4 June 2020 by West Franklin Breeze

Critical support...

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Launch of crisis appeal. Glenbrook vintage Railway fighting to prevent “mothball” of operations.

B r e eze WEST

FRANKLIN

A breath of fresh air for West Franklin VOLUME 1, EDITION 4

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Delivery service

The volunteers beside their delivery wheels courtesy of St John Store. A delivery service dedicated to local over 70s has brought food, security and a friendly face to many seniors. Initiated by the Waiuku Business and Development Association and co-ordinated by Lisa Anderson from St. John Waiuku store, they amassed a team of volunteers and have

delivered 700 orders over the last six weeks. The team have worked tirelessly covering the district from the top of Awhitu Peninsula out to the reaches of Aka Aka, Otaua, Glenbrook Beach as well as Waiuku. “We are proud of the time and effort we have put in. A special

mention must go out to Lisa who during lockdown made this a full time job and to Sherilyn Fretton who stepped in when Lisa had to return to work, without the commitment of these two special ladies this would not have been such a huge success,” said Sharlene Dryven, Waiuku Town Manager. She went on to acknowledge St. John Waiuku store for the use of their van and Southern Podiatry for the use of their mobile eftpos machine. Sharlene was also quick to acknowledge Waiuku New World. “Jeremy, Jaime and the staff at New World welcomed us in and gave us free run of their store,” said Sharlene. “Due to moving into Level 2 many of the volunteers are now able to go back to their businesses or place of work so the service has been terminated. However New World want to ensure that those that used the service have support networks in place to be able to access their shopping so the group are personally ringing all of those to see if this is the case,” she said.

PH: 09 235 7835

THURSDAY, 4 JUNE 2020

My Sherona, Any of you that have been following the Waiuku grapevines will be familiar with Sherona and her antics. She has become the WB&DA’s unofficial mascot as she imparts wisdom through her public awareness messaging and drew attention to local businesses throughout the lockdown period. She has been a huge hit and has gained quite a following so expect to see her around town as she continues to support local and promote the best of Waiuku and surrounding areas. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see Sherona doing or places she should visit please let us know, we would love to hear your Day 27: Sherona helping Lesley Shore at the Waiuku Village Butchery feedback.

REMEMBER THEM Nesia Grant working hard to get the Cenotaph ready for ANZAC Day.

WWW.WAIUKUTOWN.CO.NZ

I hope you are all well and enjoying the gradual return to normal life after the big lock-down. I think this has been a surreal time for most of us and unfortunately really tough and challenging times ahead for some. I think if we take the time to reflect, this has illustrated what an amazing community we have and through adversity what we have achieved together to get through. The WB&DA have tried to capture some of the good news stories that have occurred over lock down but know there have been hundreds more good deeds and so much kindness shown to others over this time. I hope, as people resume to their normal lives that they don’t forget how our community stood up and continue these random acts of kindness and caring to others going forward.

It will be no surprise to many that the majority of local businesses are owned and operated by members of our community and a high percentage of our population is employed locally as well. Many of our businesses are doing it really tough at the moment, if we all band together and try and support them where and when we can, Waiuku will come through this together. Stay safe, be kind and please don’t be frightened to ask for help if you need it. Enjoy the read

Waiuku Town Centre Manager Sharlene Druyven

Fletcher and Brody Kerr contributing to the community Poppy Wall at Waiuku Primary School. April 25 is a day of remembrance, a time when we can reflect on the huge sacrifices made by those who went into battle and did not return. This year was to be like no other, we were told that we would not be able to gather closely at dawn or walk together with our service men and women to the cenotaph and listen as the lone bugler sounded the Last Post. The amazing community of Waiuku however did not let this day go unmarked, and in some respects the efforts made far exceeded those made on an average year. We start with the theft of the solar panel and battery pack that power the light that shines on the cenotaph. This happened at the beginning of lockdown, when he heard about it Neil Anderson of Kraft Installations raced in to sort a temporary solution, while his wife Kath of HairKraft

tidied up the gardens doing some weeding. This was taken to the next level when Nessia Grant came along, giving the gardens a complete overhaul including planting some beautiful new flowers donated by Smithies. The icing on the cake was when local flower grower Blooming Hill delivered an unbelievable display of cut flowers, the cenotaph was thendeserving of its role in commemorating our fallen men and women. It was not just the cenotaph that had a makeover, the whole of Waiuku became emblazoned in a sea of red as young and old alike adorned their homes, gates, fences and berms with tributes. Wendy Peach organised a poppy wall at Waiuku Primary School where the fence that runs along Queen Street became awash with homemade poppy creations

as the community came together to show they will remember. As we move forward in these strange times we are heartened to recall that throughout the unprecedented events we have been experiencing, Waiuku, as a community has united and will prevail. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

If you would like to donate to the RSA please visit their website rsa.org.nz

WB&DA MEMBER PROFILE

Evolution

David and Joanne Hyde’s passion to start up their family run landscaping business Evolution has evolved over many years. The diverse skillsets brought by each member of the family along with the tight bond of a close knit family has combined to create a formidable team who readily take on a wide variety of contracts. David’s passion for landscaping saw him study in this field whilst still working shift work at NZ Steel as a Supervisor in the Steelmaking plant. Evolution Landscapes Limited was established in 2012. Small private jobs eventually expanded into larger private and commercial contracts. The need to employ staff arose. Damien the eldest son returned from overseas where he worked in commercial paving and concreting in Western Australia. His skills and knowledge in this area have now been applied in providing professionalism in this family business. Jasmin, whilst bringing up her family of three children is also employed part-time while studying Landscape Design, which provides professional expertise in this area when consultations are made between clients. Nathan has also worked as a much-needed labourer and digger driver, which is an integral part of many projects. Jeremy, the youngest, returned after a

Landscaping David and Joanne Hyde

valuable learning experience working as a fencer, another integral part of many landscaping projects. The business has provided work experience opportunities for Waiuku College students and would love to continue this service. Joanne’s passion in helping potential school leavers is a new stepping stone, whilst she continues to work as the office administrator and study towards a Degree in Psychology. Eight years have passed providing services mainly in the Auckland region; specialising in hard and soft landscaping design and construction. Decks, paving, fencing, pergolas, retaining walls, concrete along with personal requests are enjoyed by the team and clients. The team at Evolution Landscapes take much pride in providing friendly, down to earth, professional services. David the Project Manager welcomes all enquiries. Please check out our website evolutionlandscapes.co.nz or FB page to view our portfolio and contact details. Alternatively email: evolsnz@gmail.com Dave 0211206422 Jo 0210468170

Nessy’s guardian angel If you’re a local you will know our Nessy in Te Pahi-Lions Lake in Waiuku. Over the last little while she has been a little worse for wear and needed some serious t-l-c. A huge thank you to our amazing local business owners, who

Here is a list of Waiuku Business and Development Association Members who are currently operating. Please remember to:

Think local, try local, buy local. FOOD BJs Takeaways Breadcrumbs Bakery Café Alba Café Karma Fitzy’s Takeaways Green Mango Thai Restaurant Indian Bistro Just Pizza Kaos on Queen LK Café Lucky Horse Takeaways Waiuku Takeaways Lucky Indian Restaurant Malt n Steel Bar and Kitchen Nick’s Cafe New Canton Takeaways New Horse Takeaways Pita Pit PJ’s Sushi Porter Brothers Sushi Gallery Subway Waiuku The Curry Master The Kentish Hotel The Munted Jandal The Shires Ltd The Wild Olive Ltd Upper Crust Bakery Waiuku Bakery Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club Waiuku Roasts

Delivery Service Providers Boostit JR Coachlines

would like to remain anonymous, for restoring Nessy to her former glory, and ensuring she is safe by fitting her with her own set of PPE! I heard a whisper it was quite a challenge in achieving this feat and the eels found you quite appealing.

WB&DA MEMBER PROFILE

From business class to class business

My name is Anita Manning, I am the owner of BOOST IT Delivery. I thought I would introduce myself and give you all a little background about why I started BOOST IT. I have lived in Waiuku all my life and am currently employed by Air New Zealand as a Business Class Midhaul Flight Attendant. My employment is uncertain due to limited travel restrictions which is why I have decided to take my future into my own hands by offering Waiuku a new service. My main goal for creating BOOST IT is to support our local businesses so they can focus on operations, while I take care of their deliveries. This in turn allows businesses to offer an extension of their business service fast and efficiently. Additionally, various local businesses are already onboard, and it seems to be working really well for them. Currently

LOCAL BUSINESS

Delivery Anita Manning

we are servicing Queenie Blooms, Just Pizza, Wild Olive, Green Mango Thai but still have capacity to service more. BOOST IT is unique as it is more than just a food delivery service. We also deliver parcels, engineering supplies, flowers, pharmaceutical items, documents and courier items. My aim is to reconnect loyalty within local businesses in our community. Support local!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ANZ Bank ASB Bank Aurora Law Ltd Barfoot & Thompson BNZ Bank Black Sand Social Media Byrnes Investments Ltd Business Turbo Booster Castaways Developments Conveyancing Plus Ltd Counties Driving School DRK Chartered Accountants Ltd Franklin Law Franklin Vets Gold Legal Gibbons Civil Engineering Ltd; Civil and Geotechnical Engineering Ltd Grahams Funeral Services HAZ Control Indeed We Can Ltd Kym Maynard-Haven –Registered Financial Advisor Landlord’s Assistant McConnell Stafford Bush & Associates Ltd

Mike Pero Mortgages Mike Pero Real Estate Harcourts Waiuku Ltd Ray White Waiuku REMAX 2 Aspire Slade Consulting Straight Up Employment Law Advice Ltd The Vet Centre Waiuku Wham Design HEALTH

& BEAUTY HEALTH & BEAUTY Aspiring Life Colquitt Hair Design Facial Studio Framed Hair Grooming Master Salon Ink Room Interlude Spa & Stay Mind & Body Clinic Mooi Hair NV Hairmakeover Paterson Burn Eyecare Precision Barbers Qnails Resolution Fitness R X Fitness Sawang Thai Massage Sleep Time Solutions Southern Podiatry The Beauty Spot Waiuku Acupuncture & Massage Clinic Waiuku Boxfit Waiuku Craniosacral Therapy Waiuku Dental Centre Waiuku Health and Fitness Centre Waiuku Health Centre Yoga Lane Studios

RETAIL

RETAIL Action Office Products Depot/ Go Graphics Awaken Store Bakers Shoes & More Bottle-O Brewing and Things Ltd Coin Save Waiuku Dave & Maureen’s Liquorland Waiuku Dingle Dell Dairy DKM Fishing & Marine Dollar City Elm Street Superette Farmsource Waiuku Ltd Froggies Fruit & Veg Garlands Flowers & Gifts Gary Pyes 100% GAS Waiuku Gull Hartmann House Gift Shop Hello World Travel King Street Dairy Kitchener Superette Leafy Hollow Mitre 10 Waiuku Mystic Moods Clothing New World Waiuku Orchard and Fields Pollok Co-op Arts and Crafts

Queen Street Superette Queenie Blooms Ltd Retrofit Rimu Gully Smithies Nursery St. Andrew’s Opportunity Shop St. John’s Opportunity Shop Sunset Cycles Sunset Surf & Turf Super Liquor The Goodness Grocer Unichem Waiuku Vanilla Homewares Waiuku Dollar Mart Waiuku Golf & Squash Club Waiuku ITM Waiuku Paperplus Select Waiuku Super Value Waiuku Village Butchery Z Station Waiuku

TRADES TRADES A J Fasteners Absolute Spray Painting Alan Wilson Plumbing All About Glass LtdApex Greenhouses NZ ASCL Group Boostit Churchill Installations C.I. Flooring Cocky’s Corner Counties Auto Glass Counties Sandblasting Services Ltd DesignMax DNH Electrical Erikson Engineering Evolution Landscapes F&M Misa Flying Trestles Catering Formstress Precast Ltd Franklin Acrylics Future Post Ltd Geoff McClay Panelbeaters Ltd Glenbrook Farming and Equipment Hire Goodyear Auto Care Griffiths & Co Ltd Gubbs Pumps & Well Services Hall & Hyland Machinery Homesafe Services Hornell Industries Ltd Itus Scaffolding Kerry Jones Engineering Kitchen Dynamics Kiwi Mowers & Maintenance Knight & Dickey Ltd L4ETShirts Lamont Builders Land and Sea Civil Laundry Save Ltd Lowkey Lockmiths Mobile Mechanical Repairs Maximum Electrical Ltd Mitre 10 Waiuku Monty’s Mowers Motrax Ltd Murphy Panel & Paint

Naturally Wood by Design NZ Gourmet Waiuku Ltd NZ Steel Neil Wildman Plumbing Neils Auto Centre P James Maintenance Services Pitchy’s Passion Premier Movers Prescott Builders Rattrie Construction Ltd Rag Reno’s Ltd Recycle All Your Stuff Ltd Rustbucket Auto Ltd Scott’s Steelworkz Ltd Steelpac Ltd Store it All Summerville Bros. Tom Kane Electrical Ltd Trev’s Tack Room Tyreshop Waiuku VIP Lawn & Garden Waiuku Auto Electrical Waiuku Auto Services Waiuku Business Park Waiuku Car Valet Waiuku Commercial Cleaners Waiuku Electrical Services Ltd Waiuku Engineering Ltd Waiuku ITM Waiuku Laundry—So it Seams Waiuku Portable Toilets Waiuku Radiator and Mufflers Waiuku Roofing Wooden Gates Waiuku ACCOMMODATION, TOURISM, ATTRACTIONS

Awhitu Wines Big Bay Holiday Park Castaways Resort/Glam Camping Connemara Country Lodge Counties Caravan Rentals Glenbrook Model Railway Glenbrook Vintage Railway Manukau Charters Ltd Manukau Heads Lighthouse Pleasant Valley Blueberries Sandspit Motorcamp The Roost Executive Bed & Breakfast Waiuku Lodge Motel Waiuku Motel Waiuku Museum

COMMUNITY,

SPORT COMMUNITY/SPORT Waiuku Library Waiuku and District Combined Churches Waiuku Family Support Waiuku Golf and Squash Club Waiuku Information Centre Waiuku Zero Waste Ltd

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HOW WE COPED WITH COVID

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Photos and anecdotes from around the West Franklin region during the March-May 2020 COVID-19 Lockdown. We would love to hear your experiences to add to our feature, send anecdotes and photos to sales@westfranklinbreeze.nz.

FRANKLIN

50 words or less.

A breath of fresh air for West Franklin VOLUME 1, EDITION 4

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Crisis measures kept centre COVID-free STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Waiuku Medical Centre experienced a hectic time at the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis as they scrambled to amend protocols to keep patients and staff safe. Dr Sasha Maxwell said there was “frantic planning, endless meetings and sleepless nights” as the practice moved from alert level three to four in only days. The team applied a range of measures to operations and management of visitors and staff at the practice. There was a system of alternating teams of doctors and staff to minimise the risk of any community transmission of the virus, as well as rostering of “dirty” and “clean” doctors. Any flu-like symptoms or illnesses and all COVID-19 assessments were dealt with by “dirty” doctors, while their “clean” counterparts dealt with all other acute illness. This divided practice has continued through Level two. Dr. Nicola Coombes at the Waiuku The centre, a designated Health Centre in her PPE gear. COVID-19 swabbing Photo: Facebook WHC

Be locally loyal ... Let’s rebuild Waiuku and West Franklin

practice for Franklin patients referred by their GP or Healthline, was so swamped with phone calls in the first week of the crisis that its phone system repeatedly crashed. At the time of writing there had been an estimated eight locally acquired cases in the Franklin area, of which at least seven had recovered, although no tests carried out at Waiuku Health Centre had returned a positive result. The centre’s crisis management plan also included the use of PPE (personal protective equipment), scrubs, meticulous hygiene measures, virtual consulting, e-prescriptions and e-lab referrals. Dr Maxwell said, “We have so much gratitude to our staff who have all stepped up, put in huge hours and effort resulting in a (mostly) smooth transition through some very stressful times and uncharted territory. Thanks also to our community who have been patient and understanding as we navigated our way through and taken on board all the changes.”

THURSDAY, 4 JUNE 2020

Mammoth slip destroys historic pa site

Photo: Dee Craig

Recently a slip of huge proportions has crashed into the Tasman sea. The area is on the west coast of the Awhitu peninsula north of Waitara (Cochrane’s Gap) and Waimatuku (Hamilton’s Gap). The slip took with it most of the remains of the historic Maori pa Te Tai o Ruru. Kaumatua George Flavell told the Breeze that some years ago he walked the area. He realised then that it was only a matter of time before the slip would occur. “The elements of strong westerly winds, rain and springs running through the area has made it very unstable”, he said. “Te Tai o Ruru was a very big pa in the early days of Maori settlement. It may go back as far as the 14th century,” George said. When he made his trip to the site with other members of his whanau and archaeologists, they found food storage ruas so big that a truck could be parked inside of them. He explained that they saw wooden post construction in these pits, shell middens, hangi stores, much terracing and even a urupa. “The coastline in this area used to be covered with pohutukawa and karaka trees, and now they have all eroded into the sea,” he said.

The slip is on the northern boundary of peninsular farmer Richard Craig’s farm. Richard also told the Breeze that the cliff top used to be lined with pohutukawa trees. “In the 1960s when I was a youth, I used to walk this area. The soft material and (in my belief) damage to the trees by possums weakened their holding,” Richard said. He explained that a similar sized slip came down nearby a few years ago. “This one is massive though,” said Richard “it is at least 100 metres wide at the cliff side and totally restricts access along the beach”.

A photograph from George Flavell’s collection showing the erosion and dead pohutukawa trees on his visit to the area before the slip.

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THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2020

Life in LOCKDOWN Once upon a lockdown

THE BREEZE

Two of our Breeze writers let us know their lockdown experience.

Lockdown was a time of contrasts for me. Life wasn’t going to be very different; I work from home already, we homeschool our kids already, my parents live next door in the same bubble. The teddy bears (we tied ours onto the gate because windows can’t be seen from the street), the Zoom calls (regular homeschool socialising went virtual), the friendly challenges between the two head chefs in the two kitchens of our dual household (all our satisfied tummies the happy outcome of their creativity)… these were positive things. The slowing down of it all; I learned, with surprise, that the anxiety I feel around my to-do lists was not, as I had always thought, a result of external factors, but rather exists inside me, inside a busy mind programmed to believe ticks on the list equal daily achievement. It was a blessing to gain a tangible awareness that stillness, walking, yoga, preparedness and relishing moments of love, laughter and connection can counter-weight that anxiety. (In lockdown, they could even make it vanish, in a puff of birdsong.) Then, as weeks wore on and I’d barely ventured further than our street, as the gloss wore off the Zooms and the comfort of the bubble started to feel like a second skin I was reluctant to shed, I started to ask questions. Why could I buy hard liquor online, but not naturopathic supplements? Why could I get

SPECIAL FEATURE NEXT ISSUE:

HOW WE COPED WITH COVID Photos and anecdotes from around the West Franklin region during the MarchMay 2020 Covid-19 Lockdown. Send anecdotes and photos to sales@westfranklinbreeze.nz

STORY TIFFANY BROWN

fast food but not osteopathic treatment? Why was our ‘essential’ world going around thanks largely to the toil of workers at the bottom end of the pay scale, while others enjoyed an extended paid holiday? When the many thousands of predicted fatalities didn’t happen, when they were not even hundreds, barely even tens… why, in fact, were we at home at all? As the children grew restless, I despaired of the situation through their eyes. The monsters aren’t under the bed, but they are shaped like COVID-19 and they’re lurking in wait for you on an un-sanitised door handle or in a friend’s misdirected sneeze. What will be the impact on our young people, to live through this unprecedented uncertainty just when they need certainty the most? The world has changed now. I thought of Neal Donald Walsche, who wrote there are only two true emotions: love, and fear. So what if we stopped the world because of love, instead of fear? What if we shut down and stayed home until inequality and injustice was a thing of the past? Until every woman, man and child was loved the way they deserve to be loved, loved enough to break cycles of violence, corruption and hate, so that when we re-opened the world, it was one where loving kindness for each other would be as natural as breathing? A world holding its breath for love. It wouldn’t be a crisis. It would be a miracle.

Love in the lockdown Wow! What an amazing couple of months it has been. My life, like many of our readers, has been completely turned on its head. Prior to COVID-19, much of my time was spent undertaking PR work and media hosting for the international tourism sector. However, as soon as this pesky global bug started stretching its tentacles in early January, the signs were there that international tourism was going to be severely affected. I doubt many realised at the time though, that the tap would be completely turned off for a significant period of time. Another segment of my time pre COVID-19 was spent travel writing for iconic national publications such as the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly. When Bauer Media closed its New Zealand operations in April, I said farewell to that work stream too. After the initial shock of losing two major income sources subsided (helped along by a few pity parties and a splash of chardonnay), I picked myself up, threw on my running shoes and ran. And ran. Then ran some more, ticking off a virtual half marathon and a full marathon in the process. My annihilated running shoes are testament to the mental wellness gained from plodding the pavement and a new pair are top of the list.. once the dollars start flowing again. I’m going to hold onto my war-torn lockdown runners though, as a symbol of resilience in these tough times. Love thy body (well most of it anyway).

& ( ' + /

STORY KYLIE HALL

I took my lockdown frustrations out on a patch of lawn. I dug it up, recycled timber planks for borders, used leftover pavers as dividers, and created my very own potager garden. I’m now the proud parent of numerous lettuces, caulis, microgreens, snow peas and sprouting seeds that are blooming in an inherited mini greenhouse. I rediscovered my green fingers and as our feijoa trees delivered bundle after bundle of green goodness, my love for nature’s gifts was restored. Many a lockdown afternoon was spent chatting with neighbours across the driveway (at a socially acceptable distance) and deep friendships were formed. I felt honoured to be a part of their lockdown support team as they weathered the loss of loved ones and was reminded that community starts right next door. To have the time to share with them, was a gift. Love thy neighbour. I learned that I am hopeless at rising dough. Attempts at ‘made from scratch’ hot cross buns and pizza bases delivered yummy end results, but oh my what a mess! Dough stuck to tea towels and complete oven trays were overtaken with overachieving dough blobs which looked nothing like the pretty spheres the recipe promised. I now have a love hate relationship with dough. Furry love came in the form of Locky. We had lost our dearly beloved Radar the cat just before Christmas and his presence was sorely missed. Last

Crossword

&( minute arrangements with the hugely committed Franklin Cat Rescue crew &' saw a blue-grey bundle of&/fluff join our whanau on lockdown day. When any of (! of a superus felt daunted by the chaos bug taking over our world, a cuddle with Locky was the only medicine required. There are few times in our lives when we are forced to hit the reset button, to take a breath from our busyness addictions. Life slowed down in lockdown. Life changed. Love blossomed.

&! && &+ &

Ph. 09 238 5188 Mob. 021 343 335 www. sepio.co.nz Specialists in commercial and domestic insurance

Answers on page 12.

Sudoku

Locky and the worn out lockdown runners. Photo: Kylie Hall

Breeze

West Franklin Breeze • 6200 copies delivered to Waiuku and the four rural districts. Published by Breeze Publications, Waiuku

Editorial:

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

Advertising Sales:

Sarah Lamb: sales@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Drop in Agents:

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

Publishers:

Bill & Ngaire Deed: bill@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Distribution:

circulation@westfranklinbreeze.nz

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16 Bowen Street, Waiuku • 142 Manukau Road, Pukekohe 09 957 0123 Ext 3 • info@gographics.co.nz

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THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2020

from community STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Waiuku’s main street retailers experienced highs and lows during the COVID-19 crisis, but all agreed the support of their landlords and local community has been invaluable. Awaken’s planned expansion of the store, which was interrupted by lockdown, is now going ahead, and Chanel is feeling positive about the future of the business.

Takeaway shop The Munted Jandal jumped at the chance to reopen once the country entered alert level three. Owner Skene Bennellick said he was “blown away at the support from our community”. By 4pm on the day of reopening the burger retailer had as many pre-orders as would normally make up twice that of an average evening’s service. Despite an untimely power cut and their point-of-sale system crashing, the team of four rallied and served three times more burgers to takeaway-starved locals than they had on their previous biggest day, Blast from the Past. Conscious of financial constraints to come for many, The Munted Jandal is now working on a ‘classics’ range of lower-priced burgers to supplement their range.

Nattaya Chapman from Green Mango Thai said the transition to level three, serving contactless takeaway meals and deliveries was an interesting new experience. She said, “Now we are in level two it has been great to be able to serve our customers inside the restaurant again, we really appreciate the support of the fantastic Waiuku community.”

COCKY RECKONS

Holistic lifestyle store Awaken owner Chanel McGibbon struggled to operate the online shopping arm of her business when lockdown struck, as her family are internet and cellphone-free at home, but level three allowed her to re-access the shop and promote online sales. “I think customers are becoming more aware of where they shop and supporting local which is so great,” said Chanel.

Although The Goodness Grocer remained open throughout the crisis, owner Steph Martin said the business “has taken a huge financial hit.” The wage subsidy helped them keep staff employed, and they too received rent relief. Steph was disappointed to see some customers “taking their frustrations over lockdown out on staff” but on the whole she said the community had been “patient, kind, thoughtful, aware of others and generally super nice to our staff and others in the queue.” Steph is concerned for the future of the business, anticipating the end of the wage subsidy. “If support for small, family owned and operated businesses like ours doesn’t happen in a strong and consistent way, then inevitably stores like ours will end up with little choice but to close down.”

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As alert level four progressed Stephen Hiscock and Heather Miller began to think their Kitchener Road homewares store Vanilla would reopen only for a fire sale and inevitable closure. But when restrictions lifted to level three, and with Mothers’ Day just around the corner, the pair decided to leverage social media and see if they could turn things around. “The response we got was fantastic and with us offering local delivery plus gift wrapping or pickup and payment options we were able to have some much-needed income that was enough to cover outgoings and give us hope for Level 2,” said Stephen. While hopeful for the future of the store, Stephen said local support cannot be overestimated. “Local towns will die if the locals don’t support all of the small businesses that are trying to make a living in small town New Zealand.”

Several sightings of pods of orca whales have been recently made in the Manukau Harbour. Just last week a small pod was seen heading north past Grahams Beach. There are about 150200 of the mammals classed as the NZ orca. Orcas can grow up to nine metres in length and the males can have a dorsal fin that measures up to a metre. Each orca is easily identified by scientists from the shape of their markings and dorsal fin.

AUTUMN SNEAKERS • AUTUMN SNEAKERS • AUTUMN SNEAKERS • AUTUMN SNEAKERS

Critical support

Orcas in Manukau Harbour

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8 Kitchener Road, Waiuku PH: 09 235 8507 info@bakersshoes.co.nz AUTUMN SNEAKERS • AUTUMN SNEAKERS

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Nourish the children Committed local couple Gautam and Rama Narayan are passionate about instilling a love of cooking and healthy food into the minds of our young people and a pesky global bug was not going to deter them.

Earlier this year, the pair who run local business, Nourish Holistic Nutrition, was partnering with Otaua School to bring chef level cooking classes to local kids. Rama holds a Bachelor of Science, specialising in nutrition and Gautam, or “Chef G”, as he’s fondly known to the kids, is a qualified chef and holistic nutrition consultant with a strong focus on feeding the mind, not just filling a tummy and says, “For us, it was a no brainer to work with our future adults, where we can help them build a healthy relationship with food. Eating well will give them a head start in being the best version of themselves.” For Otaua School, partnering with Chef G appears to be a foodie match made in heaven. The school is a silver status Enviroschool, part of a nationwide program where students have a sustainability focus and strong connections with their environment. As such, the children have planned and planted large vegetable gardens which are now flourishing. “Chef G works with the children harvesting produce from our gardens, then uses the produce to cook lovely nutritious meals. He was introduced to our school through a parent and wants to give back to his community and in particular, teach good nutrition,” explains Maria Kelsey from Otaua School. “If you never try you will never know” is a phrase Chef G is often heard saying to the budding cooks at the school. He says the students are naturally curious, so he throws in some unusual ingredients encouraging them to at least try it once, which they always do. “The magic begins when they have learnt something new. They want to pass it on. They plate some up for their teacher or take a bit home to a sibling. One girl started eating vegetables

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after attending my classes and that inspired her autistic sibling to eat vegetables - that was truly special. This joy for cooking and sharing is exactly what I want them to experience,” enthuses Chef G. Otaua School students take turns to participate in the Chef G cooking classes. Demand is high and Maria is often asked “When will it be my turn to cook again?” by keen kids itching to get back into the kitchen. As COVID-19 closed in and compressed our lives, Chef G and Rama popped on their cooking hats and whipped up a masterful plan to keep the Otaua kids connected with their love of cooking. “Knowing that the kids were going to be holed up at home, we wondered how to motivate them to cook more and came up with our Lockdown Cooking Challenge,” tells Rama. Each student who cooked up a storm and shared their photos and videos on the school’s Facebook page, won a place in Nourish’s cooking school class. Twenty-nine entries poured through the digital door, including culinary feats such as slow cooked lamb and baking treats including hot cross buns. “We were just blown away!” smiles Rama. “To us, this was as good, or even better, than the cooking classes we have in the school and the parents were so encouraging and thankful.” The couple’s foodie mission began after witnessing the impact nourishing food had on a close relative who was battling a serious illness. Buying their plot of Waiuku paradise back in 2015 was the perfect fit for their aspirational goal of transforming lives through food, by teaching people to nourish every meal. “We are so thankful for having chosen Waiuku. We have been welcomed right from the beginning. It’s a great community and we

THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2020

STORY KYLIE HALL /// kylie@westfranklinbreeze.nz

feel privileged to be a part of it!” exclaims Rama. The feeling is mutual and as we find our feet in our new normal, the Nourish team and school organisers are already planning the return of Chef G to the school kitchen. “We feel very privileged to have Chef G and Rama as part of our school family. They are an integral part of our Enviro Journey and their willingness to help out is amazing,” adds Maria. The West Franklin area is fortunate to have many wonderful local businesses supporting our local schools, and Nourish is an excellent example. Mums, dads and grandparents can all get their fix of nourishing inspiration too, as the couple offer Cooking for Health Workshops at their Waiuku property and also deliver WellFed meals every Friday for those after a healthy hit. Find out more at their Facebook page: Nourish Holistic Nutrition.

Nourishing young minds and bodies with a big dose of fun is what Chef G is providing. The proud grins on the kid’s faces say it all. (Photo supplied)

Clear path

out of redundancy STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Technical shutter specialist Dave Pitout was made redundant due to COVID-19 on March 24, and by April 1 he had set up a new business. “Business is in the blood,” said the owner of Light and Shade Solutions. For 23 years he ran a blind and shutter operation in his native South Africa, before he and his family moved to New Zealand 12 years ago. Prior to the crisis Dave had been very settled in his job which involved traveling around the country conducting training sessions for other agents. “It was quite a shock to find out about the redundancy,” he said. “I was happy in the job, it was very well paid and only took me away about a week out of the month, so my wife was happy!” But Dave soon saw a clear path to setting up his own specialist shutters and blinds business to primarily service the Franklin area. It didn’t hurt to have his son’s partner, a qualified website builder, in his bubble with him during lockdown. Dave says he’s happy with progress so far and already has a couple of orders in the pipeline. At 68 the keen golfer’s plan is to grow the business for five years or so, with the potential to hand over to his youngest son.

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Dave Pitout owner of Light and Shade Solutions. (Photo supplied)

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Frequently asked questions under COVID-19 How can I contact the practice? • During the lockdown we have had considerable trouble with our phones and patients are reporting that they were unable to get through to us. We are working hard on replacing the system as soon as possible so thank you for your patience during this time. • If you think you have Cold or Flu Symptoms – please ring the surgery before coming in on 09 2359102. You can ring the surgery between 8:30 am and 5:00pm. Please see opening hours during COVID-19 below on this page. • You can email reception@waiukumedical.co.nz for general information • 09 235 9102 or email on pills@waiukumedical.co.nz to get nurse advice or order a prescription

How can I arrange to see my doctor • For continuity of care we encourage patients to see their registered GP for routine appointments. • You can book for your own registered doctor by ringing the surgery or on the Manage My Health app. (Reception is happy to help you register for this) or phone 09 23 59102

What if I have an urgent problem • If it is a medical emergency please dial 111 • Ring the surgery 09 2359102 and discuss with our receptionist who can put you through to one of our nurses for advice or arrange for you to talk to our triage nurse. • We have a triage doctor working every day for acute medical issues and emergencies that need to be dealt with on the day. This doctor is not able to complete paperwork for WINZ, drivers medicals or other non urgent paperwork. These must be completed by your own GP in a pre-booked appointment. Please plan to book for these at least one week in advance.

What if I have cold or ﬂu like symptoms • Please phone 09 235 9102 (or during COVID our triage nurse 027 381 6926) before coming in – at this stage we have divided our team so that one duty doctor looks after all of the Flu and Cold symptoms and possible COVID-19 assessment while the second duty doctor looks after other acute issues

Can I have a Video Consultation as I work in Auckland and find it hard to book an appointment to suit their working hours? • Video Consultations are now available. If you would like to use this service please discuss with the receptionist how to book an video appointment and how to download the Jitsi Meet app. • You can also book a phone consultation if this meets your needs.

FLU VACCINES Flu Vaccines are still available at Waiuku Health Centre

Free for over-65s

or those under 65 years of age with some long term health problems. For further information or to book an appointment please phone: 09 235 9102 26-30 Constable Road, Waiuku 2123 09 235 9102

How can I pay for my consultation especially those phone and video consultations? • Waiuku Health Centre has a no accounts policy so do require payment on the day of service unless they have set up an automatic payment. This system works really well, and patients do not have to worry about paying on the day. • Pay on line for any services to 12 3052 0283114 01

What services are on offer at level 2? • Consultations – Face to face, phone & video • ACC Consultation and Treatment • Wellness Reviews • IV Treatments and Infusions • Chronic Care Clinics e.g. Diabetes, COPD

• • • •

Spirometry/ ECG Smears Family Planning Minor Surgery

What issues did the Practice experience? • We had multiple issues with our phone system as the volume of calls continued to crash our system. We are working to replace our system as soon as possible. We would like to thank our patients for their patience during this time. • Shortage of essential supplies: - PPE - Flu Vaccine • Daily changes to the COVID19 Swabbing Criteria and guidelines made it difficult for us.

How can I give feedback? We appreciate getting both negative and positive feedback at all times. Without getting negative feedback we can not review our services and of course our staff really enjoy getting positive feedback especially at this difficult time.

How can I order repeat scripts? • You can order your script by email to pills@waiukumedical.co.nz • From the website – https://www.waiukumedical.co.nz/ • Or by telephone 09 2359102 • By Manage My Health • During COVID please allow at least three days for the pharmacy to process.

What has changed for patients? • Electronic Prescribing is here. We now have the ability to send your script directly to the pharmacy of your choice. The NZ ePrescription Service (NZePS) provides a secure messaging channel for prescribing and dispensing systems to exchange prescription information electronically. It enables a prescription to be generated by the prescriber, transmitted to the NZePS health information exchange broker, and downloaded electronically at a community pharmacy. The set up of this new system has not been easy during COVID-19 for either the Medical Centre or local pharmacies so we appreciate your patience while we iron out the teething problems. • Electronic Laboratory Referrals – When a doctor refers you to the lab for blood tests – the form goes electronically to the lab and you can go to any Labtests branch to have your test. It is wise to take some form of ID with you. • Phone and Video consultations are available – this is a really different way to consult with your doctor but we have been asked to cut down the numbers of patients in the surgery so please consider this option if you can. In preparation for a video consult patients are encouraged to download the free app Jitsi meet from the Google Playstore or App Store.

CERVICAL SMEARS WITH OUR NURSES ARE

HALF PRICE FOR JUNE

FOR ALL REGISTERED PATIENTS WHO ARE DUE OR OVERDUE

COVID-19 OPENING HOURS

MANAGE MY HEALTH APP Waiuku Health Centre has a Patient Portal (ManageMyHealth) which is an online service that gives you the freedom to manage your health needs anytime, anywhere. ManageMyHealth allows you to book appointments, view your medical conditions, immunisation history & allergies and order repeat prescriptions online or on your smartphone using the ManageMyHealth App. If you would like to sign up please come to the practice at 26 – 30 Constable Road, Waiuku and you can register on the Patient Portal. If you have a smartphone, you can download the free ManageMyHealth App by going to the App Store (or Google Play for Android phones) before coming to the practice. Each family member will need a separate personal email address to register.

Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 5:00pm Saturday and Public Holidays: 8:30am – 1:00pm Please note: we are unable to open on a Sunday at this time due to staffing issues. The nearest afterhours provider when we are closed is: Franklin Urgent Care 149 Manukau Road, Pukekohe Open 8am – 8pm daily Phone(09) 238 6610 FAX (09) 238 6617

Our online service that gives you the freedom to manage your health needs anytime, anywhere.

www.waiukumedical.co.nz

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Virtual relationships the new parish normal The ministry and parish at Waiuku and Districts Combined Church/St Andrews has been on an ongoing journey through the COVID-19 crisis. In the absence of physical congregation, the shared excess produce from their home gardens worship team first provided written services in with the local food bank to support those in hard copy to the parish, and latterly, for those need. Incumbent minister Rev. Richard Gray who were able to access it, through online conducted the church’s first online service in meeting software Zoom. Retired minister Rev. May. “The first Zoom service was fascinating Bruce Howat said the team had done its best to because everyone was so excited to actually see meet the diverse needs of the parish. each other,” said Rev. Bruce. “This demonstrated “Not everyone the importance has technology of both community in their home, and relationships.” and for some As a result of the the new COVID-19 situtechnologies are ation the church confusing.” The is considering congregation running Zoom had operated a services for those “phone tree” to members of the keep in touch congregation who with each other, cannot physically particularly make it to church. those likely to Rev. Bruce said, be feeling lonely “We will monitor or vulnerable. and engage The worship dialogue with team has also our people continued to throughout, to work closely with see what the conWaiuku Family gregation wants, Support, and in what format Virtual service in progress with members. (Photo supplied) parishioners had and frequency.”

Locals looking after locals The COVID-19 crisis has not slowed interest in the real estate market, according to Julie Rodgers, owner of Mike Pero Waiuku.

This is how we are currently operating our business during COVID 19. Q: How are things different viewing homes during COVID-19. A: We are fortunate to have a top IT team working behind the scenes, they have designed a very simple registration system. This is emailed to both our purchasers and vendors ensuring that all COVID-19 questions are covered, therefore reducing the risk for both parties and ensuring the ability to track and trace should the need arise. We will then meet the purchaser at the property at the pre-arranged time with the appropriate PPE. PPE will be available for the purchaser should they feel the need, however, hand sanitising is a must. The purchaser will not touch any surfaces or door handles, the salesperson will give access where needed. The salesperson will sanitise surfaces and handles when the viewing is complete.

Q: Open homes? A: Where purchasers contacts us prior to the Open Home they will register online using our registration system as mentioned above. Purchasers viewing an Open Home that haven’t registered previously will be able to use a QR code on our Open Home sign. If they have no way to access this then a manual form will be filled out. The maximum amount of 10 people are allowed to view the home, however we are mindful of the 2 metre rule so will keep the amount lower than this if

required due to the size of the property. Viewing will be contactless as above. All surfaces and handles will be sanitised by the salesperson when the Open Home is over.

Q: Market Appraisals what happens here? A: Are you nervous? No need to be. Do you have a smart phone? Take a short video of your home, inside and outside, and send it through. We can work with you to get this done. Or we will send you the COVID-19 registration form, come to your home at a pre-arranged time with our PPE (gloves, mask and hand sanitiser) and conduct a short inspection and be back to you with an appraisal (emailed under level 2 restrictions)

Q: How will you market my property? A: We have access to the latest ‘e’ marketing options and TV adverts to use under these conditions and there will always be a solution to meet your budget. We are offering some great cost effective options at present. Just ask us.

Julie Rodgers, owner of Mike Pero Waiuku has noticed:

A large increase in buyer traffic. There were a lot of email enquiries during Level 4 which then turned into inspections and offers in Level 3 and 2. With interest rates at an all time low and the LVR lifted first home buyers are accessing both their Kiwi Saver and first home buyers grant on houses under $600,000. We are very busy in this price bracket, which in turn is positive for the premium properties as sellers of the more modest homes sell and take advantage of the low interest rates to increase their stake in the housing market. This is also a great time for investors to enter the market. With interest rates so low, if you can secure an interest only mortgage you could be in a cash positive situation, using the balance from the rent to then repay your own home loan back earlier. Talk to our brokers Sherilyn Fretton Sherilyn.Fretton@mikepero.co.nz and Joan Mc Flinn joan@mikepero.co.nz they are the experts in this field With over 80,000 kiwis returned home I feel the market will be busy for in the interim and a shortage of properties on the market will keep values strong for a while. Give me or one of my team a call, we are here to keep you safe and will work hard towards a positive outcome for all. Remember, Keep Safe, Stay Positive and Be Kind.

Julie Rodgers | 027 551 6075

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COVID19 RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IN PLACE Social distancing, sanitising and signing register.

Iconic railway may close Heritage operation Glenbrook Vintage Railway (GVR) has launched a crisis appeal with the hope of saving their iconic Auckland steam train attraction from being “mothballed”.

Restaurant will be open, blackboard specials. Friday and Saturday Steak & Rib night, $28 pp Bookings essential, no more than 10 per group Friday & Saturday from 5:30pm until close

menu available Tuesday - Friday

9am 3pm

Meals The inaugural train to Waiuku arriving at the grand opening of the Waiuku Branch line in 1922, the GVR took ownership of this line in 1970 and became the Glenbrook Vintage Railway. Photo: Supplied

per person

Pick up or delivery $3 town / $5 rural Order via email manager@waiukucossie.co.nz

Courtesy van available Thursday - Saturday from 4pm

“Our mission is to connect Kiwis with our rich rail heritage and we are looking for all possible support to save our railway.” To make a donation, visit https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/glenbrook-vintage-railwaycovid-19-crisis-appeal

A classic shot of a GVR train cresting the grade as it nears Glenbrook Station. Photo: Supplied

We have been busy lately doing a number of search warrants around the area. We obtain enough evidence to get search warrants through the investigations we do but what does greatly assist is information from the public. In a number of recent cases the public have provided information that led us to obtaining search warrants looking for drugs. However when we do the warrant we find much more than drugs. In one we got drugs, stolen cars and firearms. In another we got Class A, B and C drugs and once again property. We recovered thousands dollars worth of property stolen from a local school. In another we did a warrant for a simple theft matter and came away with the stolen item as well drugs and firearms some of which were loaded. Drugs and property offending are linked where you find one there is the other. The thieves and burglars take their stolen goods to the drug houses and exchange them for drugs. But where the public can help is by telling us what they know. In the recent COVID-19 lockdowns

Club trading hours Monday - Sunday 11am - 8pm

Takeaway

STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

General Manager Tim Kerwin said operations are suspended until further notice due to the COVID-19 crisis, and despite government approval for wage subsidies for the operation’s four fulltime staff, the financial constraints caused by the significant loss of operating income may see the operation grind to a halt. The operation’s specialist team of four full-time staff provides rail operations, engineering, leadership and risk management skills to GVR which is the fourth largest rail operator in Australasia, contributing $1.2 million to the national economy in 2019, $150,000 of which flowed directly to the Franklin community. “Our main goal now is to retain these key jobs and continue our essential maintenance programme, which will cost about $450,000 over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Tim.

The Club will be open for members and their guests from 21st May 2020

Police received thousands of calls reporting on persons breaching the lockdown provisions. People were obviously worried that these breaches were affecting everyone’s safety. I would like to think the public could do the same here and call police about information they know on criminal offending. Thieves and burglars steal your possessions even breaking into your house or school to take them to swap for drugs. And we all know the scourge that drugs is and the affects it had on our community. Ring up, do it anonymously by calling “Crimestoppers” on 0800 555 111. We’ll do the rest just tell us. Lastly I have been seconded to Pukekohe for a year to do another job. In my absence Sgt Dean Borrell will be running the show. His name will be familiar to many of you as Dean worked here for a long time a number of years ago. He will be a great asset to the community and he also has a strong dislike for thieves, burglars and druggies. But as someone once said “I’ll be back”. Cheers, Woody

Please adhere to COVID restrictions when you enter the hotel

Restaurant

Members’ Draw

New winter hours are: Monday – Sunday we close at 8pm. Monday 11.30 - 3pm/5 - 8pm Tuesday 11.30 - 3pm/5 - 8pm Wednesday Sunday 11 - 8pm Takeaways are still available. Pickup or delivery (within 5km from hotel) New Seniors lunch menu. Monday to Friday 11am - 2pm. (Must present Gold card.)

Every Friday night, starting 29th May. Increases by $100 if not struck. You must be present in the bar to win. Max $1,000

Happy Hour Monday to Friday 5pm - 7pm House wine and spirits and a selection of tap beer.

Courtesy Van Our van operates on Thursday 8pm until close. Friday and Saturday nights from 5pm until close. The van operates within a 10km radius from the Hotel, to book ring the Hotel number and select option 3.

Wednesday Night Quiz Will start up again when safe to do so.

Phone: 09 235 8367

Email: info@thekentishhotel.co.nz

www.thekentishhotel.co.nz

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Windfall for primary learners STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

View Road School has received donations to the value of $15,500 from three separate donors. St Andrews Op Shop, the charity shop run by Waiuku and Combined District Church, has donated $10,000. A further $5000 has been donated by Waiuku Rotary, and electrician Caleb Russell from Rapid Electrical has donated $500 worth of Rebel Sport vouchers to the school, his winnings from a King Downlights competition run by Ideal Electrical. Principal Cris Hull said the primary school is the only one in the area without a BYOD, or bring your own device policy. The school plans to allocate most of the donation on

extra devices to increase equity across its students’ learning. When New Zealand entered alert level four of the COVID-19 response, the school had 67 devices which was not enough to go around all 155 students. The devices were allocated on a one-per-family and first in, first served basis. The remainder of the students were supported with hard material packs. Cris said the school will use the donation funds to invest in a further 30 devices to support its students. “The extra devices would have made a real difference during alert

levels four and three,” said Cris, who was thrilled by the generosity of the local community, and the willingness of the donors to contribute during a time of crisis. “It’s really exciting that our local community is backing our kids.” An unexpected outcome of the crisis was a welcome increase in parent-teacher communication. Teachers were able to form stronger relationships with families through daily contact and discussions about day-today activities and students’ emotional wellbeing. The school is looking at the other areas where they may spend the rest of the funds, including a dyslexia identification programme.

View Road pupils enjoying the new devices avaiable for learning. Photo: Jennifer Foy

A new world for Diego

y a d h t r i B y p Hap Wishing a big Happy Birthday and Happy School Days to these boys who turned 5 in April & May

STORY KYLIE HALL /// kylie@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Spaces available, call for a visit.

82 Queen St • Waiuku Ph: 09 235 7072

ack in the “old world”, Waiuku’s Diego Quereally enjoying the challenge of doing something iroga was busy working as a flight planner completely new in a different industry,” says Diego. for an Air New Zealand. Tracking weather Jamie Brear from New World Waiuku says conditions, preparing load sheets to ensure weight Diego has quickly become a valued staff member levels were safe and correct, and adhering to the bringing excellent skills to the business. “Diego stringent aviation regulations was just part of his embraced the opportunity to work in different normal working day. departments, picked up things very quickly and That was until a pesky bug decided to go rogue was always willing to do extra hours to help.” and run amok around the globe. Like many New World Waiuku hired 47 new permanent staff businesses at the time, the during the COVID-19 crisis. airline had to reconsider the They came from a diverse I’m really enjoying the economic costs of their range of backgrounds which resourcing and job cuts included retail workers, air challenge of doing followed. Bye bye Diego. hostesses, sales reps and something completely new restaurant workers, and With the prospect of no income looming and a mortgage their collective experience in a different industry. to meet, Diego contacted provides a large injection of New World Waiuku to see if valuable skills. there were any jobs available. With supermarkets Jamie adds that he’s been extremely pleased with deemed one of the only businesses able to operate the response from the local community and the during COVID-19 lockdown level 4, and customer willingness of everyone to be patient as new ways demand skyrocketing in response to the lockdown of working have been implemented. “It was a new notice, Diego was quickly snapped up as a and uncharted way of operating that no one had casual employee. experienced before.” “Initially it was a way to ensure I had an income Never before in our lives has the saying, “the during the crisis but New World has many different only constant in life, is change” been more fitting career pathways for my future development. I’m than now. Breeze

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PAGE 9

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STORY KYLIE HALL /// kylie@westfranklinbreeze.nz

make for an appealing advertising spiel. Owner Ian Parry is a fighter, but sounded a little defeated when I spoke to him about the effects the reeking weed was having on his local business. “Families who came to stay used to enjoy swimming in the creek. But now, some end up leaving the holiday park early because of the stench.” Ian has been raising the weed issue for years he says, at one point filling a ten litre bottle with the smelly gunk, taking it along to a local council meeting and then lifting the lid for all to savour the disgusting aroma he and his guests have to face. “Because it’s not in their backyard, Auckland Council don’t give a toss,” laments Ian.

Families who came to stay used to enjoy swimming in the creek. But now, some end up leaving the holiday park early because of the stench.

He’s tried different divisions within the authorities and says he complained again to Council late last year, to no avail. Various community groups have also raised the weed issue with local board reps and Council, but aside from sympathising, very little seems to happen and the red scourge rolls on in yet again. As Lois notes, if this pongy weed was washing up on city beaches, there would be a ‘big stink’ about it. Paul Amaral, Auckland Council Head of Operations – Community Facilities states, “Warm water temperatures and abundant nutrients are the main conditions in which seaweed blooms occur, which is why they occur in spring/ summer.” He says it’s a historic issue and affects other areas in the Franklin region too. “We have received queries in previous summers to remove seaweed at Big Bay, which can cause an unpleasant odour once it begins to rot. The most recent deposits of seaweed were largely

accumulating and not ‘flushing’ due to the stream at the south-eastern end of the beach being impeded by sand. Our Healthy Waters contractors conducted stream dig-out works in late March, allowing the bulk of the weed to then flush out naturally with the tide.” Ian from Big Bay Holiday Park said despite that dig, the pesky weed and its accompanying stench still remain. Why the whiffy weed is thriving in the area is not clear, but one theory points towards the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant. Could the increased volumes of “cleansed” water being dispersed into the harbour be upsetting the water balance and creating a breeding ground? Council don’t believe so. “Long-term marine water quality monitoring by both Watercare and Auckland Council indicates that discharges from the Mangere wastewater treatment plant do not significantly affect water quality around the Awhitu Peninsula coastline or the Manukau Heads. The sustained growth of seaweeds through autumn is most likely linked to sustained calm conditions; with warmer sea temperatures and less wave energy than usual in the absence of the autumnal storms we usually experience,” adds Paul from Auckland Council. Locals however do believe the two are likely connected. And with more treated wastewater apparently set to flow through the planned Clarks Beach conveyance pipe in the future, will we see more “unpleasant” weed washing up, stinking and spoiling even more of our Franklin shorelines? Big Bay locals would like to see two things happen to help bring back the beauty to the bay. One – have research undertaken to determine why the weed is thriving in the area. Two – obtain assistance to remove the weed from the beach on a regular basis. Ideally if the weed was useful for composting, they’d love to see it utilised for good. (A true “shovel-ready” project in every sense of the word!) Council have confirmed they are happy to meet members of the public about the smelly weed issue and are committed to finding the best way forward. We look forward to hearing from locals regarding progress.

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mysterious red weed is taking over the beauty of Big Bay and other harbour beaches, harming wildlife and local businesses, and concerned locals are not happy. And it could be coming your way. Washing in from the harbour with the aid of sea breezes, the weed has taken a shine to the cosy coves of Big Bay, where deposits of the sewage smelling rotter are often knee deep. Local eco warriors have had their thinking caps on trying to figure out a use for the ugly red weed but the volumes are just too huge to manage. “It would be wonderful to compost, but it arrives in huge quantities, and as it rots, it envelopes the lovely bay in a foul sewage type aroma,” explains Beachcare Awhitu member Anna McNaughton. It’s not the first time this red devil has turned up on our Big Bay shoreline. According to locals, it’s been happening for several years now but appears to increase year-on-year. In addition to the usual plague of stinky red weed, this year the volumes have been so invasive that combined with low rainfall and extended warm temperatures, a botulism outbreak appears to have occurred, killing more than 40 ducks and five white-faced herons. “At the Manukau Harbour forum, we discovered there was no research going into the burgeoning beds of this seaweed. There is a thought that increased water clarity in the vicinity of the sewage works, where salinity is diluted, may be favouring this particular plant,” adds Anna. Lois Templeton has lived in the Big Bay area for more than 34 years and the beach was the playground of her children. She says there was never any of the red weed in the early 2000s and she has concerns for the health of local residents and visitors. “The weed washes up the creek adjacent to the McKinnon Road homes, gets trapped in the mangroves of the supposed wetland, sinks and rots, turning the creek to black water. Our children and Big Bay Holiday Park guests all swam and fished in that creek but there’s no way that’s possible now.” The stench wafting in from the rotting weed must be a kick in the guts for Big Bay Holiday Park as they struggle with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. Foul smelling algae covering favourite spots on the beach does not

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Illustrator’s lesson delights young artists STORY TIFFANY BROWN /// tiffany@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Around thirty students from Awhitu, Sandspit and Pukeoware Schools were treated to a drawing lesson from renowned illustrator Bruce Potter at Waiuku Library on 3 March. The children were engrossed as Bruce took them through a lesson focusing on parts of the face, teaching them how to use shading to make eyes, noses and mouths look more realistic. Prolific illustrator and author Bruce has over 125 books to his credit, including collaborations with beloved New Zealand authors Joy Cowley, Margaret Mahy, Tessa Duder, Craig Smith and Witi Ihimaera. As a young child Bruce’s mother kept

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him entertained by spreading a large roll of paper across the floor, anchoring it at one end and handing him a pencil. He would fill the paper, and when there was no room left to draw he would cry until she unrolled a fresh batch. Initially working as a cartoonist, illustrating came his way almost by accident when he heard that Macmillan were looking for illustrators. A meeting took place with Bruce showing them a handful of

drawings, and three months later he had illustrated ten books for the publishing company. Bruce had plenty of words of wisdom for the children as he shared some of his personal history in terms of perseverance in other fields like power-lifting and karate. “Be stubborn,” he advised, “and don’t give up.” Teachers and students were all delighted with the lesson.

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Have your say on Auckland’s Emergency Budget 2020/2021. Auckland Council is focused on continuing to help our communities and businesses recover, and providing the essential services Aucklanders rely on. But the economic impact of COVID-19 means together we need to make some tough decisions about Auckland’s budget; like the rates we pay and what we spend our money on. Auckland’s Emergency Budget proposal is now open for your feedback from midday 29 May until midnight Friday 19 June. To find out more go to akhaveyoursay.nz/emergency-budget or call 09 301 0101.

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Lyric Minhinnick, year 7 at Sandspit School said the best thing about the session was, “Drawing! He taught me a lot about shading.” (Photo supplied)

Phoenix Grey, homeschool year 8, said the lesson was great, and he learnt a lot from Bruce about how to draw eyes. (Photo supplied)

ANZ Waiuku opening hours The ANZ Bank’s branch at 50 Queen Street, Waiuku is now open for three days a week. The branch is available to customers all day on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and closed on Monday and Friday. The bank’s Smart ATM will be available outside the opening hours for customer withdrawals and deposits. Representative for ANZ Bank Siobhan Enright says the closure follows a national and global

downtrend in the use of branch banking services. “Today, the average ANZ customer uses mobile banking one to two times a day, and visits a branch only one to two times a year. Only 1% of transactions that involve the movement of funds (deposits, withdrawals, transfers and automatic payments) are now made in branches, compared to 43% in 2012.” Breeze

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THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2020

Helen Belcher is looking for information regarding her family who settled in Mauku during the 19th century. If you know anything of the families mentioned in her letter below, please email her. — Editor

PAGE 11

GIANT FEIJOA

QUINN & CRAIG & ROWE – MAUKU AREA My Irish great grandfather, Hamilton Quinn of Mauku, died unexpectedly in 1892 leaving his wife Rebecca with a family, the youngest, Annie, being born the day after Hamilton died! The four surviving children were Maggie born 1881 (a nurse who became matron at Kawakawa Hospital up north, Joe born 1885 who became a policeman, Bob (my grandfather, born 1883) who served in World War 1 before marrying Nelly Schlaepfer of Helvetia, and settling on a farm in Clevedon, and Annie born 1892 who married Cecil Jackson and raised a family while living in the Kumeu/ Helensville area. In 1897 Hamilton’s widow Rebecca married James Craig whom I’ve been told was a neighbouring farmer. I understand there were no further children. To date I have not been able to make contact with any Craigs – who just may be able to tell me more about Rebecca, my great grandmother, or her first husband, Hamilton Quinn. Rebecca has a rather impressive grave in the Mauku Public Cemetery, indicating that someone cared at the time of her death in 1906. (James died in 1909 and for some reason is buried in Morrinsville). I would be thrilled to hear from someone in the Craig family. James’s Irish parents, James & Margaret (nee McIlroy) Craig, had children named William, Matilda (m. Flavell), Alexander, Ellen (m. Stancombe),

Annie (m. Walton), Alfred, Margaret and Elizabeth (m. Plimley). Stephen and Annie Rowe were also neighbours of the Quinns at Mauku, Annie being a midwife. They had two sons, S. and J., as well as a daughter who married in 1919. Annie, the youngest in the Quinn family, was her bridesmaid. Again, a Rowe may be able to tell us something of our Quinn family? Hamilton Quinn farmed Lots 99 and 100 on the no-exit ends of today’s Martin Wright Rd. Until the War, my grandfather Bob farmed Lots 93 and 94, land which Percy and later Arthur Chalmers farmed in Martin Wright Road, their home today being at No. 39. I wonder if Hamilton Quinn’s home remains today - probably as a hayshed or similar! – or if anyone knows where it was on the land?

The picture above is said to be a house where my grandfather Bob Quinn lived either before or after the War, not necessarily in Martin Wright Road, but in the general area, maybe Glenbrook? It could be standing today! Does any reader recognise this house? Thank you for your help. Please reply to: Helen Belcher, Auckland. helmarc55@gmail.com

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Charlize and Archer Sabine, from Buckland holding their possible record-breaking feijoa. It weighed in at a whooping 422g after dropping from the tree. The closest feijoa size recorded they could find was 398g.

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Andrew Bayly MP for Hunua I hold regular constituency clinics throughout the electorate. To make an appointment, please contact: Hunua Electorate Office 7 Wesley St, Pukekohe 09 238 5977 during office hours

THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2020

Mill boss speaks from the heart In March, we had hoped to bring you full coverage of the community sculpture project between New Zealand Steel, the local subsidiary of international company BlueScope Steel which operates the Glenbrook Steel Mill, and iconic Waiuku artist Fred Graham. The COVID-19 crisis had other ideas. Here we bring you some comments directly from Gretta Stephens, CEO of New Zealand Steel. The Mill has been at the heart of the West Franklin district since 1969. It employs over 1,300 people in the area, and produces over 650,000 tonnes of steel per year.

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From Gretta Stephens, Chief Executive, New Zealand Steel Kia Ora On the 31st of December, many of us made our new year resolutions for 2020, none of us could ever have imagined how that would all be thrown in the air and we would be facing a global pandemic known as COVID-19. Our business like many in our community and across NZ has been significantly impacted by the alert level 4 lockdown. We shut down our operations at the end of March, quickly and safely thanks to the great work of our team, we ran only a very small ‘care and maintenance’ crew of around 40 people during level 4.They looked after our critical equipment which needed to be kept hot, to ensure we were in a good position to restart. With a workforce of over 1400 employees and a few hundred contractors, it was a huge challenge to prepare our equipment to close down safely. A lot of work then went into ensuring that we were well prepared with controls in place to actively manage the risk of COVID-19 under alert level 3. The good thing is that managing risk in the workplace is what we do. We manage risks in our workplace all the time. The single biggest difference is this risk is invisible and affects our families and our communities outside of work. We restarted our operations under level 3 and are now back up to full capacity. Orders are currently good as our customers are catching up on work that was delayed when the country went into level 4. Our challenge is the same as the whole NZ economy, what will happen once the work that was in progress has finished. Any downturn in the country that slows building, construction or manufacturing will affect our business. The full economic impact of COVID-19 is yet to be seen but like many businesses we are now operating under very different conditions, our customers, contractors and suppliers are doing everything they can to protect their businesses, as are we. We are hearing more and more conversations calling for people to help kick start the economy by supporting their local businesses and buying NZ made, a message I continue to reinforce also at every opportunity in my discussions with our government. For every $100 spent on steel in NZ, our locally made steel keeps $80 in the local economy compared with $5 on imported steel. At New Zealand Steel, our pipe sales have been returning a negative margin for at least five years despite some good work to reduce costs and improve productivity in the plant. The profitability of the pipe making operation has been affected by cost escalations and increasing pressures from imported product which has reduced both tonnage and price, the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions over the past two months has only exacerbated the situation. We have just completed a consultation process with our pipe making employees and with no sustainable pathway identified to return the plant to profitability have reached the decision to close this part of our operation. We will continue to make light plate through our Delta Line. The decision to close the pipe making part of the operations has been difficult, we have 51 employees within this part of the business, it is sad to think that we will no longer be able to domestically supply a product that the country needs. New Zealand Steel was severely challenged pre COVID-19, and the impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on our business have been very significant. We must make some structural changes now to be well prepared for the expected market downturn to ensure steel making in NZ has a long-term future.

Be locally loyal... let’s rebuild Waiuku and West Franklin

Franklin is not only where I work, it’s been my home for the past two years, and I am reminded every day of the resilience and passion of this community. This lockdown has reinforced to me how strong and supportive people can be during Artist Fred Graham and Gretta Stephens times of pressure and Photo: Supplied we have seen this both in our community and on our sites at Glenbrook and Maioro. New Zealand Steel has a long and proud history which we should not lose sight of. Just prior to lockdown we were about to unveil a commemorative sculpture in Waiuku designed by local artist, Fred Graham. Generations of local families are connected to New Zealand Steel; the aim of the sculpture is to reflect and celebrate that history and to thank the many parts of our community who have supported us for more than 50 years. We have really enjoyed working with Fred on this project and are delighted that he will finally have one of his sculptures in the town where he lives. Fred said he has many sculptures around NZ, and is very excited about this one and grateful that NZ Steel has created the opportunity for him to have a piece of his art in his home town. Fred and his wife Norma have lived in Waiuku for more than 30 years, the longest they have lived anywhere – this is their home. Last year Fred was recognised with the Icon Award which honours senior New Zealand artists for their extraordinary achievements. Artists that are recognised as leaders in their field. The site of the sculpture was blessed by Ngati te Ata Kaumatua George Flavell during a ceremonial sod-turning event in October. It has been a long process and I am looking forward to completing the installation as soon as we can – watch this space! My hope is that while we move through alert level 2 we continue to see elimination of the spread of COVID-19 so our local businesses can start to rebuild and do what they do best and serve the community. We also hope that our elderly and vulnerable can move about more freely and have more contact with their friends and families. The COVID-19 risk presents us with a high level of personal responsibility. I am proud of the way our employees and contractors have risen to this challenge and have adjusted to the new way of operating. Increased hand hygiene, physical distancing, contact tracing and for those who can, working from home, has become the new norm for everyone. It is important that we all stay disciplined with our controls to reduce the chance of a second wave. This week it is heartening to see our kids who have shown such resilience get back to school and, hopefully soon, weekend sports so they can enjoy all that is good about growing up in this special community. Remember, where the head goes the body follows. Stay positive, look after your physical and mental wellbeing, take care of each other. Nga mihi, Gretta

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THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2020

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS

CAPTURED Each month we showcase a photograph taken by a local photographer. This month’s photo was submitted by Zana Scott who captured the sea at Karioitahi in a rare, calm state back in March.

COVID- 19 fallout The impacts of the response to Covid 19 have been massive, I cannot think of any part of our communities who have not been affected and this obviously includes Councils. For every person, business, organization and community, the recovery and resetting of our lives is going to require careful consideration and courage. We cannot afford to make decisions that are driven by poor information and emotion. There is no other way to put things than to say in Auckland we are taking an absolute smacking. Not only from the virus but because of the worst drought we have seen certainly in my lifetime. We are looking at a financial hole that is counted in the hundreds of millions. How Council responds requires prudent financial management based on extremely careful and detailed consideration of a far bigger picture than just things that might offer small but instant gratification. It is important we look at the context of Council. It is the largest Council by some distance, it’s annual budget is in the billions and as required by legislation, approaches it’s budgets in a completely different way than the businesses in our communities. Operational costs are funded through rates (approx. 47%) and the rest through the likes of fees, charges and dividends. Capital expenditure is funded through borrowing. To ensure the best available interest rates and terms, Council relies heavily on retaining its current AA credit rating. If that drops, interest rates go up, the number of lenders reduce and the terms get worse, meaning costs to service those loans increase which is an operational cost and we know where opex comes from…us.

Blackout memories Wednesday 25 May Waiuku suddenly blacked out. Not a light to be seen. The torch was beside the bed: I’m going to get it. I felt chairs, the table, the door, and I ended up in the kitchen. I always keep a candle and matches there. This took me back to the nights during World War 2. I was working in Queen Street Auckland at the age of 14. We often worked overtime and would walk along Karangahape Road to Pitt Street to catch the tram. One night during blackout on K Road, a voice right

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More opex spent on interest means less on the things we like to have in our communities. Adding to that challenge is a Government set cap of 300% debt to revenue ratio which Councils cannot exceed normally. Auckland has set it’s own lower cap of 270% to ensure there is never a risk of putting the credit rating at risk. As the Government is showing, this is not a time to stop spending because that would impact on the economy and the businesses that provide services. The reasons we are having to build new infrastructure have not disappeared with the virus, if anything the need has increased as ex pats start to come home. Shortly public consultation on what is being called the emergency budget will begin, I urge people to take the time to investigate, question and consider what will be before them. I am hearing the calls from people for rates freezes and other austerity measures which is a natural reaction bought on by fear of the current situation. What I am more afraid of is the medium and long term impacts of those measures bought. The effort put in to understanding any possible financial scenario should not be underestimated, it is important that Council makes sure people in our communities have access to that information in a manner that is easily understood. Please take up the opportunity to question and investigate when the time comes.

Your Letters beside me said, “Are you alright mam?” It was an American patrol soldier. I got such a fright, I nearly fainted and bolted for the tram. Our wage was £2 to £4 per week, with tax at 1 shilling and sixpence. Times were hard, no combs, stockings, hair clips etc. We were allowed to hurry to Woolworths during lunch break to hopefully get something. Now, I’ve survived to lockdown or lock-up again in 2020. N. Cook

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