Navy staff at risk in government cost-cutting drive
The Devonport Naval Base is bracing for job losses and staff exits due to looming Defence-spending cuts.
Cuts were announced last week, surprising some pundits who had thought Defence might be immune from the government’s public-service cost-cutting.
Some voluntary redundancies will be offered to defence staff.
Around 2500 people work at the Navy base, according to figures given last July, a mix of regular-force personnel, reserves, civilians and contractors.
The Navy has struggled to retain and
recruit staff over recent years and at times shortages have meant it has struggled to staff its ships.
New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) Chief People Officer Jacinda Funnel said the organisation was at the start of the To page 2
Shore champs go back to back
Proud mum…Tracy Davies with son Sam (left) and Cam Howell, two of the stars in North Shore’s 20-15 North Harbour Championship rugby win over Takapuna last Saturday. Full coverage in our eight-page liftout.
Granny flats ‘could be plonked in heritage zone’
The threat of inappropriate granny flats being built in Devonport has drawn opposition from local politicians and heritage advocates.
“Devonport people in the heritage area could have these places plonked on their neighbours’ sections,” Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member George Wood said.
The government is seeking feedback on proposals to enable granny flats up to 60 square metres to be built without needing a building or resource consent.
Base faces job cuts
From page 1
process, and it was “too early” to determine the outcomes.
“The NZDF is focused on identifying areas where it can be more efficient and reduce its costs. With regard to roles, there is no specific target.”
Staff “engagements” with senior leadership would be held over the coming weeks across all bases and camps, Funnel said.
Devonport Business Association manager Richard Thorne declined to comment when asked about the impact on Devonport businesses of a drop in naval base personnel.
Devonport Heritage says it will be submitting in favour of existing protections to prevent flats being stuck in front of heritage houses.
Local-board member Melissa Powell noted ‘minor dwellings’ had been swept away in the January 2023 floods.
Other board members were less concerned about the proposals, but wanted safeguards included in legislation.
The board’s feedback to Auckland Council
(ahead of councillors making a submission to government) supported the intention of making the flats easier to build, but expressed concern that without going through council compliance processes, new buildings might fail to meet Building Code standards.
Unconsented dwellings would make it harder for council to keep track of growth and plan for infrastructure, rubbish and parking. Council would also miss out on development contributions, the board said.
Scabies reported at Ryman
A scabies outbreak within the special care unit at Ryman’s William Sanders Retirement Village has been reported to the Ministry of Health.
A Ryman spokesperson confirmed to the Flagstaff a case had occurred in a patient transferred from another facility late last year. Ryman had pro-actively reported the outbreak to the Ministry of Health, although this was not a requirement as scabies was a non-notifiable disease.
A friend of a Ryman resident told the Flagstaff there had been numerous outbreaks since last year and that she was concerned the focus was on treating the condition in
unit
residents rather than trying to eradicate it.
The Ryman spokesperson said infection protocols had been followed, but reinfection had occurred, adding they were only aware of two residents that had had the skin condition.
The Ryman spokesperson said they had had personal experience of the tricky-to-treat condition, with a teenage family member having picked it up. Initially the problem was thought to be dermatitis but when this did not clear it was found to be scabies.
“We go over and above cleaning and steam-cleaning,” the Ryman spokesman said.
The Ministry of Health confirmed the notification and offered Ryman advice.
Traffic snarls up after bus and van collide on Lake Rd
injured in the collision.
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Lake Rd traffic clogged last Friday morning after an Auckland Transport bus and a van collided near Kings Store around 10.30am. Traffic was redirected around Regent St as debris was cleared from the road. No one was
Jumpers for joy! Rare jerseys discovered 40 years on
A remarkable treasure trove of rare rugby jerseys has been returned to the North Shore Rugby Club, more than 40 years after going missing.
The collection – including All Blacks jerseys and others dating back to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and New Zealand Services sides of the 1940s – has sat hidden in a cardboard box in a supporter’s garage since being taken away for safe-keeping in 1981.
Removal of the jerseys coincided with the Springbok tour that year, when rugby clubs feared attacks from anti-tour protesters. Renovations around that time might also have played a part in them being taken down from display.
Lots of other memorabilia was removed and eventually returned. But the boxful of jerseys didn’t make it back.
A club official from those days, Kevin Smith, had no idea it remained deep in a corner of his garage, first at his home in Cassino St, Bayswater, before being gathered up and taken in a move to Bayswater Ave.
Only in a recent clear-out did he investigate what was inside the box buried amid 30 years of National Geographic magazines and the minutes for long-forgotten club AGMs.
Smith confesses that he didn’t immediately go public with his discovery. “I didn’t do anything straight away, because I was so embarrassed,” he says. He wondered how he could slip the box back into the club “without anyone noticing”, but then fessed up to some clubmates and to the delighted wider club.
Among the dozen jumpers is an All Blacks jersey lent to the club by the late North Shore and Auckland rugby luminary Don McKay, who died in February, aged 86. McKay played 12 matches for the All Blacks, including five tests, between 1961 and 1963. Club stalwarts have wondered for many years where his jersey had gone.
A second All Blacks jersey among those returned is a rare white example, possibly
Lost and found... Kevin Smith was the unwitting guardian of these prized jerseys for more than 40 years. Inset: (from top) An All Blacks jersey worn by Don McKay, and the “Combined Dominions” and New Zealand Expeditionary Force jerseys from the ‘lost’ collection.
worn by rugby great Sir Bryan ‘BeeGee’ Williams in the famously saturated test against Scotland at Eden Park in 1975 – when Williams scored two tries.
Another rarity is a red “Combined Dominions” jersey, adorned with a crest including a springbok, wallaby and silver fern.
It’s unclear when the Combined Dominions played, but New Zealand Services sides played between 1941-46 and a New Zealand Expeditionary Force team toured in Europe in 1945-46.
The inclusion of national Colts, Juniors, Maori and Universities jerseys in the Shore collection amounts to a virtual clean sweep of teams who wore black in the second half of the 20th century.
Back in club hands, the jerseys have been receiving plenty of care and attention. They have been hand-washed and –after a brief outing on the club deck for a Flagstaff photograph – will be guarded closely until a cabinet is built for their display.
4 STYLE & DESIGN IDEAS
FOR YOUR BRAND NEW APARTMENT
At William Sanders Village we have brand new apartments available now. Senior Ryman interior designer, Alex Armitstead, has come up with four clever ideas for apartment living.
1. ESSENTIAL ORGANISATION
Bookcases let you add your own personal touch with colour, and can be flexible furniture pieces too. You can add rolling drawers with covers for the storage of linens, seasonal clothes & shoes. Add storage for remotes, photos and more by fitting your bookcases with baskets and tins.
2. UP HIGH
Instead of using low, solid and heavy furniture in your apartment, bring in sleek, tall pieces with high legs. Longer legs on furniture helps accentuate the floor space in your apartment.
3. MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE
Make the most out of design pieces in your apartment by turning them into functional storage. When it’s time to put your feet up and watch TV, add a stylish Ottoman foot stool where you can stash your throws or blankets.
4. CREATE DIVISIONS
Often dividing your apartment into zones helps with organisation but without the need for physical walls. A see-through bookshelf, a screen divider or even positioning furniture a certain way are easy ways to provide that break between areas.
View an apartment today, call Dell or Scott on 445 0909 for more details or visit rymanhealthcare.co.nz
WILLIAM SANDERS VILLAGE
7 Ngataringa Road, Devonport
Top young yachtie heads for first world champs
Takapuna Grammar School student and national champion sailor Will Mason is heading to Scandinavia for his first world championship, hoping for a top 20 finish.
The 15-year-old won the New Zealand Optimist and Starling championships last year and continued his winning run this year in the 29er class, winning the national title with his Italian exchange student crewmate Giorgio Mattiuzzo.
The next step for the pair is the 29er Open World Championships in Aarhus, Denmark, from 1-9 August, which they departed for earlier this week.
Will and Giorgio aim to qualify for the top class of racing, then try for a top 15-20 finish.
“Because it’s my first worlds, I’m not really too pressured, so I feel pretty relaxed about it,” Will told the Flagstaff.
He wanted to have fun and do his best. “I think after that the results will follow.”
People with experience of Danish conditions have told him they are similar to Auckland’s, with inconsistent weather but without the same tidal conditions.
Will has sailed 29ers for three years but this year was looking for the right partner to balance out the boat. Giorgio fitted the bill.
Despite an initial language barrier, the pair have learned to work together.
“You’ve got to be on the same page because it’s quite a tippy boat,” Will said.
A sailor since he was seven years old, Will
enjoys getting on the water and focusing on sailing. “It’s very rewarding.”
He has a strong yachting pedigree. The Wakatere Boating Club member’s father, Matthew Mason, was part of four successful America’s Cup campaigns, two with Team New Zealand and two with Oracle, competing in seven overall.
With Giorgio set to return to Italy, Will will team up with friend Will Leech next year and aim for a podium finish at the 29er world champs. In the future, he’d like to either progress to the 49er class with the goal of going to the Olympics or compete in the Youth America’s Cup, hoping to “work up to the big thing” after he turns 25.
On a roll... William Mason and crewmate Giorgio Mattiuzzo are already national 29er champions
Beautiful cul-de-sac position, a short stroll from the beach, cafes, and school, this charming home offers easy-care living in an incredibly sought-after spot. This classic villa is beautifully updated and offers three bedrooms all with built-in wardrobes, an excellent kitchen overlooking the garden, luxurious bathroom, and beautiful lounge. Charming original fire surrounds, big bay windows and seamless flow to the garden all add to the appeal. The private garden is the perfect spot to relax with family and friends or simply enjoy the restful ambiance. The golden sands of Cheltenham beach and its vibrant village are a stroll through the adjoining walkway, plus the golf course, playground, park and school are on your doorstep. Enjoy an enviable lifestyle that you'll love coming home to. bayleys.co.nz/1451625
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Welcome to your new family home. You will be more than delighted to have discovered this gem. Privately set back from the street on desirable Hauraki Road, it is superbly positioned just minutes from Hauraki Shop and the golden sands of Takapuna Beach and elevated to enjoy sea views and fabulous sun. The home ticks every box for families of all ages and stages. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms include a charming master suite with doors to a deck to enjoy all day sun and sea views. The downstairs bathroom has external access, perfect for a quick shower after a swim in the inground pool. The two living rooms offer a more formal lounge plus a huge family living room open to the generous kitchen and dining all opening up to and overlooking the pool. bayleys.co.nz/1451624 bayleys.co.nz
By Rob Drent
Recovering from a bout of surgery I’ve been walking around Devonport streets to get my fitness back. What a suburb in which to recuperate and literally get back on my feet: beautiful views everywhere.
It reminds me a little of Covid times when all most of us could do was go out walking. One of my strolls – through Waitemata Golf Course to Narrow Neck Beach – seemed to coincide with a hacks’ afternoon, with almost every player hitting a tree or splashing into a water feature. An exception was former Holy Trinity vicar Charmaine Braatvedt. I can report the retired minister has a great swing and a solid chip and putt.
The Flagstaff Notes
The predominantly warm weather seems to be playing havoc with plants in our garden, with our port wine magnolia tree in particular flowering early this year. I’ve also noticed fantails, the first time in 12 years at the house. Is this a sign the work Restoring Takarunga-Hauraki are doing on rat eradication across the peninsula is having an effect?
News that trackless trams are to be trialled in West Auckland is a positive development to combat Auckland’s congestion. Locally, the long-awaited upgrade to Lake Rd has not been included in transport budgets until 2028-29. The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has come up with some ideas to improve the traffic flow in the short term. I wonder if it should also push heavily for Lake Rd to be included in a trial of trackless trams.
Trams need to be part of the long-term solution to get cars off Lake Rd.
Shop Win Shop Win
Who said community rugby is on the way out? A huge crowd flocked to Vauxhall Rd to see the North Harbour Championship final last Saturday. After another win by North Shore, celebrations continued into Sunday, with team members and supporters parading up Victoria Rd with a ‘Pride’ flag (above). Revelry continued at the Signal Hill bar and restaurant, a player favourite.
It was nice to see some spontaneous winter life in the village.
Local lawyers Lesley Chapman and Alan Jones have joined forces to form Chapman Jones.
Since 1990, Alan Jones has been a cornerstone of the Devonport legal community, and in September 2020, Lesley brought her expertise to the firm, enhancing its local roots. Chapman Jones stands as a testament to the Devonport spirit, with most of its team being residents of the area. Both Alan and Lesley have deep ties to the Peninsula, having raised their families here. Lesley’s children have gone through the local school system, with her youngest still attending Takapuna Grammar, and her two eldest at the Universities of Auckland and Canterbury. Alan, now a proud grandfather, continues to contribute to the community’s fabric. Lesley is a University of Westminster, London, alumna, and was admitted to the bar in NZ in 2001. Her journey has taken her from law firms in Auckland and Hamilton to in-house counsel for Tamaki Health, a primary health care provider. Recently, she became a partner at Chapman Jones, ensuring the firm’s legacy of familial and professional service continues.
Chapman Jones prides itself on offering a comprehensive suite of legal services, including property and conveyancing, corporate and commercial law, estate planning, trust management, and relationship property law. Nestled in the heart of Devonport village on Wynyard St, the firm is a fixture
The Chapman Jones team… Kate Jones, Carol Allen, Lesley Chapman, Alan Jones (with Winnie the dog) Maria Perrett and Rachel Burrows
of the community, with Alan often spotted strolling with his dog, Winnie. Lesley in her spare time, indulges in her passion for swimming, both in pools and the ocean, fre-
quently seen at Takapuna Beach. Chapman Jones warmly invites both new and returning clients to experience their dedicated and personal legal support.
Breakfast club gets a taste of business ins and oats
Four Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) students hope they’ve hit the sweet spot with a breakfast business venture selling flavoured oats.
The idea for their Year 13 businessstudies project ticks a lot of boxes with the wellness crowd and time-poor students like themselves. It is launching in markets and online, after gaining good interest from testing with Les Mills gym goers and fellow TGS students.
“It’s really grab and go – a healthy, easy breakfast,” says Greer Lunjevich.
Along with classmates Sian Norton, Shyla Brien and Veni Kolarska, she has spent months perfecting the wholemeal-oat recipes, which are packaged in compostable cardboard bowls.
The oats can be steeped overnight in half a cup of any kind of milk. They make for a ready-to-eat portable breakfast or any-time snack the students believe fills a market gap.
To make the Goodnight Oats product stand out from regular porridge, the girls have tapped into the indulgence of premixed dessert-style flavours, but have made them plant-based, vegan-friendly, dairy-free and low in sugar and fat – while offering protein and fibre.
Flavours include Very Berry Pavlova, Brownie Batter and Peanut Butter Cup to add zing to a morning meal that is too often missed, especially by young people.
“We know a lot of people who skip breakfast because they don’t have time,” says Greer.
Veni says the flavours aren’t overwhelming, and Shayla says the complex carbohydrates of the textured oats are “really filling and nutritious”.
The quartet say other TGS senior students have come up with their own inventive ideas for ventures under the Lion Foundation’s Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), which is used as part of the curriculum in 200 schools.
Wake-up call... Year 13 Takapuna Grammar students (from left) Greer Lunjevich, Sian Norton, Veni Kolarska and Shyla Brien with their breakfast bowls
Under it, teams develop products for market – and assessment for NCEA credits – with members taking roles in drawing up, implementing and reporting back on business plans.
Soap, candles and sweets are relatively typical YES ventures, but others under way at TGS this year include offering drama classes and exploring property investment. Environmental and health consciousness are recurring themes in projects based on the likes of seed sales and immunity shots.
The Goodnight Oats group spent $660 in start-up costs.
They sourced a donation of 1000 EcoBowls. Cardboard sleeves were then made for the bowls and effort put into building a website.
They researched food standards for nutritional panels and to meet a 5-star health rating for ingredients and low-sugar levels.
Marketing included social-media posts
and posters. An initial 100 bowls were put together in the school’s commercial kitchen.
The group scaled up over the holidays, ready for market stalls booked in Devonport, Takapuna and Britomart. They kept pricing at cup-of-coffee levels of $5 per bowl, or bulk deals for sets of three or five.
“We want to be able to break even and then make a profit,” says Greer, who is the group’s chief executive.
The students have factored in donating to local school breakfast clubs as part of their business plan.
Shyla says she has picked up new skills on the project and for presenting to judges. Sian says: “I’ve learned to talk to people of all ages more.”
If sales go well, the students could choose to keep the enterprise going when they go to university, Greer says.
• Goodnight Oats is at Devonport market on 3 August, or see goodnightoats.co.nz
Character Californian Bungalow
This substantial home, packed with character and offering expansive living, entertaining and work spaces, close to Devonport village and the ferry terminal is now offered for sale. If updating is your passion, then this is a house with superb bones that will richly reward your creative energies. An architect designed extension skilfully incorporated into the home, completed in 1988, offers a superb master bedroom suite with stunning views of the harbour and city skyline. On the middle level an expansive living area with floor to ceiling windows is the perfect spot for family and friends to gather. The kitchen is separate to this space yet connected and has pretty views out to the garden. Downstairs, let your imagination run riot. A huge area currently divided into different rooms that could be a gym, plus a work from home office, a rumpus room for the kids.
A stunning 3-year-old home offering a blend of coastal charm and low-maintenance living in Devonport. Serene and private, set amidst Pohutukawa trees with captivating water and city views. Meticulously designed for modern comfort and peaceful relaxation. Master bedroom wing features a cosy living area, ensuite, and walk-in wardrobe - and stunning views from bed! Expansive open plan lounge/dining/kitchen area plus separate media room with fireplace (downstairs), adults own private living space (upstairs) and additional movie room heading down to the private jetty. Entertainers dream - outdoor wood-burning fireplace/BBQ area, heated concrete pool with fantastic lighting plus spa pool. Private water access via a jetty for launching watercraft and enjoying the waterfront. Don't miss your chance to experience this magical retreat.
860 070
rachael.bridger@harcourts.co.nz
$2,320,000
Contact agents for viewing times cooperandco.co.nz/L29586837
1915 Villa in Prime Location - Priced to Sell!
Spacious 1915 villa with original character features, rich in heritage. 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, perfect for families and entertaining.
Elevated high on the hill with panoramic views over the village and Hauraki Gulf. Just a 2-minute walk to the cinema, top restaurants, cosy cafes, vibrant bars, and the picturesque waterfront.
Perfect for walks to Mt. Victoria's summit or exploring the area's stunning architecture. Hurry, this rare gem won't last long. Secure your dream villa before it's gone. Don't miss the chance to own a piece of history with views and central location. Act now!
Jane Hastings 021 735 263 jane.hastings@harcourts.co.nz
Thursday 22nd August at 12.00pm In Rooms (Unless Sold Prior)
Jackie Mark 021 458 797 jackie.mark@harcourts.co.nz
Land, Location, Opportunity
This substantial residence sits on a full sunny north facing 716m2 site with outer entertaining deck, spacious gardens to front and back, double garage with workshop, and street access from both Empire Road and Ariho Terrace. What a wonderful freehold section, and the home, nestled perfectly on it is set over two levels, giving its new owners the opportunity to perhaps extend, renovate, and add significant value. Presently this attractive Devonport residence has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, standard kitchen, a ground floor, and upper floor living area, plus a sunny outer balcony looking out over the canopy of the tree lined golf course with a little glimpse of the sea to the east. Ideally suited to family life in the wonderful Devonport area, you'll surely want to make it yours!
Ian Cunliffe
027 227 9322
ian.cunliffe@harcourts.co.nz
Esteemed pianist hits the scales for 20th anniversary
Paddy Cornfield gives another annual performance with the Devonport Chamber Orchestra this Sunday, his 20th in a series much appreciated by local music lovers. Helen Vause reports.
When the gleaming grand piano is rolled off the truck and into Holy Trinity Church on Friday morning, Paddy Cornfield will be very pleased to see it.
The Steinway is being trucked over from the Aotea Centre for Cornfield to play on Sunday 28 July in a concert with the Devonport Chamber Orchestra (DCO).
The timing is pretty tight, but he’ll have a chance to rehearse before the concert.
“It’s a bit like an old friend turning up and you are really pleased to see them, says Cornfield. That’s the way it usually goes with the orchestra, where Cornfield claims everything runs like clockwork on a tight but expertly crafted schedule he’s proud to be part of.
It’s Cornfield 20th anniversary year with the DCO. The engaging Englishman has played 19 concerts in two local venues since a fortuitous introduction in 2004, not so long after Cornfield and his family chose to settle in the neighbourhood.
There have been lots of other gigs in many other venues – and other instruments – but he clearly loves this orchestra and looks forward to being part of what he fondly refers to as the annual ritual.
“The Devonport Chamber Orchestra is quite unlike anything I have known before. It is amazing to me that it is run by Roger Booth with such efficiency, without any politics or mucking around.
“The resources are not great but he always pulls it together so well, with the right people when we need them. And he’s the guy that gets the Steinway here,” Cornfield says with a chuckle. “It always seems to all make for a great concert.”
As Cornfield says, the reputation of the DCO and the standard of these performances means they are eagerly anticipated by a growing audience.
When concert day comes around, some people arrive up to an hour before the music begins, to ensure they get seats close to the front, says Cornfield. “I think there can be
a line out into the street as the hour comes around.”
For this occasion Cornfield, with just one rehearsal on the Steinway (but an earlier one on the regular piano), will play Brahms’ first concerto, a very long piece which he muses may tax his memory.
He always commits his performance pieces to memory and so far, so good, he says – apart from “getting a little lost once or twice and busting my way back in”.
He makes it all sound a bit of a lark but his performances are always of a high standard.
Cornfield points out that the concerts in the church are very inexpensive to attend ($25 for adults and $20 for seniors and students) and pretty much accessible to anyone.
Although the DCO is a community orchestra with a modest and tight rehearsal schedule – right before the concerts – the musicians are not afraid to tackle the most ambitious works.
The Brahms, Cornfield says, will be
challenging, not that he won’t be ready for it by performance time.
In his bubbly, engaging style, he writes entertaining programme notes, sprinkled with anecdotes.
This year, whilst hoping not to get too emotional about the Brahms concerto and its significance to him, he also reminisces about what else goes on at the DCO concerts from crawling babies and the odd stray dog circling the piano.
A few years back he’d talked of retirement, then changed his mind. There are always snippets about playing other instruments – or failing to progress with the cello.
He was indeed a drummer for a while and he taught himself to play the violin. In the programme notes for the 12th concert he noted “my fingers are getting stiffer and it’s becoming harder to arise early on a cold, dark morning to practise scales before going to work”.
It’s easy to see – and hear – just how
Piano man... Paddy Cornfield at the keyboard of the grand piano he has at home in Stanley Bay
much of a buzz playing with the DCO gives him, but yes, he says, at 62 those fingers are getting a bit stiffer and it’s getting harder some days to make musical magic of the sort he wants on the keyboard.
Before performances, the practice routine is a disciplined daily thing, with an hour and a half of scales to be done for starters. Instead of treating the household to that repetitive sound on the grand piano in the living room, he’s on a smaller upright piano at the end of the hall, with the dampening pedal working hard.
Amazingly, he says he can now run through his keyboard exercises while watching Breaking Bad with his headset on for the dialogue. Apparently his fingers just know their way over the notes on repeat after all these years.
Cornfield describes his musical career as ‘chequered’, running alongside his working life in IT for airlines.
Before he came to New Zealand with his
ing for someone to write advertising jingles. It looked like eaqsy money, and it worked okay for a while in a glossy world just off
tantalisingly elusive.
“I thought, ‘Screw this for making a living,’” Cornfield recalls.
He scored an airline job working in data before a chance call from a friend working in recruitment sent him and Julia off to New Zealand.
They found their way to Devonport and a big villa in Stanley Bay where they raised their family.
In another of those unexpected turns, Julia mentioned to an acquaintance at preschool that her husband was a pianist.
He remembers an instant connection with the DCO people but word of his talents spread fast and he’s frequently played elsewhere too.
Outside the classical realm, he linked up with the Wonderfish Collective, a local band of 13 pieces and sometimes more, playing keyboards but also sometimes drums and even saxophone.
He has sold the drumkit and hasn’t perhaps got to grips with the cello, but the organ
It occupies another room of the house and just recently he was the organist at Holy
The big villa is quieter these days with kids grown and flown. Somewhere in one of his chatty programme notes a few years ago he thanked the neighbours for their forbearance over the weeds and sometimes messy garden spilling out from the “music house” and the sounds floating out from the
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North Shore Champions
North Shore retains championship in
A crowd approaching 2000 watched North Shore beat Takapuna to win the North Harbour rugby championship, but it was a closer match than many had expected.
Game-breaker… Shore fullback Hunter Rice leaves the Takapuna defence in his wake, in a break that led to a try by Brad McNaughten, the first of the match
The final: How the match unfolded
FIRST HALF
18 minutes : Shore halfback Brad McNaughten scores after huge break by fullback Hunter Rice. Conversion Rice. Shore 7-0.
29 minutes : Takapuna’s Tali Finau scores after a forward drive. Shore 14-5.
33 minutes: Penalty Rice. Shore 17-5.
Half-time: Shore ahead 17-5
SECOND HALF
5 minutes: Penalty Rice. Shore 20-5.
15 minutes: Sustained Takapuna pressure leads to a try to Tika Lelenga. Shore 20-10.
25 minutes: Continued Takapuna dominance sees replacement halfback Caleb Falloon score. Shore 20-15.
Last 15 minutes plus injury time: Shore are mostly pinned deep in their own half, defending wave after wave of Takapuna attack to hang onto the lead.
Full-time: Shore wins 20-15
Authorised by Hon Simon Watts, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
North Shore Champions
hard-fought match with old rivals
North Shore rugby premiers retained the North Harbour club championship trophy with a 20-15 win over arch-rivals Takapuna at Vauxhall Rd last Saturday, but the game was in the balance until the final whistle.
Shore and Takapuna have contested the last four finals and many others over the years, but last weekend’s was one of the most physical.
With a stiff breeze at their back Shore dominated the first half, several times shunting the Takapuna pack backwards and with fullback Hunter Rice peeling off huge territory with spiralling touchfinders.
Rice had a pearler of a first half. Positionally sound at fullback, he beat defenders at will on counter-attack. It was his electrifying 50-metre break after 17 minutes and a slick offload which set up halfback Brad McNaughten for a try, which Rice converted for a 7-0 lead.
Then, after persistent Shore forward pressure, powerhouse hooker Tomasi Maka bowled over, Rice nailing a difficult conversion in the wind. At 14-0, with a dominant pack, Shore looked like they were about to run away with the game.
Takapuna had other ideas, however, hitting back with a Tali Finau try after 29 minutes. The blue and golds failed to convert, in what became a nightmare day with the boot: two kickable penalties had already been missed.
Rice knocked over another penalty for the home side after 35 minutes for a 17-5 lead at halftime, which stretched to 20-5 with a penalty just after the break.
It seemed the championship was in the bag
for Shore, but a massive arm wrestle ensued.
Former All Black prop Karl Tu’inukuafe came on, stiffening Takapuna’s scrum, while Shore bought on Sione Teu, who made some bone-crunching tackles.
Shore began to leak penalties for offsides and ruck offences and Takapuna launched attack after attack, sometimes giving away kickable shots at goal, instead kicking for field position.
Winger Tika Lelenga scored off a forward drive after 15 minutes, but Takapuna again missed the conversion. Then, at just the wrong moment for Shore, number eight Leigh Thompson was yellow-carded for offside at a ruck – after numerous team penalties.
When Takapuna replacement halfback Caleb Falloon scored handy to the posts, Takapuna again missed the conversion, but at 20-15 it was very much game on.
Takapuna fans came to life with horns echoing around the ground like Waikato cowbells when they travel to Eden Park to play Auckland.
Takapuna mounted repeated attacks. Shore kept giving away penalties and were perhaps lucky not to receive a second yellow card. Against the run of play, Rice sparked another counter, with a likely try butchered by a knock-on with the Takapuna line open. Another penalty was conceded by Shore with two minutes to play. But Takapuna needed a length-of-the-field attack to snatch a win. Shore defended resolutely through tense minutes of injury time before a Takapuna knock-on ended the match. Icing
North Shore Rugby Club sponsors Gill and Gundry are putting on 100 free ice creams at Whites Dairy on 27 July at 10am to celebrate the win. Kids wearing something green and white will receive a single-scoop ice cream.
SEASON STATS
TOP POINTS SCORER: Hunter Rice (95)
TOP TRY SCORER: Rory Taylor (14)
GAMES BREAKDOWN
Pool play: vs Kumeu won 40-7
vs Helensville won 31-0
vs Mahurangi won 37-22
vs East Coast Bays won 24-5 vs Silverdale won 85-0
vs Northcote won 26-20
vs Massey won 27-22
vs Takapuna won 25-15
vs Kumeu won 83-7 vs Helensville won 36-7
vs Mahurangi won 40-19
North Shore finished top of pool play and had a bye into the semi-final.
Semi-final: vs Mahurangi, won 47-14
Final: vs Takapuna, won 20-15
North Shore has now won the North Harbour championship nine times since the union’s founding in 1985, and been runner-up 12 times. The 2023 final was the first held at Vauxhall Rd.
NORTH HARBOUR NORTH HARBOUR
Two in a row... The North Shore premiers squad and supporters enjoy the moments after the final. The starting Donald Coleman (co-captain), Leigh Thompson, Brad McNaughten (co-captain), Cam Howell, Rory Taylor, McNair, Zac Martin, Sione Teu, Tristen Read, Wero Witika, Manahi Tipoki and Connor Hill.
Coaches and support staff: Head Coach, James Hinchco; Assistant Coaches, Chris Davies, Jason Ross and Allan Pollock; Managers, Sophie Rhodes; Ball kids, Beau Vivian, Leo Vivian, Rishi Davidson, Viktor Vavarenk, Flynn Hunt and Archie McRae.
CHAMPIONS 2024 CHAMPIONS 2024
starting
XV was: Trent Luka, Tomasi Maka, Sam Davies, Rex Pollock, Kauri Enoka, Xavier Cowley-Tuioti, Taylor, James Little, Tyler Beary, Tima Fainga’anuku, Hunter Rice. On the substitutes bench were: Lochie
Managers, Mike Warmington and Mike Simpson; Trainer, Dean Rice; Gear, Callum McNair and Ray Yeung; Physios, Natalie Parlane and
Shore still the local club
Shore co-captain Donald Coleman was proud of the number of locally raised players who were part of the 2024 team’s championship win.
Hunter Rice, Kauri Enoka, Gene Garea, Lochie McNair, he himself and returning players Leigh Thompson and James Little had all come through Takapuna Grammar School, in addition to other players like Sam Davies, who had played his junior football at North Shore.
Shore was undefeated in 2024, and Coleman was particularly proud of the way the side defended in the second half of the final.
“Karl Tu’inukuafe, the All Black prop, came on in the second half which really stabilised their scrum... we gave away a lot of penalties and had no ball but I was really proud of the boys – we tackled and tackled.”
Coleman (26) will be back playing at Shore in 2025. “I’ve played 98 games now and want to get to my ton.”
The community atmosphere at Shore was what made it such a great club, he said. “I love it when we are in the clubrooms after the match and you see the young kids – future Shore premier players – running around barefoot on the field with a football. That’s what it’s all about.”
Supporters celebrate after the final… (clockwise from top right) Donald Coleman with Dad, Pete; James Little with partner Ella Bason and pet Tui; and Xavier Cowley-Tuioti with Natalija and Keyana (4) Cowley-Tuioti.
Ka mau te wehi North Shore Rugby
On attack… Shore players (clockwise from top ): Donald Coleman, Kauri Enoka, James Little and Tima Fainga’anuku
Devonport 09 445 2010
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Waitematā legacy: 136 years of Calliope Dry Dock
As strategic partner to the Royal New Zealand Navy Babcock are proud to also have the privilege of being custodian of the historic and heritage listed Calliope dry dock.
As part of Auckland Heritage Festival 2024, Babcock is pulling together an exhibition of stories and photographs spanning the almost century and a half of serving the Waitematā. As part of the collection Babcock are on the lookout for anyone who may have their own personal stories or photographs of their time working in, around or as part of the Auckland Harbour Board, HMNZS Dockyard, Fitzroy or Babcock.
If you have a story or two you’d like to share, or some photographs to contribute – we’d love to hear from you. You can email us on calliopedrydock@babcockinternational.com.
babcock.nz
North Shore Premier side celebrates its first trophy win in 25 years
‘Roscoe’ was a North Shore Cricket Club character
Devonport cricket fanatic Ross Parlane has died aged 75.
Parlane was a true stalwart of the North Shore Cricket Club. No great cricketer himself – in fact club members can’t remember him playing – Parlane belonged to the club for more than 60 years, spending decades as an umpire, volunteer and fundraiser for countless projects.
One example featured in the Flagstaff in 2000, when Parlane raised $6000 to replace the club’s shabby nets, spending more than a month selling raffle tickets around Auckland. North Shore City Council put $3000 towards the project.
In the 1980s, he was part of a club team that raised $30,000 to upgrade Shore’s clubroom.
In later years, Parlane was heavily involved in the club’s Junior World Series, promoting the event and working as a volunteer when it was held.
Club life member Roger Brittenden said ‘Roscoe’, as he was always known, was an institution at the club.
Michael Austin Parsons, president
The son of a schoolteacher, Parlane was Devonport born and bred. He was from a sporting family: brother Perry was a prominent rugby player notching 80 games for Auckland for seven years from 1973, while his other brother Tim umpired 130 first-class cricket matches.
Stalwarts… John Gore and Ross Parlane celebrate after North Shore’s gripping win
Happy day... North Shore cricket club stalwart Ross Parlane celebrating after the club won the Auckland T20 competition in 2016
Ross was comfortable sticking to Devonport. Growing up on Church St, he spent his time at the cricket club in summer then at North Shore rugby club during the winter. A life-long diabetic, his sporting career was restricted on the field so he took to working for clubs off it. “He was welcoming and warm – willing to chat to anyone,” Brittenden said. “Over time, everyone who came down to North Shore knew Roscoe and most have a favourite Roscoe story.”
then Telecom in the city for many years and was later a sports coordinator for rugby and cricket at Northcote College.
For a time he was nicknamed ‘Toll-booth Parlane’, after a driving accident in which he took out a toll booth on the Harbour Bridge. He lost his licence and never drove again, getting around on public transport.
He became a cricket-club life member and its unofficial ambassador, regularly popping into the Flagstaff offices with cricketing tidbits and news tips, sometimes involving friends and contacts, particularly star bowler
Danny “DK” Morrison and broadcaster Murray Deaker.
He became an Auckland Cricket umpire in the premier grade. Brittenden said former national selector Ross Dykes once remarked live on Deaker’s radio show that Parlane was “North Shore’s greatest wicket-taker”.
Though he would never admit it, he was “chuffed at the compliment” Brittenden said.
After his umpiring days, he became the scorer for the club, a role he filled for many years. In later life, he devoted many hours to raising money for the club, selling raffle tickets in malls and up Queen St on Friday nights.
“He also devoted significant time ensuring the Junior World Series was a success, as well as to the development of cricket at Northcote College,” Brittenden said.
“He was the ultimate supporter and volunteer, and an incredibly loyal club man.” His work was recognised nationally in 2012, when he was awarded the Sir Jack Newman Award from the New Zealand Cricket Foundation for his outstanding service to club cricket in Auckland over almost four decades volunteering at North Shore.
He received a trophy, certificate and $2000 for grassroots cricket – his first love.
New Zealand Cricket Development Manager Mark Lane said: “Cricket clubs would struggle to function without the tireless work of devoted stalwarts like Ross Parlane.
“He has contributed to NSCC in a wide range of ways including the organisation of junior cricket tournaments, scoring premier matches, serving on the committee and proactively promoting the game.
“Ross is well-known to club cricketers in Auckland and is a popular choice for this distinguished award,” Lane said.
Brittenden said: “Roscoe loved the North Shore Cricket Club and we loved Roscoe... an absolute gem. Ross will be sadly missed.”
Takapuna Grammar Olympians
Showing dreams really can come true, four former Takapuna Grammar School students are poised to perform on the greatest sporting stage as the Olympic Games open in Paris today. Shotputter Jacko Gill, aged 29, is an old hand, back for his third Games. For polevaulter Eliza McCartney, 27, it is her second, after tasting bronze medal success in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, but having been plagued by injury subsequently. McCartney’s partner, Lukas Walton-Keim, 28, from Bayswater is competing for the first-time, with his sport, kite-foiling, new to the Games. Polevaulter Imogen Ayris, 23, is another newcomer to the Olympics. Like Gill, she medalled at the Commonwealth Games
Water boy... Lukas Walton-Keim took to the water at an early age moving from kite-surfing (above) to kite-foiling
Club to country... Shotputter Jacko Gill (above) secured a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Below left: With principal Simon Lamb and the TGS intermediate athletics cup in 2010. Below: With Kiwi rival Tom Walsh.
Allrounder... Eliza McCartney (clockwise from above) pole-vaulting for TGS; playing netball for the school; in an early athletics outing; and with her younger brothers, Finn (left) and Hamish, after a Weet-Bix Tryathlon
showed early athletic promise
in Birmingham in 2022. Gill took home a silver and Ayris a bronze.
The three field athletes are all members of the Takapuna Athletics Club and excelled at school and for their club and Auckland, winning sports cups and national titles.
Walton-Keim has built his own strong track record in water sports, competing for both Wakatere and Takapuna Boating Clubs. From junior worlds success he moved on to international senior competition. Three other Wakatere members are Games-bound: they are sailors Josh Armit (competing in the IQFoil) and Greta Pilkington (ILCA 6), and technical officer Alistair Deaves.
Jumping to it... Imogen Ayris (above left) with a schools athletics medal. Below: Ayris high-jumping for Takapuna Athletics Club (left) and competing on the beam for North Harbour Gymnastics, aged 10 (right).
Kia ora DCH Whānau! Term 3 has commenced at the Devonport Community House. Check out our schedule online or on our noticeboards. Have an idea for a new class or workshop? Email events@devonportcomhouse.co.nz
Ngā mihi nui, Devonport Community House Team
What's happening?
SHOPPERS RUN TUESDAYS 10AM & 1PM
LIBRARY RUN
THURSDAYS 1.30PM-3PM
Have one of our volunteer van drivers collect you and drive you to our local supermarket or library then drop you home!
PHONE 09 45 3068 OR EMAIL RIXT@DEVONPORTCOMHOUSE.CO.NZ FOR BOOKINGS GOLD COIN DONATION SERVICE
TAMARIKI AND PĒPI PLAYGROUP
WEDNESDAYS 9.15AM-11.15AM GOLD COIN DONATION ALL WELCOME
DEVONPORT COMMUNITY HOUSE YOUTH SPACE
OPEN TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS 4PM-7PM- FREE DROP IN SPACE TO STUDY AND SOCIALISE
For up-to-date info go to www.devonportcomhouse.com instagram/devonportcommunityhouse facebook.com/communitydevonport
Chiasso Coffee Roasters is proud to support Devonport Community House 20 Wynyard Street, Devonport, Auckland chiasso.co.nz
Why we are supporting the Devonport Flagstaff
As former journalists we despair of the deluge of news and disinformation that rains down on us daily from mainstream and social media.
Then there is the Flagstaff, a small but vital community beacon keeping petty bureaucrats and minor politicians honest, and honouring school children’s sporting, artistic and scholastic success.
It has spirited letters and is largely cheerful in its community coverage.
It lets our neighbourhood live as it should, with the library cat, midwinter swims, literary news and the odd interesting interview. Where do you go to get a plumber to fix a toilet or a handyman for the garden?
Where do you go to scratch that voyeuristic itch about the property for sale down your road?
The Flagstaff, of course. Let’s support it while we can.
John Harvey and Judy McGregor
Sprouting signage clutters character
Devonport Heritage opposition to the visual pollution of the paid-parking machines and related signage on Queens Pde and King Edward Pde is very timely.
As Margot McRae stated (Flagstaff, 28 June), they are an unsightly addition, seriously impacting on these superb promenades, with King Edward Pde in particular being a popular walking route for both residents and visitors.
Her comment that they are a form of visual pollution that will permanently clutter the waterfront and are completely unacceptable in an area of such high heritage value is exactly right.
Unfortunately, this is just part of the problem. Auckland Transport (AT) street signage associated with speed restrictions, parking, pedestrian crossing and “traffic calming” features has sprouted like toxic mushrooms. Very recently this has been added to by large brown tourism signs indicating the way to Mt Victoria and North Head – completely unnecessary in our small village.
A particular personal concern is the large, garish, yellow Resource Recovery sign on Lake Rd, which appears to extend into the
council roadside kerb immediately before the Memorial Drive commemorating the Devonport servicemen who died in World War II.
This is a particularly insensitive visual impact that needs to be corrected. The Devonport-Takapuna Local Board has been asked to sort this out but no response yet.
The Resource Centre itself seems to have morphed from the quirky community facility in tune with the Devonport character for decades to a commercial enterprise, which is a shame.
In earlier times with the Devonport Borough Council, before Auckland Council/ Auckland Transport took over, there was a signage policy attuned to the village environment and character, minimising the detrimental visual impact.
We are now a promoted tourist destination, but Devonport with its unique character, environmental, and heritage qualities is our home.
The local board must consider a similar approach for the benefit of both visitors and locals and seriously reduce the clutter.
Bill Rayner
Write to the Devonport Flagstaff
We welcome letters. Please limit to 300 words on local topics. Noms de plume or unnamed letters will not be printed. Email news@devonportflagstaff.co.nz or write to Letters, PO Box 32 275, Devonport.
No hoots heard since chopper-assisted tree removal
Has anyone heard the morepork lately?
I last heard the morepork calling on Monday 3 June at 6am, from its usual haunt in the large Monterey pines near the Northboro Reserve boardwalk. The following morning at 8am I was aware of a much louder, intrusive sound of a Skyworks helicopter hovering nearby as it aided the removal of three of the largest pines as reported in your 14 June Flagstaff article entitled “Chopper removes pines from reserve”.
I immediately contacted Restoring Takarunga Hauraki (RTH) to see if they had been advised of the work to be carried out, but the council ecologists and arborists had not contacted them.
This area of Northboro reserve has become a popular site for morepork and other species to roost and sometimes nest. It’s a good safe spot high above the shoreline edge of Shoal estuary for herons to safely rest when the tide is high preventing them from feeding.
Large old trees need to be considered and managed as part of an important eco mix of trees for our local environment.
The native tree plantings by keen local volunteers are admirable. However, ahead of those plantings reaching a lofty height, nature has had to adapt to the suitable species around and for a morepork that is large, old, non-native trees.
Safety is of course an important consideration in the management of tall, old trees, particularly in a public reserve.
Auckland Council advises through its Urban Ngahere (forest) strategy that tall, old trees are lacking in our environment,
Tall timber... Morepork and other birds found shelter in the Monterey pines near the Northboro Reserve boardwalk
but they are the very trees most likely to be removed during development, particularly on private land.
Tree protection was lost in the setting-up of the Auckland Unitary Plan in 2013. Trees get in the way of development and new development seems unable to coexist with large trees of any species.
I’m pleased to see that the large pine near to the pumping station pond has just had its top removed rather than complete removal, for this tree has had heron nests and some time ago was the regular roost of the black shag (great cormorant), an uncommon bird these days.
Friends in Belmont have planted many
natives and accept old non-native trees on their property. They have been rewarded by visits by the morepork and I hope it will return to their garden or perhaps to a remaining pine near the felled trees.
I would be interested to know if anyone has heard the morepork recently.
Philip Moll
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Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer Call Matt
John Bisset LtD
•
•
•
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• In the absence of a Devonport community constable, community workers carry out their own detective work to find a witness to a beating outside the Stone Oven.
• Devonport and North Shore Rugby personality Spence Buchanan dies aged 84.
• Lee Dowrick judges the Devonport Poetry award.
• Illegal pruning along Sir Peter Blake Parade and Quinton Park is investigated by the Devonport Community Board.
• A “Save the Cinema” committee has reformed to put pressure on the owners of the Vic Theatre building, which has been closed for a year.
• Flagstaff editor Rob Drent calls for greater self-governance for the Devonport peninsula as North Shore City services and facilities move increasingly to Albany.
• Ramblings with historian Rod Cornelius features the boat yards of early Devonport.
• $5 buys soup with garlic bread from Clarry’s cafe.
• A two-bedroom unit on Victoria Rd is for sale for $295,000.
• Artist Lyndsay Brock is the Flagstaff interview subject.
• Matthew Hapgood and Katie Revie are the Ngataringa Tennis Club’s men’s and women’s singles champs
• North Shore plays old rivals Takapuna in the North Harbour rugby championship semi-final.
Museum told to lift entry koha for school visits
Devonport Museum has been urged to consider increasing its gold-coin entry koha for schoolchildren to boost its visitor income.
The advice from Devonport-Takapuna Local Board members was offered when museum president Alastair Fletcher updated them on its operations last week.
On hearing that children visiting in school groups often brought just a $2 donation, board chair Toni van Tonder said as a parent she considered this “exceptionally cheap” compared with other school activity costs.
She suggested a “still cheap” $5 would be a way to raise more money.
Fletcher told the board that peninsula schools using the museum helped underline its value as a champion of local history.
Board members were concerned the museum brought in only $20,000 a year, although it said it has nearly $680,000 invested.
Fletcher noted the board had halved its annual grant to the museum from $20,000 to $10,000 last year, which had hit hard.
The museum was in a difficult position seeking external support, he said.
“We don’t ask for more because with a bank account like that we can’t.”
Bequests had helped build up reserves, but these would be needed for future expenses, including a new roof, for the heritage building at Vauxhall Rd.
A council staff member, Xanthe Jujnovich, whose role is to liaise with funded organisations, said schools being encouraged to bring a koha helped children “value the experience”. Some returned with family.
Fletcher said the museum worked with the library and retirement villages. Its volunteers allowed it to open at weekends and for a few hours three days a week.
RAISE THE ROOF CAMPAIGN Themed fundraisers planned for hall
Plans are being hatched for fundraising concerts to contribute to a fund to replace the roof of Harmony Hall in Wynyard St.
After seeking donations, the Devonport Senior Citizens Association has raised $3000, but the work is expected to cost up to $100,000, spokesperson John Davies said.
Applications for grants are being pursued and it’s planned to tap into the talents of local musicians with themed nights to raise more funds.
Davies said the hall – used by a range of community groups – had had leaking issues for around 20 years but they had worsened with heavy recent rainfall.
Association members who were retired architects and engineers had volunteered their services to help with plans for detailed estimates and planning consents to come.
TGS Senior School Ball – City of Stars
The 2024 school ball was held on the last day of Term 2 at the Ellerslie Event Centre. Students and staff delighted in dancing, singing and the awards announcements. Students were also treated to a delicious dinner and took full advantage after posing at the various photo backdrops around the venue. This year’s City of Stars theme meant everyone looked wonderful in glamorous gowns, sharp suits and intricate ensembles. Year 13 students Ivy Denton and Lucas Pringle were crowned King and Queen. And Year 12 students Avdon Abrazaldo and K’mora Katu were crowned Prince and Princess.
It was certainly a night to remember with students making unforgettable memories.
The Ball Committee would like to thank the following businesses for their kind donations;
• Devonport Flowers
• Devonport Chocolates
• The Vic Cinema, Devonport
• Professional Nails, Shore City
• Les Mills Gym, Shore City
To view all the photos from the event, go to www.bcphotography.co.nz/ takapunagrammarball2024
TGS Cactus Dance Company
Well done to Cactus and Tempus Dance Companies for their impressive performances at the Velocity Inter-School Competition Showcase earlier this month. Both teams looked stunning on stage and represented TGS with pride. A special congratulations to Cactus who wowed the adjudicator with their Under Pressure routine, taking away a second place trophy at the end of the night. Great work once again to everybody involved. Many thanks to Teacher in Charge of Dance, Mrs Alana Grant, for all her support and guidance.
Auckland Secondary Schools Teacher Training Programme 2025
Takapuna Grammar School is asking for expressions of interest for our in-house Teacher Training Programme. If you hold a university degree and are interested in exploring a career change to become a teacher, then this training programme could be for you. During 2025, coursework is completed remotely through the University of Waikato whilst you work on-site at Takapuna Grammar School.
The on-site training provides mentoring by experts in your subject-area specialisation. This immersion track takes one year, pays the programme university fees, provides a stipend and gives you industry experience in a top secondary school for the whole year before transitioning into your teaching career.
Contact Ngaio Hardie at n.hardie@tgs.school.nz for information or visit https://www.schoolbasedtraining.org to apply for the programme. You will need to provide your CV and a copy of your university transcript.
Alumni Scholarship Recipients set sail for the US!
Cheers to Michael King... Standing beneath a portrait of late historian Michael King in the writers centre that bears his name on Takarunga are (from left) former trustee Dr Peter Simpson, inaugural trustee Helen Woodhouse, new trust chair Melanee Winder, former chair Catriona Ferguson, and outgoing chair Melanie Laville-Moore. They were among a small gathering to mark the centre trust’s formation 20 years ago.
Writers centre eyes its next 20 years
The Michael King Writers Centre is gearing up to next year celebrate 20 years of offering residencies for writers in the historic Signalman’s House on Takarunga.
A small gathering was held at the centre last week, to mark two decades since a trust was formed and planning for the centre began. Guests, including original trustees, heard from the trust’s outgoing and incoming chairs, Melanie Laville-Moore and Melanee Winder, about plans to mark the anniversary of the opening, probably with an outdoor event in February.
More than 300 New Zealand and international writers have stayed at the centre over the years. Five, including Eleanor Catton, were finalists in this year’s New Zealand Book Awards.
The first residency went to Devonport journalist and writer Geoff Chapple. He was also one of the inaugural trustees, along with Christine Cole-Catley, Gordon McLauchlan, Wesley Wilcox, Witi Ihimaera, Jim Mason, Geoff Walker, Peter Bartlett and Helen Woodhouse. They got together after historian King’s death in a car crash in March 2004.
Along with selecting writers for twoto-four week residencies with stipends, the centre also rents out space for authors on shorter stays.
WHAT’S ON @ Devonport Library
Tēnā Koutou Katoa
Well it’s been lovely weather for rainbows. We hope you have enjoyed a few over the past few weeks and the school holidays too. All our term-time Tamariki activities resume again from July 23rd...
• Tuesdays
Lego Club – 3:30-4:30pm
• Wednesdays
Storytime – 3:30-4pm
• Thursdays
Rhymetime – 10:00-10:30am
• Fridays
Wriggle & Rhyme – 10:00-10:30am
KINDNESS COLLECTIVE’S PJ PROJECT
Your donations of warm pyjamas etc to this charity have been a huge success. An enormous pile of snuggly items has already been sent to them and we are accepting items till July 31st. Thank you, thank you, thank you...
FINANCIAL WELLBEING WORKSHOP
Monday 29th July 2pm-4pm – Free Sarah de Zwart will give you a new perspective and ideas for making your money do more with less stress. Practical confidential support.
FIRST HOME BUYERS SEMINAR
Sunday 4th August or Sunday 11th August 11am-12noon.
Wendy Hampton, local lawyer and author of the First Home Buyers Guide, will share her expertise and tips for your home purchasing journey in straightforward terms. Books for sale too.
August is Family History Month and we will have volunteers in the Library to tell you more!
August is We Read Auckland Month too so new Besties and a programme of talks are on their way.
Finally we loved the recent Flagstaff’s article on Benjamin the cat statue’s outfits. If you want to join the fun with creating outfits for the fabulous feline come and talk to us! Purrfect!.
Kia Pai tō Rā
Former design man wants his
Grant Alexander enjoys waving the flag for ideas-led art from his Devonport home studio.
But he’s not so keen on explaining the themes behind the mixed-media works he is about to exhibit, wanting them to speak for themselves and hoping viewers will be “amused and entertained”.
With his four-decades-long background in graphic design, there is inevitably a decorative sensibility in his approach, but he says: “Ideas-driven communication is more appealing to me.”
Issues of the day and an ongoing interest in history and how it is represented inform his approach.
“I get to see a movie, I read a book and I make work. It might be something going on in the world that is uppermost in my mind.”
An exhibition of Alexander’s works opening at Satellite2 gallery in Devonport next week features collage and lettering, but also painterly touches.
It contains around 25 works done over the last few years, ranging in size from around one metre to small unframed text works.
One collage, Estate Agent Grey, features an image of Governor George Grey, and is, Alexander says, something of a homage to leading contemporary artist Shane Cotton, whose paintings he greatly admires.
Another work carries the names of sites of battles during the Land Wars, with little
Ideas-driven communication... A mixed-media Grant Alexander work titled 9500 acres
flags staking claims to the terrain.
“I’ve just used things I’m interested in graphically to hang it all together,” he says.
Flags are among the symbols he explores.
An old, faded military ensign hanging in Alexander’s converted-garage studio was a vintage-store find, bought because it interested him design-wise.
He is sometimes joined in the studio by his 17-year-old grandson, who studies art at Takapuna Grammar School.
For the past five years, since he stopped paid work, Alexander has focused on his art.
09 666 0714
Facebook and Instagram @takapunabeachsidecinema www.takapunamovies.co.nz
TAKAPUNA WINTER LIGHTS 25-28 JULY
FREE HOT CHOCOLATE FOR TICKETS TO MOVIES STARTING AFTER 2PM
artworks to amuse and entertain
But he and wife Sue are active in the community they have lived in for more than 30 years, including at the North Shore Croquet Club where he helps with the grounds.
The couple count themselves lucky their three children and grandchildren now all live locally again.
“The children all grew up with art,” he says.
Son Elliot runs a gallery in Ponsonby and has helped with framing and marketing his father’s show. Daughter Kate is an interior designer, while the youngest, Toby, is a lawyer.
Alexander likes the idea of again exhibiting locally, but says it is creating work rather than displaying it that he most enjoys.
He describes his show – Real good – as “a collection of paintings that may be real or good, but not both”.
The words appear on a little canvas and also reflect his long-held interest in language and its lazy usage.
The prevalence of jargon is something he experienced during his time running design companies.
After growing up in Hawke’s Bay and graduating from design school in Wellington, Alexander spent a few years in London in the 1970s, working on top fashion magazine Nova.
From 1978, he ran his own business, sometimes in partnership with others.
In 2015, he challenged Studio Alexander staff to come up with a design for the New Zealand flag referendum promoted by John Key.
The studio created a triangle and chevron design he thinks stood up well in a competition he did not approve of.
The Studio Alexander design won a prize put up by wealthy businessman Gareth Morgan.
But it was Red Peak, a design by Aaron Dustin, that was eventually added to the initial short list after public lobbying.
“He lives over the road”, says Alexander.
He has the Dustin flag at home as an example of good design – it was actually manufactured, unlike the design from Studio Alexander.
Another flag story involves that old military ensign. It was missing in action after being included in a Depot show at the time of the flag-referendum debate.
The show was organised by then Depot director Linda Blincko – now at Satellite2 – who eventually found it neatly folded in tissue paper and recently returned it to Alexander.
• Grant Alexander’s exhibition Real good, at Satellite2, 61a Victoria Rd, Devonport, from 25 July to 14 August, 10am to 2pm. He will be in the gallery on Monday and Tuesdays (days it is normally closed), to ensure seven-day-a-week viewing.
NOW SHOWING
Deadpool & Wolverine (R16) 128min
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (PG) 126min
The Fabulous Four (M) 99min PREVIEWS 27
Divertimento (PG) 114min
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (M) 182min
Fly Me to the Moon (M) 132min
Kinds of Kindness (R16) 164min
MaXXXine (R16) 104min
Twisters (M) 123min
COMING SOON
Autumn and the Black Jaguar (PG) 100min
AUG The Edge of the Blade (M) 101min
AUG The Fabulous Four (M) 99min
(TBA) 110min
First Thursdays Peggy Guggenheim (M) 96min
Flag fan... Grant Alexander in his Devonport home studio, with a military ensign he bought because he found its design interesting
TAKAPUNA | 103/16 HURON STREET
TAKAPUNA | 103/16 HURON STREET
Lifestyle Living Three Bedrooms One Level!
Lifestyle Living Three Bedrooms One Level!
Move to Maison if downsizing is on your radar and comfortable and sunny living is all important with this appealing three bedroom apartment. Basked in the north facing aspect you can relax on the deck and barbecue for entertaining. The moment you walk into this apartment you will immediately feel at home with its welcoming decor and luxurious carpeting throughout. The spacious master bedroom opens out to the balcony and has its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. The apartment is a generous 109sqm approx. (plus deck). premium.co.nz/80583
Move to Maison if downsizing is on your radar and comfortable and sunny living is all important with this appealing three bedroom apartment. Basked in the north facing aspect you can relax on the deck and barbecue for entertaining. The moment you walk into this apartment you will immediately feel at home with its welcoming decor and luxurious carpeting throughout. The spacious master bedroom opens out to the balcony and has its own walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. The apartment is a generous 109sqm approx. (plus deck). premium.co.nz/80583
VIEW | SAT 12 - 12.45 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
VIEW | SAT 12 - 12.45 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
PRICE | $1.419M
PRICE | $1.419M
GERRY PETRIE 021 92 3352
GERRY PETRIE 021 92 3352
ALISON PARKER 021 983 533 OFFICE 09 916 6000
ALISON PARKER 021 983 533 OFFICE 09 916 6000
CAMPBELLS BAY | 102 KOWHAI ROAD
CAMPBELLS BAY | 102 KOWHAI ROAD
Tranquil Family Oasis | 1734sqm Freehold
Tranquil Family Oasis | 1734sqm Freehold
Nestled in the highly sought-after Campbells Bay, down a private culde-sac ,this charming family home offers a unique blend of space and tranquility. Set on a freehold title with an expansive 1734sqm approx. of land, this delightful property comprises 5 spacious bedrooms plus a study, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, multiple inviting living rooms, multiple dining spaces, heated swimming pool and additional storage provided by a wood shed and pool shed.
Nestled in the highly sought-after Campbells Bay, down a private culde-sac ,this charming family home offers a unique blend of space and tranquility. Set on a freehold title with an expansive 1734sqm approx. of land, this delightful property comprises 5 spacious bedrooms plus a study, 2 bathrooms, a laundry room, multiple inviting living rooms, multiple dining spaces, heated swimming pool and additional storage provided by a wood shed and pool shed.
premium.co.nz/80578
premium.co.nz/80578
VIEW | SUN 2 - 2.30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
VIEW | SUN 2 - 2.30 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | 20/8/2024 @4PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | 20/8/2024 @4PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
ROBERT & RICHARD MILNE 022 011 2494
ROBERT & RICHARD MILNE 022 011 2494
LUCY HAMILTON 021 057 8099 OFFICE 09 916 6000
LUCY HAMILTON 021 057 8099 OFFICE 09 916 6000
TAKAPUNA | 6/258 HURSTMERE ROAD
TAKAPUNA | 6/258 HURSTMERE ROAD
Downsizers Dream
Downsizers Dream
Architecturally designed by LEUSCHKE GROUP ARCHITECTS and it shows. Timeless layout that flows directly from open plan living downstairs to that highly coveted indoor/outdoor access to the northern private patio. Downstairs kitchen/living/dining, perfect for entertaining living alfresco any time of the year utilising the retractable shade awning at the touch of a button. Two living areas, one upstairs with 3 bedrooms, with 2 full bathrooms and powder room downstairs. This must sell - make an offer.
Architecturally designed by LEUSCHKE GROUP ARCHITECTS and it shows. Timeless layout that flows directly from open plan living downstairs to that highly coveted indoor/outdoor access to the northern private patio. Downstairs kitchen/living/dining, perfect for entertaining living alfresco any time of the year utilising the retractable shade awning at the touch of a button. Two living areas, one upstairs with 3 bedrooms, with 2 full bathrooms and powder room downstairs. This must sell - make an offer.
premium.co.nz/80514
premium.co.nz/80514
VIEW | SAT/SUN 1 - 1.40 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
VIEW | SAT/SUN 1 - 1.40 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT
PRICE | BY NEGOTIATION
PRICE | BY NEGOTIATION
JELENA FREEMAN 021 65 65 63 OFFICE 09 916 6000
JELENA FREEMAN 021 65 65 63 OFFICE 09 916 6000
SNIPPET OF ACTUAL VIEW
TAKAPUNA | 2402/3 NORTHCROFT STREET
TAKAPUNA | 2402/3 NORTHCROFT STREET
Gateway To Spectacular Living | The Sentinel
Gateway To Spectacular Living | The Sentinel
Experience breathtaking 270-degree views of the majestic Waitemata Harbour, the Gulf, and the stunning city skyline—all from the comfort of your home! With Auckland at your feet, it’s hard to find a better view of our beautiful city. This fully renovated, spacious 124sqm (approx) two-bedroom sanctuary features a super-sized walk-in wardrobe, a separate powder room, and a laundry with built-in cabinetry. A spectacular grandstand for the potential America’s Cup in the City of Sails.
Experience breathtaking 270-degree views of the majestic Waitemata Harbour, the Gulf, and the stunning city skyline—all from the comfort of your home! With Auckland at your feet, it’s hard to find a better view of our beautiful city. This fully renovated, spacious 124sqm (approx) two-bedroom sanctuary features a super-sized walk-in wardrobe, a separate powder room, and a laundry with built-in cabinetry. A spectacular grandstand for the potential America’s Cup in the City of Sails.
