Channel Magazine June 2024

Proudly

welcoming letterboxes in Devonport, 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 Point,

Matt Prentice & Shoneet Chand

& B, 22 William Pickering Drive, Rosedale

2 & 4 Woodson Place, Wairau Valley

Over the past few months the market has picked up considerably. We have successfully completed a number of key transactions across the North-West market, as well as a few in South Auckland. Overall, we have sold over $45 million of property during this period and leased over 29,000 sqm of floor space. We are finding enquiry levels have increased, with many campaigns resulting in multiple offers being presented on the closing day. This was evident at the conclusion of the 221A Bush Road campaign, which we sold for $12.1m representing a yield of 5.1%.

We have a number of assets currently under contract, or being negotiated on, both “on & off-market”. If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your requirements, please do not hesitate to give either Matt or Shoneet a call on their details below.

Lasting balance at Yoga Sanctuary

The Yoga Sanctuary in Mairangi Bay is under new ownership.

Long-time North Shore resident, Mary Buckley has always known Yoga Sanctuary in the heart of Mairangi Bay and part of this local community. “It’s over 20 years old, so I look forward to the opportunity to nurture the business for another 20 years or longer.” Mary has always been interested in health and wellness and practised yoga on and off since her late teens. “Yoga is a practice that supports you at various stages of life when you need to find space and balance,” says Mary.

Yoga Sanctuary has a beautiful selection of expert yoga teachers who are very loyal to this studio; together they help people find a balance that endures through varying levels of yoga, specialising in vinyasa, yin and restorative practices. In addition to Yoga Sanctuary’s current schedule, Mary will introduce early morning weekday classes for the early risers, and increase the offering to the under 18s with some teenage after-school classes.

Yoga Sanctuary has a beautiful selection of expert yoga teachers who are very loyal to this studio…

It only takes about 6 to 12 weeks of regular yoga practice to start feeling the benefits, from increased mental and physical energy, to a boost in alertness with fewer negative feelings. Mary believes that “Yoga Sanctuary is like a supportive friend, there to greet you with a warm embrace. Our teachers will guide you on your journey to life’s full potential, a world free from aches and pains where time stands still.”

Keep a look-out on the Yoga Sanctuary website for the return of regular workshops. “These will include sessions for those who are new to yoga and would like to be expertly guided through yoga basics.” Sign up to Yoga Sanctuary's weekly newsletter and receive your first yoga session free. Mary also has introduction offers for those who would like

to try a variety of classes.

In the future Yoga Sanctuary will partner with Mary’s other business, Shore Travel, to offer overseas yoga retreats. “In the meantime, we have the annual Mana retreat in the Coromandel for those who enjoy a weekend of me-time with like-minded people in this serene beautiful location.”

Through varying levels of Vinyasa, Yin and Restorative Yoga let our teachers guide you on your journey to life’s full potential, a world free from aches and pains where time stands

Mary Buckley

Secluded seaside home on Sanders 17B SANDERS AVENUE, TAKAPUNA

Positioned on sought-after Sanders Avenue, very close by foot to Takapuna shops and beach, this home is in a quiet street held in high regard.

The home offers a spacious layout of approximately 280m2, with coveted ground living providing direct access to the private and fully fenced outdoor areas, which face due north.

Entry to the home is via double doors and an impressive double-height foyer; off this are two separate living areas, one with a gas fireplace. Both overlook the lawn and garden area which is extremely private. There is a large open-plan kitchen, dining/family room area, which flows to another morning courtyard perfect for summer entertaining. Also on the ground floor level is a bedroom, bathroom, and generous double garage with separate laundry.

Andrew Dorreen / Precision Real Estate Ltd MREINZ Licenced under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

The upper level boasts a third living area and a superb area to entertain and relax while reading a book in the sun. The master bedroom opens into this space and also has an ensuite and walk-in 'robe. There are two further bedrooms or one plus an office depending on your situation, plus a family bathroom which doubles as a semi-ensuite to both rooms (bedroom and lounge).

The home is very secluded, has a magnificent feel providing peace and privacy, and is bathed in natural sunlight.

Enjoy everything this superb location has to offer, just footsteps to Takapuna beach, and a short stroll to Takapuna local shops, cafés and eateries and Shore City Mall, easy access to the motorway and public transport links. Zoned for sought-after local schools.

Deadline sale closes 6 June at 4.00pm (unless sold prior).

Email: andrew@precision.net.nz / precision.net.nz / andrewdorreen.com Phone: 021 747 334

ANDREW DORREEN

Spectacular one-level living on half an acre of land 21

LAKE VIEW ROAD, TAKAPUNA

Lake View Road has long been regarded as one of the North Shore's best addresses, and number 21 Lake View Road offers an expansive 2,163 m² of northfacing land of level contour and exceptional elevation. The property benefits from the most phenomenal, panoramic lake views and it does so in complete privacy. This property can only be described as sublime and has to be one of the best slices of land north of the bridge in Auckland that is publicly for sale.

Astute buyers will understand this generational property is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In fact, it is for sale for the first time in 41 years when the current owners "bought it on the spot". The home offers a lovely mix of formal and informal living spaces across its 340sqm of floor area. This comprises a formal lounge, generous formal dining, casual lounge and also a rumpus room, ideal for children wanting some separation. The home is predominantly one level with just the fifth bedroom and home office/lounge on the first floor. This enables you to live entirely on one level. This trait has provided the current owners years of enjoyment with complete ease of living.

There is a total of five bedrooms in the home with the master offering superb views over the land and out to the lake. This space is great for morning cups of tea at sunrise and also offers a walk-in'robe and ensuite. The balance of

the three bedrooms on the ground floor lie off the main hallway and share a good-sized family bathroom. The comfortable nature and ease of living the dwelling provides offer an excellent interim package for the purchaser wanting to redevelop the site or alternatively good holding income if they are to rent it for a period before planning a major renovation or complete a new build. The home is immaculately presented and has been kept up to date with new joinery where required and installation of a DVS system. The living flows out to an expansive level patio and grounds with pool and spa. Both the pool and the spa have been fitted with new heaters for all-year comfort. Weaving down to the lake edge you have a large deck, which houses a sailing dingy. This is the ideal location to swim from, launch water toys or just relax and enjoy with some bean bags in the summer.

On the top floor, there is a fifth bedroom with its own lounge fronting the lake. This makes a great guest suite with spectacular views and even a private balcony. The property is predominantly cedar-clad and is in good condition, having just been re-stained. For sale by negotiation.

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. While he is renowned for dealing with higher value properties, Andrew has also carved a niche in 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.

Can you believe it’s June? When you’re on the other side of 60 time seems to fly by much quicker!

Not quick enough though to prevent us producing another bumper issue of Channel Mag. Once again 116 pages full of positive things happening north of the Harbour Bridge. And it’s all free!

I must start this editorial by wishing my lovely wife Michelle a very happy birthday for 4 June. It’s a milestone birthday. As I write this, I still have no idea what gift I am going to buy for her and you will be no help, as by the time you are reading this the day will have passed by. Help! Michelle and I spent three weeks in Europe in late April and early May, so maybe that could be repackaged as the main present? We hadn’t been any further than Australia since the pandemic, so it was good to get out and see the world once again. We spent ten days in Portugal and Spain cycling, four nights in Copenhagen (what a wonderful city), and then went to Antwerp in Belgium for a wedding. We stopped in Dubai on the way home – that place blew me away! The weather and temperatures were mixed during the three weeks, but we enjoyed the break immensely.

Shortly after I got back, I enjoyed meeting

Kate Fraser and Tom Webster of Grand Designs New Zealand. I am a big fan of the show. Tom is the front man and Kate is the producer and organiser and they both love living on the Shore. I trust you enjoy my feature interview.

Other features in the mag this month include profiling what’s in store for Takapuna Winter Lights this year (on from 25-28 July); we have suggestions on how you can overcome the school holiday boredom blues; we feature some of our community heroes; and we highlight the sensational work that the charity Sustainable Coastlines does on our beaches. Our team has also been ‘Out & About’ capturing the highlights of events.

We always include strong content from our schools in Channel Mag. It is something we’ve been doing virtually right from the start – 14 years ago. We have the best schools in New Zealand. Our cover for this issue features photos from a number of these schools.

Enjoy all your free reading. Have a great June!

Aidan Bennett, QSM Publisher –

Channel Magazine Managing Director – Benefitz aidan@benefitz.co.nz

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

CHANNEL MAGAZINE is published monthly (on the first Friday of the month) by Benefitz, PO Box 33-1630, Takapuna. 09 477 4700, benefitz.co.nz. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of the publishers. For further details on the magazine visit channelmag.co.nz or contact one of our team detailed above.

recording or otherwise – without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner. Colour transparencies & manuscripts submitted are sent at the owner’s risk; neither the publisher nor its agents accept any responsibility for loss or damage. Although every effort has been

Aidan Bennett, Kim McIntoch, Crystal Sharp, Klaudia Wal, Liz Cannon.

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Highbury House playground fundraiser

Highbury House Early Learning Centre teamed up with Libby Greenwood of Bayleys Real Estate for a fundraising event at the ever-popular Moxie Restaurant in Birkenhead on May 19. Hosted by the charismatic Lorna Riley, the night was a triumph. A very special thank you to our sponsors and guests. Attendees enjoyed a complimentary drink, goodie bags, live music, and auctions, raising over $10,000 for a new playground! It's a testament to community spirit and generosity.

Highbury Community House offers diverse programmes, from educational and social classes to affordable room rentals for community and business events. highburyhouse.org.nz

937 470

Libby was ranked #7 March 2024 Bayleys Auckland Residential

Thrilled to be named #5 Bayleys North Shore FR 2024 and #1 equal Auction Award FY 2024

“Libby’s consummate professionalism, enthusiasm and expertise was a key factor to our success. She was constantly supportive and always available for questions”

Curious about the value of your property in today’s market? It would be a pleasure to offer a Confidential appraisal and chat about your property requirements.

Vendor

Always here to answer your questions

Contact Libby today

John, Libby and Michele Greenwood

Carla Tunnicliffe and Samantha Callinan

Wendy Calder and Joanna Harper

Shari Stapleton, Wendy Calder, Rosie Harper-Duff and Sam Templeton

Sophie Richardson and Donna Katz

Andrew Schultz, Dole Ledesma and Justin Waddell

Sam, Elena, Grace and Josh Thomas

Adele Hall, Brigit Post, Mandy Lewis and Lorna Riley

'Curious' crowds wowed at the Rose Centre

Company Theatre's first play of the year, 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' certainly did not disappoint. The gala opening night on Friday 10 May saw a packed audience blown away by this wonderful production with innovative staging and an impressive calibre of acting. The play is based on the novel by Mark Haddon and adapted to the stage by Simon Stephens, and the ten-strong cast was brilliant in portraying the challenging subject matter: a neuro-diverse teenage boy who faces challenges that he has to navigate in his unique way. The creative collaboration between the director Suzy Sampson and the whole cast was an absolute joy to watch.

Meg Andrews, Lauren Wilson

Caroline Chapman Smith, Suzy Sampson, Marissa Willson, Rebecca Wright, Ben Wickers, Duncan Preston, Stephen Hood, Vettinia Ross, Frannie Johnson, Trudy Thumath, James Carrick, Mark Huston, Trudy Price

Maria Sainz, Charlie, Ellie and Harry Brown

Kay Finlay, Lisa Percy

Neil Burgham, Peter Segrove, Yvonne Burgham, Sharon Segrove, Alastair Fletcher

Mark and Emma Bishop, Mandolin and Viola Ember

Lizzie McLellan, Linda Camplin, Katie Vincent, Tina Kingsbury

Little steps towards a big future.

Nestled in the grounds of Kristin School, Little Doves is a haven for exploration, learning and play for our youngest children, aged 6 months to 4 years.

To book a tour or for more information: Visit www.littledoves.nz or email admissions@littledoves.nz 360 Albany Highway, Albany, Auckland 0632

Level Playing Field fundraiser at Waitemata Golf Club

Waitematā Golf Club in Devonport was the wonderful host for another worthwhile cause on Thursday 9 May; a fundraising event for the charity, Level Playing Field. It was an amazing day full of sunshine, good spirits, some quality and not-so-quality golf, and over 100 people in attendance who raised over $20,000. The organisers wish to extend a massive thank you to everyone who attended and made the day so special. Level Playing Field is about ensuring all rangatahi have the opportunity to participate in sports regardless of their background or circumstances by helping to provide the basic equipment needed and paying for sports fees. Level Playing Field aims to ensure that all Kiwis have the opportunity to participate in sports and physical activities, using sports as a tool to develop better communication skills, confidence, friendships, teamwork, ability, and leadership skills, and to build mental health resilience. They don’t want Kiwi kids battling through life, they want them to be thriving and contributing members of our communities and society. For more information check out levelplayingfield.org.nz

simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz

Sam McRae, Brett Cowley, Reilly Price

Mike Tyler, Dee Wakelin

Mark Templeman, Luke Couper, Darrin Franks, Bruce Couper

Tim Turner, Andrew Bruce, Chase Erceg, Channa Munasinghe

Daniel and Andy Barr, Kerry Hunter, Paul Scotting

Nick Batty, Cole Taylor, Ben Wooding, Todd Wannan

Kristy Teece, Hayleigh Evett, Stephanie Raven

Dee Wakelin, Logan Boersma

Alesha Millard, Sam-Georgia Seddon, Che Muller

Simon Brownlee, Chris Bamforth, James Brownlee, Logan Boersma

Sam-Georgia and Zane Seddon, Che Muller, Alesha Millard

Lithuanian Film Festival tackles taboos through powerful storytelling

The Lithuanian Society of New Zealand proudly announces the third annual Lithuanian Film Festival on Sunday 23 June at The Vic in Devonport. This year's festival promises a captivating lineup of films and activities celebrating Lithuanian culture and cinema.

Opening at 10am with 'Nelly Jelly World', a delightful children's programme based on Lithuania's most popular kids' book series, this film brings the beloved character to life, enchanting young audiences and parents alike.

At midday 'Periodical', the highlight of the festival, will be screened. A compelling new documentary by Emmy-nominated director Lina Lyte Plioplyte, known for her documentary 'Advanced Style', 'Periodical' delves into the marvel and mystery of the menstrual cycle, featuring stories from prominent figures like Naomi Watts, Gloria Steinem, soccer champion Megan Rapinoe, and more. Lina Lyte Plioplyte tackles this taboo subject with insight and sensitivity, making it a must-see for all women, girls and of course, men.

Next on at 2pm, 'Acid Forest' offers a thought-provoking documentary exploring a surreal landscape devastated by cormorants,

providing a unique perspective on the interaction between nature and humans. It invites viewers to reflect on environmental changes and our role in them. Another highlight at 4pm is the romantic drama 'Slow', winner of the Directing Award at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. This poignant film follows the deepening bond between contemporary dancer Elena and asexual sign language interpreter Dovydas, examining the complexities of intimacy and modern relationships.

Egle Simkeviciute Kulvelis, one of the festival organisers, comments, "We are honoured to present the newest and most accomplished Lithuanian films to New Zealand audiences. This festival celebrates our rich cultural heritage and offers a unique opportunity to share these extraordinary stories with the wider community. Guests can also look forward to two engaging Q&A sessions with the directors, a drawing workshop led by renowned artist of Lithuanian heritage Robyn Penn, and a reception with food and nibbles. There's something for everyone to enjoy."

Supported by the Lithuanian Council for Culture, the Lithuanian Foundation and Foundation North, the Lithuanian Film Festival in New Zealand offers a rich cultural experience, showcasing the best of Lithuanian cinema. Join us for inspiring films, engaging activities and celebrating culture. Please visit the Lithuanian Film Festival in New Zealand for more information and tickets.

facebook.com/lithuanianfilmfestival

News from The PumpHouse from James Bell

June gems: Magic, music, and more!

June is shaping up to be an exhilarating month at The PumpHouse Theatre, with a variety of events from rock music fused with magic to poignant theatrical performances. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s in store:

Rock Magic - 7 June, 8pm. Kick off the month with an electrifying experience that combines the wonder of magic with the energy of live rock music. Andre Vegas and Felicity Rodgers are set to dazzle audiences with spectacular illusions performed to the backdrop of some of the greatest rock anthems played live by Mark Taipari.

Whina - 15 June, 3pm. The powerful story of Dame Whina Cooper in "Whina" will be screened at The PumpHouse this month as part of our Matariki celebrations. This production chronicles the life and legacy of one the most revered leaders in Aotearoa history, known for her tireless advocacy for Māori rights and social justice. All tīkiti proceeds go towards keeping our theatre alive.

The Princess Bride - 15 June 6:30pm. A special screening of the timeless cult classic, filled with adventure, romance, and humour. Whether you’re a long-time fan or seeing it for the first time, this event promises a delightful evening of nostalgia and fun. All tīkiti proceeds go towards keeping our theatre alive.

Last Night of the Proms - 16 June, 2pm. North Shore Concert Band presents Last Night of the Proms, a concert celebrating the best of British music. This event features rousing renditions of traditional British anthems, providing an atmosphere of festivity and patriotic pride. Dress in your red, white, and blues and bring your singing voices for a very fun afternoon!

Prima Facie 18-22 June. Closing out the month is Prima Facie, an acclaimed onewoman show by Suzie Miller, presented by the NZ Theatre Company.

Directed by Michael Hurst and starring Cassandra Woodhouse, this gripping performance explores themes of justice, gender, and power through the story of a brilliant barrister facing a life-changing event. With its compelling narrative and powerful acting, Prima Facie is a must-see for everyone.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic events – get your tīkiti now at pumphouse.co.nz and be a part of the vibrant cultural scene at The PumpHouse Theatre this June!

See you at the theatre soon!

James Bell

DEPOT with Amy Saunders

DEPOT Te Whare Toi, Devonport

DEPOT First Thursdays: Poutehau Designs Artist

Spotlight

Join us for the inaugural First Thursdays Devonport event on Thursday 6 June, and mark your calendars for the first Thursday of every month thereafter for a celebration of art, culture, and community in Devonport! Depot will be hosting an artist talk by local artists Terehia and Ngahiwi Walker who make up the creative duo Poutehau Designs from 6-7pm, with refreshments courtesy of Toi Toi wines. The Vic Theatre will be showing a film series curated by local conceptual artist and photographer Mickey Smith and will launch on 6 June at 8:20pm with Marina Abramovic’s documentary 'The Artist is Present'. Tiny Triumphs is also hosting local band Freight who will be starting at 6:30pm and will play till 10pm.

DEPOT Artspace concre[ā]te

Our ongoing exhibition concre[ā]te showcases largescale mixed-media artwork crafted by the artist-duo 2PARU, made up of Tui Kayoko Hirabayashi and Marie Hemo Titi Mapa. concre[ā]te is open until 22 June, and Tui and Marie will be facilitating a workshop on Saturday 8 June, 11am.

Our Matariki exhibition opens Saturday 29 June, 2-4pm, with an artist panel conversation at 3pm. Keep an eye on our website and socials for upcoming info on the exhibition, workshops and more!

DEPOT Sound

Submissions are now closed for this year’s North Shore Schools Songwriting Competition. Thank you to everyone who entered their original song! Our judges are underway listening to submissions and we’ll be announcing the winners in late June so keep an eye on our socials!

Stay in touch by subscribing to our newsletter at depot.org.nz to keep up to date with all things DEPOT, including exhibition openings, live music performances, workshops, creative opportunities and more!

Tim Bray Theatre Company takes Enid Blyton's five friends on a live stage adventure

For the first time, the North Shore’s favourite children’s theatre company, Tim Bray Theatre Company, presents Five Go on an Adventure, based on the adventure stories of The Famous Five by Enid Blyton. See their exciting escapades on stage at The PumpHouse Theatre from 29 June – 20 July.

Following on from the overwhelming success of the company’s sell-out 2023 season of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, Tim Bray QSM is thrilled to bring another of her famous stories to life. Children of all ages (and their grown-ups) won’t want to miss this terrific tale.

Julian, Dick and Anne, their cousin George, and dog Timmy, head off together on an adventure and end up having to solve a dastardly mystery. Along the way they meet some frightfully awful baddies and get into all sorts of scrapes. Luckily, our five heroes are famous for getting out of trouble!

With courage, capers and plenty of sandwiches and ginger beer, Five Go on an Adventure reminds us all that fun, friendship and fortitude always fool the felons! Hoorah!

Since the first Enid Blyton story was published in 1942, numerous novels in the series have been released, followed by adaptations across tv, film, and audio dramas. Now this famous tale comes to life with the Tim Bray Theatre Company treatment.

“My younger brother devoured Blyton's The Secret Seven books when he was young and, for a while, it was all he read. And I found, having read all 21 Famous Five books last year to help with the writing of the script, Blyton tells a good yarn and, while there are things that are now outmoded, they are real page turners. I'm looking forward

Donate $37.50 to provide one free ticket for a child to attend a live theatre performance.

to bringing the comradeship, adventures and fun of the five to life on stage,” says Tim Bray.

Setting off on this mysterious on stage adventure are newcomers to the company Jesse Park, Izzy Creemers, and Danielle Nicholson, alongside Kazim Khan and Kat Glass who both just performed in TBTC’s production of The Great Piratical Rumbustification, and George Maunsell (TBTC’s Badjelly the Witch).

Julian, Dick and Anne, their cousin George, and dog Timmy, head off together on an adventure and end up having to solve a dastardly mystery.

They’ll be joined by a number of Unitec Year 3 Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts – Acting students some of whom will take on the role of puppeteer for the iconic character Timmy the dog, as part of the company’s annual collaboration with Unitec for their secondment requirements.

Tim Bray Theatre Company remains dedicated to prioritising accessibility and inclusion in its programming. For this season of Five Go on an Adventure they will offer Sensory Relaxed, NZSL interpreted, and Audio Described performances.

Book now at timbray.org.nz to see Five Go on an Adventure live at The PumpHouse Theatre from 29 June – 20 July. Oh, what a marvellous adventure!

The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna 29 June – 20 July 2024

Book now at timbray.org.nz

Auckland’s leading theatre for children

Based on the famous adventure stories by

Enid Blyton Adapted for the stage by Tim Bray

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Black Périgord truffle season: A culinary treasure at San Marco restaurant

Welcome to a culinary journey like no other, where we invite you to explore the exquisite world of the black Périgord truffle in our exclusive menu.

Renowned for its distinctive aroma and intense earthy notes, the black Périgord truffle will elevate your dining experience to new heights, with fresh truffles arriving every week. The black Périgord truffle from George’s Truffles, a New Zealand grower located in Nelson, is known as a winter delicacy, and is primed for harvest during the colder months of the year. Join us at our restaurant and embark on a gastronomic odyssey to exalt in our best-selling pastas: cappellacci and tagliatelle. We promise an indulgent experience that is as timeless as it is unforgettable. Complement your truffle-infused feast with a selection from our extensive wine list from around the world, whether you prefer a crisp sauvignon blanc or a full-bodied pinot noir.

We believe that every dining experience should be a celebration of the senses.

That's why we go above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of your visit is nothing short of extraordinary, from the impeccable service to the exquisite presentation of each dish.

Indulge in exquisite Italian patisserie

At San Marco restaurant our skilled pastry chefs craft each creation with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that every pastry is a masterpiece of flavour and texture. Come and experience our new pistachio and hazelnut eclairs, crostatina di frutta, strawberry meringue slice, and orange and almond flourless cake with chia seed.

Celebrate with sweet elegance

From birthdays to anniversaries, our masterful pastry chefs ensure each cake is a culinary masterpiece, meticulously crafted with premium ingredients and personalised just for you. Whether you're craving a classic vanilla sponge or a decadent chocolate delight, let us elevate your celebrations with our delectable desserts. Place your order and make your event truly unforgettable!

San Marco Trattoria & Bar - delivering a slice of Italian hospitality on a journey that starts from our hearts to your table.

231 Archers Rd, Wairau Valley, 09 216 7163 sanmarco.tamata@gmail.com

sanmarco.co.nz

facebook instagram @sanmarcoauckland

Open Wed-Fri 11am-late, Sat-Sun 10am-late

*Offer valid for a house aperitif and gelato when you order a pasta, nighttime pizza or meat dish for lunch or dinner. Offer valid until 30 June. Coupon valid for the

You create the occasion; we do the rest!

When it comes to catering, Free Range Chef’s mission is to offer a personalised, bespoke catering service where your expectations and needs are at the top of our list, creating a unique and memorable experience.

We are passionate about all the amazing produce New Zealand has to offer and love locally-sourced seasonal produce. We pride ourselves on using the best ingredients available, being flexible with clients’ requests and competitive on pricing. Free Range Chef was sprung from our executive chef Stephen Weeks and his desire to offer cuisine free from the normal restraints of a typical catering company. Having built a skill set from extensive experience in many countries, Stephen created Free Range Chef to showcase his unique offerings and services.

Over our 13-year journey, we have had the honour to be part of a vast array of events, in unique venues across the country. We are a full-service catering and events company providing catering, beverages, event coordination, chefs, and wait and bar staff, along with equipment for any event.

Whether you are looking for catering to create a bespoke touch to your wedding day, an intimate private chef dining experience at your house, canapés, or grazing tables to impress clients or a large party, we can cater for all occasions.

The Spencer on Byron Takapuna Free Range Chef is the exclusive caterer at the Spencer on Byron Hotel Takapuna, where we provide catering for meetings and large conferences, weddings, 21st birthday parties etc. The Spencer ballroom is a large-scale venue comfortably hosting up to 500 people for a seated dinner, or the space can be broken down into four smaller spaces. The bar area, just outside the ballroom, is the perfect prefunction area for a cocktail event accommodating up to 150 people. Additionally, a boardroom area that seats 14 has natural daylight and is perfect for hosting a small meeting. Our recent Mother’s Day high tea at the Spencer was a great success with mothers from all around the North Shore partaking in our sweet and savoury delicacies, elite teas and barista-made coffee complete with Piper Heidsieck Champagne.

Charter boat catering

If you’re looking for a luxury experience on the water, Free Range Chef has recently partnered with Savoy Charters – a premium yacht charter power catamaran that accommodates up to 50 people. A yacht charter combined with delicious cuisine is the ultimate way to enjoy the beautiful Hauraki Gulf. Until 30 November 2024 we have a special package for a three-hour charter on Savoy, including lunch from $190+gst per person (based on 30 people). Get in quick to book your end-of-year event and celebrate in style on the water with us.

Corporate catering

Elevate your next meeting or event and make your catering easy with our new corporate catering menu. Choose from a range of flavourful, healthy, and creative food to energise your team and keep them fuelled and focused. We offer an online ordering system through our website and a personalised delivery service. Choose from boardroom

lunches, lunchboxes, morning and afternoon teas, wellbeing salads, canapé receptions and grazing tables, and we also cater for all dietary requirements. We have many repeat clients who have used us many times over for their end-of-year awards nights, staff thankyou events and end-of-year Christmas celebrations.

Weddings

Say I do with Free Range Chef! Our team is uber-experienced in making a bespoke occasion for your special day. We tailor-make your celebration and have the ability to bring all the services required to make your wedding day unique and one to remember, from catering to staff and equipment hire – we can do as little or as much as you want! Our stunning menus are designed to suit every taste; and we cater for all dietary requirements, from canapés at your cocktail hour, to a shared plates meal served on decadent platters to each table, buffets, a gourmet BBQ experience, mix and mingle with 'walk and fork' style dining, grazing tables, pizza, taco and paella stations. We will ensure your guests experience a variety of food and flavours and leave your wedding raving about the food!

We have catered at a number of popular venues throughout Auckland and the surrounding regions, and we are the exclusive caterer at McGrath Estate in Waitakere. From Matakana, Leigh and the surrounding areas, we’ve catered as far north as the Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, the Coromandel area and the Waikato region. Book your preferred wedding dates for 2024 through to 30 April 2025 with us by 31 August 2024 and save 10%. *T&Cs apply.

Private chef dining experience

Celebrate a special occasion with our elite private chef dining experience. You’ll receive personalised treatment coupled with VIP service that you would expect in a ‘fine dining’ establishment. Our private chef experiences cater for any exclusive event from birthday celebrations to anniversaries or a special family gathering at home. Experience a meticulously crafted three-course meal, a private chef and waiter serving, complete with bespoke plates, elite style cutlery, elegant glassware, linen napkins and a personal planner to organise your dinner party; the perfect opportunity for a mid-winter Christmas theme or any other event you have in mind.

Contact the team at Free Range Chef today. 09 390 0120

enquiries@freerangechef.co.nz, freerangechef.co.nz facebook: @FreeRangeChefNZ instagram: @freerangchef

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. 5/15 Victoria Rd. 09 600 2125. akdenizdevonport.co.nz

Buona Sera Restaurant

Serving authentic Italian food. 99 Victoria Rd. 09 445 8133. buonasera.co.nz

Cafe Hung Viet Vietnamese cuisine. 101 Victoria Rd. 09 446 3368. cafehungviet.co.nz

Calimero

Real pizza, great taste! 163 Victoria Rd. 09 445 2232.

Corellis

Home-style fare. 46 Victoria Rd. 09 445 4151. corelliscafe.co.nz

Devonport Indian Hub - The Asian Eatery

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

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Devon on the Wharf

Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. 1 Queen's Parade. 09 445 7012. devononthewharf.nz

Flying Rickshaw

Indian cuisine. 97 Victoria Rd. 09 445 7721. flyingrickshaw.co.nz

Khana on the Shore

Indian cuisine. 161 Victoria Rd. 09 445 1546 /021 689 216. khana.co.nz

Manuka Cafe and Restaurant

Mediterranean inspired cuisine. 49 Victoria Rd. 09 445 7732. manukarestaurant.co.nz

Portofino Devonport 26 Victoria Rd. 09 445 3777. portofinodevonport.co.nz

Signal Hill Serves classic NZ fare. 24 Victoria Rd. 09 445 0193. signalhill.co.nz

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

The Kestrel

Located on Devonport Wharf, The Kestrel serves modern New Zealand pub food at its finest and a great range of drinks from a stunning wharf-side location. Our sun-soaked venue is the perfect place to enjoy cocktails, tap beers, wines, a locally inspired menu and live entertainment with views out over Auckland Harbour.

1 Queens Parade, Devonport 09 445 1777

The Patriot (Pub) 14 Victoria Rd, 09 445 3010. thepatriot.co.nz

Vic Road Kitchen

57-59 Victoria Rd. 09 445 9797. vicroadkitchen.co.nz

Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar 53/55 Victoria Road. 09 445 0194 vicroadkitchen.co.nz

Vondel

Vegan and omni eats, 8 Victoria Rd. 09 446 6444. vondel.co.nz

Belmont/Bayswater

Caffé Santini

Alessandro's back offering the best coffee on the Shore! 63c Lake Road, Belmont, 0221 872 491, espressosantini@gmail.com

Daily Bread

Freshly baked loaves and perfect pastries 43 Eversleigh Rd, Belmont. dailybread.co.nz

XO Takapuna

Asian skewers and street style food. 333 Lake Road, Hauraki Corner. 09 486 0003. xotakapuna.com

Vondel

Independent owner-operated eatery in Devonport. Serving food to suit every diet, alongside craft beer, natural wine and small-batch spirits. We hold weekly specials, winemakers' dinners, as well as private and charity events. Sign up to our mailing list or follow our social channels to keep up to date.

Opening hours: Tues-Fri 4pm-late Saturday & Sunday 10am-late 09 446 6444

Full-page feature reviews can be booked for $990+gst (normally $1,450+gst)

admin@thekestrel.co.nz thekestrel.co.nz

Tuesday: 4pm-9pm Wednesday-Sunday: 12pm-late WANT YOUR CAFE/ RESTAURANT TO BE NOTICED?

hello@vondel.co.nz www.vondel.co.nz instagram Instagram @vondel_akl facebook facebook.com/vondelakl

DEVONPORT

DEVONPORT

Smales Farm, Takapuna

Fantail & Turtle – Popular bar and eatery with alfresco vibe and great food! 09 486 0644 fantailandturtle.co.nz

Shake Out Burgers – 09 489 8223. shakeout.co

Soho Thai – 09 972 2711. sohothaikitchen.com

The Grange Bar & Bistro

A favourite all-day bar and bistro. 09 972 9060. thegrangetakapuna.co.nz

Takapuna

Alforno Italian Restaurant

34 Anzac Street. 09 488-0179. alforno.co.nz

Aubergine Restaurant

European and Mediterranean, 129 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 3104. aubergine.co.nz

Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar Italian eatery, Anzac Street. 021 910 999. botticelli.co.nz

Burger Burger

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

Catch 21 Eatery

Serving exceptional coffee, staple café offerings and fine seafood.

33 Hurstmere Rd. 09 484 0005. catch21.co.nz

Centro Café

447a Lake Rd. 09 200 2277

SMALESFARM

Fantail & Turtle

Dantes Pizza & Casa Pasta

Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Rd. 09 486 3668. dantes.co.nz

El Humero

Colombian-style barbecue. Eat Street, 40 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 9973. elhumero.co.nz

Florrie McGreals Irish Pub

138 Hurstmere Road. 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. 09 489 2266. projectemploy.nz

Francs Bar & Diner

Main Beach, The Strand. 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. (next to The PumpHouse). 09 487 0009. french-rendez-vous-caferestaurant.business.site

Hops & Claret Drinkery

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

Nanam

Filipino flavours. 178 Hurtsmere Rd. 09 488 9976 nanam.co.nz

Regatta Bar & Eatery

Main Beach, The Strand. 09 488 0040. joylab.co.nz/regatta

Sakebar Nippon

Traditional Japanese (Isakaya style). 32 Anzac Street. 09 486 2249. sakebar.co.nz

Taylors on Hurstmere

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

The Elephant Wrestler 138 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 8030. joylab.co.nz/elephant-wrestler

Tok Tok Kitchen

Asian fusion cuisine. 129 Hurstmere Rd. 09 489 3988. toktok.co.nz

Tokyo Bay

Modern Japanese cuisine. Main Beach, The Strand. 09 390 7188. tokyobay.co.nz

Northcote Point

The Engine Room

115 Queen Street. 09 480 9502. engineroom.net.nz

Clarence Rd Eatery 124 Queen Street. 09 480 9600. clarencerdeatery.nz

Northcote Tavern

One of the best places for pub food on the Shore! 37 Queen Street. 09 480 7707. northcotetavern.co.nz

Birkenhead

Abruzzo Ristorante Italiano 13 Birkenhead Ave. 09 418 4202. abruzzi.co.nz

Birkenhead Brewing Company 17 Birkenhead Ave. 09 320 5055. bbc.kiwi

Blitza Pizza 9 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 5006. blitzapizza.co.nz

Centro

TAKAPUNA

Flourish Café

Founded on friendship with offerings that acknowledge our fierce independence and appreciation of artisans. Expect fresh and local craft beer, real ale and cider flowing from 15 taps, a wine list covering near and distant regions synonymous with varietal excellence, an extensive gin list enhanced with botanics fresh from our on-site gardens, bespoke cocktails to sip into the evening, and a modern seasonal menu designed to share, focusing on showcasing sustainable and locally sourced produce. Supreme Winner - NZ Gastropub Awards 2024 hello@fantailandturtle.co.nz fantailandturtle.co.nz instagram fantailandturtle

Welcome to our 'home away from home' cosy haven, where smiles abound with friendly service, exceptional coffee and delectable cuisine. Each customer becomes part of our extended family, savouring not only the taste of our offerings but also the heartfelt care that accompanies every visit. Step into our café and let us wrap you in a comforting embrace of hospitality and flavours that delight the senses.

Mon-Sun, 7am-3pm.

No surcharge on public holidays

447a Lake Road, Takapuna 09 200 2277 centroauckland@gmail.com facebook @centrotakapuna instagram @centrotakapuna

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 trainees by coming into Flourish Café. Catering available.

19 Como Street, BDO Towers, Takapuna 7am–3pm, Monday – Friday 09 489 2266 instagram flourish.takapuna /projectemploynz

facebook Flourish Café /Project Employ projectemploy.nz

TAKAPUNA

Burrito House

Mexican food. 17 Mokoia Rd. 09 418 2095. burritohouse.co.nz

Chef Rasa Sayang

Malaysian food. 25 Mokoia Road. 09 419 9788

DIT

Dutch Bistro. 3 Birkenhead Ave. 0274613898. ditisit.co.nz

Fika With Me

Cosy café serving funky, flavourful Findianinspired food.

5 Birkenhead Avenue. 09 418 5508. @fikawithme

Jose's Cantina

Mexican. 12-14 Birkenhead Ave. 09 218 6162. josescantina.co.nz

Moxie Restaurant

82 Hinemoa St. 09 419 9082. moxierestaurant.co.nz

Mulan Malaysian Restaurant

243 Hinemoa St. 09 480 2806. mulan.co.nz

Primerose Thai Cuisine

6 Mokoia Rd. 09 418 0555. primerosethaicuisine.co.nz

Real Burger

30 Birkenhead Ave. 021 085 95485. realburger.site

Tasty Tiny Thai Restaurant

52d Mokoia Rd. 09 418 4999. tastytinythai.co.nz

Thai Yum Food Hut

23 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 6799. thaiyum.net.nz

The Curry Master

18 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 7211. thecurrymaster.co.nz/birkenhead

The Good Home

83 Birkenhead Ave. 09 480 0066. thegoodhomebirkenhead.co.nz

WANT YOUR CAFE/ RESTAURANT TO BE NOTICED? Sign up for your 6th-page ad for the year for just $120+gst per issue. Full-page feature reviews can be booked for $990+gst (normally $1,450+gst)

Milford

Anokha Indian Restaurant

140 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 1499. anokha.co.nz

Bunty's Burgers

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

89 Kitchener Rd. 09 486 5711

Cave À Vin

146 Kitchener Rd. caveavin.co.nz

La Mexicana

13 Shakespeare Rd. 09 282 0392. lamexicana.co.nz

Monthien Thai Restaurant

142 Kitchener Rd. 09 488 0409. monthien.co.nz

Musashi Japanese Cuisine Milford

212 Kitchener Rd. 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 Rd. pymsofmilford.com

Stanley Avenue

52 East Coast Rd. 09 410 0066. stanleyavenue.co.nz

Talay Thai Restaurant

83-85 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 9568 talaythai.co.nz

The Hub Milford Bar & Grill

145 Kitchener Rd. 09 489 4480. thehubmilford.nz

Tokki

Modern Korean restaurant. 87 Kitchener Rd. 09 488 0888 tokki.co.nz

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

CATCH 21

The Milford Cafe, Bar & Restaurant

7 Milford Road. 09 488 9388 themilford.co.nz

East Coast Bays

21 Days Bar & Brasserie

37 Clyde Rd, Browns Bay. 0800 21 3297. 21days.co.nz

El Greco Greek and Italian Eatery 1 The Esplanade, Campbells Bay. 09 475 5772. elgreco.co.nz

Montrose Cafe, Bistro & Bar 1 Montrose Terrace, Mairangi Bay. 09 478 9610. montrose.org.nz

Paper Moon 437 Beach Rd, Mairangi Bay. 09 479 8872. papermoon.org.nz

Ristorante La Spiaggia Italian. 470 Beach Rd, Murrays Bay. 09 475 5643. laspiaggia.co.nz

Wairau Valley

San Marco Trattoria & Bar 231 Archers Rd, Wairau Valley. 09 216 7163 sanmarco.co.nz

Taylors on Hurstmere

Yellow Hour

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!

Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label NV $85 per bottle between 5-7pm daily

Yellow Hour! Bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne only $85 from 5pm to 7pm every night!

Sunday Roasts are back! Served with all the trimmings. Bookings essential.

168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz 09 489 9510

Licenced Eatery

TAKAPUNA

TAKAPUNA

TAKAPUNA

French Rendez-Vous

Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday (no bookings needed) with traditional and authentic French flavors like beef bourguignon, gluten free galettes and sweet crêpes.

Located at the heart of Takapuna with the Lake Pupuke view, we are fully licensed with different ranges of French wines.

2a Manurere Avenue

Next to The PumpHouse, Takapuna frenchrendezvous.booking@gmail 09 487 0009

facebook: FrenchRendezvousTakapuna instagram: frenchrendezvoustakapuna

WAIRAUVALLEY

San Marco Trattoria & Bar

Delivering a slice of Italian hospitality on a journey that starts from our heart to your table. This is a place that revisits the traditions of Italian hospitality, where food is made in a homemade style accompanied by loving memories of cooking and bonding over food. The team brings to the table combined hospitality skills, as well as secret family recipes passed down from one generation to the other. Eat, drink, feel good - benvenuti!

Wed-Fri 11am-Late; Sat-Sun 10am-Late. Happy hour 3-7pm.

Dinner service starts at 5pm 231 Archers Rd, Wairau Valley 09 216 7163 sanmarco.co.nz facebook instagram @sanmarcoauckland

Hops & Claret Drinkery

A premium bar with amazing tapas and cocktails. Cool and groovy with a distinctive underground vibe, Hops & Claret provides a refreshing retreat in summer and a cozy getaway in winter. Based on over 60 reviews received, Hops & Claret proudly scores 5 stars for food and 5 stars for service. Perfect for small functions or social occasions, catering for up to 40 people. Opens 3pm Wednesday-Saturday.

136 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna 09 486 6330 hello@hopsandclaret.co.nz hopsandclaret.co.nz facebook @HopsandClaret

Bunty's Burgers

Try our smash burgers, fried chicken, and in-house smoked pork and beef brisket burgers, with plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian options available. There is a modern and adventurous wine list and Behemoth beers on tap. This ain’t your ordinary burger joint!

Bunty’s hour 4.30 - 5.30pm daily $10 food & drink specials

Need an event venue? Talk to us about your next function.

Open Wed-Fri from 4pm, Sat-Sun from 3pm 89 Kitchener Rd, Milford buntys.co.nz

21 Days Bar & Brasserie

Tantalise your taste buds with the best steak experience at this beautiful venue in Browns Bay. Explore the impressive selection of cuts sourced from New Zealand, Australia and Japan, where great pride is taken in using the highest quality ingredients, matched with a carefully curated wine and beverage list. The friendly team provides top-notch catering services, taking care of your special events, cocktail parties, corporate events, conferences, birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas functions.

37 Clyde Road, Browns Bay 0800 213 297 21days.co.nz

MILFORD

PYM's of Milford

We look forward to welcoming you to our fun local venue, with delicious food and drink options, a fabulous music selection and a warm and friendly ambiance.

Join our email list to keep up to date with all of our upcoming events. Pym's is also available for private and semi-private events. We look forward to seeing you here soon.

154 Kitchener Road

Milford

Wednesday - Sunday from 4pm 021 413 850 / 021 446 628 drink@pymsofmilford.com pymsofmilford.com/

MILFORD

1 June - 31 July 2024

Shop Win Shop Win

A weeks holiday in Fiji Takapuna inTakapuna for your chance to win

Major prize

3 night Explore Blue Lagoon Cruise 4 Nights at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort Trip to Malamala Beach Club Return flights on Fiji Airways and transfers

Extra prizes

3x $500 Shore City Shopping Sprees

$500 Mortimer Hirst voucher + more bonus prizes!

Simply spend $20 in one transaction in any participating Takapuna business to receive an entry code, then enter online at www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz or in-store at Shore City Shopping Centre. Ts and Cs apply. For more information, visit: ilovetakapuna.co.nz

TAKAPUNA

Time for a money health check-up?

We’ve got the financial advisors for you!

When we can, we Kiwis love putting cash in the bank. Had a chunky payday from that overtime you did last month? Park that in the savings account. But what if you could grow your nest egg a little faster? Sometimes, a little professional help can go a long way. Luckily, we have some of Auckland’s most clued-up financial services for you, right here in Takapuna.

Financial advice for every stage of life: First off the rank for financial success usually looks an awful lot like your first home. Stop in at the ShareNZ Takapuna office for advice that just makes the whole home finance thing easy. They’ll help you navigate the murky waters of saving enough, finding a bank and sussing rates and repayments to find a home loan that suits you. They can also help you sort your Kiwisaver. Sounds like they do it all, right? That’s because ShareNZ draws on a nationwide network of experts in all sorts of financial fields. They’ve got the right advice, for whatever you’re doing next.

Another local gem is adviceHQ – a firm that started out in mortgages, and continues to do a fantastic job in this area. They have also branched into financial services: investment advice, Kiwisaver and personal or business loans.

With a solid foundation under your feet (financial and, probably, cement), it might be time to focus on what you want to do next. Glenn, Anna and the team at Quartz Wealth are here to help you line up your money decisions with your lifestyle ambitions. As an independent, boutique office, Quartz helps you focus on what’s important in your life and how to get you there. Book a free consult with Quartz and get on it.

It’s never too early to start planning your post-work life, and deVere New Zealand can help you plot out the road to a comfortable retirement. Talk to them about how to save, where to invest, and how to best manage money for where you’re at in life. They’re experts in Kiwisaver and UK Pension transfers, so deVere can sort every detail for a retirement with dignity. The team at deVere believes financial advice is for everyone – give them a call and see how they tailor their service to work with your situation and needs. Made a wealth platform for you and your family, and need somewhere for it to grow? JMI Wealth is perfect for those of us who already have a full schedule, and just wish we had someone trustworthy to look after our hard-earned money.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

Better advice, better business: Wish you had a better picture of what’s going on in your business? As technology and finance experts, Flex has a one-stop-shop, high-tech solution for you. Flex’s platform handles all your admin, including accounting, payroll compliance, and tax, while offering you massive insights into your cash flow situation and what’s really making you money. And afterwards, Flex will help you plan your way to greater success for you and your business.

And of course, we’ve got our own branch of the big hitter in the business advice world: BDO Takapuna. BDO has the full spectrum of accounting, financial and business advisory services, and comes with all the comfort of knowing you’re working with an international powerhouse.

Do it yourself: Maybe you’re of a mind to manage your own investments. We’re big believers in getting good advice, but for the DIY-inclined there are some investment options based right here on the North Shore.

Sometimes simple is good. Takapuna’s own Simplicity is a giant in the New Zealand investing scene – in fact they’re one of six default options for your Kiwisaver. Simplicity makes investing your money easy, and we love their ethical approach to investing – especially how 15% of their fees go to great Kiwi charities.

Fisher Funds is another popular way to move your money into investment. It is also based in Takapuna, and you can invest in actively managed funds directly or through your Kiwisaver. Fisher Funds has an admirable policy of investing responsibly, so you can rest easy knowing your investment doesn’t support tobacco, weapons, whaling, and other nasty business.

Another local, Pie Funds, has market experts managing an array of investment options for you. They believe in what they’re doing –so much so that the Pie Funds team has over $100 million invested right alongside your money. And, we like that they have a responsible investing policy too.

And if you’re looking for banking and KiwiSaver support, of course we’ve got big bank branches here in Takapuna. You can sit down and talk to someone at ASB, ANZ, BNZ, TSB and Westpac.

Still pondering your money style? Maybe you’ve got other ideas of where your money is headed. In that case, check out our comprehensive list of financial (and legal) businesses on our website: ilovetakapuna.co.nz

SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Gold sponsors…

PLATINUM SPONSORS: The Takapuna Beach Business Association appreciates the support of our Platinum sponsors…

Sustainable Coastlines – celebrating its wonderful work protecting our beaches

In 2008, North Shore resident Sam Judd, travelling with Kiwi buddies James Bailey and Zach Beard, volunteered for the Galápagos National Park. Shocked to find the uninhabited coasts spoiled with litter, they removed 1.6 tonnes in just eight days. Despite a near-fatal tiger shark attack, Sam got right back to work with James and Zach, motivating 300 locals to remove 7.5 tonnes of litter from the remote San Cristóbal Island. The trio pledged to continue their efforts back in the Land of the Long White Cloud. The idea for Sustainable Coastlines was born.

Virtually since those beginnings Benefitz (publisher of Channel Magazine) has been a sponsor and supporter of Sustainable Coastlines. The initiative was something that resonated in a big way with Aidan and Dallas Bennett of Benefitz. FIfteen years on, the relationship remains strong, with Benefitz supplying sustainable printing, display and signage products to assist the Sustainable Coastlines team with their fantastic efforts.

Sustainable Coastlines is now a multiaward-winning Kiwi charity that still exists to protect the beaches we all love by bringing people together to reduce plastic pollution and other litter. Based in Wynyard Quarter, the charity works nationwide running beach clean-ups, education, public awareness campaigns, and litter data collection through its Litter Intelligence programme.

Sustainable Coastlines engagement manager Dan Downing says, “Beach cleanups are awesome for engaging people in the problem, enabling them to take action, and thinking about the broader solutions we can all take as individuals to reduce

the plastic that ends up in the environment. Litter Intelligence takes it one step further, by enabling citizen scientists to collect highquality data for our national litter database.”

This data is used by community groups, schools and businesses, and is also used in government reporting, informing decisionmaking at all levels to solve the plastic pollution problem. The North Shore alone has 11 survey sites, from Whangaparaoa to Little Shoal Bay. The Litter Intelligence website allows users to search their local beach and find data such as litter density (number of litter items per 1,000 metres square) and a breakdown of what materials and items make up that number.

From the Shore beaches, the highest litter density can be found at Milford Beach

at 955 items per 1,000 metres square, and the lowest at Long Bay’s north end, at 55 (although the south end is another story, with a litter density of 481). This compares with a national average of 310. Of course, the more surveys undertaken, the more accurate the data.

In terms of litter composition, the Shore sees more glass and ceramic than the New Zealand average (34.8% vs 14%) and less plastic (54.6% vs 75.5% — includes ‘Plastic’ and ‘Foamed Plastic’ categories). The data also allows for more specific searches; for example, we can find that citizen scientists have found more

Sustainable Coastlines engagement manager, Dan Downing.

lollipop sticks at Long Bay’s south end than any other North Shore survey site. This litter data helps people to understand the problem as it presents in their area and focus on the most impactful solutions. Tomorrow Studios, another North Shore business, a branding agency based on Hurstmere Road, has undertaken the last two litter surveys on Takapuna Beach.

“We love working with businesses to help them along on their sustainability journey,” says Dan. “Our team-building days get staff out in nature connecting with their local beach and with each other. They take part in a Litter Intelligence survey and reflect on how day-today actions at home and at work can impact the places we want to protect.”

Sustainable Coastlines also takes schools out on beach clean-ups and litter surveys at their local beach. Dan notes that while it’s an extremely worthwhile activity, it comes at a cost. “We’re always looking for funding for our school education programme. Inspiring children to protect their environment and giving them the tools to do it is one of the best ways we can look after our future.”

Dan encourages anyone wanting to help to get in touch. “We always love to hear from anyone who wants to be involved with our work to protect our beaches, whether you want to take part in a beach clean-up, fund a school group, or support us through sponsorship, it all makes a difference to the health of our coastlines.”

For more information around events, team-building days, and sponsorship, head to sustainablecoastlines.org. If you’re interested in learning more about the litter data at your local beach and around the country, visit insights. litterintelligence.org.

Dan Downing will join Benefitz to present the Sustainable Coastlines story on the evening of Wednesday 26 June at the Takapuna Beach Business Association's monthly members' function at Regatta Bar & Eatery in Takapuna. Dan is a Sustainable Coastlines team member who is passionate about the work the organisation does. He’s likely to convert you to the cause in a heartbeat. Dan knows how to get people on board with the important work of looking after our oceans. With a background in sustainability and business, Dan left a corporate job to follow his passion for nature and support others to do the same.

In his spare time, you’ll find Dan in the shed building a kubb set or a liquor cabinet out of an old wine barrel. He’s also Sustainable Coastlines’ resident games master!

Visit: sustainablecoastlines.org or for information on Dan’s June 26th presentation visit: ilovetakapuna.co.nz

Sustainable Coastlines Corporate Clean-up with Tourism Australia at Little Shoal Bay.

Sustainable Coastlines school clean-up at Milford Beach.

Sustainable Coastlines Litter Intelligence survey Little Shoal Bay.

Sustainable Coastlines Litter Intelligence surveyor at work in Little Shoal Bay.

Tourism Australia team members at Little Shoal Bay.

Sustainable Coastlines do great work in schools.

Takapuna’s new town square to host winter lights festival

In recent years the Takapuna Winter Lights Festival has become a much-loved event on the North Shore. In fact it has become an event that draws people from far and wide. Takapuna Winter Lights Festival 2024 will take place nightly from Thursday 25 July through to Sunday 28 July in Waiwharariki Anzac Square, the recently developed town plaza.

Once again the event is set to captivate and inspire visitors with a dazzling display of art and culture.

Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in interactive art installations, live performances, and captivating music across multiple evenings. Renowned light artist Angus Muir returns as festival curator, bringing his acclaimed expertise to enhance the sensory experience for all. He returns to Auckland after exhibiting at the iconic Vivid Sydney Light Festival.

"Takapuna Winter Lights continues to evolve as a beacon of creativity and community spirit,” explains an enthusiastic

Angus Muir, as the planning for the July event was coming to fruition. “We've curated an array of surprises and delights to ensure an unforgettable experience for families and individuals alike."

Attendees will be able to immerse themselves in interactive art installations, live performances, and captivating music…

Festival-goers will be able to explore the enchanting displays through Waiwharariki Anzac Square, the adjacent Potters Park and Hurstmere Green at their leisure, with an array of eateries, restaurants, food trucks and beverages available to enhance the experience.

Angus Muir

Photo: Brett Phibbs

Takapuna Winter Lights is a real family occasion for all ages and has brought thousands and thousands of people to Takapuna over the past few years. The crowds have been significant. Building on the success of these previous editions, the festival aims to attract over 50,000 visitors this year, further enriching the local community and surrounding businesses.

The economic benefits are significant for Takapuna Beach, a factor that is not lost on Terence Harpur, CEO of the Takapuna Beach Business Association. He highlights the festival's social and economic impact, emphasising its role in fostering a vibrant local atmosphere.

“An array of captivating experiences awaits attendees,” says Terence Harpur. “Impressive features that Angus and his team have lined up for us include large scale light sculptures, immersive light environments and out-of-this-world performers.

“We also welcome the return of music performances by students from Takapuna Grammar, and artwork from students from four local primary schools and early learning centres, that promise to enchant audiences of all ages.

“The event is a huge boost to our local economy, drawing in thousands of people from around New Zealand who spend in our local businesses.”

The organisers are also keen to assure

attendees that Takapuna Winter Lights Festival remains committed to accessibility, offering free admission to all. Not much comes free these days!

The Takapuna Winter Lights Festival is made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Takapuna Beach Business Association, Auckland Council, SILO, AMD, Go Media, Barfoot and Thompson and Mercury.

Takapuna Winter Lights Festival – on nightly from 25 July through until 28 July (Thursday to Sunday), from 5pm to 10pm. Waiwharariki Anzac Square, Central Takapuna, Admission is free (excluding special ticketed events). For further information visit: winterlights.nz

Photo: Brett Phibbs

Kathryn Nobbs Photography

Photo: Brett Phibbs

STAY ACTIVE.

By Natasha Geo, Takapuna North Community Trust Manager

Join in the fun at Takapuna Boating Club, right on Takapuna beach!

Sunday Club Days.

Many affordable membership options. Be Active.

Courses - learn to paddle, sail, or drive a rigid inflatable boat (for on-the-water volunteers).

Fun Racing - from beginners to advanced.

Social - Paddle & Pinot evenings, and destination sails.

Free use of club boats, boards, surfskis & equipment.

Use of storage facilities available.

News and updates from Pupuke Birdsong Project

Welcome to our new Ecological Halo Advisor, Maisie Ramsay!

Maisie joins us with a wealth of knowledge and experience in biodiversity management and the impact this has on the planet's sustainability. During her time with us, Maisie has effectively engaged with our volunteers and our community to share the importance of predator and pest control on our native flora and fauna. Her actions have allowed our team to establish an uninterrupted trap line around the Patuone estuary along Auburn Reserve and Patuone Reserve! Well done and thank you Maisie!

If you’d like to take part in our predator and pest trapping and baiting activities to hear more native birdsong, reach out to Maisie at ecologicaladvisor@takapunatrust.org.nz. You may be eligible for free equipment to contribute to this important work.

Want to get out and about this winter?

We have a series of planting and park-care events in the next few months. We will also be hosting special tree-planting and night nature tours to celebrate Matariki. Visit our websites to learn more and register.

We’d love to hear from you!

Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you about what's important to preserve our backyard. 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:

Maisie Ramsay

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#supportlocal the

THE SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

It's boots season!

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

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

GECKO IN THE VILLAGEGLENFIELD MALL

Keep your little one warm on these chilly mornings and bedtimes with this cute hottie cover + bottle! $31.99 geckointhevillage.co.nz 09 441 2255

COSI FAN TUTTE

Scottish designer label Eribé creates beautiful wool garments at their finest. Now available instore in Devonport and online. 73 Victoria Road, Devonport, 021 247 2469 cosifantutte.co.nz instagram @cosifantutte_devonport

RESENE COLORSHOP

Take a walk on the wild side and bring African-inspired designs and colourways to your walls. These designs are the ultimate pick-me-up and an instant conversation starter with guests. View the full collection at your local Resene ColorShop. Cnr Tawa Drive and Rosedale Road, Albany, 09 414 6500

25 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay, 09 476 3957

8 Croftfield Lane, Wairau Park, 09 444 4387

PAINTED BIRD

Discover 'good' fashion at Painted Bird Vintage. Browse our fashion adventure or sign up for news and book to visit us at The Aviary fitting room. Use CH24 for a treat! paintedbird.nz

Follow us at @paintedbirdnz

SHORE PHOTO GIFTS

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

MC TILES

Where design meets inspiration! Our showroom team is here to help with your project. Bring/email your plans, or just come with an idea and we can bring it to life! NZ-owned and operated, we pride ourselves on offering stylish, unique European tiling options suitable for internal and external applications.

Tawa Trade Centre, 2 Tawa Drive, Albany 0800 002 005 mctiles.co.nz

9-5 Mon-Thu, 9-4.30 Fri, 9-3 Sat

FLORIENNE

Cymbidium Orchids are back in season. Enjoy these long-lasting beauties, the perfect flowers to brighten your home in winter.

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

YARNTONS

ECOVASK

Ecovask offers a luxurious yet affordable collection that provides stylish reusable products for everyday living, gifting and entertaining. Visit our studio at 56 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna or online at ecovask.nz

CRAVEHOME

We are delighted to welcome respected New Zealand hair care brand Chloe Zara to Cravehome! This mindfully curated, premium hair care collection fuses the best of science with the wonder of nature. Give your hair the salon treatment at home.

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

Keep yourself warm for only $35. These Swanndri Egmont shirts are 100% cotton, brushed for warmth and softness, perfect for the colder months! Also available for women.

18 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, 09 418 4011

69 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 3479 yarntons.co.nz

WALLACE COTTON

Create a cosy, comforting home for the cooler months ahead with new bed linen, homeware, sleepwear and loungewear. Designed with love for you and your home, discover sumptuous fabrics and soft textures in moody hues and hand-painted designs to make every day more beautiful. Visit our Takapuna location at 156 Hurstmere Road to see and shop our collections in person.

156 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, 09 551 7767 wallacecotton.com

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

Sending something awkward?

Pack & Send Takapuna is your "one stop shop" when you need to send unusually awkward items – anywhere. No matter how large, unwieldy, fragile the item is, you can rely on Pack & Send's experienced operators 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 around difficult-to-send items . "Many of the items we have dealt with are considered too difficult for a general freight," says Jeremy.

“Our customers have used us to package and send such items as long yacht masts, architectural models and large sculptures,” adds Jane.

Many of these items are valuable so Pack & Send customers can use their warranty 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 artworks, 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," says 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.”

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

The “No Limits” service they provide creates legions of raving fans like Dennis M of Devonport:

“Gave Pack & Send a model ship 44 inches long and 36 inches high to send to USA. Left their shop Tuesday and received by my friend Utah Wednesday morning US time. Quick service and very well packed.”

Pack & Send Takapuna open Mon – Sat, located at 77 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna with exclusive and convenient parking outside. Ph 486 3355 or email takapuna@packsend.co.nz and let them make sending easy.

486 3355

By Dan Bidois, MP for Northcote

“In order to flourish above,

one must

be firmly rooted below” ~ Māori proverb

The Coalition government’s annual budget was recently announced by Finance Minister Nicola Willis. This year’s budget delivers what we promised during the election: tax relief, getting public spending under control, reducing the deficit, and driving economic growth.

Let us be clear. There are no quick fixes for the current mess our country is in. After six years of wasteful spending by Labour and loose monetary policy from the Reserve Bank, cost of living and interest rates have remained too high for too long, strangling homeowners and consumers alike. And while developed economies around the world are poised to grow in 2024, our economy continues to contract, productivity is falling, unemployment is rising, and total government debt has just passed $90,000 per household!

… it is only through a better and more prosperous economy that we can afford better public services in health, education, and infrastructure.

This year’s budget priorities are designed to help struggling families now and help position our country for near-term economic success, with higher incomes and opportunities for all. After all, it is only through a better and more prosperous economy that we can afford better public services in health, education, and infrastructure.

For now, our tax relief package will increase the take-home income of 83% of New Zealanders 15 and over and 94% of households. Despite prices being 40% higher than they were in 2010, Kiwis have not seen any changes to personal income rates and thresholds for 14 years. In addition, we have found immediate tax savings of $7.5 billion plus $1.5 billion of ongoing annual savings across government agencies, which will help bring inflation down quicker.

For the near-term, the budget prioritises new spending for essential frontline services that Kiwis rely on. These includes more funding for health, education, disability services, defence, and police. Greater frontline investment is welcome, but this will be followed by a relentless focus on ensuring all new spending delivers better results and outcomes for our communities. This year’s budget is a step forward to ease cost of living pressures, restore fiscal discipline, and invests in areas to grow our economy so that we can provide better public services for Kiwis. With this year’s budget, there are brighter days ahead for our community and country.

As always, please feel free to contact my office if there’s anything we can help with.

See you in our community!

Dan Bidois – MP for Northcote dan.bidois@parliament.govt.nz

Phone: 09 481 1089

facebook: @danbidoismp instagram: @danbidoismp

Long term plan approved

Last month was a big one for Auckland Council and the city as the Governing Body voted on the new Long Term Plan. Given the tough financial times and the double-digit household rate hikes proposed up and down the country, I think AC did pretty well, approving rates increases of 6.8%, 5.8% and 7.9% over the following three years, dropping back down to 3.5% every year thereafter.

The funding package included an additional $70 million increase to Auckland Transport from current levels to maintain and enhance public transport (PT) services, this in response to strong community feedback asking not to cut back on PT. Another PT win is the introduction of a $50 weekly public transport price cap for buses, trains and inner harbour ferries. This will make a huge difference for those who are travelling across Auckland to get to where they need to go on a daily basis. In total AT now has a $14 billion capital programme to address many of our transport challenges.

The other area of full investment has been in stormwater improvements. Council committed to fund the full programme worth $779 million to support flood mitigation, development of blue-green networks, and stormwater management. This is a good outcome for our area as there is much work to do here following the January 2023 floods.

In a bold move it was decided to proceed with a regional wealth fund, named the Auckland Future Fund. The purpose of the fund is to protect the real value of council’s intergenerational assets so they can continue to benefit future generations and provide an enhanced return to the council to fund services and infrastructure. Auckland Council’s shareholding in Auckland International Airport Limited will be transferred to the fund and an amendment to the Airport Shareholding Policy will enable the sale of those shares by the fund manager to achieve the AFF’s purpose. This will support a diversification of Council’s investments and reduce risk.

Another new move was the agreement that Council would provide for the transfer of Captain Cook and Marsden wharves and the associated land from Port of Auckland Limited to Auckland Council within two to five years. The purpose of this to create "outstanding public space", amongst other things.

In good news for the local boards, it was agreed to rapidly shift local board funding to reach greater equity not by reallocating the

funding we have, but by adding new funding. For the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board this happily means no disadvantage, or funding cuts. We lobbied the Council hard on this matter, sending letters to all councillors showing them how many millions we would lose if this proceeded. The concept of reaching funding equity faster is a good one, but there had been no real detail on what this meant to those local boards in line for funding cuts. We’re grateful that they listened and have supported all local boards to be adequately funded.

Another important issue for us in the north was the fate of North Harbour Stadium. Thanks to some strong advocacy it was decided that the precinct will be kept as is (for now) with an additional $33m tagged for essential renewals over the next ten years. There is widespread agreement that the stadium hasn’t been performing well and that clarity needs to be sought on the future vision and role of the stadium and domain precinct, and how it’s owned and operated. The chairs and deputies of the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus & Bays local boards have been tasked to co-lead a locally-led working group to progress a future plan and operating model for the stadium precinct. We all hope to see the people of the North Shore grow to use and love the stadium once again.

In terms of cost cutting and reductions promised by Council, there is now an asset sales target of $300m over the ten years as well as operating expenditure reductions from across the council group of $27.8million for FY 24/25, $47million for FY 25/26 and $67million for FY 26/27 above existing targets. Finding these savings grows harder each year as the organisation grows leaner. People don’t like cuts to services (remember the bins!?) but it is expected that some of these cuts will be felt reasonably widely.

Overall, I think our councillors have done well by residents. With over 120 hours of workshops and discussions on every LTP topic, it hasn’t been a small task. This is the stuff that goes on behind the scenes that most people don’t know is happening. It’s complex, it’s detailed, it requires huge amounts of expert advice and legal review; and now that it’s landed, it’s time to get on and deliver.

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

From DTLB Chair, Toni van Tonder

At Channel Magazine we love meeting Shore people at the top of their game. Two Shore locals who are in that category are Birkenhead’s Kate Fraser and Tom Webster of Devonport. Tom will be well-known to television viewers who enjoy watching home renovation shows. He’s the high profile host of one of the best locally made shows on television, Grand Designs New Zealand. Not so well known is Kate Fraser. Kate's the series producer, on the other side of the camera. Channel Mag’s Aidan Bennett is an avid watcher of the show. He loves it. So he didn’t need a second invitation to catch up with Kate and Tom at Dulcie in Devonport to find out how the Grand Designs New Zealand magic all comes together. Is it the charm of Tom or the skills of Kate? Or a combination of the two?

Shore locals driving Grand Designs New Zealand

It was with a little nervousness that I sat down to interview Tom Webster and Kate Fraser in late May at Dulcie eatery on Devonport’s waterfront. Despite many years of experience with this stuff, I always get a few nerves when I’m interviewing someone who may be famous. Not sure why, I just do.

But I needn’t have worried with Tom Webster, the star of Grand Designs New Zealand. The warmth he exudes on television is real. He was super friendly, warm, passionate, and very easy to talk to, as was Kate Fraser, the producer of the show. She’s the organiser who brings the show together. A show she’s clearly just as passionate about as Tom.

A passion they also share is for their home patch, the North Shore.

Kate and her husband Graham Ritchie live at Birkenhead Point. They bought there in 2014 and it’s a community they love being part of for everything it offers. They love the sense of community, that they are close to beaches, great walks like Le Roy’s Bush, loads of good eateries, the Bridgeway Theatre and the office is just a short ride over the bridge in Ponsonby.

Tom and his wife Anna live near Devonport. They love that they live in a friendly ‘village’ very close to the city. Before emigrating to New Zealand they lived in Bath, in the SouthWest of England. While they loved Bath the commute to work in nearby Bristol was slow and always in heavy traffic. Tom says he really enjoyed the ferry ride to work in the city when they first settled in Devonport.

“The first year and a half that we were in Devonport I still felt like I was a tourist,” explained Tom. “I’d get on the ferry over to work at Cheshire Architects, the practice where I was working, and find myself getting lost in the moment, like I was on a cruise. I really enjoyed that commute.”

Tom is originally from Liverpool, and that’s still his football team. He and Anna first came to New Zealand for a year in 2007-2008. The two architects loved it. They decided to emigrate eight years later in 2016, along with their two young sons.

“With our two boys we were looking to put our roots down in a village-like community that offered good schools and lifestyle,” explained Tom, when asked how they came to live in Devonport. “We ended

Aidan Bennett, Tom Webster and Kate Fraser catching up at Dulcie in Devonport.

Tom Webster and Kate Fraser in action in Featherston on a Grand Designs New Zealand reveal.

up renting a holiday home and we’ve loved it ever since, buying our home in 2022. It really does have everything we need for our family.”

Kate Fraser and Tom Webster have been doing Grand Designs New Zealand for three seasons. They joined at a similar time, as a new host to replace Chris Moller was needed and the show swapped networks, landing at TVNZ.

Grand Designs New Zealand is made for television by local New Zealand production company Imagination Television. Kate had worked with them previously and was thrilled to be offered the role on Grand Designs New Zealand.

“You don’t turn down an opportunity to work on Grand Designs,” was Kate’s reply when questioned about how she got involved. “My husband Graham and I work as a bit of a team. He’s one of a number of cameramen on Grand Designs. We both enjoy the variety that the show offers, seeing some great homes taking shape and travelling the country.”

Currently the Grand Designs New

Zealand team are working on two seasons. That means following the progress of 16 grand design homes being built.

My husband Graham and I work as a bit of a team. He’s one of a number of cameramen on Grand Designs. We both enjoy the variety that the show offers…

“As you would imagine bringing everything together requires a great deal of planning and coordination. The average build takes around 18 months, with the longest being seven years.”

Kate says that they never give up on any projects. They treat them as live even when unexpected delays may mean a project’s future is unsure. “They go on the back-burner

and most get finished eventually.”

“Like most building projects people are very optimistic at the start with regards to how the project is going to go and the timeframe. The realities are often quite different. The post-pandemic period has made things more uncertain as well.”

When Kate began as producer on Grand Designs New Zealand one of her first tasks was helping to find a new presenter to replace Chris Moller. She went looking for the special talent they were after and ended up tapping Tom on the shoulder for the role.

Tom was then at Cheshire Architects, working mainly on the five Greenstar Hotel Britomart project. He was the site architect, so spent most of his time on site involved with the construction.

Tom had never done tv. Kate says they quickly worked out that he was a natural, so they offered him the role.“I was unsure at first and my inclination was to say no,” reflected Tom on that initial approach. “It was my wife Anna who encouraged me to find out more and looking back I’m glad she did.”

Tom Webster and Kate Fraser.

Kate Fraser and Tom Webster at work on Grand Designs New Zealand at Mangawhai.

Graham Ritchie, Kate Fraser, Nicole Smith, Tom Webster on the Chatham Islands.

Cameron Betts (Camera), Graham Ritchie Graham Ritchie (Camera), Kate Fraser (Series Producer/Director), Nicole Smith (Sound) and Tom Webster on the Chatham Islands. Photo by Frances Oliver.

It wasn’t that Tom didn’t like change. In fact, although he started studying architecture with Anna, he qualified a decade after her, having had a few early career changes, including qualifying as a car designer, before returning to his true passion.

Not that this was a complete career change for Tom. He may be on call for Grand Designs but the majority of his time is spent running his own practice, Webster Harding Architects, with Anna. Their office is based on the North Shore and he says they love working with local clients to create special projects, both residential and commercial.

Three years on from joining Grand Designs New Zealand both Kate and Tom really enjoy working together.

“We have developed a strong working relationship and a friendship that goes beyond tv,” explained Tom. “Spending time with Kate and Graham (her cameraman husband) on location around the country is very easy and enjoyable. We all share a passion for what we are doing. Over the past three years we’ve seen a lot of New Zealand together and had a lot of fun doing it.”

Kate says that as well as being a natural, Tom is also fun to work with. “Single takes are quite common and he’s comfortable ad libbing. He’s a people person and is very passionate and enthusiastic about everything he does.”

While there are up to 26 people in the show’s credits, of the eight or so core staff – five call the North Shore home including the show’s: Editor, Head of Post Production, Head of Production, Tom and Kate.

Both Kate and Tom play a big role in choosing the homes/projects that are featured on Grand Designs New Zealand. They say that a key requirement is that they are in some way unique.

“Design is obviously an important factor as are the people undertaking the project,” says Tom. “If they are unique and therefore interesting it makes for good tv. Innovation and sustainability are two important ingredients as well. Building sustainable homes is very important in these times. An interesting location also adds to the appeal. The combination of Kate’s tv experience and my architectural background is a good one during this evaluation process.”

The new series of Grand Designs New Zealand is due to screen on TV1 and TVNZ+ later in 2024. All episodes are available to watch at TVNZ+. Kate and Tom say they are keen to include more North Shore homes on Grand Designs New Zealand. If you have an interesting project in the pipeline then make contact with Kate at Imagination Television.

tvnz.co.nz/shows/grand-designs-nz/apply

Tom Webster and Kate Fraser during the 'glasshouse' reveal in Dunedin. Photo by Frances Oliver.

Graham Ritchie, Kate Fraser, Tessa Kingsbury (Homeowner) and Tom Webster at the Dunedin 'glasshouse'. Photo by Frances Oliver,

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THE MAORI NEW YEAR

Join us in celebrating Matariki weekend with these activities the whole family can enjoy.

Poi Making Craft | Magic Shows

Bouncy Castle | Roaming Characters

28th June - 30th June Get all the updates via our socials or our website, www.glenfieldmall.co.nz

Standard Mall hours will apply.

#Gramworthy

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

Natalia Pedorina is the owner of luxury preloved fashion boutique, Second Avenue, located on Hurstmere Road in Takapuna. She describes Second Avenue as a one stop shop for local and international brands. Natalia says she’s been a passionate fashionista with a style of her own all her life.

“Getting into the game of pre-loved fashion re-sale was only a matter of time for me. I’m passionate about giving clothing a second life, all while playing dress ups,” explains Natalia. She can be seen most days on the gram sharing recent arrivals in the store and providing styling tips. Natalia shares more about Second Avenue and their Instagram presence.

Channel Mag: Is Instagram a source of inspiration for SA?

Natalia Pedorina: Instagram is an absolute inspiration for us. We showcase our latest and greatest via our Instagram Second Avenue as well as daily fashion inspiration on how to put together what you already have in your wardrobe.

Which other local businesses do social media well?

I love Pamu for jewellery and Nail Story Takapuna for local inspo.

What’s next for SA? What can people expect to see on the gram?

Stay tuned for winter goodies at great prices and special gem finds with new stock arriving daily.

Do you have a favourite preloved purchase? What is it and why is it a favourite? Most of my items are pre loved and I love them all; however my absolute favourite treasure is my vintage Chanel handbag. It is just priceless!

IG @second_avenue_nz secondavenue.co.nz

Much-loved Yoga Sanctuary is under new ownership while retaining all the classes frequent clients love. We love the idea of their mother/daughter and school holiday classes for kids too. @yoga_sanctuary

The steak tartare pizza fritta looks amazing and we can confirm it also tastes delicious too. Put that on your list for your next dinner out in Birkenhead. @osteria.uno.nz

Unicorn nails, yes please! A recommendation from Natalia and we can’t get enough either. @snstory.nz

The link between sun damage and hyperpigmentation is a fact

talks with Terry Taylor from Le Visage about how we can achieve youthful-looking skin.

We all want our skin to look youthful, especially at this time of year when the harsh effects of autumn and winter can negatively impact our skin. Liz Cannon talks to Terry Taylor from Le Visage...

Liz Cannon: Can you tell us about what youthful skin looks like and how we can achieve it?

Terry Taylor: Absolutely! A youthful skin appears to be clear and bright with an even skin tone, regardless of skin type or age.

What is one of the biggest barriers to youthful skin?

Terry and Sarah Taylor

Hyperpigmentation from years of UV damage is unfortunately a major barrier to achieving clear, bright and even skin. We know that at some point, all of us are going to be affected by 'age spots' or hyperpigmentation. The good news is that with the right ingredients in your skincare products, along with carefully thought-out treatments and a considered and consistent approach to protection and prevention, we can help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation. This combined approach will give your skin that lovely bright, clear and even skin tone which will make your skin look more youthful.

What product ingredients give the best results?

There are so many great ingredients that are effective in breaking down and preventing further hyperpigmentation, but I'll focus on just a few here so you can get started immediately to see results. I'm focusing on these three because they are great pro-aging ingredients too, which is a bonus!

1. Vitamin C protects against UV radiation which exacerbates hyperpigmentation. It has strong antioxidant and skin-brightening properties and works well as part of your morning routine along with your SPF.

2. Vitamin A also helps with hyperpigmentation issues and is another great antioxidant, helping to improve the texture of the skin.

3. Niacinamide is a fantastic ingredient for hyperpigmentation, because it too is a skin brightener, has great anti-inflammatory properties, promotes skin hydration, and improves skin barrier function too.

What can we do at this time of year to support our skin and the effects of hyperpigmentation?

With an understanding of the effects of UV radiation on the skin,

you should start using preventative skin products, such as our Ultraceutrical and Skin Better product ranges. Both these ranges include the key ingredients listed above, which really make a difference in supporting your skin to become rejuvenated, resulting in more youthful-looking skin. The winter months are an ideal time to get onto skin treatments that will enhance your skincare routine.

What treatments do you offer at Le Visage to support our at-home skincare routines?

While IPL is often the most popular choice for helping with hyperpigmentation, we also like to combine this with our Clearlift laser treatment to make sure that not only are we breaking down pigmentation with IPL, but we are also stimulating collagen and elastin with our Clearlift laser. IPL doesn't penetrate the skin deeply enough to stimulate the fibroblast responsible for producing collagen which sits in the dermis. We need the addition of the Clearlift laser technology to penetrate the dermis to help rejuvenate fine lines and wrinkles, which results in more youthful-looking skin.

Skin health experts Terry and Sarah have been treating skin on the shore since 2001. The unique duo of mother and daughter have 40+ years of experience between them, and their passion for skin has led to careful thought and consideration in choosing skincare products and treatment rituals that offer clients the best results but are also kind to the skin. All their treatments and products are results-focused and they provide their clients with ongoing support and education.

See the Le Visage website at levisage.co.nz for their current winter skin promotions.

Le Visage

Level 1 - 161 Kitchener Rd, Milford 09 4866880 info@levisage.co.nz levisage.co.nz

Channel Mag's Liz Cannon

Yet another great month in Milford in May!

Thanks for making Mother’s Day such a special event and time in Milford for mothers. We were happy we could provide so many of our valued customers with Mother’s day gifts.

These are the lucky Milford Mother’s Day Winners:

• Mercedes-Benz North Shore: Weekend away in New Mercedes-Benz: Kym Berry, Devonport

• Milford Motel: $200 voucher: Sonya Anderson, Grey Lynn

• Nerfetiti: Spoil Mum Package $295: Rosie Worst, Warkworth

• Professional Spa & Massage: Signature Head Spa - valued at $175: Amber

• Dear Friends: Voucher for Brunch for Mum: Mackenzie Grace

• Hatch: $100 voucher spend on new mum: Nick Mathews

• The Milford Florist (Li): Bouquet for Mum: Helen Bray, Murrays Bay

• House of Travel: $300 voucher: Shilpa Narayan, Hillcrest

• La Mexicana: $50 voucher: Jo Mills, Milford

• Milford Beach Pizza: $50 Voucher: Pablo Rossi, Forrest Hill

Thank you to the participating Milford businesses

It’s such a privilege for me to manage a business district where so many businesses are happy to contribute to our promotions. This list is indicative of the fantastic support our businesses have for their customers. I should mention that this list changes for every promotion – our participating stores choose which events they want to be involved in, with most being more than happy to be involved. It is one of the reasons why Milford is leading the field when it comes to town centres.

This is the list of businesses, in addition to those mentioned with the winners above: Mikko Shoes, Ray White Real Estate, Shore Travel, Le Visage, La Tropeziene, La Mexicana, Milford Beach Pizza, The Milford, Fine-O-Wine, Raw Yoga, Scrunchy Millers, Posh Labels, Tangos, Pym’s of Milford, Bakers Delight, Wild & Woolly Yarns, Crop Cafè, Creative Shotz, MorArt, Milford Cruising Club, Milford Paper Power, Meebz, Step-It-Up-Shoes, Samara Medicare, The Nails Gallery & Beauty, Clean for Good, Flame In Vintage, Harcourts Milford.

New World champion baker

Once again, our local New World at Milford, has produced a champion at the annual awards dinner for New World staff from throughout the country. New World Milford’s baker, Jong, placed third

in the Foodstuffs North Island Bakery Apprentice of the Year. It’s a fitting reward for New World Milford’s owner-operator David Dil-Russel, who knows the value of developing the next generation of supermarket personnel. David, a Westlaker (a former Westlake Boys student), completed business studies and worked his way around all departments in various Foodstuffs supermarkets before beginning a career as a supermarket business owner.

Changes to Milford Rd entrance to Milford Centre Milford Centre is making way for an exciting new addition. CityFitness will be opening later in the year. To facilitate this, the Milford Road entrance to the centre will close on Wednesday 5 June 2024. Please use the alternative Centre entrance shown on the map here.

What’s on in Milford in June

• Pym’s of Milford – live music Friday 7 & 21 June, 6pm to 9pm.

• Milford Motel – Quiz night – every Tuesday night from 7.30pm.

• Milford Cruising Club – Trivia Quiz night every Thursday night from 7.30pm. And Friday night is always their much-loved ‘Dinner Night’.

• The Hub Milford – Quiz night every Thursday night, from 7.30pm.

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

When best laid travel plans go awry

At the time of writing this article Shore Travel’s Mary Buckley was stranded in Noumea, New Caledonia, awaiting an emergency evacuation due to local unrest and the airport closure.

I had intended this month to write about beautiful New Caledonia as an ideal option for a winter holiday getaway, during my visit for a conference. However, we unexpectedly became stranded after the airport workers went on strike in support of the local protest against the French Government’s election criteria referendum. It has since escalated into a very unruly situation, and a state of emergency has been declared to allow the French army to come in and take control. We are currently awaiting news from the New Zealand Government with options for a safe passage home.

My experience on this trip is a reminder that travel plans can go awry at the most unexpected time. Common travel disruptions, such as missed flight connections, lost luggage, or local strikes are something that most of us have dealt with during our travels. However, even if you travel to a destination that frequently has issues, your travels can be interrupted at any time, for any reason.

I’ve been taking this time to contemplate how prepared I was for this travel disruption and curated this list of recommendations:

Packing and preparation tips for the unexpected:

• Take extra medication and supplements for a week beyond your proposed travel period.

• Take over-the-counter medication in case you become sick and reaching a pharmacy is difficult.

• Have copies of any regular prescriptions saved on your phone to email if required.

• Register with safetravel.govt.nz, if not before you travel, as soon as your disruption could require New Zealand Government assistance.

• Travel with a few of your home comforts, such as snack bars, tea bags, coffee sachets.

• Book with a travel agent to receive assistance when you get stuck. Communications are very limited and uncertain with any form of authority during political disruptions.

• Travel with your laptop/chargers if you have a job that can be accessed online.

• Have local currency for situations where credit cards can’t be transacted.

• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover the unexpected.

Our passports don’t lie Trusted travel advisors who’ve seen the world.

Like you, we love travel. The chance to discover new, exciting places, and create memories that last a lifetime. Shore Travel is here to help you explore the world, your way.

We are staying at the Chateau Royal in Noumea. The service during this crisis has been exceptional. The staff have their families staying with them at the hotel and the manager has been updating us regularly and assisting those with concerns. All the travellers and staff have been supporting each other and making the best of our situation. I look forward to returning in better times, because this truly is a beautiful travel destination.

Phone: 09 489 2597 or email: hello@shoretravel.co.nz

Community heroes!

This month we’re highlighting some special people working and volunteering in community roles to make our local area a better place! From blood donation, Rotary and volunteer fire brigade personnel, to healing gardens and hospice, each of these people have very interesting and inspiring stories to tell.

Firefighting, finance, Rotary and everything in between for Gavin

Gavin Busch holds a number of community roles in his local area including in the volunteer fire brigade, Rotary and a range of local community projects. He is married with three children who attend Rosmini, Westlake Girls and St Cuthberts and has lived in Devonport for 25 years. In his downtime, Gavin enjoys fishing and hunting as well as a good red wine from the cellar. Gavin was born in Paeroa and schooled in West Auckland and Whakatane. Aside from his community work, he owns a small financial advisory practice in Takapuna as well as serving on several company boards.

Channel Mag: Explain your role in the local community.

Gavin Busch: I have been involved in the community through many groups. Firstly, I joined Rotary in 2000 and have been actively involved through this organisation with student exchanges, youth programmes, and local projects as well as running the now-defunct

Devonport Food, Wine and Music Festival. I was also the Chair of St Leos Catholic Primary School, navigating it through the Covid years. On the encouragement of friends, in late 2019 I also joined the Devonport Volunteer Fire Brigade and have now attained the rank of QFF (Qualified Firefighter).

Did you always know you wanted to do what you do?

Like all young boys, I recall a fascination with fire trucks but was more interested in numbers and that led me down a route to become a financial adviser. However, the volunteer role as a firefighter provides lots of personal satisfaction. Not only does the physical nature of the role help keep me fit, it places me in uncomfortable and challenging situations, from contorting your body through confined spaces while wearing heavy and thick gear with breathing apparatus, to climbing ladders carrying heavy equipment and hoses. It’s not just the physical nature but also the mental challenges; while we don’t ‘run’ into burning buildings like you see on tv and movies, we do enter extremely hostile environments where temperatures may be higher than your average kitchen oven or attend a medical event and have to perform CPR or help tend to a suicide. All of these put you in positions that as someone working normally in an office you do not face.

Favourite part about your community role?

The favourite part is the people you meet, generally people in any community group are of similar ilk, they are community minded, caring and passionate, they are friendly and doers. The energy you get from being around similar people is fulfilling in many ways. I also enjoy the comradery and friendship and satisfaction of knowing I am making a difference in the community I live in.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Coffee, coffee, coffee and then a gin, bourbon or wine with friends at the Milford Café.

Any interesting work stories?

Volunteering with the Fire Brigade, every call out is different. However we attend a lot more medicals these days and saving a life brings out a lot of emotion, pride and satisfaction. The skills I have been taught helped me save a young two year old with CPR; going back to see him the next day and see his smile and hold him gives me goosebumps even now. Another time, being at Snells beach and helping to save a man’s life through CPR and then assisting St Johns, the local brigade and Westpac Rescue to stabilise and get him to Auckland hospital means having the rights skills means you can impact people lives outside where you live.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be and why?

If I wasn’t living in Narrow Neck, I would want to live in Banff Canada; the climate and scenery is next to none while you can ski during the winter in powder and hunt in mountains over summer. Plus who doesn’t want to have access to Tim Hortons…Yum!

Gavin Busch

Lewis’ journey from corporate and healthcare to community

Lewis Catterall is the Donor Relations Coordinator for the New Zealand Blood Service, a vital organisation based in Takapuna. He’s lived on the Shore for over 50 years and is a proud ex Takapuna Grammar School student.

Lewis is the youngest of seven, married with two adult sons and has worked in the corporate world in sales and healthcare.

Lewis is clearly a Warriors fan, including ‘Up the Wahs!’ in a blurb about himself!

Channel Mag: Explain your role in the local community.

Lewis Catterall: Donor Relations Coordinator for NZ Blood Service, entrusted to extol the virtues of giving blood and plasma and recruit people like you to give back to our community and the nation.

Did you always know you wanted to do what you do?

After chasing the ‘mighty dollar’ for personal gain, I wanted to do a good thing and help others. I found my calling.

Favourite part about your community role?

Knowing that my friends, family and neighbours are helping to save lives within our community and seeing that ‘knowing’ grin when our donors leave.

Claire Redford

Claire’s

helping to bring the healing garden to life

What does a typical day look like for you?

Contacting businesses and social groups to recruit for Team Red/plasma donations, promoting our mobile blood drives on the Shore, ensuring that all donors have a comfortable, safe, and professional experience when donating.

Any interesting work stories?

At North Shore Donor Centre, we have some donors that have given between 200-400 times and are still donating. Take a moment and think about the thousands of lives they are saving each time they donate.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be and why?

Why would I? Maybe Great Barrier Island or a deserted beach up north.

Claire Redford recently organised a family fun day fundraiser at Little Shoal Bay Park in Northcote Point to fundraise for the new healing garden at North Shore Hospital. Claire has lived in Auckland since 2020, arriving back from five years in London where she worked in social housing regeneration as a project manager. Before that, Claire called Christchurch home. She moved there just seven days before the February 2011 earthquakes and ultimately ended up working on the rebuild of the Christchurch CBD. Claire and her husband Tom met at university in Otago and now have two kids, Iris (4) and Finn (2).

Channel Mag: Explain your role in the local community.

Claire Redford: With my good friend,

PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD

The fabulous FaceTime team are dedicated to providing our clients with honest advice and a memorable experience with every visit. It is important to us that the life of our business (that’s you, our clients!) always come away feeling listened to, looked after and feeling their absolute best.

Our clinical focus ensures a total approach to treating and reversing premature skin aging as well as managing problematic skin. We offer a wide scope of facials and skin treatments. These range from HydraFacial, corrective peels, dermal needling, Botox® and RF Microneedling right through to pure relaxation facials and DMK Enzyme Treatments.

Our unique aesthetic services are more than an indulgence – they give fresh, youthful results you

Lewis Catterall

Charlotte Cvitanovich, and with lots of amazing help from the kind and generous Jill Nerheny of the Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust, we organised a family fun day on Sunday 24 March 2024 at the lush Little Shoal Bay, all funds going to the Well Foundation's efforts for the healing garden at North Shore Hospital. We had previously organised a similar event the year before (March 2023 after the Cyclone Gabrielle) to fundraise for the KidsCan Cyclone Relief Fund. For this year's event we worked closely with the delightful team from the Well Foundation, Ruth, Heidi and Michelle, who kindly shared their skills and expertise in fundraising to bring the event to life.

Did you always know you wanted to do what you do?

I don't have a position as such, Charlotte and I just love organising events, and have been lucky enough to get support from the Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust. I have always loved bringing people together, and in my role as a town planner always loved working on community facilities, or any concept that got people out and about and mingling with each other. I remember learning during my first year of town planning at uni that pathways are often designed to encourage strangers to "bump"

into each other and encourage an interaction, and I have always been so fascinated and taken by that concept.

Favourite part about your community role? When the event is actually taking place and you catch yourself staring around at all of the amazing and lovely conversations and laughter going on.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am currently not in paid employment, taking time out from being a town planner. I am part of the Birkenhead Playcentre which is a wonderful community of parents to be part of. In my spare time, I would be putting time towards organising events. My friend Charlotte and I have also organised a watercolour painting and wine night, and a mid-winter Christmas party, and with another friend Rebecca Oakley, have helped organised a neighbourhood Easter egg hunt. I also do some paintings for friends, and for my oldest dear friend Annabelle Wilson who has her own fashion label Wilson Trollope. Lucky for me she puts my paintings up in her shop. I do a series of paintings inspired by her current collection.

Any touching/special work stories? While organising the Family Fun Day for the

Lupe’s dedication to community at Hospice North Shore

Lupe Williams is the Community Nurse Team Leader for Harbour Hospice North Shore. She has been living on the North Shore for around seven years which she says she loves, working locally and having access to the beaches. "We have some fantastic local cafés and restaurants that I love supporting regularly as I am a big food lover,” explains Lupe. She studied at AUT doing her Bachelor in Health Science in Nursing and has worked as a registered nurse for about 20 years in Sydney and in Auckland.

Channel Mag: Explain your role in the local community.

Lupe Williams: I am a Community Hospice

Nurse based at Harbour Hospice North Shore.

Did you always know you wanted to do what you do? How did you get to your position?

I knew I wanted to be a Registered nurse once I left school and as a junior nurse I knew I wanted to be a palliative care nurse. It’s rare to have young nurses wanting to work in this field, dealing with death on a daily basis. I’ve worked in palliative care for around 11 years and have been working at Harbour Hospice as a community nurse for six years and I love it.

Favourite part about your community role?

Working with people in our diverse community and being in a position where I have the privilege to help people when they really need a lot of support. It’s so different working within people’s homes as you get a rare insight into people’s lives. I’m also continually amazed by how resilient a lot of the patients and their loved ones are during a really tough time in their lives.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day would be going out to visit patients and families in their homes for symptom management or for end-of-life care. If I’m not on the road, I’ll be in the

healing garden, I was so amazed by so many acts of kindness, from national treasure Suzy Cato performing for no fee yet again, the brass band from the Methodist Tongan Church in Northcote Point dragging down their drums and brass instruments to play, Jill from the Kaipatiki Community Facilities Trust offering her skills and expertise and really bringing the event to life, Walter from the Auckland Council Waste Team who delivered rubbish accessories late on a rainy Friday with the biggest smile on his face, Frederick who delivered the Portaloos to Little Shoal Bay and who stuck around for two hours to help us secure the Portaloos so they wouldn't be broken into ahead of the event. (He was very worried we would turn up on the Sunday to a nasty surprise in the Portaloos!) And of course the amazing team from the Well Foundation, Ruth, Heidi and Michelle who went above and beyond to make sure the event was a success.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be and why?

I love living on the North Shore, we are so lucky to call this home. But if I had to choose anywhere it would be Hackney in London, where everyone lives their life out on the street. On a sunny Friday afternoon just being out on the street feels like a party.

office (or parked on the side of the road) on the phone checking in with patients or connecting with other colleagues like GPs, pharmacies or district nurses, working together to help support the patients and families.

Any special work stories?

I’ve experienced so many touching moments with my work. Last year, on a night during the Auckland storms and floods, visiting a distressed family whose mother was dying and watching the young daughter hold her mum’s hand and praying to comfort her mother, easing the mother’s distress. The families and friends who care for their loved ones 24/7 are really amazing and I take my hat off to them.

If you could live anywhere else, where would it be and why?

Those who know me well know I love food and coffee, so my choice of place is reflected by the type of food I love. I would have to be in the South East Asian region. I can’t pick one as you have so many places such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand, that I would be eating my way through with my coffee machine in hand.

Lupe Williams

Refreshing new renovation team

Meet Sarah and Jeremy Lowe, the new North Shore team at Refresh Renovations

With thriving business districts, new housing developments, and sophisticated, older parts of town, the North Shore has plenty to offer families and professional households alike. Throw in beautiful beaches and parks, and you have all you need for a great work-life balance. If the key ingredient that’s missing from your North Shore lifestyle is your perfect home, Refresh’s team of renovation specialists can help.

Sarah and Jeremy Lowe have had a passion for renovating for almost ten years now. They started by buying an investment property, completely gutting it and undertaking an extensive renovation. They couldn't wait to do it again and again, so when they were ready to buy another property they were so excited to get stuck in again. Their insight and advice come from personal experience and expertise.

"There is so much to learn when you're project-managing your own renovations. It is really important to get it right. Renovations can be expensive and it's a real art to see a renovation through without wasting money." Sarah and Jeremy definitely learned a lot early on through mistakes on their own properties; their own renovations were the real-life university of 'project management' for them both.

Wanting to make a living doing what they are passionate about, Sarah and Jeremy decided to buy their first franchise after being not so lucky during Covid, with Jeremy finding himself in redundancy. The couple bought a new franchise called Oncore. Here they could focus on property maintenance and smaller-scale renovations. They soon realised they absolutely loved this line of work, and found themselves very busy, very quickly with projects getting larger and larger. There were a lot of bathrooms renovated in the first year and the couple got bathroom renos down to a fine art, helping many customers with stress-free, seamless and fast bathroom renovations.

As the jobs got larger and more complex, Sarah and Jeremy's team of trades and specialists grew, and they now have a large team of great trades and specialists who know exactly what they are doing and can provide high-quality workmanship. They always know the best trades to apply to each job.

Having lots of renovation and maintenance work in the pipeline, Sarah and Jeremy decided in early 2024 that it was time to take the next step and buy a Refresh Renovations franchise. They split their businesses and have Oncore focus on the maintenance and smaller renovations and Refresh focus on the larger renovations. Refresh has a great five-step process that takes the time to plan appropriately before the project even starts. This means that there are far fewer instances where money is wasted or there are project blowouts.

"Our team of highly skilled experts is what makes our renovations so successful – we really owe a lot to them all. We love working with them and value great team ethics! We cover all aspects and make sure that we get the job right. We

are so passionate about every job and we love the relationships we make with all our customers along the way. They become like family when it's a big job as we spend a lot of time together and become friends for life."

Each year there is a conference where Oncore, Refresh and zone franchises get together and learn from each other, keep up with new trends and collaborate. Each franchise is supportive of the others and all involved strive to build a leading brand together.

Outside their property business, Sarah and Jeremy prioritise family time with their four children and cute cavoodle. They love to holiday and spend their downtime together at the beach in summer and the snow during winter.

With the weather getting colder we are all moving indoors more. It's a great time to have a look around, think about the renovations you have been dreaming of, and put a plan together. In the second stage of the Refresh design to build formula, they look at all your options and create an amazing space where you will want to spend the colder months. With the most talented designers, Sarah and Jeremy would love to help create your dream space and make your renovation a fun and exciting experience.

For more information, visit Refresh Renovations and start dreaming of and planning for your next project.

Refresh Renovations

The Crate, 28 Constellation Drive, Mairangi Bay 022 682 1237 sarah.lowe@refresh.co.nz refresh.co.nz

facebook Jeremy and Sarah at Refresh instagram jeremyandsarah.refresh

Sarah and Jeremy receiving the 'High Performer Building' award from Mali Lowden.

Jeremy and Sarah Lowe

By Lewis Rudall, Master Electrician and director at Lake Road Electrical

Slash your winter energy bills with these smart tips!

Winter brings cosy evenings but can also lead to higher energy bills as we turn up the heat and spend more time indoors. Luckily, there are effective ways to reduce your energy consumption and save money.

Seal drafts and insulate your home: Keep cold air out and warm air in by sealing drafts around doors and windows with weatherstripping or caulking. Adding insulation to your roof space and walls can also significantly lower heating costs by preventing heat escape.

Upgrade to a smart thermostat: Smart thermostats adjust heating based on your schedule, ensuring energy is used only when necessary. Many models also offer remote control via smartphone, allowing you to warm your house before you arrive without leaving the heater on all day.

Utilise energy-efficient lighting: With shorter days in winter, using LED bulbs can reduce your lighting energy use by up to 75%; they last longer, and enhance the cosiness of your home.

Maintain your heating system: Regular maintenance, including filter replacements, ensures your heating system operates efficiently. Have a professional check your system at the start of the season.

Use window treatments wisely: Open curtains during sunny days to warm your home naturally and close them at night to retain heat.

Invest in a humidifier: A humidifier makes the air feel warmer, allowing you to lower the thermostat and save on heating costs.

Wear warmer clothing: Dressing warmly inside can allow you to comfortably lower your thermostat.

At Lake Road Electrical, we’re big on sustainability. As trusted Master Electricians, we believe it’s our responsibility to introduce you to efficient electrical solutions that are climatefriendly, energy-efficient, and help save on your power bills. Call us now for a free consultation or visit our website for our 2024 winter special offers!

Lewis Rudall, Lake Road Electrical 09 242 2204

Winter in the garden

Our gardens can often feel dull in the middle of winter. However there are plenty of winter-flowering plants that can brighten things up. Here we look at a few ideas for adding a splash of colour.

Probably the most commonly used winter flowering shrubs are camellias. Whether planted alone or in a hedge, they make a stunning display and come in a wide range of colours and sizes. The main types of camellia include: Sasanqua - which can handle full sun to part shade and flower through autumn and winter; Japonica - which are more suited to partial or even full shade and flower from winter through to spring; hybrid (a mix of Japonica and Sasanqua); and for smaller spaces or to use as ground cover there are camellias such as Quintessence, or Marge Miller (another hybrid).

Other popular winter flowering shrubs include daphne, (although be warned, they are quite fussy and do not like our clay soils; instead they grow best in free draining slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter); azaleas, which tolerate shady spots and also prefer slightly acidic soils; the smaller Tahitian pohutakawa; and the Dragons Gold dwarf kowhai, also a winter bloomer. My personal favourite are the hellebores for their dainty beautiful flowers.

Meanwhile evergreen shrubs such as coprosmas and grevillea are available in a huge variety of year-round colourful foliage and are great hardy, easy care choices. For an easy instant lift, you can’t beat adding some colourful winter flowering annuals or perennials. The garden centres should now be full of primulas, polyanthus, pansies, violas, daisies and forget-me-nots. Pop them in a hanging basket or pot, or fill up a space in the garden bed. As they are a little more slow-growing and relatively inexpensive you can really pack them in for maximum effect; just remember to keep feeding every few weeks with a little blood and bone or liquid fertiliser to keep the colours vibrant.

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.

Cosy interiors for cooler months

Spending more time indoors is the perfect opportunity to add some cosiness to your interiors with touchable textures and cocooning colours.

Winter spice:

Cooler weather definitely favours warm, spicy tones and richer colour palettes – mossy greens, rich rust, sapphire blues, mustard golds – and my current favourite, plummy burgundies.

Style tip: Pair rich, spicy tones with neutrals like tan, bone or grey to freshen up your look.

Tactile textures: Accessories are such an easy way to change up a space for a new season, and layering tactile textures. Add blankets and throws in soft weaves or cosy wool. And of course, add cushions layered in fab fabrics. Contrast textures with leather, boucle, wool, fur or velvet to create your own unique look.

Style tip: When it comes to the size of your winter accessories, think BIG. If in doubt, always go for the larger size. Up-size your cushions (start with 50x50cm cushions) and make sure your throws are super generous – all the better for sofa snuggling.

Contact Kirsten for tailored design services, from colours and finishes for new builds and renovations to furniture and furnishing selections, window treatments and styling.

KFD Interiors

027 201 9304

kirsten@kirstenforddesign.com, KFDinteriors.com instagram @kirsten_ford_design facebook @kirstenforddesign

By Ruth Morse, CEO, Well Foundation

A very warm WELLcome …

As a small organisation with a large remit, we are very fortunate to have an incredible board of trustees made up of highly skilled, passionate, and local individuals who generously give their time and expertise to guide the organisation and help us maximise our impact in our local community.

We feel very privileged to have recently welcomed two new members onto our board. The first is Dr Janak de Zoysa, a nephrologist at the Waitematā renal service, as well as the Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Auckland, and Assistant Dean of the Waitematā clinical campus. Janak brings a great deal of clinical knowledge and guidance to the governance of Well Foundation, helping us identify projects within the hospital we can support that are clinician-led and, importantly, patient-centred.

The second new addition is CoastFM daytime radio host, Lorna Riley. As well as being a familiar voice that graces many of our airwaves during the day, Lorna is also a North Shore resident of over three decades and has spent quite a bit of time in North Shore Hospital over the last couple of years. Lorna has experienced the joyful side of our public health care system, with two of her three children born at North Shore, and the arrival of her first grandchild earlier this year. However, she has also faced treatment and surgeries due to two cancer diagnoses. Lorna’s numerous encounters with North Shore Hospital have made her determined to give back, and she is excited to be involved on a more intimate level with Well Foundation and the work we do to improve healthcare and outcomes for everyone in our community.

“Having been a hospital patient more than I would have liked in the past few years, it's an honour to be able to give back through the meaningful work of Well Foundation," Lorna comments. "I'm excited to get involved with the Foundation's current and future projects to ensure our wonderful North Shore community continues to thrive.”

We welcome Janak and Lorna!

Well Foundation is the official charity of North Shore and Waitakere Hospital info@wellfoundation.org.nz

Well Foundation, 09 447 0138 info@wellfoundation.org.nz wellfoundation.org.nz

Dr Janak de Zoysa

Lorna Riley

Interior design with Kirsten Ford of KFD Interiors

An automated pool cover for swimming all year round!

An investment in an automated pool cover for your pool will offer a range of benefits. Not the least is keeping the warmth in, so you can swim all year round.

A swimming pool spells summer fun for everyone – and adding an automated pool cover will extend that season to throughout the year. An automated cover makes things super easy – maintaining, keeping it warm, clean and affordable.

Covers4Pools is a family business, run by Charles, Paulene and Shayne Olliver. They offer one of the most extensive range of automated pool covers in New Zealand, being the sole distributor for the internationally popular Coverstar Eclipse brand.

“Coverstar Eclipse covers can take the weight of an average sized person, offering complete peace of mind that your family is always safe around your pool,” says company manager Charles Olliver.

“Our new ‘Roll Out Roll Under Slatted Cover’ has quickly become a big seller for us. These covers feature a polycarbonate profile that actually heats the pool via the sun’s rays throughout the summer months and retains heat during the colder months, therefore extending your swimming season and substantially reducing your heating costs. We are proud to assemble these

covers here in New Zealand.”

Charles explains that automated covers also play a big part in reducing cleaning and maintenance by keeping unwanted items out of the pool.

“They really are a game-changer. Our advanced covers keep dirt and leaves out of the pool and also eliminate up to 90% of evaporation. This avoids wasting thousands of litres of water and reduces chemical use by up to 70%.”

Covers4Pools has good stocks of both Coverstar Eclipse Covers and Roll Out Roll Under Slatted Covers so will have one to suit your pool. They will come to your property and do a free measure and quote and provide advice on the best solution for your requirements. Do it today!

Contact Charles, Paulene or Shayne today.

They will make it very easy and affordable.

Charles: 021 66 3854, Paulene: 027 663 8605

Shayne: 021 023 73214

Phone 09-426-0625, email sales@autopoolcovers.co.nz or visit covers4pools.co.nz

Staying Warm on the Shore this Winter

With cooling temperatures and winter just around the corner, North Shore Heat Pumps is getting ready for the busiest time of the year. Owner Tim Cadell and his team have been a Mitsubishi Electric Black Diamond partner covering Auckland’s North Shore and beyond for the last 16 years. “Our reputation continues to grow as we are recognised as an industry leader”.

The right temperature and clean healthy air are essential to good health, wellbeing and performance. Regulated temperature and air quality are also critical factors in maintaining health. With many combined years of experience in the industry, Tim and his team offer expertise in both the technical and aesthetic aspects of air conditioning systems and are up to date with the latest trends and legal requirements.

North Shore Heat Pumps supplies and installs Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pumps and whole home Ducted Air-conditioning systems which are designed to heat your home quietly and effectively but are also very efficient as air conditioners during the summer months.

The company has a strong focus on ensuring optimum energy efficiency both for economic and environmental benefits.

A range of air conditioning options are available both for brand new homes as well as upgrades of older homes to bring them up to current Healthy Home Rental standards.

Here are five tips for efficiently heating your home with a heat pump or ducted system:

1. Regular Maintenance: Ensure your heat pump is running at its best by scheduling regular maintenance checks. Clean or replace air filters as recommended by the manufacturer to keep airflow unobstructed and maintain efficiency.

2. Optimal Temperature Settings: Set your heat pump to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature. For heating, aim for around 18-20 degrees Celsius. Avoid cranking the heat up too high, as this can increase energy consumption.

3. Utilize Programmable Thermostats: Take advantage of programmable thermostats to regulate your home's temperature based on your schedule. Lower the temperature when you're away or asleep, and raise it when you're home and awake to maximize energy savings without sacrificing comfort.

4. Whole home solutions: Don’t forget ducted air-conditioning units can heat a whole home providing energy savings and ensuring every room in your home is the same temperature.

5. Proper Insulation and Sealing: Ensure your home is well-insulated and properly sealed to maximize the efficiency of your heat pump. Insulate walls, floors, and attics, and seal any drafts around windows, doors, and ductwork to prevent heat loss and maintain a comfortable indoor environment.

By following these tips, you can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your heat pump, keeping your home warm and comfortable throughout the winter while minimizing energy consumption and costs.

North Shore Heat Pumps will custom design the perfect system for your needs. If you are thinking Heat Pumps think North Shore Heat Pumps.

Phone: 09-9150796

North Shore Heat Pumps Ltd a division of ARA Ltd 112 Sunnybrae Road, Glenfield, auckland-aircon.co.nz, nsra@xtra.co.nz

Huge Charity Book Fair

A must for booklovers – 11, 12 & 13 July at Northcote College Hall

The annual Charity Book Fair, organised by Rotary Kaipatiki, is being held in the Northcote College hall from Thursday 11 July through to Saturday 13 July. This is one of the largest book fairs in New Zealand.

The book fair first started over 20 years ago. It was initially a small local event held in the Northcote Citizens Hall. As it became more popular and grew, it shifted to Northcote College in 2008. The fair is now one of the largest in the country and has established a reputation as a very well run event with thousands of good quality second hand books for sale.

Attendees come from far afield including some who make the trip from all over the North Island.

Entry is mostly free, with just $10 charged for the very first hour of the three-day fair, on Thursday. All other times are free.

Rotary Kaipātiki does a fantastic job in the community and plays a big part in helping to organise this event. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the book fair are used for community charitable purposes. All funds raised from this 2024 event go towards Rotary Kaipātiki and helping Multiple Sclerosis Auckland.

Rotary Kaipātiki is partnering with Multiple Sclerosis Auckland to make the book fair bigger and better than ever in 2024. Multiple Sclerosis Auckland supports

more than 1,000 Aucklanders living with MS from its offices in Takapuna on the North Shore.

“We are delighted to be working with the Rotary Club of Kaipatiki once again on this iconic North Shore event,” says Multiple Sclerosis Auckland General Manager Nicola Bitossi. “In a digital age, it’s wonderful to bring people together around books. This is now an iconic North Shore event that is the result of hard work by Rotary Kaipātiki and around 50 dedicated volunteers, the generosity of hundreds of book donors and the support thousands of book shoppers. A $20 note will send you away with an armful of reading for the winter!”

Most popular sections at the book fair are New Zealand history and non-fiction, children’s books and of course blockbuster novels.

Donate your books by simply dropping them to these local Z stations – If you are interested in donating good quality used books for the fair, they can be donated during June via bins at Z stations in Glen Park, Greville Road, Mairangi Bay, Milford, Onewa Road and Sunnybrae Road. Those who can’t make it to a Z station can call Bob on 027 490 0908 to arrange collection.

Booklovers, don’t miss this iconic book fair that raises money for a very worthy cause. This is a fabulous family-friendly,

everyone-friendly, eco-friendly and budgetfriendly fun venture for good.

Charity Book Fair – Northcote College Hall, 1 Kauri Glen Road (Off Onewa Road), Northcote. July 11th to 13th. For more information contact Leah Gaffley, Events and Donor Coordinator, MS Auckland, Phone 09-845-5921 or email: events@msakl.org.nz.

Nicola Bitossi, Multiple Sclerosis Auckland General Manager.

Should I wait till spring to list my property for sale?

When contemplating the best time to list a home for sale, spring is often regarded as the prime season. However, waiting for spring might not be the best strategy for every seller. Here’s why you might consider listing your home sooner rather later.

Firstly, while spring brings more buyers into the market, it also brings more sellers. The influx of properties during spring increases competition, making it harder for your home to stand out. Listing in early autumn to late winter can position your home in a less crowded market, potentially attracting more attention from serious buyers who have fewer choices.

Reduced competition, serious buyers, and the capabilities of modern technology can make any season a good time to sell in Auckland.

Secondly, buyers in the winter are typically more motivated. Those looking to purchase during the cooler months often do so out of necessity, such as job relocations, changing family situations, or other pressing needs. This urgency can lead to quicker sales and potentially better offers, as these buyers are keen to finalise a purchase without delay. Modern technology has significantly mitigated seasonal selling disadvantages. High-quality photos, virtual tours, and online listings enable prospective buyers to view homes in detail from the comfort of their own homes, regardless of the weather. This means that the appeal of your home can be showcased effectively year-round. Additionally, Auckland’s relatively mild climate compared to harsher southern winters makes selling in winter less daunting. While there might be more rain and shorter days, these conditions are manageable.

Other factors to consider are the financial implications. Interest rates and housing market trends can fluctuate, and waiting for spring might mean missing out on favourable conditions. It could be advantageous to capitalise on current conditions rather than risking an uncertain future.

By Yan Davies, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd

There are compelling reasons to consider listing your home in winter. Reduced competition, serious buyers, and the capabilities of modern technology can make any season a good time to sell in Auckland. Ultimately, the best decision depends on your specific circumstances.

Yan Davies, a long-time North Shore local, has amassed a wide network of quality clients and superior knowledge of the

area. She is an active Milford Cruising Club member. She works hard for her clients, driven by a sense of duty to provide a high level of service. She holds a Master's Degree in business and administration and speaks English and Chinese fluently.

Yan Davies 燕 021 585 590 yan.davies@bayleys.co.nz

Licensed under the REA Act 2008

Seasonal tapas menu

Wines by the glass

Garden bar

Retail wine shop

Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar 53-55 Victoria Road, Devonport Open 7 days | vicroadkitchen.co.nz | 09 445 0194

Ear Health, Devonport

82 Lake Road, Narrow Neck

Mon-Fri: 8:30am-5pm Sat & Sun: Closed www.earhealth.co.nz | 09 242 0866

Relocatingsoon

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 7555 109

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

info@devonportglass.co.nz www.devonportglass.co.nz 021 148 1804

WINTER WONDERLAND – SEASONAL SPECIAL Bring some winter elegance to your home with our beautiful Winter Wonderland bouquet, with the optional pairing of Peregrine Pinot Noir.

Beautiful Flowers, Plants and Giftwares

63 Victoria Rd, Devonport 09 445 8350 devonportflowers.co.nz

53b Victoria Road, Devonport 09 445 7077 skinsense.co.nz

Your North Shore glass specialists for all glazing jobs inside and out

Devonport Glass offers the highest quality supply and installation of a wide range of professional glass services at affordable prices for your home and your vehicle

Winter is the perfect time to get jobs done inside and outside the house. Devonport Glass is now offering new services which include windscreens, balustrades and showers.

Give your home a boost during the colder months with inside glass jobs like upgrading your bathroom to make it the perfect place to relax and unwind, and outside jobs, like adding balustrades to maximise your outside spaces during the colder months. And it's not just your home! Devonport Glass now offers full windscreen services from repairs to full replacement.

Full glazing services include windscreens, balustrades, showers, splashbacks, mirrors, showers, obscure glass, re-putties, broken glass repairs, double glazing, lead light repairs, low E thermal glass, safety glass and hush glass.

When it comes to relying on a local business for all your glass requirements, the team at Devonport Glass is one of the very best. The family-owned and operated business offers the highest quality supply and installation of a wide range of professional glass services at affordable prices across the North Shore. They will take care of all

your glass requirements; new glass as well as renovations and repairs, including pet doors and insurance work.

The Devonport Glass crew is a team of fully qualified and highly experienced glaziers who are passionate about providing a full range of glass window repair, replacement and installation solutions at very reasonable prices. You can rely on their prompt and friendly approach. They love what they do and they love happy customers who will recommend them to others. For them, that’s proof of a job well done!

Our team of fully qualified and highly experienced glaziers provides a full range of glass window repair, replacement and installation solutions at affordable prices. Family-owned and operated, you can rely on our prompt and friendly approach.

For a free, no-obligation quote for your glass, email us at info@devonportglass.co.nz or give us a call on 021 148 1804 devonportglass.co.nz

Less than 4% of New Zealander’s donate blood

By Lewis Catterall

The New Zealand Blood service has had a donor centre on the North Shore for over 25 years. Originally at North Shore Hospital and now at 441 Lake Road in Takapuna. You can only imagine the tens of thousands of litres of North Shore blood and plasma that have been donated and the numbers of lives that these donations have saved. Over the years the NZ Blood team has been honoured to befriend thousands of regular donors. Some may have moved away but many are still donating with them to this day. They say that

some of their friends have made as many as 400 donations. That’s a a lot of lives saved! Lewis Catterall, Donor Relations Co-ordinator at the North Shore Donor Centre provided this update on NZ Blood’s efforts on the Shore for Channel Magazine during May.

As a whole blood and plasma donor myself, I give to help others as I believe it is the very least I can do for my community, both locally and nationally.

I hope you were as shocked as I was that so few Kiwis donate blood. As the headline says, just 4%! Sure, there are

reasons that people cannot donate, such as medical or age, but there are a lot that may be able to donate but do not.

We all know someone that has needed blood and, dare I say it, we may need it ourselves one day. So we seek your help to increase our donor numbers. We are not asking for your hard-earned money. We are simply asking for something that we all have and is replaced naturally. But there is a small cost to you; a moment of your time.

Kiwis pride themselves on being caring and giving people so please come

NAME: Jess

JOB TITLE: Nurse

HIGH SCHOOL: Rangitoto College

HOW LONG AT NZBS: 3 Years

WHY NZBS:

After working with patients receiving blood products wanted to learn how blood was collected & made ready for transfusion

NAME: Joseph

JOB TITLE: Admin Assistant

HIGH SCHOOL: Takapuna Grammar

HOW LONG AT NZBS: 2 Years

WHY NZBS:

I joined because I wanted a job where I could make a positive contribution to the community

NAME: Angela

JOB TITLE: Qualified Donor Tech

HIGH SCHOOL: Carmel College

HOW LONG AT NZBS: 2.5 Years

WHY NZBS:

I enjoy meeting our amazing donors whom I see regularly and get to know quite well. It also feels good knowing I am helping people that need blood and/or plasma for their health.

and join us. I can assure you the process of giving blood is very easy.

Before every donation there is a brief interview with one of our nurses to ensure that you are eligible. You can also visit our website and take our basic eligibility quiz.

When blood is donated it makes a real difference.

A blood donation can save up to three lives. It takes about 5-10 minutes and donations can be given every three months.

Plasma can be used to make 11 lifesaving treatments. It takes approximately 30-45 minutes and can be given every two weeks.

After donations are made they are screened by our laboratories to confirm blood type, check for red cell antibodies, infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, C and syphilis so it is safe to use.

As well as Takapuna, we have donor centres in Epsom and Manukau. Our mobile blood drives also operate around the Shore. Opening hours are to suit you, the donor, with late nights during the week and Saturdays at Epsom for plasma donations.

We also recruit for ‘Team Red drives’. This is where a business or social group can make a block booking at the North Shore Donor Centre. This can be treated as a team

building exercise or company event. You can also promote your social responsibly policy on your company website or Facebook page.

After donations are made they are screened by our laboratories to confirm blood type, check for red cell antibodies, infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, C and syphilis so it is safe to use.

Finally, to our current donors, on behalf of NZ Blood Service, thank you. To use an analogy, NZ Blood simply drive the inflatable boat, you are the lifesavers! To

our prospective new donors please contact us as your community and the nation needs you help. Give Blood. Give Plasma. Give Hope.

Feel free contact me directly if you need to know more at Lewis.Catterall@nzblood.co.nz.

You can call us on 0800-448-325, visit nzblood.co.nz or download the NZ Blood Service Donor app at the GooglePlay Store or Apple Store.

By Claire Bellingham, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist

Exercise after Covid-19

Many people are having a tough time of it at the moment, and it really doesn’t help that New Zealand is currently experiencing its highest peak in Covid-19 cases since December of 2022. When things are bleak it is easy to start conceptualising health in terms of illness rather than wellness. It’s often said that if exercise was a pill it would be considered a wonder drug. However, in the current illness climate there’s a bit of confusion about the relationship between exercise and wellness.

In a general sense, exercise directly supports immunity by increasing blood flow and mobilizing white blood cells, one of the main defences against harmful microbes. Covid-19 is a respiratory virus, so its progress is impeded by the cardiorespiratory fitness of the host. An efficient cardiorespiratory system can improve your odds of keeping illness mild and short.

Most people recover from Covid entirely, but up to 30% continue to suffer well beyond recovery from the acute stagtes of illness. The symptoms of long Covid can include fatigue, shortness of breath, palpitations, brain fog, sleep difficulties, anxiety and depression. People tend to be aware of the risk of long Covid and many have taken the “don’t push yourself” advice very literally. Who wouldn’t welcome the suggestion that remaining on the couch is the best course of action?

The cooler months already lend themselves to hibernation, moving less and eating more. When there’s less daylight, the balance between your serotonin and melatonin shifts. These hormones regulate various human functions such as sleep, mood and appetite. Circadian rhythms change in the colder months, making it more difficult to summon the motivation to move. At the same time, lower serotonin can cause cravings for carb-packed comfort foods. It’s easy to get pretty comfortable at home if you’ve been unwell, particularly if you started the treat-eating at Easter and forgot to stop.

It’s important to be aware of the expanse of middle ground that exists between overdoing it and under-doing it. Obviously, high intensity training isn’t the ideal way to ease back into exercise after Covid-19. Even walking may be inappropriate in some cases. Cold air is hard on airways, and if you go walking and run out of puff you still have to get home.

Fortunately, not all physical activity is characterised by great exertion and risk. Flexibility is the range of motion around a joint and it’s the most often neglected component of the fitness mix. When it’s optimised, it supports both cardiovascular endurance and muscle strength. Flexibility is largely genetic – we all have a baseline level of elasticity in our muscles which can be increased with practice. We can improve on our baseline by approximately 20-25%.

If you’ve been advised to take it easy as you recover from illness you could start with a block of flexibility training alongside light strengthening. You might even have a half-completed rehab regime you could circle back to. A break from exercise intensity doesn’t need to mean a complete break from physical activity. Taking time to improve your structural stability can create a strong base for future physical endeavors when endurance is higher.

Winter is always a tough time to get motivated to exercise. But this year, health should be of paramount importance to everyone. Appropriate exercise can help you with immunity, resilience and quality of life. We look forward to seeing you in the gym.

Les Mills Takapuna, Rooftop Level, Shore City, Takapuna 0800 LES MILLS lesmills.co.nz clairebellingham.co.nz, claire@clairebellingham.co.nz

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.”

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 help 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 an appointment, call Teresa Burns Hearing on 09 475 9849.

By Nova Edgcombe BSc RDH

Brighten your smile in just one hour with laser teeth whitening!

Do you dream of having a smile that dazzles and lights up every room you walk into? Look no further than our one-hour laser teeth whitening treatment at Mint Dental Hygiene. This fast and effective procedure is designed to give you a brighter, more confident smile in just a single session.

How does it work? Our state-of-the-art Biolase Laser 20 technology targets stubborn stains and discolouration, breaking them down to reveal your teeth's natural brightness. Unlike traditional whitening methods that can take weeks to show results, laser teeth whitening provides instant and noticeable improvements.

What makes laser whitening stand out? One of its key advantages is its speed. With our efficient one-hour session, you can achieve stunning results without the need for a lengthy treatment process. The Biolase product we use minimises discomfort while maximising effectiveness, capable of delivering a noticeable improvement of 6-12 shades (results may vary by patient).

Before your whitening session, we recommend a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or debris, ensuring that the laser can work its magic on a clean surface. During this cleaning appointment, we will also assess your suitability for laser whitening, answer any questions you may have, and ensure your comfort throughout the process.

Worried about sensitivity? Laser whitening is designed to minimise discomfort, with many patients experiencing little to no sensitivity during or after the treatment. Additionally, we offer Opalescence Go 15 whitening kits for at-home maintenance, helping to extend the longevity of your results.

At Mint Dental Hygiene, patient satisfaction and safety are our top priorities. We understand the transformative power of a bright smile. Schedule your one-hour laser teeth whitening session today and shine with confidence!

Mint Dental Hygiene is a Southern Cross easy claim provider and Afterpay is available.

Jim and Norie Bregman, Directors and owners of Suna Pilates

Let’s get physical

We all know exercise is crucial to our physical and mental health. Yet, if it’s been a while since you’ve exercised on a regular basis, it can be so hard to get started again.

It’s easy to get lots of exercise when we’re young, but as we get older and prioritise jobs and family, our physical wellbeing tends to take a back seat to other responsibilities. After a few years of low or no activity, our bodies adapt and our muscles weaken. And, along the way, we might pick up a few extra kilos.

Cheer up, all is not lost! As the Chinese proverb says, 'a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'. The secret is figuring out what keeps us from taking that first step. The simple answer is often fear; fear that we’ll look awkward or unfit, fear that we’re too weak, inflexible or uncoordinated, or fear that it will hurt.

The solution is to begin your exercise journey in the right environment. That environment will have small class sizes and a high level of personal attention, so each workout can be tailored to your fitness level and accommodate any health issues. The right environment will be friendly and nurturing – a no-judgment zone – and it will have highly trained instructors who teach, educate and motivate, and who truly care about helping you achieve your personal fitness goals.

If you have concerns about a physical condition or injury limiting your capacity to work out, or you are self-conscious about your ability or physique, consider personal training as a way to ease back into exercise before venturing into a class. At Suna Pilates we work one-on-one with many clients who are rehabbing or have concerns about starting an exercise programme after a long hiatus. We find these clients acquire all the confidence they need after just a couple of private sessions.

Without a doubt you will have some stiffness or soreness when you start working out again; however, that feeling is just the strong person inside you waking up and coming out. After a couple of sessions, your stronger, fitter body will adjust and you will feel energised by the exercise rather than stiff or sore.

Take the first step on your journey to a happier, healthier, and fitter you by purchasing one of our Suna Intro Packs: Four classes for $30; two classes and two personal training sessions for $99; or five personal training sessions for $250.

Personal training is a great way to start your fitness journey.

By Kirsten Taylor, Naturopathic Sleep Specialist, Managing Director, Founder

Why does a bad night's sleep make my aches and pains even worse?

There is an irrefutable two-way (bi-directional) relationship between pain and sleep. Bad sleep makes 'bad pain', good sleep makes 'good pain'. Good sleep itself is a therapy for pain and yet we all know pain makes sleeping more difficult. Let’s dive into this powerful relationship, discover how it works and what we can all do about it, and why good sleep is important for managing pain.

How pain affects sleep

1. Discomfort: When you're in pain, it's harder to find a comfortable sleep position.

2. Disruptions: Pain causes inflammatory chemicals which can interfere with sleep hormones causing you to wake in the night. These disruptions prevent you from getting deep, restful sleep, which is crucial for repair.

Lack of sleep lowers your pain threshold and increases inflammation, meaning you feel pain more acutely.

Why sleep is important for treating pain

1. Healing: During deep sleep, your body heals, repairs and recovers by producing growth hormones to help you heal tissues and manage pain.

2. Pain Threshold: Lack of sleep lowers your pain threshold and increases inflammation, meaning you feel pain more acutely. With sleep, your body can tolerate pain better.

3. Mood: Poor sleep can affect your mood, making you feel irritable or depressed, which can make pain feel worse. Good sleep helps you feel better, which can help you cope with pain more effectively.

4. Immune system: Sleep strengthens your immune system. A strong immune system can help your body fight off infections, illnesses and inflammation that can worsen pain.

The gut lining and inflammation

1. Barrier function: The gut lining contains many immune cells that act like a security fence by helping to detect and fight off harmful invaders (like bacteria and toxins) which can cause inflammation when entering the bloodstream.

2. Microbiome balance: The gut lining supports a diverse community of good bacteria, known as the microbiome. The microbiome helps keep inflammation in check by producing substances that calm the immune system.

The gut lining and sleep

1. Serotonin production: About 90% of the body's serotonin (a chemical that helps regulate mood and sleep) is produced in the gut. A healthy gut lining supports the production of serotonin, which can then be converted into melatonin, the sleep hormone.

2. Nutrient absorption: A healthy gut lining ensures that nutrients such as magnesium and tryptophan, which are important for sleep, are properly absorbed from our food.

3. Inflammation and sleep disruption: If the gut lining is damaged due to medication use and causes inflammation, it can disrupt sleep. Inflammation can interfere with the production of sleep-regulating hormones and cause discomfort that further makes it hard to sleep

Support your whole body with Ultra Inflameze, a scientifically formulated, high-strength herbal supplement offering significant support for sleep through muscle and joint mobility and comfort, and oxidative and gut lining stress associated with bodily trauma and medication use. TAPS approval #PP2181

Exclusive Channel Magazine offer:

Available now at a very special limited introductory offer – BUY 1 - GET 1 FREE, and FREE courier.

Use coupon code: CHMG1FREE

Exclusive to sleepdrops.co.nz or call 0800 345 999 and leave a message with your phone number so we can call you back.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• Return economy flights from Auckland to Adelaide

• 3 nights at the Stamford Plaza Adelaide in a standard room with breakfast

• 4 night Murray River cruise^ on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing

• EXCLUSIVE interactive, on-board murder mystery experience

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• All transfers as per the itinerary

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• 14 night cruise on board Queen Elizabeth^ from Sydney to Singapore in a Balcony Cabin including meals and entertainment

• 3 nights at the Aloft Singapore Novena in a standard room with breakfast

• EXCLUSIVE invitation to an “Audience with…” style interview with comic legend John Cleese at Raffles Hotel Singapore

• One-way economy flight from Singapore to Auckland

• All transfers as per the itinerary

Auckland Lash & Brows

1 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna | 027 4549 888 Mon - Thurs, 9:30am - 7pm Fri - Sat, 9:30am - 5pm | Sunday, CLOSED aucklandlashandbrows.co.nz

FOCUS ON BARRYS POINT ROAD

Winter-warming hot toddies and robust reds are on the menu!

Discover the premium 'Liquid Experience' and stock up for all your favourite winter tipples!

Liquid Experience is hands down one of the best boutique, independent liquor store on the North Shore. Conveniently located at the top end of Barrys Point Road, and with plenty of parking, the store supplies a wide, varied and impressive array of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, perfect for all your winter-warming beverage requirements this season.

A huge selection of the finest drinks from around the world are in stock now, with a great selection of warming spiced rum and whiskey, and an impressive range of dark spirits and hearty reds to choose from this chilly season. Specials start from just $12 with a special deal on 'Welcome Swallow' Central Otago 2020 Pinot Noir – $21.99 each or two for $40, only while stocks last.

Owner and business operator Saumil is passionate about sharing his love of the best premium spirits from around the world, stocking an impressive selection of the best single malt Irish whiskey and Scottish, Indian and Japanese whiskies, a large variety of rums, all perfect for delicious winter hot toddies, plus the widest range of gins and matching tonics. He also stocks an extensive selection of both New Zealand and International wines, plus special occasion champagnes and bubbles, perfect for any celebration, not to mention the array of craft beers, ciders and non-alcoholic options too. For those considering going dry this July, you'll be fully stocked up and ready for your month of abstinence.

You have to visit Liquid Experience to get an inkling of what's on offer, and to enjoy Saumil's depth and breadth of knowledge and understanding of his trade. He really does have a suggestion for all occasions, and his obvious passion for his subject is infectious. Owner/operator of Liquid Experience since 2011, Saumil is passionate about the entire drink creation process, from fruit or grains to glass, and with his solid business acumen and experience, he is proud to be able to offer a unique, bespoke service to his clients. "The best and most rewarding aspect of what I do is getting to know each individual customer well," he says. "It's my knowledge of their individual preferences and tastes that enables me to provide such a unique and insightful service for them."

The sheer expanse of options on offer is testimony to Saumil's expertise, and along with his insightful advice and guidance, there's something for every palette. Saumil is on hand to serve, advise and inspire you with all your drink purchases. Keep an eye on his socials to find out about the regular tasting evenings he holds in store.

Stay warm this winter with the best hot toddies and warming reds on the Shore!

Liquid Experience

1 Barry's Point Road, Takapuna 09 489 2464

021 270 9191

liquidexperience2011@gmail.com facebook instagram @LiquidExperienceTakapuna

Gala Dinner for Westlake

‘Boys First Fund’

Westlake Boys High School’s 2nd Annual Gala Dinner, Saturday 22 June

Westlake Boys High School is holding its second annual Gala Dinner on Saturday 22 June to fundraise for its recently established ‘Boys First Fund’. The principle sponsor of the event is Benefitz – publisher of this fine magazine. Other sponsors include Harcourts Cooper & Co and North Shore Toyota.

The Gala Dinner is a black-tie event that takes a 'Winter Wonderland' theme, so promises to dazzle your senses with a delectable three-course dinner, and a captivating array of live and silent auctions. And let's not forget the irresistible beats of the Dukes of Hammersmith, ensuring the dance floor is alive with energy and excitement. There will be a cash bar, with all attendees receiving a complimentary drink on arrival.

Once again, it will be held at the school's wonderful Peter Rea Auditorium, one of the best facilities for this type of event on the North Shore. This is the event school supporters won't want to miss on the school calendar! It's your chance to don

your finest attire, slip into your dancing shoes, and immerse yourself in an evening of laughter, entertainment and more – all while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our boys.

It's your chance to don your finest attire, slip into your dancing shoes, and immerse yourself in an evening of laughter, entertainment and more…

“We are very excited to host this second annual Westlake Gala Dinner which again promises to be an enjoyable and high quality evening for members of the school’s wider community,” says David Ferguson,

Headmaster, Westlake Boys High School.

“Not only will our guests enjoy a three course dinner with fine wine and beverages along with live entertainment, we will also be raising funds once again for the Boys First Fund that provides exciting and educational opportunities to students who need some extra assistance to access all that Westlake has to offer.”

The hard working organisers – these include the school, the Westlake Foundation and the Westlakers (Old Boys) organisation – are reaching out to the community for support with sponsorship and for the donation of auction items to ensure that the event achieves maximum results for the cause. If you have a product or service you'd like to contribute for this worthy cause, please reach out to Westlake Boys Event Manager, Michelle Nauer, email: mna@ westlake.school.nz.

This Gala Dinner is a fantastic night – a black-tie event that gives guests an excuse to dress up, put on their dancing shoes and enjoy a fabulous night raising funds so that all the Westlake boys have equal opportunities, in a supportive environment, to engage in school activities unrestricted by financial constraints.

Tickets are priced at $175 each, and the dress code is black tie/evening dress, so come dressed to impress! To purchase tickets visit: community.westlake.school. nz/2024GalaDinner

About the BOYS FIRST FUND – The Westlake ‘Boys First Fund’ places the wellbeing and development of the students at the heart of every initiative at Westlake Boys. The first beneficiaries of the fund were the 2024 year 9 intake who attended camp at Motutapu Island in January this year. They were introduced to the traditions, values and expectations that underpin the Westlake culture. Funding also provides support to students who are faced with unexpected family events that may hinder their engagement in school activities that carry a charge. As the fund grows it will extend support to campus projects that all Westlake students will benefit from.

Winter Wonderland Gala Dinner

Curing the school holiday boredom blues

“I’m bored.” “I’ve got nothing to do.” It’s a familiar holiday refrain. But there is a genuine issue, especially for working parents. What to do with the kids while you maintain your work schedule? It’s time now to think about how best to cater to the needs (and wants) of your school-aged offspring during the often wet and cold July holidays. Christine Young looks at some of the local –and low-cost – options on the Shore

A week-long school holiday programme might sound fun – and tempting – but you might also want to spend some of the

By Christine Young

precious school-free days with your kids. Before looking at all-week programmes, what about finding out what’s on offer at your local library?

Most days, holidays or not, Auckland’s public libraries are filled with people not only reading or browsing through the books, but accessing the internet, researching family histories, or working quietly, alongside preschoolers enjoying Wriggle and Rhyme, Rhymetime, Storytime and other activities. In school holidays, libraries are positively bristling with energy as kids and their parents enjoy some of the many school holiday activities. Here on the Shore, the libraries in Albany Village, Birkenhead, Devonport, East Coast Bays, Glenfield, Northcote and Takapuna have programmes that complement the school holiday programmes based at the various leisure centres and community centres. At the time of writing exact times and details were to be confirmed but there will be plenty going on and specific details will be on the Auckland Libraries website or available from your local library

At Devonport Library, says Senior Librarian – Children & Youth Rani Marsh-Fenton, “these holidays we will be making manu tukutuku (kites) and whetū (star) bunting, planting seeds in recycled containers to help encourage tamariki to grow their own food and spend time with family. We will also be having students from the University of Auckland visiting to teach us all about Matariki and stars in the wider more scientific sense.”

The July school holidays at Takapuna Library are extensive, and also all about Matariki, and spending time with whanau. Activities take place not only on weekdays but also over the holiday weekends, allowing whanau to share the activities. All events are at 10.30am unless otherwise noted.

“Come and learn how to make poi on Sunday 7 July, then use them at our Matariki Reo Māori Rhymetime on Monday 8 July,” says James Dunning, Senior Librarian –Children's and Youth Services. “We’ll have a family board game day on Wednesday 10 July, chess club on Sunday 14 July at 2pm, and a paper plane competition on Monday

15 July,” he adds. If your kids like crafting, they can make badges themed around the whetu on Friday 12 July, bookmarks with tukutuku patterns on Sunday 14 July, constellation boxes on Wednesday 17 July, and photo frames on Friday 19 July. There are movies every Saturday, and special Matariki story times on Saturdays and Sundays at 2.30pm. Plus there’s Takapuna Library’s latest Childrens’ Writers Festival on Sunday 21 July with local authors Rose Stanley and Hydie Balle-Hands.

Matariki is also the focus for Glenfield Library which has a detailed programme available that includes fun activities in Glenfield Mall with the Glenfield Library team from 10am-3pm on Thursdays, movie and popcorn time on Wednesdays and creative and craft activities that range from weaving in Māori colours and styles, sewing with hessian, creating a folded Matariki star, turning your favourite old t-shirt into a library book bag and working with clay to create a small tiki. There’s also a focus on recycling with a “sow and reap” session and creating from recyclable resources. Librarybased sessions start at either 10am or 2pm (except Thursdays) on weekdays, and there’s even a Saturday session at 2pm so working whanau can join in.

A week-long school holiday programme might sound fun –and tempting – but you might also want to spend some of the precious school-free days with your kids.

Many of the Shore’s 13 community hubs and houses, and Auckland Council leisure centres also offer school holiday options. We highlight some options below, but you can also check out what’s available at your local community centre. Glenfield Community Centre helpfully has a list of all community houses and hubs on its website resources section at https://gcc.net.nz/resources/othercentres/.

Some offer all-day or all-week options –a boon for working parents/whanau. For example, the Bayview Community Centre offers a full-time holiday programme that operates from 7.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday, with flexible drop-off and pick-up times. The standard pricing is $35 per day

per child, with a limited-time early bird price.

Sunnynook Community Centre offers a programme for 5-8 year-olds with activities including a structured art and craft project, child-directed arts and crafts, organised sport or active group games, an organised group quiet game or activity, and free play either indoors or outdoors. A youth programme for 9-13 year-olds encompasses arts, crafts, jigsaw puzzles, board games, baking, sports and outdoor walks. Students can also bring their own devices, though time on these will be limited. Both programmes run from 8am to 3.30pm and cost $31 per day per child, with extra charges for any trips and special activities, which are detailed in the programme available from the centre.

Lesisure centres on the Shore include the Glenfield, Birkenhead and Takapuna Pool and Leisure Centres, the East Coast Bays Leisure Centre, the Y North Shore Recreation Centre in Northcote and the Beach Haven Sports Centre, a multi-sport facility with futsal, tennis, squash, hockey, touch and volleyball facilities. At the Beach Haven Sports C entre you can use the outside courts (hockey, futsal, tennis, etc.) for drop-in, unbooked use on a first-come, first-served basis – ideal for older teenagers during the holidays. If there is no paid booking scheduled, you can use the courts for no charge.

Auckland Council provides school holiday programmes at East Coast Bays and Birkenhead leisure centres. The programme for 5 to 13-year-olds at East Coast Bays Leisure Centre in Browns Bay promises a programme ranging from from “talent shows, dancing and singing to crafts, cooking, baking and brain teasers plus at least one field trip each week to places like the local library, the beach, skating rink or the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT)”. The programme generally runs from 8am-5pm, but at the time of writing no detail was available. Check out the website: https://aucklandleisure.co.nz/locations/eastcoast-bays-leisure-centre/#programmes.

Birkenhead boasts that it’s “the only Auckland Council centre which runs both

outdoor education and school holiday programmes – this means you get to choose from a huge range of activities!” The school holiday programme for 5 to 13-year-olds includes activities including archery, bush survival skills, cooking, crafts, a high ropes course, games and free play, navigation and map reading, rock climbing and sports. The centre says it’s also “lucky enough to have two big fields, a playground, a skate park and a pump track onsite”. The programme runs from 9am to 3pm. Before-programme care is available from 8am to 9am, and after-programme care from 3pm to 6pm. Activities range in price, depending on each day’s programme. Details of the July programme will be available during June. Check out https://www.aucklandleisure. co.nz/locations/birkenhead-pool-and-leisurecentre#programmes.

For the creatively inclined, Lake House Arts Centre offers what it describes as “a laid-back yet enriching holiday programme for your kids and teens” aged 6-16. Agespecific sessions are led by skilled tutors with expertise in art and performance. The programme includes games, social activities and competitions, collaborative arts, crafts, theatre games and more – a blend of structured activities that fuel creativity, build confidence, and forge connections through team projects. “It's not your average holiday programme,” says manager Grae Burton. “It's a pocket-friendly adventure packed with genuine experiences and real growth.”

Kids are invited to bring Posca Pens or their favourite colour pencils, books and digital devices – but no paints please – for either or both of two sessions per day ($17.50 per session). If they are staying for the full day, an additional $12.50 lunch supervision fee applies. Bookings are now open, with details and session times on the Lake House Arts website.

There’s plenty more on right across the Shore and sure to be something to cure every child’s boredom – and solve their adults’ “what to do with the children’ dilemmas, so make the most of what’s on offer to enjoy a fun-filled and productive winter holiday this year.

The Lake House Arts school holiday programme offers a wide variety of age-specific creative activities.

Pohutukawa tree created from hand cutouts of children who visited the Takapuna Library over the summer holidays.

Grease electrifies audiences at Kristin

'Grease' was the word at Kristin this term, with 108 students involved in our ‘electrifying’ Senior School production for 2024. After taking the world by storm in 1978 with the movie adaptation, starring John Travolta and Olivia NewtonJohn, 'Grease' has become a pop-culture phenomenon and one of the most iconic musicals of the past half-century.

With such popularity, 'Grease' is host to characters and songs that are notorious around the world. While there are advantages in producing a show with this sort of following, it also presents a challenge in ensuring that the vision breathes new life

into the story and is not a carbon copy of any other version that has come before.

Working with the talents in our 34-strong cast, alongside the creativity of each member of the production team, we were able to create a uniquely Kristin version of the hit show – encapsulating the essence of the story while bringing a contemporary edge to the look, feel and delivery.

Audiences across all four performances were treated to the songs they know and love and the characters they have admired for decades, all within a production that felt brand new. Each student, staff member and community member involved in bringing

this Kristin triumph to life was entirely deserving of the thunderous applause that came their way.

Kristin is renowned for the quality of excellence and professionalism found within the walls of our auditorium. Our three flagship productions each year are integral to creating opportunities for students to develop confidence, poise, and self-esteem in a positive, motivated and uplifting way. We are so proud to be able to offer these production events annually, and we know that 'Grease' will live on in the memory of each student involved long after the final curtain.

Drama students revel in UK trip

During the Term 1 holidays, 22 Kristin drama students embarked on the inaugural Kristin Goes Global trip to London and Stratford-upon-Avon. The group visited Shakespeare’s birthplace, explored his family home and performed scenes from Shakespeare’s plays in the garden of the home. The students also took part in a fullday workshop with the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Education Department and attended workshops with practitioners from Globe Education, including approaches to text, Renaissance dance, stage combat, puppetry and voice work.

Some students chose to see 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child', while others were entranced by 'Much Ado About Nothing' at Shakespeare’s Globe…

A backstage tour at the National Theatre opened the group’s eyes to all the work that goes into creating shows in the National, and people were delighted to interact with props from various shows. The group was also able to see a wide variety of shows while

in London, including an immersive staging of 'Guys and Dolls' at the Bridge Theatre that allowed our students to mingle with the performers; 'Hadestown', which became a favourite for many; 'Underdog - The Other, Other Bronte' at the National Theatre, starring Gemma Whelan. Some students chose to see 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child', while others were entranced by 'Much Ado About Nothing' at Shakespeare’s Globe; some students saw 'Wicked' and saw the lead performers afterwards, and some laughed their way through 'The Play that Goes Wrong'. A final highlight was seeing

'Player Kings', starring Sir Ian McKellen. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s 'Henry IV' Parts 1 and 2 was a modern take on this story of family, kingship and war. Afterwards, a fortunate group of students was able to meet Sir Ian McKellen and chat with him about the show and the theatre as he signed autographs for them.

A final workshop at the Globe Theatre allowed students to review everything they had learned during the two weeks of the trip. It was fantastic to see the depth of the learning that students had undertaken during the tour, which underlined the scope of the opportunities the students had received.

Kristin ranked second in New Zealand top schools

Kristin School has again been named one of the top New Zealand schools in the annual Crimson Education report, achieving a second-place ranking.

Kristin has repeatedly been placed amongst the top 10 on this list, and this consistency is due to the work that our staff do in delivering a world-class experience to our students year after year.

This report is based on student academic performance as well as co-curricular and leadership opportunities, evidence of the excellent all-rounded education they receive at our school. These rankings are also influenced by students gaining entry into top universities around the world.

Rangitoto College's Vibrant Cultural Week

Rangitoto College recently celebrated its annual Cultural Week which is an event that showcased the vibrant diversity within its student body.

Students participated in lunchtime activities such as traditional games, quizzes, henna, and chalk art. Audiences were

impressed by the cultural performances put on by various cultural groups within the school. The week ended with food trucks on Friday, that featured an array of international cuisines for students to enjoy.

Beyond entertainment, Cultural Week fostered understanding and appreciation

for different cultures, promoting inclusivity and unity within the school community. Thank you to the incredible work of our Cultural and Globalisation Student Leaders, Eric Oh, Orlando Aguilera, Paige Little, and Satsuki Watanabe who made this week a success.

A Brilliant Performance of Bravado

The Rangitoto College Drama Company performed Bravado, a brand-new play by local playwright Francesca Browne. Our students took part in early workshops in the development of the script and enjoyed seeing how it has grown over the writing process. Bravado is the story of a high school girls’ drama class rehearsing for their production of Macbeth. Francesca Browne has written a fun and vibrant play showcasing the chaos of teenage selfdiscovery in modern day Aotearoa.

Our students really connected with the characters in this script and the situations they faced.

“I remember when we first read the script, we could recognise the events from our own lives. The characters we usually play are so removed from us; this was nice because we’ve all been those girls at some point,” reflected Kate McKenzie who played the character Amanda, who is ostracised by the other girls.

We were very fortunate to be the first to rehearse and present this show. While this is not the final version, we hope to have given Francesca a dynamic and authentic interpretation and to have made a valuable contribution to her creative process. Audiences were wowed by the dedication and authenticity of the characters.

Westlake Dux named top scholar in New Zealand

Three Westlake students were celebrated at the annual Top Scholars Ceremony at Parliament on Wednesday 8 May. This event recognises the top achieving Scholarship students in New Zealand and was attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

Cruz Erdmann (class of 2023) was recognised as the Top Scholar in biology for 2023 and Mason Drylie (current Year 12 student) was recognised as the Top Scholar in media studies for 2023. Additionally, Andy Tao (class of 2023) was recognised as the Top Scholar in earth and space science for 2023 and as a Premier Scholar for achieving an unprecedented 11 Scholarships.

Andy received the Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence. This very prestigious accolade is awarded to the top

achieving Scholarship student in the country.

This is the third time in the last 10 years that a Westlake student has achieved this award. Andy said he was honoured and thanked his parents and friends for their support. "You were always there for me, and had faith in me even when I didn’t have faith in myself."

Lastly, he thanked Associate Principal Mrs Becky O'Gram, Ms Carla Boniolo who leads our Scholarship programme, Mr David Ferguson and the teachers at Westlake Boys who "played an instrumental role in getting me to where I am today". Mrs O’Gram and Ms Boniolo were privileged to attend the event and celebrate with students and their whānau. We are extremely proud of Cruz, Mason, and Andy.

Ms Carla Boniolo, who leads Westlake's scholarship programme, Andy Tao, Mason Drylie, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Cruz Erdmann and Ms Becky O'Gram.

New Zealand's top scholars at the awards ceremony in Parliament.

Top NZ Scholar Andy Tao.

PM Christopher Luxon, Andy Tao and Education Minister Erica Stanford.

PM Christopher Luxon and Andy Tao.

Huge applause for our two productions

This year Westlake Boys and Girls put on two hugely successful school productions. 'Crazy for You' and 'The Three Musketeers' ran on alternate days for two weeks in May. The cast and crew spent months rehearsing and their hard work paid off. Audiences loved the wit, energy, warmth, and humour of both productions.

"Congratulations on an impressive show last night! Some of the best staging and choreography of student work I’ve seen. And

the quantity of it! You guys really put the work in. Brilliant!” Penny Dodd, Musical Director

“Bravo bravo. What a masterpiece! A high energy professional show right there, completed with high school students. The audience was raving last night." Lydia Whitehead

“Wow. It was energetic and vibrant with outstanding performances.” Jane Horder

Well done to the cast, backstage crews, the teachers and supporters and to all the

Runners race in black at World Champs in Kenya

Westlake’s distance running team has just returned after competing at the ISF World Cross Country Championships in Kenya. Our six athletes were chosen to represent New Zealand in the U18 team event after winning the top New Zealand boys team title last year.

Race day was on Sunday 12 May at the Ngong Racecourse in Nairobi over a distance of 5.1km.

Conditions weren’t favourable for our athletes as the race was run in hot, humid conditions at altitude (1750m) but they

still managed to do extremely well. Overall, four of our runners placed in the top eight of the New Zealand team. Three Westlake students also placed in the Top 50 in an ISF Individuals race.

Westlake also finished top of the school teams on the start line and in the process beat the two top schools from England – The Judd School and St Aidan. The New Zealand Under 18 boys team finished fifth overall in the teams competition, behind Kenya, Uganda, Morocco and Turkey.

mums and dads who helped make the shows such a success. Special mention must also go to Head of Drama & Theatre Arts Dr Nick Brown for taking the bold step to put on two shows at once so more students could get the chance to shine on stage.

"It has been an enormous amount of work. It was his bravery and courage and vision that said let's do two shows. It's the first time we've ever done it, it's been brilliant," said Headmaster Mr Ferguson.

Two productions ran on consecutive nights over two weeks in Westlake's Auditorium.

Career Bites – art

Our Careers department regularly hosts professionals from diverse fields, providing our students with first-hand insights into a wide array of career paths. Recently, artist and ex-Westlake student Sara Moana joined the team from Depot, Devonport’s Centre for Creative Futures, for an inspiring Career Bites session about careers in visual art.

Sailing success

The Westlake Girls sailing team, defending New Zealand Secondary Schools Teams Racing champions, were optimistic about repeating their success after winning the Auckland Championship in March. Starting in the Silver fleet, they were the only girls’ team to move up to the highly competitive Gold Fleet, competing against the top boys' teams in the country. Energised by selections into the New Zealand Youth sailing team, helms Jess Handley and Bella Jenkins and captain Daniella Wooldridge led the team strongly to claim the Girls' Championship. Year 11 Jess Handley and Year 10 Bella

Jenkins will compete in the World Youth Sailing Championship in Italy, while Year 9 Charlotte Handley will represent the country in the New Zealand Optimist team at the European championship. Also new to the team, Julia Nguyen will compete for the New Zealand Optimist development team in New Caledonia in October and is likely to miss the Interdominion regatta against Australia.

Westlake Girls alumna wins Radio Tarana Idol!

Rashi Jain (Class of 2022) has just won Tarana Idol 2024 (one of New Zealand's biggest singing competitions). Congratulations to the Jain sisters, who have made history by winning Radio Tarana Idol consecutively in 2023 and 2024! This is the first time this has happened in the show's 15-year history. Avishi Jain (Y10) won this challenging title last year in 2023. At 13, she was the youngest contestant ever to win this title.

Rashi and Avishi Jain.

Westlake Girls Premier Sailing Team.

Textile technology and fashion & design trip to Auckland Art Gallery

The Year 12 and 13 Textile Technology and Fashion & Design students enjoyed a trip to Auckland Art Gallery to view the creations of Guo Pei (Chinese fashion designer).

The exhibition, 'Guo Pei: Fashion, Art, Fantasy', showcased more than 60 ensembles created by the Chinese couture superstar, including the well-known ‘Yellow Queen’ garment famously worn by Rihanna to the Met Gala in 2015.

The students were thrilled to see the textile crafting skills and intricate, awe-inspiring garments up close.

Year 9 student to compete in Italy!

Over Easter, Charlotte Handley (Year 9) travelled to Picton to compete in the Optimist National Championships. The Optimist is an international sailing dinghy for junior sailors under 16. This event was attended by New Zealand's top sailors in this age group as well as sailors from Australia, Cook Islands and the French Pacific Islands. It was a challenging event with tricky weather conditions. In a fleet of almost 100 boats, Charlotte placed second female (first Opti 14-year-old female) and 13th New Zealander overall. This result has qualified Charlotte to represent New Zealand and compete in the European Optimist championships. Charlotte will travel to Carrara, Italy, at the end of June to compete in the European championships.

Senior students discover exciting Airforce career options

On 4 April, our Year 12 and Year 13 students embarked on an educational journey to the Royal New Zealand Airforce Base at Whenuapai. They delved into the diverse trades and opportunities available within the airforce, visiting the ‘mess’, the base gym, and the base airport.

Drama students showcase talents

The drama department at Rosmini College was bustling with activity as the Year 12 and Year 13 classes performed shows that they had been tirelessly rehearsing all year.

Year 12 showcased their hard work with two performances of '12 Angry Men' to packed audiences, with the students

perfecting their American accents and showing great emotion as the discussions heated up in the jury room.

At The PumpHouse theatre the Year 13 class performed 'Witness for the Prosecution', based on Agatha Christie’s short story. The students gave it their all over three evening

shows, an impressive feat as it was the first time performing on stage for many of the cast.

The Rosmini Academy of Performing Arts, which includes students from Rosmini, Carmel College and Westlake Girls High School, has also been busy preparing for their show, 'Olympus', at the Pumphouse.

Rosmini hosts Pompallier Shield

In early May Rosmini College had the privilege of hosting the 2024 Pompallier Shield for the first time, a prestigious competition for the 16 Catholic secondary schools in the Auckland Diocese.

After a pōwhiri and a pizza lunch, students competed in speeches on the importance of service to young Catholics in our community, and scripture readings in English and te reo Māori. Students sang waiata with passion and dynamism – the whole school was buzzing.

Congratulations to winning school St Mary’s College, whose junior orator earned a perfect score!

Sacred Heart College hosts the Pompallier Shield Competition in 2025.

Travel offers students unique learning experiences

The school holidays were an exciting time for many Rosmini College students, as two groups travelled overseas to enhance their learning and hone their skills.

Twelve students and two teachers travelled to Japan, visiting the cities of Tokyo, Himeji, Hiroshima, Kyoto, and Iiyama over a twoweek period, which not only exposed them to new knowledge and perspectives but also offered them the chance to engage first-hand with the diverse and vibrant aspects of Japanese society. And, of course, it was the perfect way to practise speaking Japanese, and taste the delicacies of the country!

The Rosmini 1st XV Development squad was also fortunate to travel to the Gold Coast to train and play against some of Australia’s top rugby schools. The 10-day tour was an opportunity to build team bonds, enjoy new experiences, and play some great rugby!

Premier Basketballers tour of Japan

With the growing enthusiasm for and participation in basketball at TGS, two teams embarked on a tour of Japan which saw our students play against top high school sides from Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto. The teams consisted of a number of the top senior side players, as well as some of our younger students who have shown promise through their junior campaigns in the previous year. The aim of the tour was exposure to basketball on the international stage, as well as the opportunity to celebrate a different culture and way of life while doing so.

In Kyoto, our students had the opportunity to stay in the dorms of Hieizan High School, which was nestled into the hillside overlooking the greater Kyoto area. Here

they received their first real exposure to the dedication and intensity that the local students had for their chosen sports, in which we saw local students spend three to four hours after school participating in their chosen club. Prior to game day, we were asked to lead a training session with the Hieizan girls and boys squads. Although there was a language barrier, basketball became our common language, and some strong friendships began to form.

Visual Arts USA trip

Our students were also able to experience the local beauty, cuisine, and history in the various cities we stayed in. This included a number of temple/shrine visits, some great ramen and some serious shoe shopping in Harajuku. The tour was an absolute success, with our students buzzing from the excitement of what the world has to offer and the anticipation of the basketball season ahead!

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The art trip to New York and Washington DC was an exhilarating blend of cultural immersion and artistic inspiration. We marvelled at iconic masterpieces in the Met, MoMA, and Smithsonian museums and the National Gallery of Art. One student captured our collective sentiment, remarking, "Seeing these artworks in person changed how I view art — it's not just about technique, but the stories and emotions behind each piece." The trip wasn’t just about sightseeing; it deepened our understanding of art’s role in society, sparking debates on culture, politics, and identity. The memories of bustling cityscapes, quiet museum corners, and thought-provoking conversations will continue to inspire our artistic journeys long after the trip’s end.

Languages trip to Japan

We explored Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima during our two week stay. We walked a lot and made good use of the subway and train systems, with the bullet trains being a hit. One of the highlights was experiencing a homestay with some local families from Hieizan High School near Kyoto. The students were extremely lucky to be able to immerse themselves in the language and culture during their stay. They were all very spoilt and were able to

do a lot of sightseeing and participate in a variety of cultural activities, including cooking, flower arranging, and dressing in traditional clothing. We also joined in with junior high school classes’ and experienced eating at the school canteen. We took a class in Kyoto’s traditional textile dyeing, with students making t-shirts, bags or hangings. Overall this was a wonderful life-changing experience that opened our students' minds to a very different culture,

which is already showing its worth back in classroom theory work.

Carmel College celebrates Year 13 sporting achievement

As we bid farewell to an exceptional group of Year 13 athletes from our summer sports teams, it's a perfect moment to reflect on the remarkable influence they have had on sports at Carmel College. This cohort stands out as one of the most successful sporting year groups in recent history. Their unwavering teamfirst attitude has been a hallmark of their contributions, and they have formed the backbone of many of our premier sports teams throughout their journey, often representing Carmel in multiple disciplines. These Year 13 athletes have set a high standard for future generations, showcasing dedication, teamwork and excellence.

The success these athletes have brought to touch, beach volleyball, volleyball and water polo in Term 1 this year is evident in our outstanding results. Here are some of the highlights:

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Maisey Lendrum (Year 12) and Lani Rawle (Year 13) captured the North

Harbour Secondary Schools title. The duo also secured the bronze medal at the New Zealand U19 Beach Volleyball Championships representing North Harbour. They placed second at the Auckland Secondary School Senior Beach champs.

Throughout the summer, Maisey and Lani achieved multiple Division 1 placings in the New Zealand Beach Volleyball Tour events.

VOLLEYBALL

Carmel College finished second in the North Harbour Super League, third in the Auckland League, fourth in the Auckland champs Division 1, and fifth in New Zealand out of 111 girls' teams. Standout players included Lani Rawle, Maisey Lendrum, and Eva Mene-Tuimavave, who were named among North Harbour's top 12 players.

Lani Rawle and Eva Mene-Tuimavave were selected for the Auckland Secondary Schools tournament team, with Lani also making the NZSS tournament team

and the New Zealand Junior Women's development team. The team took second place in the Honours Division 1 at the Australian Schools Cup.

TOUCH

Carmel College achieved a commendable third place in the Auckland-wide Premier League, captained by Lani Rawle and led by Year 13 students, Aliya Rawle and Simonne Lawson.

WATER POLO

Carmel College placed sixth in both the Auckland Premier League and the NISS, and seventh at the NZSS, with six Year 13 students involved in this team. Bridget Mihaljevich has been named in the U16 Canadian National water polo team to take part in the U16 World champs in Manisa, Turkey, in June/July.

BASKETBALL (3X3)

Carmel College secured third place at the regional tournament, led by captain, Hannah Bellett.

Carmel College Volleyball NZ Development Team.

Volleyball team.

Bridget Mihaljevich.

Maisey Lendrum and Lani Rawle.

Carmel College Waterpolo Team.

Bays Youth Voice: Empowering tomorrow's leaders

Bays Youth Voice emerged in 2022 as a grassroots initiative, founded by Bays in Action and facilitated by youth development coordinator Taylor Lake. Supported by Heart for Youth Trust and the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, this initiative has quickly become a driving force for positive youthled development in the Bays area of Tamaki Makarau.

Throughout this year, we've organised and participated in a range of impactful events, including our "Out of the Closet" Pride Month Clothes Swap event, the first of its kind at the East Coast Bays Library, a "Youth Chill Zone" at the Browns Bay Summer Spectacular and our involvement in the Browns Bay Anzac parade.

Reflecting on past collaborations, we've partnered with Henderson Budget Service for Youth Week 2023 and transformed the East Coast Bays Library into a vibrant space during Pride Month. One heartwarming moment was receiving a donated suit during our "Out of the Closet" event in 2024 and discovering that it was a young person's first suit before their transition.

Our mission at Bays Youth Voice is clear: "Youth supporting youth." We amplify young voices and advocate for their needs and desires within our community. Our diverse backgrounds and experiences also fuel the need for a supportive and inclusive environment for all young people.

Joshua, 15, a student at Rangitoto College, shares his perspective: "Having a youth voice allows the younger generation to speak out to the world. Especially in the Bays area, there are so many opportunities to inspire youth and get them involved

within the community. It puts the future in good hands and helps us youth grow! That’s why I joined and that’s why it’s important.”

Amy, 18, a former Long Bay College student, joined to broaden her horizons. "I joined Bays Youth Voice to meet some more people around my age. At school I was kind of stuck in a small friend group and I wanted to branch outside of that a bit. Because of that decision I have gotten to be a part of so many amazing opportunities and I can't wait for what's to come!”

We amplify young voices and advocate for their needs and desires within our community.

Stefan, 19, says, “I joined Bays Youth Voice because I was looking for ways to engage with the community. I believe there needs to be more spaces and opportunities for youth to be supported. We are constantly told how we will guide the future;

however, we are given very little support to successfully deal with increasingly stressful responsibilities. That’s why I hope that by joining Bays Youth Voice, I can contribute to creating a better environment for our current and future generations”

We're eager to collaborate with businesses, organisations and community champions, and also find sponsors keen on supporting positive youth-led development here in the Bays area. Our next goal is to activate the East Coast Bays Library’s “Teens' space” as our new youth hub, create a youth-led mural and hold more workshops, events and activities for all young people to join in on.

For inquiries or to get involved, reach us at kiaora.byv@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook at “Bays Youth Voice”.

www.benefitz.co.nz

Navigating university: Insights and experiences in choosing the perfect university degree

By Fantasia Nair

For many students, the decision to pursue university is a challenging one, but the task of selecting the right degree is an even tougher journey. Noor Yakout, a firstyear AUT student currently studying Law, provides insight into how she navigated the complexities and pressures to arrive at her pivotal decision of choosing a degree. Our youth roving reporter, Fantasia Nair interviews Noor after their first two semesters at AUT.

Fantasia Nair: Can you tell me a bit about yourself? How old are you and why did you start university when you did? Noor Yakout: I finished high school a year ago but I simply wasn’t prepared to start university straight away. I hadn’t figured out my interests and hadn’t gained enough exposure to be certain of the next step in my life. I started university this year making me 20 years old, which I was apprehensive about, but I dedicated a year to travel and part-time work. Taking a gap year allowed me to explore my interests, passions and goals which helped me develop greater independence and maturity to start university.

How did you feel about the process of choosing a major, and what were your initial criteria for selecting a degree? Choosing Law wasn’t an easy decision. I had to consider my interests, the type of lifestyle I wanted, and the assurance of future job security - something AI couldn't do. I knew I wanted to help people, make a positive impact on society, and fight for justice. I was torn between Psychology, Business Law and Nursing. Therefore, I had to evaluate several factors: The ease of finding a job after graduation, my passion for the field, potential salaries, and the possibility of securing a job in another country if I decided to move.

Did you seek advice from anyone when making your decision? Who were they, and how did they help?

Yes, I sought advice from various sources. Initially, my high school career counsellor offered invaluable insights into diverse career paths and the necessary qualifications. It was during this period of exploration that I realised I wasn't quite prepared for university. Additionally, I

engaged in conversations with my family members; while my parents advocated for a career in medicine, I found myself torn. Drawing from the experiences of friends already navigating university life, I received valuable guidance. They emphasised the importance of pursuing something aligned with my interests while also considering the future lifestyle I envisioned.

Choosing Law wasn’t an easy decision. I had to consider my interests, the type of lifestyle I wanted, and the assurance of future job security…

What were the biggest challenges you faced when deciding on a university degree?

A big challenge was dealing with the conflicting advice I received. My parents wanted me to choose a degree which would enable me to have a high-salary job, while my friends and teachers encouraged me to follow my passions and do something I was good at. So, balancing both inputs while considering what I wanted to do, job security and future opportunities made the decision quite difficult.

How did you balance choosing a degree based on your passions versus the practicality of job prospects?

It was tough to balance both. I did a lot of research online regarding salaries and even talked to people who were working in the various industries I was considering. I made a 'pros and cons' list for each option

and considered long-term satisfaction versus immediate job availability. In the end, I chose Law as it aligned with my passions, but also offered versatility in the job market, ensuring I had multiple career paths to choose from after graduation.

Have you ever regretted the degree you chose and wanted to change?

During assignments, yes! But I guess that's the same with every degree. But no, I have never regretted choosing Law. My degree enables me to study concepts that I am passionate about, and I cannot wait to venture out and start working and helping people in need.

What advice would you give to someone currently struggling with choosing a university degree?

My advice is to thoroughly research your options and reflect on what genuinely interests you. I think I speak for everyone when I say you will not want to even attend university if you are not passionate about what you are learning. Speak to professionals and students in the fields you're considering, and don't be afraid to seek guidance from career counsellors. It's important to find a balance between passion and practicality. Ultimately, choose a path that you feel excited and motivated about.

Channel Mag's youth contributors, Fantasia Nair and Ellie Brown bring a fresh monthly feature to our pages to inspire and advise our younger North Shore readers. If there are any topics you'd like to read about, contact Liz at liz@channelmag.co.nz and our fledgling writers will research and write engaging articles specifically for our younger (at heart) readers.

Malaika Singh, Ayna Rana, Noor Yakout, Stella Ferreira and Fantasia Nair.

Tenby Powell guest speaker at July BEN Breakfast

Well-known business identity Tenby Powell is the speaker at the North Harbour Club’s Business Excellence Network (BEN) Breakfast at Regatta Bar & Eatery on Tuesday 2 July.

Tenby’s experience spans the private business sector, government entities, and the military, as well as charitable not-for-profit organisations.

He has a Masters of Management Studies in International Business with First Class Honours, and was awarded Distinguished Alumnus in 2010. He also attended Harvard Business School and was educated in the New Zealand Defence Force where he holds the rank of Colonel in the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment.

Tenby has held senior management positions in the New Zealand corporate sector, with Fletcher Challenge and Skellerup Group, prior to forming private investment company Hunter Powell Investments Limited in 1999.

His mix of commercial, military, government, and not-for-profit experience has created a rich and deep cross-sector knowledge base giving him an ability to work effectively with diverse cultural and socio-economic groups domestically and internationally. He even had a short stint in local government as the mayor of Tauranga.

In June 2022, Tenby formed Kiwi K.A.R.E (Kiwi Aid and Refugee Evacuation), a registered New Zealand charitable organisation which has been operating in Ukraine for over two years, delivering hundreds of tonnes of humanitarian and medical aid to Red Zone hospitals and front-line medical units, and conducting evacuations of civilians.

Book online at northharbourclub.co.nz or email info@northharbourclub.co.nz

Sir John Key the speaker at Business Hall of Fame luncheon

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key is the keynote speaker at the 2024 Business Hall of Fame luncheon being held at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday 8 August. The event will be MC'd by Samantha Hayes.

At this luncheon we will honour and induct the 2024 Laureates, acknowledging their contributions to business and the community. The two new inductees will be Jolie Hodson of Spark and Martin Cooper of Harcourts Cooper & Co.

Sir John will be a fantastic speaker for this event. Born in Auckland and raised in Christchurch, John Key lived in a state house with his solo-parent mother. He attended Burnside High where he excelled in public speaking, debating, and economics. He gained a degree in commerce from the University of Canterbury.

John Key’s first job was with a clothing manufacturer before moving to be a foreign currency trader in Wellington for Elders Merchant Finance, then Bankers Trust in Auckland. He then worked in Singapore, London, and Sydney for Merrill Lynch. He also took a management studies courses at Harvard University.

He returned to New Zealand in 2001 and entered Parliament for

the National Party. In November 2006, he was elected National Party leader. In 2008, the National Party took 59 of the 122 seats contested, and John Key was sworn in as the country’s prime minister.

John Key served as prime minister until December 2016, leaving parliament in 2017. In 2017 he was appointed a Knight Grand Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, in recognition of services to the state, in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

In 2018 Key became chairman of ANZ Bank New Zealand. He stepped down from the ANZ board earlier this year.

Existing North Harbour Business Hall of Fame Laureates:- 2004: Geoff Smale*, Jim Smale*, Ralph Roberts*, Sir Stephen Tindall; 2005: Sir David Levene* (Lifetime Achievement Award); Sir Graeme Avery; Sir Peter Maire; 2006: Diane Foreman, Peter Menzies; 2007: Ian Calderwood; 2008: David Charlesworth*; 2009: Colin Harvey*; 2010: Jan Dawson, Gary Monk; 2016: Paul Blackwell and Liz Blackwell; John Spooner; Annette Presley; 2017: Bill Speedy; Eric Fasenkloet; Paul Byrnes; 2018: Ken Noble; David McAlpine; Steve Newman; 2019: Greg Smale, Carmel Fisher, Guy Haddleton and Sue Haddleton*; 2021: Garth Barfoot, Bob Jago, Craig Heatley; 2022: The Alison Brothers* (Ewan & Alexander), Walter Gill and Simon Gundry, Ann Tod, Aidan Bennett, Sir Stephen Tindall (Lifetime Achievement Award); 2023: Naomi Ballantyne, Kerry Dines, Ian Jackson, Hugh Stedman. Note *denotes deceased.

Book online at northharbourclub.co.nz or email info@northharbourclub.co.nz

Lexus of North Shore Charity Lunch with Sir Wayne Smith & Ric Salizzo

Harbour Stadium.

BEN BREAKFAST with Tenby Powell

AIMES Awards

Sir John Key

Tenby Powell

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.

Legal considerations for later-life relationships

Tom’s wife had died a couple of years ago. While he had no real intention of partnering up again, he had recently met a lovely lady at his golf club. He and Cathy hit it off straight away. They had a lot in common, mainly golf, but also going out to nice restaurants and walking along the beach.

Tom and Cathy’s relationship progressed, and they decided that they would like to live together. They each had their own homes. Tom's was the more modern of the two and was in a trust with his other investment assets. He was very happy living there, but Cathy wasn’t keen on living in the house Tom had lived in with his wife and thought they should look for something together.

Tom and Cathy looked at many houses, but in the end decided to move into a villa in a retirement village. The village suited them – everything was on one level and the villas were stand-alone. Cathy also loved that it was totally re-furbished, so everything was as new. They had some friends in the village and loved the idea of the social lifestyle.

It

was agreed that the trust would lend Tom the funds to buy into the village and that when he either moved out of the villa or died, then the balance of funds would be returned to the trust.

Tom put his house on the market so that they could buy the occupation right in the village. Cathy didn’t have as many assets as Tom and wanted to keep her home as an investment property to provide her with some income. As Tom’s house was in a trust, he had to check that his co-trustee was agreeable to sell the home and invest the money into the occupation right of the villa. Tom’s cotrustee was his lawyer, who reminded him that one of the reasons for the trust was to protect the assets if Tom got into a new relationship. Tom’s lawyer also advised him that trusts generally cannot buy occupation rights in retirement villages, and it would need to be purchased in Tom’s name.

It was agreed that the trust would lend Tom the funds to buy into the village and that when he either moved out of the villa or died,

then the balance of funds would be returned to the trust. Tom’s lawyer was concerned though, that as Cathy wasn’t contributing to the villa, under the relationship property laws, she would be entitled to half of the value of the villa if she and Tom separated after three years. The same would be true if Tom died – Cathy would have a claim for half of the value of the occupation right.

Tom’s lawyer suggested that Tom and Cathy enter into a contracting out agreement, where they would each agree that the value of the villa would be Tom’s separate property and Cathy wouldn’t make a claim on it. Tom also wanted to give Cathy some security, that if he died or had to leave the villa for the next level of care, Cathy wouldn’t need to move out of the villa. His lawyer said that could be all included in the contracting out agreement.

Tom also reviewed his will and powers of attorney to make sure that they were all up to date with his change in circumstances. One of his children had recently moved overseas and it didn’t make sense anymore to have him as Tom’s attorney in relation to property. Also, he now wanted to make sure that Cathy would be consulted in relation to his health if he couldn’t make decisions for himself. He made a small change to his will to provide some of his personal savings to Cathy if he died. He wanted to make sure she would be ok financially.

The last piece of advice Tom’s lawyer gave him was to ensure he told his children what was happening. She said that the best way of keeping relationships positive was to be as transparent as possible. She said that because of family dynamics, this wasn’t always possible, but in Tom’s case, she thought transparency with his children would see the best outcome.

There are lots of twists and turns in life, and while moving into the retirement village was the catalyst for Tom to go and see his lawyer, it’s important to review your core legal documents whenever there is a change in life circumstances – a new relationship is one of those changes.

Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law

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

It is just as important to ensure that other forms of asset structuring are up to date and considered in relation to your trusts structure. These include your will and enduring powers of attorney. Contact our Trusts and Wealth Protection Team for

Accountancy with Mike Atkinson of Bellingham Wallace

Building a high-performing finance team

At the heart of every business is its finance team. In a small business, the finance team is often a team of one or two people who provide bookkeeping, filing of the periodic IRD returns, and possibly cash flow support. In a medium sized business, the finance team’s responsibilities extend to financial reporting, and being an integral part of the company’s decision-making process. A high performing finance team in a medium sized business environment will help the business grow faster.

A high performing finance team is characterised as a group of individuals who are able to leverage off each other’s skills, knowledge, and expertise for the betterment of the greater company. Typical traits of a high performing finance team in a medium sized business include:

Technical expertise

The team must possess strong technical expertise in various financial areas. This includes budgeting and forecasting, financial and management reporting, financial analysis, risk management, and compliance. The team members should have a good understanding of relevant financial regulations and industry best practices.

Leadership and management skills

Effective leadership and management skills are critical for driving the performance of the team. The team should be led by an individual who can motivate and inspire team members, set clear goals, and provide guidance and support.

Strategic thinking

The team should be comprised of individuals who can think strategically and contribute to the overall business objectives. They should be able to contribute to the success of the company achieving its strategic plans, identify growth opportunities, and provide financial insights for decision-making. This requires a good understanding of the business’s operating environment, industry conditions, economic trends, and competitive landscape.

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Finance professionals in the team must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They should be able to competently analyse financial data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights to support business decisions. In addition, the financial professional(s) should be able to solve complex financial problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and make considered and informed recommendations which contribute to the overall success of the business.

Technological literacy

In today's digital age, individuals in the team need to be proficient in using the company’s accounting or enterprise software, data analytics tools and spreadsheets, and be able to present information in a meaningful way that is understandable to relevant stakeholders.

Continuous learning

Team members in a high performing team never settle for the status quo. Instead, members are committed to continuous learning and self-development through keeping up-to-date with the latest financial regulations, industry trends, and technological advancements. Team members should embrace change and actively seek opportunities for professional growth.

Continuous process improvement

Continuous improvement is not just about growing and developing individual members, it also encapsulates all finance related processes and procedures. The team should continuously evaluate and improve these processes and procedures with the aim of reducing manual tasks, streamlining processes, and enhancing overall productivity. Continuous improvement should be a company-wide philosophy and not just restricted to the finance team.

Ethics

and integrity

Maintaining high ethical standards and integrity are essential and will build trust with all relevant stakeholders. Team members should adhere to ethical guidelines set by professional bodies and the company, demonstrate honesty, and handle financial information with confidentiality.

Collaboration and communication

Finance teams do not operate in isolation. Collaboration and effective communication skills are crucial to the company’s success. Finance professionals should be able to work collaboratively with the wider team to understand their financial needs and provide support. Clear and concise communication of both financial and non-financial information to relevant stakeholders is vital.

Risk

management

The finance team should be proactive in identifying and managing financial risks. This includes identifying and assessing potential risks, implementing internal controls and processes to mitigate these risks, and monitoring risk exposure. A whistleblowing policy will also help as it provides an employee with a framework for reporting any serious wrongdoings in a protected manner.

Please get in touch with our advisory team at Bellingham Wallace if you would like to know more about building a high performing finance team.

Visit: bellinghamwallace.co.nz

By Alison Dymond

-

Director.

Ali is an experienced lawyer and leads the Property and Commercial team at Schnauer and Co. Ali approaches legal issues with a pragmatic mindset, striving to secure the most suitable business-oriented resolutions for her clients. Her passion for aiding others shines through, and collaborating with her clients to attain their objectives brings her a genuine feeling of accomplishment.

Embracing electronic contracts: Why they matter and how to navigate them

Gone are the days of handshake deals and simple paper agreements. In today's digital era, contracts have moved online, making it more crucial than ever to understand the fine print: the terms and conditions often glossed over in the rush to click "agree". This shift to electronic contracts offers numerous benefits but also requires a careful approach to avoid pitfalls.

To form a legally binding contract, certain elements must be present:

• Offer: One party proposes a product or service.

• Acceptance: The other party agrees to the terms.

• Intention: All parties intend to enter into a binding agreement.

• Capacity: Parties must have the mental capacity to understand the terms.

• Consideration: There must be an exchange of value, usually money. These elements apply whether the contract is verbal, written, or electronic. Why choose electronic contracts?

1. Speed and convenience: Electronic contracts streamline the signing process, enabling parties to sign simultaneously from different locations. This efficiency improves workflow management and ensures quicker finalisation of agreements. No more waiting for documents to be emailed back and forth.

2. Efficient document management: Updating electronic contracts is straightforward, ensuring everyone works from the latest version. This reduces errors, saves time, and cuts down on administrative costs. Businesses can maintain a single, up-to-date contract, enhancing operational efficiency.

3. Enhanced security: Unlike traditional paper contracts, electronic contracts benefit from advanced digital security measures. Firewalls, passwords, and encryption protect sensitive data from unauthorised access and cyber threats, providing a higher level of security. Navigating electronic contracts: Key tips

1. Read the terms and conditions: It might seem tedious, but carefully reading the terms can save you from future headaches. Understand what you're agreeing to before clicking "agree".

2. Understand key clauses: Pay special attention to clauses about cancellations, refunds, data privacy, and any fees or penalties. These can have significant implications on your agreement.

3. Seek clarification: If anything is unclear, ask the provider for clarification. Transparency is a hallmark of a trustworthy business. Never hesitate to get answers to your questions.

Electronic contracts are a powerful tool in today's fast-paced world. By understanding their components and implications, and by taking a careful approach, you can leverage their advantages while safeguarding your rights and interests. Stay informed, stay protected, and embrace the future of agreements with confidence.

If you're ever unsure about a contract's terms, consulting a legal professional can provide clarity and assurance. This step is crucial to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your interests are protected.

Schnauer & Co,

1 Shea Terrace, Takapuna 09 486 0177

schnauer.com

The importance of performing arts in the education of every student

Writing this, I am still buzzing from watching our Senior School production of 'Grease' last night. The enjoyment on the faces of every student and audience member was clear, with students singing and dancing and parents singing along, some in tune, to well-known songs from their ‘younger years'.

While the enjoyment gained from being part of such an experience was clear, the educational advantages for these students in taking part in such an event also need to be explicitly mentioned. In 2005, the Rand Corporation produced a report on the strengths and benefits of visual arts, stating that “they can connect people more deeply to the world and open them to new ways of seeing”. For many students, this provides support for them in overcoming potential educational gaps in other areas. Carol Dweck, the American psychologist, talks about how praise for students around the process and efforts required in the performing arts helps build a growth mindset, which in turn develops several long-term positive effects. “A growth mindset creates motivation and resilience and leads to higher achievement” (Dweck, 2007).

This, in turn, has positive impacts on students' self-confidence, and several research projects have shown clear links between individuals who have taken part in arts programmes and an increased level of social and self-confidence. There is also a direct correlation between performing arts and particular personality traits, with a clear benefit to creativity, fluency, originality and elaboration in those who had been part of arts programmes compared with those who had not.

Sawyer (2003) specifically discusses the benefits of creativity in exposing students to the performing arts at an early stage, seeing unique educational benefits related to creativity, such as higherlevel thinking, analytical ability, problem-solving, reflexive thinking and self-regulation. Jean Piaget, a psychologist who is regularly referred to in teacher training programmes across the world and is well known for his work on the stages of child development, discusses clear links between when students become able to handle and conceptualise abstract thoughts and the need for performing arts in developing a well-rounded and experienced mind. He stated that this is especially important in the stages between childhood and adolescence.

The benefits of performing arts on a person’s development and how these benefits can aid them in other areas of education are unequivocal. From areas such as intellectual development, social benefits, mental health and resilience, there is no denying them. What is now critical is that we continue to offer these opportunities to every student in every school across New Zealand, not only so that they can benefit but so that we can all be exposed to the sheer enjoyment of being part of the process, whether at the early stages or when looking at, listening to, or watching the final product. Nothing can have such an emotional impact as experiencing something that another has created or produced. For millennia, the arts have had the ability to reach across cultural and social divides to connect people, develop skills and bring us pleasure. I, for one, will continue to hear the songs from last night in my head for many weeks to come, and every time I think of them, a smile will cross my face.

The North Shore in 1949

Auckland Libraries and the National Library in Wellington have both microfilm and hard copies of the 'North Shore Times', from the first issue published 30 March 1949 to the present. However, Devonport Museum also has a partial collection of that title, from 27 April 1949 to 15 December 1954.

Edited by Stanley Point resident Robert Alexander Ryan (1911-1980), the early issues were printed at the Times Printing Works in Newton. Initial copies were complimentary, but normally two pence each and from at least October 1949, three pence each. The daily 'New Zealand Herald' and 'Auckland Star' at that time were also two pence each. Local residents could take out a 12 month subscription for the 'North Shore Times' to be delivered across the North Shore.

The full title was 'North Shore Times; an independent non-party weekly', with an initial circulation of 7500 copies. This was soon extended to "circulating in Devonport, Takapuna, Milford, the East Coast Bays, Northcote, Birkenhead and Albany". The number of pages in each issue started at four and by the end of 1954 had reached twelve. Contributions of articles from local groups were welcomed, but soon the newspaper employed a "roving reporter". There were very few photographs at this time.

By David Verran

Belmont, Takapuna and Northcote. Devonport Borough residents cast just over 50% of the total votes in the North Shore electorate at that time.

For 1949 there are 34 issues, but Devonport Museum has only six. Nevertheless, there are some interesting snippets.

• In 1949, the North Shore Transport Company ran a fleet of between 55 and 60 buses. In an application to raise the fares the company claimed a loss on the Browns Bay route, due to buses at peak times coming back to the depot near empty having either delivered commuters to or from the ferries at Devonport and Bayswater. The Auckland harbour bridge was of course ten years away. During the rush hour the company needed around 56 buses on the roads to carry their passengers. In December 1949, the Licensing Authority declined an application by 68 petitioners for a bus service through Rothesay Bay. North Shore Transport claimed the roads weren't robust enough.

• At the 1949 General Election there were three electorates covering the North Shore. Beach Haven, Birkdale and Birkenhead were part of the Ponsonby electorate, while Glenfield, Albany, East Coast Bays and Milford (including most of Hurstmere Road) were in the Rodney electorate. In 1949, Dean Eyre (1914-2007) for National defeated Labour's Martyn Finlay (1912-1999) by 1344 votes in the North Shore electorate and the 'North Shore Times' reported results from polling booths in Devonport, Bayswater,

• Many will recall Fun Ho's sandcast or later diecast aluminium cap guns, with their rolls of caps sold in packets. For Christmas 1949, and just four years after the dropping of atomic bombs on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a Takapuna shop advertised the 'Atomic Cap Bomb'. Manufactured on the North Shore, the small 'bomb' was dropped on its nose on a surface and set off an explosive cap.

• Originally 23 acres in size, the potential number of residential homes in Belmont's private Shale Estate subdivision was cut back by the Education Department, which took two acres for the expanding Takapuna Grammar School. Land in the Shale Estate subdivision was also to be taken for Belmont Primary School. However, due to a local protest, land instead came from the Council.

• In late 1949, Takapuna Borough Council was negotiating the purchase of the half acre 'Pirate Shippe' site in Milford for 2000 pounds, while the local Waitemata County Riding member, Captain Harold Rushworth (1880-1950), suggested at a public meeting in the Bays that subdividers pay for the maintenance of newly formed roads for the first 12 months.

Note: Thanks to a reader who suggested the 1923 photo in my March 2024 column was likely of the North Shore Albions rugby league team. More to come.

david.verran@xtra.co.nz

1845-225, courtesy of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. Although dating from around 1955, this photograph shows examples of North Shore Transport buses being used in the late 1940s.

By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager

Introducing Ruth Moloney, Sunnynook's Community Activator

It’s been a very busy start to the year in my new role as Community Activator in Sunnynook, Castor Bay, Forrest Hill, Milford and Takapuna.

We have had our first Mindful Wellbeing workshop for children, where they developed foundational mindfulness skills. This was very much enjoyed by the students and so successful, places filled up fast.

In Milford, Lady Allum had a lovely playdate with Plunket where all the little ones had a blast! The tiny babies snoozed peacefully while the toddlers kept everyone entertained, showing off their toys and bringing lots of joy to the residents.

As winter approaches, it's so great to see many groups in our area busy planning exciting Matariki events!

From June, we welcome North Harbour Budgeting Services, which is running a number of workshops on the first Wednesday of every month in Sunnynook Community Centre on 5 June, 3 July, 7 August, 4 September 2024 from 7pm to 9pm in the Kauri Room. These budgeting workshops cover:

• Living cost priorities

• Debt – good, not so good, bad

• Goal setting SMART principles.

• Building a budget

• Emergency fund

• Kiwisaver and saving

To book just email activator.north@outlook.com.

sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz.

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability

I.Lead leading the way for our disabled youth

As frost has started to sweep across the nation, I.Lead has been moving ahead with several exciting projects.

In the months since our 2024 I.Lead Conference, I.Lead has been making progress in establishing our regional I.Lead committees. Both our Wellington and Dunedin committees had their first meetings in May, with our other committees such as Hamilton quickly gaining members in preparation for their first meetings.

Our regional I.Lead committees will enable members aged 16-30, who identify as disabled, to facilitate projects within their area, develop programmes and initiatives for local I.Lead members; and attend expos and conferences. Currently, we are working to establish committees in regions including Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Dunedin. If you are interested in becoming a regional committee member, reach out via social media or email us at ilead@yesdisability.org.nz

At the beginning of May, we hosted our first I.Drive session in South Auckland. We were excited to be able to bring this service to more young disabled people. While previously hosted in the North Shore of Auckland, high demand has enabled us to expand the I.Drive programme to South Auckland as well. This allows I.Drive the opportunity to reach more young disabled people in need of our services. We could also run I.Drive workshops in West Auckland if there is enough demand.

I.Lead had some other great projects in May, including celebrating New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week and Youth Week.

For New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) Week, 6-12 of May, our Auckland committee members Amy and Prakashni worked together to produce eight videos that were posted to our social media accounts. These videos showcased and celebrated NZSL.

To celebrate Youth Week, 20-24 of May, I.Lead posted a video to its social media platforms for each weekday. These videos celebrated the work done by the disabled youth members of I.Lead. These videos showcase how I.Lead enhances the mana of young disabled people by ensuring that their voices are heard. The theme for Youth Week 2024 was “we may not have it all together, but together, we have it all”.

I.Lead is continuing its programme I.Connect, which is a weekly event hosted on Facebook through our messenger group. We chat about weekly topics that are current and relevant to the young people we support. We have also enjoyed inviting special guests to help facilitate discussions on important topics. If you are interested in connecting with new people and being part of a casual discussion about what is happening in New Zealand, you can join I.Connect through the I.Connect Facebook page and be invited to the messenger group.

YES Disability and I.Lead staff will also be participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge on 6 June with the aim of raising one thousand dollars for motor neuron disease research and support. If you’d like to donate to support the cause, you can do so here: mndactionmonth.org.nz/aaron-smith

yesdisability.org.nz, ilead.org.nz Facebook- facebook.com/ileadconferencenz Instagram- instagram.com/i.leadnz/

Ruth Moloney

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction

Shore Junction: A safe haven for Auckland's youth

Shore Junction is more than just a youth centre; it's a vibrant space where young people aged 13-24 can connect, belong and grow. In a world that can often feel overwhelming, Shore Junction offers a crucial third space – a place separate from home and school where young people can be themselves without judgment.

The concept of a third space is vital for youth development. It provides a neutral ground for them to explore their identities, develop passions, and build positive relationships outside familiar circles. Shore Junction fosters this perfectly. Walk into the centre, and you're greeted by a buzz of activity – teens rehearsing in the music room, others engrossed in digital design, some chilling in the art area. The atmosphere is electric, fueled by a sense of belonging and the freedom to explore.

Shore Junction's commitment to inclusivity is paramount. Their philosophy ensures Maori, Pasifika, LGBTQ+, and disabled youth feel welcome and respected. This diversity is not just tolerated; it's celebrated. It's a space where young people can embrace their individuality and find a community that reflects the rich tapestry of Auckland's youth.

Safety is paramount at Shore Junction. The friendly staff provide a listening ear and a supportive presence. There's a clear focus on youth wellbeing, ensuring young people feel comfortable and empowered to express themselves. Whether it's academic struggles, social anxieties, or simply needing a place to unwind, Shore Junction offers a safe haven where they can navigate the complexities of adolescence.

In a world that can be isolating and demanding, Shore Junction stands out as a beacon of hope and opportunity. It's a testament to the power of community, offering young people a safe space to explore, connect, and become the best versions of themselves.

To learn more about Shore Junction please email info@shorejunction.nz

By Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead

Free drop-in sessions and professional development for NFP groups

Devonport-Takapuna and Hibiscus and Bays Local Board areas

Training on governance, leadership, funding, fundraising, and first aid coming up.

Free drop-in sessions for DTLB and Hibiscus and Bays NFP community groups and organisations, with funding from these local boards. Dates for these are 13 June and 25 July. Come and have your questions answered about anything to do with funding matters, or finances and accounting matters, or governance and management matters. To schedule a time for yourself or others on your team, or for more information, contact Simon on simon@ancad.org.nz.

LiiFT Aotearoa professional development: There are some practical and helpful professional development and training sessions for NFP and community groups in June, and continuing throughout the year.

Tuesday 4 June, 6.30pm to 7.45pm, free Governance Matters monthly series. June topic is The Board’s Role in Financial Oversight. Presenter Carol Scholes. Go to LiiFT.nz for more information and to register.

Thursday 13 June, 10am to 12pm., free drop-in session for NFP groups in the Takapuna-Devonport local board area. Venue: Shore Junction. Book a time with Simon simon@ancad.org.nz.

Tuesday 18 June, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Governance 101. Venue: TBC. Free to not for profit organisations/groups in the Takapuna-Devonport local board area, and the Hibiscus and Bays local board area, and also to all NFP Pacific groups or groups who work with Pacific peoples. Go to LiiFT.nz for more information and to register.

Wednesday 19 June, 10am to 11.30am. Resourcing Leaders in Times of Change. On Zoom. Topic: Developing a Statement of Strategic Intent. Presenter: Damian D’Cruz. Cost $35 (fantastic value!).

Friday 21 June, 9.30am to 2pm. Essential First Aid. Venue: Pest Free Kaipatiki, Glenfield. Go to LiiFT.nz for more information and to register. Cost: $65 (great value!). FREE to not for profit orgs/groups in the Takapuna-Devonport local board area and the Hibiscus and Bays local board area. Funding available for some groups from these local boards:

Tuesday 25 June, 10am to 12pm, FREE funding workshop aimed at Pacific peoples. Venue: TBC. Contact clark@ancad.org.nz for more information.

To find out more information about each of these sessions and to register, head to ANCAD’s dedicated training website found at LiiFT.nz

2024 Funding Guide: ANCAD has produced this latest edition of the Funding Guide with lots of useful and helpful information for NFP groups and those seeking funding. Available as hard cover $45 or PDF version $25 from the ANCAD website (shop page) ancad.org.nz/shop/

Community Accounting services: ANCAD's Community Accounting programme is a free and confidential service which offers support and assistance on accounting matters to community organisations within Aotearoa. If your organisation would like to make use of these FREE services, contact us on email eva@ancad.org.nz for more information.

For more about what ANCAD is doing and how we can help, visit ancad.org.nz facebook @ancad.org.nz instagram ancadinc

LiiFT Aotearoa, LiiFT.nz

0800 426 223 or info@ancad.org.nz

By Richard Thorne, Devonport Business Improvement District Manager

Devonport stars – welcoming you over Matariki June for us, at Younite

Devonport village has a deserved reputation as a place you’ll find excellent art galleries and fantastic bookshops. The opening earlier this year of satellite2 gallery and more recently the welcome return of New Zealand art and design gift shop Mixt. have bolstered the artful offerings among our retail mix.

By Laura Mackenzie and Rachel Gu, executive board members of Younite 2024

Kia ora North Shore

June has been a more peaceful month for the members of Younite, as we focus on upcoming exams.

In exciting news, June will see Devonport join a global arts movement with the introduction of First Thursdays, a monthly event designed to celebrate arts and culture within the community. First Thursdays help create a vibrant atmosphere and encourage cultural exploration, and Devonport is embracing this with an inaugural event on Thursday 6 June kick-started by Depot in collaboration with The Vic Theatre, linking a unique blend of art, film, music and community engagement.

Also working collaboratively Devonport businesses, arts groups, community organisations and schools across the peninsula are together providing a diverse calendar of events over June and July in celebration of Matariki 2024.

Throughout June nine Devonport cafés and restaurants are representing the nine Matariki stars in hosting the Devonport Matariki colouring-in Star Search. It’s a fun challenge open to tamariki up to the age of 16, with local dining vouchers to be won. If you’re thinking of grabbing a coffee, snack, or dining out as a family this is a fun and educational way to keep young ones entertained!

On Saturday 22 June (the weekend ahead of the Matariki public holiday), the Auckland Youth Symphonic Band will give a fabulous free midday performance in Devonport’s ferry terminal. Performing along with the Auckland Wind Orchestra, the AYSB will perform a two-hour recital of Matariki-inspired works from midday-2pm. No need to get dressed up, just come along to the ferry terminal and enjoy their combined performance for as long as you wish.

And of course June also brings Devonport’s annual community mid-winter dip, attracting colourful participants from around the peninsula and across the city. It’s happening this year from Windsor Reserve on Sunday 16 June, with an 11.30am start time. Get dressed up, or down, and join in the fun of a quick well-chilled splash about led by local druids!

Devonport is YOUR seaside escape devonport.co.nz

We did have our very successful Open Mic Night, which occurred last month on Friday 24 May. The evening ran from 6:30-8:30pm, and was held at Shore Junction in Takapuna. Entertainers ranged from poets to stand-up comedians, and even a lovely music piece was played by Hyemee Lee from Takapuna Grammar High School. Complimentary food and drinks were also available during the intermission, which were happily enjoyed by the audience and performers alike. Overall, the evening was a huge success, with Younite members hoping to plan another Open Mic Night in the near future!

As the Devonport-Takapuna Youth Board, our aim is to promote youth wellbeing and talents to further educate and encourage our rangatahi. With that being said, we are so thrilled to announce the opening of the Devonport Community Youth Centre! The launching of this initiative was on Tuesday 21 May, and it was great to see the abundant interest in this wonderful space. Every Thursday, from 4-7pm, a Youth Space session will be held for everyone to enjoy! So come along, meet new people and try new things! This is a wonderful opportunity for youth to be independent and to have fun. You are able to explore a wide range of activities such as gaming with friends, painting expressive artworks or just studying by yourself; the options are endless. Additionally, food and drinks will be provided for youth in the centre. This is an awesome opportunity for all youth, so make sure to check out all that is offered at the Devonport Community Youth Centre.

The coming Rangatahi Art Exhibition, hosted by Younite, is an amazing opportunity to show off your artistic skills. This is a time for all youth, aged from 13-24, to display their incredible talents and to share what they love with the community. Our aim is to support youth creativity and increase youth visibility in the DevonportTakapuna area. It will be held at Te Whare Toi Devonport from 12-15 July, so make sure to mark your calendars and to come and support the community's upcoming Picassos! If you love painting, sculpting and designing, take a picture of your work and sign up via https://forms.gle/TU4snkfyugiBjFro9. We can’t wait to see all the extraordinary artworks!

If you would like to make any suggestions or have any queries, please feel free to contact us at younitechair@gmail.com or have a look at our instagram page: younitedt

A bustle of hubbub at Younite’s most recent event.

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 14 years ago!).

Back for a good old grumble…

Sorry I missed last month, but I think my mate from the pub did a good job filling in for me. I was away at a friend’s daughter’s graduation in Christchurch and what a wonderful day it was. I hadn’t been to Christchurch for many, many years and it was sad to see the state of the cathedral; the reconstruction is coming on well I feel, but there is still a lot of work to do.

Graduation was on the Friday and on the Saturday I went down and watched a bit of club footy, Rakaia versus Southbridge at the beautiful Southbridge Rugby Club. In was interesting to note that Rakaia is only three years older than my beloved North Shore Rugby Club, formed I think in 1876 and the Southbridge Club about the same time. So, club rugby was alive and well in that part of the country as well. I so love the grassroots of our national game, and it was wonderful to see a large crowd, and the after-match function in the clubrooms were boisterous and busy, with the great All Black legend Dan Carter’s father serving behind the bar.

It was so interesting to see last month that the New Zealand Rugby Union, in its wisdom, organised a women’s test match between New Zealand and Australia on a Saturday afternoon at the North Harbour stadium at 2pm. This game was in direct conflict with club rugby throughout the North Harbour region, including a women’s game in Devonport down for 2.45pm. It seems to me that New Zealand Rugby Union has no regard for club rugby, the grassroots of our game. If you think about it, a women’s game in Devonport, which would have included approximately 45 players and three times as many supporters, so roughly a couple of hundred people would have been attending. That’s not counting the men’s Senior rugby games that kicked off around 2.45pm around the provinces, nor the North Harbour School First XV matches which would have all kicked off at around 1pm. Could somebody not have foreseen this conflict and put the international game on at perhaps Sunday afternoon at 2pm enabling everybody who wanted to see this to attend. Where does the national Rugby Union think all these national players come from? They come from the clubs, and the secondary schools, where most of these players would have played club rugby as juniors. I just don’t get it.

At least a decade ago I wrote in this column of my wish to see a national stadium down in the tank farm adjacent to the Wynyard quarter and the Westhaven marina that could be used for all codes played in Auckland, a home base for the Warriors, the Auckland Blues and the new Auckland Football Club. Now at least a decade later they are still deliberating about a stadium, the three choices being a revamped Eden Park, a stadium near Spark Arena or at the old tank farm. If I was the mayor of Auckland, or in a position to make a decision, I would be selling Mt Smart Stadium, Eden Park and North Harbour Stadium and implementing the immediate start of a stadium at the tank farm.

At least a decade ago I wrote in this column of my wish to see a national stadium down in the tank farm adjacent to the Wynyard quarter and the Westhaven marina that could be used for all codes played in Auckland, a home base for the Warriors, the Auckland Blues and the new Auckland Football Club.

I’m so sick of all the talk, talk and talk in this city with nothing happening.

And in talking about that I see New York Port Authority last month opened up a stretch of water adjacent to Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty to race Vendee Globe Boats, on an inner harbour course. These boats are 60ft long, sailed by a solo sailor, 40 of them racing in four races of 10 boats. Our pathetic Harbour Board and harbourmaster couldn’t open up our harbour for Russell Coutts’ GP Sailing series. If I was the mayor or person in charge I would immediately sack the Harbourmaster and get somebody in there who could make decisions to work for all parties. It’s not as if we don’t need the money these events would generate coming in.

Recently down in Devonport, the Devonport Squash Club’s carpark was resealed. This squash club has been there for many years in Wairoa Road and the carpark over the years has crept into a state of disrepair, not too bad though. Last month the car park was closed to enable new tar seal to be laid. This entailed taking out the old tar seal, and installing new hot mix. According to my sources, the cost of this was well in excess of half a million dollars. I firmly believe it could have been concreted, with .125 reinforced concrete poured and finished for well under half that price, and it would have lasted forever. I just wonder how the tendering process happens in this city. There should be some questions asked, I feel.

I’ll see you all next month...

with Lindsay Knight

Browns Bay Bowling Club to host world event

Browns Bay Bowling Club, with its four greens and impressive complex and facilities, has hosted many high-profile events dating back to the 1980s, but later this year will top anything else it has ever held.

From 25-30 November, it will be the venue for the world Champion of Champion singles, in which the national champions of the many countries affiliated to World Bowls will participate.

Thus the playing standard, especially from those representing Australia, the United Kingdom countries, South Africa, the newly emerged Asian powerhouses of India and Malaysia, and, of course, New Zealand will be at a level rarely seen in this part of the world.

That Browns Bay will make an outstanding success of the event is beyond any question. The club has already staged many national championships, and in the opinion of many seasoned observers the nationals it and Bowls North Harbour hosted in the 2014-15 season was among the best they had attended.

Club president Pete Sheehan says he is obviously “over the moon” about having been allocated such a prestigious tournament. Already an organising team has been set up and planning has started with a huge check list.

The only hope now for Sheehan is that the weather gods will be kind.

Quite apart from this world championship, the 2024-25 season looms as another hectic one for both Browns Bay and the Harbour centre.

In early to mid October the centre will again host the national Masters tournament for bowlers aged from 60 upwards, with 60-74 and 75 years plus categories. Browns Bay will be again the headquarters.

Despite disruptions caused by pandemic lock-downs and disastrous weather, this has proven to be a popular event for those who haven’t quite succumbed to advancing years and retain much of their old skills and competitive spirit.

Centre board chair Robyne Walker is optimistic of attracting good entries again not only from bowlers in the northern regions but from further afield.

Previously, the Masters was held in early February, but Walker believes the switch to October last year has proven beneficial, as it has avoided the worst of what is an extremely congested programme. And as it will be held when schools are on

holiday the need to travel between different clubs will be eased. Topping the priorities for the centre at present is to find a new sponsor.

In the New Year, too, from 2-9 January some North Harbour clubs are likely to be involved in helping the Auckland centre host the national pairs and singles championships again. Once, when the championships at that time of the year were solely for men and also included the fours, these rotated between the traditional four main centres, and occasionally in areas like Waikato-Bay of Plenty, Manawatu and Taranaki.

But now with the men’s and women’s championships combined and limited to singles and pairs a pattern seems to have developed where only the Auckland and Canterbury regions are used.

In

early to mid October the centre will again host the national Masters tournament for bowlers aged from 60 upwards, with 60-74 and 75 years plus categories.

The fours and now the mixed pairs seem to be sought after by the slightly smaller centres, with Central Otago hosting in 2023 and Taranaki earlier this year.

Though pleased to be involved for Harbour clubs the two-yearly cycle does mean added challenges and pressure. The centre was the main host as recently in the 2022-23 season and while bad weather caused some disruption, the championships overall were a success, made memorable by an epic women’s singles final in which Harbour’s Selina Goddard beat Cantabrian Tayla Bruce 21-20.

bowlsnorthharbour.com

Pete Sheehan, Browns Bay Bowling Club President.

Robyne Walker, Bowls North Harbour Chair.

DISPLAYS HIGH IMPACT

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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.

Kidney Stands

Sat 8:00am-1:00pm, Sun Closed P

FL AGS & FAB R I C !

The Channel Crossword

“CLOUSEAU'S ISN'T SUZY” by Māyā of Aotearoa (mayaofauckland.substack.com) No.

Across

1 Dario cross with Rory's 28/13 (3)

3 Strike's 28/13 (or Bruce's) turn point of writing implement gold (5)

6 Boy adventurer's 28/13 in boots, now yellow (5)

9 'angouts for relations (5)

10 The heartless 5 bamboozle the Great Royal Wife of Akhenaten (9)

11 Physicist runs over stovetop, but not in that order (4)

12 "E."'s 28/13 is Ellen Weiss (nothing odd about that) (5)

13 See 28

16/19 Stout 28/13 is sly - that is, able to succeed (6,7)

17/22 Hercules' sometime 28/13 - "I adore an extraordinary organ!" (7,6)

19 See 16

26 Soda bubbles for friar William's 28/13 (4)

27 Mason's 28/13 called back when about to leave (5)

28/13 Foil page with excitement (8)

31 Mason's symbol and musician Brian going back to the beginning (6,3)

32 Stadium from some time back (5)

33 Describes someone said to require drug? (5)

34 28/13 known for booking act around 17 (5)

35 Smoke and mirror entrances Foyle's 28/13 (3)

Down

1 Brown 28/13's female sheep getting Nancy's water (8)

2 Unknown insect here in Rome is yellow (7)

Solution to last month's crossword

3 Flower named where 26 appeared to discover climbing resort (4)

4 "Whimsical" 28/13: "Billy's head's under German" (6)

5 More stylish number if layer added (7)

6 Peasant waves to the audience (4)

7 Work held by rising star's belief (7)

8 Hunters' cry over one caught in blue mounting (6)

14 Gene has no right to an Oscar (5)

15 Physicist's 28/13 bored by uranium and iodine (5)

17 Possible mother abbesses need no introductions (3)

18 The first type of knot to activate alarm is a source of wood (4,4)

20 Work placements with no opening solution? That's cryptic (7)

21 Elderly pursuing Cecil - left out, going north, freezing (3-4)

23 Is cover version for those who express a 7? (7)

24 Iconic 28/13's utter power issue (6)

25 Tell council tips to use hollow iron covering (4,2)

29 Rory's wife and occasional 28/13's stab's about over (4)

30 Jacques' 28/13's about to (4)

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.

MERCEDAYS DEMONSTRATOR

SALES EVENT ON NOW

Enjoy savings across demonstrators* and 3 years complimentary scheduled servicing^. Visit Mercedes-Benz North Shore today.

2023 A 250 Hatch, Mountain Grey Metallic, 18inch Alloy Wheels in Gloss Black, AMG Bodystyling, Panoramic Sunroof, QES763, $64,900

2023 EQA 250, Mountain Grey  Metallic, Driver Assistance Package, Wireless Smart Phone Charging Pad, Up to 400km in Range, PYT432, $69,500

2023 EQE 350 SUV, Obsidian Black Metallic, Dual e-Motor, 21inch AMG Multi-spoke biColour Wheels, Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, QLQ694, $137,500

2023 AMG C 43, Selenite Grey Metallic, Seat Comfort Package, AMG Performance Sound, 4MATIC All Wheel Drive, PSU643, $120,900

2023 EQB 350, Polar White, Driver Assistance Package, Dual Electric Motor, Wireless Smart Phone Charging Pad, PZW111, $81,500

2023 GLB 200, Iridium Silver Metallic, AMG Line Sports Package, 7 Seats, Heated Front Feats, Panoramic Glass Sunroof, QEF134, $64,900

2023 AMG GLE 53, Selenite Grey Metallic, In-line 6 Cylinder Petrol, AMG Night Package, AMG Performance Selectable Exhaust System, QBC818, $159,500

2023 EQC 400, Obsidian Black Metallic, 21inch AMG Multi Spoke Alloy Wheels, Dual Electric Motor, Acoustic Ambient Protection, QAE145, $95,500

2023 GLC 300 SUV, Polar White, MBUX Hey Mercedes Infotainment System, AMG Line Exterior Body Styling, AMG Line interior, QJL888, $113,900

Offers available on demonstrator models in stock, reserved with deposit paid or contract signed on or before 31 July 2024. Offer cannot be used in conjunction with Agility Finance and excludes leasing products, fleet and government buyers. Vehicles are available for sale at the time of publication. ^3 year complimentary scheduled servicing includes three services as scheduled by your delivering agent regardless of the registration date of the vehicle.

2023 EQE 350, Graphite Grey Metallic, 20inch AMG 5-spoke Alloy Wheels, AMG Line Exterior, Burmester 3D Sound System, PTH176, $109,900

2023 GLS 400d, Hyacinth Red Metallic, 21inch AMG Wheels, 7 Seats, Two 12.3inch Widescreen Cockpit Digital Displays, AMG Line, QEF168, $151,200

2023 CLA 200, Mountain  Grey Metallic, 18inch AMG Alloy Wheels , Heated Front Seats, Panoramic Sunroof, QES761, $63,500

Distributed to homes with welcoming letterboxes in Devonport, 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 Point, Birkenhead Point,

the 19th year)

Activity picking up but caution still evident in housing market

The Real Estate Institute of New Zealand's (REINZ) April data, published in mid-May, showed sales activity lifting in almost all regions compared to the storm-affected same period in 2023, and year-on-year pricing edging up, continuing the trend seen in recent months.

REINZ Chief Executive Jen Baird also stated that the market is subdued, despite nationally seeing higher sales counts, properties selling more quickly, increased stock levels, and more listings, compared to a year ago – the period impacted by weather issues.

The total number of properties sold in New Zealand month to month (March 2024 versus April 2024) decreased by 17% despite the year-on-year increase of 25%. The median days to sell decreased by three days, from 46 to 43 days, compared to a year ago. The national median sale price increased by 1.3% year-on-year, from $780,000 to $790,000, and decreased by 1.3% compared with March 2024, from $800,000 to $790,000.

The REINZ added this comment: “The median national sale price has now increased year-on-year for the third consecutive month, and sales are picking up as well. There are vendors who will need to sell and don’t want to wait any more, and these vendors will need to set realistic expectations, both for price and the time needed to sell their property.”

The REINZ stated that while the April data shows more activity in the housing market, with year-on-year increases in sales, listings, stock levels, and median prices, it’s clear that

economic factors are creating headwinds. “Activity is picking up for the housing market as we move into autumn, with sales lifting and more choices for buyers. However, the likelihood of interest rates staying at these elevated levels for a while, and more talk of job losses, continues to lead to caution among some buyers."

Listings nationally increased by 34.9% year-on-year from 7,142 to 9,636, continuing a trend since the start of 2024. Thirteen of 15 regions saw year-on-year increases in listings, with nine recording increases of over 25%. Wellington had the biggest increase, up by 318 listings year-on-year (69%), followed by Otago up 107 (55.2%); Marlborough up 35 (46.1%); and Auckland up 1,034 (41.1%).

National stock levels also increased year-onyear, with 18.1% more available properties for sale in April 2024.

“There seems to be plenty of buyer interest, with many seeing the current price levels as attractive, but some are taking their time before making a decision,” added Baird. "Similarly, some vendors are selling now and are open to meeting the market with their pricing, while others prefer to wait. Nationally, prices are still below their peaks from a few years ago and sales are still lower than long-term averages. Although the cooler months traditionally lead to activity slowing down, demand for properties may increase as investors return to the market in response to upcoming changes to the bright line test and the reintroduction of interest deductibility

on investment properties. With this in mind, buyers may want to act now.”

On the North Shore in April 2024 the median price was $1.24m, slightly up on March 2024 at $1.235m. and up on 12 months prior in April 2023 $1.14m. The total number of homes sold in April 2024 on the Shore was 284, down on March 2024 at 324, but well up on April 2023 when 212 homes were sold.

North Shore agents Channel Mag has spoken to have mirrored this REINZ report. There is clearly lots of choice for buyers and homes are still obviously being sold in healthy numbers, as REINZ is reporting. We have some of the best agents in the country on the North Shore to get the deals done. Have a good June!

Brand new, luxury Takapuna lifestyle

Prepare to be captivated by the epitome of elevated living at Killarney 16

Mt Victoria Property Ltd, setting new standards in architectural brilliance, invites you to discover five brand new exclusive freehold townhouses that redefine luxury living. Their commitment to excellence is evident in every detail, showcasing a contemporary living philosophy that pioneers design previously unseen on our shores.

To future-proof your home, a private lift takes you effortlessly to every level, including your rooftop terrace.

Killarney 16 stands as a testament to unparalleled quality, setting a benchmark for the future of sophisticated urban living. Spanning 237 to 250 square metres, each townhouse boasts four levels of meticulously crafted accommodation. Embrace the outdoors with multiple levels of private outdoor areas, culminating in breathtaking rooftop terraces that offer panoramic views and a personal bar - your oasis for open-air entertainment.

The generous open-plan living, dining, and kitchen areas seamlessly extend to sun-filled decks, providing ideal spaces for family gatherings. With four bedrooms strategically distributed across each residence, including a ground floor option, perfect for an office or media room, three bathrooms and four toilets, these townhouses are designed for both comfort and versatility. To future-proof your home, a private lift takes you effortlessly to every level, including your rooftop terrace.

Embrace the vibrant Takapuna lifestyle with scenic walks, parks, and beaches at your doorstep. Enjoy nearly 100 dining options, shopping malls, sports facilities, and a hospital in close proximity. If you've been in search of modern, high-quality living in Takapuna, the time is now.

Contact us to schedule a private tour of these bespoke properties, meticulously designed for privacy, protection and peace of mind. Don't miss the opportunity to be part of the future - your luxurious sanctuary awaits.

Deadline Sale to be submitted by 3pm, Thursday 4 July 2024 (unless sold prior)

Viewing as advertised.

Matt Rogers 022089 4266

matt.rogers@harcourts.co.nz

Travis Adolph 021619 266 travis.adolph@harcourts.co.nz

Harcourts Cooper & Co Real Estate Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Matt Rogers Travis Adolph

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Rory Blair 021 0233 8073

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Davis 022 192 1614

Craig Crosweller 021 630 150 craig@prestigerealestate co nz fleur@prestigerealestate.co.nz Takapuna Beach HouseIconic Position

15 The Strand exemplifies unparalleled beachside living. Situated just four properties away from Takapuna Beach and near the heart of Takapuna centre, this solid masonry, California-style beach house is truly exceptional. Featuring four spacious bedrooms and an additional office or secondary living space. With double-glazed windows, beautifully designed outdoor areas, modern interiors, luxurious Italian-tiled bathrooms, and a European-designed kitchen equipped with high-end Gaggenau cooktop, dishwasher, and a Wolf oven, this home is absolutely stunning. A lift offers easy access to all floors, from the ground level to the rooftop.

Located on approx. 1192m2 of prime waterfront land, this is an incredible opportunity to secure one of Churchill Roads treasures Built in 1969 and cleverly designed across the width of the section, every room in the house captures the sun & magnificent wide sea views of the Hauraki Gulf and beyond. With its own private gated access to Churchill Road Reserve, you literally have an extended backyard, with coastal walkways and the beach just metres away.

Spectacular North-facing waterfront living

wide sea views

Rory Blair 021 0233 8073 rory@prestigerealestate.co.nz

Elegant black stone flooring and tiles add sophistication to the living spaces. A convenient guest suite on the main level complements the three exceptionally spacious bedrooms upstairs The master suite is a retreat in itself, with a luxurious ensuite featuring a double shower and a spa tub overlooking the ocean views. Landscaped gardens designed for low maintenance living.

Jodi Douglas 021 278 8309 Angela Pervan 021 816 090

jodi@prestigerealestate co nz angela@prestigerealestate.co.nz

MILFORD | 5E PIERCE ROAD

Buy Me Now - Love Me Forever!

A glamorous dream home, minutes to the beach and lake, village, restaurants, cafes and mall. Nestled in one of Milford’s best streets, this is the premium “end” townhouse, providing extra space and privacy. Luxury living over three levels, with expansive windows filling each room with light, creating an ambiance of elegance and comfort. Indulge your inner chef in the wonderful state of the art, open plan kitchen, equipped with premium appliances, sleek spacious benchtops and ample storage. Living areas with high ceilings overlook outdoor entertaining on a sun filled north facing balcony with infra red heaters for evening and winter warmth and spectacular LED lighting, plus an additional back courtyard and garden. There is lift access to all three levels, central heating and air conditioning, automated electric blinds inside and out and double glazing throughout. A lavish master bedroom with sea views plus built in LED headboard and ensuite bathroom, three additional double bedrooms, one with ensuite and a gorgeous family bathroom. Your vehicles are safe in the internal double garage plus there are two additional car parks. With a freehold title, excellent schools nearby and situated in a gated complex of only 5 townhouses and the security of a lock up and leave environment, this beautiful home offers the perfect blend of luxury, location and lifestyle. Don’t miss this opportunity. Our motivated vendors have already found their new home, making this an exceptional opportunity for you. CAROLE THOMAS 021 539 553

CaroleThomas@premium.co.nz OFFICE 916 6000 premium.co.nz /80538

PLEASE CALL FOR VIEWING TIMES PRICE | $2.95M