The Weekend Sun - 23 February 2024

rapids?

e rush and roar of the racing river goes quiet. All focus is on the seconds of the clock, and each one counts!

e Kaimai Canoe Club hosted its Wairoa Race last weekend, which saw 40 kayakers whipping through grade ve whitewater. e course record was even broken by

Michel Uhl from Okere Falls with a time of ve minutes and 56 seconds.

Pictured is Emily Nagel, of Matamata, spinning her boat to manoeuvre between gates 10 and 11.

Following the competition, Canoe Slalom Bay of Plenty is hosting a free ‘Give it a go’

day for people keen to try this action-packed water sport for themselves on Saturday, February 24, at Waimarino Water & Adventure Park. “It’s a fantastic outdoor sport with a great community,” says Canoe Slalom BOP co-chairperson Tim Rex. International paddler Irene Egües will be coaching, sharing

all the tips to get you started in your kayak.

“You can do it at the level you choose.

“So you can take it as far as you want and you can get a huge adrenaline rush.

“It’s competitive at the top levels but you can just do it for fun as well.”

To nd out more, see page 6.

Photo: Rob Sperling.

Cruel and unusual punishments

Heavens to Murgatroyd!

Murgatroyd? He was a 14th Century Yorkshire cop, Johanus de Morgateroyde which translates to John of Moor Gate Royde. And now Johanus/John has evolved into an expression of astonishment or surprise. It was also Snagglepuss’ signature cry before he “exited stage left”.

And while I loathe emojis, TXT and email truncations and acronyms, let’s go with OMG. At least it has currency and we know what it means.

So OMG! Because we now know all the ratbag ram-raiders aren’t getting an easy free ride through the judicial system, the oor of the kids courts aren’t littered with wet bus tickets, they’re not just getting a ‘Don’t be naughty’ note and put back on the street to steal, ram and run again.

ey’re being sentenced to a cruel and unusual punishment.

Because a parent concerned the system might be failing their car-thieving, ram-raiding teenage son shared their story with national media. His rehab, apparently, involves playing Monopoly.

We’re told he stole 38 cars, committed 20 ram raids and robberies, has some serious drug issues, and he’s being punished with board games.

And he thinks it’s funny.

But before we make judgement, let’s consider the dynamics of a game of Monopoly. Our ram-raider just may get his come-uppance. Because Monopoly is a game where the aim is to systematically crush your opponent, slowly bleed

bankruptcy, he deliberately upended the whole board. Perhaps that’s the therapy for ram-raiders – experiencing and understanding loss, and accepting humility.

Barry or Baby Shark?

Perhaps we could ramp things up.

While they’re playing Monopoly, put the ‘best of’, or ‘worst of’, Barry Manilow’s romantic ballads on loop.

Some might say catchy, most of us would say crappy, and probably enough to make a ramraider re-examine their ways.

ey’re being made to play Monopoly. I can hear gasps of disbelief.

ey’re being made to play Monopoly. I

Because everyone would like to think the ram-raiders, many of whom are still in shorts and too young to get acne, were getting o scot-free. Whenever the poor cops investigated another business that was smashed up and robbed, we’d hear the o enders had disappeared into a judicial black hole – “referred to Youth Aid” they would explain.

Or perhaps that irritating-asall-hell ‘Baby Shark doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo’. It’s gone viral – like chickenpox. Young ram-raiders would love to hate it. ey should be compelled to sing along in unison. row snakes and ladders in the mix.

But we didn’t know they were being made to play Monopoly as part of their punishment.

I can hear a ram-raider now. “Please, not Monopoly. I don’t care for money and board games. And I don’t care for nancial literacy. If I want or need something, I steal YOUR car and ram raid a shop.

“No money, whether real or funny, changes hands. I operate in cashless society because the tills are always emptied overnight. Single malts, boutique IPAs and tailor-made cigarettes are my currency.

“But please – not Monopoly!”

How do we know about the Monopoly?

School Sustainability and Resilience Fund 2024

Applications are open

the life and resistance from them, to obliterate and humiliate. ere’s only one winner in Monopoly, often not you, and while the winner may feel great, everyone else feels inadequate, disrespected and cheated. And surely even ram-raiders would feel that hurt.

Let ram-raiders be kicked around in a game of Monopoly and see how they feel, see if their attitude changes.

Scarred

I’ve been scarred by a game of Monopoly that turned bad. ere was some nasty sibling rivalry going down.

I’d started well – bought red and orange, houses and hotels, bought railroads and avoided utilities because that’s the advice. en, as I was delighting in driving my bro into

While Barry Manilow’s ‘Mandy’ is driving them nuts; a seemingly innocent

While Barry Manilow’s ‘Mandy’ is driving them nuts; a seemingly innocent daily routine of snakes and ladders might help refocus young misguided minds.

Snakes and ladders has its ups and downs, just like life. e lesson for the ram-raiders is in the snakes and ladders themselves. Because ladders represent virtues such as honesty, kindness and humility. While the snakes represent vices such as anger, envy and greed.

So perhaps compulsory games of snakes and ladders at the youth justice facilities. But let’s consider the realities –Youth Aid is considered ‘a real success’ according to former Children’s Commissioner. It’s aimed at keeping troubled kids out of court, steering at risk kids in the right direction, because a court appearance and conviction is not always the best way forward. e law says unless public interest requires otherwise, criminal proceedings should not be brought against a child if there are alternatives. And, apparently, that applies to about 80 per cent of youth o ending.

Teach your tamariki the importance of protecting the whenua and preparing for the impacts of climate change and natural hazards.

The School Sustainability and Resilience Fund is open and is seeking applications from education providers across our rohe.

Up to $5000 is available to help:

• Raise awareness of and understanding of natural hazards and/or climate change risks.

• Improve long-term resilience and sustainability.

• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Projects could include, tsunami evacuation signs, bike racks, edible gardens, composting set-up, climate change education. Applicants can apply for $1,000 - $5,000 in funding (excl. GST).

Over the last two years we had over 80 applications and have funded $100,000 towards a range of projects across the region.

To find out more head to: participate.boprc.govt.nz/ssrf

Truck gridlock paralysing businesses

Anger is boiling over as Mount businesses impacted by lines of logging trucks blocking their driveways are threatening action, following what they say is two years of the situation not being resolved.

“Next time I get blocked from entering or leaving, or need to cross the street on a blind corner to get to my o ce, I will be parking in front of the ISO entrance,” says one business owner.

Business owners in Triton Ave, Mark Rd and York Ave are voicing their anger as long convoys of doubletrailer logging trucks – awaiting crucial checking and stamping of their logs at ISO Limited for export –hamper tra c ow and obstruct access to driveways.

Each day in the last few weeks the queues continue to mount, with sometimes up to 50-60 doubletrailer trucks heading for ISO marshalling in York Ave queueing for hours in the left lanes of the three roads. Reduced to one lane, the result is unwanted congestion, tra c safety issues, and loss of revenue to businesses who’ve had their driveways blocked for days.

Unsafe

A truck driver says each log has to be individually ticketed at the ISO marshalling depot in York Ave before the truck heads to an ISO log scaling facility in Hull Rd, then to the port to unload the logs. After waiting for hours, trucks have also been observed going “ at tack” from the rst depot to the second, swerving through the stop sign from Triton Ave onto Portside Drive. “It’s unsafe,” says business owner. “It’s blocking up everyone that’s working there. Businesses are losing

revenue. Business owners can’t get to their jobs, and customers can’t get to the business.” Novus Glass o ce manager Jules Bowers has been complaining to Tauranga City Council since 2021 “and not a thing has been done to rectify any issues” apart from installation of a CCTV camera. “If there was a re in our building there is no way a re engine could get in here.”

Implementing solutions

ISO Limited’s Justin Scholes emailed business owners February 20, saying ISO Ltd do not contract the trucks nor have direct control over the ow of trucks, but have requested that tra c ow is better managed and that drivers respect local business owners’ need to access their premises. “...We are implementing practical solutions... including adding an additional ticketing lane and increasing the number of ticketers to reduce congestion as much as possible.

“We’ve also forwarded your latest concerns to our customers and are working with them to optimise truck arrival times to alleviate congestion.”

Justin says ISO Ltd plans to relocate the Hull Rd log scaling facility and the York Ave ticketing facility, to consolidate operations on one site on Triton Ave

TCC transport network safety and sustainability manager Anna Somerville says it is talking directly with businesses and hearing their frustration.

“Our parking enforcement team have visited the area on several occasions and we’ve also installed CCTV cameras to monitor tra c ow.”

Anna says council has o ered to facilitate a meeting with all involved parties to get everyone around the table to help nd proactive and sustainable solutions. *Read this story in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Triton Ave.

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Fatality prompts warning

Serious injuries and worker fatalities have prompted a call from one of New Zealand’s largest energy distributors for the construction industry to follow the code for electrical safe distances.

Electricity lines company Powerco is again urging the construction industry to educate themselves and their workers about safe distances from power lines following a fatality. Last August a worker delivering timber to a construction site was killed after a raised crane touched power lines. Powerco launched a worker safety campaign late-2022, urging the construction industry to follow the minimum safe distances from power lines set out in the NZ Code of Practice (NZECP34 – Electrical Safe Distances).

Tauranga striker’s US deal

Tauranga-born striker

Riley Bidois has signed a professional contract with USL Championship club Loudon United. e deal is a two-year contract with an option for the 2026 season, pending league and federation approval.

Riley moves to the Virginian club from Australia’s Dandenong City who play in Victoria Premier League 2. e 21-yearold emerged as a talented youth player with Tauranga City, came to prominence in 2023 when he scored ve goals for the national U-23 team in their 9-0 win against Fiji, securing a spot for New Zealand at the Paris Olympics.

Low birth rates

New Zealand has experienced its lowest natural increase in population in 80 years.

New statistics show there were 19,071 more births than deaths in 2023. Stats NZ says this is the lowest annual natural increase since World War II – in 1943, there were just 17,562 more births than deaths. In total, there were 56,955 live births and 37,884 deaths registered in Aotearoa in 2023.

Stats NZ population insights analyst Rebekah Hennessey says the live-birth gure was also relatively low. “[As such] 2023 had the lowest number of births registered in 20 years.”

at’s despite a three per cent increase in the number of women aged 15-49.

St John pulls ambulances

St John Ambulance is pulling some ambulances o the road to rein in costs when sta go on leave or call in sick. In a February 16 bulletin, management advised sta the service needed to “actively manage recalls” of back-up sta in order to curb expenditure.

Hato Hone St John deputy chief executive Dan Ohs, who heads ambulance operations, con rms the service is having to tighten its belt for the rest of the nancial year.

Other measures included reducing “nonessential” travel and delaying some plans, which would not make “a tangible di erence” to services in the short-term, says Dan. However, he insists this would not compromise urgent care.

Tauranga election candidates told

Potential future councillors of Tauranga have been issued a warning: Don’t ght.

“You are going to need to work with whoever your colleagues end up being, without squabbles, without arguments, without negativity, without bad behaviour.”

is is advice for potential candidates in the upcoming Tauranga election from former Christchurch deputy mayor Andrew Turner, who was one of 14 speakers at Monday’s Tauranga City Council Candidate Information Evening.

On July 20 the city will elect a mayor and nine councillors, the rst election since 2019. In late-2020, the 2019 council was deposed by former Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta because it was “dysfunctional” and there were signi cant governance problems.

She appointed the four-person commission, chaired by Anne Tolley, who began in February 2021.

Get things done

Andrew told the crowd of around 100 people that regardless of who is elected to council, the community will expect them to get things done.

“ e way to get things done, of course, is to collaborate not only with your colleagues, but to come up with proposals that council sta are able to support, the community wants to see done and at least a majority of your colleagues are able to agree with.”

Prospective candidates were told being a councillor is a 24/7 role where you could get a call at any time and the expectation is to answer. “ is role has the ability to take over your whole life, and it’s important that you keep some balance so that that doesn’t

happen,” says Andrew. e event went smoothly except for one interruption as commissioner Shadrach Rolleston spoke about the importance of relationships, with central government other councils and MPs. Former councillor John Robson interjected from the crowd: “Shad you need to mention the community mate”.

Shad responded: “I’m going to get to that. I’m talking about central government. Okay. Which is a key focus for local government”.

It’s a big job

Tauranga City Council chief executive Marty Grenfell says people shouldn’t take standing for council lightly and it will require strong leadership.

“It might look from the outside that this is easy, but I can assure you it’s not.

“It’s complex, it can be all encompassing, but if you get it right, it

Around 100 people attended the candidate information evening at the Holy Trinity Church Hall. Photo: Alisha Evans.

to avoid bad behaviour

can be absolutely, immensely rewarding.”

Marty says the operating and capital budget for council this year is more than $800 million.

“It’s a big scale operation. It’s a big job, and we’re dealing with numbers that not too many people have dealt with before. We’re talking about with real issues, real lives, real people.

“It’s important that we get things right and we can’t a ord to learn on the job.”

A panel discussion with Western Bay of Plenty mayor James Denyer, Former Tauranga councillor of 21 years Mary Dillon, Priority One CEO Nigel Tutt and Matua Residents Association chair Richard Kluit focussed on external relationships.

Mary says it isn’t a councillor’s opinion that matters, it’s their judgment. “If you just deliver your opinion at the council table, you’re failing”which was met with applause from the audience.

James says managing relationships is important and another big part of the job is reading all the reports.

Former councillor Murray Guy asked James what’s the biggest di erence between being a

councillor and the mayor. James says it’s a step up and you have to be able to lead your council, its plans and projects.

“You are the face of council to some extent.”

It’s easier if you’re a councillor before becoming mayor, but he says that might be tricky in this election given the gap since the last elected council.

His nal thoughts on being an elected member:

“[It’s] a lot of reading and also not much happens very quickly in the local government”.

Other speakers were commission chair Anne Tolley, commissioners Bill Wasley and Stephen Selwood, Dr Jim Mather, Whakatāne councillor Tu O’Brien, electoral o cer Warwick Lamp and Te Ranagapu Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana chair Matire Duncan.

Nominations for candidates opens April 26.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Former Christchurch deputy mayor Andrew Turner told potential candidates the community would expect them to get things done once elected. Photo: Alisha Evans.

Bronson, the latest superstar!

Bronson, about 12 months old, is a Bull Terrier-crossSharpei male and has all the

traits of the fun-loving, bouncy and loyal breed. Unfortunately,

he came into our care when his owners’ situation changed and they weren’t able to keep him. Now he’s looking for his next adventure and to settle down. Bronson already knows some basic commands and is a very clever boy that thrives on praise, toys and treats! Soon his talents and intelligence will soar with the right training from his new family. Bronson isn’t an

overly active dog. He loves to chase tennis balls, will fetch it, then will happily blob at your feet until the next burst of energy. With a gorgeous smile, a spark in his eyes and being such a happy boy, Bronson will make the ultimate addition to most families. Apply to meet Bronson today!

Phone the SPCA on:

07 578 0245.

Ref: 599325.

Carve it up with canoe slalom

Carve it canoe slalom!

Riding the competition high after crashing through whitewater and rapids, Canoe Slalom Bay of Plenty is hosting a ‘Give it a go’ day so you can try this adrenaline- lled water sport for yourself!

Kaimai Canoe Club last weekend hosted its Wairoa Race, with 40 kayakers with paddles and helmets at the ready. Sprinting down the river through grade ve whitewater, Michel Uhl from Okere Falls came out on top, breaking the course record with a time of ve minutes 56 seconds. Now the canoe slalom action continues this

Saturday, February 24, at Waimarino. “It’s a fantastic outdoor sport with a great community,” says Canoe Slalom BOP co-chairperson Tim Rex. So what skills does it take to do canoe slalom?

“Just come along, jump in and start! So the skills you need is the ability to give something a try. “You can do it at the level you choose to do it. “So you can take it as far as you want and you can get huge adrenaline rush. It’s competitive at the top levels but you can just do it for fun as well.” e Canoe Slalom ‘Give it a go’ day runs 2pm-4pm Saturday, February 24, at Waimarino, Taniwha Rd, Bethlehem.

Charlie MacDougal of Hawke’s Bay turns through an upstream gate at the Wairoa Slalom Race. Photo: Rob Sperling.

Georgia Minkhorst

A family-friendly shing competition to ll the co ers of the Katikati Volunteer Fire Brigade is on today, February 23, and Saturday, February 24.

“ e more people who enter the competition, the better! And this weekend is looking superb, and so prizegiving will be held outdoors,” says organiser Mike Innes.

“Tickets cost $30 per adult and $15 per child aged under 16 – and can be snapped up now –and right up until 2pm Saturday,” says Mike of Fire Up Sports, which is once again hosting the annual Katikati Brigade Fishing Competition at the Katikati Rugby Club.

“We’re hosting a brie ng on ursday night, February 22, from 6pm at Katikati Rugby Club.

“ en shing begins 8am Friday, February 23, with the weigh-in from 2pm-5pm Saturday, February 24 at the rugby club. Boats can be launched from Waihi Beach to Tauranga.” is year’s major cash prize is $1000 for the

average weight snapper in the combined Adults and Kids’ sections. One sh per person per category can be entered.

ere will be average weight rst, second and third prizes for snapper, trevally, kahawai; plus a land-based average weight rst prize for snapper, trevally, kahawai; a heaviest prize for both snapper and king sh; a dive section combined adults and kids’ prize; and a heaviest cray sh prize.

“At prizegiving we’ll have a bouncy castle, lolly scrambles, blind auction ra es, and the rugby club bar is open to order food and beverages form 1pm Saturday. You can even get your sh lleted for $1 each!”

Mike says all proceeds from the competition will go directly back to the Katikati brigade, to continue their life-saving work in the community.

“In the past year the brigade has attended 129 callouts.”

Tickets to the annual Katikati Brigade Fishing Competition can be purchased at Fire Up Sports, 3A Marshall Place, Katikati. Or online at: www.bit.ly/KVFBtickets

A day gone to the dogs!

Pull out your tutu – and your dog’s matching one – and head down to Memorial Park this Saturday, February 24, for Bark in the Park. is two and four-legged social event is a great way to meet other dog owners in a fun, sunny environment.

“ is an event that brings the Tauranga dog community together to enjoy a day out and the opportunity to check out a range of local businesses selling doggie-related items, says Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Brent Lincoln.

“At our rst event in 2022, we saw some amazing costumes –and we can’t wait to see what

creative out ts you come up with this year.”

Brent and the team encourage dogs and their owners to dress up in their best party out ts –or even like each other.

With food trucks, local dog rescues, educational booths, giveaways, prizes, dog play areas and plenty of other activities for you and your furry friend, Bark in the Park is set to be a fun day out. So head to Memorial Park (Jordan Field) on Saturday, February 24, from 10am-2pm. More information about the free community event can be found by searching ‘Tauranga Animal Services team’ on Facebook.

Te Puke residents no longer need to travel to Tauranga for an in-person appointment with an Inland Revenue advisor.

An Inland Revenue clinic at the Te Puke Library and Service Centre – which began mid-February – will be held on the second Tuesday of each month.

“We’re very excited about the new service,” says WBOPDC libraries eastern western bay team leader

Amanda-Jane McFadden.

“ is is a much-needed service in Te Puke and the wider area and we are pleased to be able to o er it locally.”

e appointment-only service will be available between 10am and 2pm. People can register by emailing: taurangadavisoryrequest@ird.govt. nz or via the Inland Revenue call centre: 0800 775 247.

Mindful water use, whatever the weather.

Check the Water Watchers Plan for this month’s water-saving measures.

tauranga.govt.nz/waterwatchers

Filename: Publication

Photo:

Caption: Headline:

Merle Cave

Photo: Jeremy Houghton.

Mike Innes encourages people to enter the Katikati Brigade Fishing Competition this Friday. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Feeding the family with a few tenners

It’s just turned 5pm, you’re wondering what to have for dinner, then – as if answering your thoughts – she appears on the screen with her usual singsong phrase: “I’m going to wash my hands, put my apron on and cook it up!”

Gate Pā’s Jodi Turner has started a budget-friendly cooking group on Facebook called – ‘Cooking on a budget for $30’.

As the name suggests, Jodi demonstrates to people what tasty meals they can make for themselves or a family of four for $30 or less.

Jodi jumps onto the Facebook group each night at 5pm and shares a live video of herself cooking an a ordable and delicious dinner, sharing ingredients and cooking steps to viewers. “I was inspired by this guy in the UK that uses ve pounds to cook himself a meal, and that’s how I got going with the idea. I thought I could help a lot of people here in New Zealand,” says Jodi.

Starting the group last September, Jodi says the community’s feedback to her budget-conscious cooking has been great. “I’m getting good responses back from people about how they’re going to be saving this year and that they’re inspired by what I’m doing.

“I’m just doing it because we know what it’s like to be on a budget and I came up with this idea – and people

It’s going to be a year of progress!

It was a tough year for many in 2023, with rising costs of living and severe weather events. However, there’s a quiet optimism that 2024 is shaping up to be more positive as economic conditions improve and we enjoy a cracking summer.

And council has some exciting projects we will be progressing this year. Construction will start on development of 26 elder housing units at Heron Crescent in Katikati. e funding we’ve received from government and the contract awarded late last year means council will signi cantly improve our provision of housing for some of the most vulnerable in the community. It also puts the overall portfolio on a much stronger nancial footing, given the new units are fully funded from external sources.

It will be exciting to see the Te Puke Spatial Plan progress, which ultimately will guide how Te Puke grows in future. We’ll be involving the community from the start of this planning process to ensure it is done the right way.

We want to know what is important to people who live there, what needs improving, what should stay the same and what other facilities are needed.

Construction of the State Highway 2/Ōmokoroa Road intersection roundabout will kick up a gear. e upgrade will help improve intersection safety

and also unlock critical new housing potential in Ōmokoroa. Our decision to defer adoption of the Long Term Plan until September was supported by legislation proposed by the new government, recognising the uncertainty and change local government faces. is deferral has also allowed council to stand back and see what other councils are looking at in terms of future rate rises.

A perpetual challenge

Finding ways to cut costs but not services is a perpetual challenge for councils. Unfortunately, it’s clear almost all councils will have large rate increases this year as the e ects of in ation bite and costs of essential infrastructure are factored in. e infrastructure needed will vary by council, but most have some mix of repairing damage from severe weather, large increases in costs of bringing roads up to scratch, adhering to higher standards for water assets and providing quality facilities for the community.

It is important to live within our means and the best way we can do this is by nding out what projects in our district matter to people the most. is year we’ll be asking our community to join us in looking at the bigger picture, as we put together our Long Term Plan.

*Read this column in full at: www.sunlive.co.nz

are really loving it and showing it to their friends.”

Tuning into Jodi’s videos you can expect anything from butter chicken, soups, slow cooker meals, to tacos, chicken and garlic subs, and more. “I make all sorts… I’m just a cooking lover!”

Jodi says sometimes because families don’t know what to cook they’ll nd it easier to go and buy takeaways. “But they don’t realise that’s where all your money goes!

“We see a lot of people saying they

can’t feed their family on a budget, but you can cook a decent meal for $30 or less.”

It’s completely free to join Jodi’s Facebook group to get some inspiration and pointers for your next feed without breaking the bank. “I basically just want to help people.”

Visit the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/ groups/1595028307701820

Georgia Minkhorst

Jodi Turner in her home’s kitchen – where the 5pm magic happens. Photo: John Borren.

Let’s leave no stone unturned

e transport woes of Tauranga have been seen acutely this month with the dual closure of two critical roads, leading to transport chaos and calls for commuters to avoid travel and work from home.

is unfortunate set of circumstances highlights the vulnerability of our roading network to disruptions. Peninsulas make the design of our transport system di cult – this is made worse by lack of investment in infrastructure and low use of alternative transport methods.

While our city’s population has grown 76 per cent since the turn of the century, we’re largely on the same roading network we had at that time. While this leads to congestion, frustration and lower productivity, poor transport infrastructure also severely hampers our ability to enable land for housing – and we have the least a ordable housing market in New Zealand.

Constantly addressed

Improving transport infrastructure takes a long time and must be constantly addressed. In recent years the city has been successful in gaining more funding

from residents and businesses to pay for improvements. We’ll soon see construction on some much-needed projects like the Pāpāmoa East Interchange, and at Tauriko and Maunganui Rd.

Unfortunately, we need much more than that, and the bulk of investment lies on the state highway system, controlled solely by the Government. Key projects needed are SH29 at Tauriko, Hewletts Rd and SH2 to Ōmokoroa.

ese projects are big ticket items, likely costing several billions of dollars. While we appear to have a government that’s interested in investing in infrastructure, they also have a di cult nancial situation and a wider infrastructure de cit to address. ey have signalled willingness to look at other methods of funding key infrastructure, mentioning value capture, tolling or congestion pricing.

Tolling or road pricing

Tolling, congestion pricing or road network pricing is a topic we should watch. It’s been clearly signalled in Auckland, especially with the recent axing of the fuel tax in that city, and is probably the way of the future for our country. Of course, we’re no strangers to tolling in the

is putting

Mount Maunganui, Pāpāmoa, Fraser St and

General manager of retail Jace Dowman says the more goods people donate, the more they can raise for the

Western BOP, having half the toll roads in Aotearoa. If done fairly, tolling can enable costs to be more relatively shared by the bene ciaries of improvements, noting a large amount of our tra c comes from outside the area.

While I believe some form of tolling or road pricing is going to be needed to bridge the gap between our desperate roading needs and lack of funding, there will be signi cant concern in the community about needing to pay. We currently pay via time, productivity and inconvenience, but it’s not as visible. Concern around a charging system is fair, many of our workforce are in construction, education and healthcare and simply won’t have viable alternatives.

Additionally, our public transport system simply isn’t up to the task of replacing car journeys for some and must be improved. Any pricing system would need these improvements and alternatives to be in place before being implemented.

Improving our transport network will be a di cult task and one where we’re always likely to pay more to get a better service. We will need to act now to develop new solutions several years down the track, let’s leave no stone unturned in solving this problem.

and bereavement. “Every dollar we make goes directly back into delivering rst-class palliative care in our community,” says Jace.

“We’re a very community-focused charity. It’s all about giving back to our community. Our shops play a vital role in fundraising, helping cover the costs of our service, and ensuring that anyone who needs palliative care can receive it without having to pay.”

Not only will your donations help provide care and support for families-loved goods also give a helping hand to others in need of day-to-day items. “ e cost of living is impacting everyone.

“We can see that in the community. I think we are in a good place in the community because we o er quality stock at a reasonable price.”

Heading into cooler months, Jace says goods such as bedding, linens and warm clothing are needed, but any clean and quality items are greatly appreciated.

Waipuna Hospice o ers a free collection service of goods Monday-Friday, call: 07 281 1755.

Or drop items o at Unit I, 4 Brook St, Tauranga.

NZTA contractors working hard to x the cavity discovered underneath SH29A.

Photo: NZTA

e cavity discovered underneath SH29A. Photo: Supplied.

Georgia Minkhorst

Waipuna Hospice’s drivers Rue Clarkson and Craig Nicholson are part of the collection team, picking up your donated goods from Monday-Friday. Photo: supplied.

Jazz festival fun ahead!

Listen up music-lovers – it’s one month until e 61st National Port of Tauranga Jazz Festival begins, bringing hundreds of acts, performances and spectacular talent to the city!

And if you want to see the ve world-class acts in the Baycourt Series, you need to secure tickets now!

“ e ve Baycourt Series acts are all spectacular musicians at the top-of-their game – you won’t want to miss seeing them perform here in Tauranga,” says festival organiser Marc Anderson.

“So buy tickets for these acts now – before they sell out!”

He’s talking about headline performer Australian James Morrison, American jazz guitarist Russ Spiegel, the spectacular ‘All Girl Big Band’, Tauranga jazz musician Akash Dutta, and Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker.

James Morrison will play with his quartet 8pm, Friday, March 29, at Addison eatre. New Yorkbased jazz guitarist and composer Russ Spiegel plays the X Space on Saturday, March 30.

e ‘All Girl Big Band: Powerhouse of Sound’ plays Addison eatre 8pm ursday, March 28; while Akash Dutta’s ‘ e trio Sessions’ plays the X Space 6pm Friday, March 29.

And Louis Baker plays Addison eatre 8pm Saturday, March 30.

Marc says people should mark the Easter weekend Downtown Carnival in their diaries now too! e carnival is on Saturday, March 30,

and Sunday, March 31.

“We have one of the biggest line-ups we’ve ever had for the carnival this Easter – with around 70 performances booked to play outside on three outdoor stages – on Wharf St, Red Square and Edgewater Fan – and inside bars and eateries throughout the CBD! is year people have the option of enjoying both alfresco jazz outside and European-style indoor jazz. So don’t miss it!”

Also on o er is the Katikati Street Party, Jazz Village at Historic Village, the 46th National Youth Jazz Competition, the Tea Dance, Speakeasy Supper, Hurricane Party, Jazz at the Mount, and much more!

For the full 2024 Port of Tauranga Jazz Festival programme, see: jazz.org.nz

The state of sport in Tauranga

Community sport is a beautiful thing. It gives many children the opportunity to be a part of a team, improve tness and coordination, use up their endless energy while all the time having a huge amount of fun.

City AFC has stated the facility fees are more than a 2000 per cent increase on what they’re paying at the moment.

For some, it’s also an opportunity to chase their dreams. Many go on to play through their teenage years and into adulthood. It improves mental and physical wellbeing and can help keep kids out of trouble. Sport is a great thing for people personally and for society on a wider level.

It is with sadness and frustration that I see Tauranga City Council proposing, through their Long Term Plan, to massively increase fees to use community sports elds. For example, Tauranga

Astronomical! Community sports clubs and organisations already do a lot with a little, so placing enormous fee hikes on them will either force them to close or pass a considerable portion of the costs on to players and parents through increased subscriptions. is will inevitably stop some people playing the games they love.

People aren’t endless money pits, and sport – like our community service providers and artistic community – are an essential part of any well-functioning city. ere have been many community submissions against the proposed fee hikes, and so there should be!

Let’s enable people to play sport in Tauranga for the bene t of our kids and our society.

Merle Cave

Aotearoa soul star Louis Baker plays at Baycourt’s Addison eatre on March 30.

Photo: Nick George.

Heavy vehicle and excavation companies in the Western Bay of Plenty have a new one-stop shop for all of their mechanical and engineering needs with Gen2 Mechanical & Engineering Ltd.

Owner Amy Fotheringhame says Gen2 Mechanical & Engineering Ltd is not a start-up – her team have been doing this specialist work for decades – but has come about from the passing of her well-known father John Fotheringhame.

“Dad started Fotheringhame

Contractors Ltd more than 25 years ago. He passed away a year ago – from that, my brother Tom and I have split the company into two businesses. We both wanted to continue dad’s legacy – just with two companies now.”

Tom’s taken over earthmoving and cartage business

Fotheringhame Contractors (2021) Ltd – while Amy has moved the engineering and mechanical side to Gen2 Mechanical & Engineering Ltd.

“Gen2 Mechanical & Engineering works on the same site as Fotheringhames – at 11 Wharawhara Rd, Katikati – I’m

Safe driving for life!

Driving tests mean heaps of nerves for most folk. is is a normal human trait. Sometimes, nerves can be overpowering with your normal driving behaviours going ‘out the window’ when on a test.

Steve Brown has seen the impact nerves bring – he does about 200 tests per month – and can o er help to reduce anxiety when taking your test.

Steve is also an independent driving instructor and is available to teach drivers how to pass with con dence.

While Steve still retains his daily driver testing role, he can teach after-hours or on weekends.

His overheads are minimal and can o er a very attractive low hourly rate. He will teach you in your vehicle, which you need to provide.

Disclosure to avoid con ict of interest: Steve can either teach or test you – but not both.

Contact Steve Brown at ‘Steve’s Driving School’ to become more aware, develop safer habits and drive safely. For Life. Phone: 027 257 8383.

Gen2 can help with all heavy mechanical and engineering

glad to keep working alongside my brother Tom,” says Amy. She counts herself extremely lucky to have the highly skilled team they’ve always had on the mechanical side of Fotheringhames now become Gen2. is includes her uncle Pete Fotheringhame, who has worked on-site since his late brother began Fotheringhames more than 25 years ago.

Gen2 also has Adam Western.

“Westy – who has worked alongside dad for 20 years – is an engineer but also a mechanic, a man of all trades.

“ en there’s highly experienced mechanic/auto electrician Ian Miller, and Adam’s wife Jojo in the o ce.”

“ at’s the only change really,” says Amy. “ is team used to work on Fotheringhames’ heavy vehicles and excavators – they’ve built almost all of their bins, transporters, graders etc – now Gen2 is o ering these same services to all of the Western Bay of Plenty.”

As such, Gen2 can take care of all heavy vehicle and excavation needs – include

heavy engineering, certi ed welding, ROPS manufacturing, equipment fabrication – and everything in between – plus welding and corten steel works. “ is is something

new we’re pleased to supply to local landscapers. We also o er light vehicle servicing, pre WOFs/COFs and repairs.” So get in touch today! See their advert on this page.

Safer Driving. For

• Would you like lessons current Driver Testing

• Steve is a well-known calm & friendly, thorough, logical manner.

• Develop safer habits, Restricted or Full more aware & drive

• Steve is also an independent and is available for

• Please text or leave

StevieB’s Driving School

e Gen2 Mechanical & Engineering Ltd team Jo and Adam Western, Amy Fotheringhame, Pete Fotheringhame and Ian Miller with the late John Fotheringhame’s Holden Torana. Photo: Brydie ompson.

Independent driving instructor Steve Brown.

Photo: supplied.

Gen2 Mechanical & Engineering’s mechanic-auto electrician Ian Miller at work. Photo: Brydie ompson

Kia’s popular Sportage now in hybrid

With the EV boom in the rear-view mirror – at least for now – most people are turning their attention to hybrids.

Considered the best of two worlds, these cars are probably the most versatile, o ering the convenience of a petrol engine for long distance travel combined with impressive fuel e ciency. e Kia Sportage HEV is a hybrid model NZ customers have been clamouring for; let’s take a look why.

Greener future

Kia Sportage is the name everyone knows. Starting its history in 1993, the Sportage has been the best-selling Kia model globally since 2016 with more than ve million units produced. Now in its fth generation, the Kia Sportage gains a hybrid powertrain,

cementing Kia’s plan to introduce more fuel-e cient and eco-friendly vehicles to its line-up. e Sportage HEV is placed in between Kia’s Niro and Sorento models, both of which are also available as hybrids.

Style and quality

Visually, the new Sportage Hybrid has the same modern and sleek look as petrol models. With a very dynamic body shape, trendy LED headlights and stylish silver accents – this SUV de nitely has a bold presence on the road. When inside, you’re greeted with premium-quality materials, a large 12.3-inch touchscreen display, a digital dash and a multifunction panel used to control climate settings and multimedia. Instead of the traditional gear selector stick, the Sportage Hybrid features the E-Shift dial, a swivel wheel similar to EV6 and the abovementioned Niro and

Sorento. e luggage space is massive, so it’s easy to pack groceries, a stroller, golf clubs or camping gear.

Driving experience

When you hit the road, you immediately feel the di erence between the hybrid and pure petrol models. e Sportage Hybrid o ers quick acceleration from the get-go along with an extra boost when passing or going uphill.

As with most modern hybrids, the powertrain takes every opportunity to run on electric power only, especially when driving in town or when stuck in tra c. Once extra power is needed, the petrol engine instantly kicks in to provide an impressive dynamic and to make driving even more fun. You can choose from three driving modes: eco, sport and smart.

To achieve an impressive 5.4L/100km (WLTP) fuel e ciency, you probably want to use the eco mode most of the time. e ride is very comfortable, and it’s quiet inside the cabin, especially when running on electric power. For a biggish vehicle – at 4.6 metres

– the Sportage is easy to manoeuvre even in tight spaces like in front of a house or at the parking lot. e turning circle is good, visibility is excellent, and you get an array of driving assist systems to help you navigate in challenging situations.

Why choose hybrid?

e Sportage Hybrid will likely do well in New Zealand given the existing popularity of petrol and diesel Sportages and by virtue of its Kia badge. It’s a great addition to the market, with hybrids rapidly becoming NZ’s most popular new vehicles. Not surprising, given there are no Road User Charges to pay on hybrid cars, they are cheaper to run, they can travel long distances, and you don’t have to bother with charging.

e price for the Kia Sportage petrol range starts from $40,290+ORC, with Hybrid models kicking o at $53,990+ORC. Talk to the team at Tauranga Kia, 100 Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui, or call: 07 578 1378 to learn more and to book a test drive.

Autorama fun in Pukehina

it’s got an engine, get it out for the crowds to enjoy at the Pukehina Surf‘n’Sand Autorama. Whether you have a cool car, motorbike, stock car, drag car, or anything in between – the Autorama on Saturday, March 9, is the time to show it o !

“We’re all raising money for a good cause. e end result is raising money for the Pukehina Surf Life Saving Club and Pukehina Volunteer Fire Brigade,” says event organiser Stu Brickland. “ ey tirelessly keep our community safe. So why not come have some fun!”

Last year’s event saw more than 3000 people in attendance and 350 cars and bikes to admire. is year Stu wants to see even more vehicles and people for an epic 2024 event. “What cars do is they bring back memories; like the rst car you learnt to drive in, the rst car you had a date in, and all those sort of childhood memories,” says

Stu, who has a 1956 Cadillac and 1946 Chevy. ere’ll be more than just cars and bikes too.

“We have a live band playing music. We have lots of shady trees where you can bring a picnic or buy food and enjoy underneath. We have an amazing range of food from Indian to ai, to your basic hot dogs, sh and chips, and mussel fritters.”

Held at Pukehina School, Pukehina Surf‘n’Sand Autorama is on 10am-2pm on Saturday, March 9. Gold coin entry, or $10 entry for cars and bikes.

Georgia Minkhorst

Pukehina Surf’n’Sand

Autorama will have a mix of cool cars and motorbikes to admire.

Photos: supplied.

Free entry to the Seniors & Travel Expo!

e Seniors & Travel Expo is set to be bigger and better than ever in 2024. With six successful years in the Bay of Plenty, the Seniors & Travel Expo carefully selects vendors and exhibitors to ensure a great show.

is year’s expo will be held at the Mercury Baypark Function Centre on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm. And best of all, there’s ample free parking.

Exhibitors are on-site to o er expo attendees professional help and answer any and all questions relating to the products they o er, and they are many!

More than 50 exhibits will be showcasing the nest o erings for active seniors in New Zealand.

e expo organisers know from feedback, from many customers, that they have received helpful and informative advice and have gone away as happy customers – and are happy to return the following year.

Once again, this year Autangi Ensemble will entertain attendees while they enjoy lunch and co ee at the cafe on-site.

So come along, enjoy, purchase, ask questions, and chat to the travel prize sta to enter the amazing competition: a trip for two, ying to the United Kingdom return, plus a 10-day UK cruise, worth $32,000.

So make sure you visit the Seniors & Travel Expo, held at the Mercury Baypark Function Centre on Saturday, March 2, and Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm. Entry is free.

What sets these eBikes apart

Kiwi-owned MeloYelo focuses on the needs of older riders. MeloYelo understands many people may not have ridden a bike in many years – and further, may be grappling with knee, hip or even heart issues.

MeloYelo eBikes have been designed by older Kiwis, for older Kiwis.

Even the sales team at MeloYelo is older.

And, they don’t work from shops – they work from their homes, taking a relaxed, no-pressure approach to working with you.

When it comes to shopping for a MeloYelo eBike, customers can expect a cuppa, and a chat about any health or mobility issues, or any fears you might have about eBikes.

MeloYelo’s Vera Nelson says customers will also get guidance on which of MeloYelo’s six models –

ve of which have step-through frames – might be best suited to you and the type of riding you will be doing.

“Customers can also try long test-rides, away from busy streets. Even if you haven’t ridden a bike in years, MeloYelo will gently work with you to rebuild your balance and con dence.”

And once you’ve nished your test ride, you’ll receive a free ‘scratch-and-win’ card, with the chance to win one of two eBikes or receive a discount voucher of $400, $600 and $1000.

“Customers will enjoy lots of free extras, at no extra cost,” says Vera.

“A carrier, lights and mudguards are included in the price, as well as an industry-leading threeyear warranty, providing you adhere to MeloYelo’s service schedule.”

Don’t delay! See more information in their advertisement on this page.

Debbie and Trevor Gullery out for a ride on their Melo Yelo eBikes.

Enjoy the feeling of a good night’s sleep!

e Mount Bedding Co is your local bedding specialist with a dedicated store on Maunganui Rd, Downtown the Mount.

stockists of quality NZ-made beds ranging from adjustable bases, inner sprung, pocket spring, latex and memory foam mattresses.

e experienced team, led by Shaun Reed, will work with you to evaluate your needs, access your sleep patterns, and help you nd the mattress and base that best suits your sleeping habits.

and help you nd the mattress and base

“Adjustable bed bases o er you the opportunity to change your body’s elevations, aiding in a better night’s sleep by altering your head height, feet height and rest position at the touch of a button,” says Shaun.

Paired with a quality mattress,

e Mount Bedding Co has a range of adjustable bed bases that will help you achieve the ultimate night’s sleep.

ey are also

And they can also help with your living room, ensuring you have maximum comfort in bed and while relaxing in your favourite chair.

“Check out our range of recliner chairs, lift chairs and occasional chairs that o er the ultimate in individual comfort.

“Whether your preference is fabric or leather, quality recliner chairs are designed for maximum personal comfort while you sit, relax, and recline or assist you in standing.”

Each chair is matched to your personal needs and will help your mobility and overall will enhance your quality of life.

help mobility overall will enhance your quality of life. &

Visit them at the Senior & Travel Expo, they’ll be at site 32.

You can’t miss comfort of a Perfect Chair

was rst viewed by their managing director Paul Mailman in 2005 and ever since this introduction to e Perfect Chair the understanding and appreciation for such an

incredible design ensured he would bring this range from Human Touch USA to NZ.

e Wellness Studio is the exclusive importer and wholesaler to NZ of e Perfect Chair. Materials are polished, matched, or nished to obtain the highest level of lustre and brilliance.

Aesthetically and technically, e Perfect Chair re ects Human Touch’s

commitment to e beautifully

commitment to creating products of superior quality and value. e result is a chair that uniquely and beautifully combines form and function –perfectly. e team at the Wellness Studio will be on-site at the Seniors & Travel Expo at the Mercury Baypark Function Centre on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm.

March 2 and

Find a perfect motorhome!

innovative and reliable motorhomes at competitive prices.

e Mount Bedding Co team can help you get a good night’s sleep.

e Perfect Chair in action.

Photo: www.wellnessstudio.co.nz

the Seniors & Mercury Baypark

A village where people can thrive!

Retirement village developer Karaka Pines’ mission statement is “where people can thrive”.

And not only do people thrive when they move into the village – living a stress-free, communityfocused life – but also if they need to leave. is is because it’s the residents who bene t from any capital value of their property at Karaka Pines.

Karaka Pines CEO Adam Yates says they have retirement villages in Auckland, Hamilton, Rototuna, Rotorua, Tauranga, Christchurch and Waihī Beach – with another being unveiled soon in the Bay of Plenty.

“Our message to those considering their options for retirement living is that Karaka Pines is di erent!

“One way we show people that we value them is through our capital gains model.

“Our residents are not ‘trapped’.

If their family moves away, they can follow them by moving to another village close by. With Karaka Pines, you can sell up, take the money with you and move where your family is.

“We call it ‘setting people free’.”

Karaka Pines also specialise in enhancing residents’ lives in their villages. “It’s all about values and how we treat people.”

While providing modern,

New exhibitors at expo!

is year’s Seniors & Travel Expo at the Mercury Baypark Function Centre on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm has a heap of new exhibitors.

e new travel exhibitors include Chatham Islands, Norfolk Island, Forgotten World, India, and Tranzit Coach Tours. Plus, enter to win a trip for two to the United Kingdom worth $32,600.

Other new exhibitors include EV Mobile rideons, Foot Mechanics, Meyer Cheese, Nordic Mobility, Recliner City, Seniors Real Estate, Simplicity Investments, Staydry Products and Wellness Design Recliners.

So get to the Seniors & Travel Expo at the Mercury Baypark Function Centre on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm. Entry and parking is free!

easy-care homes, Karaka Pines also strives to provide other things a good retirement village should – companionship, security, social activities, maintenance and certainty.

“We provide somewhere people can feel at home, and within a community who cares.”

Karaka Pines’ Waihī Beach resident Sue Love calls her new home: “Heaven on earth”.

Fellow resident Jan Porteous agrees.

“I feel like I am holiday every day!” e ladies say their village is a short walk to Waihī Beach, has a beautiful rural outlook, is “quiet and peaceful” and a ourishing community. “It’s just wonderful.”

Karaka Pines’ Waihī Beach residents Sue Love and Jan Porteous call their new home ‘Heaven on earth’. Photos: Merle Cave.

Unique coach tours to see New Zealand

Coach travel is a relaxing way to see New Zealand. Tranzit Tours o ers a variety of day tours and guided multi-day tours taking in the country’s hidden gems and must-see attractions.

Each tour is unique, carefully planned and includes all necessities, says Tranzit Coachlines Bay of Plenty manager Jamie Jensen, whose friendly team will be attending March’s Seniors & Travel Expo for the rst time.

“Even though Tranzit, an award-winning, fourth-generation family-owned transport and tourism company has been operating for almost 100 years, we’ve only been in Bay of Plenty since late-2022 after buying Bethlehem Coachlines from the Jamieson family,” says Jamie.

Tranzit will launch its rst day trip this autumn

– a visit to Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm, located in the heart of Ōhiwa Harbour.

“Because we do the organising and the driving, our customers can relax and view stunning scenery from the comfort of a world class coach and meet like-minded people,” says Jamie.

Traditional Dutch cheese

When it comes to top quality cheese, you don’t have to look further than Meyer Cheese.

Not only do they make astounding cheese, they’re proud supporters of Friends of Barrett’s Bush, contributing to the preservation of local ora with our signi cant tree donations.

With each wheel of cheese they produce, they a rm their dedication to a greener future.

Despite their humble size, Meyer Cheese stands tall in the New Zealand Cheese Awards landscape.

General manager Miel Meyer also made history in 2011 as the youngest recipient of the prestigious Cheese

When it comes to gouda, Meyer Cheese like to keep it traditional, following the traditional Dutch way of making gouda cheese since 1976.

e cows’ milk comes from their very own family farm where the cheese is made, ensuring unparalleled freshness.

For goat and sheep milk cheeses, the team partner with local farms that share our commitment to quality and single-source supply.

e team from Meyer Cheese will be on-site at the Seniors & Travel Expo at the Mercury Baypark Function Centre on Saturday, March 2 and Sunday, March 3, from 10am-3pm.

Tranzit Tours, who visit some of the country’s hidden gems, including Lake Tennyson on Molesworth Station, will be at the Senior & Travel Expo. Photo: Tranzit Group.

Maker of the Year award.

Serviced apartments offer peace of mind

Choosing to live a semidependent lifestyle in a serviced apartment o ers a wide range of reasons for those seeking a balanced, supportive and assisted retirement lifestyle.

It’s a decision that prioritises both independence and support.

e semi-dependent serviced apartments at Althorp Village in Pyes Pa are a perfect blend of calm and functionality and designed with the resident’s comfort and convenience in mind.

e apartments and various living spaces o er a balance, providing residents with the

freedom to maintain their independence as much as possible while having access to the di erent levels of support they may need.

One of the key advantages of residing in a semi-dependent serviced apartment is the availability of personalised care services. is level of support o ers peace of mind and a sense of security, both for the residents and their families –who know their loved one’s needs are top priority.

Residents become part of a

small social hub where they can connect, share experiences and participate in activities suited to their speci c needs.

Our goal is to enhance the overall quality of life for our residents, contributing to a ful lling retirement where they don’t feel isolated and are never lonely.

e location of Althorp Village in Pyes Pa, Tauranga, is another compelling reason to choose a semi-dependent serviced apartment. rough private gates the proximity to Pyes Pa shopping centre on a mobility scooter, or with sta , gives easy access to the supermarket, doctors, chemists, restaurants, takeaways and more.

Splash about with the grandies at pool fun day

If you’re looking for some splashy fun with the grandkids this weekend, head to the Greerton Aquatic Centre on Saturday, February 24 from 10am-2pm.

e SplashSave Family Fun Day will be a day of water safety and family fun, with free entry, a sausage

sizzle barbecue, games, activities and even the chance to win spot prizes.

Have fun and learn water safety at the same time.

e Greerton Aquatic Centre is located at 1 Kiteroa St, Greerton.

Selling mobility scooters in Katikati!

If you need to buy a new mobility scooter – or maybe you’re just at the stage of wanting to do your research – you should pop into Katikati Mobility.

Located at 3A Marshall Place, Katikati, Mike Innes says the store stocks the leading mobility brand AMW of scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and other mobility aids.

“If you’re wanting to upgrade your scooter, or you’re looking to buy your

rst scooter – or maybe you have a loved one who will need mobility assistance soon – pop in for a chat,” says Mike.

“ e best thing is you can try before you buy –so come in for a test-drive today and we can help nd something that suits you and your budget.

“We also service everything that we sell.” So get along to Katikati Mobility and nd what you need to keep your independence! Katikati Mobility is open 8am-4.30pm Monday-Friday, and Saturdays 8am-12 noon.

Mike Innes of Katikati Mobility is happy to talk AMW scooters anytime.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

Home renovations – getting started!

My love of property, renovations and landscaping date back to the purchase of my rst home, a modest two-bedroom unit. Since then, I have renovated a string of homes, enjoying the improvements for a while before a new project would catch my eye, o ering a new renovation challenge.

These days I combine organisational skills, problem solving, a practical nature, strong business background and extensive experience, becoming a skilled independent project manager.

Renovations can be fraught with pitfalls and wastage, leading to cost blowouts so it’s important to work with a specialist dedicated to understanding and overseeing your project. A successful renovation starts with proper planning right from the beginning. From a carefully thoughtthrough plan with concept designs, this can be costed. Knowing how much it will cost before you start means you can adjust to your budget or perhaps splurge on extras.

Seek out a company that has a good reputation, has a team of specialists and will partner with you on your renovation journey to help you achieve what you want. This can signi cantly reduce your stress and you won’t have to spend your valuable time coordinating multiple tradies. You can free up your time to focus on your day-to-day life while your renovation is professionally managed from concept through to conclusion.

Here’s a tip: Interview your trades, designers, engineers and project managers carefully. Are they professional? Do they gather and provide detailed information? Do they communicate well and follow up? Are they pro-active?

Government to tackle high construction costs

e Government is focused on reducing sky-high construction costs to make it more a ordable to build a home, says Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.

Stats NZ data shows the cost of building a house has increased by 41 per cent since 2019, making housing even more una ordable for Kiwi families.

Must change

“Further analysis shows building costs are consistently higher in New Zealand than several overseas jurisdictions... is must change,” says the Minister.

but they have far-reaching economic and social consequences such as higher mortgage repayment costs, higher rents, and increased demand for social housing. “Tackling out-of-control construction prices is one of the keys to reducing the cost of living and providing Kiwis with the high-quality, a ordable housing they deserve.

More products

“Kiwis pay too much for building materials.

“We will ensure more high-quality building products are approved to increase competition, lower building material costs, and support our resilience to supply-chain disruptions.”

He points to the overseas comparison provided by MBIE – sourced from the most recent Stats NZ and the Australian Bureau of Statistics data using value of building work consented per square metre for a standalone house – for 2022 shows New Zealand’s cost at $2591 while Australia’s cost is $1743.

“Not only do high building costs make it harder for families trying to purchase their rst home,

e Minister says his Government will also reform the building consent system by streamlining the consent process, making product substitutions easier, and clarifying roles and responsibilities within the system.

“Removing unnecessary barriers and giving greater certainty to businesses means better productivity and less delays when building a home.”

Doing good to build homes in the region

Helping families to have a place to call home is what the Doing Good Foundation is all about.

Formerly known as Habitat for Humanity, Doing Good has built 88 homes in the Bay of Plenty region during the last 28 years, making a di erence in the lives of 565 family members.

“ e ultimate goal is to get people into their rst home,” says general manager Malcolm Hardy. “It’s where people wanted to move into the market but they can’t a ord it because deposits are so high and they haven’t got money together to satisfy the bank.

“So basically, we build houses for them.”

Doing Good Foundation believes giving people the opportunity to be homeowners has a wider positive social impact. “We think it’s far better for people in their own lives and their attitude to life knowing that they’ve actually got

take the house over.”

So how does Doing Good actually help people into homeownership?

“ ey [the occupant] pay a ve-year rental on the property, and then after the ve years we’ve kept that money and give it to them. en it goes towards the deposit for the bank to get a loan to actually buy the house,”

Redecorating Renovating or Building?

Exceptional quality, excellent service!

Start your new home journey with Signature Homes, who have been building high-quality homes for 40 years and is proudly the largest Kiwi-owned home building brand. is remarkable milestone is a testament to Signature Homes’ unwavering dedication to the community it serves, as they solidify their place as New Zealand’s largest Kiwi-owned home building brand.

Meet Debbie and Craig Williams, the friendly faces behind Signature Homes Bay of Plenty and Coromandel; they’ve been part of this community for more than 28 years. eir well-earned reputation for exceptional quality, innovative design, and outstanding service is the result of years of dedication.

located in prime locations including e Lakes in Tauriko, Palm Springs in Pāpāmoa, Te Awanui Waters in Ōmokoroa, Bel Air Estate in Katikati, Wharenui Rise and Oturoa Vista in Rotorua.

Discover a range of options, from two-bedroom to four-bedroom homes, which cater to your

Modern packages

If you’re looking for a place to call home, explore Signature Homes modern house and land packages

Signature Homes Bay of Plenty and Coromandel understand that embarking on the journey of building a new home can be daunting. at’s why their house and land packages are designed to make the process seamless for you. Whether you envision a modern or traditional design, their in-house team of experts will work with you to create a home design that aligns with your unique needs and desires.

If you’re ready to discuss your new home journey, contact Signature Homes Bay of Plenty and Coromandel at: 0800 102 105 and experience excellence!

realise the more that they saved, the more they put into their deposit.” Anyone is welcome to start their homeownership journey through Doing Good Foundation. “It does require people to be able to show that they’ve got work, they’ve got to be in employment because they need to be able to pay rent.”

Transform your kitchen, bathroom or laundry

Transform your kitchen, bathroom or laundry

A new benchtop and splashback in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry, will add value to your home.

A new benchtop and splashback in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry, will add value to your home.

Bay of Plenty’s leading manufacturer and retailer of high-pressure laminate (Formica) and acrylic solid surface benchtops and splashbacks can create a fresh new look that will help transform your home for many years to come.

Bay of Plenty’s leading manufacturer and retailer of high-pressure laminate (Formica) and acrylic solid surface benchtops and splashbacks can create a fresh new look that will help transform your home for many years to come.

Dont know where to start?

Dont know where to start?

Download our FREE Guide to Your New Surfaces. www.simplysurfaces.co.nz/free-guide/ Call now, visit our showroom, or go online to arrange your FREE measure and quote.

Download our FREE Guide to Your New Surfaces. www.simplysurfaces.co.nz/free-guide/ Call now, visit our showroom, or go online to arrange your FREE measure and quote.

102 Birch Ave Tauranga 07 282 7217 simplysurfaces.co.nz

102 Birch Ave Tauranga 07 282 7217 simplysurfaces.co.nz

Build new with Signature Homes

Whether

We have House & Land packages available in The Lakes, Tauriko; Palm Springs, Papamoa; Te Awanui Waters, Omokoroa and Katikati.

Contact Signature Homes Bay of Plenty & Coromandel today.

0800 102 105 signature.co.nz

a home. ey’re learning to look after a house, to maintain it, to do their budgeting and get ready to

Georgia Minkhorst

e Monowai: A three-bedroom house plan by Signature Homes.

Malcolm Hardy at the foundation’s Greerton builds.

Photo: Brydie ompson.

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Nathan Gill is your local real estate agent with a wealth of experience under his belt.

“I believe that in this industry, honesty and a people- rst approach should always come rst,” he says.

“I’ve navigated through various situations, ensuring exceptional service to all my clients.”

Nathan’s smart, adaptable, and tech-driven, utilising cutting-edge tools to make your real estate journey smooth sailing from start to nish.

“I’m a rm believer in clear and open communication, ensuring you’re always in the loop,” says Nathan.

In his free time, he’s a devoted father of twins who keep him busy and on his toes. He also has a passion for rugby, shing, tness, and personal growth.

“I educate myself regularly to keep my nger on the pulse and advise my clients better.

“Additionally, I pride myself on being a good listener, understanding your needs and preferences to tailor my services accordingly.”

You can trust his genuine, upfront, and honest approach – whether you’re buying or selling.

“With me, your property needs will always be at the forefront.

“I’m here to simplify your real estate experience.”

Nathan Gill.

Art of Outdoors

started by accident when Sam Steel decided in late2019 to import some sculptures from South Africa for her garden.

e sculptures, all made from recycled scrap metal, were made by some very clever, selftaught artists. She commissioned more than she needed to ll the container and sold the excess to cover the shipping costs and,

unintentionally, from there the business was born.

“ e accidental bene t was that the artists earned an income, which enabled them to support their families because there is no welfare system for them to rely on,” says Sam. She felt great about helping such disadvantaged but clever people so ordered another container, and then another and another.

Four years on and many containers later,

the artists are thriving, and so is Art of Outdoors. Sam now designs many of the sculptures and never ceases to be amazed by the talent of her team.

e sculptures come in all sizes from small birds to life-sized bulls. e sculptures will be available to view and purchase on February 24-25 at 208 Joyce Rd, Pyes Pa, from 10am-3pm. Can’t make it? Check out her website: www.artofoutdoors.co.nz

e Giant Dandelion in the Wind sculpture.

South African sculptures thrive in NZ Asian cultures on show in Tauranga

Rich, breath-taking stories, art, music, performances and a delicious line-up of cuisine from a range of Asian cultures will be at this weekend’s Tauranga Asian Food Show & Lunar New Year Festival.

e Historic Village will host the festival on Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25, allowing locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Chinese, Korean, ai, Japanese and other Asian cultures as the broader community comes together in a family-friendly event.

Food show

Hosted by the Tauranga branch of the NZ China Friendship Society, with a food show component and Lunar New Year celebration, there will be something for all ages to enjoy – think calligraphy, traditional clothing, kids’ games and endless Asian cuisines from savoury dumplings to ai rice noodles. e highlight will be the Lunar New Year celebration, where attendees will send out wishes of prosperity and good fortune for all.

Tauranga China Friendship Society president Tina Zhang says the festival will serve as a cultural bridge, allowing residents to immerse themselves into the rich and diverse tapestry of Asian cultures. “ e festival fosters cross-cultural understanding, appreciation, and harmony, making our community more inclusive and globally aware,” says Tina.

Celebrate diversity

“We’re looking forward to our community members coming together to celebrate diversity and enjoy the festivities, share stories and create new memories.”

More than 30 ethnic groups will share aspects of their culture. “Festival-goers will be exposed to a world of traditions, art and cuisines they may not encounter otherwise,” says Tina. “ is, in turn, will encourage more people to learn about new cultures and broadening their understanding.”

e 2024 Tauranga Asian Food Show and Lunar New Year Festival is 11am-8pm February 24-25 at Tauranga Historic Village. Gold coin entry.

So much music, so little space

It’s not often I blow it two weeks in a row; blame it on too much sun...

Last week I aimed to write about the Jazz Festival, got distracted by this weekend’s BOP Open Studios Art Trail, and ran out of space.

And I realise the same thing is about to happen.

It’s week two of jazz fest coverage. Sort of.

Speci cally the “outdoor” music, of which there is, I think, more than ever before. But perhaps skip to the end for that as there are other urgent

things to share...

Most urgent are matters of life and death. is Sunday, February 25, at the Citz Club on Cameron Rd there’s a concert raising money to help a local musician, money for the life-changing drugs that Shirley Ryder needs after a long battle with cancer.

Fillthegridsothat

ere is already a Givealittle page and, on Sunday, for $30 you’ll be able to enjoy the sounds of bluesman Grant Haua, Kokomo, eighties out t Max Headroom, Chris Gunn and Gunshy, and from Auckland the legendary Shane. Kick-o is 3pm.

Chris Robinson

Fillthegridsothat

In a similar vein, another local musician needs our help. Chris Robinson, long-time video-maker and guitarist on the indie scene with the likes of Diehards of Deep Dish, Flaming Tea Bags, Hard rob and more, is struggling with stage three colorectal cancer. Chris needs to relocate to the UK where he can obtain potentially life-saving treatment. Find out more here: givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-chrisrobinson-get-to-the-uk-to- nd?

And while I pressed pause on music last week in favour of art, a whole lot of new sounds ooded out from local musicians. I promise I will return to the three – yes, three! – new albums just now dropping. ere’s also a

Black Brothers have released one for their take on the Ritchie Pickett song ‘More Fey Ray’ – appropriately launched on Ritchie’s birthday – featuring a whole bunch of wellknown musos singing backing. On to those albums: e Knids are back in action with ‘Monochrome’; young up-and-coming Mounties Marmalade Skies are gigging solidly to support their debut album ‘When I Wake Up’ – try the Mount Social Club Saturday, February 24 – and, possibly most ambitious of all, Kingsley Smith and Dhaivat Mehta have created an entire rock opera, ‘Shadows & Light’, which is now on streaming platforms.

Jazz festival

And I’ve run out of space again. But it shouldn’t matter. e Jazz Festival is going to be brilliant and if you doubt me look at jazz.org.nz

It is huge and magni cent!

Here are just three events: Good Friday, March 29, at the Historic (Jazz) Village: Shaken Not Stirred, e Flaming Mudcats, Michal Martyniuk Quartet and more. On Saturday, March 30, and Sunday, March 31, downtown on four stages and two dozen bars and restaurants: e Desotos, Chris Williamson Band, e John Key Trio, Afrolites, Nick Granville Trio, Miho’s Jazz Orchestra and more. On Easter Monday, April 1, at the Mount: Big Tasty, Kokomo, RetroGroove and more. at should be the mantra for this year’s festival “and more”. Check it out – you will be amazed.

Hear Winston’s latest playlist: https://open. spotify.com/playlist/4QdNSrfpj08L7tmvhH6yXl?s i=ee0fb30c55bf4ea8

We want your art!

Tauranga Rotary member

Joan McKirdy.

Tauranga Rotary is collecting art for the Annual Book and Art Sale to be held from March 1-3, at the Seeka Coolstore in Harvard Way, Mount Maunganui.

Joan McKirdy and Margaret Cooper, both members of Tauranga Rotary, are totally astounded at the quality of art pieces that are so generously donated each year.

Today, residents are downsizing their living arrangements or changing their décor in their homes and these precious pieces are often tossed aside or put in a cupboard and forgotton.

e ladies say any items are valuable and “great care is taken in displaying them appropriately”. “ e art, when purchased, gives new life to homes and many o ces around the region and the buyers are often so overjoyed with their purchases it is rewarding.”

is year they aniticipate showing more than 300 pieces of art alongside rescue art pieces that Paul Goodall has already collected and prepared for sale. “ e display will be outstanding! So think art – think of how can you make a di erence in your community by supporting Tauranga Rotary.”

Phone Joan on: 021 670 044 or Margaret on: 027 497 9308 for collection.

Mounties Marmalade Skies.

Take some of your daily administration tasks o your shoulders so you can get back to making your business thrive!

At ADMINZ, Vivienne Stephens o ers small businesses help with all their bookkeeping and administration services to ensure they run smoothly and e ectively.

“My business gives the ability to take out some of the everyday stu and look after that for clients,” says Vivienne.

With 20 years’ worth of administration and accounting expertise, Vivienne has your business covered. From document creation, data entry to setting up Excel spreadsheets – Vivienne does it all! “I let a business get on with doing the things they’re good at and earning money for themselves, instead of trying to cope with the everyday bits and pieces.”

Vivienne prides herself on personalising her services to your

Whether it be winter, spring, autumn or summer –the quality and care Mike Savage brings during the celebration of your loved one remains unchanged.

A funeral celebrant’s role combines three qualities: a good listener, a good writer and a good performer.

Mike Savage provides these qualities with compassion, empathy and professional skill, combined with 33 years as a funeral director and celebrant.

He says it’s a privilege to minister to families and friends, and honour those who have passed on.

“Being there in their time of need and being able to help them to celebrate their loved one’s life –that’s what I enjoy and what I was created to do,” says Mike.

He is also a fully licensed marriage celebrant. If you’d like to chat with

GARAGE SALES

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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

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Churches Active In Our Community

The value in online learning

Did you know online learning is the fastest-growing market in the education industry?

It’s grown 900 per cent since its creation in 2000.

Did you know three million people watched the 20 most popular LinkedIn courses in 2020?

And the number of online learning users is expected to increase to 57 million by 2027?

Did you know in the 30 years since its global launch in 1993, more than 28 million people have attended and watched one online course worldwide, in more than 175 countries and more than 100 languages around the globe.

Yes, 28 million people!

Do you know what course that is?

It is called e Alpha Course.

One of the most popular and well attended courses in the whole

world, and one which is widely used in so many languages, is a course about having a conversation about God. Alpha is an environment for anyone and everyone to ask questions and share their point of view. It’s a safe and honest space, online or in person, where people can explore life, faith and meaning. And, so far, 28 million people have been through it.

ere’s always questions come up when you start to really think about God and Jesus. But God is not worried about questions. He loves us to ask, and He loves to answer. If you’ve got questions, He has the answers.

‘Alpha’ means beginning, start, commencement. If you’ve got questions, He has the answers. Ask. en your own Alpha will begin in your life.

By Stephen Whitwell, C3 City Church, Tauranga