West Franklin Breeze - August 2023

r e e z e

A breath of fresh air for West Franklin

Waiuku Under 85s take the final

Retail’s changing face in Waiuku

BY DAVID BLACK

Last month the editor asked me to take a hard look at the retail areas of downtown Waiuku, their current status and future prospects. Retail activity inevitably slowed during the pandemic, and recovery in the following period of inflation was followed by revaluation, some of which was overdue.

Many Waiuku buildings are old, some repurposed from their original role and many being acquired opportunistically by investors over the years. This may have helped to keep rental rates down in the past, particularly if they were rated purely on a return for capital basis, but eventually, revaluation evens up the market.

The Waiuku Under 85s rugby team had a stellar year this year winning their way into the semi-finals.

Waiuku played the semi-finals against Pukekohe at Waiuku and won 33/3 which put them in the finals against Patumahoe who have won the cup five times since Under 85s began in 2015.

Playing at Massey Park, Papakura, in front of a huge following of Waiuku rugby fans the team welcomed the support of their followers and won the 2023 Under 85s final 29/15 over Patumahoe.

In 2016 they had problems puttting a team together, now many of the players have been together for at least five years. They were coached by Andy Dawkins, James Austin, Phil Faulkner, with Kalvin Lowe as an assistant coach. Gary Prescott was their Manager.

The team struggled for the first two years of playing but got stronger in

their fourth and fifth years making the semi-finals.

In 2020 they were unbeaten and had only to play Papakura. Due to Covid they never got to finish the year off so there was no result.

Coming back strong in 2022, coached by James Austin, Hamish Pyne and Dom Olson, they won the semi-finals against Karaka which put them in the finals against Onewhero. This was a tough encounter but under challenging circumstances they put their heart in soul into the game, losing 28/16.

Winning the final this year has been due to 100% dedication from players and coaches.

“The mana in the team is truly amazing, for some, making weight each week has been challenging, nothing like a couple of containers full of home baking demolished straight after weigh in

Winter Update from Waiuku Health Centre

Flu Season is here, and the staff report a high demand especially at “The Pavilion”

each Saturday to give back energy,” said manager Tracey Collins.

“Of course the lolly container for all the players and children who came to support each Saturday was very popular.

“This was a real family team which made it so awesome for officials and supporters to be part of. They only lost one game this season with points scored against 102, points for being 298. A great effort: the celebrations went on for three days after the win.”

The team’s coaches Hamish Pyne, James Austin and Dom Olson along with managers Tracey Collins and Brett Lennard say they are very proud of this team and the attitude they all had to the game, their supporters and officials.

“They have been a credit to their families and supporters, the Waiuku Rugby Club and an inspiration to all members,” said Tracey.

A recently emerging factor in rentability, is compliance of buildings with modern National Building Standards, and particularly their relevance to earthquake resilience. Although strict compliance may not be required for decades this is certainly a matter taken seriously by some tenants, particularly as non-compliant buildings are now required to display a certificate to this effect.

I asked real estate company Barfoot and Thompson’s Waiuku manager Andrew Clarke, the extent to which earthquake resilience is becoming an issue in the local rental market and his answer was “huge”. However, it’s effect appears more on lease duration than value. Cont. Page 8

During the last 4 weeks our phone nurses have triaged 1572 patients and 944 patients have been seen by our “Pavilion” Duty Doctor Our triage duty doctor has seen 856 patients during this time It has been extremely busy and we thank you for your patience while we are doing our best to deal with a shortage of doctors We have recently lost two doctors but happy to report that we have two new doctors coming on board soon

Influenza (flu) is a common viral illness Most cases occur during the winter months: May to October in New Zealand It is easily spread to others through talking coughing and sneezing People are always at risk of repeatedly catching influenza because the virus types or strains are always changing Remember if you are unwell drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration

Rest Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection If you are worried phone and talk to one of our nurses

Remember we have a free nurse clinic at Hamilton Estate Community Hall, each Friday morning from 9 30 to 11 30 am Call in for a chat – no appointment necessary

Photo: Billy Potter

Toxoplasmosis confirmed as cause of dolphin’s death

An adult male Māui or Hector’s dolphin found dead on an isolated south Auckland beach in March has been determined to have died from toxoplasmosis.

The Department of Conservation has returned the body of the dolphin (aihe) to the west coast where it was found, for Ngaati te Ata to perform a ceremonial burial.

The dolphin was discovered at Walton’s Gap, on the Āwhitu Peninsula, by a member of the public who reported it to DOC.

DOC’s Acting Marine Species Manager Kristina Hillock says the dolphin was sent for necropsy at Massey University, the results of which confirm it died from toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasmosis develops when mammals ingest the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. The disease has been identified as a threat to the Māui and Hector’s dolphins who inhabit the oceans around New Zealand.

“Analysis of several of the dead dolphin’s internal organs – including its brain, heart and liver – revealed significant lesions consistent with toxoplasmosis,” Kristina says.

“The toxoplasma parasite was found amongst widespread severe tissue damage which confirms the dolphin died of toxoplasmosis.”

DOC is still awaiting results from genetic testing to determine whether this is a Māui or Hector’s dolphin. It is impossible to tell the

difference between the two sub-species without genetic analysis, as they are otherwise identical.

If the animal is a Māui dolphin, this will be the first confirmed Māui dolphin death from toxoplasmosis since 2010.

Cats and their faeces are a known vector for the disease. Cats are the only animals in which the parasite can sexually reproduce, the oocysts (eggs) of the parasite are spread into the environment in the cat’s faeces and dispersed via rainwater and wastewater, which eventually reaches the sea. The dolphins likely become infected when they eat prey which have ingested oocysts, allowing the disease to take hold.

Toxoplasmosis is a cause of death for marine mammals around the world.

Kristina reiterated DOC’s call to the public to report any dead Māui or Hector’s dolphins as soon as possible, as this gives the best opportunity for valuable necropsy and science to be carried out to learn more about the dolphins.

Smallest and rarest on our doorstep

The Māui dolphins are one of the smallest and rarest dolphin species in the world. They are only found off the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, mainly between the Waikato River and Manukau Harbour. Their conservation classification is “nationally critical” and they face threats from fishing, human activities such as gas and oil exploration, and toxoplasmosis.

They are identifiable by their rounded dorsal fin, which is often likened to the shape a Mickey Mouse ear.

As part of a significant spend on conservation in Budget 2022, the Government committed $4.88 million to a three-year work programme focusing on toxoplasmosis, and how it impacts Māui dolphins.

This funding starts in the 2023/24 financial year and will be spent on research to inform actions to reduce the risk to Māui dolphins from toxoplasmosis.

People can help prevent the Toxoplasma gondii parasite from reaching Hector’s and Māui dolphins:

• Keep cats indoors

• dispose of cat faeces in the rubbish bin, not the toilet

• Spay or neuter your cat

• do not abandon unwanted cats or feed feral or stray cats

• Support wetland conservation, which helps stop toxoplasma eggs reaching the ocean

• Include green spaces in your garden or backyard to help filter rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff.

A team from Ngaati Te Ata, led by Lyall Flavell conducted the ceremonial burial and karakia of the aihe, joined by Ian and Anna McNaughton of Awhitu Coastcare who found the dolphin and David and Kirsty Powell who had facilitated the uplifting of the body.

WHITCOMBE – JAN ROBYN

12 months ago you passed on to a pain free place. Thank you for sharing a part of your life with me.

Local agent paying it forward

On Friday 2 June Ray White Pukekohe real estate agent Jonathan Ziesler presented a $20,000 cheque to Patumahoe Primary School to go towards the rebuilding of the Junior Playground after it was damaged in recent weather events.

He says, “Donations like this are only made possible with the amazing support of past, present and future clients.”

Miss you every day

Your loving husband - Don

Aka Aka Hall Society AGM

Aka Aka Hall

Tuesday, 15th August 2023 7:30pm

After meeting both WDC and WRC Councillors will be available to discuss local issues All Welcome

“Patumahoe School has always had a place in my heart, after working with them when I was a sergeant in the Police at a time when they had a spate of burglaries, then fast forward to last year when my son started school.”

“I was naïve to think the ministry would fund a new playground and also unaware of the significant costs associated.”

This donation is simply the start of a huge fundraising journey to ensure our young people have a place to play at school.

“I feel privileged to be in a position to pay it forward.”

Wastewater upgrade

The south-west wastewater upgrade now in the design stages is expected to cost more than $300 million.

Being completed in stages, the upgrade will futureproof services for Kingseat, Waiuku, Glenbrook, and Clarks Beach

Watercare is working on the new wastewater scheme to improve the quality of treated wastewater and the surrounding environment.

Franklin Local Board Waiuku representative Sharlene Druyven says earlier this year Watercare identified a new site at Glenbrook Beach Road as a new wastewater treatment plant.

“The site will house wastewater infrastructure in the centre of the property so that Watercare can minimise its visual impact while ensuring there is space for future expansion.

“Raw wastewater from the commu-

nity will flow along a new pipeline to the treatment plant, with a final discharge site near the Clarks Beach Golf Course. “

Watercare is currently seeking a Notice of Requirement to designate land on Glenbrook Beach Road, with an application set to be lodged with Auckland Council in August, while also working on design for the pipeline and outfall.

It’s not the only multi-million-dollar Watercare project in the area.

Franklin Local Board Waiuku representative Gary Holmes says the Waiuku Road reservoir upgrade is set to cost $8.3 million and is in the feasibility and concept design stage, with a view to completion in 2025-26.

“It’s an infrastructure projects Watercare says will further boost the security of our water supply.

“A new storage reservoir will be built

next year, alongside the existing one at the treatment plant site. It will help improve the reliability of our water supply, particularly during summer.

“Watercare is also planning to replace the existing temporary treatment plant with a permanent one within the next five years to increase the volume of water that can be treated.”

A temporary treatment plant was put in place at Cornwall Road earlier this year, becoming the fourth plant serving the area and boosting supply by up to four million litres a day.

Druyven says while it’s a temporary plant, it is built to last for up to seven years. “In the long term, it will be replaced, while the new reservoir is in the concept and detailed design stages, with building expected to start next year.

Effortless Email Marketing

This month I shine a light on effortless email marketing.

Time to break away from the ageold adage of “Build it, and they will come”. Our mantra for the digital age is simple: “Build it, promote it, and they will come”.

At the heart of a successful digital strategy lies a powerhouse trio: a robust social media presence, regular features in local print media like the West Franklin Breeze, and the secret sauce - strategic email marketing.

Contrary to popular beliefs that email is dead, email is alive and thriving, boasting an unparalleled ROI of $36 for every $1 spent.

A well-crafted newsletter not only informs your customers of your latest offerings and upcoming sales but also serves as a gentle nudge, reminding them of your business.

Particularly for those commuting out of town for work. A beautifully

designed newsletter can successfully redirect their attention from an out-oftown business back to you.

For businesses seeking to start with or improve email marketing, start by building a solid subscriber base and consistently providing valuable content tailored to your customers’ needs.

Remember, opt-in is key - respect your customer’s inbox, and avoid buying email lists or adding recipients without their permission. In a world flooded with spam, authenticity stands out.

The days of grappling with spreadsheets and cumbersome mail merges are history. Contemporary email marketing applications like MailerLite and Klaviyo simplify the process, making database management a breeze.

As household budgets shrink and the economic outlook gets worse, view marketing not as a prohibitive expense, but as an investment. Social media and email marketing strategies are powerful tools to keep your business afloat and

thriving, even when other businesses are closing their doors around you.

When your business thrives, you’re not only providing for your family; you’re also supporting your local community, contributing to its vibrancy and growth.

Stepping into the digital marketing realm may feel daunting. However, rest assured, you’re not on this journey alone. As your local social media and email marketing consultant, InDeed We Can is here to guide you through the digital maze. Helping you reach your customers more effectively and increasing online sales and in store foot traffic.

It’s time to leverage the power of digital marketing to ensure your business not only survives but thrives in our growing town.

Because your business isn’t just meant to blend in - it’s born to stand out!

I will love you and hold memories of you in my heart forever so I will never be alone.

Left to right: Jonathan Zeisler, cheque holders Connor Zeisler and Mason Greig. Mike Greig, School Board Chair, Keryn Grey, Principal with Cooper Greig looking on.

Patumahoe’s new look playground

Info wanted on grandparents’ boarding house

BY TIFFANY BROWN

The fact that his late mum, Zoe Grice, attended the school in the 1930s always makes him smile. “It’s quite a good feeling knowing that my mum went to school here,” Colin said.

Colin’s family legacy in Waiuku dates back over a century; his grandparents, Percy and Jeannie Grice, ran a boarding house somewhere in the Bowen Street region, where Zoe was born and grew up.

Percy and Jeannie had previously cultivated land at Port Albert on the Kaipara Harbour. Known as ‘Albertlanders’, the area was the last of the major organised British settlements in the country.

Colin believes the site of the boarding house was near the old RSA, where Mitre 10’s garden centre is now located.

Zoe was the youngest of 9 or 10 children and Colin’s dim memories are of

Waiuku important to blood donations

BY BETHWYN LITTLER

grandparents who were “very old when I was growing up.”

He knows that Percy worked on building the railway tracks into Waiuku, and that Jeannie was a colourful character.

No photos survive in Colin’s family of the building or the business, and history buff Colin is keen to find out more.

Do local Waiuku residents know any more than that? Please contact The Breeze if you have any information or pictures to share.

Colin’s quest runs parallel with genealogical research into his father’s war experiences.

Colin, who has three children and eight grandchildren, and his partner, Paula McAllum, are currently preparing for an epic overseas adventure which will see them trace Colin’s father’s war journey through Italy.

After the couple meet Colin’s youngest grandchild in Co. Waterford, Ireland, the six-week trip will morph into a Rugby World Cup pilgrimage, and they’ll watch matches in 2023 host country, France.

Colin, who played halfback for Pukekohe Rugby Club in his younger days, worked for many years at the steel mill, owned a block of land on the Awhitu peninsula for a time, and lived at Tairua before returning to Waiuku.

Footnote:

Maurice Henwood’s Book, Waiuku 150 Years of Growth 1851-2001 (while known to contain some inaccuracies), stated the following:

“In 1938 Essie and Dick Chandler operated rental accommodation on the site (of the present Mitre 10 timber yard) known as the Central Boarding House. In 1950 it appears that a John Hunter became the owner, following in 1953 by Harry Morrison. The boarding house was burnt down in the middle part of the 1950s.”

Editor’s note:

I found this very dilapidated photograph of Bowen Street Waiuku, which shows a building at the very left of the photo which has the signage “Central Hotel”. This would be located approximately where the Waiuku Roast Shop now trades.

This would give the location as written in the story above to be on the opposite side of Bowen Street.

Are they the same Central Boarding House/Hotel?

The Mobile Blood Drive is coming to Waiuku in September.

NZ Blood Service northern region team leader Scott Sinclair said that Waiuku has been a fantastic donor since 2006.

“Waiuku is really reliable,” said Scott. “You are a passionate and caring community and we thank you for your long service.”

Scott said that the blood service visits Waiuku regularly because they are guaranteed a great turnout. Residents are also more likely to book in advance which helps keep track of blood types.“This is great for our planning,” said Scott.

Some people need blood every day and cancer patients are the biggest user in New Zealand.

“Blood saves lives,” said Scott. “We can help people get into remission and there is no substitute for blood. In hospital they call it magic juice.”

The Mobile Blood Drive will be at the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club between noon and 6 pm on Monday 4 September.

Walk-ins are available but bookings are preferred. An individual can donate blood once every 90 days. All blood types are needed. It takes five to ten minutes on the bed but allow half an hour. Refreshments will be available.

If you require any further information please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) or visit www.nzblood.co.nz

NZ Blood Service thanks Waiuku for regular blood donation.

Percy and Jeannie Grice

Many vocations but music kept him “In the Mood”

Nine years ago, Deigh Davies had a stroke which robbed him of his speech and movement. This also meant he could not play his beloved guitar. However, Deigh was determined to gain back his strength to play music and he has achieved that goal.

Deigh now regularly walks, exercises and keeps working on his speech, all under the watchful eye of wife Valerie. It was not only music but determination have characterised much of Deigh’s life.

Deigh and Valerie moved out to New Zealand in 1966, flying to Auckland from Gosport UK with three young boys.

During his career as a working man, Deigh had a number of occupations, including training as a wireless operator in the Royal Air Force (RAF), where he had to learn Morse code, then a pilot.

He also worked in sales, as a photographer, a boat warden, builder, trout fisherman guide, and for Hoover (UK).

“When the major credit squeeze came on at this time, with sales being tough, and a family to feed, I decided to revert back to my trade as a fitter and turner,” said Deigh.

Waiuku’s Deigh Davies has been a man of many trades: trainee wireless operator and pilot in the RAF, business sales, photographer, boat warden, builder, trout fisherman guide and for Hoover (UK), but ask him what his occupation is he replies “musician”.

But if you had to ask Deigh what his career was, it would be as a musician.

Deigh was determined to make the most of every opportunity that came along in life. It was that same attitude that enabled him to become a skilled guitar player, despite having no formal training.

“I was sent to an RAF station in Horton Hall and then ended up doing a stint overseas in Ceylon from 1949-51. One of my room mates had a guitar and showed me a few chord positions,” said Deigh.

Deigh then taught himself to play the guitar and back in England he joined a guitar club in Portsmouth where he met other guitarists, many of whom passed on their knowledge to the budding musician.

Eventually Deigh started performing with other musos at local dance halls during the intervals and that was the start of what would become a long career performing with various groups.

“Probably the most successful band I ever played with was based in Gosport. The pianist was a navy technician called Sid Heaton, the base player was Peter Edwards and the drummer was Mike Hugg.

BY SANDY SMITH

We ran two bands, a dance band and a jazz combo. The dance band made enough money to support the jazz combo.

“As I was the only member of the band to hold a driving licence, in order for us to play anywhere, I had to book a van from a local publican, pick it up after work, go home, have tea, get dressed up, pack my gear in the van, drive around picking up the other members, play at the event we were booked at, pack up, drop everyone off, take my gear home, drop the van back to the publican and then walk about three miles home; “It was exhausting,” said Deigh.

Eventually Deigh left the band. It eventually broke up and then reformed as Manfred Mann’s Earth Band (Manfred Mann) and they started playing rock music.

“Many years later, Manfred Mann came to New Zealand and I got a message through to Mike Hugg, one of the band members. We met for lunch and had a fine time discussing the old days.”

Playing in big bands was also something Deigh did. “Big bands and jazz were my thing. In the UK I played for Jo Loss; he ran one of the most famous big bands in England at the time. His band the British equivalent to the Glenn Miller Band. Joe made a rendition of Miller’s famous song “In the Mood” which was especially popular in Britain.”

At this time Deigh became a professional musician in London and surrounds.

“Then in New Zealand I played for various groups including John Walker’s group called ‘The Overtones’ and later locally with the Sunset Coast Big Band.”

The two constants in Deigh’s life have been Valerie and his guitar. Deigh described Valerie as “a delight, everybody’s friend, the sort of person you would find

hard to dislike. She is incredibly even tempered and only rarely loses her cool and if she does, it is usually because I deserve it.”

When the stroke robbed Deigh of the other constant in his life (his guitar playing) Valerie witnessed the determination it took for him to gradually gain the strength and flexibility back in his fingers in order to play.

“I found that the guitar was very uncomfortable to hold. I had to learn basic skills all over again. I would use a plectrum (I designed) to enable me to play the guitar strings while my fingers were still weak.” His Deighpack went viral.

In later years he played for the Papakura Theatre Club, in various orchestras, bands and four piece groups — whatever show demanded, at least two and often three shows a year.

After 63 years of marriage, Deigh and Valerie are enjoying their time together in Waiuku as active members of the community. Deigh’s love of musical instruments now includes the keyboard, something he took up later in life, and you’ll also find him playing ukelele with a local Probus group. You’ll even find him volunteering at the Waiuku Museum occasionally.

At the age of 93, Deigh’s determination to live life to the fullest and continue to play guitar continue on.

Counties Energy supports inter-school engineering challenge

Counties Energy is proud to support the 2023 EPro8 Challenge, an inter-school science and engineering competition with more than 200 students from 11 local schools participate. The events, brought to the community through the support of the local lines company, sees students in Years 5 – 13 representing their school in teams for the title of EPro8 Challenge Champion. The challenges are focused on science, engineering and problem solving, a fitting partnership for the electricity distributor.

Counties Energy General Manager Network Paul Blue says the company is proud to support the next generation of budding young engineers.

“We’re excited to be part of a programme that supports, promotes and encourages involvement in the sciences and engineering fields with our youth. It’s wonderful to see the engagement from the talented students we have in our community that one day could very well be working within the Counties Energy team.”

The challenges vary across the year levels and incorporate science, electronics, engineering, mathematics and problem solving, with teamwork another essential element.

Teams work with an assortment of easyto-use equipment, including gears, wheels, pulleys, joiners, nuts and bolts, tools, aluminium framing, motors and electronics. This year’s tasks included building a pendulum clock, motorised car wash frame, electricity powered rat wheel and automated lightning rod.

Winning the Year 5-6 category this year was Pukekohe Christian School followed by Valley School and Ararimu School. In the Year 7-8 division Karaka School and Ararimu School tied for top spot, followed by Waikaretu School.

Every year over 25,000 students from schools throughout New Zealand participate in the challenges. EPro8 stands for engineer, problem solve and innovate - key factors in the challenge.

Deigh with Mike Hugg who came to New Zealand with the Manfred Mann band.

Deigh and Valerie Davies

Thai Iwi Flowers a labour of love and green fingers

Locals may have recently noticed a roadside flower stall on Glenbrook Road called Thai Iwi.

Owen and Khim bought the property in 2016 and have since been growing and selling their flowers wholesale.

“Khim’s got green fingers, so it happened quickly,” said Owen.

Owen and Khim work hard to maintain a successful business, selling their flowers three times a week at auction. They supply United Flower Growers (UFG) in Mt Wellington.

When they bought the property there was a lot of work to do. “It was overgrown but it had a lot of potential,” Owen. “It was a corner

section and had four damaged tunnel houses that had been used for lettuce growing. First we had to fix the water then we re-skinned the tunnel houses.”

Owen Alexander and Khim Tuaimart have been growing flowers at their property on 1132 Glenbrook Road for seven years. They sell wholesale around Auckland but last December they opened a road-side stall for locals.

They now have six tunnel houses plus 30 rows of sunflowers over the summer. They grow an average of 150,000 plants at a time.

Since they started their business so many people popped in to ask questions and try to buy flowers that they decided to set up a stall with an honesty box.

Khim said she keeps up to date with all the flower trends, such as gypsophila coming back into fashion for weddings.

“Apricot is always popular,” said Khim. “Men buy sunflowers,” Owen pitched in.

It is important for Owen and Khim to have developed a good reputation as growers.

“We always sell our flowers at auction,” said Owen, “the roadside stall had added to the business.

“We’ve had great support from the community and get a lot of pleasure from it. The same cars come in every week,” said Owen. “A lot of

Cossie Club invests in new carpet

BY BETHWYN LITTLER

florists are online but buying flowers is a sensory experience for people. We want to sell good quality flowers for a reasonable price.”

The flower stall is called Thai Iwi Flowers in recognition of both Owen and Khim’s heritages. Owen acknowledges his father, who won Maaori Farmer of the Year twice.

Owen and Khim met in 2014 at the Avondale Market where Khim had a flower stall. Owen went back every week to buy flowers so he could keep talking to her. He ended up with so many flowers he had to start giving them away to neighbours and friends.

Khim had always been interested in growing flowers. As a child she often wandered the mountains in Thailand and collected plants to grow in her family garden. A flower farm was a lifelong dream for Khim.

After years of working in a Bangkok office, Khim still dreamt of a flower business. In 2005 she moved to New Zealand and has worked growing and selling flowers ever since.

Owen was bought up on a sheep farm in Northland. His career had been in education before he took the leap into the flower business.

Owen appreciates Khim’s natural skills and expertise which has made their business successful.

Retail’s changing face in Waiuku

I spoke to a number of tenants about the factors which determine their ability to remain and prosper in the Waiuku market. It is clear that sudden changes in rental rates are difficult to handle and, although a few question whether current revaluations are competitive with those in adjacent towns, objective comparison with rates in Pukekohe reveals that rental rates in the Queen Street Waiuku area average around $250 to $300 per square metre, less for larger premises. In contrast, King Street Pukekohe and adjacent roads rates fetch up to double that. Tenants in well-maintained buildings with leases which have automatic, agreed rent increments seem to be the happiest of all, as are the fortunate few who own their own buildings. However, discussing the matter with Town Manager Vanessa Newman, she makes the point that it is rare to see retail premises in the Waiuku empty for long and so strong demand remains.

Shops which rely on passing trade or occasional purchases are much less secure although those which have a web presence are clearly in a much better position.

Julie Powell, the chair of the Waiuku Business and Development Association is a strong supporter of this view from her own experience with her apparel business. Julie has put a lot of work into an attractive website and finds that this generates not only mail orders but to an even greater extent, customers who see the website and then come into the shop. Vanessa also sup-

BY DAVID BLACK

ports this view, even to the extent that her office provides resources for training to assist Waiuku businesses with this type of marketing.

I asked a number of businesses about the effect of special events and festivals, such as Steel and Wheels, and the general response is that these have a positive effect on the whole town. There have been isolated incidences of temporary stalls competing with local businesses but Vanessa is clear that these were unintended and that considerable efforts are made to avoid it happening.

So, what have I learned so far from preliminary investigations?

I’m confident that retail in Waiuku is alive and well, the valuations are realistic, although the nature of the market is inevitably changing. Retailers enjoying a predictable high level of repeat business, such as bakeries, greengrocers, butchers, take-aways and restaurants continue to do well. Convenience stores, barbers and hairdressers are also well supported. The characteristic in common seen in these businesses is that they provide goods and services which people require repeatedly, and can rely on being there, thus ensuring return custom.

The future is good, but Waiuku is no longer a farming service town, it is a rural village providing high quality living and a very attractive destination for visitors. Those are the markets which Waiuku retail must serve in the future and in some areas specific marketing strategies are essential for competition.

During July the Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club laid new carpet in their lounge.

The irony of the project was that it on the day the job was completed, was exactly 23 years to the day since the old carpet was laid.

When the contractors uplifted the old carpet there was a note inscribed on the floor “I know how you feel, we had to do the same 3/7/2000.”

Local firm Ci Flooring were contracted to do the job.

Club manager Katrina Barnett said they were very happy with the job and it is looking

good. “It has given the Club a new look and we are pleased we were able to let the job to the local family owned carpet layers.”

Skateboarding support three times a week

Local youth charity Sk8 it 4ward has secured funding from CLM Community Sport Counties Manukau to extend its ‘custodian sessions’ every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at Waiuku’s skate facility at Massey Park.

The charity formed as a result of Bella Payne and Sienna Newbury’s love for skateboarding, and their recognition that many underprivileged kids do it tough.

Bella’s mum, Shontelle Thomson, said her daughter picked up a skateboard as a result of lockdown boredom, and never put it down.

Bella and Sienna—already a keen skateboarder—tried out various skate parks around Franklin. Shontelle said, “The girls noticed how bad the poverty was, and wanted to help.”

Both Shontelle and Sienna’s mum Louise, along with the girls’ dads and siblings, now form the Sk8 it 4ward team in support of the girls’ initiative.

Friends since they were toddlers, the 13 year-olds recognised how helpful skateboarding could be in encouraging and supporting atrisk and underprivileged youth.

“People don’t realise what skateboarding can do for a child,” said Shontelle. “There’s something about the feeling of freedom they get… it can challenge you so much, to the point you’re just about to

BY TIFFANY BROWN

give up… and then there’s almost a natural high when you land a trick. They get so much perseverance from it. I didn’t realise myself until Bella started skateboarding.”

Kids from violent homes have described the feeling of refusing to let the skateboard beat them. Instead, they will think to themselves: ‘I’ve been through worse than this.’

Sometimes skateboarding is viewed in a negative light, but Shontelle said the people who ‘hang around at a skate park’ are not the same as those who skate, and that all the skateboarding families they’ve interacted with around Franklin have been very supportive. Sk8 it 4ward’s thrice-weekly sessions have helped to bring a positive change at the Waiuku skate park. “The regular custodian sessions have really changed the vibe. There are not a lot of youths hanging around anymore. Now the park is full of skaters and scooters.”

Bella and Sienna give lessons to kids who are keen to give skateboarding a try, and thanks to the CLM funding the team will also provide skate gear and food for the rest of this school term.

The girls and their supporters have plans to run a regular youth group, and provide skateboarding lessons at View Road School.

Khim and Owen are loving their work growing flowers.

Matt (left) and Tom from Ci Flooring complete the finishing trims on the Cosmopolitan Club lounge flooring.

The hand written note revealed on the floor after the old carpet was lifted, dating back to 2000 when the previous carpet was laid.

Peninsula hosts Jason Momoa and Chief of War

Local landmark, Meikle’s Hill on the Awhitu Peninsula recently played host to a literal cast of thousands of people. Jason Momoa and entourage have left the peninsula, as filming for his upcoming series Chief of War is now complete.

The limited historical drama series created by Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett for Apple TV, consists of nine episodes and is due for release in 2024.

The series follows the story of the unification and colonisation of Hawaii in the late 18th century and focuses on the subject matter from an indigenous point of view.

The series concept seems to have been conceived from Momoa’s personal passions. The actor has always shown his love and appreciation of his Hawaiian heritage. Momoa’s father is

BY ANNIE CHAPPELL

of native Hawaiian and Samoan descent, while his mother has Pawnee ancestry – a USA central plains Indian tribe.

Although filming also took place in Hawaii and West Auckland; the wild, rugged, undulating and stunning coastline that is Awhitu provided a perfect foil for the series. Two other sites on Peninsula were used for the movie: West Coast Road beach reserve and Douglas Road at Kohekohe.

Jason Momoa has hinted he will be back in New Zealand soon. He is due to film the Minecraft movie, which it is speculated may also be filmed here.

One meaning of Awhitu is “Longing to Return.” That clearly has not been lost on Mr Momoa.

Taken from the road on Meikle’s Hill; some of the whare that were purpose-built for the movie set. They have now been demolished.

Port’s planting project welcomed

Will shoreline plans stack up next century?

Storms, record rains, winds - welcome to climate change and the need for Auckland Council’s Shoreline Adaptation Plans, which look to understand what might need to happen over the next century.

Franklin Local Board has endorsed plans for Manukau South and Āwhitu, subject to conditions.

The first was more work at Waititi/ Waiau Beach/Pa, to determine what effect interventions now in place have made, and the second that Waiau / Torkar Bay hold the line short-term, especially around the yacht club building site.

Board chair Angela Fulljames says it’s important significant sums aren’t spent where retreat might occur, and to note some reserves have private neighbours, so the implications of retreats should be considered.

“These plans have been developed to provide a long-term strategy for council-owned land and assets. Āwhitu and Manukau South are just two of 20 plans.”

The Āwhitu coastline between Karioitahi and Rauau Point was divided into 23 stretches, and Manukau South into 37 between Rauau Point and Elletts.

Limited Intervention accepts the shoreline will not be fixed in the future, but that intervention is required. That can include measures such as dune planting or work to extend the life of existing assets, and includes landward relocation as assets are renewed.

Hold the Line maintains the coastal edge and/or land use, using natural options such as beach nourishment or hard sea walls.

Ports of Auckland has started a 38-hectare native tree planting project on the Āwhitu Peninsula.

More than 24 thousand natives will be planted in collaboration with Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Āwhitu Landcare and Kauri Park in the first stage of the project at Mahanihani / South Head.

The goal is to create walking trails, restore native bush to the headland as an ecological corridor for the west coast from the Waitakere Ranges, and to develop an area that celebrates the land and its historical sites.

Ports of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray planted some of the first trees. “Restoring this land is a wonderful but challenging undertaking. The planting is an important step in a longterm project that will see the area flourish.”

The first plantings will establish a windbreak to improve the success rate for future plantings, while helping manage coastal erosion.

Franklin Local Board Waiuku subdivision member Sharlene Druyven says harakeke - flax, ti kouka - cabbage tree, karamu and taupatacoprosmas, wharariki - mountain flax, and the coastally resilient whau, are being planted.

“It’s great news for a special place. Ports of Auckland works hard on harbour restoration projects, earlier this year formed Te Moananui o Toi Trust with Protect Aotea, and also launched work to increase biodiversity underneath some wharves to create into marine nurseries.”

Recommendations also included holding at Karaka Point /Torkar Road Reserve, while the implications for sewage and potable water are investigated, and that the line be held at Halls Beach to protect the car park, toilet and wastewater infrastructure.

By considering coastal hazard risk assessments, iwi feedback, infrastructure and community objectives, strategies were developed - Hold the Line, Limited Intervention, No Active Intervention and Managed Retreat. No Active Intervention allows natural processes to continue with no investment in coastal defenses.

Managed Retreat moves assets away from areas exposed to risk over time, allowing more space for natural buffers and reducing the risk of assets being exposed to hazards.

Angela says most of the Āwhitu and Manukau South can be managed over the next century without active intervention, but with limited intervention, where maintaining infrastructure will be needed, with relocations as renewals take place.

Local Board draft plan open for consultation

Franklin Local Board has approved its draft 2023 Local Board Plan for public consultation, open until 14 August.

Franklin chair Angela Fulljames says the plans, required by law to set direction for the next three years, are prepared in the first year after a board’s election.

“Nothing has been finalised. That doesn’t happen until we have had a chance to make the draft public, so our communities can provide feedback,” she says.

Waiuku subdivision representative Sharlene Druyven says board members recognise the public has been through consultation on Auckland Council’s

annual budget, and that there might be some fatigue. “But we would encourage everyone to look, decide if the priorities are supported, or if we have missed something.”

She says the alterations made to the annual budget, and subsequent compromises around the table as the budget was adopted, prove consultation works.

“We know some people say no-one is listening and that having a say is pointless, but that’s been shown to be untrue. The budget went through many changes, proving elected members were listening. The feedback process is important to getting a plan in place that people agree takes their area in the right direction.”

Christmas cheers for the Lions mid winter lunch

Did you know that Waiuku Lions Club brought Father Christmas early this year?

After being on hold for the last few years due to covid restrictions, Waiuku Lions were excited to be able to once again run around the town delivering invitations to the Waiuku Lions Living Alone Mid-Winter Christmas Lunch. This free event for members in our community, who are over 65 and living alone was held on Sunday 18 June and how fantastic

that we had over 60 attend this year!

An amazing three course lunch was catered for by the Club, with members and friends of Lions beavering away to peel ten kilos of potatoes, make gravy, whip cream and to warm up custard.

A mouth watering smell of hot ham and chicken wafted through the kitchen whilst being sliced and plated up along with mashed potatoes, peas, beans, carrots and delicious kumara. These were then served to every honoured guest. This was followed by a scrumptious dessert of Christmas Pud - kindly made and delivered by Mary Hull - custard, cream, ice

cream and yummy chocolaty fudgy brownie. Liquid refreshments, including a wee tipple of sherry “to warm the cockles”, were enjoyed by all.

After the meal, our very own Santa made an appearance - ho ho ho-ing and handing out sweets - there were smiles and cheers of laughter throughout our station.

One of our diners, Frances, said “I would like to thank all the Lions members and their helpers for the fantastic time today. I met some lovely ladies. The meal was delicious. Once again thank you all”

A massive thanks must go to local growers Wilcox’s and Wymers for kindly donating the potatoes, pumpkin, onions and carrots for the lunch, and every person that came was offered a small bag of vegetables to take home with them.

Waiuku Lions have fun and fellowship while serving our wonderful community and this event is an

Waiuku subdivision’s second representative Gary Holmes says residents will be aware economic factors such as inflation, interest rates, supply chain difficulties, tight labour markets and COVID-19 have impacted budgets.

“Because our draft was developed at the same time as the annual budget, it’s possible the priorities might need to change because of funding decisions. But if that needs to happen, we should be armed with what the community has told us it wants most.”

Feedback forms will be available at Waiuku Library and Pukekohe Service Centres or on request by calling 09 301 0101.

The plans are online at the Auckland Council Have Your Say website.

honour to put on. We have lots of other opportunities across the year, why not consider joining Waiuku Lions so we can have more hands on deck to serve more? We have had to turn down a couple of opportunities lately, due to reducing Lion numbers.

The last word goes to one of our helpers - “Thank you for allowing me to help last Sunday. It filled my heart with joy to be part of this and confirmed yet again what an amazing community we live in”

Local people helping local people forover50years.

Are you looking foraway to help your local community? Do you want to give back?

Lions canhelp you with that!

Email waiuku@lionsclubs.org.nz www.facebook.com/waiukulions

Rosemary and Maureen had a blast at the Lions Christmas lunch.

Ports of Auckland chief executive Roger Gray plants some of the first trees.

Counties Energy continues energy hardship initiatives

Counties Energy is continuing its partnership with Franklin Family Support Services to provide winter warmer packs to whānau at risk of energy hardship within the local community. This is the second year the company has worked alongside the social services agency to deliver essential items that assist families to keep warm, healthy and reduce their power bills.

This year the winter warmer packs consist of energy saving eco bulbs, an energy efficient slow cooker along with fresh vegetables donated by local grower Wilcox, soup donated by The Warehouse Pukekohe and other items to cook warm hearty meals this winter. The company works with recognised partner Franklin Family Support Services who engage with the local community, ensuring the packs go to those who need them most.

Counties Energy General Manager Commercial Andrew Toop is extremely proud to continue the company’s energy hardship initiatives by providing the packs to their community for the second year running.

“With winter now well underway, we’re proud to support our community once again with items to help families facing energy hardship reduce their power use while keeping warm and healthy. As a 100 percent community-owned company, we’re committed to making a positive impact within our region through our energy hardship initiatives, so we’re excited to continue our partnership with Franklin Family Support Services.”

Franklin Family Support Services

A love of llamas

Chief Executive Robyn Driver says their team will distribute the winter warmer packs to their existing clients who need them the most.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Counties Energy and are grateful for their support providing these packs for whānau who are currently supported by our team. The packs are a fantastic way to provide essential items families need this winter and will be available to our existing clients who are supported by our budgeting and other programmes.”

The winter warmer packs are just one of the energy hardship initiatives Counties Energy delivers to their community. The company recently announced they were bringing EnergyMate to Franklin, a programme that provides a free inhome coaching service for whānau at risk of energy hardship – such as those who are struggling to pay their power bill or keep their home warm. To find out more about the programme and how to register go to www.countiesenergy.co.nz/ news/counties-energy-brings-energymate-to-franklin

The company also co-funds the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme which will insulate 100 local homes free of charge this year. To find out more about the programme, the criteria and to register for the scheme go to www.eeca.govt.nz/co-funding/insulation-and-heater-grants/ warmer-kiwi-homes-programme/

Murray Jamieson wasn’t planning on plunging into the world of llama ownership when he attended the Canterbury A & P show some time in the early 2000s, but that’s exactly what happened.

Murray’s daughter, Dianne, was at the time a llama breeder and had asked Murray to help show one of her llamas. It was from that experience that Murray acquired his first two llamas, George and Harry.

“I fell in love with them. They are such a cute animal,” said Murray. “They are quite popular in the South Island.”

“I had to build a miniature float with carpeting and underfelt to bring them back from Canterbury. They sit down on their knees while travelling and like plenty of ventilation, so the construction had to be fairly elaborate.”

When asked what the difference is between al-

Click Collect &

If you were not aware, we have made the difficult decision to close the Waiuku retail shop. However, we’re excited to let you know that we’re not going anywhere!

Our printing factory offering print, design, and signage services remains open at 16 Bowen Street.

BY SANDY SMITH

pacas and llamas was, Murray explained that llamas are more docile compared to alpacas. “Often alpacas will spit at you for no reason while llamas are less inclined to be aggressive. Llamas are also larger in size than alpacas.”

“They are a lot easier to handle. Our llamas would allow themselves to be sheared, no problem. I used to take them to hospitals to visit patients and to Pukekohe for Daffodil Day. They loved going for a walk.

Murray and wife Maureen at one point had four llamas after Hershey and Ci joined George and Harry. Unfortunately, they now only have George left, age 12 years.

They also share their property with four small dogs, three horses, one of which is a miniature pony, and some kuni kuni pigs.

Murray also has a tractor factory on the property which people sometimes come to visit. “The llamas became part of the attraction,” said Murray.

Llamas are traditionally from Peru and usually live high in the mountains. They are often used for trekking and for their fibre.

“Their fibre isn’t as soft as that of alpacas,” said Maureen, “and it needs to be ‘carded’ to get it soft enough to weave with.”

Like alpaca’s, llamas require a lot of care. “They need their toes clipping regularly,” said Murray. “In their natural habitat, their toes are worn away but when they are in a paddock this doesn’t happen.”

Murray also explained that llamas need company and don’t enjoy being on their own. However, it’s important that a neutered male is not placed in a paddock with a non-neutered male (an ‘entire’).

He also said that llamas can live up until 16 or 17 years of age.

Murray and Maureen are now actively looking for a paddock mate for Harry, age 12 years, to keep him company.

That should be no probllama!

their community.

West Franklin Glenbrook Vintage Railway

Happenings

Australian Rail Safari Tasmania

14 - 24 September 2023

$5990 pp twin share

Enquiries: Email: railtours@gvr.org.nz Ph: 020 487 2665

Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi Garden Ramble

Saturday 25, Sunday 26 November 2023

21 local gardens • Christmas Market

Anne Walters - anne.walters.62@gmail.com

WAIUKU MUSEUM

13 King Street, Waiuku

Open Wednesdays 10am - 12 noon Sundays 1.30pm - 4pm

Our commitment to providing you with the best office supplies and services remains strong. We will continue to serve you from our Pukekohe warehouse and are introducing a convenient click and collect system at our Waiuku print warehouse. Here’s how you can take advantage of our new offerings:

1. To place an order, simply give us a call or visit our website. Our friendly team is always happy to help you find the perfect items to meet your needs.

https://action.opd.co.nz/

2. For urgent same-day orders, our Pukekohe warehouse is open to the public, ensuring that you have access to the supplies you need, when you need them.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help!

We will continue to provide these services from Waiuku:

• Print, Design and Signage

• Drycleaning

• Courier and freight services

• Rubber Stamps

• Click and Collect of office supply orders

Murray and Maureen Jamieson with their 12 year old llama, Harry, who is looking for a companion llama to share his paddock.

Winter warmer packs are just one of the energy hardship initiatives Counties Energy delivers to

over two wheels Wild

Frank Higgins

This story about Glenbrook hero Frank Higgins has a personal link.

When I was four years old, my mother was nurse/receptionist for well-known Waiuku doctors Sam Whiteside and Rae West. My mother and father and our family lived in the house at 96 Queen Street, where the doctors’ surgeries were in the front.

At the same time the Waiuku War Memorial Hall and movie theatre was being renovated and the building contractor was Guy Summerville Builders. The foreman of that company was young Frank Higgins who had served his building apprenticeship with Guy. The Summerville family were also long-term residents of Waiuku.

My nature was to be very inquisitive, and I started to frequent the building

It was the wind before the storm with the great 1930s depression gaining momentum when Glenbrook family Jim and Elsie Higgins gave birth to their second son Frank on 3 March 1930. The family lived and worked a farm in Glenbrook on a road that now bares the family name Higgins Road.

Jim and Elsie had an elder son Dillon (Lon) and in later years they were to welcome daughter Elise.

Young Frank attended Glenbrook School and later, Waiuku District High School. During these school years Frank gained a very strong interest in music. He took lessons from teacher Mr Donnolly and the two had a great rapport. It was evident that Frank had a personality that was infectious to all he touched.

Lon and Frank helped their mum and dad on the farm after school, and their interest in motorbikes had its foundation then.

“I think Lon aided and abetted Frank’s interest in bikes, to the point it became an obsession,” said Elise. “In fact, it wasn’t long until this obsession of bike riding and tinkering with the mechanical aspects turned in the desire to race.” At this time Arthur West and Bernie Fail, both long-time family friends who had a similar interest in bikes, allowed Frank to use their sheds to maintain his motorbikes and encouraged and helped Frank to eventually race his bike.

On his other interest front, Frank had a yearning to take his music further, but his father, Jim, thought that he would be better suited to a more traditional vocation and he was encouraged to take on a building apprenticeship being offered by Guy Summerville for his Waiuku building company.

The apprenticeship took the traditional five years, and Frank became a first-class builder and this held him in good stead when the opportunity to be promoted to project foreman after Guy was awarded the renovation and addition contract to the old Waiuku Town Hall which also housed the Lyceum Theatre.

Many locals were involved in this project, probably the biggest of its type ever carried out in Waiuku up until this time.

Graeme Williams recalls this time; his father Jack and he had the electrical wiring contract at the Hall project.

“Frank was a cool level-headed foreman who elbowed in with all his work-

site. I would ride my tricycle down to the Victoria Avenue corner and on many occasions my hero Frank Higgins would give me timber offcuts that I would take home and build projects out of. There were no such access restrictions of construction site as we are familiar with in present day building projects. Frank became my good friend and hero, and this was even before I knew of his life interests, which within a short time would rob my hero of his life, 65 years ago last month.

I met with Frank’s sister Elise Jackson and her daughter Diane, who talked through Frank’s life with me. What I achieved from this meeting was to relive those close ties that Frank and I had back in the 1950s

— Bill Deed

mates on some of the heavy work at the hall. He was a person who interacted well and had high skill expectations of the work that has proven to have stood the test since the renovation in the mid 1950s,” said Graeme.

Elise said that Frank still loved his music. He learnt to play the fiddle and often used to join Noel Bulte and his group play at dances around the community. But it was his bike that continued his main interest. “He was always on his bike,” said Elise “he never had a car — when he needed to use a car, he would borrow mine. He had that type of a bubbly personality, and he would charm anyone”.

After he joined the Pukekohe Motorcycle Club, Frank entered many local motorbike races on the old air force base at Seagrove, Waiau Pa, Ardmore and Tarana ki. Of the 19 races he competed in the 1957-58 season he was placed in the top five at every event. His major success was being placed second in the NZ TT 350cc race.

“He had a goal of going overseas to race, and he trialled for the three-man New Zealand team, but alas, the cardinal sin prevailed — he ran out of gas in the final stage of the race and was excluded from selection,” Elise chuckled.

Not to be deterred, Frank “charmed” his mother and together they funded Frank to attend the overseas races on his own account.

The day came for the trip and Frank had bundled his AJS bike onto a plane at Whenuapai aerodrome for the beginning of his escapade. At this time there were no scheduled air services out of New Zealand. The start of this service came about when the British Commonwealth Pacific Airlines (BCPA) was registered in Australia. It was formed by the governments of Australia (50%), New Zealand (30%) and the United Kingdom (20%) to pursue trans-Pacific flights. BCPA was later

taken over by Qantas. Qantas began flying some charters to New Zealand including Whenuapai with Lockheed Super Constellation four-engine planes in 1956. Fully scheduled services commenced in 1961.

Eventually his travel took him to where he wanted to go — the Isle of Man — to the world-famous motorbike TT races.

The Isle of Man TT or Tourist Trophy races are an annual motorcycle racing event run on the island since its inaugural race in 1907. The course is a demanding 60 kilometre high-speed course which runs from Mt Snaefell (400m high) down to sea level at Douglas, with a seemingly never-ending series of bends, bumps, jumps, stone walls, manhole covers and telegraph poles which requires high levels of skill and concentration. The event is often called one of the most dangerous racing events in the world as many competitors have died.

Frank was rearing to go. He met and became close friends with the manager of the English motorbike team Mick Vincent who became his mentor during his time on the island and at the Frank entered the race and was included in the 1958 Junior Class for up to 350cc motorcycles. There were 75 contestants in this grade. Frank achieved 28th place, and for his first international appearance was a credible achievement. He had completed the gruelling course in three hours and five minutes and his highest speed was recorded at 137 kph. The event was won by John Surtees who was to become one of the world’s best-known Formula One race car drivers.

Not to be daunted and with encouragement of his new friend Mick, Frank followed the British team to the next motorbike race on the international circuit of that year, the Internationales Schleizer Dreieckrennen motorcycle racing meeting. The bike racers were also lured with

the well-known fact that the stakes of payout for winners in the East German event were much higher than on the Isle of Man. Frank had a week to prepare for his race at Schleiz, Thuringen.

Race day on Sunday 6 July 1958 dawned and preparation was finalised for the race. The course was again a public road course of almost eight kilometres and it included many normal road obstacles, which were features of these types of races.

Similar numbers of contestants lined up to take the start. Frank was again riding his 350cc AJS 7R bike and had been accredited with the fastest lap time over the circuit at practice. On the very first lap of the race at a fast corner called “Heinrichsruher Kurve” Frank tipped another bike in front of him, causing his bike to somersault several times, losing his helmet and he crashed heavily against a kilometre curb stone which was only covered with some strawbales. Frank fractured his skull and attempts to save his life were unsuccessful.

Back in New Zealand, it took some time for Frank’s family to learn of his death. When Constable Buckley from the Waiuku Police told the family, they were devastated, especially Frank’s mother Elsie who had encouraged Frank to enter these overseas events. What made it worse was the language difference which made it difficult for them to find out any information about what was going to, or what had happened with Frank’s body. Fortunately, his British friend Mick Vincent, who was also the chairman of an English motorcycle club took the lead and arranged for Frank’s body to be repatriated to England, and he was buried in the Sidcup Cemetery southeast London.

The memory and legacy of this man from Glenbrook, the achievements in his short 30 years of life continue to be remembered to this day.

On 20 August 2023, it will be 12 months since Glenbrook icon Clive Wymer passed away suddenly. About six months earlier, Clive had written the Breeze a letter, and one of the suggestions was to write a story to record the history of Frank Higgins, who Clive knew well. Although Clive was not to live to see the story, it is dedicated to the memory of Clive Henry Wymer (1943-2022).

Elise Jackson - sister of Frank Higgins holding his photo and violin.

Puzzle Answers

Senior Cits’ going strong after 58 years

Waiuku’s Senior Citizens Club celebrated its 58th birthday in July.

President Nancy Grace said while covid and the current economic climate had seen lower numbers attending the club’s monthly sessions, their current strategy of alternating in-situ meetings with coach trip excursions was working well to keep members enthused.

“It’s not difficult to plan trips,” said Nancy. “We have a book of trips the club has organised over the years, so we can get inspiration there, and when new people join up we ask them where they’re keen to go.”

Every second Monday of the month members meet at Waiuku Cosmopolitan Club from 1.30pm for socialising, afternoon tea, and entertainment; performers vary across musical genres. Nancy said the social club is ideal for

anyone keen to get out and meet new people. Before she joined the Senior Citizens Club around seven years ago, Nancy had spent almost 20 years on the committee and as president of the Franklin Country Music Club. “It was time for a change; time to let somebody else have a go.”

BY TIFFANY BROWN

Model Railway, followed by Hunua Falls, and lunch in Clevedon.

The August trip will head to Waihi with a morning tea stop in Ngatea.

Nancy said the rising price of petrol was bound to be part of the reason why the bus trips have proved so popular, as well as the preference for watching the world go by, over concentrating on the road if you drive yourself. “You see so much more when you’re on a bus.”

The Pukekohe “Cycle and Motorcycle Dealer”

BY CARON HOVERD, LOCAL HISTORY LIBRARIAN, PUKEKOHE LIBRARY.

The ‘Senior Cit’ trips—which happen every second month—are day-long excursions to various destinations, transported by James Collie at JR Transport.

Several months ago, the committee asked James if he could organise a ‘mystery trip’ for them. James happily obliged, and the members enjoyed a visit to Glenbrook

Members are asked for $10 a year as a fee to belong to the Senior Citizens Club, but everyone is welcome to join the trips, regardless of membership.

The club is collaborating with Probus members to boost trip numbers; a win:win for everyone involved.

Interested people should seek Nancy out at the Cossie Club when the club meets next, or give her a call on 09 235 8883.

We’re here for you Waiuku!

As Barfoot & Thompson celebrates 100 years in business, we’re especially proud of our reputation for giving back to the people and places where we live and work. ‘Community’ is a cornerstone of our family-owned firm, and through our sponsorship efforts we are able to actively engage with our neighbours, establish meaningful connections and contribute to the development of the areas where we operate.

Locally speaking, Barfoot & Thompson is particularly active in the Waiuku region. According to our branch manager there, Andrew Clark, the team has been working extra-hard lately on a number of community initiatives, showing up for events, and collaborating with local clubs, schools and organisations to help promote positive growth and activity for the region.

sale we make between now and the end of November and $500 for every new property management signed.”

“Also coming up,” Andrew confirms “is a special fundraiser for the Waiuku Museum, featuring an auction of antique-style dollhouses. This is to help with the restoration of the Museum, which is an important part of our local history.”

Giving back, moving forward: The team that loves local.

“A big project we’re involved in is fundraising for the new Kariaotahi Surf Lifesaving clubhouse” Andrew says. “We are the naming rights sponsor of the November Garden Ramble, all proceeds of which are going to the surf club. Plus we’re supporting a campaign to help boost the building fund, which essentially rewards referrals with money to the club$1000 for every successful referred

“Other areas we continue to be involved in” says Andrew “include being a premium sponsor of the Waiuku Bowling Club, a supporter of the Waiuku and Awhitu Golf Clubs, participating in the famous Waiuku Fire Brigade Poker Run, contributing to Awhitu District School’s annual gala, supporting Waiuku Netball - plus participating in community events like the recent Matariki celebration, which took place in July. The list goes on!”

“This ‘giving back’ is very much a heartfelt side of our business that brings our team, clients and suppliers together” he concludes. “It keeps us positive and motivated, helps us live our values of ‘People, Family, Diversity and Community’, and cements our reputation as a company that genuinely caresone that we are all proud to be a part of!”

A chance meeting with a customer at the Pukekohe Library recently, introduced us to a forgotten resident of the area.

Susan Reed and her husband had come to the library to see if there was any information about the location of the shop where her grandfather was manager/owner in Pukekohe, in the 1920s.

His name was Charles Bonner, and he was a “Cycle & Motorcycle Dealer” in King Street, Pukekohe for about eight years. The shop where he was manager was known as the G.& R. Cycle Co., and they were the Franklin Agents for Indian and B.S.A Motor Cycles.

The business had previously been owned by Kane and Hart and had opened around April of 1920; they had also been the agents for Indian Motor Cycles¹. At this time Charles was working as a land agent for Roulston and Bonner in Pukekohe. They sold to Gallagher and Roberts around September of 1921 and the business then became the G & R Cycle Co.² The shop was situated next to Cressey Way at the top end of King Street and is now the location of Wolfe Hearing.

Charles Bonner married Ann Ursulla O’Connor on the 20 December 1920 in Pukekohe. The couple had met while travelling on a North Island train about 1919. Ann’s father James O’Connor was a well-known farmer in Pukekohe who had come to NZ from Castle

Gregory in 1879: he grew potatoes on a property near the foot of Pukekohe Hill.

Charles and Ann had four children, two girls and two boys.

In July 1929, during the time of the great depression, Charles disposed of his business to a Mr C. A. Wheeler of Auckland and he took up a position in the city³. It was around this time that the family moved to Greenlane and Charles was manager of Olympic Cycles in Customs Street East, Auckland.

Other positions Charles held in Pukekohe included Secretary for the Pukekohe Amateur Athletics Club in 1927 and Secretary of the Pukekohe Unemployment Committee in 1931.

Charles died in Auckland on the 30 March 1984 aged 92 years and is buried at the North Shore Memorial Park Cemetery. His wife Ann died on the 4 December 1992. Pukekohe Library collects archives relating to the old Franklin District. They collect information about families, business, buildings, clubs, etc. They have a purpose-built archives room which houses their collection. Any inquiries regarding their archives to: Pukekohe.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Volume xix, issue 84, 22 July 1929, page 4

Charles Bonner (right) outside his shop.

Why is there a street in the country?

BY BILL DEED

Off Misa Road on the way to Otaua from Waiuku is a road called Bridge Street. Why is it called a street when in the rural areas most are called roads? Well, the answer goes back a long way, if fact to the early 1850s when the settlement of Purapura was surveyed and established. Today many of original surveys still exist, were small property boundaries were created.

But Bridge Street was not the only street in Purapura, there were also Clay, Village, Mill, Water, River and Monk Streets. The main street was called Codlin Street. But today only Bridge Street survives. Purapura, was established at the head of the Awaroa River, on an old Maori settlement and trail between the Manukau Harbour and the Waikato River.

After Governor Hobson declared Auckland to be the national capital this route carried a brisk trade for both Maori and European traders who brought their goods by canoe up the Awaroa River, unloaded them at the head of the river, then carried the goods and pulled the canoes over the portage using round poles under the vessel to the upper reaches of the Waiuku River and proceeded across the Manukau Harbour to Onehunga.

The route was a laborious one. In 1850 the Government put a cutter called the Maori which plied the Onehunga to Waiuku route carrying passengers and produce. After European settlement began at Waiuku, a bullock track was was put through to Purapura.

Dog owners warned after prosecution

Auckland Council is reminding dog owners of their responsibilities in the wake of a successful prosecution against a man in the Pukekohe District Court.

The man was found guilty of two charges of owning a dog which attacked a person(s), contrary to s57 of the Dog Control Act 1996.

The first charge related to a December 2021 attack; the first victim was attempting to deliver a parcel, and was bitten on the leg by the defendant’s Rottweiler cross Mastiff. The dog was released to the defendant on strict conditions pending the outcome of the prosecution.

In March 2022, the dog attacked a woman while she was walking and pushing her baby in a pram. The woman suffered bruising and scratches; the attack ended when a passing truck driver honked his horn to distract the dog. Fines of $2760 were laid with the defendant.

Auckland Council’s Animal Management Manager Elly Waitoa said unwanted dog behaviour is on the rise in the Auckland region, with reports of dogs attacking people rising 22 per cent in the last year, compared with 12 per cent in the previous year, and reports of aggressive behaviour by dogs towards people rising 50 per cent.

“Owning a dog comes with responsibilities and we would ask all dog owners to always keep their

pets under control,” said Elly. “The belief ‘my dog wouldn’t bite’ no longer stands. All dogs have the potential to bite given the right circumstances, so we implore owners to be responsible.”

West Franklin areas are regularly visited as part of the Council’s proactive patrols.

Requests for service have been received multiple times from residents in Waiuku, Glenbrook, Puni, Patumahoe, and Awhitu over the last three months, mostly in relation to roaming dogs; 137 jobs in total including five attacks on people, and a further five attacks on other animals.

Auckland Council’s Team Leader Animal Management South, James Faulkner, expressed thanks to the public for reporting these incidents so animal management officers can be assigned.

“We investigate all reports made to Council and where possible, work with dog owners to educate them on the importance of responsible pet ownership—keeping their pets secure and the responsibilities that come with owning a dog. We remind dog owners that dogs that pose a risk to the public or repeatedly offend by roaming, may be removed.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any incidents of dog-related nuisance or harm by calling 09 301 0101.

There were great things proposed for the village. The prospectus of the Waiuku Improvement Company published on 26 June 1855 proposed, among other improvements to the area, the development of a “single track metalled road from Waiuku to Pura Pura ...”. On 5 April 1856, if not before, farms were advertised for sale located between Waiuku and the “new village” of Purapura.

A store was opened by a Mr Ainsworth about September 1856, and a hotel called the Rising Sun Hotel was established there. It was a two-storied building which was later moved to Waiuku when the village of Purapura failed to make the progress that the Waiuku Improvement Company had proposed.

Many distinguished people stayed in the quaint hotel on their way to the Waikato: Lady Franklin, Ferdinand von Hochstetter, Hobson, Governor Gore-Browne, Bishop Selwyn and Sir George Grey to name a few.

Franklin grants could be the last

Almost $70,000 in community grants have been made by Franklin Local Board, but the funds come with a warning.

Board chair Angela Fulljames says with funding for boards not confirmed until Auckland Council’s annual budget is in place, there will likely be no grants next year.

“Due to likely changes to our funding, the future of our grants won’t be confirmed until July.

“We need to advise community groups that discretionary, school pool, waterways and rates remissions grants are unlikely in 2023-24.”

She says it’s disappointing when the groups that seek funding all do worthwhile work.

“Sometimes it isn’t the largest grants that catch your eye. In this round we awarded $2500 to Whitford Playcentre to top up the bark in the playground. Without the grant, the centre would run the risk of not complying with Early Childhood Education rules, which might put its future at risk, which would be devastating for the parents and children who use it.”

At Waiuku, $5100 has been granted to the Museum Society.

“That will be used for materials and repair costs to replace weatherboards, rebuild the doorway, and the outside stairs at The Jail,” board Waiuku representative Sharlene Druyven says.

“It’s going to be difficult to tell good people from groups that rely on grants that there may not be any next year.”

And just one of 13 multi-board grants – where groups operate in more than one board area - was approved, and then only partially. The board granted $11,543 to the Pohutukawa Coast Bike Club towards building three trails to complete the Maraetai mountain bike park.

Other grants

Auckland hang gliding, $755, pothole repairs

Auranga Town Centre, $8993, Symphony by the Lake Bloom Pukekohe, $9833.45 equipment for Pukekohe premises

Franklin Fuchsia Group, $611, venue hire

Knitting Grannies, $3000, wool for baby garments

Pukekohe Lions, $5233, Plunket Car Seat Appeal

Puni School, $7405, Multicutural Festival

Road Safety Education Limited, $1950, supporting young drivers

Pohutukawa Rotary, $4500, Te Puru Fun Run

RSA Franklin, $2373 furniture reupholstery

Special Olympics, $4070 venue and other costs

Pukekohe North School, $5031, kapa haka uniforms

Well Women Franklin, $7030 Pukekohe programme costs.

Counties Energy seeking interest in 100 year celebrations

Counties Energy will be celebrating its centenary next year. The lines company is currently seeking registrations of interest from members of the community who would like to be kept informed on information and celebrations to take place in 2024.

Counties Energy encourages those with strong connections to the company to register including past and current employees, trust and board members, and others with strong links to it. The company has developed a registration form that can be completed via its website www.countiesenergy.co.nz/ centenary-2024.

Counties Energy General Manager Safety, Culture and Sustainability Tracey Kay says the company is proud to be celebrating 100 years of serving their community.

“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to reach this milestone.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to

Manukau Harbour Forum plans to plant

When Aucklanders go to the garden centre they might buy a camellia, perhaps a rhododendron, or even a hydrangea.

But the Manukau Harbour Forum is much more interested in native species it can plant in the catchment area to help restore the health of the waterway.

Forum chair Jon Turner, says the forum is set to spend more than $11,000 on native seedlings it can use at Manukau Harbour catchment restoration events.

“Last year we allocated funds to continue with an existing co-ordinator role. Dr Julie Chambers helped us deliver our goals but she has resigned because of other commitments and that left $11,200 unspent.

“It’s a great shame to lose Dr Chambers, who has done good work and been a valuable asset, but we have decided to use that money to fund more plants we can use to help restore the coastal environment.”

Nine local boards surrounding the harbour – Franklin, Papakura, Manurewa, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu, Ōtara-Papatoetoe, Puketāpapa, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki, Waitakere Ranges and Whau – fund the forum’s work programme, although no decisions on any allocations to a 2023/24 work programme have been made ahead of Auckland Council’s Annual Budget.

“Given the uncertainty around funding, members didn’t feel it was sensible to appoint a new co-ordinator to take up what remains of this year’s duties,” Turner says.

“Staff have identified a practical opportunity to use that funding to support restoration efforts in the catchment through the pre-purchase of native plants from supplier nurseries.”

Energy Trust election update

Our Trust elections close on 5th August, so if you haven’t voted yet, the Trust would urge you to exercise your rights and take this opportunity to vote.

The Trust AGM is to be held on Tuesday 22 August at the Franklin Club, East Street Pukekohe at 5:30pm. The AGM is where you hear our Board Chair and CE speak to the past year activities of the company and their future plans. The formal part of the meeting is quite brief, followed by an informal and interactive session, ending with light refreshments. The Trustees look forward to meeting you there.

We are required under our Trust deed to review the Trust Ownership structure of the company every 10 years, and this will be open for discussion at this AGM. We also intend clarifying the term ‘’beneficiary’’ in our Trust Deed as we have been advised that the original definition 30 years ago needs further clarification. Just a reminder that Counties Energy has been in your hands as beneficiaries of Counties Energy Trust for 30 years now and is a huge asset in our community. To celebrate this, join us at our AGM on Tuesday 22 August at the Franklin Club.

Christine Rupp, Chair Counties Energy Trust

Editorial

— Feeling the Breeze

We thought it was time to give you all an update bout the West Franklin Breeze. Like everything around us at present, we have been hit with a 30% increase in printing prices. Needless to say, this has affected the balancing of finances versus income from advertising.

reflect on our journey, share stories and connect as a community. We’re looking forward to the celebrations in 2024”.

Counties Energy has been powering their community from 1924 since its inception as Franklin Electric Power Board with the first power pole erected on Manukau Road, Pukekohe in 1925. The company’s identities have since been Counties Power and now Counties Energy.

The company now supplies power to over 47,000 customers around its network region which spans from coast to coast between southern Papakura and Mercer, and west of the Waikato River from Mercer to Waikaretu.

We ask you to support the businesses that constantly support us, and acknowledge New Zealand Steel and Counties Energy for their support.

The economic conditions have affected Waiuku’s retail sector quite dramatically since the Covid lockdowns and the concentration of people buying products online. This is why several town centre businesses have closed including our own Action Office Products Depot that has had to close its retail outlet.

Several businesses have relocated from the town centre to cheaper building alternatives.

So, support the locals, it is imperative to see the town survive with a worthwhile retail presence.

Advertising:

Regarding advertising in the Breeze, we need more advertisers to support our paper. If a business or organisation would be interested to support our community asset, Find it Fast advertisements start as low as $49.95 + GST per month, and for community organisations our new Happenings column is $30.00 per listing per issue. (Some conditions apply). For advertising enquiries email Chris at sales@

westfranklinbreeze.nz or phone 020 4089 9939.

Articles:

We constantly receive positive comments about the worthwhile content in the paper, and while there are never any shortages of articles, we always appreciate any story leads you may know of. We can’t always guarantee that a subject can be included in the paper. Some stories do not fit with our format, but every lead will be considered. Email: circulation@ westfranklinbreeze.nz

At least our district is mentioned by name unlike many other publications delivered to our area.

Web presence:

Our website always has the current edition of the Breeze available along with back issues. The contact is www.westfranklinbreeze.nz Past issues tab on top right of title page. Other parts of the website are soon to be updated.

Circulation:

The Breeze has a circulation of 7000 copies and should be distributed during the first week of every month.

June delivery was an exception when the delivery truck with the papers from Whakatane (where the paper was being printed) broke down enroute and arrival to the distribution centre was delayed. Because of this, we lost the window of time to allow circulation during the appropriate week.

Rural deliveries which amount to about half of the circulation are normally delivered on the Thursday

of that first week, and residential deliveries over a three day period in the middle of the week.

Recently, we have been receiving comments of non-delivery in some areas. This is of major concern to us and we are trying to remedy this situation. However, it is hard to control when it appears some of the delivery people are dumping quantities without delivering. With this in mind we need every non delivery reported to us.

Email circulation@westfranklinbreeze.nz

It is imperative to include your street name and number.

Making contact:

We can only cope with emails because we have no staff monitoring phone calls.

Our writers are private contract authors, and they do a valiant job — they are the backbone of our publication.

Email: circulation@westfranklinbreeze.nz

Breeze drop off points:

While there is a stand of papers outside GoGraphics office at 16 Bowen Street, Waiuku (formerly Action Office Products Depot) and the Waiuku Information Office, we are also planning within the next few months to increase these places. We have also been asked to have drop off points in Pukekohe. A full list of these will be published in the paper.

Thank you for your interest and support of the Breeze — it is a breath of fresh air.

— Bill and Ngaire Deed, Publishers