Time to bring out the fascinators
They call themselves the Fun and Fascinators Syndicate and there will be plenty of both on display this weekend when the group of galloping enthusiasts hit town for Hawke's Bay Racing's first spring carnival of the year.
The 32 syndicate members are converging from around the North Island and donning their finest yellow accessories as they enjoy Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Race Day at the Hastings race course on Saturday.
Syndicate founder Emma-Lee Browne, a Waikato race trainer, said she always looks forward to this time of year and had an itinerary for her group guaranteed to ensure plenty of fun.
"We'll kick the trip off with some wine tasting and lunch at Craggy Range and have booked out the lodges on St George and Cottages on St Andrews for accommodation. Everyone's really excited to get together and enjoy the atmosphere in Hawke's Bay over the carnival."
The syndicate own a race horse, Hattie, who is yet to race.
While their focus is on fun and socialising, there was a seriously positive spin-off to attracting the likes of the Fun and Fascinators to the Bay for big racedays, Hawke's Bay Racing CEO Butch Castles said.
"Of the 30 odd members of this group coming to the races the vast majority are from out of Hawke's Bay. They will stay in motels, visit a winery and no doubt a few restaurants/bars. Not only is their economic footprint positive, but after a great couple of days they will return to their various parts of New Zealand singing the praises of a weekend in the Bay."
Economic impact reports show the racing industry in the Hawke's Bay/Gisborne region is responsible for generating more than $32 million in value added contribution to GDP. Customers spend well over $3.6 million as a result of attending races like Spring Carnival.
Saturday's raceday will be the first where the course is completely smoke-free, a move Castles said enhanced Hawke's Bay Racing's commitment to the ideals of the Cancer Society, which will benefit from fundraising efforts on the day.
* Those attending Saturday's Tarzino Trophy Daffodil Race Day are encouraged to wear something yellow, with all gate donation fees and proceeds from a charity auction supporting Hawke's Bay's Cancer Society.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
Facebook Marketplace Scams
Police are urging members of the public to be aware of Facebook Marketplace scams, in particular tiny home, shipping container and portable cabin home scams targeting Hawke’s Bay and the Eastern Police District.
Multiple people have seen the different listings and either paid deposits or the full price into various bank accounts.
Once the victim transfers money, the scammer deletes the listing, all the messages and blocks them.
In one case a victim has lost $10,000, with further victims losing in the thousands.
In many of these cases the offenders are based overseas and our ability to recover the funds transferred is limited.
“We are urging members of the community to think twice before transferring money for items on Facebook and other social media platforms.” says Senior Constable Gillon.
Anyone who has been affected by this scam is encouraged to contact Police online or via 105.
Senior Constable Gillon says if you decide to purchase off social media, we encourage you to take precautions to protect yourself.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝘀:
💸 Insist on meeting to conduct transactions and examine the item before completing the transaction.
💸 Meet in a public place and take a friend. DO NOT go into someone’s house or allow them into yours.
💸 DO NOT deposit money into another person’s account before you have received the item.
💸 Learning more about the person you are buying from or selling to.
💸 You can tap on a person's profile on the product listing page to see if you have any friends in common, their marketplace activity, and any ratings they may have received.
💸 Ensure friends and family, especially anyone vulnerable, understand what to do to protect themselves.
💸 Be the person to provide that ongoing support and advice.
💸 Trust your instincts – if it’s too good to be true or sounds like a scam, it probably is.
If you believe you are or have been a victim of fraud, contact Police at www.police.govt.nz..., or call Police on 105 and report the matter. If you have handed over your bank details, contact your bank and immediately suspend your account.
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