Issue 90 April 2009 Part 1

Maungaturoto Matters

Maungaturoto Matters

Maungaturoto, A Real New Zealand Town ‘Gettin’ on with it!’

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Issue 90 April 2009

Kaipara Cyclists Lead the Way in Northland Peddle power is the in thing in Kaipara, or per- adding he wants to lift Kaipara’s cycling profile haps it was the chance to go riding with the Dis- still further in next year’s event. “But I think I’ll trict’s Mayor. get in a bit of practice first.” Whatever the reason, in the recent Mayoral Challenge Kaipara proved itself the Northland region’s most cycle-conscious district and peddled its way to 6th place among 24 districts with populations between 11,000 and 58,000.

Mayor Tiller thanks Sport Northland and the sponsors for making the event possible and everyone who turned out to ensure its success.

The Northland challenges were organised by Sport Northland whose Mangawhai co-ordinator The challenge is a national Bike Wise promotion Bridget Sampson says there have been moves which encourages people to take a short ride to form cycling groups in her area as a result of with their Mayors. Celebrities taking part attract the ride. extra points and the district population is factored into the score. On 21 February 2009, 58 riders followed Mayor Neil Tiller on a two kilometre cruise in Dargaville and another 80 took part in a similar ride at Mangawhai in the afternoon. This gained Kaipara 302 points and sixth place behind winner Central Hawkes Bay’s 507 points. Kaipara was well ahead of eleventh placed Far North District which scored 186 points and also beat the 250 points which placed Whangarei fifth in the over 58,000 category. Mayor Tiller described the result as “a typical example of Kaipara punching above its weight.” “I hadn’t ridden a bike for 20 years and it was a bit of a challenge but I really enjoyed it,” he said,

153 Hurndall St Maungaturoto Ph/Fax (09) 431-8059 2009 Bus Trips to Whangarei Shopping Appointments etc. Leave 9.00am and return approx. 3.30 – 4.00pm as required.

For information on 2009 trips Please phone 431 8059

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Maungaturoto Matters

Maungaturoto Matters Maungaturoto Matters is a free monthly publication, produced and published by the Maungaturoto Business & Community Association for the Maungaturoto Community. Letters to the Editor cannot be accepted due to space limitations. Contributions and feed back from members of the Community are actively encouraged. Read the full copy on line at http://arealnewzealandtown.blogspot.com/

Deadlines:

Advertising 15th of each month no exceptions Editorial (articles) 20th of each month Editor: Elizabeth (Liz) Clark Advertising:Elizabeth Clark 09 431 9129 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected]

Payments to: Maungaturoto Business & Community Association P.O. Box 113 Maungaturoto

Contributions & Advertising Email to [email protected] or [email protected] Or Drop in the RED BOX at Tony’s Lotto Shop 147 Hurndall Street Maungaturoto Please note the Editor is not available during normal business hours. Questions or comments: Please phone the Editor A/h 09 431 9129 or email: [email protected]

Retirement Units For Sale and Rent The Community Trust wishes to advise, that vacancies occur from time to time in both the 2BR OYO units and 1BR rentals, situated within the village in Riverview place, Maungaturoto. If you, or you have family interested in this retirement option, please contact Rest Home Manager Debbie Ph. 431 8696, a name on our waiting list will ensure you are advised of vacancies.

FLOORSANDING & COATING Serving the Kaipara area Since 1971 Ph: 0800 4 Floors

A WORD ON PHOTOS: Due to the limitations of our technology Image quality cannot be guaranteed

ADVERTISING RATES Full page Half page Quarter Page Eighth page Classifieds

$60 $35 $20 $12 5c per letter/space

BUSINESS DIRECTORY $9 PER INSERTION MINIMUM BOOKING 6 MONTHS. Book for a year (11 issues) and get one Free

MAUNGATUROTO BUSINESS ASSOCIATION MONTHLY MEETING 1st Wednesday of the Month Interested Community & New Members Welcome Maungaturoto Centennial Community Centre 6.00pm

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Maungaturoto Wastewater Upgrade: March 2009

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Precious the chicken My poultry breeding programme has a long way to go if

Earthworks involved in the Maungaturoto Wastewater this summer’s progeny, one chicken of unknown sex, is anything to go by. Treatment Plant upgrade have been completed and the liner for the storage pond was due to arrive during When Mrs Apricot went clucky I left her in the hen pen and the last week of March.

soon she had a stash of a dozen eggs at which point the farmer and I moved her to the predator-proof chicken pen. Finally I heard cheep, cheep cheep. Mrs Apricot had produced one very tiny cream chicken. I left her on the remaining eggs, but it soon became apparent none would hatch. I planned to give the chick a name starting with E; given the mortality rate of poultry, I’m working through the alphabet. Monitoring will include the ability of the new plant to remove pathogens from the wastewater. This is done Then the farmer checked out the chicken. “Oh, isn’t she a by measuring the number of faecal coliforms per 100 tiddler,” he gushed in a most unfarmerlike fashion. “Let’s call her Precious.” So we called her Precious and continue millilitres (Fc/100 millilitres) of the water being disto refer to it as her despite not having a clue about its sex. charged into the Wairau River. It is expected that, Once again I failed to predetermine the sex of the eggs. once online, the new system will discharge less than Apparently rounded eggs with a rounded air bubble pro200 Fc/100 millilitres into the river. This is a signifiduce females and slender, pointy eggs with a slender, cant improvement on the old treatment system which pointy air bubble produce males. could discharge between 30,000 and 70,000 Fc/100 A plan is in place. Next season before any hens go clucky, I will keep eggs out of the fridge so they stay fertile. Late at millilitres. night I’ll hold each one in front of a torch and determine The upgrade of the treatment plant is a significant which have long, narrow air bubbles. Charles Edmondson step in improving the water quality of the Wairau of Dargaville told me these produce males and, therefore, River which drains into the Kaipara Harbour. The they will be poached, boiled, fried and scrambled. The othplant is situated behind Maungaturoto Country Club. ers will go underneath a hen in one hit so they mature at the same time. A gradual incubation rate is, I fear, why Mrs A produced one chicken. I did attempt to sex Precious by checking her pin feathers. Maungaturoto Primary School They looked pointy - a sign of a chap chook - but I had nothing with which to compare them. My taming programme went haywire as well. Nervous is a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) more apt name for this teeny chicky. I figured if I delivered Annual General Meeting food by hand Precious would become tame, but she always squeaked piteously and hid. to be held Last summer I tamed Mrs Blackie’s eight chickens by this Tuesday April 7th, 2009 method; clearly chickens are more confident when they Teacher's Room from 7:30PM have siblings. Now mother and baby wander around the garden with Mesdames Blackie, Crooked Comb, Ditzy and Whitey EsAll welcome! quire but, as they keep to themselves, my fears that PreCall Daniel before 8 pm on 431 8251 for further info cious is male have returned. They eat separately and Whitey’s exceptional dining manners - he stands aside while the hens eat - seem lacking when it comes to Precious.

The plant is progressing toward an April start up. Once online, the new membrane filtration plant will be tested and its performance closely monitored for several months. This will ensure it is operating reliably to a high standard before Kaipara District Council takes over the ownership and operation.

FRIENDS OF THE REST HOME THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPORT FOR OUR ANNUAL RAFFLE. WITH YOUR HELP WE BUY LINEN, KITCHEWARE ETC FOR THE HOME

If a jury was deciding on the sex of Precious, I estimate 10 jurors would have concluded she’s male and the two hold outs who are waiting for further evidence of tail feathers will soon join the others to announce an unpopular verdict. - Rae

RAFFLE RESULTS 1ST DRAW KAREN IHAKA 2ND DRAW JOH HOGGARD

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Maungaturoto Matters

North Shore Upholstery EST 1986

Jayne Short D.Pod.M MVHs

Maungaturoto Plunket Rooms & Ruawai Physiotherapy 09 431 7188 Also Mangawhai 09 431 4070

BUY YOUR FRESH FLOUNDER, KAHAWAI OR MULLET (IN SEASON) FROM YARDLEY SEAFOODS Peter & Christine Yardley (09) 431 8672

Recover Specialists, Lounge & Dining Furniture, Loose Covers, Fabric Protection, Free Quote, Pick up & Delivery, Mike Dawson 431-7116 87 Te Pahi River Dr Paparoa

Maungaturoto Matters

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Maungaturoto Matters

INVITES YOU TO ATTEND EVERY TUESDAY 10AM AT THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH MAUNGATUROTO

0-5 YRS MUSIC & MOVEMENT FOLLOWED BY MORNING TEA CONTACT ELAINE 431-8317 Or RUTH 431-8491

supported by Maungaturoto Congregational Church ($2 donation per family please)

Maungaturoto Matters

HOMEBUILDERS MAUNGATUROTO/PAPAROA

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Linking Hands Inc.

Hello to you all and welcome to April. The main news this month is that Linking Hands Office has shifted. We are now at 131 Hurndall Street, just down the road and still accessible for you all. We have the same ph number and the same faces you are used to. We were not planning to move but unfortunately the landlords increased our rent. Being a non-profit group we could not justify this inThank you to thank all those who contributed to our crease to our funders and to you the community, as cupboards for the Food Bank. Every donation, whether fresh produce or tins, is a helpful addition to you contribute with donations which help with administration costs such as rent, phone and power. We our supplies. share the building with The Professionals and look Over the past weeks we have received many requests for Food Parcels. The recession, in the form forward to a good working relationship with them. of redundancy, has impacted some in this community The new office will be up and running by the time this paper hits the road. and made finances very difficult. Usually it takes I must tell you about a new initiative which is in the about six weeks for people to get any form of help, planning stages. Jayne had approached the Council except that provided by family, and friends. Thank to suggest we have a disability car parking space for you for being friends! the shuttle outside our previous office in Gorge Rd. Gail Blythen has decided to resign from her position It was dangerous loading people when the shuttle was double parked but often it could not be parked as our PACE Worker. We are sorry to see her go; Gail has bought her own special flavour and wisdom elsewhere. to the role and has had a special place in our team. Maungaturoto does not have even one disability parking space…can you believe that…. Although we We will miss her and wish her well in her future enhave no problems parking the shuttle outside our deavors. new office, we asked for this to be considered as The ladies on our Family Support Team are always there is a need, in particular in the shopping area, near the chemist, med clinic area. available to help people in this community. They This is now in the hands of the Council. have many years of experience and are a compasIt’s a new financial year and a new location but all sionate team. We now cover from Mangawhai to the services remain the same. Ruawai and every where in between and can often We will still have our internet service, ( no coffee rebe of service to those who are struggling with life’s member) and are still be there for you to pop in and difficulties and disappointments. say hi, along with our health information and health shuttle service plus we have more storage for those GOLDEN OLDIES st The next Golden Oldies Lunch will be on April 1 bits and pieces we collect. Our Fab outing is continuing and our sub committee , (we really will do lunch, no April Fools here) in the is working at getting schools involved. Don’t forget, if ‘Footsteps’ Room behind the Anglican Church. Lunch is always on the First Wednesday of each you know a family you think deserves a great day out on us, give us a call 09 4318969. month at 10.30 starting with morning tea. Aqua aerobics is going strong but will break for the We are delighted with the fun and pleasure being derived from the Activities Mornings. Bowls has fast school holidays. Give us a call if you are interested in joining and we’ll look at our lists. become a favorite. Next time we are looking at rounds of Bingo, (this will not involve gambling) small Last but not least...once again thanks to the commuprizes will be provided by Homebuilders. This is on nity for your wonderful support throughout the past year, we look forward to an even better one for 2009. 15th April 10.30am (third Wednesday of each We would love to buy a second vehicle and are month, you could mark this on your calendar looking to see if we can find funding for a small car to too.) We hope to see you there. dash about in. Jayne and I feel very positive about the future of Linking Hands and, who knows, today Have a great month Maungaturoto...tomorrow the world…haha. Blessings from Denise and Have a great April. the Team at Homebuilders My regards Maureen Davis. After sweltering through the first weeks of the year we are now being hit by something of a cold snap……A taste of things to come? I’m sure there’s plenty of good weather to come, but have you noticed how dark it is in the mornings. Daylight savings is round the corner followed by those lovely mellow autumn months.

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Maungaturoto Matters

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Maungaturoto Matters

Fencing Contractors Conventional Rural and Residential Post and Rail Stockyards

ALAN SWINDLEHURST

Retaining Walls

Livestock Agent for Elders.

Drilling attachment Repairs

To contact Alan please phone (09) 4317 081 or Mobile 027 493 2844

Prompt and reliable service Ring for a quote Phone or Txt Ed — 027 497 1714

WJ Construction Wayne Jaques *Decks *Alterations

*Additions *New Homes Labour Only

Phone 021 400 039 A/Hrs 09 431 2808 Free Quotes 25yrs Experience

SUBDIVISIONS FARM SURVEYS TOPOGRAPHICAL SURVEYS LOCATING LOST BOUNDARY PEGS

CALL KEN ON 09-4318705 OR 021-1612344 KEN URQUHART BSurv (Otago) – YOUR LOCAL REGISTERED LAND SURVEYOR

HSB BUILDERS LTD Phone Hayden 021 506 260 09 431 9143

NEW HOMES • ADDITIONS • ALTERATIONS IMPLEMENT SHEDS • ROOVES • DECKS ETC

027 240 7786

Maungaturoto Matters

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Maungaturoto Matters

STEPHEN M JAQUES CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

_________________________________ 123 Hurndall Street Maungaturoto _______________________________________

Phone: (09) 431 8733 Fax: (09) 431 8736

You Can Hire … Concrete Mixer (Electric) Concrete Power Float Plate Compactor Waterblaster Hydraulic Log Splitter Post Hole Borer Scrub Cutters Weed Trimmers Chainsaws Lawnmowers Trailer Generator 1.5 Tonne Digger

At Maungaturoto Auto Centre 431 8288

JENNY'S RURAL CLEANING SERVICES Phone Jenny on 09 431-2826 Let’s take the hassle out of your busy life. These are the services we offer. Cleaning on weekly, fortnightly, monthly or those one off jobs. Rented & Holiday Homes. Windows& ceilings Ovens Domestic Cleaning

WELDING & REPAIR WORK Panel Steel Heavy Steel Stainless Steel On Site Repairs Reasonable hourly rate Ph 09 431 6555

Maungaturoto Matters

MAUNGATUROTO GARDEN CLUB On Wednesday 18 March, members and visitors met and traveled by bus to a garden at Parua Bay which 13 years ago was an acre and quarter of bare steep land. There is now a house and a huge delightful garden developed with many hours of work put in by the owners, Sandy and Brian. Paths have been cut into the steep banks to make easy access around the many varieties of trees and shrubs. While being treated to Sandy’s delicious morning tea we could sit and admire the beautiful view of the bay. We next visited the Parua Bay Art Gallery and admired the art and gorgeous jewellery. Our last stop was to Marian’s amazing labyrinth. This is built of bricks laid on the ground in a circle of connecting paths to make a multi-dimensional cosmic symbol, the theme of which was developed from an ancient people around 1000BC. Before we walked the labyrinth which is quarter of a mile in length, Marian explained in detail the concept of it with many books on the subject for us to view. Next month’s meeting will be on 15 April for a local safari of members’ gardens. Meet at the Ambulance Station at 10.30 a.m. and bring lunch.

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GARDEN NOTES FOR MARCH 2009 Most fruit varieties will have been harvested and this is the month to prune those trees if weather is still dry. Strawberries can be planted this month - put new plants in rich free-draining soils and give them plenty of compost and fertilizer. This is the month for a tidy up of summer annuals and perennials. Also the last chance to plant daffodils, jonquils and other spring flowering bulbs. Also rose cuttings will root well this month. Add fresh potting mix to your container plants. Lift late crops of potatoes and kumara. Store pumpkins. Plant spinach and winter growing varieties of lettuces. (Garden hints from Maungaturoto Garden Club)

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Maungaturoto Matters

Mobile Accounting Solutions Registered Tax Agent Invoicing, Gst Returns, Paye, Budgets, Financials to Tax returns. We come to you and we don’t charge Chartered Accountant prices. Ph 09 4318 617 or Mob 021 431861 E-mail [email protected]

KAIPARA PLUMBING LTD ΚΑΙΠΑΡ Α ΠΛΥΜΒΙΝΓ ΛΤ∆

Graham Slatter CALL IN TO SEE US FOR ALL YOUR SURVEY & SUBDIVISION INQUIRIES OR PHONE US ANY DAY AT 431 8750 OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY CONTACTING JULIE AT THE OFFICE

PLUMBER DRAINLAYER Master Plumber Registered Drainlayer

3 ton digger & truck for hire

FIRST WEDNESDAY IN THE MONTH IS OUR VISITING DAY

HOBSON CHAMBERS 143 HURNDALL ST MAUNGATUROTO

Ph (09) 431 8750 Mob (021) 723 284

5 View Road, Maungaturoto Phone 025 2445430 5430 027 244 A/Hrs Ph. 431 8451 Fax. 431 8561

Maungaturoto Matters

MAUNGATUROTO PLAYCENTRE NEWS Kia ora, Hi everyone, Sand, sea and surf – we experienced it all during our visit to Waipu Cove on Friday the 27th of February. Despite storm warnings for the weekend, our morning was cloudy, calm, warm – perfect for digging, splashing, chasing seagulls, picnicking, relaxing. We could have stayed all day. The slippery waterslide was used during the next session with great enthusiasm. Children took turns sliding down – fast, slow, or touched the sprinkling water and watched the action. Our sandpit has been tidied up. Graham Slatter donated the use of his digger to remove sand from the pit, Kieran Slater gave his time to operate the digger and Mike Donald also provided some digging power. We really appreciate your help guys. This resulted in a waterfilled sandpit site (it rained that weekend) and a lovely pile of sand on the concrete play area. Our children were thrilled with the new play opportunities this presented. Then BJ Marshall donated his time to construct the new walls of the sandpit. Thanks BJ, the new pit looks perfect. This week we plan to return the sand to the pit before it is carted away to make roads and other important creations over the rest of the playcentre grounds. Sheepworld was the location of our Wednesday trip this term. By all accounts it was a very entertaining morning. We now have experienced lamb feeders and also a shearer in our midst. Playdough was our contribution to the Childrens Day organised by our local Plunket. We were pleased to see our table was popular and the site of many interesting creations. Also that the bags of playdough all found homes. Thank you to Plunket for a fun filled morning. We have an Easter raffle which will be drawn April 3rd at Playcentre. 1st and 2nd prize are an Easter Hamper and 3rd a Large Easter Egg. Tickets are $2.00 each and can be obtained from any member of Maungaturoto Playcentre. Thank you for your support. Our sessions are on Wednesdays and Fridays 9.30 – 12.00. They are for 0 – 6 year olds and their caregivers. Come along for 3 free sessions and see what Playcentre has to offer you. Phone 4318517 during session hours, Jacqui on 027 285 1409 or Helen 4318221.

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REST HOME NEWS Hello to you all from all of us at the Rest Home. It has been a lovely summer for us. The residents have been able to get out and about on the scooter thanks to our band of Rest Home helpers and we have enjoyed other outings to the cafe or to visit people. Our new Registered nurse, Tenille, is settling in well. On Fridays she works a full day and together with Wendy they do some interesting recreation mornings. We have also joined the library so we can get books and tapes for the residents. On a more serious note: The staff and I are very aware that some Rest Homes have got bad publicity lately. Many of us have older parents and can understand that this is very worrying for the elderly and their families. We came up with the idea of an open day at the Rest Home, but then decided it would be better to give an open invitation to the public to visit at any time between 8.30 and 4.30 on week days to have a look around. Either Debbie the manager, Tenille the Registered nurse or Wendy the senior staff member would be happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have about the services we provide. I hope that if you are interested in the Rest Home or the rentals and own-your-owns, you will take this opportunity. From all of the staff and residents, have a great April and hopefully we will see some of you in at the Rest Home.

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