July 1, 2016
Missing yachtsman loved in Devonport… p3
Fullers facing further interrogation… p9
Interview: Bike Devonport’s Chris Werry… p18
Concerns about Devonport pensioner flats sell-off
A council review of Devonport pensioner Council’s proposal to improve housing it opens the door for the sell-off of older local housing valued at $20 million has alarmed for older people, across Auckland, has set pensioner flats. local board members who are worried it may alarm bells ringing among members of the To page 10 be sold off. Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, who fear
Family tradition continues at Devonport Midwinter Swim
In the swim… the Lethaby family has been associated with the Devonport Midwinter Swim for many years. This year, young Arlo Ashley took the plunge into the arms of grandmother Michele van Zon, and aunty Aja Lethaby. Aja organised the swim for several years, starting in 1995. More pictures, pages 22 and 23. Phil Clark P 09 446 2125 M 021 940 041 E phil.clark@harcourts.co.nz
Vendors have purchased $1,269,000
4/5 Tui Street, Cheltenham
After many years in the family, this secure home is on the market at a price to sell. Located in the heart of Cheltenham, three bedrooms, office/hobby room, two bathrooms, internal access garage.
Peter Ayton P 09 446 2109 M 021 336 300 E peter.ayton@harcourts.co.nz OPEN HOMES: Thur & Sun 12-1pm
ONLINE devonportexperts.nz
LICENSED AGENT REAA 2008
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 2
MARK ROWLEY
FUNERAL SERVICES Your local funeral home
July 1, 2016
Devo aglow for second year Windsor Reserve will come alight again this October during Glow Devonport. The ArtWeek Auckland event is in its second year and will feature six new, large-scale interactive lighting installations created by
Unitec students. The event is a Devonport Business Association initiative, supported by a $10,000 grant from the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board.
Annuals survive to bloom another day Mark and Paulette Rowley
For personal, professional service. Funeral Director and Monumentalist
Ph 445 9800
Office and Chapel 16 –18 Anne St, Devonport
Flower beds are to stay for another year around Devonport’s streets and parks. For the 2016/17 financial year, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board will
spend $50,000 on retaining mechanical edging and spray-free weed management, and $13,000 on the traditional annuals in street gardens.
New seats roll-out set for Victoria Theatre The Victoria Theatre is aiming to replace 40 seats as part of a plan to upgrade all seating at the venue. The Victoria Theatre Trust (VTT) has received a grant of $20,000 from Foundation North. Added to the $2450 already raised from local donations and a film night, this will pay for the first installation. The new seats will go into the ground floor cinema in the next few months. The intention is to replace all the seats in the three theatres over time. The total cost of replacing all 176 seats
in the first theatre is $105,000 including installation, cup holders and aisle lights, and freight. VTT co-chair Margot McRae said the Vic has had record numbers of ticket sales this year, with several screenings sold out. “So the push is on to replace all the old seats in the lower cinema and really raise the level of comfort for our audiences,” says McRae” People can buy one new seat for the Vic for $500 or simply donate any amount by going to thevic.org.nz
Push to keep Windsor Reserve Coronation Oak Plans to renew the popular Windsor Reserve playground have hit a stumbling block, namely the oak tree planted in 1953 in honour of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation. Proposed council designs for new playground equipment would mean axing
NEW ZEALAND COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS Best Community Involvement: 2014, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2008, 2005 Most Improved Newspaper: 2011, 2010 Best Young Journalist: 2014, 2012, 2013 Best Journalist: 2012, 2009 Best Junior Sports Journalist: 2014, 2013 Best Senior Feature/Lifestyle Writer: 2014 Best Junior Feature/Lifestyle Writer: 2014 Best Headline Writing: 2012, 2013 Canon Media Awards Community Reporter of the Year: Highly Commended 2015 Devonport Publishing Ltd PO Box 32 275 First Floor, 9 Wynyard Street, Devonport Telephone: 09 445 0060 Email: devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz Website: www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz EDITOR: ADVERTISING: REPORTER: DESIGN: COPY EDITOR: OFFICE MANAGER: PRINTER:
Rob Drent Rob Drent Maire Vieth Brendon De Suza Jo Hammer Janet Klee Beacon Print
Information in the Devonport Flagstaff is copyright and cannot be published or broadcast without the permission of Devonport Publishing Ltd.
NEXT ISSUE: July 15 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: July 8
the oak to make room for a centrally located carousel or lighthouse structure. This month, Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Mike Cohen said the oak has to stay and that council needs to rework its design to get more buy-in from local residents.
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 3
July 1, 2016
Yachting accident devastates community The family of missing sailor Steve Forno are recalling his heroism – including his final act that cost him his life. Forno was swept overboard from the Platino when the vessel suffered serious damage just north of New Zealand. Nick Saull died on the yacht when struck by its rigging. Three others on board were rescued. Family spokesman Will Widdison, Steve Forno’s nephew, said : “After finishing his shift at watch on board Platino, Steve had taken his gear off and headed downstairs to have his breakfast of bacon and eggs. “After hearing a large bang and screaming on deck, Steve ran up to help. “He told a crew member to duck, saving a life but then has been collected himself. “Steve gave his life to save another. “Steve’s hand could be seen held high, waving at the remaining crew of the Platino as he drifted further away. “Steve was a big man with a big heart. He touched so many people in different ways. He is a huge rock of our family and a hole has been left where he stood. “He is going to be dearly missed by his family and everyone who knew him.” Forno is survived by two children: Jack and Grace. It was Forno’s second public act of heroism in the past year. In February he came to the aid of Bayswater Superette owners Eaja and James Kim, who were being robbed in their dairy. Forno, who lived nearby, heard screams and ran out of his home and tackled one of the robbers. “He had the cigarettes in one arm and I had him by the other, so I had total control of him,” Forno told The Flagstaff. “But when the other guy came at me with a crowbar, I let go. It wasn’t worth getting hurt but I had stalled them long enough for other neighbours to identify the car. Its rear licence plate was covered up with masking tape,”
Forno said at the time. Widdison said he was extremely close to his uncle, with whom he shared a passion for sailing. They owned a Stewart 34 yacht together, which was moored at Bayswater. “Steve taught me how to sail and was extremely safety conscious.” Widdison said the only reason Forno would have been on deck on the Platino without his life jacket would have been the need to deal with a life-or-death emergency. Forno grew up in Devonport, and lived in Bayswater much of his life. He was an “A grade” mechanical engineer and loved working on “boats, gates, anything made out of steel,” Widdison said The projects were carried out in a workshop at the family home in Kawerau Ave. Widdison recalled the many races he and his uncle took part in out of the Devonport and Came to the rescue… Royal Akarana Yacht Clubs. Steve Forno with Bayswater Forno had countless hours’ experience of Superette owner James Kim ocean sailing, racing in the Sydney to Hobart race and events off Mooloolaba. “In the later years, he was more into the Rugby club honours men cruising side of things. Nick Saull grew up in Devonport and “Steve preferred to get away for the weekend played rugby for North Shore for many and head straight for the Barrier.” years, before moving to the Hibiscus He had recently bought a 60ft vessel, Coast. ‘Jean’, completely “done-up” and on whom he His contriubtion was recalled in a rugby planned to cruise in his retirement, Widdison club newsletter last week. said. “Nick had played three Prem games Forno also had a love of classic cars and for the Club and 38 games for the Prem along with Nigel Teape helped set up the two side. Bayswater Auto Show seven years ago. He “He had played for the Beagles, and featured in the Flagstaff in 2014 promoting the played for a few years for the Evergreens when they were also around. show and at the time owned an eight-cylinder “Nick was a true gentle giant of a man American Chevy and a 1969 Holden Monaro. and our thoughts are with his wife, children Former Devonport RSA president Jimmy and extended family. Lost overboard on Jones said he had rented a marina berth from the same trip was a well-known local Forno at Bayswater for 10 years and described identity Steve Forno. Our thoughts are him as a fantastic mechanical engineer. “He with his family as well,” the rugby club did a lot of work for the RSA over the years,” circular said. said Jones.
Devonport Dog Groomers
Short Bark and Sides Short Bark and Sides offers the ultimate experience for your pet
Full groom Bath & blow dry Puppy introduction to grooming
Prices depend on breed, size and coat Please call Barbara 021 141 0331 Local in Devonport, but happy to travel around the Shore. Car enthusiast as well as a yachtie… Steve Forno (left) with his Chevy, pictured with Nigel Teape prior to the 2014 Bayswater Auto Show
Short Bark and Sides NZ Barbarashortbarkandsides@gmail.com
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 4
July 1, 2016
TEAM TEAM JACKIE AND JANE ARE SEEKING HOMES TEAMJACKIE JACKIEAND ANDJANE JANEARE ARESEEKING SEEKINGHOMES HOMES FOR FOR THE FOLLOWING BUYERS FORTHE THEFOLLOWING FOLLOWINGBUYERS BUYERS Couple Coupleinintheir their60s 60s wanting home Cheltenham/Central Devonport up 60swanting wantingaaahome homeinininCheltenham/Central Cheltenham/CentralDevonport Devonportup uptototo $2mil. $2mil. Require Require2/3 2/3 bedroom character home, and garden suitable for dogs. 2/3bedroom bedroomcharacter characterhome, home,and andgarden gardensuitable suitablefor fordogs. dogs. Couple Couplewanting wanting bedroom home, walk Devonport Village up wantingaaa333bedroom bedroomhome, home,walk walktoto toDevonport DevonportVillage Villageup uptototo $2.5mil. $2.5mil. Downsizing Downsizing from Remuera, looking retire Devonport. Must be Downsizingfrom fromRemuera, Remuera,looking lookingtoto toretire retireinininDevonport. Devonport.Must Mustbe be sunny sunny and small garden fine. sunnyand andaaasmall smallgarden gardenisisisfine. fine. Elderly Elderlycouple couple wanting home Devonport/Narrow Neck/Belmont/ couplewanting wantingaaahome homeinininDevonport/Narrow Devonport/NarrowNeck/Belmont/ Neck/Belmont/ Bayswater Bayswaterup uptoto $1.7mil. Require low maintenance, one level, with small to$1.7mil. $1.7mil. Require Requirelow lowmaintenance, maintenance,one onelevel, level,with withsmall small garden. garden. garden. Two Twosets setsofofbuyers buyers wanting home up $1.4mil. One wanting walking buyerswanting wantingaaahome homeup uptoto to$1.4mil. $1.4mil.One Onewanting wantingwalking walking distance distancetotoDevonport Devonport Village, Village, one one prefers prefers traditional traditional from from Devonport Devonport Devonport Village, one prefers traditional from Devonporttototo Hauraki. Hauraki. Hauraki. Elderly Elderly couple wanting home Devonport/Narrow Neck up Elderlycouple couplewanting wantingaaahome homeinininDevonport/Narrow Devonport/NarrowNeck Neckup uptototo $1.3mil. $1.3mil. Require small home on one level with small garden/courtyard. $1.3mil.Require Requireaaasmall smallhome homeon onone onelevel levelwith withaaasmall smallgarden/courtyard. garden/courtyard. PLEASE PLEASE CONTACT US YOU THINK YOU CAN HELP! PLEASECONTACT CONTACTUS USIFIF IFYOU YOUTHINK THINKYOU YOUCAN CANHELP! HELP! THIS THIS ISSUE’S LOCAL VOUCHER THISISSUE’S ISSUE’SLOCAL LOCALVOUCHER VOUCHER
Bring Bring this Neighbourhood Voucher Voucher tototo Bringinininthis thisNeighbourhood Neighbourhood Voucher Devonport Devonport Resene until July 31st 31st 2016 2016 DevonportResene Reseneuntil untilJuly July 31st 2016 for 15% off your premium paint for 15% off your premium paint for 15% off your premium paint purchasers. purchasers. purchasers.
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 5
July 1, 2016
Rene’s called Devonport home for 77 years At age 100 Rene Matthews puts on lipstick and make-up every day. “I have always done it. I like to keep myself looking respectable,” she says and credits her strong will with making it this far. “You can go around looking like an old hag if you want to, but I don’t.” “I’ve just been determined to do things and not listen to what anyone else is saying. And at 100, you should be able to do what you darn well please,” she says. Matthews arrived in Bayswater in 1939 as a young bride, and has just celebrated her 100th birthday at her Narrow Neck home. The mother of seven says she raised her children largely on her own and that Devonport was a great place to do it. “It was lovely being by the water and taking the kids swimming at the beach. They loved it,” she says. “It was so easy to get to the ferry too. I could push the pram down to the wharf and take the kids to town. We’d go to Farmers for lunch every Friday.” The Matthews are a close family, she says. “We spent Christmas together at Port Waikato. My son James works at the Naval Base and I only have to ring him when I need something desperately. My daughter Rene lives in Glenfield and likes to take me out to have a look at the sea or to go shopping to Albany.” “My granddaughter came over from Perth for my 100th birthday. She hung up all my birthday cards and stocked up my freezer with curries and steak and kidney,” she says. Age has only recently begun creeping up on Matthews. Renowned for her pikelets, scones and date loaves, her love of gardening, and for keeping a spotless home, she now requires a bit of help. “I can’t do things in a hurry any more, and now I just sit and look at the trees waving at me,” she says. The centenarian is Housing New Zealand’s second-oldest tenant. Tenancy Manager Ena
Always well turned out… Rene Matthews has just turned 100 Windle says Matthews has kept the home in pristine condition from the start and still bleaches the front and back concrete steps weekly. “I just hate to have a mess around me,” Matthews says. She has lived at her current home in Narrow Neck for 35 years and in state housing on the peninsula for 74 years. Born in Petone in 1916 as one of six children, Matthews started school there but moved to Auckland soon after. “My father was a Salvation Army officer, so we shifted from one place to
another,” she says. She worked as a nurse aide at the old Cornwall Hospital in Greenlane, the Narrow Neck obstetric hospital and the maternity unit at North Shore Hospital. Her last job was as a cook at the Stanley Private Hospital on Calliope Road, where she retired 26 years ago at the age of 74. Matthews has outlived her five siblings and two of her children, David and Lynette. She has 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
NEED AN ACCOUNTANT? CITY EXPERTISE IN DEVONPORT VILLAGE!
We are a very experienced three-partner Chartered Accounting practice in the heart of Devonport. • We support all accounting packages • All tax matters, including residency issues, foreign income & pensions, tax planning • International structuring • We undertake small to large engagements Serving local, national and international clients for 30+ years. Contact us now 445 2300 or paul@gannaway.co.nz
Gannaway Mercer Ltd
11A Wynyard Street Devonport www.gannaway.co.nz
Keeping up with our Olympians
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 6
July 1, 2016
Downwind to Rio – sailor Paul Snow-Hansen Devonport sailor Paul Snow-Hansen says dealing with waterborne hazards off the coast of Argentina has prepared him for most things Rio can throw at him. The conditions at this year’s 470 sailing World Championships in Argentina, where he and crew Damien Willcox won silver, were a “dress rehearsal” for Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro Harbour, where the water has a reputation for being dirty. Snow-Hansen says while rubbish tends to accumulate along the tidal current lines of Rio’s inner harbour, the waters around Buenos Aires were a bigger challenge to sail in. “We were told to not to touch the uprooted plants that were floating past us like a forest in brown water, because there could be snakes in there. Inland rainfall 20 years ago had flushed monkeys down from the jungle, we were told,” he said. Some boats could not finish their races in Argentina because they got caught in the plants. And yet, Snow-Hansen achieved his career-best result in these conditions. “If we can deal with the water in Argentina, we are confident that we can deal with the water in Rio,” he says. The trick is to be “in tune with the boat. It
Devonport Senior CitizenS
ASSoCiAtion inCorporAteD
AGM
Monday 18th July 10.30am, Harmony Hall 4 Wynyard St, Devonport LunCh wiLL be ServeD After meeting foLLoweD bingo Jill Gannaway (President) 09 445 1225
really helps to deal with distractions like this. Sailing is much more about experience than the equipment, which your experience helps you use and manipulate. There is never a day you come off the water without learning another piece of the jigsaw puzzle,” he says. It is equally important to enjoy the moment, he adds. Snow-Hansen is a keen photographer and also likes to draw while on the road, whether during sailing meetings or while relaxing in the evenings. He appreciates Rio for its visual beauty as much as for the sailing it offers. “It’s just the most stunning place, with its views and dramatic sunsets and beautiful skyline. What a backdrop for sailing,” he says. Being a second-time Olympian helps with getting prepared for Rio as well. “You just know a bit more what to expect,” he says. The New Zealand sailing team won’t be staying in the Olympic Village, but in a yet to be disclosed venue closer to the sea. That’s fine by Snow-Hansen. “I am still stoked to go to the opening ceremony, but the Ready for Rio… Paul Snow-Hansen novelty of infinite McDonald’s in the food get towed out by the coach boat, and during the hall has worn off,” he says. games we will try and get two 50-minute races The sailing team is a tight-knit group, he in per day before we head back around 4.30pm says. “Our ages range between 21 and 30, and to be home before dark,” he says. at 25 I’m finally not young anymore,” he says. Snow-Hansen says he generally performs There will be challenges of course, but better when under pressure. Snow-Hansen sees them in a positive light. “Without it I am more likely to slip up than “The inner harbour is very tidal and the when I have more of my skin in it. A bit of nerves Sugar Loaf influences the wind quite a bit, help me focus on all the basics,” he says. Snow while the huge swell in the open-water outer Hansen cites his selection for two Olympics harbour course is just spectacular,” he says. as cases in point. “Both times we had to work The daily window of good sailing winds is really hard to be selected. In Argentina, we had very short in Rio, he says. to be in the top ten to get there. With London it “The wind usually only comes up in the was the same situation, where we had to come early afternoon, and races have to be finished in the top ten in the Worlds in Perth.” by around 4:30 pm. It takes us 45 minutes to “I am grateful we got there,” he says.
1/3 page Bayleys SUPERB FAMILY LIFESTYLE IN STANLEY POINT
3 Waterview Road, Devonport This delightful villa has spacious entertaining areas and a fabulous pool. The open plan kitchen/dining room flows to the garden. Four generous bedrooms, a separate cosy living room and a crisp white palette throughout bringing a contemporary feel to the home. The opportunity to extend in the future is a definite possibility. An enviable location, with excellent schools, the village, parks, beaches and the ferries to the CBD all a picturesque stroll away.
Auction
1.30pm, Thursday 14 July 2016
(unless sold prior) 28 Northcroft Street, Takapuna
View Sat/Sun 11.00 - 11.45am
www.bayleys.co.nz/1470141
Prue de Bie M 021 521 242 B 09 487 0624 prue.debie@bayleys.co.nz BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE LTD, DEVONPORT LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008
All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group
www.bayleys.co.nz
The Flagstaff Notes
July 1, 2016
and cannot afford to buy a home. Others face reduced circumstances, and welcome the provision of pensioner housing in their later years. The potential sale of the housing and the ever-increasingly valuable soil it sit ons smells of a cheap land-grab. Pensioner housing is a vital public asset in The council review of pensioner housing, any community, not unlike parks. which includes around $20 million in flats The housing in Devonport should be retained around Devonport, should be stopped in its – or even extended. tracks. Around 110 pensioner units are located across Local derbies can create some of the most the peninsula: at Belmont, Bayswater, Narrow scintillating moments in sport. Look at the Neck and Cheltenham. State of Origin, for example. Last week, A possible sell-off of these units has been the B and D Trophy was launched to great included as part of Auckland Council’s Long- fanfare in Devonport. For those who have not Term Plan – a policy at odds with what had heard, it will record the winners of an ongoing seemed secure under the former North Shore challenge series between Belmont Park and City Council. Devonport Squash clubs. After a keenly fought What a great asset they are – a place where clash between nine members from each club, older folk can see out their lives. I don’t have Devonport emerged victors by 18 games to 17 exact statistics, but a significant number of and get to keep the trophy – an old gun casing. residents have moved into the flats after living Belmont went home not entirely empty-handed. on the peninsula, thus managing to carry on Barbara the blow-up sheep will sit behind their living in the area they have called home. bar until they manage to post a challenge win. I mentioned the review and possible sell-off to a local identity the other day. He responded So it’s full steam ahead for the new visitors cynically, saying that council officers would centre in Devonport, with the green light given have the perception that rich Devonport to the project by the Devonport-Takapuna Local residents would have the option of downsizing Board. Not quite so rapid has been the Auckland and buying a unit in the planned Ryman Tourism, Events and Economic Development Healthcare retirement village on Ngataringa Rd. (ATEED) response to questions from the And he is possibly right, although we agreed Flagstaff about how much it cost to close the old that this assumption was somewhat flawed. visitor centre and then set up a smaller one on Plenty of people rent for years in Devonport Devonport Wharf. No response by press time.
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 7
By Rob Drent
with Donna Gustafson
Well winter seems to have arrived with the shortest day! A common customer conversation we are having is waking up with cold shoulders or toes, or just trying to get comfy lounging around at home. If this is you, pop in, get sorted and bag yourself a bargain from our WINTER SALE starting 1 July.
WINTER
SALE SAVE UP TO
40% OFF All our winter ranges will be reduced by up to 40% OFF. Get in quick to get the best selection. If your old robe isn’t doing the job or has lost its shape, perhaps try a brand-new fashionable Pierre Cardin warm luxurious robe? Or style things up with some beautiful slinky knit Heidi Klum PJs or snuggle up in some cute Pickle and Loop PJs. The sale also includes: • All winter thermals and socks • Hosiery including high-fashion tights from Italy. • Possum super warm gloves and socks • Lonely Lingerie 40% off If the man in your life’s undies are looking a bit sad, we have reduced the Milkman range to $15 a pair. While you’re in-store check out the end-ofrange $15 bra clearance rack and $10 knicker bin – great bargains to be found! If you’re lucky to be heading to sunnier places in the July school holidays, we have some newseason swimwear just arrived in and also a few pieces left from last season that are on clearance from $39.
Phone 445 8347 Open 7 Days
Shop 2, Queens Parade
www.donna.co.nz
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 8
July 1, 2016
Changing gear from rugby to running produces gold Murdoch McIntyre likes his sport rugged. The former North Shore J1 and Roller Mills rugby flanker ditched his rugby boots a year ago to take up cross-country running. Last month he won the National Secondary Schools Cross Country Championships. Murdoch (14) is a Year 10 student at Westlake Boys High School. He competed in the Junior Boys race, where he finished the 4000 metre course at Rotorua’s Agrodome in 13.19 minutes. “It was mostly grassy and we saw quite a few cow poos, but we were lucky because the weather was good and it usually always rains at cross-country races,” he says. Murdoch says he has taken part in the sport since his days at Stanley Bay and Belmont Intermediate Schools, but decided concentrate on it last year. “I had been running on talent until then and wanted to put some time towards getting better,” he says. It meant he had to drop rugby. “Rugby and running don’t really mix. If you take running seriously, it takes up a lot of time and you don’t want to waste it by getting injured during a game and being off running for two weeks because of it. Plus, I don’t think I will ever grow to be a big rugby guy,” he says. Murdoch gets up at 5.30 most mornings to run about 12km around the Ngataringa sports fields as well as on the Lake Rd hill close to his home. “I sprint up and jog down a few times,” he says. He also does interval training and time trials at school, with Westlake teacher and trainer Theuns Strydom, who likes to take his cross-country team to Woodhill Forest or Riverhead to go for longer runs. “It’s pretty full-throttle training, doing around 90km per week and quite tough on the body. I have to be in bed by 8 or 9 pm to get adequate sleep,” he says. Rest and recuperation are vital to training. Murdoch is taking a two-week break from running before starting to prepare for the 3000 metre track race at the New Zealand Secondary School Track and Field Champs in December. “And after that, my goal is to run really well in next year’s cross-country senior races,” he says. Murdoch still has a passion for rugby but likes the cameraderie he has found in running. “It’s a new kind of team. We train hard and have good fun,” he says. Fellow Devonporter and West Lake Year 9 student Jude Darby is one of Murdoch’s running mates. “I usually drag him out of bed to come to training with me, but he did well at the nationals too, coming ninth in the Junior Boys,” Murdoch says. For the last year, Murdoch’s dog Archie, a West Highland Terrier, has also been getting him outdoors every day. “But he and I are just walking. Archie wouldn’t be able to keep up with me,” he laughs.
Too slight for rugby, but standing tall in running... Murdoch McIntyre on the winners’ podium.
Leading from the front… Murdoch McIntyre (centre) in the national cross-country champs
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 9
July 1, 2016
Kea crash: court hearing will look at what Fullers knew Fullers faces judicial scrutiny over what it knew about ongoing safety issues with the Kea prior to it crashing into Devonport Wharf in February 2015. The ferry company was in the dock at Auckland District Court last week for sentencing over the crash that injured passengers and put the boat out of action for months. Fullers has admitted health and safety breaches. But rather than fine the company, a district-court judge has decided instead that compensation should be paid to victims. The amount was to be set last week, but a disputedfacts hearing will now be held on October 10.
According to an email to passengers from Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) obtained by the Flagstaff: “MNZ and Fullers could not agree on how much Fullers knew about the ongoing issues with the ferry. This is critical in setting their level of culpability. “In turn this is important to you, as the higher their culpability the higher the potential reparation award to passengers,” the email said. MNZ has identified 53 of the 61 passengers on board the Kea at the time of the accident. It is seeking individual victim-impact statements to enable the judge to determine the level of reparation for each passenger.
Paper-pushers keep barracks doors locked to locals After a $1.5 million ratepayer-funded upgrade, the two former military barracks at Fort Takapuna have been empty for over a year, as Auckland Council and the Department of Conservation quarrel over how to lease them to community groups. The extensive renovations of the Category 1 listed barracks, funded by a council grant, were completed in April last year. The barracks are located on Crown land and are managed by the Department of Conservation (DoC). Council leases the buildings from DoC and has renovated them with the intention of subleasing them to local community groups.
Devonport i-SITE revival The approval of the return of the Devonport i-SITE to its former home in the old Devonport Borough Council Building at 3 Victoria Road was a nobrainer for the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board last month. The board repeatedly thanked Manager of Devonport’s Business Improvement District (BID) Judy Grieve for leading the charge on the proposal for Shore Coast Tourism (SCT). The new visitor information centre, a reincarnation of the old Devonport i-SITE, will be renamed the Visitor Experience Centre. SCT is a comprehensive local tourism strategy negotiated between North Shore BIDs in Devonport, Takapuna and Milford and aimed at increasing visitor numbers to all three areas. But board chair Joseph Bergin said “a lot of it was driven by Judy and her passion to preserve 3 Victoria Road for community use.” The board advised Panuku Development Auckland (council’s property arm) of its preferred activity for the Category A heritage building and resolved to support the re-establishment of the visitor centre with a $30,000 grant.
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Mike Cohen is “hugely frustrated” that the buildings have been empty since last April. “We have been waiting for DoC on sign-off, but their capacity seems to be so significantly reduced that they haven’t done it yet. I was horrified to hear that they now want to start the process all over again,” he says. DoC spokesperson Nick Hirst claims the problem lies with council. “DoC has told council that if it wants to have the ability to sublease space in the barracks to groups like Grey Power, without having to go through DoC, it needs to apply for a variation to the lease.” Hirst says DoC has been waiting for council to make this application so the issue can be resolved. When pressed on when DoC had requested the variance, Hirst said it was about a week ago. Cohen called the delay a “real embarrassment. We have done all the work, the building is ready for use, the community is keen to use it, and we are getting stuck on a technical sign-off by some legal person in Hamilton who wants us to fill out another form,” he says. “We even have the Minister of Conservation living in our area, but still nothing is happening,” he says. Maggie Barry told the Flagstaff: “I am very supportive of the project on every level and I know DoC is too – it’s just a matter of Auckland Council completing the necessary paperwork, which they need to submit before it can happen. The ball is in the council’s court and has been for some time. I understand the council is intending to lodge its application this week. DoC will consider the application according to their standard process, which will be completed within 20 working days.” Cohen said the arrangement wasn’t an unusual one. “We have been funding renovations of the Michael King Writers’ Centre and leased it out and that needed DoC sign-off and got it,” he said.
I THiNK, therefore I am...
A different look to the car column this issue, as we introduce our new stablemate, ‘Think Electric Bikes’ to the good folk of Devonport. ‘What madness is this?’ you may cry. ‘Cars and bikes are surely polar opposites’. I prefer to think of them as different transport solutions for different situations. Let’s get e-bikey for a minute…. Hands up who hates biking up hills? Go on, it’s all of us, isn’t it? Unless you have the shaved thighs of a bison and a love of lycra, hills suck. Until now. Electric bikes iron out hills like a loving mother on a school shirt. Fearsome becomes flat.
Annaliese on the new Pacer E-Bike!
And who likes arriving sweaty? Maybe the Cali Anyone love a Cruiser is more you? good sodden shirt and damp armpit? Nobody? Well saddle up, because that electric motor helps you arrive as fresh as a daisy. Minimal effort equals minimum perspiration. Brilliant. Auckland is heading towards being a cycling utopia. Tens of millions of dollars invested are opening vast swathes of cycleways citywide. There’s a biking revolution coming, and electric bikes are a big part of that future. Are you ready? We are! Awesome electric bikes available today, right now, at 25 Lake Road (yes, the car yard building).
Jonno Leonard
OPEN 7 DAYS Ph 445 9500 25 Lake Rd, Devonport
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 10
From page 1
July 1, 2016
Fears of pensioner housing sell-off
Six small clusters of flats, built between 1957 and 1976, and located in Belmont and Devonport, have a combined CV of more than $17 million, according to a recent council report. However, the market value of the blocks could be in excess of $20 million. The board will now formulate an official response to the proposal, which includes “selling some land and buildings to help fund the improvement of the quality of the Housing for Older People (HFOP) portfolio.”
Board member Jan O’Connor called for a separate meeting to consider the best action to take. Council has amended its Long Term Plan “to provide for selling existing properties within the HFOP portfolio to fund the purchase or development of new, more suitable units.” The Devonport pensioner housing is listed as: Belmont Court, 107-111 Lake Road, CV $3,550,000, 27 units, built in 1969; Cambria Court, 33 Vauxhall Road, CV $3,275,000, 12
units (1961); Fraser Court, 17 Fraser Road, CV $2,250,000, 21 units (1960); Handley Court, 16 Handley Ave, CV $1,925,000, 6 units (1957); Kings Court, 65 Lake Road, CV $1,950,000, 12 units (1970); Preston Court, 8 Preston Ave, CV $4,675,000, 33 units (1976). One concern about the council review is that Devonport land with pensioner housing built on it could be sold off to help fund newer housing for the elderly in cheaper areas of Auckland.
Board members want social housing to remain in Devonport Social housing should be a priority on the peninsula, “which has a higher than average proportion of older persons,” DevonportTakapuna Local Board member Grant Gillon says. He fears a “corporatisation of housing for our vulnerable residents” is under way, with a profit-based system rather than a socialservice approach. “I am surprised that our councillors have overlooked this issue and allowed for it in the Long Term Plan,” he says. Gillon was on the North Shore City Council before its amalgamation into the Super City. At that time councillors decided to retain the current housing after a similar review and he saw no
reason why it should be changed. Wider concerns surround the pensioner flats, such as declining maintenance levels with “many empty houses and reduced services under this council,” he says. Local board member Mike Cohen is “really nervous” about council playing the real estate market and potentially selling off pensioner flats in Devonport and Belmont and investing the profits elsewhere. “It would uproot older people from their local community, only to dump them in another part of Auckland where real estate is cheaper,” he says. Cohen says older people thrive in the peninsula community and he wants to keep them here. “The area is safe and people are
supportive,” he says. Many of the flats have old designs and look a bit tired. But more importantly, “they are close to public transport and it’s easy to get to the village, the library and the supermarket,” says Cohen. Board member Jan O’Connor is also concerned about a possible sell-off. “My vision is to gradually upgrade the existing pensioner units. Just as council did several years ago in Dallinghoe Crescent, Milford, where they did a wonderful job. “These units will be needed more and more in the future, as home ownership will soon become beyond the means of many more people,” O’Connor says.
Long-awaited upgrade means fresh look for New World Devonport
Change is afoot at Devonport New World, and the store’s owner-operator couldn’t be more fire-up. “The most exciting thing,” John Ashton says, “is we’re getting a completely new fresh food aisle, with new bakery and new service counters for deli, seafood and meat, and a new hot-food cabinet.” “It’ll all be brand new and I’m sure our shoppers are going to love it almost as much as me!” he says. Monday 27 June marked the start of the build, in what is the fourth and final planned upgrade for the store which is located in the iconic Devonport town centre, on Auckland’s North Shore. Ashton says the first three stages involved upgrades to the produce section and air conditioning, and installation of what was then the country’s first ‘green’ CO2 supermarket refrigeration system. Now, he says the focus is on ‘freshness’ – and not just fresh food either. “We’ll also be giving the inside of the store a fresh lick of paint too, as part of a total revamp of the interior décor. The ceiling and floor tiles will be replaced, plus we’ll be get-
ting new signage and energy-saving LED strip lighting that will brighten up the whole store.” He says the first part of the latest upgrade will be the creation of a new bakery, including new ovens. “Unfortunately that does mean we have to close our bakery for four months. But we’ll still have a good supply of products baked daily by our same bakery staff, at a nearby New World store.” Work will then begin on the rest of the fresh food aisle, transforming the existing deli, seafood, and meat counters into better-looking, more functional service counters. “A new hot-food cabinet will be added as well, which will be more energy-efficient than the current one, and keep the food tasting
better for longer.” “Making room for all that does mean we have to move our milk fridge around to join up with the chilled foods, but that’s a natural fit, food wise.” There’s good news for wine and cheese lovers too. The wine aisle layout is changing to make it easier to select a good wine, with a new chiller to keep it cool and a separate fridge for specialty cheeses. Topping it all off, the checkouts, customer service desk and Lotto counter will be upgraded with the latest technology and designs. “It all adds up to a lot of work to be done over the next four months,” Ashton says, “but we will do everything in our power to ensure it’s a smooth transition for both our customers and our staff.” He says the entire refurbishment is expected be completed by December, just in time for Christmas, by when Ashton says he expects to be feeling “like all my Christmases have come at once.”
NEW WORLD DEVONPORT
July 1, 2016
The Caretakers
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 11
Bayswater caretaker has a rock-star pedigree A summer job working in George Harrison’s garden was rock-solid preparation for Bill Sweetman’s current job as caretaker of Bayswater School’s extensive grounds. Sweetman landed both jobs rather casually. In 1972, while on his OE in England, he ran into a fellow traveller in a pub who got him the job at Friar Park, the large Victorian estate in Henley on Thames that Harrison had recently bought. “It was 26 acres of gardens, topiaries and lakes that had been pretty let go by the Catholic Church who owned it before. I was trimming hedges and helping to clear and reinstate the rock garden replica of the Matterhorn,” he says. Sweetman only saw the ex-Beatle twice over the summer he worked at the estate. Six years ago, Sweetman (63) got the Bayswater School caretaker job through another friendly chat. Retired after 30 years of working in finance, he was walking past the school as he headed from his Narrow Neck home to his boat moored at Bayswater Marina. Ken Kilgour, the school’s then caretaker, and an old rugby mate of Sweetman’s, was standing at the front of the school. “Ken said he was shifting to Westport and then he brought me inside the school. And before you knew it, Chris Heaney, who was the principal at the time, offered me this job,” he says. Sweetman said he would help out for a term, but he liked the variety of the part-time job and stayed on. “I didn’t have to work, but this work keeps you fit and active and a bit of pocket money is nice too. Plus I have always liked gardening,” he says. So much so, that when he heads home on his old bike at 12.30pm, he often gardens a bit more. “We have a large section and there is always something to do,” he says. In his three decades in finance, Sweetman worked in lending, “consumer-type as well as for plant and equipment and motor cars. I wore a suit every day, took the ferry to the Viaduct and managed about 45 staff before I left. Being
Happy in his work… Bayswater School caretaker Bill Sweetman made redundant was a blessing in disguise,” he says. Those suits are now “in the back of the wardrobe” and have been replaced by more casual work gear. The new job allowed Sweetman to get back into travelling. “In the school holidays, my partner Diana and I like to head off. We have been to France, Corsica, the northern lakes in Italy, Alaska and the Rockies, and last year to Hawaii,” he says. Sweetman grew up on the peninsula, going to Belmont Intermediate and Takapuna Grammar Schools. “I was one of five boys born close together, so had plenty of playmates and competition in cricket, rugby and sailing.” Sweetman stopped playing rugby for North Shore at 40, after he had played through the grades and ended on the Whales team in the
Presidents grade. He still coaches Bayswater School’s Year 5 and 6 Rippa teams. He still sails, having learned on a Sabot dinghy at Wakatere Boating Club in 1964. He sailed across the Caribbean while on his OE, and sold a Young 8.8 keelboat he had raced with his brother only five years ago. He now sails on a Townson 32, owned by a friend and moored in Bayswater. In his spare time, Sweetman plays golf at Waitemata Golf Club and regularly visits his mother Gwen (91), who lives in Devonport. “She and my dad Harvey, who died 18 months ago, were the ones who got me into gardening. They were always grafting something and it was never a chore to them,” he says. • This is the second in a series on Devonport peninsula school caretakers.
GREAT CLASSICS
BEETHOVEN & BRAHMS
apo.co.nz
7.30pm, Wednesday 13 July AND 7.30pm, Thursday 14 July Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna
Auckland Town Hall
Conductor Giordano Bellincampi Fresh from her win at the 2015 Michael Hill International Violin Competition Suyeon Kang performs Beethoven’s poetic Violin Concerto. The concert also features Brahms’ stormy Third Symphony and Weber’s gothic romance Der Freischütz.
Book at ticketmaster.co.nz or call 0800 111 999 (Booking and service fees apply)
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 12
July 1, 2016
Flashback – tram plan for Devonport 100 years ago A tram route is not a new idea for Devonport. A reader found this map (at right) in the Takapuna section of the Auckland Council archives. It shows a proposed electric tram line, and dates back to 1898. OPEN OPEN HOME “It would beHOME wonderful to have regular trams running as far as Milford and the hospital, as well as loop trams which go via Narrow Neck Beach and Bayswater,” she said. “This would not only be wonderful for Devonport residents but also for visitors. Look at what trams have done for Melbourne. You can go a long way on trams in Melbourne, even down to St Kilda Beach.” The Flagstaff has called for investigation of the potential for a tram between Devonport and Takapuna.
11
22
33
Devonport Devonport09 09445 4452010 2010
Thinking of managing Devonport Devonport 49A 49A Albert Albert RdRd your rental yourself? Auction: Auction: 10:00am 10:00am 18 18 Sep Sep 2014 2014 at at Central, Central, Sunny Sunny and and OhOh SoSo Quiet! Quiet!
OPEN OPEN HOME HOME
Bruce Bruce Mason Mason Centre, Centre, Takapuna Takapuna Tucked Tucked down down thethe driveway driveway in a very a us very Read this first and theninring . (unless (unless sold sold prior) prior) central central location location sitssits this this solid solid timber timber View: View: Sat/Sun Sat/Sun 2.00 2.00 - 2.45pm. - 2.45pm. • Over 20exciting years’ propertyforfor www.barfoot.co.nz/527748 home. home. AnAn exciting opportunity opportunity those those www.barfoot.co.nz/527748 management looking looking to to ‘step ‘step in in or experience or stay stay in’ in’ thethe Toni Toni Gregory Gregory Devonport Devonport market. market. Warm Warm and and – we have seen and M 021 M 021 044 044 3663 3663 contemporary contemporary offers it offers four bedrooms, bedrooms, a a managedit them allfour A/H A/H 0909 446 446 1023 1023 second second living living room room or or ‘work ‘work from from home’ home’ E t.gregory@barfoot.co.nz E t.gregory@barfoot.co.nz • A tax-deductible expense Devonport Devonport 0909 445 445 2010 2010 option. option. A must A must seesee and and rare rare find find forfor those those • Find-a-tenant service lifestyle! looking looking to to livelive thethe Devonport Devonport lifestyle! Trish Trish Fitzgerald Fitzgerald
Birkenhead Birkenhead55A 55A Tui Tui Glen Glen Road Road Lynette Ell
ForFor Sale: Sale: $999,000 $999,000 Hidden Hidden Gem Gem in Stunning in Stunning Location Location View: Sat/Sun Sat/Sun 12.00-12.45pm 12.00-12.45pm Devonport 09 445block 2012 This This spacious spacious four four bedroom bedroom block andand View: www.barfoot.co.nz/525323 www.barfoot.co.nz/525323 MOBILE 027 298 5049 cedar cedar home home is just is just perfect. perfect. With With open open plan plan lounge lounge andand well-designed well-designed kitchen kitchen devonport.rental@barfoot.co.nz flowing flowing beautifully beautifully outout to to an an idyllic idyllic Carol Carol Wetzell Wetzell entertaining entertaining area. area. A huge A huge lower lower ground ground M 027 M 027 245245 3392 3392 floor floor gives gives flexible flexible living living options, options, andand onon A/HA/H 09 09 488488 7559 7559 thethe upper upper level, level, a master a master bedroom, bedroom, E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 09 09 445445 2010 2010 en-suite en-suite andand extra extra lounge. lounge. Adjacent Adjacent to to a a mature mature bush bush setting, setting, thethe peace peace andand quiet quiet IanIan Cunliffe Cunliffe is disturbed is disturbed only only by by thethe sound sound of of Tuis. Tuis. M 0800 M 0800 248248 521521
44
4/5 4/5
22
11
33
Devonport Devonport 100 100 Victoria Victoria RdRd M 021 M 021 952952 452452
ForFor Sale: Sale: $2,499,000 $2,499,000 One One of of Devonport’s Devonport’s Finest Finest Homes Homes View: By By Appointment Appointment This This grand grand historical historical home home is the is the perfect perfect View: www.barfoot.co.nz/511578 www.barfoot.co.nz/511578 E t.fitzgerald@barfoot.co.nz E t.fitzgerald@barfoot.co.nz combination combination of of charming charming villa villa andand Devonport Devonport 09 09 445 445 2010 2010 modern modern lifestyle. lifestyle. SixSix bedrooms, bedrooms, six six bathrooms, bathrooms, thisthis home home hashas previously previously Carol Carol Wetzell Wetzell been been operated operated as as a Ba&BB. & The B. The gracious gracious M 027 M 027 245245 3392 3392 home home with with fabulous fabulous views views of of thethe Harbour Harbour A/HA/H 09 09 488488 7559 7559 andand Auckland Auckland City, City, hashas so so many many beautiful beautiful E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz E c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 09 09 445445 2010 2010 features, features, all all showcased showcased onon a 961m² a 961m² site. site. Close Close to to toptop schools, schools, thethe village, village, ferry ferry IanIan Cunliffe Cunliffe andand cafes, cafes, thisthis is not is not to to be be missed. missed. M 0800 M 0800 248248 521521
Were you heavily filled by the School 3 3 Dental 22 22 2 2 80s? 66 22 Nurse in the 70s6 6and A/HA/H 09 09 445445 3967 3967 E i.cunliffe@barfoot.co.nz E i.cunliffe@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 09 09 445445 2010 2010
A/HA/H 09 09 445445 3967 3967 E i.cunliffe@barfoot.co.nz E i.cunliffe@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 09 09 445445 2010 2010
Are your teeth breaking?
Amalgam fillings will lead to your teeth breaking. The latest bonding techniques make your teeth stronger! Less Crowns – Less Root Canals At Devonport Dental we practice the Latest Biomimetic Techniques
Devonport Devonport--11Kiwi KiwiRd RdHome Home&&Income Income 445 0097 DEVONPORT
DENTALCARE
44
22
22
11
ForFor Sale: Sale: ByBy Negiotiation Negiotiation
Dr.View: Andrew BDS Otago View: Viewing Viewing bySteele by Appointment Appointment www.barfoot.co.nz/523622 www.barfoot.co.nz/523622 Alzena Ali, Dental Hygienist/Therapist, BOH Otago
Extended Extended family? family? Rental Rental Income? Income? Business? Business? This This beautifully beautifully appointed appointed Edwardian Edwardian home home with with commercial commercial zoned zoned space space presents presents you you with with so so many many possibilities! possibilities! Built Built in the in the 1900´s, 1900´s, thisthis home home was was originally originally used used as as a local a local grocers. grocers. The The current current owners owners have have poured poured their their heart heart and and soul soul into into renovating renovating and and transforming transforming thethe home home to to anan exceptionally exceptionally high high standard standard with with emphasis emphasis placed placed onon retaining retaining its its original original features features while while mixing mixing modern modern elements elements to to create create a stunning a stunning home home that that willwill bebe sure sure to to impress! impress! Immaculately Immaculately presented, presented, thisthis home home hashas instant instant street street appeal appeal and and boasts boasts spacious spacious and and impressive impressive living living areas areas plus plus modern modern comforts comforts of of a HRV a HRV system, system, heat heat pumps pumps and and under under floor floor heating. heating. Not Not to to miss miss thethe street street frontage frontage 65m² 65m² commercially commercially zoned zoned space space to to useuse as as your your own own or or lease lease out. out. SoSo many many possibilities! possibilities! Call Call to to experience experience thethe charm charm and and beauty beauty of of thisthis stunning stunning home home and and seesee how how it will it will work work forfor you! you!
Eddie Eddie dede Heer Heer MM 021 021 498 498 390 390 A/H A/H 0909 445 445 4495 4495 E e.deheer@barfoot.co.nz E e.deheer@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 0909 445 445 2010 2010 Lisa Lisa McGeehan McGeehan MM 021 021 447 447 184 184 A/H A/H 0909 446 446 0640 0640 E l.mcgeehan@barfoot.co.nz E l.mcgeehan@barfoot.co.nz Devonport Devonport 0909 445 445 2010 2010
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 13
July 1, 2016
Jet boat runs aground at Cheltenham A group of tourists made an unexpected landing in Devonport last Friday when a jet boat grounded on Cheltenham Beach. Devonport local Bruce Rickard says he watched the boat scoot around and then get stuck on the sand as the tide was going out. Julie Kerry, who was visiting North Head from St Mary’s Bay, said the 20 or so tourists on the Auckland Jet Boat had waited for about an hour for the tide to recede, then walked across the beach to a bus that had been called to pick them up. Bob McCutcheon, who lives on Cheltenham Beach, says he was not surprised the accident happened. “The boats come here almost every day to do circles on the water and always come too close in, sometimes halfway between the tide mark and the beach. We have complained a couple of times about them in the past, once in the summer when people were swimming out where they were,” he says. The skipper of the jet boat did not want to Going with the flow... tourists have an unexpected stopover in Devonport comment on the accident.
Navy pool closed after landslide The Navy swimming pool has been closed following a landslide. As well as the Navy, Devonport Swim Club also uses the pool. Club members found several large pieces of concrete in and around the pool when they went to train
there last Thursday morning. A Navy spokesman said the landslide was above the northern end of the pool, and likely to have been caused by the heavy downpour the night before. “The Fleet Swimming Pool at the Devonport
Naval Base is closed temporarily because of a landslide on the northern embankment, due to the heavy rain on Wednesday night, causing rocks and debris to fall into the pool,” the spokesman said. “The full extent of the damage has not yet been determined.”
ADVERTISING FEATURE
Looking after your eyes is easy at Specsavers Takapuna It’s easy to look after your eyes with Specsavers Takapuna offering high quality and affordable eye care, seven days a week. The Optometry team, headed up by Mark Wang and the Optical Dispensing team headed up by James Cornelius, have a passion for providing best value and cutting edge eye care to their customers. Since opening in 2009 the store’s team have tested over 16,000 eyes and dispensed over 26,900 pairs of glasses.??? Digital Retinal Photography (DRP) is included free with every standard eye test. The DRP camera provides a detailed image of the back of the eye, assisting with the early detection of serious eye conditions. For the stylish customer, Specsavers Takapuna offers over 1,000 frame styles to choose from, with designer ranges starting at two pairs from $299 and including local and international designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Karl Lagerfeld, Alex Perry and Collette Dinnigan.
The team at Specsavers Takapuna
Visit the team at Shop SG 16, Shore City Shopping Centre, next to Farmers, or call 09 486 0311 to book an eye test today.
Present this voucher in store to receive
$10 eye examination^ *See specsavers.co.nz for full details. ^$10 price eye exam applies to standard eye examinations only. Offer expires 7 July 2016
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 14
Contributor to realestate.co.nz
July 1, 2016
harcourts.co.nz
July 1, 2016
Contributor to realestate.co.nz
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 15
harcourts.co.nz
Letters
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 16
July 1, 2016
Fire-damaged villa has long and proud history a cottage erected by her grandfather, William Oliver, around 1846. It was evidently the first house on the North Shore. Presumably because of this it was the venue for our first foray into local government, when in 1849 a meeting was held to elect three wardens for the Hundreds of Devonport. So you could say it is the most historic building in Devonport. In February 1851, when the Crown put land in Devonport up for sale, Oliver bought
Your article about the fire at 24 Victoria Rd (Flagstaff, 17 June) didn’t really do justice to the heritage value of the old villa. Research by Devonport Museum has found that the main part of the house, fronting Victoria Rd, was built by a Mr Glenney in the early 1870s (not 1910). As a result it used to be known as Glenney House. My grandmother, Elsie (nee Oliver), always maintained that the rear portion of the house, which is built in a different style, was
the 7a block of land on which the house stood for 49 pounds 11 shillings. Oliver died on 2 May 1858, apparently the first person buried in the cemetery next to the former Presbyterian Church. His house’s role in the beginnings of local democracy was marked by the old Devonport Borough Council with a plaque on his gravestone (which, as it happens, has the wrong date for his death). Jim Eagles
Bayswater ticket barrier seems to have a mind of its own unhelpful responses to motorists attempting to pass through the barrier. Examples include providing cards at the entry that subsequently are deemed to be unacceptable for exit. Alternatively it offers no card at the entry point, but instead displays a message stating the non-existent card is “Unreadable”, as if the entering vehicle is actually attempting to exit! Pressing the ‘Help’ key to phone the operator also achieves interesting results. Sometimes the phone rings at length and then without any communication the phone stops ringing and the barrier arm suddenly rises. (Is ‘big brother’ watching us?) Sometimes the first car escapes only to have the barrier come down again, so the subsequent drivers each experience the same exasperating process one at a time. At other times it stays up and all queuing vehicles manage to pass through. At other times the phone rings incessantly, and there is no response, either human or mechanical. If one arrives to find the exit barrier permanently up, then most motorists take the option of entering through the exit lane rather
For weeks the barrier machine controlling vehicle access and egress at the Bayswater Marina car park has been tormenting motorists and bus drivers alike. People are missing the ferry as a result. The machine has been behaving like a thing possessed, offering a wide variety of
Do you need to take
IELTS?
Author and examiner living locally gives private lessons. Contact Mo on mo.sorrenson@gmail.com
than waste time stopping for a redundant ticket in the entry lane. The potential risks of this practice need no explanation. On occasion, the trapped motorist may be fortunate enough to be rescued by another driver who has a permanent pass with which to raise the barrier. Most commonly, unfortunates are rescued by an incoming or outgoing bus driver, who alights from their bus and kindly opens the barrier with a pass card or sometimes by physically raising the barrier arm. (I’m not sure how they manage this feat of strength as I’ve failed when I’ve tried.) Who owns the infernal barrier machine? Who is supposed to be operating it? Is it another example of Auckland Transport having fun at our expense (like the relocation of the information centre)? Is it perhaps Fullers attempting to flatten out the peak-ferry usage by delaying commuters so they must catch a later ferry? Is it the developer of Bayswater Marina reminding locals that access to the ferry is on a grace and favour basis? The mystery continues. Chris Mullane
Harcourts Devonport Tides m am 3 4
Fri
6
Jul 1
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
Sat
6
Jul 2
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
Sun
6
Jul 3
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
Mon Jul 4 6
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
Tue
6
Jul 5
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
Wed Jul 6 6
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
Thu
6
Jul 7
9 noon 3
6
9 pm
3 2 1 0
H 3:48am 4:25pm L 9:56am 10:28pm
m am 3 4
Fri
6
Jul 8
9 noon 3
6
H 4:48am 5:26pm L 10:56am 11:27pm
9 pm am 3
Sat
6
Jul 9
9 noon 3
6
H 5:48am 6:23pm L 11:53am
H 6:46am 7:17pm L 12:23am 12:48pm
Sun Jul 10
Mon Jul 11
9 pm am 3
6
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
6
9 noon 3
6
H 7:41am 8:09pm L 1:17am 1:40pm
H 8:34am 8:58pm L 2:09am 2:29pm
Tue Jul 12
Wed Jul 13
9 pm am 3
6
9 noon 3
6
9 pm am 3
6
9 noon 3
6
H 9:24am 9:46pm L 3:00am 3:17pm
9 pm am 3
Thu Jul 14
6
9 noon 3
6
9 pm
3 2 1 0
H 10:12am 10:33pm L 3:49am 4:03pm
H 10:59am 11:19pm L 4:37am 4:49pm
H 11:45am L 5:24am 5:35pm
H 12:05am 12:31pm L 6:10am 6:23pm
H 12:51am 1:18pm L 6:57am 7:14pm
H 1:37am 2:09pm L 7:46am 8:08pm
H 2:26am 3:04pm L 8:37am 9:03pm
Devonport Tides
Harcourts of Devonport Property Management Put the management of your rental property in safe hands. www.harcourts.co.nz
CONTACT Larissa Williams P 446 2108 M 021 960 313 E larissa.williams@harcourts.co.nz ©Copyright OceanFun Publishing Ltd
www.ofu.co.nz
Letters
July 1, 2016
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 17
Devolution Devonport Evolution we all understand is an unstoppable natural process. Devolution is a process going on in our village, that’s degenerative. It’s the opposing force to evolution and it’s destructive. It’s not God’s work. We’ve seen all the corner shops, close up over time, caused by the corporate giants who take every dollar, controlling the markets and distribution. It’s a miracle to see dairies and a few small-player business holders surviving and I think we relish these remnants on Calliope, Victoria and Vauxhall Rds. I urge you all to support these business people. Calliope Rd in the old days had about seven or so local businesses of all kinds. Lots of families shared the profits now gobbled up by big players. Our main street is now facing devolutionary forces that it will not survive. Seeing the toy shop close while at the same time an empty house was burning by the bank: an unrented business opportunity. These shops are too expensive to rent in commercial reality. Seeing these closures and emptiness is a worry. It means in the end the centre of the community will be sterilised. Our main street will only have those who benefit from capital gains operating – the corporate giants. Perhaps upstairs will all be apartments, high-price rental. The street will have real estate agencies and banks, McDonald’s, perhaps a Bunnings, and the odd cafe that had the drive to survive the winter and the rent hikes. Some may say that’s all OK, but I beg to differ. I question the process that is put in place by our leaders that allows and encourages this greedy culture and benefits a few schemers. The Masonic Tavern epitomises what is happening, and it could be the Esplanade sooner rather than later, if we accept the dynamics that proliferate these devolutionary processes. The irony is that many speculators – property owners – have the idea that they should not only benefit tax-free on capital gains on acquisitions, but they should also in the time of their ownership reap profits from rents that they say relate to property values. These values they themselves cause to be inflated, and create mega wealthy competitors who vie for the ownership of these properties at auctions. Many are not
even New Zealand citizens and the benefits are lost to the country, The process is perverse and very greedy. Some say, let the market forces deal with it. That is true too. However, you must bear in mind that in the process community amenities will be destroyed. The wealth of these big players is unaffected by their greed, or by subsequent collapses or shop closures. This lot are slash-and-burn developers, with no social conscience in my view. They don’t care, and often they can write down losses. You can see that with the likes of the Esplanade, a valued public asset, but privately owned and worth $6 mill (a year or two back). Next year they will say its worth $12 mill. The rents landlords want defy reality and if they can’t get what they demand, these people don’t care how it evolves. As far as they are concerned if you can’t pay, bugger off! The property owners cry poor to council and say they need planning allowances. There will be mockery of heritage values, like that seen at the Masonic: the new apartments, modern eyesores insulting heritage. To add to it all, rates rise endlessly and ruthlessly, led again by Len and John Key’s ideas. Now they are planning road taxes with GPS tracking, if you go to town to find a shop we once had in Devonport. Only the poor suckers like you and me will be paying the tax. The trucks and couriers will be paying tax too, except they will gouge the cost out of you with a margin when you hit the supermarket. They will be smarter than you too. They will charge the tax on to you and get another sad-sack truck driver to work all night on low wages as they fill the warehouses of those that take all and give nothing back. Some of these great business people pose as philanthropists. It’s a joke. They give to charity, as if generous, with ill-gotten gains and using people on pathetic wages importing goods from far away. People thankful for the job, not Kiwis. It’s Third World stuff going on right here. I hear the internet shoppers are causing similar devolution in town as well. Some are trying on bras for size in local rent-paying shops, then they go home and buy the model online. That’s the sort of people we don’t need here. Ron Dykman
Belmont Pharmacy
Your natural health specialists In-store Naturopath and Pharmacists
OUT & ABOUT with MARIA TEAPE 445445 95339533 | maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz | dportcomm@xtra.co.nz
WINTER FUN PRESCHOOL PLAY MORNINGS * NEW VENUE! * Tuesdays 9:30am-11am, 14th June to 25th Oct, Rose Centre, School Rd, Belmont Toddler time to play with big toys, be active and make new friends. Sessions are casual/free entry, caregiver supervision required. For more info, contact Moira or Maria ph: 445 9533 or email: maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
DEVONPORT’S NGATARINGA TENNIS CLUB - JULY HOLIDAY PROGRAMME Mon 11th – Thurs 14th July & Mon 18th – Thurs 21st July 9am-12:30pm
Tennis coaching, games and fun! Beginners and non-members also welcome. Full week $120 or casual $35 per session. Email or call Rixt on admin@tennisplus.co.nz or 021 0305260 to book now! Rain or shine.
RE-NEW MOTHERS PROGRAMME Re-new Mothers is offering a 12-week programme at Bayswater Primary School from the end of July. The programme is for mothers wanting to improve their family situation, self-esteem and resilience skills. It will be held one morning a week during school hours. Contact Taku Rodan at: taku@re-newmothers.com or 021 298 3414 for more information.
REPAIR CAFÉ: SEEKING SKILLED LOCAL VOLUNTEERS! Sat 30th July, Bayswater School
A Repair Café is a 2-3 hour pop-up event where people can bring broken and damaged items and get them repaired for free while learning how they can fix them again in the future. Can you mend clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, bicycles, crockery, appliances, toys, etc.? Email stephen@ancad.org.nz if you’re interested in being involved. Devonport Peninsula Community eNEWS
To receive the Devonport Peninsula eNEWS, a monthly email listing of community events, and other community notices, please email us at maria@devonportpeninsulatrust.nz
With special thanks to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for funding the Devonport Peninsula Trust.
Proudly supported by
Carol Wetzell
027 245 3392 c.wetzell@barfoot.co.nz
Ian Cunliffe
0800 248 521 i.cunliffe@barfoot.co.nz
Best product range Best advice Best service and now Best Prices with AA SmartFuel discounts
Belmont Pharmacy
Serving our area since 1989
143 Lake Rd, Devonport • Ph 445 8247 www.belmontpharmacy.co.nz
Devonport 09 445 2010 | www.barfoot.co.nz
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 18
Interview
July 1, 2016
It’s all about bums on seats for Bike Devonport Chris Werry is the man behind Bike Devonport and its Bike to Soccer campaign. But you won’t see the business analyst wearing lycra or in a peleton – he’ll just be cruising around town on his commuter bike. Werry spoke to Maire Vieth about his evolution from biking dad to cycling advocate and his approach to getting more bikes onto Devonport’s streets.
At the hub of local cycle initiatives… Chris Werry, with children Vincent and Connie Becoming a dad was what it took for Chris Werry to get back in the saddle again. “Until then, I wasn’t a bike person, and had no interest in it. I hadn’t owned one since the 1980s, when mine was stolen at uni and I never replaced it,” he says. But then in 2011, when his son Vincent turned five, Werry taught him to ride. “I didn’t want to run along next to him all the time, so I bought myself a bike too,” he says. “I got it second-hand for $280.”
why buy?
just borrow our 700 toys
Join Today
playawhile.org
It was the beginning of the Werrys becoming a cycling family, with daughter Connie and wife Wyndale Yee soon following suit. Werry (52) now uses his bike for most of his local transport. He cycles to work, to the library and the shops, and takes his kids to school and their afternoon activities by bike. Over the last two years, he has also become Devonport’s most fervent local cycling advocate. In 2014, Werry founded Bike Devonport to promote local cycling. Today, the group has an active Facebook page with more than 300 members. Werry administers the page, helps organise social biking events and does anything else he thinks would get more locals, young and old, onto two wheels. His brainchild, Bike to Soccer, has nearly doubled in size over one year and is about to move across the harbour into other “bike burbs,” he says. One of Bike Devonport’s key aims is getting older kids to cycle to school. Talks with the management at Takapuna Grammar School (TGS) is a priority for Werry, who says installing bike sheds there would be a
first step towards getting more students to cycle to school. Belmont Intermediate School is miles ahead of the senior school in terms of having a healthy cycling culture, he says. “TGS has to recognise that it is a traffic generator. It has a responsibility to be a community leader in terms of Lake Rd congestion,” he adds. Werry also wants a cycleway through TGS grounds. “We want to use some of the school’s land to connect a bike path from Seacliffe Ave to the Wilson School, along the eastern side of the peninsula,” he says. Werry says he fell into his advocacy role unintentionally. “I was actually surprised by how useful and easy I found it to use my bike locally, and by how much fun it was,” he says. It was a public talk in Auckland by Janine Sadik-Kahn, New York City’s former Commissioner of the Department of Transport, that sparked Werry’s passion to get involved in promoting a local bike culture, he says. “She had an experimental approach, like closing off Times Square to cars with cones for a weekend to demonstrate what it would look like, and to see if it would
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 19
July 1, 2016 work,” he says. It proved successful, and pedestrian plazas became permanent last year, he says. Sadik-Khan’s stories struck a chord with Werry. “My professional field is information technology and that’s how we work these days. Gone are the days of big projects and long planning process then diligently followed through. The new IT mindset is to build a minimum viable product, a rough draft software, to break a big project down into small ones and to keep adapting them by testing what works and what doesn’t,” he says. “So I came up with a list of ten micro cycling projects for Devonport, ones that could be easily achieved, and I presented them to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board,” he says. One was to allow bikes to cut through the traffic island at the intersection of Church and Cracroft Sts, another to have more bike parking on Narrow Neck Beach. “I was looking for leadership on this from the board, because biking measures often inconvenience some people, and I told them I would help. “It was all a bit off the cuff. So after my presentation, I went home and basically just copied what the people at Bike Te Atatu had done. I copied their name, their Facebook page and their approach of holding social events and advocacy,” he says. We r r y a l s o d e v e l o p e d a m o r e comprehensive cycling plan for Devonport and he submitted on the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board Long Term Plan. “And I waited for the local board to do its thing, but nothing happened. They didn’t respond or lead at all on biking, so I decided to try something else,” he says. “My son played soccer and I just hated driving him there and parking in the tight parking lot. One day Vincent and I just had a go on our bikes. Carrying the boots and ball on our bikes was no big deal. “It made me notice the amount of driving we do in Devonport to take our kids to their activities, whether on weekends or after school. And I thought maybe biking could help us rearrange that bit of our lives and address our carbon footprint at the same time,” Werry says. North Shore United Football Club and Auckland Transport liked the idea and Bike to Soccer was born at the start of last year’s season. “It’s grown like topsy ever since, has shown that we can do stuff and have fun, and so it has given us a bit of recognition,” says Werry. Werry’s vision for Devonport doesn’t regard cycling as the be-all and end-all. As a mode of transport, it must work together with public transport, he says. “And it does. Look at the bikes parked along Devonport Wharf. On a sunny day those bike stands parks are packed, because cycling there saves time and money, and is green and fun,” he says.
Cracking Lake Rd is much trickier. “There just isn’t enough room, and even as a cyclist, I see that buses need the right of way. They need to be reliable and frequent and not get held up in traffic,” he says. On a recent bus trip to a soccer game in Rosedale, the Werrys learned what happens to buses on Lake Rd currently. “Our car was getting fixed, so we took the bus to a soccer game in Rosedale. It took forever. We left at
“I was actually surprised by how useful and easy I found it to use my bike locally, and by how much fun it was.” Chris Werry, Bike Devonport 7 am for a 10 am game,” he says. Werry is following the development of new plans for Lake Road with interest. If push comes to shove, bikes and buses will have to share a lane, he says. “I know those are only for the brave cyclists, because you can end up with a bus up your bum. But it’s a compromise that would work, especially if we have other cycle routes for bikes off Lake Rd as well,” he says. Werry says large-scale Lake Rd investment is hard for council to justify, considering the peninsula’s small and stagnant population. “While Auckland is growing phenomenally, we haven’t locally since the 1950s. Trams and road-widening are very expensive and it is hard for council to justify that sort of spend for only 20,000 people,” he says. That is why Werry favours intensification on the peninsula. “I am for what I call ‘density done well’. It would be good for public transport and also for the shops on Victoria Rd, who need more people shopping locally to survive. It’s just not good enough to leave things as they are,” he says. Werry and his family live in a town house in Cheltenham. “We are right next to a park. The grass is 25 metres from the front door, where
the kids can play unsupervised. Sure, it’s a bit challenging at times, but it works,” he says. Werry says ‘density done well’ could work even within Devonport’s heritage areas. In fact, he has advocated for heritage in the past. “I protested against the redevelopment of the Masonic. Not so much the new apartments, but the loss of the tavern really pissed me off. I wanted the corner to remain a pub. Losing a 150-year tradition was a real cultural issue and that corner is not as vibrant or viable as it was in the past,” he says. Werry grew up in Hawke’s Bay and the Bay of Plenty. He was one of four children of school teachers. “I was allowed to roam, and the only rule we had to follow was to call in after school and then to be home by nightfall,” he says. When his father became the principal of Kawerau College, Werry learned about community and leadership. “He was a community leader and I was in awe of him. Once he helped run a fundraiser for the college to build a gym and they raised the money in six weeks,” he says. Werry was never sporty, but owned a bike. “I started out on my brother’s old one and got my own new one when I was 10,” he says. He cycled to intermediate school, college and later university in Auckland. Werry’s time at uni was a bit rocky. He originally studied architecture but dropped out halfway through the degree. “Then I sold and installed furniture for a corporate for a few years, until I went back to uni in my late twenties, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems and met Wyndale,” he says. A degree in IT “was basically a ticket to get a high-paying job in international places,” he says. Between 1993 and 2003, Werry and Yee lived in Stuttgart, Stockholm, London and Sydney. “We had two incomes, no kids and basically just a lot of fun.” In 2003, the couple returned to New Zealand when Werry’s father fell ill. They moved to Devonport a year later, and settled a short bike ride from where Werry’s sister Gillian lives with her two children. “Those cousins love being so close. They just have to run across the cricket field for a visit, on foot or on bike,” he says.
24 Hour Towing 24 Hour Towing Devonport Owned Devonport Owned Operated andand Operated
ESTABLISHED ESTABLISHED 1971 1971
1 Fleet Street, Devonport 1 Fleet Street, Devonport Phone Phone 445 445 04830483 email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz email: fleetst@ihug.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz www.fleetstpanel.co.nz
Dennis Hale & Nathan Hale
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 20
Devonport 09 445 2010
July 1, 2016
July 1, 2016
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 21
Devonport 09 445 2010
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 22
July 1, 2016
Druid offers sage advice to midwinter swimmers
The sun shines on the righteous‌ swimmers approve of Devonport Druid Chris Mullane’s pre-swim poem
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 23
July 1, 2016
Back on dry land‌ Keira Stephenson (left) and Jodi Yeats Around 100 hardy souls took to the water off Windsor Reserve last Sunday for the annual Devonport Midwinter Swim. On a chilly day, the sun broke through In and out (above), while Jeanette Meehan (below) lingered a little longer
just before the 12 noon splash. One-year-old Arlo Lethaby was the youngest swimmer. The shark won the prize for best costume.
The shark won the best-dressed prize
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 24
Letters
July 1, 2016
Doggie dos leave bitter taste outside sweet shop We at Devonport Chocolates are getting utterly exasperated at the dog owners who go down Wynyard St, or let their dogs out on Wynyard St, without monitoring their movements (no pun intended) and fail to pick up their dogs’ faeces. We now have to check out the yard at the front every day, and even our mat on the doorstep every morning, and pick up droppings. I feel the visitors to our area must wonder
what sort of people we are that our street is dotted with dog poo. I would like to ask every parent who has children walking their dogs that they make sure their children know what the law is re picking up dog poo, and that every runner who has their dog running free also picks up after their dog. How do you know what it is doing when you are 100 metres ahead and round the corner? I would also like to state we are not anti-dog,
in fact we are a dog-crazy family – we have a huge, friendly mutt called Honey. However, we feel strongly that other people’s enjoyment of where they live shouldn’t be impacted by our dog’s behaviour. It’s not much fun doing the pooper scoop and hose-down each morning when we arrive at work. Come on everyone – please keep our street movement-free! Stephanie Everitt
Traffic lights mindless automatons of Satan Nigel Hopkins (Flagstaff, 17 June) complained about the phasing of the Winscombe St traffic lights. He’s right that the intersection is a shambles, but it’s not the phasing of the lights that’s the problem: it’s the existence of the lights. Traffic lights are the work of Satan himself: mindless automatons whose instructions we are forced to obey, regardless of traffic conditions. They require traffic to stop and wait, idling away time and fuel, even while no vehicle is actually travelling through the intersection. At a roundabout, traffic is never forced to stop when the intersection is not being used. Vehicles can proceed any time there is clear space, more vehicles can use the intersection simultaneously and the right of way varies so everyone gets fair access. At almost any given intersection, a roundabout will outperform traffic lights.
I have often observed the operation of the Winscombe lights during heavy traffic (not voluntarily). When the southbound light is green, a number of southbound cars always turn left into Winscombe. That number has (in my observation) always equalled or exceeded the number of cars waiting to exit Winscombe. If there were a roundabout, every time a southbound car turned left into Winscombe, a car waiting in Winscombe would exit onto Lake Rd, and they would all exit sooner than if they had to wait for a light. There would never need to be a green light for Winscombe traffic. The same would happen on Bardia St. Consequently there would never need to be a red light on Lake Rd. Pedestrian crossings placed 10 metres back from the roundabout on all joining roads would allow pedestrians to cross at any time. They would walk an additional 20
metres (total) to and from the crossing, but they would never have to wait for a signal. There is an argument that roundabouts only work well where the joining roads have similar traffic loadings. It’s a fallacy. The road with heavier traffic will have right of way more often, but it will also have a longer queue. The road with lighter traffic will have right of way less often, but the queue will be shorter. It’s self-balancing. The roundabout where Lake Rd meets Albert Rd is a good example. It would be a cheap experiment to put a temporary roundabout at Winscombe St. Turn off the lights. Add road markings and four roundabout signs. Install a circle of temporary plastic traffic barriers in the centre. See what happens. If (more likely when) that works, repeat at Bayswater Ave. Start a revolution. Pun intended. William McCartney
Boot camps foster healthy lifestyles I agree wholeheartedly with Chris Jewell’s opinion on local boot camps. They keep our community spaces vibrant and engaging. In addition to this, I would like to ask the local board who came up with the idea of regulating them and therefore extracting a fee and asking them to provide a health and safety plan. “The” board consists of more than one
ARD PROOF
person, but it must have been an individual, either on the board or a member of the public, who thought it necessary to make this an issue. Our personal trainers are actually doing us all a favour by getting us to maintain a healthy lifestyle, which is of long-term benefit to not just the individuals taking part but also the general taxpayer as we – yes, I am one of the
VIKING RIVER CRUISES INFO EVENING .
Member of the Real Estate Institute of NZ Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)
Real Estate Sales Fixed Commission!!
Job Number: 179763
$12,500 plus GST Includes Advertising! 19 Years Selling Locally Information Website www.sellingsimply.co.nz
a new Real Estate company offering a simple ffective alternative for selling your property.
NO up-front fees
Join us for an information evening hosted by Liz Sawers from Viking River Cruises. Thurs 21 Jul 2016, 6pm - In store RSVP by 20 Jul 2016 by emailing, phone or in-store
marketing coverage. Full signage, colour flyers - all included
ommission of $10,000 plus GST
n save you thousands!!
ervice, you sell with the Agent you list with
is an experienced agent, who has been selling h Shore since 1995 including 10 years of own successful company - Devonport Realty Ltd
Mobile : 0274 326 731 joe@sellingsimply.co.nz
g Simply www.sellingsimply.co.nz
Real Estate Institute of NZ
A simple cost effective alternative to selling your Simply property
ng
he Real Estate Institute of NZ
Joe Martin
0274 326 731 joe@sellingsimply.co.nz
helloworld Birkenhead birkenhead@helloworld.co.nz 09 480 0652
participants – can expect to be less of a drain on the health service. Surely this is worth more than burdening the few trainers that are out there (where is the proliferation of these boot camps?) with more compliance costs. It also begs the question if the locals (also ratepayers) who jog or run in our public parks and reserves will be next. Come on guys, don’t be so mean-spirited and leave us alone to enjoy our recreational activity in the public spaces we have already paid for. Marianne Bosman
New boat needs name Last week, I ended up taking the yellow Explore boat a number of times on my daily commute to the city. Its (now) Fullers crew were friendly and polite and the boat itself clean and new. What a nice way to travel to work. What a shame its new owners have not renamed this vibrant vessel. Come on Fullers, you can do better than “D6”. Or are you waiting for the edict from AT to repaint this brand-new boat in more corporate colours (at ratepayers’ expense) that better reflect the very unimaginative name? Fullers, this is a golden opportunity to engage with your staff and give them the opportunity to suggest a more fitting name for this boat.
Mary Taylor
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 25
July 1, 2016
Trialling alternatives changes Lake Rd drivers’ habits More than a quarter of Lake Rd drivers who signed up for an Auckland Transport (AT) project to help cut singleoccupancy trips during the morning rush hour have changed their ways. Auckland Transport (AT) spokesperson Mark Hannan told the Flagstaff that 435 residents had agreed to be part of the personal journey planning project introduced in Belmont and Hauraki early this year. Each have received a personal journey plan. Of these, 215 committed to trial other modes of travel. By June, 117 participants had moved away from single-occupancy travel. Hannan says: “If participants continue to use alternate modes for their peaktime trips, this will reduce traffic volumes on Lake Road. However, the impact is not likely to be significant.” He says the increased awareness of the programme “may result in greater uptake of public transport when new initiatives are introduced” in the future.
Masks will feature at Brock’s second Depot show Cirque II is the follow-up to Lyndsay Brock’s 2015 show of works on paper, celebrating female circus performers. This year, Brock has added handpainted masks to her exhibition. The show runs from July 2-20 in the Depot Artspace’s Verge Gallery. It opens on July 2 at 2 pm.
Hilary the queen of tiddlywinks
Cup winner… Hilary Condon, crowned Devonport Folk Club tiddlywinks champion (above) and in action (below)
Hilary Condon is not just the administrative powerhouse of Devonport Folk Club, where she has been its long-term secretary. She’s also the club tiddlywinks champion, winning the Tiddlywink Cup recently for the third time. The cup has been contested for 46 years The folk club used to have an annual picnic going to Motuihe or Rakino and playing football on the beach against Titirangi, the
other major folk club in Auckland. It was called Phutball: any number of people could play, and of any age. However, as the club members got older, the beach was substituted with a football table. Now the club combines the tiddlywinks night with a Phutball match at the Bunker, and this year posted a rare win against Titirangi.
Trades & Services
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 26 ogden electrical ltd
Piper Painters Ltd
OEL ES T1971
OGDE N ELECTRICAL LTD
July 1, 2016
phone 0274 937380
Call Carl for all your electrical needs 0274 937380 or 445 7528
• • • • •
Solid Plastering Block-work Fireplaces Gib-stopping Small or Large Jobs
Phone Paul: 445 3154 027 493 8592 zipzap@ihug.co.nz
• Interior/exterior house painting • Roof painting • Specialised coatings and textures • Spray painting • Water blasting
Call us today
021 410 766 P 021 410 766| Freephone 0800 023 296 luke@piperpainters.co.nz www.piperpainters.co.nz
Sick of flushing money down the... Repairs, refurbishments and new work for both Plumbing and Gasfitting.
• Quality workmanship • Interior and external • References available
Including gas heaters, instantaneous hot water systems and more. Full project management and pensioner rates. For all your Plumbing and Gasfitting needs Call the boss (Bruce) today on 0274 472 742
McMinn Plumbing Ltd
Contact: Brendan 445 3929
021 996 738
09 445 2415 minn@xtra.co.nz www.mcminnplumbing.co.nz
kitchens DESIGN MANUFACTURE INSTALL
Call our designers to bring your ideas to life. Free consultation. 10 year workmanship guarantee.
Phone 09 443 4461 VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:
96 Hillside Rd, Glenfield, Auckland Hours: 8 - 5 weekdays
www.neodesign.co.nz
Guy Anderson
YOUR LOCAL CRAFTSMAN
PLUMBER
Friendly, experienced service for all of your plumbing needs.
CALL DERRICK TRAVERS
021-909790 445-6691
Jim McBride
Painter and Decorator • • •
Member of the Master Painters interior and exterior quality workmanship • no job too big or too small
Ph Jim on 021 244 6990 or a/hrs on 441 6990 email jim.sandy@xtra.co.nz
Professional Quality Service Craftsman Plumber and Gasfitter
Ph 021 841 745 David Mortimore New installations Repairs and Maintenance
Precision Plumbing 2010 Ltd
david@precisionplumbing.co.nz www.precisionplumbing.co.nz
Painting and Decorating All commercial and domestic decoration undertaken. Interior and exterior decorating. All wallpaper and fabrics. Expertly hung. Skim coat plastering and stopping Specialist in decorative paint finishes, carried out by a tradesman with 25 years experience. Competitive pricing. All work guaranteed.
s
ar PHONE 445 2549 30 yreience e p x e MOBILE 021 767 093
July 1, 2016
DEVONPORT DEVONPORT DEVONPORT AUTO AUTO CENTRE CENTRE CENTRE
� Servicing � Full Full Vehicle Vehicle Servicing � Full Vehicle Servicing and Maintenance � WOF WOF and Maintenance and Maintenance � � WOF ANDRE WENDY CUMISKEY CUMISKEY ANDRE & & WENDY ANDRE & WENDY CUMISKEY
Ph 445 4456 4456 Ph (09) (09) 445 Ph (09) 445 Fax (09) 445 7629 Fax 445 4456 7629 Fax (09) 445 7629 1A Fleet Street, Devonport
Trades & Services
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 27
Barnett Bros. SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Barnett Bros. RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Qualified RENOVATION builder and & craftsman RESTORATION, ALTERATIONS
Andrew Holloway Floorsander • 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
Carpenter available now Qualified builder and craftsman for door/window/sash/cord/sill Carpenter available now replacements for door/window/sash/cord/sill All joinery repairs replacements All carpentry and associated All joineryservices repairs building All carpentry and associated Home inspections building services Bathrooms Home inspections All work guaranteed Bathrooms
Scott 021 188 7189 AllBarnett work guaranteed s.barnett.builder@gmail.com Licensed building practitioner Scott Barnett 021 188 7189
Barnett Bros. Devonport s.barnett.builder@gmail.com
SPECIALISING IN VILLA/BUNGALOW Painters RESTORATION, RENOVATION & ALTERATIONS
Qualified builder and craftsman Carpenter available now for door/window/sash/cord/sil Contact Mike Pita replacements on 021 050 3894 for a free quote All joinery repairs All carpentry and associated building services - NEW ROOFS - RE iROOFS Home nspections - LEAK REPAIRS - FLASHINGS Bathrooms - MAINTENANCE Highly experienced residential and commercial painting services Top quality finish References available
Call Ivan on 09 473 6631
Alan Michie Ph 445 3013 • 0274 957 505
ON ” EN CK SE LO B HE “T
AS
Your local NZ qualified electricians for: Renovations Maintenance LED changeovers Garden Lighting Ultrafast Broadband
Call Jordan
022 4567 367
For bins and skips
LOCAL AND RELIABLE All sizes available Ph 486 3885 www.discountbins.co.nz
www.kitchenvision.co.nz
55 Barrys Point Rd, Takapuna 09 486 0811 Free 0508 22 55 58
Interior / Exterior Residential Commercial Lives Locally Free Quotes /Quality Work For all your painting needs
Corey Norton M 021 0220 5444 | After Hrs 550 4218 email: cnorton@orcon.net.nz
QUOTES AllFREE work guaranteed PH ADAM 021 927 663 Scott Barnett 021 188 7189 www.relayroofing.co.nz
s.barnett.builder@gmail.com
Reach your Devonport Peninsula customers cost-effectively Contact the Flagstaff for our rates and dates. Email:
devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz WEbsitE:
www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 28
July 1, 2016
Late-night Thursdays flop at Devonport Library A one-year trial to keep Devonport Library open late on Thursday nights has not been successful and will be axed in a couple of months. Last year, after Auckland Council shortened library hours citywide, the Devonport-
Resident peeved by state of Wharf toilets The poor state of the public toilets on Devonport Wharf has prompted a local resident to complain to Auckland Transport (AT). The complaint was lodged in April but is yet to receive a response AT’s monthly report to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board shows. The Flagstaff raised the issue of urinestained linoleum flooring last August, shortly after the Devonport Wharf upgrade was completed. It remains unclear whether a full toilet upgrade will be part of the fit-out of Devon on the Wharf, which started last month. AT says it will soon be carrying out some refurbishment of the toilet block.
Takapuna Local Board committed to retain its local libraries’ opening hours. They also introduced a late Thursday night, where Devonport Library remained open until 7 pm instead of 5.30 pm. The experiment failed, with few visitors
taking up the extended library hours since last June. The board has resolved to return to a 5.30 pm closing in two months’ time. The savings of $10,500 will be transferred to Takapuna Library, where late nights have been popular for years.
Cohen supports move of sports field to local schools The artificial soccer pitch originally proposed for Dacre Park by North Shore United Football Club looks to be losing ground. Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member Mike Cohen promoted a council partnership with local schools to provide sporting facilities as a “win-win situation” at the board’s June
meeting. Cohen identified Belmont Intermediate and Westlake Boys High Schools as potential partner schools. He said that a council-school partnership would “provide benefits to both our schools during the regular school day, and then have them available for sports use, especially football, at other times.”
Heritage-trail brochures proving popular Popular demand has seen 10,000 heritagetrail brochures commissioned by Devonport Rotary a year ago taken up. A second print run of 20,000 is on its way, funded by DevonportTakapuna Local Board with a $3,442 grant. Devonport Rotary members researched the trails to help promote Devonport as a tourist destination. Devonport Rotary events director Colin
Cannon says that within a year, almost all brochures have been used by local residents and Devonport visitors. “The next batch should be enough to last us for two years,” says Cannon. The brochures are available at Devonport Library, Devonport Community House, the Navy Museum, Devonport Museum and the Esplanade Hotel.
Trades & Services
EYE FOR DETAIL LIMITED
Renovations or new projects
RENOVATION SPECIALISTS
• Qualified Licensed Builders • Reliable Hardworking Team • Quality Workmanship • References Available • All Trades YOUR COMPLETE BUILDING SERVICE For a free consultation contact
jarrod@progressivebuild.co.nz
M: 021 486 110
1. Foundations 2. Building 3. Gibbing and stopping 4. Painting 5. Tiling 6. Landscaping 7. Repairs and maintenance
OBORN PLUMBING
AND DRAINAGE LTD
Professional Quality Service • Gasfitting • Certifying/Licenced • Digger Hire • Plumber/Drainlayer • All Aspects of Plumbing & Drainage
Your ‘one-stop’ building company
Contact Dan
Licenced Building Practitioner
info@obornplumbing.co.nz www.obornplumbing.co.nz 0800-143-051 or mob 021 119 3227
Contact Bernard Phone 445 1331 or Mobile 0274 471 132
Sam the Floor Sander Floor-sanding Polyurethane Water base Chemical base Stain
for FREE Quote Call 021 672 641
Creating great looking, functional, outdoor spaces LANDSCAPING EXCAVATION RETAINING WALLS BASEMENT DIGOUTS TIGHT ACCESS SPECIALISTS
REUBEN Mobile: 022 043 4526 EMAIL: reuben@aucklandoutdoor.co.nz WEBSITE: www.aucklandoutdoor.co.nz
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 29
July 1, 2016
81A Victoria Road, Devonport. Ph 445 2851
Winter is officially here! We were promised a warm one, and so far so good. Lots of bugs are still around though, so pop in if you are struggling to shake that cough or cold. We have plenty of options to suit all ages and support you and your family through recovery. The colder weather always brings out the aches and pains and reminds us of old injuries. Don’t forget to take your fish oil – there are a range of options to bring about relief. Arctic cod liver oil provides both omega 3 and vitamin A and D (Grandma’s way to help ward off colds and flu.) On these grey old winter days, vitamin D is helpful to support your immune system and lift your spirits.
Want to change your skin care regime or just try something new? New to store: BeeBio anti-aging skincare, inspired by the healing and anti-bacterial properties of active manuka honey. Combining bioactive manuka honey and 100% natural bee products along with the best of New Zealand’s highly bioactive botanicals. Contains no artificial colours, fragrances or parabens and not tested on animals.
SPECIALS FOR JULY
Kiwiherb range for infants to adults Buy two, get the third one free!
THOMPSON’S range Buy two, get the third one free!
Ester-C 200 Tablets
SPECIALS
Ester-C 100 Tablets
Gel polish manicure normally $50, now $30
RRP $74.90 reduced to only $44.90 with this ad RRP $46.90 reduced to only $26.90 with this ad
Ageless beauty RRP $69.90 reduced to
only $39.90 with this ad
Beautiful eyes eyebrow tint and shape and eyelash tint normally $45, now $25 Full body massage with hot stones $99 (vouchers available)
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 30
July 1, 2016
BIS Dance Off winners
Talented performers... back row: Holly Morse, Kate Kaye, Lucy Marsh, Nicolette Grant, Jess Weston, Anna Tucker, Tessa Renneberg and Tsenate Akerbergne. Front row: Gerri Gibson, Alice Hobbs, Ngaio Thompson and Chloe Hobbs. Jess Watson has been judged top performer in the Belmont Intermediate School Dance Off held last month. Judges assessed the dancers on group work; choreography; use of stage; use of
height; creativity; range of movements shown; and overall impact. The individual winners were: First, Jess Watson; second equal, Chloe Hobbs and Gerri Gibson; third, Tsenate Akerbergne.
Osteopathy is a hands on therapy that successfully alleviates a wide variety of symptoms. The Devonport clinic has been running for 14 years helping young and old alike. ACC Registered Tel: 09 445 6783 for an appointment 19 Clarence St, Devonport Village
The group winners were: First, Anna Tucker and Nicolette Grant; second, Tessa Renneberg and Lucy Marsh; third, Holly Morse and Kate Kaye; fourth, Ngaio Thompson and Alicia Hobbs.
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 31
July 1, 2016
Dirt-bike track idea for Woodall Park A proposal to turn the home-made dirt-bike jumps under the trees between Waitemata Golf Club and Woodhall Park into a proper pump track is under way. Local dads Tim White from Bayswater, who owns a bike shop, and his friend Haimona Ngata, a Belmont BMX rider and video content producer, posted a video on Bike Devonport’s Facebook page, pitching a community-focused BMX bike venue for the Narrow Neck park. The video describes White’s vision of a pump track and dirt park suitable for kids and adults. It also seeks help from DevonportTakapuna Local Board. White says the narrow path that has been
in the park for years could easily be expanded into a three-tiered track, including a beginner pump track for children 18 months and up, an intermediate track and an advanced dirt-jump set-up. He says the track could be easily maintained by locals and would be a community venue for kids to spend more time outdoors. Ngata says they have already been in discussions with Devonport Primary School, Bayswater School and Takapuna Grammar School, who have all been supportive of the proposal. A new pump track was officially opened at Birkenhead War Memorial Park last month.
Reach your Devonport Peninsula customers cost-effectively Contact the Flagstaff for our rates and dates. devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz
www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz
Wider TGS pedestrian crossing proposed An Auckland Transport (AT) proposal to widen the signalled crossing outside Takapuna Grammar School is its latest attempt to control en-masse student crossings of Lake Rd by improving efficiency and addressing safety concerns. The width of the crossing would be increased by 2.8 metres, the proposal to the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board says. It is expected to maximise pedestrian throughput, better cater for the high pedestrian volume, and improve the safety of pedestrians, particularly for schoolchildren who commonly use the crossing, an AT consultation letter says. Only two years ago, AT took a very different approach by installing $30,000 safety barriers near the pedestrian traffic light, essentially fencing the road off from students crossing.
The Navy CommuNiTy NewsleTTer rNZN CeleBraTes 30 years of womeN aT sea On Saturday 18 June, the RNZN continued celebrations for the anniversary of 30 years of women at sea with those who have brought us so far, and those who will bring us forward. In the morning, HMNZS WELLINGTON hosted female cadets and young women interested in a career in the Navy to give them an insight into life on board a Navy ship. The future recruits were able to look around the ship and ask the ship’s company about their jobs to help them decide on which Navy trades most interested them.
Later in the day, 34 female veterans crossed the brow to enjoy an experience that was not available to many of them during their Naval careers – an opportunity to go to sea. The jovial bunch shared experiences of Navy life with current serving members. They marvelled at how much has changed for women in the RNZN, as they saw female sailors and officers undertake roles in all parts of ship from engineering to piloting the ship into port.
Congratulations? Thanks? Problems? Complaints? DevoNPorT Naval Base Tel 445 5999
ERS NS
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 32
July 1, 2016
RECOVER YOUR
LOUNGE SUITE
Caring es for famili since 2011
Call us for a free quotation and put the life back into that favourite chair or lounge suite
AWARD FURNITURE Phone COLIN on 480 5864
Reach your Devonport Peninsula customers cost-effectively Contact the Flagstaff for our rates and dates. Email:
devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz WEbsitE:
www.devonportflagstaff.co.nz
Dr. Adrian Stocco The Arcade, Devonport 445 8030 www.villagechiropractic.co.nz
Caledonian Premier Tiling • Tile Installation • Existing Rapair-work • Certified Waterproofing • Guarantees SPeCialiSing in • Ceramic Tiling • Laundries • Stonework • Decks • Bathrooms • Waterproofing • Kitchens • Silicone Application
Call Doug 09 446 0687 Mobile 021 187 7852
Red Dragon Computers www.red-dragon.net.nz
Providing IT support to Devonport’s home users and small businesses since 2001 • Fast, reliable & cost effective • Windows computers & iPad Setup • Wi-Fi networking and ADSL broadband • New computers custom built • Repairs, Upgrades, Servicing • Virus & Spyware removal
Get it right first time with a Microsoft Certified Professional
Christopher Jones Ph 445 7810
Devonport’s Locksmith SPECIALIST IN PROVIDING
DEVONPORT
SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS
• New keys for existing locks
comprehensive home
• Lock repairs DEVONPORT
handyman services
SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS • Installation John Campbell • Lock Hardware Contact Scott on
021 976 607 SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS 445 3064 DEVONPORT
answerphone/fax 445 4390
72 Lake Road, Devonport
ERS CURTAINS BLINDS
ERS CURTAINS BLINDS
ERS
Professional Services
APPLE REPAIRS, & REFURB SALES UPGRADES CURTAINS BLINDS SSD and RAM upgrades Same day / Priority overnight service Genuine apple parts www.macxperts.co.nz
phone 027 246 5891
DEVONPORT
SHUTTERS CURTAINS BLINDS Vision examinations Glaucoma checks Contact lenses and solutions Spectacle repairs Driver’s licence certificates
10 Victoria road, Devonport 021 622 815
The Arcade 6 Wynyard St, Devonport
NO FIX - NO FEE - OUR GUARANTEE
Phone 215 9178
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 33
July 1, 2016
Soulsprite classes a knockout Ben and Kate Walden are fitness professionals, local parents (with kids at Devonport Primary and TGS) and Owner-Operators of Devonport’s newly rebranded fitness provider, ‘Soulsprite.’ The couple and their team of local instructors offer small-group training in the heart of Devonport. “SoulSprite is about families achieving the strength, nourishment and longevity they deserve. We have four Soulsprite siblings, Fitsprite (TRX classes), Boxsprite (non-contact boxing classes), Dancesprite (dance classes) and Kidsprite (holiday programmes).” Kate and Ben wanted to work within their community. “We believe that when everyone trains in a common place, whether grandparent, mum, dad, teenager or younger; it strengthens family and community bonds and normalises healthy habits.” Ben and Kate moved to Devonport in 2009 after spending 8-years growing a Karate school of 900 students in Manchester, UK. “When we came home we initially bought a large gym in Auckland city but decided it wasn’t what we envisaged for our future.” They are both kiwis; Kate grew up on the Shore with old ties to Devonport (her Nanna grew-up here). “We fell in love with Devonport (and each other) when we meet up for dates as teenagers at The Vic and Arcade. Since meeting on a summer holiday at just 13 and 14yrs old we’ve grown-up together, but we’re such opposites. I’m a quiet, studious, creative type who loves dancing and presenting (Kate’s MC’d Devonport’s ‘Dance in the Park’ for the last 3 years and is in an Auckland Hip-Hop crew). Ben’s much cheekier and commanding with an uncanny ability to connect with people and inspire them to be healthy with his colourful anecdotes,” says Kate. Ben started TRX fitness classes in 2013. Kate left her GM work last year to help achieve the company’s bold vision, ‘to make generations of families healthy and happy.’ The Devonport duo say they are always looking at new ways to motivate people to maintain their health. Soulsprite has two studios, a loft studio at 59 Victoria Road, and a studio down the quirky Devon Lane next to Nord shop off Fleet Street. Both spaces are unique have some real history within the old brick interior. The boxing studio has the flavour of an old-school basement gym with a fabulous new tribute to Muhammed Ali, a wall mural completed by one of NZs top graffiti artist. (image to come) “Initially we opened Sweatbox (former name) to help out the local teenage boys. We’ve a teenage boy ourselves; boxing has been a massive confidence booster for him. I think a knowledge of self-defence helps develop a calmer manner and wards-off bullying. Of course being in the elite squad and one of the junior coaches helps! Our 9 year daughter also loves to
Owner Ben Walden with Jonny 4 hire (Graffiti artist) strike the pads and bags. We’re really rapped with the amount of dads, mums, grandparents, teenage girls and younger kids training and getting so many benefits from the classes. All our instructors are Devonport-based and really experienced; they bring lots of laughs (in the adult classes), discipline and of course lots of sweat into the mix.” Adult classes cater for all fitness levels. The TRX classes have re-generation (for the more ‘mature.’ doctor referral, or rehab) right through to gruelling elite classes. Kate and Ben don’t offer personal training unless someone has real need; “we never know when vulnerability will hit us and it’s important to give back.” TRX is a type of suspension training originally developed by a navy-seal to keep his team fit in confined quarters before deployment. It is used by many top athletes worldwide as an injury prevention and strengthening tool. Classes are only 30 minutes. They are based on functionality; strengthening and lengthening the body to develop better movement for life’s activities and sports.Kate also runs Dancesprite classes for 3yrs – 18yr Last year the couple added a new addition; the KIDSPRITE Holiday Programmes. The main goal is to inspire health and fitness, and to connect
Kate and Ben Walden (Founders & Instructors, Soulsprite) kids with the community and talented local people, Our next programme runs from 11th July to 22nd July with 25 maximum a day. Soulsprite, Upstairs studio, 59 Victoria Road, Devonport. Boxsprite (Sweatbox), Devon Lane, Devonport. Dancesprite – Devonport Studio and Belmont Intermediate. info@soulsprite.co.nz. www.soulsprite.co.nz
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 34
July 1, 2016
Takapuna
Grammar
SCHOOL NEWS
JULY 1, 2016
Maths: surprisingly fun sounds in two of the lecture halls at the University of Auckland, where the two-hourlong Auckland maths Olympiad was held. “Takapuna Grammar School sent a strong group of young mathematicians and they did really well with satisfying results overall, even though there was no prior preparation for this contest,” said Mr. Viet Hoang, the teacher in charge of our Olympiad team. “I am thinking about organising specific maths seminars in term 3 this year for interested students, so that they can be well equipped for upcoming competitions next year,” said Mr. Hoang. This competition not only tested One hundred and fifty maths enthusiasts mathematical knowledge, but logic and Sebastian Safka placed seventh in the junior division, Alan Gu placed seventh in the gathered from around Auckland to test problem solving techniques as well. “It was senior division and Simon Goodwin tied with their wits, logic and mathematical ability on surprisingly interesting and fun for maths,” two others for second place at the recent a Saturday morning. Pens clicking, students says Simon Goodwin. writing and markers running were the only Maths Olympiad. BY AOKE JIANG
Being inspired by women leaders Thirty female student leaders recently represented TGS at ‘The Third Wave’, a full-day conference run by GirlBoss NZ that featured some of New Zealand’s most influential women. GirlBoss NZ is an organisation that aims to provide practical advice and inspiration for young women with an interest in business, leadership, gender politics and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths). It has been set up by youth for youth, with the aim of encouraging the next generation of young women to embrace their skills and potential. “GirlBoss was founded with one key mission in mind – to inspire, empower and equip New Zealand girls to become the change-makers of the future,” says founder, Alexia Hilbertidou, an Albany Senior High School student. Held at the AUT City Campus, the conference included keynote speakers Labour Party MP Jacinda Ardern and Theresa Gattung, co-founder of My Food Bag. They focused on issues such as pay equity, the lack of women in executive/leadership
T
positions and the need to engage young women in STEAM. Multiple workshops were held by high-profile female leaders including Sharndre Kushor, co-founder of Crimson Consulting, Annemarie Browne, vice president of marketing for Orion Health, Anna Curzon, managing director of Xero NZ, and Frances Valentine, founder of Mindlab. These women provided invaluable advice and inspiration for all participants. The day ended with an engaging panel discussion. “I learnt a lot about the
backstory of these inspirational women and how they managed to get to where they are today,” said one participant. A GirlBoss POD is launching at TGS that will aim to connect like-minded youth to chase their passions and create change in the community. This initiative will be run by Mrs Johnson, head of the Centre for Business and Enterprise at TGS, and Year 12 students Liberty Soanes, Poppy Ross, Emilly Fan and Katherine Jacobs. BY EMILLY FAN
P
Stude of delic May to organis and Iris Ribbon cancer A tot the lun mercha pins an way to while a one of This e genero Wheat student of the the New “More in New
Y
The T travel Leade speak apply
at the o-hourheld. a strong nd they overall, paration ng, the eam. “I c maths erested quipped r,” said
tested ic and “It was maths,”
E JIANG
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 35
July 1, 2016
Takapuna SCHOOL NEWS
Grammar JULY 1, 2016
Pink Ribbon Lunch
Students and staff enjoyed a wide selection of delicious baked goods and drinks in late May to support a Pink Ribbon lunch. It was organised by Year 12 students Emilly Fan and Iris Leng, as part of the annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast campaign to raise breast cancer awareness. A total of $163.70 was raised during the lunch. There was also Pink Ribbon merchandise sold, including pens, enamel pins and key rings. “It’s a simple but effective way to support the women of New Zealand, while also having fun in the process,” said one of the Year 11 volunteers. This event was made possible due to the generous support from local bakeries – Wild Wheat and Lekk Bakery – as well as dedicated student bakers, meaning that 100 per cent of the proceeds were able to go directly to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. “More than 600 women die of breast cancer in New Zealand each year. So hosting an
Iris Leng (left) and Emilly Fan (right) event like this is extremely rewarding, as you know the money raised will go towards funding vital research into breast cancer and help to make a difference in someone’s life,” says Emilly. BY ALICE WU
Youth Leadership Day
men and re they
GS that outh to ange in be run ntre for Year 12 , Emilly
LY FAN
Speakers captivate and entertain
The TGS Manaaki Peer Team with other selected Year 11 students travelled to the Vodafone Events Centre to attend the National Youth Leaders’ Day Conference at the end of May. They got to listen to speakers talk about their experiences with leadership so that they can apply them in their roles in the school.
Winning speech-makers: Daniel Howie (third); Harvey Merton (winner); and Zoe Drake (second). The bar for this year’s speech final was raised higher than ever; the quality of the speeches was superb, captivating and highly entertaining. The eight finalists spoke confidently and passionately on a wide variety of topics. There was also a large diversity of presentation, ranging from spoken-word poetry to more conventional deliveries. Regardless of content or delivery, each speech contained a message for teenagers. The large audience made it evident they were impressed by each and every speech. “I liked all of them; you could definitely see the amount of hard work that the finalists put in,” said an enthusiastic member of the audience, Alice Wu. The judges, Miss Knowles and Mr Wynn, had the unenviable task of choosing a winner, and two runner-ups. Harvey Merton won first place for his speech on ‘Happiness’, Zoe Drake came second for her speech on ‘Daughters’, and Daniel Howie third for his speech on ‘Heroes.’ BY GRACE COWLEY
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 36
July 1, 2016
Cubs celebrate 100 years with tree planting
Cubs doing their best… Tristran Sutcliffe, Hebe Mayes and Holly Glennie-Crosby planting trees at Bayswater with Minister for the Environment Maggie Barry, under the watchful eye of Mike Cohen and Paddy Stafford-Bush Devonport Cubs planted 100 trees at Paddy’s Bush in Bayswater last Sunday as part of the centenary celebrations of Cub Scouting. The Cubs went on a sponsored hike on Fixed village fee
FOR LIFE
Queen’s Birthday weekend, walking 18.5km through stands of native bush on the North Shore, and raised over $600 to purchase saplings. Around 50 Cubs and parents turned
out with other community members, including Brian and Paddy Stafford-Bush, who along with Mike Cohen is a former Devonport Community Board chairperson.
There’s more to THE POYNTON than you might imagine Life at THE POYNTON is not just about securing your piece of paradise with an apartment. Are you looking for a place to call your own with entertainment on tap and friends around every corner? THE POYNTON offers a wealth of first-class facilities you can enjoy access to, a welcoming community who have an active social calendar, and friendly staff who provide exceptional care and support. Our attractively priced and brand new 1-bedroom apartments come with a modern kitchen and quality appliances, large living areas, beautiful bathrooms, a laundry and generous sized balcony or patio. Our residents often say that there’s so much to do, they’re hardly ever home! Come along to the open weekend and see for yourself.
OPEN WEEKEND 16 & 17 July 10am to 3pm RAD1289
For more information call Jan on 09 488 5711
142 Shakespeare Road, Takapuna 09 488 5711 metlifecare.co.nz
Classifieds
July 1, 2016 ACCOMMODATION
SERVICES OFFERED
Cheltenham Beach Studio. Stunning studio with new fit-out only metres from the beach. Available for short or long-term holiday accommodation. Self-contained with separate access and private garden. Wi-Fi included. Phone Mike 021 747 526.
Caregiver. Do you need help at home either for yourself or your parents? Do you need someone to stay with you for security? With 12 years of caregiving experience I can help you to remain in your home in comfort. Shopping, appointments, cooking, personal care and general Cheltenham: 2 dbl br. Private household management. ReferBeach access, daily or weekly rent. ences & police check on request. Ph Michelle 445-2525. Fully furnished. ph 445 3008. Classy 3 bedroom, 2 full bath, Cars wanted dead or alive. Top fully furnished Devonport house dollar paid $360 to $1700 for any on Achilles Reserve near Narrow small car, $800 to $15,000 for vans, Neck. More information go to www. utes, 4WD and trucks. Free retrieval devonporttuihouse.weebly.com or 0800 3333 98. www.sabbaticalhomes.com. Cleaning Maid Easy Use own Ph: 445 7895. cleaning products and gear. Holiday Accommodation, Bay- Reliable/trustworthy/mature lady. swater. Norwood studio. Private, References available Please contact well presented. $95 per night. Ph Sharon - 021 405 596.
SERVICES OFFERED
TUITION
TUITION
TUITION
Landscaping – Format Landscapes, 18 years’ experience, Dip. Landscape Design. Design and build. We undertake all aspects of hard and soft landscaping including decks, paving, fences, retaining walls, planting etc. Small to large projects. Free quote www. formatlandscapes.co.nz. Call Matt 021 599 107.
Acoustic and classical guitar, music theory. Fun, comprehensive, tailored to you! Devonport-based. Michelle Birch, BMus (Hons) michellebirch@zoho.com, www.michellebirch.com.TT
Learning Support Specialist NZ qualified primary teacher and registered teacher of dyslexia. Offering tailored tuition during or after school. Ph 027 391 3716 www. squigglesdyslexia.co.nz
Piano Lessons. Piano & music theory tuition from classically trained pianist. Devonport-based and can travel to your home. Ph 021 079 0005 or email windarc.darius@gmail.com
Mathematics Tuition, Sensitive tutoring offered at all levels of the secondary school curriculum. NCEA, IB and Cambridge welcomed. 100% pass rate in 2015. NCEA 3 calculus specialist. Ph Peter Ridge BE, Dip Tchg (sec) 445 2283.T
SLSS Swim School, 11 Evan Street, Belmont (off Eversleigh Road). Specialists in preschoolers. Phone 486 6728 for more info.
Window Cleaning for houses and Curtains & Roman Blinds businesses. For a free quote call Free measure, quote and design Holiday Accommodation Ivan 473 6631. Cheltenham, absolute beach- advice. 20 years’ experience. Phone front. One double and two singles, Sara 027 625 5844. SITUATIONS VACANT shady setting, everything supplied. Devonport upholstery. Recover specialist. Antiques and contem- Home help wanted - to support Ph 445 3008. stay-at-home Mother of 5 with Office room for rent. Belmont porary styles. Recycling furniture childcare and housework in central shops. One sunny office room for 36 years. John Hancox, phone: Devonport. 4 to 6 hours per day, with bathroom, includes two car- 446 0372. Monday to Friday. Contact Jo on parks. $250/week. Contact Simon Devonport Window Repairs. Sash 021 281 0392.T and casement windows, wooden 027 284 1622. Relatives visiting? Spacious doors. Rotten sills and window comgarden studio with en-suite and ponents repaired or replaced. Generkitchenette; minutes to Narrow al carpentry. For your local window Neck beach. Reasonable rates. specialist. Phone Hubert Strang 446 6174 or 021 274 4191. Ph Pauline 445 6471.
REST HOMES
Gardener Available Qualified and experienced landscape designer. Enjoys getting his hands dirty. Good plant knowledge. Hard-working, reliable and creative with plantings. Contact Paddy 022 502 2122 or 446 6188 paddyvogt@gmail.com
Ascot House Retirement Home, quality care with dignity in a friendly, family atmosphere. Phone Shona, 445 2518.
D o g g ro o m i n g a v a i l a b l e . Full groom, bath and blow dry, puppy introduction to grooming. Devonport-based. Call Barbara 021 141 0331.
Komatua Care Centre – We care for older people who have memory loss and behavioural difficulties. Professional care is given in a nurtur- Gardening. Do you need regular ing environment. For all enquiries - help? No time for a tidy-up? Let me help. Experienced gardenphone 445 1707. er. Ph Carolyn on 446 6517 or 027 292 8167 for a free on-site SERVICES OFFERED consultation. 10 years’ experience. Home Handyman. Mature professional cleaning. Husband and wife. in Devonport, Bayswater area. ReH o n e s t , r e l i a b l e , c a r e f u l pairs, painting, those jobs you just workers. All equipment sup- don’t have time to do. Free quote. plied. References available. References. Ph. Brian 021 150 8898. Ph Joyce 022 073 1550. Housekeeper. Home cleaning, A t Yo u r R e q u e s t H o m e including windows. ExperiCleaning. Our local team is enced. References. $25 per hour. ready to deliver 5-Star servic- Ph 442 2273, 027 492 6220. es in your home for weekly Housewashing. Get your house cleaning, spring, moving clean for the holidays by contacting or open-home cleaning. Call Bubble Boys house washing. We Yv o n n e f o r a f r e e q u o t e clean windows, doors, weather415 0028. boards, garages and outbuildings. Bookkeeping/Payroll Are you Support local, hard-working and a small business located in the reliable high-school Devonport Devonport area? Do you need boys by contacting us at seanslsomeone for a few hours each week reeves@gmail.com or call 021 to help you keep your accounts in 0621 750 to get a free quote. We are order? I can do your bookkeeping/ very reasonably priced. We protect accounts/payroll and IRD returns paint by using soft brushes only. so that everything is ready for your We can also provide water blasting accountant at the end of the financial for concrete driveways, paths and year! Contact Vicki on 021 845543. patios if needed. Builder available Small-job spe- Housewashing, prof. service, 10 cialist, repairs and maintenance. years-plus experience, reliable Skilled, reliable and local. Please and prompt. Free quotes, also phone Clive Melling. Hm 445 2485, decks, driveways, paths, fencMob 027 29 222 84. es, roof moss treatments etc. Phone Rod 021 390 800.
Mathematics Tuition Available Singing lessons in Devonport. for years 9 to 13 by a retired. Maths Contract Dr Sue Braatvedt 473 9113 or 027 340 2884. All ages. teacher. Phone Graeme 445 8575.
Art Travel Sketching for beginners. Learn to find your creative side in a fun learning environment over 10 weeks. Kerr St Artspace Tuesdays or Saturdays. Ph Tony McNeight 021 925 031.
Stitch Birds Embroidery Classes for students 8 to 18 years. Learn with the experts and create small interesting projects. $10 for 2 afternoons of stitching. 13th and 14th July 1-3.00pm. Email stitchbirdscreate@ gmail.com or phone Lynn 445 3661.
Reach your Devonport Peninsula customers cost-effectively.
HERITAGE AWARDS
Learn piano/keyboard. Lessons from $19.00. Private, Professional, Affordable, Enjoyment for all ages. Competitions, Practical, Theory Exams. NZ Modern School of Music 0800696-874.T
Contact the Flagstaff for our rates and dates. devonportflagstaff@orcon.net.nz
Real Estate
buying, selling, renting www.devonport.harcourts.co.nz licensed agent, REaa
CoopER & Co REal EstatE limitEd mREiNZ dEvoNpoRt BC5692
Diggadrain. Drain unblockers and drainage experts. CCTV drain locating. Repairs. New drains. 0800 your drain.
Art Classes @ D’Port Community house: Wednesday night, life drawing; Friday morning, mastering art. Ph Lucy Bucknall – 446 0389.
L o c k s m i t h , D e v o n p o r t ’s Art Classes for Children 6- 16 o w n S c o t t R i c h a r d s o n . yrs. Wednesdays 3.20 - 5.20 in Mob 021 976 607. artist’s home studio by the sea, DeNew Barber Shop located at 131 vonport. Term Two-Mixed Media, Lake Road, Belmont Shops. ALL Painting, Drawing, screen-printing CUTS $15! 021 042 4630 on oval stretched fabric board. Tagbuster, graffiti looked after V. contemporary. V fun! ConDevonport to Hauraki Corner. Call tact Erica Soman MFA Dip Tchg the Tagbuster 0800antitag, 0800 P G D i p A C , 0 2 1 1 2 7 9 6 7 1 erica_artist@xtra.co.nz 2684 824.
446 1203. flexmans@gmail.com
Stunning Cheltenham Beach Cottage, metres from the beach. Available for short or long-term holiday accommodation. Beautifully refurbished, one bedroom, self-contained cottage with a private garden. Phone Rebekah 027 694 3933 or email devonportbeks@gmail.com
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 37
Devonport-Takapuna Local Board
HERITAGE AWARDS 2016
Honouring our heritage heroes We want your help in finding our area’s heritage heroes. These awards aim to celebrate and promote excellence by individuals or groups in energising, preserving and supporting our unique historic heritage. Nominations and applications are now open and close 4pm, Sunday 7 August. Find out more at aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/devonporttakapuna
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 38
July 1, 2016
Hilton-Jones leads the way for Shore
At full throttle‌ North Shore centre Dan Hilton-Jones makes the break that led to his first-half try against East Coast Bays last Saturday
New free service from Genesis Energy now on the North Shore I need a sparky to check the wiring in my house. I need a plumber because my hot water cylinder is leaking. I need a gas fitter to install an instant hot water system. But I don’t know who to call or who to trust. I know there are websites that list trades, but there are so many listings and a recommendation of a reliable tradesperson would be really useful. Does one of these scenarios sound familiar? After talking to its customers, Genesis Energy realised it could use its skills to create a new free service called Trusted Trades that takes the stress out of finding a tradesperson. Genesis Energy is connecting people with local electricians, plumbers and gas fitters, who have been checked out, inspected and
hand-picked for the service. The Trusted Trades service invites tradespeople that have been checked over to join. Genesis Energy used its experience in managing and selecting quality partners throughout New Zealand to ensure the tradespeople selected are reliable, safe and focused on delivering high-quality services. To do that, a six-point quality check is carried out. Trusted Trades matches your need with an appropriate tradesperson. Or if it is a bigger job, and you would prefer to get a couple of quotes first, then you can do that too. The tradesperson will then contact you to arrange a time to do the job and they will bill you directly. Customer need and feedback is at the
heart of Trusted Trades. Just like a restaurant or travel website, you will have the option of giving Trusted Trades feedback on the job. If a trade partner consistently receives negative feedback, they will be removed from the programme. Trusted Trades is starting first on the North Shore as a free service. It includes local electricians, plumbers and gas fitters who have reputations for being committed to giving the best service they can to their customers. You can also let us know of a tradesperson you think might be a good fit for the Trusted Trades programme. Check it out at this address and let us know how you got on: www.genesisenergy.co.nz/trustedtrades
July 1, 2016
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 39
North Shore heading for home semi-final spot North Shore Premiers edged closer to a home semi-final spot last Saturday with an unconvincing 18-13 win over East Coast Bays at Vauxhall Rd. A smartly taken try after a slashing break by centre Daniel Hilton-Jones was converted by veteran Willie Walker, who also slotted a penalty to give Shore a 10-0 lead at half-time. But the margin should have been double that. Shore were camped inside the Bays half for all the first spell. But several dropped or forward passes when tries appeared in the offing proved costly. And Walker, usually a solid goal-kicker missed a couple of penalties from close range as well. Early in the second half, Shore disintegrated the Bays scrum and it looked like a forward-led Bullocking run… Leigh Thompson (above), usually Shore’s number eight, was making the most of a stint at second-five. Fraser Conway thrashing was likely. But how the tide turned. A gutsy Bays side took it to Shore and it was (below) scored a vital second-half try for Shore. the home side’s turn to defend the lion’s share of the second half. Sustained pressure brought a number of penalties against Shore. Bays firstfive Matt Cochrane kicked one and another hit the post. At 10-6 the match was anyone’s. Then against the run of play, Fraser Conway scored and it seemed Shore would ease its way through. But then it attempted a counter-attack on its 22 and a pass was intercepted, and Bays scored a try under the posts, which was converted. With nine minutes to play, Shore was grimly hanging onto a 15-13 lead. Then it managed to sweep downfield and gain a penalty right on playing Leigh Thompson at second-five was a tracks. He even knocked over the final penalty partial success. While his trademark bullocking goal on the dot of full-time to put the result full time. Walker had a solid game and was specially runs were an asset, the backline may have lost beyond doubt. Without him Shore would have a little of its flow. most likely lost this match. potent on attack in the first half. But the real star was Daniel Hilton-Jones, Overall, the result showed how close the 2016 But the Shore forwards looked sluggish, and pressing for a North Harbour spot. North Harbour Championship competition is. while they were commanding in the lineouts who must be • North Shore plays Marist at home this Saturthey never quite managed to get on top of the Sharp on attack, he was brilliant on defence, determined Bays pack. The experiment of often stopping East Coast Bays’ breaks in their day in the final round-robin match of the season. Tips for trouble-free computing Q: Argghhhhh!! Windows 10 has automatically installed itself on my system and I don’t want it! Can you get rid of it for me??? A: This is my number one issue at the moment and I am getting a lot of requests like yours. There is a lot of disgruntlement in the IT industry about this ‘forcing’ of an operating system upgrade on end-users and many people are not happy about it. Installing software on your computer, without your permission, is exactly what viruses and spyware do. So this is not behaviour we should see from Microsoft. However, some users in the US are thinking of initiating a class-action law suit against Microsoft for the fact that their computers have “been rendered useless,” and left with: 1. no sound, 2. no operating screen time 3. no access (password issues) 3. memory issues 4. lost files or 5. unauthorized access by Microsoft. Upcycle your laptop Wanted: old laptops still in working This mirrors my own experience with users here in Devonport. Anybody with an old computer (ie more condition to refurbish and donate to the then two years old) should probably not upgrade to Windows 10 as there is no way of knowing in advance Red Cross Refugee service. if the new operating system will work well – or work at all – on your computer. Your computer has just not been tested on Windows 10, so there is no way of knowing. Equally, if you have older scanners, printers, webcams or other such peripherals, you may find that these don’t work under Windows 10 either – so you may actually have to go out and buy new ones of these also. So much for a free upgrade! But what you do really need to know is that when Microsoft created Windows 10, it tied in numerous monitoring and data collection tools. The operating system is capable of gathering your search history, web usage, Windows Store usage, details of what applications you use, voice recordings, emails, geographic information and just about anything else that is on your PC. This information is gathered in part for improving Windows-based services, but it is also used for market research and advertising purposes. Because each Removing Windows 10 user on Windows 10 increases the amount of advertising information available to Microsoft, which in turn Yes, this can be done relatively Microsoft to earn more revenue from selling this data, it is not surprising that Microsoft wants enables easily if it is less than 28 days after everyone to use its new OS. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Windows 10 was installed. So call
Red Dragon Computers 445 7810
But then you knew that, right? me quick if you want to go back! Serving Devonport Businesses, Home Users and the Devonport Community since 2001
The DevonporT FlagsTaFF page 40
July 1, 2016
PREMIUM.CO.NZ | FINE HOMES DEVONPORT | 445 3414
DEVONPORT | 100 VICTORIA ROAD | GRAND MANSION IN THE HEART OF DEVONPORT Beautifully renovated throughout. Designed for upmarket guest house, this magnificent home boasts six double bedrooms, all with stunning tiled bathrooms. This fantastic family home is nestled on 961m² on the slopes of Mt Victoria. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a landmark historic home in a prominent central location. VIEW | BY APPOINTMENT PRICE | BY NEGOTIATION PREMIUM.CO.NZ/60471 GRANT SPEEDY 0274 511 800 PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD MREINZ LICENSED REAA 2008
BAYSWATER | 38 BERESFORD STREET | VENDOR HAS BOUGHT - OFFERS SOUGHT • Big, beautiful villa in one of the finest streets • Well maintained, plenty of scope to make it your own and gain, or move in and enjoy • Four bedrooms, two living, dining, new kitchen plus sleepout with own bathroom • Public transport near and handy to CBD ferry. VIEW | BY PRIVATE VIEWING PRICE | BY NEGOTIATION PREMIUM.CO.NZ/60482 PETER VOLLEBREGT 0274 515 188 PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD MREINZ LICENSED REAA 2008
R EC ENTLY SOLD BY KAT HRY N ROBERT SON
ld o s
I NVE ST M EN T P ROPERTIE S WA NTE D! I have many clients interested in purchasing investment properties, please contact me now if you are considering selling.
KATHRYN ROBERTSON 021 490 480 KathrynRobertson@premium.co.nz | DEVONPORT
930 1611
PREMIUM REAL ESTATE LTD MREINZ LICENSED REAA 2008
E VERY DEVONP ORT P ROP ERT Y IS A PREMI UM PROPERT Y