mahurangi matters, april 18, 2012

18 April 2012Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

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Inside this issueBest on the blockProperty feature – pages 20 to 28

Rural RodneyPages 37 to 43

Trades & Services directoryPages 44 & 45

An Auckland boat owner had a lucky escape when his 24-foot wooden launch caught fire at Kawau Island last week.

Swift response contains boat fireThe launch owner inspects the charred remains of his boat after it was hauled on board the barge Hokimai.

The boat had just refuelled at the Kawau Yacht Club and was believed to be carrying a couple of hundred litres of fuel when it went up in flames.It was tied to the jetty at the time and a bystander said the owner quickly

released the vessel and then jumped overboard. The boat drifted to shore and nearly ignited a pohutukawa tree.A quick-thinking member of the public, in a small rubber inflatable, came to the rescue and towed the boat

to the centre of Bon Accord Harbour.The smouldering tree was quickly extinguished, preventing a vegetation fire which could have threatened the nearby historic squadron house

Rodney ratepayers could be hit in the hip pocket if Auckland Council is unsuccessful in persuading the government to amend the Auckland Council legislation.Mayor Len Brown has written to the Minister for Local Government requesting an Order in Council to allow for a fairer rating transition system to manage the change to a single rating system.Council is proposing an average rate increase of 3.6 per cent across the region.“Our proposal means that in the old Rodney District Council area, 18,276 residential ratepayers will receive a decrease,” he says.

Rodney rates increases less than equitable

| Mahurangimatters 18 April 20122

Mahurangimatters is a locally owned publication, circulated twice a month to more than 12,350 homes and businesses.

Next issue is May 2 Following issue is May 16 – Advertising deadline May 2

Enquiries: ph 425 9068 • fax 425 9088 • PO Box 701, Warkworth 0941 17 Neville Street (corner Neville & Alnwick Streets) Warkworth [email protected] • www.localmatters.co.nzEditor: Jannette Thompson • ph 425 9068 • [email protected]: Cathy Busbridge • ph 431 4966 • [email protected] Renee Monds • ph 425 9068 • [email protected]

Views expressed in Mahurangi Matters are not necessarily endorsed by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission of the editor is prohibited.

Issue 201 Boat fire from page 1

Rates inequitable from page 1

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and yacht club.Among the first on the scene was Kawau Island Volunteer Rural Fire Force chief fire officer Martin Duytshoff, who responded to the mayday call in his own boat, Chris Garner on the barge Hokimai and harbourmaster Graeme Kearney, who was in the area checking moorings.“Once we’d ascertained that no-one was injured, we set about to extinguish the fire. I was in my own boat, without the fire pump, so I backed up to the burning vessel and revved the outboard, while lifting its propeller to just below the water line, creating a rooster tail of spray. It was a bit out-of-the-ordinary, but we didn’t have time

to wait for the pump to arrive.“Once the fire was out, we finished it off with buckets and a dry powder extinguisher.”The boat was in danger of sinking so was lashed to the side of one of the rescue boats and then hoisted on to the barge and taken to Sandspit.Although the owner of the boat was the only person on board when the fire ignited, it’s believed two teenagers were also travelling on the vessel but were in a dinghy well clear of the launch at the time of the incident.The boat owner was given a lift back to Auckland by yachtsman Chris Dickson.

“However, if we cannot change to a capped system, 5544 ratepayers in the former Rodney district will face rates increases above 10 percent as a result of the amalgamation and that’s not fair.”Businesses will fair little better. Under the Council proposal, 726 Rodney businesses will receive a rates decrease but an additional 221 businesses will face a 10 percent plus rates increases

next year if the legislation is not changed.“The transition to a single Council was always going to be difficult, especially when it came to rates.“We are committed to keeping costs down and bringing in a single rating system in as fair a way as possible where equal value properties pay equal rates.”

A push for action on the Penlink project, directly linking Whangaparaoa Peninsula and the Northern Motorway, could boost progress with the Puhoi to Wellsford highway extension, if a Chinese company’s recent interest develops.

Penlink linked to SH1 project

Hibiscus and Bays member Greg Sayers sourced the potential construction partner that he describes as having “a lot of expertise and a proven track record in infrastructure development” but says Penlink alone may be too small to secure its commitment.However, the company has also expressed interest in work on the Puhoi to Wellsford extension and a second harbour crossing, and he says combining projects might make their involvement worthwhile.An Auckland representative of the company has already met with a senior advisor in the mayoral office and will

meet with Rodney MP Mark Mitchell later this month. However, it is just one of a number of expressions of interest in taking part in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) for the proposed Penlink toll road. Companies from China, South East Asia and Kuwait have also expressed interest.The Penlink project has all its designation and resource consents which have been renewed through to 2016. However, Auckland Transport states on its website that competing priorities mean it is “highly unlikely” that it will be constructed over the next three years.

Mahurangimatters 18 April 2012 | 3

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A suggestion that dredged material from the proposed Sandspit marina be used to reinforce the Sandspit spit looks set to put the area’s two residents’ groups on yet another collision course.

Tensions mount over proposal to use marina dredgings to offset sea level rise at Sandspit

The Sandspit Residents and Ratepayers Association is in favour of investigating the idea, while Save Our Sandspit Inc (SSOSI) says it’s a waste of time.The two groups fell out over the environmental issues surrounding the Sandspit marina project.The latest issue to divide them involves the disposal of dredgings when the marina is built alongside the spit. The Sandspit Marina Society has offered the spoil, as well as the dollar amount it would pay to dispose of it, to raise the height of the spit. The society’s alternative is to barge the material to Fergusson Wharf in Auckland or to a sea dump on the other side of Great Barrier.Association committee member Grant Neill says the road and carpark form a vital piece of infrastructure for the people of north Rodney and especially Kawau Island. “The spit is inundated about once a year and the fear is that this will increase as the impact of climate change becomes more evident,” he says.Although the group hasn’t done any serious calculations, they think raising the spit could require roughly 20,000 cubic metres, which means the society’s offer could be worth more than $1.3 million.However, the offer is time-dependent.“It has no impact on the marina programme, so the marina society quite rightly says they will not delay their timetable to suit. We estimate we have about a year to determine whether or not the plan is feasible. We think Council should engage a specialist engineering consultancy as soon as possible to prepare opinions and scenarios, including the ‘do nothing’ option, so there can be an informed debate.”However, SSOSI spokesperson Michael Taplin says the proposal is “ludicrous”.“Firstly, it’s unnecessary,” he says.

“We’re currently at the peak of a 17-year tide pattern cycle, a fact that Auckland Council officers have already quite rightly acknowledged. And, secondly, the likelihood of climate change affecting the spit during our lifetime is very unlikely.”Mr Taplin says speculated sea level rises of between a half to one-metre will have implications across the whole of the Auckland region, not just for Sandspit. “The economic reality is that Sandspit is likely to be well down Council’s list of priorities.“Besides, if you raise the spit by two metres – anything less would be a waste of time – then you are talking about also raising the wharf, café, ferry building and offices, not to mention about 300 metres of Brick Bay Drive and the yacht club.”Mr Taplin says the make-up of the spoil also raises issues. For instance, its water content means it cannot be readily used as fill.“The people who are promoting this scheme really need to go away and do their homework.”Rodney Local Board member Steven

Garner, who is in favour of the idea, says he’s concerned divisions in the Sandspit community could hinder the plan.“This is an opportunity to future-proof the spit for possibly the next 50 years, at no cost to ratepayers,” he says.“But I’m concerned that SSOSI will object to this because they are in a combative mind-set. That would be a real shame. While I understand that they are upset at the Environment Court decision on the marina, at some point, a more pragmatic approach would be of benefit to everyone.”Mr Garner says to take advantage of the offer to use the dredged material from the marina project, will need buy-in from both Auckland Council and Auckland Transport.“Then there is a whole swathe of processes to go through to get the necessary consents. I’d love to think it was possible to do it in the timeframe available, but it’s questionable whether that will be achievable.”Mr Neill says the opportunity to use the dredged material will slip through ratepayers’ fingers if Auckland Council and Auckland Transport can’t be convinced to act quickly.

Resident and Ratepayers Association member Grant Neill says upgrading the spit would provide an opportunity to do an environmentally-friendly landscape design including rain gardens to surface treat stormwater run-off.

An Auckland Council hearing on the Sanderson Road bore resource consent is likely to take place about mid-year.Watercare has confirmed that independent commissioners will hear the case. A resource consent application was initially made by Rodney District Council in 2008 to take up to 1.2 million cubic metres per year of groundwater from the bore, more than 85 percent of an estimated sustainable throughflow of 1.4 million m3 annually, to secure water supply for future residential growth in Warkworth.Watercare later proposed to stagger the water uptake from 750,000m3 annually from 2011 increasing to 915,0000 from 2025 and up to 1.2 million m3 annually, in 2036.The application prompted concerns among existing bore users about possible impacts on their water supplies and the community.Of the 17 submissions received, six were in support, one was neutral and 11 were opposed.

Mid-year likely for bore hearing

Free pass to localsFrom May 1 onwards, Otamatea residents will no longer have to pay to visit the The Kauri Museum at Matakohe. The museum board has decided to offer free entry in recognition of the community’s contribution to the museum over the last 50 years. It will apply to all families residing in the former Otamatea County District, which includes Matakohe, Maungaturoto, Kaiwaka and Mangawhai. Museum curator Bet Nelley says The Kauri Museum has never been funded by ratepayers or taxpayers, but has been a ‘stand alone’ museum with operational costs being paid by the admission fee. When it opened in 1962 entrance was one shilling. Seventy percent of visitors to the museum today are from overseas. Mrs Nelley says volunteers are the life blood of the place.“It is wonderful to give back to a community that has been so supportive over 50 years.”


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On the hoofWhether enlightened by the pet lamb called Tucker in our last Off the Record, or simply fulfilling the significance of his name, Algies Bay lamb “Pretrain” takes a pragmatic, if not pessimistic, approach to life – living it up on the barbie while he can. However, we’re reliably informed that his name is tongue-in-cheek and that, in fact, his destiny is to remain a pet.

A crummy substitute A couple of Matakana diners literally got the pip over Easter Weekend when they couldn’t figure out why they couldn’t cut through their crumbed mushroom. After a gracious enquiry was made to the chef regarding the dish, it came to light the ‘mushroom’ in question was, in fact, a crumbed avocado stone.

Feeling scrambledMeanwhile, a visitor to Matakana over Easter was overhead to remark: “That egg looks like how I feel.” It was obviously someone who had overdone the Easter eggs and hot cross buns. The knitted treat was, of course, the work of the notorious local Yarn Bombers. Look out for their handiwork on Anzac Day.

Warkworth constable Kevin Blair says there is nothing better than being able to make a child smile.

Bluelight appoints new chair

Kevin, who is ex-navy and army with a medic background, was recently appointed chair of Wellsford Bluelight, a community/police initiative providing drug and alcohol free entertainment for children and teenagers. He has been a volunteer with the group for the past four years, taking hundreds of boys on camps throughout the region. “We only take boys as Bluelight has only male instructors,” he says. “But in some ways it works better. We try to challenge the boys but still make it fun and this helps build confidence.” Activities include fishing, kayaking, rope climbing and rugby. Kevin says the aim is to portray the Police in a different light and show the boys that we are not the bad guys.” He says a priority this year is to get Bluelight involved with Mahurangi College. “They are one of the only schools in the area we don’t currently work with. The programme is well established in Wellsford and I would like to see a similar set-up in Mahurangi.”

Kevin says he enjoys working with Bluelight because it gives him balance. “As a police officer, a lot of kids come to my attention, which makes it easy to get a negative attitude towards all kids. But when you take a group out and do something fun with them, then there’s a different perspective. “You can watch their attitudes change as they start to feel they’re achieving something and I get to be the good guy for a while. It’s also easier to talk to them out in the community if you know them.”Info: www.bluelight.co.nz

Kevin Blair

FEEDBACK

Letters can be sent to PO Box 701, Warkworth or [email protected]

Martin should chooseI would like to see Ms Tracy Martin make up her mind as to whether she wants to represent the local area in Government with Winston Peters or as the local representative (as elected) on the greater Auckland Council. She may be a very competent person but I would like to see her do one job and do it well. If she stays in Parliament, then someone else local can take her place representing us as we fight for our share of the Auckland distribution of funds. Goodness knows we need every bit of help we can get!

Harry Sutcliffe, Snells Beach

Why our waterways matterOur waterways are a very important part of human life, and it’s important we protect them and keep them healthy. Simple ways to do this are to help with river cleanups, planting days, join a group centred on river health or just learn how to care for your river. Remember, a healthy river means a healthy ecosystem.

Marney Edwards, Mahurangi College Year 8 student

Book competition winnerCongratulations to our book competition winner Barbara Burrows of Warkworth. Barbara won a copy of the Know Your New Zealand Fishes by Jenny and Tony Enderby.


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Rodney’s wastewater systems will need significant investment to meet compliance, Watercare representatives told a meeting of the Warkworth Community Liaison Group this month.

Watercare representatives at the liaison group meeting were, from left, Brent Evans, Chris Watson and Phil Jaggard. Looking on is group chairman Bruce Manson.

Rodney infrastructure suffers from lack of investment

Wastewater planning manager Phil Jaggard said that Watercare would look at both its plants and networks in Warkworth and Wellsford over the next year. The Wellsford plant’s consent expired in 1999, while Warkworth’s ran out last year.Watercare’s principal advisor local boards Brent Evans says at the time of amalgamation, a lot of Councils had under-invested in infrastructure.“Addressing this is a big challenge at rural plants,” he said.Audience members asked how the Warkworth plant, which serves about 4000 people and discharges into the Mahurangi River, would cope with the growth predicted by Auckland Council.Mr Jaggard said the plant might be expanded and an alternative discharge point might be considered. “A combined Warkworth/Snells Beach/Algies Bay plant has not been ruled out, but we really can’t say what the alternative might be until Auckland Council can give us firmer

population predictions.”The Snells/Algies plant consent also expired last year. Mr Evans said the outfall, and how fast effluent can be disposed of, is the limiting factor on the plant’s capacity.“The outfall pipe is in a very poor state of repair and will cost an estimated $12 to $15 million to replace.”Omaha was the only compliant wastewater plant in the area, and Mr Jaggard said that plant would gradually be expanded to meet future growth.“Work on the installation of the Matakana pressurised wastewater system was well-underway with about 80 percent of the pipeline installation and 40 percent of private drainage work finished.”About 35 people attended the meeting and issues raised from the floor included the Sanderson bore proposal, why Watercare did not offer more incentives for people to save water, costs associated with the Point Wells scheme and discounts for pensioners.


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People from all walks of life, from all over NZ and overseas, gathered at the Port Albert Domain on April 6 to celebrate their common heritage as descendants of the Albertland Colonisation Movement.

Descendants revisit Albertland storyOrganisers of the 150th Anniversary say they couldn’t have been happier with the turnout of an estimated 900 people at the official opening and the participation in the four-day programme of events.“Everything ran like clockwork and we’ve had nothing but positive feedback,” organising committee chair Steve Levet says. “People had a genuine interest to learn about their heritage and the Albertland story, and the weekend provided plenty of opportunities for friends and family to connect and share stories.”Everyone attending the celebration received a name tag which included the name of the ship the person’s descendant had boarded for the long voyage from England to NZ. There were eight ships altogether and, in total, around 3000 non-conformist settlers made the journey between 1862 and 1865 in the hope of making a fresh start in Albertland.Among the official guests at the opening ceremony was Speaker of the House Lockwood Smith whose great-grandparents arrived on one of the first ships, the Hanover.Dr Smith described the Albertland settlement as an extraordinary part of the history of European settlement in NZ and a definitive chapter in the development of the Kaipara.“On re-reading the Sir Henry Brett/Henry Hook book published in 1927 – Albertlanders – Brave Pioneers of the Sixties – one is left with a feeling of incredulity,” he said. “What possessed ordinary folk to leave wider family and friends to head off to a vague place on the other side of the world,

Official speakers included, from left, Ben de Thierry, Steve Levet, Lockwood Smith and Peter Marsh.

Displays in the Port Albert Hall were well-received.

Roger Farr, dressed as William Rawson Brame, the instigator of the Albertland settlement scheme, was a hit with visitors.

about which they knew so little and were so ill-prepared to cope?“As the book records, there was an utter absence of anything like an arrangement for transporting the Albertlanders to the new settlement after they stepped ashore in Auckland, and many actually got lost trying to find the place.”Dr Smith said that on the wall of his office in Parliament hangs a photograph of his great- grandparents and their family, including his grandfather.“Even on the most difficult days in Parliament, I do remember and I am inspired.”Other speakers included Roger Farr dressed in character as William Rawson Brame – the instigator of the settlement scheme who arrived at the ceremony on horse back, Oruawharo Marae kaumatua Ben de Thierry, Albertland Museum chairman Peter Marsh, Steve Levet, Alison Enticott, songwriter/musician Greg Ward and raconteur Geoff Pickstone.The weekend’s highlights included a multi-media show at the Te Hana Cultural Centre, boat and bus trips, and re-enactments of the arrival of the settlers on the Oruawharo River.Steve Levet says he can’t speak highly enough of the job done by the members of the organising committee. “We’d been planning for two years and they did an awesome job – we did our ancestors proud.”Copies of the multi-media DVD are available from the Albertland Museum.

The celebrations were held under sunny skies, a fact that more than one person attributed to many hours of praying.


Increasing your business profile and cash flow can be a challenge. It’s seems as if so many other advertisers are out to take your money and you see little for the results.More and more local Rodney business owners are taking advantage of marketing their local service based businesses on the web and there has never been a better time.Take a look around town and you’ll see people wandering up the street with smart phones, at the library on the computers or at their office PC. Fact is, that if your current website isn’t working, or your business isn’t properly marketed on the web, you’re literally flushing cash down the toilet.Whilst people still use the paper version of the Yellow Pages many local companies have found that having their own website is more cost effective.A well designed website, with a high ranking on Google can consistently deliver good quality business leads which can significantly increase your

business income.But there are so many choices and it can be difficult to know where to start or what to look for.The key is to make an intelligent, informed decision. With so many options it’s nice to know there is one company that makes it incredibly simple. Geek Free Web Design offers a Free Consumer Awareness Guide that enables you to make an informed educated decision. In this free booklet they describe what the traps are, and mistakes to avoid, plus what to look for when investing in a website.

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Waitemata District Health Board is providing an opportunity for you and/or your organisation to comment on a draft strategic child health plan that will set the stage for prioritising funding for child health from July 2012 to 2017.If you or your organisation would like to comment on this plan please go to: www.waitematadhb.govt.nz, and follow the directions to the complete our on-line survey. Please note the survey will be open until 3rd May 2012.Please note this is a strategic plan and does not provide details of specific projects at this time. As the strategic plan is implemented we will be providing further opportunities for feedback.Waitemata District Health Board thanks you for taking the time to help inform our planning and decision making.For further enquiries please contact: Leanne Kirton on 09-486 8920 extn 3886

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Let me introduce myselfBy Sharon KastThe 10th anniversary of TOSSI is an opportune time to review the progress of the bird population that has arrived at the park, either as a result of a translocation or simply self-introduction since the establishment of the Tawharanui Open Sanctuary. A number of birds not present at the time of the predator proof-fence construction have arrived without human help. These include the bellbird, kaka and grey-faced petrels. The bellbird is probably the most successful reintroduction of all the birds in the park. In 2004, bellbirds were seen in the park in numbers not present in the past 100 years. It was estimated that around 100 birds had arrived, probably from Hauturu. Subsequent studies using DNA confirmed the Hauturu origin but also suggested that some birds may have come from the Tongariro region. The estimate of the founding population using DNA was 100 breeding pairs. Subsequently, bellbird numbers have risen to around 700 to 800 birds and this number has not been affected by translocations of birds to Waiheke and Waikato. A small number of bellbirds are reported outside the park and this is likely to increase in future years. Anyone seeing bellbirds in their own properties should think of the value of local predator control.Kaka have visited the Rodney district from Hauturu for many years. These are predominantly young male birds that tend to return to the island in summer. Some breeding pairs had been reported in isolated areas of Rodney but there was no recent evidence of kaka breeding at Tawharanui until the last two years. There now appears to be a resident breeding population in the park.Grey-faced petrels have successfully bred within the open sanctuary during the past two breeding seasons. Numbers remain low but appear to be increasing and there were certainly greater numbers on the monitoring evenings carried out during winter and spring last year.Save the date: 6 May Planting day. Meet 9.15am at Tawharanui. Plant in the morning and enjoy a BBQ provided by TOSSI in the afternoon. Bring gloves, sturdy boots and a raincoat. Special 10th year TOSSI celebrations will take place on the Queen’s Birthday planting weekend, June 2 and 3. Planting starts at 9.15am, followed by a BBQ and surprise celebration treats. Everyone welcome. www.TOSSI.org.nz

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It was all fun and games at the Mahurangi College 50th reunion and the ‘Sesquicentennial of Education in Warkworth’ celebrations held at Mahurangi College over Easter Weekend.

Cutting the cake at the Warkworth education anniversary celebrations are former Warkworth District High School students Judge Phillip Gittos and Lorraine Hatfull.

From left, Mahurangi College principal David Macleod with former principals Alan Shaw and Rex Grey.

Past pupils prove experience counts

Reunion committee chair and former Mahurangi College foundation pupil Dave Parker at the official opening ceremony.

Past students took on present students in hockey, netball and rugby, winning all the contests and proving the older and wiser students still had a thing or two to teach their younger opponents.Reunion committee chair Dave Parker says almost 700 people registered for the reunion with around 400 attending the wine and cheese evening on the Friday night. “A number of ex-pupils, who had been to various reunions over the years, said it was the best one to date,” he says. “Every event was worth the effort, from the official opening ceremony to the celebration dinner and dance, and the commemorative church

service. Everyone had a great time socialising with former classmates and teachers.”Dave said it was an honour to take part in planting three kowhai trees in front of the school along with former pupils Pam Hood and Professor Tom Brooking, the son of Cliff Brooking who was the college’s first principal.The reunion magazine is being collated and is available through the school.Photos courtesy of Kodak Express Warkworth. Reunion photos can be viewed and ordered at www.kodakwarkworth.photosales.co.nz/


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Mitre 10 Mega Warkworth has raised $3000 for Warkworth Plunket, through a playhouse construction promotion held last year.

From left, Warkworth Plunket secretary Lynette Morrison, communications liaison Brenda Howson holding Autumn, Mitre 10’s Cam Caithness and Warkworth Plunket president Angela Brangwynne.

Plunket funds get a boostPlunket officials were presented with the cheque from store owner Cam Caithness on April 14.Warkworth Plunket president Angela Brangwynne says the money will go towards implementing a new Parents Room at the Warkworth clinic in Mill Lane. As well, six new car-seats will be donated to the Plunket Carseat Rental

scheme and a new ‘Mummy and Me’ coffee and playgroup will be started for second-time mums or mums who are new to the area. Renovations at the clinic are also in the pipeline. The Mummy and Me play and coffee group starts on April 27 at Totara Park Hall, Melwood Drive, from 10.30am to 12pm.


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Lets talk about debtAuckland Council currently owes about $1.5 billion, or approximately $1000 per Aucklander. Under the Mayor’s proposals in the draft Long Term Plan, this is going to increase over the next 10 years to $12.1 billion. This looks more staggering when you don’t truncate the zeros off the figure, $12,100,000,000. Meanwhile, the population is projected to grow a bit, to 1.75 million. This still shakes out to each Aucklander owing almost $7000. Note how I have said here, Aucklander, not ratepayer. Apparently, this debt can be serviced without large rates increases. Clearly, the finance team is incredibly clever, or frighteningly stupid.The reason I raise this, is that discussions around these documents seem to always hone in on “what’s happening in our area?” and these wider issues get missed. But it is worth looking at what this goes to pay for. The answer is largely in the transport field, and largely big ticket items such as rail improvements, rail to the airport, the inner city rail loop and so on. There does seem to be quite a theme developing doesn’t there? The Mayor wants to raise the limit on the municipal credit card so we can spend our way back into the 19th century. It would be cheaper to buy the man a few of Dickens’ books. Whatever your view on whether these key ‘transformational’ projects are the correct ones for solving Auckland’s various woes, it is hard to see how they benefit anywhere but the immediate City centre and perhaps the isthmus of old Auckland. The Mayor, however, has been clear in his ambition to implement these projects since before the election. He is the only directly-elected person in the country with a constituency of 1.5 million. This is a powerful and unique mandate in New Zealand politics. It makes a tough challenge, for those councillors and others who disagree with his proposals, to overcome. The recent media attention on these issues has been more around the exact prioritisation of the projects in the plan, and to what extent the unified rating system should have the more extreme impacts relieved. This is like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. The Long Term Plan raises two, and only two, really key questions: y Is the proposed increase in Council expenditure sustainable and prudent? y Is Council going to be delivering services equitably for all Aucklanders?

I would answer definitely not. The Mayor has a mandate to perform his miracles, but at what cost?

Viewpointwith James Rolfe, Rodney Local Board, Auckland Council

A total of 15,000 copies of a colourful new 24-page brochure promoting Wellsford will be distributed in the Wellsford district over coming weeks.

Brochure coordinator Julie Hawkes is excited about the marketing possibilities that the new publication offers.

Colour brochure celebrates Wellsford’s WOW factorCompiled and written by Julie Hawkes, on behalf of the Wellsford Promotions Group, the Wow – Wonders of Wellsford brochure received funding support from last year’s Rugby World Cup.It is a potpourri of interesting snippets about the town and district, which Julie hopes both locals and visitors will find interesting.“It’s about understanding our identity and history, and building pride in our area,” she says. “It also gives us a

starting point to begin developing a marketing plan which can build on some of these stories.”Julie says a lot of people helped with the project and she was very grateful for their time and support. She especially thanked Auckland Council economic development advisers Gill Plume and Claire Siddens.Anyone interested in stocking the brochures can call Julie on 423 6082 or email [email protected]


Find out moreWe need your support and input to help us shape a stronger future for our area and to bring these aspirations to life. To view the Rodney Local Board Plan and nd out more about how you can play your part, please contact us.

09 301 0101

www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/rodney

rodneylocalboard@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz

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50 Centreway Road, Orewa

Rodney parks get a makeoverSinclair Park is now ready for another winter season of games.

The hard courts have been resealed and repainted, to bene t Kaukapakapa residents and the wider community in their sporting activities. This project was identi ed by the former Rodney District Council and completed by the Rodney Local Board.

The Rodney Local Board and Auckland Council completed the work over the summer months after a member of the public suggested the courts needed an upgrade.

Local board member Brenda Steele says the upgrade is a huge bene t to the sports teams and families that play there.

“Sinclair Park is the hub of Kaukapakapa’s sporting community.

“There are a lot of teams from different sporting codes that use the entire park

and the hard courts were increasing in popularity but getting quite old.

“Having good quality courts to play on is something that our residents deserve, and we are thrilled that this project has been delivered.”

Other park upgrades are also happening around the Rodney area.

New playground equipment has been installed behind the Helensville library and the Rodney Local Board and Mayor Len Brown of cially opened the new amenity block at Shelly Beach last month.

“As outlined in our local board plan, we want to provide for the recreational needs of our community, and it’s upgrades like these that make a difference for locals,” says Mrs Steele.

Over 100 people came to nd out more information about several proposals for the Category One heritage building and many brought new suggestions for local board members to consider.

Local board member Brenda Steele says the turnout at the event was excellent.

“It’s great to see the community really getting involved and telling us their preferred options for the hall and other ideas that we will also consider,” she says.

“Quite a few people have come to us suggesting that the hall should be demolished, and even though this was not one of the original options for us to consider, it is something that some parts of the community are interested in nding out more about.

“The process to remove the hall’s heritage status or obtain resource consent for demolition would be lengthy, and we cannot guarantee that it is something that can be done,” says Mrs Steele.

The Rodney Local Board will make a decision in late April or early May about

Your voice for Rodney

the future of the Warkworth Town Hall, taking into consideration the feedback from the public.

“We want to make the best decision for the residents of Warkworth, and having so much feedback from the community will help us to do so.”

Once a decision is made, the Rodney Local Board will meet with the Governing Body of Auckland Council to look at funding options.

Great turnout for the Warkworth Town Hall feedback launchThe Rodney Local Board would like to thank everyone who attended the public meeting on the future of the Warkworth Town Hall.

(Left to right) Rodney Local Board members June Turner, Brenda Steele, Tracey Martin, Steven Garner and Ilona Rodgers and Graeme North from the Warkworth Town Hall Advisory Committee.

OG_0922E_MM

There was no shortage of entertainment for the hundreds of people who attended the Warkworth Primary School Twilight Fiesta on March 30.

The cake stand at the Twilight Fiesta was a major fundraiser.

Fiesta puts funding in poolChildren came dressed as fairies, princesses and pirates, adding colour to the atmosphere. While they participated in the numerous games on offer, parents and grandparents took their time to rake through the white elephant stall in the hall and take tickets in the quick fire raffles. Organiser Nikki Illingworth says around $18,000 was raised.“Our cake stall raised the most with a total of $2100,” she says. “What a fantastic result from a cake stand! From the feedback we have

received, everyone had an awesome evening, and enjoyed being able to come for dinner, grab a bargain and then be home early.”Nikki says consideration is now being given to holding the event annually, instead of biennially.Former pupils were invited to attend an informal reunion during the fiesta and browse the old photographs of the school on display in the school hall. Four generations of the Stubbs family were invited to cut a cake to mark the 150th reunion of education in the Warkworth district.


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Greenwood family reunion highlights settlers’ legacyThe living legacy of two early Leigh settlers was realised recently when 235 descendants of John and Mary Hannah Greenwood descended on Leigh and the Whangateau on March 3 and 4.The family’s first official reunion was prompted by Leigh’s Sally Greenwood, who felt it was time they got together for a happy occasion, rather than for a funeral.Organising committee member Marie Petrie says they decided it would be more manageable to start from the family of John and Mary Hannah, rather than John’s parents, William and Dorothy, who emigrated from England in 1860 and eventually established a farm at Omaha.John was born in Devonport and went on to marry Mary Hannah Birdsall (commonly known as Hannah) from Birdsall Road, Whangateau in 1891. The couple lived at the top of the Leigh Hill on a sheep and beef farm known as “Dovedale” and had seven children all of whom either became or married farmers.Covering hundreds of hectares, the property enjoyed panoramic views from Mangawhai Heads to Goat Island and Little Barrier and included an airstrip that hosted some of earliest top dressing planes in the area.A keen sporting family, Greenwoods would sometimes ride up to Mangawhai on their horses to play tennis on a Saturday and stay overnight before making the return trip.The Greenwood girls, May, Dolly and Ethel, married into the Rhodes, Dunning and Petrie families respectively and were renowned for baking, gardening

and handiwork, says Marie, while the boys, John, Willie, Irwin and Tom were successful sheep and beef farmers. Much of the family farm has since become part of parkland, now owned by Auckland Council and the house passed from family ownership in 1996.Although Willie had no descendants, the seven children produced 27 children and 98 grandchildren of their own, with the next generation snowballing from there.Gathering representatives from each branch of the family to help organise the reunion was relatively simple, as around half of them still live in the district, a number of them still farming, says Marie.However, a couple of generations on, descendants represent a wide cross-section of skills and industries, including a Rhodes scholar, accountants, teachers, builders, pharmacists, surgeons, doctors and nurses.Reunion events included a welcome by Warwick Rhodes and cutting of a cake, decorated to represent Dovedale, presided over by the family’s oldest representatives, 89-year-old Ina Collins and 87-year-olds Harley Greenwood and George Rhodes.Dovedale’s current owners Hilary and Tony Russell opened the house to family members who also visited Leigh and Whangateau cemeteries to see the final resting places of several

Elders of the reunion of more than 200 Greenwood descendants, from left, Harley Greenwood, Ina Collins and George Rhodes preside over the official cake. More photos at www.localmatters.co.nz

.

Families shared a wide range of memorabilia.

Greenwoods and Birdsalls. Family photoboards, a slideshow and memorabilia of John and Mary Hannah and their children, including the family Bible were on display. Dinner and memories were shared on Saturday and a Leigh Church service and luncheon were held on Sunday.


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Congratulations SerenaSerena Corringham of Wellsford McDonalds has received the McDonalds NZ 2011 'Outstanding Assistant Manager's Award'.

Serena was presented with the award at a formal dinner at Eden Park, which included special guests Piri Weepu and Jamaine Kaino. She was chosen from among the top 10% assistant managers from McDonalds throughout New Zealand.

Serena came to McDonalds as a high school student and continued to work during the holidays while studying at University for a Bachelor of Commerce.

McDonalds offer students and school leavers a quality-training program so they can ‘Earn While They Learn’. The skills include practical, time management, team building and communication. These skills give a kick-start for a career in food, retail, or the hospitality industry. Crew members can also go on to achieve in managerial positions like Serena or achieve Traineeships in Certificate 1 or 3 in retail or gain a diploma in Hospitality Business Management Level 5.

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Floral artists from Warkworth made an impact at the recent Auckland Area Designer of the Year 2012 ‘SuperCity’ competition held at the Home and Garden Show in the North Shore Events Centre.

Floral artists bag top awards

Simplicity was the title of Peggy Hayson’s entry, which was the winner in the senior division.

From 13 entries in five divisions, Warkworth Floral Art Club members came home with six top prizes.The Designer of the Year was won by Raewyn Thomas, of Hibiscus Coast Floral Art Club, with her design Ethnicity. Judges Margaret Ashley and Nancy Murphy, of Auckland, and Francine Thomas, of Tauranga, congratulated all 49 designers from the nine clubs in the Auckland Area who entered, and complimented them on their interpretations of the titles. More than 1500 people visited the competition display over three days and the Peoples’ Choice design was won by Maria Baxter, of the Takapuna Floral Art Club.Warkworth Floral Art Club members are now preparing for their own show, which will be held at the Old Masonic Hall, in Warkworth, in October.Info: Marianne Gibson on 423 0277 or visit www.fasnz.org.nz.Competition results were: 1st Senior – Simplicity by Peggy Hayson; 3rd Senior – Simplicity by Marianne Gibson; 2nd Intermediate – Authenticity-Beidermeier by Maggie Kensington; 1st Junior – Diversity by Lynne

Causer; 2nd Junior – Diversity by Judy Marshall; 2nd Club – Electricity by Kay Jones, Betty Trewin, Jenny Burton, Lyn Membery and Anne Moir.

Members of the Rodney Women’s Institute celebrated 91 years of fun, friendship and service recently.The local division held a 1920s themed party to honour the year the NZ Federation was formed.Rodney coordinator Moira Dye says a goal for the federation this year is to attract younger members.“It’s a very entertaining and social group to be a part of,” she says. “It’s hard to attract younger women because they think we just talk about pensioners’ issues and things like that. But the fact is, we are involved with choral and drama groups, have lively discussions about topical issues, do crafts, encourage leadership and help others.”The Women’s Institute is well-known for helping worthy causes such as women’s refuges, local food banks, hospitals, retirement homes and the SPCA. Last year they sent several cartons of knitted goods to Christchurch earthquake victims and the institute is a major supporter of Kidney Kids.The Rodney division has 16 members and meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the

Institute reinforces service roleWarkworth Anglican Church at 1.30pm. New members welcome. Info: Phone Dianne on 425 6355.


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Work diary of an early residentFarmer, builder and minister, W.E. Vickery moved to Wellsford to farm his father’s land-holding on what is now Wellsford Valley Rd, following some years spent at Glorit where he had a lease on a bush block. The boating disaster on the Kaipara Harbour, near Glorit, in 1896, which claimed the lives of 10 of those onboard and decimated the settlement, led to his decision to move north. The land he was to farm had been owned by the Oldfield family who had built a small four roomed dwelling. William later extended the house by adding two further rooms. He spent his early years helping his father William Snr, an Albertlander who arrived on the Hanover. Although from a farming background in North Devon, William Snr had learned to build in London. Working in Auckland, he taught his son the skills needed to be able to turn his hand to most things. This gave W.E. and his young family a much-needed extra income as their land could not sustain them in the early years.During his time in Wellsford, between 1897 and 1929, he built the following houses which are still in existence today – Len Bennett’s at Port Albert, W.O. Gubb’s and J.V. Grant’s. Many other houses were added to including Archie Becroft’s at Te Hana, Arthur Prictor’s and Grant’s at Wayby which has since been shifted to Prictor Rd. For work on the Port Albert Dairy Factory manager’s house, he earned the princely sum of 12s 6d per week. He built a stately home for Forrest Reid but unfortunately, this has since been demolished.The store at Port Albert built for the Bennett family, which burnt down in 1924, was another of his landmarks, as was the Wellsford Church of Christ originally built on the site of ‘Old Wellsford’ in 1909. This building was moved in 1927 to its present site in Rodney St, opposite Batten St. The present Port Albert Temperance Hall is another of his achievements. This was built after the original, sited at the Port Albert Crossroads, burned down.Others he worked for included W. Underwood – he had to alter the doors to allow the passage of a wheeled-bed when Mr Underwood was unable to walk. Names in his work diary include Max Becroft, W.K. Becroft, Mrs P. Becroft, P. Treadwell, Mr Lipanovic, Mr Little, F. Curel, Mr Ward, Roy Becroft and Mr Farrand. He also served on the Wellsford School board and ministered to the Churches of Christ in the district. He spent several years travelling to Auckland regularly to minister to two churches, making the journey by train. After leaving the district in 1929, William ministered in churches throughout NZ until retiring in 1940 to Wellington where he died in 1949.

Historywith Marjorie Prictor www.albertland.co.nz Albertland Museum

Vesey Grant’s homestead, built by W. E. Vickery in 1912, still stands in J. V. Grant Road, Wharehine. W H Marsh Collection.

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ENTER YOUR MUM TO WIN ONE OF 3 PRIZE PACKAGESA Night Out • Looking Good • Foodie Heaven

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when you shop at a business displaying this posterRed Letter Day • Matakana Market Kitchen • Nosh • Blush • The Vintry • Noir Blonde • Damask Bloom Saloon • Matakana Cinema • Village Bookshop • Dual • Matakana Pharmacy • DeLovely Piece Gallery • Finishing Touches • Quintessentially Kiwi • Village Health Shop • Heavenly Soles

Your LOCAL Community Newspaper

Mothers’ Day is just around the corner and Matakana businesses and Mahurangi Matters have combined their resources to put together three special prizes for three special Mums. To enter, just fill out a coupon when you make a purchase at one of the participating stores and your Mum could be enjoying one of the following – A Night Out; A Look Good, Feel Good package; or Foodie Heaven. The competition will be drawn on Friday May 11, in time for the lucky Mothers to enjoy their prizes on Mothers’ Day, May 13. Pictured looking over some of the donated gifts is Red Letter Day salesperson Sonya Eddington.

Matakana businesses pull together for Mothers’ Day

Gardening adviceGardeners interested in making their own liquid fertilisers and compost are invited to a free workshop at the Antara Retreat, Tomarata, this month. The weekend event, on April 21 and 22, will be led by Leigh McIntyre-Lomas who has been gardening organically, bio-dynamically and along permaculture principles for the past 20 years. The workshop will also cover identifying useful weeds and planting vegetables. Antara is a charity run by volunteers. Info: Phone 423 7070.


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TRANSFORMATIONAL WORKSHOPS

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The Zonta Club of Mangawhai recently presented midwives at the Warkworth Birthing Centre with several cartons of mother and baby gift packs. The packs include new articles handmade or donated by club members, friends and the community. The packs are intended for distribution to women in the club area, from Warkworth north to Waipu, and from Maungaturoto and Paparoa across to Mangawhai. President Sue Poynter says the club’s mission is to advance the status of women. “What better time to help women than when they first become mothers?” she says. “We are delighted to be able to help this transition in a positive way.” Pictured are Zonta members Fran Gouge and Jude Knights with the midwife Sally Wilson (right).

Packs celebrate new mothers

Help for seniorsA resource for older people in greater Auckland and Northland is Senior Line. It provides information on how to get help at home, community health services and rest homes. Contact Senior Line at 0800 725 462 or 09 375 4395, Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm or online at www.adhb.govt.nz/seniorline.


n FAMILY HEALTH & BEAUTY life matters

I have been a Creative Hairstylist for the past 27 years. Within that time I have attended many courses and seminars, and observed and followed many fashion trends to further my hairdressing career. I have also

owned my own business for 20 years in which I trained 15 apprentices in hairdressing. My passion, enthusiasm

and dedication of hairdressing is always within me. As I am now on an exciting new journey, I am looking

forward to working at Rococo with a team of motivated and creative hairstylists, and of course I look

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Vien

nza

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15 Neville Street, Warkworth • phone 09 425 8257 • Email [email protected]

I have been working in the hairdressing industry for four years, in which time I have successfully completed my hairdressing training. I now work as a Creative Stylist.I specialise in creative cutting, colouring and styling and am looking forward to being a part of the highly motivated and inspirational team at Rococo.I look forward to seeing all my regular and new clients at Rococo.Sa

cha

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Rococo Hair Salon is proud to announce the arrival of Viennza Leigh and Sacha Leigh, on joining their team of creative and talented hairstylists.

Rococo has a strong philosophy in creating beautiful hair and to exceed the expectations of all its clients through a “Total Salon Experience”.

All our Creative Stylists are continually trained to meet the changing needs of the hair fashion industry.

So if you are after that “5% magic” in an elite salon call in and see the creative team at Rococo or phone us on 09 425 8257.

hospice awarenessweek 14-20 May 2012

Living with a terminal illness can be like stepping into quicksand, according to family support volunteers at Warkworth Wellsford Hospice.

Don McIntyre prepares to

deliver a bunch of flowers

picked by one hospice client for

another.

Helping families through tough times

Hospice Awareness Week is on from 14 to 20 May and hospice is encouraging families to ask for help sooner rather than later. Family support volunteers are carefully chosen and trained to help in simple ways that can stop families feeling as if they are sinking deeper into a bottomless hole. Warkworth Wellsford Hospice family support team leader Gabrielle Masters has more than 30 volunteers to call on, and can usually find the perfect ‘match’ for a patient. The volunteer will make an introductory visit to the family and then give as much or as little help as the family wants.The role is varied and highly individual. A volunteer might sit with a sick husband while his wife meets friends for coffee or a walk on the beach, take a patient shopping or out for a drive, walk across the farm with them or simply sit quietly, there if needed. Family support volunteer Don McIntyre says it is totally the patient’s choice – one patient used to get Don to drive him to the pub and insisted he play the pokies with him. The volunteers are more than willing, but families are often reluctant to accept their help. Don says it is common for one member of the family to bear most of the responsibility of caring for the patient.“They feel confident they can handle it, then gradually they’re in the quicksand and they get tired, and reluctant to get someone else in to cloud the issue even more,” he says. “But as soon as they do, they get time to recover their strength.

Jenny Howlett believes it is a privilege to be allowed into someone’s life when they are at their most vulnerable.

“Almost without exception, people who have had hospice in have been surprised at the difference it’s made to their lives.”As well as providing time out for the carers, volunteers offer an impartial, non-judgmental ear to the patient. “I can do the kind of straight talking that their family doesn’t give them,” Don says. “I can ask questions such as ‘Do the family know what you want when you die?’; ‘Are your finances in order?’; ‘How do you feel about dying?’ They’ve got no-one else to talk to about that.”Jenny Howlett, another family support volunteer, says sometimes it is the carer who needs someone to confide in.“With one family, I didn’t even see the patient; I was only there to support the wife. I was a shoulder to cry on and used to take her out for coffee.“If dad’s sick, the family can often forget about mum, but I’ve always thought we’re there primarily for the caregiver.”


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Rest home residents, their families, carers, and rest home staff are being surveyed for their views on what, if anything, has changed in rest homes over the past two years.

Rest home survey looks at current standard of care

Auditor-General Lyn Provost, whose office is undertaking the survey, says many of NZ’s most vulnerable older people are being cared for in rest homes, and a review is timely.“My December 2009 report looked at the effectiveness and efficiency of arrangements to check the quality and safety of services provided by rest homes,” she says. “After the report was released, I personally received a number of phone calls from relatives and carers of rest home residents. They

shared a number of areas of concern with me.“This time, I am asking these people for their views. I am keen to know what has changed for the better since we did our first report in 2009, but also where improvements are still needed.”The survey results will be presented to Parliament and will be publicly available, although individual responses will remain anonymous.The online survey is available at www.oag.govt.nz/media/2012/rest-home-survey

Senior driversAge Concern is canvassing interest in two free senior drivers’ courses later this month to assist seniors with recent road rule changes. Morning tea will be provided and there will be no examinations. Anyone interested in attending the Warkworth course, from 9.30am to 12 noon, is asked to register their interest by phoning 09 426 0916. The dates and venues are yet to be determined and the course will only go ahead if 10 or more people register.

The “other” OlympicsAnyone from the Mahurangi area interested in entering a team in this year’s Senior Olympics is asked to register their interest with Age Concern. The event will be held on August 9, at the Leisure Centre Stanmore Bay, and will coincide with the Summer Olympics in London. Info: 09 426 0916.


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HOMEBUILDERS FAMILY SERVICES 5 Hexham Street, Warkworth • Phone 425 7048

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Positive Parenting CourseThis course looks at how we grew up as children and how this influences our ideas

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Date: Fri 27th April 9.30am-12pm, Wellsford (6 weeks) Facilitator: Brian Shires

Being a supportive employerBy Quentin Jukes, helpdesk worker

All of us have times in our life when things get hard. Whether it is a death in the family, illness of a child, a partner being made redundant or deciding to leave, things can happen that make life hard. When this happens to us, we really remember and appreciate the people who step up to help. People who do what they can to help support us through that tough time and show us their care and concern can make a real difference. It usually builds a closer relationship and increases our trust in them and our desire to help them if the chance ever arises.We have been really heartened by lots of local employers making it possible for their staff to have the time out to manage things that come up, such as getting a sick child to the doctor or getting to an urgent lawyer’s appointment. It makes sense for employers to find ways to support their staff when their life takes a turn for the worse. A staff member who feels respected and cared for as a person is far more likely to be willing to go the extra mile in return. Also, in smaller communities, both the individuals and the businesses that treat people well are known, just as those who treat people harshly get a name for themselves. Playing a constructive and supportive role in our community and in the lives of the people we work with, is good business on many levels.There is a wide range of ways to be supportive. Taking the time to listen, not making people feel judged and asking “how can I help?” are a good start, but every situation is different. A good general approach is “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. If you are ever in a situation of wanting to support someone going through a tough time and aren’t sure what to do, we welcome people calling Homebuilders Family Services to have a chat and find out what support is available in our community and how to access this.Understandably, people don’t always know of all the supports that may be available to a family or an individual going through a hard time. So, whether you are an employer, a family member or a friend, feel free to call for a chat. That’s why we are here, to support people going through a tough time and to walk beside them as they find a positive way forward.

callwww.eyedoctors.co.nz (09) 520 9689web

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For specialist eye care see Dr Mark Donaldson, eye surgeon at the Warkworth Medical Centre.

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Are you following us on facebook and twitter?www.facebook.com/mahurangimatters • twitter.com/localmattersnz


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The message coming from the property market is that buyers are out and about and keen to get into the market, whether they are first-time buyers, mid-life stage buyers or even investors. Their eagerness to buy matched to availability of attractive financial support is, however, not being met with a consistent and sufficient supply of new listings. This scenario continues to drive this sellers’ market, where it is clear those homeowners who are putting their property on the market are expecting to see a higher sale price as flagged by this new record level of asking price in March.Property sales are strong – 6168 properties sold in February up 37 percent on a year ago and yet listings flow is not matching with just an eight percent year-on-year growth. This is why the inventory supply of property on the market, as measured by rate of sale, has fallen 31 percent in the past year.The next three months will be crucial as property sales traditionally remain strong through the Autumn, and without the ability of the market to be re-supplied with new listings, the outcome could be further rises in

y The seasonally adjusted asking price rose again to a new high of $429,865 last month, up one percent for the month and up three percent as compared to a year ago.

y The stock of unsold houses on the market fell to a four-year low in March. As compared to a year ago, the inventory of houses on the market has fallen from 46.7 weeks supply to just 32.4 weeks.

y A total of 13,265 new listings came on to the market in March, a slight fall from last month but up eight percent compared to March last year. On a seasonally adjusted basis, listings are down 0.4 percent as compared to February indicating that the market is not responding to shortages of inventory in many areas of the country.

Inventory at four-year low results in record asking prices

asking price and sale price or more significantly a stalling of the market as buyers become wary of a market getting out of reach of the majority of buyers.The level of new listings coming on to the market in March fell slightly with a total of 13,265. This represents a seasonally adjusted fall of just less than one percent from February and is up just eight percent as compared to March last year.

On a 12-month moving average basis, a total of 128,072 new listings have come on to the market since April 2011 as compared to 131,722 in the prior 12 month period, a fall of 2.8 percent. This compares to sales up 15 percent on the same 12-month comparable basis.The level of unsold houses on the market at the end of March (46,411) was down compared with February (47,030) as measured on a seasonally

adjusted basis. This total includes houses, apartments and lifestyle properties on the market. With the rising rate of property sales the inventory on the market has seen a significant drop-off over the past six months, pushing it well below the long-term average of 41 weeks of equivalent sales.Source, NZ Property Report published by Realestate.co.nz


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“Narnia” is your own private paradise. Set on a stunning 12 acres of manicured grounds and paddocks stretching its way along the waterfront, this magnificent property is simply beyond compare. The gracious 1860’s Kauri Villa ‘Kasper House’ has been meticulously restored beyond its former glory. Also includes separate waterfront cottage.

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Seven hectares approved for sub division including level intensive beach front block and elevated lifestyle block. 7ha of farm land rolling down to a large flat area of waterfront with an existing home and buildings with 226m of beautiful beach front. Zoning allows for intensive development almost on the water making the investment beyond special.

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Why is a sole agency the vendor’s best option?

Built-in accountability part of sole agency relationshipBy Garry Knapp, Premium

It is remarkable to observe how often vendors resist the process of engaging a sole agent to handle the divestment of a property, even more so when looking from the sideline it is so obviously essential, in most cases, that they do the opposite.Yes, there are occasions when a general agency will suffice but be aware the general agency is a sad waif in the real estate office. There has been no commitment from the vendor to the agency when entering into a general agency and the truth is very often that lack of commitment is returned in spades. The agency has to make choices about resources such as window space, signage advertising opportunity and so on, and the sole agency listing always takes priority. Even worse, the office split on commissions in most real estate agencies are very poor to the general agency. What that means is the agents face a disincentive to handle them.Experience has shown that where a general listing culture has developed, we will find a lack of professional commitment and thereby, poor performance in standards and outcomes for client vendors from the existing

real estate professionals. In short, the vendors have had bad experiences from sole agency commitments. This sentiment can, of course, have more to do with a poor market than the local agents actual deficiencies.Something that we find client vendors do not always realise or appreciate is that the sole agency is a powerful contract that ties the parties into the full ramifications of the Consumer Guarantees Act and other consumer protection. It places a high level of responsibility upon the real estate agency. A client vendor can have quite high expectations from a sole agency that is simply not a feature of the general agency.The sole agency relationship provides for a significant elevation in the degree of trust and professional behaviour from an agent. The agency belongs to the company and is managed on behalf of the company by your nominated licensee (sales person). If things are not unfolding as you expected, you can call people to account exercising a high degree of authority. Full article can be read in the real estate section at localmatters.co.nz


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17A Neville Street, Warkworth Tel 09 425 7884 Fax 09 425 7032 Email [email protected]

• Dr John Gray Resident Partner

• Carlene Blucher Solicitor

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Insight Legal can provide friendly assistance with a wide range of Property issues together with other services including Family, Estates, Trusts, Wills, Subdivisions, Employment and Small Business Advice.

• Selling your home? • Buying a new home? • Buying or selling an investment property? • Refi nancing?

Regulatory hurdles and a shortage of industrial sites could hinder Warkworth’s future, according to MS Engineering’s managing director Hugh Harvey, whose company recently snapped up one of few such locations that remain in the area.It now has 4500sqm in the old PMP Print building, accessed from Morrison Rd, more than quadrupling the space it occupied in Glenmore Drive for the past 28 years, and the move has already improved its ability to handle major jobs simultaneously.Hugh says the company has always done big work, including 150 tonnes of structural steel for Mitre 10 Mega, but managing such large projects in a confined space was challenging and unsustainable as it meant everyone had to work on the same thing at once. With expansion of its fabrication area, from about 180sqm to 1500sqm, that’s no longer the case.“We’ve previously been unable to chase bigger work, but now it’s starting to chase us because we’ve got the capacity. At the moment we’ve got six to eight significant jobs on the go.”Hugh credits the company’s broad-based business model for seeing it safely through the recession, despite the demise of some of its key clients.As well as fabrication, the company includes a manual machine shop, computer-controlled CNC machining centres, a stand-alone aluminium and stainless steel fabrication department, supplies and services hydraulic hoses and fittings, and sells gas. It also manages whole projects encompassing elements like civil engineering and construction.Around 25 permanent staff are supplemented by contractors employed on a project basis, which has

seen the team increase to as many as 50 at times in the last year. However, Hugh says to achieve levels of local job growth necessary in the district, Council must act to make industrial land more accessible.“The Council has to do things to attract industry that’s going to employ more people.“There’s no Irwins in Wellsford, there’s no PMP Times in Warkworth - our two biggest employers are gone – that’s a big void that’s got to be filled.”He can think of only a few industrial sites in Gumfield Drive capable of attracting the type of large-scale businesses required and says Council needs to address both zoning and the red tape required for industry to operate.Though he found Council people helpful during his move, he says the fact that he had to involve them at all was “a bit of a shame”.“There should be a whole lot less bureaucracy. I thought that’s what Rodney Hide’s review of the Resource Management Act was all about, but either it hasn’t filtered through yet or it must have been jolly hard work in the past.”After a lifetime in the district, Hugh is committed to Warkworth, although he says much of the company’s work is from Auckland and further afield, which means it could easily have relocated to Silverdale or elsewhere.While good road links mean Warkworth businesses are currently just half an hour from Auckland, he warns that could change.“If Council doesn’t address this, the road to Auckland is not going to be satisfactory because there’s going to be so many people commuting.”

MS Engineering’s Hugh Harvey has moved to bigger premises and says more major industry is necessary to create local jobs.

Obstacles to industry may have serious repercussions


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The face of real estate is changing as technology impacts on the interface that buyers, sellers and agents have with properties and each other, and the pace of that change is increasing.Websites, photo slideshows and links to in-depth property and market information have replaced static photos in real estate windows. Buyers expect to link to contact details at the click of a button, communicate instantly and, increasingly, to carry all of this in the palm of their hands.Official online media company of the NZ real estate industry, Realestate.co.nz Ltd is a dominant force in the field, providing websites targeting all the main categories of real estate. Established in 2005, it shows listings of more than 1140 real estate offices and, according to Nielsen Online, draws a total viewing audience of more than 400,000 visitors a month from NZ and overseas.At any one time, more than 110,000 listings are featured representing more than 93 percent of all listings currently marketed by licensed real estate professionals (operating under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008). Despite its success online, Realestate.co.nz chief executive Alistair Helm says the extent and speed of uptake of their mobile app, launched just 15 months

Realestate.co.nz chief executive Alistair Helm.

Technology transforms real estate market

A geo-locational mobile app is capturing nearly a quarter of listing views.

ago for the iPhone and last October for Androids, has been surprising, now attracting 85,000 visits a month.He notes online in The Unconditional Blog that a staggering one-in-five property hunters use a mobile device to find property information – 22 percent of all views of listings on realestate.co.nz were undertaken on the go, from a mobile device. That’s a massive increase from just eight percent a year ago.Alistair says app usage is heavily skewed to the weekend, when people are out looking at open homes and want to find out more about the neighbourhood they’re in.

“There are plenty of similar apps overseas, but ours is the only one in New Zealand that captures the geo-locational components of listings and puts them on maps in the palm of your hand. When you move around, the map moves and your location moves. It’s totally intuitive. It’s like users can hover above their suburb and see what else is around them.”Another popular advance is the availability of embedded floor plans on the website, including interactive ones which allow users to hover over a room and see different photos from different angles.Alistair says the rapid growth of technology has challenged agents, who have had to adjust from traditional, closely cultivated relationships, to a more anonymous style of communication. However, they’ve recently embraced the change, putting their online presence first, including more photos and much more detailed property information, rather than treating it as an afterthought, he says.“Six years ago an average listing had maybe two to three photos, now the average is upwards of 20.”The result is time savings for buyers, who can make more refined judgements about where they want to spend their

time, and better information for sellers. It also means greater efficiency for agents, filtering out enquiries from “tyre kickers” and enabling them to market online, handle enquiries through email and text, and have more time for “negotiating, facilitating, moving the process on and representing the client”.While the industry still considers a high street presence as important to maintain brand awareness and local connections in a competitive market place, the shopfront’s place in advertising property has almost disappeared. “There aren’t people standing outside real estate offices looking at property these days. They do that at home and in the office and from a café.”While agents may get fewer calls, they’re likely to be of better quality, from people who have already done their research, he says.


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When is putting my house up for auction a better option?

Auctions can obtain premium price, but need commitmentBy Pete Taylor, Barfoot & Thompson Warkworth

There is often a perception that an auction will only devalue a property or that the auction process will cost a small fortune. While these are very valid concerns, and many people often feel the same way, it’s probably helpful to understand that the term ‘auction’ is simply a process designed to achieve a fair market value at a level acceptable to the vendor and the purchaser.We find most purchasers are very comfortable bidding in an open forum to a level they are comfortable with. When there is real competitive bidding, the purchasers can choose whether or not to bid beyond their ideal purchase price and pay a premium in order to own the property. This environment is created by an open process and is one of the few ways of obtaining a true premium price, regardless of initial expectations, whether they are high or low. However, this process also demands a higher level of expertise and energy by the salesperson. In short, if you are considering

going to auction, choose the right agent to represent you. No matter what company they are from, ensure everyone who is likely to come into contact with ‘your’ buyer, is trained to a level that you are happy with. This includes when buyers phone or walk into your chosen real estate office. The other common concern that an auction will cost a small fortune is also valid but possibly fuelled by a history of other experiences and misconceptions. As with selling anything, especially property, it is important to be exposed to as many interested parties as possible. Although we can give you advice on what is working best in the current market at a particular time, this level of exposure is absolutely a personal choice. Ideally, this should be the same whether you are selling at a price or any other process such as an auction and should not be confused with the process itself. I believe all properties are worthy of the benefits of going to auction. However, not all owners are ready to seriously commit to selling at a particular time. Full article can be read in the real estate section at localmatters.co.nz


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09 425 7640

Mackys Real Estate Ltd Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Bayleys in the North have just opened a new office at 334 Mahurangi East Road and we are growing our business quickly.

If you are thinking of selling, give the Bayleys team a call – they outline the Bayleys approach, and what they can do for you.

Living in Mahurangi East? There is a new team in town!Ben Kloppers021 425 599

Boyd Gunn021 206 8337

Shailenne Parkes021 117 9142

What’s the best thing I can do to help my house sell?

Marketing property offers choice, so get the right adviceBy Mark Macky, Bayleys in the North

Presentation of a property is important. If you want the best possible price you want purchasers to think that they are buying a property that has been well cared for and that won’t require a significant amount of maintenance immediately. Make sure the gutters are clean and do a good waterblast if you can. Clean windows are good too! Inside the house, de-clutter and put things into storage – it’s amazing how it can make a difference with the presentation of a property.Probably the most important thing you can do to help get your house sold is to choose the right agent to work with. They should be your partner in the process and provide good feedback on how to best present your property, the best way to market and promote it and, very importantly, provide you detailed reports on who has inspected your property and what their feedback is.A property is at its most saleable in the first four to six weeks that it is on the market. For this reason, make sure you present it really well from the start and have great photography. Over-pricing a property at the start can mean you miss the best buyers, and the

When is putting the house up for auction a better option?property can languish on the market for months. Get written appraisals from agents, compare your property with what is on the market currently and what has sold (as properties that have been on the market for two years and not sold don’t always give you the best price indication), and set a realistic price for it. It is terrible to see a property sit on the market for two years unsold, and then in desperation the vendors finally drop the price to less than what they could have sold for more than two years ago

Mark Macky says a recent example of a good auction outcome was this Christian Bay property. It had five bidders on it and two parties kept bidding and drove the price up. It finally sold for $1.065m – not bad for a very original bach one back from the water.

Auctions are a good method of sale for creating interest and putting a deadline on purchasers to make a decision. As long as your property doesn’t have any major fish-hooks – consent issues or no CCC – and if it is likely to attract more than one buyer then the auction method of sale can be a great way to get a result.While not all properties sell under the hammer, auctions generate strong interest and focus the buyers on the property. The vast majority of auctions do sell either at auction or within a week or two. The great thing with an

auction is that if one or two buyers really fall in love with the property the vendors can achieve a great price. Not all companies run auctions the same way, so make sure you ask the agent for details so that you understand the process before you commit to it.


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We’re proud to represent real estate in the North - it’s a part of the world we love. With seven o�ces throughout the area and over 55 salespeople, our commitment to the property market and our overall focus on doing things better has helped us to secure the position of market leader in our region. We may be big but it starts with family; we’re proud New Zealander’s and our business is family owned. To �nd out how we can achieve big results for you, call us today or visit us at www.bayleys.co.nz

Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Licensed Under REA Act 2008

Call one of our Directors todayMark Macky 021 772 711Kirsty Stevenson 021 867 454

One of the last substantial land holdings suitable for residential development on the Mahurangi East peninsula is on the market. The 6.44 hectare property runs along Mahurangi East Road, at Snells Beach, and adjoins the Cabra residential development. Barfoot & Thompson commercial broker Barry Masefield says the present owners have held the property since 1987. “We will be targeting overseas and New Zealand development companies including retirement home operators and land bankers, and are expecting strong interest,” he says. Half the property is zoned medium intensity residential, while the remainder is East Coast rural. “It’s an exciting block because of its size and proximity to the shops.”

For the past two years, Mike Robb and his family have been attempting to sell two prime commercial freehold sites in Hamatana Road, Snells Beach.The properties were inherited through a relative, the late Ashley Blunden. Mike, who lives in Arrowtown, says the sales were designed to generate some cash flow, but despite what he considered fair selling prices – $575,000 for the 5475sqm site and $210,000 for the separate 1317sqm parcel – they failed to attract a buyer.“I think a major stumbling block was the paper road that runs along the boundary,” he says. “It creates a lot of uncertainty. “Several people were interested in the land, but without the surety of knowing whether that road would go through and what restrictions might be imposed along it, people were unwilling to commit.“Council needs to get on to the project, because it is a major hurdle to getting businesses to commit to that area.”The land falls within the Special 20 (Mahurangi East Seaside Village Centre) Zone, which envisages the development of new compact facilities around the existing Mahurangi East commercial area. The special zone specifically encourages the use of adjoining land, running behind the shopping centre, rather than extending activities along the frontage of Mahurangi East Road.Although Mike says the smaller of the two blocks is now almost “98 percent” sold, his family is re-considering what it might do with the remaining land.“There’s very little good quality factory space around so one option might be to develop the land ourselves.”

Large Snells land parcel up for sale Land sales falter on Council uncertainty


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Home buyers in the Kaipara/Mahurangi area have a new service at their disposal which can identify if a house has any moisture issues and what level of insulation has been installed.

Sven Oltersdorf

Colour images detect hidden building imperfections

Infra-Tech NZ managing director Sven Oltersdorf, based in Mangawhai, says his pre-purchase house inspections are carried out using an infrared camera which connects to a laptop for easy reporting including images.He says just like a vehicle warrant-of-fitness or boat survey, the infrared inspection can identify existing and potential problems.“The different colours in the images represent temperature variations,” he says. “Some may be only minor and have no bearing on the structural integrity of the house. However, others can pinpoint leaks and moisture build-up. The area may not necessarily be damaged, but some timely repairs could save the homeowner thousands of dollars down the track.“The other benefit is knowing where insulation may be missing in walls and ceilings without having to make a physical inspection, which can be almost impossible in some houses. A poorly insulated house can cost the homeowner hundreds of dollars a year so it makes sense to get it checked.”

Sven, a German trained engineer, says similar technology has been used in the motoring industry overseas for years. It has many applications and can be used to identify wear and tear on bearings in large mechanical and engineering plant and equipment.Sven also supports vets by using themography when clients wish to do a pre-purchase examination to identify any possible injuries or infections in horse joints.


Phone for a free quote 0800 276 7726 or email [email protected]

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PROPERT Y FEATURE

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John Angus is one of the most well respected real estate professionals in the region and says “Pop in anytime for a chat,there is always a hot/cold beverage waiting for you and know-ledge about the region to assist you in either buying or selling”

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About 300 agents attended the first Harcourts Continuing Education Session held in Auckland recently.Under the new Real Estate Agents Authority (REAA) practice rule, all agents holding real estate licenses are required to do 20 hours of verifiable continuing education annually.Harcourts Group chief Hayden Duncan says the industry is tightening up on regulation and the accountability of those practising real estate.“This type of regulation and its requirements will ultimately provide buyers and sellers with more peace of mind,” he says. “The REAA has had an average of 60 concerns raised over the last seven months and no-one in the industry likes to hear of a complaint.“Here at Harcourts, we believe that attending training sessions, rather than doing it online, reinforces the message that we are in this business

to deliver the best level of service we possibly can.”The verifiable continuing education topic this year is Professional Conduct and Client Care Rules, with a focus on misconduct and misrepresentation.Harcourts has been approved by the REAA as an official training provider.Anyone with a real estate licence now needs to demonstrate that they have completed the continuing education requirements in order to renew their licence from 2013 onwards.The REAA will be auditing about five percent of renewing licensees each year. Licensees will need to provide a Certificate of Completion and a log of the details of what they did to complete the continuing education requirement.

Agents head back to schoolThe Ellerslie Events Centre was the venue for the first Harcourts Continuing Education Session, which is now a requirement for all licensed real estate agents.


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Ben Kloppers021 425 599

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Mackys Real Estate Ltd Licensed under the REA Act 2008

A recovery in real estate sales volumes, coupled with a desire to better serve customers, has prompted Bayleys in the North to open an office on the Mahurangi East peninsula, at Snells Beach.

Pictured at Bayley’s new Mahurangi East office are Ben Kloppers (back, left) and Boyd Gunn. Front, Shailenne Parkes and Mark Macky.

Rebounding market adds confidence to Bayleys move to Mahurangi East

Company director Mark Macky says the market is clearly recovering and we are through the worst of the real estate cycle. This is best illustrated in the 27 unconditional sales that were achieved in the Snells/ Algies market in the Jan-Mar quarter in 2012 versus only 17 sales in the same period for last year.Mark says Bayleys specialises in selling the best homes at all price points, which means anything from $300,000 to $3 million.“The peninsula remains relatively under-valued,” he says. “Half a million dollars in Auckland or Orewa buys very little, but in the Snells Beach/Algies Bay area you can get a very tidy property with an enviable quality of life – it’s a pretty compelling proposition which will become increasingly attractive to families and retirees looking to sell up further south and have something left over to put in the bank.”Marks says while the Sandspit marina project is likely to boost interest in the market from holidaymakers, the extension of the motorway from Puhoi to Warkworth will be critical to underwriting a sustained real estate recovery in the north.“The peninsula has everything going for it – sensational views, good schools, and excellent restaurants, cafes and shops – but we need the new motorway to happen sooner rather than later.”The Mahurangi East office is the franchise’s eighth, with the others located at Mangawhai, Omaha, Warkworth, Orewa, Whangaparaoa and two in Whangarei.

Although the office is new, the staff based there has a wealth of experience. Ben Kloppers and Shailenne Parkes both live in the area and have each worked in real estate for the past nine years. Agent Boyd Gunn has moved from South Head specifically to join the local office and also has nine years experience.Mark says the office will give vendors on the peninsula a much higher standard of marketing, with professional photography that presents their properties in the best possible light.

Privacy Awareness Week runs from April 29 to May 5 and is all about promoting awareness of privacy rights and responsibilities in the community. In these times when online social networking and cloud computing is part of everyday life, it’s important to protect personal information. Here’s some advice: y Before giving out any personal information, ask what it will be used for and who will see it.

y Ask to see any personal information held about you. If it’s wrong, ask for it to be corrected.

y Keep kids safe online by encouraging them to talk about what they’re doing.

y Rip up personal letters and bills, or use a shedder before placing them in the rubbish.

y Limit the risk of buying online by using a separate, low-limit credit card.

y Use a nickname if posting personal information on the Internet.

y Check security procedures in Internet cafés and make sure to log out before leaving.

Source: privacy.org.nz

Protecting privacy in a modern world

Student allowance threshold heldThere will be no increase to the student allowance parental income threshold this year. Student allowance rates and student loans living costs were increased by 1.77 percent on April 1, as part of the 2012 Annual General Adjustment. Tertiary education minister Steven Joyce says freezing the threshold at current levels is the first step in curbing the major expenditure increase in student allowances over the last few years.


local businessn INTRODUCING n CHANGING PLACES

12

The largest supplier of specialist hydraulics services and parts in Northland has set up a mobile 24/7 hose and fitting service in Warkworth.Based in Whangarei, McRaes Hydraulics Engineering has more than 50 years experience in the trade, providing a number of services from system design, sales, service and installation, to industrial engineering and marine engineering.The new mobile hose and fitting service will be run by Kevin Jones, who has 12 years experience in the trade and has worked for McRaes as a hose and fitting service technician for the past five years. He moved to Matakana last year to be closer to family and found there was a need for this type of service in the area.“There isn’t much competition for us in Rodney,” he says. “You’d be surprised how many things depend on hydraulics these days. My truck is a fully operational workshop and can repair most hose and fittings breakdowns on the spot, anywhere from the Auckland Harbour Bridge to Wellsford.”McRaes chief executive Dennis Maconaghie says their services are expanding to cater to a number of national and international customers.“McRaes is a key sub-contractor providing hydraulic and mechanical

McRaes Hydraulics Engineering

management in the reconstruction of a former Royal Dutch Navy Frigate, originally built in 1978, into one of the world’s largest mega-yachts, the Swift 141,” he says.“This mega-yacht is the size of one-and-a-half football fields and is heavily reliant on hydraulics. Up to 20 of our staff have lived in Abu Dhabi for the last two years and will be there for another six months.”Dennis says there are a number of reasons why hydraulics are used instead of electricity or mechanical power including safety issues and the ease of getting lots of power directly to where it is needed.“Hydraulics can move mountains.”

Kevin Jones

A forced move from the Town Hall has led the Celebration Centre to relocate to the Warkworth Methodist Church Hall, Hexham St, and a new Friday night ministry from April 27 at 6.30pm.Church leaders Ben and Natalie Longwell are grateful to the Methodist minister for allowing another church group to share the space, a factor that helped to inspire their new approach.“Obviously the church was already being used on Sundays, so we thought, why not change it completely and meet on a Friday evening? We feel like it’s a strategy from God that will bring change to our group and get attention from the community, enabling people to join in and still keep their weekend free,” says Ben.Plans include a café-style meeting on the first Friday of each month, getting people together for food and fellowship. Ben says services are generally around an hour long and involve a relaxed time of prayer and singing combined with a brief sermon featuring reference to scripture in a down-to-earth context that relates to people’s everyday lives.Smaller groups also meet at other times in people’s homes around the district.The Celebration Centre congregation currently includes about 40 people of all ages from babies to grandparents

and has recently attracted a number of newcomers including young people looking for a new style of worship.Since leaving the town hall at the end of last year the group has been meeting at the neighbouring Bridge Clubrooms and enjoying an informal structure, combining its ministry with field trips, like a visit to Ben’s horse training facility for a lesson on the spiritual parallels in horse training; and practical projects, from food parcels to house repairs, to help people in need.Ben says they hope to continue to offer help to others with no other agenda than providing a practical demonstration of what they preach.

Ben and Natalie Longwell and their son Colt.

The Celebration Centre


localentertainmentOlivier Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time, a work first heard in the German prisoner of war camp Stalag 8A in the winter of 1941, forms the basis of a concert programme in Warkworth on April 28.

The Akako Quartet – violinist Simeon Broom, pianist Rachel Church, cellist Victoria Simonsen and clarinettist, Sarah Masters.

Work of inspiration underscores concertThe work will be performed by the Akoka Quartet, an ensemble comprising four young New Zealanders who have been studying and performing in the UK and Europe. Warkworth is one of five venues on their northern tour.Quartet for the End of Time was written for instruments and players Messiaen found among his fellow camp inmates. Henri Akoka, from whom this ensemble takes its name, was the Algerian Jewish clarinettist who played with Messiaen on the night of the work’s premiere.When a music-loving German guard released Messiaen and two other French musicians, Akoka was left behind. However, he later escaped and went on to a career as a character actor.Clarinettist Sarah Masters, who has performed in the UK’s top professional orchestras including the Hallé Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic, says Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time is an astounding work with a remarkable history. “Every time we perform it, I am reminded of how music has an incredible ability to inspire, excite, mesmerise and take you to another place,” she says.

“We have had wonderful responses from audiences in the UK in our recent concerts and we can’t wait to perform this work again in New Zealand.”The programme will also include Milhaud’s Suite for Violin, Clarinet and Piano Opus 157b and Faure’s Piano trio in D Minor Opus 120.

The concert, in the Mahurangi College Auditorium, is presented by the Warkworth Music Society in association with Chamber Music NZ. Tickets, available at the door, are $25 for adults and free for students. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Info: Phone 425 7313.

BriefsShow seeks stall holders After a successful event last year the Wellsford Country Show will be back in November. Held at Centennial Park Showgrounds, organisers are looking for people interested in holding trade stands, craft and market stalls, food outlets, entertainment, displays, vintage and classic cars, and animal displays. Sponsorship options are available for businesses wanting to support the show, which is run by volunteers. Info: Lynette Gubb 021 116 8437 (entertainment), Jo Wood 021 377 300 (stallholders).

Maungaturoto fundraiserA Quiz Night will be held at the Maungaturoto Community Centennial Hall on Saturday April 28, starting at 7pm. The cost is $10 per person and there’s a maximum of six people per team. The event is a fundraiser to help save the hall. There will be a cash bar, raffles and prizes. Info: Nyree on 09 431 8462.

Comedy showcase Top international comedians Jason John Whitehead and Urzila Carlson will perform at the Leigh Sawmill Café on April 26, on stage from 9pm. Tickets are $25. Info: sawmillcafe.co.nz


localentertainment

For detailed itinerary phone 09 423 7416 [email protected] • www.leabourn.co.nz

Your last chance to book your

Northland Holidays

P A S S E N G E R S E R V I C E

Akoka QuartetSarah Masters - Clarinet • Simeon Broom - Violin

Victoria Simonsen - Cello • Rachel Church - Piano These prize winning young New Zealanders return home to perfom

Messiaen’s astounding ‘Quartet for the End of Time’ and works by Milhaud & Fauré

Saturday 28 April at 7.30pm, Mahurangi College Hall, Warkworth

Tickets at door Adults $25 STUDENTS FREE • Info: Ph 425-7313

Warkworth Music Societypresents

TheKowhai Singers

Go For Baroquepresent

at Mahurangi College Auditorium

Saturday 5 May 2012, 7.30pm Tickets $20 – available from choir members,

Warkworth i-SITE or at the door

– Complimentary wine and cheese included –

Music lovers, who are unfamiliar with baroque, have a treat in store for them next month.Kowhai Singers will present the concert Go for Baroque at Mahurangi College Auditorium on Saturday May 5. Both the full choir of about 40 members and the chamber choir of 12 voices will be directed by Peter Cammell.The programme will include Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, Sheep May Safely Graze, Almighty and Everlasting God and many more. Committee member Jocelyn Brough says a quirky version of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah, composed by Carl Strommen, a leading American composer of instrumental and vocal music, is guaranteed to bring a smile. Some of the better known composers of Baroque are Vivaldi, Bach, Handel,

Scarlatti, Byrd and Victoria.Baroque music is a style of Western music extending from about 1600 to 1750, bridging the Renaissance and Classical eras. It expresses order – the fundamental order of the universe – yet is always lively and tuneful. Many musical terms and concepts from the Baroque era are still in use today.Maggie says increasingly, people are seeking to return to music for the mind; music combining beauty with the order of an underlying architecture and structure. As a result, there has been a resurgence of interest in the baroque. Tickets are available from Warkworth i-Site or at the door. The concert starts at 7.30pm. Info: Phone Maggie on 425 6365 or Jocelyn on 425 5495.

Singers capture baroque traditionBach meets Cammell in the Warkworth Go for Baroque concert.

There will be inflatable activities galore at this year’s Children’s Day event at Wellsford Centennial Park, on April 29.

Around 300 people attended last year’s Children’s Day event in Wellsford.

Action packed day for kids

From bouncy castles to water walkers and an inflatable football pitch, children of all ages are being invited to get in on the action.Starting at 1pm, other activities include pony rides, face painting, obstacle courses and a kickboxing demonstration. One ticket allows the holder to participate in 10 games/activities and the ticket can also be put in the draw for a range of family orientated prizes such as horse treks and a weekend away. Organised by the Wellsford District Sport and Recreation Collective, this is the second Children’s Day event.

Last year they raised around $1700. Coordinator Julie Hawkes says she is hoping to raise double that amount this year. “All funds will go towards the Centennial Park Sport Complex,” she says. “As well as being a fundraiser, the aim is to offer a local, inexpensive event for families to attend. We had some great feedback last year from people who said that it helped raise community morale.”Julie says it is not too late if any local businesses would like to sponsor a family orientated prize for the ticket draw.


localentertainment

For tickets and special package phone (09) 422-9601 ext 2

or email [email protected] Full details at www.AscensionWine.co.nz

Tickets $60 Seated general admission Special Package $99

(Show + 2 course pre-show dinner from 6pm)

includes FREE upgrade to reserved seating area for show

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Saturday May 5th Doors open 7pm

Show starts 8pm and concludes around 10.30pm

GRAYBARTLETT

Plays Chet Atkins

EDDIELOW

Sings Roy Orbison

JODIVAUGHAN

Sings Dolly Parton

TRUE LEGENDS

BRENDANDUGAN

Sings Johnny Cash

TV’s Original Country Music Stars Hear Eddie Low sing Roy Orbison, Brendan

Dugan sing Johnny Cash, Jodi Vaughan sing Dolly Parton, and Gray Bartlett

play Chet Atkins... plus they will all sing and

play their own hits!

Legends do it againThe True Legends of NZ country music and television show’s original stars – Gray Bartlett, Eddie Low, Brendan Dugan, and Jodi Vaughan and their All Star Band – return to Ascension Wine Estate Matakana on Saturday June 18. While Bartlett, Low, Dugan and Vaughan perform their own music, the show is centred around the songs of four of the world’s country music legends – Eddie Low sings Roy Orbison, Brendan Dugan performs the music of Johnny Cash, Jodi Vaughan sings Dolly Parton’s hits and Gray Bartlett plays Chet Atkins. Last year, the event sold out.

An exhibition that offers a chance for quiet contemplation, put together by a group of local Christian artists, is currently on show at Estuary Arts in Orewa.

Artists, from left, Cassie Cross, Ursula Cranmer and Graham Braddock with work featured in an Easter-themed exhibition.

Organiser and principal artist, Graham Braddock, who has around 40 pieces in the exhibition, says the idea is to inspire, with work that reflects a positive world view.A total of 11 other artists have contributed to the O4eyes2C show. They are Ian Anderson, Natalie and Neil Fuge, Bob Mitchener, Joan Braddock, Russell and Jeanette Kells, Trevor Dowman, Ursula Cranmer, Cassie Cross and Linda Stevenson.

Graham, who has been a professional artist for 35 years, says the show is not “heavily religious”, but one that any member of the public can relate to and enjoy.“We wanted to have an exhibition that would connect people with our roots as a society and reflect the importance of Easter as the highlight of the Christian calendar,” Graham says.The O4eyes2C exhibition runs until April 29.

Estuary exhibition explores quiet art of contemplation

Two iconic Kiwi musical acts will appear for a one-off afternoon of Kiwi classics indoors at Ascension Wine Estate on Sunday afternoon April 29.Mark Williams was one of the biggest recording sensations of the 70s with hits like Yesterday Was Just the Beginning of My Life and Show No Mercy. For the last seven years he has fronted Dragon, rocking out the bands classics which will also be performed at Ascension.Reggae vocal group Herbs will deliver an energetic acoustic set of their hits as Herbs Unplugged. With a catalogue including Sensitive to a Smile, Listen and French Letter, plus their work with Dave Dobbyn (Slice of Heaven), Tim Finn (Parihaka) and Annie Crummer (See What Love Can Do), there will be no shortage of classy ammunition for the band.The Herbs Unplugged line-up includes Dilworth Karaka and Tama Lundon, joined on stage by brothers Ben and

Herbs Unplugged and Mark Williams will play in Matakana on April 29.

Kiwi hit makers revisit classics

Tau Ratima from their band Localized. Karaka was a foundation member of Herbs back in 1980 and Lundon has been a permanent fixture since 1984.


localentertainment ANZAC Week

WARKWORTH

We will remember them!All welcome...all week!

WARKWORTH RSA28 Neville StreetPhone 09 425 8568

Friday 20th April The 90th Poppy DayVolunteer stations outside Warkworth New World, Harcourts, The Warehouse Snells Beach and The General Store Leigh, from 9am to 4pm. All proceeds stay in the community for the welfare of our Returned Servicemen and their families. Raffles at 5pm followed by the great Country Rock Band “Urban Country”.

Monday 23rd to Friday 27th April Movies Three great WW2 DVD Documentaries and War themes comedies. “Spirit of the Railway” and “The Quiet Lions” retells the true story of the Thai/Burma Railway & “The Lost Airmen of Buchenwald” (as recently shown on Prime TV). Plus the war comedies “It ain’t half hot Mum”, “Dad’s Army”, “Allo Allo” showing continuously both days from 11am, upstairs in the library.

Wednesday 25th April ANZAC DAYDawn Service 6am, followed by 10.30am Commemorative Civic Service. Meet back at the RSA for THE GREAT ANZAC DAY BRUNCH - no charge, with donations welcome to the Christchurch RSA rebuild. Enjoy the Mahurangi College Kapa Haka group entertaining with war favourites and sing-a-long from 1pm.

Thursday 26th April Darts & PoolIntroduction to darts and pool. Lessons and a fun tournament from 6pm. Happy hour drinks from 5.30pm.

Friday 27th April Live BandFriday raffles and live band “Tall Order” from 7pm. No cover charge.

Saturday 28th April Let’s Play Bowls1pm to 3pm, All welcome to our fun indoor bowls roll up.

Saturday 28th April Showtime - Decades of ComedyAfternoon show and dinner included, Colin Parris and Guy Cater with an amazing show filled with memories, music and mirth. Three hour show from 3pm and dinner at 6pm, only $30 all inclusive - Returned Servicemen complimentary.

Sunday 29th AprilWarkworth Brass BandPlaying “ANZAC” themed tunes from 4pm to 5pm.Happy hour drinks from 4pm to 5pm.

Warkworth6am dawn parade, starts at the band rotunda, Church Hill Road, followed by tea and biscuits at the RSA. Civic Parade starts at 10.30am at the band rotunda, finishing at the RSA for lunch, with entertainment from the Mahurangi College Kapa Haka group from 1pm. The Warkworth RSA is holding a number of ANZAC events from April 20 to 29. Events include screening of World War II documentaries and war-themed comedies, friendly darts and pool tournaments, bowls and live music.

MatakoheThere will be a combined service of Paparoa Returned Servicemen’s Association and The Kauri Museum. Starting at 10.30am with fall in at the Matakohe War Memorial Hall. The march will halt at the Cemetery Flag where poppy detail will take place on Gordon Coates’ grave, the flag will be lowered and the Last Post sounded. The march will continue to the Gun Memorial for wreath-laying by schools, then to the War Memorial Hall for further wreath-laying following which it will continue into the Volunteers Hall of the Museum. A service will then be held during which family or friends will have the opportunity to lay flowers or poppies in the display near photographs of their loved ones. After the service a cup of tea will be served in the Matakohe War Memorial Hall provided by the Committee of the Friends of the Museum and the Paparoa Returned Servicemen’s Association.

Wellsford6am dawn service at Memorial Park, Port Albert Road, followed by refreshments and a champagne breakfast at the Wellsford RSA. Bookings required. Phone 423 8870 or 423 8619.

Anzac Day Wednesday 25 April

Talent takes Warkworth stageWarkworth’s young Idols turned out in droves for the annual Warkworth Primary School competition. More than 100 children entered the three sections – instrumental, dance and singing. Major prize winners received certificate vouchers from sponsor United Video in Warkworth. The overall Warkworth Idol winner was Emily Martin who sang Count on Me by Bruno Mars. Main prize-winners were: Instrumental – Claire Mattner 1, Kate Niccolls 2 and Halle Gravatt 3. Dance – Kristel Davies and Brandon Lewis 1; Anna Pallister, Hannah Rodger, Caitlin Rouse, Samara Shore and Molly Illingworth 2 equal; Juliette Twhigg, Esther Aruch, Carissa Smith 3. Singing – Emily Martin 1, Lineni Vaotangi 2, Elena Cooper 3.

Leigh Assemble outside 22 Harbour View Road, Leigh at 10.50am, march to Leigh Cemetery at 11am for service and laying of wreaths. Weather option is the Leigh Hall. Bring a plate for refreshments following the service. Info: Sheryl Corbett 422 6001 or Marion Ross 422 6996.

Kawau IslandFull Anzac Day ceremony held at Kawau Island Yacht Club at 12 noon (or later if ferry arrives late). All welcome. Refreshments will be available at the club afterwards. Info: 422 8845.

HakaruAssemble at 10am, march to flag at 10.30am, followed by service at 11am including guest speakers. Light refreshments follow service. Visitors advised to arrive early as large crowds are expected.

MaungaturotoA Dawn Service will be held at the Lawn Cemetery, View Street, Maungaturoto. Assemble at 5.45am parade at 6am. The ceremony will be followed by a light breakfast at the RSA. An Anzac brunch will be held from 11am, with an ode reading at 12pm. Info: Noel Smith 0294 752 601.

For upcoming events and entertainment visit our What’s On section at www.localmatters.co.nz


Fill in this grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9.

Solution page 42

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HARD

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2 9 5

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7 2 9 5 4

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1 3

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Sudoku

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Pathwayswith Ras Sutherland [email protected] Advocating for walkways/cycleways in east Rodney

Vision becomes realityAs soon as the Matakana Fruitloop fundraiser was cleared up last month, Scott McCallum turned his energies back to the construction of Stage 2 of the Matakana Community Group’s project. The focus now is on providing a walkway/cycleway linking Matakana with the existing pathway between Point Wells and Omaha. This important new stage is on an easement over private land and, with the enthusiastic support and tolerance of landowners Skip and Jill Whitmore, the earthworks including a stylish switchback have been completed. The base-course has been laid on the lower-lying parts and this will have an added benefit of providing access for materials for the construction of the boardwalk sections bridging the wetlands. While the rain through the latter part of summer has not helped the development, the fencing is also underway and the wetlands can then be rehabilitated with additional plantings. The top section of this stage can be viewed near the corner of Takatu and Whitmore Roads, and the sheer scale of the pathway leading into the distance gives a sense of solid achievement after what can seem like the months of planning and meetings. It is well worth a look to witness a community project of this nature steadily coming to fruition and delivering on what may have seemed a rather fanciful vision. It also lends credence to the PACER vision of a pathway accessing the communities of East Rodney.Scott and his chief cohort, Matakana Community Group chairman Neville Johnson, are hoping that this stage will open to the public in June. It will have a major beneficial impact for walkers/cyclists wishing to go between Matakana and Point Wells/Omaha, as there will be just two short, albeit real, danger zones – firstly, from Matakana to Tongue Farm Road and secondly, the 400 metres along Takatu Road. So while care will still be needed even on the other roads, it is most encouraging that seven of the eight or so kilometres of the route will be safely off-road or beside-road or along lower traffic volume Tongue Farm Road and Jones Road. Looking a little further ahead, the projects to take these three sections of Tongue Farm, Jones and Takatu Roads off-road are relatively low cost and straightforward, and may be able to be funded from the existing sources such as Fruitloop 2013 and 2014, along with current levels of contributions from Council.However, preliminary estimates indicate that to sort out the major danger zone from Matakana to Tongue Farm Road will involve a significant bridge and require a new level of funding. To this end, I have a meeting scheduled with the Rodney Local Board chairman to discuss the formalisation of a council-community partnership to progress the PACER vision.

School auction eveningThe annual Matakana School Auction evening will be held on July 20 featuring a range of donated items in live and silent auctions. Funds raised from the event will benefit the children of Matakana School and will go towards updating the school’s Information Centre/Library. Doors open at 7pm at the school hall. A ticket includes a complimentary drink on arrival. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the School Office or on the evening.

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Around 200 people a day are using the online Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS) launched in July last year and more are being encouraged to try the online service, which identifies thousands of kilometres of unformed accessways.

Online mapping system gives walkers heads up on nation’s back country pathways

The system uses geographic information system (GIS) technology to provide a view of the legal boundaries of public land, which can be viewed against topographical maps or aerial photographs. It is run by Wellington-based Crown entity the New Zealand Walking Access Commission with the help of a network of regional field advisors, including Whangarei-based John Gardiner. Brought up on a farm, John has worked in both the Department of Lands and Survey and the Department of Conservation and is involved in keeping people informed about the service and helping to resolve any access issues. He says people interested in walking will find the tool invaluable.“There are 56,000km of unformed legal roads in NZ and most people are unaware that the land is theirs to walk on. Some lead to good destinations like patches of bush, coasts, rivers and beaches. It’s open to anybody and everybody, the message is just to leap into it and find out where you can walk.”However, few of the routes are

signposted, so if it is not clear, walkers should enquire with farmers or surrounding land-owners, who can also use the system to check if accessways pass through or alongside their land. John says, if necessary, signage can be provided, however, action depends on the support of local councils that ultimately administer the unformed “paper roads”.The commission provides a website, brochures and booklets detailing the rights both of landowners and of walkers. “If it’s handled responsibly and cooperatively, everybody wins,” John says. Commission corporate services manager Helen Barker says land ownership information provided by the system isn’t readily available to New Zealanders in any other way.Despite some initial landowner concerns, the introduction of WAMS has gone smoothly, and work is continuing to keep it relevant and user-friendly, she says.

Enhancements, including mobile and smartphone functionality, and an upgraded user interface, are due later this year, along with the ability to download walking tracks and other information for use on dedicated outdoor GPS devices.For more information, or to contact John Gardiner for presentations about WAMS, go to www.walkingaccess.govt.nz or see the maps themselves at www.wams.org.nz

John Gardiner

A banned aquatic weed that forms dense mats that can double in size in days and pose a drowning risk has been discovered in two home garden ponds in Northland, prompting a warning from biosecurity experts. Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) was thought to have been officially eradicated from the region. However, Northland Regional Council biosecurity staff have in recent weeks stumbled across the plant in both the Hikurangi area, near Whangarei, and near Okaihau in the Far North District.In both cases the rapidly-growing pest plant – also known as kariba weed – was found in home garden ponds.Northland biosecurity officer Sara Brill says salvinia is typically spread by pond or aquarium owners, and is a real threat to lakes and large ponds. She says it is illegal to sell, propagate or distribute it.Info: www.nrc.govt.nz/nasties or www.biosecurity.govt.nz/files/pests/salvinia/salvinia-fact-sheet

Aquatic nasty reappears


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Alpaca farmers nationwide will open their doors to the public on National Alpaca Day on Sunday May 6.

Kathy Roscoe and her four-year-old son Haydn with one of their much-loved original alpacas, Jim.

Alpaca encounters encouraged on open dayWarkworth’s Kathy Roscoe of Gumtree Gully Alpacas was inspired to try alpacas on her lifestyle block seven years ago, after seeing them on a television show. She was soon hooked and began breeding her own. She now sells offspring, carded fleece and yarn directly from her farm.Kathy says she chose alpacas because they don’t need dagging or get footrot or flystrike like sheep, and are attractive, intelligent and easy to handle. They are also easy on paddocks, with soft-padded feet that don’t pug the ground like cows and, having only bottom teeth, they nip the grass off just above ground level, letting it come back quickly.However, they do need to be shorn annually and should be watched for facial eczema if spore counts are high, she says.Easily contained with sheep fencing, they can be stocked at around four to six an acre depending on pasture quality. Part of the camelid family, they are related to but generally smaller than llama and come in two breeds, huacaya (wa ky uh) and suri (soo ree), both producing a fine luxury fibre. Native to South America, they were introduced to New Zealand in 1987

where they have proved hardy in a wide range of conditions. Suitable as pets or investments, they sell for anywhere between $500 for a wether to $200,000 for a top stud male, and have an average lifespan of 20 years. Females can produce a baby, or cria (cree-ah), a year for much of their life. Valerie Bushell, of Silverhill Alpacas in Wellsford, says limited alpaca continued next page

availability in the past saw people paying exorbitant prices for them, but the market is now much more realistic.“You can still pay a lot for a top class alpaca, but an average female is now reasonably priced.”As they are herd animals, most breeders won’t sell a single alpaca to someone unless they already have others.


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from page 38

Valerie has focused on breeding to produce animals with the best possible fleece, which she sells carded, as yarn and as knitted items through her farm shop.Softer than merino, with excellent thermal qualities and without the lanolin or potentially irritating barbs of sheep wool, alpaca comes in 22 natural colours, including many nuances of whites, fawns,

browns, blacks and greys. This means no dyes are necessary, making it environmentally-friendly and easy to wear, she says.“Alpacas have ‘personality plus’ and are easily trained, gentle animals.“People are often concerned that they spit, and they do, but not normally at human beings, unless you really tick them off or happen to get in the line of fire.”

Alpaca open day

A handcrafted two-metre motorised model of a Pacific trader boat was launched at the Matakana Wharf on April 1.

Allan Harkin launched his boat the Matakana Belle in the Matakana River earlier this month. An afternoon regatta for model boat enthusiasts could become an annual event.

Around 80 people, along with half a dozen dogs and some inquisitive ducks, turned out to watch the Matakana Belle make her maiden voyage.Crafted by local bus driver Allan Harkin, also known as the Mayor of Matakana, the vessel was made with no plans or instructions. It is the second boat Allan has designed “off the top of his head”.It took 17 months and around 800 hours to build.Allan says the model is made from a

combination of macrocarpa and cedar wood, and is radio controlled. Each plank and all the details and fittings are handmade, except for the motor. “The Belle is a motorised version of another large model sailing ship I made, the Matakana Lady, which is kept as a display piece. It is a hobby I have had for around three years now and I am currently working on a sailing scow.” The boat was launched without incident and Allan says the only bubbles to be seen were from the champagne used to christen the ship.


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A wet summer for most could turn into a silver lining for hunters as they gear up for duck shooting season, which starts on May 5 at 6.30am.

Joel Dickson and son Russell put out decoys in preparation for this year’s duck shooting season.

Fish and Game shortens duck hunting season in Auckland

Game Gear’s Joel Dickson says he’s looking forward to a great season after what’s been “a good summer for ducks” and expects hunters will be able to redress disappointing duck numbers encountered in some popular areas last year.However, Auckland/Waikato region hunters will face a reduced season of six weeks, ending on Sunday June 17 as Fish and Game seeks to boost populations by allowing longer nesting periods, following the reduced numbers indicated by 2011 surveys and feedback. The Northland region, which starts above Wellsford, will have the usual eight-week season ending on July 1.Joel says hunters should always make the most of their catch and recommends those that can’t be

bothered plucking their ducks take them to a local homekill-licensed butcher who can process breasts into gourmet sausages and salamis.Sam Ryburn of Warkworth Hunting and Fishing says there was some growth in the numbers of upland game birds shot locally last year and the season is looking comparative this year, while duck numbers appear to be up slightly.While one licence entitles hunters to shoot throughout the country, he says they should check the supplied guidebook for region-specific rules and regulations, including varying daily bag limits. “Shoot safely, always ask for landowners’ permission, follow the rules and everyone will have a good

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season,” he says.The outgoing president of the Wellsford Game Shooters Club, Sam recommends the $20 membership, which he says provides access to more places to shoot and the chance to talk to like-minded hunters. The club currently includes hunters from well beyond Wellsford, from Dargaville to Auckland.Meanwhile, Canada geese are no longer a licensed game bird, making them open to hunting year round. Although they aren’t as prevalent

as they are further south, Sam says pockets of the geese have popped up in Matakana and quite a few have been found around the mid to lower regions of the Kaipara.However, Fish and Game deters hunting of the geese during April, which can affect the upcoming game bird season, and during the waterfowl breeding season (normally August–November) which may disturb nesting birds.Info: Contact Joel or Sam or visit www.fishandgame.org.nz

from page 40Duck hunting season

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It’s important to keep game meat cool, so don’t pile birds up, which traps in heat. Hang by the head, not the feet, to keep gut seepage away from the breast meat.Process as soon as possible – in our temperate climate a few days is the maximum delay. It always pays to gut birds promptly, even if they’re plucked later.When it comes time for cooking, remember, game meat is lean so can dry out easily.You can prevent the problem by

wrapping the meat with bacon strips, using an oven roasting bag to keep the juices in. Cover roasting dish with tinfoil is another option, just remove near the end of cooking so the skin gets brown.Game is cooked when the juices run clear. Find out more about processing at hunting.fishandgame.org.nz


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A quiet achieverCertain fruits evoke childhood memories and among these is the feijoa. The aroma and flavour of fresh feijoas is unbeatable, biting them in half and squeezing out the pulp straight into your mouth, yum! These fruit trees are so easy to grow and will provide you with oodles of fruit late autumn.Feijoas will grow in most soils, providing good drainage is present. They do have drought tolerant characteristics but require moisture during fruiting season. Feijoas make a fantastic hedge, which will tolerate wind and even coastal conditions. They will also tolerate frost and cold temperatures. Trees will mature to 2m to 3m in height and approximately 1.5-2m wide. Pruning is not essential but a light prune will encourage new growth and as fruit forms on the current season’s growth, it will keep the tree productive. Heavy pruning will reduce flowering and fruiting. However, when grown as a hedge, feijoa trees respond to trimming.The trees have a shallow root system, so avoid cultivating around the roots. They are gross-feeders, but relatively slow growing so only require a light application of general garden fertiliser or citrus fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. It is essential to mulch around trees with compost or any well-rotted organic material in autumn to help retain soil moisture.Most feijoas available today are grown from cuttings. Feijoa sellowiana is a seedling form and can take years to produce fruit and is generally inferior in quality. Most feijoa varieties grow best if they can cross-pollinate so it is a good idea to plant at least a couple of different varieties. Feijoas are pollinated by birds – the blackbird and the myna are the major pollinators in New Zealand.

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Fruit ripens in late summer through the autumn. If a range of varieties is planted, this will extend the harvest season. Harvest when wind-fallen fruit starts to appear on the ground. When picking, select fruit that is slightly soft to the touch. I find giving the tree a gentle shake will dislodge the ripe ones. Feijoas will ripen a little once picked but are best left on the tree to ripen naturally. Eat straight from the tree by halving the fruit and scooping the flesh out with a teaspoon. Feijoas can be used in juices, muffins and cakes, and can be bottled or preserved, or used for our all-time New Zealand favourite, feijoa and apple crumble.

Tapora 26-year-old Katherine Tucker fulfilled her aim of taking the northern region winner’s title in National Bank Young Farmer Contest at Waipu on March 31, beating her nearest rival by just a few points.

Tapora challenger clinches regional Young Farmer title

The only woman in the 2012 northern region event, she now aims to get a top placing in the national final in Dunedin on May 25. Katherine says the competition was close throughout and she was uncertain of the outcome until the end. She credits her consistent results and a top mark in the evening questions with giving her the edge over the other competitors.Experience also played a part for the

dairy farmer who was competing for the fourth time, although it will be her first experience of the nationals.In the AgriKidsNZ competition held on the same day, Tomarata Primary’s all-girl Tomarata Chicks came third behind Kamo Intermediate’s Kamo Alpacas and Waioneke Primary’s Kiwi Farmers, while teams from Springbank School took first and second in the TeenAg event. All of the teams are also entitled to attend the May Young Farmers grand final.

Third-placed AgriKidsNZ Tomarata primary’s Tomarata Chicks with Waioneke Primary’s Kiwi Farmers (left) and Kamo Intermediate’s Kamo Alpacas.


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Not a 9 to 5 jobAsk any vet what the worst part of the job is and you would probably expect them to say “putting animals to sleep”. Although this is unpleasant, it is a popular misconception. The worst part of the job, and the main reason vets drop out of the profession, is the after-hours work. It is hard to explain to nine-to-fivers quite what it is like. You have probably encountered a crisis, which gets you out of bed at 3am on an occasion or two, but vets are generally exposed to that crisis (in our practice anyway) once a week and every fourth weekend. And the day after that crisis, we are at work at 8am to face another full day of work. The nearest experience I can relate it to is having a new baby in the house. Only this baby never grows up and is always a poor sleeper.At 3am, bedside manner does not exist. Bedside manner takes a lot of energy and at 3am all your energy is reserved for the case you have just been called out for. This can certainly be misconstrued as shortness or even rudeness. I was recently called out to a foaling for one of my favourite clients at 3am. About 15 minutes into my frantic drive to the property – foals don’t last long if problems occur – I was phoned again to say that the foal had been successfully delivered, but could I just wait 10 minutes just in case the foal needs my attention. Had it been 11.30am my reply would have been a peppy little “certainly, madam, and congratulations on the new arrival!” At 3am, a “don’t bother calling unless you need me” certainly lacks bedside manner, but any curtness is unintended. I haven’t been invited back and I can only conclude that my response was misinterpreted.At 3am, you may discover you horse has broken its leg. I don’t know why you would be checking your horse at 3am, but some people do. It is not your equine physio, massage therapist or remote healing therapist (who doesn’t even have to leave home) who hauls their body out of a warm bed from a deep and much-deserved slumber, but your local vet. And again, home by 4.30am they are out of bed the next morning to face a whole new day.In spite of the downsides, after-hours callouts are a necessary part of the job and some of the most rewarding moments of the job occur at 3am. Caesareans, foalings and pig farrowings are middle of the night classics. When you have been doing the job for long enough you learn not to fight the after-hours work, but to accept it as part of the deal and eventually, in a strange sort of way, to even enjoy it.I must make a small mention of the small degree of suffering endured by the husbands and wives of ‘on call’ vets. An old boss of mine was enjoying a sleep-in one Sunday morning and his wife reached over him to answer the ringing phone. “Hello, vet clinic. What? You say your pig’s itchy? Well, bloody well scratch it then!”

Animalswith Jon Makin (BVSc) www.warkworthvets.co.nz


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[email protected]

JIM VENTRESSMANAGING DIRECTOR

C O N S T R U C T I O NLTD

New HomesAlterationsDecksAll Aspects of Building

Eric John Qualified CarpenterPhone 021 263 [email protected]

Pumps / Water Tanks / Filtration / TreatmentSpa & Pool Shop / Pool Valet Service

Water Blasters / SprayersHose & Fittings / Mobile & Workshop Service31 WOODCOCKS RD - WARKWORTH - PH 425 9100

AUTHORISEDAGENT

TRADES & SERVICES continued ...

Good food that’s Gluten Free18b Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

425 9593 • [email protected]

22 Whitaker Road, Warkworth Phone 425 8535

1916 State Highway 1, KaiwakaPhone 431 2123

www.warkworthmotorcycles.co.nz

Warkworth Rentals & Property Management

Covering Puhoi to Mangawhai

“Your Investment is Our Investment”

Property Management Casual Letting Comprehensive Tenant Screening Quarterly Inspections Commitment to both Landlord & Tenant Prompt Reporting Competitive Management Rates

Cnr Mill Lane & Elizabeth St, PO Box 332, Warkworth 0941P: 09 425 8008 M: 021 497 547 F: 09 425 8866

email: [email protected]

153M

FROG POOL FARM

Custom Built KitchensMatai Furniture

Homeware & KitchenwareLeadlight Lamps & Gifts

GardenwareCrystals, Gems & Candles

FROG POOL FARMFROG POOL FARM

NZ Made Solid Wood

Phone 425 9030 • Dome Valley 5 minutes past Warkworth

There’s a little touch of magic at Frog Pool Farm

Computer Repairs / Upgrades

No SolutionNo Charge

Ph Hayden [email protected]

Onsite or takeaway Software & hardware Parts & accessories Virus removal Network & printer setup

146M

SNELLS BEACHPHONE 09 425 5597

10 Queen Street Warkworth 09 425 8949

“Where the grass is always greener”

Organic Lamb & Beef Free Range Pork, Chicken & Eggs

We buy ... ...do you?“the difference is in the taste”

Local

Rural Fencing4WD TRACTOR • LOADER

POST RAMMER • MULCHER 10T DIGGER • BULLDOZER

ALL CONSTRUCTION & ADVICE 25 YRS EXPERIENCE

Phone: Ralph RogersMobile: 0274 722 744 A/hrs: (09) 431 2938


& Developments

TRIED – TESTED – TRUSTED

Mark Sim 021 102 [email protected]

& DRAINLAYING

TTT Plumbing Limited

ANIMALS

For Sale – 14.3hh Mare 7 year old, chestnut with flaxen mane

Great all-rounder, nice paces, snaffle mouth, confident, bold jump. Phone 021 035 1799

FOR LEASE

WELLSFORDPRIME RETAIL SITE MAINSTREET

180sqm + basement, commercial leasePhone 09 423 9129

FLIgHTS

SCENIC FLIgHTS $39, 20 mins; $49, 30 mins. Min. 3 passengers. Trial flights $79. Gift vouchers available. gREAT BARRIER FLIgHTS. Special stopover up to 4 hours. Return $99. Min. 3 passengers.

NORTH CAPE FLIgHTS $375 ea. Min 3 passengers.

Rodney Aero Club Ph 425 8735 or Rod Miller Phone 425 5612

FOR SALERAWLEIgH PRODUCTS available. Phone Patrick 425 8851.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGAdvertise your classifi eds and church notices here for only

30c+GST per word for run-ons or $6.70 per/cm+GST for boxed adverts.

Wellsford

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Citizens Advice Bureau Wellsford needs you!!!

We need men and women as volunteers to assist the people in your community and help find

solutions to their problems.Come and talk to us TODAY!

Phone CAB 09 423 7333 • Mon-Fri 10am to 3pm



+ 64 9 422 3725 021 2542 048

[email protected]







AUTHORISEDAGENT













153M

FROG POOL FARM





NZ Made Solid Wood







146M






Local






& Developments



& DRAINLAYING


ANIMALS



FOR LEASE



FLIgHTS







Wellsford

VOLUNTEERS WANTED








+ 64 9 422 3725 021 2542 048

[email protected]







AUTHORISEDAGENT













153M

FROG POOL FARM





NZ Made Solid Wood







146M






Local






& Developments



& DRAINLAYING


ANIMALS



FOR LEASE



FLIgHTS







Wellsford

VOLUNTEERS WANTED







+ 64 9 422 3725 021 2542 048

[email protected]







AUTHORISEDAGENT













153M

FROG POOL FARM





NZ Made Solid Wood







146M






Local






& Developments



& DRAINLAYING


ANIMALS



FOR LEASE



FLIgHTS







Wellsford

VOLUNTEERS WANTED






FOR SALE

FREEVIEW AERIAL OR SATELLITE DISH INSTALLATION Call Jim for an on-site survey and quote. THE MAINTENANCE MAN 422 3725 or 021 254 2048.

WATER TANK 2000 litre, as new, $450. Phone 09 423 9307.

The Jane Gifford STory on dVd

only $12.50 eachavailable from the

Mahurangi Matters Office, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth($1 from every sale is donated

to the Jane Gifford Trust)

FITNESS

SHOTOKAN KARATE Japan affiliated club, 3rd Dan instructor, supervised by 7th Dan. See www.skif.co.nz. Suits ages 12 to 60+. Phone Bob 4225229 for a free trial (2 lessons). An interesting way to keep fit. Wednesday 6pm-7.30pm, Masonic Hall, Friday 6pm-7.30pm, Shoesmith Domain Hall.

HALLS FOR HIRE

PUHOI CENTENNIAL HALL Capacity 200, very reasonable rates. For further information phone Kathy on 422 0891 or email [email protected]

HEALTH SERVICES

BOWTECH / BOWEN THERAPY Contact Adele 0800 BOWEN 4 U (0800 269 364)

HOME MAINTENANCE

HANDYMAN – THE MAINTENANCE MAN Your one stop fix-it-man. Phone Jim 422 3725 or 021 254 2048.

WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Phone Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.purewaterservices.co.nz

WATER PUMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Phone Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.purewaterservices.co.nz

KARL HALL PLASTERINg 25 years experience. All aspects of stopping. Covering specialist. Ph 0210 424 296.

MARKETSMUSEUM SUMMER MARKET 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter St, Warkworth. Enquiries Warkworth 425 8482.

PHOTOgRAPHIC & DIgITAL

PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIESVideos, slides & old 8mm films

all on to DVD. Ph TeTotara Video (09) 422 5710.

PUBLIC NOTICES

AgM MEETINg FOR WARKWORTH DISTRICT PONY CLUB

Warkworth Branch, 07.05.12, 7.30pm, Barncompany, Woodcocks Road,

WarkworthMatakana Branch, 09.05.12, 7.30pm,

Matakana Hall Meeting Room, Matakana

Warkworth District, 14.05.12, 7.30pm, Kowhai Craft Rooms, Warkworth

For info contact Birgit 021 910 145

BINgO, BINgO, BINgO! Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of month, Upstairs New Masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth. 7pm. Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

KOWHAI ART & CRAFTS OPEN DAY, Warkworth Showgrounds, Friday May 4, 10am-1pm. All Welcome.

WARKWORTH EMBROIDERERS gUILD AgM

To be held at Shoesmith Hall, Shoesmith Street, Warkworth at

7.30pm on 26th April 2012. Guest speaker: Sally Smith.

All welcome.

JUMBLE SALE & SAUSAgE SIzzLE Sat 28 April 8am Mahurangi West Hall, 401 Mahurangi West Rd. All proceeds

to go to the Hall Restoration Fund contact 021 178 4060.

RODNEY STOPPINg VIOLENCE SERVICES

Providing programmes for men who need assistance to change

abusive behaviours and attitudes and work on equality and respect.

Held in Orewa and Warkworth. For enquiries phone 09 425 8130. We also provide programmes for women that are or have been in

abusive relationships. Held in Orewa & Warkworth.

Phone 422 2102 or 021 023 20297Sponsored by Mahurangi Matters

READINgS

MENTOR • HYPNOTHERAPIST CLAIRVOYANT

Brigid is available to assist you to move forward and make changes.

Orewa and Warkworth clinic.Phone 09 426 8361 or

www.makingachange.co.nz

PICTURE FRAMINgPICTURE FRAMINg AND SUPPLIES We are your One Stop Shop for all professional Custom Framing, Reframing, Mat Cutting, Tapestries, Sport Shirts, Medals, Ready-made frames, Glazing, Repairs, Hardware, plus heaps more and all those bits and pieces, so visit Orewa Picture Framing, Shop ‘E’, Cammish Lane, Orewa. Phone 424 8124.

PROTECT YOUR PHOTOS, PICTURES, HANDCRAFTS plus all Art by using “Plexiglaze”, the Ultimate in UV Protective Glazing & Reglazing for Clarity, Safety, Lightweight and cut to any size or shape. Orewa Picture Framing, Shop ‘E’, Cammish Lane, Orewa. Ph 424 8124.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGAdvertise your classifieds and church notices here for only 30c+GST per word for run-ons or $6.70 per/cm+GST for boxed adverts.

TRAVELWOW 2012 World Of Wearable Arts in Wellington 27 September to 7 October. Call us for your flight and accommodation packages. Contact Kelly at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email [email protected] INDIA – TAJ AND THE HIMALAYAS Fully escorted holiday including the Golden Triangle, Spiritual Rishikesh and a Jeep Safari in the Himalayas, 15 September to 1 Oct 2012 from $7,444 pp share twin. Contact Debbie World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email [email protected] VIETNAM Fully escorted holiday from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, 2 - 13 August 2012 from $5549 pp twin share. Contact Lynette at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email [email protected]

TUITION

MATHS & PHYSICS TUITION Year 11 to Year 13, NCEA, Cambridge, I.B., Phone Marty 021 170 9059, [email protected]

TV SERVICES & SALESTV SERVICES Freeview, dishes, aerials, boxes. Sales, installation and repairs. Phone Gavin 027 4766115.

TV TUNINg. DVD’s / Sky / Video / Freeview etc. Phone 425 5431.

VEHICLESPARK & SELL Gull Snells Beach. Weekly rates. Great exposure. Ph 425 4092.

WORK WANTEDSEMI-RETIRED BUILDER All types of building work. Free quotes and advice.Ph Wayne 09 425 5757 or 021 112 0696.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE for May 2 issue is April 24Phone 425 9068 to book your classified advertising

FOR SALE

FREEVIEW AERIAL OR SATELLITE DISH INSTALLATION Call Jim for an on-site survey and quote. THE MAINTENANCE MAN 422 3725 or 021 254 2048.

WATER TANK 2000 litre, as new, $450. Phone 09 423 9307.

The Jane Gifford STory on dVd

only $12.50 eachavailable from the

Mahurangi Matters Office, 17 Neville Street, Warkworth($1 from every sale is donated

to the Jane Gifford Trust)

FITNESS

SHOTOKAN KARATE Japan affiliated club, 3rd Dan instructor, supervised by 7th Dan. See www.skif.co.nz. Suits ages 12 to 60+. Phone Bob 4225229 for a free trial (2 lessons). An interesting way to keep fit. Wednesday 6pm-7.30pm, Masonic Hall, Friday 6pm-7.30pm, Shoesmith Domain Hall.

HALLS FOR HIRE

PUHOI CENTENNIAL HALL Capacity 200, very reasonable rates. For further information phone Kathy on 422 0891 or email [email protected]

HEALTH SERVICES

BOWTECH / BOWEN THERAPY Contact Adele 0800 BOWEN 4 U (0800 269 364)

HOME MAINTENANCE

HANDYMAN – THE MAINTENANCE MAN Your one stop fix-it-man. Phone Jim 422 3725 or 021 254 2048.

WATER FILTERS Underbench filters & whole house Ultra violet filters – Kill and remove ecoli/bacteria. FREE site visits. Phone Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.purewaterservices.co.nz

WATER PUMPS Low water pressure? Get it sorted. Sales, service and installation. Work guaranteed. Phone Steve 09 945 2282 or visit www.purewaterservices.co.nz

KARL HALL PLASTERINg 25 years experience. All aspects of stopping. Covering specialist. Ph 0210 424 296.

MARKETSMUSEUM SUMMER MARKET 1st Saturday of the month, 8am, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter St, Warkworth. Enquiries Warkworth 425 8482.

PHOTOgRAPHIC & DIgITAL

PRESERVE YOUR MEMORIESVideos, slides & old 8mm films

all on to DVD. Ph TeTotara Video (09) 422 5710.

PUBLIC NOTICES

AgM MEETINg FOR WARKWORTH DISTRICT PONY CLUB

Warkworth Branch, 07.05.12, 7.30pm, Barncompany, Woodcocks Road,

WarkworthMatakana Branch, 09.05.12, 7.30pm,

Matakana Hall Meeting Room, Matakana

Warkworth District, 14.05.12, 7.30pm, Kowhai Craft Rooms, Warkworth

For info contact Birgit 021 910 145

BINgO, BINgO, BINgO! Come and join the fun, 1st Monday of month, Upstairs New Masonic Lodge, Baxter Street, Warkworth. 7pm. Proceeds to Warkworth Museum.

KOWHAI ART & CRAFTS OPEN DAY, Warkworth Showgrounds, Friday May 4, 10am-1pm. All Welcome.

WARKWORTH EMBROIDERERS gUILD AgM

To be held at Shoesmith Hall, Shoesmith Street, Warkworth at

7.30pm on 26th April 2012. Guest speaker: Sally Smith.

All welcome.

JUMBLE SALE & SAUSAgE SIzzLE Sat 28 April 8am Mahurangi West Hall, 401 Mahurangi West Rd. All proceeds

to go to the Hall Restoration Fund contact 021 178 4060.

RODNEY STOPPINg VIOLENCE SERVICES

Providing programmes for men who need assistance to change

abusive behaviours and attitudes and work on equality and respect.

Held in Orewa and Warkworth. For enquiries phone 09 425 8130. We also provide programmes for women that are or have been in

abusive relationships. Held in Orewa & Warkworth.

Phone 422 2102 or 021 023 20297Sponsored by Mahurangi Matters

READINgS

MENTOR • HYPNOTHERAPIST CLAIRVOYANT

Brigid is available to assist you to move forward and make changes.

Orewa and Warkworth clinic.Phone 09 426 8361 or

www.makingachange.co.nz

PICTURE FRAMINgPICTURE FRAMINg AND SUPPLIES We are your One Stop Shop for all professional Custom Framing, Reframing, Mat Cutting, Tapestries, Sport Shirts, Medals, Ready-made frames, Glazing, Repairs, Hardware, plus heaps more and all those bits and pieces, so visit Orewa Picture Framing, Shop ‘E’, Cammish Lane, Orewa. Phone 424 8124.

PROTECT YOUR PHOTOS, PICTURES, HANDCRAFTS plus all Art by using “Plexiglaze”, the Ultimate in UV Protective Glazing & Reglazing for Clarity, Safety, Lightweight and cut to any size or shape. Orewa Picture Framing, Shop ‘E’, Cammish Lane, Orewa. Ph 424 8124.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISINGAdvertise your classifieds and church notices here for only 30c+GST per word for run-ons or $6.70 per/cm+GST for boxed adverts.

TRAVELWOW 2012 World Of Wearable Arts in Wellington 27 September to 7 October. Call us for your flight and accommodation packages. Contact Kelly at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email [email protected] INDIA – TAJ AND THE HIMALAYAS Fully escorted holiday including the Golden Triangle, Spiritual Rishikesh and a Jeep Safari in the Himalayas, 15 September to 1 Oct 2012 from $7,444 pp share twin. Contact Debbie World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email [email protected] VIETNAM Fully escorted holiday from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, 2 - 13 August 2012 from $5549 pp twin share. Contact Lynette at World Travellers Warkworth Ph: (09) 425 8009 or email [email protected]

TUITION

MATHS & PHYSICS TUITION Year 11 to Year 13, NCEA, Cambridge, I.B., Phone Marty 021 170 9059, [email protected]

TV SERVICES & SALESTV SERVICES Freeview, dishes, aerials, boxes. Sales, installation and repairs. Phone Gavin 027 4766115.

TV TUNINg. DVD’s / Sky / Video / Freeview etc. Phone 425 5431.

VEHICLESPARK & SELL Gull Snells Beach. Weekly rates. Great exposure. Ph 425 4092.

WORK WANTEDSEMI-RETIRED BUILDER All types of building work. Free quotes and advice.Ph Wayne 09 425 5757 or 021 112 0696.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE for May 2 issue is April 24Phone 425 9068 to book your classified advertising

scoreboard A roundup of sports activities and events in the district

Sponsored by

TOTALSPAN Rodney

List sports news by phoning Nichole on 425 9068 or email [email protected]

229 State Highway 1, Warkworth Phone 09 422 3149

TOTALSPAN.CO.NZ0800 TOTALSPAN

(0800 868 257)

Table tennis

y Social table tennis and junior table tennis is held at the Matakana Village Hall every Tuesday from 7.30pm. All welcome. Adults $2 and students $1. Info: Mary Perkins 425 8146 or George Anderson 423 0424.

Squash

y Junior Squash is held at the Wellsford Squash Club on Monday afternoons from 3.30pm Info: Christine Crow 423 7149

y The Warkworth Squash Club is holding its annual B Grade Squash Tournament from May 2 to 5. All graded squash players welcome. Info: Kaye Jackson 425 6965.

Junior soccer

y Warkworth Soccer Club midgets and mini-midgets for children aged four to eight years starts at the beginning of term two. Register online at warkworthfootball.co.nz. Info: Paula or Andy Tomkins on 422 3644.

Croquet

y Warkworth and Districts Croquet Club plays Association Croquet at Point Wells on Saturday 9.30am; Monday 4pm; Wednesday 9.30am and 1pm. Golf croquet is played on Saturday at 1pm; Monday 9.30am; Thursday 4pm. Info: Anne Murphy 425 5211 or Marion Taylor 425 6164.

Badminton

y The Mahurangi Badminton club plays at the Snells Beach Community Centre on Monday nights from 7.30pm. New members welcome, both competitive and social badminton is played. Info: 425 6340.


what’s onApril 2012

Email your events to [email protected]

See also Scoreboard (page 46) for sporting events

Handcrafted winesThe description handcrafted wines is commonly used by winemakers and is especially apt when used by small winegrowers to describe their process and wines. Perhaps handcrafted wines are best understood in terms of their opposite, factory-produced wines. Many of the best-known NZ and Australian wine brands sold here are in this category. They are well-known because they are made in huge quantities and show up everywhere. Also in this category are the $7.99 wines you have never heard of before, which grace aisle ends in supermarkets. These carry brand names created by the factory producers and sometimes by the supermarkets themselves to peddle surplus, mass-produced wine which the makers do not necessarily want to associate with their name and/or for which there is no other market.Factory-produced wines are made from grapes grown in huge vineyards, where much of the work is done mechanically. These grapes are harvested by machines which agitate the vines so vigorously that individual berries are shaken on to a conveyor and deposited in a large bin. All grapes, ripe and rotten, and all manner of other rubbish are shaken into the bin – dead leaves and other plant material, bird nests, insects, spiders and caterpillars. The process is so thoroughly mechanised that it is impossible to remove this stuff. After fermentation and a time of aging, these wines are likely to require a good deal of treatment to remove off-odours and off-flavours. Handcrafted wines, on the other hand, are just that: Much of the vineyard work, including harvesting, is done by hand. It cannot be stressed too strongly how important hand-picking is to wine quality – individual pickers making decisions based on what their eyes tell them, about what to include and what to discard. Vineyard work is just the beginning of the handcrafting process. At every step in winemaking, small wineries are able to pay close attention to every ferment, and the care and aging of every wine after fermentation has finished. Partly this is because the proprietor is often closely involved, but also it is fair to say that in a small operation with a closely-knit team there is likely to be a greater sense of pride and ownership among the workers. Small scale and all it entails is why this sort of winemaking is less cost-effective, and the wines may be more expensive. But the upside is that the final product has benefited from the individual care and attention it has received throughout. The wines from small operations producing all their own fruit express the individuality of the vineyard, the variation of the season and weather, and the passion of the individuals who produced them.While “handcrafted” may sound like a cliché, if used appropriately in the context of winegrowing, it is an apt description of the process and the outcome. And it accurately describes the processes and products of all of the wines grown and produced by Matakana winegrowers.

Winewith Robin Ransom www.matakanawine.com President, Matakana Winegrowers Inc

18 Mitre 10 Mega monthly garden club, Mitre 10 Mega Warkworth, from 10am to 2pm, featuring guest speakers and demonstrations. Info: Sonia 425 8119.

til 29 O4eyes2C exhibition, Estuary Arts Orewa (see story p34)20 Wellsford Sports and Leisure information day, with visiting

fishing and sports experts in store. There will be spot prizes and giveaways; and a Netball Rodney sausage sizzle.

20 Learning difficulties workshop, Warkworth Primary School, from 9am to 3pm. Info: [email protected]

21&22 Free garden workshop, Antara Retreat, Tomarata. Numbers limited so book early. Info: 423 7070

22 Wellsford Community Garden open day, School Road, celebrating Earth Day. Activities from 3pm to 6pm. All welcome. Info: 423 6006

24 Quiz night for the Puhoi Centennial Hall, with Anzac theme, at 7.30pm. $10 per head with teams of up to six people. To reserve a table phone 422 0478 or email [email protected] Some tickets should be available at the door. Bring own food and drink, and gold coins for the quick raffles.

25 ANZAC Day (see service times p35)25 Historic Puhoi Town Library is hosting an ANZAC Day

presentation. View a special display commemorating those who served at Gallipoli and subsequent wars. Enjoy free tea, coffee and Anzac biscuits. All welcome, noon to 3pm.

26 Warkworth Embroiderers Guild annual meeting, Shoesmith Hall, Shoesmith Street, Warkworth at 7.30pm. Guest speaker, Sally Smith. All welcome.

27 Dinner and auction fundraiser for Mahurangi Presbyterian youth project in Fiji, Puhoi Hall, starts 6.30pm. Tickets $25 single,$40 couple, $50 family. Info: 425 8861 or [email protected]

28 Jumble Sale & Sausage Sizzle, 8am Mahurangi West Hall, 401 Mahurangi West Rd. All proceeds to the Hall Restoration Fund. Info: contact 021 178 4060.

28 Warkworth Music Society presents the Akoka Quartet, Mahurangi College Auditorium, starting at 7.30pm (see story p32)

28 Quiz Night, Maungaturoto Community Centennial Hall, starting at 7pm. $10 per person. Info: Nyree on 09 431 8462.

29 Children’s Fun Day, Centennial Park, Wellsford, from 1pm to 5pm. Info: Wendy Crow-Jones on 423 8194 or 021 144 6613 (see story p33)

May4 Kowhai Art & Crafts Open Day, Warkworth Showgrounds, from

10am to 1pm. All welcome.5 Garage sale, Wellsford Co-operating Church, 253 Rodney Street,

from 8am to 10.30am.5 Kowhai Singers concert Go For Baroque, Mahurangi College

auditorium, from 7.30pm (see story p33)5 Museum Summer Market, Old Masonic Hall, Baxter St,

Warkworth; 8am start. Info: Warkworth 425 8482.6 Planting day at Tawharanui Regional Park, meet at the

Woolshed, BBQ provided, 9.15am start.7 Bingo, New Masonic Lodge upstairs, Baxter Street, Warkworth;

7pm start. Proceeds to Warkworth Museum. 12 Sands coffee morning, supporting parents and families after

the loss of a baby, Hibiscus Coast Community House, 11am. Info: Marie Leith 09 947 0569 or [email protected]

13 Kaipara Flats High Tea Party, Ranfurly Hall, Kaipara Flats, 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Fundraiser for maintenance work on the historic McKinney Hall. Tickets available from April 30 onwards, limited numbers. Info: Sommai 422 5826 or [email protected]

3 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth(Opposite Warkworth Wreckers)

Phone 0800 425 800

THE PAINTERS GEARHOUSE

HAVE YOU HEARD?

• Paint at factory prices • Brushes, rollers, tapes & sandpaper • Ladders, scaffold, planks, sprayers

TradextraExtra for the trade

3 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

HAVE YOU HEARD?HAVE YOU HEARD? BULK CHEMICALS AVAILABLE

Turps • KeroseneWhite spirits

Meths • M.E.KREFILL YOUR

CONTAINER AND SAVE!!!

MM

005

Tradextra has specialist equipment for your next project

Decision on Warkworth Town Hall due next monthAuckland Council received more than 300 submissions during the feedback period for the future of the Warkworth Town Hall. Submissions closed on March 30. A Council spokesperson says the information is currently being collated and will be used by the Rodney Local Board to make an informed decision. The Board will deliberate on the future of the hall at its meeting on May 7.


Delivered twice a month to 12,350 homes & businesses throughout north Auckland

Rex Faithful was the fastest runner over the line in the third annual Omaha Classic Run/Walk held on April 1.The event attracted a record 450 entrants from all over the northern North Island. Rex completed the 10km run in 39 minutes 50 seconds. The first woman home was Karen Donaldson Barren, who finished in 42 minutes and 20 seconds.In the 5km races, Guy Kilmister won the men’s in 18 min 45 sec, while Georgia Riley took out the women’s in 22 minutes. The 2km kids’ dash in the boys division was won by Jackson who ran the course in nine minutes, and Lucy Rowe in the girls division 8.53.Event manager Katrine Cramer says the 10km run drew a wide age range.“We had iron men competing, who set a fantastic pace,” she says.“Although the weather was fine, an easterly was blowing along the beach which made the course a great challenge.”The run/walk is a fundraiser for Matakana School.

Runners beat a fast track to Omaha

Past Matakana School Board of Trustees member and current Omaha Beach Surf Life Saving member Clinton Toi leads the way on the beach section of the run.

To provide high quality primary care to the persons of our region addressing the issues of access and equity with innovation.

CLINICS:Snells Beach 145 Mahurangi East Road 09 425 6666Matakana 74 Matakana Valley Road 09 422 7737Mangawhai Fagan Place 09 431 4128Maungaturoto 138 Hurndall St 09 431 8576Paparoa 1877 Paparoa Valley Rd 09 431 7222Wellsford 220 Rodney Street 09 423 8086 (Cnr. Highway 1 & Matheson Rd)

We are a network of clinics providing comprehensive primary care including

24 HOUR SERVICES available at our A & M Centre in Wellsford at an affordable price

Phone 09 423 8086 for 24/7 after hours urgent service

For further information and new enrolments, please contact any of

our clinics

Please note our service continues to remain accessible 24 hours per day over the holiday period

Children at some schools in Rodney will reap the benefits of a $1.6 million scheme for free swimming lessons, taught by qualified instructors, in a bid to stop the high number of drownings in NZ. In conjunction with Sport Auckland and Water Safety NZ, Harbour Sport is helping to coordinate the lessons as part of the Greater Auckland Aquatic Action Plan (GAAAP).Present funding only allows the scheme to be offered to children in Years 3 to 6 in decile 1 to 6 schools, who are given eight to 10 lessons. Eligible local schools include Wellsford, Tapora, Leigh and Pariki.Sport Auckland chief executive Daniel Gerrard says the next step is to provide lessons to all schools and children in the Auckland region, which requires a further investment of around $12 million. “We are currently talking to community trusts, Council and other organisations,” he says.Where possible, GAAAP seeks to pair schools with local swim and survive providers.Te Hana Pools professional learn-to-swim instructor Ingrid Carter is working with Wellsford School, and is likely to provide lessons at both Leigh and Pakiri schools. Ingrid says in the three lessons she held at Wellsford School, she has seen huge improvement. “Students who wouldn’t put their head under in their first lesson, can now swim between five to 20 metres,” she says.“It’s my job to teach kids survival skills in the water which is very different to a school teacher just taking the kids to the pool as part of their PE lesson. Children need one-on-one time to build their confidence. One thing that does make teaching kids to swim at school hard is the fact they do not have heated pools.”

Students plunge in for free swim lessons

mahurangi matters, april 18, 2012

Documents

auckland boat owner

boat firethe launch

auckland council legislation

local government

rodney rates

jannette thompson ph

cathy busbridge ph

renee monds ph