The Bays largest circulating, most read newspaper.64,980 copies

to the homes of 159,700 residents throughout TAURANGA, MOUNT MAUNGANUI, PAPAMOA,

WAIHI BEACH, KAIMAI, KATIKATI, TE PUKE, PAENGAROA, OTAMARAKAU and all RDs

10 October 2014, Issue 722Inside this issue

Changing saddles at RDA 7

Matuas new MTV Mum 16

Rally rolls into Waihi Beach 23

Chalking up Greerton 34

Sea kayaking in the Bay 46

Poundinga new path In 18 months Sport Bay of Plentys Pathway 16-20-plus programme has given 124 youth - including 20-year-olds Rhaman Hughes and Johnny Britten - the support and determination to turn their lives around. Now its oversubscribed and Sport BOP is looking for community support to expand it. See more on page 8. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

Enrolling Patients Now

Enrol Now For Reduced Fees

Doctors: Anthony March - Brad Little Emma Stanley - Angus Watson

HOURS: Monday - Friday 8.30 - 5pm

Located Downtown Central City in the 2nd Avenue Health Centre building

accident & medical chiropractor dentist

family medical practice physiotherapy pharmacy xray

formerly known as the Accident & HealthCare Centre Opening Hours 8AM - 9PM Every Day

19 Second Avenue - Tauranga

The Central City Family Practice

ph 578 8089City Centre Medical

The Weekend Sun21 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga

ads@thesun.co.nz newsroom@thesun.co.nz

Sun Media Ltd Directors: Claire & Brian Rogers General Manager: Ross Brown Editorial: Andrew Campbell, Hamish Carter, Letitia Atkinson, Corrie Taylor, Elaine Fisher, Zoe Hunter, Luke Balvert, Merle Foster, David Tauranga Photography: Tracy Hardy, Bruce Barnard. Advertising: Kathy Sellars, Suzy King, Lois Natta, Rose Hodges, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon, Tasha Paull, Lucy Pattison, Bianca Lawton, Nikki Lean, Cath Jump, The Artist formerly known as Doug Britton Design Studio: Kym Johnson, James Carrigan, Sarah Adamson, Kerri Wheeler, Kyra Duffy, Amy Bennie. Digital Media: Lauren McGillivray, Jay Burston Offi ce: Julie Commerer, Melanie Stone, Kathy Drake.

The Weekend Sun is published every Friday, circulating throughout the Western Bay of Plenty, delivered free to 64,980 homes of more than 159,700 residents from Waihi Beach, through Katikati, Tauranga, Mt Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke including rural and residential mailboxes. The Weekend Sun is produced by Sun Media Ltd, an independent and locally owned company based at 1 The Strand, Tauranga.

IMPORTANT STUFF: All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Sun Media makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information and accepts no liability for errors or omissions or the subsequent use of information published. Celtic inscribed stones are stone monuments dating from 400 to 1000 AD according to Wikipedia. They are inscribed with Celtic or Latin text, which can be written in Ogham or Roman letters. The stones are found in Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany, the Isle of Man, and parts of western England.

SALE

Discounts off the normal retail price 1 Oct - 2 Nov 2014 at Resene owned ColorShops and participating resellers. Paint offers also available at participating Mitre 10 MEGA/Mitre 10 stores. Valid only with cash/credit card/EFTPOS purchases. Not available in conjunction with account sales, promotional vouchers/coupons or other offers. Excludes trade, ECS and Crown products and PaintWise levy.30

622

WKS

Resene premium paint 4L and under, wallpaper

and testpots

30%

Visit your local Resene ColorShop today!

off25%Resene premium paint 10L,

decorating accessories and cleaning products

off

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz

Weve had a rash of responses to our column last week,

on curious ailments.Foremost was an invasion

of emails and letters from our Scandinavian-descended readers who pointed out, some with fairly creative hand gestures, that they have inherited the Viking Finger phenomenon from their ancestors.

Weve also received some cor-respondence from some of you with quite peculiar symptoms and also we sympathise, we cannot publish all the details here as it is a family newspaper and some of your revelations should really be kept within the sanctity of doctor-patient con dentiality.

Except we cant resist some advice for Surfer Steve of Papamoa, whose complaint of a peculiar skin ailment may be more common and easily cured than you imag-ine. We suggest you should try washing the sand out of the crotch of your steamer, you may nd the rash eases.

For the rest of you, thanks for the insight into your medical misadventures. Please see a doctor immediately. Maybe the concept of an Ailment of the Week wasnt so smart, after all.

Your mailHere are a few responses which we can

publish.Hi Brian I was very amused reading

your story Viking Finger. I too have an inherited problem nger a crooked, very pronounced second nger on the left-hand comes out every second-generation female. However, my youngest daughter has it too. Lots of funny stories associated. My father was Norwegian my paternal grandmother and a Norwegian female cousin had the same. - Ingrid Wicksteed.

Dear Roger Rabbit,Thanks for your story about your Norse/

Celtic friend.Did you realise that there were those

people living in New Zealand long before any Maori came? They had set up homes and stone circles and lived happily here. Then groups of Maori arrived, who fought

and killed many of them.Some lived together, which explains the fair-haired Maori who used to live in parts of the north. The Maori got many ideas from these people.Look especially at the patterns

on the meeting houses etc.They are true Celtic patterns.

Even the Maori waka have a great resemblance to the Norse boats. Perhaps we should be reminded ... that this country once belonged to the Celts! -

Elsie Jones.Thanks Elsie, Im sure that will elicit

some response from readers.

Grandmas letterIris Stockwell of Tauranga sent us a

lovely note, saying she always enjoys read-ing the columns as they are so tongue in cheek. Thanks Iris, Im not sure thats the way the Race Relations Commissioner sees it. Never mind, Iris offers this story, which doesnt mention Vikings, but includes nger issues that we thought youd nd entertaining:

Letter from Grandma. She writes The other day I went to a local Christian bookshop, saw a sticker that said: Honk if you love Jesus so I bought one and put it on my bumper.

Boy Im glad I did! What an uplifting experience followed!

I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection; just lost in thought and didnt notice the light had changed. Its a good thing someone else loves Jesus, because he started honking. It was then I found out that LOTS of people love Jesus. The guy behind me screamed:

For the love of God! Go Go! What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus! Everyone started honking so I leaned out my window waving and smiling at all these loving people. I even honked my own horn a few times to share the love!

There must have been a man there from Florida, as I heard him yell something about a sunny beach. I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle nger up in the air.

When I asked my grandson in the

back seat what that meant, he said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something. Well Ive never been to Hawaii; so I leaned out the window and gave him the good luck sign back. My grandson burst out laughing... even he was enjoying this religious experience!

A couple of people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that they got out of their cars and started to walk towards me. It was then I noticed the lights had changed, so I waved to all my brothers and sisters, grinning, and drove on through the intersection.

I noticed I was the only car that got through before the light changed and I felt kind of sad for all the love we had shared; so I slowed down leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last time.

Praise the Lord for such wonderful people. Signed Grandma.

Parting shots

The Prime Minister visited this week and among his ports of call was the new birth-ing centre. Here at RR we are baf ed why the National team are handling this, surely a birthing centre opening should be the role of someone in labour?

If you think everyone else has a special day and you may have missed out, dont despair. Theres a day of celebration for you next week.

October 21 is National Nut Day.

A rash of curious ailments

brian@thesun.co.nz

3The Weekend Sun

Need ideas?Visit us at our showroom.

For a free in-home consultation,call the shutter specialists today on 0508 274 888

santafeshutters.co.nz

142 Newton Street,Mount Maunganui

Santa Feshowroom

One was a Hollywood screen goddess. The other an aloof, loving mother of eight

here in Tauranga.But the names where the similarity ends. Because the

Tauranga Munro, named after Marilyn Munro, is an imposing, boisterous pack animal a rottweiler.

Owner and pre-eminent breeder Ian Geddes-Cook of Omokoroa talks adoringly of Munro

wonderful temperament and personality, strong, loyal with a loving heart.

But Rottweilers have been getting bad press lately. Geddes-Cook isnt fazed hes heard it all before.

Therell always be a bad one of a breed. But the real problem is with owners. Hes said it a thousand times.

Just last week the Auckland owner of rottweiler guard dogs, which mauled a woman to death, got home detention and ordered to pay $25,000.

Then a District Court judge slammed the breed as notorious after a pre-schooler was attacked.

Look, says Ian, a health executive. They are exuberant. You are more likely to get knocked over by a rottweiler than bitten. The problems only more

signi cant because of size and strength.Hes not in denial nor being defensive, hes explaining.

They can be dominating in the wrong hands. Thats why rotties need boundaries; thats why I wouldnt sell to a couple if they were uncertain, inexperienced with big dogs and they had children under ve.

Like any dog, the rottweiler needs to be family-oriented and socialised. It needs to get on with the rest of the world so it needs exposure to strangers, children and other dogs.Ians had a bond; an af nity with

rottweilers for 29 years.I wouldnt advocate them for everyone. But

they are lovely loyal pets.And when a Christchurch judge said owners

of rottweilers had a high degree of responsibility to keep them under control Ian says hed probably agree.

I wouldnt let anyone take my dogs to the shops because of the public perception. I would take them on a leash. It would be my responsi-bility.And he ashes what he claims to be his only

dog scar a bite from a Chihuahua while judging at a dog show.

Reassuring encounter

Ian Geddes-Cook - owner, breeder and Rottweiler

advocate with his latest litter.

By Hunter Wells

Te A

wanu

i Driv

e

Chapel St

Marsh St

Hotspring Spas

34 CHAPEL STREETTAURANGA

Call (07) 578 5866 or visit www.spa-pools.co.nzSale details visit www.hotspring.co.nz

*Terms & Conditions Apply. Finance offer excludes floor and demo stock. Gilrose Finance normal lending process, interest rates fees and terms apply.

Deferred repayments with zero intereston the all new HotSpring Spa ranges*

13

DEPOSIT

13

9 MONTHS

13

18 MONTHS

WITH ZERO INTEREST

grand.72411

The new 2014 Highlife Collection was designed with help from the experts at

BMW Group Designworks USA

OFFER ENDS SUNDAY 2ND NOVEMBERExcludes display spa pools

The Weekend Sun4

The day of the nal CIB Charity Luncheon has arrived, with thousands of people ready to ll the ASB Arena for the sold-out event.Eight charities have been chosen as recipients of this

years auction with Tauranga St John and the Acorn Foundation being the Tauranga CIB Charitable Trusts main recipients.

Tauranga CIB Charitable trustee Detective Sergeant Pete Blackwell says they have a world record of 1500 people joining them at ASB arena.

We are supporting the Acorn Foundation and St John who need about $5 million for a new facility. Merivale Primary School is a decile one school and is the only one in the Western Bay, so were going to support them, along with the Kathleen Kilgour Centre.

Were spreading our cash to a whole lot of good areas.

There are more than 170 auction items up for grabs. Last year, the auction raised $280,000 for seven local charities.

Katikati St Pauls Presbyterian Churchs annual fundraiser the Paddys Market is

happening this Saturday.Starting 9.30am at the church, on the corner of

Mulgan St and SH2, people are welcome to come and enjoy the stalls and fun on offer.

There will be a sausage sizzle, bouncy castle and stalls galore with jams, pickles, sewing, toys, books, plants and more, plus a silent auction and cafe will be available too. Enquires to 07 549 0098.

Golden opportunity for Olympians

Tauranga woman Sarah Noble is selling bracelets to fund a trip to an American conference about

rare diseases next July. Photo by Bruce Barnard. By Lauren Barnard

Tauranga woman Sarah Noble brought home gold at 2013s national Special Olympics

now its time for the public to return the favour.The 28-year-old and her

brother Hayden, 32, live with an extremely rare genetic condition, and shes fundraising for a trip to an US conference about rare diseases next July.

Mucolipidosis type III prevents her body from producing speci c enzymes; it slows growth, shortens stature, stiffens joints and causes multiple skeletal abnormalities.

Special Olympians Sarah and Hayden won gold in indoor bowls doubles theyre only people in New Zealand with ML III.

So the opportunity to meet ML-aware folk is nearly as rare as the disorder itself.

Therell be so many who know

about ML III and understand itll be won-derful to talk with people who know.

Mother Jenny Noble has documented the many misdiagnoses and even dismissals her children have received.

This is one of the complex issues we face in NZ; getting co-ordinated care for patients with complex conditions.

With no cure for the life-threatening disorder, Sarah says her biggest challenge is going out into the community.

I have to use a wheelchair, and navigate stairs, fences, carparks.

Lots of little everyday things are harder; most people dont even think of them.

The siblings have tried many procedures to minimise ML IIIs impact.

Pain was pressing down on me all the time, like a dark cloud, and I never realised how much it affected me until it was gone. [After one treatment] I took six steps; it was like a weight had been lifted. I felt like a new person, says Sarah.

Shes selling $20 bracelets for the confer-ence trip. Contact Sarah on 027 570 1818 or nbl_srh@yahoo.co.nz

Police auction tonight

Paddys Market this weekend

By Letitia Atkinson

Hillsdene Chapel

143 Thirteenth Ave, Tauranga

Te Puke Funeral Services

Main Rd, Te Puke

Mount Harbour Chapel

416 Maunganui Rd, Mt. Maunganui

Chris Andrews

Pre-paid Funerals

Return Services Ass. (RSA)

Pre Planning

Private Cremations

Private Services

'EWIWJSVRERGMEPEWWMWXERGI

We can come to you or you may prefer to visit us

Family Care

Family Values

Family Owned

Post for a FREE Information Booklet or Phone Chris: 578 4009 P.O Box 650, Tauranga 3140

chris@jonesandco.co.nz | www.jonesandco.co.nz

Name:..................................................................................................

Address: ...................................................................................

Helping Families Since 1909.

With over 100 years

of history, Jones &

Company is the

oldest funeral

WIVZMGIWVQMR

our region.

Caring. Locally. Since 1909.

Talk to us about a service specifically suited to you.

TM

Phone anytime 578 4009

Our Principal, Chris Cottell-Mayhew is now based in Tauranga to meet families and conduct student interviews.

ACG TaurangaMeet the Principal

www.acgedu.com

Come and talk to Chris. Find out how your child will benefit from our unique learning environment and the highly regarded Cambridge International curriculum.

Learn about the exciting development of ACG Tauranga, a new independent co-educational preschool to Year 13 school campus, situated on a superb site at 438 Pyes Pa Road, Tauranga.

ACG Tauranga opens in February 2015 with Years 1 to 9. Our preschool centre opens in Semester Two, 2015.

To arrange a meeting or to register for a student interview, please phone 07-213 0100 or email acgtauranga@acgedu.com

A selection of some local breaking stories featured this week on...

The only local daily news source

you need, constantly updated,

seven days a week

www.sunlive.co.nz News tips ph 0800 SUNLIVE

Touting for a jobSacha Williams is short of a job - but shes

not short of courage and enterprise.Each morning the unemployed 28-year-old

rises early and heads off down to a busy sec-tion of Cameron Road to pitch for a job.

Around her neck is a sandwich board with a plea to motorists who might just be her future boss.I need a job shouts the sandwich board.

Pizza robbery in cityA Merivale man accused of pointing a pistol

in the face of a pizza delivery man and rob-bing him of pizzas has been remanded in custody.

The 22-year-old appeared in Tauranga Dis-trict Court charged with aggravated robbery and was granted interim name suppression

until his next appearance.He was arrested last night following an

armed police callout in Merivale on Tuesday when a pizza delivery driver reported a gun had been pointed at him.

The driver was delivering pizza to a Merivale address just after 9pm when a man presented a pistol and demanded he hand over the pizza.

Mount bar faces closureOne of the Mounts most popular bars is

under the threat of closure due to three objec-tions to its application for a liquor on-licence earlier this year.

Vaudeville Bar and Pizza Library Co. owner Jessica Payne is beside herself at the prospect and says she has suffered continual harassment from the objectors since day one.

Jessica applied for Vaudevilles licence about

ve months ago, and has relied on temporary licences to allow her to trade.

Shes attempted to sort the problem out with the objectors via mediation, but her attempts so far have failed miserably.

Early cyclone warningIncreased risk of a tropical cyclone threaten-

ing the Bay of Plenty and the East Cape is being predicted by Niwa for the coming cyclone season.

Niwa is also forecasting a busy nish to the tropical cyclone season this summer, with reduced activity from November to January and increased activity from February through to April.

On average, New Zealand experiences at least one ex-tropical cyclone passing within 550km of the country every year.

5The Weekend Sun

The Sea Princess arrival at Mount Maunganui wharf 4.45am tomorrow marks

the beginning of the Bay of Plentys cruise ship season,

after shaky starts bothat sea and on shore.

The ship is docking two weeks late after cancelling its rst NZ cruise to make repairs.

Meanwhile, on-shore tourism operators have been making a last-minute deal with Tauranga City Council over parking arrange-ments and charges.

Tauranga Cruise Tourism Opera-tors Association Incorporateds outgoing chairman Simon Beaton alerted TCC to issues in Sep-tember, accusing council-funded Tourism Bay of Plenty of illegally charging tour operators 15 per cent on each job, for no service or bene t.

A hastily-arranged meeting of operators, councils transport department, two Tourism BOP board members and TCC council-lors revealed illegalities all round, says Simon.

TCCs reconstituted parking bylaw rules out commercial deal-ings in the Mount Ocean Sports Club carpark, Salisbury Ave and The Mall, where tour operators have gathered.

The rule prevents Tourism BOP from selling anything too, says Simon.

The solution, allowing opera-tors to trade until the bylaw is revisited, is to operate commercial transactions in the Tourism BOP shed by port gates on Port of Tauranga land.

For the privilege operators pay Tourism BOP a 10 per cent fee on each transaction.

Next year I imagine we will raise the issue again, says Simon.

That meeting was good. It

started off slightly fractious but by the end there was a lot of good-will; we all started to understand each others positions better, which was good.

But operators are still concerned about carparking, says Simon. There isnt going to be enough for all this year because a POT safety decision has added to numbers.

In previous seasons operators whod pre-booked cruise clients collected them from the wharf.

The Port stopped this, so 10-20 extra vehicles will seek parking in Salisbury Ave or The Mall.

Its getting worse every year because the cruise ships are getting bigger, says Simon.

Mount Maunganui will have 84 ships visit from now to March 2015, with 16 double calls and three days with three cruise ships. Cruise ships bring an estimated 240,000 passengers and crew, and $45-$50 million, to the region.

CUT

Cruise season docks

Tauranga Cruise Tourism Operators Association outgoing chairman Simon Beaton with the ticket of ce behind.

By Andrew Campbell

HUGE SAVINGS direct from the manufacturer

8 Maleme Street, Greerton PHONE NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE

100% made in the Bay100% made in the Bay

BAY BLINDSBAY BLINDS

8\HSP[`)SPUKZ8\HSP[`)SPUKZ

www.baybl inds.co.nzwww.baybl inds.co.nz

(;&(//(1&(,1'(50$72/2*