The Millwater Mag, September 2023

Get ready for colourful flowers, cute baby animals and sunshine my friends. Spring is here and we sure have earned it! As we slide into September the mag team would like to say a big thank you to Paula Southworth for all the great articles she has brought us over the years in her Nutrition Sense column. Welcome to our new columnist, photographer Carmen Bird, who will be inspiring us with stories and beautiful images from her hiking trail adventures. This issue has some incredible stories about people doing great things in our community, from an interior designer donating her time to help the hardworking team at our local woman’s refuge to a martial arts expert donating his time and resources to his students and a solo mother of six caring so much about the kids she works with she found a way to buy the business.

For the adventurous among us we have the low down on ski season in Japan and Carmen’s insights into hiking The Pinnacles in Coromandel, we have info on three shows coming up at Centrestage and, if you’re planning a spot of spring boating, we have advice on how to interact with any marine mammals you may encounter along the way.

Please pop your feet up and enjoy.

Claire Nevans

PUBLISHER Grayson & Sarah Furniss

EDITOR Claire Nevans

DESIGNER Sally Travis Design

PRINTER Treehouse Print

CONTACT US 021 771 140

CONTRIBUTORS

Hayley Crawford

Karen McMillan

Mark Lane

Madison Derbyshire-Smith

Tim Lawrence

advertising@themillwatermag.co.nz

In This

We believe that selling and buying 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 specialise in 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 and send us a message or call us any time

We have buyers desperately looking for their next home, could it be yours? Before you list, talk to the Silverdale/Millwater Agents of the Year for 2022 & 2023. That's us! As well-known and highly regarded local area specialists, let us guide you through each step on how to sell your property and how to achieve the best possible sales result. After recent sales in the Millwater area we have a surplus of genuine cash buyers looking to purchase

RECENT CASE STUDY BY

We have cash buyers actively looking to purchase in the area If you've been considering a move, then now is the opportune time, while listing numbers are low and demand is building Give us a call for a friendly chat and see what we can do to help your property dreams become a reality. Jake 021 447 534 | Jen 021 820 373

Testimonials

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

"Jake is a very confident, market knowledge, no pressure, tells it as it really is in the market agent. Jake & Jen are very professional in the way they marketed our property, they explain where the market is now backed up with recent sales in the area. After every open home they gave us a summary of how many people came through and their comments, which I feel is nice to know. Their communication was what a seller wants When we had an offer they worked very hard to make it work for both parties Sue & myself would have no hesitation to recommend Jake & Jen to market your property. I can understand why they were top salespeople for 2022-23." Gary & SueJuly 2023

THE PROPERTY

What's it all about?

Choosing to get a market appraisal on your home does not always coincide with wanting to sell your home – you may be looking to refinance, may want an update following some improvements you have made, or wanting to use equity to purchase an investment property for example.

With the numerous online platforms offering instant estimated property values, why then should you consider getting a full written appraisal of your home? Online, or “desktop” appraisals may be a useful guide, but they have not inspected your home in person and so cannot take account of the condition of the property, the quality of the build or fixtures and fittings, property orientation and aspect, views, or added value and improvements etc. An accurate appraisal is important to help you make well-informed decisions .

The salesperson should visit your property in person (without having done so they can be at risk of breaching rule 5.1 of the REA Code of Conduct) prior to preparing the appraisal. It should include a list of comparable properties that have sold, along with an explanation of how your home compares – is it highly comparable, or superior, or inferior? The salesperson should explain why they have included properties for comparison, and how they arrived at the appraised amount. They need to realistically reflect current real estate market conditions. In the event there is no comparable data to draw from (very unlikely in Millwater), this should be explained in writing.

Now, having been in this highly competitive business for a while, we also know that every now and then a salesperson will give a very aspirational appraisal value, what we call “buying the listing” This can work because everyone wants to believe their home is worth more, and in a rising market you might just catch up to the appraised value It’s worth paying attention though, because if you decide to sell, an optimistic appraisal may see you sitting on the market much longer than expected because buyers don’t see the value where you do, and it gets to the point where they are asking “what’s wrong with it?” It always pays to get more than one opinion, and you can always tell the agents you will automatically disregard the one that comes in with the highest appraisal – keep them honest..!!

If a market appraisal is on your radar, please do get in touch with us. We are trusted, multi-award winning local agents with the reputation and testimonials to prove it. We would love to hear from you.

Call us today to book an obligation-free chat. We love putting our vast experience to work helping owners in our community make smart real estate decisions.

Get in touch today!

COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIPS

There’s

OREWA WINTERY FESTIVAL

Sunday 24th September midday to 3pm Moana Reserve , Orewa

RUN OREWA

Sunday 15th October register now at orewa.werun.nz

There will be cash and spot prizes for best dressed swimmer, best dressed team and best belly flop! Food Trucks, Bouncy Castle, Face Painter and you can even meet Olaf and Elsa from Frozen Visit orewabeach.co.nz for more information and don't forget your gloves on the day to make the most of the snow play area!

Brought to you by Harcourts Cooper & Co, in collaboration with Destination Orewa and many more supporting companies, the Run Orewa event on Sunday 15th of October will see hundreds of participants make their way around the spectacular Te Ara Tahuna estuary walkway Choose from 4 different events and register now at orewa werun nz All finishers will receive an exclusive Harcourts Cooper & Co Run Orewa finisher medal

Bucket List Travel

Ever considered skiing in Japan?

When most of us think of Japan, we envision swaying cherry blossoms or stunning autumn foliage. However, Japan also boasts a substantial snow season, complete with all the winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and ice sculpting, at more than 500 resorts.

Japan is famous for the consistency and sheer volume of snowfall it receives. The powder conditions are often ideal for winter sports, as is the varied terrain offered by hundreds of resorts. In fact, Japan is considered one of the best locations in the world for skiing and snowboarding.

What makes for these ideal conditions? Japan receives cold air masses from Siberia, which pick up moisture as they cross the Sea of Japan. As this moist air climbs Japan’s mountains, heavy snowfall occurs. Because winter temperatures remain low, the powder often stays light and fluffy all day long.

Japan’s snow season typically begins in mid-to-late December, just before Christmas, and in most areas it continues through to late March or early April. This will vary from resort to resort based on the actual snow conditions, with the season peaking from mid-January to late February. Some winter resorts are open by late October. Often, such resorts employ snow-making machines to give ‘mother nature’ a boost. The earliest-opening resort is newsworthy, and for many years has been Snow Town Yeti in Shizuoka, at the foothills of the iconic Mt Fuji.

In the country’s northernmost reaches or at high altitudes, winter

resorts may even continue operating through the ‘spring skiing season’ until late May. Mt. Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture begins its skiing season in April and remains open until late July, as it is inaccessible during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. Some other resorts close for a few months during the depths of winter because of excessive snow.

If you want to beat the crowds, a December trip is best, however, December snows are a gamble in areas not assisted by snowmaking machines. Your best bet at this time is the northernmost areas, such as those in Hokkaido and Tohoku. April is a good time for beginners, as much of the crowds have gone and there are often better deals on accommodations and lift tickets.

So, contact us for the best ski travel experience in Japan, pack your best thermalwear and you’ll be hitting the slopes in no time.

Michelle | Bucket List Travel, Red Beach

There is a tendency to avoid discussing the things that cause us pain and discomfort. However, we believe our friendly yet professional service will bring you relief and confidence, to enable a celebration of the life of your loved-one. We are here to advise, guide and support you and your family as you journey through farewelling your dearly departed.

Every family is different, and a funeral should reflect the uniqueness of the life being celebrated. Therefore, our offering is not 'one size fits all'. Where tradition has value in the life of a family, it should be honoured. Where faith is central, it should be observed. If it is a party at the local pub that is requested - then why not?

Hibiscus Funeral Services is a 'Coastie' family-owned and operated business providing an end-to-end service. We will take care of everything to do with your loved-one's passing, their funeral, burial or cremation and everything in between. With services starting at just $2595 we have options to suit everyone.

Get in touch today. We're here to help.

Tracey Brown, the friendliest funeral director in town.

Refuge refurb Creating a self-care sanctuary

When interior designer Shanly Simpson heard that the Hestia Rodney Women’s Refuge needed direction with refurbishing their office space, the Mahurangi West local was quick to jump on board. While the team at Hestia are very good at looking after their clients, a recent strategic planning session highlighted the need for more emphasis on their own care and wellbeing.

Providing support to women and children experiencing family violence can be challenging. The team spend a lot of time listening to women requiring safety and crisis support. They also have to read reports of family violence and are reaching out to those in need every day, which can take its toll. They also cover a large geographical area from Mangawhai down to Dairy Flat, Coatesville, Gulf Harbour and everything in between, so often have to drive quite a long way to support their clients.

Refurbishing their office premises will give the team somewhere calming and pleasant to come back to after a long day on the road, to debrief, eat some food, connect and talk through their day. A lot of brainstorming takes place in the space too, sharing information and learning from each other, talking about issues in the safehouse that may need problem solving, working out how to make funding stretch to cover the rapidly growing population in the area, as well as a lot of admin work and meeting with other agencies, such as NZ Police and Oranga Tamariki.

The Orewa site, which they moved to in 2016, is a big step up from the safehouse garage in Warkworth that Hestia worked from when they first began in 1998, and the location works well, it is just the interior that would benefit from an upgrade, to provide a space that is more conducive to wellbeing.

Wanting to improve the space but not knowing where to start, one of the team reached out to a friend for help, who put her in touch with Shanly. Shanly worked with lot of charities when she lived in the US, and rather than just offering her advice to Hestia, she has taken over running the project, much to the delight of the team, who say Shanly has already been an incredible help, and has got things moving very quickly.

With the support of their very accommodating landlord, glass panels have now been installed in a large internal wall, which has flooded the space with much more natural light. Posters about violence that covered the walls of their central gathering space have been removed, lightening the energy and making the area feel a lot less cluttered. The team can’t believe how much difference these two simple changes have already made.

The rest of the changes will be aesthetic and Shanly has done a fantastic job getting some local businesses on board to help. Dulux at Bunnings have made up the paints and donated them for free and the Bunnings DIY team are donating their time to help paint, which should happen very soon. Whites and a lovely dove grey will lighten the walls and skirting boards, and the doors, currently a heavy blue, will be transformed with a beautiful greyish pink. Shanly did an incredible amount of testing to find just the right colours to create a tranquil and peaceful space. She has also brought artist Hazel Hunt on board, who has kindly offered to hand paint a canvas of cherry blossoms to hang on one wall.

Other areas where Shanly is still looking for businesses who may be able to help include putting frosted skins on the windows for privacy, powder-coating the joinery, automatic door opening systems, floor tiles for the entrances, bathroom and kitchen. An update to their kitchen would be amazing. And furniture. Shanly knows the design look she wants to accomplish, so she will work with any companies who are able to help. You can contact her via her website www.shanlysimpsondesigns.com.

The Hestia team are so grateful to everyone who is contributing to the project, especially Shanly, and look forward to watching the changes take place.

Any members of the public wishing to donate to the project can do so via Hestia’s givealittle page www.givealittle.co.nz/org/hestia, placing the word ‘refurb’ in the comments.

When our life journey takes a new direction

challenges that we didn’t foresee. As natural disasters can scar the landscape, unexpected life events can leave us scarred and vulnerable.

Acknowledging that life hasn’t gone as planned may feel like an admission of failure, but I encourage my clients to consider that life is a journey and that our desired destination can be achieved by choosing other options available to us.

When we encounter signs for detours or new road layouts on a familiar route that we drive, we know they signify repair work is in progress or improved travel conditions are now in place. This can be the same for us when we need to reroute our life journey – it can be considered a work in progress or an improvement to what was.

Using Google Maps will sometimes require rerouting the journey planner to arrive at my intended destination. I know the technology works, and I’m also aware GPS signals can be disrupted by several factors which result in reduced accuracy.

Metaphorically speaking, sometimes we experience dysfunction with our brain's GPS signals due to several factors. This results in receiving insufficient information to proceed where we want to go. If our brain has not accessed updated data about changes in the journey route it may feel like we have lost our sense of direction in life.

I recently discovered that to view the terrain features: hills, ridges, valleys, saddles, and depressions in Google Maps requires tapping the layers button.

Like this hidden terrain view on our phones, we experience life

Sometimes, we are faced with a direction change due to circumstances we have no control over. Experiencing death, divorce, diagnosis, distancing from loved ones or a disappointing outcome can feel like a major roadblock that prevents us from moving forward with life. When we can view these life events as a hill, ridge, valley, saddle, or depression to navigate around, we reset the GPS in our brain to accommodate the revised journey plan.

Knowing the best route to achieve where we want our life to go will need constant reviewing – it will always be a journey of a lifetime.

Trish Beauchamp | Online Life Coach & Counsellor https://www.trishbeauchamp.com/

The Green Spot

The food scrap bins are coming

During October and November, Auckland Council will be delivering small bins to our properties for us to fill with food scraps and then place kerbside every Tuesday to be emptied by collectors in their electric trucks. This great initiative will prevent organic material getting trapped in landfill where it produces harmful greenhouse gases, and will instead divert it to an anaerobic digestion facility to be converted into renewable energy and biofertiliser.

When are my rukenga kai (food scraps) collected?

Your food scraps are collected weekly on your usual council collection day. Put it out every week, even if it’s not full.

Will this food scraps service cost me?

You will also be given kitchen caddies, which are smaller bins for inside use. These can be lined with compostable bin liners, paper bags, newspaper, paper towels or go without a liner and just need to be regularly cleaned. Empty the caddies into the outdoor food scraps bin including the liner, and at collection time, put your food scraps bin out to the side of your wheelie bins (not in front, behind, or between wheelie bins). Leave a large gap so it doesn’t get knocked over by the mechanical arm of the rubbish and recycling trucks and leave the handle up in the locked position.

This service is paid through a targeted rate to households in your neighbourhood.

I still want to compost, do I have to use the bin? The food scraps service is complementary to home composting and worm farms. The food scraps bin takes meat, small bones, onion skins, citrus and shellfish. Please visit compostcollective.org.nz for more information on home composting. What about compostable plates, cutlery and coffee cups?

For those champions out there who are already composting and feeling like this is unnecessary, think of it like some of the other facilities that our rates pay for, such as libraries and playgrounds, that not all members of our community use. I am thrilled that my rates are going towards something so beneficial for our future and unlike some composts and worm bins, the food scraps bins can take other waste like bones and citrus peels.

Compostable packaging are not food scraps, therefore cannot be put in the food scraps bin.

What if I live in a multi-unit property (e.g. an apartment or a gated community)?

Your property may have a special arrangement for food scraps collections. Check with your property manager to see where to put your food scraps for collection, when needed.

What happens to the food scraps once they are collected?

And for those that think they don’t have much to put in a food scraps bin, 45% of waste in Auckland’s landfill is, in fact, food scraps. On top of this, many people put food matter in their waste disposal units, which also just goes to landfill. To learn more, head to the Auckland Council website.

Food scraps are full of valuable nutrients. The collected material will be turned into clean energy and liquid fertiliser. To find out more visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/foodscraps or scan the QR code below.

Garden waste

Disposable food containers and utensils, including compostable items

Plastic bags

Cigarette butts

Sanitary products and nappies

Pet waste

Cling film, waxed paper or aluminium foil

Vegetable scraps, including peelings, stalks and skins

Bread and mouldy food

Meat bones and scraps including fat trimmings

Fruit scraps, including peelings, cores, stalks and skins

Pasta and rice

Fish scraps and bones, and shellfish shells

Coffee grounds and tea leaves

Meal scraps Dairy products

Eggshells

Ochiba Dojo

Nurturing champions through martial arts and community spirit

In the heart of Orewa, a dojo with a difference is making waves, proving that the power of martial arts extends far beyond the dojo walls. Ochiba Dojo has become a cornerstone of the community, fostering character, discipline and athleticism through a range of martial arts disciplines, and all at no cost to the participants.

At the helm of Ochiba Dojo is Alan Polkinghorne, a man whose dedication to martial arts and his community knows no bounds. A seasoned martial artist himself, Alan has been around martial arts all his life and now teachers others to share his passion, transforming the lives of countless individuals through his tireless efforts and generosity in the process. His explanation of martial arts is simple – martial arts is more than just physical combat; it's about building strong character and selfdiscipline. At Ochiba Dojo Alan has created a nurturing environment where individuals from seven upwards can grow and thrive.

Ochiba Dojo is not merely a place to learn martial arts techniques, it's a haven where life skills are cultivated. The range of

disciplines on offer, including judo, jiujitsu and karate, caters to a diverse range of students, each on their unique journey of self-improvement. What sets this Dojo apart is not only its commitment to excellence but also its charitable nature. Despite being a non-profit organisation the dojo has achieved remarkable success, sending multiple kids to the prestigious Oceania Championships. With support from the community, they hope to further their successes across the globe.

Ochiba Dojo's impact, however, can be measured not just in trophies, but in the confidence and resilience it instils in its students. Several young talents who honed their skills within the dojo walls have gone on to shine on national and international stages, a testament to the mentorship and training they receive.

Alan Polkinghorne's commitment to his students surpasses ordinary training sessions. He allocates significant time, dedication and personal resources to ensure his students can access optimal opportunities, with multiple classes every night of the week. He expresses a firm belief in his student’s potential and a dedication to equipping them with the necessary means for achievement inside

and outside the dojo. Sensei Polkinghorne's devotion is undoubtedly the driving force behind Ochiba Dojo's success story and the positive impact it has within our community.

As Ochiba Dojo celebrates its fourth birthday in its Orewa location it stands as a testament to the remarkable impact that a dedicated mentor and a supportive community can achieve. Due to the success and great reputation of the dojo, student numbers have been steadily increasing, yet Sensei Polkinghorne is determined to keep the classes as a charitable offering. If any individuals or businesses in the community feel they could help with resources or support, you can contact Alan at Al@samurai.co.nz. Our community is so lucky to have this thriving hub of inspiration, dedication and achievement in our midst and we’d love to see it continue to grow.

Madison Derbyshire-Smith | Features Contributor

The Quokka Logic and Baking Book

By Karen McMillan

From our very own book reviewer and her bestselling Elastic Island Adventures series comes a new fun baking book for children. The book is full of recipes from Elastic Island characters Mrs Quokka and her son Jase the Quokka. By popular demand, Mrs Quokka also shares some of her quirky quokka logic – fun sayings that will bring a smile due to being so illogical.

In real life, most of the recipes come from two treasured, handwritten recipe books handed down to Karen McMillan from her mother and grandmother. These are easy-to-make, tried and true family recipes that are perfect for children and will encourage kids to have fun in the kitchen, creating the yummy baking treats. A little bit retro and a little bit modern, the recipes include delicious cakes, loaves, muffins, biscuits, slices, small treats and desserts, such as these delicious peanut and rolled oats brownies.

Mrs Quokka’s Peanut and Rolled Oats Brownies

Ingredients

60 grams butter

¼ cup milk

1 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cocoa

¼ cup chunky peanut butter

1 ¾ cups rolled oats

Method

Melt butter in a saucepan, add the milk, sugar and cocoa and bring to boiling point, stirring for 2 minutes until sugar is dissolved.

Turn down heat.

Add in peanut butter and stir until melted.

Add in rolled oats.

The mixture should be a firm consistency.

Place greaseproof baking paper onto a plate or tray and spoon the mixture onto this, shaping into round brownie sizes.

Put into fridge until set.

Makes approximately 12.

A little bit of Quokka Logic for you: Necessity is the mother of peanut butter sandwiches.

The Quokka Logic and Baking Book by Karen McMillan Duckling Publishing, RRP 29.99

Taking a Hike

Hiking The Pinnacles,

Coromandel

Kauaeranga Kauri Trail

My love of nature and photographing landscapes combines perfectly with hiking. I’ve ticked off a few tracks around New Zealand and am always on the lookout for my next adventure. The Pinnacles is one of my favorite hikes. I’ve walked it in a day but it’s much better as an overnight hike, then you get to enjoy sunrise with some epics views.

The starting point is in the Kauaeranga Valley, just out of Thames and about a two and a half hour drive from Millwater/ Orewa. Stop at the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre on the drive up the valley, grab a map, visit the last flushing toilets and fill up your water bottle. Then it’s an 8km drive to the start.

The main route is Webb Creek Track. About 6km one way, it takes about 2½ hours to reach the doc hut and 40 minutes to reach the summit. The trail follows an old packhorse route that was used by kauri loggers in the 1920s. The start of the hike is fairly relaxed with some gentle inclines and swing bridges. Once you make your way further up it becomes more challenging, with steps in places carved into the rock. We were glad of our water bottles – it was hot, hard work when the summer sun came out!

We were relieved to arrive at The Pinnacles Hut. The doc building sleeps up to 80 people and it’s a favourite with schools so was fairly lively the night we stayed. After some nachos for dinner, a few games of cards and a warm beer shared with our new German friends we retired to our bunks.

There was no need to set our alarm as at 4am the whole hut was alive with rustling sleeping bags. Everyone was on the sunrise mission. We got dressed, popped our head torches on and headed up to the summit. The path is easy until about the last ten minutes where the climb gets steeper and a bit more technical. We had to make our way up ladders built into the rocks, scrambling over and around boulders and up steps carved into rocks. It’s not as daunting as it sounds and is quite manageable even for someone like me who is scared of heights.

Once at the top we found our spot on a rock and watched as the sun came up and sprinkled light over the bush, mountains and coast with Pauanui and Tairua in the distance. Such a breathtaking view and a magical place to witness the sun rising.

After I’d taken way to many photos we headed back to the hut for some breakfast and then made our descent to the car park. We were back before midday and home in time for dinner. A great overnight hike and an excellent work out for the legs, who needs the stair master.

www.carmenbirdphotography.co.nz 021 310320

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

Carmen Bird | Carmen Bird Photography

Found & Fancied

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

2023 Auckland Heritage Festival

The 2023 Auckland Heritage Festival will be taking place over the following three weekends in September and October:

Saturday, 23 September and Sunday, 24 September

Saturday, 30 September and Sunday, 1 October

Saturday, 7 October and Sunday, 8 October

The theme for this year’s festival is PEACE, LOVE and PROTEST. Our focus at the Silverdale Pioneer Village is on LOVE, and our exhibition, entitled ‘Objects of Love’ will feature displays representing 50 wedding anniversary gifts from paper to golden.

The Silverdale Pioneer Village will be open each weekend of the heritage festival, from 10am to 3pm, and there will be

something for everyone to enjoy, with historical displays, children’s activities and a gift shop as well as our special festival exhibition.

Devonshire Teas will be available in the Old Parsonage for $8. There is FREE ENTRY, but a donation is always appreciated. Come for a day and experience a lifetime.

www.silverdalepioneervillage.com | 09 426 8272

15 Wainui Road, Silverdale

1. Melty cheese scones $5 at Joe’s Garage

1 Alberto Lane, Silverdale

2. Woody’s Barcelona sunglasses $395 at Orewa Optics 10 Bakehouse Lane, Orewa

3. Freshly picked tamarillos $16kg at Fresh on Wheels Tues/Fri opp BP @ Orewa Beach

4. Recycled timber side table $130 Handmade by volunteer Neale at Harbour Hospice Shop 57 Florence Avenue, Orewa

A few items we spotted locally this month and rather fancied.

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Lawn looking a little forlorn?

Our poor lawns have been having a bit of a rough time lately. They’ve been waterlogged repeatedly by the heavy downpours we’ve been experiencing and they’ve suffered from a lack of care and attention due to the weather making any lawn care and maintenance pretty difficult.

With the arrival of spring there should be drier weather on the way that will allow us to get outside and lavish our lawns with some much-needed love. There are a few steps you can take that will help restore your lawn to its former glory more quickly. Bear in mind there could be a bit of an ugly duckling stage along the way but this is a normal part of the restoration process. Following these tips and having a little patience and perseverance will help you have lush and tidy lawns in time for the summer.

1. While the wet weather continues, try to stay off the lawn as much as possible. The ground is so soft that any weight will compact the soil, cutting off water drainage and impeding the spread of nutrients.

2. Take note of any areas of your lawn that have had particularly bad flooding during all this rain. You may wish to consider extra drainage solutions in these areas.

3. When the worst of the rain stops, get your lawn ready for the warmer weather and grass growing season by grabbing

yourself an aerator from your local garden store and aerate your soil to help with draining, then fertilise the lawn. Spring is when the lawn will take off so aerating and fertilising will ensure it’s healthy when that happens.

4. If you haven’t been able to mow your lawn for a while and the grass is a bit long, cut the grass on a higher setting to start with and do not mulch. The grass will still be wet at the base so as you get the lawn slowly lower it will help to dry it out.

5. Your mower probably hasn’t had a lot of use over this year, so a bit of maintenance will be in order. Do a quick check over to ensure the fuel is fresh to help with starting and running the engine, check the air-filter is clean and the blades are sharp. Ready for the best lawn in the street.

If you need help with new tools, want your motor mower serviced or are after some more advice, pop into Gatmans and our friendly staff will be happy to help.

Mark Mitchell For Whangaparāoa

Authorised by Hon Mark Mitchell MP, Tamariki House, 7 Tamariki Ave, Orewa.

Credit: Image by Freepik

Meibomian gland dysfunction

Alright, let’s talk about Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). MGD is basically a fancy term for when your meibomian glands – tiny glands in your eyelids – decide to go on strike and stop producing enough of the important oils that keep your eyes moisturised.

Your eyes are like a well-oiled machine, but when MGD kicks in, it’s like the gears start creaking and your eyes start feeling like a desert. That’s when dry eye symptoms come knocking. You might experience itchiness, redness and that annoying sensation like there’s sandpaper in your eyes

But fear not, there are effective and proven plans of action to help with MGD!

If you are experiencing some, or all, of these dry eye symptoms, we can help you at Orewa Optics. We can show you the Opti-Soothe Moist Heat Mask which will help to melt those clogged oils and gets things flowing again.

Eyelid massages – sounds strange I know, but they will really help and we can demonstrate them for you - it’s like a spa day for your meibomian glands!

Hydration is key. There is an extensive range of artificial tears that can help with this and we are more than happy to advise you of the best option for your needs – they’re like a drink for your eyes. If things are getting really serious, one of our optometrists might suggest a specialised plan to provide relief.

So there you have it – MGD might be a sneaky troublemaker, but armed with warm compresses, lid massages, and some hydrating drops, you’ll be on the right path towards saying goodbye to those pesky dry eye symptoms.

The team at Orewa Optics are on hand to answer any eye care and eye wear questions you have; providing knowledgeable advice around looking after your eye health, as well as helping you get the best type of contact lenses or optical lenses that will suit your lifestyle.

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

Credit: Image by Freepik

A message from Mark Mitchell MP for Whangaparaoa

Police Dog Section and Armed Offenders Squad. Our community’s safety and security are a priority for me. Recently I hosted a public meeting at the Silverdale School with Police, Auckland Transport, the local board and Councillors to address the violence and disorder at the Hibiscus Coast Bus Station. As a result, we have seen an increased Police presence and a big reduction in incidents.

I have been lucky to have had a successful business career that has included being a small business owner and the founder of a successful global company. I understand the pressures businesses of all sizes face, the responsibility they carry and the importance that each one plays in the future of our country.

Recently our community came together to challenge Kāinga Ora in relation to a piece of land they had purchased in Bonair Crescent, with the intent of developing without any public consultation. With strong community support, together we were able to get progress on this development stopped, with Kāinga Ora conceding they needed to go back to good faith consulting with the broader community.

I am very proud of our community and the privilege I have to serve you. It is an honour to be Patron of the Orewa Surf Lifesaving Club, Orewa Croquet Club, Hibiscus Coast Dog Obedience Club and Honorary Member of the Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade.

I was raised in a family where the public service was very important and encouraged.

After leaving school I went farming. I was a shepherd on Weiti station, which will have the Penlink road running through it when completed. Farming taught me what long hours of physical work and hard graft were all about. When I ventured overseas, our Kiwi ‘number 8 wire’ and common-sense approach to problem solving, and our 'failure is not an option' attitude helped me get ahead.

I enjoyed a 14-year policing career, most of it as a member of the

During my time as your MP I have served in the National Party Cabinet as the Minister of Defence. This year, should we be successful in returning to Government, I will be serving you as the Minister of Police, with a focus on getting us back on track to being one of the safest countries in the world that we can all be proud of.

I look forward to meeting and talking to as many of you out on the campaign trail as possible. And of course, if you need any assistance, please reach out to my electorate office and the team will be happy to help!

Mark Mitchell | MP for Whangaparaoa

Central’s Tips

September 2023

The fruit and vegetable garden

• Great time to add the goodies in the vegetable bed for great summer harvest: we love our organic ‘Dave’s’ pelletised fertilisers, Aquaticus soil conditioner (mussel shells) and Revital Grow-all (compost and worm castings)

• Fancy an interesting tomato this season? Seek out heritage tomato seedlings with fabulous names like Mortgage Lifter, Aunt Ruby’s green and Mr Stripey

• Mound soil around potato tops as they grow. Potatoes continue to form up the stem as soil gets added. Keep watered

• Eggplants can go in now – growing them in raised beds helps the bees find their rather insipid flowers. Pollination can be tricky, so planting nasturtiums nearby will bring more bees

• Throw a pack of mesclun mix through the vegetable bed to ensure there are always some salad greens for picking

• Summer herbs that grow well from early spring include parsley, coriander, dill, chervil, oregano and the culinary thymes – lemon, pizza and chicken are popular

• Feed all the fruit producers – pip and stone fruit, citrus, berries etc

The ornamental garden

• Trim topiaries and hedges and feed with Prolawn All Purpose Fertiliser, then add mulch around them. These are investment plants – a structured garden relies on their performance

• Fertilise roses and check for aphids. Squashing them by hand is easy with small colonies, otherwise you may need to spray

• Free plants – Take a look for seedlings around the ‘mother’ plants in the garden – NZ grasses, native trees and shrubs, and perennials such as hellebores produce ‘babies’ that you can transplant now

• Pretty spring-flowering shrubs that mark the new season: plant Californian lilac (ceanothus), Mexican orange blossom (choisyas), lavender, plus there are a host of showy viburnum options

• Mow the lawn once it’s dried out. We’re very excited by the organic Lawnganics range and recommend ROOTS to promote healthy turf growing conditions

• Waterblast the outdoor furniture and rake the gravel – outdoor living is on its way after a challenging winter!

Volunteering for hospice

A pioneering group of volunteers founded Harbour Hospice 40 years ago, and today volunteers remain an integral part of its service. More than 1200 are involved in every facet of the charity, freely giving their time and energy in its Inpatient Units, the community and in its kitchens, gardens and hospice shops.

Fundraising volunteer Jan Adams is one of them. She began volunteering for Harbour Hospice 30 years ago and says she loves it. Originally, Jan put her name down to be a patient visitor, but her mother had recently died and a kind volunteer trainer recognised that Jan was grieving. She suggested Jan join the fundraising team instead and Jan says it was the best advice she could have been given.

Alongside her peers Jan has raised more than $1 million for hospice with projects that have ranged from garage sales to home and garden tours, fashion parades, Christmas campaigns and more. ‘I’ve made

some great friends along the way,’ she says. And that’s a sentiment echoed by many of Hospice’s volunteers.

Doreen Bunker, who has volunteered at the Orewa hospice shop for 25 years, says, ‘It’s an important part of my life and I don’t know what I’d do without it.’

She loves interacting with the customers and has picked up some great bargains over the years, always arriving early for her Friday shift so she has time to look for treasures.

There’s a role for everyone at hospice, says Volunteer Services Team Leader Vicki Parker. ‘And the best thing about volunteering is that it connects people to their community. It gives them a sense of purpose; they feel valued and engaged.’

To find a volunteer role to suit you call Harbour Hospice Volunteer Services Coordinator Karen Little on 021 199 5149. The Orewa hospice shop on Florence

‘It’s an important part of my life’

Ave is opening a new space next door in October and that could be the perfect place to start.

Top Image - Jan Adams Smaller Image - Doreen Bunker

Centrestage Theatre presents A theatrical journey through time and emotion

Over the next three months Centrestage Theatre will be presenting three shows that take you on a breath-taking journey from tapping feet to the wilds of Madagascar and finally to the bustling streets of 19th-century France.

Stepping Out

‘Stepping Out’ is a heart-warming tale of passion and perseverance. This hilariously funny and poignant story is about chasing dreams and doing what one truly loves. The show offers a night filled with laughter, surprise and toe-tapping fun.

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR.

Ready for an adventure in the school holidays?

Join Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria and the rest of your favourite crack-a-lackin' friends as they venture beyond the familiar confines of New York's Central Park Zoo! Get ready to groove to the wild rhythm of King Julien's Madagascar. It's an unexpected, musical escapade that's perfect for the young and young at heart.

Les Misérables

Transition to the solemn streets of 19th-century France and experience the timeless tale of love, loss, redemption and revolution. With a stirring score and characters that tug at your heartstrings, ‘Les Misérables’ is a masterpiece that speaks to souls across generations.

Community's crown jewel

We are truly fortunate to have the Centrestage Theatre in our community, shining a spotlight on our phenomenal local talent. The shows rival the grandeur of any big city production but to see them you don’t even need to leave the Coast!

Don’t miss this captivating theatrical trifecta! Secure your seats and be swept away by stories of love, adventure, dreams, and resilience.

For tickets and showtimes, visit our website www.centrestagetheatre.co.nz or call us now! Experience the magic of theatre right in your own backyard. Only at Centrestage Theatre.

YOUTH THEATRE CENTRESTAGE YOUTH THEATRE

Full disclosure, that’s a made-up figure. No one is collecting and giving away that statistic without strings attached. We’re a country of DIYers so the point should be pretty clear.

Business start-up or rebranding, doing this yourself can be fine at first. You don’t always start out with a load of cash so you need to be careful where you spend. Be thrifty, but not cheap. There is a line you don’t want to cross. The progress will be slower, but it needs to be. When you are ready, and everyone’s timing is different, then bring in the professionals to help you grow bigger and better for faster results.

Here are some initial tips for successful DIY marketing.

Positioning: Know what problem you solve for your customers, who your competitors are, and how you solve it differently from your competitors.

Branding: At least get a logo professionally designed. Do your competitors have good logos? About $500-$1000 is all it should cost. If you need to do it yourself have a plan for on white; on black; on colour. Applying landscape; portrait. Add a tag line so people know the problem you solve for them. A good designer will add to this by supplying guidelines showing the right colours, some idea of how it is used on white, black, colour, in landscape, portrait and examples of application. The extra cost of this is money well spent, so you make good decisions for using it.

Advertising: Think, where do my customers look?

Advertise there. Don’t be fooled by a cheap deal. Two pairs of comfy slippers because the second pair was ½ price is still a waste of money. Select a size that will be noticed.

Your headline needs to solve the customer’s problem. Add a call-to-action, and most importantly, make sure the person or something at the other end of the action can close the deal.

If you need help with any of this, simply reach out. Although, as a marketer myself, sometimes I like it when businesses have had a go at this themselves first. It shows you’re not afraid of work and it means when you do come to us you have a really good idea of what your business needs, and recognise your time is likely better spent focusing on other areas.

Chris Norris | Allbrand Cert. MKTG

| MCC | Cert. Typography

Chris is Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and is a mentor with Business Mentors. He runs a locally focussed branding business. Design, Print, Sign, Web – tools and advice to help you grow your business bigger, or better. Get in touch via Chris@allbrand.co.nz

Say goodbye to varicose veins without surgery.

Varicose veins are not a cosmetic problem. They are often a sign of other underlying health issues.

Risk factors for developing varicose veins include pregnancy, a family history, occupations involving long periods of standing, obesity and a past medical history of deep vein thrombosis.

Skin Institute are the experts to assess, diagnose and treat varicose veins with the most advanced non-surgical treatments.

If you’re concerned about your veins, book a consultation online today at www.skininstitute.co.nz or call 09 426 0400

Skin Institute Silverdale 4 Silverdale Street, Silverdale

70% of businesses take a DIY approach to their marketing

Here’s how to make that work for small business

Why play Russian roulette with your family’s security?

Once agreement is reached regarding the proposed protection plan the client is happy with, it is critical that it be put into effect urgently. Don’t delay, don’t tempt fate, don’t wait for the curve balls that life can randomly throw, and which can have a major impact in making you uninsurable, whether totally or partially …. by that time it is too late, and you may never be able to secure suitable insurance in future.

I have a very raw sensitivity to this issue. My eldest daughter continually deferring completing her recommended insurance protection plan application, a plan she was very happy with. She was subsequently diagnosed with a lipo-sarcoma, which required radiotherapy and surgery followed by postsurgery rehabilitation. If she had completed the application in time, which I regularly urged her to do, she would have been fully covered with trauma and income protection benefits, with all surgical and medical treatment covered by private medical cover. This would have given her financial security and the opportunity to rehabilitate herself without the stress of having to return to work while still unwell, simply to earn an income.

As an insurance specialist it is warmly satisfying to help provide security and peace of mind for you, your family and your business. Developing a family insurance protection plan is a very disciplined process. Insurance needs are influenced by your goals, age and stage in life, dependents (especially children), financial obligations, and whether you are in. Protection plans need to be tailored for individual, family and business circumstances.

The insurance process involves (i) defining the scope of the insurance review with the client, (ii) completing a comprehensive ‘fact-finding’ exercise to identify all matters of relevance to developing a sound protection plan, (iii) undertaking a thorough needs analysis, as a precursor to (iv) preparing and presenting a Statement of Advice with recommendations to the client, (v) implementing the client’s decision and being an advocate for their interests, and lastly, (vi) undertaking a periodic review of the client’s protection plan, to accommodate any changes in their

Sadly, she is not alone in this tendency to let life get in the way of protecting oneself. Please, for your own and your family’s sake, don’t play Russian roulette with your personal and your family’s security.

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.

Cooking Questions with Mark

Lane

I have been cooking professionally for 39 years, both in New Zealand and internationally. My business, Culinary Lane Catering is based in Millwater, providing three and five course dinners in your home, out-catering and grazing tables.

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

Sandra: I’ve always wanted to have a go cooking beef cheeks and I want to try before the weather warms up too much. What are your best tips for making them a tender and tasty as possible.

Beef cheeks is my all-time favour cut of meat. They used to be a cheap as bones but as the popularity of the tougher cuts increases, so have the prices (expect to pay around $20 per kg). The tougher the meat the more flavour and it doesn’t get much tougher than the cheek. If you think about it, a cow basically just eats and sleeps. When eating glass etc the cow is permanently using its jaw. The cheeks are always moving making this muscle very strong and full of sinew which needs breaking down slowly to make it tender when cooking. It’s quite a good size piece of meat and 1 cheek will comfortably feed 1 adult. The best method of cookery is braising, which is searing the cheek on all sides, covering in flavoured liquid, such as mirepoix (root vegetables), hard herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage, oregano, bay leaf) garlic, spices, aromatics, beef stock or jus, red wine etc, covering and cooking at between 120 -150°C for 3-6 hours. I use 130°C for around five hours but just remember the lower the temperature, the longer it takes.

Deb: I’m trying to make small lots of meat go further. What beans and pulses are good to add to dishes to bulk out the meat/protein and make them filling but cheaper?

Not only are they great for bulking protein but the health benefits are huge (protein, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants etc). The best way to add pulses and beans to meat to bulk them out is casseroles, stewing or braising so as to have plenty of moisture and liquid to cook and soften. I would suggest chickpeas, haricot beans, puy or red lentils, red kidney beans and

Varicose veins

Symptoms and non-surgical solutions

surrounding tissue causes discomfort, swelling and irritation of the skin. For some, if left untreated, they can result in skin damage, poor healing and ulcers. Some of the symptoms include discomfort and pain (usually worse as the day progresses and into the evening), cramping of the calves or feet, swelling of the ankles and changes in skin quality, just to name a few.

It is now recommended that patients do not have surgical stripping to treat their varicose veins. International guidelines for the treatment of varicose veins recommend the non-surgical techniques of Endovenous Ablation (EVA) and/or Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS). These modern walk-in/walk-out procedures are done under local anaesthetic, are well proven and have excellent outcomes, without the risk of a general anaesthetic.

If you’ve been experiencing itchy, cramping or aching legs, it could be varicose veins. The symptoms aren’t always visible, but if left untreated, varicose veins usually get worse and worse.

Varicose veins are caused when the valves fail in the superficial veins. Blood then back-flows and pools in the veins. The pooling blood causes the veins to distend, swell and stretch causing further valve failure in the veins below. This can result in progression to very visible veins that can appear beneath the skin as bluish green lines and can be raised, twisted or bulging, but sometimes they may not be seen or bulging, yet can still cause significant symptoms.

Varicose veins are not a cosmetic problem. When the veins are stretched they can become leaky. The fluid that leaks into the

If you suffer from varicose veins, Skin Institute Silverdale can provide you with the latest in varicose vein treatments. With no GP referral required, an initial consultation will be performed - which includes an ultrasound map of your veins - to determine if treatment is required and the best procedure for your condition.

Come and see Karen Parker at Skin Institute Silverdale. Karen is also one of the longest practicing vein physicians in the country. She has treated varicose veins for over 15 years, offering full assessments, Ultrasound Guided Sclerotherapy (UGS) and Endovenous Ablation (EVA).

Book an assessment today. Call 0800 SKIN DR (754 637) or visit www.skininstitute.co.nz

The Fishing Spot

The weather has been more settled this month but the good days didn’t line up with my work pattern, so it has been a bit challenging for me to get out. Today’s weather forecast was marginal with an outgoing tide until 1pm and 20 knot plus winds from lunchtime. I decided to risk it and for once, the weather report was correct. It was interesting to watch the weather roll in and the wind picked up almost exactly when the tide changed. This often happens on the water if there is a weather front due. Another tail sign is that the breeze will pick up before it rains.

Today I had a lesson in all of this plus a real life lesson about boat safety in high winds. It all went dangerously wrong for me today trying to catch that last fish while watching the weather change. I finally decided it was too unsafe to fish anymore, I packed up my gear and started the motor. It was wind against tide and the anchor rope was under the boat. The winch couldn’t lift the anchor so I decided to drive up on the anchor to dislodge it.

Somehow I managed to get the anchor rope around the propeller,

which stalled the motor killing the winch. I had to lift the motor and try and pull the anchor rope off the propeller from the back of the boat. I used the boat hook to try to pull the anchor rope off the propeller and in the end, I had to cut the anchor rope free. When I got closer to Sandspit, I checked the Coastguard APP and it showed gusts of up to 38 knots. No wonder things went pear shaped as quickly as they did!

Today I thought I’d grab an image of the rig and bait I have been using to catch my recent big fish. I use 80 pound leader and two egg sinkers (usually 1-2 ounces in total). My hooks are Gamakatsu 7/0 size and the bait is a mullet fillet cut longways in half. You can’t go wrong!

Be safe out there, no fish is worth the risk of bad weather – tight lines!

Roger and Nicky Lewis

Quinovic North Harbour

M 027 4749 108

T (09) 448 5819

E roger@quinovic-northharbour.co.nz

quinovic.co.nz/north-harbour

Tim Lawrence

Ted Fuller takes the helm

Igniting a new era of excellence in Silverdale's Volunteer Fire Brigade

In a blaze of enthusiasm and optimism, Ted Fuller has been named the new Fire Chief of the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade, succeeding the venerable Don McErlich.

After serving as Deputy Fire Chief for several years, Ted Fuller has taken on the mantle of leadership with a vision that centres around four key pillars: structure, enthusiasm, positivity and technology. In an exclusive interview, Fuller shared his plans to elevate the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade to new heights while honouring the legacy of his predecessor.

While Chief Fire Officer Fuller’s approach is fresh and innovative, he is quick to acknowledge the foundation laid by his predecessor, Don McErlich. Don’s many years of brigade and leadership have left an indelible mark on the brigade, and Fuller is dedicated to building upon that legacy.

As the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade enters this new chapter with Chief Ted Fuller the volunteers of Silverdale can rest assured that their fire brigade is in capable and passionate hands, ready to face any challenge that may arise.

Chief Fuller understands the significance of a well-structured and efficient fire brigade. He aims to enact strategic organisational changes that will optimise the brigade's functioning. His primary focus is on maximising members' skills and effective allocation of resources, which involves refining response protocols, enhancing training routines and optimising resource distribution to establish a more agile and responsive firefighting unit.

He plans to infuse his own unwavering enthusiasm into the core of the fire brigade as he believes genuine excitement within the team boosts morale and cultivates a culture of dedication and camaraderie. He plans on introducing regular training sessions, workshops and team-building activities to ignite the passion of volunteers and keep their motivation strong.

Firefighting is a demanding and high-pressure profession, however, Chief Fire Officer Fuller is resolute in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for his volunteer team. He believes positivity is the cornerstone of resilience and is currently establishing a peer support program. He also aims to celebrate achievements, no matter their size, to nurture a culture of encouragement and recognition.

PROOF

In an era where technology is rapidly transforming every industry, Chief Fire Officer Fuller is keen on leveraging its potential within the Silverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade. Fuller envisions implementing state-of-the-art equipment, such as advanced communication systems, drone technology for efficient surveying of fire scenes, and data analytics tools to predict and prevent emergencies.

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.

Come

Owners Dennis

Visique Hawkins Optometrist: Providing optometry services on the Coast since 1975.

Oliver

Madison Derbyshire-Smith | Features Contributor

Mortgage Matters

What you need to know before refinancing your mortgage

With interest rates skyrocketing, mortgage holders may be considering refinancing to take advantage of the cash incentives many banks offer to attract new customers.

While it may be appealing to take advantage of these cash incentives, it’s essential to understand the refinance process, to weigh up the pros and cons and to determine whether it’s the right move for you. The last thing you want to do is to get caught in a situation where the cost of refinancing far outweighs the benefits. Before you consider refinancing, it’s essential that you evaluate your current mortgage and the costs associated with refinancing.

Repayment flexibility: Does your current mortgage provider allow for extra repayments, lump sum payments or other flexible options that suit your financial goals?

When to refinance

Timing is crucial when it comes to refinancing your mortgage. If your current fixed term is expiring, you may be able to obtain a better interest rate with another bank with no break fees and if you’re outside of your clawback period for your original cash incentive, you’ll be able to refinance without having to pay this amount back.

If your original mortgage was with a non-bank lender due to an impaired credit score. Over time your credit score may improve, qualifying you for a mortgage from a main bank. Also, changes in your financial situation, such as salary increases or an expanding family may warrant refinancing so that you can structure your mortgage to better suit your needs.

So, if you’re considering refinancing your mortgage, or if you have an existing mortgage that is due to expire within the next three months, NOW is the best time to speak with a mortgage adviser to review your refinance options.

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/

Repayment of your original cash incentive: Are you still within your clawback period for any cash incentive you received for your current mortgage (requiring repaying your cash incentive amount if you refinance)? Clawback periods are generally three to four years.

Break fees and legal fees: If you’re looking to refinance before your current fixed term mortgage expires, it’s essential to consider potential break costs such as break fees. You’ll also need to work with a solicitor to complete your refinancing. This cost can be anywhere upwards from $1,100+GST (some banks offer a free refinance service so you may be able to avoid these legal fees).

Interest rates: Check if the interest rates being offered by your current mortgage provider are competitive in comparison to what others are offering.

Family Corner

A solo mum, six kids and a business

Last year, the owners of Party Kingdom in Whangaparaoa decided to sell the business. At that time Brit-turned-Coastie Jess Banks had been working there for five years and had worked up to manager, and when she thought of all the kids attending their before and after school care programmes and all the kids at their holiday programmes and who come in for a play, Jess couldn’t bear the idea of a stranger taking over that the kids didn’t know.

it has been very much a family affair. She works at the business herself seven days a week, her ten-year-old daughter Lydia comes in after school and helps her run the parties at the weekends, and her older kids help manage the bouncy castle hires and special events. Even her grandbaby is a regular visitor!

Jess says life is pretty full on, but she hopes that after she gets some of the loan paid off she can employ a few extra staff and start taking a day off now and then. But she loves that her family is helping other local families, by providing a safe, fun place for their children to enjoy, and where parents can sit for a moment and have a cuppa while their children are happily occupied.

During the school holidays Jess provides dedicated sessions for special needs kids too. When the main holiday programme is out on trips, she hosts two sessions for special needs children, where the parents can either stay or drop off their kids and go have a break.

When she finds the resources, Jess is planning to build a sensory space with her special needs visitors in mind, but that any kids feeling a bit overwhelmed or wanting some quiet time can enjoy. Right now she’s just loving making a positive difference in the lives of local families and is looking forward to October when she is holding a Halloween-themed event that will celebrate her first year of ownership, with a disco and face painter and a sausage sizzle.

So despite already being an extremely busy solo mum of six kids and grandma of one, Jess decided to do everything she could to take over the business herself.

After working a few things out, Jess managed to take ownership of Party Kingdom in October last year and since then, running

Jess is truly an inspiration, showing what can be achieved with a crazy idea, a lot of hard work and a little bit of help from your kids!

www.partykingdom.co.nz

Review of the laws governing retirement villages

Have your say

The main piece of legislation that governs retirement villages in New Zealand is the Retirement Villages Act 2003. This legislation is now 20 years old, and accordingly the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is undertaking a review. Read on to see how you can have your say.

HUD has released a discussion paper called 'Review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003: options for change'. This discussion paper focuses on the three main stages of retirement village living: moving in, living in and moving out.

Moving in: At present, retirement village operators must provide intending residents with disclosure documents that contain important information to review before signing the occupation right agreement. HUD has found that the current disclosure documents can be long, hard to understand and difficult to access. They propose to standardise and simplify them.

Living in: One issue that HUD has found with living in a retirement village is that the current legislation does not explicitly cover responsibilities for the maintenance, repair and replacement of village-owned chattels and fixtures (such as curtains or appliances supplied by the village). As a result, HUD has identified that some residents are being required to pay for the maintenance of chattels that they do not own. HUD proposes to change the legislation to better define 'retirement village property' and the

responsibilities that come with it.

Moving out: Often, when a resident moves out, the capital sum that they paid when they moved in is repaid minus a fixed deduction which is a percentage kept by the village. Exiting residents normally do not receive their money until the village finds a new resident for their unit. This can take a long time which causes financial and emotional stress. HUD proposes to either set fixed time periods for residents to receive their money or to have a default interest rate.

HUD wants to hear feedback from the public on their proposals, which can be accessed online at www.hud.govt.nz. Submissions close on 20 November.

If you are looking at moving into a retirement village and would like our advice, you can contact us office@simpsonwesternnorth. co.nz or call us on 09 421 0559.

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.

Made you look!

Now imagine your advert here with all these eyes on you. Book a banner for your business today.

Anushka Sequeira | Simpson Western North

Beauty Aspects

Looking after your feet this spring

Pedicures are a great way to care for your feet. Contrary to popular belief, pedicures are NOT just for women! They are for anyone who wants to take care of their feet. Here are some of the top benefits of getting regular pedicures.

Early detection of problems

Receiving a regular pedicure can detect early signs of corns, bunions and fungal infections. For diabetes clients a regular pedicure can help prevent gangrene or any other serious feet concern due to blood flow issues. These conditions are easier to treat when they are identified in its earlier stages.

Decreasing chances of infections

Clipping, cutting and cleaning of the toenails prevents them from growing inward and causing infection. The elimination of dirt and bacteria from your feet will also help prevent nail diseases disorders (fungi) and foot odours. It is also important to keep toenails healthy and strong because they protect toes from trauma.

Preserving your skin’s moisture

Moisturised feet are less likely to get blisters, cracks and other foot problems. It is also important to keep your cuticles moisturised to prevent nails from growing out with ridges or split ends, which can cause the nails to lift out of the nail beds.

Exfoliating the feet

Exfoliation, or removal of dead skin cells, prevents the cells from accumulating and causing bunions or corns, which can be uncomfortable and painful. The removal of the dead skin on your feet, especially on the heel, encourages new cell growth which creates smoother and more attractive feet.

Promoting circulation

The most enjoyable part of the salon pedicure is the massage. Massaging helps promotes circulation and helps relieve tension in the calves and feet. The increase in blood circulation can reduce pain and help distribute heat throughout your body

Relaxes the body

A good pedicure can be very relaxing, relieve stress and can be very therapeutic.

Feet get little care compared to other parts of our body and yet healthy feet are vital to our overall well-being. so don’t neglect them! Book in once a month to help keep your feet in good condition and be jandal ready for summer.

Our friendly team is ready to provide you with professional advice and the best eyewear to suit your needs. Come and see us today!

Amelia | Beauty Aspects

Photo credit: Image by valuavitaly on Freepik

‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’

When building goes bad

What can you do if you’re unhappy about the quality of the work done by a builder? Here are some steps you can take to help resolve the situation.

Talk to the builder (or contractor)

If you have concerns about building work that has been carried out, start by discussing it with the builder or lead contractor (person in charge of a team of builders). Many complaints and disputes result from misunderstandings between client and contractor. This link provides information on first steps to self-resolution.

Follow the dispute resolution process in the construction contract

If you’re still unhappy after talking the issues through with the builder or contractor, check the contract you have with them (if there is one) to see what (if any) disputes resolution process you should use. If a dispute resolution process is stated in the contract, your next step is to begin that process.

Escalate your complaint or dispute

If the issue remains unresolved, how you progress your complaint depends on who or what your complaint is about and how much you are prepared to spend to get it resolved.

• The Disputes Tribunal can hear your dispute if your claim is for no more than $30,000.

• The District Court can hear your dispute if your claim is for more than the Disputes Tribunal limit – but you should get legal advice if you are considering this.

• Mediation can help you and the builder agree on a solution that works for both of you, and is generally less expensive than taking legal action. You can find mediators via the websites of the New Zealand Law Society, the Resolution Institute and the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand.

• Adjudication is an option if mediation is unsuccessful. This is a specialist building disputes resolution service, where an adjudicator hears from all parties in a construction dispute and decides on a resolution. Authorised adjudicators under the Construction

There are many other agencies that complaints about builders can be made to in specific circumstances. For more detailed information on these contact your local CAB office.

Kāore i te Mārama? Pātai Mai. Not Sure? Ask Us.

www.cab.org.nz | 0800 367 222

Useful links

https://www.building.govt.nz/resolving-problems/ resolution-options/first-steps-self-resolution/ https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/ help-product-service/home-renovation-repair/ building-contracts/

COME SEE WHY THOUSANDS TRUST US! HEARING PROBLEMS?

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

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

Coastguard

Keeping a proper lookout

We have been fortunate to have a number of seals, whales, orca and dolphins reported around the coast recently, including a large, playful group who have been spotted inside and outside Gulf Harbour Marina.

Anywhere you encounter a marine mammal, please protect them from stress or displacement. One of the main things to keep in mind is to give them space. This is their environment and we are just briefly visiting. You should also:

• travel no faster than idle or ‘no wake’ speed within 300m of any marine mammal

• ensure there are no more than three vessels and/or aircraft within 300m of any marine mammal; up to 6 kayaks rafted together counts as one vessel

• approach whales (including orca and pilot whales) and dolphins from behind and to the side (do not circle them, obstruct their path or cut through any group)

• keep at least 50m from whales (200m from any large whale mother and calf or calves)

• make sure you do not swim with whales – it is not permitted

• not swim with dolphin pods with very young calves, otherwise swimming with dolphins and seals is okay

• avoid going closer than 20m to seals and sea lions hauled out on shore

• idle slowly away – speed may be gradually increased to outdistance dolphins and should not exceed 10 knots within 300m of any dolphin

All seals, sea lions, dolphins and whales are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. It is an offence to harass,

disturb, injure or kill marine mammals. Anyone charged with harassing, disturbing, injuring or killing a marine mammal faces a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000.

Unfortunately, we had to remind a few local boaties with their minds on returning home to the Gulf Harbour that the speed of all vessels must be no more than 5 knots when the vessel is within 50m of any other vessel, and no faster than idle around marine mammals.

Shortly after our dolphin encounter, we responded to a Pan Pan. A large vessel was taking on water after hitting the West Bastion Reef behind Bean Rock. Thanks to the quick response from the crew of the day we were on scene and able to provide the assistance required in just over 20 minutes.

It is the skipper’s responsibility to maintain a proper lookout and be aware of their surroundings at all times. While a group of dolphins may not always be easy to see, it is normally easy to spot the other vessels watching them, especially when one is bright orange.

If you notice a marine mammal being harassed, severely injured or entangled, contact DOC immediately on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

Rachel Hessey | Vice President – Coastguard Hibiscus

Mammals Protection Regulations 1992 www.legislation.govt.nz

Auckland Transport Water Safety Regulations www.at.govt.nz/ boating-marine/water-safety

The joy of a maintenance-free lifestyle Benefits at The Botanic

The Botanic without having to do any of the work themselves. Maya, their miniature schnauzer, is also settling in at the petfriendly village.

‘I am looking forward to getting back into bowls and Laurie wants to spend more time playing golf at Whangaparoa and Warkworth.’

The community at The Botanic comes together often and Happy Hour is a regular event on Thursday nights when the residents meet for drinks.

‘It’s been wonderful to meet so many new people and we’re really looking forward to the new Clubhouse opening in October.’

Later this year, the McGraths are heading off to Singapore to begin the trip of a lifetime and will make the most of not having to worry about the upkeep of a property while they’re away.

‘We’re flying to Singapore where we’ll leave on a Cruise through Indonesia and Bali, and then right around Australia too. We’ll be home just in time for Christmas,’ says Lanie.

For the McGraths, it’s time to take the maintenance out of life and enjoy the next stage of retirement living – while someone else looks after the gardening.

If you ask Laurie and Lanie McGrath why they moved to The Botanic Silverdale, they will tell you it was for the lifestyle and a desire to free themselves from the shackles of property maintenance.

The McGraths recently sold their large Stanmore Bay home where they have lived for 13 years, tending an established garden and enjoying life on the Hibiscus Coast.

‘Laurie was spending a lot of time trimming trees and trying to keep on top of the garden, so the lock-up-and-leave lifestyle at The Botanic really appealed to us,’ says Lanie.

‘We had been thinking about it for a while and decided that it was the right time to simplify our lives a little.’

The McGraths are among 10 new residents who have moved into new homes at The Botanic, and have joined more than 80 retirees who now call the village home. Once completed the resort-style retirement village will accommodate over 350 residents.

Lanie and Laurie say it’s a treat to enjoy the beautiful gardens of

www.thebotanic.co.nz

What's on

at Orewa Library

Special events

Book launch: The Locket by Anna Hendry

Monday, 18 September at 11am

Come along and hear Anna talk about her book, the publishing process, and perhaps even a short reading from the book. Then Anna will answer any questions about the process people may wish to ask.

HBC Zero Waste – Food Scraps

Friday, 29 September outside the library

Regular programmes

Monthly

Book Chat : Wednesday, 6 September at 10.30am

Ōrewa Writers: Saturday, 16 September from 1.15pm to 3pm

Seed Savers: Wednesday, 20 September from 10.30am to 11.30am

Fortnightly

Hibiscus Coast

Embroiderers Guild: Sunday, 10 and 14 September from 1pm to 3pm

Weekly children’s programmes

These programmes will stop for the school holidays commencing 23 September.

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)

Weekly adult programmes

BrainFit: Thursdays from 11.30am to 12.30pm

Craft group: Knitting, Thursdays at 9:30am

School Holiday Programme

26 September to 6 October

NZ Treasures, Bird Puppets: Tuesday, 26 September, 1pm to 2pm

Make your own Treasure Chest: Thursday, 28 September, 1pm to 2pm

Teddy Bears’ Picnic: Friday, 29 September, 3pm to 4pm

Make your own 3D Bug: Tuesday, 3 October 1pm to 2pm

Geodes: Thursday, 5 October, 1pm to 2pm

Dot Painting – Friday, 6 October, 1pm to 2pm

Book Reviews

Rental Person Who Does Nothing: A Memoir by Shoji Morimoto

In this unique memoir, Shoji Morimoto explains about his unusual business, a ‘rent a person who does nothing’ service. He tweets about his new service and is soon in demand for people who want to rent him to essentially do nothing. His clients are many, and the jobs are varied. They include sitting in the park with a client who wants to enjoy a beverage but thinks it would be odd to do this on their own. Eating pizza with a woman a year after splitting up with her boyfriend. Accompanying someone on their morning commute because they are anxious going to work. Going with someone to visit their grandmother’s grave, so they don’t have to do it on their own.

This is an intriguing exploration of relationships, jobs, human psychology and finding meaning in the modern world. Morimoto has a delightful writing style, and this book is an absolute gem. His unique business has also inspired a TV series in Japan.

Picador, RRP $37.99

Hannah & Huia

by Charlotte Lobb

We first encounter Hannah in a psychiatric ward after suffering a devastating loss. She is unable to communicate; her despair is so great. But then she notices Huia, one of the long-term residents who spends her days muttering sequences of unrelated words. She is drawn to Huia, especially when she mutters the enigmatic words, ‘Sun, rain, bye-bye.’ What do these words mean? What is Huia’s story? Hannah is slowly drawn out of her own despair, and she begins to understand the hidden meaning of some of Huia’s seemingly random words that may reveal the truth of Huia’s mysterious past.

Hannah & Huia is a moving story of two women who have suffered significant loss and trauma, and it is also a story of redemption and hope. This is a brave, unforgettable debut novel that explores issues of mental health in a sensitive and compassionate way. It’s two stories in one compelling novel, Hannah’s recent loss beautifully counterpointed part way through by Huia’s heartbreaking past.

Quentin Wilson Publishing, RRP $37.50

Karen McMillan | www.karenm.co.nz

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) • Call Grant 021 0830 7743 or email chadorewa@gmail.com

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 • 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 Mon 9.30 - 1, at Stanmore Bay Community Hall, Whangaparoa • All Welcome • Contact Shana 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 & lunch • Donna 021 024 30064

Ladies Crafts Group • Every school term Tues • 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 •See website & Facebook for more info

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 scrabble • Orewa Community Hall 12-4pm • Membership $5/yr • 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 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 & coaching provided • Maurice 027 392 0541 & Owen 021 264 9192

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

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 10amnoon • Hibiscus Coast Community House • Josie Slack • Contact Hibiscus Embroidery2022@gmail.com

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

Hibiscus Coast Stamp Club • Meets 2pm on 3rd Sat every month at 22 Settlers Grove, Orewa • Interesting Speakers • ALL WELCOME. • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 & women • Morning tea, conviviality, guest speakers & 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 Looking for senior players to join our club for league games on Mon and Fri at 10am • Lots of fun and advice • Brett 0210530905

Orewa Lions Club • Meets 1st & 3rd Weds 6.30pm for 7pm at St Chads Hall 117 Centreway Road, Orewa • Contact Wendy 021 841 125 or orewalionsclub@gmail.com

Orewa Garden Club • Meet 2nd Thurs of month • Feb – Nov 12.30 – 3.00 pm • 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

Travel Club – with Bucket List Travel • Meets 2nd Tues of every month (except Dec & Jan) • 9:45am – 11am • Red Beach Surf-Lifesaving Club room Contact Michelle & your local travel agent team 094261490

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

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

Local Recipes

Slow braised beef cheeks (4 portions)

Ingredients

30ml non virgin olive oil

1.5 kg beef cheeks (4 large or 6 small)

1½ onion brown, medium diced (about 1 cup)

1 celery stalk, medium diced (about 1 cup)

2 carrot, medium diced (about 1½ cups)

5 garlic cloves, finely chopped

6 stems of fresh thyme or any other hard herb

2 dried bay leaves or fresh bay leaves

1½ cup (375ml) good quality beef stock or beef jus (gravy)

1 cup (250ml) full bodied red wine (such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot)

1 330ml tin of crushed tomatoes

30ml Worcestershire sauce

2 Tbsp brown sugar

3 tsp salt

Ground black pepper

Method

Cut off any large, fatty membrane from the top side of the cheeks (most beef cheeks are pretty clean already). Pat dry then use 1 tsp of salt and black pepper to season all over.

Heat 20ml olive oil in a large, heavy based pot or casserole dish over a high heat. Sear the beef cheeks on each side until nicely browned. Remove onto a plate.

Turn down heat to medium high and add the remaining 10ml olive oil, garlic and onion. Sweat for 2-3 minutes until onion is becoming translucent.

Add the celery and carrot and sweat for a further 3 minutes. Add the wine and cook for 1 minute, then add all remaining ingredients and bring to a gentle boil. Place a lid or tin foil on top and place in a preheated fan bake oven on 130°C for 3½ to 4½ hours until the cheeks are very tender, turning at least once during cooking.

Remove the beef cheeks from sauce. Discard the thyme stems and bay leaves and reduce the sauce by ¼ to ⅓ on a slow simmer, to a gravy consistency. Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper and sugar) to your taste. Remove from heat, return beef cheeks to the sauce, cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Served with creamy mashed potatoes and your favourite Winter vegetables.

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

Mark Lane | www.culinarylane.co.nz

Image: Slow braised beef cheeks on potato rosti, roasted field mushrooms, bearnaise sauce @ braising liquor.

Strawberry sheet cake

Ingredients

125g unsalted butter, at room temperature

¾ tsp salt

1 ½ cups plus 3 granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 large egg yolk

1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

¾ cup milk

2 ¼ tsp baking powder

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

650g fresh/slightly overripe strawberries, hulled and halved

Method

Heat oven to 180°C. Lightly coat the sides and corners of a 23×33cm cake pan with butter or non-stick spray, and fit bottom with cooking paper.

In a large bowl beat butter, salt and 1 ½ cups of the sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg, yolk and vanilla and beat until combined. Add milk and mix until combined. Sprinkle baking

powder evenly over batter and beat into batter for 20 seconds longer than will seem necessary. This ensures it’s perfectly distributed. Scrape down the bowl. Add flour and beat or stir until just combined.

Spread batter in prepared pan. Arrange strawberries cut side down as snugly as you can. Sprinkle with remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar (it will seem like a lot but helps the strawberries get jammy and gives the cake a great texture).

Bake until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out free of wet batter (gooey strawberries are a given and doesn’t mean it’s underbaked), about 45 to 48 minutes. Let cool in pan on a rack.

Cut into squares and serve as is, or with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

Note: This cake is even better a half or even full day later, when the strawberries marry with better with the cake. I like to leave the cake uncovered at room temperature so it doesn’t get sticky on top.

Source: www.smittenkitchen.com

Art Speak

September puts a spring into the arts

For the month of September, Estuary Arts Centre brings another full line-up of exhibitions and classes. It is also the time we hold the Annual General Meeting, which anyone is invited to attend. The date for the AGM is Thursday, 28 September at the new time of 2pm.

In the downstairs galleries this month, view the Association of New Zealand Embroiderers' Guild annual exhibition, featuring embroidery and textile art from ten participating guilds ranging from the Coromandel to Doubtless Bay. Members artwork has been produced within the last two years. This is always a highlight on the calendar and we expect to see visitors from far and wide come and view the detailed and gorgeous embroidery work on display. This regional exhibition is judged and falls into four categories:

1. The Praise of the Needle: General work can be entered from class work, kits or published patterns.

2. The Dorothy Clarke Traditional Award: Any traditional embroidery of the entrants own design.

3. The Open Award – the ever shifting boundaries: Original work based on this theme.

4. Extensions Beyond the Boundaries: Open to Extensions members of the Northern North Island Region – own design based on the theme.

In the foyer gallery, view the work of West Auckland artist Nicki Price who works in a variety of media; acrylic on canvas, 3-dimensional papier mache (sometimes a combination of the two) and recently, felting.

In the members gallery upstairs view new work created by our members. There is also always new suppliers work in our every changing gift shop. The best place to purchase something special made by local artists.

With the school holiday programme just around the corner, Estuary Arts is planning a fun-filled two week arts programme for children aged 5 years and up. More information can be found on the website at www.etuaryarts. org

The Arts Centre is located at the southern end of Orewa overlooking the estuary. Open 7 days a week, Monday to Thursday 9am to 4pm, Fridays 9am to 3pm and weekends 10am to 3pm. Free to enter the gallery. Contact us on 09 4265570 or email admin@ estuaryarts.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Come and visit and enjoy a coffee at the Driftwood Café.

Image 1 Curios Flowers sampler by Shirley Pygott Images 2 & 3 by Nicki Price

Your Local Tides

A life less ordinary Two bedroom, light-filled spacious apartments from $995k

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

The Botanic is the Hibiscus Coast’s newest, resort-style retirement village, designed to offer a great lifestyle surrounded by nature and world class facilities.