Times/EastLife - 13 March 2024

Chiefs hold out Blues

Chiefs Manawa dominated in its match against the Blues Women’s in Round 2 of Super Rugby Aupiki at Bell Park on Saturday.

The Chiefs ruled the first half with legend Ruby Tui opening up the scoring with a gritty try in the corner in the sixth minute.

Black Fern star Grace Steinmetz pushed through for well-earned try in the 13th minute for the Chiefs. A conversion put the Manawa at 12-0, which remained that way at half time.

The Blues Women came out hard in the second half with much better attacks before Tafito Lafaele went over to put the Blues on the board after 3 minutes. Mel Puckett scored not too long after to put the Blues Women at 12-10.

A kick up-field by the Manawa was swatted back in by the Blues but an ugly bounce rewarded the Chief’s Grace Kukutai chase with a try to put the visitors up 17-10, the final result.

A Blues try three minutes from the end was disallowed because of knock-on. The Blues areat Bell Park again this weekend against Hurricanes Poua with kick off at 2:05pm.

Police car damaged in crash

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

A police car was left badly damaged after being involved in a crash on Pakuranga Road near an entrance to Lloyd Elsmore Park on Tuesday morning.

A photo posted to social media shows the front of the police Skoda smashed with pieces of the vehicle lying on the road in front of it.

Police were contacted for comment but did not respond by deadline. Meanwhile, two suspects have been arrested and a search for a third is under way following another burglary in east Auckland.

Counties Manukau East Police Inspector Rakana Cook,

says a group of offenders entered a superette in Bucklands Beach just after 3pm on Monday. “Three offenders have entered the store and one of them has jumped over the counter, stolen a cashbox and fled on foot.

“Thankfully no one was injured during the incident and while no threats were made to the worker inside, the incident has left them understandably shaken.”

Cook says a member of the public observed the movements of the alleged offenders and police were able to track them to a nearby address.

“Our officers took two males into custody without further incident and we were able to

recover the cashbox from the address as well.

“Thanks to a concerned member of the community who contacted 111, we were able to bring this matter to a swift conclusion.”

Cook says two people, aged 19 and 20, are due to appear in Manukau District Court on March 19 charged with burglary. “Police are also following positive lines of enquiry to locate the third offender.”

The police car was involved in a crash on Pakuranga Road on March 12. Photo supplied Rose Clark

Action from the match on Saturday, above, and, below, local students get signatures at the Captain’s Run at Bell Park on Friday. Photos Wayne Martin

CHURCH CHIPS IN TO HELP PEOPLE ACCESS MORE AFFORDABLE FOOD

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

How does a large bag full of fresh fruit and vegetables for just $15 sound?

That’s what an east Auckland church is serving up to give locals access to affordable food.

St Columba Presbyterian Church in Botany is involved with the Foodtogether initiative, a New Zealand social enterprise founded by a vicar as a way to “improve accessibility and affordability of healthy fresh produce”.

It’s run at locations around the country by non-Governmental organisations, churches, community groups and schools.

St Columba’s participation in Foodtogether is co-ordinated by Lynley Scott and her father John Cook with help from a group of keen volunteers.

“It was something we felt we could do and we had the space and the people,” Scott told the Times. “We knew of other places that had been accessing it or had been offering this sort of thing so we looked into it and found Foodtogether.”

LEAD STORY

Each Wednesday morning the church’s volunteers fill the bags with fresh fruit and veggies.

They can be pre-booked and are sold for $15 but have an estimated value of about $23-28.

People then drop in to collect their order from 11.30am to 1pm the same day.

Among the items the bags may contain are cabbages, potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, bananas, watermelons, plums and apples.

“And then there’s add-ons like blueberries, rock melon, lettuce and cherry tomatoes,” Scott says.

“Occasionally we’ll have eggs, which are way cheaper than in the supermarket.”

Scott says the church gets a list of what will be in that week’s bag on a Monday and posts it on its Facebook page.

People need to pre-order a bag by Tuesday lunchtime to guarantee they’ll get one the next day.

They can also choose to drop in on Wednesday morning without pre-ordering if they prefer.

Scott says the church sells 30-40 bags of food per week but is keen to do more.

“The reason we loved this model is it’s for everyone. It’s not just for people who can’t afford [to shop elsewhere].

“We’ve had some people come through who are struggling to afford things but everyone wants to be able to support local.”

A lot of people will buy one bag for the week while those with bigger families buy two, she says.

“Some people find this is their primary shop and then they’ll add on additional things from their local fruit and veggie shop. We’re seeing a lot of people buying two, with one to give away.

“If they know someone who’s going through a rough time or struggling financially, we’re seeing people buying two bags because they feel it’s an easy, practical, cost-effective way to bless someone else.”

The church’s minister, Reverend Caleb Hardie, says it wants to be a place not just for worship

“but also somewhere people can gather during the week for a sense of community”.

“The food pop-up is a great opportunity for that. It’s a practical need and it provides fruit and vegetables at a more affordable price, which we can all do with.”

He says the church’s Foodtogether volunteers are a friendly group and the system is straightforward. “If they want to talk to someone they can but they’re coming here for fruit and veggies and a smiling face. There’s no expectation from us for this to be anything more than that.”

People and businesses who want to support St Columba’s participation in Foodtogether can contact Lynley Scott via the church on 09 274 4864 or email office@stcolumba.org.nz.

The church’s Foodtogether Facebook page is at www.facebook.com/groups/foodtogetherpopupstcolumba. To order a bag of fruit and veggies, go online to www.foodtogether.co.nz.

Another Foodtogether pop-up operates from 2-4pm each Friday at 59 Third View Avenue, Beachlands.

Driving St Columba Presbyterian Church’s participation in the Foodtogether initiative are, from left, Barton Blair, John Cook, Ngaire Leaning, Lynley Scott and Sandy Macfarlane. Times photo Wayne Martin

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100-day plan delivered

At the end of last year, I promised NZers that within its first 100 days, our Government would deliver on 49 actions critical to getting the country back on track.

Today, I am proud to say that we have delivered on every single one of those actions. Our Government has started the same way we mean to go on – ambitious for New Zealand.

I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved and I’m determined to keep pushing ahead with the positive changes New Zealanders voted for.

The actions in our 100-day plan made clear that this Government is laser-focused on rebuilding the economy, reducing the cost of living, restoring law and order and delivering better health and education.

After six years of economic mismanagement, we know that Kiwis are facing tough financial times. That’s why we’ve ensured that the Reserve Bank is now solely focused on keeping inflation down.

We’ve also axed the ute tax, repealed the Auckland regional fuel tax, and stopped all work on Labour’s jobs tax, which would have seen every New Zealander and employer hit with another tax to pay for a gold-plated income insurance scheme.

We’re making good on our

From the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

commitment to ensure that Kiwis are getting good value for the taxes they pay. That’s why we’ve asked Government agencies to scrutinise their spending and ensure nothing is wasted on actions that aren’t delivering results.

One thing this Government will not be cutting back on is our support of frontline services. Our police do an incredible job but have been working with one hand tied behind their back while gang membership, violent crime and retail crime have all increased dramatically over the previous six years.

Restoring law and order was a big focus of our 100-day plan. We are cracking down on gangs and have introduced laws to ban gang patches in public and give police greater powers to search gang members for illegal firearms.

Part of helping young people

start their lives on the right pathway is ensuring they receive a great education. That’s why we acted fast to ban the use of cell phones in schools and make sure that primary and intermediate students spend at least an hour every day on reading, writing and maths.

The 49th and final action in our 100-day plan was to announce five key health targets that will drive better health outcomes for New Zealanders. Targets include faster cancer treatment, improved immunisation rates for kids, shorter stays in emergency departments, shorter waits for first specialist assessments and shorter wait times for treatment.

We’ve also signed a memorandum of understanding with Waikato University to progress a third medical school – an important step in addressing our critical shortage of New Zealand-trained doctors.

This is just a snapshot of the actions we’ve already taken to turn around the decline of the last six years.

Turning the country around is a big job, and it’s not going to happen overnight, but I am confident that our first 100 days have shown that we are serious about delivering for New Zealand.

 Christopher Luxon is the PrimeMinister&MPforBotany

KAY TO DELIVER GUITAR POP-UPS

Dylan Kay has been awarded an Arts Out East grant for his One Finger Guitarist project. The project will see Kay performing a series of short pop-up slide guitar performances in and around Howick for NZ Music Month in May. Connecting local businesses and the community, Kay’s original take on solo slide guitar will both challenge and entertain, as he plays origi-

nal compositions and a few favourites.

The performances will take place in local retail and hospitality venues over a two-week period in May. More details of the performances will be released nearer the time.

This is a project funded by Arts Out East, supported by Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.

You can follow One Finger Guitarist on Instagram instagram.com/onefingerguitarist/.

Local guitarist

Local guitarist Dylan Kay

PARENTS DETERMINE THEIR CHILD’S BELIEFS

[Re: Guidelines are evidence-based, Times, March 6], the problem with RSE [relationships and sexuality guidelines] and pronoun policies are that they teach ideology as fact:

• that biological sex is assigned/changeable;

• that disagreement is hateful/transphobic;

• that gender distress requires affirmation (social transition, blockers, hormones, organ removal).

Gender ideology is known to harm children.

Gay allies are among some of its strongest opponents.

UK MP Kemi Badenoch says, “young gay children are being told that they are trans and being put on a medical pathway for irreversible decisions, and they are regretting it. … I am making sure that they do not find themselves being sterilised because they are being exploited”.

WPATH’s [World Professional Association for Transgender Health] arm, PATHA, is New Zealand’s authority on gender care. Internal leaked videos have exposed WPATH doctors acknowledging that hormonal treatments cause cancer, that kids don’t understand treatment implications and there are no controls to compare their experimentation.

“Eunuch” (self-castrating male) is a legitimate gender identity (Standards of Care 8). Regret of patients from treatment is considered part of their gender “journey”.

Schools should be respectful places where bullying is not tolerated.

Parents have diverse views, and the right to determine their child’s beliefs (Care of Children Act).

Teachers must respect the diversity of all learners (Code of Responsibility).

However, panic about

bullying does not justify policy that guides children into permanent decisions they may regret.

It is also a failure of child safeguarding to use indoctrination and false accusations of transphobia, to guide young children into pseudoscientific treatments and harm.

Katherine Chua, Mellons Bay School parent

PLANE AND SIMPLE

The All Blacks have an astounding entourage of 21 people.

Is it possible, with numbers of that magnitude, they could come to an arrangement with the Prime Minister and go 50:50 in sharing the cost of a new plane to get them around.

Bary Williams, Sunnyhills

WHAT GOES AROUND…

Auckland Transport lashes out at KiwiRail for trains cancelled by overheated tracks, and Mayor Wayne Brown raged at Auckland Transport for losing the plot with $500,000 raised crossings.

Isn’t there a bit of hypocrisy here somewhere?

Bob Wichman, Botany

REMOVAL OF COCKLE BAY BUS STOP

I am dismayed to see that the bus stop outside 74 Cockle Bay road has been removed by, I can only assume, Auckland Transport.

This stop has a dedicated shoulder for the bus to pull into, minimising traffic disruption and is conveniently located half way up Cockle Bay Road.

At a time when New Zealanders are being called out of their cars and onto public transport, why would we be reducing the number of bus stops and creating another barrier to use?

This sounds like the decision making of the same bureaucrat that’s removed many of our local rubbish bins. What’s the next thing to go - traffic lights?

Rochelle Molloy

WHEN IS A STOP SIGN NOT A STOP SIGN?

Part of my duties while assisting at the Auckland Brit & Euro Classic Car Show was to stand at the Cascades Road exit from Lloyd Elsmore Park.

There is a compulsory stop sign there which was being ignored. In one 15-minute spell I saw 41 cars leave without stopping.

Most were cars that had been on display.

Clearly a knowledge of the road rules is not required by drivers of cars of this type.

Gil Laurenson

WHERE IS BRITOMART?

Auckland Transport has started renaming Britomart station Waitemata.

Nowhere on signage, maps or timetables does it indicate where Britomart/Waitemata actually is. Countless times, I have had to help tourists with identifying where the Auckland City station is located.

It would be preferable if these items were to state “Auckland City (Britomart/ Waitemata)”.

Dave Ronson, Pakuranga Heights

Some have never been on the sea before. Some have never been in a boat before. Some don’t know what a yacht is, so attending a Howick Sailing Club ‘Learn to Sail’ day is a unique experience for these children of new migrants to New Zealand. They are just part of a new programme being run by the sailing club for the Freemasons of Lodge Howick through local schools where whole classes spend a day at the club at Howick Beach with yachts and kayaks and learning the way these craft are built and float and steered. A barbecue lunch is thrown in

too. This opportunity is not always available for all, where costs have to be covered and fees paid.

Freemasons are wellknown for their charitable work throughout New Zealand especially in their care for the aged and disabled, but Freemasons of the Howick Lodge have taken a different step with this popular introduction-to-sailing course.

Allan Boyce, a past member of the sailing club and current Master of the Lodge, said, “The lodge has a very active charity programme and most of our donations are directed at our own local community. In this case, helping these kids

to acclimatise to their new homes seemed very appropriate.”

The 95-year-old sailing club is proud to have seen many of New Zealand’s most successful yachties pass through its care. And many everyday ones have been members of the Howick Lodge including one or two commodores.

The programme is based on offering local intermediate schools the opportunity for all pupils to participate at no cost to parents and is at trial stage. But from the reaction by both schools and kids, there’s every chance that Howick will remain a yachties centre for quite a while yet.

New kids learn ropes of sailing CAB Awareness Week, March 11-17

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Howick Sailing Club Commodore, Renata Money, receives a lodge donation from Master Allan Boyce.

Auckland Council faces off with Govt over Busway

„

By

LAURA KVIGSTAD,

Auckland Council reporter, funded by New Zealand on Air

Auckland Council is calling on the Government to fund the Eastern Busway after pigeonholing what council can do with the remaining Regional Fuel Tax funds.

At council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee on March 7, Auckland Transport (AT) presented its proposed plans for the remaining $360 million of funding from the Regional Fuel Tax (RFT).

When Government repealed the tax it stipulated the remaining funds could only be spent on three of the categories: the Eastern Busway, electric trains and stabling, and road corridor improvements.

AT’s chief financial officer Mark Laing said there were originally 14 categories that funding could be spent on. “Do we just look at reprioritising RFT funded projects or the entire capital program. Our strong preference is to do the second – we don’t want the funding to be the tail that

wags the dog.”

AT proposed $210 million of funds be used towards the Eastern Busway, $75 million towards electric trains and stabling and $75 million towards road corridor improvements.

Cr Julie Fairey said the Eastern Busway was highly controversial and questioned why the bulk of the remaining funding was being put towards it. “Electric trains and stabling make sense to me but the [Eastern Busway] deserves much more robust

advice,” Fairey said.

AT chief executive officer Dean Kimpton said the contracts for the busway were already under way. “If we stopped it today and did not start again the minimum cost of doing so would be $50 million,” Kimpton said.

He disagreed there was a lack of community support for the Eastern Busway.

“I know there is some contention with some individuals but to be honest I don’t think we’re reading the room at all well if we

think there’s a lot of opposition to the Eastern Busway. If you want to call the bluff and say you are not going to support – then the outcome will be the outcome.”

Fairey put forward an amendment seeking Government to fully fund stages two and three of the Eastern Busway. “Central Government is effectively telling us what we will and won’t prioritise in our own city,” Fairey said. She said if the project was so important to Government then it should pay for it. “[This] gives us a chance to say back to Government ‘actually Auckland Council, Auckland residents decide our own destiny’.”

Cr Shane Henderson said he felt frustrated and disempowered.

“We are being told what to do with what we have left. We are moving way too fast here. We have not even had a chance as a group of councillors to have a yarn about the implications of all of this until today. That’s pretty chilling,” Henderson said.

Cr Chris Darby said east Auckland was totally poverty stricken when it came to public transport.

“It is with some wry amuse-

ment that suddenly the Government has fallen in love with the Eastern Busway,” Darby said.

“We need to knock on the door of Government and say these are the consequences of your decision on the Regional Fuel Tax. More people will die and be seriously injured, fewer people will be taking public transport, there will be endless congestion.”

Cr Daniel Newman said when Government took over the Mill Road project the result was disastrous and he did not want to see a repeat.

“I can absolutely understand that people are unhappy about the changing landscape of politics and Parliament but the advice from the staff is this is not the project to step back from.”

Cr Josephine Bartley said she didn’t want to jeopardise the Eastern Busway in order to send a message to Government. “I can also respect the position councillors are trying to take,” Bartley said.

Fairey’s amendment was passed with 11 votes in favour, six votes against and three abstentions.

Auckland Transport proposed $210 million of funds be used towards the Eastern Busway, pictured, $75 million towards electric trains and stabling and $75 million towards road corridor improvements. Image supplied

Quarterly income measure of GDP to go official in March “

Q• GDP (income) (GDPI)

•

•

•

•

An experimental meas-

of GDPI has been

The production measure of GDP is our headline measure of economic activity and is published in real (inflation adjusted) terms

JASON ATTEWELL

published on the Stats experimental page since the March, 2021, quarter, as part of the quarterly release of National

accounts (income, saving, assets, and liabilities).

“These experimental GDP income statistics have been made available while still under development, to enable customers to use them and provide feedback,” economic and environmental insights general manager Jason Attewell said.

“We thank our customers for the feedback they have provided and for proving the usefulness of these statistics.”

Over the last two years, Stats NZ has developed the methodologies, systems and processes necessary to bring GDPI to an official status.

“This work, which

By Steve Buissinne /Pixabay

New Elliott 7 Fleet for RNZYS

Tstarted nearly a decade ago, is now complete and GDP income will be added to the Gross domestic product release [from March 21, 2024] and published alongside our existing GDP production and expenditure measures,” Attewell said. “The addition of GDP income to the official suite will provide our customers

with a timely and comprehensive view of the economy.”

There are three measures of GDP and conceptually they should all align – the production measure of GDP, expenditure on GDP and the income measure of GDP.

“The production measure of GDP is our head-

line measure of economic activity and is published in real (inflation adjusted) terms,” Attewell said.

All GDPI series are nominal (not adjusted for inflation) and are available in both actual and seasonally adjusted terms. Time series are available from the June, 2011, quarter onwards.

he Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) has taken delivery of 10 Elliott 7s for the Mastercard Youth Training Programme –and the old fleet has gone to Buckland’s Beach Yacht Club (BBYC).

Gifted by Emirates Team New Zealand to support the programme that has successfully created world class athletes, including some who are now part of Emirates Team New Zealand, the new fleet of Elliott 7s have arrived at their new berths where the next generation of elite athletes will carve their yachting future.

Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, announced to RNZYS members the new fleet will once again deliver opportunities to young sailors keen to embark on a world of professional sailing.

“We are especially proud and excited about the launch of the new fleet of Elliot 7’s,” explained Dalton.

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“As an organisation, our core objective is always firmly focused on one thing - winning the America’s Cup for New Zealand. However, it is always vitally impor-

tant to continue looking beyond that objective - to the future and ensuring the pipeline of top level Kiwi sailing talent is full.

“So investing in the new fleet is an investment in New Zealand’s future sailing talent through the world class RNZYS Youth Training Programme.”

The new fleet, fitted out with brand new North Sails and the latest in high performance technology, will not only be utilised for the Mastercard Youth Training Program and the Musto Performance Programme, but also for world class international and local match racing events.

The fleet will also race on Tuesday evenings as part of the ongoing E7 series, and the support the RNZYS’s ongoing work to support schools and youth within the community.

They were commissioned by Greg Elliott and built under supervision at MConaghy Boats in China and were fitted out at Yachting Development with the support of past commodore, Ian Cook and some of the Emirates Team New Zealand shore crew.

RNZYS vice commodore and chair of sailing, Gillian Williams was

part of the delivery crew who sailed the old fleet to BBYC on February 9.

“The fleet has done us proud and has produced world class sailors who have gone on to achieve great success around the world and we are excited to now have BBYC take on the boats, so they can enhance on their development programmes,” said Williams.

“It was time for RNZYS to upgrade with more international sailing and match racing events coming to the shores of the Waitemata Harbour. Now there will be 20 one-design Elliott 7s in Auckland, which means even more opportunities for sailors, and interclub regattas. It’s an exciting time,” said Williams.

Emirates Team New Zealand, who represent RNZYS, has the America’s Cup on display for members and visitors to admire. The America’s Cup is the oldest sporting trophy in the world, and NZ has claimed the Auld Mug four times –1995, 2000, 2017 and most recently in 2021. Their goal is to successfully defend the America’s Cup for an unprecedented 3rd time in a row in Barcelona in October this year.

Child, 12, busted in stolen car

Police arrested half-adozen people after being alerted to a stolen vehicle travelling through Highbrook in the early hours of March 5.

Those caught range in age from 12-19 years old.

At about 3.25am, police became aware of the stolen vehicle being driven along Great South Road.

Acting Inspector Steve Albrey, relieving area pre-

vention manager, says the police’s Eagle helicopter quickly spotted the vehicle while a patrol unit positioned themselves to stop it. “The vehicle was successfully spiked on Great South Road, Papatoetoe, and dumped nearby on Weston Avenue. However the six occupants have got out of the vehicle and fled on foot in different directions. Eagle has assisted

staff on the ground in locating all six, who were taken into custody without incident.”

A 19-year-old was to appear in the Manukau District Court on March 5 charged with unlawfully taking a vehicle.

Two 17-year-olds, a 15-year-old, 14-year-old and 12-year-old have been referred to Youth Aid Services.

Over the last two years, Stats NZ has developed the methodologies, systems and processes necessary to bring GDPI to an o cial status.

Principal determined to raise expectations

 By CHRIS HARROWELL

Dale Burden brings a desire to lift the expectations of his students, parents and teachers to his new role as Howick College’s principal.

He replaced Iva Ropati in the first term of 2023 when Ropati departed for a position in the Bay of Plenty.

Burden previously worked with Rivercrest and Hillcrest Colleges in Melbourne, Australia, as establishment director of their senior secondary campus.

His role before that was as executive principal at St Peter’s Cambridge in Waikato.

Burden describes the ending of his tenure at the secondary school as disappointing but says he enjoyed his time there and still has “really good relationships” with many of its families and staff.

He loved the job in Melbourne and views it as one of the best he’s had in his 33 years in the sector.

“It got to the point that either I was going to come back or my family was going to come over,” he says.

“My daughter had her last year at school last year and she was loving it. She wasn’t keen to do year 13 in Melbourne.”

That was the impetus for Burden to return to New Zealand.

“This one came up and what I knew about Howick College was it was a well-run school.

“I know quite a few people who have passed through it over the years and they all

spoke highly of it.

“It’s a great community with a lot of potential and it seemed like a good move.”

Burden says when he arrived at the school he found nothing that needed to be fixed straight away.

“I’ve gone into places previously where [you’d think] ‘well, that needs to be done immediately’, and there were lots of fires to put out, whereas here that wasn’t the case.”

He says it’s important for him to learn how the school runs and he’s worked to get to know its pupils, staff, the board of trustees and the local community.

“That’s probably been the most important thing I’ve done, and then once you get to know them you get to know the college.”

Burden believes if people in the education sector are standing still, “effectively you’re going backward, because every year there’s another 30 per cent of students coming into your school”.

That means he wants to

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maintain and strengthen the things Howick College is doing well.

“You’ve got to continue to make the education you’re providing the students with meaningful and relevant.

“We, along with the board and the staff, having consulted with the community and students, have formed a new strategic plan for the next three years.

“It’s not radically different, but what we’re doing is building on what we’re currently doing well, and I think the overall theme of it is lifting expectations.

“We can expect more from our students, our teachers, and parents and they can expect more from us.

“What I’ve found with teenagers is if you put the bar high, they’ll try and get over it, and even those who don’t get over it at the first attempt might at the second attempt.

“Even if they don’t get over it, at least by trying they’re improving from where they are currently.”

Watercare rules out Beachlands wastewater discharge

 By LAURA KVIGSTAD, Auckland Council reporter funded by New Zealand on Air

Watercare confirms a discharge pipeline into the Hauraki Gulf from Beachlands is now off the table.

Last year Watercare released a shortlist of options for an existing discharge consent for the Beachlands wastewater treatment plant that is due for renewal at the end of 2025.

At the Hauraki Gulf Forum on March 4, chief executive officer Alex Rogers confirmed that Watercare had emailed him days before the meeting, ruling out discharging wastewater from Beachlands into the Hauraki Gulf.

“They will not be pursuing the option of building a sewage pipeline into the Hauraki Gulf and that option is off the table,” Rogers said.

He said while the forum doesn’t have a decision-making authority in these kinds of matters, it can have an influential role.

Watercare reports the preferred option for Beachlands Wastewater Scheme to be diffusing discharge to a tributary of Te Puru Stream.

Dale Burden began his new role as Howick College principal in the rst term of 2023. Photo Wayne Martin

Weather holds for Funduro

Byron Scott and Alex Clark took out the overall male and female 6 Stage titles respectively at the Pohutukawa Coast Bike Club’s [PCBC] annual Funduro mountain biking event in Maraetai Forest on Saturday.

Taking the overall titles in the 4 Stage male and female events were Hugh Henshaw and Millie McPhail respectively. Around 200 riders were involved on the day.

The Funduro event has been running annually for the last seven years. The race is an enduro style event targeted at everyone who loves riding bikes. Riders have three hours to complete either four or six stages and they are only timed on the stages, not between stages. “It is a great format for everyone to enjoy and you don’t have to be super fit, although a little fitness helps,” said PCBC’s Mandy McDavitt.

“We had little rippers aged from six-years-old to well-seasoned legends (50+) and it was so great to see that half the competitors were under 18. It shows that organisations like PCBC youth academy and

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DE290123

Jaffa kids are providing the opportunity for young kids to get involved and grow in the sport.

“We normally don’t have much luck with the weather for this event, and after being postponed due to atrocious weather in November, it was a relief to finally get a perfect day – not too hot, no rain (ok maybe a little shower) and mint track conditions.

“Although it’s a Funduro, there is some fierce competition amongst the local riders, some of whom do pretty well on the national stage.”

McDavitt said the day is not all about racing – hence the name – but the social aspect of meeting other people who enjoy the sport as well as socialising after the event with a cold beverage in one hand and pizza in the other, all the while waiting in anticipation of who beat who and, ultimately, who gets to win the free bike kindly donated by Myride Botany.

“A big thanks to all those who entered, to the sponsors (Myride Botany, Countdown, Ray White, Hallertau, Acorn

SITUATIONS VACANT

DE290344

CHEF

40 hours/week (Mon/Tue/Fri 8.30am5pm, Sat/Sun 7am3.30pm), providing excellent food at our 104 bed aged care hospital in Pakuranga. Please email your CV to: brian@ambridgerose.co.nz

ASSISTANT BAR & FUNCTIONS MANAGER

PART TIME

Maraetai Beach Boating Club is looking to appoint an experienced and qualified Assistant Bar Manager to assist our Bar Manager in running our hospitality arm. We are looking for a vibrant friendly person to be hands on with bar work/ administration and provide cover for the Manager. Some experience in Wedding & function management would be an advantage combined with a meticulous attention to detail to ensure we deliver value to our customers.

This is a part- time role approx. 25hrs with flexibility to the number of days and hours worked but will include rostered weekends.

The following is an overview of some of the key duties and responsibilities:

Hands on role combining time working behind the bar, overseeing and co-ordinating staff and interaction with guests.

Stock control and ordering.

Providing cover for the Manager when required during holidays.

Assisting with the planning and set up for weddings and other private functions.

Interaction with the Restaurant team to ensure that our guests have an enjoyable dining experience.

Working with the Club’s Social Committees & Sailing Club to plan Club events and Regattas.

The Club operates Thursday – Sunday, Public Holidays & additional days during the Christmas/New Year period.

Please apply via email to admin@maraetaiboatclub.org.nz

Applications close 28th March 2024

Group, The Pokeno Whiskey Co) and the volunteers and a huge congratulations to those who made the podium in their categories and also the overall winners on the day,” she said. The next event on the PCBC calendar is May 12, dubbed the Maraetai Dirty Du. It is an off-road duathlon event for all the runners and bikers out there. There will be individual and team categories.

“This is a new event jointly organised by the Pohutukawa Coast Bike Club and Yeah We Run,” said McDavitt.

“We are currently looking for sponsors and it would be great for local businesses to get behind this local organised event. Please get in touch with the bike club – pohutukawabike@gmail.com – if you are interested.”

„ Full results times.co.nz

SITUATIONS VACANT SITUATIONS VACANT

Point View School

SCALE A TEACHER

Full Time, Fixed Term

29 April 2024 – 17 December 2024

Primary, Certificated Teacher

Suitable for beginning teachers

We are seeking a passionate, nurturing NZ registered teacher for a new entrant class beginning Term 2.

The successful application will have current NZ Curriculum knowledge and early literacy/ numeracy pedagogical practice.

Junior classes at our school have additional support provided by a team of learning assistants in literacy and numeracy.

We are a caring, collaborative, friendly staff with delightful students and a supportive parent community.

Please send your CV and direct enquiries to Karen Yates: vacancies@pointview.school.nz | 09 274 0637

DE290447

Macleans College

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT

9AM-3.15PM DAILY (INCL BREAKS)

5 DAYS PER WEEK (TERM TIME ONLY)

INITIALLY FIXED-TERM UNTIL DECEMBER 2024

We are looking for an enthusiastic new member of our team to provide support for students with special educational needs. This can involve working in a classroom situation with individuals/small groups or giving additional support with school work to students in our learning support centre.

Suitable candidates will enjoy working with students in the 13-18 age range and be committed to supporting students with high needs and those who have alternative ways of learning.

Start date: as soon as possible

Fixed term contract until December 2024

Salary range: $29.60 to $30.97 per hour

A qualification allowance may be applicable. Applications to be sent to Applications@macleans.school.nz and close Monday, 18 March 2024 DE289192-v2

HAND-KNITTERS

Make some money at home while you do something you enjoy. Earn $60-$190 per garment. We pay postage each way. You must

103 Jeffs Road, Mission Heights, Flatbush

TEACHER AIDE

Are you ready to make a real difference in a child’s life? We’re seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teacher Aide to join our team at Mission Heights, where we provide exceptional support and a quality education to children with special needs.

As a Teacher Aide, you will work closely with our children, providing individualised support throughout the day. From helping with classroom activities to aiding in personal care tasks, your role will be instrumental in creating a positive and nurturing learning environment.

Do you:

• Have a genuine passion for working with children with special needs.

• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.

• Have the fitness and stamina to meet the demands of the role.

• Find joy in helping children achieve their potential.

The hours of work are 8:30-2:30, Monday to Friday, during the school term. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to jobs@mhp.school.nz

View classifed adverts online at www.times.co.nz/latest-classifieds or on the East Auckland App

SITUATIONS VACANT

PRINCIPAL’S PA / BOARD SECRETARY

DE290414

We are looking for someone who has a high attention to detail, be multi skilled, and can demonstrate an excellent standard of English to provide high quality administrative and secretarial support to the Principal and the School Board. You will need to have outstanding computer and organisational skills, be proactive and forward thinking and be able to prioritise your work juggling additional requests from the Principal and Board members. A flexible, collegial, and professional approach is required together with genuine commitment. You will need to be able to think on your feet, be energetic, have a can-do attitude, and be pivotal to follow the requirements and needs of a large college and very busy office. Experience in the education sector would be an advantage. The salary will be reflective of qualifications, skills and experience.

Applicants must have NZ residency and a clean drivers licence. Short listed applicants will be required to undergo a police vet.

Please send your cover letter, CV and BDSC Application Form (www.bdsc.school.nz/ our-college/job-vacancies/) to Yvonne de Graaf (y.degraaf@bdsc.school.nz)

Full time, permanent, 52 weeks, Monday-Friday 8am-4.30pm plus attendance at board meetings and functions. Start 29 April 2024 (or earlier by negotiation) DE290493

by Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at 4pm

SENIOR CUSTODIAN

Full Time, Permanent

Start: 29 April 2024 (or earlier by negotiation)

Botany Downs Secondary College is looking for a reliable, motivated person to fill the Senior Custodian role. We require someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking and honest who has the following important attributes:

• Working in a team environment.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Practical skills for general maintenance and management of tools/equipment. Good physical fitness.

Safety consciousness.

Procurement of contractor services and supplies.

• General knowledge of building warrant of fitness compliance.

• NZ Residency.

• Clean drivers licence.

This role offers a sense of connection to our staff, a positive impact on our property, and working within a well-balanced environment. This is a full time, 52-week position. Short listed applicants will be required to undergo a police vet.

Please send your cover letter, CV and BDSC Application Form (www.bdsc.school.nz/ our-college/job-vacancies/) to Mrs Yvonne de Graaf (y.degraaf@bdsc.school.nz) by Tuesday, 26 March 2024 at 4pm

DE290497

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Times Media is seeking an experienced, freelance or contract graphic designer to work at our Howick office. The position is 30 hours a week.

This busy and varied role involves the design and layout of magazine and newspaper editorial pages, creating print ready ads from client briefs, digital design and updating website and app.

You will need to be an all round designer with:

 Experience in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Indesign, Mailchimp and WordPress. Online banner advertisement experience a must! Pre-press knowledge an advantage.

 NZ residency and an excellent standard of English.

 A ‘we’ll get it done’ attitude and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

 Great organisational skills and the ability to prioritise.

If you are up to the challenge of working in a close knit team with a passion for print and digital then please send your cv and portfolio to clare@times.co.nz

Riders had three hours to complete either four or six stages and they are only timed on the stages, not between stages. Photo Nick Krause

CHURCH SERVICES

Looking for a church home?

One Lord, One Faith, One People

Sunday morning 9.30am (with children’s programme)

Youth Group every Friday 7.00pm

17 Wellington St, Howick; Phone 534-5142 www.howickbaptist.org.nz MP288417

YOU’RE WELCOME HERE!

We are a family friendly, multicultural church with great music, engaging biblical teaching and a warm-hearted community.

SOLUTIONS

27, Stud.

– 1, Rivet. 2, Basis. 3, Cogent. 4, Snatch. 5, Bill. 6, Chauffeur. 12, Objective. 13, Swap. 15, Rate 17, Reckon. 18, Indeed. 20, About. 21, Naked. 23, Yarn.

CRYPTIC NO. 8150

SUNDAY SERVICES

9am morning service

10:45am chapel service 5:30pm night service

5 Ben Lomond Cres, Pakuranga eastgatecc.org.nz

MP290316

480 Ti Rakau Drive, Botany Ph: 09 274 4864

SUNDAY SERVICES @ 8.30am and 10.30am

English Conversation Group Tuesdays @ 10am Wednesdays 11.30am-1pm Fruit & Veg Pop-Up Store

Thursday Service @ 10.30am

Playgroup Mon-Fri 9.30-11.30am

Opshop Wed-Fri 9am-12.30pm Engage Youth every Friday @ 7pm GRASSHOPPER

021 766 611.

LOGAN’S

Ph Logan 022 014 4957

MP288414-V7

Across – 1, To-l(a)d. 7, Scotch fir. 8, Cane. 9, Tome. 10, Pugs. 11, Tin-t. 14, Ill-advised (anag.). 16, Four or five. 19, S-in-S. 22, Liar (rev.). 24, Al-to. 25, Mi-mi(me,me) 26, Say no more. 27, Bolt. Down – 1, Tac-it 2, L-inen. 3, School. 4, At-tend. 5, Whip. 6, Single-ton. 12, I’ll-og-I-Cal. 13, Ti-er (rev.). 15, I-ces (rev.). 17, Re-alms. 18, Intern(ally). 20, In-I-go. 21, Swift. 23, Ring. FILL IN BLANKS NO. 130

TUITION

WORKSHOP - CHEESE BOARD

› 16th March 2024

› 2/57 Kerwyn Ave, East Tamaki

Book online by 14 March: www.resinart.nz MP290439

ENVY OF THE DOG PARK!

Have you sniffed out 37 Picton Street yet? That’s where you’ll find Louis & Max, the coolest spot for all things doggie fashion! Step into their pawsome world and unleash a treasure trove of stylish goodies for your fur babies.

You’ll find Pablo & Co’s exclusive line of doggy bling - collars, leads, and harnesses in all sorts of fun designs! From magical Harry Potter patterns to classic Toy Story and Disney characters, there’s something to make tails wag of every furry friend!

Talking of snooze-time, the HOMMEY dog beds are the epitome of comfort and style. Crafted with boucle and faux fur fabrics, they’re perfect for your pup’s afternoon siestas while adding a touch of flair to your home decor.

The team at Louis & Max are all about making your furry pal feel like a million bucks! From fashionable accessories to cosy essentials, they’ve curated a collection that’ll make your pup the envy of the dog park!

Winter’s coming, but no worries! They’ve got you covered with their soon-to-bearriving range of dog rain jackets. Keep your pooch warm and dry during those wet walks with our stylish and functional jackets. Who says staying dry can’t be fashionable?

Swing by Louis & Max today and treat your four-legged buddy to the ultimate fashion spree.

an intimate concert and a taste of Alaska — we’ve packed it all in.

FRIENDSHIP &

The recently held NZ Taiwan Day 2024 celebrated friendship, culture, and trade between the two countries.

In its 6th year, the two-day, free, family event at the Victoria Convention Centre, was packed with food stalls and activities for kids and adults alike. The launch of the well-orchestrated NZ Taiwan Day was attended by dignitaries from Taiwan as well as power brokers from the Taiwan Business Association, Police, Members of Parliament, and city councillors including Maurice Williamson and Sharon Stewart, who spoke of their long association with Taiwan.

Drumming up the excitement at the launch of the vibrant NZ Taiwan Day was the Taiko medley celebrating The Year of the Dragon by Kumo Taiko. Other

highlights included a thunderous kapa haka by Nga Hau E Wha, followed by an awe-inspiring performance by acclaimed AmisTaiwanese singer-songwriter, actor, dancer Suming Rupi and his entourage. Winner of several international awards, the founder of the Amis Music Festival in Taiwan is dedicated to expanding the festival’s connection with indigenous cultures across the world.

From martial arts demo by young students to tai chi sword dance by seniors, the evening had a huge draw with several activities that included a floral show, the art of calligraphy, puppet-making and paper cutting. It also included a ‘Chinese Culture Experience Trip’ where participants could take part in 16 different fun activities and tick them off a challenge card to win prizes.

IS IT ALASKA CALLING?

FARIDA MASTER steps onboard Noordam, Holland America Line to find out if she could become a cruise convert.

Is it a sign, I thought when I first received an invite for lunch aboard the HollandAmerica Line, Noordam anchored at the Queens Wharf.

First, a confession. Unlike other members of the media, mostly travel editors, on the invite list, I’m a cruise virgin. I’ve always preferred to travel by the silver bullet that zips across the blue skies than a luxurious hotel floating on the high seas.

Though after listening to all my friends talk about their cruise experiences, I have been secretly thinking perhaps someday it could be… Alaska on a cruise liner.

What are the chances that the invite reads ‘Savour the Catch’ an Alaskan lunch aboard Noordam. Did someone read my mind?

This could be a perfect taster before taking the big plunge and signing up for a cruise to the Last Frontier.

Open to the idea of being a cruise convert, I for one decide to get off the beaten track (read as taking the motorway to the city) and instead venture out to Queens Wharf by the newly resumed train service from

Panmure to Britomart.

train arrives late at Panmure station and does not take off!

We are informed that there is a problem with the signals and will have to catch the bus instead.

Running late, I eventually manage to find a motley crew waiting at Shed 10, Queens Wharf. Such relief to see a familiar face of a well-travelled editor who had some interesting stories to share about his last cruise from LA to Mexico. Formalities done, we are led to Noordam, the medium sized premium Dutch cruise liner named after the northern point on the compass.

Ushered into the Rolling Stone Lounge, with a welcome drink in hand, executive chef Mahendran talks about fresh catch being served aboard Noordam as he gives a cooking demo of the Seared Alaskan Black Cod. With the aroma of freshly cooked cod filling the lounge area, we can’t wait to ‘savour the catch’. But before that we’re given a tour of the cruise liner with a classical décor that accommodates around 2000 passengers.

As we walk through the atrium that sports a glitzy curved green glass stairway and an ornate ceiling, there is an instant sense of old-world charm. A walkaround the world stage where enrichment programmes on the lines of Ted

Talk are held, and at the Lido restaurant, library, art gallery, swimming pool, spa, gym, game lounge - speaks of a causal, relaxed environment.

Having worked up an appetite after covering the length of the

cruise liner, we are treated to a luncheon at the Pinnacle Grill. For starters we are presented with delectably seared Scallops and Alaskan Crab Salad, followed by a mildly flavoured Parsnip soup with dill yogurt and toasted pistachios. For the mains it’s what the chef had demonstrated at the live station, Seared Alaska Black Cod served with wild berries jam. Keeping in with the theme is a sweet end to the meal, a Classic Baked Alaska.

So why choose a Holland America Line when there are so many cruise liners in the ocean heading to the Land of Glaciers?

Firstly, there is some safety in knowing that they have been sailing for the last 151 years covering over 100 countries and territories including nearly 470 ports of call.

Hannah Baynes, marketing manager informs that the Holland America line has been sailing to Alaska for the last 75 years. Much before Alaska was declared the 49th state (65 years ago)!

“We take pride in going beyond the tourist track to experience places and cultures in an authentic way. You can see more wildlife than any other cruise,” she says.

The reason being a mid-sized ship manages to weave its way much closer to the glaciers and has many more ports of call where the magnificent landscapes and geography defy description.

ARTISTIC TRAIL

The much-awaited Clevedon Art Trail with Open Studios, free live artist demonstrations, immersive workshops, and captivating exhibitions, is back to nourish our creative sensibilities.

It’s all happening on the weekend of March 16-17. However, the fun begins a day earlier with an Art Trail Exhibition opening on Friday, March 15, from 5-8 pm at Hallertau, Clevedon. This preview will tease your artistic senses.

The Clevedon Art Trail, beckons as an idyllic self-drive journey into the heart of authentic rural New Zealand.

A SNEAK PREVIEW: WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE CLEVEDON ART TRAIL OVER THE WEEKEND:

Art industry: James and Cheryl Wright’s gallery in Clevedon Village showcases the unique work of 35 established and emerging

artists. A brief stroll up the road leads to Clevedon Creatives + Co, where a gallery brimming with the creations of local and New Zealand artists awaits. Throughout the weekend, this space will come alive with demonstrations.

Then head over to Gracie Matthews a Costumier at the Clevedon District Centre, where you can try your hand at vintage hand-crank sewing. For bronze sculpture fans, Frank Watson’s studio is a must-visit, and a short drive away, the McNicol homestead showcases the Clevedon Art Group’s talent in a historic setting.

Up the road is The Wild Fermentary, celebrating the art of wild fermentation. View the exhibition at their soda door and enjoy a refreshing fermented beverage and tasting platter— a great place to refuel between

artists. Keep your journey rolling by visiting the home studio of Helen Morrison, an artist known for expressive landscape paintings. She will be running a free Adult Beginners Landscape Painting Workshop at 1 pm on Saturday, limited spaces available to book email morrison.helen@gmail.com

At 331 North Road, is the Gallery and Studio of artist Katie Blundell.

Opening Exhibition on Friday March 15, 5-8 pm

Open Studio event on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, 10 am-4 pm.

For further details see www.clevedonarttrail.co.nz

See her contemporary artwork and creative space. In the same driveway, you will find Riverhaven Artland. Walk the 40-acre sculpture Park guided by the trail map.

New to the Clevedon Art Trail is Ana Ter Huurne, visit her Home Studio to see her paintings inspired by colour, form and places of meaning. Back in the village visit

Hallertau to wander through the Clevedon Art Trail Exhibition and while you are there, grab a bite to eat.

If you happen to be doing the trail on Sunday, check out Pop-Up Printmaking with Toni Mosley, who will be at the Clevedon Farmer’s Market between 10-12 pm, where you can make a monotype to take home with you for free.

ULTIMATE AUTUMN BEAUTY

BEAUTY MUSTHAVE BRUSH

With Easter a few weeks away, we know cooler days are ahead. Here are some perfect, pampering products to welcome in the new season.

The Lady Jayne® GemTip Mini Brush (RRP$9.99) is designed to fit into a handbag or schoolbag so you can manage your mane on the go. Featuring a 3D Flexi-Control base that curves to your head, the ultra-soft, flexible nylon bristles remove tangles painlessly to reduce hair breakage. Dual-length tips work to massage the scalp and can be used on wet or dry hair.

EGGCELLENT EASTER

Don’t indulge in chocolates this Easter; indulge in a bit of self-care with Lush’s Let’s Be Eggcellent! Gift pack (RRP $23.00). This fruity bath duo is a guilt-free easter treatment for your skin, containing limited edition bath bombs – berry-scented Cheep Cheep, a cute yellow chick and the Follow The White Rabbit fizzing bath bomb that creates a spectacle while you soak as popping candy snaps and a fruity fragrance fills the air.

UNLIMIT YOUR LIMITS

triple

The NEW Revlon ColorStay Limitless Matte™ Liquid Lipstick (RRP $30.00) is a lightweight, non-tightening formula delivering a no-budge matte finish. The 100 per cent vegan formula, infused with triple hyaluronic acid and upcycled cranberry extract, works well for sensitive lips. Your lips will look gorgeous all day with up to 24-hour wear.

MOISTURE WRAP

Moisturise and condition your hair with a Castor Oil Hair Wrap from Honest Skincare. The ricin oleic acid in castor oil stimulates hair growth and improves hair thickness. It’s also ideal for scalp issues such as dandruff or a dry scalp. Honest Skincare – Castor Oil Hair Wrap Starter Kit RRP $60.00. It contains a Hair Wrap, Organic Castor Oil and a Wash Bag for your wrap.

WHAT’S ON

POLYFEST IS HERE!

March 20-23 Manukau Sports Bowl, Te Irirangi Dr, Manukau

Sixty-nine schools will participate in ASB Polyfest where more than 8000 students will perform over four days. Visitors can expect performances across six cultural stages: Diversity, Cook Islands, Maori, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. These will include speech competitions and cultural group performances. With 230 groups performing, the festival has come a long way from four schools participating in 1976. Flag raising at 7am and Powhiri at 8am on Wednesday, March 20. Prize giving on all stages at 2.30pm, Saturday, March 23.

FREE WORKSHOP SERIES

10am, March 16, Uxbridge, Howick

A programme of free monthly talks/ workshops for Chinese speakers launches in March at Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture. Hosted on Saturday mornings and delivered in Mandarin, the programme brings experts to speak on both educational and social topics. It will cover a variety of subjects including financial and educational topics through to choosing the right kindergarten, holiday planning advice and how to appreciate coffee. The first event will welcome chartered accountants and consultants to speak on tax and finance.

AN ENCHANTING EVENING

Farida Master attends an intimate concert at the Auckland Opera Studio.

It helps when your husband is your music manager.

For starters, it may be easier to convince him to make a trip to New Zealand to attend a wedding worthwhile, by combining a music tour with it.

That’s exactly what the singersongwriter Anderson Rocio did as she got Wayne Pottow her devoted husband to have a working holiday in New Zealand as he organised a music tour You, The Sea and I in Dunedin, Queenstown, and Auckland, before they returned home to LA.

The result? An enchanting evening at the well-appointed Auckland Opera Studio owned by Frances Wilson—a beautiful home that the accomplished voice coach lets out once a month for classical concerts.

Anderson was an exception to the classical rule.

After performing in Dunedin and

Queenstown, the California-based artist with strong connections to east Auckland, delivered a captivating performance with chart-topping ballads, and unreleased gems from her artistic repertoire.

The evening was even more special as Rocio shared parts of her musical journey with endearing honesty. She spoke of the highs …. finding placement in popular shows on Netflix, Hulu, CBS, HBO, MTV, film trailers, the viral success of her song Paradise); and lows….the plan was to be a pop star by 30. Thoughts of self-doubt, wondering if it’s worth pursuing her dream. A dilemma that every artist wrestles with.

Fortunately, there is light at the end of the tunnel that motivates her to follow her childhood dream. Like the time she had the huge privilege of composing the song Power in Us, released on the World

Ocean Day. The song was written to collectively amplify the voices of conservation, to unite in the face of Environmental Crisis.

Hundred per cent of the streaming revenue generated by ‘Power in Us’ went directly to support ocean conservation.

Accompanying Anderson at the Auckland Opera Studio that evening was the highly talented guitarist Flynn Tanner who sportingly agreed to join them on the music tour. It was also an opportunity for the Torontoborn, multi-instrumentalist to see Dunedin, where his granddad hailed from.

“Instead of having a free bbq for family, friends and fans, we decided to host three intimate music concerts, and have you all along,” laughed Anderson.

And from the looks everyone showed up, with lots of love and hugs to go around that evening.

WAINUI VALLEY MUSHROOMS TALK

Registration required. Friday, March 15, 3.45pm - 4.45pm. Curious about the health benefits of mushrooms? Want to grow your own? Start your mushroom journey by coming and listening to Colin from Wainui Valley Mushrooms. Sit down and hear about their journey and learn about how to get the best results out of their products. To register email Highland Park Library at highlandpark.library@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz.

EASTERN DISTRICT COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

Wednesday, March 20, 7pm. Be entertained with live music or come and sing or play an instrument. Everyone is welcome. Held on second Wdesday of the month. Bucklands and Eastern Beaches War Memorial Hall, Wharf Road, Bucklands Beach. Nonmembers $5. For more information phone Bev 021 11 56 866.

Anderson Rocio

PUZZLE TIME

Quick Puzzle NO. 8150

ACROSS

1. Garment (4)

7. Complete (9)

8. Container (4)

9. Shower (4)

10. Noisy (4)

11. Fling (4)

14. Sorcery (10)

16. Flavour (10)

19. Gain (4)

22. Support (4)

24. Cipher (4)

25. Wine (4)

26. Subdue (9)

27. Philanderer (4)

Cryptic Puzzle NO. 8150

ACROSS

1. Spilled the beans to the lad who’d had a drop (4).

12. It’s unreasonable but I will, before I go back to California (9).

13. Again taking it back after the row (4).

DOWN

1. Transfix (5)

2. Foundation (5)

3. Convincing (6)

4. Grab (6)

5. Beak (4)

6. Driver (9)

12. Gaol (9)

13. Exchange (4)

15. Pace (4)

17. Estimate (6)

18. Certainly (6)

20. Approximately (5)

21. Nude (5)

23. Story (4)

SUDOKU

7. What the alcoholic ordered for his garden? (6,3).

8. Give some of the best to (4).

9. How the book I’ve sent for will be addressed (4).

10. Dogs with black eyes? (4).

11. Can take time to colour (4).

14. David and I sell out, though it’s unwise (3-7).

16. Not many and very young (4,2,4).

19. Does the wrong thing in getting abroad (4).

22. He’s pretending to put the bar back (4).

24. Name give to a particular type of voice (4).

15. Dry, I go back to get refreshments (4).

17. To do with charity in the areas (6).

18. Shut up with the ally inside (6).

20. At home, I try to get him (5).

21. Prompt the author (5).

FILL IN THE BLANKS puzzle no. 130

Image Radio Sheer 6 LETTERS Flavor Impact 1 2 3 45 6 7 8 0 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

To enter the draw visit www.eastlife.co.nz. One entry per email address / person; entries close March 20, 2024. Winners notified by phone or email.

25. “Girl from the opera,” yours truly said twice (4).

26. Apply the veto more often? I quite understand you (3,2,4).

27. A roll of cloth in close up (4).

DOWN

1. Silent, it followed the animal back (5).

2. Cloth in which you find fifty-nine flaws (5).

3. Instruction for a lot of swimmers (6).

4. Don’t miss, though be apt to at first (6).

5. Steal a cat (4).

6. The only club, perhaps, one has not arranged to join (9).

Solutions under Public Notices in the Classifieds.

FUN-TASTIC CHOCO EGGS

So, what’s better than a chocolate egg? A basket full of Easter goodies that are sure to put a hop in your step this Easter season. Fill your Easter basket with these yummy choco-lolly eggs including the Waikato Valley Chocolates Kiwiana Hunt Bag, the Cookie Time Egg with your favourite muncher cookies inside, the Nice Easter Mini Eggs Popping Candy. There’s also an array of little surprises to keep you entertained such as the Nice Easter Cookie Decorating Kit, Party Inc Easter Chalk and Bunny Face Plate – all available at The Warehouse. Keep the energy joyful by topping it all off with hot cocoa in a cute mug and bunny ears to match! We have all these egg-citing goodies to giveaway, in the countdown to Easter. Hop on little bunny to enter and win it.

5 LETTERS Burro Cocoa Costs Green Henna

WEDNESDAY 13 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.16am Set 7.41pm

Moon: Rise 10.15am Set 9.15pm High Tide: 10.22am 10.47pm

THURSDAY 14 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.17am Set 7.40pm Moon: Rise 11.29am Set 9.48pm High Tide: 11.12am 11.35pm

FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.18am Set 7.38pm Moon: Rise 12.42pm Set 11.27pm

Tide: 12.02pm

Invite Redraw 7 LETTERS Catwalk Comfort Crevice

THE SUN, THE MOON AND THE TIDES

SATURDAY 16 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.19am Set 7.37pm

Moon: Rise 1.52pm Set 11.12pm

High Tide: 12.25am 12.53pm

Instant Obvious Snorkel Sweater Vivaldi

SUNDAY 17 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.20am Set 7.35pm

Moon: Rise 2.56pm

High Tide: 1.18am 1.45pm

MONDAY 18 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.20am Set 7.34pm

Moon: Rise 3.52pm Set 12.04am

High Tide: 2.15am 2.41pm

TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Sun: Rise 7.21am Set 7.32pm

Moon: Rise 4.39pm Set 1.01am

High Tide: 3.16am 3.40pm