4 October 2024, Devonport Flagstaff by Devonport Flagstaff

Trees slashed in vandal attack... p3

October 4, 2024

Pensioner housing under threat... p11

The interview: Life after legal soap opera... p22

The Bunker on Takarunga needs urgent work

The Bunker on the summit of Takarunga, one of Devonport’s most historic buildings, is in poor condition and needs immediate repairs.

Much of the concrete in the 1891 building is deteriorating, according to reports obtained by the Devonport Flagstaff under

the Official Information Act.

The Bunker – home of the Devonport Folk Music Club for more than 50 years – is now under the auspices of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, which has no long-term budget for the needed repairs.

The cost of the work was estimated at

close to $250,000 in 2022, but with costing done without a detailed engineering report.

Failing to carry out necessary upkeep would result in a blowout of deferred maintenance to more than $500,000, says a 2021 Auckland Council asset assessment.

To page 5

Kapow! Superheroes show their powers in Devonport

All action... Devonport Primary School students (from left): Fernando Leighton, Timmy Grenfell, Vincent Lawrence and Mario Navarro-Willmer during the school’s production, The Life of Māui. More pictures, page 15.

Navy’s asbestos contamination still not sorted

Five years after it was closed, the future is still uncertain for the Navy’s asbestos-contaminated Officer Training School building on Vauxhall Rd.

The building, built in the 1940s, was closed and a temporary portable facility set up after a 2019 review found serious asbestos contamination.

“A decision whether or not to demolish the building is dependent on the outcome of the Future Naval Base Programme Business Case, which is currently being prepared,” an NZ Defence Force spokesman said last week.

In the review, testing proved negative for airborne fibres, but asbestos was found in the roof space, sub-floor area and electrical and boiler rooms, where access was already restricted.

It was decided to close the training school building and about 20 Royal New Zealand Navy officer cadets were moved to alternative accommodation as a precautionary measure.

“No specific testing of the officer cadets was undertaken, but all NZDF uniformed staff undergo periodic occupational health assessment,” the spokesman said.

“The health, safety and welfare of NZDF staff and Devonport base visitors is a priority and the building remains unoccupied as a precaution.”

The Navy-commissioned review by consultants Maynard Marks, released under the Official Information Act, identified asbestos in:

• All buildings (west wing, central block, east wing) interior and exterior: throughout sub-floor voids, pipe lagging and fibrecement debris

• All buildings (west wing, central block, east wing) interior: throughout wall voids, pipe lagging and fibre-cement debris

Unfit for service… a review found widespread asbestos contamination in the Navy’s Officer Training School

• Central block interior: throughout roof void, pipe lagging and fibre-cement debris.

• Central block interior: boiler room, throughout floor and cable tray surfaces, dust/debris

• Central block interior: boiler room – throughout sub-floor penetration, pipe lagging, gaskets and debris

• Central block interior: gunroom/ anterooms – passive wall vent surfaces, asbestos-containing dust (ACD)

• Central block interior: dining room –passive ceiling vent and floor surfaces, ACD

• Central block interior: laundry room –wall infill panel behind sinks – fibre-cement

• West wing interior: throughout roof void – fibre-cement debris

• West wing interior: electrical transform-

er room – throughout ceiling and high-level wall linings – asbestos insulating board

• East wing interior: throughout roof void – fibre-cement debris

• East wing interior: level one bedrooms – throughout accessible sink pipework, gaskets

Options for the building in the report included:

• Selected removal of the higher risk asbestos costing around $100,000, or a more complete removal at a cost of more than $1million.

• Demolition of the building and removal of waste, which would cost more than $1million.

• Leaving the building unoccupied, as it is now.

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Vandals hit young trees in Polly’s Park

Years of regeneration has been set back by an act of vandalism in Polly’s Park last week where plants were slashed and damaged.

Ryman William Sanders resident Kathy Farquhar said she discovered a stretch of the park near the Lake Rd entrance where kawakawa plants had been damaged, with some being cut down to stumps, last Wednesday.

Farquhar, who is part of a Restoring Takarunga Hauraki volunteer group who

looks after the park, said another Ryman resident saw flashlights and heard slashing noises the night before between 7pm and 8.30pm.

Kawakawa growing up the bank towards Ryman was also slashed, destroying four to five years of growth, said Farquhar.

“That’s completely unacceptable.”

She said the bank’s structure has been weakened by the act leaving it more vulner-

able in the event of another cyclone. Fifteen to 20 plants were damaged in total. Farquhar said she doesn’t understand why someone would want to damage plant life in the reserve which is a well used community asset hosting many native bird and tree species.

She said the next steps for the volunteer group will be to clear the debris and think about replanting the vegetation next Autumn.

Damage… Kathy Farquhar holding kawakawa which was cut during an act of vandalism in Polly’s Park.

Free ferry service

Now operating every day from 7am between the Maritime Museum and the Viaduct Events Centre.

ekepanuku.co.nz/ferry

Bunker in need of urgent repairs

The building was “functioning but with extensive deterioration and renewal required. This is mainly due to a lack of maintenance,” the report said.

Primary defects included stagnating water on the building’s flat roof, cracks in the concrete roof and walls, steel lintels and reinforcement showing signs of corrosion, and the chimney, wall cladding and waste and vent pipe system for the toilet all in poor condition.

“The consequences of not undertaking the required works or the recommended works are further and accelerated deterioration ... and significantly increased future costs to remediate to at least a good condition,” the report said.

A seismic assessment and structuralintegrity review of the building should be carried out, it said.

The Devonport Folk Club’s lease to use

The Bunker was renewed in May 2019 and will expire in May 2029. The rent is $1 per year and the club is not charged any maintenance fee.

However, under short-term maintenance, the authority said: “the lessee (Folk Club) maintains the leased area and premises, including to keep the building interior and exterior clean and in good order.

“The lease also requires the Folk Club to take all practicable steps to comply with all health and safety legislation, regulations, etc and ensure the health and safety of all personnel.”

On the subject of long-term maintenance in recent years: “the Authority has completed a Building Assessment on the bunker in 2021, a defects schedule in 2022, and a preliminary cost estimate for works in 2022.

“The Authority has an item in our capital works programme about renewing historical assets on Takarunga. This item is in early stages of planning.”

Briefs

Palm trees go dark

The signature lights in the palm trees outside Devonport Library are not operating because their power supply terminal is non-compliant. The lights were installed by the Devonport Business Association (DBA) several years ago to enhance the streetscape for locals and tourists alike. Since the fault was found, the DBA has been working with Auckland Council to fix the problem. DBA manager Richard Thorne said the aim was to have the lights working for the summer tourist season. “Barring any unexpected cost issue,” he noted.

Hauraki assault

A man says he was pushed to the ground in a random attack in Hauraki while out walking on Sunday afternoon. Police confirmed they were investigating the “minor assault” on Lake Rd, near Esmonde Rd, which left the victim with grazing, but despite an extensive search, were unable to find the offender.

Santa’s on his way

The popular Devonport Santa Parade will return this year with real estate firm Harcourts taking over running the event. Harcourts Devonport manager Matt Hunt said: “With council reducing funding and the Lions pulling back from the event, we jumped in.” The parade will be essentially the same as 2023, with floats and Santa travelling down Victoria Rd. “However, we are dialling things up with communication and float registration along with a website now having been built also.” More local business food stalls would be welcome at the markets that followed the parade, Hunt said. “We are also looking to have more involvement in the parade from schools, groups, clubs, churches etc.”

Hire the Devonport Yacht Club for special events, birthday celebrations, or even to tie the knot.

From page 1

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Neck 1/5 Hanlon Crescent

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Dream downsizer

makes a perfect downsizer for Devonport locals who beaches and golf course, and enjoy single-level living. convenience that this home offers. The current owners have reconfiguring the floorplan to make the most of the northerly such as double glazing and ducted central heating and property is located at the end of a wide driveway, and enveloped within landscaped gardens and is internal access garaging and off-street parking.

makes a perfect downsizer for Devonport locals who beaches and golf course, and enjoy single-level living. convenience that this home offers. The current owners have reconfiguring the floorplan to make the most of the northerly such as double glazing and ducted central heating and elevated property is located at the end of a wide driveway, and enveloped within landscaped gardens and is internal access garaging and off-street parking.

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28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

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28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

Linda Simmons 027 459 0957

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Linda Simmons 027 459 0957

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BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

This sunny, tidy and fully renovated home makes a perfect downsizer for Devonport locals who want to stay close to home, close to the beaches and golf course, and enjoy single-level living. Smaller families will also enjoy the convenience that this home offers. The current owners have modernised the home throughout reconfiguring the floorplan to make the most of the northerly back aspect and added modern comforts such as double glazing and ducted central heating and cooling for year-round comfort. The elevated property is located at the end of a wide driveway, tucked peacefully away from any road noise and enveloped within landscaped gardens and is bathed in all day sun. There is generous internal access garaging and off-street parking. bayleys.co.nz/1470694

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28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

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Linda Simmons 027 459 0957

linda.simmons@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Narrow

Belmont Primary netballers looking for a three-peat

Belmont Primary School’s champion Year 5 netball team, the Belmont Bears, will hunt for a Netball North Harbour (NNH) three-peat next year.

The 5/1 team attended a packed prizegiving at the Barfoot & Thompson Netball Centre at Onewa Domain last month, where they were recognised as Harbour’s top side in their year-group.

The group featured more than 80 teams divided into graded competition.

“This is the second consecutive year the Belmont Bears have won the North Harbour Grade 1 competition,” said coach Toni France, who also took the Bears to the Year

4 top title last year. “They’re hoping to make it three times a charm and win the 6/1 first grade competition next year,” she added.

If the Bears can win the Year 6 title, they will be following in the footsteps of Belmont’s 6/1 side in 2023, the Belmont Superstars.

Some of the Superstars progressed to play in Belmont Intermediate School’s (BIS) top Year 7 side this season. After a strong season, BIS 7/1 were beaten in their grade one final by Orewa College 7/1.

France – who is a better-known by her maiden name as broadcaster Toni Street –intends coaching the 6/1 side next year. This

will be selected at trials from the school’s pool of players but is likely to include a number of the 5/1 team, and will carry the Bears name again. She also coached her older daughter’s team this year.

Street was a handy netballer in her younger years in Canterbury and has turned out for charity matches in recent times.

• A second peninsula side did well in the NNH competition this year, with Devonport Primary’s W1 side winning the Junior Netties Year 6 title. This is a satellite competition held under the big tent at Westlake Girls High School rather than the main NNH courts at Onewa Domain.

Top in their year-group... Belmont 5/1 (from left): manager Toni Lusty with players Rose Profitt, Isabella Lusty, Imogen Gallagher, Mackenzie France, Isla Nielsen, Tahlia Bates, Lucia Morrison, Poppy Wigram, Maia Perry and Maddison Byrne, with team coach Toni France

Devonport 1/136 Calliope Road

renovated home makes a perfect downsizer for Devonport locals who close to the beaches and golf course, and enjoy single-level living. the convenience that this home offers. The current owners have throughout reconfiguring the floorplan to make the most of the northerly modern comforts such as double glazing and ducted central heating and comfort. The elevated property is located at the end of a wide driveway, any road noise and enveloped within landscaped gardens and is generous internal access garaging and off-street parking.

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28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

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28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

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Actually located towards the top of family-friendly Russell Street, this single-level, two-bedroom brick and tile home has been beautifully renovated offering the very best in easy modern living in one of Stanley Bay’s most sought-after streets. Bathed in sun with great indoor-outdoor flow, an extra-large internal-access garage/storage area as well as lovely gardens, make it a perfect stepping stone for retirees, or equally a dream start in the area for small families, thanks to its proximity to Stanley Bay School. It also offers a handy option if you have family regularly coming to stay from afar in need of a comfortable home close by, that you can then rent out when they are not using it. Sturdy, low maintenance construction has withstood the test of time. bayleys.co.nz/1470697

Auction (unless sold prior)

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Auction (unless sold prior) 1.30pm, Thu 24 Oct 2024

28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland

View Sat/Sun 2-2.30pm

28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland View Sat/Sun 2-2.30pm

Linda Simmons 027 459 0957

linda.simmons@bayleys.co.nz

BAYLEYS

All the colours of spring

Vauxhall School’s Springtopia day was a colourful riot of fun that raised $12,000. The money will be spent on a new low-ropes natural playground. Stalls, raffles, kapa haka and a choir entertained crowds on Sunday 22 September.

Teacher Nicky Poor dressed for the sunny day and (below) Herbie Allen tucked into a cupcake from a sweet treats array

OPENING HOURS: Monday – Thursday: 8.00am to 4.30pm | Saturday: 8.30am to 5.00pm

Dr. Shu-Jin Ee, BDS (Otago)

Dr. Lillian Hsu, BDS (Otago)

Jurka Vuletic Oral Health Therapist

Kirsty Jennings Hygienist

Jo Lee Office Manager

Megan Buckley Receptionist

Christine Estacio Dental Assistant

Harriet Hewitt with daughters Hazel (left) and candyfloss fan Isabella

By Rob Drent

Walking on Takarunga a few weeks back, I passed The Bunker on the south-east slopes of the maunga and thought it was looking slightly the worse for wear. I enquired with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority, asking what its maintenance programme was for The Bunker – home of the Devonport Folk Club for more than 50 years. Initially at least, the authority seemed reluctant to discuss The Bunker and even alerted the folk club to the fact that I was asking questions. Eventually, the authority revealed it had commissioned three reports on The Bunker post-2020 and released these when requested under the Official Information Act.

One report showed a bill of more than $500,000 will result if the maintenance backlog is deferred. On the surface, not much has since happened from the authority’s end, although The Bunker’s maintenance issues are likely to be discussed in upcoming months.

The Devonport Folk Club has a lease until 2029, with no guarantee of further tenure. I hope the club is allowed to stay on the

The Flagstaff Notes

mountain and The Bunker gets repaired. It may not be a natural feature, but it’s part of the mountain’s history – a Devonport icon, and a world-renowned folk venue. International performers regularly attend; concerts are almost always sell-outs. The history of the folk club is intertwined with Devonport and its characters, who loved and cared for the mountain before the creation of the Maunga Authority. There’s no better illustration than Roger Giles, the folk club’s go-to man until his death in 2020. He also doubled as Takarunga’s unofficial caretaker, for decades collecting litter on his daily walks on the slopes.

The continuation of The Bunker on the mountain would allow a tradition to live on. Strangely, for one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs, Devonport doesn’t have many.

Twenty-five years ago, I used to trundle along to St Paul’s Church Hall to take pictures of flowers at the Devonport Floral Art Club’s annual show. But as its members became older, exhibitors dwindled and now it is not held at all. The Devonport Food & Wine Festival is gone too, and the onceannual Devonport Arts Festival is now every second year, with a reduced offering.

I am not holding my breath on Simon Watts’ pledge to get the Lake Rd upgrade moving again.

By the time the project starts to chug through the various processes of approval, costings and tendering, it will no doubt be

REVIEW 2024 CONSTITUTION

Kia ora koutou katoa!

The Rose Centre Board is committed to building a vibrant, connected community on the Devonport Peninsula. As a registered charity, we’re updating our constitution to meet new legislation and ensure strong governance and long-term sustainability. Your input is vital in shaping a framework that truly reflects our community. For more details or to share your feedback, visit: www.rosecentre.co.nz and click ‘The Review’ link Ngā mihi maioha. RCI Board

subject to yet another business case overview. And as locals know, it seems to have the ability to come unstuck at any stage.

In another example of stalled projects, looking back in the Flagstaff files, 20 years ago, designs and costings for a new ferry terminal at Bayswater had just been signed off. Now it is so far down the construction list, it may as well have been permanently mothballed. Jan O’Connor, as a member of the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board in its last term, suggested a transport strategy was needed for Devonport and the wider North Shore. The plan would make sure changes to roads, bus and ferry timetables, and the construction of transport hubs, would all be in line with housing developments in places such as Bayswater Marina and central Takapuna.

Further to Jan’s plan (which never got much airtime), I would add newer technologies such as trackless trams need to be considered. Watts ticking the Lake Rd box won’t solve the problem of getting more cars off the road. His many well-travelled constituents will have seen inner-city tram lines operating well overseas.

Now some positive news: behind the scenes, it looked as though the popular annual Santa Parade was under threat, with a reduction in council funding. Now, real estate firm Harcourts has stepped in as sponsor and organiser, so this tradition is safeguarded for 2024 at least.

Emergency action plan

Distribution of the Devonport Peninsula Emergency Plan in leaflet form is due this month.

Air Cadets and Sea Scouts will help deliver brochures to homes and community facilities. The detailed plan, drawn up as a community readiness response, is already available online and at Devonport Library.

A talk at the library last week outlined aspects of the plan, including locations of community hubs that could be opened in emergencies, such as flooding or a tsunami.

Devonport Rotary has paid for two billboards which will go up outside the Belmont Baptist Church and the Devonport Community House to further boost awareness of the plan.

The suburbs from Bardia St south are the first in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board (DTLB) area to have a detailed plan, thanks to the efforts of community members to draw it up. Devonport resident Trish Deans, one of the driving forces behind the project, said it would be a resource for residents wanting to be prepared.

Council arm Auckland Emergency Management (AEM) has signed off on the plan to ensure it syncs with the region-wide emergency response. This was criticised after the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 and is being overhauled.

AEM is using the DTLB as the pilot area for the first of the city’s board-level plans. • See the local Devonport Peninsula plan at www.dpt.nz.

Funding cap threatens pensioner housing

Around 100 fewer public pensioner housing units could be available from Devonport to Sunnynook in five years, thanks to an under-the-radar government funding cut.

Units would be left sitting empty, because there would not be enough money to maintain them.

The Flagstaff has learned of alarm about a subsidy cap “very negatively” impacting Auckland Council’s community housing provider Haumaru Housing, which homes 230 residents locally and many more across Auckland.

Its affordable units in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board (DTLB) area are spread across 12 villages and are in high demand among seniors, with this only growing after last year’s floods. The floods reduced the availability of private rental property, particularly in Milford – where Haumaru units in Alma Rd were damaged – and in other badly flooded suburbs, including Sunnynook and Forrest Hill.

Council sources say Haumaru has warned this month that village occupancy will dwindle under a new government cap on the numbers eligible for income-related rents subsidy (IRRS) paid to it as an accommodation provider.

“Given the average age of the current tenants in these 12 [DTLB area] villages, being 79 years old, most likely 100 units will be empty in five years,” it advised. It would be unable to maintain the modest but sought-after accommodation as it fell vacant.

The government has capped subsidised Haumaru occupancy across Auckland at 950 tenants (64 per cent of total current occupancy), meaning capacity cannot be increased if more units become available for eligible tenants. Haumaru already houses 1400 seniors.

In discussion with government…

Haumaru chief executive Gillian Schweizer

Council is a 49 per cent shareholder in Haumaru and owns village land and buildings. The Selwyn Foundation holds 51 per cent and assists with operations. Tenants are sourced from emergency housing or social housing registers.

Haumaru has told council it will not be able to take on additional tenants without the subsidy because it will not be able to afford to refurbish and maintain units. The subsidy is intended to bridge the gap between market rents and an income-related cap applied to what community housing tenants pay in rent.

A council briefing document states: “The

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central government funding change came without notice and after decision-making on the council’s Long-term Plan 2024-34.” Government had advised the change in funding criteria was to prioritise moving people out of emergency accommodation, it said.

Local elected representatives are alarmed about the future impact on vulnerable tenants if the policy is not reversed.

Behind the scenes, Mayor Wayne Brown, Haumaru Housing and Selwyn Foundation have written to relevant ministers to ask for the funding to be reinstated.

Haumaru chief executive Gillian Schweizer confirmed: “We are in discussion with the government to find a way forward.”

The issue will be discussed at a council committee meeting in October.

• Haumaru villages on the Devonport Peninsula include three in Belmont at Belmont Court, 27 units, 96 per cent occupied; Kings Court, 12 units, 83 per cent; and Preston Court, 33 units, 94 per cent.

There are three in Devonport: Cambria Court, 12 units; Fraser Court, 12 units; and Gordon Court, 21 units, all full.

Four more villages are in Milford: Alma Court with 19 units; Dallington Court, 24 units; Gordon Court, 21 units; and Stratford Court, 30 units, with all four fully occupied.

Takapuna has two villages: Peggy Phillips, 44 units, 97 per cent occupied; and Pupuke Court, 12 units, full. And in Sunnynook: Cockayne Court, 22 units, 95 per cent occupied.

The individual villages house varying numbers of tenants receiving the IRRS subsidy.

Some villages contain “legacy” units, where tenants bought lifetime occupancy rights.

Belmont

3/3 Opua Street

1

Auction Sunday 20th October at 3.00pm On Site (Unless Sold Prior)

View Saturday/Sunday 2.00pm - 2.30pm cooperandco.co.nz/L30760246

Devonport 09 446 2030

Vendor's Loss, Your Gain!

Discover this stunning, sunlit end unit with a garden view. This 90m² brick and tile home blends charm with modern convenience and is move-in ready. There's a spacious, light-filled living area, modern kitchen and the bathroom has been updated. The layout maximises space and natural light. Both bedrooms are a generous size. Enjoy the sun-filled garden for the idyllic outdoor experience. Located in a cul-de-sac street, the property is close to excellent schools, shops, cafes and transport. The single garage provides secure parking and storage.

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Victoria Road

Deadline Sale

Sunday 27th October at 4.00pm (Unless Sold Prior)

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Monika Bak 021 857 565 monika.bak@harcourts.co.nz

Sweet Surprise!

Discover an unexpected surprise in central Devonport! This charming single-level, three-bedroom beauty offers modern living with a dash of character. Architecturally designed, the property is on a peaceful, villa-lined street. The home boasts wonderful views of Mount Victoria and is in a safe, family-friendly neighbourhood. Quiet, private and secure, this home is just a short stroll from the lively Devonport village and ferry terminal; you'll have everything at your fingertips, including cafes, stunning beaches and waterfronts, shopping, the cinema, and the library – all the amenities the Peninsula has to offer! Whether you're a growing family, a professional seeking quick access to Auckland City, or someone looking to downsize without compromise, this low-maintenance slice of paradise is ideal.

Gary Potter 021 953 021

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Ben Potter 027 953 0210 ben.potter@harcourts.co.nz

Devonport 09 446 2030

Proud Sponsor Of North Shore Rugby Club

North-Facing With Perfect Flow

This stylish and sunny villa is more than meets the eye. With gorgeous street appeal, it looks like a cute cottage from the front but step through the entrance hall to find 3 large bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, an office nook and a fantastic open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge, all opening up to an Italian-style courtyard. Perfect for entertaining, the completely private indoor and outdoor living spaces are drenched in north-facing sunshine. An HRV system keeps the home warm and dry year-round, and a gas fireplace is used in winter, adding an element of coziness to this comfortable home. The central Devonport location means you are a walk to the village but also with very easy access to transport options up Lake Rd towards Takapuna and the city. For families looking for a home in close proximity to a selection of excellent schools, this property is a smart choice. St Leo's is a short walk up the street, Devonport Primary and Vauxhall Primary also a walk away and access to transport to Belmont Intermediate and Takapuna Grammar school are a short walk away. This home must sell, with the owners having their future plans locked in. So don't miss the opportunity to own this stylish and sunny home in the heart of Devonport.

Jemma Glancy 021 246 5300

jemma.glancy@harcourts.co.nz

We have moved!

We are excited to announce that we have relocated to a brand-new space within the Milford Centre.

Come by and visit us before the 8th of October to enter our Lucky Dip and win a treat.*

MILFORD CENTRE , 24 Milford Road, Auckland Phone: (09) 309 3921 www.seasaltcornwall.co.nz.

Open: Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:30pm, Sunday 10:00am - 5:00pm

THE NAVY COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER

HAPPY

BIRTHDAY, RNZN

The Royal New Zealand Navy celebrates 83 years old this month.

In 1941, at the request of the New Zealand government, the King approved a proposal to make New Zealand’s Naval Forces the Royal New Zealand Navy. This was passed on October 1, making New Zealand ships “HMNZS”.

Notable events for the Royal New Zealand Navy this year include HMNZS Aotearoa being overseas for Exercise Rimpac in Hawaii and assisting in United Nations sanctions against North Korea. HMNZS Manawanui and HMNZS Matataua have assisted in the disposal of explosive remnants of war in the South West Pacific, while the Navy’s Deployable Boarding Team has been helping the Royal Navy in boarding vessels of interest in the Pacific. Frigate HMNZS Te Kaha is preparing for a major overseas deployment in 2025.

Rear Admiral Garin Golding, who grew up on the North Shore, became Chief of Navy last month.

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.

New life for a legendary hero

About 90 students took part in Devonport Primary School’s Year 5 and 6 production The Life of Māui on 18 September, the school’s first production since Covid. Pictured: (above) students perform a dance; (right) Catherine Sturgess-Taylor introduces the show; (below, from left ) Fernando Leighton, Mika Besier, Jasmine Wells and Sēamus Conroy narrate the Māui legend.

No rapid recovery

As interest rates head lower sentiment has improved but the reality of the property market is that there is quite a large supply of stock which has sat on the market or is coming to the market particularly the lower end apartment type blocks - given this and the anticipated slow down in immigration suggests that there is not going to be a rapid recovery to the property market but more of a gradual grind higher.

In the development space we have seen a big slow down as many projects simply did not work at the higher interest rates and with high stock levels - this will also improve slowly and we have now built up a long list of development funders with many keen to lend but demand for money has been slow - anyone looking for non bank finance get in touch we can invariably help. We expect a further 25bp or even 50bp OCR cut on 9th October and the same again in November as the market is pricing in near 2% of cuts over the next year - if the US Fed can cut 50bp with a reasonable economy, the RBNZ could be even more aggressive given the state of the NZ economy!

Devonport 09 445 2010

Welcome to 114 Calliope Road, where the elegance of a bygone era meets the comforts of modern living. This is a home you must come and view.

barfoot.co.nz/898136

TENDER

2:00pm 9 Oct 2024 at Devonport Branch (unless sold prior) VIEWING Sat/Sun 1:00-1:30pm

Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452

Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681

Words hardly do justice to the charm of this delightful 1900 cottage, with its picturesque chocolate box facade.

barfoot.co.nz/898196

SALE By Negotiation VIEWING Call For Viewing Times

Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681

Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452

Family Living - Location Step into this captivating 1910 brick and cedar villa, where historic elegance meets modern comfort.

barfoot.co.nz/898125

TENDER

2:00pm 10 Oct 2024 at Devonport Branch (unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 2:00-2:30pm

Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452

Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681

DEVONPORT DELIGHT!

This beautiful replica cottage is a lowmaintenance and easy to live in home with spacious private sun-filled gardens.

barfoot.co.nz/897837

Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681

Trish Fitzgerald 021 952 452 FOR SALE By Negotiation VIEWING Saturday 12:00-12:30pm

Barfoot & Thompson Limited Licensed REAA 2008

DEVONPORT 5/16 RUTLAND ROAD

Two bedrooms and a modern bathroom, this home is perfect for those looking to step onto the Devonport property ladder.

barfoot.co.nz/898377

TENDER

2:00pm 8 Oct 2024 at Devonport Office (unless sold prior) VIEWING Sun 12:00-12:30pm

Tracey Lawrence 021 1720 681

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68 CALLIOPE ROAD

A beautiful example of a 1910's family home sitting on a sunny corner site of 407m² flowing onto a north/west generous deck and fully fenced garden.

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ROAD

Recently renovated, beautifully presented and designed, this is a sunny, large 4 bedroom, 2 living and 3 bathroom home in a terrific location.

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Patricia Hinchey 027 222 3367 FOR SALE VIEWING Sat/Sun 12:00-12:45pm

SALE By Negotiation

VIEWING Sunday 11:00-11:30am

Cathy Fiebig 021 383 149

3/4 2 2 2

1B NAPIER AVENUE

Brick & cedar home in an amazing location close to Takapuna Beach & shops, excellent schooling and public transport.

barfoot.co.nz/897745

AUCTION

10:00am 10 Oct 2024 at 8-12 The Promenade, Takapuna (unless sold prior)

VIEWING Sat/Sun 12:00-12:45pm

Ron Sadler BCom, AREINZ 021 613 546

Devonport 09 445 2010 Major sponsor for the North Shore Cricket Club

B:HIVE offers state-of-the-art office and event spaces. In early 2025, B:HIVE extends, with the opening of B:HIVE+ on Levels 1 and 2 of AIA House, Smales Farm. Built on principles of flexibility, adaptability and the full suite of B:HIVE benefits, B:HIVE+ caters for teams of 2-50. B:HIVE is built for business. Find out more about this exciting space - bhive.co.nz

Devonport Yacht Club catches the Feva

Nine teams of 10 members each took part in the Feva Cup, a fun-filled New Zealand Sailing Trust fundraising event, held off the Devonport Yacht Club late last month

All decked out … Devonport Yacht Club flag-bearers for the day – The Dee Y Seas (from left to right): John Duder, Graham Pettersen, Mark Sigglekow, Michael Yalland, Bill Cole, Grant Daniel, Howard Walsh, Tony Bullard, Kevin Johnson and Warwick Squire

Design

Whether you are planning a garden refresh or a full renovation, let us work with you to define your vision so that you can proceed with a plan.

Youth skippers… Chris Kenrick, Florence Sharpe, Ellie Petty and Georgia Howlett

North Shore United junior prizegiving

North Shore United’s junior and youth prizegiving took place in late September, celebrating the best performers. Results from among the club’s 34 young football teams follow.

Most valuable players (by team). 9th grade: Liverpool, Nyle Ammar. Man Utd, Ivan Letica. Chelsea, Elliot Stephens. Man City, Harper Makin. Tottenham, August Mitchell. Girls Arsenal, Emma Maritz. Girls Aston Villa, Olivia Kerr. 10th grade: PSG, Hugo Nordstrand. Lyon, Vincent Lawrence. Monaco, Luc Evans. Marseille, Eli Little-Codling. Nice, Edward Foster. Girls Lille, Cyrus Carmen. 11th grade: Napoli, Elliott Chandler. Roma, James

Maddigan. Inter Milan, Caleb Thumath. AC Milan, Josh De Koh. Girls Lazio, Sienna Vernon. 12th grade: Barcelona, Liam Carey. Real Madrid, Max Baddeley. Atletico Madrid, Miles Datt. Girls Espanyol, Ellie Cumberland. 13th grade: Girls, Danielle Halse. Blue, Will Butchers. Championship, Brodie Robinson. Conference, Toby Proffit. 14th grade: Royals, Amy Simpson. Championship, Cooper Johnston. Conference, Sam Cook. Maroon, Bennett Mitchell. 16th grade: Girls, Dorothea Waldron. 17th grade: Yellow, Marc Leslie. Championship, Daniel Reece. 19th grade: Championship, Danny Glass.

Overall special club awards – Club sportsmanship, William Chipper. Most promising junior female, Bonnie Robbison. Most promising junior male, Liam Carey. Most promising youth female, Anja Kozenof. Most promising youth male, Freddie Fox. Outstanding goalkeeper Female, Jools Nitzche Zwart. Outstanding goalkeeper male, Rowan Smith. Most improved goalkeeper female, Molly Talbot. Most improved goalkeeper male, Felix Salthouse.

Referee of the year, Mike Riley. Young coach of the year, Brad Perry. Coach of the year, Ben Wall.

Shot!... coach Sean Gard and members of 13th-grade Blue team at the North Shore United prizegiving

Thumbs-down for expansion of Devonport-Takapuna Local Board

Devonport-Takapuna looks likely to remain an under-sized local board area after its bid to grow by taking in coastal suburbs to the north was rebuffed.

Auckland Council’s Governing Body last week largely confirmed recommendations made by its Joint Governance Working Party (JGWP), which had narrowly rejected the board’s bid for expansion.

Board members George Wood and Gavin Busch – who presented on the board’s behalf to the JGWP last month – said they were disappointed the need for expansion was not accepted, given both the Devonport-Takapuna board and the neighbouring Kaipātiki board wanted boundary changes.

The two boards make up the North Shore ward, which elects two Auckland councillors and has a growing size imbalance with the faster-growing Albany ward to the north.

“We thought that we put together a very good case that should have seen changes to the size of the DTLB,” Wood told the newspaper. “We are now the smallest in population and near the smallest in our ground area for the metropolitan local boards.”

Board members would likely discuss avenues to appeal the decision and talk with Kaipātiki representatives, he said.

Wood said he was disappointed North Shore councillors Chris Darby and Richard Hills did not record votes that reflected the views of local representatives.

The Governing Body did note, however, that future work would be needed on the boundaries “for the next representation review or earlier reorganisation work”.

The DTLB and Kaipātiki both wanted a slice of areas to their north to help rebalance the faster population growth of suburbs there, in order to help maintain what is a legislated desirable ratio of elected members.

Albany ward, which comprises the Hibiscus and Bays and Upper Harbour local boards, had a population of 166,851 in 2018, compared with North Shore’s 146,244. But 2023 Census estimates indicate Albany has since grown by more than 14 per cent, compared with just over 2.5 per cent for North Shore.

Expansion would help maintain a population variable of no more than 10 per cent between wards for next year’s local body elections.

The JGWP acknowledged that not making a change would mean non-compliance with the 10 per cent rule, but considered that breaching this for the North Shore ward was needed to maintain communities of interest.

But a key part of the DTLB presentation was to establish that the expansion it wanted was into communities with which it already had much in common. This included Campbell’s Bay, where the primary school zone draws from neighbouring DTLB suburbs.

By adding Mairangi Bay and parts of Murrays Bay and Unsworth Heights to the North Shore ward, it and the Albany ward would both then have around 170,000 residents.

Representation, which is reviewed six-yearly, also has implications for the 2028 local body elections, when it is expected that super-sized boards may be in place. The plan is to merge DTLB and Kaipātiki, although the matter will go to public consultation. For DTLB, growing its territory before then may potentially increase the number of board members it could elect, up from six. Larger Kaipātiki now has eight members.

With shifts ahead in the way local boards are funded, with more weighting for population and deprivation coming, the DTLB is facing getting less money, compared with other areas, to maintain its public assets.

No suspects have been identified in the poisoning of an Auckland Council tree on the corner of Church and Cracroft streets.

The council was first alerted by the public about the declining condition of the Tilia, or linden, tree in December 2022.

A council contractor investigated and found 11 drill holes, clear signs of poisoning, said David Stejskal, council’s regional arborists and ecological manager.

“It is likely the tree was poisoned prior to this date, with its health declining over time,” he said.

For safety reasons, the tree was removed on 17 August this year, leaving part of the trunk in place with a sign to inform the public what had happened. “We expect the remaining part of the tree to be fully removed by the end of November 2024,” said Stejskal.

The presence of drill holes, combined with the rapid decline in the tree’s health, typically provided sufficient evidence that poisoning had occurred, he said.

The council didn’t seek CCTV footage relating to the incident as the time between the poisoning and detection would have been too long.

Rewriting the script after legal soap opera

Traumatic court battles have taught Rachel MacGregor that young women need to take the lead in setting boundaries at work and in life. She talked to Helen Vause.

Devonport’s Rachel MacGregor wants to teach young women a few things: how to create boundaries, and how to make themselves comfortable in workplace relationships and in the wider world.

They’re not issues that were much thought about 20 years ago when she started out in the hurly-burly world of media; a place of strong personalities, where young women would learn to roll with the pressure in order to make their way in the job.

The working title for the course is “Consent in action: cultivating embodied boundaries”.

“It’s all about so much that I wish I had known in my earlier life. I’d really love to see young women come along to this course,” says MacGregor.

She didn’t think much about boundary-setting back in those days as she started out to build her career. Nevertheless, she was to find herself embroiled in a saga about whether or not marks had been overstepped in a significant working relationship which would take a huge toll. It also left her thinking a lot more about boundary-setting in life and how women could learn to establish limits

It was nearly 10 years ago that MacGregor found herself in a bitter and very public battle with her former employer, Conservative Party leader Colin Craig. MacGregor had been his press secretary, but resigned almost on the eve of the 2014 election and lodged a sexual harassment claim against Craig with the Human Rights Commission.

Unsurprisingly, that caused waves in the media amid the election build-up. Craig’s public response to speculation about the nature of his relationship with MacGregor set off years of court proceedings.

“Lion of Cheltenham”... Stanley the golden retriever has played a big part in Rachel MacGregor’s rehabilitation

The pair eventually reached a confidential settlement over the sexual harassment claim and a dispute over money, and MacGregor has had to maintain her silence about what happened while she was working for the politician. Their legal battles went all the way to the High Court in 2018, after Craig sued MacGregor for defamation and she counter-sued. Over various court proceedings, judges did find Craig had sexually harassed MacGregor while she was working for him, but the litigation rolled on.

Further widely reported legal actions

occurred, but the court sagas finally came to an end in late 2021, when Craig was ordered to pay MacGregor $400,000 in damages. He had lost a High Court case against her in 2019, when they had sued each other for defamation, but had appealed that twice, unsuccessfully.

At the time of the damages award, Justice Hinton said Craig had defamed MacGregor on four occasions – at two media conferences he had addressed in 2015 (following her sudden departure from his employ), in a letter to Conservative Party members, and also in a

booklet sent to 1.6 million households.

To her horror, MacGregor had become a household name after becoming entangled with Craig. As she trailed back and forth to court appearances, the young former television journalist was regularly captured on camera, struggling with the stress of the situation in which she found herself, while racking up huge legal bills. Her life, as she put it at the time, was a soap opera and she was a very reluctant main player in the drama.

Now 40 years old, she talked to the Flagstaff about getting back on her feet as the soap opera wound up, and about how other young women should be better prepared to avoid finding themselves on the same path as her.

MacGregor says she found her happy place living on this peninsula, and more recently in Devonport. For the past three years home with her much-loved golden retriever Stanley, has been within a stone’s throw of Cheltenham Beach.

Over winter she’s been there, between bouts in hospital recovering from concussion and the other effects of a head injury suffered earlier in the year. She is, she says, very happy to find herself in this community, regularly walking the beach with Stanley: a place to regroup, reflect and recover.

“This is a fabulous community and for me it has been such a healing place. There is nowhere else I would want to be,” says MacGregor.

She grew up in West Auckland, the late child of older, churchgoing parents. Her father, a pastor, died last year at the age of 100. She reflects sadly that she was always very mindful of the impact all the court cases had on her family.

Educated at Avondale College, she completed a communications degree at AUT. For five years she worked at TVNZ as a producer/ reporter on breakfast TV and a news and current affairs producer.

From there, she moved into public relations

and communications, and found she enjoyed the work enough to follow that pathway rather than returning to journalism. In her late 20s she wanted to set up on her own and went looking for clients.

Craig was seeking a press secretary and for the next three years he would be her employer ... until she suddenly quit.

MacGregor and those close to her acknowledge that the saga she endured for years from 2014 left her with health issues and financial nightmares. The money problems have now

“I became really interested in different ways there could be to solve conflict. Litigation shouldn’t be necessary. I’ve also learned a lot about non-violent communication.”

resolved, with people banding together to support her with the huge costs. But only she was able to do the work that was needed to put herself back into good health.

These days, MacGregor works as a senior communications staffer for Health New Zealand, based at Middlemore Hospital. It’s a challenging job and one she says she loves, in an environment that’s very different from the quiet leafy streets of Cheltenham. “Middlemore is a place where the rubber meets the road,” she says.

She is also on the board of the Louise

Nicholas Trust, established to work towards social change to help prevent sexual violence.

Not too much happens for MacGregor without Stanley at her side whenever possible. And the big gentle boy has a part-time job himself, helping others. A trained therapy dog, he is able to go with her to Middlemore Hospital by arrangement, to visit patients in the spinal unit.

Reclaiming her health and wellbeing – and now coming through concussion – has meant spending many hours in therapy for both mind and body. It’s also given her time to reflect on her younger self in the workplace, and how she found herself in the situation that led to so much strife. She came to see that she was far from an isolated figure and that litigation was no place for one young woman to venture.

“I became really interested in different ways there could be to solve conflict. Litigation shouldn’t be necessary. I’ve also learned a lot about non-violent communication.”

Through her recovery journey, MacGregor has seen a place for helping others understand how to avoid the situation in which she found herself. She is working with a therapist who specialises in a field known as somatic therapy, dealing with trauma and helping clients to address anxiety effectively. Together, they developed the “Consent in action” course for young women, which has been run in other parts of Auckland.

It’s early days for MacGregor, exploring this field of communication, but it could become part of her professional future too.

Meanwhile, she’s anticipating a summer spent on her favourite beach and fuller recovery, supported by Stanley, “ the lion of Cheltenham”.

Community has been a salvation but so too has music. With a piano in the corner of her living room, MacGregor is slowly getting back into the jazz singing that has long been part of her life, and has found herself a local singing teacher.

• New builds and renovations

• Rewires

• Home network cabling

• Wall-mount TVs

• Home theatre

LocaL to Devonport

Call Peter Cairns for your free quotation

Phone 021 858 243 or 445 4675 email allsafe.electrical@xtra.co.nz

Painting & Decorating Specialists

Serving Auckland for

Office: 445 8099

email: info@bissetltd.co.nz www.bissetltd.co.nz

Andrew Holloway Floorsander

Landscaping Devonport

Garden design and construction

Whether you are planning a garden refresh or a full renovation, we can help with all the planning, construction and planting. Including decks, retaining, pergolas, paving and fencing. Everything outdoors! Call Steve on 021 345 694 www.naturalgardens.co.nz

• Floorsanding

• Polyurethaning and staining

• Tongue and Groove repairs

• Serving Devonport since 1995

Please phone for a free quote Phone 027 285 4519

ahfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz www.ahfloorsanding.co.nz

ahfloorsanding@xtra.co.nz

Plumbing, Gasfitting, Drainage, Roof Leaks

MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS

Prompt courteous service

Fully insured for your peace of mind

Certifying Plumber, Gasfitter and Drainlayer Call Matt

John Bisset LtD

Trades & Services

Merit Badge Assembly

Recently we recognised our year 12 and 13 students at the annual Merit Badge Awards Assembly.

A Merit Award recognises the substantial contribution a student has made to their co-curricular activity or sport. These students have performed with distinction, exhibiting excellent leadership and strong commitment. This year we congratulated over 200 students who achieved a Merit Award. This included 8 Gold Merit Award winners who received a merit award in four or more individual co-curricular activities or sports. Congratulations to all the merit award winners.

House Mural Design Challenge

The theme for this year’s Mural Challenge was the School Pepeha. Each house was given a line from the School Pepeha as inspiration and based their mural design around it. The TGS Pepeha is:

Ko Takarunga Te Maunga

Ko Kukuwaka Te Awa

Ko Te Awanui o Peretu te Moana

Ko Te Kiritai o Peretu te Whenua

Ko Takapuna te Kura-tuarua

During extended form time and interval, volunteers from the Whānau Form Classes put in an incredible effort to bring their House mural to life. With a fantastic turnout and dedicated teamwork, students transformed their design into incredible chalk murals. The hard work and enthusiasm of everyone involved was amazing to see!

Takapuna Grammar School PTA

Kaha "Ko Te Awanui o Peretu te Moana" (ocean)

Wehi "Ko Takapuna te Kura-tuarua" (school)

Maia "Ko Te Kiritai o Peretu te Whenua" (land/surrounding area)

Mana "Ko Kukuwaka Te Awa" (river)

Development – a licence to spill?

It seems that each time I walk the Northboro Reserve walkway, particularly during or after rain, the footpath is running with water. I am immediately reminded of my concerns, and a 2018 conversation with a representative of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei development.

This 8.4ha site, known as the Hillary Block, is adjacent and sloping towards the reserve, and was designated a Special Housing Area project in 2015. The build was expected to take five years and began in 2018.

We discussed the effect of stormwater running down into the estuary. The land had a total of 86 Navy houses across the whole site, with large surrounding grassed sections. This compares to the proposed 360 houses planned, with more concrete and asphalt, and tiny sections.

The representative offered that “it would make no difference to the water runoff due to experiencing the same amount of rainfall”.

The concern I tried to convey was that the soakage capacity of the future site would not be comparable – more building coverage, with impervious surfaces, compared to the large permeable areas surrounding the then-existing Navy housing.

The now-completed stage one of the development at Rutherford St is above the wettest section of the walkway. Further along this pathway, a second sediment

containment pond was constructed in 2019 beside the Hillary Crescent access path. Since its build, it has leaked water across the pathway too.

Incidentally, the first silt containment pond below the now-completed houses was later decommissioned as the build progressed, but had poured silt-laden water into the estuary for days, starting on Christmas Day 2018 following persistent heavy rain.

The second pond is now derelict, as the building progress appears to have stalled.

Fortunately, any exposed clay has grassed over, reducing the risk of sediment runoff. However, it continues to leak water as it fills up during heavy rainfall.

The concern is that any contaminated or silt-laden water entering our estuaries is a risk to visiting wildlife, including migratory shorebirds searching for food on the nearby mudflats at low tide.

Downstream, this further contributes to the contamination of the Hauraki Gulf. I see that since June, council contractors have been working on remedial drainage work along this footpath to reduce this flooding.

The “one-eyed” approach to the true costs of development continues, and we have to ask why these issues were not seriously considered during the consent process, and guess who is now paying for this clean-up work.

Philip Moll

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.

Murky waters... a derelict siltcontainment pond, which is now leaking

Marina travesty

The locking of the Bayswater Marina breakwater gate is a travesty. It was an access to the harbour that was enjoyed by many walkers and fishers alike. To use health and safety as an excuse is pathetic. The real reason is commercial. The marina would like to rent and sell the berths as being private and secure. One wonders why berths were allocated on a floating breakwater.

Alec Hill

Beach plunder – it’s enough to make you sick

A response to your editorial (Flagstaff, 6 September) re the illegal cockle collecting.

Some years ago (well pre-Covid), I came across five or six people on Narrow Neck Beach, scraping every rock in the area to collect the tiny shells. Thinking this was an illegal activity on the beach, I remonstrated quite forcefully with them, telling them to desist. They too claimed they were unable to understand me.

After some time, they did stop, and in fact returned the collected shells to the water.

I was aware there were no signs on the beach and followed the same process as your reader, contacting Auckland City Council and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), who are responsible for laws on the coast.

To my horror, I learnt that only Cheltenham Beach and Cockle Bay have a ban on shellfish harvesting. The very helpful chap I spoke to indicated that in order to impose such a ban, much research needed to be done and quite frankly, it wasn’t worthwhile for what was essentially a low priority.

MEMBERS OF THE DEVONPORT BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) & ASSOCIATE MEMBERS OF THE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (DBA) ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE DEVONPORT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION

Annual General Meeting

On Tuesday 22nd October 2024

5.30pm hospitality for a 6.00pm meeting start Devonport RSA (upstairs), 61 Victoria Road, Devonport AGM information, Agenda and Nomination Form is available by emailing manager@devonport.co.nz

I wrote to the council, MPI, my MP and the Minister for the Environment (and this publication), expressing my great concern that an overwhelmed Auckland City coastline had essentially no protection at all (apart from the laws around the numbers of shellfish that could be taken per person, per day).

No response at all.

Very disheartening. That feeling was exacerbated by coming across a tourist minivan on King Edward Parade disgorging a group of tourists who proceeded down to the rocky shore to participate in exactly the same process.

It is also disheartening that the vast majority of beach users seem oblivious to the need to protect this fragile environment and are unwilling to become involved.

All I could do to dissuade the tourists on King Edward Pde was to indicate that the shellfish could make them ill (a suggestion from a friend from a local iwi).

Don’t know whether it worked...

Judith Ashton

Album Launch @ HARMONY HALL

Tēnā koutou, welcome to October!

DEPOT Artspace is proud to present ‘Also My Hometown: A 30 Year Retrospective of Artwork by Onlie Ong,’ a comprehensive exhibition of Onlie Ong‘s painting and ceramic practice.

Beginning in Taiwan, where he studied graphic design, Ong has had a long and varied career. Now in his late seventies, Ong continues to use his art to reﬂect his experience of migration and ﬁnding a new sense of place and home in Aotearoa.

Due to recent ﬂooding at DEPOT’s Clarence Street building, we are super excited to host our next exhibition at the beautiful historic 3 Vic Road, previously the Council Borough building.

Join us on Saturday 12 October, 2-4pm for the exhibition opening. All welcome!

And next month for First Thursdays we are hosting a Botanical Weaving Workshop with local artist Karen Rubado on 7 November, 5-7pm.

Local Support Act: Cathy Rapana & Marty Free as The Manuhiri’s.

Select live cuts of classic & original Soul, Funk and Blues

There’s no Bluesman like an old Bluesman, and this wonderful 6 piece band, all playing for decades, definitely brings it.

Support: The Manuhiri's Cathy Rapana Marty Free Yes!

JT + Agnostics launch their vinyl album at Harmony Hall. Tune in to ‘The Flea’ 88.2 FM for a preview

Thursday, October 10th at 7PM 4 Wynyard Street, Devonport, Auckland Start time 7pm - Tickets $25 at the door

Cheap Skip Bins

This workshop is designed to introduce participants to frame weaving with dried ﬂowers and leaves. With some basic tapestry weaving techniques you’ll be on your way to creating your own botanical textile masterpiece. Tickets are $25 and cover all workshop materials and refreshments courtesy of Toi Toi Wines.

Visit depot.org.nz for more information, event registration, and to stay up to date by subscribing to our e-newsletter!

Ngā mihi nui, Amy Saunders Director | Kaiwhakahaere, DEPOT amy.saunders@depot.org.nz

Students’ tiny houses stitch together a little magic

Even before it opened, an exhibition of fairy houses created by Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) students had excited young passers-by gazing through a window on Devonport’s main street. “Little children see the magic,” said student Zoe Evans.

The early interest came on the last day of term, delighting those setting up the show at Satellite2 gallery ahead of its opening last Saturday. It features 48 works made in two Year 11 textile classes. These include colourful little felt houses, some trimmed with buttons and others built into fabricated tree trunks or Hobbit-worthy landscaped mounds.

TGS head of textiles Deb Woodward said she wanted a project that allowed students to show their creativity while working towards Level 1 NCEA standards. “I pretty much want them to do what they want to do,” said the long-time teacher. “When I was at school, I made an apron with cross-stitch.”

Student Stella-Grace Ashby said although there was a brief to meet, they were able to tap into their childhoods for the task. “It allowed us to be imaginative.” Indy McCarthy, who topped her fairy house with a flower, said she wanted to show some personality in her approach while “bringing some magic for the kids”.

Woodward said the term-long assignment also taught the classes lessons in transforming and manipulating materials, building on basic construction skills they focused on at the start of the year. She came up with the idea of showing the work, which Satellite2 co-owner Linda Blincko was enthusiastic about.

“We just love supporting young artists and for them to be in a gallery space and taken seriously as young creatives is so important,” she said.

The three students told the Flagstaff they were keen to continue their textile studies next year and develop fashion design skills.

• The show, titled The Inbetween Place, is open until 13 October, with the gallery also featuring complementary works by adult painters Tracey Williams and Angelika Schuster.

12 October - 16 November 2024

3 Victoria Road, Devonport

Beginning in Taiwan where he studied graphic design, Onlie Ong has had a long and varied career in painting and ceramics. Now in his late seventies, Ong’s art reﬂects his experience of migration and ﬁnding a new sense of place and home in Aotearoa.

Ong balances visual themes common in Western surrealism and shan shui (a form of Chinese landscape painting), while capturing the unmistakable scenery of Aotearoa. Visit depot.org.nz for more info.

Dream homes... Takapuna Grammar students (from left) Stella-Grace Ashby and Zoe Evans, both aged 15, and Indy McCarthy, 16, with her fairy house, which is now in the window at Satellite2 gallery in Devonport

Blues bonanza at Harmony Hall

Local act the Manuhiris – Cathy Rapana and Marty Free – will support JT + Agnostics at the bands’ Yes More Blues album launch at Harmony Hall on 10 October at 7pm.

Tickets are $25 on the door, and $200 from the night will go towards the Harmony Hall roof replacement fund.

JT + Agnostics are a six-piece band which has been playing for decades.

The Manuhiris are also experienced musicians, having known each other for decades, with long careers in NZ and overseas.

Slipping quietly into the relaxed hiatus of harbourside village living two years ago, they were looking forward to Gold Card life under the radar, but it was not to be.

“One song by Cath at a Devonport Library Associates event and it was no more incognito,” says Free.

“We’re like an old married couple, chalk and cheese in our musical tastes – but that makes for great diversity in the repertoire –and some cutting banter on stage.”

Musically, Free plays original blues rock and roots. It’s a bespoke blend of urban swamp and country funk.

Rapana leans into the soul and funk, and loves 90’s R&B. “She’s the pocket rocket who can do all the big numbers. Whitney, Chaka, Angie Stone.”

The Inbetween Place

Tracey Williams Angelika Schuster

Cash for Schools 2024 Watch a movie, enter the draw and earn your school cash!

Watch any movie during the T3/T4 school holidays at Takapuna Beachside Cinemas. Fill in the online form, and we donate $1 to your school and put you into the draw to win one of three $100 gift cards.

At the end of the holidays, we will total up the entries, donate money back to your school and draw our three prize winners.

Book Tickets NOW

BIG Blue Building in the heart of Takapuna Your Local cinema, owned by locals, supporting your local community

09 666 0714

Facebook and Instagram @takapunabeachsidecinema www.takapunamovies.co.nz

Joker: Folie A Deux (R16) 139min

Runt (PG) 92min

Harold and the Purple Crayon (PG) 91min

Megalopolis (R13) 139min

Transformers One (PG) 104min

The Wild Robot (PG) 102min COMING SOON

A Mistake (M) 103min 10 Oct

The Apprentice (TBA) 120min 10 Oct

Iris and the Men (M) 98min 10 Oct

Rosalie (M) 111min 10 Oct

Show Me Shorts Film Festival 11-13 Oct

MILFORD | 10B STRATFORD AVENUE Luxurious Gated Modern Residence

Set on a freehold title behind an automatic gate, this stunning new family home boasts weatherboard and schist construction, ample space and all-day sun, just a short walk from Milford. Enjoy high stud ceilings, polished timber floors, and double glazing. The open-plan kitchen, living, and dining areas flow to a private outdoor space. Features include a gourmet kitchen, five bedrooms with ensuites, double garage, and great school zones.

premium.co.nz/80558

VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

PRICE | BY NEGOTIATION

R OBERT MILNE 022 011 24 94

RIC HARD MILNE 021 770 611 OFFICE 09 916 6000

TAKAPUNA | 1903/3 NORTHCROFT STREET

Surreal Sea and City Panorama | The Sentinel

This stunning 19th-floor apartment in the iconic Sentinel offers sweeping views of the Waitemata Harbour, Takapuna Beach, Rangitoto Island, Auckland’s cityscape, and the Harbour Bridge. Featuring two ensuited bedrooms, a spacious kitchen/open-plan living area, a separate guest toilet, and a generous deck for sunset views. Enjoy resort-style amenities, secure carparks, storage, and a welcoming concierge service—a perfect lock-andleave in vibrant Takapuna.

premium.co.nz/80621

VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT

SET DATE OF SALE | 24 OCT 2024 AT 4PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR

ALISON PARKER 021 983 533

ROBERT MILNE 022 011 24 94 OFFICE 09 916 6000

TAKAPUNA | 23 EWEN STREET

Superb Position with Development Opportunity

Located on Ewen Street, near Takapuna Beach, this 548sqm (approx) freehold title boasts a 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom home. Elevated with sun exposure, gentle contour and vehicle access, it offers potential sea views. As a corner site, it presents a unique redevelopment opportunity with resource consent for two freestanding homes. Secure a family home or develop two dream properties in this exclusive location.

premium.co.nz/80485

VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT PRICE | BY NEGOTI ATION

R OBERT MILNE 022 011 24 9 4

R ICHARD MILNE 021 770 6 11 OFFICE 09 916 6000

MATAKANA | 241 SHARP ROAD

Private Garden Retreat in Matakana

Set on a 1-hectare site (approx), this stunning home offers grand views over Sandspit Harbour and the rural landscape. The solid concrete residence features a low-maintenance exterior, designed for luxurious living. With five spacious bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, high-truss ceilings, oak flooring and a marble benchtop, the home boasts high-end finishes. Enjoy expansive living areas, a swimming pool and a fully self-contained barn. Perfect for large families seeking a special retreat.

premium.co.nz/90139

VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT PRICE | ON APPLIC ATION

LINDA SMITH 021 470 175 R OB M ATULICH 021 634 059