CHANGES are afoot for the Cameron Clan.

It has been eight months of big changes for the electrical Cameron family in Opotiki. Not only was long-serving community stalwart Fraser Cameron recognised for his work during this period, but he also died before he was set to pick up his QSM.

The family is now adjusting to their new reality by selling the Fraser Cameron company.

Above, buyer and Dobsons co-owner Brian Tucker welcomes his new staff member Stuart Cameron, who says he has been “sold by the boss,” Irene Cameron who, once she has overseen the transaction, will go back to working at her new job at OPAC.

AFTER 60 years in business, Opotiki company Fraser Cameron Ltd has been sold.

It just goes to show that a lot can happen in one year, and even in eight or so months.

At the end of May 2019, the Opotiki News published two related stories.

The first was that Opotiki Primary School trustee chairwoman Irene Cameron had decided to leave the board after being on it for 21 years.

The second was that unsung Opotiki stalwart Fraser Cameron had finally had his work with the Opotiki De Luxe Theatre, the scouts, the RSA, St John Ambulance and others recognised by being awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community and theatre.

Then at the beginning of September, we published the story about Mr Cameron’s death.

He had completed his last day of work at his beloved electrician business on Friday August 16 and he died 11 days later.

His also-beloved Opotiki De Luxe Theatre was packed to capacity at his funeral, where then-Opotiki mayor John Forbes called him a community asset.

And now his son, Stuart Cameron, has been recognised as one of the assets in his father’s company.

“My old boss has sold me,” he said.

“The assets of the company, including my husband, are being picked up by a buyer,” Mrs Cameron said.

Brian Tucker, who owns the Te Puke-based Dobsons company with his wife Amanda, said the purchase of the Fraser Cameron company meant customers would still have access to

Mr Cameron’s skills, and that they could even call the old Fraser Cameron number.

Specialising in refrigeration and associated electrical works, Dobsons has worked in Opotiki a long time, but mainly with Riverlock and OPAC as customers.

Now setting up their own workshop across from the old dairy factory in a rented space, the company is keen to expand into dairy and other areas, plus it wants to retain Mr Cameron’s old customers.

“We’re setting up a base here and we’re starting with Stuart,” Mr Tucker said.

“We’re also looking to hire a second electrician.”

Mr Tucker said he and his wife had bought the company 20 years ago, when there was still a Dobsons family member in the company.

“The company itself has operated for 40 years and we’re holding on to their family values, even though there’s no longer a Dobsons family member working for the company,” he said.

Mr Tucker said he would look at the other Fraser Cameron Ltd assets to see what was worth keeping.

Mrs Cameron said she would be working just across the road from her husband’s new workplace.

“I am working with refrigeration at OPAC, it’s a great team to work with,” she said.

Mrs Cameron said the Fraser Cameron building was owned by a family trust and that following his death it was decided to sell the building.

“We have a man currently looking at purchasing it,” she said.

“But before that, we have to empty out Fraser’s treasures. I don’t think he threw away a single piece of paper in 60 years.”

One option that the prospective buyer had mentioned was opening a café in the old building.

OPOTIKI dancers of all ages now have the opportunity to learn the art of hip-hop dance, starting this week.

Run by Ngametua Strickland, classes are set to start this Wednesday through Saturday, with times and venues varying for different age groups.

Mr Strickland said the classes would be held weekly – with entry at $5 per person – to test the waters for interest.

“I want to give people an idea of what I’m trying to do, and if they like it, I’ll continue the classes over the year,” he said.

This will include three age groups per week, with children aged five to 12 at the Children’s Art House on Wednesdays from 3pm to 5pm; youth aged 13 to 19 at the Memorial Park pavilion on Thursdays and Fridays from 4pm to 6pm; and adults aged 20 and up also at the pavilion on Saturdays from 5pm to 6pm.

Mr Strickland said venues may be subject to change in the future, however, they were locked in for now.

“Anyone is welcome,” he said.

Mr Strickland added there was no official registration process or booking necessary for any of the sessions.

“You can just show up,” he said.

Mr Strickland said he had decided to pursue the classes as there were not many options for youth in Opotiki.

“I know there’s not much to do, and it can be boring,” he said.

“It’s also to build people’s confidence up.”

Mr Strickland said lessons, lasting between one and two hours, would not only focus on dancing, as he would also be teaching the history of hip-hop dance.

In the future, Mr Strickland said he hoped to bring dance battles and performances to Opotiki, giving residents something new to watch and participate in.

james.sandbrook@opotikinews.co.nz

THE 2020 version of the Motu Trails brochure and map is ready and being distributed.

Motu Trails executive officer Jim Robinson and his wife, Nikki Slade Robinson, have produced the brochure, supported by the Southern Trust and the track’s official partners.

“The Southern Trust has paid for a large part of the production cost,” Mr Robinson said.

Mr Robinson said information about user perception of the Motu Trails was available thanks to a survey that spanned all the “Great Rides” of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

In the year to February 1, there were 3800 survey responses to the 22 rides, 374 of which were Motu Trails responses.

“We got more survey responses than any other of the Great Rides,” he said.

“The respondents loved the environment and the scenery.”

The brochure had also scored highly in the survey, with the website coming in “average”.

“Below average were the toilets, where most tracks score low anyway, but we do have fewer services on the Motu Trail as it is an isolated area,” Mr Robinson said.

“Respondents also didn’t like the squeeze bars on the Dunes Trail, but they recognised they are there to stop motorbike access.”

There was also a lack of available accommodation in the area.

However, in terms of Net Promoter Score, which is an index ranging from -100 to 100 that measures the willingness of customers to recommend a company’s products or services to others, the Motu Trail was doing great.

“For last year the score was 78, which is crazy high,” Mr Robinson said.

In terms of economic data, the Motu Trail came in at $132 per person and night.

“This is lower than other trails, with the average being $221.”

Again, the isolated area was a key factor that reflected in a lower tourism spending.

Mr Robinson said visitor numbers for the Motu Trails were not available, but he estimated that the Dunes Trail pulled in 20,000 users per year, with 5000 to 7000 of those being visitors.

“The Pakihi Track has about 2500 users per year, with about 1500 of those being visitors.”

The tourism average stay in the Eastern Bay was four nights, with one of those nights being for the Motu Trail.

“Tourists come here for a range of reasons,” Mr Robinson said.

“They include the beach, tramping, fishing and the cycle trail.”

Mr Robinson said the social media performance for the Motu Trails was “massive”.

“We get between 4000 and 20,000 hits per week,” he said.

The Motu Trails brochure and map was similar to last year’s edition, even if the design was getting more refined over time.

“Not only are the trails marked, but we have included the connecting back-country roads, so cycle touring visitors can do loops,” Mr Robinson said.

“The brochures are distributed widely across the country.”

sven.carlsson@thebeacon.co.nz

RISKS to the Opotiki District’s coastline potentially caused by climate change are being assessed by consultants Tonkin and Taylor.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has commissioned the study to take on detailed studies of the coastline so that the regional council and Opotiki District Council can better understand the risks.

Opotiki council planning and regulatory group manager Gerard McCormack said the regional council’s coastal calculator provided a “broad brushstrokes” approach to the threat of coastal erosion, but more detail would be added in the new study.

“This work is a paper exercise in identifying flooding and erosion risks along the coastline both in the here and now, and in light of changes we are already seeing in sea levels and more extreme events,” he said.

“The first of these reports has been completed covering the coastline between the Waiotahe and Waioeka River mouths and provides a more detailed assessment of coastal erosion risk along the length of Waiotahe Beach.

“It determines the location of coastal erosion lines based on various sea level rise scenarios and timeframes out to 2130, as required by the Ministry for the Environment.

“Now that we have that report, we need to make sure it is available through the LIM [Land Information Memorandum] reports and it will have an impact on the issuing of building consents and resource consents.

“Our primary goal is to ensure everyone understands the potential risks and can access the information we hold and it will give landowners, prospective buyers and developers the ability to see how erosion may affect any property on Waiotahe Beach.”

The Opotiki council is working to compile a list of landowners so that they can be made aware of the Tonkin and Taylor report and provide a copy to read more closely.

“This study allows us to consider these scenarios and plan for the future. It is our duty to enable our residents to do the same, which is why we release this information to landowners,” Mr McCormack said.

FOR the first time in Opotiki’s PechaKucha history, a speaker is making a return visit.

On Thursday, 10 mystery speakers will take the stage armed with 20 slides, and 20 seconds to speak on each.

This will be the 11th PechaKucha night put on by the Opotiki District Library with more than 100 people having shared their stories on stage to-date.

However, this will be the first time a speaker has come back for another turn.

“It’s very rare [to have a speaker return],” library spokesman Ilmars Gravis said.

“We like to keep it as fresh as possible.”

However, library manager Jo Hunt said this particular speaker had been of such high interest, they were happy to make the exception.

But across the board, Ms Hunt said part of the allure for staff and attendees was not knowing what the presentations might be about.

“Even if you know the person, or have had a sneak peek at their slides, you don’t know how it will all come together,” she said.

Of the 110 presenters who had come through these events, Ms Hunt said about 95 percent were Opotiki locals with the occasional presenter from out of town.

For hopeful attendees, Ms Hunt said time was running out to get tickets, with three quarters already gone last week.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased from the library or found online at trybooking.com.

james.sandbrook@opotikinews.co.nz

WITH a fierce and moving performance Huriana Mohi, Hiri Delamere, Teena Black, Cy McLeod, Carey Tuhaka and Bronson Gage, of Te Whanau a Apanui, impress the judges to win top honours at the Mataatua Kapa Haka Regionals at Opotiki’s Ohui Domain last week.

THE many descendants of Apanui stood head high on Friday afternoon after witnessing Te Whanau a Apanui win accolades for their spine-tingling war dance and award-winning performances at Te Mataatua Kapa Haka Regionals.

With only five spots at Te Matatini 2021, teams brought the creme de la creme of kapa haka to the podium to outperform and outshine their rivals.

With top honours and taking first place in whakaeke, poi, waita-a-ringa, haka, whakawatea, te reo and equal first place for their moteatea, Te Whanau a Apanui roopu moved the judges and audience.

Thousands attended the biggest Bay of Plenty Maori cultural festival and jammed inside Ohui Domain in Opotiki to watch 18 teams from the confederation of Mataatua tribes compete in Te Moana a Toi section on Waitangi Day and Mataatua section on Friday where the overall winners were the last to take the stage.

Tutor and first equal for the kaitataki tane (male leader) section Tamati Waaka remains humble after Apanui’s stellar performances and honours the roopu composer, Rikirangi Gage, the pillar behind the group’s success.

The bracket which won the group third overall at Te Matatini in 2019 also earned them first place at the regionals, with one exception.

“The final song we sang speaks to the importance of Waitangi Day and the Treaty negotiations,” he said.

“We paid homage to Monita Eru Delamare of Te Whanau a Apanui who was one of the first men to be appointed to the Waitangi Tribunal with great humility in 1986.

Mr Waaka said the team also paid tribute to hosting iwi Te Whakatohea and the other Mataatua tribes who competed.

The group’s youngest members performed alongside their mentors and whanau at the regionals in preparation for the big stage where teams from across Aotearoa will vie for top respects and the national kapa haka title.

Mr Waaka said the team spent seven weeks practising at different marae in and around Omaio. “It was one of our shortest campaigns, but we really focused on honing our bracket from the nationals stage in 2019.

“The regionals are the best learning ground for rangatahi and it really gives them a taste of what it’s like to perform on the national stage.

“To win with only seven practices and to compete against the calibre of teams, it was a real surprise,” he said.

After the competition the team celebrated with a swim at the Opotiki College pool.

“The instructions from our pou was; should you lose, congratulate the winners, and if you win, be humble,” Mr Waaka said

“We celebrated with a dip at the pools surrounded by whanau and friends.”

Mr Waaka thanked Te Whakatohea for the manaaki they showed. He said the festival would not be possible without Te Wananga o Awanuiarangi, Te Matawai, Te Puna Mataatua, and the 200 volunteers who give their time freely to help make it a success.

“Without their support, we are in a paddock performing on dirt with no stage, so a big mihi to everyone,” he said.

Judge of the te reo section, Pouroto Ngaropo said Te Whanau a Apanui were excellent, top class and shone brighter than ever before.

“The singing was beautiful, like the sound of the bellbird in the forest,” he said.

Results:

Overall placings: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 3, Ohinemataroa ki Ruatahuna; 4, Tauira Mai Tawhiti and 5, Tutara Kauika ki Rangataua.
Whakaeke: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 3, Ohinemataroa ki Ruatahuna.
Moteatea: 1 equal, Te Whanau a Apanui me Ohinemataroa ki Ruatahuna; 2 equal, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti me Tutara Kauika ki Rangataua; 3, Te Paringa Taiki Matakana me Rangiwaea.
Poi: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 3, Tauira Mai Tawhiti.
Waiata a ringa: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 3, Tauira Mai Tawhiti.
Haka: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti me Tutara Kauika ki Rangataua; 3, Waioweka me Ohinemataroa ki Ruatahuna.
Whakawatea: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Ohinemataroa ki Ruatahuna; 3, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti.
Te Reo: 1, Te Whanau a Apanui; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 3, Ohinemataroa ki Ruatahuna.
Kaitataki Wahine: 1, Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 2, Waioweka; 3, Tauira Mai Tawhiti me Te Whanau a Apanui.
Kaitataki Tane: 1equal, Te Whanau a Apanui me Opotiki Mai Tawhiti; 2, Ohinemataroa ki Ruataahuna; 3, Waioweka.
Non aggregate:
Waiata Tira: 1, Ohinemataroa ki Ruataahuna; 2, Opotiki Mai Tawiti; 3, Tutarakauika ki Rangataua.
Kakahu: 1, Tutarakauika ki Rangataua; 2, Te Whanau a Apanui; 3, Te Paringa tai ki Matakana me Rangiwaea.
Overall, non-competitive / Whakangahau: 1, Nga Toki o Rua; 2, Ruatahuna Kakahu Mauku; 3, Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi.

1 of 7

THE largest macadamia grower in the world and his family visited Torere Macadamias on Tuesday while on an unofficial holiday.

Torere, home to the Ngatai people, is also home to the largest macadamia nursery in New Zealand and its popularity spans across the Pacific Ocean, attracting China’s macadamia elite.

Chinese grower and owner of several farms totalling 2000 hectares, Bin Xu and his family, were welcomed to the orchard by Torere whanau and staff with a traditional Maori hongi, the national greeting and a symbol of unity between two people.

Manuhiri (guests) were also treated to a Chinese hakari including freshly caught kahawai, Te Whakatohea mussels and a Chinese buffet.

Torere Macadamias vice president Vanessa Hayes said they used only natural and sustainable organic growing techniques, without the use of sprays or chemicals, which attracted the Chinese who spent the day in Torere picking her brain and that of co-director Rob Husband.

“We have the biggest and best tasting macadamias in the world and it’s the reason we have attracted the Chinese growers,” she said.

Paving the way in the macadamia industry in New Zealand, Ms Hayes’ expertise is highly sought-after around the world and she has led presentations in China teaching leading growers the ins and outs of cultivating organically.

“I was given the great privilege of naming one of Mr Xu’s orchards.

“I named it Torere I Hina, meaning, Torere in China”.

Ms Hayes is also passionate about showing Maori landowners how to grow and produce food and crops on their land, getting the maximum benefits and gains from the under-utilised whenua.

For the first time in New Zealand, a macadamia training course, which launched in October last year and is NZQA-accredited, enables students and Maori to develop skills and knowledge in the industry.

Courses are held on Wednesdays and Thursdays from a base at Torere Macadamias.

“I want Maori landowners and young people to make the most out of their land and see it for its benefits. We must think big in terms of gains,” she said.

The Rural Studies nursery is growing macadamia rootstock from seed and has trees at various stages. It propagates 30,000 trees a year.

delilah.whaitiri@thebeacon.co.nz

OPOTIKI transport operator Charlie Seymour has 50 trucks parked up during a logging industry downturn caused by many in the Chinese construction industry laying down tools following the Coronavirus outbreak.

It is also the Chinese New Year, which has seen construction sites shut down.

As time marches on, truckies are feeling the pinch.

“It’s been going on for two weeks and it’s unlikely to get sorted in the next two weeks,” Mr Seymour said.

“People are hurting.”

Mr Seymour said many of his drivers and sub-contractors had families and were living week-to-week.

“Several of the drivers have also used up their holidays during our Christmas and New Year,” he said.

“We do not want to lose our drivers.”

The Gisborne area was particularly bad, with the port stopping shipping logs to China for a period.

“There are lots of people hurting over there,” Mr Seymour said.

“I understand there’s a big stockpile of logs sitting in the ports in China.”

With Seymours Transport Services trucks from Mount Maunganui to Wairoa parked up, Mr Seymour said he had been trying to find other jobs for the drivers.

“No one can tell us how long this will last,” he said.

Williams and Wilshier managing director Warwick Wilshier said that with the uncertainty around the impacts of coronavirus in China and the extended Chinese New Year break, the decision was made by most forest owners and managers in the Gisborne region to cease harvesting temporarily on Monday, February 2.

“The port stayed open until Wednesday night and we all took Friday off,” he said.

“Many companies have now decided to resume production, be it at a reduced level, but some have decided to stop.”

Mr Wilshier said that everyone was concerned about the effect on contractors and their workers.

“Even though export log prices are dropping, they are trying to keep the industry moving,” he said,

The website for the Eastland Port in Gisborne shows that although no ships were listed on the shipping schedule for Wednesday, traffic was resuming today, Thursday.

“The port is open and ships are being loaded,” Mr Wilshier said.

“Forests furthest from the port will be most affected due to high transport costs, but that’s the nature of a region whose industry is most reliant on one market.”

Mr Wilshier said it was too early to assess how long the downturn would affect Gisborne.

“There is a lot of work going on behind the scene to support people,” he said.

Te Kaha Log Haulage owner Gail Keepa said she was getting her truck serviced during the stoppage.

“We’re riding the storm again – hopefully it’s short lived,” she said.

“New Zealand is too dependent on China.”

A Whakatane-based cartage contactor who did not want to be named said China was a main importer of New Zealand timber, so this had especially affected the Gisborne area.

“We have been extremely lucky, being part of the corporate industry in the central North Island, which has slowed but not to the same extent as in the other areas of the North Island.

“Our biggest concern at the moment is the high fire risk, all harvesting in our area currently stops at 1pm daily.”

Hancock Forest Management general manager Kerry Ellem said he couldn’t comment much on the situation.

“It’s an internal issue for us,” he said.

“We are still working and in the immediate term we do not see a change.”

Having reduced the harvesting slightly, the company “was continuing on at this point”.

“We don’t have any operations in Gisborne, nor way up the East Coast, where there has been lots more closures,” Mr Ellem said.

“We are less affected on this side and we don’t ship out of the port in Gisborne.”

sven.carlsson@thebeacon.co.nz

OPOTIKI brothers Alex and Daniell Wilton like competing against each – because it brings the best out of them

The pair placed first and second in the junior boys’ super sprint triathlon held in Ohope.

It was part of the Whakatane Cycle Centre’s annual Ohope Sprint Triathlon on Sunday, which saw two events take place; the full sprint distance triathlon which involved a 750m swim, 20km bike and 5km run and the super sprint on a smaller course, which is a 400m swim, 12km bike and 2.5km run.

Thirteen-year-old Alex managed bragging rights over his older brother with his time of 45 minutes and 51 seconds, two minutes quicker than Daniell’s effort of 48.01.

“It was good fun. I just enjoy doing these sorts of events and it was nice beating Daniell.’’

Alex said he enjoyed the challenge of triathlons and was looking forward to competing in a few more.

It was a busy weekend for Alex as he took part in the Eastern Regional Champs – a big junior surf lifesaving competition, at Ohope the previous day.

The pair are avid adventure racers and do surf lifesaving as well as triathlons, so they know how to keep busy, with Alex also a swimmer with the Whakatane Swimming Club.

Mum Kylie said it was good having two active sons. ‘They are pretty busy but it’s good.

“I enjoy seeing them get out and do those different events. It’s a great club here and we really enjoy coming and competing in all the events.’’

Daniell said he didn’t mind losing to his younger brother.

“We’re both competitive but that’s okay. I just wanted to have a good race and I think I achieved that.’’

Like Alex he enjoys all the disciplines of triathlon but is quite a strong runner.

“I do the 2km beach run in surf lifesaving so that helps with running.’’

He said he just wanted to do as many events as possible and was excited at competing in the BOP Secondary School Triathlon championships in a couple of weeks’ time.

“It should be good fun.’’

Conditions for Sunday’s triathlon were perfect, making for some fast racing.

brayden.lindsay@thebeacon.co.nz

LISA Carrington might need to buy a new trophy cabinet before long.

The Eastern Bay Canoe Club paddler was once again recognised for her paddling ability by being named the Sportswoman of the Year for the fourth consecutive year at the Halberg Awards in Auckland last week.

Carrington, who won two world championship golds in the K1 200m and K1 500m, outclassed a talented field to bag the award.

She overcame challenges from Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman, motocross rider Courtney Duncan and snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott to claim the award.

It puts her alongside Dame Valerie Adams as one of only two athletes to win the award four or more times and consecutively.

Adams still holds the record with seven successive Halberg Awards, but Carrington will be a good chance to make it five in a row with the Olympics later this year, where she will be favoured to add to her previous Olympic golds.

Speaking from Cambridge where she was preparing for the national canoe sprint championships which were held over the weekend, Carrington said it was an awesome honour to again win the award.

“This award goes out to my team. I am not a one-woman band. I have a lot of team-mates out on the water every day with me.

“I have an amazing group of coaches, and my support crew, there’s so many people that help me to be where I am, and I am really privileged and grateful to have the opportunity that I have to do what I love doing, so thank you all for that.’’

The former Whakatane High School student congratulated all the fellow athletes in attendance at the awards and apologised for her absence as she was preparing for the New Zealand Canoe Sprint National Championships, which were held from Friday to Sunday.

“Sorry I couldn’t be there.’’

“I am so stoked to be part of New Zealand sport again this year.’’

Meanwhile, at the national championships Carrington showed why she’s considered a favourite to go back-to-back at the Tokyo Olympics with a powerful showing at Lake Karapiro in the K1 200m.

She won the race in impressive fashion with her time of 38.50 seconds just half a second outside her world record best.

It was a high-quality final as she led from start to finish to defeat Hawke’s Bay paddler Aimee Fisher and North Shore’s Caitlin Ryan.

The seven-time world K1 200m champion said victory was a good first appearance on the road to Tokyo.

“I turn up every year trying to do my best, and today was all about making sure I got myself in a space where I could perform,’’ Carrington said.

Her unbeaten run is impressive and stretches back eight years.

“What is most pleasing is the depth and quality has improved immensely in New Zealand since I first started paddling.’’

The 30-year-old also retained her K1 500m crown.

brayden.lindsay@thebeacon.co.nz

IT’S neither erotic nor consensual but the fungus that infects certain native trees has mutated and now reproduces sexually as well as by cloning.

Scion researcher Stuart Fraser said this discovery meant the myrtle rust fungus, Austropuccinia psidii, had a better chance to overcome natural plant resistance as well as be more difficult to control by biological or chemical means.

Native plant nurseries in the Eastern Bay may have reason for concern as the discovery means the pace of incursion could increase exponentially.

Coastlands Plant Nursery owner Jo Bonner said nurseries and garden centres were still dealing with the risk of myrtle rust and taking extraordinary steps to keep it under control.

“We have to apply more pesticides to mitigate the possibility of it arriving here,” she said.

“We follow the NZPPI biosecurity scheme where we have documentation and lists of pesticides we can use.”

The fungus can be carried by wind (the hypothesis is that it is how it arrived from Australia).

“It can survive for up to 60 days under any conditions so it’s a huge risk long term,” she said.

Some species are especially susceptible to the disease.

“We stopped selling pohutukawa for a while because we didn’t know how badly it was going to affect them,” she said.

New information indicates that use of proper pesticides mitigates the threat.

“If you use the preventative sprays, that’s the best you can do,” she said.

Documentation is an important aspect to stop the disease from spreading further.

“It’s really important that people buying pohutukawa ask where it came from because they can unknowingly spread the disease.”

And there are no guarantees all these steps will contain the disease.

“Long term, pohutukawa are going to be deeply affected and it could become a real worry,” she said.

Though no infestations have been found in Whakatane district, an isolated case was discovered in the northern section of Matahina forest in early 2018 in an area that has since been logged.

A small infestation was confirmed along the southeast shoreline of Lake Rotoma along with two much larger incursions near Omaio.

People are encouraged to report myrtle rust findings via the iNaturalist website (an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information), where experts can check to confirm whether identification is correct.

As many as 28 observations of myrtle rust in the Bay of Plenty have been logged on the iNaturalist website since March 2018.

Previous research from other parts of the world suggests that the fungus only reproduces clonally. However, this new study of samples from New Zealand and South Africa shows evidence of sexual recombination in addition to cloning.

mark.rieder@thebeacon.co.nz

• Health shuttle drivers, assistants needed

THE first group of volunteers for the Opotiki District Health Shuttle received a run-down on the role last week.

This first meeting gave volunteers a chance to understand training, responsibilities and to meet with other volunteers.

Opotiki St John secretary Angela Bryan said training for volunteers would include undertaking observer shifts on the Tauranga health shuttle, completing a first aid course and then undergoing a driver assessment with a St John driving instructor.

Volunteers would either act as drivers, who would be responsible for driving the health shuttle, or assistants, who were aboard the shuttle to assist passengers and the driver.

“Seventeen applications have been received for volunteer drivers and assistants, but it is hoped to have at least 20 volunteers signed up to be able to keep the shuttle running five days a week,” she said.

Application forms can be collected from ColourPlus Opotiki and returned there for processing.

“The more volunteer drivers that are signed up the more often the shuttle service will be able to run,” said Ms Bryan.

“Volunteer drivers do not necessarily have to live in Opotiki, applications are being accepted from folk further up the coast as it is hoped to have a second vehicle servicing the coast area by the end of the year.”

A final recruitment session will be held on Thursday at 2pm at the St John Ambulance hall for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.

Alternatively, hopeful volunteers can visit stjohn.org.nz/volunteer and search for job #39979 or phone Ms Bryan on 0272203376.

james.sandbrook@opotikinews.co.nz

TEAM synergy and diversity are cited as some of the factors behind the success of a Whakatane-based counselling organisation.

The Eastern Bay of Plenty Primary Health Alliance mental health programme has been named as one of two finalists in the inaugural NZ Primary Healthcare Awards, for the best mental health programme in New Zealand.

Opotiki man and team leader Jamie Sullivan said the team provided a mental health service for people with mild to moderate mental health needs.

“We have a waiting list,” he said. “You can come and see us also when you are doing well – we’re not a bottom-of-the-cliff service.”

“Our staff are all registered social workers, nurses or drug-and-alcohol practitioners, and they all have long-term experience.”

When asked what factors had resulted in the success of the team, Mr Sullivan said they all worked well together.

“Although we are a small team, we can offer diversity, and we have the capacity to deliver te reo Maori services,” he said.

‘We have a youth worker who speaks full te reo Maori, so can deliver programmes. Male Maori counselling is part of our diversity.”

Mr Sullivan said the counselling team members tried their best to listen to the client’s world view.

“We can talk about anything, in a comfortable space, allowing people to find their own answers,” he said.

“We must be doing something right, because we got a thousand referrals.”

Mr Sullivan said neither he nor the team were against the medical model, but what they did instead was “just chatting and talking in confidence”.

The team also runs a men’s group that meets twice a month and has been operating for a couple of years.

“The group is sustainable, with between 10 and 20 people showing up at each meeting,” he said. “We didn’t put any parameters around that either.”

He said there was no requirement to talk in the group, which also went on fishing and biking trips.

The EBOP Primary Health Alliance is a finalist for the Habitat Group Best Mental Health Programme, with the awards website describing it as a well-received counselling service, rated by 91 per cent of clients as excellent to very good.

Mr Sullivan’s sister, lawyer Tania Te Whenua, said she understood the judges were particularly impressed with how the service dealt with the victims, first responders, whanau and friends who suffered trauma following the Whakaari/White Island eruption.

Mr Sullivan said after the eruption, the team had loosened the criteria for referral to the service.

“We did our best to reduce the stigma around counselling,” he said.

“We already have a waiting list, but we prioritised people impacted by Whakaari.”

Mr Sullivan said there were eight members in the team, including himself, five of them working as councillors.

The other contender for the mental health award is Counties Manukau District Health Board with its Wellness Support mental health model.

Winners will be honoured at a gala held at the Auckland waterfront’s Shed 10 on February 29, 2020.

sven.carlsson@thebeacon.co.nz

TE KAHA will soon receive extended network connections for three major providers.

Formed by Spark, Vodafone and 2Degrees, the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG) is erecting a wireless connection tower in Te Kaha this month.

The tower will provide connections for both mobile and wireless broadband, which includes texting and voice calling for compatible devices.

With construction work set to be completed later this month, all services are projected to be available from mid-March.
RCG engagement manager Caitlin Metz said the tower at Te Kaha would be the first set up by the RCG, with eight sites to follow.

“The Te Kaha facility is positioned at the Horizon compound in Copenhagen Road and provides excellent coverage to the Te Kaha township and coastline,” Ms Metz said.

She said the tower and the extended coverage had been in the works by herself and acquisition manager Jessica Lethaby for the past nine years, and she was excited to see it moving forward.

“We are delighted to be able to bring connectivity to Te Kaha with the support of the community,” she said.

Ms Metz said for existing mobile users, the extended coverage would come at no extra cost or changes, however, those looking to make new connections would need to contact their provider to organise this.

Other sites across the district are planned for Kutarere, Wainui, Torere, Tirohanga East, Otara, Omaio and Whanarua Bay.

Ms Metz said these towers would also give users access to 4G network voice calls, new for New Zealand.

“This is the first time 4G voice calling has become available in New Zealand,” she said.

“Currently in New Zealand voice calls on mobile phones are made using the 3G network, even if you have the latest release smart phone.”

If users’ phones are not compatible, however, Ms Metz said this could mean a software update or handset upgrade would be required to make and receive calls.

“Voice calling will be still be available to those using an older generation mobile via internet-enabled applications,” she said.

These include Facebook messenger, Whatsapp, Viber and more.

james.sandbrook@opotikinews.co.nz

THE Opotiki Volunteer Fire Brigade has taken delivery of two new fire appliances that will increase its ability to fight rural fires.

The two main appliances are built for working in a town environment, along highways and main roads – not out in the sticks.

With last week’s addition of a Hino 500 truck named Opotiki 9675 and a Toyota Hilux “smoke chaser” the brigade is now much better equipped to fight fires in the deep countryside.

Senior firefighter Barry Hennessy said the Opotiki 9675 rural tanker carried 5800 litres of water, which was three times that of the main appliances.

“It also has a portable dam that can be filled with 7000 litres of water,” he said.

“It’s like a big bladder that can be filled and drawn from.”

Once the portable dam is filled with water, a fire engine can draw water from it, or the brigade can use smaller, portable pumps for driving the hoses.

“The dam allows for water shuttling by a tanker that, once it has filled the dam, can go and get another load.”

The new tanker, which also carries other specialist rural firefighting equipment, will mainly respond to fires in non-water-reticulated areas.

The “smoke chaser” is suitable for fighting vegetation fires where the big trucks cannot get to.

“It’s a new Toyota Hilux that has been fitted with a radio and a 300-litre water tank,” Mr Hennessy said.

The water tank, the pump arrangement and a container for foam-generating chemicals are mounted on a sliding tray that gets pulled out once the truck has stopped.

“Adding foam to the water makes it more efficient for fighting fires,” Mr Hennessy said.

The brigade now has five vehicles: the two main appliances, the rural tanker, the smoke chaser and the support van.

Mr Hennessy said the brigade was keen to hear from prospective members.
“Being a firefighter is a great way to build friendships for life, while serving the community,” he said.

1 of 3

sven.carlsson@thebeacon.co.nz

OPOTIKI nurse Donna Snelling is collecting signatures for a petition calling on health authorities to keep the after-hours health service free.

Ms Snelling is one of several Opotiki nurses whose services are being terminated at the end of the month following the closure of the Opotiki Community Health Centre’s free after-hours service in December.

A new GP-led health model is being established in Opotiki and in the interim the only after-hours service being offered is between 5pm and 11pm.

Ms Snelling said she started the online and hard copy petition on Friday night and by yesterday had 267 signatures. She is also holding a public meeting on Thursday night and is encouraging members of the public to come along to discuss the after-hours healthcare situation.

The meeting is at 6pm at the Opotiki Senior Citizens Hall on King Street and will include speakers Lesley Tetley; a registered nurse from Rotorua who works with at risk youth, as well as Mayor Lyn Riesterer.

“All are welcome, it is an open community meeting to discuss the after-hours being free and also to ask what is available now.”

Ms Snelling said the public was confused about what services were available.

“Everyone is so confused. Even the police turned up the other evening at 7 o’clock They didn’t know if we were open and they had a patient for us.

“And, of course, we are open and have been open until 11 o clock each night, since the closure.

“If the community police don’t know we are open how can they expect the community to know?

Ms Snelling said the Opotiki Women’s Institute had volunteered to collect signatures for the petition at New World and in Church Street today, so that those who did not have social media could sign the petition.

A petition post for written signatures will be at the RSA from 5pm to 6.30pm tomorrow.

“The kaupapa is about keeping the after-hours free and also informing the community.”

Ms Snelling said the Opotiki Independent Nursing Services (OPINS) has held the Bay of Plenty District Health Board contract which serviced after hours care 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week for the past 25 years.

“This health model was a nurse-led service.

“The problem the Opotiki Community faces under the new business model of medical care is if you access the after-hours health centre and need to see a doctor face to face in Opotiki you will have to pay a fee.”

She said it was not fair on Opotiki residents and many of the people using the after-hours service would not be able to afford to pay a doctor.

She said patients living in Whakatane or on the East Coast had 24-hour free access to health care which included seeing doctors face to face.

“Under the new model, the collective GP clinics will not be undertaking any maternity care. Independent midwives will be responsible for maternity services and no post care hospital stay services are offered in Opotiki.”

Ms Snelling said the community had not been informed nor consulted about these changes.

Over the past four years she had treated mothers who could not call their midwife to inform them they might be in labour because they did not have the money to charge their mobile phones, as well as children having asthmas attacks but did not have Ventolin because their family could not afford GP costs to get a repeat script.

kathy.forsyth@thebeacon.co.nz

OPOTIKI College students impressed staff with their participation and house spirit on athletics day.

The event kicked the year off for students, who competed in a variety of track and field events yesterday.

With all students encouraged to dress up in their house colours and participate, the field was kept bustling over the day with staff and students alike.

Sports administrator Daniel Porte said this was his first college athletics day, and he had been impressed by students.

“It’s been good, I (enjoyed) it,” he said. “You really see all the positives of the school coming out.”

With student participation being one of Porte’s goals for the college, he said he had enjoyed seeing students giving different events a go.

“The participation numbers have been really good,” he said.

“People getting out there and giving it a go.”

Sports co-ordinator Sophie Takamore said the day had run well with qualifiers running over the morning and finals in the afternoon.

“The participation from students has been really good,” she said.

“There’s a lot, more than last year.”

Takamore said it was also good to see the school’s new student leaders from each house arriving early, and seeing students decked out in their house colours.

Most events were held yesterday, but students had already competed in the 1500-metre and 3000m races on Monday.

In the 1500m, Letisha White broke a 2013 record of 6.19 minutes with a time of 5.52 minutes.

Feedback from students was also positive, with many trying their hand at the events or dressing their best in house colours.

Wrapping up yesterday afternoon, the athletics day is the first of the college’s “Big four” events, which see students compete for house points to take the House Shield at the end of the year.

The shield is presently held by Mansfield.

1 of 6

james.sandbrook@opotikinews.co.nz

OPOTIKI’S 11th PechaKucha evening has proven a success, with another sold out show last week.

Yet again, 10 speakers took to the stage to share their stories, ranging from perceptions of colour to life working with locals in Mozambique.

Held at the Opotiki Senior Citizens’ Hall, attendees were treated to bite-size presentations, each lasting six minutes and 40 seconds.

The Opotiki Scottish Country Dancing Club wrapped up the evening giving a presentation on their medium, followed by a demonstration with the public welcomed to join in.

Coined by the Japanese, the name PechaKucha translates to “chit-chat” as explained by Opotiki District Library manager Jo Hunt.

Ms Hunt told attendees the format of 20 picture slides with 20 seconds to speak on each had been developed by architects wanting to share ideas.

“Apparently if you hand an architect a microphone they’ll go forever,” she said.

And chit-chat was abundant over the evening, with presenters mingling with attendees, and each other, to talk more about the presentations.

Organiser Dido Eden said there was some feedback that it was the best PechaKucha evening yet. “It was a particularly great atmosphere,” she said.

With high praise for audience members and presenters, Ms Eden said the presentations were well received and the evening well enjoyed.

Only two PechaKucha evenings will be held this year with the second one in August. Ms Eden said interested parties could visit herself at the library to register an interest, or to ask any questions.

james.sandbrook@opotikinews.co.nz

OPOTIKI residents are being offered the opportunity to learn how to use technology to tell their stories through art.

Te Wananga o Aotearoa kaiako (tutor) Sid Thompson said art was an excellent way for people to tell their stories and express themselves and using technology could only enhance that ability.

“It’s another tool that adds to the strength of their story,” he said.

This is the first year the Toi Maruata L3 digital arts course is being offered in Opotiki and Mr Thompson said it would help meet a need in the community.

“People have been asking for a course like it for a number of years.

“The younger ones are looking for a different avenue to express themselves, but it’s not just for young people, it’s for everybody, of any age.”

While some computer knowledge would be helpful, it was not necessary, he said.

Students learn how to incorporate different digital mediums into their art and develop both their art and computing skills during the course, providing a pathway into further advancement in either subject.

“It could be video, photos, audio, words, anything really.”

He said it was always interesting to see how students developed their stories and the emotions that could bring.

“It can be really powerful. A lot of stuff can come up, which is why we provide a safe space for them to learn in. We feel honoured in that space.”

The course uses industry-standard programmes such as Adobe Spark, Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign.

For more information on the 20-week Toi Maruata programme at contact Te Wananga o Aotearoa’s Opotiki campus on Elliott Street, phone 315 6076.

AS we all try to change our consumption to reduce pollution, have you extended your thinking to include what you want done with your body at the end of your life?

It might not yet be on everyone’s to-do list, but there are many people in Opotiki who have given it some thought and one person in particular who has done more than just think about it.

On Saturday, Karyn Walker of Whakatohea and Te Ati Haunui a Paparangi descent, presented her new venture Eco Funerals Opotiki to an engaged group at the Senior Citizens’ hall.

Having been influenced by a father who showed community spirit throughout his life, it is not surprising that Ms Walker became a spokesperson for the community, becoming a regional manager for mental health social services advocacy.

After attending two tangi of her father’s siblings in 2010 and then her father’s tangi in 2017, and having experienced a less than satisfactory process, Ms Walker spent 14 months learning the trade, becoming a funeral director and embalmer and later going on to plan a DIY funeral for her mother.

Eco Funerals Opotiki, which officially launches on February 24, has many points of difference offering alternatives to what is presently on offer.

Ms Walker has based her ethos on what she has learnt from cultural practices across the world and research that indicates that if family are involved and kept together during the funeral planning and preparations, then the grieving process is much easier to navigate.

With her mobile unit that carries all the supplies for her trade, Ms Walker can meet the whanau in the comfort of their own home. All of the products she uses are biodegradable.

She uses wool wadding, unbleached calico, flat-packed caskets made of non-structural plywood with interlocking joints and wooden dowels. Ms Walker has also engaged her sister, Deena, to weave konae for ashes and whariki. In time she will make full waka tupapaku (coffins).

Ms Walker is also working by the slogan, “helping to keep your money in your pocket”.
She offers full transparency and disclosure of all the costs. She has an engagement fee of $1150 that covers five hours of staff time to provide services to the bereaved family.

She also has a price list for all the additional items that people might like, but as she said:

“If the family weave or make their own casket, gather their own items for a casket spray and committal, and have a urupa or family cemetery to lay their loved one, then $1150 could be all they need to pay.

“Your funeral should not be the third most expensive cost you have after a mortgage and a car.”

As Ms Walker launches her business, the Ministry of Health is requesting submissions to the consultation document, Death, Funerals, Burial and Cremation: A Review of the Burial and Cremation Act 1964 and Related Legislation. Submissions close on April 10.

Ms Walker strongly advises those who are not satisfied with the status quo to give their recommendations, which can be done online or hand-written. Otherwise they may see their wishes restricted.

As well as running her new venture, Ms Walker is an advocate for natural burial sites and supports Opotiki District Council in any of its efforts in establishing one.

Further information can be found at www.ecofuneralsopotiki.co.nz
Read the consultation document for the review of the legislation around death, funerals, burials and creations at: https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/death-funerals-burial-and-cremation-review-burial-and-cremation-act-1964-and-related-legislation.

Caroline Willis