Mahurangi Matters, Wellness Feature, 2015

24 Mahurangi Matters February 4, 2015 wellnessfeature

Sharleen Greer

“the body achieves what the mind believes”

Life Coach sharleengreer.co.nz [email protected] 021 145 6432

Sharleen Greer



Sharleen Greer



sharleengreer.co.nz • [email protected] • 021 145 6432

Did you have fantastic resolutions for 2015?

Did the goals stop there?If this is your year to stop drifting through

day-to-day, month-to-month, year-to-year, then let me help you create the future you desire.

You deserve to live a life of fulfilment success and happiness.

Life coaching closes the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. I cover a range of issues: achieving higher

self esteem and self confidence, managing stress, achieving your desires with clear goal setting, true purpose and passion, and discovering new solutions to confusing

and troubling issues.

“A little step may be the beginning of a great journey”For the month of February I will be offering

1 FREE Session Call NowFor all appointments phone 09 422 6871

Milford Eye ClinicWarkworth Branch

Affiliated Southern Cross Healthcare provider

Serving the eye needs of North Shore and Rodney for over 35 years

Purpose-built eye consulting rooms in Warkworth. Surgery available at Rodney Surgical Centre or

Shore Surgery, Milford, as appropriate. For your convenience consultations available at

Milford, Red Beach and Warkworth.

• Dr Michael Fisk • Dr Brian Sloan • Dr Jo Koppens• Dr David Squirrell • Dr Rasha Altaie

• Milford Eye Clinic, 181 Shakespeare Road, Milford • Coastcare, Red Beach Shopping Centre, Red Beach• Warkworth, Unit 3, Warkworth Health Centre, Cnr Alnwick & Percy Streets, Warkworth

People heading online to get a DNA test are being cautioned against reading too much into the results.Warkworth Medical Centre GP Kate Baddock says the claims that the tests can predict a person’s predisposition to a range of diseases can cause unwarranted stress and questions have been raised around the accuracy of the tests.The tests give people a percentage figure for their lifetime risk of contracting genetic diseases ranging from cancers to heart disease based on a swab of saliva.This can allow someone to change their lifestyle and healthcare to target those risks.But Dr Baddock says the results can have a much broader and unexpected impact on a person’s lifestyle. “In some ways it’s an excellent thing to do, but it’s fraught with ethical issues,” she says.“I think a lot of people get the tests done for peace of mind, but you have to be prepared for what the results mean for you if you get bad news. Without guidance from a doctor, people can misinterpret the information and overreact or be deluded about their health risks.“If someone discovers they have a high risk of contracting a certain kind of

shapeup FEATURE

Caution urged over DNA health predictions

cancer it might have a huge impact on their life.“The results could mean someone decides not to get married or not have children, but in many cases that kind of response may not be warranted.”The reliability of commercial tests has also come into question. Almost all of the commercial DNA medical tests offered in the US have been taken off the market after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required testing companies to prove the accuracy of their claims of predicting the likelihood of disease – proof the companies could not provide.In NZ, DHBs run genetic testing based

on referrals from GPs targeted at certain diseases, but don’t offer generalised testing of a person’s health risks.Medsafe manager compliance management Derek Fitzgerald recommends that anyone considering any health diagnostic test, including DNA testing, should do so in consultation with a health professional.The Ministry of Health may also look at regulating the industry in NZ.“As the market in providing such tests directly to the public develops, the Ministry will be looking at any action taken by overseas regulatory bodies with a view to adopting any advice arising, if appropriate.”

Genealogists tap into DNA dataThe emerging use of DNA testing is providing amateur genealogists with another tool in their search for family histories.One of the largest DNA databases in the world is Family Tree DNA, which is the testing partner for National Geographic’s Genographic Project. The project involves a team of international scientists who are using cutting-edge genetic and computational technologies to analyse historical patterns in DNA from participants around the world to better understand human genetic roots.The site claims to have more than 710,000 records.Warkworth genealogist Carolyn Williams says in terms of researching family histories, DNA is seen as the next frontier.Her husband Glyn took a DNA test three years ago and Carolyn plans to follow suit early this year.But it is not something she recommends until all other lines of research have been exhausted or unless a person is adopted.“I think most people would be

continued next page

Science can tell a lot from a small swab.

25 February 4, 2015 Mahurangi Matters wellnessfeature

The Eye Team at the Rodney Surgical Centre with Dr Mark Donaldson.

callwww.eyedoctors.co.nz (09) 520 9689web

Cataract Specialist Warkworth

Dr Mark Donaldson FRANZCO

Dr Donaldson has expertlyperformed hundreds of small incision

cataract operations at the Rodney Surgical centre since

it opened in 2010.

Phone Eye Doctors on 09 520 9689 to make an appointment at the Warkworth Medical Centre.

Eye Doctors is anaffiliated provider to

Southern Cross Health Societyfor cataract and pterygium surgery

and other selected services.

Eye Doctors surgeons Dr Andrew Riley and Dr Penny McAllum have performed hundreds of cataract operations at Ormiston Hospital since it opened in 2008.

To make an appointment to see Andrew or Penny locally at their Botany Junction or Half Moon Bay clinics phone Eye Doctors on09 277 6787 or visitwww.eyedoctors.co.nz

Cataract Surgery at Ormiston Hospital

Penny McAllumFRANZCO

Andrew RileyFRANZCO

(09) 277 6787callwww.eyedoctors.co.nzwebEye Doctors is an affiliated provider to Southern Cross Health

Society for cataract surgery and other selected services.

Warkworth / Matakana Beginners welcome

Yoga Health Coaching • WorkshopsHelping Adults and children achieve

vibrant health and wellbeing

www.ingridyoga.co.nz • 021 707486

Yoga Classes

110a Moir Point Rd, Mangawhai

bikemangawhai @gmail.com

09 431 4546NOW OPEN 9AM - 5PM TUES - FRI • 9AM - 12PM SAT • OR BY APPOINTMENT

Giant Brand Bicycles, for children to adults.Road, mountain, commuting, BMX

& folding bikes.Packs, Racks, Helmets, Gloves, all the other bells n tassels & Smith Optics’ Tyres, tubes.

Fully qualifi ed bike mechanic available. Book those bikes in to be repaired.

Expert sales staff to make sure you fi nd the bike & equipment

that suits your needs.Also - We offer coaching by professional

coach either group or one on one & a winter indoor spin class.

surprised by how much they can learn by tracing their genealogy in the conventional way. There are so many free resources coming available almost on a daily basis.“If, after doing this, you hit a brick wall or have what we call a broken link, then the DNA approach would be the next step”There are different levels of DNA tests – starting with a basic test that can identify where in the world your family originated from to more detailed tests which can help identify second and third cousins. “The test results are left in a database

and you are notified whenever a match is found.”But Carolyn warns that tracing family history is not for the faint-hearted.“If you think you might be upset to learn that there is a bigamist or an unsavoury character in your ancestry, then perhaps genealogy may not be for you. We all have skeletons in the closet, but some people are very upset and uncomfortable with what they discover.”Through Warkworth SeniorNet, Carolyn runs four classes a year on how to get started on researching family history. The classes are restricted to no more than eight.

from previous page

The Family Tree DNA site claims to be the world’s most comprehensive genetic genealogy service.

bookgiveawayMahurangi Matters has a copy of the book The Digestive Health Solution, by Benjamin I Brown, to give away. Brown is a naturopath who teaches nutritional medicine and is on the advisory board at the UK College of Nutrition and Health. The book uses a holistic, evidence-based approach to discovering natural solutions to regain digestive health. It explores the mind-body connection, food intolerances, gluten sensitivity, dietary changes and the key issues of the digestive system. It also examines the research on popular natural medicines. To enter, email your name and daytime phone number to [email protected] or message us on Facebook. Entries close February 12.

New Yoga Studio Now Openin Matakana

Susie LeverSenior 1 Iyengar Yoga Teacher

ph: 021 039 [email protected]

www.yogabody.co.nz

classes - groups - privates - workshops - teacher training - remedial


Are you ready to - Make that change?

Challenge your sense of what’s possible?

Live into your power, purpose and potential?

Check out your coaching options and claim your free book

www.PhillipaReeve.com

Transformational Coaching

Warkworth Birth Centre

Our friendly helpful postnatal staff at the birthing centre

FREE pregnancy tests Prenatal classes, birth venue & post-natal stay Own room in peaceful rural surroundings Excellent equipment and atmosphere Water birth a speciality Midwives on call at all times, and as backup for your caregiver (LMC) Full post-natal hospital stay 24 hour Registered Midwives/Nurses to care for you and your baby You can transfer from your birth hospital within 12 hours of normal birth or 24 hours following a Caesarian

Available to all women and their caregivers

For further information talk to your LMC/Midwife or Warkworth Birth Centre

Phone 09 425 820156 View Road, Warkworth

www.warkworthbirthcentre.co.nz

ALL

SERVICES

ARE FREE

quality maternity carequality maternity carequality maternity care

Breast Feeding Support GroupWednesday 4th March @ 10am

ALL MOTHERS WELCOME

Taoist Tai Chi Classes

Beginners Classes

Starting February 2015 Saturday 14th, Warkworth 10-11.30am

Starting March 2015Monday 2nd, Wellsford 5.30-7pm

Tuesday 3rd, Warkworth 5.30-7pm Thursday 5th, Warkworth 10-11.30am

Continuing Classes at Warkworth Scout Hall

Tuesdays, 10 -11.30amThursdays, 5.30 - 7pm

Phone for details

Lynda 09 422 5040or Jenny 09 422 3118

[email protected]

Tai Chi is an ancient art that promotes holistic well being for people of all ages

While getting in shape may gradually get harder with age, it shouldn’t be an excuse to give in to a sedentary lifestyle and an unregulated eating plan.At least that’s the opinion of two personal trainers based in Warkworth – Tracey Frost, who owns GymSpot and Julie Peacock, who works with clients at the Warkworth Fitness Centre. Tracey says ageing and fitness is an interesting topic because there are many opinions on what is and isn’t appropriate.“From our late 20’s and early 30’s the dreaded ageing becomes apparent to most of us and we start to experience aches and pains, wrinkles and lines, and weight gain, and don’t recover as well as we used to,” she says.“For many, it becomes a great excuse to move less, reach for pain killers more frequently and look for the quick fix like an infomercial get slim fast programme. But the reality is that whether or not you have been fit or not in your earlier life, getting in shape at any age is just a matter of setting some appropriate goals and then doing it.”She says fitness doesn’t just come from a gym routine. “The job we do and the lifestyles we lead can all contribute to our physical wellbeing. Participating in sports, coaching sports, walking every other day with a friend, fooling around with the kids at the park or the beach, and mowing the lawns will all be beneficial.“Many things determine our fitness level, but the biggest factor is your desire to create a better lifestyle for yourself. This will generally have a big

effect on your family as well.”Tracey suggests that before embarking on a fitness plan, a person should take a moment to look back at what life was like for them in their 20’s.“You probably didn’t have as many commitments as you do now. There was probably more time to be more active and it was probably easier because you would naturally have more energy. “You won’t ever be as fast or as agile as you were in your 20’s, but completing exercise in a way that is comfortable for your age group is what is important. Keep the expectations realistic.”

Tracey says she has worked with people of varying ages and finds that goal setting is important at any age. People need realistic goals that suit them, whether they have old injuries or a medical history of any description.“Fitness is for everyone, but getting there does not have to be determined by a number. Get the right advice and be accountable to someone to help you get there no matter how big or small that goal is.“And it’s best to start today, because tomorrow you will be just that little bit older!”Julie agrees that age is an important factor, but not ‘the’ most important

factor, when setting fitness goals. “A 20-year-old body will be a lot more resilient and will be able to withstand a whole load more of work than a 60-year-old body,” she says.“But you are never ‘too old’ to start on a fitness regime even if you have never done anything energetic previously. The hardest part is to actually take that step and start a new programme.”Julie advises her clients to be realistic about where they are starting from.“Obviously if someone has been a complete couch potato they will not be taking part in the Olympics any time soon and it is the job of the trainer to help work out a person’s individual needs and goals. Every person is different and must work towards their own fitness goals.”Both Tracey and Julie agree that short, medium and long-term goals that build on each other are a good place to start.Julie says there can be many obstacles, from practical ones like who will look after the kids to more life changing ones such giving up smoking.“Be organised, plan things as much as you can and then actually do them. Most people know what they should be doing but only some of us actually do it.“Everyone has their own definition of being fit and what it means to them. Being happy and comfortable with your body, and enjoying all the things being physically fit can enable you to do is possibly a better measure of your fitness than whether or not you can do 20 press-ups or can run 20km.”

Realistic goal setting makes fitness sense

... if someone has been a complete couch potato

they will not be taking part in the Olympics any

time soon ...

“”


27-35 Queen Street, Warkworth | Phone 09 425 8344

LEE & HART PHARMACY

Introducing the Personal Robotic

Medicine Dispensing

System

Now families can have greater peace of mind

with a modern, versatile medication system that assists you to

take the RIGHT medicine at the RIGHT time.

This system is very easy to use, the sachets are easy to open

and you can clearly see what is inside. I also include my daily health supplements alongside my

prescribed medication.Don Hawkings - Warkworth Resident

Watch the video of how it works www.leehartpharmacy.co.nz www.leehartpharmacy.co.nz www.leehartpharmacy.co.nz www.leehartpharmacy.co.nz www.leehartpharmacy.co.nz

One Month FREE Trial! (normal prescription

charges apply)

30 MINUTE FITNESS AND WEIGHT LOSS CENTRE DESIGNED FOR WOMEN.

NEW YEAR

*Offer valid between 1/01/15 and 28/02/15 at participating clubs only. Available to new members only, who sign up to a minimum 12-months Curves Fitness or Curves Complete package. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Membership payable via direct debit billed @ $79/month (Fitness package) plus discounted $30 joining fee to be paid at time of signing up or $99 per month (Curves Complete package) plus discounted $30 joining fee to be paid at time of signing up. Ask in Club for full Terms and Conditions. © Curves, through its agent in Australia & New Zealand, Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centre Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Weight Loss programs take time and personal commitment to be effective and require professional advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Individual results may vary.

Michelle has gained new health, happiness and fitness with Curves.

Let us help you reach your goals

this year.

NEW YEAR

MICHELLECURVES CHARTWELL, NZ

WEIGHT LOST: 46.1 KG CM LOST: 228.4 CM

ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER

WARKWORTH09 422224946 MORRISON DRIVE


NEW YEAR




this year.



ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER



NEW YEAR




this year.



ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER



NEW YEAR




this year.



MICHELLECHARTWELL, NZ

WEIGHT LOST: 46.1 KG 228.4 CM

ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER



NEW YEAR




this year.



ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER

WARKWORTH09 422224946 MORRISON DRIVE30 MINUTE FITNESS AND WEIGHT LOSS CENTRE DESIGNED FOR WOMEN.

NEW YEAR

*Offer valid between 1/01/15 and 28/02/15 at participating clubs only. Available to new members only, who sign up to a minimum 12-months Curves Fitness or

Curves Complete package. Not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Membership payable via direct debit billed @ $79/month (Fitness package) plus discounted

$30 joining fee to be paid at time of signing up or $99 per month (Curves Complete package) plus discounted $30 joining fee to be paid at time of signing up. Ask

in Club for full Terms and Conditions. © Curves, through its agent in Australia & New Zealand, Jenny Craig Weight Loss Centre Pty Ltd. All rights reserved. Weight

Loss programs take time and personal commitment to be effective and require professional advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle changes. Individual results may vary.

Michelle has gained new

health, happiness and

fitness with Curves.

Let us help you

reach your goals

this year.

MICHELLE

CURVES CHARTWELL, NZ

WEIGHT LOST: 46.1 KG

CM LOST: 228.4 CM

ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER

WARKWORTH

09 422224946 MORRISON DRIVE


NEW YEAR




this year.



Michelle has gained new Michelle has gained new health, happiness and fitness with Curves.


ONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER


OR WOMEN.


NEW YEAR




this year.



FOONLY $30TO JOIN*

Limited time only

SPECIAL

FIRST TIME OFFER


Health from the feet upThere are ultimately two aspects to being a health professional that I love. The obvious is helping people realise their best health possible. The other is the fact that no matter how much I study and practice, I will never come close to knowing everything. Every day I learn something and some days I learn something that is quite profound.Last year I had such an experience (of the profound type) after attending a course on corrective prescription orthotics. I use the full title as I have used and dispensed many different orthotic devices for over 15 years, but I have found few that are really effective at correcting problems.For the last 20 years, I have understood that the way the foot and ankle move is critical to the functioning of the entire body. But I never knew how critical the foot and ankle movement is to the actual body alignment. Along came another learning opportunity ...Back in the 90’s when I was at physio training school I discovered that I had one leg that was 1.5cm longer than the other. I thought that this difference was just due to one leg growing longer than the other. This was proven incorrect 22 years later – last year, in fact – when I corrected my foot biomechanics.Although I had worn different types of orthotics over the years, none were custom made to the degree that my current pair has been. Also, I hadn’t realised the subtle differences that I had between each foot. I certainly hadn’t realised that one foot was causing undue hip stress and was giving the appearance of the extreme leg length difference.The result is that instead of a 1.5cm difference, I now have about a 0.5cm difference in leg length. While that may not sound very impressive (it is very important biomechanically), it has a huge benefit to my wellbeing and function. The lower back ‘niggles’ after standing for long periods have gone and the neck stiffness and pain is much better too.In our clinic, we are finding some great benefits for clients as well. Approximately 75 per cent of people will have some foot and ankle biomechanical problems that can be affecting other areas of their body. In many of these cases, people with the persistent and hard to remove aches and pains are responding better to treatment.We can now ‘scan’ your foot and ankle movement as you walk over a highly sensitive pressure plate. This gives us a ‘never seen before’ understanding of how each foot moves in real time. It is this precision that allows for a more specific solution to be found. Look after your feet and they will look after you!

HealthEugene Sims, Warkworth Natural Therapies

www.wnt.co.nz

Health resources listedHealth Link North is currently developing a ‘Parents and Family’ brochure for distribution throughout the Rodney District and Hibiscus Coast later this month. Production of the brochure has been funded by the Hibiscus & Bays and Rodney Local Boards and Pub Charity. Around 7500 brochure will be produced, providing an easy to follow information listing of all health and social services available for parents and families in the district. This will include information for families, women and mothers, counselling and advice, ethnic based cultural support services, disability services and teen parent education.

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs 5.30am-8pm, Fri 5.30am-7pm, Sat & Sun 8am-12 noon, Public Holidays 8am-12 noonUnit 1/9-23 Morrison Drive, Warkworth

09 422 2600 www.gymspot.co.nz

Talk to the team about the best option for

you at your newest cleanest training facility run by locals!


Martin GreenleafD.Ac., Bac.Ac., Acupuncturist Member of NZ Register of AcupuncturistsRegistered ACC Referral Provider

OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Lavender House 27 Lilburn Street

Warkworth09 422 3729 09 480 2255

[email protected]

I treat the following: • Musculo-Skeletal-Arthritis – lower back pain, joint sprains, and tennis elbow

• Respiratory – Sinus, hayfever, cough, colds & fl u, asthma and skin conditions

• Gastrointestinal – constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, gastric refl ux

• Womens’ Health – Babies, pregnancy, period and fertility problems

• Neurological - Headaches, shingles, nerve pain

• Psychological – Stress, anxiety, depression

• Metabolic Disorders – Chronic fatigue syndrome, adrenal insuffi ciency, hormonal irregularities

• Age Related Disorders – Tinnitus, ménière’s disease, low energy, eye & ear problems

www.martingreenleafacupuncture.co.nz

Bernadette MaunsellMobile Massage availableNOW @ XS Cuts...Massages available while you get a new hairdo.

Gift Vouchers AvailablePh 021 230 9098 www.rejuvenateme.co.nz

Rejuvenate Me!mobile massage & universal body sculpting wrap

relax...enjoy...be pampered

Sun-smart sensors help keep kids safeTwo Mahurangi childcare centres have a new gadget to keep children sun-smart this summer. Kowhai Kids Educare and Natures Nest Early Learning Centre are among 100 early childcare centres to receive UV sensors developed by innovation company Spark 64 and co-funded by suncare brand Banana Boat.The UVLens detects ultraviolet radiation levels from the sun and sends the information to the teachers smart-phone or tablet so they know when levels are at their highest and can get the children into shade.Kowhai Kids senior teacher Lisa Treadwell says it has been a useful tool for teaching the children about UV radiation.“It’s made us more aware of when UV levels are at their highest. There have been days where it’s still been really high at 3pm and we’ve given the kids another round of sunscreen.Sun protection is recommended for UV readings

above three, while above 10 is extremely high. The average UV levels at midday in Auckland is between eight and 10 from November to February, while from May to August levels are about one to two.But Spark 64 chief executive Daniel Xu says the innovation behind the sensor is about much more than simply measuring UV levels.“According to the Melanoma Foundation six Kiwis are diagnosed with melanoma every day and sunburn in childhood can contribute towards the cumulative effect of sun exposure over a lifetime. “This is a real problem for our next generation,” Mr Xu says. “Our goal is not just to measure UV levels and deliver information but to reinforce sun smart habits and education in communities using innovative solutions that are easy to use and compatible with everyday devices.”

Instructor Helen Howard leads the Monday class.

Exercise for all agesTaoist tai chi exponents will give a public demonstration in the Warkworth town centre on Saturday, February 14. The event will mark World Tai Chi Awareness Day.Group member Jenny Green says Taoist tai chi is a type of moving meditation that addresses body, mind and spirit.“It’s suitable for people of any fitness level and all ages,” she says. “Our youngest member is 12 and our oldest is 92.”Tai chi involves the repeated practise of a 108-move set. Participants learn at their own pace, in a social and supportive environment, normally inside but often outside when the weather allows.Each session is about an hour-and-a-half long and is lead by an instructor who demonstrates each move several times. Jenny says the regular practise of Taoist tai chi arts can bring a wide range of health benefits to the muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. It takes about three to four months in a Beginner Class to learn the basic movements, which is recommended before joining the regular group session. As people become more confident with the moves, they can extend their understanding of the techniques and add additional exercises to aid in developing the health benefits.Local classes are held in Warkworth and Wellsford (see ad page 26), and a beginners’ class will be starting in late February/early March. The Warkworth demonstration will include a sausage sizzle outside the Warkworth Butchery, which starts at 10.30am.

Kowhai Kids Educare teacher Lisa Treadwell shows Taylor, Shaydon, Niamh and Samantha how the UV levels spike during the middle of the day.


CAB Wellsford and Warkworth are looking for men and women to join our team of volunteers, to assist people in our community and to help them fi nd soluti ons to their problems. If this sounds like something you might like to give some ti me to, come and

visit or give us a call NOW. Our services cover from Puhoi to the Brynderwynns and Coast to Coast.

Volunteers WantedA Hive of Information

09 423 7333 or 0800 367 222 • [email protected] • www.cab.org.nz

WellsfordWellsford Community Centre 1 Matheson Rd, Wellsford 0900

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-3pm

Warkworth Satellite ServiceQueen Street, Warkworth Auckland Council Building,

The Board RoomOpening hours: Wed & Fri 10am-1pm

(formerly Kowhai Kids Homebased)

“Brand new name... same great people”

If you are looking for quality home-based childcare in

Rodney, Kaipara, Auckland, then look no further. Small ratios. Great educational

programme. Winz subsidies available. 20 hours free.

Contact Carolyn 027 208 6747 or kiwikidzhomebased.co.nz

New Classes ENROL NOW

4 BAxter Street

09 425 9440 [email protected]

4 2 6 9 8 7 1 5 35 1 7 3 4 6 9 8 28 9 3 5 1 2 6 7 4

6 7 5 4 2 9 3 1 81 3 8 7 6 5 4 2 92 4 9 8 3 1 5 6 7

9 8 2 6 5 4 7 3 17 6 1 2 9 3 8 4 53 5 4 1 7 8 2 9 6

solutionSudoku

Snorkel tour through water wonderlandsThousands of fish and crystal clear water make the Whangateau harbour one of the prime fish nurseries and snorkelling spots around, says Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme director Samara Nicholas.EMR is holding a free guided snorkel day at Whangateau Estuary on Saturday February 7.Masks, snorkels, wetsuits and flippers are free to hire and an experienced guide will take snorkellers around the estuary.Samara says Whangateau is one of her favourite estuaries to snorkel.“It’s a completely different experience to snorkelling on a rocky reef,” she says.“There are many different marine species and the harbour is full of juvenile fish.”The snorkel trail goes through a stand

of mangroves which are a hotspot for a diverse range of marine life. Snorkellers then go out to a sandstone reef, near the river channel, where there is a forest of Neptune’s necklace and schools of parore, tarakihi and snapper. “It’s beautifully clear because all the cockles are filtering the water.”According to Mark Morrison from NIWA, who did his masters thesis on parore, the Whangateau Harbour produces all the parore for the coast from Pakiri to Kawau Bay. Marine bi ologist Dr Roger Grace has been snorkelling in Whangateau Harbour for 40 years and says it’s a magical experience.“It’s one of the few places in the Auckland area that you can enjoy snorkelling among the mangroves,” Roger says.

“Looking through mangrove roots in the blue-turquoise water is a magic scene.”EMR is a national programme of experiential learning about marine conservation and has taken over 19,000 students on guided snorkel tours.The organisation has recently received a $14,000 funding boost from the Bobby Stafford Bush Foundation to hold community snorkel days in the Hauraki Gulf.As a result, there will be four free snorkel days in Mahurangi this year, with events at Tawharanui on March 8, Mathesons Bay on March 21 and Goat Island on March 22.The Whangateau snorkel day is on Saturday February 7 from the Whangateau domain from 9am to 12pm. Info: [email protected] or 433 8205.

A free guided snorkel day is being held at Whangateau Harbour this month.

Documents

Mahurangi Matters, Wellness Feature, 2015