The Weekend Sun - 8 August 2025

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Slammed

The phones pinged at 6.30am. A National Emergency Management Agency alert. Strong currents and surges. Why does it sound so much more urgent and scary in the dark and q quiet of the night?

Richter scale sausage

Yep, a large, rogue, 8.8 on the Richter scale, spicy Italian sausage was rolling menacingly our way Break out the olives, cheese, and crackers. An antipasto breakfast in bed

iPad and two-minute noodles. You get to see what’s important to people.

Sleep’s broken and nerves jangled.

In one househousehold a eight-year-old “disaster warden” ran around sounding the alarm, raising the roof And a few laughs. “There’s a Salami coming everyone!” she wailed “There’s a Salami coming!”

Of course, it was a wee girl’s delightful muddling of words There was no salami. No tsunami

And all because a well-intentioned mother had earlier explained to the girls, very judiciously, so as to inform and not to frighten, what a previous NEMA alert was about. What to expect, and what to do, if a tube of cured meats did rush ashore.

It reminded me of a call from London in the dead of night a few months ago

From another “ wee girl” “Where are you?” At precisely 2.07am on a Monday, where did she think I was? Pouring out of a nightclub?

She’d received an advisory that a tsunami was closing on the east coast of New Zealand, closing in on me. “Get up the hill! Don’t wait!” So I didn’t.

Get gone!

“Hair straightener,” came back quick as a flash. “I wouldn’t be caught out with frizzy hair at some evacuation centre, where I might be might recognised ” I hoped it was a joke, but I suspect it wasn ’ t.

How do you bottle up the euphoriainducing aroma of spices, herbs, garlic, ginger and caramelising onions that wafts down Bureta Rd as the curry house fires

And as I sat alone on the bank, in deathly dark, and anxious quiet, awaiting Armageddon, I sensed either all Tauranga had fled town, or I was the sole survivor of a nuclear holocaust, or everyone else was still asleep There was no wall of water coming through the cutting, so I too went back to bed

That got a few of us asking about evacuation plans. When should we “ get gone”? Where do we “ get gone ” to? Do we have a survival kit? And that raised this question.

What’s the one special, indulgent, selfish thing you’d put in that kit? All the practical, responsible stuff aside –like water, knife, torch, spare batteries, matches, medications, socks

The ”salami” monitor would pack her Hubba Bubba and soccer ball. Survival essentials! And her sister would nab her

up in the evening? That’s why a chicken Biryani would be packed first in my survival kit. And no sharing. And if I passed over to the other side, I would carry the memory of that aroma with me, because who knows what the food’s going to be like.

Bloody pain!

“Kit? Don’t you mean survival CUPBOARD?” said the Mum of teenagers. “A survival cupboard full of food, because the kids are a bloody pain when they’re hungry Like a day at the zoo ” The kids would prefer to put the “instant” back in instant noodles and chow down on dry noodles True! As they come. Dry!

A Mount couple actually have an evacuation plan. “We’d put on our wetsuits, in case our escape involved swimming, and pack a couple of reds.”

Good ones because if it’s the end you don’t want to be drinking rubbish. “The Bengal cat would go into a cage on our

bikes and we’d cycle to the safety of the Mount.” In an emergency, there’s no point trying to escape the Mount in a car Hope the moggy appreciates its place in the plan. It wouldn’t guarantee survival, but one bloke, and it would have to be a bloke, would first pack his souvenir Olympic rowing eight oar, and 1967 Beatles tour programme. They would be loaded into his 1986 BMW. “Because the car ’ s a gem, a collector’s piece.” And his wife? “I’d grab her first ” She would go into the “ gem ” along with the oar and programme. A gem in a gem.

Perfect combo

“Aah! Great question,” responded bloke number two Great question to which he gave great consideration “I’d sort the kids first Then a substance A herb Or a bottle of whiskey They would both be up there ” Perhaps both, the perfect combo in the circumstances “If you are going to get wiped out by a big wave, there may as well be acceptance and calm ” As, observed an entrepreneur, don’t forget the bartering power of both those in a crisis economy

Some other non-negotiables for survival kits a six-pack of Guarana energy drink “It’s a s*#++y day if I don’t have one If I was about to die in a tsunami, it would be a doubly s*#++y day, so ” Hiss, pop, crack Beef tallow, said another You can cook with it, eat it And it’s great for skin care and hair care Suppose it’s important to be looking y your best when n a significannt planetary y event is going down and life as you know it is done.

Confusion voiced over Cameron Rd bus lanes

Tauranga man Brian Hooper reckons he’s s saying what everyone around town is thinking – the bus lanes on Cameron Rd turning left onto 15th Ave are confusing. Hooper, who admitted he recently moved into the city after living rurally, had found Tauranga’s drivers were using the bus lanes turning left onto 15th Ave differently – and there’s no standard manoeuvre.

Different

“Everyone seems to be doing it different,” said the 79-year-old. “I notice some drivers use that [left turning/bus] lane 100m before the traffic lights.” But he thought you could only turn 30m before the intersection.

Reading news articles about

“thousands of dollars” in fines collected from people using bus lanes incorrectlly in Auckklandd, Hooper wanted to find out how to use the Cameron Rd bus lanes at 15th Ave without getting into trouble. He feared he could receive fines for “ a silly reason ” or a “simple mistake”.

Clarity

When approached by The Weekend Sun, Tauranga City Council city centre infrastructure lead Shawn Geard was keen to provide clarity around the bus lanes on Cameron Rd.

Geard said the council was yet to further engage with the community on Cameron Rd bus lane use – work which would be done later this year – and as a result the bus lanes were not operational and no fines would be issued for the meantime

Geard said Cameron Rd’s new bus lanes were marked out when thhe project was constructed d late-2023, however, a decision was made to defer introduction of use of the bus lanes to address nearby business concerns and offer parking relief “While not applicable to Cameron Rd until the bus lanes are operational, the NZ Road Code states that general vehicles may enter a bus lane for a maximum of 50m before turning left or accessing driveways and parking,” Geard said. “There is often a tolerance on this for enforcement purposes. ”

Why?

However, Hooper said: “I can ’ t understand why they’ve got these lines [marked bus lanes]”. “I’m pretty reluctant to go in there. I would have thought there’d be some signage up or something?”

There are signs erected for bus lane use, but they don’t face the road or traffic. Geard said council acknowledged the markings could be confusing for motorists, and particularly for people who were new to the city and didn’t know the bus lanes were not operational yet. “In the meantime, signs with bus lane times are covered and/or turned away from the road and the existing parking limit signs remain in place.”

Geard said for now the yellow diagonal ‘ no stopping’ lines “enable buses to move easily from the left-hand side bus stop to the right-hand turn at intersections”. “When the bus lanes are operational, they will also work in conjunction with traffic signals on outreach arms. ”

The idea was to give buses a green light first, allowing them to effectively ‘jump’ in front of a traffic queue at the main signalised intersections, Geard said “This allows buses to get ahead, preventing traffic being held up behind them as they pull in and out to collect and deliver passengers. ”

He said that there is one exception for the yellow diagonal ‘ no stopping’ lines along Cameron Rd – outside Tauranga Fire Station where access was kept available for emergencies.

A NZ Police spokesperson said when out on the road, police officers were actively watching drivers using bus lanes legally, as well as looking for any other unsafe driving behaviour “If our officers see breaches, they respond accordingly”

Ayla Yeoman

‘Casting them aside’: Tensions rise as

In a move that surprised its closest neighbour, Tauranga’s council has decided to go it alone on delivering water services, at least initially Tuesday’s decision came minutes after the Western Bay of Plenty District Council voted to pursue a shared service with Tauranga Western Bay Mayor James Denyer is “disappointed” the district has been left an “orphan”, and Tauranga

Mayor Mahé Drysdale isn’t happy either Mere months ago, the former Olympian and Denyer went rowing on the Wairoa River to promote discussion about Local Water Done Well and plug the benefits of working together Councils have until September 3 to submit a plan for managing drinking, storm and wastewater services under the Government’s Local Water Done Well programme.

After a three-hour debate, Tauranga’s council voted six-four on Tuesday to provide water services in-house until July 2028 at the latest Denyer told Local Democracy Reporting this was a surprise, given the councils had been working together for a long time and his staff and councillors thought that would continue.

‘Orphan’ councils

The risk of leaving the water services decision to councils was ending up with “orphan” councils, Denyer said “I thought we’d had it all sewn up with Tauranga, but now that basically seems to be applying to us ” Tauranga was an obvious choice of partner because the councils already shared services, he said Ōmokoroa’s wastewater was treated in Tauranga, while the Waiari Water Supply Scheme in Western Bay of Plenty provided water to Pāpāmoa. Denyer said it was unclear how his council would manage water services now, but it could not wait until 2028 for Tauranga.

Western BOP councillors voted eight-four to work with Tauranga towards forming a multi-

council controlled organisation to deliver water services, subject to Tauranga’s support Tauranga officials had recommended a similar arrangement to its councillors, i involving the Western BOP and Thames-Coromandel district councils This would have delivered water services through a separate entity with its own board and staff from July 2027.

‘Take our time’

Tauranga Deputy Mayor Jen Scoular said she needed “robust financial analysis” to make a decision, and she was not quite there. She suggested the council deliver water in-house with the intention of transitioning to a councilcontrolled organisation by July 2028. “This option allows us to take our time, to prepare our financials [and] to better understand the risk.” Scoular also wanted Tauranga to engage with other nearby councils about water services in the meantime.

Drysdale said this was “short-sighted” and just delaying things. He said the multi-council option was subject

Tauranga bypasses water partnership

Western Bay of Plenty Distri Council Mayor James Denyer disappointed with Tauranga water decision

/ John Borren

to due diligence, so councils could pull out if they wanted to “The issue that this council has h had over the last 20 years is delaying, d delaying, delaying until you have perfect information We’re never going to have perfect information “I actually want to deliver things ” Tauranga risked losing Western BOP and Thames-Coromandel as partners if they did not commit now, he said.

‘Bad faith’

During the discussion, staff revealed the Western BOP councillors’ decision.

Drysdale said not working with Western BOP was “bad faith” because they had worked together over waters and already shared services, and they were a “no-brainer” as a partner “We’ve worked very closely with them and we ’ re basically casting them aside now.

”

He wanted the council to confirm its intention to work with Western BOP and said not doing so was an “unacceptable risk”.

“We’re going to leave them [Western Bay of Plenty District Council] hanging high and dry

because we can ’ t make a decision ” Councill Marten Rozeboom was also concerned Taur w would be left behind “We need to be very c about where we as a council want to go i are not on the bus, the bus is going to leav behind ”

Waiting to see what other councils were d then deciding was not good leadership or governance, he said Other councils would to act, and Tauranga would be alone, Roze said

Councillor Steve Morris it was important to offer leadership and resources to the oth councils in the region. “I’m also reminded of those very wise words, when it comes to leadership, from [US rapper] Kendrick Lam which are, ‘Sit down, be humble’ ” He wanted the councils to work together Scoular’s suggested option offered this Councillor Hautapu Baker said it was a “leg decision” for the city and he wanted to take time to get it right. The wellbeing of the water waterways needed to be central to their decisi making, he said “It’s important that we take

Maia’s delightful rhythm for life

She’s a reluctant star “Cos I’m not that special,” insists eight-year-old drummer Maia Roddick of Welcome Bay Even the humility is delightful “Lots of girls can do very cool things.”

Like who? Tell us. “Well, my friend Azariah can do a double backward flip ” That is pretty cool “She’s amazing!” But right now it’s Maia’s time to shine, a chance to haul her drum kit from the shadows to the front of the stage. Into the spotlight. Her chance to make a noise. Because making noise, big noise is this pint-sized kid’s thing, what she does loudly well Small doing big. “I like loud. It’s got to be loud. If it’s not loud I am out of here.”

Even when she’s not thrashing her drum kit in the lounge at home, Welcome Bay’s own little ‘Queen of Slam’ pretends. She’s thrumming her fingers on the table as we talk. That’s the snare, or the ride, I presume. Then she pumps the air – “BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!” – simulating walloping the kick drum, the big, thumping attack weapon in her drum kit. So even when she’s not drumming she is.

It’s not even 9am on a sleepy, suburban, school holiday Monday morning But this place is already rocking. Green Day’s anti-war anthem ‘Holiday’ is pumping. But the band’s drummer Tré Cool has been kind of stood down because Roddick has assumed the “throne”, the drum stool, and is pounding out the rhythm, pretty well beat perfect. “I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies, This is the dawning of the rest of our lives.”

The anti-Iraq war lyrics of ‘Holiday’ might be lost on an eight-year-old, but not the song ’ s driving rhythm. She’s in the zone, all grown up, doing her own ‘ very cool’ Tré Cool, punk-pop

impressions – all energy and powerful fills But still a cheeky and vivacious kid in pink lacy socks, hoody, and a shock of wake-up hair that needs serious taming but, like it’s owner, probably never will be.

This one song ‘Holiday’ has been on relentless loop for about a month in this household “Played 1000 times,” laughs Maia That’s the way they learn. Just one song, familiarise with all the nuances, get it off pat, then move on to something new and more challenging.

What about the din?

What about the neighbours? “I just message them and wave, ” hoots Belinda Roddick, Maia’s Mum. They hoot a lot in this household.

“They’re lovely and understanding.” They’d need to be because when Belinda was channelling Maia’s music through that TV of IMAX proportions on the lounge wall, she cranked the volume so much she blew up the sound. And possibly some neighbourly goodwill with it. Now Maia’s got her own big, black, boom box with disco lights It even looks loud. The sound factory is back heaving. Maia’s Dad probably has the biggest issues. He sometimes works from home, making the important phone calls, bringing in the bucks. But being smashed by 85 decibels of Green Day, again and again and again, and a daughter doing “loud” on the skins, probably doesn’t help his day

How does an eight-year-old connect with drumming? Blame her savvy

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mother “I saw she had some beats,” said Belinda “So I’d put a heap of pots on the floor and gave her a chop stick. She loved the different sounds they made.”

Cartwheeling to practice

She got a mini drum kit which went “ding, ding, ding” at 6am. “So Mum threw it away ” The replacement

electronic kit didn’t “make a real noise” and so she graduated to a full acoustic kit Next minute, she had cartwheeled into drum class

“Literally cartwheeled,” said Andre Hood, who took up drums about the same age as Maia and 12 years later is her drum tutor at Upton Music School “Extraordinary energy, always

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dancing and jumping around,” said Hood of Maia Apparently a lot of kids will show initial enthusiasm then lose interest “But Maia is full of enthusiasm, dedication and commitment She’s so cool, such a pleasure ”

Is it just a coincidence that in Māori, Maia translates to courageous and confident She seems to wear her name well “She lights up on the kit, brave, full of energy and expression, and selfassured” said Hood

And if drummers are characterised by extroversion, impulsiveness and movement, if they are risk-takers, adaptable and assertive with a work ethic, then perhaps this dynamic wee eight-year-old was a meant-to-be drummer, born a drummer

New respect

She screws up that little nose at mention of brothers Dylan and TK. “Annoying!” But after they took time to watch little sister perform live at the Upton mid-year concert and reported back that she was “ very cool” and none of the others were as good as she, they suddenly weren ’ t so annoying She had new respect

The little creative who loves art and hates math, who can tinker on a piano and wants to be a complete singer/drummer like Karen Carpenter,

The drum break in Green Day’s ‘Holiday’ –

poised to strike again.

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who plays any sport involving a ball, dabbles in kapa haka and swimming, who likes Bruno Mars and Katy Perry but is “ not a Swifty”, writes her own report card And it’s a pass

“I’m doing 11-year-old stuff,” says the eightyear-old matter-of-factly Mum hoots again “Better not put that in the story ” No! we don’t want her appearing precocious Fair enough Anyhow the tutor says it all for Maia “Exceptional for her age, ” said Hood “But what really impresses is her dedication You need dedication to grow because natural talent only gets you so far”

Can do anything!

And friends think it’s cool “It shows girls can do anything ” Like drumming and back flips “Sure ” That’s the message an eight-old-year old insisted be in the story And while many parents probably harbour dreams of their kids becoming prima ballerinas or concert pianists and watching them from the box at Covent Garden Belinda Roddick might have to watch her “prodigy” from the mosh pit at a heavy metal or punk rock concert “Absolutely fine I’ve always said: ‘Do what makes you happy! It might not make you rich, but you will be a happier person ’ ”

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Uffindell reflects on three ears

Tauranga MP Sam Uffindell is marking three years in Parliament, reflecting on the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned since entering central government.

Uffindell was elected in a by-election in June 2022, following the resignation of former MP Simon Bridges. Representing the National Party, he’s served as Tauranga’s voice in Wellington since being sworn in on August 2, 2022. “It’s a real honour to represent the people of Tauranga. You get to meet some amazing people, hear their stories, and advocate for them.”

Reflecting on the personal side of the role, Uffindell said some memorable moments have been when he’s been able to help his constituents.

“Some of the most touching parts about being an MP are when you make a dramatic difference in someone ’ s life – whether it’s helping secure a visa for a loved one or navigating a life-changing situation. People come back to tell me how much it meant to them. They’re often in tears. Those are the moments that stay with you. ” One highlight had been his involvement in helping drive Tauranga/Western Bay regional deals forward. “We’ve worked hard advocating to ministers, ensuring they understand how important this region is. It’s been a collective effort, and I’m grateful to local

councils and everyone else in Tauranga who’ve helped push it through ”

Balancing political life with family responsibilities has been a tougher aspect of the role.

Uffindell is the father of three young children aged 8, 6, and 4, and he credits his wife Julia for her unwavering support.

Julia

“The real heroes are the families at home Julia does an incredible job keeping everything afloat managing the household and a small business while I’m away a few days each week Frankly, without her strength and perseverance, I couldn’t do what I do We’ve had to make sure we take time away with

Tauranga MP Sam U ndell has been reflecting on the last three years.

each other and talk about things, focusing on what’s important I think it’s actually strengthened our relationship ” Uffindell said representing Tauranga continues to be a deeply rewarding experience “I love being the local MP – it’s the part of the job that brings me the most joy”

Uffindell was thrust into the national spotlight soon after taking office, when past allegations of misconduct during his school years surfaced. The revelations sparked a political firestorm and intense media scrutiny, testing his resilience and public standing early in his parliamentary career “Those

early days in Parliament taught me a lot.

Although you can make mistakes when you ’ re younger, the important thing is you stand up, you ’ re accountable, you ’ re available and you apologise. And learn from your mistakes. I stood up and did that. The people in Tauranga showed faith in me and sent me back to Wellington. I’m grateful for that.”

Vocal

Uffindell said he’d been vocal on local issues, championing transparency and responsible governance. “I’ve pushed hard on accountability, especially in relation to the terrible deal ratepayers got with the Tauranga Marine Precinct. Senior ministers, including the Prime Minister, have taken notice of wasteful council spending. At the end of the day, that’s ratepayers ’ money – and people in our community are doing it tough. They don’t need extra financial burdens.”

As Health Select Committee chair, Uffindell was involved in shaping NZ’s healthcare policies. He acknowledged

ongoing pressure on the health system

“There’s never been more money invested in health than there is now We’ve seen a big uplift in primary and community care. But we also know many groups on the ground are struggling to access the resources they need to make an impact.”

A supporter of the Graeme Dingle Foundation and Live for More, Uffindell had spent days with both. He also chairs the cross-party AI Caucus, co-chairs the NZ-Middle East and Africa Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group; and Technology (IST) Subcommittee. “I lead a very busy parliamentary life.”

But he’s firm that at the core of his approach to politics is a belief in treating everyone with respect. “I help whoever comes to me – it’s my job I try to connect and talk with people, no matter who they are or what their situation is. I treat everyone exactly the same, and I appreciate when that respect is mutual.”

Bay Oval to host UB40 with Ali Camppbell

Bay Oval is the place to be next Waitangi weekend as the Mount venue hosts ‘Kingston Calling 2026’ with headline act UB40 featuring Ali Campbell on February 7.

Brought to town by Mai FM and Fabrik NZ, ‘Kingston Calling 2026’ is a new summer festival tour set to take place at eight outdoor venues in New Zealand, Tonga and Samoa in January-February 2026

Three venues will host the music festival on Waitangi’s long weekend – Whangārei, Semenoff Stadium on February 5; Napier’s Tremain Field on February 6; and Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval on February 7. Kingston Calling 2026’s other tour dates are Teufaiva Sports Stadium in Tonga on January 28; Apia Park in Samoa on January 31; at Wellington’s Waitangi Park on February 12, Pukekohe’s Navigation Homes Stadium on February 13 and New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands on February 14

Six years

Tauranga-based Toby Burrows, who is director of Fabrik NZ and Trademark Live, said his team had been working on hosting a music event at Bay Oval for six years. “We’ve been talking to Kelvin [Jones, Bay Oval manager] working out how we could make it happen. Now we ’ ve got it!”

Burrows said Bay Oval is an iconic venue and he wanted the event “ to be something special”. It had to be a summertime show but also something that fitted in with Bay Oval’s cricket schedule. “It’s a major part of the Mount with a beautiful backdrop and an international cricket ground that’s hosted big events. It’s our home city It’s where we ’ re based – so we thought it would be incredible to put an international artist like UB40 with Ali Campbell at such an

iconic venue on a long weekend in summer ”

Bay Oval general manager Kelvin Jones said the facility had never before hosted a music event. “This is very much a first for us – and

something we ’ ve been strategising that we’d like to add to the oval’s repertoire for many years, so it’s great that we ’ ve worked with Toby and his team to make it a reality”

Jones said Bay Oval’s biggest event so far was this year's Anzac Day Chiefs game, which saw “ a tick over 12,000” people attend. “We’re unashamedly a cricket ground first and foremost…but we ’ re funded by the community and it’s a multi-million-dollar facility so the more things we can do to get the community to value and use it, the better”

Jones said Bay Oval was run by its own trust “ so making it pay and covering our costs [for core cricket offerings] is always a key factor too

Being as diverse as we can helps that”. With Kingston Calling 2026 within the cricket season, Jones said the event would be a learning curve. “We don’t know what we don’t know but we haven’t done it lightly We’ve done our research and these [swapping acts at a venue] happen the world over – the key for us is the cricket pitch is protected.”

Jones said Bay Oval wants to be a viable venue option for non-cricket events but won ’ t be hosting many due to the nature of the venue “So we ’ re focusing on quality rather than quantity”

A music festival

Burrows said Kingston Calling 2026 would not just be a concert but a music festival. “We have support acts which we’ll announce soon – it will be a full afternoon and evening of music.” Burrows said while it’s always a big deal when international artists come to New Zealand, when they perform in regional cities it’s massive – “that’s what my team specialise

in”. “UB40 has sold 70 million records worldwide – so they’re right up there [in terms of status]. Often these types of artists only play indoors in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. So to bring them to an outdoor setting in summer on the grass on a long weekend – it’s the perfect recipe. It will be the biggest summer music event in our region for sure!” Formed in 1979, UB40 became one of the UK’s most successful and influential reggae groups. Since departing the original line-up in 2008, Ali Campbell has led his own worldtouring ensemble.

Burrows said UB40 featuring Ali Campbell would play all their big hits, taking people who love their sound and vibe on the ultimate journey As a result, he expected Kingston Calling 2026 tour dates to sell out, and advised those interested to secure tickets quickly “We also hope to announce another extremely exciting concert for this summer at Bay Oval very soon ” Get tickets at: https://linktr.ee/ KingstonCalling.NZ

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Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said securing the World Triathlon events was a landmark achievement for Tauranga

Photo / Ayla Yeoman

City to be World Triathlon host

Tauranga will host the prestigious World Triathlon Championship Final in 2028, following a newly announced three-year partnership between Triathlon New Zealand and World Triathlon

The partnership includes Tauranga hosting a World Triathlon Cup in 2026, a Championship Series race in 2027, and the Grand Final –including the Age Group and Paratriathlon World Championships – in November 2028.

Triathlon New Zealand CEO Pete de Wet called it a “ momentous day” for the sport, highlighting the chance for Kiwi athletes to race at home for the first time in 16 years

“Over the three years, the events are expected

to attract more than 6000 international visitors, generating 100,000 international visitor nights and $25 million in tourism visitor spend,” said Tourism Minister Louise Upston.

The Government is contributing $2.65 million via the Major Events Fund

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the events would elevate the city to the global stage and inject an estimated $11 million into the local economy World Triathlon president Antonio Arimany praised New Zealand’s strong triathlon heritage, last showcased on this scale in Auckland in 2012.

Exact dates will be confirmed soon. Across three years, thousands of athletes and spectators are expected to descend on Tauranga, with global broadcasting and major economic benefits anticipated

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Sue Gilderdale and Tanya Smith are part of Super Support, which is celebrating its second birthday helping Tauranga’s older community. Photo / Supplied

Super Support has just celebrated its second birthday, with those involved with the service saying it’s now more vital than ever

The programme is a collaborative service providing Tauranga’s older community with free nutritious pre-cooked meals, food supplies and wraparound support

More than 2000 people who are reliant upon Superannuation as their only income have accessed support with food since the service started in 2023, according to Tauranga City Council

The service now also provides

a social worker and health coach Working alongside other social support agencies, more than 2500 ready-made meals, plus groceries to create another 13,000 meals had been provided in the last 24 months, said council

Tauranga City Council community development and emergency management manager Paula Naude said times are tough at the moment for many in our community

“For superannuants living on a limited income, having accessibility needs or health issues, this service is vital when helping provide the essentials in life,” said Naude Super Support social worker

Melissa Laurent said the service offered more than vital food support “Super Support whaiora (clients) also receive additional support that is tailored to their individual needs – from transport and mobility needs, support with accessing financial advice and advocacy to addressing elder abuse and providing social spaces to combat isolation,” Laurent said Super Support is a collaboration between Tauranga City Council, Age Concern Tauranga, Tauranga Community Foodbank, Good Neighbour, Bay Financial Mentors and Here to Help U

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Tauriko’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school turns one

Gracie Barra Tauriko, New Zealand’s first official Gracie Barra Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, is celebrating its one-year anniversary on August 9 – and it’s doing so with a growing, passionate community ranging in age from toddlers to seniors

Located on Matakokiri Drive, the club has rapidly grown since opening in 2024, with more than 100 members now actively training The driving force

behind it is head coach and founder Sergio Garcia, who has spent nearly 20 years in NZ and now calls Tauranga home.

“I’ve been around Jiu-Jitsu for quite some time, on and off the mats, ” Garcia said “After I got really sick a few years ago, I returned to training and became super motivated to share what I know about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the community”

He said the Jiu-Jitsu values of dealing with situations, keeping calm during struggles and not quitting helped motivate him to

open the club

A lifelong Gracie Barra member, Garcia was inspired by his close ties to the founding Gracie family of Brazil, particularly Carlos Gracie Jr , son of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie Sr His mentor Marcelo Rezende lives in Australia

“Gracie Barra has over 50 schools in Australia and now one in New Zealand And we have plans to open more ” Garcia, who is also president of the NZ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Federation, runs all classes solo – while being a swim instructor during the day

But it’s the club’s community support that keeps him going

“Honestly, without them I wouldn’t be able to do what I do Every single one of them plays a big role.”

The club offers seven class types for all ages, including a new womanonly GBF (Gracie Barra Female) programme focused on wellness and self-defence

Member Danielle Adnitt said the club has made a significant impact on her family

“Our nine-year-old son Tobias joined in February, and it’s helped him build self-confidence and

discipline Soon after our sevenyear-old daughter, myself, and my husband all joined too The classes have significantly and positively impacted our wellbeing and the club feels like a wonderful community to be a part of

“Sergio is an incredible coach and teaches kids more than just Jiu-Jitsu He talks to them about kindness, friendship, and resilience ”

Gracie Barra Tauriko will celebrate its milestone on August 9 from 10am at 2/195 Matakokiri Drive with a public community party, with a sausage sizzle, cake, kids’ activities, and, of course, plenty of Jiu-Jitsu Everyone is welcome!

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Tauranga cop and K9 partner tackle crime across BOP

“It’s the best job ever I don’t think there’s a better one. ”

Despite facing multiple attacks on the job, Tauranga police dog handler Scott Higby doesn’t see himself ending his patrols with police dog Chip anytime soon

Higby is a second-generation police officer He was inspired by his uncle, as well as a family friend, to join the force. “I never knew what I’d want to do in the police, but I always did want to do it.”

transferring to Tauranga to handler in 2021 “Hamilton sure, ” he said “This town se relaxed I’d say ” The pair were called into si involved tracking people and and circumstances that requ aggress the co Plent Katik down “We unit o we ba other and A Offen Hig were dog h about office “It’s get in of com a lot o have with Bod

Higby started his policing career in Hamilton nine years ago before work as a dog n ’ s busier for eems a lot more ituations that d things, uired Chip’s sion. “I cover oastal Bay of ty, which is from kati all the way n to Ōpōtiki. e ’ re a frontline ourselves, and ack up all the r frontline cops AOS [Armed nders Squad] ” gby said there about 140 handlers out of t 10,000 police ers nationwide. a hard job to nto It takes a lot mmitment and of work. You to want to work a dog all day” dy language t only did the pair work together

all day, but they also lived together Higby said you had to be resilient because working with a dog full-time in this position came with challenges. “We can only communicate through body language,” Higby said.

“If we ’ re tracking somebody, I’m just going off what he’s doing He’s going to pick up their scent and he’s going to track them and he’s going to indicate to me through his body language what’s happening, wagging his tail, that sort of thing.”

Higby said he and Chip had built a strong bond over the years. “I like him better than a lot of the people I work with I’d pick him every time.”

Higby said there were six police dogs in the Tauranga-Western Bay of Plenty area and another two in Whakatāne Rotorua Police had their own, which also covered Taupō “We work a roster; it’s usually one of us at a time. I could be anywhere in that area. ”

Wherever needed

The pair start their 10-hour shift at home and drive to wherever they are needed.

A recent busy Saturday started with tracking down some people who had made a run for it when getting arrested. The alleged offenders jumped in cars and fled to Mount Maunganui

The duo tracked one of them down in Mount Maunganui and one that had made their way to Edgecumbe. “The guy had been wanted since October We got down there and Chip tracked him for about an hour and caught him ”

Higby said the pair had barely caught their breath before they were called back to a burglary in Tauranga, where they tracked

and caught the suspect. “From start to finish, we were busy”

Higby said the heightened situations they dealt with could be challenging, in particular when someone attacked him or Chip

He said Chip had been attacked a few times, usually involving people who were intoxicated or on drugs.

A person in a “normal state ” would give up if bitten by Chip, but for people on substances it fuelled their anger and they often took it out on Chip

In one instance, the pair were following a stolen ute through Katikati when the driver turned and drove into the side of the police car, crushing Chip’s door before taking off on foot into orchards

Chip was stuck in the car, and after Higby managed to get him out, he was “ a little bit rattled… but he still managed to track the guy and catch him”.

Decompress

After a long day, the two have different approaches to decompress. Higby said he liked to train at the gym to get his mind off work and burn some energy Chip “switches off almost instantly,” said Higby

“He’s a big fan of having his dinner and hopping into his kennel.”

At the end of the day, Higby said he loved his job and in five years ’ time he aimed to still work with dogs “because it’s the best job ever ” , or work his way up to being in charge

Five-year-old Chip had a lot of life ahead of him and would work alongside Higby until he becomes a stay-at-home dog, with his best friend. “Chip and I since 2021”.

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Be on alert for dengue inthePacific

With dengue cases in the Pacific at their highest level in almost a decade, travellers were urged to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes that spread the disease

Several Pacific Island countries were seeing a sharp rise in cases, according to Te Whatu Ora Health NZ “Samoa has been particularly affected, with more than 2000 cases reported since an outbreak was declared on April 17,” said national clinical director Dr Susan Jack “Sadly, some people have also died from the disease ” NZ doesn’t have mosquitoes able to

transmit dengue While you can ’ t catch dengue from another person, you can get it from infected mosquitoes in an area with dengue

Jack said it’s vital NZers travelling to areas where dengue was widespread take precautions

People should sleep in well-screened locations or under mosquito nets, keep screens on doors and windows closed; wear light coloured protective clothing and a repellent cream or spray containing less than 35% diethyltoluamide (DEET)

For travel advice on dengue, see: https://www safetravel govt nz

Lake Waikaremoana’s Great Walk combines incredible scenery with a rich cultural history

Curving 46km around the North Island’s deepest lake, it is the only one of New Zealand’s Great Walks not operated by the Department of Conservation.

The lake was formed about 2200 years ago, when a massive landslide dammed a gorge on the Waikaretaheke River

a short pōwhiri (welcome) and shared stories of his work – maintaining the hut, trapping predators, clearing invasive plants, and readying the track for the hundreds of manuhiri (visitors) who arrive each year

The area is home to Ngāi Tūhoe, who have managed the track since a 2014 Treaty of Waitangi settlement

We set off the day after a cyclone had torn down the East Coast, and Lake Waikaremoana was living up to its name – “lake of rippling waters”.

The first day was a test of endurance – a five-hour uphill slog, by far the most challenging section of the walk but also the most beautiful, with breathtaking views leading up to Panekire Hut at roughly 1130m above sea level.

Panekire, a 36-bunk hut often described as the “ worst ” on the track because of its age and well-worn charm, proved anything but. As we stepped out of the closing cloud, we were met with the glow of a log fire and the warmth of warden Antz’s welcome.

After a surprisingly restful night alongside 20-something fellow Great Walkers, we descended the opposite side of the bluff, bypassing the next recommended hut and pushing on 22km to Marauiti Hut on the lake’s north-western shore.

It was immediately clear how deeply Antz cares for this place We listened as he performed

On this stretch we discovered the cyclone had left a parting gift – mud. And plenty of it. Our planned seven-hour walk became nearly nine. With aching legs and empty stomachs, we reached Marauiti Hut and cooked dinner by headlamp Day three began with the luxury of a sleep-in and breakfast on the hut’s deck overlooking the lake. As we headed out around the lake’s northern edge, dense forest gave way to rocky shorelines and the soft sound of waves. Right on time, our prearranged water taxi arrived to carry us back across the lake to where our journey began. We departed Lake Waikaremoana with sore legs, full hearts, and a deeper appreciation for the wildly beautiful Te Urewera region.

Bookings for the Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, and all other Great Walks, are now open for the 2025/2026 season

The heart of the home

Over the years kitchens have evolved from solely the place of cooking to a space where benches double up as desks for work-from-home days, kids’ homework, as well as play and social areas

If you ’ re renovating your kitchen, consider your family demographics and social lifestyle, storage and display requirements – on display or hidden away? How accessible do your appliances need to be and ensure you have power to service these?

‘Traffic triangle’ is a term which references the distance between the sink, hob/oven and the fridge Consider your sink in relation to your food preparation area and your cooking space, and then the fridge for easy access

Thanks to the Red Tape Tipline, homeowners building garden sheds, sleepouts or garages will face less red tape and fewer delays by the end of this year, according to Regulation Minister David Seymour and Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk.

On Tuesday the Ministers announced that cabinet had agreed to remove the minimum required distance between single storey buildings under 10m2 and a property boundary or other residential building (setback distance)

Cabinet had also agreed to reduce the setback distance to 1m for single storey buildings between 10m2 and 30m2.

Previously, garden sheds and other single storey detached buildings like sleepouts or garages had to be as far from a boundary or residential building as they were tall. Anything closer

Will your fridge need to be plumbed? Or are you considering a water filter or instant hot water system?

Dishwashers, waste disposal, a scullery with a sink?

Positioning of these all comes down to how the family will utilise the kitchen Remember to place the fridge in an accessible spot in a busy home!

Don’t underestimate the importance of a view A view from the sink usually benefits just one person

Consider reorientation of your kitchen to offer social connection, with the outlook to as many aspects of the kitchen and adjoining areas. Think of family and friends seated at your breakfast bar and beyond to your outdoor entertaining area

Play around with layout – 3D visuals are excellent for helping you to envisage the layout and flow of your new kitchen. Details are so important in this space.

than that required building consent.

“We’ve heard the frustration about this regulation through the Red Tape Tipline. Section sizes are shrinking, and the cost of living rising,” said Penk.

Forcing people to put sheds in the middle of their lawn or pay for a consent to store tools doesn’t make sense, said the ministers. “There is no justification for such generous setback distances on private property

“The changes will make it easier and cheaper for property owners to build useful structures like garden sheds for storing tools and bikes; sleepouts or hobby spaces; and small garages or workshops.” These types of property developments are practical and affordable improvements, said the Ministers. The changes are expected to be in force by late-2025

Breaking down the overwhelm of anxiety

A Tauranga health practice is hosting a free event this month for anyone who finds themselves feeling wired, worried or worn-out and unsure where to turn for support.

Bay Functional Health is hosting ‘Anxiety-Free: Tools, Talk + Understanding’ – an informative,

community event at C3 Church, 252 Otūmoetai Rd from 6.30pm next Thursday, August 14.

“The event is designed to cut through the overwhelm that often surrounds anxiety,” said Lisa Pomare, a registered naturopath, medical herbalist and nutritionist, who co-founded Bay Functional Health with functional gastrointestinal practitioner and nutritionist Paige Dunlop

“In both of our clinics, one of the biggest things we see regularly is anxiety, low mood, poor sleep – and people really on the edge, just looking for something to help them,” said Pomare, who with Dunlop runs BFH in-person from their home-based clinics and remotely across New Zealand Their oneon-one support aims to make sustainable change to an individual’s long-term health via functional testing, naturopathic medicine and clinical nutrition.

“While medication and supplements can absolutely play an important role in managing anxiety, there are also simple, practical changes people can make in their daily lives that can make a real difference to how they feel,” said Pomare

Information to people

“I see people on a daily basis struggling with worry, overwhelm and even panic,” said Pomare, who also works two days weekly at Brookfield Pharmacy as a naturopath.

“So I wanted to take the information to the people, so they can start to feel better and not just be living with this lingering ‘something’s about to go wrong ’ feeling which is quite often felt by people with anxiety It’s like overthinking, busy brain, the world’s about to end.”

FriAug29 Whangarei-Capt.BouganvilleTheatre

SatAug30 Kerikeri-TurnerTheatre

SunAug31 Whangarei-Capt.BouganvilleTheatre

TueSept2 Auckland-BruceMasonCentre

WedSept3 Hamilton-ClarenceStTheatre

ThuSept4 Tauranga-BaycourtXSpace

FriSept5 Tauranga-BaycourtXSpace

SatSept6 Napier-MunicipalTheatre

SunSept7 Whanganui-OperaHouse

TueSep9 NewPlymouth-TSBShowplace

WedSep10 PalmerstonNorth-RegentonBroadway

ThuSep11 Wellington-OperaHouse

SatSep13 Nelson-TheatreRoyal

SunSep14 Greymouth-RegentTheatre

TueSep16 Christchurch-TownHall

WedSep17 Ashburton-EventsCentre

ThurSep18 Oamaru-OperaHouse

FriSep19 Dunedin-GlenroyAuditorium

SatSep20 Gore-StJamesTheatre

SunSep21 Queenstown-MemorialCentre

TueSep23 Invercargill-CivicTheatre

experience, who focuses on lifestyle and nutrition as well as medication in her work.

Dunlop and Pomare teamed up with Dr Trish Zingel, a Tauranga GP with more than 30 years ’

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Pomare said Zingel will talk on how the brain works, and why it has us feeling anxious She will cover how understanding its mechanisms can aid in keeping anxiety in its place and still connect with what is important – to learn to allow difficult thoughts and feelings to be there and not get hooked by them.

“This talk will highlight the science behind stress and offer hope to those who feel stuck ” Pomare will speak on nutrition. “Often people think anxiety is just because there’s something wrong in your life. But it can be the body’s way of screaming for nutrients or an imbalance; that it’s struggling to do everyday chemical reactions because it doesn’t have all blocks it needs to make the foundation.

“I will also talk on things you can do in everyday life to help calm your system down, and things that have been successful with my clients ”

All ages

Pomare said the talk would be aimed at all ages.

“Anxiety touches every age group – from teens navigating school and social pressures to older adults, who may be missing key nutrients like protein and everyone in between. People going through perimenopause often feel it very acutely”

Dunlop, a functional gut practitioner, will speak about leaky gut and leaky brain; constipation and the impact it has on neurotransmitters or how your brain’s functioning; and how getting your gut right can impact feelings of anxiety

Pomare said the event will be in-depth but fun “We’ll try to make it light-hearted – but really, we want people to have things they can do – that are simple – that if you build them into a daily routine can certainly make you feel a lot better”

Pomare said handouts will be provided and advice on where to go if people need further help, will be offered. Find out more in Bay Functional Health’s advert on this page.

A night of delight and devilish surprise

Massive twists and turns amongst humour and cleverly-written lines is what Tauranga’s newest comedythriller oozes.

This month 16th Ave Theatre presents New Zealand’s premiere of ‘Accomplice’ from August 15-30

Director Ben Hambling said many won ’ t know the man behind ‘Accomplice’ – Rupert Holmes – is a Tony Award-winning playwright and British-American musician and producer “If you know ‘Escape’, better known as ‘The Piña Colada Song’ – he wrote and performed that ” Opened on Broadway in April 1990, ‘Accomplice’ had been reperformed in countries

worldwide Hambling said it originally debuted on Broadway with ‘Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander among the cast “It’s been given so many rave reviews in America,” said Hambling.

The ‘New York Times’ said it was: “A deliciously witty cocktail of a whodunit with a maniacally seamless plot where skullduggery emerges the winner!”

The ‘USA Today’ called it: “Part murder mystery, part sex farce and completely entertaining Suspenseful, charming and funny”.

Hambling said his version of ‘Accomplice’ would delight as well as devilishly surprise

The two-act, four-scene play is set in a renovated moorland mill house in 1970s England, with four main characters

played by Tauranga residents

Natalie Wright, Shaun Micheal, Katherine Knight and Ben Cain. “I can ’ t tell you anything more [on the plot] because that would give everything away but I can tell you there’s lots of comedy and many twists and turns… The play moves along at quite a pace, so the audience will go from an ‘Oh-My-Gosh!’ moment to being blindsided the next, ” said Hambling. Another US review said: “A wonderful mix of sex, lies and secrets – it will be murder getting tickets!” So get your Tauranga show tickets today! Tickets are adult $30; senior with Goldcard $27 plus booking fees at: www iticket co nz/events/2025/ aug/accomplice Or phone 0508 iTICKET (0508 484 253)

Children andyouthart exhibitionforpeace

An annual art exhibition supporting and celebrating a peaceful world will open tonight, August 8, at Te Ao MāramaTauranga Library in Devonport Rd

Tūmanako, meaning ‘hope’, is an annual art exhibition for tamariki and taiohi to create art and to share their aspirations for a peaceful, inclusive and nuclear-free world.

The exhibition features artwork by children and youth and is hosted by Soka Gakkai New Zealand

The opening ceremony would include the presentation of certificates and Tūmanako t-shirts to participating children, entertainment and refreshments, according to SGI New Zealand

The exhibition opening, from 5.30pm-7.30pm, is a chance to see all the artwork and come together to enjoy entertainment, kai, community and connection, a spokesperson said

Accomplice Accomplice

By Rupert Holmes

15 - 30 August

A gala and charity auction is being held this month to raise funds for the Tauranga-based Aerocool Rescue Helicopter

To date, the helicopter has carried out 5632 missions, say organisers, who are hosting the fundraiser, in partnership with Westpac, at Classic Flyers Aviation Museum from 6pm on Friday, August 22

“All proceeds will fund future rescue missions, helping the Aerocool Rescue Helicopter continue its vital work across the region ” Auction items are up for grabs include a 14-karat, gold 0.70ct laboratory-grown diamond ring valued at $3499 from Bayfair’s

Michael Hill jewellers; a signed and framed Richie McCaw 2015 Rugby World Cup number 7 jersey and ball from Westpac and The Picture Frame Factory Shop worth $1000; and a two-night retreat to Poronui Safari Camp for up to four guests, with toptier accommodation and a $1400 activity credit with a total value of $5250.

Broadcaster Kerre Woodham, sponsored by NZME & Newstalk ZB, will emcee the event. Auction bidding will be led by EVES’ auctioneer Jordan Sievwright. Tickets at: https://events.humanitix. com/the-aerocool-rescue-helicoptergala-and-charityauction/tickets

KARAOKEINTHE

RESTAURANT OPENTOTHE

JointheTauranga CitizensClub foronly$35and aoneoffadmin feeof$10

TaurangaCitizens ClubAGM: 10amSunday 10thAugust

Filling the winter lull

This column generally focuses on local music However, as I sit freezing my fingers off and spring blossoms prematurely attempt to brighten the overcast day, there does presently seem to be something of a lull

All good A certain amount of musical hibernation occurs in winter

It’s a chance to glance further afield; there’s interesting news from three of the 20th Century’s heaviest-hitters.

But first...

There are still bands on the road, one being Auckland’s Where’s Jai They’ve just released their first album, ‘Fresh Out Of Air’ and are letting the North Island know It would be reductive to say that there’s a hunt to find the next Beths, but Where’s Jai, with their excitable guitar-led melodic power pop and two female lead singers, Grace Allis and Leigh Edmeades, rather fit the bill.

The band has released music since 2022 and the new album is very impressive indeed, flicking easily between introspection, grooving, and occasionally the grandiose, not bad for musicians who’ve just turned 18. And, like The Beths, they sound like a real band not a collection of manipulated electronica They’re playing at The Jam Factory on Saturday, August 16.

Moving along, musical history is added to constantly There’s a new release from Woody Guthrie, arguably the greatest of all folk singers, the man who inspired a young Bob Dylan – as seen in ‘No Direction Home’ – and wrote more than 3000 songs including ‘This Land Is Your Land’. He recorded more than 700.

Woody’s final years were very sad

Blacklisted during the McCarthy era, his publisher gave him a reel-to-reel recorder to document songs, allowing others to record them and Woody to earn royalties. These “ new ” home recordings are from 1951 and 1952, before being hospitalised with the Huntington’s disease that killed him in 1967 aged 55.

Extra verses

He’s a diminished man, but among the songs are extra verses for ‘This Land Is Your Land’ and an original Woody recording of his famous ‘Deportees’, an eerily prescient song.

One of many who has sung that song is Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen’s latest music dump is only rivalled by Dylan’s various ‘Bootleg Series’ releases It turns out that, like Dylan, Springsteen is even more preternaturally prolific than we thought.

‘The Lost Albums’ contains 82 unreleased songs, including entire albums that were made but not released, like the one accompanying his Oscar-

winning ‘Streets of Philadelphia’ song. All on seven CDs or nine LPs. The only drawback? Those seven CDs will cost you NZ$500.35 from Amazon However extravagant the packaging, that’s still more than $70 per CD. Someone is ‘aving a laff.

One last snippet

The doyen of musical biographers, Peter Guralnick, has written a third book about Elvis or, more accurately, about Tom Parker, ‘The Colonel and the King’ The estate gave Guralnick access to thousands of private letters and documents and what emerges is very different from the usual demonisation of Colonel Parker, who put Elvis in all those awful movies and, from 1966, collected 50% of his income. Fascinating stuff.

Get along to Mini BOP Sing event in Tauranga

Come and enjoy singers joining together in harmony and song on Saturday, August 16

Singers from Matamata, Te Aroha, Rotorua, Katikati and Tauranga will be gathering for a workshop at Bethlehem Community Church at 10am with an informal concert for the public at 3pm

Hosted by the Inachord Singers, the concert will

feature select choirs performing pieces along with all singers joining together for a few massed/combined pieces.

“The concert is koha (donation) entry, with proceeds going towards Tauranga Women’s Refuge,” Inachord Singers said “You would be hard pressed to find a more uplifting Saturday excursion ”

Doors open 2 45pm, with limited seating, To join the singing workshop from 10am, email: inachordemail@ gmail com

Tauranga Primary Schools’ Music Festivalreturns

The Tauranga Primary Schools’ Music Festival is returning to Baycourt’s Addison Theatre for 2025, bringing together choirs from local Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty primary and intermediate schools

“This year ’ s theme for the festival will take help us through the winter ills with ‘Songs from Sunny Days’,” the musical directors said The festival, held from August 25-29, will introduce a new co-director to the stage with Rachael McKoy, daughter of pianist Andrea Pooley, joining co-directors Carol Storey, who has been directing the festival for the last 20 years, and Jeremy Hantler “Expect a few classics you know and love as well as some lesser-known tunes arranged for our beautiful voices” For more information and ticket sales, see: wwweventfinda co nz/2025/songs-from-sunnydays/tauranga

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public notices

MOUNT MAUNGANUI RETURNED & SERVICES ASSOCIATION (INC)

The Association’s 80th Annual General Meeting will be held at the clubrooms, 544 Maunganui Road, Mt Maunganui on Sunday 21st September 2025 at 10am

BUSINESS

• Annual Report & Balance Sheet

• Election of Officers

• Notices of Motion (If Any)

Nomination for Officers & Executive Committee open on Friday 8th August 2025 at 9am

Nominations close Friday 22nd August 2025 at 6pm

Voting opens Tuesday 9th September 2025 at 9am

Voting Hours 9th – 12th September 9am – 5pm 15th – 19th September 9am – 7pm

Voting closes Friday 19th September at 7pm

Any Notice of Motion must be in the hands of the

RSA General Manager no later than 6pm, Friday 22nd August 2025

NOTE: Associate members can nominate and vote for all positions on the Executive Committee

Verbal apologies will not be asked for on the day of the meeting

Karen Cooper, RSA General Manager

ProposaltoCloseMiddlebrook Drive,CarisbrookeStreet, BeachRoad&TalismanDrive inKatikatitoVehicularTraffic

Pursuant to the Local Government Act 1974, Tenth Schedule, notice is hereby given that the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, for the purpose of Katikati 150th Anniversary of the Ulster Irish Parade proposes to close the following road(s) to ordinary vehicular traffic for the period indicated hereunder.

Roadstobeclosedtoordinaryvehicular traffic:

Middlebrook Drive from the Moore Park Carpark, across the Fairview intersection and along Carisbrooke Street, left onto Beach Road and left onto Talisman Drive, closure will include the Katikati Plaza & Library Carpark.

Periodofclosure:

13th September 2025, 10:00am - 11:30am It will be an offence under the above regulations for any person otherwise than under authority of an authorised permit to use the road for ordinary vehicular traffic during the period of closure.

If you are going to be banged up for a crime, Tauranga’s the “ come to ” place

First, if and when you get caught for your indiscretions, you will be chauffeured in a cool branded Skoda back to Tauranga Centre Police station The constable might even flash the lights and sound the siren Make you feel wanted So to speak

The station, a modern, but perhaps utilitarian building, sits on a premium, high above The Strand among the Pohutukawa, with harbour and city views and adjacent to the redoubt Not sure if you see all that from the cells If not a police station the site would have been good for a tourist hotel Unfortunately the people who stay at this hotel don’t pay We do

Hooray for Pak’nSave – it’s been around for 40 years, since 1985 when the first supermarket branch opened in Kaitaia in the Far North

Then in the morning, guests will typically be delivered breakfast, if not in bed, then in their cell Cereal, toast and tea or coffee We pay again I can ’ t even guarantee myself that sort of breakfast And I bet they don’t do their own dishes

And if you can organise a bail bond, you can take a short walk down the hill to a fine selection of gastropubs and restaurants

All this because I saw the earthworks for the new $208 million court complex redevelopment on the corner of McLean, Willow and Monmouth streets. What a wonderful stage. Uninterrupted vistas of the harbour, the Mount, the airport and beyond It would be a pleasure and a privilege to get sent down at this court

I jest because the old complex is a dog Leaky, dingy and well past its use-by date Just another sign this city is progressing, even though it’s the ne ’er-do-wells who will benefit in this case Shame we have to throw so much cash at the wasters I Goldsmith, Bureta

WRITE TO US

In the last few weeks we ’ ve since Pak’nSave stores around the country celebrate the chain’s 40th birthday with one item per day being put “ on special” as the price it was sold for back in 1985 Bell black tea bags 100s went on special for $2 49 per pack

Oak spaghetti 420g tins went back to 66 cents each Pams plain flour

I was very pleased to see Letters once again featuring in The Weekend Sun pages. I had missed this feature, and wondered why it had been discontinued. I find the letters very interesting, because it indicates what other locals are thinking about all sorts of issues.

Being present to care for others

Being present in daily life means fully engaging with the moment, giving your attention to the people and situations around you.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get distracted by schedules, technology or personal concerns Yet true presence requires intentionality – a conscious decision to slow down, listen and respond with compassion.

Ephesians 5:16 says: “Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” This verse reminds us that our time is valuable and fleeting, and we are called to use it wisely –especially in how we relate to others Being present is a way of redeeming the time – when we show up fully, we create space to love deeply and care sincerely

Loving others isn’t always about grand gestures Often, it’s about small acts of kindness – listening without interrupting, offering help without being asked, or simply being with someone in their time of need Caring for others in this way reflects God’s love It shows that we value people not for what they do, but for who they are

When we are present, we become more aware of how others are doing emotionally, ually and physically This reness leads to empathy, d empathy leads to action

Ephesians 5:16 challenges us not to waste moments but to use each one purposefully – to reflect Christ’s love through presence, care and kindness In doing so, we become vessels of God’s grace in everyday life

Rev Philipp Potgieter, St James Union Church

Churches Active In Our Community

1 5kg went back to $1 45 each Bluebird Originals ready salted chips 150g went back to 89 cents a pack A Weet-Bix 750g box went down to $2 65 What have we learnt from the birthday sales? That our supermarkets can afford to charge us lower – actually much lower –prices for grocery items No need for a grocery commissioner The Government just needs to enforce them bring prices down Full stop End of story

G Kenneth, Pāpāmoa

I hope letters will continue to be featured in The Weekend Sun. Jocelyn MacIntyre, Whakamārama

Editor’s note: The Letters to the Editor page will continue on a regular basis as long as readers keep sending in their letters to: letters@thesun.co.nz

Welcome to Resonate’s customised approach to better hearing.

Your long-term hearing health is unique to you. It is a lot more than selecting a hearing aid product.

That is why Resonate set up in 2022 as a subscription hearing service rather than just another hearing aid sales business.

Have a look at our customer happiness checklist.

If your current audiologist is not ticking all these boxes, then come and visit us and see for yourself whether we can provide you a better way to hear life.

Resonate’s Customer Happiness Checklist

Premium hearing aids

You have your own ReSound Vivia 9™ hearing aids, upgraded every 3 years

No fine print

No contract, no deposit, no deals.

Ongoing support

We clean repair and tune your hearing aids for as long as you are with us

Complimentary services

Ear cleaning and comprehensive hearing health assessment every 12 months.

Committed to New Zealand

100% NZ owned and operated network of 29 studios across the country.

Professional

All of our studios have their own dedicated audiologist

Local

Each team gets to know and be part of the local communities.

Affordable

You only pay $90 a month for your hearing aids and ALL these services.

Loyal

Once a customer subscribes to Resonate they are guaranteed their $90 monthly fee for the rest of their life