37 minute read
The Healthy Channel: John Appleton
I have been writing articles on topics related to our health for a number of years and in Channel I keep you up to date on ways in which we might improve our health by becoming more aware of the many options that are available to us.
More money won’t necessarily result in a healthier nation As I see it - by John AppletonSHORE
John Appleton.
I have written about this in the past, but I remain very concerned that the goal of having a healthier nation continues to elude us.
When it comes to our health, the dollar figures become ever larger as we hold on to the view that more must be better. While our rapidly expanding population does create additional demand, any sage observer must surely be wondering if the current ‘model’ is in need of some new thinking.
Back in 1998 taxpayers forked out $6 billion for health but now, just over 28 years later in 2021, we are spending four times that amount – $24 billion. This colossal sum amounts to nearly $68 million every day. Despite this massive expenditure, the waiting lists for surgery grow and demand for health care services is outstripping our ability to keep paying. It seems to me that our health system itself is sick. I wonder how anyone could think that we could anticipate a different outcome by simply doing more of what we have always done. The reason that our hospitals are filled to overflowing is that we have ever-increasing numbers of sick people.
Quite plainly if our objective by spending $68 million every day is to have a healthier nation, the statistics certainly don’t suggest that we are even close to achieving this objective. The problem is that instead of promoting health and everything that is involved with keeping people out of the health system, we keep pouring money into the treatment of sickness.
As many a grandma said, "an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure". Currently we are spending $24 billion on the ‘cure’ side of the ledger and almost nothing on prevention. Rather than a health care system, what we have is little more than a disease care system.
Years of study and reading of the medical literature has convinced me that the goal of having a healthier nation will continue to elude us until we implement preventive measures, and we give people the freedom to choose the type of health care that they want. This would necessitate allowing doctors to use treatment options that they believe would achieve the best outcomes for their patients.
The Declaration of Helsinki 1964 (of the World Medical Organisation) states, “It is the mission of the physician to safeguard the health of the people. His or her knowledge and conscience are dedicated to the fulfillment of this mission. A physician must be free to use the most appropriate treatment if in his or her judgment it will result in the alleviation of suffering or the restoration of health or saving the life of the patient.”
Sadly today, doctors who choose to practise along these lines using their knowledge and skill to find the best way to help a patient, can risk ridicule and censure by the Medical Council. In New Zealand we have some of the finest doctors and specialists in the world but until we give them freedom to look beyond what they were taught in medical school and learn more about nutrition, and how to prevent the onset of disease, we will almost certainly continue on the path we are on.
With an aging population. the need to consider preventive healthcare options becomes even more important. Nutritional interventions for heart disease, arthritis, diabetes infectious diseases and respiratory illnesses already exist and are based on simple biochemistry. Given that end of life care is so massively expensive one would think simple inexpensive interventions would be welcomed. Unfortunately, they are not.
When it comes to our health, we should not see the need for change as a threat but as a challenge that can be embraced in the best interests of all New Zealanders.
More information – John Appleton – (09) 489-9362 appletonassoc@xtra.co.nz www.johnappleton.co.nz
Education with Yes and I.Lead
Sonia Thursby.
The transformation to education is full steam ahead, with Yes and I.Lead in the driver’s seat, helping to drive the change where it matters most.
In one of our last issues, we covered how I.Lead was invited to a panel interview with trainee teachers looking to upskill in their teaching careers. I.Lead representatives shared their experiences through the education system in the hopes of informing our next generation of teachers on finding solutions to alternative education and learning, assisted learning resources and support, and better outcomes for young people with disabilities at all levels of education.
From this platform, we have had further opportunities to collaborate with both Massey University and Auckland University of Technology to share our experiences with more trainee teachers in the same way.
Along with the panel interviews, we are also working with Massey University to put together video resources that would be featured in their online modules.
I.Lead and Yes also had a stall at the latest ATSNZ Expo, with our very own Committee Chair, Kramer Hoeflich, featuring as a guest speaker. The turnout was amazing, with lots of those who attended coming to our stall, eager to know more about I.Lead and what we do.
And along with all of this, we still have our I.Lead Conference to look forward to in September! Not only are we looking for expressions of interest for those wanting to attend the conference, but we are also looking for those who want to be part of the movement, wanting to be a member of I.Lead.
If you want to know more about I.Lead, and are thinking about attending our conference or even joining up as a member, head over to ilead.org.nz. Our site also has a blog featuring all that’s going on in the world of disability, so come through and take a look!
Busy month for the Wilson Home Trust
It’s been a busy month getting out and about. Felicity, Services and Support Coordinator, enjoyed the chance to meet with a number of service providers and families at the recent ATSNZ Disability Expo.
It was especially great to connect with families and catch up with Koah as he tries out a standing frame.
This month we have also been travelling further afield to Rotorua and Taupo. This provided a great opportunity to be able to raise the awareness of the Wilson Home Trust to organisations, service providers and families.
Thank you to our wonderful group of gardening volunteers. We were able to thank them during volunteer week for the great work they do across the site. This small group of committed volunteers assist all year round and in all weathers to keep this site looking lovely. If you or you know of someone who would like to join this group, please contact Chris at: Christinejones@wilsonhometrust.org.nz or call 09 488 0126.
Thank you also to our amazing knitters and crocheters; the beanies and blankets have been appreciated by our families especially during the cold spells.
If you would like to know more about the Wilson Home Trust and the work we do check out our website www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz or facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wilsonhometrust1/
By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction Shore Junction
Sonia Thursby.
This was once again highlighted in July when YOUNITE hosted the Auckland Youth Voice (AYV) Network meeting at our centre with youth representatives from all the Local Boards around Tämaki Makaurau who came to share their learnings and their journeys from the past year with a view to work together to make an impact right throughout Auckland.
The website description says “Auckland Youth Voice is the peak body for youth participation groups in Auckland. We are a regional organisation and our members represent a diverse range of young people and youth voice groups who are committed to increasing youth and civic participation locally, regionally and nationally.”
That’s how the website describes AYV but what this looks like practically is a group of 80+ youth from around Auckland who stand up and speak on behalf of the young people in their local wards. They are a representing body of passionate youth who want to make a positive difference in their community for their generation and the generations to come.
Imagine being a high school student so passionate about change in your community that you raise your hand to be a voice for the youth in your local area. You give up your time on a weekly basis, you develop plans with local youth and present them to local boards, You challenge norms and stereotypes, You believe that change is possible and You believe that together with other young people, you can make a significant difference in the lives of Auckland youths.
This is Amy Usherwood and Henry Pinder, our Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of YOUNITE, the youth voice network of Takapuna and Devonport. They advocate for better public transport; they share their concerns over lack of and under-utilisation of green/ public spaces; they host events for local rangatahi; and they work with Local Board members to develop plans toward making the region safer and more accessible for young people.
It’s thanks to the voice of YOUNITE that our Local Board heard the need of our rangatahi and continues to support Shore Junction which in turn allows us to be a hub that brings youth together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Positive Parenting
Jayne de la Haye
There can’t be a parent who hasn’t at some time wished for an instruction manual on how to “operate” their child. Whether it be seeking advice on how to get them to sleep through the night, toilet training, dealing with anxiety, helping them make friends and then navigate the increasing complexities of social interactions, or gaining some control over screen time.
There’s a whole industry dedicated to supporting parents on these and a multitude of other issues, through books, webinars, podcasts, blogs, and workshops. However, as anyone who has a relationship with more than one child can attest; children come in many different “models” and the operating tricks that successfully work with one, often fail to work with another!
Once your children start at an early learning centre or school, you are also able to access the insight of teachers, who can offer additional words of wisdom gained from their years of experience working with this wonderful variety of children. At Kristin, we know how valuable parents find the support systems a school can provide. We actively seek to build strong relationships both between teachers and parents, but also between parents. We also know that having specialist teachers for subjects such as PE, music, art, languages and drama allows us to gain insight into what might make your child tick outside of the regular classroom.
The main message I would give any parent is that the positive approach that we use towards getting the best out of your child at school, is also the most effective approach to parenting. It allows you to tailor your approach to each individual child, and stay true to your own values, while staying committed to your child’s success.
Children always do better when we frame our parenting around positive, strengths-based approaches. This means focussing on our excitement about the people we want to help them become, and not on our fears about the bad qualities we feel we must protect them from developing.
“Defensive parenting”, where energy is used to monitor children for signs of weakness or faults, is also best avoided. When children sense that we have fears about them turning out badly, they start to believe that’s a possibility. Ironically, our anxiety can fuel their selfdoubt, and set off a chain of undesirable behaviours. Alternatively, if we show we have faith in them; and believe they have the capacity to make good choices, they in turn will develop confidence in their ability and move in a positive direction.
Like every skill, parenting takes practise. I urge you to practise positive parenting, and encourage you to share with your child, whatever their age, your belief that they are full of wonderful qualities. Remember too, to celebrate your achievements as parents and move forward together as a family.
Hurihia to aroaro ti te rā tukuna to atarangi kia taka ki muri i a koe Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you - Māori Proverb
Do you have this pest plant in your backyard?
Pest plants, such as climbing asparagus and moth plant, are invading Auckland’s North Shore – your gardens and your nearby bush reserves. Controlling them when they are small is easy and cheap. If they are left to grow, they can spread across your property onto your neighbours’ gardens and to nearby reserves.
Auckland Council has recently introduced new rules that require people in some areas to remove some pest plants from their property, in order to protect our native biodiversity.
Climbing asparagus is a scrambling vine that is capable of smothering and shading out seedlings, eventually creating thick mats throughout the forest understory and prohibiting indigenous forest regeneration. This pest plant is of high threat to our native biodiversity, as the vine is able to grow in shaded areas – invading throughout the bush, not just around the edges. The berries ripen from green to red-orange and the seed is spread by birds. It can also be spread by dumping of garden waste.
Take action as soon as possible: • Report the weed using the EcoTrack.nz app. • Dig out small infestations trying to remove all parts of the root rhizomes – climbing asparagus can regrow from rhizomes that are left in the ground. • If using herbicides, they’re most effective in spring and early summer before the seeds have ripened. Hand pull any climbing vines off non target plants and seedlings before spraying. Spray with glyphosate 10ml/l (plus penetrant). Always wear appropriate personal protection equipment and read the manufacturer’s label for guidelines and recommendations. Talk to the Restore Hibiscus & Bays Ecological
Restoration Advisor for further guidance. • Follow up in three months to reapply herbicide and ensure all regrowth has died. • Dispose of seeds, rhizomes and roots in your rubbish bin to go to landfill, securely tied inside a plastic bag - to stop it spreading to other areas. • Stop pest plants invading again by replanting with non-pest plants (preferably native plants) once regrowth is no longer a problem. • Talk to your neighbours and encourage them to take action too! • For more information and guides on weed control, visit restorehb.org. nz/resources-pest-plants/ • Download the Forest and Bird weed control guide at bit.ly/forestandbirdweedguide
There are several environmental networks across Auckland’s North Shore that support communities to recognise, report and remove pest plants and restore our native wildlife.
East Coast Bays and Hibiscus Coast, Restore Hibiscus & Bays info@restorehb.org.nz, restorehb.org.nz/resources-pest-plants/ Facebook.com/RestoreHB
Kaipātiki, Pest Free Kaipātiki (PFK), enquiries@pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz pestfreekaipatiki.org.nz/pest-plant-resources Facebook.com/pestfreekaipatiki/
Takapuna, Pupuke Birdsong Project enviro@takapunatrust.org.nz, Facebook.com/pupukebirdsongproject
Devonport Peninsula, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki pestfreedevonport@gmail.com, Facebook.com/ restoringtakarungahauraki/
Upper Harbour, Upper Harbour Ecology Network (UHEN) upperharbourecology@gmail.com Facebook.com/UpperHarbourEcologyNetwork
For advice on a chemical-free approach, Kaipātiki Project community@kaipatiki.org.nz, kaipatiki.org.nz Facebook.com/kaipatikiproject
This Pest Plant of the Month feature is a collaborative initiative between Restore Hibiscus & Bays, Pest Free Kaipātiki Restoration Society, Pupuke Birdsong Project, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki, the Upper Harbour Ecological Network and Kaipātiki Project. Building on Te Ao Māori principles of kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga, these environmental networks bring our communities together to foster guardianship, care and respect towards our whenua, natural world and indigenous wildlife.
News from Sandra Jacobs Harold working hard educating students
Sandra Jacobs.
Legislation now requires signage in all schools prohibiting smoking and vaping. Yet many students continue to experiment with vaping, not realising the full extent of the dangers they place themselves in.
Through its Healthy Harold programmes, Life Education is working hard to educate and inform our young people of the realities of vaping on the body. Our aim is for young people to become aware of what happens within the body when vaping occurs, to enable them to make informed choices if presented with vaping situations.
Peer pressure is a known factor for younger students to start experimenting with vaping, mainly as they know little of the harmful effects on the body. Our concern is the increasing number of primary and intermediate aged students reportedly involved in this unhealthy habit.
Life Education Trust chief executive John O'Connell said in a recent interview in The New Zealand Herald that the organisation had seen an increase in the number of schools asking for support in addressing vaping among 10- to 13-year-old students in years 7 and 8.
Data collected by the trust found 45 per cent of leaders at primary and intermediate schools in central Auckland saw vaping as a significant issue.
Our children are our future, and for this reason, we are determined as a trust to keep Harold and our educators in front of as many students as possible. Our programmes inform students of the realities of what vaping does to the developing human body of children.
Vaping, along with substance abuse, is not part of our future!
As a trust, we are still looking to recruit trustees from the education sector. Should this appeal to you, please get in touch; we would welcome your contribution!
Contact us: secretary@lifeeducationnorthshore.nz Visit: www.lifeeducationnorthshore.nz
By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager Greetings from Sunnynook Community Centre
Bronwyn Bound.
Well, what a busy month it has been. Our holiday programme was incredibly busy and children and staff had a wonderful time. Highlights were a visit from staff from Bunnings Constellation Drive, who did a fantastic activity with the children, and trips to Extreme Edge in Panmure and GloPutt in Takapuna.
If you would like to add your child/ren to our waiting list please email their name and age to office@ sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz. We will be running a two week programme in October.
Our Indoor Bowling group had a delicious mid-year lunch at Brigham Creek.
Our Monday morning painting group would love you to join them. This is not a class, but is an opportunity for people who enjoy creating works of art to come along and have some company while doing what they love. We even have some of their paintings on display in the foyer of the Community Centre. Contact the office for more info.
Sunnynook September marathon – check out the Sunnynook Community Association Facebook page for more information All the best, Bronwyn Bound, Centre Manager
Check out www.sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz where you will find more information about the classes that are being run at the Centre. Email: office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz for more information or phone (09) 410 4902.
Accountancy with Graham Lawrence of Bellingham Wallace.
Tax: The changing landscape of residential rentals
Graham Lawrence.
Much has changed for residential landlords in recent years. From a tax perspective the landscape has changed considerably. For many years negatively geared landlords received a tax refund after mortgage interest deductions were claimed against assessable rental income along with other deductible expenditure. In recent years, this position has changed considerably.
To illustrate we will use the following example:
Rebecca has a modest rental property in Glenfield with a reliable tenant, so she has kept the rental in line with the original agreement. The rental income of $450 per week results in gross annual income of $23,400. Rebecca has an annual mortgage interest expenditure of $25,000 linked to that property. Council rates are $3,000 per annum. Repairs, maintenance and other deductible expenditure amount to $2,000 per annum.
Residential rental refunds
In the income years prior to 1st April 2019, Rebecca would have had a loss of $6,600 for the year. This would have resulted in a tax refund of $2,178 if Rebecca was on the top marginal tax rate from other income, like a salary.
Ringfencing losses
From 1st April 2019 ringfencing rules were introduced and from the 2019/2020 income year Rebecca would not have received a tax refund as those losses could not be offset against her other income. This meant that Rebecca was paying into the mortgage and could not claim the expense not covered by the rent received from the tenant.
Some landlords relied on the refund to reduce the mortgage principal, but many just used it to compensate for the other expenditure that was required in maintaining the property. The ringfencing rules had an impact as this was also the period when the Healthy Homes standards required them to upgrade their rental properties.
Tax on gross rental revenue
The changes being proposed at present by Government are to remove mortgage interest expense as an allowable deduction. Put another way, landlords will no longer be able to claim a full deduction for their mortgage interest paid on a mortgage over a rental property. Deductions will be phased out between 1st October 2021 and 31st March 2025 as follows:
Of crucial importance is that the sliding scale above only applies to “grand-parented interest”. This is interest on debt funding that was used
Income year
1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 1 April 2021 – 30 September 2021 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 1 April 2025 onwards
Tax liability
100% 100% 75% 75% 50% 25% 0% to purchase a property prior to 27 March 2021. For new mortgages, all interest is disallowed from 1 October 2021. An exception to this rule will probably apply for property developers and those who acquire “new builds”. The details are being finalised at time of print.
Going back to our example above, assuming the interest relates to a mortgage that was taken out prior to March 2021, the reality for Rebecca is that her loss will no longer be ringfenced as the interest expense will no longer be allowed as a deduction.
Instead, Rebecca will start to have a tax liability on the property which will grow year on year as the percentage of interest expense allowed is reduced. The result will look like this:
Rebecca will have an extra cash expense of $6,072 per year that she needs to factor into her cashflow.
Further consequences
There will be many landlords who have never been provisional taxpayers before because of the way the tax rules operated historically. Provisional tax applies to taxpayers when their residual income tax for the previous tax year exceeds $5,000. In our example, Rebecca will be a provisional taxpayer from the 2026/2027 income year.
Provisional tax due dates differ according to whether the landlord uses the AIM method and whether they are GST registered. If neither apply, then the landlord needs to make three provisional tax payments each year. The due dates are generally 28th August, 15 January and 7th May. These payments are made in addition to the end of year payment due on 7th April (if you have a tax agent) or 28th February if not under a tax agent.
If provisional tax is not paid correctly, or on time, then late payment penalties and use of money interest can apply (7% currently).
Seek tax advise if you are not sure, as interest and penalties can pile up quickly.
Date interest incurred Percentage claimable
1 April 2020 – 31 March 2021 Loss of $6,600 ringfenced 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022 Loss of $3,475 ringfenced 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023 Loss of $350 ringfenced 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 Income of $5,900 (tax of $1,947)* 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 Income of $12,150 (tax of $4,010)* 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026 Income of $18,400 (tax of $6,072)*
*Based on individual earning more than $70,000pa but under $180,000pa **For simplicity of illustration we have not offset carried forward losses.
By Graham Lawrence (Director) And Carla Cross (Senior Associate) Phone: 027 271 0242 Visit: www.bellinghamwallace.co.nz
Tammy McLeod (BA LLB) is the managing director at Davenports Law and a trust and asset structuring specialist. Tammy leads the Davenports Trust Team and enjoys providing clients with advice and assistance on a broad range of issues involving the structuring and establishment of asset plans, interpretation of trust deeds, the management and administration of trust funds and trust disputes. An important part of Tammy’s practice is reviewing existing asset holding structures to ensure they achieve the needs and requirements they were established to meet. She is also experienced in Property (Relationships) Act issues and advises clients on both contracting out agreements and separation.
Tammy McLeod.
Bill and Jane
Bill and Jane were in their early 70s. They had been living in their house in Takapuna for 35 years and that is where they had brought up their children. They had run a very successful business which they sold ten years ago. Initially they had the sale proceeds in term deposits but because of the low interest rates those moneys were now invested in managed funds.
Bill and Jane’s house had increased hugely in value since the time they bought it in the late 1980s. It still bewildered them to think that the house was worth so much more than the business had been when they sold it. They had worked so hard in the business and yet with the family home all they had to do was to continue to own it. The house and the managed funds were both in a trust which had been established when they had their business. Bill and Jane were the beneficiaries of the trust together with their three daughters and their children. The trustees were Bill and Jane and their accountant.
Bill and Jane had decided that they might move into a retirement village. The house in Takapuna had been getting too much for them. The grounds were extensive (they were one of the few sites which had not been sub divided) and the stairs were starting to get a bit much for Bill who had had a knee replacement. They had friends who were in a retirement village on the Shore. They loved it and raved about the lifestyle they now had. Bill and Jane discussed this with their daughters, spent many weekends looking at the different villages and finally settled on one.
Bill and Jane were told that they needed to get legal advice on the occupation right agreement. They went to see their lawyer, who they had needed to visit infrequently since the sale of the business. She said that they should take the opportunity to review their wills and their trust documents at the same time. However, she said that trusts had become quite a specialty area and she thought it would be a good idea to get some expert advice. She referred them to a lawyer who specialised in trusts.
When they went to see the lawyer, she explained that trust law had changed quite a lot since they set their trust up in the mid 1990s. Back in the 1990s, trusts would often have extensive beneficiary lists. This would often include spouses and de facto partners. When the lawyer looked at Bill and Jane’s trust deed, she saw that not only were their children and grandchildren’s partners and spouses potential beneficiaries, but also any carers for those people. This would include the nanny of their eldest daughter’s children. The lawyer said this wasn’t necessarily a common inclusion, but she had certainly seen this before. Clearly this is not what Bill and Jane had intended when they set the trust up. Bill and Jane were particularly concerned as their youngest daughter was going through a messy divorce and it was a worry to them that her ex-husband was a beneficiary of the trust. Unfortunately, the lawyer said, that given the age of the trust, there was no power to remove beneficiaries. She said that sometimes in these cases the trust deeds could be varied to include a power to remove beneficiaries which could then be exercised. But again, in their case there was no power to vary the trust deed. The only options open to them were to resettle the trust which meant setting up a new modern trust with a smaller class of beneficiaries and settling the assets onto that trust or winding the trust up and put everything back into their names.
Bill was reluctant to wind up the trust given the effort and cost of setting the trust up and maintaining it over the years. However, the lawyer advised them that the right to occupy the villa in the retirement village wasn’t able to be owned by the trust in any event, and now that they didn’t have the business risk or any obvious family issues that would necessitate a trust, winding it up would be the sensible option. She said that the trust had done its job and they could still protect their daughter’s inheritance with well-crafted wills.
So, Bill and Jane agreed to wind their trust up and put in place new, more extensive wills. They sold their Takapuna home, and purchased the occupation right to a villa in the retirement village. The balance of funds from their Takapuna home were added to their managed funds which were now just in their own personal names, which meant that their tax returns were more straightforward and there was no need to go to the extra cost of preparing a set of accounts for the trust annually.
Bill and Jane were very happy with the outcome, still understanding that their trust had done a great job for them and given them peace of mind when they needed it.
Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law
09 883 3282 DAVENPORTSLAW.CO.NZ
Simon Gundry is a Devonport and North Shore identity, and character, who is known for calling a spade a spade. He is a director of contracting company Gill & Gundry, is an enthusiastic sailor (past crew-member of Ceramco New Zealand, Lion New Zealand and Shockwave) and is a life member of the North Shore Rugby Football Club. He has been writing this thoughtprovoking column for Channel ever since the very first issue (well over a decade ago!).
Simon Gundry.
We’re nearly two thirds of the way through the year again; what a funny old world we are living in and God knows where it is all going to end.
A big decision for us all is, do we get the vaccine or not? Do you want to travel again or do you never really want to step offshore again? I have had a pretty good look at the world, at times through the end of an empty glass. I’ve still got a lot of New Zealand to look at.
It seems like our lives are in limbo and have been for the past 18 months. I think people of my age may have had the best of it, travelling the world at will, hopping on an aeroplane and hopping off, entering new countries at their arrival gates to be greeted by friends. Now, what drama it is to go travelling anywhere, let alone return back home. Currently, I think it’s in the “can’t be bothered department”. We all took it so much for granted, the freedoms that we had.
Bayswater Marina – I wonder what is going on down there. I have heard that there are going to be 90-plus apartments, then I’ve heard also that the owner is going to split the land into super lots to be sold to different developers to develop as they wish. This could be a long-drawn-out process, creating a construction site for many years, fundamentally to the detriment of marina berth holders, who now have no information on their rights, parking areas or in fact the whole future of the marina as it stands today. What sort of pressure is a development of this size going to put on the current infrastructure, roads, sewers, water etc. which basically hasn’t been upgraded since after the Second World War, when Bayswater was transformed from market garden areas to residential. I have had it on very good authority that there are going to be an extra 3000 houses in the Takapuna to Devonport peninsula area in the next 10 years because of the change in the Unitary Plan. I’ve discussed all this before, we have a Government and a Council that are bent and determined to pack as many people in as they can.
I’m really gutted to see that after lying idle and in a state of disrepair, the wharf at the Devonport Yacht Club has finally been demolished. Also, the slipway at the end of Huia Street Devonport, adjacent to the Naval Base, has been demolished. The wharf and the slipway serviced local boat owners at the yacht club and around Devonport; it’s an absolute disgrace that these facilities have been demolished with no plan to replace them. Again, another erosion of our amenities, yet they can find a quarter of a million dollars to erect an unwanted sculpture, which was unceremoniously dumped upon us, again to the detriment of the view at the end of Devonport Wharf. They found enough money to erect dozens of signs all along the waterfront, for dog walking, bird protection etc though.
I got caught up on the Harbour Bridge recently, in my diesel ute, in the howl of a protest, and I was pretty proud to be part of the farmers and contractors demonstration against Government policy with regards to farming regulations. It was a great demonstration right throughout the country showing the enormous frustration people have with Government policies. I’m really gutted to see that after lying idle and in a state of disrepair the wharf at the Devonport Yacht Club has finally been demolished. Also, the slipway at the end of Huia Street Devonport, adjacent to the Naval Base, has been demolished. The Wharf and the Slipway serviced local boat owners at the Yacht Club and around Devonport, it’s an absolute disgrace that these facilities have been demolished…
I believe there are a few more things people could demonstrate about. I don’t understand how unemployment could have doubled since Labour became Government. I talk to many small business owners and the biggest pressing problem they have is labour. So how do we have a big unemployment problem and yet we cannot get workers?
Congratulations to the North Shore Premier rugby side on their Championship Final victory at North Harbour Stadium in July, which saw them defeat their arch rivals, Takapuna, on a rainswept filthy afternoon, the final going down to the final second with a score of 1211. A great victory for the green and whites.
Also I see that the rabble rouser bar owner Leo Molloy is putting his hand up to be Mayor of Auckland. What a fantastic thing that would be. He’s a straight-shooting businessman originating from the West Coast of the South Island, who would shake a few people up. It’s also rumoured that Mayor Goff will be shunted off to Washington as our new Ambassador. God help us.
And here’s another one: it is time Metro buses stopped running their huge diesel dinosaur buses in and out of Devonport and up Lake Road, carrying sometimes up to six passengers at peak times. It’s time we had smaller passenger buses and here’s a thought, maybe connecting with the ferries.
Well that’s it for the month of August. Next month we will be looking down the barrel at Christmas again. Thanks for reading for my column and to the people who come up to me at the supermarket, in the streets, the hardware shop, and the footy club and vent their frustrations at what is going on. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to write for this two-bit magazine.
Ed's note: Simon, I loved your grumpy last sentence so much it had to be the headline!
Accelerating success.
Boundary Lines Indicative Only
For Sale - Deadline Private Treaty closing 4pm, 26 August 2021 (unless sold prior)
Unit 3, 1 William Pickering Drive, North Harbour Quality Investment for Sale – All offers invited
Returning net $45,675 pa + GST
Rental upside next ROR March 2022 Long established national tenant since 2009 Ground floor, 146.3 sqm + 7 car parks Rare investment opportunity
Low office vacancy levels
Whether you’re looking for your first commercial property or an easy bottom drawer investment to add to your growing portfolio, this quality investment should not be missed.
Unit 3 has been leased to an established insurance tenant since 2009, currently returning $45,675 net pa + GST. The next market rent review is due March 2022. Comprising 146 sqm plus a very generous 7 allocated car parks plus a café on site. The building has undergone a major upgrade including a new roof plus new airconditioning.
There is continued demand from North Shore’s residential population looking to work and live on the Shore, as well as small to medium businesses wanting to establish themselves within North Harbour’s sought after commercial hub. With land diminishing and minimal new office builds planned for this size office, this tidy investment opportunity should not be overlooked.
Contact the Sole Agents for more information or to arrange a time to view. Kerry Cook 021 194 3949 or Janet Marshall 021 684 775.
Janet Marshall 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com Kerry Cook 021 194 3949 kerry.cook@colliers.com
colliers.co.nz
Accelerating success.
For Lease - Office
2-4 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna Naming Rights
Various options available from 310 sqm to a larger floor plate of 1310 sqm.
Opportunities for modern office space with generous carparks are rare in Takapuna.
This well-known building is in an excellent location, close to CBD, with a cafe on site and minutes to Takapuna beach. Seperate car park building providing generous car parking.
Customise your fit out and layout, excellent resources to hand.
Contact Janet Marshall 021 684 775 for more information.
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colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67002574
Offices from 310 to 1310 sqm Minutes to CBD
Janet Marshall 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com
Competitive Rental Generous Car Parking
Colliers NZ Limited Licensed REAA 2008
Accelerating success.
Boundary Line Indicative
For Sale - Deadline Private Treaty Thursday, 19 August 2021 at 4pm (unless sold prior)
B8, 210 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany Small Office - Must be Sold
Calling all owner occupiers and investors. Colliers is pleased to market for sale this rare office opportunity in the sought after, high growth Albany area.
This 92m² road front office is located in Albany village within a popular retail/office development with residential apartments close by. The development is surrounded by quality neighbouring tenants including SBA Accounting, Domino’s Pizza, Bay Audiology and Albany Village Dental. Only minutes to Albany Westfield, Ramada Hotel and easy access to the motorway.
With rising values in the commercial property market and low interest rates, affordable office properties in this location are hard to come by.
There are very few opportunities to purchase an office of this size - don’t miss out.
Contact the Sole Agents for more information or to arrange a viewing.
xxxxx colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67015607
92 sqm first floor office Road Frontage - good signage Own and occupy or invest Allocated carparks plus share of common carpark
Janet Marshall 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com Kerry Cook 021 194 3949 kerry.cook@colliers.com
Colliers NZ Limited Licensed REAA 2008
HP Indigo 10000 B2 Digital Press.
Two new technology investments added to solar commitment by Benefitz
Hot on the heels of Benefitz commitment to solar energy, August/September will see the installation of two new pieces of technology at the recently opened new BenefitzHQ, providing additional production power and further reducing the businesses environmental impact.
The first of these machines is the installation of an HP Indigo 10000 B2 Digital Press, this replaces the companies B2 JetSX Press which has provided the capability to produce A2 and B2 size sheets digitally in volume.
“It was time for us to update the JetSX and we believe that the HP Indigo 10000 Digital Press using ElectroInk was the best replacement option for us at this time,” says Benefitz MD Aidan Bennett. “Printing B2 in size (750mm x 530mm) the Indigo 10000 prints to the same size as our conventional offset printing machinery, but digitally, using the very robust Indigo ElectroInk liquid ink.
“The combination of the new HP Indigo 10000, our three offset machines, and our Fujifilm SRA3 toner based digital machines will be a great one for our business, ensuring quality, substrate versatility, and production flexibility. These presses will enable us to print both larger volumes and short print runs efficiently and cost effectively.”
The second piece of technology that is being installed at BenefitzHQ is a brand new Fujifilm 6-Colour Revoria Digital Press. Benefitz will be one of the first in New Zealand to install this completely new technology. It complements the companies existing Fujifilm 6-Colour Iridesse Digital Press that was installed in 2019. Both are SRA3 presses (450mm x 320mm) with the ability to print longer ‘banner’ sheets up to 1200mm long.
“As printing volumes adjust and the demand changes we are also constantly changing and this technology upgrade is being undertaken to significantly enhance our print power in the small format digital space.” adds Aidan Bennett. “The new technology is being provided by HP and Fujifilm, two of the biggest players in the market globally.”
BenefitzHQ – 5-11 Parkway Drive, Mairangi Bay. Email: info@benefitz.co.nz or Phone 09- 477-4700. Visit: www.benefitz.co.nz
HP Indigo 10000 B2 Digital Press at a Glance
• 750mm x 530mm/29 inch sheet size. • Prints 4600 B2 sheets per hour. • Delivers offset-matching quality. • Uses HP Indigo ElectroInk Liquid Ink (not toner). • Prints 7 Colours, including White and other special effect inks. • Prints on paper (from 65gsm) to thick card (up to 400gsm). • Includes Quality Automation Suite. • Registration cameras maintain tight registration. • Intuitive on-press software.
• 450mm x 320mm sheet size (SRA3). • Also prints banner sheet option 320mm up to 1200mm. • Toner based printing process. • 6-colour print engine. • 2 Specialty toner stations. • Prints Clear, Gold, Silver, White, Pink. • High-definition resolution at 2400 x 2400 dpi. • Prints on Paper (from 52gsm) to thick card (up to 400gsm).
