38 minute read
AGE School
Extending beyond the Curriculum
We don’t just do book learning. We believe in a much broader education that equips our learners with the knowledge, traits, and skills they will need in the real world. Our learners get to experience the wide-range of topics and subjects through a theme-based curriculum which focuses on play, passion, and purpose. We don’t provide the learners with all the answers; we show them how to come up with solutions themselves.
The Journey of an AGE Learner
HERE’S HOW WE EXTEND AGE LEARNERS BEYOND THE NEW ZEALAND CURRICULUM:
Play, Inquiry, and Projects
To spark their curiosity and help them thrive both in the classroom and in the community, we connect foundational concepts and skills to learners’ own interests. We turn these interests into real-world challenges and encourage deep thinking to allow students to build their knowledge, as well as the skills necessary to develop and produce outcomes that help them to feel confident and successful. During the younger years, we identify passions through play and develop these into their inquiry projects. In the latter years, these passion projects
are linked to a learners pathway, focusing on a meaningful outcome, and can be linked to recognised national assessments or portfolios.
EQ
In a technology-based future, it’s never been more important for students to develop their EQ as much as their IQ. At AGE, learners participate in EQ sessions each week to help them to understand and manage their emotions in a positive way, and to enable them to better communicate and empathise with others. Learners also develop their skills in gratitude and mindfulness each morning.
Universal Life Skills
Each AGE learner is encouraged to develop the skills that we know to be useful in life beyond school. These include our values of being curious, demonstrating compassion, engaging with the community, and managing themselves. Learning sessions are designed to ensure that there are regular opportunities, both incidentally and explicitly taught, to enable the learners to grow these skills.
Robotics & Coding
Our learners enjoy diving into robotics and using their creativity to develop their understanding of building robots and coding. Coding club is a hit each Wednesday lunchtime; engaging our learners beyond the timetabled sessions. More recently, they have combined their knowledge of coding with robot-making and utilising their coding skills they were able to both build the robots for purpose and make them work!
Opportunities outside the classroom
Our learners participate in a weekly sporting programme where they can develop their skills in surfing, tennis, netball & rippa rugby, waka ama, skiing & snowboarding, sailing and swimming.
There are some incredible experiences on offer in Auckland, and these are a regular feature in our learners’ programmes. Such opportunities have included AUT’s BioDesign robotics laboratory, Weta Unleashed, NZ School of Food & Wine for a Barista course, MOTAT, Defence Technology Agency, Stardome, and the Auckland Art Gallery to help with an installation.
AGE Outdoors
AGE Outdoors is a new programme which provides an alternative learning opportunity based in nature. Here individuals learn more about the world around them and focus on purposeful projects in sustainability. Learners are encouraged to develop new skills and knowledge, take risks, and put their ideas into action to have a positive impact on the environment. The programme is based on our 80-acre farm in Warkworth.
When students complete their journey at AGE School, they’ll leave empowered to build further on their learning. They’ll feel connected to their community, conscious of the environment, and have developed fundamental skills for the world they are moving into.
For more information contact us at AGE School
enrolments@age.school.nz 09 218 7771 | www.age.school.nz
NORTH HARBOUR CLUB AND CHARITABLE TRUST
OUR SPONSORSHIP FAMILY
PLATINUM
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
SUPPLIERS
Mike Bush for Breakfast
Business Excellence Network Breakfast, Tuesday September 6th, Regatta Bar & Eatery, Takapuna
Former New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush is the keynote speaker at the North Harbour Club’s next BEN Breakfast, to be held in early September.
Mike Bush CNZM served as the New Zealand Commissioner of Police for six years until April 2020. Mike joined the New Zealand Police in 1978. As he progressed through the ranks he was appointed to senior roles, including Liaison Officer for South East Asia. He was the first New Zealand official on the scene during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami.
In the 2006 New Year Honours, Mike was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for his relief work. In the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours, Mike was promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Mike made several changes focused on operational models and culture during his time as Police Commissioner. These included the introduction of a “Prevention First” operating model, where the primary focus of policing resources would be on crime prevention. He introduced additional core values of “Empathy” and “Valuing Diversity” in an effort to make cultural changes.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mike was appointed to lead the operational arm of the Covid-19 All-of-Government Response Group.
Since leaving the police, Bush has been working in governance, leadership and risk management with his business, Bush Consultancy.
The breakfasts are fantastic, with a lovely sit-down breakfast provided by Andy Ruzich and the team at Regatta to support the North Harbour Club.
Mike Bush.
Tickets for this fundraising breakfast are $65 plus GST per person. If you wish to attend email events@northharbourclub. co.nz to order your tickets and arrange payment or you can book online at www.northharbourclub.co.nz
Italian Fundraiser Evening @ Regatta Bar & Eatery
Wednesday 28 September, from 6pm till 10pm
Benvenuti a tutti, to a memorable evening with Italy at the heart!
Last year the North Harbour Club celebrated Bastille Day and this year we plan to celebrate all things Italian.
This is a themed night where North Harbour Club members and guests alike are invited to dress as their favourite Italian and join us for a decadent banchetto complemented with quality Italian wines.
As our rangatahi – our young people – are at the heart of what we do, this fun-filled Italian night will be an opportunity to raise funds for the AIMES Awards with our charity auction. Dress as your favourite Italian.
Bastille Day dinner was big and this will be as well. There are limited spaces, so please book early. Tickets are $180 incl GST per person. Tables of six can be booked or individual tickets.
If you wish to attend email events@northharbourclub.co.nz to order your tickets and arrange payment or you can book online at www.northharbourclub.co.nz
NORTH HARBOUR CLUB PRESENTS
Accountancy with Mike Atkinson of Bellingham Wallace.
Revenue is vanity, profit is sanity, but cash is king
Mike Atkinson.
If you're wondering what you can do to keep your business ticking along without borrowing money (or even worse, running out altogether) then look no further than good cash flow management. Your company’s revenue figures are great to flaunt, but they don’t ultimately mean much if your cashflow is out of whack.
Profit offers peace of mind, surely, but it doesn’t indicate that your business financials are sound. Only stable, reliable cash flow can truly, no doubt now more than ever! If a business doesn’t have enough cash readily available to pay payroll, rent and other bills, it can spell disaster – irrespective of how profitable the company is or how quickly it is growing. That’s why you can’t afford to cast aside cash flow forecasting (more specifically, three-way forecasting) and the important insights it can provide.
How three-way forecasting works
A three-way forecast is a financial model that combines three key reports into one consolidated forecast. It links your profit & loss (income statement), balance sheet and cash flow projections together so you can forecast your future cash position and financial health.
Because your cash flow forecast is driven by the real-time data in your balance sheet and profit and loss statements, the report has integrity. For this reason, a three-way forecast is also beneficial for banks and investors.
In addition to providing granular financial forecasts that explain the future prospects of your business model, threeway forecasts are more accurate, robust and provide the best possible insights for your future financial position. A threeway forecast is vital for a business because it highlights future financial situations enabling you to ensure that the business can afford to pay suppliers and employees.
Simply put, talk to us about a three-way forecast if you: • and your management want to be confident about your cash position; • want your business to be attractive to potential investors and lenders; • need finance for your business; and • want to bring financial stability to your company, now and in the future.
Profit & Loss (income) forecast
This is one of the most important financial statements for most businesses as it demonstrates the ability of a business to generate a profit. The information on the income statement represents a reasonable degree of accuracy. However, it does not reveal the number of assets and liabilities required to generate a profit, and the results do not necessarily equate to the cash flows generated by the business. Therefore when used by itself, the Profit and Loss Statement can be somewhat incomplete.
Balance sheet
The balance sheet is of considerable importance when paired with the profit and loss statement since it reveals the level of investment needed to support the sales and profits shown on the profit and loss statement. The balance sheet forecast is the key to be able to clearly see where the company will be financially at any given point in the future.
Cash flow forecast
This is a crucial financial statement as it focuses on changes in cash inflows and outflows. This report presents a clearer view of a company’s cash flows than the profit and loss statement. A fully integrated three-way forecast includes the projected cash flow for at least the next 12 months. A healthy business should produce positive net cash flow from operating activities and should be able to grow it over time. Positive cash flow is achieved through cautious cash management, but it does not necessarily equate to profitability.
Accurate forecasts are essential for planning the way forward for any business and the benefits speak for themselves: • Future-proof your business – Set yourself up for success and get a true reflection of your financial health, now and in the future. With three-way forecasting, you will confidently say yes to growth opportunities. It really is business planning made easy. • Clear business projections – With clear cash projections, you can make better business decisions. It can help you become proactive with your cash flow and help identify issues and shortfalls before they become a problem. • Save time, get fast and easy reports – With our team’s expertise and specialised software, we can save you time, so you can get on with the important stuff. We can set up dashboards to automatically sync with your financial data and send reports straight to your inbox.
No doubt three-way forecasting is complex and timeconsuming. We can make it easy to grow your business, spending less time forecasting and reporting. We can provide you the tools to take back control of your business.
Our team at Bellingham Wallace has years of experience creating comprehensive three-way forecasts for a range of businesses and we understand what the banks are looking for. We use specialist accounting software that's been created with the specific purpose of producing three-way forecasts and daily dashboards. To find out more, contact a member of our advisory team today on: info@bellinghamwallace.co.nz.
Visit: www.bellinghamwallace.co.nz
Alison is Senior Associate at Schnauer and Co. A real people person with long-standing client relationships and specialties across property and commercial law. Is co-ownership for you?
Alison Dymond.
It is no secret that buying property in Auckland is very expensive. Despite recent media attention about falling house prices in Auckland and the property sector becoming “a buyer’s market”, Barfoot & Thompson recently reported that the median prices for houses it sold in June were 2% higher than their May numbers and 3.5% higher than the median house prices in June 2021.
In order to get a foot on the property ladder, some house hunters are getting together with family and/or friends and pooling their money to give them greater buying power. Co-owning a property does not always mean that the parties will be living together under one roof, but for others, like the clients we have recently helped to purchase their first home, this meant that two married couples and one toddler would be living under one roof for the foreseeable future. While the box for home ownership can get a big tick, what does this actually mean where co-owners are living together? Will they be able to live together in perfect harmony in the way that Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney envisaged in their song? Or will dark clouds roll in?
Before two or more parties commit to each other, they need to consider the potential issues that may arise and decide how they will be dealt with up front. This will help them to clearly identify and manage each other’s expectations and ensure that everyone is on the same page as they start this new venture together. One way to do this is to enter into a property sharing agreement. This type of agreement can set out clear ground rules about how the costs of the property will be shared (home loan, utilities and maintenance etc) and what is to happen if one or more of the parties decide to go their separate ways. With a good property sharing agreement in place, it removes assumptions and minimises the risk of disagreements that could potentially derail relationships between co-owning parties.
The same principle also applies to co-owners who do not live in the same house. Having clearly recorded expectations and understandings will help you to co-own the property without unnecessary and costly disputes or disagreements. Non-occupying co-owners will also have to consider the implications of the brightline rules for their situation.
Co-ownership is not suited to everyone but if you think it might be, then before you purchase, you and your co-owning partners should discuss the various issues you may face and agree as to how you intend to address them as and when they arise. With the assistance of a good property sharing agreement you can be reassured that you are all on the same page and your co-ownership is based on a clear and solid mutual understanding.
The Property team at Schnauer and Co is here to help you with all your property questions. So call us now for a confidential, no obligation chat and let us help you decide whether co-ownership is right for you.
Schnauer & Co, 1 Shea Terrace, Takapuna 09 486 0177, www.schnauer.com
Our happiness drives performance
Mark Wilson.
A comprehensive five-year research study* using US Department of Defense employees (the single largest employer in the world) has answered the question: How much does happiness drive success at work? While researchers expected positive wellbeing and optimism would matter to performance, they were not expecting just how much they mattered.
This research found employees with high measures of wellbeing deliver superior performance at dramatically higher rates than those with lower measures of happiness. The research showed that happiness and optimism levels also helped predict how well employees will do. Employees with higher measures of wellbeing emerge as leaders, perform better, and tend to be better teammates.
This does not mean that the purpose of life is simply happiness, but rather that happiness and optimism are means to living successful and fulfilling lives. As American philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson famously said: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
So, how do we foster happiness and positive mindsets in these challenging times of a global pandemic, the invasion of Ukraine, and high inflation? A key approach is around consistently fostering good daily habits. For example, consciously seek to smile – as smiling causes the brain to release dopamine, which makes us happier. Regular exercise helps reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression while boosting self-esteem and happiness. Getting adequate sleep is vital for good health, brain function, and emotional wellbeing. Also look to surround yourself with happy and positive people, as happiness is in fact contagious. Having hope and faith in a greater good, can also strengthens people’s happiness and purpose.
Ensuring our children and young people are guided and supported to develop their positive mindsets is integral to Kristin School’s philosophy. We believe that developing happiness in our young people can be achieved by creating a sense of belonging within a supportive community. Enabling students to challenge themselves, participate in social teams and groups, and develop wider personal skills and interests e.g. dance, music and sports are all part of holistic schooling – the development the whole person, not only their academic intellect. Our aim is to support and nurture happy young people, who will not only succeed academically but move out into the wider world equipped to live a life of purpose that makes a positive difference in the lives of themselves and especially for others. *Source: Lester, Paul B., Diener, Ed and Martin Seligma "Top Performers Have a Superpower: Happiness." MIT Sloan Management Review, February 16, 2022.
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.
Jane and Peter
Tammy McLeod.
It is 18 months since the new Trusts Act 2019 came into force (while enacted in July 2019, it didn’t come into force until January 2021). Peter and Jane hadn’t done anything about their trust when the law changed. It was a simple, uncomplicated trust, just owning their family home and sometimes they even wondered why they had it. However, Jane had recently been offered a shareholding and directorship in the company she worked for. The other two shareholders had their shares in trusts, so Jane and Peter thought they better go and see their lawyer to get some advice around their trust. Jane’s work colleague suggested that they get specialist advice as the area of trust law was more complex now than ever.
Jane and Peter took that advice and went to see a specialist trust lawyer who reviewed their existing trust and made some recommendations to make the trust more robust and to reflect the new law. She thought that due to the nature of Jane’s business, there was no real need to have a second trust. But there were quite a few changes that would need to be made to the existing trust. Fortunately, the lawyer told them there was a power within their trust deed to vary the trust deed. She said that wasn’t always the case.
Some of the recommendations were around the beneficiaries of the trust. Peter and Jane’s trust had been set up before they had children and their parents and nieces and nephews were beneficiaries of the trust. There were two things that had to change here. Peter and Jane had to update their memorandum of wishes to provide for what they wanted to happen to the trust assets if they both died. Presently there was no instruction at all as to how their own children would benefit. Secondly, they really wanted to remove their nieces and nephews as beneficiaries. The lawyer explained that under the new Trusts Act, beneficiaries over the age of 18 could ask for financial information relating to the trust. Peter and Jane had never intended that their nieces and nephews would receive anything from the trust once they had their own children. Knowing they currently had a right to know about the financial position of the trust and potentially make demands if they realised they were beneficiaries of the trust, highlighted to them how remiss they were in not reviewing their trust deed more regularly. Peter’s father was a trustee of the trust. While that wasn’t necessarily wrong, the lawyer did explain the greater onus on trustees to comply with the duties and obligations under the new Act. Also, Peter’s father was getting older and there had been a couple of instances when they were concerned about his capacity. The lawyer explained that while the new Act did make removing an incapacitated trustee easier, it was timely to remove him as a trustee with the trust acquiring the shares in the company. Jane and Peter agreed to appoint a company run by their new lawyer as a trustee. That way they knew that all the administration would be looked after and that they would be doing everything they could to ensure that the trust was being run properly.
One of the other major recommendations was to include a clause which in essence meant that the trustees would not be in breach of trust law if they did not diversify the trust’s assets. The lawyer explained that just owning a family home and shares in a closely held company meant that there was a risk in the future that the beneficiaries could sue the trustees for not having adequately invested the trust assets. In order to prevent that, they needed to put a clause in the trust deed which said that the trustees didn’t have to comply with the “prudent person” test.
The other changes were more of an administrative nature, aligning the trust deed with the new Act’s references. Jane and Peter were delighted with the process. They felt confident that the trust was the right vehicle for their assets and were confident that with the changes that had been made, they would have a robust structure for the future.
If it’s been a while since you last reviewed the structure of your trust, now could be the time. Get in touch with Tammy McLeod and the Trusts Team at Davenports Law today.
Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law
09 883 3282 DAVENPORTSLAW.CO.NZ
Do you have this pest plant in your backyard?
AUGUST PEST PLANT OF THE MONTH: Jasmine
Pest plants, such as jasmine 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.
Although many people love the smell of this climbing vine, it is a problem for our native biodiversity. It is capable of out-competing and shading out native seedlings and it eventually creates thick mats throughout the understory of indigenous forests and prohibits natural regeneration. Jasmine is mainly spread by fragments dumped in green waste that quickly grow into large infestations. It usually flowers around springtime and it's best to start controlling it before it flowers.
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 https://www.pfk.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 Waitematā Ecology Network (UWEN) info@upperharbourecologynetwork.org Facebook.com/ @upperwaitemataecologynetwork
If you notice jasmine on your property, take action as soon as possible:
• Dig out small infestations, trying to remove all parts of the root system – jasmine can regrow from stem fragments that are left in the ground. • Hand release off native trees where possible. Make a cut at the base of the stem and apply a thin film of Met Gel to both ends of the cut stem. • Large vines can be left on the tree after applying Met Gel to both ends of the cut stem. • For large infestations and ground cover, foliar spray with 0.5g/L metsulfuron +15ml/L Glyphosate + penetrant. Always wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) and read the manufacturer’s label for guidelines and recommendations. It's best to spray just before it starts flowering. Get more guidance from your local environmental group listed here. • Follow up in three months to reapply herbicide and ensure all regrowth has died (mature jasmine infestations usually need multiple applications). • Dispose of any seeds, roots and stem fragments 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. • For more information and guidance on weed control, you can download the Forest and Bird weed control guide.
For advice on chemical-free alternatives, Kaipātiki Project community@kaipatiki.org.nz kaipatiki.org.nz Facebook.com/kaipatikiproject
This monthly feature is a collaborative initiative between Restore Hibiscus & Bays, Pest Free Kaipātiki Restoration Society, Pupuke Birdsong Project, Restoring Takarunga Hauraki, the Upper Waitematā Ecology 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.
with Lindsay Knight
Graham's impact on local bowls acknowledged
Graham Dorreen has only been involved in North Harbour bowls since 2007, but in that relatively short span he has made a contribution and had an impact that few could match, particularly as an administrator and coach.
This was recognised at the recent annual meeting of Bowls North Harbour when he was unanimously proclaimed a life member. The rarity of this honour can be measured from the fact that since the centre’s inception in 1985 life membership has been bestowed on only four others.
Besides the centre, three of its clubs have benefitted from Graham’s dynamic leadership and entrepreneurial skills: Milford, which was his first club; Browns Bay, where he had a brief stint a decade or so ago; and since 2015 Takapuna.
He has served on the management board of each of club and has been Takapuna’s chairman since 2019 and from 2016-19 he was the centre chair.
In each club and with the centre he has left an indelible mark. With the centre he helped establish “Bias,” a fund which provides financial assistance where needed. At Milford he helped start the Milford 5000, still one of New Zealand’s foremost tournaments for junior and intermediate bowlers. At Browns Bay he started the Heartland classic and helped organise the hosting of a successful national championship in 2015.
And at Takapuna he has spearheaded a revamping of the club’s facilities, as well as developing it as one of the country’s foremost clubs, with several national champions and Black Jacks in its ranks. This has been recognised with several local and national “club of the year” awards.
But his greatest passion has been in coaching, an interest which started with his earlier involvement in rugby and cricket. He was especially successful in rugby, coaching the Rangitoto College First XV and being made a life member of its club. With the college and Harbour age group representative sides he coached many who reached representative and even All Black status.
It is in bowls, though, where he has excelled and perhaps has gained his most satisfaction. Much as he values developing tactics and technique, his main fascination has been the mental skills which he sees as essential to high performance success.
His first major bowling success came with the Harbour men’s oneto-eight representatives, who scored back-to-back national titles in 2016-17. That has been followed in recent seasons with top results with the centre women’s representative team and Takapuna’s women’s club side.
In recent seasons he has been the personal coach to Commonwealth Games representative Selina Goddard and now another Games representative, para-jack Lynda Bennett. In six of the last seven seasons he has won Harbour’s coach of the year and has twice been national coach of the year.
His achievements as an administrator and coach, though receiving many awards, may have been at a cost to his own playing deeds. Yet he remains an accomplished player and to the nine club titles he won at Milford he has added two at Takapuna, the mixed triples championship in the past two seasons with wife Anne and Lisa Dickson.
Anne, a superb lead, has enjoyed most of the family’s playing success and has won 13 centre titles as well as a silver medal in the national fours. But Graham shares with her and their good friends, Tim and Rhonda Preston, a rare playing distinction. In the 2010-11 season Graham and Tim won the Harbour men’s one-to-five-year championship and in the same season Anne and Rhona won the women’s title.
Graham Dorreen.
Visit: www.bowlsnorthharbour.com
Greetings from Sunnynook Community Centre
Bronwyn Bound.
Please check out our website for up-to-date information about all the classes that are run at the Community Centre. If you would like to put your children on the waiting list for the Sunnynook Holiday Programme or Kennedy Park youth programme, please email: snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz
If you would like to go on the online mailing list to receive our community newsletters please email: office@sunnynookcomcentre. co.nz or click on the ‘contact us’ link on our website.
We are pleased to announce that in partnership with the Sunnynook Community Association the ‘September Marathon’ is happening in September 2022, details below:
Sunnynook September Marathon 2022
The Sunnynook Community Association, in partnership with the Sunnynook Community Centre, is hosting our second community marathon over the month of September! All members of our community regardless of age, ability or fitness can run, walk, stroll or roll through our new and very much loved Sunnynook Park.
The idea of a marathon (42km) sounds very challenging. However let’s break it down: 1km is one loop (follow our nifty markers around the park). This means if you walk around the park about two times every day during September, you will have completed a marathon!! Anyone of any ability can do it, on foot, buggies, wheel chairs, bikes or scooters! Our marathon can be done virtually from your home, or your local exercise route. There are lots of free tools you can use to track your distance.
Still not convinced? Here are some more reasons to join: • It’s free! • It’s a cool way to catch up with friends or meet some new ones! • It's an easy way to keep fit!
For more info: www.sunnynookcommunity.org.nz/marathon
Kind regards
Bronwyn Bound, Centre Manager, Sunnynook Community Centre
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.
Team player
North Shore community stalwart Ann Tod has received one of the highest recognitions a New Zealander can attain. The semi-retired finance expert, who chairs the Harbour Hospice Trust and sits on a number of other boards, has been made a Member of the NZ Ann Tod. Order of Merit (MNZM). The recognition is for her work in governance and finance in international netball, as well as her active support of the sport at grassroots level.
Ann, 64, was nominated for the Queen’s Birthday Honour by Netball New Zealand and says she has been humbled by the recognition. “It was a complete surprise. But it has been lovely to reflect, and the excitement I’ve felt from the netball community and others, has helped me realise that I just need to enjoy the moment."
Ann sits on the World Netball Board as its Finance Director, a role she has held since 2011. It was Raelene Castle, the current CEO of Sport New Zealand, who suggested Ann throw her hat into the ring for the position. Ann has a 40-year career as an auditor for KPMG behind her and was the audit partner for Netball New Zealand for a number of years.
Prior to Covid travel restrictions, the role required flying to different parts of the world three times a year for three-day board meetings with board members from all over the globe.
“In the context of international sport netball is a relatively small sport,” Ann says. “But it's very important for New Zealand, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries like England, Jamaica and South Africa, and it’s finding its way as a professional sport.”
Alongside her involvement at international level, Ann is a wellknown face at the local Netball North Harbour courts, having umpired school- to premier-grade netball for more than 20 years. She was inspired to take up umpiring when the middle of her three daughters, now in their 30s, started playing netball.
“That was after watching just one game,” she laughs. “I realised I was not someone who could stay on the sidelines.”
Most comfortable in the circle as Goal Defence or Goal Shoot, she took up netball herself when she was just a kid. Although she no longer plays, she loves umpiring because it keeps her active, she likes being outside “and I love the team aspect”.
She admits the role comes with a little stick from the sidelines. “But it doesn’t faze me,” she says. “I’m always happy to talk to people. The funniest challenge I’ve had was from a dad from a Year 6 team where the first words he said were ‘Look, I don’t know all the rules but…’.”
“Fortunately, I know the rules.”
Ann’s MNZM also takes into account her other community work. She is involved in no less than six boards including Harbour Hospice, Make A Wish, the JR McKenzie Trust, The Lister Presbyterian Health Trust, Te Tuhi Contemporary Arts Trust and Rotary New Zealand.
“I do like to keep busy, and I like to problem-solve, and I’m someone who will always put my hand up. But I don’t like letting people down, so I will say no if I don’t have the capacity.” And Ann has become even more inclined to take this into consideration after recently becoming a grandmother to wee Fletcher, aged six months. Ann cherishes her Friday afternoons at home looking after Fletcher while his mum is at work.
Ann will receive her medal at Government House in Auckland in late August and will attend with her husband of 40 years, Alastair, and their daughters Ashlea, Alana and Alex.
She says the family couldn’t be more proud. “I feel very lucky that they all live locally and we’ll be able to celebrate together."
The lauch of the New Ministry of Disabled People
Sonia Thursby.
July was an exciting month for the Yes team and the entire disability sector, with the launch of the new Ministry of Disabled People (Whaikaha).
A few members of the I.lead team were invited to Parliament for the launch, and were also asked to perform a Pasifika dance as part of the celebrations. The dance was a representation of the partnership we have with Pati Umaga, a musician who cares deeply about enabling participation and inclusion for disabled people and Pacific communities through music. The song ‘Siva’ was created by Pati, who was also the MC on the day, as a celebration of Pasifika culture.
The I.Lead team was extremely excited and honoured to perform for New Zealand as it was a meaningful moment for them and a fabulous way for them to be able to represent their disability community.
Yes conducted its first Inclusive Faith Project workshop in Palmerston North at the end of June. The workshop was an opportunity for people with disabilities to connect with their faith communities. The participants in the workshop were able to discuss their faith experiences and provide suggestions on how those experiences could be improved or adapted. The workshop was a learning tool for the Faith Leaders who attended; listening to the perspectives of the participants allowed them to understand the relationship people with disabilities have with their faith communities. The workshop will be delivered around New Zealand over the next couple of months, maximising the participation of the disability community and the faith communities in the region. The next workshop is in Wellington on August 3rd. Registrations for this workshop are open on the Yes website.
I.Lead is all about supporting young people with disabilities in designing all our programmes and projects in collaboration with our young people. As part of this, I.Lead members are regularly consulted on numerous topics that impact young peoples’ daily lives. I.Lead has been asked to consult with many organisations. This includes the Ministry of Youth Development to provide them with an understanding of and perspective on the experiences young people with disabilities have had when engaging with adults and various sectors of the community. Another group has been consulting with the Ministry for the Environment to discuss how the environment has been a barrier for people with disabilities and what possible changes can be made for the future.
These are only a couple of examples of the many consultations I.Lead has been involved with throughout the year. I.Lead finds it a great opportunity to be able to voice the experiences and stories of young people and influence change for a better future and understanding for all. If you would like to join us in this please contact us via the details below.
Stay updated with our programmes and events through our social media and websites: https://yesdisability.org.nz/ https://www.ilead.org.nz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i.leadnz/
Supporting families with children and young adults with physical disabilities
For those of you who enjoy walking through the Takapuna site appreciating the gardens, you will have noticed that the entrance has been closed off for a few months.
In line with the government regulations, we have been busy seismically strengthening the Homestead and the three chimneys. We are happy to report that work will be finishing during the the next month and we will welcome walkers back onto the site. Please continue to adhere to the Covid restrictions, be mindful of the children and families staying onsite, and keep your safe distance.
Thank you Parafed Bay of Plenty for sharing your photo of the beach wheelchair that we funded; Heidi looks like she is having a lot of fun.
We offer grants to both individuals and groups like Parafed. The qualifying criteria is that at least 50% of the group benefiting from the grant must have a physical disability. If you would like more information about our grants, please visit our website at www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz
Our gorgeous St Leonards’ chapel is available for hire. This special facility is not only available for weddings but if you are looking for somewhere to hold a small event, concert or celebration, then please contact us, or if you would like to come and have a look around, please contact Justine on 022 1211 477 or email weddings@wilsonhometrust.org.nz.
If you would like to know more about the Wilson Home Trust and the work we do, please check out our website www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz or Facebook page www.facebook.com/wilsonhometrust1/
Our localised North Shore commercial team consist of over 20 of the country’s best brokers, adding to our national team of 240 dedicated commercial experts throughout New Zealand.
For expert advice on your sales and leasing requirements, contact a Bayleys North Shore specialist today. 09 489 0999 | bayleys.co.nz/commercialnorthshore
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9 Huron Street, Takapuna. 105-111 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna.
Revitalised North Shore commercial property market finds its ‘sweet spot’
A dynamic North Shore commercial property market is bucking Covid and rising interest rates with a rejuvenated Takapuna leading the way.
Resilient demand and the North Shore’s growing pulling power have created a pipeline of occupiers chasing commercial space on the North Shore, and this is generating intense buyer and tenant competition, and driving new development, according to Bayleys North Shore General Manager Jayson Hayde.
“At its heart, Takapuna is undergoing a revival. Long-term council programmes to revitalise its metropolitan centre, combined with an upsurge in commercial interest, are creating a ‘sweet spot’ of new activity and investment,” Jason says.
Bayleys’ latest North Shore commercial market update points to a scarcity of vacant commercial premises and keen demand for available stock.
“Occupiers are responding by making earlier plans for their premises, and successful businesses are making early commitments for extra space to support their growth," Jason adds.
According to Bayleys' research, benchmark rents for scarce modern office premises on the Shore sit at $390 to $430 per sqm, with benchmark yields between 5% and 6%.
While in reasonable supply, high street retail space is attracting benchmark rents in the $540 to $700 range, with yields hovering at 4.7% to 5.1%.
“Despite climbing interest rates, there’s no shortage of cashed-up buyers in the market, turning their attention to commercial assets. Properties with good quality buildings, scale and strong lease covenants are in particularly hot demand,” says Jason. Underlining the area’s expanding appeal, 9 Huron Street, in central Takapuna, has just been snapped up in a $10.5 million deal by ASX-listed flexi-workspace leader WOTSO Property.
Known as Karaka House, the site features large open-plan floor plates, a good mix of offices and meeting rooms and generous basement car parking. It was seen as ideal for the Australian giant’s first New Zealand co-working hub, which it aims to open early next year. The property was sold through Bayleys North Shore Commercial agents Peta Laery, Michael Nees and Dean Gilbert-Smith.
Central Takapuna is one of just 10 metropolitan centres zoned for some of the most intensive development under the Auckland Unitary Plan.
“Takapuna has been a big winner from the Unitary Plan’s overhaul of new intensive zoning, and this has given the suburb a framework to reach its full potential.,” says Jason Hayde. A raft of new commercial developments is taking shape in and around central Takapuna, including a number of high-end apartment projects. Sitting prominently in the town centre, on the corner of The Promenade and Hurstmere Road, a tired commercial property fronting the Bruce Mason Centre has been transformed into a vibrant hospitality destination and luxury offices. Supported by Stephen Scott of Bayleys Auckland Central, the owner Knight Crawford bought body corporate units in the building.
Knight Crawford is creating another hub of high-end food and beverage along with retail and basement parking. Located on a triplefronted beachfront corner with outstanding views, 105-111 Hurstmere Road was described by agents Peta Laery, Michael Nees and Ryan Johnson, Bayleys National Director of Commercial, as a once-in-ageneration opportunity when it went on the market earlier this year.
Just outside the metropolitan centre, development possibilities were also to the fore in the recent sale by Jason Hayde and Bayleys North Shore Commercial agent Tonia Robertson of two adjacent freehold sites at high-profile location 402-408 Lake Road.
With consent and plans for a multi-storey complex with apartments, commercial space and car parks, the sites are seen as ripe for redevelopment thanks to their Business – Mixed Use zoning. This provides generous scope for new builds, from single-level to intensive multi-level residential and commercial projects.
