The Weekend Sun - 29 September 2023

Blending art with science

Amy Earles is 22, has a degree in environmental science, is a sustainability advisor and likes to tie her passion for the environment to her artwork. at’s why you will see endangered species and landscapes featuring in her pieces, nine of which will exhibited at the Tauranga Society of

Artists’ Original Art Expo at Tauranga Boys’ College gymnasium this weekend. It’s described as a signi cant event, the largest exhibition of its kind in the Bay of Plenty and a showcase for the region’s art and artists.

Amy, who mainly works in acrylics and pastels, says

she was inspired to join the society after attending their exhibitions in recent years, and she has found it to be a source of great knowledge, experience and opportunity. e story of the BOP’s biggest art expo is on page 10.

Photo: John Boren.

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday and distributed throughout the Western Bay of Plenty from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke and available to collect at many stand locations throughout the area. For a full list of stand locations see https://theweekendsun.co.nz/stand-locations.html

Produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

A blight on our beautiful city

He drew his weapon of choice, a big black felt pen, from a jacket pocket.

He looked around sheepishly, guiltily, and then left his ugly scrawl on top of a public rubbish bin on e Strand. It was broad daylight, middle of the week, and within a ‘hullo, hullo, hullo, what’s going on here then’ of the Central Police station. Shameless twat!

‘Kase’ I think it reads. An almost illegible ‘Kase’. Likely not his real name, and I hope not.

Because I would hate to give him one second of the notoriety he seeks.

It wasn’t art, nor gra ti; it was tagging, vandalism.

And it’s an o ence.

A punishable one.

Because ‘Kase’, gra ti vandalism, tagging, defacing, can get you a $2000 ne... and/or a community based sentence. You could be made to clean up your mess, or other unpaid work, or house arrest, or curfews, or undergoing therapy or treatment.

Some of each would probably make people feel better.

Worsening problem

Look around the city. If you see one tag, you start seeing them everywhere.

e Tauranga City Council says: “Yes, gra ti is a worsening problem for council”.

A worsening problem for all of us – because it’s in our faces. We see our city being dis gured, defaced, mutilated. Unnecessarily. And it’s costing a chunk of our rates to remove just some of it – the gures are $156, 473.01 for the year to June 2021, $160,466.33 for the year ended June 2022; and $180,361.65 for the last nancial year – the thick end of half a million bucks for the last three years.

Your money, my money that could be better spent.

Seems tagging breeds tagging, tags attract taggers. Because a couple of other ne’er-do-wells have since added their scrawls to the top of our rubbish bin. Bloody lovely!

At least the original scrawl had just a modicum of air. If I think about it, the signature was stylised, it was cursive and considered, an icon-type signature. I could see some artistic endeavour, but misplaced

artistic endeavour. And I read somewhere that gra ti is better than plain boring walls, that a city without gra ti is a city without soul.

But unfortunately for taggers, most people won’t see past the damage. Tagging’s a crime against property. It’s our town, we value our town and so it’s a crime against us and our property.

And we intensely dislike tagging because taggers are perceived to be bored and rebellious layabouts whose handiwork is vandalism, a criminal act associated with a gang element, petty crime, broken windows and a community that doesn’t care.

But we do care – and that’s why I confronted the 20-something year-old defacer by the rubbish bin while he still had the black felt pen locked and loaded. What the hell did he think he was doing? Why did he think what he was doing was alright? Who was going to clean up? Who was going to pay? He obviously didn’t think he owed an explanation. He just shrugged his shoulders and slunk away into the undergrowth to deface and vandalise another day.

I handled it all wrong of course. I was too busy venting my outrage and indignation, when I should have just called the cops immediately. at’s the advice, because there’s a better chance of police taking action if they catch the o ender in the act. And I was

armed o enders squad and tracker dogs. Tauranga could have had one less tagger.

Clear message

So why did the tagger like my rubbish bin?

What was in it for him?

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ill-advised to confront. I should have rung the cops from a safe distance. Regardless, I don’t think ‘Kase’ with his big black marker pen was of a mind to hang around waiting to be arrested. He certainly didn’t look like he had $2000 in his kick to pay a ne. But he was out defacing the city in the middle of the day, so he has time to do some community based work.

Anyhow, mea culpa, I bungled it. I should have called in the

Well, I am told the satisfaction is from repeatedly marking a territory so it generates the most attention possible, good or bad. So a strategic or centrally located target like e Strand was perfect. Publicity only encourages the tagger, validates their o ending, gives them purpose. But ignoring it hasn’t made it go away. TCC does play hardball. It led 20 police complaints for gra tirelated incidents last year. Six were arrested. But information about charges and penalties is not immediately available. Watch this space. And the TCC message is basically that we can take action against taggers by cleaning it up as soon as it happens. Record, report, remove. A strong community response sends the clear message that tagging won’t be tolerated.

Street art battling the taggers on Dive Crescent. Photo: John Borren

Concerns over cell phone tower

A newly-installed cellphone tower near Welcome Bay School has got one resident concerned about the potential e ect on students.

John McLaughlin says the cell phone tower was installed a block away from the school last week.

Set up at the corner of Esmeralda Street and Welcome Bay Road about 600m from Welcome Bay School’s grounds, John’s concerns about the cell phone tower are “the possible e ects from radiation”.

“It hasn’t been proved but it hasn’t been disproved. I’m just worried that they [the students] will get some kind of e ect later in life or something like that.”

John says his own kids went to Welcome Bay School and he also has a grandson that attends.

“I mean to me it’s almost as bad as putting a vape business next to a school.

“When you’ve got hills not that far away it seems silly to put one there, right by a school.

“ is is exposed to children and adults at the shopping centre, there’s a kids day-care between the school and the tower as well.”

Tauranga City Council’s general manager of regulatory and compliance

Sarah Omundsen says: “the National Environmental Standard speci es the radio frequency emissions permitted for towers and, in this instance, 2Degrees have provided a report showing compliance with the Standard”.

A 2Degrees spokesperson says: “ e site was chosen as the best location to meet the needs for the community, and the tower meets the safety standards set by the Ministry of Health. We use Ericsson equipment, and Ericsson is the world leader in this technology, and used worldwide”.

Having called council asking who consents to the installation of cell phone towers, John says he was told by a council representative that this has “nothing to do with the local council but was signed o on a national level”.

Sarah says the installation and/or maintenance of cell phone towers in our region “may require consent from the relevant district council, and/or the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, depending on the speci cs of the proposal in relation to relevant plans, and the National Environmental Standard for Telecommunication Facilities 2016.”

In this instance, she says: “ e tower at the corner of Welcome Bay Road and Esmeralda Street was installed by 2Degrees Network Ltd, and is subject to a resource consent issued by Tauranga City Council”.

For John, he says he would like to see “more consultation” regarding cell phone tower installations.

“Particularly when I don’t know if they’ve contacted the school or not, but I don’t think the school would’ve been too pleased about it.”

Sarah says: “Community consultation is guided by the Resource Management Act, which sets out the criteria for whether or not consultation is required, and who should be noti ed.”

Welcome Bay School was approached by the Weekend Sun and did not wish to comment.

Georgia Minkhorst

Candidates talk road congestion charges

As part of a series leading up to the General Election, Sun Media is asking candidates from Tauranga, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel electorates about issues facing Kiwis across the region.

Tauranga City Council has signalled they may consult the public on a congestion charge – which if implemented, would charge road users for driving on certain roads in peak hour tra c. is week candidates from the Tauranga electorate give their thoughts on the matter to the question: ‘Would you support congestion charges being implemented on the Tauranga City roading network?’

Tauranga National Party candidate Sam U ndell says Tauranga has two of the three toll roads in New Zealand, and has become “Toll-ranga”.

“If congestion charging is considered here, then TCC and NZTA need to remove the tolls and I will ensure that any discussion on this represents fair treatment for the people of Tauranga.

“I will continue working hard within National to get us the infrastructure we need, on top of our announcements to build four-lane, grade-separated highways on SH29 and SH2 to Omokoroa.”

Independent candidate Larry Baldock says in London, the congestion charge is a price for entering the inner city zone which encourages more public transport use where “good public transport systems exist”, but in Tauranga, he adds it would be “more challenging” to work e ectively.

“I will support nding every possible means of funding the improvements to our transport system like tolling has currently, but the congestion charging will have to be accepted by the public and shown to be bene cial.”

Meanwhile, Tauranga ACT candidate Christine Young says “we need to explore more options to get tra c moving around the Bay”.

“Ideas such as T2 lanes and looking into of emerging technologies, including GPS tracking of tra c, to e ectively price roads in real time could be consulted on with the whole user community.”

New Zealand First candidate Erika Harvey says the cost of living crisis is “bad enough” without “hitting residents and ratepayers again” with congestion charges. “Personally, I would not support this as I don't think it will x the problem and will only add more costs to those who may be unable to a ord them right now.”

Tauranga Animal Justice Party candidate Chelsea Stockman says: “ e Animal Justice Party believes environmental conservation is important however, adding to the nancial struggle of people may not be the way forward”.

Tauranga New Conservative candidate Johnathan Langridge says rstly, he would only support congestion charges if it had been majority voted in by Tauranga in a petition or referendum.

“Secondly, although it sounds complicated in terms of variable fees, I believe it has the potential to generate signi cant revenue; 100 per cent of road user charges, like fuel excise duty and vehicle licensing, should be spent on roading infrastructure.”

To hear what candidates from the BOP and Coromandel electorates think, visit: SunLive.co.nz e Weekend Sun has approached Tauranga Labour candidate Jan Tinetti, Tauranga Te Pāti Māori candidate Mikaere Sydney, Tauranga Vision NZ candidate Leon Samuels and Green Party candidate Justin Crooks for comment, and no response had been given at the time of print.

the Flaming Mudcats · Kokomo · Jimi Kara · Petra Rijnbeek Rehaab Dirty Tones featuring Sean Lurman the Legacy Band Theory 89 · Robert Lock's Loaded + more

Tauranga candidates are talking whether road congestion charges should be implemented in the city.

Taylor Rice

Vegetation control at Gordon Carmichael Reserve

Tauranga City Council will soon remove and control pest plants from around the Gordon Carmichael Reserve pond and waterway edges to make way for native, coastal ora planting in the future.

ese plants will increase the biodiversity of the area, providing areas for safe nesting and food for the native birds, reptiles, insects, sh and tuna (eels) that call the

Electric Vehicles future

battery power according to Automobile Association’s Simon Douglas.

Earlier this month, National Party leader Christopher Luxon promised 10,000 electric vehicle chargers by 2030 if elected. Automobile Association’s chief policy and advocacy o cer Simon Douglas says underinvestment in EV charging facilities is one of the associations election calls.

“We’re really happy to see more and more EVs on the roads, but the problem is our public charging infrastructure isn’t keeping up - there are more than 80,000 EVs out there, but we’ve only about 400 charging sites for them to use,” says Simon. He thinks National Party’s promise of 10,000 more EV chargers will see uptake in EV use and will address “range anxiety”.

“Overcoming range anxiety is the biggest thing that people are worried about. e key to that is making sure that there’s an [EV charger] network

in place so if people are caught short away from home, or away from their normal place of charging –they can access a public charger, get a top up and get to where they’re going in the same as we do with a petrol station.”

Simon says having the same level of infrastructure for EV chargers as petrol stations will “help increase people’s con dence to purchase an EV and meet our emissions targets”.

At the same time National Party have also stated if they win, EV users will be subject to road user charges as they are currently exempt from fuel excise taxes. Simon says “it’s about time for this exemption to end”.

“ e exemption for EV’s in paying road user charges was brought in as a tool to help incentivise to buy EV’s.

“Since then we’ve seen the clean car standard and the clean car discount introduced and those have proven to be much more e ective tools and we’ve seen a much faster uptake in the purchase of EVs.

“If we’re to maintain balance in the system and make sure that we’ve got the funding and the revenue necessary to maintain the roads in a safe and proper way, then yes it’s time for the road exemption to end.”

area home, according to TCC.

“Work will begin next to the waterway behind the properties on Saint Paul’s Drive and will take around three weeks.

e work will be done by hand and with some small machinery in stages to minimise the disruption to neighbouring residents and park users, and to take care of the existing native plants.”

As part of the work, TCC will

also remove the temporary waratah silt fence and clear pest plants around it; remove pest plants, some manually and some using agrichemicals.

“ is is weather dependent; we will install park signage and update our website before this happens at: tauranga.govt.nz/spraying”

Work will also include general park maintenance to prepare the area for next season’s planting.

Future voters having their say

Everyone should have their say and vote, according to politically savvy students at Mount Maunganui Intermediate.

Ahead of Election Day on Saturday, October 14, schools around the country have had the opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to vote, holding their very own mock elections. e Electoral Commission sent schools

mock voting papers with parties and candidates from their local electorates – allowing students to vote for real life candidates.

One Mount Maunganui class were among those taking part.

Mount Maunganui Intermediate team leader Wendy Tuck says students of today are our future leaders and decision makers.

“ e upcoming elections provide rich and authentic learning about why to vote, how our political

system works, and the values underpinning di erent political parties,” says Wendy. So what do intermediate kids think of New Zealand’s democratic political system? Twelveyear-old Mount Maunganui students, Autumn Parchomchuk, Amelia Joynt, Nico Wilson and Lilly Akagi shared their thoughts. “It’s pretty organised and people can clearly say what they want,” says Autumn. Nico describes our political system as “equal”. He says: “It’s good it’s not limited to certain people, like anyone can vote if they’re of age.” “Everyone has a say of what they want,” says Lilly, “instead of just one group of people,” adds Amelia.

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When asked whether it’s important to vote, there was a unanimous “yes” among the group. “Everyone can have a say. It should be a whole community exercise not just one group of people, so it’s important for everybody to vote for what

they believe in,” says Autumn.

“Everyone might have a di erent opinion so it’s good to see,” says Amelia.

As 12 year olds, the group agreed that they will all be voting when they’re eligible at 18. “It’s kind of like a rite of passage to being an adult voting,” says Nico. “I want to have a say in what’s happening with the country. I want to be able to put in my opinion,” says Autumn.

“I’m agreeing with her –having my say and like, being a part of it,” says Lilly.

With voting just around the corner, these future voters have some advice for those eligible in our community too. “Don’t get bribed into voting for someone bad,” says Nico, with Autumn noting you should “vote for yourself”.

“Vote for what you think and not anyone else’s opinion,” says Lilly. Amelia Joynt agrees saying: “Stick with your own opinion”. Georgia Minkhorst

Mount Maunganui Intermediate students Nico Wilson, Amelia Joynt, Lilly Akagi and Autumn Parchomchuk. Photo: Georgia Minkhorst.

Issues = $3.4m budget blowout Recycle child car seats for free!

Buildings at Tauranga’s Historic Village will be assessed after the discovery of structural issues in one its main complexes.

Renovations to the building known as Complex 2 at the village began in December 2022, but “significant structural issues” were found in April, causing a $3.4m budget blowout. These included discontinuous studs, no boundary joist around the first floor, along with roof strapping inconsistencies.

Tauranga City Council’s commission approved the extra funding at a meeting this week. The budget for the upgrade project is now $7.2m, up from $3.8m.

The Historic Village is a council owned and managed community facility. It hosts shops, events and community groups in mix of historic and replica buildings on 17th Ave. A full business case will be prepared and presented to commission to consider the condition of other buildings in the village. Also to ensure that ratepayer contributions are not increased from the $10.6m budgeted in the draft 20242034 long-term plan.

Commissioner Bill Wasley wanted to ensure the business case would include “detailed assessment of all

the relevant buildings”.

“Whether it's us or some future council, we don't want a surprise of this quantum.”

Complex 2 was built in the early 1980s mainly by volunteer tradespeople. It sits in the middle of the village centre and is a focal point from the entrance.

Council community services general manager Barbara Dempsey says it was an “integral building for the operation of the village”.

The original work included upgrading the kitchen, elevators and toilets, says Barbara.

The team carried out a “massive assessment” of the building but it was only when the wall lining was pulled off they understood that the

project had changed, she says.

“It’s no longer a significant upgrade. It's now structural upgrade along with the upgrade that we want for the operations of the building.”

The team planned to look at all the buildings in the village to “make the balance sheet better,” says Barbara.

“Whether that's actually earn more money so that we can still upgrade the current buildings or make some tough decisions about some other buildings.”

Work on Complex 2 is expected to be finished by February 2025.

Western Bay of Plenty residents have a second chance to recycle their unwanted child car seats for free – this Sunday, October 1 in Katikati.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is collaborating with SeatSmart for the event at Katikati Recycle Centre on October from 10am-3pm. The first event was in Te Puke last weekend.

The event will take expired, damaged, or surplus child car seats for free, to recycle.

It’s estimated about 100,000 car seats expire annually, and many go to landfill if they aren’t recycled.

WBOPDC resource recovery and

waste team leader Ilze Kruis says the events are an opportunity to divert damaged or expired seats from landfill – meaning materials can be recycled or repurposed.

“Teams dismantle the seats and separate out the materials to go on to be repurposed and recycled.

“For example, seatbelt straps can be used to make bags. Up to 67 percent of the car seat’s materials by weight are recyclable,” says Ilze.

The service will be available at Katikati Recycling Centre on Sunday, October 1 from 10am-3pm.

“All you need to bring with you is proof that you live anywhere in the WBOP, and your car seat.”

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It will cost an extra $3.4m to fix structural issues in Complex 2 at the Historic Village. Photo: John Borren.

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Arlo is a 14-monthold Fox Terrier cross. Arlo loves company. As soon as you approach him he is looking to jump up on your lap for a cuddle. He greets us with a 'pick me up, pick me up!', all the while wagging his tail and requesting attention.

SPCA will open the doors of a new op shop in Mount Maunganui today!

is week the SPCA team has been busy setting up and taking to donations for their new op shop store at 3A Owens Place, Mount Maunganui right next to Animates. Opening today, Friday, September 29, this is the SPCA’s fourth shop in the Bay of Plenty –with sister stores based in Tauranga South, Papamoa and Greerton.

Spreading love to Mount Maunganui, SPCA national property manager Lee Burnham says the new shop is a great opportunity for the SPCA. “We’re just excited about increasing fundraising for Tauranga but for the SPCA nationally,” says Lee.

“We get such generous donations and things like that but that’s not something we can

always

rely on sustainably.”

Op shops are essential to New Zealand’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, says SPCA general manger retail Cathy Crichton. “ ey bring in vital funds that help us to support and care for the thousands of animals that come through our doors every week.

“ e funds assist communities through veterinary care, food, housing, rehoming advice and general support,” says Cathy.

As a brand new store, the SPCA is seeking a variety of goods and donations from the community.

“Anything from apparel to homeware items. Entertainment goods are well sort after also.

“We’re generally grateful for most things,” says Cathy.

Volunteer support is also needed and Cathy says it takes “all sorts” volunteering for the SPCA. “We’ve got a variety of

di erent roles. I think sometimes its nding out what people’s passions are and trying to match the role with the individual and what they enjoy doing in that environment.”

With summer around the corner and Mount Maunganui a popular holiday destination, Cathy expects the new op shop will be bustling this silly season. “It’s all in an e ort for fundraising for animal care so this store’s timing is probably right to see what the true potential of what the Christmas period might bring with local or national tourism.

e new store is located at 3A Owens Place, Mount Maunganui and will be open 9am – 5pm Monday to Sunday. Donations welcome.

For volunteer interest email: mtmaunganui.opshop@spca.nz

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Arlo is a little nervous with new things and new surroundings but once he knows he's safe there is no stopping him. Arlo loves to run and play but isn't into toys.

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increasingly important as our city grows.

Georgia Minkhorst

‘Allo ‘Allo it’s Arlo!

SPCA sales assistant, Rhonda May getting things set up in the new store. Photo: John Borren.

New board member gets to work Art expo under one roof

Te Puke’s new community board member Neena Chauhan is set to make her declaration at a Western Bay of Plenty District Council meeting this coming Tuesday, October 3.

Neena Chauhan was elected to the Te Puke Community Board this month after nominations closed on September 7 for the seat, which was left vacant Anish Paudel resigned earlier this year.

With Neena the only nominee, she was declared elected to the board,

avoiding the need for a by-election. “I’m really excited to be taking up this position and feel really privileged to be given an opportunity to give back,” says Neena.

“I look forward to working with our Te Puke neighbours and representing them on matters that a ect them.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Mayor James Denyer congratulated Neena and welcomed her becoming the newest elected member representing her community.

It was American postwar and contemporary artist

Peter Falk’s idea of heaven.

“…Wake up, have a good breakfast and spend the rest of the day drawing.”

A sentiment probably shared by the 250 members of the Tauranga Society of Artists, regardless of whether they’re drawing or painting. And regardless of whether it’s oil, acrylic, water-colour or pastel, or pencil.

“Whatever the medium, there is someone at the society who is very good at it,” says Robin Purllant, himself an exhibiting artist and committee member of the Art Society, which this weekend is celebrating and showing and sharing.

It’s the Society’s Original Art Expo – a massive body of genres and mediums, perhaps 700 local works, on display and on sale, at the Tauranga Boys’ College gymnasium through until Sunday. A place, where this weekend, creative minds and healthy bodies converge.

“It’s a very signi cant event,” says Robin. “ e largest exhibition of its kind in the Bay of Plenty, the very best of our work, and something we, as a region, can be very proud of.

“We do have members who have been there for a very long

time and their work stands out.

“And while the overall standard is very good, the people who are the best, are very, very good.”

While “every artist was rst an amateur”, Robin detests the word ‘amateur’.

“We have a lot of people who are very keen and very interested in art and come to the society to gain more experience and knowledge. It is just as much a learning society as a social society.”

ousands are expected to pass through the Expo, and with an opportunity to experience as well as appreciate. e Expo’s “Art in Action” involves artists demonstrating skills from portrait drawing to painting,

and sketching to illustrating, and meeting and chatting with patrons.

Another feature of the Expo is the 2023 Supreme Art Award. Robin is last year’s winner and a candidate again this year. “It’s not just a trivial little competition. It’s now quite prestigious, a major award for the art community in Tauranga.”

A guest exhibitor at the Expo is the Tauranga Floral Group. e Art Expo is open today until 5pm and tomorrow and Sunday from 9am to 4pm in the Tauranga Boys’ College gymnasium on the corner of 14th Avenue and Devonport Road.

An amalgam of science and art – sustainability advisor Amy Earles will be exhibiting her acrylic and pastel pieces which combine her passion for the environment and her art at the Art Expo.

Photo: John Borren.

Newly-elected Neena Chauhan.

much to do at Mount Maunganui.

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Hartford Ave safety upgrade

Safety improvements are taking place at the intersection of Pāpāmoa Beach Rd and Hartford Ave, with tra c management in place, according to Tauranga City Council. e upgrade includes a new pedestrian refuge island on Pāpāmoa Beach Rd, improved lighting, new road markings for safe turning and the addition of a bus bay on the beach side of the road.

Tra c management will be in place as required and footpath detours will be signposted to ensure everyone’s safety during construction.

For the duration of the works and for public safety, the carpark opposite Hartford Ave will be closed and the gate locked during daytime construction activities.

e carpark will be opened when contractors nish for the day.

Tourists could help gallery’s funding shortfall

Toi Tauranga Art Gallery could charge tourists in future.

Gallery admission is free with a donation encouraged. e question of charging visitors was raised at a Tauranga City Council meeting on Monday when the gallery was presenting its annual report.

Making a contribution

Commissioner Bill Wasley asked if there were opportunities for charging overseas and other New Zealand visitors given the “challenges of income and costs” the gallery faced.

“When you go overseas or other parts of New Zealand those opportunities seem to always present themselves.”

Gallery director Sonya Korohina replied: “It is expected when you are travelling… that you are making a contribution when you're visiting facilities.” She says it was a piece of work the gallery would be undertaking.

e gallery had 30,094 visitors for the year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, according its annual report.

International visitors made up eight per cent, 18 per cent were national, 26 per cent came from the Western Bay of Plenty with 46 per cent from Tauranga.

Tauranga Art Gallery nished the year with a $200,000 de cit, based on the unaudited report.

Covid had an impact at the start of its nancial year, increased service and labour costs also a ected the bottom line, says Sonya.

“We couldn't generate any revenue through hosting events.

“It also meant for our sponsors and our donors, we were not as attractive a proposition during that time as well.”

Tourist revenue

As a council controlled organisation the gallery received a $1.32 million operating grant from TCC for 2022/23.

Commissioner Stephen Selwood says it is “fundamental” to get the “balance right between revenues and expenses”.

“Many museums or art galleries you go to there is a fee, even to the locals, for those special events.”

He says there is opportunity to talk about

capturing revenue from tourists and special exhibitions over the next year while the main gallery was closed.

It will shut from October 1 for renovations as part of the $306 million Te Manawataki O Te Papa civic precinct development.

e entrance to the gallery will change from Wharf Street to Masonic Park on the opposite side of the building and a new café and retail area will be added.

A pop up gallery on nearby Devonport Road will continue to host education programmes and exhibitions on a smaller scale.

Sonya says this means her team could review their programmes for the rst time in the 16 years the gallery had been open.

“When we reopen in our main building later on next year, we're really looking forward to servicing future generations in Tauranga Moana through exceptional art experiences.”

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truck and crew being stationed at Mount Maunganui for the day instead. is follows the recent closure for two days of the Mount Maunganui Fire Station.

The only local daily news source you need, constantly updated, seven days a week www.sunlive.co.nz

News tips phone: 0800 SUNLIVE

Candidates front up on social issues

Candidates representing some of the major political parties presented their ideas on social issues this week to an audience of about 50 people working in the social and charities sector. e meeting was organised by SociaLink and

Jan Logie represented the Green party, Bay of Plenty candidate Pare Taikato represented Labour, Bay of Plenty candidate Christine Young represented ACT, along with Independent candidate Larry Baldock. Both National and NZ First didn’t attend. Read the full story at: www.SunLive.co.nz

Fire and Emergency NZ district manager Je Maunder says on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9, Mount Maunganui Fire Station saw sta ng shortages which took the two trucks at the station o ine.

support New Zealanders from cradle to grave," says Whānau Āwhina Plunket chief executive, Fiona Kingsford.

"While the group wholeheartedly endorse the recent historic pay equity settlement for Te Whatu Ora nurses and healthcare workers, it has created a stark pay gap with those working in primary, community, and telehealth care," says a Family Planning spokesperson.

Police warn of re-emergence of email scam

Sta

shortages at

fire stations continue

Fire stations being closed for one or more days around Tauranga due to sta shortage is continuing to be of high concern with locals. Concerns have also been raised about sta fatigue.

On Monday, the Tauranga re station in Cameron Road was closed with the

Pay gap "crippling" community health care

A dozen of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading primary, community, and telehealth care organisations are coming together, calling on political parties to commit to pay parity for their nursing and health care workers.

"Collectively we represent services that

In a post on Facebook, Bay of Plenty & Taupo Police say they are aware that an email scam has re-emerged, that references police and other justice sector partners. e email claims authorities have done a search of the email recipient’s computer and located explicit illegal material.

" is email is a scam and anyone who receives it should not reply under any circumstances," says police.

Toi Tauranga Art Gallery director Sonya Korohina. Photo: John Borren.

A selection of local breaking stories featured this week on...

The call for novels

ey need help so they can help others.

‘ ey’ is the Harbour City Lions, and they need books, lots of books, for their annual racecourse Charity Book Sale in November, the pro ts from which help fund good work done by other community groups and individuals.

Like lights and a catering cart for volunteer remen, like puppies to be trained up as guide dogs and Hospice. Money raised from books you donated to the Harbour City Lions book fair also bought a horse for Riding for the Disabled. It also covers the $2000 vet fees and general upkeep of the horse every year.

And Lee Childs can help. Works by the British thriller writer race out the door at the book fair.

“We are looking for ction; any sort of ction,” says Lion Christine Currie.

So if there is any Colleen Hoover, Ann Patchett or Rebecca Yarros that has been bought, read,

borrowed, returned and now sitting idle on the co ee table, drop it o for the Harbour City Lions book fair. en that book can continue working for the city, it can continue giving.

Books and jigsaws can be dropped o at Harvey Norman in Cameron Road, BedPost in Tauriko, Wet and Forget at the Bay Central Shopping Centre in Chapel Street, Woolworths at the Bethlehem Town Centre and Bunnings DIY in Jean Batten Drive in Mount Maunganui.

e Harbour City Lions Book Fair began in 2007. Since then there have been many bene ciaries including Diabetes Youth, Hearing Dogs, Ronald McDonald House, Heart Kids, Outward Bound, Westpac Helicopter, Coastguard, Surf Lifesaving, Homes of Hope, Hato Hone St John and Starship.

e next Harbour City Lions Charity Book Sale is on November 10, 11 and 12 at Tauranga Race Course.

How should we pay?

Council seeks feedback on payment options for the future civic precinct - Te Manawataki o Te Papa.

Te Manawataki o Te Papa will revitalise the city centre and help make it the economic, cultural and heritage heart of the region. The rates-funded debt for this development has been capped at a maximum of $151.5 million and the Council is proposing to use the Infrastructure Funding and Financing (IFF) Act as an alternative way to help fund the development.

An IFF levy ensures projects have the financial backing they need to be delivered, with the cost of borrowing fixed for 30 years. It also spreads the cost across current and future city ratepayers –ensuring that everyone benefiting from Te Manawataki o Te Papa contributes towards the cost.

We think IFF funding offers some big advantages, but we want to know which option you prefer – pay through rates, or through an IFF levy?

For more information and to share your thoughts, head to: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/levyproposal

Donate books and help the Lions and then we can help you. Fire ghter Zhane De Mey thumbs through some Clive Cussler before the book gets sorted for sale. Photo: John Borren

Bark in the Park with the whole family

Tauranga City Council Animal Services team is hosting a familyfriendly fun day out for dog owners and their pups on Saturday, September 30.

Bark in the Park is a free event at Memorial Park’s Jordan Field tomorrow, from 10am-2pm.

TCC acting animal services team leader Gary Dixon says last year’s inaugural event was such a success.

“ is event brings the Tauranga dog community together to enjoy a day out at Memorial Park and check out a range of local businesses

selling doggie-related items.” People can also win some great prizes.

“ ere were some great costumes on display last year, and we’re encouraging dogs and their owners to get creative and come along dressed up in their best party out ts - or as each other,” says Gary.

Food trucks, local dog rescues and more will also be at Bark in the Park, so there is plenty for pups and people to see and do.

For more information about the free community event, visit: www.tauranga.govt.nz

Once a Mountie always a Mountie

In his 60 years at the Mount, surfer Glenn ompson has seen plenty. e 72-year-old is well aware of the importance of keeping the identity and uniqueness of the area.

“I moved to the Mount from Gisborne when I was 11 or 12 so I’ve been sur ng here for about 60 years now,” says Glenn.

“Back then it was a pretty quiet place, hardly any tra c and you never thought about parking.”

Glenn says it’s changed a lot with more development and way more people. “It’s now heaps

HERE’S WHAT WE HEARD...

CONNECTED NEIGHBOURHOODS, NO MATTER HOW YOU TRAVEL

Connected neighbourhoods provide safe, reliable, and easy options for how we move around and get to where we want to go.

On a peninsula surrounded by water there’s not a lot of space to build many more roads, instead, we must make improvements to help people and goods move more efficiently and effectively along the transport routes we do have.

Bus lanes, safe crossings, safe cycling routes, and shared paths will help normalise active travel and help us improve our environment, manage congestion, and reduce carbon emissions. This means more efficient movement of vehicles on key roads during peak times, while supporting businesses and the economy with more reliable movement for freight and trade vehicles.

We want your thoughts on the proposed areas of focus and which projects are most important to you before our draft plan goes to council for approval.

DO YOU AGREE? TELL US BY 8 OCTOBER

busier, but as long as I can get to the beach and keep sur ng, I’m pretty happy.”

Tauranga City Council is asking the public for their nal thoughts before the draft Mount to Arataki Spatial Plan is taken to commissioners for approval later this year.

Following consultation earlier in March, council has drawn up initiatives around how people move around the Mount to Arataki area, what a healthy community and neighbourhood looks like, improvements to the centres that people go to for work and play and promoting the history and

culture of the region.

It’s all about remembering our past, while embracing our future, says Tauranga City Council urban team leader Carl Lucca.

“As a council we’ll continue to work with mana whenua and our community to promote placemaking and storytelling by creating spaces that re ect local communities, local characters, and local history and culture,” says Carl.

For more information, and to place feedback on the draft Mount to Arataki Spatial plan, go to: www.tauranga.govt.nz/ mount-arataki-feedback

Mount surfer Glenn ompson in his element.

Photo: supplied.

Independent and community living

Enjoy an independent lifestyle and gain while you share in the community at Karaka Pines.

Unlike traditional retirement villages, residents receive much more value for their money when making Karaka Pines their home. “We can provide really good outcomes for residents in the village because we o er full capital gain to the resident,” says Karaka Pines CEO Adam Yates. Being in the retirement village industry for 25 years, Adam says: “ e reason I do this is that I believe retirement villages have a positive impact on people’s lives”.

“If we have the nancial model being equally good for the resident, then a Karaka Pines village is probably the obvious

choice for people to move into.

“Every Karaka Pines village has a community centre at the heart of its village.

“Residents meet as much as

they wish and we’ve always got some activities, party, meal or something going on, where residents can be getting together and enjoying each

Get ready for a summer of sound

Make sure you’re not missing a thing this summer by getting your hearing checked and your hearing aids tted correctly.

e team at Hearing Support Bay of Plenty a few top tips to hear everything this summer.

It can be di cult to realise how much your ability to hear has changed over time. It’s important to get your hearing checked by a quali ed professional every two years so you can take

action as soon as possible.

If you’re already a hearing aid user, it’s important to know how to take care of your hearing aids in all seasons. Keeping your hearing aids free from moisture and debris will help to prevent lasting damage and ensure they’re working well over the summer months. Placing your hearing aids in a dehumidi er or drying capsule overnight keeps them clear of moisture build up.

And nally, if you’re attending reworks, loud concerts, sporting events or undertaking gardening work using loud machinery, it’s worth investing in some ear plugs to keep your ears safe from noise exposure.

other’s company.” ere are many reasons someone may choose to move into a retirement village, whether they’re recently bereaved, seeking company or entering a new stage of life.

Adam says they have a new show home with two tiled bathrooms, three double bedrooms, a generous

open plan living room facing north, covered patio, private service area and gorgeous views of the hills.

Karaka Pines has a portfolio of developments, and is managing seven retirement villages nationwide and is excited to reveal they’re developing another in Papamoa so watch this space!

Karaka Pines has a huge range of reasons to move in.

National Bridge Congress returns

e National Bridge Congress is being held for the second time ever in Mount Maunganui until the end of the month.

Kicking o last Saturday, September 23, this is the 37th time New Zealand Bridge has hosted the National Bridge Congress and will run until Saturday, September 30.

While the game may not be physically challenging, bridge is not for the faint of heart. Players practice for hours each day and will need to be at their mental peak for competition as they concentrate and count cards for 10 hours a day –eight days straight!

"We are really happy to bring back the National Bridge Congress to Mount Maunganui," says NZ Bridge Congress manager and Mount Maunganui Bridge Club captain Teri Logie.

"It is a testament to the region's appeal and the strong Bridge community that exists here. is event is a celebration of our game, and we look forward to providing players, both seasoned and aspiring, with an unforgettable week of Bridge, camaraderie, and skill-building opportunities."

e congress will see a mix of players,

including Adam Kaplan, 27-year-old Bridge professional from NYC, the Bridge Black team, members of the Australian national team and bridge newcomers.

Normally hosting more than 700 players, this year’s national congress has attracted international players as it is the rst time the congress has been included in the World Bridge Tour.

NZ Bridge Events manager Bridget Hannaway, who has also been competing this week, expects the congress will boost tourism in our region.

“ e scenic coastal location of Mount Maunganui adds to the attraction, o ering people an opportunity to enjoy the local environment and hospitality during their downtime,” says Bridget.

Georgia Minkhorst

Hundreds of bridge players at the National Bridge Congress. Photos: John Borren.

Bridge player Sonya Adams at the National Bridge Congress.

Celebrating older people in our village

Celebrate International Day of the Older Person with the community this year at ‘A Day at the Village’.

Showing some appreciation for our parents, grandparents, kaumātua, friends and neighbours, e Incubator

Creative Hub and the Historic Village are hosting ‘A Day at the Village’ on Tuesday, October 3.

“It’s just a really great opportunity for us to acknowledge older people in our community –kaumātua, retired people and the wealth of talent and skills they have and the part they play in our communities,” says e Incubator's director of support and project

development, Marama Mateparae. is community event will be jam packed with di erent events and activities for seniors, as well as programmes that grandparents and grandkids can enjoy together. e day will start o with a delightful morning tea at 9.45am, where people can then take part in art workshops, singalong sessions, tai chi demonstrations, informative

Head along to the Historic Village

On Tuesday, October 3, and celebrate International Day of the Older Persons. Photo: Sunlive.

chats for seniors, admire art exhibitions, explore whakapapa, head to the Village Cinema and more! Marama says she is looking forward to the community coming together for the event. “I love it when people get a chance to make connections and meet new people so I’m really hoping that people will

come down and join in.”

Running from 9.45am-3pm at the Historic Village, ‘A Day at the Village’ will be held on Tuesday, October 3. For more information and programme details visit: www.theincubator.co.nz/whats-on/aday-at-the-village-event

Georgia Minkhorst

YOUR LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES A Word from

General Election: Voting starts soon

Voting in the 2023 General Election will be underway soon.

Voting places will be open in New Zealand next Monday, October 2.

Voters who are overseas can vote until 7pm on election day, Saturday, October 14, NZ time. About 78,000 enrolled voters have an overseas address.

“If you’re travelling or based overseas, you can still vote in the election. e easiest way to vote from overseas is to download

your voting papers from: vote. nz and return them by upload to the website,” says chief electoral o cer Karl Le Quesne.

“ ere are also 74 locations overseas where New Zealanders can vote in person, including 10 voting places in Australia.”

Telephone dictation voting opened on Wednesday, September 27, for people who are blind, partially blind, or have a physical disability that means they cannot mark their voting paper without help. You need to register to use this service. More

information is available at: vote. nz/telephone-dictation-voting “Voting places will be open before election day in convenient locations including shopping areas, transport hubs, kura, marae, community halls and sports clubs, to make it easy for people to vote as they go about their daily lives,” says Karl. It’s not too late to enrol to vote in this year’s election. Eligible voters can ll out an enrolment form and vote at the same time at any voting place, including on election day.

Wanting to see our region thrive

e Leighton Baker Party is a group of independent people representing their electorates rst and foremost.

As a born and bred ‘BoPer’ Wendy knows the region consists of people with a vested interest in horticulture, tourism, industry, shipping, the oceans and forests, retirees, and growing our youth and supporting our social development needs.

“We are all one who want to see our region thrive,” she says. “ ere is no room for separatism, elitism, nor slacking o , we are all in this together.”

Wendy is passionate about bringing back accountability and integrity into parliament. She wants a Government that listens and takes action on their people’s

voices for the future of NZ, not overseas hidden agendas.

“ ere is too much unnecessary bureaucracy. A report by Alfonso 2019 says we could lose up to 49 per cent and we would not notice a di erence to the performance of the public sector.

“If we stop wasting money on information scams, and move the money to the frontline we would have better education and healthcare, a better performing public sector and reduce the tax take to lower single digits.

“Neither should our assets be privatised or sold. Water, food and energy security is NZs most valuable asset for our future generations. We don’t have their permission to

squander it.”

Dr Wendy Gillespie is proudly staunch about holding Government to account. She has the knowledge, experience and expertise to do it.

Dr Wendy GillespieLeighton Baker Party

YOUR LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES A Word from

Giving our community a stronger voice

Erika Harvey is a wellknown community advocate and business owner in Tauranga.

Following a corporate background, Erika has transferred her skill set into community advocacy and helping others.

e general manager for a local youth charity, she is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to education and wraparound services for children and youth.

Alongside her current tenures, Erika has also been on various community boards and working groups, including

with Tauranga City Council, Bay of Plenty District Health Board, and as former chairperson of Greerton Village School.

An American-born New Zealander, Erika has made Tauranga her home for almost 15 years and is intent on giving her community a stronger voice in Parliament and returning Tauranga to democracy with a Local Body Election in 2024. Her work in local government issues as an a ected business owner have inspired her to further advocate for her community by standing for New Zealand

First. Erika lives locally with

Here to advocate strongly for you

I’m Sam U ndell, the incumbent MP for Tauranga. is is the best place to live in New Zealand.

We’ve got amazing beaches, natural beauty and enormous potential. I want to see Tauranga as an advanced, modern, diverse city and future tech hub, with a strong economy and a lower cost of living.

Alongside rebuilding our economy and restoring law and order, transport is a key issue. Already I’ve helped National commit to signi cantly upgrading State Highway 29 and Stage Two of the Takitimu Northern Link. You can guarantee I will relentlessly pursue my colleagues to invest in this great city and appreciate

us as a key part of New Zealand’s golden triangle. I’ve been an MP since June 2022 and have greatly enjoyed meeting many people in our community. In Wellington, I work hard on representing our local issues and am currently National’s Horticulture spokesperson. Prior to politics, I worked at Rabobank and spent 12 years working in nancial services in Sydney and Singapore. I also own an agribusiness, manufacturing and distributing organic soil conditioners.

I want to take the best of what I’ve learnt overseas and through my career and apply it to Tauranga and New Zealand. We’ve got so much potential here, we just need to realise it!

Learn where you can vote!

e General Election is just around the corner, happening on October 14, and now you can nd your closest voting place online at: www.vote.nz

e Electoral Commission has published information about the 2600 places where New Zealanders can vote during the 2023 General Election.

Deputy chief executive operations Anusha Guler says the Electoral Commission has worked with communities to put voting places in spaces that are easy to access.

“ is election people will see voting places in and around the spaces where we all live and work, including malls and retail areas, transport hubs, marae, mosques, universities, schools, and community halls.”

is year voting starts on Monday, October 2, and closes at 7pm on Election Day, Saturday, October 14. ere will be more than 800 voting places open before Election Day and more than 2300 voting places on Election Day. Make sure you have your say on the future of New Zealand by voting. Find out more information at: www.vote.nz

I live with my wife and our three children and enjoy sur ng, reading, landscaping and cooking (and eating). I’m here to advocate strongly for you make our vision for Tauranga become a reality.

local National Party candidates

Authorised by T Rutherford, 34A Maranui Street, Tauranga

Tom Rutherford Candidate for Bay of Plenty

Sam Uffindell MP for Tauranga

Authorised by H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road, Ponsonby.

Authorised by H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road,

Authorised by H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road, Ponsonby.

Erika Harvey - NZ First

Sam U ndell - National

husband Dan, and their two children, 12-year-old Piper and new baby Ziggy.

Pare Taikato

for Bay of Plenty

A Word from

YOUR LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES

What we’ve achieved - and what we’ll do

We’ve been working hard to relieve pressure on New Zealanders due to the cost of living and supporting communities following recent adverse weather events.

We’re moving forward and the numbers are moving in the right direction with our economy growing 0.9 per cent in the June quarter and turning a corner.

We’re easing costs on families through targeted investments that will avoid stoking in ation, bringing down the cost of living, keeping people and communities safe and investing in education, health and housing.

We’ve delivered more than 100 million healthy lunches in schools since 2020, delivered free period products to girls in all schools and kura, lifted the

minimum hourly wage from $15.75 to $22.70, supported seniors with winter energy payments and increases to Superannuation, extended paid parental leave from 18 to 26 weeks, delivered 1800 additional police and scrapped $5 prescription charges. If Labour are re-elected to government, we pledge to remove GST on all fresh and frozen fruit and veges, introduce free dental care for under 30 year olds, extend 20 hrs free ECE for two year olds, support 160,000 families with working for families tax credits of an additional $25 per week, make the apprenticeship boost permanent, four weeks paid parental leave for partners, deliver 300 additional frontline police.

When times are tough,

pare.taikato@labour.org.nz labour.org.nz/paretaikato2023

/paretaikato4bop /paretaikatolabour

Pare Taikato - Labour

Kiwis need government that provides stability and certainty, one that's on their side and in it for them –that’s what Labour and Chris Hipkins o er and why I’m proud to be standing for the BOP in Labour’s 2023 Team.

Devoted to representing our city

For too long Tauranga has been ignored by both Labour and National Governments.

We are the fth largest city and host the country’s major port. e state highways and rail network delivering freight to and from that port are woefully inadequate and we are now being called the most congested city by some. e only way to make any Government in Wellington deliver a decent transportation network and more a ordable housing is to send the message that we will no longer vote along party lines when it comes to who represents our city. Pretty much all the election signs around the city are asking

for your party vote except Labour, National and mine! At Number 6 on their list, Labour voters can be assured that the Hon Jan Tinetti will go back to Parliament. National voters and those wanting a change of Government should think seriously before accepting a relative newcomer ranked 57th on National’s list. With 20 years’ experience in Central and Local Government service in our city, I believe I am the best choice at this time to represent our city to address the erosion of our quality of life.

I will be free to raise the issues of our city with every speech in general debates and hold the Government accountable at question time.

Larry Baldock - Independent

I will be devoted to our city and not distracted with Party issues and responsibilities. Support whatever party you choose but put Tauranga rst by giving me your candidate vote.

Voting locations now available

You can now nd your closest voting place online at vote.nz, with the Electoral Commission publishing information about the 2600 places where New Zealanders can vote during the 2023 General Election.

ere will be more than 800 voting places open before election day and more than 2300 voting places on election day.

is election there will be 15 Kaupapa Māori voting places where sta can help people through the voting process in te reo Māori. e Kaupapa Māori voting places are open to everyone, and sta will speak both te reo Māori and English.

As well as the Kaupapa Māori voting places, there will be 37 voting places at marae this election.

More information on voting places, including locations and opening hours, is available online at: vote.nz or by calling: 0800 36 76 56.

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

YOUR LOCAL GENERAL ELECTION CANDIDATES A Word from

Time to restore a true democratic process

Tauranga lawyer Kirsten

Mur tt is standing for New Zealand First in the Bay of Plenty electorate this year.

Kirsten quali ed as a commercial and property lawyer after graduating from the University of Auckland in 1999, and has worked at some of the top law rms in Auckland and Australia.

After becoming a mum, Kirsten paused her career to support her son through regular hospital admissions and therapy. Due to a rare congenital

syndrome, Kirsten’s son has pivoted her to become an advocate for disability support.

Kirsten returned to private practice at a family-friendly law rm in 2011 on the North Shore in Auckland, before relocating with her family to Tauranga in 2015 and starting her own rm a year later.

Kirsten is deeply concerned about the erosion of democracy in New Zealand and feels it is time to restore true democratic process both locally in Tauranga, and in Wellington for all New Zealanders.

Passionate and committed to the BOP!

Passionate about the Bay of Plenty, having been born and raised here, I’m committed to our community and proud to live here with my partner Hannah.

I am seeking your support to be your local Bay of Plenty MP so I can be a strong and in uential advocate for you and the Bay of Plenty electorate.

I have work experience in local government, policy, communications and media – most recently for Rotorua Mayor, Tania Tapsell.

I’m also deeply involved in our local community, including as a volunteer re ghter with the Mount Maunganui Fire Station, Greerton Cricket Club

captain and a New Zealand hockey umpire and Bay of Plenty rugby referee.

As Bay of Plenty locals, we want our community to be the best and safest in New Zealand with a strong economy and a lower cost of living, resilient infrastructure, improved health services, world-class education for our young people, and a ordable housing. With a National-led government that will rebuild the economy, and with strong, local leadership, that future is possible.

I pledge to you that I will ght hard each and every day for the Bay of Plenty. At this year’s election I will be asking for both your votes: your party vote so National can change the Government, and your local vote so I can

How Parliament is made up

On October 2, early voting will begin for the general election that will decide who will govern the country for the next three years. is year's election marks 30 years since Kiwis decided in a binding referendum that they wanted the mixed member proportional (MMP) system of voting.

Under this system each voter gets two votes - one for a party and one for the person to represent an electorate.

e party vote is considered the more important because the total number of each party's votes largely determines the total number of seats it will be entitled to in Parliament. Under current MMP rules, a political party that wins at least one electorate seat, or 5 percent of the party vote, gets a share of the seats in Parliament.

In Parliament there are typically 120 seats:

• 72 are electorate seats and are won by candidates standing in speci c areas

• 48 are list seats and are allocated depending on the proportion of party votes won, taking into account the number of electorate seats each party has won.

Information from - Maree Mahony/RNZ.

Tom Rutherford - National represent you in Parliament. As your MP, I will be a strong local voice for Bay of Plenty, and as part of a Christopher Luxon-led National team, we will deliver for Bay of Plenty.

Authorised by T Rutherford, 34A Maranui Street, Tauranga

Tom Rutherford Candidate for Bay of Plenty

Sam Uffindell MP for Tauranga

Authorised by H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road, Ponsonby.

Authorised by H. Howard, 41 Jervois Road,

Kirsten Murfitt - NZ First

Churches Active In Our Community You are valuable

As we all know, money is important as it is the legal tender we use to buy goods and services.

But not all the coins and notes we use are in pristine condition.

Some notes are crumpled, dirty, old, looking a bit worse for wear.

Some coins look a bit battered and may have been bent. But the condition of the notes and coins doesn’t diminish their value.

Whether they are sparkling brand new or have been around for quite a while, they still hold their value.

We are a bit like this too.

ere are times in our lives that we may feel a bit worse for wear. We may feel we have been dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by life. We may feel as though we have been bent and are no longer in a great condition. We may feel as though we are worthless.

But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God’s eyes.

To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled or creased, you are still priceless to Him. God loves us so much that his

Son Jesus died for us.

e Bible tells us:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Always remember that you are valued, you are loved, you matter to God.

Blessings upon you all.

Sandra Warner, St Columba Presbyterian

Church

BETH

e ‘devil’ is very eager to add you the great ‘toll’ of the road.

So he sends you many distractions like telephones, alcohol and even a green nodding toad.

So don’t let your eyes be distracted from the safe driving in hand and tell the devil you won’t be joining his band.

Ken Jones, Katikati

The Big Cone Con ...

ey stand in rows of orderly ranks, ey barricade o ces, shops and banks, e regimental parade of the orange cone, eir mission is covert... purpose unknown. Are they aliens from another sphere? With devious intentions for us to fear?

A veritable power of celestial logistics?

Engaged in observing the human frolics.

A sneaky source of arti cial intelligence?

e ultimate in inconvenience, ey are watching you as you dodge the queue, And other naughties which you might do. Perhaps they were sent from the council yard?

ose silent sentinels sti y on guard, eir armies are vast and will multiply, ey can regroup in the wink of an eye. So do not feel deprived and blue, ey will be coming to a street near you, Forget about the futile ght, To curb the surge of the orange and white. Keep cone-ected!

Margaret Miles, Bethlehem

Re: Heather Stewart is asking for explanations in her letter on August 25.

If she had read the Treaty she would have seen that full sovereignty was ceded forever to Queen Victoria in Article I of the Treaty in exchange for full British citizenship for all Maori, the Treaty giving equality to all people of NZ. Maori men have had the vote since 1873 and all women, including Maori women have had the vote since 1893. Because of this there is no need for a made up co-governance rule. Yet there is still a Maori demand for a separate Parliament and separate Maori wards and separate health priority. Who are the separatists here?

ose Maori who have used the ability to stand on the General Roll have in fact been elected.

English is the de facto language of this country and its 200 plus ethnic groups. Maori and sign language are o cial (not legal) languages.

Four per cent of all New Zealanders speak uent Maori. ere is no reason to reinvent our history or our future to favour a minority when most tauiwi including immigrants think we are equal anyway. Our education should prepare our young people to prove to the world that New Zealand stands for equality in all its dimensions.

Rayna Stephens, Papamoa Beach

What a great place to live, is this city, where else could you be woken by the sweet sound of a diesel truck idling?

Or the dulcet tone of an angle grinder outside your bedroom window, at 4.30 in the morning?

is is all thanks to one of the council contractors replacing a light pole. Surprisingly, I did think some prior noti cation or warning was warranted. Although I did nd the working hours a little strange, when a quick search of the Tauranga City Council website clearly shows light poles are replaced during daylight hours and contractors are allowed to set up for work with a low noise level at 6.30am, and start at 7.30am.

I hear through the grapevine, that the TCC is now to become NCC – short for No Care or Consideration.

Noel Hewlett, e Avenues TCC Transport Network Operations acting manager Richard Eaton replies: While every e ort is made to remove and replace lighting poles during business and daylight hours, in this speci c instance it was identi ed that the pole in question was severely corroded and posed an imminent risk to public safety.

e decision was made to remove the pole immediately to remove the risk of the pole falling.

We apologise for any disruption this had on neighbouring residents.

Protect your precious wood products ahead of the summer elements with Woodoc.

In the New Zealand market for more than 15 years – Woodoc is a tried and true wood sealer and nish that will take your timber to the next level. Importer and distributor, Bruce Renshaw says the ingredients used in Woodoc make for a very durable product.

“It’s a mix of polyurethane and wax. ose are the two ingredients that most wood workers would know about and appreciate the bene ts of,” says Bruce.

Care for your wood ware

“ e main market for Woodoc is the home handy man and lady. Also people in the trades who work with wood like kitchen manufacturers and furniture manufactures.”

Boaties are also fans of Woodoc, with Bruce encouraging a “marine spring clean”. “ ere’s a particular product in this range which has a marine application and its very long lasting. It can last as long as ve years without any maintenance at all… this has that extra durability and UV protection.” Bruce personally uses Woodoc to protect his

Sign up to the ShakeOut!

e New Zealand ShakeOut is happening on October 19 at 9.30am – according to the Get Ready website – and takes place across the world to remind people of the right action to take during an earthquake. is is Drop, Cover and Hold. You can also

practise a tsunami hīkoi (evacuation walk) if you’re in a coastal area. Whānau or workplaces that sign up at getready.govt.nz/en/involved/ shakeout/sign-up will be in to win prizes. For more information, see: getready.govt.nz

wooden outdoor furniture and his home’s front door. “Woodoc is good for any wood. It can be used on any wood at all.”

Importing Woodoc from South Africa where it’s made, Bruce sends the product to his valued customers all around New Zealand.

“I’ve built up a very good history of immediate delivery.

“At the moment there are very few retailers selling it so the general public can purchase it at trade price.” For more information and contact details, see the advert on this page.

Spring clean your outdoor areas

Now winter has been and gone, your outdoor surfaces might be looking a bit worse for wear with moss, mould, lichen and algae growth.

Advice from Wet & Forget Tauranga store manager Ramon Morrison is to avoid using a water-blaster to clean these hard surfaces which can damage them and cause premature aging.

“Instead use Rapid Application by Wet & Forget; it’s a much gentler approach and a huge time saving advantage.

“Rapid Application is a non-aggressive and bleach-free formula that decomposes moss, mould, lichen and algae before letting the rain wash it away over time,” says Ramon.

“To help prevent moss, mould, lichen or algae from returning to surfaces once cleaned, keep growth-prone surfaces clear of debris, apply a sealant to protect them from the elements and make them less hospitable to growth, and remove unwanted trees or shrubs that cast shade on problem areas where growth thrives.”

e Weekend Sun has three bottles of Wet & Forget Rapid Application to give away to three lucky readers who can tell us what Wet & Forget Rapid Application decomposes.

Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz under the Competitions section. Entries must be received by Tuesday, October 3.

Wet & Forget Rapid Application is easy to use with its reach nozzle that delivers a fast application and reaches up to eight metres high.

Georgia Minkhorst

More than 700 homes

When e Weekend Sun walked into Mike Tokona’s little home at the edge of Bethlehem on a bright, sunny spring day the place was cold, damp and dark.

e only light pouring into the home was that streaming through holes in the roof. You could see the rusting iron, there was no building paper or ceiling.

“It’s not too bad,” says Mike humbly, as his hand touches a stand-up heat lamp. “I’ve had this friend here to keep me warm.”

Mike has spent three winters in the small shed he’s turned into a home since returning to whanau land. However, the last fortnight has been a game-changer for Mike. His home has a brand new roof – and more work is planned to bring the dwelling’s interior up to operating at 20 degrees Celsius.

20 Degrees programme

is is down to the work of Sustainability Options – and their repairs and maintenance programme, called 20 Degrees, which the Tauranga-based ‘altruistic business’ has been running for three years.

e programme is delivered by Sustainability Options, who visit homes of those struggling with

cold, damp and poor housing conditions. e team identify the issues preventing homes from reaching 20 Degrees Celsius and seek to develop a plan to work with the whānau/families to address these.

To solve these problems, 20 Degrees works with other available programmes, connecting home occupants with any services or subsidies that may help improve their housing conditions and living situation. en 20 Degrees lls the gaps of any issues left unresolved, typically minor repairs and maintenance, by xing these at no or low cost to home occupants.

Your dream home and an entertainer’s package

Finding the perfect home that suits both your lifestyle and aspirations is a journey worth taking.

Fortunately, Highmark Homes is here to make that dream a reality with a wide range of house and land packages.

Nestled in the coveted Golden Sands area, Highmark Homes is in the nal stages of constructing a stunning four-bedroom home at a set price of $1,129,000, ready for you to move into by Christmas. is is your chance to celebrate the holiday season in a brand-new home, with a $5000 outdoor entertainer’s package included. With excellent schools and shops just a stone's throw away, Golden Sands o ers a lifestyle that's hard to beat.

"We've been your local, trusted builder for 60 years, and we're committed to crafting homes that stand the test of time,” says Highmark Homes managing director Ryan Hunt.

“Our Golden Sands project is a testament to our dedication to quality living."

But the good news doesn't end there. Highmark Homes extends its o erings to Matamata, where house and land packages start at an a ordable $719,900. is charming town o ers a fantastic blend of rural tranquillity and urban amenities, making it an ideal place to call home.

“At Highmark Homes, we believe that your dream home should re ect your unique style and needs,” says Ryan.

“Our diverse house and land packages cater to various preferences, ensuring that you'll nd the perfect t for you and your family.”

Don't let this opportunity pass you by! Visit: www.highmarkhomes.co.nz or call Alan on: 027 536 1003 today and take the rst step towards making your dream home a reality.

Brand new four-bedroom home under construction in Golden Sands, Papamoa for $1,129,000

Mike Tokona’s little home had a failing roof, making life inside it very cold and damp for him. Photos: Merle Cave.

need ‘warming work’ in Bay of Plenty

29,000

On the new 20 Degrees film, Sustainability Options estimate there are 29,000 homes in poor housing condition that they can improve in the Bay of Plenty.

“And those houses in poor housing condition are resulting in tens of thousands of children going to

hospital every year and even more of their broader and wider whanau. “So that’s a lot of homes, a lot of improved conditions, and a lot of hospital admissions that we can help prevent.”

To learn more about 20 Degrees, see the film at: givealittle.co.nz/ cause/20-degrees-1

Sustainability Options’ ‘fixer’ Phil Gregg visited Mike in January this year after his sister contacted a local hauora asking for help. “Mike’s sister was really worried about him living in the shed.”

So Phil went to meet Mike and have a look at his home. “I went out there and... Oh My Gosh! But – believe it or not – we are dealing with 700 houses that are exactly the same as Mike’s,” says Phil. Sadly, he wasn’t surprised. “It’s not the worst I’ve been to by no means. It wasn’t unexpected at all.”

700 homes like this

“The scary thing is this is just one of 700 homes like this that we’re trying to deal with this year alone in the Bay of Plenty region.”

Phil says Mike’s home first needed a new roof.

“Mike has health issues, he’s living in what you could call a shed, and in reality without having a new roof I couldn’t do much to improve his dwelling.”

Thankfully, Phil has been able to get three businesses to support the re-roofing of Mike’s Home –which took place a fortnight ago.

Adco Roofing Tauranga agreed to roof Mike’s house for free; Colorsteel has donated roofing material; and Freeman Roofing Tauranga donated work to press the roofing material into shape.

“NZ Steel donated a Colorsteel Dridex coil, which is a roof and cladding product with an anticondensation fleece layer adhered to the reverse side.

“This layer negates the need for separate underlay to be installed prior to the sheets being fixed. This cuts down dampness in the house,” says Phil.

“It was then shipped to Freeman Roofing Tauranga, who rollformed the material into a corrugate profile. They press it to where it needs to be in length and cut it and deliver it. Then Adco Roofing Tauranga has kindly supplied four staff who came out and put on the roof.

“All of those businesses have donated their materials, labour or time – there has been no charge from any of those companies. They are all doing to give back to their community,” says Phil. He wants more construction and building industry companies to get in touch with Sustainability Options and give whatever materials, time, labour or donations they can.

“For our 20 Degrees programme, I’m after materials, labour, skills and product donations –any of the above – just like what’s been done at Mike’s place.”

A plea via film

To get Sustainability Options’ plea out further, a new film has been made to highlight the housing conditions in the BOP and the mahi (work) their team is doing to help improve the dwellings.

“After seeing our new 20 Degrees film, Peter

Jenkins of Refresh Renovations Tauranga has come to us to see if they can help too. They’ll likely do the internal work at Mike’s place.

“And we just need so many more businesses to come forward and help give these BOP families warmer and healthier homes.”

Mike is so happy and grateful for his new roof, and for the help from Sustainability Options.

“It’s awesome aye – I’m just stoked. They are really great people. I’m lucky to have their help.”

Phil says Mike’s failing roof is a common problem he encounters. “The problem is if I can’t get a roof – I can’t do anything else to the houses. If I can get a decent roof on a dwelling I can then line walls, get insulation into the building and make the interior warm and healthy for residents.”

Phil estimates 100 homes out of 700 on his books have failed roofs, and need new ones. “And it is really, really, really, hard work to try and get a roof for these homes.”

Left: The re-roof underway this month; Right: A very happy Mike Tokona, who is so grateful for the work done to warm up his home so far. Photos: David Hall.

Pop-rockers The Knids - with a hard “K”

Tauranga only occasionally brushes against New Zealand music history but one such convergence came in 1987.

It was in 1987 that a Tauranga compilation became the nal vinyl LP pressed in New Zealand, immediately before the last record plant in the country closed.

at record was 'From Behind e Kiwifruit Curtain', featuring a cover by local artist Peter Cramond, sponsorship from 89.8 Kiwi FM, and eleven local bands. Graham Clark (now Brilleaux, then Beasley Street) contributed design and a

song. It was recorded at Rotorua's Geyserland Sound, something not possible in Tauranga then, with pioneering studio e Boatshed still four years away...

ere are a number of still-active musicians on the album: all three members of what was Black Rose

(Pat Hawkins, Je Nilson, Michael Furness) are still out there; Chris Gunn featured as did Bruce Rolands; Kokomo was represented by Derek Jacombs and Ian “Beano” Gilpin; and fronting the youngest band on the album, school group Urban Services, was Michael Baxter.

Now, thanks to musically switched-on reader Mike Shennen, I've been turned on to what Michael is currently doing and I've discovered just about my new favourite local band – the Knids!

Michael is now Mikey Knid, who, along with Coz Knid and Chris Knid, are e Knids, alternative pop-rockers who embrace a DIY ethos and make lo- indie music, with all songs written, recorded, mixed and mastered by Mikey on his trusty Apple iPad. His sounds are cool and imaginative, inventively mixing aggressive keyboards and guitar.

I have no idea how this completely passed me by, since the new album 'With

after calling it quits on e Dead Man

6. Previously Mikey was in punk band Liberated Squid.

Deciding his voice didn't suit his new songwriting directions he called up Chris to help on vocal duties, which are now shared by all three Knids.

Debut album 'One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for ManKnid' was released in 2021, second album, 'Rescue Me' in 2022, and the new one 'With a Hard “K”' a couple of months back. Lead single 'Doesn't Make It Right' kicks o the album in style with a hard-driving synth beat that recalls the eighties before Chris's anguished rock vocals come in. is seems the pattern: Chris handles the big rock songs, often unsentimental tales of lost love; Mikey sings songs of

humorous cynicism, 'Television', 'Apocalypse'; and Cos chips in with the odd novelty song, such as 'He Was Alright', also present in the rather wonderful 'Jel Mix'. I love it all. I caught the Knids at the right time. Much as I enjoy the previous albums this new one is Da Bomb, with stronger production and every song a winner. I'm not even sure it counts as “lo- ” any more: it sounds way too good. Do yourself a favour - discover e Knids.

*****************************************

Hear Winston's latest Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/74BE zgovtiIV6Hcu7gVbXE?si=81ce6d530b4 14f2d

e Weekend Sun has one copy of the legendary Taruanga LP 'From Behind e Kiwifruit Curtain' to give away to one lucky reader who can tell us what year the album was made. Enter online at: www.sunlive.co.nz

An eclectic mix of musical styles

Aotango – ‘Ao’ meaning ‘world’ in te reo Maori – features Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra Concertmaster Andrew Beer, NZTrio pianist Somi Kim, APO Principal Bass Gordon Hill, jazz guitarist Sam Swindells and world champion accordionist Grayson Mase eld.

Celebrating 20 years of the HOT Pink Walk

In October 2003, Tauranga streets burst with pink which marked the start of something extraordinary. Women, men and children dressed up in elaborate bras and costumes, all in the name of charity.

is vibrant spectacle at Memorial Park was the launch of the HOT Pink Walk, an event that has evolved over two decades into a prominent community fundraiser to support those a ected by breast cancer.

Originally dubbed the "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Run," the HOT Pink Walk has grown into a thriving community event that attracts more than 3000 participants into the heart of Tauranga.

“I remember the very rst HOT Pink Walk,” says Julie Blake, who was the Breast Cancer Support Service Tauranga Trust Manager at the time.

“ e weather was wet and windy. We were not sure how many people would turn up. en hundreds of people; mums, school kids, work teams turned up in these amazing costumes and bright

bra’s and we were completely blown away.

“It was an incredibly positive celebration that really showed us how important this event was for our community.”

Held in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the HOT Pink Walk is a positive celebration of life and the lives of those who have been a ected by breast cancer. Over the years, the event's scale and popular ity have grown signi cantly, becoming a central xture in Tauranga's event calendar.

is 5km walk around Tauranga City Centre is not only fun but also meaningful. Along the way, participants can enjoy entertainment "hotspots" that add to the festive atmosphere.

One new addition for 2023 is Tauranga’s local Burlesque Cabaret group Curves o Plenty, promising an exciting burlesque show.

“We are proud to support such an iconic event and this very important cause. Expect a lot of pink and a bit of cheeky fun, as we encourage all the wonderful people participating in the Hot Pink Walk this year”, says Kelly Shepherd aka Ruby Redcase.

Catch a day of art in Katikati!

Beautifully illustrated animals, lovingly brushed landscapes, abstract owers, peopletelling portraits and creative cards are among a variety of art on show in Katikati this weekend!

Katikati Art Group’s annual exhibition is o ering a stunning line-up of members’ latest paintings in the war memorial hall from 10am-4pm daily today, September 29, through to Monday, October 2.

“Our artists have excelled themselves in the variety and colour, style and excellence of their paintings. A speci c category this year is a silhouette,” says Katikati Art Group’s Kinsa Hays. “ ere is a Viewer Choice category, where you can pick the artwork you like the most from the whole exhibition.

“You may even nd a painting too lovely not to have in your home! Prices are a ordable and all the

to experienced artists from around the district. “Our unique working gallery – attached to the hall – is open to visitors to view our works and get to know our artists.”

Katikati Art Group’s annual exhibition 2023 is at Katikati War memorial hall from 10am-4pm daily, September 29 to Monday, October 2. Gold coin entry. Free parking available behind the hall.

e Breast Cancer Trust asks for a donation/koha for entry of $10 per adult and a gold coin donation for children. e HOT Pink Walk begins at 5:30 pm on Wednesday, October 4,

at the Waterfront, e Strand. To register for the HOT Pink Walk, visit any Z Energy station or go online to www.hotpinkwalk.co.nz

Alana Dresner Photography.

Visitors enjoy

Katikati Art Group art exhibition.

Photo: supplied.

Let

Chris

Sparkling into spring

“I do residential properties as well as commercial work, am fully insured and follow all safety protocols,” says owner/operator Chris.

“I also avoid using hoses, so I can prevent any water staining.

“All of the cleaning is done using squeegees.”

CK’s Window Cleaning prides itself on competitive pricing, with an average single-story home, inside and out, costing about $130 plus GST. A no-obligation quote can be provided at your convenience.

All areas where e Weekend Sun is delivered are serviced, so call CK’s Window Cleaning today for a free quote on: 021 191 9445.

CK’s Window Cleaning’s, Chris Kale.

is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

curriculum vitae

CVs THAT STAND OUT. A C.V.

For You can help you look great on paper. Targeted or generic cover letters also available. View facebook www.facebook.com/ acvforyou or Ph/text 021 27 27 912

curtain maker

NEW & ALTERATIONS Specialist in all Curtains and Roman Blinds including homes and motorhomes. Free Quotes. Ph Liz 027 711 2217

gardening

ABLE GARDENER, experienced, e cient, knowledgeable, highly quali ed. Maintenance, pruning, hedges, shrubs, roses; disease/pest control, lifestyle blocks, garden renovations; design & plant. Ph Tita 027 654 8781 or a/h 542 0120

livestock

AC PETFOODS collect injured & unwanted cows & horses. Ph 0800 369 6269

lost & found

FOUND KITTENS & PUPPIES various places, colours and sex. Ph

SPCA 07 578 0245

FOUND CAT, Grey Tabby, Female, approximately 5 months old, Rawhiti Street Greerton. Ref 587660

FOUND CAT, Grey Tabby, Female, approximately 5 months old, Rawhiti Street Greerton. Ref 587661

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FOUND CAT, Black, Male, approximately 5 months old, Rawhiti Street Greerton. Ref 587717

FOUND CAT, Tabby, Female, approximately 8 years old, Grenada Street Mount Maunganui. Ref 587758

sewing repairs

REPAIRS AND ALTERATIONS to adults and kids

clothing, and knitwear

•

public notices

BAYPARK TO BAYFAIR LINK OVERNIGHT CLOSURES OF MAUNGANUI ROAD AND BAYFAIR ROUNDABOUT

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency wishes to advise of the following upcoming overnight road closures to allow for asphalting and traffic signal preparation ahead of the opening of the new, signalised Bayfair roundabout:

• Sunday 1 October (from approximately 7pm to 6am)

Maunganui Road northbound from opposite Exeter Street to opposite Concord Avenue (the Bayfair roundabout remains open during this closure) - signposted detours via 1) the Bayfair flyover, SH2 north, the Golf Road roundabout and SH2/ Maunganui Road south and 2) Maunganui Road south, SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and the Bayfair flyover will apply.

• Monday 2 October (from approximately 7pm to 6am)

Maunganui Road northbound between Bayfair roundabout and Concord Avenue – a signposted detour via Maunganui Road south, SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and the Bayfair flyover will apply.

• Monday 2 October (from approximately 10pm to 6am)

Maunganui Road southbound between Concord Avenue and Bayfair roundabout - a signposted detour via the Bayfair flyover, Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and Maunganui Road north will apply. For Bayfair Shopping Centre, a signposted detour via Concord Avenue and Farm Street will apply.

• Tuesday 3 October (from approximately 7pm to 6am)

Bayfair roundabout between Matapihi Road and Girven Road, and Girven Road and Matapihi Road - signposted detours via 1) Maunganui Road north, Golf Road roundabout and Maunganui Road south and 2) Maunganui Road south, Te Maunga interchange, SH29A roundabout and Maunganui Road north will apply.

In the event of bad weather or unforeseen circumstances, the closures may be moved to the next suitable night/s. Waka Kotahi thanks road users and local residents for their patience.

Find out more at nzta.govt.nz/baylink

Resource Management Act 1991

The following applications for resource consent have been received by Bay of Plenty Regional Council (RM22-0010) and Western Bay of Plenty District Council (RC13360L).

The application documents, including an assessment of environmental effects, can be viewed at Bay of Plenty Regional Council, 1 Elizabeth Street, Tauranga during normal office hours or on our website (https://www.boprc.govt.nz/environment/resource-consents/notifications).

Applicant’s address for service

The Applicant’s postal address Te Puna Industrial Limited, C/o – Vincent Murphy, Momentum Planning and Design Limited, Level 1, 136 Willow Street, Tauranga, or email: vincent@mpad.co.nz.

Nature of Application

The Applicant is applying to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (RM22-0010) for a new resource consent to disturb land as a result of earthworks, for the temporary discharge of sediment-contaminated stormwater to land associated with earthworks, and for the permanent discharge of treated stormwater to land where it will enter the Hakao Stream and Wairoa River.

The Applicant is applying to Western Bay of Plenty District Council (RC13360) for resource consent to authorise development of the site at 297 Te Puna Station Road for industrial activities. The proposal requires resource consents for the following departures from the Structure Plan:

• Development of a site in the Te Puna Business Park, not in accordance with the requirements of the structure plan,

• Commencement of industrial activity prior to road intersection upgrades being completed,

• Development and use of the site not in accordance with the staged sequence,

• Commencement of industrial activity prior to landscape vesting being completed across Te Puna Business Park,

• Development of a structure planned site without wastewater servicing,

• Development not in accordance with the structure plan requirements for internal road layout,

• Earthworks in a floodable area,

• Provision of industrial parking and loading spaces without sealing,

• Proposed road greater than 100 metres in length,

• Proposed site access within 200 metres of an adjacent access,

• Development of a proposed building platform that is not free from inundation; and

• A building with an area greater than 100 square metres within Te Puna Business Park.

Submissions

Any person may make a submission on the applications by sending a written submission to the Bay of Plenty Regional Council at PO Box 364, Whakatāne 3158 or email RegulatoryAdmin@boprc.govt.nz, no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, 30 October 2023.

When making your submission, please clearly identify which of the two applications you are submitting on or where submitting on both applications be clear about your reasons and the outcome you are seeking. Where possible, please use each Council’s template submission form.

The submission must be dated, signed by you and include:

Tauranga City Plan

UPDATE OF HOUSING BOTTOM LINES IN CHAPTER 2 OF THE OPERATIVE TAURANGA CITY PLAN

Pursuant to Section 55(2A) of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), Tauranga City Council gives public notice of the update to the housing bottom lines in Chapter 2 of the Operative Tauranga City Plan. This is in accordance with the National Policy Statement for Urban Development 2020. All updates to the Tauranga City Plan are available at https://cityplan.tauranga.govt.nz. For more details, please contact Team Leader: City Planning at Tauranga City Council.

Tauranga City Council, Private Bag 12022, Tauranga, Telephone 07 577 7000 www.tauranga.govt.nz

1. Your name, postal address, telephone number and facsimile number (if applicable).

2. Details of the application, including location.

3. Whether you support or oppose the application.

4. Your reasons for the submission.

5. The decision you wish the Bay of Plenty Regional Council or Western Bay of Plenty District Council to make.

6. Whether you wish to be heard in support of your submission.

A submission template can be downloaded from our website www.boprc.govt.nz or submission forms are available from our offices.

A copy of your submission must also be served on the Applicant at the address given, as soon as reasonably practicable.

Dated at Whakatane this Friday, 22 September 2023.

Fiona McTavish Chief Executive

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