March 24, 2023
Lengthy roadworks schedule alarms businesses
Road users face at least four months of disruption on Devonport’s Victoria Rd, while new safety features – including median islands, raised crossings and more room for pedestrians at corners – are installed.
Starting in May, the work will at times require sections of the main street to be closed or reduced to one-way traffic.
The Auckland Transport (AT) project was initially scheduled to take twice as long, but is expected to finish sooner after the intervention of business and local-body leaders.
The Devonport Business Association (DBA) learned from AT late last month that the long-planned work had an eight-month construction period.
“We had no idea whatsoever it would take so long. It put us in a state of shock,” said association chair Dianne Hale.
Since then, several urgent meetings have taken place to claw back the timeline, with agreement reached that the work be done in sections, and some concrete pre-fabrication
To page 6
Razor gives an edge to Shore celebration
Unbeaten North Shore Cricket Club thrilled
North Shore Cricket Club’s premier side has won the prestigious Auckland two-day competition for the first time in 35 years.
Shore last won the championship in the 1987-88 season, having previously claimed it in 1977-78 and 1982-83.
In a rain-affected 2022-23, North Shore won six of its first seven matches, with the other one abandoned.
Going into the final-round match against Parnell last weekend, Shore had an unbeatable lead in the contest for the sought-after Hedley Howarth trophy.
Tendai Chitongo proved a match-winner with the ball, picking up four five-wicket bags over the season.
The top batting performance was Sam Hind’s 113 not out against Takapuna before Christmas.
The Devonport Domain-based club is buzzing over the win, with a major celebration planned for 25 March, when it is hoped members of previous winning teams will attend.
Former club manager Roger Brittenden, who became North Shore patron at the start of the season after the death of Barry Sinclair, has followed the side for decades, through numerous relegation battles and many years in Auckland’s second division.
North Shore spinner Tendai Chitongo on his way to a five-wicket bag against Papatoetoe this month – one of four he snared during the 2022-2023 season
performers, but Shore was consistent across the board.
“I said at the beginning of the season I hoped to see North Shore win a championship before I die,” the 77-year-old said. “I’ve no intention of dying anytime soon, but I’m delighted.”
North Shore coach Chris Reid was deservedly proud of the team, which has risen after seven years in the second division – to fourth, third, and now champions, over the last four years (with one competition cancelled due to Covid).
He said his first aim had been to consolidate the side in the first division, rather than going straight back down again, a fate that befalls many promoted sides not used to playing a higher standard of cricket.
Most champion sides had two or three star
“We played positive aggressive cricket,” Reid said, which meant Shore was more likely to be ahead on the scoreboard in rain-affected games.
Spin bowler Tendai Chitongo, whose 41 wickets over the season are likely to win him Auckland’s best club cricketer of the year award, said much of Shore’s success can be attributed to the culture of self-belief and team support engendered by coach Reid.
Winning the Auckland championship was “unreal, unbelievable,” said Chitongo, who arrived at the club in 2017 as its overseas professional and is now club manager.
“Talking to former players about how much it means to them, that we have won, shows how much it matters.”
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northshore@parliament.govt.nz simonwattsmp
to end long Auckland championship drought
Commuting ex-skipper departs on a high
Michael Olsen’s 12-year career with North Shore premiers had a dream ending as the side began its last match with the two-day title already in the bag.
Olsen (right) started playing for Shore aged five, gaining selection for the premiers in 2010 as an 18-year-old fresh out of Takapuna Grammar School.
Now 30, he has played a club-record 241 premier games, scoring 6040 runs, and captained the side for four seasons.
His commitment was illustrated this season. After moving to Nelson, Olsen travelled back to Auckland on Thursday mornings to play for Shore, flying home again on Sunday mornings.
“I really wanted to have one final season as a player, just enjoying the game and the end of my playing career with the club.”
Olsen was captain when Shore won the Tom Hellaby championship to end seven seasons in the second division. Just four seasons later, the premiers are Auckland champions with one game to spare.
“It is a fairy-tale ending for me – champions of Auckland for the first time in 35 years... it’s a special moment.”
While Olsen has played his last game for North Shore premiers, he intends to continue playing in Nelson, where he has joined the Wanderers club.
Stars line up to launch rugby club history
Colourful Crusaders coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson was the star guest at the North Shore Rugby Club launch of its 150th-year celebrations and C’mon Shore!, a book that documents the history of the club.
The event raised more than $30,000, with at least $25,000 of that coming from the auctioning of six 150th-anniversary jerseys featuring the name and number of each of North Shore’s All Blacks: Don McKay, Gary Cunningham, Wayne Shelford, Frano Botica, Paul McGahan, Craig Newby and Brad Johnstone.
Around 240 people attended the event, including All Blacks great Bryan Williams, former Kiwis coach Sir Graham Lowe, sports broadcaster Peter Montgomery and Shore’s first All Black Don McKay.
C’mon Shore! co-author Max Webb said he initially thought writing the book could be “knocked off in a couple of weeks”. It took four years, with the expert help of journalist Jim Eagles, who died before publication, but was still getting his chapters in order in the lead-up to his death, Webb said.
Publishing the book proved a true labour of love, in which Webb spent many hours interviewing North Shore stars and characters, he said.
Robertson was circumspect about his chances of becoming All Black coach, but entertained the crowd with Canterbury tales, such as the time then coach Steve Hansen suggested he should perhaps move from flanker to number 8. Richie McCaw, 20, had just joined the team and scored three tries in his first match.
• North Shore’s 150th-anniversary celebrations take place over Easter weekend. Delving into the history, pages 34-37.
House News
Stanley Bay Park assault investigation stalled
Police will shelve the complaint alleging an assault at Stanley Bay in February last year unless any new information comes to light.
Responding to questions from the Flagstaff, Detective Senior Sergeant Nick Poland, Waitemata East Investigations Manager, said police “recognise the news of this report was concerning to the wider community, and we worked tirelessly on this investigation.
“Our investigators focused on establishing what has exactly occurred in the incident.
“Police also made a number of attempts to speak further with the complainant about what occurred, including having our specialist interviewers available.
The complainant can contact police at any time if she wishes to progress this matter further, Poland said.
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Events
“We can reassure residents that based on all enquiries in the past year, we have no ongoing concerns for the community over this matter.”
Police took more than 50 statements during the investigation.
An extensive area canvass was carried out, including at the Stanley Bay scene and the route the complainant took, which led to police staff visiting more than 277 houses.
CCTV footage “was not overly beneficial to the investigation”, Poland said.
“Our staff found there was a lack of cameras at residential addresses in the area.
“At the time the report was made, police obtained a broad description of an offender. But through our enquiries, we have not identified anyone matching this description who was in the area at the time,” Poland said.
Disruption looms for main street
From page 1
handled off-site. But there would be times when traffic was controlled by stop-go signs, Hale said.
Contractors Fulton Hogan will work sixday weeks.
Along with the safety work, parking is being reduced by 15 spaces to allow for longer bus stops and wider angled parking. Businesses were concerned, Hale said, but the staged approach meant “at least we won’t get a Hurstmere Rd [Takapuna] situation where everything is closed down”.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Toni van Tonder said a waiving of council outdoor-tables fees had been obtained for businesses for when construction was nearby.
AT had been asked to tidy up Victoria Rd footpaths and paving while completing the safety work. “Ending up with gold-plated speed-calming and shoddy pavements” made no sense, she said.
“While it will be a period of disruption, we hope we’re going to minimise it,” said Hale.
AT had been given a clear message that work needed to be done before the busy summer season, she said.
Hale said a request for parking to be made temporarily free near the ferry terminal, to compensate for the disruption along Victoria Rd during construction, had been rejected.
In light of weather-related road damage across Auckland, as well as Auckland Council budget cuts, she had asked AT if the extent of spending in Devonport was warranted, and particularly if some of the raised-crossing features were really necessary.
AT’s response was that it was very keen for the work to proceed. It was budgeted for and consulted on and came with a contribution from national transport agency Waka Kotahi that would be put at risk with delays.
The works are part of the wider Safe Speeds programme, designed to make roads safer for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
The Devonport project has been on the drawing board for several years, during which time a working group of representatives from the DBA, schools, local board and community was consulted.
Stage one – introducing 30km/h speed limits in and leading to the town centre – began this month. Stage two went to community consultation late last year. More than 200 submissions were received, most of them objecting to plans to do away with a right-hand turning lane from Victoria Rd into Calliope Rd in favour of fitting in a cycle lane. AT dropped the idea.
The approach to the intersection will be upgraded for pedestrians. This will mark the start of the stage two work, along with changes at Kerr St and in front of the Victoria Theatre to Rattray St.
The lower section of Victoria Rd, south of Flagstaff Tce, will be tackled next, with the middle section done last.
If work begins on schedule in May, weather permitting, it should finish in August or September.
The main town centre is expected to be the focus for two months.
AT figures show that in the five years to 2020, 44 traffic accidents in Devonport included 14 causing injuries that needed medical attention. Twelve of those related to vulnerable road users.
Recent roadworks in central Devonport, seem to illustrate the old adage – small is beautiful.
Gangs of contractors moved in to reseal Mozeley Ave and parts of Victoria Rd with chip.
I’m no expert on roads, but to a layman’s eye the tarmac was not in bad condition, with no visible potholes or ruts. The end result – with residual chips flying everywhere and tar catching on cars – is worse than what was there before.
Just one street over, in Abbotsford Tce, a large pothole almost big enough to damage car suspensions has developed. Why wasn’t this fixed at the same time? Most likely because council adheres to a rigid rolling road maintenance programme – other than in emergencies such as when damage was caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. The centralisation of works done by contractors continues to serve Devonport poorly.
In 1985 – towards the end of the days of the Devonport Borough Council – residents in the suburb (roughly from Devonport north to Takapuna Grammar) were served by 76 staff,
including 43 in the works/parks department.
In that era, a call from residents to fix a broken footpath or developing pothole was often remedied on the same day.
In the lead-up to last year’s election, North Shore councillor Chris Darby felt a review of ‘Super City’ effectiveness was due. It would be great to see the possibility of a local Devonport works team included in the mix.
At interclub tennis last week, two of my teammates and one of our opponents happened to have all spent extended periods living in Hong Kong. We were waiting for our final opponent to arrive and conversation drifted to the excellent and well-planned Hong Kong transport system. Our tardy opponent’s ETA was dependent on Lake Rd traffic, a common occurrence, repeated thousands of times each week.
Coincidently, I ran into a former local-body politician the next day and quickly fell into dreamland fantasies of trams on Lake Rd, from Devonport to Takapuna. Totally possible, reckoned the local-government veteran, if the Lake Rd power poles were undergrounded.This also offered better protection against potential cyclone or storm damage.
After squash at Warkworth on Wednesday evening, I encountered numerous delays getting back due to roadworks outside the town and then again on Lake Rd getting into Devonport. First-world problems, I know, but transport issues for many appear to be getting
worse around the city rather than better. I remain convinced that Lake Rd is an example that shows options other than roading are the answer long-term.
Devonport peninsula residents are now being hit by transport failures on two fronts. Trapped on Lake Rd last week, a mate had to miss an in-person medical consultation and drive home to conduct it by Zoom. Even a year ago, I might have said you should have caught a ferry over to the city and taken public transport from there. Not any more: ferry cancellations and unreliability have become so commonplace they can be relied on to wreak havoc with arrangements and cause appointment chaos as much as Lake Rd congestion.
Flash back 20 years, when the area was administered by North Shore City Council and the Devonport Community Board: we had functioning ferry services from Devonport Wharf, Stanley Bay and Bayswater, as well as plans approved for a new Bayswater ferry terminal.
Now, the planned ferry terminal has been mothballed into the never-never, Stanley Bay’s ferry service has been canned and the Devonport and Bayswater routes are in crisis. If anything, the situation has worsened since Auckland Transport last year began overseeing ferry operations (although not day-to-day management, which is still Fullers’ responsibility).
Is it time to review and overhaul the whole operation with a view to bring it fully under public control so there can be no buck-passing between various ‘stakeholders’?
All Blacks coach-in-waiting Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson proved an entertaining guest speaker last Friday at the launch of C’Mon Shore!, a book on North Shore Rugby Club’s first 150 years. Down to earth, forthright and humorous, Robertson came across as a breath of fresh air. Most of the North Shore Rugby Club stalwarts were left wondering why he wasn’t All Black coach already.
Devonport 9 Duders Avenue
Devonport Bungalow by the Beaches
This classic bungalow on a 506sqm site, has been home and castle to Paul for nearly fifty years. It has been lovingly maintained, is bursting with quirky character, and offers views of the harbour and lots of opportunity for you to update it to your own style. You will love the magic of living near the waterfront, but savour the peace and privacy afforded by this home’s position on iconic Duders Avenue, a quiet and tightly-held cul-de-sac just off King Edward Parade. Beautiful Torpedo Bay and Duder’s Beach is six doors away at the end of the street, and it is an easy stroll to popular Cheltenham Beach. You will love the large west-facing alfresco dining and living area at the rear of the home flowing into the flat lawns surrounded with creative, colourful, easy-care planting.
bayleys.co.nz/1470608
bayleys.co.nz
3 1 2 1
Auction (unless sold prior)
1.30pm, Thu 30 Mar 2023
28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland
View Sat/Sun 1-1.30pm
Linda Simmons 027 459 0957
linda.simmons@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS
Seed of an idea germinates into native nursery
Devonport’s new community native plant nursery is set to open in May.
Environmental group Restore Takarunga Hauraki (RTH) has been working on the Ngataringa Community Nursery project next to Allen Hill stadium since last November, when its 10-year lease of the site was approved by council.
The nursery, developed over three levels, will produce plants for RTH’s coastal restoration projects around the peninsula.
Coordinator of the nursery initiativeCharles Palmer put many volunteer hours into the nursery’s second level, where native plant seeds will be germinated.
Palmer built a shade roof and tables, and installed mesh netting and an irrigation system.
The seeds of natives, such as tawapou, which has become near extinct in Auckland’s coastal areas, are being germinated.
Palmer said the nursery had the capacity to grow more than 47,000 plants a year.
“I’m not sure we’ll do that every year, but certainly thousands,” he said.
The nursery’s third level is the next focus. It will be used to store and grow plants that have grown big enough to be potted.
Once the outdoor area has been fitted with shade covers and an irrigation system, the potted plants will mature there for around a year, after which they are big enough to be planted out.
Green team... (from left) project coordinators Charles Palmer and Andrea Forster with Restoring Takarunga Hauraki community coordinator Lance Cablk and co-chair Anne McMillan in the newly finished germination area of the group’s native-plant nursery
laboration. They look out for pots and barrels, things like that that we need and would usually have to pay for,” Cablk said.
Many groups, services and organisations across Tāmaki
RTH community coordinator Lance Cablk said “a lot of people have put a lot of work into this, but there’s still more to do”.
Cablk said the volunteer manager of the nursery project, water engineer Chris Lucas, was “key in every step” to getting council approval as he drafted the nursery plans.
“There are so many people contributing and so many people excited that this could be our centre in the future. And not just ours – with the football club and recycling centre here, there’s a real community feeling growing”
facing significant budget cuts, including local organisations and groups that contribute greatly to the Devonport Peninsula.
Many groups, services and organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau are facing significant budget cuts, including local organisations and groups that contribute greatly to the Devonport Peninsula.
He said the long-term plan is to make the nursery a permanent home for RTH.
Environmental group seeks trust status
We acknowledge that Auckland Council needs to make its budget work but we believe this is a time to invest in vital community, arts, environmental and cultural organisations and initiatives, not cut them.
Restoring Takapuna Hauraki (RTH) is setting itself up as a separate entity after coming under the administrative arm of the Devonport Peninsula Trust since its founding in 2017.
We acknowledge that Auckland Council needs to make its budget work but we believe this is a time to invest in vital community, arts, environmental and cultural organisations and initiatives, not cut them.
RTH has partnered with the Devonport Recycling Centre to help with the construction of the nursery.
“It’s great to have their support and sponsorship, but I think the key thing is the col-
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has been asked to cut $800,000 from its budget of $1.3 million, this is devastating for the local economy and liveability of our area and will severally affect all council funded organisations.
The growing peninsula environmental group reckons it is time to be a standalone organisation.
It is going through the process of registering its own charitable status, which will enable it to better deal directly with other groups in applying for grants.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has been asked to cut $800,000 from its budget of $1.3 million, this is devastating for the local economy and liveability of our area and will severally affect all council funded organisations.
These groups and organisations add significant value to local areas and contribute to local economies and the health and well-being of the people who live here.
These groups and organisations add significant value to local areas and contribute to local economies and the health and well-being of the people who live here.
Many groups, services and organisations across Ta – maki Makaurau are facing significant budgetcuts, including local organisations and groups that contribute greatly to the Devonport Peninsula.
The Annual Budget Survey 2023/24 is your opportunity to make yourself heard and share your opinion, thoughts and views on the proposed changes.
We acknowledge that Auckland Council needs to make its budget work but we believe this is a time to invest in vital community, arts, environmental and cultural organisations and initiatives, not cut them.
The Annual Budget Survey 2023/24 is your opportunity to make yourself heard and share your opinion, thoughts and views on the proposed changes.
Many groups, services and organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau are facing significant budget cuts, including local organisations and groups that contribute greatly to the Devonport Peninsula.
for the local economy and liveability of our area and will severally affect all council funded organisations.
Help us protect investment in arts, culture and the community by visiting stopthecuts.co.nz or by going directly to Auckland Council and filling out the form below. Feedback closes 28 March!
your opportunity to make yourself heard and share your opinion, thoughts and views on the proposed changes.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has been asked to cut $800,000 from its budget of $1.3 million, this is devastating
Help us protect investment in arts, culture and the community by visiting stopthecuts.co.nz or by going directly to Auckland Council and filling out the form below. Feedback closes 28 March!
These groups and organisations add significant value to local areas and contribute to local economies and the health and well-being of the people who live here.
We acknowledge that Auckland Council needs to make its budget work but we believe this is a time to invest in vital community, arts, environmental and cultural organisations and initiatives, not cut them.
Help us protect investment in arts, culture and the community by visiting stopthecuts. co.nz or by going directly to Auckland Council and filling out the form below. Feedback closes 28 March!
akhaveyoursay.nz/budget
The Annual Budget Survey 2023/24 is
akhaveyoursay.nz/budget
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has been asked to cut $800,000 from its budget of $1.3 million, this is devastating for the local economy and liveability of our area and will severally affect all council funded organisations.
These groups and organisations add significant value to local areas and contribute to local economies and the health and well-being of the people who live here.
Makaurau are
NEW LISTING
Stanley Point 13 Stanley Point Road
Private Beach Access and Spectacular Views
Offering an impressive 1404sqm site stretching from the road to the water, this superb property offers an intoxicating combination of spectacular city views and direct beach access in a private, tropical setting. The home offers heart timber floors, separate living rooms and four ensuite bedrooms. Delightful landscaping with a boardwalk for easy beach access. Wet room, outdoor shower and triple garaging makes for easy living. The huge deck off the kitchen/dining is perfect for relaxing or entertaining with wonderful city views. Four bedroom home plus separate self contained two bedroom cottage, with a large deck and private lawn, this is an ideal space for extended family, intergenerational living or work from home. Walk to the school, parks, Devonport village and ferry. bayleys.co.nz/1451475
bayleys.co.nz
4+2 2 5
Auction (unless sold prior)
1.30pm, Thu 6 Apr 2023
28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Phone for viewing times
Victoria Bidwell 021 947 080
victoria.bidwell@bayleys.co.nz
BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, TAKAPUNA, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
Devonport 41 Stanley Point Road
A landmark home in Stanley Point
This stately home (circa 1904) has been partly renovated and is ready for you to complete. A gracious, elegant home sitting on a huge flat 1354sqm section, you are welcomed via the ornate corner bay verandah into a hallway with the “Wow!” factor, showcasing a sweeping timber staircase wending its way to the second floor. You can relax in the two generous, character-filled living rooms on the main level, one of which opens outside through French doors. The formal lounge and parlour feature original fireplaces, lead-light windows, a high stud and extensive ornamentation. The large dining, family room also flows outdoors and sits adjacent to the designer kitchen with scullery. Situated in desirable Stanley Point, it is so close to Devonport village. You must view now! bayleys.co.nz/1470609
3+ 3 2 4
Auction (unless sold prior)
1.30pm, Thu 30 Mar 2023
29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 1.15-2pm
Lynda Betts 021 278 3024 lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz
bayleys.co.nz
OPEN DAYS
EVERY THURSDAY FROM 10AM-2PM
We believe a full life is one that gets richer with age. Discover the Ryman difference and see why our villages are the measure of retirement living.
Every Thursday until the end of March, you can view our show homes and learn more about independent and assisted living. Feel free to drop by any time between 10am-2pm.
It's also a great opportunity to view the quality of a Ryman village, amenities and learn more about the lifestyle we offer.
If you’d like more information, give us a call, otherwise we look forward to seeing you there.
WILLIAM SANDERS
7 Ngataringa Road, Devonport, 445 0909
Head for the hill! Devonport Primary School’s
Belmont 70 Seacliffe Avenue
Bayswater 2/110 Bayswater Avenue
Stylish design and views!
Grandstand views - prime clifftop opportunity
Beautiful, architecturally designed home ready for you to move in and enjoy the peace, sun, views and privacy. The spacious lounge, designer kitchen and dining room are cleverly placed to enjoy the seamless flow through bi-fold doors to a private fenced patio, perfect to relax with friends and family. Be entranced by feature ceilings and high-quality appliances in the kitchen, scullery and separate laundry. The upper level has three bedrooms, a family bathroom and a sunny second living room. The luxurious master suite has an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe and the other two bedrooms are generous doubles with built-in wardrobes. With loads of extra features, proximity to to schools and amenities, this house is perfect for downsizing, families or lock up and leave pad. View now!
Classic 1956 original brick home with double garage underneath sitting proudly on 1368sqm land offering huge potential. The cliff has been reinforced so this solid residence is ready for you to completely renovate or demolish to build your dream home. You will love the healthylifestyle where you can walk to the beach for a swim plus your children will be able to walk to excellent schools. So close to all that Devonport village and Takapuna have to offer, including restaurants, supermarkets, boutique cinema and the ferry to the city. Rarely available, this is an opportunity not to be missed, secure your future and view now!
bayleys.co.nz/1470590
bayleys.co.nz/1470604
3 2 2 2
3 1 2 2
Auction (unless sold prior)
Asking Price $3,950,000
View Sun 11-11.45am
1.30pm, Thu 16 Mar 2023
28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland
View Sat/Sun 10-10.45am
Lynda Betts 021 278 3024 lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz
Lynda Betts 021 278 3024
BAYLEYS
lynda.betts@bayleys.co.nz
BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
fair lays on the fun and treats
WHAT’S ON @ Devonport
Library
Tēnā koutou from Devonport Library
Hope you are enjoying the more golden days of late. This beautiful building is busy hosting some wonderful events. Here are the dates for your diary.
Monday March 27th 2pm–3pm
Michael Wynd, Navy Museum researcher is in the library to answer questions about any military history in your family. Just drop by.
Monday March 27th 7pm–9pm
Brian Hayward and Geoff Chapple talk about Brian’s new book Mountains, Volcanoes Coasts and Caves. Another great Devonport Library Associates event.
Saturday April 1st 10am–12pm
Ecolust, a free poetry writing morning on environmental themes, led by poet Louise Clement. Part of the EcoFEST Festival.
Wednesday April 19th 7pm –9pm
We are extremely honoured to host Michele Leggott (professor and former poet laureate) to launch her new book, Face to the Sky
Sunday April 23rd 11am –12pm
The Compost Collective will be in-house to teach us how to make a worm farm for food scraps. There’s a free $40 voucher towards composting equipment.
April also brings school holidays and our theme is Eco-Warriors.
Sun shines on activity packed fundraising gathering
Several thousand people attended the Fair on the Hill at Devonport Primary last Saturday. Fair goers enjoyed performances from the school’s kapa haka group and local acts, in-
cluding Shane Gault, the Usuals from Takapuna Grammar School and Devonport School of Dance. Funds yet to be finally tallied will go towards the upgrade of the middle-school toilets.
Wednesday April 12th 2pm: Seed bombs
Saturday April 15th & Sunday April 16th 10am-2pm: Kids clothes swap at Takapuna Library – we are accepting donations of children’s clothing ages 0-12.
Thursday April 20th 10.30am: DIY sugar scrubs and bath salts.
(Usual preschool sessions resume April 24th)
Also note Citizens Advice Bureau will be inhouse monthly on Tuesdays. More details to come. Mā te wā.
Onthe bounce... Devonport Primary pupil Karmichael Hubbard (8) enjoyed his turn on the bungy The eyes have it... Face-painter Rebecca Little with (from left) Fernando Leighton, Eli Little-Codling and Otto Loveday-Rhodes
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DEVONPORT
71 NGATARINGA ROAD
TO THE MANOR BORN
A 1931 Lloyd Bates Architect, Arts and Crafts coastal charmer, overlooking Ngataringa Bay with views of Auckland City sited on over ¼ acre (1019m²). A home full of wonderful character features. The lion's share of the land is near level and the rear of the site, well away from the home, not cliff edge, slopes down a pathway through native bush to the water to your very own boat-shed and ramp. Call today!
TENDER
4:00pm 13 April 2023 at 39 Victoria Road, Devonport (unless sold prior)
VIEWING Sat/Sun 2:00 to 2:45pm or by Appointment
Youyou Yu 021 868 273 y.yu2@barfoot.co.nz barfoot.co.nz/845408
Sue Evans 021 448 977 s.evans@barfoot.co.nz
DEADLINE SALE
DEVONPORT
14 OWENS ROAD
YOUR FOREVER HOME!?
Entertain on the sunny deck with views of Mt Vic while the children play in the garden of this classic character home.
barfoot.co.nz/845344
DEADLINE SALE 4pm, Wed 29 March 2023 (unless sold prior)
VIEWING Sunday 1:00-1:30pm
Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681
Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452
DEVONPORT 3/17 CHURCH STREET
The home is perfect, the location is superb: close to waterfront, walk to the village and the ferry.
barfoot.co.nz/841691
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
By Negotiation
VIEWING By Appointment
Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681
Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452
DEVONPORT 4/32 NGATARINGA ROAD
This brand new stunning double level residence provides the low maintenance and simple living lifestyle in central location.
barfoot.co.nz/839750
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
By Negotiation
VIEWING Phone For Viewing Times
Alex Kou 021 885 918
Sam Leong 022 046 0868
DEVONPORT 1/24 NGATARINGA ROAD
PRESENT YOUR OFFER NOW - Astute buyers should view, if you are looking for a superb family home you will recognise value here!
barfoot.co.nz/841364
FOR SALE
FOR SALE
By Negotiation
VIEWING Saturday 12:00-12:30pm
Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681
Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452
DEVONPORT 25 QUEENS PARADE
An expansive family home with dazzling views, beautiful sunny garden and superb entertainers deck. A rare home minutes from the shops and ferry.
FOR SALE
VIEWING
Sunday 1:00-2:00pm
DEVONPORT 18 CAUTLEY STREET
Big bang for your buck! Are you looking for an outstanding entry level home in Devonport, Check this one out! Big 519m² with motivated vendors!
barfoot.co.nz/844330
PRICE REDUCED
FOR SALE
By Negotiation
VIEWING
Sat/Sun 12:00-12:45pm
Lance Richardson 021 796 660
Suzy Wang 022 199 7808
DEVONPORT 116 VICTORIA ROAD
With room to add a pool and spread your wings, this four-bedroom artfully renovated home is waiting for you and your family to enjoy.
barfoot.co.nz/843042
SOLD
AUCTION 12:00pm 8 Mar 2023 at 39 Victoria Road (Branch Office) (unless sold prior)
VIEWING
Phone For Viewing Times
Sue Harrison 021 909 549
Toni Gregory 021 044 3663
BAYSWATER 50A PHILOMEL CRESCENT
Stunning, practically new four bedroom home, and what a location! Prepare to fall in love with the incredible outlook from this lovely home. Call now!
barfoot.co.nz/844345
FOR SALE
FOR SALE $1,795,000
VIEWING
Phone For Viewing Times
Lance Richardson 021 796 660
Suzy Wang 022 199 7808
Gentle approach shares Ma-ori worldview
Terehia Walker’s advice incorporates Post-it notes and practice to help people get to grips with Ma - ori language and culture. She tells Helen Vause about working in the community.
Terehia Walker’s passion for kotahitanga –unity and togetherness – keeps her busy on the Devonport peninsula and beyond.
Having put her hand up to help guide local learning in Māori culture and practices, and to support learners of te reo Māori, she’s been welcomed to share her knowledge in a wide range of groups and schools across the community.
It’s been less than a year since she stepped down from a decade with North Shore Hospice as a cultural adviser, and turned to working with local organisations.
But Walker feels she is already making a mark. “If it’s Monday I’m here, but if it’s Thursday I’m there and somewhere else on the other days” she laughs when the Flagstaff catches up with her.
At the same time, she is fielding a text message about her role in yet another peninsula initiative. “It’s all about people and community,” she says with her trademark wide smile.
“The time came when I felt I had done what I could in my role at Hospice and that it was time for me to step out into my own community and to do what I could, right here. The time just felt right.”
Walker is of Māori and Italian descent. She grew up in a big farming family in rural South Auckland, but has spent most of her adult life in the peninsula community she has grown to love.
Working in the military was her first career choice, and because she gets seasick, she opted for the army. As a young woman, having made a decision not to drink alcohol, she was the one to drive a group over the harbour bridge to a Navy party in Devonport. That’s where she met husband-to-be Ngahiwi Walker.
The couple settled in the area 34 years ago, when she sometimes wondered if she belonged.
But she’s enjoyed a good life here. Now aged 52, she has her daughter Nikayla and seven grandchildren living next door to
where Terehia and Ngahiwi bought their first home decades ago. “I think we’re very lucky and we’re well set up to look after each other,” she says.
“And I absolutely love working in this
community. I’ve been made welcome wherever I’m working and people are very interested in learning more about Māori values and tikanga.
Often I think it’s just about giving them the
chance to do that and that’s what I’m doing.”
After the army years, Walker went to university and trained to become a school teacher. Running classes and working with big groups were skills she honed long before putting a focus on spreading knowledge of her own culture and language.
“But right from childhood I’d always been very interested in the language and culture. And I love talking to people. So, doing what I do now is really a natural fit for me.”
Her first chance to develop this side of her career came when she was teaching at Manukau Institute of Technology. It was at a time when no one performing formal welcomes or providing a cultural support, and Walker was more than happy to take up the role.
Locally, children, parents and teachers will know her through her kapa haka groups and workshops in schools.
With her husband – these days manager of the Navy marae and a practising artist – she’s had a long association as Māori advisor to staff and students at the New Zealand Institute of Education. More recently, she spent six months advising and teaching at the US consulate.
She is now cultural adviser (kaitohutohu) at the Depot Artspace, and volunteers for environmental group Restoring Takarunga Hauraki, as well as the Devonport Peninsula Trust and the Devonport Business Association.
And interest from other organisations in what she offers is growing all the time.
The Walkers were leading figures in the Devonport Matariki celebrations last year, when an unexpectedly large crowd wound up Takarunga in the darkness with only the dim light of their home-made lanterns illuminating the night.
Many of those lanterns had been made to a simple pattern in very popular workshops co-led by Walker in the days leading up to the event.
The interest and level of participation was a surprise says Walker. She adds that the event attracted many more people than
was ideal for safety and for the preservation of the maunga.
“Honestly I nearly fainted when I saw how many people had turned up. I’d never shared Matariki with anyone in Devonport before. I certainly wasn’t expecting anything like those numbers.”
This year there will instead be a series of different events for smaller crowds, including ascents of both Maungauika and Takarunga.
Down in the village, there is more activity planned over the next year. Walker will continue to engage the community in her language and culture.
build up on the words you know from there.”
She says it’s best to master a few words and then introduce them to your korero [conversation] rather than just memorising a whole lot of words without understanding the context.
“It’s not a race, it’s a journey,” she says. “You have to remember we didn’t wake up knowing how to drive a car. You have to study and practise to learn.”
Walker says understanding te reo Māori language and principles is these days an essential part of professional development in the workplace.
Having a shared appreciation of the language and culture is important for teams, guests, stakeholders and the wider creative community, she says.
Walker has a few simple tips for organisations to get started with making the changes in their workplace that she’s talking about.
She suggests practising a karakia to use when opening meetings, and to encourage the use of te reo in emails and communications. And she says an easy way to develop vocabulary is to have signage and labels on things around the office with a clear translation.
As she says, she’s following her passion to work alongside the non-Māori community, helping them to look through “te ao Māori goggles” for a change and to get a new perspective on the Māori world.
So far, says Walker, her efforts are being very well received. She believes that perspectives are shifting.
She is excited at the thought of leading a yet to be launched adult kapa hapa group that she anticipates bringing together and coaching to be performance-ready in time for Matariki in July.
She takes a gentle approach to teaching. “People are often shy or a bit scared of making a mistake or looking foolish if they try with te reo Māori, and so they hesitate to try. But of course it’s okay just to try and then
With these basic changes, everyone can soon learn a few words and build on what they know. Using Post-it notes around the office works a treat, she says, in getting people familiar with the names of everyday objects.
Offices and organisations can step up the pace of their commitment to increase te reo speaking and learning by adding in resources and workshops and taking the opportunity to open meetings and events with karakia.
And for those who may have a speaking role coming up, Walker’s advice is to get prepared.
“Don’t leave it to the last minute. If you’ve had a bit of practice with using a few words of the language you will be more confident when it comes, to standing up and saying them. You just have to give it your best. Just making a start and having a go really does make a difference.”
“All we strive for is community unity. It’s a natural saying for me: Kotahitanga – unity!”
“I’d always been very interested in the language and culture. And I love talking to people. So, doing what I do now is really a natural fit for me.”
Devonport 7 Tainui Road
Heritage Home and Income
This landmark Cheltenham property presents an extraordinary opportunity for living and working at the heart of Devonport. The building is divided into two spacious apartments – a two-bedroom, one-bathroom home on the ground floor, as well as a four-bedroom, one-bathroom home upstairs.
Either one can be rented out while the other is lived in, or the separate dwellings provide the ideal opportunity for extended families. Alternatively, the home can be utilised as a six-bedroom family haven. Business - Neighbourhood Centre zoning also means that options can be explored for running a business downstairs, while you live upstairs.
Crafted in the late 1800s, the much-admired building was one of the earliest corner shops in Devonport and remained so until the 1980s, when it became a private residence. Known locally as Domain Dairy, it takes pride of place as a feature on the Heritage Walks of Devonport. Cheltenham beach, Devonport Domain and North Head are just footsteps away, with the village and CBD a pleasant stroll along the waterfront.
Auction
Thursday 30th March at 1:00 pm
In Rooms (Unless Sold Prior)
View Saturday/Sunday 2.00pm to 2.30pm or by appointment
harcourts.co.nz/TK39757
Michael Swarbrick
M 021 888 133
michael.swarbrick@harcourts.co.nz
Community groups face money pressure
With council budget cuts looming, the focus has fallen on services provided by community groups.
The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board is assessing its funding priorities for grants rounds, while waiting to find out how much money it will get to distribute. Janetta Mackay reports.
Extra costs are on the cards for sports and community groups that own properties and currently enjoy council rates relief.
Six groups, including North Shore Rugby Club and the Michael King Writers Centre in Devonport, and the Stanley Bowling and Petanque Club in Stanley Bay, are among those in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area that have regularly received rates grants from the board.
Other beneficiaries have included Takapuna Bowling Club, Milford Cruising Club and North Shore Squash Club.
Faced with yet-to-be-finalised but large funding cuts of its own, the local board was asked by Auckland Council officers at a workshop last week if it wanted to discontinue rates grants or roll them over for a year.
The grants amounted to $95,000 over the past two financial years, with $64,518 having been set aside for the 2023-24 year. Council officers suggested a sum of $26,986 remaining from the 2022/23 budget could be diverted to pressured general-grants budgets
The leftover amount is due to Stanley Bowling and Petanque Club and Takapuna Bowling Club being the only groups applying to take advantage of their grants this year, being awarded $9481 and $25,863 respectively.
Groups that lease their sites from Auckland
Council for peppercorn rents do not have to pay rates. A desire for fairness led to the introduction of rates grants for property-owning groups.
Board chair Toni van Tonder said the legacy arrangement paid around 85 per cent of groups’ rates bills, but she noted change had been signalled in the past.
Member Gavin Busch said more detail was needed about the financial position of the groups. “Some clubs and organisations might be sitting on substantial sums,” he said.
Member George Wood noted that the North Shore Rugby Club was paying rates on a building used as a gym, and the Milford Cruising Club’s rates covered a slipyard it could make money from.
Van Tonder said another workshop with staff should be held to help guide members.
“There’s a piece missing here, which is our budget,” she said.
Indications are the board’s discretionary spend will be cut by 60 per cent to around $500,000 as part of Auckland Council’s $295 million citywide budget cuts, drastically reducing the amount it can allocate
Public consultation on the budget is underway, with the board and local groups urging people to have their say. This is open until 28 March.
Tougher grants regime suggested
Stricter grants eligibility criteria are needed, says the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, as it deals with reduced funds to allocate to the community.
This would bring more scrutiny around how often groups get grants and what they can apply for.
Board members advocated this course to Auckland Council grants advisers when asked for feedback to proposals on how to deal with budget cuts.
They also suggested condensing the number and type of grants rounds held each year, which would save on staff and board time.
Council staff recommended sticking with an $8000 cap on individual grants for the 2023-24 year, which is already down from the $10,000 which applied previously, and to limiting grants to any one group to two a year
Board member George Wood suggested dropping the cap to $5000, which member Peter Allen supported.
Allen predicted “a lot more applications from community groups” given how tight funds were everywhere.
Wood said it was still important that the board continued to fund a range of groups. This also gave those groups credibility when they applied to other funding sources.
Officers suggested building-maintenance grants could be an area to tighten up on, but
board members said the likes of heat pumps and security cameras were a one-off cost that made groups more sustainable.
Member Terence Harpur said giving a community group $5000 for the upkeep of its facility could often be money well spent, with volunteers able to do painting, for instance, at a much reduced rate. This should be encouraged.
Work on the pump track at Woodall Park was cited as an example of where a facility was delivered for much less than the council would have had to spend.
Harpur also called for more consideration to be given to funding activities in well-placed locations, especially where this might encourage participants to spend money in town centres.
An activity at Cheltenham, compared with one on Windsor Reserve close to a transport hub, would have a lesser return, he said.
Van Tonder said the board needed to become a little more critical in considering how well applicants met the board’s priorities.
A previous grant for speech therapy for a small group of people was an example of the board not delivering as well as it could. It also needed to be stricter on groups that kept coming back for more funding.
The board suggested reducing the general grant amount that could be applied for, to a minimum of $500 from $1000, would also help to lower expectations.
Board dished out $227k for this year
Latest figures show around threequarters of grant applications are approved by the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, although not always for the full amount requested.
In 2020-21, 161 applications were made to the board for local grants, along with a much smaller number of multi-board and quick-response grants. That figure dropped to 120 applications in the 2021-22 year, mainly due to Covid interruptions and carryovers, especially in the arts and events sectors.
In 2021-22, $554,413 was requested and $227,831 allocated. The previous year, $1.046 million was sought and $235,177 granted.
The biggest beneficiaries last year were community groups ($92,072 granted of $210,631 sought in 53 applications), followed by sports and recreation ($47,002; $149,298; 27) and arts and culture ($45,029; $88,399; 22). Trailing behind was spending on events ($21,228; $66,085; 12), historic heritage ($12,000; $20,000; 2) and the environment ($10,500; $20,000; 4).
Arts and environment groups have had more regular access to other region-wide council funding, though this is being reduced in wider council cuts.
Top 10 grants
The largest Devonport-Takapuna Local Board grants for 2021-22 went to: Rotary Club of Devonport Charitable Trust, $9240, towards the Woodall Park pump track project.
North Shore Budget Service, $7200, to extend support into the community. The Lake House Trust, $6000, Arts Wood Sculpture Symposium.
South Island Light Orchestra Ltd, $6000, for Takapuna Winter Lights.
The Lake House Trust, $6000, east and west side restoration.
Victoria Theatre Trust, $6000, foyer restoration.
Auckland King Tides Initiative, $5000, for beach monitoring.
Glass Ceiling Arts Collective, $5000, for inclusive youth theatre at the Rose Centre.
Ngataringa Tennis Club , $5000, renovation of changing, toilet and showering facilities.
North Shore Budget Service, $5000, building financial resilience.
20 years ago in the Flagstaff
• Devonport residents brace for big rates hikes.
• Phillipa Bentley wins the painting section of the Devonport Arts Festival competition with her work Big Red Chair
• North Shore premier cricketers are poised to win the Auckland two-day competition.
• Save the Devonport Cinema asks Prime Minister Helen Clark to support a blanket heritage protection order for the building.
• Vauxhall and Devonport Primary schools share a North Shore City environmental award for their commitment to the Travelwise to Schools programme.
• The future of the council-owned Wikitoria building on Takarunga is under review.
• Mike Austin’s concept of a tunnel from Kelly Tarlton’s to Devonport is judged the best fantasy “doodle” in a competition between Devonport architects judged by Stanley Bay School pupils
• Speeding hoons are using Takarunga as
a racetrack, residents tell the Devonport Community Board.
• Devonport Rotary pledges to give a bigger slice of the money raised at the Devonport Food & Wine Festival to local community groups.
• The family of 17-year-old Max Raos say he was saved from serious injury in a car crash on Lake Rd because he was driving a late-model car with safety features.
• Devonport actors Richard Parmee and Donna Franks star in the Company Theatre production Tons of Monday
• North Shore City Council’s appeal against the Department of Conversation’s plan to slash the marginal strip at Bayswater Pt, from 20 metres to 9 metres, goes to the Environment Court.
• St Leo’s edges out Vauxhall in a peninsula swimming competition.
• Russell Holt wins the 2km Cheltenham Sea Swim, with Tom Elton first junior.
• Former Devonport Community Board chair Paddy Stafford-Bush is interviewed.
Devonport shot-putter Jacko Gill threw a personal best to again beat rival Tom Walsh – for a second time in as many weeks.
Having taken the national title from Walsh, he followed up with a throw of 22.12m at the Sir Graeme Douglas International meeting in West Auckland on 16 March.
This added nearly 22cm to his previous best throw, set when he won silver behind Walsh at the Commonwealth Games last year.
Walsh’s best throw of the night was 21.79m, well below his personal best of 22.90m, set in 2019.
Gill credits Nerida and Walter Gill, his parents and coaches, for much of his recent success, saying he is happy in his training and has improved his technique.
“I’m stoked, I can’t believe it. I’m very happy.
“I have wanted to throw 22 metres since I was 16. It was always the dream.”
THE NAVY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER WOMEN LEAD FROM THE FRONT
For the Royal New Zealand Navy, the 2023 International Women’s Day on March 8 offered more reasons to celebrate than most.
It coincided not only with the highest percentage ever of women in the Navy (27.4 per cent) but the largest number of women taking command of Navy ships and shore units – four command ships and two command shore units.
As well as the women pictured (right) Commander Julie Simpkins is the Commanding Officer of Devonport Naval Base and Commander Kerry Tutty is the Commanding Officer of the Leadership Development Group.
Despite the fact that women were first approved by the War Cabinet to join the Navy in 1942, it took 44 years for a pilot programme to allow women to go to sea in non-combatant vessels. This programme was a success and in 1989 all women joining the Navy were required to serve at sea – and from 1993 they could serve on frigates.
Gray, HMNZS Manawanui; CDR Bronwyn Heslop, HMNZS Canterbury; and CDR Fiona Jameson, HMNZS Te Kaha.
Devonport Naval Base security reminder – for the safety of the community please take care and remain outside the 60-metre perimeter of the Naval Base at all times. This includes when swimming, diving, kayaking, fishing and sailing.
Congratulations? Thanks? Problems? Complaints?
Gill’s dream of 22m comes true as he beats Walsh again
Briefs Rose Centre Festival
The Rose Centre’s Aroha Festival has been rescheduled for Sunday 2 April after Cyclone Gabrielle caused its postponement for a third time. Originally planned for last November, the festival was pushed back due to Covid cases. The next planned date was abandoned because of scheduling conflicts for performers. This free event will feature circus acts, musicians, arts and food stalls, and other attractions.
B’ballers make NZ team
Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) students Bailey Flavell and Zenthia Stowers have made the New Zealand Basketball Under-16 team for a national camp to be held next month. The Year 12 students were in the national U15 side last year. They are key players in the TGS team that won its grade last year and will play a pre-season promotion-relegation game for a place in the city’s premier grade this year.
Cricketers double dip
Takapuna Grammar’s top boys and girls cricket teams both won their way through to this week’s Auckland-wide Premier T20 finals. The 1st XVs made regional cricket history, with this the first time teams from the same school have been in the final in the same year. While the TGS Girls 1st X1 has made the finals a number of times, this is the first time the boys have qualified since their competition began in 2017. Games were played after the Flagstaff went to print.
Paddy’s Day fight prompts police call-out
Police turned out in force in response to a street fight in Devonport on the evening of St Patrick’s Day.
Just after 8pm on 17 March, patrol cars and an ambulance converged near the Community House on Clarence St, where a group took part in what police described as a disorder incident.
Police said they spoke to those involved
and later told the Flagstaff one person was reported to have sustained minor injuries. On Monday, a police spokesperson added: “No charges have been laid yet and enquiries into the incident are ongoing.”
Police said they could not advise how many units attended, but as many as eight or nine emergency vehicles were reportedly seen travelling at speed down Lake Rd.
National Party promotes local MP
North Shore MP Simon Watts has been promoted to the National Party’s shadow cabinet.
Already National’s spokesman on local government, in which role he has campaigned
Missing local cat found in New Lynn
A Devonport cat has been found on the other side of Auckland following a two-week disappearance.
Osito the birman was found in New Lynn after joining a man on a citybound ferry in early March.
His owner discovered his whereabouts through a Titirangi community social-media page, where a post asked if the cat was owned by anyone.
After collecting him from New Lynn last Saturday, 18 March, the owner confirmed the cat’s identity by having a vet check his microchip.
Osito is known for wandering, frequently visiting other Devonport houses and shops, and has previously ended up as far away as Orewa.
vigorously against the government’s Three Waters plans, Watts has picked up responsibility for climate change following former leader Todd Muller’s recent decision to quit parliament.
Enrolment for Out of Zone Students for 2019
ENROLMENTS FOR TERM 2 2023
Enrolment for Out of Zone Students for 2019
Devonport Primary School invites applications for out of zone enrolments in Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for 2019
Applications close: 17th Oct Ballot Date (if required) - 24th Oct
Devonport Primary School invites applications for out of zone enrolments in Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for 2019
Devonport Primary operates an enrolment scheme, details are available from the school office. Application for out-of-zone places, across all ages, are invited for admission from 24 April with a deadline of 23 April. If required, a ballot will be held, and parents notified on 24 April. Multiple out-of-zone enrolment ballots may be held throughout 2023. If planning to enrol later in 2023. please contact the school as soon as possible to assist our planning.
Applications close: 17th Oct Ballot Date (if required) - 24th Oct
Please contact the school for application forms, or an opportunity to visit 445 0183 office@devonport school nz www devonportschool nz
Please contact the school for application forms, or an opportunity to visit. 445 0183 office@devonport.school.nz www devonportschool nz
Peer Support Programme Delivers the School Values
At the start of the school year, a group of Year 13 students volunteers to take part in our annual Peer Support Programme.
The Peer Support Programme is designed to help assist Year 9 students with settling into their new school environment, and the programme lasts for six weeks. The Tear 13 students each work with the new year 9’s in their form class, and do fun activities each week on a Wednesday for 50 minutes before the start of school; often these are focused on hauora (well-being) and setting them up with healthy habits that they can use throughout high school. Not only is this a really great way for the Year 13 students to apply and develop their leadership skills, but it also helps the Year 9 students to create friendships and bonds beyond their year group. It is also a great way of welcoming them to their new school. The response to the Peer Support Programme this year has been extremely positive, with both Year 9 and 13 students enjoying the experience and gaining much from it.
Skye Lang Wins NI U18 Sculls Title
The school would like to congratulate Year 13 Skye Lang on winning the North Island U18 Single Sculls Rowing Championship down at Lake Karapiro on 12 March. This is a huge achievement and puts her in good stead for a shot at the national title at the prestigious Maadi Cup at the same venue at the end of the month!
Junior Swimming & Athletics House Results
After three out of the four Term One House Events completed to date, it’s Mana House setting the early pace on the leaderboard!
SERVICES OFFERED
Complete home maintenance by perfectionist boat builder/builders. Including rotten windows, doors, weather boards. Exterior/interior. We also do shingles and shake replacement. Call Duane 027 488 5478.
FixIT Handymanexcellent work, practical budget, most jobs welcome, interior/ exterior free quote. Josh 021 261 8322.
Garden maintenance. Organically. Professional, experienced. All services: Clearing, installing, food and/or ornamental, tree and hedge trimming and small tree removal. Soil and plant health improvement. Pre-sale and relet cleanup specialists. Contact Leah and team at Earthling 021 0262 4286 info@earthling.nz
SERVICES OFFERED
Need someone to feed your cat and other pets at your home while you’re away? I love animals and would love to help you! I am 11 years old and live in Devonport. I charge $5 per visit. Each visit I feed your pet and can play with them for about 10-15 minutes each visit if they are comfortable with me. I also send you pics of them so you don’t miss them too much! I always visit with one of my parents. Devonport only please!
Text/call: 021-270-7677.
Tender Young Things. Gardener for small gardens only. Weeding, cutting back, potting & tidying. $20 per Hour Phone Gillian 021 0249 4935.
WANTED
CASH PAID FOR CARS * VANS * UTES
* 4x4S x FORKLIFTS
*TRUCKS & MOTORHOMES 0800 20 30 60 24/7.
ECE Teacher
Devonport Methodist Childcare Centre is looking for a passionate educator to join their team.
Our centre operates from 7.30am to 6.00pm and is licensed for 60, from 3 months of age to 5 years.
We offer competitive rates, paid staff meetings, professional development and non-contact time.
This role would suit an experienced ECE teacher, newly qualified ECE teacher (ideally Bachelor of Teaching ECE) or soon to be qualified (Teacher in Training) ECE.
We are looking for a kaiako who -
• enjoys building strong relationships with children and their families
• has a strong play-focused philosophy
• works well in a team
• is willing to learn and grow skills
• is flexible and open-minded
• has strong communication skills
• is enthusiastic and motivated
• has IT skills
Please send your CV and a covering letter to admin@dmcc.live
Caption contest winner
The winner of our caption contest for the yellow Auckland Council artwork installed on the Devonport waterfront was Shaun Bowler, who suggested: “Your Worship, if you don’t want media drongos questioning the cost, why don’t we hide it on the North Shore for a while?”
He wins two cinema tickets to The Vic.
I have now started in my new additional role as Manager of Devonport Community House. It is a great place to work, with every age group involved in activities in the various spaces in the House. I look forward to working with the Community House Committee to continue this good work.
TAKAPUNA ‘SANDY SUNDAY’
Come down to Narrow Neck Beach 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm for our 26th March ‘Sandy Sunday’.
CUTS IN FINDING FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS
These will marginalise the arts, music, heritage, community engagement. People are asking: “What kind of city do we want?”
Come and share your thoughts with Local Board reps at Devonport Community House – 7:30 pm, Wednesday 22nd. Also, be prepared to ‘Have your say’ – the feedback opportunity is open from NOW until March 28 https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
WASTE MINIMISATION OR ‘REDUCE – REUSE – RECYCLE’
Is this an area that interests you? Please email me if you are interested in any aspect.
Can you support ‘Uglys Community Pantry’ –opposite the Devonport Community House? Contact Justin at 021 482491, or deliver the produce to 25 Clarence St.
DEVONPORT LEISURE PAINTERS
A friendly group of artists, who meet at Devonport Community House on Tuesdays from 10 am to 2 pm ,would welcome new members. Call Linda 022 6004659.
TRUST AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Devonport Senior Forum – a meeting with M.P. Shanan Halbert – 1 pm, Thursday 13 April at Devonport Library – looking at Emergency Response and other issues.
Primary Care Nurse
We have a vacancy for an experienced, clinically excellent RN required for a full time position, working sole charge at our Devonport satellite clinic. We are looking for someone with an ability to work with GPs in acute situations, who has a high standard of clinical performance and compassionate caring values. You need to be tech savvy and accurate with documentation. Reliability, initiative and dependability a must.
In return you will be encouraged to work at the top of your scope, be part of a supportive fun team and a practice that embraces innovation and positive change.
If you choose to join us, we will offer you remuneration to fit your excellent skills and experience.
To apply, please send your CV and cover letter to our Nurse Lead, Emma Faircloth at nurselead@medplus.co.nz or phone for a confidential discussion.
Rotary Kids Athletics – Tuesdays 4pm to 6pm at Vauxhall Sports Reserve. No cost. All Peninsula children are welcome. Last session – 21st March. Tamariki Play – Tuesdays at Windsor Reserve; Thursdays at The Rose Gardens, Belmont. Starts 9:30 am, finishes 11:30 am. Free.
shore
shorejobs
FOR SALE
Milford Villas | Final Developer Release
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• Unit 17 - 2 Bedroom townhouse priced at $969,000
• Unit 29 - 3 Bedroom townhouse priced at $1,279,000
• Unit 9 - 3 Bedroom townhouse priced at $1,389,000
• Unit 31 - 3 Bedroom townhouse priced at $1,389,000
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Alex Smith 027 772 5552
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Ryan Dixon 027 632 3285
ryan.dixon@raywhite.com
Rugby club part of rich Devonport history
In
it
Devonport is often referred to as the cradle of sport in New Zealand.
As well as the North Shore Rugby Club, it has produced the oldest cricket club (established in 1864), soccer club (1886) and rugby league club (1909) in the country. In 1889, an attempt was even made to start the colony’s first baseball club.
North Shore Rowing Club, the first in Auckland, was founded in 1874. Devonport Tennis Club started in 1880. Takapuna Jockey Club, the second in Auckland, held race meetings on what is now the golf course, from 1881 until 1934. Royal Akarana Yacht Squadron began life as the North Shore Sailing Club in 1894. Devonport Bowling Club, which recently shut its doors, was the third-oldest in Auckland, having started in 1895. Waitemata Golf Club, the second in Auckland, was established in 1905.
Much of Devonport’s history is linked to the military. The first residents of Auckland were not keen on having a gunpowder store in their midst and so a powder magazine was erected on the northern side of the harbour, on the sandspit that ran into the sea where
THE
Windsor Reserve is now. In 1841, Lieutenant Robert Snow was appointed to command this fledgling naval base and moved to Devonport with his wife and two young daughters.
Soon afterwards, a signal station, which used flags to announce the arrival of shipping, was erected on the volcanic cone that Māori knew as Takarunga. Settlers renamed it Mt Victoria, and the area started to be called Flagstaff.
Over time, the naval base expanded, as barracks, slipways, stores and workshops were built. Farming, commericial activities and boat building began. Residents moved in and a community formed.
In 1874, the year after the North Shore Rugby Football Club was founded, a census recorded 969 people on the North Shore, including those living at what are now Bayswater, Northcote, Albany and Takapuna.
The 1901 census recorded 3823 people and 730 dwellings just in the old Devonport Borough (by comparison, Auckland’s population was 34,213, with another 15,000 living in Parnell, Grey Lynn, Newmarket and Onehunga).
As the new century dawned, Devonport was starting to look more like the seaside village we know today. The shipyards had been pushed off the waterfront; the main shopping centre had moved from the bottom of Church St to Victoria Rd and an impressive new post office had been opened; the main wharf was there too, with a regular ferry service to the city – an additional service to Stanley Bay was added that year with a vehicular ferry starting up soon afterwards; the wetlands and lagoons, which once made the peninsula look like a collection of islands, had been reclaimed and transformed into sports grounds and a race course; most of the older subdivisions along the waterfront and round to Cheltenham Beach had been built on and development was spreading to Narrow Neck and North Devonport; there was a water supply piped from Lake Pupuke and a sewage scheme was about to start discharging raw effluent off North Head; a gasworks on Lake Rd was providing heating and lighting to homes and businesses, and main streets like King Edward Pde and Victoria Rd even had gas street lighting.
COLOURS OFNORTH SHORE RUGBY: REd, NAvY, GREEN & GREENER
the lead-up to North Shore Rugby Club’s 150th celebrations over Easter weekend, the Flagstaff publishes some passages and photos from C’mon Shore!, 150 years of North Shore Rugby Football Club, written by the late Jim Eagles and Max Webb
A late-19th-century rugby match on what is now Vauxhall Reserve
field to score. ‘Eaton placed an and time was called immediately North Shore the winners by 14
Auckland foes an early focus
match to go but North Shore had Championship sewn up. They acknowledged best side in Auckland first time since a proper introduced they had won it. This record crowd to Potter’s Paddock Observer’s Out Door Sports columnist, game; fast, exciting and full of pessimistic old hands, who that present-day footballers are with those of by-gone days, were one of the finest club games
• Cross-harbour rivalry was the mainstay of North Shore’s first seasons, with teams playing various Auckland sides.
• In the early years, the Masonic Hotel on the corner of Church St and King Edward Pde was used as North Shore’s clubrooms.
• In the 1890s, a team named Takapuna played under the North Shore umbrella, allowing soldiers from Fort Takapuna to compete in lower-grade Auckland competitions.
• Shore won its first senior Auckland championship in 1899, defeating Newton.
• The Devonport Volunteer Fire Brigade played a fancy dress match on the rugby ground against the North Shore Albions, provoking a near riot.
The columnist added, ‘Although contested from end to end, with justice be taken as reflecting of the two teams. North Shore stronger side on the day and have won by a greater margin.’ reported that the gate takings of $90 ladies free – was a record for the $78 15s taken in Christchurch Christchurch played off for the
• Devonport Primary School – with close links to North Shore Rugby Club – was prominent in Auckland rugby in the early 1900s, winning Auckland schools championships.
• A team called the Sunnysiders, from Stanley Bay, played lower-grade football under the North Shore banner early last century.
weekend Shore confirmed their status
The members of the championship winning side were: Fullback J Cardno; threequarters G Paul, H Frankham, Tabby Wynyard,
1900s various the Club, present where Cricket sits. Shore
Rugby vs league: The battle for Vauxhall Reserve
Devonport Domain in the 1940s with the rugby league clubhouse (circled) on Vauxhall Road and the old rugby training shed (circled) with access from Beaconsfield Street.
Devonport Domain in the 1940s with the rugby league clubhouse (circled) on Vauxhall Road and the old rugby training shed (circled) with access from Beaconsfield Street.
into a pudding-like state, and after a “white man” or a “red man” – as the spectators distinguished their sides – had been rolled several times in the softest spots, or dumped headfirst into the muddy paste and sat upon by his friends, the disguise was complete. The almost tearful objurgations of the crowd – ‘Go it Shore” – as the team ploughed, or rather swam, their way through the slush a few yards up the field were so pronounced that the referee more than once threatened to momentarily end the game for exasperated spectators encroaching over the line. The game was stubborn and there is no doubt that if the ground had been dry the home team would have scored a win over their doughty opponents.’
Vauxhall Reserve (part of Devonport Domain) was the home to both North Shore rugby and rugby league for around 55 years.
The senior competition was a clean sweep for Grafton – 103 points for and only 3 against – while Shore ended up fifth out of the seven teams.
The 1902 season was more of the same although the team was strengthened by the return of Peter Gerrard. They had a series of narrow losses, often according to the newspapers being unlucky not to win, and ended the first round at the bottom of the table. But in the first game of the second round Shore beat Ponsonby 4-3 thanks to a field goal by Bert Yeoland who, according to the Herald, ‘despite the awkward angle landed a magnificent goal, his performance creating a perfect frenzy of excitement’. The recovery continued the following Saturday with a 14-0 defeat of Parnell allowing Shore to get off the bottom of the table. The Shore second team finished second and the two third fifteens also did well.
In the early days of Devonport, league was arguably more popular than rugby – and more sucessful. Members of North Shore Albion made New Zealand sides, and the team won the Auckland championship (the Fox Memorial title) in 1913.
Albion teams initially played at the Takapuna Racecourse (now Waitemata Golf Course), but from 1912 shared the grounds with the rugby club.
From the start it seems it was an uneasy coexistence, with numerous skirmishes between the two clubs and battles that went all the way to the board room of the Devonport Borough Council.
Indeed, the clash of the codes was a 1911 election issue. Pro-rugby William Handley was elected mayor but most of Albion’s nominees were elected to council, which paved the way for the ground-sharing between league and rugby.
In his history Ernie Eyre describes an epic match between Shore and Ponsonby which he thought happened in 1902 but which doesn’t seem to match any of the newspaper reports of games that season. But, whichever year it took place, his story is too good to overlook:
vehicular ferries were full each day, mostly with men of British descent who commuted to the city to work on the wharves, in offices, in light industry and retail. A wide range of tradesmen worked both locally and across the harbour. Families were much larger then, the wives mainly ran the households and in their spare time did all the tedious background work for the huge variety of sports clubs. Club member and son of our original Paddy Sheehan, also Paddy, who
vehicular ferries were full each day, mostly with men of British descent who commuted to the city to work on the wharves, in offices, in light industry and retail. A wide range of tradesmen worked both locally and across the harbour. Families were much larger then, the wives mainly ran the households and in their spare time did all the tedious background work for the huge variety of sports clubs. Club member and son of our original Paddy Sheehan, also Paddy, who
‘The main ground was then but imperfectly drained and was underwater after a severe storm. Some
At one stage, the Auckland Star reported that the two codes “were daggers at dawn” in the continuing fight over the use of Devonport Domain.
The league club made attempts to wrest away use of the changing shed at the grounds, which were rebuffed.
By 1967, with many of the Albion members coming from outside Devonport, the league club moved to Bayswater. It closed in 2005.
Vauxhall Reserve was also home to the Devonport Lawn Tennis Club (alongside today’s Masonic Cricket Club building). By the 50s, it had four courts, but in earlier years had up to 12, maintained by two groundsmen. By the 60s, membership had fallen away, with hard courts having been introduced at Ngataringa and Vauxhall.
get on the ferry to head home, the first thing you do is
caught the ferry to work at the Public Trust Office in the city. His mother, Bessie, had her hands full with their five children, two girls, Joan and Diane, and three boys, Don and his younger brothers Bruce and Rod, all of whom joined the rugby club as soon as they were old enough. The junior boys in those days were divided into three sections: junior 6-8, intermediate 9-11 and colts under 13. Life member and club captain Bill Elwarth had been co-ordinating the juniors for over 20 years when Don arrived in 1945. Bill was renowned throughout the union as being instrumental in the introduction of junior
was Mayor during the 1970s, once said, ‘When you get on the ferry to head home, the first thing you do is take off your tie. Devonport’s that type of place.’ In those days our future All Black Don McKay’s family lived at 45 Tainui Road. His father, also Don, caught the ferry to work at the Public Trust Office in the city. His mother, Bessie, had her hands full with their five children, two girls, Joan and Diane, and three boys, Don and his younger brothers Bruce and Rod, all of whom joined the rugby club as soon as they were old enough. The junior boys in those days were divided into three sections: junior 6-8, intermediate 9-11 and colts under 13. Life member and club captain Bill Elwarth had been co-ordinating the juniors for over 20 years when Don arrived in 1945. Bill was renowned throughout the union as being instrumental in the introduction of junior
boys club often described New Zealand. oversaw era, fathers raising was deeply behaviour says he role model have kind disciplinary the occasion’. Eden Park a heap ferry and to the We’d all The trams the conductor to sell race up and vice park.’ On 20 break against New Zealand That game However,
boys club often described New Zealand. oversaw era, fathers raising was deeply behaviour says he role model have kind disciplinary the occasion’. Eden Park a heap ferry and to the We’d all The trams the conductor to sell race up and vice park.’ On 20 break against New Zealand That game However,
WHEN YOU GET ON THE FERRY TO HEAD HOME, THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS TAKE OFF YOUR TIE. DEVONPORT’S THAT TYPE OF PLACELong skirts and trousers... action at the Devonport Lawn Tennis Club
Establishing home-ground advantage was long a clash of the codesPhoto / Air Force Museum New Zealand.
WHEN YOU GET ON THE FERRY TO HEAD HOME, THE FIRST THING YOU DO IS TAKE OFF YOUR TIE. DEVONPORT’S THAT TYPE OF PLACE
Although players with North Shore connections made various New Zealand native teams and Peter Gerrard was selected for the national side in 1904 (he never made it onto the field due to injury), it was not until 1961 that North Shore had its first All Black – pharmacist Don McKay.
He played 12 matches for the All Blacks, scoring 18 tries – included one on debut against France with his first touch of the ball.
McKay also played 86 times for Auckland, including a famous 15-14 win against the Springboks in 1965, in which he scored a try, and against the 1966 Lions.
Other prominent early Shore players included Ces Dacre, who represented New Zealand in cricket and soccer, and also played senior rugby for Shore and league for the North Shore Albions in the 1920s.
Ron Johnstone, a key member of the New Zealand Army team, started playing for North Shore in 1950. He captained Auckland when it won the Ranfurly Shield from Waikato in 1951. His son Brad become an All Black in the 1970s.
Ash Edwards, a senior police officer and head of the Armed Offenders squad, played for Auckland and Shore in the late 60s and early 70s.
NEXT FLAGSTAFF ISSUE: The modern era, the
Lighting mooted for heritage streetscape Letter
Lighting up Devonport’s heritage buildings is a long-term aim of the Devonport Business Association and Business Improvement District (BID) manager Richard Thorne.
Sponsorship would be looked at to help fund the project, Thorne told Devonport-Takapuna Local Board members in an update given with association chair Dianne Hale.
Multicoloured lights were temporarily installed along Victoria Rd for Matariki celebrations last year. These had been “much admired”, said Thorne, and were a way Devonport could stand out.
Board members were also told at a workshop last week that the Devonport Peninsula Trust would take the lead in organising Matariki community events this winter.
Around 2000 people attended last year, with a lantern hikoi up Takarunga proving so popular that it is understood ways to disperse attendees more widely are being looked at with the Tupuna Maunga Authority. This may see activities
introduced on Maungauika as well.
The BID intends to focus on repeating the success of Friday After Five, a community gathering last held in December in Clarence St, and on its shop-local initiatives.
Smaller-scale events, such as performances by local musicians playing on the main street, are back, and Easter and Halloween egg hunts and pumpkin hunts for children are also set to return to shop windows.
Hale said the association had some reserves that could help with the lighting project, which would require ongoing maintenance. But it did not have as much to spend as last year, when post-Covid funding allowed for more major events.
The BID’s budget comes through a targeted rate levied on participating businesses and collected on their behalf by the council. Specific support for events also comes from the local board, but this is likely to be reduced due to council spending cuts.
Bad call to have booze at a school fair
Of all events in the Devonport calendar, surely the Devonport Primary School fair should be the one that doesn’t involve the all-pervasive alcohol. So, it was really disappointing to find the bar open from 12pm on Saturday.
Whilst I appreciate money has to be made, doesn’t that have to be balanced with the school’s greater responsibility; ie, the education and well-being of our children, which includes the right messages?
It shows really thoughtless judgement in what was otherwise a fantastic fair.
Charmaine BarnettFantasy Island rediscovered for singers’ flood appeal
A one-off community concert coming to the Rose Centre promises lots of laughs to raise money for flood relief.
The Rose Singers Fantasy Island concert on 25 March is inspired by the popular television show of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Director and performer Ruth Chapman promises the comedy concert to be full of laughs and singalongs.
Members of the choir will play guests arriving at a South Pacific island for a wedding, and will each be greeted with a classic song from or about tropical places that the audience can sing along with.
Chapman said it will be a family-oriented show that people of a variety of ages can enjoy.
“They’ll be well-known songs that we grew up with that people can sing along to, but I think grandchildren and children will enjoy it as well. It’s a show for the whole family,” she said.
The singers will be accompanied by a pianist and guitarist.
Although the concert is free, attendees will be able to make cash donations for flood relief.
The Rose Singers formed in 2011, when a group of performers decided to leave the Company Theatre and set up a singing group.
Submit or submerge
Local arts groups are among community organisations urging supporters to make submissions against the big funding cuts proposed in Auckland Council’s draft budget. Submissions are due by 28 March. Groups, including Depot Artspace, Rose Centre and the PumpHouse, want to raise awareness of the impact cuts could have on their activities.
My Year with Lorraine
22–26 MARCH
A new play by local playwright
Tanya M. Wheeler.
Sugung-ga
26 MARCH — 11am
Auckland Arts Festival presents this traditional Korean puppet show.
The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch
1–22 APRIL
Much-loved NZ stage adventure for the whole wha - nau!
CREATIVE TALKS 2023:
Tatiana Hotere
3 APRIL — 7pm (FREE)
Auckland-based actress, writer, dancer and producer for theatre and screen.
PH: 489 8360
PUMPHOUSE.CO.NZ
For a good cause... the Rose Singers promise plenty of laughs and singalong numbers in their latest show
A group of around 25 has usually put on a couple of shows at the Rose Centre each year and also performs at local retirement homes.
“We’re a group of long-time performers and singers who are still doing what we
love,” Chapman explains to the Flagstaff. The group practises weekly on Thursdays, usually at a member’s house.
• Fantasy Island, Saturday 25 March, 7pm. Drinks and nibbles available from 6pm, with supper provided after the show.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (R16) 169min
Red, White and Brass (PG) 85min
Redemption of a Rogue (R16) 95min
Corsage (M) 114min
Living (PG) 102min NEW
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (M) 131min NEW
Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (M) 134min Previews 24-26 MAR
The Vic Open Mic Night (Free Entry) 30 MAR COMING SOON
Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves (M) 134min 30 MAR
The Portable Door (PG) 116min 30 MAR
SPECIAL EVENT
Allelujah (TBA) 99min Previews 30 MAR - 2 APR events@thevic.co.nz
MILFORD
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premium.co.nz/80399
VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR A VIEWING TIME
EOI | 20 APRIL 2023 AT 4 PM
ROBERT MILNE 022 011 2494
UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
RICHARD MILNE 021 770 611 | TAKAPUNA 916 6000
TAKAPUNA
248A HURSTMERE ROAD
A Family Find with Fabulous Lake Views
Superbly situated on the “Golden Mile”, this home is a level walk to both Milford and Takapuna shopping areas, beaches, cafes and restaurants. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 utility rooms, 3 bathrooms with direct access to the Lake, Jetty and Reserve. Suitable for various home business and family situations this is the perfect lock up and leave.
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VIEW | SUN 2 - 2.45 PM OR BY APPT
SET DATE SALE | 14 APRIL 2023 AT 4 PM
UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
PRUDENCE FOSTER 027 486 7783
EMMERSEN FOSTER 021 261 8231 | TAKAPUNA 916 6000
TAKAPUNA
1A/7 THE PROMENADE
“The Rocks” | On Takapuna Beach
You have a one of a kind chance to live in an urban apartment on one of NZ’s most beautiful beachfronts when you choose to live at “The Rocks.” This is a unique find in Takapuna that is seldom available. An extremely desirable apartment with some amazing features rarely found. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 3 carparks and a storage room. Truly a lifestyle to be envied!
premium.co.nz/80367
VIEW | MEET AT THE GATE SUN 12.30 PM
SET DATE SALE | 14 APRIL 2023 AT 2 PM
UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
PRUDENCE FOSTER 027 486 7783
EMMERSEN FOSTER 021 261 8231 | TAKAPUNA 916 6000
BOUNDARY INDICATIVE ONLY