15 minute read
Devonport News
By Katherine Downs Devonport Business Improvement District Manager Tale wagging the Katherine dog? Devonport is Downs. thinking big this summer!
It’s been so lovely to see summer visitors back in Devonport over the past weeks, stepping off the ferry to swim at Devonport Beach, play in Windsor Reserve’s playground and climb Takarunga/Mt Victoria.
Many people have popped across from the CBD to seek out our colourful Whale Tale sculpture on the waterfront. Its sponsor, Kim Snowball of Fitzgerald Taylor Boutique Stationery, had no idea that Esther Cain was a Takapuna Grammar student when she selected her “Splash of Colour” design. A wonderful local partnership was born!
And the whale isn’t the only colourful character to have found a prime location in our village. Flagstaff Gallery recently moved down the road to the premises of the old ANZ Bank, and their giant Gillie and Marc blue dog ‘Orlando’ now sits proudly (and obediently) in the window of this magnificent, elevated corner site. The doggy in the window isn’t for sale. He’s a permanent fixture for all to enjoy.
With so many events postponed, including our own February Devonport Street Festival, it has been wonderful to still have the Devonport Market in the ferry terminal on the first Saturday of every month. Local Auckland artisans have a great range of crafts and are more than happy to chat about their processes. The next markets will be on Saturday March 5th and Saturday April 2nd.
The XRace, a popular annual family mystery challenge along Devonport waterfront, was to go ahead on February 13th with staggered starts of groups of 100 but Cyclone Dovi had other ideas! As with the Devonport Street Festival, it will be re-scheduled. Staying ever positive, we are starting to plan for Devonport’s Fashion on the Wharf. Tagged for October, we’re not sure we can wait that long! Watch this space…
We, as everyone has, have had disappointments and frustrations but it’s hard to stay unhappy for too long in our stunning surroundings. Come and join us for a swim, a walk and a browse. Bring your own dog or visit ‘Orlando’. You’ll go home with a tale to tell.
Visit: www.devonport.co.nz Devonport Community News for this month with Maria Teape, Community Programme Manager, Devonport Peninsula Trust Devonport in March
Maria Teape.
The beautiful weather continues as do our Raumati/Summer Fun Tamariki (0-5) Play mornings and Kids' Athletics Series.
Raumati/Summer Fun Tamariki (0-5) Play mornings are held on Tuesdays at Windsor Reserve, Devonport and on Thursdays at The Rose Gardens, Belmont. At both locations, sessions start at 9:30am and finish at 11:30am. Attendance is casual and caregiver supervision is required. Sessions are also weather dependent.
The health and safety of our attendees and staff is our top priority and our events are Covid safe. Participants aged 12+ are required to show their vaccine passes before entering the event area and we remind participants to please scan the contact tracing QR code or use the paper-based contact tracing forms on site. Please also wear a face mask and maintain one metre social distancing. Please stay home if you are feeling unwell. Any updates on event Covid protocols from Auckland Council will be closely monitored and actioned accordingly. Please follow us on Facebook to keep informed of any updates.
Kids' Athletics Series got off to a great start mid-February and is planned to be held on consecutive Tuesdays until 22nd March. Sessions run from 4pm-6pm and are held at Vauxhall Sports Reserve, also known as the North Shore Rugby Club grounds. Attendance is casual and registration takes place on site each session. This event is also Covid safe, so our staff will be asking participants and/or caregivers aged 12+ to show vaccine passes at registration and all other Covid safe protocols will be followed to as per Tamariki Play. Kids' Athletics gives primary/ intermediate school aged kids the chance to have a go, in a fun, non-competitive environment. Younger siblings are welcome.
Devonport Peninsula Trust has some funding available to encourage people living in neighbourhoods from Devonport to Hauraki Corner to get together with their neighbours to develop neighbourhood connections.
For further info please contact Maria on ph: 445 9533 or email maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
Devonport Vegan Recipe Club is making it easy for people to choose plant-based nutrition through the sharing of recipes, food and shopping ideas. They meet on the second Thursday of each month, 6.30 - 8.30pm, at Stanley Bay Club, 20 Stanley Point Rd, Stanley Bay. Booking is essential. You can email Sarah to secure your spot at: stanleybayclub@gmail.com.
Noho ora mai,
Maria
By Teresa Burns, Doctor of Audiology. Director and owner of Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd.
What’s New in Hearing Technology
Teresa Burns.
Hearing aid manufacturers are just like any other technology company - constantly researching and releasing new features and technology. What’s new for 2022?
• Accelerometers. Hearing aids can now track your steps, monitor general activity and social interaction and even connect to an app to text a family member if you fall. The app can even geo-tag where you are. How cool is that? • AI assistants. Hearing aid technology is now incorporating artificial intelligence both in design of sound processing and in apps to help users get the best performance, especially in tricky listening situations. • Voice Controls. There is at least one hearing aid on the market now that responds to voice controls, such as ‘louder’ or ‘change programme’. This can be especially helpful for people with dexterity issues or limited range of motion. • Remote programming. All major hearing aid brands now have the ability for Audiologists to provide remote fitting and adjustment of hearing aids. The Audiologist sends through settings to upload or can even conduct a live session with video link to talk through what you need. Nice to have options for help if you are isolating, or unable to travel to your clinic. • Rechargeable. Lithium ion rechargeable hearing aids are now available in both the behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the ear (ITE) styles. Simply plug the hearing aids into the charger every night when you go to bed – they last 20+ hours if fully charged. Easy.
For more info on the latest hearing technology, book to have a chat with me. There are thousands of models and styles available with different price points and features. I can talk you through what would be best for your hearing levels, lifestyle, needs and budget.
Teresa Burns Hearing 215 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland (09) 475 9849 admin@teresaburnshearing.co.nz www.teresaburnshearing.co.nz
By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction
A centre where young people belong
Sonia Thursby.
There are many challenges growing up as a young person today. From regular peer-pressure and image expectation from Instagram, to navigating schooling through masks or zoom calls, to safely buying clothes from stores.
“Safely buying clothes in a store?”, I hear you ask in horror. And yes! The sad truth is that this is real life for a number of the young people in the community.
Since its inception, Shore Junction has dedicated itself to be a centre where all young people can belong, a place where they all feel healthy and safe. We have worked hard with the young people and listened to what they have said they want and need to accomplish this task.
Two main points were raised; 1. Some young people don’t have finances for new clothes and shoes, and 2. Inside the Trans community there are safety concerns about going into genderspecific stores and trying on clothing without being bullied, abused or given judgmental looks.
Thanks to consultation with passionate young people, we are proud to announce that we have launched a clothing swap store in the centre. Think of a clothing swap as an op shop where members of the community drop of their preloved clothing, we wash and clean them and display them for young people to take home.
A major reason the young people wanted to create this clothing swap was to provide a safe space for trans youth to have access to new clothing in a caring location, however this is not the only purpose for the store. This store is available for every young person to “purchase” clothing.
The two ways to “purchase” clothes are either bring in your old clothes to swap with “new” clothes, or simply come in and take what you need without charge or judgment.
We are now asking for the community’s support. If you have any well looked after preloved clothing, shoes, and accessories (No, bric-a-brac please) you’d like to donate, simply drop them into Shore Junction, Monday-Friday 10am-6pm or email info@shorejunction.nz for more information.
Local Life
In Channel Magazine we love highlighting people in our community who make a difference. Two local Devonport Peninsula people, Kate and Lauren, have created ‘Local Life NZ’ a social media entity doing similar online. We love what they do, so we’re now collaborating with them to include content in Channel Mag. This month they profile Judy Rogers, Isabella Yallop and David Li.
Judy Rogers
“It’s a fantasy world, my fairy-tree, but that doesn’t mean fairies don’t live there. I often look out and imagine who’s behind the little door in the knot of the pōhutukawa tree – we all need a bit of imagination in our lives.
“When we first saw our house nine years ago, the tree with its rope swing on the grass verge really Judy Rogers.made an impression on me, and I knew I had to do something with it. So I set about creating a magical world using bits and pieces that I use in my art – a door, small huts, a toadstool, woodland animals and sculptured flowers. I use only sustainable materials – there’s no plastic, so it looks like they belong there, and that somehow makes it more real.
“I love listening to the chatter as people walk past – the tree’s a real talking point. Some leave me notes and I try to reply to as many of them as I can. Some have even asked for help with curing loved ones – they believe in the power of magic as much as I do.”
Judy Rogers, mixed media artist: @jarartcreations Judy’s fairy tree is on the corner of Oxford Terrace and Eton Ave.
Isabella Yallop.
Isabella Yallop
My favourite artist by far is David Bowie. I love his music - it’s helped me to see my individuality as a strength.
I first started playing at the Bunker late last year, performing original songs. I'd been going to the Bunker for a few years before that with my dad, and after writing a few of my own songs, I decided to give it a go.
The Bunker’s so welcoming and cosy. People can be themselves - there’s no judgment there. Performing music, whether originals or covers, brings me huge satisfaction, and I love sharing my music with people at the Bunker."
- Isabella Yallop, stage name Caspian Wilder, made her solo guitar-playing debut at the Bunker in late 2020.
David Li
“Our kids are the future. Along with my three and a half year old son Patrick, I want them to feel comfortable and happy in our neighbourhood, especially when they’re walking past my store. So I decided to find an artist who could create a child-friendly mural that celebrates the love we have in our community. Local support has helped me run my business for the past eight years and I want to give back wherever I can, either by donating to fundraisers or commissioning art for everyone to enjoy.
“Painted by Auckland artist Harris Keenan, the mural’s an interactive map of the iconic sites in our area – Mt Vic, the old Post Office, the fire station, the bunkers, the marina and navy base. The idea is that kids can point out where they’ve been before and where they haven’t, so they can go and visit them with their families. David Li.
“I know from my son, that if you want to get kids’ attention you have to make something fun and gamey. The mural’s a giant maze that kids can play with; whether it’s hitting a ball onto certain spots to get points, or running their toy cars over the surface, I hope it makes them feel happy and excited by this special place.”
David Li, Thirsty Liquor Belmont, 130 Lake Road, Belmont, Mon 10am - 7pm, Tuesday- Thursday 10am - 8pm, Fri and Sat 10am - 9pm, Sun 11am - 8pm, Delivery service is available for locals who are isolating at home. Call us on 094460345 or message through Facebook.
If you have a story you would like to share or know of a local hero, contact Kate Dobbin & Lauren Lulu Taylor at hello@localifenz.com Follow Local Life NZ on Facebook and Instagram – @LocalLifeNZ
Foodie Finds is a monthly column by Kate Dobbin and Lauren Lulu Taylor which profiles local food producers and their products in the Devonport area. If you have suggestions of products or producers for us to consider, please email Kate on kdobbin7@gmail.com or Lulu at Lulu@secretkiwikitchen.com
XO Yakitori & Issan Bar
XO Yakitori & Issan Bar has helped to breathe new life into the imposing corner site that straddles Lake Road and Jutland Road. Such a prime spot was never going to sit still for too long.
XO brings its unique flavours of pan-Asian cuisine to the neighbourhood, and diners are spoilt for choice with a dual kitchen producing both delicious Japanese and Thai dishes. They also offer a refreshing take on bao buns, with a DIY duck bao that you can make yourself at the table with crispy duck, cucumber, spring onion and coriander, topped with a wicked hoisin sauce.
Dumplings are a crowd pleaser – choose from either chicken and lemongrass, or pork and prawn – while the Yakitori Bar offers two Japanese grilled skewers in a range of tastes, including chicken wings, pork belly, prawn, scallop and silken tofu.
The market fish sashimi boasts a range of four different species, depending on the catch of the day.
Turning to Thai, there are all the classic dishes, including Pad Thai noodles, sizzling beef, Tom Yum chicken soup and Thai-style sweet and sour pork. But the true mark of a good Thai is its curries, and XO’s Massaman curry comes laden with rich taste, sweet and mild flavours, and sticky lamb shoulder that falls off the bone. Order a side of coconut rice, and you won’t be disappointed.
Delicious and decadent sweet things – including homemade filled doughnuts, cinnamon rolls and tempura custard balls – are there to tempt you at the end if you can still move. If liquid decadence is more your thing, XO prides itself on its signature cocktails and liqueur coffees which they serve in the upper-floor Yakitori Bar with sensational views of the cityscape from the open-air balcony.
Owners Eduardo and Bo Viterbo run sister restaurants in Wynyard Quarter and Hobsonville, but XO is where their hearts are for now. Everything is made on site, ingredients are fresh and in some cases, homegrown. Their one-month anniversary is coming up, and we bet the rafters will be rocking in true Lone Star style.
XO Yakitori and Issan Bar 335 Lake Road, Hauraki (on the old Lone Star site) Tel: 09 486 0003 https://xotakapuna.com/ Opening Hours: Lunch: Thursday-Sunday, 11.30am-3pm Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday, 5.30-9.30pm Closed Mondays, Groups welcome Takeaways available but not delivery
By Justine Kinsella
Devonport Community House
Justine Kinsella.
Kia ora koutou! We hope you’re all having a great start to 2022. We've had a busy month with lots going on at the House.
After a few delays as a result of lockdowns and restrictions, we were finally able to run our babysitting workshop. We had an awesome event, and now have lots of qualified, confident and enthusiastic babysitters in our community ready to go! This was a super popular event so we’ll definitely look to run another later in the year.
Our regular activity programme is well underway and we have some exciting new classes and workshops coming up. One which is going to be super popular is the new roller skating class starting on Sunday 6th March. This is for all levels and skates are available for hire. We also have the amazingly talented Claire from Oscuro back to run some lampshade making classes. Check our Facebook page or website for more info on these.
We’re edging closer to getting our mezzanine area revamped with a new layout and furniture. Under the current Covid-19 restrictions, the House is closed for anyone walking in and using the facilities (other than when you are coming for a scheduled class, activity or workshop), but we hope that you’ll all be able to enjoy this space in the near future once restrictions ease again.
LEARN TO MAKE YOUR OWN DRUM LAMPSHADE
Casual, fun, friendly and creative workshops, led by Claire from Oscuro NZ, a business that has been passionately creating lampshades for over 2 decades.
Choices of sizes, just 0.5m of a cotton or linen weight fabric required (no silks, sheers or upholstery weights) Everything else is supplied and no sewing skills needed.
You will come away with a professional lampshade of our own creation. Further details and bookings can be made at: www.oscuro.co.nz/book-online
Bring a friend and receive a $20 discount on their booking with coupon ‘SHADYFRIEND’ at checkout
D De ev vo on np po or rt t R Ro ol ll le er r S Sk ka at ti in ng g C Cl la as ss se es s
SUN 3.30-4.30PM
DEVONPORT COMMUNITY HOUSE ALL AGES WELCOME! $15 | $7 SKATE HIRE
HEYMACARENA.CO.NZ/BOOKONLINE
