Chronicle Week 4 Chronicle 26

Update from the Raglan Business Chamber

After-Hours Care for Rural Communities Weeknights 5pm-8am Weekends/Holidays 24 hours 0800 252 672

We started this year in collaboration, and there are no signs of us slowing down the pace.

We could spend our short space here detailing our recent BA4 events, the forum with Go Raglan and WSL, or the brand-new podcast mini series set to launch with Raglan Community Media in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Communion service every Sunday at 9.30 visitors very welcome Contact person : Hazel 0221065990

However, you can get updates on that news by following our socials @raglanchamber and by reading our newsletters. So let’s talk about something very exciting that is emerging. The Raglan Business Awards and ‘The Golden Jandal’.

Raglan Business Chamber is a Not for Profit organisation that prioritises local voices of local businesses. A healthy Committee will often have subcommittees, and the newest ‘Raglan Business Award’ subcommittee is meeting this week!

This is a group of people who cut across diversity of: industry, age, nationality and economies, and they will work together to pull together a Raglan-centric Business Award.

Are you already keen to see this emerge?... We are! And it’s not too late to join our subcommittee. We will plan the process of entering, design and plan the event, resource some judges, source sponsors, prizes and awards.

Subcommittees are a great way for interested members to support a Not for Profit without having to formally sit on a Board and be accountable to every meeting. So if this sounds like a good use of your volunteer skills, and you are a member of the Raglan Business Chamber, then please get in touch and join our awesome subcommittee.

We are working a year-out, and intend to deliver this event in 2027, all contributions and ideas are welcome as we design this - reach out: info@raglanchamber.co.nz

Simple swap scheme gives young mums a break in the Raglan surf

by Edith Symes

Young Whaingaroa mums in need of a little break to go for a surf or swim can now do just that every Sunday “while the sun shines”, thanks to an initiative by a woman who reckons she knows just how hard it can be to get that me-time.

Amelia Borofsky – back from O’ahu in Hawaii – is hosting weekly afternoon meet-ups at the main Ngarunui beach car park, from where local mums pair up to ‘in turn’ swap child-minding for surfing. Each mum gets an hour in the waves; her children safely looked after on shore by the other mum.

The clever yet simple model for me-time is based on the Surfing Mums Australia group started in 2018 by a mother who subsequently moved to Hawaii and set the scheme up there. Amelia at the time was a single, working mum in Kailua suffering major postpartum depression and anxiety, and reckons the meet-ups were a life-saver.

“I found my tribe,” she recalls. Amelia then proudly went on to co-found the

not-for-profit American Surfing Moms organisation which now has 30 chapters from New York to California, attracting widespread media attention.

“We were on The Kelly Clarkson Show and The Today Show, we had newspaper publicity and did an Amazon Fashion shoot with the kids,” Amelia remembers.

“We were shocked how it all grew so fast,” she added. “Surfing Moms spoke to the isolation felt by young mummas and their need for connection.”

A psychotherapist and mother of two, Amelia says it’s the free childcare which in turn allows time for oneself that gives Surfing Mums its point of difference. “It’s all about the (care for) mums,” she insists. Or maternal wellness is another way to look at it.

“And as surfing mums we are being good role models,” she adds.

Amelia recalls how her now eight-yearold daughter Yinale would sometimes tell her “you’re grumpy, you need to go for a surf”. Son Charlie is just a year younger, and she says parenting on her own with

little time out was a huge challenge back in Hawaii when they were respectively just one year old and three months.

But then the Surfing Moms group became a reality – and with that, says Amelia, “I became more of a surfer” because the ground support made it less intimidating. “So I made surfing a habit every week, rain or shine.”

Friend Ciara Verhees, who came along to Ngarunui for the first Sunday meet-up recently, says she’s keen to “meet other mums and programme in a bit of me-time” even if only for a swim.

Ciara, who’s new to Te Mata, explains her hubby works overseas a lot so swimming and surfing herself as a mother to daughters Daia, 3, and Arta, 4 months, is not easy.

But buddying up with like-minded mums keen to swap time in the surf and taking care of the kids will make things a whole lot easier, she reckons.

*Whaingaroa Surfing Mums meet in the car park above the beach at Ngarunui, Sundays 2-5pm.

Losing It – a play about dementia

Losing It, a powerful new play exploring dementia, love and loss, makes its Raglan debut at the Old School Arts Centre on Friday, March 13 at 2pm. Short, dramatic, and highly engaging, the production invites audiences into an intimate theatrical experience.

The idea for Losing It began over a cup of coffee after a Riverlea Theatre drama class, when Sandra Shearer and Ceridwyn Parr discovered they shared personal experiences of family members living with dementia. “Let’s write a play!” they said - and from that simple moment, this creative and heartfelt work was born.

The play connects with audiences in many different ways and at varying levels, depending on personal experience. “We aim to create a warm, relaxed atmosphere in a comfortable environment,” the pair say. “We like the audience to be up close, so they feel part of the story.”

Set in a family home and beginning with a familiar game of Scrabble, Losing It highlights the growing number of people living with dementia in our community and the profound impact this has on carers and families. The play gently but honestly explores how daily life changes, and how isolation can creep in for those affected.

The intention of Losing It is to name and open up the issue of dementia, to bring together people who are interested or affected, and most importantly, to build understanding, community and support. Drawing on authentic voices and real experiences, the production tackles difficult themes while also offering moments of sorrow, laughter, music and hope.

Following the performance, audience members are invited to share their experiences and ask questions in an informal discussion with Sandra and Ceridwyn.

Losing It at the Raglan Old School Arts Centre on Friday, March 13 at 2pm entry by koha.

Exhibitions open to interpretation

The Clay Shed invites established and emerging artists to register for two upcoming themed group multimedia exhibitions at the Raglan Old School Gallery – Mugs, Mostly, running April 4-11 and Into the Blue from May 30 to June 13.

Mugs, Mostly celebrates the humble mug in all its forms – functional, sculptural and conceptual. The exhibition will feature ceramic mugs and wall-hung works in any medium, capturing the subject through the artist’s own interpretation. Entry fee $20, entry deadline Friday 13 March.

Into The Blue invites artists to explore the theme literally, in abstract, emotionally or conceptually. This themed exhibition is about connection – bringing our creative community together and showcasing our unique talents.

There will be a selection process for this exhibition – please provide a clear highresolution photo of your artwork. Entry fee $30, entry deadline Friday 1 May. For full details (key dates, artwork requirements, terms and conditions) and to enter, visit

Both of these exhibitions are open to all artists.

For full details (key dates, artwork requirements, terms and conditions) and to enter visit www.raglanartscentre. co.nz/2026/02/03/call-for-artists/

Important Artist Huddle ahead of RAW

Callingall local artists! Planning for the Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) is ramping up again and March is ‘Registration Month’.

If you’re new to RAW, an established fave on the trail, or just a little inquisitive about how RAW could work for you, come join us at our Artist Huddle happening in early March. This will be your chance to hear about our exciting new initiatives for RAW 2026 – yes – we have some new developments! We would also love to hear your views and answer your questions. This is your event and your feedback is

invaluable; it shapes the way we progress. Both the artist bus tour and opening cocktail event were ideas from artists!

We will also be able to share some key data from 2025, including art sales and visitor spend in town.

Artist Huddle: Tuesday 3 March, 6pm to 7.30pm @ Raglan Arts Centre. All welcome.

RAW registration: Monday 9 March until 30 March (or sooner if max capacity reached).

The Hatch emerging artist applications: Monday 9 March until Monday 20 April.

While the factors driving the housing market activity have shifted with the seasons, there’s one thing you can count on. With a unique blend of expertise, international networks and a suite of innovative marketing tools, Bayleys is the agency for all your property needs.

Residential, commercial, rural and lifestyle – we deliver the best results. Get in touch:

Residential & Lifestyle Sales

Mark Frost 022 150 2244 | mark.frost@bayleys.co.nz

Michelle O’Byrne 021 969 878 | michelle.obyrne@bayleys.co.nz

Stephen O’Byrne 021 969 848 | stephen.obyrne@bayleys.co.nz

Graham Rope 021 222 7427 | graham.rope@bayleys.co.nz

Chrissie Spence 021 626 833 | chrissie.spence@bayleys.co.nz

Commercial and Industrial Sales and Leasing

Jordan Metcalfe 021 0847 8920 | jordan.metcalfe@bayleys.co.nz

Sales and Marketing Administrator

Melanie Vink 07 834 3840 | melanie.vink@bayleys.co.nz

Residential / Commercial / Rural / Property Services

Billy Stairmand awarded wildcard for WSL

Raglan’s own Billy Stairmand will compete against the world’s best surfers at Manu Bay this May after receiving a wildcard entry into the New Zealand Pro, Stop No. 4 of the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour.

Billy – a nine-time New Zealand champion and two-time Olympian – will make his Championship Tour debut at his home break, in front of a local crowd.

“It’s pretty surreal,” he said. “To get this opportunity at home, in front of friends, family and the community, is a huge honour.”

Two additional New Zealand surfers will also join the main event through the upcoming Backdoor King and Queen of the Point trials, making it the largest Kiwi presence ever at a Championship Tour event.

The New Zealand Pro will run at Manu Bay from May 15–25, bringing the world’s top surfers – and global attention – to Whāingaroa.

Let your place ride the WSL wave

supplied by Go Raglan

This May, the World Surf League Championship Tour is rolling into town, and Whāingaroa will be buzzing with surf lovers chasing the perfect wave - and settling in to soak up the action.

If you’re planning to paddle out of town during the comp, now’s the perfect time to let your place catch a wave of its own. With visitors scrambling for accommodation, renting out your home could be an option.

The Whāingaroa Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) is dropping in a new community accommodation platform on the Go Raglan and Raglan iHUB websites. Designed to connect event organisers, athletes, and visitors directly with locals, it keeps things in the whānau and right here in the community.

Instead of profits disappearing elsewhere, Go Raglan and Raglan iHUB will ensure any administration fees are reinvested straight back into Whāingaroa.

“This is an awesome example of local economic circulation - visitors stay with locals, money stays in Whāingaroa, and the benefits flow straight back into our community. It’s about creating opportunities that support people, place, and long-term resilience, not just short-term gains,” WRDMO chair Charlie Young says.

This opportunity is for first-timers only - locals who have never rented out their place as short-stay accommodation before. We’ll help you get set up

GO RAGLAN

List your place on Go Raglan

with practical support and simple guidelines to make handling enquiries far less daunting.

“Seeing initiatives that support locals and connect them directly with surfers and fans keen to be part of the event is really empowering,” Charlie adds. “It’s a great example of how events

WHAT’S HAPPENING

like this can be about more than competition - they’re about strengthening community connections.”

Visit goraglan.com/accommodation-listings to jump on board and ride the WSL wave.

Pizza and Politics with Kahu - Friday, Supper Room

advertorial

Green MP, Kahurangi Carter, is coming to town on Friday 27 February, with a Pizza and Politics with Kahu public meeting from 6pm in the Raglan Town Hall Supper Room.

Kahu is interested in hearing from the community, their issues, and the things they want for their hapori and for the wider country. This an opportunity for us to come together to hear from each other on the best way to push for change, and what change is needed.

Kahu’s main areas of interest are Child welfare and Zero Waste. She also has the Arts, Culture,Disability, Mental Health, Women and Rainbow portfolios for the Greens.

Before moving into politics, she worked at the Ministry for the Environment, where she brought community, government, and business together to fasttrack climate action. Kahu wanted to use her experience of working collectively with communities to push for change within politics.

She joined Para Kore, the Māori zero waste group, originally formed from our local Xtreme Zero Waste at Poihakena Marae, to educate and advocate from a Māori worldview for zero waste, climate action and the protection of our environment.

When Kahu became an MP, one of this Government’s first actions was a formal apology to survivors of abuse in state care. Since then, Kahu has campaigned

in Parliament against the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act, which removed the aim to improve outcomes, safety, and stability for Māori children and young people by reducing the two thirds of Māori children in care.

On top of the Government’s decision to repeal this initiative, the Coalition also cut $120m of funding to support vulnerable youth services. This increased wait lists and made access to services harder, which has seen an increase in violence against children.

As the Greens spokesperson for Women, Kahu campaigned against the Government’s rushed pay equity legislation, which would keep the gender pay gap and deny pay rises to low paid women. Her next Bill, the Drug Overdose (Assistance Protection) Legislation Bill which is coined the Good Samaritan Bill, which is awaiting its first reading in Parliament, could save up to three deaths a week from accidental and treatable drug overdoses.

Kahu continues to push for change and wants to open discussions with our communities about these issues.

If you are interested in having a discussion with Kahu on her priority areas for change, a wider range of issues, and getting to know Kahu over a slice of pizza, come along to the Raglan Town Hall Supper Room 6pm Friday 27 February.

Celebrating Kotahitanga: Waitangi Day Whaingaroa 2026

by Michelle Levy - Toitu Whaingaroa

As people walked up the steps of the Raglan Town Hall on February 6th they were greeted with the following words:

A day filled with manaakitanga (hospitality) and mō tātou, mā tātou (by all of us, for all of us). Manaakitanga reflects the importance of caring for others, extending warmth, respect and generosity to all. Mō tātou, mā tātou reminds us that the future of Aotearoa is something we shape together – unity and shared purpose for all those who call this place home. As we celebrate Waitangi Day in Whaingaroa 2026, we invite you to honour these values.

And what an amazing Waitangi Day 2026 we had Whaingaroa – overflowing with kotahitanga, manaakitanga and aroha.

Around 500 people came to spend part of their Waitangi Day with us. Once again our kaupapa was about educating, creating and activating our community. Our simple but effective brown paper timeline of Te Tiriti o Waitangi breaches and Māori resistance lined the walls for people to read as they walked in. As happens every time we show this timeline up, conversations were sparked - what stood out, what was already known, what was surprising.

Some whānau took part in the workshop delivered by Raj Irving and Tare Kereopa where you got to take home your very own Purerehua taonga puoro. Others gave Mau Rākau a go in the lively sessions run by Kimo Moko.

Our ātaahua raranga practitioners from Ngā Hua o Te Rito were continuously surrounded, as people gave it a go or just watched their beautiful mahi unfold.

Whaea Ruhi Haru was there with her ukulele and table decked out in the black, white and red of the tino rangatiratanga flag. Sharing her aroha through the day, memories of childhoods were ignited via waiata and stick games.

Definitely a big hit was the amazing array of kai on offer. Delicious seafood from Mike and Jamie, tasty curry from Pisey (Raglan Bakery), crispy onion bhaji from Raglan Rasoi, and creamy yoghurt from Raglan Food Co. On the other side of the hall were delicious goodies homebaked by our community and Big Poppa's Kettle Korn.

All served with a smile by our hardworking kitchen angels, Janeva, Tania and Linda. And of course, the lunchtime hangi prepared by Leo McQueen and his hard-working crew was hotly anticipated.

The creative station was standing room only as people of all ages took time out to design a flag or colour in a page from Action Station ‘Together for Te Tiriti’ colouring book. The Whaingaroa Te Tiriti community canvas gathered more signatures.

We were lucky enough to have our friends from ‘Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People’,

Dr Saadia Arif and Leeya Namuwaya who travelled from Hamilton to spend the day with us. Supporting the kaupapa of kotahitanga, Saadia and Leeya provided resources and talked with those interested in the translations of Te Tiriti o Waitangi for different communities.

The Whaingaroa ‘Forum Tent’ in the Town Hall Supper Room was the scene of an insightful panel discussion. Facilitated by Aaron Mooar from Raglan Radio, the panel deliberately centered a diverse range of Tangata Tiriti perspectives, emphasising Te Tiriti o Waitangi both belongs to, and holds a place for us all.

When thinking about why Te Tiriti might be translated into different languages, a common question is “wasn’t Te Tiriti signed with just the British”? To this, long-time Te Tiriti educator Dr Ingrid Huygens says, “at the time of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Māori saw their relationship with the British as the primary newcomer relationship. However, many hapū were interacting with people from all over the world and certainly intended that the Treaty agreements would equally apply to non-British people. Hence, all newcomers belong within the Treaty relationship. Te Tiriti is a relationship between Māori and all others – Tangata Whenua with Tangata Tiriti”.

The panel, comprised of Tony Mayow, Xavier Meade and Ross Wallis, shared honest and diverse perspectives about their journeys to understanding, as well as ways in which support and commitment to Te Tiriti can be demonstrated in our daily lives.

Gabrielle Parson, a member of the newly formed Whaingaroa Te Tiriti Activation Group, also shared about her work in this area, with Dr Saadia Arif and Leeya Namuwaya joining the discussion to share their unique perspectives as newcomers to Aotearoa. Such rich kōrero saw the true meaning of kotahitanga reach into every corner of the room

Special thanks to Kimo Moko for opening & closing our day so beautifully.

And to Whaea Margaret Dillon for capturing so many moments of the day, and to all those who jumped in and helped where needed on the day – ngā mihi nui.

Together we really did make Waitangi Day Whaingaroa 2026 one to remember.

Celebrating Kotahitanga: Waitangi Day Whaingaroa 2026 was brought to you by Manatū Taonga – Ministry for Heritage & Culture. With the generous support of Raglan Naturally Community Trust; PureLink; Raglan Community House; WDC; and Gareth Bellamy (BellamyProducer/Composer).

An honest chat about change

From Emma Simpson @ Xtreme Zero Waste

Four months ago I stepped behind the many wheels of Xtreme's communication channels, which was equal parts exciting and daunting; especially since I was (and still am!) pretty fresh to the sustainability world, both professionally AND in my personal life

The shame of not doing enough, not starting sooner, dissolved the moment I properly connected with this community Turns out the only person keeping score was me It's not about perfection It's about small, manageable, repeated actions and a willingness to change and grow

What actually moves the needle isn't guilt or individual willpower It's connection It's community and shared purpose, the village around you

The research backs this up Studies across 32 countries have found that climate anxiety is almost universal right now, but it's only when that anxiety becomes overwhelming

and isolating that we freez e, scroll past another devastating headline, and feel too small to act What's interesting is that at moderate levels, that same anxiety can actually motivate change

The difference between paralysis and action often comes down to one thing: whether we feel part of something If Raglan shows one thing clearly its that people embedded in purpose-driven communities are signif icantly more likely to sustain pro-environmental behaviours over time Give value driven humans connection, shared purpose and a sense of belonging- and change follows naturally

The environment is, in so many ways, a mirror of us It's easier to extend care outward; to our ocean, our food, our whenua, when we feel okay on the inside Sustainability isn't separate from our wellbeing In my eyes and my experience, it grows from this, and is one and the same

Whāingaroa alreasy understands and embodies this And right now there are so many beautiful, rewarding ways to be part of the sustainability community ‘

Bringing your pre-loved clothes to Kāhuu's Nest rather than throwing away

Buying your fruit & vegetables from the Raglan Growers Market, which connects you directly to the people who grow your food

Māui Dolphin Day on the 7th of March is a free community celebration reconnecting us to our harbor and marine environment

And keep your eyes out for the upcoming ReWorkshop in March, where you can rediscover the lost art of preserving and fer menting

-Repair Caf és, because f ixing what we already own is one of the most quietly radical things we can do Nothing disqualif ies you from being part of the solution or from making more environmentally conscious choices You are welcome here, exactly as you are; just as I have experienced, by this community, and continue to learn alongside it

Designing from Nature’s Patterns

From Whāingaroa Environment Centre

Per maculture is not just about growing food. It is about understanding how natural systems function and applying those patterns to the way we live, build, organise and care for our communities That thinking sits at the heart of the mahi of the Whāingaroa Environment Centre and Xtreme Zero Waste

Did you know the very f irst Per maculture Design Course (PDC) in Whāingaroa helped shape Xtreme Zero Waste? Back in 1999, several of XZW’s founders invited per maculture leaders Bryan Innes and Jo Pearsall to tutor a PDC with 17 local change-makers That course catalysed and influenced the work that followed, embedding systems thinking and regenerative design into waste minimisation, food resilience and community-led environmental action A few year later, WEC hosted the f irst Per maculture Week, followed by further courses, helping strengthen local ecological literacy and practical design skills

The Raglan Per maculture Design Course is returning in 2026, offering one of Aotearoa’s most

comprehensive pathways into ecological design and sustainable living Delivered by Raglan Per maculture across 10 modules from March to November, the internationally recognised programme combines per maculture principles with local context and real-world application A core component is the design project, where participants develop a practical plan supported by experienced tutors

As environmental pressures increase, building local capability matters The PDC equips people with tools to design resilient homes, enterprises and community initiatives For those ready to deepen their understanding of regenerative design and contribute to the future of Whāingaroa, this course offers practical skills alongside a strong network of like-minded practitioners It is an opportunity to learn the systems thinking that continues to shape some of our community’s most enduring initiatives

Places are limited More infor mation can be found at raglanper maculture org

Fill your pantry affordably, without the packaging!

From landfill to living systems: how permaculture took root in Whāingaroa

by Maki Nishiyama

The story of permaculture in Whāingaroa begins, as many good stories do, with a closing door.

In the late 1990s, Raglan’s landfill shut down. But the tides still moved in and out, and people still needed somewhere for what they threw away. For some communities, that might have been the end of the story – trucks hauling waste elsewhere, decisions made far away. In Whāingaroa, it was the beginning.

A small group of locals – Peter Howarth (PJ), Pine Campbell, Tuihana, Katarina and the Mataira whānau, Liz Stanway, Rick Thorpe and others – believed the community could solve its own problems. They had heard of permaculture, a design system that views land, people, waste, food, water, energy and community as one living whole.

“Zero waste, one of the permaculture principles, offered a solutions approach with local economic, social, cultural and environmental benefits,” recall Liz Stanway and Rick Thorpe. “This holistic approach to the problem was supported by Whaea Eva Rickard and the wider community.”

“With free access to the landfill until that time, the community had been unaware of the real cost of waste. The Council’s solution was a transfer station sending mixed waste to a landfill 50 kilometres away. Transport and gate charges meant a huge cost for a small population.”

“At the same time, high unemployment and few opportunities for young people meant many left over the divvy and never came back.”

In 1999, educators Bryan Innes and Jo Pearsall were invited to run a Permaculture Design Course (PDC). Seventeen local change-makers gathered – gardeners, activists, dreamers and practical doers –learning not just how to grow food, but how to design a resilient community.

“Back then some shops and cafés closed over winter to survive, tourism was minimal, and the closure of the fishery contributed to a local economic downturn,” Liz says.

“Council budgets were focused elsewhere, and the coastal town was largely left to figure things out for itself.”

“Whaea Eva used to say, ‘Don’t wait for permission,’ so bringing like-minded people together under the permaculture framework helped us focus on what we could achieve.”

Something shifted. The ideas moved off the page into kitchens, backyards, schools, marae, workshops and council meetings. The course didn’t end – it grew.

From that spark emerged Xtreme Zero Waste, founded on the radical idea that Raglan could manage its own waste. Alongside it, the Whāingaroa Environment Centre – Te Pokapū Taiao o Whāingaroa – became a hub for environmental learning and action.

Over the following decade, permaculture continued to grow. The Environment Centre actively promoted and invested significant energy into permaculture learning, hosting permaculture weeks and months filled with workshops, shared skills and community knowledge exchange. These initiatives helped embed permaculture thinking deeply within Whāingaroa, while Xtreme Zero Waste focused on the demanding work of running a pioneering community enterprise.

In 2010, the permaculture community hosted the National Permaculture Hui at Pōihākena Marae – recognition that something special had taken root. From this came the first locally run PDC, delivered by Liz, Rick, Phil McCabe and others. Permaculture in Whāingaroa had found its own voice.

Between 2013 and 2019, residential intensive courses at Solscape brought students from around the country to experience the harbour’s unique culture and climate. They learned from the land itself – coastal winds, volcanic soils, community projects and lived experience.

Then the courses paused. Seven years passed. Gardens kept growing, children became adults, and the early work settled into the fabric of the town.

More than twenty-five years after that pivotal course, the threads are being

gathered again. Xtreme Zero Waste and the Environment Centre have merged, their roots intertwined. The community that once learned to design for survival is now preparing to design for the future.

The Permaculture Design Course is returning to Whāingaroa – not as something new, but as something remembered. Delivered by a collective of local practitioners, including Liz and Rick as course mentors, the nine-month programme draws on decades of experience and the challenges of what lies ahead.

“As Whāingaroa continues to evolve and change, the PDC is a chance to reconnect with the core ethos that has served this community so well over the past 25 years,” says course tutor Finn Mackesy.

“The course offers practical skills you can apply in everyday life. I’ve been facilitating permaculture learning for nearly 20 years and haven’t met anyone who regretted doing a PDC – it’s a powerful investment in personal, whānau, neighbourhood and community resilience, land stewardship and community development.”

Walk through Raglan today and you can still see that story everywhere: compost bins behind cafés, restored wetlands, thriving

community gardens and the quiet confidence that small towns can do big things together.

As course coordinator Pippa Hayes puts it, “The first Raglan PDC grew out of a community wanting to shape its own future. That impulse feels even more urgent now, as environmental, economic and social pressures intensify.”

“Reviving the course strengthens a significant legacy while building the skills, connections and confidence needed for the years ahead.”

The 2026 Raglan PDC runs from March to November, visit www.raglanpermaculture. org to find out more

Apply now for Meridian’s Power Up Community Fund

We’re proud to back local projects in the communities around our wind farms and hydro stations with our Power Up fund. Power Up Te Uku provides grants for projects in Raglan, Te Mata, Waitetuna and Te Uku that support sustainable community development.

How to apply

Applications are open until midnight on Sun 26th April 2026. For more information and to apply:  visit www.meridianenergy.co.nz/community

• call 021 980 565

• scan the code

Ulo presents 'Use It Or Lose It' at The Yard

Ulo brings the heat to The Yard, Raglan on Saturday, February 28 with Use It Or Lose It — a night of global grooves, deep cuts and dancefloor energy.

Headlining is London selector Jason Eli, joined by DJ support from Esai (Melbourne / Wax Museum), with live art throughout the night by Kyoko Shirai transforming the space as the music unfolds.

Door sales: $10

Music from: 8pm until late

Expect five hours of house, soul, jazz, disco, afro, latin and beyond.

Jason Eli’s career grew from a love of making people dance and a passion for exploring musical genres. Raised in London, he was influenced early by watching relatives play live funk sessions, later moving into remixing, production and international DJing.

He has remixed artists including Whitney Houston, Mos Def, Masters at Work, Sola Rosa and Damage, with releases on major labels such as Sony, Defected, Motown and EMI.

Jason held a four-year residency at Ministry of Sound during its underground house heyday, performing alongside legends including Todd Terry, DJ Harvey, Kevin Saunderson, Kenny Carpenter and Roger Sanchez.

In the late 1990s he became part of London’s influential Broken Beat scene, releasing music through Bugz In The Attic’s Orin “Afronaught” Walters and founding his own Groovadelica label.

After relocating to New Zealand in the early 2000s, Jason continued to champion soulful club sounds from his Auckland base. Groovadelica evolved into both a label and club night, releasing his debut album Take Your Time and the vinyl-only single Back To Dilla featuring UK soul legend Omar.

New music is on the way.

Funk Up The Country tour with Tahini Bikini and Sig Wilder

supplied

Two of Aotearoa’s most exciting live acts will hit Raglan next week as Tahini Bikini and Sig Wilder & Friends bring their Funk Up The Country Tour to The Yard Café & Venue on Thursday, March 5.

The tour sees the Wellington-based bands joining forces for a cross-genre show blending funk, soul, pop and altcountry, delivered by a collective of around ten musicians and creatives. Raglan is one of seven North Island stops over two weeks, alongside shows in Leigh, Auckland, Tauranga, Whakatāne, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay, plus appearances at Wellington’s CubaDupa festival.

Pōneke seven-piece Tahini Bikini are known for their bold sound and high-energy performances, fronted by vocalist Mads Taylor. Since releasing their debut album Fever Dream

in 2022, the band has become a regular on festival stages across the country, including Rhythm & Vines, Twisted Frequency and CubaDupa.

Sharing the bill are Sig Wilder & Friends, a DIY altcountry collective delivering heartfelt storytelling and Americana-tinged songs rooted in Aotearoa. The group has toured nationally and earned praise from independent media outlets and radio.

Doors open at The Yard from 8pm for what organisers promise will be a night of “boogie, storytelling and genrebending good times.”

WIN a double pass

To go in the draw, email info@raglanchronicle.co.nz with your name and contact details by March 3.

All welcome at veterans golf

from Raglan Golf Club

Add a touch of humour, a few fairway swings, the odd putt, some old mates — even visitors — and you’ve got Vets Golf.

Open to any 9- or 18-hole golfer aged 50 years young or older who’s looking for a regular weekly hit, this could be just the thing.

Waikato Vets officially kicked off on February 3, hosting Pat from the Maidenhead Club in England, who thoroughly enjoyed her round on Raglan’s rolling course.

“I was made to feel most welcome. Everyone was very friendly and encouraging,” said Pat.

Vets also offer $10 lunch days, with the first scheduled for March 3 — sure to be a gourmet delight. Members are also invited to “shake their shamrocks” for St Patrick’s Day on Tuesday, March 17.

Tee times:

• 18-hole players — 9.00am tee-off

• 9-hole players — 11.00am tee-off

Contact: Email: vets@raglangolf.com

Phone: 07 825 8483

Out-of-bounds — Pete Aim

Surf art & photography from Whāingaroa

Call for Submissions: Surf Art & Photography. Raglan: Coast to Canvas — Surf Art & Photography from Whāingaroa

Raglan Museum invites the Whāingaroa community to take part in a special exhibition celebrating local surf culture, timed to coincide with the World Surf League contest in May.

We are seeking surf-related art and photography loaned by locals — from any era or style — that reflects a genuine connection to surfing, community and the coastal environment.

What you can submit

• Surf photography (historic or contemporary)

• Paintings, drawings, prints or mixed media

• Works capturing coastal scenery, surfers, surf culture or pumping surf

Who can submit

Artists, photographers, surfers and creatives from the Whāingaroa community.

Exhibition details

• Works will be loaned for the duration of the exhibition

• Selected pieces displayed in the Museum atrium

• Additional images featured in a digital slideshow

• All contributors credited (community exhibition — not sales-based)

Key dates

Submissions close: Friday, March 20, 2026

Exhibition dates: April–June 2026

To submit or find out more, contact Kaz Cooper: Email: karyn@raglanmuseum.co.nz

Lastweek was one hell of a storm and at Anexa we had quite a few frightened dogs handed in, trying to run away from the thunderstorm.

Animals can anticipate the rumbling noise before humans as they are more sensitive to environmental change than humans. They can detect the change in air pressure and sense the static electricity, hence why some animals will start showing signs of anxiety before the storm starts.

When there is a thunderstorm on the forecast here are some tips to keeping your pets calm and safe:

• Don’t encourage the behaviour. Giving hugs and special attention can reinforce the fearful behaviour. Use a calm, happy and playful voice rather than a worrying tone to give your pet confidence.

• Provide an enclosed indoor space. This can be a crate covered over with a blanket. Animals feel safer when they have a space to retreat to.

• Distract your pet with playing, toys and treats. Engage with your pet to help them keep their mind off the thunderstorm.

• Thunder shirts or pressure wraps. Compression shirts works by applying consistent pressure to parts of or the whole body deactivating the fight or flight response and helps activate the rest and relax response.

• Pheromones and medication. Vet clinics sell a variety of over-the-counter products to help alleviate anxiety such as, calmex, pet remedy, adaptil or feliway and calming food diets like Royal Canin Calm biscuits.

• Play background music. Playing music (that your animal is used to) can mask the loud rumbling noise, just like in a shopping center to mask the noise of activity in the store. If you’ve tried these tips and your pet still suffers from storm anxiety, please call us on 07 825 8390 to book a consult with our vets. We can have a chat about anti-anxiety medication.

rwraglan.co.nz/RAG30739

what’s on

CROP SWAP. First and third Sundays of the month. 9.30 -10.30am at Bowling Club, James Street. Bring anything from the kitchen or garden to swap - seedlings, plants, produce, preserves, baking. It’s not direct swapping, we share abundance, and everyone gets a bit of everything! All welcome

TEAMSQUAD & STAR @ THE YARD. Friday, February 27, 7:30 –10:30pm.

RAGLAN GROWERS

MARKET, 5-7pm Every Friday on Stewart Street

Remember to bring your reusables!

FRIENDS OF KAITOKE WALKWAY meet on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays every month at 9am to remove pest plants and restore the native environment. Email Whāingaroaweed busters@gmail.com for the meeting point.

For Sale

FIREWOOD DRY, DELIVERED. - trailer load - dry old man pine - 215.00, Pine210.00, Blackwood 220.00. Phone 021 0771524. Wanted

WORKER WANTED: Someone to assist with outside and gardening work. general tyding up: 8258124.

RAGLAN JUNIOR

RUGBY CLUB AGM, Tuesday 10th March 4pm, down at the Raglan Rugby Club

Houses Wanted for removal

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES

RAGLAN FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Calling local filmmakers of all ages – enter now on our website www.raglanfilmfestival.co.nz. Films must be submitted by 6 March 2026, with family-friendly awards event in June (rescheduled from 23 May due to WSL, date tbc)

CALL FOR ARTISTS The Clay Shed invites submissions for 2 themed group exhibitions“Mugs, Mostly” April 4-11 and “Into The Blue” 30 May-13 June. Check our website for details and online registration form – www.raglanartscentre. co.nz or email info@raglanartcentre.co.nz.

ART COMPETITION – MY DREAM IS HOPE All Raglan artists are invited to submit work for this competition and associated curated exhibition at the Raglan Arts Centre Gallery in April. A cash prize will be awarded in each of the 2 categories - for ages under 20 and 20+. For full details check our website raglanartscentre.co.nz or email gallery@raglanartscentre.co.nz.

RAGLAN ARTS WEEKEND REGISTRATIONS

OPEN 9 MARCH - for RAW and for The Hatch (emerging artists). Limited places, don’t delay! www.raglanartsweekend.nz/registration/

ARTIST HUDDLE - TUES 6 MARCH 6pm to 7pm @ The Old School. RAW 2026 update. All interested artists welcome.

LOSING IT - FRIDAY 13 MARCH A powerful new play exploring dementia, love and loss, by Sandra Shearer and Ceridwyn Parr. Followed by an informal discussion of the issues raised with the writers. Eva’s Room, 2pm. Tickets on the door, entry by koha.

SARAH SPARKLES ONE-NIGHT ART SALE

- FRIDAY 13 MARCH A single evening to experience works in pottery, painting and drawing, held within a soulful DJ soundscape from Gypsea. 6-9pm. Free entry.

LIVE AND LOCAL – FRIDAY 13 MAR Our regular showcase of awesome Whaingaroa talent – this month featuring long-time favourites TeamSquad and 2 more accomplished acts, brand new to our stage. Whare Tapere, 7.30-9.30pm, doors open 7pm. Recommended entry $10, Minimum $5 –pay what you can afford. Free entry for ages 17 and under. Licensed bar and café open.

RAGLAN CREATIVE MARKET – SUNDAY 8

MAR The best of Whaingaroa food, crafts and art. 9am – 2pm at the Old School, 5 Stewart Street, second Sunday of every month. For more infowww.raglanmarket.com. Join us after the market at 2.30pm for a hui to explore ways to keep the market thriving now and into the future – all welcome.

MOVIES AT THE OLD SCHOOL

WICKED FOR GOOD

(PG | 137 mins) Sat 28 Feb 4.30pm Sun 15 Mar 4pm

BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT 2026

(Exempt | 150 mins) Sat 28 Feb 7.30pm

HOLY DAYS (PG | 101 mins) Sun 1 Mar 4.30pm Sat 14 Mar 5pm

REGULAR EVENTS

Ragtimers Ukulele Group 2nd and every subsequent Wed 4pm

Clay Shed Members’ Night weekly on Wed 5-7pm

Karioi Quilts & Crafts Monthly on 2nd Thurs, 10am

Raglan Art Group restarts 6 Mar

Backgammon Club monthly on last Fri, 5pm

Readers Book Club monthly on last Fri, 10.30am

Contact 825 0023 | www.raglanartscentre.co.nz/

email: classifieds@raglanchronicle.co.nz

45 Bow Street, Raglan

• Low Cost Counselling

• Free Budget Service

• Drop-in Lounge

• OpShop

• Rooms for Hire

• Justice of the Peace

• Alcohol & Drug Services

• Youth Programs

• Information Technology Support

Please contact us for more information Ph: 825 8142 info@raglancommunityhouse.org.nz www.raglancommunityhouse.org.nz

Publication Dates. 2026

March 2026

Mar 5th – Local Rag

Deadline: Mar 3rd

Mar 12th – Chronicle Deadline: Mar 10th

Mar 26th – Chronicle Deadline: Mar 24th

April 2026

Apr 2nd – Local Rag Deadline: Mar 31st

Apr 9th – Chronicle Deadline: Apr 7th

p: 022 - 617 - 8711 e: head2tailvetphysio@gmail.com w: head2tailvetphysio.co.nz

info@raglanchronicle.co.nz

11 Sunshine Rise, Raglan —

Nestled in a peaceful cul-de-sac, 11 Sunshine Rise presents a rare opportunity to secure a three bedroom home on a generous 941sqm site, positioned in one of Raglan’s most desirable coastal pockets. This is more than just a property, it’s a harmonious retreat designed for a lifestyle of balance, sustainability and relaxation.

Set on an elevated 941sqm freehold site, the home is perfectly positioned to capture all day sun while overlooking a lush native bush reserve, offering a sense of calm and privacy that is increasingly hard to find. A wraparound deck with a sleek glass balustrade ensures the view remains uninterrupted and the connection to the outdoors seamless, making it ideal for entertaining. Expansive front and rear lawns provide ample space for children to play or for peaceful afternoons spent in the garden.

Sustainability is seamlessly integrated into the property’s infrastructure, with solar panels harnessing the northern sun and a substantial 33,000L water tank, supported by town supply. A generous double garage provides ample room for vehicles, water sports equipment or a workshop, while plentiful off street parking adds further practicality.

Located in one of Lorenzen Bay’s most magical pockets, Sunshine Rise offers a rare opportunity to embrace sustainable coastal living. It is a home that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and savour the simple pleasures of land and sea.

Your private coastal retreat awaits. Discover the magic of Sunshine Rise today.

By Neg

Jono Hutson 021 488 766 jonoh@lodge.co.nz

Open Homes

Saturday: 11.00 -11.30am Sunday: 1.00 - 1.30pm