Our Henderson Heights Community News, November 2017

HENDERSONHEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWS

Vol 3. Issue 1

Keeping everyone informed and up to date in our neighbourhood

Famous HH Lollipop Man Says

“I Have To Say Goodbye!”

If you are a long term HH resident, you couldn’t have missed Ramesh Chandra.

He’s the much loved Lollipop man who for the past eleven and a half years has dedicated his life to helping children at Summerland School stay safe. He is also a member of the Melvin Jones Fellowship International (Lions) and a committee member of the Waitakere Neighbourhood support organisation.

Sadly, he’s hanging up his Lollipop in HH, and heading for Manukau to live. I caught up with him recently, and he answered all my questions so beautifully!

HHCnews: What prompted you to volunteer to be the Lollipop man all those years ago?

Ramesh: I have two children, a son and a daughter. I am also a grandfather. Two things influenced me strongly to be the lollypop man.

First, and many years ago, I saw with my own eyes a young child knocked over by a car outside a school. The memory of this has never left me.

Second, one day eleven and a half years ago, I came to pick up my grandson from Summerland School, and he couldn’t get across the road because of all the traffic. I

November 2017

own. Each one is so precious. If they are so precious to me, who is not their parent, how much more so would they be to their parents! Parents must sense this because many wind down their windows as they pass and say with a smile “Well done Ramesh – you are doing a great job!” It’s been a sheer delight for me to have this opportunity.

HHCnews: You love the community too?

RAMESH CHANDRA was terrified at the thought that he might suddenly run across the road to get to me, and in the process be killed. At that moment, I said to myself “I am going to sort this out!”

So I went to the school and spoke to the principal about volunteering myself to be the lollypop man. He was overjoyed!

I get to school at 8am Monday to Friday and supervise the children crossing the road until about 9:15am. Then from 2pm to 3:30pm, I look after the Summerland School carpark making sure cars park in the proper place.

HHCnews: You obviously love children!

Ramesh: Yes, I do. Every little one that crosses the road, I treat like they were my

Ramesh: Oh yes, I do! Being the lollypop man has helped me get to know a lot of people. It’s much better than sitting at home watching TV. I think we are all designed to help others and to serve in our community, and this was a great opportunity for me. Being the lollypop man has given me great satisfaction and purpose. When I die, I know I will look back on this opportunity as a gift. I am so glad I took the opportunity.

HHCnews: You are sounding quite philosophical?

Ramesh: Yes, I am. I would urge everyone to look for opportunities in our HH community to serve and love people. Often certain opportunities only come once in every person’s life. If you miss these opportunities, you miss them and before you know it, death will be upon you, and it will be too late!

If you want to contact Ramesh, and wish him well, please email him on grchandra_nz@yahoo.co.nz or phone him on 021 2593751.

All the very best Ramesh!

SCISSORHANDS HAIR DESIGN PH: 09 8360667

$20.00 VOUCHER Towards any Colour, Cut and Blow wave Service in November Valid until 30th November 2017 Bring your Henderson Heights Community News ad in to claim your discount.

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

Nourish your hair for a healthier look with our NEW MATRIX ‘BOND Ultim8’

Page 1

Does Henderson Heights Have A Heart?

I knocked on the door of someone in HH recently, and in the middle of the conversation he said “this community has no heart.” Wow! He and his family had moved from another suburb in Auckland two years ago. In the

SecureEnvoy, a British mobile security firm, disclosed a widespread condition called “nomophobia” (no-mobile-phobia), or fear of loss of one’s cell phone. Two-thirds of those surveyed by SecureEnvoy strongly feared loss of their mobiles - up from 53% four years ago - reporting such symptoms as trembling, sweating and nausea.

Devices like smartphones embody the

BUILDING C O M M U N I T Y HENDERSON HEIGHTS instincts as humans? This didn’t happen overnight. In 1968, computer pioneer J.C.R. Licklider said, “In the future we’ll be able to communicate more effectively through a machine than face-to-face.”

Let me conclude. This issue of the newspaper will go out to 5000 homes in HH. That’s a record. It’s purpose has been made clear – to help reclaim ‘community’.

To reclaim ‘face to face’. To improve the heart health of HH. Yet to date only a handful of faithful people have called up or emailed me to say “How can I help?” or “What can I do to be part of the solution?”

This tells me that the HH resident who said “HH has no heart” is on to something.

previous community where he lived he said there was a strong sense of community. I asked him what he meant and this is what he said about his ‘old’ community.

“Street BBQ’s were common things. A group of home owners would wheel their BBQ’s out on the street and eat together – share a beer, a wine, some food. The kids would play together. There were many clubs: cards, gardening, fishing, knitting, painting, art, reading, chess, churches, and of course plenty of different sports clubs.

There were many events which drew the whole community together. In HH things seem so different. Blinds are drawn, gates are locked. Sometimes we only see our neighbours for a few seconds when their garage door comes up and they leave for work, and then again for a few seconds at the end of the day when they arrive home.

Neighbours are not mixing and mingling here. There are very few community events.

It seems as if people in this community are saying ‘my home is my castle. I don’t want to meet or mix with anyone else. Leave me alone!”

Is he right? Let’s assume he’s right. So what’s causing this? One factor, I believe, is technology.

Page 2

claim that high tech empowers and connects us. And yet have we ever been more disempowered, more isolated?

Isolated in a society where we have fewer friends and visit them less often, according to the sociologists. The number who have no friends has tripled since the mid-1980s.

Isolated and unmoored in what is more and more a techno-culture, we witness a fraying of social bonds, an erosion of solidarity. It cannot be said that technology is the only factor, but it’s no coincidence that its rise as a condition of society is accompanied by ever-higher levels of feelings of being overwhelmed and dispersed.

‘Community’ in our day is not face to face – it’s screen to screen. Is this healthy? No, it’s not. It’s actually killing us. Literally.

NZ has the highest suicide rate per capita in the developed world. People are more lonely and isolated than ever. Many are turning to “P”, alcohol, gambling, drugs, eating, making money, or porn to kill the pain caused by loneliness and lack of connection. For many, TV has become their best friend. How sad is that.

What happened to our natural connections to the earth and one another, to our

You see, community heart health is measured by the extent to which people put their hand up and say “I want to help! I want to be part of the solution. I am in! What can I do to help?” You might not think you’ve got much to offer. Don’t believe this for a second! I guarantee you are packed with talent, experience, and ability!

Call me. Let’s connect and get going. Until next time….

Local printers, proudly supporting our community For your commercial print needs call Nina Stroeven 021 514 467

www.nicholsonprint.co.nz

Our Henderson Heights Community News

Having a community around us is important for many reasons - first and foremost it means that we’re not in the world alone, we’re not fighting our battles by ourselves.

Within a community, we have others we can turn to for help and support - perhaps just to seek advice, or at times for more literal support. We have others to share our lives with, to care for and help in their time of need.

Before returning to Auckland we lived in Kaiapoi, in north Canterbury. Kaiapoi was -and is - about community. Kaiapoi won New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Town Award because our community came together to beautify our town and take responsibility for keeping it beautiful. One of the big focal points of the town was the local clubs.

There was the very popular and well performed Kaiapoi Rugby Club. The Waimakariri Football Club had the largest junior membership in the South Island.

The netball and hockey clubs were equally sizeable and strong, there was a very strong rowing club, softball and cricket clubs and many more. There was the Brass Band, St Johns, Scouts, Girl Guides, and the Disgraceful Women Club. That club was comprised of older women who dressed up beautifully in red or purple - or both - and went out for luncheons, laughs and liquor (to keep to the Ls). There was Rotary, a strong RSA that was very involved in the life of the town, Kiwanis, a strong Lions Club and many more service organisations.

Young farmers, Rural Women’s League, strong local Iwi organisations and so the list goes.

It meant there was a community group for everyone, and a lot of our community spirit was built around the congeniality, conviviality and connectedness that came from belonging to one or more of these community groups.

As a town we came together every ANZAC Day. We had an annual Christmas Parade and Saturday markets. And then it all came crashing down.

day, in little ways. Then, heaven forbid, if disaster strikes, networks and relationships are in place to help us all come together and get through the challenges together.

We were hit by two earthquakes, the first of which utterly devastated half of our town.

We can begin by doing small things at our local level, like planting community gardens or looking out for our neighbours. That is how change takes place in living systems, not from above but from within, from many local actions occurring simultaneously.

And yet, in the things that mattered, they didn’t shatter us, or our town. My school, Kaiapoi Borough, and my wife’s school, Richmond Primary, were two of the nine worst hit schools in Canterbury. Both communities were decimated by the earthquakes. Whole streets that were once home to hundreds of children are now green-swathe. Lying desolate and empty as they wait to be repurposed, it is strange to go back and see nothing but grass and the odd tree.

Both communities have moved on, though Kaiapoi, which had such a strong community to begin with, has recovered better than most. There is a new library, new shopping centre, a rebuilt gym and restored RSA. The swimming pool is having its second rebuild and will be better than before. But most obviously, and most importantly, the community spirit is still there, and in most cases stronger than ever.

Looking at Kaiapoi immediately after the September earthquake and imagining that it could look as it does now seemed utterly impossible. Tom Vilsack says, “People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible.”

Events such as the terrible earthquakes, teach us the importance of community.

They teach us the value of resilience and give us opportunities to develop that quality.

I think it is really important we do all we can to build community right now, and every

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

Community can’t just be with people we feel comfortable with, who completely understand us and believe the same things as us. Community has to be intentional.

Even if it starts organically, it still has to be maintained. Being alongside people from other walks of life, people who don’t see the world through your own eyes, can be challenging - but we have the opportunity to grow and learn from that challenge. We can expand our experience of the world, and learn how to communicate and interact in different ways.

Let’s take this opportunity to set a goal to each do our bit to grow community in our community. At Western Heights, the new wooden seats in our Foundation Stones garden have been a welcome addition for our wider community as well as our school community. What will you do to help build community connections?

Best regards Ash Maindonald Distinguished Educator Principal WESTERN HEIGHTS SCHOOL

Page 3

VOUCHER

TEAMWORK IS PAYING OFF! I am a resident of Henderson Heights Lake Panorama and have resided in the area for 15 years. During this time I have watched progress on new areas opening up e.g.

Summerland Community Hall. There are now many children’s play parks, bike lanes, walking tracks and of course Panorama Lake which attracts a variety of bird life. My husband and I love our regular pleasant walk around the park which is a must.

I was delighted with the recent Community News Paper left at my front door. This Newsletter is new to the area. I especially enjoyed reading an excellent editorial from Julian Batchelor. What’s also pleasing to see is that the paper has great support from local businesses. It is wonderful to read.

It’s encouraging people to connect in our community which I applaud. The content is interesting, and there is something of interest to everyone.

This is the result of teamwork. I have a saying which goes like this: • Coming together is a beginning.

• Keeping together is progress • Working together is success.

Yes, Julian has Vision for Henderson Heights Community. I believe we should make every effort to stand behind Our Community News.

Well done to Julian and his team.

Faye McCamish Lake Panorama Drive

3

I LOVE THE LOCAL NEWS! I wanted to drop you a little email to say how much I enjoyed reading OUR HENDERSON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWS recently.

As a resident of Western Heights area it was nice to see so much local news and the happenings in our area.

Good work. Thank you. Keep it up.

Margaret.

Castle Heights. No 3/169 Sturges Rd.

Don’t Miss The Next HH Cooking Extravaganza!

Pakistani Culture Evening Recipe: Pakistani Style Lamb Biryani Chef: Shumaila Suhail, all the way from Pakistan now living in HH! 6:30pm – 8:00pm, Monday November 20th at Mini Miracles Early Eduction Centre, 125 Sturges Road Special Guest: Professional Classical Indian Dance On The Night!

The whole evening is a free event, but a Koha (offering) will be taken up for Shumaila (right) to cover her costs.

Please come prepared.

Champers Party Shop Balloon Art, Helium Balloons, Promotional Balloons, Helium Gas Tanks.

SYLIVA RIVERS

Balloon Artist and Party Designer

www.champerspartyshop.co.nz 021 137 4445

Top Shelf Electrical is dedicated to providing the best possible quality of workmanship and service for any of your electrical needs.

• Electrical Repairs and Maintenance • Switchboard Safety upgrades • Small to Large Renovations • No job too big or small • LED Lighting upgrades • New Builds

DEAN BIESHAAR Director & Registered Electrician

P 021 027 04610 E dean@topshelfelectrical.co.nz www.facebook.com/TopShelfElectrical/

Come have a look at our newly renovated outdoor area.

MonthS FREE

NEXT ISSUE: Best letter wins a 3 month CLUB PHYSICAL membership

Open from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm Welcoming children aged 0 to 5 years Quality educational programme provided by registered teachers Nutritional chef prepared meals Free 20 HOURS ECE programme

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz and send your letter to the Editor

HENDERSONHEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWS Page 4

125 Sturges Road, Western Heights Auckland 0612, New Zealand Telephone: (09) 281 2250 Email: info.wh@minimiracles.co.nz

Our Henderson Heights Community News

ARE POOR DRIVING HABITS COSTING YOU...?

Poor driving habits can damage your car causing increased fuel consumption, accelerating maintenance requirements and, in some cases, resulting in total destruction.

I’m sure a lot of us have been in the situation where we’ve had to put $5 or $10 worth of fuel in the tank just to get around for a day or two, and keep that fuel light from illuminating. Little do we know that we could be causing fuel system damage.

Most vehicles have a fuel pump inside the tank and this is cooled by the fuel.

Constant low fuel levels allow the fuel to become warm and cause the pump to run hotter than it was designed for, which can result in early pump failure.

Avoid falling foul of the following practises and save money.

1. Resting your hand on the gear lever This causes damage to both manual and automatic transmission components.

Weight applied to the gear lever transfers down the linkages right through to the internal workings of the transmission and can cause premature wear and tear.

2. Not using the parking brake Even on a flat surface, you should use the park brake as the whole weight of the vehicle rests on some very small components. The parking pawl of an automatic transmission is a small metal lever the size of your finger, and could wear or brake quite easily.

4. Riding the brakes Driving around with one foot resting on the brake pedal or crawling down a hill with your foot hard on the brake can cause unplanned maintenance. Brake activation generates heat which is transferred through the brake system and is cooled

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

when the brake is lifted. Hard braking causes heat build-up and can cause the steel brake discs to warp (not to mention wearing the brake pad material out). This is often evidenced by a shuddering or pulsing sensation felt through the brake pedal and in some cases can also translate through to the steering wheel. All you have to do instead is select a lower gear to allow engine braking and monitor oncoming traffic to avoid harsh last-minute braking.

5. Engaging an opposite gear with the car still rolling The classic rollback; good for burnouts but not for the vehicle. This can also occur when reversing out of a car park and engaging a forward gear before the vehicle reaches a standstill. The poor drive train is still turning backwards and all of a sudden it’s being wrenched in the opposite direction. A few years of this and you may find yourself bearing the brunt of a cost to repair your gearbox, drive shaft or CV joint much sooner than you’d hoped.

While we might not always be able to stop our vehicles from having problems and ageing, these are a few habits of our own that we can control which will help our cars to last longer and keep unwanted bills at bay.

VOUCHER

3. Running on E

50

$

Have a story to share?

Best letter for the next issue wins a $50 Auto voucher.

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz and share your story

Page 5

Elderly but dynamic gardener shares her 7 SECRETS TO SUCCESS!

What I loved about meeting Eleanor was her upbeat attitude to life. She has one of the most beautiful little gardens in HH so I asked her to share her secrets. She gave me seven.

SECRET ONE: CARE FOR YOUR GARDEN. Eleanor walks in her garden every morning and pulls up a weed or two, trims the odd bush or plant with her secateurs, and pulls out anything dead.

“There is no point going out only once in a while” says Eleanor “the garden will get away on you. Constancy is the key.”

RIGHT PLANTS FOR YOUR PARTICULAR GARDEN. “Generally I grow or buy plants that take my fancy but this has limits. I don’t plant things in my garden which will become too big and thus become a problem.”

SECRET FIVE: FERTILISE, FERTILISE, FERTILISE! “My worm farm is a crucial part of my garden. Worms, you see, like us, do poos and wees. If you can capture both of these, and put what they produce on your garden, you’ll be amazed how your plants will grow – both in health and size. Go to the Our Henderson Heights Community News Facebook page. I have made a video on there explaining how my worm farm works.”

SECRET TWO: CAREFUL WATERING. Believe it or not, when Eleanor has a shower, she saves the water in a bucket. “I collect about a bucket load every shower, and put it around my plants – the ones that need it.”

SECRET THREE: CAPTURING RAIN WATER. “I put litter trays around the garden when it’s going to rain” say Eleanor. “I put the water captured into a big bin, and use it when I need it. There is something about rain water that is much better for plants than town supply. Try it and see. I am big on recycling everything I can, especially since I have struggled financially for many years.”

SECRET FOUR: CHOOSE THE

Page 6

SECRET SIX: HAVE AN ACTIVE MIND. “I go into the garden each day and look around to look for what needs doing and how to be more creative.”

SECRET SEVEN: TAKE CUTTINGS. “I don’t use root hormone, although there is nothing wrong with that. Spring and

Eleanor Chevin, Sturges Road Gardening Star Autumn are the best times to get cuttings.

And don’t get too worried if your cutting doesn’t sprout. I just take a cutting, plant it gently in moist seed raising mix, and keep an eye on it. If it doesn’t work, I throw it away and start again! No big deal. Just relax and keep going.”

“Gardening is a very healing activity.

If you are in a bad mood or feel a bit low, go out in the garden. I just love experimenting and watching things grow. A lot of people are not interested in gardening. They’d rather pay someone else to do it. I think when they do this they miss something truly wonderful.

Something divine and God given.” If you’d like to contact Eleanor, to see her garden and how her worm farm works, give her a call on 09 837 2391.

VOUCHER

Eleanor Chevin of Sturges Road has been on her own for many many years and in that time she’s owned three houses and brought up 3 children. Wow! What a champion!

Have a gardening story or tip to share?

The best one wins a $100 Lincoln Rd MITRE 10 voucher.

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz

Our Henderson Heights Community News

Local History

Alfred Sturges, after whom Sturges Road was named, died in 1917 on active service during World War 1. He was born on the 4th of October, 1879.

Alfred purchased 178 acres of land most probably when the land known as Henderson Heights or Western Heights was being sold off in December 1898.

Let’s assume he did indeed purchase his land on this date. This means he was 19 when he made the purchase. Where did he get the money to do this at so young

investment Alfred.

His family say that he paid half a crown an acre for this land.

A crown is 1/8 of a pound, and a pound is roughly equivalent to $NZ2. So Alfred Sturges paid 25 NZ cents an acre to own a huge chunk of what is now know as Henderson Heights.

One acre is roughly 4000m2. Today an area of land in HH this big would likely sell for at least $4m, or $1m for every 1000m2. 178 acres in HH would be worth something like $712m today.

Not a bad return on

Alfred turned the scrub land into an orchard and it is said that ‘once he grew so many water melons that he glutted the Auckland market.’ By the time Alfred went to war, his orchard was well established. How tragic that this young man toiled to save for the land, clear the land, and plant all the trees (all really really hard work), yet he didn’t get to finish his dream. How many people today who are still alive have not finished their dream, or seen what they have

wanted to see come to pass? Write to me, and tell me your dreams and visions.

Everyone should have something, don’t you think? Let’s have a page in the next issue called ‘The dreams and plans in the hearts of our HH residents”. I want to know what people in HH dream about doing with their lives and what is in their hearts that is left to do before they die.

Maybe we could help you achieve your dreams? That will never happen until we know what they are, so please, write in.

In October 1917, six months before Alfred Sturges died, he penned a haunting letter to his father. In it he wrote ‘Still all in one piece. Somewhere on the map.’ Alfred, thank you for giving your life to secure our freedom. Now I know this history, driving down Sturges road will never quite be the same for me.

And when I am out walking in HH, I’ll listen to the wind as it navigates its way through the branches and the leaves of the trees. Maybe I’ll hear it whisper the name ‘Alfred Sturges.’ That would be fitting.

Lyn Mountier, a local, is seeking to find people in Henderson who know something about the history of Henderson Heights. From now on Lyn will be writing the articles for this page.

Thank you Lyn! You can contact Lyn on 0276629292 or email rlmountier@gmail. com.

VOUCHER

an age? He must have worked hard and saved hard for those first 19 years. Or did someone help him?

50

$

Have a history story or photo to share?

The best one wins a $50 Countdown voucher.

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz

Based in Henderson, law firm Davenports West offers a full range of legal solutions including: Commercial Property Law • Residential Property Law • Wills and Estate Planning Powers of Attorney • Commercial and Business Law • Law for Community Groups & Charitable Trusts.

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

Page 7

COMMUNITY RACHELLE BLAND is a busy mum. She also runs her own financial services consultancy business. When we first started Our HHC news, Rachelle was the first person to put her hand up to help. When I knocked on her door some months ago, and explained what we were doing, Rachelle beamed and said “Of course I’d like to help! Georgia my daugther and I go walking so we can deliver the papers as we go! What about starting a Facebook page too?” The rest is history. Thank you Rachelle and Georgia for the big part you are playing in helping to create community in HH! You and Georgia are one of our two community heroes this month!

Do you know a ‘Community Hero’?

HEROES

Gianine and Gillian are two super ladies. One night I was driving around HH about to start delivering papers when I spotted these two out exercising. It was about 6:30pm. I knew Gianine because she is my contact person in Countdown Henderson, one of our sponsors. I asked them if they would help me deliver some papers, and they gave me a big smiling, beaming yes! I was so overjoyed, as it’s twice as quick to complete an area (and more fun) when you have one person delivering the papers on one side of the road, and another on the other. The next night they did the same, and the next night!

They have joined the delivery team. Thank you Gianine and Gillian for coming to the rescue when I felt a bit overwhelmed. You are our community heroes this month!

Let us know and they might receive a $20 SuperValue Palomino voucher!

email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz

You are invited!

I am the owner operator of SuperValue Palomino. Being part of Henderson Heights Community News in my view was a great way of sharing messages and creating a more close knit community in Henderson Heights via this newspaper.

The Super Value Christmas Party SuperValue Palomino is your Local Convenient Grocery supermarket. We share in the car park!

a similar vision to support our people in the community by way of giving back to 7th December, 2017. 3:00 - 5:30.

the community, $200 every month as Community Cash. This is given to people or

Free sausage sizzle! groups who contribute to the goodwill of the community.

Free balloon artist!

We take pride and interest in the diverse cultural community in Western Heights Free bouncy castle! to fulfil our locals needs. You all visit our shop and it’s a and as such endeavour Free Hip dance display! delight toHop befriend you all.

Being a locally owned and operated business, it is Free Traditional Chinese dancers! ...andLast much only fitting to offer our support to the HHCN. yearmore!

SuperValue Palomino contributed thanfor $8,000 thefamily! community and schools!

This is anmore event thetowards whole

We will continue to help build and grow our community – this only being our payback to the community for all the patronage over the years. After all it's more about what you put in than what you get out. I see new faces every day and once every so often we end up creating a bonding. I encourage you to try and reach out to people you don’t know and see what happens. Start with your immediate neighbours. Someone has to take the first step! And as you get to know your new friends in Henderson Heights, genuinely compliment them. This will make them feel good, more comfortable, and safe. Until next time - keep the community alive.

Sanjeet Kumar and the team at SuperValue Palomino.

Owned & operated

by locals Page 8

SuperValue Palomino: 4/138 Sturges Road, Auckland.

Ph 837 2504. Open 6:30am – 8:30pm, 7 days.

Palomino

Community Cash

Our Henderson Heights Community News

WIGHT OPTOMETRISTS

Coaches Nathan Curruthers and Nga Tuffnell-Bevin celebrate post-match.

Western Heights School Takes Out Local Touch Tournament 2017 The Henderson Cluster Primary Schools Annual Touch Tournament was held at Waitakere College on October 19th. It was a fantastic day with children from many schools showcasing their skills.

Western Heights Girls Team placed 1st winning their final 2-0 against Summerland Primary. Western Heights Boys Team placed 1st winning their final 4-2 against Summerland Primary.

Coach/Teacher Nuree Greenhalgh with the Girls Team

Waitakere Bears Premiere Women Take 1st Equal at Bears Classic Tournament Waitakere Bears Softball Clubs opening tournament of the 2017/2018 season kicked off during Labour Weekend. The Ladies Premiere Softball Team placed 1st equal with Ramblers Premiere Ladies. What a great way to kick off the 2017/2018 season.

Katrina Nukunuku (Ramblers) with Carina Hale (Waitakere Bears)

Baseball New Zealand bring MLB Stars to West Auckland Baseball New Zealand in conjunction with International Sports Group (ISG) recently held their inaugural 3 day coaching clinic.

Nationwide Baseball coaches were invited to Auckland where some of the clinics were held atMcLeod Park (home of West City Baseball Club). Attendees were treated to invaluable game insight from International Guest Coaches Graeme Lloyd formerly of the World Champion New York Yankees and the legendary Reggie Smith formerly of the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. The sessions were invaluable for all involved. Baseball is the fastest growing summer sport in New Zealand. The 2017/2018 Season kicks off on 28th October.

For more information visit www.baseballnewzealand.com

VOUCHER

Waitemata Rugby Club host touring U13 team from Samoa.

Waitemata Rugby Club’s Shadows U13 Team played touring team Young Manuiti Samoa U13 on October 4th. Captain Joel Lauvale proudly led his team onto the field where they played a fantastic game of rugby. The atmosphere was electric with ample support for both teams. The Full Time Result was 5-ALL. We look forward to following more of the teams’ success in the future.

Competitive eye exam, glaucoma evaluation and cataract assessment, contact lens, on-site workshop. We shall tailor make your visual solutions to suit your individual needs Cut this out and receive a 10% discount 09 837 0657 www.wightoptometrists.co.nz

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

WIGHT OPTOMETRISTS

50

$

Have a sports story to share?

Best story wins a $50 voucher from Visique Wight Optmetrists Henderson.

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz and share your story

WIGHT OPTOMETRISTS Page 9

$100 of my fee will go direct to Western Heights Primary School

Inspire Support Strengthen

www.keriedley.co.nz Keri Edley celebrant

021 274 1411 keriedley@gmail.com

KIDS! Colour the picture in, cut it out and

take it to McDonalds Westfield Henderson.

THE WINNER gets a $20 McDonalds voucher.

For Your Unique Wedding Experience.

Page 10

PHONE NO: _______________________________

WEDDING CELEBRANT

I offer a couple my personal time and commitment, backed with practical insight and skill, making their day the best wedding ever.

NAME: ____________________________________

Keri Edley

I’m a well known dance teacher, examiner and celebrant based in Auckland. Having been in the dance scene for 30 years I find being a celebrant is an extension to my creative soul.

I approach being a celebrant with the same enthusiasm as my dancing career.

Our Henderson Heights Community News

OUR STUNNING TRIP TO ADELAIDE!

By Wendy and Dawson, Sapperton Drive

TREATMENTS OFFERED:

maintain the flows and levels of water.

Salters Station was our overnight mooring.

We visited Burk Salters vineyard for more wine tasting! We found some of the Australian wines to be excellent but others were not so!

Day 6 was one of our 'history’ days, cruising down to somewhere called Swan Reach. This small town was first settled in the 1850’s, and is now home to native flower and fruit growers. Seeing hectares of Grapes in one place was unforgettable!

Later that day we visited the Swan Reach Museum, attended a woolshed show & visited a Native Wildlife Shelter. All three were most interesting.

On the banks of the Murray we had an Aussie Barbecue cooked & served in a bush setting. We enjoyed that but it would not have been much fun without the company of friends.

Day 7 We visited the Ngaut Aboriginal Reserve, one of Australia’s most significant archaeological sites. That evening the Captain and his officers hosted a spectacular Farewell Captains Buffet with beautiful seafood, salads and dessert.

The next day (Day 8) we arrived back to Mannum were we departed by bus back to Adelaide.

Kangaroo Island – Day 9. This day was really fun because it was fast moving and packed with variety! We boarded the Sea Link ferry to Kangaroo Island,visited Clifford’s Honey farm, Emu Ridge

Eucalyptus Distillery, and a Wildlife Park which was the second largest privately owned park in South Australia. Then we visited Seal Bay (where hundreds of seals gather). The highlight for me was the Birds of Prey in-Flight Show at the Raptor Domain. I even had a picture taken with an owl sitting on my arm!

There are many different shows there including something they call “Venom Pit Experience” and “Fang-Tastic Reptile encounters.” (Which as you can imagine was about interacting with live snakes!)

We visited the Remarkable Rocks. It’s worth Googling these. Our guides told us it took 500 million years for rain, wind & pounding waves to create these huge unusual looking boulders - these are a “must see” if you go.

Oh, and don’t forget “The Admirals Arch”.

Day 10: We Left Kangaroo Island by plane and headed back to Adelaide for the night, then flew back to Auckland the next day (Day 11).

If you ever get the chance to go to these places, you’ll not regret it. Our escorted tour was organised by Supreme Tours & Travel Ltd 09 309 9822. They are a great tour company.

VOUCHER

This was an 11 day holiday to Australia for my husband and I, now in our sixties!!

Day 1, we arrived in Adelaide after a 5hr flight and stayed at the gorgeous Hotel Grand Chancellor on Hindley. It was a short walk from there to the Adelaide Oval, the vibrant Rundle mall, Casino and the scenic banks of the River Torrens. Our tour company gave us a day to explore this amazing city!

The next day (Day 2) we took a trip to the Barossa Valley where we visited 5 vineyards. There was plenty of wine tasting which was very enjoyable! Especially when someone else was driving….LOL! Day 3 saw us take a trip to the Adelaide Hills. You must do this if you go – there are many quaint villages to see, and absolutely stunning views. Our Coach took us up to Mt Lofty for spectacular views over Adelaide. We also visited Australia’s oldest German settlement called Hahndorf where we enjoyed exploring. The highlight was a delicious afternoon tea at the Hahndorf Inn. Day 4: The Murray River Cruise. This is a ’must do’!

We boarded the PS Murray Princess, an inland paddle steamer-purpose built for the Murray River at historic Mannum.

After settling into our cabins, we relaxed as the paddle boat cruised up the Murray River and enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and a welcome aboard dinner. It’s certainly a treat to be treated like VIP’s! Meals on board were delicious, and the crew and staff were lovely.

Overnight mooring was at Caurnamont, looking out for nocturnal wildlife on the river bank e.g. hairy-nosed wombats.

Day 5 we cruised up river to Blanchetown, and went through one of the 13 locks which

50

$

Have a travel story to share?

Winning submission in the next issue wins a $50 food voucher

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz and share your story

• All dental treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, veneers, teeth whitening, braces, extractions, dentures, clean/polish, gum disease treatment and a lot more) • Emergency treatment • Free dental care for 13 to 18 years of age • ACC treatment (may be free) • Free WINZ quotes

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

Page 11

prize winners board e of South Louise Zam ay receiving a W Kensington ucher from $50 food vo manaff Practice Davenports st SolicicGilvray and ager Linda M n tor Lucas Bur

Elena Martinez from Swanson Dental, one of the local businesses who helped to contribute to the $1000 given to Western Heights Primary to help disadvantaged children get to camp

Maria and Chris Arno ld and their ch ildren with the McDonalds colouring co mpetion prize for Octob er

Julian Batchelor of Barfoot and Thompson presenting the $1000 cheque to Ash Maindonald, Principal of Western Heights School

ter Simone Sports wri 0 iving her $5 Welts rece from er ch u vo ight optometry brook of W Darryl Easta n. so sts, Hender Optometri Darryl!

Thank you

Betty Adams receiving her $100 gardening prize from Alasdair Hunt, the manager of Lincoln Road Mega Mitre 10

Mega Mitre 10 Staff Lincoln Road hold up the cheque they helped to donate to children in need at Western Heights Primary

The Good Health

Pet Food

We promote dog and cat food without preservatives,additives and artificial colouring.

Birthday Parties Pet Photography Weddings Model Portfolios Family Portraits Ph (021) 022 13057 paulnippon27gmail.com

Page 12

Business by arrangement - we are at 7 Russett Grove, Henderson.

We are home most days please ring first on 09 835 2022 or 027 635 2022 or email us at: tghpfc@xtra.co.nz

www.goodhealthpetfood.co.nz

Our Henderson Heights Community News

Our diverse

HENDERSON HEIGHTS CULTURE

We are from Zimbabwe. Fortune (Dad – a registered nurse) came to NZ in 2006 to work in Christchurch hospital. Zandile (Mum and health care assistant) followed in 2008 with her son Bukhosi. “We moved from Christchurch to escape the earthquakes” says Fortune. “During one shake, my wife accidently dropped our new born baby Gugulethu. It was a frightening time. When this happened I said “that’s it. We are out of here!’” so we moved. At first we moved

to Te Atatu South, and then to HH. That was four years ago. HH has been great for us because our closest friends live nearby. The community here in HH has been a great support. We’ve made friends through the school and through playing sports. When we first arrived, our neighbours came over and said ‘hello’ and gave us a big pile of veges! They have also taught us how to mow our lawns. Petrol mowers were new to us, so we needed lessons!

HH makes us feel safe. Yes, we had a car stolen once but eventually we got it back. Bukhosi our 14 year old son plays soccer for Onehunga Sports and I (Dad) play for Ranui. Bukhosi is the famous one in our family. He was asked to be in a Walt Disney movie with David Lowry, who acted with Robert Redford and Bryce Dallas – Howard of Spiderman fame. He also plays for the NZ under 14 soccer team.

Our job is to keep him humble. You can contact them at fortuneff@yahoo. com.

Daniel and Grace are from Malaysia and have been in HH for three years.

They both studied at Canterbury University in the seventies. After completing their degrees they returned to their home country. Daniel became a politician and Grace a maths teacher.

They have two adult children who also studied at Auckland University and upon their graduation decided to work in New Zealand. This is a family who love NZ and HH. “What I love about HH” says Grace smiling, “is its cosmopolitan make up. There are just so many cultures here. Our immediate neighbours are Fijian Indian, India Indian, Portuguese, and Filipino. When new people arrive we try and reach out to them by taking them food and talking with them. We felt that we have to take the initiative since we are more established and they are new. It’s only right to do this.” Daniel was asked how people react. “Kiwis are open and

friendly but Asians are much more reserved. They don’t know how to break out of their cultural conservatism but they love it when they are helped to do so.

They can appear to be cold and to have walls up, but this is only an appearance.

Underneath they want friendship and community as much as anyone else. Even the language difference can be overcome when we step out and show love and friendship to them.

Daniel is now an itinerant Christian pastor/teacher, and Grace is a counsellor in training. You can contact them on 09-8389588.

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

Page 13

Did you KNOW ?

Why this paper started...

I live and work in Henderson.

The concept of ‘connection’ motivated me to start this paper. By ‘connection’I mean two things.

Thomas Henderson, after whom Henderson was named, built the Commercial Hotel at a cost of £2000, and it was at the time the most pretentious building in Auckland. He was a big time businessman. For example, he employed over 300 Maori in his gumdigging fields in the Waitakere Ranges.

During this time (1846-47), Maori in the Bay of Islands, led by Hone Heke, were rebelling against British rule. Maori from other parts of NZ were quick to want to join Hone.

If Henderson had not been such a good employer, so history reports, those 300 Maori gumdiggers would have headed straight up north to join Hone! Other colonialists credited Henderson with helping to avoid full scale war in the Bay of Islands. Henderson also assisted in establishing the Bank Of New Zealand. We owe a lot to the founder of our suburb.

First, ‘connection’ means developing deep, ‘real’, honest, and meaningful relationships with other people, whether they are family, friends, or neighbours. When we connect, we thrive. Creating a network of friendly relationships in a local neighborhood can give those who belong to the network a greater feeling of belonging and wellbeing.

Working together to create a tighter-knit, ‘connected’ community makes you feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself. It just makes life better and richer. Sadly, today, many people have not really ‘connected’ with their immediate neighbours, even though they and their neighbours have lived next door to each other for years.

Second, to make ‘connection’ we have to give of ourselves, whether it’s our time, our money, our talents, or our abilities or skills.

For example, when you bake somthing for your neighbour you have to give of your time and money. When we give, we usually receive much more than we gave. Anyone who has lived a little knows this to be true.

With all this in mind, I thought about how I could play a small part to enhance and add to the ‘the connection factor’ in Henderson Heights (HH). As a real estate agent, I wanted to be much more than just the guy who helped people buy and sell homes.

I wanted to ‘connect’ and ‘give’ and help build the HH community. Thus, the idea of a newpaper was birthed.

One day, I sat down with Ash Maindonald, the principal of Western Heights Primary school. Our conversation drifted onto the cost of school camps and Ash told me how some kids wouldn’t make it to camp because their parents just couldn’t afford to send them. I thought “This is so tragic.” The idea

came to channel the profits from advertising in this newspaper into the school (and other worthy causes in the community) so that less financially able parents could send their kids to camp. Our goal is to see that no child at Western Heights Primary (and other schools) misses out on camp for financial reasons.

This paper is not paid for by Barfoot and Thompson or any other business or individual. Rather, it’s paid for by the generosity of our advertisers and sponsors.

Literally everyone helping with this paper is a volunteer. I write the stories and edit them. I source the advertisers. Sarah Moon, our graphic designer has given her services for free to get the paper up and running.

Nicholsons Print Solutions are sponsoring a big chunk of the printing costs. Western Heights School pays for the paper. The paper is delivered by locals to 5000 locals. So when you receive a paper and enjoy it, know that a lot of people in your community have paid for it with their blood, sweat, and tears!

All the money generated from advertising in this paper is deposited in a public trust account governed by local legal firm Daveports West. The accounts associated with this paper can be viewed by anyone anytime so there is complete financial transparency.

I lead a team of local people who oversee the content, direction, and delivery of the paper.

Everyone who is involved is passionate and dedicated to seeing ‘community’ in Henderson Heights flourish and grow.

All we need now is for you to join in!

Julian Batchelor p.s. The best way you can support this paper is by inviting me to sell your home. Or if you hear of someone selling, ask them to give me a call. Thank you.

Independent • Financial planning Investments • KiwiSaver Ph: 021 631 327 www.cliffeconsulting.co.nz

“Proud Western Heights School mum since 2012” Page 14

Our Henderson Heights Community News

SITUATIONS

VACANT

Interest from buyers who want to live in HH remains strong.

Every time a property is sold near where you live, it directly effects the value of your home, either for good or bad. Check out the list of some of the recent sales in our great suburb. If you want regular up dates of sale prices achieved in HH, please email me: j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz. The properties below were sold by a variety of companies, including Barfoot and Thompson which sells over half of all the properties sold in Henderson.

Address

CV

Sale Date

Price

Land

Floor

7 Claret Place

$690,000

13-Sep-17

$900,000

617

200

3/95 Sturges Road

$580,000

12-Sep-17

$870,000

486

486

45 Fitzwater Place

$440,000

5-Sep-17

$742,000

604

120

10 Tumanaka Place

$645,000

31-Aug-17

$730,000

749

170

6 Riesling Place

$690,000

8-Aug-17

$982,500

919

320

6 Highfields Terrace

$660,000

8-Aug-17

$760,000

402

201

2/14 Eyre Street

$305,000

4-Aug-17

$510,000

0

60

5 San Bernadino Drive

$540,000

31-Jul-17

$690,000

616

180

63 San Valentino Drive

$710,000

30-Sep-17

$880,000

583

245

56 Fitzwater Place

$475,000

30-Sep-17

$785,000

630

100

88 San Marino Drive West

$1,015,000

30-Sep-17

$1,260,000

522

407

20 Fairford Avenue

$700,000

30-Sep-17

$933,000

628

184

6 Pittville Place

$720,000

30-Sep-17

$1,020,000

627

217

55 Platinum Rise

$385,000

30-Sep-17

$515,000

628

0

14 Irongate Avenue

$940,000

26-Sep-17

$1,332,000

512

323

10 Shiraz Place

$620,000

14-Sep-17

$900,000

610

194

46 Roy Maloney Drive

$580,000

11-Sep-17

$814,000

518

152

8B Greenberry Drive

$670,000

9-Sep-17

$1,045,000

449

221

13 Virginia Street

$600,000

8-Sep-17

$849,000

506

204

33 Vintage Drive

$670,000

31-Aug-17

$890,000

600

200

26 San Prospero Crescent

$970,000

31-Aug-17

$1,401,000

638

322

22 Leafield Crescent

$920,000

31-Aug-17

$1,153,800

726

266

44 San Prospero Crescent

$880,000

31-Aug-17

$1,195,000

492

288

29 Platinum Rise

$980,000

31-Aug-17

$1,275,000

599

0

17 Harvest Drive

$505,000

31-Aug-17

$597,000

500

130

34 San Valentino Drive

$635,000

28-Aug-17

$955,000

593

205

17 Waltham Street

$685,000

25-Aug-17

$860,000

540

0

52 Hillwell Drive

$590,000

24-Aug-17

$870,000

520

176

$1,040,000

22-Aug-17

$1,347,000

601

333

77A Sturges Road

$495,000

20-Aug-17

$790,000

607

130

6 Espalier Drive

$525,000

15-Aug-17

$750,000

408

136

3I/1 Wadier Place

$275,000

11-Aug-17

$392,000

0

66

6 Millstone Lane

$590,000

9-Aug-17

$860,000

516

176

62 Lake Panorama Drive

$780,000

6-Aug-17

$962,000

600

209

29 Leafield Crescent

$800,000

1-Aug-17

$1,030,000

721

243

13 Geordie Street

$480,000

31-Jul-17

$660,000

675

90

3 Braestar Court

$670,000

31-Jul-17

$922,000

595

184

1 San Ambrosio Rise

$715,000

31-Jul-17

$870,000

600

260

11 San Domingo Rise

$625,000

31-Jul-17

$850,000

578

190

4 Irongate Avenue

$860,000

31-Jul-17

$950,000

565

311

59 Platinum Rise

$940,000

31-Jul-17

$1,199,500

566

301

91 Lake Panorama Drive

104 San Valentino Drive

$940,000

31-Jul-17

$1,158,000

1135

270

32 Platinum Rise

$990,000

31-Mar-15

$1,043,500

533

339

37 Winery Way

$320,000

1-Sep-17

$531,000

191

101

Keeping everyone in our Henderson Heights community up to date with news.

Budding journalist Wanted!

Do you like writing?

Meeting interesting local people? Give me a call! We need you for Our Henderson Heights Community News!

The position is voluntary (like the rest of us! ) Call Julian on 0274764430.

Administrator Wanted!

Do you like administration?

Keeping records? Want to help build the community? Have computer skills? If so, please call me! Work from home. This position is voluntary (like the rest of us!).

Call Julian on 0274764430 HELP - If you can help deliver OUR HENDERSON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWS in your street, phone Elaine our delivery co-ordinator 09 836 3797 HAVE A VACANCY? Email Julian on j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz

HENDERSONHEIGHTS COMMUNITY NEWS Cicero of the Roman empire wrote this about the situation during his lifetime 1. The poor, work and work 2. The rich, exploit the poor.

3. The soldier, protects both.

4. The taxpayer, pays for all three.

5. The wanderer, rests for all four.

6. The drunk, drinks for all five 7. The banker, robs all six.

8. The lawyer, misleads all seven.

9. The doctor, bills all eight.

10. The undertaker, buries all nine.

11. The politician lives happily on account of all ten.

Written in 43 BC, but valid even today.

Page 15

Henderson Westfield their traditional dishes, phone Julian on 0274764430. At the beginning of each of these classes, those who come will spend 20 minutes making sandwiches for the children at Ranui Primary.

• The Henderson and Districts Garden Club meets at the historic Methodist Church on the corner of Swanson and Lincoln Road on the third Monday of every month, 7:30pm. All are most welcome. For more details, contact Betty on 09 832 0484 • CRAFT FEST (fundraiser for Hospice West Auckland) West Wave

Recreation Centre 20 Alderman Drive, HENDERSON. Saturday the 11th of November,10am to 4pm. General admission $5. Children 12 and under free. EFTPOS available. Find us on facebook.com/craftfestnz.

VOUCHER

• Waitakere Combined Rebus Club Retired men and women wanted for friendship and fellowship. Come and join our club for morning tea, guest speakers and monthly outings. We meet at St Johns Hall, Edmonton Road, TeAtatu on the third Wednesday of the month at 10.00am. For further details please telephone Lynn on 0210704606.

• Pakistani cooking class. November 20th, 6:30pm - 8. Mini Miracles Child Care Centre, 125 Sturges Road • For dates for all other cooking classes with different nationalities cooking

20

$

Know of something happening in the community?

Winning submission in the next issue wins a $20 food voucher

Email j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz

“Love selling

Henderson Heights” What is your home worth?

Call me, and I’ll advise you. My service is FREE.

Julian Batchelor Henderson Branch 027 476 4430 09 838 6059 email: j.batchelor@barfoot.co.nz www.julianwillsellit.today

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Julian Batchelor Real Estate, Countdown Westfield, Swanson Dental, Super Value Palomino, Keri Edley Wedding Celebrant, McDonalds Henderson Westfield, Visique Wight Optometrists, Good Health Pet Food, Davenports West Lawyers, Mitre 10 Mega Lincoln Road, Club Physical Gym, Top Shelf Electrical, To the T Styling, Champers Party Shop, Mini Miracles Childcare, Moon Graphics, Scissorhands Hair Design, Rachelle Bland Financial Planner, Nicolson Print Solutions, Drivesure Vehicle Testing Moselle Ave, Vision Board Workshops.

Page 16

This publication is distributed to about 5000 Henderson Heights households.

Get yourself noticed!

If you would like to advertise with us please contact: 027 476 4430

Our Henderson Heights Community News