Multiplied Falling into Autumn!

MARCH—APRIL 2011
Multiplied
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
The Ultimate Good Guy Gal
6
Boys vs. Girls?
8
Disaster Preparations
10
CMMBC Summer Fun
21
CMMBC News
25
Events calendar
28
Falling into
Autumn!
Our cover photo features 5-month-olds Ava and
Lucy Coombes with the Topp twins!
COUNTIES MANUKAU MULTIPLE BIRTH CLUB
P.O. Box 1223, Pukekohe
Email: countiesmanukaumbc@gmail.com
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE
Esther.williams@xtra.co.nz
askindeklerk@clear.net.nz
Tel: (09) 239-1091
Tel: (09) 235-0442
EQUIPMENT HIRE
Renee King
Ren_king@hotmail.com
Tel: (09) 238-8488
HUGGIES CONTACT
Esther Williams
Donnelle Belanger-Taylor
PRESIDENT
Esther Williams
GRANTS OFFICER
Louise Mackie
angelforever81@hotmail.com
Tel: (09) 267-0992
FUNDRAISING OFFICER
Lara Utatao
laraandmark@xtra.co.nz
Tel: (09) 233-6811
VICE-PRESIDENT
VACANT
GRANTS OFFICER
Elaine Rudkin
elainerudkin@xtra.co.nz
COMMUNITY LIAISON
Charlie Saunders
lwtwins@hotmail.com
Tel: (09) 235-2295
SECRETARY
VACANT
MEMBERSHIP OFFICER
Alicia Jeffery
alicia_j@windowslive.com
Tel: (09) 238-8363
WEBSITE MANAGER
VACANT
TREASURER
Robyn De Klerk
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Tel: (09) 239-1091
donnelle@kallisti.net.nz
Tel: (09) 267-9041
EVENT CO-ORDINATOR
Lara Utatao
CENTRAL CONTACT
Esther Williams
laraandmark@xtra.co.nz
Esther.williams@xtra.co.nz
Esther.williams@xtra.co.nz
Tel: (09) 233-6811
Tel: (09) 239-1091
JOIN OUR COMMITTEE! ANY ASSISTANCE WITH ROLES WOULD BE
APPRECIATED. CONTACT ESTHER WILLIAMS FOR MORE DETAILS.
Page 2
March—April 2011
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Hello and welcome to 2011! Congratulations to all those members who made it through
the holidays with school-aged children!
I must admit I am struggling to get back into the routine of work, school, sport and being a
mother! Yes it gets easier as they get older but then all of a sudden it seems to get harder
again! After watching Nigel Latta on Wednesday night (The Politically Incorrect Guide to
Teenagers) I have come to the conclusion that my older boys are hitting puberty very early!
On the positive side, George and Harry are becoming very independent ‘pre-schoolers’ and I have left the baby
days well and truly behind (with some reluctance and sadness!). I have just started sending them to daycare on
their own one day a week so that I can have some one-on-one time with the other. There is so much conflicting
research on whether to keep twins together or split them up at school. I have to admit that being able to have
them on their own before they start school is just wonderful. You see different glimpses of their personality and
their obvious care and concern for the absent brother is something I’m not sure I would have been aware of if they
weren’t separated now and then.
I’m excited about the up coming year with the club and am enjoying meeting with so many of you at our outings.
In our newsletter you will see an advert from ‘The Good Guys’. At the end of last year Louise Mackie kindly
nominated me in a competition to win $5000 to spend at their store. To be recognised in this way was a huge
honour and a truly humbling experience. I can’t thank Louise enough and would also like to thank the Manukau
Good Guys Store Manager, David, for the great time we had spending, and the ‘Aucklander’ Newspaper for their
articles and photos in support of our club! It was a wonderful Christmas for our family and it is something we will
always remember.
Your contributions to the newsletter are much appreciated. If you have any photos or stories you would like to
share, please forward them to Donnelle. Enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.
Take care,
Esther
Constant togetherness is fine - but only for Siamese twins. ~Victoria Billings
Finn, Harry, Thomas and George ready to go to my parents 40th Wedding
Anniversary
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by Counties Manukau Multiple
Birth Club (CMMBC). Unless stated, products advertised are not endorsed by CMMBC.
March—April 2011
Page 3
NEW MEMBERS
Evelina & Jason Heemi, along with Kipri and Zodie who are expecting twins in
April 2011
Michelle Williams & Jerry Collins, along with Fabian, Melissa and Kyle, who welcomed twin boys on the 8th of February
Sian & Justin Stewart, along with Max, who are expecting twins in May 2011
Louise & Stephen West, along with Ethan, Blake and Trent, who are expecting
twin boys in March
BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS
Michelle Williams & Jerry Collins welcomed twin boys on the 8th of February.
We would love to see you there, to share your
photos and stories with us. Just look up
“Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club” and
join us!
Page 4
March—April 2011
Exceptional service, exceptional prices
117 Cascades Road, Pakuranga
576 4002
March—April 2011
Page 5
The Ultimate Good Guy Gal!
In December 2010, The Aucklander community newspaper ran a city-wide search for the
“Ultimate Good Guy”. Our very own president, Esther Williams, was one of the three
winners, receiving a $5000 shopping spree from The Good Guys in Manukau.
Congratulations, Esther!
About Esther, by Edward Rooney
Esther Williams has the kind of energy that only true
multi-taskers can muster. For mums as far south as
Huntly, all the way into East and South Auckland,
Esther's calming, confident voice is a godsend to those
who've just been told they're having multiple babies.
"It's a real challenge. Twins or triplets can be a real
blessing, but they come with a lot of challenges," she
says.
Esther, 37, says she's humbled and "a bit embarrassed"
about being nominated for The Ultimate Local Good Guy
but is happy for an opportunity to highlight the needs of
multiple birth mums. "Being told the news can come as
quite a shock. There's also the fact that they are likely to
be premature and there are higher risks before and after
the birth."
A mother to four boys, including twins Harry and George, Esther is a relieving primary
school teacher. The Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club president also runs birth
education sessions through Plunket. Says nominator Louise Mackie, "Esther, you are a true
superwoman."
David Morris, from The Good Guys in Manukau, said, "There were many
deserving entries. What made Esther The Ultimate Local Good Guy winner is
the level of support she gives to new mums at a daunting time. Her
commitment to providing advice and helping ensure communities get
together and help birth mothers is fantastic.”
Page 6
March—April 2011
March—April 2011
Page 7
BOYS vs. GIRLS?
By DONNELLE BELANGER-TAYLOR
My twins are very different and are at differing stages of development; is that due to
gender, or is it just “one of those things”?
When I was pregnant with my eldest, Xander, we didn't find out what sex he was until he was
born. I told myself it didn't matter, but secretly I did have a preference for a boy. Why, I couldn't
tell you, since I also had firm ideas about how the physical sex of my child wouldn't affect what
opportunities they were given, and how we treated them. I assumed gender differences were due
to nurture, not nature.
It came as something as a shock when his preferences for traditionally male toys were expressed so early and so strongly. He
had plenty of opportunities for neutral and "feminine" toys, but
his toy pushchair was used to go "fast! fast!", and he ignored the
dolls that came with his dolls' house in favour of putting his
trains to bed.
Now, of course, I have boy/girl twins and the differences are
marked. I'm not sure how much of it is gender and how much is
just being (very) different people, but it really is amazing.
Vieve likes to play with dolls. When we get to Playcentre, she always makes a beeline for the family play area, and carries a baby
around with her for most of the session. One of her first words
was "baby". She likes to tuck her babies into bed and wave "nini". When she chooses a book, she always opts for one with faces or animals. Her language is far
more developed than Finn's.
Finn chooses books about trucks and other machines. He likes to
hit things with sticks, and to throw things. He likes driving toy
cars, and he's very interested in building towers, stacking cups,
and so on.
It's tricky, actually. There's a fine balance between treating them
the same, and responding to their different needs. For example,
Vieve can point to her head, shoulder, nose, eyes, ears, tongue,
hands, belly, knees, feet and toes. Finn sometimes points to his
nose, but he's just as likely to point to my nose... or his head.
Vieve makes appropriate animal noises, and is physically more
advanced; she climbs, tiptoes and kicks balls. She seems older
than Finn in many ways.
Page 8
March—April 2011
BOYS vs. GIRLS? (cont.)
We generally aim for "equal but different". It's easy to compare Finn with his sister- why isn't he
talking like her? - but I remind myself that they are different people. She's actually ahead of
schedule on many milestones, but then again, Finn's fine motor skills are more developed. He will
get there in his own time. Looking back at my personal blog, at the same age Xander was still at
the "I think he said 'car'" stage, too.
As parents of multiples, it’s even easier to fall into the trap of comparison than during bragging
sessions with your friends. Even identical twins may have very different needs, and it can be difficult to meet them.
I do worry sometimes that the differences between them are due to an unconscious gender bias
on my part. Maybe I talk to her more because she's female, and that's why her language is more
advanced. Perhaps I only think she likes dolls and he likes trucks because I just don't notice when
she plays with trucks and he plays with dolls. Or is it really just the way it is? I'm still confused as
to what role a preference for trucks plays in an evolutionary sense. Sticks, hitting things, throwing, that all makes sense, but trucks?
I guess all we can do is keep providing them with a wide range of opportunities, acknowledge and
embrace their differences, and keep loving them the best way we know how.
Finn always looked up to his sister...
March—April 2011
Page 9
DISASTER PREPARATIONS
With the recent events in Christchurch weighing heavily on my mind, I had to
mention it. There are harrowing stories emerging, and it has made me realise
how unprepared we are. Are you?
http://www.getthru.govt.nz/web/GetThru.nsf
A) Have a list of all the people in your household, and their phone numbers
B) Have agreed points of contact to meet or leave a message, including one
out of town
C) Know who is responsible for picking children up from school or daycare
D) Have a Getaway Kit that is regularly checked and replenished
E) Make sure everyone knows where the Getaway Kit is stored
F) Know which radio station (including AM/FM frequency) to tune into
G) Have a list of neighbours who may need help, or be able to help
H) Draw a plan of the house with places to shelter, exits, assembly points and
where to turn off the water, power and gas
I) Have a list of important phone numbers such as the local police station, medical centre, water supplier and so on
Page 10
March—April 2011
Getaway Kits
Everyone in the house should have a packed getaway kit, in an easily accessible place, which includes:
Torch and radio with spare batteries
Hearing aids and spare batteries, glasses or mobility aids
Emergency water and easy-to-carry food rations
Extra supplies of special dietary items
First aid kit and essential medicines
For infants or young children – formula and food, nappies
Change of clothes (wind/waterproof clothing and strong outdoor shoes)
Toiletries – towel, soap, toothbrush, sanitary items, toilet paper
Blankets or sleeping bags
Face and dust masks
Pet supplies
Important documents:
- Identification (birth and marriage certificates/driver’s licences and passports
- Financial ( insurance policies and mortgage)
- precious family photos
Food and water for 3 days or more
Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
Food, formula and drinks for babies and small children
Water (at least 3 litres per person, per day) for drinking
Water for washing and cooking
A primus or gas barbeque to cook on
A can opener
Consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic.
Check and replace food and water every twelve months.
How to store water
Wash bottles thoroughly in hot water. Fill each bottle with tap water until it overflows.
Add five drops of household bleach per litre of water (or half a teaspoon for 10 litres)
Store in a cool dark place and replace the water every 12 months
Other items
News items have suggested that the following items are useful:
Non-cordless phones (as they do not require electricity to work)
Hand sanitiser
Baby wipes
Buckets
March—April 2011
Page 11
March
2nd Seren and Gruffud Williams (2)
12th Vahn Waitai (4)
16th Tama Brown Jnr (3)
20th Stella Evie and Evie Violet (1)
22th Annabel and Rosalee Carruthers (2)
24th Claudia Potemani (5)
25th Phoebe Scott (8)
31st Aidan and Conrad (4)
April
5th Caleb Lambert (7)
9th Cruz Thompson (4)
15th Keegan and Tyron Baker (1)
27th Chloe and Hannah Lawrence (3)
27th Kyrah Cameron (6)
30th Cruz Piggot (4)
If your child is not listed here and their birthday falls
in March or April, it means our database is not up
to date. Please email the club with updated details
on countiesmanukaumbc@gmail.com.
IS NOW OPEN!!
Young Explorers provides quality care and education in an environment that
encourages active exploration and discovery.
We cater for children from 0-5 years of age from 7.30am-5.30pm.
We offer 20 hours ECE, WINZ subsidies and a 20% family discount for siblings.
For all enquiries please phone Natasha Jones on 2384852 or pop in for a visit at
Young Explorers, 566 Buckland Road, Pukekohe.
Page 12
March—April 2011
MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS
AquaNaut - (10% Discount)
10 Birmingham Ave, East Tamaki
(09) 274-7721
The Baby Factory - (10% Discount)
2 Railway St, Papakura, (09) 296-5054;
3 Ronwood Ave, Manukau, (09) 263-4850; Botany Town
Centre, 588 Chapel Rd, East Tamaki, (09) 274-6930.
www.babyfactory.co.nz
Baby Warehouse - (10% Discount)
www.babywarehouse.co.nz
Beauty On Demand - (10% Discount)
www.beauty-on-demand.com
Buggy Specialists -(10% Discount)
0800 BUGGYS
The Cot Factory - (10% Discount)
77B Wiri Station Road, Manukau
(09) 262-2480. www.thecotfactory.co.nz
Egg Maternity - (10% Discount)
11 Cook St, Howick;
2 Balm Street, Newmarket. www.eggmaternity.co.nz
Evenflo - (10% Discount)
(from Tas Baby Holdings Ltd).
25b Birmingham Road, East Tamaki
(09) 274-9062
Fitness Imports - (Excellent discounts off the list price)
3/11 Ronwood Ave, Manukau, (09) 263-6860;
26E William Pickering Drive, Albany
(09) 415-3486.
The House of Toys - (10% Discount)
29 Victoria Road, Devonport. (09) 445-3563.
www.houseoftoys.co.nz.
JK Kids - (10% Discount)
Shop 42 (Behind Whitcoulls), Botany Town Centre, (09)
274-0805;
21 Cavendish Dr, Manukau Supa Centre,
(09) 263-8317.
Little Tom - (10% Discount)
Clothes for your premature or small newborn baby.
www.littletom.co.nz.
Lush - (10% Discount)
277 Broadway, Newmarket, (09) 522-8580; Ground
floor, Landmark House, 189 Queen St,
Auckland,
(09) 303-3318.
March—April 2011
www.lushnz.com.
Mocka - Purchase two or more products for a 20%
discount (promo code = ‘multiple’). www.mocka.co.nz
Partsco - (10% Discount)
Car parts for all vehicles.
www.partsco.com
Tiddlers To Toddlers - 10% off clothing, 5% off
accessories & furniture
174 King Street, Pukekohe, (09) 238-6142.
Toy Hire Co. - (10% Discount)
Mt Wellington, (09) 573-6122;
Takapuna, (09) 489-3203;
Kelston, (09) 818-6909
www.toyhire.co.nz.
Toys NZ - Buy or hire fantastic known brand toys with
10% off for all CMMBC members! www.toysnz.co.nz
Toyworld - (10% Discount)
Manukau City, (09) 263-4175. www.toyworld.co.nz.
Winkalotts - 12.5% off Normal Retail on any double
purchases of similar type of product (eg: 2 toys; 2 high
chairs). Free Delivery over $100.
1 Silverdale Street, Silverdale. 0800 426 800.
www.winkalotts.co.nz
Wandering Kiwi - (30—35% discount)
PO Box 35981 Browns Bay, North Shore City Auck 0753
| Tel (09) 473 4320 | Mob (021) 134 7521 | FAX (09)
473 4390 | email: accounts@wanderingkiwi.co.nz |
web: www.wanderingkiwi.co.nz
Lilybel Studios - (10% discount)
Log onto www.lilybel.co.nz and create an account.
Once you have done this then email us through our
‘contact us’ link on our website and let us know you’re a
MBC member who has just set up an account. We will
then load the 10% discount permanently on your
account and then when you shop on the website the
price on each product will automatically show your 10%
discount.
Page 13
MANGERE BRIDGE TOY LIBRARY
Mangere Bridge Plunket Rooms, 5 Taylor Road,
mangerebridgetoylibrary@gmail.com
http://mangerebridgetoylibrary.blogspot.com/
OPEN: Every 2nd Wednesday 9:30—10:30am (even
weeks of the calendar); Sat 9:30—10:30am
OPEN: Thurs 10-12noon & 2-4pm
(School terms only, closed during school holidays)
HOWICK & PAKURANGA TOY LIBRARY
2/2 Trugood Place, East Tamaki, Auckland
Between the lunch bar and car yard behind Pots &
More.
Phone Number for New Members (021) 138-5231
www.howicktoylibrary.org.nz
howicktoy@yahoo.com.au
OPEN: Monday 9.30 - 11.30 am; Wednesday 7.00 8.30 pm; Saturday 9.30 am - 12..00 noon (except
public holidays)
PAPAKURA TOY LIBRARY
Elizabeth Campbell Centre, 2 Chapel Street,
Papakura.
Phone (09) 299-3635
papktoylibrary@xtra.co.nz
OPEN: Tues 9.30-11.30 am; Wed 6-8pm; Thurs 9.30
- 11.30 am; Sat 9.00 - 12.00 noon
MANAKAU CENTRAL TOY LIBRARY
FRANKLIN COMMUNITY TOY LIBRARY
Franklin Baptist Community Centre, Victoria St,
West Pukekohe.
www.toylibrary.co.nz
Papatoetoe Stadium Communities Rooms, Tavern
FREE NAPPIES FOR NEW MULTIPLES
Kimberly Clark will send out a carton (4 packets) of
Huggies nappies to each new family of multiples in
New Zealand (This offer is only available once).
Please contact Esther on (09) 239-1091 or e-mail
esther.williams@xtra.co.nz as soon as you can after
the babies’ birth as only newborn size is available.
Please note this offer is only available to CMMBC
members (you will need to provide us with your
membership number).
Page 14
March—April 2011
MULTIPLES IN THE NEWS
Gary McCormick and his wife, Katherine Cottier, welcomed
identical twin girls on February 11.
Florence Pearl Cottier McCormick and Kathleen Bridie Cottier
McCormick were born two minutes apart.
Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess
Mary of Denmark became the proud parents of boy/girl twins on January 8. The
boy was 47 cm long and weighed 2674
grams. The girl was 46 cm and weighed
2554 grams . Their names will not be announced until their christening in a few
months’ time.
Céline Dion plans to carry on breastfeeding her twins when she
starts her Las Vegas residency.
The My Heart Will Go On singer is due to start a three-year run of
concerts at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas on March 15 and intends to
keep nursing four-month old sons Nelson and Eddy for as long as
they need it, despite her gruelling schedule.
Advertising in the Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Newsletter:
If you are interested in advertising in the CMMBC Newsletter, please contact us on
countiesmanukaumbc@gmail.com or call (09) 239-1091.
COST:
2 Editions (½page) = $25.00 2 Editions (Full Page) = $35.00
4 Editions (½page) = $50.00 4 Editions (Full Page) = $70.00
6 Editions (½page) = $75.00 6 Editions (Full Page) = $105.00
March—April 2011
Page 15
Page 16
March—April 2011
MEMBER PHOTO
Vieve being classy as always
If you have any interesting stories, cute photos, great
recipes or tips, please share them with us! Contact the
club on countiesmanukaumbc@gmail.com
New Zealand Multiple Birth Club Association
If you have any queries or questions for NZMBA, please
contact them in confidence on
0800 4 TWINS or e-mail info@nzmba.org.nz
March—April 2011
Page 17
BABY-SIGN BASICS
FOOD
MOON
Tap your fingertips against your
mouth.
Make a crescent moon shape with
your hand and lift it up to the sky.
TWIN LOSS NZ
Twin Loss NZ is a nationwide support group for those who have suffered the loss of one, more or all of
their twins, triplets or higher multiples in a multiple birth from early pregnancy through to childhood
and beyond—including the loss of a twin sibling in adulthood.
Hearts & Wings is our magazine. It gives a place for the expression of our feelings, the telling of our
stories and is a way to acknowledge our lost twins.
Those who have lost twins may be connected together with others in a similar situation through reading
the magazine, or if they would like, through meetings or by phone or email.
On our website you will find more about us, as well as articles and information available to download for
families, health professionals and others.
Twin Loss NZ
P.O. Box 51-984, Pakuranga
Manukau, 2140, New Zealand
twinloss@xtra.co.nz
www.twinloss.co.nz
Contact:
Jan Liddell—(09) 411-9922
Rosemary Smart—(09) 576-6359
Page 18
March—April 2011
MEMBER PHOTO
Finn and Vieve Belanger-Taylor make the most of their watermelon!
March—April 2011
Page 19
CMMBC SUMMER FUN
Page 20
March—April 2011
CMMBC SUMMER FUN
The Morunga triplets, Teina, Niwa and Kai
Previous page:
Mason and Liam Talagi
Vieve Belanger-Taylor
Tyler and Harlem Hoggart
March—April 2011
Kyson and Levi Shaw
Harry and George Williams
Finn Belanger-Taylor
Page 21
Entitlements
Home Help:
Families who have triplets or under fives at home and then have twins are
entitled to a home help subsidy from WINZ. This is not income tested and
comprises of 240 hours for twins and 1560 hours for triplets.
Phone 0800-559-009 for more information.
Childcare Subsidies:
Through the WINZ ‘Working for Families’ assistance package you may be
entitled to childcare subsidies.
Antenatal & Postnatal Course
Page 22
March—April 2011
March—April 2011
Page 23
CLUB SUPPORT
Antenatal Support/Education
Charlie Saunders
lwtwins@hotmail.com
Elaine Rudkin
elainerudkin@xtra.co.nz
(09) 235-2295
(09) 294-6200
Premature Babies
Ali Larsen
(09) 239-0279
terungastud@inspire.net.nz
Caesarean Information & Support
Robyn de Klerk
askindeklerk@clear.net.nz
(09) 235-0442
Postnatal Depression
Elaine Rudkin
elainerudkin@xtra.co.nz
(09) 294-6200
Breastfeeding
Elaine Rudkin
Charlie Saunders
(09) 294-6200
(09) 235-2295
elainerudkin@xtra.co.nz
lwtwins@hotmail.com
Regional Breastfeeding Help & Assistance
 La Leche League, www.lalecheleague.org. For your nearest meeting: (04) 471-0690
 Pukekohe Maternity Hospital – (09) 238-9359. Monday support group: 10am—12pm
nd
th
 Papakura Maternity Unit – (09) 299-9102. Every 2 & 4 Tuesday of the month from 9.30am – 11am.
Ring for advice or an appointment
 B4Baby - FREE service based in Mangere at Turuki Health Care (09) 275-5788, also covering South
Auckland (Otahuhu, Papatoetoe, Otara, Manukau, Mangere and Manurewa). Call 0800B4Baby (0800242-229) for info.
Formula feeding
Robyn de Klerk
askindeklerk@clear.net.nz
(09) 235-0442
Reflux and allergy support
Elaine Rudkin
elainerudkin@xtra.co.nz
(09) 294-6200
Gastric Reflux Support Network NZ for Parents of Infants
& Children - 0800 380 517
National free calling line 9am—9pm Mon-Sat.
www.cryingoverspiltmilk.co.nz
Page 24
March—April 2011
CMMBC NEWS
Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club is going from strength to strength!

We gained approximately 40 new members (Jan 2010 – Jan 2011) and our
renewals also increased.

The club now has close to 100 members.

Fraternal twins outnumbered identical twins and we welcomed two sets of
triplets.

Just over half of these were first time parents and girls outnumbered boys
nearly 2:1!

Back in July we had seven sets of twins stay at Pukekohe Maternity Unit!

Thanks to Katy Newman for donating a port-a-cot and mattress to the club.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
The Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club will be holding our
AGM on April the 18th, 7:30pm at Two Fat Cows, 236 Great
South Road, Drury.
We need YOUR input. Please come along; we will make you
very welcome!
If you’d like more information, contact Esther Williams. Tel: (09) 239-1091, Email:
esther.williams@xtra.co.nz
March—April 2011
Page 25
WIN AN AU PAIR!
Note that this competition is only open to families with multiples!
Page 26
March—April 2011
COFFEE & PLAY GROUPS
MANUREWA
Coffee Group
Plunket Family Centre, 10 Halver Rd, Manurewa
Mon, 10.30am–12.30pm.
Contact Anne Smythe: (09) 263-8336
MANGERE
Playgroup & Coffee Group
Plunket, 5 Taylor Rd, Mangere
Weekly: Mon, Tues, Thurs, 9.30-11.30 am
Contact Frania (09) 275-7615
Playgroup
18a Bader Drive, Mangere
Weekly: Tues & Fri, 9.30am–11.30am
Contact Helen (09) 256-9964
Puzzle & Toy Library
5 Taylor Rd, Mangere
Open Mon 11:30—12:15 & Sat 9:30—10:30
Contact Debbie (09) 634-0094
HOWICK
Beachlands Playgroup
Beachlands Community Hall
Mon, 10-12
Contact Jenny (09) 536-6566
Multiple Birth Playgroup
Beachlands Memorial Hall
Second Wednesday of the month (starting 9 Feb), 9-11
$2 donation / koha (first 2 visits free)
Email Lee at blcarruthers@xtra.co.nz
Pakuranga Playgroup
Anchorage Park Community House
Fri, 9.30-11.30.
Contact Kristine,(09) 271-0640
Young Mums Coffee Group
Tuesdays 10 – 12
St Johns Church Hall, Bucklands Beach
Contact Sam on 027-244-2016
Thursday Coffee Group
Board room, Westfield Plaza
From 10am
Contact Nicola (09) 533-5919
BUCKLAND
Playgroup
Buckland Community Hall
Weekly: Wed, 9:30—11:30
Contact Catriona,(09)-238-9648
March—April 2011
PAPATOETOE
Plunket, Kolmar Rd, Papatoetoe
Weekly: Mon, 10-12
Contact Katrina: 0272-437-859
WAIUKU
St Johns Ambulance Hall, Constable Road
Coffee Group
Fridays, 11am
Tots & Tunes
Fridays, 10 - 10.30am
Contact 027-235-9741
WAIAU PA
Coffee Group
Plunket. Last Thurs of month,
from 10am.
Contact Kylee (09) 232-1808
PATUMAHOE
Coffee Group
Plunket, Rugby Hall, Patumahoe
Contact Sandra (09) 236-3306
AWHITU
Twiglets Coffee Group
Plunket Main Rd, Awhitu
Monthly/As required.
Contact Andrea, (09) 235-1696
PUKEKOHE
Plunket, Cnr Wesley & Edinburgh Streets
Tots ‘N’ Tunes
Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11am
New 2nd session: 12.30 - 1pm
Coffee Group
Tues & Thur, 11-12.30pm.
Contact Cathie (09) 238-1365
PAPAKURA
Coffee Group
Wed, 11am–12.30pm. Plunket, 20 Orchard Rise, Papakura.
Contact Nicole (09) 296-9197
Young Mums Coffee Group
Tues, 10.30–12.30.
Page 27
EVENTS CALENDAR
MONTHLY CMMBC MEETINGS
Our next monthly meetings are held on the 4th Monday in each month, so that'll be 28th
of March 2011 at Two Fat Cows, 236 Great South Road, Drury. The meeting will start at
7.30pm. Please feel free to come along and join us!
Our AGM will be on 17th April (NOT the 25th, due to ANZAC Day), same time, same place.
We are a great bunch of disheveled mums who enjoy a monthly meeting that always has wine, food, fun
and laughter!
CHIPMUNKS PUKEKOHE
Wednesday 16th March 10am. Club Contact: Louise Mackie ((09) 267-0992)
MORNING TEA
Thursday 17th March 10am, at Juliet Nawisielski’s house (Address: 286B Hill
Road, The Gardens, Manurewa). Contact no. 269 2607 or 021654414.
McDONALDS BOMBAY
Come along to Bombay McDonalds in April 2011 (date to be confirmed). Let
the kids play while you enjoy some much needed adult time! Club Contact:
Esther Williams Tel: (09) 239-1091, Email: esther.williams@xtra.co.nz
Page 28
March—April 2011
NOTICEBOARD
There are Multiple (Twin) Antenatal classes being run
alternating between Mt Albert and Takapuna. If
anyone is interested please contact MAMA Maternity
on (09) 815-8108 for more information.
Premature baby
nappies are available
from
www.babyonline.co.nz
There will be a bake sale to raise funds for the
Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Saturday 12
March, 9:30am onwards, Papakura RSA
carpark. Contributions welcome, or come
along to buy the tasty fare!
Papakura Playcentre is holding a fundraising garage sale at
15 Opaheke Road on Saturday, March 19th. Come along
and find a bargain!
DNA TESTING FOR MULTIPLES
Always wondered if your twins or triplets are identical?
Why not do a DNA test?
Contact: DNA Diagnostics Ltd
C/O Diagnostic Medlab
P.O. Box 14743, Panmure, Auckland
Phone: (09) 571-6474
Email: dna@dml.co.nz
March—April 2011
Page 29
EQUIPMENT HIRE
Equipment Hire
Contact Renee King: (09) 238-8488 / ren_king@hotmail.com
Double
Capsules with
Snap n Go
Base Units
Jolly Jumpers
Port-a-Cots
Strollers
Double Buggy
Exersaucers
Carry Cot for Mountain Buggy
Safety Gates
Double Umbrella
Kari Me Baby
Stroller
Carriers
(Slings)
Front Packs
Baby Swing
Please contact Renee for availability
Wandering Kiwi Toddler Locators
Baby Hammocks
Safety Harness
Safety Barriers
Bouncinettes
Wooden Play-
Anywhere Chairs
pens
(Portable High Chair)
Bonds vary for
equipment type and the
hire term
Page 30
March—April 2011
SOMETHING
SOMETHING
KNITWORLD
AND
NZMBA
KnitWorld is supporting the NZ Multiple Birth Association in the production and
distribution of woollen baby singlets! Get your fingers knitting and support a great cause.
A free pattern is available here:
http://www.multiples.org.nz/images/stories/Events/Knitworld_Pattern.pdf
March—April 2011
Page 31

Expecting Twins, Triplets or more? Why not join the Counties Manukau
Multiple Birth Club for only $30.00 a year? Been a member in the
past? Don’t want to miss out? Renew your membership today!
COUNTIES MANUKAU MULTIPLE BIRTH CLUB
2010 – 2011 SUBSCRIPTION FORM
□ MEMBER RENEWAL
□ NEW SUBSCRIPTION
(Please tick appropriate box)
PARENTS
NAME
HOME PHONE
MOBILE
HOME ADDRESS
EMAIL ADDRESS
SIBLINGS
NAME
DATE OF BIRTH
SEX
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ BOY
□ GIRL
MULTIPLE DETAILS
NAME
EDD / BIRTH DATE
SEX
BIRTH WEIGHT
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ UNKNOWN
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ UNKNOWN
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ UNKNOWN
□ BOY
□ GIRL
□ UNKNOWN
Please send your completed subscription form and cheque for $30.00 to:
Counties Manukau Multiple Birth Club
P.O. Box 1223
PUKEKOHE
Alternatively, you can transfer payment directly to our bank account:
ASB Bank
12-3032-0762177-000
PLEASE USE YOUR FULL NAME AS A REFERENCE
(If paying by electronic transfer, please email askindeklerk@clear.net.nz
with all relevant details – ensure you
esther.williams@xtra.co.nz
mail us your completed form too)