1 September 2023 Rangitoto Observer

Servilles shutting original

Changing of the guard at Sunday market...

Coastal track crosses 72 private properties

Public-access issues on the Takapuna-Milford coastal track have been revealed to go well beyond a stalemate over a path through the Firth property at Black Rock that could be fenced off from the end of this month.

The Firth property is just one of 72 private sections with boundaries at or below the tide

line which are crossed by the popular route, Auckland Council has confirmed in response to Observer inquiries.

Council’s head of property and commercial, Kim O’Neill, noted that the exposed shoreline of the pathway was not owned or maintained by the council and that informal

access has been “at the goodwill of the various property owners”.

In the Firth case – after more than a decade of allowing the public to cross the property following the washing-out of a bridge erected by the former North Shore Council – goodwill is now in short supply. To page 3

Up for it! Westlake wins again

Sweet victory... Westlake Boys High School first XV players celebrate winning the Blues region schools rugby final – for the second year in succession. The home win against Sacred Heart last weekend was part of a standout season for WBHS and sister school Westlake Girls. See p11-15.

PHOTO: SIMON HARMER

Authorised by Simon Watts MP, 1 Earnoch Ave, Takapuna

I’ll work hard for our country:

• I've helped secure billions in funding for climate action with the UN.

• I've championed New Zealand's trade and security as a diplomat.

• I've led global renewable energy efforts with the UN.

• I know what's at stake and will work for us all to succeed.

I’ll build a better future:

• My parents were the first in their families to go to university.

• I'm one of seven children from a family that values fairness.

• I'm married with a new baby daughter (and a dog!).

• I'll work with our North Shore community to build together.

George Hampton

for North Shore

I’ll support Kiwi business:

• I'm co-owner of the iconic Kiwi brand, Mr Whippy.

• I've founded start-ups and served as a board director.

• I've studied business at Harvard and Columbia universities.

• I understand what works for business and workers.

Get in touch:

As my family would tell you, I love to talk!

If you would like to discuss anything, or find out more information, please contact me:

george.hampton@labour.org.nz

/georgehamptonnz

Authorised by Rob Salmond, 187 Featherston Street, Wellington.

Complex issues cloud track future

From page 1

The beneficiaries of the Firth estate, through their lawyer Alex Witten-Hannah, last month offered to gift a 1-5m seaward strip of the property to the council to safeguard public access, with conditions.

To date he has received no substantive response.

He told the Observer he was not bluffing in relaying to council the beneficiaries’ position that unless discussions began, they would fence off their land. They have set a deadline of 29 September.

Residents groups are calling for the council to step up and guarantee future access to the track, which is walked by hundreds of people daily, and thousands at weekends.

Maintenance is also an issue.

A confidential workshop of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board last month traversed issues around the track.

Board chair Toni van Tonder later told the Observer the matter was a complex one for the cash-strapped council and that coastal erosion and climate change would pose future challenges to the viability of sections of the track.

The board wanted the walkway to stay open, she said.

Witten-Hannah has been dealing with the council for years, including for the late Paul Firth, a well-liked local figure who often greeted walkers from the garden in front of his modest home, the last of its type in the area and now surrounded by multimilliondollar properties.

Firth, who died in 2021, had at one stage hoped the council would buy the home after his death. A heads of agreement was signed in 2018, but never advanced.

Firth always wanted the track to be available to walkers, Witten-Hannah said.

“I’d describe it as an iconic walkway,” he said. “It seems to me it’s complete disinterest

on the part of the council.” No local-board members had approached him.

O’Neill said the council had engaged with the property owner since 2012 and continued to “work through this matter”.

Witten-Hannah disputes this, pointing out he wrote to the council for the beneficiaries on 9 August 2022 and having received no response he wrote again exactly a year later raising the warning of closure.

As well as offering to gift the coastal strip land to the council, he asked for a 2014 heritage listing council put on the house to be lifted to allow for its sale, and for rate arrears to be wiped.

Witten-Hannah said recent Observer coverage (18 August) of the issue had sparked wider media interest.

He finally heard back last week, after the Observer had put a series of questions on the issue to the council, but received only an acknowledgment that his letter of 9 August had been received, along with the name of a new council contact.

O’Neill said there was a process for the local board and council to make a decision “on which there are a number of competing considerations”.

Dates for these meetings were yet to be scheduled, he added.

The matter of rates had not been part of discussions between the council and property owner, O’Neill said. “The heritage status of the property had to be considered separately and independently. If pursued, it would be as a part of a public process.”

Witten-Hannah said if the council had come back to him expressing interest in the deal and looking to lift the heritage listing, even if it was a process that took time, “we would look at that”.

The beneficiaries wanted to preserve the walkway for the community, he said. But they also wanted to be able to move on and see the estate settled.

Briefs

Square opening delayed

The opening of Takapuna’s Waiwharariki Anzac Square planned for last Friday, 25 August, was delayed at the last minute due to the death of a mana whenua rangatira. Eke Panuku said out of respect it had put back the planned blessing to allow time for tikanga to be followed. Fencing has remained around the completed $15 million square, which will instead open this Friday, 1 September.

Square market handover, page 5

Pedestrian hit by bus

The police serious crash unit is investigating after a pedestrian was struck by a bus on Taharoto Rd last week. A 42-year-old man was transported to hospital by ambulance after the incident on 22 August, shortly before 4pm, near the Z petrol station. One lane of traffic in each direction was closed for nearly two hours. The man was reported the next day to be in Auckland Hospital with moderate injuries. Auckland Transport said the bus involved was a Ritchies service. The driver was supporting police in their investigation.

Marathon effort

Sunnynook’s community marathon is taking place this September after all, with volunteers stepping up to run it after lack of resources led to the community association putting the annual event on hold. Those wanting to complete the 42km distance at their own pace in stages over the month can register via the Community House at snook.com.cen@ xtra.co.nz or turn up at 5.30pm on Friday 1 September for a fun dress-up launch.

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Snip! Servilles to shut original hair salon in Takapuna

After nearly four decades, Takapuna is losing one of its most stylish homegrown business brands, with hairdressing chain Servilles closing its Lake Rd operation.

Customers were told by staff that looming parking issues due to the Takapuna town-centre development were one of the reasons for the closure, which takes effect from mid-month.

Around half a dozen stylists will relocate from 19 September, vacating what Servilles dubbed the “garden salon” overlooking Potter’s Park, to join colleagues at Servilles Cityworks which was set up in 2016.

The news follows the loss of another brand-related name in the area, with the recent closure of the iStore on Hurstmere Rd.

Shore-raised Paul Serville, an industry leader for decades, started hairdressing as a teenager, making a mark as a stylist and running salons before a stint in London. It wasn’t until 1984, with a growing family, and back home in Takapuna, that he opened his first salon under his own name.

He went on to win multiple hairdressing awards, be inducted into the Australasian Hair Expo Hall of Fame and set up the Servilles Academy in central Auckland. At

its pre-Covid height, more than 300 hairdressers graduated from it each year, many of them from China.

In 2014, Serville’s combination of business savvy and hairdressing accomplishment led to a role as Wella’s global business ambassador.

These days he lives in the city.

The Takapuna salon has not been as busy as it once was. Staff say rent for the large space may also be a factor in the closure. They hope customers will embrace the “change is beautiful” notion and book with them in the city premises.

Takapuna Beach Business Association chief executive Terence Harpur said it was sad what had been a great business for Takapuna was leaving.

He said parking was available in Takapuna, including 420 spaces at nearby Toka Puia.

New businesses were being attracted and he hoped the prime Servilles site would soon get a new tenant. Hurstmere Rd had just got a new bakery and a Himalayan restaurant was coming to Huron St, with a new Korean bar and restaurant, Bando, recently opened in the old Coffee Club corner on Lake Rd.

Free weekend parking offered in Toka Puia

Free weekend car-parking is being trialled for three months at the underused Toka Puia parking building in Takapuna.

Meanwhile, week-round prices for street parking and other car parks managed by Auckland Transport (AT) have been lifted by $1 an hour.

AT told the Observer use of Toka Puia at weekends was consistently around 10 per cent of its 420-park capacity. Takapuna town centre average capacity was 77 per cent.

“This results in congestion on the street,

while the car park is grossly underutilised,” a spokesperson said. AT wanted to drive behaviour change.

Toka Puia is open on Saturdays from 7am until midnight and on Sundays from 6am to 6pm. No changes in hours are proposed, though businesses and theatre groups have previously called for later hours on Sunday.

Toka Puia was opened in 2020. It was built in anticipation of the closing of the central Takapuna car park. Week-day occupancy has built up, towards capacity.

Market’s changing of the guard ends 34-year tenure

Long-time Takapuna Sunday market operators Trish Keith and Ess Jenner made their final farewells last Sunday ahead of a new era for the landmark weekend attraction.

Keith looked back fondly on the 34 years of Sundays – minus a five-month hiatus during Covid – spent running the market, coping with 4.30am starts and dealing with its many different stallholders.

“Market people are good people,” she said. “It’s a happy place.”

The stallholders tended to be resilient, she said, working to earn a living but always ready to help each other – including newcomers, who might not have known how well tents needed to be tethered in gusty weather.

Jenner and her husband, Bruce, were the market’s founders in Shore City’s car park in 1987, with Keith and her husband, Fred, joining them two years later. The women are both widows.

They decided against renewing their council lease for a new reduced market space, believing it would be very difficult to manage in a tightly restricted area based on the new town square.

Development work had already meant the number of stalls was down from a high of 300 to about 130. The town square would accommodate many fewer, Keith said.

But very recently she was surprised to learn that the market would continue on its current site as well as the new square, saying she and Jenner would probably have sought to stay on had they known that would be the case.

Council property arm Eke Panuku had “shifted the goalposts”, she said. “If we had been given the correct facts from the start we probably would have stayed on.” Communication had been “appalling”.

She emphasised that this was no reflection on new market operator Matt Jones, and said stallholders being given some continuity with the ongoing availability of car-park space was a good outcome.

Though Sunday was a sad day, she would have plenty to do at home in Russell, from where she had travelled for the market each

Signing off... Ess Jenner (left) and Trish Keith had well over three decades running the Sunday market together in Takapuna weekend, including gardening and voluntary work. “I won’t miss the drive too much.”

A Panuku spokeswoman said it was expected the market will “transition from its current location to its new home in Waiwharariki Anzac Square over a period of time, as everyone familiarises themselves with the new public space”.

Initially, part of the current car-park area would be available to support stallholders as they loaded in and out, and might also provide space for larger produce vehicles and food trucks.

Potential existed to use further development space for temporary dining, buskers or other entertainment.

“Regardless of the operator, it was always expected a brief transition period may be required as the market moved to its new home once the square opened and the stallholders got used to the new layout,” she said.

“We know Matt is looking forward to getting to know his new space and we are looking forward to helping him settle in and continue to build on the terrific work that Trish and Ess have done for many years.

New operator wants same feel for Sunday shoppers

New Takapuna market operator Matt Jones (pictured), who takes over this Sunday, 3 September, is keen to retain the “vibe” of the current market in its new location.

Though the market was moving, “it’s not moving very far,” he said.

His job was to make the transition to Waiwharariki Anzac Square – “a fantastic place for it to be moving to” – without losing the feel of the existing market. He was confident of retaining the produce sellers that have been one of its major attractions.

Jones said he was looking forward to continuing the legacy of his predecessors, who had built something the local community was passionate about.“All testament to them for the amazing market they’ve created.”

Jones has operated the smaller monthly Devonport market since

2020. In his expression of interest for the Takapuna market, he noted that vehicle access to the new Takapuna site was a big concern for stallholders selling produce and food.

He told the Flagstaff he would work with stallholders to make the best use of the space made available. “As in any market, it’s about planning.” The market layout would have to suit the various stallholders’ needs.

Panuku was allowing him to continue to use part of the car park in what he said would be a “gradual” transition.

Jones’ expression of interest also flagged a desire to expand into Hurstmere Green, on the other side of Hurstmere Rd, should the need arise, but told the Flagstaff that was not his focus for now.

Fab Dad dates in Takapuna for Father’s Day 2023

Father’s Day is not far away, so seize the opportunity to celebrate your cherished dad with a fun-filled day in Takapuna. To help you plan the ultimate North Shore dad date, here are a handful of awesome entertainment options and fabulous gift ideas.

And if the weather outside is sub-par, you can always golf indoors at the Gloputt Mini Golf – a super-fun 16-hole mini golf course illuminated inglowing technicolour.

Culinary quest

Embark on a food tour with Pops, exploring Takapuna’s awesome eateries. Try seafood by the sea at Regatta Bar & Eatery, grab a gourmet burger from Burger Burger, or take in a taste of Italy at the newly opened Portofino Takapuna restaurant. And how about a bottomless beer and a pizza to share at The Elephant Wrestler?

Beachside bonding

It’s always cricket season on the Shore. Take Dad out on the sand to roll the old shoulder over or smack it for six in a game of BYC (or should that be TBC?). Kick up the sand, soak in the fresh air and amazing views, warm up with a tasty coffee from the Takapuna Beach Cafe afterwards.

Spa and relax

Treat Dad to a day of relaxation and rejuvenation at one of Takapuna’s luxurious spas. Indulge in massages, facials, and soaking in warm pools. A spa day is all about that much-needed warmth and comfort, and a chance to chew the fat in a serene setting.

Picnic paradise

Takapuna boasts beautiful parks that are perfect for picnicking and relaxation. Pack a hamper filled with Dad’s favourite snacks and head to Lake Pupuke. Lay out a blanket, savour your sausage rolls, and engage in some heart-to-heart conversation and a few laughs.

• Your sporty dad will love a Superdry Vest ($179.99) from Life for Men.

• How about a pair of Dundas Straight Chinos ($129.99) from Barkers?

• They’ll go great with a Gasoline textured long-sleeved linen shirt ($79.99) from Farmers.

• There literally might not be any gift in the world that screams “dad” more than a red satin electric guitar ($1399) from Music Planet.

dad? Get him the gift of choice with a Shore City gift card.

Takapuna Golf Course

Get golfing

A leisurely round of golf is a fantastic way to let loose and enjoy a bit of friendly competition, so take yourselves down to the Takapuna Golf Course and hit the green or the driving range.

Great gifts

Top off your dad’s fantastic day with a superb surprise gift from one of Takapuna’s many excellent local retailers. Here’s our quick Father’s Day 2023 Gift Guide:

If you still need more ideas, you can check out the full list of businesses in Takapuna to treat and spoil your dad, or other wonderful activities and things to do with Dad on our website: www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz.

• Difficult

Burger Burger

Gloputt Mini Golf Life for Men

Portafino

Elephant Wrestler

Candidate visibility on the rise as election nears

Boost for incumbent

Sitting North Shore MP Simon Watts has been elevated to 17th on the National Party list, improving markedly on his 65th placing in 2020.

Watts, who holds multiple spokesperson roles, including for climate change, local government and regional development, along with associate economic roles, is wellplaced to pick up ministerial responsibilities should National be in a position to form a government.

As the election on 14 October draws closer, expect more candidates to be visible out and about in the electorate.

The Observer will list all those running after nominations close on 15 September. The first candidates meeting, with Watts, Labour’s George Hampton and others will be held at the Devonport Community House on Wednesday 6 September at 7pm.

Hopeful Mr Whippy lines up to join Mr Chippy

Free ice creams for all may have been an enticing idea for Labour North Shore candidate George Hampton’s beachside campaign launch, but he played by the rules and had the treats only for sale.

Labour list MP Camilla Belich, who was MC for the recent event at Wakatere Boating Club at Narrow Neck, suggested former diplomat Hampton had more than electoral law in mind. “He’s very responsible with his own money,” his former flatmate teased.

Hampton, co-owner of the Mr Whippy New Zealand franchise, had a van on hand for the afternoon.

His proud aunt, Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban, a former Cabinet Minister in the Helen Clark government, also spoke at the event, saying she was glad he had taken her advice to round out his youthful interest in politics with life experience before standing.

Hampton aged 41, and back in New Zealand with his wife and six-month-old daughter after working at the United Nations, said he was honoured to have won the party nomination to contest North Shore.

His 41st list ranking on current polling gives him a slender chance of making it into Parliament. Sitting North Shore MP Simon Watts holds the electorate for the National Party with a hefty 3734 majority.

Having represented New Zealand overseas, Hampton said he was used to being the underdog. He wanted to be part of a government delivering “a better future for all”.

He has opened a Takapuna base, upstairs in the old Jack Lyon Memorial Hall in Anzac St (recently premises for Debra’s Beauty) and named for the Labour politician, who died in World War II. North Shore’s last Labour MP was Martyn Finlay, elected in 1946.

MILFORD GETS A F A C E L I F T

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Our clinical focus ensures a total approach to treating and reversing premature skin aging as well as managing problematic skin. We offer a wide scope of facials and skin treatments. These range from corrective peels, dermal needling, PRP, Botox® and RF Microneedling right through to pure relaxation facials and DMK Enzyme Treatments. Our unique aesthetic services are more than an indulgence – they give fresh, youthful results you can see and feel.

Labour’s North Shore candidate George Hampton at Narrow Neck after his campaign launch at Wakatere Boating Club

Simon Watts MP collecting for the Cancer Society

AT told to consider cost of injuries on perilous plastic

Repairing ‘yellow-dot’ roadside surfaces where multiple pedestrians have slipped, including in central Takapuna, should be prioritised, says the deputy chair of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, Terence Harpur.

At least three people have suffered nasty falls at the Campbell Rd corner with Anzac St, with other issues occurring in Hauraki, and further cases reported elsewhere in the city

“The one at Campbell Rd seems a good case for prioritisation, seeing the number of the injuries and severity of injuries,” Harpur said.

“It’s not good enough.”

Although replacement tactile paving was laid at three Hauraki corners last month, he was dismayed at the initial response from AT when he and others complained previously.

Some months ago, AT essentially told him “we don’t have budget, we know about it,” he said.

Harpur said AT needed to look beyond the cost of replacing the dots to the social and medical costs of those injured on them. Sites with a bad track record should be attended to in the first instance, he said.

The Observer’s sister paper, the Devonport Flagstaff, reported on the replacement of the yellow dots at three Hauraki corners

last month. The bill for this came to about $50,000, AT said.

The Observer has since asked what further work is scheduled in the area. Campbells Rd is not slated to be switched from the yellow plastic dots to concrete pavers.

The only local site that is on AT’s list for replacement work this financial year is the Rewiti Ave corner of Lake Rd.

So far, five sites around Auckland have been upgraded, including the Lake Rd corners of Hart Rd, Harley Rd and Cameron St, along with one each in Warkworth and Mt Eden. Four more sites, including Rewiti Ave, are left to do, along with others in Rothesay

Bay, Freemans Bay and the city.

AT’s executive general manager of public transport services, Stacey van der Putten, told the Observer it strived to meet safety and accessibility needs. “While the tactile pavers have met building code standards, the recent incidents are deeply concerning for us.”

The plastic mobility tactile tiles [embedded mats of yellow dots] had been compliant with accessibility standards when installed, she said. “But some have clearly demonstrated better all-weather longevity than others.”

This was why many would be replaced with concrete pavers.

Van der Putten said all tactile tiles across AT’s network were being reviewed using specialist mobility assessors to ensure tile application and fabrication was safe and fit for purpose.

The traffic engineering team was working on replacements and had prioritised sites. “Also available is the application of additional non-slip coatings which can be applied.”

Harpur said footpath upgrades also urged by the Takapuna Residents Association were another safety focus in Takapuna.

Wearing his other hat as chief executive of the Takapuna Beach Business Association, he said he had been asking for many years for these to be maintained to a high standard.

TAKAPUNA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

TAKAPUNA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

TAKAPUNA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

To our fellow residents

To our fellow residents

If you find yourself having an interest in and possibly concerns about the future development and direction of Takapuna, then becoming a member of the Takapuna Residents Association is something you should consider.

To our fellow residents

The future of the much used coastal walkway between Takapuna and Milford also known as the Firth Walkway

The future of the much used coastal walkway between Takapuna and Milford also known as the Firth Walkway

· The future of the Takapuna library including the suggestion of a targeted rate to construct a new library in the Waiwhariki Anzac Square

The time is HERE, and action is required NOW if we are to become a voice for good within our community and effectively contribute to the liveability and aesthetics of how Takapuna will look and feel within the next 5-10 years.

Areas of concern that your Association are currently working on, with the intention of making submissions to the required authorities include:

The time is HERE, and action is required NOW if we are to become a voice for good within our community and effectively contribute to the liveability and aesthetics of how Takapuna will look and feel within the next 5-10 years.

Areas of concern that your Association are currently working on, with the intention of making submissions to the required authorities include:

· The future of the Takapuna library including the suggestion of a targeted rate to construct a new library in the Waiwhariki Anzac Square

· Improving the standard of the bus station

The future of the much used coastal walkway

Takapuna and Milford also known as the

· Improving the standard of the bus station

· The appropriate size and reduced balcony space proposed in the construction of the 39-level apartment block in Huron Street

· The return and reinstatement of the Resource Consented Public Green Space beside The Spencer Hotel on Byron Avenue

· The appropriate size and reduced balcony space proposed in the construction of the 39-level apartment block in Huron Street

· Ongoing safety issues including broken paths, ‘yellow dots’, and speeding

· The future of the Takapuna library including suggestion of a targeted rate to construct in the Waiwhariki Anzac Square

· The return and reinstatement of the Resource Consented Public Green Space beside The Spencer Hotel on Byron Avenue

· Improving the standard of the bus station

To represent you and to ensure that collectively we are listened to, we need your support. We have an enthusiastic and experienced Committee but to become the VOICE of Takapuna we must increase our membership. Membership is only $10 per year, or make a donation.

· Ongoing safety issues including broken paths, ‘yellow dots’, and speeding

· The appropriate size and reduced balcony in the construction of the 39-level apartment Huron Street

To become a member or renew your annual membership please head to www.takapunara.org.nz Direct credit to Bank ac. No 38-9005-0702248-00 with your name as a reference.

To represent you and to ensure that collectively we are listened to, we need your support. We have an enthusiastic and experienced Committee but to become the VOICE of Takapuna we must increase our membership. Membership is only $10 per year, or make a donation.

· The return and reinstatement of the Resource Public Green Space beside The Spencer

To become a member or renew your annual membership please head to www takapunara org nz

yourself having an interest in concerns about the future and direction of Takapuna, member of the Takapuna Association is something you action is required NOW if we are to good within our community and effectively liveability and aesthetics of how Takapuna within the next 5-10 years. your Association are currently working

Yellow alert... The slippery corner of Campbell Rd and Anzac St, Takapuna is not on AT’s upgrade list

If you find yourself having an interest in and possibly concerns about the future development and direction of Takapuna, then becoming a member of the Takapuna Residents Association is something you should consider.

BRAND-NEW APARTMENTS AVAILABLE NOW

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Plus, purchase an occupation right to any Ryman independent apartment or townhouse by 30 September 2023 and receive a $20,000 credit on settlement.*

*Terms and conditions apply, visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz/ts&cs

Call Dell or Scott on 09 445 0909 for more details or visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz

7 Ngataringa Road, Devonport

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation!

Teresa Burns Hearing, a locally owned and operated Audiology clinic, is excited to announce the clinic has relocated to a spacious new office at 25 Apollo Drive, Rosedale.

Dr. Teresa Burns, Audiologist and owner commented, “I’ve wanted to have my own clinic space since I started my practice in 2015. I’ve looked for several months to find a location with reception, parking and room to grow and we finally found the perfect spot and moved in!”

Teresa has over 25 years’ experience as an Audiologist and offers services including hearing tests, hearing aid fittings and

repairs, micro suction wax removal, and tinnitus consultations. She prides herself on being an independent practice that works with all the major hearing aid brands and prioritizes personalized, friendly services with world class clinical standards. She says, “I love being an Audiologist. It’s a great combination of working with people and technology. It’s been an interesting and rewarding career.”

The new clinic features three consultation rooms with Ear, Nose and Throat and other medical specialists visiting regularly. The location is easy to find on Apollo Drive close to the Constellation Drive

ENJOY THE BEST SHOWS WITH A FREE TV STREAMER

For a limited time, Teresa Burns Hearing is offering a FREE TV Streamer with the purchase of a pair of selected brands of hearing aids Whether you want to get updated on the latest TV news or just relax with a movie, we can help you hear the sound from the TV better

Offer available until the end of September - book to find out more about this fantastic technology!

(09) 475 9849

teresaburnshearing.co.nz

New clinic now open: 25 Apollo Drive, Rosedal

intersection.

Teresa opened the new clinic in early July and is offering a special for selected brands of hearing aid purchased. Clients can receive a free TV Streamer device. See below for more information.

If you need help with your hearing, have questions about hearing aid technology or need a repair, or need wax removal, book in to see Teresa at her new clinic.

Teresa Burns Hearing Ltd, 25 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Tel: (09) 475 9849 or admin@teresaburnshearing.co.nz www.teresaburnshearing.co.nz

Westlake

teams soar high as winter sport winds up

Top secondary-school sides have secured North Harbour and Auckland titles, before heading off to compete for national honours.

Lochlan Lineham reports.

North Shore secondary schools – led by Westlake Boys and Girls High Schools – have revelled in success in recent weeks, with premier teams securing a range of North Harbour and regional titles.

The Westlake Boys first XV won their sixth Harbour title in a row a fortnight ago, before beating Sacred Heart in a thrilling match last weekend to secure the Blues area regional title for the second year in a row.

They head to Palmerston North this weekend for the national first XVs play-offs.

Westlake Boys’ first XI football team also toppled Sacred Heart, claiming a 3-1 victory to win the Auckland schools premier league for the first time in 23 years last week.

In girls’ football, Carmel College’s first XI won the Auckland premier division two, beating Pakuranga College 3-1 in the final in the school’s first season competing beyond North Harbour.

Westlake Girls had two major success stories last week.

Its first XI hockey team won the Auckland premier league for just the second time in its history, and its premier basketball team defended their Auckland schools title for a third year in a row, with a comfortable 92-68 win against Epsom Girls Grammar School.

Rosmini College’s premier basketball team came just agonisingly short of retaining their

High achievers... The Westlake Boys first XV lineout in action in the North Harbour final against Rosmini College, with lock Brooklyn Pohio securing the ball. Blues region win, page 13.

premier Auckland title, losing 79-78 to Mt Albert Grammar last week.

Many squads are competing at national

tournaments this week, aiming to add national titles to the regional honours already secured.

WGHS claims hockey title in penalty shootout

Westlake Girls High School’s first XI hockey team (pictured) won the Auckland premier title for just the second time in the school’s history last week.

Facing regular champions St Cuthberts in the final at Lloyd Elsmore Park, Westlake were behind 1-0 for most of the game, until Ashley Brown levelled in the final quarter, forcing a penalty shootout.

When Westlake’s third penalty taker, Sasha Roberts, scored to take the lead, St Cuthberts didn’t have an answer, giving Westlake its first title since 2015.

The team is in Christchurch this week to compete in the national secondary schools championship.

Pictured with the Auckland trophy, are (back row): Will Lacey (coach), Sasha Holt, Kiana Diesler, Bella Holt, Maia Houkamau, Holly Chivers, Sasha Roberts, Victoria Lane, Jess Reynolds, Charlotte Lockie, Ashley Brown, Danni Hall and Georgie Shotter (assistant coach). Front row: Aimee Morgan-Dunn, Emily Watton, Zoe Crawford (captain), Nicole Cosslett (captain), Tamsin Lockie, Melissa Cosslett, Amy Lees-Baker and Linda Clouston (manager).

First XV eyes national success after Blues region win

The Westlake Boys first XV has switched its focus to the national top-four competition this weekend after beating Sacred Heart on Saturday to win the Blues regional title for the second year in a row.

North Harbour champs Westlake edged the Auckland A1 champions 32-31 in a thriller before a jubilant home crowd.

The home side led by as much as 15 in the second half before the visitors battled their way back into the game.

Westlake forwards coach Robin Mildenhall told the Observer winning the regional title for the first time last year was important but that retaining it was even better. “It shows that last year wasn’t just luck.”

The team had expected to have to play deep into the game to win and he “couldn’t be more proud” of their effort.

Centre and team captain James Cameron was hugely influential, while fullback Isaac Murray-Macgregor had two individual moments of brilliance that led to tries.

Both have been selected for a Junior Crusaders camp. Of 50 players selected, only they are from outside the Crusaders region.

“Both young men are exceptional characters,” Mildenhall said.

Westlake qualified for the Blues regional final by beating Rosmini 42-10 a fortnight ago, claiming a sixth Harbour title in a row.

The team travels to Palmerston North to play Chiefs-area champions Tauranga Boys College in the first semi-final of the national

competition on Friday. The second semi is between Palmerston North and Southland Boys High Schools. A final and 3rd/4th playoff is played on Sunday.

Mildenhall said beating the Auckland

A1 champions will give the team a lot of confidence going into the tournament but that squad depth and the mental side of the game will play a large factor, with two big games in 48 hours.

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Westlake Girls dominate final to claim third title in a row

Westlake Girls High School’s premier basketball team completed a ‘three-peat’ of the Auckland championship, dominating last week’s grand final.

The reigning national champions beat Mt Albert Grammar 92-68 to secure the title at Trusts Arena.

New Zealand Under-17 representative Amy Pateman led the way for Westlake, scoring 31 points, with her fellow national rep Rebecca Moors on 20 points and eight rebounds.

Westlake led the game comfortably until Mt Albert closed the gap to two points early in the second quarter.

Westlake responded with a 16-2 run to finish the half.

They led by 19 points at the start of the fourth quarter, continuing their dominance until the final whistle.

Westlake next week contest the Zone 1 premiership in Auckland, with hopes of securing the top qualifying spot for the National Secondary Schools Championship in Palmerston North at the end of September.

Will

WBHS footballers end title drought, aim at national glory

Westlake Boys High School’s first XI football team has won the Auckland championship for the first time in 23 years, and is aiming for success on the national stage.

The Auckland title was still up for grabs on the last day of the season last month, with Westlake two points ahead of Sacred Heart College, but able to be overtaken.

The players were nervous but a big crowd at North Harbour Stadium helped them finish the job, said assistant coach Nick Dale.

Westlake stayed true to their attacking brand of football, and were leading 2-1when Finn McKenlay chipped the Sacred Heart keeper from 40 yards in the final minutes to

lock up the title.

The school has come close in recent seasons, coming second in 2021 and third in 2022. Dale said the squad’s togetherness pushed them over the line this year.

Six year 13s and 10 year 12s in the side have played together for multiple years and have each other’s backs, Dale said. “They were desperate for the title and I suppose redemption in a way from last year.”

The team travels to Christchurch for the premier national tournament this week.

“We’re definitely aiming to win,” Dale said. The results would “take care of themselves” if they kept playing as they have been.

“It’s just about the boys going out there and continuing like they have all season.”

The national tournament involves the country’s top 32 first XI sides, who first compete in eight pools of four. The top two of each pool continue to a round of 16, with quarter-finals, semis and a final following.

Westlake have previously won the national title twice, in 1996 and 2004, and the Auckland premier title five times, in 1972, 1975, 1984, 1996 and 2000.

After nationals, Westlake plays Selwyn College next Saturday in the final of the Auckland Knockout Cup, aiming to secure a league-cup double.

Back on top... Westlake’s title-winning squad (back row from left): Nick Dale, Dave Wright, Jack Young, James Lee, Bill Cui, Ray Ishihara, Conall Mclean, Tanner Kusch, Joel Elliot, Matt Knight, Hamish Strong and Logan Douglas. Front row: Damion Kim, Troy Putt, Jayden Kim, Finn McKenlay, James Taylor,

Sheriff, Finn Carpenter and Nikki Stoychev.

Champs again... Back row: Nela Fotu (assistant coach), Katie Moors, Kalei Morgan-Tafea, Imani Rasmussen, Rebecca Moors, Lily Fotu, Zee Stowers, Elin Vincent, Kodee Sefo-Williams and Bronwen Davidson (coach). Front row: Kaia Tuuta, Brennah Latoalevi-Nosa, Emma Shroder, Amy Pateman and Amelie Rerekura-Peters.

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Carmel students enjoy festival with flags and food

Carmel College’s ‘culture week’ last month celebrated the different backgrounds of students at the school. Each day, different activities highlighted the traditions of various cultures.

Students performed at a lunchtime concert, and took part in a festival for which they wore traditional dress. Different foods from around the world were on offer at lunchtime.

Arborists, contentious tree backed by split local board

The wishes of locals versus the decision-making power of arborists split opinion on the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, with its chair using her casting vote for the first time in nearly 10 months to back council staff ahead of unhappy residents.

Toni van Tonder voted in favour of retaining a tree planted in the middle of Henderson Park overlooking Lake Pupuke, after the board divided 3-3 on a proposed removal.

A motion put up by member Gavin Busch, seconded by George Wood and backed by Terence Harpur, requested the puriri be removed. Mel Powell, Peter Allen and van Tonder believed it was best left where it was.

Opposition to the tree’s placement was spearheaded by park neighbour Michelle Morrison, who says it will grow to block lake views for the public.

The issue put a focus on how Auckland Council staff are approaching tree planting and raised the question of whether local boards should have more input.

Over nearly a year, the Henderson Park tree, and others planted in Sylvan and Killarney parks, have prompted residents groups to seek a more consultative approach.

In debate, Harpur said council’s own policy was to choose “the right tree for the right place”, but this was not always followed.

Busch and Wood said residents needed support when they had a justified case.

But the other board members believed the need to encourage more tree canopy and

respect arborists’ operational responsibilities ruled out a reversal in Henderson Park.

An arborist report submitted to the meeting said it would cost about $3000 to move the puriri, and a further $5000 in aftercare, including watering over two years.

“I could move that tree for a box of beers on Saturday morning,” Harpur said.

Busch said advice from a private arborist was that it could be successfully moved much more cheaply than the staff estimate. He also questioned its value as a shade tree to sit under, saying once grown it would drop fruit which would rot. Open space also needed protecting.

“If we don’t work with the community they will work against us.”

But Allen said moving the tree might set a precedent. “It’s not for us to be dealing with,” he said.

“The risk of moving it is too great,” Powell added.

Wood said: “Arborists are employees of council, not our master, we have to listen to the community.”

The puriri was planted in 2022. Arborists said it might cause “a small reduction in views” until the tree grew high enough to open sightlines below the canopy.

They added that in the natural crater ring of the lake their objective was a natural outlook for lake and park users, as opposed to seeing a built environment. “The uses of the lake and surrounds of the park should not be reducing

the natural value of the landscape.”

The matter was one of two tree issues that came before the board’s August business meeting. In an earlier vote, the board decided, 4-2, to seek the removal of two street trees that produce large amounts of drain-blocking foliage in Anne St, Devonport.

Flooding has repeatedly occurred in the street. With around a dozen residents at the meeting, Wood put a motion, backed by Busch, Harpur and then Allen, to remove the trees and replace them with natives.

Allen said poor information flow from arborist staff contributed to his decision. The trees were initially identified as umbrella trees, a species on the council’s own pest-management list. But arborists stated in a last-minute paper that they were instead the relatively rare mallet flower, which are not on the pest list.

Van Tonder and Powell voted against removal, citing new information on promised drain maintenance and eventual stormwater upgrades, along with Healthy Waters’ view that the low-lying street was prone to flooding not caused by the trees.

There is no guarantee the request to remove the Anne St trees will be actioned, with Observer sister paper, the Devonport Flagstaff, told by regional arborist and ecological manager David Stejskal that council had received the board’s notice and was “looking into the next steps on how to progress this”.

• One resident’s battle over puriri, page 19.

Samoa pride... (from left) Zoya Wamoto, Keenai Sula, Anahera Dickson, Kahleena Arama-Schwalger, Zahara Tibbotts and Leighton Esera were among students enjoying Carmel College’s culture week

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Shocking tree mistakes will hinder recreation

Park. It now blocks the view of the lake.

I also remember when everyone could drive along Killarney St and enjoy views of Lake Pupuke. Not only has the view been lost, but grassy sitting areas are now dirt.

Why do I care? I’m North Shore ‘born and bred’, have had 30 years living beside Henderson Park and understand how our parks are used. I’m one of a group of residents and Rotarians who established ‘Friends of Henderson Park’ in 2019 with Pupuke Birdsong Project; I have coordinated volunteers removing pest plants in local parks, and completed the Auckland Council restoration-planning and geomapping workshop.

I have also logged jobs for council to address park issues, with some success but also horror at the inefficiencies and costs – such as when the arborist had my request for removal of pest plants (Chinese windmill palms) on his desk but would not agree to stop contractors from spending hours pruning nine palms, only to remove them several months later.

In September 2022, I was shocked to see that arborists had planted many large specimen native trees in Killarney, Henderson and Sylvan Parks. These trees will seriously impact the recreational functionality of these open areas. This does not align with the Lake Pupuke reserve management plan; and there was no consultation with user groups, Pupuke Birdsong Project, Friends of Henderson Park or residents.

Only a handful of people I have spoken to agree with the placement of these trees. The vast majority do not.

I contacted the arborist and identified some specific concerns. In Henderson Park, a puriri was planted in the middle of the only open space left in the park, which already has a large area of well-established native trees. The arborist refused to remove it.

The waka-ama group want to retain open views from the car park to their activities on the lake, and many people enjoy sitting

in their cars to watch water activities, including those less able or elderly. Hence the Rangitoto Observer article, “Plonked puriri ‘will rob public of Pupuke outlook’” (14 October 2022).

In Killarney Park, plantings include two trees in the only large, flat grassy area of the park. It is used by groups and for events, vehicles, stalls and marquees, and is the only place in that park where people can kick a ball around.

In Sylvan Park, a venue for local, regional and national water sports, four trees on the flat grassy area overlooking the lake were of immediate concern. The arborist was unaware the location was used for regatta tents.

Those trees were relocated in time for the Secondary Schools Rowing Regatta, but other trees will reduce the open spaces available for event participants and obscure visibility for organisers

Arborists are focused on trees without the balanced overview of all the needs of the community, hence the need for management plans and consultation processes.

How is it possible that an arborist who didn’t understand the use of our parks planted these trees, and community representatives have not been able to rectify the problem?

A good example of why I think these newly planted trees need to be relocated is the pōhutukawa planted about 20 years ago behind the race-officials tower in Sylvan

Takapuna and Milford Residents Associations made a presentation to Devonport-Takapuna Local Board on 6 December 2022, voicing their concerns about losing open spaces in public places due to the planting of these trees.

Council arborists were invited to a local-board meeting in early 2023, but focused on street planting; the parks tree-planting problem was not addressed. Asked how the arborists would respond if residents did not agree with their choices, they proposed to “educate” such people.

In June, the Takapuna Residents Association wrote to the local board formally requesting removal of the puriri from Henderson Park. This was declined.

Friends of Henderson Park responded by providing a comprehensive summary of reasons for the request, and at a 15 August local-board meeting member Gavin Busch proposed a motion for removal and relocation of the puriri.

The vote was split, and chair Toni van Tonder’s vote was “against”.

The local board is apparently committed to “the right tree in the right place”, but was not prepared to stand by that statement.

We have followed due process, we aren’t against trees and it is isn’t about “attitude”, as suggested by member Melissa Powell.

While the local board does not have delegated responsibility for planting or removal of plants, it does have an advocacy role to liaise with council on behalf of residents.

Its decision has long-term consequences. I believe it is wrong for our community. Takapuna will lose important open park spaces, functionality of recreational and sporting areas, and stunning views of Lake Pupuke.

You can let the local board know your views by emailing devonporttakapunalocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

Market move and house saga caused by poor decisions

Two instances of unjust/inexplicable decision-making on the part of Auckland Council have bothered me.

The Takapuna Market circumstances are well known. [The market is moving from its car-park location to the smaller new town square.] But it was still very sad to talk to stallholders last week and see the actuality of the loss to the community. For what? We can all see that there are plenty of other sites available for apartment development.

Is it not too late for council to reverse its call in view of the drastically changed economy or even just wake up to the needs and sentiments of the community it is supposed to serve?

The Firth walkway story (“Renewed threat of closure hangs over walkway”, Rangitoto Observer, 18 August) troubled me. As a teenager I grew up as a neighbour of the delightful and friendly “bohemian” Firths; later observing their generosity in allowing public access.

Now I read with disgust at council treatment of the family.

Asserting rights over private land for the benefit of the community (by a heritage listing) while charging disproportionately high rates (predominantly land-value based) with no discount seems plain wrong.

I have no objection to character listing in principle (I live in Devonport), but council

dealings (in the name of ratepayers) with the very generous Firth family are deplorable (assuming your synopsis is accurate).

The right thing for council to do (on my behalf and on behalf of all of its ratepayers) is simple: buy the property at full market value and then do what it likes with it.

Mayor Brown might demolish the cottage and resell to developers after a council/ ratepayer-funded new bridge is constructed seaward of the riparian boundary.

Council could grant itself a resource consent and Mayor Brown, an engineer, could even design this modest structure himself. Everybody wins.

Peter King

Michelle Morrison (pictured) details her attempts to oppose council tree planting in what she believes are the wrong places.

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PumpHouse honours chair as tough times bite

A surprise presentation of life membership to the Friends of the PumpHouse Theatre has been made to the theatre board chair, Peter Burn.

Fellow board members kept the award under wraps throughout the Takapuna theatre’s annual meeting, providing a highlight to end the evening on Wednesday last week.

The deputy board chair, Fiona McMillan, presented Burn with a certificate in recognition of his years of service.

She outlined his contribution, from joining the board in 2011 to becoming chairperson from 2015.

In this time, North Shore-raised Burn had guided the theatre through two major construction projects and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, McMillan said.

Earlier in the evening, Burn himself spoke in celebration of the theatre’s first full year back in operation without Covid restrictions, and the efforts of the 25 mostly casual staff who work in various roles at the theatre.

He also highlighted the funding challenges the theatre faces this year with reductions in operational support from Auckland Council, community organisation grants schemes and Pub Charity, and the loss of all funding from Foundation North.

Jeff Philp and Teresa Sokolich have been seconded to the board for the next year.

Both have hands-on experience in theatre at a grassroots level and add additional support as the PumpHouse embarks on an ambitious auditorium refurbishment project.

The evening concluded with a presentation by the PumpHouse’s community engagement coordinator, Mags Delaney-Moffatt, about her work encouraging people to explore the performing arts beyond simply attending a performance.

Business manager James Bell later told the Observer the theatre, along with other arts and community groups, faced tough times, with the need to maintain and upgrade

facilities to stay an attractive venue.

Funding groups were tightening their criteria and reducing grants.

That included the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, which provides 6.5 per cent of the theatre’s budget.

Its auditorium project aimed to raise $250,000 over two years to improve the main theatre space, with new lighting, seats, carpet and upgraded safety features. Donors would be sought.

A programme of public events, such as movie nights when the theatre was not booked for commercial use, were being held to contribute to general fundraising, with staff volunteering their time to run these, Bell said. A picnic was also planned later in the year.

Thieves strike but show goes on

Thieves stole a DVD couriered to the PumpHouse the day before it was needed for a movie fundraising night.

The package was picked up by two people shortly before staff arrived at the theatre last Friday morning. Theatre manager James Bell said their actions, including trying to open locked doors, were caught on CCTV camera and reported to police. Luckily, theatre staff who had obtained a licence to screen Moulin Rouge were able to source another copy of the film. More than 40 people attended the Saturday screening.

Milford / Takapuna Tides

In appreciation... PumpHouse board deputy chair Fiona McMillan presented chair Peter Burn with life membership of its support group

Young artist scores illustration opportunity

A Carmel College student has been selected to provide an illustration for quarterly student journal ToiToi

Year 7 student Sophie Bell-Booth says she was surprised at her success as she “just entered for fun” to compete with students from around the country for the opportunity.

The journal publishes work from young writers and artists.

Sophie has been assigned to provide an illustration to accompany an underwater fantasy story written by another student.

This will be the first time she’s illustrated for someone else, but Sophie says ToiToi’s instruction to draw what the story makes her feel helped her with the process.

The 12-year-old says her favourite part of illustrating is being able to put what’s in her head onto the page.

“It kind of depends on how I’m feeling. Like if I’m feeling kind of sad I make things a bit dull but if I’m feeling happy I make things colourful.”

She likes to mix different art styles in her work.

People are her favourite subject to draw, but she doesn’t like drawing feet because they’re so hard to get right.

Though she doesn’t know whether she will seek to do more illustrations in future, Sophie is keen to carry on with her art.

Mixing it up... Sophie Bell-Booth with one of the colourful art works she entered into a journal illustration competition

Two Carmel seniors win Hanly awards

Two senior Carmel College students have had their art recognised with Pat Hanly creativity awards.

Year 12 student Sophie Farrand learned of her success when her art teacher, Diane Miller, pulled her aside to tell her she’d been nominated. “We’ve got a class of quite a few people so it’s nice to get that recognition,” she says.

Poppy Collins also received the award, which is given annually to outstanding senior visual-art students from across Auckland.

Sophie says one of the pieces she submitted was inspired by the influence of books on society and public opinion.

The 16-year-old says her history class has been learning about book burnings in Nazi Germany. For the piece, she incorporated collages of book pages, some partially burnt.

Westlakes strike gold at Big Sing

Choirs from Westlake Boys and Girls High Schools won three gold awards at the national Big Sing Finale choir, with the schools’ joint choir, Choralation, also winning best performance in te reo.

• Secret of their success – next issue

By the book... Two Sophie Farrand works reflect the influence of books, whether as escapism (left) or in regard to book burning in Nazi Germany

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