Category: #nznews

NEWS

Challenge Whangamata is disappointed about a video on the Stuff website on Sunday October 11, which the owner believes is misrepresentative of his family-owned business in Whangamata.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/123024733/dont-hold-your-breath-for-cheaper-fuel-motorists-warned

Challenge Whangamata Owner Simon Bratton said, since he had bought the Z petrol station on May 1, 2020, and rebranded it to Challenge, he had introduced a more competitive pricing strategy.

“It used to be quite expensive here but six months on we have repaired the reputation of the site.”

Challenge Fuel is an independent company which has 80 petrol stations nationwide, making up for just 2% of the market.

Bratton said his 91 Unleaded Petrol today was actually 2 cents cheaper than Katikati, 7 cents cheaper than Whitianga and 18 cents cheaper than Hahei – and only 1 cent dearer than Waihi, not the 30 cents implied by the video.

“It costs more to get fuel here than Waihi. The focus should be more on the fact that it’s competitive.”

Bratton said he was not happy about the way his business was used as an example of high petrol prices.

“There is no way they should be using my site and reputation as an example of an uncompetitive practice.”.

(Source)

SQUASH

Over 300 matches played in a condensed three days of competition meant there was no easy road to a title at the AON New Zealand Junior Squash Nationals came to a conclusion in Christchurch.

The 170 players who took part in the tournament from Whangarei in the north, to Invercargill in the south proved there is a good spread of talent around the country and some potential talent for the future of the sport.

In what can sometimes be regarded as the premier titles prior to players turning professional top seed Elijah Thomas (Eden Epsom in Auckland) scored a straight game win over Leo Fatialofa from the Henderson club to claim the prestigious U19 Boys trophy.

It was just reward for Thomas still 17-years-old but ranked just inside the world’s top 250 PSA men’s senior rankings after he lost the previous year’s final to Glenn Templeton.

On a normal day Thomas’s finals rival, Fatialofa would play a match of shot making and winners from all corners of the court, however he appeared somewhat subdued and tried to out-rally Thomas who was precise and efficient with his shots for a 11-3, 11-3, 11-5 victory.

The girls U19 final had 16-year-old top seed Natalie Sayes from Auckland taking the title in four games over Thames Valley’s Georgia Robcke The match itself was a messy affair with neither player able to gain control and keep it. Sayes grabbed an early 6-0, but then dropped the next six points as the left handed Robcke, 18 came back into the match.

Eventually Sayes with a PSA world ranking of 308 came through with the victory 11-9, 11-4, 8-11, 11-6 in an match the Auckland player was relieved to win.

Hamilton’s top ranked Sophie Hodges won the U17 Girls title in a display which was competent and professional to negate the power of Hawke’s Bay second seed Jena Gregory 11-7, 11-6, 11-6.

The U17 Boys was a display of contrasting styles as Henderson second seed Mason Smales created opportunities with his left-handed shot-making while Marlborough’s top seed Paul Moran showed grit to stay in the match. Smales eventually winning in an entertaining encounter 11-5, 11-9 7-11, 11-6.

In the younger age grades, Auckland’s No.1 ranked Agatha Griffiths beat Casey Ellery (Christchurch) in straight games for the U11 title, while Bay of Plenty top seed Zeima Waitai defended his U11 Boys title with a four game defeat of Christchurch player Dominic Lim with both players displaying plenty of squash knowledge and tactics.

Auckland’s No.1 seed Zoe Lepper scored a marathon five-game win over Whanganui’s Aria Bannister in the U13 Girls after saving a couple of match balls in the fourth game while in the battle of the two Central Districts players, Brodie Bennett was victorious in the U13 Boys over Maximus Mathews in five games.

Wellington’s Madison-Lee Coe was able to counter the power of Auckland rival, Maia Smales to take the U15 Girls championship in four games while the battle of the two Marlborough players had the tall Chris Hebberd triumph over Charlie Prince 11-9, 11-7, 12-10.

Players now remain in Christchurch for the national teams event and for some of the leading competitors preparation for the NZ Senior Nationals in Auckland at the end of the month.

(Source)

NEWS

October is going to be a big month for Masterton-based Fernglen Farm as they expand rapidly into 15 more New World stores in the North Island.

“At Fernglen Farm we are excited to get our product out there more in the market this summer and make it more easily available for people to pick up from their local supermarket,” says Cameron Ravenwood from Fernglen Farms.

Sheep milk from Fernglen Farm comes from grass-fed sheep and is free of GMO’s, antibiotics and added hormones. And with this planned expansion, it’s going to be easier than ever to get your hands on this high quality prebiotic flavoured sheep milk.

Crafted and inspired by the goodness and wholesomeness of nature, sheep milk from Fernglen Farm is highly nutritious and comes packed to the brim of health benefits.

Fernglen Farm sheep milk is not only good to drink, but you can also feel good buying it due to their unwavering commitment to animal welfare and environmentally sustainable practices.

Nestled on the Wairarapa Coast, the pampered sheep at Fernglen Farms, graze on lush pasture at this little slice of kiwi paradise. All animals on the farm are treated with high ethical standards. “Our stock grazes as nature intended, only intervening if to ensure the health and well-being,” adds Cameron.

Also available in chocolate, vanilla and coffee flavours, “we only use natural ingredients to add a range of delicious flavours,” adds Cameron.

Fernglen Farm will be in attendance at The Wellington Food Show from Friday the 30th of October to Sunday the 1st of November and will also be at The Auckland Food Show from Friday 19 November to Sunday 22nd November.

If your curious about sheep’s milk or want to give it a go, just hop on the Fernglen Farm website and find a stockist near you. https://fernglenfarm.co.nz/store-locator/

Contact Fernglen Farm

Fernglen Farm Sheep Milk

0274 393 312

fernglenfarm1@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/Fernglenfarm/

https://www.instagram.com/fernglenfarm/

Contact MediaPA:

Phone: 0274 587 724

Email: phillip@mediapa.co.nz

Website: www.mediapa.co.nz

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MediaPA

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/TheMediaPA

(Source)

ACCOMMODATION – AUCKLAND

2020 has been a total disaster for the Auckland tourism market and hotels in particular. But opening a new hotel is a long term proposition with years of planning and construction. So inspite of the current economic climate Auckland has already seen two new hotels open this year.

The long overdue, but totally worth the wait, 5 star Park Hyatt Auckland. Located where the Viaduct Harbour meets Wynyard Quarter this is the new heart of Auckland’s waterfront. Perfectly located for the Americas Cup.

And the sensational Hotel Britomart, with its soothing natural feel, it’s a romantic oasis in the heart of Auckland’s Britomart. The building itself is a a fabulous addition to the city. It’s brand new but oozes character and charm with it’s all brick exterior.

But the year isn’t over yet and there are still several hotels due to open before 2020 is over.

Travelodge Wynyard Quarter is a great new 4 star option. Set to open in October, offering well priced accommodation, in an excellent location. It’s one block back from the edge of the waterfront. A really short walk away from all that Wynyard Quarter and the Viaduct have to offer.

QT Auckland is also set to open prior to Christmas. It’s taking bookings now for November. This is another welcome addition to the Viaduct and should introduce a little price competition for others in the area. It’s a design lead 5 star hotel with a luxurious but slightly whimsical feel.

With more Hotels coming in 2021, including a new Sudima Hotel, and Horizon Hotel at SkyCity the Auckland Hotel market is set to get a lot more competitive.

(Source)

RUGBY

The QBE North Harbour Mitre 10 Cup team will be scoring tries for more than just a win when they take on Hawkes Bay on Saturday at 2.05pm at North Harbour Stadium.

For every try scored by Harbour against Hawkes Bay, QBE Insurance will donate $2000.00 to its charity, Orange Sky. This will feature on the big screen at North Harbour Stadium as well.

Orange Sky provides free laundry, warm showers and companionship to people experiencing homelessness. https://orangesky.org.nz/ It also highlights that Saturday 10 October is official World Homeless Day.

“Part of what we do at Orange Sky is we communicate with the homeless. We work with other organisations and provide a safe place for the homeless to get washing done, have a shower and they can use our services for free,” said Eddie Uini, Orange Sky NZ manager.

“There’s a lot of people doing it tough at the moment. We have a weekly schedule around Auckland working with different groups, bringing companionship, washing and showers. Things which others take for granted. It goes a long way.

It’s a massive opportunity for us being partnered with QBE and the effort from North Harbour rugby. it’s a big thing for us, we say all the best to the team.”

It’s an important match for both teams in the Mitre 10 Cup as the home team beat defending champions, Tasman last week and Hawkes Bay won the Ranfurly Shield in their last game.

The game kicks off at 2.05pm at North Harbour Stadium with a crowd allowed for the first time this season. There is also a Farah Palmer Cup game earlier in the day as the Harbour Hibiscus take on Waikato in their final match of the season – kickoff at 11.35am. Tickets on sale at the gate or through iticket https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2020/oct/qbe-harbour-v-hawkes-bay

North Harbour will be giving out orange T-shirts to members of the crowd to highlight the homeless in New Zealand.

(Source)