Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 13

6 Neville St, WarkworthPhone: 09 425 0515

Monday-Friday 9.15am-5.15pmSaturday 9.30am-2.30pm

NOW OPEN SUNDAYS 10.30am-2.30pmwww.shadze.co.nz

Unique Clothing from Casual to

Special Occasion

Sizes 10-22 or made to measureShadze

keep it localSPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

The kindness of neighbours and friends at a time in Helen Crompton’s life when she needed a hand has reaped dividends for families, and particularly children, in South Auckland.Helen and her husband David, of Snells Beach, are regular volunteers for Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. For the past 14 years, Helen has been taking home damaged or soiled children’s clothing, books and other resources that would otherwise be thrown away or used for rags. Patiently, she washes, mends and restores each item, encouraging David to help where he can, and then they carefully pack the goods into bags and head south to kindergartens, Plunket, primary schools, the women’s prison or the Kids First ward at Middlemore Hospital. In fact, anyone in need who crosses Helen’s path is likely to become a recipient of her kind heart.“I don’t give away anything that I wouldn’t put on my own grandchildren,” she says. “If a child looks good, it not only makes the child feel good but it makes the parent feel proud as well.”Helen says that as a war baby, she has a natural instinct to reuse and not waste. But she puts her compassion for others down to the fact that in some cases, she knows exactly how they feel.

Good Samaritan tires, but her shoes may prove hard to fill

“My children and I went through some pretty hard times when my first marriage broke up and we had to make a dollar stretch as far as it possibly could. I’ll never forget the kindness of people who would help us out in any small way they could, even if it was just offering a few extra potatoes or some fruit off their trees. I knew I could never repay them at the time, but I made myself a promise that one day I would help others, the way those

people had helped and encouraged me, and make that circle bigger.”Helen says they concentrate on South Auckland because that’s where the need is greatest. “There are 34,000 children in Decile 1 schools in that area who are so very grateful for anything we can give them. I just find it hard to understand how people can throw out things like bikes, toys, games and sports equipment

which could easily be repaired and given to someone else less fortunate.”When Helen discovered there was a particular need for knickers in schools, she made a point of letting Hospice know that no knickers were to be thrown away. She collected, washed and mended them, and then passed them on to primary schools.“A lot of the children who start school down there aren’t toilet trained. This means that if they have an accident and there aren’t any replacement knickers, they have to be sent home. When they get home they often get a belting and they soon learn to hate school as a result.“We hear a lot of stories that would break your heart, but it’s the stories of kindness and gratitude they we remember.”The couple say they are forever grateful for the support of Hospice.“This is one of the most loving, caring and giving communities you could ever hope to find. People such as Christine Sanderson and Trevor Cooper are simply amazing.”Now nearing her seventies, with two knee replacements behind her, Helen feels it may be time to slow down a little. She says David’s health also worries her and she feels it’s time they took some time to share as a couple.

Helen Crompton is looking for someone to either take over from her or at least work alongside her. She said it would be too hard just to walk away.

| Mahurangimatters 12 December 201214

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

keep it local

27 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth Phone Mike 09 425 7969 or 027 220 7006

Email: autec@clear.net.nzOpen most Saturdays 9am-12pm by appointment

Marine Electrical Parts & Services

CHRISTMAS HOURS: Closing December 21stOpen 27th & 28th December & 3rd & 4th January

ENDURANT BATTERIESYour local Auto Electrical

& Battery Specialist

Get your electric systems tested• Boats • Trailers • Batteries

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE CHRISTMAS

WISHING EVERYONE A SAFE CHRISTMAS

Angela Munro 021 709 704 A/hrs Qualified Nail Technician

Manicures & Pedicures | Minx Nails | Tammy Taylor Acrylic Nails | OPI Gel PolishShellac Nail Approved Salon | Artistic Colour Gloss | OPI & Essie Nail Polish

Princess Pamper Parties | Wedding & Special Occasions | Gift Vouchers

27-35 Queen Street, Warkworth • 425 0441 Tuesday-Friday 9.30am-5pm • Saturday 9am-2pm

(Located behind Lee & Hart Pharmacy, in the courtyard by Kodak Express)

Phone 423 7983 • Wellsford

Gifts Galore• Jewellery• Wall Art• Fashion Accessories• Handbags• Toys• Kitchenware• NZ Gift Section• Cards• Baby Section

Lots of great

Christmas gifts ideas INSTORE

Planning of traditional Christmas celebrations are well underway in Waipu.The fun will kick off with the Waipu Christmas Parade, on Christmas Eve, December 24, which starts at 7pm. There will also be Carols by Candlelight and a midnight church service. Organisers say it is a great opportunity for locals and visitors to celebrate the festive season and what is, for many, the start of the summer holidays.It’s free to enter a float and there are some serious prizes to be won, thanks to the support of Whangarei District Council. The best float in the parade will receive $500 and five runner-up prizes of $100 each are also on offer.

There is also a $50 prize for the best dressed Christmas-themed spectator at the parade. The event is organised by the Waipu Business and Promotions Group and entry forms are available from Waipu Real Estate. Phone Judy Guy on 432 4000.The Carols by Candlelight, also on Christmas Eve, start at 8.30pm, after the parade, at the Waipu Presbyterian Church, The Centre, Waipu.The carol singing will be followed by supper in the Church Hall. Info: Cally James on 09 432 1536.The Midnight Service at St Peter’s Anglican Church, 8 Nova Scotia Drive, starts at 11pm with carols. Communion will be held at 11.30pm. All welcome.

Waipu rocks into Christmas

If you’ve ever been frustrated by tangled Christmas tree lights, spare a thought for Brian Oakes, who has just arranged 10,000 lights outside his house in Warkworth. Brian decorates his house and garden at 31 Ashmore Crescent every Christmas and invites the public to come and enjoy the spectacle. Visitors can show their appreciation by putting some spare change in the box provided and all donations go to Warkworth Wellsford Hospice. It takes Brian two weeks to install all the lights and decorations, and he will switch them on every evening from now until January 6.

Lights on for Warkworth Hospice

Neville Street, Warkworth | Phone 09 425 7404 (along from Countdown, opp Mahurangi Matters)

25%

LAYBYS WELCOME Serving the community for over 25 years

Established NZ 1973

OFF25MINIMUM OF

ALL PURCHASES FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 15

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

keep it local

Ken & Kathy wish you a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

14-18 Queen Street • Phone 425 8408

W A R K W O R T H

Auckland Libraries launched its free summer reading programme for children aged five to 13 on December 10.The Dare to Explore challenge offers activities that children can do at home, on holiday, at the library, on the internet and with friends.The initiative encourages children to register and pledge to read every day of the holidays, even if it is only for 10 minutes each day.Warkworth children and youth librarian Emily Flaws says the idea

is for participants to finish as many challenge sets as they can. “If they finish at least four fun challenges they’ll get a certificate plus an invitation to the celebration party,” she says. “Last year, more than 6000 Auckland children enjoyed the adventure and parents told us they loved the programme as well.”The event runs until January 25.Register online or at any local Auckland library.Info: aucklandlibraries.govt.nz or phone 09 301 0101

Warkworth librarians, from left, Lisa Outwin, Sally Ingham and Emily Flaws getting into the spirit of the school holiday programme Dare to Explore reading adventure.

Reading adventure launched

For the best sleep of your life!

225 Rodney St, Wellsford 0900p 09 423 9077 f 09 423 7132

sales@drummers.co.nzwww.drummers.co.nz

Open Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm

BIGDecember SALE

FREEDELIVERY

Omaha, Warkworth, Matakana, Wellsford,

Mangawhai, Maungaturoto,

Kaiwaka&

beyond…

Specials on all sizes - Single, King Single,

Double, Queen, King, Super King

FINANCE AVAILABLE

*Standard �nance

conditions and $55

booking fee applies

SAVE$$$

on beds & furniture

BE QUICK! - SPECIAL OFFERS VALID TILL 24th DECEMBER

DECEMBER SHOPPING LISTChristmas pudding steamer ...$37.99Cooks Blow Torch - for making Creme BruleePatty Pans - for fruit mince tarts ...$16.99Gorgeous Xmas Muffin Papers ...$9.99 pk 50Xmas coloured baking bling ...$7.99Gingerbread House KitGingerbread cutters & many assorted shapes... from $4.99Woodland Happy Families Card game...$6.99Ice Pop Moulds... $23.99 set of 6Knitting Doll... $12.99Sewing Kits in Metal Suitcase... $34.99Lots of under $10 gift ieas for the kids

Drummers

| Mahurangimatters 12 December 201216

Glad Rags

Shop 6, Riverside Arcade, WarkworthPh: 422 2014

New & Recycled Women’s Clothing BoutiqueDesigner Labels, Casual & Day Wear, Evening Wear

Wishing all my customers a Merry Christmas

Shop 1, River View Plaza, Kapanui Street, Warkworth. 09 425 0056

Beach Inspired. David Trubridge lighting Baksana: luxuriously soft bamboo/cotton towels Beautiful bedding by Importico, Baksana & Sotto Artwood furniture inspired by the Cape Cod region. FOR YOUR STYLE OF LIVING.

Christmas sales on now until Christmas Eve

Visit us at: 229 State Highway 1, Warkworth

Ph 09 422 3149

TOTALSPAN NEWSFLASH!!!

BRUCE WENZLICK AND THE TEAM AT TOTALSPAN RODNEY

ARE CELEBRATING THEIR ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR TO ALL

OUR CLIENTS, SUPPLIERS AND CONTRACTORS

Call into the display site at 229 State Highway One and check out our range of buildings.

Christmas Day – it’s the same time every year, yet somehow it’s the one day that creeps up on us. Suddenly, shop windows are full of tinsel, the shopping malls are chock-a-block and you can almost taste the pavlova.At Christmas we shop, travel, eat and play and it’s easy to get caught up in festive cheer and have your financial plans derailed as a result. Even though you may have managed your money successfully throughout the year, rational decision-making can go out the window as emotions take over at the mere glimpse of a Christmas tree.As we enter the Christmas countdown, enjoying the hype is part of the fun, but can you find ways to celebrate that don’t pack a big financial punch? If you’ve got a large family you might want to think about introducing a secret Santa present system, where each adult gives and receives one present. This may keep costs down and

minimise the pressure that surrounds gift giving.As Kiwis we like to ‘muck in’ and what better time to do it than at Christmas? If you’re hosting the Christmas meal this year share the load with others and ask family members to contribute. You can have a fun, stress-free holiday with family and friends without becoming the Christmas Grinch or losing all your financial control in the shops. It’s about considering what makes a great Christmas for you and your family – whether it’s about the people you spend the day with, maintaining traditions or doing something completely new.When you recall your favourite Christmases, it’s more likely to be the people you were with than the expensive gourmet ham or extravagant gifts you were given. Focus on how you can recreate those experiences and you might find this Christmas can be less about the money and more about the fun times.

Escaping the Claus of debtBy David Kneebone, Sorted spokesperson

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

keep it local

Mahurangimatters 12 December 2012 | 17

$2498

$3998

BestwayBoat Set060144

$998each

$1898

set

Bestway12ft Steel Frame Pool060137

Available until 24th Dec 2012, while stocks last.

Mitre 10 Mega Warkworth70-80 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth Ph: 09 425 8119 Opening HoursMon - Fri: 7am - 6pm Sat: 8am - 6pm Sun: 8am - 6pm

BIG ON SUMMER FUN

Pool NoodlesComes with a connector to join more than one noodle together.312938

BestwayDouble Water SlideIncludes stakes to secure the slide.060051

BestwayWater SlideIncludes stakes to secure slide. 488cm.169172

$998

6 Piece Bucket & Sand Set168853

set$2998Badminton & Volleyball Set4 Rackets, 4 shuttlecocks, 8 poles, net, pump & carrybag.112232

$1998Body BoardWith wrist strap. Designs may vary between stores. 93cm.169179

$998

10th Dec -20th Dec: Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat & Sun 8am-7pm21st-23rd Dec: Open until 9pm 27th-30th Dec: Open until 7pm

MEGA VALUE

$299MEGA VALUE

$129BestwayFast-set 10ft Pool065121

BestwayHigh Velocity TubeHeavy-duty handles. Repair patch. 119cm diameter.169188

PUKEKO PATCH• Patchwork and quilting supplies• Olfa rulers, cutters and mats• Great range of fabrics• Stockist of Lily & George• Supplier of superior Christmas decorationsShop at our online store or visit us at

858 Kaipara Flats Road, RD1, WarkworthMon-Fri after 5pm, Sat 9-4, Sun 9-12

Email: pukekopatch@gmail.comwww.pukekopatch.co.nz

Christmas Store Now Open

Hundreds of people lined Rodney Street in Wellsford on Saturday, December 1, to give the festive season its official welcome with the annual Christmas Santa Parade.A total of 127 floats took part, setting a new parade record. Senior Constable Neil Winterbottom provided the official police escort at the head of the parade, followed by the Warkworth Pipe Band which put everyone in the mood with their rendition of numerous Christmas carol favourites. The procession finale was, of course, Santa’s sleigh.The parade, which closes State Highway 1 through the town for more than hour, started and finished at the old railway station.One of the main organisers of the event is Tony Sowden, on behalf of Wellsford Promotions. He says each year, parents, carers and the wider community are putting more and more care and effort into their float decorations.“It just keeps getting better every year,” he says.The prizes for best floats were awarded as follows:

Wellsford turns on the tinsel

Best overall float – Wellsford Fire Brigade. Children’s – Wellsford Fire Brigade 1, Wellsford School 2, and Wellsford Preschool 3. Community – Push Play 1, Chinese Lion Dancers 2, and Coast to Coast Health 3. Business – Quik Auto 1, Ray White Real Estate Warkworth 2, and Firestone 3.

Boutique Dianne4A Baxter Street, Warkworth opp. Info Centre

It’s Smiling Summer at

Diannes

Lots more photos of the parade at www.localmatters.co.nz

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

keep it local

| Mahurangimatters 12 December 201218

“M

Crozier’s Free Range Turkeys

Free-Range Ham’s (Half or whole)

Bacon & cherry rolls & stuffing

Shop Onlinewww.thefarmbutchery.co.nz

Easy & Convenient

eat the way nature intended”

Book your Christmas Ham or

Turkey today!

Delivered to your door!

A Bientot !

“Taste the difference”

10 Queen Street, Warkworth, Tel: 09 425 8949

Please follow/ like us on:

Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.30pm | Sat 9am-7pm | Sun 10am-3pm

Ask Amcal first.

Christmas

COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAPPING

GIFTS GALORE

Largest range of fi ne fragrances in

Warkworth

Franklin’s Pharmacy 48 Queen St, Warkworth | 425 8014

Wellsford Pharmacy 2002 Ltd Phone 423 8145 | Fax 423 8144 | 156 Rodney Street, Wellsford www.wellsfordpharmacy.co.nz

Alistair Morrow MPS Jacqui Rogers MPS

Large range of quality gifts from as little as $5 up to exclusive Fine French fragrances

including Gucci, Opium, Versace, YSL, Calvin KleinSpend $35 on gifts & receive a FREE Jungle teddy or 500ml Body lotion

Spend $75 and receive a FREE Summer Scarf

Tips on reducing holiday wasteBy Trish Allen

Aucklanders, including us here in Rodney, throw away a third more rubbish than normal over Christmas and the summer holidays. That’s a massive amount of extra waste to landfill which is expensive and wasteful. Most of it is recyclables such as glass, cans and plastic. By putting a little thought into it, and taking a little extra care, we can make a big difference. Have a great summer and here’s some ideas to help better manage your waste: Reduce y reduce packaging for gifts y give gifts of time or energy or experiences y pass on unwanted gifts to others or donate them to charity y buy gifts from recycled materials y send an electronic Christmas card if you have access to the internet y avoid food waste – don’t overstock – use up leftovers quickly

Re-use y be creative with Christmas present wrapping y save old calendars for attractive wrapping paper y cut up old Christmas cards for present tags y save ribbons and wrapping for re-using y buy native Christmas trees with roots to plant in the garden later y buy an artificial Christmas tree which can be used year-after-year

Recycle y be sure to recycle those extra cans, glass and plastic bottles over Christmas y flatten cans and plastic bottles so they take up less room in your bin y locate your nearest recycling drop-off point while you’re away or take your recycling home with you

y separate cardboard packaging and gift catalogues for recycling y pass unwanted clothing to a charity clothing bin or op shop y keep rubbish off the beach and out of the ocean this summer y compost fruit and vege peelings from your festive fare y take your Bokashi bucket with you on holiday and compost food scraps y check with Sustainable Coastlines for a holiday beach cleanup near you.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

keep it local