The Orewa Mag, April 2025

Dear diary, laughter really is the best medicine

Love the care around you.

At Summerset, there’s always a helping hand when you need it. Alongside our neighbourly community, our villages are designed so that as your needs change, we have different levels of care and support across our villages (subject to availability and eligibility criteria). We call it our continuum of care… but really, it’s about always being there. Our village centre at Summerset Milldale is currently under construction.

Two-bedroom homes are available with flexible pricing from $924,100.* Plus, we’ll help you every step of the way with a $25,000 cash back, a moving package and no weekly fees for two years. Simply sign a sales application for a selected home between 01 April 2025 and 30 June 2025 and then settle by 30 September 2025.#

Love the life you choose.

Open Day

Wednesday 30 April, 10am - 2pm Summerset Milldale 50 Waiwai Drive, Milldale Sales suite entrance on Te Taruna Drive

Welcome to our April issue, one that will go down in history for reasons soon to become apparent (see the last paragraph of this column). But first, dear readers, a small plea. When driving through Milldale one recent Saturday evening after dark, my family and I were super surprised by the number of homes there who still have their Christmas lights on! Didn’t notice this unseasonal phenomenon anywhere else, just in Milldale. There will be no shaming here, lovely people. You know who you are. All I will say is it’s Easter in three weeks. Let the bunny have his day.

These pages, as always, are filled with lots of local news for you, including our feature, which introduces the new deputy principal keen to make a positive impact at Orewa College. We have the latest on local fishing conditions from Tim Lawrence, the lowdown on a recent rescue by Coastguard Hibiscus, Carmen Bird shares some different ideas on spending a great day at Wenderholm, and we also shine a light on Juno Eatery and get to know a little more about Coast Physio. If you’re a dog lover you won’t want to miss page 38 where we profile a few gorgeous pooches pounding their paws recently on Orewa Beach, we have info on the latest Elastic Island Adventures book by our very own book reviewer Karen McMillan and so much more.

Please, pop your feet up and enjoy.

But we recommend you start with page 6. Like now, because we have a couple of EPIC announcements to share with you! I’ll wait here while you go read it... I know, right?? We are super excited too!! See you next month Coasties!

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WE'RE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE

Call us Coasties

Same great mag, brand new name

YEARS

DESIGN

PUBLISHER

Grayson & Sarah Furniss

MANAGING EDITOR

Claire Nevans

GRAPHIC DESIGN

KD Design

PRINTER

Treehouse Print

CONTACT US 021 771 140 advertising@themillwatermag.co.nz

CONTRIBUTORS

Hayley Crawford

Karen McMillan

Mark Lane

Tim Lawrence

Jorja Millward

Carmen Bird

Chris Norris

COVER PHOTO

KlaraPix

Yes, we are changing our name! Over ten years ago The Millwater Mag started as a way of distributing and sharing information specific to the local area with new residents moving into Millwater. As Millwater became more established we expanded our reach to include Orewa with the introduction of The Orewa Mag

As our local area has continued to grow and develop our content and advertisers have expanded to encompass more and more of the Coast. We want our mag to have a name that reflects that and a

name that includes and connects ALL of our local community.

So, dear readers, this April 2025 issue will be the last we publish as The Millwater Mag and The Orewa Mag! We are excited to announce that from May 2025 our new mag name will be:

The Coasties Mag.

Your mag. For everyone on the Coast.

Ducky Derby delight

We are also delighted to announce that at the recent Orewa Beach Kindergarten Ducky Derby 2025, our very own The Millwater Mag duck was the first corporate duck to bobble its way across the finish line. What quacking great news!

At the mag we go out of our way to support local causes and businesses as much as we can, so we are thrilled to be the 2025 corporate race winners of this fundraiser, and even more pleased to hear that the 2025 Ducky Derby was another successful event for Orewa Beach Kindergarten, raising $19,618 and, as always, was a quacking great day of fun for the all the members of our community who took part. Special mention to the speedy lifeguards who managed to bring a swift end to the great ducky escape attempt at the finish line!

The Millwater Mag Publishers Sarah and Grayson Furniss and their victorious duck visit Orewa Beach Kindergarten

New leadership, new vision

Orewa College welcomes Deputy Principal

Orewa College has recently welcomed a fresh face to its leadership team. With eighteen years of experience and a passion for helping others around him, James Went has been warmly welcomed to the kura. He brings a new perspective, aiming to enhance the student voice within Orewa College.

Originally from Avondale in West Auckland, Mr Went has an extensive background in education, having worked at Saint Kentigern and Avondale College in roles including Head of Health, Head of Physical Education, Head of Sports Academy and Deputy Principal. Holding a Bachelor of Sport from the University of Waikato and a Post-graduate diploma from the University of Auckland, he is well equipped to support, lead and inspire the 2,000+ students at Orewa College. Although currently based in Avondale, Mr Went is working to relocate his whānau to the Hibiscus Coast since they ‘are attracted to the beautiful beaches and close-knit community.’

His decision to relocate to Orewa College was for both professional and personal growth. He states, ‘When my family and I were looking to relocate out of Auckland City, I was attracted to Orewa College as the school has a great reputation for serving a great community.’ After meeting with the new principal, Wiri Warriner, it was obvious he had a real passion for improving the school, and James Went wanted to be a part of that. A strong believer in the importance of student voice, he has already restructured the student council, creating a better space for the ākonga to voice their concerns, opinions and ideas. ‘As adults, we see things one way, but it’s crucial to understand how ākonga experience school. By giving them a platform to share their thoughts, we can ensure their learning journey is positive and meaningful.’

His passions are widely focused on restorative practice and relational pedagogy. He believes that, like everyone, teenagers make mistakes and need guidance about the impact their mistakes have on others. He believes a key part of doing this is having a strong bond between the ākonga and kaiako. Mr Went has a clear goal to create good, upstanding citizens who positively impact the community from Orewa College, which he believes can be done with ‘strong relationships between students and the adults in the kura.’

A priority goal of his for 2025 is connecting with the staff and students of Orewa College while also embedding himself and his whānau into the community. He looks forward to supporting Wiri Warriner in continuing to enhance the academic, well-being and co-curricular outcomes for the ākonga of Orewa College. ‘Every student is capable of achieving their personal best. It is our job as educators to provide them with the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.’

With the passion, experience and drive to strengthen the community both inside and outside of Orewa College, James Went is set to make a long-lasting impact on the future of our community.

Jorja Millward | Features Contributor

TAKING A HIKE Wenderholm

I’m not sure this day out qualifies as a hike – it was so short and easy! It’s the perfect school holiday walk or weekend jaunt for the family. We had a couple of kids join us for this one and they seemed to enjoy themselves!

Wenderholm Regional Park is a ten-minute drive from Orewa, so it’s super accessible for Coasties. We headed up there just as summer was officially over. It certainly didn’t feel like it though. The sun was out in full force and the temperature was positively balmy.

Nestled between the Puhoi River and the Hauraki Gulf, the park is the perfect blend of natural beauty, history and recreational opportunities. It’s an ideal destination for a morning or a full day.

One of the most popular walking trails is the Perimeter Track. This 2.5km loop takes you through a variety of landscapes, from forest with totara and kauri to open grasslands and stunning views of the Puhoi River and the Hauraki Gulf from several lookout points. I’ve done this track a few times so my hiking buddy Nicky suggested the other side of the park for a change.

Meeting our crew in the main carpark, we headed back up the driveway where we took a left into the bush. We walked through native forest, over farmland and passed some very curious cows that came running down the hill to greet us. The view from the high points was spectacular, looking out over the estuary and down to kayakers far below. Onwards through more farmland and past sheep, we popped out at the water’s edge and walked back to the start and on to the beach. It was around an hour and 5km in total and, being such a glorious day, a few of us dived in to the ocean afterwards to cool off.

For those interested in history, Couldrey House at Wenderholm is a must-visit. This historic homestead, built in the 1850s, offers a glimpse into the life of early European settlers in the region. The house is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens, perfect for a casual stroll.

If you’re not about walking, the park’s expansive picnic areas are perfect for a family outing. Spread out a blanket under the shade of a pohutukawa tree and enjoy a leisurely lunch while taking in the stunning views of the river and the sea. The calm waters of the Puhoi River are ideal for a swim or a paddle in a kayak and there are plenty of spots to set up for some relaxing along the beach.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day, Wenderholm offers something for everyone.

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

For framed landscape prints PRINT SHOP | All Carmen Bird Photography

THE GREEN SPOT

Sustainable showpieces

April brings school holidays back around and with it comes the challenge of keeping tamariki occupied. Recently I learned about some great craft activities that involve upcycling items otherwise destined for landfill and these could entertain young and old alike.

Junk journaling is a new trend similar to scrap booking, yet it isn’t about creating a photo album but more of a collection of textures, colours and images to create a sensory experience and sentimental keepsake. Repurpose birthday cards, ticket stubs, magazine cuttings, pressed flowers, sketches, postcards, music sheets, wallpaper offcuts, fabric scraps and those upcoming Easter egg wrappers by layering them together and binding them into a book. There are plenty of YouTube videos to help guide you through different techniques including concertina pages and even using a paper bag to make the framework of the book. The idea is to use things you already own or have collected second hand.

Another creative pastime is rag rugging, which employs strips of fabric that can come from ripped bed sheets or stained clothing. You can use hessian cloth as the base to weave the strips through to make a shaggy rug or woven hanging. Or crochet the strips into placemats and plant pot coverings. The possibilities and techniques are endless and again the internet will provide you with instructions.

New year, new look! Let’s refresh your interiors and create the custom dream headboard you ’ ve always wanted! You can trust Shore Designs who specialises in crafting bespoke headboards and furniture tailored to your style and comfort

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You can even find directions on the best way to cut an old t-shirt into strips with minimal wastage.

Or for a really ambitious project try a mosaic masterpiece. Give broken ceramic dishes or cracked chinaware new life by smashing them into medium sized pieces and with grout reset them into a garden path or side table. You could also incorporate the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi and use gold leaf adhesive to add shimmer to seal the cracks. Ensure you use gloves and protective eyewear for this task and also discretion as to what any children are capable of with a hammer!

So start collecting vintage finds from op shops and have a second think before disposing of any materials that could help create your next sustainable showpiece!

Hayley Crawford | @trashtalkingmama

credit: Xenia Woinerowski, Green Aventurine Shop

Photo

Making colonoscopies more accessible A step towards better health

Often the first challenge once the need for a colonoscopy has been identified, (other than how to pronounce it) is wondering how long do I have to wait?

With bowel cancer being one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in New Zealand, a colonoscopy is an essential tool for early detection and diagnosis. It helps identify potential issues before they become serious

and provides invaluable peace of mind— whether due to family history or personal health concerns. However, for many, the idea of undergoing a colonoscopy can be a time of anxiety and stress, which is often made worse by long wait times and uncertainty about the process.

Waitemata Endoscopy have two units, located on the North Shore and in Henderson, with the vision of providing ‘Exceptional endoscopy care at every opportunity’.

Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the gut using a thin tube and light that is minimally invasive for the patient.

With state-of-the-art endoscopy rooms, modern patient recovery areas, a focus on quality systems and continuous improvement, as well as more gastroenterologists and surgeon specialists joining the unit, Waitemata Endoscopy is able to offer increased capacity and significantly reduced waiting times.

For most standard Colonoscopies, an appointment within 7 working days of

your GP, Specialist or self-referral can be scheduled, when you let us match you with the availability of our experienced specialists across the Waitemata Endoscopy Group. At times this can be sooner than one expects, so patients need to be aware they may need to organise a day off work and/or organise a ride to pick them up afterwards at short notice.

With a compassionate bookings team, kind and caring nurses, being able to offer timely care, when you need it, for you and your family’s peace of mind, is a priority for us. At a time of increased awareness of the benefits of earlier screening and detection for better outcomes, having a colonoscopy shouldn’t be something to fear anymore, but rather an empowering step towards better health.

To learn more, see our website www. waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/referrals

Noho ora mai (Stay well).

Sihaam Bagus | Charge Nurse

Waitemata Endoscopy

have reduced wait times for Colonoscopy & Gastroscopy

With increased capacity, Waitemata Endoscopy is able to offer greater and timelier access to a group of experienced Gastroenterologists and Surgeons, dedicated to providing excellent patient care.

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

If you need an appointment, talk to your GP about a referral to the Waitemata Endoscopy Group, or you can self-refer at www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/referrals

call us on (09) 925 4449

Harbour Hospice’s regular givers provide a vital source of regular income, enabling its team to plan for the community’s growing needs. They call them their Hospice Hearts.

Every month on a Tuesday Karin Kolbe drops into Harbour Hospice with an envelope. Tucked inside is a donation and handwritten message thanking the team.

Karin started this monthly vigil in 2023 after her husband, Jan, died in Harbour Hospice care. It’s her way of thanking hospice for taking good care of Jan, and it allows her to keep a connection with the place that brought her husband great comfort in his final months.

Karin remembers Jan as a man who loved people, who’d been a great salesman, keen fisherman and family man. He and Karin had both grown up in South Africa and met in their twenties while on holiday in Durban. They got engaged after only 38 days, with Karin

‘Before the counselling he’d always said he wanted to stay with me, and had all these things he wanted to do. To learn that he was ready to go to God, the whole world lifted off my shoulders.’

When Jan’s health deteriorated further, he went back into Hospice’s IPU for end-of-life care. He died on 2 September 2022 with his family

Karin misses Jan terribly and finds it comforting to return to hospice with donations. ‘For me it’s still having that connection with the place

To become a Hospice Heart so that Harbour Hospice can continue to provide specialist palliative care, visit: harbourhospice.org.nz/

SHINING A LIGHT

Juno Eatery

Why you should visit

Who doesn’t love a Sunday morning spent checking out a new brunch spot, especially one that’s far enough outside your usual stomping ground to feel like a bit of an adventure but close enough to become a local favourite?

The menu at Juno has enough familiar choices to keep the more predictable members of your party happy while also offering a few out-of-the-box options, such as the Beef Tartare, Tiger Prawn Brioche Burger and a pork belly side to go with your eggs bene.

If you’re a fan of eating al fresco, Juno has one of the biggest outdoor areas we’ve seen at a local eatery that isn’t on the Orewa strip, with a couple of tables big enough for a pretty sizable group to graze their way through a morning in the sun, pooches included.

They’re also licenced with a cocktail list, in case you needed another reason to go.

What we love

The décor at Juno definitely has the wow factor. We love the blue and pink pastels with retro vibes, comfy bench seats and ratan cantilever chairs. This place is visit-worthy for the visuals alone.

The staff are on point – friendly, efficient and happy to accommodate special requests whenever possible.

Favourite items from our orders included the Salmon Gravlax, the pork and fennel sausage on the Breakfast Plate and the Matcha Strawberry Cold Foam.

Whilst we didn’t sample anything from Juno’s big blue cabinet on our recent visit, we love how jam packed it was with beautifully presented sweet and savoury offerings and vow to return soon for an afternoon treat.

per day

PARENTING

LEARN HOW TO BUILD SELF-WORTH IN KIDS, DEAL WITH TRICKY BEHAVIOUR AND SUPPORT A HEALTHY FAMILY UNIT

Thursday nights at 7pm 9, 16, 23 & 30 May

A dynamic 4-night series; ‘Parenting for Positive Self Worth’ Led by Life Skills Facilitator – Kim Wyatt (3E Coaching)

REGISTER NOW! RSVP: debbie@silverdale.org.nz Refreshments provided. VENUE The Auditorium at Ahutoetoe School, Maryvale Road, Milldale.

IN THE LOOP

Library upgrade update

Have you been wondering, like we have, how the Orewa Library upgrade is going? Sandra May, Area Operations Manager at Auckland Council, told us recently that the renewal project is progressing well and is approaching the finishing stages. ‘Work is currently underway on the internal ceilings and we are installing essential services like lighting, power, data and air conditioning throughout the facility,’ says Sandra.

Lift access to the mezzanine floor has now been completed and Sandra says that, ‘Once the ceilings and services are finished, work will begin on internal finishing touches – likely in the next three weeks. The entire inside of the library will be freshly painted and new floor coverings will go in. Work is also underway to complete important external features, including new entry steps and an accessible ramp leading up to the entrance.’

Construction works should be completed in April, and the set up and relocation of library services will take place after this. The opening date has not yet been confirmed but we will keep you posted!

Pretty in pink

The rooms beneath Whangaparaoa Hall have recently undergone a pretty awesome transformation.

When Coastie artist Emma Conway – of Boopino giant poster fame – was looking for a spot to run her new Mini Maker kids craft sessions, she headed along to the hall to check out the space beneath it and see if the venue was suitable for her needs. Despite being a nice large area with good natural light, the rooms had not been well cared for and were unfortunately looking pretty grim.

Seeing the potential of the space, and taking motivation from a make-over that Ara from Clay Lounge had done on one of the other rooms, Emma arranged to clean the rooms and give them a make-over so that she could use them as a site for her holiday and term time craft programmes, but also so the space in this much-loved 100-year old building could be used by others in the community when available.

With a lot of elbow grease, a few coats of paint and a lot of help from friends and family, the space is now clean, bright and cheery, and fit for use again. It’s great to see this local venue revitalised!

If you’d like to find out more about the Mini Maker sessions Emma will be running there or you’re interested in using the space for your own activities, contact Emma at www.boopino.com/pages/ mini-makers-club

FOUND & FANCIED

1. Matakatia Bay perfume $129 at Miller Road Fragrances www.millerroad.co.nz

2. Smoothies $9.90-10.90 at Millies Café Millwater Shops, Millwater

3. Cornetto $7 at Romeo Panetteria Keith Morris Lane, Orewa

4. Paua shell scarf $69.90 at MorArt Silverdale Mall, Silverdale

The fabulous Coast Physio

I was delighted to recently learn more about one of our new Silverdale Business members, Coast Physio, who have been providing physiotherapy services on the Coast for over 25 years.

S: Can you tell us about Coast Physio’s history?

C: Coast Physio was founded in 1994 by Peter and Judith Melvin with the goal of providing high-quality physiotherapy services to the local community. Peter Melvin’s dedication to physiotherapy and our community helped establish Coast Physio as a reputable local practice. Under Peter’s leadership we expanded into Silverdale, Orewa and Whangaparaoa and became the leading provider of hand therapy on the Hibiscus Coast.

In 2022, Peter and Judith sold the practice to Geneva Healthcare. Under this new

leadership, Coast Physio maintains Peter’s legacy while also benefiting from Geneva Healthcare’s extensive network and expertise.

S: What makes Coast Physio stand out?

C: We provide a comprehensive wraparound service tailored to diverse needs. We have a highly experienced team of clinicians, including four hand therapists and 11 physiotherapists. We offer musculoskeletal and sports physiotherapy, hand therapy, return-to-work programmes, pelvic health rehabilitation, concussion management and integrated care pathways. We also provide school-based clinics, sports field physiotherapy and early intervention programmes. So we have all your physio needs covered!

A key strength is Coast Physio’s collaboration with local medical providers,

sports clubs, and businesses. The Integrated Care Pathways programme, for instance, combines physiotherapy, radiology and specialist input to support recovery from significant injuries.

S: How does Coast Physio engage with the local community?

C: The team run weekly clinics at Orewa and Whangaparaoa Colleges, provide sideline physiotherapy for Silverdale Rugby and sponsors sports organisations such as Whangaparaoa Tennis and Red Beach Life Saving Club. Early intervention programmes also support local businesses by promoting workplace health and safety. This helps provide the community with easy access to essential care and helps foster local connections.

S: What are some new challenges and opportunities for Coast Physio?

C: In October, Coast Physio’s Nathan Trebilco joined the NZ Breakers for the 2024/25 NBL season as their dedicated team physiotherapist. Overcoming challenges, Nathan earned the respect of the team and developed a deeper understanding of professional sports physiotherapy, fuelling his passion for this rewarding field.

With such a dedicated team, expert services and a strong commitment to the community, we’re lucky to have Coast Physio supporting the wellbeing of the Hibiscus Coast now and for years to come.

Vanessa Li | Silverdale Business www.silverdalebusiness.co.nz

Separation and financial fairness

Liz and Frank had been together for 18 years and married for 15. They had three children, aged 8, 11 and 13. Their relationship began when Liz was finishing off her accounting degree, while Frank was working in a property management company. Introduced by mutual friends, they knew early on that this would be their forever relationship and pooled their funds to start saving for a house.

When they purchased their first home two years into the relationship, Liz’s parents helped by giving them a large sum of money that doubled their initial deposit. Nothing was done through the lawyers and the advance wasn’t documented. Liz’s parents didn’t want to offend Frank, especially when Liz and Frank were getting married in just a few months.

When Liz and Frank got pregnant with their first child, they had a loose plan to both work less hours so their baby would be mostly looked after at home by at least one parent. Liz had been swiftly moving through the ranks of the large accounting firm she was working for, and it was quickly made known that her progress would be halted if she took chunks of time out to look after children (this was 15 years ago when flexibility was not such a thing in the workplace). Liz and Frank made the decision that Frank would leave his job and stay at home with the children to enable Liz to progress, given she had much greater earning power over time.

Fifteen years later, things were more than rocky between Liz and Frank. She was now a partner in a firm and Frank had recently gone back to teachers college where he was part way through a degree in teaching. Their lives seemed to be heading in vastly different directions, and they made the decision to separate.

Liz was hopeful they could mostly sort things out between them before going to the lawyers. However, Frank immediately ‘lawyered up’. This caused huge tension between the two of them, and when Liz received a letter from Frank’s lawyer she decided to move out of the house. Frank’s lawyer was claiming he should get a bigger share of the assets because of the economic disparity between the two

of them. The lawyer said that because Frank had stayed home to look after the children, his career hadn’t progressed like Liz’s, so he needed some compensation for that.

Liz was frustrated as she felt that had been a decision they had made together, in the best interests of the children. Frank was also claiming maintenance from her to help support him through teachers college, as well as helping with the fees for him to retrain.

Annoyed, Liz went to see a lawyer who explained that Frank may have some valid claims. The lawyer explained that it would be better to try and negotiate an outcome with Frank so that the two of them didn’t end up spending huge amounts on legal fees. Liz remembered that when they bought their first house her parents had put a large chunk of the deposit into the house. The lawyer said because that had not been documented there was a presumption that this was a gift to her and Frank, and that Frank would be entitled to half of that gift. If there had been a loan arrangement documented, then the loan would have been repayable to Liz’s parents. The lawyer did say because Liz had moved out of the property and was paying rent elsewhere while Frank still lived in the home rent free, that she could claim occupation rent from him. This would likely offset some of the economic disparity compensation Frank could claim from Liz.

The law around relationship property is complex and very fact dependent. It is important to get legal advice on the entitlements you and your partner may have, to ensure a fair outcome and avoid a messy and potentially costly separation.

Tammy McLeod (BA LLB) | Managing Director, Davenports Law Trust and asset structuring specialist, leading

the Trust Team.

Navigating Separations.

When relationships take unexpected turns, it becomes essential to understand your legal rights. Separation can bring up tough questions around asset division and financial entitlements. Whether it’s undocumented contributions, financial disparity, or shared decisions like stay-at-home parenting, the law can be complex and fact dependent.

Our experienced lawyers will guide you through these challenges, working to achieve a fair outcome and avoid unnecessary legal battles.

Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team to protect your interests.

CRAFTED LEGAL ADVICE FOR PEACE OF MIND.

West Side Story

Local community theatre group Ardent Performing Arts, based in Whangaparaoa, are currently deep into rehearsals for their upcoming run of the hugely popular musical West Side Story, which they’ll be performing on stage at Centrestage Theatre in Orewa from 10 to 18 May 2025.

West Side Story is a musical conceived by Jerome Robbins with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by Arthur Laurents.

Inspired by William Shakespeare's play Romeo and Juliet, the story is set in the mid-1950s in the Upper West Side of Manhattan in New York City, at the time a multiracial, blue-collar neighbourhood. The musical explores the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks, two teenage street gangs of different ethnic backgrounds. The Sharks, who are recent migrants, mostly from Puerto Rico, and the Jets, who are white, vie for dominance of the neighbourhood, and the police try to keep order. The young protagonist, Tony, a former member of the Jets and best friend of the gang's leader, Riff, falls in love with Maria, the sister of Bernardo, the leader of the Sharks. The dark theme, sophisticated music, extended dance scenes,

tragic love story and focus on social problems marked a turning point in musical theatre.

The original 1957 Broadway production, directed and choreographed by Robbins, marked Sondheim's Broadway debut. It ran for 732 performances before going on tour. The production was nominated for six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, in 1958, winning two.

Timelessly relevant and always popular, the Ardent Performing Arts run of West Side Story will be headed up by Director Linda Marais, who has just been nominated for the Westfield Local Hero award for her work in community theatre. Linda, who will be ably assisted by Choreographer Sarah Poppe and Musical Director June Dams, says she is very proud of the talented and diverse cast – including many locals – who will be bringing this story to life.

If you’d like to support local theatre and have a great night out seeing some talented Coasties shine, tickets are currently available from Centrestage.

BOOK REVIEWS

Elastic Island Adventures: Plantation Island Resort

by Karen McMillan

The latest standalone book in my Elastic Island Adventures series for children aged 7 to 12 years is out, and anyone who buys a copy before 30 April can go into the draw to win a Fiji Family Holiday worth $5,000. Info at www.plantationisland.com/win

Kiri, Jed and twins Emma and Ethan frequently journey on an ‘elastic island', a unique way to travel that sends them pinging across the ocean to various South Pacific destinations. This time they travel with Blong the Cat and Heathcliff the Dog to beautiful Fiji.

When they arrive at Plantation Island Resort they are surprised to discover Lepani, a small hermit crab, hiding in their room. He has run away from home, is terrified of plastic and doesn’t want to be a crab anymore. The children are determined to reunite him with his family, but in the meantime, they need to look after him. But they soon discover that he is accidentprone, and their biggest challenge will be keeping him alive!

I will be at Whangaparaoa Mall from 16 to 22 April over the school holidays. Come along and say hello and get a book signed!

Duckling Publishing, RRP $21.95

To Die For

by David Baldacci

With 150 million copies of his books sold worldwide, David Baldacci is one of the most successful thriller writers in the world, and his recent book is another superb, high-octane read. Travis Devine is an undercover operative, and his latest assignment is complicated. Betsy Odom is only twelve years old, but she is in the FBI’s custody after her parents’ deaths, supposedly due to drug overdoses. But when Devine digs deeper, it seems they were murdered. There is also a criminal uncle who would like to adopt his niece – but how sincere are his reasons? To complicate things, there is a dead informant in the mix and an assassin with Devine in her sights.

I had the pleasure of looking after David Baldacci on his recent visit to Auckland. He is a brilliant author, highly personable, with a passion for literacy.

Pan Macmillan, RRP $37.99

McMillan

A four-letter word describing passion

Love? Zest? Grit? Rage? All are correct meanings, but the 4-letter word many of us associate with passion is PAIN. In previous centuries, the term ‘passion’ referred to pain, suffering or fits of madness.

Have you sometimes felt you were ‘suffering a fit of madness’ when pursuing a life goal or investing excessive time and money doing something you are passionate about?

Passion is associated with pain because of the discipline and determination required to do something you are emotionally and mentally invested in. Pursuing your passion often involves discomfort, frustration, or even failure – this is all part of the journey toward achieving the desired outcome.

Some people only want to experience positive aspects of passion. Expressions such as ‘follow your passion’ are viewed as a flashing neon light to achieve selfish desires, without considering the impact on others or the world’s resources.

Sometimes, our passion is ongoing rage toward an injustice that causes pain for others. The pain of passion is rewarded when involved in an activity or cause that gives us satisfaction, joy, and fulfilment.

The phrase ‘no pain, no gain’ became known as an exercise mantra in the 1980s. Intensive physical training or rehabilitative strength building requires us to push through the pain our bodies and mind want to resist. Enduring the pain of passionate experiences is not always welcomed, but ‘good pain’ is rewarded.

What does experiencing good pain feel like?

This is a question a mother can answer, following childbirth. Labour pains are uncomfortable, but knowing the outcome will be worth it allows us to endure the pain. Labour pains are experienced

when launching a new career, birthing a business idea, or transitioning a change of circumstances in our lives.

Passion and pain go hand in hand because they reflect how much you care about a relationship, an activity or a cause.

Every challenge you navigate towards a desired goal has an element of pain at some stage, whether it’s growing physical, mental or emotional resilience. The setbacks and disappointments endured with pursuing your passion can sometimes make it more rewarding.

As mentioned in a previous article, our desires and goals start with an idea of what we want. Passion gives your idea some legs. Trish

Grow with Ease

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, raised garden beds are an easy and rewarding way to grow your own fresh produce at home. They’re ideal if you want to make the most of your outdoor space – even if your soil isn’t the best or your backyard is more patio than lawn. With a raised garden bed, you can create the perfect growing environment, no matter what’s underneath.

One of the biggest bene ts is control. You’re not limited to the existing soil in your garden – you can ll a raised bed with the right mix of soil and compost to give your plants the best possible start. It’s also easier to manage drainage, and if you’ve had issues with weeds or pests, a raised bed helps keep those under control too.

Another bonus? They’re easier on your back. Instead of bending right down to ground level, you can garden at a more comfortable height – great if you’re out there weeding, planting, and harvesting regularly. And because they’re contained, raised beds help keep your garden looking tidy, even if you’re the type to plant a bit of everything and see what thrives.

At Mitre 10, we reckon the Strol GardenStax Raised Garden Bed is a top choice if you’re keen to give raised gardening a go. Its modular design means you can build it to the size and shape that suits your space, whether you want a compact herb garden or a larger veggie patch for the whole family. You can also stack the pieces to create more depth if you’re growing root veggies or just want that extra height for easier gardening.

Made right here in New Zealand from 100% recycled plastic, the Strol GardenStax is built to handle our weather – from blazing summer sun to wet winter days. It’s durable, easy to assemble, and designed to last season after season.

So if you’ve been thinking about growing your own, raised garden beds are a great way to start. Whether it’s fresh salad greens, herbs for the kitchen, or a bumper crop of tomatoes, the Strol GardenStax makes it simple. Pop into Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale check them out and get growing.

MORTGAGE MATTERS

What you need to know as a self-employed borrower

If you’re self-employed or a small business owner, you’re probably already familiar with the ongoing challenges of keeping your accounts, finances and income all in order. Doing this well is very important when you want to apply for a mortgage because those who are self-employed will face unique challenges when it comes to securing a mortgage.

Proving your income and consistency of income

The most critical thing banks consider, as part of your mortgage application, is proof of income and consistency of income each year to show you can cover your mortgage repayments.

For self-employed individuals, proof of income comes from your detailed annual financial statements. Banks understand that income can vary throughout the year, so generally they’ll need to see two full years of financial statements to verify income and consistency.

These financials should include your:

• balance sheet – shows what your business’s financial position is at a moment in time (usually 31st March being the end of the tax year)

• profit and loss statement – shows financial performance during the financial year

• cash flow statement – shows record of comings and goings during the financial year, providing insights into seasonal patterns and/or cash flow problems

Talking to an experienced accountant or tax professional about working out your taxable income could play an important role in your mortgage application. They will also be able to help prepare the necessary documents to satisfy the bank.

When it comes to consistency of income, some banks may average out your income over the last two years, while others might focus on the most recent year or the year where you’ve earnt the lowest income over the last two years.

It’s crucial to have detailed discussions with your Accountant to ensure your financials are prepared in a way that is most likely to support your mortgage application.

Improving your cash flow and strengthening your application

Making the most of your cash flow can be beneficial for those who are selfemployed. Paying off any outstanding debts such as credit cards or vehicle loans could positively impact your cash flow.

Some other key things you can do to strengthen your application as a selfemployed individual include:

• having separate business and personal accounts

• keeping accurate financial records of business income

• keeping up to date with your IRD obligations

• being able to demonstrate regular savings

Choosing the right bank

Not all banks assess self-employed income the same way, so if you’re wanting to purchase a property and need to apply for a mortgage, we recommend you seek help from an experienced mortgage adviser. They’ll be able to identify which bank will best suit your self-employment status to get the maximum mortgage amount.

Let’s chat!

Contact Wayne Henry on 021 423 818 or email wayne@waynehenry.co.nz

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/

Wayne Henry | Wayne Henry Mortgages

The number of available properties on the Hibiscus Coast has just surpassed the 1,000 mark, with realestate.co.nz currently showing 1,003 listings.

Across Auckland, the average property value rose 1.2% ($16,000) to $1 303 million over the past three months, outperforming many other regions However, with total listings still high, buyers continue to hold the advantage

Falling interest rates are also fueling buyer activity, as banks continue cutting home loan rates in response to the Reserve Bank’s revised cash rate forecast With a 3% cash rate now expected by the end of 2025 - brought forward from 2026 - speculation is mounting that mortgage rates could drop further

Oneroof’s editor, Owen Vaughan noted that while affordability remains a key hurdle, the market has show resilience, and price growth is expected to be stable but moderate throughout 2025 Economists have revised th housing market growth predictions down from 7% to 3% reinforcing expectations of a steady, rather than boomi year ahead.

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH?

Considering upsizing, downsizing or upgrading?

HOT OPPORTUNITIES

Getting a free, no obligation appraisal will help you make informed decisions

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COASTGUARD

Not your normal training day

It started out like any other 'normal' Saturday as Crew on Hibiscus Rescue One. A safety briefing from our skipper, then a conversation about what the crew needed training on as we always use our days on the water as an opportunity to train and hone our skills.

For deckhands like me it’s the perfect time to pick the brains of more senior crew and learn off their vast knowledge and experience. Last Saturday we worked on some CQM (close quarter manoeuvring) before heading out of Gulf Harbour Marina for our first tasking. Mechanical issues resulting in a tow to the local boat ramp.

It wasn't long before Coastguard Operations were on the VHF radio with our next tasking. A vessel with a flat battery at Waiheke Island. So off we went, making good speed in the ever-increasing wind and, to be fair, pretty moderate seas.

As they say ‘nek minit’ over the VHF Radio we hear, ‘Mayday, mayday! This is Maritime NZ responding to an EPIRB distress signal.’ (Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon)

Immediately, from deep in my subconscious, I speak the words ‘Mayday! Come down!’ (Come down means to slow and stop the vessel.) I wasn't even on the helm but instinctively I knew what to do. With my pulse racing I waited for the GPS co-ordinates, thinking to myself it won’t be around here.

When the co-ordinates were relayed out I knew we were very close by. The volunteer on the helm looked at the skipper, and I heard the words ‘best safe speed Jeff’, and then a reminder to the crew on board to ‘hold on you lot this might get a little rough.’

Never in my life have I responded to a Mayday, never have I felt so confident in our crew and our vessel. I was so proud to be part of what was unfolding.

We were first on scene to a jet ski with a young couple aboard. The ski had mechanical issues and wouldn’t start. We managed to get alongside (the swell is quite large at this time) and these guys, I'm not entirely sure how, literally flung themselves into the cockpit of our rescue vessel.

I was in awe; they were well kitted out, calm and had done

everything by the book. Their jet ski was well maintained, they had communication devices, PFDs on (personal flotation device) and when they knew they were in trouble, set off their EPIRB, immediately alerting authorities that they needed help. The only other device they could have had was a handheld VHF radio. Not expensive and another vital piece of equipment in the safety armoury. Essential to communicate not just to Coastguard but also to raise awareness to the other vessels around you.

Needless to say everyone returned home safely. The Jet ski couple, safe and relieved, and hopefully still keen on fishing. For us Coastguard volunteers, tired but happy and proud that our training once again saved two lives at sea.

Justine Gager | Coastguard Hibiscus

Justine Gager is one of our qualified ‘Deck Hands’ and has been part of the unit for almost 2 years.

Order your own Land Information Memorandum (LIM)

A LIM is a document issued by a local Council that provides important property information known to the Council around (among other things) rates, zoning, building consents, code of compliance certificates, public works and natural hazards affecting the property. We always recommend that purchasers obtain a LIM when purchasing a property.

Our Optometrists Grant,

Our Dispensing Opticians Petra, Angela, Christine and Laura

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

It is increasingly common that agents or vendors provide prospective purchasers with a LIM as part of the circulated marketing materials. While this does save potential purchasers time and money, here are some risks to be aware of when relying on a LIM provided by an agent or vendor.

• A LIM is only valid for the date it is issued. Relying on an agent or vendor’s LIM might mean that a prospective purchaser is not viewing the most up-to-date information on the property. Council records are constantly changing and new information can be added to LIMs at any time.

• Prospective purchasers relying on agent or vendor LIMs will not have a direct link between themselves and the Council. If any information contained in the agent or vendor's LIM proves to be incorrect, the prospective purchaser will have no recourse against the Council.

• Prospective purchasers relying on agent or vendor LIMs may not receive complete or accurate information. There has been a recent widely publicised case where a vendor tampered with a LIM provided to a purchaser that withheld key information relating to the property.

While it may seem like an unnecessary expense to order your own LIM, a few hundred dollars spent now may save you thousands of dollars down the road.

If you are looking to purchase a property, our team at Simpson Western North can help guide you through the process. Get in touch at office@simpsonwesternnorth.co.nz or give us a call on 09 421 0559.

Anushka Sequeira | Solicitor, Simpson Western North

Note: This article is published for general information purposes and should not be relied upon as legal advice. For advice specific to your legal issues, please engage a lawyer directly.

Helen, Anuja and Sasha

COOKING QUESTIONS

Your own personal chef with Mark Lane

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

Craig: I sometimes get given a whole salmon and I feel like I’m wasting too much of it. I know what to do with the main pieces, but can you give me any ideas on good ways to use the small pieces left over and what about the head and bones – can I use those too? Thanks heaps.

When filleting a whole salmon, you should only have the head, spinal bone with the tail, maybe the skin if you prefer it removed, the two side fins with a small amount of flesh on the bottom, small bones when pin boning the fillet and some small pieces of salmon flesh from trimming your potions the salmon.

Chefs don’t use the salmon heads or bones, but you can remove any meat that is still left inside when you remove the head or scrap the flesh from the main spinal bone and use this in for fish soups and stews. Any smaller trimmings but still nice pieces of salmon use for sashimi. We don’t use the head and bones for fish stock as it is very oily and has a distinctive flavour that overpowers fish dishes, so chefs use white fish bones and heads for stocks and generally throw away the head and bones of the salmon.

This should leave you with the small fins which often we will smoke them as the meat at the bottom is very tender and it’s like a canape as the customer holds onto the fin and eats the smoked meat from it.

I always like to serve the skin on the salmon as I like the skin panfried crispy, but I will always scale the salmon before I start to fillet it. Filleted well there should be minimal leftovers.

Anne:

What is the secret to making a really flavourful savoury muffin. So often the ones I make and the ones I try in cafes look good but end up being pretty tasteless and disappointing. Thanks so much.

There are lots of ingredients you can add to a savoury muffin mix (see my recipe on p44). Use as much savoury ingredients as the wet muffin mix when making muffins, this will guarantee plenty of flavour and moisture. The main ingredient is cheese which will add oil, moisture and flavour to the muffin. Use different types of cheese. I like to use grated cheddar and/or mozzarella, crumbled Danish feta and even blue cheese if you are a fan. Use lots of raw vegetables as these will add both flavour and moisture to your muffin. When adding raw savoury ingredients to your muffin mix, make sure they are cut small to avoid making the muffin soggy.

I like to add vine ripened tomato, fresh soft herbs (Italian parsley, basil, chives), shredded baby spinach, spring onion (onion is too strong), red capsicum and anything else that you think will go well in your muffin. My secret ingredient is a spoon of Vegeta which will add extra savoury flavour to your muffin.

Mark Lane | Culinary Lane Catering

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

FISHING SPOT WITH TIM

Autumn is upon us, the mornings are darker and the nights are growing longer. This is the best time of year for fishing, in my opinion, especially fishing the change of light. Fishing over Summer was really tough this year with lots of small fish being caught and few big ones landed. I’m really looking forward to some evening missions over the next few months before the winter weather arrives.

The latest intel is that the bigger snapper are holding about six miles south of Anchorite Rock and off Fantail Bay. If you’re not keen to go out that far, drifting around the 50m mark south of Little Barrier always produces. Take a little bit of bait to put on your slider if the bite is slow to attract the fish. They will be back on the bite as the water cools and soon the bigger fish will move into the shallower water to feed before winter. This is the time for big fat baits and a burley trail hard up against the reefs. My biggest fish have been caught at this time of year and often while the sun was setting behind the hills.

My last trip was a tough one. I was late getting to Omaha and when I got to the ramp the wind had increased to 15-17 knots, which limited my options for fishing. Luckily I had a couple of spots close to Omaha Bay but the fishing was tough to say the least. This would have been a good day to give a miss but hey, I still got out for a few hours and got a feed of fish, which was good.

This weekend, I’m off back up to the Bay of Islands to have another go for a marlin. Lot’s of yellow fin have been caught but not as many marlin. Let’s hope the bite is on when we get there! Tight lines!

Tim Lawrence

Blow your own trumpet

We tend to assume customers know a lot more about our business than they do – and many of us are shy about blowing our own trumpet.

No one wants to think they might turn into this guy. Here are some tips to help avoid it.

• Think about your USP, what makes you different from others in your sector?

• Don’t say you are the best. Say why are you the best at what you do. (Even better, maybe you’re the only ones who do this.)

• Consider how relevant other activities in the business are to your clients? (Focus on what’s necessary.)

• Apart from your USP, what else can you offer?

• Do you have a warranty or guarantee?

• Do you offer a free consultation?

• What awards have you won?

• Do you have a youth development programme or internship?

• Can customers find reviews, testimonials? (Your website or Google reviews) What community support do you engage in? (Schools, charities, sponsorship)

• How long have you been in business and is it family run?

• How green is your business – do you recycle, or have reduced cost LED lighting, use solar power, reuse rainwater, compost staff lunch waste etc?

• Do you go out and visit clients?

• Is there a professional body behind your work you are accountable to?

• Do you have great examples of your successful work?

Make your decisions, write them well, commit to them, be consistent.

How to use these tips

Don’t be all things to all people, all at once. Nothing will cut through, you will look too hard and they may go elsewhere.

Instead, keep your USP up front in your main touchpoints: selling tools; advertising and signage. Then include more detail through networking, social media, how to videos, press releases, you tube videos, newsletter mailouts, pop-up messages in your website –whatever mediums your customers are engaging with.

People want to do business with people they like. Including the things that make your business personal opens you up so customers can relate. Be proud of what makes you different and what matters to you. It will matter to some others too.

Be firm and proud, be confident to blow your own trumpet in these ways.

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

Creating and building brands based on your Unique Selling Point

Former Chairman of Business Whangaparaoa and Board Member for Silverdale Business. Mentor with the Business Mentors Programme at MBIE. Now runs a locally focussed branding business. Allbrand.co.nz

– Revealing the true USP in businesses. If you are passionate about something you already have a great story. Get in touch to tell it: Chris@ allbrand.co.nz

Written by Chris Norris from a session between members of the Independent Board facilitated by Steve Myatt – Horizon Business Solutions

Meet the residents at The Botanic

Rosemary and Paul Newman

Rosemary and Paul live in a three-bedroom villa.

Where did you move from? Originally, we were from Torbay/Waiake Beach and moved to a new townhouse on Millwater Parkway. It was a very happy 8 years, but in the last year we began looking for a new development and when The Botanic show room first opened, the luxury lifestyle village really appealed to us.

What do you love most about The Botanic? The great design, the lovely garden setting and the fantastic feeling of belonging within a community of like-minded new friends.

What are you enjoying about retired life? The lack of stress, and we feel so relaxed because our time is our own to enjoy. That said, strolling around the village takes forever because of all the impromptu conversations we now have with our new friends, neighbours and acquaintances.

What have you learnt about retirement that you wished you’d known before? We had no idea just how busy we would become! There’s no time to be bored.

How do you live a life filled with purpose? We have always been active, but now we have the time to make great use of our electric bikes, golf, beach walking and also the pool, gym and the bowling green.

What’s the best thing about living on the Hibiscus Coast? The close proximity to one of our daughters and our four-year-old granddaughter, and taking part in all their activities including Sunday morning Nippers with Red Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. It’s great having Orewa on our doorstep and the Silverdale Centre Mall.

How would you describe the community at The Botanic? Amazing! Our community is full of like-minded, intelligent people who all have interesting lives to learn about and great stories to tell.

How has the ‘Lock up and Leave’ lifestyle changed your life? Through Christmas and New year, we went away for five weeks and never once worried about our villa or our gardens. The two of us travel a lot so the ‘lock up and leave’ lifestyle is a real bonus. It makes retirement stress-free.

What’s your favourite dish or food at The Clubhouse Café? Paul loves the The Clubhouse Cafe Big Breakfast – even if it is not breakfast time! And Rosemary loves cooking and creating meals at home, but she’s a fan of the year-round Clubhouse Soup offerings which are creative, and constantly changing with the seasons.

What is a great quote (or advice) you live by? Do it – now!

www.thebotanic.co.nz

How your life insurance adviser gets you the best cover

A recent life cover application lodged for clients by UProtectNZ highlighted the value of working with an experienced and respected insurance adviser.

People may often ask, ‘Why should I engage an insurance adviser, when I can go direct to the insurance company and get the best deal?’ In some cases, such as house, contents and motor vehicle insurance, that may be a valid question.

But when it comes to securing the best terms for personal life, health, critical illness, income protection and permanent disability covers, there is no substitute for working with a quality insurance adviser.

When your application is lodged for personal life cover, it is medically and financially assessed according to the insurance company’s underwriting rules. An application may either (i) be assessed and accepted at standard rates, or (ii) assessed and result in an Offer of Terms that may have exclusions of pre-existing conditions and/ or, a premium loading applied. Premium loadings ranging between +50% to +400% are the amount a higher-risk applicant's premium will be increased, over and above a company's standard premium rate. This increase reflects the higher risk that the applicant will make a claim in the future, and includes conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure or a strong family history of certain types of cancer.

In our client’s application, she disclosed that her mother had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 27. Having a first-degree blood relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer at such an early age is an immediate ‘red flag’, so when the Offer of Terms arrived, it had an exclusion for ovarian and breast cancer and a +50% premium loading.

We immediately challenged these terms, on the grounds that the client is now age 50 and any risk associated with ovarian cancer was now at normal levels for her age. The underwriter immediately agreed, removing both the exclusion and the premium loading.

What factors influenced this successful outcome?

• Having an insurance adviser who presents a sound case for their client and is professionally respected by the underwriters.

• Working with an insurance company that is open to negotiation when presented with evidence that the underwriting decision was unduly conservative.

In this case, we are delighted that our client now has full cover at standard rates.

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

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 website.

Empowered together

For Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Awareness Week 2025 we put the spotlight on support for and empowerment of people and communities. The theme is ‘Awhi mai, awhi atu – empowered together’. It reflects the role of the CAB as a place where the community comes together in the spirit of receiving and giving support and being empowered together.

This role the CAB plays in the community forms an important part of the social fabric of New Zealand. Daily life can bring us all questions or issues that are tricky to deal with on our own, so it’s good to have somewhere you can go for free and confidential help. It’s also good to have a place where people can give back to their community, learn lots of new skills and be part of a team helping others. CAB is that place.

This year’s awareness week theme also

reflected the idea of supporting and empowering people both individually and collectively. At CAB, we awhi (show support for) our clients with information and advice and connecting them with specialist services. We awhi our communities by advocating, based on what we learn from working with our clients, for laws and policies that will better protect people’s human rights and wellbeing.

Over the past year CAB volunteers and staff have been working hard, responding to over 220,000 enquiries from the public on topics including tenancy, employment, consumer purchases, immigration issues, the justice system, relationship issues and more. CABNZ (CAB’s national body) has spoken out on social justice issues including those that affect Māori, renters, migrant workers, consumers, people on income support and people who experience digital exclusion.

CAB Awareness Week was a wonderful opportunity for the organisation to take some time to celebrate the work we do and profile to the community the help and services we offer. We are here to help anyone with anything, and the assistance is free, confidential, and non-judgemental –and you don’t have to be a NZ citizen to get our help either.

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

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

An overnight solution to clear vision Without daytime glasses!

Imagine waking up, taking out your contact lenses and seeing clearly all day – without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. Sounds like magic, right? Well, there’s now a product called Ortho-K that does just that.

How does Ortho-K work?

Ortho-K (short for Orthokeratology) involves specially designed contact lenses that gently reshape the surface of your eye while you sleep. You pop them in before bed and let them work their magic overnight and wake up with crisp, clear vision. It’s completely non-surgical, safe, and perfect for people with active lifestyles.

Who is Ortho-K best for?

Ortho-K is a good option for:

• kids and teens with myopia (shortsightedness) – not only does Ortho-K correct vision, it also helps slow the progression of myopia, protecting long-term eye health

• sporty and active kids – with activities such as surf life saving, soccer, swimming, or dance, Ortho-K gives kids the freedom to run, jump, and dive without worrying about their glasses falling off

• anyone who’s over glasses and contacts – if

you don’t love the idea of wearing contacts all day or dealing with foggy glasses, Ortho-K could a game-changer for you

The benefits of Ortho-K include:

• no glasses or daytime lenses being needed

• the myopia control benefits

• being a non-surgical and reversible solution

• being perfect for active lifestyles

Ortho-K is an easy, safe and effective option that will help you enjoy clear vision all day. So if you’ve been dreaming about waking up and seeing the world with no glasses required, this technology is pretty amazing and could be a good solution for you. If you’d like to find out if your prescription is suitable to correct with Ortho K get in touch with us at Orewa Optics.

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

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

Dealing with uncertainty

If you’re anything like me, you much prefer a sense of control and certainty over events. At the risk of sounding like a complete control freak I even prefer watching movies I’ve already seen so I have certainty about the quality of the plot! The trouble with having a penchant for control and certainty is that we rarely ever have it so we can become consumed with worry about the what ifs. This can lead to over-thinking, rumination and can be destructive to relationships.

So, what can those of us with these tendencies do to become more ‘go with the flow’ and less ‘I need to know’? One of the hardest but most obvious approaches is to accept that life cannot be controlled and that as much as we would like to, we cannot demand that life go the way we plan. Any such demand would be futile since life tends to make its own plans. Developing a more accepting attitude requires a change in belief about what we can handle, since many of us don’t realise we are walking around with a negative self-belief that says, ‘If … happens I won’t handle it’. Thankfully, we now know that our brain patterns can be changed and we can learn to become more emotionally resilient and open to acceptance.

Some strategies you can use to develop the skill of acceptance are:

• challenging the idea that you can control life situations

• reflecting on times you faced unexpected and challenging situations and note the internal resources you were able to rely on

• challenging the idea that you can’t handle adversity … change the narrative when you notice negative self-talk arising

• exposing yourself to the anxiety of uncertainty and lack of control

One practical way to practice this is by making small decisions without overanalysing—flip a coin and go with the result. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but over time your brain will build new pathways. Letting go of the need for certainty and control doesn’t mean giving up on goals or planning. It means accepting that uncertainty is a part of life and trusting yourself to navigate it.

Mandy Bradshaw | Counsellor and Coach millymandz@gmail.com | 0272 880178

ART SPEAK

Another year for the popular Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards

Estuary Arts will be hosting the 11th annual Hibiscus and Bays Art Awards, open to all New Zealand artists from anywhere in the country. A wide range of art media will be on display. There are four award categories. Two are outstanding artist awards, one in 2D (flat wall displayed artwork such as painting, drawing, printmaking) and the other in 3D (sculptural work). The third category is the Maori Art Award, sponsored by our local Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae. Finally, there is a youth award for a young artist aged between 16 and 21 years.

Part of the prize package for all four award winning artists includes an exhibition here at Estuary Arts in 2026. Further merit prizes are awarded by the selected judges at their discretion. The exhibition runs for the month of April, so please pop on down to view this show and vote for your favourite artwork. The winning artist will be announced at the conclusion of the exhibition, at the end of April. This event would not be possible without the generous sponsorship from the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, Creative Communities Scheme and art businesses who sponsor prizes for the artists.

If you have ever wanted to visit the stunning Gibbs Farm, you can help EAC fundraise for our youth arts by purchasing your ticket for a fantastic day out on Thursday, 10 April from 10am to 2pm to view and enjoy colossal sculptures overlooking the magnificent Kaipara.

April brings another fun and full School Holiday Arts programme for children aged 5 years and up, as well as specialist classes aimed at teens. Running over two weeks from 14 to 24 April the programme offers a range of short introductory two-hour classes and longer, intensive one-day programmes in a range of artist media from painting, drawing, mixed media and textiles to printmaking and clay sculpture.

Following the intensive school holiday programme will be term two programme. All after school and adult term classes as well as weekend workshops are now available to book online.

All of our art programmes have limited numbers in each class so pre-booking is essential. To book into a class or find out more about the exhibitions pop into the Centre which is located at 214B Hibiscus Coast Highway, or contact one of the staff on 09 426 5570 or email manager@estuaryarts.org. The website has all details www.estuaryarts.org

Join us on Facebook and Instagram to get up to date posts of what’s on.

Kim Jennifer Boyd | Centre Manager

Pooches on parade

On a recent Saturday morning visit to Orewa Beach we couldn’t help snapping a few pics of these gorgeous pups living their best lives running about with their owners in the surf and sand.

Barney with owner Rob

Rob and Barney are locals and they come down for a walk on Orewa Beach twice a day. Barney’s favourite things at the beach is playing in the water and sniffing out all the smells.

Willow with owner Yvonne

Yvonne lives in Torbay but comes up to Orewa Beach with Willow about once a week because it’s a good place to meet friends and the long beach makes it a good place for a walk.

Bella with owners Lisa, Sophie and Clinton

This local lot love the open space of Orewa Beach, so that Bella can have plenty of freedom to have a good run about.

George and Jadie with owners Rodney and Diana

This awesome foursome live in Millwater and come down to Orewa Beach for a walk because there’s so much room and there’s always lots of lovely dogs and nice people about.

Oslow with owner Jess

Even though Jess and Oslow are locals they don’t come for a walk on the beach that often, but when they do Oslow loves to dig the sand.

Loral and Chichi with owners Jamie, Aylissa, Abbey, Alex and Michelle

These visitors the Coast were enjoying our gorgeous beach and letting their four-legged friends have a good run around in all the open space.

Alfie and Olivia are locals. They come to the beach several times a week because Alfie is getting on a bit now and the soft, flat sand is nice and easy for him to walk on.

Alfie with owner Olivia

Photos by Riley Nevans and Gemma Dunn

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL

Why Sri Lanka is a hot holiday destination

Our community is so lucky to live in such a gorgeous spot, but this means when we go away on holiday it needs to be to somewhere really special. If you’re looking for your next dream getaway, let me

introduce you to somewhere that definitely fits the bill – Sri Lanka, a tropical gem that’s been making waves as one of the hottest holiday destinations for 2025/2026.

With its dreamy beaches, fascinating culture and laid-back vibe, it’s a place that’s got something for everyone. I should know – I am from there!

First off, let’s talk beaches. If you’re a fan of sun, sand, and sea like most locals are, Sri Lanka’s coastline is perfect for you. From the chill vibes of Mirissa to the iconic shores of Unawatuna, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots to relax and soak up the sun. Whether you’re into surfing, snorkeling or just sipping a cocktail by the beach, the island’s warm waters and year-round sunshine make it a beach lover’s paradise.

But Sri Lanka is so much more than just a beach destination. This island is bursting with history and culture. You can step back in time by exploring ancient cities like Anuradhapura, where you’ll find impressive

ruins and sacred sites. And don’t miss Kandy, home to the famous Temple of the Tooth, a must-see for anyone interested in Sri Lanka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Nature fans will also be in their element. From lush tea plantations to scenic national parks, Sri Lanka is a haven for outdoor adventures. Head to Yala National Park for a safari experience, where you might spot a leopard or two, or take a hike through the stunning Horton Plains and catch views from the World’s End cliff.

And let’s not forget the food – Sri Lankan cuisine is a flavour explosion! Spicy curries, fresh seafood and tropical fruits will leave you craving more, and you can’t leave without trying some of the world’s best tea.

Contact me at susan@bucketlisttravel.co.nz if you would like more information on visiting Sri Lanka or joining us on an escorted tour in 2026!

Over 50s Singles Night THE FICTION SPOT

By Paula Kora

The energy in the room was almost enough to send the bottles of spirits vibrating on their shelves. When we ordered drinks we were invited to pick a numbered ping-pong ball from a tall glass jar at one end of the bar.

“Is this like the Easter Show?” Melanie asked as she hand-picked number 13. “We get to shove this into the gob of the clown we fancy?”

“No,” the barman chuckled. “At the end of the night you’ll be paired with a male who’s got the same number. If you arrange a date for tomorrow at Café Zero next door, you’ll get free coffees and muffins. “What’s you’re lucky number girl?” Melanie asked. “One,” I lied. There wasn’t a number in the world that had ever been lucky for me.

The air in the room was an assault on my olfactory…perfumes so heavy that I was in danger, despite the buzz, of falling into an involuntary coma, and spicy colognes that reminded me of the souks of Oman. Some men stood in groups, soldier straight, stomachs sucked in, flashing veneers that would make a horse envious, and thick necks vulgar with gold chains. Some of the women were just as ostentatious… nails that could rake a lawn, shades of red lipstick smudging their teeth, lips bloated from a recent botox overdose, and dangly earrings that dragged their earlobes south.

Melanie led the way. She introduced us to a couple of men at a table by the bar. They weren’t participating in the matchmaking, preferring instead to be silent observers. I found them to be polite and humorous and I stayed with them all night. Melanie on the other hand, being the serial dater she was, periodically excused herself to work the room. Later on we met up in the toilets.

“Have you seen that dickhead that looks like Trump?” she asked. I had. He glowed Halloween orange in the darkened room. “Hope like hell I don’t get him at the end of the night,” she added.

At 11pm the lights went down and under a spotlight the compere lined up the men. One by one they were being paired off with their counterparts. Melanie gave me the thumbs up. She was pleased with her number 13 guy. Sweat prickled my armpits as it got down to the last two men. One was so drunk he could hardly stand and the other was the ‘Trump’ lookalike. One of these was to be my match. Suddenly the drunk lurched forward tearing his shirt open exposing a carpet of tight curly grey hair.

“Numero Uno,” he shouted. “Come to Papa baby!”

Every muscle in my body seized. The drunk shaded his eyes and peered into the darkness.

“She left early mate, family emergency.” Melanie’s voice. Oh Thank God!

I shrank into my chair. It was the first time I’d been to one of these events and I vowed it would be the last because yet again, and true to form, I had picked a wrong number.

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

+64274440044

sarah@kddesign.co.nz

kddesign.co.nz

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

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

Silverdale Pioneer Festival 2025

Saturday, 5 April from 2pm to 6pm

The Silverdale Pioneer Village will join with the Silverdale Business Association to bring you the Silverdale Pioneer festival, a new annual festival to celebrate the heritage of our region while also strengthening connections within our business and residential communities.

The inaugural festival in 2025 will include:

• live music

• market stalls

• local food and drink

• dress up competition

Mother’s

Day High Tea

Sunday, 11 May

A special Mother’s Day high tea will take place in the parsonage. This will be a prebooked event at a cost of $35 per head. Bookings open 14 April. For details on how to book go to www.silverdalepioneervillage.com

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

Some of the delights on offer at the shop include:

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

• beautiful hand-crafted gifts for Christmas

• toys, jams and preserves

Come for a day, experience a lifetime.

Easter Bunny Hunt

Saturday, 19 April (Easter Saturday)

The much-loved annual Easter celebration, Bunny Hunt in the Village. Devonshire teas will be available to buy in the Parsonage for $8 per head. Admission by donation.

WHAT'S ON HIBISCUS COAST

Hibiscus Coast Scottish Country Dance Club

Every Weds Silverdale Hall 7:00pm

Hibiscus Coast Artists Group

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

Shana 021 650 184

Hibiscus Coast Rock & Roll

Every Tues. W’poa Hall 7pm lessons. 8pm general dancing. Wear soft sole flat shoes. See website & Facebook

Dance Fitness Class

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

Puhoi Celtic Sessions

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

Suicide Bereavement

Support

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

Susan 021 884 162

Orewa Garden Club

2nd Thurs of month

Feb–Nov 12.30–3pm. St John’s Catholic Church Hall, Orewa>Visitors welcome.

Valma 021 0634852

Hibiscus Coast Orchid Society

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

St Chad Market

1st Sat of every month

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

Ukelele Classes

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

Avon Hansen-Beadle 021 421 109

Hibiscus Coast Concert Band

Every 2nd Thurs

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

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

Hibiscus Coast Embroidery Guild

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

Red Beach Combined Club

3rd Wed of every month

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

Hibiscus Coast Country Music Club

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

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

Millwater parkrun Every Sat 8am

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

HBC Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren

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

HBC Senior Citizens Assn. Inc. Meet Tues for Indoor bowls & cards @ Orewa Community Hall. 12-4pm. Membership $5/yr. $2 entry includes afternoon tea. Edna Tibble 0272975554

Silverdale Ballroom Studio

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

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

Silverdale Village Market

Every Sat 8am -1pm Silverdale St Silverdale

Hibiscus Coast MidWeek Badminton Club

Every Weds 9am-noon

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

Arts Group

Every school term Friday Orewa Community Church 235 HBC H’way. 9am-1pm $2 incl. morning tea Alan 021 039 7155

FREE Family history research advice

Mon/Wed/Thur & Sat 10-noon at W'poa Library. By Volunteers from HBC Genealogy Group. Garry on 021 902715 or garryphillips2010@gmail.com

Every Thurs Silverdale Hall 7pm. Adult & Improvers classes for beginners & social dancers. 021 031 4216 Kiwi Club 4th Sun of each month. Social Dance 5-8pm, all welcome. Silverdale Hall.

Pioneer Dance club

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

Line Dance Classes

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

Travel Club with Bucket List Travel.

2nd Tues of every month (Feb-Nov) 9:45am–11am @ Red Beach SurfLifesaving Club. Michelle 094261490

Hibiscus Coast Friendship Club

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

Hibiscus Petanque Club

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

10 pin Bowling for Seniors W’poa Bowling Centre, Arkles Bay. Looking for senior players to join club for league games. Mon & Fri 10am. Lots of fun and advice. Brett 0210530905

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

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

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

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

Trent Lash 0220 606 199

Orewa Lions Club 1st & 3rd Weds 6.30pm (7pm start) @ St Chads Hall 117 Centreway Road, Orewa. Wendy 021 841 125, orewalionsclub@ gmail.com

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

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

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL

Fashion / Art / Gifts Homewares

Estuary Arts 09 426 5570

Shore Designs 021 201 4081

Food, Entertainment, Sport & Recreation

Ardent Performing Arts (tickets via Centrestage) 09 426 7282

Clara Café 021 210 4475

Clay Silverdale www.claysilverdale.com

Joe’s Garage 09 869 2924

sKids Holiday Programme 021 047 4834

Urban India Silverdale 09 426 5727

Mitre 10 MEGA Silverdale 09 426 0760

Refresh Renovations 0800 215 216

Shades Direct 0800 742 337

The Kitchen People 09 424 3468

TK Revive 027 677 0747

Harbour Hospice 021 226 2741

HBC Community House 09 426 3598

Silverdale Business Association 021 595 048

Silverdale Community Trust debbie@silverdale.org.nz

Real Estate

Anita Dobson at Harcourts 021 337 093

Health & Well-Being, Fitness & Beauty

Online Counselling & Coaching 027 288 0178

Insurance / FinanceBusiness Services

KD Design sarah@kddesign.co.nz

UProtectNZ Insurance Services 027 248 9320

Wayne Henry Mortgages 0800WHENRY

Medical / Dental Optometrist

Orewa Optics 09 426 6646

Visique Hawkins Optometrist 09 426 5308

Waitemata Endoscopy 09 925 4449

Retirement Living

The Botanic 0508 268 264

Summerset Milldale 09 304 1632

Home, Garden & Design

Gatmans Mowers & More 0800 800 960

Legal

Davenports Law 09 883 3283

Simpson Western North 09 421 0559

Local Government, Council & Community

Forrest Funeral Services 09 426 7950

Motoring / Boating Transport

First Auto Electrical 09 427 5748

Rodney Auto Centre 09 426 5016

Silverdale Car Services 09 421 1413

Tutoring & Education

Tutoring to success tutoringtosuccess.co.nz

Printing

Treehouse Print ryan@treehouseprint.co.nz

LOCAL RECIPES

Savoury muffins

Ingredients

2 ½ cups of white flour

1 ½ tsp Vegeta stock

1 ½ Tbsp baking powder

1 tsp fresh herbs (chives, Italian parsley, basil) or dried mixed

1 ½ small diced medium vine ripened tomatoes

2 thin sliced spring-onions

½ small diced red capsicum

180g crumbed Danish/Greek feta

90g grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese

80g shredded baby spinach (chiffonade)

150ml sunflower oil or similar

400ml milk or soya milk

Grated cheese, pumpkin seeds (for the top)

Method

Mix the flour, baking powder, Vegeta and fresh or mixed herbs together until well combined in a large bowl. Add the feta, grated cheese, sliced spring onions, chopped tomatoes, capsicum and shredded baby spinach. Mix well.

Add the milk and oil all at once and gently mix until well combined. Don’t overmix as this will make the muffins stodgy and dense. This consistency should be a thick dropping consistency.

Place into a well-oiled muffin tin (8 large or 12 medium). Place a sprinkle of cheese and/or pumpkin seeds on each muffin.

Bake in a preheated 180°C oven on fan forced for around 40 minutes for large and 25 minutes for medium or until cooked in the middle.

You may need to release with a knife around the edge of the mould if they stick due to the melted cheese. Be gentle and patent when removing them.

Keep in an air-tight container in the pantry for two days. To serve, warm slightly in the microwave.

To make these savoury muffins vegan, just add soya milk and vegan cheese.

Mark Lane | www.culinarylane.co.nz

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

Brussels sprout and bacon frittata

Ingredients

250g bacon, diced

2 small to medium shallots, halved and thinly sliced

250g brussels sprouts, halved and sliced

½cm thick

Salt

Freshly ground pepper

8 large eggs

2 Tbsp whole milk or cream

1 cup shredded gruyère cheese

¼ cup snipped chives, divided

Method

Preheat your oven to 230°C and position a rack 15cm from the heat.

In a 30cm ovenproof frying pan, cook the bacon over a moderately high heat, stirring occasionally until darker in colour and almost fully crisp, about 3 minutes. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the brussels sprouts, season with salt and pepper and cook, tossing occasionally, until crisp-tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt (taste a piece of the bacon; if it’s really salty, you might be fine with ½ teaspoon) and ¼ teaspoon of pepper. Stir in the shredded cheese and half the chives.

Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and cook over moderate heat, stirring gently, until the eggs start to set, about 1 minute, and then a few minutes more, until the bottom is lightly browned, about 4 more minutes.

Transfer to the hot oven and cook until the top is a deep golden brown and the eggs are just set in the centre, about 5 minutes, but keep an eye on it. Poke a knife in a couple places to see if any runny egg spills out; if it’s still runny, return it to the oven for another 1 to 2 minutes. Scatter remaining chives on top and finish with a few grinds of pepper.

If you’d like, run a rubber spatula around the edge of the frittata and slide it onto a serving plate, then cut it into 6 pieces and serve. Or, you can serve it directly from the frying pan.

Source: www.smittenkitchen.com

at Ōrewa Library WHAT'S ON

In the community centre

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

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

Regular programmes

Monthly

Book Chat: Wednesday, 2 April at 10.30am in the supper room

Weekly adult programmes

Craft group: Wednesdays 2, 9 and 30 April at 9:30am in the supper room (first Wednesday of the month in the main hall)

BrainCharge: Wednesdays 2, 9 and 30 April from 11am to 12pm in the supper room (first Wednesday of the month in the main hall)

Weekly children’s programmes

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

Term time only.

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

Term time only.

Thursday 17 April | Easter Candle & Craft | 2.00pm - 3.00pm

Come and decorate your own Easter Candle. Use our awesome new paint pens to create your own design. We will also have some bobble head bunnies and Easter cards you can make.

Wednesday 23 April | Anzac Biscuits | 2.00pm - 3.00pm

Learn about Anzac Day, make an Anzac biscuit and a Poppy to take home.

Thursday 24 April | Auckland Zoo Team at Ōrewa Library | 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Calling all junior palaeontologists… Auckland Zoo and Auckland Council Libraries are joining forces to deliver FREE conservation learning sessions across Tāmaki Makaurau. Travel back in time to feel fossils, explore ancient eggs, and learn about prehistoric giants that once roamed the Earth. Then, dig your way to the Dinosaur Discovery Track at the Zoo and put your knowledge to the test!

On The Bus: Colouring, Word Finds and Anzac Acrostic Poem.

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

Apartments selling now

New villas under construction

Two bedroom, two bathroom apartments priced from $895k

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

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

VISIT OUR SHOW HOME Monday to Saturday, 11–3pm Apt. G09, Nikau Apartments 2 Evergreen Drive, Silverdale

PHONE OUR SALES TEAM 0508 268 264