Waikino Whisper, Ngā kohimu o Waikino, Issue 166 August 2022

WAIKINO W H Ngā I Skohimu Po Waikino ER BOOKS & COFFEE AUGUST GARDEN GUIDE LOCAL ACCOMMODATION WHAT'S ON

VOTE 2022 COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT LOCAL COUNCILLOR?

HIDDEN IN THE HILLS

Kei ngā puke e huna ana ISSUE 166 • AUGUST

2022

PUTANGA 166 • ĀKUHATA 2022

Kia Ora

WANT TO SUPPORT THE WAIKINO WHISPER? KEI TE HIA TAUTOKO KOE I NGĀ KOHIMU O WAIKINO?

We are officially in the second half of 2022, and Vanessa and I have been reflecting on our first five issues of the Waikino Whisper as the new editing team. The community has been very supportive and most feedback has been positive - so thank you for believing in us. We're finally starting to feel like we've got the hang of it. I've personally loved meeting so many of you this year by getting out and interviewing people for articles, and learning more about the gems in our community.

You might notice a couple of changes in this issue - one being that we're publishing some contributed stories.

August marks the start of a new regular segment for the garden, with our wonderful resident permaculture expert Nicki Murray-Orr contributing.

We want your contributions too! We love to hear from people who have a topic they're passionate about, or want us to cover. Perhaps you're a budding poet, writer, or photographer?

Even if you're not, but you have something to say, I'm happy to meet up with you, listen to what you have to say and write the story for you.

Another change for August is that we've added Te Reo Māori throughout, and will continue this going forward. We're extremely thankful to Hēmi Kelly who provided us with these translations. Vanessa has been learning Te Reo with Hēmi, who has a passion for reigniting the language. His online resources on Instagram at @everydaymaori and Facebook group are very useful, and he has a great podcast called Everyday Māori which can help you learn pronunciation and phrases for day to day life.

Ngā mihi mo te panui!

Thanks for reading!

Sarah

EDITORIAL KAIWHAKAPUTA MATUA • SARAH HOLMES

Sign up to our email list to receive an online copy: http://eepurl.com/hPYqYb Subscribe $30 a year for a guaranteed hardcopy waikinowhisper@gmail.com Support our advertisers – tell them you saw them in the Whisper!

Contact us at waikinowhisper@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: 'Waikino Whisper' We have a limited number of copies available for collection from the Waikino School community sharing stand. We also distribute to: Waikino Hotel,

Waikino

Station

Cafe,

Falls

Retreat,

Waikino Books & Coffee, Ti Tree Cafe, and Secret Garden Waihi Beach, with more locations being added each month.

ISSUES & DEADLINES We publish twice each quarter, on the first Friday of the month. Our next issue will be published on 2 September 2022. If you have an article or piece you'd like to publish, please see our deadlines below.

Bookings: 12 August 2022 Cancellations: 19 August 2022 Final content due: 5pm, 26 August 2022

IN MEMORIAM

SO LONG, FAREWELL, PAUL GRINDER

I te whakamaharatanga

Paul at work on the set of Xena: Warrior Princess Photo: Greg Riwai

Our Waikino community has seen the loss of some treasured residents over the past six months.

We're taking a moment to remember those who have touched our lives and helped build our community over the next few issues.

Words by Christine Hartley Paul Grinder, whose quirky gorilla bears entertained the village during lockdown, has died aged 60.

The antics of the three bears at the top of Paul’s driveway in the Waikino village were a daily delight – the perfect antidote to lockdown. There were tea party gorillas, fishing gorillas, gardening gorillas, musical gorillas and many more; all suitably kitted out with a seemingly unlimited supply of props. The props were accumulated during Paul’s many years in the film and TV industry where he worked variously as a director, assistant director, producer and second unit director.

Paul was often away for months but relished returning to his Waikino sanctuary. Paul’s extensive list of TV credits included Xena Warrior Princess (1995-02) Spartacus (2009-12), Black Sails (2012-17), Lost in Space (2017), and Colony (2017-18). Film credits included District 9, River Queen and more recently Muru.

He loved his New Zealand projects, and enjoyed long stints in South Africa where Black Sails was filmed, yet it was Canada that captured his heart when he worked there on Colony and Lost in Space.

During his extensive career, Paul was a generous mentor, encouraging and supporting new recruits. He was highly regarded, and his passing in May was met with an outpouring of love from his family, colleagues and his many friends.

Paul David Grinder, film maker Born 13 December1961; died 26 May 2022

Paul and actor Lucy Lawless.

Photo: Greg Riwai

SCHOOL LIFE Te ao o te kura PIZZA OVEN MAKES MAG The latest Earth Building magazine, has a featured story by Rose Tuffery, who led the build (and rebuild) of the pizza oven at the school. The magazine promotes the art and science of earth and natural building. In the article, Rose tells the story behind both pizza oven builds and the team effort they took, with some beautiful photos. Rose Tuffery is an artist, sculptor and builder in clay, based in Waihi. Find out more about Rose here: www.rosetuffery.com and read the story here: https://www.earthbuilding.org.nz/ home/eb-magazine/

MANU MAIA AWARDS

WAIKINO SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS Nominations have closed for the election of five parent representatives to the school board. The candidates are Jodi Cabaret-Ford, Sarah Holmes, Jo Howell, Heather Newbould, Ben Whatarau, and Paul Wilkinson. Voting papers for those who are eligible will be issued by 10 August. Voting closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 7 September 2022. For more information see the school office.

Manu Maia awards are given out to students living the Waikino School values. Names go into a draw and the lucky few who are drawn get to go on a special trip with Mrs Wheway. The first trip of term three was to the Millpond Walkway. They explored the new butterfly garden and ran through the bamboo forest, then it was off to the cafe for a reward. Ka pai to mahi tamariki.

Netball

Another netball season is over – well done to our junior and senior teams.

Our senior team took out their pool, winning 10 of 12 games, and won the year 5/6 sportsmanship award. A massive shoutout to Rob Mapu and his company Centre Line Construction, who very generously kitted our senior team out in these new netball dresses (pictured). They certainly look amazing on the courts! Huge thanks also go out to Bianca Collins and Catherine Cookson, for their dedication in coaching the teams. Last but not least a big thanks to Joyce Reinsfield for being our umpire extraordinaire, and helping with coaching. Joyce said "What an amazing bunch of kids, an absolute privilege to coach/umpire!" True Waikino kids!

"What an amazing bunch of kids"

LOCAL ACTIVITY

WHAT'S ON he aha te ana?

ARE YOU OUR NEXT MAYOR OR COUNCILLOR? Nominations for elected members for the Hauraki District Council and Waikato Regional Council are now open. You could be nominated as a councillor, or Mayor, or both, but you can't stand for the Regional Council and the District Council together. If you're voted in, as an elected member, you will help to make decisions about the future of our region or district. Not interested in standing for the Council?

Voting is really important! We need people elected who will care about Waikino and have our community's best interests at heart.

Eligible voters should have received a voting pack by now. If you didn't, or your details are wrong, update by 12 August to vote in this election. You can update your details online using your New Zealand driver licence, New Zealand passport or RealMe verified identity, www.vote.nz or call 0800 36 76 56.

Nominations close: 12 August at 12 noon Voting day: 8 October till 12 noon

ART WAIKINO Fancy yourself as an artist? Entries for Art Waikino, held on Labour Weekend, are now open - visit https://waikinohall.org.nz/artwaikino/ to enter.

WHAT'S ON He aha te ana?

VOTE 2022 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS

TRAIL TRILOGY EVENT

REBEL BUSINESS SCHOOL

If running (or even walking) is your thing, check out the upcoming OceanaGold Trail Trilogy event, happening on Sunday, 11 September.

A free business school is being offered in Paeroa between 22 August and 2 September. If you're thinking of starting your own business, or just need a bit of help with the one you've got, this is great opportunity for learning. Rebel Business School will deliver 20 mini workshops over 10 days designed to equip participants with the tools they need to start their own business. Topics include building a website for free, business structure and compliance, social media and marketing, and how to start a business with no money.

The course is free, you just need to commit to the ten days, held during school hours.

Sponsored by Hauraki District Council, Mayors Taskforce for Jobs, Gr8 Job Hauraki, Thames Coromandel District Council, Matamata-Piako District Council and the Ministry of Social Development.

For more information see https://www.rebelbusinessschool.nz/about .html

There's something for everyone: 9 km from Waikino to Waihi 21.1 km from Paeroa to Waihi 42.2 km from Te Aroha to Waihi 55 km from Thames to Waihi 100 km from Kaiaua to Waihi Find out more and enter at https://trailtrilogy.com/ - there is even a chance to add a tree to your entry, a contribution to help with tree planting on the Hauraki Rail Trail.

February 2022 | pg 8 ĀKUHATA AUGUST 2022 | pg 5

HI DDEN GOLD

He kura huna

BOOKS, COFFEE, COMMUNITY A new life for the Victoria Hall You might have noticed a new sign on the Victoria Hall, signalling the coming of a new venture to Waikino. Waikino Book & Coffee Shop is the brainchild of Kate Mead who moved to Waihi from Featherston.

In Featherston Kate ran a successful book and coffee shop, and was looking for the perfect spot to replicate her coffee lounge after she arrived 10 months ago with her partner Ross.

“Every time I drove past the hall, I just thought ‘that’s the place’.” Kate explains. After some discussion with the Waikino Residents and Ratepayers Association who take care of the hall, Kate has secured a lease for the Victoria Hall’s small room and kitchen.

Kate isn’t just a bookworm, but also a talented musician with a master’s degree in composition.

She was a production manager for Concert FM radio for nearly 20 years, teaches piano, and is an accomplished cellist.

The hall, used for bringing people together, is the perfect location for Kate’s vision. Her dream is to have a welcoming community space to enjoy a cosy book, coffee, and snack. She sees families lazing on the grass behind the hall, poetry readings, and hosted board game and jigsaw groups. In the large hall, art is currently being set up to be displayed more permanently, so coffee and book lovers can browse works at their leisure.

"Every time I drove past the hall, I just thought ‘that’s the place" HIDDEN GOLD He kura huna * Waikino Book & Coffee Shop By Sarah Holmes

A warm and inviting community space.

Kate (pictured above) hopes for the book and coffee shop to add to the community feel, and is excited to become part of the landscape and meet the locals. She exudes warmth, providing a genuine and welcoming experience. There is no pressure to buy anything, so if quiet reading in a cosy spot appeals to you, pop in for a visit. She is very thankful for the support from the locals so far.

It's not just second hand books for sale, there are also some new books and puzzles available.

While browsing, you can admire the interesting decor including this lamp made from driftwood, and a shade of newspaper.

Her respect for community is shown

by Kate approaching both Books on Seddon owner, Margaret, and Dianne at the Waikino Station Cafe before starting up her business. "I wanted to make sure I wasn't stepping on any toes." With their blessings, Kate has been able to take the first steps toward her vision.

While the coffee isn’t flowing quite yet, the bookstore is open on a popup basis. There are a few hurdles to leap before it will be fully functional, such as Council approval and permission from Waka Kotahi (NZTA) to operate on the state highway. Kate isn’t discouraged by the delay, and knows it’s just a matter of process.

There is no pressure to buy anything, so if quiet reading in a cosy spot appeals to you, pop in for a visit. .

Pop up bookshop generally open from 10am, Fri, Sat, Sun - check Waikino Hidden in the Hills Facebook group Future hours to be advertised, stay tuned! ĀKUHATA AUGUST 2022 | pg 7

I N

T H E

JANUARY

G A R D E N

Ngā mahi māra AUGUST

IN THE GARDEN Nicki Murray-Orr from Vital Harvest

What a wild winter we are having, with the heaviest rainfalls on record for many parts of New Zealand, mixed with bouts of warm weather. I can already see things flowering that shouldn't be yet, which could make for a very muddled spring in our gardens.

The key to building resilience when weather conditions are unpredictable is to plant little and often to ensure there are regular harvests no matter what the season throws at us. In the perennial garden and orchard, diversity is key. That way, there will always be something that thrives.

With spring on our doorsteps this is the month for securing seed stocks, preparing garden beds and making any changes.

Think back to last summer; were you pushed for space, in need of more infrastructure, what might you have done differently? It's now the time to make amends, including moving trees if you need to.

Sow broadbeans, peas, mizuna, radish, rocket, beetroot and coriander directly into the ground. Sow onions, bok choy and salad greens in seed trays.

If you are planting potatoes, start to chit them now. Choose your biggest and best from last season or buy specific ''seed potatoes'' from your local garden centre, pop them in a warm and light spot (not direct sunlight) and allow the sprouts to get 10-15cm long.

Diversity is key.. there will always be something that thrives.

Flowers include alyssum, bishop's flower, poppies, sweetpeas, hollyhocks, cosmos, calendula, cornflower, marigold, borage, dahlia and lillies. Continue to divide up your herbs and perennials.

The best way to prepare garden beds is to aerate with a fork (look after your biology and don't turn your soil), weed and fertilise with Ocean Organics Soil+, and compost.

Roses and passionfruit should be pruned, as well as the last of your fruit trees. If you experienced leaf curl or blackspot last year, use a copper spray as soon as you see the fruit buds fattening up. Spray again a fortnight later. Copper is very toxic to bees, so ensure you spray before they are out and about. Regular Ocean Organics Foliar sprays will boost the health of your trees and Neem is a great solution to overwintering pests. Add mulch around the base.

Now's the time to plant asparagus, strawberries, rhubarb, parsley, spinach, silverbeet, kohlrabi, broccoli, cabbage, kale and spring onions.

Clean up those pots and seed trays with warm soapy water to remove any fungal spores, snails and insects, and finally, sharpen those tools.

Upcoming Workshops

www.oceanorganics.co.nz

Edible Garden on the Home Block – 14th Aug, 3rd Sept, 1st Oct & 5th Nov Self Sufficiency on the Home Block – 27th Aug, 25th Sept, 29th Oct Email nicki@vitalharvest.co.nz to register your interest.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vitalharvestNZ/ Instagram: @vitalharvestpermaculture

Starry Nights, Poland Street Waikino

accommodation

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

JANUARY

EXPLORING LOCAL

Tirotiro ā-rohe LOCAL AIR BNB

Cowshed, Old Waitekauri Rd

Whether you have too many guests for your own home to host or if you fancy a sneaky winter staycation, why not book in at one of our amazing, gorgeous local accommodation providers?

On Old Waitekauri Road is The Cowshed which offers high end relaxed modern accommodation.

It is a wedding venue, a place to stay, with beautiful grounds to explore. It looks amazing.

The Dome Waikino situated near Dickey Flat is a secluded high quality wooden chalet that has lots of great reviews for offering seclusion and the taste of farm life.

The Dome, near Dickey Flat

Starry Nights is a charming spot in the heart of Waikino. This one is set with different options, one being a cabin built into a tree. All options offer tranquil views, which - let's be honest - comes as standard around these parts.

Falls Retreat Offering gorgeous accommodation in the form of a large, medium and baby bear sizes; Log Cabin, Rose Cottage, and Waterfall Cabin. Who could resist, with a seriously delicious breakfast from the fabulous chefs?

We will feature our other great local accommodation in next months issue. If you want to feature, please let us know!

Falls Retreat

Falls Retreat

JANUAR

Need Whiteware? Need a TV? Need a Heat Pump?

Need any home appliances?

....then contact your locally owned and operated 100% store for all you appliance needs

WAIHI 24-26 Rosemont Road, Waihi Phone 07 863 8207. Fax 07 863 7070 Email waihi100@xtra.co.nz

WAIHI PLUMBERS

KELWYN GARRETT Plumbing • Drainlaying • Roofing HYNDS Lifestyle Wastewater Systems Mobile 0274 975 580

A/Hrs 07 863 7153

Lightup Electrical

LTD

Residential & Commercial Electrical Services – Contact Clive 021 143 4989 lightupnz100@gmail.com

JANUARY

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE O'Hagan Vision Care Main Office, Willoughby Street PO Box 106 | Paeroa 3600 T 07 862 8978 F 0800 666 717 E info@ohaganvisioncare.co.nz

no job too small domestic and commercial repairs, alterations, renovations, indoors and out, simple pricing, reliable and on time

Rod Hawkins

021 979 221

NEW WAIKINO BASED ELECTRICIAN Matt is an experienced commercial, industrial and residential electrician, now based in Waikino.

COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RESIDENTIAL

Matt Good 021841189

Brooke Edwards Residential & Lifestyle Sales 07 863 2288 • 027 435 5905 EVES Real Estate (Waihi), 42 Seddon Street

JANUARY

FOR THE LOVE OF...

NEON WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR UNEXPLAINED LOVES? SHARE THEM WITH US ON FACEBOOK OR VIA EMAIL & SEE IT HERE!