Another year has passed, and we find ourselves in 2023. As well as all the usual 'where did that year go?' musings, I'm excited about all the hope that a new year brings, but I have never been one for resolutions. I figure we can resolve to change our own behaviour at any time, as long as we start on a Monday
It's been a little hectic getting this issue ready for print, but we have committed to 12 issues per year, and that we will produce! If you're reading this in hardcopy you might notice it's a bit thicker, as we have increased the publication to 16 pages Although the weather hasn't been great, there has been no shortage of happenings in Waikino and our area, many of which we couldn't fit within these pages The events kept popping up as I typed!
We will now have a full page dedicated to what's happening in the area, so if you are hosting an event or know of something happening in Waikino, please let us know - it won't cost you a thing
At the time of writing, we are in the midst of Cyclone Hale, and it doesn't seem like summer is going to grace us with her presence this season I hope that this issue finds you reading in the sun!
As always, let us know if you have anything you want to include in our next issue We will attempt to include as many reader contributions as possible – even if it's a few photos of your favourite Waikino spot
Ngā mihi mo te panui! Thanks for reading!
THE WAIKINO WHISPER? KEI TE HIA TAUTOKO KOE I NGĀ KOHIMU O WAIKINO?
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2023
Thanks to the Waikino Facebook group, many of the new residents to Waikino may be aware of the events that go on here Some folk however are not on Facebook. Recently I was asked to share some thoughts about what I discovered living in Waikino, a place with a long gold-related history.
My introduction was to the women's group, advertised in the paper. Initially living across the river in Waitawheta, I was a local I met a great group of welcoming people at the pub and it just went on from there with the discovery of a property, appropriately hidden in the hills I have met excellent trades people, artists, writers and musicians, to name a few My late husband Bevan and I attended events including local's night on a Wednesday and musicians at the Waikino Hotel (the pub) The Waikino pool team meet and practice there too In 2022 the pub hosted the Miners and Madams costume ball.
The annual cricket match is held at the Waitekauri reserve. Competition is fierce, and this is a great family day out which has been ongoing for years
The Waikino Station Cafe is a popular destination for visitors who ride the train to and from Waihi This historical building was transported from Mackaytown by bullock train, as was the pub Three publications recording the long history of this area are available from the Thames museum, or borrow one from a local, they are well worth a read The Waihi Goldfields train departing from the station transports many holiday visitors to Waihi For all those small boys who wanted to grow up to be a train driver, now is your chance. New drivers and train staff are needed now Contact chief engineer Dave Cole 0273908782.
After some time we discovered that the building tucked away behind the cyanide tanks is the Victoria Battery Museum George will be happy to discuss any of the exhibits to visitors.
The latest addition to the village is the bookshop in the hall. Kate has a great selection of books Sit on the sofa, browse and enjoy a coffee The book club meets there fortnightly on Monday evenings. New readers all welcome
The hall is owned by the community Some events at the hall have been the twilight market, a games night, and Cèilidh - a dance with a difference. Then of course there is the famous Art Waikino which attracts artists from far and wide Revenue to support the hall comes from these events, including weddings, funerals and rental to various groups
As the Victoria Waikino Hall and the Waikino Domain belong to the community (not the council), the administration is by an official committee elected by the people Previously there were many sub committees managing various projects. There is now one committee and the small projects self manage 'Committee' is one of those words that sends the shudders through many a resident, an AGM being something to avoid at all costs However the saying 'many hands make light work' is true Over the years the residents in Waikino have supported all the events, attended working bees and carried out repairs together They did not need to be committee members to do this For the new folk any help and support of events will be very welcome
So now is the time to do the shoutout for some good folk to become Committee members to administer the ongoing village work There will always be the willing workers with their variety of skills to support the Hall committee whenever there is an event. For example a team of helpers mounted and manned the 4 days of the Art Waikino exhibition (they do every year)
Let's keep this village lively and a great place to be I invite everyone to keep up with ongoing events and to think about lending an official or unofficial hand
After a pause last year (due to COVID), the annual Waikino cricket match is back! This will be the 75th annual cricket shield challenge between Waikino and Auckland It's always a great day, with food, drink, and family fun Bring your sunscreen, hat, and chair, cash for raffles and food and drink, togs for the waterslide and have a fab day out:
When: Saturday 11th Feb 11am
Where: Waikino Recreation Reserve (enter at the junction of Seddon St and Waitekauri Rd - opposite Edward St)
11 February 2023, 9am to 9pm, at the Paeroa Domain
This year’s special guest are the Suzanne Prentice, The Harmonic Resonators and Captain Festus McBoyle's Traveling Variety Show The daytime events include Highland Dancing, Heavy Weight field events, Pipe Band contest, Axeman's Carnival, Solo Piping and Drumming, Junior (kids) Highland Games, Variety Stage with performers from 11am till 4pm, Steampunk Tartan, Tartan in the Park (Family and Kids Tartan), Stilt Walkers, Clowns, Rides and other kids entertainment The evening features a full 3 hour Scottish Tattoo, with Massed Pipe Bands, Caber Tossing, Farmers Walk, Suzanne Prentice performing with the pipe bands, and The Harmonic Resonators are also performing Adult earlybird Tickets $18 online, save $7 a ticket by purchasing online Adult Tickets at the Gate $25, Gold Card holders at the Gate $20 Children under 15 are free with an accompanying adult Tickets available here: https://www eventbrite co nz/e/2023-paeroa-highland-gamestattoo-tickets-476280195887
The Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival will be at the Uretara Domain, Katikati from noon til 6pm on Saturday 14 January 2023, wet or fine Katikati has hosted the festival since January 2004. The Festival promises great food, the best of wines, lively entertainment, excellent company, product displays, kitchen demonstrations, children's entertainment and so much more Performances by Boom Boom Deluxe, The Lady Killers, and The Jordan Luck Band Tickets are $55 per person, and under 18 years are free when accompanied by an adult https://www iticket co nz/events/2023/jan/avofest
Local group 'The Quarter Acre' are performing on Saturday, 14 January 2023 at the Waikino Books and Coffee Shop from 2pm Come and settle in for the afternoon!
The Joe Cocker Experience & Dance Set ft Mark Taipari is set to hit the Waikino Hotel on Friday, 20 January from 7:30pm Mark Taipari joins us again for what will be his last appearance at the Kino for a while as he heads across the ditch. For those of you that have seen him perform will already know that he leaves it all out on the floor and his “Joe Cocker” encounter night will be one not to be missed Tickets $20 available from the Waikino Hotel
This popular annual event will be held on Saturday, 28 January 2023 Book your place now for The Goldfields Railway Great Train Robbery and join in the fun This is a family-friendly event for young and the young-at-heart There are two trips for the Hold Up Robberies will take place on the:
9:45 am trip Waihi to Waikino
11:30 am trip Waihi to Waikino
Numbers are strictly limited, so please phone Goldfields Railway on 07 863 9020 today to buy tickets or for further information
A new forest festival of your dreams, spanning over 3 days throughout the middle of January! Spanning over multiple spaces, cosy lounges, toasty dance floors and creative coves of performance and art. A hand picked platter of sound journey specialists, vinyl selectors, fun swayers and pieces of our country's best electronic DJs of a deeper flavour.
Abracadabra is striving to bring you another festival experience like no other From days to nights, a multi genre affair of music, love and laughter with a sprinkle of magic Held at a secret location in Paeroa (address will be on your ticket!) Tickets: https://sice co nz/events-guide/event/abracadabra-in-the-forest-23 A free ticket is available for kids under 13 just add on at checkout Please note: A full festival adult pass must be bought to get this ticket proof of caregiver / parent will be checked at the gate Check out the Facebook event page & Instagram for all updates Festival Guide w be sent out two weeks prior to all ticket holders Big thanks to all who have supported us over this very tricky time and we can't wait to sh what Abracadabra is!
FULL FESTIVAL ticket 20-21-22 Jan - $220 (+ booking fee) SAT SUN ticket 21-22 Jan - $160 (+ booking fee)
Rachel Johnstone, a Waikino local, currently volunteers as a driver with St John shuttle, which is a free service picking people up and taking them to hospital appointments in Thames, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Rotorua (drop offs in Auckland on request) Rachel says that driving people is very rewarding, and it often gives the passengers a friendly chat on the way to their appointments The driver role is highly customer focussed, with some clients physically able, and others needing assistance To do the job you need to be sensitive towards unwell passengers, and be physically fit to assist them if required More volunteers are needed, so if this sounds like you, register your interest online
If you want to request a health shuttle, the service is available Monday–Friday - call 0800 934 287 to book
In what was expected to be a damp afternoon, the Waikino School prizegiving turned out to be rather warm, with umbrellas used for shade rather than rain. Here's a summary of the day and the awards that were presented.
Robinson's cup for the student who has made outstanding effort in academic achievement went to Molly King. Molly is a motivated learner who challenges herself to do better, try new things and accept new challenges in her learning. She has continually tried to produce quality evidence in new and innovative ways.
Best sportsman award for the best all round man went to Jordan Holmes. Jordan is always keen to organise sports in school; he participates in a variety of sports both for school and for outside clubs and is a champion role model sportsman.
Best sportswoman award for the best all round woman went to Abby Turton She is always willing to give new sports a go and help out teams where needed even if she is new to the sport She always has a smile and a positive outlook
Waikino Whisper award for best all round effort went to Mikki Wickham –Always gives her best in every aspect of school life whether its trying to understand new goals, being a role model in te ngahere or participating in sports Mikki always has a can-do attitude and a smile on her face
Allan family award for the student who most consistently displays the school values went to Jorja Watson, an all round Kino kid who is positive, friendly and outgoing She cares for others, is always willing to help and has shown awesome growth in her self belief
Stubbs' award for the best overall leader went to Tia Brightwell, who will always give a helping hand or be up for any job when asked/needed Tia can be trusted with any task thrown at her and also when stepping up to role model and help the younger kids throughout any task or activity
The John and Merrin Campbell award for the student who is most engaged in the wider school community went to Lewis McKinnon He stepped up to help lead our community events this year. It has been great to see Lewis gaining confidence in his own ability to lead in many areas such as enviro, forest skills, pizza palace and running lunch sports.
The Jenny Burne award for creativity went to Marley Mapu, who has creativity behind every aspect of her school life. Whether it is her writing for Waikino Whisper or her drawing in art and her incredible Art Waikino idea there is always an awesome effort for thinking outside the box
The Guptill family award for environment went to Sophia Pillai, who always thinks deeply about how to care for our school and the wider environment around us Sophia's depth of knowledge around sustainability has supported younger tamariki during their enviro sessions She is a kaitiaki of the future and we know the world will be safe in her hands
The Josh Copestake kind heart award went to Tayha Lysaght Tayha’s thoughts and actions around kura always come from a place of kindness and aroha Whether she is talking with her friends, working in groups or helping the younger students, she is always considerate
The Smith family trophy for empathy and compassion went to Daisy Carr For showing compassion, empathy and understanding towards everyone and everything Daisy's actions and words over her primary school years have been embedded in all our hearts, a wonderful role model for all He aroha whakato, he aroha puta mai - If kindness is sown, then kindness you shall receive
Year 6 leavers gave speeches about their fondest memories of the school, their friends, teachers, and how they have impacted their lives A few tears were shed with farewells for the summer, as well as farewell to teacher Jo Gilbert who is moving to Christchurch in 2023
"It's been an absolute pleasure to watch them grow"Year 5 students performed a haka for the leaving year 6 students
The following certificates were presented to students from the Waitawheta hub (years 0-3) and Waihou (years 4-5)
Kaitiakitanga held by Tūī - Guardianship, think global/act local.
Levi Bluett (Waitawheta)
Evie Youngman-Howell (Waitawheta)
Malakai Wilkinson (Waihou)
Kairangi held by Kererū - Leadership for my own life, leadership for my school and community
Willy Evans (Waitawheta) Olive Kelly (Waihou)
Māramatanga held by Ruru - Problem solver, creator
Wendelin Davies (Waitawheta)
Regan Wickham (Waihou)
Toitoi held by Kōtare - Encouraging myself and others, respecting myself and others
Macey Greig (Waitawheta)
Jack Belanger-Martel Smith (Waitawheta) Abby Turton (Waihou)
Whanaungatanga held by Kīwī - Sense of belonging to Waikino, belonging in my own life and my community
Ayla Greig (Waitawheta)
Karmenvir Singh (Waihou)
Hauora held by Pīwakawaka - Hauora for my life and others
Jasper Besamusca (Waitawheta) Macy Cathcart (Waihou)
Growth/Manu Maia Excellence
Finley Kinton (Waitawheta)
Vann Wickham (Waitawheta)
Empria Khoury (Waitawheta)
Thomas Youngman Howell (Waihou) Ruby Mikkelsen (Waihou)
Join the teachers, parents, and children for a meet and greet picnic at the school on 9 February 2023, from 5-6:30pm.
We'll have sausages on the BBQ and the pool will be open This is a great chance to meet the Board of Trustees and other parents, the teachers and for the kids to settle into their Waikino School life
Waikino School office is open for enquiries and enrolments on 3 February 2023 from 10am – 2pm
First day back at school is Tuesday, 7 February 2023 (8:45am start, 2:45pm finish)
For general enquiries, email office@waikino school nz This will be checked periodically through the break
Stationery lists, and all information for 2023 available on the school's website: https://www.waikino.school.nz
with social media postings keeping the Whisper in people's minds. Our current advertisers are so busy some have had to pull their advertising! Now that is impressive and in our economic climate that is a great position to be in We have new spots available due to going to 16 printed pages, when you advertise here you then get to support your local community be connected and supported – an opportunity not to be missed, get in touch!
Lauren Bartram and her husband David always wanted to live in Waikino, "We even put offers in on a house on Poland Street when we were here for our wedding (still living in the UK) 15 years ago." They ultimately bought in Waihi, then stumbled upon their Princes Street property while out for a drive 8 years ago. After living simply on the land for nearly 6 years, they've recently moved into their newly built home on the property.
Lauren always loved growing, but found time was one of her biggest challenges After finishing her full time teaching job, Lauren started her own business, Tangled Sprout, saying it was part dream and part accident. "The intention in planting that first season was to bring joy, both to us and to others When I finished working full time, I was able to spend time in the garden, a real luxury! The first season I had so
He kura huna * Tangled Sprout Flowers by Sarah Holmes
GOLD
many flowers and just wanted to share them, so started with a few ‘pick your own’ sessions that were really popular I love how generous nature is, that by giving a small amount of time and energy we can be rewarded with incredible abundance When I’m gardening, it fills my head and my heart which is rare in this busy life I learn something every day " It is also a time for her to connect with different times in her life Tulips always remind her of her grandma and her garden in England and she's found that flowers can do the same for other people. Lauren's love of nature and growing has rubbed off on her two children.
Pippa (10) has wholeheartedly embraced growing flowers, and has an eye for arranging. Pippa now chooses the seeds she’d like to grow, nurtures them from seed to flower and then creates 'Pippa’s posies' in reclaimed glass jars. William (6) has taken control of vegetable seedlings and any edible flowers that they have. Lauren says the best part about having the kids involved is seeing their confidence grow, seeing them make decisions about how to spend their time and being able to be together
The growing business has its share of challenges Lauren says her biggest issues are time, weather, and pests Flowers take a surprisingly long time to grow especially when growing from seed There are so many opportunities for them to die along the way Animal pests can impact a whole crop in a matter of hours
"Weather is a learning curve, as I get to know the flowers and my field I can be more strategic about what's planted where to help with wind, spring downpours and drought," says Lauren. Lauren says Tangled Sprout has led her to find many like minded people, including a collective of flower growers in NZ, many of whom grow in small spaces for their immediate community. "They've been extremely supportive and a wealth of knowledge, shared freely."
This season Tangled Sprout is focused on providing flowers and foliage for DIY events such as birthdays and weddings, people can buy a bucket of flowers, mix them with what they already have and spend time creating with people they love Flowers are supplied for sale at The Platter Board in Waihi weekly.
"by giving a small amount of time and energy we can be rewarded with incredible abundance"
I hope you are reaping the rewards of your Spring efforts and, despite the late start to Summer and it's continued interuptions with tropical storms, trust you are busy harvesting something? Usually I am advising folk about supporting heat stressed plants with regular liquid seaweed feeds, mulching and tips and tricks for irrigation and water conservation. Is it just me or has this been one of the more challenging growing seasons?
My outdoor tomatoes are sulking, the indoor are heaving with green fruit that is slow to ripen, my garlic was a rust zone disaster and my dahlia have been flattened in the wind. However, for every failure there are always successes (it's important to focus on these) The salad greens and even the coriander, which usually bolts in the heat, are thriving, it's been a fabulous berry season, the thirsty corn is tall and strong and there has been very little time spent watering. The tanks are in fact overflowing Again “Creatively use and respond to change” is a valuable Permaculture principle. “Observe and interact” is another Not every summer is going to be hot and dry and it's important to use these challenging times as valuable lessons and adjust accordingly In my garden, for example, I need more support infrastructure, I could focus on boosting my greenhouse growing capabilities, have a greater range of crops, rather than just putting all my chilli's in a heat loving basket, so to speak, and consider planting another round of tomatoes, zucchini and cucumber At the end of the day diversity is key
Important jobs this month include staking tall crops, picking vegetables regularly to encourage growth and delateralling and trimming off the lower leaves of tomato plants. Prune everything off up to the first fruit set to reduce the risk of disease and encourage airflow I also recommend avoiding bare soils and filling gaps by combining faster growing crops in and around slower growers, otherwise planting in intensive blocks with close spacing. Harvest garlic, onions and shallots - they are ready when the leaves are starting to brown, and set aside
your best garlic bulbs for next year's seed. If you haven't got your own to save, now is the time to source seed garlic for April/May planting. Feed and mulch citrus. Collect any flower seeds that are starting to finish and dry Some will self seed next year, but it's handy to have extra for additional plantings, gifting to friends or local seed libraries
Digit control on pests is super important this month As plants get stressed with hot (or super wet!) days or reduced airflow, pests can arrive. Be brave and s i h h h and there, blast aphids wi Neem to your liquid seaw grow 'catch crops' (crops away from your veges), su Check these regularly for
Sow coriander and rocket (in the shade of other plants), chamomile, chives, parsley, radish, more basil, dwarf and climbing beans, lettuce (hardier varieties that can handle the heat, such as Drunken Woman Summer Queen and Roya celery, silverbeet, spinach and a final few tomatoes, c zucchini and scallopini, or greenhouse. Flowers inclu borage, calendula, cosmo marigold, lavender, sunflowers, zinnia and cover crops such as lupins (which are especially good before your winter brassicas), buckwheat and mustard (a great soil cleanser after potatoes, garlic, tomatoes)
Wishing you all a healthy and abundant 2023.
Produced by Riverton Organic Group is this chart that you can put on your fridge. You can buy these from Nicki $10 +pp
Full Moon Cultivate Only Liquid feed Good for all root crops carrots, onions potatoes Sow Grass
Last quarter Barren Period Low vitality avoid planting sowing Put in all root crops swedes, carrots, flowers and grass seed
New Moon Dig and Cultivate Rising vitality Do odd jobs
First Quarter Most prolific No root crops Peas, beans, cauliflowers, cabbage, tomatoes pumpkin, Don't prune Apply liquid feed just before Full moon
This is a recipe my beautiful friend Pies and I created when developing menus for a stunning gastro bar on the side of a ski mountain. It's an ideal base for a charred cut of lamb or a quick knock up for flatbreads and an easy evening
3 medium eggplants, about 1kg Salt ¼ cup tahini paste ¼ cup lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, mashed to a paste
⅛ teaspoon cayenne ½ teaspoon cumin seed, toasted until fragrant and coarsely ground 3 tablespoons olive oil ½ teaspoon paprika 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley 1 tablespoon finely chopped mint Pita or other flatbread, for serving (optional)
Heat your bbq or the grill on your oven
If you have gas hobs and don't mind a little cleaning you can knock the eggplant onto those too Pierce eggplants randomly with the point of a paring knife or skewer Place eggplants 2 inches from heat source Allow skins to blister and char, turn with tongs until entire surface is blackened and eggplants are completely soft, about 10 minutes will do the trick Set aside until cool enough to handle
Slice eggplants in half lengthwise and lay skin side down on a cutting board. Gently scrape away flesh with a knife and put it into a colander to drain Discard burnt skins.
Do not rinse eggplant flesh a few bits of remaining char is fine. Salt flesh lightly and leave for 10 minutes, then squeeze into a ball to remove liquid Blitz eggplant, 1/2 teaspoon salt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic and cayenne in a food processor or blender to obtain a creamy purée Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice if necessary Transfer mixture to a shallow serving bowl
Just before serving, stir together cumin and olive oil, and spoon over the mixture’s surface. Sprinkle with paprika, flatleaf parsley and mint
Char some flatbreads. Laughing.
Is so familiar
The burden within, It's fitted straps
Easily carried upon my back Across the miles
Through the years, so-much-so, I sense the wear, And feel the tears, Running down. And I wonder. Do I need another Old Bag, To fit so well?
To carry the burden upon my back, Like mine still does. Because I’ve often thought, ‘I wanted that’.
But when I look, The trend is bagless! Which worries me, Because;
Without an Old Bag, to fit so well, The burden within, Its fitted straps, Easily carried upon my back.
How should I bear the load?
By Art JohnstoneLots of interesting books, second hand and new! Local artist cards, puzzles, and more.
Pop up generally summer opening hours from 10am – 4pm, Fri – Mon
Potentially my favourite local spot, the Hauraki Rail Trail is one of the gems of our area, and the recent upgrades to the surface make it easy riding for all ages. When the sun is shining there's nothing better than getting out and about locally.
We needn't go further than the Hauraki Rail Trail. With many entry points to the trail, you can decide the route length, scenery, and the mode of transport.
Our family regularly cycles the leg between Waihi and Waikino. A one way trip is easy enough for our six year old, with only minor complaints of sore legs, and a few stops along the way to pick trailside flowers. The trip from Waihi to Waikino takes 30-40 minutes if you can resist the aforementioned flower gathering.
We love to take a picnic and explore the Victoria Battery, check out the kilns, and watch the tramway go by (operates Sat/Sun 10am-5pm) during summer. If you're interested, call 07 863 3032 during opening hours or visit http://www.vbts.org.nz/ for more information
From Victoria Battery, head north to the Owharoa Falls, or 3 5km to the less frequented Quarry and Waterfall (marked by a DoC sign, a short walk off the trail) You can also continue on to the Karangahake tunnel and reserve, with breathtaking scenery.
Whether heading north or south along the Waihi-Waikino leg, the Goldfields Railway train can get you to your start or end point. There are three trains a day from each station. Load up your bikes and be on your way, but not before an ice cream or coffee at the station. Goldfields Railway departs Waihi for Waikino at 9:45 am, 11:30 am, 1:45 pm, and Waikino for Waihi 10:45 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm. For tickets visit https://www.waihirail.co.nz or phone 07 863 9020.
With the upcoming Great Train Robbery on 28 January, how about an early morning cycle from Waikino to Waihi? You can then catch a ride back home to Waikino on the train for the Great Train Robbery (9:45am and 11:30am trips).
Check the trail status before riding, as there can sometimes be slips or other issues causing closure. Visit: https://haurakirailtrail.co.nz/choose -your-ride/paeroa-to-waihi
There's
like a cyclethrough the greenery of the Gorge
. .
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