News category
Hi all,
We are due to have our next walk on Monday but being Easter Monday, that is not happening. I have rescheduled the walk for Monday the 17th April.
Where - This is going to be a magical mystery walk, in other words a new walk that I haven't done before so we will see where we go when we get there.
We will be going to the new Waitekohehohe Recreational Park that has recently been opened by the Western Bays Council. More information can be found at their website
https://www.waitekohekohe.nz/bush-walking-trails
Meeting place will be in the Equestrian Carpark (see attached map) which is at 252 Thompsons Track Rd.
TIme - 930am
Distance - we will see on the day but planning on around 1 hour.
Footwear - don't know what we will encounter so boots will be recommended and walking poles if you have them.
Toilets - looks like they are in the car park.
Cancellation - there will be email no later than 730am on the day if the walk is cancelled.
I have also invited my U3A Mini Hikes 1 group to this walk
Car pooling from Omokoroa - let me know, I can take 4 passengers.
Please let me know if you are doing this walk.
Steve Subritzky
Ph 021 159 5613
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Our next Mini Hike will be next Wednesday, the 6th April. We will be walking around the Redwoods at Rotorua. Note I have a route that avoids the Heart Attack hills that are in the area, it is mainly flat.
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23 February 2023
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RE THE WORK & TRAINING
OF THE COASTGUARD RADIO OPERATOR VOLUNTEERS
(from Tania Williamson, Operations Support)
Hi Christine
Thank you for your reply and in response to both questions, I have attached more information regarding the roles of volunteers within our organisation. They do not need to have experience, we fully train all our volunteers, we do however request that they are computer literate and have a passion for what we do, everything else can be learned.
We provide full intensive group and one on one training sessions here at our HQ in Sulphur Point Marina. We also meet once a month as a group on a Wednesday afternoon, to do some training, answer any questions and basically get together as a group to provide support and feedback. The shifts are entirely up to you, as to what you would like to do; we run 2 shifts per day, 6.30am – 12.30pm and 12.30pm – 6pm, you are supported by our admin team which consists of myself (working Monday to Wednesday) and our Operations Manager, Dane Robertson who is full time. Some of our Radio Operators are here once a week for either a am or pm shift, some come fortnightly and some do fill ins and others just help out when people are away. Training on average takes about 3 months, but depending on the person it could take longer or shorter time frame.
The job involves answering boating traffic via VHF channel 01 and logging these trip reports, doing weather reports, shipping movements and assisting if there is a call out. The Radio Operator is the first point of call in this situation, so able to cope in a stressful situation, if it arises.
We currently have 20 wonderful radio operators and 38 amazing boat crew volunteers, we look after our volunteers, and have a lot of fun, enjoying a few social events throughout the year. We are very much family focussed, as we couldn't do what we do, without the support of the families, so they are always invited to our events and are welcome down at HQ anytime.
Dane often speaks at group meetings, (eg. Probus etc.), so if you are interested in him attending one of your meetings, to find out more about what we do, we would be happy to do this.
I hope this provides you with enough information.
We appreciate your support, but also understand if this is something you do not wish to progress.
Kind regards
TANIA WILLIAMSON | Operations Support
TAURANGA VOLUNTEER COASTGUARD
Please note: I work Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday – 8am – 4pm
72 Keith Allen Drive, Sulphur Point, Tauranga | PO Box 831, Tauranga, 3144
T. 07 578 5579 Extn: 2 | www.taurangacoastguard.co.nz| VHF Channels 01 & 62
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THE INFORMATION BELOW IS THE SAME COPY THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD RECEIVE PRIOR TO STARTING THE SURVEY.
Does how you treat yourself affect your mental health? The relationship between self-compassion and mental health among a community sample of older adults.
Who am I and why am I doing this research?
My name is Dominik Hamlin, from Auckland, New Zealand. I am conducting this research as part of the requirements for a Master in Science majoring in psychology at Massey University. My research is supervised by Prof Fiona Alpass, Professor of Psychology at the School of Psychology, Massey University.
The purpose of this research is to improve our understanding of factors that protect against mental illness in older adults. Currently, there is limited research focusing on factors, such as self-compassion, that may protect against anxiety and depression. It is my hope that your participation in this research will advance our knowledge of how self-compassion may protect against mental illness and inform future research as well as interventions for older adults.
What is this research about?
This research explores the relationships between self-compassion, or treating oneself with kindness and acceptance, and mental health, including wellbeing, anxiety and depression among a community sample of older adults. This research will also look at self-compassion’s connection with how we manage our emotions to better understand the link between self-compassion and anxiety and depression.
Do you have to take part?
Your participation is entirely voluntary.
Who can take part?
You are eligible to participate in this research if you are:
- 65 years or older
What will participation involve?
You will be invited to complete an anonymous online survey that will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The survey will involve questions about demographics, wellbeing, anxiety, depression and self-compassion as well questions relating to how you manage your emotions. Every question is close-ended and you’ll be asked to select the answer that best fits your situation. You will be provided with detailed instructions on how to answer each section of the survey.
It is not expected that the questions in this survey will cause psychological distress. However, if you experience psychological distress from participating in this research you are encouraged to contact 0800 543 354 (Lifeline), 0800 111 757 (Depression Helpline), or for advice on navigating the healthcare system for further support, 0800 725 463 (Seniorline). All of these services are confidential and you do not need to provide your personal details to access support.
What about my privacy?
All of your responses in this survey will be anonymous. All data collected will only be used for research purposes and will stored securely. After a five year period it will be destroyed.
After completing the survey you will have the opportunity receive a summary of the research findings. As an expression of thanks, you will also be able to enter a prize draw to win one of five $50 gift vouchers. Your contact details for this prize draw and research findings are independent of the initial survey and therefore your anonymity will be protected. There is no link between the two data sets other than the time and date. It has been confirmed from previous survey research that contact details provided for a prize draw could not be linked to responses on the initial survey.
Completion and return of the questionnaire implies consent. You have the right to decline to answer any particular question.
Thank for your time and consideration.
Kindest regards,
Dominik Hamlin
Contact information
If you have any questions or queries regarding this project, please do not hesitate to contact the following:
Researcher
Dominik Hamlin
School of Psychology
Massey University
Extramural, Albany
New Zealand
Email:
Supervisor
Prof Fiona Alpass
School of Psychology
Massey University
Wellington
New Zealand
+64 69518062
Email:
This project has been reviewed and approved by the Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern B, Application SOB 22/10. If you have any concerns about the conduct of this research, please contact Dr Gerald Harrison, Chair, Massey University Human Ethics Committee: Southern B, telephone 06 356 9099 x 83570, email
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Tuesday 14 February 2023
Good morning,
I hope you are well. My name is Dominik Hamlin and I am conducting research as part of the requirements towards a Master of Science majoring in Psychology at Massey University. My research is focused on protecting the mental health of older (65+) New Zealanders and it is currently supervised by Prof Fiona Alpass at the School of Psychology at Massey University.
I am emailing you as I would like to check whether you will be able to assist with advertising my research project through the U3A Tauranga, possibly via email or newsletter communication within the U3A Tauranga.
To provide a bit of context, my research titled: Does how you treat yourself affect your mental health? The relationship between self-compassion and mental health among a community sample of older adults.
We are looking for anyone who is 65 years or older to complete an online, anonymous survey. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and will involve a few demographic questions, measures on wellbeing, anxiety, depression and self-compassion as well questions relating to how you manage your emotions.
Look forward to hearing from you. Please let me know if you have any questions and/or if you require any additional information.
Kindest regards,
Dominik Hamlin
Further Information about the survey is here
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U3A Walking group, next walk Monday 27th March
Details are as follows
The walk will be along the Cycle trail, meet outside the Waikino Railway Station in the gorge at 930am. DO NOT BE LATE. We will leave without you if you are late.
Distance approx 5km, we will be crossing the highway and river by bridge walking to the Owharoa Falls, then return with time to explore the Victoria Battery on the way back.
Walking shoes and boots are OK.It is an all weather gravel track.
Morning tea will be at the Railway station.
Toilets, start/finish
Cancellation - there will be email no later than 730am on the day if the walk is cancelled.
I have also invited my U3A Mini Hikes 1 group to this walk
Car pooling from Omokoroa or Katikati - let me know, I can take 4 passengers.
Please let me know if you are doing this walk.
Steve Subritzky
Ph 021 159 5613
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Travel Group (Tauranga):
Ever wondered if it's worth paying extra for a better seat in a plane? Which planes should you avoid, like 777's and why? Are you better to book directly with an airline or through a travel agent? Who's the best agent in our area? What should you look out for when cruises are offered at discount prices? What's the best cruise for first timers? These are just some of the questions you can find out about from experts and fellow travellers at the Travel Group.
As well as a guest speaker each month, either a member or invited guest, we'll have time to ask any travel related questions and learn from each other's experiences.
We also plan to have one trip overseas each year and one trip within NZ each year at prices that aren't over the top. For 2023 we'll be going to Canada for 3 weeks in September in conjunction with the Friendship Force, with 5 days in Winnipeg, and 5 days in Haliburton Highlands, and independent travel of your own choice in between. The Freedom Force allows for homestays in Winnipeg and Haliburton Highlands, keeping accommodation costs to a minimum.
The theme for the March meeting is "Everything you wanted to know about cruises". We'd love to have new members along as this group is only just getting under way.
We meet in Omokoroa at the Library. Currently in the morning on the 3rd Thursday of the month but I'm circulating a noticeboard at the next General Meeting asking if a better date and time might suit.
Phone Chris Subritzky 021 255 6415.
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I only arrived home last Saturday night and have not had time to suss out bush walks, our next Mini Hike will be the Otumoetai Reserve walking almost to Bethlehem via walking tracks.
Start - The reserve at the end of Bay St, Matua.
Walk length - sorry I cannot remember but one to two hours
Surface is boardwalk and gravel so walking shoes are OK
Toilets - on the track at 1/3 and 2/3 distance.
I will sort out a cafe on the day, there are none close by.
Car pooling - I have not had time to contact those car pool organizers so the following instructions are from last year. Please contact the drivers to confirm arrangements.
For the Mount/Papamoa and other people, meet at the corner of Gloucester Rd and Sanhurst Dr.
Please let Barbara Ph 027 315 1136 know if you are carpooling with this group and she will tell you the meeting time.
From the Pyes Pa area, call Ed on '027 323 6053 if you want to carpool with him.
I can take 4 people in my car from Omokoroa, please call me on 021 159 5613 if you want a ride.
Remember a donation to the driver is recommended.
Can you please let me know if you are coming on the hike
Remember, cancellation emails due to bad weather will be sent out on the day no later than 730am. Note this is an all weather walk so the weather has to be very bad for it to be cancelled.
Steve Subritzky
Ph 021 159 5613
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I made it back home just as the weather turned back into summer. Our next walk will be next Monday, the 27th February.
The walk will be around the Waihi mine.
Meet outside the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre at 930am. DO NOT BE LATE. We will leave without you if you are late.
Distance approx 5km, some short hills.
Walking shoes and boots OK.It is an all weather gravel track.
We will decide on a cafe coffee/scone break after the walk but will be local.
Toilets, approx 100 to 200m away from the start/finish
Cancellation - there will be email no later than 730am on the day if either walk is cancelled but as the surface is all weather for both walks it is highly unlikely we will have a cancellation.
Car pooling from Omokoroa - let me know, I can have 4 passengers.
Steve Subritzky
Ph 021 159 5613
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Hi all,
Welcome to 2023 and I hope that you all had a great Christmas and New Year, even with the rain. As most of you know, I will be away for most of February so I have had Lorainne taking the first walk for me.
WATER - it is summer, our walks are around 1 hour, it will be hot, please bring plenty of water on our walks.
13th February:
Walk Leader - Lorainne and Ian Barnes Ph 07 548 2351 Please let Lorraine know if you are coming on this walk.
Tuaha Kauri Track which is at the very end of Hot Springs Rd, south of Katikati. The walk will be to the kauri grove and then maybe onto the stream, then return.
Start time - 930am, don't be late. Anyone more than 15 minutes late will be on their own.
Footwear - boots and walking poles are recommended but not essential.
Toilets - at the carpark
After-walk cafe will be decided on the day.
Cancellations - Cancellation emails will be sent out no later than 730am on the day.
This will be your only reminder as I will be away next week for a month with unknown or no internet and potential withdrawal symptoms coming up for me. My phone will definitely NOT be working from 22nd January until the middle of February so don't bother trying to even leave a message or text.
I will also be asking for your U3A receipt number as soon as I get back but if you already have then, can you please email them to me.
See you all in for our 27th February walk, details when I get back.
Steve Subritzky
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Dear U3A
It is with great excitement that I write to advise you of the 2023 celebration of 50 years of U3A worldwide.
The 2023 U3A Network Queensland State Conference, hosted and organized by U3A Rockhampton will welcome visitors from around the country and the world for this prestigious international event. The conference will be held May 8th to 11th.
The theme of the conference will be " U3A Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow."
Professor Francois Vellas, the U3A and AIUTA (Association of International Universities of the Third Age) world president will be the keynote speaker.
The celebrations will be held over two days in Rockhampton Queensland. Rockhampton is 700 kms north of Brisbane, and only a short drive to some of our famous beaches and a short boat trip to the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef.
It is many years since an international U3A conference has been held in Australia and we would be delighted to welcome your U3A members to Rockhampton, Queensland.
Details of this event can be found on the U3A Network Qld Inc. website at u3aqld.au
Registrations will open in February and further information regarding registration and costs will be available closer to that date on the above- mentioned website.
Please contact me if you would like to discuss attending.
Kind regards
Rhonda Weston AM
President: U3A Network Queensland Inc.
President: U3A in Toowoomba Inc.
International Governing Board Member
0412 794 037, 07 4613 6559
Web: u3aqld.au
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