The Millwater Mag June Issue 2023

Editor’s Note

The news of late has been filled with interest rates rising and food prices. It’s certainly getting tough out there. The good news is that us Coasties are both resilient and supportive people! We are the best at helping each other out when we can and I know that kind of local spirit will help us all get through. And though you don’t get much for free these days our little mag always will be.

Our cover this month features Tracey Brown, the ‘lady undertaker’ from Hibiscus Coast Funeral Services and her rather special hearse known locally as the old girl.

We have an inspiring story for you about two local ten-year-olds both heading off to compete on the world stage, and we have information on how you can head off to Rwanda to meet some very cute baby gorillas!

Our feature story brings you a local dog walking service with a difference, in case your pets are feeling a bit cooped up while you’re away at work. If you’re feeling a bit cooped up yourself and fancy getting out, we have details of a lunch and art auction coming up to raise funds for Ukraine, a very special choir concert you might want to head along to and information on how you could start volunteering at the CAB.

If staying in is more your thing, our recipes this month have cosy afternoon at home written all over them –a curried pumpkin soup to warm you through and a rhubarb and apple crumble slice for afters. We have two great local book reviews to help you choose your next bit of armchair escapism, and if a little selfcare is in order, we have articles on nourishing your winter skin, nourishing your body with antioxidants and nourishing your mind with two thoughtful pieces, one on perspectives and another on social connection. Please pop your feet up and enjoy.

Claire Nevans

PUBLISHER Grayson & Sarah Furniss

EDITOR Claire Nevans

DESIGNER Michelle Thomas

PRINTER Treehouse Print

CONTRIBUTORS Hayley Crawford

(Features)

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

TheMillwaterMag the_millwatermag

Karen McMillan

Mark Lane

Madison Smith

Paula Southworth

Rudi Hefer

15 A dog walker with a difference 16 Unique choir concert 17 Clarity around recycling

22 Coastguards in costume

31 Book Reviews

32 Winter skin support

37 The (not) Fishing Spot

45 Recipe: Curried pumpkin soup

Prices Onsite short day $49.50 Trip short day $69.50 Premium short day $66.50 9:00am – 3:00pm Onsite full day $59.50 Trip full day $72.50 Premium full day $69.50 7:00am – 6:00pm

kids can explore new skills while playing!

Public holiday. No sKids today. Book now at skids.co.nz/kingsway

We believe that selling and buying a house or property can be stress-free and exciting when you have the right knowledge and insights, partnered with a supportive real estate agent and sales system As top local agents who know the Millwater/Silverdale area, know the current market , and know how to get results, all while providing our clients with the best possible service, we offer a down-to-earth yet bespoke approach to real estate

We hope you'll find the next few pages provide some information and insights to help you make informed decisions about your next move. We welcome the opportunity to chat with you about your current and future property plans. So have a read andsend us a message or call us any time. Jake

THINKING

Testimonials

We have years of experience selling properties, many for record prices and a reputation of consistently outperforming our competitors on overall vendor experience. Don't take our word for it though....

"If you are looking for a really good team to sell your property, look no further. Jake and Jen did an amazing job selling my house, going far beyond all my expectations - always so helpful and understanding A big thank you Jake and Jen for all the hard work and a great result " Jill - Harris Drive

"From the moment Jake and Jen walked into our house we felt at ease, the proved themselves to be both highly professional and yet also extremely personable. They have a deep understanding of the market and the area, and were instantly able to sell our own house to us, knowing the features and benefits within minutes; we had a very clear idea as to how they would sell our house to others We would have no hesitation in recommending Jake and Jen to anyone selling their home " David - Millwater Parkway Jen

021 820 373 | Jake Morgan 021 447 534

HOW TO BE PART OF A WIN-WIN REAL ESTATE NEGOTIATION.

There is a common trap that buyers and sellers fall into when negotiating a deal It's called the 'mythical middle trap' and it's something to be aware of before you start making offers or put your home on the market. When we enter into any sort of negotiation, we get attached towhat we perceive to be a good deal We are also highly averse to feeling like we have been 'taken advantage of' and hate being on the end of an unfair outcome. This manifests itself in countless buyer-seller interactions, all over the world

Seller sets an asking price

Buyer sees home online and is attracted by asking price

Buyer views home and loves it. "Finally, a home that suits our family!"

Buyer thinks (hmm, maybe I could get it for less than the asking price)

Buyer convinces themselves that they need/want/deserve a great discount

Buyer makes offer $50k - 100k below asking price (sometimes lower)

Buyer dreams of acceptance while waiting for an answer and then gets upset when the seller either doesn't negotiate, or only moves a small amount.

Buyer tries to compromise: "Can't they at least meet me in the middle?"

Seller has already set their 'rock bottom' asking price on the advice and encouragement of their chosen salesperson and doesn't want to move further

Seller puts their stake in the ground too, with words like "We don't have to move." Or "We aren't desperate..." Buyer gets frustrated and doesn't want to 'cave-in' and come up to the seller's price

Buyer walks away and has to keep looking for a home. Seller waits for another buyer. Everyone's time was seemingly wasted

If either side is strongly motivated, then a deal can sometimes be reached in this kind of situation. But in most circumstances, buyers don't HAVE to buy and sellers don't HAVE to sell Inevitably, an impasse arises Pride gets in the way of progress

Yes, both sides have stood their ground, but no one is closer to getting where they want to go. The buyer doesn't have a new home and the seller is still waiting for a buyer

So what's the answer? Is there a better way?

Why meeting in the middle is over-rated.

It's easy to get caught in the mythical middle trap. As a buyer, you are determined not to pay too much.

It's important to remember, however, that most sellers don't price their houses way over market value

If they did, no one would make enquiries or come to visit. So you can't expect to walk in and secure a massive discount unless the seller is extremely motivated and somehow no other agent or buyer has discovered this yet

Also, that mythical middle-ground you are looking for was determined by your initial offer, not by any standard convention. You could make your initial offer $1 Does that still mean the owner should 'meet you in the middle'?

If the asking price looks like good value, don't be afraid to pay it. If you must, ask for a small discount (eg. 1 - 5% below asking price) You might not be in a rush to buy, but if you do secure this home then you don't need to keep looking. Job done! Happy family! There is serious value in making progress in life.

Note: If a home is overpriced, that's a different story and you shouldn't automatically offer the full asking price Give the salesperson your honest price feedback and discuss whether it's worth making an offer where you see market value.

There is also the risk that while you arewaiting to 'meet in the middle', another buyer comes along and swoops the property out from underneath you. We have seen this happen countless times and it's always upsetting for the people involved.

Is there something else you can offer?

If you really need/want a discount, find another problem you can solve for the owners. You might secure a deal below-askingprice

if you offer to let the owners stay on as tenants for 3 months while they look for a new home. Or you might secure a deal by offering them a quick (or long) settlement. Ask your salesperson what that particular owner is looking for and if there are creative ways you can help.

Sellers - don't fall for this trap in reverse. Avoid the temptation to set your asking price way above market value, hoping to leave room to negotiate. All you'll end up doing is making your home look less attractive online, thereby reducing the amount of buyer-enquiry you get. End result? It'll take far longer to sell your home than it should. Whatever you do, whether buying or selling, don't let pride get in the way of progress.

Need help with your next move? Get in touch today. We love talking property!

Jen Singleton: 021 820 373

Jake Morgan: 021 447 534

Bucket List Travel

Fancy witnessing a Rwandan gorilla naming ceremony?

The Rwanda Gorilla Naming Ceremony is a true bucket list travel experience you won’t want to miss. You will meet baby gorillas, be present at the special naming event and trek to see all the remarkable wildlife in Rwanda and Uganda.

The first time you see wild gorillas is an experience you will never forget, and the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is one of the best places to do gorilla trekking. It has not only the largest amount of mountain gorillas in the world, but it’s also one of the safest and most exciting places to do it. With approximately 300-400 gorillas living in Bwindi, more or less half of the gorilla population in the world lives in this park. Additionally, it is the home of the largest number of habituated gorilla families in Africa.

The incredibly important gorilla naming ceremony in Musanze is based on the Rwandan tradition of naming their children soon after birth. The Rwandan government and people are extremely proud of their successful protection and preservation of the mountain gorillas. At the ceremony, baby gorillas born the previous year are named to recognise how respected the gorillas are and to celebrate and acknowledge the work of the people who work so hard to protect them. The experiences you’ll have on this adventure will remain with you for a lifetime.

Is this trip right for you?

Tracking gorillas in the dense forest can sometimes be wet, muddy and uncomfortable. The terrain is by no means easy either, so it can be pretty strenuous and often humid. But the sheer thrill in coming across a habituated group of gorillas, dominated by a great male silverback, more than outweighs any difficulty. You do need to be prepared and fit enough to walk up to 4 hours at a time up and down hill. A top tip is to pack a pair of gardening gloves to assist on any up-hill climbs. You will also need to time your travels carefully as this trip is only available for a short period each year.

If this adventure sounds like your thing, get in touch with us at Bucket List Travel and we’ll talk you through all the details.

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Off to the world championships

Next month is going to be pretty exciting for two talented young locals who are both heading overseas to compete on the world stage.

Ten-year-old Orewa Primary student Oliver Tiedemann will be sailing in the 2023 Open Skiff World Championships in Rimini, Italy. This will be the second year in a row he has competed in the world champs after coming 8th in his age division at last year’s regatta in France.

Oliver has loved sailing since he first went out on the water at the age of six. His family were living in the Bay of Islands at the time and after passing the local sailing club one day they decided to give it a go. Now a member of Manly Sailing Club, Oliver trains 4-8 hours a week all year round and has been the under-12 New Zealand champion for the past two years.

When he heads to Italy, Oliver will first compete in the Italian Nationals in Sardinia as preparation before heading to a Russell Coutts-led training camp at Lake Garda for a week and then on to the world championships. His goal for the 2023 Worlds is to place in the top three for his age group. In the future he hopes to be world champion for his age group and later perhaps compete in the Olympics and/or the America’s Cup.

To raise funds towards his travel costs Oliver has been making and selling wooden sailing boat magnets for a minimum donation of $2. If you would like to support Oliver by buying one of his boat magnets – currently available from Flower Talk florist in Red Beach and Coast Men’s Barber in Orewa – or by stocking them in your own shop, you can contact him via email at worlds2023oliver@gmail.com.

Millwater resident Raven Advincula, who is also 10, will be literally stepping out on the world stage when she competes as part of the New Zealand team at the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) at Disneyland in Anaheim, Los Angeles next month. Raven was invited to audition for the team after being spotted by a talent scout when singing in a concert last year. She sent in a video tape audition and was so excited to hear she had been selected for the team.

‘She’s been singing ever since she started to talk,’ says mum Cherrie, ‘and she’s just a natural performer with a lot of confidence.’ In her

second in the novice division of Glenfield’s Got Talent and she has since won the part of Young Cosette in the Centrestage production of Les Misérables opening in October this year.

Raven was recently featured on Kea Kids News talking about her trip to the world champs: www.nzherald.co.nz/ nz/kea-kids-news-singing-to-stardom/6BBQ3AH3UKOA NPP5YUAPR34HV4/.

Her goal for the trip is to gain experience and have fun whether she wins or not, and she is also looking forward to the workshops being held alongside the competition.

As Raven has just started in Year 7 at Carmel College this year and is busy with school, her family have been fundraising for her by running BBQs at Bunnings and setting up a give-a-little page, to help cover the cost of her trip. If you would like to support Raven you can do so here www.givealittle.co.nz/cause/ raven-goes-to-hollywood.

We wish Raven and Oliver the best of luck for their competitions and can’t wait to hear how they get on.

Claire Nevans | Editor

Raven Advincula

Oliver Tiedemann

Cooking Questions with Mark Lane

Your own personal chef

I have been cooking professionally for 39 years, both in New Zealand and internationally. I have my own business, Culinary Lane Catering, based right in Millwater providing three and five course dinners in my clients’ homes, out-catering and grazing tables.

Now you can gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions.

Charlotte: I like to surprise people when I cook for them. Can you share any unusual flavour combinations that people will be surprised to see together but that actually pair really well?

Great question. I am very much ‘classically’ trained by mostly European chefs. This basically means I don’t like or understand unusual flavour combinations. I love classic flavours that were meant to be together but done in a modern and caring way. Unusual flavour combinations can be as simple as using different methods of cookery, such as smoking, sous-vide (extreme slow cooking in water bath) or confit (slow cooking in fat). Flavour combinations don’t need to be out there to be innovative. To me the best meals are cooked perfectly and the flavours and presentation are immaculate and the combinations have stood the test of time.

Jay: Lots more people I know are going plant-based. In your catering has there been an increase in people asking for plant-based options. Do you have some

Anne: It has probably been asked before but with money getting tight out what ideas do you have for saving money when we buy food but still buying good quality?

PROOF

As far as purchasing fruit and vegetable, buy seasonally. We used to have the luxury of buying out of season products at reasonable prices from the Pacific Islands, Australia and even the USA. Since COVID-19 it seems we are relying more on local suppliers and import products out of season are expensive. In winter buy root and leafy vegetables, which grow all year round. Use your slow cooker to cook cheaper, more flavoursome cuts of meat. It can also often be cheaper to buy products in bulk, so do this and freeze items or make bigger batch meals and freeze cooked meals ready to eat.

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering www.culinarylane.co.nz | email culinarylane@gmail.com

What can be done about tinnitus?

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing sound that you might hear in your ears. Tinnitus can be present all the time, or it can come and go. It is quite a common issue, with around 1 in 10 people having tinnitus from time to time, and around 1 in 50 people experiencing more severe tinnitus.

Tinnitus comes from changes in our hearing processing system. It could be changes to our hearing levels or exposure to loud noise. It can also be changes caused by illness or stress. Often the tinnitus will go away on its own, but sometimes it doesn’t and we need to look at ways we can help.

Can

tinnitus be cured?

Currently there is no cure for tinnitus, but there are many things audiologists can do to treat and manage it.

Tinnitus comes from an unconscious, automatic response by our brain to unexpected and unknown information. If the brain has labelled the tinnitus sound as important enough to be a focus of attention, we need to teach the brain to change this response.

Sound enrichment is a way of reducing the contrast between the sound of the tinnitus and the sounds of the world around us, to reduce the brain’s awareness of the tinnitus noise. It is also important to treat any underlying hearing loss. In fact, 80% of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss. Hearing aids are a useful tool in tinnitus management. By giving better sound input, they can destress the auditory system and reduce the contrast between tinnitus sounds and environmental sounds.

Sound can help cover or draw focus away from tinnitus, giving relief from tinnitus symptoms. Some people have particular songs they find useful while other people have environmental sounds that help. Many hearing aids have built in sound generators specifically for tinnitus management, where the sound frequency is shaped according to your hearing needs.

If you have tinnitus that concerns you, the first step is to see an audiologist for a hearing and tinnitus assessment. Feel free to drop in to our Resonate Silverdale studio or visit our website www.resonatehealth.co.nz for more information.

Craig Lett | Audiologist, Resonate Silverdale

Paws in motion

Unleashing the joys of dog walking

In a busy world where four-legged friends hold a special place in our hearts, the importance of someone who can share their knowledge, love and company with our dogs when are occupied elsewhere is truly a blessing. One local dog walking service is surpassing the expectations of your average dog walker by not only giving your canine family member some exercise, but also connecting with them and understanding how to help them to develop and behave amongst other dogs.

Walkabouts Dog Walking provide a full doggy deluxe package of behavioural training, socialisation and stimulating adventures to satisfy their furry charge’s energetic minds. They can guarantee a happy dog with no extra muddy paws and some extra special adventures!

Walkabout Dog Walking trainer Caitlin McKelvey takes dogs from the Hibiscus Coast and the North Shore and gives them all the ‘dog-zoomies’ on frequent adventures. She provides structured on and off lead pack walks and training. She can fit the dogs with slip leads and has all the appropriate equipment for the dogs to feel comfortable and able to explore their surroundings in a safe and secure environment.

Caitlin says she understands that every dog is unique and requires a tailored approach to training. She has an ability to read canine body language and identify subtle cues that convey a dog's emotions and intentions. Armed with this knowledge, she creates an environment where trust can flourish between her, the dog and the owner.

Growing up Caitlin always had lots of dogs around her.

She has been training dogs since she was young and has about 15 years training experience in a personal capacity. About a year ago, when she found she wasn’t getting satisfaction from her desk job, she decided to turn her passion for training dogs into a career. She's super passionate about what she does and enjoys all sorts of dogs and getting to know them.

While a deep trust between the walker and dog is key to being able to let them adventure past the leash, a dog trainer's role often extends beyond these fundamental skills. Caitlin can address dog-walking issues such as impulse control, to teach the dogs how to walk without unwanted doggy distractions. She can set the dogs up for success by taking them for oneon-one sessions and pack group walks through places such as Riverhead Forest, where they can focus on building trust with the dogs in an appropriate environment.

Caitlin says she loves the role she gets to play in enhancing the lives of the dogs and their owners too. She finds the owners are so appreciative that not only are their dogs having company and exercise with Caitlin, by using her expertise to provide personalised training to the dogs, she is able to help create an even more harmonious bond between the owners and their furry companions.

You can check out more cute pictures at instagram.com/walkabouts_nz/ and for information on bookings contact Caitlin at walkabouts.co.nz.

Madison Smith I Features contributor

The first concert since December 2021 by local choir the Hibiscus Coast Singers is coming our way next month and this time some very special guests will be joining them on stage. The New Zealand Male Choir is coming to the Coast to perform in a joint concert with the 4-part (SATB) mixed voice HBC Singers at the Orewa Events and Arts Centre on Saturday, 8 July at 2.30pm.

The concert represents a unique opportunity to hear the New Zealand Male Choir singing at a local venue. The men’s choir is headed up by Director of Music Joe Christensen, who is heavily involved with the music and choral scene in the Hawkes Bay, including being the Trinity of College rep for the region.

Our own HBC Singers is under the directorship of Robyn Allen Goudge, who has been with the choir since 2018, and they will be accompanied by Michael Bell. The choir had to cancel a planned concert last year when a number of their singers came down with COVID-19 during rehearsals, so this concert has been a long time coming for both the singers themselves and their loyal followers within our community.

There will be a chance to experience the male choir singing on

Uniqueopportunity nottobemissed

New Zealand Male Choir and Hibiscus Coast Singers joint concert

their own and Robyn will also lead the HBC Singers in a waterthemed repertoir including Cry Me a River, Weep, O Mine Eyes and The Skye Boat Song, arranged by John Rutter.

The choirs will join together to sing Cavalleria Rusticana Easter Hymn with local soprano soloist, Sue Elliot. This piece will highlight the men’s voices. When combined the choirs will have around 80 singers in total, so the performance is sure to be an impressive and unforgettable experience.

Tickets are $30 GA with kids under 12 years free. Contact coastsingers@gmail.com or phone 021 563 304

The Green Spot

In the meantime, items that can currently go in your kerbside recycling in Auckland include:

• glass bottles and jars

• tin, steel and aluminium cans, including empty aerosols

• plastic bottles from your kitchen, bathroom and laundry

• clear plastic food containers

• pizza boxes (remove any leftover food but grease is fine)

• newspapers, magazines (including glossy), advertising mail and envelopes

• paper and cardboard packaging

• egg cartons

• milk and juice cartons, including Tetra Pak ® cartons (except on Great Barrier Island)

For further information, the Visy Recycling Material Recovery Facility in Onehunga is holding an open day on Saturday, 10 June. This is a rare opportunity to attend a one-hour education session and view a live feed of the facility in operation. Children are welcome and it’s entirely free, yet you are required to book tickets ahead on the Eventbrite website. www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/ recycling-education-sessions-tickets-591863167667

If you can’t make it and have a question you’d like me to ask on your behalf, direct message me on my Instagram @trashtalkingmama.

Clarity around recycling

The Government recently announced that it will start to standardise recycling throughout Aotearoa from February next year. This will reduce the wastage of recyclables due to contamination and will also alleviate the confusion New Zealanders can feel that can prevent them from recycling properly or even at all.

Next month I will continue discussing recycling, covering some less straightforward recycling rules that aren’t explored in this brief overview. An example of this is did you know

WINTER NEW ARRIVALS INSTORE NOW

Mon - Fri 9am - 4pm Sat 10am - 3pm

Womens Shoes & Accessories

Nutrition Sense

Antioxidants and superfoods

What are antioxidants and why do they have such a positive impact on our health? Antioxidants are compounds that protect our cells from damage caused by oxidation, and oxidation sometimes causes the formation of free radicals.

Free radicals are formed:

• during the digestion of our food

• when our immune system fights an infection

• when we are exposed to pollution, toxins, smoking, asbestos and too much sun

Some free radical formation is normal. It’s when it starts to happen in excess that it becomes a problem for our bodies to cope with. Excessive free radical formation damages our cells, which then leads to chronic diseases such as kidney disease, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Parkinson disease, diabetes, cataracts and Alzheimer disease. Here’s where antioxidants come to the rescue – they stabilise the free radicals so they can no longer cause cell damage. According to a study published in 2013, we have 37.2 trillion cells in our bodies, so it really pays to look after them!

So, what are the antioxidants and where do we find them? Antioxidants are a group of vitamins, minerals and other compounds such as beta-carotene and phytochemicals. Some minerals don’t themselves stabilise the free radicals, but are required to be ‘helpers’ in the reactions that do stabilise them. Our bodies cannot make antioxidants, so we have to get them from the food we eat. Vitamin A, E, C, selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron are the main players in this antioxidant defence system of ours. They are mainly found in vegetables and fruit, so this is compelling reason to cram as many veggies as possible into your daily diet.

What then, is the connection of antioxidants to superfoods? The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term superfood as ‘a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being’. Due to the role antioxidants play in the prevention of disease, any food that is high in antioxidants is a superfood.

Variety is they key when focusing on antioxidant rich foods. Different foods contain different antioxidants, so eating a wide variety of these foods is the key to benefiting from their disease-preventing effects.

If you would like help with increasing the antioxidant rich foods in your diet, help with creating a more nutritious way of eating, guidance for healthy weight loss and food allergy specific diets, e-mail me at paula@nutritionsense.co.nz for an appointment.

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

(BSc Human Nutrition and Sports Science, Massey University) Member of the Nutrition Society of New Zealand

During a class lesson about life skills I asked four students to stand in each corner of the room and describe what they could see – eyes fixed ahead.

As expected, the verbal responses differed with the positions altering each view. The students then rotated to another corner to repeat the exercise.

The lesson objective was to recognise that we are always only one step away from understanding situations from a different perspective. This recognition creates the basis of understanding between people.

When we acknowledge the perspective of others we can engage in communication knowing that our views, experiences and beliefs will differ. Making a conscious attempt to understand another’s point of view can reshape our interactions.

A question to ask yourself is, ‘What does the fixed view look like from their corner of the room and how does it differ from

unnecessary tension and build trust and communication when people feel their point of view is being heard. This awareness can also initiate a disengagement from a toxic relationship with someone who is fixed on their perspective being the only view.

‘We see the world, not as it is, but as we are – or as we are conditioned to see it.’ Stephen Covey

Perception is based on what we focus on, and where we are looking will form our perspective. In simple terms, where you focus your attention, the experience will create meaning.

Consider, what are you focusing your attention on today that is not creating the life experience you want?

Trish Beauchamp | Life Coach www.trishbeauchamp.com

Kate and her team will work with you to achieve your goals in hair removal, advanced skin treatments, cosmetic injectables or even pelvic floor strengthening.

We have a state of the art equipment, including a laser for hair removal on all skin types, pigmentation treatments, small vein treatments and laser rejuvenation. Come and experience the only HydraFacial on the coast, and leave glowing!

Coastguard

Making the most of winter

Winter is normally a quieter season for us, with many boaties staying home due to the weather. However, when the sun does come out and the wind dies away there can still be some fantastic days out on the water. Many of them end up very busy for our crews, mostly because boats, fuel and batteries have been sitting idle for a while.

When we asked Charlotte why she was leaping she replied ‘It’s no secret that life doesn’t come without its challenges. Like many people over the years I have and still battle with mental illness. I truly believe if I hadn’t become a Coastguard volunteer I wouldn’t be here today. I discovered that making a difference is my passion in life, and that’s what drives me to get out of bed at all hours when the pager goes off. People often forget everything we do is out of the kindness of our hearts. I always say the best part is knowing someone we saved gets to go home safely and be with their loved ones.’

Early this month we kicked off some fundraising with an 80s-themed party at the Archer in Stanmore Bay. Even Mark Mitchell donned his 80s best and joined us. We are incredibly thankful for amazing sponsorship from the team at Wet and Forget. Not only did they donate a carload of their incredible product as auction items, they also sponsored the event. With their help we raised over $20,000 towards the muchneeded refit of Hibiscus Rescue One.

As you know our trained Coastguard volunteers leap into action 24/7 to prevent tragedies on the water, putting themselves at risk every time they respond to the call for help. Five of our crew have decided to challenge themselves even further by leaping out of a plane and making the biggest splash they can while raising funds.

And while you might not be quite as keen to jump out of a plane or head out in some of the rough weather as our volunteers are, winter would be a great time to enrol in some of the training available through Coastguard Boating Education. Courses such as the Day Skipper course are available to complete online. This is a great introductory course for all members of the family or crew, including those new to the responsibility of being a skipper on their own vessel, while the Boatmaster course is a more comprehensive course for boaties with current knowledge and experience.

Winter is a great time to learn more to keep your family and friends safe next season.

Rachel Hessey and Natalie Macaulay | Coastguard Fundraising

Eyewear trends

For a lot of people, when they know it is time to replace their spectacle frame, they are gripped with anxiety at the thought of choosing. It doesn’t need to be like that. Although there is a huge array of shapes, sizes and colours out there, with guidance and advice from an expert eyewear stylist, the process of choosing your new frame can be a positive one.

What’s the latest in eyewear trends? The trend is definitely leaning towards larger frames, both in metals and acetates or plastic frames. New manufacturing techniques mean we are seeing beautiful colours and amazing layering and blending of acetates. We are also seeing exciting, bevelled angles that reflect the light, adding further interest.

We can demonstrate this with a couple of brands that you will only find in selected independent optometry practices.

Good Gryf is a brand designed by a kiwi optometrist who spends all day handling frames. He knows what it takes to make them structurally sound, but definitely not boring! Their models include ‘Blow on the Pie’, ‘Choice As’ and ‘Togs, Togs, Undies’!

L.A. Eyeworks is another incredible brand. This range is certainly edgy, pushing the boundaries of colour and shape, making them very stylish indeed!

We have seen significant changes over the years in petite frames. These days we are seeing leading eyewear designers move into the small frame market, producing beautiful, high-end frames suitable for smaller faces but with the same level of exquisiteness as their larger models.

So… Don’t be shy! Kick start your ‘new you’ at Orewa Optics. We are a frame destination store with an incredible display of spectacle and sunglass frames. Our competent, friendly and skilled dispensing staff have completed an eyewear styling training course and will be able to knowledgeably guide you through the frame selection process in a fun but professional way.

Spectacle and sunglass frames don’t just have to be functional, they can be fashionable too!

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 best type of contact lenses or optical lenses that will best suit your lifestyle.

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

Orewa Optics

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something

red is brewing @ OUR CART

Why is a hippopotamus important for your personal insurances?

One of the first things a travel agent will tell you, if you are planning on a sight-seeing tour of deepest, wild Africa, is to go with an experienced, professional wildlife guide. The reason for this is simple: wild animals in their natural environment are beautiful to behold but they can also be unpredictable and dangerous. For example, many people think that hippos are cuddly, affable giants, which is about as incorrect as you could get. They are very aggressive mammals and are responsible for more human fatalities in Africa than any other large animal. Having an experienced guide with you in the wild is an important precaution, to ensure that you can enjoy a safe and informative experience.

So, how does having a wildlife guide in the African savannas, to keep you safe from hippos and other wild animals, relate to personal insurance?

In the same way that you need a wildlife guide in Africa, one of the best decisions you can ever make is to work with an experienced insurance specialist who can help you navigate through the insurance ‘jungle’.

And, indeed, insurance is a jungle in which it is so easy to get lost. There are so many different insurance companies, various types of cover with different inbuilt and optional features and different pricing ‘sweet spots’ that insurers have for their

preferred demographic. Which income protection insurance option works best with ACC cover? Which company has the best built-in early cancer benefits? Which trauma (critical illness) conditions are you most likely to claim on? Who will help you keep your cover if you become unemployed? If you are partially disabled, will you still receive a payment? How much cover do I need? What’s the best medical insurance plan, and why? How sound are bank insurance policies?

These (and many others) are all very important questions that an experienced insurance specialist can help clarify to guide you through the insurance ‘jungle’. The end result is having in place a robust insurance protection plan that provides security and peace of mind for you, your family and your business, at a cost that is manageable and sustainable.

It’s what we do!

Theo Simeonidis | UProtectNZ Insurance Services

Theo Simeonidis 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 web site.

Family Corner

The danger of disconnection

As the weather gets more wintery and we find ourselves spending more time indoors it’s all too easy for the family, especially those with older children, to gravitate towards their screens and spend hours ‘together’ but without any real connection.

I was recently watching a podcast on YouTube channel The Diary of a CEO where the host, Steven Bartlett, was interviewing Dr Robert Waldinger, the psychiatrist in charge of the longest longitudinal study on health and happiness (his TED Talk, with over 44 million views, is one of the most watched TED Talks of all time).

Dr Waldinger, who is also a Zen priest, said the most surprising find in the health and happiness study is that ‘it is our relationships that keep us healthier and happier,’ and that, ‘being lonely is as

dangerous to our health as smoking half a packet of cigarettes a day’. He fears that if we don’t make a conscious decision to practice meaningfully connecting with others, especially our children, that the ability to do so could literally evolve out of existence.

What meaningful time together looks like will be different for every family, but here are a couple of simple suggestions to get your ideas flowing.

Amazon Alexa games:

Our family has recently had a blast playing games together on our Alexa. The Millionaire Quiz and the True or False trivia game are lots of fun, but our favourite is Song Quiz. Our top tip is when Alexa asks how many people are playing, say one, then your family can work as a team against online opponents. This is fun with kids that are about nine years and up.

Conversation starters:

Write some open-ended questions on small pieces of paper. Prepare your favourite drinks and snacks, and have everyone take turns choosing a piece of paper and answering the question on it. If your kids are older, questions could include:

• What is your favourite memory?

• What is the best advice you have ever been given?

• What are you curious about?

• What would your perfect day look like?

• What is your most treasured possession?

If you have family members that live out of town, you can even put an ipad on a chair and dial them into the conversation.

To watch the whole interview with Dr Waldinger, head to https://youtu.be/Itg00I2q8lk.

Claire Nevans | Editor

Diverse, skilled, social justice champions

The real deal about Citizens Advice Bureau volunteers

Do you know the Citizens Advice Bureau?

Like really? Hundreds of thousands of people around Aotearoa New Zealand do, because they have been helped by this long-standing, respected organisation that provides core social infrastructure and improved access to justice in communities around the motu. Anyone can come to the CAB no matter their circumstances or question and know they will be responded to with care and kindness by our diverse team of CAB volunteers –volunteers who are trained and skilled in listening, unpacking issues and empowering people with options for moving forward.

The power and mana of the CAB service

Citizens Advice Bureau was started in New Zealand over 52 years ago by social workers, lawyers and activists who recognised that justice was not equally accessible to everyone. These people understood the importance of empowering communities with knowledge and understanding of their rights and responsibilities and that access to justice should not be restricted tow society’s elite. This passion for social justice and service to communities continues to motivate over 2,000 people who volunteer for CABs around the motu today.

The diversity of our CAB people

Across our organisation we are diverse in gender, age, ethnicity, culture, religion, work experience, and even cardigan preferences.

Our volunteers include tertiary students who value real-world learning, migrants who want to give back and Māori and Pasifika volunteers who want a fair deal

for their communities. We have volunteers with professional careers, rainbow community volunteers, disabled volunteers and volunteers at different ages and stages of life, all who bring empathy and aroha to their mahi.

Next time you see a sign for the CAB, think of the dedicated team behind it of skilled and diverse advocates, guardians and champions of human rights and positive social change. And remember, we are here for everyone.

What skills are CAB North Shore looking for when recruiting?

The CAB is looking for volunteers of all ages and backgrounds who have good written and verbal communication skills and display traits such as patience, reliability, flexibility, enthusiasm, empathy and a sense of humour. The must be willing to work with anyone, be non-judgemental, collaborative and openminded. And they have to be ‘smart’.

If that’s sounds like you – please get in touch.

Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for more info. The CAB provides free, confidential, independent information and advice to anyone. Not sure?

Ask us. www.cab.org.nz | 0800 367 222

Ukrainian fundraising lunch and art auction

The art exhibition Ukraine: A war diary of lives (see article on page 8 of our May issue), which explores the people of Ukraine living under conditions of total war, opens its run at the Estuary Arts Centre this month on 8 June. The exhibition is well worth a visit with extraordinary and emotive images, paintings and sculptures included, but please note the exhibition does contain some graphic and confronting content.

The exhibition concludes with a fundraising lunch and art auction at the arts centre on Saturday, 1 July at 1pm, with all proceeds going to the people of Ukraine.

Ukrainian flavours

The fundraising lunch will be prepared by the Ukrainian volunteer group Chevron Kalyna and will include borsch (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Ukraine), varenyky (Ukrainian dumplings with potato and onions), uzvar (a compote made from dried fruits and berries) and cherry pies.

The event will involve a short movie about borsch and musical performances by Dasha Volga as well as the art auction.

Special artwork auction

An online art auction has been set up via the RullyUp platform to sell some of the artworks being displayed as part of the Ukraine: A war diary of lives exhibition and other creative Ukranian items. The auction includes a special, limited-edition print from internationally renowned Ukrainian photographer from Australia, Olena Levkivska.

The online auction can be accessed via a link on www.creativeukrainians.org.nz/art-auction/. You may bid online for the items until the 30 June and then pick up your artwork from at the fundraising event, or pay for shipping to have it forwarded to you.

You may bid on unsold paintings directly at the fundraising lunch. All proceeds from the lunch and the art auction will be sent to Ukraine.

For information about the artworks: www.creativeukrainians.org.nz/art-auction/

For tickets to this event: www.creativeukrainians.org.nz/ukrainian-lunch-and-art-auction/

Mortgage Matters

The guide to buying your first home with KiwiSaver

Many first-time home buyers know there are government benefits through KiwiSaver but aren’t sure how it works. Here is an overview of how you can use the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal to help fund your first home.

What is the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal?

Normally you can’t touch KiwiSaver funds until you turn 65. However, the KiwiSaver first home withdrawal allows you to withdraw funds from your KiwiSaver early if you’re making a deposit on your first home. If you’ve owned a home before, but not currently, you may still qualify if you haven’t used the first home withdrawal before.

There is no set limit to the amount you can take out, but every scheme provider has different rules and policies, so contact your individual plan provider for more details. You will want to get an estimate of how much you can take out so you can get a conditional pre-approval for a home loan.

Is a KiwiSaver first home withdrawal application complicated?

Not really, but you’ll need to have all the required documentation and follow your provider’s policies for approval. At a minimum, you will need:

• a copy of your driver’s license or passport

• mail (such as a bill) addressed to you for your proof of residence

• tax returns for the past several years (if applicable)

• your KiwiSaver statements and bank statements

• recent pay slips

The rules for KiwiSaver first home withdrawal are that:

• you are a New Zealand resident

• you have been contributing to a KiwiSaver for at least three years

• the property you are buying is in New Zealand

• you cannot take out any super funds transferred from an Australian employer

• this must be your first KiwiSaver withdrawal to buy property

• you must leave at least $1,000 in your KiwiSaver account

• you don’t currently own a home

• if buying a home with a partner or co-owner, you can combine your withdrawals, assuming you both independently qualify

Buying your first home with your KiwiSaver?

A knowledgeable mortgage advisor can help you figure out where to start.

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

Ivan Urlich | Mike Pero Mortgages

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

Book Reviews

Who Disturbs the Kūkupa?

by Kathleen Hazlehurst

Set during WWII, Sonny Wirima joins the Māori Battalion wanting to do his best to help rid the world of German Nazis. But when he is caught behind enemy lines after the Battle of Mount Olympus in Greece, Sonny has only his training, instincts and traditional beliefs to help guide him.

In a dual story, back in Aotearoa, his family and fiancée are mistakenly informed that Sonny has died. His fiancée refuses to believe it is true, but as time passes, pressure comes on her to marry another.

Thankfully Sonny gets help from Greek people and he manages to reach Crete by sailing boat. There he joins a resistance group and his days are spent fighting the enemy, although he yearns to be reunited with his battalion and to one day journey home.

Who Disturbs the Kūkupa? is a powerful and moving fictional account of members of the Māori Battalion, and their loved ones longing and waiting for news of them. A must-read for anyone interested in this period of history with a storyline that goes from New Zealand to the war being fought in Europe and back home again.

The Democracy Game

by Riley Chance

Investigative journalist Grace Marks and former US agent Marla Simmons join forces in The Democracy Game, a thought-provoking political thriller with just the right blend of action, unforgettable characters, and a riveting plot that examines a multitude of societal issues.

Grace is investigating two stories that seem unrelated. The first is New Zealand’s alt-right. The second is a new political party that is emerging, ProtectNZ, with its slogan of ‘protecting the lives of ordinary New Zealanders.’ Their leader is charismatic, but when he is the target of an assassination attempt, interest in his party soars.

When threats towards Grace escalate, she is determined to keep investigating these two stories, despite the danger. Marla decides to use her secret agent skills to help Grace track down the people responsible for threatening her. She stakes out Grace’s house, and it’s not long before she finds one of the people involved. Then a body is found and the stakes are even higher…A first-rate thriller!!

Copy Press Books, RRP $35.00

Blue Dragonfly Press, RRP $45.00

Winter skin survival kit

As the temperature starts dipping outside it’s time to relook your home skincare routine.

The changes in temperature outside and the increasing temperature indoors will cause a disruption in your skin barrier. This disruption can cause dryness, flaky skin and even cause eczema and psoriasis to flare up.

Changing up your home skincare

Small tweaks to your skincare at home will make a big difference with your skin this winter. With facial cleansers, using a cleanser that adds moisture to your skin instead of taking it out is a must. Your moisturiser needs to be creamier and contain oils and balms if your skin is very dry. Hyaluronic acid is the ultimate hydrator as one molecule can hold 1000 times its own weight in water.

Minimising the use of Glycolic and Salicylic acid for exfoliation can help too. You could switch over to a lower concentration version or just use them less often. Lactic acid is the only acid that can moisturise whilst exfoliating dry skin.

Sunscreen should be worn year-round and is now seen as your number one anti-aging product. It should offer a broad-spectrum protection, be water resistant and a minimum of SPF 30.

Salon support

Salon treatments can all be adapted to include maximum hydration levels to help get your skin thought winter.

Lending money, selling goods on credit or leasing out goods?

The importance of registering your security on the PPSR

If you work in a business that leases out goods or sells on credit, or if you have lent money to someone, you may have come across the Personal Property Securities Register (the PPSR).

The PPSR is an online register that can record the security interest a creditor has in ‘goods’ supplied to another person/organisation, usually a debtor. This interest is recorded in a financing statement.

Common circumstances where we see securities registered on the PPSR include:

• banks (or other lenders) or shareholders advancing money to a company and taking security over the assets of that company

• an existing shareholder lending money to an incoming shareholder to help them purchase shares in the company taking security over the new shareholder's shares

• a business leasing assets (such as cars or equipment) and the lender taking security

• a business selling goods to someone on credit

In these circumstances, the creditor will want to have a security interest registered on the PPSR to establish priority over other creditors in the event that their debtor defaults.

Priority of securities on the PPSR

The general rule is that those who have their security registered on the PPSR (secured creditors) have priority over those who do not (unsecured creditors). With secured creditors, generally those who registered first in time will have priority. It is therefore important to register your interest as soon as possible.

There are some exceptions to this general rule. For example, if the creditors enter into their own priority arrangements, such as signing a Deed of Priority, or if a certain type of security interest called a PMSI (purchase money security interest) is registered.

Financing statements registered on the PPSR automatically expire after five years. You will become an unsecured creditor and will lose priority to those who are registered. Therefore, it is important to make note of the expiry date and ensure your financing statement is renewed prior to expiry.

If you would like our assistance with preparing your security contracts or assisting with your registrations on the PPSR, you can call us on 09 550 8843 or email office@simpsonwesternnorth.co.nz

Morgan Sharp | Solicitor, Simpson Western North

Art Speak

June exhibitions raise valuable funds for worthy causes

The exhibition programme for the month of June will promote and support the essential work of two organisations. The Annual Harbour Hospice Art Fundraiser will be held over King’s Birthday weekend, raising essential funds for the work that Hospice provides to our community. You can support this cause by visiting the exhibition between 2 and 5 June. There will be 100s of artworks at great prices, as well as a silent auction and an online auction. Tickets for the preview event cost $25 per person and can be obtained directly through Hospice: harbourhospice.org.nz/events

Following on from this exhibition we welcome the Creative Ukrainians who have curated a compelling photographic exhibition telling the heartfelt stories of individuals living through the Russian Invasion of the Ukraine called A War Diary of Lives. This exhibition is a key part of the Auckland Festival of Photography 2024, with the theme of ‘resistance’. You can visit their website for more details: www.photographyfestival.org.nz/. This month-long exhibition commencing on 8 June will include an art auction, a bake sale and a fundraising lunch organised by the Ukrainian volunteer group Chervona Kalyna on Saturday 01 July from 10am, with all proceeds going to Ukraine. There will also be Vinok workshop (making of traditional Ukrainian flower wreath) on Saturday 17 June. Bookings are required, head to www.estuaryarts.org.

June brings a full range of creative workshops for all ages. Due to popular demand we have scheduled a weekly ceramic class for both adults and children on Saturdays starting 3June. There is a two-day pastel drawing master class with renowned NZ pastel artists Julie and Michael Freeman on 10/11 June and an introduction to flax weaving in July to celebrate Matariki.

The Centre is located at the southern end of Orewa looking over the Estuary at 214 Hibiscus Coast Highway. We are open 7 days a week, Monday to Thursdays 9am to 4pm, Fridays 9am to 3pm and weekends 10am to 3pm. Email the staff on admin@estuaryarts.org or go the website www.estuaryarts.org for more information.

The Fishing Spot

This month has been a real challenge for me to get out fishing with all the storms and big seas. I’m sure you’ve all had cabin fever like me waiting for the weather to settle.

The wind patterns have now shifted to more southerly flows so you’ll need to think about the wind and tide direction and most probably need to start fishing the outgoing tides a lot more. I’m a bit superstitious about fishing in southerly winds where the fish do not bite as much. There’s an old saying, ‘when the wind is from the south, the fish close their mouths’. I have been out on many a trip where the bite has been slow and with the cold southerly wind on your face.

The big snapper I landed last month had swallowed the bait and was hooked in the gills, so I was unable to release it. Being such a big fish, there was a lot of meat to harvest and none of it went to waste. The head was smoked along with the wings and fillets. The frames were also baked in tinfoil with herbs, lemon

and butter. This left only the guts and tail fin as waste. Having smoked the head, I was able to remove the jaw bones to mount them. The teeth on these big fish are certainly impressive and you can see how they manage to chomp whole fish as baits!

When I’m not fishing, I’m busy working in our restaurant, Joe’s Garage, and one of the best things about owning a local business is that I get to support local community events. I especially enjoy supporting events which are held on the water due to my love of the ocean. Recently I sponsored the Stillwater Ladies Fishing Competition with spot prizes for the best dressed team, which was won by the Ken and Barbies. I have also sponsored the Stillwater Raft Race and now the Autumn Open Fishing Competition. There’s nothing better than hearing about how the teams got on, who got the biggest fish and of course, being able to support these family events –tight lines!

Tim Lawrence

What's on

at Orewa Library

Fortnightly

Hibiscus Coast

Embroiderers Guild: Sunday, 11 and 25 June from 1pm to 3pm

Weekly children’s programmes

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

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

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

Hauora mo te Hapori / Health for the Community

Thursday, 29 June from 11am to 12.30pm

The star Matariki is also connected to the health and wellbeing of people. Lee-Anne Wade is to lead this workshop, on the Four Seasons of Health and Wellness.

Monthly

Book Chat: Wednesday, 7 June, 10.30am

Ōrewa Writers: Saturday, 17 June, 1.15pm to 3pm

Seed Savers: Wednesday, 21 June from 10.30 to 11.30am

Weekly adult programmes

BrainFit: Thursdays from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Activities and exercises for keeping your brain active.

Craft group: Knitting, Thursdays at 9:30am

Visique Hawkins Optometrist: Providing optometry services on the Coast since 1975. Owners Dennis Oliver and David Joe have a vast amount of experience and integrity, and work closely with respected specialists. Their team are committed to providing the best vision care, service and quality eyewear.

If these walls could talk

Built in 1877 for the Methodist minister, the Old Parsonage at the Silverdale Pioneer Village is having another adventure as the repiling project to level it and protect it for the future continues. The volunteers that run the Pioneer Village are looking forward to having it back on the ground so that it can return to being the hub of activities at the Silverdale Pioneer Village.

The good news is that the Treats and Treasures Craft Shop will continue to operate and has been moved from the Old Parsonage to the Frith Cottage, which is adjacent to our Wainui Road carpark.

We can still offer visitors hand crafted and upcycled items, homemade jams, chutneys and relishes as well as gift items, and toys and books for children.

Our gardens and grounds and other buildings will be open as normal every weekend and we can still take your bookings for special occasions and group visits during the week.

e-mail: pioneervillage1968@gmail.com | website: www.silverdalepioneervillage.com

P.O. Box 27 Orewa 0946 | Ph: (09) 426 8272 12 Wainui Road, Silverdale

Showing off our new apartments

The Botanic Silverdale is hosting a special open weekend on 10 and 11 June to officially launch and reveal the retirement village’s very first apartment.

‘The construction sector has faced many challenges over the last two years but our MAKO construction team have delivered and it is now our privilege to unveil and show off the village’s first show home apartment. It’s a major milestone event,’ says Alan Edwards, a partner at The Botanic.

Over the last two years, Hibiscus Coast residents may have noticed the Nikau apartments taking shape underneath a large crane that has dominated the skyline on the Silverdale hillside. The much-anticipated first apartment is now ready and will be the village’s new show home.

‘I spoke to our sales team, Jan and Michelle, and they suggested we throw open the doors and invite everyone over. And so that’s what we’re doing. We’ll have a coffee cart there, and we’re inviting people to come and see why we’re so proud of our work and our village,’ says Alan.

Michelle Pipping, a Millwater resident and sales agent at The Botanic, says she expects some of the village’s 60 residents will take part in the open weekend too.

Our residents bought villas when the village first launched, and they’re now fully immersed in village life. Thursday night Happy Hour at The Clubhouse is always lots of fun. I know a lot of them are really interested in looking at our first apartment too.’

Many of The Botanic’s much-anticipated world class facilities are nearing completion too including The Clubhouse bar and café, the 20m lap pool, steam room, spa, sauna, gym, and fitness studio.

Michelle says all are welcome to come along to the open weekend.

‘If you’re a retiree, if you’re retiring soon or if your parents are thinking about moving to a retirement village and they want you to come along too, you’re more than welcome. The more the merrier, she says.

The open weekend is Saturday, 10 June and Sunday, 11 June from 10am-3pm at 1 Pukanui Place, Silverdale. Pop along, visit thebotanic.co.nz or call Jan or Michelle on 0508 268 264

Scaling new heights for a noble cause

The annual Firefighter Sky Tower Challenge is a remarkable event that demonstrates the extraordinary courage, strength and determination of firefighters while also raising crucial funds for a worthy cause: leukaemia and blood cancer. This iconic day involves ascending New Zealand's tallest structure, the Sky Tower, in a gruelling vertical climb.

Fifteen local Silverdale firefighters, after undergoing six months of training, embarked on this daunting task. Clad in full firefighting gear, including oxygen cylinders and helmets, they conquered the 328-meter climb comprising 51 flights of stairs and 1,103 steps. The physical demands of the climb alone are huge, requiring immense strength, agility and cardiovascular endurance while battling both gravity and the weight of their gear.

However, the challenge extends beyond the physical realm. As the firefighters ascend the dizzying heights they confront their fears and embrace the adrenaline rush that accompanies such an extraordinary feat. The climb serves as a poignant reminder of the fearless and composed demeanour required of firefighters in their line of duty, testing their mental fortitude.

The Auckland Firefighter Sky Tower Climb goes beyond personal triumph; it unites firefighters from across New Zealand and beyond, fostering camaraderie and a sense of unity. Brigades from various regions join forces to participate, creating a powerful bond among the participants.

This event provides an opportunity for the community to express gratitude and support for these brave men and women who selflessly risk their lives every day. When they come back

from their climb, exhausted and accomplished, it serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role firefighters play in safeguarding their communities.

The climb's broader purpose is to raise funds for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand (LBC). Participants actively seek donations and sponsorships, with all proceeds benefiting LBC's invaluable work in blood cancer research, patient support and advocacy. By combining the physical challenge with supporting those affected by blood cancer, the event generates awareness and funds that contribute to improving countless lives.

The Auckland Firefighter Sky Tower Climb showcases what can be achieved when individuals come together for a common cause. Though donations have closed for this year’s climb with a whopping $1,476,782 grand total, there’s always next year’s climb to donate towards. All donations are welcome and appreciated by all of our selfless firefighters!

Madison Smith | Features Contributor

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) • For bookings call Grant 021 0830 7743 or email chadorewa@gmail.com. • Held inside if raining

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

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 • Maurice 027 392 0541 and Owen 021 264 9192

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 Coast Stamp Club • Meets 2pm on 3rd Saturday every month at 22 Settlers Grove, Orewa. Interesting Speakers. A great hobby of endless interest and variety. Don’t know where to start –come along. ALL WELCOME. • Ph Derek 09 427 8911

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 • Meets 3rd Wed of every month

•Orewa Presbyterian Church, 107 Centreway Rd, Orewa, 10am-12pm. •Friendship Club is a club for seniors, both men and women.

• Morning tea, conviviality, guest speakers and outings. •Phone Colleen 021 112 3409

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

Local Recipes

Rhubarb and apple crumble sweet slice

Ingredients

Shortbread base

375g soft diced unsalted butter

210g caster sugar

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

550g high grade white flour

Rhubarb and apple fruit mix

6 apples, peeled, cored and diced

400g fresh or frozen rhubarb (diced)

100g diced butter

1 cup castor sugar

200g ground almonds

1 tsp cinnamon powder

Crumble topping

1 cup soft brown sugar

220g cold diced unsalted butter

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup high grade white flour

½ cup ground almonds

½ cup sliced almonds

½ cup quick cook rolled oats

Method

Shortbread base:

Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until light, fluffy and white. Add vanilla extract and beat for one extra minute. Add flour on a low speed until just combined. Press into a baking paper lined, greased slice tin until smooth and evenly distributed. Preheat oven to 170ºC on fan bake. Cook for 15-20 minutes until a very light golden.

Rhubarb and apple fruit mix:

In a heavy bottomed saucepan on medium melt the butter, add the diced fruit, sugar and cinnamon and simmer until the apple is just cooked. Remove from heat, mix in the ground almonds and allow to cool. Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the base.

Crumble topping :

Place all ingredients into a mixing bowl and rub the cold diced butter with your cold hands until a light crumb is reached. Don’t overmix or the mix will become greasy. Spread evenly on the fruit mix and press firmly down. Bake at 170ºC for 30-40 minutes or until crumble is light brown in colour.

When cool, cut into 15 pieces (3 x 5) and refrigerate until required. Great heated up and served with either whipped cream, custard or vanilla ice cream.

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

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

Curried pumpkin soup

Dairy free, gluten free and vegan (4 servings)

Ingredients

3 medium garlic cloves, diced

2 brown onions, diced

½ large pumpkin, seeds and skin removed, diced

1 large kumara, peeled and diced

2 tsp medium curry powder

4 cups veggies stock

1 400g can coconut milk

1 400g can cannellini beans

salt and pepper to taste

Method

Heat the oil in a large stockpot and add the diced ginger and onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

Add the curry powder and cook for a further minute.

Add chopped pumpkin, kumara and stock (ensure the stock is covering all the veggies). Simmer on low for 25-30 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.

Add the coconut cream and cannellini beans, then transfer the soup to a blender using a ladle and blend in batches until creamy. Alternatively, you can use an immersion stick blender to blend in the pot.

Season with salt and pepper and serve garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds and a swirl of coconut yoghurt.

Nicky Skinner |

@nourished_and_vibrant

There are lots of fancy soup recipes out there but I’m a fan of quick, easy AND delicious. I wanna get that soup on the table in 30 minutes from start to finish.

This recipe ticks all those boxes.

www.nourishedandvibrant.co.nz @nourished_and_vibrant

The fruit and vegetable garden

• Gather up fallen leaves or old fruit from beneath feijoas and pip and stone fruit trees to avoid overwintering pest and diseases. Add a layer of mulch around them to limit weed growth

• Don’t forget to harvest! Bok choy, broccoli and spinach and even leeks can run to seed quickly. If there’s plenty ready at once, distribute them round the neighbourhood, or make lots of soup

• Jack Frost can damage passionfruit vines, citrus and tamarillo trees if they’re in an exposed area. Try using liquid frost spray over their foliage or, newspaper or frost cloth are cheap and easy options on still, cold nights

• Order new season’s fruit trees such as apples, pears, plums, and peaches. If space is limited in the garden, check that your desired tree is self-fertile or source one that is grafted with two varieties to ensure it produces fruit

• Garlic is traditionally planted on the shortest day of the year – check that each clove is free of disease and intact before planting

• Thin out carrots, sow radishes and cut down green manure crops once they’ve grown to knee height

Central’s Tips June 2023 Project for June

The ornamental garden

• Order oriental or Asiatic lily bulbs – they’re an easyto-grow investment for the garden. Smaller forms are excellent in pots and will re-flower around Christmas time for years and years.

• Plants with blackened leaves – ferns, coastal astelias, pukas and renga renga lilies will have been burnt by frost. It’s best to leave damaged top leaves on the plant until spring, to protect the fresh foliage beneath

• Increasingly NZ gardeners are planting leucadendons and proteas from South Africa. Showy in winter, these plants can resist summer heat and seem to cope in wet clay over winter. They’re available from now on, just don’t fertilise, as they don’t like it

• Winter pruning of deciduous trees is best done once the leaves have fallen. Remove lower branches on the trunks if a formal specimen is required, and take out crowded, crossing branches in the centre of the tree.

• Now is okay to lift and divide plants if they die right down in winter – delphiniums, hostas and hardy geraniums can be broken up (make sure there’s a piece of root on each segment) and replanted in Garden Mix to create more plants.

Getting out of the mud

Muddy areas (including high traffic parts such as driveways) can be dealt with effectively using our NZ made recycled product Jakmat. Tough, UV proof technology and superior engineering makes this the best mat in the business. Fill with your favourite decorative pebble.

For everything you need to lay Jakmat visit centrallandscapes.co.nz

SPECIAL OPEN WEEKEND

Saturday June 10 & Sunday June 11 10:00am - 3:00pm

Come and see modern, resort-style retirement living at its best!

The Botanic Silverdale is hosting an Open Weekend on June 10 and 11 to show off their brand new, big, light-filled apartments priced from $995k. Step inside our stunning new two-bedroom, two-bathroom villas too!

Come and have a chat to Jan and Michelle and grab a coffee from our Coffee Cart.

MEET OUR SALES TEAM

The Botanic Sales Office 1 Pukanui Place

The Botanic Silverdale, Auckland

0508 268 264 (0508 BOTANIC)

hello@thebotanic.co.nz thebotanic.co.nz