22 minute read
Tim Bray Presents: A Lion in the Meadow
Confidence and creativity on the Shore
Our striking cover photo this month is courtesy of the wonderful Tim Bray Theatre Company, the Shore-based entity that celebrates 30 years of theatre for children in 2021. A Lion in the Meadow and Other Stories is their latest live stage production that’s touring in April and May. It is on at The PumpHouse Theatre in Takapuna from April 10th through until May 1st, a great option for local kids during the April school holidays. It then goes to Glen Innes, Mangere, Glen Eden and Manukau.
Youth Theatre classes (ages five to 16)
The Tim Bray team is excited to begin its Term 2 Youth Theatre drama classes for children, tweens, and teens (ages five to 16). Classes start on Tuesday 3rd May in three North Shore locations, Takapuna, Browns Bay and Unsworth Heights.
Tim Bray Youth Theatre has been offering drama classes and workshops on the North Shore since 2012. Their classes encourage self-confidence, self-expression and focus. Drama is an enjoyable way for students to explore their imaginations and to harness and express their creativity where they also learn various acting techniques such as improvisation, voice, characterisation, movement and scene work.
Regular drama classes are held either at St Georges Community Hall in Takapuna or the East Coast Bays Community Centre in Browns Bay.
What a first term it has been. Even with two level three lockdowns, their tutors have cleverly created ways to keep their students engaged via online lessons when usual studio classes couldn’t happen. Tim Bray Youth Theatre tutors the students to bring their creativity and imagination into the classes and have been on some exciting and unique adventures in the drama room or in the online classes. They are very proud of the students and how much they are progressing.
Tim Bray Youth Theatre also offers classes for five to 19 year olds across the bridge in Western Springs at The Auckland Performing Arts Centre (TAPAC).
Extraordinarily Creative
Tim Bray Youth Theatre is thrilled to continue with their unique drama class programme, endorsed by the Children’s Autism Foundation, that launched as a pilot programme in term one this year on the North Shore. Extraordinarily Creative drama classes have been created for children and teenagers who are differently wired to find their own voice and place. This is a weekly class in Unsworth
TIM BRAY
YOUTH THEATRE
Engaging our students with all aspects of theatre
DRAMADRAMA WeeklyWeekly
Takapuna, Browns Bay and Western Springs locations for 5-19 year olds. Enrol for Term 2 now.
www.timbray.org.nz
Heights created for those who skip to a different beat, who see and experience things in their own extraordinary way.
“These are a positive, fun and safe place for children and young people with ASD/neurodiversity to use the creativity of drama and express themselves as never before,” says Jo Sutton, GM of the Children’s Autism Foundation.
Scholarships for Extraordinarily Creative are available for kids who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend and are kindly funded by Stewart Germann administered by Cognition Education Trust. Applications can be made via the Extraordinarily Creative page on the Tim Bray website (timbray.org.nz).
The Extraordinarily Creative classes have been born out of a combination of the introduction of Sensory Relaxed performances by Tim Bray Theatre Company in their professional shows, and the observation of the challenges and the benefits for neurodiverse children who attend their shows and Youth Theatre classes. They recognised a need for this group of children and teenagers to have drama classes dedicated to their needs, with an environment and class structure designed to support their development and artistic goals.
Age 17-19 Performance Class
The 17-19 years Performance Class that launched at TAPAC in term one will continue in term two. This exciting new performance-focused class, led by tutor Suzy Sampson, is for young actors who need a place to learn and to perform, who are passionate about theatre and all it involves. The Performance Class teaches new skills that will carry the students into future study and future careers.
Some North Shore teenagers who have been with Tim Bray Youth Theatre for many years have joined the class, drawn by the regular performance outcomes. During term one, these two-hour classes have been so full and stimulating that the students are always surprised when it is time for the class to end, and they don’t want to leave. As one of the students said, “Time flies when you are having fun!”
Shakespeare has been the focus in term one and the students are really enjoying experimenting with the language. Outside class they have been researching 16th century language versus modern language. They are also really loving that this class is performance based and requires the discipline of learning a script with a deadline. Some of the students are also learning stage management duties for the end of term performance when they are not on stage. The guest tutor for the Shakespeare classes in term one was celebrated actor Michael Hurst, who brought his years of performance experience to the students.
April School Holidays Family Fun!
Make sure you book your family’s magical school holiday treat… “A Lion in the Meadow and Other Stories” by Margaret Mahy, live on stage at The PumpHouse Theatre from 10 April to 1 May.
For more information on Youth Theatre classes or to book, visit: timbray.org.nz or phone 09 486-2261. Healthy Habits
Claire
Bellingham Most people are aware of the benefits of fitness and would like to exercise on a regular basis.
Some people consistently manage it and some people don’t. Often it’s the busiest people who manage to find the time.
The hours spent exercising are made up for by the efficiencies created by good health. Robust physical and mental wellness tends to lead to better sleep, more effective daily function and fewer lifeinterrupting health crises.
The key to exercise success is consistency of habit. A habit involves a three step loop in the brain – trigger, then routine, then reward. If you regularly attend a class every Monday and Friday you’ll come to expect the sense of feeling prepared for the weekend and re-set after the weekend. You’ll start to feel short-changed the sense of achievement if you miss your class. The brain loves consistency – fixed patterns are a way to save effort. Regular gym-goers don’t debate whether they should go to the gym any more than they debate whether they should clean their teeth each morning; workouts are just a fact of life. They don’t use up precious emotional energy summoning willpower to get to the gym; they attend on autopilot and use mental capacity for other tasks.
There are many ways you can help convert activities into robust habits. Be practical about the number of times you can realistically put aside your responsibilities to get to the gym. Try to exercise at the time of day that suits your energy levels and temperament. Pay close attention to the triggers that consistently derail your routine and work to create habits that don’t constantly get broken. Some people like to go in the morning so the day can’t get in the way, other people find early morning exercise exhausts them. Many people find it easier to attend the gym straight from work rather than stopping in at home first and risking being caught by the couch.
The best starting point for strong habits is choosing exercise you enjoy. An optimal exercise plan is useless if you can’t force yourself to adhere to it; it’s more difficult to create a habit loop where you can’t seem to get to the reward. It’s natural to enjoy some types of exercise more than others and you might need to choose the path of least difficulty to make a start. There’s usually an initial barrier of discomfort to overcome when you start a new regime. Select the type of exercise you find easiest, put it on the weekly schedule and consider inviting a friend to join you. Or choose a professional accountability buddy and engage a PT for a short burst of sessions to kickstart your routine.
Routines are easier to transition to habits if they’re convenient.
Regular gym-goers tend to own comfortable gym clothing and practical gym accessories. Their gym bag is well stocked, their shoes are fit for the purpose and their drink bottle doesn’t leak. Things you do irregularly continue to be difficult and things you do regularly become easy.
Consistent healthy habits make your life simpler and better.
The last few months have posed a lot of obstacles to habit formation.
It’s not easy to form routines when you’ve been in and out of lockdown, processing the change to daylight saving and manoeuvering around the carb-fest of Easter. The change of season is a good time to get some positive patterns in place. Choose your healthy habits and nurture them until they become seamlessly automatic. Planning and discipline will get you started and momentum will carry you forwards.
Les Mills Takapuna, Rooftop Level, Shore City, Takapuna 0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz claire@clairebellingham.co.nz
Your local cake specialists at New World Shore City
New World Shore City’s bakery is gaining quite a reputation for their tasty treats and specialty cakes under the leadership of experienced pastry chef Amanda Gillum. If you are looking for a cake, or cakes, for a special occasion, Amanda and her team have the answer.
The day we popped in for a chat it was St Patrick’s Day, so the bakery team had produced a range of items for that day. There are always special cakes, including two inch cheesecakes and four inch sponge cakes, and smaller treats available from the cabinets.
Amanda Gillum.
With around 48 hours notice Amanda can also turn out special birthday and occasion cakes etc., tailored for your requirements. A recent birthday cake theme was from Frozen (the movie). Amanda says people often provide photos of themes and cakes that they replicate. Cake pricing is very reasonable for the work involved – in the $30 to $50 range.
Amanda Gillum has been in the industry for 24 years, training as a chef and going on to specialise in patisserie. After an OE in the UK and Europe – that included working in fine dining restaurants – Amanda returned home to work for Rocket Kitchen for 18 years, initially as a pastry chef and progressing to running the kitchen and 20 staff. The North Shore born-and-bred mum joined New World Shore City shortly after the new metro supermarket opened. Under Amanda’s leadership New World Shore City is also playing a part in training future patisserie specialists. Sapphire (a level four bakery student) and Annabelle (an AUT diploma in patisserie student) are members of the bakery team, along with Molyka, who are gaining valuable skills learning from Amanda’s immense experience.
If you need cakes or treats for a special occasion, or that very special cake, then contact Amanda and the bakery team at New World Shore City, Email: Amanda.Gillum@nw.co.nz or Phone 09 869 2333.
CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
HALF PAGE AD FOR NEW WORLD
You can pop in, contact us by telephone on 09 869 2333 or by email (doug.cochrane@nw.co.nz) and we will provide you with the link to easily place an online order. Open 7 days a week 7am - 8pm
For our businesses and our community
ART BY THE SEA OPENS IN TAKAPUNA
Popular North Shore Gallery, Art By The Sea, has relocated from Devonport to Takapuna. After being in Devonport for 29 years they have moved into the high profile space that was GPK for many years at 162 Hurstmere Road, near the Bruce Mason Centre. Art by the Sea Gallery specialises in fine and affordable contemporary New Zealand artworks – paintings, photography, standing and wall-sculpture and ceramics. Their additional services include framing, installation, restoration and hanging. Owner Mike and Linda Geers and staff April Geers and Eliza Dawbin are excited to be open in Takapuna. The first exhibition in the new space is "Ready to Roll: The Kiwi Music I Grew Up With" by pop-art and landscape artist Christian Nicholson. That exhibition official opens on Saturday April 10th at 4pm and the exhibition will run for three weeks. Visit: artbythesea.co.nz
wine bar
show us this ad — Friday or Saturday after 4PM to buy one get one free on any tapas menu item* scan the QR code to book.
*maximum one per table, valid until end of this month.
1 byron avenue, takapuna • www.streetorganics.co.nz
Our philosophy here at Leaf & Loaf is to deliver the most nourishing, fresh food at great prices using local sourced ingredients.
We are really proud to be serving you with Organico Coffee. Locally roasted, fair trade and organic, with no compromise on strength and flavour. Compostable cups and lids!
So next time you are in for your salad, breakfast or sweet treats pick up a cup of our awesome coffee and make sure to get your free mini brownie (reputed to be the best in Auckland)!! Also free with any ice chocolate, tea, milkshake, or fresh smoothie. Just to throw a spanner in the works, we do an incredible Cold Brew Coffee which is filtered overnight with our beautiful beans! So good!!
67 hurstmere road takapuna t: 09 489 7866 e: info@leafandloaf.co.nz
Whereyou get a cup full ofhappiness!
Mouth-watering frozen yoghurt with dozens of flavors, with even more cute toppings, just wait till you see them! Hundreds of delicious cones with a wonderful crispy texture, and nicely designed cups that doesn’t cost the world! Come here if you have a birthday coming up - we do them! A FREE photo booth with accessories that change with the season! KiwiYo is a perfect experience for everyone! What are you waiting for? Let’s get this party started!
The Whitening Co. is New Zealand’s leading teeth whitening company with two boutique,professional teeth whitening studios located in Eden Terrace and Takapuna, where quality and experience meet. Their aim is to make all people smile with confidence with both home teeth whitening products and in-studio teeth whitening packages. For more information visit their website www.whiteningco.nz or contact the team on 0800 2 WHITEN
Latest swimwear in-store and on-line
This month in TAKAPUNA
URBAN WINE WALK IN TAKAPUNA
It is not happening until early May, but we thought we should get you prepared early… The streets of Takapuna will come alive on Saturday May 8th as a line-up of our leading bars and restaurants partner with a local NZ winemakers and transform into an Urban Cellar Door for you to visit on a self-guided trail. Taste. Walk. Explore. Venues and Winemakers involved are:- Nanam with Spy Valley Wines (Marlborough, NZ); Taylors on Hurstmere with Framingham Wines (Marlborough, NZ); The Elephant Wrestler with Matawhero Wines (Gisborne, NZ); TokTok with Te Mata Estate Winery (Hawkes Bay, NZ); Regatta Bar & Eatery with Soho Wine Co.; Franc’s with Leftfield Wines; The Commons with Church Road Winery (Hawkes Bay, NZ); Burger Burger with The Ned (Marisco Vineyards, Marlborough, NZ); Madam Woo with Fromm Winery (Marlborough, NZ) Limited tickets are on sale now at www.eventbrite.co.nz or search urban-wine-walk-takapuna.
THRILLZONE'S FREE FAMILY EASTER WEEKEND HUNT IN TAKAPUNA
Easter is hopping up quickly and local business Thrillzone is committed to making it a happy day for friends and family. They are focussed on family fun, supporting other local businesses, and most of all, supporting the community. The Thrillzone team came together to design something unique to get families out and about, having conversations and testing their puzzle-solving skills. The Thrillzone Easter Hunt is on Easter weekend, Saturday 3rd through to Monday 5th starting from 10am. "We have been in the entertainment space for a while now and Covid presented the opportunity to scale our products to bring even more fun for our Sonja and Francis, Thrillzone Takapuna owners. customers. We are committed to making people feel happy – appreciating the moments they have together. Our team has developed GPS Escape Adventure and designed unique routes across Takapuna using the latest GPS-based challenges for all types of family members," explains owner Sonja Painter. “Our customers constantly surprise us with new ideas and awesome feedback. Lockdowns have been tough and Covid has hit families hard - so this is our free gift of appreciation – to make their Easter weekend a happy one."
Thrillzone has got into the spirit by teaming up with some other favourite local businesses with freebies and discounts that make up the Great Thrillzone Easter Egg Hunt. So grab your team and head down to Thrillzone for our FREE Easter Egg Hunt. They will take you on a mission around Takapuna as you try and solve all of the clues and find hidden eggs. If you manage to crack all the codes and win, an egg-citing treat plus bonus prizes will be waiting for you back at Thrillzone HQ.
Gather your cameras, ignite your puzzle-solving skills and swing by for some family fun!
For more information contact Thrillzone Takapuna, 488 Lake Road. Phone 09 486 0773 or email: info@thrillzone.co.nz
Tok Tok is Takapuna’s unique restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine located near the beach
On the corner of The Strand & Anzac/Hurstmere Road roundabout
For more information or reservations visit: www.toktok.co.nz or Phone 09-489-3988
While iStore is an authorised service provider and reseller of Apple products, we are 100% locally owned and operate solely in New Zealand. We are small family that have an enormous passion for the Apple brand, and what their products can do in the ways of changing people’s lives.
Between us we have over forty years experience with Apple products throughout a range of different industries, and can offer great advice on a range of purchasing needs.
61 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna | istorenz.com Sales (09) 486-1493 Service (09) 486-1494
458 Lake Road, Takapuna ORDER ONLINE @BIGTIKKA.CO.NZ
This month in TAKAPUNA
For our businesses and our community
WRIGGLE AND RHYME AT TAKAPUNA LIBRARY
Wriggle and Rhyme at Takapuna Library is the place to be in Taka if you have a baby (up to two years old). The sessions are on every Monday at 9.30am or 11.30am at the Takapuna Library and they’re completely free to attend. The programme promotes active movement and brain development for babies and toddlers, throughout the 30 minute session parents and bubs sing, dance, play with bubbles and other toys, all while building the foundations for learning, moving and communicating. It’s a great chance to get out of the house, for your babies to meet other wee ones and enjoy the local library. Like local eight month old lad Otto (above) – he loves it! Other libraries on the shore also have sessions too, check the library website for more info on days and times: www.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz
THE NEW CUE COLLECTION
Cue W.21 has arrived! The new Cue collection is all about building a wardrobe that masters dressing for virtual audiences one minute and taking to the city streets the next. Discover versatile styles that fit every occasion, to buy now and wear forever. Think modern designs, emboldened by statement shapes and luxurious fabrics that define Cue. Available now at Shore City!
DISCOVER THE NEW VERONIKA MAINE COLLECTION
Pared-back silhouettes, a refined palette and utilitarian influences bring a minimalist mood to the forefront at Veronika Maine this season. Their Sydney design team focussed on creating designs that will work seamlessly with your existing wardrobe. Think distinctive prints, relaxed tailoring, coordinating colours and transeasonal layers for your daily rotation. The new collection will be gradually released in-store over the coming months. Discover the new collection in-store at Shore City.
Takapuna Outlet!
Receive up to 30-50% off shirts, knitwear, trousers, suits, blazers, coats & accessories.
6 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna – 09 489 825
REJUVENATE YOUR SKIN, RECLAIM YOUR CONFIDENCE.
Our expert therapists will guide you on a journey to healthier skin with our unique combination of scientific treatment plans and spa-style relaxation. Book your complimentary consultation today.
Client carparking available havenskinspa.com hello@havenskinspa.com Takapuna: 486 6224 Mt Eden: 630 7133 : @myhavennz : /HavenNZ
Chalk and cheese
By their own admission, Julie and Ian Williams were going around in circles trying to find inspiration for their new kitchen; that was until they came across the team at Kitchens By Design. Then everything became clear.
Their existing kitchen was the original in an '80s-style house that they’d been living in for two years. “We always knew a new kitchen was on the shopping list, and it had got to the point where it was looking old, and our girls were getting bigger – we weren’t a family with little kids any more. We needed to do something. The kitchen wasn’t working for us, but we didn’t know what we wanted or where to go,” says Julie.
“We found Kitchens By Design online, but it was their showroom that clinched it for us. It was very impressive – chalk and cheese compared to the others we visited. We started speaking to Jane [Fergusson], one of the designers there, and she immediately got who we were and what we were trying to achieve. We clicked straight away. Jane made it easy for us to visualise what our new kitchen could look like.”
Julie laughs that they didn’t give much of a brief to work with, just that they liked open shelving and wanted a bit of wood in their new kitchen, and also somewhere to have a casual meal.
“Jane asked us lots of question about how we lived, cooked and used the kitchen. She was the only one that did that of all the people we spoke to,” says Julie. “She then came up with three different concepts – one was the original footprint, upgraded, the other was a partial change, the third was a complete change with all the bells and whistles… and that’s the one we went for."
Seeing the mood board for the first time, with all the samples of colours and materials, was one of the most memorable moments of the whole process for Julie and Ian; also, choosing the benchtop material, then selecting each slab individually before it was templated, so they could see where the veining would appear on the final benchtop. That was a special service, says Jane.
Now their new kitchen is finished, the couple say that they both really love the bamboo breakfast bar. “We never thought of using bamboo – that’s was Jane’s suggestion – but it gave us that touch of wood we asked for. It’s also a very durable and hardwearing material, which is ideal for the counter top. The window seat is wonderful. It has completely changed how I use the space, because I can now lounge in the kitchen. Our daughters can hang out there, too. It’s great in the morning because it catches all the sun. We also love our new scullery.”
“Working with Kitchens By Design was so easy. Jane was great to communicate with, and she listened and ran with any ideas we had. Everything was so well planned out – she just instinctively knew where everything should go. Also, the whole team at Kitchens By Design fought our corner through the whole process, ensuring everything was done properly and we got exactly what we wanted, which saved us time and energy. They were definitely value for money.”
“In the end it comes down to trust. We trusted Jane and went with what she recommended, and it worked out really well. The kitchen speaks for itself, just look at it!”
