10 September 2020 by West Franklin Breeze

Sculpture Unveiling

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The story behind the sculpture by local artist Fred Graham unveiled to the public.

FRANKLIN

A breath of fresh air for West Franklin VOLUME 1, EDITION 7

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

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THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

The new Waiuku Town website… ...your one stop shop for local information! The brand-new WB&DA website (waiukutown.co.nz) launched at the end of July and is proving to be a massive hit.

There is information for our community, tourists, and visitors to the region as well as a Members only section for our businesses.

we are really excited about. It is designed so anyone can add a community event, no matter how big or small. It could be anything, so long as it is open to the public, for example a garage sale, school gala, playgroup sessions, fishing tournaments and open days. We have been overwhelmed by the immediate response, with local organisations posting so many events already. If you would like to add to the calendar or would like to see what is happening in the area, make sure you head to the website and choose the “What’s On” menu option, below there are options to either add an event or view the Community Calendar.

We wanted to make a website that was relevant to everyone not just the businesses so have set up a Community Calendar, a feature

We look forward to seeing many more events posted. Make sure you check out the website for all your local needs.

It has been created as a hub of local information including an extensive business directory, listing all of our members and their contact details, you can find out what’s on in the area, read about Waiuku’s history and find out about local attractions in what to see and do.

Waiuku_tourist The WB&DA’s official Instagram Page

WAIUKU BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT MONTHLY NEWS UPDATE

WWW.WAIUKUTOWN.CO.NZ Hi everyone, As we bounce up and down through the levels we feel the frustration and angst this is causing, not only for our businesses but in our community as well. It was such a disappointment going back into level 3, especially after the amazing resilience shown by our businesses not to mention the incredible support delivered by our community. I know that our businesses were more prepared this time around with a lot of them coming to expect this may well be the norm going forward, so are trying to find new and innovative ways to trade while complying with regulations. At the WB&DA we are continuing to build on our toolbox to support our local businesses with offerings like the Facebook group Waiuku Online, a platform instantly connecting local businesses with consumers and the relaunch of the waiukutown. co.nz website, which offers a myriad of facilities for both our members and our community.

Due to this uncertainty, moving through levels creates, we have made the call to cancel he Blast to the Past fireworks display. As you would expect there is a huge amount of hours that go into organising these events and many more having to cancel it if the need arose. We also have to consider the huge risk community transmission poses as 18,000 people from across the Auckland region congregate, creating a logistical nightmare with regards to social distancing effectively. All going well Blast to the Past will be back again next year, bigger and better than ever before. Waiuku Town Centre Manager Sharlene Druyven

Are you a budding photographer? The WB&DA needs you!! We are now on Instagram with the aim of promoting Waiuku to the world and would love to use images captured by local photographers who know our stunning landscape and historic town so well. Our following is rapidly growing as potential visitors and tourists from across the globe, as well as right here in NZ engage, with our posts. Contributing offers you an opportunity to support your local town whilst gaining great exposure for both your image and your name. If you would like to share your amazing photos (full credit will be given) please send them to waiukutcma@gmail.com Follow us @waiuku_tourist

NZ COVID Tracer booklet If you don’t have a smart phone, you can now record your movements in a COVID tracer booklet. Available to download immediately from the government website or phone us at the information centre as we have hard copies on order.

covid19.govt.nz • 09 235 6231

Blast to the Past 2020 CELLED CAN

Due to the recent dip back into level 3 restrictions and the unsettled times we are living in under COVID-19 we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Blast to the Past. We hope to be back next year bigger and better than ever.

Waiuku Wrap articles are prepared and supplied by the WAIUKU BUSINESS & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

WB&DA MEMBER PROFILES

Sprint RE Hi I’m Jason Treloar, and I opened my mechanical workshop Sprint RE Engineering last year. We are based at Unit 31 of the Waiuku Business Park. I have lived in Franklin (Glenbrook) for most of my life, and it is where my passion for cars first began. At Sprint RE we specialise in custom builds for rotary engines, but we work on all types of cars. We do all our fabrication and welding in-house, and pride ourselves on being a one stop shop, saving you time and money. Pop in and say hi next time you are in the area, we look forward to working with you.

COMMUNITY AND PLACEMAKING GRANT The Waiuku Business & Development Association applies annually for grants for things that benefit the community on behalf of the local businesses. The Community and Placemaking grant is offered through the Franklin Local Board and we have been fortunate to have received funding over the past few years. We wanted to share with you some of the great things we have been able to fund for the community.

Night Owls Community Patrol

yllanoitanretni na m’I dna etyhW enaJ m’I !iH m’I .renoititcarp gnippaT/TFE detidercca gnipleh dna od I tahw tuoba etanoissap yletelpmoc .sevlesmeht pleh ot elpoep taht ytiladom gnilaeh nevorp yllacifitneics a si TFE skrow tI .allerbmu yparehtohcysp eht rednu semoc gnittup tslihw stniop erusserpuca no gnippat yb gnisuac s’taht si ti revetahw no noitnetta ruoy dna niarb lanoitome eht segagne sihT .trofmocsid lufecaep a si TFE .ytisnetni yna ecuder spleh uoy ediug ot dethgiled eb dluow I taht ssecorp .hguorht

The Whyte Connection

ypareht suoegrog ym ni snoisses ecaf ot ecaf od I .snoisses enilno od osla I dna ukuiaW ni moor ehT ,egap koobecaF ym hguorht em tcatnoc esaelP no yltcerid em llac nac uoy rO .noitcennoC etyhW .uoy htiw gnitcennoc ot drawrof kool I .625529120

Upgrade of the Waiuku Information Centre with Tech support

Hi! I’m Jane Whyte and I’m an internationally accredited EFT/ Tapping practitioner.

I’m completely passionate about what I do and helping people to help themselves. EFT is a scientifically proven healing modality that comes under the psychotherapy umbrella. It works by tapping on acupressure points whilst putting your attention on whatever it is that’s causing discomfort. This engages the emotional brain and helps reduce any intensity. EFT is a peaceful process

We are very fortunate to have a group of 23 volunteers at present that give up their time month on month to patrol our streets and be the eyes and ears for our local Police. The volunteers travel sometimes upwards of 500 kilometres per month and working over 60 hours. Night Owls cover all schools early childhood centres, schools, sports complexes in Waiuku as well as making sure all gates are closed in cemetery and local sports park. They also monitor the local scout hall, Sandspit Reserve, Waiuku and Hamilton block pensioner flats, the CBD, Fernleigh complex and business park. They also visit Karioitahi Beach, Hoods Landing and Glenbrook when they can. They are always looking for volunteers so If you would like to become a Night Owl please let us know. You can choose how often you wish to patrol.

that I would be delighted to guide you through. I do face to face sessions in my gorgeous therapy room in Waiuku and I also do online sessions. Please contact me through my Facebook page, The Whyte Connection. Or you can call me directly on 021925526. I look forward to connecting with you.

THIS TEAM WORKS FOR YOU

Through this grant we have been able to purchase and upgrade computers and monitors to be able to promote the Franklin area better. We are now able to run videos and short editorials of local tourist attractions in the area and also tell the story of some of our larger businesses like NZ Steel and the “Story of Steel” and Castaways. We also now have the facility for tourists who come to the centre that can go onto the website and download information about the history of the area, accommodation etc.

Large chess/draughts set This has been such a great investment to activate the town square. We find a number of groups come down and have their coffee over a game of chess or draughts. We have also Hi! I’m Jane Whyte and I’m an internationally had the Franklin Chess club host their tournament in the accredited EFT/Tapping practitioner. I’m completely passionate about what I do and helping town square and used our chess set for their players. people to help themselves. EFT is a have scientifically healing modality We alsoproven purchased two that portable chess/draught comes under the psychotherapy umbrella. It works bymats tappingso on the acupressure points putting games canwhilst be played at events and on our your attention on whatever it is that’s causing reserves. hadthethese at brain the and Movies in the Park and they discomfort. ThisWe engages emotional helps reduce any intensity. EFT is a peaceful were used from the minute we put the sets out until we process that I would be delighted to guide you through. packed them away. Sadly due to Covid-19 we are unable I do face to face sessions in my gorgeous therapy to have these room in Waiuku and out I alsofor do community online sessions. use but look forward to Please contact me through my Facebook page, The getting them back out once we go down the levels. Whyte Connection. Or you can call me directly on

Treasurer Sherilyn Fretton

09 235 9219

027 569 2235

Secretary Samara Edgecombe

Samantha Graham

027 666 2713

framedhair@gmail.com

Lisa-Marie Anderson

Matthew Murphy

021 280 0881

021 198 0424

SUNSET SURF & TURF sunset@ps.gen.nz

WAIUKU MITRE 10

ST JOHN

sherilyn.fretton@mikepero.co.nz

FRAMED HAIR

021 105 3162

lmanderson@xtra.co.nz

WAIUKU WARD

matthew.murphy@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Lynette Hunter

Pip Wells

027 945 3410

021 246 8738

Town Centre Manager Sharlene Druyven 021 0827 5763

Town Centre Manager Assistant Harriet Beaton 09 235 6231

PATERSON & BURN EYECARE

lynette.hunter@patersonburn.co.nz

waiukutownmanager@gmail.com

BARFOOT & THOMPSON p.wells@barfoot.co.nz

waiukuatcma@gmail.com

Security camera maintenance Waiuku is very fortunate to have 46 security cameras operating of their state-of-the-art system. With these cameras comes maintenance and replacement of faulty or old cameras. With this grant, it allows us to have our provider come and clean the lenses from time to time, alter viewing areas with consultation from local Police and replace those cameras that have been damaged or no longer operational.

Tear-off map Through the grant we have been able to design and manufacture a tear-off map that can be put into petrol stations, real estate agents, hotels and motels and places like takeaway shops that open outside of the Information centre hours. It was produced with printing sponsored by GoGraphics (Deed Print). This tear off map gives new residents and visitors to the area all they need to know. It has everything from laundrette details to doctors and vet contacts and their opening and emergency hours. It also has churches and accommodation requirements and even goes down so far as to gas BBQ’s in the area and council parks and boat ramps in the area. This will also be available for everyone to download off our new Waiuku website, waiukutown.co.nz

Power to the Christmas Tree

MIKE PERO MORTGAGES & FINANCE

theedgecombes@hotmail.com

Our community at Glenbrook reached out to us for support when they wanted to purchase a new sign to welcome people to the area seeing it is experiencing large growth. When they had an offer to have the sign purchased by a landowner in the area they asked if those funds could be redirected for a safety mirror on an extremely dangerous piece of road. Consent was gained and now the kids walking to the bus stop and people heading down to the beach can see oncoming vehicles around the blind corner.

021925526. I look forward to connecting with you.

The WB&DA support and advocate for local businesses to help drive economic growth in our town and surrounding areas. Chairperson Julie Powell

Glenbrook Beach safety mirror and sign

Storage of Santa sleigh We have been very fortunate to have had the use of a friend’s shed for the last few years to house Santa Sleigh during the year. Unfortunately, she required her space back so we needed to find alternative storage. After months and months of searching and social media posts it was looking as though we were going to have to get rid of our sleigh until this grant presented itself. This would have been devastating to the organisation that kindly built it for us as well as the kids who so look forward to seeing Santa in his sleigh at Christmas. We approached the local storage facility, Store-it-all storage and the owner kindly purchased a container and is housing the sleigh in there for a great rate.

Our gorgeous community Christmas tree always looks stunning aglow during the festive season. The mighty Douglas Fir situated on the hill on Norfolk Rise is over 100 years old and is a scheduled for its protection tree. It has become a ritual for many families to go to the tree or keep an eye out for when the tree lights up for the first time on 1 December. The power charge for lighting of the tree and the maintenance of the lights is covered under this grant.

A huge thank you to the Franklin Local Board for this opportunity and also to the ACE team for their support with this grant funding. It is only through this grant that we can continue to deliver great projects, initiatives and funding for items and initiatives that might not otherwise receive funding for.

THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

MAKING MEMORIES

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Stephen Town talks to Waiuku college reporter Katherine Moore on his career and a new role.

Waiuku College Ball was a hit with the students this year held at the Auckland Hilton.

VOLUME 1, EDITION 7

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A breath of fresh air for West Franklin PH: 09 235 7835

THURSDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Commemorative sculpture unveiled STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

It was a bracing winter morning in Waiuku on Wednesday 5 August as a crowd of around a hundred people gathered to celebrate the official unveiling of kaumātua artist Fred Graham’s imposing new sculpture commissioned by NZ Steel. A gentle mist rose from the water on the Te Pahi/Lions Lake as the long-awaited ceremony got underway with a stirring series of karakia, waiata and kapa haka (prayer, song and cultural performance) by around 50 students from Waiuku College and View Road School. CEO of NZ Steel Gretta Stephens began the speeches with thanks and acknowledgments, followed by a frank commentary about why the organisation has chosen to commission artwork in such insecure times. Although NZ Steel is now 55 years old, Gretta pointed out the sculpture project was initiated in 2015 as a celebration of the organisation’s half-century. “We wanted to gift something to our community that would reflect the strength, determination and resilience required to make steel out of iron sand,” she said. The protracted process has seen Fred, who has lived with his whanau/family in Waiuku for over 30 years, finally have a piece of his critically-acclaimed sculpture art in his hometown. The work, which lights up in the evening and stands eight metres high, required 60 tonnes of concrete for its base and contains 1.4 tonnes of stainless steel. Fred, remarkably agile at 92 years of age, presented the design. The sculpture is made up of three sides, as a reflection of the three significant locations used for steelmaking by NZ Steel — Waikato North Head, Glenbrook and Taharoa. There are fifty birds rising up the column of the work, symbolising past, present and future NZ Steel employees, another ‘three’ theme that was important to the artist in designing the work. Through the negative spaces of the sculpture one can see supporting pipes which reflect how the iron sand is conveyed to the processing plant. Dave Booker from NZ Steel, and Waiuku Town Centre Manager Sharlene Druyven also reiterated thanks to all those involved in bringing the project to completion, which all speakers stressed was designed to involve as much local support as possible.

Gretta and Fred unveiled the commemorative plaque to a waiata from the assembled students, Sharlene returned the original piece of sod to the earth. Mentioned throughout the speeches was the absent Glen Mouchi, the NZ Steel engineer entrusted with the project through much of its development but who missed the final stages due to lockdown and a move overseas. Glen was represented at the ceremony by his wife and daughter. As the chill gave way to a spectacular blue day the crowd drifted away to enjoy refreshments and reflection at nearby Oha Cafe, the magnificent new sculpture commanding the view across the water, glinting proudly under the bright sun.

Sculptor Fred Graham and NZ Steel Manager External Affairs Vicki Woodley. Photo: Bill Deed

Waiuku’s sculpture: nameless but magnificent

Fred hasn’t given our sculpture a name, and time will tell if the community does so on his behalf. Birds are the significant motif. Fred’s bird obsession arose from a desire to fly. “Birds have that freedom to go anywhere,” he said. In designing the NZ Steel sculpture he also felt the birds were significant, not only as symbolic of the employees of the company so central to life in the

town over the last half-century, but also of the west coast beaches, and the migratory nature of people’s movements. When asked which artwork he is most proud of, Fred explained that each work builds on the last, and so he’s “probably always the most proud of the last one.” Locals appear to share the same sense of pride. Without the ability to adequately

conceal the sculpture before it’s official opening ceremony, social media grapevines were abuzz in the days prior to the event when photos of the sculpture were posted. “Stunning, tasteful, awesome, wow, super cool, incredible, very special, beautiful, ātaahua, fantastic, absolutely amazing…” just some of the words local people used to describe the new piece.

The Breeze will complete the Fred Graham sculpture coverage with a life profile of the artist in our October issue.

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THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Border management Crossword bungled, says Bayly THE BREEZE

Waiuku Firebrigade Callouts

JULY

Crossword No XC248505

Maioro Road

Landing zone

Matai Street

Rubbish

Ghezzie Road

PFA

Awhitu Road

MVA

Glenbrook Road

Control burn

Colombo Road

MVA

Collingwood Road

Stove

Ghezzie Road

Assist Police

Maioro Road

Landing zone

Aka Aka Road

MVA

Masters Road

Control burn

Mellsop Avenue

Medical

Sands Road

Medical

Karioitahi Beach

Medical

Whiriwhiri Road

Tree down

Victoria Avenue

Malicious call

Karioitahi Road

MVA

Bowen Street

MVA

STORY TIFFANY BROWN tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

10 1

Elsie Drive

Medical

Allcock Road

Medical

Lees Gully Road

Tree down

Whiriwhiri Road

Karioitahi Road

Kitchener Road

Tree down Dog (Bailey) stuck down a well MVA

West Franklin residents found themselves in both COVID-19 alert levels two and three during the government’s latest lockdown, with the area bisected by Auckland’s southern Waikato border which Hunua MP Andrew Bayly described as “an absolute shambles”. His electorate office was receiving up to 300 calls and emails a day from constituents trying to ascertain whether they were permitted to travel to their jobs, homes, farms and businesses. Andrew claimed the government changed the rules since the previous lockdown. This time requiring workers to seek an exemption to be allowed to move around, but that it took ten days before the Ministry of Health began to grant exemptions to primary sector workers to carry out essential services. “These travel exemptions should have been ready to go at the first sign

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of regional restrictions. Instead, it 14 15 16 17 took a week for the Minister of Agriculture to secure exemptions for the 18 19 20 21 dairy, horticulture and poultry sectors. It took a further ten days — and a huge public relations campaign 22 23 24 25 — to get the Minister to grant an exemption for sheep and beef farmers 26 27 and beekeepers,” said Andrew. The Minister’s Facebook page at28 29 tracted hundreds of comments from Crossword NoACROSS XC248505 concerned people in the area who DOWN were confused by aACROSS lack of commu1 Darling, principally I’m a comedian but I’m 2 Old tri DOWN not very bright (6) Ireland nication and inconsistencies at the 1 Darling, principally I’m a comedian I’m absorbed 2 by Old tribe bringing diamonds 5 Editor but in charge manuscript for 3 Where border. Andrew blamed anot lack of bright (6) very Ireland (5) doctors (6) 4 Wot’s 9 manuscript Old mule spilled acid (5) racketeering5goes Girl’s planning for an outbreak for creating 5 Editor in charge absorbed by for sulphuric 3 Where on 10 See 25 Down 6 Tea to (6) 4 Wot’s up? A road’s approach additional stress on localdoctors business 12 Scary story from German poet needing no 7 Con m 9 Old under mule spilled sulphuric acidintroduction (5) 5 Girl’s aimless wandering (7 owners and workers already (7) 8,13 Acro 10 See 25 Down 6 Tea towel perhaps is not so 13 See 8 Down addres pressure from the effects of the first 14 needing Backwardno boy Edward7pried (5) men opt out in 11 Settled 12 Scary story from German poet Con part (9) lockdown. “It’s clear that COVID-19 16 Thus a popular time is needed for TV series 15 One U introduction (7) 8,13 Across “Surely you jest? (4-5) 17 Now h is going to be with us some time 13for See 8 Down addressed to judge in 18 Her voting changed in a short space of time 19 court They t so we need to fix these sorts of issues 14 Backward boy Edward pried (5)(9) 11 Settled Sheila’s debt20someho MP lat 21 for Some at allegation birthUS (5) writer or another 23 Boy,by a if we have to face other 16 regional Thus a popular time is needed TVfrown series 15ofOne 22 Crazy for fruit (7) 25,10 Acr lockdowns.” (4-5) 17 Now his rep gets busted for 24 Reaches a turbulent river second (7) aims f 18 Her voting changed in a short offirst time 19 with They of bal 26 space Henry’s pal made off cartalk part incessantly (8) (9) 20from MPhere later(5)resolved to tread ro 27 Bird starts to collect eggs 28 birth Son(5) wastes talents (6) 23 Boy, a new rising 3 Down c 21 Some frown at allegation of 29 Former model’s show (6) Crazy for fruit (7) 25,10 Across Evening Star is g Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust 22 24 Reaches a turbulent river second (7) aims for 3 Down champion ACROSS DOWN MONTHLY MISSIONS 1 Darling, principally I’m a comedian I’m off with 2 Old bringing 26 Henry’s first palbutmade cartribe part (8) diamonds to Northern not very bright 27 (6) Bird starts to collect eggs fromIreland here (5) (5) 5 Editor in charge absorbed by manuscript for 3 Where racketeering goes on in the courts? (9) 28 Son wastes talents (6) doctors (6) 4 Wot’s up? A road’s approaching (7) Pukekohe Crew were tasked to assist a29 patient trapped in (5) show (6) 5 Girl’s aimless wandering (7) Former model’s 9 Old mule spilled sulphuric acid 12

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AUGUST

Once again the impact of the Covid pandemic on day to day policing kicked in for us again with the announcement that Auckland was back into Level 3. With almost half of the district actually in the Waikato who were in Level 2 restrictions with no physical border it made attempts at enforcement tricky. The Otaua area was extra busy in fact because the whitebait season kicked off in the middle of this. Also two constables from our team at Waiuku were assigned to the pandemic check points on the roads at Bombay and out of Auckland. So that left two of us insitu for a couple of weeks. It makes for a very long shift standing on the road all night through rain and thunderstorms for nine hours checking whether cars leaving or arriving in Auckland had authority to do so. We also had a number of complaints and reports of Covid19 breaches that we dealt with as we could. Back on whitebaiting, once again society’s worst came out and several cars that were parked at the Hoods Landing and Mãwhitiwhiti Road boat ramps were broken into and property stolen. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR WALLET IN THE CAR OR ANYTHING OF VALUE. In these cases credit cards were taken and quickly used across South Auckland whilst the owner was happily trying to catch whitebait. The good news is one of the offenders can be seen in CCTV footage at the shop where the card was used and we do have good lines of inquiry. Many would have been aware of two local men who pleaded guilty to several very serious charges two weeks ago. It soon attracted much

social media commentary on Facebook sites and unfortunately some reacted on what they read and acted like vigilantes. An innocent man ended up getting assaulted, windows were broken and this had nothing to do with the offenders. Don’t believe what’s written on Facebook comments, it’s so often wrong, leave it to the legal process to punish. A few other crime happenings: • We attended a job where two persons accidentally got themselves locked inside a local bank after hours and could not get out. • A young local man was clocked doing 88 km on Racecourse Road and tried to speed away from our patrol car, but ended up hitting a curb at speed, tearing off the front wheel. He carried on driving for another hundred metres before eventually stopping and running off. He was later arrested on several charges. • Another local man was arrested for multiple charges of theft after driving off without paying for fuel at several service stations. I doubt the sort of people who drive off without paying for their fuel would read this article. But the message is, here in Waiuku we have a zero tolerance on this offending and will follow it up and lay charges. • We attended a few crashes: of note a car doing doughnuts on Karioitahi beach rolled badly injuring a passenger; a motorcyclist on Dickey straight overtook a turning tractor and struck the tractor forks and was very lucky to get away with minor injuries. Keep safe, Dean

Clarks Beach

Pollok

Awhitu

Karioitahi

Waiuku

machinery. 10 StoodSee down enroute. 25 Down 12 Scary story from German needing no Crew were tasked to Clarks Beach to assistpoet a boy introduction suffering a medical complaint(7) and in a moderate 13 See 8 Down condition. Patient to hospital via road ambulance 14 Backward boy Edward pried (5) and crew returned to base. 16 Thus a popular time is needed for TV series (4-5) Crew1were tasked to assist a male patient in his 18 a medical Her voting changedHe in was a short space of time 40’s suffering complaint. flown (9) to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition. 21 Some frown at allegation of birth (5) Crew were tasked to assist a male 22 Crazy for fruit (7)patient in his teens suffering medical acondition. was flown(7) 24 a Reaches turbulent He river second to Middlemore a moderate 26 Hospital Henry’sinfirst pal made condition. off with car part (8) 27 Bird starts to collect eggs from here (5) Crew were tasked to assist male patient in his 28 Son wastesa talents (6) 30’s involved motor vehicle 29in aFormer model’saccident. show (6)He was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.

2 5 1 9 5 7 1 6 2 9 6 8 5 2 3 8 2 7 1 4 Crew were tasked to assist a female patient in her 7 1 5in a9 20’s suffering injuries after she was involved vehicle roll-over. She was flown to Middlemore 1 7 Hospital in a serious condition. 3 to Waiuku 4 9to assist a female 2 1 Crew were tasked

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patient in her 50’s who had fallen off a horse and been kicked. She was flown to Middlemore Hospital in 3 a serious condition.

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Contact 2us3 8 1

Editorial: Tiffany Brown: tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz Kylie Hall: kylie@westfranklinbreeze.nz

6 Tea towel perhaps is not so damp (5) 7 Con men opt out in part (9) 8,13 Across “Surely you jest?” famously addressed to judge in court (3,6,2,7) 11 Settled Sheila’s debt somehow (11) 15 One US writer or another by stream (9) 2 Now his rep gets busted for possession (9) 17 19 They talk incessantly of balloons (7) 20 MP later resolved to tread roughly (7) 23 Boy, a new rising 3 Down champion (5) 25,10 Across Evening Star is going to set out aims for 3 Down champion (5)

3 6 8 1 7 4 5 3 Ph. 09 238 5188 7 2 9Mob.1021 343 335 www. sepio.co.nz 1 3 9 6 4 Specialists in commercial and domestic insurance 3 8 1 Answers on page 14. 1 7 5 3 9 4 4 9 7

Sudoku 4

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Drop in Agents: Action Office Products Depot, 16 Bowen Street, Waiuku. Ph: 09 235 7835

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2 3 9 6 Publishers: 4 bill@westfranklinbreeze.nz 6 8 3 1 Bill & Ngaire Deed: 8 1 2 9 6 Distribution: circulation@westfranklinbreeze.nz 6 6 2 9 8 West Franklin Breeze • 6200 copies delivered to 2 rural districts. 5 1 7 Waiuku and the four Published by Breeze Publications, Waiuku 5 9 7

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Crossword No XC248

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Answers on page 14.

2 4 3 1 8 5 6 5 4 1 9 7 5 4 8 6 9 6 7 3 8 16 Bowen 142 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 8Street, Waiuku 7 •5 09 957 0123 Ext 3 • info@gographics.co.nz 5 4 2 1 7 www.gographics.co.nz 4

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

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Job losses loom at the mill STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

NZ Steel (NZS) has reported a loss of NZ$6.1m for the financial year 2019/2020, following the recent decision to close the unprofitable NZS pipe and hollow mill and the MEP line at Pacific Steel, and a NZ$210m write-down of assets. NZS is in the process of conducting a strategic review of its New Zealand operations, including the Glenbrook steel mill and its sister company Pacific Steel at Otahuhu. NZS Chief Executive Gretta Stephens said, “The strategic review, which will be completed by the end of August, is evaluating the financial viability of the business in a challenging operating environment, made more uncertain by public policy settings in carbon, trade and particularly high energy costs. If we cannot achieve a step change in performance

with this review, there is an option to shift to importing steel feed, and primary steelmaking operations at Glenbrook would cease.” “The company would need to reconfigure its operating model, cease producing any loss-making products and deliver substantial cost and productivity improvements,” Gretta said. “While, the strategic review has not been completed, regrettably, we do expect that there will be job losses.” Gretta says the operation has battled local and international headwinds for several years and failed to deliver required investment returns, but she believes the strategic review is an opportunity to turn the business around. NZS expects to begin consultation with customers, employees and unions soon after the strategic review is complete.

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According to OSPRI the law has been introduced to reduce the number of untagged animals being moved without any accountability, and to drive incentives for the tagging and registering of animals. Willy said this was just another regulation in an increasing heap of unwanted compliance. “The farmer is the only person in our economy who buys at retail and sells at wholesale, and the margins are under continual pressure. All the added compliance requires more human input, but these are additional workers whose jobs don’t add any value to our product. It becomes harder for farmers to make a living, or to make a profit.” OSPRI advises farmers to check all animals are tagged and registered in NAIT, declare any unsafe to tag animals and ensure they are clearly marked, and complete the required forms for their transporter to collect before transporting cattle and deer.

Be in to

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Since June it is now an offence to transport untagged animals, except those with an ‘unsafe to tag’ exemption.

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PHOTO: DAIRYNZ NEWSLINK

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STORY TIFFANY BROWN

Don’t play chicken with your chickens

Flower show latest virus victim ED The organising committee CANCELL of the annual Waiuku Festival of Flowers at St Andrews has reluctantly decided to cancel this year’s event. Held each November, the festival is run in conjunction with the Franklin Rose Society competition, and includes floral displays, market stalls and talks. The event draws busloads of visitors from rest homes Auckland-wide, and the organisers felt the uncertainty around COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions was too great a risk to go ahead with planning for this year. “We’re extremely disappointed,” said organiser and Dellrian Gardens flower grower Bridell Clark. “But we’re very excited for next year. We made good headway with our plans and the 2021 event is going to be amazing.”

New rules onerous for local farmers

The NAIT (National Animal Identification & Tracing) tag is designed to track animal movements and tackle any diseases threatening the farming of cattle and deer. Farmers moving livestock off-farm must now provide their transport operator with paper or electronic declaration forms proving the animals have been NAIT registered. Local West Franklin farmer Willy Muir said the new rules were fairly retrospective, and that his farm was already compliant with requirements. “We get so many rules and regulations these days,” said Willy. “That particular one made no difference to us, we were already doing what we needed to do.” OSPRI manages the NAIT programme, along with TBFree, an initiative set up to eradicate bovine TB from New Zealand through the implementation of the National Pest Management Plan.

PAGE 5

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WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Historic moment Franklin in the life of the roundabout Waiuku Camera Club funds

welcomed

Funding for a roundabout for a notorious traffic accident blackspot has been welcomed by Franklin Local Board chair Andy Baker. The New Zealand Transport Authority – Waka Kotahi - has approved $16.4 million for a roundabout where Glenbrook Road joins State Highway 22 between Drury and Paerata. “Drivers will be delighted because it’s an intersection everyone in Franklin knows is not without risk. “The board has advocated with agencies for a long time to get something done about the intersection, and with the amount of growth we are seeing at Paerata, the situation was only going to get worse. “Anything that improves road safety and makes access to development in the area has to be welcomed.” Building will start early next year and be completed later in the year. Waka Kotahi says the roundabout will make SH22 safer, with more than 20 crashes recorded within half a kilometre of the intersection between 2015 and 2019. The roundabout is among a range

of improvements being implemented for SH22, including a lower speed limit and a turning bay at Jesmond Road. Investigations into safety barriers, turning bays and localised road widening are ongoing. “Up to 25,000 vehicles a day use SH22 to get to and from SH1 every day,” Mr Baker says. “About 10,000 of those meet SH22 at Glenbrook Road, so it’s pleasing to see the building of a roundabout confirmed. This will make this dangerous intersection safer. However, we are committed to continuing to fight for other improvements, including roundabouts on SH22 at intersections like Blackbridge Road, as was consulted on and proposed.”

The July meeting was highly these two characters Dianne anticipated after the Covid-19 and Robin, not just for what lockdown prevented the club they have done, which is from meeting in April, May substantial, but for creating and June. an environment that is upThe meeting was prefaced lifting, wholesome, creative with the AGM where new and fun. The legacy of these officers were voted in and two, and that of those who retirees applauded for their have gone before them, will efforts. It was a good time to be held aloft, celebrated and reflect on the fact that although promoted, and to the best members all share a passion of my ability this culture for photography, it’s the people will not change as we move who make this club precious; forward...” people who selflessly give of The Waiuku Camera Club their time month after month, is about to enter the Auckyear after year just to keep the land Shoot-out which is an wheels moving. annual interclub competition Dianne Whitehead Photo: Simon Brown This AGM we witnessed two for Auckland clubs. Each club significant events, the retiring selects eight photographers of incumbent president Dianne (Three B grade and five A Whitehead after more than five grade) who have seven days years in the role. In Dianne’s to produce just six photos speech she thanked vice between them, one for each president Julia Johnson for her topic. Topics are released to service through those years. the teams on Friday midThen in her last official task night, then the fun begins, as president Dianne went on shooting finishes seven days to surprise Robin Short with later at midnight Saturday. Robin Short Photo: Simon Brown her life membership award for Team members will go hard services rendered to the club over the past two deover the weekend then meet during the week to cades and more. Robin’s husband Terry and several share ideas and results to-date then go out to finof their five children and some of their grandchilish the task. This is a very exciting and highly andren were on hand to make the night even more of ticipated event on the club’s calendar and a chance a surprise. to showcase our great town to the greater Auckland Incoming club president, Simon Brown wrote region. Check us out at www.waiukucameraclub. in his first newsletter editorial, “I want to honour org.nz, see you there. Simon Brown

More trails to come in 2021

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The Waiuku Trails Implementation Committee received a spring surprise on 1 September when Franklin Local Board announced a continuation of funding for the construction of cycle and walking paths around the Waiuku estuary.

ay d h t r i B y p p Ha Wishing a Happy Birthday and Happy School Days to Sadie & Regan who are off to school in September. 82 Queen St • Waiuku Ph: 09 235 7072

Chair Barry Gibbon said the group was very surprised to be awarded $200,000. The project began in 2019 with the opening of a path that runs between Tamakae Reserve and Riverside Drive. Feeling a little deflated about the economic impacts of the COVID-19 lockdowns, the committee had no reason to expect the project would continue to receive support from the local board and Auckland Council. “We hope the board recognises the value to the local community, as the trails are being well supported and used. We also managed to deliver the first stage of the project under budget, with 100% of the construction

delivered by Waiuku companies and supported by NZ Steel. The value of the investment in the community is worthy of support and we’re very pleased.” Franklin Local Board Chair Andy Baker said Council was pleased to be able to provide some funding to continue the project. “We see this as an opportunity to support local businesses in the midst of the COVID-19 upheaval. The community -driven, council-supported model is outstanding, so we’re keen to see it continued.” The committee will now review its options for additional trails and work will begin next year.

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Love a good stomp? Catch The Prairie Wild

n a given Friday night, a unique blend of and Awhitu, joined up as percussionist. He also sound may be heard drifting across the plays guitar and sings in a dynamic that has gelled Awhitu Peninsula as the members of the very successfully, according to Janna. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We basically Awhitu Social Club are entertained by local band told Sid he had to be in the band after having a jam The Prairie Wildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s country music â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;with a kickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. one night and it just came together so sweetly. We Music has played a central role in the lives of really all work together so well!â&#x20AC;? both Canadian-born band members Janna KowalSid is also the woodwind and drum kit itinerchuk and Brittany Pearce. Both sing vocals for The ant teacher at Waiuku College. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This tradition of Prairie Wild, and Janna plays guitar, slide guitar drumming is a personal passion of mine, I really and violin. enjoy playing and listening to it.â&#x20AC;? Sid thrills to perFor Brittany, who moved to West Franklin about form to an audience, saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Finding the Prairie eight years ago, the band is her first foray into proWild in Awhitu is great, firstly enjoying playing fessional musicianship after taking part in school with Brittany and Janna, but also because there is and church choirs and band groups a ready and adoring audience at while growing up with a talented â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brittany and I discovered the Awhitu Social Club when we piano-playing songstress mother. perform there.â&#x20AC;? that we really wanted to Janna, whose partner is Awhitu Lockdown-permitting, the Peninsula-born, moved back play the same kind of music band is hoping to perform at the around five years ago. The band and followed that passion Sunday at St Andrews slot on 13 September, at Nikau Cafe in late formed as a result of Jannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s posiwhich turned into The spring and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re booked at the tion as Vice President of the Awhitu Prairie Wild.â&#x20AC;? Awhitu Social Club again on 4 Social Club. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When we December and in the New Year. started up our live music nights out Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also keen to break into the summer festival here in Awhitu I started wrangling some of the local scene. gals to sing with me and we started up Janna and the According to Janna, the main prerequisite for Song Birds. Brittany and I discovered that we really enjoying The Prairie Wildâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shows is enthusiasm. wanted to play the same kind of music and followed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our ideal crowd is one that appreciates a good that passion which turned into The Prairie Wild.â&#x20AC;? stomp,â&#x20AC;? she said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t afraid to get up and Indian-born Sidharth Pagad, who works as a have a dance. And a love for classic country wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t community musician and music therapist, and go amiss!â&#x20AC;? runs West African drumming classes in Waiuku

Waiuku Property Market Update The Waiuku prooerty market has certainly been very active recently, with a higher than usual volume of sales and many properties attracting multiple offers. Here are some observations about the current market: Demand is very strong, with more buyers than properties available for sale There is good interest from buyers who are relocating to Waiuku from other parts of Auckland The number of properties for sale is low, therefore vendors are competing against fewer properties Mortgage interest rates are low, helping both first home buyers and those upsizing Term deposit interest rates are also low, encouraging investors to buy rental properties

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re thinking about selling or buying, give me a call.

Spring

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS

Lockdown boundary lunacy They say a week in politics is a long time. Multiply that by 14.2 and you get around 100 days, that must be almost an eternity in the political world. On 9 August, it was trumpeted that we had not had any community transmission of Covid-19 for 100 days. We were rightly warned however not to be complacent and were given daily assurances that our border controls and testing were â&#x20AC;&#x153;gold standardâ&#x20AC;?. In mid July, the Prime Minister said that if the virus returned, it was likely that any lockdown response would be local or regional in nature. So why the hell, when the Government ministers and the ministries they are responsible for have been thinking this response is the preferred one, did we find the agencies responsible for the Auckland region lockdown scrambling in a void of leadership and planning. In Franklin and in particular the Waiuku area, the lack of any planning and thought as to possible scenarios is patently obvious. The southern Auckland boundary is designed upon the premises of the direction ground water flows. If it flows in streams and across land towards the Waikato river, the properties it flows through are in Waikato, flowing to the north towards the Manukau, Auckland. That means areas like Aka Aka and Otaua and even the roads around the edges of Waiuku township are technically in Waikato, however those residents continue to use Waiuku and Pukekohe for provision of goods and services. The council boundary line on a map is irrelevant, what is important is the communities to which people feel part of and for Otaua and Aka Aka, that community if Waiuku. The Auckland/Waikato council boundary has no similarity to that of our emergency services or DHBs which stretch further to the south and are more reflective of communities of interest. So the lockdown announcement

instantly caused problems for not only the residents of those Waikato areas, but also the likes of Tuakau, Pokeno, Onewhero, Pukekawa and Port Waikato where people need, for a variety of reasons, to cross the council boundary line on a daily or as required basis. If there had been the level of planning you would expect from the Government looking at local or regional lockdowns, these needs would have been recognized and mechanisms put in place. Nope, our poor local Police were left to their own devices, with minimal staff and even less direction to establish roadblocks and manage this sudden announcement. They tried to recognise communities of interest using their local knowledge but were soon told to move to the council boundary lines, isolating communities. The lack of planning didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop there sadly. While we in Auckland were told to test, test, test, there was not a single community testing station south of Manukau and nothing outside of GPs in the greater Franklin area contrary to what the Ministry of Health call centre told people. Creating confusion in Pukekohe and anxiety for those thinking they needed to be tested. No doubt we will be told there are lessons to be learned again, with this many lessons being learned, maybe they should attach some sort of qualification to it. In my experience within emergency management, you could create a pretty robust plan with all sorts of scenarios in 100 days. Our communities and those responsible for managing the restrictions deserved better than this.

PAGE 7

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PAGE 8

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

2020

Hay & Silage

Hay in Franklin k c a B k c a Silage B Silage Time Time Thin k Pink ...

SING FEATURE • SING FEATURE •

In the late 1940s most farmers in the Franklin area started silage making over Labour weekend at the end of October.

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months. Good silage should have a ‘nutty’ odour. Silage making from grass is usually completed by the end of November, as by then the ‘sugar sap’ in the grass changes and it does not store as well. In most areas of New 13 Zealand haymaking takes place from late tricts Post December to February when the grasses are able to be dried and How to get rid of wet hay hold their nutrients. For hay it should Wet, rotting hay is not something you want around, and is especially something you want to avoidbe quite mature and with the seed heads out feeding to your livestock. Like any other organic material, hay will beginand to rotjust shortly after being starting to dry off. You also need at least three days fine exposed to warm air, water, and oxygen. As this is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi, weather to get it cut, turned once or twice, dried and baled. you will need to be careful If youand domoulds hay, itwillneeds to be ‘picked up’ the same day and kept First and foremost, DO NOT burn wet hay. When burned, the spores from the bacteria

Mak Make hay w h ee hay t intoethe air and if they enter your lungs, can cause respiratory infections. whbeiillreleased s u immediately e t•h n •ISING ADVERTISING • ADVERTISING FEATURE •FEATURE FEATURE • s h h eis as a soil amender, a booster that allows the soil to retain moisture more su i The bestn use for rotting hay n e s therottinghayintothecompostpileisbetterthanaddingitdirectlytothesoil. snutrients. hine easily and store Adding • Bore Pump Sales & Servicing • Water s

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Pump Sales & Servicing • Water • Bore Pump Sales & Servicing • Water Purification • Water Tanks Pump Sales & Servicing • Water •Purification Water Testing • Electrical • Water Tanks • Water Testing • Electrical 40 Crosbie Road • Pukekohe • Ph 09 237 0050 40 Crosbie Road • Pukekohe • Ph 09

237 0050

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the beast!

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under cover or sold to someone straight off the paddock, as damp hay doesn’t keep and damp bales in a shed can catch fire. For baleage the grass needs to be ‘about knee height’ at least, leafy but with not many seed heads opened. Baleage you can cut today, turn tomorrow, fluff up and wrap-job done! Today many large farms make their haylage into large round bales so they can feed out by unrolling it in a long line. In the 1950-80s most bales were small and oblong, able to be lifted by one person. They were stored in a hayshed until needed in the winter. Many a happy hour was spent by farming children making huts in the hayshed amongst the bales: usually with tunnels connecting separate rooms of the hut. Some local contractors can make the small wrapped bales which are much more acceptable for selling to small block holders and they can also be stored outside. Your gateways and space will determine how easy your paddocks are for access for machinery. As machinery gets bigger and bigger some who regularly get contractors in have to move with the times and widen gates.

40 Crosbie Road • Pukekohe • Ph 09

Waiuku Hay Waiuku Hay Contractors Contractors

237 0050

Hay & Silage Hay & Silage needS Sharp •PBore Pump • BoreSales Pump&Sales •Servicing Bore & Servicing Pump • Water Sales • Water & Servicing • Water ice needS SrhPump a Pump&Sales Servicing &PROFARM Pump Servicing • Water Sales • Water & Servicing • Water & rp Sales

Purification •Purification Purification Water Tanks • Water • Water TanksTanks PROFARM RURAL LIFESTYLE • Water Testing ••& Water Water • Electrical Testing Testing • Electrical • Electrical

PricePurification Qu Purification • Water • Water Tanks Purification Tanks • Water Tanks otes Giv& en• Water•Testing Water Testing • Electrical ••Water Electrical Testing • Electrical Q Contact us for household water deliveries, hay bale cartage, uote s Giv Cnr 18Crosbie Elliot Street 40 Road 40 •40 Pukekohe Crosbie Crosbie Road •Road Ph • Pukekohe 09 • Pukekohe 237 0050 •Madill Ph 09 • Ph 237 09Rd 0050 237 0050 e n 40 Crosbie 40 Road Crosbie • Pukekohe Road • 40 Pukekohe • Crosbie Ph 09 • 237 Ph Road 09 0050 237 • Pukekohe 0050 • Ph 09 237Madill 0050 Rd Cnr general cartage, bulk metal supplies and all your fertilser supplies. 18 Elliot Street

PROFARM RURAL & LIFESTYLE

RURAL & LIFESTYLE

& George St Cnr Madill Rd 18 Papakura Elliot Street Waiuku depot: Collingwood Rd. Ph: 09 235 9189 Ph:Papakura 09 298 7767 & Tuakau George St Awhitu depot: Hatton Rd. Ph: 09 235 1024 Ph: 09 236 8228 - 5pm Tuakau Ph:8am 09 298 7767 - 5pm Mon- -5pm Fri Ph:8am 09 236 8228 8am Mon- -5pm Fri 8.30am 8am Mon - Fri8.30am - 12 2.30pm Mon - Fri 8.30amSat noon Sat 8.30am - 12 2.30pm Sat

18 Papakura Elliot Street Ph:Papakura 09 298 7767 - 5pm Ph:8am 09 298 7767 Mon- -5pm Fri 8am 8.30am Mon - Fri2.30pm 8.30amSat 2.30pm Sat

& George Cnr Madill St Rd & Tuakau George St Ph: 09 236 8228 Tuakau - 5pm Ph:8am 09 236 8228 Mon- -5pm Fri 8am 8.30am 12 Mon - Fri noon Sat 8.30am - 12 noon Sat

When a 12 tonne, $400,000 piece of machinery arrives on your front lawn, you’d be forgiven for getting rather excited!

uHay Hay Waiuku Waiuku Waiuku HayHay Hay Hay Hay Hay & Silage & & Silage Silage ctors ctors Hay Hay & Silage & Hay Silage & Silage Contractors Contractors Contractors needS needS needS noon Sat

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Cnr MadillCnr Rd Cnr Madill Madill Rd Rd 18 Elliot Street 18 18Elliot Elliot Street Street W A I &UGeorge K U St & George & George St St Papakura Papakura Papakura Tuakau Tuakau Ph: 09 298 Ph: 7767 Ph: 09 09A 298 298 7767 W I 7767 UTuakau K U 09 236Ph: 8228 Ph: 09 236 09 8228 236 8228 8am - 5pm 8am 8am - Ph: 5pm - 5pm 8am8am - 5pm - 5pm Mon - Fri Mon Mon - Fri - 8am Fri - 5pm - Fri MonMon - Fri - Fri 8.30am - 8.30am 8.30am - Mon 8.30am - 12 8.30am 8.30am - 12 - 12 2.30pm Sat2.30pm 2.30pm Sat Sat noon Sat noon noon Sat Sat

CONTRACTING Offering my usual service Offering my usual service

needS needSneedS

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PROFARM PROFARM PROFARM

Colin Cameron Colin Cameron CONTRACTING

Silage RURAL RURAL & LIFESTYLE & RURAL LIFESTYLE & LIFESTYLE Silage : Cut • Rake18• Elliot Bale Madill Cnr Madill Rd Rd Cnr Madill Rd 18Street Elliot Street 18Cnr Elliot Street

& George & George St St & George St Papakura Papakura Papakura Tuakau Tuakau Tuakau Ph: 09 Ph: 29809 7767 298 7767 Ph: 09 298 7767 09 Ph: 236 098228 236 8228 Ph: 09 236 8228 8am - 5pm 8am - 5pmPh: 8am - 5pm 8am 8am - 5pm Mon - Fri Mon - Fri Mon -8am - 5pm Fri - 5pm Mon -Mon Fri- - Fri Mon - Fri 8.30am 8.30am 8.30am 8.30am 8.30am - 12 - 12 8.30am - 12 2.30pm 2.30pm Sat Sat 2.30pm Sat noon noon Sat Sat noon Sat

Hay: Conventional or Round Hay: Conventional or Round

CONTRACTING Offering my usual service

Offering my usual service CONVENTIONAL 50 Years CONVENTIONAL Rake eke • •Bale Bale CONVENTIONAL Colin Colin Colin Cameron Cameron Cameron Cut Silage • :Rake Cut ••:Rake Bale Cut •• Bale Rake • Bale 50 Years Silage :Silage M&S Contractors M&S M&S Contractors Contractors Colin Colin Cameron Colin Cameron Cameron CONVENTIONAL HAY BALING Experience CONTRACTING CONTRACTING CONTRACTING HAY BALING CONTRACTING CONTRACTING CONTRACTING Crouch STORY KYLIE HALL /// KYLIE@WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ We service & repair all makes ofBrian harvesting HAY BALING Experience 7 HAY BALING Brian 09 235 2713 Crouch • 021 724 137 nal nd l ororRound Round

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Josh’s beloved black lab Tui, is dwarfed by the beast.

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equipment no matter ifHay: it’sConventional old orConventional new... Josh Whitehead, owner/operator of local conHay: Hay: or Round or Round or Round Phone: 021 904 723 / Conventional 09 235 Ian 2713McCall • 021 724 137 Offering my Offering Offering usualmy service my usual usual service service Phone: 021 904 723 /has been waiting tracting company JW Agriculture, Phone: 021 904 723 / Offering Offering my usual myOffering usual service service my usual service Ian McCall 09 235 9434 • 0274 957 819 235 3871 Phone: 021 904 723on/ this baby, and for two months get his hands CONVENTIONAL CONVENTIONAL 235to3871 HallCONVENTIONAL &3871 Hyland Ltd 50 Years 50 50 Years YearsMachinery 09 235 9434 • 0274 957 819 235 CONVENTIONAL CONVENTIONAL CONVENTIONAL now the Claas Jaguar 950 forage harvester has ar235 3871 13 MartynHAY Street, Experience Waiuku Phone 235 8748 A/h Bob Udy 235 9157 rived. “It’s nice HAY HAY BALING BALING BALING Experience Experience to have it landed here! I’m looking

HAY HAY BALING HAY BALING BALING

Brian Brian Crouch Brian CrouchCrouch

forward to getting some seat time now,” enthuses all Call Phone:Phone: ning Phone: 021 904 021 021 723 904 904 / 723723 / / Ian McCall Ian McCall Ian McCall Josh. Phone: Phone: 021 021 Phone: 904904 723723 021 / / 904 723 / ning 235 3871 235 235 3871 3871 The impressive looking beast is an upgrade to alves? 235235 3871 3871235 3871 the existing harvester that Josh owns with fellow alves? skens

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Contact us for Hay Bale Cartage, General Cartage Cartage and and all all your your Fertiliser Fertiliser Supplies Supplies

Josh Whitehead p 027 332 1231 e josh-whitehead@hotmail.com

local contractor, Chris Murdoch of Murdoch Agricultural Contracting and the two have gone 50/50 once more in this latest acquisition. “This harvester picks up grass or maize from paddocks, chops it into lengths between 10 and 40mm and then blows it into a truck to be carted to the silage stack. It’s a standout bit of kit because it’s ten years newer than the old one, has a lot more horsepower, driver comfort has improved hugely and it’s got sensors to tell you the crop moisture and volume,” explains Josh. Standing at over 3.5 metres tall, the harvester is a dream piece of machinery in Josh’s eyes. The Waiuku based one man band started his business nine years ago, when all he had was a sole 60hp tractor and baler. Over the years Josh has added to his collection of work horses and this now includes

a 240hp tractor, a round baler, a tip trailer, maize planter and a harvester. “There’s always some new bit of machinery to buy!” The 32 year-old was raised in Franklin, studied at Waiuku College and aside from a short stint in Palmerston North, has lived in Franklin all of his life. “You could almost say I’m a local,” he jokes. Working in with Chris Murdoch and Graham Hyland, Josh says between the three of them, they’ve got most of the areas agriculture service needs covered . Due to the largely solo work he undertakes, Covid-19 hasn’t affected Josh too much at all. However like the rest of us, it’s unlikely he’ll be travelling offshore anytime soon, so memories will have to suffice for now. “I was lucky enough to do the American grain harvest twice, which took me from Southern Oklahoma to the Canadian border. It’s a neat way to travel and see hometown America.” If the phone isn’t ringing with yet more work requests, you might find Josh having a crack at a duck, scooping up a few scallops to enjoy, or hitting the turf to enjoy a game of hockey. But for now, there’s only one place you’ll find him – sitting with a huge smile on his face in his new beast.

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 9

Hay & Silage Hay cut the traditional way in Switzerland © Luzern Tourismus

Hay in history A British-American theoretical and mathematical physicist Freeman Dyson explained that hay was the most important invention of the last two thousand years.

ay was unknown in classical Greek and Roman times. The Greeks and Romans did not need hay, as the warm Mediterranean climate meant enough grass grew all year round to feed horses and livestock. Dyson outlined that the lack of hay effectively thwarted the spread of civilisation into the cooler climes further north, where a source of winter feed was essential to keep animals. Hay was “invented” sometime during the Dark Ages, allowing urban civilisation to spread north into the temperate zones of Europe. It’s use was widespread among the village dwellers of

medieval Europe. Early farmers noticed that growing fields produced more fodder in the spring than the animals could consume, and that cutting the grass in the summer, allowing it to dry and storing it for the winter provided their domesticated animals with better quality nutrition than simply allowing them to dig through snow in the winter to find dried grass. Therefore, some fields were “shut up” for hay. By the 20th century, good forage management techniques demonstrated that highly productive pastures were a mix of grasses and legumes, so compromises were made when it was time to mow.

Later still, some farmers grew crops, like straight lucerne, for special-purpose hay such as that fed to dairy cattle. Much hay was originally cut by scythe by teams of workers, dried in the field and gathered loose on wagons. Later, hay making was done by horse-drawn implements. When the mechanical tractor and baler came along most hay production became mechanised by the 1930s. Loose hay was taken to an area designated for storage—usually a slightly raised area for drainage—and built into a hay stack. The stack was made waterproof as it was built (a skilled task) and

the hay would compress under its own weight and cure by the release of heat from the residual moisture in the hay and from the compression forces. On some farms the loose hay was stored in a barrack, shed or barn, normally in such a way that it would compress down and cure. Depending on region, the term “hay rick” could refer to the machine for cutting hay, the hay stack or the wagon used to collect the hay. In the mountains of Switzerland the farmers still cut hay by walking behind a mechanical mower, the hillsides are too steep to allow tractors to traverse them.

Traditional hay stack storage methods. William Henry Fox Talbot - The haystack, 1843. Romanian hay stacks. Photo: Camelia TWU.

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PAGE 10

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

DRIVETIME

SPONSORED BY DRIVETIME www.drivetime.co.nz Lets start driving today. Phillip & Fiona Powell

A roundabout is a traffic management system put into busy intersections, to keep traffic moving. This system, if used correctly, minimises traffic build up at an intersection where people would otherwise a be stationary for a lengthy period. The reason for this, is because the person now only gives way to one direction of traffic, instead of having to give way to two directions of traffic. Roundabouts are typically better at maintaining traffic flow than traffic lights as well. I personally love the fact, that even at some of the busiest intersections in our region, the traffic does not have to wait for long. Traffic lights are usually installed at intersections that are creating confusion, or crashes. While this is a “safer” system, it is also a much slower system that creates more traffic build up. Now days, even with the influx of new residents, these roundabouts still work, and will continue to do so, if we use them properly.

Unfortunately, there seems to be more people out there who either don’t understand how a roundabout works, or are just sloppy drivers. I see people accelerate to “beat” the oncoming car. I see a lot of vehicles signalling right at the start of a roundabout when they are going straight ahead and both of those are plain dangerous. There are clear rules for signalling and correct lane use at roundabouts: • Before entering a roundabout, you must indicate if you intend to exit left or go more than halfway around and exit right. The only time you do not need to indicate upon entry is if you are going straight ahead. • You must give way to all traffic that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout. • You must also signal left as you pass the exit before the one you intend taking (including if you are taking the straight ahead exit). • At some small roundabouts it may not be possible to give three seconds warning, but it is courteous to give as much indication as you can.

• At multi-lane roundabouts, you need to approach and enter the roundabout in the correct lane for where you intend to exit. If taking the first exit, it is the left lane. If going straight ahead (e.g. halfway around), use any lane which is marked for that purpose. If going more than halfway around, you must approach in the right-hand lane (or any other lane marked for that purpose). • Also look out for cyclists who may find it difficult to maintain a turn signal on a roundabout and are exempt from this requirement. Clearly signalling your intentions helps motorists waiting at other entrances to decide if it is safe to enter and helps maintain traffic flow. Failing to indicate as required at roundabouts can incur a $150 fine. I hope this helps you understand the rules, and how to use them. Drive well. Phillip Powell Professional Driver/Trainer/Assessor

ANZ future captains! On the 9 August Karizma Green won a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of her netball heroes. Karizma, along with her friend Leah-Myha Davis, had the chance to be on centre court at the start of the game between the Northern Mystics and the Mainland Tactix.

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Karizma and Leah-Myha (centre) with Phoenix Karaka (L) and Jane Watson (R). Photo: Supplied.

Karizma and Leah-Myha met the team captains, Phoenix Karaka – Northern Mystics and Jane Watson – Mainland Tactix. They then hi-fived the players as they took

the court and walked the game ball out for the first centre pass of the game at The Trusts Arena in Henderson. They received an ANZ Future Captains t-shirt and cap.

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Making sport happen STORY KYLIE HALL

Postponed; on hold; deferred; rescheduled; cancelled. These are the nightmare words every sporty kid across Franklin has been hearing for the past seven months. Practically every sport has been impacted by the pandemic and that means lots of keen kids have been missing out on their sporting fix. Then just as we thought things were getting slightly back to normal, a new nightmare word was added – resurgence and a collective groan went up to the skies. Judith Coe, Sports Co-ordinator at Waiuku College says she really feels for the kids.

“The netballers have only had four weeks of play, we’ve got students lined up for hockey tournaments and basketball competitions and the uncertainty is just so hard. No one knows what’s going to be cancelled and what will go ahead.” The college also have around 40 tough nuts ready and willing to trample through swamps, under barbed wire and through buckets of mud at the upcoming annual Secondary Schools Tough Guy and Gal Challenge, but whether that event will proceed, is also up in the air. It’s a hugely challenging time for all kiwis and our kids are learning a lot about resilience in a way that none of us expected. How do you stay motivated to train, when you don’t even know whether there will be a competition to compete in? There are wider impacts for sport too. Judith notes that quite a few senior students got hooked on working during the lockdown periods and swapped the thrill of scoring points in their chosen sport, for the achievement of earning their own money. Now, some have moved on and are no

longer interested in sport, deciding instead to continue working after school instead of heading off to sports training. All we can do in these uncertain times, is roll with the punches and take control of whatever we can and that’s what Judith is now focusing on. “We’re going to bring sport to the kids and introduce lunch time sporting events, so our students can enjoy their sports regardless of the wider situation. We’ll also be providing opportunities for kids to have a go at a sport that they may not be familiar with. Who knows? – it may open new doors for them.” Hopefully we can soon say goodbye to those nightmare words and say hello to the sports we all love.

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THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Making memories On Saturday 8 August, more than 300 students from Waiuku College glammed up and got their groove on at the annual college ball. Held at the swanky Auckland Hilton Hotel and with the theme of “Mysterious Masquerade”, students from across years 11, 12 and 13 poured out of buses and limos and made the most of the night after having their original May ball deferred due to the initial Covid-19 lockdown. Head girl Tara Lipscombe headed up the organising committee which had been planning the ball since late 2019, and said a standout this year was the adventurous style choices of some of the boys. “Many swerved away from the classic black and white suits and went bold with many different layerings including turtlenecks and jewellery. We even had a blue and pink Flamingo suit worn by our Head Boy!” exclaimed Tara. Making a splash with both appearance and presence on the dance floor, were Oscar Crane-Tualevao and Neve Buchan who were awarded Year 13 King and Queen of the Ball respectively. Students Dion Watts and Krystal Fors-

man grabbed the title of Cutest Year 13 Couple and Khonor Brown-Heather (Yr 12) was a hit on the dance floor, taking out the title for Best Dancer with an impressive display as he grooved his way to the top spot. With the year 13 students celebrating their final year, senior privileges meant they were able to invite partners from outside of the college if they wished. White Door Event Photography captured many a special moment and Tara says they also had a live Facebook feed running throughout the night. Refuelling with delicious pasta dishes and sticky tender basted BBQ ribs, which amazingly no one ended up adding to their outfits, the Waiuku College students danced and laughed the night away and made memories to cherish. Photo credit: All photos courtesy of White Door Event Photography www.whitedoor.co.nz

“Truly a t! magical nigh good Good music, st food, and mo good importantly friends.” - Dion Watts

Gorgeous gowns and beautiful smiles.

Funky threads and classic cuts, the lads from Waiuku College stepped up the style this year. Top second from left in white is Fabien Abbott wearing his “Prince” of the ball sash.

PAGE 11

Waiuku Golden Oldies Rugby The Waiuku Golden Oldies rugby team, aka the Silver Wolves, travelled to Mt. Eden on Sunday 9 August to compete in the annual Golden Oldies tournament. Despite some of the players pulling out at the last minute, they were able to round up a team of 16, ranging in age from 35 to nearly 60. The first game was against Mania. Waka Fleming, with hands like feet after 16 years off the playing field, combined with some good all-round play from the rest of the team, resulted in a comfortable win for the Waiuku team. There was no rest between games, and the second team they faced was Mt. Wellington. Although they were puffing a bit, Geoff Saunderson made some solid tackles. Aaron Saunderson had some trouble with throwing passes, but despite this, the Waiuku team came away with a good win. After half an hour to rehydrate and catch their breath, the next game up was against hosts Mt. Eden. Both teams were unbeaten at this stage so it was going to be a tough challenge. The game started a lot faster than the earlier games and reactions were a bit slow. A telling off by Ray Hira about the lack of ball skills boosted the team, and with some great runs by Jay Curley, heavy tackles by Jerry Clarke, Matt Hamilton and Luke Holwerda, the Waiuku team were making progress. Frankie Tawhaio managed to get a short ball off the ruck, and five metres out from the line, running full speed bowling players out of his way, he crashed over the line for the winning try. Player of the day went to Frankie Tawhaio, and Waka Fleming, Ray Hira and Frankie did a great job on the karaoke after the tournament. Pending the lockdown decisions, there will be a Golden Oldies tournament at Waiuku Rugby Park on Sunday 13 of September. It will be a great day of rugby so hopefully we will get plenty of support on the sidelines.

College staff ham it up for a fun photo with ‘Best Dressed Teacher’ Matua Selwyn Herewini still managing to look suave in his red jacket at front right.

“It w my fi as r atten st time ding and a ba it wa ll, s fan will d tasti c– efini tely toug b e h to beat follo in wing year - Sop s.” hie D

Having a blast on the dance floor!

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‘Queen’ and ‘King’ of the ball – year 13 students Neve Buchan and Oscar Crane-Tualevao.

Year 11 student and ‘Belle’ of the ball, Nicole Bargh (top left corner) cuddles up for a snap with friends, including ‘Cutest Year 11 Couple’, Brock Wheatley and Kadia Riddle (bottom and top right).

PAGE 12

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Election day 17 October LUCIE RUTHERFURD Candidate for Port Waikato

We’ve got your back New Zealand

Lucie Rutherfurd We’ve got your back New Zealand Lucie is a third-generation farmer from the Awhitu Peninsula with two sons, a grandson and family who still live and work in the area. Lucie has always been passionate about the environment and has spent 19 years working in fields where her passions can be realised, nine years in local government from 1998 to 2007.

Authorised by Ian Cummings 149 -187 Roscommon Rd, Auckland

www.iancummings.co.nz

Lucie has for the past ten years, filled the role of Resource Management Officer for local Iwi Ngati Tamaoho. Her role has been to work with government officials, councils (regional and local), transport agencies, horticulture, farmers and developers to achieve a sustainable environmental outcome. Living on the Awhitu Peninsula, Lucie is well aware of the importance of local communities, local resources, and supporting these communities. Lucie believes corporate takeovers have not always seen the best outcomes for local farmers, producers and retailers. The Outdoors Party offers policy that she believes in, and that will form the basis of a new direction for New Zealand. Many people she talks to are feeling disillusioned by both major parties as assets are sold, including the sale of land. The Outdoors Party is locally focused and is committed to a healthy environment for everyone, whether rural, town or city dweller. Stopping the need to use 1080 is a priority, as is a moratorium on the roll out of 5G until its safety is verified, as there is a perfectly good option, fast and safe optic fibre available. Lucie says “I look forward to being your representative on these and all issues that make New Zealand unique.”

Back Your Future. Back New Zealand First.

For the last 3 years New Zealand First has used it’s vast experience to bring stability in Government to help overcome unforeseen crisis and tragedy. We’ve backed our;

Rail by extending electrification from Pukekohe to Tuakau, Mercer and Hamilton. A modern, fast link Puhinui to Airport Workers by raising the minimum wage and getting rid of unnecessary secondary tax Communities with security by graduating more than 2,200 new frontline police Homeowners by stopping home sales to foreign buyers and stopping the Capital Gains Tax Regions with jobs and infrastructure from our $3bn Provincial Growth Fund Farmers by pulling back on extremes and bringing balance to the Zero Carbon Act

@winstonpeters @nzfirst

info@nzfirst.nz www.nzfirst.org.nz

Authorised by E. Witehira, 251E Rawhiti Rd, RD4, Hikurangi, Northland, 0184

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

PAGE 13

Upcoming referendums explained STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

New Zealand voters are invited to have their say on two separate referendums when they vote in this year’s general election on 17 October. End of life choice referendum THE BACKGROUND

Cannabis reform referendum THE BACKGROUND

There have been two previous attempts in parliament to amend NZ’s laws around euthanasia, or assisted suicide. In 1995, a ‘Death with Dignity Bill’ failed by 61 votes to 29, then a subsequent 2003 bill of the same name lost out by just two votes - 60 to 58. As a result of a 2015 private members’ bill introduced to parliament by ACT leader David Seymour, the End of Life Choice Bill, passed its first reading with 76 votes to 44, and its second with 70 to 50 in June 2019. The New Zealand First party made it a requirement of their support that the final choice be made by New Zealand voters via referendum. The bill required an amendment and a third reading, both subsequently passed by 69 votes to 51. The bill received royal assent on 16 November 2019, and became the End of Life Choice Act 2019. The controversial issue has drawn a wide range of debate with a record 39,000 public submissions during its protracted path through parliament.

A referendum on cannabis reform was a condition of the Green Party’s confidence and supply agreement to form a government with Labour following the 2017 election. In May 2019 a briefing paper and draft legislation was released to inform what Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern claimed was a binding referendum. The situation is not quite so cut-and-dried, however. Unlike the end of life choice referendum, the government’s proposed cannabis reform legislation has only passed its second reading, and does not include an amendment to take the decision to a referendum. Such an amendment would make the referendum ‘self-executing’, effectively making it binding, although the government would still need to pass it through a third reading before it became law. It can be assumed the sitting government would likely take the necessary steps to move the bill into legislation if the referendum results in a majority ‘yes’ vote, although if the government changes following the election, the newcomers will have no obligation to do so.

End of life choice referendum THE BREAKDOWN The End of Life Choice Act gives people over the age of eighteen the right to request assistance in the process of dying. • The requesting person must be a NZ citizen or permanent resident, and must be suffering from a terminal illness that is likely to end their life within six months, and be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in physical capability, and be experiencing unbearable suffering that cannot be relieved in any way that is acceptable to the person, and be considered sufficiently competent to make an informed decision about assisted dying. • Those suffering from mental disorder or illness, or those with a disability, or those who are merely of advanced age will not be eligible to apply for an assisted death. • The doctor or nurse in charge of an eligible person’s care must not initiate the process of assisted dying, and if they think a person is being pressured by others, they must stop the process. Medical practitioners are also permitted to conscientiously object to taking part in the process, and must refer interested patients to an alternative medical practitioner for assistance. • The request consideration process must include full transparency and recording of communication between the person and their medical practitioner, who is directed to both encourage the person to discuss their wishes with friends and family, and to ensure they know they are not obligated to discuss their choice with anyone. • The medical practitioner should also discuss all options with the person, ensure they know they can change their mind, and do their best to ensure the person is free from any pressure. • Two medical opinions are then sought on the request, with a possible third psychiatric assessment in case competency is in question. If the request is granted, the person will choose a date and method by which to receive a lethal dose of medication. The person may refuse this medication at any time up to the moment it is administered. The outcome of the end of life choice referendum decision put to NZ voters this year will mean the legislation will come into force 12 months following the result. This will only happen if 50% or more of the voters vote yes.

Andrew

Bayly Port Waikato

E: andrew@baylymp.co.nz W: andrewbayly.national.org.nz FB: AndrewBaylyMP

Cannabis reform referendum THE BREAKDOWN • In this referendum, voters have a chance to indicate their personal preference between keeping the status quo, or introducing new legislation that the government proposes will be a way to control and regulate cannabis. • The model sets out how people can produce, supply or consume cannabis. • The proposed bill does not cover medical cannabis, which is already legal under the Medicinal Cannabis Scheme. Nor does it cover hemp, driving while impaired or workplace health and safety issues, all of which are addressed by other, existing laws. • The proposed Cannabis Legalisation and Control Bill will allow for people over the age of 20 to enter a licensed premises, to buy up to 14 grams of dried cannabis from licensed outlets per day, to share this with another person aged over 20, and to consume cannabis on private property or in a licensed premise. • People will also be permitted to grow up to two plants on their private property, with a maximum of four per household. • The government intends the bill to reduce harm to people and communities by eliminating the illegal supply of cannabis, providing access to a controlled product that meets certain requirements, restricting young people from using cannabis and raising awareness of the health risks of cannabis use by regulating package labelling, and banning advertising to reduce the visibility of cannabis. • Production and supply of cannabis will also be regulated if the bill is adopted. There will be a limit on the amount of cannabis available for sale, the potency and contents of cannabis and cannabis product will be controlled, an excise tax will apply, and a licensing system for cannabis businesses, location and trading hours of retailers will be regulated and only businesses, not individuals, will be entitled to import cannabis seeds. • If you vote yes, you agreed with the proposed bill. If you vote no, you do not agree with the proposed bill and do not want to see it pass into law. • If there are 50% or more yes votes, the bill may be introduced to parliament and the usual parliamentary process including public consultation would apply. • If there are 50% or more no votes, cannabis would remain illegal, except for medical cannabis and hemp, both of which are currently legal.

Authorised by Andrew Bayly, 7 Wesley Street, Pukekohe.

Mark Ball for Port Waikato

• At last – a voice for the people of the Port Waikato electorate... • A vote for common sense... • A vote for a local voice in Wellington...

Mark: 0274 514 942 heartlandparty.org.nz

* Remember you have two votes – make them count on the 19th of September!

PAGE 14

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

Are we bored over the border? Oh, what a state of shummozles we are in. The covid virus has forced the government to incarcerate the supercity with a lockdown. The borders are closed, said a virus defiant Prime Minister. But did she realise the consequences for the lost city of Atlantis (no I have gotten confused) the lost land of south west Franklin. As police enforced the strict border controls with tens of thousands of car movements, and thousands being turned back the confusion started to rain (oh, another mistake “reign”). The lush fields of Otaua and Aka Aka and the hills of Whiriwhiri and Maioro are like Atlantis . . . the forgotten world. It doesn’t matter if the Aka Aka area has almost the highest yielding butterfat status of New Zealand or not, the powers that be, think it’s no man’s land. The problem is that with the imposition of the lockdown, the regional boundary prevents residents of this area to cross the border for supplies. Otaua farmer Syd Goodwright, was heard to say on Radio New Zealand National programme last week, “that I feel like a criminal sneaking into Waiuku for supplies. We have eaten the last of our pork and beans and we need to have a top up.” Poor old Syd, he was just recalling the days that his dad used to bundle his family into the jalopy and head on the big monthly excursion to the Franklin capital of Waiuku for supplies. (The term “capital” has often been disputed: former Franklin mayor Max Short had been heard, with tongue in cheek saying “the only good thing to come out of Waiuku was my wife), but I digress. Syd and his family would head to Wallace Supplies and his mother would give Mr Waters her list of groceries which Harry Luhrs would collect from behind the long counter, checking off every item as he took his trade-mark pencil from behind his ear. Oh, it was a good day out and if the kids

were well-behaved, on the way home, they would even be given a slice of dried apple which was a treat after the exclusions caused by the second world war. “There seems to be very little difference,” said Syd, recalling those early years. “Even today I am being deprived of travelling into town legally when I need to fill my nearing empty flagon of port wine, not to mention to buy a pound of tripe and lamb’s fry for my wife and I to eat.” I am not too sure about enjoying those cuts though Syd! However, nearby farmer Willy Muir had the set of similar issues. “I have a block at Awhitu, and the bloody government is prohibiting me from feeding my cows. I am going to wash my icon muddy ute and go around the back roads to get there. Nobody will recognise me”, he said. With dog on the back of the ute, heading off into the north easterly wind, Willy set his course. The dog was in ecstasy with the wind in his face and barked incessantly as Willy traversed the tracks to the peninsula. Getting to his farm he stopped to have a word across the fence with his next door Auckland city neighbour, set in his gumboots and bow tie (just like old Sammy Whiteside, first mayor of Waiuku, when he used to mow his lawn after coming home from his surgery in white shirt and tie). Willy started to talk to his neighbour about having to hide his face in his ute to avoid anybody recognising him. He didn’t really need to because nobody could recognise who was driving the shining ute. The dog continued to bark as he wanted his master to get going. Willy used the eloquent words of his old uncle Sandy Muir “shut up dog, you have been yapping the whole way up.” Meanwhile Syd talked on the old “dog and bone” to current member of parliament Tim van der Molen. “Can you please help?” “I’ll come straight away, I know the way to come,” said Tim. However, he was stopped at the Bom-

bay border control by police and asked what he was going to do. “I am going to help those isolated farmers get access to Waiuku.” “Do you have a letter of authority from the Director General of Health to allow you to cross the border,” they asked. “Well, not really, but I am a member of parliament,” said van der Molen. It was like the old song of Puha and Pakeha of the 1960s when the cabinet minister fell into the boiling pot, the police said “we’re not fussy, but you can’t go there, turn around and go back.” Dejected, Tim headed back to Ngaruawahia for a cup of latte to calm his frustration. But it was a parliamentarian who would eventually pull ranks as we will tell you later in the story. But even a man called Thump (or is it Trump) got on the bandwagon this week. “Those Nooo Zeeelanders had 100 days virus free, and now they have to have a second lockdown in the city. We don’t want to be like them. I suggest building a Mexican wall around the southern boundary and stop those aliens coming into that little city of Wai-ook. The only way they could then escape (like Alcatraz) is to swim the mighty waters of that raging river, if they could make it through the muscley mullet, evil eels and copious carp that inhabit the waterway. If they make it, they can say a prayer of thanks in the old Reverend Maunsell’s mission station of the 1880s at a place called Tea co hangup (“I know I have that pronunciation right,” said the president, “because I had Vladimir Putin check my script). With that the president winked and put on a wry smile, softly clapped himself, pointed towards the TV cameraman and gave the world the thumbs up. “I’ve gotten them beaten” he thought. “I will post this on Twitter, that will flaw them.” But the situation of the river’s own interests is not good either. Hit by the pandemic, the recently opened whitebait season is taking a dive. “You can fish, but you mustn’t drive your car or take your boat,” said the government. Well bloody hell, I am yet to see any budding fisherman, net overhead catching

By Wybmabiity

The author asks you to take this story with a grain of salt, because it was written truly with tongue in cheek. Thank you to all those who are mentioned for their co-operation to make the subject of this article humorous reading.

low-flying budgerigars walking to the river. Those little inanga fisheys are in despair! “In days gone by we used to be worth ten shillings a pound, now we are well down as the interest drops, and those banks (of the river) will soon be charging us to come up,” said a resident old parore. Even the minesite has been affected. A border control advisory officer was recently seen astride of the slurry pipeline to the steel mill. He told the mine site management: “You can’t send that stuff into our supercity. You will have to make a deviation and send it back to the minesite. However in a hope to get some action, Whirirwhiri resident Ron Bird sent a letter to Jacqui Church, councillor of Waikato District Council for the Awaroa ki Tuakau Ward about his frustrations. “Surely local government can make some sense out of this mess?” Ron thought. Jacqui shouted from the rooftops, trying to get someone to listen; she even called a radio station to convince them to care. Emails flew to the inboxes of ministers and the PM and anyone else she could think of, but all the fuss achieved naught: no changes to boundaries for our precious south west Franklin areas. People soon figured a way out of their predicaments and went to Waiuku anyway! The letter Ron sent to Andy Baker chairman of the Franklin Local Board, received a similar reply. “I am north of the border, you are south, and never the twain. I am sorry Ron, you need to address your letter to the Director General of Health, via the Minister of Everything Chris Hipkins, and the Prime Minister Ms Adern to get help. However, it may help if you also copied in the Governor General and Prince Charles as well,” Andy assisted. “Oh well,” said Ron,” I think all I can do is sit back and have another slice of Yorkshire pudding that Sylvia made last night.” Even that Bill Deed character who has been into everything over his years, told the writer that had the Local Government Commission listened to his community 1 the formation of board just before 8 2010, 2 3 they 5 1would 9 7 4 the supercity in

4 1 6 3 9 7 2 5 3

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have had the territorial boundary in the middle of the river. They thought that was a stupid suggestion really, because how would you draw a boundary line in the middle of a waterway? However, he did say his board was successful in getting the Commission to change the boundary which they had running right through the middle of the Waiuku cemetery. In a submission to the authority they told them it would be a “dead loss” to leave it this way, and the Commission agreed and changed it to how it is today. But, it actually came down to the shadow minister of many portfolios Andrew Bayly to pull the “trump” card. Vying for the new Port Waikato electorate member of parliament, he stepped over the mark to rescue the disempowered southern Waiukians. “Don’t believe this boloney,” he said. I have checked with the powers that be and it is assured you can head to Waiuku for your pork and beans as long as that is all you do. They will gain my wroth if they say anything else. “I will be a good member of parliament for you.” Oh well, it all seems to be better now, but after the rushing and ranting, I think I will settle down back on my verandah in the winter sun with my cup of tea, gazing out over the lush pastures, and I think I will sing that old song in my mind: “The old roof leaks and the chimney leans, and there’s a hole in the seat of my old blue jeans. I’ve eaten the last of my pork and beans . . . life gets tedious don’t it?” Footnote: In the 1960s when the Waiuku News was the newspaper of the day, they had a columnist by the name of Wybmabiity and he seems to have reared his head again. We, behind the scenes at the Breeze, don’t know who this Wybmabiity is, but we think it may be someone resembling our publisher. You may question the pseudonym, and we are told that this would be the correct thing to do, because it is actually a question. Confused, so are we, but he may tell you what it means if you meet him on the street 2 one day!

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PAGE 16

WESTFRANKLINBREEZE.NZ

THURSDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2020

The right place at the right time!

tephen was born in Colwyn Bay Wales. During his early childhood his Dad had been offered a job for the Ministry of Works so they packed up and moved to New Zealand. Travelling by ship the journey took about five weeks. He came down with the measles during the journey and was put into quarantine for obvious safety reasons. After arriving in New Zealand, Stephen’s family took up residence in Wellington. Stephen said “I had a nice time growing up but I didn’t enjoy college.” He told me how he left school before the 7th form and worked at two or three jobs. “I was 17 when I decided to save up and go back to Wales to visit my hometown.” Feeling a need to travel Stephen disappeared off to Europe for four months then later, arrived back to New Zealand unsure of what career option he should follow up on.

What were your earlier goals in life and what was to be your dream career? I didn’t have a particular career goal in mind, I went for whatever was enjoyable and challenging. I was just in the right place at the right time and learned very quickly. I did a polytechnic course and gained a diploma in management and I am a proud Polytechnic graduate. In 1987 I got a job at Whanganui Polytechnic; I was there for ten years with four of those as CEO. In 1991-92 I completed an MBA, studying part-time at Massey University.

During your leadership at the Whanganui Regional Community Polytechnic, what was it like being the country’s youngest chief executive? It was a stressful job at a young age (34) for my position. being CEO was quite challenging for me, but I was always keen for new challenges. I enjoyed my interaction with the people who I was in contact with in this role. I learnt a lot. However, it was quite frightening becoming Chief Executive for the first time. While

STORY KATHERINE MOORE

Former chief executive officer of Franklin District Council and more recently Auckland Council, Stephen Town, gave Waiuku College student journalist Katherine Moore an exclusive interview that takes in his early life and leads up to his role as CEO of New Zealand’s largest local body authority Auckland Council, and his new position.

Whanganui was growing fast it ran into quite a few financial challenges, but all the hard work paid off and it was very rewarding in the end.

What drove you to a local government role? It was July 1998, and I am definitely convinced it was right place, right timing. After working in the Franklin Council for four years I started to really enjoy it. It was the first time I had worked with an elected governance and it was very different. I did briefly have a tough time starting because the sitting Mayor lost the election just three months into my new role, so there was a bit of political upheaval to work through. I learnt a lot about people working in a local government environment. Over the four years I worked there the Franklin Council started to lean towards a much more positive change. While I was there the Franklin Centre concept was approved with the library and art centre beginning to be developed. The main concern of most local residents was roading. Franklin had a huge roading network and it was very difficult to maintain it with the finances available. Being between two large regional councils, Auckland and Waikato, made many in Franklin feel they were overlooked when it came to regional funding. With the birth of the Auckland Super City more money was available for roading and other infrastructure developments in Franklin.

How was the move from Franklin Council to Tauranga? It was an amazing opportunity to take. Tauranga was an attractive promotion. It is a lovely part of the country. I had always wanted to spend some time in the Bay of Plenty. It was helpful to have four years of local governance experience in Franklin that gave me confidence to take on the role at Tauranga Council. I spent eight years there and during that time the council developed community

Stephen Town, pictured here on right

facilities such as the sports arena and the aquatic centre. We also developed a new water treatment plant and significant transport improvements In 2010 I accepted the role as CEO for Auckland Council. It may have been a challenge to move from Franklin to Tauranga, but the whole move to Auckland Council however, was very demanding. It was very challenging to get used to communicating with everyone and how to sort out priories in your day to day work. Going from a council in Tauranga with a staff of 500 to running an organisation with around 8,000 people was daunting.

Have you enjoyed your positions and what have been the highlights? It has been a huge privilege to be the CEO of Auckland Council. Six and a half years has seen some amazing experiences. I have been very proud of recent efforts to manage our ways throughout this pandemic. One of my biggest highlights was the development of the Unitary Plan, which may seem unimportant to the average citizen, but it is Council’s plan for the whole of Auckland and how things should be done and managed in the future.

What will your new position entail? There are currently 16 institutes of technology in New Zealand and it is my task to bring them together into a single national network. It is a little similar to the Supercity where eight councils were brought together as one. It will eventually lead to the 16 polytechnics becoming a single entity that will work nationwide. It will help to make changes to the way learners progress and make things more flexible. We’ll also be taking on the “arranging training” functions delivered by the Industry Training Organisations. It is good to be back in education again; I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to do things that make an impact and I feel that this new position will also make a difference for the people of New Zealand. The administration office is in Hamilton and I will be moving to that city in the near future.

Any final comment to the residents of West Franklin? West Franklin is a very positive and proud part of Franklin, and the residents were really good at letting Council know what was important to them and why. I don’t expect any change to that loyalty in the time that I have been away from Franklin.

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS

CAPTURED Each month we showcase a photograph taken by a local photographer. This month’s photo was submitted by Ben Coombe from Ben Coombe Photography and is of Sandspit Beach, Waiuku on a still moonlit night. Notes Ben: “I really like taking shots of the slide and wharf at Sandspit on calm days, for the beautiful reflections.’’

How do I shop? During the Auckland level three lockdown people living in the Aka Aka to Whiriwhiri area had a dilemma. They are in Waikato territory and Waiuku is across the border in Auckland super city. Where and how do they shop? To get to Tuakau, which is the closest town in Waikato, they have to travel through Auckland city at Puni – therefore breaking the lockdown rules. Waiuku and Pukekohe are in Auckland and the boundary was shut so, theoretically, the towns were off limits to residents of Aka Aka, Otaua, Maioro and Whiriwhiri. Otaua and Aka Aka Schools should have still been open but they have pupils and most of their staff living in Auckland so what could they do? The area was and is an island with no way out when borders

are closed. It is surrounded by the Waikato River in the south, the Tasman Sea to the west and Auckland super city to the north and east with no corridor to the rest of Waikato region. Unless one owns an amphibious car and can scoot across

the river, there is nowhere to get supplies for man or beast.

Have your say Comments and opinions can be sent to bill@westfranklinbreeze.nz