New turf for old friends at Waiuku Tennis Club
One of Waiuku’s community hubs finally has a new astroturf, thanks to years of fundraising, grants and the efforts of members and friends alike.
The Waiuku Tennis Club is putting on a grand reopening to celebrate new astroturf, and invites locals to check out the club and maybe even sign up.
Life member Jonathan Taylor said the club has been a key part of his life ever since he moved to Waiuku in 1983.
He was part of an army of volunteers and club members who helped pull up the old astroturf and bundle it up for organisations to take away, saving the club some $16,000.
“It’s very much a part of the fabric of Waiuku, if you like,” Taylor said. “I am a big believer in that.”
Founded in 1907, the tennis club has seen generations of Waiuku families come and go. One of those families was Ilian Trivonov’s, who arrived in 2000 from Bulgaria.
Always an avid tennis player, there was no question about finding a club to play in, but this one quickly became his family’s connection to the community.
“I have no words to explain how welcoming the club was, and is. Everyone - adults, and kids,” Trivonov said.
“We keep connected. It’s very pleasant when you see somebody on the street, at the doctors, in the shops. We remember the good times.”
The NZ Community Trust, Lion Foundation, Waiuku Rotary Club, Foundation North* and the Teague Family made sizable donations to help buy the new turf.
You can join the celebrations, including an exhibition match and BBQ, at the Waiuku Tennis Club, 4 Racecourse Rd in Waiuku on Sunday 30th October, from 2-5pm, and if you become a member on the day you will get a free free Waiuku tennis club cap.
RSVP to waiukutennisclub@gmail.com
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
-
34.9% I prefer booking online whenever possible
-
26.4% Online booking is helpful but not essential
-
34% I prefer calling the clinic
-
4.7% I didn’t know online booking was available
A reminder this hunting season
As thousands of hunters are making their plans for autumn – the Roar – recreational firearms groups are urging hunters to always be 100% sure of their targets.
Te Tari Pureke - Firearms Safety Authority NZ, which chairs the Recreational Firearms Users Group, has begun a public information campaign reminding hunters everywhere of Rule #4 of the Firearms Safety Code: to identify their target beyond all doubt.
Director Communities and Corporate, Mike McIlraith, says there is an estimated 50,000-60,000 New Zealanders involved in big game animal hunting each year, and the Roar is the key event for many hunters each year.
“The Roar is a fantastic time of year for hunters to get out into the hills after a trophy animal but hunting safely and making sure everyone gets home in one piece, still must be the most important goal of every trip,” says Mike McIlraith.
“The consequences of not fully identifying your target beyond all doubt can be catastrophic. Our message to hunters is a really simple one: If you are not sure, then don’t shoot.”
Mike McIlraith says while hunting fatalities are thankfully rare, research has shown that misidentification of the target is the largest firearms related risk to New Zealand deer hunters, and 80% of the time this involves members of the same hunting group.
The Authority says hunters should not feel pressured to take a shot: “Instead, hunters should take the time to analyse their target, wait and see if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how many points does its antlers have? Identifying your target means never firing at sound, shape, colour or movement alone.”
Mike McIlraith says good hunters will slow down, and run through some simple mental checks:
- Can I see the whole animal, or could this be another hunter?
- Where are my hunting companions – could this be them or someone else?
- How much of the animal can you see, if it is a hind or stag, how old is the animal, how - many points does its antlers have?
“Taking a little extra time to identify your target and check the firing zone is the key to safer hunting. No meat or no trophy is better than no mate,” he says.
Poll: Does a savoury scone require cheese on top, or folded inside?
Help settle the great kiwi debate ... cheese on top, or folded inside?
-
76.4% Inside!
-
23.6% On top!
Loading…
