Franklin Times March 27, 2026

Riding like the wind

„ By KERRY LEE

The ESNZ Demo, Dabble and Do-It is returning for another year, showcasing recreational riders having fun.

Featuring three events on March 29, April 18, and May 23, the ESNZ Demo, Dabble & Do-It gives horse riders a chance to come to a non-competitive environment and enjoy themselves while picking up useful tips.

Since starting in 2024, it has morphed from a weekend event into a series of workshops focused on all three disciplines of horse riding, including dressage, eventing, jumping, and CTR (competitive trail riding).

Riders will get access to equestrian Georgia Milner, who will run a one-on-one warm-up, followed by jumping a full course with Ollie Croucher. Mindset sessions will be led by event rider Savanna Stirling, who will teach riders how to manage

nerves and build their confidence.

The aim of the event is not to win ribbons or trophies; however, sponsored prizes from Saddle & Canter, Equisport NZ, and Vetpro will be awarded to riders for good horsemanship and good sportsmanship.

National development manager Ashra McAvinue says over 100 riders have taken part in the series, some of them more than once.

“South Auckland has become a valuable location for Equestrian Sports New Zealand to host Demo, Dabble and Do-It, firstly, as a large catchment area of recreational riders; and secondly, because of the range of facilities that offer an excellent introduction for newcomers to the sport.

“Demo, Dabble, and Do-it has been a breakaway from the traditional competitions typically held by ESNZ. It is an opportunity to meet like-

minded women, men, and youngsters from a large pool of riders across the equestrian sector for whom competitive riding was ‘a bridge too far’.

“For many, it has been their first chance to enter professionally organised arenas and courses guided by advanced ESNZ riders as ambassadors within each discipline.”

McAvinue says the series attracts riders of all ages as it has been something of a draw card for riders learning how to compete, those who have had a break away from riding to develop careers

or have a family, or moderately experienced riders with green horses that may not have been exposed to public events before.

“It’s pleasing to see people having a go at something outside their comfort zones and being rewarded for it with sponsored prizes for displays of good horsemanship and sportsmanship.”

The first event is showjumping held at Abderry Equestrian in Glenbrook on March 29, an eventing day at the Clevedon Pony Club on April 18, and dressage at the Clevedon Showgrounds on May 23.

HOME NOW OPEN

TIMES ARE A CHANGING

As March stampedes to a close, it brings about more change across the wider Franklin and North Waikato areas.

We’ve had changes across the board, from new developments (like the newly announced steel manufacturing plant in North Waikato and a new supermarket for Paerata Rise), to the never-ending roadworks cropping up on various parts of our state highways and across most of our towns and villages, to the raft of retirement announcements from our politicians.

And let’s not talk about

the ongoing pain at the fuel pump. Daylight saving time is also due to end in a week, which means an extra hour of sleep for many (probably not me because our kids are young).

Daylight saving time ends every year at 3am on the first Sunday in April, so this year it ends at 3am on Sunday, April 5.

Remember, that means clocks go back for the winter, from 3am to 2am.

And with the “Mondayisation” of public holidays, this year we will see Anzac services held on Saturday, April 25 but a public holiday observed on Monday, April 27.

For me personally, this is my last From the Editor column. I will be moving into a new role that works with my part-time hours while the editor position moves to a full-time one as we grow the

Franklin Times. Rest assured we will continue to run our regular features, and you’ll still be reading my byline within these pages and on our website. Our incoming editor, Jon Rawlinson will be a familiar face to many, and I’m sure he’s raring to get back into the swing of things.

In the meantime, keep your chin up in these busy times, and good luck to all of you tackling the upcoming school holidays. Keep an eye on the What’s On section of our website www.franklintimes.co.nz as events are regularly added as our readers send them through to us. And have a wonderful Easter break!

Helena O’Neill

Be sure this roar

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

As thousands of hunters are making their plans for the roar, recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100 per cent sure of their targets.

The roar, or rut, is when the stags are most vocal, calling to attract the attention of hinds and are less cautious than other times.

The roar lasts about four weeks, with stags being the most vocal in the middle two weeks. Red deer and sika roar from late March through April, with fallow deer a little later in April.

Te Tari Pureke – Firearms Safety Authority (FSA), which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt. FSA director communities and corporate,

Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the roar is the key event for many hunters each year.

“The roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says McIlraith.

“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”

McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80 per cent of the time this involves members of the same hunt-

ing group.

The authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot.

“Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour, or movement alone.”

McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:

• Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?

• Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?

• How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have?

“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.

“We’re a police car on the water” –inside the Auckland Police Maritime Unit

„ By CHRIS HARROWELL

Among the people and vessels at the Bucklands Beach Yacht Club’s (BBYC) recent public Open Day was an 18.5-metrelong twin-hulled boat staffed by members of the Auckland Police Maritime Unit.

According to the police, the unit covers an operational area of about 3700 square kilometres which includes “the greater Hauraki Gulf, the Firth of Thames, and associated harbours and inlets”.

Police say the Gulf has about 200 islands, including ones with residents such as Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, Kawau Island, and Rakino Island. Within that operational area there are about 5000 craft on swing moorings, 4500 craft in the five marinas and about 100,000 craft on trailers.

The Auckland Police Mar-

itime Unit is comprised of 21 staff, divided into four sections of five people, including its senior sergeant. One of its members present at the recent BBYC Open Day is sergeant Peter Comer, who spoke to the Times about the unit’s work.

“We’re essentially a police car on the water,” he says. “Whatever a police car does on land, we do on the water. So it’s traffic management, because it can get quite crazy out there, and there’s crashes and the police’s response. Whatever you get on land, you get at sea.

“There’s a lot of people who live or stay on their boats. We get family harm incidents out there, we get it

all. Maybe not the frequency with which it happens on land, but it still happens.

“The other thing we do is essential rescue, so any person who gets into difficultly on the water, on either coast, we run the job. We run it from our base and use the Coastguard or we’ll be out in our boat. On top of that we support the islands.

“We’ve got police on Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island, and ambulance staff, so if police have an arrest, we’ll go do it, and if they require back-up we’ll go do it. And then you’ve got islands people live on like Rakino and Kawau, so we do all sorts.”

Comer says boats can now go a lot further than they used to and are more capable.

“People are going further and search and rescue is going further afield. We’ve got more people out there, we’re getting more traffic out there, and in New Zealand you can buy a boat of any size with absolutely no

knowledge and go boating.

“So that makes it interesting for us too. We get boats running over boats and people who don’t know the rules speeding, so we do a lot and have a big broad range of stuff we do.”

The Auckland Police Maritime Unit works from its base at the Marine Rescue Centre in Mechanics Bay, on the Waitemata Harbour. Police say it shares a facility with the Volunteer Coastguard, Northern Lifeguard Services

and Auckland Harbour Masters Office.

“We used to have the police’s Eagle helicopter and Westpac Trust Rescue Helicopter there, but they’ve since moved,” Comer says.

“They were at the helipad next door. If we have a search and rescue on the West Coast [of Auckland] we don’t have any police assets immediately available to us. We’ll run the job. We’ll send Coastguard or we work closely with Auckland Air-

port crash/fire [Emergency Service].

“They’ve got a hovercraft and they’re always ready and keen to respond. They’re actually really great and they’re really keen to help us, and especially with the hovercraft on the Manukau [Harbour], it will go anywhere so we use them.

“And surf lifesaving on the [West] Coast. They’re an awesome asset, because we’ve got nothing out there. The biggest problem we have

over on the West Coast is radio comms. Communication can get a bit sketchy, so that’s probably our biggest challenge over there.”

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Waikato steel manufacturing plant fast-tracked

Astructural steel manufacturing plant has been approved through the government’s fast-track process.

National Green Steel Limited lodged its application in July 2025 to build a structural steel manufacturing plant in Hampton Downs in Waikato.

Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Bishop said the approval took about five months following the commencement of the expert

“New Zealand has a major infrastructure deficit. We need to deliver infrastructure faster, and we need the supply chains to back that up.

A project like Green Steel can do both, building local manufacturing capacity and help provide material for a range of developments.

“The new plant will process about 200,000 tonnes of recycled steel annually. The project will reduce structural steel imports and reduce the amount of scrap steel being exported.

Green Steel already has

collections yards in Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Putāruru and Christchurch. These yards recover metal resources from end-of-life vehicles, sheet metal, and beams.”

Minister for Regional Development Shane Jones said the project was expected to create about 200 skilled jobs in the region.

“New Zealand does not currently re-use steel –most of our scrap metal is exported. This new plant will mean we can recycle and manufacture structural steel right here in New Zealand, using material sourced from across the country,” Jones said.

The project will use electric arc furnace technology to produce high-quality structural steel with a lower carbon footprint compared to current steel production methods used in New Zealand.

It is the thirteenth project to be approved under the fast-track process, and the first infrastructure project to feature steel manufacturing.

Help get footballer to Malaysia

„ By KERRY LEE

APukekohe teen keen to represent New Zealand overseas needs the community’s help to make it happen.

Jayden Lindner has the opportunity to represent the country as a part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Under-19 football team.

Last September, the 17-year-old Pukekohe High School student trialled for the NZSS (New Zealand Secondary Schools) Under-19 team to go to Malaysia and was selected as part of an 18-man squad, as one of the goalkeepers. “For me, it’s an opportunity to represent the people who have helped bring me here, who have spent time to get me to where I am today, and helped me improve my ability, and got me to this stage,” Jayden says.

His father, Karl Lindner, adds: “It’s a huge opportunity. His commitment to sport

has been amazing, and his commitment to football and cricket has been amazing.

“He’s had multiple awards through various schools, including Pukekohe Hill, Pukekohe Intermediate, and Pukekohe High School.

“As well as accolades from Pukekohe AFC and Franklin United. Watching him grow and develop, and knowing he gets to represent New Zealand, is absolutely huge. It’s a great honour for the family.”

As well as creating a Givealittle fundraising page, the family has also ‘door-

knocked’ on various businesses in the area for sponsorships. These include Mitre 10, JB HiFi, and Weck’s Bins Crates Pallets, which have given them products to raffle off. On April 18, Bakers Delight Pukekohe will hold a barbecue outside its building to raise money. To travel to Malaysia, the family must raise $9,000 by May 1, and Jayden hopes reaching Malaysia may help kickstart his career. While he’s had other opportunities, this is one of the bigger ones and will hopefully give him the

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exposure he needs to attract other sponsors.

Jayden started playing cricket and rugby at the age of five. He switched to football when he was about nine years old. During the Covid19 pandemic, he played for two years at Pukekohe AFC, and then played competitively for the Franklin United under-15s. When his coach at Manukau FC, Gordon Paulsen, saw talent in him, Jayden started taking football more seriously and moved to the Franklin under-23s, and then to the Manukau 23s, where he is now.

The tournament runs over 12 days in July, and the team will play six games in 10 days. Jayden is the first student from Pukekohe High School to succeed at this level. People who want to donate to help him get to Malaysia can go online to https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/ help-send-my-son-to-malaysia-to-represent-nz.

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STEAMING GOOD FUN

Steam met sci-fi at the Steampunk Express at Glenbrook Vintage Railway on Saturday, March 21. Susie Hare of the Pukekohe Franklin Camera Club caught this snapshot of the day.

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Cultural fest a feast

„ By JON RAWLINSON

No hum-drum affair, the Franklin Multicultural Festival once again delivered diversity on stage and off at the PIA Event Centre in Pukekohe.

Performances by cultural groups from schools through-

out Franklin — including Pasifika and kapa haka — were the mainstay of the day. In addition, drummers from Kids Beats proved they could become tomorrow’s Gene Krupas, Moe Tuckers, Keith Moons (maybe not the best example there!) or go on to emulate the Best Beat(le) of

them all, Pete Best.

This once small event run by Puni School has become a regular favourite for many.

A rich range of food stalls, crafts and activities kept children occupied between performances for a fun-filled day. Beginning in 2008, the event has grown each year.

One year ago, Ensom Funeral Services became Ensom & Biswas Funerals.

As we mark this first year, we are excited to share what lies ahead. Very soon, we will be welcoming families into our own local chapel.

• Easy, single-level access

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We look forward to continuing to care for our community, just as family should.

• 17 Lifestyle Lots ranging from 3200m2 to 3ha • Town supply water and wastewater connections • Fully post and rail fencing • Extensively landscaped with native planting

• Flat land with specified building areas

• Works have commenced with Titles due early 2027

National selects new candidate for Papakura electorate

Emma Chatterton has been selected by local party members as National’s candidate in Papakura for the 2026 general election.

Chatterton is a senior advisor to Education Minister Erica Stanford and has previously worked for ImpactLab, working in social investment under the leadership of Sir Bill English.

She spent more than a decade as a teacher in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

She was National’s candidate in Remutaka for the 2023 general election but was born and raised in Counties-Manukau.

“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to campaign as National’s candidate in Papakura,” says Chatterton.

Prime Minister Christo-

pher Luxon announced in January that current Papakura MP Judith Collins will be appointed to the role from mid-2026, marking the end of a parliamentary career that began in 2002 when she was first elected to represent the former Clevedon electorate, later becoming Papakura.

“I firstly want to acknowledge Judith Collins for her 24 years of service to the people of this electorate and as a Minister across two National Governments. She leaves a legacy of hard work and delivery which I plan on building on.”

Chatterton was born and raised in the local area, with four generations of her family living, working and farming in the region.

“My parents worked hard and made sacrifices to

give us every opportunity to experience success. That’s what motivates me and what I want for my family and every family in this country.

“Teaching gave me a passion for unlocking potential and working in social investment instilled in me the importance of delivering the right service to the right person at the right time. To have a highly productive economy, higher incomes, more opportunity, we need a world-leading education system that sets kiwi kids up for success.

“The current reforms are already showing results, and I am passionate about ensuring they are enduring.

“I will be campaigning hard to help re-elect a National Government that is fixing the basics and building the future to create jobs,

lift wages and lower price increases.

“I will be working as hard as I can to re-elect a National Government and earn the right to take Papakura forward as its next National MP.”

A fresh face for Port Waikato

By now, you will have seen that I will not be seeking the nomination to be the National Party candidate for the Port Waikato electorate at the general election in November.

I first entered politics in 2014 after the then MP for Hunua, Dr Paul Hutchison, announced he was standing down. It was considered a safe seat, and lots of people were keen to be the candidate. I was lucky enough to be selected and subsequently won the seat at the general election to become the MP for Hunua.

Twelve years is a long time in Parliament. National was in Government when I entered, but subsequently lost in 2017 and again in 2020, to be returned in 2023. During that time, the Hunua

electorate boundaries were redrawn, and we became the Port Waikato electorate in 2020, losing much of what is currently the eastern Franklin district and instead taking in a good deal of North Waikato.

My approach to being an electorate MP has never wavered, and that is to provide advice and support for the people who live here, present their views in Parliament, and maintain strong connections with local communities.

It has been very fulfilling to work alongside local organisations and community leaders to help residents. The issues we have addressed have been vast, including loss of productive growing land to housing, the development

MP for Port Waikato Andrew Bayly

of wind and solar farms, and new schools and medical facilities. And then there were the Covid years, which were extremely challenging, with all the lockdowns, the constantly changing alert levels, and the border splitting our communities apart.

It has been an immense privilege to serve the peo-

Parks and recreation

Firstly, thank you to those who provided input into Auckland’s draft annual plan – we appreciate your feedback to help us keep things on track.

Papakura Local Board is progressing a wide range of projects within its Parks and Community Facilities work programme, with a strong focus on park development, sports field upgrades, community facility renewals, and improved recreational amenities.

A major highlight is the ongoing development of Opaheke Park, which now features the completed passive park on the non-sport side. Delivered by developer

Bellfield Estate, as part of a land use agreement, the passive park incorporates stormwater management design elements, including elevated landforms and basins that absorb overflow from the nearby stream. The park provides a 1.6-kilometre walking and cycling loop, a central connecting path, a fenced dog exercise area, a small bike pump track, and its own carpark.

This winter, the local board has a large community tree planting initiative planned at Opaheke. On the sports field side, work is underway to install new water connections and upgrade two fields with improved drainage and playing surfaces, with two more fields planned when funding allows.

At Prince Edward Park, the local board recently completed an upgrade of the number one softball diamond and is preparing to start construction on new, high-quality changing rooms, which will significantly enhance the park’s usability. A future upgrade to the sec-

ple of the Hunua and Port Waikato electorates.

I have knocked on thousands of doors, replied to hundreds of emails each day, and taken phone calls at all hours of the day and night. I have met some wonderful people – many of whom have become lifelong friends – and have hundreds of fond memories (and some sad ones too). I am so grateful for the trust that people have placed in me.

I will continue to serve the Port Waikato electorate as the MP until the general election on November 7. I’ll still be out and about, and my office will still be open, so do please say hello or contact me by email. For electorate issues, contact me at andrew@ baylymp.co.nz

ond diamond will proceed as budgets permit.

Meanwhile, Bruce Pulman Park has seen improvements to the carpark area near Gate A, where the public toilets and campervan dump station are located. Although the Bruce Pulman Park Trust manages the site day today, the Papakura Local Board remains responsible for funding infrastructure upgrades such as carparks, with more improvements planned. The board is also investing in increased parking capacity at South Park off Beach Road, where a new or extended carpark will create additional spaces and ease congestion during training sessions and games.

Community facilities continue to receive attention as well. The Hawkins Theatre recently underwent a major heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrade, making the venue far more comfortable for both performers and audiences. The Elizabeth Campbell Hall is in the midst of a substantial refurbishment that will nota-

Papakura Local Board chair

Kelvin Hieatt

bly improve its condition and usability.

Further ahead, planning and design work is progressing for new playgrounds at Kuhanui Reserve and Twin Parks Rise, along with renewed upgraded playgrounds at Ōtaawhiti/Ray Small Park and Brylee Drive Reserve.

Looking toward next summer, families visiting Massey Park Pools will be able to enjoy a brand-new, modern splash pad, replacing the outdated toddler paddling pool.

Altogether, these projects represent a significant investment in Papakura’s parks, sports facilities, arts venues, and community spaces— improvements that residents can look forward to enjoying in the months ahead.

We’ve become more efficient, focused, and disciplined

Aucklanders deserve a council that treats their money wisely and delivers on its promises.

The floods of 2023 and the challenges of Covid-19 taught us some tough lessons. But, in the face of crisis, we became more financially efficient, more focused, and more disciplined about what truly matters for our communities.

Those experiences have shaped a stronger, more resilient approach to how we manage public funds and plan for the future. Our latest quarterly report shows just how far we’ve come. Even with global uncertainty, Auckland is in a strong financial position and well placed for what lies ahead.

That strength comes from disciplined financial management and a clear focus on the essentials – something I champion as chair of the Value for Money Committee. Alongside my colleagues, we’ve worked hard to ensure every dollar delivers real out-

comes for Aucklanders.

In the past six months, we’ve delivered $1.8 billion in capital projects, achieving 81 per cent of our budgeted programme. These investments include major infrastructure upgrades, renewed public spaces, and new community facilities – improvements that support growth, strengthen resilience, and make daily life better across our region.

Our financial performance reflects the same momentum.

Net direct expenditure was $137 million favourable to budget, driven by higher revenue and lower costs. We’ve already achieved 79 per cent of our full year savings target, demonstrating responsible stewardship of ratepayers’ money while continuing to invest in the services Aucklanders rely on.

Our libraries welcomed 4.3 million visits in just six months – their busiest period in five years. At the same time, Auckland Council

Libraries has transformed how our city reads, learns, and connects.

With more than 800,000 digital items freely available, Aucklanders are embracing a library that fits seamlessly into modern life. This digi-

tal shift is expanding access across Auckland, and the results speak for themselves – Auckland now ranks 11th in the world for e lending, standing alongside some of the world’s most innovative library systems.

We’re also seeing progress in other key areas. Building consents reached their highest ever customer satisfaction rating, and we’re still refining the process to make it faster, more intuitive, and easier to navigate. Momentum is building across our region, and Auckland’s future feels brighter every day. Together we’re creating a city that’s stronger, more connected, and full of possibility.

We must get our response to this crisis right

The war in the Middle East is impacting New Zealand.

We entered this challenging time in a stronger position than we would have been if this had happened two years ago, but the impacts are still tough for people. Many New Zealanders are understandably concerned about rising petrol prices and the pressure that puts on their household budget.

Due to ongoing global supply-chain disruptions, fuel and other prices are likely to remain higher, and will possibly keep increasing, for a longer period. This Government is very conscious

that getting economic management wrong during this crisis will have long-lasting consequences that are difficult to unwind. We saw this in the aftermath of Covid-19 where short-term decisions led to debt reaching $120 billion and inflation hitting a 32-year high which saw mortgage rates and other prices skyrocket. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.

National wants to ensure those mistakes are avoided. Responsible economic management matters most when the world is volatile and unpredictable. By fixing the

basics in the economy, we’ve been repairing the post-Covid damage done by Labour.

One of the ways we’ve done that is by reining in wasteful spending, saving taxpayers $43b to date in unnecessary expenses. This has lowered interest rates, meaning Kiwis’ average mortgage repayments are down by as much as $10,000 per year. We’ve lowered taxes, and our economy has been growing again, which means exporters and businesses doing well and more job opportunities for people. The latest data shows 1.1 per cent growth over the last six

months of 2025, and growth is still expected to continue, even with the conflict.

Sticking to National’s careful economic plan is how we can best insulate New Zealand and New Zealanders against this global shock and protect New Zealand’s future.

Extension project for Hamilton Airport

The Waikato District Council has welcomed the Government’s decision to activate the designation enabling the extension of Waikato Regional Airport, supported by a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund.

Waikato District Mayor Aksel Bech said the investment is a significant win for the Waikato region, strengthening regional connectivity while supporting a more resilient aviation network for New Zealand.

Waikato Regional Airport Limited operates Hamilton Airport and its associated property services and development.

“The Government’s loan provides the certainty needed to progress long-planned infrastructure improvements

at the airport, unlocking real benefits for Waikato communities, businesses and exporters.”

The funding will support a $9.8 million project to extend the runway and expand apron and taxiway space, allowing the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft, including wide-body jets.

Bech said the improvements will enhance the

region’s ability to move people and goods efficiently and support economic growth across the Waikato.

“Waikato Regional Airport already serves more than half a million passengers a year, with strong growth continuing. This project positions the airport to meet future demand, support tourism and trade, and create wider economic opportunities for the Waikato.”

Bech said the decision reflected the critical role regional infrastructure played in supporting both local communities and the national economy.

“It’s encouraging to see that role backed by Government investment – and the extra value being created for our ratepayers in the Waikato District, who own 15.63 per cent of the airport.”

The project will be managed by Waikato Regional Airport, with construction expected to begin towards the end of 2026. Existing flight operations, including international services, will continue during the works.

Supermarket for Paerata Rise

„ By HELENA O’NEILL

Work is underway at the site of Franklin’s newest supermarket.

Woolworths Paerata Rise will open early next year, with the supermarket giant saying the new 3,600m2 store will be built to meet the needs of the community with a modern look and feel, extensive fresh foods section, in-store bakery, and a directto-boot facility for online customers to pick up their orders.

Woolworths says the store is expected to employ about 100 staff. There will be four

EV parking spaces with chargers, and 172 car parking spaces in total.

Paerata Rise is developed by Grafton Downs Limited, and the supermarket will be built by Watts & Hughes, with site preparation work already underway.

Grafton Downs executive director Chris Johnston says this is an exciting moment for Paerata Rise.

“The start of construction on Woolworths Paerata Rise signals the beginning of a larger commercial centre that’s been designed with the community in mind. As someone who both represents the development and

Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matthew Grainger (in hard hat) with Grafton Downs director Chris Johnston at the site of the new Paerata Rise store.

lives locally in Paerata Rise, it’s great to see this progress happening now for residents and future generations.”

Woolworths New Zealand director of property Matthew Grainger declined to give the project cost due to commercial sensitivity, but says there are currently 181 Woolworth stores across the country, with an additional three e-stores which are solely dedicated to fulfilling

online orders. “Woolworths is excited to bring a new state-of-the-art supermarket to the fast-growing community at Paerata Rise. Our experience elsewhere is that a new supermarket can be a game-changer for a growing community, enabling a new level of convenience for local residents, and acting as a catalyst to attract other new shops and services to the area.”

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Is it time you did something about your hearing? March is World Hearing Awareness Month, where we highlight the importance of maintaining healthy hearing. Even mild hearing impairments impact our self-esteem, social connections and cognitive functions. However, many New Zealanders still resist getting hearing aids as early as they should – often because they are not comfortable wearing a hearing aid that is visible.

Danish hearing aid company, Oticon, may have the solution. After decades of research miniaturising complex computer chips and re-imagining the way a hearing device is made and worn, they have developed something completely new. Oticon Zeal, a tiny device, comfortable and unseen in the ear canal, containing all the latest features you would previously only find in larger or behind-the-ear devices.

popular and will help encourage people to treat their hearing loss and maintain their hearing and brain function,” says Kathrin Baer, senior audiologist at Wolfe Hearing Pukekohe and Drury.

and music can be streamed directly from compatible phones, PCs and tablets. With new Auracast™ technology, you’ll soon also receive announcements or audio broadcasts in public venues or at home.

After a successful launch in Europe and North America, Oticon Zeal will soon be available in New Zealand, and you can try it at Wolfe Hearing.

Prist

“A product that can be worn so discreetly but doesn’t compromise on features will be

“It’s a unique style, so it’s more comfortable and natural than previous types worn in the ear canal that can make the ears feel blocked.”

Kathrin says the product won’t be suitable for every-

one. “You need to have good dexterity and vision, as it is very tiny and needs to be carefully maintained. It might not be suited to some ear shapes or more severe hearing losses. It’s also a premium, feature-packed product, so that’s a significant investment to make - but one that is definitely worth it for the benefits you receive.”

What makes Oticon Zeal particularly impressive is the way it works with the brain to help make sense of sound. Its AI technology is always analysing the sounds around you and helping organise them, so conversations are easier to follow, even in challenging environments. Together with Oticon’s BrainHearing™ technology, it supports the brain’s natural way of processing sound. The result is pristine sound quality and reduced interference from background noise Oticon Zeal also helps you stay connected to your digital world. Calls, meetings

“We love that as a small, local and independent company, we can always bring our clients the latest technology. We have no ties to a specific brand and the freedom to work with the latest products from the world’s best manufacturers to ensure people get the best solution for them. If Oticon Zeal isn’t right for someone, we have all major brands and a great selection of the best technology to suit everyone’s preferences and budget,” Kathrin says.

Wolfe Hearing can also offer interest-free payments over a term of up to 36 months with Q Card so that you can hear now and pay as you go.

If you’ve ever wished for a hearing aid that simply fits into your life, not the other way around, Oticon Zeal might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Call the team at Wolfe Hearing for more information and to book your free personalised demonstration at either our Pukekohe or Drury clinics.

Its time to prioritise your hearing!  Let Wolfe Hearing’s expert team help you achieve your best hearing possible.

A smart strategy for right now TAX TIME sorted

New Zealand businesses are operating in a more cautious, cost-conscious environment. Margins are under pressure, customers are more selective, and growth is harder won. In times like these, discipline beats optimism. Here are three practical priorities every SME should be focusing on right now.

1) Protect cash flow and price for profit. Strong cash management creates stability and choice.

Cash flow is not just a finance issue; it underpins every decision you make. Healthy cash flow gives you options, confidence and resilience.

• Use realistic forecasts. Base projections on conservative revenue assumptions and accurate cost data. Update

them regularly so there are no surprises.

• Price for sustainability. Ensure your pricing reflects the true cost of delivery and builds margin. Competing on price alone weakens long-term viability.

• Tighten payment discipline. Clear terms and consistent follow-up improve cash flow without increasing sales.

2) Focus on the right customers. Clarity and value matter more than ever.

Winning work in this climate is about relevance and trust, not discounts. Customers look for certainty, return on investment and measurable outcomes.

• Prioritise profitable segments. Not all clients contribute equally. Identify the customers who align with your strengths

and deliver sustainable returns.

• Stay close to your market. Regular conversations and pipeline insights will reveal changing needs early.

• Lead with value, not price. Articulate outcomes clearly. Businesses that communicate impact stand out in crowded markets.

3) Build resilience, not just growth. Strong foundations outlast short-term volatility. Growth remains important, but it must be supported by a resilient operating model.

• Reduce concentration risk. Overreliance on one major client, supplier or revenue stream creates vulnerability.

• Maintain operational flexibility. Systems and processes should allow you to scale activity up or down efficiently.

• Invest in your people. Retaining and developing capable staff protects service quality and reduces costly turnover.

Remember, economic cycles are part of business. Organisations that strengthen their financial discipline, focus on the right customers and build resilience into their operations will not only weather uncertainty, but be well positioned to move quickly when conditions improve.

If you’d like to sense-check your strategy or explore practical ways to strengthen and grow your business, our team is always available for a confidential conversation.

Speak to one of our team on 09 238 5939 or email info@engineroomca.co.nz.

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Government

announces $50 per week for lower-income working families

The coalition Government says it’s moving quickly to provide extra support for low-to-middle-income working families as conflict in the Middle East drives up fuel prices and adds pressure to household budgets.

From April 7, about 143,000 working families with children will get an extra $50 a week through a boost to the in-work tax credit.

The boost will also expand eligibility to around 14,000 additional working families, who will receive the tax credit at an abated rate.

The increase will be temporary, lasting for one year or until the price of 91 octane petrol drops below $3 a litre for four consecutive weeks.

“This temporary boost will deliver support to working families who are under significant cost-of-living pressure, without making inflation worse or further driving up Government debt,” Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“The policy is carefully targeted to families in the squeezed middle – parents who are working hard for a living, are not eligible for main benefits, and yet have modest household incomes with which to support their children.

“We know these families will be hit particularly hard by the global fuel-price

shock. We are delivering them timely relief.

“The Government will implement these changes at pace. Tomorrow we will introduce an Amendment Paper to the Taxation Bill currently before Parliament, so these changes can be enacted from April 1.”

Willis says most eligible households won’t need to do anything to receive the increase.

It will be paid directly into their bank accounts, starting on April 7 if they’re paid weekly, and April 14 if they’re paid fortnightly.

“We are very aware that almost all Kiwi businesses and families are feeling price pressures as a result of the global shockwaves hitting New Zealand, but equally we know that responding with large, untargeted Government spending programmes could make things worse for Kiwis by adding more pressure to inflation and debt.

“We are making careful choices in order to protect New Zealand’s economic future.

“The Government is conscious that a careless response to this crisis could

have long-lasting and painful consequences.

“We saw this in the aftermath of Covid, where excessive spending more than doubled debt and sent inflation soaring and mortgage rates skyrocketing. Kiwis are still grappling with the effects of that today.

“That’s why we are focused on temporary, timely support that is targeted to the workers who need it most, while continuing to manage the public finances carefully.

“The policy is estimated to cost a one-off $373 million if it runs for the full year and less if it does not. There is no ongoing cost in future years because the change is time-limited.”

The cost will count against the Government’s operating allowance for the 2026 Budget so has already been factored into the Treasury’s fiscal forecast, Willis says.

“Funding the policy this way will not add to forecast debt or inflationary pressures. It’s consistent with the Government’s fiscal strategy which seeks to balance the books and bend the debt curve down.

“We cannot control global oil markets or international conflicts, but we can soften the impact on working families who cannot easily avoid higher fuel costs by delivering support in a responsible and well-targeted way.”

The Irish Lady of Pukekohe

„ By KERRY LEE

Known as ‘The Irish Lady’, Donna Boden has made herself a much-loved mainstay of Pukekohe.

Boden works at Harcourts in Pukekohe and recently received a quarterly three sales award. “The award itself is that whenever you’re working in real estate, once you achieve certain levels, you get recognised,” she says.

“So the quarterly three awards are given to people for certain sales numbers or for a length of service. I got mine for sales, but they’ll do other ones for someone who’s been there for 10, 15, 20 years.”

For Boden, it’s not about how many sales she makes or how much money she earns. For her, what’s important is doing the best job she can and treating all of her customers equally and with

respect. “I thought I wanted to do a job where I can treat everybody the same,” she says. “It doesn’t matter if they’re buying a $300,000 property or a $500,000 property, I want to treat them all the same.”

Besides real estate, she also makes what she calls ‘reindeer food’ for Santa Claus’s reindeer, but which is really given to local children at Christmas.

“I dress up as The Irish Lady, Mrs Claus at Christmas, and I go and get these little sachets of reindeer food which is basically oats and corn mixed with a bit of shiny stuff, and wrap it up with a little verse to say, ‘sprinkle on the lawn at night, so when Rudoulph flies past he’ll come down and leave presents for the kids’.”

At Christmas she makes up the packs and donates them to the local primary schools as well as to local

Some of the Rudolph’s Food that Donna Boden makes and gives away.

shops to give away. Eventually, her work at Christmas caught the attention of a group at Pukekohe Intermediate School, who decided to lend her a hand.

“What happened over the years is that I needed so many made that one of the groups at Pukekohe Intermediate, called the Heart Group, started helping me,” Boden

says. “So I would bring them all the mixture, and then they would sit in and wrap it all up into little cellophane bags and staple my cards onto them. I would go in at the end when they’ve got everything ready and bring them some drinks and snacks for doing it.

“I just love Christmas, and I think it’s lovely to give something for free in this world.”

As well as helping to celebrate Christmas, Boden has contributed to road safety by helping to sponsor several slow-down signs in the Pukekohe area. Now, because of her, all the primary schools in Pukekohe have signs asking motorists to slow down, courtesy of ‘The Irish Lady’, Donna Boden.

“I had kids at the local school and knew all the kids. The people supporting me were all local mums, dads, and granddads, so it was nice to be able to do something.”

Learning to speak with confidence

„ By KERRY LEE

The fear of public speaking, or glossophobia, is often cited as the number one fear for many people.

For many, it’s a fear worse than death, heights, or spiders. Seventy-five per cent of people experience some level of anxiety due to public speaking. But Toastmaster speaking clubs can help them to learn to speak in front of large groups and appear more confident.

Since 2020 the Karaka Toastmasters public speaking club has helped people communicate better in a supportive atmosphere. For Chitra Sonia, a national accounts manager for many years but now working in mental health, there were several reasons she joined the club.

“Around 12 years ago I participated in a beauty pageant, and there was a girl who used to go to a Toastmasters. I was fascinated with her pre-

sentation skills and the way she presented herself. We were getting ready together for the pageant, when I asked her how she communicated so well, and she mentioned Toastmasters.”

The main reason Sonia joined was so she could present in front of a large group confidently, while also improving her communication skills.

“Toastmasters is not just about speaking English. It’s also about how you present yourself. It consists of a lot of things, like body language, hand gestures, and the modulation of your voice.”

Simon Lempriere has used Toastmasters to improve himself. He joined Toastmasters in 2021 and previously served as the vice president of education for Toastmasters in Karaka.

“After leaving a large American corporation at the end of 2001, I joined several networking groups (ARN,

TNG, BNI),” he says.

After joining, he found he’d lost what he described as his ‘mojo’.

“I’d spent a third of my time overseas, I held presentations and seminars and things like that, and I found when I was in a network group and talking to a room full of people, I just lost

it, I didn’t feel comfortable, whereas before I was.

“There was a lady there, who’d been in Toastmasters in the UK, and she’d joined Toastmasters here, and won a couple of competitions. In fact, she won the national humorous contest and was keen to get me to go along.”

After attending Toastmasters for a while, Lempriere felt like his old self and credits Toastmasters with helping him.

“I got my mojo back, I feel confident again at network groups in my work environment, it was great, everything just came back to me.”

Toastmasters not only teaches people how to speak and the structure of speech but also teaches the importance of body language and eye contact, and how to deliver a speech.

Karaka Toastmasters next meets at 7pm on April 15 at the Karaka War Memorial Hall, Linwood Road.

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Word from the street

„ By BRENDA & JACK, The Pukekohe Good Guys

This month we’ve been out and about around Pukekohe keeping an eye on things and helping where we can. So far we’ve logged 16 reports, with 7 already completed and 9 still in progress. Most of these have been graffiti, which has generally been removed within a week - it’s great to see those quick turnarounds making a visible difference.

We’ve also been following up on maintenance reports, checking in on jobs once they’ve been completed and seeing issues being picked up and actioned.

Alongside this, we’ve been helping keep Pukekohe tidy by returning stray supermarket trolleys and keeping an eye out for anything else that needs attention.

While we’re out, we’ve been chatting with locals and visitors, helping with directions, and connecting people with support where needed.

We’ve also been sharing updates about what’s happening around town so everyone can stay in the loop and feel part of what’s going on.

It’s always great to see the community looking out for one another - those small interactions really do add up. We’ll see you out there!

The quiet strength in our community

„ By MAI LIGHTHOUSE

When the world feels uncertain, it’s often the quiet strength in our own communities that carries us forward.

Here in our community, that strength lives in our whānauespecially in those who care for others every day. Across our communities, many people are caring for tamariki, rangatahi, disabled family members and kaumātua. This care is often full-time and ongoing. It’s early mornings, late nights, appointments, advocacy, and everything in between.

It is work grounded in aroha, but it is not always easy.

At Mai Lighthouse, we recently shared feedback on the Draft Carers’ Strategy Action Plan, drawing on what we see locally. While every caring journey is different, some shared challenges continue to come through.

Support can drop away over time, especially as young people move into adulthood. Respite, which gives carers time to rest and recharge, is often difficult to access. Many carers reduce paid work to meet the needs of their whānau, impacting financial security now and into the future. And navigating multiple systems can feel like a job in itself.

But alongside these challenges, we also see something powerful - commitment, resilience, and deep care for one another. Carers are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for sustainability, dignity and recognition.

Because when carers are supported, whānau are stronger. And when whānau are stronger, our whole community benefits. In uncertain times, it’s this care - given quietly, every day - that helps carry us all forward.

For more information about the mahi we do, visit: www.mailighthouse.org.nz Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn

CAMELLIAS: COLOUR, CLASS & CHARM FOR EVERY GARDEN

Camellias have long symbolised love, devotion and admiration—and it’s easy to see why. Blooming through the cooler months, they bring life and beauty to gardens when little

These hardy, evergreen shrubs offer glossy foliage year-round, with vibrant blooms that brighten even the dullest winter day. With a wide range of colours, sizes and forms available, there’s a camellia to suit every garden style—from classic country settings to modern suburban landscapes.

Versatile and easy to grow, camellias can be used as hedges, screens or feature plants. They are easily trained as espaliers, or shaped into topiary or standards. Their shallow root systems make them a practical choice for planting near

Sasanqua varieties are the first to flower, from early autumn. With colours ranging from white to soft and vibrant pinks, they are more sun-tolerant and ideal for hedging. Popular varieties include ‘Brian’ (pictured above), ‘Early Pearly’ and ‘Setsugeka’. For smaller spaces, ‘Silver Dollar’ and ‘Paradise Little Liane’ are excellent choices.

Japonica varieties follow from mid-winter into spring. These are generally taller, with larger, more dramatic blooms—perfect for screening or as specimen plants.

Their colour range spans from white and pink through to deep reds. ‘Takanini’ (pictured below) has a very long flowering season, ‘ Gweneth Morey’ is a classic white and Margaret Davis’ is the striking variegated ‘.

Beyond these, there are many other interesting species and hybrids. Camellia sinensis is used to produce tea, while Camellia transnokoensis is a compact grower with masses of dainty scented white flowers, ideal for narrow spaces. Hybrid ‘Nicky Crisp’ offers compact growth and long-lasting soft pink blooms.

Easy care, rewarding results

Naturally found in woodlands, camellias thrive in moist, rich soil with light shade, flowering well even in full shade although many varieties will grow happily in sun. When planting, mix plenty of compost through the soil, and consider adding water-retaining crystals if moisture may be an issue. Apply mulch such as bark or compost around the base (keeping it clear of the trunk), and water regularly during the first season. Once established they are very hardy.

Feed with an acid-loving fertiliser such as Yates Thrive Camellia Gardenia Blueberry Fertiliser, and prune after flowering to maintain shape.

The perfect time to plant

Autumn is the ideal time to plant camellias. With the soil still warm, roots establish quickly, giving plants a strong start for spring growth and better resilience through summer. Visit Greenrose garden centre to explore the range available and find the perfect camellia to bring colour, class and charm to your garden.

GARDENING TIPS FOR AUTUMN:

PLANT: Winter greens (brassicas), herbs, flowers, plus trees, shrubs and hedges.

SOW: Carrots, beetroot, radishes, peas and parsnips directly. Start winter crops in trays. Patch or sow lawns.

PREPARE: Clear summer crops and add compost. Apply lime and fertiliser at least 2 weeks before planting and water in well.

PRUNE: Tidy hedges and woody perennials. Deadhead roses and daisies for a final flush.

FEED: Citrus, evergreen shrubs, hedges and lawns to strengthen before winter.

PESTS: Protect seedlings from slugs and snails. Watch for white butterfly, whitefly and fresh weed growth.

WATER: Check pots and new plantings regularly, even after rain.

Rare falcon takes flight

Arare breed of falcon is breeding after years of uncertainty, and offers new hope for the species.

A pair of kārearea (New Zealand Bush Falcon) are raising fledglings in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges, which in Auckland is considered rare, as it’s on the edge of their traditional breeding grounds. Alongside the growing kokako population, this is considered to be an exciting development.

It’s a major milestone for not only the kārearea, but also for the Auckland Council’s Natural Environment

to eliminate rats, stoats, and possums by 2050.

Between December, 2025, and February, 2026, a targeted study commissioned by Auckland Council provided the first formal baseline assessment of the kārearea’s presence and breeding in the park.

The study was conducted across 293 locations after 313 hours of observation. Following aerial 1080 predator control, the project confirmed the presence and breeding activity of the kārearea. Paul Duffy, Auckland Council’s team manager, specialist advice, says the finding is significant.

“This study gives us the first clear evidence that kārearea are successfully breeding in the Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges. It also shows that intensive predator

management and groundbased trapping are giving this threatened species the chance to make a comeback in the Auckland region. Predator control creates safer conditions for them and many other native species.”

Chair of the council’s policy, planning and development committee, councillor Richard Hills, was amazed by the development and says this is fantastic news for Auckland’s native wildlife.

“Seeing a pair of kārearea successfully raising chicks in Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui / Hūnua Ranges shows the work we’re doing to control predators and restore our natural environment is making a real difference. It’s exactly the kind of outcome Aucklanders hoped for when they supported the Natural Environment Targeted Rate.

“The Hūnua Ranges are home to incredible species like the kārearea and the hauntingly beautiful kōkako.

Take a hike, keep your eyes on the treetops, and you might spot one of these remarkable birds in the wild. It’s a reminder some of the most exciting things in Auckland aren’t on our phones, they’re out in nature.”

Kārearea nest on or near the ground, leaving their eggs and chicks vulnerable to cats, mustelids, pigs, and possums. There are only 5,000 to 8,000 left in the wild and they’re are classified as threatened.

PRINCIPAL IN PERSON with Wayne Gillard, Brookby School

How long have you been an educator, and where did you train?

I’ve been an educator for 32 years. I trained at Auckland Teachers’ Training College in Epsom, which was a fantastic place to develop my teaching practice. Looking back, the practical components were incredibly valuable and laid a strong foundation for the way I teach and support students today.

When did you become the principal of Brookby School?

I became principal of Brookby School in Term 4 of 2020, right in the midst of the COVID era. Stepping into leadership during such uncertain times reinforced for me how important relationships, adaptability, and clear communication are within a school community. Those early months taught me lessons that continue to guide my leadership today.

What’s special about Brookby School?

Brookby School has a strong sense of belonging and connection that you feel as soon as you walk through the gate. There’s a genuinely positive vibe—we work hard, support one another, and make sure we enjoy the journey. We laugh, learn, and grow together, creating a truly special environment. We have

a saying: “Once a Brookby kid, always a Brookby kid.” I also love seeing ex-students, teachers, and parents return to visit, which reflects the lasting relationships we build.

What’s the best thing about being an educator and principal?

The best part is people. I have the privilege of working alongside a remarkable team of staff and with the most amazing students.

Knowing you can make a positive difference in someone’s life every day is incredibly rewarding. Each day is different, full of fun, and comes with its own challenges, which keep the role exciting and fulfilling. What

Get in touch

Get in touch

Get in touch

more could you ask for in a career!

Is there anything you’d like improved in the education/school management sector?

One of the most important priorities is looking after our people. Teachers and school leaders who have the right tools, resources, and support are empowered to do their very best work for students. I’d also like to see more recognition of the outstanding things happening in schools every day.

Celebrating successes, while continuing to strive for improvement, strengthens the profession and benefits learners. Positivity matters!

How is the relationship between Brookby School and its immediate local community?

The relationship with our local community is a real strength. Brookby School enjoys strong support from families, and there is a shared commitment to helping students succeed.

Relationships are genuine, and there is a strong sense that the school and community are partners in learning. Together, we create an environment where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We provide a holistic learning programme that goes beyond just academics, and our community really values this.

EASTER HAZARDS FOR PETS: What Every Owner Should Know

Easter is a joyful time filled with chocolate and other treats. However, many common Easter traditions can pose serious risks to our pets.

Being aware of these hazards can help keep your furry companions safe during the celebrations.

One of the biggest dangers is chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting,

diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous. Always keep Easter eggs, chocolate bunnies, and other forms of chocolate well out of reach.

Hot cross buns and other baked goods can also be harmful, particularly if they contain raisins or sultanas. These ingredients are highly toxic to dogs and can lead to kidney failure. If your dog

consumes any foods containing raisins or grapes, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Decorations can also pose hidden risks. Plastic Easter eggs, foil wrappers, and small toys can be easily swallowed by curious pets, potentially causing choking or intestinal blockages.

Keep decorations secured and dispose of wrappers promptly.

Franklin Vets

Finally, be mindful of seasonal plants such as Easter lilies. While beautiful, lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure even if only a small amount is ingested.

All parts of the plant are toxic, including the water in which cut lilies are placed. The biggest risk is cats getting pollen on their coats and then grooming it off, so if your cat suddenly has yellow pollen on them, wash it off and then contact your veterinarian.

By taking a few simple precautions—storing treats safely, supervising pets around decorations, and choosing pet-safe plants— you can ensure Easter remains a happy and safe holiday for every member of the family, including those with paws.

For families juggling kids, pets and gear, the appeal of a seven-seater SUV is undeniable.

But before you trade your sedan for a larger people mover, it’s worth asking, are seven-seaters truly worth it, or just a case of buying space you rarely use?

Seven-seat SUVs promise versatility, and they often deliver it. For families with three children, regular carpool duties or frequent weekend getaways, extra seating can be a lifesaver.

The third row provides flexibility when grandparents visit or when sports practise requires transporting half the team. In most models, those rear seats fold flat, creating generous cargo space when you’re not carrying passengers.

However, size comes with trade-offs. Seven-seaters are typically bulkier, heavier and less fuel-efficient than five-seat alternatives. That can translate to higher running costs and less nimble handling, noticeable in tight parking lots, school pick-up zones and city traffic.

Insurance premiums and tyre replacement costs may also be higher simply due to the vehicle’s size. Another reality check, many families discover they rarely use the third row. For everyday commuting and school runs, the extra seats often remain folded down. If your household usually travels with four or five occupants, a well-

chosen five-seat SUV may provide ample space without the added expense and bulk. So are seven-seaters worth it? For larger families or those who frequently carry extra passengers, absolutely. But if the third row will only see occasional use, you may be paying for flexibility you don’t truly need.

- 77 Manukau Road, Pukekohe winger co nz | 09 239 2389

CUTTING FUEL COSTS

smart ways to use less petrol or diesel

Rising fuel prices are putting pressure on household budgets, making fuel efficiency more important than ever.

Understanding fuel consumption and how to reduce it can lead to significant savings over time. Fuel use varies from trip to trip, shaped by everything from how the car is driven to its overall condition and even the roads you travel on.

While not every factor is within a driver’s control, many of the biggest contributors can be improved with a few practical adjustments. One of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption is to drive smoothly.

Rapid acceleration and harsh braking use more fuel, so maintaining a steady speed and anticipating traffic flow can improve efficiency. Using cruise control on highways can also help maintain a consistent speed.

Vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role as well. Keeping tyres properly inflated reduces rolling resistance, while regular servicing ensures the engine runs efficiently. Dirty air filters and old engine oil

can increase fuel usage, so routine checks are essential.

Reducing unnecessary weight in your car can also make a difference. Carrying heavy items or using roof racks increases drag and fuel consumption. Removing unused items and external accessories when not needed can help improve efficiency.

Finally, planning trips wisely can reduce fuel use. Combining errands into one trip and avoiding peak traffic times can minimise time spent idling in congestion. By adopting these simple strategies, drivers can lower fuel consumption, save money, and reduce their environmental impact all while navigating the challenges of high petrol prices.

PROPERTY pulse BUILD, BUY, BORROW

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Q&A PETER BARROW WITH

In January, Environmental Aggregates and Concrete entered into a partnership with BJ Ball (parent company of Ecollec), appointing them as the distributor for Plazrok products across New Zealand and Australia.

Ecollec general manager Natalie Jeans describes the partnership as a powerful example of circular innovation in action.

“It’s a compelling story - taking New Zealand waste and transforming it into a locally manufactured building product,” she says. “EACL are diverting plastic from landfill and repurposing it into a durable, long-lasting material with real-world application.”

Through the partnership, BJ Ball provides the infrastructure and scale needed to help accelerate Plazrok’s growth. With a nationwide footprint of 160+ staff, extensive warehousing capabilities, and a freight and logistics network built over more than 100 years, the business is well positioned to support distribution at scale. This is further strengthened by in-house marketing and sales expertise.

“Adoption of new materials can often be slowed by concerns around long-term availability,” Jeans says. “Architects, builders, councils, and public organisations need confidence that the products they specify will be supported into the future. Having BJ Ball behind Plazrok provides that assurance — we’ve been operating for over a century, and we’re committed to backing this product and supporting its growth.”

In Bombay a small company is working to create a durable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional stone aggregate, from plastic waste. Helena O’Neill talks with Peter Barrow, of Environmental Aggregates and Concrete Limited (EACL), about how plastic is turned into Plazrok.

What is Plazrok?

A lightweight concrete aggregate made using waste plastic and minerals. We take plastic here at our Bombay site, chip it into tiny pieces with machinery we’ve developed and we turn it into our Plazrok aggregate.

Plazrok is a mixed-plastic aggregate engineered to mimic stone to meet standard compressive strengths and provide good tensile strengths

Our concrete pavers are made with a mix of Plazrok, sand and cement.

There are many types of plastic, what kinds do you recycle?

There are many types of plastic, what kinds do you recycle?

It doesn’t matter what type of plastic it is, as long as it’s not contaminated, we can recycle it. You don’t need to take lids or labels off, as long as it’s empty, then we can process it.

There is a fee to bring plastic to us — we do charge people to deal with their

plastic problem. We need to in order to allow us to be competitive with the other aggregates that are out there.

How long has Plazrok been around?

I’ve been developing this product for 30 years, about 10 years in this current iteration. I’ve had the same board of directors for the past 15 years who believe in the product and what we’re doing, and we now have plants operating in other countries.

Ele Collection is a Zimbabwean company based in Victoria Falls and now successfully operating a Plazrok plant under licence similar to what we are doing here in New Zealand.

Why did you decide to turn plastic into aggregate?

One thing I make quite clear is that I’m not a greenie; I’m far from it. I’m a fisherman, I’m a hunter. First and foremost, I hate seeing plastic when I’m walking the Urewaras (Te Urewera National Park) or when I’m out on the Manukau Harbour catching fish and seeing bottles and bags floating past

me. It’s a human condition and it’s something the human condition can fix. I don’t want to see that floating up on my beach or ruining our pristine environments.

Plastic waste is collected from across the North Island, has Plazrok been used anywhere where you’ve collected plastic from?

Working with Interwaste for example, they collect waste from Auckland

Airport and product from hospitals. They want to promote Plazrok and see it go full circle and be used back in the places where the plastic came from.

We’re doing that with some of the schools. We’ve sold pavers to Ararimu School and they’re participating in our recycling in schools programme.

Other schools are pledging to do the same. A lot of schools are part of the national Enviroschools programme and this fits really well within that.

What does the recycling programme do?

EACL runs the programme which turns unsorted, unwashed, and mixed plastic waste (grades 1-7), including soft plastics, into a high-quality, lightweight aggregate for concrete. My whole idea around the recycling in schools programme was to get children educated and then the parents educated through the kids. They’re now asking their parents why they can’t turn their milk bottles into pavers.

Ecollec general manger Natalie Jeans and EACL director Peter Barrow with Plazrok pavers.

Times photos Helena O’Neill

GETTING INK DONE FOR DIGNITY

„ By KERRY LEE

3D areola restorative tattooing offers millions of people the chance to live their lives confidently after undergoing surgery.

Cancers can require treatments that physically alters a person’s body, affecting how others see them, and more importantly, how they see themselves.

A post-surgical procedure called 3D areola restorative tattooing helps people regain their confidence.

Tattooists like Jaimee-Dawn Holland use specialised techniques to create lifelike images that simulate the appearance, and texture, of body parts they may have lost or have been altered through cancer treatments or invasive surgery.

Holland is an award-winning cosmetic and paramedical tattooist who created a Facebook challenge to raise awareness of 3D areola restorative tattooing and other treatments to help anyone recovering from surgery.

“It’s something not widely known about, even within the healthcare system,” she says. “A lot of doctors, even surgeons, don’t know it exists or it’s available because not many of us offer it as a service.”

In August, 2017, a partnership between the Waikato District Health Board (DHB), Tristram Clinic (a skin clinic in Hamilton), and Debbie Casson of Lady Ink Cosmetic Tattooing began offering fully funded 3D areola restorative tattooing. Currently, it’s funded by Te Whatu Ora via several options.

Depending on a person’s coverage, insurance may also cover restorative tattoos, and that’s something Holland would like more people to know about.

“I’ve been doing this for a while, and I’ve been doing it out of my own pocket, but now there’s funding available it means getting the word out about this procedure, and it means giving more of my time to help people, rather than doing it in drips and drabs, where I can.”

Unlike decorative tattoos, 3D areola restorative tattooing is clinical and restorative and can be used for patients beyond those who have survived cancer.

“You’ve got people who have alopecia or other conditions like a cleft lip, where you can create the shape of their lips, and you can give them more confidence, or if someone’s been in a car accident and have facial scaring, we can work on minimising those scars,” Holland says.

“It’s not a traditional tattoo – it’s using certain techniques to help the restorative side of things.”

THE EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF CLUTTER

MICHELLE KEENAN empowers people and organisations to achieve optimal wellbeing by providing customised

For some of us, clutter can arise because we have a lot of stuff.

For others, it represents postponed decisions, unfinished tasks, and the small promises we’ve made to ourselves but haven’t quite followed through on. If you’re like me, it’s probably a little bit of both! Over time, clutter accumulates quietly, not just in our physical spaces but in the background of our minds.

It can feel as though your environment is somehow “noisy,” even when everything is still. It can make it harder to relax, harder to focus, and harder to feel fully at ease in your own home.

This is the emotional weight of clutter – the way it sits there in the background waiting to be sorted, something you’re always aware of, affecting your mental, as well as your physical, space. The difficulty is addressing it can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s built up over time. It’s tempting to wait until you have a full day free, or enough energy to tackle everything at once.

But let’s get real how often do you have the time and the energy to declutter in one big, sustained effort? For many of us, that magical day may never arrive! A realistic approach is to start small and specific. One drawer, one shelf, one surface. Not to create a perfectly organised home, but simply to complete something.

One small area done is one area that wasn’t done before. Put things away, and if there are things you don’t need, donate (just remember to drop them off so they don’t sit in your boot for months!), give away to friends, or, if they’re at the end of their useful life, bin them. Enjoy the feeling of achievement – one clear surface; one drawer that closes easily again; one bathroom shelf on which it’s easy to find what you need.

As you sort through things, be both honest and kind with yourself. If they no longer serve a purpose, it might be time to let them go. If they still hold value – they could be useful, or simply hold some emotional connection for you – it’s okay to keep them! You don’t have to become a minimalist, but clearing the clutter can create space in your home and in your mind.

www.michellekeenan.com

WHY YOUR MAKE-UP ISN’T SITTING RIGHT

AND HOW TO FIX IT

„ By SARAI ELORA, Bonita Artistry

After adjusting your skincare for the cooler months, you might expect your make-up to fall effortlessly into place. But for many women, this is where frustration begins – foundation separates, dryness appears, or your make-up simply doesn’t look like it once did. The truth is, it’s rarely about the make-up itself. It’s about how your skin is prepared, and how each layer is applied. Here’s how to refine your routine so your make-up sits beautifully at any age.

Prep is everything – As temperatures drop, skin naturally becomes drier and more textured. If your make-up looks patchy or uneven, your base likely needs more hydration. Focus on lightweight, layered hydration rather than heavy creams. This helps create a smooth, balanced canvas so make-up can sit comfortably on the skin Try Laura Mercier Pure Canvas Primer Hydrating (MECCA \from $49)

Less product, better placement

– Applying more foundation doesn’t create a better result, it often does the opposite. Instead, use small amounts and build gradually. Focus on areas that need coverage, allowing the rest of your skin to remain visible. This creates a more lifted, natural finish that moves with your face.

Let your layers work together

– Make-up performs best when each layer supports the next. If your products are separating or not lasting, your textures may be conflicting. Stick to lightweight formulas and allow each step to absorb before moving on. This simple shift can dramatically improve how your make-up wears throughout the day.

Set without flattening your skin

– Setting your make-up isn’t about removing shine, it’s about helping everything settle into the skin. A fine mist can bring your make-up together, soften any dryness, and extend wear without heaviness. Try

M·A·C Fix+ Original Setting Spray (MECCA$38–$61 or Urban Decay All Nighter Hyaluronic Setting Spray (MECCA $75)

Technique changes everything

– The biggest transformation doesn’t come from buying more products, it comes from refining how you use them. Small changes like pressing instead of wiping, blending in thin layers, and placing product intentionally can completely elevate your result.

The real shift – Make-up isn’t about covering your features, it’s about enhancing them. When your skin is supported, your make-up begins to sit naturally, comfortably, and effortlessly.

Want to learn what works for you?

At Bonita Artistry, we focus on personalised techniques that enhance your natural features in a way that feels wearable. Follow along on social media @bonitartistry for real-life transformations and step-by-step guidance

ART THAT’S FOR THE BIRDS

„ By KERRY LEE

Justine Crease is an artist with a unique style that literally comes from nature itself.

A self-taught artist, Crease specialises in using real pheasant feathers she buys commercially

to create unique works of art.

She loved the idea of nature-on-nature and wanted to try something different, as she said, “out-of-the-box”.

‘I’ve been an artist most of my life. I was always the child at the back of the classroom, who used to draw doodles instead of listening to the teacher, plus I was always good at art, and did well in art classes.”

Many of Justine Crease’s works stand out from those of most other artists in the area. Photos supplied

Four years ago, she began putting her work on a website called Chooice, which is a site that lets artists display their work online, doing watercolour paintings, and sold a few pieces of other work on TradeMe during the Covid lockdowns before switching to her feathers-on-feathers artwork.

Feedback so far has been positive. Crease

became a finalist at the Rotorua Museum Art Awards and was awarded the Coombes Johnston BMW Tauranga People’s Choice Award 2026.

While she has no plans beyond making more feather art, she’s contemplating entering more competitions in the future.

She’s based in Rotorua, but because her partner is in Franklin, she regularly travels between the two areas.

MY LOCAL: POKENO HALL

By HELENA O’NEILL

As Pokeno continues to grow rapidly, its town hall remains an important hub for the community.

The original Pokeno Hall was built in 1920, and just 10 years later a larger hall was built to accommodate the growing community.

Haupai Montgomery is the chair of the Pokeno Hall Committee which manages the hall bookings, maintenance, and upkeep. He says the hall is a key part of the wider Pokeno community.

“Over the past 10 years have seen the hall hire grow from around four to five hires a month to two to three bookings most weekdays, every Saturdays for family occasions, and two hires every Sunday.

“We have entertained past two years Diwali events run by two lots of people from our Indian Community, the recent Chinese New Year and a Sri Lankan Day coming up soon.”

Montgomery says that since the introduction of the Matariki public holiday, Te Hau Kainga me Ngaa Mana Whenua o Pokeno Charitable Trust (which he also chairs) has facilitated a Matariki ki Pokeno event.

This year the event will be held on Friday, July 10.

“We are always pleased to support our local community groups, sports clubs, school, charitable trusts, youth group, all local Pokeno groups to use the hall free of chargeprovided their events or activities benefits our growing community.”

Over the past 15 years, the hall has been repainted inside and outside twice. Renovations to the roofing and internal ceilings were also carried out, along with

the rewiring of the whole hall. Heaters were added to the wall, and the committee is exploring whether fans can be fitted for next summer.

As the community continues to grow, Montgomery expects the hall to remain a key part of the town’s heart.

» A more comprehensive history of Pokeno Hall will run in the next edition of the Franklin Times.

This week’s Community Hero is

Amber Brewer

This week’s recipient is Amber Brewer, nominated by Melissa Hori, who writes:

“Amber is the start of the schooling years for the kids at Onewhero Area School, and she goes above and beyond.

“She makes all the tamariki (children) feel welcome, and she extends this to the whānau (family) too.

“She is always available to discuss anything, and you know your child is not only being taught well but is being cared for.

“She continues these relationships long after your child has left her classroom and is a really important part of the school and community.”

The Franklin Times is recognising the many wonderful people in our community who go out of their way to help others with our regular Community Hero award.

If you know someone who’s doing amazing things in our community, please email 80 to 100 words describing why they deserve this recognition, highlighting specific actions they’ve taken to benefit our community, with your and their contact details and a high-resolution photo of them, if possible, to editor@franklintimes.co.nz.

Be sure to include details about what they’ve been doing, the impact they’ve made, and how long they’ve been involved in these efforts.

The award is sponsored by Little Ed Pukekohe. Recipients will receive a $50 Little Ed voucher and will be featured in our newspaper and on our website. As we are moving to publishing fortnightly, we will have a Community Hero in each edition of the newspaper.

Easter Services

✨ All are warmly welcome to join us this Easter season ✨

Palm Sunday 29 March

St Andrew’s: 8:00am & 9:30am

St Paul’s, Buckland: 11:30am Easter Events at Pukekohe Anglican Church

Maundy Thursday 2 April

6:00pm – Shared Meal & Foot Washing

Good Friday 3 April 11:00am – Contemplative Service

Easter Day 5 April

St Andrew’s: 9:00am (One Service Only)

St Paul’s, Buckland: 11:30am

Locations

St Andrew’s Anglican Church: Corner of Queen St & W

St Paul’s, Buckland: Historic wooden church beside Buckland School

What's on in Franklin

Brought to you by the Rural and Lifestyle Sales Team

Barfoot & Thompson Pukekohe | Tuakau | Pokeno

March /April 26

Sunday, March 28, 9am to 2pm, Pukekohe Christian School, 82 Yates Road, Pukekohe East

Join us for a fun-filled day out at the Pukekohe Christian School Annual Gala! There’s something for everyone—activities for the kids, tasty food, a variety of stalls, and both live and silent auctions. Bring the whole family, enjoy the community spirit, and make a day of it while supporting a great cause.

Waiuku Zero Waste – T-shirt Craft (Pukekohe)

Friday, April 10, 10.30am to 11.30am, Pukekohe Library, 12 Massey Avenue, Pukekohe

Turn your old t-shirt into a cute and practical tote bag! Join Sandy from Waiuku Zero Waste to learn creative ways to recycle and repurpose clothing, giving it a whole new life. A fun and eco-friendly session, perfect for the school holidays. Free event. No registration is required.

Mind, Body & Spirit Weekend

Saturday & Sunday, March 28 & 29, 10am to 4pm, PIA Centre, 57 Ward Street, Pukekohe

Explore, learn, and nurture your mind, body, and spirit at this two-day event! Discover a range of activities including crystal and jewelry displays, handcrafted gifts, balms, massage and reflexology, alternative healing, and readings. Sit in on any talks or workshops that catch your eye and find the perfect gifts for yourself or loved ones— from as little as a gold coin. Adult entry $6, children free.

Franklin Street Rodders Show & Swapmeet

Saturday, April 11, from 10am, Mauku School, 389 Union Road, Mauku

The Franklin Street Rodders 11th Annual Show & Swapmeet returns with a great day out for car enthusiasts and the community. Check out a display of hot rods and classic cars, browse automotive swap sites, and enjoy food and coffee on site. Gold coin entry, with proceeds supporting Mauku School. Swap sites are free and open to automotiverelated items only (set up from 8.30am). No dogs are permitted.

PLEASE NOTE: information regarding times & dates of these events was correct at the time this issue went to print. However, readers are advised to check events online for updates. Scan me for more local events

Paerata Rise Easter Market

Sunday, March 29, 9am to 1pm, Paerata School Hall & Grounds, 32 Jonah Lomu Drive, Paerata

Enjoy delicious treats or lunch from local food trucks, sip coffee, and browse a wide variety of stalls with gifts, goodies, and something special for the kids. Every visitor can enter a free Easter giveaway, with the winner announced at 1pm. Meet local makers and discover handcrafted, tasty, and unique products—all supporting small NZ businesses.

Moon Bloom Markets

Saturday, April 11, 2pm to 8pm, Spookers Haunted Attractions, 833 Kingseat Road, Kingseat

Browse crystals, jewelry, ceramics, art, and more, all crafted by small businesses and local makers. This edition features an enchanting mix of vendors including Dark Ember Arts, The Fae Witch, Serene Spaces, Honey Bandit, The Halfling Herbalist, Mystical Pathways, She’s Got Lasers, Hilltop Eco Crafts, Art By Celine, Skulls & Rainbows, Lottie Lots, and Rogue Creations.

Social Sisterhood

Wednesday, April 1, 5.30pm, Annah Stretton Store, 108-114 King Street, Pukekohe

Pukekohe women over 40, it’s your turn! Grab a coffee, bring a friend, and enjoy one hour of real connections. This event supports you to grow your circle, share experiences, discover new interests, and enjoy the confidence and companionship that come from belonging to a trusted community of women. RSVP at sisterhoodsocial.co.nz.

Kahawai Food Truck Night

Saturday, April 11, 4pm to 8pm, Kahawai Point Village, Glenbrook

Bring the whānau, gather your friends, and enjoy a relaxed coastal evening at Kahawai Food Truck Night. Savour the flavours of a curated lineup of food trucks, sip craft beers, wines, ciders, and refreshing nonalcoholic drinks from our pop-up container bar, and soak up the easy autumn vibes by the water. Expect fun giveaways and more surprises throughout the evening. Family- and pet-friendly.

FLAX MAKING A COMEBACK

„ By KERRY LEE

Local artist Jane Crosbie, as always, is working to expand her artistic repertoire, now by adding harakeke, New Zealand flax.

“I’m studying an indigenous art form called

raranga (te reo Māori for weaving or plaiting), and that’s the traditional art form of weaving traditional flax,” she says.

“All sorts of items can be made out New Zealand flax, traditionally Māori wove clothing out of it, they used it to make floor coverings, they used it to make lashings for buildings, sails for their waka, shoes to walk over hard ground, or snow, and for raincoats.”

she’ll also be incorporating raranga into her paintings.

Professionally, Crosbie uses paint as her primary medium, but a few years ago, she became fascinated by raranga and decided to try it to help her grow as an artist.

As a long-time plant lover, the thought of creating art from a natural material that was totally sustainable was something she loved. Crosbie has already started adding her own designs to her raranga projects.

As an artist who traditionally works on canvas,

Crosbie has been a contemporary mixedmedia artist and painter and is renowned internationally.

She and her husband and fellow artist Phillip Crosbie exhibit their work at their North Waikato art studio. Later this month, Jane Crosbie plans to host the Fire Horse Art Exhibition, but a bout of Covid-19 delayed the completion of some of the paintings for the exhibition.

FINDING BEAUTY IN THE ORDINARY

„ By KERRY LEE

For Raymond Ludlow, photography is more than just about images, it’s about capturing a moment that will never be again and encouraging viewers to reflect on that moment.

Faced with epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and brain surgery, Ludlow found a passion for photography at age 17, and credits it with helping him to get through some of his life’s darker chapters.

Since fully committing to his art 2015, his photography has helped shape him and that it is something he is drawn to. His style is unique and is based on how he sees the world, describing it as more instinctive than anything.

Raymond Ludlow wants visitors to the Stable Light Gallery to see beyond the mundane and see that there is beauty in anything ordinary.

Photos supplied

“I’m very much self-driven with my photography I’m not a trend chaser I tend to chase my own photography goals and tend to photograph things that interest me.

“Photography is my meditation and my escape it lets me live free in that moment while capturing a scene.”

The exhibition Take a Seat centres on the main theme of chairs and explores the ordinary that many people ignore or take for granted.

“I wanted it to show what people ignore. We look at seats every day, sit on them, treat them as everyday objects, and never think about them. The idea of this exhibition was to make people see that there is art in the ‘normal’ and everyday items like chairs, seats, and tables.

“This work is based on my interest in everyday things like seats and chairs that have unique shapes and forms. They carry a sense

of history — marks and qualities that only time can create — along with the individuality of their designs.

“All of the seats in this exhibition were found in locations around New Zealand, with one from Australia.

Each holds its own sense of uniqueness, and through this work, I hope to tell the story of each seat and the past it represents,” says Ludlow.

The first images of the exhibition were taken in 2012 and now represent 14 years of his work.

The ‘Take a Seat’ exhibition began on March 7 at the Stable Light Gallery and will run until April 3, open from 10am to 4pm at 40 Queen Street, Waiuku.

ROASTED KUMARA WITH GREEN MEADOWS MEXICAN BEEF

This is my kind of dinner. One pan on the stove, kūmara in the oven, then pile it all together. Big flavour, minimal drama.

INGREDIENTS

BBQ kumara

• 1 large kumara, cut crossways into thick planks, about middle-finger thick, roughly 2 to 3 cm

• 2 to 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp Gault’s Mexican Seasoning

One pot Mexican beef

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 red capsicum, diced

• Kernels from 1 cob, or 3/4 cup frozen corn

• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 500g Green Meadows Premium beef mince

• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste

• 2 tsp Gault’s Mexican Seasoning

• 3 tbsp tomato paste

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) red or white wine, or water

• 1 can tomatoes, about 400 g, whole peeled or cherry, lightly crushed

• 2 tbsp Gault’s Beef Stock Concentrate

• 250 g sour cream

To finish

• 1 large ripe avocado, sliced or chunked

• Handful fresh coriander, roughly chopped

• Extra Gault’s Mexican Seasoning, for top

Serves 4

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 200°C. Rub the kūmara planks with olive oil, salt and Gault’s Mexican Seasoning on both sides. Lay them on a lined roasting tray and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until soft in the middle and nicely coloured. Remove from the oven and keep warm.

While the kūmara cooks, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion, capsicum, corn and garlic and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, until softened. Add the beef mince and break it up as it cooks.

Once it’s starting to catch a bit of colour, add the salt and Gault’s Mexican Seasoning and stir it through. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine or water and let it bubble for 30 seconds, scraping the bottom of the pan.

Add the tomatoes and break them up a bit more with your spoon. Stir in the Gault’s Beef Stock Concentrate, bring it to a gentle simmer, then cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring now and then. Turn the heat down low and stir through half the sour cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Scatter the avocado slices over the Mexican beef, add teaspoon dollops of the remaining sour cream, then finish with coriander and a light sprinkle of Gault’s Mexican Seasoning. Lay the roasted kūmara planks on plates. Spoon the Mexican beef over the top. Get stuck in.

SIMON SAYS... If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, loosen it with a splash of water. If it’s a bit loose, give it another couple of minutes to reduce.

If you’d prefer to cook the kūmara on the BBQ, rub with olive oil and seasoning, cook over medium heat for about 10 to 12 minutes per side, then move to a cooler part of the BBQ until soft in the middle.

Leftovers are brilliant the next day in a wrap with lettuce, or tossed through pasta. My pick is bucatini, the thick hollow spaghetti that grabs the sauce beautifully.

Watch recipe video here!

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WHAT WE’RE WATCHING

FUKUSHIMA: A NUCLEAR NIGHTMARE

HBO

This documentary tells the story of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan. The disaster was caused by a 9.0magnitude undersea earthquake. The resulting tsunami led to meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The story is told through interviews with experts and witnesses.

A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES

TVNZ+

This action-thriller film sees actor Liam Neeson in the role of ex-NYPD detective Matt Scudder. The film’s based on the novel of the same name by Lawrence Block. Neeson’s character is working as an unlicensed private investigator when he’s hired to find a wealthy drug trafficker’s missing wife, who was murdered after being kidnapped. As Scudder begins to investigate the crime, he discovers other victims of the same villains.

EXPLORING WITH JOSH

YouTube

This YouTube channel has 4.77 million subscribers and sees host Josh Williamson conduct adventures to isolated, mysterious and dangerous locations. Recent episodes have taken him to places such as Area 51 in the United States, Chernobyl in Ukraine, an abandoned theme park in Japan, a 100-year-old underground bunker, a hidden cult temple, an empty Wild West theme park, a haunted forest, an occult museum, a casino ghost ship, and an abandoned military base.

NOTEWORTHY PODCASTS

HAVANA SYNDROME

WATCH READ LISTEN

BEST NEW BOOKS

THE BOOK OF GUILT

RRP $28.

Award-winning journalists Jon Lee Anderson and Adam Entous take listeners inside their investigation into a mysterious medical condition that’s become known as Havana Syndrome. It was first reported in 2016 and affected United States diplomats and spies working overseas, first in Cuba and then in other countries. The victims reported suffering from crippling neurological symptoms. Some described the feeling of being hit by an invisible, directed pressure, sometimes while standing in their homes or hotel rooms.

CRIMES NZ

This RNZ podcast is hosted by broadcaster Jesse Mulligan and delves into fascinating and infamous crimes. Among those examined are the disappearance of Ben Hope and Oliva Smart in the Marlborough Sounds in 1998, the disappearance of Deane Fuller-Sandys in 1989 in West Auckland, the wrongful conviction of David Dougherty for the rape of a girl in 1993, the death of cricket umpire Peter Plumley-Walker in 1989, and the ‘Mr Asia’ drug ring, among others.

THE FAMOUS FIVE PODCAST

This podcast series focuses on the Famous Five books written by acclaimed storyteller Enid Blyton. Each episode sees hosts Katie and Jen take listeners through one of the books, starting with Five on a Treasure Island, the first Famous Five Blyton wrote. Katie and Jen share the plot of each book, read out quotes, discuss their thoughts and feelings, and discover TV adaptations. Katie has read all the books and is familiar with The Famous Five series, while Jen has never read them.

This new novel from Catherine Chidgey, one of New Zealand’s most talented writers, is set in England in 1979, where 13-year-old triplets Vincent, Lawrence and William are the last remaining residents of a New Forest home, part of the Government’s ‘Sycamore Scheme’. Each day the boys must take medicine to protect themselves from a mysterious illness to which many of their friends have succumbed. The Book of Guilt is a spellbinding novel and a profoundly unnerving exploration of belonging in a world where some lives are valued less than others.

SURVIVING WHITE ISLAND – AND EVERYTHING THAT CAME AFTER

RRP $40.

Author Kelsey Waghorn’s memoir is an inspiring account of her experiencing surviving the Whakaari White Island volcanic eruption. It’s about surviving the unsurvivable, healing from the unhealable, and is described as an inspiring memoir of physical and mental recovery. Waghorn was a guide on the ill-fated tour of Whakaari White Island in December, 2019, and in this book she tells her story for the first time, from physical rehab for her life-threatening burns to her mental struggle with PTSD.

our 18 April Open Day, 10am - 2pm at 241 Park Estate Road, Karaka.

FRANKLIN WALKS: THE SOUTHERN PATH

Adjacent to the Southern Motorway sits a popular sealed track called Southern Path.

This path is a great option for those looking to bike, walk or scooter between Takanini and Papakura while enjoying picturesque views of the Manukau Harbour.

The scenic route takes people along a 4.5km long route running beside the State Highway 1 corridor between Takanini and Papakura interchanges via two separate bridges crossing the harbour at Pahurehure Inlet. These two bridges restore public access to a peninsula at Takaanini Point for the first time since the adjacent motorway was constructed in the mid-1960s.

The 106.5 metre curved bridge at Pescara Point is shaped like an eel and includes a scale-type pattern within the balustrade and on the retaining wall approaches.

Mana whenua gifted the name ‘Te Mara O Hine’ to the footbridge, which means ‘The Garden of Hine’. Hinewai was an ancestor

of Waiohua who was locally renowned for her expansive gardens and for feeding the people.

Eight iwi artworks, led by iwi artist Henrietta Nicholas, were installed as part of the wider Southern Corridor Improvements (SCI) project, with four located along the Southern Path.

This is a shared path and can be busy, especially during the weekend, so be mindful of other users on foot or riding bikes and scooters.

The path also links into the community with local connections at Brylee Drive, Conifer Grove reserve, and the esplanade reserves at the end of Gardone

Terrace and Pescara Point.

The Southern Path opened back in 2021 as part of the SCI project.

It will be extended a further 4km between the Papakura and Drury interchanges as part of the Papakura to Drury South project, which began construction in April 2021.

SCHRODINGER’S ROOSTER

„ By NATALIE PITFIELD

Animals have such great comedic timing. I’ve cracked up so many times over the antics of our lot. But recently Rupert the rooster took pranking Mum to a whole new level.

I’ve mentioned before that Rupert was a dumped rooster who wandered onto our property, and we let him stay. By my calculations, he’ll be 12 years old this month. That’s a pretty decent innings for a rooster. He’s the sweetest boy, and he’s outlived at least three flocks of hens.

We decided to let our chicken population naturally diminish without replacing them. But we never dreamed Rupert would still be with us once the last chook went. So, we got Emma, a lovely brown shaver, to keep him company.

Poultry sleep by either roosting on a perch or sitting on the ground with their wings tucked around them. It’s normal for them to take a nap during the day, and on a hot day ours can generally be found under the almond tree or behind the water tank.

ALMOST ALMOND ROCA

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp glucose syrup

1 ¼ cups white sugar

1 cup butter

¼ cup water

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I went up to do some work in their paddock, and as I entered the paddock, I saw Rupert splayed out on the ground. His wings were extended, and his eyes were closed. My heart plummeted. I’ve understood for some time that Rupert is likely on borrowed time. He’s a bit slower now and had a period of rooster dementia that saw him wandering around the paddock looking lost here and there. But he soldiered on through everything and is still fit and happy.

The sight of my poor boy flat on the ground

METHOD:

In a large heavy saucepan gently boil syrup, sugar, butter and water until ‘hard crack’ appears on candy thermometer (150C). Do not stir! This step takes at least 15 minutes.

Remove from heat, add almonds and stir well. Spread out quickly on an ungreased baking tray. Before candy cools quickly sprinkle with chocolate melts.

As they melt spread the chocolate evenly over the candy. Cool in fridge or freezer.

upset me more than I expected. I always feel immense sadness when we lose a farm animal, but I think over time, you grow a little extra padding around your heart. You cry, and then you get on with things. But 12 years with this boy was a long time, and I felt heartbroken.

I went over to stroke him, and that’s when he jumped up and ran off. I honestly nearly soiled my underwear. I couldn’t believe he’d played dead like that. Cheeky little sunbathing rooster!

airtight container in fridge.

Note: This recipe does not double well!

1 ¼ cups toasted slivered almonds

170g dark chocolate melts

Break into bite size pieces and store in an

FLOORING

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New signings shine in preseason bout

„ By JON RAWLINSON

The Northern Stars rose to expectations during their recent ANZ Premiership preseason match. No number of tricks pulled by the Waikato/ BOP Magic could stall the Stars as they won 68–48 at Papakura’s Pulman Arena.

An early lead by the Stars wasn’t threatened as they controlled the game from start to finish.

Although it won’t carry any weight into the regular season, some of the portents the performance presented should give fans faith that the three-time Premiership runners-up could have their moment in the sun this season. Coach and former Silver Ferns captain, Temepara Bailey, confirmed that the fixture went as she had hoped.

“I’m really happy with the performance. We came off a really inconsistent training, so we wanted to ensure we

had a good game here leading into our first round in a couple of weeks,” she told the Times. “There are still a few little things to work on, but we can have them covered in time for the first game of the season.”

Games are won on the court, but work during the offseason already appears to be paying off. The Stars will start the regular season with a new assistant coach (the legendary Leana de Bruin), a new captain (Mila Reuelu-Buchanan) rising from the ranks and some key signings.

Despite a well-rounded team performance, Silver Fern shooter Amelia Walmsley was a standout on the night, seemingly unstoppable beneath the hoop.

“She was amazing!” Bailey said. “I’m so glad she’s come home to us.”

The daughter of former Black Cap, Kerry Walmsley, the Howick College and

Comets shooter is a prodigal daughter returned, having plied her trade for the Tactix and Pulse during recent seasons.

Soon after her signing, she said she had come full circle.

“Coming from Auckland and being able to wear that purple dress and represent my original home will be really special,” Walmsley said at the time.

“I have worn other dresses, and those places have become second homes, but it means a lot to be able to come back to Auckland, and it will be awesome to be able to play in front of family and friends.”

The loss of former captain, Maia Wilson, who was picked up by the Northern Mystics, will be felt. However, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan appeared commanding on court. Others new to the roster include Silver Ferns Martina Salmon up front,

Claire O’Brien in the midcourt and a dogged Aussie defender, Aimee Landrigan, on defence.

Despite a reshuffle, the new additions have settled in, Bailey says.

“The new players who have come in already seem like old players because we’ve been together almost seven weeks now.

“As a team, they worked really well. They know our values and how to play together as a unit, so they’re all Stars now.”

As for the future, a solid 37–15 win by Howick/Pakuranga in the curtain-raiser, an Under 18s clash against Fiji, showed the Stars are backed by strong, local grassroots.

In the future, more players of the calibre of Walmsley and another former Howick College Star, Lili Tokaduadua (GD/GK), could help the Stars build a dynasty.

We operate a modern processing plant in South Auckland, handling Prime Steer & Heifer, Cows, and Lamb year-round. Contact one of our local Livestock Representatives below to discuss the options and benefits of processing with us.

PUZZLE TIME

PUZUP PUZZLE NO. 5

HOW TO PLAY PUZUP® 9X9

• Use only the numbers 1-9, with each number appearing exactly seven times.

• Fill each outlined rectangle with a palindrome (the same number forwards and backwards i.e. 52425 or 1441).

• The numbers in each rectangle must add up to the total shown on the edge of the grid.

• No palindrome may be used more than once.

• Each main diagonal must contain all seven numbers (1-7) once. The centre square is shared by both diagonals and must be the same number.

• Solution on page 63

The puzzles (a webapp) are available online by scanning the QR code and the books are available at Poppies in Howick. PUZUP is suitable for all ages, comes in three sizes, and three difficulty levels.

FIND 8 DIFFERENCES

PUZZLE TIME

CRYPTIC PUZZLE NO. 8200

ACROSS

1. Is it why gentlemen prefer blondes? (4,2,3,4).

8. So do turn right to go through the openings (5).

9. To have a few triumphs would be delightful (7).

10. Was raised about a foot, one said, when it wasn’t (6).

11. Alter to “The clergyman is English” (6).

12. From the hospital, Sean totters out pale (5).

14. “A guide For The American Woman” (5).

18. Pass the jellied eels and pop back inside (6).

20. It could be spring water, child (6).

23. Not doing the rounds, which is strange (3-4).

24. The foolish girl took none on leaving (5).

25. Insect towering over its offspring? (5-4-4).

DOWN

1. Toy instrument (6).

2. Apart from a twit standing underneath (5).

3. Be getting the cones remodelled in blue (7).

4. Have little time over to see the burg (4).

5. Before night starts in, you’ll see him (5).

6. One holds on to it inside. It’s poisonous (7).

7. Will he never lose his job? (6).

13. Handed? (7).

15. Trying to find, you understand, the top man (7).

16. Support number two? (6).

17. Deduces the fellow got the reins twisted round (6).

19. Looking disreputable and off-colour (5).

21. How long the wee earthquake lasted? (5).

22. Having to get up to follow him (4).

QUICK PUZZLE NO. 8200

DOWN

1. Flower (13)

8. Bird (5)

9. Passage (7)

10. Scream (6)

11. Abuse (6)

12. Cinder (5)

14. Exhausted (5)

18. Distburbance (6)

20. Eraser (6)

23. Cruel (7)

24. Hang (5)

25. Aplomb (4-9)

1. Stroke (6)

2. Stream (5)

3. Genuine (7)

4. Pleasant (4)

5. Throw (5)

6. House (7)

7. Fish (6)

13. Official (7)

15. Loot (7)

16. Game (6)

17. Mourn (6)

Dance (5)

Intellect (5)

Burden (4) 46 7 19 2 9 72 31 2 948 71 5 91 4 16 4 1 76 9 2578 6 5831 9

Puzzle answers on page 63

Web: www.warrenarnet.co.nz Facebook: @warrenarnetltd

Gutter Clean

HELP US HELP NATURE

HELP US HELP NATURE

COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD

Pukekohe Floral Art Club

For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and wild places.

For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and wild places.

For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and wild places.

For the price of a couple of coffees each week, you can help Forest & Bird protect and restore of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and wild places.

With so many of New Zealand’s unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

With so many of New Zealand’s unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

With so many of New Zealand’s unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

With so many of New Zealand’s unique native animals, plants and habitats at risk we need your support to give nature a greater voice.

Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profit organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, “It is difficult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.”

Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profit organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, “It is difficult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.”

Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profit organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, “It is difficult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.”

Forest & Bird are an independent not-for-profit organisation. We have been protecting New Zealand natural environment on land and in the sea, since 1923. As the governor general said in 2009, “It is difficult to imagine New Zealand without the Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society.”

Become a Nature’s voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

Become a Nature’s voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

Become a Nature’s voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

Become a Nature’s voice member and you will receive complimentary membership of Forest & Bird, and with your additional support you will be helping us protect and restore our environment, ensuring that there will always be a natural environment for you and your children.

Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

Help us help nature at www.forestandbird.org.nz/joinus

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

SU DOKU P58

436 7 1895 2

8 9 7652 4 31

152 3948 6 7

71346 5 298

5 68 9 2 1 3 74

24 98 37 516

384 1 796 2 5 9 21546783

67 5 2 831 4 9

PUZUP 7X7 P57

BLANKS P57

QUICK NO. 8200

Across - 1, Chrysanthemum. 8, Raven. 9, Channel. 10, Shriek. 11, Revile. 12, Ember. 14, Spent. 18, Unrest. 20, Rubber. 23, Inhuman. 24, Drape. 25, Self-assurance. Down - 1, Caress. 2, River. 3, Sincere. 4, Nice. 5, Heave. 6, Mansion. 7, Mullet. 13, Marshal. 15, Plunder. 16, Quoits. 17, Grieve. 19, Samba. 21, Brain. 22, Onus.

CRYPTIC NO. 8200

Across - 1, Fear of the dark. 8, Doo-r-s. 9, Win-some. 10, Li-ft-ed. 11, Rev-is-E. 12, As-H-en. 14, US-her. 18, El-ap-se. 20, Sea-son. 23, Off-beat. 24, Ina-n(on)e. 25, Daddy-long-legs. Down - 1, Fiddle. 2, A-loof. 3, Obscene (anag.). 4, T-own. 5, Er-ni(ght)-e. 6, Ac-on-it-e. 7, Keeper. 13, Staffed. 15, See-king . 16, Second. 17, In-F-ers. 19, Seedy. 21, Shake. 22, Ot-to.

We are holding our 70th anniversary celebration for past and present members from 11.30am to 2pm on April 14 at the Franklin Baptist Church, Victoria Street, Pukekohe. Contact Louise Lauer for more information. lauer@xtra.co.nz.

Papakura Men’s Probus Club

Join like-minded retirees for fun and fellowship, on the last Friday of every month at 10am to listen to guest speakers and hear about planned outings and activities. Chatting over tea/ coffee and biscuits. Enquiries JP (John) 021-583100. Meet at Papakura Club, 5 Croskery Road, Papakura.

Waiuku

Community Art Group

This convivial and informal art group meets each Thursday from 9.30am to 1pm at the Revive Church, James Bright Lane, Waiuku. An open art session, no tuition, just bring your art tools to sketch, or paint. Tables and chairs are provided. Feel welcome to “drop in”. Gold coin donation. Contact Peter Budd 09 235 5706.

Runciman Tennis Club

Our small, friendly country club offers social or competitive tennis. Come along and play social tennis at 29 Pitt Road, Drury. Sessions are held from 9am to noon on Tuesday mornings for all players, from 9.30am to noon Wednesday mornings in summer for ladies, 5.30pm until dark on Wednesday

evenings for men, and from 5pm until dark on Thursday nights for social night. Casual players are welcome. The first two visits are free. We welcome all levels of players, from beginners or returning players, to experienced players. Check out www.sporty.co.nz/ runcimantennis or text 021 931 396 for more details.

BPW Franklin

BPW Franklin is a vibrant group of women who meet monthly for dinner, engaging speakers, and empowering conversations. As part of BPW NZ, we advocate for gender equality and support women’s growth through networking, leadership, and education. Join us to connect, be inspired, and make a meaningful impact together. www.bpwfranklin.org.nz.

Selwyn Seniors Social Group

Feeling lonely, finding it difficult to get out? Our small, friendly groups could be the answer. We enjoy gentle exercise, fun activities, scones, chatter, and plenty of laughter. You can join us Tuesday or Friday morning 9am to 12pm, at Crossroads Methodist Church lounge, 25 Broadway, Papakura. Phone: Nikki 022 477 9575.

Wanted to buy collectables Bric a Brac

Downsizing? Wanting to sell inherited lots? Cleaning out or moving? I buy anything collectable, fine china, ornaments, stamps, postcards, old toys, small furniture items, old kitchenware, Bric a Brac. Anything collectable what have you Travel to view Cash paid contact John 021966674

Send your free community events to info@times.co.nz. Due to limited space, we can’t guarantee every listing will run. This section is reserved for not-for-profit community groups.

Enjoy the ease of assisted living in a serviced apartment at Possum Bourne Village. Centrally located in the heart of the village, getting around is a breeze with activities and amenities at your doorstep. With daily chef-prepared meals, housekeeping and more, living in a serviced apartment frees up your time for what really matters.

Serviced apartments priced from $480,000*.