The Millwater Mag February Issue 2023

Editor’s Note

Happy New Year and welcome to our first issue for 2023. This corner of the Coast is always a great place to call home and that is never truer than in the summer months when we can make the most of this stunning scenery and incredible coastline we are blessed to inhabit. We hope your holidays have been full to the brim with lots of whatever you needed most.

If you’re still hanging out in holiday mode we have some great books for you to grab hold of – a travel memoir revisiting the 1970s and a gripping tale of separation set during the 1940s Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and Singapore.

For those wanting to set their holiday sights a little further afield this year, we have the low down on some long-haul travel destinations with some pretty special events happening in 2023.

With the weather a bit up and down, make sure you check out our article on how to read the marine weather forecast before you head out on your boat for a spot of fishing or water sports, and we also have tips on looking after your eyes in the summer sun.

For those summer soirees we have a tasty dukkah recipe that will elevate your entertaining and chef tips on adding and balancing flavours too. And if you canny be bothered cooking, Rudi has you covered with which local establishment to head out to for the best beef burgers in town. Please pop your feet up and enjoy.

Claire Nevans

PUBLISHER Grayson & Sarah Furniss

EDITOR Claire Nevans

DESIGNER Michelle Thomas

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CONTRIBUTORS Hayley Crawford

Karen McMillan

Mark Lane

Madison Smith

Paula Southworth

CONTACT US 027 444 00 44 | 021 771 140 or advertising@themillwatermag.co.nz

Rudi Hefer

In This Issue

3 - 5 MARCH

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Coastguard

The situation describes the position and movements of highs, lows and frontal systems expected to affect the New Zealand coast within the next 36 hours. It also names areas affected by warnings.

Areas describe the area the forecast covers. Details of current wind strength can be heard on VHF Radio or by downloading the Coastguard App. Forecast details are a description covering the next 24 hours of expected average conditions over open water.

Wind gives the direction the wind is expected to come from, such as northwest. Speed is given in knots and one knot is around two km/hr. This is an average speed, so gusts could be around 50% higher.

Marine weather

Weather conditions can make the difference between an enjoyable day out and a dangerous one. Remember that the weather can change suddenly and without warning even on the calmest of days.

Before you go out, always check the marine weather forecast. These state what the weather is expected to do on the sea. Land and general forecasts do not take into account wind speed over water (which is double that over land) or the waves or swell. Marine forecasts are reasonably accurate when predicting major weather events, such as gales and storms, but can be less accurate when predicting local change, so always be prepared for the unexpected.

We have been tasked to many boaties who set off on an enjoyable day out only to experience mechanical breakdown and find themselves unprepared for being out longer than anticipated. Always take plenty of food and water. Have sunblock, sunglasses and hats to protect yourselves from the sun and warm clothes, jackets and beanies in case the weather turns.

Understanding a marine forecast

Warnings are issued for gales or storms on the New Zealand coast. A wind warning may be included in local area forecasts if wind gusts are expected to reach 33 knots (about 60 km/hr).

A swell comes from either a distant disturbance, such as a cyclone or depression, or develops from wind waves blowing from the same direction for a length of time. Swells increase in height and get steeper when they reach shallow water.

All marine forecasts are for up to 48 hours with the outlook for a further three days. There are now many ways to access upto-date marine weather forecasts. When on the water listen to your VHF radio weather channels or nowcasting, download the Coastguard App or sign up to a weather apps such as Metvu, MetService, Windy or WeatherWatch.

If in doubt, don’t go out.

Crave Athletics

Not your average cheer gym

Bryan Hughey never wanted to be a fireman or an astronaut. Growing up in Ohio he was always playing ‘cheer gym’ and dreaming of one day running a gym of his own. Harry Mann coached his high school cheerleading team, designed all their uniforms and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

The pair met in 2014 when Harry moved from New Zealand to the US and joined the California All Stars cheerleading team where Bryan was a fellow athlete. After several years performing and coaching in the US and New Zealand, they decided in early 2020 the time was right to set up their own cheer gym – just as the first COVID-19 lockdown began.

Being stuck at home for weeks on end turned out to be perfect for mapping out the groundwork of their new venture. ‘The reason why Crave was so incredible when we first opened,’ says Harry, ‘was having that seven weeks with nothing to do but pour our heart and soul into the planning.’

They chose the name ‘Crave’ to represent their strong desire to run a cheer gym and their athletes’ desire to always do their best. ‘Athletics’ reflects the demanding nature of cheerleading and promotes the discipline as a sport. The style of their uniforms, the black and white theme and their @ logo were all designed to create an aesthetic that’s modern, relevant and just a little bit different. ‘It’s very clean and sleek,’ says Bryan, ‘just like our routines.’

When Crave Athletics opened its doors in November 2020, thanks to Bryan and Harry’s strong reputation in the industry, the athletes came flooding in. ‘We don’t have customers at our gym, we have families,’ says Bryan. ‘Crave IS a family and we inspire technical and personal growth both in and out of the gym.

We strive for excellence but we always listen and put the kids and their wellbeing first.’

‘We are also very extra,’ says Harry. ‘Our Crave Awards night is not just a prize giving, we go all out. Everyone dresses up and there’s giant light-up letters and a red carpet. We love making the kids feel special.’ Crave have already experienced considerable success at competitions, including winning the most spirited club award at Cheerfest 2022, which made Harry and Bryan extremely proud.

The club offers cheerleading at non-competitive, semicompetitive and fully competitive levels, as well as skills classes such as tumbling, jumps and flexibility. Free trial classes are currently available. ‘Come and check us out. We always have room for more Cravelings!’

www.craveathletics.co.nz 62B Forge Road, Silverdale

Harry Mann & Bryan Hughey

Ze Build Doing it all from A to Z

When Zane Dykman first started running Ze Build out of his home in Stanmore Bay he had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve. Working in the building industry he’d noticed a gap in the market – there were no companies offering a one-stopshop building service that provided the new builds, renovations and hard landscaping clients were looking for. Zane had decided he was going to be the one to do it.

His can-do business model proved popular with clients, as did the quality of his work and the personalised service he provided. The business grew and as it did, Zane brought family members and close friends on board with the same passions and values to work with him under the Ze Group umbrella.

The company now provides employment to over 100 highly skilled workers. To meet the needs of their client base, Ze Build have learnt to adapt and they now excel in all residential and commercial build areas, with specialised project managers providing expert knowledge to each project, be it a small renovation, an architectural home build or a large commercial block.

After an interim move to Agency Lane, last year Ze Build moved into some new premises of their own, on Foundry Road in Silverdale. The new site has enough office space to meet the continued growth of the company, a great yard space and an all-important area for the staff to relax and celebrate their successes together.

The move is a significant milestone for the company and for Zane, who takes pride in looking after his team.

‘To know I am able to offer job opportunities and security to all our amazing team as well as offer our clients a professional and reliable experience in building, that’s what makes me want to come to work every day’, says Zane. ‘And I love that we offer quality building solutions from A-Z, design to delivery.’

While the company take on projects across most of Auckland, a lot of Ze Build’s projects are here on the Coast. To give back to the local community they offer apprenticeships and provide sponsorship to local sports teams and to the Orewa Rodders Festival every year.

Born from one bright idea and a lot of hard work, Ze Build are an inspiring example of local business success.

www.zebuild.co.nz

Worthy burgers

What is it about a burger that invokes our inner child? It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or eighty, there’s something special about locking your laughing gear around a bun filled with anything from beef to fish to chicken, or even halloumi or mushrooms if you’re that way inclined.

It does take a special place, though, to take you down burger memory lane and send you into a food daydream. Because the standout burger requires all the elements to come together: a fresh bun, a juicy centrepiece, wholesome fillings and crispy fries on the side.

I venture out into the wild that is our corner of the Coast to look for the standouts and I have to say there are some real stunners. To keep it simple I’m opting for the beef burger on the menu (I fear that if I write a review, as a South African, about a fish or chicken burger, I may see an exodus of friends from Facebook!). I want a burger that’s dripping with goodness and makes an embarrassment of me with the plethora of napkins I use to mop up the trail of destruction.

In total, I tried five burgers, my stretchy pants working overtime. Here are my three favourites.

Northern Union

23 Wainui Road, Silverdale

The burger itself is fairly rustic (but to be fair I’m not looking for Cinderella). The chips are skin-on and crispy and there is an aioli on the side, which is a great reprieve from the usual squirt of Wattie’s to be honest. It parades crispy bacon, fried egg, caramelised onion, lettuce, tomato and beetroot relish. The cheese is tasty and the patty has a great depth of flavour although it’s slightly on the well-done side, but the kitchen gets a free pass as the restaurant is absolutely heaving! Respectable burger at $25.50 and three napkins.

Joe’s Garage

1 Alberto Lane, Silverdale

I expect Joe’s to rustle up a bangin’ burger. I don’t know why, but it just has that burger vibe to it. I order Joe’s beef burger and the menu makes it sound great already.

Streaky bacon, Swiss cheese, caramelised onions, pickle, lettuce, mustard and aioli. Yum! The burger doesn’t disappoint. The bun is fresh, the fillings are delicious (the cheese is my favourite), the chips are crispy and there are a lot of them. The patty is a little bland, but the cheese and mustard make up for it. What’s more, this burger is Burj Khalifa tall and needs some serious squeezage before I can grapple it into my mouth. Slightly pricey but sharable at $27 and four napkins.

Coast Bites and Brews

342 Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa

I’ve been to Bites and Brews a couple of times and the food has always been good, so I choose this as one of the spots to take my burger craving for a whirl. It has the bougiest meat patty, which claims to be homemade of 210-gram wagyu beef. That’s exciting! The burger is served with bacon, red onion, lettuce, tomato and smoked cheese. The bun is a dark toasted sesame brioche and it is superb. The patty is fantastic and the filling on the burger is nice too with a flamboyant fan of cos lettuce and the cheese really compliments the patty. The fries are my least favourite of the three restaurants as they’re slightly limp and not seasoned at all, but man oh man, the burger really is fantastic. An impress-your-girlfriend type of ooh lah-lah burger at $25 and four napkins.

I’ve decided not to score these reviews using my traditional scoring scale as the burgers really were neck on neck with each offering their own victories. The fillings and patty at the Union, the cheese and chips at Joe’s and the bun, patty and cheese at Coast. All three worthy of a visit.

With the elastic on my stretchy pants and my wife’s judgy eyes both at maximum width, I ease into an armchair contemplating what to review next. Supermarket lettuce comes to mind, but who am I kidding? It’s been a big year for reviews and I can honestly say that I’ve enjoyed putting my body on the line for you all! I can feel an Indian curry or fish and chips review coming on, so why don’t you reach out and provide me with your favourite go-tos? Until next month.

Rudi Hefer

Nutrition Sense

What’s the big fuss about fibre?

Have you made any resolutions for 2023 yet? If you are going to make one change to your diet this year, I encourage you to increase the amount of fibre you eat. Fibre has numerous benefits beyond just keeping us ‘regular’. Fibre also helps maintain a healthy weight and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and bowel disorders.

Fibre helps with our weight by making us feel fuller for longer, so we are less likely to overeat. Foods high in fibre require more chewing, which gives our stomach time to register when we are full. Eating quickly doesn’t allow the stomach adequate time to tell our brain we are no longer hungry so we can end up eating more than we need. Foods that are high in fibre also tend to have less kilojoules.

Fibre helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by slowing the rates at which sugar enters the bloodstream and so prevents blood sugar levels spiking. High levels of sugar in the bloodstream can, over time, damage the blood vessels. It acts a bit like a slow release fertiliser, allowing the body to process sugar in smaller amounts. This means that our pancreas can keep up with the work of getting the sugar out of the bloodstream and into the cells, reducing the chance of damage to blood vessels.

Fibre helps prevent heart disease as it lowers blood cholesterol levels by reducing its absorption from the intestines. It also prevents constipation, diverticular disease and haemorrhoids, which helps to prevent bowel disorders.

Foods high in fibre also contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (aka phytonutrients), which are a large group of compounds that include antioxidants, flavonoids, anthocyanidins and many others. Studies show that diets high in phytochemicals may reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Next month we will continue with this topic and look at different types of fibre, good sources of fibre and recommended daily intakes.

If you would like help with creating a more nutritious way of eating, guidance for healthy weight loss and food allergy

specific diets, contact me at paula@nutritionsense.co.nz, both in person and online consultations are available. I’m on Facebook as NutritionSense, for regular posts on health-related topics and recipes.

Paula Southworth | Nutritionist at NutritionSense www.nutritionsense.co.nz

Cooking Questions with Mark Lane

Your own personal chef

I have been cooking professionally for 38 years, both in New Zealand and internationally. I have my own business, Culinary Lane Catering, providing three and five course dinners in my clients’ homes, outcatering and grazing tables.

Now you can gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions and I will do my best to answer them in an upcoming issue.

Marilyn, Silverdale: What are some top pantry staples you recommend always having available that can add lots of flavour to a wide variety of dishes?

Great question! I always have Vegeta in my cupboard. This vegetable stock powder gives a great boost of flavour to sauces, soups and savoury dishes. To be honest, salt is your best friend and this will always add extra flavour to savoury foods. Chefs learn to add enough salt to just maximise flavour. Far too many people are afraid to season but mashed potato with just the right amount of salt is a different beast altogether. We all need 500mg per day to survive. The average Kiwi has around 3000mg per day, so just be sensible with your intake. Also have plenty of dried herbs and spices on hand to jazz food up.

Emma, Hibiscus Coast: We’ve got chickens so always have plenty of eggs. What are some great non-breakfast ways for using up extra eggs.

and frozen for up to one year but for maximum freshness, it is recommended to eat them with four months.

Bridget, Orewa: Is there anything I can do if I make a sauce, soup or stew too acidic or salty, without just watering it down?

Your best option is to counteract the salt with caster sugar (finer than standard sugar, it will dissolve quickly). This will better balance the salty flavour. When making soups or stews, always add ‘some’ salt at the beginning but just enough so that as it reduces the salt doesn’t over season. You can always add more salt at the end but you can’t take it away.

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering www.culinarylane.co.nz

For 3 & 5 course in-house lunches and dinners, out-catering, grazing tables and corporate catering.

Mahurangi Artists’ Studio Trail

The Mahurangi Artists’ Studio Trail is a free event where Mahurangi artists will be showcasing their talents throughout the beautiful Mahurangi region.

The opening night is on 2 February from 6-8pm at the Warkworth Town Hall, with the trail running from 4-12 February.

Visit artists in their studios, galleries and shared spaces and be delighted by the variety of art works on display.

Collect a trail brochure, available at the members’ art showcase in the Warkworth Town Hall, or download one from the website below.

Weave your art adventure through the beautiful countryside and be surprised and delighted by the colours, textures and treasures waiting to fill your soul and inspire you.

More details available at https://www.mahurangiartistnetwork.com/art-trails

4-12

The trail is FREE! Simply download a guide from our website, get out there and support our amazing local artisits!

Mortgage Matters

Tips for navigating rate changes

Wondering what mortgage rate changes could mean for you? There are some measures you can take to help soften the impact of rate changes.

Whether you’re one of many Kiwis with a home loan or you are looking to borrow, now is a great opportunity to review your options. By taking the time to make a plan now, you can be well-positioned for what’s to come.

Prepare for change

Borrowers with a fixed rate home loan may not be feeling the pinch of higher rates right now, but getting organised for when your fixed rate expires can help you in the future.

Make sure you understand your current interest rate and keep in close communication with your local mortgage adviser as rates change.

Consider locking in a rate early. Did you know that banks allow you to lock in a new rate in advance? The time frame depends on the lender, but tends to range from 30-60 days out from the refix date. To avoid uncertainty it may be an idea to consider your options sooner rather than later.

Refresh your budget

Take a close look at your budget, factoring in your current and potentially increased repayments so you can adjust your spending if needed to feel more financially fit. You could also consider making extra repayments. Paying more off your mortgage isn’t always possible, however, any extra payments could result in significant interest savings over time.

Explore refinancing

Now could be an excellent time to investigate other options, weigh up the pros and cons of refinancing and discuss opportunities with a specialist.

Whether you have a question about your mortgage repayments or you’re looking to borrow in the future, a mortgage adviser can help you explore your options.

Feel free to contact Ivan on 0275 775 995 or email ivan.urlich@mikepero.co.nz.

Ivan Urlich is a financial adviser specialising in mortgages, his disclosure statement is available free of charge on request.

George and Charlotte

New Zealand proves itself time and time again to be a melting pot of cultures, which is part of what makes people see us as one of the friendliest countries in the world. Within this multicultural exchange are the many beautiful and eclectic little shops with passionate owners bringing favourite items from their homeland to our shores, such as the gorgeous George and Charlotte boutique in Orewa.

George and Charlotte, not of the royal family but inspired by their names, is a UK clothing shop located along Orewa’s waterfront at 350E Hibiscus Coast Highway. It is currently the only store in New Zealand to have the rights to sell the Marks & Spencer brand, with M&S ladies nightwear, underwear and other bits and bobs being specialities of the store.

Alongside the M&S goodies you will also find other popular UK high street brands, including Mothercare and Debenhams. George and Charlotte have an emphasis on babywear, but stock clothing that ranges from new born and children’s wear to a seasonal range of adult clothing. The stock is regularly changing and growing, and now includes a selection of NZ local brands and environmentally friendly toys made locally on the Hibiscus Coast.

The driving force behind George and Charlotte is Sheena, who arrived in New Zealand 28 years ago from Cheshire. Now a local on the Coast, Sheena has a love of quality clothing and decided she wanted to share that love with her adopted neighbourhood. Her passion is to make every child feel like royalty at an affordable price. A mother herself, Sheena knows the value of good quality children’s clothing and uses her expertise of the UK brands to provide the best they have to offer through her shop.

George and Charlotte also gives back to the community by supporting many charities. They assist with raffles and sell some products where the proceeds go to Starship Hospital. Sheena spreads generosity and kindness where she can through these efforts, and those values are reflected in the welcoming atmosphere of the shop itself.

So after a walk on the beach and your morning coffee, pop in and check out what George and Charlotte have to offer – a great range of UK and local products, knowledgeable clothing advice from the lovely Sheena, a good chat with a UK/local and even a fluffy puppy to adore.

www.georgeandcharlottenz.com

Madison Smith | Features Contributor

Book Reviews

Karen McMillan | www.karenm.co.nz

A Message for Nasty

by Roderick Fry

Hong Kong 1943. Marie Broom is at home on Hong Kong Island when the Japanese invade. She is Portuguese Chinese, 27 years old, the mother of four young children. Her New Zealand husband, Vincent, is working in Singapore as a marine engineer, and it is not long before Singapore falls to the Japanese also.

A Message for Nasty follows the fate of Marie and Vincent over the next two years, separated from each other and without any means to communicate. Marie does her best to protect her children, but danger, starvation and death lurk on every corner. Vincent tries desperately to escape occupied Singapore and eventually embarks on a perilous journey across China to try to rescue his family.

A Message for Nasty is a gripping, page-turning read, a novel that packs an even bigger emotional punch when you learn the story is based on the author’s grandfather and grandmother.

Awa Press, RRP $40.00

Travelling Light

by Steve Lowndes

Travelling Light is a travel memoir that follows the adventures of young couple Steve Lowndes and Lisa Potts as they journey across the globe in the 1970s. It makes for fascinating reading as they spend nearly a decade travelling the world together.

This is an entirely different type of travel than what we experience today. There is no mass tourism. No credit cards, mobile phones or the internet. It is more complicated than travelling now, but it also seems much freer in other ways and there is a palpable sense of adventure. Certainly the cities aren’t as clogged then as they are today. It’s a slower pace of life, more space and the chance to relax and experience all the small moments along the way.

Steve has a very engaging writing style that brings their adventures to life, capturing the romance of travel in this era. The photographs by Lisa are a highlight of the book. Travelling Light is a must-read for anyone interested in travel or other people’s stories and anyone with an adventurous heart.

Quentin Wilson Publishing, RRP $49.99

Bucket List Travel

Where to be in 2023

Planning your international travel for the coming year? Here are a few must-see destinations that have exciting events scheduled for 2023.

Egypt

Last year marked the centennial of the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb. Many high-profile projects, including the much-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, are finally set to open this year. Said to be the world’s largest archaeological museum, the space will contain many priceless items including all objects excavated from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Our travel tips: Book early for next year – some popular Nile River cruises have already sold out for 2023. We suggest travelling with a small group adventure company as the easiest and most comfortable way to travel around Egypt.

Venice

The Venice Architecture Biennale runs in 2023 from 20 May to 26 November, with global exhibits curated by Lesley Lokko. Architecture lovers will also want to visit the Procuratie Vecchie, the 16th-century building along St. Mark's Square. Its façade is one of Italy’s most photographed and after the completion of a five-year refurbishment, you can now visit the inside.

Our travel tips: The most exciting way to arrive in Venice is via train into the Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station, which is just a 20 minute walk from the Grand Canal.

Vienna

Austria’s capital city may be old – like, Holy Roman Empire old – but 2023 will see new life in this historic destination. This year is the 150th anniversary of the Vienna World’s Fair and the celebrations include 12 months of cultural events. It’s also the 300th anniversary of the opening of the Belvedere. The palatial museum is mounting an art nouveau exhibit featuring 90 Gustav Klimt works, which is happening in February.

Our travel tips: Spend a few extra days here and soak up the vibe of all the anniversary celebrations and perhaps enjoy a stay at the recently opened luxury 5 Star Hotel Rosewood Vienna, set in a neoclassical building that was previously an apartment building where Mozart lived.

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Mark Mitchell, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.

Michelle | Bucket List Travel, Red Beach

December was a busy month for your local brigade, responding to 82 incidents including:

• 29 structures (including fire alarms)

• 1 hazmat

• 8 rescues

• 2 vegetation fires

• 22 minor incidents

• 32 medical responses

• 2 natural disasters

Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade

A recent call of note for the fire brigade was a third alarm structure fire at Fulton Hogan on Hibiscus Coast Highway on 20 December. There were 22 appliances involved including specialist ladder trucks, foam tenders, command units and a hose layer. Here, three asphalt silos caught on fire but were extinguished fairly quickly.

In hot, dry summers it is important that everyone be fire safe. Hihiratia mehemea ka āhei koe ki te tahu ahi i tō rohe. Check if you can light a fire in your area via https://www.checkitsalright.nz/ or ring Auckland Council.

Have you considered becoming a volunteer firefighter?

Volunteer fire fighters help make communities more resilient. They are first to the scene at over 31,000 incidents across New Zealand each year and are as likely to attend

medical emergencies and motor vehicle accidents as they are to attend a fire.

Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade (SVFB) are currently recruiting for new fire fighters. Strong brigades have members from a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences and SVFB are keen to reflect the diversity of our great community. If you’re a team player with a positive attitude who would like to learn new skills and help make our community safer, they would love to hear from you.

You don’t need any experience as all learning and training is provided. The only real requirements are that you:

• live within four minutes of the fire station (149 Hibiscus Coast Highway)

• are aged 18+ (16-17 with parental permission)

• pass the police vetting

• are reasonably fit

If being part of the FENZ and Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade family appeals to you, please express your interest via their Facebook page.

09 884 0107 WWW.ZEBUILD.CO.NZ

New year, new beginnings Family Corner

This month many of our children are heading into new environments – new classrooms, new schools, their first year at university or even a new job. Some will be catching buses away from the Coast for the first time, spending more time away from home than they are used to or may be negotiating the inner city (or even a new city) on their own. While new beginnings are often exciting, the unknown can be a little daunting too. Here are some expert tips for helping kids to adjust.

Self-confidence is a great asset to have when entering a new environment. Jenny Hale, Senior Parenting Coach at Parenting Place says role modelling confidence and optimism can help kids grow their own confidence and positive outlook towards big changes. She also recommends giving them plenty of hugs and hope. ‘There’s something wonderful about a warm hug… Metaphorically, you are packing their bag with love and support for them to draw on during the day.’ Jenny says it’s great to send kids off with the mindset of ‘I can manage today because I am loved and someone believes in me.’

Having strategies to deal with situations that may arise can also help our kids negotiate new environments. Jenny recommends talking to your kids about how they would handle any tricky situations that may arise. For younger children this can be done through playing a game called ‘What would you do if…’ and then talking through options with them.

If your kids are experiencing anxiety about their new activities this year, encouraging them to share their worries with you will help them feel supported and help you better understand their concerns so you can offer the appropriate help and guidance. Parenting Place counsellor Jo Batts says rather than saying there’s nothing to worry about, try telling your kids it makes sense that they might be anxious. This can help to normalise their feelings and then you can work on coping strategies together.

With younger children anxiety tends to relate to external concerns, but with teens and grown children it can often be turned inwards and be more about them coping and fitting in. Sheridan Eketone, a presenter and trainer at Parenting Place, says being gently curious by asking open-ended questions, sharing your own experiences to show you can relate and empathising

with how they are feeling are all good ways of helping your older children feel supported and work through any feelings they are having as they head into a new environment.

Claire Nevans | Editor Forparentingresourcescheckoutwww.parentingplace.nz

Beauty Aspects

Skin detox time for 2023

Is your skin looking or feeling a little dull? Got some blemishes or inflammation going on? You may benefit from having a skin detox. If you want healthy glowing skin, a skin detox is one of the best things you can do.

Skin is the largest organ of the human body and plays a vital role in detoxification.

Sometimes our skin becomes loaded with toxins due to environmental factors such as pollution, unhealthy diets (indulge a little too much over Christmas and New Year?), not having a skincare routine (or letting it lapse while you’re on holiday) or using products with harsh chemicals.

Steps you can take towards restoring your skin's health and enjoying healthy, glowing skin in 2023 include:

• using exfoliation or skin peels/resurfacing

• double cleansing or microdermabrasion

• detox peels by Nimue

• drinking lots of water

• nutritional detox/clean diet

• sleeping well

• LED light therapy

If you add these few easy steps to your self-care routine this year they will help you and your skin look and feel better.

The benefits of doing a skin detox include:

• giving you a more youthful appearance

• reducing any inflammation

• reducing blemishes and breakouts

• giving you a more even skin tone

• better absorption of skin care products

Professional treatments can work with your home beauty routine to help you achieve your skincare goals for 2023. If you’d like a professional detox or any other beauty treatments, appointments are available now at Beauty Aspects.

Amelia | Beauty Aspects

Summerset Milldale coming soon.

Summerset is excited to announce a brand-new retirement village, Summerset Milldale which begins pre-selling* in mid-2023.

Once complete, it will offer over 220 independent homes to choose from including villas and apartments. Plus, we will have a wide range of care options, including serviced apartments, a care centre and our industry-leading memory care centre. All safe and secure within a fully gated village community.

Summerset Milldale is located close to Silverdale and the Whangaparaoa Peninsula in one of Auckland’s newest and most affordable suburbs. It will offer the perfect retirement lifestyle, close to beaches, cafes and shopping, everything the Hibiscus Coast has to offer.

Only 25 minutes from downtown Auckland, this stunning village will give you easy access to everything a busy retirement life demands.

Get your free information pack today

0800 SUMMER (786 637)

summerset.co.nz/milldale

MILLDALE HOUSE AND LAND PACKAGES

Specialising in design and build, each of our Maddren house and land packages are uniquely designed with high quality fittings, offering homeowners the ultimate in stylish urban living with the freedom to add personal flair through colours and finishes. Get in touch with our design and build consultants by calling our free phone 0800 666 000 or emailing info@maddrenhomes.co.nz to learn more.

0800 666 000 maddrenhomes.co.nz

YOUR TABLE IS WAITITNG!

All-day Breakfast and Lunch FREE ICE CREAM WITH KIDS MEAL

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Friday 7:30 AM - 4 PM

Saturday to Sunday 8 AM - 3 PM

silverdale@claragroup.co.nz www.claragroup.co.nz

@ClaraCafeSilverdale @ClaraCafeSilverdale

Lot 158, Stage 4B1 Lot size: 320m2 Floor area: 185.96m2

3 beds, 2.5 baths, single garage Construction starts soon $1,499,000

Lot 144, Stage 4B1 Lot size: 501m2 Floor area: 209m2

3 beds, 2 baths, double garage Construction starts soon $1,789,000

3 Brian Smith Drive, Silverdale | 09 688 2068

Impressive results for local Special Olympic athletes

In December last year a team from Special Olympics Hibiscus Coast headed down to Hamilton to take part in the Freemasons New Zealand Special Olympics National Summer Games 2022. The games are held once every four years and are the biggest national event on the Special Olympics New Zealand calendar.

Held from 8-12 December at eight different venues across the Waikato, the 2022 games attracted over 1400 athletes and coaches and had 600 volunteers helping run the events, which were spread across 10 different sports.

The contingent from Special Olympics Hibiscus Coast performed exceptionally well and came away with the following excellent results.

Swimming

• Saione Skelton: 25m Backstroke (Gold), 25m Freestyle (Gold), 50m Freestyle (Silver)

• Alec Harris: 50m Freestyle (Gold), 4 x 25m Freestyle (Silver), 100m Backstroke (Bronze), 50m Backstroke (Bronze)

• Amarni Matafeo: 50m Freestyle (Gold), 25m Freestyle (Silver)

• Cassady Cassim: 50m Butterfly (Silver), 4 x 25m Freestyle (Silver)

• Grace Roberts: 50m Freestyle (Bronze), 4 x 25m Freestyle (Silver), 25m Backstroke (Silver)

• Laetitia Tan: 25m Freestyle (Gold), 50m Freestyle (7th), 4 x 25m Freestyle (Silver), 50m Backstroke (4th)

Bowling Doubles

• Stephen Carl Just / Torben Noah (Gold)

• Hamish Nadan / Kevin Webb (4th)

• Jessica Woomack / Grace Bellette-Just (5th)

• Zane Panui-Leth / Matthew Parker (6th)

Teams

• Zane Panui-Leth / Grace Bellette-Just / Matthew Parker / Hamish Nadan (4th)

• Torben Noah / Jessica Woomack / Stephen Carl Just / Kevin Webb (5th) also a PB for Kevin

Equestrian

• Gabe Pring: Dressage (Bronze), Equitation (Bronze), Working Trails (Silver)

Intuitive Eating for weight management

Non-diet approach

Eating behaviour psychology

Infants to Teens

Fussy eating

Developmental nutrition

Healthy teens

Online Services

Diet analysis

Online Consults

Health check-in

Digestive Health

Irritable bowel syndrome & FODMAPs (Monash university accredited)

Allergies & intolerances

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nutrition & Wellbeing

Medical and family nutrition

Performance nutrition for teen athletes

Vegetarian and Vegan

Sleep Apnoea

Specialised weight loss program

Sustainable & Realistic

Tailored approach for individuals

Book at www.nutritionconnection.nz

3 Brian Smith Drive, Silverdale

The Doctors Urgent Care, Red Beach

See a trusted expert in Nutrition and Health

A big congratulations to all the athletes, their coaches and their support crews. Well done!

Claire Nevans | Editor

In the loop

Local schools

This month, to help meet the needs of our rapidly growing population, two new local primary schools have opened their doors: Ahutoetoe School in Milldale and Nukumea Primary School in north-west Orewa. Maps showing the enrolment zone of each school can be accessed via https://www.educationcounts. govt.nz/find-school. We wish the foundation staff and pupils of both schools all the very best for a successful first year in 2023.

The new local secondary school originally earmarked for opening ‘in approximately 2025’ is now being planned towards an opening ‘between 2026 and 2030’, according to an update from Sam Fowler, Head of Property at the Ministry of Education (land has been acquired for this purpose by the Ministry of Education on Upper Orewa Road, Wainui).

For Orewa Primary School, term one will be their last with long-serving principal Diane Lambert, who will be retiring. The school board have appointed Claire Janes, currently deputy principal at Belmont Intermediate, as Orewa Primary School’s new principal from the start of term two.

Penlink is happening

In December last year the first sod was turned on construction of O Mahurangi – Penlink, the new highway link between the Whangaparaoa Peninsula and State Highway 1. Refinements have been made to the planned road layout around the entrance to the new highway that impact Whangaparaoa Road and Beverley Road. Details of the new layout can be viewed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/ penlink/key-design-refinements/.

The Fishing Spot

This summer will definitely be one to remember with the continuous noreasterlies and tailwinds from tropical storms preventing us from getting out on the water! All Christmas and New Year we sat inside watching the weather reports, looking for a small window, waiting for a glimmer of hope, only to see 20 knot winds for another four days. Unless you were in Wellington like I was, where the weather was glamour and the fish were biting hard. I’m back at home now and as I write this, there is a small window tomorrow. It will be wind against tide and it could be raining, but I’m sure as hell going to get out there and get my lines wet.

Don’t stress too much. The weather always settles late summer and early autumn. The fish definitely feed during these months and the long, hot nights make for some great dusk expeditions. It will just be a matter of time before it comes right. Looking ahead, the moon phases over Easter weekend look great for afternoon fishing, so plan to get out then.

This month I had another couple of opportunities to shoot out both in Auckland and Wellington. My trip in Auckland was out with my head chef and we only had a small window before dinner service. The fishing was slower than previous trips. We still landed eight good sized snapper in twohours but we had to cover some ground to find the bite. In Wellington we were setting pots and nets and fishing for blue cod with my new electric reel. It felt a bit like cheating but winding up cod two at a time was a breeze. I’m certainly converted.

Next month we have a couple of game fishing trips planned out of Opua on a mate’s boat. Hopefully mother nature is nice to us and we get a few good days out there towing lures. It’s been a year since we caught a gamefish so I’m really looking forward to getting up there! No doubt you will hear how we get on over the next two months. Until then – tight lines!

Tim Lawrence

is ready to provide

professional advice and the best eyewear to suit your needs. Come and see us today!

Furry friends at The Botanic

It’s not just the residents who love each other’s company at The Botanic. The pet-friendly retirement village has created a new community of furry friends.

Michelle Pipping, Millwater resident and sales executive at The Botanic, says pets bring a richness to the pet-friendly village and play an important role in supporting wellness in our retirement years.

‘Pets help to keep us motivated and active. They encourage us to stretch, move around and get outdoors because you’re often bending down, lifting them up or walking them.’

Louie, the Russian blue, is only 2.5 years old and has made friends with the feline grandfather of the village, 16-year-old Thomas. It is fortunate that Animates is nearby, because Thomas has become a fussy eater in his old age. His owner makes frequent trips on foot to keep up with the fluffy cat’s latest food fad.

Michelle says that like their owners, pets have quickly adjusted to life at The Botanic and they love the landscaped gardens and open spaces on offer at the Hibiscus Coast’s newest retirement village.

Cassie, the golden retriever, is the largest dog in the village and is always happy to pose for photos or stop for pats.

Just along the pathway is Milly the cheeky chihuahua. She has just turned one and is the youngest dog at The Botanic. Her owner says she keeps her on her toes. And Louie is a shih tzu and likes walks, cuddles and being brushed.

‘Pets bring so much character to our village. They provide unconditional friendship to their owners and transform their lives. There are so many benefits.’ says Michelle.

Inka, the löwchen, is on a summer holiday at the moment. Her owners embrace the ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle The Botanic offers and are currently on an extended caravanning holiday in the South Island. They sent a photo of Inka living her best life at the Hamner Springs Heritage Forest.

‘I think our pets are just like our residents,’ laughs Michelle. ‘They’re living lives full of wellness, purpose and connection. It’s a cat’s life and a dog’s life at The Botanic!

Visit thebotanic.co.nz or call 0508 268 264.

Milly the chihuahua

Inka the löwchen

Cassie the golden retriever

Louie the Russian blue

Louie the shih tzu

Thomas

House and land packages with a twist

Maddren have a lot of experience building bespoke homes, so the team there understand what specifications make a house special and they have carefully reviewed and hand-picked everything to match, and added a touch of everyday luxury to the homes. They also allow buyers the freedom to add their own flair by choosing colours and finishes.

In previous issues we have talked about the differences between spec and bespoke homes. But what about house and land packages? What are they and why can they sometimes be a good option for buyers?

In the last decade there has been a bit of a trend where developers acquire multiple large pieces of land, complete all the civils works and subdivide them into service-ready sections. It is common in this situation for the developer to sell sections to their appointed builders. This provides confidence in the build quality and design style in order to create the type of community the developer has envisioned and the purchasers are expecting.

It also creates the opportunity for more people to access a new home faster and easier. Millwater and Milldale are two good examples of the success of this type of development, creating new homes, quality communities and bringing good vibes to the area.

When buying a house and land package within this type of development, you purchase a section of land but the house that will be built on that section has already been designed. In most cases it will be a standard plan from the builder’s library with some minor tweaks to fit the site. But sometimes, rather than the house plan coming from a catalogue, the builder chooses to design a house specifically for that site.

There are a couple of good examples of this type of package currently available in Milldale. Design and build specialist Maddren Homes have just released two house and land packages within Milldale that both offer unique designs never been built before and both have exceptional exterior style. They have been designed specifically for the site, maximising the potential of the land and creating the perfect indooroutdoor flow to suit the surroundings.

This combination creates a bit of an unusual opportunity for the buyer, where they get the time-saving benefits of a house and land package where a lot of the hard work has already been donebut with a one-off house designed specifically for their land and the option to have input into decorating. A house and land package with a twist!

For more information on these two specific packages, please refer to page 24.

What’s

“24 Fingers and 6 Thumbs” Heather Matthews, Pam Naylor Ian Anderson

“ELEMENTAL” Glass art by Kate Cornwall and Kim Logue

“Farbe/Monochrom” photography by Tim Butler-Jones

“The Tangaroa Gulf Series” painting by Gary Hansen

Term 1 art classes Available NOW view and book on: estuaryarts.arlo.co/w/

Live your best life this year

Are you living the life you want in 2023?

Making New Year’s resolutions has become a trend but research shows 80% of people abandon them by February. Why is this?

Many people set a resolution based on something they think they should do, not what they want to do – that’s a big difference in motivation! The first step to changing a behavior is establishing how important it is for you to make the change.

Kain Ramsay said, ‘People will not change until their desire to change becomes greater than their desire to remain the same.’ The desired change requires working on your habit muscle. The more you exercise it the stronger it gets! Think of it as a gym workout for the mind.

Habits are routine behaviors repeated on a regular basis. They are often unconscious patterns of thoughts and actions you’ve developed over time. Changing a habit will require replacing it with a new thought or action.

Have you experienced driving on autopilot to your home before remembering you’ve changed your physical address? Just as we can train our brains to steer the car in a different direction, we can do the same for the changes we want to make in our lives.

The belief that a habit can be changed in 21 days has been updated with more accurate data – it takes 18 days to 254 days. Ouch! Commitment to change is an investment of time

and effort. The good news is that you can live your best life by intentionally creating habits that will help you achieve what you want.

Imagine what your best life looks like and decide how to progress forward to see it happen.

What do you want, and why is this important to you? What habits will you need to change to have this happen? How will you feel when this desire becomes a reality? Who will be with you, cheering you on? What does your ideal day look like - what will you be doing?

If nothing changes, nothing changes. You can start living your best life today.

Trish Beauchamp | Life Coach and Counsellor www. trishbeauchamp.com

The Green Spot

Reducing medical waste and helping those in need

Do you find your first aid cabinet gets inundated with overprescribed and nowexpired medications? All too often our medicines are only available in large quantities and much of it goes to waste. Some of this waste can be avoided, because if it is still sealed and has six months future dating it can be sent to Medical Aid Abroad, to be used by countries in need.

New Zealand has a highly cautious approach to pharmaceutical goods, restricting the possibility for reuse, but in the last two years alone, 38 countries have welcomed our surplus supplies that have been checked over and distributed by appropriately trained professionals.

Medical Aid Abroad accept a large range of items including hospital equipment ranging from a tiny scalpel blade to hospital beds. What they don’t accept is controlled (addictive) drugs, refrigerated goods, chemicals and partly used or expired items. They will also rehome moonboots and other mobility goods such as wrist braces, crutches, walkers and sticks.

The organisation is based at the Greenlane Clinical Centre and deliveries can be made on Wednesday mornings, or their courier address and contact details can be found on their website maa. org.nz.

For an easier option, ask your local pharmacy if they send their unwanted medications to MAA and will accept yours to send too. For our area, the Silverdale Clinic Pharmacy at 7 Polarity

Rise are helping to make a difference by being part of this programme. There are also other ways to help this fabulous cause, which include making a monetary donation or volunteering your time. Go to their website to learn more about this amazing organisation that is reducing waste while helping those in need at the same time.

Hayley Crawford | @trashtalkingmama

COME SEE WHY THOUSANDS TRUST US! HEARING PROBLEMS?

When it comes to problems with your ears, it’s great to know you are in safe hands. Hear Again have been delighting Hibiscus Coast residents for over 7 years at their inviting Whangaparaoa Coast Plaza clinic.

With a dedicated ear wax removal suite, FREE initial hearing tests, and access to the world’s leading hearing aid manufacturers, Give your ears a treat today!

Fertility and nutrition What is the connection?

You might have spent years trying not to get pregnant and now you want to. You might think to yourself ‘How hard could it be ?’ only to realise there are lots of things to consider before trying, or you have started and hit some road blocks to getting pregnant. You are not alone! Fertility issues impact ~15% of couples worldwide and can be contributed to by both men and women.

There is a growing body of evidence showing the impactof lifestyle on fertility, including nutrition, physical activity, psychological stress and smoking. Nutrition is often overlooked when trying to conceive, however, food provides some of the essential building blocks for fertility and for the health of the foetus and mother after conception.

It can be difficult to navigate nutrition messages. Should you eat gluten? How much coffee is too much? What other foods could help improve your chance of conceiving? Seeing an experienced fertility dietitian for some personalised advice is useful, but here are five tips to get you started:

1. Limit alcohol: Alcohol is not recommended during pregnancy and has also been found to decrease implantation ratesand impact ovulation. Try reducing your alcohol – consider swapping for sparkling water instead.

2. Increase omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and improve the quality of eggs and sperm. Aim to have fish three times a week in the months prior to trying to conceive or as soon as possible.

3. Optimise fat intake: The body uses fat in the productionof hormones. Too little fat can inhibit your body’s ability to conceive and saturated fats can increase inflammation, so limit foods such as butter, bacon, large amounts of red meat and processed foods. Instead choose healthy fats including avocado, olive oil, nuts, fish and seeds.

4. Ensure adequate folate: Folate is a B vitamin which helps to prevent neural tube defects. It is recommended that women trying to conceive take a daily pre-pregnancy multivitamin and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables.

5. Reduce foods high in sugar: Sugar increases insulin production which can impact fertility hormones. Reduce baked sugary items and ultra-processed food – can you swap any out for alternatives such as fruit or nuts and seeds?

Where ever you are on your journey, getting a nutritional checkup for you and your partner when you are trying to conceive is a great way to help ensure you are both on the right track for success!

Anna Sloan and Ashleigh Share | NZ Registered Dietitians www.nutritionconnection.nz

Central’s Tips February 2023

The fruit and vegetable garden

• Seeds that can be sown into the soil directly include radishes, beetroot, and carrots. Brassicas: cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower can be sown in trays for planting when it’s cooler

• Liquid feed with Aquaticus Garden Booster –it helps keep the soil healthy and adds nutrients for plants to use

• Autumn crops such as feijoas and passionfruit are developing now, so water deeply once a week

• Leek planting time: plant leeks with Garden Mix into 10mm deep holes - using a pencil works well. The soil will gradually close around the leek. Keep watered

• Thought you’d missed the basil season? Planting or sowing basil seed now is just fine

• Regularly harvesting zucchinis is an absolute must – they grow to marrow size very quickly and there are only so many times you can serve stuffed marrow in a summer season!

• Use an organic pesticide such as Bugtrol to control white butterfly on tomato plants etc. Spray very early before bees are active

• Late ripening apples and pears can still be thinned out if the fruit clusters are too crowded. This will allow good size fruit to develop

The ornamental garden

• Refresh pots and hanging baskets by adding new summer seedlings and foliage plants. A couple of weekly liquid fertilizer applications and they’ll come away again, lasting right through autumn

• Dahlias are the modern craze – these plants will go on flowering right through autumn if kept watered, staked and deadheaded

• Softwood cuttings (camellias, fuchsias eriostemons and lavenders) can be struck now. There’s nothing more satisfying than free plants. Youtube offers great ‘how to’s’ on propagation by cuttings

• Two NZ plants, the cabbage tree and the kowhai, suffer damage from caterpillars munching on fresh foliage in summer. A fortnightly spray with natural Bugtrol will deal to the problem

• Weeding is good – it lets desirable plants grow on in the summer heat. But don’t trim hedges and other evergreens – the exposed foliage will burn in the sun

• Fancy some flowers? Several reliable perennial plants will offer months of blooms including Peruvian lilies (alstroemerias), salvias, daisies, phlox, petunias and dahlias

• Luculias are bushy shrubs or small trees that produce pink or white flowers in autumn. Beautiful, scented flowers make them a garden delight – they’re in garden centres now

Project for February

Bring the beach home to the garden

Lay crushed shell paths or courtyards, or use around coastal themed plants such as succulents, ice plants, muhlenbeckias or arctotis. Visit the beach for some sculptural driftwood and enjoy! For crushed shell, sand and other products, visit centrallandscapes.co.nz

Damaging effects of UV in the summer sun

Despite the recent teasing of intermittent weather, summer is here. The Coast’s numerous and stunning beaches, cafes and markets have all been calling us – and we have answered! How good is it to be taking some much-needed time outside in nature?

Just as you’d wear your seatbelt in a car, a lifejacket on the water and sunblock every day (bonus points if you reapply regularly), sunglasses with UV protection are an absolute must in the summer sun. Lucky for you, we have some absolutely STUNNING sunglasses that look sensational and will help to protect your eyes. Don’t forget, for those who wear prescription glasses, we can put your prescription into your sunglasses too.

Long-term exposure to even small amounts of UV radiation can increase your risk of developing a cataract or macular

degeneration. UV exposure adds up over time. It can also cause tissue elevations on the surface of your eye. These are called pingueculae and pterygia.

A common symptom of sun damage in the eyes is watery or teary eyes due to dryness. This is your body naturally increasing tear production in order to attempt to heal the eye. You can also look out for things such as wrinkles, accentuated skin furrows, sagging, loss of elasticity and mottled pigmentation.

Because the skin on and around your eyelid is the thinnest of your whole body, it’s incredibly important to protect this skin too, not just your eyes.

Some ways to help protect your eyes and the surrounding skin against the sun include:

• wearing sunglasses year-round whenever you are out in the sun

• choosing lenses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB light

• wearing a brimmed hat to protect your face and the top of your head

Regular eye examinations allow your optometrist to monitor your eyes, both inside and out, for changes over time. If you have any concerns about lumps, bumps or skin pigment changes on or near your eyes, or any issues with your vision, please contact us as soon as possible so we can help.

The team at Orewa Optics are on hand to answer any eye care and eye wear questions you have; as well as providing knowledgeable advice around the type of contact lenses or optical lenses that will best suit your lifestyle. We also have a stunning range of new season frames in store, perfect for complementing your summer wardrobe.

We can’t wait to see you. Visit us at 10 Bakehouse Lane, Orewa. Orewa

Endometriosis

Why the best gift you can give your teenage daughter is private medical cover

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disease associated with severe and chronic life-impacting pain during normal activities, sometimes leading to depression, anxiety and infertility. It is estimated to affect around 10% of reproductiveage females in New Zealand and occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus.

The variable and broad symptoms of endometriosis make it difficult to diagnose. Many sufferers have limited awareness of the condition as it can often be attributed to normal period pain. This can cause lengthy delays between the onset of symptoms and proper diagnosis. Access to early diagnosis and effective treatment of endometriosis is extremely important.

While the public health system is able to deal with acute medical conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and car accident trauma it struggles to cope with elective procedures, and endometriosis and other gynaecological procedures are classified as elective, not acute. These conditions can have a major effect on quality of life but because they are not considered life threatening they are not given the priority they deserve.

Private medical cover provides the opportunity, when needed, for prompt diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, performed in hospital under general anaesthetic, is the only definitive way to diagnose and treat endometriosis.

It is for this reason that I believe the best gift a parent can give their teenage daughter(s), while they are young and healthy, is

Theo Simeonidis | UProtectNZ Insurance Services

good quality private medical cover. This will ensure they have immediate access to specialist gynaecologists, expensive diagnostic tools and subsequent treatment. I am personally well aware of the debilitating effect endometriosis can have and anything we can do to promote early diagnosis and effective treatment is effort well spent.

It’s what we do.

Theo and Cristina Simeonidis are Financial Advisers, living and working in Millwater on the Hibiscus Coast, and specialising in personal and business insurances. Theo can be contacted on 027 248 9320, Cristina on 021 868 280 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 web site.

Note:ThisarticlehasbeeninspiredbytheworkofDeborahBushMNZM,QSM,whohashadaglobalinfluenceonthepromotionandpreventionof endometriosisworldwide.

Image credit: vectorjuice on Freepik

Buying and selling property with unconsented works

One important aspect to consider when buying or selling a home is whether any unconsented works have been completed on the property.

For a seller, unconsented works should be considered and discussed with your lawyer before you sign an agreement. Under the standard form agreement used by most agents, the seller gives a warranty that where they have done, caused or permitted to be done any works on the property:

• any permit, resource consent or building consent required by law was obtained; and

• to the seller’s knowledge, the works were completed in compliance with those permits or consents; and

• where appropriate, a code compliance certificate was issued for those works.

If you have done unconsented works to your property the standard form agreement will probably need to be amended to exclude this warranty and additional clauses may need to be added to help protect you. Unfortunately, these types of clauses can be discouraging to potential buyers, but they are an important protection for sellers.

For a purchaser, buying a property with unconsented works can cause issues with obtaining a loan to fund the purchase, in respect of your insurance and downstream on a future sale. Often banks are unwilling to lend to a purchaser if there are unconsented works on the property, so this should be checked with the bank before entering into an unconditional agreement.

You will also need to check you are able to obtain property insurance. Sometimes insurers will not provide cover where unconsented works are present. If cover is provided, exclusions may be included to void cover if damage has occurred in the unconsented area, or sometimes if damage has spread to a consented area but originated from the unconsented area. It will normally be a condition of your mortgage that your property is fully insured, so check that you have full cover with no exclusions or limitations.

As mentioned above, unconsented works may also come back to haunt a purchaser when they wish to sell the property as their subsequent purchaser may have similar issues with insurance and lending that may limit sale options and impact on price.

If you are looking at buying or selling a property and would like our assistance, you can call us on 09 421 0559 or email silverdale@simpsonwestern.co.nz.

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.

For exceptional legal support and results, together with a real belief in personal service, please give us a call.

Morgan Sharp | Solicitor, Simpson Western

Everyone wants the good life - smooth sailing, affairs in order, business matters sorted, our families and assets protected.

Silverdale Corner Millwater Parkway and Polarity Rise, Silverdale p. 09 421 0559 Takapuna Level 3, Takapuna Finance Centre, 159 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna p. 09 486 3058

Monthly Book Chat: Wednesday, 1 February 10.30am

Ōrewa Writers: Saturday, 18 February 1.15pm to 3pm

Fortnightly

Cross Stitch: Tuesday, 28 February 1:00-2:00pm

Hibiscus Coast Embroiderers Guild: Restarting Sunday, 12 February, 1pm to 3pm

at Orewa Library What's

on

Special events

Guest speaker: Jefferson Chapple – Conscious Connected Breathing

Monday, 13 February from 1.30pm to 3pm

Are you interested in improving your breathing? Come along to this free talk with Jefferson Chapple.

Pest Free Hibiscus Coast: Rat trap drop-in session

Saturday, 11 February, 10am to 1pm

Call in and speak with the group about keeping the Hibiscus Coast pest free and pick up a rat trap.

Weekly children’s programmes

Rhyme time: Tuesdays at 11am (for 18 months to 3-year-olds)

restarting 31 January

Wriggle & Rhyme: Wednesdays (Term time only) at 11am (for 0 to 2-year-olds)

restarting 1 February

Storytime: Thursdays at 11am (for 3 to 5-year-olds) restarting 2 February

Weekly adult programmes

BrainFit: Thursdays from 11.30am to 12.30pm . Come and enjoy activities and exercises for keeping our brain active Craft group: Knitting, Thursdays at 9:30am

Te Reo Māori conversation: Sundays from 10am to 11am restarting 12 February

Come along and join our friendly conversational group

Treats & Treasures Craft Shop

OPEN EVERY SATURDAY & SUNDAY: 10AM-3PM

Historical Society coffee morning

TUESDAY, 21 FEBRUARY AT 10.30AM

Join us for an informal chat over coffee in the Old Parsonage. Everyone welcome.

Art Speak

Art to view and art to create

Make 2023 the year to boost your creativity by visiting your local art gallery more often, or as an exhibiting artist, or take part in one of the exciting learning opportunities on offer. The term one arts education programme commences in early February and has a range of 4-week to 8-week-long classes in acrylic and watercolour painting, life drawing, printmaking, mosaics and ceramic art. Learning the art of clay has really taken off in popularity and to keep up with the demand we have six adult classes in throwing on a potter’s wheel and hand-building techniques, as well as two afterschool classes for children aged five years and up and a painting and drawing class. New on offer is a Tilda-style rag doll-making class with Claire Begin for eight weeks and two brand new beginners acrylics courses with Iona Breinhost and Kate Jones.

Our gallery line up in February features five exciting new exhibitions. In the main gallery view the trio of local baby boomer artists Heather Matthews, Pam Naylor and Ian Anderson who have called their group paintings and drawings exhibition 24 Fingers and 6 Thumbs. Each artist has their own unique style and creative language from abstraction to hyperrealism.

In gallery two view Gary Hansen’s Tangaroa series, a cool colour palette of subtle abstract paintings by this local retired design and technology teacher.

Farbe/Monochrom, by Tim Butler-Jones, is displayed in the Education foyer and features a collection of six colour and five monochrome photographic images that elevate the things we normally pass without noticing. The colour works are simple studies of hue, light and form, made to heighten or calm a mood, whereas the monochrome pieces are dark, geometric spaces where the human element is distorted and dwarfed by their surroundings.

The final show to view is the Wonder of Glass Art by Kate Cornwall and Kim Logue. Glass is always fascinating to view. The colours are translucent and mesmerising.

Estuary Arts Centre also has a chockerfull gift shop with a wide range of affordable, creative arts and crafts if you are looking for that little gift with a difference.

Find us at the southern end of Orewa on the Western Reserve overlooking the beautiful estuary at 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, with plenty of free parking and an onsite cafe. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, phone us on 09 4265570 or view our website www. estuaryarts.org.

Gary Hansen

Fabexplosion by Tim Butler-Jones

Pam Naylor

Ian Anderson

Join a pottery class and learn the art of throwing

What's On Hibiscus Coast

Hibiscus Coast Scottish Country Dance Club • Every Weds Silverdale Hall • 7:00pm

St Chad Market • 1st Sat of every month 8am to noon • 117 Centreway Rd, Orewa Stalls $15 & tables if required ($5) • bookings call Shirley 027 244 2832 or Grant 021 0830 7743 (If it’s wet it will be inside).

Millwater parkrun • Every Sat 8am • See www.parkrun.co.nz/millwater for more details

Rotary Club of Orewa-Millwater • 1st & 3rd Tues of every month 7pm at The Wade Tavern, 2 Tavern Rd, Silverdale • Contact Secretary orc.secretary@outlook.com

Hibiscus Coast Mid-Week Badminton Club • Every Weds 9am-noon

• All welcome Orewa Badminton Hall, Victor Eaves Park • 021 0870 8118

Hibiscus Coast Artists Group • Meet on Mondays 9.30 - 1, at Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Whangaparoa • All Welcome

• ContactShana 021 650 184

Ukelele Classes • Every Thurs • St Andrew’s Church Hall at 107 Centreway Dr • 1pm - 2:15pm • Beginners to Intermediates • $15 includes music Call Avon Hansen-Beadle 021 421 109 or 09 4766361.

HBC Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren support group 1st Weds of each month • 11am - 2:00pm • Red Beach Methodist Church

• Free group offering support, friendship, guest speakers and lunch

Contact Donna 021 024 30064

Zonta Club of Hibiscus Coast • 4th Tue of each month @ 6pm at The Wade Hotel, Silverdale • Visitors welcome to join us for dinner & interesting guest speakers • hibiscuscoast@zonta.org.nz or 021 0585 804

Ladies Crafts Group • Every school term Tuesday • Orewa Community Church • 235 Hibiscus Coast H’way, Orewa 9am - 12pm $2 for morning tea & craft • creche provided

Arts Group • Every school term Friday • Orewa Community Church 235 Hibiscus Coast H’way, Orewa 9am - 1pm • $2 includes morning tea suitable for beginners • contact Alan 021 039 7155

Hibiscus Coast Rock & Roll • Every Tues • Whangaparaoa Hall 7pm lessons • 8pm general dancing • Wear soft sole flat shoes

Further info on our website & Facebook.

Join Hibiscus Coast Concert Band • Every 2nd Thurs • All ages & abilities welcome • See our website hccb.org.nz • Call 021 186 4599

HBC Senior Citizens Assn. Inc. meet for Indoor Bowls & cards

Every Tues & Thurs • (500) in the Orewa Community Hall from 12-4pm. Membership $5 a year • Entry $2, includes afternoon tea • Contact Val Lincoln 09 9638242

Silverdale Village Market • Every Sat 8am -1pm, Silverdale St

Silverdale & District Historical Society Coffee Morning • 3rd Tues of each month • 10:30am The Old Parsonage Silverdale Pioneer Village

Bring your items of historic interest to discuss over coffee • Free entry pioneervillage1968@gmail.com

Dance Fitness Class • Every Tues/Thurs evening 7-8pm Kingsway

Jnr Campus • First class FREE, then $10 per session concession cards available Contact Richard 021 504084

Whangaparaoa Indoor Bowls Club • Whangaparaoa School Hall Mon 7pm • all ages, beginners welcome and coaching provided • contact Geoff 09 428 5915 or Owen 09 426 8476

Silverdale Ballroom Studio • Every Thurs evening • Silverdale Hall at 7pm • Adult & Improvers classes for beginners & social dancers Contact 09 427 5542 for further information

Kiwi Club • 4th Sun of each month • Social Dance 5-8pm All welcome Silverdale Hall

Lunchtime Toastmasters • Every Fri • 1:00 - 2:00pm • Orewa Library Evening Toastmasters • Meets fortnightly Thurs http://orewa.toastmastersclubs.org/

Hibiscus Coast Embroidery Guild • 2nd Weds 7-9pm & 4th Thurs

10am - Noon • Hibiscus Coast Community House • Josie Slack Contact Hibiscus Embroidery2022@gmail.com

Puhoi Celtic Sessions • Every 2nd Thursday • Orewa North Primary School • A sing-around/play-around event where everyone can join in. Contact Alan alanthewag@outlook.com

Hibiscus Petanque Club • Every Tues & Weds 9am - 12 & Sun from 1pm • 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway • New players always welcome, free coaching available . Ph Colleen on 021 1774820

Heartbeats Cardiac Survivors Support Group • 1st Tues of every month 10am at HBC Community House • Open to all heart event survivors & their families & all cultures • Information, education & support with guest speakers • Contact Trent Lash on 0220 606 199

Suicide Bereavement Support – Empathy Group • Last Mon of every month except Dec • 7pm to 9pm, HBC Community House • Support & understanding for anyone who has lost a loved one to suicide, all welcome at any meeting • Contact Susan 021 884 162 or PM us on Facebook (Empathy support group)

Red Beach Combined Club • 3rd Weds of every month • Salvation Army, 32 Greenview Lane, Red Beach 10am – 12pm. Friendship Club is a club for seniors, both men and women. Morning tea, conviviality, guest speakers and outings. Phone Colleen 09 426 5673

Line Dancing • Traditional & modern music • Silverdale Hall • Friday 23.30 pm. No partners needed. Very friendly group. Ruby 0274999209

Line Dance Classes • beginners class Weds 10am - midday at Silverdale Hall • great way to exercise to music and make friends • Sue 021 99 1717

10 pin Bowling for Seniors at Whangaparaoa Bowling Centre, Arkles Bay.We are looking for senior players to join our club for league games on Mon and Fri at 10 am • Lots of fun and advice • Brett 0210530905

Orewa Garden Club • Meet 2nd Thursday of month • February – November 12.30 – 3.00 pm

• Meeting venue: St John’s Catholic Church Hall 180 Centreway Road, Orewa • Visitors welcome orewagardenclub@outlook.co.nz • Valma (Sec.) 021 0634852

Hibiscus Coast Country Music Club • 1st Sunday each month Orewa Community Centre 1 to 4pm • Entry $5.00 • Everyone welcome Contact Janet 0212367094

Hibiscus Coast Quilters • . 1st Tues of the month at 9.30am & 3rd Weds at 7.30pm • Whangaparaoa Community Hall • Beginners, experienced quilters & visitors welcome • Jill 0211890866

Support Your Local

Homemade dukkah

Egypt's famous blend of nuts, seeds and warm spices is the flavoursome seasoning you never knew you needed. Make this quick dukkah recipe and store it in the pantry for use as a snack with bread and olive oil, as a crust for your meats or as a nutty topping to add texture and flavour to anything from soups and salads to chicken, fish or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

90g white sesame seeds

20g whole coriander seeds

20g whole cumin seeds

10g whole fennel seeds

250g whole almonds (peeled or unpeeled)

1 tsp turmeric powder

½ tsp ground black pepper

2 tsp salt

Method

Preheat an oven on fan bake to 180°C. Place the almonds in an oven tray and roast until golden, stirring every 3-4 minutes to ensure they are evenly coloured. Taste to make sure they are nicely roasted (don’t over roast as this will make them bitter). Repeat this process with the sesame seeds.

Add the cumin, coriander and fennel seeds to an oven tray and repeat the above process until well toasted. This helps release the natural oils and adds a toasty, nutty flavour to the dukkah.

Place the toasted ingredients in a food processer with the turmeric, salt and pepper. Pulse until the almonds are around 2-3mm in size (don’t blend it too much or it will become powdery).

Place into an airtight container and keep in the pantry for up to three months. Use as required.

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering www.culinarylane.co.nz

TrioofCanterburylambfrommy3and5coursedinnermenus,whereIusethedukkahtocrustthelambloin: Braised Moroccan lamb crepinette, Lamb shank & caramelized onion tart tatin, Dukkah & mustard crusted lamb loin with vegetable tian & potato gratin

Ingredients

Crust

1 ¼ cups all purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

1 ½ tsp granulated sugar

8 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces

¼ cup plain yogurt or sour cream

3 to 4 Tbsp cold water

Filling

3 ½ cups berries, stone fruit, or any fruit chopped or thinly sliced

Pinch of salt

Juice of half a lemon or lime (optional)

¼ cup granulated sugar

½ to 1 ½ Tbsp tapioca flour/starch

To finish

1 egg beaten with 1 tsp water (optional)

Coarse sugar for sprinkling

½ tsp vanilla

Fresh fruits

Method

Pastry: Combine flour, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Sprinkle butter over dough and, using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work it into flour until the mixture resembles small peas. Sprinkle sour cream and 3 tablespoons water over mixture and stir/mash to combine; it should form large clumps; add last tablespoon water if it does not. Use hands to bring together in single mass. Transfer dough to a large square of parchment paper, patting it into a flatter packet, and wrap it tightly. Chill in fridge until firm; 1-2 hours or up to 4 days.

Filling: Combine fruit, salt, citrus juice (if using), sugar and starch in a medium bowl and set aside.

Assembly: Heat oven to 200°C. Flatten the parchment paper from the dough on a large baking sheet. On a floured counter, roll the dough into a large round-ish shape, about 30cm across. Gently transfer it to the parchment paper on the baking sheet. Spoon fruit filling and any juices into centre, leaving a 5-7cm border uncovered. Fold the border over fruit, pleating the edge to make it fit and leaving the centre open. Brush egg and water mixture over the crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Bake galette for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden all over and the fruit is bubbling and juicy. Cool for at least 20 minutes on wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or ice cream.

Source: www.smittenkitchen.com

How to get a congratulatory message from the King

For a significant wedding anniversary or birthday

You can apply to the Department of Internal Affairs Congratulatory Message Service to arrange for a message of congratulations to be sent from His Majesty the King or a New Zealand dignitary, to a couple celebrating their 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, 70th (or over) wedding anniversary, or a person celebrating a birthday of 100 years or more.

New Zealand dignitaries include the Governor-General, Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Affairs or the local Member of Parliament.

You will need to apply four to eight weeks before the anniversary or birthday by:

• applying online, here for a wedding anniversary or here for a birthday; or

• completing an application form and emailing or posting it to the Congratulatory Message Service team.

To get an application form contact the Congratulatory Message Service team, you can contact them on:

Email: congrat@dia.govt.nz

Freephone: 0800 22 52 52 (NZ only)

Phone: +64 9 339 0852 (outside NZ)

More information about how to arrange for a congratulatory message and who the message will be from, is on the govt.nz website.

A life less ordinary Two Bedroom light-filled apartments selling now from $950k

The apartments have two bathrooms, high ceilings, lots of glass, large and spacious balconies, and undercover parking

Michelle Pipping Jan Fisher

The Botanic is the Hibiscus Coast’s

surrounded by nature and world