The Weekend Sun - 10 April 2026

Kilikiti aho fiafia!

Move over cricket. Kilikiti’s muscling in this weekend. But it’s all for a full-on fun cause – the Samoan phrase ‘Kilikiti aho fiafia’ translates to a ‘Pasifika cricket day of fun!’ Kilikiti is played with wickets, bats and ball, but the similarities with Palagi cricket end there. It’s not cricket as you know it

Pasifika took the gentlemanly game of cricket introduced by missionaries in the 19th Century and turned it on its ear They created a high-energy ‘larrup, slash and swipe’ game with singing, dancing and chanting to fire up the players. It’s more than sport – it’s a cultural celebration bringing people,

communities and churches together It’s played with long, triangular war clublike bats, as pictured here with Tauranga kilikiti player Peleti Lupematasila, and a small, dense, bouncy ball fashioned from strands of rubber plant. Teams vary in size, up to as many as 40 players, and rules may

vary to ensure a ‘fun’ game. This weekend kilikiti will take over Tauranga when it is held at the city’s stronghold of Palagi cricket – Fergusson Park in Matua – for a day-long tournament involving six teams Learn more about Kilikiti

Just because I stopped here for 10 years, doesn’t necessarily mean I want to stop here forever, for all eternity You know, when I expire, when I conk out, when I’m kaput.

When I haven’t been seen for a few days, when there aren ’ t any fresh complaints in my HR file, and when they break down my door to find me propped up in bed, eyes fixed, Last Will and Testament in one hand, Sky remote in the other, and a cricket test playing out on TV Wouldn’t that be awful – popping off just

before tea on the final day of a test with the game nicely poised? It would probably be the death of me.

My Will won ’ t be long or complex. I’ll write it on the back of my hand Cold, hairy and difficult though it might be to read when the time comes It’s just the where and how they dispose of me after I become no use to myself, or anyone, after the spirit has fled in one direction or another

What a snip?

There are some nice final resting places around if you look out for them. Waihi Cemetery – 5km east of the township Goldminers digging in town, and the sexton digging just beyond. It’s groomed to a nicety and the sounds of State Highway 2 flowing nearby

People glad that you ’ re gone from their lives could still toot and wave when passing. You wouldn’t feel completely abandoned.

Mayor Mahé et al, are very kindly trying to keep me, or my remains, in town, by proposing a discount on my cremation.

A special of $777 deal – $202 off the ticket price. What a snip? Damned fine gesture. And a canny bit of marketing – we all like a good deal. Even in death Get cremated in Tauranga and save, save, save!

I don’t understand the minutiae of crematoria – well, I know what goes in and what comes out. But it seems reasonable – paying $777 to be baked on high, 1150°C, for three hours and then your gritty bits cast to the wind. And it’s the thought – nice that even in death, you still have value. The rates and water bills have stopped but you are still contributing. Before the Mayor’s offer I was hoping for a grand finale, a bit of hoop-lah to see me out.

“This is my last hurrah, and once I start, I ain’t gonna stop ‘til I go too far”

Bebe Rexha’s great song.

“Farewell tequila, so long Margarita, And Lady sativa, I hate to leave ya. ”

The song could have been written for extraordinary, larrikin, substance abuser Hunter S. Thompson His “last hurrah” was legendary

In accordance with his wishes, when he died in 2005, his ashes were fired from a cannon into the atmosphere from a 50 metre tower The blast was accompanied by red, white, blue and green fireworks. All the time the world’s greatest troubadour was banging out Mr Tambourine Man What a show? Thompson could have been forgiven for

feeling pissed at missing his own last big show

Unfortunately the cannon disposal method is not a local option It seems council sticks to burnings and burials But imagine a crazy Thompson-type ash canon atop Kaimai Range blasting human remains over the South Pacific? KaBoom! There goes Jimmy Smith into eternity, on an Artemis II-type final voyage. People applauding and hooting. They’d pay to watch.

Trevor the Viking

Washed away

One day I was sitting outside a hotel in Kathmandu when there was a tinkling of bells and shuffling of jogging feet. A body in a white shroud was carried shoulder-high by mourners down main street. On the riverbank, poor ‘Adesh’ was manoeuvred to the top of a pyre and his son lit the fire. If it had been my funeral pyre, they would have been queueing for that honour For seven or so hours the late Adesh’s smoke drifted over town before his embers and ashes were respectfully kicked into the river and washed away to eternity I loved the informality and simplicity of it all. Probably wouldn’t go well on the banks of the Wairoa…

A friend called Trevor always insisted he wanted a Viking funeral. Apart from the drama, it would save his kids a poultice He was happiest sitting on a beach, beer in hand, rollie in the other as the sun went down, gazing on ‘she’ – his one true love. ‘She’ was a 14 foot runabout and they had shared deep, meaningful fishing times “When the moment comes, ” he would say, “ put me in my stubbies and singlet, lay me in the boat, set it on a course for the open sea and set fire to it. I want to go down with the ship”. His name should have been Bjørn, or Leif, or Erik Never happened, of course. The ocean is dangerous enough without random, flaming, waterborne, Vikingstyle, funeral pyres. A wonderful romantic notion though and imagine the turnout for a sendoff like that.

Tipoftheiceberg?

Tauranga dog trainer teaching children canine safety

A Tauranga dog trainer is teaching children dog safety after reported attacks in the region.

Renee Mabey, owner of Neewood Pups, said she had noticed an education “ gap ” and would pilot a programme in Oropi School to teach children about dog safety

“It’s all about prevention and making everyday situations safer for the children, families, and the dogs as well ”

The Bay of PlentyTimes reported on multiple dog attacks in March, i including one that left a wooman hospitalised and anotheer resulting in the death of a pet.

One dog owner called for mandatory prosecution of all owners s of dogs involved in violent injury attacks – a call Taurannga MP Sam Uffindell supports

Data showed there were 71 reported attacks on people in Taurranga and 30 in the Western Bay of Plenty district in the y year to June 30, 2025

The m most serious case in the period was that of 4-yearold Timmothy Tu’uaki Rolleston-Bryan, also known as Timotii, who died in March 2025

The G Government last month ordered a review of the decadees-old Dog Control Act in a bid to crack down on roaminng and uncontrolled dogs

Local l Government Minister Simon Watts said Local Governnment NZ and councils had been clear that the Act was ouutdated and stopping them from doing their jobs

Bridgging education ‘gap’

Mabeey said she worked with families to address their dogs’ behaviours “that we don’t really love”

“The owners get overwhelmed and frustrated, and the dog’s b behaviour intensifies.

“Usuaally that’s because there’s kind of a misundderstanding of what the dog’s trying to commuunicate to us and what their needs are ”

She w worked with owners to identify f these and how to reduce the likelihood of such behaviours

M b id h h d h h 6 ld b d

them, and situations are escalating “It just made me kind of realise that there’s a gap because we expect our kids to be safe around our dogs, but we ’ re not teaching them ”

Mabey said she wrote a dog safety pilot programme for primary school children Lessons included understanding dogs’ body language and greeting dogs safely “Basically, the goal is to help

children better understand dogs so that they can be safer around them in everyday situations ... ”

National rollout

She hoped for it to roll out nationally “My opinion is that desexing helps with prevention, and then obviously we have enforcement at the other end, but we have a massive gap in the middle, which is education

“I believe that if we educate earlier we are likely to be able to stop things from happening through education ”

Oropi School principal Andrew King said the school

would do the programme in week one of Term 2

King said the programme was “timely” and believed it should be rolled out to other schools

“We have come across many issues recently [regarding] dog behaviour, and the key is educating people about how to behave around unknown dogs ”

He said children needed to feel confident with how to interact with dogs in public places, should they be faced with this situation, and how to minimise the chances of a dog becoming aggressive

The trust between two Bay of Plenty councils appeared frayed after the councillors spent more than five hours in debates before narrowly agreeing to form a shared water services organisation

Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council have agreed to establish a multi-council water services organisation for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater

The decision followed several months of planning and due diligence amid pressure from central government via its water reform legislation

The council-controlled organisation (CCO) would go live on July 1, 2027 Other councils, including ThamesCoromandel District Council, may join later, subject to due diligence, consultation and council approval Western Bay councillors were notably reluctant to agree to the partnership during the debate on Thursday, which lasted more than five hours

The 10 elected members of each council, plus senior staff, packed into the Western Bay of Plenty District Council chambers on Cameron Rd and held their meetings consecutively, with the hosts going first

Largest reform

Western Bay Deputy Mayor Margaret Murray-Benge noted this would be the largest reform since 1989.

Several concerns around trust between the two councils were discussed, including long-running cross-boundary

disputes, whether non-water issues could be used as leverage against Western Bay in the future and a belief that “off-ramps” promised earlier in the process no longer existed

Some district councillors said they accepted the water organisation in principle, but not necessarily with Tauranga as a partner

Maketu-Te Puke Ward councillor Shane Beech called Tauranga City Council (TCC) “dysfunctional”.

“Unfortunately, good faith and Tauranga City in the same sentence is unachievable ”

He said a CCO was financially beneficial to the ratepayers in the longterm, “but forming a CCO with the Western Bay and TCC is not in the best interest of our ratepayers ”

Katikati-Waihī Beach Ward councillor Allan Sole questioned whether they could do better, saying “probably”

Rushed

He then said the partnership was the “best deal for the ratepayer ” , but added:

“Do I feel comfy with this partner? No ”

Some councillors, including Maketu-Te Puke Ward councillor Laura Rae, said the decision-making process had been rushed

Many councillors commented that the plan was unfinished and lacked key details

Beech said there were too many uncrossed T’s and undotted I’s

“It shows poor governance not to have tied up all those things ”

Kaimai Ward councillor Graeme Elvin said: “We can ’ t blame everybody else for

our own failure to be properly prepared ”

He described aspects of the city council’s conduct as “ a bit unpalatable” but said there was risk in everything “You’ve always got to consider the reward We’ve got to get on board ”

An amendment was put forward to delay the new organisation’s start date to July 1, 2028 The vote was tied, so Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer used his casting vote to strike it down

Waka Kai Uru Māori Ward councillor Darlene Dinsdale said iwi had been proactive in telling the councils that if they worked together in kotahitanga (unity, solidarity), they would get the

Western Bay councillors naarrowly approve Tauranga

results for ratepayers

Denyer said the collaborative experience had been positive

“The outcomes are demonstrably worse for our ratepayers if we choose not to join [Tauranga]

“Establishing a joint water organisation gives us the best opportunity to deliver safe, resilient and affordable water services ”

6-4

The district councillors ultimately voted 6-4 to proceed with the partnership

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale told the meeting before the city councillors’ debate that whether there was an

water partnership amid trust fears

agreement or not, “ we will go ahead with a waters organisation”

Drysdale said the councils were considered “big brother” and “little brother” in terms of being family

He rejected the Western Bay councillors’ claims that this was insulting, saying the city council was the bigger party

“We’ve given you 50% of the voting rights on this organisation, so there is nothing we can do without you guys also agreeing.

“If we wanted to pull it over you or ram it through, we would have taken out 80% of the vote and we would have made all the decisions

“We’re trying to work together because, as you ’ ve pointed out, this is better for both of our ratepayers ”

Tauranga councillors voted to proceed with the organisation, with only one councillor opposed Matua-Ōtūmoetai Ward councillor Glen Crowther was opposed to the inclusion of stormwater in the water organisation “One of the absolute stoppers for me voting in favour of this is stormwater ”

The councillors generally emphasised affordability, saying it would be in the best interest of ratepayers in the long run

More affordable

Pāpāmoa Ward councillor Steve Morris said the CCO was more

affordable for people.

“We can ’ t jack up the water rates every time and keep hurting our people

“This is the way to deliver value for our people ”

Te Awanui Ward councillor

Hēmi Rolleston said if the councils were split in their decision, there would be bigger challenges in the future

Te Papa Ward councillor Rod Taylor said he was basing his decision to establish this partnership on the future beyond a few years The city councillors debated

whether to delay the start da 2028, but ultimately rejected call based on unnecessary del and costs

Both councils agreed that tangata whenua must be involved and current engagem arrangements should be retai or enhanced

A formal amendment to recognise cross-boundary iwi relationships in future due diligence processes was adopt – LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

Bay of Plenty Regional Council has re-opened parts of Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park.

The park was closed after the January 22 storm triggered more than a dozen significant landslides across the site

BOP Regional councillor and Te Uepu co-chair Kat Macmillan said staff and contractors had worked hard to restore public access on April 3 where it was safe to do so

“Our priority has been making sure the park is safe for the community”

Te Uepu co-chair Spencer said Te Rae o Pāpāmoa was a place of immense cultural and historical significance, and

protection of its pā and cultural heritage remained central to his group ’ s role as kaitiaki.

“Our cautious agreement to this first stage of re-opening reflects the assurances we have received regarding public safety and the safeguarding of these important heritage sites ” Re-opened tracks included Pūraho Track (to/from far Poplar Lane carpark to the trig/ summit); Karangaumu Track via alternative track (to/from main Poplar Lane carpark); and Summerhills Track (to/ from Summerhill Recreation Farm carpark on Reid Rd to trig/summit). For more information at: www.boprc. govt nz/papamoa-hills

Getting four hours changed everything

Jennychoseworkthataskseverythingofher

As a Māori arts and crafts tutor at an urban creative space for mental health support, her days are spent face-to-face with people who needpatienceandcalm

But it also means standing on concrete floors, demonstrating techniques, and most importantlybeingpresent

It’sthekindofjobyoudobecauseitmatters, notbecauseit’seasy

But it’s hard to be present when your knees won’tletyouforgettheyexist

Her knees just wouldn’t stop All day All night Like a strand that wouldn’t stay woven, always pulling loose, always pulling at her patience

“You’re just kind of like, when is this going to stop?” Jenny recalls “But it doesn’t It just keptongoing”

Both knees had been making themselves more disruptive as the years went on First, standingbecamedifficult Thenthecoldstarted creeping up through the concrete floor Before long,thenightshadbecometherealproblem

Sleep had turned into a guessing game Two hourswasnormal Threeifshewaslucky Then she’d lie there, wide awake, knees buzzing, knowing she had to be on her feet again in a fewhours

“It would make me so grumpy,” Jenny admits “When you’re in constant discomfort andyouhaven’tslept,you’renotalwaysniceto be around You tell people to do things, instead ofaskingthem”

For someone whose job is guiding others withpatienceandcare,thatwastherealcost

She’d tried what was available Nothing made a real difference Jenny was starting to acceptthatthiswasjusthowthingsweregoing tobe

Thenafriend’smotherhandedhersomething newtotry

“She had been using this cream for her back andherknees Shelentmeherstotry”

Jenny wasn’t convinced But she trusted her friend’smumandhadnothingtolose

The natural cream was called Koru FX and wasmadeinNewZealand

Jenny remembers the night she applied the cream for the first time What happened next, shealmostdidn’ttrust

She woke up hours later Not two hours Not three She lay there, waiting for her knees to wakeupandmakethemselvesknown Butthey werequieter Notgone,butquieter

“Icangetfourhoursofsleepnow,”shesays “Sometimesfive Forme,that’samazing”

Four hours doesn’t sound like much But

whenyou’vebeenwakingeverytwo,fourfeels likeluxury

The grumpiness started to lift And Jenny noticed something had shifted in how she was aroundpeople

“I’malotnicertobearound,”shesays “Iask people todothingsinsteadoftellingthem The little things matter when you’re face-to-face withpeopleallday”

“Koru FX has been a stop button for me,” Jennysays “That’swhatIcallit Astopbutton”

Her knees still pull for attention at times, but she’slearnednowtosleepthrough

“I can sleep I can work I’m nicer to the peoplearoundme”

“Forme,that’severything”

There’ll be no smatterings of applause from the bleachers on the boundary, no boring playing forward defensive shots. And there will be no “white flannelled fools” as Rudyard Kipling called cricketers.

Instead, brightly-coloured lavalavas will be mandatory tomorrow, April 11, in Matua for kilikiti – Pasifika cricket.

“Kilikiti aho fiafia” – a cricket day of fun.

And if your brightly coloured lavalava comes adrift while chasing a quick run, if it falls off, and you cause embarrassment, the umpire could give you “out!”.

That’s the way with kilikiti – the likes of which hasn’t before been seen at Ferguson Park, a bastion of “white flannel” palagi cricket in this city

Tomorrow, April 11, some of the Bay of Plenty’s 10,000-strong Pasifika community – lots of them they hope – will take over Ferguson Park for a sixteam, day-long kilikiti tournament.

There will be no way that these games will peter out to a draw after three days like Western cricket –no shouldering your bat like palagi cricket.

Kilikiti is swashbuckling ‘swish, slash and swipe’ stuff. In some games, the local rules outlaw a defensive stroke. This is no place for building an innings.

High energy stuff

“Kilikiti is a fun game, ” said tournament organiser Sela Vakasiuola Tu’uholoaki.

‘Fun’ is the go-to word when Polynesian people discuss their game. “I have watched palagi cricket and it’s a bit

Fun, Pasifika twist on cricket to sifika

boring.” Just her opinion, she said, and offered in the nicest way as a comparison, not a criticism. “But kilikiti is full-on fun.” And Pasifika like to have fun.

So tomorrow expect frenzied, crazy, loud, high-energy stuff at Ferguson Park – running, yelling, whistling and a special brand of sledging, cricket’s trash talk But Kilikiti is respectful, nothing personal or nasty

“I will be wandering around making sure everyone plays nicely,” said no-nonsense Sameli Tongalea. She is managing director of AvaNiu Pasifika, a social enterprise on Cameron Rd that supports Polynesian families with health, social and education services. It seems one of those services include a kilikiti tournament.

“No throwing the bat, no fighting, no tantrums, ” she laughed

People using stand-up paddleboards are being reminded that carrying a personal flotation device, such as a lifejacket, is a legal requirement under local council bylaws.

Failure to carry a personal flotation device (PFD), defying the Navigational Safety Bylaw 2017, can result in a $200 infringement fee.

Bay of Plenty Harbourmaster Jon Jon Peters said his harbourmaster team had seen a sharp rise in breaches this summer, with a 150% increase in infringements issued to people on stand up paddleboards who were not carrying a PFD.

“Stand up paddleboards are affordable, portable, readily available and great fun, but with ownership and

In conventional cricket the teams would meet the umpire just before play for the coin toss – to decide who bats first.

A flexible feast

Sameli summoned the six kilikiti tournament captains about a month ago to lay down her expectations for the games. And for captains to agree on the rules of engagement.

use comes the responsibility to learn and adhere to the on water rules,” Peters said “It’s easy for someone to get in trouble very quickly if they fall in, lose their paddle or are pushed offshore by winds or currents Trying to put on a PFD once you ’ re already in the water is difficult, so the simple solution is to put it on before you get on the water. ” PFDs must be carried on all paddle craft, including kayaks and stand up paddleboards, regardless of the distance from shore.

Rules are listed in responsible boating section of Bay of Plenty Regional Council website or download Boating in the Bay, a reader friendly guide to navigational safety bylaws.

take over city’s Fergusson Park

Western cricket has its bible – the MCC Official Laws of Cricket. But kilikiti is a flexible feast. It can change game by game. For example, if there a lot of players, 30-plus in each team, they might do away with sixes and fours No boundaries. The batsmen would have to keep running. It speeds the game up, and makes for more fun.

“We agreed there would be six teams of 20 players, including five women on the field all the time,” said fellow tournament organiser, Sameli’s son Chris Tongalea. “And a minimum of 15 to start. ”

Often there’s no limit to team size – it depends on who turns up

The first team batting sets the game up It bats for 30 minutes, and if it makes 100 runs off 60 balls, the chasing team needs 101 off the same number of deliveries.

“Like any game, ” said Sameli, “ you are there to win, there is pride at stake, and the prize money is reasonable”. So the competitiveness ramps up when it gets to the business end.

The war club

Each delivery is bowled from alternate ends. Women must bowl to women batters. And there are wicketkeepers at either end. “The game rattles along,” said Chris. No pads nor protective gear And it helps to be an all-rounder – to have the combined skills of a batter, bowler and fielder

Unlike your standard 85cm-87.5cm GrayNicolls or Gunn and Moore cricket bat, the kilikiti bat, or pate, is much longer at about 1.3m – although they vary. It has a sennet-plaited handle and is triangular, modelled on a Samoan war club, with a rounded striking surface. The ball flies off it every which way The ball is made from wound strips of latex

fibre from the Panama rubber tree and is much smaller than a cricket ball, but heavy and bouncy More fun. And there will be no losers tomorrow, Sameli said.

Cultural showcase

“Players who don’t make the prize money will get a cultural gift. Last year it was tins of corned beef and green

bananas, and everyone was happy” The tournament might be a cultural showcase, but there’s a greater cause – AvaNiu Pasifika wants to hand the tournament over to the community “We set the ball rolling but now there’s an appetite for our people to learn event management, which would help grow our community And make us

visible ” And a challenge has been laid down. “We would love an established Tauranga palagi cricket club to play us at Pasifika cricket. That would be wonderful.”

Get a taste for kilikiti tomorrow, April 11, at the tournament at Ferguson Park, Matua. Games will be played 9am to 5pm.

Three-month-old male pup Bruce was found stray Now, after some SPCA care, he is king for a permanent and loving home. uce has a friendly and affectionate perament; he is playful and enjoys human raction.

hile he is settling well and showing a gentle ure, Bruce is still young and would benefit m ongoing training, socialisation, and a stable me environment.

e would suit a family or individual who has time and commitment to raise a puppy and vide consistent care and companionship

The ideal home would also provide a safe and ure environment.

If your family is ready to meet Bruce and see if he’s a great fit for your home, Phone Tauranga SPCA on 07 5780245. Reference no: 661056.

Tauranga BOP Pétanque Club president Linda Inglis is looking forward to welcoming players to the national championships in Mount Maunganui

National pétanque champs roll into Mount Maunganui

The Tauranga BOP Pétanque Club is set to welcome players from across the country this month as it hosts the 2026 Pétanque New Zealand National Club Championship at Club Mount Maunganui.

Club president Linda Inglis said the April 17-18 event is a major occasion for the local pétanque community, marking the third time the club has hosted national-level competition

“It’s really exciting for us, ” Inglis said. “We’ve got teams coming from throughout New Zealand – as far away as Dunedin – which is fantastic.”

Eighteen teams are registered, competing across two divisions: open, and seniors for players aged 60-plus. Each team is made up of six players, including at least two women, and competition will take place across two full days of play

Two days, 18 games

Matches will run 9am-4pm next Friday, April 17 and Saturday, Apil 18, with up to 18 games to be played on the club’s purpose-built terrain.

“We’re very fortunate to have the space, ” Inglis said. “The facility was designed so we could host tournaments like this ”

The Mount Maunganui venue has been home to the club since 2017, when it relocated from Cliff Rd into a growing sports precinct alongside bowls and croquet. The site features 20 pétanque playing lanes – known as pistes – enabling multiple games to be played at once.

Unlike some tournaments that move into knockout rounds, the club championships will see teams play a full

schedule of 10 games – five each day

“It’s quite unusual,” Inglis said “But it means everyone gets plenty of play”

Pétanque is a sport known for its accessibility, with players ranging widely in age and ability Inglis said competitors at the championships will include players in their 80s, highlighting the inclusive nature of the game.

The appeal

“It’s something that can be played by almost anyone, ” she said “That’s part of its appeal.”

The event also reflects the growing profile of pétanque in New Zealand and internationally Annual trans-Tasman competitions between New Zealand and Australia continue to strengthen the sport, while Pacific nation such as Tahiti and New Caledonia have also competed locally this year

There are even aspirations for pétanque alongside bowls to be included in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, though this is not yet confirmed

While Pétanque New Zealand will manage the competition itself, the Tauranga club is proud to provide the venue and host visiting teams, Inglis said “We’ll be putting on the cups of tea and coffee and making sure everyone feels welcome.”

Free to watch!

The event is free to attend, and spectators are encouraged to enjoy the action.

“People can just pop in and have a look,” Inglis said “It’s a great chance to see the sport being played at a high level.”

OJohn

Bertrand Collectables

Buying in Tauranga and Bay of Plenty Next Week

nce again, the gold and collectables buyers from Wellington company John Bertrand Collectables are visiting Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week Mr Tony Grant from the company says, “If you are downsizing or wanting to dispose of things because they no longer serve any purpose to you or your family bring them in” “Next week will be a great opportunity to have any items you want to sell assessed by our buyers” said Mr Grant Particularly wanted are Gold and Silver (in any of its forms) and Collectables such as Coins, Banknotes, War Medals, Old Wind-up Watches and other interesting Small Collectables

“We are keen buyers, especially of the items in the list below” said Mr Grant.

“Nothing is too small for our consideration We are just as happy buying 1 item as we are buying 1,000 items” he said The buyers will be in Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week (see details below) As Tony Grant points out “If you are in doubt about any items you may wish to sell, bring them along for an instant appraisal.”

Gold & Silver AtVery High Prices

Over the last couple of years, we have seen a sharp increase in the price of precious metals The gold price in New Zealand is still at historically high levels

So, gather up all your unwanted items and make an appointment to see the buyers

Tony Grant says “We can buy gold items in all forms, including Jewellery (Rings, Chains Brooches etc ) Coins (Sovereigns and the like), Alluvial (River Gold), virtually anything, even Gold Teeth! We also need all Sterling Silver including Cups, Tea Services, Cutlery and Old Coins” he said

TInteresting Small Collectables Wanted

he buyers from John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd, visiting Tauranga and Bay of Plenty next week, are happy to look at any interesting items, for example vintage pocket and wristwatches such as Rolex, Men’s Omega, Breitling and gold watches etc Also wanted, pre 1950’s picture postcards, Maori and Pacific artefacts, old fountain pens and other small antique or historical items

“If you have something unusual which you would like to sell, please bring it into one of our venues, we would like the chance to at least have a look at it” said Tony Grant buyer for the Company “We will consider anything which may be of interest to a collector” he said

Some Big Dollars in Early Banknotes

banknote dated prior to 1900 would be worth at least $1000” said Mr Grant Also purchased are any Reserve Bank of New Zealand pre-decimal issues, especially 50 Pound notes All overseas banknotes are also wanted, especially early Pacific Island issues Mr Anthony (Tony)

•

•

•

•

CCollectors NeedWar Medals

urrently, throughout NZ and the world there is a big demand by collectors for war medals These cover all wars right through from the New Zealand LandWars and the Boer War, to the First and Second World Wars and the later Korea and Vietnam conflicts New Zealand Servicemen and Women first served overseas in the Boer War in South Africa around 1900 and the war medals awarded for this service are needed by the buyers, as are any other Medals from early New Zealand and the New Zealand Wars General service medals from both the First and Second World Wars will also be purchased but as can be imagined these were awarded in fairly large numbers “If a group of medals has any special award for bravery such as the Military Medal, Military or Flying Cross or other medals for Distinguished Conduct or Meritorious Service these can add great value to a group” stated Mr Tony Grant, buyer for John Bertrand (Collectables) Ltd “Many families have old medals, some dating back to early Imperial days, that they are not sure what to do with These are better off in the hands of collectors who will look after them We will be happy to look at any war medals whatsoever, just bring them in to venues” he said

Guardians of the wild

At first glance, Milly might not look like one of New Zealand’s hardestworking conservation dogs.

Small, bright-eyed and energetic, the 12-year-old Jack Russell-Fox terrier cross is one of the smallest dogs ever certified for Department of Conservation work But for more than a decade, she has played a powerful role in protecting some of the country ’ s most precious wildlife

Scott Sambell has had Milly since she was 6 weeks old She was bred with a specific mission in mind: to help with the eradication of Rattus exulans – the Pacific rat – during a targeted conservation project

“At the time, there wasn ’ t a dog trained specifically for that species,” Sambell said “Milly proved so capable that once the project ended, we kept her on and kept doing work with her”

The length of NZ

Since then, Milly has worked across the length of New Zealand, from the top of the North Island to the Chatham Islands

“She has visited nearly every predatorfree island and nature reserve managed by the Department of Conservation, as well as numerous privately managed sanctuaries,” Sambell said Wherever endangered wildlife is vulnerable to introduced pests, Milly and Sambell have likely been there Conservation detection work is precise and highly regulated, Sambell said “We can ’ t work independently She has to

work with me, and I have to work with her”

He said there is a rigorous comprehensive certification and re-certification process, ensuring dogs are completely safe around native species

“Because she’s working around the most endangered species on the planet every day, it demands absolute control and trust ”

Unlike hunting dogs trained to catch and kill, conservation dogs are trained to only indicate the presence of a target species Milly wears a muzzle at all times while working When she detects a rat, her job is to signal clearly and stop The next step is Sambell’s responsibility

Restraint, not chase

“The good thing about Jack Russells,” Sambell said, “is you don’t have to teach them to want rats ”

The real challenge has been teaching her restraint – to indicate rather than chase.

Their partnership runs deeper than standard training methods. Sambell, who has trained many dogs over the years, said Milly is different. She isn’t motivated by treats or praise in the usual way. Instead, Sambell said she feeds off his mood

“If I’m happy, she’s happy,” he said. When she signals a find and he gets excited, she shares that excitement completely “We love doing the job, this is what our life is all about ”

That connection has defined their years together in the field, hiking tracks and pushing through dense bush, Milly working ahead while Sambell keeps pace behind her. It’s demanding work, often in

Four service dogs selectedby artistSam Allen to feature ina muralat MemorialParkhaspromptedTheWeekend Sun to run a seriesofsix‘Service Dog Mural stories. Today’s story isabout Scott Sambellandhisdog Milly

remote terrain, but it’s where she thrives.

Completely alive

Now nearing retirement, Milly works less than she once did – and Sambell admits she feels it. When she’s not in the fiel workin alive. F conserv possibly Samb about t achieve It was h Emma a well-c conserv – who they tu the mu shoot. jokes th of a her arrives gets on Milly

d, she can become subdued Out ng, however, she is completely For many years she was the smallest vation dog in the programme – and y one of the hardest working bell is modest their ements his wife, Cronin –connected vationist made sure urned up for ural photo Sambell hat he’s more rmit; he simply with the dog and n with the job is being

immortalised in paint at Memorial Park – a small dog with a big impact, which has worked quietly behind the scenes to protect some of New Zealand’s most fragile ecosystems

Morning Tea Tours

Swapping screens for the outdoors

Bay of Plenty teenagers are among the young people featured in a New Zealand series launched this month on RNZ and YouTube.

Teenage campaigner Jack Karetai-Barrett, 15, rode onto Parliament’s grounds after completing a 900km bike ride from Whakatāne in 2025 to raise awareness for Māori wards.

His journey was captured by Bay of Plenty filmmakers Anton Steel and Kylie DellaBarca Steel, whose

production company, The CommonUnity Lens, focuses on stories celebrating people, place and positive change.

Their new series Kids Unplugged, is designed to show families what childhood can look like beyond the glow of a screen.

Each episode encourages families to swap screen time for real-world adventures, following tamariki (children) choosing the outdoors over devices. “Five years ago, I was really overweight, unhealthy and unhappy My dopamine

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was completely out of whack – I was watching multiple screens and playing video games all at once, ”

Karetai-Barrett said

Sparked something

“Even though I hated the sound of mountain biking, I decided to give it a go – and it sparked something ”

Sixteen-year-old Jai Taft

Robertson, from Ōtamarākau, said boredom isn’t an option outdoors.

“There’s no reason to get bored –there’s always something you can find to do ”

In his episode, Robertson rides Kaimanawa horses, cares for

animals, snorkels and plants native trees

“It’s good for your soul being outside. You’re not just wasting your life on a phone – real life gives you memories,” he said

“I try to get to the horses and get a good ride in before dark. We saved a few Kaimanawa horses from being culled and turned them into really good kids’ ponies.”

Robertson is also involved in marine studies and wetland restoration.

“We wanted to create a safe haven for native birds It makes me feel good knowing I’m doing

something positive,” he said “I love being in the ocean – being underwater is super cool.”

Lots to do

Pongakawa School pupil Iris Fahey and her family also feature in the series, taking the Steel brothers – Malachi, 15, Judah, 12, and Ezra, 7, who host the series – on a Hunt for the Wilderpeoplestyle adventure through native forest and backcountry huts. In 2025, Fahey, 10, won her school’s Year 6 speech competition and said her family has been hiking together for about two years

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“There’s lots to do along the way – we make up songs, count waterfalls and play bush tag, ” she said.

“I love staying in huts and seeing how far you can go When you get there, it’s a real sense of achievement ”

Launched on April 1 at Te Puke’s Capitol Cinema, the six-episode series is available on RNZ and YouTube.

Each episode runs about 10 minutes and is aimed at children aged 8-12, as well as parents, families and educators.

Rather than criticising technology, Kids Unplugged explores what becomes possible when young people step away from phones and social media and connect with nature, challenges and family experiences.

“Purpose to me is asking: what’s your goal in life?” Karetai-Barrett said.“I want to change people – maybe even change the world.”

Chose optimism

The Steel family – Anton and Kylie, along with their three sons – is at the heart of the series. They have also faced personal challenges, including Kylie navigating a leukaemia diagnosis.

“We chose optimism, adventure and meaningful connection in the face of uncertainty,” Kylie said.

She said research shows rising screen use is affecting sleep, mental health and development, with 88% of New Zealand children exceeding recommended

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“Large international studies also link more than four hours of daily recreational screen time with increased risks of anxiety, depression and behavioural difficulties in young people

“Technology can be a great tool, but for children to truly thrive, they need fun, active time outdoors,” Kylie said

“That’s the kind of childhood we hope for our tamariki.”

Anton said the series celebrates young people choosing “the wild over Wi-Fi”.

“Through uplifting, observational storytelling, the first series celebrates young people from the Bay of Plenty living adventurous, connected lives offline,” Anton said.

Across the series, the Steel brothers meet young people from around the region, trying activities such as fishing, snorkelling, biking, hut-building, pest control, food gathering, snowboarding, horse riding and hiking.

Time to rediscover

With school holidays on, the creators hope the series will encourage families to rediscover time outdoors. “We always hear about the risks of screens, but not the benefits of being off them,” said Judah.

“When you don’t have a screen, you learn how to be creative; you become resilient, fit, happy and connected.”

Photograph reimagined to respect region’s pioneers

A photograph taken for a theatre preview more than four decades ago has been given a new lease on life –this time in paint.

The image, originally captured by photographer Ross Brown for the Bay of PlentyTimes in the 1980s, has been transformed into a large-scale artwork by artist Susanne Harrison-Tustain

It was commissioned by an elderly Te Puke resident and will be permanently displayed at the Te Puke RSA

“I wanted to create something that makes the viewer feel something, to have an experience and feel as if they are there,” Harrison-Tustain said

She told NZME said the 2m x 1 4m painting took 12 months to finish “I imagined it would take eight months It took a lot more, and I was painting night and day because I became so lost in the piece that I was oblivious to time ”

February 1981

The original photograph was taken in February 1981 as part of the Te Puke Centennial Celebrations A four-horse stagecoach re-enacted a historic country mail and passenger service, retracing the route from Te Puke to Ōtamarākau via Paengaroa

“I wanted the viewer to feel as if they could hear the sounds of the hoofs and the momentum and that great energy as they’re coming forward,” Harrison-Tustain said.

“I want the vie er to feel if th

timelessness of that era. “I knew straight away it needed to remain in sepia There is a little bit of artistic licence, and there are so many different sepias, so I used a lot of colours to make the right sepia ”

Harrison-Tustain said the painting process was more “demanding” than she thought it would be. “Sepia paintings and photography rely on very subtle tonal value shifts, and that’s sort of between light and dark, so it was challenging and very time-consuming ”

She hoped the painting would draw people in “It’s about being able to create something that represents life in those times and it

allows other people to almost experience the feeling of that being the reality

“I feel it’s everything I wanted and more ”

‘Something special’

who took the original Bay of PlentyTimes chief rom November 1970 to 1 Brown said at the time ther job” but knew he had

captured “something special” “It was front page, but it turned out to be hugely popular, we sold hundreds of prints.” He said the prints were sepia-toned and a photo artist removed power poles in the background, something that was “quite a feat” before digital editing “When I heard that Susan was commissioned to create an artwork from the photo, I was really honoured ” Brown said the painting had taken on a new life and thought it was “fantastic” this piece of history would be shared “My role was just to preserve that moment in history and now, as a painting,

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I hope it will be enjoyed and celebrated for years to come ”

A lasting connection

Te Puke local Harold Beaufill commissioned the historical painting, which he will donate to the Te Puke Citizens RSA His decision to commission the painting was driven by his respect for the region’s pioneers and soldiers, as well as an admiration for horses and their roles in wartime and rural life

He hoped the artwork would honour those depicted and provide a lasting connection for future generations visiting the RSA

The painting will be unveiled at a ceremony at 2pm on April 12

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Kids invited to get baking! g g

The second annual Kiwi Kids Bake-Off has been revamped to enable more budding Bay of Plenty bakers to get involved.

Last year 10 primary school-aged children whipped up entries during the inaugural event held during Flavours of Plenty

This time, there’s space for up to 40 participants across two categories – cakes or cookies – with $900 worth of prizes sponsored by local businesses up for grabs.

Kids are encouraged to register for the competition quickly on the Flavours of Plenty website to avoid missing out.

Ingredients delivered

To make entering the Kiwi Kids Bake-Off easier, this year ’ s competitors will have a box of local ingredients delivered to their home so they can bake in their own kitchen.

Competitors have this month to bake their entries, which need to be dropped at Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology at Windermere between 10am-11am on May 2 for judging, with prizegiving and fun fair event to start 1pm.

“I’m excited that more people get to be involved this year, ” said event organiser Heather Kalisch, who also runs an online baking club “That means even more creativity on show”

Kalisch said judges would look at decorations and tiny details that help a cake stand out, as much as taste and texture.

They would take notice of entries that take in the festival theme ‘Push the Palate’ by getting creative with unique flavour combinations.

Cookie challenge

This year ’ s introduction of a cookie category would also come with its own challenges, Kalisch said “It’s more about using an interesting technique or making it look and taste delicious.”

It was K Kallischh’s recolllectiion of f bakking wiith h her father and now her own young children that inspired her to launch a club for kids to learn skills in the kitchen called ‘Bake With Me’.

“That’s what I do – I help people have a positive experience in the kitchen ”

Kalisch said baking teaches many important skills to youngsters. “It’s not just about making muffins – it’s maths, reading, learning to follow instructions and problem solving when things don’t go as planned ” As a result, she believed parents baking with their children should be “ a core childhood memory ” for all youngsters.

The Kiwi Kids Bake Off 2026 returns as part of the Flavours of Plenty Festival, which runs April 16-May 3. Enter at: https:// flavoursofplentyfestival.com

*Asher Wadsworth is a student at Media Design School studying Graphic Design at a graduate level.

Facilities fund has $116,000 to gift to community projects

Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Facilities in the Community Fund is now open for applications

The contestable fund is available every two years, to help community groups improve or develop facilities used by the public

This can include facilities run by sports clubs, schools and volunteer organisations The facilities can be on either private or council-owned land, but they must be available for community use

This year there is $116,812

available, with funding coming from ‘financial contributions’ to council

These are charges paid by developers to help provide community facilities needed as a result of subdivisions and new developments

Applications must show a clear link to growth within the community

To be eligible, applications must be for capital projects, with a minimum total value of $10,000

This could include new equipment for an existing facility, building costs and building upgrades

“Our community facilities are where people come together, stay active, and feel connected We know many community organisations are doing it tough right now, with rising costs and ongoing pressure on fundraising This fund is one way we can help ease that burden and support the mahi happening on the ground,” said Western Bay of Plenty District Council senior recreation planner Samantha Pottage

“Projects like these are driven by passionate locals who see a need and

step up to make a difference We’re proud to support those communityled initiatives that make our rohe (District) the great place that it is to live in

“We encourage any eligible group to apply If you ’ ve got a project that will benefit your community, we want to hear from you ”

Organisations which received funds in the 2024/2025 Facilities in the Community Funding round included: Katikati Agricultural and Pastoral Society Inc got $11,532 for repairs to the A&P hall; Katikati Community Toy Library got $13,945 for the facility’s carpet replacement; Summerhill Charitable Trust got $15,000 for building costs toward a new community hub; Te Puke Pony Club got $15,000 for their clubroom’s window and cladding replacement; Te Ranga School got $14,523 for swimming pool electrical and paint work; Te Paamu Sports Club got $15,000 for Building costs toward field irrigation install; and Whakamārama School got $15,000 for new outdoor musical equipment

Pottage said this year ’ s successful candidates would be selected by a sub-committee of councillors Allan Sole, Tracey Coxhead and Grant Dally The panel would consider each application according to a set of criteria to ensure fair and objective results

Applications are open until 5pm April 20, and can be made at: https://www westernbaygovt nz/ community/grants-and-funding/ facilities-in-the-community-fund

Next generation get hooked on hunting and fishing

Boats full of youngsters hit the water while families traipsed rural landscapes across the district in the 2026 edition of Katikati’s Kids Hunting and Fishing Competition.

A record 247 kids aged from zero to 15 registered and went fishing for a range of species – from land or boat – and on hunting missions targeting pest species for two days from March 27-29, with nearly $20,000 worth of prizes up for grabs. The 2025 i inaugural l competiition attracted d 153 kids Youngsters had to register the afternoon of

March 27, then were permitted to get busy

as they had to bring their catches to weigh-in by 3pm March 29.

The competition’s base at 2697 State Highway 2 hosted the weigh-in and prizegiving with fun and education on offer to youngsters. Free face painting, twisted balloons and bubble play were on-site, Predator-Free Bay of Plenty had a stall, and food trucks fed those hungry

Possums, rabbits, hares and magpies were brought in by young hunters and tallied up while chilly bins were lined up by little fishherr-ppeoplle wiith h speciies to b be weiighed d and measured before prizegiving at 4pm

A record 247 kids aged from zero to 15 entered the second annual competition.

Possums, rabbits, hares and magpies were brought in by young hunters.

Above: An entrant watches a hare being weighed in.

Right: The Connelly brothers dig deep in their chilly bin to enter their catches while father

looks on.

Sarah Adamson, who with husband Scott headed organising the event with a committee and a bunch of parents, said the event saw heaps of locals enter as well as families that came from Cambridge, Taupō and Matatā “The only category we changed was we added most possums caught – because we wanted to encourage eradication of pests in the district ” e g

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Rubbish pulled from river in kayak clean-up

Wairoa River offers a beautiful rural outlook as traffic enter and exit Tauranga City from the north, but being on State Highway 2 makes it a vulnerable area for rubbish dumping.

A sheep’s skin, an outboard motor oil container and hot chicken wrapper were among items collected from beneath the surface and along the riverbank in a recent clean-up day by kayak.

Other small items such as bottles and cans were recovered, and a large item on the river’s edge – an aluminium window with broken glass – was also removed.

The public event was held as part of Envirohub Bay of Plenty’s Sustainable Backyards Month on March 12, and hosted by Waimarino Water and Adventure Park

After a safety briefing by park staff, about 35 people jumped in kayaks to look for and collect rubbish from about 11am to 1pm.

Waimarino Group office and customers services manager Samantha Botes said she believed that SH2 traffic was one of the sources of rubbish that regularly entered Wairoa River near the park.

“Also, the parking spot across the

river with the boat ramp where people spend weekends That is one of the [rubbish] sources as well.”

The event was a day of community spirit, connection, conservation, and adventure, she said.

“We had about eight to 10 bags of rubbish collected on the day, and we disposed of it We had Waimarino Group’s education centre and the adventure park get involved because we thought that it would be a good activity for the public, to make them realise that people do pollute water It was also so they could realise what the water could look like if people don’t take care of it ”

Botes said that Waimarino staff get in the river every morning to scout near the park to make sure there is no debris floating around whe take place “W

were hoping to educate people and encourage the public to help care for the river and water with this event. ”

She said a group of students from Te Wharekura o Mauao kura at Bethlehem took part in the clean-up and were able to learn more about the river

“They wanted to speak to our guides and find out what roles and pathways there are in this type of job We had a short session before the clean-up on what the job involved and then asked them to join us for the clean-up

“They were able to learn more about the river and our jobs – and also that it’s not always fun and games ” Afterwards, participants enjoyed two hours’ free time in Waimarino Adventure Park as a reward for their ff

D Dig out olld laptops at h homme for students i in T Tonga

Western Bay of Plenty residents are being called upon to donate their old, unused or unwanted laptops to local Rotarians, who upgrade and gift them to schools in the Pacific that can ’ t afford the technology

The initiative is led by Katikati Rotarian John Buchanan, a retired computer engineer, who upgrades old laptops with new components and new software before organising their delivery to schools abroad

“We urgently need more unwanted computers to adapt to this purpose, since Rotary has no computers on hand right now, ” Buchanan said He said Katikati College students would be visiting Tonga this coming June and would like to take some refurbished computers with them to gift to schools there

Buchanan said any laptops were suitable to donate – and computers

that were obsolete since the phaseout of Windows 10 would be ideal as well “We can upgrade these for use in schools across the Pacific ”

The Rotary Club of Katikati’s programme that refurbished outdated computers for reuse in schools abroad had been very successful in recent years,

Buchanan said

“In the past, schools in Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Cook Islands, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands have benefited from this programme, with more than 200 laptops donated so far”

“Other countries that have received refurbished laptops included Cambodia, the Philippines and Kenya ”

Buchanan said Katikati Rotary had also partnered with International Needs New Zealand to provide laptops for a water resourcing project in Sri Lanka He said “this ongoing project reflects the international reputation of

Rotary and helps our poorer neighbours” to deliver better education for their youth Closer to home, 16 Chromebooks had been donated to Katikati College students who were going on to university Meanwhile, Bethlehem College students had personally taken refurbished computers to Nasinu Secondary School in Fiji.

But without more donated stock of outdated laptops and computers, the Rotarians couldn’t keep the programme going

“If you personally, your

workplace, business or company have surplus laptops and computers that are no longer needed, please contact me, ” Buchanan said “I can arrange their collection ” To get in touch, email Buchanan at: john@buchanan. co.nz.

Memory Meadows returns this April

ones, and stand in solidarity with those facing cancer

A sea of yellow is set to bloom in the heart of Mount Maunganui later this year, as Memory Meadows returns to Tauranga for its second year – inviting the community to come together in support of those affected by cancer

The planting day will take place 10am-1pm on Saturday, April 18 at Maunganui Road Reserve, where 5000 daffodil bulbs – donated by Tauranga City Council – will be planted in a shared act of remembrance, hope, and generosity

The initiative is a collaboration between EVES Real Estate, Tauranga City Council, and Cancer Society Waikato/Bay of Plenty

Members of the public are invited to take part by planting a bulb for a $5 donation, with all funds going directly to the Cancer Society to support vital local services These include transport to treatment, accommodation assistance, counselling, and support groups for those navigating a cancer diagnosis

The garden, located between Zespri and the Mount Library, will flourish in coming months and is expected to be in full bloom leading into Daffodil Day on August 28 Organisers say the event is about more than fundraising – it’s about creating a space where people can reflect, remember loved

“Memory Meadows is a meaningful way for people to come together,” Bay of Plenty EVES general manager Mark Leach said. “Every bulb planted represents someone ’ s story It creates a lasting space for reflection, while also raising vital funds for local Cancer Society services. At EVES Real Estate, we are deeply connected to this community and proud to help bring it to life.”

The inaugural Memory Meadows event was held in 2025 at Yatton Park in Greerton, where 10,000 daffodil bulbs were planted The event raised $2810 and drew upport from volunteers and families ss Tauranga

Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the event highlights the strength and compassion of the local community “Everyone has been impacted by cancer in some way, either directly or indirectly We’re proud to support this special cause – it’s a wonderful way for people to come together and plant something meaningful,” he said.

With a central Mount Maunganui location and thousands of blooms expected in spring, it’s hoped Memory Meadows 2026 would become both a visual landmark and a place of quiet reflection for the community

Organisers encourage people of all ages to attend the planting day and be part of a project that will continue to give back long after the event is over

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Random things on the radar

Okay Dodging rain from all directions, the Jazz Festival is done.

It was a close-run thing in these climate-challenged times but, despite rain last week and rain this week, it cleared for a magical musical weekend. And it was magical, down at the Historic Village on Good Friday and at the fantastic Baycourt concerts and in a swinging CBD during the weekend and at manifold other places music was created.

So a big hats off to the people who made it possible, from festival director Marc Anderson to the many hundreds of volunteers, techs, ushers at Baycourt – everyone! It was actually at a Baycourt concert that I remembered why I like such events so much – it’s because everybody wins

There are many different world views when it comes to ventures involving money

There’s the Trumpian zero-sum game approach which believes if someone wins, someone must lose But what I saw at Baycourt is that everybody can win

There’s a band being paid a fee that makes them happy; there’s an audience happy to get their money ’ s worth; there’s the venue and dozens of workers, all paid and flourishing because of the

patronage; and there are the promoters of the event, making money so they can continue in the future. And so on and so on Everybody wins. That’s why I love festivals like this.

Moving on, this is a ‘Random things on the radar’ column

First outing

First a gig Hardcore stuff On April 18 Auckland band Torana will visit The Jam Factory with their amalgam of seventies punk and eighties grunge, bringing along Dead Murder Brides, a covers ensemble featuring members of Auckland bands Dead Contract, Murdur Wun & The Bridesmaids

But the reason I’m into this gig is it’s the first outing for Tauranga band Resting Cat Face That name almost definitely means nothing to you: it’s a new band from the ridiculously creative Michael Baxter, one of those people who every time you turn around seems to have written a bunch of new songs or created wild new artwork

His recent bands include power-poppers The Knids and punk-leaning Billy Two Now, cobbled together from the rough-hewn embers of Tauranga punk legends The

Diners are being invited to taste their way across the coastal Bay of Plenty, as 20 eateries go head-to-head in the 2026 Plates of Plenty Challenge.

The challenge runs from April 1 to May 3, showcasing the creativity of the region’s chefs, each tasked with creating a standout dish using a mystery box of locally produced ingredients

To enter, every dish must feature at least three of the eight locally sourced ingredients supplied, sparking inventive combinations and bold new flavours.

From tacos and schnitzels to pizzas, this year ’ s line-up reflected the diversity of the coastal Bay’s food scene. Those with a sweet tooth could also enjoy a range of entries including decadent desserts.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said the challenge continued to play an important role in connecting the region’s growers and producers with its hospitality sector

“What makes the Plates of Plenty Challenge special is the way it brings our local producers and eateries together It’s a chance to support emerging producers, showcase their ingredients, and build connections that can continue well beyond the festival.

“It also gave visitors another reason to come to the Bay – to explore new venues, try new flavours, and taste locally inspired dishes that reflect the depth of our food scene ”

Festival director Rae Baker said the quality and creativity of dishes continued to impress year after year

“Each year we see chefs push themselves further, and 2026 is no exception. It’s incredible to see how a mystery box of ingredients can result in such a wide range of unique and delicious dishes.”

Diners were encouraged to vote for their favourite dishes, with every vote going into the

Metrognomes, Liberated Squid and more, there’s Resting Cat Face What do they sound like? Who knows? I would guess fast, furious and fun

Meanwhile, local punkierthan-punk trio Hoick has launched their self-titled debut album I’ll return to it when my mangled brain recovers from being shredded by the opening song Chargey Chargey They are on the road across the North Island in April and May

Got any memories?

Now, at the risk of scaling new heights in lazy journalism,

I have a couple of stories coming up that you might be able to help with One about Murray Maunder, the guy who once filmed every jazz festival concert and is now adventuring in Australia The other is about multi-talented BAFTA-winner Jeff Murphy for whom the Colourfield in Welcome Bay is releasing a posthumous album

Got any memories or stories about them? If so, drop me a line at: watusi@thesun co nz

Hear Winston’s Latest Playlist Scan the QR code or v s t

Plenty of local kai to taste in plates challenge

draw to win one of three $100 vouchers.

Returning sponsor Southern Hospitality is aggain suppporting g the J Judgge ’ s Choice annd People’s Choice awards

For list of participating eateries and their dishes, visit: https:// flavoursofpplentyfestival.com/plates-ofplenty-challenge-2026 www tinyurl com/53xvwsn6

cars wanted recently departed

(07)2621000Tauranga

Public Notices

Classic Flyers museum has change of guard

Donate to the RSA herewww.rsa.org.nz/support-us/donate To place your notice email us at classifiedsbop@nzme.co.nz or Phone

A major leadership change has been announced at the Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust, with long serving chairman David Love stepping down after more than two decades guiding the organisation’s growth and success.

Love has been instrumental in the trust ’ s journey since its beginnings, playing a pivotal role in shaping the organisation into one of New Zealand’s leading aviation museums, a statement from the trust said

“His passion for aviation, steady leadership and long-term commitment have underpinned the trust ’ s success for more than two decades

“While stepping aside from the chairmanship, Love will continue to serve the trust as secretary, ensuring his extensive knowledge and historical insight remain an integral part of the organisation’s future.”

Current trustee Ross Brown has been appointed as the new chairman.

Brown had a strong background in business, governance and marketing, and deep ties to the local community and was committed to building on the strong foundations laid under Love’s leadership

Brown’s focus would be on continuing to raise the trust ’ s profile while supporting its ongoing growth and development.

The Bay of Plenty Classic Aircraft Trust was established in 2000, when a group of local businessmen and

Churches Active In Our Community

aviation enthusiasts investigated a possible restoration of a World War II-era hangar at Tauranga Airfield

Although the original structure proved unsalvageable, the initiative led to the formation of the trust and the construction of a new, purposebuilt facility

Located at the entrance to Tauranga Airport on Jean Batten Drive, Mount Maunganui, the museum operates as Classic Flyers NZ It was designed as a “living” or flying museum, with a strong emphasis on keeping aircraft operational and encouraging regular flight activity rather than static display

The museum officially opened on Saturday, May 28, 2005, marked by an air display and flypast

Since then, it has grown into a highly regarded attraction for aviation enthusiasts and an important cultural asset for the wider Bay of Plenty community

Classic Flyers founder, trustee and chief executive Andrew Gormlie paid tribute to Love while welcoming the new appointment

“David’s vision and dedication over more than two decades have been instrumental in creating what we have today,” Gormlie said

“His continued involvement as secretary ensures we retain that invaluable experience. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Ross into the chair role and look forward to working closely with him and the management team as we continue to grow and evolve.”

SPECIFICATIONS:

WeightCapacity–180kg

WeightwithBatteries–147kg

MotorSize–24V/800W

MaxForwardSpeed–15km/h DistanceRange–upto60km

GroundClearance–12cm

Batteries–12V/75Ahx2

OverallDimensions–1480x640x1120mm

FullFrontandRearSuspension

NORDIC CRUISER

SPECIFICATIONS:

WeightCapacity–150kg

WeightwithBatteries–85kg

MaxForwardSpeed–15km/h

DistanceRange–upto50km