Accelerating success.
COL LIERS NORTH SHORE
YOUR SALES & LEASING TEAM
JIMMY O’BRIEN General Manager | Director
M 021 979 001
E jimmy.o’brien@colliers.com
JANET MARSHALL Director | Commercial
M 021 684 775
E janet.marshall@colliers.com
MATT PRENTICE Director | Industrial Sales & Leasing
M 021 464 904
E matt.prentice@colliers.com
SHONEET CHAND Director | Investment Sales
M 021 400 765
E shoneet.chand@colliers.com
RYAN DE ZWART Associate Director Industrial Sales & Leasing
M 021 575 001
E ryan.dezwart@colliers.com
MIKE RYAN Industrial Sales & Leasing
M 021 402 461
E mike.ryan@colliers.com
NICK RECORDON Commercial Sales & Leasing
M 027 230 6751
E nick.recordon@colliers.com
JACK TUSON Industrial Sales & Leasing
M 027 448 1148
E jack.tuson@colliers.com
For all of your commercial and industrial property requirements, please contact any of our experts above.
Colliers North Shore, Level 1, 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna.
colliers.co.nz
Living Life Scooter-style!
This season’s ‘must-have’ isn’t a new style of sunnies or an ecosunscreen made from dolphin tears. It’s waaay more fun than that! Those in the know are easier to spot than cross-fitters at a barbeque or vegans in a café, because they just won’t shut up about it either. Those people are e-scooter riders, and the lifechanging qualities they profess to enjoy are real, quantifiable, and hiding in plain sight.
Since arriving on our fair shores some six years ago, e-scooters have enjoyed their fair share of headline-grabbing media, and incensed great swathes of the populace with their lack of running costs (‘No rego! No licensing! It’s an outrage!’) and purported ACC-related public costs (in reality a fraction of those attributed to crashing cars, riding bikes, and drunken fighting). Those early-adopters have seen their commute times and costs slashed, and discovered a vibrant community of like-minded souls who meet up country-wide to share the love and buzz of the electric scooter culture. No wonder they are stoked on it.
‘Is it for me?’ I hear you ask. Well, do you stress and gripe about the traffic, and wish there was an easier way? Then it’s for you. Do you long for a closer experience with your environment? To smell the flowers, listen to the birds, and glide silently about your business, smug in the knowledge it is barely costing you a cent? It’s for you as well. Do you enjoy getting on the beers at your mate's place and often wish you had a cheap and easy way to transport yourself back home? Well, it’s for you as well. Step this way. What are you looking at to get involved with your own magnificent machine? Depending on your intended use, you can start on a simple and durable commuter scooter, light and portable, and budget from $1,100 to $1,400 dollars for that. If you put in a little more then around the $2,500 mark gets you into the sports category, and something quite exciting that eats up the mileage and gets your
heart racing. Moving past the $4,000 mark things get a bit crazy, and you’re in the domain of the committed enthusiast. Horses for courses, as the wisdom goes.
How do you get started? It couldn’t be easier. There is a dedicated e-scooter business, Electric Scooter Shop, recently relocated to 74 Barry’s Point Road, open seven days a week, with a shop full of scooters you can try out. After six years of serving customers nationwide, there isn’t much they don’t know, and with a full workshop and parts service on-site, they can always keep you riding. Many of their customers are paying off their scooter in a matter of months, just with the savings from avoiding the car. Is this the year you finally join them?
'Fully integrated shop with a workshop out back, super knowledgeable, very happy.' star star star star star
'Great people great service highly recommend going there and buying or getting your scooter repaired A+' star star star star star google – From over 100 Google reviews
Jonno Leonard, Chief Scooter Enthusiast, Electric Scooter Shop 74 Barry's Point Road Tel: 09 445 6969 sales@electricscootershop.co.nz. www.electricscootershop.co.nz
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
CHANNEL MAGAZINE COMMUNITY CALENDAR
February 2023
This Channel Community Calendar is published monthly for community events. If you would like to include your event please email details to: kim@channelmag.co.nz
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Devonport Jets Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 6pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Belmont Rose Gardens, Belmont 9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series – The Strand Reserve, Takapuna 5pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Free Heart Health Checks by the Heart Foundation – Albany Village Library, Albany 10am
Auckland Live Morning Melodies 2023 – Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna 11am
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Windsor Reserve, Devonport 9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Book-A-Family History Librarian –Takapuna Library, Takapuna 9am
Valentines Candle Making Workshops –Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Eskdale Restoration – with Kaipatiki Project – Eskdale Reserve, Glenfield 9.30am
North Shore Music and Keyboard Club –Takapuna Bowling Club, Takapuna 7pm
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Windsor Reserve, Devonport 9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Fun Art Classes for Beginners – North Shore Squash Club, Takapuna 1pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops –Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Eskdale Restoration – with Kaipatiki Project – Eskdale Reserve, Glenfield 9.30am
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Windsor Reserve, Devonport
9.30am
Fun Art Classes for Beginners – North Shore Squash Club, Takapuna 1pm
Eskdale Restoration – with Kaipatiki Project – Eskdale Reserve, Glenfield
9.30am
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Windsor Reserve, Devonport 9.30am
Fun Art Classes for Beginners – North Shore Squash Club, Takapuna 1pm
Rangitoto By Geoffrey Clendon –The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Eskdale Restoration – with Kaipatiki Project – Eskdale Reserve, Glenfield
9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park –The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Devonport Jets Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 6pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Shakespeare in the Park –The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Devonport Jets Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 6pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –
Belmont Rose Gardens, Belmont 9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Wastewise DIY Cleaning Products Workshop – Albany Village Library, Albany 10.30am
Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series – The Strand Reserve, Takapuna 5pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
60’s Up Takapuna/Devonport –St Joseph’s Church Hall, New Members Welcome 10.30am
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play – Belmont Rose Gardens, Belmont 9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series –The Strand Reserve, Takapuna 5pm
Uncovering Science In The Defence Force – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 7pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops –Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Devonport Jets Run – Torpedo Bay Navy Museum, Devonport 6pm
Much Ado about Nothing – Lake House Arts, Takapuna
Raumati Fun Tamariki Play –Belmont Rose Gardens, Belmont 9.30am
Rangitoto By Geoffrey Clendon –The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Harcourts Cooper & Co Beach Series – The Strand Reserve, Takapuna 5pm
The Vic Open Mic Night (free entry), The Vic, Devonport, 8pm
Huge Pop, Rock, Folk, Jazz & Country Vinyl Record Sale –St Anne’s Hall, Browns Bay 9am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna
7.30pm
Pop Up Play! Browns Bay Beach Reserve, Browns Bay 10am
Crystal Visions Holistic Market – Milford Senior Citizens Hall, Milford 10am
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre,
Shakespeare in the Park –
The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Weekly Drama Classes (ages 5-16)
Tim Bray Youth Theatre – St Georges
Presbyterian Church, Takapuna 4pm
Shakespeare in the Park –
The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
2023 Takapuna Beach Cup – Takapuna Beach, Takapuna 12pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops –
Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Weekly Drama Classes (ages 5-16)
Tim Bray Youth Theatre – St Georges
Presbyterian Church, Takapuna 4pm
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Hot & Flustered Shadowcast, The Vic Devonport, 8.30pm
Rangitoto By Geoffrey Clendon
– The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Weekly Drama Classes (ages 5-16)
Tim Bray Youth Theatre – St Georges
Presbyterian Church, Takapuna 4pm
Shakespeare in the Park –
The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Browns Bay Movies at the Beach – Browns Bay Beach Reserve, Browns Bay 5pm
Food Truck Collective Greenhithe – Greenhithe
5pm
Pop, Rock, Jazz, Folk & Country Vinyl Record
Sale – Highbury Community House, Birkenhead 10am
Drama Improvisation Workshop – Improvers –
The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10am
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Eskdale Restoration – with Kaipatiki Project –Eskdale Reserve, Glenfield 9.30am
2023 Takapuna Beach Cup –
Takapuna Beach, Takapuna 7am
Okura Forest Festival 2023 – Okura Park, Okura 11am
Food Truck Collective Narrowneck – Woodall Park, Devonport 5pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops –
Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Gently Loved Markets February – Greenhithe
Village Hall, Greenhithe 10am
Huge Pop & Rock Vinyl Record Sale – Albany
Village Community Hall, Albany 9am
Eskdale Restoration – with Kaipatiki Project –Eskdale Reserve, Glenfield 9.30am
Shakespeare in the Park – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
Crystal Visions Holistic Market – Milford Senior Citizens Hall, Milford 10am
Nice ‘n’ Urlich ‘Shore Thing’ – Regatta Bar & Eatery, Takapuna 2pm
Bella Muma Pregnancy Beach Photoshop – Narrow
Neck Beach, Devonport 5.30pm
Browns Bay Market – Browns Bay 6am
Takapuna Sunday Market – Takapuna 6am
Drama Improvisation Workshop Beginners – The PumpHouse, Takapuna 10am
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Northcote Lunar New Year 2023 – Northcote Town Centre, Northcote 11am
Shakespeare in the Park –
The PumpHouse, Takapuna 7.30pm
The Market Collaborative – Smales Farm, Takapuna 9am
Christopher Hainsworth (Organ Recital) –
Takapuna Methodist Church, Takapuna 4pm
Folk in the Park – Windsor Reserve Band
Rotunda, Devonport 1pm
Valentines Candle Making Workshops –
Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Browns Bay Market – Browns Bay 6am
Takapuna Sunday Market – Takapuna 6am
2023 Takapuna Beach Cup –
Takapuna Beach, Takapuna 7am
Auckland Plant Market – Smales Farm, Takapuna 9am
Valentines Candle Making Workshops – Milford Shopping Centre, Milford 10am
Browns Bay Market – Browns Bay 6am
Takapuna Sunday Market – Takapuna 6am
Little Shoal Bay Clean Up – Little Shoal Bay Reserve, Northcote 1pm
Rangitoto
For more details on Harcourts Cooper & Co sponsored events go to https://channelmag.co.nz/calendar/
www.cooperandco.co.nz
Your local real estate experts with offices from Devonport up to Snells Beach.
Wow 2023!
This year is feeling a bit like a box of the new style Roses chocolates. It is hard to know what we are going to get. As I write this in late January, I do know we are getting a new Prime Minister. That’s probably a good thing. Let’s hope the rest of the year is kind to us and some of the less favourable economic predictions about the year are assigned to the scrap heap.
One thing I can assure you is you will get a free monthly issue of Channel in 2023 that is full of good things happening north of the Harbour Bridge. And this, our February issue, is a goodie.
As our vibrant February cover conveys, love is in the air, as we celebrate Valentine’s Day in mid-February. Our team have provided a range of ideas on how you can spoil your valentine on February 14th right here on the Shore.
Another feature in this issue is transport – with a focus on electric vehicles (EVs). I have been an early adopter of driving electric myself and have enjoyed putting together our Q&A feature with five other local people who chose to drive fully electric vehicles. Their answers are interesting. I have also provided readers with a summary of my thoughts on fully electric vehicle driving.
As usual we have some interesting people and local features in the magazine. Heather
BarkerPublisher/Editorial/Advertising
Vermeer has interviewed media personality Rachel Smalley and Christine Young reports on the development happening at North Shore Hospital.
My ‘people’ interview for this issue is with Derek Dallow. I have known Derek for 30 years. In fact, he was an early encourager for the need of this very magazine on the Shore. He’s an interesting fellow. Once a leading lawyer on the Shore, he sold up at age 55 and then spent nine years teaching at Glenfield Primary. He’s just retired. You’ll enjoy the interview.
I urge you buy local as much as possible. Since we started Channel Mag – 13 years ago, we have had a policy of only allowing advertising from entities that have a bricks and mortar presence on the Shore (contribute to the area), or those who don’t compete with our North Shore businesses. That’s because we are all about local – our businesses and community. Our businesses need you more than ever in 2023, so make sure you buy local and support them.
Have a great February – and 2023!
Aidan Bennett, QSM Publisher, Channel Magazine MD, BenefitzAidan Bennett, Phone 021-500-997, email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz
Advertising/Content Liz Cannon, Phone 021-204-3395, email: liz@channelmag.co.nz
Advertising/Content Kim McIntosh, Phone 021-419-468, email: kim@channelmag.co.nz
Designer Crystal Sharp - crystal@benefitz.co.nz
Online and Social Media Leanika Starbuck - leanika@benefitz.co.nz
facebook @channelmag | twitter @channelmag | instagram @channelmag | www.channelmag.co.nz
09 477 4700, www.benefitz.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. For further details on the magazine visit www.channelmag.co.nz or contact one of our team detailed above.
In 2023 Kristin will celebrate 50 years since the founding of our school in 1973. It’s our opportunity to acknowledge the people and experiences that have shaped our school over its inspiring 50-year history.
Our school was founded by families, for families and we place huge value on the spirit, integrity, passion and diversity of our communityfrom our visionary founding families to our resilient, proud yet humble present-day students. CELEBRATE our achievements
Together, we are Kristin.
with old friends
Secure
on our journey
www.kristin.school.nz/50th
Erin Hill Sketching students celebrate at the Lake House Art Centre
The Lake House Arts Centre on Fred Thomas Drive was the venue for a great end of term turnout for Tony McNeight's Erin Hill Sketching students on Thursday 8th December. Beginners and ongoing sketching students had the opportunity to lay out their beautiful sketch-books for friends and family to view. It was a great night to catch up with fellow sketching students from other classes, enjoy each other's books and soak up the atmosphere of the lovely Becroft Gallery over celebratory bubbles, drinks and canapes. Tony McNeight has tutored travel sketching to over 1,500 people on the North Shore over the last seven years. Classes are held in Takapuna (at Lake House Art Centre) and Devonport (RSA), teaching students to see and experience the world differently through sketching.
Book launch celebrations at Taylors on Hurstmere
Wendy Hampton, a Takapuna based lawyer with more than 30 years' experience, launched her debut book on 8th December last year. It was hosted at Taylors on Hurstmere, an intimate tapas and wine bar serving delicious canapés and offering an impressive wine list which was very much enjoyed by the guests. Wendy's inaugural book, 'First Home Buyers Guide: How to buy a home in New Zealand', is written specifically for those looking to purchase their first home. In this essential guide Wendy shares her substantial knowledge on all things first home buyers need to know, from the professionals you will work with to the finer details of finance and the law, and everything in between. She provides prospective first home buyers with practical and easy to follow advice to make for a seamless purchasing process. Highly recommended reading to anyone embarking on the property ladder!
The Merry Wives of Windsor at The PumpHouse's Amphitheatre
Shakespeare's plays were never written to be read, they were written to be experienced. Where better to see the best of the Bard than at the PumpHouse's traditional outdoor amphitheatre in the heart of Takapuna. The Merry Wives of Windsor and Antony and Cleopatra are this year's Shakepeare in the Park offerings from Shoreside Theatre, and will run to 18th February. As the sun goes down, you’ll be treated to sumptuous costumes, creative production design, and passionate performances by a talented troop of local actors.
Want to meet people and be social?
The Vic Devonport
Auckland's heritage picture theatre
Regular fixtures: Friday draw, dinners, quiz nights, Sunday afternoon music, Club Days
All ages welcome
Social and active membership
Social committee
New to the area? Come down and meet new friends
Time on your hands? Lots of opportunities to get involved
LIVE SHOWS
info@takapunaboating.or g.nz takapunaboating.or g.nz
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Hot & Flustered Shadowcast
Friday 17 February, 8.30pm. The Hot & Flustered Shadowcast presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show, who perform the cult classic live on stage while the movie plays behind them on screen. Get dressed up to the movie or theme, learn the dances, buy a prop kit, and enjoy this immersive theatrical experience!
The Vic Open Mic Night (Free entry).
Thursday 23 February, 8pm
Open Mic night is back this February! Our stage is open for poets, storytellers, musicians, magicians, word acrobats, pantomimes and everything in between. Get in touch with us at openmike@thevic.co.nz if you are interested in performing, or come along to support our shining stars on stage!
Membership and deals
Sign up for The Vic membership to enjoy discounted tickets, a chance to win prizes and a free movie on your birthday!
The Vic Devonport, 48 Victoria Rd, Devonport 09 446 0100, info@thevic.co.nz www.thevic.co.nz
...the home of Devonport Gelato facebook instagram @thevicdevonport facebook instagram @devonportgelato
Fabulous February frivolities!
The month of loooove, hot summer days, and returning to normality! Ah, February! It's always a busy, exciting time at the theatre as we really get back in the swing of things.
The ever-popular Shakespeare season continues to entertain audiences in our enchanting outdoor amphitheatre. 'The Merry Wives of Windsor' has been inducing those good, hearty belly laughs; and 'Antony and Cleopatra' has been moving audiences with its Game of Thrones-like love story. You still have the chance to see both as the season ends on 18th February.
We are thrilled to announce that visiting tutor, Jeff Sleeman is offering two incredible Improvisation workshops early Feb! Jeff is a renowned tutor visiting from the UK and will be running a Beginners Workshop on 5th February – which aims to give a lighthearted intro to the world of improv, and an Improvers Workshop on 11th February which is ideal for those who have attended the Beginners Workshop or have experience in improv.
Local playwright Geoffery Clendon is premiering his play 'Rangitoto' at The PumpHouse from 23rd February – 5th March. This is a comedy set in the Rangitoto bach community during the Great Depression. Enjoy these charming Kiwi characters from a time long ago as they prepare for the island’s traditional New Year’s Eve festivities in 1932.
'Rangitoto' is a comic drama built on the tension and humour arising from interactions between two Pākehā families, a local eccentric, and a Māori boy. Although on holiday, they are unable to escape the harsh economic realities of the 1930s. The incumbent working-class bach dwellers are confronted with the arrival of wealthy newcomers intent on changing the community.
A sneak peek into March… 2023 is bringing exciting change to the theatre as we undergo a much-needed upgrade of our seating in the Genevieve Becroft Auditorium. To help us achieve our goals of getting these swanky new seats, we have a fundraiser movie night at Bridgeway Cinema on 2nd March at 6:30pm. 'Empire of Light' is a moving drama about the power of human connection during turbulent times. Set in and around a faded old cinema in an English coastal town in the early 1980s, it follows Hilary (Olivia Colman) a cinema manager struggling with her mental health, and Stephen (Micheal Ward), a new employee who longs to escape this provincial town in which he faces daily adversity. Both Hilary and Stephen find a sense of belonging through their unlikely and tender relationship and come to experience the healing power of music, cinema, and community.
As we are a registered charity, every bit of extra coin helps to ensure we remain the thriving arts hub you all know and love!
Get hyped for our March Music Madness as we kick off autumn with three sublime music events:
8th March: Journey to Dreamland - beautiful Macedonian music
9th March: John Hanlon: Now & Then - a relaxed evening lounging around with an iconic Kiwi songwriter
11th March: A Night of Beautiful Italian Music - From Opera to the Silver Screen with Soprano & Strings
See you at the theatre soon! James Bell
BOOKINGS: 09 489 8360 or pumphouse.co.nz
DEPOT, Devonport
We’re excited to be back and we can’t wait for the year ahead!
We’ve been busy over the break and have had a mini-makeover of our website, gallery, recording studios and workshop spaces – and we will continue to share more with you soon! And we’re delighted to announce our first DEPOT Open Day on Saturday 18th February – come and explore our spaces, meet the team and learn more about what we do.
DEPOT Sound
Calling all singers, musicians, bands, podcasters, publishers and authors wanting to record audiobooks – we’re here for all your rehearsal and recording needs! Book now before we get busy!
DEPOT Futures
Have you started the new year with a vision for a new creative you? If so, our creative career programmes are underway with fresh cohorts for 2023! So if you or someone you know is looking to develop a sustainable creative career or gain employment in the creative sector check out our Creative Futures programmes.
DEPOT Artspace
Zena Elliott & Tia
Barrett: Muramura of Protest
Muramura of Protest is a collaborative and multidisciplinary exhibition that highlights the importance of having a presence and voice from a mana takatāpui and wāhine position. This exhibition campaigns for the right to exist and glow brightly as our authentic natural selves.
Sandra Bushby & Natalie Guy: BLUE FLEUR
BLUE FLEUR incorporates painting material entwined with emergent painting processes and stained glass as sculptural translation in response to poetic language across boundaries, opening the edges between the materiality of language, paint, and glass.
depot.org.nz
APO Connecting
The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra’s popular concerts for pre-schoolers are back in your neighbourhood!
Presenter Erin Wells (from from Aotearoa New Zealand’s longest-running longest-running children’s show What Now) leads the adventure as children explore the world of music and sound based on this year’s fun toe-tapping theme, Move & Groove Share in a lively hour of fun as your little ones sing, dance, clap and conduct along to classical favourites and popular songs – the perfect combination of learning and play set to magical orchestral sound. APO 4 Kids starts at the Auckland Town Hall with two shows on Sunday 30th April, before travelling to Takapuna’s Bruce Mason Centre for two further shows on Saturday 6th May. From grandparents, mums and dads, and especially the little ones, everyone has a great time at APO 4 Kids.
Ticket sales are now open and booking is easy. Simply visit www.apo.co.nz and book online, or phone APO Ticketing on 09 623 1052.
It’s a fantastic family experience you won’t want to miss!
Rangitoto casts its spell
Rangitoto, a new comic drama set amongst the island bach community during the 1932 summer holidays begins its premiere season at The PumpHouse Theatre on 23rd February 2023.
It is a production that will resonate on the North Shore as there are plenty of connections. First, there is the special affinity North Shore people have for Rangitoto Island. More than other parts of Auckland, Rangitoto is the backdrop to our daily lives. It lies across the water in all its moods – and is simply always there.
It’s probably no coincidence, then, that playwright Geoffrey Clendon grew up in Milford, attending Milford Primary and Westlake Boys’ High. Like so many who grew up in the decades from the 50s to the 70s, he spent his summers on Milford Beach and savoured the adventure of rowing across the channel to the island of black lava rock. His fascination with its rugged landscape and eccentric baches has only increased over the years. Since those days, Clendon has been an actor, director, writer and teacher for 40 years including as Head of Drama at Massey High School. He has now turned his attention to writing his own plays and has formed The Turning Tide Charitable Theatre Trust and its first production is Rangitoto.
Set during the era of the Great Depression, the play follows the characters as they prepare for the traditional New Year's Eve festivities in 1932. This comic drama is built on the tension and humour arising from interactions between two Pakeha families, a local eccentric, and a Māori boy. Although on holiday, they are unable to escape the harsh economic realities of the 1930s. And the long-term working-class bach dwellers are confronted with the arrival of wealthy newcomers intent on changing the community in their own image.
An ensemble cast of eight professional actors led by Joseph Wycoff, Elizabeth Tierney and Geoff Snell, designer John Parker’s evocative set and Kristin Sorrenson’s vintage costumes will bring the 1930s and the island alive. After The PumpHouse season, Rangitoto will transfer to Artworks Theatre, Oneroa, Waiheke Island for four nights. Rangitoto will appeal to everyone as it reveals a forgotten episode in this iconic island’s past.
Book at The PumpHouse. https://pumphouse.co.nz/whats-on/show/rangitoto-2023/ https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=rangitoto%20by%20 geoffrey%20clendon
The Turning Tide Charitable Theatre Trust gratefully acknowledges grants and donations received from Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, Waiheke Island Local Board, Foundation North, Creative Communities, JASMAX, John Garelja.
Set during the era of the Great Depression, the play follows the characters as they prepare for the traditional New Year's Eve festivities in 1932.
Lakefront Living In Central Milford
35 SYLVAN PARK AVENUE, MILFORD
Located on a substantial lakefront site of over 800m² this Milford home offers the epitome of lakefront living in central Milford. There is little to no turnover of homes in this street on the lake.
The home is a 1980s style that has been modernised within the last 10 years and offers a total of four bedrooms over its three levels. Ground floor living is comprised of two very substantial double bedrooms one of which could easily be a rumpus room/Gym or third lounge area if required. These two bedrooms share a bathroom and both bedrooms flow out to a nice terrace and flat lawn benefiting from spectacular lakefront views and privacy.
On the mid-floor, there is a modern kitchen and dining area with elevated views over the lake which flow into a large lounge with a gas fire also with panoramic views of the lake. Behind the kitchen out to the front patio is another lounge or television room making for two separate areas as well as a double bedroom and bathroom.
On the top floor, a substantial master suite offers a very large walkin wardrobe and tastefully renovated ensuite bathroom. The double bedroom faces out towards the lake and is very private.
This lakefront location is connected around the foreshore via a grass berm which means an easy walk to Henderson Park to the east and then out to Takapuna or similarly the other way through Sylvan Park and right around to Milford Tennis club, Milford kindergarten and Milford School.
Walking along Kitchener Road will give you two main supermarkets and all of Milford's amenities in less than five minutes and for those who have the beach in mind, a short stroll down Saltburn Road will have you at Milford beach in less than 10 minutes.
www.precision.net.nz/ID #549296
360 Degree Views Stunning Whole Floor Apartment 4/90 KITCHENER ROAD, MILFORD
LEVEL
4 "THE CIRCLE" - 4/90 KITCHENER ROAD
Located within easy walking distance of Milford Shops and set on 6,000 sqm of Lush Park-like grounds, the circle is one of the North Shore's most prized and in-demand apartment blocks. This is an exceptionally rare opportunity to secure a generous single-level property offering its owners the entire floor, all to themselves! The views are some of the best in Auckland taking in no less than 360 degrees comprising of the Waitemata Harbour, Lake Pupuke, Auckland CBD, and the Waitakere Ranges - simply superb!
Apartment Four (five levels up) has been taken back to a bare concrete shell with everything being completely replaced with also subtle improvements to the layout. The re-worked interiors offer a superb entertainers' kitchen with new Miele appliances, spacious dining and living area with
new ceilings, window coverings, carpets, paint, and two exquisite new bathrooms. There are three double bedrooms all offering stunning uninterrupted but different aspects across Auckland. The master bedroom has been renovated beautifully and the layout changed to enhance the walk-in wardrobe space, maximising ensuite space. There is also now a generous separate laundry. There's nothing to do here other than move in and enjoy the expansive vistas and the ultimate convenience of this amazing location.
Double garaging a spacious storage unit, large common pool, your own veggie garden as well as gated access to Lake Pupuke make this an ideal lock up and leave solution.
www.precision.net.nz/ID #546589
i4THE
THE FIRST-EVER FULLY ELECTRIC BMW i4.
The thrilling BMW i4 heralds a new era of electric driving. It imbues true sports heritage delivering electric performance that goes beyond feeling fast – to feeling alive.
It’s time to experience this ultimate electric driving machine. Find out more at Continental Cars BMW North Shore today.
Continental Cars BMW North Shore, 45-46 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, North Shore. Ph (09) 488 2000. ccbmwauckland.co.nz
Ingredients
Olive oil
4 small free-range lamb shanks, trimmed
Salt and pepper
20g Moroccanstore-bought or tagine seasoning mix
4 baby onions, peeled and halved
50g tomato paste
1x 400g tin of whole tomatoes
500ml beef stock
Flatbreads or pita breads, toasted to serve
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cinnamon quill
3ml dried chilli
Tagine-style pulled lamb shanks with cucumber yoghurt
Method
1. Heat a Le Creuset 24cm Signature Round Casserole with a good splash of olive oil. Meanwhile, season the shanks. Once the casserole is hot enough, sear off the lamb shanks in batches until evenly golden. Place in a large dish and sprinkle with the Moroccan seasoning and a little extra olive oil, then toss to coat.
2. Preheat the oven to 160°C. In the same casserole, drizzle a little more olive oil. On a medium heat, sauté the onion halves until golden, and add the garlic, cinnamon, and chilli. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook out for 2 minutes. Add the tinned tomatoes and the stock and bring to the boil. Reduce to a simmer; add the seasoned lamb shanks to the liquid making sure they are submerged.
3. Put the lid on the casserole and place it in the oven for 3-4 hours until the meat falls off the bone, checking that they are submerged throughout the cooking process to avoid the meat becoming tough or dried out. You can, at this stage, serve the shanks as they are on the bone or remove them to allow them to rest for 30 minutes before pulling them apart with forks and placing them back in the sauce.
Fresh herbs like mint, basil, and parsley, to serve Zesty cucumber yoghurt, to serve
4. Check the sauce for seasoning, as it will have gained flavour in the cooking process. Adjust if necessary. Serve with flatbreads, fresh herbs and zesty cucumber yoghurt.
Shore ON THE Dining Out & Eating
The North Shore has a fantastic and diverse range of options to whet the appetite for dining out and eating in to suit all occasions, events and celebrations. Here at Channel we love 'Doing It Local' and we're proud to support our local hospo businesses in our monthly Dining Out and Eating In Guide. Enjoy!
Devonport
Akdeniz Bar Cafe Restaurant
Offering Persian and Mediterranean cuisine in Devonport Village.
5/15 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 600 2125 www.akdenizdevonport.co.nz
Buona Sera Restaurant
Great Italian cuisine from great ingredients. Mangiamo - Let's Eat!
99 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 8133 www.buonasera.co.nz
Cafe Hung Viet
Traditional flavours of Vietnamese cuisine brings authentic Hanoi meals to the North Shore. 101 Victoria Rd, 09 446 3368, www.cafehungviet.co.nz
Corellis
Great tasting home-style fare at a great price. 46 Victoria Road Devonport, 09 445 4151 www.corelliscafe.co.nz
Devon on the Wharf
A little slice of heaven for tastes of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.
1 Queen's Parade, 09 445 7012 www.devononthewharf.nz
Fish Kitchen
Extensive seafood menu plus their signature 'fish 'n' chips' - the best fresh fish in the best location.
1/1 Queens Parade, Devonport Wharf. 09 445 1777 www.fishkitchen.co.nz
Flying Rickshaw
Honest and simple authentic Indian cuisine. 97 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 7721 www.flyingrickshaw.co.nz
Manuka Cafe and Restaurant
Mediterranean inspired cuisine and friendly customer service.
49 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 7732 www.manukarestaurant.co.nz
Portofino Devonport
Very popular Italian Restaurant in the heart of Devonport Village.
26 Victoria Rd, 09 445 3777 www.portofinodevonport.co.nz
Signal Hill Restaurant
Serves classic NZ fare with an extensive drinks list in Devonport’s most iconic homestead. 24 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 0193 www.signalhill.co.nz
The Patriot
Your Devonport Pub - owned by locals, for locals. 14 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 3010 www.thepatriot.co.nz
Vic Road Kitchen
Serving up fresh, seasonal NZ produce in a rustic Mediterranean style.
57-59 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 9797 www.vicroadkitchen.co.nz
Vic Road Wine Bar and Cellar
Enjoy a glass of wine from the ever-changing wine list, chosen from a selection of interesting New Zealand and International wines. 53/55 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 0194 www.vicroadkitchen.co.nz
Calimero Devonport
Located in the heart of Devonport on Victoria Road, Calimero serves fresh, authentic pizzas seven nights a week. A far cry from your average pizzeria, Calimero boasts an extensive menu of both authentic and more unconventional pizza options, taking flavours from cities around the world. Great taste, great value - check out the regular Tuesday specials. Order online at www.calimero.co.nz for your favourite pizza or try something new. Pickup and delivery options available.
163 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 445 2232
www.calimero.co.nz
facebook CalimeroPizza instagram calimero_nz
Vondel
Owner-operated eatery in Devonport. Serving vegan and omni eats alongside small batch wine, beer and spirit drinks. We hold weekly specials, along with wine makers' dinners, makers' markets and private events.
Sign up to our mailing list on our website to keep up to date with all goings on at Vondel.
Open Hours: Tues-Fri 12pm - late, Sat 10am - late, Sun 10am - 6pm 09 446 6444
hello@vondel.co.nz
www.vondel.co.nz
instagram Instagram @vondel_akl facebook facebook.com/vondelakl
WANT
Sign
Takapuna
8848 Restaurant & Bar
Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in the heart of Takapuna.
17 Huron Street, Takapuna, 09 489 9911 www.8848indiancuisine.co.nz
Alforno Italian Restaurant
Delicious Italian and Mediterranean food cooked with passion.
34 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 488-0179 www.alforno.co.nz
Aubergine Restaurant
Premium European and Mediterranean style dining
129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 3104 www.aubergine.co.nz
Big Tikka
Indian cuisine… using bold flavours & reinterpreting classic dishes in a contemporary way. 458 Lake Road, Takapuna. 09 974 2241 www.bigtikka.co.nz
Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar
A popular Italian eatery, serving Takapuna for over 27 years
Anzac Street, Takapuna. 021 910 999 www.botticelli.co.nz
Burger Burger
Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 390 5348 www.burgerburger.co.nz
BELMONT
Catnapper Arms
A favourite local with great food with great daily specials
136 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 6330 www.catnapperarms.co.nz
Dantes Pizza & Casa Pasta
Wood Fired Pizzas & sensational Pasta in the heart of Taka!
Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 3668 www.dantes.co.nz
El Humero
Traditional Colombian-style barbecue restaurant - yum! Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 9973 www.elhumero.co.nz
Florrie McGreals Irish Pub
The best place in Takapuna to have a beer, meet some old friends or make some new ones. Great food as well! Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 6330 www.florriemcgreals.co.nz
Francs Bar & Diner
Beachside diner smacks of fresh fish, crisp lager, flopping jandals and easy service from sunrise to sunset. Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 488 0016 www.joylab.co.nz/francs
Regatta Bar & Eatery
Your slice of Ibiza, right here on the Shore. Stunning sea views, premium beer, bloody good wine and fresh seafood. Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 488 0040 www.joylab.co.nz/regatta
The Elephant Wrestler
Your larger than life local in the heart of Taka with an outdoor courtyard to boot. Selection of crafty beverages and food that’s undeniably Kiwi. Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 8030 www.joylab.co.nz/elephant-wrestler
Tok Tok Kitchen
Always busy, a unique restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine near the beach.
129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 3988, www.toktok.co.nz
Tokyo Bay
Modern Japanese cuisine from kitchen run by experienced sushi master Mr Chikara Sato, a ‘fugu’ blowfish licensed sushi chef.
Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 390 7188 www.tokyobay.co.nz
Winner Winner Takapuna
Healthy, fast, fresh dinners or lunches with yummy chicken a focus!
16 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 486 0755 www.winnerwinner.co.nz
Smales Farm, Takapuna
Shake Out
Serving up a highly addictive menu of burgers, sides, shakes and sundaes – fast.
Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 489 8223 www.shakeout.co
French Rendez-Vous
Catch 21 Eatery
Daily Bread's freshly baked loaves and perfect pastries are made every morning at their Belmont outpost where their new sit-down menu, petanque court and kids' playground gives locals even more reason to visit.
If you don't feel like venturing out, try their new delivery option where you can receive all their baked goods delivered the next day.
Dailybread.co.nz
43 Eversleigh Road, Belmont 7am - 3pm daily
hello@dailybread.co.nz
www.instagram.com/ dailybreadnz/
Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner (to be booked 24 hours in advance) with traditional French dishes like beef bourguignon and also lots of gluten free galettes and sweet crêpes. Located at the heart of Takapuna. Book at www.french-rendez-vouscaferestaurant.business.site
Or via our Facebook and Instagram accounts: facebook: FrenchRendezvousTakapuna instagram: @frenchrendezvoustakapuna
2a Manurere Avenue
– Right next to The PumpHouse, Takapuna 09 487 0009
Takapuna’s latest eatery has just dropped anchor with plenty of sunny outdoor seating overlooking Hurstmere Green. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and coffee for dining in or taking away, the friendly 'crew' are all hands-on-deck to serve exceptional coffee, delicious staple café offerings and a number of seafood options, as well as a beautiful range of freshly made cabinet food. Top picks include their signature Open Lobster Burger, Seafood Chowder, and tasty Eggs Benedict. Catch 21 is fully licensed and provides a range of beer, bubbles and wine. Open Tues-Sun, weekdays 7.30am-3pm, weekends 8am-3pm.
Shop 8/33 Hurstmere Road
09 484 0005
CATCH 21
Soho Thai
Taking the art of traditional Thai cooking and giving it a modern twist.
Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 972 2711 www.sohothaikitchen.com
The Grange Bar & Bistro
A favourite all-day bar and bistro. Making the most of the best & fresh NZ produce. Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 972 9060 www.thegrangetakapuna.co.nz
Northcote Point
The Engine Room
Since 2006, a neighbourhood bistro that is simply one of the best in NZ!
115 Queen Street, Northcote Point. Phone 480 9502 www.engineroom.net.nz
Clarence Rd Eatery
An all day cafe/restaurant in the historic building that includes Bridgeway Cinema. You’ll love it!
124 Queen Street, Northcote Point. 09 480 9600 www.clarencerdeatery.nz
Northcote Tavern
We reckon one of the best places for pub food on the Shore!
37 Queen Street, Northcote Point. 09 480 7707 www.northcotetavern.co.nz
Birkenhead
Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano
Authentic Italian cuisine as warm as the Mediterranean sun.
13 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 09 418 4202 www.abruzzi.co.nz
Birkenhead Brewing Company
Classic 100 year old kauri villa with a tavern atmosphere for true kiwi hospitality.
17 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 320 5055 www.bbc.kiwi
Blitza Pizza
Authentic Italian pizzas and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.
9 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 5006 www.blitzapizza.co.nz
Burrito House
Passionate about providing delicious and highquality Mexican food.
17 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 2095 www.burritohouse.co.nz
Chef Rasa Sayang
Finest authentic Malaysian food.
25 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 419 9788
Dutch Delight
A bite of Holland right here in Auckland - the only Dutch restaurant in NZ.
3 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 09 418 1390 www.dutchdelight.co.nz
TAKAPUNA
Jose's Cantina
Jose's Mexican food is compulsive and the margaritas are addictive.
12-14 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 218 6162 www.josescantina.co.nz
Thai Yum Food Hut
Authentic Thai food in Birkenhead. 23 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 6799 www.thaiyum.net.nz
The Curry Master
Experience Indian food at it’s finest.
18 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 7211 www.thecurrymaster.co.nz/birkenhead
The Good Home
Honest homestyle cooking at its best. 83 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 0066 www.thegoodhomebirkenhead.co.nz
The Junction Eatery
Fully licensed cafe and bistro, sourcing the best local produce. 39 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 8111 www.thejunctioneatery.co.nz
Moxie Restaurant
A much loved restaurant serving modern cuisine and setting high standards at Birkenhead Point. 82 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead Point. 09 419 9082 www.moxierestaurant.co.nz
Taylors on Hurstmere
Fantail & Turtle
Duo
Yellow Hour
Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar and everyone's favourite local just around the corner from the Bruce Mason theatre.
Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV $85 per bottle between 5-7pm daily
Perfect for private parties, no venue hire!
Veuve Clicquot happy hour 5pm to 7pm
$85 per bottle.
Book now for Valentines day! 14th February. 3 course set menu with glass of Cloudy Bay pelorus $75 per person. 6pm and 8pm seatings only. Limited availability.
168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com www.taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz
09 489 9510
Licenced Eatery
A bar & eatery founded on friendship, with an offering that acknowledges our independence and our appreciation of quality. Expect fresh & local craft beer, real ale & cider flowing from 15 taps, an on-site microbrewery, a wine list covering local and far away regions that are synonymous with varietal excellence, an extensive gin list enhanced with botanics fresh from our gardens, bespoke modern cocktails to sip late into the evening, and modern sharing dishes by Chef James Wheeler, with a focus on showcasing sustainable & locally sourced seasonal produce.
hello@fantailandturtle.co.nz
www.fantailandturtle.co.nz
instagram fantailandturtle
Duo’s owners Sarah & Jordan's vision of a small neighbourhood eatery with breakfast and lunch available five days a week (Wed-Sun) & dinner three nights (Wed-Fri). Expect cafe classics as well as more contemporary dining during the day & an intimate bistro style menu in the afternoons & evenings with all the offerings showcasing high quality produce & artisanal products. Duo is fully licensed with a wine list that ranges from wild natural vino to a more conventional offering as well as offering craft beer and cocktails.
hello@duoeatery.co.nz
www.duoeatery.co.nz
instagram duo.nz
Mulan Malaysian Restaurant
Authentic flavours of South East Asia with homestyle Malaysian cuisine.
243 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead. 09 480 2806 www.mulan.co.nz
Primerose Thai Cuisine
Traditional Thai dishes known for excellent aroma, flavour and taste.
6 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 0555 www.primerosethaicuisine.co.nz
Tasty Tiny Thai Restaurant
Unique Thai experience with authentic dishes bursting with flavour.
52d Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 4999 www.tastytinythai.co.nz
China Hong Kong Cuisine
Tasty Chinese and Asian food.
64 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 480 1168 www.hongkongchinesecuisine.co.nz
Milford
Anokha Indian Restaurant
Long been a destination choice for Indian food lovers, specialising in North Indian Cuisine –authentic curry, tandoori dishes and freshly baked breads.
140 Kitchener Rd, Milford. 09 489 1499 www.anokha.co.nz
Cave À Vin
Natural wines and food to share – locals love this place!
146 Kitchener Rd, Milford. www.caveavin.co.nz
Jazzy’s Cafe & Pizzeria
Serving breakfast, lunch & dinner. Cafe style brekkie, Fresh HomeMade pizzas, delicious Sri Lankan meals and more!
5 Milford Rd, Auckland. 09 486 1582 www.jazzys.net
Langkawi Restaurant
Popular Malaysian local that has been here for around 25 years. BYO restaurant and also offers a range of well-priced wines.
122 Kitchener Road, Milford. 09 486 2700
Monthien Thai Restaurant
Popular Thai eatery in the heart of Milford. Real Thai real taste and best service!
142 Kitchener Rd, Milford. 09 488 0409 www.monthien.co.nz
Musashi Japanese Cuisine Milford
Serves everything you expect from your authentic Japanese restaurants but with a twist. Menu of Japanese cuisine, built around local taste and ingredients.
212 Kitchener Road, Milford. Phone 489 5977 www.musashirestaurant.co.nz
PYM's of Milford
The popular neighbourhood Milford Village bar & eatery. Excellent drinks selection with simple but great food.
154 Kitchener Road, Milford. www.pymsofmilford.com
Talay Thai Restaurant
Delicious authentic Thai cuisine. Using only the freshest ingredients with vegetarian, vegan options and Gluten free dishes.
83-85 Kitchener Rd, Milford, 09 489 9568 www.talaythai.co.nz
Stanley Avenue
Stanley Avenue is a relaxed, smart, wine bar and bistro where people can come and enjoy a light snack or sophisticated meal paired with an interesting wine offering.
52 East Coast Road, Milford, 09 410 0066 www.stanleyavenue.co.nz
Don Japanese Restaurant
Local Japanese that offers great service, a variety of authentic dishes with good drinks list to match.
1 Milford Rd, Milford. 09 379 2834
The Milford Cafe, Bar & Restaurant
For brunch, lunch & dinner. Classics, re-imagined and modernised – the best in fine coffee, wine and delicious food.
7 Milford Road, Milford. 09 488 9388 www.themilford.co.nz
Venice Italian Restaurant
A friendly local of Italian cuisine lovers passionate about cooking Italian food combined with a splendid collection of fine wines.
91 Kitchener Road, Milford, 09 486 4157 www.venicerestaurant.net
East Coast Bays
El Greco Greek and Italian Eatery
A touch of the Mediterranean in the Bays! – the locals try to keep it a secret, it’s good!
1 The Esplanade, Campbells Bay. 09 475 5772 www.elgreco.co.nz
Paper Moon
One of the Bay's favourite dining and drinking spots – for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or drinks into the evening.
437 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay. 09 479 8872 www.papermoon.org.nz
Bunty's Burgers
WANT YOUR CAFE/ RESTAURANT TO BE NOTICED?
Sign up to 11 issues for $120+GST per month and take advantage of our editorial feature price for only $895+GST for a full page review. (normally $1450)
Bunty’s is Milford’s newest addition, a gourmet burger bar. Bunty’s specialises in smash burgers, in-house smoked pork and beef brisket burgers, and fried chicken. Vegetarians aren’t left out, with our popular eggplant & tofu burger and a Beyond burger on offer as well. Pair your burger with a creative range of sides, bites & salads, including plenty of gluten free options. We focus on using the freshest ingredients and make as much as we can in-house. There is a modern and adventurous wine list and Behemoth beers on tap. This ain’t your ordinary burger joint!
Open Wed-Fri from 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from midday. 89 Kitchener Rd, Milford
Montrose Cafe, Bistro & Bar
A Mairangi Bay local known for consistently good food and hospitality!
1 Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay. 09 478 9610 www.montrose.org.nz
Ristorante La Spiaggia
One of the best Italian restaurants on the Shore –Maria and Emilio never disappoint! 470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay. 09 475 5643 www.laspiaggia.co.nz
21 Days Bar & Brasserie
Named after the process of aging beef 21-28 days. Great food, some say best meat on the Shore! 37 Clyde Road Browns Bay. 0800 21 3297 www.21days.co.nz
Sending Something Overseas?
PACK & SEND Takapuna is your "one stop shop" for all your international packaging and freight needs. When you need to send overseas to any country you can rely on Pack & Send's experience to package it and get it delivered, safely.
Jane and Jeremy Bain, the franchisees at PACK & SEND Takapuna have a "No Limits" approach when helping customers solve packaging and freight problems from a sensitive document to difficult fragile and valuable items to send. "Many of the items we have dealt with are considered too difficult for general freight." says Jeremy.
Sending overseas is complex and PACK & SEND make it easy. “We prepare all the items for sending, make inventory lists and prepare customs documentation” says Jane.
Many of these items are valuable so PACK & SEND customers can use their Freight Plus Warranty to cover against loss or damage to secure that extra peace of mind - something not generally available when freighting goods of high value.
For those really delicate items like fine antiques or ceramics, PACK & SEND can use its state of the art "Foam in Place" packaging system, which forms a protective mould around the item, for safe transport.
"We also produce custom made boxes to any size or shape" adds Jeremy. "Because we treat each consignment as unique, designing packaging and the freight solutions to suit, we're finding that more and more people benefit from our services”
Not only does PACK & SEND export items they arrange for the importation of goods and sensitive documents too. They have outlets in Australia and UK that can even assist with packing.
PACK & SEND provides service, systems and packaging to make your freight experience as simple and smooth as possible. You don't need to open an account; they send anything, anywhere and take care of the hassles.
Pack & Send Takapuna open Mon – Sat, located at 77 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna with exclusive and convenient parking outside. Ph 486-3355 or email takapuna@packsend.co.nz and let them make sending easy.
Garden Power Tools
We’re fully battery powered for our garden tools, which means zero run time emissions and approx half the noise levels of traditional power tools which our clients and their neighbours appreciate.
Whether you’re looking at battery, corded, or petrol tools, please make sure you have the correct protective equipment required, shatter-proof safety glasses, ear muffs, gloves and safety boots at a minimum.
Hedge trimmers
For large hedges or simply to save time trimming, powered hedge trimmers are a must; they are easier to control and you can cover much larger areas. Tool weight is an important factor, particularly if you will be trimming for some time. Corded trimmers are the lightest, quietest and easiest to use if you can use them; battery powered tend to be the next lightest and quietest, with petrol powered tending to be heavier, nosier and hotter with more vibration so take plenty of breaks.
Line trimmer
The best solution for edging around lawns, and trimming close to tree trunks where the lawnmower doesn't reach (make sure you don’t get too close and damage the tree trunks though).
Leaf Blower
Great in autumn for quickly blowing leaves into a pile for collection for your compost bin, leaf blowers are useful throughout the rest of the year, particularly if the birds like to kick your mulch up every morning searching for worms!
Lawn mowers
There are three main types of lawn mower: walk behind, ride on, and auto mower. Walk behind is the most cost effective for smaller gardens. However if you have more than a quarter-acre section it may well be worth investing in a ride on or even an auto mower to take the hassle out of lawn mowing altogether.
We use the Husqvarna professional battery range of tools which are great but a little over engineered (and costly) for most domestic gardens, so for comprehensive advice on all types of tools, and what type of power tool would be best suited to your needs I would highly recommend talking to Nathan and his team at Gardening Aids Wairau Road www.gardeningaids.co.nz.
Amanda Graham
Newhaven Gardens Ltd
Ph: 021 378969
www.instagram.com/newhavengardens/ amanda@newhavengardens.co.nz
www.newhavengardens.co.nz
5 reasons to live in (or visit) sunny Takapuna
Eating and drinking
Takapuna boasts a plethora of places to eat and drink, with cafés, bars and restaurants to suit every taste bud. Take a stroll down Eat Street: Fortieth & Hurstmere – a groovy laneway home to seven of the best Takapuna eateries, or head to Regatta Bar & Eatery to enjoy a delicious meal on the beachside deck, taking in the stunning views of Takapuna Beach. With trendy bars, chic cafés, tasty takeaways and world flavours –including South-East Asian, Japanese, Colombian, and Italian all on offer, you’re spoilt for choice.
Activities
You’ll never be short of interesting activities to do in our spot on the North Shore. For all-ages fun, head to Escape HQ Auckland, with its four indoor escape rooms, outdoor and online games, or Thrillzone Takapuna, offering a range of indoor and outdoor VR games and adventures. Fitness and sports fans are well catered-for, with facilities including the Takapuna Pool and Leisure Centre and YMCA North Shore Recreational Centre. Sports clubs include tennis, rugby and croquet, and the beautiful Takapuna Golf Course in Northcote Road. For those after something a little more serene, there are several yoga and pilates studios in Takapuna too.
Shopping
Takapuna is a shopper’s paradise, from the boutique shopping precinct around Hurstmere Road to the bustling Shore City Mall in Anzac Drive, home to over 50 different stores including fashion, jewellery, sport, leisure, lifestyle, and department stores. As well there is the immensely popular Takapuna Beach Sunday Market, featuring an array of stalls including arts and crafts, fresh produce, food vendors, and much more.
Beach life
Takapuna Beach is undoubtedly our greatest natural asset, and there are so many ways to enjoy it yearround. Walk the historic Takapuna-Milford walkway along the beach foreshore, enjoy a leisurely swim, or take the water toys and enjoy a spot stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking or windsurfing. Or try a water ride with NZ Water Bikes over the clear ocean waters. Stroll along the beach’s beautiful sands, and enjoy a picnic in the lush Gould Reserve, where the kids can have a blast tearing around on the super-cool, allabilities playground.
Culture
Art enthusiasts can visit Lake House Arts Centre – with its gallery and café set in a beautiful heritage building and garden space, or Art By the Sea, where you can take in the work of emerging and established local artists. For theatre lovers, there is New Zealand’s longest-running professional children’s theatre company the Tim Bray Theatre Company, the PumpHouse Theatre, and the Bruce Mason Centre, all offering a diverse range of world-class concert and theatre productions. And for cinephiles, the recently refurbished Monterey Lounge Cinema is the place to go to catch the latest movie releases in luxury.
SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors… PRINCIPAL
We reckon there’s no better place to live than right here in Takapuna. With so many cool things to see and do, here are just five of our top reasons to call this corner of the country home.Eat Street. Shore City. Bruce Mason Centre. Takapuna Golf Course.
Talking Takapuna
Welcome back to what we know is going to be a fantastic 2023! We hope you all managed to have a wonderful Christmas and started the New Year off right with lots of family and friends time.
We had a fantastic day out on Takapuna Beach at the Takapuna Summer Days Festival last month, and we’re excited to have another Takapuna Beach Latin Fiesta event hitting the reserve later this month – Saturday 25 Feb, from 11am – 7pm! Make sure you check out all the information on our I Love Takapuna website or Facebook page.
As most of us have settled back into our regular routines of work and every-day life by now – we know the struggle continues, as we glance longingly out our windows at the summer sun, wishing we were still on holiday … BUT, luckily Takapuna is the best place to be this summer, with plenty of ways to keep the holiday vibes going while there’s still great weather AND work in between.
How does lunch by the sea sound? Regatta Bar and Eatery is the perfect location for a delicious bite to eat whilst relaxing and enjoying the sea views. While they’re renowned for their oysters and seafood, Regatta also has the perfect meal for any taste, from a Braised Short Rib to a classic Caesar Salad.
How does a spot of retail therapy sound? Hurstmere Rd is home to many unique and boutique shops with the perfect little treat – from Augustine and RUBY, to Retrospace, and from Life For Men, to Fifth Avenue Jewellers, and don’t forget the wonderful air-conditioned Shore City Shopping Centre – and don’t forget Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so make sure you get in to find that little something to treat your significant other!
How does an afternoon of beach activities sound? The opportunities are endless at Takapuna Beach – if you’re after more than a leisurely swim, why not bring your snorkel mask and flippers and inspect the reef down by the boat ramp. Or try your hand at some Stand Up Paddle Boarding with Girls Get Out There NZ.
Takapuna Beach – voted one of Auckland’s favourite beaches –will always provide a great days’ entertainment. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic lunch with friends and family, a picnic date with your sweetheart, for a spot of outdoor yoga, leisurely afternoon swims, spots to sit and enjoy a delicious ice cream, dog-spotting and sandcastle building with the kids, and of course the incredible Takapuna Beach Playground and brand new bathroom facilities.
There’s always something to do and to entertain the masses in Takapuna – just head to the What’s Hot section of the I Love Takapuna website for more fun things to do in and around Takapuna this summer, as well as the business directory for where to eat, drink, shop and so much more!
We love to see what you get up to in and around Takapuna, so if you’re posting on social media, don’t forget to tag us (@ilovetakapuna), or use the hashtag #ilovetakapuna.
FEBRUARY/MARCH EVENTS IN TAKAPUNA
• 21 Jan – 18 Feb: The PumpHouse: Shakespeare in the Park
• 13 Feb: Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies – Kumeu Vintage Brass
• 17-19 Feb: 2023 Takapuna Beach Cup
• 18 Feb: Cargo Coastal Plus Challenge
• 19 Feb: The Elephant Wrestler: ABBA Heaven! Tribute Show
• 22-23 Feb: Lake House Arts – Much Ado about Nothing
• 24 Feb: Bruce Mason Centre: Yung Gravy
• 25 Feb: Takapuna Latin Fiesta
• 25 Feb: Bruce Masons Centre: David Strassman in The Chocolate Diet
• 4 March: Killarney Park: Food Truck Collective Takapuna
• 6 March: Bruce Mason Centre: Morning Melodies –Base Auckland Brass
• 8 March: The PumpHouse: Journey to Dreamland
• 11 March: Bruce Mason Centre: The Big Drum Off
• 22-26 March: Bruce Mason Centre: The Unruly Tourists
• 28 March: Brue Mason Centre: Foil Arms and Hog
Check out all the fantastic photos shared to us by fellow Takapuna lovers! Tag us @ilovetakapuna or use #ilovetakapuna on Instagram to share your pics with us.
PLATINUM SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Platinum sponsors…
Cost
If your wardrobe needs a refresh, a professional styling session with Kerry may be just what you need.
Kerry brings over 10 years professional styling advice to the centre and into your wardrobe as you shop, learn colour, style and wardrobe planning tips as you go. Enjoy Kerry’s in store discounts, gentle guidance and coffee on us.
For bookings email marketing@shore-city.co.nz
the
#supportlocal
YARNTONS
Brighten up your wardrobe with Orientique. Birkenhead, 18 Mokoia Rd, 09 418 4011 Devonport, 79 Victoria Rd, 09 445 3479 www.yarntons.co.nz
FLORIENNE
Luscious bouquets of flowers for Valentine’s Day, for every day and for the just because, all sent with love. 60A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6438 www.florienne.co.nz
WALLACE COTTON
Sunny Days Ahead. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Wallace Cotton by visiting our newest location at 156 Hurstmere Road. An inviting space designed to inspire, discover bed linen, homeware, clothing and sleepwear at our Takapuna store. Pop in, meet our friendly team and treat yourself to a little something to make every day more beautiful..
156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, 09 551 7767 www.wallacecotton.com
THE SHEEPSKIN FACTORY
15% OFF* ALL PRODUCTS
Use code: SHEEPSKIN15
*Discount applicable to full priced items only.
9-5pm Mon - Sat, 10-5pm Sundays
34 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 486 2679 www.thesheepskinfactory.co.nz
FITZGERALD TAYLOR
Boutique stationer, home of a thoughtfully curated selection of fine stationery. Shop 2, 2 Queens Parade, Devonport fitzgeraldtaylor.co.nz
RESENE COLORSHOP
Enjoy a cooler finish with Resene CoolColour Planning to use a dark coloured paint or wood stain on your home? Choose a Resene CoolColour finish that will help reflect more heat and keep your place cooler. Available in a wide range of colours and products from your local Resene ColorShop. Wall finished in Resene Half Nocturnal.
1 Auburn St, Takapuna, 09 489 1540
2 Tawa Drive, Albany, 09 414 6500
8 Croftfield Lane, Wairau Park, 09 444 4387
BEAR BROTHERS
Treat your loved one to a fresh new teeshirt with Bear Brothers adorable DJ Dog embroidery this Valentine's Day. Available in mens, ladies and kids sizes - the full range of fun characters is available in the Devonport store.
61 Victoria Rd, Devonport 022 541 3554 bearbrothersdenim.com
MILA SOLEIL
Amazing way to say I love you! Artist Studio Mila Soleil is open for pet portrait commissions. Call or book online. Gift vouchers available.
18a Ballymore Drive, Pinehill, Auckland 027 777 4048 milasss007@gmail.com www.milasoleil.com
facebook Mila Soleil, instagram @millasoleil
TYPO – GLENFIELD MALL
Glenfield Mall, Level 3 09 440 9196
https://cottonon.com/NZ/typo-home/
FIESTA BALLOONS
Valentine’s Day is all about lovesay it with balloons! Contact us to send balloon baskets and hampers, or make a statement with a giant balloon bouquet. All products can be personalised with a message and your preferred colour scheme. 09 214 9745
info@fiestadesign.co.nz
G1/10 Auburn Street, Takapuna www.fiestadesign.co.nz
facebook @FiestaDesignNZ instagram @fiestaballoonsnz
the
#supportlocal
SPERO CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR
Start the year on a bright note
Joseph Ribkoff new arrivals in store.
19 Mokoia Rd, Birkenhead 09 4199781
www.spero.co.nz
MASSAGE LINK
Double Package
x2 60 min foot massage for $130 46 Clyde Road, Browns Bay, 09 218 9839
massagelink.nz@gmail.com
facebook massage link (browns bay) instagram @massage_link
CITY HALL
Shop our fave boutique brand of candles, Arc. Contemporary design for modern, considered living. Mouth blown glass, hand poured wax and the dreamiest of natural fragrances.
406 Lake Rd, Takapuna @cityhall.store
www.cityhall.store
COSI FAN TUTTE
All patched gladness! These floral print Magnolia Pearl overalls are from our latest drop together with many other beauties. Now in store and online. 73 Victoria Road, Devonport, 021 247 2469
www.cosifantutte.co.nz
instagram @cosifantutte_devonport
CRAVEHOME
Fabulous Frank Green has arrived – start your year off right and stay hydrated! These durable stainless steel bottles are available in three great sizes with lots of colour options. For our full range, visit our flagship store in Birkenhead, or check out our website.
30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead 09 419 9535
www.cravehome.co.nz
Exercise for teenage girls
By Teresa Burns, Doctor of Audiology. Director and owner of Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd. Claire Bellingham.According to a World Health Organisation report on global physical activity, New Zealanders have an unusually high level of physical inactivity. Despite being a nation of sport-lovers, we are increasingly becoming fans rather than participants. Figures are particularly poor for adolescent females. Research by Sport NZ indicates that by the age of 17, girls are spending around 28% less time on exercise than boys of the same age.
There are many reasons why young women lose interest in exercise. Adolescence is a time of great self-consciousness. Many women feel uncomfortable in the sports uniform they are required to wear, particularly in sporting contexts where their bodies are on display and being judged. As males move through the pubertal journey their bodies move closer to societal ideals, but girls have the opposite experience. Body satisfaction and self-esteem tend to improve for males and decline for females.
As body perception decreases for young women, so too does performance. While adolescent males’ strength and control increases, adolescent female strength lags behind and there is a temporary reduction in balance, motor control and speed. Centre of gravity changes reduce knee stability and increase vulnerability to injury.
Despite the well documented benefits of being involved in sport, adolescent sport in New Zealand tends to be hyper-competitive. Not everyone enjoys this and many teenagers give up sport at the point where they feel they no longer excel. Young women are particularly vulnerable to making this choice as they experience dropping performance alongside rising self-consciousness. The most common reason young women drop out of sport is they no longer find it fun.
As young women move through adolescence there are increased academic and social demands on their time. Their bodies need more sleep but their circadian rhythms shift to make it challenging to go to bed early. They may need exercise to fit around life, rather than life to fit around exercise. The pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties of committing to organised sport, particularly through the winter season. It can be difficult to make up numbers when illness sweeps through a school.
Taking a break from sport doesn’t mean taking a break from exercise, and the gym can be a great recreational activity for teenagers. I began at the gym at age 14 with my father and I’ve held a gym membership my entire adult life. My daughters have grown up with an understanding that going to the gym is a normal thing that grown ups do, and being old enough to have a membership of your own is a milestone. I really enjoy working out with my older daughter and her sister looks forward to being old enough to join in.
The gym is a great way for young women to enjoy exercise while overcoming most of the barriers to exercise that research has identified. They can enjoy the autonomy of attending when they want, with who they want, doing the activity they most enjoy, wearing the clothes they feel most comfortable in. The gym allows people to build on strength, endurance, co-ordination and confidence which means it’s easy enough to pick up a sport again if a good opportunity arises.
Adolescence is an important time to enjoy the physical, cognitive and emotional benefits of exercise. It’s also a time to embed healthy habits as sedentary teens tend to turn into sedentary adults. As a parent you can help your adolescent by leading from the front with your own habits, and providing opportunities for them to exercise in the way that suits them best.
Les Mills Takapuna, Rooftop Level, Shore City, Takapuna 0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz claire@clairebellingham.co.nzFunding for hearing aids
Teresa Burns.Did you know all Kiwis are eligible for some assistance with hearing aids? Children have devices funded up to the age of 18 or whenever they finish schooling. Adults can also access a few different types of funding including the Hearing Aid Subsidy, ACC, and Veteran’s Affairs funding, depending on eligibility.
The cost of your hearing aids includes the devices, a trial period, and a service package with your audiologist. If you are a New Zealand Permanent Resident or Citizen, you are entitled to a $511.11 (incl gst, per device) subsidy through the Ministry of Health. This is a great benefit to help cover a portion of the overall cost of your new hearing aids and is available every six years. Your audiologist deducts the subsidy from the price you pay and claims it back at the end of your trial period.
Something new in the hearing aid market is a ‘pay as you go’ model which spreads the cost of paying for hearing aids to a weekly or monthly basis. You usually sign a contract for subscription (the hearing aids are technically still owned by the clinic chain). The advantage to this model is it limits your upfront costs. It’s sort of like leasing a car versus buying one. The tricky part of this model is to be sure you understand if/when your hearing aid subsidy is claimed. If you decide to cancel your subscription after six months the hearing aid subsidy may have been claimed, which means you can’t get it again for six years!
The most important part of trialing hearing aids is finding an audiologist who is convenient, knowledgeable, explains everything clearly and gives you options. There are literally thousands of models to choose from – make sure you see an audiologist who helps you choose the right option for your budget, your lifestyle and your ears.
For more information or to book, call 09 475 9849.
Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd.Location: Inside the Health - I Care Centre
215 Wairau Road, Glenfield, North Shore www.teresaburnshearing.co.nz
…make sure you see an audiologist who helps you choose the right option for your budget, your lifestyle and your ears.
Your round up of posts from local businesses on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Becky from @thislittlebirdthreads
Looking for that special gift for Valentine’s Day and beyond (or a to me from me!)? We absolutely love the local label, thislittlebird: thoughtful, beautiful clothing to breathe, love and play in. Devonport local, Becky Little, handmakes garments to order (and to your measurements) with Liberty fabrics and linen from Merchant and Mills. Becky describes herself as a 'love migrant'. "I'm originally from the mighty Midlands in the UK. I snogged a boy on the dance floor of a karaoke bar underneath a car park in London back in 2008, a North Shore boy from Aotearoa, he said, and offered me a kebab, some marmite toast and a cuppa tea." Two children, a cat and a puppy later, the family now finds themselves happily ensconced in Devonport and 12 years have gone by. Becky was originally a lawyer, but found herself hopelessly addicted to fabric and to making clothes, and would sneak out of the office to attend night classes at Central St Martins and London College of Fashion. She tells Channel Mag about her label and the influences and inspiration she finds online.
Channel Mag: Tell us a little bit about your business and how it came about...
Becky: @thislittlebirdthreads is a slow clothing brand prioritising kindness to people and planet, taking a considered, transparent, connected approach to design and making. I make beautiful clothes for everyday that have a whimsical edge and a riot girl attitude. Made with Liberty fabrics in their iconic prints which are still hand drawn in Soho, and small batch linen produced at a family mill powered by renewable energy. Everything is hand-made by me to order from small runs of fabric to keep waste to a minimum, designed to breathe and last.
CM: Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you? Who do you recommend following and why?
Becky: I love the indie sewing community on Instagram, so follow a lot of indie makers, embroiderers, knitters, cloth makers, historical costume archives – Fleur Woods art, Injiri, Tilly and the Buttons, New Craftsman, Good Night Day, Costume Journal being a few. The Morris Gallery, Liberty, The Westwood Archives, British Vogue are favourites. I avidly follow Katy Hessell's Great Women Artists for daily inspiration and learning. I grab knowledge, education and fresh perspectives on the fashion industry from the Fashion Revolution, Aja Barber and Red Carpet Green Dress pages, as well as the links to articles on ideas and culture at the London Review of Books for some mind food. I love the weekly playlist update from BBC 6 Music for fresh sounds.
CM: Which other local businesses/artists do social media well?
Becky: We are lucky to be surrounded by an incredible creative community in Tāmaki Makaurau. Papa Clothing is a gorgeous local slow clothing brand with a, by turns, irreverent and informative approach. Super stylish new linen brand, Aflie, has beautiful social media branding where you just want to live like that. Fiona Mackay and Merani Clay for some sexy ceramics, yassss. Emily Raftery Photography for stunning photography with an expressive voice. The great Jessica Pearless for her incredible minimal geometric artworks – all of which I shamelessly covet – and her perspective on art and life in Aotearoa. Daylight Moon for locally made clothing with as easy-as flair. My fellow maker, Clove Label, is another slow clothing advocate and designer I love to follow. I am so lucky to be surrounded by creative talented women making it happen, supporting one another.
CM: What’s next for thislittlebird?
Becky: I love making and I love the connection I have with my clients, many through Instagram, and seeing people rocking things that I make is the biggest buzz ever, so I hope to grow that more this year. I make everyday, forever pieces, clothes not fashion, and developed a range of ethical and sustainable bridal wear that can be worn long after the big day of love, so you can wear a bit of your wedding day everyday. Check it out at the Getting Hitched section of thislittlebirdthreads.com or have a scroll through Instagram. Web: thislittlebirdthreads.com • Insta: @thislittlebirdthreads • FB: This Little Bird Threads
Treat
@florienne.flowers
Located in the Alba apartment complex in Takapuna, Fiesta is fast becoming the Shore go-to for balloon decorations for all occasions. A great alternative to flowers this Valentine's Day.
@fiestaballoonsnz
We take our fluffy drinking seriously around here and these guys do the most decadent one we've seen, sure to impress the toddler in your life!
@dearfriends_milford
A season for change
By Simon Watts, North Shore MP Simon Watts.This summer, I took the family camping in the Coromandel. Like many others, under canvas, we had to tough it out under sodden skies. It certainly wasn’t a stellar summer, but as Kiwis do, we tried to make the best of it, which is the point of my first column for 2023.
So weather aside, as the ingenious, industrious and blessed country we are, we shouldn’t be expected to put up with stuff that falls short.
Sure, some things are outside of our control, but there remains a lot we can change for the better. For example, Auckland Council’s deficit of around $270m needs to be fixed and will likely result in cuts. However, that presents an opportunity to ensure the money left works harder. We deserve a better plan for our hard-earned money, whether we’ve paid it in taxes or rates; a plan that brings central and local government together and is focused on increasing economic growth, jobs and productivity within our city.
For a start, we have to invest in improving traffic congestion, which is the key to making Auckland a more productive city. Central government needs to stop hiding behind endless reports and surveys and get the second harbour crossing underway. We also have to cut waste from the build process for this project and fix the legislation we all know is broken. It takes too long and costs too much to get stuff done in New Zealand, and we shouldn’t have to put up with this. So I’m convinced that outdated approaches to big projects are one of the reasons our productivity lags behind our peer nations.
Open homes and private viewings – all welcome!
By Kathryn Robertson, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd Kathryn Robertson.Enjoy going to open homes or private viewings but feel awkward around an agent and dread when you see them calling? Please don’t! We are people too; we have lives outside of real estate, and we are simply working to facilitate your buying journey and/ or selling experience.
We need to sort out the legislative roadblocks and bring some ingenuity to the financing to discover what can be done when you change the status quo. For example, we could easily repeat the success of the Northern Busway for commuters in other parts of Auckland. Or make more of the harbour and unleash a strategy for a ferry system that rivals Sydney – we don’t have to settle for less just because that’s how it’s always been.
As your MP for North Shore, I constantly see examples of how ordinary people want to do something great. The young people at Takapuna Grammar School Rowing Club who turn up to pursue their dreams are undeterred by early morning starts. They believe in their ability to shape their futures and are going for it. So our local government and central government leaders need to demonstrate the same level of feistiness.
I’m genuinely excited about the potential for change in 2023. We all know things can be better than they are – in fact, I believe they can be great.
Simon Watts — Spokesperson for Local Government, Regional Development, Statistics, Associate Spokesperson for Infrastructure, and Finance.Email: simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz
Call my office on 09 486 0005, facebook: @simonwattsmp instagram: @simonwattsmp
When you attend an open home, come in, say hello and have a good look around – there is no pressure to chat! It’s no problem if you’re a ‘nosey neighbour’ – I personally love it when neighbours visit (you may have friends or family that you realise the house could work for). Equally, if you are intrigued by a renovation, that’s fine too – you may be pleasantly surprised and decide to buy already renovated, rather than enduring a renovation yourself. Yes, we need your name and a contact number or email address – this is standard open home protocol, and it’s respectful to our vendors who are inviting you into their home. If you don’t want to receive our emails or be contacted afterwards for comment, that’s absolutely fine, just let us know. We complete ‘call backs’ and other contact attempts once you have viewed a property to obtain helpful feedback for our vendors and to assist genuine purchasers progress their interest. Thoughts on price, positives, negatives, are all relevant and can help an agent gather the necessary information to better inform their vendors and be in tune with where their home sits in the current market. (This is especially important in a tough market.) All commentary is welcome, whether you want to buy the house or not, and if you don’t want to have that communication after a viewing, just give us your feedback at the time – it couldn’t be easier!
I’m genuinely excited about the potential for change in 2023. We all know things can be better than they are…
Valentine’s Day, things to love on the Shore
Love is in the air this month with Valentine’s Day coming up on February 14th. This year it falls on a Tuesday and there’s plenty to do with the loved ones in your life on the Shore no matter what your age and interest. We’ve compiled a few ideas to help you plan your special day and support our local Shore businesses and eateries. Here's some inspiration...
1. Plan a picnic at your local park or beach
With so many beautiful parks, beaches and secluded spots locally, a post work Tuesday night picnic is the top of our recommendations. Here are a few suggestions:
• Buy bubbles from the friendly team Fine Wine Delivery on Constellation Drive, or your local, for a picnic at your favourite park or beach.
• Pick up takeaway pizza from La Spiaggia and have a romantic picnic at Murray’s Bay Beach. Further south, we love Calimero in Devonport or Toni’s in Belmont while you picnic in Stanley Bay Park, Mt Vic or North Head.
• For the organised, grab a tub of our favourite award winning gelato from Takapuna Beach Cafe or some treats from Daily Bread or Devonport Chocolates earlier in the day to enjoy as your picnic dessert – Takapuna Beach is a great spot to take your Valentine!
2. Go for dessert at one of our fabulous spots
House of Chocolate (Takapuna and Beach Haven): A classic spot in the heart of Takapuna, this dessert restaurant will be popular this Valentine’s Day and for good reason! Think waffles, affogato, chocolate pudding and caramelised banana split, there’s definitely something for everyone’s sweet tooth here. Located at Shop 5, 62-78 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna (also at 13 - 15 Sunnyhaven Ave, Beach Haven –takeaway only store).
Shake Out, Smales Farm: For the sundae and milkshake lovers, this is the perfect casual dessert after dining at Soho Thai, Fantail & Turtle or The Grange. Located at Goodside, Smales Farm, Takapuna.
Paper Moon, Mairangi Bay: Whether you're after affogato, tiramisu or a chocolate bomb, this local institution won't disappoint. They also offer a full dinner menu. Located at 437 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay.
3. Enjoy a glass of wine or craft beer… & more!
We’re not short on great places to share a beer or wine together (and eats) this Valentine's Day. These are the places we recommend checking out:
0800 XLEASE (953 273)
www.goodtitle.co.nz hello@goodtitle.co.nz
Beer Spot Northcote: The Beer Spot offers 40 taps of rotating hoppy goodness. Enjoy a tasting paddle or glass on site, and take the beer you tasted home. The team also has ciders, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options and a food truck if you’re looking for a casual dinner to pair your Valentine’s beers with. Located at 54 Northcote Road, Northcote.
Vic Road Wine Bar and Cellar: Enjoy a delicious natural or artisan wine and tapas from
the expertly curated menu with your significant other at this part bar, restaurant and bottle shop. Owned by Shore locals, this cute little place is popular with locals and for very good reason. Located at 53/55 Victoria Road Devonport.
Birkenhead Brewing Company: Great food and beer inside their iconic 100 year old Kauri villa. Located at 17 Birkenhead Avenue.
Taylors on Hurstmere (Takapuna): is also great for wine and beer lovers and also for those who enjoy Verve Clicquot! They have a
4. Massages, facials and pampering this Valentine’s Day.
Given Valentine’s is on a Tuesday, why not plan an after-work couples massage or gift a voucher for one of our local businesses.
Willow Skin: Treat your loved one to a facial or beauty treatment at Willow’s beautiful Birkenhead clinic, they’re open until 5pm on Tuesdays and extended hours on Wednesday and Thursdays. Kara and Caroline are experts in a range of relaxing treatments. Located at 148b Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead. See www. willowskin.co.nz for gift cards and a menu of their services.
Forme Spa (Albany and Takapuna): Why not book a relaxing couples massage at one of Forme's luxe day spas, the perfect combination of quality time and relaxation. Book at www.formespa.co.nz
Slowe Takapuna: Infrared sauna provides an ideal mix of relaxation and health benefits, a gift voucher for your significant other would be much appreciated by the health conscious person in your life. Buy a voucher at www.slowestudio.co.nz
Verve Clicquot happy Hour from 5pm to 7pm just $85 per bottle. And great food!
Located at 168 Hurstmere Road, just a short stroll up from Takapuna Beach!
Duo: Another very popular spot is Duo, Birkenhead’s newest eatery on Hinemoa Road. Their food has the neighbourhood humming! For breakfast, lunch and dinner with a wine list that ranges from wild natural vino to more conventional offerings as well as craft beer and cocktails – sounds perfect for Valentine’s Day!
5. Plan a movie night at one of our local cinemas
Whether you're local to the Bridgeway in Northcote, The Vic in Devonport, Monterey in Takapuna or one of the many theatre complexes on the Shore, a movie is always a good idea, especially on Valentine's Day.
We like the look of Romeo and Juliet playing at the Bridgeway, an iconic classic showing just for February 14th. The Bridgeway is located at 122 Queen Street, Northcote Point.
And lastly, for those in the market for a new car and want to demonstrate their love in the grandest way possible this Valentine’s Day, go and visit Ben Panettiere at Peugeot Citroen Opel North Shore. They’ve just moved into their new premises and Ben promises to give Valentine’s Day buyers flowers, wine and chocolate with their vehicle purchase! Fantastic new dealership located at 16 Fred Thomas Drive.
Spoil your Valentine on the Shore on Tuesday February 14th!
Become
By engaging experts with a wealth of knowledge and partnering with organisations doing the work, we are working to regenerate the gulf. With your help, we can make real, positive change.
The Hauraki Gulf is rapidly deteriorating. Help turn the tide today.
A love story in portrait
We've all heard the old adage, a picture paints a thousand words. Well, a portrait also tells an amazing story - a love story.
Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats with Judy Reinen, internationally-renowned photographer who is back in the country for a limited time, about the love stories she re-creates through her globallyrecognised, award-winning photography.
Channel Mag: Portraits as visual love stories - what a wonderful concept. Tell us more!
CM: Do you also specialise in individual portraiture as well as family portraiture?
Judy Reinen: Portraits visually capture the love stories between you, friends, family, pets and even cars! They celebrate a visual affirmation of those you cherish, that is enjoyed and reflected upon every single day, putting a smile on faces and in hearts every time anyone looks at them. They're also a visual confirmation to children, grandchildren, friends and family to know they belong and are valued, with special memories recorded for posterity. The love story between you is captured and displayed to show the essence of your journey together. Everyone deserves to have an amazing portrait because it speaks of affirmation, subliminally presented every day of your life. It’s one of the best experiences people can have, and the portraits themselves are a gift that reminds you that you are connected, loved and accepted. What better love story than this?!
Judy Reinen.JR: That's one of the best love stories I can capture as a photographer; self-love is such an important story to tell too. It builds selfesteem, and with a greater focus on mental health and well-being, it’s an area of my career that is one of the most rewarding. With a great portrait nobody has to tell you that you look fabulous, you can see your portraits and they subliminally affirm you; this is healthy. If you're worried you may not take a great picture for whatever reason, that's where my expertise comes in. I capture you at your very besteverybody is unique and I can see their beauty. I love to show people they can look fantastic photographically, as it's the skill of who is photographing you. People who once thought they did not photograph well can experience and enjoy who they are, unique and one of a kind, and how it feels to have an art piece where they look good. I love doing this.
CM: Why are your portraits so special to your clients?
JR: Photographic keepsakes are the most precious items you can own. I was commissioned by a lovely lady to capture her family. As part of my preparation, I asked if she had a portrait of her husband I could see. The only photograph she could find was from their wedding day over two decades earlier. I suggested she might like to have an update of just the two of them, as well as a family portrait. She agreed, and now can enjoy the love story of the whole family, and her and her husband for the first time since they were married.
The portrait of my children is the best birthday present I've ever had. Superb photography.
– John Hawkesby
CM: You also specialise in taking portraits of owners and their pets?
JR: It's said, 'Never work with children or animals' – I love working with both! One of my favourite portraits I've ever taken is with the magnificent 'Leonburger' and his beautiful owner, Nessta. This love story for me photographically is perfect; you can clearly see the love they have for each other. I just wish I'd had similar pictures taken of me and my beloved great dane. But time passes, and sometimes it's too late to capture your own special love stories, which I regret to this day.
up on the North Shore and while I wait here for a little while longer, I relish living beachside back on the Shore. I started Shotztours.com on Santorini where I also teach photography. I thought, why not pass on my skills and teach my son here in NZ, so I re-launched my business, Creative Shotz Photography, a company I started when I was just seventeen. People tell me they've been enjoying my portraits for over 26 years and that their portraits are indeed their most valuable acquisitions.
CM: Has your career always been in photography?
H. DaviesCM: What's the most rewarding aspect of what you do?
JR: I dedicate my time prior to a photo shoot to make sure each photographic experience is tailor-made to suit each family or individual, then I bring their personal love stories to life and capture them photographically. It's my passion and what I do best – I love seeing the joy that people experience having their own love stories captured visually in a portrait. These days everyone is a photographer with snapshots taken on phones and added to social media as a way of recording and displaying it. My photography is totally different. I’m passionate about bringing my globally-recognised expertise which 40 years' experience has given me, to truly make a difference to the precious moments I capture for my clients.
CM: What's your background?
JR: I live on the beautiful island of Santorini, Greece. My son and I visited New Zealand and we were waylaid here when the first Covid lockdown happened. Being a Kristin foundation pupil, I was brought
JR: Yes - it’s been an incredible career which has resulted in 67 different awards, and winning a Henrie award, an industry competition for commercial photography in the UK, considered the toughest greeting card market in the world with 14 categories and 983 entries – it's like the Oscars! My photography for a range of greeting cards for Hallmark was entered, and I won! The Professional Wedding and Portrait International Awards in Las Vegas have also seen me win twice, and placed second four times. Kiwis may remember seeing me on TV1 and TV3 news featuring my work on Animal Hospital and Tux wonder dogs. I've also authored seven books, including my 'Animal Antics' range featuring my famous K9Fun portrait.
CM: How can people have their own love stories created visually with you?
JR: I love to chat, so just pick up the phone and call me or text. Tell me who you are, who you'd like photographed and why you’d like your love story captured. I then invite you over to get to know you a little better, hear your story and arrange a time so we can create an experience to bring out the joy and connection between you. I'm excited to hear from and meet North Shore locals so you can share your love stories with me, and together we can create wonderful photographic memories which will bring you joy every day.
Judy Reinen, 022 302 8070 judytakesportraits@gmail.com www.creativeshotz.com
LIMITED SPECIAL OFFER for Channel Mag readers this February.
Celebrate your love story with world-renowned, international award-winning professional photographer, Judy Reinen.
To celebrate the love stories of North Shore Channel Mag readers this Valentine's month, the first ten people to book their photographic experience with Judy will be gifted the photography session up to a value of $495 and receive a credit of $445 towards your favourite portrait. Contact Judy direct.
Exceptional experience! Your creativity Judy took it to the next level. We've had so many comments over the 26 years of enjoying the portraits you created for us. We are so glad we chose you.
–
Discover why Ted and June love Lady Allum.
Experience what this village has to offer.
Ted and June met in a Taranaki dance hall when they were 19 and 16 respectively, and now they’ve been enjoying life at Lady Allum for five years. “It made sense to come here,” says Ted, “we lived in Milford already and this meant we could stay close to the kids, shops, hospital and the beach.”
So how do they fill their days? “We join morning tea and visit family nearby. We belong to a wine group, walking club and investment group. Whether it’s inside or outside the village, you can do as much or as little as you like.”
Ted tells us, “A lot of the other villages are oversized, but here there is a real feeling that everyone looks after each other. There are also Care Suites just across the road, which we can easily move to when we need.”
With boutique-style living in one of Auckland’s most desirable suburbs, you’ll feel at home at Lady Allum.
Fixed weekly fee for life - Guaranteed.
Ancient Kingdom Adventures
If your travel bucket list includes sailing down the Nile, floating weightlessly on the Dead Sea and exploring the Ancient Kingdoms then your next trip needs to include Egypt, Jordan and/or Israel.
Egypt: You’ve got to see Egypt to believe it: the chaos of Cairo (the city that never stops); the bustling bazaars, the imposing glory of the Pyramids of Giza and the world’s most famous lion with a human head (the iconic Sphinx). Only in Egypt can you sail into the sunset on a felucca cruise along the Nile, jump on the back of a camel and ride into Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, then float facing towards the sky in the glittering expanse of the Red Sea.
Pharaohs, mummies, pyramids, golden treasures, the Sahara Desert, and the River Nile are just some of the initial thoughts that come to mind when thinking about Egypt. With a fascinating history dating back to 3,000 BC, there are so many facets to life in ancient Egypt that it is possible to dedicate an entire livelihood to uncovering its secrets. Well ahead of its time in the ancient world, the Egyptian civilisation was one of the most advanced. Evidence of their remarkable achievements in architecture and design still stand strong in the modern world, attracting millions of visitors to Egypt each year.
Jordan: Modern cities filled with worldly citizens, mountainous regions dotted with small villages, and deserts inhabited by the
nomadic Bedouin – Jordan has all this diversity and more. With the cosmopolitan cafés of Amman, the peace of hilltop Dana and the historic treasures of Madaba, you may come to Jordan to see the ruins of Petra, but you’ll leave having encountered so much more.
Experience the rock-cut magnificence of Petra, featured in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade', and float in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea, where Cleopatra is said to have been a frequent visitor.
Israel: The past is the future in Israel. From all cultural, political, and historical perspectives, there's probably no country on earth as interesting as Israel. Sacred ground to Jews, Christians and Muslims, Israel is home to a dazzling diversity of influences and historic sites comingled across a modern state. And while contemporary life offers all manner of distractions, the remnants of the ancient world still captivate travellers eager to walk where history happened and continues to be made by the day.
Israel remains a must-visit destination for anyone eager to understand this dynamic, always-changing region. Explore the historic towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth, soak in the energy of vibrant Tel Aviv, and experience a soul-stirring connection to ancient and modern sites and peoples.
Book your adventure to the Ancient Kingdoms with Shore Travel. Phone (09) 489 2597 or email hello@shoretravel.co.nz
Positive about Milford’s future
We’re starting the year where we left off last year – positive about Milford’s future and introducing new retailers who have decided to come to our great little town centre because of it's positivity and the community’s vibe!
As I write this column, Milford only has one retail premise that is vacant! Fantastic! So let’s introduce you to our new businesses:
• Resonate – many of you will know Melissa who has taken on the management of this new Hearing business on the corner of Dodson and Kitchener Roads. Welcome to your new ear and hearing health studio. Resonate Health offers a holistic approach to ear and hearing health, 360 degree ear and hearing health maps, and the best value hearing aids guaranteed.
• Baked@Milford – located in Milford Road, Jonny (the baker) and Catherine are the owners and bring a traditional-style bakery into the former Swiss Bakery premises. You’ll see the bread being baked and smell the aroma of fresh products. Jonny has 20 years plus under his belt and all recipes are designed and tested by him. Fresh bread/rolls are made every morning. A range of sweets/savoury and of course the coffee to go along with it.
• Nude & Co – a new health and beauty business located in the beautifully renovated professional suites at 107 Kitchener Rd, Nude & Co are all about enhancing your natural beauty through lashes, brows, waxing and body hair maintenance in order to bring about the confidence so many of us desire.
• Chemist Warehouse – located in the Whitcoulls end of the Milford Centre Mall, this latest branch of the well know national retailer is now open for business. You can’t miss it – look for yellow!
• Yusukay Hair Stylist – taking the big step up from working in a salon to owning one is our next new business. Yusukay has taken over the premises that was formerly Snow. Come in and discuss your hair styling requirements with Yusukay.
• Raw Wellbeing – located down the alleyway beside Milford Optometrists, the business officially opens on Saturday 18th February. Described as ‘a trauma informed approach to movement and mindfulness’, they offer yoga classes, holistic therapy and training.
A new business is going into the former Vegeland premises at No.1 Shakespeare Road and there are some options being discussed for the former Commonsense premises. Look out for details in our future Milford Shops columns.
Vive La France is BACK!!
Saturday 11th March 11am to 3pm
We’re excited to be running this event again. Note the change of date – it’s in March now not February. This event will be going back to our roots – with market day style tables outside businesses, the street open to parking as usual and with an entertainment area in the top half of the main carpark, next to the Milford Centre Mall.
We’ll have a stage area in the entertainment area with French entertainers including JP the French Clown, French-themed food trucks, kids play area and a petanque court where you can learn to play or have a game.
Our hospitality businesses will all have lovely goodies to eat and drink, so you can linger longer and catch up with friends in convivial surroundings.
At 3pm the focus will switch to inside the Milford Centre Mall where we will have a fashion show of the latest Autumn fashion available in Milford.
So make a note of the date in your diary now – for our infamous Vive La France event!
Milford Shops
1. Baked@Milford – see & smell the baked products - plus coffee
2. Chemist Warehouse – new Milford branch open
3. Resonate – a new way of looking a hearing
4. Yusukay Hair Stylist – great new hair stylist –come in for a consultation
5. Raw Wellbeing – new Yoga business offering a range of service
6. NudeandCo – offering a range of beauty solutions
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.Holistic Healthcare
Nancy Nasef has a vision - a goal for the community…inspired by the community.
The 7 Day Pharmacy owner and her teams' passion for providing professional healthcare are met with the best care for every customer.
Nancy grew up locally where she studied, worked, and lived in Devonport. Owning the 7 Day Pharmacy since 2018, a local business that has been in operation since 2009, Nancy understands the needs of her community.
"We aim to change the way healthcare is delivered. The need for more convenient contactless services led to the emergence of telehealth. We are pioneers in the service development of telehealth through social health education and virtual or telephone consults. However, there is so much more work to come, and we are trailblazers in this area of the Pharmacy industry.
"We pride ourselves on three crucial elements within our business...
"We pride ourselves on providing our customers with the best customer service experience - we will go over and beyond expectations. In the last year, our customer service skills have improved drastically, and we received numerous 5-star reviews on google. Our goal for the next year is to build on what worked so well and what we need to improve on."
2. CONVENIENCE
We are open for extended hours till 8 pm every weeknight, and we are also open on public holidays.
3. FUTURISTIC
The brand has grown and improved inside and outside the store. New gondolas and new product ranges have given the store a sophisticated, chic, classy and urban outlook that stands out from the competitors.
New Community Services Available
• Vaccination and Travel Clinic
• Paediatric Nurse Services and wound dressing
• Sleep clinic
• Foot care services
• Natural Health Consults
• Hair follicle tests
• Dispensary
• Mobility equipment sales or hire
"We care about the community. We are driven by community needs and aim to support the community the same way they supported us through COVID and other hardships. Because we care, we offer 'over and beyond' high-quality customer service.
"Because we care is why we sponsor community ventures such as the Belmont School app, Kids Can, the Devonport Santa Parade, golf lessons for gifted children and the squash club.
We listen to what the community request and fulfil those requests efficiently."
Nancy Nasef aims to change the way healthcare is delivered, endeavouring to implement every service available in the pharmaceutical industry.
"Kindness, compassion and caring about our communities and their health are vital in what we do daily".
Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy
31A Bartley Terrace, Devonport www.devonport7daypharmacy.co.nz
17 Wynyard St, Devonport 09 445 6001
www.devonportchocolates.co.nz
Nancy Nasef aims to change the way healthcare is delivered, endeavouring to implement every service available in the pharmaceutical industry.
Rachel Smalley Narrowing the medicine gap
By Heather Barker VermeerEverything about Rachel Smalley radiates that she is someone who appreciates she is exactly where she’s meant to be. Geographically, the broadcaster, journalist and healthcare advocate has found solace in the space around her home on the North Shore. Professionally she’s found an ideal fit with an early morning slot on Today FM. And she is aligned with a purpose much greater than herself, or any of us; elevating the voices of those who can no longer speak.
Rachel moved to the Shore from Piha in 2021. Having lived on Auckland’s West Coast for 10 years, she chose to swap the darker, wilder energies of the surf town for the serenity of three flat hectares on the Shore with her partner of four years, Dave Pretorius. She had previously lived in Devonport, Takapuna and Murrays Bay during her 20s, and took the decision to return to the Shore in March 2020, moving the following year, given lockdown restrictions and the tumultuous time that was.
“I feel at peace here,” she shares. “Growing up on a farm in Canterbury, and after living on a ridge in Piha for 10 years, I began to crave some flat, accessible land. I have a 13 year-old son who loves to kick a ball around and I really wanted a big garden.” The garden is Rachel’s happy place. Choosing mostly trees over floral planting, she is planning to install a large glasshouse for vegetables. For Christmas 2020, Dave bought her a Massey Ferguson tractor. And, in the two years they have lived on their lifestyle block, Rachel has already planted several very special trees. Each is rooted in memory of a person who has passed away while she advocated for treatment funding for the disease they had.
The latest of these, Rachel planted for Dr Heidi McRae. Long-serving North Shore GP and MedPlus Hauraki Corner co-owner Heidi died of triple negative breast cancer in November. The Stanley Bay mother-of-three developed a strong rapport with Rachel and helped open doors to medical professionals who, like her, were courageous enough to speak out about healthcare inequities.
“Heidi popped up in my inbox about a month after her cancer diagnosis,” says Rachel. “She very eloquently shared her frustration –not only at the significant failures in the way we treat cancer in New Zealand – but at herself, as a practicing doctor. She was frustrated because she didn’t realise how poor our access to life-saving medicines was. She worked in primary care, so she wasn’t at the coal face of cancer treatment at a hospital level.”
Heidi self-funded an immunotherapy called Keytruda, at a cost of $70,000. She spoke out, including in October’s Channel magazine, about the unfairness of this, given many more Kiwis were unable to do the same. Some of the latest treatment options available within healthcare systems overseas, remain unavailable or hugely costly to patients in New Zealand. It deeply saddened Heidi knowing that people were being forced to re-mortgage or sell their homes to potentially save their lives, if they even owned their own home to
begin with. “Treatment becomes inaccessible for most people,” she said. “And that is absolutely wrong.”
Rachel became a vocal ally of Heidi’s and is still coming to terms with her loss. “Heidi once said to me that she knew change wouldn’t come in time to help or save her, but she said ‘hopefully it will help those who come after me’.
“She kept referring to herself as privileged, in spite of it all. I don’t know any mother-of-three who has triple negative breast cancer – the most aggressive form of breast cancer – would describes themselves as ‘privileged’? She felt she was privileged because she could access the funds to pay for some of her treatment, but she knew there were many others who couldn’t.”
When Rachel woke to a text message early one November morning, she raced to Heidi’s bedside at North Shore Hospice. Letting tears flow, Rachel shares, “She wanted to see me and it was so moving and humbling to sit with her. She wanted to thank me, not only for supporting her, but to urge me to keeping fighting for others.
“When I left, the world felt very broken and out of shape. Heidi was a remarkable woman who deserved to still be here. Her last words to me were, ‘Keep going’.”
And she will. Rachel says, “Heidi was a courageous voice, speaking up for better, fairer access to cancer treatment for all New Zealanders and I want her voice to continue to be heard. That’s what Heidi wanted too.”
Since launching The Medicine Gap campaign in late 2020, Rachel has advocated for the funding of many crucial treatments, five of which are now available in New Zealand. On her website –themedicinegap.co.nz – are the stories of Kiwis currently living with life-threatening diseases for which the latest Medsafe-approved treatments still remain unfunded by Pharmac.
“It is no exaggeration to say that New Zealanders are dying waiting for modern medicines,” Rachel writes. Alongside the human stories are some startling facts and figures, such as the average wait time for the government agency to fund an already Medsafe approved treatment is 4.7 years.
The latest ‘win’ is bittersweet. The mid-January announcement that Pharmac will look to fund a second drug, Risdiplam, to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) in children came just days after The Medicine Gap supporter and advocate Fiona Tolich packed up and left NZ for Australia. New Zealand now funds Spinraza and Risdiplam to treat Kiwis aged under 18 but doesn’t fund treatment for the 35 adults who also have this debilitating disease, like Fiona. Yet they can be treated for SMA in Australia for free.
As well as years spent fighting Pharmac, Fiona took her case to the Human Rights Commission and also addressed the United Nations. Rachel says, “Her remarkable work over the years has undoubtedly saved the lives of Kiwi kids, however she’s been forced to move to Australia to save herself.”
Stories upon stories of different Kiwis with different diseases and different prognoses are harrowing.
The Medicine Gap estimates the Government needs to allocate another $400m this year alone to Pharmac so doctors here can access more than 70 prioritised modern medicines on the waitlist. In this election year, Rachel wants to bring both the ruling and opposition parties together to take ownership of the problem.
“I would like to get an acknowledgement from the Government that they, and successive governments, have really dropped the ball. They particularly need to face up the fact that they are failing patients with cancer.”
That New Zealand sits at the bottom of the OECD for per capita spend on modern medicines, Rachel says, demonstrates this.
“We need to modernise our approach to funding the vital medical treatments that are out there. We need the Government to strategize, in a measurable way, how we are going to ensure these lifesaving drugs available elsewhere in the world are accessible to all Kiwis who need them.”
Even through the tears, Rachel is radiant. It seems she shines not only her own spirit, but that of all those she has supported during their darkest hours and for whom she now speaks and strives for change.
The Medicine Gap estimates the Government needs to allocate another $400m this year alone to Pharmac so doctors here can access more than 70 prioritised modern medicines on the waitlist.
In this election year, Rachel wants to bring both the ruling and opposition parties together to take ownership of the problem.
What’s Trending?
Love is in the air at Glenfield Mall!
Treat your loved one to something special this Valentines Day!
Express your love with a bouquet of fresh red roses along with a delicious selection of handmade chocolates. Available from the Flowerist.
New York Times bestseller Brené Brown turns her engaging eye to the 87 emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. $45 from Paper Plus.
There is something for every loved one at The Warehouse Glenfield. Check out the Valentines Day deals in store.
Valentines Day gifting made easy with these gorgeous Valentines Day cupcakes from Petal. Available in four, six and twelve packs.
Find an array of gift ideas at Elements Glenfield. Candles, love signs, games for couples, lightbox, quirky pillows and more! Plus these beautiful I Love you Mugs! Prices from $19.99.
Add a little sparkle to the classic gold tone stainless steel with this diamond set watch. It will keep you up with your busy life and bring extra shine to your day. $449 from Michael Hill.
Spread happiness with La vie est belle, Lancôme’s best selling feminine fragrance. Incarnated by Julia Roberts, La vie est belle perfume range is a universal declaration to the beauty of life. A unique olfactory signature perfume scent created by three of France’s leading perfumers. Available from Chemist Warehouse $169.99.
Vibrant, generous and alluring. Moët impérial is the house’s iconic champagne. The 750ml bottle is perfect as a gift or for sharing with friends. Available from Countdown $79.99.
Anoint Aromatherapy Eye Pillows are designed to help still your mind and soothe your eyes. They are handcrafted in gorgeous floral fabric designs and filled with a mixture of Botanicals, Essential Oils and Brown Rice. $30 from Gecko In The Village.
Shopping for someone extra special? The Acapella Noemi lace bodysuit will make you feel beautiful and confident. From Farmers $49.99
Catching up with… DEREK DALLOW
DEREK DALLOW
32 years in law, 9 years primary school teaching, now retirement!
Derek Dallow is a well-known person on the North Shore. He was a high profile lawyer for 32 years, setting up Davenports Harbour Lawyers on the Shore and being involved with many local institutions such as North Harbour Rugby, Massey University (chairing their advisory board for 10 years), Rangitoto College, Netball North Harbour, the North Harbour Stadium, and the North Harbour Club & Charitable Trust, Auckland Council CCO Regional Facilities Auckland (with Sir Don McKinnon and Dame Jenny Gibbs), and Eden Park Trust (with Hugh Burrett and Rob Fisher) – to name just a few. At age 55, Derek sold the law practice and became a primary school teacher. He went on to teach for nine years at Glenfield Primary, retiring in December 2022. The NZ Herald were interested enough with his career change to do two articles about it in the first few months of his teaching career nine years ago. Channel Mag publisher Aidan Bennett had a lot to do with Derek – as a law practice client and due to their mutual involvement in the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust. During January he caught up with Derek to talk about the Shore, law, teaching and his plans for retirement.
AIDAN BENNETT: Derek, great to catch up and to hear that you are settling into retirement life. What are you looking forward to in retirement?
DEREK DALLOW: Linda and I will pick up an RV and discover a lot more of the many hidden treasures of New Zealand. I can dovetail that in with my passion for New Zealand history. With New Zealand history being introduced to the school curriculum last year, and being a proud fifth generation Kiwi, I ended up giving New Zealand history lectures to the 10 local schools. Added to that I will enjoy our large family, surfing, golf, fishing, diving, rock n roll, and I will have a go at bowls.
AB: As you reflect on a career of two parts, what have been the highlights?
DD: Law led me into many highlights: Supporting the development of Massey University on the Shore, The North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust, acting for the All Blacks player committee during the Packer/Murdoch rugby wars as rugby became professional; negotiating international sailing contracts; building North Harbour Stadium, developing all the four stadiums of Auckland, including Eden Park ready for the 2011 World Cup, developing the Auckland Zoo, Art Gallery, and Aotea Centre, and appointing the trustees to run the Auckland Museum.
Teaching led me into many highlights – discovering another world on the Shore where incredible families do whatever they have to do, to survive. A world where many families
can only live one day at a time. A world where such struggles build incredible characters and resilience. A world rich in cultures and languages. A world that has a ‘special school’ to house the intellectually disabled called Wairau Special School with three outreach classes at Glenfield Primary where I was teaching. I had my class buddying up and teaching PE with the Wairau students each week and a highlight was having students enjoy playing and buddying with these students and discovering their amazing characters. Other highlights included engaging boys in building a wharenui (that took up half the classroom!), a waka to paddle around the school pool, and building several rafts (for the pool). Several girls from the class became dux or sports girl of the year, and some boys runner up dux, or sports boy of the year.
AB: Your career change from law to primary school teaching was a really interesting one, what was the reason for that?
DD: I decided that I wanted to move from success to significance. Education has always been a passion, spending seven years chairing Whangaparaoa Primary Board, seven years on Rangitoto College Board (five as Chair), and 10 years on Massey University Advisory Board. With nine grandchildren heading into primary, I hoped by entering teaching at that level, that I might have a better understanding of their world. And I now do.
AB: When you reflect on nine years teaching our young people in a decile 5 school, what are your key takings from that experience and the New Zealand education system in general?
DD: There are two distinct very different education worlds on the North Shore – the decile 10 world, and then the lower decile one to five world. They have very little to do with each other, and they don’t understand each other. Any additional support provided by government to balance decile inequities is minimal and hence has little impact. Through an exRangitoto teacher who moved on to Kristin School I built a link between Kristin and Glenfield Primary which led to Kristin providing 400 books some years. To understand that impact, each child could choose a book and take it home. Many children would literally hug the book all day (like a Christmas present), take it home, and that was the only book in their house! I have managed to get Dame Jenny Gibbs to support art at the school, a former client to provide sports house shirts for the entire school, and North Harbour members like Phil Brosnan (Brosnan Construction) to construct much needed seating and repairs and your own team at Benefitz added our special multi-country signpost feature.
AB: You have always been someone with a strong involvement in the community and giving back. I know there are a range of things that you have been involved in. I believe you were on the advisory board at Massey University Albany Campus in its early days, you were on the Board of Trustees at Rangitoto College for some years, and Chair, and I know you gave a great deal to the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust during its first two decades. Then there was Netball, North Harbour Rugby, Council CCO, and Eden Park etc. You were then awarded Auckland District Law Society Community Lawyer. How did you develop your passion of giving back?
DD: When I first came to the Shore as a lawyer from Henderson aged 26, I think I was an outsider trying to break into a very well established Shore legal profession. A number of sports organisations (Sports North Harbour, North Harbour Rugby, Northern Force franchise at Netball North Harbour) were also just getting underway. Working with and for those organisations gave me the opportunity to build my law practice as they grew. I have always had a belief that “givers gain”.
are glimpses from time to time that may still become a reality. In the meantime, the reality has been that I have a beautiful reserve at the rear of my place in Arkles Bay. Under Rodney Council it was mowed every three weeks. It’s now every eight weeks. I think most people on the Shore and in the Hibiscus Coast are noticing a deterioration of Council standards and support in their immediate areas, and now the Auckland Council is broke!
AB: You must be thrilled with the way Tammy (McLeod) has grown your old law practice since you threw the towel in a decade ago?
DD: As my trust clients expanded well beyond what I could possibly manage, I sought Tammy to move from Russell McVeagh to Davenports Harbour. Tammy was a trust specialist, trained in what was then the leading trust practice in New Zealand. I rank Tammy in the top two to three trust lawyers in New Zealand, and she has built a great team of specialists and a wonderful law practice.
AB: You guys had a big family, lots of kids! What are they all up to and you must have a few grandkids these days?
DD: Linda and I have five children. Three are in business and finance, and we have two teachers. We have nine grandchildren who love to go on Grandad adventures!
AB: I know you live on the Hibiscus Coast but have still been involved in North Shore things. What are your thoughts on the way things north of the Harbour Bridge have developed since the super city was established in 2010? You had some strong thoughts about the super city in those four to five years it was formulated back in 2005 to 2009.
DD: Initially I was of the view that North Harbour (with North Shore the fourth largest city in New Zealand and the growth north and north-west of it) could and should carve out its own city. Then I met Sir Ron Carter and the Committee for Auckland which persuaded me that both the problems of Auckland, if solved (instead of spilling on to the North Shore), and the potential of Auckland (internationally), if realised, would have much greater long term benefits to us all. There
AB: What was the last book you read?
DD: ‘Freedom, the end of the human condition’, by Jeremy Griffith.
I have read hundreds of history books, have read the wisdom of all the great philosophers and religions, and have studied many of the great explorers, and nothing comes close to the discoveries in the book Freedom!
Teaching led me into many highlights – Discovering another world on the Shore where incredible families do whatever they have to do, to survive.Derek surfing with his eldest granddaughter. Glenfield Primary, raft under construction by Derek’s students. Glenfield Primary, students floating on the raft they made. Glenfield Primary, the wharenui built in Derek’s classroom. Waka that was built in Derek’s Glenfield Primary classroom. Derek and wife Linda.
AB: Complete the following… After a working career of over 40 years, I’m now looking forward to… DD: Freedom…Ha! Adjusting to an empty house for the first time in 42 years after having immediate and extended family, and friends of ours living with us. Linda and I are calling it our ‘reset’ where we have more time to follow our own passions and interests and do some travelling.
With that however, there is a nagging in my soul about what I could do to bring the two worlds I spoke of above closer together. I believe it would unlock a greater understanding, knowledge, and intellect of both. From my experience there are just as many outstanding students with big dreams in the lower decile schools than the decile 10 schools – but with just fewer opportunities or linkages to those in the know, and very few role models.
I dream of a time where each decile 10 school adopted a lower decile school to support their development rather than simply offering scholarships and thereby stripping those schools of their top students. I dream of them having cultural exchanges where say the kapa haka power of a Birkdale school shakes the boots, or the Polynesian graceful beautiful dancers wow the decile 10 school, and the decile 10 school introduces their top orchestral music, or green screen digital movie making to the lower decile school. I dream of North Harbour Club members going into lower decile schools teaching both the teachers and parents about the North Harbour Club and its AIMES Awards and then offering to help
Award applications. And a time where student leaders of decile 10 schools worked with (and learning from) student leaders from lower decile schools.
Each year for eight years I had 40-50 Kristin School students spend a day at Glenfield Primary. Our class with 15 different cultures (and often 30 different languages) would begin by introducing themselves and welcoming the Kristin students in the languages they know. The record was a Singaporean girl, who at aged nine could flow beautifully in and out of five languages. Most had two and many had three languages. English was often not the home language. It was then the Kristin students
Driving Fully Electric Vehicles
I’m a fan of fully electric vehicles. I’ve been driving them for years – starting with a Nissan Leaf around seven years ago, then moving to a Tesla (or two) and since that time we have added further makes and models of EVs to our company and family fleet. I was an early adopter, and really enjoy driving my very quiet electric vehicle.
Starting out with an EV with the smaller range and progressing to longer range vehicles, I have a very good understanding now about these vehicles – charging, range, the positives and the negatives. The whole package of driving an EV is different, and takes some adjusting to. But I love it!
EV`s (fully electric vehicles) are the way of the future and are set to change the way we move around in the decades
Ali Dunlop
– Takapuna resident and Volkswagen E Golf driver
AIDAN BENNETT: Thanks for agreeing to this Ali. What EV do you drive and is this your first electric vehicle?
Ali Dunlop: I drive a 2019 Volkswagen E Golf which I bought in October 2020. Previous to that I drove a hybrid Mitsubishi Outlander (which had about a 50km range on electric before switching over to petrol). Having dipped our toes in the EV world, my husband and I purchased a used Nissan Leaf for our kids to learn to drive in, and for their use once they were licensed. We all enjoyed driving this and even with its limited range, it opened my mind to moving to a fully electric vehicle.
AB: Why did you choose that particular vehicle and what made you change to an EV?
AD: We quickly realised when our first teenager started driving, that I no longer needed to have a family wagon – I could easily get by with a smaller car as I wasn’t driving three kids/teens around anymore. Given that we were changing my car and we’d been keen on a full EV for a while, it seemed like a good time to make the switch. I like that the E Golf looks like any other car and doesn’t sing its EVness too proudly.
AB: What do you estimate your overall vehicle running costs have dropped by?
AD: I really can’t say with any accuracy, but I know it’s a lot. Since buying my E Golf, the price of petrol has increased significantly and I’m just glad not to have to worry about that.
AB: Do you mainly charge at home? Which chargers are you most likely to use if you are not charging home?
AD: Yes I mainly charge at home. When needed, I use a public charging station but this is usually when I’m doing a trip away. I have a ChargeNet account and charging token which makes charging very easy. The corresponding app makes it all a very simple process. The token is helpful (crucial actually) when I’m plugging in somewhere that doesn’t have cell coverage (eg. Rangitaiki on the Taupo-Napier Road) as I can’t use the app then.
AB: What do you love about driving an EV versus a petrol/diesel vehicle?
AD: I love the quietness, the knowledge that I’m not adding to air pollution and the savings from not buying petrol. My E Golf is a very enjoyable drive.
By Aidan Bennettahead. Most of the main vehicle manufacturers now offer fully electric vehicles as well as hybrid vehicles.
At Benefitz (publisher of this magazine) we now have seven fully electric vehicles in the fleet, and more will be coming. We also have Hybrids – they’re great vehicles as well.
During January I talked to a handful of other Shore people who drive EVs – John Cobb, Patricia Holden, Wayne Mildon, Kirsten Allen and Ali Dunlop. My hope is sharing their collective experiences of driving a variety of fully electric vehicles will help Channel Mag readers to better understand the world of EV driving. I have also provided a summary of my experience and advice at the end of this feature.
AB: I’m an EV driver of some years myself and it is a bit of an adjustment in terms of ensuring you always have enough charge/ range. Did you find that adjustment easy or difficult at the start?
AD: As I moved from plug in hybrid to fully electric, it wasn’t too tricky a transition. I was used to plugging my car in most nights and when I’m just driving around town, I’ve generally plenty of range for my needs. Things get more complicated on longer trips, but I reckon I have a handle on that now.
AB: Get any range anxiety? What advice would you offer to those who have range anxiety or are using range as an excuse not to move to driving an electric vehicle?
AD: My parents always reminded me that as a child, when I first realised that cars could run out of petrol, I had massive range anxiety every time we went anywhere in the car – and that was in the 70s, long before it was even a thing! Given that, it’s quite funny that I now drive a fully electric car and range anxiety is a real consideration. I’m generally quite conservative, and this approach seems to flow over to my EV driving/charging habits in that I’m happy to stop for an extra charge just to be on the safe side. I often drive to Napier for work and have made that trip many times in my E Golf. On a full charge it has about a 240km range, so I generally charge at Tirau, Taupo and do a quick top-up at one of the 2 chargers on the TaupoNapier road. I usually stop for an extra charge on the way back from Napier to Auckland, as the Napier-Taupo road is so much steeper heading in that direction – not only does it use more power to get up the hills, but the descent on the Taupo side is gentler so there’s less opportunity for recuperation. Driving in wet conditions chews through the range more quickly too, so if it looks like rain, I’ll allow for another stop to charge somewhere. So – yes, I do sometimes get range anxiety on long trips, but allowing plenty of time for frequent charging stops is the antidote.
AB: Are your friends moving to EV’s as well or are they resisting?
AD: I guess I have a few friends who drive EVs but I don’t really pay much attention to what cars my friends drive. Whilst I love my E Golf, I hope I’m not one of those painfully smug EV drivers who try to convert everyone else. Each to their own, I say. I don’t think EVs are going to save the earth but I’m happy to reduce the pollution in my hood at least.
John Cobb – Heco Group MD and Audi E-tron driver
AIDAN BENNETT: John, what EV do you drive and is this your first electric vehicle?
JOHN COBB: My EV is an Audi E-tron and it is my first EV. I was lucky enough to receive one of the first E-trons after a purchaser cancelled their order, luckily the specs were exactly what I was after and I didn’t need to wait six months, which was the lead time back then.
AB: Why did you choose that particular vehicle and what made you change to an EV?
JC: I looked at all the available EV options in the type of vehicle I was after. I wanted an SUV as I need the boot space which narrowed the choices down. Obviously range was a big factor and at the time the E-tron rated very well on that score. I like technology and inventions, I’m also very aware of the environmental impacts of waste and pollution.
AB: What do you estimate your overall vehicle running costs have dropped by?
JC: I haven’t thought about it until recently. We really don’t notice the
AB: Complete the following… the trip in my EV I love, is…
AD: Driving from home in Takapuna to Matheson Bay, near Leigh. Barring terrible traffic, it’s about a 50-minute drive and is an easy return trip on a single charge. It’s a beautiful spot that has been very much enjoyed by me and my wider family for many decades.
cost of charging on our power bill, it doesn’t seem to have changed that much. With fuel prices at current levels, I’m probably spending $100 less a week. The other advantage of EVs is they require almost no servicing. The only money I have spent on my car over the three years I have owned it is on new tyres.
AB: Do you mainly charge at home? Which chargers are you most likely to use if you are not charging home?
JC: I mostly charge at home. On the odd occasion I will use a charging station. I have an account and a FOB I can use at Chargenet stations.
There are Chargenet chargers in the Downtown Car Park (city), which also has the advantage of getting a parking space on the ground level! I have an app on my phone that tells me where the nearest charging station is, and there are more popping up all the time.
AB: What do you love about driving an EV versus a petrol/ diesel vehicle?
JC: How quiet they are. Having driven an EV the lack of noise, especially on longer trips, is very noticeable. And not having to visit a petrol station!
AB: I’m an EV driver of some years myself and it is a bit of an adjustment in terms of ensuring you always have enough charge/range. Did you find that adjustment easy or difficult at the start?
JC: I admit I was a bit nervous at the start but it has become second nature and I have a charger right next to my car in the garage. We have been on a few longer drives, outside the range, and whilst we
Patricia Holden – Takapuna Resident and Mercedes EQC driver
AIDAN BENNETT: Thanks for agreeing to this Patricia. What EV do you drive and is this your first electric vehicle?
PATRICIA HOLDEN: We’ve also been early adopters and huge supporters of the movement in general. I recently traded in my Tesla Model X for a Mercedes EQC400. This is my third EV. Prior to the Model X, I drove a BMWi3 with a range extender. We had one of the original i3s which had only 120 km range on electricity. I traded up to the Tesla as soon as they became available in New Zealand because I am a huge fan of what they’ve done as a company to catapult the electric vehicle movement forward. I moved to the Mercedes EQC400 after owning the Model X for four years (happily reselling the X into the second hand market) because it is still an SUV, but smaller than the X. We are a full EV family. Having owned a Tesla Model 3 as well as a Holden Volt previously, my husband Gary currently drives a Porsche Taycan and we bought our daughter a VW Golf fully electric when she started driving two years ago.
AB: Why did you choose that particular vehicle and what made you change to an EV?
PH: Tesla gave the electric vehicle market legs. It is the most innovative car company. I’d been coveting a Tesla since their appearance on the market. The world is aware that oil is running out and decarbonising the climate is essential. With New Zealand moving to 100% renewable electricity, we like to think that everyone will choose an EV eventually. Personally, I love the style, the comfort, the power of EVs and that I don’t have to get messy and smelly filling up my car at the petrol station. There is no oil to change, little maintenance at all that needs doing. It is so convenient just plugging in my car in the garage. I get asked this all the time, you probably do too, Aidan, the cars just plug into regular 220 volt plugs to charge. We installed Tesla fast chargers in our garage which speeds it up but have found it unnecessary in the long run to have the fast charger at home.
AB: What do you estimate your overall vehicle running costs have dropped by?
PH: This is probably the biggest benefit to buying electric. Petrol is running about $2.50 per litre now. Night-time electricity (off-peak) prices are the equivalent of about 10 to 20c per litre. That is a 95% reduction in running costs. In addition to fuel savings, with no engine oil, transmission fluid, fuel system, etc., the servicing costs are next to nil. Even brakes wear down much slower. I think this is the key reason why all car manufacturers are switching to electric drive.
found chargers along the way it was a bit of a hassle. I believe the charging network is improving, that will help.
AB: Get any range anxiety? What advice would you offer to those who have range anxiety or are using range as an excuse not to move to driving an electric vehicle?
JC: It depends on how far you travel. For me most of my travel is less than 100kms a day and my home charger easily replenishes the battery overnight. If you are regularly travelling very long distances I would recommend considering if an EV is right for you, maybe look at a Hybrid.
AB: Are your friends moving to EV’s as well or are they resisting?
JC: About 50:50. Some are like me and enjoy adopting new technology and some are petrol heads!
AB: Complete the following… my perfect electric vehicle would be…
JC: … an Audi E-Tron EV with a bit more range.
AB: Do you mainly charge at home? Which chargers are you most likely to use if you are not charging home?
PH: For the most part, we treat our EV’s like our phones and laptops. We plug them in when we get home and program the on-board computers to charge them at night to take advantage of the off-peak power prices. We have taken our Teslas on a few road trips and found the Tesla super chargers worked very well for the small power boost required on each trip to get us to our final destinations. On arrival at those destinations, we were always able to plug the cars in at hotels or baches. We see more super chargers coming every month – the GPS on the car finds you the nearest charger. I understand the newly refurbished BP station heading north out of town has installed fast chargers. It makes sense for petrol stations to offer both services given they are already set up for travellers’ pit stops. We need one on the way back into town – range anxiety happens when you’re just about home, not when you’re leaving home.
There is no oil to change, little maintenance at all that needs doing. It is so convenient just plugging in my car in the garage.
AB: What do you love about driving an EV versus a petrol/diesel vehicle?
PH: The ride is much smoother (no gear changing), the car is quieter (no engine noise), EVs are faster (crazy fast), cheaper to run and the cabin technology is generally more advanced. It’s far more convenient to plug in my car in my garage, but not everyone has that capability. Our son runs an extension cord out of a window to charge his Tesla at home. Cleaner, quieter, and easier.
AB: I’m an EV driver of some years myself and it is a bit of an adjustment in terms of ensuring you always have enough charge/ range. Did you find that adjustment easy or difficult at the start?
PH: Most definitely in the early days, it was an adjustment and I’ve had a few worrisome trips. I think the key is to get in the habit of keeping it topped up based on your normal driving schedule. Our daughter found she only had to charge her EV up on weekends as her 300km range was enough to get her to Kristin School (Albany) and back all week without worry. I tend to plug mine in every other day – 400 km range is plenty to last me an entire week of running around but it’s quicker to top it up in small amounts. I’m always ready for a quick jaunt up to Matakana or out to the Waitakeres for a big walk.
AB: Get any range anxiety? What advice would you offer to those who have range anxiety or are using range as an excuse not to move to driving an electric vehicle?
PH: I drove our i3 up to Gibbs Farm a few years back and had severe range anxiety on the way home. I hit “home” as the destination on the GPS and the computer calculated I would run out before I got home. That car had a range extender, but there wasn’t enough fuel in the tank
Wayne Mildon
Bayswater resident and Peugeot e2008 driver
AIDAN BENNETT: Wayne, thanks for agreeing to this. What EV do you drive and is this your first electric vehicle?
WAYNE MILDON: We drive a Peugeot e2008. This vehicle is our sixth Peugeot over a number of years and our first EV.
AB: Why did you choose that particular vehicle and what made you change to an EV?
WM: Our previous car was a Peugeot 2008 with the 1.2 litre petrol engine. The size of the car and the flexibility it allows fitted the two of us and two dogs. When the EV was announced we downsized to the one EV 2008, trading in the engine 2008 and an engine 4008. Both Peugeot. Ease of use, no emissions, and home charging helped the decision. That the e2008 is a great driving car just adds to the overall enjoyment.
AB: What do you estimate your overall vehicle running costs have dropped by?
WM: Our vehicle has travelled 10,500kms in this first year. Petrol $$$ savings $3200.
Servicing is reduced extensively. There was one yearly service, at a fixed cost, and we have yet to see any tyre wear, no oil changes, no ICE engine issues… as there is not any ICE! (internal combustion engine). Our energy supply company, Genesis, offers an overnight EV rate designed to charge overnight after 9pm at a substantially reduced charge rate. Over the last year we had one month that had higher power consumption than the preceding year/same month. And that was $26 for that month. Maybe we were more power consumption aware, or used less power overall, but the year on year cost was $26. Perhaps a colder winter month. Who knows.
to charge the battery for me. I needed to get to the motorway. The car shifted into conservation mode (turning off the AC), I turned off the radio and by recharging itself on all the downhill sections of that road, I made it rather comfortably to the motorway where I could put $10 worth of gas in the little gas tank and drove it home without incident. It was a relief to see how the computer on board managed the situation.
AB: Are your friends moving to EV’s as well or are they resisting?
PH: We have a couple of friends who still say they’ll never buy an EV, several who were very negative on the concept early on who are now looking at buying an EV, but from the start, most people we know have queried our reasoning for buying one and been genuinely keen to get one for themselves. As you mentioned, the market for EVs is constantly expanding and there’s a car to suit every budget and driving style so many of our friends are talking about their next car being an EV. I suspect within 10 years everyone will be driving an EV as used EVs trickle throughout the market.
AB: Complete the following… my perfect electric vehicle would be a…
PH: I love my current car. Mercedes has delivered on every front and having the new dealership so close by is very handy if I ever need to do a supercharge or need anything at all. The only reason I would need to change this vehicle in the future would be to get a longer range. The EQC400 has a range of approximately 400km fully charged, whereas a 500km range would be comforting. I don’t do big road trips, three to four hours one way is as far as I’d drive and 400km range is adequate, but 500km range would allow for traffic congestion delays without any range anxiety.
AB: Do you mainly charge at home? Which chargers are you most likely to use if you are not charging home?
WM: We have a WallBox charger unit at home in the garage. This was purchased and fitted at the time we took delivery of the e2008. Easy to use, and software updates are easy. The WallBox and the e2008 check with each other at 9.10 pm and the recharge just happens. ChargeNet is the public charge unit we have joined for those occasions when a small top up is needed. ChargeNet now has multiple locations north and south of Auckland and are easy to find. We have travelled to the Coromandel on two occasions. The e2008 was topped off overnight at home. We then drove to Tairua, stopped at the ChargeNet location, hooked the EV up for an 80% charge and walked the dogs for 20 minutes, returned to the car, unhooked, and continued the journey.
AB: What do you love about driving an EV versus a petrol/ diesel vehicle?
WM: The Peugeot e2008 is fitted with a matched set of quiet Pirelli tyres, and the vehicle has good sound insulation so it is a very smooth, calm and quiet vehicle to drive. The issue that breaks the calmness of driving the EV is switching the drive from ECO to Sport Mode. A little more concentration is required, and the look on the face of the V8 driver is priceless as you move forward on a green light while he is trying to get his torque to do something.
then you just put the item or the EV on the home charge unit for 30 minutes and it is no longer an issue. But if you are a person who runs all battery devices to zero % charge, then a serious attitude adjustment is required.
AB: Get any range anxiety? What advice would you offer to those who have range anxiety or are using range as an excuse not to move to driving an electric vehicle?
WM: We don’t have range anxiety as we learned where the Public ChargeNet Fast Charges are so we plan 200kms as an average to the next charger, wherever that is. We have friends who have an older EV with a 100km range for Devonport/ Takapuna driving, charge the EV most nights and have never had a problem. Another friend planned a return trip to Queenstown in a 350km range EV. He planned a stop every 250km for a coffee, pit stop and an 80% power charge. They never had a problem.
AB: Are your friends moving to EV’s as well or are they resisting?
AB: I’m an EV driver of some years myself and it is a bit of an adjustment in terms of ensuring you always have enough charge/range. Did you find that adjustment easy or difficult at the start?
WM: The decision of when to place the EV on charge is easy, because when a Smart Watch, a Cellphone, a Tablet or Laptop gets down to 25% and you still need the use of any of the items,
WM: Those friends resisting the changeover say the $$$ cost of buying the EV. The petrol heads or the trailer towers are never going to change. We have five friends and family acquaintances who have made the EV change and perhaps another five thinking about it. And maybe 20+/- who will not change.
AB: Complete the following… the trip in my EV I love, or would love to do, is…
WM: … We enjoy both the Bay of Islands and The Coromandel, and we have the EV that can effortlessly make the journey in comfort, and stress free. We travel frequently to both places.
We have travelled to the Coromandel on two occasions. The e2008 was topped off overnight at home.
Kirsten Allen
– Forrest Hill resident and Peugeot e-208 driver
AIDAN BENNETT: Kirsten, thanks for agreeing to this. What EV do you drive and is this your first electric vehicle?
KIRSTEN ALLEN: I recently bought a Peugeot e-208 and this is the first electric vehicle I have owned. I’ve been wanting to buy an electric vehicle for a while and have looked at a few before deciding to buy the Peugeot.
AB: Why did you choose that vehicle and what made you change to an EV?
KA: I love the style of the car. It was also more reasonably priced than some of the other fully electric vehicles available. With the environment and sustainability issues in mind, I had been planning to move to an electric car for a while. This is perfect for driving around the city and getting to work.
AB: What do you estimate your overall vehicle running costs have dropped by?
KA: I haven’t had the car for long but estimate our costs will drop by around $200 per month on fuel.
AB: Do you mainly charge at home? Which chargers are you most likely to use if you are not charging home?
KA: At this stage I have mainly charged the car at home but have downloaded the ChargeNet app and will probably use that as it seems quite user friendly.
AB: What do you love about driving an EV versus a petrol/ diesel vehicle?
KA: I feel like it’s the right thing to do. It’s also very fun to drive –it’s so quiet - and has some great features.
Aidan’s Summary
My early days of driving an EV were certainly based around range. Not anxiety, but it was always something that I needed to think about. Those early days of driving our first EV that did 100kms to a charge were quite different to our current vehicles that are capable of 250-450kms to a charge – which is more than enough. But charging and range are really the big things that make driving an EV different.
With a normal petrol or diesel vehicle the options for filling up are numerous – we take that for granted. The difference with an EV is that you have to plan ahead to ensure your vehicle has enough charge for your day of driving ahead. If you are unorganised with this type of stuff (i.e. not good at charging your phone etc.) then driving an EV could be painful. While there are charging options increasing all the time, the reality is charging an EV is different and not as convenient as pulling into a petrol station and filling up. The options are less, and it takes longer. Range. Vehicle manufacturers will quote a driving range of a vehicle – both normal ICE vehicles and EVs – and that range will only be possible if you drive like a ‘Nana’ (sorry Nanas!) and the conditions are perfect. This doesn’t matter so much in a normal vehicle because you just fill up at your nearest service station! Once again it is harder with an EV as your options are less to charge/fill up. It will become easier as more and more charging options come along. And they are.
The reality with EVs (and I suggest it is probably no different with normal vehicles) is there are many things that chew up the range on a drive. The way/speed you drive, the conditions (when it’s colder/ windier), if you are essentially travelling up hill, things like airconditioning and anything that creates drag.
An example that we’ve experienced is driving from Wairarapa to The
AB: I’m an EV driver of some years myself and it is a bit of an adjustment in terms of ensuring you always have enough charge/range. Did you find that adjustment easy or difficult at the start?
KA: As mentioned before, I haven’t owned the car long, but at this stage it seems a very easy adjustment. I guess you just need to be more conscious about how much charge is left and plan ahead so that you charge it before you go anywhere!
AB: Get any range anxiety? What advice would you offer to those who have range anxiety or are using range as an excuse not to move to driving an electric vehicle?
KA: I think it’s probably a matter of how you will use the car. My car has more than enough range for what I will be using it for, such as driving to work (which is not far from home), shopping and ferrying children to various activities around the North Shore. Unless you are driving very long distances every day, I can’t really see that range would be much of a problem.
AB: Are your friends moving to EV’s as well or are they resisting?
KA: I know a few people who have bought EVs. I think they are becoming more popular.
AB: Complete the following… the trip in my EV I love, or would love to do, is…
KA: I love driving it around the city. It’s the perfect car for me.
Chateau, central North Island. This is very much uphill and our range disappeared quicker than normal. We also did a trip from Auckland to Cambridge with two electric bikes on the back that had weight and drag. Our range halved which meant we couldn’t get down and back on one charge – which we would normally achieve.
These things about range are just fact. Most EV drivers come to understand it and plan accordingly. That is obvious from this chat with the drivers in this feature – range is not a problem for them. And it’s the same with us.
For us there are lots of other things that make driving our EVs a real pleasure. As these guys have detailed in their answers, we feel good about driving environmentally friendly vehicles. We also really appreciate the low cost of driving – we reckon about a quarter of the normal cost when you consider the price of the vehicle, the cost to run the vehicle and the elimination of most servicing costs. None of us are petrolheads, so we don’t miss the sound of the engine or any performance aspects. The truth is these vehicles are all very quick off the mark and great performers!
My advice is EVs are great. They are the future. But… if you’re not a planner and are unorganised, you might find it painful until the charging infrastructure is better. The good thing is it is getting better all the time.
When it comes to “everything electric scooters” on the North Shore, Jonno Leonard at the Electric Scooter Shop on Barry’s Point Road is your man. So when we were producing this issue with a focus on transport he was the man to talk to about the growing number of electric scooters (micro-EVs) helping us to get around in our everyday lives. We caught up with him in mid-January.
Jonno loves to scooter and more!
Channel Mag: So Jonno, thanks for having a chat. How long have you been involved in the electric scooter game and why do you love what you do?
Jonno Leonard: We’ve been involved since 2017, the very early days. I love the buzz people get from getting into scooters, and the awakening to the possibilities of alternative ways to make and connect journeys. Plus we are on a strong eco vibe of clean and green energy!
CMag: You were involved in electric bikes. Are you now completely specialising in electric scooters?
JL: Yes, we began with e-bikes but saw the possibilities of the emerging scooter sector, and how we could position as the experts and grow with the trend. E-bikes are still a great option though; there is definitely room out there for both, and we love emergent tech like electric unicycles and e-dirtbikes.
CMag: We love your website. This combined with the new store in Barry’s Point Road must be making things very easy for your customers?
JL: Indeed. We relocated from deepest Devonport last November to make us super-easy to visit, and our workshop business immediately doubled now that we are a stones-throw from the motorway exit. We sell nationwide through the website, but encourage locals to come in and ride our demo models.
CMag: There are obviously scooters for a range of requirements. Can you explain to readers the type of scooters that you have for different purposes?
JL: Definitely. The entry/commuter level is very strong for us and we only stock proven international brands, no cheapies or toy-grade flimsy stuff. A commuter scooter would be light, weatherproof and quickfolding. Our sports scooters add extra thrills and power, are great off-road, and definitely demand more skill and care to ride.
CMag: Why should people get into e-scootering?
JL: You can’t be miserable on a scooter! It taps into a kiddish sense of fun, and feeling a bit naughty, like you are out to play. Plus they cost next to nothing to power, zero fees and no parking costs. People are covering their purchase costs in a few months of savings from driving the car.
CMag: Why should people chose to see you and your team at the Electric Scooter Shop?
JL: We say ‘Trust the Experts’, and that is why we are here. Test rides and advice seven days a week, workshop on site for spares and repairs, all the major brands available, and a team of specialists to answer any questions.
northshore@parliament.govt.nz
CMag: What do you love about living and working on the Shore?
JL: I’m a Pisces, and a born water-baby. If I’m not scootering I’m SUPing, wingfoiling, or walking Snoop the dog on the beach. Can’t stay away from the ocean! It gives everyone a sense of freshness and connection. Love it.
CMag: Complete the following… after a busy week at the Electric Scooter Shop I love nothing more than…
JL: ..a busy weekend at the Electric Scooter Shop! Haha! Then I’m off wingfoiling. See ya!
simonwattsmp
Your local MP, supporting you and our communityJonno Leonard.
I love the buzz people get from getting into scooters, and the awakening to the possibilities of alternative ways to make and connect journeys.
Active Safety - improving safety across the North Shore
Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats to Active Safety owner Matt Cutler about finding solutions to tackle the toughest safety challenges.
Channel Mag: When did you start your business here on the North Shore?
Matt Cutler: It was April 2008 in Albany, and we're still going strong! We've built a reputation for delivering on our promise of exceptional service and speedy delivery. We’re also extraordinarily proud of being 100% New Zealand owned and operated.
CM: What was your mission when you acquired Active Safety?
MC: As an entrepreneur, I was looking for a new business opportunity and the safety industry presented a lot of the criteria I was looking for. Having a background in the forest industry created the perfect platform to launch Active Safety.
CM: What does Active Safety do
There are a lot of things we do well. What we’ve become recognised for and built a reputation around is our level of service and expertise. We do what we say we’re going to do and we make the experience enjoyable for our customers.
CM: Being in the safety business, have you ever felt unsure of a decision you have made?
MC: No. However when I have made a wrong decision, I own it and back myself and make it right.
CM: What’s the most rewarding aspect of starting and running your own business?
MC: People and growth. I think this changes with time and in the early days you are struggling to survive, but as the business grows and you attract great people to your business, that’s when the magic happens.
CM: What are your company's goals?
MC: Basically, our over-arching purpose is to create a business that our people, customers and suppliers all want to be a part of and enjoy their experience of the journey.
CM: How has your business changed over the past few years?
MC: We’ve continued to grow, and last year we completed an acquisition of another company which has increased our footprint and market share.
CM: How would you describe Active Safety’s workplace culture?
MC: Our culture is an environment of high performance and fun!
CM: What are your tips for building a great team?
MC: It’s all about the people and creating an environment that people want to be a part of. Then you attract the right people to your business.
CM: Does Active Safety give back to your community?
MC: Yes, we have been a loyal supporter of the Auckland Rescue Helicopters since 2009 and we continue with that sponsorship. We also have a number of other community initiatives, such as our partnership with Te Whangai Trust.
CM: How do you plan for the future of your business?
MC: It’s important to have a very clear business plan and ensure you execute that plan.
CM: What are your plans for the future?
MC: Big plans… watch this space!
CM: What advice would you give to a new business owner in today’s climate?
MC: My advice in any climate is do it for the right reasons. Watch your ‘why’!
Understanding relationship property: Mac and Abi’s journey
Mac and Abi had been going out together for a year before they moved in together. Abi owned her own home, and they were spending so much time together it seemed (unromantically) the most economic thing to do. Abi had bought the house using her Kiwisaver and an inheritance she had received from her grandmother. She also had a mortgage which she was managing on her own, but it would be nice to receive some rent from Mac to assist with the re-payments.
Abi’s parents were keen for her to protect her house in case she and Mac split up. While they liked Mac and knew Abi felt Mac was the person she wanted to spend the rest of her life with, they had heard horror stories from their friends whose children had moved in with their partners and then had to split assets 50/50 when they separated later. They suggested that Abi go and see their lawyer to set up a trust for her to transfer the property to.
Abi went to see the lawyer who explained that as she and Mac were already in a de facto relationship, despite the fact it had been less than three years, it was too late to set up a trust. Any transfer of relationship property to a trust during a relationship would not protect the asset. The lawyer also explained that even if Abi had set up a trust prior to the relationship, she would still recommend that Abi enter into a Contracting Out Agreement (like a pre-nup) to absolutely protect the property. She said that otherwise any contribution that Mac made whether financially or other could be considered a contribution to the property and he could have a claim.
Abi was surprised to learn that even though she owned all the property before she had even met Mac, it would be considered their family home when he moved in, and he could have a claim even on the bit that she had prior to the relationship. She was more surprised to learn that even the time they hadn’t been living together full time could possibly count as being the three years required to have a qualifying relationship under the law. She had thought that the time would only run from when they started permanently living together. The lawyer said that many people got caught thinking they weren’t in a proper de facto relationship, when in the eyes of the law, they were.
Abi learned what other assets would also be relationship property, including income and any Kiwisaver accumulated during the
relationship. Mac had a well-paying job and got regular bonuses –those bonuses and of course his income would also be relationship property, so Abi thought it may be in Mac’s best interests to enter into a Contracting Out Agreement as well. Inheritance and gifts from third parties (e.g. distributions from her parents’ trust) would be separate property, provided that they were kept separate. Putting those assets into a joint bank account or using inherited funds to pay off relationship debt (e.g. paying some money off the mortgage on the family home) was enough to mix any separate property with relationship property and it wouldn’t be able to be considered separate any more without a Contracting Out Agreement.
The other important point was that the right to 50% of relationship property was not only upon separation, but also in the event that one party died. So, without the agreement, if Abi died, Mac would have a claim to 50% of her house, regardless of what her Will said.
All this sounded like a difficult thing to raise with Mac, but the lawyer told Abi that Contracting Out Agreements were very common these days and most people understood the reasons behind them. She said that it was much easier to discuss it earlier on in the relationship and it could be more difficult to raise as time went on.
The modern reality is that a lot more relationships are potentially de facto relationships under New Zealand legislation. Without a Contracting Out Agreement your assets could be at risk.
Tammy09 883 3282
Abi was surprised to learn that even though she owned all the property before she had even met Mac, it would be considered their family home when he moved in…
Understanding Relationship Property.
Get the home you want on the site you know and love
Living on the North Shore is great but living in a tired dated home can make you want to move to a new subdivision. We are finding more and more homeowners are choosing to knock down and rebuild on their sites as they love the location too much to leave. This is often more cost effective than a major renovation and reduces the compromises an existing home may have.
This process gives you all the advantages of a brand new modern home, just the way you want it, right where you want it, with established landscaping to frame it! The process is easier and more affordable than you may think and will all be managed by one of our highly skilled project managers. We can work with your dream plans you may already have, or one of our reliable and highly awarded architects will help you put your ideas to paper. The So renovate team also takes care of all council, subcontractors and pricing requirements. Get the confidence of a quality home build, backed by a full 10 year master builders guarantee
Why Choose Us?
Our Experience
With over a decade of experience in the construction industry, we have completed a number of large scale re-clads, renovations and new builds both as cost effective investment and dream lifestyle properties. Visit www.sorenovate.co.nz to view our recent work in your neighbourhood.
Convenience
We provide a 'one stop solution' for all your design and construction needs. We have a reliable team of architects, subcontractors, in-house quantity surveyors, project managers and a great team of highly skilled and motivated site foreman and builders.
Our Guarantees
We aim to treat each client with the attention to detail they deserve. We pride ourselves on our communication skills and systems to ensure your job runs as cost effective and smoothlyas possible. All our work is backed by a 10 year Master build guarantee.
For more about us or our latest projects visit our website www.sorenovate.co.nz or follow and interact with us on social media instagram @sorenovate facebook @so_renovate
We provide a 'one stop solution' for all your design and construction needs.After. Before.
The benefits of hot water heat pumps explained
Tim Cadell and the team at North Shore Heat Pumps have been specialists in providing air-conditioning solutions to its customers for over 15 years. As pressure on the electrical grid rises, we thought we would explain the benefits of hot water heat pumps and how they are better for the environment and save you money. Mitsubishi Electric Ecodan is a highly energy efficient hot water heat pump system comprised of an outdoor hot water heat pump and an indoor component – either a Hydrobox or a cylinder giving a reliable total home hot water supply
How does it work?
With proven Mitsubishi Electric Technology an Ecodan Advanced Air-to-Water Heat Pump uses a small amout of electricity to absorb naturally occurring warmth from the air, and transfer it to heat the water. Also referred to as air source heat pumps they use electricity to operate the compressor rather than heating an electric element.
Will it save money?
A Hot water Heat Pump system is nearly five times more efficient than a conventional hot water cylinder with an electric element. They save energy, save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the generation of electricity. A hot water heat pump provides more than four times as much energy output as electricity used (COP up to 5). This performance means a saving of 75% for water heating compared to an electric element.
Is heating water with a hot water heat pump good for the environment? Because hot water heat pumps are very efficient using them greatly reduces the emissions of global warming gasses as much less electricity is required, reducing the environmental impacts from the electricity generation. This is even better in NZ where our electricity is 85% renewable.
How do I see if I can have a hot water heat pump system? For an obligation free home assessment call the team on 9150796 or visit us at the North Shore Home Show 3-4 March.
Phone: 09-9150796
North Shore Heat Pumps Ltd a division of ARA Ltd 112 Sunnybrae Road, Glenfield, www.auckland-aircon.co.nz, nsra@xtra.co.nz
Hot Water Heat Pumps
North Shore
Heat Pumps
Substantial living in Stanmore Bay
2/596 Whangaparaoa Road boasts tardis-like special effects - it's the gift that keeps on giving!
Auction Date: Thursday 9th March (unless sold prior)
Tucked away off the road, this large, elevated and comfortable family home has worked well for the current family in so many ways for a long time. Whether you're a Dr Who fan or not, the tardis-effect of the house delivers so much more than meets the eye, and will leave you very pleasantly surprised!
This family home provides a spacious, open-plan living room with carefully crafted native-timber floors, flowing outdoors to a sunny private deck, mature-planted gardens and courtyard, all of which are safely fenced and suitable for children and pets. The outside spaces are versatile and low-maintenance so you can kick back, relax and enjoy right from the start. You can entertain and relax with your family and friends in the sheltered, private, sunny outdoor areas, both at the front and at the back of the house - the choice is yours. There is also an opportunity to further develop and enhance the outside – a vegetable garden would thrive in the home's north-facing sunshine.
The modern kitchen, equipped with a bright splash-back for stunning effect, has a new double range cooker and hood, ample cupboards/storage and space for a large fridge. The four double bedrooms in the main family home are complete with built-in wardrobes and great windows that invite in the all-day sun, with one bedroom more separate than the others providing extra privacy. The home is perfect for practical family living, complete with a huge bathroom, separate toilet, laundry room, plus generous under-house storage and garden shed.
This 1950s home offers peace of mind weatherboard construction. The current owners have renovated throughout, with a new roof built in 2014 and all windows and doors replaced with modern double-
glazed aluminium joinery. Substantial insulation in the ceiling and under the floors means you can settle in and be comfortable immediately. The wood burner in the lounge provides winter warmth and a lovely ambiance, and there are plenty of doors and windows to open for natural ventilation during warmer weather.
A big bonus is the well-sized self-contained one-bedroom flat at ground level. With its own entrance and outdoor area, a compact lounge and kitchen, a double bedroom with outside deck, and a bathroom/laundry, this additional area offers you the opportunity to work from home, create a teenage retreat your kids will love, offer self-contained space for extended family, or even provide an additional income. Currently, the house is being enjoyed by extended family, plus reaping an income.
There is ample parking space for two cars for the main house and another carpark space for the downstairs unit.
Located in a prime location
You and your family will love Stanmore Bay park, beach, pool and leisure centre. Shopping centres that offer all conveniences are close by.
The new Penlink to be built will make commuting to the city faster in the next few years, but right now this safe and secure family home could be just the one your family has been searching for. There is great value on offer in this spacious family home which could work well for investors too.
• Local in zone schools: Stanmore Bay Primary 0.7km, Whangaparaoa College 1km
• Within walking distance to Stanmore Bay beach, playground, boat club and leisure centre, 1.1km
• Local bars, restaurants, gyms and New World just steps away
• Local shopping centres at Stanmore Bay and Silverdale with all conveniences and amenities
Lynda Betts
Mobile: 021 278 3024
Office: 09 487 0711
Email: lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz
David and Leigh Robins
Mobile: D 021 751 762 | L 027 439 9206
Email: david.robins@bayleys.co.nz leigh.robins@bayleys.co.nz
We invite you through the tardis-blue front door to explore this fabulous home - your family will love the lifestyle here. Phone today to view or see you at the open homes. www.bayleys.co.nz/1253355
Mackys Real Estate Ltd, Bayleys
Licensed under REAA 2008
Clean for Good - the North Shore's experts in eco-friendly home cleaning
By Stephanie Ray, director at Clean for Good Stephanie Ray. By Lewis Rudall, Master Electrician and Director at Lake Road ElectricalBenefits of LED lighting - should you upgrade?
Lewis Rudall.Dear
Readers, We can't believe we've got a column in Channel Magazine! Let me introduce myself and Clean for Good, the company I am very proud to have found and lead.
Clean for Good was born in 2020 in Devonport. With a background in maths and social entrepreneurship, I was tossing up between starting a Ph.D. in maths or creating my own business. It was serendipity, and I found myself helping awesome people get awesome jobs. The idea of building a cleaning company that could lead the change in the industry and demonstrate that things could be done in a kinder way (without harming ourselves, our clients or the environment and by taking care of our team in a more comprehensive way) was just impossible to resist. Clean for Good launched in August 2020 with just one employee and a car full of eco-friendly cleaning products. We were small, but we had a big dream: to deliver an amazing service and to change the cleaning industry FOR GOOD.
We are freeing up people's agendas so they can choose how to spend their time, giving them peace of mind. By hiring us, they are choosing a non-greenwashed company that takes care of their people and environment. After almost three years, Clean for Good has gone from strength to strength. Last year we expanded our services from Devonport to Takapuna. We are bigger now but still well-known for providing an exceptional customer experience! Currently, our staff of 16 cleaners serves 160 loyal regular clients – we are so grateful for them. We’ve been named one of the top 50 cleaning companies worldwide and accredited as Living Wage employers and IMNZ accredited employers. This year we are starting the process to get certified by Environmental Choice New Zealand and a B-Corp. In this column, we will be sharing more about our ethics, the cleaning industry, and the most amazing cleaning hacks. So, look for our next column and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for even more hacks and a lot of freebies!
Why do people choose Clean for Good?
• We ONLY use high-quality eco-friendly products
• we keep plastics and chemicals to an absolute minimum
• we hire our cleaners as employees, not as contractors. This means they have a steady income and can enjoy holidays with their families knowing they will still get paid.
• we are Living Wage-accredited and IMNZ-accredited employers
• we keep our rates competitive while delivering a very high standard of service.
Stephanie Ray, Director 020 4010 2470info@cleanforgood.co.nz
www.cleanforgood.co.nz
instagram www.instagram.com/cleanforgoodnz facebook www.facebook.com/cleanforgoodnz
Whether it’s your home or your business, upgrading ageing and inefficient lighting to modern LED-based design is very important.
This can be a large undertaking, especially in an extensive or complex building. Particularly when dealing with historic buildings, there may be extensive electrical work required before a lighting upgrade can even take place, such as replacing antiquated wiring or making special design considerations to preserve the character of the building. This can come with a price tag that could be quite high, so how do you justify an LED lighting upgrade in your home or business when budgets are tight?
Financial Benefits
Once installed, energy-efficient LED lighting begins to recoup its costs quickly. The low operating cost and long life of LED lights are the biggest financial benefits of undertaking an upgrade. To give a picture of the savings, a complete upgrade to LED lighting from older fluorescent or incandescent bulbs can give tangible energy savings of 50% to 80% each year – a massive saving!
For businesses, you can achieve a positive return on investment within a reasonable time, certainly when viewed over the life-cycle of an LED lighting design. This negates all costs over time.
Design Benefits
LED lighting also opens up exciting possibilities for the creative use of lighting that simply weren’t possible before. The quality of LED light is sharper and more attuned to natural daylight, giving a more positive and enjoyable user experience. The bulbs themselves are also less obtrusive and require less supporting infrastructure, making it possible to provide more light in certain areas or to adapt lighting to the specific needs of displays and functions in particular rooms.
Additional benefits of upgrading to LED lighting – we'll explore each benefit in detail next month.
• reduced energy use
• better use of light
• versatility
• reduced heat waste minimising fire hazards
• eco-friendly
• longer working life.
The benefits of upgrading to LED lighting are diverse and farreaching. It makes good financial sense to upgrade to LED lighting, makes it easier to meet legal lighting requirements, and expands the ways in which your lighting architecture can enhance the experience of your family and employees.
Lake Road Electrical is a family-owned business that specialises in residential electrical services.
To discuss your unique requirements with us call us on 09 242 2204 or message us through our website: www.lakeroadelectrical.co.nz
Text: 0291287494 or email: Lewis@lakeroadelectrical.co.nz
World-class Beachfront Living
This Takapuna beachfront property has been enjoyed by three generations of the same family and is now proudly presented to the market for the first time in 90 years.
Set on 931 sq m (more or less) of absolute beachfront, the stunning home is located within an exclusive enclave of some of the most prestigious homes Takapuna has to offer.
In 2008, Smedley Design and Geoff Davies Builders crafted the home to the highest quality - specific to the site; its coastal environment, as well as its unique setting. Solid concrete block walls, concrete mid-floor and deck, as well as commercial grade aluminium joinery result in a build masterfully conducted.
The home offers immersive living comfort, constant sunlight, and timeless appeal. From sunrise over iconic Rangitoto Island - flooding the open living areas, to sunset - through high-glazing - as it settles in the west. Generous eaves are an added bonus, providing shade from midday summer sun.
Arriving through a double-height atrium entrance; instant attention is drawn to the magnificent Hauraki Gulf vista with the constant presence of Rangitoto Island. The beach scene is ever-changing as the tide ebbs and flows. Sunbathers, swimmers and dog walkers occupy the lively foreground. Kite surfers and yachts zip by just beyond the waves. Cruise ships idle through the busy shipping lane further out.
Designed for family living and year-round entertaining. Enjoy al fresco dining with wide stacker/slider doors to facilitate indoor and outdoor flow, as well as two cosy gas fireplaces.
Excellent connections flow throughout the home - from the open plan kitchen, living, dining, two living rooms, three bedrooms, two ensuites, family bathroom (with spa bath), guest powder room, gym room and double garage (with internal access). As well as a separate parking bay for two cars.
Well maintained, low maintenance gardens with native ground cover and easily mowed lawn slopes down to the beach.
The boat shed, part of the original beachscape, has been retained and is ideal for paddle boards or dinghy.
A short walk along the beach will access cafes, restaurants, bars, boat-ramp and retail and commercial zones.
Large, undivided beachfront properties in Takapuna seldom present for sale. Don’t wait another 90 years for this opportunity.
Please contact me to arrange a private viewing.
Aaron Reid +64 21 119 1926
nzsothebysrealty.com/nla00136
Deadline Sale: Closes 4 p.m. Thursday 9 March 2023 (unless sold prior)
Experience sunrises over the iconic Rangitoto Islandflooding the open living areas
New hospital building opening this year
Tōtara Haumaru takes shape
The North Shore population has been growing faster than in many other parts of Auckland – or New Zealand – for some time. With the need for health infrastructure growing at a similar rate, nearly eight years ago the now-defunct Waitemata District Health Board planned a major capital works programme at the North Shore Hospital campus to meet projected population growth in the northern region. The cornerstone of that programme is a new four-storey hospital building, called Tōtara Haumaru, that is now obvious to anyone passing North Shore Hospital, and will be completed this year. Christine Young looked into the development of the new building and reports on progress since works started in 2020.
Tōtara Haumaru is the largest of a number of new builds and upgrades taking place at North Shore Hospital. Other projects over the next two years include the opening of new whānau accommodation – scheduled for March this year. Tōtara Haumaru project director Brad Marais says this “modern, new, two-storey stand-alone building will be a significant improvement on the whānau quarters currently available on the ground floor of the hospital.” It will provide accommodation options for 16 people, kitchen facilities and a dining room. The building also includes office space for members of the Māori Health team, while the existing accommodation area within the hospital will be used for the expansion of clinical services.
In addition, an upgrade to the Central Sterile Services Department is due to commence this year to enable the service to meet future demand as the population grows. The department sterilises more than two million medical devices each year for re-use in operations and other procedures across the region. This upgrade will support a more modern facility that will help strengthen health services in the rapidly growing Waitematā and Auckland region.
By Christine YoungTōtara Haumaru itself was originally envisaged, says Brad Marais, as a two-level build connected to the existing North Shore Hospital Elective Services Centre with an endoscopy procedural suite on the ground floor and a 30-bed in-patient ward on Level 1. The procedural suite aimed to address key issues facing the endoscopy service while additional in-patient beds were required to assist in managing both acute and elective demand.
“The scope was increased significantly to include eight stateof-the-art operating theatres, a four-room procedure suite for colonoscopy and gastroscopy procedures and 150 additional inpatient beds [in five 30-bed wards]. This came after robust regional analysis and planning (to support the Northern Region Long Term Investment Plan) which identified Auckland’s need for additional theatres and beds due to the significant current and forecast population growth and pressure on existing facilities. “
A sky bridge will connect the new building with the existing Elective Surgery Centre (ESC), and provide a seamless connection for staff and the transfer of patients from the new building through the ESC and on to the main hospital tower block. Current planning considers how the additional Tōtara Haumaru theatre, endoscopy and in-patient bed capacity is “best utilised as part of the hospital network,” says Brad. “These plans identify space within existing parts of North Shore Hospital which will enable other service development subject to additional resourcing.”
Demolition of the existing aging Taharoto and Pupuke buildings began in 2020; earthworks for the new building followed soon after. An official “turning of the sod” ceremony featuring Minister of Health Andrew Little, DHB Chair Dame Judy McGregor and CEO Dr Dale Bramley took place in March 2021 marking the next stage of the project. As construction has taken place, water, gas and
power infrastructure have been upgraded to ensure these services are resilient enough to support the hospital for the next 30 years. Construction was able to proceed, under strict conditions, during Level 4 Covid lockdowns as the project was part of the Government’s infrastructure roll-out programme, and met the criteria of “responding to the nation’s Covid-19 recovery”. Despite the challenges of Covid and the ensuing supply chain issues that plagued the construction industry, the new building is due for completion this year as scheduled, and will open in 2024.
includes an enclosed central atrium accessible as a rest and recreation are for patients, whanau and staff, and includes a healing garden within this interior courtyard to support wellbeing and offer a place of respite for patients, visitors and staff.
In a move that sought to engage the wider population, the DHB put out a call on its Facebook page in 2020 inviting people to share their memories of the original soon-to-be-demolished maternity ward that had opened in 1958. The post featured a young nurse with some of the ward’s first mothers. Lee Morris recognised the nurse as her mother, June Orrell. She worked as a nurse until her retirement and was still living on the Shore, aged 84, at the time of the post.
Other hospital history recovered during the construction phase included a plaque commemorating the life of World War II nurse and the first matron at North Shore Obstetric Hospital, Eliza (also known as Elvie) Cargo. The plaque was placed in the grounds nearly 60 years ago but had become obscured by vegetation over the decades. It was returned to a place of honour, in a garden able to be accessed by patients, staff and members of the public on the shore of Lake Pupuke, on ANZAC Day 2022.
“Tōtara Haumaru was given its name by our Chief Advisor Tikanga, Dame Rangimārie Naida Glavish,” says Brad, “because it referenced the protective canopy of a tōtara tree that once grew beside the now-demolished Taharoto building. The wood from this tōtara has been carefully stored and will be used to create carvings for the new building. A branch of the tree also forms part of an art sculpture in a landscaped garden alongside the hospital’s Whenua Pupuke building.”
In April last year, on a visit to the site to inspect progress, Health Minister Andrew Little gifted two juvenile totara trees which are being nurtured in storage until they can be incorporated as a focal point in the landscaping of the new building.
Throughout the project, while the physical construction has been the most obvious manifestation to outsiders, the needs and interests of staff and patients have been at the forefront. As Brad says, “The design is whānau and patient-centred, supporting modern models of care to enhance their experiences.”
Early on, nine user groups made up of experienced staff from across the DHB and from areas including front of house, security, endoscopy, theatre and wards, met regularly to workshop every aspect of the design with the design team. The building’s design
With the project now nearing completion, “2023 will be an extremely busy year for the construction teams,” notes Brad. “The current focus is to close in the building and make it watertight. The services and fit-out in the building will also take place, followed closely by the finishes, walls, floors and ceilings. Commissioning of the equipment and the building starts mid-way through the year and continues until the building handover.
“The most visible aspect of the works will be the external civil works and landscaping. The civil works and roading preparation have already commenced. Roads and parking will be completed through the year, followed by the landscaping and planting. The Waitematā operational teams will also be busy preparing for the ‘go-live’ next year. Work includes procuring and ordering fittings, fixtures and equipment, calibrating the equipment, staff recruitment and training,” – all of which will come together to transform Tōtara Haumaru from a building to a highly functional modern hospital.
Updates and more details on the background to and construction of Tōtara Haumaru, from its inception to the present, are available at https://www.futureofhealth.govt.nz/health-nz/
Tōtara Haumaru is far from the only building on the North Shore Hospital campus to be gifted a Māori or other specific name. Others include:
• He Puna Waiora (mental health inpatient unit);
• Kahui Manaaki (outpatient building);
• Whenua Pupuke (Waitematā Clinical Skills Centre);
• Ahurewa (multi-faith spiritual centre);
• Cullen Ward (within the Elective Surgery Centre);
• Hine Ora Ward (gynaecology);
• Kia Ū Ora (Waitematā Breast Service);
• Marinoto (child, youth and family mental health services building); and
• Kingsley Mortimer Unit (Ward 12).
This modern, new, two-storey stand-alone building will be a significant improvement on the whānau quarters currently available on the ground floor of the hospital.Artist's impression. The hospitals new central atrium under construction. By Natasha Geo, Takapuna North Community Trust Manager
Welcome Lofty Ned
Natasha Geo.We are thrilled to introduce you to Lofty Ned - the new Te Taiao Coordinator for Pupuke Birdsong Project (PFP) and Pest Free Kaipātiki (PFK).
Born and raised in Auckland of Ngati Whātua, Tainui, and Tuhoe descent, Lofty’s values aligned well with the role of Te Taiao Coordinator – conservation and protecting our whenua. Lofty views his responsibility as kaitiaki and bridge between the environment and people. His background is in the arts, health and fitness, and waste minimisation sectors so he is able to strengthen his values of protecting and caring for the environment, people, and sharing Mäoritanga.
We welcome Lofty to his role, which is aimed at helping us grow our relationships with tangata whenua, sharing mātauranga (knowledge, skills, understanding) in conservation, and growing our community’s understanding of te taiao (the environment) by engaging with and learning from whānau. This collaboration is made possible thanks to Auckland Council funding of the CCFG (Community Coordination and Facilitation Grant) and collaboration between PBP and PFK.
Discover Pupukemoana - Sunday 5th March 10am–4pm. Takapuna North Community Trust (TNCT) and Pupuke Birdsong Project are hosting a free, family-friendly awareness day at The Pumphouse on Pupukemoana (Lake Pupuke)!
Join us and find out about the unique ecological taonga that is Pupukemoana and what we can do to help preserve and improve the lake’s water quality.
There will be plenty of opportunity to get out on the water with guided kayaking and snorkelling tours.
Don’t want to get your hair wet? No worries! There’s lots to do onshore as well with guided walks through the reserve and pumphouse, and displays about creatures of the lake.
We will also be running rāranga (weaving) and poi making workshops – come and have a go!
Don’t miss this chance to connect with our moana. Check our website for more details including how to register for workshops and tours.
TNCT Pre-School Play. Our free Summer Fun Pre-School Play series has returned for 2023. We will be at different parks and reserves in the area so bring the kids for some fun! Please check our website and Facebook page for up-to-date information on location and activities.
We’d love to hear from you! As we gear up to deliver some exciting new events this year, we would love to hear your thoughts. If you have any feedback on how we serve you or would like to share some ideas, please get in touch with us.
Visit our website www.takapunatrust.org.nz
Facebook/Instagram: @TakapunaNorthCommunityTrust
Email: office@takapunatrust.org.nz Phone: (09) 486 2098
Supported by:
The 2023 Auckland Community Funding Fair is coming up
By Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead Simon Ritchie.It’s FREE. Hear directly from funders about what you need to know when applying for funding.
ANCAD's LiiFT Aotearoa brings you the Auckland Region Community Funding Fair for 2023.
It's free. If you are seeking funding for your organisation or group then you will want to attend this Zoom webinar on 16th February 10am to 12pm. To register, go to www.LiiFT.nz for more info.
LiiFT Aotearoa professional development - Governance Matters. ANCAD's LiiFT Aotearoa is pleased to be able to present this free 10part series on Zoom, on specific topics around governance to benefit many community groups and NFP organisations.
You can register for the first session, happening on 7th February at 6.45pm on Zoom, by going now ANCAD's dedicated training website at www.LiiFT.nz and save the dates for the remaining sessions too.
Presenter Carol Scholes is a specialist consultant in the field of governance and currently serves on various boards and has been described as an "outstanding and knowledgeable presenter."
Resourcing leadership in times of change is a free bi-monthly Zoom meet-up for leadership and those with leadership responsibilities in the NFP community/organisations. Receive professional development around a 'Topic of the Day' from top, professional consultants/ facilitators as well as connect with and talk to other community leaders in break-out rooms. Topics will vary across the year. Discuss issues/ topics of importance to you.
The first bi-monthly topic at 10am, 23rd February is about 'Setting annual leadership intentions'. Ring in a new year with setting your leadership intentions. Get ready to ensure you will take care of yourself, grow your leadership, and build your teams in 2023. In this session, Sandy Thompson (LEAD) will facilitate you to get the year off on the right foot by using a framework designed to focus your attention and ensure your personal resilience to improve your presence and impact at work. To register head to www.LiiFT.nz
February 21st: Auckland North Community Network meeting
You are invited to join us for ANCAD’s first community network meeting for the 2023 year, from whichever part of the motu you are from. Time: 9.30am – 11.30am. Venue: Mary Thomas Centre, Takapuna. Our guest speaker is ANCAD’s very own Madison O’Dwyer who will be talking about community resilience matters, after which there will be the opportunity to introduce yourselves and share what is going on with you and your group's work and to raise any community issues. RSVP to Sarah: sarah@ancad.org.nz (include any special dietary requirements).
Pacific Community Network meeting
Shore Pacific cordially invites you to attend our Pacific Community network meeting happening on Thursday 16th February 2023, 6.00pm to 8.30pm. Venue: Massey University, Albany. Hear from our local politicians about what they are doing to support the voice of Pasifika people on the North Shore. RSVP to Sarah Thorne at sarah@ancad.org.nz
For more about what ANCAD is doing and how we can help, visit www.ancad.org.nz facebook @ancad.org.nz instagram ancadinc
LiiFT Aotearoa www.LiiFT.nz
Phone us on 0800 426 223 or email info@ancad.org.nz
Safe speeds save lives
Safe speeds save lives
Speed limits around some North Shore schools are changing on 2 March 2023.
Speed limits around some North Shore schools are changing on 2 March 2023.
The safe and appropriate speed for around schools is 30km/h.
The safe and appropriate speed for around schools is 30km/h.
Let’s make it safer for children to walk, scooter or cycle to school.
Let’s make it safer for children to walk, scooter or cycle to school.
To see the full schools list, visit AT.govt.nz/schoolspeedlimits
To see the full schools list, visit AT.govt.nz/schoolspeedlimits
Here’s why:
Here’s why:
Impact Speed km/h
Impact Speed km/h
Risk of Death
Risk of Death
J008463
Another outstanding academic year for Kristin students
The new year got off to a great start for Kristin students who excelled in both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and NCEA.
Asher Goddard achieved a perfect score of 45 points out of a possible 45 in the twoyear IB Diploma Programme, placing him in the top 1% of students globally. Overall, 32% of eligible Kristin IB candidates gained 40 or more points, meaning they all qualify as New Zealand IB Top Scholars. These students will be recognised at a national ceremony in February.
Asher says surprise and happiness were among the many emotions he felt when he found out his results. “Even though I’ve been working towards the Diploma for so long, it honestly didn’t feel real and I didn’t believe it,” he says. Next Asher hopes to attend the University of Melbourne where he is planning to study science.
“At this point I want to go into physics research. I’ve always been fascinated by physics and it’s been my number one subject. I’m really looking forward to being able to explore that field and carry out research that helps to make a difference in the world.”
Fellow 2022 Year 13 student Selina Ren also scored an impressive 44 out 45 points in the IB Diploma.
Excited with her score, Selina says: “I have worked really hard but you never know how you are going to perform in the examinations so for me it was really important that I made sure my internal assessments were as good as possible.”
“I’m applying for universities in the UK and I hope to study either engineering or computer science. If I’m accepted I won’t start until later this year so I have some time off now before I know what I’ll be doing next,” Selina says.
In NCEA, Kristin students achieved a 95% pass rate at Level 2 and a 91% pass rate at Level 3. In addition, approximately twothirds of students achieved a Merit or Excellence endorsement.
Among those who achieved outstanding results were students Tyler Jones and Rebecca Wilkins, who both gained 105 credits with Excellence endorsement at Level 3, and Keira Spilling, who gained 122 credits with Excellence endorsement at Level 2.
Tyler says: “I woke up really early to look at the results, I didn’t think they were real at first but now it has sunk in.” Tyler says the secret of his success was taking subjects that he was interested in and genuinely enjoyed.
For Rebecca, also a nationally competitive swimmer, time management was a critical component in her success.
“I swim eight times a week, so I needed to balance that with making sure I started all my school work and assessments early,” she says.
Tyler and Rebecca are both starting at the University of Auckland this year, with Tyler studying communications and art while Rebecca will study law and biology.
Keira, Year 13 this year, agrees that studying subjects of interest is key.
“It’s also important to make a plan – decide at the start of the year what you want to achieve and make it happen,” she says.
Kristin’s Senior School offers dual academic pathways with students able to choose the New Zealand curriculum (NCEA) or the IB Diploma Programme. Each year around half of students opt for NCEA while the other half choose IB.
Kristin Senior School Principal David Boardman says students have once again demonstrated their ability to achieve at the very highest levels.
“Kristin students have taken the challenges and disruptions of the last few years in their stride and shown they can achieve at the highest levels academically. Their hard work and commitment has paid off and we wish them every success for the year ahead,” he says.
Do you have children going into Year 7 or Year 9 in 2024 or beyond?
Don’t miss our upcoming information evening! Come and hear about our unique Middle School environment that sets us apart and keeps them together.
Thursday 16 March 2023, from 5pm
Register to attend at kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.
Scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin in Year 9, 2024.
Progress with vision, integrity and love.
A dedicated Middle School for Years 7-10. It’s learning evolved.
2022 Senior Prizegiving
Late in Term 4 of 2022 we hosted our annual Senior Prizegiving at a new venue, outside on the school grounds in the newly landscaped central courtyard outside Te Poho Hall in the heart of the school. With over 2000 students, staff and parents in attendance, the fantastic summer weather turned up early and a wonderful celebration of achievement was held throughout the morning. There were some spine-tingling powhiri and cultural displays along with lovely musical performances, and with emotional farewell speeches proving what a close-knit whānau we all are here. Our Head Prefects Rohan Sherlock and Maia Davidson spoke, openly acknowledging the support and guidance given and received over the past five years of our Year 13 students' time here. Here is a list of the major award winners;-
2023 Dep Head Boy 2023 Deputy Head Boy
2023 Dep Head Girl 2023 Deputy Head Girl
2023 Head Boy 2023 Head Boy
2023 Head Girl 2023 Head Girl
1970 Prefects Cup Sportsman of the Year
Sandie Wiltshire Cup Sportswoman of the Year
Cleverdon Cup All Round Effort & School Spirit in Year 11
White Cup All Round Effort & School Spirit in Year 12
Spooner Cup Best School Spirit Overall in Year 13
Hugo Sweetman
Hannah Selby
Liam Arthur-Hunt
Lily Murphy
Taine Kearney
Maggie Squire
Daniel Twine
Ruby Wilson
Jessica Weston
June Spooner Award 1st in Year 11 Junsung (Robert) Park
June Spooner Award 1st in Year 11 - Multi Level Bill An
June Spooner Award 1st in Year 12 Alisa Howden
June Spooner Award 1st in Year 12 - Multi Level Margot Pettitt
Summa Cum Laude Academic Excellence Year 13 Neve Mann Benn
Summa Cum Laude Academic Excellence Year 13 Youjia (Susie) Ji
June Spooner Award Proxime Accessit Yutong (Jack) Chen
June Spooner Award Proxime Accessit Victoria Johnson
The Dux Cup Dux of the School Lachlan Jardine
The school would like to congratulate the 2022 TGS Dux Lachlan Jardine for this wonderful achievement!
For a full list of our Prizewinners please scan the QR code here:
Rosmini College's Year 7 and 8 Prizegiving 2022
Rosmini College’s Year 7 and 8 Prizegiving was held on Friday, 9th December at 10.00 am in the Tindall Auditorium.
The Junior Rosmini College Jazz Band performed a Medley of Charlie Parker’s ‘Now’s the Time’ and Chunk Rio’s ‘Tequila’. Year 8 student, Joshua Fernandez played Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’ on the clarinet. The Ian Johnson Cup for Persistence was awarded to Ethan D’Souza. The Intermediate School Duxes were Dominic Chan and Oscar Reade and they were both awarded the Lalor Cup. Oscar also received the Kevin Barry Intermediate Speech Cup.
Rosmini College's Year 9 and 10 Prizegiving 2022
Rosmini College’s Year 9 and 10 Prizegiving was held on Thursday, 8th December at 1.30 pm in the Tindall Auditorium.
The Rosmini College Junior Orchestra performed Bruno Mars’ ‘Treasure’ and Johann Strauss’ ‘Thunder and Lightning’. Year 10 student Jarius Joseph played Thomas Peter-Horas’ ‘Sarah’ on the piano. The Daniel Nightingale Award for Perseverance was awarded to Sam McSweeney. Year 10 student Te Wharekokowai Paora-Chamberlin was named the Junior School Dux and he was awarded the Brownlie Cup. Te Wharekokowai also received the Junior Maori Academic Prize, the Junior Science Cup and the Ross Pedersen Cup for Junior English.
2023 Prefects ready for leadership roles
While most of our students were enjoying the January sunshine (when it came out), our House Captains and Head Prefects gave up some of their holidays to prepare for their Year 13 leadership roles.
The team spent two days at AUT Millennium undertaking workshops and activities based around leadership. Organisers Rachel Bickerstaffe and Louise Clouston said the aim of the programme was to prepare them for the responsibilities of their roles and build connections between Westlake’s student leaders. “It’s a great opportunity to lay foundations for the group in preparation for a big year of growth and leadership,” says Rachel. “These students have key positions within the school, and we want to make sure they are well equipped and excited about the opportunities for them in their roles this year”.
Connecting WGHS with our community - STEAM Innovation Expo
In late November 2022, we opened the STEAM Innovation Expo to the parent community and Year 8 STEAM entrance students for 2023. (STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths)
The STEAM programme at Westlake creates unique opportunities for students to engage in real world problems, make meaningful connections with the community and come up with innovative impactful solutions to community issues.
The goal is to empower learners, both individually and collectively
by providing them with opportunities to develop not only the knowledge but also the skills, attitudes and values that enable them to realise their potential throughout their lives.
All 14 groups showcased their projects to the community at the Innovation Expo including presenting their technological prototype developed as a solution to a community issue. The top 5 groups were voted to subsequently face a Shark Tank of inspiring women in STEAM and Westlake Alumna judges at different stages of their STEAM careers.
Community Award Winners: All Good Things
All Good Things wanted to make a difference by focusing on the long-term health issues such as obesity and diabetes. After conducting multiple interviews with stakeholders from the industry they tackled this issue by developing an App that provides an affordable and convenient meal service including a weekly meal planner, and a click and collect function.
Innovation Award winners: Biotide
Biotide created an interactive book with AR games made with recycled paper and waste. The book follows Louie bubbles as he is faced with multiple types of rubbish. Each game keeps the reader engaged while teaching about how to recycle, reduce, and reuse each item and why plastic is an ongoing issue in our community.
Also presenting to the Shark Tank was Memory Vault, Semifinalists of the 123 Tech challenge.
123 Tech Challenge Regional Semi-finalists: Memory Vault
Memory Vault created a solution to help improve the lives of dementia patients and their families with an App called Memory Vault, that can store past and present memories through photos, videos, and audio allowing the person who has dementia to experience them. By making an online app, busy family members or those from overseas will still be able to make a difference in the dementia patients’ lives by uploading items onto the App.
A big thank you to our Alumna Shark Tank judges: Jean Yang, Cindy Cai, Ariana George, Grace Chen, and Hannah Jones.
“It was a joy to come back to Westlake Girls and see such bright young students applying their skills to make a difference. I was impressed by the way the students picked thoughtful problems to tackle, created innovative solutions, demonstrated teamwork, and delivered such compelling pitches. It was difficult to believe they are only year 10s! The STEAM program will be absolutely creating leaders of the future.” Jean Yang
“As someone who was a part of the STEAM programme for two years, it was amazing to come back and see the amazing projects created this year. All the projects were innovative, futuristic and community driven. It was amazing to see the passion and drive the students had for the issues they were tackling.” Grace Chen
“This event showcased how much STEAM has rapidly progressed since its beginning, as well as how the importance of soft skills and group learning within STEAM has led these students to be confident and resilient.” Ariana George.
Want to get involved?
Collaboration with our local business community ensures that our learners develop the skills, knowledge, and pathways to successfully enter the workforce. If you're keen to support future generations of WGHS students to actively develop skills for work, you can get involved in our STEAM programme. Please contact Susana Tomaz, our STEAM Coordinator by emailing stomaz@westlakegirls.school.nz
Why AGE School?
Our programme is designed to set students up for life. By introducing students to our learning approach from a young age, they can foster their passions as they grow and take them out and be able to apply them to the real world to make a meaningful difference. When students complete AGE School, they will leave empowered to build further on their learning. They will feel connected to their community, conscious of the environment, and have developed fundamental skills for the world they are moving into.
Making Dreams a Reality
We are delighted for our Senior learners who are celebrating their successes in NCEA examinations! We have had fantastic results for our Senior learners who achieved highly in their NCEA qualifications for 2022, with many of them achieving at NCEA levels beyond their year level. All of our learners are well on their way to achieving their goals, with a number of Year 12 school leavers attaining the qualifications they need for the next step on their journey.
At AGE we know that assessment is not the only way to measure success, and we also celebrate the incredible Universal Life Skills our learners have developed that are not yet able to be recognised in this way. Our unique and bespoke approach to NCEA means that our learners can see their strengths turn into success in National qualifications, alongside the development of the essential foundation skills needed for success in their future.
Preparing Gen Z and Gen a for the Future
Our approach to education is different from mainstream schools and we pride ourselves on giving learners the tools they’ll need to succeed in life. Foundation skills in literacy, numeracy, digital technology, and science are delivered alongside play and projects where learners develop skills such as resilience, agility, planning, strategising, and communication. Our experienced learning coaches create experiences that spark curiosity, and develop the essential foundation and universal life skills learners need for success in the world. AGE is a place where where EQ is as important as IQ and where we experience learning that goes well beyond the national curriculum.
Our small classes sizes support our learning coaches to know each child and celebrate their uniqueness so they can excel and thrive.
Combining the best of New Zealand’s approach to education with the latest thinking from international education innovators, our learning model is designed to let your child embrace who they truly are – not what traditional education thinks they should be.
Our Values
At AGE our values are the backdrop to all of our learning. Through community, compassion, creativity, and curiosity we build strong foundations for wherever our learners will go in life. These values become strengths that are critical for our future world, where innovation and an awareness of the environment go hand-in-hand.
This is what one of our Primary students had to say about why they love AGE:
“I like
because
very
There is a basketball court and a slide out of the classroom. We go to the beach almost every day. Sometimes we are allowed to go swimming but we do lots of other fun things at the beach like build sandcastles, dig holes, or climb some of the trees there. Every morning we do something called GEM. It stands for Gratitude Empathy Mindfulness. At the moment, my class is learning about the parts of the brain. We get put into different math and literacy groups. Even the learning is fun because it’s turned into fun learning games. Every Friday we get to work on a project we started. We can work with a friend or by ourselves. I’m working on a school magazine with a friend.”
Anon Year 5
The Journey of an AGE Learner
At AGE, our learners journey through the levels, building their skills until they launch their potential into the wider world. After ensuring that the learners have a rock-solid foundation in wellbeing, they move forward to develop their knowledge and skills in academics and the arts. From here, learners springboard from the NZ Curriculum into subjects and topics linked to our theme for the term. They will also develop their compassion and sense of community through real-world projects; many of these projects have a focus on sustainability and connect the learners with the world around them. At each step of the AGE journey, our learners discover more about themselves, their strengths, and develop their pathway. At this point, NZ innovators and business leaders are connected with our learners as mentors, to show them the relevance of their learning, and launch them into the wider world.
The Journey of an AGE Learner
If you would like to find out more about AGE School, please contact enrolments@age.school.nz
AGE
it’s
fun.
A beginners guide to home office expense claims
Since the pandemic, working from home has become conventional practice. If you are one of these people, you may have heard about the ability to claim a portion of your home office costs as a business expense, against your taxable income.
Below are the dos and don’ts regarding home office claims to ensure you remain compliant.
Firstly, are you eligible?
If you are self-employed as a sole trader, contractor, own a business or in a partnership, then you are eligible for a home office claim.
The second criterion is that there must be a clear connection between the use of your home office and the business income being generated.
What can you claim a portion of? The dos!
Below is a list of typical home related expenses which you could claim:
• Insurance (house and contents)
• power, gas, and heating
• rates – Land
• water
• repairs and maintenance
• rent OR mortgage interest
• stationery
• business mobile plans
• telephone (if a separate landline is used for the business then 100% can be claimed)
• internet
What can you not claim a portion of? The don’ts!
Below is a list of typical home related expenses which you should not claim:
• Food and drinks. Yes, that includes your home-made coffees.
• TV subscriptions.
• furniture and electronics that are not used solely for work purposes. Yes, this includes your coffee machine.
• renovations.
Make sure you only claim expenditure that has a clear connection with your business operations as the IRD can penalise you for fraudulent business expense claims.
How much can you claim and how to calculate it?
There are three ways to calculate your home office claim.
Method 1: The IRD square metre rate.
The annual square metre rate is set each year by the IRD based on the average utility costs per square metre of housing for the average New Zealand household.
This rate does not include household rates, mortgage interest, or rent. If you wish to claim these expenses, then you will need calculate these in addition to the IRD square metre rate. To do so, you need to work out the percentage of space that your home office equates too compared to your entire home.
For example, if the total size of your home is 100 square metres, and your home office room is 10 square metres, then your home office equates to 10%. Therefore, you can claim 10% of the household rates and mortgage interest or rent.
The equation for the IRD square metre rate method is as follows:
(A x B) + (C x D), where
A = Total rates, mortgage interest or rent
B = C/total floor area;
C = Total area (m2) of the house that’s primarily used for the business
D = Square metre rate provided by the IRD ($47.85 for the year 20212022)
Method 2: Full expense apportionment
This method is good if you believe the IRD square metre rate is not a sufficient reflection of your home office expenditure. This method uses the same home office percentage calculated in Method 1 and multiplies it against the actual costs incurred. For example, 10% x actual home office costs.
Method 3: Based on the amount of time spent in your home office space.
To use this method, you should start by recording the amount of time that you are working from home over a four-week period. This will give you an indication as to how much time you are spending at home for business purposes versus private use. This method is optimal if you use multiple locations in your house as your home office. The equation is as follows:
(Total work hours in a week/ total hours in a week) x Actual Costs
What about GST?
If you are GST registered, the same logic applies. You can only claim a portion of the GST attached to your home office expenditure.
Ensure you keep good records of your home office expenditure and calculations. If IRD were to ever question your claims, you can present them with your workings. Please get in touch with the Team at Bellingham Wallace if you are unsure how this might apply to you or if you require any specific advice.
Visit: www.bellinghamwallace.co.nz
New year and a new home! Now’s the time of year many people start thinking about moving. You may have done this many times or perhaps you are a first-time home buyer. Either way, the process can be pretty daunting.
The REINZ/ADLS Agreement for Sale and Purchase of Real Estate provides the legal framework for the sale and purchase of property via negotiation (i.e. not by auction), but guidance is needed to ensure that you are protected. Once an agreement is signed by all parties it is deemed to be a legally binding contract. Therefore, it is important that you check the terms of your sale and purchase agreement with your legal adviser before you sign.
If you are purchasing an existing property by negotiation, the types of protection you may need includes but is not limited to:
• Arranging sufficient finance to complete the purchase – 10 working days is standard. You may already have pre-approval from your lender, but you will need an unconditional offer of finance for the particular property you wish to purchase.
• Obtaining a satisfactory building report in writing. The agreement provides for 15 working days.
• Obtaining a satisfactory LIM report on the property. Again, the agreement provides for 15 working days. Your legal adviser will help you understand the information provided.
• If the property is a unit title (perhaps an apartment or townhouse), then a condition should be inserted to ensure that you are satisfied with all body corporate information provided.
• In some cases the vendor may agree to the inclusion of an allencompassing, and appropriately worded, due diligence clause. This would allow you and your legal advisor to carry out a full investigation of the property and take any necessary steps to protect your interests. There may also be other conditions you may wish to include depending on the property and your circumstances, for example:
• If you need to finalise your finance or sell your home before going unconditional, or if you are relying on Kiwisaver funds as part of your finance, then appropriate conditions should be inserted making the agreement subject to you being able to do what is necessary to go unconditional or complete the purchase.
• If you are also relying on Kiwisaver funds to pay the deposit, then a further condition should be inserted to protect those funds in the event that the vendor does not settle. It should be agreed that your deposit will be held in the vendor’s solicitor’s trust account until settlement. If there is no such condition, the agreement provides that the deposit is paid to the real estate agent who will deduct their commission before providing the balance to the vendor.
Having your legal advisor involved at the early stages of the process will help ensure that the agreement protects your interests as best as possible given the different legal considerations. We would be happy to help you navigate an exciting and stress free sale or purchase. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this further.
Schnauer & Co,
1 Shea Terrace, Takapuna
09 486 0177,
www.schnauer.com
Kristin’s academic pathways offers students' choice
David Boardman.Over the last few weeks, I’ve been pleased to hear from so many students delighted with their academic results and excited about the year ahead.
We are always proud of our students, but never more so than now. It has been a tough few years and these students have navigated their way through unprecedented disruption. Despite this, they’ve come through the other side and achieved their goals. That is certainly something to celebrate.
Kristin’s Senior School offers dual academic pathways so students can choose the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme or NCEA. For the 2022 academic year, student achievement was high for both IB and NCEA. Highlights included having a student achieve a perfect IB score, which placed him among the top 1% of students globally. Overall 32% of eligible Kristin students taking the IB Diploma gained 40 or more points, an incredible academic feat. In NCEA, students achieved a 95% pass rate at Level 2 and a 91% pass rate at Level 3.
The great thing about offering two pathways is that it gives students choice to opt for the qualification that best suits them. The IB is a global curriculum and students choosing this pathway undertake a two-year diploma programme that starts in Year 12.
This qualification focuses on inquiry-based learning where students learn through investigating, testing and asking questions. The core philosophy is around developing global perspectives, an international mindset, an understanding of cultural diversity and building critical thinking skills. There is also a strong focus on service and developing an altruistic mindset.
Students opting for IB study six subjects including their first language, a second language, science, mathematics and a humanities or commerce subject. Students choose their sixth subject from the arts or they can do an additional science or humanities subject.
It is a rigorous qualification that builds a broad knowledge and skill base, developing graduates who are inquirers, knowledgeable, critical thinkers, principled, open-minded, caring and reflective.
Typically half of our students opt to take IB and as an IB World School, Kristin has been offering the IB Diploma since 1986. It was the first school in New Zealand to do so and was also the first IB Continuum School. Today we have the largest number of students following IB programmes in New Zealand. NCEA is also a rigorous academic qualification, with one of its greatest strengths being the flexibility around the subjects that students can choose from. Students taking NCEA can opt to study all three science subjects, for example. There is also flexibility in the way students study and are assessed, with a mixture of internal assessments and external examinations.
Both curricula prepare students well for life beyond school and are highly regarded by universities here and overseas. Kristin has a proud record of students being awarded scholarships at UK and US universities including Cambridge, Oxford, Stanford and Yale, as well as excellent universities throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Which pathway to take is the question we are asked the most as students approach their final years of schooling. The answer lies with the individual, their strengths, their interests and their aspirations beyond school. This is the greatest benefit of being able to offer choice.
and Co. Lesley is a conveyancing practitioner experienced in property law who loves building connections with clients. For expert advice on subdivisions contact Lesley who is available to assist anyone who has any queries. LesleyPassenger and cargo services to the East Coast Bays – Part 2
As with the upper reaches of the Auckland Harbour, especially Beach Haven and Birkdale in the 1920s, motor launches proved their usefulness in moving cargo and passengers to and from the East Coast Bays, for a time.
From March 1923 Vere Harrison and Frederick Henry Mackay provided a launch service (weather permitting) using the 63-passenger capacity Koa for excursions on the Auckland to Browns Bay and Deep Creek (Waiake) route. Koa was built in 1922 by Bailey and Lowe. Harrison and Mackay sometimes also used their launch Masport for that route, including an evening service. In early 1925 they were offering a 9.30am outwards and a 3.30pm return, along with a 5.15pm Monday to Friday return to Auckland, but ceased all services in October 1925.
Arthur Eden Patterson’s launch Wynona offered a service to Browns Bay from December 1922 to March 1925, and it's likely there were other launch services as well. Ongoing lack of patronage, even for excursions, the constantly uncertain weather conditions along the coast and rivalry from other means of transport ultimately ended those launch services. Both the Masport and the Wynona were built by Leon Warne in 1922.
As well as steamers and launches, barges and scows were also important for sea transport. David Langdon’s ‘A history of New Zealand scows and their trades’ (2009) lists 140 scows across New Zealand (the last built in 1925), and describes cargoes including timber, cement, coal, sand, shingle and firewood. Some barges and scows likely called in at East Coast Bays wharves and beaches. He also describes the scow Glenae (built by David Mackey Darroch of Omaha in 1904) which foundered off Browns Bay in 1936, as well as the scow Rangi (built by George Turnbull Niccol in 1905 at 98 gross tons) which was wrecked off Browns Bay on 14 January 1937, with a cargo of timber logs.
By the late 1920s, road transport to the eastern bays was greatly improved, making the area now much more accessible, and was better
By David Verranable to compete with coastal steamers or launches for passengers and cargo, or scows for cargo only. The Browns Bay Motor Bus Company dates from around February 1920 and by 1926 there was a regular bus service including Browns Bay, Murrays Bay and Campbells Bay. Often those services terminated at the old wharves. The Browns Bay Motor Bus Company service connected with the Takapuna Tram and Ferry Company’s steam trams at Milford, and from 1927 with the North Shore Bus Company buses which took over that tram service. The East Coast Bays wharves then fell into disrepair.
I have read suggestions of bringing back a coastal ferry service to the eastern bays, including Murrays Bay and Browns Bay. Maritime historian David Balderston tells me that any new ferry wharves would need to be fully covered to keep passengers dry, and also require both a large car park and connecting bus service. The berth would need large fenders for the ferries, skilled ferry staff and ferries specially designed for working in swells and tempests. Ultimately, would there be sufficient passenger demand to warrant that amount of infrastructure?
The Auckland to Gulf Harbour ferry service dates from the mid1990s and Fullers began the Hobsonville and Beach Haven ferry service from February 2013. There had previously been the ‘Yellow Water Taxi’ service between Beach Haven and Auckland from December 2003 to 2004, and the Auckland to West Harbour Marina service dates from 2004.
david.verran@xtra.co.nz
Wellness Revolution
Wellness Revolution is New Zealand's leading premium health coaching company for busy female professionals to boost physical and mental fitness and live life with energy and purpose.
We know that over the last few years understanding your mental and emotional health has become more important than ever before which is why we’ve re-imagined personal fitness to be more than just fitness for your physical body but also mental fitness for your mind and emotions.
Your body on the outside is a direct reflection of your health on the inside.
Using simple, non intrusive genetic and epigenetic testing we can quickly and easily discover your unique code that’s built into your DNA, providing you with the answers to who you are now – and what your future potential can be.
By understanding ourselves, our unique needs, and how our connections and interactions with others in our world affect us on a biological level we can learn how to make lifestyle choices that result in living healthier and happier lives.
We can help you understand why you’re stuck, why you have certain behaviours and patterns, and give you the emotional and mental tools to adapt your feelings and behaviours to take back control of your health. Wellness Revolution is all about personalisation backed with science.
Our elite coaches work together as a team to meet you exactly where you are with coaching tailored to your unique biological code. Our tailored experience provides you with the structure, accountability, knowledge and support YOU need to increase your physical and mental fitness and live with energy and purpose and the confidence to pursue wherever it is you want to go.
Sare Carpenter: AUT Certified Personal Trainer, 200hr Yoga Cert, Endorsed PHA Personalised Health Coach, Shae Wellness Coach, Krav Maga Instructor.
Claire Akin-Smith: MSc BScHons UKSRP UKMCSP, Consultant Educator for PHA, Endorsed Advanced PHA Personalised Health Coach, Physiotherapist, GP lecturer.
www.wellnessrevolution.co.nz 0800 122 270 hello@wellnessrevolution.co.nz
Grow your Business through Networking
What Business Builders can do for you:
• Grow your business through word of mouth referrals
• Build a network of services and specialists that you can rely on
• Gain knowledge, advice and insights from your peers
• Be informed and inspired by our regular guest speakers
• Meet new people and expand your network
Greetings from Sunnynook Community Centre
During January 2023 we ran a very busy holiday programme at the Sunnynook Community Centre. The demand has been so great that we are back to our pre-Covid numbers of 60 children a day and we have a waiting list of at least 20 families so there will be a few months wait to get a space on the programme.
Hospice refurbishment near completion
After years of planning, and navigating a global pandemic, the monumental $20 million project to redevelop the Harbour Hospice building on the North Shore is nearing completion. And it’s celebrating a major milestone – being approved for public use.
The Community Garden has been extended and I would like to say a huge thank you to Sandra (a local resident) who comes down and works in the garden and makes sure there are no weeds and that the plants have enough water. Sandra harvests the garden and puts the vegetables in the food pantry for the community to enjoy.
We now have a ‘book library’ next to the food pantry. The book library is just waiting for a top coat of paint and signage. I would like to thank East Coast Bays Rotary for organising the Men’s Shed to make the book library for us.
We have also decided to set up a ‘battery collection point’ at the Community Centre in the office. Please drop your batteries off Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. We accept alkaline and rechargeable batteries. We also accept old mobile phones.
Our Community Centre is very heavily booked for 2023. There are dance classes, language classes, exercise classes, support groups, children’s after-school activities, groups for elderly, groups for new mums and babies, etc. Please check out our website which will have all the up to date information on it.
Don’t forget you can hire the Kennedy Park Observation Post, Beach Road, Castor Bay for children’s birthday parties, baby showers, family lunches etc.
Lastly, I would like to say a huge congratulations to Maureen Miles, Miles Dance School, who officially retired in December 2022 after many, many years teaching dancing in our community. Her dance school will continue to operate and she will be around for a few months making it a smooth transition.
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.
Its Inpatient Unit re-opened in January 2022 with the building’s final phase of construction receiving its Certificate of Public Use by the Auckland Council in December.
From early 2023 patients, families and whānau will begin to attend outpatient clinics, counselling and therapy sessions as well as day programmes and training in its new state-of-the-art community wing. Clinical teams will occupy their spacious new multidisciplinary office. Final work and “finishing touches” are being made within the building and in the garden and outdoor areas.
“We are so very proud of our new facility, which will serve the community for decades to come,” Harbour Hospice Chief Executive Jan Nichols says. “Patients, families and whānau will be able to appreciate all the extra rooms, facilities and beautiful outdoor spaces that have been added to the inpatient area,” she says.
This ambitious project has been made possible by the generosity of the North Shore community including individuals, trusts, grants, community groups and corporate supporters who have contributed close to $10 million through a capital campaign. The remaining $10 million was contributed from the North Shore Development Foundation built up by Hospice supporters over many years.
Nichols says the team is also very grateful to its construction partner, Rucon, for pulling out all the stops to not only complete the project four months ahead of schedule, but before Christmas. “It was a real race to the finish line in the final few days with constant rain a real challenge,” she says. “But they did it!”
“To the many individuals, trusts and organisations who gave their support to make possible this amazing community asset, I cannot thank you enough,” she adds. An official opening is planned for early 2023.
There is less than $300,000 left to fundraise to fully fund the project. If you’d like to make a donation to support this vital community project please contact Fundraising Manager Sandy McGregor on 021 80 80 90 or Sandy.McGregor@harbourhospice.org.nz.
www.harbourhospice.org.nz
YES and I.Lead expanding their programmes for youth
Happy New Year! YES and I.Lead are wishing you all had a safe and happy holiday. With the new year finally upon us, it brings new excitement for the YES and I.Lead team, creating new opportunities for our young people and expanding on the programmes we currently are running.
One of the programmes we have been able to expand is the driving programme I.Drive. The I.Drive driving programme is expanding by including the Restricted Licence workshop, which provides a refresher of the ‘dos and do nots’ of the restricted test. This is only a theory workshop for those who have been learning to drive and are prepared to take their restricted licence test, going over the ‘minor and critical errors’, also key actions instructors are looking for during the test. The workshops are run on a monthly basis with the first workshop starting 21st February. If you are interested in the workshop, you can visit the YES website and enrol in the course.
Wilson Home Trust looking forward to 2023
The team at the Wilson Home Trust has returned after a great summer break and are looking forward to the year ahead and working with families.
The year started with excitement, thanks to Wish 4 Fish; this fully accessible boat provided the opportunity for ten children and young adults along with their parents or caregivers to go on a fishing trip. Thankfully the weather was on our side, and everyone managed to catch a fish. Thanks Tony and the crew for a fabulous day out on the water. For more information about this amazing boat visit their website at www.wish4fish.co.nz.
Before the end of last year I.Lead had its annual Re-Imagine event.. Every year, Re-imagine focuses on a theme which shines the light away from the participants' disability. The latest theme was world leaders. With the creation of Whaikaha, the I.Lead members wanted to commemorate the world leaders that inspired them. I.Lead members were interviewed as the world leaders they were portraying and as themselves, with questions regarding why they have chosen their leaders and what were the big events their leaders experienced for them to be immortalised in history. Photographs were taken of the event in a professional photoshoot and of the I.Lead members in their portrayal of the leaders they had chosen. Photos will be available later this year.
YES is happy to announce the continuation of being a provider of the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards. YES is increasing its participant intake this year to 12 people. With the success of having four young people achieving their Bronze Award, they are now moving onto their Silver Award. There still slots available for interested participants to join the group of other participants.
For more information about the programs and our engagements Website- https://yesdisability.org.nz/ & https://www.ilead.org.nz/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/i.leadnz/
This year we are also looking forward to offering a range of events and services. They include more concerts in the Chapel, demonstration days, and relaxation for parents and caregivers. Keep an eye on our website: www.wilsonhometrust.org.nz for more information.
Unfortunately, due to planned construction work on the Wilson Home Trust site wedding bookings are on hold until early 2024.
The next grant closing date for Equipment, Activity, Young Adults and Group grants is on Thursday 9th March. All other grants can be applied for at any time and will be responded to within three working days.
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 our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/wilsonhometrust1/
Sonia Thursby.Every year, Re-imagine focuses on a theme which shines the light away from the participants' disability.
The year started with excitement, thanks to Wish 4 Fish; this fully accessible boat provided the opportunity for ten children and young adults along with their parents or caregivers to go on a fishing trip.
Advocating for youth voices and perspectives
Kia ora, we are Adriana Tobin (she/her) and Lisa Yuan (she/ her) the 2023 Co-chairs for Younite, the Youth Council for the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. Younite’s focus is to recognise and advocate for youth voices and perspectives, especially when it comes to decisions made in our local board area. This year we are excited to introduce new members with fresh perspectives, and plan to continue to raise issues concerning youth in our area, as well as work towards our collective priorities including Maoritanga, sustainability and supporting young creatives.
By Shore Junction’s Youth Development Specialist Josh MartinShore Junction three years young
Josh Martin.As the calendar flips to a fresh page, Shore Junction gears up for our third year of helping rangatahi achieve their dreams. At Shore Junction, we provide a launchpad for young people to take off and soar.
From dance and music, to technology and art, our programmes and activities are designed to spark creativity and ignite passions. Our passionate staff are the fuel that keeps the engine of learning running, providing support and guidance along the way.
Nau Mai 2023! Hey, I’m Lisa (left), a 17-year-old, commencing Year 13 attending Kristin School. Although relatively newer to the Younite team, joining last September, I have thoroughly felt empowered and motivated as a Youth voice representing our community. I hope our community will welcome and anticipate Younite events with an eagerness for positive change and inclusivity for our rangatahi. “The youth is the hope of the future” ~ Jose Rizal
Tēnā koutou! My name is Adriana (right), and I'm a 17 year old student at Westlake Girls High School. I first joined Younite in the middle of 2021 where I became one of the Design/Photography members as well as the leader of the Political subcommittee. I’m really excited to work alongside the members of Younite this year and see all the amazing work we can achieve for our rangatahi! Fun fact about me, my favourite films are Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water.
If you ever have any queries or would like to contact us, please email younitechair@gmail.com.
But Shore Junction isn't just a place to learn – it's a community; a place where rangatahi can find their tribe and support each other on their journey. As the Māori proverb says, "E kore e taea te mahi hei painga mo tētahi, hei painga anake mo tātou katoa" – the work we do benefits not just one person, but all of us.
In addition to our programmes and activities, we also offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities for rangatahi to get involved in. These activities provide opportunities for rangatahi to build new skills, make new friends, and have fun while pursuing their passions.
At Shore Junction, we believe in the power of community and collaboration. We encourage our rangatahi to work together and support each other on their journeys. Whether they're working on a group project, participating in a collaborative activity, or simply hanging out with friends, rangatahi can find a supportive and inclusive environment here at Shore Junction.
As Harry Potter once said, "We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided." At Shore Junction, we believe that by working together and supporting each other, we can achieve great things. So if you're a rangatahi from the North Shore or the surrounding area, come and join us at Shore Junction. Let's make this year one for the record books, filled with new experiences, personal growth and the satisfaction of setting goals and achieving them. Let's dream big, work hard and celebrate each other's successes along the way. Together, we can make magic happen! Mauri ora!
www.shorejunction.nz
Younite’s focus is to recognise and advocate for youth voices and perspectives…
Happy New Year
Nigel Bioletti.Happy New Year to all Channel Mag readers, from the Devonport Peninsula Trust Board and Staff
The team is looking forward to another year – bringing networking opportunities, programmes, events, and collaboration to the Peninsula Community.
We had a really nice end of year get together for Trustees and Staff at the home of Ian Cunliffe, one of our Trustees, and enjoyed a delicious Thai meal that Ian and his partner prepared.
Devonport Emergency Resilience Guidelines
The Local Board contracted ANCAD to lead the development of this community resource, and the Trust contributed its full support. The finalised guidelines are posted on the Trust’s website home page: https://www.devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
Coming up:
“Folk in the Park” – Sunday 12th February, 1pm to 4pm. Showcasing local and out of town folk performers for an afternoon under the trees in the beautiful Windsor Reserve. Sit back and relax whilst listening to free live music on Devonport's stunning waterfront, presented by the Devonport Folk Music Club.
There will be food and soft drinks for sale or bring a picnic to enjoy, as well as a preschool play zone to keep the little ones entertained (caregiver supervision is required).
For more info call Hilary ph: 445 2227 or email: realmusic@xtra.co.nz
Organised by the Devonport Folk Music Club: www.devonportfolkmusic.co.nz with the support of the Devonport Peninsula Trust.
Devonport Rotary supports 'Kid’s Athletics' – 14th February - 21st March, 4pm to 6pm at Vauxhall Sports Reserve/North Shore Rugby playing field. There is no charge for this opportunity, which has been running for many, many years. It is open to all children on the
Peninsula
Parents – come along and register your children on 14th February, park on Vauxhall Road. The Trust thanks Devonport Rotary for its fantastic support of this programme.
Continuing
Raumati/Summer Tamariki Play sessions. 9:30am to 11:30am Tuesdays at Windsor Reserve, and 9:30am to 11:30am Thursdays at the Belmont Rose Gardens. A wonderful opportunity for parents, grand-parents, caregivers and children to share play activities and meet others. On fine summer mornings, these sessions are pretty special. There is no cost. Team up, come along.
For information about the events and activities happening on the Peninsula, don’t forget that you can go to www.devonportpeninsulatrust.nz, and view (and possibly subscribe to) our E-News.
Support for the work of the Trust – the Trust is keen to grow its support for Peninsula initiatives. If you are able to offer support to enable the Trust to extend its work with this community, please email me – nigelbioletti@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
Devonport village
By Richard Thorne, Devonport Business Improvement District Manager Richard Thorne.- A magic place to visit
The welcome return of cruise ships to Tāmaki Makaurau has helped bring a vibrant start to the new year for Devonport retailers and hospitality venues.
Of course the combination of weather and ferry service issues hasn’t made it all plain sailing, but what better way to pass any sunny, or overcast, Auckland day than by taking in some of the magic of Devonport in summer?
Speaking of which, Devonport’s popular secondhand and rare book emporium BookMark has literally brought magic to the village over the last few years, as reported by RNZ’s Anna Thomas in her Summer Times show on Friday 13th January. During the Covid lockdown period the store became the repository of likely the biggest collection of magic and UFO books for sale anywhere in the southern hemisphere, according to co-owner Fiona Startup. BookMark (bookmark.co.nz) took a major punt in purchasing thousands of old magic books from the estate of a local magician, resulting in online sales and continuing visits from local and international magicians of all ages.
“We've had quite a lot of young magicians coming to pick up tips, and we had someone coming in from Brazil who heard about the collection. It's just so rare to get such a huge collection in one place.”
In an interview segment titled ‘The bookstore saved by magic’ (listen online at rnz.co.nz) Fiona told that story, and another almost supernatural, real life tale that is almost certain to raise the hairs on the back of your neck.
And bringing the magic of live music to Devonport, in February Folk In The Park returns to Windsor Reserve. Presented by the Devonport Folk Music Club, Folk In The Park is a free, family-friendly folk music showcase being staged at the band rotunda on Sunday 12th February, from 1pm to 4pm. Relax on the sun-shaded grass while listening to some great live music near our magical waterfront!
Devonport is YOUR seaside escape www.devonport.co.nz
It's just so rare to get such a huge collection in one place.
Do you have this pest plant in your backyard?
FEBRUARY PEST PLANT OF THE MONTH: Blue Morning Glory
The purple tubular flowers of this tall-growing creeper may look pretty right now, but it’s extremely fast growing and can smother native vegetation as ground cover, as well as climbing up native trees, eventually out-competing them. It can take over any garden, smother all plants and cover buildings, if not controlled.
If you notice blue morning glory on your property or in your nearby parks, please take action as soon as possible:
• Hand pull small infestations.
• For larger vines, cut near to the ground and immediately paste a thin film of MetGelTM on the cut stem, which will kill the root system below.
• As the weed spreads vegetatively from stem fragments, hang up cut vine well off the ground and leave up high to dry out.
• Put all other cut waste inside a securely tied plastic bag and dispose in the rubbish bin to go to landfill. Alternatively, it can be put inside a composting weed bag.
• Talk to your neighbours and encourage them to take action too!
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
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.
Shore bowlers prominent at Browns Bay nationals
By Lindsay KnightThe national bowls championships hosted by the North Harbour centre in early January will be forever remembered for an amazing women’s singles final between the Takapuna club’s Black Jack international Selina Goddard and her New Zealand team-mate, Tayla Bruce.
After a match which many connoisseurs have praised as among the best ever at a national championship, male or female, Selina won by the narrowest of margins, 21-20.
To win Selina had to play with her final bowl a shot not usually in her repertoire. Noted as a specialist lead because of her impeccable drawing ability, Selina had to resort to a drive after Tayla, the defending titleholder and late in 2022 winner of the world champion of champions title, appeared to have the game won when she drew right onto the jack.
But with a power belying her petite build, Selina’s drive was so accurate it not only removed the shot bowl but left the jack undisturbed, giving her the title.
It was the fifth national title for Selina giving her a gold star. As she is still only her 20s there can be only wonder how about much more she will achieve.
Tayla gained some consolation for her narrow defeat by going on to win the pairs title with her Wellington partner Clare Hendra, beating two other Takapuna club members, Wendy Jensen and Robyne Walker, in the final. A bonus was the live televising of the finals. There could not have been a better advertisement for the game than the women’s singles final.
While these and other finalists took the major honours there was another context to the championship. For some there was satisfaction in simply competing and qualifying for post-section play and in doing so taking an illustrious scalp.
There were no fewer than eight Takapuna players who were women’s singles qualifiers, including Keiko Kurohara. In section play she upset Wellington’s Nicole Toomey, who like Selina and Tayla was a
medallist at last year’s Commonwealth Games.
Keiko, though, in her own right is an international, and will shortly represent Japan at the Asian championships in Malaysia, having previously done so at an Asian Pacific championship where she lost to the great Jo Edwards by only 21-18.
Mairangi Bay’s Gaye Horne, another with an intriguing sporting background, caused an even bigger boil-over at the nationals.
She emulated Selina by beating Tayla Bruce 21-20 in the qualifying rounds. To do so she had to sit out with her last bowl what appeared to have been Tayla’s winning bowl.
In the 1960s under her maiden name, McDermit, Gaye was an international fencer and at the 1966 Commonwealth Games in Jamaica, she won bronze medals in the individual and team foils. She also competed at the 1970 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, staying on afterwards to tour Britain and Europe. In May 1971, with no great expectations, she entered a tournament in Paris. and in the early rounds upset a Romanian competitor who she learned later was a world and Olympic champion.
There was not quite the same nonchalance when the Harbour one-to-five year representative found that Tayla was among her early opponents in the national bowls qualifying rounds. ”Oh, my God,” she thought. Husband Ron, who encouraged her switch to bowls from golf five years ago, was more encouraging. “You have already beaten one world champion,” he said. “You can do it again.”
The championships were a triumph, too, for organisers, the centre and its clubs who had to adjust to some dreadful weather to complete the programme.
Visit: www.bowlsnorthharbour.com
OUR SPONSORSHIP FAMILY
Big February to start year for North Harbour Club
The North Harbour Club starts 2023 in fine style with three functions being held in February. There is an excellent Breakfast lined up with Murray Thom. A celebration of our Chinese community with a special Chinese New Year Festival ‘Business After 5’ and a gettogether for the club’s younger NeXt members.
Breakfast with Murray Thom
North Harbour Club’s Business Excellence Network (BEN) breakfasts have become a very popular bi-monthly event. There are some great speakers lined up for 2023 and the first of these, Murray Thom, will be one of the very best. This is taking place at Regatta Bar & Eatery in Takapuna on Tuesday February 21st.
Murray Thom is co-founder and executive producer of Glorious Digital. He was named one of New Zealand’s ‘Top 10 Entrepreneurs of the Decade’ by NZ Business Magazine. Murray left school at 15 with his FSC (failed school certificate) though went on to become the youngest Managing Director of CBS Records at just 23.
Murray left the corporate life and was the founder of ‘Personalised Plates’. He produced ‘The Great New Zealand Songbook’ featuring 40 of our top recording artists and ‘The Great New Zealand Cookbook’ which showcased 80 of our finest cooks, chefs and bakers. Two of his music productions - the ‘Together 10 CD Collection’, with pianist Carl Doy and ‘Miracle’ with Celine Dion, featured on the Oprah Winfrey show in the USA.
Murray’s latest venture is Glorious, which is focused on presenting authentic digital masterpieces from the world’s finest digital artistshttps://www.glorious.digital
Special Chinese New Year Festival North Harbour Club Business After 5 Function
The club is celebrating the Chinese Community with a special Chinese New Year Festival ‘Business After 5’ on Thurday February 9th in Albany.
This event is being hosted by Long Champs Group at their Penthouse Suite, Sunrise Garden, 10 Perekia Street, Albany.
This special ‘Business After 5’ is an opportunity for potential new members in the North Harbour Chinese Community to meet club members, and also receive some insight into the club.
We invite you to come along and hear first-hand what the North Harbour Club and Charitable Trust is all about. Drinks and finger food provided. All attendees must RSVP, Email Jodie:- info@northharbourclub.co.nz
North Harbour Business After5
09 February
Long Champs Group, Sunrise Garden, Albany
NeXt Leaders Get Together
16 February
Fantail & Turtle, Smales Farm
Interested? Then make sure you book today as these brekkie’s are popular and numbers are limited.
Email Jodie:- info@northharbourclub.co.nz
NeXt Members After5 Mix and mingle
North Harbour Club NeXt members are invited to come along to the first NeXt function for 2023. This is to mix and mingle in the lush surroundings of the Fantail and Turtle Bar, Goodside, Smales Farm from 5pm on Thursday February 16th.
We’ll provide your first drink and nibbles, you provide the chat. Existing members are invited to bring prospective members – family, friends and colleagues. NHC Trustees and (club member) Business Owners will also be joining in. RSVP with names and numbers, Email Jodie:- info@northharbourclub.co.nz
North Harbour Club – Upcoming events
BEN Breakfast with Murray Thom of Glorious Digital
21 February Regatta Bar & Eatery, Takapuna
Members Coffee Catch Up 09 March
Takapuna Boating Club
NHC Ambrose Golf Day
24 March
Gulf Harbour Country Club
Lexus of North Shore Charity
Lunch with Gilbert Enoka
28 April
North Harbour Stadium
2023 AIMES Awards Gala Dinner
10 June
Bruce Mason Theatre
2023 AIMES Emerging Talent & Scholarship Awards & AIMES Winners Network Function
15 June
Massey University, Albany
Bayleys is thrilled to be honoured as the winner of the Large Commercial and Industrial Office of the Year at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand Awards for Excellence for the fifth year running. Our local knowledge, marketing expertise and national connectivity helped make this possible. We are privileged to be acknowledged by our peers, but most importantly, to be valued by our clients - to whom we would like to say a big thank you for your ongoing support.
If you are looking for an awarded real estate brand that delivers Altogether Better results, time after time, no matter the market, contact us today.
Industrial property - best performing asset
Backdropped by global turmoil and economic uncertainty, 2022 was always going to be a rocky road to navigate for the commercial and industrial real estate sector, according to leading agency Bayleys.
Last year was the firm’s strongest yearly result ever in the commercial and industrial space – and despite the challenges, 2022 has been its second best.
However, for this year, Jayson Hayde, General Manager Bayleys’ Commercial and Industrial said, from a macro perspective the last six months have been particularly anomalous.
“When else in history have we ever seen such levels of volatility and risk all colliding at once in such a spectacular way? There’s geopolitical upheaval, a lingering global pandemic, an economic maelstrom with debt crises and recessionary traits, and climate change threats. Notably, the speed of change seen in the wider real estate market has been astonishing with sales’ volumes going from peak to trough in lightening quick time, and the cost of debt escalating.”
Hayde said income is becoming the hedge to inflation currently and while industrial and large format retail are clipping that ticket quite confidently, no building owner is immune to the hot-blooded economic environment.
“Deals are still being done, but institutional capital is cautious in this volatile market, and other property owners are opting to wait the market out. The balance sheets of all commercial property owners will be sorely tested in 2023, but inevitably, counter-cyclical opportunist buyers will emerge. Meanwhile, institutional investors and owner-occupiers are still purchasing well-located properties in identified growth areas, and we’re seeing strong interest from Jayson
overseas retailers wanting to break into or expand across the New Zealand market."
The business sales segment of Bayleys’ operations is experiencing an uptick in interest and activity as business owners transcend pandemic-related hindrances.
“Any business that has essential service status has done very well, but now we’re seeing other business categories gather speed,” said Hayde.
Industrial property remains the best-performing asset class across the commercial sectors, with the ongoing challenge being lack of supply.
“Sales-wise, we’ve noted an overall softening of values of between 100-130 basis points over the year, but that has flattened out somewhat now and we don’t expect values to soften much further due to the cost of replacement. Industrial land costs have stabilised, and we’d expect vacancy rates to soften slightly as new developments catch up and come on-stream. Vacant stock currently has greater appeal than investment stock, with owner-occupiers gaining support from the banking sector, although we anticipate potential friction in the refinancing market on the back of higher interest rates and loan-to-value thresholds.
As occupiers move back to the office, with an element of hybrid flexibility built-in, office assets have rallied according to Hayde.
“How B and C-grade and fringe-located vacant buildings play out will be interesting with potential conversion to alternative use, upgrades to higher NBS thresholds, and improved green credentials and amenity being weighed up against market demand.”
Hayde said capital market sale and purchase transactions in the office market have stalled as rising interest rates and inflation show their hand.
For further insights, get in touch with Bayleys North Shore. 09 489 0999 | northshorecommercial@bayleys.co.nz www.bayleys.co.nz/commercialnorthshore COMMERCIAL NORTH SHORE
LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER
THE REA ACT 2008
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. Simon was awarded a QSM for services to the community in 2013. More recently, he was inducted into the North Harbour Business Hall of Fame. He has been writing this thought-provoking column for Channel from the very first issue (over a dozen years ago!).
Hello Everyone, I’m still on holiday and have a few things to organize, so instead of a column from me, here’s something my mother (Pat Gundry, who was Editor of the North Shore Times for many years) wrote some 50 years ago about my favourite beach in the world, just at the bottom of Church Street in Devonport.
Those Halcyon Days
Compared with Cheltenham or Narrow Neck, Duders is an inconsequential, insignificant tuppeny-ha’penny scrap of sand at the foot of Church St, Devonport, hardly worth being qualified by the term ‘beach’.
It’s a touch longer than a cricket pitch and, indeed, back in the 1960s many a doughty test match was played there with the square leg and silly mid-on fieldsmen standing in the road, point and extra cover shin deep in the sea.
Duders is bounded at the western end by the Sea Scouts’ den and at the eastern by the bulge of a minuscule lookout point that has a couple of seats, some grass, a flowerbed and the tall column of the Watson clock.
Duders has no trees spreading welcome shade on a summer day, no soft grassy embankment on which to relax.
The only amenities are a basic shower and tap at the Sea Scouts den end, wide concrete steps running its entire length for sitting on, regular steps for walking up and down on, and superb views of moored yachts, passing craft and the harbour.
Until the middle of July 1991 Duders beach had a unique amenity, unparalleled on the North Shore.
It had The Piles, which have now been removed much to chagrin of people to whom the weather beaten old poles were a vital part of childhood’s halcyon days.
Those boys and girls of the ‘60’s and early ‘70’s, scattered now, married with families of their own, look back fondly to their carefree, summer days and they remember…. they remember…
It’s any summer day when the tide’s in and the sun’s out as the Duders Beach bunch arrive on foot, on bikes, on trolleys, the little kids with mums, at their favourite swimming spot.
They arrive shouting and laughing, wearing their togs, waving their towels, bare feet dancing over summer-scorched footpaths – the Parlane and Willis boys; the Nevilles, the Wyatts, the Priestleys and the Richards, the Taylor boys and the Kneebones, Karen, Liz, Ann; Butchie and Murray, Rex Garry, David, Stephen; the Ferryman Twins and the bunch who live on the side of Mt Vic; the Burnetts whose parents owned the dairy over the road from the beach. Mrs B is a trained nurse and bandages up many a cut foot or graunched leg.
The mums and an occasional dad spread out on the wide concrete steps, arranging their towels and cushions and suntan lotion and their magazines and bottles of orange, preparing for an hour or two of watching smallest ones as they learn to swim.
Learning to swim is quite structured and disciplined. The little kids splash up and down in the shallows until they’ve got the hang of it and then one blissful day a mum decrees that her particular swimmer is competent enough to swim to The Skids.
The Skids is the name given to a ramp at the back of the Sea Scout den where the newly promoted swimmers can practice the belly flops
By Pat Gundrythat will one day become genuine dives off the Piles.
This process may take half a summer but eventually a swimmer is given parental permission for the swim from The Skids to The Piles. It is pretty scary stuff the first time. The distance looks as wide as the Pacific Ocean as you surface from your improved belly flop and strike out towards your goal.
You know she’s sitting on the steps watching so you try to do your best style but by the time you’re nearly at The Piles your arms think they’re going to drop off and your head is beginning to thrash from side to side.
And you know that when you reach The Piles the most daunting, the most intimidating test still lies ahead. Getting up The Piles to the top beam is easy enough because there are pieces of iron to clamber up by.
But once you are there, you face maybe a dozen larger, stronger kids ranged along the beam and standing, king of the castle, atop the Piles. They can be your friends, foes, neighbours, cousins, even your brothers and sisters, the kids you play with every day but when you meet them on The Piles they have one aim and that’s to stop you joining them.
They shove and push you, stamp on your fingers as you’re climbing up. They laugh and shout and chiack until you fall back into the water, but you swim around and you try again, and again.
Then one day when not many of the big kids are there, you’ll get to the beam unchallenged, you’ll stand on the outermost pile and you’ll be king of the castle. You’ll dive into the deep water time after time until you can do it clean and straight.
You’ll be one of the big kids some summer doing your utmost to stop some little kid who has just swum from The Skids from making first time up The Piles.
The big kids and the little kids, many today approaching middle age, look back and remember their beach, Duders, as being the world’s best, even better than Waikiki.
Simon Gundry.
The little kids splash up and down in the shallows until they’ve got the hang of it and then one blissful day a mum decrees that her particular swimmer is competent enough to swim to The Skids.
- Since 1988 -
Benefitz is committed to being a leader in sustainability
We’ve been part of the North Shore community for a long time. 2023 is our 35th year of business. When it comes to producing items to help people communicate we reckon we have a pretty good formula. A strong track-record, a dedicated team, a constant focus on the latest technology, a range of solutions, we give back, and to top it all off we’re powered by solar.
For more information contact Aidan Bennett, email: aidan@benefitz.co.nz or visit www.benefitz.co.nz
The Channel Crossword
“Oh, the puzzles you'll do!” Set by Māyā (https://mayaofauckland.com/), each month for Channel. No. 83
Across
1 Sam tried to avoid these eco-friendly urgesand Hamlet hasn't let on (5,4,3,3)
9 Charm discovered during the thirteenth rally (7)
10 Beast of burden active by man (he's from an English city) (7)
11/12 Sally's and my explanation for how the magician made Tom appear? (3,3,2,3,3)
14 Say what's missing from 22 20's B 24 Book (5)
16 Religious teachings steal heart of Mole's friend, which is unusual (6)
19 Still hurts with head removed from joints (6)
20 F-files a legal action about writer and illustrator found after (the short form of) 22 (5)
23 5 of owl-cry uncommon, we hear, for plant organ (4,4)
24 Struggle of abstainer in the hay (6)
27 Cybernaut 10 going over one religion from the East (7)
28 Jog wrong deity from the East (7)
29 Perceptive hatcher's 22 hero has torn a 22, perhaps! (6,5,1,3)
Down
1 Bird said to have uncertain twisting force (5,3)
2 Aren't yet prepared to appeal (8)
3 Conquest is endless for her (5)
4 Stiffens when legs crossed (4)
5 Ladle Greek goddess made, initially from a 10's transpositions (10)
6 Newbies see python uncoil (9)
7 Hot rowing crew, lack of which is irrelevant to personhood according to 29 (6)
8 A very small time? (6)
13 Birdsong on 10's at an unspecified position, or a very small fraction (10)
15 If I harange husband over leak, that'll give me a 22 20 work (3,3,3)
17 Having a greater pitch, exceed in confusing? (8)
18 Acquiesce to making use of a stetson (6,2)
21 Creature with a heart two sizes too small to smile at church (6)
22 Court entrance clasping fudge (6)
25 Acting, for example, is a form of protection (5)
26 Thought perfect after docking (4)
Solution to last month's crossword
This month's crossword will also be uploaded to the creator’s blog at: channelcrossword.wordpress.com There, Mãyã will kindly attempt to answer any questions or comments that may arise from the crosswords each month.
1219sqm
Cheltenham Beachfront - Two Homes, Two Titles View at bayleys.co.nz/1451467
Victoria Bidwell
Top agent Bayleys Takapuna since 2006
International Property Awards, London - Winner Best Property Marketing
Winner Bayleys National Waterfront Marketing Award - Best Property Marketing
Bayleys National Top Achiever since 2007
Specialising in Milford, Takapuna and Devonport Peninsula
Luxury Property and Waterfront Specialist BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED TAKAPUNA, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008