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Issue 176 –Issue 151– March 115 – 15 2019 March 2019 Issue 4, 2022 Issue –March March 2019
Landmark dairy relaunched as coffee spot... p3
Takapuna cricketers win T20 thriller... p5
AN INDEPENDENT AN INDEPENDENT VOICEVOICE AN INDEPENDENT VOICE
Proposed go-slow zone revealed... p7
Residents shaken by two Takapuna home invasions
Two Takapuna homeowners have been left shaken and are warning others to be vigilant after an intruder broke into their homes last month. The Observer spoke to two people who had their homes invaded on the same early morning. Both had a man enter and tell them
He picked up a baseball bat for protection they had to leave their homes on 19 February. A couple asleep in the bedroom of their and left the bedroom to find the invader halfEarnoch Ave, Takapuna, home of 38 years way up the stairs leading to the bedrooms. On being disturbed, the invader fled. were the victims of the first invasion. “We don’t feel safe in our own home,” the “I woke to find somebody yelling out in my own house, telling us to get out of this resident said, adding that his wife had been house,” the husband said. To page 2
Shovel Sunday a family affair
Dig this... Phoebe Atkinson and son Harley, 6, at the first big community garden working bee held at Forrest HIll’s Seine Reserve. “He’s as keen as we are,” she says. Story, pictures, page 10.
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Briefs Bid for beach lights
Fairy lights may be strung in trees overlooking Takapuna Beach. Options are being considered for lighting in the beach reserve area, Takapuna Beach Business Association chief executive Terence Harpur said. Devonport-Takapuna Local Board member George Wood said lights in the trees would make the area more attractive and appealing at night. Currently, the beach reserve area had no power connection for events, Wood said. “We really need to do something to get some improvements there.”
Fatal-crash case in court
A man involved in a crash that killed a North Shore cyclist has indicated he will plead not guilty to a charge of careless or inconsiderate driving causing death. Warrick Jones, a triathlete and Torbay father of three, was killed in a collision with a vehicle on the corner of Lake Rd and Montgomery Ave on 9 March last year. Simei Mose appeared in the North Shore District Court on Tuesday last week, after multiple delays due to lockdown last year. Through his lawyer, an intimated plea of not guilty was entered. He will reappear on 4 April for a case review hearing.
March 4, 2022
Omicron disruption widespread: more deaths
Two people with Covid-19 died at North Shore Hospital last week as the effects of Omicron are felt across the community. Earlier this week 53 people were in North Shore Hospital with the virus, with Auckland Hospital caring for 100 people and Middlemore Hospital 128. A shift to Phase 3 of the Omicron response means only those with the virus, their household, and people waiting for a test need to isolate. Health authorities are moving to cancel non-urgent operations as cases of staff sickness rise. Covid also began sweeping through North Shore schools over the last 10 days. The Ministry of Education said earlier this week that 442 out of 567 schools in the Auckland region were managing Covid cases. Carmel principal Christine Allen said last week, as the close contact categories changed: “We don’t have any staff who have tested positive but do have some at home self-isolating. We are still able to continue with onsite learning largely unaffected.” Carmel was using more relief teachers, but had prepared for the Omicron wave, she said.
• A regatta on Lake Pupuke appeared to have a lucky escape last month after a Covid-positive student attended, making all those at the Sylvan Park end of Head of the Harbour close contacts. College Sport Auckland chief executive Mark Barlow said the regatta had safety procedures in place and each school was kept separate from the others with no interactions. “To the best of my knowledge there was no transmission at all,” Barlow said. Future regattas are planned with the same stringent safety procedures, Barlow said. “We want these students to race. The students in Auckland have missed out on so much school sport since August last year.” • Takapuna Pool and Leisure Centre was also affected by the outbreak, with isolating staff forcing changes in classes and opening hours. These were set to return to normal by the time the Observer went to print. • A popular Milford cafe has closed until further notice due the Omicron outbreak. Stanley’s Cafe on East Coast Rd announced on Monday night it was temporarily closing “in consideration of current circumstances regarding Covid 19”. “Thank you for understanding as we all get these difficult times together.”
Intruder confronts two Takapuna homeowners From page 1 very shaken by the incident. “I’m genuinely concerned for people in Takapuna now.” The home is down a right-of-way, protected by a security camera, but this did not deter the offender who made a face at the camera on his way in about 4.50am, the resident said. “He knew he was being filmed; he didn’t care.” The couple called the police. “And while the police were here they got a call to say there was another break-in at the other [southern] end of the beach.” A couple and their two children, aged two and a half years and three months, were at home at the second invaded property.
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Worryingly, the intruder apparently knew the security code on the gate. “He’s obviously been loitering around that end of the beach, watching the code,” the father said. He confronted the intruder and convinced him to leave. “It was very, very close to breaking out into a physical altercation,” he said. “We’re all shaken and had our space violated.” He was concerned about what might have occurred if he was not there. The victims in both cases were frustrated at the slow response from police in following up the case. Several days after the invasions they had not yet had a statement taken. Police confirmed two burglaries were reported on the date, saying they arrived at the Earnoch Ave address after a man had
fled. He was located soon after the second break in. He was arrested. • A 36-year-old man appeared in the North Shore District Court last week charged with two counts of burglary and one of being unlawfully in an enclosed area. With the matter before the courts, police would say no more. The man, who is understood to have been bailed, will reappear in court at a later date. A member of the Hauraki Neighbourhood Watch group, Andy Simpson, said the group was looking into extra security measures to discuss with concerned residents. While crime statistics seemed unchanged, he said minor incidents associated with drinking had fallen away, but serious crime had risen.
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March 4, 2022
Young entrepreneur turns long-time dairy into coffee spot
Twenty-year-old Macie Stewart has taken on the challenge of transforming a landmark Takapuna dairy into a new business. The former Carmel College student this week opened coffee shop Kinship in the former Lake Rd premises of the Rangitoto Superette, long known for selling ice creams. Stewart herself was a customer as a child. “We came for ice cream all the time when I was growing up,” she says. It was when she tried to take her nephew, visiting from Christchurch, for an ice cream that she realised the dairy was closed and up for lease. It has been empty for months, after a robbery last year. With the backing of her parents, Stewart took up the lease. She has earlier opened a coffee stand in their Junk & Disorderly store in Northcote and then a smaller Kinship coffee shop in Mt Eden, shortly before last year’s big lockdown. Over the last few weeks, she has transformed the tired dairy into a fresh white space, decorated with a few second-hand treasures. In the face of Omicron, she has seized the new opportunity. “I can’t go on an OE or anything – so why not?” she says. In pulling down old plywood covering the dairy’s windows and some exterior walls, a lurid-green paint job was exposed, adding to the work required. But one thing Stewart isn’t changing is the Rangitoto Superette sign above the door, which she is keeping as a nod to the building’s heritage. Her own business name is prominent on the frontage. Ice creams, milk and bread will remain part of the cafe’s offering, with a limited cafe menu including toasties, but the main focus is coffee. “I like the connection coffee brings in the community,” says Stewart. She will open from 6am to 6pm daily in the building that she has learned has been a dairy since 1928. She hopes its lawn will be a feature, perhaps even hosting food trucks.
Back in business... Macie Stewart is reinventing an old Lake Rd dairy Stewart has worked in hospitality since pected academically, she says, but her mother, leaving school, with a stint at the Takapuna Nicole, says she is “really proud” of what her daughter has already achieved. “She has the Beach Cafe. Her career path wasn’t what her school ex- personality for it.”
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March 4, 2022
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March 4, 2022
Last-ball boundary lands T20 title for Takapuna Takapuna Cricket Club won the Auckland premier men’s T20 Championship final in a last-ball thriller against Auckland University. Playing at home at Colin Maiden Park in Glen Innes, University batted first and were quickly in trouble, with Takapuna’s Daniel James bowling both openers in the first three overs. Skipper Matt Jones then struck twice in the ninth over, before Will O’Donnell chimed in to have University in deep trouble at 59/5 at the 10-over mark. University skipper Jonathan Low then went about building a total to defend, hitting 66 off 48 balls to lift his side to 131/6. The score meant both sides were in the match. Takapuna’s chase would prove just that, racing out of the blocks through Max O’Dowd (33) before the University attack squeezed the middle order. Regular wickets kept the hosts Nail-biter... Takapuna premiers celebrate after their last-ball win in the final in the contest, with Angus Olliver of the Auckland T20 championship picking up 3-26 from his four overs, including the big wicket of Falanitule produced another excellent de- one-day title at the same ground. O’Donnell (23). The winning T20 team was: Max O’Dowd, livery, but an inside edge from James ran past Takapuna kept the score moving, but the the keeper and away to the boundary for four. Ben Beecroft, Will O’Donnell, Quinn Sunvisitors still required 19 from the final two Takapuna coach Neil Fletcher said his side de, Tristan Van Ingen-Kal, Cam Neal, Dan overs. was pacing the chase well, until good bowl- James, Toby Stroobant, Jordan Sussex, Matt James, who had given Takapuna their ing at the death by University’s seamers. Jones (c), Samrath Singh and Guy Harley. initial advantage when bowling in the game, • Takpuna is currently leading the Jeff In four matches this season Takapuna had cleared the rope from the batting crease in won the match in the last over. However, Crowe 50 over one day competition after the 19th over to leave seven runs needed off never as closely as the final. beating North Shore at home last weekend. the final six balls. “Leaving it to the last ball was a bit tight,” It posted 270/8 in 50 overs then bowled Elias Falanitule delivered an oustanding Fletcher said. “It was great to get it over the Shore out for 222 in 44 overs. With three first five deliveries: one dot, three singles line, though.” rounds of the competition to go Takapuna and a wicket. The win was on the 10th anniversary to plays Howick-Pakuranga at Lloyd Elsmore Four was required from the final ball. the day of Takapuna winning the Auckland Park this Saturday.
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March 4, 2022
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Kindergarten places are in hot demand on the lower North Shore, with Takapuna Kindergarten having more than 110 children on its waiting list and Devonport Kindergarten 93. Other kindergartens in the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area – at Milford, Sunnynook, Westlake-Forrest Hill and Bayswater-Belmont – were also “always full”, the chief executive of the Auckland Kindergarten Association, Pauline Winter. told the board in a briefing last week. The high demand meant some children were not able to access this early childhood education option until they were four, rather than at two when enrolments were first taken, Winter said. “We would love to open more kindies if we can get help with buildings,” she said. Four of the six local kindergartens are on leased council sites, with the association re-
Roadworks adding lane on Fred Thomas Dr
Fred Thomas Dr in Takapuna will be oneway for a few weeks while an extra lane is added at the Takapuna Landing roundabout . Auckland Transport (AT) says the work will create a straight-through only lane and a right-turn lane for traffic approaching from the north. A raised crossing is also being installed. Takapuna Landing leads to Akoranga bus station. The extra lane will split the traffic queue and speed up journey times for buses, AT said. The construction, which will cost about $350,000, is expected to be done by 18 March.
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sponsible for building upkeep. Board member Toni van Tonder said the board needed to support the association in dealing with the high demand. Member Jan O’Connor suggested the association look to obtain a site in Hauraki to relieve the enrolment pressure and to save people from that fast-developing suburb having to travel into Takapuna. Winter also raised the issue of increasing traffic from development posing a safety risk outside some centres. Parking could also be a problem, she said, citing the Milford kindergarten on Pierce Rd and Takapuna’s on Tennyson Ave. The Sunnynook site had a stormwater issue and at Westlake-Forrest Hill buildings were ageing. Winter said the board could assist kindergartens by approving longer leases.
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March 4, 2022
Safe speeds for Takapuna Town Centre
Proposed Takapuna go-slow zone revealed Hurstm ere Rd
Speed limit proposals for Takapuna encircle the town centre and Takapuna Primary School and take in many residential side streets. The proposed 30km/h zone, which Auckland Transport (AT) is promoting as a safety measure, takes in all streets north of Bracken Ave to Earnoch Ave, with the northern end of busy Killarney St included due to its tricky Lake junction with Hurstmere Rd. West of The Promenade, Killarney St will Pupuke remain at 50km/h, but four roads running off it (The Promenade, Campt yS ne lar bell Rd, The Terrace and Auburn St) are included in the go-slow zone. Kil The proposal was posted online by AT this week and will be open for Takapuna community feedback until April. A similar but more far-reaching zone School St zac has been developed for Devonport, stretching from the town centre to An Feedback is due by 3 April 2022 include Stanley Bay and St Leo’s schools. St A working group, including business and community leaders, has been ey rn t consulting with AT aboutspeed the Takapuna plansare to ensure local issues and Killa The proposed reductions the first step t ft S cS cro A n za rth feelings in aremaking considered. It includes Devonport-Takapuna Local Board No Devonport safer, later in the year there memberswill Aidan and George Wood. be aBennett consultation around additional speed Takapuna Beachmeasures. Business Association chief executive Terence Harpur ve calming nA cke welcomed the early collaborative involvement “to ensure a safe, pedestrian Bra Rosmini College Speeds will be reduced for foryears the safety of tamariki and business-friendly environment to come”. attending near Board(children) member Trish Deans,schools who was on you. the Devonport working group, says she refer supports the map. safety initiatives generally, especially in Please to the Rd de on town centres, but she wants people to realise they can have a say. “Where Esmarea in Takapuna Slow zone... AT’s proposed 30km/h Your feedback important andresidents will helpbeusreceptive make to an do you put signs, where isis30 and 50? Will Proposed area for speed changes on the proposed changes. extendedfinal areadecisions of 30km/h?” Programme director Nathan Cammock says the proposed safety AT says reducing speeds saves live and trauma from crashes. Lower improvements target areas of known safety risk. AT says across those town-centre speed limits have already been introduced over the last 24 Auckland roads where speed limit and safety measures were installed in months in Mairangi Bay, Torbay, Ōtāhuhu, Orewa, West Lynn, Mission mid-2020, there has been a 67 per cent reduction in deaths and a 19 per Bay and St Heliers. AT has Takapuna and Devonport to be first cent reduction in injury crashes in the 12months that followed compared To have your say, attend a picked webinar or for more information: for the treatment locally, but a roll-out to Milford is expected. with the previous five years. AT.govt.nz/Haveyoursay 09on 355 3553 ATSpeedProgramme@at.govt.nz Other safety measures will be consulted later in the year, includ• The proposal is online at the AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay page. Feedback ing raised pedestrian crossings and kerb alterations, road markings and closes on 3 April. AT will make the changes either at the end of this year, signage. Killarney St-Hurstmere Rd is expected to be a focus of some or early next. Public drop-in information sessions have been shifted online of this work. because of Covid-19: 9 March 6.30pm-7pm or 15 March 7.30pm-8pm. Alis
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March 4, 2022
EXTEND YOUR SUM
Make the most of the beautiful weather and long
The natural scenery and set up of Takapuna makes it easy to keep your summer going - so gather the troops, the friends and family, and come on in to Takapuna for one (or more!) of our favourite things to do. Indulge in some spectacular outdoor dining With beach views, sea breezes and scorching weather, dining in Takapuna could not be more appealing! Takapuna has so many different places to eat and drink, with most of them also offering great outdoor seating – there’s something for every taste in Takapuna!
Treat yourself to some outdoor retail therapy Takapuna has some of the best boutique shops on Hurstmere Rd and surrounding streets – where else can you enjoy a fresh, salty sea-breeze while perusing some high-end fashion?
Pack a picnic or enjoy takeaways at Takapuna Beach There are many different places to get some delicious snacks or meals in Takapuna, so why not grab some to takeaway and enjoy them at the Beach!
Play the day away on one of the best white sand beaches in Auckland Takapuna Beach has been voted one of Auckland’s favourite beaches – and we definitely agree! With the amazing white sand, sparkling waters and plenty of grass reserve for everyone to enjoy – there couldn’t be a more perfect way to spend a summers’ day, than at Takapuna Beach.
March 4, 2022
The Rangitoto Observer Page 9
MER IN TAKAPUNA
days, and head to Takapuna for some fun in the sun! Escape the heat, shop and refresh yourself at Shore City Shopping Centre Relax and enjoy the air conditioned experience of shopping at Shore City – with over 50 different stores, you’re bound to find what you want and need all under one roof, including some tasty refreshments after a good days’ shopping!
Grab a refreshing or energising beverage, or a cold sweet treat, and walk the Lava Trail! Takapuna is home to some of the best cafes and ice cream around, so grab whatever you need for your walk, from coffee to juice, to refreshing ice cream or smoothie, and hit the trail! The Lava trail is a stunning seaside walk along the Coast, that forms part of the Te Araroa walkway, and the Takapuna to Milford section runs directly through an ancient, fossilised Kauri Forest! Let the kids explore and play at Takapuna Beach Right on the beach, is one of Auckland’s best playgrounds – the all-abilities Takapuna Beach Playground! Grab a coffee and let the kids free with some active and engaging outdoor play, and finish off with a refreshing walk in the shallows of the beach. There’s also a number of delicious ice-cream and frozen yoghurt places close enough to the beach for all the well-behaved kiddos (and of course their well-behaved caregivers!)
Feed the ducks and geese at Lake Pupuke Nestled a little further inland, is the great Lake Pupuke and it’s famous flock of duck and geese, who all love a bit of attention! Take a lovely walk through the reserve and along the lake edge, and bring a long some snacks to feed the locals, like: wheat, oats, rice, bird seed, frozen peas or corn, chopped lettuce or duck pellets (please don’t feed them plain bread!)
Head out on an adventure to find Whales and an Owl! You may have already seen the fantastic Owl sculpture halfway along Hurstmere Rd, but if not – it’s a great thing to have the kids go out and search for! And until mid-April, Takapuna is also home to three giant Whale Tail sculptures, all handpainted by different artists, that are part of the Whale Tale Art Trail 2022. Download the Whale Tale app, find the Tails, scan the QR codes at each location, and unlock some great rewards and specials! Catch up with your (four-legged) friends for some beach time If your children or friends are of the furry and four-legged variety, why not organise a nice walk along Takapuna Beach – the perfect dog-walking beach with calm waters, lots of room and plenty of sticks around! You’ll find that most of the cafés and eateries in Takapuna are dog-friendly too, so finding the perfect brunch spot or dinner venue will be easy for your after-walk treats – you just have to decide which one! For a comprehensive list of all the places to eat, drink, shop, entertain and treat yourself this summer, as well as a further list of ideas of places to go and things to do in Takapuna, head to our website: www.ilovetakapuna.co.nz.
The Rangitoto Observer Page 10
March 4, 2022
Helpers dig in to launch community garden
Forrest Hill Community Garden’s first public working bee proved a big success, with around 40 volunteers of all ages turning up. Driving force Phoebe Atkinson was delighted with the turnout for site preparation work at the rear of Seine Reserve which the group has been given council permission to use. Old fill was cleared, weeds dug out and mulch spread. Future working bees will build gardening beds to grow vegetables for shared use. “The food is the bonus the real point of it is just building community,” said Atkinson. Judging by the turnout, the notion appeals. From seniors to school children, there were plenty of willing workers over several hours on Sunday, 20 February. They also enjoyed an afternoon refreshment break. Karen Brook said she had a vegetable garden at home and liked the whole concept of one in the community and its being sited near a playground. Akiko Alexander, who also lives nearby, said: “We’re still new to New Zealand and wanted to be part of the community garden.” A student helper, Alice Wu, who brought along a group of friends after finding out about the garden on Instagram, said: “I just really like
Friends indeed... Alice Wu (second left) loves the hands-on approach to community building and sustainable living that the garden offers, so she rounded up her friends (from left) Ruan Tan, Zane Kelbrick, Irish Leng and Lily Martin-Babin to volunteer their time as well the idea of a collaborative environment.” She is doing a post-graduate design degree and has studied permaculture, so this was also a handson extension of her interests. It has taken several Covid-interrupted years to turn the garden idea into reality.
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Atkinson, who lives near the reserve, gathered support to form a charitable trust to run it. Backing was won from the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board, whose chair, Ruth Jackson, was impressed when she dropped in to check on progress. Mulch has come from the council and Carters is donating timber for planting beds, which a local builder has offered to help put up. A storage shed and fencing will follow. In time, gardening courses may be run from the site, teaching people skills for the likes of home composting. Leading into planting, the trust will run working bees on Sunday afternoons and a weekday morning, with interested people able to find out more online. Atkinson emphasises that the garden is a community one, rather than a home for individual allotments. She hopes people will respect the space rather than help themselves once produce is growing, with the vision being for community harvests and divvying up produce between people as needed.
The Rangitoto Observer Page 11
March 4, 2022
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Medplus welcomes new Doctor, Sir David Mauger
The Rangitoto Observer Page 12
March 4, 2022
RECOVER YOUR
The Medplus team are very pleased to announce that they have been joined by a new family doctor, Sir David Mauger KNZM. David, who trained in Otago, has had a prestigious career in paediatric oncology and was knighted for his services to paediatrics in 2009. Whilst David has retired from his super- specialist field he remains an Honoury Consultant and has now taken up an interest in accident & emergency medicine and general practice. He is working part time as Backed by over a35 years’ experience general practitioner at Medplus and enjoys seeing patients of all ages. of quality preparation and painting Qualified Local Arborist When David came to Auckland as a junior Call us for a free quotation and put the life ph ross kingdom paediatrician his stamping ground was Tree & Tall Hedge Specialist Princess Mary Hospital at the edge of Auckback into that favourite chair or lounge suite received the Polar Medal and has a mountain has seven grandchildren he loves to play land Domain. David recalls that Ward 32, named after him for the part he played in savwith. David is a member of the Devonport (general paediatrics), was so full of children ing the ship and the crew.” Yacht ClubAuckland and spends most of his spare time with diseases like meningitis, pneumonia, Devonport, Phone on When asked about howCOLIN he felt to receive a working on his yacht. “My interest in wooden tuberculosis and rheumatic fever that it was tony.gasperini@gmail.com knighthood, David responded “I didn’t really boats comes from my father. My family has practically an infectious disease ward. There believe it. It was a great day, one of the top been boat builders for generations. I have were also children with leukaemia, in whom a g3a r d eyachts; n s all pe c i100 a lyears ist three in my life. I was really pleased that the wooden about David took great interest and he was the clini- owned a garden specialist a and g now a r have d e an1926 sp e c Two i a lofi the st citation was for paediatrics and not paediatric old launch. cian behind the first allogenic bone marrow a garden specialist oncology. Paediatrics has always been transplant in 1979. “The transplant a garden specialist my mission.” was the focus of a massive conflict a garden specialist Doctors Fiona Brow, Michele Hollis, Dr David Mauger joins Doctors I had with the medical establisha g a r Tree d e nPruning specialist ment at the time. We had no cure for David Hopcroft,Tree JeanPruning Lim, Heidi MacRae, Fiona Brow, Michele Hollis, David Tree Pruning Hedge trimming Tree Pruning Hopcroft, Jean Lim, Heidi MacRae children with leukaemia who had trimming David Mauger,Hedge Helen Shrimpton and Hedge trimming Helen Shrimpton and Annie Si. relapsed, and I thought there was Treemaintenance Pruning North Shore based renovations, Garden Hedge trimming Tree Pruning • FENCES good data•toRETAINING Garden maintenance you all a Happy Christmas Medplusnew is open from 8am to 8pm suggest some children Annie Si wish Garden maintenance builds, design & project Hedge trimming Landscaping Garden weekdays, both Saturday and Sunday have another chance. They did Treemaintenance Pruning Hedge trimming Landscaping • PERGOLASmight WALLS Landscaping management mornings from 9am to 12noon andsince 1985. Garden maintenance and bone marrow transplant is still Landscaping Hedge trimming yachts Garden were built inmaintenance Devonport and the launch provides family medical care to both enrolled • DECKS the preferred treatment for children in second Landscaping Trustworthy specialising patients and visitors. Check licensed out the webbuilders site was built in Milford, where she still is.” Garden maintenance remission.” Landscaping Contact Rene on • PROPERTY MAINTENANCE for the full range in of residential services available. www. His father was also aRene pioneering man, alterations/extensions, In the 1970s David was disappointed to Contact on Landscaping Contact Rene on medplus.co.nz kitchens, To make anbathrooms, appointment call being part of Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 Trans find that support for children with cancer Contact Rene on tiling, re-cladding. 021 134 5604 the friendly reception team on 4892011. Antarctic Expedition. “He was the carpenter from the Cancer Society was very limited. 021 134 5604 Contact Rene on 021 134 5604 CONTACT US 021 5604 on the Aurora, the134 shipRene that wenton to the Ross David went on to co- found the Child Cancer info renegardening.co.nz Contact Contact Alex Carey on info renegardening.co.nz Sea. Shackleton to5604 the Weddell Sea Medplus will be open on 24th, 27th, Foundation and was an advocate for the 021 went 134 FOR A FREE QUOTE info renegardening.co.nz Contact Rene on 0274 660 666, info renegardening.co.nz 021 134 5604 and his ship the Endurance was lost there. 28th, 31st December, 3rd andor 4thvisit our website establishment of Starship Hospital in 1991. info renegardening.co.nz The Aurora was at134 Cape 5604 Evans near Scott January from 8am-5pm and will be He is pleased to now be working on the 021 www.efd.kiwi info renegardening.co.nz Base when she broke free in a blizzard and open on weekends as normal from Shore, where he lived for much of his adult info renegardening.co.nz was trapped in the ice for 10 months. My dad 9am-noon over the holiday period. life. He is the proud father of five sons and
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Front Door Receptionist
Sales and Marketing Local jobs Administrator - Sole Charge Medplus Family Medical Centre | 327 Lake Road, Hauraki Corner | Ph 09 489 2011 for people living on the Shore We are looking for a confident, wellspoken, and friendly receptionist to join our general practice medical centre in Hauraki.
This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours per week Monday to Friday 8am-4.30pm. The position is likely to be in place for up to six months, but will no longer be required once the Covid-19 outbreak eases, The receptionist will be responsible for meeting and greeting our patients as they arrive at the medical centre, and performing Covid-19 screening processes including asking questions, taking temperatures, and scanning vaccine passports.
There may be other administration tasks asked of the receptionist to complete in quieter times of the day. This will be a great opportunity for a school leaver or someone wanting to gain experience in customer service and medical centre administration.
Live local. Work local. ShoreJobs.co.nz
Full training will be given to the successful applicant. Please send your cover letter and CV to practicemanager@medplus.co.nz by Sunday 27th February 2022.
Bayleys Devonport is looking for an administration superstar to look after a team of residential real estate sales consultants. Plenty of variety and autonomy. You need to have great IT skills, attention to detail, be able to multitask and enjoy working with people. Training will be provided but a passion for real estate is essential. This position is full-time so if you are looking for an exciting new role this could be it. Contact carol.henry@bayleys.co.nz or call on 021 469 300.
CLASSIFIEDS SERVICES OFFERED FixIT Handyman - excellent work, practical budget, most jobs welcome, interior/ exterior free quote. Josh 021 261 8322. WANT TO ADVERTISE? Rangitoto Observer Classified Advertising. It really works. To make a booking please email us at sales@devonportflagstaff.co.nz
The Rangitoto Observer Page 13
March 4, 2022
New vicar out to lift church profile
If you’re a regular Takapuna walker, you may have already bumped into the new local Anglican vicar Nathan de Senna took on his role at St Peter’s Anglican Church on Killarney St in the thick of lockdown last year and has since been getting out and about to meet the local community. “It was a strange start to the job. We worshipped over Zoom,” Rev de Senna said “It’s been great to be able to be back in person over the last couple of months and being able to have our Christmas services in person was a real joy.” Now he is looking ahead, with plans to give St Peter’s a more visible presence, through supporting community needs in challenging times. He is also keen to build relationships with other local churches. Although de Senna spent his childhood in various places in New Zealand and overseas, his father was born and raised in Takapuna so his new appointment is something of a homecoming. Along with a new job, he has a new dog to accompany him on his local walks – Westley, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel with a quarter cocker spaniel. De Senna is keen for people to know they are welcome to pop in for a chat at the church any time they are passing. Maybe someone could even give him some tips on raising a puppy: “There are good days and not so good days with the potty-training...”
Collar wearers... Rev Nathan de Senna with pup Westley
Milford camping ban backed
Freedom camping should be banned at Milford Beach Reserve, says the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. Auckland Council is set to bring in rules to govern freedom camping in the region later this year, with Becroft Park and King Edward Pde in Devonport the only specified locations in the board area in line for its ban. But some submitters on the council plans believe camping should be banned in other high-use areas, such as the beach reserves at Milford and Takapuna. The Milford Residents’ Association wanted freedom camping restricted to two allocated spaces on the non-seaward side of the beach reserve car-park. The board voted to call on the council to impose a total ban instead. It also suggested at its meeting last month freedom camping be banned within 2km of a licensed camping ground. “I don’t want to be mean to freedom campers but we have to look after our local businesses and local residents,” chair Ruth Jackson said. In regards to Becroft Park it was updated that camping would be banned by default due to its reserve status, rather than requiring listing. The board’s feedback also requested looking into prosecutting freedom campers, which was opposed by member Toni van Tonder. A panel will consider all feedback, deliberate and make recommendations to the council, with the council to make a final decision on whether to adopt the proposed changes in June.
Have your say
Write to the Observer
We welcome letters. Please limit to 300 words on local topics. Nom de plumes or unnamed letters will not be printed. Email news@rangitoto-observer. co.nz or write to Letters, PO Box 32 275, Devonport.
Simon Watts National Party Spokesperson for Local Government and Associate Finance & Associate Infrastructure
Speed Limits Amendment Bylaw 2022 - Phase Three Auckland Transport is proposing to set new permanent speed limits on approximately 1,646 roads around Auckland, including some roads in Belmont, Devonport Town Centre and Takapuna Town Centre.
Your local MP, supporting you and our community
Give your feedback by 3 April 2022 Hear from our project team at one of our online webinars. Wednesday 9 March, 6.30pm - 7pm or Tuesday 15 March, 7.30pm – 8pm
1 Earnoch Avenue, Takapuna northshore@parliament.govt.nz 09 486 0005
Visit the website below or scan the QR code to access the webinar links.
To learn more and tell us what you think, go to: AT.govt.nz/haveyoursay For more information visit AT.govt.nz or phone 09 355 3553
Authorised by Simon Watts, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.
J007752_22.02.22
J007752_22.02.22 - Rangitoto Obs.
On proposed speed limit changes around the North Shore
MP for North Shore
Arts / Entertainment Pages
The Rangitoto Observer Page 14
March 4, 2022
Song and dance greets return of market to
Family effort... Alana Budd (above) working at a food stall with parents Jozsef and Emese Juhasz and (below) Mele, nearly 9, with her grandmother, Vika Tuitavaki, who has long sold antiques there Back busking... Zoe Burnett, 15, has sung at the market for two years. Gary Walker (below) is a regular trader
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©Copyright OceanFun Publishing Ltd
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March 4, 2022
Arts / Entertainment Pages
The Rangitoto Observer Page 15
Takapuna
Takapuna Sunday Market has been welcomed back by locals. Stallholders say the first two weekends were fairly quiet, but it had been worth setting up shop again after six months out of action. Visitor and stall numbers are expected to build, as happened after previous Covid interruptions. “It’s good to see it back,” said Davide Punturiero who came across the market by chance when out on a dog walk. “We’ve seen a few regulars,” said longtime flower seller Carl Singh, who during lockdown developed his online trade. “The main thing is we are back,” said Emese Juhasz, at her Hungarian bread stall, Sweet Chimney & Elephant Ears. “It’s going to take time, but it’s always nice here.” A number of stallholders have been trading at other markets which reopened earlier. “It’s good, we are an outside market and all the stallholders are vaccinated,” said Juhasz. Bacon seller Mick O’Donoghue said a lot of regulars did not know the market was on, but it was good to see some familiar faces. Honey seller and Takapuna resident Gary Walker said: “We’ve been away too long.” His Puhoi honey business has been trading at Britomart market, but he says the inner-city is quiet, whereas he has higher hopes of a faster bounce-back locally. “It’s going to Quick step... Shoppers Roger Kay from Takapuna and Penelope take a few weeks to get its feet on the ground Davenport, of Milford, took timeout to dance to a busker’s guitar again, but I’m very confident.” Some residents told the Observer they were surprised more was not done to advertise the return. Street signs saying “Market Open Today” would help, said one, especially with work under way on the central car-park meaning hoardings were obscuring the view of the site. Around 50 market stalls, with room for considerably more, are now spread out at NOW SHOWING the Anzac St end of the site each Sunday The Batman (M) 178min NEW morning. NOW SCREENING Carbon - The Unauthorized Biography (G) 89min NEW The Great Dictator (1940) Rerelease (G) 125min NEW Facing Monsters (E) 90min
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Skies of Lebanon (PG) 91min
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Monster Family 2 (PG) 103min
CREATIVE TALKS: Terry Hooper Monday 7 March
Discover the people behind the arts in this free event. RSVP required.
Se Joon Park Piano Recital Sunday 20 March
A beautiful Autumn piano concert.
Educating Rita 24 March – 2 April
One of Willy Russell’s best-known plays.
PH: 489 8360
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Cyrano (M) 123min Flee (M) 89min
The Godfather Part II (1974) 50th Anniversary Rerelease (PG) 202min
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48 Victoria Road | (09) 446 0100 | www.thevic.co.nz
The Rangitoto Observer Page 16
March 4, 2022
CAMPBELLS BAY | 207 BEACH ROAD | THE GREAT ESCAPE
Proudly positioned at the very highest point of Campbells Bay sits this spectacular 1,550sqm clifftop estate. Providing 5 bedrooms including a truly luxurious master bedroom suite with walk in wardrobe, oversized ensuite overlooking the harbour, this most certainly is a home to treasure. The clifftop tennis court beside the home is potentially subdivisible making this not only a magnificent home but also a great investment opportunity.
VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT PREMIUM.CO.NZ/80199 PRICE | BY NEGOTIATION LEWIS GUY 021 867 355 | 916 6000
TAKAPUNA | 5/47 THE STRAND | BEACHFRONT UTOPIA | TAKAPUNA SANDS
This 3 bedroom apartment has been a precious home for many years. Offering a buyer the freedom to put their own stamp on the original classic decor. Takapuna Sands offers resort style living with a feel of being in Hawaii. Enjoy the pool, spa, tennis court, gym and sauna and the tropical styled gardens. 2 parallel carparks with level access to the apartment and storage plus visitor parking and friendly on site managers. (MVP)
VIEW | SUN 2 - 2.40 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT PREMIUM.CO.NZ/80219 SET DATE OF SALE | 17/3/2022 4 PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR ALISON PARKER 021 983 533 | 916 6000
MILFORD | 2B PIERCE ROAD | A MODERN CLASSIC FAMILY RESIDENCE
This private, spacious, 305sqm home consists of 4 double bedrooms including huge master suite, study, open plan living with a generous family friendly kitchen, and a separate lounge to retreat to. The living flows naturally through full height glass sliders to the northerly, easily maintained private courtyard and landscaped garden.
VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT PREMIUM.CO.NZ/80237 SET DATE OF SALE | 23/3/2022 4PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR ALISON PARKER 021 983 533 | 916 6000 ROBERT MILNE 022 011 24 94 | 916 6000
TAKAPUNA | 3/284 LAKE ROAD | A HIDDEN GEM
In a highly sought after location this substantial residence offers a private sunny north facing position enjoying lovely views over to the Hauraki Gulf. Five bedrooms plus study, three bathrooms and guest powder room. Triple garage and plenty of off-street parking. Close proximity to Hauraki corner shops
VIEW | PLEASE CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT PREMIUM.CO.NZ/80232 EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST | 17/3/2022 4 PM UNLESS SOLD PRIOR
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