WFB_Feb2024

NZ Women’s Golf Masters coming to Waiuku

The Waiuku Golf and Squash Club will be hosting the New Zealand Women’s Masters Tournament from 4 April - 7 April 2024. This event is a monumental highlight for the club and town, and Waiuku club are honoured to have the opportunity to showcase the unique Waiuku course and hospitality to golfers and spectators alike.

The tournament, organised by New Zealand Golf, will feature teams from across the country, each comprised of highly skilled players. The competition will span four rounds of gross stableford, promising a display of dynamic skills and a high-calibre mindset for the game.

Crossword No XC254610

Established in 1921, the club boasts a welcoming course with greens that rarely disappoint even the most passionate golfers. Waiuku enjoys a microclimate that minimises weather-related disruptions to playing conditions.

The course, having undergone significant development in recent years, offers an excellent test for all golfers, with accuracy being crucial on many greens. Despite facing challenges from adverse weather conditions last year, the dedicated greens staff and members have worked tirelessly to ensure the course is in top-notch condition for this prestigious event. The short lead time in accepting the offer to host the New Zealand Women’s Masters has not deterred their enthusiasm, and preparations are well underway.

The club extends an invitation to all residents of Franklin and surrounding areas to come to the Waiuku Golf and Squash Club and witness this exciting competition unfold.

Your support will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this event and showcase the warm hospitality that the local community has to offer. Furthermore, with the influx of visitors expected during the tournament, the club recognise the potential impact on local accommodation, places of interest, and hospitality services. If you or your business can provide any of these services, please inform the club so that they can relay the information to the event organisers. Local support will not only benefit the tournament but also enhance the overall experience for participants and spectators. Waiuku Golf Club members look forward to welcoming everyone to the New Zealand Women’s Masters Tournament, 2024, at the Waiuku Golf and Squash Club.

AM radio aerial for Pollok

Continued from Page 1

The JDA proposal covers a transmitter building which would also include a 150 kVA backup diesel generator with 5000 litres of diesel stored in a tank inside the building. JDA also noted that the current AM radio spectrum licenses for AM broadcasters are due to expire in 2032 and that there was currently no viable replacement system so it was expected that the licenses may be extended past expiry.

There is no mention of what provisions are being considered for other broadcasters on AM such as sports, religious and Iwi networks.

The value of traditional amplitude modulated (AM) broadcasting should be in no doubt after the critical role that the Radio New Zealand (RNZ) network provided during Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.

Mobile phones and data services were rendered useless in many areas, yet, in most of the country AM transmission was still available, despite existing government plans to close down the network.

On 15 February 2023, the Clerk of the House of Parliament David Wilson had told a select committee that he might have to cut the $1.3 million annual contract to broadcast Parliament on AM radio after 87 years on-air. The following day Thomas Coughlan reported in the New Zealand Herald that “radio silence could come as soon as the next financial year, on July 1, unless additional funding was found in the next budget in May”. David Wilson had made it clear that his spending could not exceed the annual appropriation, costs, had gone up and the radio transmission of Parliament, which sustained the AM network, run by RNZ, might have to go.

This all happened at a time when the funding of RNZ was under review after the collapse of the last government’s plan for a new public media entity.

RNZ Chief Executive Paul Thompson stated that “RNZ won’t be able to pick up the ($1.3 million) cost of the AM system. The Parliamentary contract is a significant contributor to our NZ being able to maintain the AM network nationally” Mr Thompson said. “In Central Hawke’s Bay, RNZ FM was off air for two days during Gabrielle but AM kept going”.

There are two AM networks run by RNZ. One broadcasts RNZ National from AM masts all over the country and the other carries Parliament and is broadcast from fewer sites but also airs programmes for other broadcasters when Parliament is not sitting. Most of the masts carry both networks.

DOWN

1 I’m upset by tension with lover (8)

2 Fatty pudding (4-4)

(6) home by

(8) ring to cancel (6) pie is a source of inspiration (8) swindle (3) mixture of steel containing carbon (6) enough to catch sound of gunfire, as says? (7) experienced over plant (6) starts to play in garden (3) commander twice turned to jelly (4-4) craftily conceals one old Japanese Spain confused actor (8) unusually takes time to make financial struggling with illness (8) tough woman a corporal finally (6)

3 Angel represented in English church shows refinement (8)

5 Half of Canada is able to dance (6)

6 Yours truly gets to bank – just (6)

7 Noted problem with new tissue (6)

8 Joint from freezer cooked without zeal initially (6)

12 Pirate from Cairo’s drunk, right? (7)

15 Bill is not entirely suitable (3)

16 Upstanding professor has to show agreement (3)

18 Quiet diplomacy involving one on vessel (8)

19 Element in fuel or explosive (8)

20 Have great fun with student in musical (8)

22 Was profligate and very drunk (6)

23 Woman harassed male in Pennsylvania (6)

24 Bird of prey’s first to appear in new image (6)

25 Mate has excellent, luxurious house (6)

Thousands of

mangrove seeds at Sandspit Beach

Once again, Waiuku locals have shown how adept they are at swinging into action when voluntary help is needed.

Waiuku Sandspit has always been a useful and safe beach, and now with the huge sand replacement works it’s even better.

But after Christmas, a drift of mangrove seeds appeared, concentrated near the top of the big tides.

And this was a serious disfigurement to the new refurbished shape with so much new sand.

So recently, folk of all ages arrived with various tools and collected just about every seed.

People turned up with garden rakes, buckets, plastic bins for sieves, and even a 4WD with trailer.

After a couple of mornings’ work, the job was done.

Among the volunteers were some of the Waiuku Mudlarks.

“This is a lot easier than working in the mud” announced mudlark David Hook, who has been a volunteer for over ten years, taking out mangroves.

“We just can’t keep away from mangroves even during the Christmas break” joked mudlark Georgie Trow.

Waiuku Mudlarks have now cleared most of the three inlets of Waiuku town, returning the waterways to how they always were before the massive invasion of mangroves that started in the 70s.

The 2023 NZ Women’s Masters Winners hailing from Northland, played at Otaki Golf Course: Aroha Tito, Jenny Peters, Kylie Jacoby and Samantha Dangen.

Kathy Chase and her daughters Holly (left) and Stacy gather mangrove seeds at Sandspit Beach.

Local nonagenarian Barbara Robinson, has finally retired from serving customers. A keen St Andrew’s Op Shop volunteer since 2011, Barbara is trading her spot at front of store for a slower paced role in the back office.

Barbara’s love of customer service has been a long time in the making. She has always gravitated towards working in retail, starting when she and her then husband, Stanley, purchased a newsagent- grocery store in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, UK, in the late 1960s.

After emigrating to New Zealand in 1971 Barbara and family settled in Howick. Eventually, she obtained a position at the local Bond & Bond electronics store. When the manager of the store retired, Barbara was offered the role.

“At that time there were only two women managers in Bond & Bond, New Zealand; me and the manager of the Tokoroa branch,” said Barbara.

“It wasn’t popular back then to have women managers so I got quite a hard time from the delivery men, who used to just plonk the heavy items in the shop and leave me to move them around myself.

“I was approached to become a Justice of the Peace in 1978 and after that, I was asked to

manage what was then called Tom Kroon’s Music Supplies also in Howick, which I did for about three years.”

Following this stint in the world of music retail, Barbara launched her career as a business owner and in the early 1980s purchased a café called The Beehive in central Auckland. She made everything from scratch and was a popular fixture in the High Street area of the CBD.

After moving into the Franklin area in the 90s, Barbara used her experience running her cafe to became, after some training, a quantity cook at Kingseat Hospital.

However, the world of retail once again called and Barbara went to work for the Pukekohe Trading Post, a popular second hand furniture shop at the time. She was well known for her banter with the customers and expertise in pricing up the second hand goods.

Later, after eventually retiring to Waiuku, Barbara saw an opportunity to volunteer at St Andrews Op Shop serving customers and decided to take it!

According to Sharron Levestone, retail manager of the Op Shop, the volunteers tend to be retirees and a large number of them are widows. She noted that the volunteer pool is not

limited to only members of St. Andrew’s Church.

“The shop is a fantastic social hub with a great atmosphere of fun and fellowship. It gives the volunteers motivation for their day with a place to look forward to coming to. It’s hard for some of them when we are closed. I love that the shop is a wonderful outreach for them all,” said Sharron.

The Op Shop will be holding a small soiree for Barbara, currently one of the Op Shop’s oldest volunteers, to mark her birthday milestone.

Barbara commented, tonguein-cheek, that it’s ageist that she has been encouraged to retire from working the till but does understand why; “It can be quite tiring standing on your feet for hours, and I do need to start taking it easy. I’m just happy to be able to still be able to go in and be useful out back. It’s the highlight of my week.”

St. Andrews Opportunity Shop is located at 79 Queen Street, Waiuku and is open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm.

Ramble a runaway success

raises $139,000

BY TIFFANY BROWN

Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi (SLSK) held a fundraising Garden Ramble over the weekend of 25 and 26 November. The ramble featured 21 West Franklin gardens, with a market at Mary and Brian Hull’s property on Hull Road.

Head of the SLSK Fundraising Committee, Anne Walters, said, “The atmosphere over both days was great— everyone appeared happy and satisfied with what each garden had to offer, the garden hosts were all on hand to guide the garden enthusiasts around their masterpieces answering queries, giving helpful hints and generally very happy to share their pieces of paradise. “

Anne said the event was an outstanding success, and it was fantastic to see the community come together to support such a worthwhile cause.

All funds raised would go towards the building of much-needed new clubrooms at Karioitahi Beach. President of the Build Committee, Jim Coe, said the club is very close to signing off on the new build. “Within the next few

months we hope the public of Waiuku will start to see things happening at the beach. The Club Build Committee are still working through some legal details to allow things to progress,” said Jim.

Anne said the Fundraising Committee would like to thank all the garden hosts for their generosity in opening their gardens for the ramble.

“We would also like to thank all the wonderful sponsors who gave so generously to make our event the success it was. Special mention to our major sponsor Barfoot & Thompson, Waiuku. Andrew and his team supported us in so many ways throughout the whole campaign and we appreciated all their support. And to all the volunteers

that helped us, there are too many to name, we thank you all,” said Anne.

The Garden Ramble event raised funds of more than $139,000.

Annual botanical event supported SLSK rebuild

The 14th annual FLORA FEST event, formerly known as Waiuku’s Festival of Flowers, took place at St Andrew’s Centre in November.

The annual community event is a celebration of all things botanical, providing a low-cost, accessible event for the whole community while fundraising for local charitable organisations.

In 2023, FLORA FEST partnered with Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi (SLSK) to support its inaugural Garden Ramble throughout West Franklin.

FLORA FEST 2023 featured the Franklin Rose Society’s annual rose show and competition, and collaborated a second time with local group of artists, WaiArt, to display a colourful, coastal-themed exhibition of artworks from local artists.

There were also workshops and speakers on offer; popular sessions included a lavender distillation session with Leafy Hollow’s Pauline Livesey—who did double duty as FLORA FEST committee member and audio-visual specialist

BY TIFFANY BROWN

during the event—and Botanica on Bowen’s Kendal Box with a unique kokedama (Japanese moss ball) creation workshop.

Jim Coe from SLSK gave an informative talk about the past and future of the surf lifesaving club, including the club’s efforts to rebuild its dilapidated clubhouse.

A colouring competition for children proved popular with local early childhood centres, primary schools, and local families. FLORA FEST 2023 was generously supported by Mitre 10 Pukekohe, Mitre 10 Waiuku, New World, and SLSK, and was able to raise a $2000 donation to contribute to SLSK’s spring fundraising efforts through a combination of koha donations, workshop fees, and takings from the bring and buy table.

Organising committee member, Di Roden, said, “The committee is delighted with the growing support of FLORA FEST from local groups. We intend to continue to mix up our offering each year to appeal to all sections of the community while maintaining our core focus on all things botanical.”

Life guards Peta Martinovich, Tara Coe, Dawn Newson-Adams at the markets on the plant stall.

Archer Bullen place first in Five blooms in a vase catagory.

Bev Shuker place first in One basket of roses catagory.

A growing business is now a family venture

BY

Raj and Jatinder Saini developed Rupex Growtech Ltd (Rupex) in 1998 to provide commercial growers with quality planting materials.

Currently the company provides vegetable plant plugs, NZ native seedlings and other plants such as medicinal and cut flower seedlings on a wholesale basis. The company mainly grows to contract and is currently managed by Raj’s older son Ravi Saini.

However, Rupex doesn’t just supply plant materials but also provides much-needed information about seed varieties. “We give impartial advice to growers because we’re not selling our own seeds,” said Raj.

Associated with Rupex is the Franklin Institute of Agri-Technology (FIAT). The institute provides horticultural training programmes for domestic and international students at levels 4 and 5, each as one year of full-time study. The training college is currently working on adding a Level 3 programme.

The college has two campuses; one in Franklin and another in Tauranga. The number of students markedly declined during the pandemic but numbers are starting to now increase. Raj stressed the need for horticulture to be seen as a viable training option.

“People don’t always view horticulture as a desirable career option because they are not aware of the opportunities; but it can be quite technical, you can earn good money and the lifestyle is great. Projections show that thousands of skilled technical

staff are needed in the near future.”

Raj highlighted the various ways horticulture is changing as an industry — vertical farming, developments in indoor growing systems and automation in the industry are creating new opportunities for horticulture students.

“After studying a course like this, students can set up their own businesses as they will have the technical know-how to do so,” said Raj. FIAT’s Franklin current cohort of students, who are from China, India, Nepal and Japan, are taught by Jasmeet (Jas) Girgla.

The other, and most recent family business sharing space with Rupex and FIAT is Pots of Joy. This business was established by Raj’s youngest son and his wife, Harry and Maria Saini.

The couple are targeting the plant supplies retail market by growing and selling a range of good quality plants at competitive price points. They said they already noticing they are getting repeat customers.

Pots of Joy can be found on Facebook (https:// www.facebook.com/potsofjoyfnz), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/potsofjoynz) and via their website (https://www.potsofjoy. co.nz/).

Raj’s love of horticulture started after obtaining a PhD in Plant Sciences in India. Jatinder, still works in the family business with Raj. As well as their two sons, the couple also have a daughter, Rattan, who is a medical doctor.

Raj emphasised the importance of staying up with new innovations. For example, the largescale rolling bench system that Rupex has invested in is an efficient, clean way of moving plant plugs and seedlings from one place to another.

Raj and Jatinder’s initial focus on providing quality plant materials for commercial growers has in turn grown, along with their family –they now provide not only training but also employment opportunities for trained graduates.

Information about Rupex and FIAT can be found at https://rupex.co.nz and https://fiat. ac.nz/ respectively. See advert on page 3.

Raj Saini shows a Rupex vegetable plant plug.

Top: Harry and Maria Saini recently established Pots of Joy plant sale shop at 760 Glenbrook Road.

Below: Raj Saini (far right) with class teacher Jaspreet Girgla (far left) and students (from left to right) - Arsh, Bibika, Nisha, Reno and Arman.

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BANKS GONE? ASB Bank to close

Auckland Savings Bank has announced that the Waiuku ASB branch will close permanently from 29 February 2024.

The Waiuku branch is just one of five branches that are to close. The others are Milford, Wellsford, Mangere, while Willis Street Wellington temporary closed since October, will not reopen.

The Executive Manager of ASB personal banking Adam Boyd explained in a media release that the bank was investing more into phone and digital banking over the next five years and plan to put more staff into busier branches like Pukekohe.

Adam explained that customer numbers have declined over the past four years in all of the five branches to close and in Waiuku’s case there had been an 89% decline of visits.

For Waiuku, the ASB is the last remaining full business bank with the Bank of New Zealand and the ANZ Bank being closed for some time. Only Kiwi Bank is now represented in Waiuku.

The ASB Bank has been in its current premises since the building was new having been specifically built for the bank. Prior to that the bank had occupied a premises in Bowen Street for several years.

Calling it a day after 40+ years

After working for over 40 years for Gary Pye Appliances, Jo Edwards is retiring.

“I have absolutely loved working in the shop, and I felt that before that love subsided, I would make the break. It has been such an honour to have had so many years of work enjoyment and become friends with so many wonderful people,” said Jo.

“I first started work at Graeme Williams Electrical after I left school, then Waiuku TV and Furniture House which became Gary Pye’s appliance store when Gary purchased the shop from previous owner Barry Day.”

“Gary was a fantastic mentor in the retail appliance industry, and he and his wife Elaine have become life-long friends,” Jo continued.

It has been a bit of a family affair though,

because when extra help was needed in the shop, she called on her mum Nancy, sister Dianne, and then her daughter Odette to assist.

Current owner of 100% Gary Pyes Appliances Shailza Khurana told the Breeze: “When we bought Gary’s business, we were a bit overwhelmed at the beginning, but Jo knew the business like the back of her hand, so she guided us in our new venture. Her out of way assistance played a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the store.

“Jo has a special repour with customers and people in general and it has been a real joy to have her as part of our team.

“We wish her well in her retirement, but we are going to miss her, especailly those warm hugs and beautiful smile.”

Waipipi School celebrate 150 years in April

It is 150 years since the original Waipipi School opened in 1874, and a celebration is being planned for April to mark this milestone — a sesquicentennial.

The school was originally set up for fewer than 40 students, with blackboards in a single room and a horse paddock for the students’ horses. As time has passed, there is now modern technology in the classrooms, a carpark for vehicles and buses, more rooms and 150 students enrolled. After 15 decades of changes, the school continues to flourish in its lovely country setting.

On Saturday 6 April 2024 there will be a celebration, where current and past pupils will be able to visit the school, share their experiences and connect with each other.

To help with planning for this event organisers encourage past pupils to register their interest by emailing waipipischool.150years@ gmail.com

A book is also being compiled to mark this occasion and school memories from past students, parents or teachers about the school would be appreciated. Please email these to waipipischool.150years@gmail.com

Jo Edwards closes 100% Gary Pyes’ doors for her last time before she retires.%

Cash in on Summer and hot buyer demand! The time to sell is NOW, and our largest ever Waiuku auction mega-event is the place to do it .

On 21 st March, our team is bringing together a huge pool of buyers and sellers, under one roof for a one-of f Auction Bonanza 100 + local salespeople will have their cashed-up buyers onsite, with one goal –to buy a home, buy a lifestyle block, buy a farm!

List your proper ty and enjoy:

• NO auctioneers fee

• Access to some of Australasia’s most experienced auctioneers

• A targeted adver tising campaign for the event, generating max buyer interest and competition

• FREE photography, video and f loor plan package to showcase your proper ty at it s best

• FREE premium upgrade to a TradeMe Platinum package and no upfront marketing fees using List Now (terms & conditions apply)

• 100 + local Bar foot & Thompson salespeople and their databases of buyers, ensuring optimal buyer engagement

How to par ticipate:

Call your local Bar foot & Thompson salesperson or our Waiuku Branch

on 09 235 0880 to f ind out more.

You will need to list your proper ty with us by Friday 16 February 2024 to be eligible for the benef it s above

Keep track of the event

New year honour for a lifetime of service

BY SANDY SMITH

“I am pleasantly surprised by this recognition. It is humbling to receive an award for doing something that gives one a deep sense of satisfaction. This award is not just a recognition of me as an individual, but also an endorsement of the valuable services provided by the organisations that I have been involved with,” said Hansa.

Local Franklin resident, Mrs Hansaben (Hansa) Dhanji Naran, has received a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to the Indian community. Hansa has been contributing to the Indian community for almost four decades.

Born in Zimbabwe and one of five siblings, Hansa moved to Aotearoa New Zealand in 1971 after marrying her late husband Dhanji R. Naran. Hansa has spent over 50 years in NZ and has two sons, Veeran and Darshak, both of whom have settled in Australia.

The news of their mother receiving the QSM award came as a surprise to Hansa’s two sons but it wasn’t completely unexpected as they are used to their mother’s dedication to helping others. Early on in her married life, Hansa had to work to support her husband’s extended family after his parents passed away.

After working in various positions, including helping her husband run their family business, eventually Hansa took on the challenge of tertiary education and obtained a Bachelor of Business from Manukau Institute of Technology. With this degree, Hansa went on to build a successful career in accounting.

dian but also the wider community. Hansa helped manage more than half a million dollars in funds raised for India during the Covid-19 pandemic in her capacity as treasurer of the New Zealand Central Association Inc. (NZICA), the umbrella organisation of the Indian organisations in NZ. The organisation also donated funds to those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

In addition, Hansa is the treasur-

provide a way for Hansa to show her passion and commitment to empowering women and advocating on their behalf.

For over a decade, Hansa has been a volunteer for Look Good Feel Better, a charity helping those navigating cancer. She is also a member of the local Kiwanis Club, an organisation that serves the needs of children and their local communities.

Over the years, Hansa has actively been of service not just within the In-

er for the National Council of Women Manukau and Business & Professional Women Franklin. Both organisations

Internationally, Hansa has supported educational and medical projects in Africa and India and provided sarees for women in India who cannot afford bridal clothing.

Inaugurated as a Justice of the Peace in 2014, a volunteer for Victim Support since 2017, and currently the treasurer for Waiau Pa Clarks Beach Business Association and Clarks Beach Waiau Pa Ratepayers Association, Hansa continues to contribute to the local Franklin community.

As she looks back on her life and career, Hasna hopes that this award “encourages many other women, especially those from migrant backgrounds, to step out of their comfort zones and utilise their talents and strengths to their fullest potential.”

Hansa’s New Year honour is indeed well deserved!

Camp Quality makes a difference

Did

Following the success of the concept in Sydney, the first-ever Camp Quality NZ Camp took place in Auckland in 1985. This was organised by Vera Entwistle with the assistance of leading Lions Club member, Wilton Boyle and his community. From there, Lions Clubs throughout New Zealand picked up the baton with the formation of Regional committees the following year. Since then Camp Quality has grown substantially with the continued support of Lions Clubs to preserve

Lions Club of Waiuku

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

Vera Entwistle’s incredible legacy. Camp Quality is now governed by an independent Board of Trustees.

Camp Quality’s first camp in Auckland in 1985 was attended by 22 children from throughout the country. Since then Camp Quality has grown to provide camps and recreational activities in five regions catering for over 300 children. Today Camp Quality remains committed to making a positive difference for children (aged 5-16 years) living with cancer.

The hot air balloon in the Camp Quality logo symbolises the ability to rise above life’s challenges.

Camp Quality programmes provide a stress-free and caring environment for the children where fun and friendship are combined with achievable challenges - allowing the children to “just be kids”. They get a sense of normality and independence and focus on the positive aspects of their lives.

Through Camp Quality, families get a much needed break and the opportunity to spend time with other siblings while their child is at camp. They do so with the assurance that Camp Quality has the finest programmes, staff,

Waiuku Brigade answers

234 fire calls in 2023

Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade chief officer Colin Riddle said that the Brigade had attended 234 calls in 2023.

He said that he was proud the service that the Brigade gives to the West Franklin community. He also acknowledged the time the volunteers have to take from their regular employment. “If it wasn’t for the support of these businesses allowing firemen time off to attend callouts, we would be completely restricted,” Colin said. “Sometimes there are multiple calls in one day and like 30 November, we had five callouts that day.”

The following analyses the 2023 callouts:

Structure 20 Anything to do with a structure

Vehicle 8

Rescue 38 MVC, Animals

Medical 47

Vegetation 11

Control Burn 13 Fires Brigade called to monitor a controlled burn

PFA 46 Private fire alarm activations

Other 51 Weather, flooding, assisting public and police support

Total 234

companions, medical care and safety procedures in place.

Waiuku Lions and other clubs in our zone and further afield, have been involved for many years and we have run all sorts of raffles, golf days, sky diving, waitressing, truck shows, catering, sponsorship via donations to the cause to raise much needed funds.

Each year Waiuku Lions Club supports Camp Quality Auckland region summer camp, providing Lions volunteers to assist with catering to the campers and their companions.

In 2024 Camp Quality camp was based at Wesley College, Paerata and two of our members were accepted as companions. Also one camp day was based at The View in Waiuku and Waiuku Lions Club supplied a yummy picnic BBQ lunch including our world famous hot chips and sausages from our BBQ crew.

The difference camp makes to the families who have been dealing with cancer, is in the words of the young campers and their parents, is “awesome and invaluable, it really does make a difference”.

Hansa Naran

Making his mark in jui-jitsu

Jui-jitsu ia a modern martial arts discipline, with ancient roots.

The word “jiu jitsu” derives from the Japanese “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jitsu” meaning “art”; essentially, jiu jitsu is the “gentle art”.

View Road School pupil Gaeul Isaia is hitting the heights with his chosen sport of jui-jitsu.

In December, Gaeul (which means “autumn” in Koren) travelled to Tauranga with his mother and father to compete in the Oceania Kids Jui-jitsu Championship.

Gaeul won a gold medal in the no-gi match and a silver in the gi match. “Gi” is the jujitsu uniform with the full kimono, while “no-gi” is competing without the full kimono in shorts and a rash top.

Gaeul’s jui-jitsu record this year:

In his first year of competition, he has fought in six events and won medals in five:

2023 North Island Champs - won silver;

2023 NZ Nationals Points/Submissions - won bronze;

On the day, Gaeul’s first gi match, he got a submission and one of the quickest wins of the tournament tapping his opponent out in 23 seconds of the fight with a “rear naked choke”. He then went onto the finals to take on a 14 year old boy. Gaeul fought really hard but just came short of the win, but he was pleased with second place and the silver medal.

In his no-gi finals, Gaeul fought a magnificent fight. He secured the gold medal after beating a boy much bigger than himself 5-3. He has made the podium in five major Jui-jitsu events this year for a junior.

2023 Invitational Only Teen/ Juveniles - placed 4th, competing against 15 year olds and higher rank belts (Gaeul was only 11 years old while competing in this competition);

2023 Submission Grappling Nationals (Gi) - won silver; In-house Interclub VRJui-Jitsu Club CompetitionWon two gold medals in two divisions;

2023 ADCC New Zealand Grand Prix Event at the Due Drop Convention Centre in Manukau. This comp is known to the Jui-Jitsu community as the Olympics of the submission Grappling and was Gaeul’s first time in a No-Gi Tournament - won bronze;

2023 Oceania Kids Jui-Jitsu Championship –won gold in the No-Gi and a Silver in the Gi. Gaeul’s parents are well-known in Waiuku. Mother Sunshine (real name Marine) owns Café Alba which has recently started selling Sunshine Korean Chicken takeaway meals from the café in evenings. Father Sam is the Franklin Community Operations Services Manager for Auckland Council.

Youth advocate recognised

One of the local recipients in the King’s New Year Honours List is Glenbrook’s Luke Boustridge. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the electrical industry and vocational train ing.

Luke has encouraged youth into trades and strongly advocated for vocational training nationally and internationally.

He is involved with World Skills, a global industry excellence organisation of 86 member countries that facilitate competition between technical experts and promote vocational education and training.

Luke competed in the 2006 World Skills electrical category, winning a gold medal for New Zealand and he received a medallion of excellence competing in Japan in 2007. Then the following year Luke represented New Zealand at the 2007 World Skills Youth Forum in Austria and has since volunteered with the World Skills New Zealand Team, training elec-

Budding soccer star to play for Argentinian club

Waiuku soccer player Jamie Cotter has signed a deal with sports agents, RP Hopes, and will head to Argentina on 9 February.

The 16 year-old, who completed Year 12 at Waiuku College in 2023, travelled to the South American nation last November with other promising young players invited to try out for various clubs.

In spite of his jet lag Jamie impressed at his very first round of trials at Club Athletico Platense, where he was invited back the following day; he was the only international player from several

trician candidates and holding leadership and administrative roles.

He has been the national skills manager for electrical installations since 2010 and has been international chief expert in the electrical installation category for the World Skills competitions between 2016 and 2018, for the first World Skills Africa competition in 2021 and Austria in 2022. He led the redesign of the competition rules for the Electrical Installation category. Following introduction of a world-wide standard for automation to World Skills, he became the first registered tutor in New Zealand and facilitated the KNX national training rollout. He was Vice President of the KNX National Group Board from 2017 to 2018.

Luke has no small tally in his vocation because he has trained around 500 apprentices with the Electrical Training Company.

BY TIFFANY BROWN

countries represented to be asked to do so.

Jamie’s mum, Dianna, said, “It was very special for Jamie to be tested in this environment and to succeed. He was asked back day after day but had to leave Platense earlier than they wanted him to, so he could fly to Trelew to honour the rest of his itinerary.”

Before Jamie returned home to NZ in early December, he had signed with Club Huracan de Trelew, where he will live and play for the 2024 season, while attending a nearby school to learn Spanish.

Left: Jamie with his agent, Rodrigo Miquelarena from RP Hopes. Right: Jamie with a new teammate at Club Huracán.

Gaeul Isaia on the podium after winning gold and silver medals at the recent Oceania Kids Jui-jitsu Championship.

Luke Boustridge

NZ Steel has signed a supply arrangement with Global Metal Solutions (GMS) that will see thousands of tonnes of scrap steel recycled in a new electric arc furnace at Glenbrook from 2026.

New Zealand Steel’s Chief Executive Robin Davies says the project ticks many economic and environmental boxes, while fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility to provide

longterm business and employment opportunities for future generations.

“One of the key benefits of the NZ Steel electric arc furnace is the ability for it to recycle significant tonnes of domestic scrap steel rather than that scrap being exported offshore (to be recycled by overseas mills) and the supply agreement announced today is the first step in realising this benefit.”

The electric arc furnace is an important step in NZ Steel’s site transformation to a future hub of sustainable and complementary economic, environmental, and social enterprises built on local and international partnerships.

Owner of GMS, Craig Tuhoro, says having worked in the industry his whole life he never shies away from the fact it’s a tough industry to be in because you are competing globally. It was 12 years ago that Craig decided the time was right to take a leap of faith and forge his own pathway and set up his own scrap recycling business.

“One of the main driving factors for me at that time was to create opportunities for employment for members of my family who had been made redundant. I wanted to ensure my family and wider whānau would have opportunities for employment in the industry for generations to come.

“We were always looking for more work so we can employ more of our people, this arrangement with NZ Steel paves the

way for this to continue and provides certainty and stability for our business into the future.

Craig speaks proudly of the special whānau culture that has evolved over the years. He’s committed to helping Māori youth progress into the workforce, which has included an innovative partnership with Ngāti Tamaoho when the Papakura yard first opened in 2020. “Some of our kids have issues, we know that. We aren’t frightened of getting these kids over those hurdles.

GMS also has branches in Hamilton and New Plymouth and employs 67 people nationwide.

Founded in 2011, the management of Global Metal Solutions has multi-generational combined experience working in the metal recycling industry. Their ISO certifications are evidence of its team’s high level of commitment to quality, onsite health and safety and the environment.

“I’m delighted to welcome Craig and his team at GMS into the expanding partnership responsible for delivering one of the country’s largest carbon emissions reduction projects” says Mr Davies.

MP for Port Waikato, Hon. Andrew Bayly, says he is pleased to see NZ Steel collaborating with GMS. “NZ Steel is already the region’s biggest employer, but the relationship with GMS will open up even more opportunities for local people to get involved with working with a multinational company.”

NZ Steel CEO Robin Davies with Craig Tuhoro from Global Metal Solutions.

Speed drop for vehicles on Karioitahi beach

As it seems we are having our first proper summer for a while, I hope everyone has had the opportunity to enjoy the sunshine and everything our great area and country has to offer.

Sad to yet again hear of more tragedy at Karioitahi Beach over the Christmas period, a terrible thing to happen for the young victim, their family and friends—but also for our surf lifesaving volunteers many of whom are young themselves and who are there to put themselves in harm’s way to keep others safe. To Dean, Jim and the team at Surf Lifesaving Kariaotahi my heartfelt thanks for everything you do.

Interesting to read recently that at Muriwai Beach where vehicles were banned and the entry to the beach through the regional park had been locked and blocked, the gates, locks and concrete barriers had been broken down or removed by those believing they are entitled to drive their vehicles on that beach.

For decades there have been issues at Kariaotahi with irresponsible and dangerous use of vehicles

putting other beach users at risk. There have been crashes, vehicles getting stuck and damage to the very important dunes along the coast. Annually there are calls by some for vehicles to be banned here matched by demands to keep the access open for those who want to fish further along the coast and who drive responsibly. Having been involved in the issue all the way back to the mid 80s and 90s when I was in the Police and more recently when on Council, all I can say is that there is no simple answer.

Thankfully the Police have been undertaking seasonal operations targeting all the beaches and whilst they cannot be everywhere all of the time, their presence and approach does impact on behaviour. Whilst the permit system for vehicles has not been met with much public support, it was established to provide the Police with a tool to deal with vehicles on the beach which is in fact a legal road.

Just before Christmas I was pleased to be able to move a recommendation at both AT and Council to have the speed limit on the beach

(as it is a road) to 20kph which again will provide the Police with another tool. As I said earlier, there is no simple answer to the problems here or elsewhere so the old saying applies…”if you see something, say something”. With all the cameras and video capability of our phones, simply recording faces, vehicles and registration numbers (including things like trailers used to transport motorbikes) that are involved in dangerous or reckless behaviour and forwarding that to the Police is a huge help in this battle.

2024 is going to be a massive year politically. The new Government will embark on delivering its agenda and this will have a huge effect on councils.

At the end of February, Auckland Council will be putting their ten year budget out for consultation and this time around it has three options for people to consider. Firstly pay less in rates and get less in services and investment, secondly the Mayoral proposal which is basically a bit over a half way point in rates increase and what you get for that increase and third-

ly, a bit of a bite the bullet type approach where the rates increases are higher in the first couple of years but what is delivered and provided is basically what is needed to meet what we are continually told are the expectations of the many communities. So please make sure you have a look and have your say. I am always available to chat about it.

Finally, sincere congratulations to Andrew Bayly who convincingly took out the by-election and has been rewarded with some ministerial roles. I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and also hopefully our other MP and Minister living in the area, Casey Costello.

Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust MONTHLY MISSIONS

DECEMBER/JANUARY

Port Waikato 23 Dec 2023 — W1 Crew tasked to Port Waikato to assist a male patient in his 30s suffering a non-fatal drowning. He had been spearfishing and got pummelled by waves and been dragged down by his catch bag. A passing boat saw him and pulled him out of the water. Westpac 1 crew landed on the beach and offloaded our clinical crew with gear to meet surf lifeguards and treat the patient. He was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.

Karioitahi 2 January — W1Crew tasked to Karioitahi by Maritime Police to assist with the search and rescue of a person in the water. After an unsuccessful search, crew were stood down and returned to base.

Manukau Heads 11 January — W1 Crew tasked to Manukau Heads by the Rescue Coordination Centre to assist with the search of an activated personal locator beacon. Crew were stood down and returned to base.

Awhitu 17 January — W2 Crew tasked to Awhitu to assist a male patient in his 80s suffering a medical complaint. He was flown to Middlemore Hospital in a serious condition.

PINE TREES WANTED Shelter belts and wood lots wanted for harvesting

Phone

Dave: 027 764 8090

John: 027 909 0489

Open Days

Pollok Temple Gardens

2109 Awhitu Road, Pollok

Saturday 2 March, 6 April, 4 May 10am to 3pm

$10 entry fee

Children welcome but must be supervised

All proceeds go to Surf Life Saving Kariaotahi

FRANKLIN COUNCILLOR ANDY BAKER

Keepi ng you safe!

Important informat ion if you’re doing some DIY, working, transport ing or bui ld ing near electrical equi pment.

Doing some DIY?

If you’re considering doing some repairs to roofing, spout ing, paint ing, waterblast ing, tree-trimming and scaffold ing –look up for overhead l ines.

Apply for a FREE resident ial temporary d isconnect ion when working near overhead service l ines

Moving the boat?

Don’t forget to look up for overhead l ines!

Working near electrical equipment?

If you’re working around any Count ies Energy electrical equipment, you must apply for a Close Approach Consent if you want to work within 4m of overhead l ines, are excavat ing within 5m of a power pole or within 12m of a tower or pylon

In an emergency

If you hit an electricity cable or overhead power l ine:

• Treat the cable or overhead l ine as l ive –jump wel l clear and get back at least 10 metres

• Evacuate the immed iate area

• If you are in a machine, stay there

• If you are at serious risk from another hazard, such as fire, and must leave the machine, jump wel l clear Do not touch metal surfaces, or the machine and ground at the same t ime

• Leave the damaged cables exposed for us to fix.

• Cal l us immed iately on 0800 100 202

• In the event of an electric shock don’t touch the person or animal unt il you are certain the source of electricity has been removed.

• Cal l 111.

To apply for a free resident ial Temporary Disconnect ion or a Close Approach Permit go to count iesenergy.co.nz or cal l us on 0800 100 202.