West Franklin Breeze - June 2023

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NZ Steel partners with Government

New Zealand Steel partners with Government in $300m co-investment to shrink carbon footprint of Glenbrook steel mill Renewably generated electricity and local scrap steel supply are core to the plan to almost halve New Zealand Steel’s carbon emissions and secure the future of domestic steel making in New Zealand.

New Zealand Steel will build a new $300M Electric Arc Furnace at its steelworks at Glenbrook within the next three years as part of the move to lower carbon production.

Chief Executive Robin Davies says the significant investment will reduce Glenbrook’s carbon footprint by 800,000 tonnes from day one – the same as taking approximately 300,000 cars off the road permanently.

“That’s a reduction of over 45% in New Zealand Steel’s emissions – or a total of 1% of New Zealand’s total annual emissions. It also sets the platform for further carbon reductions and is a significant step towards our goal of net zero by 2050. These reductions will come from replacing Glenbrook’s existing oxygen steelmaking furnace and two of the four coal fuelled kilns.

“An electric arc furnace

makes sense when there’s enough affordable renewable energy and scrap steel available, a way to get that scrap steel to site, and the right policy settings. We’ll firm up the details of the different aspects of the project over the coming months but crucially, New Zealand has all these essential enablers in place.

“A reliable supply of firmed renewable energy is critical to this initiative and we’re delighted by the pioneering and creative partnership with Contact Energy to provide a competitive and innovative supply agreement. The electric arc furnace provides New Zealand Steel with significantly more production flexibility which means we can scale down production at times of peak demand or supply shortages.

“The Government will contribute up to $140M through the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry, or GIDI fund, administered by EECA, as a co-investment.

“This project would

Protect yourself and whānau from flu and COVID-19 this Winter!

Winter brings an increase in illness and pressure on health services. Immunisation saves lives. Getting protection against vaccine-preventable disease protects you and your loved ones and helps reduce demands on hospitals during busy winter months.

Flu vaccinations are still available, free to many people including Māori and Pacific peoples aged 55 years and older and all children aged 6 months to 12 years.

The new COVID Booster, for everyone 30 years and older (6-months after last dose) is also available free of charge.

To book for Flu and/or COVID doses, please e-mail vaccines@waiukumedical.co.nz.

You can also ask to be vaccinated when you come for other routine doctor or nurse appointments at Waiuku Health Centre.

These vaccinations are also available at our nurse clinic at Hamilton Estate Community Hall, each Friday morning from 9.30 to 11.30 am.

not happen otherwise. This is a bold breakthrough initiative by the Government – but it’s the right one, especially when you see the carbon reduction dividend that helps the country meet its global decarbonisation targets under the Paris Agreement.”

New Zealand Steel will commit the additional $160M, which includes the planned investment at Glenbrook to underpin the future of steelmaking in New Zealand. The immediate focus is to move at pace over coming months to confirm the remaining critical aspects of the new operation, including the relevant regulatory approvals.

The Managing Director and CEO of New Zealand Steel’s parent company, BlueScope, Mr Mark Vassella attended the announcement with the Prime Minister and says the co-investment is a landmark deal that showed the power of well-constructed public/ private partnerships or investments.

“New Zealand Steel and the Government should be very proud of their initiative and the hard work that has led to today’s announcement,” Mr Vassella says.

Mr Davies says: “Steel is infinitely recyclable and this model will make New Zealand as close to self-sufficient

as possible using renewable energy to recycle domestic scrap steel, rather than shipping it offshore.

“This project is a partnership that would never have happened without the support of the Government and the other key contributor Contact Energy who recognised the potential and had the commitment to help make it happen. This is a pragmatic response that not only sustains our critical domestic steel supply, but also provides a collaborative approach with government and industry to be world leaders in lower emissions steel.”

CEO NZ Steel Ltd Robin Davies, PM Chris Hipkins, Managing Director and CEO Bluescope Mark Vassella, Minister of Energy and Resouces Megan Woods, Minister for Climate Change James Shaw at New Zealand Steel on Sunday 21 June.

Minister for Climate Change James Shaw, Minister of Energy and Resouces Megan Woods, PM Chris Hipkins and CEO NZ Steel Ltd Robin Davies tour New Zealand Steel on Sunday 21 June.

12 Lover boy initially wants French water (4)

15 Horseman posted, we hear, to a city of old (7)

16 Issue title retrospectively at end of June (7)

17 Plentiful support given to Chinese dynasty (7)

19 On return, ensnares an austere character (7)

20 Singer featuring in phenomenal Tosca (4)

21 Murderer goes across river to find dog (5)

22 Woman eats oriental meat (4)

26 Mischievous little fellow involved in sex scheme, a Conservative it’s obvious (4-11)

27 Elegance of street unknown by the French (5)

28 Observer treats cop badly (9)

DOWN

1 Sweet fellow dug out Elgar’s first (5)

2 All money vintner distributed is for the ecology (15)

3 Girl wants a celebration (4)

4 Soldier falsified report, gaining nothing (7)

5 Take breath, about to go on tall building (7)

6 Dude arriving in station heads for platform (4)

7 That pipe stopped Rocky getting beaten at the last minute (6,2,3,4)

8 Rebuilding bottom of missile launcher is very difficult (9)

13 Sink in area drained by river (5)

14 Is a student able to find Suez, say? (5)

15 Wounded young women with swords (9)

18 Marine creature of little weight protected chiefly by America (7)

19 Top champion of wave-riding (7)

23 Hen party initially missed by actor? (5)

24 French sea with English lake (4)

25 Tempt one into club (4)

Answers on page 11

Waiuku Fire Brigade Callouts

So close, yet so far

Over the recent years, a dedicated group led by a good mate, Jim Coe, has been working incredibly hard to plan and fundraise for a much needed new club house and facility for the surf club at Kariaotahi Beach.

Even though they have secured most of the money needed (close to $6 million) through dedicated fundraising, grants from Trusts, funding from the regional and national Surf Lifesaving organisations and from Auckland Council both regionally and the Franklin Local Board; they find themselves still agonisingly short of finance which puts the entire project at risk with funders needing surety the project will go ahead.

Anyone who has been out to and inside the existing clubhouse will know it has reached the end of its life in an extremely harsh natural environment.

Without a base at the beach, the viability of this extremely valuable service is seriously at risk. The statistics for drownings and incidents at our beach are bleak reading. It was reported in November 2022 that in the past five years there had been five deaths and four more yet to be determined

through the formal coronial process. Since then there has been more tragedy.

Our surf lifesavers have rescued countless people and taken part in rescues off the coast that have seen them receive national awards and bravery recognition. They are not only looking after those in the water but have become the pseudo guardians of the entire beach, having to deal with, at times, appalling behaviour by people thinking the beach is a playground for vehicles, generally putting others at risk and placing young surf lifesavers in a position they are neither trained for nor adequately supported to be in. There has been great support over the years from local companies and people but the surf club is currently seeking further support to get the project underway. If you think you might be able to assist in any way, please contact Jim at daddysurfer@ gmail.com or go to https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/ new-lifesaving-and-training-facility to donate. From my perspective I am throwing a bit of a challenge out to our neighbouring Council for support to this facility which sits right on our boundary!

I had the pleasure of attending the Waipipi Community Hall centenary a few weekends back. One of the many halls on the Peninsula and across Franklin that in years gone by, were the centre of our rural communities and where many romances and relationships started at the balls, dinners and parties that were held there regularly. As our society has changed, so many of these halls have seen massive changes to how and when they are used.

Auckland Council through the Local Board continued and actually extended the old Franklin District Council’s rural hall model of having community committees managing many of our halls as we found they simply did a better job than centralised management.

The Local Board had to make a tough decision in the last couple of years regarding the sale of a hall out east that was badly damaged by fire, had a very low use rate and was going to cost a huge amount over and above the insurance pay out to get back into a fit state. Whilst through the public consultation there was emotional pleas from the families with direct links to the original hall, the Board had to con-

with Sgt Dean Borrell

We’ve had a real variety of incidents in the past month.

Waiuku Police were involved in the search for missing 18 year old Daniel Kelly who has not been seen since going to Karioitahi beach by himself on Thursday 20 April.

If anyone saw his silver Honda accord parked at the beach or a young man with that car and maybe with his small white dog from this date please let us know via the 105 phone number. It was the weekend before Anzac day. We assisted in a daily search up and down the coast in our 4x4 and police search and rescue walked the coast from the river to Manukau Heads searching the area.

Around the same time we had another incident further up the coast where a woman got into trouble on the cliff tops about half way between Karioitahi and Hamilton’s Gap. She was rescued by the police helicopter as we couldn’t get close enough in our vehicle.

We are wanting information about a hit and run where a pedestrian was left for dead on Court Street on Friday 12 May. The car is a small black 4x4 type vehicle, it seemed to have a wooden pallet on the roof. Someone out there will know about this. If you know who it is or if you were the driver let police know — you can call crime stopper anonymously: “0800 crime stoppers”. By not stopping it’s made any potential police charges considerably worse than the standard accident. It is a matter of time and elimination before the detectives involved identify the car and driver but it’s always best to front foot it and come forward first.

My team has been involved with the Blue Light youth support group a lot lately. We attended the first

overnight camp at the Awhitu education camp which opened earlier this month. We also have plans to get involved with more programmes for local schools and truancy.

We’ve had a handful of burglaries and these are mostly occurring at night to cars in driveways, commercial storage or sheds. Call 111 for anything suspicious and lock all sheds. Farmers please lock up your quad bikes overnight. Our burglary teams has a few suspects and we hope to have a round of arrests soon.

If you want to make a difference in this town in helping keep it safe join the Waiuku community patrol, (CPNZ) they are desperate for more numbers to man their vehicle at night. Go to their Facebook page to lodge your interest.

The District Road Policing teams have been tasked to target Waiuku roads in the evenings so bringing in a lot more patrol cars than normal. Sadly they have got heaps of speeders and people driving whilst using their phone. There are no excuses, I’ve seen the carnage from both actions and you are a danger to our town. These traffic cars also intercepted six drivers above the alcohol level over the weekend which is terrible.

Finally some winter driving tips. Slow down, of course, because wet corners can catch you out. The speed limit can be too fast for the conditions at times, especially in town around schools and parked cars. Just think if you could stop in time if a child ran out in front of you for example. Remember to put your lights on if it’s raining, driving invisible to others is very dangerous.

Keep safe — Dean

sider the wider implications and costs to ratepayers in maintaining an asset that sat empty most of the time with other facilities nearby.

Waipipi Hall benefits from being close to Waiuku and is in fantastic condition thanks to the committee led for so long by the wonderful Roy Hopping. They have made sure the hall remains viable. This policy is vital to make sure those committees continue to attract new members from people in the community wanting to contribute to the place they live.

It was great to see so many current and former residents as well as descendants of those who built the original hall, who recognise the importance of these facilities to the fabric of our rural communities.

Lighthouse bears brunt of no visitors

Since the tropical Cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand in February this year with devastating results in many areas of the country, West Franklin was not excluded, with the major house slip at Orua Bay and many land slips, flooding and road damage.

Manukau Heads Road took the brunt of a major slip near the Manukau Heads Lighthouse and has made the facility unable to be visited.

The road has suffered such extensive damage that council assessors say that over 90,000 cubic metres of fill would be needed if they were to fill the slip to make the road accessible. Because this would be totally impractical the only potential solution would be to acquire nearby private land to divert the road.

In the meantime the Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust have resolved to continue with the major upgrading of the facility that started in 2022.

With funding being made available from the Franklin Local Board and Auckland Unlimited tourist funding projects including concreting of steps and pathways, maintenance on the glass dome, completing new signage, tree and grounds management will continue during the time when visitors are restricted from visiting the attraction.

“It is a severe blow to the Lighthouse as a tourist attraction,” said Trust chairman Bill Deed. “Apart from the Board funding to keep the projects going we would be scraping the barrel because of no visitors and no entry donations. However, our plans are to continue so as when the road is open again, the Lighthouse and its environs will be ready for visitors.”

The road is not expected to be repaired for at least 18 months because it is not considered to be a major priority.

Sam makes the beach a

Auckland Council Franklin facilities manager Sam Isaia is a crime-buster, and he has the certificate to prove it.

safer place

on the alcohol ban, parking and camping.

Board Waiuku subdivision member Sharlene Druyven says he gave up his own time and facilitated an Auckland Council team to conduct checkpoints, reducing crime in the Karioitahi, Beachlands and Maraetai areas.

“His hard work and dedication are an exceptional example of excellent service and keeping our community safe.”

Sam took a day off to receive his award and was quick to share the praise.

“Three years ago, I was asked to take the reins over beach issues. Working with Police, we started ‘Operation Beaches’ as we know it now. The first two years were about how we could improve our responses and better use our resources.

“So many people have supported this work in particular Franklin Local Board staff and members, Auckland Transport, Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, Ngai Tai Ki Tāmaki and colleagues.

Sam has been awarded a certificate of appreciation by Counties Manukau East Police in recognition of his efforts at Karioitahi, Maraetai and Beachlands.

Acting District Commander Matthew Srhoj presented him with the award, acknowledging his work over the Christmas holidays.

The citation recognises Sam’s dedication and support to police and the community over the holidays in 2022, noting he had seen local frustrations after a history of disorder, had gone on to co-ordinated partners to work collaboratively with police, education sessions, and messages

“In year one we had no funding or staff. Colleagues joined me at briefings and we were able to shape a plan where everyone could see the benefits. Now we are at a place where I can pass things on to others who are keen to learn.”

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker says Sam has earned his recognition. “All he wanted was to ensure residents and visitors were provided with the best chance to enjoy summer. It was always about sharing and working with others to make that happen and he’s a great example of someone going out of his way to serve his community.”

Sam lives in Waiuku with his wife Marine and his son. Sam is part of the View Road School Board of Trustees.

Dairy sheep dream for Puni teen

Puni teenager Eliza Batten’s part time job at Patumahoe sheep dairy operation

Twin Creeks Dairy has fostered a passion for agriculture and a pathway to a future career in farming.

Eliza’s employer, Twin Creeks owner James Wallace, shifted into sheep milking around four years ago, building a tailored milking shed on his family’s property at Ostrich Farm Road.

Sheep dairy has been described as an environmentally sustainable alternative to bovine farming. Twin Creeks runs a flock of 800 sheep and is the first private farm to supply Hamilton-based Spring Sheep Milking Co. Since its inception in 2015, Spring Sheep has won a slew of awards for both its innovation and product quality.

14 year-old Eliza’s pastoral interest was piqued after her family moved from residential Pukekohe to a lifestyle block when she was eight. “When I turned ten, Mum, my younger brothers and I raised some feeder calves. This was the start of my farming career.”

Homeschooled since the age of six, Eliza said the opportunity to work for James came from her desire to raise lambs. Her dad Adam knew James from their agricultural training days; a chance meeting between the two men kicked off Eliza’s ovine husbandry. She reared eight lambs at home in 2021 and built her own lamb feeder for the bottles.

BY TIFFANY BROWN

“I really wanted to volunteer in James’ lamb rearing shed, helping to rear the replacement milking lambs, so I contacted James to ask if I could, except instead I landed myself a job raising lambs. Later in the season I started milking sheep in the milking shed, alongside raising 22 lambs at home.”

Eliza raises the Twin Creeks lambs during lambing season and milks the sheep; she also constructs break fences, feeds out silage and cares for the milking sheep by regularly trimming their

“The best part of my job is caring for all the super cute lambs and getting to know the favourite milking sheep who come through the shed each milking. The least fun part of my job is doing outside jobs in the pouring rain.”

Currently in Year 10, Eliza is working her way through her Level 1 Agriculture Course book. In Year 11 she’ll be able to complete Primary ITO papers alongside her practical experience at Twin Creeks.

Her ambition is to become a head sheep milker and to eventually manage her own flock.

Eliza feels strongly she’s found the right career pathway in farming. “I get to be outside with the animals, meet new people, make new friends, work hard and have fun along the way while listening to music.”

Sam Isaia receives his certificate of appreciation from Police Acting District Commander Matthew Srhoj.

Photo: Jessica Batten

New water treatment plant

Watercare has acquired a site on Glenbrook Beach Road for a new south-western wastewater treatment plant to service Waiuku, Glenbrook, Clarks Beach and Kingseat. A previous site was under negotiation in Clarks Beach but failed to reach commercial settlement.

Watercare’s Head of Strategy and Planning, Priyan Perera said, “This area is growing quickly, and we are working hard to deliver our new wastewater servicing scheme to ensure we can meet the expectations of these rapidly-growing communities.”

Priyan said the sophisticat-

Memories ow at Waipipi Hall centennial

ed new treatment plant will be located in the centre of the property, allowing Watercare to more effectively manage on-site odours and minimise any adverse impacts for neighbours.

The site would also allow Watercare to meet various key objectives for the scheme, including securing space to future-proof wastewater infrastructure for the rapidly growing communities in the area.

Priyan thanked the community for giving feedback on the shortlisted sites, and for their patience as the planning process was worked through.

Franklin wide onsite service.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE SOON for the Counties Energy Trust 2023

Candidates have until 12 noon on Tuesday 13 June 2023 to get their nominations in for the election of two (2) trustees to the Counties Energy Trust (formerly the Counties Power Consumer Trust), to be held on Saturday 5 August 2023.

NOMINATIONS

Each candidate must be nominated on a nomination paper obtainable during normal business hours from:

• the Returning Office, Independent Election Services Ltd, Level 2, 198 Federal Street, Auckland;

• by phoning 0800 922 822 to have one posted or emailed out;

• by accessing www.countiesenergytrust.org.nz

Completed nomination papers can be lodged with the Returning Office (at the above address), or posted to PO Box 5135, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142, but must be received not later than noon on Tuesday 13 June 2023

Nominations must be accompanied by a deposit of $200 GST inclusive (payable by bank transfer, cash, or eftpos).

A candidate may submit a candidate profile statement with their nomination paper for sending out with the voting papers to consumers.

Dated at Pukekohe, 31 May 2023

Dale Ofsoske, Returning Officer Independent Election Services Ltd for Counties Energy Trust

A crowd of almost 100 people gathered on Sunday 7 May to celebrate Waipipi Hall being part of the community for 100 years.

Attendees came from around the district and from as far away as Wellington.

The hall was lined with displays of old newspaper clippings and photos telling the stories of the hall’s planning, building and opening in May 1923, and of many functions and events held there over the years. Also on display were the stories of those World War I soldiers commemorated on the Honours Board in the hall, who are buried in local peninsula and Waiuku cemeteries - taken from the book “They Came Home from WW1”.

The current hall committee chairman Roy Hopping, made a welcome speech where he talked about the hall’s history and activities and events over the years, and acknowledged long serving committee members Colin Bryant and Lyndsay Shuker (both with 46 years’ service) and the Macdonald family with three generations serving on the committee over the years.

Franklin Ward Councillor Andy Baker also made a short speech, acknowledging the importance of rural halls and the volunteer committees, before a rimu tree was planted in the hall grounds by Colin Bryant and Irene Luhrs, the granddaughter of Alf Jones the first hall committee chairman and great niece of John Jones the hall’s builder.

The centennial cake was cut by Clyde and Jean Hamilton. Clyde Hamilton QSM has been a

BY WENDY MACDONALD

lifelong Waipipi resident with a long association with the Waipipi Hall, and is a local historian. The Hamilton family announced the gifting of an AED Defibrillator to the Waipipi district, to be mounted at the hall.

The afternoon proved a great occasion for people to reconnect, reminisce and celebrate the hall centenary.

Hooray for Hollywood — they had a Ball!

BY ANNIE CHAPPELL

The Auckland IHC Ball is an annual event which has been held for many years and is very much looked forward to by those who attend.

Due to the ever-present threat of Covid, the ball was deferred for the past three years.

This much anticipated event was recently held at the Ellerslie Events Centre, much to the elation of those locals participating.

The theme for the ball is voted on prior to the event and this year it was overwhelmingly agreed that “Hollywood” was it!

Approximately eight hundred people enjoyed the ball. The attendees enjoyed live music, a delicious

meal, fabulous décor, and most

Lighthouse gets tourism funding

Funding has been awarded to the Manukau Heads Lighthouse Trust to develop better signage and produce a brochure for the popular visitor attraction.

Franklin Local Board allocated the group $17,500 from its Franklin Tourism Development Fund.

Board Waiuku subdivision member Sharlene Druyven says the Trust does fantastic work in maintaining and promoting the lighthouse, which attracts significant numbers of visitors every year.

“The allocation will give the trust some certainty going forward, and we have also allocated just short of $10,000 to the Clevedon and Community

Business Association for tourism activities on the other side of Franklin too.”

Sharlene says the Board is conscious that it is in an environment where savings need to be made but is confident both groups are major contributors to maintaining and developing the area’s tourism interests.

“We believe developing our visitor economy is an important part of generating local opportunity and prosperity, and to support that, we created a contestable fund for locally-led tourism development.”

(See separate story about Lighthouse on page 2).

of all – a chance to connect with friends from across the region.

Left to Right: Clive Louden, Shane Poole, Simon Harris, Eddie Minhinnick, Nicholas Johnston, Murray Aspin ready for the Hollywood Ball.

Colin Bryant and Irene Luhrs after planting a commemorative rimu tree to celebrate the Waipipi Hall centennial.

Fred’s work raises $15,000 for Hospice

Waiuku’s celebrated sculpture artist Fred Graham has raised a significant donation for Franklin Hospice Charitable Trust through a contribution of one of his original pieces for auction at art auctioneer Art and Object.

Fred Graham (Ngāti Koroki Kahukura/Māori) is considered one of the pioneers of sculpture

art in New Zealand. In 2018 Fred was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. The same year he received an Icon award from the New Zealand Arts Foundation.

The donated artwork, named Kāhu (Hawk) 2022, consists of one large 900mm high sculpture made from marine grade stainless steel, and three smaller maquettes, which were available for sale as part of the Small Works Sculpture Show at the Riverhaven Artland Summer Sculpture Weekend recently.

The large sculpture went to auction on 2 May, and sold for $15,000.

Local fabricator Grant McIntosh from Kawakawa Bay—eager to contribute after experiencing Franklin Hospice’s care for his late father— also gifted his time and skills to produce the work.

Franklin Hospice provides essential palliative care services to the community. Fundraising Manager Alison Daldy said although Franklin is one of the largest growing Hospice areas, it’s also the least funded. The money raised from Fred’s generous donation would help with the extra fundraising required to provide care to the Franklin population.

“We are extremely grateful to Ben Plumbly and the team at Art and Object, Guy and Katie Blundell at Riverhaven, Grant McIntosh, manufacturer and of course, the wonderful Fred Graham, who made this all possible with his incredible art.”

Trees can cause power cuts in storms

How close are your trees to neighbouring powerlines?

Tree clearances are dependent on the voltage of the overhead lines. There are two zones;

Growth Limit Zone A

The space around the powerline (measured in metres) where trees must not encroach, even in windy or stormy conditions.

Notice Zone B

One metre beyond the Growth Limit Zone. If your trees are encroaching on the Growth Limit Zone of that line, you will be issued a cut or trim notice. You must respond and take the action required by the cut or trim notice or face a fine in excess of $10,000.

Your local W Waiuku and A Awhitu expert

Keep an eye out for my Monthly Market Update Newsletter specific to the Waiuku/Awhitu area.

If you are wanting to know more about how to tackle a tough market like this and still come out with a fair outcome, then please reach out and let me assist.

PROUD to live and support local.

Your trees are your responsibility. Trimming or felling trees around power lines could result in electrocution or serious injury from electric shock - use an approved arborist. Always treat lines as live, and if a tree or object touches a line call 0800 100 202 immediately.

Keep safe, keep clear, keep our power supply flowing.

You may be entitled to a first free trim or removal. Please contact us for more information.

Photo by Katie Blundell

Are solar farms the answer to boosting our energy sources?

BY ANDREW BAYLY

News in April that an agreement had been signed between Island Green Power (IGP) and mana whenua for a 600 ha solar farm in north Waikato has raised the issue of protecting our elite soils for productive land use. The West Franklin Breeze asked MP Andrew Bayly for his opinions are and the outcomes that might be

The north Waikato solar farm comprises two sites – in Rangiriri and Waerenga – and will involve the installation of around half a million solar panels, mounted on tracking systems that allow the panels to rotate to follow the movement of the sun during the day.

IGP is a renewable energy developer that specialises in solar farms. I met with one of their development managers in August last year on the Waerenga site with the landowners and I have also been in contact with the NZ consulting engineer. Construction is expected to get underway next year.

IGP has built over 20 projects around the world; the Rangiriri and Waerenga farms will be their first in New Zealand. Once operational, the solar farms will generate over 300 megawatts, enough to power around 70,000 homes, with the power fed directly into the national grid.

Most of New Zealand’s elec-

tricity capacity (57 per cent) comes from hydroelectric generation, the majority of which is in the South Island. Geothermal generation accounts for around 15 per cent, with wind farms providing around 5 per cent. However, around a quarter of our electricity generation comes from the combustion of fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas.

The development of solar farms in the North Island is good news because the cost of transmitting power from the source of its generation to the end user goes up exponentially over distance – especially when transmission lines have to cross Cook Strait.

To deliver on New Zealand’s climate goals, we need whole sectors of the economy – especially industry and transport, our biggest users of energy – to switch to clean electricity. New Zealand must have enough renewable electricity to meet the rising demand.

WAIUKU MUDLARKS AGM

Thursday 15

All

SWEAT TO GREATNESS

A 30 Day challenge to revitalise body, mind & soul

This 30 day challenge offers a transformative experience that takes your yoga practice to a new level. We’re turning up the heat so you can get your hot yoga fix right here in Waiuku.

Attend as many classes as possible with our special offer of $300 for 30 days, and maximize the incredible benefits of hot yoga.

Embrace the heat, push your boundaries, and unlock the full potential of your mind and body in our invigorating hot yoga sessions.

The Rangiriri and Waerenga solar farm project is one of five significant renewable energy projects that have been referred through the current Government’s fast-track consenting process. However, there has been considerable concern in the district about whether the solar farms will be taking up valuable class 1 and 2 arable land and their elite soils.

National is concerned about this. It makes no sense to use prime arable land and elite soils for a solar farm, especially land that is located so close to the country’s biggest market – Auckland.

While the land below the solar panels can be used to graze sheep and for beehives, there’s no room for a dairy herd, and there is concern about whether the land could be returned to dairying once the solar farm lease expires and the panels removed.

switch to clean electricity.

For solar farm developers, the primary driver for investment will be finding locations close to the national grid lines. However, investors have a choice and our strong preference is that solar and wind farms are not located on elite soils.

Andrew Bayly is the MP for Port Waikato and the National Party’s Spokesperson for Small Business, Revenue, Commerce & Consumer Affairs, and Manufacturing; he can be contacted at andrew.bayly@parliament. govt.nz or follow him on Facebook @ AndrewBaylyMP

Authorised by Andrew Bayly, MP for Port Waikato, 7 Wesley Street, Pukekohe

Counties Energy launches into emissions reduction

“We’re proudly and passionately working towards a more sustainable and energy efficient future, and with this certification and pilot programme we’re transitioning in the right direction. We’ve set some emissions reduction targets of 21% by 2025 and 42% by 2030, we’re excited to see the results of the trial as it will be instrumental in us achieving our 2030 target.” — Tracey Kay.

Counties Energy has been granted Toitū carbonreduce certification. This comes the same week as they officially launch a pilot programme operating their first hybrid electric truck battery, an initial step on the path to achieving their emission reduction goals.

The certification confirms the company has measured their carbon emissions, had those numbers verified externally and set emissions reduction targets.

One of the company’s bucket trucks has been modified to include a rechargeable electric battery, enabling the diesel engine to be switched off for any remaining work on site. If the trial is successful, the company will retrofit their entire truck fleet, resulting in the avoidance of 271,152 kg of carbon

dioxide emissions per year, up to a 30% total reduction in emissions from fuel use.

Counties Energy General Manager Safety, Culture and Sustainability Tracey Kay says the company is thrilled to take this next step on their sustainability journey. “We’re proudly and passionately working towards a more sustainable and energy efficient future, and with this certification and pilot programme we’re transitioning in the right direction. We’ve set some emissions reduction targets of 21% by 2025 and 42% by 2030, we’re excited to see the results of the trial as it will be instrumental in us achieving our 2030 target.”

Alongside the reduced emission benefits, the company expects to see additional advantages, such as a healthier work environment for their employees

from the removal of diesel fumes and decreased noise levels.

The company has also recently announced the recipients of the second round of Counties Energy Environmental and Sustainability Grant for community projects within the region. For more information on the Grant go to www.countiesenergy.co.nz/news.

Counties Energy’s first hybrid electric truck.

To deliver on New Zealand’s climate goals, we need whole sectors of the economy –especially industry and transport, our biggest users of energy – to

Dianne’s world of miniatures

Dianne has recreated many di erent buildings, rooms and even objects. She has a whole library of books to ensure her recreations are as close to the original as possible as well as being to scale.

Dianne Goodare has spent most of her life in the Franklin area and during that time Dianne became a dedicated miniaturist artist after husband Jim took her to a display in Auckland about forty years ago.

“I was just absolutely blown away. It was just marvellous. I signed up there and then to the Auckland Miniature Workshop and then joined the New Zealand Association of Miniature Enthusiasts,” said Dianne.

Dianne explained that creating miniatures meant taking an actual scene, whether that be any object or building or room and then recreating it to scale. To scale can be 1/12 or 1/24 or even 1/48. Dianne mainly works at the 1/24 level as it’s “easier to store and display, though a bit harder to make than 1/12 models.

“I love recreating kitchens, coal ranges, fire places. I use a

BY SANDY SMITH

lot of different materials including wood, tin, textured paper for tapestries, and recycled items which can be repurposed. I go through a lot of tooth picks and cotton buds.”

Dianne has recreated many different buildings, rooms and even objects. She has a whole library of books to ensure her recreations are as close to the original as possible as well as being to scale.

“I like to replicate historic places and scenes also. I’ve recreated churches, barns, houses, a gentlemen’s club, an old derelict villa which was torn down in Dunedin and the Olveston historic home kitchen, also in Dunedin.

Dianne’s hobby takes up quite a bit of space with a work area stocked with not only a plethora of materials but also several impressive looking German-made miniature power tools. “Over 40 years, you collect quite a bit,” she said.

When asked how Dianne’s husband Jim has coped with her hobby (some might say obsession), she said “he’s very good; he helps when he can. I hate working out angles and such, so I call him out to do that.”

The buildings Dianne has recreated contain to scale furnished rooms and lighting so Jim has also been useful in getting the lights on, though Dianne pointed out that with LED options, this aspect of her art is not quite as difficult as it used to be.

The couple have three sons, seven granddaughters and one grandson. While Dianne’s hobby wasn’t all that appealing to their sons, Dianne’s ability to recreate horse stables and other equestrian settings did prove quite popular for the grandchildren.

Dianne’s favourite periods from which to recreate miniatures are the Victorian and Bungalow eras. “These types of recreations intrigue me the most but I love almost anything to do with miniature art.

“I have displayed my art at St Andrews Festival of Flowers a few times. That was fun. I’m always thinking of what I can do next. I have done a couple of commissions and now I’m thinking of selling some of my framed scenes, so watch this space!”

If you are interested in finding out more about miniature art, you can visit the New Zealand Associate of Miniature Enthusiasts (https://nzame.org/).

Waiuku Tennis Club turns 100

Opposite the hustle and bustle of Waiuku’s busy golf, squash and netball activities on Racecourse Road, Waiuku Tennis Club’s rather unassuming entrance is tucked away behind a row of residential houses.

Boasting six floodlit courts, four of which have recently been resurfaced allowing for all-weather play, Waiuku Tennis Club (WTC) has been home to local tennis enthusiasts and casual players alike for a century.

The clubroom has kitchen, toilet and change facilities, and there’s a large grassy space with a swing for younger kids to play, comfortable seating and DVDs for them to be entertained while parents enjoy having a few hits or joining in some in-house or inter club match play.

Past president of 11 years and current committee member Nigel Bradley was honoured as a life member of the club in March.

“Tennis is a fantastic game to learn as a child. It’s mostly an individual sport but also teaches you to be part of a team. A great way to grow hand eye coordination, strategy to build a point and obviously keep fit. We do find we lose players in their late teens to other things but many return to the sport in later years for the social and fitness aspects of the game.”

Nigel said reaching the centenary was a fantastic

TIFFANY BROWN

achievement for the club. “Like every club we rely on a handful of members to keep the club ticking over and I thank them for that.”

Current president Stephen Booker described WTC as an ‘awesome little club’. The welcoming feeling he experienced immediately on joining six years ago meant he had no problem putting his hand up for committee duty from the start.

Stephen has been inspired by senior members reminiscing about Saturday afternoon inter club tennis where families supported the players, and of championship finals days with the whole community behind them. “It was a lot of fun had by all, and a warm and safe place for members young and old.”

“Come and visit when you can it would be good for the club to be able to return to it’s iconic old days.,” said Stephen. “We’d love to see you on the new courts. Everyone is welcome.”

Dianne Goodaire with some of her exacting miniatures she has made in her home workshop. She loves almost anything to do with miniture art.

Waiuku Tennis Club members, Jon Taylor, Nigel Bradley, Eunice Clark, Gail Drain, Rod McGregor, Jacqui Brady, Nancy Rae

Burn Support at Castaway Retreat

Castaways Resort Karioitahi Beach was the venue for the recently held Women’s Burn Retreat.

This annual retreat was established in 2018 for the purposes of supporting women who have sustained burns.

Castaways was chosen as the host and venue for the four day event as they provide a supportive, private and safe haven, in a stunningly beautiful location for the 20 burns survivors from throughout New Zealand and Australia who register to attend.

During their comfortable stay, there were workshops, activities and pampering offered by talented, skilled and supportive organisations, along with guest speakers and health professionals.

Local woman, Serena Rudd, was one of those who attended. Serena and her family were involved in a horrendous and fiery motor vehicle accident in 1997. Serena sustained numerous physical injuries in the accident, including burns to 60% of her body, and the loss of four fingers. She was not expected to live and spent one year in intensive care.

This horrific event perpetrated by a drunk driver, also robbed Serena of her partner and baby daughter who were both killed in the accident.

BY ANNIE CHAPPELL

Twenty six years later, Serena still endures physical and emotional pain, but her cheerful outlook, gratitude and love of life is palpable and highly infectious. With a real twinkle in her eye, she speaks about her staunch belief in “keep on keeping on” and “giving up is not an option.”

“The retreat was absolutely awesome, listening to guest speakers and health professionals, having relaxing massage therapy and getting to meet women who have gone through, or are going through similar issues. We had lots of fun and heaps of laughs” said Serena.

Burns Support Group events co-ordinator Michele Henry says, “The burn journey is long and the retreat is one way we can provide continuity of support to these brave women.”

The Burns Support Group is a non-profit organisation receiving no government funding. “We are extremely grateful for the incredible generosity given by all those involved in the retreat. It is this continuity of generosity that allows us to hold this event and others annually, says Michele.

“Burns are traumatic, they can deliver what can be a long and arduous journey and will change life emotionally, physically and psychologically. The annual retreat builds life-long relationships which empower attendees to reflect and contribute to the group and themselves with invaluable skills.”

Next year’s retreat is in the planning stages and will return to Castaways from 6- 9 March 2024, again with an informative timetable that considers the needs and wants of women living with burns.

If you or anyone you know has sustained burn injuries, please do not hesitate to contact the Burn Support Group. Phone 021863670 website www.burns.org.nz, email michele@burns.org.nz

Inspector highlights responsibilities

BY SANDY SMITH

“It’s important that you know your legal obligations as an owner. For all animals, there are minimum standards that need to be met, such as providing sufficient food, water and decent shelter. If your pet needs veterinary treatment, you are obligated to seek that treatment.”

Sarah Davey, Senior Animal Welfare Inspector of the Franklin area of the SPCA, recently commented on the impact COVID-19 has had on animal welfare.

“Now that everyone is going back to work and living costs have gone up, we are seeing cases where animals are the last to have their needs met; they are a low priority for a lot of people who are struggling. It’s been quite frustrating.”

The overwhelming majority of welfare concerns reported were in relation to the physical, health and behavioural needs not being meet for animals: 60% were concerns about animals experiencing pain or distress from illness or injuries and 25% where owners failed to provide appropriate treatment.

“Currently we inspect lifestyle blocks with up to 30 large animals. However, in July 2023 the Ministry of Primary Industries will become the lead agency for all large animals. The problem with lifestyle blocks is that people think they know what they are doing in terms of animal husbandry and breeding. There’s often a need for education as well as compliance. Alpacas and llamas, for example, are not easy animals to manage but are popular to own.”

According to Sarah, there are various ways people can assist the SPCA. Donations, volunteering and supporting the various SPCA opportunity shops around the country are key ways people can help. There is also the fostering programme.

The new Firearms Registry is coming Find out what it means for you

“We definitely need fosterers, especially for dogs and lifestyle animals. If we do have a prosecution that involves large animals, we have these animals sometimes for months or years, and it can be hard for the fosterers.”

Currently the SPCA focuses on stopping out of control breeding of both dogs and cats through desexing programmes.

“We are dealing with a lot of cat colonies in the area. Since feral cats are generally not handleable and can’t be rehomed, we have a trap and release programme, which means we desex hopefully the whole colony. This will naturally reduce the population.

“Animal Control often deals with the roaming dogs in the area but we’ve had many cases of animals being abandoned or dumped.

“The main thing the public can do if they see a possible welfare issue is to give us a call and we’ll go and investigate it. As Inspectors we ensure that the owner is meeting their obligations under the Animal Welfare Act (1999); if an owner isn’t meeting their obligations, we will act on it.”

Sarah’s key piece of advice before taking on any animal is to “always do your research.”

The SPCA’s website (https://www. spca.nz/) and Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/RoyalNZSPCA/) contain a lot of information about the SPCA’s various roles and services along with educational tools.

Activating circumstances

• Applying for a licence or endorsement

• Selling or buying a rearm

• Supplying or receiving a rearm (other than temporary transfer that is under 30 days)

• Notifying a change in circumstances, such as a change of address

• Importing a rearm or ammunition

• Exporting a rearm

• Manufacturing a rearm

• Loss, the or destruction of a rearm

• Modifying a rearm from non-prohibited to prohibited, or prohibited to non-prohibited

New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll be required to provide information about your arms items from this date. You must register any firearms in your possession within five years.

Te Tari Pūreke

Te Tari Pūreke | Firearms Safety Authority is responsible for managing firearms in New Zealand.

Te Tari Pūreke want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whānau, conservation, farming and recreation, while keeping our communities safe. With responsible firearms licence holders doing the right thing and filling in the Registry, it will help keep track of legally owned firearms and prevent their transfer to those who use them for criminal purposes.

So the Registry will help make New Zealand safer.

It will give licence holders more confidence when buying or selling firearms as the Registry will let you know if you’re dealing with a current licence holder and if the firearm has been reported stolen.

Registering your arms items

You have until 24 June 2028 to register your firearms. However, there are some circumstances where you must provide information for the Registry in a shorter time frame. These are referred to in the Arms Amendment Regulations as ‘activating circumstances’. You can find information on these timeframes at firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/registry

When one of these ‘activating circumstances’ happens, you’ll be contacted with information about what you need to do. However, it’s up to you to ensure you keep your information up to date.

• If you’re subject to any compliance or enforcement action under the Arms Act

What needs to be registered

• Non-prohibited firearms (including Specially Dangerous Airguns)

• Prohibited firearms

• Pistols

• Restricted weapons.

Details needed to register your arms items

• Type (rifle, shotgun etc)

• Make

• Model

• Action

• Calibre/gauge

• If it has a non-detachable magazine and, if so, its capacity

• Identifying marking (serial number)

• A photograph of the firearm (if requested)

It will be quick and easy to register your firearms at www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt. nz from 24 June. Just click on MyFirearms, the private and secure online portal that houses the Registry. Otherwise, the Registry and Services team will be available by phone to help during business hours.

For more information on Te Tari Pūreke and any legislative or regulation changes that may affect you, go to www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz

Serena Rudd with the Burn Support Group on retreat at Castaways

Many family links to Hospital

The quest to find the oldest living person who was born at Franklin Memorial Hospital have brought up some interesting stories.

In a letter to the Breeze, Christine McDonald talks about her father.

“Probably not the oldest but no doubt not too far away is my 94 year old dad, Lindsay Kingsford McDonald, born 18 September 1928.

“Our family story has it that his middle name is Kingsford as that was the day Charles Kingsford Smith flew from Christchurch (having crossed the Tasman as the first aviator to do so on 11 September) to Auckland, supposedly as part of the nationwide celebratory tour.

Lindsay maintained that Kingsford Smith, on his triumphant tour of New Zealand, flew over the Hospital on the day after his birth.”

The Southern Cross aircraft with Charles Kingsford Smith and his co-pilot Charles Ulm landed at Mangere aerodrome for their visit to Auckland, and it is quite likely that they flew over Waiuku.

“Dad is the son of Harold and Mary McDonald and grew up in Waipipi. He married my mum, Lorraine, in 1952 when they moved to Hamurana (northern shores of Lake Rotorua). Mum who is from Pukekohe was born on 5 February 1930. They both currently live at Mary Shapley Rest Home in Whakatane”.

Also received by the Breeze was another letter about Lindsay from his niece Sally Myles. Sally relates to an interesting story that Lindsay told to her about the Hospital many years ago.

“I always remember an amusing story Lindsay told me about the Franklin Memorial. In the 1990s, Lindsay was on a ferry sailing from Stockholm in Sweden to Tallin in Estonia. The passengers were being entertained by an American magician who, on hearing Lindsay’s kiwi accent, told him that he

too had been born in New Zealand, but not somewhere Lindsay would have heard of — it turned out to be the Franklin Memorial Hospital! His father had been involved with construction of the Glenbrook steel mill.

“My grandfather Harold McDonald died at the Franklin Memorial in 1992, and his sister Edith had died there a few years earlier,” said Sally.

Lindsay’s younger sister Kathleen was also born at Franklin Memorial in March 1930.

“My grandmother’s sister, Cathlene (Cassie) Barriball had her two children at the Franklin — Graham was born in 1935 and, sadly, died there last year (2022), his younger sister, Gayle, was born there in 1942.

FRANKLIN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

“While Aunty Cassie was in hospital with Gayle, my mother looked after Graham because their father had been gored by a bull and was recuperating also in the general ward of the Hospital at the same time as his wife and new daughter.

“In 1987, my grandfather’s sister Edith Douglas moved into the Franklin, following the death of her daughter, Una, and grandpa moved

there in 1988, following the death of my grandmother. It was lovely for brother and sister to spend that time together. Aunty Edith died at the Franklin in November 1989 aged 100 and Grandpa Harold, followed in August 1992 aged 98.”

Franklin Memorial Hospital has surely played a large part in their family’s history.

Oldest and youngest

The three amigos - 120 years of combined service

Did you know that Waiuku Lions Club can offer the opportunity for a lifetime of service?

Lion Johno (Johnson) said “In the 43 years I have been a member of the Waiuku Lions Club, I have made many life-long friends and the satisfaction of being part of the many community-value projects that the Club has been involved with over the years.

One of my treasured memories is when the Club, along with Rotary and other community organisations, banded together to run a weekend radio station and a telephone appeal for a local lady Barbara Hull, to have a life-saving liver transplant in Australia. The target of $60,000 was easily raised.

I encourage any person who would like companionship and community involvement to join the Waiuku Lions club.”

Waiuku Lions Club has three current active members with over 40 years each of service to the community of Waiuku. We call them our “Three Amigos” and we asked each of them to say what Lions means to them and why people should choose Lions when looking to “give back”.

We will leave the final words to Lion Ian (McCall)

Lion Tony (Lewer), our “elder statesman” told us “I did look at joining Jaycees Club, the members being of my own age. However they didn’t last so I looked at joining Lions and was invited to a few meetings by my sponsor. I liked what I saw, who was who from around the town and being from out of town it was a way of getting to know people.”

“Being a traveller I was able to bring back ideas from overseas. In Sweden I saw about 100 kindergarden children all decked out in hi-vis jackets on their day out. So I presented this to the Club which they took up, and completed by donating Hi-Vis jackets to local kindys. The list of projects goes on and on. Some small, some big I haven’t regretted a minute of the years and the chance to serve our district and community. If you come from out of town make contact with us, we’d love to have you.”

“I got into Lions in 1983 when The Lions club members were doing scrap metal (cars) at Leonard Street Waiuku. They needed someone with a front end loader tractor to load scrap metal. Alan Martin asked me if I would be willing to use my tractor to load the trucks and through working with the Lions members I was invited to join the Waiuku Lions Club. My standout project would be working with the club members and local contractors erecting the Waiuku Town clock in the town square.

People should consider joining the Waiuku Lions Club because being a community club it is an opportunity to become involved with other people on projects to benefit the local Waiuku community.”

So if you are new to Waiuku or are looking for a way to get involved with your community call us, and find out how Lions can offer a lifetime of fellowship, friendship, and service. 0274 917 509 or 021 827 938

Lions Club of Waiuku

Local people helping local people for over 50 years.

Are you looking for a way to help your local community? Do you want to give back?

Lions can help you with that!

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

Lindsay and Lorraine McDonald celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year.

Over 50 years span the lives of the oldest and the youngest born at Franklin Memorial Hospital. John McIntosh (whom the Breeze printed a profile on in our May edition) was born on 3 February 1925. The Breeze has been able to find the last born at the Hospital too. Daniel Millar was born on 17 October 1976 and he recalled his mother telling him that the conversion of the building from maternity to geriatric had started before she went home with Daniel. The very first female born at Franklin Memorial was Marie Franklin Parker (nee Hull) born 30 April 1923 and the first male was Franklin Thomas Evans born 21 May 1923.

Steel ‘n’ Wheels through the lens

Steel ‘n’ Wheels rev up locals in small town

BY BETHWYN LITTLER

Waiuku festival a welcome celebration of locals and motors

Waiuku people love their cars and bikes, and anything that makes a lot of noise.

The annual Steel ‘n’ Wheels Festival was held on 30 April in the Waiuku town centre. The event was supported by the Franklin Local Board, NZ Steel and the Waiuku Business and Development Association. The day was a lot more than just cars. It’s a celebration of the local community.

Shop owners stood on the footpath chatting and face-painted children ran around catching up with friends.

The event offered train rides, entertainment, a live band and the opportunity to meet local organisations such as the police and surf lifesavers.

One of the organisers Terry Short, said the Steel and Wheels Festival has been going since 2011.

The festival started off with just a few guys getting together, organising the event with the town manager to showcase Waiuku to the world and encourage local businesses. It has become the second biggest event in south Auckland behind the ITM 400s. Terry said that in the past they have had up to 25,000 people attending, but the bad weather this year reduced patronage.

“There’s a hell of a lot of hot rods and motorbikes in the area,” said Terry. “I think half the vehicles here are owned by locals.”

How did it begin?

So how did the Waiuku Steel ‘n’ Wheels Festival come about?

In 2012 the town centre manager for Waiuku Business & Development Association, Sharlene Druyven, got talking to some local classic car enthusiasts who had an idea. A much loved smaller local country event, Big Boys Toys, was coming to an end, so Jeff and Raewyn Johnston who ran the Shock Shop business at the time, along with some of their friends and colleagues, thought it would be great for Waiuku to host it’s own kind of rural event to showcase all the gems hiding in people’s sheds. Holding the event in the town centre would bring the whole community together as well as benefit the local businesses. From vintage tractors to army re-enactments, vintage and classic cars and everything in between. They believed it would be a great event for Waiuku with the potential to pull in hundreds of visitors, which turned out to be thousands. Between this passionate group of locals; Jeff, Raewyn and Suzie Johnston, Allie and Dom, Terryand Robin Short, Terry Hamilton, Dennis and Christine Ennion, Vaughan and Angela Walters, Gary, Kathy, Kane and Dylan Fairclough, John Churchill, Mike, Wendy and Darryl Bates and all the other helpers over the years; this idea grew into an iconic event. The Waiuku Business & Development Association, with support from Auckland Council, managed to get some funds to-

gether to get it all up and running. Franklin Local Board, NZ Steel and other local businesses have since been great supporters of this event and enabled it to evolve and deliver amazing attractions and spectacles for the community and visitors to enjoy. Popular attractions have been the V8 and Harley Chainsaw racing display, Helicopter joy rides, Police Dogs display, Dragster Fire ups, Jet Car display and the Freestyle NZ FMX stunt riders . Early attractions included the first feature car parked in the town square; an orange coupe owned by Mike Lee from Dunedin, featured in the Waiuku Post, May 8 2012 and local car showcase, Luke Ennion’s Bubble car. Thanks to the relentless passion and work behind the scenes of Sharlene Druyven; town manager from 2011 to 2022 and this local group of enthusiasts who first sparked the engine of Steel n Wheels, this successful event returns year after year.

Twelve years later, the event is still well attended by tens of thousands and the feedback is wonderful. People travel from all over Franklin, Auckland, the Waikato and further, to be part of the event and to exhibit their precious cars, trucks, tractors, bikes and assorted machines.

We hope to be able to keep bringing this event to our town, despite challenges with the current economic climate and funding availability for community events such as this.

Exhibitor prize draw

Congratulations to Brian Packer, our Waiuku Steel ‘n’ Wheels exhibitor prize draw winner, with his beautiful Shelby. The lucky winner of a full one year ceramic detail service donated by Cutting Edge Detail and a trophy donated by Waiuku Business & Development, created by Scott’s Steelworkz.

Chris Hastings attended the event with his 1981 Toyota Starlet. He was joined by his family including his wife Leanne and son Cohen. Chris, owner of Counties Auto Painters, had lovingly altered the Starlet. “A motor swap, gearbox swap, suspension swap, pretty much all the running gear,” he said. “She goes like the clappers.”

Photo: Becky Spencer

Photo: Becky Spencer

Photo: Becky Spencer

Photo: Becky Spencer

Photo: Becky Spencer

Dennis Ennion with his pick up, one of this year’s signature vehicles

Vaughan and Angela Walters’ car features on Queen Street.

David Flavell’s hot rod.

Kevin and Jo Gubb.

Vanessa Newman, Town centre manager, the Steel ‘n’ Wheels event committee and Waiuku Business & Development Association would like to thank the community for your support this year, for coming out on the day and for your kind donations to help the continuation of this event for our town. We’d also like to thank the Franklin Local Board and NZ Steel for supporting this year’s event.