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Christmas

d n e k e e w e th

20 December 2012, Issue 629

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.

63,860 copies

to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA, WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

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With only five sleeps to go until his big delivery night, Santa Claus exchanged his sleigh for a fun ride on an inflatable on the harbour this week. The Weekend Sun managed to get some photos of him in action riding the waves, but he brushed aside questions simply saying he was visiting Tauranga to recharge his batteries before his marathon delivery and reminding children to be good to get their presents. “I have my spies, I know if you’ve been good or bad.” To read more about Get Wet Adventures inflatables – including the big red shark Santa was riding – see page 21. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

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The Weekend Sun

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 63,860 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes. The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga

ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Ross Brown Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Hamish Carter, Letitia Atkinson, Phillipa Yalden, Ben Guild, Corrie Taylor, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter. Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Andrews, Suzy King, Lois McKinley, Daphne Keller, Kirsty Hutcheson, Rose Hodges, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Caro Leuschke. Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Office: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Tasha Paull, Julia Price, Kathy Drake.

Doctor Doom and a dose of cognitive dissonance A few days out from Christmas would ordinarily be the ideal time to wish you all well for the festive season and the New Year. Only there’s a small percentage of you who believe the world is going to end today, so we won’t be wasting any precious good wishes on you. Although, as our expert advice suggests below, you are not really nuts. So we’ll settle for wishing most of you a very safe and happy time. For those of you hell bent on seeing the world end today, here’s some sensi-

ble advice from someone who should know. Dr Matthew Dentith, faculty member of the Department of Philosophy at Auckland University, wrote his PhD thesis on the understanding and evaluation of conspiracy theories. Now if anyone should know about rumours of the end of the world, it’s Matthew. We’ve dubbed him Doctor Doom. He comments: “If the world ends on December 21, it’s going to be a surprise - despite the numerous predictions about that date - because the various arguments being put forward in support of an impending apocalypse are, typically, suspect. They either rely on evidence which does not strongly suggest the end of the world will occur on the 21st of this month, or the predictions are so vague that almost any calamitous event will satisfy such a claim.

doomsdays predicted since 2000. “It is important to point out that following doomsday predictions doesn’t mean that someone is necessarily psychologically unwell. It’s inappropriate to characterise people as nuts because they are concerned about the Mayan hypothesis. “If we see bad stuff happening, we want to know why it’s happening so we can prevent it. Lots of things we just can’t prevent though, and that’s a very uncomfortable feeling that we might deal with by looking for reasons.

Odd beliefs

“It’s a quick step from there to making connections or seeing patterns in the ‘evidence’ that might support what many of us think are odd beliefs. The whole Mayan calendar thing is very like this. It’s got numbers and patterns, and it appears to produce a date that people can hang on to. I will eat my hat if the world comes to an end (or rather I will not eat my hat when it doesn’t come to an end). “What will happen when people awaiting doomsday inevitably wake up on December 22 and everything’s still there? “This is a fundamentally uncomfortable position to be in because we all have a drive to believe that we’re rational and sensible rather than gullible and credulous. The phenomenon is technically called cognitive dissonance. “I have no doubt that if something vaguely doomsdayish happens on December 21 that at least some people will claim that as evidence - Ken Ring predicted a massive quake in Christchurch last year that didn’t actually happen, but a smaller 4.0 did and that was then used as evidence that the prediction was right but the scale was wrong.

Then we have this gem below, a Christmas poem, sent in by an informed reader. That’s all for this week, folks. You’ll see us again in your mailboxes on Friday, December 28, assuming the world hasn’t ended and no one has choked eating their hats. Then the Sun takes a break, just for a week, and rocks back into your letterbox for the first edition of the New Year, on Friday, January 11. Have fun out there, be careful, make a special effort to console any disillusioned Mayans, and be prepared to lend them a new 2013 calendar.

A Politically Correct Christmas Poem

Indulge, Share & Enjoy

Twas the night before Christmas and Santa’s a wreck How to live in a world that’s politically correct? His workers no longer would answer to “Elves”, “Vertically challenged”, they were calling themselves. And labour conditions at the North Pole, were alleged by the union to stifle the soul. Four reindeer had vanished without much propriety, released to the wilds by the Humane Society. And equal employment had made it quite clear, that Santa had better not use just reindeer. So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid, were replaced with four pigs, and you know that looked stupid! The runners had been removed from his beautiful sleigh, because the ruts were deemed dangerous by the EPA, And millions of people were calling the cops, when they heard sled noises upon their roof tops. Second-hand smoke from his pipe had his workers quite frightened, and his fur-trimmed red suit was called “unenlightened”. To show you the strangeness of today’s ebbs and flows, Rudolf was suing over unauthorised use of his nose. He went to Geraldo, in front of the nation, demanding millions in overdue workers’ compensation. So half of the reindeer were gone, and his wife who suddenly said she’d had enough of this life, joined a self-help group, packed and left in a whiz, demanding from now on that her title was Ms. And as for gifts, why, he’d never had the notion that making a choice could cause such commotion. Nothing of leather, nothing of fur Which meant nothing for him or nothing for her. Nothing to aim, Nothing to shoot, Nothing that clamoured or made lots of noise. Nothing for just girls and nothing for just boys. Nothing that claimed to be gender specific, Nothing that’s warlike or non-pacifistic. No candy or sweets, they were bad for the tooth. Nothing that seemed to embellish upon the truth. And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden, were like Ken and Barbie - better off hidden, for they raised the hackles of those psychological, who claimed the only good gift was one ecological. No baseball, no football. Someone might get hurt Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt. Dolls were said to be sexist and should be passe and Nintendo would rot your entire brain away. So Santa just stood there, dishevelled and perplexed, He just couldn’t figure out what to do next He tried to be merry, he tried to be gay but you have to admit he was having a very bad day. His sack was quite empty, it was flat on the ground, nothing fully acceptable was anywhere to be found. Something special was needed, a gift that he might, give to us all, without angering the left or the right. A gift that would satisfy with no indecision, each group of people in every religion. Every race, every hue, everyone, everywhere, even you! So here is that gift, it’s price beyond worth... “May you and your loved ones, enjoy peace on Earth.”

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IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. Cognitive dissonance is a term used in modern psychology to describe the feeling of discomfort when simultaneously holding two or more conflicting cognitions: ideas, beliefs, values or emotional reactions. It’s also a good name for a rock band.

Controversial theory

“Doomsday theories like the claim that the Mayan Long Count Calendar predicts the end of the world are common, popular and – thus far – all examples of failed predictions. “All doomsday theories rely upon controversial interpretations of their supporting evidence. For example, the Mayan Long Count Calendar does not predict a catastrophe on December 21 but, rather, the end of a cycle. To infer that the end of a cycle entails an apocalypse is like claiming the world is going to end because the year is coming to a close. “Given the poor track record of doomsday predictions in general and the various other rival, non-doomsday hypotheses, December 21, 2012 is likely to be as interesting as December 21, 2011 or, indeed, any random day of the year.” The Science Media Centre also came up with this guy: Associate Professor Marc Wilson, from the Department of Psychology, Victoria University Wellington. Marc advises: “This year is not special. Remember Y2K? Didn’t happen. There have been at least 100 internationally recognisable

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God’s will

“In the case of Harold Camping, who predicted several ‘raptures’ in 2011, he finally turned around and apologised for trying to predict God’s will, and essentially suggested it was a lesson designed to humble people like him - but the underlying belief system remained intact.” Thanks Marc and Matthew.

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The Weekend Sun

It’s official:

Run for the hills Run for the hills is the core advice in the city-wide evacuation plan, adopted this week by the council. How to Escape a Tsunami is the title of the document, and the main advice is ‘Get inland of get high’ in elevation, that is. The other core message in the plan, which has taken 12 months to develop, is a strong self-reliance message. ‘No one is coming to save me’ and ‘think feet’ are the other main messages. There may be little time between when tsunami warnings are made and when the first waves arrive. People may have very little time to collect what they can carry and leave their homes. It’s also looking at the prospect of local roads becoming impassable, meaning people should focus escape plans on reaching higher ground – or getting further inland

on foot or by bicycle. Tsunami Survive is unique among NZ evacuation plans in that it was developed by the community, says Barry Somers, one of the report writers. Most evacuation plans are developed by local authorities, which then consult on it. The process followed for Tsunami Survive has started from input from community cluster groups, which provided feedback on the risks, needs and what to include in the document. The deluxe version presented to councillors is a 32-page A4 pamphlet, but there is also one in a condensed A5-size of about eight pages and a fridge magnet plan. The larger version includes information about tsunami, their

nature and the natural warning signs. Tsunami survive is the first step in supporting community training, which the council previously agreed to pay for. While the strategy’s development is a result of a large amount of community involvement, the bulk of the at risk population in Papamoa and along the rest of the ocean beach have not yet become involved. It is the issue covered by the ‘Be prepared’ aspect of the plan. Households have to take responsibility for their own survival, prepare a getaway kit, decide on the routes to take, safe places to go, and how to contact family after the emergency, and what to do if an evacuation is required during working hours when family members may be scattered across the city. By Andrew Campbell

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The Weekend Sun

Missing link to be added to pathway The missing link in Tauranga City Council’s cycle and pedestrian pathway is in the pipeline for Papamoa next year. As part of the city-wide cycle and pedestrian pathway, integrated by the city council in 2006, the 1600m-long, 3m-wide sealed pathway is proposed to run from Gravatt Rd to Hartford Ave. Tauranga City Council project manager Helmut Marko says the city council is in the initial consultation stages with contractors, but hopes it will be finished early next year. The pathway is one of the 10 links, 32km in total, running from Papamoa to Bethlehem. The Papamoa section follows the recently installed southern section of the pathway and will provide the link between the northern and southern sections. Hermut dispelled any reports against the pathway, claiming it has always been part of the city council’s future plan. “This is an ongoing project. This is not a one- Papamoa residents are not happy about the cycle and pedestrian pathway proposed off thing.” for their area of Gravatt Rd to Hartford Ave in 2013. Resident John Pitt says he was only informed the reserve, but we cannot just see the about the proposal a week ago when he received but cannot see the council’s justification need for it. to spend more money when it is already written confirmation the city council will call “How a bankrupt council can find the in debt. for tenders for the pathway in 2013. money for it?” “I’m quite happy with it. Everyone uses By Luke Balvert John says he does not oppose the pathway,

Free parking to disappear Saturday free parking in the Tauranga CBD will go in the latest round of parking changes, which will replace time limits with an hourly rate at all parks. The changes will see the city divided into three zones in which parking will cost $1, $2 or $3 an hour. People will be able to park in any zone for as long as they like, as long as they feed the meter. The premium $3-an-hour zone is Devonport Road, Elizabeth Street between Devonport and Grey, Grey Street, Willow Street and the Strand to Hamilton Street. The $2 zone is First Ave, Elizabeth Street at the IRD and Cameron Road ends, Durham Street, Spring Street, and Wharf Street, excluding between Willow Street and the Strand. The $1-an-hour zone is Second Ave, Cameron Road, Hamilton Street and Harington Street. The changes will not take place until Easter 2013 as an alteration to the council traffic and parking bylaw is required

Andrew Campbell

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and will have to be advertised. The reasoning is removing time limits creates a simpler system based on parking price. People will no longer have to seek out a parking space with a time limit that suits their need, says transport operations manager Martin Parkes. “They can stay as long as they want as long as they pay the price.” Feedback from council surveys is that people want a simple system. Also, free Saturday parking wasn’t working very well and is not bringing more cars into the central city. The 15-minute time limit will remain outside the post office in Grey Street. Councillors believe the $3-an-hour regime will drive more cars into the parking buildings, which the city owe $4.9 million on. Building parking earned $608,949 in 2010/11. The change is expected to increase parking revenue by $132,000 per year.

The Weekend Sun

Up for auction Pic to come

If a dentist has some urgent fillings to attend to after Christmas, blame the chef who built an 850mm by 650mm gingerbread house to be auctioned off to raise money for Homes of Hope. It took Trinity Wharf executive chef Simon Green about 30 hours to decorate his gingerbread house, with about 11kg of icing, 1200 chocolate pebbles and $50 of lollies. The 11kg of icing was moulded to make the snow, penguins, a snowman and a polar bear. “If you know anything about geography, polar bears don’t actually live on the same continent.

HoP T BIKE s nEwEsRanGa In TaU

But hey ho, you don’t get a house made out of gingerbread either.” The gingerbread scene depicts a road crash involving Santa slipping on black ice after attempting to land his sleigh and crashing into the snowdrift. Simon has been a chef at Trinity Wharf for three years, although this is the first year he has decorated a gingerbread house to be auctioned off to a charity such as Homes of Hope. Homes of Hope supports Tauranga children and young people at risk. Trinity Wharf has hosted lunches for Homes of Hope before, as owner Shelley Payne is involved with the charity, but Simon says this year the hotel decided to help the organisation in another way.

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It took Trinity Wharf executive chef Simon Green about 30 hours to make his edible masterpiece. Photo by Tracy hardy

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Simon doesn’t know exactly how many calories are in his masterpiece, but says the whole thing is edible, apart from two working traffic lights. “It’s all made from sugar. Maybe the dentists want to put some money towards it because they’re going to get an awful lot of business.” Donations can be made at Trinity Wharf, where the gingerbread house is on display. Simon has also posted his gingerbread house on Trade Me and bidding on the auction stands at more than $250. The auction closes at 4.19 pm? today. (Friday). Simon says if someone was to commission him to recreate his masterpiece it would cost them about $700. By Zoe Hunter

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6 Briefly... Child assault accused in court

The Weekend Sun

P-lab crack down

A high-profile Tauranga man is to appear in Tauranga District Court tomorrow facing charges after being accused of seriously assaulting a child. The child spent two days in hospital as a result of the alleged assault. The child was treated for head and back injuries. The accused has interim name suppression and all other identifying details were suppressed when he appeared in the Tauranga District Court at the beginning of the month. He is yet to enter a plea to one charge of assault on a child. According to court documents, the 12-year-old was assaulted in Mount Maunganui in November.

House and drugs seized

A Tauranga man has been sentenced to three years and nine months in jail and has had his house seized by the crown. Mark Andrew Allen, 39, appeared in the Tauranga District Court last week where he was sentenced to imprisonment and had his $323,000 house seized by the courts. Allen was sentenced for possession of cannabis for supply, selling cannabis and cultivation of cannabis. Police raided his Cheyne Road property in October and seized more than 80 cannabis plants, all at various stages of cultivation. They found what is being described as a sophisticated cannabis-growing operation with air ducts, lighting and specialised growing timers.

Skateboarding tower bailed

A Whakamarama man accused of being responsible for injuring a 14-year-old boy who suffered serious injuries when he fell off his skateboard, has been granted bail. Brendon Michael Dowd, 44, appeared in the Tauranga District Court this week charged with reckless driving causing injury. He is accused of towing skateboarders behind a car on Taurikura Drive in Tauriko Industrial Park on October 4, when the 14-year-old fell off his board and lost consciousness. Dowd is yet to enter a plea on the charge and is due back in court on December 21.

Bail for P accused

Two of three people arrested following a police search of a P lab at Mount Maunganui on November 28 continued their bail after additional charges were laid last Friday. Shaun Jacob MacDonald, 24, fork lift operator of Mount Maunganui and Jessica Caulfield, 21, also of Mount Maunganui, were charged with possessing P-making equipment, precursor chemicals and with possessing P. A third offender, Troy Kakau, 31, bank officer of Mount Maunganui, was remanded in custody on December 11 on other matters and will next appear in court on January 24. MacDonald and Caulfield are appearing in court on February 8. Co-accused Isaac Kilby, 27, a labourer of Welcome Bay, charged with supplying methamphetamine, is due back in court,January 24.

Bay of Plenty Police have been cracking down on P-labs in the Western Bay of Plenty this month.

Western Bay of Plenty have swooped on a number of properties in the Western Bay of Plenty this month as they crack down on P-labs. More than 18 people are facing a raft of drug charges after police swarmed on homes in Katikati, Tauranga and Maketu. Two of the men arrested during the Maketu raids appeared in Tauranga District Court last week. Damon Joel Best, 23, and Mark Gregory Kimber, 48, appeared charged with conspiring to supply the precursor material, iodine, knowing it was to be used to manufacture P. Kimber and Best are part of a group of people who have been arrested following drug raids in the Western Bay of Plenty this week. Operation Detroit culminated on Wednesday, December 12, in a series of search warrants in Maketu, Te Puke

and Tauranga involving approximately 40 police staff from three districts. A total of 18 people have been arrested – 16 men and two women. Three men and one woman were arrested for a variety of cannabis offences. The remaining 14 all face a variety of Class A drug-related charges. The Weekend Sun understands residents of the properties busted in Maketu were Mongrel Mob members. On Sunday, December 8, a man with Mongrel Mob tattooed across his back was arrested at a Katikati property after a P-lab at a former factory building in Park Road blew up during a police operation. Police arrested three people at the Katikati fire, including 35-year-old Maketu man Karl Goldsbury who appeared in Tauranga District Court on Monday charged with arson and conspiring to deal methamphetamine (P). He was remanded in custody to reappear on January 23.

Reunited six months on A Whanganui dog will spend Christmas at home after being found in Tauranga six months after it went missing. Tauranga City Council animal services team leader, Brent Lincoln, says someone found the dog roaming earlier in the week. “They tied it up and called council, who impounded it and scanned it and found a microchip, and traced it back to its owner in Whanganui. “When we contacted the owner, they said it went missing six months ago.” He says the benefit of microchipping was proven in this case. The dog went missing in the Rotorua Forest, where the owners had been walking her six months ago. “Obviously, looking at the dog, someone had been caring for it in the meantime but not the actual owner,” says Brent. “So we gave them a call and they came up and the dog clearly recognised the owner. It was great to get them back together again.” He says microchipping is non-invasive and is a great way of reuniting animals with their owners. “There is no question about ownership. If you’ve got two black labs, they can look alike but if one had a microchip, you know exactly who the owner is. “We have no qualms about reuniting them that way.” By Letitia Atkinson

Police seek witnesses to fatal crash

Police investigating the death of 21-yearold farm worker in the Bay of Plenty believe there are likely witnesses to the fatal crash they haven’t spoken to yet. Whakatane Police are urging any witnesses to the crash which killed Eion Gebert, near Opotiki, to come forward. Sergeant Ray Wylie says police want to trace the passenger of a vehicle involved in the crash who left the scene before police arrived. Eion was on his way to work on a motorbike at approximately 5am on Saturday, December 1, when he was struck by car travelling in the opposite direction. A witness reported the car overtook a tow truck and three others cars immediately

prior to the crash but only the truck driver stopped at the scene and spoke with police, says Ray. The driver of the car involved in the crash also spoke with police at the scene. However, his passenger is reported to have left in a silver station wagon. Although police believe they know the identity of the passenger, they have been unable to locate him to date. “It may be the drivers we have been told about knew there were other witnesses and therefore felt there was no need for them to stop. “However it is vital in these cases to ensure we obtain accounts from as many witnesses as possible so the investigation

is thorough and we can help Eion’s family understand how and why he died.” Ray says it is also essential in the interests of justice as police need to determine what, if any, enforcement action should be taken. “It is important to stress that these drivers are being sought as witnesses. There is no suggestion that they have committed any offences and therefore they have nothing to fear from coming forward.” People with information about the crash are asked to phone Opotiki Police, 07 315 1112, or Whakatane Police, 07 308 5255. Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.

By Letitia Atkinson

Freak dump death: man named

The man who died in a freak accident at the Waihi rubbish dump on Sunday, December 16, afternoon is Henning Petersen. The 84-year-old Waihi man suffered serious injuries when he was dragged and thrown from his car while attempting to reverse at the transfer station at the weekend. Waikato road policing manager Inspector Marcus Lynam says how Henning suffered his injuries is still under investigation. The Serious Crash Unit is investigating the accident. “What we know is while reversing at the refuge centre on Sunday morning shortly after 10am Henning has got into difficulty and as a result lost control of his car. “During the course of this loss of control he has been partially ejected from the vehicle and suffered life threatening injuries.” Henning was transported to Waikato Hospital by ambulance but died later that day. 85 THE STRAND

The Weekend Sun

New vessel patrols bar A new 9.5 metre rescue vessel has been launched by Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard to help safeguard boaties in time for the summer season. Coastguard secretary Raewyn Fenn says everyone involved in the volunteer group was excited to see the Naiad put through its paces on the water in the last week, after more than two years of planning and fundraising. “Our old boat was nearly 15 years old and time was starting to take its toll. It was getting to the point that the electronics were starting to become unreliable.”Raewyn thanked everyone involved in the project, including the many community fundraisers and businesses, saying it had been ‘a real community project’ to raise the $700,000 needed for the vessel and tractor. The vessel, named ‘Gallagher

Waihi Beach Volunteer Coastguard members after the rescue vessel’s first sea trial: Peter Brown, Graeme Fenn, Roger Timms, Noel Haszard and Murray Whitehead.

Rescue’, has more space with room for five in the cockpit and two patient bunks. It travels faster, manoeuvres safely in shallows and has the latest radar. The coastguard was formed in

1990 and covers the area from Whangamata to Karewa Island and 12 nautical miles beyond Mayor Island. It will be formally launched at Bowentown on January 20 By Hamish Carter

Starting a new Christmas tradition

Rd Devonport

Elizabeth Street Glasgow

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hesitant to say it is a trend. But Cate strongly The annual Christmas Eve church service believes it is vital to have ministers from all will be a little different for Tauranga ages, ethnicities and woman Cate Burton this year. genders to reflect the diverse comRather than following the tradimunity they are preaching to. tion of attending Katikati’s St Cate has developed a strong focus Paul’s Presbyterian Church on making the church’s message service with her family, as she accessible to young people, after has done every year for as long three years serving as the children as she can remember, Cate will and family pastor at St Paul’s in Katibe starting a new tradition of kati before returning to university to her own. She will be taking her train to be a full minister. On Christmas first Christmas Eve service on the Eve she will build on this at St Peter’s holy evening at St Peter’s in the when she takes the annual children’s City where she has just begun a 12-month internship. Trainee minister Cate Burton gets service. After five years of training Cate some advice from her mentor Simon “All ministers have their own style, has to complete the internship McLeay at St Peter’s in the City. their own individual preferences and my background as a children and family before she will be ordained as a Photo by Tracy Hardy. pastor has given me a strong focus in this minister – but the 26 year old, the youngest in her class, already has a strong focus on helping area.” Cate says the St Peter’s “pyjamas” service should be a make the church even more accessible to the younger lot of fun for everyone, incorporating stories about the generation. wise men and an activity, and she encourages all family to While she believes she is among the younger students attend. The service starts at 6.30pm). to train to become a Presbyterian minister at the Knox Centre for Ministry and Leadership (Dunedin), she is By Hamish Carter

Christmas hours

The Weekend Sun Welcome Bay couple Jan and Welf Esplin area planning to start a new life on road before Christmas.

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Heads right, tails left This year promises to be a different Christmas for Jan and Welf Esplin. The Welcome Bay couple is planning to hit the road in a new campervan, but neither has any idea where they will be. “We’re going to get to the end of the road and flip a coin to decide which way we’ll go.” Only a week after retiring from 31 years as an intensive care paramedic officer with St John’s, Jan is looking forward to trading the ambulance for a motorhome

and life on the road doing seasonal work. She says the plan of flipping a coin for directions had served them sell in the past – and now that they were retired there was no concern about wasting time going around in circles. “Not that we have had that problem (going in circles), but this time it’s going to be a lot more sedate. We are trying to do no more than 150km a day.” Rather than a summer adven-

ture, the couple plans to make it the start of a new life on the road but Jan accepts that, with the sale of their home still to be finalised along with a lot of their property it is possible they may not make it on the road by December 22 as they have been planning. “We take delivery of our new motor home on December 22, but with a few things to organise still we might be taking up one of those Christmas invitations.”

By Hamish Carter

Taking the long way home Forget about Christmas pudding, ham or crackers –Tim Allan and Nikki Wilson expect to be enjoying a freeze-dried dinner this Christmas Day under canvas. The Tauranga couple are heading off this weekend to start a four-month trek along the national walkway Te Araroa that will take them 3000km from Cape Reinga to Bluff, and the small question of where or how they will celebrate the festive day has not delayed their departure. “It’s going to be like any other day, we just won’t walk as far,” says Nikki, who is following in the footsteps of partner Tim, who has long dreamed of walking the country’s length. “He just told me about his plan to do the walk in June 2011, but he has been wanting to do it for a lot longer.”

Tim struck on the idea of walking the county seven years ago when, as a private in the army, he was tree-felling a section of the walk in the Turoas as part of the 10-year project which saw the walk opened a year ago. “It’s been at the back of my mind ever since – I guess it’s a personal challenge, but it’s also a great chance to see a lot of beautiful country.” Based on their plans of covering 20-35km a day, depending on the terrain (six to seven hours of walking) they plan to be just south of Kaitaia on Christmas Day. The couple, who both work for Beca, encourage anyone who wants to support their trip to donate money to work on the walkway at www.teararoa.org.nz They will be documenting their travels on a blog at www.tikkitrek. com By Hamish Carter

Tauranga couple Nikki Wilson and Tim Allan leave for a four-month walk from Cape Reinga to Bluff on Saturday. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

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The Weekend Sun

Christmas tale shared

Santa comes early this year

The Christmas tale is being shared around the world this month as people rush to the New Zealand Post Office in Bethlehem to get their presents and parcels stamped with the name of the town where Jesus was born.

Bethlehem NZ Post shop owner David Gardner has been busy stamping the Bethlehem postmark. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Bethlehem NZ Post office owner Donna Gardener says the post office sees an influx of people at this time of year who want their parcels stamped with the word Bethlehem. This year the post office is so busy, it has nearly sold out of the standard 70cent, $1.40, $2.40 and $2.90 stamps, which picture Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, shepherds and the three kings. “We have people traveling all around the area to just come especially to see us,” says Donna. “I think it’s to do with the word Bethlehem, there’s that Christian part where Christ was born so it’s that sort of association I suppose, and it’s nice that it’s come from New Zealand. “We had a lady come from Mount Maunganui who brought the whole pile (of gifts) just to get the Bethlehem frank and she does it because she thinks it’s a nice thing to do for her family. She’s gone out of her way to do it.” Donna says the post office is the only store which hand stamps the Bethlehem mark. “It’s one of the only hand franks left in New Zealand, the rest are all machine franked over in the Waikato.” Although the post office is mainly franking New Zealand parcels, Donna says packages are being sent all around the world.

It seems Santa Claus has come early this year; he has already been spotted giving presents to all the children who have been good this year. The jolly big man in red has been seen visiting Z petrol stations around the Bay of Plenty with free giveaways for children and parents. After sightings of him visiting Z petrol stations in Whakatane on Monday, Santa was also seen at Z Hewlett’s Road and Z Palm Beach Papamoa yesterday. Santa will be at Z 11th Ave in Tauranga from 10am-12pm and at Z

15th Ave from 1-3pm today. He will also be visiting Z Bethlehem from 10am- 12pm and Z Central parade from 1-3pm tomorrow. Santa has also been spotted visiting Te Puna Playcentre. Claire George, one of the parents at the playcentre, says Santa arrived in an old novelty Ford car. Claire says Santa has been visiting the centre for 30 years and the children love him. “It’s a special time of year. There’s something special about Santa.”

By Zoe Hunter

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The Weekend Sun

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

Home detention for sex offender Recidivist sex offender Trevor Richard Hall was sentenced to 12 months’ home detention and fined $2000 for emotional harm when he appeared in Tauranga District Court for sentence on sex charges this week. The 60-year-old is accused of exposing himself to, masturbating in front of and inducing the seven-year-old girl who he met through the Salvation Army in Whakatane to touch his genitals. He also induced her to expose herself.

Four injured in Pahoia crash Four people were taken to Tauranga Hospital with mostly minor injuries following a multi-vehicle crash at the intersection of State Highway 2 and Esdaile Road. The crash involving three

vehicles happened about 5.30pm on Monday night when one of the vehicles involved was believed to be attempting a right turn across the highway traffic from SH2 into Esdaile Road.

Read these stories in full at www.sunlive.co.nz

News tips call 0800 SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz

Shellfish poisoning outbreak ‘worst’ ever for Bay The outbreak of toxic shellfish poisoning in the Bay of Plenty in the last week is the worst the region has experienced according to health authorities. A total of 20 people have been poisoned by eating shellfish collected from the shoreline including

Mount Maunganui and Papamoa since December 12. Ten were admitted for hospital care after suffering symptoms ranging from tingling around the mouth to difficulty walking. The warning includes Tairua Harbour as well as Tauranga Har-

Teacher in court on sex charges

A Tauranga teacher accused of paying a 16-year-old girl to perform sexual acts has appeared in court. Andrew Loader appeared in the Tauranga Magistrates Court where suppression of his name and occupation was lifted. The school the man works for remains suppressed. Loader is charged with one

count of contract sex with someone under 18-years-old under the Prostitution Act. The principal of the school Loader works at, who cannot be named, says through mutual agreement between the school and Loader is no longer working at the school and will not be returning to the school.

bour, Maketu and Waihi estuaries, Matakana and Motiti islands, and all other inshore islands along this coastline. The health warning applies to all bi-valve shellfish including mussels, pipi, tuatua, cockles, oysters, scallops as well as cat’s-eyes and kina (sea urchin).

Missing boat ‘just sickening’

Giving up his love for the sea is a sickening feeling for commercial fisherman Mike Antrobus. Mike, the owner of commercial fishing boat ‘Star Trek’, is still coming to grips with the disappearance of his boat last week. The 33ft wooden hull Carey style boat, worth about $60,000 - $70,000, was last seen on Monday, December 10. It was discovered missing from its mooring in Pilot Bay on Tuesday night.

That puppy could cost you a grand a year! I know. We are so cute. Especially when we are fun little bundles of fur. But puppies grow into dogs. Often, big dogs. Big hungry dogs! Stop and think before you get that cute puppy or kitten as a Christmas present. That kitten or puppy could cost thousands of dollars in its lifetime and will need daily nurturing and care. That’s the message from the vets. “Think about how it will be looked after, when will it be de-sexed, vaccinations, health checks, how much it will cost on a daily basis and whether it will still be loved when it grows out of the cute kitten or puppy stage,” says Dr Wayne Ricketts, of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. He reckons a typical cat costs upward of $466 a year on food, vet and health bills.

Exercise and attention

But the average dog will cost more than twice that, at $1,047 a year, according to research. “That puppy will need exercise and attention to avoid behavioural and health problems, every day, not just occasionally,” Dr Ricketts says.

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Veterinarians know that pets are a far greater commitment than many people realise. Feeding, cleaning, grooming, health care and veterinary services, such as de-sexing, health checks and vaccinations, are all necessary ongoing costs. “Too many unwanted pets end up in SPCA shelters and veterinary clinics as the New Year turns into the work and school year. And worse, litters of unwanted kittens and puppies are found in dreadful circumstances, for example in rubbish skips and tips, rivers and streams, or abandoned on the side of the road.” “Potentially several thousand kittens can be produced from a single unspeyed cat and her unspeyed female kittens in a single year, so please - make sure pets are de-sexed as a matter of course. “ “Where cats become stray or feral they have a devastating effect on our native wildlife. So let’s give a thought to the long-term nature of pet ownership.” Wise words from Mr Ricketts. Have fun this Christmas, be kind to your animals and share the love. - Ady and Flo.

The Weekend Sun

Santa Carrus comes to town Two Tauranga personalities are channelling Santa this weekend in an effort to reduce the number of children going without presents this Christmas. Te Puna author Tommy Kapai and Carrus Corporation director Paul Adams have hatched a plan to help financially struggling families have a “ka pai Christmas” – courtesy of Santa Carrus. All day Friday and from 10-12pm on Saturday, families can visit Tommy at Te Tuinga Whanau in Greerton and receive a signed copy of his latest book ‘T is for Tauranga’. Tommy, executive director at Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services, says it’s heart-wrenching to see the sadness in parents’ eyes when they cannot give their children gifts at Christmas. “These are good mums and dads who try very hard for their kids. “Most of these families coming into Te Tuinga are beneficiaries and most of them cannot stretch their

budgets to include presents for their tamariki, and we have seen a big increase over the last few days. “We are really keen for whanau and friends, parents and their tamariki who cannot afford a present to come down and get a signed copy of my latest book ‘T is for Tauranga’ and together they can discover what is their own back yard over the summer holidays.” Paul says Santa Carrus sup-Te Tuinga Whanau executive director Tommy Kapai. ports community school teacher, and my own phiinitiatives, especially when they losophies.” benefit the well-being of families. Te Tuinga Whanau is at 190 “Giving a present that will Chadwick Road, Greerton. Phone encourage children to read aligns 07 571 0875 for more information. very much to my wife, who is a By Corrie Taylor

1Christmas WEEK UNTIL

Bay holidays: Winston remembers a gem Avanti Avanti AppleApple Living in Tauranga for 24 years left Winston Peters with many fond memories of the region, but none as sweet as a boat cruise to Motiti Island 20 years ago. “I went with a friend, just me and another guy. We thought we’d take a weekend, do that and just get away from life for a while, it was fantastic,” says Winston. “I’ve never seen things so quiet there. So we parked the boat inside the rocks and just went diving and mucking around ... it was really excellent. “The weather was just magnificent. It was very calm.” Winston, who was living in Matua at the time, refers to himself as a ‘very keen boating person’ and says Tauranga is a great city for setting sail.

Peeler Peeler and Corer and Corer

His busy work schedule means his sea legs get nowhere near enough use, so he often looks back at his summer trip to Motiti Island with fondness. Peels, coresPeels, and slices coresan and apple slices with an apple with “The great thing about the experience was that you a few easy turns a fewof easy theturns crankofhandle. the crank handle. could go diving, get all the fish you want, cook onEffortlessly cuts Effortlessly precisecuts 5mmprecise thick slices 5mm thick slices the boat, and just enjoy that very unique experience for–pie making, for pie instant making, snacks, instant salads snacks, etc. salads etc. for peeling suitableother for peeling fruits and other fruits and which is not common in most parts of the world.”Also suitableAlso vegetables such vegetables as pears such andaspotatoes. pears and potatoes. Winston remembers catching paua and crayfish and cooking a seafood feast on the boat. “(It was) the kind of experience .. which makes this country exceptional.” The trip was so good, he decided to take a cruise to Mayor Island too: “I’d recommend it to people, as soon as the Rena gets fixed up.”

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The Weekend Sun

The perils of family holidays The grizzly toddler in row eight isn’t enjoying his flight. His patience has run out and he’s telling the world just that. Passengers sitting near him must wish they weren’t. I know how they feel. I used to be one of them. But now I’m one of the aforementioned toddler’s parents and the shoe is on the other foot. Most of my travel has been done with just a backpack and a Lonely Planet for company. But three years ago I met a man, had a baby, married and acquired a stepson, in quick succession. This was our first overseas trip together and, having always done my best to avoid sitting next to kids on flights, I’d been worried for weeks about how I’d cope. As any parent will know, travelling with a child is vastly different to going it alone. Packing, entertainment or coping with changes in routine can have everyone tearing their hair out before leaving home. But my excitement at being on the road again outweighed the potential problems. Until it came time to pack. A lifetime spent struggling to pack lightly for solo travel made doing so for a family a nightmare. And that was without the space-consuming baby paraphernalia every parent lugs around. We left most of this behind, knowing everything would be readily available across the ditch. This paid off later when negotiating public transport with the kids; their gear and a pushchair required more hands than we had. The outbound trip started smoothly. The kids were upbeat, even after the flight was delayed. On board, the oldest, already a seasoned traveller, kept himself entertained while the infant got so absorbed in a movie he didn’t notice we’d left the ground. Then he laughed throughout the landing. But in between the grizzling started, as did the dirty looks from fellow passengers. We tried every trick in the book to keep him happy, resorting to his dummy in desperation. Never again will I disapprove of parents who use food as a bribery tool. Luckily the plane was barely half full, allowing us to spread out. We tumbled into arrivals before a real fight ensued.

Sightseeing trips with kids, I discovered, are a major undertaking. The kids couldn’t handle consecutive days out, so we quickly adopted a routine of alternate day outings. The other days were largely spent playing cricket and soccer in parks close to home. When we did head out there was no shortage of things to do. Sydney has a vast array of family-friendly activities. Day two found us on Manly’s Shelly Beach, a bustling spot with plenty of seaweed for the kids to throw. On other days a Lego

exhibition, toys galore at Parklea Markets and animals at Featherdale Wildlife Park thrilled the little ones. Night-time drives to check out spectacular Christmas scenes around the neighbourhood were also popular. The delight on the kids’ faces at all these new sights made the effort of travelling worth it. I’m already thinking about where we’ll go next. By Justine McLeary

Penguins arriving for break in Bay Bay of Plenty beachgoers are being urged to look out for little blue penguins which have begun arriving around Mauao and Leisure Island for their annual visit.

Department of Conservation ranger Pete Huggins says the most important thing people can do to help the penguins during their annual influx, which lasts until late January, is to give them space and keep dogs away. Like the holidaymakers about to arrive in the Western Bay, Pete says the young little blue penguins (korora) are arriving for some rest and relaxation. The penguins are at the end of their breeding season and juvenile birds have fledged and taken to the sea for the first time. “The adults will also be turning up for their annual moult. You might see them sitting under a rock or a bush, losing all their waterproof feathers, which they’ll slowly replace over a few days or more”. He says while penguins often look a little dazed when they come ashore, this is normal and they should be left. “Unless they’re obviously injured, you can rest assured they’re OK.” If a penguin is injured, phone DOC, 0800 362 468.

Great outdoors fire safety

The Department of Conservation has erected new warning signs reminding visitors of the fire ban throughout the Orokawa Bay Scenic Reserve. Tauranga DOC ranger Pete Huggins is reminding visitors to the reserve beside Waihi Beach that campfires are illegal and threaten its rare uninterrupted patch of coastal pohutukawa forest. “Fires are absolutely prohibited anywhere within the scenic reserve, along the Orokawa Bay Track or at the beach there. The risk of any fire getting out of control is just too great. “Summer tourists may be unaware of the law and could take risks with fires, and we want to ensure that locals are under no illusions about how easily a campfire at the beach can lead to a bush fire.” He says the pohutukawa, New Zealand’s native Christmas tree, had been abundant in the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel but is now threatened due to land development. Pete says the reserve is a great place to take a walk and enjoy the seclusion of the bush and stunning coastal views. Camping, fires, and dogs are not permitted. All illegal fires on DOC land should be reported to the DOC hotline, 0800 362 468.

The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

It’s the Santa season SANTA won’t be coming anytime soon for Tauranga City Council, ratepayers and Route K users.

SANTA – acronym for Sorry, Acquisition No – The Agency – is my take on a meeting held last week between some elected members, council staff and representatives of The Agency over Route K ownership and its accompanying council debt of around $60 million.

Sucked into a vortex

First, I have to acknowledge the upfront, no-nonsense summary of Harry Wilson from NZTA – the Transport Agency. He explained the position that central government requires of NZTA. It’s quite specific that capital works should only be spent on new works that will significantly enhance the NZ economy. Clearly there’s nowhere near enough money to do that, so NZTA, which prioritises the work without political interference or direction, is precluded from taking over Route K ownership and debt. That’s because Route K is not NEW works and its benefits are already significantly enhancing the NZ economy. The port would find its efficiencies dramatically affected were Route K not there. So we (council, ratepayers and Route K

users) are hoisted by our own petard. Personally I feel well and truly shafted, having been involved on the periphery of the Route K saga since its inception. There is little doubt that almost everyone involved had the best of intentions as the project went along and I’m not levelling blame at any specific point, but at the way council was sucked into the vortex of much larger events beyond council control consequent to the length of time everything has been dragged out to. As successive governments came and went so did various policies, administrative bodies and individual politicians and officers from government, its agencies and council. From my perspective elected members received ongoing verbal assurances through council staff from the government and its agencies that Route K would be acquired by them and the last finite date was June 30, 2011. Not in writing though. The “global financial crisis” and Christchurch earthquake roading repairs were cited as more reasons to do nothing.

Looking forward

Enough of the history. Where to from here? Elected members have met with local MPs Tony Ryall and Associate Transport Minister Simon Bridges, who have promised active involvement and support in representation to Cabinet. The only avenue left (no pun intended) that I see is for the government to write out a cheque for around $60 million to enable the Agency to take over Route K. We can forget about the $11 million for our share of the Pyes Pa bypass, from what I have gathered. Again soothing unwritten assurances to elected members have come to nothing. John Key promised in the run-up to the 2008 election funding for the 15th Avenue to Hairini four-laning and underpass. The agency is to do the underpass as part of its strategic roading network as it stacks up on criteria for SH29 out of its existing budget. But 15th Ave to Hairini won’t meet criteria until around 2026 on present traffic models. So a pragmatic albeit unpalatable solution is for a bit of horse trading. The council agrees with central government that we exchange the 15th Ave/Hairini promise for Route K. Some sort of honour is preserved and a much higher priority

(Route K debt) problem is resolved. Of course there are other issues, including council’s former agreement to take back over 15th Ave/Hairini from the agency (its presently designated SH2a) and funding for the proposed electronic toll gantry for Route K to complement the gantry that will collect tolls on the Easter Link toll way, due to open 2016. Throw into the mix that the contract for maintenance on Route K is due to expire next year and the agency could take over this expenditure. But would there be a requirement to share existing toll revenue? And so it goes on. Tauranga needs rapid help here – it’s gone on too long – and we are the innocent (and possibly naïve) victims of circumstances beyond our control. Our Christmas present hopes now rest on SANTAS (Strategic Assistance Now from Tony And Simon) and consider the effect on Tauranga motorists, Port access and Cameron Road if Route K closed, or worse, wasn’t even there.

$1 million. I suspect attempts to turn this into an election issue. Tsunami sirens are only a part of the tsunami alert. I’ve already noted that ratepayers may not have to fund these and it’s my view that far too much attention is being focused on detail for other than altruistic reasons.

Contentious debate

At the last full council meeting for the year the agenda was dragged out with lengthy debate. One contentious item was an attempt to “stop” a road in Ohauiti. A “paper” road off Awaiti Place is being used by residents as a local reserve and they campaigned to have it left as is. Habitat for Humanity had identified it as a potential low-cost section to build a home for a low-income family. After a lengthy discussion it was decided to leave it alone on a vote of 7-4. These little parcels of land cost ratepayers some maintenance and, being unoccupied, don’t generate rates, and it’s council policy to sell them off, but in this case there was doubt over whether adjoining residents had been given the full story regarding their opportunity to purchase it.

Go high

At long last a tsunami evacuation plan. A summary included instructions to “Go high”. Wow! “Go inland”, “Think feet”, “Be prepared” and the revelation that “No one is coming to help you.” Using your vehicle is a waste of time. The Maoris figured it out in the 1500s when the last big tsunami went through and moved their pas up into the Papamoa Hills. Tsunami sirens generated more debate and seemingly Murray Guy and Bill Grainger wanted to redesign the system. Either the Meerkat system or air raid sirens will cost more than

By the time you read this you will know whether or not it was/is the end of the world on 21.12.12. This will be about the fifth end of the world I’ve experienced, so here’s hoping. In the happy event we survived I would take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and New Year. Thanks for your support, feedback, comments and advice. The column will be back when council resumes in January, keeping you up to date with what’s really going on in City Hall. This week’s mindbender – possibly appropriate to the issues from Peter Marshall. It is better to fail in a cause that will ultimately succeed than to succeed in a cause that will ultimately fail.

The Weekend Sun

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The Weekend Sun

Bridgestone Select Mt Maunganui: The latest from New Zealand’s fastest growing, comprehensive tyre and auto service. Across New Zealand, Bridgestone has been in the process of converting a number of its key Firestone outlets to full service automotive Bridgestone Select stores.

of service and customer focus they have always been shown by Bridgestone and Firestone. V8 Supercar racer and four time Bathurst 1000 winner Greg Murphy serves as Bridgestone’s brand ambassador, and believes this new style of all-in-one store is just what New Zealanders need.

The Mount Maunganui location, managed by Dillon Hurihanganui, is the latest to undergo extensive development and expansion, as the company meets the growing needs of its customers.

“It’s great to see Bridgestone expanding its range of services so New Zealanders can benefit from an improved automotive experience,” he says. “I look forward to continuing to spread the message about the important role tyres play for drivers in terms of safety, and the quality advice that Bridgestone Select technicians are capable of providing.”

To date, 19 Firestone locations have been converted to the new brand. The combination of WOF, auto servicing, mechanical repairs, brakes, suspension, wheel alignment and batteries, in addition to the existing range of high quality and competitively priced tyres, is proving incredibly popular.

MTA assured, Bridgestone Select stores promote safety, trust and offer excellent value for money. Brands that adhere to these values—such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Century Batteries, Ryco Filters, TRW brake components, Elf Lubricants, Wynn’s Specialty Fluids and Monroe suspension components—feature in the stores.

All Bridgestone Select mechanics are fully qualified, with a minimum of eight years’ experience, ensuring the utmost care, service and expertise to customers and their vehicles. Additionally, the stores cultivate a high-end, modern atmosphere, where customers are treated to fresh coffee, newspapers, magazines and televisions in comfortable waiting areas, and will continue to experience the same high level

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The Weekend Sun

Making mess and gifts too

Give Christmas gifts a personal touch To make your own playdough: and have fun with your children by Combine two cups flour and 1 cup salt. Add 3/4 making your own presents this year. cup water, two drops food colouring and one tableChildren like mess, so combine mess making with gift giving and have fun creating Christmas gifts for the littlest girls in your life with playdough bead necklaces.

spoon of oil and mix. Once mixed (and bread-like) knead until totally combined and smooth.

You’ll need:

Playdough, a wooden skewer, string, and an oven. Roll playdough into small balls. Using a wooden skewer, gently pierce each ball all the way through. Slightly wiggle it around to widen the hole a little. Lie balls on an oven tray and place in an oven on lowheat for about 30 minutes. Check to see how they’ve hardened and move them around every 10 minutes to ensure even hardening. Once they’re hard and cool, thread together on string, tie off and let the little ones enjoy.

Make a range of coloured beads for an even brighter necklace.

Businesses to gift child cancer patients own star The Child Cancer Foundation’s Stars of Courage programme, which honours a child’s bravery throughout their journey with cancer, is encouraging Bay businesses and individuals to make a $500 donation to gift a child a star. CFF fundraising and business development manager Delwynne Hahunga says Stars of Courage is a chance to put a sparkle in the lives of children undergoing treatment. “Cancer doesn’t take a break over Christmas time. A star is a great way to

acknowledge the children’s strength and make them feel special over the holidays.” Past recipient Frannie Taylor received a star when she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a bone tumour in her leg. At 10 years old, Frannie has endured more than five months in hospital, 10 months in a wheelchair, eight months of chemotherapy and six surgeries. Her mother Kim Taylor says Frannie, who is now 13 years old, absolutely loves having her own star and still visits the Stardome observatory in Auckland to look at it. “It is a representation of everything Frannie has gone through. Receiving a Star of Courage made her so happy, so it was really

a gift for all of us,” says Kim. Every sponsored child receives the name of their star, its coordinates in the sky and information on its constellation or grouping. They can then visit any observatory in New Zealand and use a telescope to locate their star. Delwynne says more than 150 children are diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand each year. “We aim to reduce the impact of cancer by offering services to ensure children and their families are supported, informed and well cared for on their journey with cancer.” You can support children like Frannie by making a Stars of Courage donation through the Child Cancer Foundation website www.childcancer.org.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Gift a green gift Still need presents? Try a GCP (Green Christmas Present). A GCP is one where, before buying, you take into account packaging, transportation, embedded energy, environmental production costs, and humanitarian principles. Sound complicated? It’s not. But it’s not an iPad either. Some of the best presents are in op shops, such as containers into which I put a locally made product (made by me, or from a farmers’ market). How about clothes that a kid has already grown out of, and which your kids will also grow out of? If they were made by a child slave somewhere, at least the profits from your purchase go only to the hospice. Prefer to buy new? Try TradeAid.

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Shoppers are being warned to watch out for dodgy Boxing Day bargains. Consumer NZ says shoppers should keep their heads and shop savvy by checking prices at more than one store to make sure items are really a bargain. “You can easily do that online or look through your newspaper. Make sure you really want the things you buy, because you can’t return them just because you changed your mind,” says spokesperson Sue Chetwin. Just because something’s on sale doesn’t mean the trader can get out of the Consumer Guarantees Act - they still have to put things right if the item is broken or defective. The only exception to this is if they stated clearly that this is the reason the item was on sale.

Consider a donation made in the name of the gift receiver, perhaps to help save a kiwi. A magazine subscription goes on giving all year, and supports local business. Be safe, enjoy your time with whanau, and best wishes for 2013. Ian McLean is a spokesperson for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Top Christmas albums Many artists conjure up Christmas albums at this time of year, with renditions of all the classics and family favourites. But this year, it’s Michael Bublé and Rod Stewart who are coming out on top – with their two Christmas albums topping most popular list this month. Michael Bublé’s ‘Christmas Deluxe Special Edition’ album features 20 Christmas classics while Rod Stewart’s ‘Merry Christmas Baby’ 17-track album features Christmas classics and originals. In an interview with a UK television show, Buble

described his album as ‘a childhood dream come true’, while Stewart said: “I just wanted to share Christmas with the world and I love Christmas because it brings us all together”. Popular Christmas albums 2012 list: 1. Christmas (Deluxe Special Edition) - Michael Bublé 2. Merry Christmas, Baby (Deluxe Edition) - Rod Stewart 3. Ultimate Christmas Collection - Various Artists 4. Christmas Hits - Various 5. Christmas Crooners & Divas Various Artists

The Weekend Sun

Late night shopping Downtown Tauranga Late night shopping in Downtown Tauranga is on tonight, with shops open until 7.30pm. Downtown Tauranga manager Kirby Weis says this is an ideal opportunity for catching up on last minute shopping from your favourite stores before Christmas Day. “Afterwards sit outside on The Strand as the sun goes down and have a relaxing drink, dinner, or dessert,” says Kirby.

Students say goodbye to Tomoli Tomoli team Callum Hughes, Bradley Fulcher, Cohen Nicholls, Georgina Read and Ethan Cook.

If the way to the heart is through the stomach, the students behind Tomoli made Tauranga fall in love with their saucy creation, Holy Tomoli, this year. But as the year comes to a close, the Otumoetai College students are preparing to say goodbye to their award-winning business – so now is the time to get your hands on a bottle before it’s too late. Callum Hughes, Bradley Fulcher, Cohen Nicholls, Georgina Read and Ethan Cook created Tomoli, a blend of tomato sauce

and aioli, through the Young Enterprises Scheme earlier this year. The product took off instantly; with bottles being sold on food stores’ shelves and through a series of thriving market days. The product was so successful, the five entrepreneurs won the prestigious Sales and Marketing award at the Young Enterprise Awards event in Wellington this month – one of 11 national awards 500 teams competed for throughout the year. “It was like a once in a lifetime experience,” says Bradley. “We will all remember it for the rest of our lives, because it’s such a big thing.” Bradley says the group made the decision

together to say goodbye to the business. “We still have about 300 filled bottles to sell.” All five students will study business at university next year and Bradley says Tomoli Enterprises has been life-changing. “It’ll look good on the CV as well. It’s just been the whole experience, starting a business, seeing it through, selling it off.” But it may not be the end for the sauce, with a potential buyer on the cards. “There’s a guy at the Mount who is very interesting in buying it off us to keep it going. he doesn’t want to see the idea die.” Visit Tomoli’s Facebook page to order the sauce. By Corrie Taylor

Women can enjoy a unique shopping experience Women are being offered the opportunity to shop for unique and handcrafted gifts during private shopping sessions with their friends this Christmas, while helping a charitable trust at the same time.

UP Market store, owned by the Cambodia Charitable Trust, is opening its doors to groups of women from 5-7pm in the lead-up to Christmas. Charity founder Denise Arnold says women are under immense pressure at Christmas time. “We wanted to make shopping more enjoyable by making the hours more accommodating and giving them a chance to catch up with a group of friends at the same time.” Gifts suit a range of ages, from baby blankets, stuffed animals and children’s toys to handbags, silk scarves and jewellery. “Women love shopping here because the products are unique, handcrafted and affordable. Customers also love the stories

behind these gifts and that these beautiful artworks provide a voice for the people of Cambodia.” She says 100 per cent of the profits go back to Cambodia to help the women and children in that country get back on their feet. “Many of our products are made by home-based producers. We visit them to discuss styles or fabrics, so we know who they are, where they live and how they work.” Founded in September this year, The UP market is at Bethlehem Town Centre. Groups can organise a session between 5-7pm each night. To arrange a date and time, email denise@lyon-oneale.co.nz or text 021 955 765.

The Weekend Sun

Warning to holiday drivers Bay of Plenty drivers are being reminded to take extra care on the roads during summer as they travel in and out of the region.

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NZ Transport Agency state highway manager Kaye Clark says it’s especially important to watch out for road works, which are underway throughout the region due to better weather. “It’s important to keep an eye out for these and take note of the speed restrictions and other signage in place. However, in general it’s always a good idea to drive to the conditions, manage your speeds and avoid driver fatigue. “It’s a busy time of year with a lot of extra driving on most people’s plates. With more traffic on the roads on holiday destination highways, Kaye says it’s important to respect other road users, plan journeys first to find out about road conditions, and allow plenty of time. “Don’t forget about non-vehicle road users either: cyclists; pedestrians and horse riders need space too.” Drivers also need to ensure everyone in the car is safe by using their seat belts and properly restraining young children in an approved car seat which is suitable for their size and weight.

The warning follows a fatal crash in Welcome Bay on Christmas Day last year, which killed two teenage sisters, Merepeka 14, and Brooklyn, 13, MorehuClark. The above aspects relate to Safer Journeys: New Zealand’s Road Safety Strategy 2010-2020, which envisions a safe road system increasingly free of death and serious injury.

The great Kiwi summer is underway Bay of Plenty residents are gearing up for a great Kiwi summer this season as Tauranga City Council’s summer information programme gets underway.

will be used for transport around the Mount Main Beach area. Overland marketing manager Stella Terrell says the sponsorship from the shoe brand is a perfect fit with the retro theme This year’s summer ambassadors are ready to provide visitors From December 21 of the summer and locals with all the information they will need for a great programme. seven summer ambassummer. Photo by Bruce Barnard. sadors will be out to Stella says the promote TCC’s summer tuk-tuks are about summer hotspots and liquor information programme, giving unique to the programme this year. free zones. away passports to a great Kiwi “They are a lot of fun, they are “Their role is when people come summer. really visible. They are the only to Tauranga they are our ambasThe theme for this year’s ones in the country like that. We’ve sadors for our community. There’s three-week summer information brought them in from Italy. They the beaches but there’s other programme is retro, with tradiare pretty cute.” things for them to do and go and tional Kiwi summertime activities Deuce generation products are on explore.” including swing ball and daily sale at Overland stores and will be Penny says the programme has barbecues available. available at the summer ambassabeen extended one week to cater TCC event delivery manager dor’s main site at Mount Drury. for those holidaymakers who stay Penny Mitropoulos says the ambas- longer. Giveaways and a free daily barbesadors will be based at the bottom Major sponsor Deuce Generation, cue from December 27 – January of Mount Drury giving away 12 will be available at the Mount a shoe brand owned by Overland, summer passports with information has donated two tuk-tuks which Drury site also. By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun

Thrilling rides from Pilot Bay By Phillipa Yalden

It’s summer holiday time and that means time to get wet with fun and exciting activities from a new operator on the Tauranga Harbour. Based in Pilot Bay opposite Leinster Avenue, Get Wet Jet Ski Adventures is offering inflatable rides, jet ski adventures, lifts to Matakana Island and fishing trips for the first time this summer break. A 15 minute thrill ride on the ‘Big Red Shark’ is perfect for children and adults, from children more than 10 years old to corporate events, or young adults keen to have a bit of fun. The inflatable, towed by a jet ski, can carry up to six people at a time and will take pas-

sengers on an exhilarating ride around the inner harbor, to Matakana Island back to Pilot Bay. Get Wet has individual jet skis for hire, or for those keen fishers wanting to head out for an hour, or a day, there are completely kitted-out fishing jet skis. The new skis are equipped with top of the line equipment from Kilwell fishing including rods, tackle, lines, jigging, soft bait and fish finders - perfect for catching snapper. With a bit of local advice from operator Cameron Dynes, who has been fishing in Bay of Plenty waters for more than 15 years, and full GPS tracking, the jet skis are sure to lead fishers to those local hot spots. Cameron is also a fully qualified local launch master and has had all of the hire

equipment safety tested and approved by Maritime New Zealand. Lifejackets are supplied and all customers are briefed on safety procedures prior to their departure. The Mount’s only jet ski hire operator is also offering group discounts and vouchers just in time for Christmas. To celebrate the launch this Saturday at Pilot Bay, Get Wet is having a free sausage sizzle, lolly scramble and will be giving away a free shark ride on the hour, every hour. The launch is weather dependent and in the case of rain will be held the next fine day. Get Wet is sponsored by The Rock, De Coro, Steve’s Marine Supplies, TD Haulage and Kilwell fishing and hunting equipment specialists, where adventures begin.

Katikati Bird Gardens is a great day out for the whole family these summer holidays. A leading tourist attraction for more than 35 years in the Bay, this beautiful and extensive park and bird sanctuary is a delight all year round. But with 10 acres of gardens, this attraction blossoms into its best during summer. These beautiful and tranquil gardens are set directly on the edge of the inner Tauranga Harbour, with water-lily ponds, majestic and mature trees from around the world, beautiful flower

gardens and natural wetlands. With more than 50 varieties of birds wandering free and in aviaries scattered throughout the gardens, this special corner of New Zealand is truly unique. Several native birds are on display in the gardens, including kea, kereru and kakariki, together with other species from around the world. Visitors can expect to be followed by friendly ducks and peacocks, who will feed from your hand. They can enjoy fantastic coffee and delicious, freshly prepared food at the gardens’ café – where the terrace

overlooks the gardens. There is also a children’s play area close by to entertain the children while the adults relax. For those who wish to take home a reminder of their great day out, the gift shop contains a number of bird and garden themed lines, including ceramics and novelty items. Local artists’ work is also on display on the gallery walls.

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The Weekend Sun

Pupils learn life skills A drive to get boys out of the classroom and instead learning practical skills has been an instant success.

The initiative between Papamoa Top 10 Holiday Resort general manager Rebecca Crosby and Te Akau ki Papamoa Primary School teacher Grant Cooper was developed after a group of Year 5-6 boys were identified as needing a different and more practical approach to learning. The Boys Education Class, with 28 pupils, began at the end of April this year and runs every Thursday for about an hour. Rebecca says the class is taught general life skills including fire safety and how to mow the lawns, do the laundry, and cook a barbecue. “It’s about looking for ways that make the class beneficial and very successful.” The skills are then taken back and applied to relevant subjects at school. “It could be in essays or maths equations. It aids in the boys learning.” Grant says the programme was a success, with

Cypres Koteka, 10, models himself as a surf life saver for Te Akau ki Primary School’s Boys Education Class at Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club. Photo by Tracy Hardy. the pupils looking forward to going down to the Papamoa Top 10 Holiday Resort each week and new pupils already excited to begin next year. Last Thursday, surf life saving event safety co-ordinator Shaun Smith discussed with the class what it takes to be a surf life saver and the necessary skills for when they are at the beach themselves this summer.

The class was shown tips on water safety, how to properly read a rip and what to do when practising CPR. Shaun says it was a brief introduction, but hopes some of the boys were inspired. “It’s a perfect age for them to get involved. “Maybe from this they will swim between the flags or come and see the By Luke Balvert life guards.”

Student’s Super Mario mural top place Bethlehem College student Melissa Zhu painted a Super Mario Brothers themed mural on one of the school’s walls simply a last service to the library before she graduated. However the young artist ended up winning the best mural award for Resene’s Mural Masterpieces competition in the secondary school category. Open to towns, schools and communities around the country, the annual competition celebrates the creativity

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of the groups and individuals who help beautify the country. Resene marketing manager Karen Warman says this year’s entries all showed such a high level of skill. She says judges were particularly impressed by Melissa’s mural. “It’s an excellent rendition of the well-

loved Mario icons and works in well in the courtyard environment where you get a clever sense of the game progressing along the wall. “It’s impressive to see a mural of this scale created singlehandedly as a gift.” Melissa’s mural can be seen from the school’s library.

The Weekend Sun

Arataki Primary School jumps first hurdle towards gold Arataki Primary School is the first school in the Western Bay of Plenty to gain Bronze Accreditation as part of the Health Promoting Schools programme. The programme, run by Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Bay of Plenty school children by focusing on how the social, physical, cultural and spiritual environments can impact student health. This is done by identifying health and wellbeing issues creating barriers to learning and achievement, and developing strategies and actions to address them. Health improvement advisor Tiana Hackett This month, Arataki Primary School became the first Bay with staff and students from Arataki Primary school to receive the Bronze Standard Accreditation, for its commitment to the health and wellbeing of the Arataki com- School holding their accreditation certificate and Health Promoting Schools signage. munity.

Save on Christmas budget at baby store Christmas is the festive season, but it can be difficult financially – especially when you have young ones to care for. Providing babies with the best of everything while working to a pre or post-Christmas budget can be challenging, but Nappies for Less can help parents stay under budget with their range of affordable nappies and baby products. Right now, the store is offering great new budget prices for nappies, with savings on Jumbo Jet Packs and Jumbo Jet Plus Packs for newborns to juniors, now $18.99. All premium nappies sold range

from premature sizing to XXL and come with velcro, double guards and breathable panels. A range of baby gear and furniture products such as car seats, strollers and joggers, buggies, walkers, rockers and portacots and more are available in store on the corner of 9th Avenue and Cameron Road and laybys are available.

There are also free nappy deliveries to Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Welcome bay (conditions apply). “We are well-known by all parents and mums to be the best place to get quality baby nappies and gear for your little ones for less money,” says the store manager. Nappies for Less sells USA and European premium day and night nappies as well as eco-friendly, biodegradable German-made nappies, which are kind to the earth and to babies’ skin. Aged care and incontinence products are a new speciality line available in store.

Plea for foster families needed this summer

Fostering kittens can be a fun way to teach children how to properly care for animals. Tauranga SPCA is overflowing with kittens and staff are desperately pleading for foster families this holiday season. Approximately 130 kittens are in the SPCA’s care, most of which are in foster waiting until they’re eight weeks old.

Others are in adoption waiting for a forever home. Last week, staff frantically tried to find foster families for remaining kittens at the shelter, but as they found families for some, more dumped and abandoned kittens arrived. “We really did feel like we were in a no-win situation, sadly we have so many in foster and with the holidays upon us and people

going away we are getting to the end of our list of available foster families - but not to the end of the kittens.” Families staying at home this holiday season are being asked to foster kittens. The SPCA supplies all the requirements, including bedding and food. Contact Tauranga SPCA for a foster application.

Principal Dene Langley says the whole school, including staff, parents and children have embraced the concept of being a Health Promoting School. “This has further increased our togetherness as a caring Arataki family.” The school’s Health Promoting Schools leader Kylie Heath says she has enjoyed seeing the commitment of the students and the support from staff and parents.

Health improvement advisor Tiana Hackett says involving the whole school community and ensuring children’s voices are heard is key to improving the health and wellbeing of future generations. “Arataki Primary School has provided an excellent example of what can be achieved by working in partnership with one and other and listening to what the children and whanau have to say. I hope that other schools will follow their lead.”

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A delightful Christmas wish Sometimes you have thoughts on what you would like for Christmas and they often don’t materialise. When they do of, it’s fantastic. I am wishing to have crayfish for Christmas this year and if I don’t, I’ll be left feeling deprived. That feeling came over me the other day thinking about what I should write about for food during the festive season, and I had

a craving for a well-chilled sherry-soaked trifle. I often used to help prepare the Christmas fair and see the sherry go into that big glass bowl, with the canned fruit salad, supermarket sponge, and of course – the famous Edmonds custard. When confronted with left over fresh fruit salad and sheets of trifle sponge, I had an idea that I could create a finger food trifle, something that could be picked up.

Christmas Trifle slice

6-8 serves 1 sheet trifle sponge ½ cup raspberry jam ¼ cup sherry or to taste 2 cups homemade fresh fruit salad well drained 1 litre of milk 4 tablespoons vanilla sugar 3 tablespoons Edmonds custard powder pastry base 330 grams flour 25 grams cornflour 175 grams butter, ice cold, cut into cubes 115 grams icing sugar 1 large egg beaten Zest of one lemon

Method Make the pastry base by mixing flour, cornflour, icing sugar and lemon rind in a food processor. Drop in the chilled butter a little at a time until the mix resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the egg until a mass is formed. If too dry add a drop or two of water. Form into a large ball, wrap in glad wrap and chill for two hours. Prepare a high sided baking dish by lining with baking paper, remove pastry from fridge and cut into slices, then lay slice down and press evenly all over base of baking dish. Blind bake at 180.c for 15-17 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Make up the custard by mixing four tablespoons of vanilla sugar and

most of the milk in a pot and heating. With the remaining milk, mix with the custard powder. Whisk well until thick and rich. Now, split the sponge sheet in half, spread raspberry jam onto the baked pastry sheet then top with split sponge sheet. Now, whisk sherry and raspberry jam together and spread most on top of sponge. Place on the drained fresh fruit, drop bits of raspberry sherry mix on top of that, then pour over custard before it cools too much. Now all you have to do is chill well for four or five hours, even overnight. The pastry should remain short and crisp for two to three days, use a sharp skinny knife to cut into slices.

The wish came true thanks to the homemade shortcrust pastry which holds up the sponge and cuts perfectly without crumbling like most. Of all the desserts to share this festive season, put trifle at the top of your list. Make your own fruit salad with lots of fresh strawberries, use up your relatives’ home-made raspberry jam. As for all those other wishes we all make for the New Year, let’s hope they materialise like a crayfish on Christmas day, yeah right!

Going crazy for avocado Eight cafes from across the Bay will compete to produce the best dish using avocado as the main ingredient in January. The event, on January 18, is expected to result in a delicious variety of entrees, mains and even desserts using the fruit, with the best dish winning a $100 voucher. Full details of participants and can be found at www.katikati.org.nz

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Don’t be let down by your car this summer One thing you don’t want this summer is a vehicle that breaks down or suffers a mechanical failure, putting you, your passengers and other road users at risk. The Motor Trade Association is advising motorists to keep their cars in tip top shape and reduce the chances of being let down by their vehicle this holiday season. Marketing and communications general manager Ian Stronach says that, like any mechanical device, a car is most likely to fail when it’s highly stressed. There are a number of things motorists can do to prevent this. In summer issues often revolve around heat – either as a result of high ambient temperatures, a heavily loaded vehicle or stop-start driving when stuck in a queue. If there is a minor problem with your vehicle, there’s a much higher probability that it will develop into something more major when the temperature rises, says Ian. Make sure your vehicle is fully prepared for those warmer temperatures. Some simple steps can help save you time, money and headaches during your trip: • Consider a pre-trip inspection by an MTA technician. Ask them to check things such as the air-conditioning, cooling system, drive belts, hoses and clamps, brakes, along with fundamentals such as fluids, oil and water. • Get the battery checked to ensure it will last the distance • Check the condition and air pressure in all tyres, including the spare, to make sure they are roadwor thy. Remember, heat is a tyre’s biggest enemy. • Replace ragged wiper blades, and make sure the wash reservoir tank is full and you’ve added proper cleaning agents – not dishwashing liquid. • Check all your lights are working. In summer you

may not use your lights much, so blown bulbs can go unnoticed. • Make sure your sun visors are doing the job; glare from the sun can blind you temporarily. • Be aware you might need access to your spare at the most inconvenient time – so if you need to get to it, plan the stowage of luggage and gear to minimise any problems. • If you are towing, ensure your tow bar and braking capability is up to the load you are hauling. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency kit in your car, just in case you need it. It should include jumper cables, a jack and wheel-brace, torch, water for you and the radiator (around two litres), a blanket and towel and emergency reflectors. Summer is also often the time people choose roads that are off the beaten track. By all means, enjoy the journey and take time to appreciate New Zealand’s scenery, but keep in mind, if you are trying to avoid those queues of fellow holidaymakers, the scenic route may not be the quickest. If you do strike a problem, there may not be too many passers-by and your cell phone may not work – so plan your trip accordingly. Remember, it’s not just the car that needs looking after. Heat and long days can lead to drivers being on the road for longer than they should. Here are some tips to help avoid becoming drowsy while driving. • Take breaks every two hours and if you feel tired, have difficulty focusing or just want to stretch your legs, pull over and have a walk around. • If you can, share the driving with someone. Passen gers can help look out for early warning signs of cx5.co.nz cx5.co.nz fatigue. • Take a 15-20 minute nap. More than this can make you groggy for at least five minutes after awakening. • Consume the equivalent of two cups of coffee (eg

soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee and tea). Caffeine takes about 30 minutes to enter the bloodstream and will not greatly affect those who regularly consume it. And remember, stimulants are just that. They are not a substitute for proper rest. • Don’t drive if you’re sleep-deprived. Less than six hours’ sleep can triple your risk of driver fatigue. • Don’t drive when you would nor

mally be asleep; avoid driving through the night. During the summer break, everyone wants to take advantage of the great weather. This means the roads are busier than ever, so drivers need to be more aware of the risks. By driving to the conditions, planning your journey and having patience with other road users, everyone can stay safe on the roads this summer.

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The Weekend Sun

Green wheels follow sustainable road Being sustainable has never been easy for car lovers – but a recent visit by Holden’s new hybrid Volt to Tauranga’s Ebbett dealership shows the option is achievable.

At first glance it looks just like the rest of the Holden range – but turn on the engine and it sounds nothing like the Holden grunt we are used to. Step inside the car and the engine’s whisper turns to a purr as the Volt is driven for a quick spin around the block. Foot to the floor, it surges ahead along the motorway, burying any thoughts the electric model will be gutless. Holden New Zealand’s national after sales manager Drew Forsyth is keen to emphasis its power, saying

it offers the same performance as a SV6 Commodore. He should know, having recently completed the ultimate road trip from Cape Reinga to Bluff to introduce the nation to the car. Drew says the car completed the tour without a hitch. With the Volt’s option of running on petrol (which fuels a ‘generator’ to power the electric engine) there is never a concern about having to stop to recharge, something Drew says is a major restriction with the straight electric competition. For most people Drew says the Volt’s 70-80km driving range is ideal, more than covering the average New Zealand commute of about 30km. Based on average power prices it costs $2.72 to recharge the battery, well ahead of the estimated $10 fuel cost to cover the distance with petrol. Combined with a full tank, the Volt can travel 600km. He says everyone has been really positive

Holden’s electric-petrol hybrid Volt turned heads on a recent visit to Tauranga. about the car, but with its $85,000 price tag the company realistically only initially expects 30- 50 sales a year nationally. However he believes the Volt will more than pay dividends by demonstrating Holden’s commitment to sustainable motoring by offering a state of the art car

with cutting edge technology. Ebbett Tauranga dealer Principal Craig Innes was surprised at the level of interest during the Volt’s one-day visit, saying a few people were particularly keen – but he was still waiting to finalise his first sale.

By Hamish Carter

Refuelling from the socket After test-driving Brett Gander’s all electric i-MIEV, everybody leaves the car beaming. That’s what he told this Bay Driver reporter after we had a little ride around the block in the Mitsubishi – and I was as guilty as the rest. It was not that I had fallen for the car but it sure was fun. Turn on the key and you are struck by the silence. There is something just plain wrong about the lack of engine noise, but you quickly forget about that as you put the foot on the accelerator and it takes off down the road.

The iCar is not a vehicle for racing or oozing power. Like its petrol version, it is what is loosely described as a supermarket trolley. So to think about it in terms of how grunty it is, is missing the point. Compared with its petrol sister, it drives exactly the same. Brett, the Tauranga branch manager of the battery firm powering the car, says the car takes about seven Brett Gander of Century Yuasa shows hours to recharge from a standard power plug, the ‘fuel pump’ for the electric iCar for a cost $5 that will take the car 160km. The he has been driving. Photo by Tracy Hardy. By Hamish Carter car costs $59,990.

The Weekend Sun

Driving by the books, turning wheels Looking back Donna Davidson cannot imagine doing anything else. Since helping do up her first car – a Datsun 120Y – she has developed a serious love for cars. “I’ve always had a bit of an interest in cars. I’ve enjoyed doing up quite a few cars – including the Datsun 120Y I did

up with my boyfriend at the time to pay for us to get overseas.” Donna’s love for the motor industry saw her become a fully-fledged crew member when her first husband was midget racing. Since her first job at Mount Auto Electrical, Donna has worked almost entirely in the car industry and earlier this month was named Motor Trade Association’s Bay of Plenty Administra-

Sheaff vehicles administrator Donna Davidson completes sales documentation with sales manager Peter Sheaff. Photo by Daniel Hines. tor of the Year. Donna says the award – given to her for the sole charge administrator role she has held at Sheaff Vehicles in Mount Maunganui for 14 years – came as a complete surprise, but it is nice to be appreciated. “I’ve always really enjoyed it and have never had any problems at all working with all the guys. In some

“From only $39,990, she’s a real game changer.” sir Colin meads

respects it’s better.” Donna says the company, which combines selling used cars with the Bay’s Ssangyong dealership, is like a big family with many longstanding team members and a hard-working, fun work ethic. “I really love it and there is lots of variety in the job, which is great.”

She has particularly enjoyed being part of the growth of the new Ssangyong brand to become a recognised for its quality. “Once they know the brand and that it’s based on the Mercedes engine, the most common thing you hear back is that you are getting a whole lot of value for the price.” By Hamish Carter

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The Weekend Sun

Reflecting on the past and planning for the future The festive season has come around again so fast! Another year is coming to an end and people will be gearing up for some much-needed rest, relaxation and spending quality time with family and loved ones. Christmas is also a time where people reflect on the past year and look for-

ward to what the new year will bring. Some will start planning for their year ahead, organising a budget for the household or business or working on a business plan to make sure they are profitable; everybody has some sort of plan. An insurance plan is no different; making sure you have a proper risk plan in place to protect you and your

loved ones should be top of your list. Many people insure their homes, contents, cars and so on. This is probably because the monetary costs of losing them (through fire, theft or accident) are obvious and replacement values are easy to quantify. The loss to a family, if a parent dies or becomes disabled, is easily much greater than the loss of any

house or car. Loss of income if someone is off work because of illness or injury can also be far greater. It makes sense to take time out to consider these risks. We strongly urge you to use this time to put a proper risk plan in place. If you need help with this, feel free to contact us at Planwise. We would be more than happy to assist you. Dig out that old insurance policy and ask yourself is it still relevant to your current situation, does it need upgrading? If so, contact us. Whether you are an existing or future client, I would like to take this opportunity from the team at Planwise, to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy new year.

Big names in Bay business nominated Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett and Port of Tauranga CEO Mark Cairns are the big names in the Bay’s business sector this week. The Bay of Plenty chief executives are being recognised for their efforts in business as two of the 11 nominees in this year’s NZ Herald Business Leader of the Year awards. Brett has been chief executive of Comvita New Zealand since September 2005. Comvita announced a net profit after tax for the first six months to 30 September 2012of $2.386 million on sales of $45.4 million. Brett says Comvita’s trading

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The Weekend Sun

Still plenty of room to grow in Bay There is room for residential growth in the Western Bay of Plenty for at least the next 30 years without needing to identify new areas for future growth, according to new SmartGrowth research. The research, undertaken for the current SmartGrowth update, estimates existing remaining capacity within the current zoned Urban Growth Areas of the western Bay is 16,936 residential lots. Independent chair Bill Wasley says based on the average uptake of

photo being taken tues 10.30am

greenfield subdivision lots in the past five years, there is about 36 years of estimated capacity available. But if the past 10 year average is applied to recognise a higher rate of uptake the estimated remaining capacity is around 25 years, he says. “Based on these figures, staff are recommending that the focus of the SmartGrowth update in terms of urban growth should be on consolidating the existing settlement pattern rather than identifying extra areas for future growth.”

The Cameron Road store stocks everything from computers to mobiles. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

Gadgets for every budget at city store

M C

and CD-roms. Customers can find phones priced In the busy lead-up to Christmas, the last ? ? ? ? ? from ? $35, ex-lease laptops from $250 and a range of thing you want is a broken computer. televisions, MP3 players, digital cameras, handy cams, If your computer needs servicing or repair, take it to Micro Computers and Electronics. The store’s staff repairs and services desktops and laptops at competitive rates. If you can’t get to the shop they can come to you. If it’s gifts you’re after, whether you’re shopping on a budget or looking for the best, the Cameron Road store stocks everything from computers and cameras to car stereos and mobile phones, at a range of prices. The recently opened store stocks a great range of laptops and desktop computers, new and ex-lease, plus a full range of accessories including blank DVDs

webcams, car alarms, sim cards and more. For the car and music-minded, a good range of stereos for the car and home can be found at Micro Computers, and extra speakers can be purchased separately. Staff can professionally install car stereos, subs and amplifiers. Lifetime warranties are provided on any installations. Micro Computers and Electronics is at 586D Cameron Rd, Tauranga. It is open seven days from 9.30am- 6pm Monday to Friday and 10am-4pm Saturdays and Sundays.

Cost of family Christmas dinner on the rise

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New research estimates that, while shoppers are paying slightly more to feed a family of four than last year, the cost has increased by an average $1 per year during the past decade. Based on the November 2012 food price index, a barbecue dinner for a family of four including steak, chicken, salad, pavlova, and nibbles would cost an average $64.74. Alternatively, a traditional Christmas dinner of lamb, chicken, seasonal vegetables, pavlova and nibbles for the same family would cost $67.31. In 2002, the same barbecue dinner would have cost an average $53.65, while the traditional dinner would have cost $54.60. Prices manager Chris Pike says the traditional Christmas dinner increase of almost $13 comes mainly from more expensive lamb and chicken. “Food prices fluctuate over seasons and years. While the overall cost of Christmas dinner has increased in the past 10 years, the prices of some items, such as strawberries and capsicum, have actually decreased.” As for who will cook the traditional Christmas dinner, that job is likely to fall to women.

Results from Statistics NZ’s Time Use Survey show that, on average, women spend one hour in the kitchen each day, while men spent 28 minutes.

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Filling the shopping trolley in preparation for Christmas dinner will cost a dollar or two more this year, according to Statistics New Zealand.

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The Weekend Sun

Rooty recipe relieving symptoms For many people, ginger is a delicious addition to a good curry or stir-fry. But for Tauranga woman Desiree De Spong, the humble root is the base for a treatment she created to ease symptoms of chemotherapy. Her creation, Ginger Therapy, has attracted the attention of medical professionals worldwide and is proving successful for cancer patients both here in New Zealand and in the United States. The treatment is designed to relieve symptoms of peripheral

neuropathy – a side effect of chemotherapy which can result in numbness or pain in the hands and feet. Desiree – from Lymphatic Enhancement on Third Ave – says the idea came from a Chinese medicine technique using ginger to draw heat from the kidneys. Her treatment involves grating fresh ginger (skin on) into a bowl, pour-

Desiree De Spong’s Ginger Therapy treatment is relieving patients’ symptoms successfully across New Zealand. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

ing boiling water over it and letting it steep. Patients then let their hands or feet soak in the water until it’s cool. “The ginger works by drawing the inflammation out of the body, which then reduces the peripheral neuropathy.” It works best if begun at the start of chemotherapy and used all the way through. “Most people get results,” says Desiree. “Ginger is an antiinflammatory, so I also get people drinking ginger tea to relieve inflammation and nausea.” Following a visit to the United States last year, where Desiree was present at a Journal Evening consisting of oncologists, radiologists and surgeons, she was asked to present on what she used for peripheral neuropathy. She told the doctors about Ginger Therapy and the treatment is now being used in parts of the United States. But Desiree is remaining humble, saying it’s not about her, but about the people being helped. Her main goal is to spread the idea as far as she can, both nationally and internationally. “It’s one of those things we needed to find a solution for. We’re saving people from some horrific side effects, and that’s the most important thing.” By Corrie Taylor

Free milk for Tauranga’s primary children Tauranga primary school students will be offered a free serving of milk every school day from next year as part of the nationwide Fonterra Milk for Schools programme. After trialling the school milk programme in Northland, Fonterra will now roll out the programme to all 2000 primary schools throughout the country from next year. Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says they are totally committed to Fonterra Milk for Schools because it will make a lasting difference to the health of Kiwi children. “We want Kiwis to grow up drinking milk because it’s good for them and we are proud that this programme will give every primary school kid the chance to enjoy this nutritious product.”

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The Weekend Sun

Festive ways for 5+ a day It is possible to have a healthy Christmas Day without foregoing the festive food fun.

A fruit salad is a great way to start Christmas Day with a healthy meal. People can cut back on the calories without compromising on flavour by including seasonal fruit and vegetables into the day’s festivities, says 5+ A Day nutritionist Bronwen Anderson. “As we head into the silly season the temptation to let go and overeat is rife. “Too many high calorie treats and heading back for seconds makes it easy to blow the calorie balance out of the water on Christmas Day. “However, by finding ways to incorporate more fruit and vegetables into your Christmas Day breakfast, lunch and dinner, and replacing larger servings of high calorie foods with lower calorie fruit and vegetables, you can still enjoy your day, feel full and satisfied on fewer calories.” Fruit and vegetables are water-rich foods that fill you up on fewer calories, helping to maintain a healthy

body weight, says Bronwen. “Colour is key when it comes to fruit and vegetables, so aim to eat a rainbow of colour every day.” Ten tips to add fruit and vegetables this Christmas: • Indulge in this season’s beautiful berries with a festive fruit salad for a fresh start on Christmas morning. • Scrambled eggs, salmon and bagels are popular choices for brunch on Christmas Day. • If you’re saving yourself for a big celebration lunch, a breakfast smoothie is a great option. • For a lighter breakfast option, impress guests with warm apple and cinnamon muffins fresh from the oven. • Avoid fat-laden dips and spreads and serve sticks of carrot, celery, cucumber, orange segments and grapes for finger food instead. • Perk up platters with frozen grapes or thinly sliced nectarine and pawpaw as a delightful addition to any cheeseboard. • Barbecued vegetables are a lovely and colourful alternative to heavy roast vegetable dishes. • For a new colourful twist on the traditional stuffing, add dried fruit like apricots, cranberries and apple with chopped capsicum. • Mini meringues topped with whipped cream, low fat yoghurt or fat-free fromage frais, sliced strawberries, bananas, grapes and passionfruit, are a great option. • For a low fat pudding, sprinkle brown sugar over halved peaches or nectarines and dot with low fat spread. Bake until golden.

Medicine: are you harming yourself? Like many of you, I have been watching the TV programme ‘Is Modern Medicine Killing You?’.

a while but eventually the breaking the rules will break your body. People abuse their bodies by eating junk, not exercising, then come to their The content explains how GP for some magic fix and applying integrative (nutriwhen the fix doesn’t work, tional) medicine can make somehow it is the doctor’s a significant difference in the with John Arts fault. I know medicine is far lives of people who are unwell from perfect. Actually my main by changes in diet, lifestyle and criticism of medicine is at a political using supplements. For those of us level where politicians, bureaucrats who work in nutritional therapy, it and pharmaceutical companies is sometimes like drawing lines to effectively determine the shape and connect the dots rather than lookpractice of medicine. It would be ing at symptoms in isolation. great to see how medicine would I dislike the name of the proevolve if it was free from these powgramme because it is sensational, erful influences. inaccurate and is a crass marketThe programme content deming tool to get your attention. The programme tends to make medicine onstrated that my discipline of nutritional medicine can work and doctors the culprit when the in people with complex, usually real problem is that many of the chronic problems. For example, participants were sick because they I work with several people with have broken most of the rules for MS where inflammation and free healthy living. To be healthy we radicals damage the myelin sheath need to eat nutritious food, exercise of nerves in the brain and spinal appropriately and supplement cord. The disease, once established, wisely. We can break these rules for

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is incurable but adding therapeutic levels of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mitochondrial (energy) nutrients can help damaged neurons function better and result in an improvement in energy and general quality of life. These include compounds such as coenzyme Q10, various minerals, B vitamins, vitamins D, C and E, alpha lipoic acid, OPC, resveratrol and many more. If you have undiagnosed problems or it has been a while since you had a check-up, make an appointment with your GP. Then have a nutritional programme created for your circumstances to give your body every chance at returning to normal function. Give me a call if you need help. To join my weekly newsletter, go to www.johnarts.co.nz and visit www.abundant.co.nz I wish you all a blessed and Christmas. John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. To contact John phone (local) 578 9051 or 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

Public deception Constitution conspiracy going on behind closed doors I believe that NZ has been placed in a situation of potential risk by a certain mutually rewarding political agreement, at present well in train. The process of organising a new, written constitution is being handled surreptitiously and in an undemocratic manner, involving mostly “interested” parties, ignoring the vast majority ... Also that it will include provision for the inclusion of a treaty whose history and interpretation have been the subject of ongoing bitter controversy almost since its inception. Considering that the constitution belongs to the people, and that the implications of this intended change are irreversible and beyond belief, I urge that it be condemned, and put on hold for as many years as are necessary, to enable proper open procedure to be instituted, before we lose our hard won democracy at the whim of the power- driven desire of the few. Those who have not hesitated to employ deceptive procedures and secrecy with regard to this initiative. Any referendum, consequently, will surely not be honoured. Also, the position of Prime Minister surely does not imply carte blanche, with what does not belong to him ie the constitution. It implies trust, proper management, vision and responsibility, and does not include the right to seriously jeopardise the lawful process that enabled his very power, and NZ’s future as a democratic nation. Such an action would never pass in a court of law. Dealing strenuously with this matter may be the most important effort NZ has required in centuries. D. Holm, Tauranga.

I recently joined SunMedia in September, I don’t want much for Christmas just some expensive jewellery, a new car!

I hope lots of New Zealanders read Rob Colmore’s letter last week. He’s absolutely right, there is a conspiracy going on behind closed doors and well away from the General Public’s knowledge, between the National Government and the Maori Party. Maori want a Treaty of Waitangi based NZ Constitution. National want to stay in power and need the Maori vote. The result is John Key and his party are appeasing Maori and there’s a very real threat that NZ will have a new Constitution before much longer. I’ve personally attempted to extract information regarding the spending of $4m taxpayers’ money for this process (having the Treaty enshrined in our Constitution) and have been told ‘don’t worry, nothing’s going to change’,and there’ll be no new Constitution without Public involvement including a Referendum.’ Well, from what I’ve managed to find out, through a couple of Wellington contacts and also from Muriel Newman’s New Zealand Centre for Political Research, there’s no doubt, a new NZ Constitution is on the horizon. Over the years everyone’s been laughing and joking about Hone Hawiwira/Pita Sharples etc and their

followers.They’ve made it very clear that they wish to have their own sovereignty and have a huge say in the running of this country. There’s a very real chance that they’ll continue to grind the Government down and will get their way, to the detriment of all of us, make no mistake. A new Constitution will make Maori Premium Grade Citizens and the rest of us Lower Grade. If Maori get a new Constitution we will live in a ‘bi-cultural’ country, and they, the smallest ethnic race by far, will have the final say on almost everything. Any future Government will need to ‘dance to Maori music’ and it’ll be a case of ‘cross my palm with silver’ in order to get Maori agreement. if we had a Constitution based on the Original meaning of the Treaty, (one people under one Sovereign), there’d be no problem, the trouble is, the interpretations of the Treaty of Waitangi have been misconstrued and massaged by both Pakeha Governments and Maori alike and therefore have no resemblence to the original meanings or intention. Wake up Kiwis, write to who you voted for and ask questions, demand answers and let them have your thoughts, before it’s too late! Have a look at the NZCPR website, it’ll open your eyes. Pete Kelly, Te Puna.

Treaty no longer a symbol of national unity I would like to emphasis some very valid points Dr. Elizabeth Rata makes in her article entitled “Treaty no longer symbol of national unity”. The first stage of iwi politics began in the late 1980s with the reinterpretation of the Treaty as a so-called “partnership”. This saw the insertion of partnership principles into almost all New Zealand legislation. We are currently in the second stage - one that is hotting up with proposals before the Hauraki Gulf Forum for “co-governance” of the Gulf. This will cement in the so-called Treaty partnership and justify a place for the Treaty within a New Zealand Constitution. Those who object to this, and I am one of these, do so for two strong reasons. Co-

governance establishes a political system where the power and authority of one party, iwi, is unchallengeable. That party is not appointed by the people and is not therefore accountable to the people. The undemocratic nature of co-governance is made worse by the criteria for belonging to the Treaty partner. Membership of iwi is fixed in genetic ancestry. Unlike democracy which allows for all comers, a group whose membership is fixed in the past has no room for newcomers. The Treaty partnership model of co-governance will subvert the fundamental principles of democracy. Democracy is a political system of equality no matter what your heritage, and a system of accountability no matter what your

race or religion. As equal citizens each of us can call our political leaders to account. If iwi as Treaty partner was co-governor we could not do so.” Dr Rata makes it quite clear that if the Treaty were enshrined in our constitution then the democratic process as we know it would be dead in this country. Democracy in this country is already on the decline and the casting of the submissions to The Seabed & Foreshore Act into the Trash Can by Chris Finlayson is just one example of this. The majority of New Zealanders simply cannot afford to have their democratic rights stolen away from them. They can go to the “Coastal Coalition”website to cast a vote on this issue . Margaret Hills, Tauranga.

I wish for everyone to discover the true meaning of Christmas and have a blessed and safe festive season.

I want for nothing. Great family, great business, great staff, great clients, all I wish is that all the other wishes are granted!

The Weekend Sun

Treated like mushrooms I wish to reply to two correspondents from last week. Firstly, has Mary Brooks been out of the country? She states that it is refreshing that someone has finally mentioned the proposal by the Maori Party to lock us into a new written constitution with the Treaty of Waitangi at its centre. There have been many letters written over many months about this very subject, including by myself. The second correspondent I wish to reply to if I can catch him before he hits State Highway 2 on his way out of Tauranga is Gareth Joyce. He commented that we are an insular city with a racist underbelly. The “bleating” about the treaty is well-founded, if he would only really read what people are saying. He might realise that nothing of it is about the people who are our neighbours, friends, workmates. It is totally about the tribal elite who are arranging that they have all the power in New Zealand through the written constitution currently underway behind the closed door of the Maori Party aided and abetted by the National Party who are desperate to keep their support. They plan to entrench the Treaty of Waitangi as superior law. Only iwi have been consulted about this. The other 85% of us are being treated like mushrooms and you know what they are fed! My dictionary (Chambers) defines racism as “belief in the inherent superiority of a particular race or races, discriminatory treatment based on such a belief ” Consider the ludicrous claims being made in the name of the treaty - the electronic spectrum is the latest. They are separatists who wish to enshrine Maori privilege in the upcoming written constitution. Perhaps Gareth Joyce may then consider who the racists really are? Robin Bishop, Pyes Pa.

Constitutional review: ‘MPs should answer’ I would like to commend Rob Colmore for his letter (14 Dec). The current government constitutional review is causing much disquiet. However, I have always assumed that in our democracy significant constitutional change can only occur with the mandate of the people expressed through referendum. This principle seems to be acknowledged even in countries without a long tradition of democracy. It would be most helpful at this point in time if local MPs Simon Bridges and Tony Ryall could comment on this issue. I would like to ask them publicly through this newspaper whether they can assure us that any proposal for significant constitutional change would be put to us in the form of a referendum and not simply foisted upon us. A very simple question. R Rimmer Welcome Bay.

The Sun referred this question to MP Simon Bridges -

MP Bridges responds: No plans to change Deputy Prime Minister Bill English has stated that the Government’s position is that the current constitutional arrangements are satisfactory and that we want to retain the dynamism of our country’s unwritten constitution. Constitutional change should not be undertaken lightly. Public understanding and acceptance would be required for there to be change to our country’s constitutional arrangements and there would need to be either broad cross-party agreement or the majority support of voters at a referendum. Hon. Simon Bridges Member of Parliament for Tauranga.

Happy travels, Gareth

Good on Rick for telling the truth Good on pick Rick for telling the truth about the hours he spends on council business, I think that amount of time is right, the trouble is they spend hours analysing every thing to death. I bet they spent hours talking over what they should do with $3 million rates that we were over charged. The obvious decision, which would only take about 10 minutes, would be it should be used to pay off some of the millions of debt. A debt that all ratepayers should be worried about, Lets hope pick Rick stands for Mayor. It could only be a improvement. E.K.Mills, Tauranga.

A response to Gareth Joyce - The Weekend Sun Friday 14 December. Gareth - very interesting! Since you find us all so abhorrent no doubt we will be seeing you on State Highway 2 soon... as you so succinctly put it, heading north. Enjoy Auckland, mate! And incidently, I am neither homophobic nor am I a christian fundamentalist and neither are many, many fine people with whom I choose to socialise. Racist? On what do you base this judgement? Have you some sort of data to back up these observations? Or are you just using anecdotal accounts? Oh that’s right it is based on what you have read in this production; hardly a sample of what Taurangians necessarily believe. Of course you could trot out the old adage - judge a book by its cover - Hmm. Should I judge all Aucklanders by you and your comments? Not likely and why would I? So it has taken you a “few years” to discover that we are not quite to your liking - well should you stay and not head north on Highway 2 perhaps you will learn to practise what you preach and so let me invite you to “enjoy OUR beaches, appreciate time spent with loved ones, embrace the fact wealthy Aucklanders will be flooding OUR city and injecting vital dollars into OUR economy over the summer months” that is if you are not going to be found on State Highway 2... heading north! Oh and in all sincerity - do have an enjoyable Christmas and new year - and should you be travelling keep safe! Ed Weston, Otumoetai.

Friends of the Tauranga City Libraries would like to wish all our supporters a very happy Christmas. We hope the mobile library users are enjoying the new lights we paid for and take this opportunity to remind all library users that anyone can use the mobile library. The timetable is available at any library and on the website. So for something different this holiday - pick up your reading material from the library that comes to you! Kate Clark, President.

The Weekend Sun

The growing mess we are entering Vultures of vested Can I offer my comment on Alistair Bourne’s letter Dec.14 regarding “PC”ruling life and stifling progress. His request for someone to explain how most of the troubles he refers to are our fault. While much of what he writes I would agree with. However there is definitely something very wrong economically and I believe that is where policy change is needed. If anyone believes this is not our fault then we have to consider how it

is that government and civil policies are primarily determined by the way the ignorant masses vote at election time and how we all act to wrongs in the market place. For too long the majority vote for “what is in it for me and mine” no matter what is right or wrong about it long term and political party policies mainly follow instinctively the same ideology. So if many eligible voters like Alistair Bourne neither vote at election

interest feast on visitor centre fate times or make their views known to our parliamentary representatives then they are responsible by neglect for their part in the growing mess we are entering into. D.L. Reid. Tauranga.

It seems that the carrion crows of conspiracy and calumny have, as expected, descended on City Hall once again in an interesting re-run of the way that the vultures of vested interest brought about the destruction of the ideally located visitor information office building on The Strand in December 1996. On 1 December 1996 the Tauranga District Council bowed meekly to coachline interests in league with Tourism BOP which forced the amalgamation of the Visitor Information centre with the coachlines in the Bayline bus depot over a kilometre out of the CBD in Dive Crescent by the Harbour bridge. This resulted in the secretive demolition under cover of darkness of a building which was largely due to voluntary effort. In its next Annual Report Tourism BOP wrote that the building had to go “to prevent competition” This time it is the Mount I-Site building which was also the result of much voluntary input which Tourism BOP and Tauranga City Council have conspired to scrap without public consultation. No wonder that vultures of selfish vested interest are gathering for the final farewell feast on the body of a building which has been an important part of welcoming visitors to Mount Maunganui for thirty years or more. It would indeed be interesting to know exactly who pushed the idea that a campground office without knowledgeable trained staff is the best and only alternative for visitors who need information that they can rely on. Samuel Smith, Otumoetai.

Dangerously negligent This is a case of The Ministry of Health being dangerously negligent. I publish this information because, The Ministry has confirmed that the USA has reduced the Recommended Levels of Fluoride in their drinking water. The Ministry admit the USA has done this because of Damage to peoples teeth caused by excess Fluoride. They have seen this type of damage, called Dental Fluorosis, for 30 or more years in NZ. The facts now are that they have been recommending excess levels of Fluoride, to NZ Councils, for years and continue to do so today. Cathy O’Malley, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health said, in a letter to me, Quote, “there does not appear to be a need to change the Fluoride Levels in NZ drinking water” It was the USA that started this Dangerous Fluoride Experiment and our Ministry blindly followed them. Now our Ministry have decided to not take Due Notice when the Fluoride Proponents say they got it wrong! Thankfully, we in Tauranga, wisely voted to stop The Fluoride Poison from being put in our drinking water years ago. Ken Evans, Avenues.

Morning after pill for 12 year olds How can anyone suggest 12year old ‘kids’ get morning after pills so they don’t have unwanted babies. ‘Kids’ are promiscuous enough without giving them a ticket to ride so to speak. 12year olds should not be given morning after pills. They should be taught restraint, responsibility & that their actions have serious consequences. The answer is “DON’T have unprotected sex in the first place. The males have to take responsibility for their actions also. There’s also the risk of passing on STDs. What happens if they don’t get the morning after pill in time? Oh that’s right a nice teacher will take them to an Abortion Clinic for a termination without parental knowledge or consent. This is outrageous and morally and ethically wrong on so many levels. What’s this teaching our ‘kids?’ That they can screw around with no personal responsibility for their actions or future consequences, because someone else will clean up their mess for them. These ‘kids’ need to see the reality of a termination taking place, maybe then they’ll think twice about having unprotected sex. Termination is disgusting & inhumane. A foetus doesn’t deserve to be disposed of in this manner. Oh that’s right, ‘kids’ are too young to see something that gruesome but they can watch all manner of crap on TV and videos. Termination should be used sparingly only when the life of the mother is at risk or the foetus is seriously disfigured. Dr’s & teachers who aid these ‘kids’ in any way should be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. What they are doing is wrong and surely must be illegal. I can hear the PC brigade objecting vehemently. “NZ doesn’t want hundreds of young girls on the DPB”. No NZ doesn’t. Education and protected sex (if ‘kids’ have to indulge in sex at all) is the answer, not morning after pills and terminations. Shirley Gussey, Omokoroa.

Finish year in one piece It is with some degree of relief that we finish this year in one piece. It’s been another tough year in the trenches for a lot of people, and you don’t have to look very far to see someone worse off than yourself. A lot of folk are struggling to pay the bills and with Christmas round the corner, there’s always plenty of expectation involved. Recent news of layoffs at TCC & APN will add another 100 job seekers to the queue, and with the rest of the world so volatile in places, who knows what’s in store for the New Year. But there’s one thing I do know, we have to look after each other. Big, small, bright, tall, it doesn’t matter what colour you are, it’s a good attitude that counts. Yes, we have our issues, but right now, we’re all living in New Zealand, so let’s all pitch in & do something positive for one another. We’re far too small a country to be bitching & moaning at each other. It doesn’t work and it’s can be unpleasant. Family, neighbourhoods, friends and foe, let’s all try and to be nice to each other. For Christmas at least. Remember, we still have a lot to be grateful for. Even those with nothing have something. So, enjoy the festive season and drive safely out there. Graeme Martin, Otumoetai.

The return of Ernie

Ph 0508 KIWIFRESH (0508 549 437)

Hi Brian, I suspect your reversion to publishing Ernie Izett’s letters are trying to divert us Racist Christian conservatives (according to Gareth Joyce) from our concerns on racial matters and onto another topic.. I was not going to bite but inspired by the letter 14/12 I have succumbed. So with apologies to David Skilleter I offer the following: There once was a man, Izett; Ern who seemed quite unable to learn When they culled the substandard As he’d long demanded Ernie found out that it was his turn Mike Kuipers von Lande, Mt. Maunganui.

The Weekend Sun

Celebrating the year’s successes In the last few days before Christmas, let me wish you a happy time with friends and loved ones, hopefully enjoying sun, surf and barbecues. Christmas is, of course, a good time to look back on the year that has been and to also think about the year ahead. 2012 has been an extremely busy year. The Government has set a target to get the public books back to surplus in 2014/15 and start paying off debt. Despite difficult conditions and an uncertain world economy, we’re putting the right conditions in place to give businesses confidence to invest, expand, and create jobs. Our economy grew 2.6 per cent over the year to June – the fastest since 2007. There are 65,000 more people in work than three years ago. After-tax wages are up 20 per cent since 2008, which means more money in people’s pockets.

We’re delivering better public services. Each year, our hospitals are doing a further 7000 elective surgeries. For the first time national standards reporting is showing parents 70 per cent of children are achieving the standard in reading, writing, and maths. We’re providing 12,000 more tertiary places than in 2008, and now half of all Kiwis have a tertiary qualification. Our streets and communities are safer, with the lowest crime rate in 30 years. And we’re doing what it takes to rebuild Christchurch. We’re investing $5.5 billion into the rebuild. Personally, I’m optimistic for New Zealand in 2013. Have a happy and safe Christmas.

The designer city

Top five in The Guardian’s recent review of the world’s most livable cities were a bit of a surprise: Hong Kong, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Sydney. Why two impossibly densely populated Asian cities? High incomes, public transportation and walking. Why two Scandinavian cities? Low crime rates, public transportation, cycling and cultural resourcing. Why Sydney? Education, healthy lifestyle, urban greening, and, believe it or not, cycling. Two key themes here are a healthy lifestyle, and minimisation of the car. Cars pollute our cities and reduce amenity, not just directly through emissions, but indirectly through their demands for dominating infrastructure (roads, parking). If you are not in a car, then there is a good chance you are both getting some exercise and breathing clean air. In Copenhagen, which has terrible weather, 36 per cent of commuting trips are by bicycle and 26 per cent are by car. Your New Year’s mahi: to imagine what might be achieved in the better weather of Tauranga. By Ian McLean, spokesperson for the Green Party

Ian McLean is a spokesperson for the Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand.

My Christmas wish for you

To everyone in the western Bay of Plenty, I wish you all a wonderful Christmas, an enjoyable holiday season and a prosperous year in 2013. Christmas is a great time to take stock of what is really important in life. If you go online, there are many versions of Christmas poems and greetings. This one, slightly modified, expresses my Christmas wishes for you better than I ever could. My Christmas wish for you, my friends Is not a simple one For I wish you hope and joy and peace And days filled with warmth and sun I wish you love and friendship too Throughout the coming year Lots of laughter and happiness To fill your world with cheer May you count your blessings, one by one And when you add them all May you find all you’ve been given To be more than you recalled May your journeys be short, your burdens light May your spirit never grow old May all your clouds have silver linings And your rainbows pots of gold I wish this all and so much more May all your dreams come true May you have a Merry Christmas day And a happy New Year, too. Positively yours, Jane

Beyond Rena

Christmas is nearly upon us and it is time to reflect on the past year. The aftermath of Rena has probably been the biggest positive for our region. Isn’t it funny that such a calamitous disaster can also bring some cheer. The Rena, more than any other event, galvanised the people of the Bay of Plenty in a world first for volunteering - and 15 months on we still have our magnificent beaches. Thanks to the good science of the likes of Waikato University Chair of Coastal Science Professor Chris Battershill, who is leading the research team monitoring the Bay’s sea life (including more than 30,000 samples from tuatua, pipi, paua, kina, crabs and cockles). Science is reassuring us that the recovery process is showing virtually no long-term effects. The Rena recovery has also acted as a spring board to build the capacity of this really valuable research centre, and the Bay will be a winner for many years to come. The consistent performance of our port is another rainbow in a year that has been incredibly tough for many of the Bay’s biggest exporters in the kiwifruit industry. Psa is a $300m hit on this industry, but the Port’s record $73.5m profit reported by Mark Cairns and his team deserves huge accolades as another outstanding achievement. The Port has returned a 24 per cent compounding return consistently over a 20-year period, and its share price has risen 134 per cent under Mark’s stewardship.

Read these columns in full on www.sunlive.co.nz

Backing the bay

This week, the Bay will start to fill up with tourists and holiday makers. They come back because this is a wonderful place to visit but the critics have already started claiming that no-one in their right mind would want to live here. A recent letter to the editor from a disgruntled exresident attacked Tauranga. The writer had a number of issues with the area but all of the complaints were centred around the attitude of the people in the Bay. Auckland is a successful place and most negative comments about Jafas come from elsewhere. The Bay of Plenty is a wonderful area of New Zealand but its negative comments are most often generated by its own residents. I worked in Tauranga many years ago and then it was seen as a great place to visit but no-one wanted to make a living here. When I came back in 1998 I was greeted with comments on the $10 town. The only people worth knowing live in the Avenues, Bethlehem is out in the country and you wouldn’t want to live there. If I hadn’t already secured a good job, we probably would have left then and there. I am glad I stayed because there are wonderful people in the Bay.

Update

Western Bay of Plenty Quarterly

December 2012

Funding assists vital Katikati services The Katikati Resource Centre provides crucial services to its community, and with between 500 and 600 people coming through its doors each week, a $15,000 BayTrust grant has been gratefully received. Katikati Resource Centre Manager Chris Ridder says the grant will enable the centre to employ a paid part-time coordinator to run its popular school holiday programme, which caters for up 150 children a day. “The funding also means we are going to be able to continue to offer our information and advisory service. When the BOP District Health Board withdrew its funding for the service, we were not sure what the future held, but thanks to the generous support we have received from BayTrust and other funding organisations, it’s here to stay.” The Katikati Resource Centre also offers youth at risk programmes, health

Grants - November 2012 Group

Approved

Active Communities Haka Fitness Charitable Trust ............. $1,000 Lake Okareka Fire Force Inc............. $10,000 Lake Taupo Girl Guiding NZ ................ $5,000 Mt Maunganui Lifeguard Service Inc . $15,000 Opotiki Surf Lifesaving Club ............... $9,000 Pukehina Surf Rescue Lifeguard ......... $2,000 Tauranga Search & Rescue Trust ........ $2,000 Waimarino Education Trust ................ $2,000 Active Communities Total $46,000

Community Economic Development

The smiling faces of the Katikati Resource Centre team. promotion workshops and attracted 1000 people to its recent health and wellbeing expo. “We are absolutely delighted with the support we have received from BayTrust. The grant is certainly going to a community that needs it,” Ms Ridder says.

Home is where the heart is The ability to give someone back their independence by nding them somewhere to live is at the heart of the Tauranga Community Housing Trust’s activities. And BayTrust is supporting their work with a $15,000 grant. The Housing Trust provides housing and housing-related services for people with disabilities, households on low incomes and people with unmet housing needs. They also advocate for and implement new housing models to meet current and future community needs. During the past 12 months, they have housed about 80 people, many of whom have complex social, nancial and health issues in addition to a housing need. The Trust also receives and responds to up to six requests for housing-related assistance each week. Trust Chair Kate Cosgriff says seeing the difference the Trust can make to people’s lives is extremely rewarding. “To give someone with a physical disability back their independence by providing accessible housing, or seeing the increase in condence and motivation of clients with a mental health issue when they have their own space is what makes the Trust’s work so worthwhile. The wonderful feedback from our clients says it all really!”

Trustee Prole: Michael Christensen Michael was appointed to BayTrust in September 2012 and is a sitting member of the NZ Parole Board and a member of Tauranga Te Papa Rotary. He lives in Tauranga and has three adult sons, two living overseas and one in Auckland. He has a background in dairy farming, the kiwifruit industry and real estate prior to taking up his current roles. Michael intends to use his diverse background to help make a positive contribution to the nancial resources available to the charitable sectors in the BayTrust region. He believes it is a privilege to be able to serve the people of this region.

Nga Watene Maori O Te Rohe Potae Regional Assoc. Inc (conditional) .......... $5,000 Welcome Bay Community Centre...... $15,000 Western Bay & Papamoa Neighbourhood Support..................... $4,000 Community Economic Dev Total $24,000

Cultural Heritage Mural Town (Katikati) Twilight Concert. $3,000 Rotorua Lakeside Concert Trust .......... $7,000 Cultural Heritage Total $10,000

Education Hamurana Playcentre ...........................$656 Mamaku Playcentre ..............................$805 Young Workers Resource Centre ........ $1,500 Education Total $2,961

Healthy Communities Aratika Charitable Trust ..................... $7,500 ATE A.M. Breakfast Club .................... $1,000 Atua Awhi Comm Charitable Trust ...... $2,000 Canteen BoP ................................... $10,000 Growing Through Grief Rotorua ......... $2,500 Katikati Christian Helpline .................. $2,000 Katikati Comm Resource Centre ....... $15,000 Kawerau Foodbank ............................ $2,000 Living Well Church Charitable Trust .... $1,000 Mangakino Family Services Inc ........... $5,000 Pacic Island Comm (Tga) Trust ....... $10,000 Papamoa Support Centre ................. $13,000 Salvation Army Rotorua ..................... $2,000 Salvation Army Whakatane ................ $2,000 Tauranga La Leche League ................ $3,000 Te Awanui Hauora Trust (conditional) .. $20,000 Te Awhina Support Services Inc ......... $1,000 Te Kaha Wellness & Education Trust ... $1,000 Te Puke Community Care Trust ........ $15,000 Tga Community Housing Trust.......... $15,000 Youth Development Trust WBoP ....... $15,000 Healthy Communities Total $145,000 This round $227,961

To nd out more about BayTrust, visit www.baytrust.org.nz, write to us at P.O. Box 13322, Tauranga 3141, email info@baytrust.org.nz, or call (07) 578 6546 or 0800 654 546

The Weekend Sun

E N T E R T A I N M E N T G U I D E MUSIC The ever popular guide to ‘What’s On’ in the Bay.

News, reviews and opinionated raving on the music scene.

Thursday 20 December

Nora 544 2714

Club, Cherrywood 12.50pm. Tuition, cards, tea/coffee. Toby 543 5358 Keynotes 4 Part Harmony Women’s chorus meet Thurs at Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave 6.45pm. Sing for fun & health.

Town Centre 4-8pm.

Bolivia Tauranga Every Thurs at Bridge

DVD MOVIES Reviews of DVDs, old and new, as well as other bits and bobs.

Twilight Market Every Thurs at Bethlehem

Friday 21 December

Chess Tauranga Every Fri at Tauranga

RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Noel 579 5412 http://

www.westernbopchess.weebly.com Free Immigration Clinic Every Fri legal advice & information on immigration issues. For appointment, Baywide Community Law 571 6812 Gay/Bi Mens Support Group Do you need a trusting person to talk to? Discretion assured. For meetings & locations ph/text Alex 027 358 5934 Narcotics Anonymous Open every Fri at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 7pm. 0800 628 632 South City Baptist Church Dramatic presentation of the Christmas story at the church next to the post office in Greerton (come down the drive on the left of the post office). Dec 21 4-8pm. Dec 22 9am - 12pm. Entry by gold coin donation at the above times. Summer Beach Volleyball Training camp for Boys & Girls yrs 9-13 at Mount Main Beach, 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29. Cost $65 for 8 training sessions. Nets & balls provided. Girls training 8-10am, boys training 10am – 12pm. Coach: Sam O’Dea, one of NZ’s top beach volleyball players. Entries close Dec 22. Sam 022 187 6292 or email: odea.sam@gmail.com

Saturday 22 December

A Night Before Christmas Hosted by

Bethlehem Baptist Church & Bethlehem Town Centre. Free community event with Ben Lummis, the 2004 NZ Idol winner & items from local performing artists. At Bethlehem Town Centre 7.30-10pm. 552 6181

Balmorals Leisure Marching Team

Welcome ladies to join this awesome sport for fun, friendship & travel. 20-30 age group. Anita 571 4096 a/hs or 0210 257 6094 Market Greerton Hall 8am - 12pm. Plants, produce, crafts, bric-a-brac. Merv or Nancy Waihi 07 863 6697 Sherlock Homes & the Museum of Mystery Investigating something different to do for Christmas? Mystery solved. Join Sherlock Holmes & Dr Watson on the “Prime Suspects” latest adventure. Guests will be immersed in an original comedy murder mystery as they help solve the case. Shows include 3 course dinner & prizes for the audience followed by music & dancing. Shows run Thurs to Sat nights until Christmas. For bookings/info 574 1672 Tauranga Farmers Market Tauranga Primary School cnr 5th Ave & Cameron Rd every Sat 7.45am - 12pm. Last market before Christmas day. Bring

OUT THERE GUIDE Check out the latest movies on at the movies. your visitors along. Fresh & artisian produced food. Trixie 552 5278 or www. taurangafarmersmarket.co.nz

Sunday 23 December

Bay Blokart Club Friendly club sailing

at Baypark track every Sunday & race days on second Sun of month, Thursday twilight meetings now on. Racing from 6pm. Use second entrance 400m down Truman Lane. All welcome. Club ph 027 391 8300 or Peter 0274 721 322 Christmas at Wesley At Wesley Methodist Church, 100 13th Ave (between Devonport Rd & Fraser St) Tauranga. Dec 23 9.30am Carol Service led by Wesley Choir. Dec 24 8.15-9pm Carols under the lights (if wet this will be held in the church). Dec 25 family service for Christmas Day 9.30-10.15am. Jan 6 morning worship & Holy Communion. All welcome. Following the Sunday service, morning tea held in the hall. All age activity for children every Sunday morning during the holidays. Learning Spiritual Laws Sunday’s at Plunket, 59 Otumoetai Rd, Tauranga 10-11am. $5 donation, children free. Remember & celebrate who you are! Narcotics Anonymous Open every Sun at Hamner Clinic, 1235 Cameron Rd, Greerton (behind Tyremaster) 7pm. 0800 628 632 Radio Controlled Model Yachts Meet Sun 1.30pm & Thurs 5.30pm at pond behind 24 Montego Drive, Papamoa to race Electron class yachts. Graham 572 5419 Singles Mix & Mingle 50 + coffee afternoon at Zaggers Cafe, Chapel St 2.30pm. The Sunday & Wednesday group is closed over Christmas & re starts Jan 6. Merry Christmas. Gayle 027 439 3267

Monday 24 December

The Weekend Sun’s guide to who’s playing and where.

Tuesday 25 December

Free Christmas Dinner Don’t be lonely this year! Te Puke Baptist Church, Malyon St 4pm. All welcome. 573 9042 Waihi Beach Centennial New Year’s Day sports Jan 1 in front of surf club 10.30am. Children & adult’s novelty races. Free ice creams, coconuts & lolly scrambles.

Wednesday 26 December Demon Energy & Rock FM Monster Truck And Stunt Explosion Tour at

Baypark Stadium 7.30-9.30pm. High flying, mind blowing monster truck jumps and races, V8 wheelie jeep, motorcycle stunts, FMS, human torch, cars on two wheels, hilarious clown acts & more topped off with a spectacular fireworks display. Adults $35, kids (3-15yrs) $15, under 3yrs free. www. ticketdirect.co.nz

Thursday 27 December Bolivia Tauranga Every Thurs

at Bridge Club, Cherrywood 12.50pm. Tuition, cards, tea/coffee. Toby 543 5358 Twilight Market Every Thurs at Bethlehem Town Centre 4-8pm.

Friday 28 December

Chess Tauranga Every Fri at Tauranga RSA, Greerton 6pm onwards for the whole family. Noel 579 5412 http:// www.westernbopchess.weebly.com Narcotics Anonymous Open every Fri at Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way, Mt Maunganui 7pm. 0800 628 632 Papamoa Tennis Club Fri 9am, Weds 6pm, Sat 2pm. Gordon Spratt Reserve (off Parton Rd). All levels welcome.

DON’T MISS OUT!

Buggifit Postnatal Fitness Every Mon at Memorial Park 10.30PLEASE NOTE: 11.30am. Like Skipfit on Facebook Christmas & New Year What’s On for free trial & core strengthening and Gig Guide deadlines. Send exercises. www.skipfit.co.nz or info@ through your items by Monday 12 skipfit.co.nz Alexia 021 822 9993 noon December 17 for both Thursday St Enoch’s Presbyterian Church

20 and Friday 28 editions to…

Midnight carol service 11.30pm at 134 16th Ave. Come & celebrate the birth of Jesus with carols & multimedia items. Tools to Love By Hear the seven “What’s On” in the Weekend Sun is a sacred sounds of silence. Resolve free service for non-profit clubs and repressed childhood memories. organisations. Heal serious illness without surEmail julie@thesun.co.nz or fax 571 gery. Choose what you want to be 1116 or post to PO Box 240, Tauranga. life seminar. 6pm start. Contributions should be less than 20 words. Carl 021 753 693

www.manutere.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

Free Christmas cheer in Bethlehem In a day and age where ‘free’ is a rarely spoken word, Bethlehem Baptist Church, together with Bethlehem Town Centre, is bringing a Christmas carol event to Tauranga, without a price tag.

Spectators enjoy a fireworks extravaganza at last year’s event.

Bethlehem has become synonymous with special Christmas celebrations during the last 10 years and during the past three years A Night Before Christmas at the Bethlehem Town Centre has grown in reputation thanks to the support of many local businesses and a huge team of volunteers. Families can enjoy the entertainment free of charge and it’s also a drug and alcohol free night, which makes it completely family friendly. Penny Mitropoulos, event delivery manager for Tauranga City Council says A Night Before Christmas at the Bethlehem Town Centre is Tauranga’s only free community Christmas carol event of its size. A Night Before Christmas includes not only traditional Christmas carols, but incorporates an exciting blend of local and national talent.

Event director Michaela Vernall says they are pleased to bring to the stage performances from local artists including Reuben Simpson, Stephanie Adams, Hannah Fryett and John Darke and 2004 New Zealand Idol winner Ben Lummis. “We are delighted to include such talented artists in our programme as well as our fantastic fireworks display and a few other surprises. “Waipuna Hospice, which we are proud to support, is the recipient of this year’s special collection. “I am constantly getting feedback from our wider community about the magic of the Christmas spirit there on the night. Bring along your family and friends, a candle and something to sit on; and settle in for a great night.” A Night Before Christmas is at Bethlehem Town Centre,

Get in quick for boutique seafood festival

Saturday December 22, from 8pm until late, with warm-up entertainment from 7.30pm. If wet, the event will be

Held at Bethlehem Town Centre

Imagine sipping on a cold Food stalls will provide fresh and glass of Tohu wine with a delectable offerings from the ocean, whitebait fritter in hand and including whitebait, paua and mussel the freshest crayfish on the fritters; fish parcels, seafood chowder, side at Tauranga’s boutique scallops, prawns, crayfish and more, seafood festival. as well as dishes for those non-seaReturning after a two year food eaters. break, the Tauranga Moana “We have taken the best of the Seafood Festival is back on best over the years that have made January 12, with a huge Seafood lovers at a previous Tauranga the seafood festival so special,” says selection of excellent quality organiser Caryn Rawlinson. seafood festival. seafood, wines and live music. “See you there and dance the night This year’s festival is on away.” Tickets for the festival are lima more intimate level to ensure people have a more ited to 1500, available from Ticket Direct/Baycourt. personal experience with family and friends, before Dive Crescent will be closed for the event, on 3-8pm. heading back to work. There is huge arrangement of local, high profile musicians performing who have been handpicked to create a line-up of talent and style, including The Kougar Sistas, Sweet Echo, Hurricane Tilly and soul/ rock group Shejus Greedy. Cooking demonstrations will serve up festive fun, the Cargo Shed will open throughout the festival, and rival fisherman will take up the fish filleting challenge. The shield challenge will also take place as Bay fishing companies compete for the Master Filleting Champion Shield. Listen to radio station Classic Hits to hear how to enter the Classic Hits Seafood Eating Competition.

MEDIUM

SUDOKU

6 8 5 4 3

SUDOKU

6 8 5 4 3

3 4 9 7 5 1 4

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.bethlehem.org.nz

How to solve Sudoku! Fill the grid so that

3 4 every row and every 3x3 square contains 9 5 1 the digits 1 to 9 7 5 1 No.1658 7to solve 7 4Solution 4 No.1659 How 1 2 8 3 6 5 9 Sudoku! MEDIUM 6 3 4 8 36 28 59 51 64 97 34 18 27 6 Fill the grid so that 4 3 2 8 9 1 5 7 6 3 8 8 5 3 49 5 every row and every 9 5 7 6 3 4 1 2 8 3x3 square contains 9 81 76 83 79 51 62 92 43 45 9 5 1 7 6the digits2 4 1 to 9 2 9 4 3 7 5 8 6 1 7 5 1 6 4 2 8 7 9 3 3 7 5 1 Solution No.1658 7 4 How to solve 7 4 1 2 8 3 6 5 9 No.1659 6 3Sudoku! 4 8 36 28 59 51 64 97 43 18 27 4 3 2 8 9 1 5 7 6 8 9 5 Fill the 3 9 5 7 6 3 4 1 2 8 grid so that every 7 row 6 and every 2 9 81 76 83 79 51 62 92 43 45 3x3 square contains 2 9 4 3 7 5 8 6 1 5 1 the digits 1 to 7 9 5 1 6 4 2 8 7 9 3

SUDOKU

MEDIUM

No.1659

Solution No.1658

postponed until Sunday, December 23. For more information, go to www.bethlehem.org.nz

44 M U S I C

P L U S

The Weekend Sun

By Winston Watusi

Mayan Christmas gift picks Assuming the Mayans are right, then last minute Christmas shopping is a somewhat futile activity. On the other hand, there does seem to be a fairly broad consensus that we might make it through till at least the end of the year, so friends and relatives will possibly be a little miffed should you try the old “I didn’t buy you anything because the world was going to end” excuse.

Presents...

KORA with THE NUDGE Wednesday 26th December

But it was the ol’ folks that really worked their tired asses off. Sixty is clearly the new 30. Take Neil Young for starters. Neil is a gnarly 67, and you might expect a little taking it easy to be occurring. So he started the year with a gloriously ragged take on a bunch of standards (from “Clementine” to “God Save the Queen”) on an album with Crazy Horse called Americana. It’s grungily magnificent. Then he released his quirkily rambling autobiography, had a film made about him, and made a second, even better, album with Crazy Horse, Psychedelic Pill, a set as stompy and extreme as anything he’s ever done. Not, obviously, a man resting on his (not inconsiderable) laurels. So what else have the pensioners been up to? Well, Uncle Bob, or Mr Dylan as his friends call him, played over 100 shows and released Tempest, certainly his best album in a decade, a sweeping epic of timeless splendour including a tribute to John Lennon and 14 minutes spent telling the story of the Titanic (without mentioning an iceberg, but giving Leo DiCapprio Club Mt Maunganui Mount RSA two name-checks). Not bad for 71. Friday 21 – Blaze. Friday 21 – Ray Solomon. Bruce Springsteen clocks in at a Saturday 22 – Blaze. Saturday 22 – Tequila. with Local Artists relatively youthful 63 and seems to Sunday 23 – Tellstar 4.30-7.30pm. Crown and Badger want to do everything in a hurry. He 4TH -TheBENTLY - DEEP TRENCHES Saturday 22 – Matua organised benefit gigs for Hurricane LIUETENNANT & LENNOX LOUIE One One One. December 24 – Lemon Harangue and other causes, toured relentMR EPHES - TMP - L.A.Z - NEI -Sandy T SLASH

With that in mind, perhaps I can offer a few suggestions for CD buying, assuming that there are still old-fashioned folk out there like me who appreciate music that comes in little plastic cases as opposed to data temporarily hired from iTunes. Actually, the year’s strangest release won’t work on your iPod anyway or, for that matter, on any musical device that has an “i” in front of it. The reliably wonderful Beck, the man behind “Loser”, “Where It’s At”, “Devil’s Haircut”, “Two Turntables and a Microphone” and albums as diverse and brilliant as Odelay, Mutations and Midnight Vultures, has just released his new album Song Reader. As sheet music. Yep, you read that right. Beck’s latest collection of twenty songs is foolscap documents, between four and eight pages each, with chord tabs for guitar and ukulele, piano arrangements and separate vocal lines. One song has a full arrangement written out for tenor sax, trumpet, bass trombone and tuba. But, other than that, it’s a do-it-yourself package. It’s possibly the most democratic album ever made. Or not made, depending on your perspective. But, hey, it’s Christmas.You want recommendations for albums that your recipients can actually listen to. Fair enough. Funnily, as I look at my favourite releases from the year, the one thing that strikes me is quite how many of them were created by musicians in their sixties. There have, naturally, been a pile of great CDs, and a pile of great ones from young(ish) bucks such as Jack White’s astounding Blunderbuss, or the multi-genre creations of hip-hop’s latest over-acheiver Frank Ocean, whose extraordinary album Channel Orange drifted majestically through a host of influences while retaining a completely individual character.

PRESENTS...

Friday 14th December

THE BAYS SHIHAD with with II AM AM GIANT GIANT Saturday Saturday 29th 29th December December

and CANNONS and KING KING CANNONS New Years Eve

JIMMY JIMMY BARNES BARNES with with GIN GIN WIGMORE WIGMORE New Years Eve

and THOMAS OLIVER BAND and THOMAS OLIVER BAND Friday 4th January

BADDEST MIXTAPE RELEASE PARTY 7-10pm.

lessly while increasing the length of his shows (they sometimes go on for four hours now as opposed to the usual three), probably helped get President Obama re-elected with his many support gigs, and released the awesomely angry and frankly inspiring Wrecking Ball. Biggest bummer of 2012? That Bruce isn’t coming here in 2013. Then there’s Leonard Cohen. In January he celebrated turning 77 with a new album and another world tour. The album, Old Ideas is a stunner: sly, wise, and stripped back to its concentrated essence. It’s a profoundly beautiful piece of work. So who else? A great comeback from Dexys Midnight Runners (Kevin Rowland, 64), more political japes from Ry Cooder (65), and a new albums from Graham Parker (62) – back with The Rumour! - and Ian Hunter (73). This year, the old folks led the way.

and Special Guest

SONS OF MUMS Saturday 15th December

SWISS DJ SIR VERE

WITH

SIX60 TICKETS ONLY $5 SIX60 DAVID DALLAS DAVID DALLAS RHYTHM FEELERS N BROWN FEELERS HERBS ROOTZ KONEKT HERBS ARDIJAH ARDIJAH Friday 4th January

Bruce Springsteen: at 63 years one of the ‘old folk’ teaching young musos how to play.

Saturday 22nd December

Saturday 26th January

WITH

THE THE

Saturday 26th January

All Tickets Available from Brewers Bar or online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz

All Tickets Available from Brewers Bar IN THE PARK orBREWERS online at www.ticketmaster.co.nz

Situated next to Brewers Bar Newton St, Mt Maunganui BREWERS IN 2739 THE PARK (07)575 Situated next to Brewers Bar Newton St, Mt Maunganui (07)575 2739

BREWERS BAR 107 Newton Street Mount Maunganui (07)575 2739

Across 6. Medical condition (11) 7. Hurry (4) 8. Reverse (8) 9. Grown-ups (6) 10. Rubbish bin (6) 12. Inconvenience (6) 15. Lake (SI) (6) 17. Benevolence (8) 19. Fish (4) 20. Public holiday (3,5,3) Down 1. Beach (NI) (8) 2. Suspicion (6) 3. Full (abr) (6) 4. Talon (4) 5. Town (NI) (6)

No. 1300

6. Dog (5) 11. Murder (8) 13. Quantity (6) 14 Emended (6) 15. Earnings (6) 16. Ahead of time (5) 18. Daybreak (4) C S S U E O Y A P A B A F

G A T R A U E H A H E I E

N I U G D T L C N C E C T

I N T E N S E D G A F F E

E T E E D P O A I D E L E

S P E E D O W B R I D A L

T A L M G K A U G E I S E

B U M B L E T N O U G H T

I L M E X N O D T I I L O

U S U R P J B A R G A I N

Solution 1299

A K N K O K A N I L O G T

S B I G O T T C L U T H A

H M T M R M O E K E K T R

The Weekend Sun D V D

M O V I E S

With Winston Watusi

Fantastic Not bad at all Dreadful

HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Or: FOUR HOLIDAYS Or: THE SANTA CLAUS With Christmas just the other side of the Mayan end of the world, a trip to the DVD store must be in order. And if those cunning South Americans are right you won’t even have to return the movies. I’m not a big fan of traditional Christmas fare. My tastes tend towards the older classics, those nostalgic treats that cropped up on the small back and white television set that was the height of luxury when I was but a wee Watusi. Even now if you sit me down in front of It’s A Wonderful Life or Miracle On 34 Street I’ll be happy for a couple of hours. But black ‘n’ white ain’t for everyone, so I asked the good folk at Brookfield Video Ezy - who so kindly supply DVDs for review each week - for their favourite Christmas movies. And these are the ones they picked... But my taste in Christmas movies runs a little more laterally than literally. Here are some of my Christmas-time treats. Christmas itself might not be the main order of the day but serves as a backdrop to all of them, which is good enough for an old Grinch like me. Top pick this year (last time it was LA Confidential – watch Russell Crowe tear Christmas decoration off a roof as he beats up an abusive husband!) is Terry Gilliam’s completely wonderful Brazil . As it opens a family are sitting watching Tiny Tim’s Christmas story on television. Then storm troopers burst in and perform an extraordinary rendition on the (innocent, it transpires) husband. Scenes of Christmas shopping add consumer satire to the nightmarishly funny futuristic vision. Or take a trip back to a more innocent time, when Batman still looked like Val Kilmer and The Penguin was training an army of

M O V I E S

And, I must confess, I’ve never seen any of them. How the Grinch Stole Christmas was the unanimous choice. It’s about some big green creature – played by Jim Carrey – who apparently, and I’m only going by the title here, steals Christmas. I suspect it all ends happily. The Santa Claus, starring Tim Allen as a bloke who accidentally kills Santa and thus has to look after all that pesky present delivering, is also a favourite, though the sequels are best avoided. And “for adults” there’s Four Holidays (called Four Christmases everywhere in the world except New Zealand and Australia – go figure) wherein Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughan attempt to visit all four of their divorced parents in a single day. Vince is always fun so it might be OK.

killer birds in the sewers of Gotham. Yep, Batman Returns was a Christmas movie, with Christopher Walken going reliably crazy and Michelle Pfeiffer donning an apparently vacuum-sealed PVC cat-suit. If your tastes run to the truly perverse, then how about a double bill? Start with American Psycho wherein a pre-Batman Christian Bale celebrates the time of giving with an axe. Then move on, for light relief, to Bad Santa and Billy Bob Thornton as the most foul-mouthed department store Santa to ever disgrace a kid’s grotto.

Thu Dec 20 to Thu Dec 27 131 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2D) (M) Fantasy Violence –

NEW RELEASE

QUARTET

Capitol Cinema 4

SIGHTSEERS

(R16) Violence, Offensive Language & Sex Scenes. COMEDY.

Chris wants to show girlfriend Tina his world, but events soon conspire against the couple and their dream caravan holiday takes a very wrong turn... Wed 26th: 1:00, 6:40, 8:35. Thu 2:50, 6:45, 8:40.

THE HOBBIT (M) Fantasy Violence.

RELAX, UNWIND AND ESCAPE!

THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED (M) JOURNEY

Fri & Sat: 11:00, 2:10, 5:20, 8:30. Sun: 10:30, 1:40, 4:50, 8:00. Mon: 11:00, 2:10, 5:20, 8:30. NO COMPS

LOVE IS ALL YOU NEED

(M)

WELCOME ABOARD

NO COMPS

Fri: 2:25, 6:25. Sat: 2:40, 6:45. Sun: 2:25, 6:30. Mon: 2:25, 6:25.

MONSIUER LAZHAR (M) Fri: 12:30. Sat: 12:45. Sun: 10:15. Mon: 12:30.

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Fri 1:00, 7:00pm. Sat 1:00, 7:00pm. Sun 12:30, 6:30pm. Mon 12:45, 4:15, 7:45pm. Wed 12:10, 8:05pm. Thu 2:45, 8:15pm.

NEW RELEASE on MEGA!

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

(PG)

ROLLING STONES:

CROSSFIRE HURRICANE

THE INTOUCHABLES

SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS (M)

Fri: 10:40, 3:30, 5:45. Sat: 10:45, 3:30, 8:15. Sun: 10:45, 3:30. Mon: 1:10, 5:45.

ARGO

(M)

Fri: 1:00, 8:00. Sat & Sun: 1:00. Mon: 10:40, 8:00.

Sun: 8:30.

NO COMPS

Sun: 8:15.

QUARTET

(R16) (M)

NO COMPS

Mon: 3:30.

SIGHTSEERS

(R16) NO COMPS

Sat: 8:45. Mon: 8:15.

TO ROME WITH LOVE Sat & Sun: 6:00.

FINAL DAYS

SKYFALL

(M) Violence.

Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes. Daniel Craig returns for his third turn as 007, facing a new adversary played by a sinister Javier Bardem. Thu 12:45, 8:35pm. Fri 8:40. Sat 8:35pm. Sun 7:40pm. Mon 3:10, 8:30pm.

(M)

NO COMPS

BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE rialtotauranga.co.nz INFO LINE (07) 577 0445 - 21 Devonport Road, TGA

NEW Wednesday Dec 12 in 3D FACEBOOK.COM|ROADSHOWNZ

WRECK-IT RALPH (3D) Disney animated tale set within the (PG) Low Level Violence.

(M) Offensive Language.

HOW FAR IS HEAVEN

(M) Off Lang.

FINAL WEEK

ARGO

(M) Violence & Offensive Language.

Ben Affleck directs & stars. Based on the true story. 5 Golden Globe Nominations including: Best Film - Drama, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor. Thu 6:05pm. Fri 3:40pm. Sat 3:40pm.

WRECK-IT RALPH

(Standard 2D)

(M) Fantasy Violence.

Thu 3:35pm. Fri 10:45am. Sat 10:45am. Sun 2:30pm. Mon 12:45, 6:00pm.

world of arcade video games. Wreck-It Ralph, the villain of a Donkey Kong-like game, leaves his pixelated world to find one where he can be the hero. Fri 1:15, 6:15pm.

Sat 1:15pm, 6:10pm. Sun 12:00, 5:15pm. Wed 10:30, 1:00, 5:40pm. Thu 10:20, 1:20pm.

PLAYING THIS WEEK

MONSIEUR LAZHAR

(M)

Adult Themes. DRAMA, COMEDY. French Canadian

classroom drama. Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2012 Academy Awards. After an intermediate school teacher’s abrupt demise, an eccentric replacement tries to stabilise the emotionally distraught class. Thu 2:50, 8:30. Fri 10:30, 6:15pm. Sat 4:20. Sun 2:25, 6:10pm. Mon 12:50. Wed 4:45pm. Thu 11:00am.

BREAKING DAWN PART 2 - YOU’VE BEEN TRUMPED TWILIGHT SAGA

WWW.THEHOBBIT.CO.NZ

PLAYING THIS WEEK IN 3D

DRAMA,THRILLER. Richard Gere: Golden Globe Nominated Best Actor - Drama. Susan Sarandon. (PG) Low Level Violence. on MEGASCREEN. Thu 12:50. Fri 12:20, 8:05pm. Sat 10:30, 6:10pm Voices: John C. Reilly, Jane Lynch. Fri 10:40, 4:30. Sun 8:00pm. Mon 4:35. Wed 2:45pm. Thu 4:40. Sat 10:30, 4:30pm. Sun 4:00. Thu 6:00pm.

(M)

Special Preview Screenings!

Thu 1:20, 5:00, 8:30. Fri 10:20, 1:40, 5:05, 8:30. Sat 10:15, 1:40, 5:05, 8:30pm. Sun 12:00, 3:35, 7:10pm. Mon 1:20, 5:00, 8:30. Wed 10, 1:30, 5:00, 8:30. Thu 12:45, 4:15, 7:45.

Quad HAUJ.pdf 2/11/2012 1:47:03 p.m.

NZ Documentary. Thu 4:40pm. Fri 2:20pm. Sat 12:30. Sun 4:15pm. Mon 6:35pm.

Fri: 10:20, 4:15, 8:15. Sat: 10:30, 4:30. Sun: 12:10, 4:15. Mon: 10:20, 4:15.

THE HOBBIT (HFR 3D)

Director: Peter Jackson (‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy) Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, (M) Fantasy Violence. Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth Andy Serkis, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Elijah Wood, Richard Armitage, Orlando Bloom, with part one of his trilogy adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit. These higher frame rate screenings are played at Hugo Weaving, Graham McTavish. 48 frames per second, which is closer to what the human PLAYING ON MEGASCREEN! eye actually sees. This is twice the rate of the standard 24 Thu 12:45, 4:15, 7:45pm. fps, which is the current format in cinemas worldwide.

CMY

ARBITRAGE

(M)

movies PLAYING PLAYING THIS THIS WEEK WEEK IN IN HFR 3D3D

(Standard 2D)

AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY

Billy Crystal, Marisa Tomei, Bette Midler. Comedy Artie and Diane agree to look after their three grandkids. MEGASCREEN. Wed 26th: 10:00, 3:35, 5:50pm. Thu 10:15, 12:30, 6:05pm.

The Weekend Sun has a double pass to The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2D) for a lucky reader who can tell us who the director of the film is. Enter online at www.sunlive.co.nz under the competitions section. Entries must be received before Wednesday, December 26.

Info line 573 8055 www.tepukecinema.co.nz

PLAYING THIS WEEK

(M) Offensive Language.

Dame Maggie Smith: Golden Globe Nominated Best Actress- Comedy or Musical. Also Starring: Billy Connolly & Michael Gambon. Comedy, Drama about a retired group of opera singers who put on a fund-raising concert. Director: Dustin Hoffman. Wed 26th: 3:25, 8:00pm. Thu 11:00, 3:45, 8:20pm.

169mins – No Comps Peter Jackson returns to Middle Earth with part one of his trilogy adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien’s The Hobbit. A young Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman, The Office), Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen), legendary warrior Thorin Oakensheild (Richard Armitage, Spooks) and a posse of 13 dwarves journey to reclaim the lost dwarf kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Their quest will take them into the wild; through treacherous lands swarming with goblins and orcs, deadly wargs and giant spiders, shapeshifters and sorcerers. Although they’ve got to get to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first they must escape the goblin tunnels where Bilbo meets Gollum (Andy Serkis). It is there with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring... a simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth.

Thanks to Video Ezy Brookfield for the DVDs

If you’re still up for “Christmas cheer” after those two, move on with David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises . It’s basically the story of a lost child at Christmas and the nurse trying to find her a home. But it does include Russian Mafia and Viggio Mortensen wrestling in the nude. And while Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket isn’t immediately obvious Christmas fare it does include a scene where the marines sing “Happy Birthday” to baby Jesus. And here’s a few more with Christmas scenes, just so your movie watching can be seasonally correct: Das Boot , Donnie Brasko , The Boat That Rocked , Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life , One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest , and, more recently, Prometheus . Have fun...

With Rialto

Damn fine Dubious

(PG)

Low Level Offensive Language. DOCUMENTARY. Documentary uncovering the battle between a band of Scottish homeowners and Donald Trump. Thu 6:35. Fri 4:15. Sat 2:25, 8:10pm. Sun 12:30. Mon 2:40, 8:35pm. Wed 11:00am. Thu 12:55.

NEW JANUARY 1

LIFE OF PI (3D & 2D) RISE OF THE GUARDIANS (3D & 2D)

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0800 111 313 *Conditions apply.

Bayfair & Papamoa Vets www.bayfairandpapamoavets.co.nz

www.mrrental.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

trades & services

Family business goes extra mile Can they clean it? Ross Dickey and his team at CLEANiT can. Ross’ passion for cleaning was sparked after helping his elderly parents and friends out with their housework five years ago. Having done such a good job, and not minding the process – as many do, he thought it would be a great idea to develop into full time occupation. Today Ross, his wife Meryl and their son Jas make up the team at CLEANiT. Specialising in ovens, windows, guttering, chimneys, spring cleaning and shower watermark removals, Ross says working alongside his family takes the drama out of cleaning. “We’re flexible and our clients appreciate that. Quite

often a simple oven clean turns into a ceiling clean and the repair of a garden hose, we like to do the extras that can be too trying or time consuming for our customers.” Based in Tauranga, the team at CLEANiT don’t restrict themselves to the inner city – cleaning houses from Papamoa to Apata, including Matamata and Hamilton. They will clean it all, they will even remove old nails from the rooftop and replace them with screws to make it easier for painting. Ross says the family business has no franchise fees or GST to pay, only charging to get the job done and nothing extra. They even offer free quotes so you know what the final price will be. Police checked with public liability insurance, the team at CLEANiT are the right Ross Dickey enjoys team for the job. cleaning with his family. Photo by Bruce Barnard

By Zoe Hunter

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The Weekend Sun

karaoke hire

trades & services

situations vacant

business for sale

lost

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The Weekend Sun health & beauty

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public notices

Keeping Kiwis Independant

Hon Simon Bridges MP FOR TAURANGA

I wish you a Merry Christmas My office will be closed for the Christmas break at noon on Monday 24 December 2012 and will reopen on Monday 14 January 2013. POSTAL PO

Box 581, Tauranga 3140 07 579 9016 FAX 07 579 9669 EMAIL taurangamp@parliament.govt.nz PHONE

for sale TAURANGA

MEAT PACKERS

www.simonbridges.co.nz

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The Weekend Sun

deceased BROOKFIELD

3 bedroom family home with decent size section available for long term in the new year - $360pw

email your interest to kjandrews@clear.net.nz

Contact Kelly... Kelly Exelby

Residential Marketing Specialist P 07 571 7751 M 0275 501 851 E kelly.exelby@eves.co.nz EVES REALTY LTD, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

training

www.cadtraining.co.nz

funeral directors

The Weekend Sun

Ph 07 928 3042 or email tasha@thesun.co.nz adult entertainment

$$$$ MONEY for Spring. Corporate Angels Escort Agency. Ladies and Gay Males welcome for our extremely busy season. Apply in conﬁdence to Allan 021 606 180

art & craft

MERRY CHRISTMAS from Steve & Lynn. Our Holiday Hours are CLOSED: 25,26,31 December, 1,2 Jan OPEN: 10am-2pm 27,28,29 Dec then back to normal hours 10am-4pm Tues-Sat. Ph 571 3726 Clay Art Studio & Leadlight Expressions.

bible digest

“THE LORD almighty has sworn, surely as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will stand.” Isaiah 14:24

cars for sale

CAR FAIR – buy or sell any vehicle every Sunday at 11th Avenue Car park opposite Mad Butcher 8am-noon. Vehicle Finance available from Heartland Finance. Ph for more information 027 733 9686 or w w w. t a u r a n g a c a r f a i r. c o . n z

computers

COMPUTER GETTING you down? Problems, viruses, upgrades, internet, new or refurb PC’s tuition, or advice. Ph Bruce for a no obligation chat or quote 576 7940 or 021 260 9183 FREE ON SITE DIAGNOSIS & quote. We come to you & don’t charge extra for travel. Pensioner discounts. Ph Kyle at Tech Solutions 027 828 7078

christmas wishes

FROM TASHA Have a wonderful Christmas & a safe happy New Year! I will back in the ofﬁce on the 7th January 2013. Be safe everyone & remember Sunlive is 24/7 even through the holidays!

dance partners

WANTED MALE ballroom dance partner, must be committed for practices and competitions. Aged between 9 & 10. No experience needed. Ph 027 411 7652

for sale

NEW LOUNGE SUITE New Zealand made 2 x 2 seaters rolled arms & back, 1 x footstool & 1 x glory/storage box, on castors. All upholstered in a ruby red textured fabric. Great value, 5 year guarantee. $1500. Ph 027 520 5436 PAVERS factory seconds half price. 53 Hull Rd, Mt Maunganui. Ph 575 4887 SMALL CONCRETE SLEEPERS everlasting and realistic from $9.00 each. Village Stone 53 Hull Rd Mt Maunganui Ph 575 4887

gardening

CHRIS THE GARDENER experienced fast friendly service. Affordable section tidy-ups, lawns, hedge & shrub care, garden waste removed. Free quote. Ph 578 5825 G A R D E N E R AVA I L A B L E Pruning spraying weeding rubbish removal. Ph Tracey on 578 9779 for a free quote.

hairdressing

KENI FROM Colors For Hair, has moved to, The Salon By Design, on The Strand. Please call 022 696 6581 to make an appointment with her.

health & beauty

mobility

MOBILITY SCOOTERS wheelchairs walkers & more. Visit or showroom 29 Burrows St, Tauranga Ph 578 1213. Mobility Equipment & Services STAIRLIFTS – Make life easy with a stairlift enjoy the home you love by installing an Acorn Stairlift. Call us now TOLL FREE 0800 782 475 or www.acornstairlifts.co.nz

plant & machinery

AUCTION The Rotary Club of Katikati is having a Plant & Machinery Auction 16th Feb 2013 at Aongatete Packhouse Yard, 43 Sharp Rd, Katikati. Donate your goods or mark the date to come along. Contact Rod 07 549 0363

to rent

BROOKFIELD 3 bedroom family home with decent size section available for long term in the new year. $360 p/w. Email your interest to kjandrews@clear.net.nz

trades & services

LIGHTHOUSE CLINIC PSYCHOLOGY specializes in Anxiety - Depression - Stress Sexual Abuse - Eating Disorders - Addictions - Relationships Reg Psychologists Ph 07 578 5445 www.lighthouseclinic.co.nz LOSE WEIGHT feel great! Join a ‘New Look’ clinic in your area. Healthy eating with real food. Ph Bernice now 576 4848 NATURAL NEW ZEALAND Health Products. Something for everyone. NZ Registered Natural Therapies and Natural Medicine Practitioners. Opposite BP Te Puke. Ph 573 5533 www.naturaltherapiesnz.com and www.kiwikitz.com

A1 AIRCONDITIONAL & Electrical for all your electrical needs. Low rates, great service. Ph 027 547 3831 or 543 0062

holiday accommodation

GORSE SPRAYING Do you have a gorse problem? Ph today for a free quote for all gorse control. Ph Scott 027 462 4769

for sale

OHOPE BEACH from 15 December, Studio unit from $80 per night. 2 bedroom unit sleeps 8 from $120 per night. Ph 021 058 3249 or email stevebronne@hotmail.com

MUST SELL Reece Mastin Hamilton concert ticket – 14 Feb 2013, will sell for just $55 ono. Ph Paige now 07 542 2741

CAREER RESTRUCTURING? Creating opportunity from Change. Ph Chris at Balanced Success Coaching 027 548 2548 chris@balancedsuccess.co.nz www.balancedsuccess.co.nz

50% OFF all clothing at Mount Surf Shop’s 139 Totara St Clearance Store!! For all your surf & street wear!! Ph 07 927 7234

livestock

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

lifestyle coaching

BUILDER/HANDYMAN 45yrs experience, no job too small. Ph Bryan on 027 408 3905 BUILDERS - Murray Pedersen licensed builder with his experienced team will undertake additions renovations also reclads. We can arrange plans & consents. Ph 575 7870 ELECTRICIAN A professional and affordable registered electrician. New builds alterations repairs. Ph Steve 578 0555 or 027 848 6042

GUTTERING CLEAN and repairs moss removal. Experienced Certiﬁed Roofer. Free quotes. Ph Peter now 542 4291 or 0274 367 740 HANDYMAN BUILDING and section maintenance decks fencing pergolas painting water blasting odd jobs. Free quotes Ph Rossco 027 270 3313 or 544 5911

trades & services

INSECT SCREENS Measure. Make. Mend. Contact Rob at Magic Seal 543 4940 LAWN MOWING garden tidy, etc. Call me for a quote & let me keep your lawns tidy. Experienced operator. Ph Mark 021 220 3111 PAINTER / A1 DECORATOR available. All interior & exterior work. Prompt, reliable, excellent references. Ph Paul 576 4793 or 027 689 6252 PAINTER / DECORATOR Interior & Exterior, quality workmanship friendly services. Over 20 years specialising in residential and more. Quality paint at trade prices. For your best advice in all areas. Ph Shane Mount/Tauranga Decorators 07 544 6495 or 021 575 307 ROOFING & SPOUTING Metal fascia, gutter and rainwater systems. Long run corrugate. Maintenance, repairs or replacement. Free no obligation quotes. PROFIX 027 496 5375 profixltd@xtra.co.nz ROOFING new roofs re-roofs spouting & repairs. Free quotes. Ph Chris 027 276 6348 or 572 3237 ROOF REPAIRS metal or onduline gutters & down pipes clean or replacement chimney repairs. Certified Roofer over 30yrs experience Free quote. Ph Peter 542 4291 or 0274 367 740 SCAFFOLDING prompt free quotes, friendly service, DIY or full erect & dismantle services. Safe, certified, cost effective. Safeplank Scaffolding 021 680 555. TA U R A N G A TA N D E M SKYDIVING Best Buzz in the Bay, Gift Vouchers. Ph 576 7990

transport

DRIVING MISS DAISY need to get to an appointment or want an outing? But don’t drive? Call us for safe friendly and reliable service. Discount offered to Total Mobility card holders. Phone Jackie from Driving Miss Daisy, 552 6614

travel & tours

A HOLIDAY or day-out. Every week. Small Group Tours. Door to Door Hinterland Tours Ph Kae & Rick 07 575 8118 ARE YOU looking for a day out or maybe a tour? Ph us for a copy of our weekly travel calendar. Outings include shows shopping markets luncheons mystery tours, scenic drives industry tours and even overnight tours. Ph Zealandier Tours 07 575 6425 admin@zealandiertours.com

travel & tours

BAYLINE COACHES Day trips, away trips or sight seeing & tours! Call for a free quote today Ph 578 3113 SCOTTSDALE SENIOR TOURS fully escorted owner/operated since 1978. Ph free for colour brochure today 0800 664 414. Also see www.scottsdaletours.co.nz

wanted to buy

ANTIQUES, COINS, medals, china, glass, Kiwiana, Australiana, militaria, toys, anything old and interesting. 021 392913 or 07 549 0139 mark.holwerda@vodafone.co.nz CORFLUTE SIGNS for sustainable tree project. Can pick up. Email Claire@thesun.co.nz

Don’t forget to let everyone know where to get some bargains in the New Year. Merry Christmas everyone. Tasha.

business for sale

TILER QUALIFIED TILER references available free quotes all types of work done from kitchen splashbacks to full tiled bathrooms. Contact Nelson 021 609 289 TREES TREES TREES Felling, Pruning, Maintenance, Chipping, & Removal. Ph Scott Today on 027 462 4769

trailer repairs

GET YOUR TRAILER repaired before xmas! I do it all, from small trailer repairs to major re-dos. Car & boat trailers, horse ﬂoats, transporters etc. Call me to get it done before the busy season. Free quotes, pickups and drop offs! Ph Dave 027 325 9896 a/h 07 575 3178

Call us today to discuss your requirements. Our staff have 30+ years IT Experience!

New Computer for Xmas? Would you like help to set it up? Merry Xmas & a Happy New Year from the Computer Medic Team

Cheap Colour Copying & Printing, Data Recovery Home & Business Computer Service, Repair & Support Proactive Computer & Server Monitoring & Management Website & Email Hosting - VoIP - Backups - Hardware & Software

429 Cameron Road 0800 00 1950

The Weekend Sun

A time to face what is not yet right Christmas has been called “this strange season” by the movie analyst Jack Boozer. It is not too hard to agree!

carols

at Mosaic 6pm, Dec 23rd 1 MacDonald St

A baby was born in poverty, two thousand years ago, yet Christmas sales can make or break a retailer’s year. We talk about Christmas joy, but for many this is a sad time. We hope for peace in the world, even though holidays can be stressful. We sing “Love came down at Christmas” yet tensions can arise when families and friends get together. Our hopes and dreams come together at Christmas, but are met by a different reality. This baby Jesus, whose birth we celebrate, was also called “Emmanuel”, “God with us”. It’s a Christian (and Hebrew) way of saying that the Spirit of Life works with us, understands us and cares about us. One carol expresses it this way: “...like us he grew; ...little, weak and helpless, tears and smiles like us he knew;

and he feeleth for our sadness, and he shareth in our gladness”. God knows what reality is like. “May we be found more honest about the darkness, more perceptive of the light,” Jack Boozer goes on to say. Christmas gives us an opportunity to face what is not yet right: such as poverty in our communities, family arguments, hectic schedules that are life-draining. Christmas invites us to bring light and life to ourselves and others, maybe through a donation to those in need, reaching out in reconciliation, making space just to be, asking God to be more a part of our lives. May this season of Christmas indeed be “strange” as in small, but real ways, the darkness around us is brightened by the light of Jesus Christ. Our hopes and prayers are that you will all find some hope, joy, peace and love this Christmas.

Christmas dinner will be served The Te Puke Baptist Church is opening its doors on Christmas Day, offering a free festive dinner with all the trimmings for a seventh year.

Monday 24 December 11pm

Tuesday 25 December 9:30am

Sunday services Held at 9:30am and 6:00pm. We’ll see you there!

252 Otumoetai Road | Tauranga

www.citychurchtauranga.org.nz

The meal will be a buffet of traditional roast meats and vegetables, as well as puddings. For the past six years local churches have come together to reach out to people who may be alone this Christmas or can’t afford to have a festive meal. Santa Clause has also promised to make an appearance during the festivities. Local co-ordinator Sue Christiansen is asking for more helpers to serve the meal on Christmas Day. “Financial donations would also be gratefully accepted.” If you can help phone 07 573 9042. The festivities begin at 4pm. By Zoe Hunter

The Weekend Sun

The one whose birth we celebrate I am sure that most people, Christian or non-Christian would agree that Christmas is a very special time of year. It’s a time when there is a real buzz around town, a time of excitement and anticipation of family get-togethers, a time to show our appreciation and love of others in giving and receiving gifts. Hopefully in the midst of all the hustle and bustle of the occasion we will take time to remember the one whose birth we celebrate, Jesus. It is thought-provoking and challenging to know that his birth was an event which the Bible tells us will affect all of us. Matthew records that the angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary would

have a son, Jesus, and that he would save people from their sins. The Bay of Plenty Men’s Choir will be singing a selection of well-known Christmas carols which focus on the birth of Jesus, at Omokoroa Peninsula Baptist Church at 10am on Sunday December 23. Part of a piece they will be singing thrills me with a question and answer. It asks, “Who is he in yonder stall, at whose feet the shepherds fall,” and answers, “ Tis the Lord O wondrous story, tis the Lord the King of Glory, at his feet we humbly fall, crown him, crown him Lord of all.” May you have a happy and peaceful Christmas. Sam Johnston, Omokoroa Peninsula Baptist Church

Wishing patients a merry Christmas It won’t be a silent night in Tauranga Hospital tonight as patients are serenaded with Christmas carols sung by Harmony a Plenty barbershop chorus. From 6pm a chorus of about 15 men will visit the wards in Tauranga Hospital to bring the sound of Christmas to some of the patients. Harmony A Plenty barbershop chorus member Bill Butterfield says the group enjoys making others feel happy by singing at the hospital. “The thing about singing to a smaller crowd like that in the hospital is that we know that it brightens their life. “The little old dears haven’t got the strength to clap, but they make a big smile and say thank you.”

The barbershop chorus practises every Monday evening at the Bethlehem

Community Church from 7- 11.30pm. Free voice training is also available.

Sunday Services 9:30am & 6:00pm Come along!

07 576 5387 252 Otumoetai Road www.citychurchtauranga.org.nz

More churches on page 54

Christmas Service Times

sunday 16TH 10AM THURSDAY 20TH 7PM sunday 23RD 10AM

(Carol Service)

The Weekend Sun

A milestone marriage A Saviour Redeemer has come The real message that the Church celebrates at this time of the year is not that a Child has been born, it is not peace and goodwill to all men and it is not love expressed in the giving and receiving of presents. The good news, the true message, is that God sent His Son as Saviour and Redeemer, for all who would receive salvation in Him through repentance, faith and surrender. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, every person born of a woman, with the exception of Jesus, has been born with an inherent sin nature. That sin condition, inherent in every one of us, causes us to live in self-seeking rebellion (sin). It leaves us separated from a holy God and it causes us to be under the judgment of God for our sin and in need of a Saviour. God is holy and His nature and character of holiness requires that He cannot tolerate sin. If He did, He wouldn’t be holy and if He wasn’t holy, He wouldn’t be God. Also, in His holiness, He must judge and punish sin. His love doesn’t cover sin because that would compromise His holy nature and character.

Because of man’s sin nature, we have no opportunity to make payment (atonement) for our sins. Accordingly, in and of ourselves, we are without hope of redemption and of escaping God’s judgment on our sin, which is eternity in the lake of fire. The heart of what we know as the Christmas message is that God Himself provided a way for man to be free from His holy and just judgment because of sin. He did so because the God who is holy is also the God who is love. God Himself paid the price for man’s sin by providing His own Son as the atonement or the ransom that was paid for our sin – that which met the requirements of His holiness, righteousness and justice. This Christmas season you can enter into the salvation, the forgiveness, the redemption, the eternal life and the newness of life that the coming of Jesus as a baby represents. It begins with acknowledging our sin and with repentance, faith and surrender. Why not join us at Jesus First this Sunday, to worship the God who is holy and love, and to find out more about salvation through the Saviour King who has come or visit us at www.jesusfirst.org.nz By Peter Whitcombe, Jesus First Church

Tauranga woman Pat Wyatt once got a huge surprise when she was collecting her mail. She found an engagement ring from the man of her dreams in the letterbox. Now, 65 years on, she is still married to the love of her life, Peter Wyatt. The couple met in England 64 years ago on a blind date, when Pat accompanied Peter to the annual Christmas Eve village dance. Peter, a Royal New Zealand Navy sailor, visited Pat’s village in search of a partner for the local dance and, after asking permission from her parents, Pat gleefully agreed to be his date. She rode her bike to meet her blind date and his parents before she and Peter walked to the village hall together and danced all night. “Oh, I thought he was very handsome. He had fair, curly hair and a cheerily face. He had a great sense of humour and I knew he was the one. Just the sort of guy I like.” Since that night Pat says she has always known Peter was ‘the one’. Peter made regular visits to where Pat was pursuing a nursing career. Prior to asking Pat’s parents for their daughter’s hand in marriage, Peter sailed back to NZ in March where he bought Pat an engagement ring and posted it to her in London. “I mean imagine doing that - it wasn’t insured. That was the beginning of the big romance,” says Pat.

Pat and Peter Wyatt celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary today. Photo by Tracy Hardy A year later, when Pat was 19 and Peter 27, the couple got married in NZ on December 20. Pat says after celebrating their 60th diamond anniversary with a big family lunch, this year won’t be such a fuss – although Peter did buy her a sapphire ring to mark their 65 years of marriage.

By Zoe Hunter

Love - the Christmas theme “Tolerance and celebration of individual differences is the fire that fuels lasting love.” TOM HANNAH Love is the vital ingredient that makes this time of Christmas so special, and adding tolerance into the mix is a beautiful gift we can give each other. This season is about getting back in touch with wonder, and wonder is the purest form of pleasure that allows us to connect to joy at this time. An example of this is revealed in the following story. She was five years old, sure of her facts, and recited them with slow solemnity, convinced every word was revelation. “They were so poor they had only peanut butter sandwiches to eat and they went a long way from home without getting lost. The lady rode a donkey, the man walked, and the baby

was inside the lady. They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (teehee) but the Three Rich Men found them because a star lighted the roof. “Shepherds came and you could pet the sheep but not feed

them. Then the baby was born and do you know who he was?” Her quarter eyes inflated to silver dollars. “The baby was God.” And she jumped in the air, whirled around, dove into

the sofa and buried her head under the cushion, which is the only proper response to this wonderfilled news. What can you give to those around you that will create more love, tolerance and wonder, and lead to greater celebration this Christmas? If you would like to find out more about coaching, phone Mary Parker for a complimentary session 07 577 1200, email info@coachingtheattitude.co.nz or visit www.coachingtheattitude.co.nz

The Weekend Sun

The TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter received a $1393 boost from the Tauranga Farmers’ Market last weekend. Market organisers drew the annual hamper prize draw at Tauranga Primary School on Saturday.

Christmas story time in Tauranga The story of the birth of baby Jesus came to life on Tauranga’s Waterfront on Sunday night as hundreds of people gathered to watch the Christmas tale of Joseph and Mary. Keire Davis, 8, Elise Davis, 3, Darshika Singh, 9, having fun on Sunday evening.

Benjamin Dewhirst, 23 months, feeds the donkeys at the Christmas occasion.

Seven-year-old Joshua Hudson.

Darus Stewart, 5, with Tyr Burgess, 9, and Osiris Cave, 6.

Rangitaiki

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

Prize winner Shirley Deverell meets Santa and TrustPower TECT Rescue Helicopter pilot and base manager Liam Brettkelly at the Tauranga Farmers’ Market.

The Weekend Sun

accepted.