The Millwater Mag, March 2025 by thecoastiesmag

www.maddrenhomes.co.nz

Dear diary, looks like the lawn mowed itself again today

Love not lifting a finger.

At Summerset Milldale, there’s no need to worry about the maintenance of your home or garden. That’s our job. Your job is to focus purely on doing the things you love. That’s what retirement is all about.

Join our upcoming seminar and hear a daughter’s firsthand perspective on her parents’ journey, from the decision to move, right through to moving day. We’ll also share learnings from Summerset residents on what they love about retirement village living and what they found challenging, before we take you on a tour of the village and you meet some of our wonderful residents.

RSVP by Monday 17 March on 09 304 1632 or milldale.sales@summerset.co.nz

Retirement Living Seminar

Wednesday 19 March, 11am - 11.45am

Summerset Milldale

50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale

Sales suite entrance on Te Taruna Drive

Is At The Heart Of

We Do”

Hibiscus Coast (09) 426 7950 39 Riverside Road, Orewa www.forrests.co.nz Forrest Funeral Services - Browns Bay

We’ve had an incredible summer but now March is upon us it is ‘officially’ time to swap your flip flops and frappes for options more autumnally-appropriate. Luckily our beaches are just as beautiful when the skies are grey and the windsurfers come out in force to entertain us.

Hopefully the colder weather won’t worsen our local morning congestion, which has been a little crazy of late, am I right? I’m still holding out hope for a foot/ cycle bridge from Metro Park East across the estuary so Millwater kids can more easily walk to Orewa College. I’ve sent an enquiry to the Council. Updates will follow!

Our Taking a Hike columnist Carmen Bird recently took to jet skis to make her way around the Mahurangi coastline. Read about her adventures and check out her stunning photo of the Kawau Island Mansion House on page 11. In this issue we also talk to Keegan Anderson of Maddren Homes about their new Milldale show home ‘House of Illusions’. I’ve been. It’s awesome. Make sure you run your fingers across the kitchen island countertop while you’re there (just trust me).

We also have details of the incredible work being done to help the local dotterel population grow, news of a new pottery studio soon to offer classes in Silverdale, all the latest happenings down at Estuary Arts Centre, and chef Mark Lane shares his secret, fail-safe method for cooking the most scrumptious mushrooms. And there’s a funny piece of local fiction. And book reviews. And a travel journey around Nepal. And recipes. And more.

Please, pop your feet up and enjoy.

Claire Nevans

House of Illusions

You won't believe your eyes

Maddren Homes show homes are always pretty spectacular, but their newest House of Illusions show home at 98 Waiwai Road, Milldale is an absolute knock out full of intriguing design features and finished to perfection in a stunning array of elegant aesthetics.

‘We really wanted to stand out from the crowd,’ says Keegan Anderson, managing director at Maddren Homes. ‘Our architect came up with a twist design for the upper floor. It not only gives us this eye-catching profile that makes people turn and look when they drive past, the overhang also gives the illusion we’ve built cover over the entry and the rear deck. There are other illusions you’ll have to come and discover for yourself, but I will say there’s a pretty special ‘floating’ door you’ll want to check out while you’re here.’

The layout of the home was thoughtfully planned with privacy and easy family living in mind. ‘We wanted to create the feeling when you shut the front door that the outside world slips away,’ says Keegan. ‘There’s a cosy lounge right there and you immediately see the fireplace and walk through into this amazing kitchen. The windows are low so you look out on the ferns along the fence but

then you pull back the curtains and doors along the walls of the dining and family rooms and you have you this incredible indooroutdoor flow.’

Decorating the home Maddren needed to showcase many different products and finishes, but bring them all together cohesively. ‘We started old school with mood boards and brainstorming ideas,’ says Keegan. ‘We’ve got five different claddings and all sorts of finishes going on, so we brought Natasha from DESIGNNS on board to help us create that wow when you walk in. Several rooms have their own personality but there’s a natural palette and re-occurring elements that unify it all. And curves – there are a lot of curves in this home!’

The show home is a collaborative venture with several trusted build partners showcasing their own products. ‘We thought about how we could help visitors get the most benefit from their experience and how we could help our subcontractors who do such an amazing job for us. So when you come and visit you’ll be able to see whose products and services we have used as you walk through the home.’

Print | Digital | Social

themillwatermag.co.nz

TheMillwaterMag

the_millwatermag

10YEARS

DESIGN

PUBLISHER

Grayson & Sarah Furniss

MANAGING EDITOR

Claire Nevans

GRAPHIC DESIGN

KD Design

PRINTER

Treehouse Print

CONTRIBUTORS

Hayley Crawford

Karen McMillan

Mark Lane

Tim Lawrence

Jorja Millward

Carmen Bird

Chris Norris

In the loop The ice cream scoop

When you’re down at Orewa Beach and you fancy a scoop of your favourite ice cream flavour you’re spoilt for choice, with great options such as Faridas, the surf club, Good Hub Eatery and Movenpick just to name a few, but for a while now buying an ice cream of the unwrapped variety in Millwater has proven rather difficult. It’s great to see, with the opening of Little Jilly’s Café & Eatery at the far end of the Millwater shops, locals and those travelling the estuary pathway will be able to indulge in a scoop or two from the Natural New Zealand ice cream counter in store.

Grant Opportunities

The Hibiscus Bays and Local Board have advised there are a couple of grant opportunities that local organisations can apply for this month.

Local grants: are grants that pro vide funding for arts, community, environ ment, heritage, sport and recreation projects and events. Applications are open from 3 March to 11 April 2025. In the first round of the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Grants Programme for 2024/2025 financial year, 24 community organisations received a total of $63,678.50. You can find more information about applying for these grants here

Sports and Recreations facilities grants: These are Auckland Council grants from the Sports and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund that supports the development of non-council sport and recreation facilities creating opportunities for Aucklanders to get active. Clubs can apply for funds to help with their club’s facilities. There is only one funding round for these grants each year, which closes this year on 18 March 2025. You can find more information about these grants here

Otsu on the way

When taking my son for our maiden voyage across the new Highgate to Milldale Bridge one recent and extremely hot Friday afternoon, we stopped at the Milldale shops to acquire a refreshing beverage. While I sat in the car waiting for Master 12 to exit the dairy with his purchase I noticed, rather excitedly, a sign on one of the empty store fronts that read: Otsu Japanese Eatery coming soon. I wish I had an opening date for you but so far my sleuthing has yet to uncover when that will be. I did note the interiors are apparently being handled by the same folks behind the vibrant and colourful fit-out at Juno Cafe, so I have high hopes Otsu will be an elegant spot when she does eventually open her doors.

Funding boost for Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club’s redevelopment

Elaine and Ross Morley from G.J. Gardner Rodney East had a heartfelt vision – to construct a house in Milldale and donate the auction proceeds to fund the new Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Community Hub.

Their vision inspired a remarkable team of over 100 companies to contribute their time, energy and resources into bringing this dream to life. We all watched with excitement as the build progressed to completion, blown away by the generosity of all those involved. After the charity house sold at auction late last year, an incredible donation of $545,764.51 was handed over to

Club Building Chair, John Chapman, Club Sponsorship Manager, Andrea May

Owner G.J Gardner Homes Rodney East, Elaine Morley

Owner G.J Gardner Homes Rodney East, Ross Morley Club Chairperson, Jon Copeland Club President, Faron Turner

the club in February to boost the redevelopment project to the next stage.

With cornerstone funding now secured, the club needs further help from the community to build this wonderful new facility. NOW is the time to be part of this remarkable legacy project right on Ōrewa Beach.

The new community lifesaving hub is envisioned to be an indispensable asset for the rapidly growing Hibiscus Coast community. It will provide modern, accessible facilities that will enhance coastal safety, support recreational activities and foster

youth development programmes. The hub will not only strengthen the club’s lifesaving capabilities but will become a focal point for community engagement and connection.

The Ōrewa Surf Life Saving Club invites everyone to be part of this legacy build and put another brick in the wall! Sponsorship and donation packages are available to suit a range of contributions. To learn more and play a role in shaping the future of your community, visit the website at orewasurflifesavingcommunityhub.co.nz

For enquiries, please contact Andrea May at Andrea.May@orewasurfclub.org.nz or phone 021 1701838.

Carl Dooley Ashton Brown

Tracey Brown

A hero for the dotterels

Walking onto a local beach, you may not notice it but lots of little dotterels are hiding away, trying to survive.

For those who don’t know, dotterels are small shorebirds that have, sadly, become less and less prevalent around the Coast. Tūturiwhatu, or dotterels, evolved before mammals came to New Zealand, making them an important part of Aotearoa’s culture and history. Protecting them is a vital task that we can all contribute to.

Alistair Owens is devoted to preserving and protecting the dotterels among our coastal community. Based in Waiwera, Alistair works with many other passionate people, known collectively as the ‘Dotterel Minders’, patrolling our beaches looking for new nests, identifying feeding behaviours, trapping pests and much more.

As of 2025, the population of dotterels has increased to 2,300, up from 1,700 five years ago. According to Alistair, this recovery is due to ‘extensive trapping of pest predator species, and increasing the number of volunteers as well as professional protection from Auckland Council, Regional Councils and more’.

Along with all shorebirds, dotterels play a crucial role in our environment. They regulate the nutrient cycles through their feeding behaviour, which benefits other marine life. They are an important part of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for everyone to experience.

To everyone reading this article, you can help too. Volunteer work is always welcomed and appreciated and, according to Alistair, this work involves keeping an eye out for nesting areas and roping them off, observing if people are obeying the pet laws and trapping predator pest species. For those who aren’t keen to volunteer you can still help out

by keeping out of roped areas around our coastlines, keeping cats indoors at night and laying rat bait on your property if you live near a breeding ground. Another way to get involved is to join the Dotterel Minders Facebook pages available. There is one for every nesting area/ beach wherever you are on the Coast.

Dotterels and their nests aren’t easy to spot as they blend in with the surrounding environment, however, you will know if you have encountered a dotterel family as one or both of the parents will approach you making their signature ‘chirp chirp’ sound, pretending they have a broken wing to attempt to lure you away from their nest and/or chicks. To avoid disturbing the birds and their nests there will be signs around, roped-off areas and possibly some dotterel minders around.

Dotterels have a rich history within New Zealand, and letting a species this special become extinct would be a great shame. The dotterel minders have done a fantastic job keeping the tūturiwhatu thriving around our one-of-a-kind Coast so far, and it is up to us all to keep them going! Alistair asks that people help out to protect this important part of our beautiful coastal environment to keep it a place for everyone, and every bird, to enjoy.

Jorja Millward | Features Contributor

Taking a Hike An adventure around Mahurangi and nearby islands

On jet ski

On a recent stunning summer day when the wind momentarily eased, we decided instead of a hike, a day on the jet skis was beckoning. Launching at Hatfields Beach, the water was spectacular. Not a breath of wind – a rare tranquil day in our blustery January!

We headed north to explore the local coastline and the Hauraki Gulf, past Waiwera and on to Saddle Island, a small, uninhabited gem nestled in the ocean. The island's rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters make it a perfect spot for snorkelling. Sadly we didn’t bring gear but noted for next time.

After a cruise around we moved on and across the water to Motuora Island, a sanctuary for native wildlife. Pulling up we threw the anchors over; the water was unbelievably clear and warm. We stopped here for a while and had a swim and a leisurely stroll along the beach.

I’m not one for too much relaxing and I could see Kawau wasn’t far away, so, jumping back on the jet skis we rode off to our next island. Arriving at Mansion House was a step back in time. Such a grand old historic building, the former residence of Sir George Grey, one of New Zealand's early governors. The mansion stands amidst park-like gardens with several peacocks roaming around. It operates as a museum and for a small fee you can walk through or have a guided tour. The onsite café was open, so we grabbed a drink and lunch and took some time out to refuel and enjoy the view. The ferry runs regularly from Sandspit to Kawau if you fancy a visit, it’s well worth it.

Back on the water we toured around the coast, up inlets, past the infamous Kawau Boat Club, moored boats, baches and wharfs dotted around the island.

After we’d had a good look around Kawau we headed over to Snells Beach and then south past Algies Bay and Mahurangi East, stopping at Scotts Landing where we parked up again for yet another swim, making the most of our Kiwi summer!

After a full day of tiki touring around it was time to head home, through the harbour and along the coast of Mahurangi West, Wenderholm and back to Hatfields.

The wind and swell had increased marginally so our return journey was slightly bumpier but it was such a magical day and so close to home. A fabulous change of pace from my tramping boots.

Carmen Bird | Carmen Bird Photography www.carmenbirdphotography.co.nz | 021 310320

For framed landscape prints PRINT SHOP | All | Carmen Bird Photography

Healthy screen habits for school kids

Let’s be real, digital devices are a big part of school and play these days. But too much screen time can leave kids with tired, dry eyes and even impact their vision in the long run. Luckily, a few simple habits can help keep their eyes in top shape! Start young with your child and these habits will become second nature.

Cut down the screen time (yes, really!)

We know, we know – telling kids to put the screen down is like asking them to give up snacks. But balancing screen use with outdoor play is key to keeping their eyes healthy.

Encourage breaks and plenty of off-screen fun!

Keep screens at arms’ length

Holding a device too close can strain young eyes. A good rule of thumb? Keep screens at least an arm’s length away – no nose-toscreen action!

Light it right

Staring at screens in a dark room under the covers (we see you,

Let our knowledge and experience be your advantage.

For legal matters relating to Wills, Estate and Succession Planning and a wide range of other exceptional legal support, please give us a call.

late-night scrollers!) makes eyes work harder. Use proper lighting to reduce strain.

Blink, blink, blink!

Kids get so focused on screens they forget to blink, leading to dry, tired eyes. Remind them to blink often – it’s like a mini eye refresh!

Follow the 20/20/20 rule

Every 20 minutes, take a 20 second break, and look 20 feet away. Simple, yet effective!

Stay hydrated

Drinking water helps keep eyes moist and comfortable. Bonus: it’s great for overall health, too!

Your child’s vision is our priority. We’d love to be a part of your child’s journey to their best, most convenient and comfortable vision possible.

Visit us Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, and enjoy extended hours until 7:00pm on Tuesdays. Call us today 09 426 6646 or book online at www.orewaoptics.co.nz

LOOKING TO GET YOUR AFFAIRS IN ORDER?

An elegant Art Affair

Fundraising for Hospice

Harbour Hospice is launching an exciting new art exhibition and sale, with a special ticketed opening night on Friday, 28 March.

Art Affair will be held 29-30 March at the Hospice Warkworth building, Tui House, and funds raised will ensure that Hospice can continue to provide free specialist palliative care to local families.

‘This is the first time that Tui House is opening its doors to an art exhibition and sale, and it’s going to be a very elegant event,’ says Harbour Hospice Community and Events Fundraiser Emily Thomas.

‘Art Affair will enable us to continue to support the incredible local art scene, and also welcome the community into our space

so they can learn more about the care we provide.’

The exhibition will feature 12 accomplished artists, including Craig Primrose, from Matakana, one of New Zealand’s leading contemporary artists. Craig’s portraiture, sporting imagery and landscape paintings are sought after around the world. In 2010 he was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for his contribution to the arts.

Craig and his wife Helen began quietly supporting hospice after witnessing its ‘phenomenal’ care of family members. He was recently reminded of that care through a friend’s experience and asked Hospice how he could help.

Craig is creating an artwork especially for the exhibition, the study of a tui, which is fitting for Tui House. It will be unveiled on opening night. ‘I really hope the person who buys it will gift it back to hospice so that it can remain in the building for all to enjoy,’ he says.

Craig will be joined by exhibiting artists Hazel Hunt, Kristin Hyde, Miki Nozomi, Pauline Gough, Joaquin Zepeda, Lissy Robinson-Cole, Jackie Bott, Louise McRae, Vicki Fanning, Rebecca Hawkins and Craig’s daughter Tori Thomas, who specialises in abstract floral art.

It’s the first time father and daughter have exhibited together, Craig says. ‘It’s very exciting – although I’m a bit worried she’ll outshine me. She’s a very talented artist!’

Art Affair, at Tui House Saturday 29 March to Sunday 30 March. For more details visit harbourhospice.org.nz/event/art-affair/

Orewa Repair Cafe

Since February 2023 the Orewa Repair Café has been holding a successful monthly event where the community can bring in items that need to be repaired and get them repaired for free, though donations are always welcome to help fund further cafes. While not every item can be repaired, our experienced volunteers can offer advice or confirm when an item is beyond being able to be fixed.

The types of items that can be brought include:

• laptops and other electronics

• clothing and sewing

• small items of furniture

• toys

• electrical items (note: no microwaves due to safety reasons)

• general household items that need fixing, such as gluing

The benefits to the services run by the repair café are many. Members of the local community can get items repaired that they may not have the skills to repair themselves or know where else to take them to get repaired, and it can save locals who are struggling financially the cost of having items that are useful to them repaired. The service also prolongs the useful life of many items preventing or at least delaying their entry into the rubbish dump.

The café is made possible thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers and funding from Auckland Council, Hibiscus and

Bays Local Board and Foundation North. Hibiscus Coast Zero Waste manages the event in conjunction with Donut Economics Advocates New Zealand (DEANZ).

The repair café in Orewa is held on the first Saturday of the month from 11am to 2pm at the Orewa Community Centre, 40 Orewa Square.

Say watt? The Green Spot

After unhappily trialling a new electricity plan from my energy provider I am now shopping around the many plans and bundles on offer, as well as the options of free appliances that are surplus to my needs. Free hours of power sound appealing and, whilst they have environmental benefits, they are also a concerning concept.

Aotearoa boasts around 83% of its electricity being generated from clean, renewable resources (wind, hydro, geothermal and solar). But at peak times this needs to be topped up by fossil fuels (coal, gas and oil). You can increase your chances of using the greener energy by avoiding peak times, which can also mean making use of the cheaper off-peak rates that some power companies provide. This load shifting is easily achieved with

automation as most appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, have timers that you can set to operate outside of the hours of 7am to 9am and 5pm to 9pm. In winter time, those with a heat pump can set it to finish by 7am and enjoy having your home pre-toasted for breakfast. Devices can be charged off peak and electric vehicles can charge overnight.

The danger with free hours of power is consumer attitude and the risk of unnecessary energy usage. The thought that ‘it’s okay because it’s free’ isn’t accurate because there is still a cost to the environment and its resources. It may be tempting to do a half load of washing with a hot water setting because you won’t personally pay a penny for it but the planet still pays so stick to less

frequent, full loads with cold water when you can.

Cheaper off-peak rates are a commendable option that will likely attract me to a contract but I’ll avoid the bait of a new television or fridge as that promotes e-waste and is factored into the pricing over the year anyway. So, if you’re wired to conduct yourself in a way that’s not shocking for the environment then hopefully I’ve sparked some positive ideas for sustainable energy usage.

Hayley Crawford | @trashtalkingmama

Found & Fancied

Matcha strawberry cold foam $9 at Juno Eatery

Milldale Shops, Milldale

2. French market basket $85 at The French Cupboard Agency

3. Preloved dressing table $60 at Harbour Hospice Florence Ave, Orewa

4. Pikolinos Jucar shoes, Brandy $299.95 at Deejays Shoes Silverdale Mall, Silverdale

Celebrating Silverdale’s heritage

The launch of an annual festival at Pioneer Village

Silverdale is a community rich in history, where the past and present intertwine to shape a promising future. At the heart of this heritage is the Silverdale Pioneer Village, a treasured site preserving the stories, structures and spirit of our early settlers. With its charming historic buildings, beautifully maintained gardens and carefully curated collections, the Pioneer Village stands as a reminder of the resilience, ingenuity and community spirit that built Silverdale.

Recognising the importance of honouring our history while fostering a vibrant future, we are thrilled to announce the launch of an annual festival in Silverdale Village. This

festival will not only celebrate the rich heritage of our region but also create an opportunity to strengthen connections within our business and residential communities.

A festival for the past, present, and future

Organised in collaboration with Silverdale Pioneer Village and Silverdale Business Association, the vision for this annual event is to bring history to life—immersing visitors in the sights, sounds and experiences of Silverdale’s early days. From historical displays and heritage demonstrations to live music, family activities and a period-costume dress up content, the festival will offer something for all ages. Local artisans, food vendors and businesses will have the oppor-

tunity to showcase their products, further reinforcing the strong relationship between Silverdale’s past and its evolving business landscape.

Beyond the festivities, this initiative serves a greater purpose. The festival will be a catalyst for community engagement, education, and economic growth, encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the Pioneer Village and support local businesses. By embracing our heritage, we can foster a sense of pride and belonging, ensuring that Silverdale’s unique identity continues to thrive.

Building

towards

a bright future

The launch of this annual festival is just the beginning. We envision this becoming a signature event for Silverdale, growing year after year and drawing in larger crowds who appreciate both the charm of our history and the dynamism of our present-day business community. Through partnerships with local organisations, schools and businesses we can create an event that is not only fun and educational but also a driving force for positive change in our area.

We invite you to join us in this exciting journey—whether as a visitor, volunteer, sponsor or participant. Together, we can honour our past while building a stronger, more connected Silverdale for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more details on our inaugural event, and let’s make history—together!

Michelle Keating | Silverdale Business www.silverdalebusiness.co.nz

Bucket ListTravel

Exploring Nepal

A journey through history, culture and nature

During my recent holiday to Nepal, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the vibrant cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara, each offering a unique blend of culture, history and natural beauty.

My adventure began in Kathmandu, the country’s capital, where I embarked on a city tour that took me to some of the most fascinating UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of the most striking locations was the ancient temple complex where cremations take place along the banks of the Bagmati River. The atmosphere was both somber and serene, providing a deep reflection on life and death in Nepalese culture. Witnessing the rituals, alongside the intricate details of the temple architecture made for a truly profound experience.

After immersing myself in Kathmandu’s rich heritage, I traveled to Pokhara, known for its stunning lakeside views and as the gateway to the Himalayas. Here I joined a couple of guided hikes that offered awe-inspiring views of the Annapurna mountain range. Each trail led me through lush forests, charming

villages and tranquil lakes, offering a perfect balance of physical challenge and scenic relaxation. The highlight of my hikes was reaching a viewpoint that provided a panoramic view of the sunrise casting golden light on the snow-capped peaks—a sight I’ll never forget.

Beyond the natural beauty, the warmth and hospitality of the Nepalese people made my trip even more memorable. The local food, especially momo (dumplings) and dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), was both comforting and delicious. The entire experience left me with a deep appreciation for Nepal’s rich traditions and its breathtaking landscapes.

This holiday to Nepal was truly an unforgettable experience. If you’re seeking a destination that offers both cultural immersion and outdoor adventure, Nepal should be at the top of your list! Contact michelle@ bucketlisttravel.co.nz for more information.

Susan | Bucket List Travel

Maintenance Made Easy

As the summer heat fades, March is the perfect time to prepare your garden for the autumn months ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting out, refreshing your garden beds now will set you up for a productive and beautiful autumn season.

Seasonal Tune-Up

The key to a thriving autumn garden lies beneath the surface: healthy, nutrient-rich soil. After a long summer of growth, your garden beds likely need a boost. Start with a high-quality compost, like TUI Performance Organics Compost, to replenish nutrients and improve soil structure. This organic blend supports root growth and retains moisture, ensuring your plants thrive as the season changes.

Tools to Tackle the Transition

March is the time to get your garden ready for the cooler months. Focus on pruning summer growth, removing spent plants, and refreshing mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep pathways tidy, check irrigation systems to ensure eﬃcient watering, and treat pests or diseases promptly. These simple

maintenance tasks will keep your garden healthy and ready for the changing seasons.

Preparing your garden for autumn is easier with the right tools. Mitre 10 oﬀers everything from pruners to hand trowels to help you easily dig, prune, and plant. The Gardena Comfort Hand Trowel is a standout tool for gardeners of all levels. Its ergonomic design makes planting and transplanting comfortable and precise, even in tight spaces. Whether you’re loosening soil or positioning seedlings, this tool combines durability with ease of use, helping you achieve the best results for your garden.

Not sure where to start? Mitre 10’s Garden DIY Guides will help you choose the right plants for your space. Plus, our expert staﬀ are always ready to help you select the perfect tools and supplies for your next project. For example, the Fiskars Weed Puller Xact makes weed removal eﬀortless, eliminating roots without harmful chemicals. Whether refreshing a veggie patch or planning a garden overhaul, we’re here to help.

Autumn is the perfect time to rejuvenate your garden, and Mitre 10 has everything you need to make it happen. Visit Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale to explore our extensive range of gardening products, expert advice, and seasonal inspiration. Let’s make this your garden’s best autumn yet!

Fishing Spot

Wow, the fishing this month has been fantastic. The weather has finally settled and the water temperatures have peaked, meaning it’s gamefish time! The anchovies are also now running through the gulf creating some great work ups out there.

This summer I’ve been busy working in our restaurant – Joe’s Garage – and haven’t had many opportunities to get out on the water. The wind has also been a challenge, but that didn’t stop us planning a boys trip to the Bay of Islands to chase some game fish over Waitangi weekend. A friend of mine has a launch in Opua and his brother was coming over from Australia to land his first gamefish. The challenge was set.

The weather looked good for two of the four days so we locked it in and headed north. Leaving Opua, we steamed north to hunt for some warmer water. Not even an hour had passed with our lures in the water before the reel on the short rigger started screaming. I saw the fish jump with a flash of blue and thought a kahawai or kingfish had hit the lure. We slowed the boat and got our visitor gimbled up and on the rod while we wound in the other lures. The fish jumped again and lit up bright yellow, we had a mahi mahi! Our spirits were high with our first fish on board and we continued north toward the Cavalli Islands.

Soon the water temperature shot up to 22.6°C and the ocean came to life with birds, whales, sharks and even a sunfish on the surface. The water was as smooth as an oil slick and we could see the current lines. It was starting to feel really fishy out there and then boom, the short rigger reel started screaming again. The same lure had hooked another fish. This time the fish went under with big head nods. It was definitely a tuna. We put the Ozzy back on the rod and cleared the gear. It wasn’t long before we had our second fish on board, a yellowfin tuna.

Unfortunately, that was it for us as the weather packed up with a 15-20 knot easterly. We had to hide from the wind for the rest of the weekend, including in a bar or two in Russell. It wasn’t that bad I guess – tight lines!

Tim Lawrence

Savour summer A guide to heartburn-free holidays

As we indulge this summer, the last thing anyone wants is the discomfort of heartburn putting a damper on the fun. Acid reflux or heartburn often causes a burning sensation in the chest or throat and is a common condition for many people.

Consider these four practical tips to manage heartburn this summer:

1. Portion control: Keep an eye on serving sizes, opting for meals that leave you satisfied without feeling overly full.

2. Hydration (with water): Stay well-hydrated with water to aid digestion. Cut back on alcohol and caffeine, as they are known to worsen heartburn symptoms.

3. Sleep strategies: Try sleeping with an extra pillow or elevating your bed head slightly for a more comfortable night's sleep, reducing the chances of nighttime reflux.

4. Stay active: Regular exercise isn't just about burning off extra holiday calories; it's also great for overall digestive wellness.

If lifestyle changes alone aren't bringing relief, consult your GP about medications, which are often effective.

However, if you experience persistent reflux symptoms or any other issues such as

difficulty swallowing, anaemia, pain, vomiting, chronic cough or unexplained weight loss it's crucial not to ignore this. These symptoms can signal more serious health issues, and in such cases, a Gastroscopy is recommended. A Gastroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves placing a thin tube with a light and camera into the stomach for a comprehensive examination. It helps identify reflux damage and rules out other serious conditions.

At Waitemata Endoscopy, taking a proactive approach to your gut health is easy. We accept GP, specialist and self-referrals via our website. Our experienced specialists can perform an endoscopy for you within 7 working days of receiving the referral. Make your digestive health a priority this summer with Waitemata endoscopy.

Mr Jason Robertson (MBChB, MMedSc, FRACS, AANZGOSA) | Surgeon & Endoscopist Waitemata Endoscopy

www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz

are dedicated to exceptional patient care

WE has been serving the Waitematā community for nearly 18 years, offering increased access to a group of experienced Surgeons and Gastroenterologists

Appointments are available within 7 working days for most standard Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy procedures by matching you with the availability of our Specialists*

WE have you covered from 'Top to Bottom'

Talk to your GP about a referral to the Waitemata Endoscopy Group, or you can self-refer at: www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/referrals

Mr Jason Robertson Upper GI, Bariatric, Laparoscopic, General Surgeon & Endoscopist

A passion for upholstery

If you’ve got an old chair lying around you’ve always wanted to get recovered, or your new bed is looking a bit naked because there’s nothing between it and your bedroom wall, then you might want to give Dave Bolton a call.

Dave is passionate about upholstery and has worked in the industry for over 35 years. ‘I started my apprenticeship when I left school many years ago at a company called Minty Furniture in Oxford,’ says Dave. ‘Over the years I’ve worked for many companies including Minty, Parker Knoll and Griffiths Woodwear before coming to New Zealand and working mainly for Finewood Furniture.

Dave now runs his own upholstery business serving the Hibiscus Coast and the North Shore, offering both repair to existing pieces of furniture and new built items such as upholstered headboards. ‘I can source new fabric and foam for my clients or they can provide fabric if they’ve found something they want to use,’ says Dave. ‘It’s so lovely seeing a cherished piece come back to life, just by having new fabric and foam. In this age of sustainability, only a small percentage of furniture is saved and refurbished, a hell of a lot is just thrown away. It's such a shame.’

Dave says there’s nothing quite like seeing a client’s reaction when he has been able to bring something treasured back to life for them, especially when the item has belonged to a parent or grandparent. ‘One of my favourite pieces I worked on recently was an old chaise lounge that had been ruined by people sitting on the arms and by the claws of a rather feisty cat. That came up really well.’

Each piece can take Dave anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of weeks work, depending on whether he is building the item new and the type of upholstery work involved. But he loves every minute of it. If you’d like Dave to work his magic on one of your old treasures, you can email him at info@shoredesigns.co.nz or check out more of his work on the Facebook page below.

Shore Designs | 021 201 4081

Get back in charge of your time now

Of course, planning your day can only be effective if you are working towards a greater plan.

Having a vision, a mission, values and key strategies all based around your major goals is crucial for success. These are your road map. The best way to get nowhere is to start out without this road map. Break this down into 90, 60 and 30 days and then daily. Planning like this, you’ll know what you need to achieve each day to reach your goals.

Once you have goals and actions, what is your biggest challenge in managing your time? What’s preventing you controlling your time? Always last minute? Never enough time in the day?

Remember: proper planning prevents poor performance

If you do nothing else spend 10 minutes at the start of each day to planning what you will do. Here are some tips for properly managing your time.

• Prioritise tasks. Organise your tasks into: Important and urgent (such as deadlines, incoming sales calls), Important but not urgent (such as updating your website), Urgent but not important (general distractions), Not urgent and not important (bin them).

• Balance the free work, prioritise getting the paid work done.

• Set aside time for email, admin, business planning, financial checking, marketing goals, ‘How can I do better’ time. Set yourself a routine time for these things.

• Try to work on one email at a time.

• Colour coding works.

• Set a realistic task start time that allows enough time to do a great job. For events and promotions, working back from delivery to inception is the best way.

• Make time for breaks, meals, your family and yourself. Managing our time helps achieve a good life balance.

• Remember, squeezing one last thing in isn’t always the best use of time. In fact this is often a great way to miss what is important.

• Social media, unless you are a professional, is one of time management’s worst enemies.

• Delegate if you can, and learn to say NO.

Now eliminate distractions such as smart phone, email, news websites. Switch alerts off so you can focus on a task. Emails are a great way to burn time up. You will win back a lot of time in any day if you are disciplined on the times you check your emails.

Lastly, proper planning of your time helps you sleep at night, keeps your business achieving results and your spark alive. In turn this allows you to enjoy your leisure and your family – the real reasons for working in the first place.

Chris Norris | Cert. MKTG | MCC | Cert. Typography

Creating and building brands based on your Unique Selling Point

Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. Mentor with the Business Mentors Programme at MBIE. Now runs a locally focussed branding business. Allbrand.co.nz – Revealing the true USP in businesses. If you are passionate about something you already have a great story. Get in touch to tell it: Chris@allbrand.co.nz

Costs to be aware of as a first home buyer Mortgage Matters

Buying your first home is probably one of the biggest financial transactions you’ll ever make. Make sure you’re aware of the costs involved in purchasing a house so you’re not stung by unexpected costs later – as people often are!

Lawyer or conveyancer

Buying a house is a legal transaction with a lot of paperwork, so engaging a lawyer or conveyancer is essential when buying a house.

They can help with things like reviewing the LIM (see below), reviewing the property’s title for any information that may affect you, initiating your KiwiSaver withdrawal and assisting with due diligence on the property.

All up, the standard legal fees for a house purchase can range from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on the type of property you’re purchasing and the amount of work at the lawyers end (this can be more complex if you’re purchasing under a Trust).

Qualified building inspector

If you’ve found a property that you like, it’s worth hiring a qualified building inspector to check it out. Some real estate agents will offer you a pre-prepared building report, but we always recommend getting an independent report done.

Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $300 to $1,000 for a building report, however, this could prevent costly surprises later on.

Land Information Memorandum

As part of the pre-purchase phase, you’ll need to get the property’s Land Information Memorandum (LIM Report) from the local council.

The report includes a summary of current property information held by the council, including rates, consent for work done on the property and any known land issues, such as subsidence or flooding. Information can be added to a LIM over time, make sure if you’re offered one by the owner or real estate agent that it’s up to date.

Generally, this report should be somewhere in the $300 to $400 range. However, if you need it urgently, within 48 hours or so, you’ll have to pay a bit more.

Registered Valuation

If you’re looking to purchase a house with less than a 20% deposit, you need to be prepared to pay for a Registered Valuation. Also depending on what type of house you’re looking to purchase, the bank may request for you to get a valuation done at your cost.

Generally, a valuation can be anywhere from

$900 to $1,500. The price will depend on the property, the valuation company and the complexity of the valuation.

If you’re considering purchasing your first home, we recommend you seek expert help from an experienced Mortgage Adviser.

Let’s chat! Contact Wayne Henry on 021 423 818 or email wayne@waynehenry.co.nz

Wayne Henry | Wayne Henry Mortgages

Wayne & Karen Henry are Millwater locals. Wayne is a Financial Adviser specialising in mortgages and Karen supports him with all admin related work. Wayne’s Disclosure Statement is available free of charge on request or can be downloaded via website https://www.waynehenry.co.nz/wayne-henry-mortgage-adviser/

The Millwater property market experienced a notable slowdown over the holiday period, with sales volume dipping to just six recorded transactions in January This represents the lowest level of sales activity the area has seen since April 2023 This time of year often brings a natural lull, but this latest figure underscores a particularly cautious start to the year for buyers

However, the market is already showing signs of renewed energy as we move through February, with the number of listings increasing as homeowners look to take advantage of the traditionally active late-summer period The rise in new listings does mean there are now more options available for buyers. This increased choice could place some pressure on pricing, however, Millwater continues to attract families and professionals seeking quality homes close to amenities, beaches, and strong community infrastructure, which should provide support for property values as the year progresses.

READY TO GET YOUR HOME APPRAISED?

Considering upsizing, downsizing or upgrading? Getting a free, no obligation appraisal will help you make informed decisions.

PLUS if you list and sell your property before 31 March 2025 with our team you will go in the draw to win one of ten, $10,000 travel vouchers!

We're absolutely thrilled to be the most recommended agents in Millwater for the fourth year running! A huge thank you to our incredible clients and the amazing buyers we've had the pleasure of working with over the years – we couldn't have achieved this without your support.

If moving is on your mind scan the QR code, visit jakeandjen.co.nz or give us a call today for a quick chat or to book an appraisal. Find out for yourself why our clients continue to refer to us as ‘ Millwater Legends’.

Jen Singleton 021 820 373 | Jake Morgan 021 447 534 www.jakeandjen.co.nz

Your own personal chef Cooking Questions with Mark Lane

I have been cooking professionally for 39 years. My business, Culinary Lane Catering, is based in Millwater, providing three and five course dinners in your home, out-catering and grazing tables. Gain the benefit of my experience by emailing me your cooking questions.

Kylie: As we’re coming into autumn and colder weather, do you have some savoury pie or tart filling combinations that are good for family dinners and your top tips on making pastry please?

When it come to making pastry, I suggest buying it premade. Look for a good brand such as Paneton or Pastry House, which are made using butter not fats. I’m not saying don’t make your own, but try some of the better quality brands as all brands are not created equal and most people don’t have time to make flaky pastry which should take at least two days to make and have 729 layers! When making a savoury pie or quiche use savoury pastry on the bottom and blind bake first before adding your filling to keep the pastry crisp. Use Flakey/Puff pastry for the top. The same for sweet pies, blind bake the sweet pastry before adding your filling. I often brush the blind baked pastry with egg yolk and then seal in the oven to create a waterproofing of the pastry. The combinations of fillings are endless!

If you are going to make your own pastry, the key is to keep everything as cold as possible. Cold hands, cold butter and cold bench.

Diane: Are you able to recommend some different types of mushrooms that are easy to cook with other than field mushrooms and what type of dishes I can use them in? Thanks.

The key to cooking any mushroom is to retain as much moisture/ water as possible. Most people try to make mushrooms as dry

as they can when cooking them, which changes the texture. I believe that field mushrooms (also known as flat or portobello) are the king of mushrooms and when cooked correctly are the texture of eye fillet.

Preheat an oven to 190°C on fan bake. Take an oven tray with at least 4cm sides, coat the bottom with olive oil and place the mushrooms in, removing the stalks and placing flat in the bottom of the tray. Season with salt and ground white pepper (it’s milder than black pepper and allows the flavour of the mushroom to come through), sprinkle with some more olive oil, a good knob of butter and optional chopped garlic and fresh chopped rosemary or thyme. Double tin foil so totally airtight and place in the oven for around 15 minutes or until the mushroom is just cooked. Remove from the oven and allow to sit for 15 minutes before removing the tin foil. This allows the mushroom to soak up all the moisture and stay juicy and full of flavour.

You can cook any mushroom this way, such as shiitake, oyster, brown and button. Slice and add at the end of cooking of your stews, stir fries, pie mixes or anything that goes with mushroom, which for me is anything savoury. Trust me, I took ages to prefect this method, but I have just given you one of my secrets!!

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering

www.culinarylane.co.nz | email culinarylane@gmail.com

Lifejacket safety reminder Coastguard

This month, Hutchwilco issued a recall of 21,000 manual inflatable lifejackets due to a potential issue with the inflator mechanism. The affected inflators may show a green indicator, suggesting that the lifejacket is ready for use, even when it isn't. This could result in the lifejacket failing to inflate when needed.

The affected products are:

• Hutchwilco Classic 170N Manual Inflatable Lifejacket

• Hutchwilco Super Comfort 170N Manual Inflatable Lifejacket

These models were manufactured between June 2021 and May 2022 and contain the faulty Halkey-Roberts V96000 inflator mechanism. If you own one of these lifejackets we strongly recommend checking immediately to identify if your lifejacket is affected. Visit www.hutchwilco.co.nz/recall for details on how to have the mechanism replaced or receive a refund.

It's also a good time to inspect your lifejackets before stowing them away for winter. Proper servicing is crucial to ensure their functionality and safety.

Steps to take when servicing your inflatable lifejacket:

1. Check the gas cylinder expiry date: The gas cylinder used to inflate your lifejacket has a limited lifespan (usually 1-2 years). Look for the expiry date on the cylinder and replace it if expired.

2. Ensure the cylinder is properly secured: Check that the gas cylinder is tightly secured in the inflation mechanism. Look for any signs of damage or corrosion on the cylinder and replace it if necessary.

3. Inspect the inflator valve: Check the inflator valve for any signs of leaks. The valve should be securely attached and free of debris. If necessary, clean it with a soft cloth.

4. Examine the fabric and stitching: Look for any wear, tears,

or punctures in the fabric. Check the zippers and buckles to ensure they are functional.

5. Crotch strap: A crotch strap is an important safety feature that keeps the lifejacket in place, preventing it from riding up over your head. If your lifejacket doesn't have one, we recommend contacting your supplier to order a crotch strap.

Always refer to the manual for your specific Hutchwilco model for any unique servicing steps. If you’re unsure about the servicing process, contact Hutchwilco or visit a professional servicing centre.

Ensuring your lifejacket is in good working condition is essential for your safety on the water. Every time you go you out make sure you have a functioning lifejacket designed to fit each and every member of your crew.

Rachel Hessey | President, Coastguard Hibiscus www.coastguard.co.nz

Flooring colour trends for 2025

Whether you’re renovating your home or designing a new space, choosing the right flooring colour can dramatically impact the overall ambiance. Let’s explore the top flooring colours for 2025 that are set to redefine interiors.

Warm earthy tones Inspired by nature, earthy tones such as terracotta, sand and warm browns are making a comeback.

light beautifully, making smaller spaces appear more open and spacious. Perfect for coastal, bohemian or minimalist styles, white and bleached wood finishes offer a timeless charm.

Deep charcoal and bold blacks For those who love a dramatic touch, deep charcoal and black flooring is emerging as a statement trend in 2025. Matte or

These shades add warmth and cosiness, making them ideal for living rooms and bedrooms. Expect to see natural timber and laminate finishes in rich walnut and oak shades dominating interior designs.

Soft and muted greys In 2025 it’s grey with a difference. Light and mid-tone greys with warm undertones create a balanced and contemporary aesthetic, perfect for modern and minimalist interiors. These hues work exceptionally well with Scandinavian and industrial-style designs.

Timeless natural whites Whitewashed and light natural wood flooring remain top choices for those seeking a bright and airy feel. These hues reflect natural

a modern appeal. They work beautifully in traditional and contemporary interiors, enhancing warmth and depth in a room and when paired with soft furnishings and muted colours, these tones create an inviting ambiance.

Botanical, bright and bold Colour is back! Make a statement with bold patterns and vibrant colours that double as works of art

glossy, dark flooring creates an elegant, sophisticated look. They pair well with bold accent colours and metallic finishes, adding a luxurious feel to interiors.

Soft greens and muted blues As ecoconscious designs grow in popularity, soft green and muted blue flooring options are gaining traction. These calming, natureinspired hues create a serene and refreshing ambiance and bring a sense of relaxation and connection to the outdoors.

Honey and caramel tones Warm, golden hues like honey and caramel are becoming increasingly popular in timber, laminate and vinyl flooring. These inviting shades add a touch of vintage charm while offering

Striking botanicals, oversized floral motifs and playful colour combinations feel bold, fresh and contemporary. If you are hesitant about bold and bright carpet, a rug can make just as much of a statement.

It's clear that 2025 is shaping up to be a warm, inviting and interesting year in home design. Midway Flooring are now offering colour consultations to those seeking interior colour advice.

Midway Flooring www.midwayflooring.co.nz

675 Whangaparaoa Road

Clay time on the Coast

If you’ve been contemplating getting in touch with your artistic side in 2025 or you’re a potter looking for space to work you’ll be pleased to hear that the folks behind Clay Studios in Takapuna will soon be opening a studio here on the Coast.

A site has been acquired in Anvil Road that will house both Clay Silverdale and a pottery supply store called Bot Pots.

The studio businesses and Bot Pots are very much a family business, with Stillwater local Melanie McCamish and her daughter Emily managing the current studios and Mel’s mum Karen, her sister Nicky and her son’s partner Belle running Bot Pots.

Melanie, Karen and Nicky decided to go into business together when they all had changes in their life circumstances around the same time and Karen had gotten back into doing pottery, a hobby they had all shared years ago. They had the idea of opening a pottery studio in Takapuna. ‘The site we found was gorgeous and the studio was a success from the time we opened it in October 2022,’ says Melanie. ‘Seven months later we were hiring extra staff because things were so busy.’ Then a few months later when

their main supplier, Bot Pots, wanted to sell their business, they took that over too.

After moving to Stillwater in 2023 Melanie had the idea of opening a studio up here on the Coast and after exploring a few possible premises, they settled on the site at 2/28 Anvil Road.

‘The new site is a factory/warehouse space that will be set up for teaching on the wheel and hand building. We’ll run regular classes and courses, with ceramic painting and we’ll have an external firing service too. There will also be a dedicated members area with six wheels, tables and personal shelf spaces. Having a Bot Pots shop on site means that potters from all over Northern Auckland can come here to get their supplies.’

The studio will open on 28 April, with a few classes in Term 2, and then expand further in Term 3.

Melanie says, ‘We are thrilled to be able to open a studio on the Coast and we look forward to providing a welcoming space for people to come together and learn the art of pottery.’

Your insurance adviser is your best advocate

It is sound practice for all quality insurance advisers to undertake a periodic ‘warrant of fitness’ insurance review. This is to ensure their clients’ existing personal insurances remain aligned with their needs and the premiums continue to be manageable. Life changes, circumstances change, incomes change, mortgages reduce – it’s important that a review is undertaken at least annually, or at any time when a significant life event justifies a review, certainly if one has experienced a medical event or an injury. You also need to ensure your insurance adviser is kept informed of any matter which might trigger a claim that can be lodged on your behalf.

This recent situation highlighted the

importance of keeping your insurance adviser informed. I put in place a policy for wonderful local clients back in 2018. Several reviews had taken place in the intervening years, but during the most recent review (in January 2025) I was startled to learn, for the first time, that ‘Ben’ had fractured his heel way back in 2021! My immediate reaction was, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

severity of the injury. The specific injury benefit is paid irrespective of whether one is able to work or not and a wait period does not apply. Ben’s fractured heel qualified for a lump sum payment for two months (60 days) of the Mortgage Repayment Cover benefit.

I immediately lodged a retrospective claim for Ben’s injury. This was quickly processed by the company and the payment correctly backdated to what the mortgage cover benefit was at the time of the injury (March 2021). End result: Ben was pleased to receive a lump-sum payment of $7,800 from the company.

The moral of this real story is: Since your insurance adviser is your best advocate, keep them informed at all times of any changes to you and your family, whether life events, medical events or injuries.

Helping our clients is what we do! Come as a client, leave as a friend.

Theo Simeonidis | UProtectNZ Insurance Services

Ben’s Partners Life Mortgage Repayment Cover has an inbuilt specific injury benefit, meaning that for any one of over 20 different injuries, the company will pay a specific lump-sum benefit related to the

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.

Sitting in life’s waiting room

Whether it’s waiting for a work opportunity, a medical procedure, a romantic partner, a new home, a positive pregnancy result, a restored relationship… at some stage of life we’ll find ourselves in a waiting room.

The waiting seasons in our lives are transitions from one position in life to another, or from one identity role to another.

But who are we in the in-between space?

This unknown status can induce feelings of fear, confusion, impatience, anxiety, shame and loss of identity or purpose.

Navigating the waiting seasons in life requires managing uncertainty and stuckness while anticipating a desired outcome. Often, the result of whatever we are waiting for will determine how we can move forward in life. Changes in relationships, job security, health and home environment impact our well-being and how we feel about ourselves.

I recall many years of experiencing the ache of infertility. When I realised I was only living my life in a nine-month timeframe I knew something needed to change. The key was to hold on to my belief the outcome of motherhood was achievable and learn to accept what was happening for me in the here and now.

What can you do when your life is on pause?

Acknowledge your feelings. Learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable feelings of frustration, anxiety and concern. They are normal emotions when feeling stuck in a transitional phase of life. Ask for support from people you trust, to be reassured that your current situation does not reflect your self-worth.

Stay in the flow of opportunities. Focus on actions you can take to prepare for the desired outcome and be open to options you haven’t considered to improve your current situation.

Ensure self-care is a priority. Involve yourself in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul – fun adventures, exercise, spiritual practices, new hobbies, spending time with people/pets and in nature.

Maintain a positive mindset. Our thoughts will influence how

we manage the unknown timeframe of waiting.I recently read an affirmation, ‘Good things are coming my way.’ Regularly telling yourself this will create movement in your thinking, and shift your perspective about your situation.

Sitting in life’s waiting room is not passive, it is an active state of being.

Trish | Life Coach & Counsellor trishbeauchamp.com

Meet the residents at The Botanic

Colin and Pip Macdonald

Colin and Pip live in a two-bedroom, upper-level villa.

Where did you move from? A four-bedroom 1920s classic Mt Eden bungalow.

What do you love most about The Botanic? The people. It is a very young-at-heart and active group of residents.

What are you enjoying about retired life? Life is full and unpressured. When did I ever have time to work!?

What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before? Don't leave it too late! Retire when you can fully enjoy the fruits of your labour.

How do you live a life filled with purpose? Engage in what you want to do, rather than what you have to do. Living in a village lets you do as much or as little as you want. Since I’ve moved in, if people ask me how I am, I say ‘I'm always good!’

What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast? It’s close to Auckland, but also worlds apart. It’s also reduced the drive to the bach by at least 30 minutes.

How would you describe the community at The Botanic? It’s like having 160 flatmates! You have to make compromises to ensure it works for everyone, but we are all aiming for the same goal – a cooperative sense of community.

What’s your advice to retirees thinking about moving to a retirement village? Think about what you are looking for in a retirement community, and look around. Talk to the residents. Consider amenities, activities, location and access to public transport.

How has the ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle changed your life? We still have a bach with lawns, gardens and maintenance to do, but it's no longer a drag. Lock up and leave couldn't be better. There is an opportunity to be involved in the village gardens and vegetable patch.

What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café? Colin loves the lambs fry and bacon, and Pip enjoys the salads and soup and anything in the dessert cabinet. The cafe and staff are wonderful!

What is advice to live by? Life is not a dress rehearsal. Love it, live it and always think of others.

www.thebotanic.co.nz

The Fiction Spot

Romance mode: Activated

By Montserrat Gandara

“Eva, I’m home,” I called out, kicking off my shoes. “You would not believe the day I’ve had.”

“Please, tell me more,” Eva answered. “Would you like a drink?”

“Ugh, no. I’m exhausted.” I groaned and sank into the sofa. “I have prepared a bath for you.” A towel appeared in Eva’s mechanical grip. “Eva, we talked about this,” I said, rubbing my temples. “I can run my own bath.”

“Someone is at the door,” Eva’s voice chimed through the apartment. Great. “Opening door.”

“What? Eva, no!” I shot to my feet and sprinted to the entrance. Stupid Smart Apartment and its integrated AI tech. “Close the door!” I skidded to a stop just as my neighbor, John, stood awkwardly in the doorway. “Hey, Cam,” he said, ruffling his hair. “Uh… Eva locked me out again. Can I use your phone to call the building manager?”

“Again? That’s the third time this week!” He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. I know. Sorry.” I sighed, stepping aside. “Sure, come on in.” I gripped the door a little too tight. The door clicked shut. The lights dimmed, and the fireplace roared to life. “Initiating Romance Mode.” Soft jazz oozed through the speakers. Oh no. That artificial moron. “Eva!” I shrieked.

“Welcome back, John,” Eva purred. The drink dispenser whirred,

pouring liquid into two glasses. “Power down, Eva,” I barked. The music cut off. The lights flickered back to normal. Thank goodness. I turned to John, mortified. “I—I don’t know what’s going on with her lately.”

John shifted uncomfortably, tugging at his collar. “Yeah, uh… weird.” I glanced at the drinks on the counter. My heart hammered in my chest, throat dry. “I mean,” I said, grasping at anything, “she did pour us a drink. Might as well?” John hesitated. “Uh… maybe some other time. I, uh—I think I left my stove on.” His eyes flicked to the door like it was an escape hatch. My face burned. Classic rejection. “Right. Yeah. Of course,” I muttered. He mumbled a thanks and all but bolted. The moment the door shut, I banged my head against the wall.

“Eva,” I groaned. “He didn’t say no,” Eva said. “I think it went well.” I exhaled sharply. “What did I say about John?”

“To help you be subtle in your advances.”

“Eva, that was as subtle as an explosion.” A beat of silence. “I can lock him out again,” Eva offered. I buried my face in my hands. “No. He’s definitely catching on now.”

"Well, Cam, statistically, persistence improves success rates." Shut up.

Hibiscus Coast Writers. For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with the Membership Secretary, Paula at: paulajkora@hotmail.com

Book your tickets for a fun day out exploring

Appointed as an executor under a will?

What's next

When someone passes away and their estate is valued over $15,000, probate is required. Probate is a court order that confirms that the will is legitimate and gives the executors the legal authority to deal with the deceased’s assets. The executors

need to apply to the High Court for probate. This involves the executors signing an affidavit prepared by a lawyer and filing other relevant documents with the court.

The application usually takes about six weeks for the High Court to process, but

this can vary depending on the complexity of the application and how busy the Court is at that time. Once probate is granted, the executors must hold onto the assets of the estates for six months. This is to allow enough time for any debts to be paid and for any claims to be brought forward.

Claims can be brought forward by spouses or partners who might be entitled to certain assets under the Property (Relationships) Act or by relatives who believe that they have not been adequately provided for. If the assets are distributed before this six-month period, the executors may be personally liable to pay the debt or claim. However, if the executors are willing to take this risk and are sure that there are no debts or claims, the assets may be distributed earlier.

For some estates, it may take longer than six-months from probate to distribute the assets due to claims being made. Once the six-month period is over and all debts and claims have been dealt with, the balance of the estate will be paid out to the beneficiaries and the estate will be wound up.

The probate and distribution process can be long and complex, our team at Simpson Western North can help guide you through this. Get in touch at office@ simpsonwesternnorth.co.nz or give us a call on 09 421 0559.

Anushka Sequeira | Solicitor, Simpson Western North

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.

Who you gonna call?

NZ police have different phone lines for emergency and non-emergency calls. Dialling 111 is for emergency help, from Police, Fire or Ambulance. The 105 service is to contact the police for non-emergencies, or to update your existing report.

FROM SHADES TO SHELTER, TRUST THE EXPERTS IN COVERED OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS

20 + Years in Business :

What constitutes a non-emergency?

You might have lost your wallet or mobile, your car was broken into, kid’s bike stolen… What do you do? Who do you tell?

Sometimes, when out in public spaces, we might see others doing some ‘questionable’ things, such as graffiti, vandalism or abusive, suspicious or disruptive behaviour, and, for fear of ‘becoming involved’, some look the other way or think that nothing will be done even if they do report it. Think of each report as one little piece of a bigger puzzle. As individuals, we don’t have access to any of the other ‘puzzle pieces’. NZ Police do and so are able to collate ‘intel’ (or ‘puzzle pieces’) to obtain a clearer picture. Having as many pieces of credible intel as possible can help them to act.

The 105 service was introduced, along with online reporting, as an easy-to-remember number for reporting non-emergencies to Police, to ensure everyone in New Zealand can access policing services – anywhere, anytime. The 105 service also helps to preserve the emergency (111) channel for when it is really needed.

You can use 105.police.govt.nz to report most things online, such as theft in a public place, theft from a car, intentional property damage, shoplifting and lost property. You can also get an update on a report already made or add information to an existing report.

To report online go to www.police.govt.nz/105info. For more information, go to www.police.govt.nz/use-105

For other info, confidential advice or support for anyone, on just about any topic, visit a CAB near you. Call the CAB free nationwide on 0800 367 222, send us an email or hop onto the live chat via our website www.cab.org.nz .

CAB Hibiscus Coast is open in Orewa Square, Monday to Friday, and up at Whangaparaoa Library on Wednesday mornings. 09 426 5338. Not sure? Ask us!

power of a pause

Although not a new concept, mindfulness has exploded in popularity over the last decade. What is it really? Does one need to become a meditative monk to be truly mindful? The short answer is no, you don’t, but perhaps the lack of external distractions will help.

Some people may view mindfulness as a spiritual or ‘woo woo’ practice but they would be very misguided. Mindfulness is essentially about being becoming increasingly aware of your thoughts, feelings and actions at any given moment. People often experience mindfulness when they are in a situation that might give rise to self-consciousness. For example, if you’re feeling particularly nervous about giving a presentation, you might be ultra-aware of your anxious feelings and negative thought and you might be noticing all your behaviours, even the minor ones that are usually so unconscious. In situations such as these it can feel uncomfortable to be so aware, but being mindful of your reactions can encourage you to show yourself some compassion and put some strategies into action to help reduce your level of anxiety.

Meditation is a great way to develop the skills of mindfulness as you sit quietly and observe the thoughts, feelings, sensations and urges that pass through like waves. You can begin to develop a bit of ‘space’ between the awareness of those experiences and the

actual experiences themselves. Like an observer of your own mind. You don’t necessarily need to meditate. You can make a conscious choice to start noticing your thoughts, feelings and sensations more often, taking as much of a non-judgmental stance as possible. We all have strange or intrusive thoughts from time to time!

One way to start doing this is to try and pause before responding or reacting to people or events. If you can manage to wait a few seconds and notice your state of mind, this can be helpful in mitigating those moments where you might ‘fly off the handle’ or ‘speak without thinking’. Again, it gives a little bit of space and encourages you to mindfully respond, and it helps you to learn about yourself, your triggers, your desires, your patterns of thought and more. What could be more important than knowing how your own mind operates and having a sense of being the dog wagging the tail rather than the tail wagging the dog?

Mandy Bradshaw | Counsellor and Coach

millymandz@gmail.com | 0272 880178

Art Speak

March gallery delights and Gibbs Farm fundraiser

March brings a whole new line-up of exhibitions for you to explore in all the Estuary Arts galleries.

From 4 to 30 March come on down to view the Estuary Art Tutors and Student Annual Showcase, which features both past and present art students alongside their experienced and talented tutors. The exhibition will take place in Gallery One with most of the artwork being for sale. This is a great opportunity to view what students can produce and learn in the adult art classes and workshops. As Term One is currently underway, you will still have the opportunity to book into a class for Term Two. Online bookings will commence mid- March. In our other galleries view the figurative clay sculpture by Ad Taken and the ocean inspired paintings using acrylics and resins by Hannah Riley.

Estuary Arts Charitable Trust is also thrilled to announce that we will be holding a fundraiser for our youth education. Grab your tickets for an experience of a lifetime and come along with us for a unique wander through the spectacular Gibbs Farm located on the stunning Kaipara Harbour. The event will take place on Thursday 10 April from 10am to 2pm. You will get to see very large scale, impressive sculptures by some significant New Zealand and international artists. Head to our website on www.estuaryarts. org to get your tickets. Tickets are $95 per person and every person who buys a ticket will go in the draw to win a free Term Two art class or workshop.

You can also pop down to the Centre to view the new exhibitions and talk to one of our volunteers about this fantastic Gibbs Farm fundraiser.

The Centre is open 7 days a week, reach us on email at manager@estuaryarts. org or phone 09 426 5570.

Kim Jennifer Boyd | Centre Manager

BAFA, PGCE, MA Arts Management, Dip Production Design/sculpting

Silverdale & Districts Historical Society (Inc) & Silverdale Pioneer Village

The following special events are coming up soon at the Silverdale Pioneer Village

Children's Day & Teddy Bears Picnic at the Silverdale Pioneer Village

Saturday, 1 March from 10am to 3pm

Bring your favorite teddy or soft toy along and picnic in the gardens. There will be some ‘Teddy food’ available to buy in the Parsonage and there will be live music and children's games to enjoy. We will also be celebrating the new roof on our very special gazebo. Admission by donation.

Silverdale Pioneer Festival 2025

Saturday, 5 April from 2pm to 6pm

Silverdale Pioneer festival is a new annual festival organised in collaboration with Silverdale Business to celebrate the heritage of our region while also strengthening connections within our business and residential communities.

The inaugural festival in 2025 will include:

• live music

• market stalls

• local food and drink

• dress up competition

The much-loved annual Easter celebration, Bunny Hunt in the Village, is also coming up later next month, on Saturday, 19 April. Keep your eyes peeled for more information soon.

pioneervillage1968@gmail.com | www.silverdalepioneervillage.com

P.O. Box 27 Orewa, 0946 | Ph: (09) 426 8272 | 15 Wainui Road, Silverdale

The Treats & Treasures Craft Shop is also open every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm.

Some of the delights on offer at the shop include:

• unique handcrafted gifts, both new and upcycled using vintage material

• beautiful hand-crafted gifts for Christmas

• toys, jams and preserves

Come for a day, experience a lifetime.

Our friendly team are here to provide you with a thorough eye examination, the latest fashion frames and technologically advanced lenses for work, sports and everyday wear. We stand by our products, services and expertise with integrity and have proudly supported and cared for our Hibiscus Coast community since 1987. We are right here in the heart of Orewa – Call on us today.

Our Dispensing Opticians Petra, Angela, Christine and Laura

Book Reviews

Rita Vegas

by Patricia Donovan

I am a fan of Patricia Donovan’s novels, particularly The Remarkable Miss Digby, which was shortlisted for an NZ Booklovers Award. Her latest book, Rita Vegas, is an edgy crime novel.

Rita Vegas is the central character in this page-turning novel that explores two deaths five years apart. In the first death, a woman is found in central Wellington, where Rita has only recently started working. She didn’t know the woman, but compromising material found in her handbag causes her to investigate the crime, putting herself at grave risk.

Five years on, Rita is spending time out from corporate life at the Serenity Centre in Cambodia, but she finds it anything but serene. Everyone seems to have secrets, and when a body is discovered, Rita finds herself thinking of the dead body from five years ago as she begins investigating this new case. She is convinced it is not suicide, but something much more sinister. This is an elegantly written novel full of intrigue.

Mary Egan Publishing, RRP $35.00

McMillan | www.karenm.co.nz

Three dogs, two murders, and a cat

by Rodney Strong

Nicolette Briggs doesn’t do humans. But she does do animals, which is a good thing, as she is Wellington’s premier, and possibly only, animal detective. Her latest case is a poisoned cat (who survived). This is exactly the type of case that Nicolette excels in, but then human bodies start showing up, and Nicolette is smack bang centre in the middle of two murder investigations.

When someone breaks into her home and one of her dogs is injured, Nicolette can’t stay on the sidelines. She resolves to solve these cases before the police can. To further complicate things are her testy but loving relationship with her teenage daughter, her not-soloving relationships with other members of her dysfunctional family, a car breakdown, and people generally being much too human and annoying for her. To cap things off, then there is a killer who has her in their sights…

A blend of action, mystery, humour, entertaining family dynamics and an unforgettable heroine. Completely unputdownable and unmissable!

LoreQuinn Publishing, RRP $35.00

What's On Hibiscus Coast

Hibiscus Coast Scottish Country Dance Club

Every Weds Silverdale Hall 7:00pm

Hibiscus Coast Artists Group

Meet on Mon 9.30am-1pm Stanmore Bay Community Hall Whangaparoa. All Welcome.

Shana 021 650 184

Hibiscus Coast Rock & Roll

Every Tues. W’poa Hall

7pm lessons. 8pm general dancing. Wear soft sole flat shoes.

See website & Facebook

Dance Fitness Class

Every Tues/Thurs evening 7-8pm @ Kingsway Jnr Campus. First class FREE then $10 per session. Richard 021 504084

Puhoi Celtic Sessions

Every 2nd Thurs @ Orewa North Primary School. A sing-around/play-around event. Contact Alan alanthewag@outlook.com

Suicide Bereavement Support

Last Mon of every month (JanNov) 7-9pm HBC Community House Support for anyone who has lost a loved one.

Susan 021 884 162

Orewa Garden Club

2nd Thurs of month Feb–Nov 12.30–3pm. St John’s Catholic Church Hall, Orewa>Visitors welcome. Valma 021 0634852

Hibiscus Coast Orchid Society

2nd Sunday of the month. Feb–Dec 1-3pm Masonic Lodge, Centreway Road, Orewa. Visitors welcome. Contact Bruce 09 947 5787

St Chad Market

1st Sat of every month

8am-noon 117 Centreway Rd, Orewa. Grant 021 0830 7743 or email chadorewa@ gmail.com

Ukelele Classes

Every Thurs @ St Andrew’s Church Hall. 107 Centreway Dr 1pm-2:15pm. $15 includes music.

Avon Hansen-Beadle 021 421 109

Hibiscus Coast Concert Band

Every 2nd Thurs

All ages & abilities welcome hccb.org.nz Call 021 186 4599

Whangaparaoa Indoor Bowls Club

W’poa School Hall Mon 7pm. All ages, beginners welcome. Coaching provided. Maurice 027 392 0541

Hibiscus Coast Embroidery Guild

2nd Weds 7-9pm & 4th Thurs 10am-noon. Hibiscus Coast Community House. Josie Slack- hibiscus. embroidery2022@gmail.com

Red Beach Combined Club

3rd Wed of every month

Orewa Presbyterian Church 10am-12pm. Friendship Club for seniors. Morning tea, guest speakers & outings. Colleen 021 112 3409

Hibiscus Coast Country Music Club

1st Sun each month @ Orewa Community Centre 1-4pm $5.00. Everyone welcome. Janet 0212367094

Bowls Orewa

Free coaching & introduction to lawn bowls every Friday 10am-12pm, bowls provided. Housie every Fri 12.30pm ($1000 jackpot) 214 Hibiscus H’wayPh 09 426 5937

Millwater parkrun

Every Sat 8am

See www.parkrun.co.nz/ millwater for more details

HBC Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren

Monthly 1st Wed, Support Group. Maygrove Retirement Village. 10:30-1:30 free lunch. Weekly for Coffee Group each Wed 10:30 (various locations) Donna 021 024 30064.

HBC Senior Citizens Assn. Inc. Meet on Tues for Indoor bowls and cards @ Orewa Community Hall.12-4pm. Membership $5/yr. $2 entry includes afternoon tea.

Edna Tibble 0272975554

Silverdale Ballroom Studio

Every Thurs Silverdale Hall at 7pm. Adult & Improvers classes for beginners and social dancers. 021 031 4216

Pioneer Dance club

Every Thurs @ Silverdale Hall 1.30-3.30pm. Social Ballroom Dance for seniors. 021 031 4216

Line Dance Classes

beginners class Weds 10am-midday @ Silverdale Hall. Great way to exercise to music & make friends. Sue 021 99 1717

Travel Club with Bucket List Travel. 2nd

Tues of every month (FebNov) 9:45am–11am @ Red Beach Surf-Lifesaving Club. Michelle 094261490

Hibiscus Coast Friendship Club

4th Wed of the month at 10am Bridge Club rooms, Edith Hopper Park, Manly. Speakers/ outings/luncheons together. Peter or Jeanne 09 4268675

Rotary Club of OrewaMillwater

1st & 3rd Tues of every month 7pm at The Wade Tavern. 2 Tavern Rd Silverdale orc.secretary@outlook.com

Ladies Crafts Group

Every school term Tues Orewa Community Church 235 HBC H’way. 10am-12pm. $2 for morning tea & craft creche provided.

Silverdale Village Market

Every Sat 8am -1pm Silverdale St Silverdale

Hibiscus Coast Mid-

Week Badminton Club

Every Weds 9am-noon

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

Arts Group

Every school term Friday Orewa Community Church

235 HBC H’way. 9am-1pm

$2 incl. morning tea Alan 021 039 7155

FREE Family history research advice. Mon/Wed/Thur & Sat 10am-12noon at W'poa Library. By Volunteers from HBC Genealogy Group. Contact Garry on 021 902715 or garryphillips2010@gmail.com

Kiwi Club 4th Sun of each month. Social Dance 5-8pm, all welcome. Silverdale Hall

Hibiscus Petanque Club

Every Tues/Weds 9am-12 & Sun 1pm @ 214 HBC Highway. New players welcome, free coaching. Colleen 021 1774820

10 pin Bowling for Seniors W’poa Bowling Centre, Arkles Bay. Looking for senior players to join club for league games. Mon & Fri 10am. Lots of fun and advice.

Brett 0210530905

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

Hibiscus Coast Literary Club 2nd Sat of the month 1pm W’poa Library Workshops. By authors, writing competitions. Friendly atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. Lorraine 02102680132

Lunchtime Toastmasters Every Fri 1-2pm Orewa Library. Evening Toastmasters meets fortnightly Thurs orewa.toastmastersclubs.org/

Heartbeats Cardiac Survivors Support Group 1st Tues of every month 10am @ HBC Community House. Open to all heart event survivors & their families.

Trent Lash 0220 606 199

Orewa Lions Club 1st & 3rd Weds 6.30pm (7pm start) @ St Chads Hall 117 Centreway Road, Orewa.

Wendy 021 841 125 orewalionsclub@gmail.com

Silverdale Naval Club meets the 3rd Sun of each month at HBC Community RSA at 15.00. Vince Sturmey 09 4285222

Dairy Flat Music Club Weekly dances/events with live music held at The Dairy Flat Hall, Postman’s Rd. Visit www.dairyflatlive.com for more info.

Support Your Local

Fashion / Art / Gifts Homewares

Estuary Arts 09 426 5570

Shore Designs 021 201 4081

Food, Entertainment, Sport & Recreation

Clara Café 021 210 4475

Orewa Surf Life Saving Club communityhub.co.nz

Health & Well-Being, Fitness & Beauty

Online Counselling & Coaching 027 288 0178

Home, Garden & Design

Gatmans Mowers & More

0800 800 960

Midway Flooring

09 424 3790

Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale 09 426 0760

Refresh Renovations 0800 215 216

Shades Direct 0800 742 337

The Kitchen People 09 424 3468

TK Revive 027 677 0747

Housing

Maddren Homes 0800 666 000

Insurance / FinanceBusiness Services

Claire Nevans Editorial Services 021 771 140

KD Design sarah@kddesign.co.nz

UProtectNZ Insurance Services 027 248 9320

Wayne Henry Mortgages 0800WHENRY

Legal

Heathcote Legal 09 475 5916

Simpson Western North 09 421 0559

Local Government, Council & Community

Forrest Funeral Services 09 426 7950

Harbour Hospice 021 226 2741

HBC Community House 09 426 3598

Hibiscus Funerals 0800 420 470

Mark Mitchell 09 426 6215

Silverdale Business Association 021 595 048

Silverdale Church www.silverdalechurch.org.nz

Medical / Dental Optometrist

Orewa Optics 09 426 6646

Visique Hawkins Optometrist 09 426 5308

Waitemata Endoscopy 09 925 4449

Motoring / Boating Transport

First Auto Electrical 09 427 5748

Rodney Auto Centre 09 426 5016

Silverdale Car Services 09 421 1413

Printing

Treehouse Print ryan@treehouseprint.co.nz

Property Management

Rent Square Property Management 021 755 214

Real Estate

Anita Dobson at Harcourts 021 337 093

Jake Morgan at Harcourts 021 447 534

Jen Singleton at Harcourts 021 820 373

Retirement Living

The Botanic 0508 268 264

Summerset Milldale 09 304 1632

Tutoring Education&

Tutoring to success tutoringtosuccess.co.nz

Local Recipes

Almond pithivier (Serves 6)

Ingredients

For the frangipani (almond cream)

350g ground almonds

300g unsalted butter

300g caster sugar

20g hi ratio flour

3 whole #7 free-range eggs

¼ scraped fresh vanilla pod or ½ tsp vanilla essence

For the pithivier

6 x 12cm disks of rolled flaky pastry (puff pastry)

6 x 16cm disks of rolled flaky pastry (puff pastry)

3 egg yolks

Icing sugar for dusting

Frangipani

Method

For the frangipani (almond cream)

In a mixer with the paddle, cream the butter and sugar until white and fluffy. Slowly add the eggs, lightly beaten, and then add the vanilla, almonds and flour. Place in a bowl, glad wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

For the pithivier

Place the 6 x 12cm pastry disks on a clean board with a square of baking paper under each. With a hot ice cream scoop take a large scoop of the frangipani mix and place in the middle of each pastry disk. Brush the outside of the pastry disk with egg yolk. Place then 16cm pastry disk over the filled pastry to make a UFO shape. Don’t push the almond mixture down, leave it high by pushing the pastry top around it and then flatten the pastry together at the sides. Mark the outside of the pastry with a fork and cut excess pastry from the pithivier to be the same size as the 12cm base with a round pastry cutter. Brush the pastry top with egg yolk and place on oven tray. Glad wrap and refrigerate until required.

To serve

Preheat an oven on fan bake to 200°C. Place the pithiviers on the oven tray, lightly dust with icing sugar and place on the middle shelf for around 15 minutes, or until pastry is golden brown. Remove from the oven and dust with icing sugar.

On a serving plate, place the hot Pithivier to the side of the plate, remove the paper from the base. In separate small dishes, serve vanilla bean ice cream and crème anglaise or custard.

Note: I use Paneton brand flaky pastry

Mark Lane | www.culinarylane.co.nz

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

Gluten free English muffins

Ingredients

1 ½ cups gluten free self-raising flour

1 tsp dried active yeast

1 Tbsp coconut sugar

½ tsp salt

½ tsp baking powder

1 cup milk of choice

Water to thin

Coconut oil to grease (or other oil of choice)

Method

Place milk in a small bowl and heat in the microwave for 1 minute until lukewarm. Stir in the sugar and yeast then leave for 5 minutes until frothy.

Place the flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl and mix. Add milk mixture and stir until no lumps remain.

Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let the batter rise in a warm place for at least an hour while the yeast activates. You can use the hot water cupboard if you have one, a warmer drawer, or turn the oven on to low and place the bowl on the opened door.

Once the batter has risen, if it has become too thick, add ¼ cup water to make it runny again and stir.

Heat up a non-stick frying pan or griddle and coat with oil of your choice.

Grease the crumpet rings with oil (you can also use egg rings, cookie cutters or even mason jar lids – anything circular and non-stick if possible).

Spoon batter into rings (not too full as they will rise). Cook for 5-7 minutes then flip for a further minute. Wait to cool slightly before slicing and filling with whatever you choose!

Note: As well as gluten free, these muffins are also dairy free and vegan. They’re great toasted with jam for breaky, but they're also awesome with some tomato paste and cheese (vegan or otherwise) for a quick pizza snack too! They’re worth the time investment I promise!

Nicky Skinner | Holistic health & wellness coach www.nourishedandvibrant.co.nz

What's on

at Ōrewa Library

In the community centre

If you haven’t visited our pop-up library located at 40-46 Orewa Square, come along and see us. Our Children’s Collection is on the bus, parked out front.

Our programmes on a Wednesday are in the Main Hall in the Orewa Community Centre, and also in the Supper Room attached to the Main Hall. There is parking out the front of the building, with 120 minutes parking as well as shorter term parking. Check the signage to be sure you have parked in the correct zone.

Special event

Auckland Emergency Management Team: Wednesday, 19 March from 1pm to 3.30pm at the Ōrewa Community Centre

Are you prepared for an emergency? Learn what hazards are in your area, what you need to have on hand to

survive, how to create an essential household emergency plan and, if you need to evacuate, where to go.

Estate planning with Wendy Hampton: Wednesday, 26 March from 1pm to 3.00pm in the Supper Room

Wendy has more than 30 years’ experience in law, and she is able to guide you with what information you need to record, to make the administration of your estate easier and more cost effective for your family.

Regular programmes

Monthly

Book Chat: Wednesday, 5 March at 10.30am in the supper room

Weekly adult programmes

Craft group: Wednesdays at 9:30am in the supper room (first Wednesday of the month in the main hall)

BrainCharge: Wednesdays from 11am to 12pm in the supper room (first Wednesday of the month in the main hall)

Weekly children’s programmes

Wriggle & Rhyme: Wednesdays at 10.30am (for 0 to 2-year-olds) in the main hall

Storytime: Wednesdays at 11.30am (for 2 to 5-year-olds) in the main hall

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Located in the heart of Silverdale, we offer a full range of Mechanical Repairs from WOF through to complete engine replacement. We service all makes and models, specialising in European vehicles. Our mechanics are NZ trained, and our workshop is equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, enabling us to provide a comprehensive range of services to a very high standard.

Providing

Owners Dennis

Interested to find out more about the Hibiscus Coast’s premier, luxury, resort-style retirement village?

VISIT OUR SHOW HOME Monday to Saturday, 11–3pm, or weekends by appointment. Apt. G09, Nikau Apartments 2 Evergreen Drive, Silverdale Apartments selling now New villas under construction PRICED FROM $975K

Pop along to our Show Home and meet Michelle, a Millwater resident and The Botanic’s Sales Manager. Find out more about modern retirement village living.

PHONE OUR SALES TEAM 0508 268 264