Sharyn Smart

New Plymouth Bears (MountainAirs) celebrate 20 Years with a Win

The MountainAirs did a great job coming away with a hard fought win on a night they celebrated 20 years of Basketball in Taranaki.

To celebrate the milestone the team played in an alternative strip featuring their old name – The Good Home New Plymouth Bears – however that was the only thing ‘old’ about their performance.

From the first whistle Airs’ Jack (young legs) Leasure came out to share the “pleasure” scoring 33 points in a very fast paced game whilst Kenny “showman” Gabriel entertained the crowd and was on fire with 22 points.  He was just as impressive on defensive leaping his way to 12 rebounds.

Brad Anderson and Ethan Rusbatch also had an outstanding game both scoring 16 points.

Whilst on the other ledger the Rangers’ Duane Bailey scored an impressive 23 points, with Houston O’Riley and Carl Buck both scoring 18 points. The first half was full of steals, fast breaks and spectacular baskets from both sides which impressed the crowd.

With seconds remaining until half time Airs’ Ethan Rusbatch launched the ball at the hoop from halfway earning himself a gigantic 3 points and a roar of approval from the crowd.

The Airs were relentless in their defence which was reflected in the score – going into half time 56 – 47.

Airs “Mr Reliable” Link Abrams had a frustrating night with only 8 points and 3 fouls.  Every decision seemed to go against him.  He took his frustration out in defence with 3 blocks, 6 rebounds and 7 turnovers.

Not to be left out of the night’s winning tally Dane Brooks and Aaron Bailey-Nowell both scored 7 points, Andrew Green 3 and Ben Crombie 2.

When the Rangers’ found the opportunity they made very fast breaks to score but spent the entire game playing catch-up.

The final score was 114 – 93 to the MountainAirs

The Good Home New Plymouth Bears (MountainAirs) – Jack Leasure 33, Kenny Gabriel 22, Brad Anderson 16, Ethan Rusbatch 16, Link Abrams 8, Dane Brooks 7, Aaron Bailey-Nowell 7, Andrew Green 3, Ben Crombie 2.

Super City Rangers – Duane Bailey 23, Houston O’Riley 18, Carl Buck 18, Shea Ili 13, Patrich Bolstad 12, Cameron Stuart 5, Kristoph Farensohn 2, Robson Tavita 2,

This article was published on the NZ Hoops website

Dream job for Moturoa’s new Principal

Safety Concious: Moturoa School’s new principal, Delwyn Riding, with road safety patroller Naiani Renau,9.
Photo by Sharyn Smart

Delwyn Riding left Moturoa Primary School in 1985 looking to expand her career opportunities – now she has returned in the top job.

“I worked here some years back and I vowed then to make it my dream to return,” said Ms Riding, who will combine teaching with her new role as principal.

“Principals are the leaders of learning.  Unless we know what is happening, how can we actually lead the learning?”

Born and raised in New Plymouth, Ms Riding has more than 30 years teaching experience but this is her first job as principal.

The 51-year-ol was only a week into a job as assistant principal at Waihi Central School when she was offered the position at Moturoa.

“I never thought I would get a job here, so I moved away making a career choice.  I was on top of the word [when told she had the job].  It’s been a dream of mine.”

Ms Riding, who holds a master’s in education, said her strengths were “in the area of special needs, mathematics, physical education, Maori education and outdoor education.”

She succeeds Martin Jordan, who retired in April after nine years as principal, and has plans to keep the school moving forward.

One initiative is to personally visit the home of every child attending the school and meet their families.

“People come first and are important.  Education is about people and interacting with the environment in a positive way to make a difference.”

Ms Riding said she was proud to become involved with the Trees for Survival and enviro-schools programmes, which were unique to Moturoa School.

This article was published in the North Taranaki MidWeek on June 12, 2013

Te Reo Maori Language Week at Brooklands Zoo

Haere mai kaihe: Te Reo Maori language signs at Brooklands Zoo. Jaya Robinson,4, New Plymouth, tries looking for the zoo's kaihe (donkey) Photo: Robert Charles/Fairfax NZ
Haere mai kaihe: Te Reo Maori language signs at Brooklands Zoo. Jaya Robinson,4, New Plymouth, tries looking for the zoo’s kaihe (donkey)
Photo: Robert Charles/Fairfax NZ

  Animal Translations

Donkey = K?ihe

Monkey = Makimaki

Goat = Nanekoti

Bird = Manu

Chicken = Heihei

Rooster = Tame hehei

Pig = Poaka

Brooklands Zoo has been encouraging visitors to talk to the animals this week – in Maori.

In recognition of Maori Language Week the New Plymouth zoo has put up signs identifying the ng? kararehe (animals) by their Maori names.

Assistant zoo curator Eve Cozzi said it was their contribution to expanding people’s Maori vocabulary.

“We just want to encourage our visitors to give the language a go.”

Ms Cozzi said she had overheard parents repeating the animals’ names over and over in Maori and then had their children repeat the words back to them.

“I find it rewarding listening to our visitors teaching their children the M?ori words whilst visiting Brooklands Zoo.”

Ms Cozzi said she was unable to find translations for meerkat and otter which was unfortunate because they were two of the more popular exhibits at the zoo.

This had not been an issue with another popular animal the monkey or makimaki, or for the goats who have the delightful translation of nane koti.

Zoo staff also had M?ori translation labels up in the animal food preparation area as well in the office.

“Some of the zoo staff have learnt basic te reo and it’s a good use of their knowledge to educate visitors to the zoo during M?ori Language Week,” Ms Cozzi said.

The translated signage will stay up until Sunday 7 July

This article was published in The Taranaki Daily News on July 5, 2013

Ngamotu Beach upgrade has approval from the public

Winter picnic: Fish and chips are the order of the day as Talen Blake, 11, Meadow Smith, 7 and James Rouse enjoy a winter picnic at the newly upgraded Ngamotu Beach facilities.Photo: By Sharyn Smart
Winter picnic: Fish and chips are the order of the day as Talen Blake, 11, Meadow Smith, 7 and James Rouse enjoy a winter picnic at the newly upgraded Ngamotu Beach facilities.
Photo: By Sharyn Smart

 

A $310,000 upgrade of facilities at Ngamotu Beach is winning favour with regulars and visitors at the New Plymouth reserve.

New Plymouth man James Rouse says the new picnic tables are great.

“The picnic tables are a great place to eat lunch on a perfect sunny day,” he said, as he ate fish and chips with and Talen Blake, 11, Meadow Smith, 7.

“In my teenage years I visited the beach regularly and have enjoyed coming back, from many years away, to see all the new facilities now available.”

A year-long upgrade has recently been completed thanks to a partnership between Port Taranaki and the New Plymouth District Council.

NPDC manager parks Mark Bruhn said council had contributed $276,500 towards the park’s upgrade.

In the past the toilet block had quite a reputation of being one of the worst toilet blocks in New Plymouth – but not any more.

The council have enlarged and upgraded the toilet block.  The major addition being two new cubicles added to the women’s section.

The toilet block is now wheelchair friendly and a designated handicap parking bay nearby has been created.

The beach’s picnic tables have all been replaced which this time around have been built on concrete pads.

Port Taranaki spokeswoman Bronwyn Clement said the company had contributed about $33,000 towards the upgrade.

It had replaced three wooden access ramps with concrete ramps and steel handrails making access to Ngamotu Beach easier for the public.

All the seats at the beach have been refurbished or replaced and a beach shower installed at the eastern end of the reserve. A kayak wash area has also been built with some of the cost being covered by Canoe and Kayak.

This article was published in the Taranaki Daily News on July 4, 2013

Taranaki wins Ecomist’s franchisee of the year for 2013

Top prize: Ecomist Taranaki franchisee Gordon Gower has been awarded NZ franchise for 2013 at the company’s annual awards in Christchurch recently. Photo: Sharyn Smart
Top prize: Ecomist Taranaki franchisee Gordon Gower has been awarded NZ franchise for 2013 at the company’s annual awards in Christchurch recently.
Photo: Sharyn Smart

Ecomist Taranaki has claimed the insect control company’s 2013 award for best franchise, the third time it has claimed the top prize.

Owner/operator Gordon Gower said he was honoured to be named Franchise of the Year at the company’s annual awards in Christchurch recently.

“It was a great honour to receive the award,” he said.

Ecomist Taranaki was recognised for the systems and practices it has in place to run the business, and the sales it achieved.

Mr Gower was proud of the hard-work his team had accomplished and thankful to the business’ loyal customers.

“Kudos to our team. When you are performing at the top of your game it’s great to be acknowledged.

“There are 18 franchises so to be the top is great,” he said.

The business has gone from strength to strength over the last 17 years and now employs eight part-time staff in the Taranaki and Wanganui region.

And after seven years operating out of Cutfield Rd, Mr Gower was able to shift operations to lower Carrington St last year.

He said having a larger number of businesses around them had helped increase the business’ sales figures, especially the foot traffic.

“In a franchise system when you are performing at the top of your game it feels really good,” he said.

Every Wednesday Mr Gower can be found in his car driving around the mountain delivering orders and installing insect control cans.

He said people appreciated the personal service as he installs systems for those who were unable to do so themselves.

“We have a real loyal customer base.  Some of them have been with us from the beginning,” he said.

As well as insect control products many businesses are now using Ecomist’s range of fragrances to personalise their premises.

Ecomist Taranaki has won the award previously in 2006 and 2007.

This article was published in the Taranaki Daily News on July 8, 2013

Leaking Star Gym roof danger to users

The leaking roof at the Star Gymnasium in New Plymouth could soon be in line for a $36,000 makeover.

The Taranaki Badminton Association has made a submission to the New Plymouth District Council’s Draft Annual Plan asking for the roof to be either repaired or replaced.

In a report to the council, its team leader asset management, Jeremy Wichman, recommends replacing the roof at a cost of $35,736 + GST.

In his submission, Star Gymnasium control committee chairman, Dave Meuli, said the leaky roof had become a safety issue.

“Water leaks onto the gymnasium floor making it dangerous for all users which is a health and safety issue,” he said.

“Despite extensive and regular efforts over the last two or three years to determine where the leaks come from, the problem has not been rectified.”

Taranaki Badminton Association junior co-ordinator, Pam Frederickson, said she was worried about damage being done to the relatively new gym floor.

“I am also concerned about the damage that is being done to the floor surface that was renewed two seasons ago,” she said.

Mr Mueli asked Farnsworth Roofing to submit a quote for the necessary repairs and it said they would cost $35,736 .

In his report, Mr Wichman recommended bringing forward scheduled maintenance to the gym’s roof.

“Delaying the work will result in on-going internal damage and continued user frustration,” said Jeremy Wichman, Team Leader Asset Management.

Mr Wichman said the roof was due to be replaced in the 2014/15 financial year and $30,000 had been allocated for this.

He now recommends repairs be brought forward to the 2013/14 budget year at the cost of $35,736 and be funded from the existing property renewals budget.

The council will make its final decision on submissions to the draft annual plan special meeting for this purpose.

This article was published in the Taranaki MidWeek on June 5, 2013

Cross Country Day at Spotswood College

The Moturoa 8 whanau class won the prize for best dressed group at the Hapu parade at Spotswood College’s cross county day last week. Back row left to right: Breeze Patu , Quinton Wilcox, Renee Downing, Brooke Jury, Jennifer Goodall, Aimee Patu. Middle row: Linda Nicholls (whanau teacher), Matthew Tilt, Natalya Manton, Alex Clifton, Chris Maxwell and Jesse Patu. Front row : Abraham Quinton Photo by: Sharyn Smart
The Moturoa 8 whanau class won the prize for best dressed group at the Hapu parade at Spotswood College’s cross county day last week.
Back row left to right: Breeze Patu , Quinton Wilcox, Renee Downing, Brooke Jury, Jennifer Goodall, Aimee Patu. Middle row: Linda Nicholls (whanau teacher), Matthew Tilt, Natalya Manton, Alex Clifton, Chris Maxwell and Jesse Patu. Front row : Abraham Quinton
Photo by: Sharyn Smart

 

Spotswood College’s Moturoa 8 whanau class were the stars of the school’s annual cross country sports day last week.

Representing Moturoa House, they strode out in Hapu parade which preceded the competitive racing, dressed as bumble bees and won the prize for best dressed whanau class for demonstrating class unity and team work.

This year in an effort to increase participation in the event, the school introduced prizes for the best costumes in the Hapu parade.

Other winners for best dressed student in their house included Tegan McDonald and Bailey Scown for Mikotahi, Kurtis Gilmour for Paritutu, Amirah Osama for Moturoa and Taryn Clarke for Motuhahanga.

Maths and science teacher Lewis Whyte took out the prize for best dressed teacher.

In the competitive racing, Jesse Faulkner won the junior boys ahead of Levi McIntyre and Tjontae Maranga, while Lael Pool was first in the junior girls ahead of Karohanui Moke and Rebecca Spindler.

The intermediate boys race was won by Faris Petty, who was first in 2012, ahead of Jayden Monaghan who won the junior race last and Zechariah TeWaaka. In the girls, Coralee Carter-Gates, who won the Junior race in 2012, was first followed by Ksenia James and Akaysha Russell.

Kyle Cox won the senior boys ahead of Jordan TeWaaka and Callum Foley, while in the girls race Celine Klingel was first followed by Brooke Carter, who won the intermediate race last year and Libby Hufton.

Maths and geography teacher Martyn Knapton impressed staff and students alike with his third place finish overall in the boys race.

This article was published in the Taranaki MidWeek on May 22, 2013

Gold for Spotswood College Volleyball Girls

Spotswood College senior girls’ volleyball team secure gold at the National Secondary School Championships in Palmerston North. Front L to R Amber Shepherd, Magdi Grobler, Laura Anderson, Brooke Carter, Back Row – Phil Gayton (Head coach), Ashleigh Allen, Daria Kühne, Kelsey Lovegrove, Hannah Tattersall, Kaitlyn Koboski, Olivia Preston.
Spotswood College senior girls’ volleyball team secure gold at the National Secondary School Championships in Palmerston North. Front L to R Amber Shepherd, Magdi Grobler, Laura Anderson, Brooke Carter, Back Row – Phil Gayton (Head coach), Ashleigh Allen, Daria Kühne, Kelsey Lovegrove, Hannah Tattersall, Kaitlyn Koboski, Olivia Preston.

Spotswood College senior girls’ volleyball team hadn’t even practiced as a full team before heading off to the National Secondary School Championships in Palmerston North.

Despite this they won gold in division four, and placed 49th out of 85 teams at the tournament at the Arena Stadium in Palmerston North, last week.

This is the first time a Spotswood College girls’ team has ever won a gold medal at the championships and the first time the school has secured gold since the boys’ team won division II in 1997.

The girls had a rocky beginning to the competition, losing their first three matches in closely fought battles which resulted in them being graded into the division four championship.

“We had a team meeting and I told the girls I was impressed with their improvement over the games, I thought we could do well in division four and a medal was obtainable,” said head coach Phil Gayton.

Team captain Laura Anderson was also impressed with how her charges reacted to their early losses. “Our team really grew together as the week progressed.”

They won their next four games, setting up a division four final against Burnside High School B of Christchurch, who they had earlier beaten in pool play.

They took out the final 3-1 (25-10, 25-22, 17-25, 25-12)

Team member Kelsey Lovegrove said seeing how much the victory meant to Gayton was the highlight of the championship.

“One of the biggest achievements of the week was bringing tears of pride to our coach’s eyes.”

This article was published in the Taranaki MidWeek on April 3, 2013

Easter egg hunt at Moturoa School

Five-year-old Nevaeh Allen gives Mrs Cole of Mericales R tru trust a traditional Greek Easter egg to claim a prize pack at Moturoa School’s Easter egg hunt.
Photo : Sharyn Smart

The Easter Bunny was noticeably absent at Moturoa School’s Easter egg hunt – he’d eaten too much chocolate.

Moturoa School was chosen by Mericales R tru Trust as the recipient of their annual Easter egg hunt.

“We know your school encourages healthy eating and Easter Bunny made unhealthy choices and had to stay home sick,” Mericales R tru Trust treasurer Mike Cole explained to the pupils before they began their hunt.

Mr Cole told the children a healthy diet included a balance of sensible eating and treats.

“Don’t sit down and eat all the eggs you get today at once or you will be sick like Easter bunny.”

On the teacher’s signal, the children rushed screaming and shouting to hunt for the coloured sticks, hard-boiled eggs and buttons hidden within their area of the school grounds.

“Here’s one,” said Nevaeh Allen, 5, from room 4 carefully carrying an egg.

Room 4’s Kaydence Allen, 7, squealed “I’ve got one, I’ve got one.”

They had brightly painted hard-boiled eggs which were inspired by Chairwoman, Mrs Alexandra Cole’s Greek heritage.

The 13 greek eggs represented the 13 letters of their trust’s name and when handed in to Mrs Cole special prize packs were awarded.

“We learnt from last year’s experience that chocolate overload was not good,” said Mrs Cole.

“We knew that Moturoa School promoted healthy eating and we themed our prizes accordingly.”

The main winner was 5-year-old Dupree Bidvis-Huntley who along with the 13 Greek egg winners collected prizes sponsored by YMCA, Westpac, New Plymouth Aquatic Centre, Taranaki Rugby and Tasman Toyota, Westown.

The children ended their day with a lolly scramble before heading home clutching paper bags full of chocolate and prizes.

Principal Martin Jordan said he couldn’t thank the Coles enough.

“Alexandra and Mike have just made Easter very special for these children.”

The Coles moved to New Plymouth in 2003 and not long after established the Mericales R tru Trust.

They now do three “mericales” a year – community Easter egg hunt, mid winter warm-up and Christmas “break and enter”.

For more information: Mericales r tru Trust

This article was published in the North Taranaki MidWeek on April 3, 2013

Puke Ariki Mobile Library Bus visiting schools

The winners for New Zealand Post Children’s Book awards

Book of The Year, Best Young Adult Fiction – Ted Dawes, Into the River (self-published)

Best Non-Fiction – Simon Morton and Riria Hotere, 100 Amazing Tales from Aotearoa (Te Papa Press).

Best Junior Fiction – David Hill, My Brother’s War (Penguin Group NZ).

Best Picture Book – Margaret Mahy and Gavin Bishop, Mister Whistler (Gecko press).

Best First Book – Hugh Brown, Reach (HarperCollins).

Children’s Choice – Kyle Mewburn, Ali Teo and John O’Reilly, Melu (Scholastic NZ).

Book award winner a favourite on bus

Book Festival 1 (smaller)

Puke Ariki’s mobile library toured Taranaki last week promoting the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards.

On board the bus was a selection of titles featuring this year’s finalists which were read to children at schools around the district.

A stuffed kiwi from Puke Ariki Museum had also hitched a ride.

Margaret Mahy and Gavin Bishop’s picture book finalist Mister Whistler was also popular.

Braedan Quilter-Phipps, 10, said the book was his favourite.

Josh Goble agreed: “Mister Whistler is a funny story,” the 9-year-old said.

They proved excellent judges, because it was last night named best picture book at the awards.

Read more…

Blue Tongue Skink arrives at Brooklands Zoo

Show-off Bert hisses and pokes

ernie stand
An eastern blue tongue skink, similar to two recently moved to Brooklands Zoo, shows off the blue tongue that gives it its name.
Brooklands Zoo’s latest arrivals have borrowed more than their names from Sesame Street’s resident odd couple, Bert and Ernie.

Just like Bert, who’s famous for his bad temper, these Australian skinks behave badly when upset – poking out their iridescent blue tongues and hissing.

Read more…

Tourism TripAdvisor prize for Heliview

helivew stand

Taranaki Daily News 18 June 2013
BY : SHARYN SMART

New Plymouth adventure tourism operators Heliview have bagged another award, this time from an international travel website.

TripAdvisor, which describes itself as the world’s largest travel website, has awarded the Breakwater Bay business a Certificate of Excellence.

Jolanda Foale, who runs the helicopter passenger service with her husband Richard, said she let out a big “wahoo” as she read the email advising them they had won.

“We really appreciate this award as a thank you back from our customers for our hard work and thanking us for their experience,” Mrs Foale said.

The award recognises hospitality excellence and is given to businesses that consistently achieve four or five star reviews from people who have used a service.

“We have received 28 reviews with 27 being excellent or five-star and one being very good of four- star,” Mrs Foale said.

Read more…