The Weekend Sun - 27 February 2026

Don’t

hover – it’s extravaganza time!

You may be wondering why REPCO Tauranga Auto Extravaganza organiser

Neville McKay has been snapped by The Weekend Sun on a hovercraft

The reason is simple – there’s nothing this man wouldn’t do to promote the event he’s grown from the ground up that staunchly

raises funds each year for Tauranga’s St John ambulance service.

McKay wants readers to listen up! The 2026

REPCO Tauranga Auto Extravaganza is on

next Sunday, March 8, from 10am-2pm at Mercury Baypark – and it’s not to be missed!

“Now at Mercury Baypark, the show will be

bigger and better than ever before,” he said.

There will be show cars, race cars, vintage cars, classic cars, hot rods, bikes, logging and road trucks, cranes and diggers, a hovercraft and a McLaren M10A race car at the extravaganza!

Plus, the show’s auto swap meet invites

public to bring along their special cars too –all makes and models are welcome. “There will be a large variety of wheels to see – kids right through to the elderly will be fizzing!” The show will also boast spot prizes and competitions galore and food to satisfy all tastes. Read more on page 17

Whatever happened to ‘thank you’? Remember ‘thank you’? The go-to, chatty, expression of gratitude The courtesy thing

Seemed to work for a long time until it didn’t Whenever someone showed you kindness, gave a gift, loaned a buck, lent a

• Cutting toenails

• Removing callus or corns

• Ingrowing toenails

hand, paid a compliment, said something nice, you said ‘thank you ’ Grazie! Danke! Arigatou!

Kia ora!

‘Thank you ’ was powerful; effective “Wrap it with a smile”

Nana Billie always suggested “Then stand back and watch ‘thank you ’ work for you ”

Like Clyde Barrow Before he died in a hail of FBI fire power, the gangster wrote a nice

‘thank you ’ note to Henry Ford for manufacturing a “dandy” V8 car for fleeing crime scenes See! You can be a cold-blooded, murderous, bank robbing swine and still say ‘thank you ’ Okay – it didn’t work longterm for the mobster and his moll But the sentiment, the gratitude, the ‘thank you ’ was there

‘Thank you ’

for artistic merit, difficulty and execution What a joy Thank you for the ‘thank you ’ It was drummed into us as kids “A ‘please’ and a ‘thank you ’ cost nothing, but forgetting the magic words can cost everything” Seemed a bit excessive at the time Her Majesty would ask if I had said

I wonder if Henry used Barrow’s endorsement as a sales pitch – ‘Thank you for choosing Ford Clyde Barrow’ Afterall, one thank you deserves another Or ‘Gangsters drive Ford’ or ‘Live dangerously, drive luxuriously’ Or even ‘Good for a gangster getaway, good for a weekend getaway ’ Endless possibilities Ford sold 19 million cars in his lifetime so he should have said ‘thank you ’ , in part, to Barrow Another famous ‘thank you ’ happened when Nelson Mandela left prison after 27 years and wrote ‘thank you ’ to his captors because he didn’t want to spend his days, bitter, angry and upset at them for the injustice he had suffered Nice gesture, nice guy Wonder if they wrote back saying: ‘N h k !’

‘thank you ’ to whoever for whatever If not, I was sent back to do it. She did not want to be raising an ungrateful wee snot! Whether she succeeded is debatable And the dinner table was a chorus of pleases and thank yous Even if you hated cauliflower cheese – wallpaper paste – the chef still had to be thanked ‘Merci Mum’ Then I gagged ‘Thank you ’ All hi b ll

dropped from the transaction and replaced with a meaningless ‘today’ –as in ‘that will be $25 90 today?’ Why replace a perfect ‘thank you ’ with a nonsense ‘today’? It seems ‘please’ and ‘thank you ’ are casualties of a faster, clinical, digital communication No room in emails and texts for niceness It just clutters things Economy of words apparently No space for the heartfelt and personal The ‘thank you ’ is tacit Well, ‘thank you ’ still works for me Like when I let a car “ merge like a zip” “Nek minnit” the hazard lights flash and a big fist is pumping a ‘thank you ’ from the driver’s window in appreciation Gratefully received A ‘thank you ’ makes us feel good, given or received I read “it’s a powerful social tool that acts as a reward for the brain, strengthens social bonds and increases feelings of appreciation, selfworth, and happiness”

All that in a ‘thank you ’

‘Thank you ’

House of Science wins nationwide Government contract

Tauranga’s House of Science has secured a government contract to deliver hands-on science and pūtaiao kits to primary and intermediate classes across the nation.

Founded in Tauranga, the eduation organisation was selected as the supplier for the nationwide rollout of curriculum-aligned science kits to every state and state-integrated school for Years 0-8. The initiative forms part of the Government’s wider push to lift achievement in maths, literacy and science.

HOS chief executive and founder Chris Duggan, MNZM, said the contract win as a significant milestone for the organisation and its supporters. “HOS has been awarded the contract for this work, and I am incredibly excited to be in a position to provide curriculumaligned, hands-on science kits for Years 0-8 learners in all state and state-integrated schools and kura, helping teachers bring science to life in classrooms across the country, ” Duggan said.

“This is a significant milestone for our organisation and a real credit to the dedication of our team. It also reflects the encouragement, advocacy and goodwill of our wider House of Science community, including friends and supporters, and we ’ re very grateful for the role they’ve played in helping us get here.”

Education Minister Erica Stanford announced the nationwide rollout while visiting Stanhope Road School in Auckland on Tuesday “New science kits are now rolling

out across schools These will be hands-on and curriculum aligned, supporting teachers with bringing science to life in classrooms,”

Stanford said.

“We’re focused on ensuring every child is inspired and engaged with their learning. The new kits will support strong science from an early age and support teachers to deliver practical, interactive lessons.”

The science kits are part of a broader package that also includes new writing and maths resources for Year 6-10 students. Through a $40

million government investment, full national coverage of the science kits is expected by early-2027, aligning with the impplementation of the refreshed science curriculum.

For HOS the contract represents a dramatic scale-up Supplying more than 700 schools nationwide, the organisation would expand to reach about 2100 schools. Duggan said while the threefold increase in the number of schools represents a tenfold increase in the number of students impacted.

“From a current reach of 50,000

Struggle of Sleep After 60

Alison had been struggling with a problem shared by many Kiwis over 60

”I’ve never been one to sit still,” she laughs “There’s always something happening, someone to see ”

If she’s not down at her local pool, Alison can often be seen briskly walking around the park with friends The 64-year-old has always been active First to organise a coffee catch-up, last to leave a dinner party, the one who remembers everyone ’ s birthday

But lately, Alison was quietly struggling with sleep Her energy would dip after a poor night, leaving her exhausted, more than she realised “When I don’t sleep well, I really notice it,” Alison explains “Without good sleep, I struggle to keep up with my activities It starts to impact everything”

The pool sessions became harder to face Walking with friends felt like a chore rather than a joy She found herself making excuses to stay home

“I was becoming someone I didn’t recognise,” she admits “The woman who always said yes was suddenly finding reasons to say no ”

Research confirms Alison’s experience As we age, our bodies make less melatonin, the hormone that tells us it’s time to sleep Our sleep becomes lighter and we wake up more often We also spend less time in deep sleep, when the brain cleans itself and the body repairs

This creates three main problems: trouble falling asleep, waking up during the night, and feeling tired in the morning even after hours in bed

After searching for a natural solution, Alison discovered Koru Sleep at her local pharmacy

students every three weeks, we need to scale up to reach 500,000. We will also need four times the number of staff to manufacture and deliver the kits.”

The growth will see HOS move into larger premises in Judea,

Tauranga, to accommodate increased production and operations. “The emails from schools asking to be included haven’t stopped since the initial announcement early-February” Duggan said.

“I was sceptical at first,” she admits “I’d tried other things that promised the world and delivered nothing. But the pharmacist said customers kept coming back for more, so I thought I’d give it a go ”

Unlike typical sleep aids that just make you drowsy, this formula works in three ways at once Koru Sleep helps calm the mind while also helping the body make its own sleep hormones

The formula combines passionflower and L-theanine to quiet racing thoughts, while valerian helps you feel naturally sleepy It also includes 5-HTP with vitamin B6, nutrients that help the body produce melatonin Magnesium and zinc support the deep sleep stages when the body does its best healing

“It relaxes me and helps me get off to a good

sleep,” Alison reports “When I don’t take it, I certainly notice it takes longer and I don’t wake as clear headed.”

For Alison, getting help with all three parts of sleep has been life-changing

“When I have good sleep, I’m able to do so much more, ” she reflects “Household tasks, gardening, being with friends, keeping up with grandchildren Everything becomes manageable again”

She’s back at the pool three times a week The park walks have returned She’s organising dinner parties again

“I didn’t even realise quite how exhausted I had been,” she adds “Finding something that actually supports proper, restorative sleep has given me my life back”

Tauranga’s Mayor is hopeful the

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale

says he remains confident Mauao will reopen despite the extensive damage to the landmark in January’s deadly storm.

Tauranga City Council has concluded its assessment of the damage and Drysdale said now they know what they’re dealing with, they can make a plan for the next stage

The assessment found more than 40 landslides on the 232-metre mountain after the storm, which took six lives when one of the slips hit the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park on January 22

Inquiries by the council, the Government and WorkSafe will investigate the tragedy.

Mahé Drysdale told Local Democracy Reporting there was a chance the mountain would be closed forever, but that was not the council’s goal

“I think there are over a million people a year who go and walk the tracks We understand the community’s perspective

“Our aspiration is obviously to return it to being able to be used We want to get it back to what it was

“Our primary concern is safety; we ’ re not going to do it [reopen] if it’s not safe ”

Scale of damage

The council would work alongside the Mauao Trust, which owns the maunga on behalf of three iwi, to make a plan and understand the aspirations

McDonald declined to comment

Geologists and geotechnical engineers found 42 landslides on Mauao’s three main walking tracks, including 24 severe enough to require more than a simple clean-up to reinstate the track

The 12 most severe would be highly complex, costly and take longer to clear.

WSP NZ, the company contracted to assess the damage, told Local Democracy Reporting the hardest-hit tracks were the base track, Te Ara Tūtanga, with 31 areas impacted, and Te Ara Motukauri, the 4WD track, with seven.

Two areas of Waikorire Track, the steepest track to the summit, were impacted, along with one each area on the Oruahine Track (scenic summit walk) and

track)

The damage included debris covering sections, undercutting and complete/ partial loss of track width, over-steepened slopes, and debris blocking drainage channels

The wooden steps on the connecting track were badly damaged, and the steps near the campground on the northern side of Mauao were “completely destroyed” by a landslide.

The team of landslide risk evaluation specialists physically inspected the slopes and also used detailed drone surveys.

The council said only authorised specialists have been permitted to enter the cordon around Mauao, for assessment purposes. A smart monitoring system has

in real-time and sound an alarm if ground movement is detected.

Drysdale said most people had been “really respectful” of the cordon, but he was disappointed in those who had entered it.

He said cordon breachers risked the lives of emergency services as well as their own, and wasted police resources

The cordon would remain in place until safety requirements were met “We’re working as quickly as we can, and we hope to have some good news in the coming months.”

Priorities

Drysdale said it was too early to estimate the cost of Mauao’s rehabilitation but

city’s iconic maunga will reopen

guessed it would be in the tens of millions.

He said once the bodies were recovered and the site returned to the council, the first priority had been getting surrounding businesses outside the cordon back up and running.

Next, he hoped to see the Mount Maunganui surf club building’s red sticker/placard removed. The placard means the building is unsafe to occupy and forced the club to relocate operations.

The council said it was issued due to movement in the slope behind the club after the January 22 slips. “We’re waiting on updated geotech advice following the recent rainfall so we can understand any remaining risks for the surf club, beach and campground areas. ”

Drysdale said once the sticker was removed, the surf club would decide the next steps.

Of the other closed operations at the base of Mauao, he said the next priority would be the Pilot Bay boat ramp, before Mauao itself, then the campground and hot pools – both red-stickered.

He said temporary access restrictions on Adams Ave would be the “ new normal” when heavy rain or severe weather was forecast.

Reopening the campground, which was owned and operated by the council, may require clearing it multiple times a year –a commercial factor in the decision facing the council.

“Can you have a campground that you ’ re going to have to evacuate multiple times a year? Is that reasonable or not? Is

that a viable business?”

Mount Hot Pools is owned and operated by council-owned Bay Venues Ltd. Once the council believed the area was safe, reopening decisions would be up to Bay Venues’ governors

Bay Venues chief executive Chad Hooker said once the council’s assessment of Mauao and the business’ own site inspection was complete, Bay Venues would determine the risks, work required, and next steps.

He said this process would take some time and Bay Venues would continue to work alongside the council, mana whenua and the community to understand what the best outcome looked like for the city

“In the meantime, our Mount Hot Pools team – including both staff and contractors – is working across our other aquatic venues and supporting the ongoing investigations and recovery planning."

‘Mini Mauao’ walk adopted (sidehead)

Te Awanui ward councillor Hēmi Rolleston used to walk up Mauao every day, usually at sunrise.

He said he had since to join a gym, as Mauao was his gym.

“I would climb with friends, and it allowed us to connect and catch up and exercise, we would always do a regular karakia up at the mauri stone at the summit, which would set us up for a great day ahead.

“If time permitted, we would go down to the cafes below for a coffee catch-up and sometimes to the hot pools.”

He said he was missing the connection

with other regulars

“The group I walked up Mauao with meet once a week and climb Hopukiore [Mount Drury] around six to seven times, which is roughly the equivalent of Mauao “It keeps us connected, and we can also see Mauao from the top

“We have called it Mini Mauao ” They also started walking group from Matapihi over the rail bridge into town every evening.

Animals on Mauao

Anyone concerned about the sheep kept on Mauao need not worry, the council says

Head of spaces and place, Alison Law, said they were in good condition.

“Additional paddock areas have been opened to give them ample feed, and a new water trough was installed after the slip damaged their main supply,” she said A further welfare check was planned this week under geotech supervision.

Rabbit numbers, usually controlled with regular shooting, were a concern but a control plan was being developed.

Ayla Yeoman

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

More than a village – a welcoming community

At Matua Village, life is about far more than beautiful homes and peaceful surroundings.

It’s about connection to one another, to family, and to the wider Matua community that so many residents have called home for years

Friendships flourish here. Residents head out together for local outings, coffee catch-ups and community events, staying actively engaged with the places and people they’ve always loved.

The local community and family is very much at the heart of Matua Village life

Children and grandchildren are always welcome, popping in after school, sharing weekend lunches, celebrating birthdays, or simply spending time together.

The laughter of little ones is something that is cherished It’s something the Matua Village community actively embraces, not just accommodates.

That family spirit comes to life each year at the muchloved Annual Matua Family Gala Day, coming up on Saturday March 14th

Residents take pride in being a part of Matua and the Gala Day is a chance to bring residents, families, neighbours and friends together in celebration

It’s a vibrant day filled with laughter, live music, local artists, food stalls, face painting and games for the kids. It’s joy all in one place.

The Matua Family Gala Day is also a great way for the wider community to come and see what village life is really like, especially if they’re thinking about moving in themselves or are exploring options for family or a friend

At Matua Village, family and community isn’t just something to talk about, it’s something that’s lived, shared, nurtured and celebrated every day In fact, we call it the Matua Village way

Ōtūmoetai I Intermediate principal to step down

After 26 years at the helm of Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School, principal Henk Popping will step down at the end of Term 1, 2026.

Asked why now, his answer is characteristically straightforward. “It just felt right – that’s basically it in a nutshell.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Popping said empowering teachers and students to build a strong learning culture is his proudest achievement.

“That has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career, ” he said. “Achieving consistent academic success while building a school that strives for excellence is something I’m truly proud of ”

Since becoming principal in 2000, Popping has overseen significant milestones. In 2014, the school became the first in New Zealand to win the Supreme Award at the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards, alongside a Teaching and Learning Award.

Maintaining that standard has helped shape the school’s ethos.

The recognition highlighted an exceptional teaching and learning environment – one Popping worked deliberately to cultivate. By fostering strong relationships between staff and students, he helped grow a school known for academic achievement and student wellbeing.

Two guiding ideas

“It’s a strong culture of relationships, belonging, and a real focus on

Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School principal Henk Popping is a co-founder of the AIMS Games, which is now one of NZ’s largest sporting events for intermediate-age students.

Photo / Kelly OHara

achievement and the whole child –alongside a broad, engaging curriculum.”

Two guiding ideas have underpinned his leadership “One is relationships before results – achievement grows from belonging and trust The second is high expectations alongside genuine care ”

Evolved

Across more than two decades, thousands of students have passed through the school Popping speaks proudly of former students who return to share their journeys, and about the school’s house system, now named after past pupils

including Olympians and international athletes He believed the principal’s role had evolved significantly “It’s no longer just about administration. It’s about understanding increasingly complex learning needs for this age group, particularly around wellbeing and neurological development ”

His approach was strongly influenced by research, including the work of John Hattie Central to his philosophy was the belief that achievement flourishes where students feel valued, safe and respected. Alongside academic achievement, Popping had championed a broad

and engaging curriculum. He believed students discover their strengths by stepping beyond their comfort zones

“You don’t know what skills and talents you have until you try something new, ” he often told students.

AIMS co-founder

Beyond the school gates, Popping is widely known for co-founding the AIMS Games alongside then Tauranga Intermediate principal Brian Diver What began in 2004 with 760 athletes from 17 schools had grown into one of the country ’ s largest sporting events for

View total lunar eclipse with naked eye

The Bay of Plenty –along with the rest of New Zealand – next week has a ‘front-row seat ’ to the only lunar eclipse of 2026.

intermediate-aged students, now attracting thousands from across New Zealand and beyond each year

“We thought, ‘let’s promote intermediate schools and create a national tournament where our students can compete against the best in the country ’ ”

As chair of the AIMS Games Trust, Popping oversaw its expansion while remaining committed to its original purpose: showcasing intermediate schools and giving young people the opportunity to shine The event ’ s growth – now requiring two opening d h f

ceremonies – stands as a testament to his vision for community engagement and student wellbeing

Local partnership

Another significant collaboration during his tenure was Te Tai Whanake ki Tauranga Moana, a locally developed curriculum created in partnership with Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi and Ngāti Pūkenga The multi-year project produced an online te reo Māori curriculum resource for schools across the wider Tauranga Moana area, with Popping chairing the kaitiaki leadership group that oversaw its development.

When asked what advice he would offer other principals, he cautioned against chasing educational trends. “Be careful not to jump on every bandwagon that comes along. Look at what the research is telling us.

“Make sure whatever you choose to do is for the

greater good of the students and will genuinely make a difference to their learning ”

As he prepared to leave Ōtūmoetai Intermediate soon, Popping hoped his legacy would be one of positive influence

“I just hope I’ve been able to touch the lives of students in a way that helps them become fantastic citizens – confident, capable and compassionate ”

A special time

For him, intermediate school is a formative chapter

“It’s a special time to discover who you are, what you love, and the kind of person you want to become ”

Reflecting on his tenure, he expressed deep gratitude for the support of staff, the Board of Trustees, and the wider Ōtūmoetai community

“I’ve always felt supported,” he said “Together, we ’ ve taken an entrepreneurial approach to leadership, viewing every challenge as an opportunity to improve and adapt.”

While yet to decide his next professional step, Popping looked forward to time for reflection and new adventures. He will leave behind a school strengthened by enduring values, a commitment to excellence, and a culture built on belonging and trust

After more than a quarter of a century, Popping’s leadership had shaped not only Ōtūmoetai Intermediate, but the wider education community in Tauranga. Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Te Whatu Stardome Observatory and Planetarium said the only lunar eclipse of 2026 will begin on Tuesday, March 3 at about 9.45pm.

“In just 10 days, Aotearoa New Zealand will have a front-row seat to witness a total lunar eclipse in its entirety – the only lunar eclipse of 2026.”

The moon will begin to enter Earth’s shadow, “slowly dimming before turning a deep red hue at around 11pm”.

The total eclipse – also known as a “Blood Moon” – will happen just after midnight on Wednesday, March 4, with the best time to catch it at about 12.30am

No special equipment was needed to view the eclipse, Stardome said “Just your eyes and a clear

view of the sky Be sure to check the forecast for your local area if you ’ re planning to watch this dazzling celestial display According to Stardome there would not be another total lunar eclipse until 2028 “and we are among the few locations able to watch the entire event unfold over the Pacific”.

“Only an estimated 2% of Earth’s population will be able to view this eclipse from beginning to end ” Tauranga Astronomy Society said at this stage it would not open its observatory for the viewing – since the eclipse will be after midnight. However, the club’s first public meeting for 2026 will be on Tuesday, March 10, from 7.30pm at Otumoetai Sports & Recreation Club building, Fergusson Park, end of Tilby Drive, Matua. Entry is $5 for non-members and free for TAS members and children. Find out more about the club at: https:// tas.org.nz

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School Fair & Open Day

Families across the Bay of Plenty are invited to a day of creativity, community, and family fun at the Tauranga Waldorf School Fair & Open Day on Sunday, March 1, from 10am-3pm at 364 Welcome Bay Rd.

After a five-year break, the much-loved fair returns with renewed energy, blending vibrant activities, artisan markets, delicious food, and live entertainment with the chance to explore the school’s unique learning environment.

“We love opening the gates and inviting the wider community in,” Tauranga Waldorf School teacher Fiona Thomas said. “The fair reflects who we are –creative, connected, and committed to giving children a grounded, meaningful education. It’s a highlight of our year ”

Children can enjoy a pirate ship, walnut shell sailing, candle dipping, a child-only shop where young shoppers can choose treasures all on their own and a child-only allergy-friendly café.

Older children can try archery at the farm, a flying fox, Stack-a-Crate, orienteering, henna, flower garland and bead bracelet making, and much more.

Foodies and marketgoers will find waffles, dhal and rice, woodfire pizza, Nice Cream, Jungle Boogie Cacao, Pippy’s Pantry treats, smoothies from a smoothie bike, a sausage sizzle and coffee Artisan stalls will showcase crafts, gifts, plants, produce, and handmade treasures.

Thomas said the fair will double as an Open Day for those curious about Waldorf education From 10.30am-2.30pm, visitors can tour the Open Day Classroom and meet teachers

“Whether you ’ re a current family, prospective parent, or simply curious, we warmly invite you to drop in, ask questions, and experience the classroom environment for yourself ”

Set on 16 acres of organically tended land, Tauranga Waldorf School sees itself as “ a country school in the city”. The school offers a playground wonderland, bush kindergarten, and a learning environment rich in arts and outdoor experiences, all designed to support selfdirected, reflective learners

Organised largely by parents, all proceeds from the fair support Waldorf education and enhance learning opportunities across the school. Visitors are encouraged to bring reusable plates and cups and allow time to explore the full range of activities. Bright roadside signs by OnPar Golf Marketing Specialists add a colourful touch to the event.

From hands-on games and natureinspired crafts to live music, food, and community connection, the Tauranga Waldorf School Fair & Open Day promises a full day of family fun and discovery

Entry is free and everyone is welcome. For parking and updates, visit the Tauranga Waldorf School Market and Fair Facebook page.

Meet Bay of Plenty’s council map-maker

There’s a tonne of signage around the Bay of Plenty, and lots with maps pointing people in all directions. But the maps Georgia Edwards creates are vital to the community

Edwards works at Bay of Plenty Regional Council as a geospatial analyst The job sees her collect, manage, analyse and map location-based data using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to support decisions by the council. She also transforms spatial data from satellite imagery, LiDAR, and field surveys into visual insights. Her standout project for the council has been creating the region’s tsunami evacuation maps. “I first got involved with the tsunami evacuation maps project in 2022 when the updating of maps from red/orange/yellow zones to one blue zone was being worked on “They’re on public signs, so when my family visits, I can point and say, ‘I made that map’," Edwards said. “It’s the most visible piece of work I’ve done and it helps keep people safe.”

Easier to understand

She said it was a great opportunity to learn about communicating scientific data with the public. “It was interesting working with both the modelling outputs of where a tsunami was predicted to impact the region and then seeing this information turn into something easier to understand at a glance for the public. “You really see how many ways the information can be interpreted and how important it is to consider every detail of the map ” When Edwards tells people what she does for a living, the most common reply is: ‘Haven’t all the maps been made?’ As such, she believes her role is often

misunderstood “People think I’m out exploring new lands,” she laughed “The reality is that geospatial mapping is about data and decisions – it’s critical to how we plan for the future.”

Edwards’ journey into this career began at Auckland’s Botany Downs Secondary College in geography class, thanks to an influential teacher, Miss Brodie. “She was my geography teacher for Years 11- 13,” Edwards said. “She was passionate about GIS and made sure we did assignments that gave us hands-on experience.”

At the time, Edwards wasn ’ t convinced “After a particularly frustrating day of software crashes, I told my friends I’d never, ever work in GIS. They love reminding me of that now ” At university Edwards initially pursued microbiology alongside geography “I thought I’d work in a lab, but staring down a microscope all day wasn ’ t for me. ”

Ticked the boxes

A career workshop shifted her perspective, prompting her to think about what she wanted from her day-to-day life: Variety, meaningful work and a role that made a difference. GIS ticked all the boxes

At 19, Edwards secured a Prime Minister’s Scholarship for Asia and spent six weeks in Mumbai, interning with the Maharashtra State Government’s Mangrove Cell “I was very underqualified,” she laughed “They thought they were getting a PhD student!”

Tasked with analysing mangrove ecosystems, Edwards worked independently in a new culture, gaining experience that later helped her land her first job

Graduating with a Bachelor of Science majoring in biological sciences and geography from the University of Auckland, Edwards joined Auckland Council’s bio information team, supporting projects focused on biosecurity issues, such as kauri

dieback and pest control. “It was a lot of photos of deer poo and dead possums ” –however, the role honed her technical skills and introduced her to the power of GIS in environmental management

Three years ago she moved to Tauranga and a broader remit at the regional council. “I wanted to branch out from biosecurity y and work on a variety of projects,” she said That

variety had been everything she’d hoped for – including interactive dashboards for volunteer groups, mapping freshwater data and supporting teams across the organisation. Visibility matters

For Edwards, the visibility of this information matters because GIS often operates behind the scenes “People don’t realise how critical it is to decision-making

Tipoftheiceberg?

Our maps and dashboards help teams track progress, secure funding and plan for the future ” Edwards also serves on the New Zealand ESRI User Group Committee, helping organise regional conferences that connect GIS professionals across Waikato and Bay of Plenty In future, Edwards wants to keep doing good work with good people “If my job contributes to something positive and I’m surrounded by supportive colleagues, that’s success for me ”

New patrol boat launched in Tauranga

A new patrol boat has been launched into service in Tauranga.

Local kaumatua Puhirake Ihaka (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa) joined with Bay of Plenty Regional Council senior maritime officers, Tauranga’s harbourmaster and other iwi leaders at a blessing and launch at Sulphur Point this month.

“The new patrol boat Manaaki was recently launched as a like-for-like replacement of a patrol boat that is being retired after 10 years of service,” Tauranga Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters said.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council operates small patrol/response boats that have been in service through the 2010s and into the 2020s. A notable earlier vessel is the Moko, a roughly 5.5 m rigidhulled inflatable patrol/utility boat commissioned around 2016 for harbour safety and compliance duties, was used by the harbourmaster and maritime team.

Safeguarding

Unlike its predecessor Moko, which referenced a specific rangatira (chief) associated with Ngāi Te Rangi, and acknowledged the region’s tangata whenua and the council’s partnership with local iwi, the name Manaaki reflects a core value – one of care, protection and service to the community Manaaki reflects its use for safeguarding people on the water, responding in emergencies, protecting the harbour

environment and serving the community

Ngāi Tamarāwaho kaumatua Buddy Mikaere, who attended the launch event, said that the new vessel was a wonderful addition to the city’s emergency services.

“In the wake of the Mauao tragedy it was important that our first responders have the best equipment available and the new patrol vessel certainly looks the goods,” Mikaere said.

Busiest port

“Tauranga is probably the busiest port in the country now and combined with the large number of leisure vessels calling the harbour home, it is important that we have the ability to help ensure the safety of all those using its waters. ”

The launch event was attended by Barry Ngatoko (Ngāi Tamarāwaho), Tamati Tata (Ngāi Tamarāwaho), and BOPRC maritime officers Jacqui Sinclair, Roly Bagshaw and Daniel Bramley “It was very appropriate that the new vessel receive a blessing from the tangata whenua of the community given the importance that the harbour holds for iwi and hapu,” Mikaere said “In this instance Manaaki meaning help or assistance was an appropriate name for the new vessel.

The new vessel will be based in Ngai Tamarawaho’s traditional hapu area. ”

The six-metre inflatable rib was built in Auckland by Kiwi Yachting and will be on the water daily during summer and used ad hoc during winter months Rosal

Fire came into the SPCA with her sibling when their owners could not be found

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Quick-witted and endlessly curious, she’s always one step ahead, whether she’s solving a puzzle or charming everyone she meets

With her radiant spirit and fearless flair, Fire is a force of nature wrapped in soft fur and sunshine.

Come meet Fire today Phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 578 0245.

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Consultation open for BOPRC’s A Annual Plan and LTP amendment

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has adopted its 2026/2027 draft Annual Plan and a proposed amendment to the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan for community consultation

Regional Council chair Matemoana McDonald said this year ’ s consultation was one of the most significant in recent years, as the council seeks community direction during a time of uncertainty and reform

“The Bay of Plenty is built on relationships – between people, places, and the environment,” she said “In this period of national change, those relationships guide the decisions we make This consultation is about ensuring

our communities are at the heart of the choices that will shape our region’s future ”

Across Aotearoa, Local Government is undergoing major review, with proposed legislative changes that could reshape the role and responsibilities of regional councils, she said

At the same time, councils were managing rising costs, infrastructure pressures, and increasing expectations for clear value for ratepayer investment

Careful, focused planning

McDonald said this environment required careful, future focused planning

“We’re working in an uncertain environment, and we need to safeguard the long-term wellbeing of our region

That means making disciplined decisions now, so that future generations benefit from the work we do today.

and cultural benefits across the Bay of Plenty

The second asked whether council should invest less, the same, or more in protecting and enhancing indigenous biodiversity, as it develops a Regional Indigenous Biodiversity Strategy

“Our communities have consistently told us they want efficient, visible delivery and long-term value This consultation is an opportunity to check that we ’ re heading in the right direction and to make adjustments together”

The council’s consultation invited feedback on both the 2026/2027 draft Annual Plan and a proposed amendment to the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan

An amendment to the current Long Term Plan was required because the council considered significant changes to the structure of its more than $3 billion investment portfolio

General rates up 4%

The Annual Plan consultation also invited feedback on the wider proposed work programme and budgets. Following a comprehensive budget review, the council had identified savings, refined project timing and prioritised core work, resulting in a projected general rates increase of 4%, down from a forecast 8.2% that was signalled in the LTP 2024-2034

The proposal was a continuation of decisions made through the LTP 20242034, including the managed partial sell-down of the Port of Tauranga shareholding to diversify the portfolio and reduce risk

Significant

Chair McDonald said this next step was significant because it explored how the council could optimise returns on behalf of the community, while preserving and protecting assets for future generations

“These investments are intergenerational They represent decades of effort and foresight Any changes must be made openly, carefully, and with the clear support of the people they belong to – the people of the Bay of Plenty”

Alongside the proposed LTP Amendment, the council was consulting on its draft 2026/2027 Annual Plan, with a focus on two key topics

The first explored whether to establish a fund to support organisations and local councils to deliver regional infrastructure projects that enable broad economic, environmental, social

McDonald said this consultation provided an important opportunity for communities to contribute to decisions affecting the 2026/2027 financial year and beyond, including major investment changes, core service delivery, funding and fees

“We know affordability is front of mind for many households That’s why we ’ ve taken a hard look at our budgets and found ways to minimise the rates impact while still protecting essential work

“But we need our communities to tell us whether we ’ ve got the balance right Your feedback really does influence the decisions we make.”

Submit feedback

Consultation is open February 25 to April 2 There are several ways for the community to have their say, including online and at in-person events

Full details are available at: www boprc govt nz/consultation2026, or by emailing: LTPAnnualPlan@boprc govt nz or phone 0800 884 880

Veteran Tauranga designer wins Zony Award

Veteran Tauranga designer Alf Weston’s return to the stage has been capped with a major honour, winning a Zony Award for costume design for Tauranga Repertory Society’s 2025 production of Nell Gwynn.

The Zonys – representing theatre groups across the Central Zone from Hamilton through Thames, Cambridge, Tauranga, and as far as Rotorua – were presented at a formal ceremony at Classic Flyers Aviation Museum late last year Weston, 77, was unable to attend the awards evening, but the production’s director accepted the accolade on his behalf

Gold, rich tones

“I was very pleased with it,” Weston said “They were quite elaborate costumes It was full Renaissance styling, and fortunately I had references of portraits of Nell Gwynn herself and the King that I could refer to and take a lot of information from ”

Several of the lead character’s gowns were directly inspired by historical portraits of the 17th Century actress and mistress of King Charles II Rather than dressing her in the predictable scarlets of a former courtesan, Weston drew on the rich gold tones featured in paintings from her time at court

“You expect her to be in low-cut red dresses,” he said “But many of her portraits were in gold, so I was researching rich gold fabrics and dressing

her from that ” Weston was quick to credit the people who brought his designs to life “I thank the team of 10 fantastic machinists who actually sewed the costumes – they did a stunning job

“And a big thanks to my wife Cherie, who has helped me right through my career and, even though it is not her field, has always pitched in on projects like these – and also put up with me. ”

The win was part of a strong night for Tauranga, with the 16th Avenue Theatre company taking home five awards Dennis Fenwick was named Best Director, Brendon Weatherley received Best Actor, Sarah Bate won Best Supporting Actor Female, and Jason Chamberlain was awarded Best Supporting Actor Male

Talent reflected

Heather Graham, president of 16th Avenue Theatre, described the recognition as “ a proud moment for the society, reflecting the depth of talent within the local theatre community”

For Weston, the award marked another milestone in a career spanning more than five decades across community theatre, professional stage, and television He began sewing as a schoolboy in rural Waikato before joining the Hamilton Operatic Society in the 1960s In 1974 he joined Television New Zealand in Christchurch, working on a feature about aviator Richard Pearse and later designing costumes for the 13-part drama series Hunter’s Gold, filmed in Queenstown Over the years he has worked in television, owned businesses,

and contributed to numerous stage productions In 2011 he designed costumes for a major Auckland production of Anything Goes at the Civic Theatre, a rare opportunity, he said, to work with a generous budget By contrast, community theatre demands ingenuity

Something out of nothing

“You often have to make do with things and create something out of nothing,” he said For Nell Gwynn, that meant trawling op shops, curtain stores, and

fabric outlets in Tauranga and Hamilton in search of rich brocades and vibrant hues “Unfortunately, everything seemed to be grey or beige,” he laughed “But every now and then you’d find curtains with beautiful silky textures There were several actresses bouncing around on stage dressed in somebody’s lounge curtains ”

With limited workspace at the theatre, Weston cut many of the costumes at his own dining room table, measuring actors individually and designing each outfit around character and colour

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“I usually start by reading the script over and over and working out the personalities Colours are a wonderful tool They subtly influence how the audience feels about a character”

Although Weston describes himself as “moderately creative,” his body of work – from television dramas to opera and ballet – suggests otherwise His return from retirement for Nell Gwynn was demanding and, at times, exhausting, but ultimately rewarding “It was quite an

interesting journey,” he said “And it seemed to work out well ”

The magic

For Weston, the magic lies not only in the finished costumes but in the small, clever details that make the audience believe in the story

“If the audience sits there wondering ‘how on earth they managed that quick change?’ – then you know you ’ ve done your job,” he said With a Zony Award now added to his long list of achievements, Tauranga audiences can be grateful

that retirement did not last forever

More than that, Weston’s recognition shines a light on the often-unseen backstage heroes who bring theatre to life – a reminder that every stitch, every curtain fabric, and every colour choice contributes to the magic on stage

“Ultimately, it’s all about the story and the audience experience,” Weston said “If people leave the theatre thinking, ‘How did they do that?’ – then we ’ ve done our job That’s the real reward ”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

The public were welcomed at a funeral service for a Tauranga rough sleeper after an “outpouring of grief” in the community

Police have said Dax Rodney Holland’s body was discovered in a secluded area of Tauranga’s Wharepai Domain on February 14.

A 24-year-old man has been charged with Holland’s murder

Holland, 54, has been described as wellknown around Tauranga, a regular attendee at community meals, and the “big guardian of the CBD”.

Elliotts Funeral Services assistant manager Yvonne Winch said with family consent, they held a public service for a “ very special and colourful character, who had graced our city streets for many years”.

Holland’s immediate family had already held a private family service to celebrate his life.

“They are happy that the community Dax was so passionate about could come together and remember him.”

The chapel, at 414 Cameron Rd, held a service at 1pm today, February 27, and mourners could write a personal message on Holland’s casket. The official service began at 1.30pm.

“We felt we could support our community and make a positive contribution at such a distressing time by providing a place for those who wish to come together and acknowledge the loss of a popular and much-loved member of our community,” Winch said She said everyone was “ most welcome”, and Elliotts provided light refreshments between 2pm and 3pm.

Holland would be privately cremated Last week, two memorial services were held for Holland - one at Under the Stars and the other at the Lifezone Church in Judea.

Sandra Conchie

Ōmokoroa roundabout work to finish by end of March

Contractors had moved into the final stages of the Ōmokoroa roundabout project, with work to be completed by the end of March, according to Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Council’s infrastructure growth and delivery manager Annelie Badenhorst said State Highway 2 and peninsula drivers travelling through the roundabout would soon enjoy a smoother ride – but the work’s completion would depend on weather

During the next few weeks, crews would lay structural asphalt layers at the roundabout and along the road for about 60 metres in each direction

These layers would make the road stronger in the high stress areas, Badenhorst said Once this was done, the team would move on to apply the final road surface across the whole area. “These works will take place between 6pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday nights

“We expect the surfacing to take around four weeks to complete, however this timeframe is heavily dependent on weather conditions,” Badenhorst said.

During the night work, stop/go operations using temporary traffic lights would be in place to manage traffic safely through the works.

“Please follow all signage and speed restrictions Overnight delays may be longer than usual, so allow extra time if you ’ re travelling through the area, ”

Badenhorst said

Once the road surfacing was finished, crews would compplete the finishing g touches, including signage, safety barriers, landscaping and line marking.

Designed to improve safety and traffic flow, the SH2/Omokoroa Rd roundabout was a minimum 10-year interim solution to address the needs of the intersection until funding becomes available to build a full interchange through NZ Transport Agency’s proposed Tauranga Northern Link Stage 2. Find out more at: https://

An update on Maua

Just over a month has passed since the tragic landslide at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, and there continues to be strong community interest in when our iconic taonga, Mauao, may be able to reopen to the public.

Unfortunately, at this stage, the answer is that we don’t know yet. Geologist and geotechnical engineer assessments show there are 42 separate landslides across the walking tracks of Mauao, many of which are severe and complex requiring engineering solutions. Now the initial assessments are complete, we are focused on finding solutions to fix and continue work to understand the ongoing risks we are dealing with to help us in our decision making.

Public safety priority

Until there is a very high level of confidence that the risk of further landslides is minimal, public safety must remain our priority Any future decisions about the reopening of Mauao will be made alongside iwi and the Mauao Trust, and will be guided by safety, respect for what has occurred, and the community’s deep aroha for the maunga.

To help manage ongoing risk, a real time monitoring and automated alarm system has been installed on the mountain. This system is designed to detect early signs of land movement and trigger an alert if movement thresholds are exceeded. If the warning alarm activates, people should move away from the area immediately

At the time of writing, the Pilot Bay boat ramp remains closed, following advice that there is still a heightened risk of further slips that could affect this area Access to the Surf

nzta govt nz/projects/sh2-waihi-totauranga-corridor/takitimu-north-link/ stagge-2-te-ppuna-to-omokoroa

Badenhorst said it was exciting to see the Ōmokoroa roundabout project nearing completion. “Seeing it come together is an important milestone in helping to deliver better, safer journeys for the community” However, works on Ōmokoroa Rd would continue over the coming months, she said

For more information on this project, see yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz

Life Saving Club also remains closed, and the building continues to be red placarded until geotechnical assessments confirm that landslides from the area behind it no longer pose such a significant risk.

Mount township open

While Mauao remains closed, Mount Maunganui itself is very much open I encourage locals and visitors to continue enjoying all it has to offer – from the beautiful beaches and the Marine Parade Coastal Pathway to Hopukiore (Mount Drury), along with the many great retail and hospitality options available. Local businesses have been impacted, and continued community support will play an important role in helping businesses, the wider community and our city recover from this tragic event.

‘Thank you ’

In the weeks following the tragedy, the He Maimai Aroha community care centre provided a dedicated space for people to come together to grieve, reflect and support one another As this space has now closed, we want to thank everyone who visited, shared their aroha, and helped support others during an incredibly difficult time All condolences shared at the centre will be respectfully archived, and a separate plan is being developed for the future location or disposition of the condolence boards in consultation with the families

Auto extravagganza revs up on March 8!

Get revved up and ready to go –because The REPCO Tauranga Auto Extravaganza roars back in town next Sunday, March 8, at Mercury Baypark from 10am-2pm.

Organiser Neville McKay said this year the Hato Hone St John fundraiser will offer a cracker of a show filled with all kinds of wheels and family fun to make the crowd hum with delight

“Now that we have a larger venue at Mercury Baypark, the show will be bigger and better than ever before,” said McKay, who spends 12 months organising the show with his good mates Keith Sawyer and Barry Gordon

Cars, trucks galore!

In fact, the men will have show cars, race cars, vintage cars, classic cars, hot rods, bikes, logging and road trucks, cranes and digger parked left, right and centre

“It will be a wheel-lovers’ paradise for kids right through to the grandparents It is now a community event – so it is for the kids as much as the adults That means I’ve got $1000 worth toys to give away this year, ” said McKay

“A really special attraction this year is a privately-owned McLaren M10A race car coming to the show from Napier, said McKay “These open-wheel, V8-powered machines were dominant in Formula 5000 racing, with the M10A winning the 1969 championship!”

Another big drawcard will be a hovercraft parked up by Tauranga-based British Hovercraft NZ company “Anyone who goes to have a look at this stunning beauty of a machine at the show can go into a draw to win a free hovercraft ride on Tauranga Harbour,” said McKay

The extravaganza would also host its usual big drawcard – the auto swap meet, with the public invited to bring along their cars – all makes and models are welcome – to display

Exhibitors can arrive from 8am and have

their vehicles set up for display by 9 30am, McKay said “We’ll have a large variety of vehicles to look at Kids right through to the elderly will be fizzing!”

Plus, McKay said, all vehicles that are put on display for the day will enter draw to win a big mystery prize

“This will be drawn at 1 30pm – but you ’ ve got to be present to claim it!”

McKay said event sponsor Tyre Change would host wheel-changing competitions for men and women teams from 11am

Trophies, comps, free goodies

There will be trophies for best classes of vehicles given out at 1 30pm and competitions for Best Dressed Women and Best Dressed Man Plus, plenty of car-related goodies would be given away in raffles and auctions and a variety of food stands would ensure no-one went hungry

Gates open 10am, with an official opening beforehand Two pipers would open the event, with Tauranga City Councillor Steve Morris and former mayor Kelvin Clout in attendance

“At the opening a kaumatua will hold a karakia (prayer) followed by two minutes’ silence for the people lost their lives at Mount Maunganui and Welcome Bay on January 22, which was appropriate given the community is still deeply hurting,” McKay

Loads of carparking

McKay said the main thing people should know is the event is at Mercury Baypark “It’s going to be so much better because it has a lot more room – the beauty of it is there’s oodles of carparking for show-goers ”

And every cent raised goes to St John Tauranga, said McKay “We want to people to know that all money raised stays local and is given St John because they really need the support!”

Entry is $5 per adult and under-14s with school ID will gain free entry

Find out at ‘REPCO Tauranga Auto Extravaganza’ on Facebook or see their advert on this page

Work to begin on one-way Miro St next month

A new one-way layout for Mount Maunganui’s Miro St will soon come to life after Tauranga City Council approved a new design that includes a recessed parking bay.

The new design has a section of Miro St – between Matai St and Hinau St – changed to a oneway, Mount Maunganui-bound street, and a recessed parking bay added on Matai St.

Construction is expected to begin late-March/early-April, with works taking about three weeks to complete, said the council in a statement.

Further information will be provided to residents and businesses prior to works starting and published online.

Miro St is located next to Blake Park, with about 111 properties along the 220-metre section between Matai St and Hinau St – the most densely developed part of the road

With rapid residential growth and a rise in sports tournaments at Blake Park, parking in the area had been increasingly difficult.

Council said the changes would deliver 22 new on-street parking spaces and improve access without the need for major construction.

A new footpath will also be built on the eastern side of Miro

St to improve accessibility and help address issues with berm parking.

The one-way proposal was developed in response to residents’ concerns about limited parking, which led to vehicles parking on grass berms, affecting pedestrian accessibility

Community engagement took place late-2025 to understand local views on the proposal.

Feedback showed 69% of survey respondents (60 people responded in total) supported introducing the one-way system on Miro St. Of 25 responses from Miro St residents, 21 were in favour of the proposal.

A key change in the design is the direction of travel for vehicles, which will now be northbound toward Mount Maunganui to support smoother traffic movement particularly after Blake Park events

Alternative options to maintain two-way traffic flow while adding angled carparks were explored in the design process but required more extensive construction and higher costs.

Deputy Mayor and Mauao/ Mount Maunganui Ward

Councillor Jen Scoular said the feedback from residents along Miro St for a one-way street was positive

“Overall feedback showed strong support for addressing parking pressure and safety,

while also highlighting concerns about cost and how the street will function day-to-day

“Having spent a lot of time on the street myself, I’ve seen firsthand that parking demand far exceeds the available spaces, with cars ending up on berms creating real safety concerns.

“This one-way option offers the best value for money with the lowest cost per parking space ” For more information, visit: letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/miro-street

Best buds keep the conversation flowing.

Golfing fun and prizes are up for grabs at the Findex Community Fund Golf Day on March 20. Photo / Supplied

Ōropi Grove Mountain Bike Park has re-opened

After being closed for more than a year, Ōropi Grove Mountain Bike Park has re-opened this month.

The park, which opened its gates February 20, now offers refreshed tracks and trails alongside a new riding backdrop

about 10,000 tonnes of trees harvested leaving a new riding environment.

Directional track signage had been installed on the reopened tracks to assist riders and walkers on their way, wit additional park entry signs to be installed later this year

C Charity golf day hits Tauranga

A charity golf day run by a national accounting firm is being brought to Tauranga for the first time next month.

The fifth running of the Findex Community Fund Golf Day will be hosted at Omanu Golf Club in Mount Maunganui on March 20 – and is set to raise thousands for communities in need.

The event targets golfers of any capability, from those first getting to grips with the clubs through to seasoned pros, inviting competitors to swing for 18 holes played in Ambrose style

This year Findura will sponsor a ‘Hole in One’ competition and offer participants the chance to win a brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado VX Hybrid valued at $95,490, while Khov Jonescomes on-board as the drinks sponsor, ensuring all on-course beverages are included throughout the day Fiordland Discovery returns as a sponsor, with the event ’ s charity auction featuring a high-value prize of six nights for two aboard the Fiordland Jewel for a Southern Fiordland cruise in the Captain Cook cabin, valued at $16,000 Findex’s Tauranga-based senior partner

Michelle Malcolm said last year ’ s event in Nelson raised $54,956 towards a new ambulance station for Hato Hone St John.

“Each successive event gives our clients and business partners a great opportunity for some fun, whilst doing something amazing for the local community, and our selected charities ”

This year ’ s charities set to event for the event included men ’ s mental health initiative

UOKBRO, Omanu Beach Surf Life Saving Club, and food rescue and practical support organisation Good Neighbour

Malcolm said interested parties were invited to register their interest and book a team of four – tickets are priced at $115+GST each – or sign up as an individual and be allocated to a team to meet new people.

The day would include everything Omanu Golf Club has to offer, along with on-course activities, barbecue and drink stations, a post-game networking event with an auction fundraiser, and prizegiving Registration opens 11am on March 20, with prizegiving and the charity auction taking place from 6pm in the clubhouse.

For more information and to register, visit: https://insights findex co.nz/fcf-golf

Since September 2024 mature trees were felled to protect water infrastructure beneath the park and to remove the possibility of falling debris.

According to Tauranga City Council, riders returning to Ōropi Grove will immediately notice a difference, with

Mountainbike Tauranga encouraged early morning and evening rides to get the best experience, and for riders to come to the park after but not during any rains.

More information about Mountainbike Tauranga is at: mtbtauranga.co.nz

Fishing comp for kids at Tauranga bridge marina

A fishing competition for kids is being held next Sunday, March 8, at Tauranga Bridge marina from 10am-2pm

The Tauranga Blue Light Kids Gone Fishin’ Day, sponsored by Tauranga McDonalds will offer a funfilled day of fishing.

The free event invites families to register on-site on the day – and to bring their own bait and fishing rods Limited bait and reels will be available for those who don’t have equipment

There will be spot prizes and a free sausage sizzle on offer Police and Blue Light staff will be in attendance Find more information, visit: www bluelight co nz

Thousands of books await new noses

Book and art lovers are in for a treat this weekend –Rotary Club of Tauranga’s annual Book and Art Sale is on!

Rotary Club of Tauranga president Sue Boyne said her team was expecting thousands of people to flock to the Seeka Coolstore at the Mount to wander through the thousands of books, magazines, puzzles art and more, as the event celebrates its 39th year

Boyne said they were delighted with the incredible range of books and art that had been donated for this year ’ s sale, which will open 9am-5pm on February

28-March 1

“We have a bigger range than usual of more valuable books, especially New Zealand historical books. It’s going to delight a lot of people ”

Art lovers are also in for a treat, Boyne said

“We’re immensely grateful to people from all over the Bay who have generously donated their art pieces

“We have more than previous years – and I have no doubt there’s something for everyone ”

Run annually as a key Rotary Club of Tauranga community event, the proceeds from the book and art sale enable the club to

support key local initiatives, Boyne said.

“The proceeds allow us to commit to many longerterm community projects in a meaningful way, giving sustainability to some vital initiatives

five years, said it’s always exciting to see it come together

“It’s a huge task that our volunteers work through, to get the books and art sorted and ready – but it’s also so exciting, especially this year because of the wide variety of interesting books and all the extra art pieces we have There are even more jigsaws for the puzzlers to enjoy this year too!”

The 2026 Rotary Club of Tauranga Book and Art Sale is 9am-5pm Saturday, February 28 and Sunday, March 1, at the Seeka l d Thousands of books are set to be

“Proceeds from previous sales have been gifted to the likes of Riding for the Disabled, foodbanks, kindergartens, Outward Bound, schools, Te Puna Quarry Park, K Valley, Blind Low Vision NZ, Child Cancer Foundation, Trees for Survival, Under the Stars, Life Education Trust and others ” ll h h

Could you give up sugar or something else tough for a month?

The Gut Cancer Foundation is encouraging Kiwis to join a 31-day challenge in March to support those battling with a gut cancer

People who sign up receive a free tracker – to track whatever they have forfeited for the 31 days – and are encouraged to raise funds from their challenge.

Doing so will help tackle some of New Zealand’s most common and deadliest cancers – bowel, pancreatic, stomach,

Food safety tips in warm weather

With warm weather still hanging about, the New Zealand Food Safety is reminding Kiwis to keep food safety top of mind.

New Zealand Food Safety deputydirector general Vincent Arbuckle said cases of food poisoning typically rise in summer months as people enjoy eating outdoors, travelling and barbecuing. “We all know washing hands before handling food is our first line of defence Here are some other practical tips ”

Don’t wash raw chicken

Washing raw chicken does not make the chicken any safer but it does spread harmful bacteria, increasing risk of contamination. Instead, NZFS recommends patting chicken dry with a paper towel and the disposing of it.

To prevent cross-contamination always wash hands after handling raw chicken and keep raw chicken separate from readyto-eat and fresh foods, using separate chopping boards, plates, and utensils. Always thoroughly wash preparation surfaces, dishes and utensils with hot soapy water, then rinse and dry before using them for other foods.

Don’t let raw chicken or juices touch ready-to-eat foods, and ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly until juices run clear

Safe barbecuing

Use separate utensils, chopping boards, and plates for raw and cooked meat, and barbecue meat until it is more than 75°C all the way through and thoroughly cooked

If you don’t have a thermometer, turn chicken, pork, and sausages often so they

cook evenly, and juices run clear

Mince should be thoroughly cooked right through until firm and browned.

Ensure barbecue and cooking tools have been cleaned with soap and water before using Marinate meat in a covered container in the fridge and cook marinades before pouring over cooked meat

Chill food

Store foods like salads, meats, and cheeses in a chilly bin with ice packs until needed Cover and chill food until you cook it. Chill leftovers as soon as possible Eat leftover within two days – when in doubt, chuck them out.

Store purchased food in a chilly bag or bin with ice packs to transport long distances

Level up leftovers

Leftovers of cooked meals that are normally eaten without reheating should be refrigerated and eaten within two days.

Leftovers eaten hot – keep refrigerated and eat within four days Reheat until piping hot before eating.

Eat salads containing raw leafy greens as soon as possible after preparation Use any leftover salad as ingredients in cooked dishes – or throw them out.

Store in a ham bag in the fridge for up to seven days if you plan to eat it cold

If you reheat it to piping hot (more than 75°C) before eating, it will keep a further two days.

Keep rice-based leftovers refrigerated and eat them within two days.

Don’t reheat leftovers more than once. For more information, see: www mpi govt nz/ dmsdocument/3662-Food-Safety-at-Home

oesophageal, liver and biliary – by raising funds for researchers to find new ways to spot, treat and beat gut cancers.

According to the foundation, gut cancers kill eight Kiwis every day and there’s a massive shortage of research funding for all gut cancers.

Those keen can sign up at: www.giveitup.nz and choose their challenge and then go about seeking sponsorship for their efforts form family, friends, work colleagues and the wider community

To sign up or find out more, visit: www.giveitup.nz

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A considered appproach to home desiggn

Most people don’t build or renovate often. When they do, they want to get it right – not just for now, but for the long run. At Sorrento Shutters, that mindset shapes every decision.

Working with homeowners across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, the team understands that how a home feels to live in matters just as much as how it looks Light, privacy, insulation and flow all play a role in daily comfort

“People want solutions that work beautifully day-to-day, not just something that looks good,” said local owner-operator Kane BurtonBrown “That’s why we never offer a one-size-fits-all approach ” Plantation (timber) shutters are a popular and timeless choice, adding warmth and elegant framing to both modern and classic interiors Sorrento’s PVC shutters offer the same clean, architectural finish, with added durability that makes them ideal for busy households, wet areas and coastal environments

“We offer a wide range of colours and stains, along with full colourmatching to ensure shutters complement your home’s interior,” Burton-Brown said.

All Sorrento shutters are designed to last and are backed

by a 10-year warranty The offering extends beyond shutters, with a premium range of New Zealand-made blinds, including motorised roller blinds, classic venetians and insulated honeycomb styles. With broad fabric and colour options, blinds work beautifully on their own or layered with shutters, and come with five-to-seven-year warranties depending on the product.

“What underpins everything we do is a hands-on way of working,” said BurtonBrown. “From the first conversation to the final install, clients deal with one person who knows their project inside out. ”

Sorrento Shutters offers free, no-obligation in-home consultations with expert advice and a custom quote provided on the spot For more information, contact Kane Burton-Brown on 07 577 0077 or visit sorrentoshutters.co.nz.

WHERE

MEETS DESIGN

Sorrento Shutters transform your space with custom designs that are as smart as they are beautiful. Offering privacy, insulation and light control in one

Nearly40,000more buildingproductsapproved

Thousands more plumbing and drainage products used widely in Australia can now be accessed easily by Kiwi tradies and do-ityourself homeowners.

Building and Construction Minister

Chris Penk said the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has recently recognised a second tranche of overseas building products certified under the reputable Australian WaterMark scheme, and issued 54 recognition notices that cover about 38,274 products. This comes after 90,000 WaterMark-approved products – including tapware, water service products, and sanitary and stormwater drainage products – were permitted in the NZ market last October

“While these materials are already tried and tested in Australia and familiar to many tradies in New Zealand, Kiwi builders and designers previously had to individually demonstrate that each product met Building Code requirements when applying for consent to use it.

“By amending the Building Act through the Overseas Building Products Amendment Bill, MBIE can now recognise building products already certified under overseas schemes in comparable countries in the tens of thousands, rather than one at a time ”

Penk said the move reduced unnecessary red tape, costs, and delays while allowing a more diverse range of materials to be used.

Te Puna g gets

ere ’ s big change underway behind the familiar frontage of Four Square Te Puna on State Highway 2.

Local owners Pritesh and Dipti Bhikha investing in a brand-new supermarket ectly behind their existing store at 626 e Highway 2 – a move they said is about keeping up with a fast-growing community and giving locals more of what they’ve been asking for you ’ ve driven past recently, you’ll e seen the progress. The roof was completed last week, and joinery is now underway. While an exact opening date ill subject to construction timelines council approvals, Dipti said they are aiming for June for the new store to be fully operational.

“As you can understand, there are a few factors involved,” she said “But the aim is June to reopen and be operating from the new store. ”

Twice the size

The new building will be approximately twice as big as the current store. Once the Bhikhas shift operations into the new premises, the existing store will be demolished to make way for additional parking In total, there will be 31 carparks – a welcome change for regular

customers who know how tight the current site can be.

From three trolleys to 15, and about 40 baskets, the new store will feel like a significant step up in space and convenience.

Pritesh and Dipti have owned and operated Four Square Te Puna store for 16 years, with their 17th year coming up in November They also live locally

Community, demand growing

“We’re local grocers and are part of the community,” Dipti said. “We see how it’s growing. Our customers have been coming to us and asking us to bring in more products and more varieties. Over the years we have put in as much as we can, but space has been tight.”

That demand – combined with increasing traffic delays for those travelling into Tauranga – helped cement their decision to build bigger

“Sometimes the traffic from here going into town is just crazy, ” Dipti said. “It’s about being there for the community and providing all the services we can, so they don’t have to travel far”

Exciting additions

The expanded store will offer a wider range of fresh produce, meat and dairy

bigger, new Four Square

Included will be an entire dedicated meat section and customers can also expect more specialty cheeses and an increased variety of chilled and frozen goods.

Seafood is another exciting addition, with fresh mussels and other seafood options set to feature.

A commercial kitchen will allow the team to significantly expand its foodto-go offering. Plans include hot cooked chickens, chicken and chip items, more sandwiches and salads, fresh baking, and scoop ice creams. Real fruit ice cream will also be on offer – a treat many families are sure to welcome.

Coffee lovers won ’ t miss out either.

The new store will include barista made coffee and a “lean-to” style bar bench with stools

The new store will have a contemporary look and feel, and a layout designed for convenience and ease, similar to Four Square Mount Maunganui.

The expansion will also mean more local jobs. The store employs 14 staff, including part-timers That number is expected to grow to between 18 and 20 once the new supermarket is up and running

Four Square has been a part of Kiwi

communities for more than 100 years, and the Te Puna store has long been more than just a grocery stop Since 1982, the site has operated as a local supermarket, offering groceries, fresh produce, butchery, Lotto, postal services and more. It has supported local schools, sponsored Te Puna’s rugby teams; and sold a $700,000 Strike Four ticket in 2024.

Investment in future

For Dipti, the new build is about honouring that history while planning for the future.

“This store has been serving the community for over 40 years and we ’ re setting it up for another 40 years, ” she said. “We want to cater to our community’s needs and provide them with all the services we can. ”

While a formal opening celebration will depend on the demolition works happening at the front of the site –customers can expect plenty of in-store specials and celebrations throughout the first month of trading.

For the Bhikhas, it’s not just a bigger building. It’s an investment in Te Puna’s future – and a promise to remain, as always, local Rosalie Liddle Crawford

What World Hearing Day is all about

Next Tuesday, March 3, is World Hearing Day – which h is marked around the globe to r raise awareness of preventable hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care worldwide

The World Health Organisation’s theme for World Hearing Day 2026 is: ‘From communities to classrooms: hearing care for all children’.

The campaign focuses on two imperatives – preventing avoidable childhood hearing loss; and ensuring early identification of and care for children with ear or hearing problems.

“Communities and classrooms are natural entry points to reach children, parents, and teachers By integrating hearing care into school health and child health programmes, we can help children hear, learn, and succeed.”

According to WHO, about 90 million children aged 5-19 live with

hearing loss – a and more than 60% of childhood hearing loss is preventable through simple, cost-effective public health measures.

“Among those living with ear diseases or hearing loss, early identification and care are crucial to prevent long-term impacts on development, education, and future opportunities,” said the WHO website.

New Zealand’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Foundation annually supports WHO by highlighting the importance of integrating ear and hearing care within primary care, as an essential component of universal health coverage.

The foundation website states it believes that experience of hearing loss should be visible and understood in Aotearoa. “That’s why we are working hard to raise awareness for the everyday experiences of dweaf and hard of hearing Kiwis.

“All of our events focus on creating

a more inclusive and accessible society that recognises the needs of our deaf and hard of hearing community”

The foundation’s mission is to help create a society enabling individuals who are deaf or living with hearing loss to thrive, for barriers to be removed and for high quality, accessible hearing healthcare for all.

“We believe that everyone who is deaf or living with hearing loss should have access to communications technologies, support and services that enable them to communicate and connect with others.”

The foundation also said that no one should be at risk of losing their hearing due to noise exposure or other preventable causes, and that every New Zealander should understand the risks to protect their hearing

For more information on World Hearing Day and New Zealand’s Deaf & Hard of Hearing Foundation, visit: www.nfdhh.org.nz

Ensuring being deaf isn’t a barrier

The Tauranga Moana Hearing Trust is a charitable organisation dedicated to making a real difference for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities in Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, and Pāpāmoa

They offer funding to support assistance with hearing aids to improve communication, access to specialised equipment and support for children to participate in special support days and cultural events

The trust is also very passionate about helping students achieve their dreams That’s why they offer scholarships for college and university students.

One such student, Summer Ayala-Dibley, has been a recipient of one of these scholarships. She was born with no hearing in her left ear

“I’ve been like this my whole life, so I have ended up getting used to it,’ says Ayala-Dibley

“I was awarded the scholarship by surprise; I never actually applied, so the fact that I earned one was unexpected, and I feel incredibly grateful.

“This scholarship gives me the opportunity and encouragement to focus on my studies and work on being the best version of myself

“Being given the scholarship by the Tauranga Moana Hearing Trust showed me that people out there recognise my efforts Just knowing that there are people who acknowledge hard-of-hearing students like me makes me feel supported and enthusiastic about my learning journey,” she said.

“My goal is to keep gaining knowledge and skills so I can eventually pursue my dreams as a musician. As a person who grew up deaf, I want people to know that being deaf isn’t a barrier; it’s just a challenge in my story ”

Tips for living well with hearing loss

Hearing Support Bay of Plenty is a not-for-profit organisation that exists to educate, advocate for and support the hard of hearing community and their whanau (family)

“We are an organisation where those with hearing loss are connected, empowered, and respected We meet the needs of our community through sharing information and providing education and advocation services” said Hearing BOP’s Tauranga branch manager Helen Rodgers

“We host Hearing Support coffee groups in Katikati, Pāpāmoa and Whakatāne, sharing tips and strategies for managing life with a hearing loss and providing information about how to access available services ”

W With March 3 – World Hearing Day 2026 – just around the corner, Hearing Bay of Plenty has some top tips for those with hearing impairment trying to navigate life in the community

Rodgers said those who love to socialise at restaurants, cafes and other eateries could make themselves more comfortable by doing the following

“Avoid restaurants with hard floors and high ceilings Sound reverberates and this makes it tricky to hear what people are saying Soft furnishings like tablecloths, rugs and curtains help

“Also – ask to be seated in a quiet area away from the kitchen or stereo Coffee machines can be extremely noisy too!”

Good lighting allows people to see other’s visual cues – such as lip movements and facial expressions – which are important for good communication

Rodgers also has recommendations for attending meetings, lectures or church services

“Arrive early to get a seat close enough to see the speaker so you can pick up on visual cues, and near the sound system

“At meetings, read the agenda ahead of time so you know what will be discussed

L Let people know if you ’ re having trouble understanding what’s being said

“And make sure you ’ re well rested It’s difficult to concentrate on conversation when you ’ re tired ”

For Hearing Support Bay of Plenty events, find them on Facebook or visit their website at: www hearingsupportbop org nz

To contact, phone 07 578 6476 or email: tauranga@hearing org nz

Hearing loss is often gradual, meaning many don’t notice damage until it’s too late.

March 3 marks World Hearing Day 2026, a global initiative to raise awareness about hearing health and Mike Sharp, owner and director of First Hearing Centre in Pyes Pa and Tauranga Audiology on 10th Avenue, is encouraging locals to front foot any hearing loss.

“Often the first signs are difficulty hearing at social events where there’s background noise and perhaps some occasional ringing noises (tinnitus),” he said. “A common mistake is ignoring

We provide free

these early signs – the earlier you identify hearing loss the earlier you can seek advice and do something about it.

“We recommend baseline hearing tests from your mid-50s – or sooner if you work in a noisy environment. In fact, it could be one of your regular health check-ups.”

Sharp said this means you can consider appropriate hearing devices at an earlier stage when you may find them easier to adjust to

“An audiologist or hearing therapist can discuss options with you, ” said Sharp “You can refer yourself for a hearing assessment by giving us a call Your hearing health impacts your quality of life. Don’t wait, invest in it today”

School Programme: Puppet shows promoting ear health and awareness on noise induced hearing loss

Advocacy: To understand the issues faced by those with hearing issues Information on services available within our community Education and support for the hard of hearing community Coffee Mornings: Members newsletter - Hearing Aid battery sales Hearing Badges - Drying capsules An organisation where those with hearing loss are connected, empowered and respected. Join our FREE Hearing Support Coffee Mornings on March 26th, May 28th, July 30th, September 24th, November 26th 10:30am – Midday At The Mobility Centre, Papamoa, 520 Gloucester Road. Get free advice and support and meet others in your community living with hearing loss Call or email us for further information.

Experience thhe joys that come

Petanque - a sport for all ages and abilities

Petanque is an all year round sport catering for the social to competitive players. It is affordable with low entry cost & fees We have a great location and facilities at Blake Park, Mt Maunganui with access to Club Mt Maunganui

The Tauranga BOP Petanque Club is an active and friendly club with regular club days, social events & tournaments We also get involved in community events such as the Festival of Disability Sport & the BOP Challenge (series of Bay wide social petanque tournaments open to all)

For further information call Ray Clark 027 756 3565 taurangapetanque

Free Introductory Workshops

Here is an opportunity to experience a Tai Chi class for free The I Tai Chi club is holding free introductory workshops on Saturday 28th February and Sunday 1st March.

The instructors will take people through the first five movements of the Tai Chi form (YI LU). The foundation warm up exercises known as Reeling Silk and the footwork involved

People become quickly familiar with the foundations and the first five repeats throughout the form, therefore these workshops will give you a head start Both the Saturday and Sundays free introductory workshops will be held from 3pm to 5pm at the Mount Maunganui Community Hall, 345 Maunganui Road. To register phone or text 027 287 0456

I Tai Chi For My Sport

Joining a club may not sound to thrilling to start with But the benefits of joining a club are numerous – from making new friendships and bettering the community to learning something new or improving old skills

Having something to do and get up for every morning is paramount for mental health and longevity

S Start with where you live Is there something you can go to or be part of

that is close, convenient and affordable? Try something new – you never know what passion could erupt which you never knew you had Or try something trusted – revisit a favourite old pastime Or just try something you like the sound of Clubs can help you in unobvious and long-reaching ways They can help you make friends, squash loneliness, realise hidden talents, connect with your community, feel secure in your neighbourhood, get to know your town and it’s special places, and much, much more

atRevolutionSkateCentre-Baypark

Joinourpublicholidaysessions,regular weekenddiscos,andfundraisers HireSkatesandcomplimentarytrainer framesandprotectivegearavailable Wanttolearnthebasicsorsharpen yourskills?

Skatingisagreatwaytobuildconfidenceand fitness Signupforaweeklykidsoradultclass Afunindooractivityforthefamily! WealsooffercompetitiveArtisticRoller Skatingclasses,frombeginnertoNationaland Internationallevel,coachedbyouramazing teamofSkateNZaccreditedCoaches

Bridge lessons starting soon

Tauranga Bridge Club are running beginner lessons starting Wednesday 4th March, lessons run Wednesday Mornings from 11am and Wednesday evenings from 7pm through to June 17th The cost is $80

Tai Chi is a low-impact martial art that is known for its many health benefits

Helps with:

• Brain function • Balance

• Lowers stress • Flexibility

• Reduces chronic pain

just to name a few Come and Join our Club Today 0272 870 456 Two classes Wednesday 12.30pm & Friday 12.30pm Mount Maunganui Community Hall 345 Maunganui Road with Qi-Gong and Tai

No partner or experience needed, for more information or to register email tgacbc@xtra co nz or Phone 07 576 5022

The club has a number of daytime and evening playing sessions each week

Bridge is the ultimate ‘mind’ sport, it

from joining a club

You may find happiness, passion, excitement, a sense of achievement, satisfaction, seelf-confidence, respect for yourself annd others, knowledge, relaxation and d contentment

Joining a cluub when you have the time to devote yourself to it could be the best commitment you ’ ve ever made – so try y it

Because nothing can beat a feisty man or womaan with a mission to have a good loong life, who keep themselves annd their minds busy

Better still, T Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty y have plenty of exciting, uniqque and specialist clubs to join – have e a look and see what takes your fanncy!

Make the Baay of Plenty a better place to o live by adding a social element or hoobby to your schedule

Join our group

We are an independent, self- help, not-for-profit organisation for semi-retired and retired people, run by the voluntary efforts of our members

U3A Tauranga is open to all people looking for stimulating groups to join –Physical, Intellectual, Creative and / or Social With 800+ members and 70+ interest groups ranging from bush hiking, philosophy, classical music, ukulele playing and singing, to International Affairs, New Zealand History, French and Spanish languages, Memoir writing and personal support in gaining the most from your I-pad, mobile phone or computer, to mention just a few

For further information refer to our website: www u3atauranga kiwi nz

A Sport for Everyone!

Casual to competitive, Bowls

Mount Maunganui offer something for everyone Whether you ’ re new to the game or an experienced player, our club provides a supportive and friendly environment.

We have relaxed sessions perfect for corporate events, enjoying the outdoors, and experiencing the sport in a laid-back setting. Our Twilight league is perfect for those looking for a fun weekday activity with friends or work colleagues Those looking for a challenge, we also host competitive events

and tournaments, allowing skilled players to test their abilities and push their game to the next level. Whether you ’ re here to play for fun or aiming to compete, Bowls Mount Maunganui is the perfect spot to embrace the sport. Join us today to experience bowls in a vibrant and inclusive community!

Bowls Mount Maunganui

ph 07 575 3838

info@mountbowls.co.nz www mountbowls co nz

Tauranga Lyceum Club

We are a unique social club in Tauranga for women. Our club is non-political and nonreligious It is ideal way of meeting new women and exploring new hobbies and passions. Our focus is…Friendship and Fellowship

Our extensive Club rooms are at 68 First Avenue Tauranga There is a wonderful library for members to enjoy

We enjoy catered lunch and dinners monthly with speakers, entertainment and social activities.

Our Groups include; mahjong, Bolivia, painting, bridge, book club, rummikub, needlecraft and singing.

Our Monthly activities with; group outings, city shows and demonstrations

This is a great place to forge new friendships while exploring new hobbies and passions. Interested contact Wendy 0226757211 lyceumclubtauranga@gmail com

Tauranga Lyceum Club

www.lyceumnewzealand co nz

lyceumclubtauranga@gmail.com

Search ‘Tauranga lyceum’ on Facebook.

Sandwich sales led to Mount school’s pool

I was most interested to read your recent article titled ‘Swim club gives Mount pool fresh look’.

My mother, the late Majorie Banks, was on the Mount College Board of Governors. She noticed two things: Students were not bringing lunch to school; and there was no swimming pool at the college In the meantime people like Sonny Wall were transporting members of the Mount Swimming Club to Tauranga, early each morning to train at their Memorial Pool

Mother quickly organised interested parents into two rostered groups. Group A would buy

the ingredients and make healthy sandwiches each weekday morning. Groub B would bag these sandwiches, sell them to the hungry lines of students and bag the money

Every Wednesday my father Cedric Banks would drive to his dairy farm at Pāpāmoa. On his way back to the Mount he would stop at the Te Puke dairy factory He bought a huge block of cheddar cheese and would bring it home. Staff at the dairy factory called him Mister Cheese. Eventually there was enough money from the sandwich sales to begin building a new school pool.

Barbara Bianchin (nee Banks), Tauranga South.

Lack of signage and no

I had premium seats for Bad Bunny Monday Spread over the settee in front of the TV for Superbowl. But I got lost in the labyrinth that is Brookfield and I missed the show that all USA, all the world, and I, was waiting for And I would like to blame TCC, if you don’t mind? I thought I’d have enough time to go for a pre-game romp around the Daisy Hardwick beforehand but the track is closed at the Darragh’s Rd turnoff For good reason, unstable land But wish I’d known about it 4km back up the track A sign advising:

‘Track closed at Darraghs Rd intersection’ at Maxwells Rd, or Coach Drive, might have saved a lot of time, a lot of bad language, and finger pointing Yes, I could’ve turned back and caught Bad Bunny But adventurers don’t turn back, and I got lost in the twists and turns of Brookfield. What a maze. I bet people have gone in there and never been seen again. Twice I got asked if I was a local – from other track users who needed directions from a lost man. No, I didn’t have my phone. A walk is a phone-free

Recently-announced changes to the driver licensing system in this country have absolutely flabbergasted me

The Government has said it will drop the practical full driver licence test It wants to make it easier for young people to get their driver’s licence

Why are we making things easier for people? Has the Government not seen how many road accidents and road facilities occur annually in this country? Do MPs not encounter all the lunatic driving that is done around this country?

Instead of dropping this practical test I’d like to see more tests done Just like a WOF (Warrant of Fitness) for a vehicle, drivers

Isn’t it ironic?

I go to Tauranga Farmers Market at least once a fortnight, sometimes each week. I am amazed that the bike lane on Cameron Rd very rarely has anyone using it. Cyclists are cycling on the road, sometimes three abreast The public in their cars are fined for using the cycleways but not cyclists for not using them?

Wendy Galloway, Ōmokoroa

The Omanu Swim Club spent a weekend in December repainting the

Bad Bunny!

experience. The other lost souls didn’t either, because who needs GPS to navigate the Daisy loop I emerged, tired and grumpy, from the depths of the Amazon at the summit of Waihi Rd My 90-minute romp had become a two-and-three-quarter-hour odyssey I got home to Bureta and Bad Bunny was back down his burrow The game was nine minutes into the third and the Seahawks had made carrion of the Patriots I missed everything In fact, NFA (No further Action) this complaint TCC I am over it I Goldmsith, Bureta

Govt ditching fulllicence test unbelievable

should have to complete a WOF driving test every two years And if they don’t they shouldn’t be able to get motor vehicle insurance for their vehicles If they don’t attend or fail, then they have to have to a sixmonth driving course to retain their driver’s licence This way you’d weed out more of those drivers who don’t actually know how to drive very well You’d also catch more people who – as they age – are driving dangerousy on our roads

All this government wants to do is get more people driving in NZ – but they don’t have any regard to limiting the amount of dangerous and unfit drivers are on our roads It’s unbelievable D Smith, Otūmoetai

Hands-on family fun awaits at vintage machinery Crank Up day!

Next Saturday, March 7, Tauranga Racecourse will be taken over by tractors and all sorts of farming machinery as the Vintage Family Fun Day and Crank Up is held in the city for the second time.

Hosted by the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club, the event will run from 10am-4pm, offering a massive line-up of country fun for kids and vintage tractor and machinery displays.

“We want people to step back in time and enjoy a full day of old-fashioned fun for the whole family,” said Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club chairperson John Doull

Draw more people

The club has held the Crank up day annually for years at a rural spot – but fellow club member Larry Williams said this is the second time they’ve taken over the Tauranga Racecourse in Greerton to get more townies – young and old alike

to enjoy it.

“We’ve always had a Crank Up Day at Hot Springs Rd near Katikati – but having it in town we can get more people along and involve a different crowd of people such as those urban residents and families,” Williams said.

“And the racecourse is the perfect venue – it’s got a huge area for us to set up ”

Doull said the club’s annual Vintage Family Fun Day and Crank Up was about celebrating the sights, sounds, and stories of vintage machinery, with plenty of hands-on activities and entertainment to keep all ages smiling.

Event highlights would include tractor parades, hayrides on the back of trailer pulled by a tractor, sledge rides, vintage

bus rides, plus a big display of a range of stationary engines – some going back to the early days of farming in New Zealand.

For all ages

“We also run a Tractor Train that pulls little barrel-made carriages – this is a favourite of the kids,” Doull said. “We know many young ones love tractors machinery so we want them to enjoy our passion for them as well.”

There would be a haymaking display, and a separate free children’s play area where they can play in hay and enjoy water play “There’s just heaps on offer for kids to enjoy,” Williams said The Shifters Hot Rod club is holding a special display too; and there will be a

range of food trucks and market stalls to keep tummies full. “Plus, one lucky event attendee will win a remote-controlled ride-on tractor to take home ”

Doull said the Crank Up was the club’s major annual fundraiser

Two-fold

“It’s our opportunity once-a-year to raise money for the club – and all of our gear will be on display – both stationary and moving – and at the same time we ’ re entertaining the crowd, so it’s two-fold for us ”

Club member John Carmichael will even have his big, self-made catapult on-site, ready to ‘throw’ sweets so youngsters can enjoy a lolly scramble

The men said the event would be a relaxed, fun-filled day of nostalgia, learning and hands-on experiences for all ages – so don’t miss out on a chance to make some beautiful memories!

Entry is $10 per adult, and children aged under 10 gain free entry Find out more on the Tauranga Vintage Machinery Club's Facebook page.

An alternative feast awaits

I ran into a friend from Wellington the other day “Tauranga’s getting quite the reputation,” she said.

I’ve heard that phrase over the years and it’s usually not good Reputation for what? Peaceful parades being blocked by bigots? Surely our traffic woes aren ’ t so bad?

No, turns out it’s Tauranga’s alternative music scene making waves.

The number of enviable shows here is being noticed around the country, be it Loserpalooza festivals or bashes under the harbour bridge.

Next weekend brings a veritable feast of alternative treats, three gigs in two days

False Waltons is a band everyone is talking about After a couple of years impressing with the hard-hitting fuzz-attack of their live shows they released a debut album The Purpose in October to strong reviews.

Local acclaim

There was local acclaim, winning Best Local Release in the prestigious Tauranga Music Sux 2025 Alternative Music Awards – the TMSAMA as they are known internationally – while Muzic.nz raved, saying: “These boys have got the goods, spinning chaos into gold, dropping humour, and earned life experience into the pot and brewing up a tasty, tuneful stew of unhinged alt-rock goodness that’s loud, proud and perfect”.

False Waltons is a guitar trio, known for playing loud, though one of my favourites on The Purpose is the plaintive Train To Your Town. What is a False Walton? Who can tell...

On Saturday, March 7, they play at The Jam Factory Even better,

they’re joined by wonderfully unpredictable improvisational local indie heroes Club Meds and Hamilton-based Bitter Defeat. There may be door sales.

Aggressive, metal-like

That gig is the icing on the alternative cake The appetiser is Friday night, March 6, when the Mount’s Palace Tavern hosts Wanaka band Powder Chutes, playing aggressive metal-like music They will be joined by the loudest little duo in the land, The Boondocks, and Hamilton’s Haast Hunter

The main course comes between those gigs. Japanese Kings of Jet Rock, Guitar Wolf, is touring New Zealand and as per tradition will stop to play under the Tauranga’s harbour bridge. They are a “have to be seen to be believed” band. Think hyperactive Link Wray after a pound of P

They will be joined by locals Skonk; it’s a midday start as Guitar Wolf play Waiheke Island that night. Luckily there’s plenty of time to catch them and False Waltons later

Bethlehem College students are holding a car wash tomorrow, February 28, to raise funds for a sports trip to Twizel. The car wash will take place at the college, at 24 Elder Lane, from midday to 3pm.

Totara Street is also busy with three interesting shows.

Laid back blend

On Friday, March 6, Australian singer Adi Manaia performs solo, fusing Island reggae, folk, rap and country with Polynesian Cultural stories Next night, March 7, Jinan, originally from Whakatāne returns home for his first headline show at Totara Street bringing a fourpiece band He plays a very smooth laid-back blend of roots reggae, soul, and funk Support comes from Iz Waddid Iz, Wildlanes, and Wheriko Finally, it’s a Wellington double-bill on Sunday, March 8, of Tahini Bikini and Sig Wilder & Friends, the former a funky seven-piece with horns and a feisty frontwoman, Mads Taylor, the latter a meditative alt-country band for whom Mads plays drums. Both bands are great, though it seems an odd combination.

Funds raised from the car wash will go towards getting Bethlehem College rowers to the Maadi Cup – New Zealand’s premier secondary school rowing regatta – at Lake Ruataniwha in Twizel from March 23-29.

Waipuna Hospice it holding its annual remembrance service on Tuesday, March 3 at 6.30pm at its Te Puna premises. The service will include readings, a time of reflection, and music to the celebrate the lives of people’s lost loved ones. It will also include a blessing of Waipuna’s Special Remembrance Tree tags, which people around the region filled out and placed on trees in the lead-up to Christmas 2025. The public is invited – but registration prior to the event is essential. To register, call 07 552 4380 or email: supporter@waipunahospice.org.nz Find out more about the work of Waipuna Hospice at: www.waipunahospice.org.nz

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‘Community Quest’ family fun days on the way!

Western Bay of Plenty

District Council is hosting Community Quest days in the district’s townships to engage with residents about their area ’ s future.

The first Community Quests – an arcade-inspired adventure with family fun, free food, prizes – will be in held at Waihī Beach Community Centre Reserve tomorrow, February 28, from 10am-1pm

Katikati’s Community Quest is on Saturday, March 7, from 10am-1pm at Moore Park

For Te Puna-Minden, the quest goes ahead Saturday, March 14, from 10am-1pm at Maramatanga Park; and Te Puke’s is on Saturday, March 21, from 10am-1pm at Jubilee Park

WBOPDC interim general manager strategy and community Emily Watton said the Community Quest was a fun way for people of all ages to get involved in

creating the future of their towns.

“It’s not just about talking to council – it’s about bringing the community together, celebrating what makes each place special, and making sure everyone ’ s ideas are heard

“We wanted to put on something fun and unique for our communities to help them enjoy the process and encourage them to get involved.”

The quest will involve missions for adults and children to complete, trading their feedback for free food, prizes, and entertainment in a relaxed, nostalgic setting.

Kids can try fun activities like rock climbing walls, parkour, and circus have-a-go There’s also face painting, music, and a host of free games to enjoy Watton said the council is developing spatial plans for Katikati, Te Puke, Waihī Beach/Bowentown/Athenree, and Te Puna/Minden and

once complete they will help determine how these places grow and develop during the next 30-50 years – including where new housing goes, what infrastructure is needed, and what should be protected

“These are really important decisions, and we want to make them alongside the people who call these places home,” Watton said

“We’re at the beginning of this process, so the quest is about bringing the community together, hearing their vision for the future, and checking our planning to date is on the right track – while having lots of fun together”

The events are one of several ways to join the quest. For more information, visit: www yourplace.westernbay.govt.nz

Mount drone firm teams up with NZ Defence Force

Drones made by a Mount Maunganui company will be trialled by the New Zealand Defence Force. Defence Minister Judith Collins said the NZDF would test “uncrewed systems ” from Syos Aerospace, with Sysdoc and Hirtenberger Defence

Technology also partnering with the force.

“This will inform future capability decisions on a technology that has rapidly become central to modern military operations,” Collins said. “Delivery of air, land, and sea drones

will occur over the coming months, including the SG400 Uncrewed Ground Vehicle, the SM300 Uncrewed Surface Vessel, the SA2 ISR drone and the SA7 one way effector drone.” Trials will span supply transport, maritime patrols and reconnaissance.

Churches Active In Our Community

When all the world seems to be against you

Purim is the celebration of a two-day festival party in early March. It reflects on the resilience of a people group who through the millenia have been pushed from pillar to post, and scapegoated so many times for ills of the countries they’ve made home

The festival’s central heros are ueen Esther, Mordecai and King Ahasuerus with the greatest notably silent and not mentioned behind the scenes hero being YHVH Elohim (God) As

Promote your church in our weekly community church feature Hosting something special, or welcoming new members?

Contact Suzy today suzy king@nzme co nz

with most stories there is a villian, in this case Haman.

It’s a story of good overcoming evil In the the end did they all live happily ever after like we would like to see? No But they learnt the importance of tolerance and acceptance of differences for the greater good

It’s important to note that the wisemen from Persia (Modern Iran) who visited at Yeshua’s birth could well have been decendents of or associated with the Jews in Susa; and this relationship between Israel and Persia stood the test of time until 1979

May this festival time be a

joyous occasion among the current threats of war in the Middle East

Let us all recognise the importance of our part to play in being agents of peace, tolerance and understanding in these equally challenging times in New Zealand towards the benefit of all Shalom

Rav Joel and Sharon van Ameringen, Beth-el Messianic Family

• Bowls

• Golf Croquet

• Petanque

• Walking Group

• Garden Club

• Golf driving

Indoor Activities Outdoor Activities

• Mahjong

• Rumi Kub

• Scrabble, Bridge

• Darts

• Line Dancing

• Pool & Snooker

• Knit and Na er

• Pool, Spas and Gym

• Art room, Cra s

• Movie Theatre

• Choir

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