20 minute read
Talking Takapuna
Talking Takapuna… your ultimate destination
While the weather cools down and the evenings get darker, Takapuna is still the place to be!
You’ll find plenty of warm winter fashion additions at the many retail outlets throughout Shore City Shopping Centre, or along Hurstmere Road. Head in and check out the warm coats and jackets from Cue or Portmans, or grab some new winter boots from Mi Piaci. Just Jeans will have all the family’s denimwear needs, or pop in to Augustine on Hurstmere Rd to add a pop of colour to your winter wardrobe! Merrell has all the gear to keep you dry and warm on your outdoor adventures, and Farmers has all you need to bundle up the kids this winter!
This month we also celebrate those special ladies in our lives – our Mothers. Whether you’re a mum of young or old, a mum-to-be, a surrogate mum, a step-mum AKA bonus-mum, a fur-mum, a foster mum, an angel mum, a grandma or simply the “mum” of your friend group – we love you, we appreciate you, and we hope you have a lovely Mother’s Day!
We know these winter months can be tough. It’s easy to simply stay home, curl up on the couch and binge watch the latest Netflix series and pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist. But we want to encourage you to do more than that this winter. Look after your mental health, refresh the brain and body and rug up for a brisk winter’s walk along Takapuna Beach, with a hot beverage from your favourite coffee spot to warm your hands. Or simply take a book or meet a friend at a café and treat yourself to that delicious looking muffin. Or if you’re after some active relaxing – Takapuna is home to Studio Pilates, Flourish Yoga, Kia Kaha Studios, Pilates Unlimited and Golden Yogi, as well as many full gyms! Make sure you check out Les Mills, AllFit, Anytime Fitness, Jetts, Vision PT and Flex Fitness to get your gym fix this winter.
If it’s relaxation of the mind, body and soul you’re after this winter – look no further than the incredible iKoi Spa on Huron Street. At this hidden sanctuary in the heart of Takapuna, treat yourself and experience New Zealand’s first and only Enzyme Spa, or a selection of specialty massage therapy, hydrating body treatments and luxurious facials.
Laughter is also a great way to warm up, and the Bruce Mason Centre Comedy Club are bringing you a barrel of it with the Comedy All Stars shows! Running from the 7th to 22nd of May, head into the Bruce Mason Centre for some of the very best local talent including Ben Hurley, Paul Ego, Michele A’Court, Brendhan Lovegrove and more!
No matter the weather or temperature, there is always something to do and see in Takapuna!
Don’t forget that you can stay up to date with all things happening and going on in Takapuna on our social channels and our website: visit www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz, or search “I Love Takapuna” on Facebook and Instagram. We also love to see your favourite snaps or pictures of what you get up to in Takapuna (or places and businesses you love to visit!), so please tag us: @ilovetakapuna and we might just re-share your snaps!
EVENTS: MAY / JUNE
• 1 May - Bruce Mason Centre: Queen: It's A Kinda Magic • 2 May - Bruce Mason Centre: ASO: Happy Birthday Mr Beethoven! • 6-16 May - The PumpHouse: Shirley Valentine • 7 May - Bruce Mason Centre: Urzila Carlson - All the Rage Returns • 7-22 May - Bruce Mason Centre: Comedy All Stars at the Bruce Mason
Centre Comedy Club • 8 May - Takapuna Poetry Tour - Urban Walking Festival • 10 May – Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies – Gitbox Rebellion • 9 May - St George's Presbyterian Church: Fields & Feathers • 20-21 May - The PumpHouse: Random Fairytale Generator - A New Tale
Every Time • 22 May - The PumpHouse: Piano Concerto Final with Devonport
Chamber Orchestra • 23 May - The PumpHouse: The Word is Love • 23 May -The PumpHouse Theatre Open Day • 4-6 June – Bruce Mason Centre: Seussical the Musical • 10 June – The PumpHouse: The Soldier’s Tale • 10-12 June – Bruce Mason Centre: The Pink Floyd Experience • 13 June – The PumpHouse: Code-Switch • 15-18 June – The PumpHouse: Rosmini College - Who’s Afraid of the Big
Bad Wolf? • 20 June – Bruce Mason Centre: Mansfield – In Her Own Words • 25 June – Bruce Mason Centre: Seasons • 26 June – Bruce Mason Centre: The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil
Diamond
Check out all the fantastic photos shared to us by fellow Takapuna lovers! Tag us @ilovetakapuna or use #ilovetakapuna on Instagram to share your pics with us.
PRINCIPAL SPONSOR
GOLD SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors…
PLATINUM SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Platinum sponsors…
Need a cake or catering for your celebration?
See the team at New World Metro Shore City
If you are looking to celebrate, New World Shore City is the place to go if you need a fabulous cake. Nothing makes Amanda Gillum the patisserie chef happier than seeing a happy customer collect a cake for their special event.
“There is always a touch of excitement when customers come to collect their cake that they have ordered,” says Amanda. “It’s the culmination of our collaboration. The customer will discuss the event they have planned and we work with them to make sure their cake is just right.”
Amanda says that these people are often hosting themed events and provide the challenge for the New World Shore City to make something that’s a little different and special.
It also seems that the place of the traditional birthday cake is being challenged. Amanda’s cupcakes are something to behold and she is as equally excited. “Cupcakes are great fun and a nice way to bring a theme together, one of our most creative was for a recent St Patrick’s Day event.”
Not only can you have your cake personally crafted at New World Shore City for your event, owner Doug Cochrane and his team can also provide all the catering for the special occasion and will also deliver. It's very easy!
New World Metro Shore City – Level 1, Shore City. Phone 09 869 2333.
CONTACT US FOR ALL YOUR CATERING FOR ALL OCCASIONS
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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
This month at SHORE CITY
The food offering at Shore City has grown recently with the arrival of new offerings Buns and Rolls Asian Street Eatery, The Lantern Modern Chinese and Imperial India. Another new eatery is to be announced soon. These new additions compliment the popular established stores – Kyoto Japanese, Tank Juice, Cafe Etage and the Majestic Tea Bar.
BUNS AND ROLLS ASIAN STREET EATERY
Buns and Rolls is a family business operated by Khoi Nguyen. Khoi and his team of three at Shore City offer mouthwatering ‘Asian Street Food’ with a Vietnamese influence. “We opened in February and customers are enjoying the variety of our food and being very supportive,” explained Khoi when we visited in mid April. “They love that our food – Bao Buns, Fresh Rolls, Banh Mi and Pho – are all fresh, quick, tasty and healthy with Vegan and Gluten Free options. We have Vietnamese, as well as Chinese and Korean favourites, such as Korean fried chicken”. Buns and Rolls started around 18 months ago with Shore City their fourth store.
Buns and Rolls – Level 1 Foodcourt (opposite Majestic Tea bar), Shore City.
IMPERIAL INDIA – CALLING SPICE LOVERS!
Imperial India has opened in Shore City, and offers high quality Indian cuisine personally handcrafted with a unique blend of spices and locally sourced produce that will be sure to tantalise your taste buds! Select from their wide range of curries, kati rolls, naan breads, grilled dishes and their street food menu. Get a delicious curry combo for only $16.90. The combo includes a curry of your choice, plain naan and small drink.
Imperial India – Level 1 Foodcourt (beside Majestic Tea bar), Shore City.
THE LANTERN – MODERN CHINESE CUISINE
The Lantern offers modern Chinese cuisine from Dumplings freshly cooked to order, Sichuan flavoured beef noodle soup or choose your own selection from their Hot Bar. Enjoy delicious Pan Fried Pork Buns from The Lantern – their current special offer is three for $5.50 – for a limited time only. Other examples on their menu include – fried rice, fried noodles, noodle soup with beef, shrimp, chicken or BBQ pork that can be as spicy as you’d like it, dumplings with spicy sauce or in chicken soup, wonton noodle soup, Dandan noodles and more…
The Lantern – Level 1 Foodcourt, Shore City
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!
Cue – Level 2, 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 continue to be released in-store over the coming months. Discover the new collection in-store at Shore City.
Veronika Maine – Level 2, Shore City
STIRLING SPORTS – WHERE FASHION MEETS SPORTS
After opening the first store in 1964 on Dominion Road, Stirling Sports has grown to be one of New Zealand’s largest sporting retail stores. Stirling Sports has a heritage at Shore City as well, so it was a thrill when owner Andi Heath opened the new Takapuna franchise Andi Heath, owner Stirling Sports Takapuna. on Level Two. Andi and her team at Stirling Sports has you covered when it comes to all the latest sneakers, lifestyle apparel, training gear and accessories. You can shop their carefully curated and hand-picked collections from Adidas, Nike, Champion, Tommy Hilfiger, New Era, Mitchell + Ness, NCAA College Apparel (exclusive to Stirling Sports), Lilybod, Aim’n and more. Huffer Down Classic Vests are also in-store now – they’re iconic in Aotearoa. It is also ‘Sweat Season’ – head into the store for their two for $130 sweats – mix and match for your winter mood! Les Mills Members get 15% off full price items only – just show them your keytag!
Stirling Sports – Level 2, Shore City. Phone 09-218-9708
This month in TAKAPUNA
TAKAPUNA BEACH RESERVE
Work will start soon on the renewal of the old toilet block on Takapuna Beach Reserve (Gould Reserve). The project will also include landscaping of the area and additional play equipment that will further enhance the reserve. This will include new planting, seating and a drinking fountain.
The changing room and toilet block renewal will include a ‘Changing Places Room’ a space where people with severe disability and mobility challenges can wash and change more easily.
A significant financial contribution to this project is being made by locals Jackie and Chris Reeve who were the driving force and key funders behind the building of the wonderful Takapuna Beach Playground around five years ago.
KATSUBI OPENING ON LAKE ROAD
The popular Katsubi donburi chain of JapaneseKorean fusion cafes is opening a brand new store on Lake Road in Takapuna during May. This is the site that was previously Burger King. Katsubi lovers can build their own Donburi that is fast, convenient and affordable. Welcome to Taka Katsubi!
BYO WINE OFFER AT SMOKEPIT & BUOY
It has been a challenging time for local eateries but they are all working hard to bring back their customers. SmokePit & Buoy, the wonderful eatery at the Spencer on Byron Hotel is one local example. For the month of May they have a BYO wine offer. You can bring your own wine and will only be charged a $5.00 corkage fee which will be donated to North Harbour Hospice. The popular restaurant has a lot more to offer as well. Including $8 cocktails on Thursday and Friday, a wine of the month (this month Saint Clair 2019 Marlborough Premium Sauvignon Blanc, a complimentary Prosecco on Mother’s Day (Sunday May 9th). Some of their popular dishes include – Grille platter for two, Wagyu beef meat cuts slow cooked, Succulent beef brisket, House cured/made Salmon Gravlax. For those who like to take out SmokePit & Buoy (at Spencer on Byron Hotel) is also an UBER Eats participating restaurant or have their own ‘click & collect’ website options. Phone 09-916-4982.
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.
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This month in TAKAPUNA
For our businesses and our community
POWER BOXES WORKS OF ART!
Power transformer boxes on Hurstmere Road are being transformed into pieces of art as a result of a Takapuna Beach Business Association (TBBA) initiative. When TBBA CEO Terence Harpur discovered that the project team were not upgrading the boxes within the scope of the Hurstmere Road Upgrade project, he formulated his own plan. That plan has involved artist Andre Roth lending her special creative talents with sensational results.
“I started getting involved in community art projects as a local artist wanting to make a difference,” explained Andre to Channel Mag during April. “I enjoy sharing my work and style with the community and painting the transformer boxes is a great way of doing that. The project is a fantastic way to showcase art and have a purpose.”
Andre says the art on the box by the Anzac Street roundabout in Takapuna is focused on nature, specifically the ocean – with Takapuna being a seaside town centre. Andre’s design also includes Takapuna highlights like Rangitoto Island, sail boats as well as local fauna and flora.
We reckon it looks fantastic! Well done Andre, Terence and the TBBA!
COMEDY AT THE BRUCE MASON CENTRE
A line-up of New Zealand’ best comedians will perform as the Comedy All Stars at the Bruce Mason Centre Comedy Club in Takapuna between May 7th and 22nd. Ben Hurley, Paul Douglas, Vaughan King, John Carr and guests are performing on May 7th and 8th. Paul Ego, Tony Lyall, Ray O’Leary, Liv McKenzie and guests are on May 14th and 15th. Michele A’Court, Brendhan Lovegrove, Rhys Mathewson , Hannah Campbell and guests then complete the season on May 21st and 22nd. To book go to: www.aucklandlive.co.nz – make a night of it, dine out at one of Takapuna’s great bars and eateries as well!
HURSTMERE ROAD CONSTRUCTION GETS BACK UNDERWAY
The Hurstmere Road Transformation recommenced from Monday May 3rd as planned. The pause meant that Takapuna businesses have been able to enjoy a long summer free from construction. Works began with Stages 3A and 3B which will undertake:- underground services upgrades; construction of raingardens, basalt walls and parking bays; reconstruction of footpath surfaces and the single lane carriageway; installation of new street lights and furniture (including seats, bins & bike racks). Stages 3A and 3B are expected to take three months to complete. When these stages are complete, stages 4A and 4B will follow with the whole project being completed by late 2021, before the busy Christmas period. All tree and garden planting for the whole project will occur as one of the last activities within Stage 4. For more info visit: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nzw
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Quest Apartment Hotels announces Takapuna opening
By Aidan Bennett
Accommodation as two bedroom options for visitors to apartments.” the Shore will receive “What I particularly a real boost in June enjoy about Quest is with the opening of that our businesses are Quest Takapuna in a good size to manage. Shakespeare Road. With 50 apartments Quest Apartment we are able to get to Hotels operates the know our customers country’s largest and they appreciate accommodation that they are not just network. a number; that they
Construction of are real people and Quest Takapuna was valued clients. This is being completed important when many as I went along to chat about the When completed, the Quest Takapuna development will include 51 apartments, a café and two complementary retail outlets on the ground floor. of our visitors will be regulars – whether new facility with they are corporate experienced operator Jun Pyo, who has over 20 years' experience in customers or frequent visitors to what is one of New Zealand’s most accommodation management. Jun is excited to be the franchisee of desirable destinations.” Quest Takapuna and is looking forward to introducing customers to When completed, Jun Pyo says the Quest Takapuna development the brand new purpose built facility that is centrally located close to – which has been around three years in the planning – will also the motorway and the northern busway. The location means that as include a café and two complementary retail outlets on the ground well as being close to Takapuna, Smales Farm, North Shore Hospital floor. Quest Takapuna will have a team of around 10 staff. and local conference and event centres, it is also easily accessible Quest Takapuna is one of seven new openings over the next 15 from the city and northern parts of the Shore. months for Quest Apartment Hotels New Zealand, which also has its New Zealand headquarters in (Como Street) Takapuna. Despite Covid-19 obstacles, business has continued to stay strong as the
With the impact of Covid on the Quest hotels remain a popular choice among professionals travelling domestically for work. accommodation sector of New “With the impact of Covid on the accommodation sector of New
Zealand, the Quest network has Zealand, the Quest network has performed particularly well, with a year-ending network-wide occupancy percentage average of 65% performed particularly well… – and with no facilities within the MIQ programme,” says Stephen Mansfield, the North Shore based Quest Apartment Hotels New Zealand CEO. “This result has only served to reinforce Quest’s priority
Jun Pyo is no newbie to the Quest brand. His journey started in strategy, which is putting facilities in locations with appropriate 2003 fresh out of his hotel management course, as the Assistant amenity and pricing targeted to meet the needs and expectations of Manager at Quest Parnell. After a short tenure, Jun had his first taste the domestic New Zealand market place, including the government as a franchisee in 2009 with a 50% franchise in Quest Carlaw Park. and business traveller, and also meeting their needs when travelling During his time there another franchise opportunity with Quest for personal reasons.” Albany came up in 2011. After five years Jun made a call in 2016 to Quest is the largest and fastest-growing apartment hotel operator consolidate his business interests while still supporting the running of in Australasia, with over 170 properties located across Australia, New Quest Albany until the next Quest opportunity came up. Zealand, the UK and Fiji. Quest was established in New Zealand in
“When I was working at Quest Parnell, my long-term goal was to 1998. The company prides itself on a local focus and local ownership become a sole franchisee with Quest. And now here I am!” says Jun. in each of its regions. Quest delivers value for money, serviced “This is a wonderful location and guests will appreciate the variety of apartment accommodation and services to meet the needs of the options we will have with the 51 apartment options. New Zealand corporate and business traveller. These will include studio, one bedroom as well As well as Takapuna, new Quest Apartment Hotels will open over the next 15 months in Mt Eden, Queenstown, Cambridge Terrace in Christchurch, Lambton Quay in Wellington, Mt Maunganui, and Hastings. If you are interested in finding out about accommodation options coming up at Quest Takapuna from next month (opening June) then contact Jun Pyo and his team today.
