Channel Magazine June 2023

Cheltenham, Stanley Bay, Stanley Point, Vauxhall, Narrowneck, Bayswater, Belmont, Hauraki, Takapuna, Milford, Westlake, Forrest Hill, Crown Hill, Castor Bay, Sunnynook, Campbells Bay, Mairangi Bay, Murrays Bay, Northcote, Birkenhead, Chatswood, Northcote

Enjoy the journey, treasure the experience

Driving Miss Daisy North Bays, Albany and Milford - taking valued clients efficiently and promptly to and from their destinations

Driving Miss Daisy is well-known for delivering a safe and reliable service, transporting clients with care in comfortable leatherseated vehicles to and from appointments or activities, or just on one-way trips.

We aim to make it easy for our customers, with or without mobility issues, being available to help clients be part of special days and memorable moments with their families and loved ones. Having fun and enjoying the moment on beautiful sunny days, and even on rainy days, is a key element of the service we provide.

In a world that rushes by too fast, we focus on creating positive experiences for our passengers. It's so important to take time to appreciate the journey and savour the simple things in life that help us all feel good. Driving Miss Daisy strives to leave a smile on every client's face and a glow in their heart after each journey.

Our fleet consists of ten vehicles, four of which are mobility vehicles to transport clients seated in wheelchairs. The big windows all round make it easy for wheelchair clients to see the surroundings while enjoying the ride together, listening to

Frank

Please phone or email to pre-book your journeys. Gift vouchers are also available and can be a special gift to a loved one this year.

If you have an injury that is covered under ACC, you can request to use our reliable service for your injury-related transport. We claim directly from ACC. Please contact the ACC contact centre on 0800 222 435 ext 12 to obtain pre-approval.

Driving Miss Daisy

North Bays: 09 473 8186, northbays@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Albany: 09 476 0011, albany@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Milford: 09 551 3050, milford@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Or contact Corlize on 021 503 575

Safe and reliable transport for all ages in

Restr icted movement and mo bility, whether from advancin g age, accident or other, can make day to day acti vities frustratin g.

• Our wheelchair accessible vehicles will help you get out and about and be independent.

• We can assist families to have loved ones together to celebrate special family moments at a restaurant or other locations.

• We are available 7 days a week. Pre-booking essential, especially for weekend bookings.

• We accept eftpos / Visa payments in each car.

• We can be family when family can't be there.

Ph: (09) 551 3050 Mob: 021 503 575

Email: milford@drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz

Sinatra, Tom Jones, Vera Lynn, Andre Rieu and many other favourite classic songs on our Spotify playlists.

One of our four VW Caddy mobility vehicles available upon request. Pre-bookings essential

Professionals, small families, or empty nesters looking for a lock-up and leave property will love the great location of 5A Pierce Road.

Future-proofed with a lift, this brand-new construction in 2022 features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a double garage, and its own freehold site. It's generous proportions and open-plan layout create a sense of space and luxury. The lower level includes a groundfloor bedroom with an ensuite (ideal for hosting visitors, extended family, or a work-from-home office), laundry, and a double garage.

The open-plan living, dining, and kitchen on the mid-level flow to a spacious north-facing covered deck and is ideal for entertaining. On the upper floor, there is a family bathroom and the final three bedrooms. The

master bedroom boasts its own ensuite and floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy views of the sea and Rangitoto. Quality fixtures and fittings can be found throughout the property and there are electronic security gates and low maintenance garden making it an ideal lock-and-leave property. Ideally situated just off the renowned Golden Mile in the centre of Milford. Everything is literally at your doorstep, including the neighbourhood eateries, shops, Milford Mall, Lake Pupuke, and Milford Beach. The property is zoned for Milford Primary, Takapuna Normal Intermediate School, Takapuna Grammar, and both Westlake Girls' and Boys' High Schools, making it ideal for families.

www.precision.net.nz/ID #557643

PRICE: $2,650,000

Milford Beachfront With Panoramic Views

61 MILFORD ROAD, MILFORD

A rare and enviable opportunity has arisen to secure a prime beachfront property right on Milford Beach. The home has undergone a complete transformation inside and out over the last two years. The home is large in floor area offering over 450sqm of living which will suit family entertaining perfectly. Offering five bedrooms over its two floors, the home also has several separate living spaces with excellent separation for children if required. On the ground floor, panoramic entertaining flows effortlessly out to a flat Tiger Turf lawn with breath-taking views of Milford Beach, Castor Bay, the entrance to Milford Marina, and Rangitoto Island. The connection with the water is magical and the aspect really needs to be seen to be believed.

The interiors have all been replaced with a gorgeous bespoke Bella kitchen with top-quality appliances. Upstairs there is a magnificent

lounge with a large deck that offers some of the best views of any beachfront property I have ever marketed - superb!

Key features:

• Brand new interiors and updated exteriors

• New entertainers' kitchen and exquisite bathrooms

• Large five bedrooms with three separate living areas

• Sensational ground floor entertaining to flat lawn with direct beach access

• Three/four car internal access garaging and space for two or three extra cars on site

• Magnificent views from both floors and good privacy being one off the road www.precision.net.nz/ID #536837

PRICE: $8,995,000

Andrew specialises in marketing homes on the Golden Mile between Milford and Takapuna and around the waterfront. In the last six consecutive calendar years, Andrew has sold over $100 million each year, at an average of over $5,000,000 per property - one of the highest (in volume and average sale price) residentially in the Country. Whilst he is renowned for dealing with higher value properties, Andrew has also carved a niche within the seaward side streets in and around Milford and Takapuna, especially with the lock up and leave market. He sees a strong correlation between larger homes and the downsizer market assisting those vendors with their next purchase. If you are thinking of selling your home or purchasing a new one, please contact Andrew for a confidential discussion.

Inspiring healthy lives

If you can see it, you can be it – right? The huge news that reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, the USA, are heading to the Shore for the upcoming 2023 World Cup Finals has prompted much excitement, and investment, in the local area. It was a real scoop for East Coast Bays AFC to have the global superstars chose Bay City Park as their tournament base for the competition being held across New Zealand and Australia from 20 July – 20 August.

Football facilities have received a cash injection for a world-class training base that will benefit the club long after the US players and their entourage have flown home. But the infrastructure boost is only part of what makes this great success story for the Shore; young local players will be stepping out onto the same fields and into the same facilities used by their idols. They will see first-hand that a pathway to professional sport is possible and they may dare to dream themselves.

The yang to our cover story’s yin is our content on Men’s Health Week (8-12 June). We quizzed a few local fellas on what wellbeing means to them and they share their top health tips. We hope to encourage readers, whatever their age or stage, gender or geography, to check in on their own state of play this month. Small steps can make a big long-term difference and early detection saves lives.

Innovation and ingenuity are something Kiwis are known for, and the Shore has more than its fair share of bright minds making their

mark on the world. We’re pleased to showcase one of these this month in Morris Pita, founder of Takapuna-based health tech enterprise, Emergency Q. Not only is this local father-ofthree succeeding in reducing overcrowding in emergency departments and decreasing wait times for patients across the country, but he is also increasing equitable access to primary healthcare by providing suitable real-time local alternatives to hospital care. And he’s doing it with a Kaupapa Māori approach he plans to take global. Ka pai Morris and team!

Enjoy yourselves this June.

Heather Barker Vermeer, Editor

Jono did it!

Our cover star last month, Jono Ridler, accomplished his mind-blowing mission to swim from Great Barrier Island to the North Shore. Landing at Campbells Bay after 33 hours of non-stop swimming, without a wetsuit, Jono obliterated the national long distance swimming record with an unofficial distance of 99.1km. Widespread media coverage ensured his quest to raise awareness of the health of the Hauraki Gulf was duly achieved. We salute you, Jono, and support your ongoing efforts.

Publisher/Advertising Aidan Bennett 021 500 997 aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Editor Heather Barker Vermeer 022 399 3175 heather@channelmag.co.nz

Advertising/Content Liz Cannon 021 204 3395 liz@channelmag.co.nz

Advertising/Content Kim McIntosh 021 419 468 kim@channelmag.co.nz

Designer Crystal Sharp crystal@benefitz.co.nz

Online and Social Media Leanika Starbuck leanika@benefitz.co.nz

Crystal Sharp, Kim McIntosh, Aidan Bennett, Heather Barker Vermeer, Liz Cannon

An environment to open minds that open doors.

Kristin School in Albany offers a:

• Modern, multicultural, co-educational, non-denominational environment with traditional values.

• Focus on student wellbeing and developing Future Ready citizens.

• Team of high quality teaching staff.

• Choice between NCEA or International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma curriculum options for senior students.

• Nationally acclaimed performing arts programme and a wide choice of cocurricular and sporting opportunities.

• Proud record of high academic results and scholarships being awarded locally and internationally.

For all admission and scholarship enquiries, visit kristin.school.nz or call our Admissions Manager on 09 415 9566 ext 2324.

• Vast range of community service and leadership opportunities, and a wide array of trips and exchanges for experiential learning.

• Park-like campus, state-of-the-art facilities and a dedicated bus service travelling 20 routes across Auckland.

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available to enable new students to join Kristin from Year 9.

Applications are invited from aspiring individuals who demonstrate excellent character, school involvement, sporting, performing arts and/or academic strengths.

The History Boys

at

The Rose

Centre Company Theatre, resident theatre company at The Rose Centre in Belmont, started its 2023 season with a fantastic production of The History Boys by Alan Bennett last month. Seven local young actors (most currently at Takapuna Grammar School) clearly showed the depth of talented youth we have here on the Shore, and this, alongside the more seasoned expertise of the four experienced adult actors, resulted in a show of the highest quality. This tour de force was well directed by local Suzy Sampson and supported by her amazing behind-the-scenes crew. Company Theatre produces three theatrical works of the highest standards each year, and it all happens right here on our doorstep! Look out for their next production, Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller, being staged in August later this year. Support your local theatre!

Sherry Berg, Kathy Gent, Sarah Dettwiler

Rosie and Richard Hutchinson, Frank and Robyn Webb Reg and Susie Williams, Chris Wiggins, Paige Nicholls

Odile Berry, Shirley Sequeira, Claudia Rodrigues

Donna Verey, Ruth Chapman, John Palmer

Jimmy Carrick, Rowyn and Geoff Allen

Lance Cockle, Barb Hyatt, Marie von Keisenberg, Ian Page, Barbie Trimmer, Anthony Whitehouse

Moira Clews, Angela Anthony, Ruth Ell, Geoff Clews

Eloise and Richard Thorne

Belloro Fine Jewellery launches in Takapuna

Much-loved North Shore fine jewellers have returned to our shores after a two-year hiatus in Newmarket. Belloro has opened its brand new store in Takapuna, much to the joy of their loyal customers. Brought to Hurstmere Road by Jo and Tony Fryer, formerly of Platina Jewellery in Milford, Belloro launched on 17 May, with delicious canapes and fine wines to celebrate the occasion. Guest mingled and marveled at the range of fine Italian and European jewellery. Jo and Tony look forward to welcoming existing, previous and new customers to their stunning new Takapuna store.

Focus

Destiny 29 June Maybe I Do 1 June

The

Thursday 27 June, 8pm

Indiana Jones and

Tony Fryer, Jo Fryer, Rayne Paul, Catherine Paul

Jo and Tony Fryer

Tanja Mandic, Terence Harpur, Zorica Sibinovski

Helen Petherick, Lynley Nimmo, Jaimiee Nimmo, Tanya Field

Sherry Peko, Angie Gil and Terence Harper

Jelena Freeman and Rebecca Hyde

Lindsay Evans and Kim-Juan Fisher

Business is booming in Milford

Kitchen Mania hosted Milford Business Association's latest meet and greet on Monday 22 May. Guests were treated to the best that Milford has to offer: mimosas courtesy of Kitchen Mania, the best sausage sizzle from Well Hung Butchery, coffees from Barfoot and Thompson's mobile coffee van, and delectable ice cream treats from Scrunchy Millers. Local business owners mixed and mingled, chatting about recent business trends, insights and experiences in the current retail market. Despite the obvious challenges, business is booming in Milford – a great retail location offering so much to the discerning shopper on so many levels.

Kalpit Modi, Greg Arnold, Dominic Hoeft, Roweena Dooley, Cherry Bi, Jessa Etang, Charlotte McGill, Kat Wade, Jamie Pinn, Anna Partington

Mike Kitching, Kalpit Modi, Anna Partington

Jamie Pinn, Jamie Beals

Greg Arnold

Birgit Omenitz, Arlene Cervantes

Michaela Longstaff, Gerry Wilson, Anna An, John Murray

Lizzy Wangford, Louise Benson, Henry Barfoot, Greg Arnold, Praveen Deo, Murray Hill

Christina Smith, Tony Sands

North Harbour Club for breakfast and lunch!

The North Harbour Club’s events continue to be popular, with two sell-out dates this autumn. All Blacks' mental skills guru Gilbert Enoka was the guest speaker at the North Harbour Club Lexus of North Shore long lunch held at North Harbour Stadium. The event was MC’d by Jim Kayes and included chats with AIMES Award recipient and Commonwealth Games diver Maggie Squire, AIMES Award alumni Moses MacKay of Sol3Mio and club ambassador Ian Jones. Gilbert Enoka’s presentation was superb, as was an impromptu performance by Moses MacKay. Ian Jones also joined Gilbert Enoka for a panel discussion with MC Jim Kayes. A charity auction conducted by Andrew North raised valuable funds for the club that rewards excellence in our young people through the annual AIMES Awards programme.

Political media man Matthew Hooton was the guest speaker at the North Harbour Club Business Excellence Network (BEN) Breakfast held at Regatta Bar & Eatery on Tuesday 9 May. As usual, Matthew proved to be very direct and thoughtprovoking in his commentary, particularly on what he sees happening come election time in October. These breakfasts are a great way to start the day and are sponsored by Schnauer and Co Lawyers, BDO, Westpac and Continental Cars BMW, as well as Regatta Bar & Eatery.

Andrew North Mike Atkinson Gilbert Enoka

Matthew Hooton

Maggie Squire and Jim Kayes

Lloyd Kirby, Bev Adair

Ian Jones, Gilbert Enoka, Jim Kayes

Chris Tunbridge, Jim Kayes, Mark Manihera

Steve Marshall, Bob Jago

Gilbert Enoka, Jim Iverson, Carrie George and Richard Penberthy

Moses McKay and Jim Kayes

Maggie Squire, Sue Kohn-Taylor, Moses McKay

Divya Pahwa, Amber McKnight, Geoff Wilson, Matthew Hooton, Andrew Hill, Jo-Anne Thomas

Glen and Abbie Cossey, Mitchell Rooney, Trina Newby, Gillian and Chris Steven Greg Frittelli

Breakfast with BRAD OLSEN - CEO & Principal Economist at Infometrics

Networking and knowledge at NeXt quiz night

Young leaders converged at Smales Farm on Thursday 18 May for the latest North Harbour Club NeXt event.

The competitive nature of the Club's under 40-yearold NeXt members came to the fore as attendees jostled for prizes at the ‘Believe it or Not’ quiz. Kicking the evening off with a game of ‘Last Person Standing’, it only took four questions to determine the winner with Cameron Brown from Alvarium winning a box of chocolates for his efforts.

Plenty of fun, and occasional attempted cheating, ensued from the 12 teams of six, with quizmaster Erin Marmont, North Harbour Club General Manager, holding off attempts at bribery and managing to maintain an admirable poker face.

“Everyone had an awesome evening, with a lot of laughs, " said Erin. "Our goal is to spread awareness among rangatahi in the region of the amazing networking opportunities of being a NeXt member of the North Harbour Club."

ANZ teams triumphed with team ‘Kanesaw’ winning with a whopping 81 points, closely followed by a second ANZ team only five points behind. A $600 Fantail & Turtle meal/beer voucher was awarded to the winners.

All 72 attendees vouched that the quiz night was hit, securing the event for 2024. Erin thanked sponsors Smales Farm, MSC Consulting Engineers, RSM NZ, ANZ, Simpson Western, and Fantail & Turtle, adding, "Our NeXt Leaders are going to take the club into the future, and we are committed to supporting them with events such as this.

"I'm sure these teams and more will be back next year. They'll no doubt relish the chance to give ANZ a run for their money next time around!"

Get in touch today:

aucklandfoundation.org.nz

info@aucklandfoundation.org.nz

We envisage a future where every Tāmaki Makaurau community is strong and thriving.

By making it easy for donors to support causes they care about, we aim to inspire & unlock a movement of impactful giving.

Winning ANZ team

Third place was the Nexia team

Mixed runners-up team of ANZ and Quartz Wealth

Team Alvarium won 'the closest answer to a difficult question'

OPEN DAY

WE’RE OPENING OUR DOORS FOR GLOBAL WELLNESS DAY SATURDAY JUNE 10TH

ICEMUNITY Baths onsite 12-3pm

Group Fitness ClassesBODYBALANCE Release 100

3D Fit Scanning

Personal Training - movement screening & programming advice

Deep Tissue Massage and Sports Massages

Specialized therapists on-site - Physiotherapy, Chiropractor, Nutritionist

Lete Activewear

Pita Pit

Arepa Brain Drinks 12-3pm

Street Organics

Les Mills Takapuna wishes to invite you to our Open Day on Saturday June 10th to celebrate Global Wellness Day and to feature BODYBALANCE Release 100.

In support of Global Wellness and to support our local community we have secured some amazing partners and also will be providing some unique health, fitness and wellbeing services and experiences.

For all inquiries please contact our reception. We look forward to sharing this day with you and your family.

*** Please note that ALL BOOKINGS for Massage/Sessions/workshops/Ice Baths ON THE DAY ONLY!

Professional youth musical theatre training on the Shore

Back in 2018, Auckland Performing Arts Academy was launched by co-founders Lesley Fifield and Alan Brash, after they noticed pent-up demand for more opportunities for young people to take part in musical theatre on the North Shore.

APAA now produces two fully-licensed musicals a year, usually performed at the ASB Waterfront Theatre in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter. The first show was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 2019, and since then the company has gone from strength to strength, with audiences and student registrations growing year-on-year –overcoming enormous challenges from Covid-19 along the way. Their second show was The Addams Family, followed by The Sound of Music, High School Musical, Cats, and Grease (and Grease Young@Part). Now more than one hundred 7-22 year-olds take part in APAA’s productions, which represent the culmination of two terms’ worth of rehearsals and training.

From its base in Mairangi Bay, APAA runs weekly training classes for students in its Broadway programme, where they’re taught dancing, singing and acting skills. These sessions run parallel to show rehearsals, with students working with industry professionals to learn skills that they can put into practice in the end-of-semester show.

In the first week of the July school holidays, APAA is presenting Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of the classic Jack Black comedy, School of Rock. The six performances at Kristin School’s auditorium in Albany – from 7-9 July – will bring APAA’s family-friendly productions to the North Shore for the first time.

At a recent show camp, we asked some students about their APAA

experience. Several of them said that camp and show week were particular highlights of the semester, describing the bond they felt with other cast members before the curtain went up on opening night, and the emotions of the final curtain call on closing night. The feeling of seeing all their hard work come together during dress rehearsals also stood out. Others mentioned their sense of a diverse but unified community; being among others who had the same passion for performing on-stage, and the strong friendships they made along the way.

Others spoke about what they’d learned during the training sessions, whether it was improving their skills across different dance styles (useful for those who come into APAA as singers or actors rather than trained dancers), character development skills, improvisation, projection, songwriting, or how to pull off a convincing American accent.

Finally, they talked about how APAA had helped their confidence grow, empowered them to be vulnerable, supported them when they were struggling with pre-show nerves, and taught them to stay in character no matter what happened on-stage so that 'the show can go on'. But perhaps their views were best summarised by a student who, when asked what she most got out of APAA, simply said, “We get to do what we love.” At the end of the day, it’s hard to argue with that!

For more information go to apaa.nz, email info@apaa.nz or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

Tickets for School of Rock are now on sale via iTICKET.co.nz. Book now and use the code CHANNEL at the checkout to receive 10% off ticket prices. Great holiday entertainment the whole family can enjoy!

Cats

High School Musical

Photo credit: Michael Smith, fotonz.com

Grease - Young@Part

A symphony of music events

Prepare to be serenaded this month, with many different musical events to pick from!

North Shore Performing Arts kicks things off with its annual Becroft Aria competition on King’s Birthday Weekend, with the much-anticipated Piano Concerto final and Becroft Aria final, both on Monday 5 June.

Gracing our stage again on Sunday 18 June is North Shore Concert Band playing soundtracks and stories behind the mask in its new concert: Heroes and Villains.

Orchestrated Events is presenting a feast of musical delights over four days, including:

• Mikey Videotape, 8 June, 8pm. Progressive pop music

• Taylor Swift Tribute, 9 June, 7:30pm. An acoustic concert

• Songs & Dances, 10 June, 2pm. The music of Chopin

• Hits of the Crooners, 10 June, 7:30pm. A tribute to Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, & more!

• An Evening of Beautiful Music, 11 June, 5pm. Classical piano and violin

The next creative to feature in our 2023 Creative Talks lineup is Emma Bishop, an award-winning arts practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in performance, musical theatre, acting, singing, events and education. Come and enjoy this chat on Monday 19 June. Free entry!

We are thrilled that Tim Bray Theatre Company is bringing to life 'The Magic Faraway Tree' on our stage from 24 June – 15 July. Don’t miss this fantastical story by one of the world’s best-selling authors, Enid Blyton, adapted for the stage by Tim Bray. Based on four books in The Enchanted Wood series, this wonderful show will enchant from the first minute to the last.

Do you like puzzles? 'An Unseasonable Fall of Snow' is a tense, psychological thriller by acclaimed New Zealand playwright Gary Henderson. A bewildered young man is questioned by a ruthless interrogator who circles like a predator, forcing him closer and closer to an awful admission. Foolish Wit Theatre presents this thrilling show from 27 June – 2 July.

Sneak peek into July: .co.nz by Mark Wilson, 11-15 July. Embark on a transformative journey this Matariki. Free event, bookings essential. Witness For The Prosecution, 20-30 July. Celebrating 10 years of midwinter mysteries by Agatha Christie.

See you at the theatre soon!

Ngā manaakitanga, James Bell

BOOKINGS: 09 489 8360 or pumphouse.co.nz

Come gallery hopping this June!

June is the perfect time to go gallery hopping and we have two unique exhibitions this month that are sure to make you walk away grateful that you came. Our recording studios are also looking super cozy for the winter months, so if you're in a band and want to practise or record, come and visit.

Depot Artspace

SOUTH-VERSED 23, 3-28 June

Experience the unique perspectives of ten talented artists from South Auckland in their exhibition 'SouthVersed'. Through their work, they capture the essence of South Auckland's communities while also bridging what connects us all as human beings. The artists are excited to share their work with the North Shore community, inviting everyone to experience the creativity and resilience of contemporary artists from the region.

Mimicry, 3-27 June

Discover the sculptural and photographic works by Dayle Palfreyman and Nicholas Males in this exhibition. Their artworks explore experiential and social connections evoked by specific objects and arrangements in an art environment. Palfreyman ventures into themes of power, desire and identity through mainly metal and beeswax creations, while Males presents an interactive piece inspired by office life mundanities and his interactions within environments.

Don’t miss out on these incredible shows - be sure to visit our gallery before the month ends!

Depot Sound

Judging is underway for our North Shore schools' songwriting competition. We’ll be announcing the winners later in June, so keep an eye on our website and socials. Our recording studios are bustling, but there will be plenty of room for more sessions this winter. Make your booking by visiting depot.org.nz/sound today.

Visit our website and sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with all things Depot! depot.org.nz

News from The PumpHouse from James Bell

Depot with Amy Saunders

2 to 3 tomatoes

5 carrots (keep stems for oil)

1/2 broccoli

1 pepper (any colour)

3 thyme sticks

2 rosemary sticks

1 onion

Ingredients

1 garlic head

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

200ml vegetable stock depending on the moisture content of chosen vegetables

100ml cream

Vegetable velouté with carrot stem green oil swirl

A warm winter recipe that is super simple to make plus all the vegetables are indicative (apart from the carrots!), so you can use the velouté as an opportunity to empty your fridge. We love this recipe!

WMF is a leading international supplier of top quality, functional and innovative products for the kitchen and table and has been manufacturing in Germany for over 150 years. We absolutely love the look and quality of their products and in making the dish below, we use their fantastic mixing bowls, oven tray and superb knives, plus their salt and pepper grinders for seasoning and their new oil bottles, which are such good quality. Check out our WMF sale on specific items starting in June at Home Essentials.

Method

For velouté:

1. On a baking tray (WMF ones are the best!) place the vegetables and layer with olive oil before roasting them in a preheated oven at 170c for 35-40mins.

2. When roasted take out the aromatic sticks and add all to a blender with vegetable stock.

3. When blended add the cream and pulse to mix.

4. Serve in a bowl.

For the carrot stems green oil to swirl in the velouté when serving

5 carrot stems

1 cup parsley

200ml avocado oil or similar

For carrot stem green oil:

5. With a blender, mix the carrot stems with the parsley and the avocado oil for 5 mins.

6. When emulsified pour on top of a piece of kitchen paper on top of a bowl to filter (can be made the night before for best results).

7. Use the oil on top of the velouté as a flavour swirl to add colour to your dish and voila!

Recipe

by WMF

Fika With Me – new kid on the hospo block

Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats to owner and head chef, Deepak Anand about his fabulous eatery in Birkenhead.

Life is too short for bad brunches and boring cafés, and Fika With Me certainly does neither! Deepak exudes boundless pride and energy when it comes to both food and service, enthusiasm which shines through every aspect of his awesome café in Birkenhead.

Liz Cannon: 'Fika With Me' – what a fantastic, yet curious name! What does it mean?

Deepak Anand: The café was originally named after the Swedish concept or culture of ‘fika’, which means to take a break, have coffee and eat snacks with loved ones. It’s a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. When I took over the café in April 2022, in line with the name, my aim was to create a space where people could relax and escape from their busy lives, or catch up with family and friends, while enjoying good food. The simple things in life, done well, are always the best!

What's your background, and how did you find a passion for cooking?

My approach to food is largely influenced by my Fiji-Indian heritage. My ancestors were simple farmers from India who made use of whatever they had to feed the family. Growing up, I had a food was

mostly garden-to-plate. I moved to Auckland ten years ago to study; this opened wider horizons and my passion for food grew. Learning about different techniques used in other parts of the world intrigued me and allowed me to express myself in a creative way. I could take a single ingredient and use multiple methods to create a different flavour each time, and that really excited me.

What inspired you to open your own café?

There is already a vibrant food culture in Birkenhead and across the North Shore, and I want my café to bring personal twists to the culinary scene. Fika With Me has allowed me the freedom to experiment and introduce my own recipes. It’s still a learning process and I've learned a lot about the business side of things too – there have been many stressful days! The best part is getting to know people; sharing stories with customers, meeting suppliers and working with my amazing team. It's the people around me who have made the journey worth it. The experience has been life-changing.

What are some of the popular items on the menu?

That’s a tough question because there are many, but certainly the masala hash is a crowd favourite. Beef cheeks served on homemade hash browns and poached eggs is also a top seller. For our vegan/vegetarian and more adventurous customers on the lookout to try new things, the cauliflower on toast is definitely worth a shot. You will also find café-style dishes such as french toast, big breakfast and chicken and waffles on the menu.

Fika With Me

5 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead 09 418 5508

instagram @fika_with_me facebook @fikawithmebirkenhead @fikawithme

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 8am-2.30pm Sat-Sun 8.30am-2.30pm

Deepak Anand

Scan the QR code with your mobile phone camera to see the full menu

Shore ON THE Eating Out

Here at Channel we're proud to support our local hospo businesses in our monthly eating out guide. Try somewhere new this month.

Devonport

Akdeniz Bar Cafe Restaurant

Offering Persian and Mediterranean cuisine in Devonport. 5/15 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 600 2125 akdenizdevonport.co.nz

Buona Sera Restaurant

Serving autentic Italian food since 2005 in the heart of Devonport. Great food comes from great ingredients. 99 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 8133 buonasera.co.nz

Cafe Hung Viet

Traditional flavours of Vietnamese cuisine brings authentic Hanoi meals to the North Shore.

101 Victoria Rd, Devonport. 09 446 3368 cafehungviet.co.nz

Calimero

Extensive authentic pizza range open seven days a week. Real pizza, great taste!

163 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 2232 calimerodevonport.booknorder.co.nz

Corellis

Great tasting home-style fare at a great price. 46 Victoria Road Devonport. 09 445 4151 corelliscafe.co.nz

DEVONPORT

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 calimero.co.nz for your favourite pizza or try something new. Pickup and delivery options available.

163 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 445 2232 calimero.co.nz

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Devonport Indian Hub - The Asian Eatery

The best of Indian and Asian fusion cuisine. 71 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 4263 devonportindianhub.co.nz

Devon on the Wharf

A little slice of heaven for tastes of Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine.

1 Queen's Parade, Devonport. 09 445 7012 devononthewharf.nz

Flying Rickshaw

Honest and simple authentic Indian cuisine. 97 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 7721 flyingrickshaw.co.nz

Khana on the Shore

Fresh, authentic Indian cuisine using the best fresh and natural ingredients.

161 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 1546 / 021 689 216. khana.co.nz

Manuka Cafe and Restaurant

Mediterranean inspired cuisine and friendly customer service. 49 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 7732 manukarestaurant.co.nz

Portofino Devonport

Very popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Devonport. 26 Victoria Rd, Devonport. 09 445 3777 portofinodevonport.co.nz

DEVONPORT

Khana

Khana serves fresh, authentic Indian food for the local community and visitors. Our menu offers a wide range of Indian specialties such as Butter Chicken, Goat Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh, Paneer Saag, Dal Tadka and many more. We use free range chicken, fresh hapuka, fresh vegetables and fresh spices. Curry bases and gravies are made in-house from natural ingredients and spices. Order easily through our online system for takeaways and delivery. We look forward to serving you.

161 Victoria Road, Devonport khana.devenport@gmail.com 09 445 1546 / 021 689 216 khana.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 signalhill.co.nz

The Kestrel

Extensive tap beer range, great NZ wines & cocktails and modern NZ pub food.

1/1 Queens Parade, Devonport Wharf. 09 445 1777 thekestrel.co.nz

The Patriot

Your Devonport Pub - owned by locals, for locals. 14 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 3010 thepatriot.co.nz

Vic Road Kitchen

Serving fresh, seasonal NZ produce in a rustic Mediterranean style. 57-59 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 9797 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 NZ and international wines. 53/55 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 445 0194 vicroadkitchen.co.nz

Vondel

Serving vegan and omni eats alongside small batch wine, beers and spirit drinks. 8 Victoria Road, Devonport. 09 446 6444 vondel.co.nz

DEVONPORT

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

vondel.co.nz

instagram Instagram @vondel_akl facebook facebook.com/vondelakl

Belmont/Bayswater

Daily Bread

Freshly baked loaves and perfect pastries made fresh every day. Available in store and for deliveries.

43 Eversleigh Road, Belmont. dailybread.co.nz

Toni's Italian Pizzeria

Traditional, handmade, authentic and fresh. 167 Lake Road, Belmont. 09 962 6693 tonispizzeria.co.nz

XO Takapuna

Asian skewers and street style food, tasty cocktails and boutique liqueurs, all with impeccable service and style. 333 Lake Road, Bayswater. 09 486 0003 xotakapuna.com

Takapuna

8848 Restaurant & Bar

Authentic Nepalese and Indian cuisine in the heart of Takapuna. 17 Huron Street, Takapuna. 09 489 9911 8848indiancuisine.co.nz

Alforno Italian Restaurant

Delicious Italian and Mediterranean food cooked with passion. 34 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 488-0179 alforno.co.nz

Aubergine Restaurant

Premium European and Mediterranean style dining

129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 3104 aubergine.co.nz

Big Tikka

Indian cuisine using bold flavours & reinterpreting classic dishes in a contemporary way.

458 Lake Road, Takapuna. 09 974 2241 bigtikka.co.nz

Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar

A popular Italian eatery, serving Takapuna for over 27 years Anzac Street, Takapuna. 021 910 999 botticelli.co.nz

Burger Burger

Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 390 5348. burgerburger.co.nz

Catch 21 Eatery

Serving exceptional coffee, staple café offerings and fine seafood. 33 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 484 0005 catch21.co.nz

Catnapper Arms

A favourite local with great food and great daily specials

136 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 6330 catnapperarms.co.nz

Dantes Pizza & Casa Pasta

Wood fired pizzas and sensational pasta in the heart of Taka! Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 3668. dantes.co.nz

El Humero

Traditional Colombian-style barbecue restaurant - yum! Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 9973. elhumero.co.nz

Florrie McGreals Irish Pub

The best place in Takapuna to have a beer, meet old friends or make new ones. Great food as well!

138 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 486 6330 florriemcgreals.co.nz

Flourish Café

Coffee with a conscience, service with a smile! Help Project Employ trainees fulfil their goal of gaining employment.

19 Como Street, BDO Towers, Takapuna. 09 489 2266 projectemploy.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 joylab.co.nz/francs

French Rendez-Vous

French bistro-creperie serving delicious traditional French favourites, gluten free galettes and sweet crêpes. 2a Maurere Ave, Takapuna (next to The PumpHouse). 09 487 0009 french-rendez-vous-caferestaurant.business.site

Nanam

Relaxed, warm dining experience showcasing Filipino flavours. 178 Hurtsmere Road, Takapuna. 09 488 9976 nanam.co.nz

Portofino Takapuna

Serving Takapuna with hearty, happy Italian meals. 132 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 948 2251 portofino.co.nz/takapuna

DEVONPORT

Devonport Indian Hub

Classic Indian and Asian fusion cuisine. Be welcomed by owner Kushal and chef Bikram when you arrive at this friendly new restaurant. As a service-orientated establishment, we love meeting and getting to know our guests and are happy to answer any questions. With over 20 years' experience providing authentic Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine, we love sharing our exquisite meals - allow yourself to be enveloped by aromatic spices, pure meats, and homemade naan and lassi.

Open 7 days a week, 11am-9.30pm

71 Victoria Road, Devonport devonportindianhubnz@gmail.com devonportindianhub.co.nz

09 445 4263

Daily Bread

Daily Bread's freshly baked loaves and perfect pastries are made every morning at this Belmont outpost where the sitdown menu, petanque court and kids' playground give locals even more reason to visit.

If you don't feel like venturing out, try the delivery option where you can have baked goods delivered the next day.

dailybread.co.nz

43 Eversleigh Road, Belmont 7am - 3pm daily hello@dailybread.co.nz instagram.com/ dailybreadnz/

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 joylab.co.nz/regatta

Sakebar Nippon

Traditional Japanese (Isakaya style) cuisine in a lively fun setting to experience the sites and sounds of busy Japan! 32 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 486 2249 sakebar.co.nz

Taylors on Hurstmere

Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar. 168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 9510 taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz

The Elephant Wrestler

Larger than life local in the heart of Taka with outdoor courtyard. Selection of crafty beverages and food that’s undeniably Kiwi. 138 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 8030 joylab.co.nz/elephant-wrestler

Tok Tok Kitchen

Busy, unique restaurant with Asian fusion cuisine near the beach. 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna. 09 489 3988 toktok.co.nz

Tokyo Bay

Modern Japanese cuisine by experienced sushi master Chikara Sato, a ‘fugu’ blowfish licensed sushi chef. Main Beach, The Strand, Takapuna. 09 390 7188 tokyobay.co.nz

Winner Winner Takapuna

Healthy, fast, fresh dinners or lunches with yummy chicken a focus! 16 Anzac Street, Takapuna. 09 486 0755 winnerwinner.co.nz

Smales Farm, Takapuna

Fantail & Turtle

Popular bar and eatery with alfresco vibe and great food! Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 486 0644 fantailandturtle.co.nz

Shake Out

Serving a highly addictive menu of burgers, sides, shakes and sundaes – fast.

Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 489 8223 shakeout.co

French Rendez-Vous

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

Next to The PumpHouse, Takapuna 09 487 0009

Soho Thai

The art of traditional Thai cooking giving a modern twist. Goodside at Smales Farm. 09 972 2711 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 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. 09 480 9502 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 clarencerdeatery.nz

Northcote Tavern

One of the best places for pub food on the Shore!

37 Queen Street, Northcote Point. 09 480 7707 northcotetavern.co.nz

Birkenhead

Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano

Authentic Italian cuisine as warm as the Mediterranean sun.

13 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 09 418 4202 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 bbc.kiwi

Blitza Pizza

Authentic Italian pizzas and mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine.

9 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 5006 blitzapizza.co.nz

TAKAPUNA

Catch 21 Eatery

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

catch21.co.nz/menu

Burrito House

Passionate about providing delicious, high-quality Mexican food.

17 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 2095 burritohouse.co.nz

Chef Rasa Sayang

Finest authentic Malaysian food.

25 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 419 9788

DIT

Dutch Bistro Located in Birkenhead.

3 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 0274613898 ditisit.co.nz

Fika With Me

Cosy café serving funky, flavourful Findian-inspired food.

5 Birkenhead Avenue, 09 418 5508, @fikawithme

Jose's Cantina

Jose's Mexican food is compulsive and the margaritas are addictive.

12-14 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 218 6162 josescantina.co.nz

Moxie Restaurant

A much-loved restaurant serving modern cuisine, setting high standards at Birkenhead Point.

82 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead Point. 09 419 9082 moxierestaurant.co.nz

Mulan Malaysian Restaurant

Authentic flavours of South East Asia, home-style Malaysian cuisine.

243 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead. 09 480 2806 mulan.co.nz

Primerose Thai Cuisine

Traditional Thai dishes with excellent aroma, flavour and taste.

6 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 0555 primerosethaicuisine.co.nz

Real Burger

Best burgers on the Shore, plus fries and chicken options too. Tasty, good, real.

30 Birkenhead Ave, Birkenhead. 021 085 95485 realburger.site

Tasty Tiny Thai Restaurant

Unique Thai experience with authentic dishes bursting with flavour.

52d Mokoia Road, Birkenhead. 09 418 4999 tastytinythai.co.nz

Thai Yum Food Hut

Authentic Thai food in Birkenhead. 23 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 6799 thaiyum.net.nz

The Curry Master

Experience Indian food at it’s finest. 18 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 7211 thecurrymaster.co.nz/birkenhead

The Good Home

Honest homestyle cooking at its best. 83 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. 09 480 0066 thegoodhomebirkenhead.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 anokha.co.nz

Bunty's Burgers

NEW! Gourmet burger bar specialising in smash, chicken and veggie burgers.

89 Kitchener Road, Milford. 09 486 5711

Cave À Vin

Natural wines and food to share – locals love this place! 146 Kitchener Rd, Milford caveavin.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

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 jazzys.net

Kara Coffee & Store

Delicious coffee and treats to dine in or take away. 111 Kitchener Rd, Milford. 09 486 7574

La Mexicana

Traditional taqueria using in house-made, freshly baked corn tortillas. 13 Shakespeare Road, Milford. 09 282 0392. lamexicana.co.nz

Flourish Café

Flourish Café provides training and work experience for young adults with learning differences. When you order your favourite coffee and choose from our delicious, fresh cabinet food, you will always be served with a smile. Support our trainee’s by coming into Flourish Café. Catering available.

19 Como Street, BDO Towers, Takapuna

7am–3pm, Monday – Friday

09 489 2266

instagram flourish.takapuna /projectemploynz

CATCH 21 EATERY

facebook Flourish Café

/Project Employ projectemploy.nz

Taylors on Hurstmere

Yellow Hour

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV

$85 per bottle between 5-7pm daily

Takapuna's friendliest little wine and tapas bar and everyone's favourite local just around the corner from the Bruce Mason Theatre. Perfect for private parties, no venue hire! Shows are back on at the Bruce Mason Centre.

Veuve Clicquot happy hour 5pm to 7pm $85 per bottle.

Mt Riley Wine Tasting Wednesday

June 28th

168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com

taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz

09 489 9510

Licenced Eatery

SHOREWIDE

Your Catering

Owner/operator Paul has been catering for hospitality events across the North Shore and beyond for 25 years. A wide range of menus and options are available to suit all occasions, events, functions, dietary requirements and budgets. Set menus or bespoke packages available. All menus are handpicked, sourcing the best, freshest local ingredients. Full service provided: preparation, cooking, presentation, serving and clearing away, leaving you and your guests to enjoy your event!

Call Paul on 021 214 2095 or email yourcatering.nz@gmail.com yourcatering.co.nz for full range of menus.

SMALESFARM ,

Fantail & Turtle

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 fantailandturtle.co.nz instagram fantailandturtle

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 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 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 pymsofmilford.com

Scrunchy Millers Ice Cream

Insanely good real fruit ice creams, frozen yoghurt plus dairy free / GF options.

1 Shakespeare Road, Milford. 021 129 8854 www.scrunchymillers.com

Soy & Ginger

Sushi and Asian fusion for dine in and take away. 85 Kitchener Road, Milford. 09 947 6324. soyandginger.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 stanleyavenue.co.nz

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 talaythai.co.nz

The Hub Milford Bar & Grill

Eat, drink and play at your local with live music on Friday nights. 145 Kitchener Road, Milford. 09 489 4480. thehubmilford.nz

Tokki

Modern Korean restaurant in the heart of Milford, inviting customers to enjoy a Korean taste palette adventure like no other. 87 Kitchener Road, Milford. 09 488 0888 tokki.co.nz

BIRKENHEAD

Fika with Me

If you need a reason to visit Birkenhead, you’ve found it! This cosy café, located at 5 Birkenhead Ave has a funky menu serving Altura coffee. Chef-owner Deepak, originally from Fiji, has designed the dishes to include flavours inspired from his own heritage. If you’re in the mood to try something unique, this is the place to be. Open six days a week with plenty of parking. Call 094185508 to book a table.

Opening Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 8.00am-2.30pm

Sat, Sun 8.30am-2.30pm

5 Birkenhead Avenue instagram fika_with_me facebook fikawithmebirkenhead @fikawithme

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 themilford.co.nz

East Coast Bays

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 21days.co.nz

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 elgreco.co.nz

Montrose Cafe, Bistro & Bar

A Mairangi Bay local known for consistently good food and hospitality!

1 Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay. 09 478 9610 montrose.org.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 papermoon.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 laspiaggia.co.nz

Shore Wide

Your Catering

Catering for all occasions and all requirements across the Shore.

Call Paul on 021 214 2095 yourcatering.co.nz

Bunty's Burgers

Bunty’s specialises in smash burgers, in-house smoked pork and beef brisket burgers, and fried chicken. Pair your burger with a delicious range of sides, bites & salads, including plenty of gluten free & vegetarian 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 Tuesdays from 5pm, Wednesday – Friday from 4pm and Saturday and Sunday from midday

89 Kitchener Rd, Milford buntys.co.nz

1 June - 31 July 2023

Major prize: Return flights for two adults 7 nights accommodation at Sofitel Fiji all transfers, daily breakfasts & more!

Extra prizes: $1000 Shore City Shopping Spree + bonus prizes!

Takapuna’s top five hearty meals

As the temperature drops in Auckland, it’s time to say goodbye to summer salads and hello to some seriously delicious comfort food. We’ve scoured the best restaurants to come up with five hearty meals that will leave you feeling more than suitably satiated.

Whole Prawn Papardelle Pasta at Catch 21

Known for its relaxed atmosphere and groovy nautical-themed vibe, Catch 21 Eatery is the place for seafood aficionados to tuck into a good hearty lunch. Their new menu is out now, and we can highly recommend the rich flavours of the Whole Prawn Pappardelle Pasta, featuring juicy black tiger prawns, shallots, chilli, garlic and fresh herbs in a crayfish bisque base. Indulge in this perfect carb and protein combo!

Fried Chicken 'n' Waffles at Franc’s Bar & Diner

Treat yourself to a decadent brunch to keep you going throughout the day at Franc’s Bar & Diner. Who could resist sampling the Fried Chicken ‘n’ Waffles? Featuring bacon, black pepper maple syrup, burnt lemon and salted caramel cream. It's delectable! And don’t forget to bring the kids for a little Franc’s feast, while soaking up the relaxed vibe and glorious views of beautiful Takapuna Beach.

Roast Chicken ‘Sinigang’ at Nanam

Nothing beats the humble roast chook for a hearty meal. Switch it up with a modern Asian twist from the expert chefs at Nanam, masters of delicious Filipino cuisine. Their Roast Chicken 'Sinigang' rubbed with tamarind and served with watercress purée and tomato salsa is the longest-running dish on the menu, and for good reason. Those sweet and tangy flavours are truly spectacular, and the presentation is in a class of its own. Perfect winter dining!

Lentil Soup at Sam’s Mediterranean Eatery

Look no further than Sam’s Mediterranean Eatery for delicious and authentic cuisine. Sam's showcases the best Middle Eastern cooking with big, hearty dishes bursting with flavour. We couldn’t go past the deliciously smooth Turkish-style Golden Lentil Soup to warm the belly and ignite the tastebuds. Pair it with delicious homemade hummus on Turkish bread. Sensational!

Filetto Aglio at Al Forno

Rich, tasty, comfort food from the heart of Italy is always on the menu at Al Forno, with a warm and inviting atmosphere, and mouthwatering handcrafted pasta and authentic Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Meat lovers will adore the rich flavours of the Filetto Aglio, featuring prime Angus beef eye fillet, served with roast potatoes and vegetables, topped off with a delicious white wine and parsley sauce. Simply the best!

To get your tastebuds tingling, check out these places and more around Takapuna in our online directory: ilovetakapuna.co.nz/directory/eat-and-drink

Like and Follow @ilovetakapuna on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all things Takapuna!

By Jane and Jeremy Bain, franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna

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 makes 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 the 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. 09 486 3355 takapuna@packsend.co.nz and let them make sending easy.

Self-publishing success for Shore author

North Shore author Christopher Parker is pleased to have gone down the path of self-publishing, with his novel The Lighthouse achieving local and international success.

"Writing the book had been a tenyear process, but the thought that I might one day walk into a bookstore and see my book sitting on the shelf kept me going," says Christopher. "Earning a spot on that shelf is pretty difficult, even more so when you’ve made the choice to self-publish."

Keen to achieve this dream, Takapuna resident Christopher took action. He charts his journey of self-publishing on the Shore with the help of Channel's publishing company, Benefitz.

"Self-publishing... it’s a fraught term. Without a publisher behind you, it’s incumbent on you to make things happen. So how did I ensure my book didn’t become another statistic? First, I opted to make it dirt cheap: 99c. I viewed this low-price strategy as a means to an end. It encouraged a good number of sales and generated some precious ratings and reviews.

"Fast forward 18 months, and the book has sold over 30,000 copies, has over 3000 ratings and 200 reviews, and is stocked in over 200 libraries, mostly in the United States."

But despite the success, Christopher knew something was missing. "I still hadn’t seen my book in a store," he says. "Was it really ‘good enough’ to warrant a spot alongside the ‘proper books’? I was

determined to prove it was."

He tried "a PR blitz" in October 2021, during Delta lockdown, then took a chance on Paper Plus. "Having frequented my local Takapuna Paper Plus many times, I knew who the manager was," he says. "To his credit, he patiently listened as I blabbered on about how many copies I’d sold, and he agreed to give it a shot.

"I had only done a small print run of 200 copies, with Benefitz, and I only stood to make a few bucks, but that was hardly the point. I returned to Paper Plus later that day with a dozen books, which the manager stacked on the front table, between Lee Child and Danielle Steele. Mission accomplished."

Since then, sales have soared. Stores across the country, including Whitcoulls, now stock the novel. "By December 2022, I had sold enough copies to scrape into the Top 10 charts," says Christopher, now on his third print run and with a bedroom as a storage unit.

"Am I making any money? Not much. Publishing is a tough business, only really viable at higher volumes. But as a writer who has self-published his own story, nothing tops the feeling you get when you get a message from a reader saying they popped into their local bookstore, picked up a copy, read it not once but twice, and now are sharing it around their family. That alone is worth its weight in gold."

christopherparker.com

Christopher Parker

the

#supportlocal

THE SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

Keep warm and comfy!

34 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 486 2679 thesheepskinfactory.co.nz

9-5pm Mon - Sat, 10-5pm Sundays

WALLACE COTTON

Create cosy cocoons for restful slumber this winter with soft and snuggly flannel bedding. Made from brushed cotton flannel in a range of colours and patterns designed with love to suit everyone in your home.

Discover the Akaroa collection of duvet cover sets, sheets and pillowcases in store at 156 Hurstmere Road. 156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, 09 551 7767 wallacecotton.com

CRAVEHOME

New season rain jackets in great winter colours and awesome weekend luggage now in store, ready for your wet weather getaways!

30 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead 09 419 9535 cravehome.co.nz

SHORE PHOTO GIFTS

Perfect gifts for friends and family. Check out our other amazing photo gift ideas at: shorephotogifts.co.nz

JUST JEANS - GLENFIELD MALL

The Fallon trench coat is a wardrobe staple, pair with jeans and boots for a classic stylish look.

Glenfield Mall, Level 3 09 443 2654 justjeans.co.nz

SPERO CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR

Keep warm with the puff piece Curate by Trelise Cooper 19 Mokoia Rd, Birkenhead 09 419 9781 spero.co.nz

FLORIENNE

Cymbidium season has started. Enjoy long lasting winter beauties like these ones in our popular ‘Cappuccino’ bouquet.

60A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6438 florienne.co.nz

FITZGERALD TAYLOR

Boutique stationer, home of a thoughtfully curated selection of fine stationery. New in store: Fountain pens and inks from The Sailor Pen Company of Japan. Shop 2, 2 Queens Parade, Devonport fitzgeraldtaylor.co.nz

FIESTA BALLOONS

Commercial balloon installations are a perfect way to promote your business. Ideal for store openings, business milestones, sales and more.

June offer: All North Shore businesses receive 10% discount on commercial installs. Just get in touch! 09 214 9745

info@fiestadesign.co.nz

G1/10 Auburn Street, Takapuna

www.fiestadesign.co.nz

facebook @FiestaDesignNZ instagram @fiestaballoonsnz

CITY HALL

New is here... Effortlessly cool winter pieces from one of our favourite brands, Sophie, including the cosiest wool blend 'Hugs' coat. 406 Lake Rd, Takapuna 09 394 2954 @cityhall.store cityhall.store

the

#supportlocal

YARNTONS

Glerups are sustainable functional footwear from an environmentally conscious brand.

18 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead 09 418 4011

9 Victoria Road, Devonport 09 445 3479

yarntons.co.nz

SHORE PHOTO GIFTS

Perfect gifts for friends and family. Check out our other amazing photo gift ideas at: shorephotogifts.co.nz

COSI FAN TUTTE

New season's The Shanty Corporation now in store at Cosi Fan Tutte. 73 Victoria Road, Devonport, 021 247 2469 cosifantutte.co.nz instagram @cosifantutte_devonport

RESENE COLORSHOP

Breathe easily indoors and beautify your home with Kiwi-made Resene Zylone Sheen Zero. It’s low odour, Environmental Choice and Sensitive Choice approved, making it ideal for a fresh new look on your living room and bedroom walls. With no added VOCs, it's available in a huge range of Resene colours.

1 Auburn St, Takapuna 09 489 1540

2 Tawa Drive, Albany 09 414 6500

8 Croftfield Lane, Wairau Park 09 444 4387

#Gramworthy

Our round-up of posts from local businesses on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Michelle from @wallacecotton

Wallace Cotton is a much-loved New Zealand bed linen and homewares business proudly based on the Shore. Founded in 2006, it has become known for its high quality and ethically produced bedding, sleepwear and homeware products. With a commitment to sustainability and unique designs, the company has built a loyal following of customers worldwide who value its reassuring blend of quality and conscience. We chat to Wallace Cotton’s in-house stylist, Michelle, about all things social media.

Is Instagram a source of inspiration for Wallace Cotton? Who do you recommend following and why?

As Wallace Cotton’s in-house stylist, I can say that Instagram is definitely a source of inspiration for us. We love to see how our customers are using our products in their homes and get new and creative ways to style our pieces. As a stylist, I also follow other interior designers, influencers and brands in the home décor and furniture space to stay up-to-date with industry trends. I follow so many but my top three would have to be @eyeswoon (Athena Calderone), @jakearnold and @clementsdesign. Oh! And you also can’t forget @archdigest for amazing celebrity home tours!

Which other local businesses/artists do social media well?

There are so many local businesses and artists that do social media well. There is no shortage of creative energy in our beautiful country. @jesssingh is great for New Zealand reno inspiration, @twill interiors is a beautiful interior design company based in Mt Maunganui, and @tanyablong is my favourite Kiwi artist. I love her choice of colour in her figurative work, @gemmachapman is a commercial and residential designer based in the Bay of Plenty.

What’s next for Wallace Cotton? What can people expect to see on the gram? Our social media channels, particularly Instagram, are the go-to place for customers to stay updated on the latest promotions, discounts and new product releases. As a visual team, we love to share our stunning imagery to provide inspiration for our followers. I have also curated a list of practical styling tips and tricks over my career help people create warm, welcoming and stylish homes. Looking ahead, people can expect to see even more of the same great content on our gram, with an emphasis on showcasing new product launches, behind-the-scenes glimpses of our design processes, and helpful advice. Our goal is to continue to inspire and delight!

@wallacecotton • wallacecotton.com

Flagship store: 2-4 Parkway Drive, Rosedale, Auckland 0632

We’re big fans of Crave in Birkenhead and we can’t get enough of this leopard umbrella. A perfect winter treat, practical and stylish. @cravehome

These gorgeous necklaces caught our eye this month. Belloro has recently opened on Hurstmere Road and they stock beautiful European jewellery. @bellorofinejewellery

Cabinet food doesn’t get much better than at Major Tom in Rosedale. We love the look of these donuts! @majortomcafe

Michelle

FIFA World Cup champs choose the Shore

Bigger than the All Blacks? It’s difficult to fathom, but the reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions – the United States Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) – has a mass global following. Players are more famous than their male counterparts and some are even deemed more famous than the American president.

Touching down in Auckland in early July, the global megastars will be heading for the Shore, after the soccer juggernaut chose East Coast Bays AFC’s Bay City Park as their team base camp. They plumped for the Shore venue for the duration of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on 20 July.

So how did a local football club come to be selected to host the greatest female football team in the world, and what does it mean for the club and female football in the area?

East Coast Bays AFC President Roger Bridge says it’s the first time FIFA has used team base camps for the tournament. He recognises the opportunity brings enormous benefits for the club, including significant investment to upgrade club grounds and facilities, but it’s the spotlight on female sport that he hopes will be most impactful.

As for the selection process, Roger says it began two years ago, when FIFA representatives arrived to inspect clubs around Auckland. From there, a shortlist of 10 clubs was confirmed in September 2021.

“Our club was among

those shortlisted to undergo inspections to check fields and lighting, and then underwent further investigation to assess facility development requirements to meet FIFA tournament standards. This included fulfilling gender neutral requirements, as well as general building and maintenance standards.

Our club was among those shortlisted to undergo inspections to check fields and lighting, and then underwent further investigation to assess facility development requirements to meet FIFA tournament standards.

“In October last year, teams had an opportunity to come over to New Zealand and visit clubs in order to select their preferred options. We heard early on that our club was a preference for majority of teams and the current world champions would have first choice,” he says.

What was so special about the East Coast Bays AFC club? Roger understands that the club’s extensive lower fields were a major drawcard for teams, including USA.

“We assumed there would be interest in our main field on the top ground, which sits off our clubrooms. But it was the lower fields they were most impressed with due to the size and privacy, plus they liked the layout of our club’s facilities.”

players Olivia Buxton, Mallory Lear, Miya Stott, Isla Pringle, Sophie Keoghan, Sasha Drake and Alana Grootscholten

Club President Roger Bridge

With the world champions coming to the Bays, Roger says the club is awaiting news as to what opportunities there might be for the community to meet the players or watch a training. However, he suggests not to get any hopes up as there may be limited opportunity.

“Being the world champion, the USA team is here to win. So, for us, it means enabling the team to have full access to our club for the length of time they need it. In fact, there will be 24/7 security and the team will have ‘a village’ set up at the club, so they have access to everything they need, including a fully equipped gym. Only those authorised will be permitted to be on club grounds.

“As you can imagine, we have many excited female players. The enormity of the situation is not lost on them; their football heroes training on the grounds that most of them have grown up playing on,” says Roger.

Some of the club’s biggest USA fans can be found amongst the girls U15 team (pictured). With an American team member, Mallory Lear, the girls know just what a big deal the visiting team is. Speaking about the team’s pending arrival, the girls know the names of each player and also have a few favourites, including Alex Morgan who recently received her cap for 200 games.

“We’re just hoping we can meet them while they’re here, or can come and watch them train,” says Miya Stott, who is also working out how she too can play for the USA one day.

Roger says the club has focused on lifting female participation in football over the past five years, with numbers lifting significantly during that time.

“We’ve continued to adapt our programmes and introduced a popular

Fun Football Friday night programme so that girls can give football a go without having to give up their Saturday netball, for example. We now offer a development programme for our female players and have recently been approved to host a New Zealand Football Fantails Hub to help grow participation in girls’ football.”

Having FIFA team-hosting responsibilities has brought a major investment injection to the club. This includes upgrading its lower fields to FIFA standards, with new field lights, and having its changing rooms redesigned to be gender neutral. Roger says the investment by FIFA, New Zealand Football, Auckland Council (through the Sport and Recreation Fund) and the Lotteries Commission have made this possible and will see East Coast Bays AFC sporting some of the best facilities in New Zealand.

“This significant investment and the upgrades will be a legacy that will last for generations of footballers to come. We certainly know how lucky we are and a few months of disruption for our season’s games will be well worth it.”

Roger is an ex-footballer himself, starting out as a youngster with the East Coast Bays AFC in the 1970s, before going on to play in the USA himself. Returning home to New Zealand and to his club he held multiple volunteer roles including coach, convenor, board member, secretary, and vice president before stepping into the role of president earlier this year. With a daughter playing for the club’s top female team, Roger understands the pending excitement more than anyone and he hopes the spotlight on female football will encourage more females to give ‘the beautiful game’ a go.

“Our club is centred around making football as inclusive as possible,

Birkenhead says ‘buon giorno’!

It isn’t only East Coast Bays AFC that has the honour of hosting duties for the upcoming FIFA World Cup on the North Shore. Birkenhead United is saying ‘buon giorno’ to the team from Italy. Having the Italian team based at the club has brought Birkenhead AFC a $2.6 million makeover of its clubrooms ahead of hosting ‘Le Azzurre’ (The Blues).

Reigning FIFA World Cup Champions USA are heading for the Shore Photo - ussoccer.com

no matter what gender or age or ability,” Roger says. “Our local sponsors play a key role in lifting the support provided to our young players with New World Albany and New World Long Bay generously supporting our girls' programme and our mini-Bays programme, and Team Mitchell from Harcourts Cooper & Co supporting our junior grades.

“Whether a player, a volunteer or a spectator, we’ have a fantastic club community and we welcome anyone with an interest in joining our community to come along and support our home games.”

“While we may not be able to provide opportunities to meet the USA team,' he adds, "we aim to provide opportunities for the local community to come and check out the new upgrades to the club. Whichever team goes on to win this year’s FIFA World Cup, the North Shore has scored big here, with a legacy to benefit the community for many years to come.”

Did you know…

• The 2023 tournament will be single biggest women’s sporting event in history.

• A global audience of two billion is expected to watch (up from 1.12billion in 2019).

• 1.5 million people are expected to attend games.

• 32 teams are competing (up from 24 in 2019).

• Team USA has won four FIFA World Cups (1991, 1999, 2015 and 2019).

FIFA World Cup games

Group matches for New Zealand Football Ferns and USWNT:

• 20 July (7pm): NZ vs Norway at Eden Park, Auckland

• 22 July (1pm) USA vs Vietnam at Eden Park, Auckland

• 25 July (5.30pm) NZ vs Philippines at Wellington Regional Stadium

• 27 July (1pm) USA vs Netherlands at Wellington Regional Stadium

• 30 July (7pm) NZ vs Switzerland at Dunedin Stadium

• 1 August (7pm) USA vs Portugal at Eden Park, Auckland Visit FIFA.com for tournament information and tickets; follow the New Zealand Football Ferns at nzfootball.co.nz/fantails.

Being the world champions, the USA team is here to win. So, for us, it means enabling the team to have full access to our club for the length of time they need it.

East Coast Bays AFC junior girls

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Here at MDS we are committed to creating beautiful family homes that will be enjoyed by generations.

As a boutique architectural practice, we place huge emphasis on the wants and needs of our clients, providing them with service of the highest standards.

Your dream home made easy

Aidan Bennett visits Mark Wilson at MDS Design’s new Wairau Valley home

At a time when navigating the building of a new home has never been harder, we feel many Channel Mag readers will be pleased to learn about Mark Wilson and MDS Design. The North Shore based business has been around for over 25 years and has been responsible for designing a good number of the best coastal North Shore homes.

MDS is very much a family business. Owners Mark and Linda Wilson are well-known Shore identities who also own The Grange Bar & Bistro at Smales Farm.

We visited Mark on a lovely May morning at the new ‘Soho-style’ office in Porana Road. They’ve recently relocated, their previous location having been a victim of the January floods. The office certainly suits the MDS vibe. It should do as Mark and his team designed the renovation and fit-out for the building that is shared with graphic design business ‘Toast’. The MDS design flair is certainly on display. The building has been stripped back, beams and trusses exposed, strip lighting added to give it a real New York loft feel –complete with open plan workspaces, a massive hospitality area and kitchen along with function area that look like fun!

Mark Wilson was originally a builder by trade. He went back to school in the 90s to study architecture. Since starting out in design architecture in 1998, he’s become a highly respected designer of highend homes, with a bent towards concrete and working with related new products that have evolved with modern technologies.

Now, 25 years on, MDS has designed hundreds of homes, with 30-40 (sometimes up to 70!) projects on the go at any one time. They have a team of seven, led by Mark and senior staffer Matt Ebett who has been with MDS for over 20 years. They are supported by a team of both technical and admin staff. Mark refers to Linda as the ‘Minister of Finance’ for her key role within the business.

Mark says that when designing a client’s dream home, respecting their wants and needs is the number one priority.

“We believe it is essential to have a collaborative effort from all involved in order to create the best outcome for any building project,” he says. “We take on board each individual customer’s ideas and come up with a design that encompasses everything they are wanting to achieve, whilst maintaining a great design aesthetic.”

“It is our job to design a home that fulfils dreams and aspirations and will be a home that is enjoyed by families for generations. We are very proud that much of our work comes from the referral of happy clients, returning customers who want to do it all over again.”

When asked what sets MDS apart, Mark says it is that they’re a boutique business that has a very hands-on, flexible approach. They

MDS Clients have their say…

maintain a very close involvement in each project, working closely with builders, engineers, landscapers and interior fit-out specialists. He says that many of the homes they design also include interior design, with MDS also helping clients source interior solutions. They can discuss how the spaces are to be furnished and share ideas around design style.

“We now have customers who we designed homes for in our first 10 years coming back again to create their next dream home for their next stage in life,” says Mark.

An example of a Shore home that was created by MDS is a multiaward-winning home in Huntly Road on the beach at Campbells Bay. The Hamptons style home won the National Supreme Award in the Master Builders House of the Year Awards in 2016. It’s a beautiful home that has received many more awards and accolades.

“We have created many of these homes over the years and every one of them provides a great deal of satisfaction,” adds Mark. “We have completed lots on the Shore and many others around the country, including places such as Coromandel, Greytown in the Wairarapa, the Marlborough Sounds, North Canterbury, Christchurch and the Queenstown Lakes area. We have three on the go there at the moment, including a multi-unit development at Jacks Point.”

Need help creating your dream home? Having a coffee with Mark Wilson at MDS Design at their new Porana Road base would be a good idea.

MDS Design, 15 Porana Road, North Shore. Visit: mds.co.nz or phone 09 448 1101.

I think Mark is very unique as he is as equally creative with architectural, and interior design. His taste is amazing and we trust him completely with the vision and execution of our project. He very quickly connected with what we wanted to achieve and constantly brings new ideas to make it exceed our expectations. I feel pretty confident that we could not be involved at all at this stage and I would still love the end result. We have developed a great working relationship and while there are many decisions to make, and at times it feels like it will go on forever, our time on the project is always enjoyable. Mark is very down to earth, easy to talk to and a fun person to work with.

– Petrina Walker (New Client)

We are currently working on our third project with Mark and MDS. The reason we keep coming back is because of Mark’s professionalism, attention to detail and client centred approach. From the time of conception until completion, Mark ensures that the client is listened to, the design is functional and in line with the client’s lifestyle and that quality componentry is used. He is creative in his thinking and always offers multiple options so that the client retains ownership. The team put in the ground work to ensure the project runs smoothly from day one and are always available to troubleshoot throughout. The homes we have built with Mark and MDS have exceeded our expectations and we have loved living in them.

– Quintin Proctor (Returning Client)

Mark Wilson

What’s Trending

Shop up a storm before the chilly winter season at Glenfield Mall!

Warmies Marshmallow Hippo. Warmies® are fully heatable, snuggly plush toys designed for all ages! They provide stress and anxiety relief, promote restful sleep and are perfectly weighted for a calming and positive sensory experience. $58.50 from Gecko.

Carolina Herrera Bad Boy is a fragrant expression of duality, representing the bold nature of the modern man. Strong and sensitive, confident and relaxed, the Bad Boy embraces his contrasting characteristics with assured ease. $89.99 at The Chemist Warehouse.

The perfect gift everytime! With great shopping hours, 25 eateries and cafes as well as over 100 different retail stores and no expiry date, they will be spoilt for choice !

Introducing the Peak Lapel Overcoat, a smart and stylish addition to your winter wardrobe. Made from a wool and polyester melton blend, this overcoat will keep you warm and comfortable in the coldest of temperatures. Available from Hallensteins $149.99.

Featuring a bold and eye-catching geometric design the Danica duvet cover set is sure to give a fresh and on-trend look to your bedroom. This duvet cover set is designed in NZ and is exclusive to Briscoes. Queen: $249.99 from Briscoes.

Warm up this winter with the adult unisex oversized hoodie in many different colours. Perfect for those couch days and slumber parties. Get matching ones for you and your friends or partner. $89.99 from Typo.

KILLIAN boots are here! These pointy, slip on ankle boots come in stunning black and cream colours, and the shiny heel has our hearts! With a luxurious stretch knit finish, a stunning pointed toe and a pull tab to put them on with ease, these boots are made to complete your high fashion look. Get them now at Novo - $104.90

Wear this oval signet ring for a style that is uncluttered and minimal. Featuring an appealling oval shape in sterling silver, this simple design can be paired with other rings or worn solo. $139.00 from Michael Hill Jewellers.

Wrap up warm with this super toasty vest from Huffer! Our 2023 Classic down vest delivers more warmth with 90% Duck Down, 10% duck feather and 600 fill power. Available now for $300.00 from Stirling Sports.

Billabong Sundial Pants

Made of cotton with a slight stretch to hug your shape, these printed pants have a slim fit through the hips and a straight leg. Perfectly cropped at the ankle. Available from Amazon at $129.99.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY WINTER FAMILY FUN

See

G I V E A W A Y

Be in the chance to win a $250 Glenfield Mall gift voucher for you and another $250 for your friend!

BONUS ENTRY: Share this post on your page

How to enter:

Like this post Follow our Instagram Tag your friends

Winner will be announced 30th June via Instagram

Terms and conditions apply More tags means more entries, and share to your stories for an extra entry Winner to pick up the prize from Glenfield Mall The giveaway is not endorsed by Meta, it’s open to Auckland residents only, beware of fake accounts.

G I V E A W A Y G I V E A W Y G I V E A W Y G I V E A W Y G I V E A W A Y

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Italy needs no introduction

A land rich in culture and history, every nook and cranny is full of delights to explore

Picture yourself floating gently down one of Europe’s most stunning waterways, sipping a glass of local wine as you take in the breathtaking scenery around you. The sun is setting on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills and towns that line the riverbanks...

Now is the time to live your best life on the world’s best luxury river cruise line. And Sharon at Live Breathe Travel, your award-winning travel agent on the Shore, is taking you there! This exciting Italian journey begins in July 2024.

You will fly to Rome, the 'Eternal City' where you will spend three fabulous nights. You'll visit the famed city of the Roman Empire, the Seven Hills, La Dolce Vita and the Vatican City.

Travelling by train to Milan, before staying two nights, during which time you will discover the majestic Duomo Cathedral, prominent Opera La Scala, the medieval Sforza Castle and Leonardo Da Vinci's legacy.

On your way to Venice, visit Verona and journey through Valpolicella wine country. Tour the vineyards of Serego Alighieri estate and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Late afternoon, embark your floating boutique hotel S.S. La Venezia for seven nights, giving you exclusive access to the Venetian lagoon. Not only will you benefit from an enviable location in Venice, you’ll also find that your hotel transports you to hidden gem towns nearby.

Over your week in Venice, you will get to explore waterfront shops, see colourful facades and peaceful canals unique to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello. Farther south, discover Chioggia, a charming southern port loved by fishermen. And savour the spectacular wine and cuisines of this region, every step of the way.

An all-inclusive experience onboard your Uniworld Boutique River Cruise awaits with enticing shore excursions, world-class gourmet cuisine and impeccable Italian hospitality.

This certainly is a slice of 'La Dolce Vita' (the good life)! And not to forget, there’s the option to experience even more of this incredible country by extending your sensational sojourn in spectacular Sicily. For more information on this Italian extravaganza, contact Sharon today. Be quick, spaces are limited. Our early bird savings end 30 June. Non vediamo l'ora che tu ti unisca a noi !

Live Breathe Travel are holding a UNIWORLD travel evening late June, come along and find out more about UNIWORLD and this exciting itinerary. For more details regarding this event, contact the office on 09 2421966 or hello@livebreathetravel.nz

livebreathetravel.nz

Sharon O’Brien 09 242 1966 hello@Livebreathetravel.nz

Helping with health costs by removing the $5 co-payment for prescription medicines. This will help an estimated three million Kiwis.

Permanently cutting the costs of public transport for young Kiwis. We’re providing free fares on buses, trains and ferries for kids aged 5 to 12 and half-price discounts for those aged 13 to 24.

Reducing the cost of early childhood education for parents by extending 20 hours free ECE to two-year-olds. This will save families money and reduce barriers for working parents to take on more hours if they can.

Reducing power bills by making homes more energy efficient. We’re helping to reduce power bills by hundreds of dollars a year through the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

This practical cost of living package will help to make things a bit easier for households by reducing or removing some of the costs they currently face. Millions of Kiwis will pay a little less as a result.

for

Long life: The organ of longevity

Did you know that an organ of longevity has been discovered in the human body? It’s called the ‘long life organ’. The organ protects against chronic diseases and aches and pains that pop up as we get older. 'What is this organ called?', you ask. It’s your muscles!

Your muscles…

• Keep your brain in top condition

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Keep your blood pressure in order and protect against heart diseases

• Protect you against diabetes

• Help you when going through diseases

• Protect you against depression and make you feel happier

• Lower the risk of falling

• Slow down the ageing process

• Protect your bones. This is exactly why fit20 resistance training is so important and the best you can do for living a healthy and long life!

fit20 client Gail Griffiths says:

"fit20 is a weekly routine that even with my busy work schedule I can easily stick to. I just come in during lunchtime in my business clothes, do the training and go back to work. I love the fact that it's a safe training with a personal trainer looking after you. Previously I had quite a few aches and pains, especially a weak back. I was a netball umpire and had an injury. With the weekly training all this improved to a point that the pains have vanished. As I have become much stronger, I now easily run upstairs. You can’t ask lots of things from your body and mind if you don’t maintain them. Through fit20 I also came in contact with a nutrition programme. The healthy routines that I build from both has even led to me being off my high blood pressure medication!

My advice: Just try out fit20 and apply for a free introductory training! You will soon experience what it can do for you."

About fit20

You train once per week for 20 minutes on a high intensity level. That way you give your muscles a superior input and the muscles restrengthen and get stronger until your next training session. You are training at a very slow speed, in a very safe, but very challenging, way. You always train on appointment, either one-on-one with the personal trainer or with a duo partner. The personal trainer motivates you, holds you accountable and corrects your technique. Within three months you get measurable results. The fit20 training is research backed and is for all ages and fitness levels. The oldest client is 96!

Grab your free training session now!

I love the fact that it's a safe training with a personal trainer looking after you.

Talking men’s health

It’s Men’s Health Week 12-18 June, a chance to zoom in on some of the health issues men face and raise awareness around steps that men can take to address these. Channel put a few questions, covering everything from favourite healthy meals to winter goals and what good health means to them, to local guys from a variety of backgrounds, occupations and ages to see how they stay well.

John lives and breathes health

John Appleton lives and breathes health these days. He is the man behind the website under his own name that sells health products like Lypo-Spheric Vitamin C. John grew up on the shore, at the Hauraki Road end of Takapuna Beach where he still lives today. He was a foundation pupil at Hauraki Primary School and went on to Belmont Intermediate and Takapuna Grammar. John says that back then, life was simple and a lot of fun, “The beach was our playground: swimming, surfing, water skiing, sailing and lots of fishing.” He’s worked in New Zealand since 1976, after an overseas experience in Europe. His work involved 20 years in the tourism industry with the Pride of Auckland yachts, working with Sir Peter Blake during the 2000 defence of the America’s Cup. He has since spent 20 years finding answers to challenging questions about health.

John’s been married to Christine for 47 years. They have two children and seven grandchildren. Now in his seventies, John reckons "so far the wheels haven’t fallen off".

What does good health mean to you?

Being able to enjoy everything that life has to offer without having to battle chronic health issues , and not needing to take any medications.

Do you have any regular healthy habits or routines you live by?

I do my best to eat health-inducing food (organic as much as possible) such as salads, plenty of vegetables and fish. I work hard to maintain a healthy weight. I don’t drink any alcohol and I take targeted dietary supplements daily.

Jujitsu

Favourite way to keep fit?

Fitness is a priority. I love stand up paddleboarding and I am out on my board every day I can (summer and winter). My longest distance record is 30 kms. In the evening (regardless of the weather), I powerwalk for three kilometres up steep hills.

Favourite healthy meal / food and why?

I am happiest eating salads. Raw foods provide the best options for obtaining key nutrients and one can have a lot of variation. I have grown up eating fish. It’s a great source of protein, it tastes great and it’s easy to digest.

Do you have any health or fitness goals this winter?

No specific goals, just more fun out on the water, being fit enough to take on the stronger winds and enjoying getting soaked when I am out walking. I have to be fit enough to keep up with my granddaughter to power-walk up Diamond Head in Hawaii.

johnappleton.co.nz

curry create a healthy life for Lewis

Lewis Rudall is a master electrician and owner of Lake Road Electrical. He qualified in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand, and has over 15 years' experience in the industry. Lake Road Electrical is a local family-owned business based on the North Shore offering a comprehensive range of electrical services from small jobs at home to largescale commercial projects, with an emphasis on cost-effective, energy-saving solutions. Originally from Wales, Lewis lives on the Shore with wife, Nadeesha, and their two children, Thane and Athena.

What does good health mean to you?

Good health means maintaining great physical and mental health in all areas of my life.

Do you have any regular healthy habits or routines you live by? I love cooking healthy food for my family and making sure to get a good night’s rest.

Favourite way to keep fit?

My favourite way to keep fit is jujitsu which I’ve been training in for five years. Prior to that, I trained in wing chun. Martial arts are great for your body and mind. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a new hobby or lease on life!

Favourite healthy meal / food and why?

My favourite healthy food is a home-cooked curry, as my wife is Sri Lankan and has taught me how to whip up a lovely variety of curries – I’m very lucky!

Do you have any health or fitness goals this winter?

Compete in a national jujitsu competition.

lakeroadelectrical.co.nz

and

John Appleton

Lewis Rudall

Sam Bratton owns and runs Vondel, the popular all-day eatery in Devonport that specialises in meat and seafood dishes alongside vegan and vegetarian offerings. Sam was born and raised in Wellington and had stints living in Melbourne, Madrid, Amsterdam and London before coming to Auckland. Good quality food is his focus. Making sure everyone feels comfortable ordering and eating in Vondel is a big thing for him. Sam talks to Channel about being comfortable with who you are, his marathon ambitions and nourishing his body with good food.

What does good health mean to you?

Good health, for me, means being comfortable and content in who you are. You get that in order and the rest will follow.

Do you have any regular healthy habits or routines you live by?

I try to get up at the same time every day and take the dog for a walk. Owning a restaurant isn’t always the most stable lifestyle, so I try to keep to a routine where I can.

Favourite way to keep fit?

Hospitality involves being on your feet for your entire shift, so there isn’t always a lot of energy outside of that for exercise! But the dog keeps me out walking and throwing his ball around, so I’m always grateful for that.

Favourite healthy meal / food and why?

It would probably be some variation of eggs on toast. Eggs are great because, if you want, you can make them healthy, but if you’re feeling a bit rough after the night before you can make them the opposite – they’re very versatile!

Do you have any health or fitness goals this winter?

I would love to run a marathon at some stage. I managed a half during the first lockdown but it wasn’t really an ‘official’ one. So that’s on the list for sure!

vondel.co.nz

Sam’s prioritising a healthy life in hospitality

Sam Bratton

Tim’s focused on living well

Tim Edmonds is chief executive of the Well Foundation, the charitable organisation funding critical healthcare projects at North Shore and Waitakere hospitals. Tim, his wife and three children, have lived in Browns Bay for 10 years, after returning to New Zealand from London. The plan was to live on the Shore for a couple of years, then head back ‘home’ to Christchurch, but Tim says the family has settled here ‘for the long haul’.

What does good health mean to you?

Good health is everything. Being in my mid-forties, I’m at that age where friends and family are dealing with health challenges more often. I lost my mum quite suddenly to cancer when she was in her sixties (a few weeks from diagnosis to her passing). That has shaped my perspective of never taking good health for granted.

Do you have any regular healthy habits or routines you live by?

I’ve played basketball at a competitive level since I was young, so that’s always been my regular blowout. It can be frustrating when the body doesn’t do what it used to, but the competitive fire to try and keep up with the youngsters in the Harbour basketball Wednesday night league is still there. Helping with my kids’ teams, through coaching and refereeing, is my most enjoyable way of staying involved with a range of sports.

Favourite healthy meal / food and why?

I’ve always snacked on fresh fruit, which helpfully offsets all my unhealthy snacking. My wife will be reading this so I should also give a shout-out to her top-notch vegetarian lasagne!

Do you have any health or fitness goals this winter?

This question forced me to make one. I love fair-weather mountain biking, but always enjoy the workout when I make the effort to go through the winter. I’ll aim to make the trek out to Woodhill more often before summer arrives.

What projects is the Well Foundation involved with that support community wellbeing?

We’re currently focused on raising funds to support an evidence-

schools on the North Shore. It is being led by the child and adolescent mental health team from North Shore Hospital, who co-deliver in the classroom with teachers. Skills Training for Emotional Problem

Solving for Adolescents (STEPS-A) is a 30-week curriculum that has been shown to be effective in decreasing life-threatening behaviours in adolescents through developing skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance and emotion regulation.

We’re also currently working on an exciting project as part of the new hospital facility opening on the North Shore Hospital campus next year. The new facility will have 150 beds, eight operating theatres and four endoscopy suites. We will be bringing to life New Zealand’s first large-scale indoor hospital garden in the central atrium to benefit patients, hospital visitors and healthcare staff. From mid-October, we’ll be asking the North Shore community to ‘Give a bit of green’ and donate to the hospital ‘healing garden’, to help fill the atrium with more than 500 plants. We’re keen to hear from businesses who might be interested in getting behind this. To find out more, people can email me at tim@wellfoundation.org.nz.

Tim Edmonds coaching the Murray’s Bay Intermediate basketball boys

Rejuvinate your skin this winter

Skin rejuvenation season is here and your North Shore skin experts Terry and Sarah have put together a skin rejuvenation programme exclusive to our clinic, Le Visage.

Le Visage's bespoke skin rejuvenation programme combines three powerful modalities which we customise to suit your skin's concerns because we do not believe in a 'one size fits all' approach to skin health. With more than 40 years' combined experience between us, we have truly hit the 'sweet spot' as far as skin rejuvenation goes.

Our combination for best results includes DYE-VL which treats redness, rosacea and exposed capillaries, plus DYE-SR which treats pigmentation and discolouration from UV damage, along with Clearlift ND Yag 1064 laser and a chemical peel. Our Clearlift ND Yag 1064 laser is non-ablative (no destruction of skin) and is able to reach the deeper parts of the dermis making it ideal to treat melasma (dermal pigment), as well as to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen and elastin. Unfortunately, IPL alone does not go deep enough to stimulate collagen or elastin, and while skin may look clearer after IPL only, skin rejuvenation isn’t possible. In fact IPL really only targets pigment caused by UV damage in the epidermis.

Our skin rejuvenation programme includes three treatments:

1. DYE-VL

2. DYE-SR

3. Clearlift ND Yag 1064 laser plus chemical peel. Cost of all three: $1,500 Please call to book a consultation.

Le Visage, Level 1, 161 Kitchener Road, Milford 09 486 6880 info@levisage.co.nz levisage.co.nz

FB @levisage Insta @levisage

Clinic Hours: Tue, Wed, Fri: 11am-5pm; Thu: 11am-8pm; Sat: 9am-1pm

Sarah and Terry Taylor

Reducing emergency queues with Emergency Q

By Christine Young

Morris Pita’s experience waiting with his son in a hospital emergency department has resulted in an award-winning business that offers a solution for a problem faced by hospital emergency departments across the globe. Christine Young met with Morris to talk to him about how he set about addressing the issue of reducing emergency department waiting queues.

Morris is a born and bred North Shore native, now living in Stanley Bay. He has a background in the energy and corporate sectors where he worked until 2009. He now describes himself as a social entrepreneur, interested in setting up and running a business that has a general benefit for a community or communities. Until the day he waited with his son in an emergency department (ED) – and left feeling there had to be a better way – he had no experience in either software or working in hospitals, both of which are key to a business that eases the pressure on hospital EDs, and greatly reduces waiting times for patients.

The problem was – and is – that many non-urgent patients go to EDs rather than urgent care clinics or their local GP. Morris’s solution is a new company (Tai Pari Mohio, which translates literally as the incoming tide of knowledge) and a complex software program appropriately titled Emergency Q, and the ultimate result is tens of thousands of patients having their long wait time in ED reduced by referral to an urgent care clinic. Emergency Q’s core business, he says, is reducing crowding in hospital emergency departments. Emergency Q “contributes to that by offering patient with non-emergency problems, such as earache, a sprain or a sore throat, the option of being transferred to an urgent care clinic”.

Emergency Q launched six years ago, in May 2017, at North Shore Hospital. Before Emergency Q was developed, a few hospitals, North Shore among them, had used manual systems to transfer patients to local primary care clinics at busy times. They were aware of the concept, says Morris, but there was no integrated digital system. “Using their old manual transfer system, EDs could see it was not making any meaningful dent on ED volumes – maybe

a couple of patients a day – compared to 20 to 40 patients a day through Emergency Q ,” says Morris, with the benefit of hindsight.

“It occurred to me that this could be done and I decided to try to help reduce crowding in EDs and give patients choice.”

It’s all very well having a bright idea; taking it through to successful use and execution is quite another, as many entrepreneurs will know. Part of the development process involved – and continues to involve – primary research: asking patients and ED staff about their needs and experiences. Key in that early research was an understanding that one in four patients presenting at EDs are not medical emergencies, and many of them are safe to be seen at a primary care facility.

“We were fortunate that North Shore Hospital was open to trialling a test version,” says Morris. “They found it was very effective in giving choice and reducing non-emergency patients in ED.”

After a year of successful operation at North Shore ED, other hospitals gradually started coming on board including Middlemore, Waikato, Waitakere, Whangārei, Invercargill and Thames hospitals, with the system assisting medical staff and patients at each, and providing data from four large urban and three smaller regional hospitals, which alongside patient research continues to feed regular updates in the systems and processes Emergency Q offers to hospital and urgent care clinics.

In everything Emergency Q does, “our focus is on clinical quality; looking for ways to improve what we do for patients and nurses. Emergency Q is the platform; a cloud-based solution that simultaneously delivers data and tools to a range of stakeholders with the purpose of reducing ED queues and waiting times for nonemergency patients.” It has been recognised three times at the New Zealand Hi-Tech Awards, in 2018 (winner of the Visa Most Innovative Solution for the public Good) and in 2020 (winner of the Kiwibank Most Innovative Hi- Tech Service and Best Maori Hi-Tech Company).”

From the first hospital sign-ups, “[w]e have been adding hospitals [and urgent care centres], and we’re in seven hospitals

Morris Pita in Emergency Q's offices in Takapuna

now,” Morris says. The business continues to grow, and with the software his team have developed being eminently transferable, he is looking at opportunities overseas, with support from New Zealand Trade and Enterprise.

Morris demonstrates part of a live dashboard that shows vital statistics on the tool’s use, testimony to Emergency Q’s effectiveness and impact on the hospital departments that use it. Since 2017, its use has transferred more than 128,000 (“more than two and a half full Eden Parks”) from emergency departments to primary care clinics. The day before we talk, 74 patients and their families benefitted from the demonstrably shorter waiting times at primary care clinics, and the EDs benefitted from a corresponding reduction in patients presenting to busy doctors. In the short time we talk, several patients opt to be transferred to a local care clinic, where their wait time, on average, will be around an hour and a forty-five minutes, compared with the average four and a half hour wait time in an ED.

With the Emergency Q software able to analyse its impact in real time, and collate statistics on a daily and cumulative basis, Morris demonstrates that, with the average time spent on each non-emergency patient taking nine minutes admin time, 15 minutes nurse time and 45 minutes of a doctor’s time, 147,000 hours of doctor, nurse and administrative time has been saved in EDs using Emergency Q. Add to that the average 270 minutes of each patient’s time, and the impact is even more significant.

the company’s work. The software team builds and maintains the software, which Morris says is rapidly evolving, “highly innovative and agile, releasing functional services and benefits every two-three weeks”.

While Morris has led this extraordinarily impactful digital initiative, he is relatively low key and matter of fact about the results they have delivered, in part, one suspects, because he has simply done what comes naturally to him – he just “started at the beginning” he says. He backed his intuition about need with wellgrounded research, developed his own in-depth understanding of the needs not just of the hospital EDs but also of the drivers that lead to patients arriving in EDs rather than initially opting for a primary care clinic or GP, and has built a team that he says is as focused on the outcome as he is. “We have an amazing team of passionate, creative and caring individuals from a range of cultural backgrounds, a bit like a United Nations – whose sole focus is building leadingedge AI-supported tech to serve the communities they come from and live in.”

More than time or numbers, perhaps, Emergency Q benefits hospital in other ways. Primary research, undertaken regularly by Tai Pari Mohio, has shown a reduction in aggression levels towards frontline nurses, simply because often-stressed patients are offered a viable alternative to the long ED wait time. One ED nurse at Middlemore Hospital says that since Emergency Q started, “it feels like the level of verbal abuse has dropped significantly... even if people choose to stay, they tend not to be angry about the wait as we have offered them an alternative and they can see the wait time on the screen.”

Emergency Q is used at the point of triage. Triage nurses trained in its use, use the state-of-the-art clinical decision support tools within Emergency Q to identify patients that are clinically suitable for transfer to a primary care clinic, which are much better suited than an ED to treating non-urgent or critical conditions. A printed or digital “voucher” accompanies each patient transferred so their time at the urgent care clinic is also streamlined.

“Our focus is on offering patients a choice,” Morris says. To achieve this, a team of 15 works from the company’s Takapuna base. Half are software developers and half are ED doctors and nurses who provide the quality and direction on all clinical aspects of

For himself, he says Tai Pari Mohio and Emergency Q epitomises the kind of business he’s keen to build: businesses that have “a general benefit for a community or communities. Since we’ve been talking, several families have gone to an emergency department, but given a choice have been transferred to a primary care facility, where they will have been seen in a fraction of the time by people who specialise in urgent primary care.”

Of course there have been challenges along the way but Morris has to think long and hard when asked what these have been. “The biggest challenge in setting up a new organisation, or on going through a growth phase, as we continue to do, is that every phase has its own set of hurdles, from ‘how am I going to get it running and demonstrate that it works’ through to the next phase of sharing the benefits more widely with more people and more hospitals, and growing a team that is unambiguous in its philosophy – which in our case is to benefit patients and hospitals and clinics in ways that are practical, equitable and measurable.”

Morris is especially passionate about the need for equity and access in our health system, with high-need population groups, including Māori and Pasifika, currently over-represented in emergency departments and under-represented in those presenting to urgent care clinics. He’s especially proud that in enabling choice, the data shows that Emergency Q has resulted in these groups disproportionately transferring to urgent care clinics when given the choice. “Inequitable access to urgent primary care is being rectified.”

“Doing that, it’s really easy to get motivated to come to work. It’s been an amazing journey for the entire EQ team.”

…our focus is on clinical quality; looking for ways to improve what we do for patients and nurses. Emergency Q is the platform; a cloud-based solution that simultaneously delivers data and tools to a range of stakeholders with the purpose of reducing ED queues and waiting times for non-emergency patients.

By Simon Watts, North Shore MP

Let’s deliver more nurses and midwives

New Zealand’s health system is in crisis, with a severe shortage of nurses and midwives contributing to ballooning waitlists, delays accessing treatment, and dangerously overcrowded emergency departments. Nurses on the frontline are bearing the brunt, and working long shifts is causing stress, anxiety, and burnout.

Instead of urgently addressing the workforce crisis, the health system has been restructured, increasing the bureaucracy, while hard-working and dedicated health professionals struggle with the weight of a faltering system. The result has been a significant increase in the number of Wellington-based health bureaucrats and a dangerous shortage of at least 4,000 nurses and hundreds of midwives throughout the country.

We can’t stand by and allow our hard-working frontline health professionals to burn out and for sick and injured New Zealanders to languish on wait lists.

Chris Luxon and National’s health spokesperson Dr Shane Reti have announced National’s plan to deliver more nurses and midwives. This policy will encourage more Kiwis to study nursing or midwifery and stay in the country.

The policy will pay nurses’ and midwives’ student loan repayments up to a total of $4,500 a year for the first five years after graduating, provided they remain working in their profession in New Zealand.

Covering student loan repayments for five years means a typical registered nurse or midwife would see an increase in their after-tax take-home pay of $87 a week. Over a five-year period, they would be up to $22,500 better off.

To access the student loan repayment scheme, nurses and midwives will need to enter into a bonding agreement with the Government where they commit to working in New Zealand in their profession for at least five years in continuity after they graduate. There will be exceptions for illness and family planning.

We must make New Zealand more attractive in the global competition for skilled workers by allowing qualified overseas nurses and midwives to come here on a six-month temporary visa, without a job offer, to look for work and to bring their immediate family members with them.

We will also establish a relocation support scheme, offering up to 1,000 qualified overseas nurses and midwives relocation grants worth up to $10,000 each to support their move to New Zealand.

We have a growing crisis in the health workforce. National will deliver more nurses and midwives so our hardworking frontline feel supported, and Kiwis can access the healthcare they deserve.

By Teresa Burns, Doctor of Audiology, Director and owner of Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sound that others can’t hear. It can be many different sounds: ringing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, and many others.

Ten to 15% of people report having experienced tinnitus. Of these, 90% will ‘habituate’ (learn to ignore or live with it), or it will fade over time. There are many auditory and nonauditory reasons for tinnitus, and it commonly accompanies hearing loss, so it is important to have a hearing evaluation to check out what is happening and see if further referral is needed.

Many people who live with tinnitus find that it changes when they are stressed, tired or unwell. I tell people, “Anything that is healthy and relaxing is good for you, and generally good for your tinnitus.”

Email: simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz

09 486 0005

facebook: @simonwattsmp instagram: @simonwattsmp

It may be worth investigating whether a nap, light exercise, or stretching, massage or meditation help. If tinnitus is interfering with your sleep, you can try using other background sound in the environment or headphones to help mask out the tinnitus. A fan or noise generator, gentle music or an app that makes nature noises may help. Many people find ‘water noise’ like a waterfall or waves can be relaxing and helps distract your brain from the tinnitus.

When there is hearing loss, hearing aids have been shown to be among the most effective means of reducing the perception of tinnitus. Hearing aids do not eliminate tinnitus. However most people who wear them report a decrease in the negative effects of tinnitus on quality of life. Hearing aids not only help with hearing, which means you are using less energy to listen, but they can also provide masking noise or we can make adjustments to the amplified sound to help reduce tinnitus.

If you would like to know more about tinnitus, hearing loss or book in for an appointment, call Teresa Burns Hearing on 09 475 9849.

Call now to book in on 09 475 9849 or email admin@teresaburnshearing.co.nz

Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd, Inside the Health - I Care Medical Centre

215

Wairau Road, Glenfield, North Shore

teresaburnshearing.co.nz

Many people who live with tinnitus find that it changes when they are stressed, tired or unwell.

Simon Watts, spokesperson for Climate Change, Local Government, Regional Development, Statistics, Assoc for Infrastructure, and Finance.

Elevate to electric

The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) sees no signs of slowing. With more and more Kiwis choosing to ditch the petrol pump for the plug, chances are there are already several EVs on your street. From hybrids to full electric, the range of EVs is vast and knowing where to start on your car journey can be difficult.

Enter the experts at North Harbour Hyundai...

So, what is currently the biggest motivator for people to buy an EV? “Most people want to make a positive impact on the planet, while keeping more money in their pocket,” says North Harbour Hyundai’s Nicholas Tsimas. “With the clean car rebate on EVs, cheaper running costs and the knowledge that you are reducing your carbon footprint, it’s a win-win!”

One of the barriers to buying electric in the past has been the availability of charging stations. Not any more, says Nic. “There are now hundreds of stations across the country that offer fast and reliable charging for your electric vehicle. The ChargeNet network has more than 280 rapid and hyper-rapid charging stations nationwide. You can use the AA EV Charge Finder to locate the nearest station to you. Plus, you can have a charger at home.

Does an EV need servicing?

Yes, electric vehicles do require servicing. However, with newer models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6, scheduled maintenance is typically required every two years. This is because electric vehicles have fewer moving parts, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in reduced maintenance needs.

Servicing costs for electric vehicles can vary depending on the model, but in general, annual running costs are significantly lower compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.

Nic cites the following examples: “The Kona electric model has a first-year service cost from $285.15 for 15,000km, whereas the petrol Kona is from $460.17 annually to service.

“The IONIQ 5 requires a 30,000km two-year service, which costs from $315.20. Overall, electric vehicles have reduced servicing costs due to fewer parts to replace and no need for oil, oil filter, or fuel filter changes.

“However, as EVs are full of the latest technology, they do need to be serviced by fully qualified EV experts. Just like your smart phone, which requires updates to perform at optimal performance, your car requires the same actions, and the North Harbour Hyundai team has access to the very latest software updates.”

Nic says customers are often surprised how easy it is to find ways to charge their EV. Scheduling overnight charging is always recommended, but drivers need not worry if this isn’t possible, she says. “Most drivers only travel 22km a day and, with most EVs able to travel over 300km, it means you can find a way of charging while on the go. Some retail outlets, such as supermarkets, now offer fast charging for customers too.”

The charging time of electric vehicles varies depending on the model. Nic says, “For instance, the new IONIQ 5, equipped with an 800 v battery system, can charge from 10 to 80% in just 25 minutes. So, depending on the type of charger and battery, you could fully charge your EV in as little as 30 minutes.

How long will the battery last?

The lifespan of an electric vehicle battery is typically around 15 years before it begins showing signs of deterioration, says Nic, with some batteries lasting 20 years or longer. If needed, the battery can eventually be replaced.

“The battery warranty for our vehicles offers up to eight years, or 160,000km of coverage, for the high-voltage battery. This warranty provides you with peace of mind and ensures the longevity and performance of your vehicle's battery throughout its lifespan.”

Electric vehicles typically do not come with spare tyres. Instead, they are equipped with tyre repair gels and pumps to help drivers reach the nearest tyre centre in case of a flat tyre. “This approach eliminates the need for a spare tyre,” says Nic. “This reduces the vehicle's weight and allows for more space to be dedicated to the battery. It's a design choice aimed at optimising the vehicle's efficiency and range.”

Regenerative braking, which charges the battery while driving by using the electric motor to slow the vehicle, is a feature on Hyundai EVs. “It is an easy way to get a few more kilometres out of each charge,” says Nic. “It can be a fun challenge to see how much energy you can put back into the battery –for free!”

Can EVs tow?

Vehicles like the IONIQ 5 with the larger battery can tow up to 1.6 tonnes, says Nic. “Just like a traditional petrol car where towing used more petrol, towing with an EV will reduce the range you would normally get on a charge.”

Nic says anyone still on the fence about dipping their toes into the EV market would likely be reassured by a conversation with an existing EV owner. “These cars are full of safety features and features designed to make your driving experience enjoyable. They provide plenty of warnings about your battery and range, so there really is no need to worry!”

northharbourhyundai.co.nz sales.ins@inghamdriven.nz

09 444 7777

Don't let range anxiety stop you from enjoying the benefits of driving electric!

Budget feedback and building buy-up boost

From DTLB Chair, Toni van Tonder

Being a bit of a sun worshipper, I admit I’ve stepped into winter with some trepidation. Our sodden summer failed in its duties to recharge our batteries and I’m definitely noticing the impacts on people’s wellbeing. Compounded by the extreme weather events, protracted insurance claims, the budget cuts, cost of living crises and a degradation of services that we rely on such as public transport, you can see how the overwhelm starts to creep in. Remember you’re not alone. We’re here, together in this fantastic place, with fantastic people. It’s difficult when we lose control of things that are important to us, but the one thing we will always be able to control is the positive influence we can have on our friends, our neighbours, and the people we meet every day.

Last month, we received our feedback on the Annual Budget. Never has a budget been so discussed or deliberated upon before. In our Local Board area; we received 1879 pieces of feedback, up from 791 in 2022. The key priorities for submitters were different to the key priorities for organisations, but if you think about it closely, you’ll see that they match. Individuals have placed environmental restoration, water quality, arts and culture and the libraries at front and centre of their feedback. Organisations have prioritised arts and culture, grants and community lease costs as the three things they feel are most important. This makes perfect sense; residents want a lively city, they want the events, exhibitions, performances and activities delivered by our partners. Our partners want to deliver those exhibitions, events and activities, but they need funding (grants) and an affordable space from which to operate, in order to do this.

Environmental restoration, the decarbonisation and bolstering of our public transport, as well as the provision of better walking and cycling infrastructure and vastly improved water quality came out head and shoulders above everything else. This didn’t surprise me at all, as it has always been the case in all our consultations. Given the very limited budget the Local Board will have now, we have used this to sharpen our own focus on what we deliver. Our community, too, strongly supported funding storm water response and recovery.

Our Local Board welcomes the Mayor’s proposed $1billion+ flood recovery programme, which proposes to create more bluegreen networks in critical

flood areas, enhancing parkland and open space, potential property acquisition and removal, culvert and bridge upgrades, overland flow path management, stream rehabilitation, increased stormwater infrastructure maintenance and community-led resilience. We’re yet to understand what this all specifically means in our area, but when we know more, I’ll let you know. We recognise that our community is prepared to do their bit and contribute to the cost of this important body of work. Insurance claims in our area are some of the highest in the city and the stress of repair and renewal on a household level is untenable if it keeps happening again and again.

In a recent presentation to the Mayor and governing body on the budget, we had the chance to advocate for key investments in our area. Rather than slapping up an unreasonable wish list to go ignored, given the financial constraints, we stuck to just three key items. The first was vastly improved stormwater infrastructure. There’s not a day goes by that we don’t hear from members of the public questioning how Council is going to fix the storm water issues to respond to future heavy rain events. We have to start getting our infrastructure right. The other two were sorting out Lake Road (yes, it feels like groundhog day on that one), and supporting us to realise a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a fantastic future-fit, multi-purpose community hub and library in Takapuna, our metropolitan centre. I’m looking forward to seeing where our advocacy gets us.

In some positive news for Devonport, I was thrilled to see that a large commercial property portfolio has been acquired by local investors. They have a long-term aspiration to unlock the potential and rejuvenate our historic seaside village, while enhancing and preserving its heritage values. Being local to the area and the former business district manager, I’ve always taken a keen interest in the wellbeing of this town centre. Accessed only by a congested Lake Road and an expensive ferry, the village struggles to attract the foot traffic it needs to make the town centre prosperous. The future is starting to look bright, with engaged developers that want the best for their tenants and for the community. I hope that this will be the catalyst for change they’re hoping for.

To finish up this month’s column, and in the spirit of gratitude, I do want to express my gratitude to the other elected members of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. I want you to know that we’re working hard together to do good for the community. We come from different parts of the Local Board area, we hold different views on some things, but we’re a team. I’m grateful to each member for their skills, their professionalism and their hard mahi; so, thank you George Wood, Terence Harpur, Melissa Powell, Gavin Busch and Peter Allen.

Toni van Tonder, Chair, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Email: toni.vantonder@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Organisations have prioritised arts and culture, grants and community lease costs as the three things they feel are most important.

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Milford for your health and wellbeing

Over 50 businesses in Milford to take care of you and your family

Central Milford

Foot Mechanics

Mediderm

Miria Aman - Empowering Wellness

Urban Minds

FaceTime Skin Clinic

Kiwi Nails & Spa

Eyewear at Milford Optometrists

Clear Skincare Clinic

Chemist Warehouse

Auckland Childrens Physio

The Hairdresser Milford

House of Hair & Beauty

Audika

Unichem Milford

Raw Yoga

Sharing Shed

Milford, your local town centre, has a ‘premium’ range of health and wellbeing providers. In fact, we’ve got 55 in total!

Across our three precincts – uptown Milford, central Milford and downtown Milford

– I reckon you will find a health and wellbeing business for just about every requirement.

Our professionals cover everything from doctors and medical specialists, to chemists and therapists, hairdressers to dentists, beauty care and spas, to eye wear and hearing technology. We have them all.

The number we have blew me away when I sat down to prepare this monthly column. There is an amazing number of businesses to satisfy your health and wellbeing needs – and most with parking right at the door, or very close.

Check out our website for more details milfordshops.co.nz

Uptown Milford

Yusukay Hair Studio

Resonate Health

Samsara Medispa

Plunket

Skinfresh

Labtests

Milford Family Dentist

Cutting Machine

Dodson Medical

Hair At Boston

The Cooper Clinic

Kath Sheppard Midwifery

Tian Chuan Qigong Clinical Centre

Unwindme

Youthline

North Shore Spine Clinic

Downtown Milford

Saensuk Thai Massage

Back In Action Chiropractic

Nefertiti Advanced Skincare & Cosmetic

Perfection Nails & Spa

Le Boutique

Le Visage

Life Pharmacy Milford

Vivo Hair Salon

Active Plus Physiotherapy Milford

Barber Shop Co

bloom hearing specialists

Body Haven

Milford Optometrists

Kitchener Rd Medical Centre

Total Osteo

Milford Dentists

Jade Therapy

My Pilates Place

Milford Acupuntcure

Well & Wild

Generation Barbershop

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Murray Hill, Manager Milford Business Association, manager@milfordshops.co.nz 021 950 463 milfordshops.co.nz facebook milfordshops instagram milfordnz youtube MilfordshopsTV

Your monthly update from Murray Hill, Manager of Milford Business Association.

Raw Yoga

Yusukay Hair Studio

Saensuk Thai Massage

Audika Milford

Kath Sheppard Midwifery

Round the world in 114 days!

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Crown Princess World Cruise, the biggest ever offered from Australasia! This 114-day spectacular will venture across six continents to 49 destinations in 28 countries, including popular destinations, visits to Southeast Asia, the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, visits to Iceland and Greenland, transiting the Panama Canal, and crossing the South Pacific back to Australia.

Spend more time ashore with eight late night stays including Barcelona, Haifa, Reykjavik, and Tahiti, and with overnight stays in New York and Lima.

Accessing more than 25 UNESCO World Heritage sites, guests can explore the fairytale-like cultural landscape of Sintra from Lisbon, walk through the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican City from Rome, and sip wine and enjoy tasty Italian delights in the historic centre of Florence.

This voyage includes nine first-ever stops including Casablanca (for Marrakech), Chania (Crete), and Galilee/Nazareth (Haifa)

Sail to Southeast Asia across the Indian Ocean and through the Suez Canal to the Mediterranean and Northern Europe, with visits to Iceland and Greenland. Then head to New York and Miami before transiting the Panama Canal, and visiting Peru and Easter Island.

The deal below includes: 113 night around the world cruise from Auckland aboard Crown Princess, accommodation, all main meals, world class entertainment, all port taxes, Princess Medallion Class experience, Princess Plus inclusions, drinks package and wi-fi.

Shore Travel is holding cabin allotments on this amazing sell-out cruise. This will sell out very fast, so hurry, these cabins won’t last.

Princess Cruise event – Thursday 22 June 2023

You are invited to join us for a Princess Cruise event to learn about all things Princess, with a focus on their 2024/2025 cruise launch. North Shore location. Thursday 22 June from 5.30pm. For more details, email Shore Travel to register your interest: hello@shoretravel.co.nz.

Enquire today on 09 489 2597 hello@shoretravel.co.nz

Takapuna to shine brightly this winter

Takapuna’s largest community event of the year is back.

Takapuna Winter Lights returns, in association with Auckland Unlimited as part of the Elemental AKL Festival, bringing interactive art installations, live music and performances across four evenings from 27-30 July.

“Takapuna Winter Lights is an inspiring, creative and engaging festival that is a multi-sensory arts and cultural community event," says festival organiser, Dan Move "It is fast becoming a highly anticipated family experience during the winter. This year we have aimed to build on the success of previous years, with even more elements to surprise and delight.”

The festival follows the success of the 2022 event, which returned with a bang after a one-year hiatus during the pandemic. Returning to this year’s festival, too, is award-winning light artist Angus Muir as event curator.

Takapuna Beach Business Association CEO Terence Harpur says the unique social atmosphere of the festival brings significant visitor numbers to Takapuna, which is great for local businesses and community spirit. “This year, we are expecting over 45,000+ attendees to witness and immerse themselves in this awe-inspiring and educational event,” Terence said.

One of the festival highlights, the Te Ara o te Whenua Roa o Kahu installation, is an interactive device-free augmented reality piece. This involves a live-view camera that brings to life the story of the journeys early Māori took from Kaipara to Takapuna.

Artwork by children at Takapuna Primary School and Campbells Bay Early Learning Centre will also be featured at the festival, using animation and projection. This year, the theme for this work is about native birds and te reo, bringing together science, art and language.

Another key drawcard is being brought to the event by Takapuna Grammar School, whose students will be showcasing curated musical and dance performances. On Friday

27 July and Saturday 28 July, from 6-8pm, families will enjoy on-the-hour dance performances at 38 Hurstmere Road, including jazz-style dance from the

Tempus group, alongside traditional ballet. There will also be musical street-style performances from guitar and keyboard soloists. Branded Pisces duo, playing cello and guitar, and solo musician Nathan Fry will also perform popular cover songs.

Takapuna Winter Lights Festival is a free, fully accessible, and family-friendly community event. The public can explore light installations and interactive elements along Hurstmere Road and on Hurstmere Green after dark, with food trucks and warm drinks to keep visitors fuelled.

The following ticketed events also form part of the festival:

Immersive Audio Hikoi - 28 July, 6-6.45pm & 7-7.45pm, Hurstmere Road. $17

A hīkoi (walk) under the night sky along Takapuna Beach while listening to the pūrākau (stories of origin) of the land underfoot through a recorded headset.

Lux Vinum at Street Organics, with Mt Edward Wine - 29 July, 6.30-8pm & 8.30-10pm. $69

An exploration of wine and light with the consummate wine lush, Jake Tipler.

Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie - Pumphouse Theatre, 20-30 July. $21-29

Regarded as one of Agatha Christie’s most accomplished plays, this suspenseful thriller keeps audiences guessing until the very end.

Step out with Peter Urlich - Regatta, The Strand Takapuna, Saturday 22 July 7pm. $69

Shake away your winter blues and join us for a night of glitz and glam, champagne cocktails, and Sinatra.

Tickets for all these events are available at winterlights.nz/ticketed-events/

Takapuna Winter Lights is brought to you by Takapuna Beach Business Association, Silo, AMD, Go Media, Devonport Takapuna Local Board, Willis Bond and Auckland Unlimited.

When: 27-30 July, 5-10pm

Where: Hurstmere Green, Hurstmere Road, Central Takapuna Tickets: Free (apart from ticketed events above) winterlights.nz

Kathryn Nobbs Photography

Photo: Claire Fuller

Photo: Brett Phibbs

Kathryn Nobbs Photography

Kia moemoeā: Dream Beyond Limits

Westlake Boys to host prestigious international boys schools conference

By Aidan Bennett

The first thing I did when I was about to put together this article was go and view the video on the International Boys’ Schools Coalition (IBSC) website that promotes this conference that is taking place in early July. It’s exceptional, capturing things perfectly. I encourage you to view it yourself. The video not only provides a full outline of the conference theme but also captures the essence that is Aotearoa New Zealand and one of our finest schools, Westlake Boys High School. It’s no wonder we are so proud of our local boys’ school. Visit theibsc.org to take in the video.

So what is the International Boys’ Schools Coalition?

Founded in 1995, the IBSC organisation is dedicated to the education and development of all students at boys’ schools across the world, the professional growth of those who work with them, and the advocacy and the advancement of institutions – primarily schools for boys – that serve them. It aims to be the leading voice worldwide in best education practices for boys. The organisation’s values and principles are described as ‘at the heart of our work together is, fairly and equitably, connecting and directing the many

attributes of our diverse community in guiding boys on the journey to adulthood for lives of purpose and meaning, compassion and justice, and service and leadership to a greater good’.

Westlake Boys’ High School Headmaster David Ferguson serves as an officer on the IBSC worldwide board. He currently holds the role of secretary on that board. His involvement has played a big part in this 2023 annual conference being hosted here in New Zealand, at Westlake, from Wednesday 5 July to Saturday 8 July.

David has been a IBSC board member since 2015. Also serving as chair of the Association of Boys Schools of New Zealand, since 2015, he sees his role with the IBSC as an extension of this work.

“The conference has been hosted once in New Zealand previously, at Lindisfarne College in 2008,” says David. “This year is the 32nd Annual Conference and the second time it has been held in this country. We had to pitch to host it and we were originally scheduled to hold it here in 2022. COVID meant it was postponed for 12 months.

“It will be a great honour and a privilege. To have so many boys’ schools educators here from all over the world in Auckland, at Westlake, is really exciting for us. It will also give the 50 New Zealand

Headmaster David Ferguson making a presentation to St Mark’s School of Texas Headmaster David Dini and his wife Nancy, hosts of the 2022 IBSC conference

boys’ schools the chance to attend an International Conference whilst it is here in New Zealand.

“It is also great chance to welcome overseas visitors to New Zealand, many for the first time. It is a chance to learn from one another and to be immersed in the work that we do every day; working to provide the best possible opportunities for our boys.”

There are 300 member schools from more than 20 countries and five continents that form IBSC. Nations represented include Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, India, Ireland, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom, Uruguay, United States and Zimbabwe. Members include day and boarding schools, primary and secondary schools, denominational and non-denominational schools, independent and state schools, and education professionals.

Conference attendees – made up of around 600 people from 160 schools around the globe – have been invited to explore the theme Kia Moemoeā: Dream Beyond Limits. This theme aims to motivate boys’ educators to develop men of the future, encouraging boys to feel connected and engaged in their learning and with their community.

Pre-conference information challenges attendees to, “Dive into research and best practice to empower our boys to be thought leaders in wellbeing, technology, diverse learning environments, resilience, and collaboration. Together we can positively impact boys’ education and develop connectedness and leadership in each student. Let's focus our efforts to guide, support, and prepare boys as they move their communities forward.”

The conference will include workshops and presentations from guest speakers. Each workshop runs for 60 minutes and focuses on the theme Kia Moemoeā: Dream Beyond Limits. Workshops will address at least one of the conference tracks: Effective Teaching Practices, School Leadership, Digital Engagement, Cultural Responsiveness, Wellbeing and Healthy Communities.

Wednesday 5 July will see the grand opening of the conference at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre. Prior to the opening there will be a presentation by Sir Ian Taylor at Westlake in the afternoon. His presentation is titled, ‘This Thing Called STEM? It’s in Your DNA!’.

Thursday will see workshops held at Westlake Boys High School

and presentations featuring speakers William Pike (Surviving by Dreaming Beyond Limits) and Mina Pomare-Peita.

Friday will be another day of workshops and presentations, with highlights including an address by Sir Graham Henry on ‘The Culture of Leadership’ and Susan Hassall presenting ‘Aroha Mai, Aroha Atu – Why a Good Education Still Matters!’. On Friday evening, a special reception will be held at Auckland War Memorial Museum.

The conference will conclude on Saturday 8 July, with workshops and a closing presentation by Tony Fernando, a psychiatrist and sleep specialist from Auckland.

Westlake hosting this worldwide conference right here on the Shore is a fantastic achievement. Well done to all involved.

For more information visit: westlake.school.nz

It is a chance to learn from one another and to be immersed in the work that we do every day working to provide the best possible opportunities for our boys.

More than 600 delegates from around the world will be attending the 2023 IBSC conference at Westlake Boys High School in July

Getting warmer for winter

Tips to keep the heat in and save you some extra $$$

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep your home warm and comfortable during the colder months. Not only is it important for your own comfort, but it’s also important for your wallet, as heating costs can add up quickly. Here are some tips for making your home more energy efficient and keeping the heat in.

Insulation

Adequate insulation is essential for keeping heat inside your home during the winter months. If your home isn’t properly insulated, you could be losing a significant amount of heat through the walls, ceiling and floors. If you have an older home, you may want to consider redoing your insulation.

Double-glazed windows

Single-glazed windows are one of the biggest culprits for heat loss in a home. Replacing them with double-glazed windows can help keep your home warmer and more energy-efficient. Double-glazed windows work by trapping a layer of air between the two panes, which acts as an insulator. This means that less heat escapes through the windows, and your home stays warmer.

Heating/ HRV system

Upgrading your heating system can also help make your home more energy-efficient. A high-efficiency heating system can reduce your energy bills and keep your home warmer. Additionally, make sure to change your filters regularly to keep your heating system running efficiently. Another option is to install a heat recovery ventilation (HRV)

system. An HRV system works by exchanging the heat from air that’s being expelled from your home with the fresh air that’s being brought in. This means that you’re not losing heat when you’re ventilating your home, which can help reduce your heating bills.

Gaps under doors

Gaps under doors are another common area where heat can escape from a home. One way to prevent this is to install door sweeps, which are strips of rubber or vinyl that attach to the bottom of the door and seal the gap. This can help keep cold drafts out and warm air in.

Other tips

There are several other things you can do to make your home more energy-efficient and keep the heat in. For example, you can:

• seal any gaps or cracks in your walls, ceilings or floors

• use a programmable thermostat to control your heating system and reduce your energy usage when you’re not at home

• install heavy-duty curtains or blinds. Open them on a sunny day to let the warmth in and close them before it gets dark to trap the heat inside.

If you’re looking for a reputable, local building company to get you sorted through the winter months, call So Renovate for a no obligation free quote. Call Brett on 021 861 794 or visit sorenovate.co.nz

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 @so_renovate facebook @sorenovate

By Stephanie Ray, director at Clean for Good

Clean for Good the North Shore's experts in eco-friendly home cleaning

Dear readers, Exciting news!

We are delighted to announce that our new office is now up and running, and we couldn't be happier to serve you from this fantastic location. Nestled in the heart of Devonport village at 17 Clarence Street, our office is ready to accommodate our growing team of cleaners and provide an even better service to our valued clients. To commemorate the office opening, we recently hosted a delightful Pink Ribbon afternoon tea, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your incredible support.

What sets us apart? Let us tell you:

• We are a black label, concierge-style cleaning company, dedicated to delivering top-notch service.

• Our commitment to the environment means we only use highquality eco-friendly products, minimising plastics and chemicals.

• Unlike many others, we hire our cleaners as employees, ensuring they have stability and can enjoy quality time with their families while still receiving a steady income.

• With competitive rates, we offer exceptional value for a consistently high standard of service.

• We have earned a pristine reputation and are fully insured for your peace of mind.

Are you ready to experience A+ top-quality, eco-friendly cleaning like never before?

Contact us today on 020 4010 2470 or info@cleanforgood.co.nz

Visit us at our brand-new office at 17 Clarence Street, or reach out to us using the provided contact details. We are here to serve you with enthusiasm and excellence. Don't wait any longer. Let Clean for Good take care of your cleaning needs, and enjoy the difference a truly exceptional cleaning service can make!

Stephanie Ray, Director 020 4010 2470 info@cleanforgood.co.nz cleanforgood.co.nz

Look for our next column and follow us on Instagram and Facebook for even more hacks and a lot of freebies:

instagram instagram.com/cleanforgoodnz facebook facebook.com/cleanforgoodnz

Mairangi Bay School working bee

On Saturday 6 May, Nathan Jane and the team at Mairangi Bay Primary School held their very first community working bee.

It was a fantastic morning with more than 50 members of the community turning up on the day to help with water blasting, tidying the grounds and gardening.

Kris Cunningham from Ray White provided the coffee van to keep us all going, while the PTA put on a mid-morning sausage sizzle to keep our energy up. Will from Gill and Grundy was another kind sponsor who supplied a digger and helped clear a huge bank.

For our part, we tackled a large garden bed at the school’s entry that had become overgrown with bear's breeches (Acanthus mollis) and weedy saplings. Brodie, Faith, Josh, and Jade all got stuck into the mahi, clearing the bed in record time, repairing the retaining wall, adding edging, and planting out with a mix of 30 native and exotic plants which were kindly donated by the amazing team at awanursery.co.nz in Waimauku who have a huge range of plants to choose from. We then added a truckload of arborists' mulch that Jon Baker and his excellent team of arborists at bakertrees.co.nz in Dairyflat kindly provided – and even delivered for free!

It was a wonderful day and a great transformation, made even more special by the kindness and generosity of everyone involved.

Amanda Graham Newhaven Gardens Ltd

021 378969

instagram.com/newhavengardens/ amanda@newhavengardens.co.nz

newhavengardens.co.nz

Top tips from Amanda Graham, Newhaven Gardens. North Shore hedge trimming, garden tidy ups, planting, pruning and garden maintenance.

Mrs. Brynyce Owen

THETA CHAMBER: treatment for concussion, PTSD, dementia, insomnia, depression and more…

“It’s like therapy without the talking” - client, Sept 2022

SOQI Bed, Deesse Pro LED mask, Bioptron lights, RF inner cleanse.

Shop 5, The Arcade 15 Victoria Road, Devonport 027 777 5530

devonportwellness.co.nz info@devonportwellness.co.nz

Unique treatment for optimal winter wellness

Channel Mag's Liz Cannon talks to owner Donna Redward about the unique treatment she offers her North Shore-wide clients.

Please explain - what is Theta Chamber therapy?

In a nutshell, it's a safe, non-invasive way to improve brain function by forging new neural pathways via an induced theta brainwave state. It's a remarkable piece of technology that specifically affects mental health by temporarily shifting a person’s brainwave activity to a 'theta state'. This is when the brain shifts its focus from sensory perception – the conscious – to the subconscious. Once in the theta state, the Theta Chamber affects brainwaves and renews the mechanisms by which information is processed. All this enables deep brain learning, healing and growth. The Theta Chamber is designed to administer multiple, powerful treatment applications in a single session. As well as opening the brain to suggestion, learning and healing, it signals the hypothalamus to return to producing normal levels of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitters. It also encourages the brain to create new, normal neural pathways.

How does it work?

Simply, the Theta Chamber spins! The spin is approximately 13rpms –the speed of the natural rotation of the Earth. Set as a direct result of NASA research, this vestibular motion throws off the brain’s natural

Devonport Wellness provides Theta Chamber therapy, available nowhere else in New Zealand.

sense of time and space. By using precisely tuned, subtle electrical impulses, the Theta Chamber can affect the neurochemistry of the brain, promoting normal function and helping to create new neural pathways. Using vestibular motion and other non-invasive modalities, such as binaural beats for deep relaxation, cranial-electrotherapy stimulation (CES), and eye movement desensitisation reprogramming (EMDR), the chamber delivers a highly therapeutic effect. It allows the brain to withdraw into more profound regions of mental activity that we now know as the bio-magnetic field. The task of 'reprogramming' or 'remapping' can be achieved, and in this state, the brain does this automatically on its own.

What does it feel like?

Clients say they feel like they are floating or rocking. These movements enhance the flow in your bio-magnetic field, the place where thoughts and emotions reside. You may even fall asleep during treatment. If you do, great! You’ll awaken feeling refreshed and alert. Best of all, due to the non-invasive nature of the modalities used, side-effects are nonexistent (although people with epilepsy should not use the chamber, because of the flashing LED lights). When you've experienced this therapy for yourself, you'll find out what so many of my clients already know; when your brain feels good, everything feels better!

How long does one session last?

Total treatment time is one hour: thirty minuites in the chamber, preceded by a thirty minute session on the SOQI bed with bioptron lights. No special clothing is required. The only preparation needed is to drink plenty of water, and just breathe!

What kind of symptoms can be treated?

The Theta Chamber is a cutting-edge, FDA-cleared modality, designed to improve brain function and address a range of neurological conditions. This therapy can be particularly effective for those struggling with dementia, PTSD, anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. With just a few applications, patients can experience significant improvements in their symptoms and overall quality of life. Theta Chamber therapy uses cranial-electrotherapy stimulation (CES), which is US FDA-approved; a noninvasive, electro-medical treatment that has been shown to significantly decrease anxiety, insomnia and depression, and that is the main modality used in the recovery of drug addiction. Studies have shown that deep relaxation and calm alertness, produced by CES, increases suggestibility to hypnotism. It induces a state of openness and heightened awareness, allowing new ideas, memories and subconscious thoughts to come to the surface.

And your Theta Chamber is the only one in New Zealand?

Yes, it's been very exciting to bring cutting-edge technology like this to New Zealand. The results have just been so good. Seeing people shift so much, in terms of how they are within themselves and the way they experience the world, within such a short space of time, is very special.

Devonport Wellness

Shop 5, The Arcade, 15 Victoria Road, Devonport 027 777 5530 info@devonportwellness.co.nz devonportwellness.co.nz

The Theta Chamber

Devonport Wellness

The Dog Den –where every dog matters

Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats to owners Steve Richardson and Helen Miller to explore why dog owners in Auckland choose The Dog Den, and delves into the remarkable achievements and awards that have solidified their position as a leader in the industry.

Nestled in the heart of Takapuna, The Dog Den has emerged as the go-to destination for dog owners seeking exceptional care and services for their beloved four-legged companions. With its impeccable reputation, outstanding facilities and a multitude of accolades under its belt, The Dog Den has become synonymous with excellence in canine care.

Liz Cannon: Tell us about the services you offer.

The Dog Den: Our services are unparalleled! The Dog Den offers a comprehensive range of services that cater to the diverse needs of dog owners. Whether it's doggy daycare, farm adventures, grooming or training, we provide a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes both physical and mental well-being. Our highly trained and experienced staff ensure that each dog receives personalised attention and care, tailored to their unique requirements. Our commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety and happiness of every canine guest sets us apart from the competition.

What is The Dog Den experience?

At The Dog Den, every dog is treated like family. Our facilities boast spacious play areas, complete with agility equipment, toys and dedicated staff to engage in interactive play sessions. Dogs can choose to socialise, relax with their furry peers or enjoy enrichment

FOCUS ON BARRYS POINT ROAD

opportunities throughout the day. In 2022 we introduced farm adventure walks as a way of providing additional stimulation for regular customers. The adventures take place on private farmland, amongst native trees and streams, and are fully booked weeks in advance. The Dog Den facilities maintain a pristine, hygenic and safe environment, minimising any potential risks to the dogs' health and well-being. Meticulous attention to cleanliness is given throughout the centres at the end of every day.

I hear you've been recipients of many recognitions and awards... Congratulations!

Thank you! The Dog Den's unwavering dedication to excellence has earned us 5-star reviews on both Google and Facebook. Our commitment to providing exceptional services and our passion for dogs have been acknowledged through Westpac Business Awards, becoming finalists for the People's Choice award in 2021 and finalists for the Excellence in Customer Service in 2022.

What international standards and training do you adhere to?

The Dog Den is a silver accredited member of the International Boarding & Pet Services Association (IBPSA). All staff receive extensive dog day-care training, and most have diplomas or

certificates in dog behaviour and training, or equivalent qualifications. Our groomers are all qualified and very experienced, and our puppy trainer in Takapuna is a multi-obedience champion trainer and a fully qualified veterinary nurse with years of experience. We always have a least one staff member on site who is pet first aid qualified just in case they are needed, and multiple pet first aid kits for the staff to grab. Best to be prepared.

And to sum up...

For dog owners in Auckland, The Dog Den is more than just a canine care facility; it is a trusted haven where people's beloved pets receive the highest standard of care. With an impressive array of services, outstanding facilities and a string of well-deserved awards, The Dog Den stands tall as a leader in the industry. By choosing The Dog Den, dog owners can rest assured that their furry companions will receive the love, attention and care they deserve, making it the ultimate destination for all things dog-related in Auckland.

The Dog Den, 23 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 486 0575 thedogden.co.nz

Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 6.30am-6.30pm

Steve Richardson, Helen Miller with Darby

By Kevin O’Leary, General Manager, Business North Harbour

Unsurprisingly business confidence remains low

Following the latest budget delivered by Finance Minister Grant Robertson, many economic commentators are predicting that the content of the Minister’s budget speech may serve to make the current economic situation even more perilous, with inflation remaining high and most interest rates predicted to rise once again in response to the latest increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR). One crumb of comfort regarding the OCR is that the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has indicated that it has reached its ceiling at 5.5% following a run of 12 consecutive increases since October 2021. RBNZ has also indicated that the OCR is unlikely to be lowered until September 2024, but thankfully most economists are expecting mortgage rates to start to drop early next year – I hope they’re right!

Looking a little further into the budget, there appears to have been little support for most of the business sector. Many businesses are still doing it tough with the ongoing and well-documented challenges of supply chain issues and the shortage of labour being exacerbated by additional challenges such as ongoing high inflation and interest rates, increasing crime, flooding and the increase in the minimum wage. All of the above makes running a business a huge challenge for many business owners in the current economic climate.

Given these significant challenges it is little wonder that business confidence remains low. In recent business surveys business owners both nationally and locally remain pessimistic about the economic environment in which they are operating. Nationally, in an ANZ survey, almost 43% of respondents indicated that they expect the economy to deteriorate, whilst locally in a survey conducted by Auckland Business Chamber, that figure rises to almost 55%, with only 14% expecting any improvement. Additionally, in the local survey 68% of business owners viewed the current state of the economy as poor or very poor, with 70% rating business confidence as low, with an alarming 39% expressing little or no confidence in their ability to grow in the next twelve months.

More recently, added to these financial pressures is the realisation that Auckland Council’s budget deficit has increased from the initial figure of $295 million reported as part of the Annual Budget 2023/2024 consultation process, to $325 million with a further $50 million being required to fund recovery from the recent weather events. This is likely to mean larger than anticipated rates increases and even more cuts to services.

It is difficult to put a positive spin on the current situation but I sincerely hope that all of our businesses and households are able to weather the storm and hopefully, in the not-too-distant future, someone will kindly turn the light at the end of the tunnel back on.

Finally, please continue to support your local businesses by buying local and utilising locally available services.

businessnh.org.nz

09 968 2222

027 479 9563

kevin@businessnh.org.nz

By Claire Bellingham, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist

Choosing the correct cardio

Cardiovascular exercise is anything that increases the work of the heart and lungs. The right type of cardio exercise can burn calories, reduce your risk of health conditions, improve your mood and boost your energy.

But with so many cardio exercise options available it can be challenging to create an optimal plan. There are three factors to consider when choosing your schedule of cardio activities.

The most important factor is what you can complete injuryfree. The aim of any fitness activity is to improve your mobility, not compromise it. Every cardio activity has its own unique repetitive movement pattern. If you put your body through a fixed pattern often enough with enough impact you’ll likely get imbalances that create vulnerability to injury. Your individual biomechanics will determine which class or outdoor cardio activity is the best for you. Most of us find this out the hard way unfortunately – we get injured and then get an education at the physio on which areas of our body are particularly tight or particularly weak.

The second factor to consider in choosing your cardio activity is enjoyment. Just because your body isn’t naturally suited to a particular movement pattern doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t do it. If you’re willing to put in the time to strengthen your weak parts and stretch out your tight parts then you’ll have a lot more options. You might not be able to do your favourite class three times per week, but with careful pre-hab, taking sensible options and leaving rest time between classes you can potentially do it once a week, mixing it in with other cardio activities. It’s important that you get some enjoyment from your cardio, or at least not intense distress. A great plan is only as good as your ability to stick to it, and it’s easier to adhere to something you like.

The third factor in choosing the cardio activity for you is your goals. Many people embark on a cardio campaign because they want to lose weight. However the wrong type of cardio activity can actually achieve the opposite effect. For some people, intense early morning training can push the body into a stressed state where it holds tight to body fat. In addition to this, in some cases intense activity can drive up your appetite. Many people find themselves diligently burning 500 calories in the morning only to power-eat 2000 calories (often treat calories) later in the day. There are plenty of strategies to combat this common phenomenon. And maybe a few extra pre- and post-workout calories don’t matter if your primary goal is to enjoy a fun morning blow-out with your friends. That’s healthy too. It’s just good to be mindful of the purpose of your activity and aware of how you’re tracking.

The most important thing in choosing your cardio strategy is tailoring it to you – your genetics, your biomechanics and your temperament. Some people will never do a HIIT session in their lives but this doesn’t mean they won’t have good cardiovascular capacity, a lean physique and great general health. Exercise should improve your mobility and vitality while moving you towards your goals. If your current cardio strategy isn’t achieving this then it might be time to consider a new approach.

Les

Mills Takapuna,

Rooftop Level, Shore City,

Takapuna

0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz claire@clairebellingham.co.nz

By Natasha Geo, Takapuna North Community Trust Manager

Free Matariki celebration: Exciting events and festivities await

We are very excited to announce we will be running a series of events to celebrate Matariki during June and July. Come and join us for te reo storytime, maramataka tree-planting, and a first-light gathering at Takapuna Beach.

We will also be hosting a twilight waiata family event to meet our neighbours, share some kai, sing some waiata and celebrate the rising of this beautiful constellation. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website for more details coming soon!

Free adult art class

Come along to our free weekly adults' art classes! Make new friends, share stories with each other and learn new skills. You may discover some hidden talents. Please check our website for more information, including what you need to bring. See you there!

Upcoming happenings

Our Upcoming Happenings page on our website has lots of ideas for fun, free activities for the whole family. Take a look and try your hand at something new.

Thank you to Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

These free initiatives would not be possible without generous support from Devonport-Takapuna Local Board.

We’d love to hear from you!

If you have any feedback on how we serve you or would like to share some ideas, please get in touch with us.

takapunatrust.org.nz

Facebook/Instagram: @TakapunaNorthCommunityTrust

office@takapunatrust.org.nz 09 486 2098

Supported by:

By Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead

Professional development programme for NFP/community groups

Outstanding training, free or at low cost

LiiFT Aotearoa professional development

There are some fantastic professional development and training sessions happening in June including:

6 June: Governance Matters session #5 (Topic: Health and safety) on Zoom.

9 June: Essential First Aid in-person workshop.

15 June: Resourcing Leaders in Times of Change. Free sessions on Zoom (Topic: Leading hybrid teams).

28 June: Building Partnership with Māori (in-person workshop). To find out more about each of these sessions and to register head to ANCAD’s dedicated training website found at LiiFT.nz

Shore Pacific Network meeting

You are welcome to attend the Pacific Community Network meeting on 13 June from 6pm to 8.30pm. This will have a youth theme. Venue: Harbour Sport, Sports House, Stadium Drive, Albany. RSVP to Sarah Thorne sarah@ancad.org.nz

ANCAD Community Network meeting

You are invited to this network meeting for all, on Thursday 22 June, 12pm to 2pm. Venue: St Anne’s Room, Mary Thomas Centre, 3 Gibbons Road, Takapuna. Light lunch provided. As this is National Volunteers Week, our guest speaker will be Cheryll Martin QSO (Volunteering Auckland) speaking on taking care of your volunteers. Following the presentation, there will be an opportunity to share any announcements. RSVP to Sarah Thorne sarah@ancad.org.nz. Find out more and how to register at www.ancad.org.nz/events/

ancad.org.nz facebook @ancad.org.nz instagram ancadinc

LiiFT Aotearoa LiiFT.nz

0800 426 223 or info@ancad.org.nz

Sport: Kristin students shine

Kristin School is celebrating the success of our students in their chosen sports. This year so far many students have been selected to represent their codes at both national and international levels in sports including yachting, diving, tennis and hockey.

Yachting: Nelsen Meacham

Year 9 student Nelsen Meacham has earned well-deserved recognition by securing the second position in the highly competitive New Zealand Optimist National Championships. With more than 50 skilled sailors participating in the regatta, Nelsen consistently performed at an impressive level throughout the event. His exceptional skills and determination were evident as he vied for the top spot. Adding to his achievements, Nelsen also triumphed in the P Class at the Tauranga event, claiming the prestigious Wihau Shield.

Diving: Tuini Allen

Displaying a remarkable talent in diving, Year 9 student Tuini Allen represented New Zealand with great pride at the Australian Age Diving Championships during the school holidays. Tuini's outstanding skills earned her a remarkable third place finish in both the 1m and 3m springboard events, showcasing her dedication and perseverance. Returning to New Zealand, she continued her winning streak by securing the first position in the 1m and 3m springboard events at the highly competitive Auckland Championships.

Tuini's achievements in the diving arena mark her as a rising star in the sport. Her next competition is the Dive New Zealand Nationals in Auckland in this month.

Tennis: Muhan Cui

Year 13 student Muhan Cui won the 15 & Over Girls Singles at the 2023 Tier 3 Auckland Autumn Junior Champs. Muhan also achieved an outstanding victory as a member of the winning Tennis Northern team at the prestigious 2023 Aon National Junior Teams 17u event. Held under the auspices of the Waikato Tennis Trust, this tournament witnessed Muhan and her team triumphantly securing the gold medal. Notably, Muhan showcased an extraordinary display of skill and determination, remaining undefeated in all her singles matches.

Hockey: Harbour Hockey National U18 Championships

Six Kristin students have been selected for the prestigious North Harbour Hockey 2023 Cello U18 Premier (P1) and Premier 2 (P2) sides. These teams will represent Harbour Hockey at the upcoming National U18 Championships being held in both Palmerston North and Nelson in July. This highly anticipated tournament will showcase the immense talent and skills of young hockey players from across New Zealand.

Student initiative to restore Lucas Creek

Kristin Senior School students have established a new club to help maintain and restore the biodiversity in Lucas Creek.

The Lucas Creek Restoration Club has created an action plan and its members are meeting twice a week to weed, plant and trap pests at the section of the creek that runs through Kristin School.

Established by Year 12 students

Lily Rushworth and Lila Maffitt, the club is currently weeding plants including lilies, tradescantia, Chinese privet and deadly nightshade. Later in the year, the group will replace weeds with native plants including manuka and flax.

Lily says, “Lucas Creek Restoration is an amazing club where students learn enriching information about the native species in New Zealand, and what we can do to protect them. It’s a great way for us to spend time together creating memories and making a difference for

Lila adds, “Our first big task was removing the arum lilies, which can suffocate the native plants and stop water flowing in the creek. It was a big job but this will make the stream healthier and encourage the return of invertebrate species and hopefully native freshwater fish. We hope to return the stream back to full health.”

Environmental science teacher Chris McLeod, who supports the club, says Kristin’s beautiful natural environment lends itself to environmental study.

“We are very lucky to have such an incredible 50-acre campus with parts of Lucas Creek running through Kristin. This enables students to get hands-on experience with environmental restoration work, that can be used to support their learning from the classroom. The students have done an amazing job so far and we’ve been really impressed with their dedication to improving the creek habitat.”

Congratulations to the following students:

• P1 U18 Women - Lily Rushworth

• P2 U18 Women - Stella McKay, Sasha Jamieson and Hannah Crook

• P2 U18 Men - Dom Pietersen and Kalan Evans

Kristin’s environment.”

Marina Stowers, Lily Rushworth, Jack Shaw, Hyunjune Won, Hover Guo and Eva Stowers

Nelsen Meacham

Tuini Allen

Muhan Cui

Sasha Jamieson, Hannah Crook, Lily Rushworth, Stella McKay and Kalan Evans. Absent - Dom Pietersen

The formula to thrive.

MAKE THEIR SENIOR SCHOOL YEARS COUNT.

Kristin Senior School (Years 11-13) provides:

• High quality staff in teaching, leadership, wellbeing, digital learning and other support roles

• Small class sizes (14 students on average) and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities

• The choice to study NCEA or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme with a vast range of subject options and co-curricular opportunities

• A strong focus on student wellbeing, a positive culture of success and aspiration, and so much more!

Register your attendance at kristin.school.nz or email admissions@kristin.school.nz

Senior School Information Evening

WEDNESDAY

21 JUNE 2023

6-7PM

Dame Valerie Adams visits our Mother and Son Breakfast

More than 500 mums, sons and caregivers attended our annual Mother and Son Breakfast to celebrate all the good things mums do for their boys in their young lives.

It was an honour and privilege to welcome Dame Valerie Adams to Westlake on Thursday 4 May and hear her inspiring story about her late mum’s love and support, reflecting on the sacrifices she made to provide a better life for her family.

“I can’t help thinking back to what her life was like and the sacrifices she made to enable us to have a better life,” she said in a Q&A with Mr Dunne.

The Olympic gold medalist also spoke about being bullied at school as she was exceptionally tall, and how her family survived on just $40 a week. Despite these challenges, her mother’s love and support helped her to become the inspiring woman she is today.

“I don’t know how my mum did it. We had nothing, but we had so much love in the house,” she said. Dame Valerie also described the

shock of her mum’s death when she was just 15, and how this turning point in her life motivated her to train harder and set goals for her path in life.

Dame Valerie encouraged students to never give up on their dreams, but to be prepared to put in the effort to achieve them.

“Whatever you do in life, whatever you set your mind to, you have to make sure you’re prepared to work for it,” she said.

Headmaster David Ferguson thanked Dame Valerie and all the mums and caregivers for attending such a wonderful event. He also urged the students, whatever they choose to do in life to, 'make your mum proud'.

Top scholars awarded in Parliament

Five Westlake students were invited to the NZQA Top Scholars Ceremony in the Grand Hall in the Parliament Buildings in Wellington.

This special event on Wednesday 10 May was to recognise students from across the country who achieved incredible success in their 2022 Scholarship examinations.

Minister of Education, the Honourable Jan Tinetti, presented awards to Jack Barnett (top in art history), Ethan Wang (top in German) and Oliver Garner (top in music).

Awards and NZQA medals were then presented to our two Premier Scholars: Hunter Haynes (who earned a total of 10

Scholarships: four Outstanding Scholarships and six Scholarships) and Simon Geertsema (who earned a total of seven Scholarships: three Outstanding Scholarships and four Scholarships). We are extremely proud of these young men and wish them the very best for their exciting next chapter of tertiary education.

Dame Valerie Adams

Head Boy Jay Dunne with Dame Valerie Adams

Students with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins

Jack Barnett, Oliver Garner, Ethan Wang, Hunter Haynes and Simon Geertsema

Premier sailors New Zealand champions

Westlake's Premier Sailing Team has won the New Zealand Secondary Schools Teams Racing National Championships for the first time since 2001.

Despite tough competition at the regatta off Algies Bay and Snells Beach, the team managed to stay almost unbeaten and won every

race against second placed Rangitoto College. Schools from across the North and South Islands attended and we are proud that our team is the new national champion.

The team has now qualified to represent New Zealand at the interdominions regatta in Sydney, in September.

Celebrity

choreographer

brings stardust to Westlake shows

Choreographer to the stars Darren Royston has been busy putting students through their paces as they prepare for two combined Westlake schools productions, set to hit the stage in July.

Rehearsals are now well underway for Stephen Sondheim’s musical fairytale masterpiece, Into the Woods, and Shakespeare’s delightful romantic comedy, As You Like It. The productions are led by the same award-winning team that directed Les Misérables (2019) and Socially Distanced Shakespeare (2021), both receiving multiple Auckland Live Showdown Awards.

Darren Royston’s impressive credentials include teaching Daniel Radcliffe of Harry Potter fame how to dance, and choreographing major musical theatre productions in London,as well as films such as Queen of the Desert starring Nicole Kidman.

Head of Drama and Theatre Arts at Westlake Boys, Dr Nick Brown, said, “It’s been a rare privilege for Westlake students to work with such an acclaimed movement director and choreographer as Darren. His work on television, in London’s West End and on film is noted for its beauty and variety.

“We’re lucky to have had him with us for two weeks, during which time he has created a jig for As You Like It and a choreographed dance finale for Into the Woods.”

Experience for yourself the magic of Darren’s show-stopping choreography and collaboration with talented Westlake students! Shows kick off from 18-22 July with Into the Woods at Westlake Boys, then As You Like It runs at Westlake Girls from 25-29 July.

Tickets go on sale at iTicket.co.nz on Saturday 27 May

Rehearsing for As You Like It

Rehearsals in full swing for Into the Woods

Darren Royston with the cast of As You Like It

Ms Anna Ankersmit, Flinn Olson, Robbie Wooldridge, Ethan Fong, Isaac Gaites, Lucas Day (captain), Sam Clarke, Leo Jeffery, Jago Cleghorn

BOT Excellence Award nomination form

When young women attend Carmel College, our vision is that they receive an education with opportunities that will see them empowered to challenge and shape the future. Our hope is that they will live by our Mercy values whereby they are compassionate and respectful, where they will seek justice for others and themselves, and where they will have the courage to pursue their ambitions.

In 2022 the Carmel College Board of Trustees introduced an annual award called the BOT Excellence Award with the idea that the recipients of this award will have brought honour to themselves and also to Carmel College through their achievements.

The inaugural award was presented at the senior prizegiving to past student Grace Stratton in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the area of disability advocacy in business.

The Board is calling for nominations for the 2023 BOT Excellence Award and, therefore invites any member of our community to nominate a past student or staff (current or past) member who they believe is deserving of this prestigious award.

Carmel students compete in Pompallier Shield

A group of 15 Carmel students recently travelled to Pompallier College in Whangarei to compete in the annual Pompallier Shield competition, a scripture-reading and oratory competition for all 15 Catholic secondary schools in the Auckland diocese.

Year 12 student Jasmine Lealaogata presented her senior oratory, Climate Change, winning first place. This is the first time a Carmel student has won this cup since its inception in 2009. The winning of this award is also significant as the cup is named after one of the college’s previous principals, Collene Roche (principal from 1991-2003).

Eligibility criteria

• Attendance at Carmel College for at least one full academic year.

• The nominee must have attained a notable degree of prominence through professional endeavour, research, volunteerism, and involvement within the local or global community.

• Special consideration will be given to those who demonstrate significant initiative by starting innovative service projects, research, businesses or other original enterprises.

• Received recognition by professional organisations for significant professional contributions, discoveries, or creative work through honours, awards, and/or media attention.

• Serves as an outstanding role model for alumni, current and future Carmel College students.

• Excluded from consideration: prior recipients, current trustees, or current selection committee members.

Nominations close on Monday, 11 September 2023.

If you would like to nominate someone please fill in the nomination form on our website carmel.school.nz and email it to The Board Secretary, Jenny McLaughlin jmclaughlin@carmel.school.nz.

Jasmine Lealaogata and Carmel College Principal Sarah Kemble

MediaWorks trip

From 9-11 May, Rosmini College’s Year 9 media studies students had the amazing opportunity to visit MediaWorks in the city. We were welcomed at MediaWorks with a huge billboard saying, “Welcome to Rosmini College”, which was very exciting.

Once inside, the boys were divided into two groups, with each group being able to see such stations as MoreFM, The Edge and The Rock in action. Some of our boys were lucky enough to meet Duncan Garner and Jay Reeves, who were recording there. The boys were then taken through the process of creating an advertising campaign and were able to see what makes an advertisement or product memorable. Paula Pierce, Rosmini’s head of media studies adds, “It was also very interesting to hear about the career options in media, as well as the pathways that a number of staff took to reach their career goals. A very big thank you to Gareth Codd and his team who made this trip possible and provided an incredible learning opportunity for our boys.”

Year 8 camp

Rosmini College’s Head of Intermediate Paul Hodgkinson says, “One hundred and fifty-nine boys recently attended their Year 8 camp. The camp was over three days and two nights, at the YMCA located at Shakespear Lodge, Whangaparaoa. The boys were active from 6:30am to 9:30pm: It takes a lot to tire these boys out! We tramped, swam, cycled, kayaked, made rafts, went mountain boarding, coasteering, tried archery, climbed, made catapults and played night games. The boys had numerous opportunities to make new friends, and the camp was a positive experience that would not have been possible without the help of our special parent helpers. For those parents who sacrificed their time (and sleep) we say, thank you.”

Duncan Garner with Rosmini Year 9 Media Studies students

Year 8 camp team building exercise

STEAM programme featuring in an international study commissioned by the OECD

The STEAM programme at Westlake Girls has been selected to be part of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) first comparative international study on 'Career Preparation in a Rapidly Changing World' across 10 OECD countries, including New Zealand.

The OECD's work on education helps individuals and nations to identify and develop the knowledge and skills that drive better jobs and better lives, generate prosperity and promote social inclusion.

The study is being led by an American analyst, Dr. Paul Herdman, who visited Westlake Girls and conducted interviews with current and former STEAM students.

The aim of this study is to capture best practices around transitioning young people from education to the world of work and share new insights and innovations as examples of good practice in preparing young people for a successful life and career.

The STEAM programme at Westlake was chosen as one of only four high school education institutes in New Zealand.

Success at the 2023 Race Unity Speech Awards

Congratulations to Isabella Drummond and Jappan Kaur who represented Westlake Girls in the Race Unity Speech Awards competition in May. Isabella placed first in the Auckland regional competition and Jappan won her heat. Both students will participate in the national Speech Awards in June at the Manukau Institute of Technology, together with other young people from 15 regions. They will also participate in a one-day Race Unity hui to delve more deeply into issues surrounding race relations for our rangitahi and other people in New Zealand.

We are very proud of our success in developing opportunities for students to acquire the skills and capabilities needed for the world of work and understand the rapidly expanding career pathways, including emerging careers.

Isabella Drummond, Head Prefect said, “I was very humbled to have won, placing first in the Auckland regional competition. Last year I placed runner-up in Auckland, so it means a lot knowing that I have grown and developed as an orator over the past year.”

I was very humbled to have won, placing first in the Auckland regional competition.

Dr Paul Herdman, Joy Yan, Shreeji Patel, Anneka Salim, Grace Hirst, Caitlin Kuan, Lizzie Prescott, Susana Tomaz, Shaun Gear (Integration Advisor - Business Industry & Employer at MoE)

Isabella Drummond and Jappan Kaur

School productions

Westlake schools are combining once again to bring audiences not one but two productions: Stephen Sondheim’s magical comic masterpiece, Into the Woods, and Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy, As You Like It.

The productions will be across a two-week season, first at Westlake Boys (Into the Woods, from 18-22 July) and then at Westlake Girls (As You Like It, from 25-29 July).

Tickets available from iTICKET.co.nz.

Westlake Girls set sail for Sydney

Our Westlake Girls sailing team won the New Zealand Secondary Schools Team Racing Championship at the end of the April school holidays, after winning the Auckland title a month earlier.

The team will represent New Zealand at the Inter-Dominion Secondary Schools Regatta against Australia in September. The Westlake crew are now in serious fundraising mode for the major regatta, which will be hosted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron under the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 24–27 September.

Open night Tuesday 18 July

If you are interested in your child attending Westlake Girls in 2024, come along to our open night. You will meet some of our deputy principals, teachers, sports staff and hear from some of our current students. We’ll answer all your questions and take you on a guided tour! There is no need to register – just come to a session at either 4pm or 6pm on Tuesday 18 July.

For more information visit: westlakegirls.school.nz/open-night/

… the major regatta, which will be hosted by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron under the Sydney Harbour Bridge…

Emily Turner, Jess Handley, Danielle Robertson, Daniella Wooldridge,Zara Latimer, Emma Reid, Gretel Satterthwaite and Bella Jenkins

Rangitoto College gets a make-ogre with Shrek The Musical

Our Performing Arts Department was proud to deliver an outstanding (and completely sold out) season of the full-scale Broadway production, Shrek The Musical.

This ogre-sized project was the focus of almost 100 students and staff, with endless hours spent on cast and orchestra rehearsals, set building, making swamp vines, painting leaves, collecting props, sourcing and creating costumes, rigging lights, putting up posters, pushing ticket sales, and knitting together the thousands of details large and small to ensure the production ran smoothly and was of the highest possible standard.

The Performing Arts Department would like to thank absolutely everyone involved in making Shrek The Musical such an enormous success, including everyone who bought tickets, took the time to give us feedback, and spread the word about the show. It takes a great deal of dedication and perseverance to stage something of this quality, especially in such a short time frame, and we couldn’t have been happier with the result.

We hope you enjoy this selection of photos. There are plenty more on our Performing Arts at Rangitoto College Facebook page.

“We were captivated by the characters, the costumes, the humour, the acting, the voices, and the absolutely fantastic orchestra! What a privilege to listen to live music and to a real orchestra! It was evident that a lot of hard work, dedication and commitment went into the preparation of the show, and the end result was a testament to the outstanding professionalism of everyone involved.”

“What an amazing show! The talent at Rangitoto is incredible—students, teachers, support staff, everyone.”

“Wow, what a wonderful production Shrek was—an absolute credit to everyone involved with it. Costumes, scenery, set design, orchestra, and music really were all outstanding, and I thoroughly enjoyed my escape into Shrek’s world for an afternoon!”

“My family and I would have gladly paid more for such an amazing experience, and we would love to watch it again if that were possible…we are grateful for the opportunity to witness such a remarkable artistic act and we look forward to attending more such events in the future.”

“The band in particular were incredible…they sounded super professional!”

“Please pass on our congratulations to all involved, from the background helpers to the main cast, and everyone in between. I know how much time, effort, and hard work goes into something like this, over weeks and weeks of planning, casting, and then rehearsals, not to mention the elaborate costumes, set and scenery, lighting, and music. It really was fantastic.”

Enrolments 2024 Information Evening

Thursday 20th July 7pm auditorium

Open Day

Friday 21st July

Tour times: 9.00am, 11.45am & 2pm, starting in the college auditorium.

Bookings can be made on: ww w.rangitoto.school.nz/visit-us

Meet the Principal, tour the school and see what great opportunities are offered for our students.

'Shakespeare’s Use of Weapons' and upcoming events

Takapuna Grammar's recent production Shakespeare's Use of Weapons was a huge success. Both evening shows attracted full audiences who enjoyed watching our young thespians deliver a quirky, and frequently comical, take on Shakespeare’s nastier characters and plot lines.

The music throughout the show was fantastic too – several of our students performed songs they had written especially for the production. Well done to the full cast and crew – after all the disruptions of the last few years, it really was a show to be proud of.

Our talented performing arts students will have plenty of other exciting opportunities to showcase their talents this year – please come and support us if you can:

• Choir Concert – 18 June, St Peter's Anglican Church, Takapuna

• Big Sing Regionals – 21 June, Auckland Town Hall

• Auckland Lights Festival (dance performance) – 27-30 July, Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna

• KBB Festival – 7-12 August, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Parnell

• DanceNZ Made Regionals – 21-22 August, The Trusts Arena, Henderson

• Dance and Fashion Evening "7" – 23 August,Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna

• Big Sing Finale – 25-29 August, Auckland Town Hall

• DanceNZ Made National Finals – 9-10 September,Palmerston North

• Senior Treble Festival – 26 October, Westlake Girls High School

Winter sports have started

Winter sports are well underway with over 1100 students participating in multiple team and individual sports including hockey, rugby, netball, basketball, badminton, squash, table tennis, water polo, cycling, distance running and archery.

Some early season highlights include our boys' 1st XI hockey defeating Mt Albert Grammar 2-0 to retain their place in the top Auckland grade for the winter and our girls' premier basketball team defeating Carmel College to gain promotion to the top Auckland grade.

As the boys' 1st XI football aim to better their semi-final place in the Knockout Cup from last year, they have started their campaign with a 12-0 victory against One Tree Hill College. Meanwhile, the girls' 1st XI football team is three wins from four games in the Auckland Premier grade. The 1st XV rugby team have started their season with three wins, against Rangitoto, Manurewa and Rosmini.

Some recent individual successes include Chen Chen Wang claiming a bronze and two silvers at the New Zealand Karate Open. She was also selected to represent New Zealand at the Oceania

Isla Sweetman tackles Blake Inspire programme

Year 12 student Isla Sweetman was selected from students across the country to take part in the environmental leadership programme Blake Inspire over the school holidays. She describes her experiences:

Blake Inspire was an incredible experience! Set up by the Sir Peter Blake Foundation, the organisation aims to connect young leaders from all around New Zealand who are passionate about the environment with other like-minded youth.

championships this month.

Halena Kearns picked up a bronze and two silvers in the New Zealand Kayak Sprint Nationals. Also on the water, Year 10 student Rosara Davis has made history by becoming the youngest boarder to win the national senior women’s SUP title. On the court, Bailey Flavell has been selected for the New Zealand U16 basketball team. The team will compete in the FIBA U16 Women’s Asian Championship, which tips off in Jordan in July. And on the road, Sascha Letica claimed a silver medal in the Athletics New Zealand inaugural one mile under-20 Road Running Championships.

In alumni news, class of '21 Hayden McKay has been selected for the USA U20 rugby team, which will play Canada to qualify for the Rugby World Cup trophy, while class of '22 Qaizden Stephano has signed with Gillette College on a basketball scholarship.

Izzy Fox claims Auckland Cricket College Female Cricketer of the Year Award

Year 13 Izzy Fox has received the Auckland Cricket College Female Cricketer of the Year Award. This award acknowledges Izzy’s outstanding contribution to the TGS Girls 1st XI and her consistently high level of performance in both the College Sport competition, where TGS claimed gold, and during the national qualification tournament, which TGS also won.

At the start of our five-day trip, when we first arrived in the Waikato, none of us knew one another. However, after some icebreaker activities which ended with most of us falling into the Waikato River, we soon did. Highlights were kayaking through Raglan harbour, finding tuatara in the wild, water testing streams, ziplining over the Rotorua ancient canopies, and much more!

I would highly recommend applying for Blake Inspire to anyone who is passionate about our environment and would like an adventure where you come away inspired and knowledgeable, and with friends for life!

Explore our school!

We welcome you to take a journey through Takapuna Grammar School with our new Virtual Online Tour tool. Simply scan this QR code with your mobile phone camera or go to takapuna.youtour.nz and explore!

Isla Sweetman

with Lindsay Knight

Tough decisions to be made by Bowls North Harbour

A diverting poser looms for North Harbour executive members when the annual meeting/awards function of the centre is held later this month.

This is to determine who should win the centre’s supreme award as the bowler of the past season.

The decision appears to be between a player who has achieved major honours nationally and international and another who has excelled primarily at centre level.

Black Jack Selina Goddard has been outstanding at New Zealand level, winning an epic national singles final to achieve her gold star for five national titles while still in her 20s. She also finished runnerup in the national mixed pairs and last winter, won two medals at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games and spearheaded her Takapuna club side last November to the national sevens title for 2021-22.

But because of those commitments, she has had limited participation in local events, where Orewa’s evergreen Elaine McClintock has enjoyed prolific success, winning no fewer than three centre titles; the championship pairs and champion of champion pairs with club-mate Kerin Roberts and the champion of champion singles.

Of the centre’s male players, Browns Bay’s Neil Fisher and Black Jack Tony Grantham, who is a member of Birkenhead, have also had great seasons, with the latter sharing the national pairs title with Gary Lawson. But he now plays his representative bowls with Auckland and Fisher, too, divides his time between playing for Browns Bay and for his old Auckland club, Howick.

Meanwhile, the centre has given some relief to its clubs by providing much more flexibility in the playing calendar for the coming 2023-24 season.

In recent seasons, with Covid lockdowns and the dreadful weather events of the past few months, clubs have had to fit in with hopelessly congested programmes.

It is truly an exercise of trying to fit a proverbial gallon into a pint bottle. With a limited number of weekends, the clubs’ match committees have to try to fit in their own club championships and tournaments around what until this year appears to have been an ever-increasing number of centre and national events.

Often this involves having to balance the aspirations of elite players with those of ordinary club bowlers who play mainly for recreation. It’s a process and involves protocols that many bowlers don’t fully understand and causes some ill-informed criticism of those trying to do the balancing acts.

In addition, attempts were made in the recently concluded 202223 season to catch up on some of the national championships which could not be completed in the 2021-22 season, and that made for a

programme more congested than ever.

Had it not been for the advent in recent years of covered carpet greens like Orewa’s, many important events, particularly the national champions pairs and singles in the early New Year, would probably have been abandoned.

Harbour board chair Robyne Walker says the centre has listened to the concerns of clubs and is trying to give them more time for their championships and tournaments. This has been done by switching some events like inter-club pennants to the winter, scrapping some of those events which don’t have a pathway to national titles, and reducing the number of representative fixtures.

And the centre’s Masters open tournament which has been a regular victim of Covid lockdowns and bad weather will have a new date; rather than February, in the new season it will be played in early October, sponsored by Senior Trust.

bowlsnorthharbour.com

Harbour board chair Robyne Walker

Setting up for success

Cathy had been working in the corporate jungle for a number of years and she and her husband Dan had really started to think about what their future might look like. They decided they would like to own their own business.

Cathy had the people management skills from her corporate days and Dan had the practical skills. They also thought that owning their own business would give them the flexibility as their two sons moved through their teenage years. They started to investigate a number of businesses and settled on becoming a franchisee of a well-known international franchise.

They went to see their lawyer and their accountant to start the due diligence process. Both of them told Cathy and Dan that they should consider setting up a trust. Trusts are a great way of protecting assets (e.g. a family home) if you are a company director or in business for yourself, and the best time to set up a trust is on a “blue sky day”, when there are no threats on the horizon. Their lawyer told them that trusts and asset structuring has become very specialised over the last five to ten years. The law has become more complex and the potential issues greater, so he recommended that they go and see a specialist trust lawyer.

guaranteeing the terms of the franchise agreement as well. What this meant was that if Cathy and Dan put all their assets into one trust, those assets (i.e. their family home) would be used to guarantee the obligations of the franchisee under the franchise agreements.

Cathy and Dan’s lawyer advised them that in cases like this, it was advisable to set up two trusts – one for their family home and other lifestyle assets and one for the business. She said that is a common structure for many business owners – having their lifestyle assets (home, bach, boat etc.) in one trust and their business, and more risky assets, in another trust. It also could help with making sure that any banking arrangements for the business didn’t impact the family home.

Their accountant told them that there was great tax flexibility in holding income producing assets (i.e. the shares in the business which owned the franchise) in a trust. The trust tax rate is 33% (as opposed to the top personal marginal rate of 39%) and any income used to help their teenage boys could be allocated to them at their marginal tax rates.

Cathy and Dan took their lawyer's advice and went to a specialist trust lawyer, keen to set up a trust. She told them that it would be important that she worked as part of the team with their other lawyer, their accountant and also their banker. She wanted to ascertain from their other lawyer if there would be any guarantees within the franchise agreement, and also the lease that they would have to enter into to secure the premises for the business. Their other lawyer confirmed that not only were Cathy and Dan giving personal guarantees, but the fine print of the franchise agreement stated that the shareholders of any company who was the franchisee would be

The specialist trust lawyer also took them through updating their wills and also a document called a memorandum of wishes, which set out their wishes in relation to the trust. She said it was a bit like a will for the trust and would set out what would happen with the trust assets if one or both of them died or lost capacity. She also recommended enduring powers of attorney which would come into effect if one of them lost capacity.

Cathy and Dan were so grateful to have expert structuring advice at the outset of their business owning journey. They were also grateful to their lawyer for referring them to a specialist trust lawyer. Owning their own business was a massive step for them and to be properly set up gave them peace of mind.

Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law

09 883 3282

Tammy McLeod (BA LLB) is the managing director at Davenports Law and a trust and asset structuring specialist. Tammy leads the Davenports Trust Team and enjoys providing clients with advice and assistance on a broad range of issues involving the structuring and establishment of asset plans, interpretation of trust deeds, the management and administration of trust funds and trust disputes. An important part of Tammy’s practice is reviewing existing asset holding structures to ensure they achieve the needs and requirements they were established to meet. She is also experienced in Property (Relationships) Act issues and advises clients on both contracting out agreements and separation.

Cathy and Dan took their lawyers advice and went to a specialist trust lawyer, keen to set up a trust.

Asset Protection. Do You Need a Trust?

The protection of assets that we have all worked so hard to acquire is an important consideration for most people. Trusts are invaluable asset protection mechanisms, which allow a person to hold property and assets on behalf of another for the good of the beneficiaries.

However, not everyone needs a trust, so ensuring other forms of asset structuring including your will and enduring powers of attorney are up to date is important.

Contact Tammy McLeod or one of her team for specialist asset structuring and planning advice.

Cash flow management

As the saying goes, 'Cash is king!' In today’s economic environment, it is important for a business to have cash on hand and preserve that cash as much as possible. Having a cash flow statement will help you be proactive with cash instead of being reactive.

A cash flow statement shows where the money is currently spent. This is a helpful tool to allow the board or management to make appropriate business decisions. It will also help determine what cash you can expect to receive and where it can be used to maximise returns. A cash flow statement will also help assess if the bank facilities are appropriate by ensuring there is always sufficient cash available for the business to function or if temporary help will be needed. This help may be in the form of an increase to the bank overdraft limit, trade finance, or loans.

So, what happens if you need more cash? One method is to consider the working capital cycle.

The working capital cycle is a measure of how fast a company can generate more cash. The cycle starts with the company either purchasing stock and/or creating work in progress to generate sales. It then sells these items. These sales will sit in debtors until the company collects the sales proceeds. These sales proceeds are then used to purchase stock and/ or creating work in progress again – and the cycle continues. The company will generate more cash on hand the faster it goes through this cycle.

Below are some things to consider when going through this cycle and helping it go faster:

• Stock/WIP. With the recent procurement issues, a lot of companies are carrying large amounts of inventory. With cash being tied up in high levels of stock, there needs to be a focus on reducing stock levels to an optimal level so cash can be freed up. One method to reduce stock is to carry out a one-off promotion to sell excess stock and prevent obsolete stock issues.

• Receivables/Debtors. Companies should be reviewing their aged debtors on a regular basis. The question to ask is whether there is a smarter way of managing and collecting outstanding debts. As a short-term strategy, agreeing an installment arrangement with outstanding debtors will ensure some cash is collected. The longer-term strategy will be to review whether servicing or selling those customers will be viable. Requesting cash payment upfront or a prompt payment discount for those customers on 60-day payment terms who pay within 30 days, for example, are strategies that may be implemented to help improve cash collection.

Other considerations include:

• Payables/Creditors. Review current supplier terms. There may be scope to match some supplier payment terms with your customer collection terms so that the cash collection and cash payment timing difference is minimised. Also, you may be making some supplier payments earlier than the actual due date. You could also capitalise on any early payment discounts being offered by the suppliers or negotiate some form of discount if you offer to reduce the supplier payment terms so that the supplier also receives the cash quicker.

• Fixed Assets. Reassess whether you need to invest large amounts of cash in fixed assets or if these can wait until a later date allowing cash on hand to be used to fund working capital in the meantime. Look at other options like a loan or hire purchase facility where the payments can be spread over the life of an asset rather than paying everything upfront.

• Review operations. Review your current operational process to see if there are opportunities to become more efficient. Some of these efficiency gains may be a tweak in the process as opposed to requiring further capital expenditure.

No doubt there will be intricacies in your company that would need to be considered. For more information or if you have any questions, please contact a member of our advisory team today.

Visit: bellinghamwallace.co.nz

Accountancy with Mike Atkinson of Bellingham Wallace.

A cash flow statement shows where the money is currently spent. This is a helpful tool to allow the board or management to make appropriate business decisions.

By Natasha Williams,

Mirror trusts don’t reflect well

Natasha Williams.

We can choose how we respond

As we seek to move on from the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic and now struggle with the impacts of extreme weather events, it’s not surprising many people are feeling overwhelmed.

Mirror trusts are much as the name suggests, two trusts that mirror each other. However they have the requirement that the settlor of each trust cannot benefit from the trust they established, i.e. the settlor cannot be a beneficiary of the trust they settled.

This type of trust structure was originally established to avoid estate and gift duties under the Estate and Gift Duties Act 1968. Despite the abolishment of estate duty many years ago, some mirror trusts still remain. This is a concern as it causes difficulties for the surviving spouse who can only benefit from the trust they did not settle.

Alan and Susan had structured their affairs in this manner many years ago. Effectively they each had the benefit of half of the assets and their children were the beneficiaries under both trusts, making them the ultimate beneficiaries of the entire trust assets once Alan and Susan had gone. Things just ticked along and they didn’t think anything more of it until they got older. When Alan passed away Susan wanted to do some of the things that would make her life without Alan more enjoyable. The difficulty was that Susan could not benefit from the assets held by the trust she settled, leaving her in a very difficult position. Susan also found that because there were two trusts and effectively two owners of the assets, there was double the paperwork as well as additional management and compliance costs. Susan was fast finding out that mirror trusts did not reflect what she and Alan had intended for themselves – they were impractical and inflexible given the changes in their life circumstances.

Susan had been advised to review the mirror trusts to assess the options available to her, something she and Alan should have done before Alan passed. Depending on the terms of the trust deed, it may be possible to restructure the two trusts into one or wind up the trusts altogether should they no longer meet the settlor’s objectives. However, finding a suitable outcome is not always straightforward and may involve the need to consult the final beneficiaries of the existing trusts; even then there may be issues if the settlors are beneficiaries of the new trust.

As with any distribution from, or re-settlement of, a trust, it is important to obtain both legal and tax advice before acting. When altering mirror trusts it is easy to breach the trusts’ terms which leaves trustees exposed to liability for exercising their powers and discretion for improper purposes. A lawyer can help you determine what is required to meet your current needs, especially if you are concerned that half of assets may be settled into a trust you cannot benefit from. Seeking professional advice before acting allows you to explore other ways to achieve your objectives and protect your assets.

If you have any questions the team at Schnauer and Co is available to help. Schnauer

schnauer.com

To avoid the feeling of helplessness, it could be useful to consider American Pastor Charles R Swindoll’s theory that “life is 10% what happened and 90% how you react to it”. I have certainly appreciated in life that when we do navigate difficult times, it is important to understand that how we choose to respond makes a significant difference in how well we cope and thrive in such events.

There is a simple formula for life that I seek to apply personally and have shared with students at our school to help them understand that they have choices in how to respond and the outcomes we will experience. This formula for life is E + R = O*.

The ‘E’ stands for ‘events’ that happen in your life, and this could be anything. As I get older, I have increasingly appreciated that life is full of lots of really good stuff, some rather neutral, and also some really bad things. Such events in life happen for a whole range of reasons, and often these things are well beyond our control.

The ‘R’ stands for your ‘responses’ to these various events; how you choose to respond to events. There are three components to our responses – our thoughts, our emotions, and our behaviour. If you have a positive mental attitude you tend to see the benefits and opportunities in events, rather than just focusing on the problems and difficulties. We do have a choice in how we respond to situations and events in our lives.

The last letter in this formula is ‘O’, which represents ‘outcomes’. We can never really know what the outcome of an event may be, despite our best efforts. The outcomes that you experience in life are the result of the events you experience as well as your responses.

Our success in life follows this formula. Our good responses will not stop bad things happening in life, but how you choose to react may reduce their bad effects and your positive responses can help influence the outcomes you will have from the event. The decisions we make, our attitude towards others, our ability to see opportunities and how hard we choose to work… such responses will all influence the outcomes we experience from the events in our life.

I hope this formula is as helpful for you as it has been for me. If we understand what we can actually control and what we cannot, then our responses to life events can mean more positive outcomes for ourselves and others.

*I understand this idea originally is attributed to American motivational speaker Jack Canfield.

lawyer, Schnauer and Co. Before being admitted to the bar in 2013 Natasha had been practicing law in England and Wales. With a background in property and estates she developed an interest in Trust law and is passionate about delivering advice and assistance to clients.

There is a simple formula for life that I seek to apply personally and have shared with students at our school to help them understand that they have choices in how to respond and the outcomes we will experience.

Auckland: The twentieth-century story

By David Verran

There have been several books written about nineteenth century Auckland, in particular those by Russell Stone, but until now there has been no overall history of twentieth century Auckland. This book by Paul Moon has just been published by Oratia Books ($45) and I was eagerly looking forward to reading it. I have reviewed one or two of Paul Moon's books in the distant past, have read others, and was looking forward to more from the professor of history at AUT. Certainly, 319 pages of text, 1421 endnotes, an extensive bibliography and index (although only of four pages) does sound impressive. There are no photographs, apart from the jacket covers, but too many would have detracted from the text.

When I wrote my 'North Shore; an illustrated history' in 2010, I hoped to raise the profile of the North Shore when it came to looking at the overall history of Auckland. Many earlier books and articles on Auckland had concentrated on the history of the Auckland isthmus and in my view neglected similar economic, demographic and social developments happening at the same time on the North Shore. After all, Devonport was as much a suburb of Auckland from the 1880s as others on the isthmus.

The North Shore was not a "sleepier" community (see page 199) at the time of the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge in May 1959, but a rapidly expanding part of Auckland with just over 50,000 people living there. Takapuna Borough made up around 40% of that, with the remainder spread across Birkenhead, Northcote, East Coast Bays and Devonport boroughs, and the North Shore part of Waitemata County. The latter including Glenfield and Albany.

Living just round the corner from Frank Sargeson's residence on Esmonde Road, I regard it more as a 'bach' than a 'hut' (see page 173), but I have attached a photograph to allow readers to make their own judgement.

I agree that the North Shore population in the 1920s stretched only from Devonport northwards to Milford and Northcote Point (see page 108), but would also add Birkenhead Point. The growth of both the sugar works and local horticulture meant that the population of Birkenhead Borough was always more than that of Northcote Borough.

Well written and accessible, and despite the chapter headings merely describing decades, this isn't a chronology. Rather, this book successfully sketches many of the economic, demographic and particularly social changes across the geographically large Auckland metropolitan area over the last century. Of course, readers may wish that other topics were also included, or even excluded, but that is the nature of a history of an area. It is impossible to fit everything in, and decisions need to be made as to what should be in the book, certainly a process I had to go through when writing my 'North Shore; an illustrated history'.

In conclusion, this is a worthy addition to the history of the greater Auckland area. Hopefully more such books will appear over time.

david.verran@xtra.co.nz

T7162 courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections This photograph of Frank Sargeson's residence was taken by David Curtis on 23 April 2009.

… this book successfully sketches many of the economic, demographic and particularly social changes across the geographically large Auckland metropolitan area over the last century.

By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager

It's play time!

Takapuna North Community Trust is once again holding free Winter Fun preschool play sessions at Sunnynook Community Centre.

Running on Wednesday 21 and 28 June, 19 and 26 July, 16, 23 and 30 August, and 20 September, the sessions will be held from 10am to 12pm, with tea/coffee provided. Please note parents/caregivers are responsible for supervising the children in their care at all times.

A Matariki event will take place at the Centre on Friday 14 July. Organised by Takapuna North Community Trust, planning is underway and details will be shared on Facebook community pages. Starting time will be around 5pm but will be confirmed closer to the day.

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability

Yes and the I.Lead team celebrated Youth Week with I.Style

The weather is now in full winter mode so grab your jackets and jumpers out of those closets. However, the weather isn’t stopping the Yes and I.Lead team from continuing their mahi in supporting young people.

The Yes team had an exciting time recently with the conclusion and graduation of the first intake of the Empowered programme. The graduation was full of laughter and enjoyment but most of all it was an opportunity to see the growth of the participants from the beginning of the programme to now. The graduation was held at the SkyCity Grand Hotel in Auckland over as a two day event.

We started the day with the participants travelling from their local regions and meeting at SkyCity Hotel late afternoon. After the participants had the chance to check their rooms and relax during their free time, we finished the day with dinner at Orbit restaurant.

Day two started with breakfast and a final workshop from Cam. During the workshop each participant had the opportunity to speak in front of their peers and explain how they found their journey, discussing their goal at the beginning of the programme and the progress they made throughout the programme to achieving that goal. We wrapped the day with a final goodbye to everyone and workbook to take home to continue their journey.

Did you know that we have the following classes/groups at Sunnynook Community Centre?

CMA North Shore (Companionship and fun activities for Seniors), Yuanji/Kung Fu Dance (exercise class), Hearts and Minds (Health & Wellbeing Workshops), Chinese Language Classes for Children, Zumba (exercise class), Spirit Inc Tribal Belly Dancing, Counterpunch Parkinson’s Exercise Group, Tai Chi for Health –Beginners, Intermediate and Maintenance, English Language Partners (ESOL classes), Eye Level (Math & English) Tuition, Seasons Art Class for Adults, Crimewatch Meetings (monthly), Walking Group (Wednesdays), Sunnynook Ladies Group (monthly), Milford Combined Probus Club (monthly), Bays North Harbour Parents Centre (parenting courses – Baby & You, Moving & Munching), Rudd School of Rock (music tuition), Miles Dance School, Pilates, North Harbour Rockers, Fitness League (rhythmic exercise class), AA Sunnynook (weekly meetings), Muse School of Dance, COPD Asthma Support Group (monthly), Indoor Bowls (weekly), Parkinsons Support Group, Goju Ryu Karate Class, Sunnynook Toastmasters (fortnightly), Prostate Cancer Support Group (monthly), Sunnynook Community Association (monthly), Heartbeats Support Group (monthly), Look Good Feel Better, Sunnynook Chinese Association (weekly), Bread of Life Church (weekly), Chi Gong Classes (weekly), North Shore Country Music Club (weekly).

For more information about any of these classes or groups that meet at the Centre please check our website.

sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz

office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz.

Yes and the I.Lead team celebrated Youth Week with I.Style, which an awesome workshop that’s been designed by young people with disabilities for young people with disabilities! The aim of this workshop was to help the young people enhance their natural looks and give them some great tips and tricks for looking and feeling their best. We'll focus on the challenges they have identified and provide them with tools and tips that they can use on their own for any occasion.

At I.Style, we had a range of workstations for them to check out, including hairdressers/barbers, makeup artists, cologne experts, and clothes stylists. The young people learnt from some amazing professionals who will help them find their own unique style.

For more information on engagements and projects visit our websites and social media.

yesdisability.org.nz, ilead.org.nz Facebook- facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram- instagram.com/i.leadnz/

The Yes team had an exciting time recently with the conclusion and graduation of the first intake of the Empowered programme.

Ongoing support for floodaffected households

Kia ora koutou, Younite would like to offer aid and support to those affected by any of the recent Auckland flooding events. We know these floods will continue to affect households long after the initial responses are over. So, we have reached out to local organisations to see if they require extra manpower and ask those affected to please contact us directly if you require assistance. Email younitechair@ gmail.com. We will do our best to support you. Also, if you believe there is important information we should share on our social media, please send this through to us by email, or by messaging us on Instagram @younitedt.

This autumn, Lisa, along with Younite members Hunter and Edison, attended the first annual Auckland Youth Voice Event. This gathered several youth councils together to discuss experiences and challenges and brainstorm strategies to overcome these adversities. Overall, this was a great networking event that broadened our insight into how other youth groups operate and allowed us to share experiences for mutual benefit.

By Shore Junction’s Youth Development Specialist Josh Martin

New Zealand Youth Week

During New Zealand Youth Week, Shore Junction, our vibrant youth centre, embraced the theme, "Rangatira mō āpōpō? Rangatira i tēnei rā! Leaders of tomorrow? Leaders for today!" to empower young leaders and celebrate their achievements.

As part of the festivities, Shore Junction hosted 'Stage Two,' an exciting musical event that showcased the incredible talents of young musicians and singers in our local community. These talented individuals amazed the audience with their performances and original compositions, showcasing their growth as artists.

The bands that took the stage were composed of talented Shore Junction youth members who demonstrated their musical prowess and entertained the crowd. Let's introduce you to the impressive lineup of young performers who captivated the audience:

1. Josh & Andre: This dynamic duo delivered an engaging performance with their harmonies and skilled instrumentals, leaving the audience enthralled.

2. Emilie Murphy: Emilie showcased her vocal talent and stage presence, delivering a memorable performance that resonated with the audience.

3. Last Minute: This high-energy band created an electric atmosphere with their lively performance, captivating the crowd with their music.

4. Greer: With their captivating vocals and well-crafted songs, Greer delivered an impressive and enjoyable performance for all.

5. Gabriel Maleniza: Gabriel displayed impressive instrumental skills and heartfelt compositions, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

6. BloodstainedEyes: This band brought their unique blend of energy and melodic hooks, delivering an unforgettable performance that had everyone captivated.

Younite has entered a very exciting partnership with Lake House Arts! We are now the Youth Ambassadors for Lake House Arts, and we will be assisting the centre in continuing its work of creating a welcoming and creative space for youth. We have worked withLake House Arts in the past for our Rangatahi Art Exhibition, and are thrilled to officially join the Lake House whānau to work closely alongside other ambassadors in supporting our rangatahi. One of our goals as youth ambassadors is to host events that inspire and open the minds of young people. We want to experiment with new ideas to create unusual and enjoyable events that will hopefully continue for years to come. We have a variety of events lined up that cater to youth of all ages and interests, so watch this space for more details. We love to hear from the community, so if you have any ideas for events, please contact us!

Younite is also working on expanding our reach into high schools in the Devonport-Takapuna area, to ensure we are creating the most positive impact we can. If you want Younite to be more involved in your high school, please reach out.

We have many exciting events coming up. Contact us at younitechair@gmail.com.

7. Special Guest, Laurs: Laurs graced the stage with their talent and mind-blowing vocals, adding an extra touch of excitement to the event.

If you missed the event, don't worry! You can still enjoy the incredible music from these talented individuals by searching 'Shore Junction' on all streaming platforms. Their music, ranging from catchy tunes to heartfelt ballads, is sure to captivate your ears.

In conclusion, let us reflect on a Māori whakatauki, an inspiring proverb that encourages young people to persistently pursue their dreams: "Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei" (Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain).

We applaud the young leaders of Shore Junction, who are already making a difference today. May they continue to embrace their passions, overcome challenges, and inspire us all with their boundless potential.

So, let the music resonate, and together, let us celebrate the extraordinary talents of these young performers. Shore Junction's Stage Two showcased the leaders of tomorrow, reminding us that the future is in good hands.

shorejunction.nz

Lisa Yuan and Adriana Tobin

One of our goals as youth ambassadors is to host events that inspire and open the minds of young people.

Devonport Community News for this month with Nigel Bioletti, Trust Manager, Devonport Peninsula Trust

By Richard Thorne, Devonport Business Improvement District Manager

Buying up the town Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou

In trying to plan in the face of the funding cuts that may be imposed on the Trust, the board is endeavouring to ensure that staff members are able to have input into the board’s decisionmaking for the future. It is to be hoped that all the work the Trust has done to build its support for the peninsula community in the past is not now undone by these cuts.

Meanwhile, a huge amount of work is being done by the Restoring Takarunga Hauraki team as it gets ready to stand independently of the Trust.

Abby, our community events manager, is enjoying using our new website to post community events, with the ongoing support of Urs Steck, from East Coast Bays. Sincere thanks, Urs.

We are also delighted to have the sponsorship support of Alex Grant, at EasyPC, who has helped set up domain names, and trouble-shoot some website issues. We fully recommend Alex and his company to the peninsula and Takapuna communities. Go to easypc.co.nz or access him through dpt.nz

The Trust would welcome any other sponsorship support the community can give, to continue its efforts for youth, for seniors, for emergency support, for the support it gives other groups, for the collaboration it aims to enable, for the effort it has made in strengthening the art trail around Devonport, for its suppport for te ao Māori.

Matariki.

We are now posting Matariki events, so, if this is of interest to you, go to dpt.nz to view events and register for them. You will see a range of opportunities .

Matariki gathering in Windsor Reserve, 15 July from 5pm. If the weather proves to be kind, we hope that this will be an enjoyable celebration of Matariki, including a performance by the community kapa haka group that is already practising weekly for the event. Members are, most of them, quite new to kapa haka, but are loving the experience, and sounding kapai. You can find the songs and lyrics on the website. Devonport Market will be staging a night market that same evening, from 4pm to 8pm. Our thanks to Matt for his collaborative spirit.

Emergency support for the peninsula

The emergency support hub locations now also include Belmont Baptist Church (thank you Andrew), and He Manu Hopukia Marae (thank you Danny) in Bayswater Ave, plus six Squadron Air Cadets in Achilles Cres will also be able to support southern Belmont/Bayswater folk in the event of an emergency. Information is gradually being updated at dpt.nz

My thanks to the good people who are already involved. If you are able to support the efforts of this group, please email me. Mid-winter dip. Our big annual splash at Windsor Reserve beach. Gather the family together and join the plunge, 25 June at 11:30am.

Please contact me at nigelbioletti@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz with any questions or suggestions.

‘If these walls could talk’, the theatrical adage goes, and were it so, then there would likely have been much neighbourly gossiping going on between Devonport’s famed collection of Victorian-era villas over the past month. Perhaps even a ripple of applause from the New Zealand native weatherboards.

The reason? Well, their main street friends, that iconic strip of colourful masonry that lines Victoria Road as you head north from the ferry, have been thrown a lifeline. They will be returning to local ownership after spending several decades in the international property portfolio of Spanish-born Vista Linda principal Antonio Regueiro-Diaz.

Actively buying both commercial and residential properties since the early ‘90s, Vista Linda has been the dominant landlord of Devonport’s shopping strip, owning virtually all the buildings on the western side of Victoria Rd between number five (Devonport Public House) and number 45, the long-empty corner previously occupied by Westpac.

Formerly the honorary Spanish consul in New Zealand, RegueiroDiaz died in 2022, and several of those buildings had been languishing empty for years prior.

Along with a smattering of properties on the adjoining Clarence and Wynyard Streets, 13 previously Vista Linda buildings have been purchased by Peninsula Capital, a locally owned private investment company, which aims to refurbish them and redevelop the area over coming decades.

Two of the three owners of Peninsula Capital have close local ties. Berridge Spencer and Graham Turley both have family homes and properties in Stanley Point. Berridge is heir to the paper-manufacturing Caxton fortune, and is the owner of Waiheke Island’s acclaimed Man O’War vineyard. Graham has a banking background with ANZ, as does third director Mark Hiddleston. The central Devonport real estate portfolio the trio newly own is valued at over $40m.

“Right now, we want to preserve our tenancies. But over time, we see ourselves as being a catalyst for the rejuvenation of Devonport,” Hiddleston told the NZ Herald. “Our commitment is to be long-term owners, investors and custodians who will help support Devonport to continue to grow and thrive, and ensure it meets the needs of the community and local businesses.”

Devonport Business Association chair Dianne Hale says she was very excited to get a courtesy call from Mark Hiddleston early in May, advising the DBA that the investment company had purchased number three Victoria Road (the historic Devonport Borough Council Chambers, sold by Auckland Council’s Eke Panuku). She was also told the investors were in the process of purchasing a number of other properties in the area, previously held by Vista Linda.

“This is really exciting news for Devonport," says Dianne. "Peninsula Capital is keen to bring a new life and energy into the village. While it won’t happen overnight, the future for the village is looking very bright."

Devonport is YOUR seaside escape devonport.co.nz

Do you have this pest plant in your backyard?

June pest plant of the month: Wild Ginger

Wild ginger, also known as Kahili ginger, grows up to two metres tall with large wax-covered leaves. It forms dense, longlived clumps that shade out the understorey and prevent growth of native seedlings and forest regeneration. It has red and yellow flowers that can produce hundreds of seeds.

Take action as soon as possible:

• Hand pull small seedlings, but only if you can remove all root fragments, as they will regrow if left. These can be left hanging in a tree so they don't reroot.

• For medium to large plants, use a pruning saw to cut the stem close to the ground. Aim to make the cut level (so that the herbicide can have the best contact with the freshly cut stump). Immediately, apply a thin film of MetGel onto the stump. A thin film is all you need to prevent regrowth.

• Follow up in three months to ensure all wild ginger plants have died.

• Dispose of the flowers, and any rhizomes and roots in your rubbish bin to go to landfill, securely tied inside a plastic bag, to stop it spreading to other areas. Alternatively, they can be put inside a barrel of water (lid on) and will rot down within one-two years.

• 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.

By Lewis Rudall, Master Electrician and director at Lake Road Electrical

Be winter ready

By Yan Davies, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd

The rational landlord - time to zig or zag

Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Insulate your home: Proper insulation helps retain heat, reducing the amount of energy required to keep your home warm. Insulate walls, ceilings and attics to prevent heat loss.

• Seal air leaks: Check for drafts around windows, doors and electrical outlets. Seal any gaps or cracks with weatherstripping or caulk to prevent cold air from entering and warm air from escaping.

• Service your heating system: Before winter, schedule a professional inspection and maintenance for your heating system. Clean or replace air filters regularly to ensure optimal efficiency.

• Install energy-efficient lighting: Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs, which use significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs also produce less heat, reducing the strain on cooling systems during warmer months.

• Unplug electronic devices and appliances that are not in use, as they continue to draw power even when they're turned off.

• Use natural lighting: During the day, open curtains or blinds to let natural sunlight in. This can provide warmth and reduce the need for artificial lighting.

• Schedule regular maintenance: Regularly inspect your electrical system for any signs of wear, damage or electrical hazards. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more significant problems and ensure the safety and efficiency of your system.

• If you have an old switchboard, now could be a good time to upgrade. Most homes are using the same number of circuits as they were decades ago and they are now unable to cope with the increased load, especially in winter. A new switchboard also comes with RCD protection – protection against electric shocks.

Remember to always prioritise safety when dealing with electrical systems. If you're unsure about any aspect of electrical work or maintenance, consult a qualified electrician. We are ready, available and always there to help!

Winter 2023 special offers* exclusive to Channel Mag readers

1. $250 off your switchboard upgrade

2. 10% off your total bill for all new customers (for electrical work not included in the special offers, and up to a value of $500)

*Use code 'ChannelMag' when booking via phone, email or website. Special offers limited to bookings made during winter 2023.

Lewis Rudall, Lake Road Electrical 09 242 2204

lewis@lakeroadelectrical.co.nz lakeroadelectrical.co.nz

Being rational means making decisions based on facts, not on emotions or feelings.

Inflation is dominating news headlines; in its simplest terms inflation is causing our money to be worth less. Holding onto cash means its value is being eaten away by inflation. Is there a better option than holding cash in an environment of inflation? The rational thinker is most likely to investigate real estate investment options to counteract inflationary pressures devaluing their cash.

Being rational in investment decisions can ultimately lead to greater success, taking into account all relevant information before making decisions. This includes understanding the local housing market and knowing how to effectively manage finances. Surround yourself with experts in their fields, including accountants, solicitors, mortgage brokers, insurance brokers, real estate agents, builders and even gardeners, to make well-informed rational decisions, and avoiding emotionally-driven decisions.

Any investment has risk, but informed decisions can help mitigate those risks. Warren Buffet said it first, but if there’s one thing to keep in mind it is to zig when others zag. It’s true of the share market, and it's true of the housing market too.

I’m available to discuss up-to-the-minute local market information, and whether to zig or zag. I look forward to meeting you.

Yan Davies, a long time North Shore local, has amassed a wide network of clients and superior knowledge of the area. Knowing she is resolute in maximising the value of her clients' assets, clients choose Yan for her engaging, results-driven approach to the sales process. She holds a Masters degree in business and administration, and speaks English and Chinese fluently, offering the benefit of reaching more buyers to find the right match for your property.

12 Karaka Street, Takapuna

Preparing electrical systems for winter can help save energy and potentially reduce utility bills.

E

The North Shore commercial market has been very active, with purchases mainly from owner occupiers. This reflects the increased enquiry level from businesses looking to purchase, but we have seen a notable increase in investor enquiry particularly from those with significant cash reserves and strong cashflow. Leasing activity has been strong despite the shift to hybrid / working from home which has become the norm. Smaller offices under 200 sqm were leased in the Rosedale area at 106F Bush Road, 40-42L Constellation Drive, 4G Antares Place, and 26A Anzac Street, Takapuna. The Industrial market continues to be tightly held, but 68A Paul Matthews and 230C Bush Road were recently leased. We expect the strong leasing activity to continue and investor demand to increase as further properties become

available. Please do contact us for further market information or opportunities.

E

Colliers North

Accelerating success.

For Lease - 28 The Warehouse Way, Northcote

MODERN OFFICE WITH AMAZING CBD VIEWS

Approximately 800 sqm to 1000 sqm modern office available to lease in this iconic building with easy access to the CBD and motorway.

These offices offer stunning views to Auckland CBD and tick all the boxes including generously allocated car parks, own kitchen and amenities.  Walking distance to café and only minutes to Takapuna ensures an excellent working environment.

Flexible lease terms available.

Features:

* Flexible Lease terms

* Generous allocated car parks

* Own kitchen and amenities

* Walking distance to cafes

* Sole Agency colliers.co.nz/p-NZL67020770

Accelerating success.

For Lease - 61 Constellation Drive, Rosedale

VARIOUS OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Looking for professional office space in the popular Constellation Drive area?

Various office tenancy options available with generous carparking

Very efficient layouts and lift in the building, plus cafe on site and next to Northern Busway park and ride.  Easy access to East Coast Bays, motorways north, CBD and western.

These are exceptional office opportunities.

For any commercial property leasing/sales enquiries within Auckland North Shore area, please contact property expert Janet Marshall 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com

colliers.co.nz

Janet Marshall 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com

Janet Marshall 021 684 775 janet.marshall@colliers.com

Your local industrial experts

Our localised North Shore Industrial team consists of some of the country’s best brokers, adding to our national team of 250 dedicated commercial experts throughout New Zealand.

Servicing all of North Shore, reaching as far north as Silverdale, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience; offering expertise in all aspects of industrial real estate.

From top left: Nicky Joyce, Trevor Duffin, Adam Watton, Laurie Burt, Chris Moore, Peta Laery, Matt Mimmack, Richard Moors

Feature Property Unit D, 4 Target Court, Wairau Valley

• A rare opportunity to purchase a vacant industrial unit in the Wairau Valley

• Exceptionally well-presented office and warehouse with a functional layout

• 320sqm total floor area with six or more car parking spaces on site

• Corner position within a drive-around unit development

Offered to the open market, this well-maintained industrial unit within a popular North Shore location should capture the eyes of both owner-occupiers and astute investors.

The current vendors have owned and operated their business from this building for nine years, adding value to it over time and only relocating due to expansion.

The building presents a modern mix of polished concrete showroom and amenities on the ground floor, as well as refurbished offices and kitchenette on the first floor. The warehouse shape is almost square with a clear span throughout and threephase power. The unit also comes with six car parking spaces which is generous for a building of this size.

Located within a tightly-held estate that is centrally located on Auckland’s North Shore, this is an exciting opportunity that we present to the open market.

Auction (unless sold prior)

11am, Wednesday 28 June 2023

Bayleys House, 30 Gaunt Street, Auckland, New Zealand

Boundary lines are indicative only

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!).

Holding them to account

Last month, I wrote in my column about the proposed concrete path that was to go under the dripline of the 150-year-old Moreton Bay fig tree that dominates the reserve adjacent to Devonport Public Library.

Subsequently, this proposed concrete path was cancelled and there was to be a mix of shell and hoggin laid, which is a lot gentler for that environment. I told a Local Board member, “I would love to see a budget and how much it cost us the ratepayers to go down this road”. The reply was, “I’m not sure if I can get that information right now, I’ll ask when the project is complete now that there will be variations. I will come back to you down the track.” Now the track is a month old, and I have heard nothing. So basically, we had ten contractors down there for well over a month, and God knows how much this would have cost us.

spent knocking down half of the northern grandstand. This was supported and paid for by Auckland Stadiums, which is an arm of Taitaki Auckland Unlimited, which is a part of Auckland Council. Once the northern grandstand was half demolished, this meant the end of any All Black, international or Super Rugby games being played at the stadium. I would like to know now if Taitaki Auckland Unlimited, which is part of Auckland Council, is going to reinstate the grandstand to how it was prior to the Tuatara deal.

Can somebody please educate me as to the reason for these large red panels that have now miraculously appeared on so many roads around the peninsula? They are the width of the road long by about 4m wide. What exactly are they meant to be, please? Who authorised them and at what cost to the ratepayers?

Also, while I am thinking about this, at the end of my little narrow road in Devonport, they have planted two speed signs saying 50 and, two metres down the road, there is another sign that has miraculously appeared saying 30. I am so bloody over this; I think we need a national 'Pull Down Stupid Signs Day'. The faceless lunatics are running the asylum.

I would like to put out a call to Richard Hills and Chris Darby, to explain what is going on with the speed management plan within Devonport town centre. The public don’t want it, the retailers and restaurants don’t want it, and the ratepayers don’t want it. Maybe it’s the reality of democracy where you guys know what’s good for all of us? What they are trying to do makes no sense, and will cost millions of dollars. The speed limit has been reduced to 30km/ hr, so why do we need more traffic management? Devonport is nearly dead now; this isn’t going to help rejuvenate it. Just look at Takapuna, they dug up all the main street, closed everything for months, then dug it up again and now it’s just a wasteland. I was talking to my good friend Fraser Gillies, who is a wonderful heritage architect who has been around Devonport for many years. He told me it was so sad to see the demise of common sense, which I fully agree with.

Here’s another one for you… The dream was for the Auckland Tuatara to take baseball to the masses in New Zealand, to popularise the sport and create a pathway to take Kiwi players to the major league baseball teams in the United States. The dream ended recently when the liquidators were called in. It all started back in 2018 when the Tuatara faced astronomical costs creating a pop-up stadium in West Auckland. They then found themselves a new home at North Harbour Stadium the following season. To a lot of people, it was the perfect fit; the Tuatara required a new venue with good facilities and the underutilised North Harbour Stadium needed more events. The demise of the Tuatara has also been unfortunate for the Stadium. Two million dollars was

Recently, an old friend of mine, who has lived in Devonport for over 50 years, emailed Devonport Business Association regarding the overflowing and unemptied rubbish bins in the streets, the scruffy and uncared for shop fronts and paths, and said, although Devonport retailers had had a rough time over the last few years, it was time to get the place scrubbed up and looking interesting and inviting. We want to encourage shoppers and tourists. We need to encourage new business in the town centre and have a thriving retail and restaurant mix. We don’t need to channel and restrict shoppers and tourists into narrow lanes with speed humps every few metres.

Another thing, which comes up regularly, are these dodgy contractors who prey on older and vulnerable people. I’ve heard a few stories over the years; some of them would break your heart. But we might save that for another column…

I would like to put out a call to Richard Hills and Chris Darby, to explain what is going on with the speed management plan within the Devonport Town Centre. The public don’t want it, the retailers and restaurants don’t want it, and the ratepayers don’t want it.

Pip Zink awarded St John's 10 year service medal

A North Shore good sort was celebrated in style this autumn, after giving years of service to her community. Philippa Zink, known to friends as Pip, was invited to a formal ceremony at Waipuna Hotel to acknowledge her volunteer work in the health sector.

The Settlers Lifestyle Village resident was awarded a 10-year service medal from St John New Zealand at a celebration of work by the organisation's northern region. Pip said, "The awards were given out for a variety of positions, including all levels of ambulance services, office/management, Emergency Department staff, as well as service dogs in the organisation, with their owners.

"I was the proud recipient of an award for my voluntary work. I have volunteered for four years in the Operatunity Shop work on the North Shore in Link Drive and I also volunteered for seven years in Ward 2 in North Shore Hospital."

New Zealand is the only country in which St John volunteers are awarded service medals and bars, says Pip. Her work in the health sector goes back a long way. She explained, "Earlier in my career I was a nurse captain [RNZNC] in the Territorial Force of NZ Army for over seven years, attached to one field Hospital."

At the Waipuna Hotel ceremony, Pip said she was astounded to discover one of her fellow award recipients was receiving a medal for 65 years' service. She enjoyed a special day, in which valuable volunteer service was duly recognised and celebrated. Good on you, Pip!

Pip Zink

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

DISPLAYS HIGH IMPACT

HIGH IMPACT PORTABLE DISPLAY SYSTEMS

At Benefitz we have a wide range of high impact portable displays that can be produced very economically.

We import or manufacture the hardware and then print and finish the easy-to-assemble displays. We stock displays from 600mm to 6 metres wide and can also custom-make displays to any size.

Our options include:- Flat or Curved Tensioned Fabric Displays; Flat or Curved Pop-up Displays; Pull-up & Roll-up Banners; Hanging Displays; Kidney Stands & Tables; PVC Vinyl banners & more!

For more details visit our website or contact us to talk to a Benefitz Account Manager.

Pull-up Banners 600mm, 850mm, 1200mmm wide

x 2.3m Fabric Flat Tensioned Displays

The Channel Crossword

Across

1 Staple ring around a red wild goat, perhaps (5,3,6)

8 Matching clothing is offensive, embracing victories (7)

9 Hard 8s may be scaled (7)

11 Don't die, little fruit! (5)

12 Present side to see sculptor (9)

13 Present coffee to marshalling yard (6-3)

15 We, do bad things? Like a hole in the head! (5)

16 Preserves small birds (5)

18 Nothing gradual about losing king's panegyric (9)

20 Move camera to me! I'm up before entertainment with plenty of ham and cheese (9)

23 Multiplication paper? (5)

24 Trampled 10 houses - right strange (7)

25 Drum major's belt on show in Jacob Aldrich House (7)

26 Writer harnessed click wheel (7,7)

Down

1 Shakespeare's Nick and Patterson's dribble form a black hole (10,3)

2 'e set fire to 'is shirt for one who believes a higher 7 should rule (7)

3 Messes up turbulent she-devils (9)

4 Paid attention to features of the score? (5)

5 Where he/she/it/they are, according to a 20 audience! (6,3)

6 Dance as a plot device? (5)

7 Rank the Spanish in ring by midmorning (7)

10 Lazy food deliverer electrifies Spooner's footwear (5,3,5)

14 Flirtation with a team - one in 6, for example (9)

15 Wise guy caught after placing mercantile establishment in period of lower prices (5,4)

17 He painted leaders finally according to Greg Smith (3,4)

19 Submerge me in bubbling mires (7)

21 Ask waiter for an anagram indicator? (5)

22 Space to make love to plant? (5)

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.

Demonstr ator Sales Event.

With outstanding offers on a wide range of demonstrator vehicles, it ’s your ideal oppor tunity to drive away in the Mercedes-Benz you ’ve always wanted. But don’t delay – these vehicles are only available for a limited time, while stocks last*.

Take advantage of great demonstrator pricing – visit Mercedes-Benz Nor th Shore today

All the above, plus many more. Visit Me r cedes-Benz No r th Sho r e tod ay to view the extended range

*Offers available on a limited range of current demonstrator models in stock, whilst stocks last, reserved with deposit paid or contract signed on or before 31 July 2023. Offer excludes leasing products, fleet, government and rental buyers. Discounts advertised cannot be t ransferred to any other vehicle. Vehicles advertised are for sale at the time of publication. See in store for more information.

2022 A 180 Sedan, Polar White, Black ARTICO, AMG Line, Driving Assistance Package, Seat Comfort Package,

2023 E 200 Saloon, Obsidian Black Metallic, Black ARTICO, Vision Package

2022 EQC 400 4MATIC Sport, Selenite Grey Metallic, AMG Black Leather, 21-inch AMG

A 250 e Hatch, Sun Yellow, Black

Electric motor (75kW, 300Nm) (System output: 160kW, 450Nm) PSJ248 $71,900

2022 GLB 200, Cosmo Black Metallic, Black ARTICO, 7-Seater, Keyless entry/start, 19” Alloys, Electric Tailgate, Heated Front Seats PMJ689 $67,900

2022 AMG GLC 43 SUV 4MATIC, designo Selenite Grey Magno, Two-tone designo nappa leather, Edition 43 PLP309 $121,490

60% of the North Shore’s Top Residential Sales (Over Eight Million) for 2022/23 have been listed and sold by Victoria

Victoria Bidwell

Luxury Property and Waterfront Specialist 021 947 080 | victoria.bidwell@bayleys.co.nz

International Property Awards, London - Winner Best Property Marketing

Top Individual Agent Bayleys North Shore since 2006

Top Agent Bayleys Takapuna since 2006

Winner Bayleys National Waterfront Marketing Award - Best Property Marketing Specialising in Takapuna, Milford and Devonport Peninsula