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‘Solemnthedrumsthrill... “ToHunter,LoveandChristmas greetings…”
Ahand-scrawlednoteinatinyillustrated NewTestament.Beeninmydrawersince 1960–sentimentalityratherthananyreligious conviction.
“…fromAuntieJeanieandUncleFrank.”The 6/-pricetagalsopencilledpointstoitsage.
Theunwrappedgiftwasslippedtome momentsbeforeweallclaspedhandsaround achickenandtriflefamilyChristmaslunch. Headsbowed,eyesclosed,whilewhitemophairedUncleFrank,anearnestPresbyterian ministerinhisdogcollar,invocatedonour
behalf–beseechinghisGodtoblessuswith love,protection,guidanceandwisdom.“Amen tothat,”saidDad.“Therehastobesomeoneout thereintheuniverse,who’swaysmarterthanus, andwhocanbringsensetoitall.”
Becausetherehadbeenlittleornosense.Here wewere–twofamiliesthrusttogetherbywar,by anevil,genocidal,megalomaniaccalledHitler, byanactofsupremesacrifice,bylovelostand lovewon,byanemeraldengagementring–and byacentralleadinglady,mymotherEunice Olive,or‘Billie’or‘Bill’.Billiebecauseshehad beenatomboy.Abeautifulone.
Andhadthiscrazyfusionofpeopleand circumstancesunravelledeversodifferently,I ld’bhIfhanity,decency,and teadofafilthywar, born.Ithadbeena
minister in his dog collar, invocated on our wouldn’t be here. If huma righthadprevailed,inst Iwouldnothavebeen b closething.
Dashing,swashb buckling UncleFrankandAun parentsofAllanStead pilotstationedwithth NZSquadroninDriffi knewhiminnameon romantic,comicbook dashing,swashbucklin drapedinflowingwh leatherflyinghelmet waythroughtheBa ofGöring’sLuftwaff shouting“Danger R ofincoming enemy
ntieJeaniewere –aKiwifighter eRAFNo485 ffieldinYorkshire.I nlybutIhadachild’s kimageofhim–a ngSpitfirepilot hitesilkscarfand t.Dogfightinghis attleofBritain,scourge ffe.Iimaginedhim RedSection!”atsight gy.Or“Onedown!”as
Callmeforyour free, noobligationMarketAppraisal Phone0800RACH4U
No.1AgentPapamoaOffice2020-2025 Top5GreaterTaurangaArea2020-2025
Unsunghero,RNZAFFlyingOfficer MalcolmStarkWells,servicenumber 43171. Photos/Supplied
Guiding words from Uncle Frank
aMesserschmittfellawayinflames.
Ghastly,tragicmess
Butonedaythecomicstorydidn’tend asscripted.OnJanuary6,1945,Stead dive-bombedatraininWesternHolland. ThetrainexplodedandtheSpitfirewas pepperedwithshrapnel.Aplanecrashed, apilotdied,UncleFrankandAuntie Jeaniewerebereftason,andonlychild. Mymother,Billie,lostalove,amanshe probablywouldhavemarried.Anemerald engagementringbecameakeepsake.And Ilostoneofmytwowarheroes.Whata ghastly,tragicmess.
Afewyearslater,farfromtheclamourof war,the“aloneagain”WAAF,orWomen’s AuxiliaryAirForce,radio/telephone operatorBillie,metashy,suaveand sensitiveex-RNZAFLancasterbomber crewmanMalcolmWellswhilepunting onarivernearDunedin.ThistimeHitler playednopartandBilliemadeittothe altar.Iamoneofherfoursons.
Thecast
UncleFrankandAuntieJeaniestayed inourlives.Theyadoptedus–orwe adoptedthem.Webecameasurrogate “grand-family”.Theysharedour Christmaschickenandtrifle.Billie playedthedaughter-in-lawwhonever was,Daddoubledforasonandlover lyinginaBelgiancemetery,andweboys werestand-insforthegrandkidsthe Steadsneverhad.Itworkedperfectly foreveryone.Weeachhadaroleinthis real-life,post-war,soapopera,andwe playedtheroleswithdignityandrespect, compassionandunderstanding.Uncle Frank’sprayerwasworking.Andlifewas asgoodaswemadeit.
Hauntinglament ItdidexplainwhyeveryChristmasDay AuntieJeaniewouldtakemyfather’s hands,gazewistfullyathim,andthen drawhimtoherandweep.Ahaunting lamentforthedead.Amotherwantedher sonback.ShewantedAllanback.Andall thetimecryingherloveandacceptanceof anothermanwhowasthereforherwhen Allancouldn’tbe.
AndwhileAuntieJeanieclungtoDad, Billieclungtouskidsandwept.Tearsof sadness,joyandgratitude.Theywould fallonus.Andshewouldapologise,and giggle,andsob,allatthesametime.
ForAllan,forDad,foreveryone,for everything.Myotherwarhero,theone whodidcomehome,myDad,RNZAF PilotOfficerMalcolmStarkWells,service number43171,wouldsqueezewhatlittle miserywasleftfromAuntieJeanie,smile reassuringlyandsay:“There,there”.It seemspats,hugsand“theretheres”put rightmostills.
‘Blitzed!Flattened!’ Dadfoughthiswaratabout20,000feet, inthebowelsofaLancasterbomberon nightops,inhigh-stress,claustrophobicand severelycoldconditions. Heneverdiscussedthebusinessendof war–theslaughter,theruination,the stress.Goodmendidn’t.Sothisschoolboy’s impressionswereshapedbystorybooksand comicsglorifyingwar.Butmanyyearslater IdiscoveredDad’swartimephotoalbum withgrainyblackandwhitereconnaissance photosofEsseninWesternGermany.Or whatwasleftofit.Thestrategicindustrial cityhadbeenblitzed,flattened,scorchearthed.DidDadhavearoleintheBattle oftheRuhr,wheretheAlliesbombedit intooblivion,flattening90%ofthecity andkilling21,000people?Theseops alsocameatconsiderablehumancostto BomberCommandwhichsufferedthe highestcasualtyrateofanyservice.German nightfightersandanti-aircraftflak,claimed 55,000of125,000Lancasteraircrew–nearly46%.Dadwasblessed.Wewere blessed.
Understandingbeautiful Dadwouldtalkofthelumbering Lancasterwarhorsesasa“beautifulbeast” Beautiful?Weteenageboysogledimages ofRaquelWelchandClaudiaCardinale
andthoughtweunderstood“beautiful”. Seemsnot.Andhewouldhumatthe thoughtoffourV12RollsRoyceMerlin engineswindinguptogeta6500kg payloadofbombsoffthedeckandinto thenightsky.
IdidgetasenseofDad’s“beautiful” when,atAuckland’sMuseumof TransportandTechnology,theycranked uponeoftheenginesontheLancaster exhibit.Therewasahigh-pitchedwhine, andadeeprumbleasanoldaircraft foughtbackfromthedead.Thenahuge, densecloudofsmokeandarhythmic engineroar.Grownmeninoveralls, withblackgreasyhandsandspanners, who’dbeencrawlingoverthe“beautiful beast”stoodback,dabbedtheireyes andcheered.InowunderstoodDad’s “beautiful”.
‘…lebensiewohl!’
EvenafterHitleruttered“Esist aus,lebensiewohl”–“Itisfinished, goodbye”–andskulkedoffintothe bunkerwitha7.65mmWaltherPPK pistolandoneshotinthebreech, Dad’swarwasn’tdone.Backhomein Dunedin,hewouldclamberaboardthe overnightexpresseverysecondweekend andtraveltoSunnysidementalasylum inChristchurch,wherehisbrother wasfightingbackfromthreeyearsina GermanPOW(PrisonerofWar)camp. Hitler’sinhumanitydidn’tstopat invading,bombing,shootingandgassing. ButDad’scommitmentpaid–andone daymyunclewalkedoutoftheasylum andintothearmsofanewbride. AndheandDadremainedlife-long, bestbuddybrothers.
...continuedonpage4
TheWAAF-Eunice‘Billie’Miles.
MurderedmyDad In1970,about25yearsafterWWII, Hitlerstruckagainwithafinalactof wickednessfrombeyondthegrave.Dad, a49-year-olddraughtsman,waswalking toworkwhenhecollapsedfromaheart attack.Manybomberaircrewdiedof heartattackscomparedtothegeneral population.Itwasputitdowntothe severe,sustainedanduniquestressorsthey endured.
A fewdayslater,theuncletookmeto viewDad’sbody.Iwasn’tsureaboutit.
Tears,singlemalts
“Wewillbothfeelbetter,”heassured me.Momentslater,standingeithersideof anopencasket,theunclegentlytookmy handandheldittomyfather’scheek.It lingeredthereandwesmiledaswewept.I wasgratefulforthemoment Later,aswesippedhealingsinglemalts inasuburbanbar,myuncleshareda favouriteMalcolm
Medicsbrokejustabouteveryribtrying tokick-startthatchest.Andtheybroke heartswhentheirbesteffortsfailed.Itwas liketheFuhrerhimself,inafinalheinous act,hadtakenuphisWaltherPPKpistol andshotMalcolmStarkthroughtheheart. Hitler,thedespicable,murderousbastard, killedmyDad.Forwhat?
Themanwhomowedmeacricketpitch onthebacklawn,themanwhoshucked sacksofBluffoysterswithmeSaturday morning,whohatedracism.Themanwho alwayslistened,whotaughtmetolaugh atNeddySeagoontryingtosetfiretothe EnglishChannelonradio’s GoonShow, whomadepinkandwhitecoconutice Fridaynight,androastrabbitandstuffing sandwichesforschoolMonday,andwho, embarrassingly,wouldholdMum’shand wherevertheywent–yes,thatmanwas gone.Iwouldlieinbedatnightandweep. Istruggledwiththeimmensityofitall.I feltcheated.Stilldo.
Starkstory.Dadhadtoldhimhehad an“god-given”altimeter.Hewouldget sexuallyarousedastheLancastertookoff andgainedheight.Thebrotherscalledit an“airplaneboner”,andregardlessofall thecontributingphysical,psychological andenvironmentalfactors,theyjust thoughtithilariouslyfunny.Sodiddad’s aircrew.AstheLancasterclimbedafter take-off,thepilotwouldcallthrough:“Are wehighenoughyetMalcolm?”Thecrew wouldhoot.Levitybeforeconfrontingthe awfuloddsinthenightskyoverGermany.
Dabblinganddoodling AlthoughBilliewasstillarelativelyyoung andelegantwoman,thatwasthat.Shehad losttwomenfromherlife.“Ihavehadmy husbandthankyouverymuch.”Yes,that wasthat.Andseveralwould-besuitorsat
herdanceclubwerepolitelydeclined. Whenhehadasparehour,Dadwould dabblewithshortstoriesandpencil-sketch sailingships.Hisregular‘JohnCitizen’ LetterstotheEditor campaignedonsocial issueslikefundingforsurflifesavers. Peoplewhoriskedtheirlivestosavelives, hereckoned,shouldbecompensated. Hewoulddoodleonourhomework–a WWIImemelike‘Kilroywashere’. Teacherslovedhisartworkandmarkedit 8/10.Therewereextremesinmywarhero’s life–fromdeadlybombingruns topencilmischief.
HisidealSundayafternoon wasvisitingalocalaerodrometowatch gliderssoarandNAC’sDC-3servicefrom Christchurchplopdown.Inhisheadand heart,hewasatthecontrols.Andthe frustratedaviatorwouldmakeupmodel aeroplanekits.Lancastersofcourse–“beautifulbeasts!”
Treachery Onedayhebroughtthe“enemy”home –amodelGermanHeinkell111and Junkers88.Iwasdeeplyoffended.Idid notwanttheenemyatmyplace.Helet themattersettleandthensatmedown. “Doyouknowwhoflewthoseplanes?”he asked.Germansofcourse.“Yes.Germans. Humanbeings–likeus,”hedeclared. “Andwhentheydidn’treturnhome, Germanmothersweptandgrievedtoo.”
LikeAuntieJeanie?“Exactly!LikeAuntie Jeanie!”
Manyyearslateranemeraldengagement ringwaspassedontoayoungbride-to-be ataDunedindepartmentstorewhereBillie worked.Perhapsshedecideditwastimeto unburdenherselfofsomedarkness.
Orshebelievedtheringmightbringbetter fortuneonthefourthfingerofanother lefthand.Weneverdidgetthefullstory ofanyofit–justguardedtitbitsfed overtime.In2011,amemorialchurch windowtoAllanSteadwasdestroyed whentheCanterburyearthquakesrattled Rangiora.MalcolmandBillieareforever holdinghandsinblock9a,plot40,at theAndersonsBayRSACemeteryin Dunedin.
“Toliveinheartsweleavebehindisnot todie”– ThomasCampbell HunterWells
Thecouplewhogottheirretirementback Patricia’sinternalalarmgoesoffat5amevery morning.Ithasdonethisfor50years.
Hereyesopen.Thebedroomisstilldark.The houseisquietexceptforthefirstbirdsstarting theirchorus.She’sawake.Butshe’snotreally awake.
“IlietherefeelinglikeI’vebeenhitbyatruck,” the73-year-oldexplains.“Mybodyclockwould wakemeuprightontime,buttherestofme hasn’tcaughtup.”
At73,Patriciastilltendstohergarden,takes dailywalksthroughtown,andcatcheslocal showswhentheycomethrough.Herhusband, 75,doesthesame.They’rethekindofcouple who’vebeenmarriedsolongtheywalkinsync withoutthinkingaboutit.
Retirementwassupposedtobetheirreward fordecadesofwork.
“Weearnedthis,”Patriciasays.“Wedid everythingright.Retirementwassupposedto bewhenwefinallygottoenjoyitall.”
Butsomewherearound60,sleepstarted changing.Notdramaticallyatfirst,justlighter, lessrestorative.Thenherhusbandbegan experiencingthesamething.Nowinsteadof wakingat5amreadyfortheday,theywere bothwakingfeelingdrainedandnotexcitedfor theday.
Themorningwalksbecameharderfirst.Then thegardenbecameachore.Bylunchtime, they’dbothbeexhausted.
“Theworstpartwaswatchingeachother decline,”Patriciaadmits.“Hewasgrumpy.Iwas snappy.Wejustweren’tourselves.”
ThecrystallisingmomentcameonaThursday evening.They’dboughtticketstoalocalshow. At6:30pm,Patriciafoundherhusband
asleepinhischair.
“Ilookedathimandthought,I’mjustas exhausted.What’sthepoint?”
Theydidn’tgo.Thirtydollarswasted. Herhusbandsuggestedtheyacceptit. “Maybethisisjustbeinginour70s.”
ButPatriciawasn’treadytoacceptthat. Scrollingonlineonemorning,shefound KoruSleep,anaturalsupplementmadein NewZealand.Theblendofpassionflower, magnesiumandvalerianwasdesignedto supportthebody’sownsleepchemistry.
“Ithoughtitwasprobablyanotheronethat promisestheworldanddeliversnothing,” Patriciaadmits.
Butsheorderedabottle.Bothdecidedtotry it.Whenherbodyclockwentoffat5amthe nextmorning,somethingwasdifferent.
Shefeltrested.
“UsuallyIfeellikeI’vebeendraggedthrough ahedgebackwards.ButthatmorningIactually feltokay.”
Herhusbandstirredbesideher.“Howdoyou feel?”sheasked.
“Actually...notbad.”
Withinaweek,bothwerewakingat5am feelingfreshagain.Themorningwalkscame back.Insteadofdraggingthemselvesaround, theywerewalkingbriskly,actuallyenjoying itagain.
Weekthree,theywenttoalocalshow.Not onlydidtheystayawake,theyenjoyedit.
“We’reactuallylivingourretirementnow,” Patriciareflects.“Notjustsurvivingit.Weare ourselvesagain.Whenyou’rerested,everything becomespossible.”
MalcolmandBilliemakeittothealtar.
Photo/Supplied
AnzacDayservices Anzac Day commemorations will be held across Tauranga tomorrow, April 25, marking one of New Zealand’s
mostsignificantdaysofnational remembrance.
Eachyear,acollectiveeffortfromthe cityandWesternBayofPlentyRSAs, councils,defencepersonnel,community groupsandvolunteersensuresthedayis commemoratedwithcareandrespect.
TaurangaCityservices
5.45am–TaurangaMoanaTumatauenga Commemoration,HangarauMarae,219 BethlehemRd,Bethlehem.
6am–PāpāmoaMemorialDawnService, PāpāmoaMemorial,StellaPlacebeachcar park,PāpāmoaBeachRd.
6am–MountMaunganuiDawnService, MountMaunganuiCenotaph,opposite Hopukiore,MtDrury.
6am–TaurangaDawnService,Memorial Field,MemorialPark,EleventhAve.
9.30am–TaurangaCivicMemorial Service,MemorialField,MemorialPark, EleventhAve.
11am–PyesPāRemembranceService, PyesPāMemorial Fulldetailsat:www.tauranga.govt.nz/ anzacday
Park and ride services
Free and accessible park and ride buses will be available for the Tauranga Dawn Service Tauranga Civic Memorial Service
Service,TaurangaCivicMemorialService, andMountMaunganuiDawnService. Viewmoreinformationat:www. tauranga.govt.nz
WesternBayservices
6am-DawnParadeandServiceatthe WaihīBeachRSA
6am-TuapiroMaraeDawnService,24 HikurangiRoad,Katikati
6am–KatikatiDawnServiceinfrontof KatikatiWarMemorialHall
9.50am-TePukeCivicParadefollow by10amCivicServiceatTePukeWar MemorialHall
6am–ŌmokoroaDawnServiceat RemembranceCairn,GeraldCrapp HistoricReserve
10.30am-ServiceatOropiMemorial HallandCommunityCentre 6am–MaketuDawnServiceatthe RemembranceRock,ParkRdReserve TePuke
5am-Begingatheringand 6am–WaitangiDawnServiceatthewar memorialgatesatTeKuraKaupapaMāori oTeMatai.ParkatMokoMarae
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FamiliesinTePukearebeing invitedtostepoutandexploretheir communitythroughfood,learning andplayattheupcomingKidsKai TrailonMay2.
Runningfrom10am-1pm,thefreeevent ispartofthewiderFlavoursofPlenty festival,aBayofPlenty-widecelebration oflocalfoodandproduce.
TheKidsKaiTrailoffersahands-on, family-friendlyexperiencewheretamariki canexplore,tasteandlearnalongsidetheir parents.ThetrailbeginsatJubileePark’s TePukeCommunityGardensbefore windingitswaythroughGigglesEarly LearningCentreandtheTePukeHeritage
Centre.Alongtheway,familiescanenjoy garden-freshtreats,interactiveactivities andopportunitiestolearnabouthealthy eating.
GigglesEarlyLearningCentremanager ShonaUa-Marshsaidtheeventisa highlightforthecentreandthewider community.
“Wedidonelastyear,ourfirstone,and thiswillbethesecondone,”shesaid.
“Eventhoughit’sinourbackyard,the communitygardensuppliesthelocal pātakakaiandsupportsthecommunity. It’salsotakencareofbythechildren–it’s theirclassroom.”
Ua-MarshsaidtheKidsKaiTrailreflects thecentre’sholisticapproachtolearning, w involvedinplanting,harvestingand sharingfood.
sandpit.
“They’relearningaboutbeingableto plantandharvest,andmanaakitanga–sharingandsupportingourcommunity. It’saboutteachingtheminaholisticway, includingourMāorivalues.”
Theeventisacollaborativeeffortledby COLABCommunityTrust,withinput fromarangeoflocalorganisationsand businesses.
Otherhighlightsalongthetrailinclude makingagarden-freshsnackatthe communitygardensandvisitingtheCapitol Theatretowatchashortfilmandlearn aboutthe“threeketeofknowledge”around healthyeating,alongsidetastinglocal kiwifruittreats.
Ua-Marshsaidplanningbeginswellin advance,withafocusonmakingtheevent biggerandbettereachyear.“Wework togethertoenhanceourcommunityinways wecanallsupportit.Weallcollaborate andtalkabouthowwecanmakeitmore enjoyableandgetthecommunityinvolved.”
AtGigglesEarlyLearningCentre, familieswillbeabletorelaxandenjoythe outdoorenvironment,includingthemāra kai(vegetablegarden)andaplayground
EntrytotheKidsKaiTrailisfree,with onlychildrenneedingtoregister.Dietary requirements,includinggluten-freeand dairy-freeoptions,canbecateredfor.
Organiserssaidtheeventisachancefor familiestoconnectwithlocalfood,spaces andeachother.“Bringthewhānauandtake astroll,”Ua-Marshsaid.
“It’saboutenjoyingwhatwehavehereand celebratingourcommunity.”
TheKidsKaiTrailisoneofmanyevents takingplaceaspartofFlavoursofPlenty, whichrunsacrossthecoastalBayofPlenty untilMay3.
RosalieLiddleCrawford
where Tamariki (children) areactively involved in planting harvesting and featuringatrampoline, flying foxand sandpit
Wharearere,4. Photo/KellyO’Hara
PassengertrainreturnstotheKaimaiTunnelafter14yyears Ticketsforthefirstpassengertrain tripthroughtheKaimaiTunnelin 14yearssoldoutintwodays.
Theexcursion,runbyGlenbrook VintageRailway,departsonMay2 andwillbehauledbyheritagediesel locomotivesDC4818andDBR1254.
ItwillcarrytravellersfromAuckland totheBayofPlentyonaone-offreturn service.
OnceinTauranga,twoshortlocal excursionswillcarrypassengersaround MountMaunganuiortothefoothillsof theKaimaiRangeatWhatakao.
GlenbrookVintageRailway’sSean Heenansaidsignificantbehindthescenes workhadgoneintosecuringaccesstoone ofthebusiestrailcorridorsinthecountry.
“ThelineinandaroundTaurangaisvery scenic,andmuchlikemanyoftheother tripswedo,mostofthesceneryyoucan’t seeanyotherwaythanbyrailtravel.”
Therouteformspartofthe“Golden Triangle”freightnetworkthatlinksthe nation’sbusiestportwithNewZealand’s largestcity.
Pavetheway
Heenansaiditwasagreatopportunity forlocalstotravelintheirownbackyard.
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said the region was looking forward to welcoming passengers to a
buzzingcitycentre.
“TheKaimaiExpressvisitwillcoincide withthefinalweekendofour18-day FlavoursofPlentyFestivalandseveral othercitycentreeventactivations,soit’s definitelyshapinguptobeaspecialday.”
NathansaidTourismBayofPlenty hopedthevisitwouldpavethewayfor morerailbasedtourismexperiences.
TaurangalocalKelvinEgaleton,who firstrodeaGlenbrooktrainmorethan 50yearsago,saidapermanentpassenger servicearoundtheGoldenTriangle shouldbeapriority.
“Thebenefitofrailforthecityischeap, fasttransportandremovingcarsfromthe road.Ihavelivedandworkedincities thathavefastrailtransport,anditis great.”
AdvocacygroupTheFutureIsRail spokeswomanLindseyHornesaidthe strongresponseshowedaclearpublic appetiteforapassengerrailconnection.
Wake-upcall “Taurangahasn’tseenascheduled passengerservicesince2001.Inthose25 years,thecity’spopulationhasexploded, yetourtransportoptionshaveremained stuckinthepast.”
Hornesaidthetrip’ssuccessshouldbe a wake up call for decision makers about Tauranga’s rail future
“This trip shows the infrastructure is
TheMountMaunganuiExpresswillcrosstheMatapihi RailBridgeandcauseway. Photo/JohnBorren
AheritagerailexcursionwilltakepassengersthroughtheKaimaiTunnelfor thefirsttimein14years. Photo/Supplied
alreadythere,andthecommunityisready touseit.What’sneedednowisaction.”
TheKaimaiExpress ThesoldoutserviceleavesWaiuku beforeheadingeastacrosstheWaikato, travellingthroughRuakuraand MorrinsvilletoWaharoaJunction. Fromthere,thetraincontinuestowards thewesternportalofthe8.9kmKaimai Tunnel.
Passengerswillspendabout10minutes travellingbeneaththeKaimaiRange beforeemergingnearWhatakao.
Thetrainrunsalongthecoastlineinto Tauranga,astretchusuallytravelledonly byfreightcrews.
Passengerswillbeabletotakeinthe sceneryfromopenairviewingbalconies. OnceinTauranga,twoshortlocal excursionswillruntoshowcasethecity’s railnetwork.
TheMountMaunganuiExpresswill crosstheMatapihiRailBridgeand causeway,offeringviewsacrossTauranga Harbour.
Itthentravelsthroughthefringeof MountMaunganuiandarrivesbesidethe PortofTaurangaandBayOval. Meanwhile,theKaimaiCoastExpress followstheharbourthroughTePuna andŌmokoroa,thenclimbsinlandpast orchardsandpackhousestowardApata. Thejourneyendswithcrossingthe WainuiRiverViaduct,beforereaching Whatakao.
DoublePassGiveaway! ThankstoGlenbrookVintage Railway,TheWeekendSunhasa doublepasstogiveawaytotwolucky readerswhocantellushowmany yearssinceithasbeensincethelast passengertraintripwentthroughthe KaimaiTunnel?
Toenter,visitwwwsunlive.co.nzand clickonthe‘competitions’tab.Entries mustbeinbyTuesday,April28.
ZoeBlake
Racingbanmeanshundreds ofgreyhoundsneedhomes Hundredsofgreyhoundswillneed homeswhenagreyhoundracingban comesintoeffectthisAugust.
TheRacingIndustry(Closureof GreyhoundRacingIndustry)Amendment Billpasseditsthirdandfinalreadingin NZParliamentonApril2witha112-11 voteinParliament.
Thelegislationwouldformallyend commercialgreyhoundracingonAugust 1,2026.
Tauranga-basedvolunteersfora greyhoundadoptioncharity–and greyhoundownersthemselves–saythe gentle-naturedbreedmakesaperfectpet forTauranga’syoungfamiliesandretirees.
Adoptionday Tauranga-basedGreyhoundsasPets volunteersLaurenKramerandhermotherin-lawSandyHendersonarehostingan adoptionpromotiondayatPetEssentials inGreertononMay16from10am-2pm.
Kramerencouragedanyonewhowas interestedinlearningmoretocomealong.
“There’llbeafewvolunteers,andwe’re hopingtohaveacoupleofadoptable greyhoundsthere.”
HergreyhoundMarcelandHenderson’s greyhoundMercwouldbothbethere.
Kramersaidgreyhoundswere“lowmaintenance”.
HergreyhoundMarcelwashappywith onehalf-hourwalkperday.
“Hejustlovestobeoutandaboutwith you.”
Kramersaidnothingfazedhim.Marcel
joinedheratfamilygatherings,andhe greetedeverydoghemetonhiswalks. “Itakehimoutandaboutforlunch dates.”
Kramersaidshetakesatravelmatfor Marceltositonatacafeorrestaurant. Sheknewnothingaboutgreyhounds beforeadoptingMarcel.Itwasher partner’sidea.
‘Justfellinlove’ However,shehadameet-and-greetwith Marceland“justfellinlove”.
“Nowwe’recominguponfouryears together.”
HendersonadoptedhergreyhoundMerc onJanuary23.
ShesaidMercwas“quitehardworkin thebeginning”,whichwascommonwith greyhounds.
Hehadnotexperiencedurbanlife before.Hemovedfromthekenneltothe racetrack,thenfromtheracetracktothe kennel.
Hendersonsaidsheteamedupwith anothergreyhoundownernearher,which helpedMerc’sconfidence.“He’sreally goodnow.He’sgettingbetterandbetter withurbansettings.”
Hendersonsaidshewouldadviseanyone whoadoptsagreyhoundtobepatient.
“It’sjustatimething.They’renotlike otherdogs.Theyhaven’texperiencedlife outsidetheracetrack.”
Merchadbeenoutofracingandinthe kennelsfor12monthsbeforeHenderson adoptedhim.Shesaidgreyhoundsbecome veryattachedtotheirowners.
“Theyneedcompanionship. “Retiredpeopleareprobablyreally suitablebecausethey’rehomealldayand theycanhangoutwiththeirdog.”
GreyhoundsasPetsmanagerLisaPhilp saidtheadoptionservicewouldbe“doing whatwe’vealwaysdone,butonabigger scale”.
1000and1500 Shesaidtherewere200or300dogson thewaitinglistatanyonetime,butthere wouldbebetween1000and1500when thebantookeffectonAugust1.
PhilpsaidtheorganisationGAPneeded volunteersandfosterhomes.
“Themoredogswehaveinfoster,the moredogswehaveavailabletousquickly togetintohomes.”
Afteradogleavesthekennels,itcould taketwotothreeweeksbeforeitwasready tobematchedwithanapplicant.
Theprocesswasquickerfortherespective owners.Philpsaidtheycouldbematched
withadogimmediatelyifasuitabledog wasavailableandtheapplicantwasready.
Thegentlenessandlowexercise requirementofgreyhoundsgenerallysuited theyoungfamiliesandretireesintheBay ofPlenty,Philpsaid.
Regularevents Philpsaidsheintendedtoschedule regularGreyhoundsasPetsadoption eventsintheBayofPlenty.
RacingMinisterWinstonPeters welcomedthismonth’spassingof legislationtoendgreyhoundracing,saying itwasadecisivestepthatreflectedthe clearwillofNewZealandersanddelivered certaintyforanimalwelfare,industry participantsandthepublic.
“ThepassingofthisBillenablesthe establishmentofatransitionagencyto overseethewinddownofracingandthe rehomingofdogs,andwearenowmoving intotheformalsetupphase,”Peterssaidat thestartofthismonth.
BijouJohnson
GreyhoundsasPetsvolunteersLaurenKramerwithgreyhoundMarcelandSandy HendersonwithgreyhoundMerc. Photo/KellyO’Hara
NZMEBayofPlentymultimediajournalistBijou Johnsonsharesherfamily’sexperienceadoptinga greyhoundfromtheGreyhoundsasPetsorganisation.
Dogsareman’sbestfriend–asentimentthat holdstrueforgreyhounds.
Whenyouadoptagreyhound,yougainafriend youdidn’tknowyouneeded.
Myfamilyhadbeenwithoutapetforafewmonths afterthedeathofourpreviousfamilydog.Thehouse feltquieter,cleaner,peaceful.Wecouldn’tstandit.
Ourlastdog,aRhodesianRidgeback,had greyhoundinhim,somymotherdecidedtobrowse thedogsavailableforadoptionontheGreyhoundsas Petswebsite.
Assoonasshesawapictureofabrindlegreyhound namedArt,sheknewhewasherdog.Itwasloveat firstsight.Weadoptedhimatthebeginningof2022.
Art,likemostgreyhounds,wasnervouswhenwe firstmethimathisfosterhome.Hekepthisdistance, tailbetweenhislegs.
Butthemoretimehespentwithus,themore comfortablehebecame.
Heletmymotherpathimbytheendofourfirst visit.They’vebeeninseparableeversince.
Likeallpets,greyhoundsneedattention,care,and patience.
Havingspenttheirearlyyearsinkennelsandonthe racetrack,theydon’tknowanythingelse.
Oncetheyleavethatenvironment,everythingis newtothem.
Newsoundsandsmells,newpeopleandplaces. Theywillbeanxiousanduneasyastheytransition fromonelifetoanother.
Butthepatienceagreyhoundownerpractises duringthattimewillpayoff.
Greyhoundsareloyal,gentle,affectionate,andfull
of“zoomies”. WhileArtwon’tchaseaball, he’llbreakintounexpected andbriefsprintsaroundour home–usuallybeforedinner time.
Tryingeverypieceof
furnitureinthehouse,and eagerlywatchinghisdinner bedishedup,aretwoofhis signaturetraits. AndeverytimeIrelaxmy hand,ninetimesoutof10it landsuponafurryhead.
CertifiedFuneralDirectorwith 34yearsexperience,including 24yearsasacelebrant. LivedinTaurangafor53years. IndependentMarriageCelebrant
0221557204 mikes53@outlook co nz
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Tipoftheiceberg? BijouJohnsonwithher family’spetgreyhound, Art. Photo/KellyO’Hara
Cityregainstrampolinepark Taurangafamilieswillrejoice thatthecitywillagainhave anindoortrampolinepark, whenanewfacilityopens nextmonth.
SlamJumphasbeencreatedat MercuryBayparkbyTauranga entrepreneurCameronTempler, whosaidtheprojectwasdriven byadesiretofillagapin family-friendlyentertainment inthecity.“I’mreally excitedtobringsomefamily entertainmenttoTauranga,”he said.“It’sbeenalongtimesince there’sbeensomethingforkids, particularlythoseaged8and over.”
Lockdowns,rent Templersaidheestimatedit hadbeenroughlyfouryears sincethecityhadapermanent trampolineparkopenthat wasaimedatyouthaged 8-plus.“ThatsecondCovid-19 lockdownreallysolidifiedthe market,”Templersaid.
“Icanalsotellyouthat commercialrentsarehigh, whichdoesn’tmakeiteasyto runafacility.WithSlamJump beingatMercuryBaypark, itisrunbyBayVenuesLtd, whichisacouncil-controlled organisation–theyhavebeen verysupportiveofusbecause theywanttoseethistypeof facilityonoffertoyouthinthe city.”
Templersaidthenew trampolineadventurepark wouldfeaturearangeof attractionsunderoneroof–includingtrampolines,alarge playground,boulderingwalls, giantinflatableslidesanda dedicatedtoddlerarea.The facilityisaimedatchildren aged0-15,butparentsare encouragedtojoininthefun aswell.
Instorage Templersaidtheideahadbeen yearsinthemaking,withmuch oftheequipmentsourcedfrom hisfamily’spreviousbusiness, theBayIndoorSportsCentre, whichoperatedonNewtonSt inMountMaunganuibefore closingduringtheCovid-19 pandemic.
“Wepackedupallthe equipmentandputitinto storageandhavebeenlooking fortherightvenueeversince,” hesaid.
“WhentheBayparkpavilion becameavailable,wejumpedat theopportunity.”
Templersaidhehadtakenover ownershipofthebusinessand wouldoperateitindependently, althoughhisfamilyhadbeen helpingwiththeset-up.
Templerwouldnotdisclose theamountithadcosttosetup thebusiness.
Hesaidheexpectedtoemploy 12stafftooperateSlamJump,
whichhe’dpromotedonsocial mediaandhadseenthousands engagewiththeannouncements andstrongearlydemandfor bookings.
“We’vealreadygot11birthday partiesbookedforopeningday, whichisprettyincredible,”he said.“There’sclearlyalotof excitementfromfamilieswho havebeenmissingthiskindof activityinTauranga.”
Sevendays SlamJumpwillbeopenseven daysaweek,withsessionsfrom 9.30am-3pmweekdaysand 9.30am-5pmonweekends, publicholidaysandduring schoolholidays.
Whileonlinebookingswere available,Templersaidcapacity limitswouldmeanentrycould notalwaysbeguaranteed–particularlyduringtheopening weekend.“Wesuggestcoming early,”hesaid.“We’reexpecting tohitcapacityquickly,sowe mayneedtointroducetimed sessionsfortheopeningweek tomakesureasmanypeople aspossiblegetachanceto experienceit.”
220people Templersaidthefacilitycould accommodateupto220people atatimeandwouldcaterfor parties,withbring-your-own foodoptionsinitiallyavailable whileworkonanon-sitecafé
wascompleted. Hewasalsoawaitingafinal shipmentofequipmentand safetygearfromoverseas aheadofopeningday,with tighttimeframesaddingtothe challenge.
Despitethelogisticalhurdles, Templersaidtheprojectwas
ultimatelyaboutgivingbackto thecommunity.“Thisbusiness isforthecity.IloveTauranga, andthisissomethingIknew thecityneeded.”
SlamJump’sofficialopening onMay23wouldinclude aspecialguesttomarkthe occasion.
RosalieLiddleCrawford
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CameronTempleroutsideSlamJumpwhichwillbeopeninginMay.
Photo/KellyO’Hara
Tauranga men net second national netball title A Tauranga men ’ s netball team has claimed its second national title in two years – after four seasons of playing
The team – part Tauranga Netball Centre
– won Reserve One at the NZMMNA New Zealand Men’s Netball Nationals 2026 in Wellington at Easter weekend Team manager Ang Hays said the achievement was a proud moment for the growing code locally
“We took out the Reserve One title this year, and last year we won Reserve Two, so to go back-to-back and move up into B grade is huge for us, ” she said Tauranga Netball Centre (TNC) manager Tracy Walters said Ephraim Ormsby approached the centre in 2023, asking for a men ’ s team to be included in grading for the Open Women’s Premier Competition
“Following consultation with existing premier teams, approval was granted,” Walters said “The team competed in the women ’ s premier competition for two seasons, which ultimately led to the establishment of a dedicated Men’s Premier League in 2025 ”
This season, additional to the representative team competing on the national stage, TNC was fielding four teams in the Open Men’s Premier competition.
Strong foundations
This made it one of the few regions of comparative size in New Zealand offering a structured competition at that level, Walters said
“We recognise there is still more to be done, but the foundations are strong, and the interest is definitely growing,” she said The men ’ s representative programme was
formally established last season when TNC affiliated with the New Zealand Men’s and Mixed Netball Association
Walters credited the team ’ s recent success to strong coaching, organisation and culture
“It comes down to strong coaching and management, but also the players’ attitudes and commitment,” she said “They’ve really bought into the programme. ”
At the nationals at Easter, teams competed across A grade, B grade, Reserve One, under-20s and Masters divisions
Tauranga’s promotion to B grade places them one step below the country ’ s top-tier competition
“The goal now is to push into A grade,” Hays said “That’s where your top NZ men ’ s players are ”
She said the team ’ s win was more notable given the challenges facing the sport –some grades shrunk in size this year due to travel costs and timing of the Easter tournament
Despite that, Tauranga’s squad showed determination – bolstered by players returning from overseas, she said
One big family Ormsby, now based in Melbourne, travelled home to compete alongside fellow player Maanaki Tai from Ōpōtiki “To have their experience and knowledge come back into the team has been huge, especially for our younger players,” Hays said
She also highlighted the strong sense of community within men ’ s netball
“It’s like one big family The environment is amazing, and that’s a big reason why the guys keep coming back They love the game, but they also love being part of the team ”
Moreover, the men ’ s success was being felt across the wider Tauranga netball
community, Walters said “Players who may have previously represented other regions are now able to train, develop, and compete locally,” Walters said.
“It’s also created opportunities for experienced coaches and players to give back within their own community”
At junior level, boys can play netball up to age 13 under Netball New Zealand regulations, and Tauranga had allowed boys to participate in college competitions since 2023, with one male player permitted on court at a time
Beyond college But Walters said the transition from school to senior men ’ s netball remained a challenge, with players lost to other regions
offering different formats of the game
“One of the gaps we see is the pathway beyond college,” she said “An indoor nets netball competition in Tauranga would help provide more development opportunities and keep more players in the game locally”
Walters said TNC was focused on strengthening the men ’ s programme via improved funding structures, increased participation and clearer pathways for players, coaches and officials
“We’re also looking at establishing a separate constitution to support funding as the programme grows, ” Walters said.
“We are confident the game will continue to grow and provide meaningful opportunities for all involved ”
Say goodbye to Varicose Veins Heavy, tired, achy/restless legs, leg cramps, swollen legs, itchy skin, dermatitis, poor skin healing and leg ulcers are all common symptoms of varicose veins.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, consider a consultation with a vein specialist
FEEL
CONFIDENT IN YOUR LEGS AGAIN, WITH NON-SURGICAL VEINS TREATMENT Dr Phoebe Shearman has returned to the Bay of Plenty following further specialist training in Auckland and is dedicated to delivering effective, minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins.
Dual-trained in Phlebology and General Practice, Dr Shearman is passionate about providing patient-focused, comprehensive care for varicose veins and chronic venous disease and offers Endovenous Ablation (RFA) and Ultrasound-Guided Sclerotherapy
Both are non-surgical treatments that are walk in and walk out treatments, requiring no general anaesthesia and minimal down time
Rosalie Liddle Crawford
The Tauranga Men’s Netball team following their win at the NZ Men’s Netball Nationals in Wellington. Photo / Supplied
Saturday2May,10am–2pm
Differentvillagesfordifferentlifestyles. EveryMetlifecareretirementvillagefeelsalittledifferent. Takeatourandseewhichonefeelsright.Formoreinformation contactyourlocalvillageorvisit metlifecare.co.nz
Originalnamereturnedtowaterfallreserve ŌmanawaFallsReservewill officiallyhaveitsoriginalname,Te RereoŌmanawa,restored.
TaurangaCityCouncilapproved changingtothenamegiventothereserve byNgātiHangarau.
ThereservesouthofTaurangafeaturesa 35mwaterfallfamedforitsbeauty.
NgātiHangarauHapūTrustchairman KoroNicholastoldTuesday’scouncil meeting,“It’snotarenamingexercise, it’srecognisingthename.”
Councillorsdebatedwhetherthe reserveshouldbedual-namedinEnglish andTeReo.
PāpāmoawardcouncillorSteveMorris saiddualnaminglookedtohimlikea partnershipapproach.
WelcomeBaywardcouncillorHautapu Bakersaidrestoringtheoriginal namewouldalignwiththecouncil’s responsibilitiestoprotectandpreserve thesite.
“Restoringthatnameisusactingin partnership.”
TeAwanuiwardcouncillorHēmi Rollestonsaidtherewasaplacefor dualnamingsometimes,buthedidnot believethiswasthetime.
“Thisisalineinthesand.
“Thisnamehasmana.”
Hesaiddual-namedorganisations, suchasHatoHoneStJohn,werestill commonlyreferredtobytheirEnglish name.
TaurangaMayorMahéDrysdale referredtothenamerestorationof MauaofromMountMaunganui.
“Themajorityofthepopulationnow refertoitasMauao.
“Itwill,overtime,becomenormal,and peoplewillknowwhereitis,”hesaid.
Drysdalequestionedhowthetransition periodwouldoperate,however,toavoid confusionforvisitors.
TourismBayofPlentygeneralmanager OscarNathansaidbothtermswouldbe usedforatime.
Hesaidsignsintheareawouldhave thedualnameduringthetransition andwouldstayuntiltheyneededtobe replaced.
AllcouncillorsvotedforusingTe RereoŌmanawa,exceptTaurikoward councillorMartin Rozeboom,who preferredthedual namingapproach.
Nicholastold thecouncilthe “beautiful”name wasbestowedby theirancestors manygenerations ago.
Hesaidthe reservewasaplace tāngatawhenua wenttofindpeace, tranquillityand healing.
OmanawaFallswillofficially haveitsoriginalname,TeRereo Ōmanawa,restored.
NgatiHangarauHapuTrust chairmanKoroNicholas. Photo/Supplied
NicholassaidNgātiHangarauwantto allowpeopletolearnaboutandbeone withtheplace. “Anamewithmana,withprestigeand anamewithhistory.”
Nicholaswroteintheresourceconsent applicationaboutthehistoryoftheland.
HesaidthewhenuaatŌmanawaFalls hadbeentheexclusivedomainofNgāti Hangarauformostofknownhistory.
Findyour perfectblinds Fromeverydayrollerblindstodesignershades, wehavesomethingtosuiteveryhomeandbudget. Custommadetoperfectlyfityourspace,andmake themyourownwiththerightcolour,fabricandstyle. Readytogetstarted?Bookafreein-homedesign consultationwithourexpertteamtoday.
“FollowingNgāti Hangarau‘sdefenceof ourlandatthebattlesof PukehinahinaandTeRanaga inAprilandJuneof1864 andfollowingthescorched earthcampaigninthe Kaimaihinterlandin1867 knownunfondlyasTeWeranga–the burning–thelandwasconfiscatedfrom us."
HesaidtheCrownadmittedto wrongfulconfiscationfromtāngata whenuain2012.
Thetitletothelandhadbeenpassedon tomanydifferententitiessincethen,but itnowsitswithTaurangaCityCouncil andwithintheroheoftheWesternBay
ofPlentyDistrictCouncil.
TheWesternBaycouncilwrotealetter tothecitycouncilinMarch2024in supportofnamingthereserveTeRereo Ōmanawa.
TheŌmanawaFallsGovernanceGroup andTaurangaCityCouncilwillsupport NgātiHangarau’splannedapplicationto theNewZealandGeographicBoardto officiallyrenamethewaterfall,Ōmanawa Falls,toTeRereoŌmanawa.
“Ōmanawa”translatesto“oftheheart”, andthefullnamemeans“thewaterfallof theheart”.
–LDRislocal bodyjournalism co-fundedby RNZandNZOnAir.
AylaYeoman
Bookafree in-home consultation today
Photo/JohnBorren
Newpodcasttocatchlifestories ATaurangafuneraldirectoris flippingthescriptonhowwe thinkaboutlegacybycapturing storiesbeforethefinalchapter.
DonHoultfromLegacy Funeralshaslaunchedapodcast dedicated,nottothosewho havepassed,buttotheliving, preservingreal-lifestoriesof everydaypeopleforfuture generations.
Workingwithexperienced broadcasterandvideographer MarkFruish,thepairhaveseen first-handhowmuchofaperson’s storyisoftenleftuntold.
Inspiredbytheaward-winning RosebudPodcast,produced byGylesBrandrethinthe UnitedKingdom,Houltsawan
opportunitytobringstorytelling intohiseverydaywork.
Hehascreatedasimplebut powerfulformat,wherebyeach guestisaskedthesamecarefully craftedquestions,designed todrawouttheexperiences, memories,andperspectivesthat makeupourlives.
Theresultisagrowinglibraryof recordedoralhistories.“Everyone hasastoryworthtelling,”Hoult said.“WhatIfindtimeandtime againinmylineofworkisjust howlittlepeopleknowabout theirparents’earlylives,orthe generationsbeforethem.”
Peoplecanaccessthefirst storiesHoultandFruishhave broughttolifeat:https://www. legacyfunerals.co.nz/stories
We will remember them
ThisSaturday,April,25AnzacDay,TaurangaCity’scombinedCivicMemorialServicewillbeMemorialPark at9.30am. Photo/HunterStudio
“Ageshallnotwearythem, northeyearscondemn.We willrememberthem,”said LaurenceBinyon’spoemFor TheFallen.
–toallowpeopletoattendadawn serviceandreturnlaterforthe civiccommemoration.
TheMountMaunganuiDawn ServicewillcontinueattheMount MaunganuiCenotaphwithno separatecivicservice.
ThisSaturday,April,25Anzac Daycommemorationswilltake placeacrossTaurangaCity,giving thecommunityanopportunityto cometogetherhonourthosewho servedandarestillservingNew Zealand.
TaurangaMayorMahéDrysdale encouragedresidentstohonour thecourage,serviceandsacrifice ofthosewhofoughtforour freedoms,andtorecognisethe menandwomenwhocontinueto servetoday.
“Whileitsoriginslieonthe shoresofGallipoli,AnzacDayhas grownintoadaytorememberall NewZealanderswhohaveserved ourcountry.” Moreover,thisAnzacDay,there areafewchangestoservicesto beawareof,saidTaurangaCity Council.
TheTaurangaDawnService previouslyheldinGreertonwill nowtakeplaceatMemorialPark at6am.
MemorialParkwillalsoagain hostthecity’sCivicMemorial Service,bringingtogetherthe TaurangaandMountMaunganui RSAsforthefirsttime.Theservice beginsat9.30am–whichis30 minuteslaterthanpreviousyears
Therearefreeparkandride servicesforboththeTaurangaand MountMaunganuiserviceswith accessiblebusesavailable.
Roadclosureswillbeinplace onSaturday,April25,forsafety aroundservicetimesinboth TaurangaandMountMaunganui affectingkeystreetsnearMemorial ParkandtheMountMaunganui Cenotaph.Allinformationcan befoundat:www.tauranga.co.nz/ anzacday SPONSOREDCONTENT
FeedbacksoughtonCameronRd FriendlyRoman Taurangacommunitiesareinvitedtogive feedbackonplanstoupgradeCameronRd from17thAve,nearTaurangaHospital,to MalemeStbytheTaurangaRacecourse.
Theprojectincludesfour-laningandimportant waterserviceupgradestosupportthecity’sgrowing population.
TaurangaCityCouncilsaiditisgatheringfeedback throughanonlinesurveyandcommunitydrop-in sessionsthroughoutAprilandMay.
“Peoplecanlookattherevisedconceptplans,which alsoincludeseparatedon-roadcyclelanesandshared walkingandcyclingpathswherespaceislimited.
witheithertrafficsignalsorroundaboutsatthe ChadwickRdandCornwallStintersections.”
Theworkwouldalsoincludeupgradesto wastewater,stormwaterandwatersupplynetworks.
MayorMahéDrysdalesaidtheupgradeswere essentialtomeetdemandfornewhomesacrossthe city.
“Theseupgradeswillsupporttheanticipated growthofabout5800homesontheTePapa Peninsula,aswellas2400newhomesinTauriko West.
Romanisasmall,sable-colouredMiniLoprabbitwithasoftcoat, expressiveeyesandanaffectionate,gentlenature. Thefriendlymaleenjoyscompany,hasasweettemperamentand acuriouspersonality,makinghimalovelycompanionforsomeone lookingforasmaller,interactivebunny.
Romanwoulddobestinahomewherehehasspacetosafelyexplore andhoparound,alongwithanownerwhocanprovidedailyinteraction, enrichment,andpropercare.
Romanwouldsuitacalmandcaring environmentwithsomeonewho understandsrabbitsandcanmeethis needs,includingabalanceddiet, appropriatehousing,andregularcare.
“Theproposedplansincludeusingtheoutside
The proposed plans include using the outside lanesashigh-occupancyvehiclelanes(T2/T3) duringpeaktimes.On-streetparkingmay remainavailableduring off peak periods.”
Several options are being explored for Greerton Village, the council said “These include two or four traffic lanes, along
“We’vealreadyinvestedinCameronRdstage1 andtheTaurikoEnablingWorkssotorealisethe fullbenefitsoftheseearlierinvestments,wenow needtoprogresstheStage2improvements,which
p g g p
willbetterconnectpeopletravellingfromthe westtothecitycentreandbeyond.”
Peoplecouldviewtheplansandshare their feedback at:letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/ cameronroad
TheCameronRoadupgrades
families. Photo/Supplied
Heislookingforaresponsibleand committedhomewherehe’llbewell lookedafter.Ifyoufeelyoucould offerRomanasafe,lovinghome,get intouchtofindoutmore.
PhoneTaurangaSPCAon07 5780245.Ref:664105.
1-3MAY
TaurangaHomeShow returnswithflairandfun TheBay’sbiggesthome&lifestyleeventonnextweekendatBaypark! The27thannualTauranga HomeShowreturnsonMay 1-3atMercuryArenaBaypark withmorethan300exhibitors readytomeetcustomers face-to-facewiththeirbest productsandexclusive showdeals.
Theshowhasteamedupwith HarveyNormanMtMaunganui andLGElectronicstoofferthe 2026showprize–amassive $10,000giftcardtospendat HarveyNormanMtMaunganui. Everyonewhovisitstheshow getsachancetogointhedraw, saidBayEventsmanagingdirector DanaMcCurdy.
“Youroddsofwinningareactually prettygood,”McCurdysaid.
“You’vegotaonein38.3million chanceofwinningfirstdivision
Withmorethan300exhibitors on-site,tthere will
Lotto,butaonein5000chanceofwinning theTaurangaHomeShowprize.It’swellworth attendingtheshowjusttogetyourhandsonan entryform!”
TheSeminarSeriesisfocusedonthefuture,
withKatKnightfromKererūGardens givingtimelyadviceonplantingtoretain banksandwaterways.
McKenzie&Willisdesignservice managerKarenPowersisflyingupfrom Christchurchtogiveatalkon2026 interiordesigntrends,whileSharon GiblettfromRefreshRenovationswill shareprovenstrategiestoachieveahighqualityrenovationwithoutthestress.
TheLiveCookingKitchenissponsored byKaimaiEggsandfeatureslocalchefs includingNathanTurleyfromSomethin’ Somethin’whotookoutBattleofthe Snackatthe2025FlavoursofPlenty Festival,PabloNietofromPabloPapamoa withLatinfusionflair,andworldclassprivatechefMartynPricefrom GreenstoneChef.
McCurdysaidsheispleasedwiththis year’sline-up.“There’smorethan300 exhibitorsbringingwhatpeoplelove homeshowsfor–thedeals!
“We’vealsogotagreatline-upof livedemonstrations,foodtrucksand entertainmentforkids.It’sagreatday outforthewholefamily,especiallywith children’sactivitiesatnoextracharge.”
TheTaurangaHomeShowisrunbya localfamilybusinessandMcCurdysaid peopledon’trealisehowunusualthisis. “AlotofotherexhibitionsinNew Zealandarerunfromdistantnational officescutofffromthepeoplethey’re cateringto.
“Beinglocal,webuildrelationshipswith Taurangabusinessesandcommunity groupsandadaptquicklytoregional developments,”McCurdysaid.
“Weseefirst-handthecontributionour showsmaketothelocaleconomybecause weliveheretoo.”
Theshowanditsexhibitorshavegrown togetheroverthepasttwoandahalf decades,McCurdysaid.
“Theproductshavecertainlychanged. We’vegonefromfurnishingsand decorwe’dcallvintagetodaytorobotic appliancesandsmarthometechnology. “It’sbeenfascinatingtobeapartofthis evolution.Evenintoday’sdigitalage, whenyou’relookingtomakebigticket purchasesforyourhomeyouwantto lookyoursupplierintheeyeandbuild arelationship.That’swhattheTauranga HomeShowisallabout.”
Tauranga Home ShowffromMay
1-3MAY
MERCURYARENABAYPARK
KereruGardenswasestablishedin 2002andishometoalmost400 varietiesofnativeandexoticplants, allpropagatedandgrownonKat Knight’sOropiRoadproperty,or sourcedfromherparents propertyinKatikati.
theywanted,notwhattheycouldafford,” saidKatKnight.
Whilethereisawonderfulvarietyof plantstochoosefrom,primaryplants grownareshrubsandhedgingplants. SomePittosporumsarewellmore than1mtallandstillonly$7.50each, Knightsaid.
Can’t sleep? Bad night cramps?
Travel overseas frequently and suffer fromjetllag?OOrmaybbesuffffering fromalittleanxiety?
NZNaturalFormulasproducearange oftargetedhomeopathicspraysdesigned tosupporteverydayneeds.From travelandrecoverytofocus,rest andwellbeing.
Startedmorethan30years ago,CrampStopspraywas thefirstproductmadeby homeopathAmandaDunlop.
Activeinmultisportherself, Dunlopsoonrealisedsheneeded tocreateaproducttoassisther andothersrecoverfromactive sport,soRevive&Endurance hitthemarket.
Alongtheway,SleepandMy
Natural formulas for self care Calm products were added to the range to aid restless sleeping and aid anxiety
The under-tthe-ttongue sprays are made inRotoruausingcarefullyselected homeopathicingredientsandare suitableforallages.Theyareavailablein pharmaciesnation-wideandonlineasa singlesprayorrefill.
OwnerSpencePutwainsaid:“I purchasedthebusinesstwoyearsago asIwasinterestedinalternative healthandremedies,andthese productsseemtofitthebill”.
“Welookforwardtowelcoming visitorstotheTaurangaHome Show,wherewewillpresentour productsanddemonstratehow theycansignificantlyenhance everydayliving.”
SeeNZNaturalFormulas’stand attheTaurangaHomeShow, MercuryBaypark,May1-3.
FINDTHERIGHTSPRAY FORYOURMOMENT Ourspraysaredesignedto supportreal-lifemoments—from cramps and recovery to calm focus, sleep, andtravelsupport.
Thisisarealfamilynursery,andtheir plantsarehomegrownwithloveaswell asbeingaffordable,canyoubelieveevery plantis$7.50...yes,youhavereadright! Wearenottalkingsmallplantshere;we aretalkingwell-establishedplants,some of f whhich h areabbove11mtalll “Wewantedourplants tobeaffordable,andwe wanted our customers to be able to buy the plants
“Customerscomefromallaroundthe countrytopurchasebulkplants.Wehad onecustomerfromTaupōwhoarrived withherhorsefloat,completewithalist compiledfromallherfriends.”
KereruGardensisopenFridaysto Sundaysat41OropiRd,Greerton.
K Kniighhtiinviitespeoplletoviisiit theirstandattheTauranga HomeShowatMercury Baypark from May 1-3
SLEEPSPRAY- helpscalm the nervoussystems and resetsyournatural bodyrhythm -greatforbusyminds,overstimulated kids fromscreentimeplussomuchmore, suitable for allages
ENDURANCESPRAY- helpssupporthydration,stimulationandrecoverywithout sugar,caffeineorstimulants,greatforathletes,tradies,gardenersandsomany others,ithelpsrecovery,canalsobeusedforchildbirth
REVIVESPRAY- greatpick meup for long days, busyschedules,studying forexams -easyto use oralspray
CRAMPSTOP- Forfastcramprelief,this isgreatforeveryone,backedforover20yrs
Kem Ormond
KatKnighthasplantsgaloreatKereruGardens. Photo/KellyO’Hara
1-3MAY
MERCURYARENABAYPARK
Renovation storiescallout! TheWeekendSun isputting togetheritsnextMySpacerenovation featureandisonthehuntforlocal storiesfromlocalpeopleabouthow they’vetransformedtheirspace.
We’dliketotalkwithanyonewho hasrecreatedorupgradedaspace–whetherit’sahome,rental,holiday home,bach,deck,shed,garage, landscape–anything!
Ifyou’dliketoshareyourstory, pleaseemail:merle.cave@nzme.co.nz
Theneatthingabout thehomeshowis... How’sthecarpetatyourplace?
Haveyounearlysavedenoughfor thatlong-dreamed-ofdeck?Ordo youjustneedtofindadecent curtaincompany?
Anyideayouhaveofimprovingthe homeorbuildingyourdreamonewillbe onofferatthe2026TaurangaHome Shownextweekend,fromMay1-3at MercuryBaypark.
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Youcanexplainyourownhomeset-upto themface-to-faceandactuallybrainstorm togethertofindasolutionthatwould work.Youcan’tdothatinthepurchasing cartonline! Ifyoualready havetheproduct athome,youcan catchupwiththe businessorsupplier youboughtitfrom, givefeedbackon performance,ask aboutrepairsornew parts.Maybehave lookatthenewer modelofwhatyou have… Perhapsyou’re thinkingabout makingabig investment–a newhomebuild, renovationor upgradetoyour place.Alltheexperts willbethereinone placetopicktheir brainsandgetahandleonprices. Ifit’saprojectaroundthehome–a pool,forexample–gotalktothepool retailerandgetafeelwhat’sinvolved, howmuchitmaycost,howtheend resultcouldlook.Findoutlong-term maintenancecostsandiftheyhavea localbranchtohelpyouinfuture. Homewaresandfurniture,plus
smalleritemsandservices,arealso ondisplay.Anythingyouneed,want ordreamofforkitchens,bathrooms, bedrooms,laundry,lounges,dining areas,garagesandoutdoorlivingand lifestyleswillbepepperedthroughout theshow.
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HistoricBethlehemcottage NgātiKahuHauorakiTaurangaTrustgeneralmanager
An ageing kauricottagein
Bethlehem hasbeenbrought back tolife, transforming from a deterioratingrelicinto a vibrant communityspace dedicated tocaring for kaumātua.
The modest buiildingon Carmichael Rd,bbelievedtobe close to a century y old,oncehoused principals andteachersfromthe former Bethlehem m NativeSchool, now BethlehemSSchool.
Over timeitserrvedasakōhanga reo, recreationspaceandlater offices for commuunityhealth services, beforefaallingintodisrepair.
By the early20220s,ithad become unsafe.FFloorshadshifted, piles were failingg,andvegetation wascreepinginsiide.
“It gottothepoointwherewehad to make a decisioon,”NgātiKahu HauorakiTaurangaTrustgeneral managerRewetiTeMetesaid.“If
wewantedtosavethebuilding,we hadtoact.”
Restoration
Ratherthandemolishit,thetrust choserestoration–preservingits historywhilemeetingagrowing communityneed.
Withnearly$100,000in fundingfromTECT,matched bythetrust,anine-month renovationbeganinJanuary 2025.Buildersretainedasmuch oftheoriginalcharacteras possible,preservingnativetimber features,ceilings,doorframes andsomeoriginaldoors,while replacingunsafeelements.
“Wetriedtokeepthebonesof thebuilding,”TeMetesaid.
Theworkincludedrebuilding sectionsofflooring,installingnew pilesandreconfiguringinterior spaces.Aformerkitchenwall wasremovedtocreateanopenplanarea,improvingaccessibility. Outside,newdeckingandgently
BuildtobeginonMaketūCoastguardstorageshed Constructionofanewpurpose-built storageshedforMaketūVolunteer Coastguardwillbeginincoming weeks,andthenewfacilityshould bereadybytheendof2026.
Thenewbuildingat83FordRd, besidetheKaitunaRiver,willbring theunit’srescuevesselsandequipment togetherinonecentrallocationforthe firsttimeinmorethan20years ofoperation.
Foravolunteerorganisationtasked withrespondingtoemergenciesacross alargeandoftenchallengingcoastal environment,thatchangeisexpectedto makeasignificantdifference.
place.Bringingallourequipment, boat,tractorandjetskistogetherinone location,closetoourmainrescuevessel, isgoingtomakeitsomucheasier, particularlyinanemergency.”
Reducingresponsetimeisakeydriver behindtheproject.
MaketūVolunteerCoastguard treasurer/secretaryGeoffOliversaid: “We’recurrentlystoringourgearin multiplelocationsaroundMaketūin shippingcontainersandsmallsheds”. “Sowe’rescatteredallaroundthe
Thenewfacilityhasbeendesignedas afit-for-purposebasethatwillsupport bothcurrentoperationsandfuture demand,Oliversaid. Alongsideimprovedstorageandfaster deployment,itwillprovide acentrallocationfortraining,education andco-ordinationwithotheremergency servicesincludingNZPolice,HatoHone StJohnandFireandEmergencyNZ.
Anewbenchtopandsplashbackinyourkitchen,bathroomor laundry,willaddvaluetoyourhome.
BayofPlenty’sleadingmanufacturerandretailerofhigh-pressurelaminate (Formica)andacrylicsolidsurfacebenchtopsandsplashbackscancreatea freshnewlookthatwillhelptransformyourhomeformanyyearstocome.
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RewetiTeMeteinthedoorwayoftherestoredbuilding.
givennewpurpose slopingaccesswayswereaddedto supportsafeentryforkaumātuaand wheelchairusers.
Calmwaters TheresultisWaiāio–meaning“calm waters”–acommunitydayrespite servicethatopenedinNovember2025.
Operatingfrom8.30amto4.30pm, itprovidesawelcomingspaceforupto 10kaumātuaeachday,offeringsocial connection,culturalactivities,health monitoringandasenseofbelonging.
Theideaemergedfromconversations withwhānauandlocalGPs,whohad noticedincreasingpressureonfamilies caringforelderlyrelatives.
“Manyofourwhānauarebalancing workandfamilycommitmentswhilealso caringfortheirlovedones,”TeMetesaid. “Insomecases,kaumātuawerebeingleft homealone.”
NgātiKahuHauorahadpreviously offeredovernightrespite,butfeedback showedadaytimemodelbettersuited localneeds,allowingkaumātuato remainlivingathomewhilereceiving supportduringtheday.“Itgiveswhānau breathingspaceandreassurance,”hesaid.
Realbenefit TECTtrusteeGregBrownlesssaidthe projectreflectstheorganisation’sfocus onpracticalcommunityoutcomes.
“Supportingtherestorationofthis historiccottagemeanskaumātuaand whānauhaveagreatspacetospend thedayandthat’sarealbenefitforthe community,”Brownlesssaid,addingit offerscompanionshipforolderpeople andppeaceofmindforfamilies.
“Backing initiatives that make day-today life better for our communities is a
keyfocusforTECT,andthatincludes olderpeopleexperiencingdisadvantage,” hesaid.
“Waiāioisalreadyofferingsupport, companionshipandengagementfor kaumātua,andthisgivespeaceofmind fortheirwhānau.”
Theserviceisfreeandopentoanyone whoneedsit,reflectingthetrust’s commitmenttoaccessible,communityfocusedhealthcare.Itswidermedical servicesupportsaround2100patients, withastrongMāoripopulation.
Sinceopening,Waiāiohasbecomemore thanacarefacility.Formanykaumātua, itisalsoaplaceofmemory.“Alotof peoplewhocomehererememberthis building,”TeMetesaid.
“Theyremembertheirteachers,their schooldays-thegoodtimesandthenotso-goodtimes.”
Thatemotionalconnectionwasakey reasonforrestoringthecottage.
Honouringhistory “Thisbuildingholdshistoryforour community–Māoriandnon-Māori alike,”hesaid.“It’spartofthestoryof educationinthisarea.Byrevitalisingit, we’rehonouringthatwhilemakingsure itcontinuestoserveourpeople.”
Thesurroundingwhenuahasalsobeen developed,withcommunitygardens andafoodforestplantedinDecember 2025featuringmorethan60varieties offruittrees,includingfeijoa,citrus, bananaandtamarillo.
Harvestsaresharedthroughapātaka kai,helpingsupportlocalfamilies.“It’s aboutsupportingeachother,”TeMete said.“Foodisexppensive, , sothisisone way we can help ” Inside, the space is intentionally calm
withneutraltonesfornow,withplans tointroduceartworkcreatedbywhānau andkaumātuatoreflectthebuilding’s historyandcommunityidentity.
“Wewantittofeelliketheirspace.”
Positive
Communityresponsehasbeen overwhelminglypositive,withstrong interestfrompeoplewantingtoworkor volunteer.“Thatshowshowmuchthis
kaupapamatters,”TeMetesaid.“Kaumātua aredeeplyvaluedinourcommunity.”
Forthetrust,theprojectrepresentsboth preservationandprogress.
“Atitsheart,Waiāioisabout manaakitanga,”hesaid.
“It’saboutcreatingaspacewhereour kaumātuafeelrespected,caredforand connected-andwherewhānauknow theirlovedonesareingoodhands.”
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Ngāti Kahu Hauora ki Tauranga Trust general manager Reweti Te Mete on the new deck of Waiāio. Photos / Kelly O’Hara
Powerful,exhilaratingmusicalhitsTauranga Fallinlovewithan extraordinarymusicalthat remindsuseveninthe worstoftimes,weseethe bestofhumankind.
TaurangaMusicalTheatre’s newproduction ComeFrom Away openstonight,April 24,andrunstoMay2at Baycourt,witha12-strong localcastandfivealternate actorsbringingtolifeatrue storywithapowerfulmessage.
rating musical hits Tauranga Themusicalisbasedon isolatedCanadiancommunity ofGanderunexpectedly hostingtheworld.
Anordinarydayinthesmall townbecameaninternational actofkindnesswhen38 planescarryingthousandsof passengersweredivertedto GanderonSeptember11, 2001–toavoidAmerica's fatalterroristattack.
DirectorDarrelNitschkesaid audiencescanlookforwardto
experiencinganemotionalroller coaster.“It’sa100-minute,oneactshowwithnointerval–it’s beendesignedthatwaytokeep theaudienceandcastonthesame emotionaljourneytogether.
“Onemomentyouarelaughing, onemomentyouarecrying;one momentyouarecompletelysilent intheroomwiththeprominence ofwhat’sbeingexplored,” Nitschkesaid.
“Youjustcan’thelpbutfallin lovewiththepeopleofGander whotookin7000passengersover fivedays.Theytrulygavethem everythingtheywereableto.”
Rehearsingthreetimesweekly sincelateJanuary,thecast haveaheavyworkload–each portraysmultiplecharactersin multipleaccents,andsing!“Our fivealternates,whocanbeseen on-stageasbackingvocalists,have preparedtworolestheycantake onatamoment’snotice.”
Nitschkesaidtheshowisa massivefeatforallbecausethe
tracksaresodetailedandthe casthavetomanipulatefurniture on-stagetocreatesettingsand locationsontopofcharacterwork andsinging.
Whileajoy,Nitschkesaidthe showwasalsoabigresponsibility.
“Thecastareportraying multiplerealpeopleandof courserealevents...insomecases charactersareactuallycomposites ofafewdifferentindividual people...sothere’sarealsense oftruthandlivedexperience runningthroughit.”
Sinceits2015worldpremiere, ComeFromAway hadearnt internationalpraiseforits innovativestorytellingand powerfulmessageofunity.
Nitschkesaidthe musicalisanuplifting reminderofhumanity’s abilitytocometogether, nomatterwhatthe circumstances.“The messageofkindness istimelessandalways
applicable.Whenyouthinkabout whatwewentthroughinJanuary atMountMaunganuiwiththe slips,kindnesswasimportant then,anditcontinuestobe important–evenoutsidetimesof tragedy.
“SoIthinkifwehaveany opportunitytogotothetheatre andwatchashowthatpromotes kindnessasathemeforhumanity, Ithinkthatistimewellspent.”
ComeFromAway isatBaycourt’s AddisonTheatreApril24-May2. Topurchasetickets,phone 0800BUYTIX(289849)orsee: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/comefrom-away/tauranga
Anafternoonofpassion,brilliance,and orchestralcolourwilllightuptheaudienceat BayofPlentySymphonia’sfirst2026 concertnextmonth.
Romance&Virtuosity willbeperformedon Sunday,May3,from3pmatTauranga’sHoly TrinityChurchunderthebatonof musicaldirectorMichaelJoel. Joelsaidtheprogrammewouldblend dramaticpowerwithlyricalbeauty. “Theconcertopenswiththefiery intensityofthe CoriolanOverture by LudwigvanBeethoven.Inspiredbythe storyofRomangeneralCoriolanus, theworkisfullofurgencyand intensity,contrastingturbulentpower withmomentsofpoignantreflection.”
Thespotlightwouldthenturn toacclaimedviolinistLaraHall,who’llperform ViolinConcertoNo.5 byBelgiancomposerHenri Vieuxtemps.“Oneofthegreatshowpiecesofthe Romanticviolinrepertoire,theconcertocombines sweepingmelodieswithbreathtakingtechnical brilliance,”Joelsaid.
HesaidaudienceswouldrememberHall fromherperformanceofBeethoven’s ViolinConcerto withthesymphoniain 2025,andothercaptivatingperformances acrossNewZealandasasoloistand chambermusician.“Herperformance promisesbothflairandmusicaldepth.”
ThankstoTMT, TheWeekend Sun hastwodoublepassesto Come FromAway togivetotwo readerswhoanswerthis question:Whereisthe musicalbased?Toenter, visitwww.sunlive.co.nz andclick‘competitions’. Entriesmustbein byTuesday,April28.
Passionandorchestralcolour She’dthenperform RomanceforViolin andOrchestra byAntonínDvořák, andtheafternoonwillconcludewith SymphonyNo.2 byBeethoven. BOPSymphonia’s Romance& Virtuosity isonSunday,May3,at3pmatHoly TrinityChurch,215DevonportRd,Tauranga. Ticketscostadults$25plusabookingfeefrom www.eventfinda.co.nzorphone0800BUYTIX (289849).Under-18sgainfreeentrywithno ticketrequired.
ThankstoBOPSymphonia, TheWeekend Sun hastwodoublepassesto Romance& Virtuosity togiveawaytotwoluckyreaders whocantelluswhatyearLaraHalllast performedwithBOPSymphonia? Toenter,visitwww.sunlive.co.nzand clickonthe‘competitions’tab.Entries mustbeinbyTuesday,April28.
of Plenty Symphonia performing atapastconcert. Photos/Supplied
Thefullcastof12actorsinmusicalComeFromAway,whichopenstonight,April24.
Photo/PeteandKlaraPhotography
Loveandobsessionawaitsatcitytheatre Atheatricalproductionin Taurangawillnotonlygrip audienceswithitsstoryline basedonatruestory,the drama’scostumeswouldalso pullpeoplebackinto1950s.
TheThrillofLove directedby GeraldineBroderickwillopenat 16thAvenueTheatreonMay8, andrununtilMay22,offeringa dramatictakeonthetruestoryof RuthEllis,thelastwomantobe hangedinBritainin1955.
Brodericksaidtheplayaimsto transportpeople’ssensestothe1950s, withthesoundofbluesringingout, thesmellofwhiskeyandtobacco, andthetemptationofpassionate, sometimesdangerouslove.
“Ourwardrobemistress,Kay Burnie,hasdoneafantasticjob recreatingthelookofthe50sforthe cast,”Brodericksaid.
Shesaid TheThrillofLove explores Ellis’existenceasanightclubhostess andherdestructiverelationship withracingdriverDavidBlakely, culminatinginthetragiceventsthat ledtomurder.
“Plasteredacrossthepapersin 1955asthe‘blondbombshell’who killedherloverincoldblood…
From left, Birgitte Clark playing Sylvia Shaw, LaurenMMillerpllayiingDDoriisJJuddd,LLisaLLaudder playingRuthEllisandGraceGibsonplaying VickieMartininTheThrillofLove. Inset:ThewardrobemistressforTheThrill ofLove,KayBurnie. Photos/PeteLuxford
couldtherebemoretothisstory?,” hintedBroderick.
“Thecombinationofloveand obsessionissettolightupthestage atthe16thAvenue.”
Thehasanexperiencedcastand directorBroderickisnostrangerto compellingBritishdrama,having previouslydirected TheRevlonGirl at 16thAvenueTheatre.
“Audiencescanexpecttobe immersedinaworldwhereglamour
anddesperationexistsidebyside,” Brodericksaid.“Theywillbeinvited toponderissuesofjustice,empathy, andthetruecostoflove.”
TheThrillofLove willshowat Tauranga’s16thAvenueTheatrefrom May8-23.Ticketscanbepurchased at:https://www.iticket.co.nz/ events/2026/ may/thethrill-of-love
Formanypeople,aprostatecancer diagnosiscanfeeloverwhelming–notjustforthepersonaffectedbut forpartners,whānauandfriendstoo.
That’swhylocalsupportmatters.
InTauranga,theProstateCancer FoundationNewZealand(PCFNZ)support groupoffersaplacewherepeoplecanconnect withotherswhounderstandthechallenges, questionsandemotionsthatoftencomewith diagnosis,treatmentandrecovery.
Ledlocallybysupportrepresentative MikeLane,thegroupprovidespractical information,sharedexperiencesand reassuranceforanyonenavigatingtheprostate cancerjourney.
“Whetheryouarenewlydiagnosed, currentlyintreatment,adjustingtolifeafter treatment,orsupportingalovedone,youare welcome,”Lanesaid.
OneofPCFNZ’smostpopularinitiativesis Prost-FIT–anexerciseprogrammedesigned tohelpimprovestrength,confidenceand wellbeingduringandaftertreatment,hesaid. “It’salsoachancetobuildfriendshipsand stayconnected.”
Lanesaidsupportisnotjustabouttalking
throughtheharddays–it’salsoabout helpingpeoplefeellessalone,moreinformed andmorehopefulaboutwhatliesahead.
“Thephotoabovereflectsexactlywhat localsupportcanlooklike:encouragement, camaraderieandareminderthatnoonehasto faceprostatecancerontheirown.”
Forsupport,informationortoconnectwith yournearestlocalgroup,callthePCFNZ informationserviceon0800660800 orvisitprostate.org.nz.
Anzac Day is a time of remembrance, gratitude and reflection as we pause to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served and gave their lives in times of war
It’s also a time to remember their families who also paid a price for their loved one ’ s service Moreover, we acknowledge those currently serving in peacekeeping roles and in situations of war While most ofus are not called to laydown our lives in such a way, we are called to live with that same spirit of selfgiving love
Jesus tells us: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one ’ s life for one ’ s friends (John 15:12-13)”
This reminds us that true love is not merely a feeling; it is an action, it is a sacrifice of our time and resources as we choose the good of others above ourselves We can do this through caring for a neighbour, standing up for justice, offering forgiveness, giving our time, and supporting
those in need
While we look back to remember, may we also take up our responsibility to do our part in serving our communities with courage and distinction, and embody the ideals of Anzac Aswe reflect on the service of those who gave, may we also ask God to shape us into people who serve generously and love deeply – reflecting the greatest love of all May God bless you all
Sandra Warner, St Columba Presbyterian Church
Mike Lane, centre, with local Prost-FIT classmembers. Photo/Supplied
GatePāgardentojoinfestival WhenJennyTollemacheboughta 1910Taurangavilla,shevowedthat onedayitwouldbegracedwitha gardenitdeserved.
Thatdayhasarrived–withTollemache’s GatePāgardenandherweeartstudioa newofferingin2026’sBOPGarden&Art Festival’strailonNovember19-22.
Withthepropertyalreadyalreadyoozing beauty,forTollemacheit’sfullsteamahead developinganewentrancewaytoher cottagegardenbeforethefestival.
Shecan’twaittoletfestivalgoersin!
Thoseinterested,cannowbuydiscount priced2026BOPGarden&ArtFestival ticketsintheleaduptoMother’sDayon May10.
Thediscountedpriceof$60pass,which offersasavingof$20,coversallfourdays ofthefestivalplusentrytothefamilyfriendlyBloomintheBayactivities.
BOPGardenandArtFestivaldirector MarcAndersonsaidthediscountedprice willbeavailableuntilMay10.
Plentytoplease Andersonpromises“therewillbeplenty toplease”withadmiredgardenersand artistsreturning,andasolidnumberof creativesnewtothefestival.
NewfestivalentrantTollemacheis creativeonvariouslevels.SheownsThe LittleGardeningCompanyandinher sparetimetendstohergarden,paints,
createspapiermachevessels,andengages intraditionalbookbinding. Hand-madejournalsarealsoaresultof hercreativity.Littlewonderthenthather placewillbebothagardenandartstopon thefestivaltrail.
Herartstudioisweatherboardwith littlestained-glasswindows.Itsuits thehouseandlooksasifit’sbeenthere forever,shesaid.
Englishcottagetheme Surroundedbystructuralandrambling plants,Tollemachesaidthere’sadefinite Englishcottagegardentheme.The topiariedEnglishbuxusandpittosporum areherhandiwork,andincludethree convincinglyshapedaschickens.
“There’salotofbuxususedtohedge walkwaysanddivideoffspacesfor otherplants.Ilovestructuralplantsand ramblingelementslikeroses.Iamabig fanofpinkandwhiteroses–mainly DavidAustinones,”Tollemachesaid.
FavouritesincludeStrawberryHill, whichadornsawhiteobeliskinthe garden,HayleyWestenraandEyeCandy. Theythriveamongthelikesofhydrangeas, daphne,dahlias,gardenia,jasmine,fruit treesandhedgesofJapanesebuxus.
Swiftcreation
Tollemachesaidshebegandeveloping hergardeninrecentyears.“Itwillbegood forpeopleonthetourtoseehowyou
cancreatesomethinglikethisinquitea shorttime,”shesaid. Shealsoplanstohavephotoboards ondisplayduringthefestival,depicting howhergardenhadevolved.
Mother’sDayspecial
Thefestival’sMother’sDaySpecial Multi-DayFestivalPassesareavailable onlineat:Eventfinda.co.nzorexclusively atPalmersBethlehemfromApril24. AndersonsaidBayleyshadproudly
returnedasthefestival’sprincipalpartner. “Andwearedelightedtoadd GreenwoodPark,Metlifecare,as co-sponsoroftheGardenandArtTrail withPalmersBethlehem.”
CraigsInvestmentPartnershad returnedassponsorofBloominthe Bay,theFestivalHub,andTECTand TaurangaCityCouncilcontinuedto supportthefestivalasmajorfunders, Andersonsaid.“Manythankstoallthat supportus”
Worldof Wearable ArtTour
Oct3rdto6th 4days/3nights
Travelbytrainto Wellingtonand returnbybus. 2nightsWellington 1xnightTaupo. PlatinumSeats. Registeryour interestnow.
Phone075724118 admin@zealandiertours.com zealandiertours.com
MovingproductionincitythisAnzacDay AmovingtributetocommemorateAnzacDay featuringwillperformedinthecitytomorrow, April25,byacastoflocalrangatahi(youth) fromTaurangaMoana.
PresentedbyTuataraCollective,production ForThe Fallen willtransportaudiencestotavernsandpublic housesofEuropeandNorthAfricaduringWWIand WWII,fromItalyandCretetoGreeceandTurkey. Throughstirringwartimesongs,dance,andhaka,the performanceweavestogetherlettersfromthefront, personalaccountsfromlocalveterans,andpoetryby celebratedAotearoawriterAlistairTeArikiCampbell.
KaupapaMāori-ledcreativeorganisationtheTuatara Collectivewilloffertwoticketedtwoafternoon showsat2pmand4.30pmatBaycourtCommunity &ArtsCentre.
TuataraCollectivehasdevelopedtheRātāinitiative, aninnovativeartspracticesupportingmentalhealth intheartsindustryforartistsandaudiences.This
ForTheFallenwillbeperformedatBaycourton April25. Photo/MPLPhotographyandLHPhotography
includeshavingmentalhealthprofessionalspresentat everyperformancefortheaudiencetoengagewith,as wellasofferingwānangaandtrainingtothecastand crewduringandaftertheproject.
Showticketscost$15-$35–bookat: https://www.tuataracollective.com/forthefallen
MoniqueBalvert-O’Connor
Jenny Tollemache in her garden – a new garden in the 2026 festival.
Photo / Monique Balvert-O’Connor
Theenigma thatwasElvis WithBazLuhrmann’s concertfilm EPiC: ElvisPresleyInConcert nowhittingthree streamingservicesand stillshowingintheodd cinema,itseemeda goodtimetocheckthe oldguyout,seeif hestillholdsup...
Firstly,cardsonthetable: I’mnotagreatElvislover.The1950sstuffwas sensational,thelaterbands weresensational,butfor mehismaterialwasalways basicallyaimedatteenagers. Agrownmansinging“I'm ahunkahunkofburning love”leavesmecold.
IhatedBazLuhrmann’s previous Elvis filmwith AustinButler.Thisis different.It’sbasicallyElvis talkingandbandfootage –rehearsals,goofing, shows–whichhasreceived PeterJackson’swondertreatmentandlooks absolutelypristine.
Knewhowtowork
Thebulkoffootageis fromanearly1970sLas Vegasresidency.Musicians takenote:Elvis’residencies there,andthereweremany, were28dayswithouta break,twoshowsaday,no
daysoff.Themanknew howtowork.
Whatdowelearn?
Mainlythingsweknow already.Hecouldsuresing, andhewasamagnetic, dynamicstageperformer. Andabetterguitaristthan credited.Andhisband,his hugeband,werethebest. Themusicremastering hereisstunning–like therecentupdateof TheBeatlesAnthology documentariesitleapsout ofthespeakersandhits yourightinthechest. Butit’sthechoiceofthat musicthatgivesmepause. Thiswastheearly1970s, Elviswasstillinhis30s, anditwasoneofthemost creativemusicalperiods theworldhaseverknown. AndElvisissingingcovers ofBeatles’songsandSimon andGarfunkelsongslike somemiddle-of-the-road loungesinger.
Pastthanfuture
That’skindawhatheis here.Averycommanding one,withcharismato boot,butstill... Andthat’swhatmakes thisseemsoveryold,
ElvisPresleyposeswithguitarinapromotionalstillfor themovieJailhouseRockcirca1957.
fromaforeignpast.While TheStonesetalweretouring, makingvitalmusic,Elviswas playingtotheFrankSinatra crowd,morepastthanfuture even50yearsago. It’shardnottocompareit witharecentPaulMcCartney documentary, ManOnThe Run,whichexaminesexactly thesameerafromtheBeatles splitthroughpersonaland musicalrebuildingtothe creationofWingsafewyears later.McCartneyisstrivingfor relevanceinaworldwhereall heknowsisTheBeatles,trying toforgeanewartisticpath. Thestorycloseswiththe massivesuccessofWings’ BandOnTheRun,though
thefilmcastsnolightonwhy thebassisoutoftuneonthat album’stitletrack.
Foreigncountry
Elvis’storyfinishedbeforethe bandWingsended–hedidn’t evenseeoutthe1970s.But whatkeepspoppingintomy mindisthatMcCartneywas onlysevenyearsyoungerthan Elvis.In2026he’sjustreleased anewsingle,whilethepastthat Elvisinhabitedseemseveryday amoreforeigncountry.
HearWinston’s LatestPlaylist ScantheQRcode,orvisit:
www.tinyurl.com/ududpraa
TaurangaFarmers’Marketshiftstoafternoon TaurangaFarmers’Marketwillbeheld Saturdayafternoon,toenablewould-be shopperstoattendAnzacDayservices.
Insteadofrunning7.45am-noonatTauranga PrimarySchool,tomorrow,April25,itwillgo aheadfrom1pm-4pm.“Joinusfrom1pm-
Driftingchamps finaleatBaypark Thetitle-decidingfinalroundofthe D1NZseasonfor2026takesplaceat MountMaunganui’sMercuryBaypark Arenathisafternoonandtomorrow. ThisAnzacweekendRound5willsee 2026’sdriftkingcrownedattheBaypark GrandFinal.Itwillbeafestivalof motorsport,showcars,liveentertainment, andchampionshipglory.
Today,April24,gatesopen3pmat BayparkstadiumforthePro-SportandPro practiceandqualifyingsessions.
Tomorrow,April25,gatesfrom12 noonforthePro-SportandProTop32 BattlesandtheSchmickMickHardPark. Therewillbedriversigningsessionsinthe StadiumLoungeforfans.
Childrenagedunder15needtobe accompaniedandsupervisedbyanadult. Hearingprotectionisrecommendedfor littleears.
Fortickets,visit:https://shop.d1nz.com orpayatthegate.
Across 1.Nativebird(8) 6.Drink(4) 8.Desire(4) 9.Islands(8) 10.Consult(5) 11.Language(6) 13.SmallSouthIsland town(6) 15.Atownthatwas famousforitspottery (6) 17.Bay (NI)(6) 19.Possibly (5) 22.Quotation(8) 23.Advance(4) 24.Yank(4) 25.Memento(8) Down 2.Breathing (5) 3.Accomplish(7) 4.Annoys(4)
21.Previously (4)
4pmatTPSforyourusualmixoffresh,local produce,deliciousfood,andartisangoods –justalittlelaterintheday,”saidthemarket’s weeklypost,whichsaidthemovegavepeople “achancetocometogetherasacommunity afteramorningofremembrance”.
SUDOKU Fillthegridsothat everyrowandevery 3x3squarecontains thedigits1to9 Howtosolve
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