The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, we live in one of the best places to enjoy being outdoors AND there’s a long weekend at the end of the month – if we can just block out all the insane things happening around the world for a moment, dear readers, there’s much to look forward to, and our October issue is here to help.
For those who love getting out and about, we have details of the Milldale Show Home Village open day, upcoming exhibition news in Artspeak, a budgeting skills event to help keep your finances on track, and info on lots of upcoming local activities in In the loop, What’s On Hibiscus Coast and our local libraries page.
Feeling energetic? Learn about how to get involved with HBC Softball’s upcoming season, what to expect on a day trip to hike the recently reopened blue springs in Putaruru, and how to combine a trip to Fiji with passing your open-water dive certificate.
If it’s treats you’re after, Found & Fancied has some lovely local retail therapy options, check out our story on Rich Lingere’s fitting services for beautiful bras and swimsuits, and read about a local artist studio opening for the summer where you just might find your next whimsical treasure.
For relaxing moments at home, our local fiction feature is exceptional this month, we have book reviews to inspire your next long read and don’t forget to try one of our delicious recipes – and please send us a picture when you do.
Please, pop your feet up and enjoy.
Claire Nevans
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Jorja Millward
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IN THE LOOP
Couldrey House happenings
We are so lucky to have Wenderholm Regional Park just up the road. As well as a beautiful beach, beautiful walks and ace picnic spots, Wenderholm also contains the historic homestead, Couldrey House, which is well worth a visit.
The homestead is hosting a couple of events over the coming months that you may want to pop in your calendar. From 20 September to 30 November, they are running an exhibition entitled Edmonds & Couldrey House: From Recipe Books to Family History exploring the personal connection between the Edmonds family (of recipe book fame) and the homestead. Entry for adults is $7, 16yrs and under are free.
They also have a children’s creative jelly competition on 1 October from 10.30am to 11.30am and a fundraising cake competition on 4 October from 11am to 12pm with prizes for the best cake and cakes being sold to fundraise for Couldrey House. For further information email info@couldreyhouse.org.nz
Companionship and morning activities for seniors
CMA have asked us to get the word out about their regular get-togethers for seniors at Stan-
more Bay Community Hall on Thursdays during term time, 10am to 12.30pm:
Join us for good company, gentle exercise, and lunch. With support from our dedicated volunteers and staff, guests enjoy a welcoming cuppa on arrival, engaging activities and a light lunch before heading home. A qualified movement specialist leads gentle strength-and-balance sessions suitable for all levels.
Activities include games, music quizzes, guest speakers.
Guests contribute $15 per session. Transport can be arranged for people living within approximately 10 km of a centre (a small charge may apply).
To refer a loved one or enquire on their behalf, call 09 489 8954 or email manager@cmans.org. nz to discuss availability. Find out more at www. cmans.org.nz
Do you have spare time?
Silverdale Pioneer Village are in need of more volunteers to help keep the village alive and well. Help is needed with activities such as gardening, maintenance of the buildings, housekeeping of the buildings, meeting and greeting visitors and tasks within the admin team.
If you are able to help with any of these tasks, even for just a few hours a week, please pop into the Village any Saturday or Sunday between 10am and 3pm, or send an email through and someone on the team will get back to you.
The village is also open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. They are able to open for group visits from schools, retirement villages and social groups on weekdays, and are also accepting bookings for weddings, christenings and special functions.
Unlocking the keys to your financial success
Rising living costs, interest rates uncertainty, fear of unemployment or questioning how you will manage bigger future expenses, all these things consistently weigh on everyone’s mind.
There aren’t too many areas in life where money doesn’t have a part to play. For most, this often creates stress and uncertainty about what their financial future may look like and how to best navigate the everyday expenses right in front of them.
In his book How I Fixed My Broken Budget Tony Hailwood covers seven principles he believes are key to successful budgeting and personal money management. Most people only have three or four of these active at any one time, which is why they often find themselves rewriting their budget
or trying new ideas to create the stability and consistency they want so they can get ahead financially.
Once you understand these and know how to easily add them into how you do money, two interesting changes happen. Firstly, you start to feel like you have better control of your money. Secondly, the reduction in stress and uncertainty unlocks your ability to start thinking more strategically about your financial future. Regardless of your income level, the keys are the same for everyone.
The Silverdale Community Trust is running a FREE event with Tony at 7pm on Thursday, 16 October. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking for simple answers and effective practical steps that can help them navigate the most commonly asked
questions everyone wants to know when it comes to personal finances.
Topics covered will include how you can:
• manage debts so they don’t get out of control
• save money regardless of income level
• structure a budget so it actually works
• recognise or change spending habits
• set and achieving financial goals
If you would like help connecting the dots, giving you the opportunity to thrive financially, email info@reachup.co.nz to register for this event.
Valerie Burrows The joy of creation
Born in 1952 in the rural community of Karamea on the South Island’s rugged Buller coast, artist Valerie Burrows has always carried creativity within her. From childhood drawings gifted to friends to her later discovery of painting as a true calling, art has been a constant thread in her life. Today she works and exhibits from Orewa, where her gallery, open on summer weekends and by appointment, welcomes visitors into her deeply personal world of colour, beauty and story.
For Burrows, art is not just an activity, but a philosophy. ‘Art comes from the soul,’ she says. This guiding belief shapes every ‘brushstroke’ and every choice of subject. She speaks of painting as an experience that transports her. ‘The feeling I get for days is pure magic, like I am in heaven.’ Working primarily with soft pastels, she applies pigment by hand onto fine-grit paper, achieving vivid density and depth. More recently, she has begun experimenting with acrylics, embracing the unpredictability of paint on canvas.
Her journey into art as a vocation began in 2007. ‘It was now or never,’ she recalls, reflecting on the moment she was finally in a place where she was free to devote herself fully to painting. That leap of faith
has since led to many works, about half of which have found homes with buyers who, like Burrows herself, respond to the personal and emotional resonance of her pieces. She takes pride in presenting her paintings thoughtfully, carefully framed and displayed, so their stories are given the space they deserve.
The themes of her work often mirror her inner world. At times they explore femininity, transformation or social expectations placed upon women. In one piece, The Suitor, Burrows was moved by a film about arranged marriage and the silencing of women’s voices, which sparked a visual narrative about choice and identity. Other works carry more whimsical or deeply personal stories. One of her first commissions was for a young woman named Liz and her beloved dog Rex. Though nervous about capturing someone else’s vision, Burrows kept the process true to her style and the final work, The King and I, left Liz in tears, an emotional response Burrows treasures as proof of art’s power to connect.
Though she remains fiercely independent, influences have shaped her along the way. She speaks of Monét and Van Gogh as if they ‘visit’ her, guiding her through their shared passions for light, colour and raw
emotion. New Zealand painter Rita Angus also resonates with her sense of identity and place.
Above all, what inspires Burrows most is people. Visitors to her gallery who connect with her work fill her with energy and gratitude. That human response is the reason she continues to paint. Her upcoming theme, embracing diversity, marks a new metamorphosis in her style.
Whether through painting, gardening or simply noticing beauty, Burrows believes joy must sit at the heart of art. ‘The joy and excitement lift you up, and take you to a world of wonder.’ Her showroom, on the corner of Ngahere Rd and Roberta Cres, Orewa, is open 1pm to 4pm Saturdays and Sundays, commencing Labour Weekend.
www.valeries-art.co.nz
Jorja
Millward | Features Contributor
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TAKING A HIKE
A turquoise gem in the Waikato A day at the Blue Springs
We hit the road early for a two-and-a-half-hour drive south of Orewa, the new motorway through the Waikato makes it an easy trip. Our destination was the famous Blue Springs, Putaruru, recently re-opened after maintenance work. It’s 4.7km one way but if you are looping back double that. The forecast was for rain and wind amping up later in the day, so we were keen to hit the trail as early as possible.
The Te Waihou Walkway is the main track to the springs, and it’s a pretty easy walk with boardwalks, a few stairs here and there. Allow around 1.5 hours each way including photo stops. Renowned for its crystal-clear water, the river supplies most of New Zealand’s bottled water.
Right from the start, the path winds through open countryside, wetlands and patches of native bush. The Waihou River runs alongside most of the way, and you get some great views from the wooden bridges scattered along the track. The water is ridiculously clear – bright turquoise with green plants swaying underneath.
There were a few muddy spots thanks to recent rain, but nothing too tricky and no wipe-outs thankfully. The track’s mostly flat and well-kept, so it’s suitable for just about anyone. It’s a popular spot, though, so expect to see plenty of other walkers, tourists, locals and occasionally some Coasties!
The highlight is definitely the main viewing platform near the end of the track. That’s where the colour of the springs really hits you – deep blue, the clarity is incredible. It’s one of those places that actually lives up to the photos. On the way back we came across some teenagers fishing for trout – they had caught a few undersize that they had thrown back so were still hopeful for something legal sized. Fishing is allowed with a permit – but swimming is discouraged because of the damage it’s caused in the past.
On the way back, the drizzle set in. It didn’t dampen the mood too much though, we were well prepared with raincoats.
We made a quick stop in Tirau, a quirky little town known for its corrugated iron buildings shaped like animals. It’s got a fun, laid-back feel and plenty of spots to grab a coffee or a bite and a couple of fabulous homeware stores. We ducked into a café to warm up and dry off before heading home.
All up, it was a great day out - an easy walk, stunning scenery, and a nice mix of nature and small-town charm. If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-reward escape from the city, Blue Springs is worth the trip.
Carmen Bird | Carmen Bird Photography
www.carmenbirdphotography.co.nz | 021 310320 For framed landscape prints PRINT SHOP | All | Carmen Bird Photography
You’re invited, come explore
On Saturday, 11 October, the Milldale community will be hosting visitors from all over Auckland and beyond. This is because a group of builders in Milldale are staging a huge event in what’s known as the Show Home Village. People are expected to come from all over and they’re in for a real treat.
There are plans to close off Waiwai Drive where most of the show homes are and fill it with fun for all who come along. The adults will be treated to free coffee and sausage sizzles as they visit the 11 show homes along the road, while kids will get spoilt with ice cream, games, Hunger Ball, bouncy castles and face painting. There are even hourly
prizes that the builders have sourced or supplied, with a major prize draw at the end – a leather recliner valued at $1800. All people have to do is visit the show homes to enter, so organisers think this will be a major draw card.
Coordinators expect it to be a busy day, so Milldale is likely to see a lot more traffic than the usual weekend visitors looking to live in one of Auckland’s newest residential developments. But with all the extra traffic comes the need for more parking, so arrangements and signs are being made for event parking in order to accommodate all the extra visitors.
The event is on a Saturday, from 11am to 4pm, and many families will already be out
and about for kids sports and their normal weekend routine. So all the activities should be a great chance to let the kids run free while the adults take a more relaxed approach to look around the village. Show home visitors will find a diverse selection of builders, each offering many different packages, providing people the chance to discover a variety of styles and building options that best suit their needs.
Then once they’re done they’ll have a chance to check out the local café and eateries, boutique liquor shop, beautician, barber and more. View the timetable at www.MilldaleShowHomeVillage.co.nz and save the date so you don’t miss out on this exciting event!
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Your role as an enduring power of attorney
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is one of the most important tools for planning ahead. It allows someone to appoint a trusted person, known as their attorney, to step in and make decisions on their behalf if they become unable to do so. There are two main types of EPA: one for property, covering finances and assets, and one for personal care and welfare, covering health, living arrangements and general wellbeing.
If you have been appointed as an attorney, your role comes with significant responsibilities. For a property EPA, this could mean managing bank accounts, paying bills or even making decisions about buying and selling property. A personal care and welfare EPA only takes effect once the person has lost mental capacity, and may involve decisions about medical treatment or where they live.
The law requires you to always act in the best interests of the person who appointed you, and to respect their wishes wherever possible. You must keep accurate records of your decisions and may be required to consult with
certain family members if specified in the EPA. Importantly, there are limits to your authority. For example, you cannot make decisions about marriage, divorce or adoption on someone’s behalf, even if you are their attorney.
Because life circumstances change, it is wise to regularly review EPAs. The person who created the EPA should check that it still reflects their wishes, and the attorney should also understand their role.
If you do not currently have an EPA, think it might be time to update yours, or need advice on your role as attorney, reach out to our team of experts at Martin & Parker Law at office@mplaw.co.nz or on 09 421 0559. They’re more than happy to help.
Anushka Sequeira | Solicitor
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.
The team you know and trust remains the same. Our new name reflects growth and independence, while our commitment to trusted, personal and proficient legal services remains unchanged.
Based in Silverdale, we’re here to help with business and commercial law, property, trusts and estate planning.
COASTGUARD
Representing Coastguard NZ at IMRF #WomenInSAR
I was incredibly honoured to be one of four wāhine volunteers selected to represent Coastguard NZ at the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF) #WomenInSAR training event, held in Manly, Sydney from 22–24 August 2025, followed by the IMRF Australia Regional Seminar on 25–26 August. The experience was nothing short of extraordinary.
Hosted by Marine Rescue New South Wales (MRNSW), the event brought together women from across the globe who are breaking new ground in maritime search and rescue (SAR). Over three intensive days, we engaged in classroom learning and on-thewater exercises covering everything from advanced navigation and vessel handling to decision-making under pressure and inclusive leadership.
Attendees were volunteers from the Netherlands, Canada, Estonia, Australia, Ireland, Sweden and Germany – all passionate individuals saving lives on beaches, lakes, rivers and open water. One of the most moving parts of the event was meeting the representative from SOS Méditerranée, who shared her experience rescuing refugees fleeing persecution in dangerous, overcrowded vessels in
the Mediterranean Sea. The diversity of backgrounds and missions reminded us that while our challenges may vary, our purpose is the same: to save lives and serve our communities.
Working alongside such skilled and passionate women was inspiring and eyeopening. One of my biggest takeaways was how fortunate we are in Aotearoa. I was incredibly proud to represent Coastguard NZ, where being a woman leader in SAR is supported, encouraged and celebrated. That’s not always the case internationally.
As a strong team of four wāhine from Coastguard NZ, together we showcased the professionalism, heart and teamwork that defines Coastguard NZ.
What made the experience even more special for me was reconnecting with a former member of our Hibiscus Coast unit, who moved to Sydney and is now a crew member with Marine Rescue Sydney. I spent time onboard the vessel he now crews on, and it was incredible seeing first-hand how strong and transferable our Coastguard NZ training is, and how the values of volunteer SAR transcend borders, with opportunities to contribute and grow no matter where life
takes you.
The IMRF Regional Seminar that followed gave us the chance to connect with further SAR leaders and volunteers from across the World. We discussed innovation, regional challenges, and shared strategies to continue advancing diversity and operational excellence in SAR.
As if the week couldn’t get any more meaningful, just days later, on my return to New Zealand, I was presented with my 10-year service chevron and certificate. To stand among my peers and be recognised for a decade of volunteering – after just representing Coastguard NZ internationally – was a moment I’ll never forget.
If this experience has sparked something in you and you’d like to be part of this amazing organisation, check out the Coastguard New Zealand recruitment website www. coastguard.nz/volunteer
Rachel Hessey | Unit President Coastguard Hibiscus
THE GREEN SPOT
When rotten coffee cups are a good thing
It is estimated that New Zealanders send over 295 million single-use beverage cups into landfill each year, which is an astounding and unnecessary figure. This could be prevented with the use of keep-cups, or even borrowed cups through Again Again, a circular management platform for returnable packaging. Some local entrepreneurs have come up with another option, cleverly named Little Rotter, which retains the convenience of a single-use cup, without sending anything to landfill.
Standard takeaway cups aren’t recyclable due to achieving watertightness with their plastic lining. Even the lid isn’t accepted in kerbside recycling because they are too lightweight for the recycling machines to identify them accurately. So, despite flaunting a recycling symbol, these lids can only be accepted at places like Whangaparāoa Community Recycling Centre.
Compostable cups have been entering the market but not all are created equal, with some not retaining fluids well and others only able to be composted commercially. This requires special conditions that are energy intensive and microplastics are often left behind. Little Rotter cups are made from responsibly sourced 100% natural materials, such as the tapioca-resin coating, which means they won’t go soggy, yet are capable of breaking down completely in your own compost.
Both the cup and lid are made from 100% food-grade, natural ingredients that are responsibly sourced. They are manufactured in New Zealand, which cuts transport emissions and creates Kiwi jobs. Two of the owners are Millwater couple Mike and Tara Hendry, and they are joined by longtime friend Keith Routledge, who has a background in running cafés and garden
centres.
It is important that we divert items from landfill wherever possible and composting closes the loop, creating the circular economy of turning organic waste into nutrient rich compost. When organic matter ends up in landfill, it can’t break down properly due to the anaerobic environment, thus producing harmful greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide, which are major contributors to climate change. So encourage your favourite café to consider using Little Rotter so that you can compost your cup at your home or workplace and drink like you give a sip!
Hayley Crawford | @trashtalkingmama
Play softball this summer With HBC Softball
The Hibiscus Coast Softball Club (HBC Softball) is excited to open registrations for the 2025/26 season, and we’re inviting new and returning players to join us for another great summer of softball.
We’ll be kicking things off with our Open Day on Sunday, 5 October, from 10am to 12pm at Metro Park in Millwater. This is the perfect chance for families and players of all ages to come down, meet our coaches and get a taste of what softball is all about. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have played for years, everyone is welcome.
Our season runs from September through March, with junior and senior grades playing on Saturdays and our U15/17 Girls and U17/19 Boys grades playing on Friday evenings. Trainings are held locally at Victor Eaves Park in Orewa and Metro Park in Millwater, making it easy for families across the Coast to get involved.
One of the big highlights this year is our brand-new HBC Wave uniform,
which every registered player will proudly wear. The new look represents our coastal identity, force, momentum, unified motion and community spirit.
HBC Softball are proud to provide opportunities for players of all ages, from our youngest T-Ballers right through to competitive senior grades. Our club values teamwork, fun and development, making softball a great sport for kids to learn new skills, make friends and stay active.
Registrations are now open, and we encourage families to sign up early to secure their spot for the season.
Open Day details: Sunday, 5 October from 10am to 12pm at Metro Park, Millwater.
For more info and to register, visit www. hbcsoftball.org.nz. Come join the wave this summer — see you at the park.
@hbcsoftballclub | +64 221 938 619
APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW
Evelyn Page Village is set in picture perfect surroundings overlooking Victor Eaves Park with panoramic views of the Whangaparaoa Peninsula.
We have two and three bedroom apartments available now, priced from $750,000*.
All apartments offer spacious open plan living, with contemporary kitchens and bathrooms, and your own private patio or balcony.
Join a thriving retirement community with a village centre that includes a heated indoor pool and spa, gym, hair salon, movie theatre and café. The onsite care centre offers rest home, hospital and specialist dementia care.
Don’t miss out, call Jo on 421 1815 for more details or visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz
Future-proofing your family trust for the next generation
Anne and Simon had set up their trust when they owned a business twenty years ago. It had stood them in good stead over that time, providing the asset protection they had wanted, being business owners, and had provided some tax flexibility. The trust now owned significant assets including four commercial buildings, their family home and a relatively substantial share portfolio, which was made up of the sale proceeds from when they sold their business. Anne and Simon’s good friend, Dave, had been the independent trustee for many years. Dave was now wanting to retire as a trustee. He and his wife were spending more time overseas and he wasn’t as available as he had been before to sign documents, and he had also heard horror stories of trustee liability and difficulties with beneficiaries.
Anne and Simon’s long-term lawyer was getting close to retirement and when they went to him to talk about Dave retiring as a trustee, he said he was doing less trust work as it had become a bit complicated and he suggested going to see a lawyer who specialised in trust matters. He gave them a recommendation and they made an appointment.
Initially the trust lawyer canvassed with them whether they wanted to keep the trust. She said that as the main driver of the trust had
been creditor protection when they owned the business, they could look at simplifying their affairs. Anne and Simon agreed that simple was good, but they also liked the way the trust neatly ringfenced their assets, especially as they were wary of the partner of one of their daughters, Molly. On more than one occasion he implied that Anne and Simon had significant funds, and he and Molly could do with more financial help. This raised concerns around the influence he had on Molly.
This was a key reason they wanted to keep the trust, even should they both pass away. They thought the assets were significant enough to provide an income to their daughters, Molly and Liv, and the capital could be passed on to their grandchildren or even great grandchildren. They talked this through with the lawyer, so she understood their concerns. The lawyer explained that sometimes when children are bound together in a trust once their parents die, it can create tension between them, especially if they have differing needs. In this case, Liv was more financially secure than Molly and might be happy to have some income, but it was likely that Molly would need money to pay off some debt.
The lawyer said another option was to say in their memorandum of wishes that upon their
deaths, their trust would be resettled onto two new trusts, one for Molly and one for Liv. They could give guidance as to how the trusts were to be established and who would be trustees and beneficiaries. This would be a way of continuing the protection for their girls without binding them together in a potentially less flexible way.
Anne and Simon really liked this idea and went a step further, asking the lawyer to prepare the trust deeds for the girls now, so that if they decided to distribute any funds to them in the meantime, the trusts would be ready to be used immediately.
The new lawyer was also able to replace Dave as a trustee. She said they would have regular meetings to keep assessing the role of the trust and make sure their wishes and wills were up to date. Anne and Simon were grateful for the practical, specialist advice they received.
Tammy McLeod (BA LLB) Managing Director, Davenports Law
Trust and asset structuring specialist, leading the Trust Team.
CRAFTED LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND.
Protecting Family Assets For Future Generations.
The protection of assets that we have worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people.
Thoughtfully navigating modern family dynamics when planning your generational wealth transfer helps prevent future conflicts and ensures everyone’s intentions are respected.
A specialist can guide you in finding the right structure tailored to your needs. Protecting your family’s wealth for generations to come.
Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team for specialist asset structuring and planning advice.
THE BEAUTY BRIEF
Cortisol chaos The stress hormone wreaking havoc
Have you ever noticed how your skin suddenly breaks out before a big deadline, or how your hair sheds more when life gets hectic? That’s not your imagination - it’s stress at play, more specifically cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone.
Visible and hidden effects – the cortisol connection
Cortisol is designed to help us cope in short bursts. The trouble is, when stress lingers cortisol stays elevated – and it shows. High levels weaken the skin’s barrier, leaving it dry, sensitive and prone to flare-ups. At the same time, it can trigger excess oil production, fuelling breakouts or worsening conditions like eczema, peri oral dermatitis and psoriasis.
If your ponytail feels thinner or you’re spotting more strands in the shower, cortisol could be behind that too. Prolonged stress pushes hair follicles into a ‘resting phase’, causing increased shedding a few months later.
Cortisol doesn’t just affect appearance, it
also alters how your body stores energy. Constantly high levels are linked with sugar cravings, belly fat and disrupted sleep which can lead to tired eyes, temperamental skin and creeping weight gain.
Cortisol also impacts overall wellbeing. Chronically high levels interfere with memory and focus, leave you foggy when you most need clarity, and suppress immunity - making you more prone to colds, slow healing or flare-ups of cold sores.
Simple ways to lower cortisol
You can lower cortisol by prioritising sleep (7-9 hours), staying hydrated, limiting stimulants and nourishing your body with leafy greens, nuts, pumpkin seeds, citrus and salmon, full of calming nutrients that also help to support skin health. Supplements that can also help include mangnesium glycinate (sleep quality), L-theanine (relaxation) and ashwaganda (lowering cortisol). Do consult your doctor first, to avoid any unwanted interactions between medications and supplements.
Other methods of self-care that can help lower cortisol include:
• meditation, journaling, or deep breathing to ease tension
• getting outdoors into natural light to regulate your body clock and lower stress
• connect socially for laughter, hugs, or a chat
• book massages and facials – massage melts stress and boosts serotonin and dopamine, the body’s feel-good chemicals and we always feel good after a good pamper
Stress may be part of life, but it doesn’t have to rule your reflection. Care for your cortisol, and your skin, hair and body will thank you.
Kerry Venter | Health & Skincare Therapist Mint Skin & Body
Therapy
THE FICTION SPOT
One morning on Orewa Beach
By Stephen Ross
Thom stomped across the winter sand, his sword held ready to strike the sea beast. Pewter clouds hung low. A solitary seagull wheeled in the wind, its squawks muffled by the chorus of the waves crashing. The sea beast was cunning. It hid offshore, beneath the restless water, waiting for its moment to emerge from the swell and to attack.
Thom stood at the shoreline and surveyed the cold tide. It gushed in and drew out, over and over. His eyes scanned the ocean. No beast, not even a ship. An emptiness that went out to the edge of the world. He stood steadfast.
The rain came again, with stabs of water pitting the sand. The sun had risen, but it gave no warmth. The air tasted of salt. Thom could wait all day. He could wait until the stars burnt out.
And then Thom saw it. The beast was ashore. It lay in the distance, a clump of darkness at the water’s edge. Thom held his sword in the air and stomped towards it. The sea beast had long held the town in its terror. Few had seen it; few had lived to tell. Today, Thom would slay it.
It wasn’t a beast. It was a man. A large man in an oilskin raincoat deposited on the beach
like driftwood. The incoming waves lapped about his legs and his dirty brown shoes and pants. He had an enormous head, draped with wild grey hair. His face was ancient, wrinkled, weather-beaten.
“Are you dead?” Thom called to him.
The man’s eyes opened. Blue eyes. Weary. They stared up at the boy in his wooden suit of armour and regarded him with curiosity.
“And who are you, gentle knight?” The man’s words rumbled, as though his throat was a gravel-lined tunnel.
Thom sheathed his sword. “I am Sir Thom of Orewa. I am on a quest to slay the beast.”
“What beast might that be?”
“The sea beast.”
“Oh, that one.” The old man sat up. “My name is Edgar. I’m not dead, and I didn’t come out of the sea. I wandered here during the night. I’ve been fighting a beast of my own.” He felt his raincoat pocket – the flask was still there. “What time is it?”
“Daybreak. Are you a knight?”
The old man shook his head. “I’m a lowly squire.” He looked out to sea, his wrinkled
eyelids squinting in the sunlight.
Thom looked too.
The old man inhaled the damp morning air. “Beasts come in many forms.”
Thom recognised the man’s wisdom and nodded. “The older I get, the more of them I find. This is a beast-filled world.”
“It is indeed.”
“What beast do you fight, Squire Edgar?”
“One of my own making. And they are the worst to meet on the field of battle.”
A voice called from the far distance, “Thom.”
Thom’s shoulders deflated. “That’s my mother. I have to go in for breakfast.” He turned about and stomped away.
“Godspeed, gentle knight.”
Hibiscus Coast Writers
For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Membership Secretary, Paula at paulajkora@hotmail.com
Hear Again helping you hear again
Thirteen years ago, Hear Again began with a simple mission shared by Operations Director Samantha Foster and Clinical Director Steve Foster: to make hearing care accessible, personal, and community focused.
Back then, it was just the two of them, driving from house to house with equipment in the car boot, visiting clients wherever
they were needed. It was humble, hard work, but it laid the foundation for the values that still define Hear Again today: care, excellence, and passion.
From those early days on the road, Hear Again has grown into a thriving local business with three established locations. This growth has not changed the heart of what Samantha and Steve set out to achieve. In fact, it has strengthened their commitment to ensuring every person who walks through the
door feels valued, listened to and supported on their hearing journey.
Clinical Director Steve brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, ensuring the highest standard of clinical care. Samantha, as Operations Director, has been instrumental in building a supportive environment where both staff and clients feel at ease.
As an independent, locally owned clinic free from the
limitations of big corporate models, Hear Again can tailor their hearing aid range and services to suit individual needs. Being community based also means they understand the people they serve and can provide flexible, personalised solutions that make a real difference.
Working now alongside a talented team including Audiometrist Alison, Ear Nurse Brit, and the friendly front desk staff, Kylie, Kim, and Kali, Hear Again delivers hearing services that that range from wax removal and regular checks right up to advanced hearing aids. The focus is always on making hearing care simple and affordable.
Looking back, it is remarkable to see how far Hear Again has come, from a car boot to three thriving locations, but the heart of the business is still about people, families and helping the community stay connected to the sounds of life.
Whether you are popping in for a friendly chat, a hearing check, or expert advice the Hear again team truly care. Scan our QR code to book online, or visit us at Coast Plaza, we would love to help you hear again.
Education is changing Pinehurst offers stability, balance and opportunity
Education in New Zealand is changing. With NCEA undergoing review and new grading systems being trialled, many parents are asking, ‘What does this mean for my child’s future?’.
For nearly 25 years, Pinehurst has offered the Cambridge International pathway – a qualification that is globally recognised, academically rigorous and accepted by universities both here and overseas.
Parents at Pinehurst say, ‘The best thing for us is knowing what’s ahead. Cambridge has a clear pathway so we can see how it leads to university. It takes away the uncertainty, which is a relief with all the changes happening.’
Proven and accessible
There’s a common perception that Cambridge is only for ‘top academic performers’. Pinehurst’s experience shows otherwise. The programme is designed to be challenging but achievable, with a clear structure and regular milestones to build confidence.
Teachers at Pinehurst focus on breaking learning into manageable steps and offering personalised guidance. Small classes and strong pastoral care mean students don’t have to start as high achievers to succeed – curiosity, effort and support make the difference.
Beyond academics
Life at Pinehurst extends well beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to take part in sport, music, drama, leadership and service activities, ensuring they grow not just as learners but as people.
‘My daughter discovered a passion for volunteer work. It’s not just about results, it’s about giving them opportunities to try new things and gain confidence.’
• Bookkeeping
• Office Administration
• Recruitment
Kelsey Scott Phone: 027 493-3746
www coastbizservices co nz Email: coastbizservices@yahoo com
This balance is intentional. While Cambridge provides the academic backbone, Pinehurst provides the breadth of experiences that prepare young people for life.
Ready for the world
Graduates from Pinehurst step out ready to thrive. Many secure places at top universities in New Zealand and overseas; others move directly into trades, training or entrepreneurial ventures. Whatever their path, they carry with them the skills, discipline and global outlook that comes from the Cambridge experience.
Change is coming. Pinehurst is ready.
For families across the Hibiscus Coast, Pinehurst has become a familiar name. Every day, many students travel from Orewa, Millwater, Warkworth, Gulf Harbour and Matakana, drawn by the school’s reputation for strong academics and balanced opportunities.
As New Zealand’s education system continues to evolve, Pinehurst’s commitment stays the same: to nurture confident, balanced young people who are prepared for whatever comes next.
www.pinehurst.school.nz | 75 Bush Road, Albany
Learning happens everywhere. Our students explore sport, music, drama, leadership, and service alongside their academic studies.
From the stage to the sports field, we nurture confident, well rounded young people who are ready for the challenges ahead. A future you can rely on.
Come and see how Pinehurst offers balance and opportunity for every student.
pinehurst.school.nz
Throughout history, Greeks have been known for their courage and determination to fight for freedom, truth and right — from the 300 Spartans who stood at Thermopylae in 480 BC, to the brave
‘Ochi’ (NO) that Greece declared to Mussolini’s ultimatum in 1941, to surrender. As Winston Churchill famously said:
‘Until now we used to say that the Greeks fight like heroes. Now we shall say: heroes fight like Greeks.’
So, how is this linked to insurance?
For us, UProtectNZ, that same fighting spirit is in deeply embedded in our DNA and guides the way we advocate for our clients.
Recently, we worked with a 39-year-old client who was tragically diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. We immediately lodged her trauma cover claim, submitting all the required medical reports that the insurer required to process the claim.
But the insurer’s assessment dragged on without justification. With the family under immense stress, we escalated the matter — even taking the unusual step of calling out the delay on the insurer’s public
Within 24 hours, the claim was paid in full — bringing huge relief to
For us, standing up for our clients is not optional — it’s central to who we are. Whether at claim time or when challenging unfair underwriting decisions, we fight to secure the best outcomes.
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.
Rich Lingerie has a passion for proper fitting bras and swimwear
Is your bra uncomfortable? If so, you’re not alone.
Wearing a bra that fits correctly will make you feel more comfortable, more supported and will make your clothes fit better. But a correctly fitting bra is not just about your breasts. It’s also about having a style and shape that fits the whole of you.
Rich Lingerie have been helping customers feel comfortable and confident for over 30 years. Opening in 1993 in the Epsom area, in 2017 they relocated to Albany, and now sit just off Oteha Valley Rd with free, designated parking outside.
How fitting
Offering a personal fitting service to help you find a bra
DD to LL. Other popular Elomi bras on offer include Matilda, Sachi, Energise and Smooth. Reja is a new plunge bra that brings a sexy, sparkly addition to the Elomi range.
Goddess offers very good underwired and wire-free bras up to cup size K. Kiera and Kayla are popular underwired options and for comfortable wire-free bras Celeste and Katarina are popular.
Fantasie are experts in bras with side support, giving a narrower shape with definition. They are a popular choice with many super pretty, supportive and they never fail to make you feel great, and have some great options for customers with narrow shoulders.
And we cannot forget Freya, who produce cool bras including our most loved T-shirt bras Idol and Offbeat.
Remember, your bra is like your best friend. Close to your heart and there for support.
Diving in
style and shape that suits you, the team at Rich Lingere are skilled at listening and absorbing your comments to help you find just what you need. They know that coming for a fitting can be quite stressful for some people, and do everything they can to make your visit an enjoyable, relaxing experience.
With customers in many sizes and shapes, they carry an extensive stock including full cup, side support, balcony, T-shirt, strapless and wire-free. Sizes run from C to LL and back sizes 6 to 30 in a fantastic range of brands such as Elomi, Goddess, Fantasie and Freya.
Their most loved bra is the Elomi Morgan full cup bra, which comes in lovely colours and offers amazing support and comfort. This bra is available in body size 10 to 24 and cup size
Rich Lingerie also stock an extensive range well-fitting swimwear all year round, equally important as it can help you feel way more confident on the beach or by the pool.
Swimwear is available from Elomi, Fantasie and Freya and many other brands, from cup sizes C to K and back sizes 6 to 24, and new styles and colours are released on a regular basis. Freya swim is our go-to brand for bikinis and Elomi swim covers the range with swimsuits, tankinis and bikinis.
Stocking Northern Hemisphere swimwear ranges mean they often receive new styles out of season, so if you are looking for new togs, pop in or browse their website.
www.richlingere.co.nz
Discounts & free design apply when booking for multiple consecutive issues. advertising@ thecoastiesmag.co.nz 021 771 140
THE FISHING SPOT WITH TIM
Spring has brought plenty of wind and very few weather windows to get out on the water this month. While we’ve been stranded on land, the snapper and kingfish have quietly moved in with the baitfish. Whales and dolphins have been working hard, pushing those schools closer and closer to the coast. It won’t be long before we see classic work-ups between Tiritiri
and Kawau Islands, with plenty of trophy fish feeding below.
Recent reports show the bigger fish are still holding out wider, so you’ll need to travel towards Great Barrier Island or the Coromandel if you want the real action. The Squiggles and the grounds south of there are firing right now. Plan your trip to head wide, out past the cable zone, and work the contour lines south of Horn Rock. Once you’re outside the cable zone, stop the boat and scan for birds. Watch their flight paths carefully move a little further, stop again, and track the general direction they’re heading. The fish are where the birds are, and the big fish are usually right where the whales are. Find the
birds, find the whales, and you’ll find the fish.
October and November are prime months before the water warms too much and the bite slows. You’ve got an 8–10 week window before things taper off and you’ll be waiting until February for another peak. Now is the time to make the most of the spring fishing.
Keep an eye on the moon phases the week of 20 October looks particularly promising for bite times. Combine those with favourable tides and wind direction and you’re in with a great chance of filling the bin.
Get out there, enjoy the spring action, and make the most of these next couple of months. Tight lines!
Tim Lawrence
Men’s eye health
Father’s Day has been and gone, and hopefully there were plenty of celebrations of fathers and father-figures in our local community. While these thoughts are foremost in our minds, now is a great time to discuss men’s eye health.
Believe it or not, men’s eyes differ from women’s. Men tend to be better at spotting finer details but they don’t tend to be so good at distinguishing variations in colour. Actually, men are sixteen times more likely than women to be colour blind.
Men are more at risk of traumatic eye injuries – sustaining injuries almost three times as often as women. This is mostly due to the fact that more men are exposed to dangerous or risky situations compared to women, and are also more reluctant, in these situations, to protect their eyes with the
correct eyewear. Protective shields should be worn over prescription glasses to protect the lenses from impacts and debris entering the eye from the side. They are worn on their own if no prescription is required.
An excellent option, and surprisingly costeffective option for glasses wearers, is prescription safety eyewear, with specific frame designs and lenses made from high impact material. If, at any point, a pair of protective eyewear is damaged in an way, it must be replaced in its entirety to maintain its integrity.
Protection from the sun is crucially important for everyone. A pair of good quality sunglasses which meet the Australian and New Zealand standards will protect your eyes from glare and harmful UV.
A healthy lifestyle encompassing diet, exercise, and the avoidance of smoking is recommended for everyone for overall good health. One of the best things to do for your eyes is to eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, and low in saturated fats.
An eye exam every two years is the best way to monitor the health of your eyes and to stay ahead of any developing conditions. Come and see the team at Orewa Optics for your regular check-up, and to see our range of safety eyewear and great sunglasses.
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
Buy nothing new month
Hospice volunteer shows how it’s done
If there’s one thing Harbour Hospice volunteer Christine Sanderson can’t stand, it’s waste. ‘If you can re-use, repurpose, revamp something why wouldn’t you?,’ she says. ‘There is so much that goes to landfill that could be given a second life. We all need to do what we can to care for and protect the environment.’
Christine lives so closely by this conviction that she hasn’t bought anything new to wear, apart from underwear, in at least 30 years. ‘I’ve had some fantastic buys over the years – some fantastic furniture and a really good stereo system. But the best would have to be my warm winter trousers, which I’ve been wearing more than 20 years.’
October is Buy Nothing New Month, and while for some this could present a real challenge, it’s business as usual for Christine, who has volunteered for Harbour Hospice’s Warkworth shops for 30 years.
She reckons she can find a use for almost anything. In fact, Christine introduced rag bags to the Harbour Hospice shop offering some years ago – bags of cotton rags cut from unsellable clothing donations, which have raised thousands of dollars for hospice.
‘Buy Nothing New Month is the perfect time to give second-hand shopping a real try,’ says Harbour Hospice Retail Services Manager Maria Baird. ‘We have 17 shops across the region, and they each have their own distinct personality. You can find clothing, jewellery, homeware, furniture, electrical appliances (that are tested), books and so much more. There really is something for everyone, and every dollar you spend shops goes directly towards funding hospice patient and family care.’
Give Buy Nothing New Month a go! When you spend in a Harbour Hospice shop you
are helping to fund specialist palliative care for local families. Harbour Hospice cares for one in three people who are dying in the community and provides this compassionate care, free of charge. But it relies on the support of its community to be able to continue to provide that care. Support
harbourhospice.org.nz/shop-with-us/
Harbour Hospice today and Buy Nothing New this October!
The importance of play
Engaging in play is just as important for adults as it is for children. It may no longer be make-believe games or building sandcastles, but scientific research supports the health benefits of play throughout our lives.
Play is not just an action – our doing, play is a state of mind – our being. The only agenda needed for play is to enjoy ourselves.
How can we bring more playfulness into our lives?
Children and animals are great role models of play. Their carefree energy is contagious. I can not resist throwing a ball that a friendly dog drops at my feet or chasing soap bubbles with my grandchildren.
Play allows us to be immersed in activities that make us feel good without needing a purpose or being outcome-based. Whether it’s sports activities, dancing, playing games or imaginative exploration, any physical or brain-stimulating activity can benefit us when done for pure enjoyment.
‘Play is something done for its own sake. It’s voluntary, it’s pleasurable, it offers a sense of engagement, it takes you out of time. And the act itself is more important than the outcome,’ Dr Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play.
What are the benefits of play when we are adults?
Adult roles, financial pressures and life responsibilities often get in the way of taking time to play. We may feel self-conscious about enjoying a childish activity or see it as non-productive. When we shift our mindset to recognise the benefits of play, it can become an integral part of our daily lives.
Play enhances problem-solving skills, improves our mood, creates strong social groups and helps build a healthy resilience to stressrelated illnesses. Most importantly, play encourages us to let go of inhibitions and have fun. It is an essential ingredient for a wellbalanced, fulfilling life.
With the start of daylight saving in New Zealand, make the most of the extra light hours by heading outside with a ball, frisbee or water gun. Invite a dog or someone to join you and have fun playing. Your
well-being will thank you – mind, body, and soul.
As George Bernard Shaw said, ‘We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.’
Trish | Life Wellness Coach trishbeauchamp.com
Since 1987, we’ve proudly supported the Hibiscus Coast with expert service and trusted care. OUR
Our qualified and friendly team offers thorough eye exams, stylish frames, and advanced lenses for work, sport, and everyday wear.
ANGELA CHRISTINE LAURA
HELEN GRANT SASHA CASS
BUCKET LIST TRAVEL
Completing my open water dive course At Volivoli
Dive Resort
This year I promised myself I’d tick off a few Bucket List experiences – and most importantly, challenge myself by stepping outside my comfort zone. So when the chance came up to complete my SSI Open Water Dive course in Fiji, my first reaction was sheer panic. Then I laughed and thought, ‘Bucket… just do it!’.
I’ve always loved snorkelling. Floating across the surface, watching the underwater world unfold beneath me, has always been magic. But the truth is I’ve always been a bit of a ‘floater’. In the past, no matter how hard I’d tried, I’d barely get a metre down before bobbing back up to the surface like a cork. That’s why the idea of scuba diving both terrified and thrilled me.
Before arriving at Volivoli we had to complete an online theory course. It gave me the basics, but I knew the real test would be in the water.
Day One: Straight into the pool for a full day of training. Mask clearing, buoyancy control, regulator recovery – it was a lot to take in, but by the end of the day I felt more confident (and a little proud of myself).
Day Two: After wrapping up some final pool work, it was time for the big one – my very first open-water dive. Standing on the edge of the boat, about to step off into the Bligh Waters, my heart was pounding. The moment I sank below the surface though… everything changed. Suddenly I was in another world, with colourful coral gardens and fish darting in every direction. It was pure magic. That afternoon we did a shore dive. Visibility wasn’t perfect, but I still managed to spot a seahorse and even an upside-down jellyfish.
Day Three: Exam day! After finishing the written test, it was time for two tank dives on some incredible reefs north of the resort. By then I’d shaken most of my nerves and was finally starting to feel like a real diver.
Volivoli Dive Resort turned out to be the perfect place to learn. The instructors were patient and encouraging, the food was fantastic, and with 92 dive sites in the Bligh Waters, you’re spoiled for choice.
I went in nervous and unsure, but I came out with a brand-new certification and a whole new world of adventure waiting for me.
This isn’t the end of the journey, it’s just the beginning. I’m already daydreaming about where my next dive destination will be!
Michelle | Bucket List Travel
michelle@bucketlisttravel.co.nz
Paws and floors
Finding the best pet-friendly flooring
If you share your home with a four-legged friend, you already know they bring endless love and a little bit of chaos. From muddy paw prints to the occasional zoomies that turn your lounge into a racetrack, pets can be tough on floors. The good news? With the right flooring choice, you don’t have to sacrifice style for durability. Let’s break down the best options for homes where paws rule the roost.
Vinyl: the all-rounder. Vinyl flooring is a pet parent’s dream. It’s scratch-resistant, waterproof and super easy to clean, perfect for when accidents happen. Even better, it’s soft and warm underfoot, so your fur babies will be just as comfy as you are. These days, vinyl planks and tiles come in stunning styles that look just like timber or stone. You get the look you love without the stress of pet damage.
Laminate: a stylish middle ground. Want the timber look but not the timber worries?
Laminate flooring is affordable, looks stylish, and many ranges are designed with scratch and water-resistant finishes to handle busy pets. Modern laminate can stand up surprisingly well to spills and the odd water bowl splash. When choosing a laminate, a ‘pressed bevel’ or ‘micro bevel’ is best for water resistance.
Tile: tough as nails. Tile flooring is practically indestructible. It doesn’t scratch, stain or soak up odours, which makes it one of the most pet-proof options out there. It’s also
great for hot climates since it stays cool. In winter, you might want to throw down a rug or two so your furry friend has a cosy spot to snooze.
Carpet: cosy comfort. There’s nothing pets love more than curling up on soft carpet. It’s warm, quiet and oh-so-snuggly. If you’ve got your heart set on carpet, choose a stainresistant fibre, and keep a good spot-cleaner on hand. A short cut pile carpet will work best to make the fur hairs easier to vacuum up and there are no loops for claws to pull at. An underlay with moisture protection and anti-microbial properties helps your carpet stay nice and clean.
Engineered timber: beauty meets strength. Love the timeless beauty of wood flooring? Engineered timber gives you the look you crave with a bit more pet-friendly practicality than solid hardwood. Thanks to its layered construction, it’s more resistant to movement and can hold up better under daily wear. Add a protective finish and choose a lighter colour to hide a bit of daily life.
When it comes to pets and flooring, durability and easy cleaning are key. Whatever you choose, the goal is simple: a floor that works for you and keeps your furry family members happy, too.
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.
Vic: Bacon. Can you please talk to me about bacon? How do you make bacon crispy when you want it crispy, but then how do you make it softer for a BLT – I like mine softer in a BLT. I’ve heard people say use an oven, but I can’t seem to make that work either. Please help.
I would love to talk to you about bacon. One of my favourite foods, can’t beat a bacon butty! I like softer, cooked bacon as it retains the smoky bacon flavour better. The disadvantage of softer, cooked bacon, is it will have a higher fat content as the fat hasn’t been fully rendered. Firstly, you need a good quality bacon as they are all certainly not equal. Cheaper bacons will have a lot of brine/water in them and this affects the flavour. If you cook these bacons crispy, they will lack texture and flavour. Use steaky bacon for crisp bacon and use middle or Canadian (loin) bacon for less cooked bacon as it had less fat.
Not a lot of bacon has the rind anymore. Growing up, this was the prize as when crispy it can’t be beat! With poor quality bacon, to get the rind crispy, the bacon would be so overcooked due to the water content. With cheaper bacon, put it in the oven on a rack in a flattish tray so the water and fat are removed during the cooking process, but the bacon is still exposed to the high heat on all sides. Don’t use high sided trays unless you are grilling. I like to cook my bacon on Fan bake at 210-220°C. If you have great quality bacon then fry it in a frypan to seal and keep in all the flavours. Use the good stuff when you are making a breakfast or dish you want to impress with flavour!!
Tony: Sometimes my mixed greens taste bitter. Does this mean there is something wrong with them? Or can I balance it out with a dressing, or with the other ingredients I mix with them to reduce the bitterness?
It’s not really about the dressing but the types and way lettuces are grown today. When I started cooking, you made your own lettuce mix with iceberg, cos or romaine and red or green lollo rosso, which are all sweet lettuces. It wasn’t until the early 90s we started to see premixed mesclun, which are made with several varieties of baby lettuce. In the early 2000’s we really started to rely on mass produced lettuce mixes. It comes down to the way we live and expect our food nowadays. The more bitter or peppery varieties of lettuce are radicchio, escarole, chard, beetroot leaves, mizuna, rocket, watercress or curly endive. More heat during the summer will also make lettuces more bitter. Try using iceberg and cos lettuce and prep them myself then add the micro greens to this.
Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering
www.culinarylane.co.nz | culinarylane@gmail.com
Meet the residents at The Botanic
Leigh Holm
Leigh lives in a one-bedroom Rimu apartment.
Where did you move from? I moved here from Stillwater.
What do you love most about The Botanic? The people! There is always something to do and everyone is so welcoming. As soon as I moved in, I was invited along to a men’s lunch group. We’re called the RomeosRetired Old Men Eating Out. I was accepted
from day one. It was wonderful.
What are you enjoying about retired life? I’m enjoying being in good health and spending time surrounded by great people.
How do you live a life filled with purpose? I help out at the local Baptist Church Foodbank each week, which I really enjoy. There are a lot of young people helping out, and another man in his 80s, so we have a lot of fun doing really important work.
What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast? Everything I need is here. I don’t need to leave the Coast.
What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village? When I was sharemilking, someone once told me not to have a ‘concrete post mentality’ because a concrete post doesn’t bend, it cracks. I think that applies to life too. If you get set in your ways, you make things harder for yourself and for your family. My advice is to stay flexible, be open to change, and don’t make life difficult for those around you.
How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life? You don’t have to concern yourself with all the maintenance and upkeep of a home. I recently spent a few days in Whangarei. Before I left, I ran my eye over my apartment, and then I walked out and clicked the door behind me. I don’t have to give security a second thought.
What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café? The freshly-made fish and chips.
What is some good advice to live by? Love thy neighbour. It sounds simple, but it makes a world of difference.
www.thebotanic.co.nz
Mortgage test rates MORTGAGE MATTERS
When you apply for a mortgage, banks don’t just check if you can afford a mortgage at today’s interest rates. Instead, they ‘stress test’ your finances to see if you can still afford your mortgage repayments if interest rates go up. So even if you can afford the mortgage repayments at today’s interest rates, you may not be approved by the bank.
With test rates dropping, it has meant homebuyers can now borrow more. Even a slight reduction in test rates can translate into tens of thousands of dollars in additional borrowing capacity.
It’s worth noting that while you may be able to borrow more, you shouldn’t stretch yourself to the maximum.
If you’re wanting to know how much you can ‘potentially’ afford for your new property purchase, we recommend that you seek help from an experienced Mortgage Adviser. They will be able to compare test rates and identify which banks are likely to maximise your borrowing capacity based on your current financial situation.
The bank’s test rates are a crucial part of their responsible lending process.
The ‘test rate’ is typically 2% to 2.5% above current interest rates and differ between banks. Right now, mortgage test rates in New Zealand range between 6.5% and 7%. For example, if mortgage interest rates are around 5.5% pa, a bank may assess your application using a test rate of 7.5% or higher. This means your income needs to comfortably cover repayments at this higher interest rate, even through your actual repayments will be lower.
Why banks use mortgage test rates
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
Banks use mortgage test rates as part of their risk assessment strategy. By applying higher-than-current interest rates, they ensure you can afford repayments even if interest rates increase in the future. This helps the bank to:
• ensure responsible lending practices
• prevent borrowers from facing severe financial difficulties if interest rates increase significantly
• reduce the risk of mortgage defaults during economic downturns
Mortgage test rates are dropping – what does this mean for you?
With the Official Cash Rate (OCR) dropping, banks are also lowering their test rates as well as their advertised interest rates.
How well have you set up your customer buying journey?
Understanding the steps customers take to buy will give you a roadmap to be in the right place, with the right tools, helping them make the right decision –choosing you.
How to get this right
Know your customers. Review sales and segment customers into groups. For a new business consider who they might be. For both, build personas to help you compartmentalise what type of shopper they are and what pathways they take to buy.
Now you know the pathways. Map scenarios and describe the physical touchpoints. The moments or stages customers go through, for example, web searching. With product photos describe your solution to a problem or how you make life better, how it’s unique. Once mapped, you know what to say at the right time. If they’re in a store that’s a gift. Some are ready to buy. Make sure you add a carrot
helping them decide right now.
What are you doing to get noticed? Online, have SEO; paid search; inbound links. Advertising; signage; marketing relationships. Have your web address consistent everywhere. Deliver great user experiences building advocates for referrals. Bricks and mortar retailers should have the best location you can afford and everything above.
Do you have the suitable tools for each touchpoint? The moments where your customer is looking, your opportunity to bid for their business? Make your tools works, so customers choose you. Headlines hooking them in, solving problems. Features and benefits that validate this.
Once you have customers, keep them. It’s easier to sell more to an existing customer than to find a new customer. Deliver great buying, then user experiences is key to building loyalty. Loyal customers are advocates who tell others to buy from you.
When this goes wrong – what is your complaints process? Research shows, for complaints, responding quickly and fairly grows loyalty. So how quickly do
you respond? Are you defensive (building conflict), a pushover (Giving refunds)? Or are you confident and understanding, negotiable if the value delivered is under expectation?
Rule 1: The customer is always right. Rule 2: Refer to rule 1. This isn’t always the case, but facing a complaint you need to accept this is likely your mistake.
Do you make use of feedback? Train, empower staff to act on feedback –disempowered employees deliver weak buying experiences.
Chris Norris | AllBrand
Cert.
MKTG
| MCC | Cert. Typography
Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. He is also a 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
(Written by Chris Norris from a session between members of the Independent Board)
ART SPEAK
Wild wonders and creative sparks at Estuary Arts this October
Spring is in full bloom and Estuary Arts Centre is alive with colour, creativity and community spirit this October. Step inside and you’ll discover a month brimming with exhibitions, workshops and opportunities to celebrate Aotearoa’s unique natural world and artistic talent.
Creatures, critters, great and small: The spotlight exhibition, Predator Free 2050, brings together artists from across New Zealand to pay tribute to our country’s extraordinary biodiversity. Through paintings, prints, ceramics and mixed media works, the show honours the delicate ecosystems that make Aotearoa special, and the tireless work of those dedicated to preserving it. Visitors can not only admire the art but also take in the glory of live Red Admiral Butterflies as they emerge from their pupae – a chance to connect creativity with conservation.
Emerging talent on display: In Gallery Three, the spotlight shifts to the next generation of artists. Students from Fang Art Studio showcase their incredible skill in realistic drawing. These emerging talents remind us that the future of art in Aotearoa is bright, and worth watching closely.
A celebration of watercolour: Meanwhile, the Auckland Watercolour Society brings its annual Merit Awards to the Foyer Gallery. With more than 30 works on show, this exhibition offers a diverse glimpse into the techniques and imagination of some of the region’s most passionate painters.
Get involved with classes and workshops: Term Four art classes for both adults and children begin on 6 October. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced maker, there’s something to inspire everyone. Highlights include the return of Raku Firing on 12 October – a fastpaced, dramatic ceramic technique that produces striking and unpredictable results. Spaces are limited, and this workshop is always a sell-out favourite.
Makers Market next month: Estuary Arts is preparing for its much-loved Pre-Christmas Makers Market on Saturday 29 November from 10am to 3pm. This lively community event is the perfect place to pick up unique, handcrafted gifts while supporting local artisans. Stallholder spaces are limited, so makers are encouraged to book early.
Estuary Arts Centre is more than just a gallery – it’s a creative hub for the Hibiscus Coast community. Pop in at 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, call on 09 426 5570, or email manager@estuaryarts.org for more information.
www.estuaryarts.org
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Pencil drawing by Fang Art Studio
Watercolour exhibition
Raku workshop – kiln
Print by Kirsty White
Finding an identity witness for a NZ Passport application
If you’re having difficulty finding a person who fits the criteria to be your identity referee/witness for your New Zealand passport/ citizenship application, there is something you can do.
You can complete a printed application (rather than applying online), complete a statutory declaration, and mail both of these, along with other applicable documents, to the address on your application form.
In the statutory declaration you must state:
• that you cannot find a suitable identity referee
• the reasons why you cannot find one
• what you have done to try to find one
You will need to find someone suitable to fill in the witness section of the statutory declaration, such as a lawyer, Member of Parliament, Justice of the Peace, Registered Legal Executive or Government officer authorised to take statutory declarations. These applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, meaning your application might take longer than normal, and it might not be successful. For more information, go to: cab.org.nz/article/KB00001684
You can contact CAB for free, confidential info and advice on freephone 0800 367 222, online at cab.org.nz (send a message or speak with a volunteer on live chat), or visit one of our seven CAB locations around the North Shore & Rodney : cab.org.nz/find-a-cab/
Looking for your next great read? Let our local author guide you.
The Golden Sister
by Suzanne Do
Lili Berry is convinced that her twin sister’s death wasn’t due to an overdose, but that someone killed her. Raw with grief, she feels abandoned by her mother and alienated from her work colleagues, as memories of the ‘golden sister’ haunt her.
But then she teams up with Pete, the homeless man who found her sister’s body. He is a cultivated man who has fallen on hard times, and she discovers that he has his own personal story of family tragedy, after his little boy disappeared fifteen years earlier. He teaches her to swim, while she tries to jog his faulty memory for clues about her sister’s death, and she tries to find his lost son on Facebook. Their friendship is unexpected but brings moments of solace.
This is an unforgettable story about families, love and friendship, told with a great deal of heart and humour. You will need a box of tissues when you read this novel, but you will also feel uplifted.
Macmillan, RRP $38
The Cut Throat Trial
by S.J. Fleet
The Secret Barrister releases his first legal thriller, and it’s in a league of its own. After the murder of a teacher on New Year’s Eve, three teenage boys stand accused. They all deny the charge and point fingers at one another. Three defence barristers need to persuade the jury that their client is not guilty, but the prosecutor needs to win the case, no matter the cost.
This is a captivating legal thriller that takes you into the hearts and minds of all the personalities involved. The story is told from the point of view of the prosecutor, who desperately needs to win this case and restore her reputation. There is counsel for the third defendant who finds the case triggering, and the cynical judge, who provides an overview of the case and the personalities as the trial unfolds. We get to hear from the three adolescent defendants and, eventually, the shocking truth in this complicated case. Utterly fascinating.
Macmillan, RRP $38
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 @ Kingsway Jnr Campus. First class FREE then $10 per session. Richard 021 504084
Puhoi Celtic Sessions
Every 2nd Thurs @ 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. Contact: orewagardenclub@ outlook.co.nz
Hibiscus Coast Orchid Society
2nd Sunday of the month. Feb–Dec 1-3pm Masonic Lodge, Centreway Road, Orewa. Visitors welcome. Contact 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 @ St Andrew’s Church Hall. 107 Centreway Dr 1pm-2:15pm. $15 includes music.
Avon Hansen-Beadle 021 421 109
Hibiscus Coast Concert Band
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
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 @ 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 @ Silverdale Hall 1.30-3.30pm. Social Ballroom Dance for seniors. 021 031 4216
Line Dance Classes beginners class Weds 10am-midday @ 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 OrewaMillwater 1st & 3rd Tues of every month 7pm at The Wade Tavern. 2 Tavern Rd Silverdale. orc.secretary@outlook.com
Ladies Crafts 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 9am-12 & Sun 1pm @ 214 HBC Highway. New players welcome, free coaching. John 0274894955
10 pin 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. Jill 0211890866
Hibiscus Coast Literary Club 2nd Sat of the month @ 1pm W’poa Library Workshops. By authors. Writing competitions. Friendly atmosphere. Everyone welcome. Lorraine 021 02680132
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 @ 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) @ 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
Estuary Arts
09 426 5570
Rich Lingerie 09 625 2242
Valerie Burrows www.valieries-art.co.nz
Food, Entertainment, Sport & Recreation
Clara Café 021 210 4475
Fishing Direct 09 426 0574
Health & Well-Being, Fitness & Beauty
Hear Again 09 424 6035
Kate Allen 09 421 0910
The Rebound Room silverdale@theRR.co.nz
Home, Garden & Design
AFA Home Improvement & Landscaping 09 217 8866
Crewcut Rodney 0800 800 286
Gatmans Mowers & More 0800 800 960
Midway Flooring 09 424 3790
Shades Direct 0800 742 337
Housing
Milldale Show Home Village milldaleshowhomevillage.co.nz
1 brown onion gravy sachet or similar 150-300ml water (depends how strong/thick you want sauce)
125ml tomato sauce
1 Tbsp instant coffee
60ml Worcestershire sauce
50g soft brown sugar
20ml balsamic vinegar
250g Branston pickle
Method
Meatloaf
Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and, with an electric mixer or by hand, slowly mix until well combined. Place onto a greased oven tray around 40cm long. Mould the meatloaf mix with your hand into a smooth, long loaf.
Lightly oil the top of the meatloaf and place into a 190°C oven on fan-bake for approximately 40-50 minutes or until the meatloaf is just cooked all the way through. Remove from the oven and turn temperature down to 180°C.
Barbecue baste
Make the sachet of gravy as per instructions using the above water. Add all ingredients together in a sauce pan and bring to the boil, simmer for 2-3 minutes stirring often. Pour on top of the cooked meatloaf and place into the 180°C oven for 15-25 minutes (depending on how thick you want the sauce). Every 3 minutes or so, spoon the sauce over the meatloaf until the desired thickness is reached.
Mark Lane | Culinary Lane
www.culinarylane.co.nz
Korean-style chive pancakes (Makes 4 )
Ingredients
Pancakes
2 eggs
1 cup flour
2 cups water
1 bunch Chinese chives (aka garlic chives)
2 tsp salt
1 dash soy sauce
Oil for cooking
Kimchi (optional)
Dipping sauce
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp water
1 tsp vinegar
½ tsp sugar
1 pinch black pepper
Method
Dissolve the flour into the water.
Whisk eggs, then mix into the flour and water mixture. Add the salt and soy sauce, adjusting to taste.
Wash and drain the Chinese chives and cut into 10cm long pieces. In a frying pan, add some oil and then a quarter of the chives (and kimchi if using). Cook on high heat for around 30 seconds.
Add the flour and egg batter, just enough to cover the chives (and kimchi).
Reduce to a medium heat and pan fry for around 2-3 minutes. Have a peek at the side facing down. Once it has turned golden brown, slide the pancake onto a plate and flip it back into the frying pan with the other side facing down. Cook the second side until golden brown.
When cooled down, cut into bite-sized pieces.
Mix dipping sauce ingredients together and serve on the side.
Nita Wong
WHAT'S ON AT YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
Whangaparāoa
Special events in October
Self-publishing 101 with Frank Nunan: 5 October, 1pm. Everything you need to know to publish your own book. Free event.
Dr Chris Benton’s The seach for extraterrestrial life: 8 October at 10.30am. What should we be looking for? Learn about environmental factors and methods used to detect life in the universe. Free event. RSVP to WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Armchair travel talks: 12 October at 11am. Yukon adventures with Pip Stocking. Free event.
The power of acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine: 14 October at 10.30am. Talk and live demonstration on the benefits of acupuncture with Megan Nielsen. Free event. RSVP to WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Libby and eBooks: 16 October from 1pm to 3pm. Intro tech class on how to use Auckland Libraries’ largest eBook and Audiobook app. Free event. RSVP to WhangaparaoaLibraryEvents@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz
Regular programmes
Adult’s programmes
BrainCharge: Fridays, 2pm to 3pm
Chinese beginner’s english: Fridays, at 10am Brightside spinners: Fridays, 9.30am to 2pm The Reading Revolution: Mondays, 2pm to 3pm Digital Seniors (65+): Wednesdays, from 10am to 12pm
Children’s programmes (term time only)
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
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)
Holiday activites
Mana movez: 1 October from 3pm to 5pm. Come and play Just Dance on a giant screen (ages 5 to 13). Booking required, limited spaces.
Traditional Kiwi games: 2 October at 11am. Screen-free family fun with games and bubbles.
Knitting with Sharon: 3 October at 10am. All levels of experience welcome.
Sports storytime: 4 October at 10.30am. A special storytime and obstacle course (ages 4 to 7).
For events at the library run by external community groups, please see the library’s facebook page.
Ōrewa
Special events in October
Ōrewa and Surrounds – Over 50 years of Sporting History: Runs until 5 October.
Discover the histories of some of the longest running sporting clubs in the area. This exhibition showcases 8 clubs that have been operating for over 50 years.
Balance your blood sugars and lose weight: 21 October at 11am.
Join local nutritionist and weight-loss coach Sheryl Takayama for a free talk on balancing blood sugars, boosting energy and losing weight with a simple low-carb approach.
Regular programmes
Monthly & fortnightly (in the upstairs meeting room)
Book Chat: Wednesday, 1 October, 10.30am
Seed Savers: Wednesday, 15 October, 10:30am to 12pm
Orewa Writers and Poets: Saturday, 18 October, 1.15pm to 3.15pm
HBC Embroiderers Guild: Sunday, 26 October, 1pm to 3pm
Orewa Orators: Fortnightly, Friday, 10 and 24 October, 12pm to 1pm
Board games for adults: Sunday, at 12.30pm (18 to 60yrs+)
Weekly adult programmes (in the upstairs meeting room)
Craft group: Wednesdays, at 9:30am
BrainCharge: Wednesdays, at 11am
Digital seniors: Wednesdays, at 10am
ESOL Classes with Lynn: Mondays, 1pm to 2.30pm
The beginning of my Maori language journey: Wednesdays, 1pm to 3pm
Weekly children’s programmes (in the children’s area) Term time only, 30-minute sessions
Wriggle & Rhyme: Wednesdays, at 11am (for 0 to 2-year-olds)
Rhymetime: Tuesdays, at 11am (for 18 months to 3-year-olds)
Storytime: Thursdays, at 11am (for 2 to 5-year-olds)
Holiday activites
Kreating creatures: 2 October at 10am. Local creator and author of W.E Kiwi, Jon Stubbs shows kids how to create their own unique creatures and draw them. Suitable for Tamariki 8-10, limited spaces, make a booking at the library.
The wonderful world of tiger worms: 3 October at 10am. Compost Collective presents this fun, interactive worm farming workshop for kids. Spaced limited. Must register online compostcollective.org.nz or at the library. Bring two clean ice-cream containers and lids (2L dark plastic) along with a small amount of vegetable scrap if they can.
Anytime: Complete the Old to New Scavenger Hunt and choose a badge or sticker to keep.
