holidayfeature30 Mahurangimatters November 4, 2015

WarkworthGoing further, staying in touch

42 Queen Street, Warkworth T: 09 425 8009 E: info@warkworthtravel.co.nz W: www.warkworthtravel.co.nz

Cruise CornerFor more than 140 years, Holland America Line has been a recognized leader in cruising, taking guests to exotic destinations around the world. With a fleet of 15 elegant, mid-size ships, Holland America Line offer over 500 cruises annually which include both popular and less-travelled ports around the world. You will be well looked after by the award winning staff as there is nearly one crew member for every two guests.

One of the great things we love when we have been onboard a Holland America Line ship is the ambience – it’s fresh and sophisticated offering cutting edge dining and entertainment experiences, and yet

timeless and refined with afternoon tea and art exhibitions. You can relax in a comfy leather chair in the library reading a good book or take part in one of the fantastic enrichment programmes which include activities like cooking or mixology classes, wine tasting or digital workshop seminars. Some of the great destinations you can visit include Alaska, the Baltics, Mediterranean, Caribbean, exploring South America, the Far East or closer to home around New Zealand to Australia.

Call us for more information onHolland America Line cruisesLynette, Debbie & KellyWorld Travellers Ph: 09 425 8009 *30 April 2016 sailing. Fare is in NZD, per person, share twin in interior, includes port taxes

& govt fees. Subjest to availability & currency fluctuations. Terms & Conditions apply.

Mediterranean Dream from $3,379*12-Night Cruise Venice to Rome

Includes meals & entertainment onboardBONUS Free Pinnacle Grill Dinner for Two

downtime HOLIDAY FEATURE

Not everyone can get away during the summer, but living in a beautiful and popular holiday destination certainly makes it easier to have a ‘staycation’ at home that doesn’t have to cost the earth.There are a wide range of activities dotted throughout the district that either cost nothing or are budget-friendly.The best starting point is to act like a tourist and pay a visit to the nearest information centre to get some ideas – Warkworth iSite in Baxter Street, Matakana Information Centre in the village cinema foyer or Mangawhai Information Centre on Molesworth Drive.Olivia Austin, regional tourism coordinator for Matakana Coast Tourism at the Warkworth iSite, says the region’s best free resource is undoubtedly the huge number of top class beaches here and the variety of scenic walks, both of which easily rival anywhere else in New Zealand.New Zealand’s national trail, Te Araroa, passes through the region, which means that keen trampers can potentially walk between Puhoi and Mangawhai and beyond, via the Dome Forest, Mt Tamahunga and Pakiri Beach.On a much smaller scale, but still with

Nothing beats the beach!

Budget busting ideas for a summer holiday at home

spectacular views, there’s Highfield Garden Reserve between Snells Beach and Algies Bay, which has the added attraction of its own herd of donkeys.Olivia also recommends local museums as a great way to entertain the kids and learn something new about the region’s past for a reasonable entrance fee – there’s the Warkworth & District Museum in Tudor Collins Drive, the new Mangawhai Museum on Molesworth Drive, the Albertland

Museum in Wellsford or the Bohemian Museum in Puhoi, which opens from Christmas to Easter. A little further north is the award-winning Kauri Museum at Matakohe.Morris & James Pottery in Matakana runs free tours of its pottery workshop every day at 11.30am, showing how the pots are made and decorated. The pottery is on the route of another increasingly popular free local resource, the Matakana Cycleway and Walkway,

an off-road track that runs from the village to Omaha and Point Wells.There are also plenty of parks, playgrounds and picnic spots throughout the district, including the new community playground on the riverbank in Matakana and the old cement works and swimming hole off Wilson Road in Warkworth.Info: Warkworth iSite, matakanacoast.net.nz; Matakana Information Centre, matakanainfo.org.nz; Mangawhai Information Centre on Facebook

holidayfeature 31MahurangimattersNovember 4, 2015

152M

Contact Benny2 Gumfield Drive Warkworth

Ph 09 422 2162 - 0275 720 457

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COASTAL CONCEPTSElectrician, Gates and Automation

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For many New Zealand families, the summer holiday means only one thing – it’s time to dig the tent out of the garage, pack the car to bursting point and go camping.And because it’s such a popular and well established Kiwi holiday habit, there is a tremendous amount of choice when it comes to deciding where to stay, with countless well-equipped and cared for campsites to choose from.It’s not even necessary to travel far – the old maxim ‘a change is as good as a rest’ often comes into play during the summer break, with a surprising number of locals taking time out at the holiday parks in Sandspit, Whangateau or Martins Bay, or pitching their tents at one of Auckland’s regional parks.Three of the most popular options are:Department of Conservation campsitesDOC manages more than 200 camps throughout the country, from fully serviced sites with a wide range of amenities to basic spots that require full self-sufficiency. Fees range from $15 per person, per night down to free of charge. The closest local DOC sites are Motuora (Island) Campsite and Uretiti Beach, north of Waipu.Info: doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-stay/stay-at-a-campsite

Auckland regional park campsitesThere are 44 campgrounds in Auckland regional parks, ranging from beach front to back country. Facilities can be basic and access isn’t always down a paved road, but Council controls some of the most scenic and exclusive camping spots around. Camping passes cost $65 per adult per year ($14 per child), but there are restrictions on when and where these can be used, especially in peak season.Info: regionalparks.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/bookable-sites/Camping

Holiday parksLocal holiday parks combine some of the best family-friendly beachside locations with most, if not all, the conveniences of home. Locations include Martins Bay, Sandspit, Whangateau, Pakiri Beach, Mangawhai, Mangawhai Heads and Waipu Cove. Prices start around $16 a night for non-powered sites.Info: aatravel.co.nz/accommodation-newzealand/new-zealand-camping-grounds

Making your holiday in tents

Camping is the classic Kiwi holiday, and you don’t need to travel far to get away from it all.

holidayfeature32 Mahurangimatters November 4, 2015

• Passport photos• Free camera checks • Travel cameras

• Photo printing• Holiday photo

books

35 Queen Street, Warkworth 425 9574 thecamerashop.co.nz

Digital Security Specialists Ltd

0800 25 27 61

Alarm Servicing• Maintenance • Battery Service • Monitoring • Parts • Replacement Keypads • New Alarms

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Servicing Rodney

M O S A I C S U P P L I E R S

www.funkyglassart.co.nz Located in the Webbs Brick & Roof Tiles Building2/2 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth • 021 485 810

Mosiac Classes on Tuesday or Thursday 10am to 1pm. $80 plus materials for three consecutive weeks. We have all your mosaic supplies, with new tiles just arrived in, kitsets, bases glues, grouts and much more...

Located in the Webbs Brick & Roof Tiles Building

Kitsets from $30

DOES MY SEPTIC TANK NEED CLEANING?Yes, every 2-3 years. Why? Because septic tanks

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The summer weather is often a time for tackling a gardening or renovation project, firing up the barbeque, doing a spring clean or filling up the pool or spa.But all of these activities can involve risks if they’re not undertaken thoughtfully.Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) hazardous substances compliance manager, Ray McMillan, says EPA data shows ‘home’ can be a dangerous place. Almost half of all cases where people needed to be hospitalised because of exposure to hazardous substances happened at home.Mr McMillan says that unless people read product labels, they are often unaware that ‘natural’, ‘organic’ or ‘environmentally friendly’ products can still cause harm.“These products may not be obviously hazardous, but the label will have special instructions to warn of risks and tell you how to stay safe. In fact, for any substance used around the house or garden, reading the label and doing what it says is a no-brainer – and there’s

an awful risk in cutting corners.”Any products that have expired or are banned should be disposed of safely.“Chemicals mustn’t just be flushed away, taken to the dump or added to household rubbish bins. People should check the packaging to see if there are instructions for disposal or ask their garden centre or hardware store. Otherwise, they can ask their local council where they can dispose of any chemical waste or old containers.”Mr McMillan says some safety practices apply to all types of hazardous substance and chemicals:• Don’t mix substances together.• Check the expiry date before using.• Keep products away from eyes and

skin, and wear the recommended protective gear.

• Clean up any spills quickly.• Store substances upright, tightly

sealed in their original containers and in a locked cupboard away from any sources of heat or ignition.

Info: epa.govt.nz

Police are reminding people to keep their properties and equipment safe from thieves this summer.Far North Area Commander Inspector Wendy Robilliard says the cannabis growing season will soon be upon us and criminals involved in growing the drugs often target quad bikes, chain saws, lawn mowers, tools and petrol cans, or any items that can be carried.Insp. Robilliard says thieves have also stolen outboard motors and boating equipment such as rods and reels, petrol cans and fishing gear from boats when they are parked on properties

and even when they are moored at sea.“Make sure you lock your sheds and garages,” she says.“Another problem is people leaving their cars unlocked on driveways, sometimes with valuables in view.“Thieves will canvas every property until they see an opportunity. They are also very quick, so don’t make it easy for them.”As well as locking houses, sheds, garages and cars, Insp. Robilliard suggests people think about installing alarms and CCTV, and having dogs on the property to warn off potential thieves.

EPA issues hazard warning

SNAP it for safetyOperation SNAP (Serial Number Action Partnership) is an initiative of the New Zealand Police, aimed at making it harder for criminals to sell stolen goods. The initiative helps to protect property in a number of ways. The SNAP website allows users to enter and maintain details of all of their important possessions or assets. They can then access this asset list from anywhere, anytime. If items are stolen, they can instantly retrieve their asset list details, and forward these to Police and their insurance company. Info: snap.org.nz

Small precautions baffle thieves

holidayfeature 33MahurangimattersNovember 4, 2015

*All prices include GST. No Eftpos - Cheque or Cash only.

Phone: 09 425 9937 Mobile: 021 136 1047www.warkworthtanks.co.nz

• Water tanks• Septic tanks• Pumps & fittings• Gates & gudgeons

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One example: 22,500 Ltr water tank in Mist Green only $2569.10 inc gst & delivery.

Mr David Crabb

Reconstructive plastic and cosmetic surgeon

Mr Richard Hart

Oculoplastic surgeon and cataract surgeon

Dr Andrew MacGill

Skin cancer doctor Tuesday clinics in tandem with MoleMap

Mr Richard Martin

Melanoma, head and neck, and general surgeon

skin@

info@rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz09 425 1190 or 0800 425 00777 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

www.rodneysurgicalcentre.co.nz

Concerned about a mole? Suffer from skin cancer?Skin Cancer Clinics at RSC. No referral necessary.

World class care without the need to go to Auckland.

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13 Neville St, Warkworth Phone 09 425 9775Hours - Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Sat 9am-1pm

13 Neville St

KowhaiLaundry Dry Cleaning Agents

LET US DO YOUR WASHING & IRONING

• Linen • Sports Kits • Duvets• Sleeping bags • Picnic blankets

Leave your washing while you shop

Come and see us just off State Hwy 1 70 Moirs Hill Rd, RD3, Warkworth

barndale@xnet.co.nz

MOTORHOMES

Phone Graeme 422 9339 or 027 358 0167

WARKWORTH

Motorhome and Caravan repairs and maintenance

Motorhome and CaravanMotorhome and CaravanMotorhome and Caravan retro and vintage store

corner matakana and anderson rdsOpen 6 days 10 - 4ish

www rummage nz 021 442 071

With summer just around the corner, it is worth reminding everyone of the dangers of excessive sun exposure.There are three main types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and the least common, but the most deadly, melanoma.All of us have some risk of growing a melanoma, but the following are factors that will increase your risk:• If you have a lot of moles.

However, most moles will never cause a problem.

• If your skin is fair or you sunburn easily.

• If you have blonde or red hair or light-coloured eyes.

• If you have had melanoma or another type of skin cancer in the past.

• If you have a history of sunburn and blistering, especially in childhood and adolescence.

• If you work outdoors, use sunbeds or are actively engaged in seeking a tan.

• If a close relative (mother, father, sibling or child) has been diagnosed with melanoma.

• If you have a weakened immune system such as those who’ve undergone organ transplants.

• If you are male and over 50.So what are the things you can do

to lower your risk of dying from a melanoma?Avoid excessive sun exposure and get your skin checked by a doctor once a year and check your own skin once a month. If you find anything that is new or changing, you should show your doctor. The trick is to catch them early. I see a lot of melanomas on patients backs and calves that could have been detected earlier if they used the bathroom mirror to have a look.If you are outdoors (even on cloudy days) then ‘slip slop slap’ is key. Apply sunblock 30 minutes before going out and every two hours after this.Sunblock should be SPF15 or higher, be broad spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB) and have The Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of recommendation. Of particular note, children under six months shouldn’t have sun-block applied. The only option here is to protect them from sun exposure.The good news is that if a melanoma is detected early and removed over 90 per cent are curable. Melanoma that has spread until recently was incurable. However, over the last few years there have been very exciting and promising new treatments based around stimulating your own immunity to fight the cancer cells (immunotherapy). For the first time, we now have hope that this devastating disease may be treatable.

Sun exposure risk reminderBy Dr Andrew MacGill, Kowhai Surgery