creates fear about something that hasn’t happened yet
Dr Caroline Leaf said, ‘Anxiety isn’t really about the future. It’s about the mind trying to control what hasn’t happened yet.’ We cannot fully know what the future holds. As I write this, we are experiencing worldwide events that are impacting everyone, and understandably, this is creating ongoing uncertainty that may not be resolved by the time you read this page.
A well-known acronym for FEAR is ‘False Expectations Appearing
Real’. When our anxious thoughts are focused on expecting the worst outcome, we can lose focus on factual information and being responsible for our personal lifestyle and decision-making. I have my own acronym for FEAR, ‘Feeling my Energy As Resistance’.
Energy? Resistance? What has that got to do with fear?
When I resist current life events, my anxiety rises, which impacts my energy levels. Attaining holistic wellness requires letting go of thoughts that keep me in a state of depleted energy. Releasing unfounded fears shifts the resistance and restores energy levels.
How can we prevent fear and anxiety from disturbing our future?
Fear and anxiety can be managed by making a conscious choice to expend energy on what is in our control in the present, and having a responsible awareness of how we can support ourselves, others and world resources to create a positive future.
Life is constantly evolving, and if you’re always trying to predict the future, you cannot live life fully in the here and now. Trish
Build now. Grow all season.
Grow with the Season
May is the ideal time to plant winter vegetables such as broccoli, cauli ower, cabbage, kale and spinach. These vegetables thrive in cooler conditions, growing steadily through autumn and winter. Raised garden beds are especially bene cial at this time of year, providing improved drainage during wetter months, and warming faster than ground soil to help plants establish. Their de ned structure makes planting, spacing and soil care easier, while the raised height improves access and reduces soil compaction. Simple set up and low-maintenance, raised beds create a reliable environment for winter vegetable growing.
Support Every Stage
Supporting winter vegetables starts with the right growing medium, using raised garden beds lled with Tui Vegetable Mix, which is specially blended for vegetable production. This mix provides a balanced combination of nutrients, organic matter and soil conditioners to encourage healthy root development and steady growth through cooler months. Its free-draining structure helps prevent waterlogging in winter while still retaining moisture where plants need it most. Combined with mulching, reduced watering and good sun exposure, it helps maintain consistent growing conditions for broccoli and other winter vegetables.
16 4 for
Seasonal Veges in the Garden
Maximise sun and protect from frost
Place beds in full winter sun and use mulch or frost cover to protect plants from cold nights.
Prepare Nutrient Rich Soil
Healthy, well-drained soil is essential in winter. Add Tui Vegetable Mix to raised beds to improve warmth, drainage and nutrient availability.
Grow winter-hardy vegetables
Choose veges like broccoli, kale, spinach and carrots, which are naturally suited to cooler temperatures and lower light.
Gentle care for happy, healthy eyes
We don’t always give them much thought, but our eyelids do a big job when it comes to keeping our eyes comfortable and healthy. They help protect the eye and spread tears evenly across the surface every time we blink. This tear film keeps the eyes moist, washes away debris, and supports clear vision.
Along the edges of your eyelids sit tiny oil glands called meibomian glands. These glands produce an essential oily layer that helps stop tears from evaporating too quickly. Sometimes, these glands can become blocked – a common condition known as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). When this happens, you might notice dry, irritated or even watery eyes, along with crusting around the lashes.
The good news? A simple daily routine can make a big difference. Applying a warm compress to your eyelids, followed by a
PRINT
RYAN JACKSON
M: 027 498 6202
E: ryan@treehouseprint.co.nz PO Box 133, Kumeu 0841 Auckland
gentle massage along the lid margins can help release these natural oils and improve comfort.
Keeping your eyelids clean is just as important. A gentle cleanse helps remove built-up oils, debris, and bacteria from the day. Many people find specially designed lid wipes or cleansers helpful, as they’re made to be safe and soothing for this delicate area – our team is always happy to point you in the right direction.
If you wear eye makeup, a few extra habits can help, too. Replace products regularly, avoid sharing them, and make sure to remove makeup thoroughly each night. Old or contaminated products can contribute to irritation and blocked glands.
A little daily care goes a long way. By looking after your eyelids, you’re helping to support clear, comfortable vision every day.
Myth busters
Myth: Watery eyes mean I don’t have dry eye.
Fact: Not necessarily! Watery eyes can actually be a sign of dryness – your eyes may be overcompensating for poor-quality tears.
Myth: Eye discomfort is just part of screen time.
Fact: Screen time can contribute, but ongoing irritation isn’t something you have to put up with –there are simple ways to help.
Myth: Warm compresses are only for when there’s a problem.
Fact: They’re actually great as a regular routine to help keep those oil glands flowing.
Myth: Any cleanser will do around the eyes.
Fact: The eyelid area is delicate – using products designed specifically for eyelids is a much safer, more comfortable option.
Come and see the team at Orewa Optics for your regular check-up, and to see our extensive and stylish range of eye wear.
Orewa Optics are here Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, and enjoy extended hours until 7:00pm on Tuesdays. Call us today 09 426 6646 or book online at www. orewaoptics.co.nz.
THE FICTION SPOT
The Portrait They Became
By Ron Wynyard
The cabin greeted him with its familiar quiet. The kind that felt less like silence and more like a held breath. Robert set his pack down on the warped floorboards, the smell of damp pine and old turpentine settling around him like a memory he wasn’t ready for.
He hadn’t been back since Marama died. He’d avoided the place the way one avoids a sharp edge: deliberately, respectfully, and with the knowledge it could still cut.
But he had brought his paints.
He set the canvas upon the easel they’d built together one winter, the one she’d insisted needed character, which meant it leaned slightly left no matter how he adjusted it. He smiled for a moment at the memory, sighed, and began.
At first, it was Marama’s eyes. He remembered the exact green, not bright but deep, like the moss in the creek near the cabin. Then her mouth, soft at the corners, the way it always was when she caught him watching
her. Her hair came next. Dark, unruly, the curls she pretended to hate.
Hours passed unnoticed. Light dissolved into dusk, then into the blue hush of night. He painted by lantern.
But as her face returned to life beneath his brush, something sharpened inside him. An ache that felt like longing on the verge of breaking open. The painting looked so lonely with only her in it. So incomplete.
So he mixed new colours.
A stroke beside her shoulder. Another in the background, shaping his own outline. His hand trembled, but he didn’t stop. He painted the slope of his jaw as he remembered it, the crow’s-feet she used to kiss with mock reverence, the tousled hair she claimed made him look like a poet.
The more he added of himself, the lighter he felt. Light, not like relief, but like weight drifting off him bit by bit. His fingers faded first. He watched them blur, then thin, then slip from sight as though dipped into fog.
Still, he painted.
His arm wavered, translucent, but the brush held steady. His breath grew faint, barely stirring the lantern flame. When he added the final detail, his hand woven with hers. The brush slipped from fingers that were no longer fully there.
By the time the painting was complete, the cabin was quiet again. ***
It was months before anyone came.
A pair of trampers pushed open the warped door, startled by the scent of dried linseed oil hanging stubbornly in the still air. Dust floated lazily in the slanted light. On the easel stood a portrait. Beautiful, haunting. A man and a woman, standing together as though nothing in the world could separate them.
On the floor: a pile of clothes, a scatter of dried paint, and a single brush lying where a hand might have dropped it.
No footprints led out of the cabin. No sign of anyone at all. Only the painting, watching gently, as if guarding a secret it would never tell.
~ Fin.
Hibiscus Coast Writers
For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Membership Secretary, Paula at paulajkora@hotmail.com
SHOW HOME
Meet the builders, explore design and purchase options, and a wide range of house and land packages.
Shining a light on… creative Coasties
Emma Conway
The Hibiscus Coast has long had a vibrant artistic scene woven into the fabric of our community and with her Mini Makers Club, Gulf Harbour creative Emma Conway is doing her bit to foster the next generation of creative Coasties.
Hailing from the northwest of England, Emma went to art school and then worked in the fashion industry in London before setting off to travel the world. She met her Irish husband in Asia and they made New Zealand their home, had twins and moved to the Hibiscus Coast for the beaches, relaxed vibes and scenery. While a stay-at-home mum, Emma did illustration work, including donating her time to illustrate a book aimed at helping children recover from the impact of the Christchurch Earthquake.
When Covid hit, Emma and her children drew all over their walls to keep themselves amused and then developed the designs into giant colouring posters that she printed and sold, donating a portion of the proceeds to children’s charities. News of Emma’s talents reached the youth co-ordinator at Estuary Arts Centre and Emma was brought on board to run fun, creative classes for children. This is where her passion for encouraging creativity in others grew.
Then last year an opportunity presented itself for Emma to utilise rooms beneath Whangaparaoa Hall and the Mini Makers Club was born. After working bees to renovate the space, Emma began running her after-school creative club, school holiday art and craft sessions and birthday parties, helping local children explore their creativity.
‘At school I was not a sporty kid, and there wasn’t a lot of activities for me to get involved with’, says Emma. ‘I love that the Mini Makers Club provides an after-school activity and a place to belong, for kids to
hang out and be creative together, especially those who may not be into sport as much, giving them an opportunity to connect and make friends with like-minded kids.’
Emma encourages the kids to explore their own creativity while guiding them and teaching useful skills such as cutting techniques, building joints, balancing and structural integrity. ‘It’s not all just gluing on googly eyes and glitter, says Emma, ‘although we do plenty of that. There’s also a lot of STEAM skills involved. It’s amazing seeing their frustration disappear when they learn, for instance, that something like scoring cardboard to help it fold will improve their design.’ The workshops are mixed ages, from 5-12 years, and Emma keeps the numbers low so she can give hands-on, one-to-one guidance with the trickier bits.
‘The Mini-Makers Club has just turned one, and I’ve had such an amazing time over the last year and learnt so much’ says Emma. ‘The feedback has been incredible. The kids and parents love our little creative community. My dream is to find partners with the business knowledge to help me expand into other communities, so please get in touch if you are interested.’
As well as running the Mini Makers Club Emma has a busy life as mum to her now teenage twins, a lovely old dog called Lyla and 8 rescue chickens. She also runs sip and paint events for adults, runs a breast cancer fundraiser each year, and, if she looks familiar, you might recognise her as the ‘ham lady’ from the New World Christmas adverts, because somehow, she also finds time to do extras work as well!
MORTGAGE MATTERS
Refixing your mortgage?
For many mortgage holders, refixing your mortgage feels like a routine task – pick a new interest rate, lock it in and move on. But what many people don’t realise, is that refixing your mortgage often comes with missed opportunities that can impact your finances.
Done right, mortgage refixes should be a chance to step back and assess the bigger picture around your mortgage and whether it’s working for you.
Common mistakes
Here are some of the most common mistakes that mortgage holders make when their fixed rates expire.
Leaving it until the last minute to refix. Most banks send a reminder about your fixed term expiring around 60 days prior, giving you plenty of time to review your options. However, many mortgage holders lead busy lives and think ‘I’ll deal with that later’ and before they know it, the expiry date is days away and the decision becomes rushed.
Accepting the bank’s default interest rate. If you haven’t loaded your refix instructions, your mortgage will automatically move onto a floating interest rate (usually one of the higher interest rates available). Reviewing
your interest rate options with a mortgage adviser BEFORE your mortgage expires ensures your new fixed rate and term work best for your situation.
Fixing your entire mortgage on to one fixed term. It can feel simpler to fix your entire mortgage for the same term, however, splitting your mortgage into portions across different fixed rate terms is a good way to reduce your risk. If interest rates increase, only a portion of your mortgage will be affected and your loan repayments won’t increase as much.
to best suit your current financial situation (for example, extending the loan term to help reduce your loan repayments, if your household expenses have increased and/or income has decreased).
Not reviewing your mortgage structure. Many people focus purely on the interest rate but overlook the structure of the loan itself. There may be opportunities to introduce features such as an Offset loan, Revolving Credit loan or making extra repayments. For example, if you have funds sitting in a savings account you’re not using, you can potentially offset your mortgage against these funds to save on interest.
Not reviewing your future financial goals. Refixing your mortgage is a good chance to consider questions such as, ‘Are we planning on upgrading our home in the next few years? Are we planning on starting a family soon? Are we thinking about buying an investment property? Do we want to pay down
If your mortgage is expiring off its fixed term, we recommend you seek expert help from an experienced mortgage adviser.
Let’s chat! Contact Wayne Henry on 021 423 818 or email wayne@waynehenry.co.nz.
Wayne Henry | Wayne Henry Mortgages
Wayne & Karen Henry are Millwater locals. Wayne is a Financial Adviser specialising in mortgages and Karen supports him with all admin related work. Wayne’s Disclosure Statement is available free of charge on request or can be downloaded via website https://www.waynehenry. co.nz/wayne-henry-mortgage-adviser/
PROPERTY CHAT
with Jason Croft
Navigating a ‘fragile stabilisation’
The New Zealand property market is navigating a ‘fragile stabilisation’. The market is currently reacting to an ‘oil shock’ and global inflationary pressures that have tempered earlier optimism. That said, the Rodney market is showing resilience despite national headwinds. We saw a healthy increase in the number of houses sold in March with an 11% increase over February, while maintaining the median sales price and a lowering of the days to sell, so all in all the local market is continuing its steady start to the year despite the uncertainty caused by recent global events.
These events are causing a bit of noise in the market right now and I understand why some people are nervous, but with strong listing numbers, flat prices, good credit access and lower interest rates, it’s still a good time to buy and sell. The steady number of first home buyers we are seeing in the market supports this. Whether you are just getting your first foot on the property ladder, moving on up to the next or forever home there are still plenty of opportunities to do this in the current market.
National property insights suggest that ‘lifestyle and coastal’ areas like Rodney remain resilient as buyers prioritise space and proximity to motorway access with the aim of a more balanced lifestyle.
In summary, while the national market is testing new lows in buyer confidence due to economic uncertainty, Rodney remains a strategic pocket of growth driven by high demand for lifestyle properties and significant population drift.
OCR steady – for now
On 8 April, the Reserve Bank held the OCR steady, but a significant shift in tone suggests changes ahead. ANZ economists now forecast three increases this year starting in July, potentially pushing the OCR from 2.25% to 3.0%.
This shift is driven by heightened inflation risks; the Reserve Bank aims to avoid leaving rates too low for too long. Practically, this implies we have likely hit the bottom of the rate cycle, and banks are already pricing in these future hikes.
Joe Hurn from Loan Market says ‘For homeowners, the next few months are critical for fixing, structuring, or reviewing lending. Proactive adjustments now could prove vital if rates begin tracking upward. If you would like to discuss your specific situation and get ahead of these changes rather than reacting later, feel free to reach out.’
I trust these insights help you navigate the current market with confidence. If you are considering your next move or simply want a fresh perspective on your property’s value, I am here to help. Let’s start a conversation, give me a call today. Jason Croft |
$1,055,000 Mar Jan Feb
Median Sale Price A selection of February Sales 1. 10A Cedar Terrace, Stanmore Bay 2. 33B Brandon Road, Manly 3. 11 Kensington Terrace, Gulf Harbour 4. 32 Saltwood Street, Red Beach 5. 85 Tindalls Bay Road, Tindalls Beach
Just a gentle five-minute walk from your front door, the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station is one of those everyday conveniences that quickly becomes a daily lifestyle advantage for residents of The Botanic.
In a time when rising fuel prices can make a simple trip into the city feel like a luxury, and the cost of living continues to climb, having reliable, cost-effective public transport close at hand offers both financial relief and peace of mind. When paired with fixed village fees for life at The Botanic, it allows residents to embrace retirement with greater confidence and long-term security.
For many Coasties as they age, driving is becoming less appealing – not just due to rising fuel costs and traffic congestion, but also due to changes in eyesight and confidence behind the wheel. The ability to simply stroll to the bus station and travel with ease opens up a renewed sense of independence.
Even better, with a Super Gold Card (or gold AT HOP card), Coasties aged 65+ can travel on buses for significantly cheaper ticket prices, and for free during off-peak hours. Imagine effortless trips to catch a show and dinner in the city, have a day out and about with grandchildren, or to make visits to loved ones in other parts of Auckland, all minus the hassle of parking or petrol.
For residents at The Botanic Hibiscus Coast, the practical advantages of having the bus station close by has made everyday
living simpler, more connected and more enjoyable.
For Jill, who lives in a villa at The Botanic, proximity to the bus station meant her granddaughter Ella could visit every school day before walking to catch the bus, returning the same way each afternoon. Meanwhile, Penny, who moved from Warkworth, finds the bus ideal for trips north to visit friends or attend appointments.
Heather and Brian say the 3 - 4 minute stroll from their home to the bus stop couldn’t be more convenient. ‘We were at the station
these school holidays, heading into the city with two of our grandchildren. It’s such a fantastic service – so easy and convenient for all of us.’
Whether it’s a spontaneous adventure on a sunny day, a planned day out in the city, or a trip to tick off errands, residents can simply step out, hop on and go. Freedom, flexibility and connection – all right on their doorstep.
www.thebotanic.co.nz
COASTGUARD
Saving lives on the water
Celebrating 50 years of Coastguard New Zealand
This year marks a significant milestone for Coastguard New Zealand — 50 years as a nationally united organisation dedicated to saving lives on the water.
While the official formation of a national Coastguard came in 1976, the story stretches back much further. Across Aotearoa, small volunteer rescue groups began forming as early as the late 1800s, built on a simple but powerful principle: neighbours helping neighbours.
These early crews faced challenging conditions – limited equipment, unreliable communication, and often no backup. Yet their commitment laid the foundations for what Coastguard is today: a highly trained, coordinated volunteer rescue service.
The turning point came following events like the Wahine Disaster, which highlighted the urgent need for a unified, well-resourced national response. In 1976, nine volunteer groups came together to form the New Zealand Coastguard Federation, creating a stronger, safer and more connected rescue network.
Today, Coastguard New Zealand is powered by more than 2,000 volunteers across the country, responding to thousands of incidents and helping bring people home safely every year.
Our proud local story: Coastguard Hibiscus
Here on the Hibiscus Coast, that same spirit of community and service has shaped our own journey.
The roots of Coastguard Hibiscus date back to 1978, when Hibiscus Sea Rescue was formed by the local boating community to provide vital rescue services in the area. In those early days, volunteers used their own vessels — answering calls for help whenever they came.
Among those early pioneers was local identity Eddie Law, a true champion of the Hibiscus Coast boating community and a passionate advocate for marine safety. Eddie Law played a pivotal role in the development of the local rescue service, dedicating countless hours to helping others on the water. He embodied the very essence of Coastguard – selflessness, courage and commitment to community.
Eddie was instrumental in building the culture of the unit in its formative years and that culture that still exists today – one of teamwork, professionalism and putting people first. His legacy lives on in every callout, training session and safe return to shore.
As the community grew, so too did the need for a more capable and dedicated rescue service. In 1998, the unit acquired its first dedicated rescue vessel, Red Knight. By 2001, operations moved to Gulf Harbour Marina, allowing for true 24/7 response capability in all conditions.
Then in 2004, Hibiscus Rescue One entered service, followed by Hibiscus Rescue Two in 2009, further strengthening local response capability. Continuous upgrades over the years have ensured the unit remains modern, reliable and ready.
In 2006, the organisation officially became an affiliated member of Coastguard New Zealand, cementing its place within the national rescue network.
Looking ahead
As Coastguard New Zealand celebrates 50 years of unity, it’s also a moment to reflect on the future. With increasing numbers of people enjoying time on the water, the demand for Coastguard services continues to grow. The need for volunteers, training, and community support has never been greater.
Whether it’s through volunteering, supporting fundraising efforts, or simply boating safely, everyone has a role to play.
Because for 50 years — and long before — Coastguard has been there when it counts. And with the continued support of communities like ours, it will be there for the next 50.
Rachel Hessey | Skipper, Coastguard Hibiscus
www.coastguardhibiscus.org.nz
Creating an outdoor area for all seasons
With the weather extremes we’ve been experiencing lately, having a covered outdoor living area that can be used all year round is becoming more and more of a necessity. A dry space where children can play in the fresh air and washing drying quickly, even when it’s raining. A covered barbecue and spa bringing for relaxing and entertaining, and if you don’t have a garage, a covered parking spot providing protection for road vehicles and boats alike.
There are several types of covers you can install depending on your needs and the aesthetic you are looking for, including our best-in-class products Clearspan, Luminous, Outsider Awnings, folding arm awnings and a comprehensive range of outdoor screens in Mesh and PVC.
Outsider Awnings are a strong, fixed-frame awning built with Sola Safe polycarbonate sheeting and an aluminium frame, perfect for New Zealand conditions. They offer long-lasting UV protection and weather resistance, ideal for patios, decks and
entrances. Custom-made for a sleek, low-maintenance finish.
The Luminous Awning features a sleek, modern design with 3mm flat sheet polycarbonate roofing. Its transparent finish provides clear, uninterrupted views while offering UV protection and a premium look – perfect for patios, balconies and entryways that need shelter without sacrificing natural light.
The Clearspan Awning is built with 6.0mm thick polycarbonate sheets – the highest-grade available in the New Zealand market. Designed for maximum durability, UV protection and year-round performance, it delivers a strong, clear cover ideal for high-exposure areas like patios, walkways and commercial entrances. This is a premium solution.
Versatile and stylish, our Outdoor Screens can be added to your home, existing structure or paired with any awning. With custom fabrics, colours, and motorisation options, they offer flexible protection from sun, wind,
enhancing comfort and privacy outdoors.
Designed for flexibility, our Folding Arm Awnings feature adaptable fitting attachments to suit a wide range of outdoor spaces. They offer sleek, retractable shade with a hassle-free installation – perfect for decks, patios and balconies where space and style matter.
If you’re feeling inspired, your local Shades Direct agent will be pleased to come and run through what’s possible at your place. Our people are passionate about what they do and with a history spanning more than 25+ years we have the experience and knowhow to help transform your outside space at a price that won’t break the bank. What’s more, you’ll be adding significant value to your property.
Make an enquiry via the website here or dial 0800 SHADES to book a free measure and quote.
www.shadesdirect.co.nz
From suitcases to service
On a recent trip to Martinborough for my daughter’s wedding, I made a quiet detour just outside Pahiatua.
There, a simple memorial marks the site of a camp where displaced persons and refugees from post-war Europe began their new lives in New Zealand, learning English before being placed into jobs across the country.
In 1951, my parents and extended family arrived there with little more than their suitcases.
Two years later, we settled in Christchurch, where I grew up. As my parents built a new life from the ground up, they passed on something far more valuable than possessions: a deep sense of responsibility, resilience and pride in doing things properly.
I learned early that if something is worth doing, it’s worth doing well – giving it your full commitment, whether for family, work or community.
Those values have shaped every chapter of my working life.
From a corporate career as a chief executive, to environmental advocacy recognised by the 1990 New Zealand Commemoration Medal, to years of community involvement –including raising over $155,000 for Harbour Hospice – they’ve been my constant compass.
Locally, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Silverdale Business Association, helping lead the successful campaign to establish a Business Improvement District, laying the groundwork for growth and stronger community connection.
Today, I continue that work through The Networking Group, supporting local businesses across Orewa, Hibiscus Coast, Silverdale and Warkworth to build genuine, trust-based relationships.
After more than 35 years in business and community service, I found myself drawn to a new path – insurance. For a simple reason: it allows me to serve in a deeply personal way.
Through UProtectNZ Insurance Services, I
work with individuals, families and business owners to provide clarity, confidence and long-term protection.
Because insurance isn’t about selling policies. It’s about providing security, dignity, and peace of mind for the people who matter most.
And for me, the work I do today is simply a continuation of the values I grew up with –shaped all those years ago by a suitcase, a fresh start and a commitment to building something meaningful.
Theo Simeonidis
UProtectNZ Insurance Services
Theo is a Financial Adviser, living and working in Millwater on the Hibiscus Coast, and specialising in personal and business insurances. Theo can be contacted on 027 248 9320 or email theo@uprotectnz.com. Any assistance is provided on a free, no-obligation basis. A public disclosure statement is available on the www.uprotectnz.com website.
Bobby S Barfoot & Thompson Millwater
How many reps left coach?
When my clients ask me that question, I have to tailor my response purely based on the facials they are giving me at that point in time. It’s usually about four more reps.
In my article in the March issue, I addressed the ‘cardio or weights’ debate and explained why both matter. This month, let’s dive a little deeper.
Do you need to lift heavy to build muscle?
In short, no!
The pursuit of building muscle, also known as hypertrophy, is not about the weight that you lift, but about how close you take a set to absolute failure.
This means that it’s not about the load on the barbell, but rather how challenged (exhausted) you are at the end of the set.
The term used to describe this is ‘reps in reserve’, or RIR. If you finish a set and feel you had five more reps left in the tank, that’s 5 RIR. If you could only possibly squeeze out one extra rep, that’s 1 RIR.
The most recent research available suggests that as long as you are training within 0-5 reps of failure, you are doing enough to stimulate muscle growth.
A 2016 randomised controlled trial published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that low- and high-load resistance training performed to failure produced similar increases in muscle size.
Put simply, it doesn’t necessarily have to be heavy, but you do have to challenge yourself.
If you’re reaching the end of your set and find you could easily hold a conversation about how PenLink is going to solve all of the Coast’s traffic issues, it’s a pretty good indication that you’re far from hitting the
required stimulus for growth. Equally, taking every set to absolute failure isn’t necessary as this increases central nervous system fatigue and can increase soreness (the dreaded DOMS) – particularly if you are newer to lifting weights.
For the average Coastie doing the best they can with what they have, a sweet spot is finishing a working set with two or three reps left in the tank.
Lift smart, with enough intent to trigger adaptation, and that’s how it becomes sustainable.
While looking good, of course.
Jumper | PE Club www.peclub.co.nz
Harbour Hospice Awareness Month
Help us be there when it matters
Nearing the end of life can be difficult and frightening. It’s a journey that needs a unique level of care, and those who’ve received or witnessed Harbour Hospice care say hospice was there ‘when it mattered’, providing the right care, at the right time and place.
May marks Harbour Hospice Awareness Month (1-31 May), and the charity is asking for support so it can continue to be there for local families and whānau now and in the future. Throughout May principal partners Mason Containers and Northland Waste will match every donation, dollar for dollar, and local supermarkets and businesses are lending their support too.
Harbour Hospice Chief Executive, Amanda Fowler, says ‘There’s a profound humanness to what our team does; walking alongside people at the end of life takes a very special kind of care. Every person matters, and we work hard to make sure they get exactly that: the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Everyone deserves that.’
Harbour Hospice is the only community specialist palliative care provider on the North Shore, Hibiscus Coast and Warkworth/Wellsford, caring for more than 1400 people each year. But rising demand, increasing complexity of care and limited government funding means they must raise millions annually to keep services running.
‘We can’t put a price on the care hospice showed Mum and our whānau during the most difficult of times,’ says Danielle.
Margaret says, ‘I don’t know whether I would have been
able to cope for much longer if hospice hadn’t stepped in.’
Meanwhile for Ken, hospice’s Inpatient Unit was the right place for his whānau. ‘A Māori whānau wouldn’t normally keep a loved one in an inpatient unit, you would keep them at home. But Harbour Hospice was comfortable and spacious, and it was Jasmine’s wish to stay at the unit. Hospice’s Kaiārahi was phenomenal in ensuring our needs were understood and met.’
While hospice is appreciated by those who’ve benefitted from its services, it needs the backing of its entire community to continue to support local whānau, Fowler says. ‘We know times are difficult, but every dollar enables us to keep providing this essential care.’
To have your online donation matched in May: harbourhospice.org.nz/awarenessmonth. Or add $1 to your shop in some supermarkets or support hospice through local businesses.
THE BEAUTY BRIEF
Smooth moves
When should your daughter start waxing and facials?
From TikTok trends to schoolyard chats, today’s teens are more skincare savvy and hair aware than ever before. But when it comes to that first wax or facial, timing is everything.
There is no universal age for a first waxing appointment or facial. It is less about the number and more about biology, skin behaviour and emotional readiness. Puberty is arriving earlier, typically between ages 8 and 13, triggering hormonal shifts that influence everything from hair growth to oil production and skin sensitivity.
Follow the hormones, not the calendar
As hormone levels rise, fine hair can become thicker and darker, particularly on the legs and underarms. This is often when young people start to notice and feel more aware of body hair. Waxing works best when hair is long enough to be effectively gripped, usually a few millimetres depending on wax type and hair texture. The skin should be healthy and free from irritation, sunburn, or infection.
Confidence over peer pressure
A first waxing experience should feel like a
positive step, not a rushed decision. If the interest comes from wanting to feel more comfortable and confident it may be the right time. If it is driven purely by outside influence such as social media or peers, it is worth pausing until there is genuine readiness. Open, judgement free conversations are key for both parents and caregivers.
Start simple, keep it age appropriate
Underarms and lower legs are ideal starting points. They are quick, effective and confidence boosting. Brows should be approached with a light hand. Think tidy, natural shaping, never over sculpting young faces. More sensitive areas, such as the bikini, can wait until there is clear comfort and maturity.
It is also completely normal for a parent or caregiver to sit in during those first few appointments. Having a familiar presence can help ease nerves and build trust until the young client feels confident on her own.
Where facials fit in
Hormonal changes can increase oil production, leading to congestion or breakouts. Teen facials can be beneficial, but the focus should be on gentle cleansing, extractions where needed, supporting the skin barrier, and education around good homecare
habits. Overly active treatments can do more harm than good on developing skin.
The takeaway
There is no perfect age, only the right timing for each individual. Look for physical signs, emotional readiness and choose a qualified professional who understands younger skin. Done well, that first appointment can build confidence, support skin health and set the foundation for lifelong self-care.
Kerry Venter | Health & Skincare Therapist Mint Skin & Body Therapy
www.mintskinbody.co.nz 020 4126 2064
BUCKET LIST TRAVEL
Is it time for the Romantic Rhine?
I have been lucky enough to experience Avalon’s famous Romantic Rhine cruise, sailing from Basel, Switzerland through to Amsterdam in the Netherlands and it truly lived up to its name. I stayed in one of Avalon’s beautiful Panoramic Cabins, with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that meant I could enjoy the scenery from the comfort of my bed each morning. With everything all-inclusive, from dining to a wide range of excursions, it was incredibly easy to simply relax and enjoy the journey.
There were so many excursion options to choose from, but as I love being outdoors, I opted for the hiking and walking tours wherever I could. Highlights included exploring the spectacular Black Forest in Breisach, wandering through the charming streets of Strasbourg to its beautiful cathedral, and tackling the famous Philosopher’s Way
walk in Heidelberg. In Cologne, I visited a remarkable monastery made even more special when it started snowing and I couldn’t resist a walking tour that included a stop at a Lindt Chocolate factory… delicious, of course!
One of the absolute highlights was cruising through the UNESCO-listed Rhine Gorge, where we were spoiled with castle views around every bend. It honestly felt like sailing through a fairy tale. We finished in the vibrant city of Amsterdam, where I enjoyed a canal cruise, followed by a walking tour, and then spent the rest of the day soaking up the atmosphere of this fascinating and lively city.
What I loved most was how effortless it all was. We visited four different countries, unpacked only once, didn’t have to think about
border controls, and could use the same currency throughout. Avalon Envision itself is a stunning ship, with spacious cabins, luxurious touches, beautiful lounges, and the food… absolutely outstanding — with plenty of options to match whatever you felt like, including drinks whenever you wished.
If the Romantic Rhine is on your wish list, I would love to share more about my experience, I’m bursting with tips and highlights and would be delighted to help you plan your own journey.
Michelle Downey | Bucket List Travel www.bucketlisttravel.co.nz
"Simple - R e spectful - Dignified "
Our Simple Cremation, provides a cost effective and uncomplicated option for caring for your loved one, without embalming or additional services. It is designed for families who prefer a straightforward "no-fuss" approach, while maintaining a respectful and dignified service.
From your first call, our experienced team will gently support you every step of the way. We’ll arrange for your loved one to come into our care and take care of all the necessary details, giving you peace of mind during this difficult time.
For more personalised or traditional funeral options, please give us a call or visit our website to view the range of packages available.
Get In Touch
Simply contact us and we will arrange to bring your loved one into our care and begin the simple cremation process.
3 Cremation
Our team will gently care for your loved one and handle the cremation with dignity and respect.
2 0800 420 470
Documentation
We will guide you through all required paperwork and assist in obtaining the necessary permissions for cremation.
4 Recieving Ashes
Ashes are usually ready within two working days after cremation, and we will return them to you once all arrangements have been settled.
Tracey Brown
Keeping our doors open for you
As the days grow shorter and nights get cooler, we’re finding that the traditionally elevated summer activity in the housing market is continuing into autumn. This has been especially evident over the past month in Milldale, says several of its approved build partners, with good numbers of buyers visiting show homes and open homes.
Easter Weekend was particularly busy for the Milldale Show Home Village, in the first week of April. The show homes kept their doors open over the weekend and visitor numbers were very strong as the sun continued to shine on the residential development, now in its seventh year with around 2,000 homes built and an estimated population of 7,000 residents. The Easter giveaways provided by many of the build partners proved very popular with the attendees.
Several of Milldale’s building companies have noticed encouraging trends over recent months, with comment such as:
‘We’re seeing a lot of repeat visitors, from 6-12 months ago…’
‘Most visitors are genuine buyers or intending to buy, not just coming for a look or ideas…’
‘We’re seeing an increase in older parents looking to be close to family who have already moved to Milldale…’
The variety of companies and range of section sizes in Milldale means that there are many different packages on offer catering to a wide variety of buyers, from young and old, to large families or retirees, plus a small number of investors. Packages range from spec builds, purchase off-plans, or completely bespoke design and builds, providing visitors a great range of choices from a variety of styles, building options and features that best suit their needs.
The builders say the healthy interest in new homes in Milldale, they believe has been encouraged by the recent hold by the RBNZ on the official cash rate, making this a good time for buyers to secure fixed term interest rates.
Like Easter, many of the show homes plan to reward visitors with special treats over Mother’s Day and King’s Birthday weekend. Visit the website to see any special promotions being held on these
From Zanzibar to Silverdale
The flavourful story behind Sobhna’s
Some businesses are built on spreadsheets and strategy. Others are built on something far more personal – a mother’s love, a lifetime of knowledge and spices ground by hand. Sobhna’s is firmly the latter.
The story begins with Sobhna herself, a woman who was born in Zanzibar, grew up in India, built a life in the UK, and eventually made her way to New Zealand in 2002. When her grandson Shiv started school and she found herself locked out of the job market, she did what came naturally – she cooked. What started as helping at a small stall at the Silverdale market in 2008, selling biscuits and chutneys alongside her daughter-in-law, quietly grew into something much bigger.
By the time her daughter roped her in to keep the Sunday market stall going solo, Sobhna had already identified a gap. The ready-made options on offer simply didn’t capture the depth and authenticity of the food she’d grown up making. So she began crafting her own curry pastes, initially for family and friends, the way she’d always done it: buying whole spices, cleaning them, roasting them, grinding them by hand, just as her own mother had taught her. Word spread quickly, as good food tends to do.
Today, Sobhna’s curry pastes and spice blends are stocked at Woolworths and Farro Fresh, and the products have earned national recognition, winning the Healthy Food Awards two years running for the healthiest Asian sauce or curry paste available in supermarkets. That’s no small feat – especially when you consider the products are 100% natural, vegan, gluten free, keto-friendly and significantly lower in sodium than most commercial alternatives, without compromising on flavour for even a moment.
What strikes me most talking to Nimeesha, Sobhna’s daughter and CEO of the business, is that none of this was driven by a business plan. It was driven by her mum – a woman who wanted to stay connected to her roots, share her culture and prove that convenient food doesn’t have to mean inferior food. It can be authentic, it can be healthy, and it can taste like it was made with love. Because it was.
With new flavours in development, cooking classes on offer, and a loyal community growing around the brand, the future looks bright for this Silverdale gem. You can find their full range at sobhnas.co.nz.
Vanessa Li Marketing Specialist Silverdale Business
Left in the lurch Chasing wages after a shutdown
So, your employer’s business has gone into liquidation and they still owe you wages. What now? It’s a stressful spot to be in – bills don’t stop just because a business does. The good news? You’re not out of options.
Start by gathering these key details, as they will shape what you do next and who you need to deal with.
• Is the business a company, a sole trader or a partnership?
• When did it go into liquidation or bankruptcy?
• What exactly are you owed – wages, holiday pay, redundancy?
• How long have those payments been outstanding?
Once you’ve got these basics sorted, you’ll be in a much stronger position to take action to get back what you’re owed.
Quick answer
Just because the business has shut its doors doesn’t mean your pay disappears with it. If your employer has gone into liquidation or bankruptcy, you can still claim the money owed to you, and as an employee, you’re near the front of the queue to get paid.
So, what can you do?
Gather anything that shows what you’re owed – employment agreements, payslips, bank statements, and any messages or emails about unpaid wages. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim. Then lodge your claim with whoever is handling the insolvency. If the business was a company, this will be a liquidator. If it was a sole trader or partnership, it’ll be the Official Assignee.
In most cases, you can file your claim online through the Insolvency
and Trustee Service (you’ll need a RealMe login). Once submitted, your claim is passed on to the person managing the process.
Know your rights
Unpaid employees are given what’s called preferential claim status. That means if there’s money available after certain costs), you’re ahead of most other creditors. As a preferential creditor, you can usually claim for:
• wages or salary owed from the four months before the business closed
• outstanding holiday pay
• deductions taken from your pay but not passed on (like KiwiSaver, student loans, or child support)
• redundancy compensation
• money awarded through an Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court decision (if it relates to recent earnings)
If you’re owed money outside of these categories, you can still claim it, but it drops lower down the priority list.
Need more tips? Contact CAB for free, confidential info and advice on freephone 0800 367 222, online at cab.org.nz. CAB Hibiscus Coast locations: Orewa Community Centre and Whangaparaoa Library.
New privacy laws from May What Coast businesses need to know
From 1 May 2026, an important change to New Zealand’s privacy law comes into force, and it is likely to affect more local Coast business and organisations than you might expect.
The update introduces a new rule to the Privacy Act 2020, known as IPP3A. The concept is simple: if you collect someone’s personal information from anywhere other than directly from them, you must notify them, unless an exemption applies.
Indirect collection of personal information often occurs as part of everyday business. A tradie employed to do work at a property is given the tenant’s details by the property manager. An employer asks its employees for their emergency contact’s names and phone numbers. A local club adds someone to a mailing list after receiving details from a sponsor or partner. In each of these situations, the business or organisation collecting the information needs to consider whether they must notify
that individual, or whether an exemption applies.
Notification does not need to be complicated. In most cases, it simply means letting the person know who you are, that you hold their information, why you have it, who collected that information and where it is held, and that they have the right to access or correct it. Further details of what you must notify can be found on the Privacy Commissioner’s website: www.privacy.org. nz.
There are some exemptions. For example, where the individual has already been made aware of the matters required to be notified, or where it would not be reasonably practicable to notify them (noting that cost or administrative burden is not enough, on its own, for this exemption to apply).
Importantly, the new rule only applies to information collected from 1 May 2026
onwards. There is no need to go back through existing records.
For Coast businesses, clubs and community groups, the takeaway is straightforward: now is a good time to check how you collect personal information, where it comes from and whether your privacy statement reflects this new rule. A small update now could avoid a larger issue later.
If you would like to review or update your business’s privacy policy, you can contact Martin & Parker Law at office@mplaw.co.nz or give us a call on 09 421 0559
Samuel Epstein | Law Clerk
Martin & Parker Law
Note: This article is published for general information purposes and should not be relied upon as legal advice. For advice specific to your legal issues, please engage a lawyer directly.
ART SPEAK
Degas, Monet, they loved it
Favoured by Degas, Monet and their contemporaries, soft pastel has proven itself a timeless expressive art material, enduring through the centuries. Artists and art lovers will have easy access to the best of New Zealand Pastel works at the Pastel Artists of New Zealand (PANZ) art exhibition at Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa. This exhibit is part of the national PANZ convention being held in Orewa, Auckland on the weekend of 1 May, the first time it has been held in the Auckland region for five years.
Professional and aspiring pastelists and painters working in almost any medium will find new ideas and encouraging camaraderie during the convention programme, which will be held in conjunction with the exhibition. Highly successful master pastelists from home and abroad will offer seminars, demonstrations and workshops across a wide range of styles and approaches. This format is designed to entice attendees into exploring new techniques for using pastels. Prior registration is required to take part in the convention programme and workshops which will be held at Orewa College. https:// www.pastelartists.co.nz/convention-2026. html
Susan Kuznitsky, internationally renowned master pastelist from the United States will be the featured guest speaker and one of the exhibition judges. Her brilliant use of colour, emotional realism and mastery of light, have garnered her an impressive array of awards in the US and abroad. Auckland artists Ingrid Boot and Paul Hooker will join Susan as exhibition judges.
Among the other presenters are award winning New Zealand pastelist Bernadette Ballantyne from the Waikato, internationally known for her emotional realism style along with, Michael and Julie Freeman of Greenhithe, Auckland who are recognised for not only their paintings, but for the workshops they have presented in several different countries.
ART DISPLAY
Estuary Art Centre
214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa
https://www.estuaryarts.org/upcomingexhibitions
‘I couldn’t believe how much I learned at the convention last year when it was in Alexandra,’ David Haigh amateur pastelist, of Kawau Island stated. ‘It was the first time I attended anything like it. I am sure everyone, newcomers and return visitors, will find the atmosphere in Orewa equally welcoming and encouraging. It’s a weekend not to be missed.’
Constable Dahlia Turner is checking properties to ensure residents have evacuated as wildfires threaten their coastal Australian town, when she comes across the unimaginable – two of her close friends murdered and their son missing.
Shocked, Dahlia is desperate to find the missing boy – her godson – all the while as the fires rage out of control. Many suspect the local cult, People’s Cleansing Light, of arson, but others wonder if businessman Hunter Rochford and his many henchmen are behind the carnage.
Dahlia is in a race against time as the fires spread and evidence is burnt. In the chaos, things are made more complicated as her past collides brutally with the present. Fowler, a detective from out of town, is brought in to help with the investigation, but will her blunt ways put her at odds with Dahlia before they can successfully work together? Atmospheric, twisty and gut-wrenching, this is a pacy page-turning crime thriller, with a complicated and courageous lead character.
Pan Macmillan, RRP $38.00
Orion Rising by Chard Pawley
Second Officer Orion Trayfer is the central protagonist in this compelling dystopian novel set 60 years after the Wars, which left most of the Earth an uninhabitable wasteland. The surviving population now lives in the crowded regions of New Zealand, Australia, and Indonesia. High-rise buildings clutter the available land, while all the food is supplied from vast floating pods moored at sea.
Orion tends to the crop barges near New Zealand’s eastern waters. But then comes news of a friend’s supposed suicide, and the threat of a new war. Meanwhile, Orion is still traumatised by the death of his mother 18 years ago, and he has an uneasy relationship with his father. Then there is the attractive trainee assigned to their ship, who quickly gets under his skin, threatening his protective defences.
Like a David Baldacci thriller, Orion Rising is unputdownable from start to finish. It has the perfect blend of a well-crafted, unforgettable hero, a cast of characters to care for, a love story with emotional depth and chemistry, plenty of action, and thought-provoking themes.
Nineteenth House Publishing, RRP $35.00
WHAT'S ON HIBISCUS COAST
HIBISCUS COAST SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCE CLUB
Every Weds Silverdale Hall 7:00pm
HIBISCUS COAST ARTISTS GROUP
Meet on Mon 9.30am-1pm Stanmore Bay Community Hall Whangaparoa. All Welcome.
Shana 021 650 184
HIBISCUS COAST ROCK & ROLL
Every Tues. W’poa Hall 7pm lessons. 8pm general dancing. Wear soft sole flat shoes. See website & Facebook
DANCE FITNESS CLASS
Every Tues/Thurs evening 7-8pm at Kingsway Jnr Campus. First class FREE then $10 per session. Richard 021 504084
PUHOI CELTIC SESSIONS
Every 2nd Thurs at Orewa North Primary School. A sing-around/ play-around event. Alan alanthewag@outlook.com
SUICIDE BEREAVEMENT
SUPPORT
Last Mon of every month (Jan-Nov) 7-9pm HBC Community House. Support for anyone who has lost a loved one. Susan 021 884 162
OREWA GARDEN CLUB
2nd Thurs of month
Feb–Nov 12.30–3pm.
St John’s Catholic Church Hall, Orewa. Visitors welcome. orewagardenclub@outlook. co.nz
HIBISCUS COAST ORCHID SOCIETY
2nd Sunday of the month. Feb–Dec 1-3pm Masonic Lodge, Centreway Road, Orewa. Visitors welcome. Bruce 09 947 5787
ST CHAD MARKET
1st Sat of every month
8am-noon 117 Centreway Rd, Orewa. Grant 021 0830 7743 or email chadorewa@gmail.com
UKELELE CLASSES
Every Thurs at St Andrew’s Church Hall. 107 Centreway Dr 1pm-2:15pm. $15 includes music.
Avon Hansen-Beadle 021 421 109
HIBISCUS COAST CONCERT BANK
Every 2nd Thurs
All ages & abilities welcome hccb.org.nz Call 021 186 4599
WHANGAPARAOA INDOOR BOWLS CLUB
W’poa School Hall Mon 7pm. All ages, beginners welcome. Coaching provided. Maurice 027 392 0541
3rd Wed of every month Orewa Presbyterian Church 10am-12pm. Friendship Club for seniors. Morning tea, guest speakers & outings. Colleen 021 112 3409
HIBISCUS COAST COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB
1st Sun each month
Orewa Community Centre 1-4pm $5.00. Everyone welcome. Janet 0212367094
HOUSIE
Every Friday 12.30pm ($1000 jackpot) at Bowls Orewa, 214 Hibiscus Highway. Ph 09 426 5937
MILLWATER PARKRUN
Every Sat 8am
See www.parkrun.co.nz/ millwater for more details
HBC GRANDPARENTS PARENTING GRANDCHILDREN
Monthly 1st Wed, Support Group. Maygrove Retirement Village. 10:30-1:30 free lunch. Weekly for Coffee Group each Wed 10:30 (various locations).
Donna 021 024 30064.
HBC SENIOR CITIZENS ASSN. INC.
Meet Tues for Indoor bowls & cards at Orewa Community Hall. 12-4pm. Membership $5/yr. $2 entry includes afternoon tea. Edna Tibble 0272975554
SILVERDALE BALLROOM STUDIO
Every Thurs Silverdale Hall 7pm. Adult & Improvers classes for beginners & social dancers. 021 031 4216
PIONEER DANCE CLUB
Every Thurs at Silverdale Hall 1.30-3.30pm. Social Ballroom Dance for seniors. 021 031 4216
LINE DANCE CLASSES
Beginners class Weds 10am-midday at Silverdale Hall. Great way to exercise to music & make friends. Sue 021 99 1717
TRAVEL CLUB
with Bucket List Travel.
2nd Tues of every month (Feb-Nov) 9:45am–11am Red Beach SurfLifesaving Club. Michelle 094261490
HIBISCUS COAST
FRIENDSHIP CLUB
4th Wed of the month at 10am Bridge Club rooms, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Speakers/outings/luncheons together. Peter or Jeanne 09 4268675.
ROTARY CLUB OF OREWA-MILLWATER
1st & 3rd Tues of every month 7pm at The Wade Tavern. 2 Tavern Rd Silverdale. orc.secretary@outlook.com
LADIES CRAFT GROUP
Every school term Tues Orewa Community Church 235 HBC H’way. 10am-12pm. $2 for morning tea & craft creche provided.
SILVERDALE VILLAGE MARKET
Every Sat 8am -1pm Silverdale St Silverdale
KIWI CLUB 4th Sun of each month. Social Dance 5-8pm, all welcome. Silverdale Hall.
HIBISCUS PETANQUE CLUB
Every Tues/Weds 9am12 & Sun 1pm at 214 HBC Highway. New players welcome, free coaching. John 0274894955
10PIN BOWLING FOR SENIORS
W’poa Bowling Centre, Arkles Bay. Looking for senior players to join club for league games. Mon & Fri 10am. Lots of fun and advice. Brett 0210530905
HIBISCUS COAST QUILTERS
1st Tues of the month at 9.30am & 3rd Weds at 7.30pm. W’poa Community Hall. Beginners, experienced quilters & visitors welcome. hbcquilters@gmail.com
HIBISCUS COAST LITERARY CLUB
2nd Sat of the month @ 1pm W’poa Library Workshops. By authors. Writing competitions. Friendly atmosphere. Everyone welcome.
HIBISCUS COAST MIDWEEK BADMINTON CLUB
Every Weds 9am-noon All welcome . Orewa Badminton Hall, Victor Eaves Park. 021 0870 8118
ARTS GROUP
Every school term Friday Orewa Community Church 235 HBC H’way. 9am-1pm $2 incl. morning tea
Alan 021 039 7155
FREE FAMILY HISTORY RESEARCH ADVICE
Mon/Wed/Thur & Sat 10-noon at W'poa Library. By Volunteers from HBC Genealogy Group. Garry on 021 902715 or garryphillips2010@gmail.com
HIBISCUS COAST GENEALOGY CLUB 3rd Tuesday of each month at St Chads Church, 117 Centreway Road, Orewa 2-4pm. Guest speaker. Afternoon tea and fellowship follows. Members free, visitors welcome, $5.
HEARTBEATS CARDIAC SURVIVORS SUPPORT GROUP
1st Tues of every month 10am at HBC Community House. Open to all heart event survivors & their families. Trent Lash 0220 606 199
OREWA LIONS CLUB
1st & 3rd Weds 6.30pm (7pm start) at St Chads Hall 117 Centreway Road, Orewa.
Wendy 021 841 125, orewalionsclub@gmail.com
SILVERDALE NAVAL CLUB
meets the 3rd Sun of each month at HBC Community RSA at 15.00. Vince Sturmey 09 4285222
DAIRY FLAT MUSIC CLUB
Weekly dances/events with live music held at The Dairy Flat Hall, Postman’s Rd. Visit www.dairyflatlive.com for more info.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL
Fashion / Art Gifts Homewares
Christmas
Jumpers NZ/AU christmasjumpers.co.nz
Estuary Arts 09 426 5570
Food, Entertainment, Sport & Recreation
Ardent Performing Arts (via Centrestage) 09 426 7282
Fishing Direct 09 426 0574
Ocean View Retreat stayorewa.co.nz
Health & Well-Being, Fitness & Beauty
Kate Allen Aesthetics 09 421 0910
Home, Garden & Design
Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale 09 426 0760
Shades Direct 0800 742 337
Shore Designs 021 201 4081
TK Revive 027 677 0747
Housing
Milldale Show Home Village milldaleshowhomevillage.co.nz
Bobby Sundarajan at Barfoot & Thompson 021 051 2769
Rita Oliver at Barfoot & Thompson 021 116 6377
Stephen Reed at Barfoot & Thompson 022 037 4919
Retirement Living
Kensington Park 0800 725 775
The Botanic 0508 268 264
Tutoring & Education
Kindercare Silverdale 09 427 4001
LOCAL RECIPES
Carrot
cake with cream cheese icing
Ingredients Method
Dry
¾ cup white flour (standard or high grade)
¾ cup whole meal flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground all spice
1 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
220g castor sugar
Wet 4 cups tightly packed
peeled and grated carrots
3 eggs
250ml sunflower, canola or vegetable oil
1 tsp vanilla extract or essence
For the icing
250g soft cream cheese
20g icing sugar, sieved
1 ½ tsp lemon juice
1 cup walnut pieces (optional)
Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Lightly whisk the eggs. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and pour in the eggs. Add the oil, grated carrots and vanilla, and combined well with a spatula or spoon without over mixing.
Place into a greased, paper lined and oiled cake tin (2025cm round or square) and smooth the top over.
Place in a pre-heated 170°C oven on fan forced for around 50 minutes or until you can place a skewer into the middle of the cake and it comes out clean. Don’t open the oven too early unless you are checking as this causes the oven temperature to drop and the cake can sink in the middle. Allow to cool before placing on
a cake rack the bottom side up.
To make the icing, place the cream cheese, icing sugar and lemon juice in a mixing bowl or kitchen whizz. Mix until well combined, light and fluffy. Spread on top of the carrot cake when room temperature and top with chopped walnuts.
Notes
This cake will keep well in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the pantry or it will last in the fridge for 5-6 days. I like to warm the cake slightly in the microwave before serving and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Mark Lane | Culinary Lane www.culinarylane.co.nz
Bacon hock and vegetable soup
1kg smoked bacon hock
1 onion, roughly chopped
1 ½ cups soup mix
4 cups chopped vegetables (any kind, but celery, carrots, silverbeet, spinach, kumara, pumpkin all work well)
2 bay leaves
2 ½ L water (give or take, to cover ingredients well)
Salt and pepper to taste
Method Ingredients
Add bacon hock, chopped onion and vegetables and soup mix to a slow cooker. Cover with water and add the bay leaves.
Place lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 8 hours, or low for 24 hours.
Remove lid from the slow cooker and take out the bay leaves.
With large tongs or a carving fork, remove the bacon hock from the pot, place on a chopping board and shred the meat.
Add the meat back into the soup, stir and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Notes
Serve in soup bowls with buttery bread on the side. This is a rich and nourishing soup with a beautiful smoky flavour, perfect for cool days and busy weeknights.
This soup also freezes well, if you have any leftovers.
Photo credit and recipe inspiration from The Local Farmer
WHAT'S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Special events
Ōrewa
Love food, hate waste – free workshop: Tuesday, 19 May at 10.30am. Join Sarah Williams to learn tips and tricks for using what’s in the back of your fridge for smaller households. Booking is essential. Register at compostcollective.org.nz. Proudly supported by Auckland Council, Orewa Library and delivered by Compost Collective. Free event.
Journey: Finding your Direction – introduction session for young adults (17-24): Sunday 3 & 10 May at 10am. Each is a one-off, two-hour taster session. Step back and experience a different way of thinking about your future. We’ll work through ‘Journey’ together using a shared example, so you can see how to explore what matters to you, learn how to think differently about your future, see how ideas and options can be generated and experience how an AI tool can help guide that thinking. Register: https://forms.gle/UyiU32GubNXsyAmM7 or email mary@ yourlifepaths.com.
Regular programmes
Monthly & fortnightly
Parkinson’s Support Group: Monday, 4 May at 10am (new)
Step in, step up, stand out: Tuesday, 5 May at 10am Book Chat: Wednesday, 6 May at 10.30am Orewa Orators: Fridays, 8 & 22 May at 12pm Board games for adults: Sundays, 10 & 24 May at 12.30pm Family tree maker: Wednesday, 13 May at 1pm Orewa Writers and Poets: Saturday, 16 May, at 1pm Seed Savers: Wednesday, 20 May at 10.30am HBC Embroiders Guild: Sunday, 31 May at 1pm
Weekly adult programmes
Te timatanga o toku Reo Maori Heaerenga group: Mondays at 2pm
ESOL with Lynn Williams: Mondays at 1pm
Craft group: Wednesdays at 9.30am
BrainCharge: Wednesdays at 11am
Digital seniors: Thursdays at 10am
Gentle yoga with Sarah Pearce: Thursdays at 2pm
PTE IELTS with Lynn: Saturdays at 9.30am
Weekly children’s programmes (children’s area)
Rhymetime: Tuesdays at 11am (for 18 months to 3-year-olds)
Code Club: Tuesdays at 3.30pm (currently full) Wriggle & Rhyme: Wednesdays at 11am (for 0 to 2-year-olds)
Storytime: Thursdays at 11am (for 2 to 5-year-olds)
Special events
Self-compassion workshop: Saturday, 16 May at 11am. Learn about the practice and importance of self-compassion with counsellor Amy Yeung.
AI made simple: Monday, 18 May at 11am. A beginner-friendly talk with Tristan from Tech2U.
Mystery in the library: Saturday, 23 May at 1pm (1.30pm panel).
Join local author Stephen Ross, alongside 2025 Ngaio Marsh Awards Best Non-Fiction finalist Angus Gillies (Far North), past Ockhams longlistee Bryan Walpert (Empathy), journalist and author Kelley Tantau (The Runaway Man), and Orewa author Pat Backley to hear their stories and get the behind-thescenes scoop.
Regular programmes
Adult’s programmes
The Reading Revolution: Wednesdays, 2pm to 3pm Digital Seniors (65+): Wednesdays, from 10am to 12pm
Low Sensory Quiet Hour: Wednesdays, 1.30pm to 2.30pm
CAB Chat: Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm
BrainCharge: Fridays, 2pm to 3pm Chinese beginner’s English: First and third Fridays at 10am
Brightside spinners: Fridays 9.30am to 2pm Hibiscus Coast Writers: Saturday, 9 May at 1pm
Children’s programmes
Rythym & Beats: Mondays, 10.30am to 11am (3 to 5 years)
Minecraft Club: Wednesdays, 3.30pm to 4.30pm (all ages)
Wriggle & Rhyme: Thursdays, 10.30am to 11am (0 to 2 years)
Te Reo Story Time: Fridays, 10.30am to 11am Code Club: Fridays, at 5pm. Learn how to make computer games (8 to 13 years)
Beginner’s Mandarin: Saturdays, 1.30pm to 2pm (6 years+)
Advanced Mandarin: Sundays, 10am to 10.45am (6 years+)
Story time: Saturdays, at 10.30am and 11am (bilingual)
For further events held by community groups please consult the library’s Facebook page.
ABOUT US
CONTACT US
The Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury, resort-style retirement village for 65+
LIMITED TIME OFFER OF 50% CAPITAL GAIN SHARE *
Only a handful of existing villas and apartments remain available at The Botanic. Don’t delay, come for a look around sooner rather than later to secure your retirement in a community a little different from the rest. While future stages are planned, only a small number of completed two and threebedroom homes are currently available for purchase.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
The Botanic Hibiscus Coast 17 Small Road, Silverdale
CONTACT MICHELLE AND KATHRYN
We’d love to show you around The Botanic’s available properties and award-winning amenities. Get in touch to arrange a time
