Channel Magazine August 2024

WAITEMATĀ ENDOSCOPY

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, Hillcrest and to businesses, shopping centres and foyer/reception areas in these areas and Shore-wide. We also have many magazine stands throughout the North Shore.

Some of the Waitematā Endoscopy Team holding Bowel Cancer NZ’s awareness posters, from L to R, front row: Dr Marius van Rijnsoever, Sean Estolano, Dr Ali Jafer. Back row: Alex Kim, Lorena Lam, Jonar Olis, and Dr John Perry.

Shoneet Chand & Matt Prentice

169 Bush Road, Albany, Auckland

Quarter 2 has been a solid period for us having successfully completed a number of key transactions across the North-West market, as well as a few in Central & South Auckland. Overall, we have sold over $110 million of property during this period and leased over 52,000 sqm of space.

Enquiry levels are increasing, with many campaigns now resulting in multiple, competitive offers being presented at closing day. Prime industrial yields are generally within the 5%-5.75% range, with B Grade stock achieving between 5.75% to 6.50% and more specialised or compromised assets achieving interest north of 6.5%.

Leading into the final two quarters of 2024 we are dealing with many unsatisfied investors looking to place capital in key Auckland locations. There is demand across the board for most sectors and this is likely to increase as we get closer to inevitable OCR cuts. We have a number of quality assets currently either under contract or being negotiated on.

If you have any questions, or would like to discuss your requirements, please do not hesitate to give either Shoneet or Matt a call on their details below.

C, 187A Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

Metres to Takapuna Beach & CBD

Standalone Character Building - Asking $1.65M + GST (if any)

Enormous Albany Warehouse – Can Split to Suit

Prioritise your skin health with SkinCheck

Auckland is a vibrant city that boasts majestic regional parks, exquisite beaches and a dazzling waterfront, making our outdoors the number one destination for activities and adventures. It is important to be safe and responsible and look after your skin when enjoying activities under our harsh sun, whatever time of year, as New Zealand has one of the highest rates of skin cancers in the world.

Our team of specialist skin cancer doctors and nurses at SkinCheck are committed to promoting the prevention, early detection and treatment of skin cancers. With 15 years of dedicated service, SkinCheck has successfully diagnosed and treated over 10,000 skin cancers. We are here to support you and your family in looking after your skin so that you can enjoy spending time outdoors safely and confidently.

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You can book directly with us for a spot check or full skin examination without a referral. Our full skin check is a comprehensive assessment focused on managing precancerous spots before they become problematic and treating cancerous lesions as early as possible for a full cure. During the consultation, we provide personalised advice on protecting your skin to prevent skin cancers. Total Body Photography (TBP) with an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted assessment, is also available.

Our friendly SkinCheck team and modern clinic is conveniently located at 4 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna with plenty of on-site parking. We are Southern Cross affiliated, a NIB first-choice provider, and recognised by all other major NZ health insurance providers. Book now and be ready for summer!

SkinCheck, 4 Fred Thomas Drive, Takapuna (ground floor, southwest entrance) 09 443 6266 reception@skincheck.co.nz skincheck.co.nz

Hayley Williams, Andrew MacGill, Ryn Arendse, Chris Boberg, Katy McPherson, Jane Davis, Michael Zheng

ANDREW DORREEN

The Lakefront Estate Of A Lifetime 40 SHAKESPEARE ROAD, MILFORD

Located just a flat 4-5-minute walk from Milford´s bustling village, lies the most private and expansive lakefront estate to be offered publicly to the market in recent years.

Occupying well over half an acre of landscaped grounds, the privacy of the home is truly unrivalled. Mature vegetation frames the boundaries, leaving you feeling a world away from the hub of Milford and all its amenities.

Uniquely, the site benefits from the sun from early morning right through till evening, thanks to expansive outdoor living on both sides of the property and the sheer vastness of the site itself.

The home has undergone an extensive renovation in 2019 with all new interiors featuring, a new kitchen with an impressive appliance suite, new bathrooms, new timber flooring and complete repainting of the interior and exterior. The renovation was a recipient of a New Zealand

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

Master Builders award for the renovation, a nod and recognition of the quality craftsmanship of the renovation. This work obtained a new code of compliance certificate in 2019.

Offering a fantastic choice of accommodation in the form of four large bedrooms (with the option for more if required), and three to four expansive living areas/sitting areas the home is well suited for a large family.

The main drawcard other than the sensational views is the superb flow both ways from generous lakeside decking to the pool area to the North. This will ensure the family will have room to grow and enjoy the benefits of an uncompromised lakefront lifestyle.

Do not miss your chance to secure one of the most breathtaking, large land holdings that front Lake Pupuke.

For sale by negotiation

Email: andrew@precision.net.nz / precision.net.nz / andrewdorreen.com

Phone: 021 747 334

ANDREW DORREEN

Stylish, New and In The Centre Of Milford 23 OTAKAU ROAD, MILFORD

Located in a highly desirable pocket, close to shops and local schooling, this exceptional new architectural home designed by Michael Cooper and built by QPC Builders presents an outstanding opportunity to secure a well-thought-out, beautifully appointed and exceptionally finished family home.

Featuring a striking exterior, combining formed concrete walls and black Abodo cladding, leading into an exquisite interior with high-end finishes, this home has to be one of the most appealing family packages in the area.

The home offers ground-floor living, with an open plan, kitchen, dining, and main lounge. This space has a 3m stud with ducted central air conditioning and gas fire complete with stunning architectural surround. The kitchen with its dark cabinetry and super white marble bench top, separate bar area and butler's pantry will impress those with entertaining in mind.

This is the perfect space to congregate, and it flows seamlessly via large glass sliding doors to the pool and entertaining area. This large outdoor living space has an outdoor fire, putting green and a covered louvre Tec area. This is an awesome space which is oriented to face northwest capturing superb all-day sun. Off the main living space is an office area, which could also be used as a small TV snug or kids' playroom depending on their age and stage.

Accommodation-wise on the ground level is a double ensuited guest room with private access to the front courtyard. The ground floor is complete with a powder room, generous laundry, and a large double garage with a workbench and parking for a further two cars off-street.

The upper level offers a flexible layout with up to four bedrooms (if required)- one is currently used as a kid's living area. The master bedroom is a superb space with black-painted feature panel walls and high-pitched ceilings, a generous walk-in robe which is sure to impress. The ensuite is a luxurious space featuring a beautifully tiled double shower. There is a main bathroom which services the remaining bedrooms also beautifully appointed.

In addition to the central heating and gas fire, solar panels have been installed to create efficient power usage in the home.

Situated in central Milford, it is an easy flat walk to the local shops, cafes and Milford Mall, and in zone for top local schools, Milford School Takapuna Normal Intermediate Westlake Boys and Girls.

Our Vendors are encouraging early offers prior to the deadline closing. Deadline Sale Closes 8th August (unless sold prior)

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.

As I write this it feels like it has been raining for weeks. But on queue, the skies appear to have cleared for the wonderful Takapuna Winter Lights Festival being held this coming weekend. Living pretty much in the middle of Takapuna, it is something we now look forward to every year. The crowds come, and the wonderful light show makes the area come alive. Well done to Dan, Terence and all involved in making it happen for another year.

Once again, our Channel Mag team of Kim, Liz, Crystal and myself have turned out a pretty good free magazine for the community with this August issue. Lots of reading for virtually everyone.

As I have written for the cover feature on Waitematā Endoscopy, I recently had a colonoscopy. Being none-the-wiser for some reason, my doctor referred me over the Harbour bridge. What I have since discovered is that one of the very best providers of this important medical procedure is right here on the Shore. This magazine is all about doing things locally and this is a good example that I am pleased to highlight.

As we all sit down to take in the Olympics in Paris, Christine Young has done an interesting feature on local athletes who will compete in the Special Olympics World Winter Games being held in Torino (Italy) in early 2025. These athletes need your support, so make sure you

Publisher/Advertising

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have a read and support them if you can.

Things are economically hard for virtually everyone at the moment. There are not too many who are immune. For this issue, we have reached out to four successful people in our community who are involved in business and the financial sector for some wisdom around tackling the tough times. This Q&A feature is interesting – I particularly liked the advice that we should be ready to "thrive in 2025.”

I’ve had critical readers in the past suggesting that my photo appears too many times in the magazine. When I was exposed for criticism during my brief local board political career one disgruntled (anonymous) reader sent me clippings of my photo from this fine publication that was, from memory, 12 in the same issue! They may have had a point! I guess you can do that when you own it! However, I don’t apologise for my 'proud father' piece in this issue, on my daughter Courtney’s charity, ‘Premmie Knitting Club’. I am so proud that she is giving back and making a difference. I hope you enjoy that feature.

Have a great August – spring is just around the corner!

Aidan Bennett, QSM Publisher – Channel Magazine Managing Director – Benefitz aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Aidan Bennett 021 500 997 aidan@benefitz.co.nz

Liz Cannon 021 204 3395 liz@channelmag.co.nz

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.

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 made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher can accept no liability for any inaccuracies that may occur.

Aidan Bennett, Kim McIntosh, Crystal Sharp, Klaudia Wal, Liz Cannon

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I.Lead and William Pike partnership at Shore Junction

Members of Yes's I.Lead programme will take part in the William Pike Challenge for the first time this year, marking a significant milestone for I.Lead and the 15 young disabled members, as they will become the first disabled youth group to take part in the challenge. Over the next 12 months, the participants (all with various ability levels) will be encouraged to get inspired by the outdoors; building their resilience, wellbeing, confidence, and skills through outdoor adventures, community service, and passion projects. Disabled youth are often used to feeling left out of exciting opportunities and adventures, making this programme a game-changer. Participants, no matter their abilities or skill level, will have the opportunity to go sailing, rock climbing, nature-walking, and more.

937 470

937 470

Libby was ranked #7 March 2024 Bayleys Auckland Residential

If your are considering Selling this coming Spring or Summer Contract me today.

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

I offer a free no obligation appraisal, tips on how to best present your home, and will discuss a strategy to achieve an optimum Result in today’s market.

I would love to help with Your next property move

Contact Libby today

Grace Lee, Matakorama Waipouri

Aaron Smith, Lochlan Nagle

Georgia Tatana, Seira Aukuso-Sue Natasha Astill, Naomi Vailima, Faith Tou

Hayden and Amy Clements, Abdulla Shiblaq

Kaveesh Saluja, Jamie MacDonald-Pepper, Laura MacLean

William Pike

Opening of the Healing Garden at North Shore hospital

The opening of Auckland’s newest hospital building Tōtara Haumaru on the North Shore hospital campus on Sunday 30 June was a celebration of many years of planning and hard work. The official charity for North Shore hospital, Well Foundation, had the opportunity to bring together valued donors and supporters to acknowledge their contribution to three projects within the new facility: a dedicated whānau room on each ward providing privacy and comfort for family when they have a loved one in critical care; a contribution to enabling robotic surgery (the first for a public hospital); and the magnificent largescale, indoor Healing Garden in the central atrium – all made possible thanks to the generosity of individuals, businesses and the community for the benefit of everyone who uses the hospital. Thank you to all the great people out there who want to make a difference and pay it forward for others – it’s incredibly uplifting and heart-warming.

simon.watts@parliament.govt.nz SimonWattsMP

Authorised by Hon Simon Watts, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

Sean Harris, Rik Fothergill, Peter Garnett, Neil Murray, Christine Shepherd, Colin and Beryl Robinson, Elaine Mead, Fay and Jerry Norman

Stella, David, Sally, Sam and Daniel Tetro

Jason and Jax Jiang, Kathy and George Lyu

Tom Abercrombie, Tom Redford

Michelle Goldfinch, David Downs, Ruth Morse, Heidi Wilde

Paula Gillon, Shelly Joyce, Jenny Smith, Sanet Drury

Douglas Tongue, Dianne Vigneau

Del and Maddy Hart, David Downs, Ben and Luka Hart

Sandra Craze, Andrea Trifunovich, Ronald Chin

Li Yang, Brayden and Nick Zha, Brian Chen, Kathy Lyu

Clare, Robyn and Tom Redford

John Cullen, Chris Kyd, Lorraine Ridgewell

Janak De Zoysa, Robyn Redford, David Downs

OUR SPONSORSHIP FAMILY

BEN Breakfast and AGM for North Harbour Club in July

It has been busy times for the North Harbour Club. Hot on the heels of providing over $200,000 of grants to young people in the annual AIMES Awards in June, the club hosted Tenby Powell for a Business Excellence Network (BEN) Breakfast at Regatta Bar & Eatery on Tuesday 2nd July. The organisation also held its AGM at Oceanbridge Shipping in Takapuna on Wednesday 3rd July. Channel Mag was in the thick of the action. 2024 AIMES Scholarship Award winner (for Service to the Community), Xavier Wetere, was a guest at the BEN Breakfast to receive his award from the club. He was not able to come to the awards evening in June.

Aidan Bennett, Xavier Wetere, Su Kohn-Taylor

Andrew Hill, Arron Lomas, Jo-Anne Thomas, Tenby Powell, Wendy Jefferson, Sue Kohn-Taylor, Geoff Wilson, Andy Ruzich

Tenby Powell, Andrew Hill

Jo-Anne Thomas, Erin Robson

Lisa Connor, Mike Atkinson

Peter Lee, Nick Kearney, Becky West

Erin Marmont, Julian Hanna, John Bailey, John Hastings

Bob Leveloff, Emma and John Bishop, Wendy and Hugh Stedman

Sue Kohn-Taylor, Erin Marmont, Peter Wall

Aidan Bennett, Loren O'Sullivan, Sharon Boyd

Rosalind Stewart, Jeremy Parsons, Geoff Wilson

Nick Farrelly, Alister Wishart

Andy Ruzich, Joan Finlayson

Lexus of North Shore Lunch

SIR WAYNE SMITH

August is my favourite (winter) month

August is my favourite winter month, because it’s the last one of the year! Winter has whipped by quickly with gloriously sunny days starting crisply. Early morning beach walks with our schnoodle Scout have been a joy and a warm reminder of why we live in this beautiful patch of the country. The wet misery of 2023 feels like old news, so easily forgotten for most. That’s not true though for many households in our local board area. Many who were badly impacted by the flooding are still waiting for property categorisation and this uncertainty is taking a toll. It’s important to remember that there are still folk out there experiencing significant hardship from last year’s weather events and the recovery is far from over.

By the end of July, 2,985 properties across Auckland were registered for categorisation, with 1,868 of those confirmed a category. Locally (DTLB), 268 properties have opted in, with 79 given their categorisation. That gives you a sense of the problem and indicates that many are still waiting, as these processes are complex and rely on a limited pool of expert services. It’s important to remember that 30 September is the deadline for opting into the categorisation process so if you’re still weighing up on this matter, then keep that date in mind. It’s not far off.

In terms of future preparedness, the local board is close to adopting a renewed Local Board Emergency Response Plan. It’s clear, concise, and focused on the four Rs: reduction, readiness, response and recovery. We have community groups working now in Devonport, Takapuna, Sunnynook and Milford on local plans that will support a localised community response when the call arises. It’s grass roots community action that will deliver the first response in the case of a wide-spread emergency and we need to work better alongside the community to be effective in the face of a disaster. There has been whole system approach to improving the Auckland Emergency Management efficacy, and I can hand on heart tell you that if an emergency event happened today; the response will be far improved.

The DTLB has been very firm on its commitment to supporting activities that grow connectedness and neighbourhood support. Living in Auckland isn’t always easy and we seem to subscribe ourselves to fastpaced living where there is little time to actually check in on your neighbours. The pressures of the grind can result in easy frustration and diminish our ability to lift the spirits of those around us. Given Matariki has heralded a new Māori new year, it’s probably a good time to take stock and reflect on the role each of us plays in our collective wellbeing. Is there some way each of us can pay it forward?

In tough times, those

relationships will bring huge solace and support. Other local board business has been spent checking in with our arts and culture partners and we’ve enjoyed presentations from the Devonport Museum, Lake House Arts, Depot Artspace, PumpHouse Theatre and our two community houses. We’re lucky to have such a breadth of creative and community organisations that are propelled forward by volunteerism, good management and serious passion. I know these groups are still bouncing back from the impacts of Covid and with the funding landscape shrinking, they’re having to work harder and smarter, doing more with less. So don’t forget to show your support by popping into an exhibition or signing up to a class; our district would be uninspiring and lacklustre without them.

In terms of future preparedness, the local board is close to adopting a renewed Local Board Emergency Response Plan. It’s clear, concise, and focused on the four Rs: reduction, readiness, response and recovery.

In the capital works space, we’ve been discussing a new playground at Knightsbridge, which will be a dragon-themed, inter-generational community space designed in collaboration with local school students and our Asian community in Forrest Hill and Sunnynook. Playgrounds have come a long way in the last ten years or so and no longer are we replacing parts with plug-in and play plastic. It’s wonderful to be in a position to really meet the changing needs of our community. Over 50% of our population in the northern suburbs of Sunnynook and Forrest Hill are of Asian ethnicity; so creating spaces that support participation is important. We are certainly growing into a super-diverse city, and every couple of months, it’s our privilege to officiate at the citizenship ceremonies. Typically there are over 500 candidates from between 50 to 65 different countries. All these new New Zealanders, who see our benefits and our limitations, are grateful for the opportunity to be truly part of our society. It’s a heartwarming ceremony and a privilege of the job.

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

More than just your largest local liquor store

L’alcool isn’t just a retail storeit’s a celebration of refined taste and a commitment to changing the narrative around how and what we drink.

In a quiet corner just off the northern motorway in Auckland, L’alcool stands as a unique haven for enthusiasts of premium wine, spirits, and craft beer. We transcend the boundaries of the conventional retail experience, offering more than just bottles on a shelf. Let us introduce ourselves, L’alcool, your largest local liquor store, with a difference.

Wedding Consultations

Your Day, Your Selection: Your special day deserves a selection as unique as you are. We offer seasonal one-on-one wedding consultations with our experienced staff to guide you in choosing beverages that reflect your personality and preferences, ensuring your day is perfect down to the last drop.

With over 50 years of collective knowledge, our team curates a diverse selection of premium wines, beers, spirits, and liqueurs. From the vineyards of Bordeaux to the distilleries of Scotland, L’alcool brings the world of crafted alcohol to your fingertips. Our friendly team is always ready to help you navigate our carefully selected collection, ensuring you find the perfect bottle for any occasion.

Though new on the block, we are seasoned in the industry, and dedicated to guiding and inspiring our customers with every purchase. Offering events, one-on-one consultations, and corporate tailored tasting experiences, our goal is to educate and share the culture, and craftsmanship behind every bottle.

Corporate Hospitality

With a spacious mezzanine, and the expertise to host tailored tastings either on-site, or at your place of business, L’alcool offers the ultimate experience in corporate hospitality. Visit our website to explore our packages and offers to discover how we can bring exceptional experiences to your workplace.

Nationwide Delivery

Our customers asked, and we’re delivering! After engaging with our customers, we heard a resounding “YES” to delivery. We’re proud to announce that we now offer delivery across New Zealand, ensuring the L’alcool experience is available at your doorstep.

Deadline for landslide and flooding support

Storm-affected homeowners have until 30 September to register for Auckland Council’s property categorisation programme, to find out if there is a serious risk to life at their home, and whether they qualify for support. The Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office is carrying out assessments looking for an ‘intolerable risk to life’ from future flooding or landslides.

As of 22 July, more than 3,000 homes across Auckland had registered for an assessment. To date, over 600 high-risk homes are eligible for a voluntary buy-out so they can move out of harm’s way. In addition to this, around 70 homes are so far eligible for construction and consenting grants to reduce the risk with retaining walls, shifting or lifting their home. More than 1,200 homes have been given the allclear for a serious risk to life.

Mace Ward, Group Recovery Manager, expects 900 high-risk homes to be eligible for buy-outs across the region. He says more highrisk homes around the Wairau catchment will now be eligible for a buyout rather than having to wait for confirmation of local infrastructure solutions. Given this, the Recovery Office is now progressing risk reports for properties that were awaiting this infrastructure decision.

“With the registration deadline approaching, we are making a special effort to reach potential high-risk homeowners in Milford around the Nile Road area in particular, but also in some affected areas of Totara Vale, Northcote and Birkenhead, among others,” says Mr Ward.

Homeowners are encouraged to consider registering for an assessment if they received a red or yellow placard after the storms, had serious flooding in their home (e.g. over half a metre), or were

affected by a landslide.

“Living in flood risk areas will get more challenging, even with improved stormwater maintenance and major infrastructure projects. Support under the categorisation programme might be the best option for people to either make their home safe or move out of harm’s way,” Mr Ward says.

Mr Ward adds that some homeowners worry receiving a category will affect their property valuation or insurance costs.

“Information about a property’s risk is already publicly available on LIMs, hazard maps and in previous insurance claims. That means regardless of our categorisation activities, insurers, tenants, banks and potential buyers will make their own decisions about how risky a home is,” Mr Ward explains.

“Where there is a serious risk to life, the categorisation programme offers these homeowners a reasonable solution. It’s important they seriously consider their options.”

Mr Ward reassures those waiting for categories that new registrations won’t affect their timelines.

To register visit ourauckland.nz/storms or search ‘Auckland Recovery Office’ online. You can also call the Recovery Office team on 09 884 2070.

Register by 30 September 2024

To register visit ourauckland.nz/storms or search ‘Auckland Recovery Office’ online

Secluded beach , large luxury homes and stunning views .

If you live here.

An e ortless 30-minute drive from the CBD, this gated community is the North Shore’s best-kept secret. Featuring a stunning white sand beach and spacious sections o ering beautiful sea views. It’s the best of country living, without the commitments of a country lifestyle

100% exclusive. 90% sold. Just 16 large 2000m2 s ections remain, spread over 230 acres of parkland that rolls into native bush and breathtaking coastal lands c apes If it’s room you crave, visit weitibay.nz

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

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Pack & Send Takapuna is your "one stop shop" for all your international packaging and freight needs. When you need to send overseas to any country you can rely on Pack & Send's experience to package it and get it delivered, safely.

Jane and Jeremy Bain, the franchisees at Pack & Send Takapuna has a "No Limits" approach when helping customers solve packaging and freight problems, from sending a sensitive document to difficult fragile and valuable items. "Many of the items we have dealt with are considered too difficult for general

Sending overseas is complex and Pack & Send makes it easy. “We prepare all the items for sending, make inventory lists and prepare customs documentation,” says Jane.

Many of these items are valuable so Pack & Send customers can use Pack& Send's Freight Plus Warranty to cover against loss or damage to secure that extra peace of mind – something not generally available when freighting goods of high value.

For those really delicate items like fine antiques or ceramics, Pack & Send can use its state-of-the-art "Foam in Place" packaging system, which forms a protective mould around the

"We also produce custom-made boxes to any size or shape," adds Jeremy. "Because we treat each consignment as unique, designing packaging and the freight solutions to suit, we're finding that more and more people benefit from our services.”

Pack & Send is experienced at sending personal effects and excess baggage, and assisting with personal relocation for work

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

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

77

(09) 486 3355

By Dan Bidois, MP for Northcote

“I’d like to have an unpleasant talk with you about inflation”

~ Jimmy Carter

Cost of living remains the top concern facing our communities across Northcote and across our great country.

Thankfully, there are many changes that came into force over the past month that will help ease cost-of-living pressures for Kiwi families, such as:

• No more Auckland regional fuel tax, saving motorists 11.5 cents per litre

• Being able to claim back up to 25% of early childhood education fees, to a maximum fortnightly amount of $150

• Increases in weekly paid parental leave from $712 to $754 (maximum allowable)

• Bringing the bright line test for taxing financial gains from property sales down from five and ten-year periods to a more balanced two-year period

• Adjusted income tax brackets for inflation, giving hard working Kiwis the first income tax reduction in 14 years. These changes alone won’t improve lives, but they are a step in the right direction and offer some practical help to Kiwi families doing it tough in these challenging economic times.

Economic growth is the only way that we can lift living standards for all Kiwis and get our country back on track.

The only way out of the economic recession we are in is to ensure inflation comes down as quickly as possible, by cutting wasteful spending, and growing our economy.

That’s what our coalition government remains ruthlessly focused on and it is showing signs of success. Annual inflation is now its lowest in three years at 3.3%.

In addition to this, restoring law and order in our communities remains a top focus for the coalition. Recently we announced our next quarterly action plan and by the end of that action plan our government will have passed laws that will:

• Give police tougher powers to disrupt and crack down on gangs in public

• Give police more power to get guns out of the hands of criminals

• Increase access to effective rehabilitation for prisoners on remand

• Improve efficiency in the courts and increase access to justice. We’ve got a plan to grow our economy, and it is working. Economic growth is the only way that we can lift living standards for all Kiwis and get our country back on track.

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

Jeanette and Kitty

– 20 years of friendship and giving to Hospice

Every Wednesday you’ll find Jeanette Hayden and Kitty Hormann working side by side at Harbour Hospice’s Link Drive shop. They’ll be out the back sorting and pricing homeware donations. They met 20 years ago through volunteering for hospice and have become the firmest of friends.

The pair from Unsworth Heights say they know each other so well now they can work in silence – each anticipating the other’s next move. That doesn’t mean they don’t like to talk though. When Jeanette picks Kitty up for their shift the car ride only takes six minutes, but they allow a lot longer because they like to sit in the car and have a good chat.

Kitty, 77, says the reason they get on so well is because they’re so different. “We’re like salt and pepper,” she says. “Yes, that’s what everyone calls us,” adds Jeanette, 80.

But they also have a lot in common. They’re both grandmothers of three and both dedicated to their churches. And once they started to get to know one another they realised that Jeanette had known Kitty’s husband of 55 years, Russell, as a child. She had grown up just around the corner from him, in Dunedin.

It’s the camaraderie with one another and the other volunteers that has kept them coming back to the shop year after year, they say.

“We have a great bunch of ladies that we work with, and everyone gets on with everyone else,” says Jeanette.

Kitty began volunteering for hospice after seeing an advertisement in the paper, and says that during her orientation at hospice’s Takapuna site she learned how wonderful the service was. “The place

had such a calming feel to it. I thought it’s a lovely place for someone who's at the end of their life.”

For Jeanette it was a promise to herself that led her to hospice. After her first marriage ended she was left with two young children to raise, and she found it difficult to find a job. “This was in the late 1970s when it was still very tough for women. A single woman couldn’t even get a Farmers card,” she says.

She vowed that if she could find a good job, she would give back to the community. She found a great job with ASB bank, which also supported her to take on a mortgage. So, she sought out charity work and hospice was one of the charities she chose.

Jeanette has since remarried and enjoyed 27 years of wedded bliss with husband George.

Both women have friends who’ve been cared for by hospice, and have witnessed the ‘good work’ hospice does. They both say they feel proud to volunteer for an organisation that’s so important in the community.

Most of all, they feel thankful that hospice brought them together.

“We tell our husbands that when we’ve had enough we’ll go flatting together,” Jeanette says with a laugh. “Kitty will cook. It will be so much fun.”

Jeanette and Kitty were both recognised for 20 years’ service at Harbour Hospice’s Long Service Awards on 23 July.

If you’d like to find out how you too can become a hospice volunteer, email volunteer@harbourhospice.org.nz

Jeanette Hayden and Kitty Hormann

News from The PumpHouse from James Bell

Theatre delights to brighten your winter nights

As usual, the theatre is buzzing with excitement this August, with a lineup that's sure to chase away those mid-winter blues. Grab your calendar and make a date with The PumpHouse Theatre!

Get your mid-winter dose of comedy at Late Night Knife Fight on Friday 9 August at 9pm. This laugh-out-loud improv team battle show has become a staple in our Coal Bunker Studio space.

We're thrilled to host the Scouts and Guides from across Tāmaki Makaurau for a slice of good wholesome family fun with great music, dance, comedy, and youthful delight. Under The Stars is a family experience not to be missed and runs from 21-31 August.

Coming next month is the much-anticipated 'Taking Off' – a wickedly funny comedy by Roger Hall that trails four intrepid middle-aged Kiwi women as they set off on their big OE to Europe. The play is poignant, funny, and sensitive. The characters are simultaneously terrified and exhilarated as they feel they are truly taking off.

Tadpole Productions has assembled a marvellous cast for this classic play – Jodie Dorday, Laura Hill, Darien Takle, and Louise Wallace. This great ensemble is directed by the experienced and talented Simon Prast, who brings out the quirks of the individuals, creating familiar and credible characters. Get in quick as this one is sure to sell out! The season runs from 5-15 September.

The PumpHouse has got you covered for entertainment this winter. See you at the theatre soon!

Mauri ora!

James Bell

DEPOT with Amy Saunders

DEPOT Te Whare Toi, Devonport

First Thursdays: Charcoal Workshop with Dr Richard Coldicutt

Join local artist Dr Richard Coldicutt for an engaging charcoal workshop at 5pm on 1 August as part of First Thursdays in Devonport, Te Hau Kapua! This back-to-basics workshop offers an opportunity to experience the delights and endless possibilities of creating with a humble burnt stick; charcoal. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of our hospitality partner Toi Toi Wines.

Head to depot.org.nz to secure your spot!

Depot Artspace -

Sponge City Sponge City is a group exhibition addressing urban resilience against the adverse weather effects of climate change. As feelings of unease escalate around the global climate crisis, the need to take urgent action is critical, as can be felt throughout Tāmaki Makaurau after the recent extreme weather events. Join us for the exhibition opening on Saturday 17 August, 2-4pm. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of Toi Toi Wines.

New Zealand String Quartet at Depot Artspace

Surrounded by Depot Artspace’s August exhibition Sponge City, the New Zealand String Quartet (NZSQ) will perform a programme of fresh and familiar classical works on Friday 30 August, 7.30–9.30pm. Whether you’re a classical music fan, an art enthusiast, or simply looking for a memorable night out, this concert is not to be missed.

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!

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Classic Roger Hall comedy at The PumpHouse

Starring Jodie Dorday, Laura Hill, Darien Takle and Louise Wallace – 5-15 September at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna

'Taking Off', Sir Roger Hall’s wickedly funny comedy, trails four intrepid middleaged Kiwi women as they set off on their big OE to Europe. It is now or never!

The play is poignant, funny and sensitive. The characters are simultaneously terrified and exhilarated, but however they feel they are Taking Off….

Local theatre company Tadpole Productions has once again assembled a marvellous cast for this classic play.

Frankie (Jodie Dorday) wins second division Lotto and decides to leave her boring husband. Jean (Darien Takle) is a loyal corporate employee made redundant after 20 years' service. Noeline (Louise Wallace) has nursed her terminally ill husband for years and decides to do the trip they had planned together. Ruth (Laura Hill), a hard working farmer’s wife, discovers her husband is having an affair with the sharemilker’s wife – so she takes off.

This great ensemble is directed by the experienced Simon Prast, who brings out the quirks of the individuals, creating familiar and credible characters.

Cast off winter and laugh along with situations and characters we have all encountered. 'Taking Off' is the perfect theatre experience for those who have done their OE – and those who still dream about doing it.

With a strictly limited season at the beautiful PumpHouse Theatre on the edge of Lake Pupuke in Takapuna, book early!

'Taking Off': 5 - 15 September at The PumpHouse Theatre, Takapuna. For bookings phone 09 489-8360 or visit pumphouse.co.nz

BY Roger Hall

Roger Hall

Exciting events and new offerings at The Spencer Hotel in Takapuna

The Spencer Hotel and Free Range Chef are thrilled to announce a lineup of exciting events and new offerings that are set to make waves in the community. From spectacular entertainment to unparalleled corporate services, The Spencer Hotel is the place to be for locals and visitors alike.

Abba Heaven Tribute Show – 17 August Music lovers, mark your calendars! On 17 August, The Spencer Hotel will host the highly anticipated Abba Heaven Tribute Show. Known for its captivating performances and nostalgic renditions of Abba's greatest hits, this tribute show has been a crowd favourite across the country. Tickets are priced at just $25, offering an affordable opportunity for guests to enjoy a night of music and dancing.

With a live band, dazzling costumes and all the classics from 'Dancing Queen' to 'Mamma Mia', the Abba Heaven Tribute Show promises to be an unforgettable experience. Don't miss the chance to relive the magic of Abba at The Spencer Hotel! Tickets are available at Eventfinda.

Expanded corporate services

The Spencer Hotel is proud to announce the expansion of its corporate services, designed to cater to a wide range of business events. With a dedicated team, we are equipped to host conferences, board meetings and corporate events for groups ranging from 10 to 400 participants.

Our versatile spaces can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each event, whether it’s a small team meeting or a large-scale conference. Our commitment to providing exceptional service ensures every event runs smoothly and efficiently.

Local corporate catering with Free Range Chef

North Shore-wide can now taste the culinary excellence of Free Range Chef, creating a seamless catering experience for businesses in the area, no matter how big or small you are!

Whether you're hosting a work dinner, family gathering or office party, our catering service provides a variety of menu options crafted with the freshest ingredients. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious meals, grazing tables or canapés delivered straight to your event, allowing you to focus on what truly matters.

Mention Channel Magazine for free delivery* in Takapuna! *T&Cs apply

Versatile event spaces and menu options for Christmas parties and more

The holiday season is approaching, and The Spencer Hotel is the perfect venue for your Christmas party! Our elegant and adaptable event spaces can accommodate a variety of celebrations, from intimate dinners to larger festive occasions. With our festive decor and customisable packages, your Christmas party will be a joyous and memorable event.

In addition to Christmas parties, The Spencer Hotel is ideal for family dinner parties and social gatherings. Our team works closely with clients to create personalised experiences that reflect their vision and style. With our attention to detail and commitment to excellence, every event at The Spencer Hotel is unforgettable.

Join us for a memorable experience

The Spencer Hotel invites you to experience the exciting developments and exceptional service that set us apart. Whether you're attending the Abba Heaven Tribute Show, hosting a corporate event or planning your Christmas party with us, we are dedicated to making your experience extraordinary.

For more information about upcoming events and services, please contact us at spencer@freerangechef.co.nz

Follow us on social media for the latest updates: Facebook: facebook.com/FreeRangeChefnz Instagram: instagram.com/freerangechef

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

Persian and Mediterranean cuisine. 5/15 Victoria Rd. 09 600 2125. akdenizdevonport.co.nz

Buona Sera Restaurant

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

Devon on the Wharf

Mediterranean and Turkish cuisine. 1 Queen's Parade.

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

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 Next Station Chinese Cuisine Hong Kong and Cantonese-style Chinese cuisine for eat-in and takeaways. 41 Victoria Road. 09 200 0683

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

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

Tuesday: 4pm-9pm Wednesday-Sunday: 12pm-late

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

Sheppards Corner

Authentic TexMex - a slice of Texas on the North Shore. 131 Lake Road, Belmont. 09 447 4377. sheppardsnz.com

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

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. 8 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 , TAKAPU

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.

2a Maurere Ave. (next to The PumpHouse). 09 487 0009. french-rendez-vous-caferestaurant.business.site

Hong's Korean Kitchen

Shop 5, 62 Hurstmere Rd. 09 200 0217. hongskoreanrestaurant.co.nz

Hops & Claret Drinkery

136 Hurstmere Road. 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

Wok 'n Noodle

Asian restaurant - tasty, nutritious food cooked right in front of you.

1/7 The Strand. 09 485 3259. woknnoodle.com

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

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

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

Fika With Me

Cosy café serving funky, flavourful Findian-inspired 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

Milford

Anokha Indian Restaurant

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

Bunty's Burgers

Gourmet burger bar.

89 Kitchener Rd. 09 486 5711

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)

Cave À Vin

146 Kitchener Rd. caveavin.co.nz

Khu Khu Eatery

100% vegan and Thai-inspired restaurant. 91 Kitchener Road. 09 600 3327. khukhu.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. 09 489 5977. musashirestaurant.co.nz

PYM's of Milford

Popular neighbourhood Milford village bar & eatery. 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

The Milford Cafe, Bar & Restaurant 7 Milford Road. 09 488 9388. themilford.co.nz

Northcote Point

The Engine Room 115 Queen Street. 09 480 9502. engineroom.net.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

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

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. Winner Lewisham Awards, Outstanding Local Establishmnet, Auckland North 168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna taylorsonhurstmere@gmail.com taylorsonhurstmere.co.nz 09 489 9510

Licenced Eatery

TAKAPUNA

TAKAPUNA

Tokyo Bay

Tokyo Bay is situated seaside, Takapuna Beach.

You can dine and watch the cruise liners sale out after a day in Auckland.

We are open seven days, with a casual lunch menu featuring light bites to a range of bento box styled selections, and from 5pm a more extensive evening menu featuring modern Japanese cuisine.

Bookings are essential.

Tripadvisor's 'Best of the Best' 2021, 2022 and 2023

tokyobay.co.nz Facebook tokyobaytakapuna

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

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

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

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

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, a warm and friendly ambiance and of course our famous prawn cocktails!

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/

TAKAPUNA

TAKAPUNA

Barks & brews: Dog friendly beaches, bars & cafés

Takapuna is a grrreat place for you and your doggo – featuring Auckland’s favourite dog-walking beach and a ton of pup-friendly cafés and bars. And it’s even better at Takapuna beach in winter time. With extra long dog-walking hours, you can hit the beach any time of day – just keep them on lead between 10am and 2pm. Grab a takeaway coffee at any one of our fantastic local cafés and hit the sand! Or, make it a lunch date – St Leonards beach is open for off-leash exercise all day. Check the tides first, as high tide doesn’t leave too much beach to play on. Done with the run? Time for a refreshing bevvie. And, helpfully, we’ve put together the best spots to treat both you and your four-legged friend.

Coffee & canines

Catch 21 is calling all the goodest boys and girls in for a signature poochachino – a creamy bark-ista special with a sprinkling of home-made treats. Heck, it looks so good you’ll probably start drooling too. And it's not the only doggy delight around. Jam Organic has a puppychino guaranteed to keep doggo quiet (for a minute or two).

Top coffee, stylish décor and very pet friendly, Moak Coffee Shop brings Italian taste and craft to coffee – and to their tasty Moak dog treats as well. Perfect for a post walk pick-me-up, and buy a bag or two of delicious roast for later.

Centro Cafe also loves hosting our furry friends, welcoming dogs in the outdoor area with a lovely bowl of water – key post-walk hydration.

Street Organics is where it’s at for human wholefoods with a wholesome and fresh allergy-friendly menu, plus they love dogs. There are always water bowls available outside, and you might even snap up a home-baked doggy treat!

For a dog-friendly spot with incredible kai and coffee roasted on site, check out Seven Hills Cafe. Pups welcome inside.

Need a bit of variety for your dog-walkers group? Eat Street’s the place, with a dog-friendly courtyard and a whole host of different lunch options. Us? We’ll take a beef and cheese from Burger Burger, and maybe just a little bit vanishes under the table.

PRINCIPAL SPONSOR

GOLD

Post-run refreshments

Maybe you prefer your dog walking when the sun is high and the morning chill is long gone. We certainly sympathise, and highly recommend capping off with a well earned thirst-quencher.

Franc’s is awfully convenient, wouldn’t you say? Just a quick hop off the beach, and very happy to see well-behaved dogs inside in this wetter weather. One good turn deserves another, so keep doggo at your side for other patrons’ comfort.

Takapuna Bar is another favourite (and also very close to the beach). Grab a pint, blend in with the regulars, and you might just catch local favourites Poppy the collie and Tui the bulldog.

The Elephant Wrestler’s big courtyard is perfect for dog wrestlers, too. If your doggo loves to bop, then stick around for a bit of light evening entertainment and a cheeky chippy or two from the bottom of the bowl.

Dos and don’ts for pro-level pupper parents

Yup, Takapuna is a paradise for dogs and dog parents. Help us keep it that way with top-tier etiquette:

• Do check the hours for off-leash play at Takapuna beach – right here on the Auckland Council webpage.

• Do look for the helpful signs showing where and when you can have dogs off or on-leash.

• Don’t drag your soggy doggy (or worse, your mucky pup) into the café. Get them clean and let them air out on the beach first

• Do keep your dog with you at your table. Some people just don’t do dogs, no matter how friendly.

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

Catch21 Centro

Franc's

JAM Organic Cafe

Eat Street

Seven delicious North Shore lunch deals under $20

Hey you! You’ve been working hard this morning, and now it’s that most special time of day: lunch time. Collar your favourite coworker and head out for something good in Takapuna. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here’s a wee list of eateries we rate. The dollars count these days, so we’ve picked places where you’ll get change from a twenty. Local, delicious, and easy on the wallet.

Bian Sushi – DIY sushi platter

Keep it straight with classic salmon and teriyaki chicken, or pick a couple of tasty oddballs like oyster or ginger carrot. Bian Sushi lets you build your own ideal sushi plate, piece by piece (we’ve budgeted $18 for ten pieces). Like your sushi with whole foods? Bian Sushi can make all their classics with brown rice. Whatever you choose, your sushi will be fresh, delicious and the best thing you eat all day.

Stretch goals: Add a side of umami goodness with some miso ($4).

No. 1 Pancake – savoury delights

Looking for a light lunch that’s a little different? Order up a beef cheese pancake at No. 1 Pancake, and chuck in a double cheese for good measure ($18.80 total). These Korean-style hotteok pancakes are sumptuously savoury and surprisingly filling!

Stretch goals: Mix it up with a Korean red bean pancake ($6). Sweet beans, you ask? Order one, you’ll get it, we promise.

Burger Burger

– chicken burger comfort eating

A good burger is just irresistible. We recommend the chicken at Burger Burger. Juicy, zingy, and just the right amount of wild rocket – from the right angle it looks like a healthy lunch to us! Located in the fabulous Eat Street, the perfect great place to bring a picky co-worker who just can’t make their mind up.

Stretch goals: Curly fries with homemade aioli ($11). Curly. Fried. Potato. Enough said.

Ajisen Ramen – big ol’ bowl of noodles

Something hot and filling is just the ticket on a cold day – and Ajisen Ramen’s signature dish ($19) is guaranteed to hit the spot. Broth that’s just the right amount of thick and savoury, a good serve of noodles, chashu pork and an egg to boot – it’s satisfaction in a bowl.

Stretch goals: A side of lightly salted edamame ($6).

Takapuna Fish Shop – classic Kiwi feed

Wait, is it sunny outside? Make the most of it!

Order up a serve of snapper and chips ($15.40) from Takapuna Fish Shop, lock in a bench at the reserve and soak up the sun. Pro tip – phone ahead and beat the queue.

Stretch goals: At $2.30, the classic pineapple fritter is barely a stretch, is it? Slap one in the order for a tasty treat to round out your lunch.

Box’d – delightful light meals

Check out Box’d for fresh, simple, beautifully presented Korean food. We’re eyeing up the Jeyuk spicy bbq pork mini box ($17.90); scratch that, the Kimchi stew with pork ($19.50) looks too good to pass up!

Stretch goals: Bump to a square box ($25.00) and get two sides – our pick is a dessert and some tasty Korean sides.

Eat Now – just like being back in Hanoi

Everything at Eat Now is amazing. It’s famous for it’s Hanoi-style phở broth ($15.90) which, if you’re a connoisseur, you know is difficult to get juuust right. Grab some summer rolls for $4 and you’re still cruising in for less than a kārearea note.

Stretch goals: It’s legitimately hard to spend more than $20 here – everything is such great value. But we do recommend adding in a classic Vietnamese iced coffee for $5.

Collar your favourite coworker and head out for something good in Takapuna.

Still hungry?

The good news is there are loads more wonderful lunchtime eateries in Takapuna. And just for you, we’ve put them all into a gigantic list right here. Happy eating!

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

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

Reduced wait times for colonoscopy and gastroscopy on the Shore with Waitemata Endoscopy

By Aidan Bennett

I recently had a colonoscopy as part of a health check-up. While everything went well, for some reason my North Shore-based doctor referred me to a facility over the bridge for the procedure. What I recently discovered is that one of the very best facilities for colonoscopy and gastroscopy is actually right here on the Shore. My trip in morning peak hour traffic could have been avoided had my doctor referred me to Waitematā Endoscopy on Wairau Road. Much easier.

As we are all learning more and more, getting your health checked is very important. This is why we are highlighting it in this issue of Channel Mag. With bowel cancer being the second highest cause of cancer deaths in New Zealand (more than breast and prostate cancer combined), early treatment is essential, with endoscopy an integral part of early cancer detection and diagnosis.

At Waitematā Endoscopy, they have worked hard to solve the problem of timely access to a colonoscopy for the early screening, detection and diagnosis of bowel cancer, at ideally its pre-cancerous stage. Now, with increased capacity, North Shore residents requiring private endoscopy services can have access to significantly reduced wait times during an anxious time.

With 17 gastroenterologists and surgeons, Waitematā Endoscopy is able to offer patients a confirmed appointment within seven working days of a GP, specialist, or self-referral for most standard colonoscopies and gastroscopies, when you let them match you with the availabilities of their experienced specialists across the Waitematā Endoscopy Group. North Shore patients now have increased access to world-class endoscopy care closer to home for greater peace of mind.

The Waitematā Endoscopy clinics (as well as North Shore they also have a clinic in Henderson) provide people with upper gastrointestinal issues, reflux, coeliac disease, colon/bowel cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, access to a highly experienced team of 10 gastroenterologists and seven surgeons, supported by a kind and compassionate nursing team.

With 17 gastroenterologists and surgeons, Waitemata Endoscopy is able to offer patients a confirmed appointment within 7 working days of a GP, specialist, or self-referral for most standard colonoscopies and gastroscopies…

WHAT IS ENDOSCOPY?

Endoscopy is a way of looking inside the gut using a thin tube and light that is minimally invasive for patient. Commonly referred to as a “Top and Tail”, the “top” is a gastroscopy, when the tube or scope is inserted through the mouth. The “tail” is a colonoscopy, where the scope is to get a good look at the colon or large bowel.

HOW DO I GET AN APPOINTMENT?

If you have health insurance, Waitematā Endoscopy is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Health insurance, and can also apply for prior approval with NIB on your behalf. They also provide quotes for other insurers, or if you are self-funding, they can provide an estimate.

Waitematā Endoscopy aims to deliver an international standard of excellence in endoscopy services for New Zealanders. With purpose-built endoscopy clinics, which includes a personal ensuite in the pre-procedure areas, as well as the latest technology, Clinical Director Dr Ali Jafer says “local residents can have increased peace of mind, knowing that they can receive timely and exceptional quality endoscopy care when they need it, to improve their quality of life and wellbeing”.

So don’t sit on your symptoms, take action for you and your whānau.

The Waitematā Endoscopy team may also be able to assist you with a payment plan of 12 months interest free or six months long term finance with Q Mastercard. Talk to them about the conditions that apply.

To meet Waitematā Endoscopy doctors and read their profiles, visit waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/doctors

Waitematā Endoscopy on the Shore – at Southern Cross North Harbour Hospital, 212 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley. Phone: 09 925 4449

Also located in West Auckland at 53 Lincoln Road, Henderson. Visit: waitemataendoscopy.co.nz

We have been serving the Waitematā community for nearly 17 years, offering access to a group of experienced Gastroenterologists and Surgeons. Bringing you timely access to Colonoscopy, Gastroscopy and advanced procedures close to home where care meets excellence, as your local Endoscopy Experts.

URGENT APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE are dedicated to exceptional patient care

Talk to your GP about a referral to the Waitematā Endoscopy Group, or you can self-refer at: www.waitemataendoscopy.co.nz/referrals

WE have you covered from 'Top to Bottom'

#supportlocal the

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

MC TILES

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

GECKO IN THE VILLAGE

- GLENFIELD MALL

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

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

Honeysticks Beeswax Crayons Triangles. Handmade using 100% pure New Zealand beeswax and food-grade pigments for colour. They're non-toxic and safe for toddlers and children, with no paraffin wax or cheap fillers. $22.99. geckointhevillage.co.nz 09 441 2255

PAINTED BIRD

Painted Bird Vintage offers an exceptional range of beautifully curated garments and outstanding accessories from Europe and beyond. Bespoke, unique and sustainably fashioned designed to flatter and flaunt every woman. Shop local for 'the good garments'. 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

COSI FAN TUTTE

Come and check out our new collection of the super stylish Rains of Denmark raincoats. New colours to make a grey rainy day bright.

73 Victoria Road, Devonport, 021 247 2469

cosifantutte.co.nz Instagram @cosifantutte_devonport

FLORIENNE

Spring is coming, yes it is!

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

THE SHEEPSKIN FACTORY

Stay warm in style with possum merino! Beanies, scarves, gloves, socks and more. 34 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna 09 486 2679 thesheepskinfactory.co.nz

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

CRAVEHOME

Keep dry and travel in style with the latest collection from Rains – all your weekend getaway essentials are covered with wash bags, crossbody bags, rain jackets, totes and the fabulous fast-selling weekend bag. The full collection is in-store and online now.

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

YARNTONS

ECOVASK

Whether you're moving into a new home or giving your kitchen a makeover, the last thing you want is smelly old dishcloths and old kitchen towels. Our certified organic cotton products will add sustainable functionality and style to your home. Stunning colours available. Visit our studio at 56 Barrys Point Road, Takapuna or online at ecovask.nz

Show Dad your appreciation by gifting him a pair of iconic R.M. William boots - we have a whole range at Yarntons. R.M. Williams can only be bought in-store. Visit us in-store, call or use our contact form online to make enquiries.

18 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, 09 418 4011 69 Victoria Road, Devonport, 09 445 3479 yarntons.co.nz

RESENE COLORSHOP

Enhance the beauty of your timber with new Resene Colour Enhance Japan Black for an easy-to-achieve look reminiscent of Japanese lacquered finishes. There’s no need to sand or strip back the finish – simply add to your Resene clear finish, clean the surface and apply.

Available from Resene ColorShops, resene.com/colorshops.

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

Donor Centre. 441 Lake Road, Takapuna Beach. Ph 09 489 8858

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Shore Junction

Shore Junction - signing up is easy

Shore Junction had a great two weeks over the school holidays with a steady stream of young people coming through the doors. What we also noticed is an increase in parents popping in to have a look around (which we love!). We realise as a parent, you might have some questions about what Shore Junction has to offer and how your child can get involved. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:

• How can my child sign up? Signing up is easy! Your child can register online through the Shore Junction website or simply complete a registration form during their first visit to the centre.

• Are there any fees involved? No, all activities at Shore Junction are completely free of charge. This ensures that every young person has the opportunity to participate regardless of their background.

• When are you open? Tuesday to Saturday 10am until 6pm. These hours are the same over the school holidays too. If a young person arrives during a school day, we do check in with the school, or parents, to ensure that they are not skipping school.

• What kinds of activities are available? Shore Junction offers a wide range of activities to cater to all interests. Whether your young person is into video games, music production, or creative pursuits like arts and crafts, they'll find something to keep them engaged. The core focus is on fostering a supportive environment where young people can explore their creativity, develop their independence, and grow as individuals.

• How is Shore Junction funded? Shore Junction operates thanks to the generosity of the local community. Donations, grants, and community support are all vital to keeping this valuable resource available for young people.

• Is the centre open during school holidays? Absolutely! Shore Junction remains open during school holidays and often organises special events like barista training workshops or movie afternoons, providing a fun and engaging space for young people to spend their free time.

• Can I accompany my child to the centre? Due to child protection policies, parents are not permitted inside the centre during youth hours. However, the team is always happy to provide tours and answer any questions you may have about the programmes and services offered at Shore Junction.

• My child has difficulty fitting in at school. Can Shore Junction help? Shore Junction is a welcoming space that embraces diversity and inclusivity. The team is dedicated to ensuring that all young people feel comfortable and supported. They can provide guidance and mentorship to those who are struggling to make friends or feeling isolated.

If you have any further questions about Shore Junction and the programmes we offer, don't hesitate to visit our website or get in touch with the team on info@shorejunction.nz or 021 222 5510, or just pop in to have a look around!

To learn more about Shore Junction please email info@shorejunction.nz

A trip of a lifetime: Carolyn travels to Canada and Europe

Carolyn from HelloWorld Takapuna, along with her husband, recently visited Canada and Alaska. They then travelled on to Europe, visiting the Canary Islands, Crete in Greece and Faro in southern Portugal. Channel Mag chatted with Carolyn about their amazing trip.

The first stop was to visit a grizzly bear lodge in the vast remote wilderness close to Vancouver. "It was AMAZING!" says it all!" Carolyn continues, "When we were coming to land in the float plane we flew over a grizzly bear running across the mud flats to avoid the sound of the plane – that was our first encounter with a bear. As it was mating season there were plenty of bears around the shoreline looking for food, and of course mates!"

Visiting during late May meant the bears hadn't long been out of hibernation, and the lodge had been open for just a couple of weeks. Once they arrived they were briefed that the three outings organised for that day would be broken up by morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea – yum! The following day they had a choice of doing hikes, boat trips or bear viewings. "We chose a half-day boat trip further up the inlet we were staying in, and then in the afternoon we hiked to the top of the hill on the other side of that inlet," explains Carolyn. "We are not fit walkers but it was a reasonably easy walk along good trails and boardwalks with rope handrails. We were rewarded with an amazing view over the inlet and the neighbouring mountains. Quite spectacular! It reminded me a lot of Bob's Peak in Queenstown, but with no town below us as we were far more remote." They also enjoyed a guided, easy walk along flat trails where they were educated on what bears eat at this time of year, what their tree scratch marks mean, and lots of other information. "The guides are so passionate about their jobs," she comments. Carolyn describes the trip as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, each day packed with outings and bear viewings galore.

They then hopped on an Alaskan cruise with Regent Seven Seas, sailing from Vancouver to Anchorage, enjoying seven nights on a luxury small-ship cruise, which Carolyn describes as 'fabulous'. "My husband had never wanted to do an Alaskan cruise, but he absolutely loved it too!" she jokes. There were plenty of choices for activities on land, with whale watching, crab-eating, and Whitepass Railroad excursions. "It really was packed full of adventure, but in luxury!"

The highlight of the European leg of the trip was their visit to Crete. "I knew there was a lot of New Zealand war history there, but we didn't know much about the Battle of Crete in the First World War," she says. They discovered memorial sites, found where the German paratroopers landed, and visited the cemetery where 446 Kiwi soldiers were buried, never to return to New Zealand soil. "It's a beautifully kept cemetery located in a lovely bay. It's so nice to know the Greek people remember and value our Kiwi soldiers," says Carolyn. She describes Crete itself as a lovely Greek island at the southernmost point of Europe, and they loved the friendliness of the people. Having a car meant it was easy to drive around, even though they had to drive on the other side of the road from New Zealand. "The motorists were good, and we never heard a horn honk once – not like in neighbouring Italy! We would love to return here one day – we loved it so much."

To find out more about visiting grizzly bears in the wild surroundings of Vancouver, and exploring the best of Europe, please call Carolyn for a chat. If you would like to talk in person, she is at the HelloWorld Takapuna store once a week, so please contact her to make an appointment. She is available by phone 09 257 0883 or by email at carolyn.hedley@travel.helloworld.co.nz

Ensure your home never goes out of style

1. Figure out your personal style: Think about the clothes you wear –relaxed and casual, or structured and more formal; layered neutrals or brighter colours. Your home should reflect and enhance your lifestyle, so how we like to dress or where we like to shop, eat out or stay is a good place to start when thinking about our interiors.

2. Keep your base neutral: Eighty percent of your room should stand the test of time; I usually apply this to walls, floors, window treatments and investment furniture like sofas. Then have a whole load of fun with the remaining 20% – a favourite or on-trend accent colour, lush cushions, colourful artworks and rugs. If the base of your design is timeless, you can refresh your accessories over time to keep your home fresh and current.

3. Embrace minimalism: My golden rule of accessories: less is more. Any space looks more considered, more ordered, and more stylish with fewer beautiful pieces than a clutter of smaller ones. Think about parting with accessories that you don’t absolutely love, and keep your styling simple – think oversized pieces for dramatic effect.

4. Mix your decades: Rooms that marry old and new, antique and contemporary, will ensure a room never stays stuck in one decade. Mix time periods, styles and trends for a modern eclectic look.

KFD Interiors

027 201 9304

kirsten@kirstenforddesign.com, KFDinteriors.com Instagram @kirsten_ford_design Facebook @kirstenforddesign

Jeremy & Sarah Lowe, Renovation Consultants HOMES

Is a garage conversion a good idea?

The most common inquiry we are seeing at the moment is for garage conversions, and this doesn’t come as a surprise. It is probably the easiest way to add space to your home without changing the footprint. We also converted the garage at our three-bedroom home into a bedroom and bathroom to create more space for our growing family.

If you are thinking about converting your garage you need to consider the following:

1. Firstly, you need to check the feasibility of your project. Go to the Auckland Council website and access the GIS viewer to see your property's zoning. Properties are required to have a number of parking requirements that you will need to ensure you can still fulfill.

2. You will need to reclassify your garage from a non-habitable space to a habitable space and this will require building consent.

3. If you want to add a kitchen or laundry to your garage this will be recognised as a separate dwelling and you will also need to apply for resource consent.

4. You will need to check the height of the ceiling as it needs to be a minimum of 2.1m from the finished flooring.

5. Minimum ground clearance needs to be achieved from the external entrances. Best practice is to lower the surrounding ground level and slope the ground away from the garage or increase the finished floor level.

Converting a garage can be a great way to add space, and increase equity and rental income potential. Whatever the reason, it is important to do your numbers and get a good idea of the costs to convert your garage. Most conversions will sit anywhere from $50k-$250k plus. Although it can be daunting, it can be a valuable project.

If you need some help with the feasibility, planning, drawings and construction elements of your garage conversion, give us a call and we would be happy to have a chat with you about your options and how we can help.

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

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

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

DIY electrical safety tips for homeowners

Ready to tackle some home improvement projects involving a bit of wiring? That’s great! But remember, safety first. In 2023, over 300 home fires in New Zealand were linked to electrical faults – a stark reminder of what's at stake. That’s a number we all want to see go down, so here’s how you can keep safe and keep those stats low while working on your home:

Know your home's electrical system: First up, familiarise yourself with your home's electrical setup. Know where your breaker box and main shut-off switch are located – essential for cutting power quickly in an emergency.

Essential safety practices:

• Always turn off the power at the breaker before starting any electrical work. Use a voltage tester to ensure no wires are live.

• Use insulated tools specifically designed for electrical tasks to prevent shocks.

• Wear rubber-soled shoes and keep your workspace dry to avoid accidents.

Avoid common mistakes:

• Don't overload circuits by plugging too many devices into one outlet, which can lead to overheating and fires.

• Always use a junction box for wire connections to keep them secure and covered.

• Choose the correct wire size for your circuit’s amperage to prevent overheating.

When to call a professional: While DIY can be cost-effective, some jobs are best left to the professionals, especially complex tasks like upgrades or new installations. If you're unsure, it’s safer to consult a licensed electrician.

Remember, no saving is worth compromising your safety. If a job feels out of your depth, it’s wise to call in an expert. By following these safety tips, you'll ensure your DIY electrical projects are done safely and successfully. Need help or advice? Give me a call!

Rudall, Lake Road Electrical

Garden makeovers for selling your home

Just as updating or staging the interior of your home can make a world of difference to buyers; spending a little time on your garden can make a world of difference and greatly boost your kerb appeal.

You don't have to re-design your outdoors, call the diggers in or clear out your local garden centre though; there are some very simple and straightforward ways to make a huge difference. Most buyers will be concerned with the house and its location first and foremost; but they will certainly appreciate a garden that looks open, neat, and easy to care for. Here are the main steps you need to take to get your garden ship shape:

Tidying – remove any garden debris, perished trees and shrubs or broken or tired looking furniture. Rake up leaves, prune and dead-head your shrubs.

Trimming – make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed back away from gutters and windows. Give your hedges and shrubs a nice sharp trim and if you have trees or shrubs along your driveway make sure they are trimmed back as much as possible so the driveway and paths feel more spacious and open.

Weeding & Mulching – Weed all garden beds and if possible cover with a nice thick layer of bark or mulch. This will not only keep the weeds away for longer, it really neatens the look of a garden, making everything look fresh, tidy and healthy.

Lawns – A freshly mown lawn is a must, while a wild unkempt lawn just makes buyers think of lost Sunday afternoons.

Cleaning – Give decks, paths and driveways a good wash or waterblast. Now is also a great time to check for repairs to hard assets such as decks, fences, and retaining walls.

Additions – If your outdoor furniture is tired, broken or nonexistent it would be good to buy or borrow a nice fresh set, so buyers can envision themselves relaxing in your newly created oasis. You don’t have to break the bank though; a simple pop of colour with some seasonal flowers, or an outdoor mirror or sculpture can really brighten up an entry or make a gloomy corner seem refreshed.

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.

MC Tiles…Where design meets inspiration

MC Tiles showroom, located in Tawa Drive, Albany, delivers an expansive solution for discerning buyers, Designers and Architects in a convenient location.

We are a New Zealand owned and operated business with a sister boutique showroom, Tonic Tile Lounge located in Richmond Road Grey Lynn. We pride ourselves on providing a superior level of customer service, extensive product knowledge and a stunning selection of European tiles.

Our range of tiles, include some of the most prestigious offerings from the world’s leading producers in Italy and Spain. We offer tile solutions for all spaces, floors and walls – for indoor and outdoor environments.

If big format is what you want, we have on display and in stock 1200 x1200mm and 1200 x 2800mm slabs. These will transform ideas and excite your imagination to challenge the possibilities big formats permit. Push the boundaries and be bold with stunning statement pieces for almost any application. Big format tiles are amazing as splashbacks or cladding for fireplaces. Shower walls with no grout are a cleaner’s delight and really open a space due to reduced grout lines to make a space feel less busy.

From classic calacatta and statuario marble looks, to stunning natural stone and industrial concrete, there is something for all decors. If mosaics and subway tiles with a splash of colour are what you require, we have options. Wood look porcelain tiles are an all-round winning choice. Their high resistance to scuffing, frost, impacts, scratches and water/chemicals make them a resistant material suitable for any environment. The classic look of timber floors with the versatility of porcelain. No need to worry about sun fading either. What a great alternative to timber.

As the importer, MC Tiles sources solutions that are not always brought to the general market – but we can deliver for your special project. Our well-established relationships with international suppliers allow us to deliver tailored, personalised, unique solutions. Indenting products to make your project special is always an option. If you are looking for a point of difference in a generic landscape of

Customer Evening

We will be serving some delicious Italian finger food, wine and beer.

Date: Wednesday 16th October Time: 4.00 – 7.00 P.M.

SPACES ARE LIMITED so please RSVP: jane@mctiles.co.nz

Albany Showroom, located at Tawa Trade Centre, Shop 5, Tawa Drive, Albany, T: 0800 002 005 or visit mctiles.co.nz for our hours and products

5% of the value of any orders generated from the evening will be donated to Harbour Hospice.

interior design options, MC Tiles or Tonic Tile Lounge are worth a visit. Enjoy a personable, unique experience to guide you in choosing your tile solution. It is one of the most integral parts of your project.

Come along to our customer evening to view our range ….and be inspired!

mctiles.co.nz

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Grace & Gild Market Bloom Candle - $49.90

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Lovisa

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Indulge in the refined beauty of Lovisa's flat-back earrings made from the finest surgical steel and gold-plated metal. Add high-quality pieces in beautiful shades of gold, silver and rose gold to your earring collection. Treat your ears to the ultimate comfort.

Nike Air Max SC - $90.00

With its familiar design lines, heritage track aesthetic and visible Max Air cushioning, the Nike Air Max SC is the perfect way to finish o any outfit. Durable suede and lightweight knit textiles.

Smile Dental Dental Examination (excl. X-rays) - Free

Looking for a trusted dental practice? Look no further! With Smile Dental, we're here to serve you. Book your next check up with us.

OmniTech Device inspections - From $50.00

Looking for phone repair services but unable to find a qualified team? Don’t worry, OmniTech are the top surgeons for your device. They will get it fixed!

Blazin Burger

Give the perfect present every time! New Menu items - Menu prices in-store

Looking for something for lunch? Blazin Burger have a brand new menu to explore. Come by the Glenfield Mall foodcourt to see their menu items and prices. Let’s eat!

#Gramworthy

Our round up of posts from DOG FRIENDLY (!) local eateries on IG that we’ve double tapped (liked) and a Q&A with Sam from @vondel_akl

Sam Bratton owns and runs popular Devonport eatery, Vondel, an all-day dog friendly eatery in Devonport. Sam was born and raised on the Kapiti Coast near Wellington and has had stints living in Melbourne, Madrid, Amsterdam and London before coming to Auckland. Sam talks to Channel about his refreshing approach to socials, where he finds inspiration and how being a dog friendly café seems so standard to him.

Tell us a little bit about your restaurant and how it came about…

Sam Bratton: The restaurant is called Vondel, named after Vondel Park in Amsterdam. It’s turning into a ‘home away from home’ kinda vibe. I wanted a place that people just don’t have to think about, they just can turn up and get looked after. There’s so much in life that requires thought and organisation and stress – Vondel is the place you can leave all that at the door and just relax.

Is Instagram a source of inspiration for you? What other chefs or food spots do you recommend following and why?

Yes and no. Yes because it’s cool to see what others are doing and trying with food/drink/design etc and be inspired by how we can develop ideas into something that has our feel to it. And no because Instagram and social media is essentially a fabrication and not always accurate for what is going on in real life. Atmosphere is a good example, I’ve seen a lot of accounts that have a big following and portray an atmosphere through their posts but then you go there and it feels vacant and cold.

Which other local businesses/restaurants do social media well?

I think Paulie and Lisa of Ockhee, Swings and Nami record bar do a great job. Their social media game is bang on and I think you get the same warmth and quality of product in their businesses in real life as you do online. Coco’s Cantina is another big inspiration – they’ve been around for over 10 years and still operate with a big community focus. Hospitality is so much more than just making money; anyone operating under that ethos is a big inspiration for me.

You guys are dog friendly. Why is that important to you?

Honestly I don’t know where it started. It’s obvious now because I have a dog and he’s turned into such a massive part of Vondel. But previous to that, I think maybe it was years living in London where it’s just normal that dogs are taken everywhere. It was so weird to me that a country so dog friendly (Aotearoa) could be so anti having dogs in cafes and restaurants. We used to get people sitting outside in winter in the cold because they had their dog with them; they would be so surprised when I told them to come inside. Making them sit outside in the cold just because they had a dog seemed so antithetical to the reason I opened in the first place.

IG @vondel_akl • vondel.co.nz • 8 Victoria Road, Devonport

and

@honeycafetakapuna

The food here is amazing and we love enjoying their outdoor tables with our dogs all year round while eating some of the yummy cabinet food or anything on the menu. @patchsunnybrae

This place feels like the natural end to your dog walk or a good midway pitstop. The team bakes fresh doggie biscuits you can buy. @takapunabeachcafe

Brunch

the company of our furry friends, sign us up! Honey loves seeing their four legged customers.

Sam Bratton

A love of learning begins at Kristin.

The first years at school have a significant impact on how children feel about learning and how they engage with it for the rest of their lives. That’s why at Kristin Junior School, we’ve created a welcoming and caring environment where every student is known, nurtured and extended as an individual.

We carefully limit our class sizes to give our students more one-on-one time with their dedicated homeroom teacher. Our students also benefit from our traditional learning environment, with single-cell classrooms where they can focus and thrive.

To find out more about Kristin Junior School, visit kristin.school.nz or email admissions@kristin.school.nz

FOCUS ON BARRYS POINT ROAD

Dried flowers to brighten your winter

A growing trend in the world of floral arrangements, dried flowers have surged in popularity and are currently one of the most sought-after interior trends around, and it’s no wonder!

Channel Mag's Liz Cannon chats with Lisa Marsh, owner/ operator of Flower Wholesalers Takapuna.

Why dried flowers, especially this winter?

Lisa Marsh: These beautiful flowers are low maintenance and a stylish alternative to fresh flowers, as they do not require light or water to maintain their stunning appearance. They add a natural touch to any home or office, and capture the beauty of every season, and are very 'on-trend'.

What dried flowers are best?

Some of the most popular dried flower combinations include toi toi, palm spears, bunny tails, eucalyptus, lavender and roses. These last two are especially successful individually or as part of a larger floral arrangement, as not only are they visually stunning, but also bring a relaxing scent to any environment. Popular posies and bunches can range from oversized pastel-hued blooms to striking architectural displays and stunning bouquets.

Some of the most popular dried flower combinations include toi toi, palm spears, bunny tails, eucalyptus, lavender and roses.

Are dried flowers a good choice throughout the year, too?

Very much so! A perfect choice during winter to brighten your winter days, dried flowers are also a popular choice throughout the year. The longevity of dried flowers regardless of the season, conditions or location, makes them a sustainable choice that lasts. Arrangements and displays can be kept far longer than traditional fresh flowers that

have a distinctly shorter lifespan before being thrown away. Furthermore, they are 100% natural and biodegradable, making them significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional fresh flowers, which can often be grown and transported over long distances.

You have an amazing range of dried flowers. They must be popular!

Absolutely! We love the creativity of arranging dried flowers for everyday posies that last forever, gorgeous gifts for milestone events, and special bouquets and displays, especially for weddings any time of the year. Dried flowers are a perfect way to create long-lasting wedding mementoes; the bride's bouquet and bridesmaids' posies, the groom and groomsmen's buttonholes, and as favours for guests too. They can create the most gorgeous, rustic and natural effects as reception decorations, including backdrops and table centrepieces.

Call in to see Lisa and her lovely team, and Murphy the new shop puppy, at the bottom of Barrys Point Road. They'll chat through your ideas and requirements, and advise you on the best way to use dried flowers to maximum effect. They deliver locally and throughout the wider Auckland region, and you can rest assured that you'll receive the best floral service with a smile.

Visit Flower Wholesalers Takapuna at 72a Barrys Point Road, call 09 489 9653 for more details, or order online at auck-flowers.co.nz.

Coral Ringrose, Jarrah and Lisa Marsh, Murphy, Ally Cai

Warning – this is really a proud father story. My eldest daughter Courtney is now 34. Back in 1990, when I was just 27, and my wife Michelle 24, Courtney was born in a hurry at 29 weeks at the old National Women’s Hospital, weighing under 1100gms. We never knew anything about premature birth (we hadn’t done any anti-natal classes!) and it was scary times. While it was a difficult period, it was a time when our family developed a strong appreciation of our baby doctors and nurses and the work of the staff at the Special Care Baby Units (SCBU). Courtney spent the first four months of her life in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at National Women’s Hospital in Auckland.

Fast-forward 34 years and Courtney is a mother of two herself and the founder and driving force behind an organisation called Premmie Knitting Club. She’s giving back – that makes me so proud. Premmie Knitting Club has been working with Well Foundation and North Shore Hospital for the best part of a decade, donating knitting and much needed furniture and equipment. Their reach goes much wider as well.

Celebrating the Premmie Knitting Club

By Aidan Bennett

If you’ve been through the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at North Shore Hospital or know a baby being cared for in the unit, chances are they’ve worn a Premmie Knitting Club creation to keep them cozy during their stay.

Premmie Knitting Club (PKC) is a registered charity based on the North Shore providing knitted items for hospitals and organisations right across New Zealand and also fundraising for premmie-related causes. The group facilitates donations to North Shore Hospital (alongside other local

groups) and operates as a virtual tribe of knitters with a loyal community online on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

Premmie Knitting Club also increasingly fundraises for hospital equipment and other much needed items through the sale of fundraising clothing that its community eagerly supports annually, with all profits going towards buying items that the hospitals identify that they need the most.

“I started the very first knitting appeal when I worked at Spark in 2015. I wasn’t

a knitter – and I’m still not one – but I would often mention to colleagues that I wished I could help in some way,” explains Courtney, reflecting on how the initiative came about.

“My colleague, Leah, had a relative who knitted but didn’t know who to contact at the hospital so she suggested that I organise a knitting drive and recruit knitters so that’s how it started.”

During this time, Courtney realised there was tribe of amazing people out there willing to help: family, friends, friends of friends, colleagues and even people she had never

Knitters at a Premmie Knitting Club get together

Knitting ready for despatch to hospitals

met but who love to knit. Some wanted a cause to knit for, while others had a personal connection to the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit). The first hospital Premmie Knitting Club donated its collection of knitting to was North Shore, given Courtney's family’s connection to the area.

After a few years of steady growth aided by personal friends, colleagues and family, Courtney noticed the group growing at a fast pace during the pandemic. People needed something to do and new hobbies, so she found messages to the group increased and Premmie Knitting Club began to receive a lot more knitting. She says that being a non-knitter and running a knitting charity is a funny position to be in, but luckily the group was able to call on the expertise of Natalie Iogha who now sits on the Premmie Knitting Club volunteer board and advises on the knitting side of things, creates patterns and generously donates a lot of time. Courtney also has the support of her mother Michelle and other volunteer board members who contribute to keep PKC running smoothly.

This organic growth has been significant. It’s seen Premmie Knitting Club expand across New Zealand as they’ve had so much knitting to donate.

“We’re so grateful for the support of our volunteer knitters across the country. We’ve recently begun a Christchurch local hub which is run by local volunteers and aims to keep South Island donations local and foster a really grass-roots presence. Ideally, we’d love to expand our local hubs across New Zealand,” says Courtney.

The charity also fundraises for equipment and other items needed by hospitals. Well Foundation, specifically for North Shore Hospital, was the very first hospital they supported.

During the early days of the charity, Premmie Knitting Club would make monetary donations to Well Foundation to assist with improvements to their premmie units. Most recently the group donated a whānau bed and was involved in the purchase of an intubation tool.

Through sales of the fundraising clothing, PKC donated $3,000 towards the video laryngoscope intubation tool. This piece of equipment helps doctors identify and respond to unpredicted difficult airway cases faster, to ensure success at intubation for vulnerable infants and making the procedures less stressful for all involved.

The purchase of the whānau sofa bed for

the North Shore SCBU provides families with an additional space to bond with their baby and help in the transition from hospital to home life. Parents often comment how useful these beds are during their stay.

Premmie Knitting Club is always looking for knitters to get involved or people to donate wool that its knitters will turn into creations for prem babies.

For more information visit PKC's great website, and make sure you follow them on Facebook and Instagram. premmieknittingclub.org Facebook.com/premmieknittingclub Instagram: @premmieknittingclubnz

Courtney Bennett and her grandmother Lillian at North Shore Hospital

Courtney Bennett and Natalie Iogha. Natalie is a PKC board member and knitting expert

Aidan Bennett and his premmie daughter Courtney back in 1990 at National Women's Hospital

The work of Premmie Knitting Club was recently recognised by The Well Foundation and Health NZ Te Whatu Ora with a plaque at North Shore Hospital. Courtney Bennett and daughter Marley are photographed beside the plaque

A knitted premmie blanket

Lots happening in Milford in August…

What a month with lots of reasons to come to your favourite premium shopping centre. With three great prizes on offer, lots of entertainment and of course, everything you need for Father’s Day.

Our Father’s Day Win a Weekend Away promotion Starts Monday 5 August and runs through to Sunday 1 September. The prize draw will be made on Wednesday 4 September and the lucky winner notified. Refer to the terms and conditions of entry

What’s to win in Milford in August

• Celebrity Chef $3,000 Dining Experience

• Five-course degustation for up to 10 people

• Drawn 1 August

• Shop at Well Hung Butchery to enter.

• $3,000 Shopping Spree in the Milford Centre Mall

• Simply spend $30 or more

• Closes 12 August

• A Weekend Away for Dad

• At the magnificent Riverside Matakana resort

• Driving a new Tank 300 from GWM North Shore

• Valued at over $2,500

What’s on in Milford in August

• Milford Motel

• Quiz night – every Tuesday night 7pm

• Pizza Thursdays – $20 pizzas all day!

• Tank 300 on display every Friday and Saturday Milford Cruising Club

• Trivia Quiz night every Thursday night 7.30pm – meal starts at 7pm

• Friday night is ‘Dinner Night’ from 7pm

• Live music with Jaz Paterson Friday 2 August, 7pm, meals available

• New members welcome so come and try us! Email manager@milfordcruising.co.nz for more information.

The Hub - Bar & Grill

• Quiz night every Thursday night 7.30pm

• Live music every Friday night

• Fri 2 August - Curbside Crawl

• Fri 9 August - Run 4 Cover

• 16 August – Mantics Band

• 30 August - Curbside Crawl

• Open mic every Sunday from 4pm

• On The Rocks

• Open mic Wednesday 8pm

• Thursday poker night 7pm

• Live music at 8pm Friday

• Karaoke on Saturday

• Happy hour every day 4pm-7pm

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

We walk before we talk

Rinku recently went to Bali with friends. Here is a glimpse of her holiday:

I have recently been to Bali to celebrate a milestone birthday with friends and Bali just amazed us with its beauty and activities. We all had a fantastic time as every day we explored something exciting. From beautiful beaches of all types to green mountains, rice field terraces, and cool villages, Bali has much more to offer.

We split our accommodation between two areas: Seminiyak, where most of the beautiful beaches, sunset points, and night clubs ar, before going to Ubud, which is famous for its culture, rice fields, rainforest and temples.

The weather was favourable – it was bearably hot during the day and the evenings were pleasant with a cool breeze. We relaxed at Seminiyak beach followed by massage and a refreshing fresh coconut drink to beat the heat.

We enjoyed a very relaxing time in Seminiyak, with plenty of shopping and massage options available to balance out the crazy fun we had.

There are lot of sunset points, but my favourite was The Rock Bar which is just stunning, and is a 30-45 minute drive from Seminyak depending on the traffic.

Ubud, on the other side of Bali, is wetter than on the coast. Expect cloudy days and a downpour here and there. It is a jungle after all. Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua and the south in general are your best bet for a sunny vacation.

We did lots of activities like riding on jet skis and quad bikes, which was my favourite adventurous activity around the jungle and waterfall. We also got the chance to glam ourselves with a beautiful outfit at the most thrilling adventure, the famous “Bali Swing” which is a must-do activity, especially for a girls' trip with friends; we had so much fun.

Overall, my Bali experience was just great and I would love to go again as there is so much to explore.

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

Be ready to ‘Thrive in 2025’

There’s no doubt that things are tough for everyone. Households are doing it tough, businesses are doing it tough, not for profit and community groups are doing it tough, the government and councils are doing it tough. For this issue we have reached out to four successful people in the community who are involved in business and the financial sector for some wisdom around tackling the tough times. We reckon that what Eric, David, John and Matt have to say is an interesting read. We particularly like the advice that we should be ready to thrive in 2025!

Eric Faesenkloet

Eric lives in Takapuna, is the owner of the Golf Warehouse, and is well-known for his generosity. At age 20, Eric established Downtown Stereo Centre, importing and selling audio, video and televisions. He went on to purchase the Bond & Bond chain which he eventually sold in 1990. Eric has been involved in property, and established Golf Warehouse from very humble beginnings, purchasing the stand-alone driving range in Takapuna. The business has grown to become New Zealand's largest and most trusted golf retail company with a dozen or more stores as well as driving ranges. In 2013 Eric became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business, golf and the community in the Queens Birthday Honours List.

How are you seeing the current economic conditions affecting your business and life?

We are still doing good sales but there is no doubt people are tightening their discretionary spending habits. I personally don't enjoy seeing young first home buyers being strangled by high living costs and high interest rates, but in saying that we still have difficulty in getting staff to do extra overtime to increase their savings. This was something I did many times in my life in previous tough times.

If you had one piece of personal advice for people dealing with this period what would that be?

My advice to a few of these people is to work longer hours or try and get a second job. Good times will come again so it's not permanent. These times won't be forever. Too many people have become dependent on handouts from the government and those days will also start getting harder as the funds dry up. My last bit of advice to people is not to buy something on hire purchase if you can't meet the payments.

Most businesses will be dealing with tough times at present. What would your key message be to the business people leading organisations?

It's very hard running a business now but tough times also create opportunities. Just

looking at everything on sale everywhere is a good indicator that everyone is feeling the pinch. What many retailers forget is that there is still a large number of people who do have savings, or very little debt, and they continue to spend. Our staff are trained to treat every customer regardless of their wealth with utmost respect and it's amazing how many will open their wallets. I also think these times create great buying opportunities to get great savings at wholesale. We always pass these savings on and I believe that makes us stand out against the opposition.

What lessons have you learned from previous soft economic times?

We find being 100% transparent with the staff in these times really imperative. We also gave all our staff a 10% pay rise (which was a massive cost) so that they could get through the inflationary period that we are in. The staff have all responded with their own ideas on how to improve the business. We also have had to help a few individuals who have never seen these times before. In these times it's really important to be working alongside the staff whether it's on the shop floor or warehouse. These tough times really make the hard workers and staff who want to get ahead stand out. Good times will come back. Always advertise in tough times – most of your opposition

Eric Faesenkloet

will have stopped. This way you will always stand out in the crowd. Treat your customers like god; they are paying your wages. Shop around for the best deals.

Good times will come again so it's not permanent. These times won't be forever.

Is there anything that the government or Reserve Bank can do to help the situation for all New Zealanders? Have they got it right? I really worry here, it frightens me that when a Finance Minister (who usually has

David Green

David lives in Castor Bay and is a financial adviser (FMA) with two decades' experience in financial services, and holds a Bachelor of Business (Finance & Accountancy). He is also a chartered accountant (CA) a qualification obtained while providing business advisory services at Deloitte. David founded ‘adviceHQ’ in 2018, a financial advisory firm based in Takapuna that provides independent financial advice on mortgages, insurance, KiwiSaver, business and commercial loans. Visit advicehq.co.nz for more information.

How are you seeing the current economic conditions affecting your business and life?

New business has been steady; however we have been very busy helping existing clients navigate the cost-of-living crisis, elevated interest rates, and separations/divorces. Our clients really value independent financial advice.

If you had one piece of personal advice for people dealing with this period what would that be?

The earlier you ask for help the more options you have.

Most businesses will be dealing with tough times at present. What would your key message be to the business people leading organisations?

Cash is king now more than ever. Ensure you have set aside funds for the IRD, creditors and most importantly staff. If you are short of funds, seek help early – the more time

no qualifications in economics) ignores advice from Treasury and then goes on a huge spending spree with handouts that the country can't afford causing these types of dilemmas we now face economically. Our last government did this and now New Zealand faces the highest debt levels in its history. One in every $5.00 that the country earns now only pays the interest on that debt. Politicians are so afraid of being voted out and they become reckless, If our current government doesn't tend to pay higher wages – for doctors, nurses and police – then we could quite easily see a massive collapse in those departments. These $100m blow-outs we keep hearing about are simply inexcusable. If that was a business we would all go broke!! So many younger people are looking for lucrative positions overseas now and this will also have a long term negative effect on this country because there are talented people leaving. My advice to our government is to incentivise hard workers and make New Zealand more productive again.

Why should we all cheer up?

New Zealand is a very blessed country that bats well above its weight and size in the world arena. The media has a huge role to play for a positive outcome – if they don't, their industry could also collapse. Our news bulletins need to have one positive story a day as people need to feel good again. Young people also need to know that the elderly need help in these times as well. With all the negative stuff out there it can become very scary for a lot of these lonely people. Just making people laugh once a day would also be a good start. I try to do this with a close group of friends everyday as it is so important.

On a very positive note it’s Father’s Day on 1 September – how will you be celebrating with your family?

I love this day, spending time with your own family and their kids is definitely what makes living so special. There is no price on family or anything more important in life.

you have, the more options you have. As independent financial advisers, we can help clients with solutions from over 30 lenders, including banks, non-banks, asset lenders, and private lenders.

What lessons have you learned from previous soft economic times?

A few old sayings come to mind: prepare for the worst and hope for the best; in every crisis there is an opportunity; the harder you work the luckier you get. On a more serious note, remain positive and focus on what you can control. Do you cut back in advertising, or do you invest in advertising?

Ensure you have set aside funds for the IRD, creditors and most importantly staff.

Is there anything that the government or Reserve Bank can do to help the situation for all New Zealanders? Have they got it right?

Too far, too fast. Too slow, too long. The RBNZ needs to restore credibility and I’m not sure that can be achieved with the current leadership. If this was a corporate organisation, would the executive/board still

David Green

in place? The government (left, middle or right) needs to make life easier for all Kiwis and get back to basics (education, health, safety). Too often we have seen idealistic legislation intended to solve a problem that doesn’t exist, with dire consequences e.g. the CCCFA (Credit Contracts & Consumer Finance Act) amendments in 2021 froze access to credit and pushed people into difficult situations, sometimes forcing them to use lenders of last resort which was the primary target of the legislation.

Why should we all cheer up?

Next year will be better; be ready to “Thrive in 2025”. At the time of writing the RBNZ has forecast inflation will be within target range in this half year, leaving the door open for interest rate cuts.

On a very positive note it’s Father’s Day on 1 September – how will you be celebrating with your family?

I am lucky to be a father of two healthy kids so no doubt we will be supporting the local cafes along with the rest of the Shore.

John Berry

John is a Takapuna resident and the co-founder and resident wayfinder at Pathfinder Asset Management. John believes ethical investing can fund a better, more sustainable world – and deliver great financial returns. As co-founder of Pathfinder, he has embedded this belief in a series of innovative ethical funds, which in recent times have received numerous awards. John was personally recognised by the Sustainable Business Network winning the “Sustainability Superstar Award” in 2023. Outside work he helps on several advisory boards and enjoys writing and time with family.

How are you seeing the current economic conditions affecting your business and life?

In tougher economic times people often defer decision making. It’s natural to hunker down and not want to change things up. Having said that, business has been good for us. Pathfinder’s KiwiSaver just turned five years old and we’ve been having great momentum, growth and new people joining us. In business, and in life generally, I’m happy.

If you had one piece of personal advice for people dealing with this period what would that be?

Unless you’re a business owner, for most people your inflows (salary) are fixed but outflows (household expenses) aren’t. Just be mindful what you’re spending on. In particular those monthly subscriptions you put in place – they add up; are you using them all? If you’re finding these times really tough, try to stay positive because it’s true – it’s always darkest just before the

Most businesses will be dealing with tough times at present. What would your key message be to the business people leading organisations?

Businesses are ultimately about people – whether people in your team, customer relationships or suppliers. Be a leader with hope and optimism despite the difficult times. Be a business leader who can see a better future, help people work through challenges and keep up their energy and engagement.

What lessons have you learned from previous soft economic times?

We launched Pathfinder in 2009 which was “peak turmoil” for the GFC (Global Financial Crisis). You learn discipline and how to be effective in hard times. Having worked through many cycles (I was young but was invested in shares during the 1987 crash), I always remind myself that things will come good. Sometimes you just need to ride out the bad times. In the case of financial markets, things typically start ‘coming good’ well before we see evidence of it in wider economic data. Manage through the tougher times but be thinking ahead for when the cycle will turn.

Is there anything that the government or Reserve Bank can do to help the situation for all New Zealanders? Have they got it right?

No, we haven’t got it right. Our policy settings as a country were far too easy with money during Covid times and now it feels we’re at the other extreme – being too tough. At a policy level we need to be innovative – what if instead of raising interest rates by 5% since 2021 the Reserve Bank had been able to temporarily increase KiwiSaver contribution rates? Instead of

John Berry

banks through higher mortgage payments, households could have been paying thousands into their KiwiSaver. Rather than higher mortgage payments with no benefit, there would have been a long-term benefit. We need to get settings right – we also need to think about whether the Reserve Bank has the right targets and tools.

Why should we all cheer up?

We need to be cheerful because New Zealand is, despite current challenges, a great place to live and a great place to raise a family. Globally there’s political polarisation, geopolitical conflict, social upheaval and environmental challenges. We’re far from perfect in New Zealand but this is a great part of the world. Especially the North Shore!

On a very positive note it’s Father’s Day on 1 September – how will you be celebrating with your family?

Ange and I are blessed with two great boys (actually, they’re now young men). My perfect Fathers’ Day is simply spending time with my family, being appreciated by them and receiving a hug. Maybe also taking a quick cold plunge together at Milford Beach. A

Matthew Bellingham

Matt, a Coatesville resident, has over 30 years' experience in chartered accounting, starting out after university by joining a small accounting firm in Takapuna. Fast forward five years, and Matt was awarded a partnership just prior to his 26th birthday. In 2012 Matt and Aaron Wallace launched Bellingham Wallace with a vision to build an accountancy business that was truly different from the rest. Matt has extensive advisory and governance experience across a wide variety of industries and now heads up the Bellingham Wallace Transaction Advisory team. Matt thrives on getting the job done and achieving brilliant outcomes for clients. He is recognised as a speaker and presenter on financial, advisory, and governance topics. Bellingham Wallace, under the leadership of Matt, Aaron and Mike Atkinson are massive contributors to their communities.

How are you seeing the current economic conditions affecting your business and life?

There’s no doubt about it – things are tough right now. In business: demand is down, cashflow is tight and becoming increasingly tough to manage, and the future pipeline of work is lighter than I can remember – even worse than 2007/08 during and post GFC. In life, I guess I am like everyone else. Our dollar doesn’t stretch as far so spending decisions are taken carefully and discretionary spend is down. Paying the mortgage takes a much bigger chunk of disposable income month in and month out.

Businesses are ultimately about people – whether people in your team, customer relationships or suppliers.

If you had one piece of personal advice for people dealing with this period what would that be?

This economic cycle had to happen – it is a necessary reset to the economy after years of living in a false economic candy land where lollies were passed out and people spent with no consequence. BUT, it is just a cycle and things will improve. We are already seeing inflationary pressures reduce and the latest statement from the Reserve Bank gives us hope that interest rates will be cut sooner than previously thought. If fixing your mortgage – fix short term!

Most businesses will be dealing with tough times at present. What would your key message be to the business people leading organisations? It is easy to make money in the booms, but in reality the best opportunities come during the downturns. Use this period to your advantage, right-size the costs on your business, rationalise where

necessary to focus on high margin products and services and above all manage cash flow with ruthless efficiency every single day. In the next boom, spend wisely and build resilience into your balance sheet so that when the inevitable next downturn kicks in you are better placed to deal with it.

What lessons have you learned from previous soft economic times?

That it is only a cycle, and better times will come. Never waste a good recession – use this period to reduce costs and manage non-performing areas of the business much more tightly. Never waste a good recession – if you have the balance sheet to invest, now is a great time. There will be opportunities for growth and acquisition of competitors to take market share and ready yourself for great times ahead. Remember the lessons you learn this time, and focus on building resilience in your business and balance sheets so you do not become a statistic at the next downturn.

Is there anything that the government or Reserve Bank can do to help the situation for all New Zealanders? Have they got it right?

I think we are on the right track. The government is determined to reduce spending through cutting out frivolous activities whilse still investing in critical areas that have been neglected for years – for example infrastructure, roading, education, health. We need to focus on improving our productivity and overall output. Getting more Kiwis into meaningful paid employment and getting our young Kiwis better educated is the key to long term success. The Reserve Bank has finally recognised that inflation is well on the way to being tamed, food prices have dropped and the economy is in the process of being re-set. I think they could bring forward their projections on the OCR cuts.

Why should we all cheer up?

We are an amazing little country, with a great future ahead. Yes, we are facing some tough times but so is the rest of the world and I truly believe that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Every day I’m grateful to live in such a wonderful place – there is no place globally that I would rather be.

On a very positive note it’s Father’s Day on 1 September – how will you be celebrating with your family?

I suspect it will be pretty low key – a bit of time with my four beautiful daughters, going to see my father during the day at some point (I’m 53 and lucky enough to still have him in my life) and given that is the first day of spring maybe cranking up the pizza oven in the evening for some gourmet wood-fired pizzas!’

Matthew Bellingham

Breast Cancer Cure’s iconic Fashion for a Cure event is coming to the North Shore for the first time!

Mark your calendars for Thursday, 19th September, when the Volvo Cars North Shore showroom becomes the backdrop for an evening of glamour and generosity with Fashion for a Cure. The event will showcase the collections from 17 of New Zealand’s leading fashion brands on the runway, creating a night to remember.

Fashion for a Cure fosters connection, unity, joy, and passion while raising vital funds for breast cancer research in New Zealand. With New Zealand having the 7th highest incidence of breast cancer globally and two women dying from the disease each day, supporting research for this cause is crucial.

Breast Cancer Cure is the only not-for-profit charitable trust in New Zealand, established exclusively to support research aimed at finding a cure for breast cancer.

Hosted by Breast Cancer Cure Ambassadors Antonia Prebble and Nerida Jantti, the evening will feature the collections from top New Zealand designers including Trelise Cooper, COOPER,

Federation, Hailwood, taylor, Tuesday, Augustine, moochi, STORM, and Kathryn Wilson. Attendees can also participate in live and silent auctions for unique experiences and exclusive items.

Long-time supporters, Harcourts Cooper & Co will be backing the event, with Breast Cancer Cure Ambassador Shane Cortese leading the live auction.

Volvo Cars New Zealand, proud sponsor of Breast Cancer Cure, are hosting the event in their newly opened North Shore showroom, the largest Volvo showroom in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Volvo Cars has a heritage of world-renowned safety research, and we’re proud to partner with Breast Cancer Cure as they fund vital research for all New Zealanders,” said Ben Montgomery, General Manager of Volvo Cars New Zealand.

Don’t miss this event! Along with the charitable festivities and an all-inclusive evening, each guest will receive a fabulous goody bag. Get your tickets now as past events have sold out quickly!

Tickets are available at: breastcancercure.org.nz

Presented by:

North Harbour athletes aim for the World Winter Games

By Christine Young

While we – and the world – focused on the Olympic Games in Paris last month, two North Harbour athletes had their sights focused on representing New Zealand at the Special Olympics World Winter Games (WWG) in Torino in 2025 – the biggest world sports event to be held next year. Cosmo Adams and Marc Enderle have been selected in snowboarding and alpine skiing respectively, but as Christine Young discovered, they have more to do to get there than simply being selected to attend.

For Cosmo and Marc, it’s the opportunity of a lifetime. After hiatus of seven or eight years due to Covid, WWG will welcome approximately 13,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities over nine days of competition next March. More than 80 countries will be represented, with athletes supported by 7,000 coaches/managers, around 20,000 parents and supporters, and thousands of local Italian volunteers who will run the event.

Cosmo and Marc are two of ten New Zealand athletes selected, with the team accompanied by a head of delegation, a team doctor and four coaches, two of whom are also from North Harbour.

While the Paralympics are for elite disabled athletes, Special Olympics is more about participation for athletes with intellectual disabilities, says Cosmo’s father Mark Adams. However, he adds, while the emphasis is on inclusion, to be selected for the world games, athletes have to have won medals at national level. In the case of snow sports, this is at the annual snow sports competition at Cardrona, as part of the New Zealand Special Olympics snow sports programme. Cosmo and Marc both won medals at last year’s event, following their

winter season training programme (for the Auckland athletes) hosted by Snowplanet.

Thirty-seven year old Marc says he has been involved with Special Olympics for many years, and has attended “at least five snow camps, something I treasure very much. It’s the highlight of my year.”

He also has a number of other interests. “Apart from snow sports I also play basketball…. In my spare time I like watching rugby, cricket, movies and wild life documentaries. Sometimes I play a round of golf with my father.” His hobby is woodturning and he has completed a number of model ships.

Thirty year old Cosmo lives in Takapuna. “Special Olympics has been a part of most of my life, and I enjoy athletics, football basketball and snow sports. I love being outdoors and on the snow. Going to Torino would be so unreal!”

Cosmo, his father Mark says, is also actively involved in kayak fishing (he has his own channel, Cosmo Line, on You Tube), plays basketball and has been a keen skateboarder and surfer, as well as training and working as a barista. He took up snowboarding after winning a job as a waiter at Snow Planet. That job was disestablished

Special Olympians at training camp at Cardrona. (Coach Grant Haskell on the right of the photo and their Cardona instructor on the left.)

Cosmo Adams training at Special Olympics snowports camp at Wanaka 2023.

as Snow Planet underwent renovations, but Cosmo’s enthusiasm for snowboarding remains, and Snowplanet sponsors his access to the slopes. He has been to the last three snow camps at Wanaka.

Mark Adams says the lives of young people with intellectual disabilities are constrained in many ways, “so if there are interesting and exciting opportunities, we encourage them to go for it”. ‘Going for it’ is an Adams family affair. Mark and his wife Jac have been actively involved in North Harbour Special Olympics for many years. The club offers a wide range of sports from a comprehensive swimming programme, to horse riding, basketball and golf. Mark has assisted with coaching and fundraising over the years and is leading the charge in fundraising for the Torino games, while Jac, who established the Greenhithe Special Olympics club 20 years ago to provide opportunities for younger children, is also on the North Harbour Special Olympics fundraising committee. Their daughter and son-in-law coach basketball at Greenhithe, while Mark coaches basketball at North Harbour. “I coach the least able athletes,” he says, “while Cosmo’s team has a very experienced coach who offers his time.”

Steve Westcott, one of the two North Harbour coaches travelling with the team, describes himself as “a relative newcomer to Special Olympics” after 16 years’ involvement as a snow sports coach. Like Mark, he became involved through his son, who is autistic. He helps run the snow sports programme at Snowplanet, plus the annual South Island ski camp. He has also coached table tennis and is currently the North Harbour Special Olympics golf manager/ coach. He’s also on the North Harbour snow sports sub-committee.

“When I got involved in Special Olympics, I'd never really considered volunteering and never thought I'd have the patience to teach. But I have found it’s one of the most rewarding things I do.”

He enjoys being a coach/volunteer to the athletes. “The neuro-diverse spectrum is just that, so many differing variations; athletes with many different disabilities. I've found it’s just a case of talking to each athlete and listening to them. Some aren't very communicative, but just by chatting away, they tend to open up about something that interests them. I also tend to use a lot of humour and generally mess around with them; they all like the attention and someone who's willing to listen. On the slopes, they mostly learn by visualisation; doing and showing is usually the best form of teaching communication.”

For Steve, the rewards are “seeing athletes taking part and watching their

smiles. I've coached athletes who had never been on skis before, who go on to attend world winter games…. But I've got athletes who still ski the same way today, despite 16 years of working with them. At the end of the day, as long as they are safe, happy and enjoying themselves, it doesn't matter.”

When I got involved in Special Olympics, I'd never really considered volunteering and never thought I'd have the patience to teach. But I have found it’s one of the most rewarding things I do.

Travelling with the team will be similar to being on the annual camps in the South Island, he adds. “Most of the athletes that go to WWG have to have a level of selfsufficiency to be able to cope being away for a long time in an unusual environment. But it’s about ensuring they have a good time, reassuring them, and remaining calm if things do go wrong, as they need to feel safe and they need a sense of surety when things may not feel safe. Also, it’s often about organising them and their personal effects, such as making sure they are properly dressed and have gloves, googles etc when heading to the slopes.”

Special Olympics is also a family commitment for Grant Haskell, the other

North Harbour coach travelling to Torino. “We ‘found’ Special Olympics,” he says, “when we (my wife Jane and I and our three daughters, including Tessa who has an intellectual disability) saw a group of skiers wearing yellow vests skiing around the mountain at Cardrona. We sought them out – this was the South Island Special Olympics group. Along with the athletes, we met a wonderful bunch of volunteers doing a fantastic job and having fun. On returning to Auckland, we got in touch with the Special Olympics North Harbour branch and Tess joined in swimming, basketball, athletics… pretty much whatever was on offer. Tessa was chosen to go to a World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, in 2009, and we attended as family supporters, where we observed the team management and decided that we would like to make ourselves available for any roles that came up.”

Grant was an accountant “for a short time” before becoming a builder for most of his career. He also owned several businesses, and was the treasurer for Special Olympics North Harbour from 2012 until recently. Both Jane and Grant are ski instructors, and he is an Adaptive ski instructor. Jane travelled as a coach in 2013 to Korea. Grant first travelled with a team to Austria in 2017 and was to be head of delegation in 2021 before the games were cancelled due to Covid. “Snowsport has been our main sport with Special Olympics,” he says. “However, we have been volunteers with swimming and basketball and I have been a Unified Golf partner (where an athlete plays with a golfing partner).”

He is now retired (“from paid employment”) and his official role for WWG 2025 is ski coach and deputy head of delegation. “We all do everything required to make the trip a success. Some of our athletes have medical issues along with their

Jordan Tulloch, Marc Enderle, coach Steve Westcott and Cosmo Adams.

cognitive disabilities and part of our role is to deal with these known difficulties. We rely heavily on parents or caregivers to enlighten us with strategies to manage these.”

Like Mark, he emphasises that the athletes are not ‘elite’ or ‘high performance’ as in mainstream sports; “they are chosen to give them an opportunity to participate and compete against athletes of similar abilities. Special Olympics’ creed is ‘Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt’. The goal is to showcase the skills and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities on a global stage, an international demonstration of inclusion, acceptance and unity.”

North Harbour Special Olympics tries to ensure that people can “do things they wouldn’t be able to do normally”, says Mark. The club consists of "people rather than premises”, so basketball takes place at Northcross Intermediate, for example, and athletics is at AUT Millennium. The North Harbour club is egalitarian, he adds. “We support everyone and make attending activities not dependent on the athlete’s parents being wealthy.”

Which means that for North Harbour Special Olympics, selection of local athletes is just the start. To attend the games, each athlete has to pay their own costs and their share of the cost of the travelling coaches, all of whom, like Grant and Steve, are volunteers. It’s a tall ask, amounting to around $30,000 per athlete. Each receives a small contribution from the Special Olympics Upper North Island

Trust. Some clubs rely on individual families to pay, but North Harbour’s egalitarian spirit encompasses an ethos of spreading the load, and it fundraises collectively for opportunities such as WWG.

To get fundraising under way, North Harbour set up a “WWG Lotto” in late May. It isn't a huge money-spinner, Mark admits, with potential to raise around $3000 once prizes are given out, but it has helped draw attention to the fundraising need. There’s also a Givealittle page (https://givealittle. co.nz/cause/cosmo-and-marc-to-torino), and the club has run a sausage sizzle at Mitre 10 in Glenfield. Pub quizzes, soliciting direct donations and other events are also planned. “We’re looking for ideas and support,” says Mark, who’s been meeting with community and business leaders to tease out any new avenues and ideas. Benefitz, publisher of Channel Magazine, has been assisting with printing promotional flyers and signage.

Special Olympics North Harbour has just six months to raise the necessary funds. In the meantime, the coaches take on a much larger role than simply sports coaching. “We

have a team camp at Wanaka in early August to get to know each other and do some on-mountain training,” says Grant. “Both on this camp and on the WWG trip, it is a 24/7 role and the management team covers all bases: mum, dad, tour guide, mentor, ski instructor, friend. The role involves preparing the athletes for the trip, encouraging them to keep their fitness up and helping with their knowledge of travelling, as some of our athletes have never travelled.

“It is a phenomenally rewarding role, and it is great to see the personal growth of the athletes that go on these life changing experiences. We all return shattered but ecstatic.”

You can support the North Harbour Special Olympians by donating directly to Special Olympics North Harbour’s bank account: 12-3087-0088132-53

(ref: WWG; Detail: Donation). Or contact northharbour@specialolympics.org.nz with fundraising suggestions or support. Every little helps – and it means so much to the athletes.

Cosmo Adams at Snowplanet in Silverdale.

Marc Enderle on the slopes at the Special Olympics snowsports camp at Cardrona in 2023.

By Ruth Morse, CEO, Well Foundation

Creating space for families to be together

“As a family we have experienced having a loved one in critical care and this motivated us to contribute to providing spaces which would allow families to more easily support the care of their very sick family member,” says Paul Blackwell.

With the support of very generous donors, Well Foundation has been able to provide philanthropic support for five individual whānau rooms in the new hospital Tōtara Haumaru; rooms where families can stay and care for their loved one when they need to be together and support each other the most. These rooms, one on each ward of the new hospital, are fitted out with facilities to make the hospital experience less stressful for patients and families.

These purpose-built rooms mean that families have a private, comfortable space where they are able to be together to assist in caring for their family member, but are also able to withdraw to provide the clinical team room to do their job. These whānau rooms are welcoming and comfortable with a small kitchenette, chairs and table and room for sleeping if required. There is an adjoining door directly into the patient room and a separate door from the ward corridor for family only. These specially designed rooms allow families to assist with end-of-life or extreme care needs in the hospital setting.

“Having someone you love in critical care in hospital can be a very challenging time and these spaces will provide privacy for families, somewhere they can retreat to but still remain close to their loved one. This will help reduce stress and we’re so pleased we’ve been able to support this for other families,” commented Liz Blackwell

Well Foundation is grateful for the group of generous individuals and families from the North Shore community who have donated to support the five whānau rooms in the new hospital; including Liz and Paul Blackwell and family, Warren Flaunty, Jax Jiang and family, The Tindall Foundation, Auckland Construction Group and Yang’s Family Trust.

Well Foundation is the official charity of North Shore and Waitakere Hospital.

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

By Yan Davies, Takapuna Residential Bayleys Real Estate Ltd

How to maximise your sale price in a challenging market

Selling a property in a challenging market can be tough, but with the right approach you can still achieve a favourable sale price. Here are some strategies to help you maximise your sale price, even in difficult conditions.

1. Enhance curb appeal: First impressions are crucial. Invest in landscaping, fresh paint and minor repairs to ensure your property looks inviting from the outside. A well-maintained exterior can attract more potential buyers and set a positive tone for the rest of the viewing.

2. Stage your home: Staging can make a significant difference in how buyers perceive your property. Remove personal items, declutter and arrange furniture to highlight the home’s best features. Consider hiring a professional stager to create a welcoming and appealing environment.

3. Price strategically: In a challenging market, setting the right price is essential. Research comparable properties in your area and price your home competitively. A well-priced home can generate more interest and offers.

Accommodate

potential buyers’ schedules for showings and be open to negotiation. Flexibility can lead to quicker offers and smoother transactions.

4. Utilise effective marketing: Leverage high-quality photos, virtual tours and compelling descriptions to market your home online. Utilise social media to reach a broader audience. Effective marketing can increase visibility and attract more potential buyers.

5. Be flexible with showings and negotiations: Accommodate potential buyers’ schedules for showings and be open to negotiation. Flexibility can lead to quicker offers and smoother transactions.

6. Work with a skilled real estate agent: An experienced agent can provide valuable insights, effective marketing strategies and strong negotiation skills to help you get the best possible exposure and price for your property.

By following these strategies you can enhance your property’s appeal and maximise your sale price, even in a challenging market.

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.

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Paul and Liz Blackwell, Whānau room donors

George and Kathy Lyu, Jax and Jason Jiang, Whānau room donors

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

Late night hearing care

Do you need ear wax removal or a hearing test but struggle to find time for appointments during the normal 9-5 work day?

Teresa Burns Hearing is now offering latenight Wednesday clinics!

Audiologists Teresa and Anne are available for all types of appointments including wax removal, hearing evaluations, hearing aid fittings and repairs, and tinnitus consultations. The clinic will be open to 7pm on Wednesdays, in addition to the normal 8.30am to 5pm weekday schedule. Parking is easy – right outside the door.

Teresa and Anne offer over 50 years of combined experience, specialising in hearing technology and impartial expert advice. They are not affiliated with any manufacturers and prioritise your seeing the same clinician every time. They are qualified for ACC, VANZ, subsidy and full Enable funding, and are proudly 100% Kiwi owned and operated.

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By Claire Bellingham, Personal Trainer and Nutritionist

Active aging

A commitment to active aging doesn’t mean an extreme regime of calorie slashing and body smashing. It means finding time in your schedule to accommodate healthy choices – a manageable mix of strength, cardiovascular and flexibility exercise partnered with a nutrient-rich diet. When you’re younger, your fitness is often about vanity and performance, driven by aesthetics and ego. Active aging is less about how your body looks and more about how it functions.

There are many crossroads where people choose to take the path of active aging. Often people join the gym around age 40 when they become frustrated with their growing collection of niggles and ailments. Strength and endurance naturally decline, not improve, particularly if you have a sedentary job. People are often moved to change because they want to be able to take part in normal daily activities such as playing with kids.

If failing functionality doesn’t motivate a person to exercise, often the threat of immobility does. Bones and muscles lose condition as you age, making you vulnerable to sprains, breaks and degenerative conditions. Injuries and immobility are often the motivator for action. Arriving at the gym accompanied by your physio isn’t the optimal entrance but at least it can get you in the door.

People often join the gym because their doctor has warned them about impending catastrophe such as a heart attack or Type 2 diabetes. Many people have started taking their health more seriously since the pandemic. The current era is a hazardous one in which to require any kind of hospital treatment. It’s up to you when you make the commitment to active aging. Some people act at the point of minor weight gain, others wait until they have a serious medical condition. Medical science has evolved to the point where we can live much longer than previous generations. But pills and procedures are better at improving the length of your life than the quality of it.

The reason most people give for not exercising regularly is their family and work commitments; it’s difficult to find time in your schedule when people rely on you. However, these are the very people you’d be letting down if you didn’t have your health. Taking the time to exercise on your own terms reduces the risk that you’ll be out of control of your circumstances later.

Once you’ve made the commitment to regular exercise you can enjoy a variety of benefits beyond being able to participate in your own life. Appropriate physical activity can help with sleep, stress management, appetite, cognitive function and emotional resilience. It’s no coincidence that older people who maintain physical fitness tend to be more positive and connected within their communities. Aging affects everyone differently but it seems to be a lot kinder to those who keep their health and independence. You may not feel young but today you are the youngest you’ll ever be. Physical fitness gives you the best possible chance of vitality, independence and great quality of life.

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Balance may be the key to a long healthy life

Of all the activities that advance your health, maintaining or improving your balance may be the most important to longevity and quality of life. Two years ago, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a 10-year study that found the inability to hold a one-legged balance stance for 10 seconds was associated with an 84% heightened risk of death from any cause.

Why is this? For starters, falling is a leading cause of injuries leading to death in older adults. However, it goes much further because maintaining balance is a complex task requiring the multifaceted interaction of several systems in your body. The muscles, nerves, eyes, brain, and inner ear must all work together for you to recognise where your body is touching the ground, along with movement receptors within your joints that tell you where your body is in space. Your brain and your body must work together to stand on one foot, and that synergy is important to good health.

Balance is not something we are born with, it must be learned –that’s why we call young children toddlers. Just as it can be learned, balance can be unlearned or lost. A sedentary lifestyle and lack of use can cause one’s sense of balance to decline; however, it’s possible to teach your body to once again have great balance.

Pilates is an exceptional way to rekindle your balance because it combines balance and strength in dynamic movements, which are far more effective than static one-legged stances. By stretching and strengthening the abdominal, back and leg muscles, Pilates creates a body that is more stable, more flexible and more mobile. Stability, flexibility and mobility are critically important to good balance and good health. At Suna Pilates we add movement and balance components to our strength exercises. As a result, you work your muscles, test your balance, and tax your brain all at the same time, which is exactly what your body needs.

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

Why do women stop sleeping during perimenopause and menopause?

Both perimenopause and menopause can significantly impact sleep which is really tough on the person experiencing it and on her loved ones. Compassion and understanding are key to supporting everyone involved. At SleepDrops we surveyed over 2,000 women to get a better understanding of what women are experiencing and what their main concerns are. As always, improving sleep did help them feel they could cope better. Here are the top five reasons women in peri/menopause often experience sleep disturbances:

1. Hormonal fluctuations

• Estrogen and progesterone levels: Estrogen helps regulate the sleep cycle. Progesterone has a calming effect that promotes sleep. Declining levels can dramatically disrupt sleep architecture within each sleep cycle.

• Night sweats and hot flashes: Sudden feelings of intense heat can wake women up multiple times during the night. They can be dramatic and force changes to sleepwear and bed sheets, disrupting their sleep and that of their partner. Guilt, frustration, anxiety and irritability are common.

Develop a

holistic hormone and sleep support strategy that simultaneously addresses ALL aspects of physical and emotional well-being over a period of months, trying different doses, timing and formulations until success.

2. Mood/behaviour changes

• Anxiety and depression: Hormonal changes and lack of sleep can lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression.

• Stress: Lack of sleep exacerbating hormonal changes is stressful.

• Irrational anger: Self-reproach, self-victimisation, defensive and aggressive behaviour are extremely common. Patience and love are required.

3. Physical discomfort

• Joint and muscle pain: May make activities, comfort and sleep difficult to achieve.

• Breast tenderness: Can lead to difficulty with movement and sleep.

4. Bladder issues

• Frequent urination: Hormonal changes can affect bladder control and lead to more trips to the bathroom.

• Urinary tract infections: Increased risk of infection and disrupted sleep.

5. Sleep disorders

• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep is common.

• Sleep apnoea: The risk of developing sleep apnoea increases especially with weight gain, leading to fragmented sleep.

• Changes to sleep architecture can occur as follows:

a. Decreased slow wave sleep (SWS): Reduced deep restorative sleep leads to feeling less rested.

b. Reduced rapid eye movement (REM) sleep: Results in less emotional processing of life.

c. Increased wakefulness: Night sweats, hot flashes, discomforts and hormonal changes disrupt sleep.

d. Increased light sleep: Significantly less restorative than deeper stages of sleep.

Develop a holistic hormone and sleep support strategy that simultaneously addresses ALL aspects of physical and emotional wellbeing over a period of months, trying different doses, timing and formulations until you achieve success.

1. Daytime strategy to balance moods, hold it together and protect the body from the lack of sleep impacting cellular functions. |

Product to support: SleepDrops Daytime Revive

2. Changing hormones. To decrease the rapid changes select a product from your local pharmacy that contains Chaste tree, B6, zinc and other supporting herbs such as Black cohosh (unless cancer is present).

3. Specific forms of magnesium have been shown to support menopause experiences including anxiety, mood changes, insomnia, hot flashes and night sweats.

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August initiatives: Empowering youth through art and nature

By Maya Willis, Co-Chair of Younite 2024

Kia ora everyone!

August brings exciting opportunities for Younite to engage and support our local youth. We're thrilled to share upcoming projects enriching our community and providing meaningful experiences for young people.

Takapuna Youth Art Mural: This project unites young artists across the region to create a vibrant mural reflecting our youth's creativity and diversity. It will beautify Takapuna town centre and showcase local rangatahi talent.

Participating in these projects provides a creative outlet, a sense of achievement, and opportunities to connect with peers.

Tree planting project: Launching later this year, this project involves young people in environmental stewardship by planting native trees. It's a fantastic opportunity to learn about the environment, contribute to the community, and promote sustainability. These projects not only enhance the community we live in, but also offer significant benefits for young people. Participating in these projects provides a creative outlet, a sense of achievement, and opportunities to connect with peers. It can help reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of belonging.

Join us! We invite all young people in the Takapuna-Devonport area to participate! Whether you're passionate about art, the environment, or simply want to connect and contribute, there's a place for you.

Stay informed: Follow our Instagram page @younitedt on how to participate in the Youth Art Mural and tree planting initiative. Together, we can create a vibrant and supportive community for our youth.

Ngā mihi nui,

The Younite team

If you have any questions or suggestions, please reach out to us at younitechair@gmail.com or follow our Instagram page: @younitedt.

By Natasha Geo, Takapuna North Community Trust Manager

August action! Get involved in our community activities this month

Do you have dead batteries lurking in your drawers? Bring them to our Eco-Exchange and help keep our environment safe by disposing of them properly. Improper disposal of batteries in landfill rubbish or recycling can lead to dangerous consequences, including: toxic chemicals leaching into our soils and waterways, increased risk of truck fires during transportation and harm to our community and wildlife.

By dropping off your used batteries, you'll be promoting responsible waste management and helping to reduce the risk of these hazards. Let's work together to create a safer and more sustainable future! Drop off your used batteries and do your part for a safer community on Monday 5 August at Takapuna Library.

Matariki Tree Planting: Tree planting Saturday 3 August - Join us for a fun, family-friendly tree planting day! Bring the whole whānau along; help regenerate our environment by planting native trees, connecting with nature, and giving back to our community. We’ll also serve up a warming soup at the end. Suitable for ages 5+. Visit our Humanatix page for more information and to book your spot!

August Predator Pulse: Have you noticed an increase in possums in our reserves and your backyard? These invasive species harm our native wildlife by eating bird eggs, seeds and leaves, preventing regeneration. Join our August Predator Pulse and help trap and remove these pests to encourage biodiversity and healthier ecosystems. Get in touch with us to learn more.

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:

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards

The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an annual initiative run by the various Rotary districts worldwide. It is designed as a week-long conference, where selected individuals from each Rotary district, aged between 20 and 30, come together to develop critical leadership and communication skills and network with other community leaders and well-recognised inspirational speakers.

I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend RYLA 2024 for Rotary’s District 9910, encompassing 38 clubs from north and west Auckland, the far north and extending to Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. I was chosen as the attendee representing and sponsored by the Devonport Rotary Club.

District 9910’s 2024 RYLA was held in Muriwai at the beautiful newly-built surf club. I was joined by 20 other attendees, all young professionals, hailing from Auckland and further north, and a few from the Pacific nations in the district. We had no idea what we were in for, and all of us were armed only with a packing list and an extensive personality assessment form in terms of prior information. During the leadup to RYLA, we were intentionally kept in the dark as to what we should expect from the upcoming week, so as we all arrived at the surf club and began to network, we were able to get to know one another without having overriding expectations of what was to come. By the end of the week, we were all in agreement that RYLA had surpassed any assumptions of how the week would play out. During that short time, our cohort connected deeply through the planned seminars and activities and on an organic level. It highlighted how powerful it is to be surrounded by like-minded young adults, all striving to develop their respective careers and personal journeys, and learn to work harmoniously together.

The week’s schedule was intense, packing in many seminars and workshops hosted by some highly accredited guest speakers. The speakers encompassed an impressive range of career fields, but what linked them together was the fact that they were all celebrated for their leadership skills. Through their sessions, we learnt practical and theoretical facets of solid leadership, from the importance

By Ellie Brown

of nurturing your mental and physical health, understanding and adjusting to different communication styles, Māori and cultural leadership, conflict management, and creating your personal brand. This newfound knowledge led up to the final task, where we created a business pitch in small groups with the support of a business mentor, which we had to present back to the judges and wider group, 'Dragons Den' style.

I could speak about the incredible experience of RYLA forever, but in short, RYLA was so much more than the leadership skills we learnt and the workshops we had. Over the week, a strong bond was created between all of us participants, and we created a space of acceptance, open kōrero and a safe space for vulnerability. That is not often found. Since RYLA, we have remained close with regular catch-ups, meetings and checkins. We are currently beginning our own Rotary club, aimed towards a younger generation and other RYLA attendees, which will allow for the development and growth of the incredible space RYLA fostered, and be a vessel for us to put our ideas into action. We also had the

incredible opportunity to meet with Gordon McInally, the president of Rotary International, who was eager to hear about our experience with RYLA and shared his own leadership journey with us. I'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Devonport Rotary for making this amazing experience possible for me.

If you’re reading this article and thinking RYLA would be an excellent opportunity for you or someone you know, I strongly encourage you to contact your local North Shore Rotary club (there will definitely be one near you!), and inquire how to apply. RYLA was a truly incredible opportunity and one that should be shared.

Channel Mag's youth contributors, Ellie Brown and Fantasia Nair 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.

RYLA 2024 - Rotary District 9910 cohort

Bandanna Day success

Bandanna Day was recently celebrated at Kristin, in conjunction with the amazing organisation Canteen Aotearoa, to help raise funds to continue the support of rangatahi impacted by cancer. Our prefect team did an exceptional job selling the special Canteen Aotearoa bandannas across the entire school, with students and staff purchasing them to wear with pride throughout the day to show their support for this incredible cause.

We are proud to announce Kristin raised nearly $1400 for the cause, which placed us in second place for all schools across New Zealand.

Off the track in Te Urewera

Our Year 12 outdoor education students recently spent three days off-track, tramping in Te Urewera National Park. Ten years ago, a groundbreaking New Zealand law granted the area legal personhood. Te Urewera now has the same powers, rights, duties and liabilities as a legal person. With this in mind, it was a great honour for our Year 12 outdoor education students to spend time connecting and learning in this special place. Traditional tramping trips see people following established and signposted walking tracks with stated

start and finish points, but on this trip, it was a wonderful freedom to spend three days off-track instead, infused with the forest and following the land. Students were able to push themselves physically and mentally through the thick and steep bush, with the pace at times seeing them move at only one kilometre per hour. Sleeping under the stars, drinking from the streams and navigating by compass and the natural features of the land provided ample opportunity for our students to experience why tramping is seen as such a significant aspect of Kiwi culture and history.

International Peace Night delights audiences

Our annual International Peace Night concert delighted audiences with an amazing range of dazzling performances. A highlight of International Celebration Week at Kristin, the International Peace Night concert showcases and celebrates the rich tapestry of cultural diversity within our community while promoting peace worldwide.

This year, with a theme of ‘harmony in diversity, unity in peace’, there was

a plethora of eye-catching and enthralling performances ranging across many international cultures, including K-pop, opera, ballet, traditional dances from all over the world and many more. Two concerts were held in the Dove Theatre, with audiences from across the entire Kristin community truly embracing the essence of the performances and the exceptional talent on display.

Rangitoto College's Chinese and Korean Nights amazes audiences

In Term Two Rangitoto College hosted two of their annual cultural evenings. These events are dedicated to showcasing and honouring both the traditional and contemporary facets of Chinese and Korean culture.

Months of rigorous practice and preparation culminated in a night filled with vibrant performances that celebrated Chinese culture in all its glory. Chinese Night included traditional performances such as Lion Dance, Diabolo, and various Chinese dances, which highlighted the beauty and precision of these age-old arts. These timeless acts were beautifully complemented by modern performances, including dynamic hip hop routines,

spectacular singing, and impressive band performances – reflecting the fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary influences. A massive thanks to all the students who performed and the Chinese Leadership team, without whom the event would not have been so successful.

This year's Korean Night festivities were brimming with an array of captivating performances, spanning from Taekwondo and doll dances to fan dances, Nanta, mask dances, traditional dances, Haka, rap, K-pop dances, and live bands. The auditorium buzzed with energy as over 900 attendees soaked in the spectacle. Our Korean Committee leaders poured their hearts into organising this event.

Performers invested over four months of intensive preparation, culminating in a remarkable display of talent and dedication. Our gratitude extends to all the students, the staff members, and sponsors whose contributions made both of these events an immense success and a cherished memory for all involved.

Runners return from African adventure

Our distance runners have just returned from an unforgettable three-week experience in Kenya. After three years of fundraising, the team of 22 runners set off for this ultimate running experience on 27 June. The trip began with safaris at Amboseli, Nakuru, and Masai Mara National Parks, where the boys enjoyed Kenya's incredible wildlife.

The heart of the tour was spent at the High Altitude Training Centre in Iten, where the boys engaged in rigorous training sessions, seminars on Kenyan-style training, and Q&As with top Kenyan athletes. They also had the unique opportunity to visit local

training camps, schools, and meet legendary runners like Abel Kirui and Beatrice Chebet. Highlights included running the famed "Thursday Fartlek", learning from Brother Colm O'Connell at St. Patrick's High School, where several Olympic gold medallists started, and participating in the inaugural Kaptagat Forest Run. The boys embraced the culture, tasted local cuisine like Ugali, and formed lasting connections with Kenyan athletes.

This journey was more than just a training camp; it was a life-changing experience that deepened their love for running and

appreciation for Kenyan hospitality. Thank you to all who made this trip possible, especially our hosts in Iten. Asante Sana (Thank you very much)!

A team of 22 distance runners enjoyed an unforgettable three week experience in Kenya.

The students supported local schools, took part in high altitude training, and met Brother Colm O'Connell, known as "The Godfather of Kenyan Running".

Westlake top of the League

Our premier league team won the Senior A Auckland final at Mt Smart Stadium on Wednesday, 3 July. The side faced James Cook High School in the final and showed huge mana against much larger opposition. They were behind in the opening stages but fought back to draw the game 16-16. This ensured the winner would be decided in extra time through a golden point. After a tense start, Nikau Opuariki went over in the corner to ensure Westlake took out the title with a 20-16 win.

The school acknowledged their achievements by performing our haka at assembly

Choralation Choir picks up gold

Our choirs continue to shine on the world stage! From 15 July, Choralation, our combined Westlake Boys and Girls choir, wowed the crowd at the World Choir Games in Auckland. We took home gold in both categories we entered: Youth Choirs and Sacred Music a cappella. Well done to director Ms Fiona Wilson and all our talented singers. Fantastic job, everyone!

Headmaster leads International Boys’ Schools Coalition

It is a huge honour that our headmaster Mr David Ferguson has been chosen to chair the International Boys’ Schools Coalition. The announcement was made at the annual IBSC conference at Harrow School in London from 1-4 July, 2024. Last year we hosted the prestigious event with 630 delegates from boys' schools worldwide. This year, five WBHS staff attended the Harrow conference and presented their latest research on boys’ education.

Capain Kaawyn Patterson (in front) had an outstanding final.

Combined Westlake choir Choralation gave an impressive performance at the World Choir Games.

Ms Carla Boniolo, Mrs Jude Arbuthnot, Mr David Ferguson, Mrs Kelly Easton and Mrs Helen Jorgensen at the IBSC conference in London.

International bronze winners

Westlake Girls took home the bronze at the World Schools’ Basketball champs in Macau, China! Congratulations, girls, and thank you to all the amazing supporters who helped get you to China, including staff, friends, sponsors, and whānau. We are all so proud.

Augmented reality e-sport winners

Congratulations to Isabell Lynch and Hannah Willmont, who won the 2024 Hado National Championships. Hado is an augmented reality e-sport. Both girls are in Year 11 at Westlake and are the first females to win the national champs.

The Big Sing 2024

Brain Bee

Over 1600 students across Australia and New Zealand participated in The Australian and New Zealand Brain Bee. Eleven Westlake Girls students, supported by Ms Bhavsar, engaged in online quizzes and an educational journey highlighting neuroscience's importance and interdisciplinary nature. Congratulations to Y11 Meera Mistry, who ranked fourth overall in the North Island.

The NZCF Big Sing Auckland Regionals took place in week 8, with Westlake choristers performing at the Auckland Town Hall. Seventy-five high school choirs competed, each performing three pieces, followed by a gala concert. Highlights included enjoying various musical styles and appreciating the work of other choirs. Congratulations to our Westlake choirs and the staff behind them –Cantare, Choralation, Cigno Voce, and Nota Bella.

Hannah Willmont, Isabell Lynch

Protecting Smith’s Bush

Westlake's 'Kaitiaki', an environmental club dedicated to protecting Smith's Bush, has been active this year with meetings and trips. The students have conducted pest monitoring, tree planting, and rubbish clean-up. The club met with an Auckland Council park ranger to plan the year's activities and set up monitoring stations. In August, they initiate a 'trapping pulse' to manage the pest population based on their findings.

Flag-bearers for Indian culture

We’re proud to announce that sisters Rashi (Y10) and Avishi Jain (Class of 2022) received the Culture Award at the Tenth Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Culture Awards for their contributions to music and performing arts. Balancing their studies with their passion, they have earned accolades including consecutive Radio Tarana Idol titles in 2023 and 2024. Their dedication to promoting culture through music and dance across Auckland was recognised by Rt Hon Chris Hipkins MP.

Toi Showquest Wearable Art

Congratulations to the students who participated in the Toi Showquest Wearable Art Competition. Students were required to create a garment following specified themes. The following students gained awards:

• Caitlin Spear – Excellent Garment Construction

• Sophia Maude, Hannah McKenzie and Maya Goren – Excellent Garment Construction.

• Erin Erasmus and Megan Maurice – Best Use of Materials

Erin Erasmus, Megan Maurice

Sophia Maude, Hannah McKenzie, Maya Goren Caitlin Spear

Carmel Day Mercy Awards

At our Carmel Day Mass each year, we take the opportunity to acknowledge members of the Carmel community who have contributed to building on the tradition of our lived Core Mercy values that are based on Gospel teachings. The award winners this year are as follows:

COMMUNITY AWARD – NATALIE LINSTROM

Natalie’s contributions to Carmel College over the past nine years have been nothing short of exceptional, showcasing her unwavering dedication and commitment to the school community. Since 2015 when her daughter, Katie, began at the college, Natalie has volunteered her time and expertise to coach and manage over 15 different sports teams demonstrating her versatility and passion for supporting students in their athletic endeavours. For the past four years, Natalie has served as the Saturday netball coordinator, dedicating her weekends to ensuring the smooth operation of netball activities. Starting early at 8am each weekend, she handles any challenges or issues that arise quickly with a proactive and positive approach. Natalie’s impact extends to our younger netball players as she actively participates in preseason sessions during Term 1, providing invaluable support and guidance.

Starting early at 8am each weekend, she handles any challenges or issues that arise quickly with a proactive and positive approach.

STAFF AWARD – GINNY PEEK

Since joining Carmel, Ginny has taken a proactive approach to addressing needs within our community. Ginny’s innovative spirit is evident in her contributions to the community garden with her ideas not only being creative but also practical, aiming to benefit and enrich the lives of those around her. She is heavily involved in netball, from umpiring high-level games to managing a school team. Ginny is a staunch advocate for staff inclusivity and wellbeing. She actively develops new initiatives to foster a supportive and inclusive environment,

ensuring that opportunities are provided to allow everyone to feel valued and engaged within the Carmel community. Ginny exemplifies the Mercy values through her daily actions. She generously gives her time and energy to support others, demonstrating compassion, respect, and integrity in all her interactions.

STAFF AWARD – LOIS BRUCE

Lois is a cornerstone of our staff at Carmel, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her various roles within our community. As career advisor she provides invaluable guidance to students, helping them navigate the complexities of university course planning to career planning and development. She writes testimonials for students that highlight their

achievements and strengths, showcasing their potential to prospective institutions and employers. Within this, Lois also plays a pivotal role in assisting students with securing scholarships. Her efforts ensure that financial barriers do not hinder our students’ access to higher education, opening doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.

Lois serves, as she has for many years, as a netball coach, fostering teamwork, discipline and sportsmanship among our students. Beyond the classroom and netball courts, her participation and contribution to multiple camps and retreats is where we see her work in developing and enhancing resilience in our students, fostering a wellrounded development beyond academic activities.

Ginny Peek, Lois Bruce, Natalie Linstrom with Principal, Sarah Kemble

Year 12 work experience

All Carmel’s Year 12 students complete a two-day work experience placement at the beginning of June. This has been a valued part of the Year 12 learning programme for over 20 years. In 2024 the placements included 27 students in clinical health placements; 28 students in primary school and ECE centres; 16 students in science-based placements; 10 students in architecture, design and law placements; nine students in engineering placements; and five to seven students in each of aviation, travel and hospitality, construction and trades, business, media, sport and beauty.

The feedback from both our students and community is overwhelmingly positive. Students gain such valuable insights into these career pathways and engage with professionals who willingly share their expertise and own career journeys. We are so fortunate to have a wonderful community which supports our school year after year, offering such meaningful learning opportunities.

"We love having the Year 12 Carmel students spend time with us, seeing what we do and learning about the role of a medical laboratory scientist. Medical laboratory scientists were the unsung heroes of the Covid pandemic, and many people do not know about it as a career option. The girls get to see how we process samples and help make diagnoses. They are always excited to be in the laboratory and full of enthusiasm and willing to take on tasks, fully supervised of course, that we ask of them. It is great experience for our team too as we get to share our knowledge with avid listeners. It is also a great way for the girls to experience

what it is like in the working world and to learn early on whether this field is for them. It is a wonderful way that we can help encourage and support women in science and highly recommend it to other local businesses." — Dr Amanda Dixon-McIver, Laboratory at IGENZ

"My work experience was at chemical company, Azelis. They guided me through how things worked in the business and retail world. I was able to sit in on different meetings and saw how they tackled real-life problems they were experiencing, which helped me see their perspective and learn to apply my problem-solving skills. I was guided through their facilities and learned about health and safety within a chemical production facility. The health and safety skills I had learned through a workshop at school were fundamental in helping me to fully understand the purpose of the risk assessments and different PPE I had to wear as I was guided around the facility. I was also able to learn about the sampling and testing process that Azelis undergoes to help achieve and maintain their high-quality chemicals. Thank you to Azelis for the opportunity."

Work experience for Millie Lloyd, Addison Slight and Georgia Hart was at MediaWorks: "Over the two days we gained an insight into all facets of this workplace. On our first day, we went to The Edge, Mai FM and George FM radio stations and sat with the producers while they explained their jobs. We watched the radio hosts work and also sat in brainstorms and meetings with different radio stations. On the second day, we had one person from all the different departments spend time with us to explain

their jobs and how they got into the industry. We then went into a recording studio where we talked into the microphone in the recording booth and made our own ad."

From our school nurse: "Milly Preston spent two days work placement in the school sick bay. She is a credit to our school, and I know Milly will do well in whatever career she chooses. At present she plans to be a midwife and deliver beautiful little ones and help make our world a better place."

Georgia Hart, Millie Lloyd and Addison Slight at Mediaworks.

Milly Preston works with Carmel’s nurse.

Yoana Ho at Azelis Chemical Company.

Students explore aerospace industry in the USA

Twenty-three Rosmini College students travelled to the USA during the school holidays to explore the aerospace industry and gain understanding of the wide palette of earth-sciences on display in the Pacific northwest state of Washington. The group stayed in three locations: two nights on the flanks

Students collect cans for charity

During the last week of term 2 Rosmini College held a Can Drive to honour the school’s founder Antonio Rosmini, and to make a positive impact on the lives of others. The dedicated students gathered 1900 cans and non-perishable food items, donating them to De Paul House which will distribute to families in need.

of Mt Rainer, a huge volcano (4,392m); Ellensburg for a night in the eastern Washington desert; and seven nights at the University of Washington.

The boys were able to view aeroplanes, meet with technology and engineering leaders, and take in the sights, sounds and tastes of Seattle.

Matariki celebrated at Rosmini

Highlights of the trip included a visit to the Laser Interferometer Gravitationalwave Observatory (LIGO), witnessing the assembly of the 777 and 787 aircraft at the Boeing factory, listening to a talk by the head of AI at Google, and being courtside at a WNBA game between the Seattle Storm and the Las Vegas Aces.

The spirit of Matariki shone brightly at Rosmini College as the community came together to celebrate the Māori New Year. With the corridors decorated in twinkling fairylights, the day started at dawn with a karakia and shared breakfast, before students enjoyed Matariki activities in the classroom. From baking star-shaped cookies and painting the Matariki star cluster on the field, to sharing aspirations, remembering loved ones, playing Māori games and learning Matariki songs, it was a fabulous way for our students to gain a deeper understanding of Matariki's importance in our school and Aotearoa.

Rosmini dominates at intermediate basketball finals

It was a record-breaking night as Rosmini College basketball players played in 11 finals during Harbour Basketball's finals night recently.

The night concluded with six champions (including the top league), six silver medals, and three bronze finishes.

GOLD:

Rosmini Bulls - IntB1

Rosmini Spurs - IntB3

Rosmini Bucks - IntB7

Rosmini Mavericks - IntB11

Rosmini Thunder - IntB12

Rosmini Nets - IntBD2C

SILVER:

Rosmini Jazz - IntB3

Rosmini Lakers - IntB2

Rosmini Knicks - IntB5

Rosmini Pacers - IntB8

Rosmini Grizzlies - BoysDiv2A

Rosmini Timberwolves - IntBD2G

It was a great night for our young basketball players at all levels and we are looking forward to the restart in semester 2. Congratulations to all the players, coaches and supporters involved.

Geography Trip - Aloha Hawaii!

Year 12 and 13 geography students spent 11 days on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, to learn about the cultural process of tourism development. The trip started with students getting their geographic bearings by competing in an 'Amazing Race' around the primary attraction of Waikiki Beach. On the second day, we were treated to a trip around the periphery of Oahu, visiting the historic

surf town of Hale'iwa and the famous North Shore beaches. We were even lucky to have turtles swim and sunbathe right next to the students.

It wouldn't be a geography trip without exploring the natural environment including snorkelling within a volcanic cone at Hanuma Bay and climbing up Diamond Head. Students were also able to explore the villages of the

TGS Choirs Shine Bright

Takapuna Grammar School's strong choral tradition has continued to thrive this year with more fantastic results for our two premiere choirs, Leonessa and TGS Chorale. Both choirs performed beautifully at the recent 2024 World Choir Games, taking home a gold medal and silver medal respectively. This prestigious international event was held in Auckland during the July school holidays and was attended by more than 250 choirs and 11,000 singers from around the world. A true festival of song, each choir involved performed at a variety of community and competition events across the city over a ten day period. Given the size and calibre of the competition, we are especially proud of the results our choirs achieved.

In another recent success, Leonessa has again been selected to perform at the

Big Sing Finale which will take place in Wellington at the end of August. The choir received the A Capella Award for a Commendable Unaccompanied Performance in Any Genre at the Auckland regional event. The Big Sing is New Zealand's leading choral competition, and out of the 200+ choirs that have competed in regions around the country this year, only 24 have been selected for the finale event. Congratulations to all the students involved, this is an outstanding achievement.

A huge thank you to our expert teachers whose passion and commitment to excellence make this possible for our students. TGS is lucky to have so many dedicated young singers involved in our choir programme - the future is bright!

Pacific at the Polynesian Cultural Centre and watched an amazing performance showcasing all cultures in 'Ha, the Breath of Life'. A key site of significance was the visit to Pearl Harbour and the USS Arizona Memorial, marking the USA's entry into World War II. The trip was a great opportunity for our students who created wonderful memories of their experiences in Hawaii.

TGS Senior School Ball –City of Stars

The 2024 school ball was held on the last day of Term 2 at the Ellerslie Event Centre. Students and staff delighted in dancing, singing and the awards announcements. Students were also treated to a delicious dinner and took full advantage of posing at the various photo backdrops around the venue. This year’s City of Stars theme meant everyone looked wonderful in glamorous gowns, sharp suits and intricate ensembles. Year 13 students Ivy Denton and Lucas Pringle were crowned King and Queen. And Year 12 students Avdon Abrazaldo and K’mora Katu were crowned Prince and Princess. It was certainly a night to remember with students making unforgettable memories. Well done everyone involved in this grand event.

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.

Tailored trusts for diverse family needs

Richard and Julie always marvelled to each other how their three children, all brought up in the same environment, could be so different. Their eldest son was a scientist, very bright but without a practical bone in his body. The middle son was an investment advisor and their youngest was a stay-at-home dad with a very successful and ambitious partner.

Richard and Julie had established a trust many years ago on the advice of their lawyer. Over time they built up quite a sizeable commercial property portfolio. As they were heading into their mid70s, they thought it would be a good time to review their structuring to see if the trust was still the best vehicle for them. They also had been talking to friends who had recently updated their wills. They thought that theirs were ok; however, it had been many years since they had completed them.

Instead of going to their usual lawyer, Richard and Julie made a time to see a lawyer recommended by a friend, who specialised in asset structuring. They felt that they really needed some robust advice and analysis of their current structure. They sent copies of all their documents ahead of time so that the lawyer would be prepared when they met.

The first thing the lawyer asked them was whether they had ever heard of a document called a memorandum of guidance or letter of wishes. Richard and Julie had heard that terminology before but were unsure whether they had one or not. The lawyer likened it to a will but said that it dealt with the trust assets rather than their personal assets. Richard and Julie’s wills dealt with all their assets with no distinction between personal and trust assets. The lawyer said this was incorrect as they couldn’t deal with trust assets in their will.

She asked them what they wanted to happen with the trust assets if they both died. They said that they would really like the trust to continue, as the commercial property assets would provide a healthy income for their three boys and their families. They thought that their youngest two children might be good trustees, but their eldest son,

while clever, might not be able to grapple with the practical elements of commercial property and the trust.

The lawyer began to ask more questions, drilling down into the family dynamic. The more they talked, the more Richard and Julia realised that it was likely to be unworkable for the three boys to be bound together in the same trust going forward. They had very different needs and requirements and it could cause some major family disputes if they had to keep the assets together. The income of the commercial property would be of benefit to their eldest son, but the middle son had an interest in the share market and would rather have the opportunity to look for financial growth there, whereas their youngest son had a large mortgage and so debt reduction would be important to him.

The lawyer explained that they could still put in place mechanisms that would ensure that whatever the boys received from Richard and Julie’s trust could be within a trust structure to protect each of them from relationship property and other “threats”, but that it could be done in a bespoke way which gave each of their sons flexibility to manage their affairs in a way that was appropriate for them.

It is so important to review your affairs regularly to ensure that they still cater to the changing needs of your family. When children are young it may be appropriate to hold assets together in the event that mum and dad have both died, but as they get older and end up in very differing circumstances, it is important to keep evaluating what is the best structure for them and their changing interests.

Tammy McLeod, Managing Director, Davenports Law

Asset Protection. Considering Everything Together.

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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.

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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 specialist asset structuring and planning advice.

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Outsourcing to help achieve success

Whether you have resource constraints or a project you want completed, outsourcing can be a useful solution. Outsourcing entails engaging with a third-party provider to perform a certain task or role which would otherwise be performed in house. Your relationship with the third-party provider will often be a contractual arrangement as opposed to an employment agreement. Examples of outsourced services include bookkeeping, human resources, IT support, marketing and sales, manufacturing, warehouse and inventory management, and administrative assistance.

Outsourcing is typically good for when:

• You are in a business start-up phase and there is uncertainty around cash flow or permanent requirements

• You are looking to expand your business and need assistance with funding, strategy, or workload

• You are experiencing an economic downturn and are needing to reduce costs

• You require temporary cover for a particular role in the business

• You are requiring a specific skillset for a project. Like many other decisions, a business will need to weigh up the pros and cons of outsourcing before deciding whether this solution is right for them.

The pros of outsourcing include:

• Cost savings – Outsourcing can be a cost-effective solution as you can engage with the third-party provider on an as-needed basis and only pay for the time and cost of performing that service. This will avoid situations where you decide to employ a staff member and then need to find additional tasks for them to complete to fill up their day or ultimately the cost of redundancy if that service is no longer required.

• Access to specialised skills and expertise – Outsourcing allows businesses to gain access to specialised skills and expertise which you may not have in-house or are difficult to recruit for. Such specialists would tend to stay up to date in their respective area of expertise so that they are able to provide you with an outstanding service to help gain any further work or referrals from you as well as them staying ahead of their competition.

• Increased efficiency – Outsourcing low-value or non-revenuegenerating tasks can free up internal resources so that they can focus on delivering higher revenue generating tasks and help grow the business.

• Scalability – Outsourcing provides more flexibility for businesses as it enables them to scale operations or tasks up or down based on meeting the business’s current needs. There is no need to invest in fixed assets or recruit additional staff to increase operations or conversely, restructure to remove roles or reduce costs.

• Risk mitigation – Outsourcing can help businesses mitigate certain risks, such as staff absenteeism, compliance, or technological obsolescence.

Accountancy with Mike Atkinson of Bellingham Wallace

Cons of outsourcing include:

• Loss of control – Businesses may be hesitant to relinquish direct control over certain functions to a third-party provider. The loss of control could have a negative impact on the quality of service or product which the business is currently providing its customers. A service level agreement provides a certain level of protection but may also limit or slow corrective measures to rectify any substandard product or service.

• Communication and coordination challenges – Businesses may have a harder time managing communication and coordination with a third-party provider performing their tasks either offsite or in a different country. Similarly, challenges may occur when the third-party provider is not engaged on a full-time basis and have other customers of their own.

Outsourcing entails engaging with a third-party provider to perform a certain task or role which would otherwise be performed in house.

• Information security risks – Outsourcing often includes the sharing of sensitive or proprietary information with the third-party provider. There may be a risk that the third-party provider could misuse, mishandle, or inadvertently expose this information to others. There may also be a risk that the third-party provider has inferior security processes and procedures in place which could ultimately compromise the confidentiality of your information.

• Vendor dependency – Over-reliance on the outsourcing party can create vendor lock-in and make the business vulnerable from both a pricing and operational perspective.

• Ethical dilemma – You may be faced with an ethical dilemma when deciding to move your production or client servicing process to a different country. There is a heightened chance of reputational damage to your business if you choose a country which have lower staff costs, with poorer working conditions, or has less stringent regulations and legislation.

The decision to outsource should be based on meeting a specific business need and weighing up the pros and cons of outsourcing to meet this need. Cost savings should not be the sole reason for outsourcing if it is at the cost of losing control and compromising on the quality of the product or service which you would normally provide to your customer.

Please get in touch with our advisory team at Bellingham Wallace if you would like to know more about outsourcing.

Visit: bellinghamwallace.co.nz

By Jo-Anne Thomas (Director). Jo loves

the analysis and strategic planning required to find solutions for clients’ difficult problems; considering options and solutions beyond just the legal is what sets her apart. Her satisfaction comes from seeing clients change over time – seeing them at their hardest moments and then watching them gain in strength and confidence over time.

Parenting through stormy waters

The arts - A luxury or sustenance?

As parents, children tend to become the centre of our universe. They are all-consuming from day one. They take our time, our energy, and they bring out every emotion we can experience. We love them in a way we could never have understood you could love someone BC (before children). But when couples separate, sometimes the focus shifts. People can lose sight of their children amongst the hurt and anger they are now feeling, or they want to draw the children closer to themselves and away from the ‘bad parent’ who has done this to the family.

Obligations of the separating parents: As parents you need to protect your children from the conflict. They need to feel secure. They need to know that both their parents are there for them and will continue to love them no matter what. Importantly, children need to know that they do not have to take sides, that it’s ok to love both parents, and that the separation is not because of them. No parent wants their separation to have a detrimental effect on their child’s long-term emotional development.

Keeping adult problems away from the children: While you may have real concerns about where you will live or what will happen next, children do not need to carry these burdens and they should not be encouraged to align with one parent against the other. Negative comments made about the other parent in the child’s presence or reliance placed on the children to emotionally support the perceived aggrieved parent, all draw children into adult issues. While they may seem resilient and wanting to support mum or dad, they are vulnerable to the conflict and susceptible to influence.

Third parties can help in most circumstances: For children there is benefit in being given access to an independent third party who they can talk to about their feelings; a person who will help them to develop strategies to cope while their parents are in conflict. For parents, friends are a great source of support, but there are limits. An independent third party can also help you work through your own emotions in an objective and constructive manner, away from your children. Parents do need to work together to agree to the care arrangements for the children, providing certainty and stability, and a relationship with each parent. Where to from here? Professional assistance: The children will also benefit from both parents attending the Parenting Through Separation course. This is free and you do not need to attend this together. If you need help to draft and/or negotiate a parenting plan or agreement then you can either attend Family Dispute Resolution or speak to a family lawyer who can help. Separating is rarely easy and involves many legal issues and considerations from the care of children through to division of property. To help you navigate your way through your separation, we recommend seeking the advice of an experienced family lawyer.

Schnauer & Co,

1 Shea Terrace, Takapuna 09 486 0177

schnauer.com

I recently came across the most thought-provoking reel by Ethan Hawke, where he proposes that “Art is not a luxury; it’s actually sustenance… we need it”. He expounds that we often don’t pay attention to poetry or art until something terrible happens, and we need to make sense of the world. Or the inverse, something extraordinary happens, and our heart explodes, and we turn to art to check in and see if anyone has ever felt this way before. This was solidified for me earlier this term when I had the pleasure of attending the annual Dance Curriculum Evening here at Kristin.

This event is where students in Years 10-13 showcase their work. For those in Years 12 and 13, the performance pieces on this evening make up a significant portion of their final NCEA grade. The first section of dances had been choreographed by the Year 13 students, and the intention of their piece was read aloud to the audience before we watched the dance unfold. Some examples of the intentions are outlined below:

“My piece embodies the notion of the well-known mantra “See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” that influences humans to ignore and remain silent in the face of injustice.”

“Inspired by the soldiers of World War II, my choreographic intention is to convey how leaning on each other for support bands individuals together, instilling strength within them.”

“My intention is to portray the struggle of feeling overwhelmed and striving to break free of negative emotions by searching for an escape. Despite persistent efforts, each attempt proves to be futile.”

For anyone who has ever questioned whether dance or any other arts subjects are an academically rigorous offering, this evening put that to rest. These students not only have to know and hone their craft, think critically, and develop art in response to an authentic prompt, but vulnerability is a prerequisite for success. They are learning to turn the human experience into something visual to give it shared meaning. It’s critical thinking in action.

I read an article by a local playwright who stated that she will never get used to the deeply uncomfortable feeling of putting her art into the world for others' judgement. However, she was encouraging other writers not to let this discomfort stop them from creating and sharing their creations with the world. Our children are learning this as they engage with the arts here at Kristin: to be bold and brave and to face the criticism that will inevitably come their way. I don’t know about you, but I feel that these are definitely the skills we want our children to learn in a supportive environment such as ours.

Ethan Hawke finishes by reminding us that creativity is not just a nice to have but “In singing our song, in telling our story, [art] is inviting you to say ‘hey, listen to me, and I’ll listen to you’. We’re starting a dialogue, and we start to witness each other's common humanity."

Thank you to all teachers for guiding students in their creative pursuits, and congratulations to all students who are brave and bold enough to share their work.

The North Shore, 1950 to 1954, Part One

Delving further into Devonport Museum's collection of the 'North Shore Times' from 1949 to 1954, I can see how the early 1950s set the scene for the rest of the twentieth century on the North Shore.

According to official government figures, in May 1950 the population of Takapuna Borough (around 12,190) overtook that of Devonport Borough (11,970) and established Takapuna Borough (from 1961 a city) as the biggest local authority on the North Shore, until the advent of North Shore City in 1989. By February 1954, Takapuna Borough had added another 3,060 residents while Devonport had gained just 280. What is also apparent is the population growth in the East Coast Bays, with that borough (with an initial population of 7,800) separating off from Waitemata County in April 1954. On the western part of the North Shore, in May 1950, Birkenhead Borough had around 4,330 residents while Northcote had 2,930.

Whereas at the 1949 general election Devonport still made up just over 50% of the total votes cast in the North Shore electorate, by the 1954 general election its voting strength in that electorate had been overtaken by the growing areas of Takapuna and the inclusion of Milford. Northcote and Birkenhead were now part of a large Waitemata electorate stretching to Coatesville and Waiwera. That electorate was narrowly won by Labour's Norman King (1914-2002) who remained in Parliament until 1975.

Whereas in 1950 there was a fear that an Auckland harbour bridge was being "shelved", local advocacy ensured that at least what some described as "half a bridge" was opened in May 1959. In 1950, the Auckland Hospital Board purchased land fronting Taharoto and Shakespeare Roads from the Sisters of Mercy for what was to become North Shore Hospital. Building was to start in 1952 and it was estimated to take two years to complete. However, in November 1954 the approved plans for the hospital were now described as ''ready for

By David Verran

tender" and it actually opened in 1958. The North Shore District Court eventually opened in Takapuna in May 1970.

The first Birkenhead Library opened Friday 11 November 1949, in the basement of the Birkenhead Borough Municipal Chambers, while new library buildings opened in Devonport on 26 February 1954 and Takapuna on 12 March 1956. Northcote Library opened on 10 March 1956.

The North Shore Drainage Board started in 1951 and despite ongoing disagreements between the different boroughs, ensured a regional approach to sewage across the North Shore. Similarly the North Shore Fire Board started in 1948, with Takapuna Borough eventually joining and the Board's area extending into the East Coast Bays.

Effective town planning ensured that new large-scale factories and workshops were largely confined to the Wairau valley, allowing the remainder of Takapuna and all of Devonport Borough to remain residential. Initially around 60 acres in the Porana and Archers Roads area were deemed to be industrial, with another 200 acres available to be added. Ironically, given the relatively recent developments at Smales Farm, in 1950 the then mayor of Takapuna (John Guiniven, 1871-1957) envisaged the corner of Taharoto and Northcote Roads as being the future commercial centre for Takapuna.

In October 1954, Dean Eyre (National MP for North Shore from 1949 to 1966) proudly pointed to new schools in Bayswater (1953) and Hauraki (May 1954), extensions to Takapuna and Milford Primary Schools and planned expansions to Takapuna Grammar School. Rangitoto College opened in 1955, Torbay Primary in 1956, Westlake High School and Belmont Intermediate in 1957 and Murrays Bay Intermediate in 1958. Carmel College also opened in 1957.

david.verran@xtra.co.nz

Next issue out Friday 6 September.

T5494, compliments of Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. Looking from Taharoto Road (foreground) towards Northcote Road on 27 June 1997, with excavation work starting on the Smale Farm site.

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

Finally, some brightness amidst the gloom

The long-standing financial pressures that many businesses and households have been enduring are here to stay for a while longer. However, the latest Official Cash Rate (OCR) announcement in July when the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) decided once again to maintain the OCR at 5.5 per cent, has been a cause for optimism, not as a result of the level of the OCR, but due to the softening of the RBNZ's economic narrative.

The rather sobering predictions that interest rates may not be cut until late 2025 have been somewhat tempered as the RBNZ’s tone and language changed from interest rates needing to remain restrictive for a "sustained period" in May, to "policy needs to remain restrictive, but the extent of this restraint will be tempered over time consistent with the expected decline in inflation pressures". While this change may not on the surface mean a great deal to you or I, it has piqued the interest of economists with some predicting that there may be a reduction in the OCR in August which could signal a reduction in interest rates in November.

Whilst these are merely predictions, it does provide some hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is moving closer, which is a welcome change following recent indications that financial stress was becoming increasingly significant for more businesses and households. The pressure being created due to the ongoing cost of living crisis has resulted in a noticeable decrease in consumer spending, as households juggle their finances to ensure that in the first instance, they can cover the cost of the essentials.

This reduction in discretionary spending has put additional financial stress on the business sector with dire consequences for some. Credit bureau Centrix reported that company insolvencies rose to 269 in May, an increase of more than 100 on the same time last year. Sadly, of the 490 liquidations recorded in the first quarter of the year, 259 were in Auckland, illustrating that many of our local businesses are still doing it tough.

There are also other factors outside our control that have contributed to increasing financial stress and which have kept inflation at a level higher than predicted for a longer period of time, thus making the RBNZ reluctant to reduce the OCR to take the pressure off interest rates. The main contributors have been the increases in council rates and insurance premiums which appear to have gone up across the board.

Finally, as it appears that the future isn’t quite as gloomy, please keep supporting our local businesses by shopping local and using locally available goods and services.

businessnh.org.nz

09 968 2222

027 479 9563

kevin@businessnh.org.nz

A Taste of Highbury – discover and devour

Indulge in 'A Taste of Highbury'! Enjoy mouthwatering deals and delicious delights from our food retailers every day in August at Highbury Birkenhead.

Me & Chef

Fusing authentic Hunan cuisine with New Zealand flair, Me & Chef prioritises high-quality ingredients and flavourful dishes. Try their popular rice noodle soup with braised beef or legendary pan-fried dumplings.

Burger Geek

Burger Geek crafts their beef patties from a special blend of Wagyu and Angus cuts, using a smash grill technique to seal in all the juices and flavour. They're also celebrated for their hot wings, thick shakes, and tasty sides.

Maki Sushi

Maki Sushi blends culinary art with fresh flavours, offering traditional classics and inventive rolls. Try their popular Pheonix sushi roll or classic teriyaki chicken on rice for a taste of Japan at its finest.

Comma Tea

Comma Tea crafts unique tea blends tailored for New Zealand's palate, featuring milk tea, fruit tea, frappes, and beloved yogurt products.

Highbury Birkenhead’s ‘A Taste of Highbury’ promotion runs from 1 August until 1 September. Make sure to visit us and enjoy A Taste of Highbury! highburyshoppingcentre.co.nz

By Richard Thorne, Devonport Business Improvement District Manager

Shop local and support Devonport businesses

August is ‘shop local’ month in Devonport with the chance for any customer purchasing goods or services in the village able to go into the draw to win a $1000 local shopping spree.

Modelled on a campaign to sustain local businesses the Devonport Business Association staged back in the days before we all knew anything about Covid, the promotion is called 3/50/1000, convenient shorthand for the concept that runs like this:

Simply shop at three different Devonport village businesses during August, spend a combined total of $50 or more (easy as!), and you are eligible to enter the draw to win $1,000.

3/50/1000 entry forms are available from most businesses in central Devonport; just ask and you’ll be given one. Attach (staple) three local purchase receipts that together total more than $50 and drop your completed entry form into one of the entry form boxes conveniently located in a number of retail outlets throughout the village.

Importantly, 3/50/1000 is a shop local promotion that’s not just focused on retail. It also includes customer spending with trade and professional service providers, and, of course, hospitality outlets.

Happily you can enter as many times as you like, and so multiply your chances of winning the gift card prize for a $1000 local shopping spree come September!

Of course we like to think that every month is a shop local month, but as the country’s cost of living woes continue small businesses in particular are suffering declining revenues. Economic data clearly shows that New Zealand consumers generally have been cutting back on discretionary spending as they are forced to pay more for essentials.

These are very tough times in particular for small and independently owned businesses everywhere. The Devonport community relies on our own local shops and businesses, just as they all rely on the local community’s support. Shop local and win!

Devonport is YOUR seaside escape devonport.co.nz

By Simon Ritchie, Marketing & Communications Lead

PD available on how to promote your NFP organisation, plus free governance training

Check out other training and professional development (PD) for not-for-profit (NFP) groups, on the ANCAD LiiFT Aotearoa programme.

Free drop-in session for DTLB and Hibiscus and Bays NFP community groups and organisations

The date for the next one is 22 August in the Hibiscus and Bays area. 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 PD and training sessions for NFP and community groups in August, and continuing throughout the year.

• 6 August, 6.30pm – 8pm. On Zoom. Financial Governance: Do good. Be good. Look good. An holistic approach.

• 8 August, 10am-11.30am. On Zoom. Navigating Tough Talks: Effective strategies for giving feedback

• 13 August, 6.30pm-7.45pm. On Zoom. Decision-making in boards/ committees (A Governance Matters monthly series of topics).

• 15 August, 12pm-1.15pm: 10 Steps to marketing your NFP organisation (social media).,

To find out more 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) www.ancad.org.nz/shop/ NFP organisations in the Devonport-Takapuna and Hibiscus and Bays local board areas are entitled to a free copy, due to funding support received from these respective local councils. Email simon@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

Attendees at The Gift Of Matariki workshop held at the end of June

By Bronwyn Bound, Sunnynook Community Centre Manager

Term 3 has started with a hiss and a roar

We had an amazing holiday programme and youth programme, and then started the new term with a couple of new groups.

We have restarted our afternoon board games (free) on Mondays during the school term – 1.00pm to 2.30pm. Come and join other local residents. You chose the game; we have rummikub, scrabble, backgammon, and chess. We provide the games, tea, coffee and biscuits.

…

Come and join other mums/dads/ grandparents to have a cuppa and a chat while your young one plays.

We have decided to start a preschool playgroup ($5 per family) on Wednesdays during the school term – 9.30am to 11.30am. Come and join other mums/dads/grandparents to have a cuppa and a chat while your young one plays.

We also have a new class starting on Tuesday 6 August – 9.30am to 10.30am: Neon line dancing – beginners class. Contact Alida on 021 232 7069.

Please note our waiting list for the Sunnynook holiday programme is currently sitting at 36 families waiting for a space.

If you would like to hire the Kennedy Park Observation Post for a child’s birthday party / baby shower / family gathering / art class etc please email snook.com.cen@xtra.co.nz for more information.

Please check out our website for up-to-date information about our classes. If you would like to go on the online mailing list to receive our community newsletters please email office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz.

Kind regards Bronwyn Bound, Centre Manager, Sunnynook Community Centre

By Sonia Thursby, CEO, Yes Disability

Exciting developments for I.Lead in July

Earlier in July, I.Lead excitedly announced our partnership with the William Pike Challenge. Members of I.Lead will take part in the William Pike Challenge for the first time this year, marking a significant milestone for I.Lead and the 15 young disabled participants. Over the next 12 months, the participants (all with various ability levels) will be encouraged to get inspired by the outdoors; building their resilience, wellbeing, confidence, and skills through outdoor adventures, community service, and passion projects. Disabled youth are often used to feeling left out of exciting opportunities and adventures, making this programme a game-changer. Participants, no matter their abilities or skill level, will have the opportunity to go sailing, rock climbing, naturewalking, and more.

To complete the challenge, participants are required to complete five outdoor activities, 20 hours of community service, and 20 hours of passion projects over a year. Through these activities, participants are given opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, develop and strengthen twentyfirst-century skills, and have extraordinary experiences. I.Lead will be the first fully-disabled youth group to take part in the William Pike Challenge.

On 16 July, I.Drive hosted its first learners' workshop in Dunedin. Originating in the North Shore of Auckland, I.Drive now hosts its courses in Auckland’s North Shore, South Auckland, and Dunedin; with plans to expand even further throughout the country! This will allow I.Drive to reach more young disabled people in need of support in attaining their licences.

I.Lead’s regional committees are in full swing, with committees in Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, and Dunedin. These committees meet weekly to discuss issues relevant to their region.

Our regional I.Lead committees 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 Hawkes Bay, Blenheim, Christchurch, and Whangarei. If you are interested in becoming a regional committee member, reach out via social media or email us at ilead@yesdisability.org.nz.

I.Lead is continuing its I.Connect programme, a weekly event that is hosted on Facebook through its 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.

For more information about our programs and upcoming events, check out our websites and social media. ilead.org.nz/ • facebook.com/ileadconferencenz instagram.com/i.leadnz/ • tiktok.com/@i.lead linkedin.com/company/i-lead-org

sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz office@sunnynookcomcentre.co.nz.

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!).

Springtime, Shore triumphs at full time, and AT creeping again…

It’s springtime again, the daffodils are out and the lambs are prancing and playing in the fields. The club rugby season is nearing its end, and what a day we had last month when the great Takapuna Rugby Club journeyed down Lake Road to Devonport, for the North Harbour Premier final against the mighty North Shore, Pride of the Union, for the fourth consecutive year in a row, and what a rivalry it’s been since 1934. It had been raining all morning, off and on, sometimes heavy and sometimes light. A strong easterly turned into a mild south westerly blowing in off the Waitematā Harbour. There had been junior rugby played on the fields all morning with hundreds of kids wearing the green and white versus other clubs, including Mahurangi and Northcote. Parents in their winter best, Red Bands abundant, dogs on leads, kids in bare feet – classic New Zealand stuff. Kick off was at 2.45pm and by 1pm the grounds were virtually empty of people due to the inclement weather. Thousands of leaves were getting blown out of the plane trees across the fields and towards the Cheltenham beach end, where two lonely figures were attempting to put up a marquee for the afternoon’s festivities. Virtually nobody was walking along Vauxhall Road, sparking fears that nobody would turn up for the game. By 1.30pm the man installing the bouncy castle arrived, the Harcourts’ Real Estate team arrived to put up their marquee, and once this was erected a gust of wind caught it, and blew it halfway down the field. Inside the clubrooms there was a hive of activity with kids getting their hotdogs and chips, parents getting their burgers. The hot topic of conversation was the fear of a washout for this much anticipated game.

By 2pm the front had gone through, leaving its last reminder of a soaking morning, and the two teams came onto the fields to go through their warmups, the sun came out, the wind dropped and the warmth improved and the chat in the clubrooms went from a washout to a maybe it will be ok conversation.

Trails of people began to arrive down Vauxhall Road, Tui Street, and from Cambridge Terrace where people have been walking for 151 years to view a game of rugby on Vauxhall Domain. The plane trees echoed with former supporters: Murray Jones, Howard Kepa, Don McKay, Peter Thorburn, Johnny Old, so many hundreds of past players who had trodden the hallowed turf and would have loved to have witnessed this occasion. By 2.30pm some 5000 people circled the entire playing pitch, filling the grandstand, filling the top of Vauxhall Road, five deep all the way around the playing pitch.

The teams kicked off at 2.45pm and what an epic match it was. North Shore 20, scoring two tries and the rest of the score made up of successive kicks at goal. Takapuna 15, scoring three tries and their goal kicker unsuccessful at any attempt at goal. Right down to the wire, the game could have gone either way. The North Shore Premier team successfully defended the title they won the year before, going two full seasons without being defeated, the best

So now AT has consulted with locals again about the installation of parking meters along the waterfront between Windsor Reserve and Torpedo Bay, once again attempting to ruin another Auckland suburb with its solution to parking congestion.

record achieved by a senior team in the club’s history. Needless to say the club rocked and rolled into the night with locals and visitors alike, celebrating this historic occasion.

It was just a pity that the New Zealand Rugby Union wasn’t visible on the day to see rugby at this great grassroots level.

I see AT is creeping round Devonport again, now with their plans to install parking meters along the waterfront. I see also they want to have consultation with the residents, but as you know a “consultation” is held in no esteem at all – as we found when they came to a meeting at the RSA some time ago with regard to the raised pedestrian crossings. They had the meeting, nodded their heads at the almost universal disdain for the crossings, and then started the works a week later, much to the surprise of the locals.

So now AT has consulted with locals again about the installation of parking meters along the waterfront between Windsor Reserve and Torpedo Bay, once again attempting to ruin another Auckland suburb with its solution to parking congestion. Resident parking schemes are being imposed on ratepayers throughout Auckland; they achieve nothing other than to pour money into AT’s coffers which they then waste on raised pedestrian crossings and speed calming measures, and we still dodge potholes along most of the roads around our suburbs. The unjustified removal of parking spaces does not help retailers, residents or visitors to our suburb, but aids and abets AT’s agenda to get people out of their cars. AT has said making changes to parking encourages people in private cars to consider other options, such as public transport, carpooling, biking or walking.

I’m looking out the window at cold grey skies, rain threatening and it’s around 12 degrees. The thought of a walk or a bike ride down to Devonport certainly does not appeal. Or a stroll along the waterfront, dodging the inevitable cones and the oncoming paid parking machines.

I’m looking forward to spring, longer lighter days and a little bit of warmth in the sun.

with Lindsay Knight

Spring time, bowls time

As spring nears, and with it the start of the 2024-25 bowls season, North Harbour centre officials, as well as the match committees of their affiliated clubs, spend much of their time agonising over how they can fit in every tournament on an increasingly congested calendar.

It truly is an exercise of trying to put a gallon into the proverbial pint bottle and one not helped by those who think the game’s interests are served by more events rather than fewer.

Some lateral thinking is required and in recent years Harbour officials have shown some of this by moving some competitions from the traditional season from September-May into the winter.

So, as was the case last season, the pennants competitions will be played this month on the Saturdays of 17, 24 and 31 August, with Saturday 7 September the reserve day. There will be two divisions and teams of nine will be split into three sides of triples. Finding a slot in the programme for the pennants has proven difficult in the past, even though it has many advocates who point to how popular this format is in Australia.

But here it hasn’t been totally accepted and some see the sevens inter-club competition played on more conventional lines of singles, pairs and fours as having priority, particularly as it leads on to a national title. There has also been some bafflement that the winner in pennants is determined by the overall shots aggregate rather than the wins in each discipline.

…as was the case last season the pennants competitions will be played this month on the Saturdays of the 17th, 24th and 31st, with Saturday, September 7 the reserve day.

Thus in pennants the winner can sometimes be a team which has won only one of the three games, but narrow losses in the other two can mean a superior number of shots.

A few seasons ago the pennants were played on Saturday mornings and Tony Popplewell, who has returned as the chairman of Bowls North Harbour, says he personally is inclined to return to that, and he believes this is the preference of some clubs. However, he acknowledges the problems fitting it in and is not sure whether a return would “fly”. For the time being, though, using the winter months seems a reasonable option particularly with so many carpet greens available, and the likelihood of there being more over the next decade. Bowls is becoming more and more an

all-the-year-round game.

Meanwhile, Popplewell, as well as chairing the match committee, is heading a new-look Harbour board, with recent stalwart members like Robyne Walker, Trish Croot and Mike Beretta leaving. Neil Connell and Laurie Kean remain in presidential roles and Garth Partridge continues as office manager and Raewyn Thomas as treasurer.

The board newcomers are Nigel Rattray, Greg Yelavich, Sue Rossiter and a member of both the Hobsonville and Mairangi Bay clubs, Hanaan Shawan. Like Popplewell, a former Olympic oarsman, Rattray and Yelavich have strong backgrounds in other sports. Rattray, from the thriving Hobsonville club, comes from rugby league and was manager of the Kiwis national team in 2007, and Yelavich has been one of New Zealand’s greatest pistol shooters and has a record number of Commonwealth Games medals, 12 in all.

Rossiter, now with the Milford club and previously a long-time member of Takapuna, has had a high profile as an internationally qualified umpire. So it should not be long before the new board is up to speed. And on the match committee, as well as Patridge, Popplewell has the support of such accomplished and experienced bowlers as Colin Rogan and Steve Cox.

bowlsnorthharbour.com

Tony Popplewell

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The Channel Crossword

Across

1 /36 Thing 100 has first time medical condition... (5,3)

4/9 ...with thing having first Queen's Bill (7)

6 Hang around topless kinswoman (4)

10 Hello, solver! This clue's a knockout! (She's right) (4,3)

11 Indignation over clue for "gear" ? (7)

12 Note about me existing in Florida? (5)

13 Sign of fences being unbound? (5)

14 Horse swallowing a courtyard (5)

17 Greeting from Slovakia or Austria (3,3)

18 Stuck up princess in Russian car (2-2-2)

20 In support, bridge partners could be present (5)

21 Woman returning fruit in mid-September (6)

23 See 19 Down

25 Snotty-nosed Brit pronounced despicable (5)

28 Cry an ocean? (5)

30 Drug tavern heard through grapevine (5)

32/31 Together with Fleming, regularly dancing for a considerable time (3,4,4)

33 Enable space force (7)

34 Gift returned? Ah, OK (4)

35 Flower away? Not quite (3)

36 See 1

Down

2/4 Original people want a hug - a neat variant? (7,6)

3 March Hare initially had a carp (5)

Solution to last month's crossword

4 See 2

5 Duck in relish, a treasure... (6)

6 ...also ends with a drink on Great Barrier Island (5)

7 Henry aiming to produce a thank you (3,4)

8 Thing, that thing, pushed me back (4)

9 See 4 Across

14 Wins matches (5)

15 Managed Joe, perhaps a character in "Footrot Flats" (5)

16 Lament life's end, and support your principal (5)

17 A weka raised in the gardens, or vice versa (3)

19/23 Could "Imagine" be played on this? (3,6)

22 Man: "Oh, Eva!" - getting up to give the boot (5-2)

24 What ani-mal guards bodies of water? (7)

26 See horse in front of a gallery (6)

27 Extra doesn't apply to morning (6)

28 Leading Uncle Tom back to the island (4)

29 Love Norwegian band's backwards heraldic version of a Spandau Ballet song in place of dash (5)

30 Standing over quiet, unknown, young type of 29 (5)

31 See 32 Across

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.