The Fringe, formerly the Titirangi Tatler by Fringe Media

ISSUE 189, FEBRUARY 2020

community news, issues, arts, people, events

The Fringe FEBRUARY 2020

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contents

Our Place: Windfall for local groups, Lemon aid for Australian bushfire relief, Brightening up Barron Green.......................................................4 Still going after 10 years – Bishops Stream Neighbourhood Garden.....5 Life should always be an adventure.......................................................6 Art and about with Naomi McCleary................................................8 – 9 TFM guests announced........................................................................10

Places to go: Events listing...........................................................12 – 13 Bandstanding: James Fromont.............................................................14 Our place: Zonta and Merchant Quarter plans....................................15 Feature: love is in the air..............................................................16 – 17 At the libraries......................................................................................18 Sustainable solutions: Recycling – Reclaiming – Rehoming.................19 Naturally West: The toutouwai explores life beyond the Ark...............20

Wandering Westies: a trip to Tawharanui............................................21 Live @ the lounge; Weather by the moon...........................................22 Advertisers’ Directory...........................................................................23

On our cover: It was a perfect summer’s day at Avondale’s Eastdale Reserve recently when kites were sent aloft by the local Indian community. Photo: Rick Mayne.

Volunteers needed for street appeal

The Child Cancer Foundation is calling for volunteers to help out with its annual Street Appeal on February 28 and 29. The appeal is the biggest annual fundraising event on Child Cancer Foundation’s calendar and depends on the support of volunteers to successfully collect funds. Every week, three children are diagnosed with cancer in New Zealand and the Foundation provides tailored support to these children and their families without any government support – every donated dollar really counts. Last year, approximately 600 volunteers took to the streets to collect donations and raised $232,913. Volunteering is something of a calling as the Tuiono-Pouao whānau (left) can attest. Their family was supported by Child Cancer Foundation when their seven year old daughter Iris was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. “When Iris was first diagnosed I didn’t really want to hear anything about Child Cancer Foundation and what they could do for us. I wasn’t in the right head space but it quickly became apparent that our family could benefit from Child Cancer’s services.” says Darlene, Iris’ mum. Iris’ brother, Tutavake came up with the idea of creating rainbow box troll costumes to wear while collecting donations, inspired by his sister’s favourite rainbow bead, and Tuaanu, Iris and Tutavake’s dad, made the costumes. Individual volunteer registrations are now open. Find out more and register at childcancer.org.nz or phone 021 235 9968 to be connected to a local coordinator.

Every issue of The Fringe (and the Titirangi Tatler before it) since April 2011 is on-line at www.fringemedia.co.nz. Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ FringeWest) to hear when each issue is available and get other updates. please support our advertisers – they support us

www.fringemedia.co.nz 21,000 copies delivered free to letter boxes, post boxes, libraries and selected outlets throughout Titirangi, Glen Eden, Green Bay, New Lynn, Kelston, Konini, Wood Bay, French Bay, South Titirangi, Waima, Woodlands Park, Laingholm, Parau, Cornwallis, Huia and Oratia.

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Editor: Bevis England 817 8024, 027 494 0700 bevis@fringemedia.co.nz

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Features: Moira Kennedy 021 723 153 moira@fringemedia.co.nz

Writers and contributors: Jade Reidy, David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Susannah Bridges, Fiona Drummond and Michael Andrew.

Advertising deadline for March 2020: February 14. The Fringe FEBRUARY 2020

our place

An unexpected windfall for local groups More than 50 West Auckland charities and community groups received an unexpected pre-Christmas funding windfall late last year. Many of the 57 charities had applied for funding for a range of health, education and environmental projects through the Million Dollar Mission, organised by ‘The Trusts’ West Auckland. However, not all had received all the funding they applied for and faced shortfalls with no certainty around when their full funding needs could be met. As part of the Million Dollar Mission, an online voting platform had been set up and more than 300,000 locals had voted for the charities and community groups they felt were most deserving – with a maximum $1million cap. In a surprise move, however, The Trusts decided to provide an additional $600,000 to ensure most of those groups who didn’t meet their complete funding needs would be able to complete their projects. Amanda Cassidy spokesperson for The Trusts says the funding was originally earmarked for the distribution of household items, but instead has been used to further support local community groups. She says the funding challenges faced by a wide range of groups in the region led to the largest number of applicants and recipients to

date which was a factor in the decision to increase the size of the grant. “Charities are faced with increasing pressure to meet funding needs, and the longer their projects are delayed the more the costs are increased,” she said. “In the past, we have provided a range of household items such as smoke alarms and first aid kits for every household in the West Auckland region. “This year will be the first time that we have been able to fulfil the funding goals of so many deserving organisations at once. We believe thousands of people in need will benefit from this expansion of the Million Dollar Mission programme and we may look to grow the programme in the future,” said Amanda. Local charities that benefited from The Trusts’ support included Green Bay School, Rudolf Steiner Schools (Titirangi) Trust, Laingholm Primary School, Kelston Primary School, Konini School, Titirangi Playcentre, Piha Surf Life Saving Club Incorporated, Piha Volunteer Fire Brigade, SCOW, Oratia School, Woodlands Park School, Laingholm Baptist Church, Glen Eden Athletic and Harriers Inc, The Whau River Catchment Trust, Kelston Community Hub and New Zealand Bird Rescue Charitable Trust.

Lemon Aid for Australian bush fire relief

Brightening up a community space

When Sophia and Beth decided that they had to do something to help with the Australian bush fires they set about making a tonne of home-made lemonade.

Sophia do Castro Blanshard (10, pictured in the red top) and her friend Beth Iloka (11) then set up a stall in Titirangi Village to sell their lemonade. In two hours they raised $156 and donations continued to flood in after the lemonade sold out, bringing the total raised to $310 - all of which will be donated to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal and Wildlife Victoria. Sophia and Beth are really grateful to the ‘kind folk of Titirangi’. “We also want to thank New World Green Bay for kindly donating some lemons and thank you to wonderful wahine Deborah Russell, (Labour MP for New Lynn, pictured below) for your uber generosity on the lemon front too.”

Work on upgrading and beautifying Green Bay’s Barron Green Domain are well underway and should be finished soon. The area is popular for community events and food evenings in summer and adjoins the Green Bay Community House and Plunket Clinic. The upgrades include landscaping, planting, new seating and a new rubbish bin. Barron Green is the second in a group of Green Bay parks receiving improvements. The others are Green Bay Community Corner and Crum Park. The project’s been funded by the Whau Local Board at a cost of approximately $65,000.

Got something to say or know of a great story idea? Let The Fringe know... Email info@fringemedia.co.nz or write to PO Box 60-469, Titirangi

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our place

Still going after 10 years work It’s all blooming lovely in the Bishops Stream Neighbourhood Garden as founders Brett and Dawn Marsh and Helen and Patrick Doherty celebrate a decade of hard work and passion creating a lush garden in their community. The garden, in Wirihana Road, Titirangi, flourishes on what was a vacant piece of council land close to the couples’ homes. Along the footpath and in front of the recycled kanuka branch fence is a public area where anyone can take some of the goodies (rosemary, mint, oregano, parsley and flowers for the bees). Behind this is an area where eight families have their own individual plots. The concept was created when the ‘founding four’ looked at the wasted space near their homes in 2010 and asked themselves if it could be used for a positive purpose. Would neighbours be interested in helping to develop it? Would this be a good way for some of the community to grow some of their own food, learn about sustainable growing practices and have fun with their neighbours? Would Council offer support? The answer to all the initial questions was a resounding ‘yes’ and work began with eight families committing to the concept. “Council has always been supportive,” says Helen. “Initially the land was covered in kikuyu so we set to and grubbed it all out. Raised beds with macrocarpa sleepers were built and then we laid down newspaper, old carpet, compost, lawn clippings and mulch without needing to use chemicals.” The garden was underway and the gardeners’ learning continued too. At first they had to climb down into a stream bed at the back of the property to collect buckets of water for the A ‘critter house’ has plants until someone came up with plans to been built for the likes of weta and their gravity-feed water down a hill, under the road friends. and into barrels in the garden through a hose. With good ground material and access to water, the plots took off with their bounty of tomatoes, courgettes, salad greens of all types, beans and pumpkins. Spare silverbeet is taken to Vision West for its food bank. The council’s support has been ongoing. A community grant from the Waitâkere Ranges Local Board has allowed the beds to be rebuilt recently as the old macrocarpa was breaking down after a decade’s

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use, and council also pointed the gardeners in the right direction to access recycled paving materials like brick, granite and tile to lay between the beds. The icing on the cake has been the input of an orchardist who suggested planting citrus, plums, apples, persimmon and feijoas at the back of the property. “It’s not prime land,” says Dawn, “so it was really useful to get good advice on what would grow well.” The team are proud of their efforts and look ahead to many more years of caring and sharing with the Wirihana Road community. “Helping in the garden has had its ups and downs. People come and go. They move Dawn and Brett Marsh with Helen and Patrick house, lives change, Doherty commitments change,” Dawn says. “But we have no thoughts of slowing down or stopping what we’re doing and we’d especially welcome younger families with children to join us.” For more information, email phdoherty@kinect.co.nz. – Moira Kennedy

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The Fringe FEBRUARY 2020

our place

Life should always be an adventure ... Scouting is one of life’s great adventures and scout groups have been so the New Lynn Sea Scout Group is committed to successful in recent times and exploring the adventure playground that the West it was a sad day for Bronwyn provides. Colman and Trish Anderson While the underlying aim of scouting is all about when they closed the doors the personal and life skill development of its of the scout hall in Atkinson members, the foremost thought for the youth (and Road. the big kids who take on the opportunity to become In its heyday the Titirangi leaders) is usually about all the new experiences, the Air Scouts had more than 40 fun and the challenges that playing in the outdoors cubs (now down to five) and brings. up to 25 scouts (now about For the New Lynn group, a typical programme A senior member of New Lynn Sea Scouts takes some of the 13) but numbers have been will encompass both land-based activities such as younger members in tow. falling in recent years and tramping, camping, rock climbing, caving, and pioneering as well as with difficulties finding volunteers to help run it, Bronwyn and Trish water-based activities. Swimming, rafting, rowing, canoeing and sailing thought it was time to put the group into recess. are all available as is canyoning (when the opportunity presents itself) “Scouting is such a wonderful thing to do and we had so much fun,” which brings both land and water together. says Bronwyn of her 52 years with the group. “We taught important These experiences are often capped off with a once-in-a-lifetime life, outdoor, first aid, rope and survival skills. We taught the young opportunity such as the National Scout Jamboree, held over last people how to take care of themselves, look after their health and how New Year at Mystery Creek. About 4,000 Scouts from New Zealand to cook,” she says. and further afield came together for a 10-day camp to explore other There were hiking, camping and orienteering trips and visits to cultures and live with others from different backgrounds while trying islands like Waiheke new challenges. and Kawau and One would think that a 10-day camp would be enough adventure for they took pride in some, but no sooner had the New Lynn scouts returned from Jamboree community service than some headed off for a week canoeing down the Whanganui such as beach cleanRiver while others headed for a five-day sail around the Hauraki Gulf ups. And high on camping on various islands. It is with these sea-based expeditions that the learning scale the benefits of scouting are so easily seen as these are not activities was teamwork, that are simply laid on for the scouts. Rather, they have learned camaraderie and the technical skills to sail and navigate, plan and execute their own friendship. adventure. Trish has been For this coming year, a key focus for the older sections will be the with the group for 46 Senior members of New Lynn Sea Scouts awaiting opportunity to test their skills against their peers at the National years, volunteering the race countdown for the Auckland Anniversary Scout Regatta to be held alongside Bronwyn Day Regatta on the Hauraki Gulf. in Picton next Christmas. to plan, organise and lead events. Bronwyn’s two adult children, Wayne For some it will be just and Sarah also contributed, putting in 25 and 22 years respectively. about the journey and Other long-time leaders were Phil Freeman (30 years) and Laingholm the experience while fire fighter, Arie Litherland (eight years). for others the drive is Over the years life within scouts changed according to Trish and to recapture the national Bronwyn. Health and safety regulations and police vetting made title after coming second things harder, volunteer numbers dwindled as life took on a busyness in Wellington two years never known before and young people took an increasing interest in ago. (New Lynn had computers, sports and school and community events. won the three previous It was time for Bronwyn and Trish to call it a day ... and what a great triennial events.) last day for the group it was. The Titirangi scout hall at the top of Atkinson Continued on page 14 >> However, not all local Road. The group is in recess.

Your Local MPs Hon Carmel Sepuloni

Dr Deborah Russell

Kelston Electorate Office

New Lynn Electorate Office

MP for Kelston

200C West Coast Road, Glen Eden 09 818 4131 kelston.eo@parliament.govt.nz

MP for New Lynn

1885 Great North Rd, Avondale 09 820 6245 newlynnmp@parliament.govt.nz

Authorised by Carmel Sepuloni MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

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art & about with naomi mccleary

What’s Up: Who’s New? It is not news to friends and colleagues that I have never been a fan of the amalgamated Auckland Council. It’s not personal; it’s too big and tends to blur local character and differences. The hierarchy of central council, local boards and CCOs is complex and fraught with very wellpublicised problems. (For sound sense on all this read everything that Simon Wilson writes for the Herald). However, over the 10 years of this regional monolith’s existence, I have learned where the gold is. The local boards have elected members who are passionate about their area; who know it’s geography and culture intimately and fight the good fight year after year. What’s more, they are a conduit for us, their constituents, to talk to them about the things that matter – the good and the bad. Did you know that monthly board meetings are open to the public and that you can take your issues to the open forum at the beginning of each meeting? It’s a five-minute chance for you to have your say. It should not be just for grizzlers; these tireless people need to hear your thanks and appreciation as well. The three western boards (Whau, Waitâkere Ranges and Henderson/ Massey) have a great track record in supporting the arts. Waitâkere Ranges Local Board has a real understanding of, and support for, the arts and heritage precinct of Titirangi and the festivals that are focused there – and for the wider area. Whau Local Board has had an arts broker, Melissa Laing, for some years now – with stunning results. Just that grass-roots supply of connections and funding has provided life blood to the amazing creative talent in the area. Now Henderson/Massey Local Board is funding a part-time arts broker contract with Renee Tanner, whose role is to work with local artists and creative organisations to facilitate the development and delivery of their creative ideas and projects, whether this be assisting with funding, marketing, or helping to find the right location or people to work with. Over 25 years she has worked as a curator, public programmes coordinator, marketing manager, arts advisor and sponsorship manager across many genres including the visual arts, theatre, dance, music, festivals and events. Renee has been the event manager for Open Studios Waitakere since 2015 and will be looking to deliver this again in 2020. Renee is interested in hearing from you and learning about your creative projects, even if they are just an “idea”. It could be dance, film, craft, visual arts, music, kapa-haka, spoken word, digital arts, a publication, a performance or an exhibition. For further details, and inspiration, go to www.creativehendersonmassey.org.nz. Another festival generously supported by the Waitâkere Ranges Local Board, the Going West Writers Festival, hits its 25th anniversary this year. New producer, local James Littlewood, takes the reins for this celebratory year – a time to reflect on what has been achieved and some serious pondering on what the future holds. We know what we do well for both our Aotearoa writers and our loyal and growing

audiences – and that will not change – but we live in an increasingly digital world. Do we dance with it or fight it? A question that James is tangling with as I write. Like so many creatives who work in the world of the arts, James’ professional story is one of some range and diversity. In what he refers to as ‘right back in the dark ages’, (i.e. the ’90s) he worked in theatre, doing everything from technical design and operation up to directing and producing, including a stint at the Sydney Opera House. He was also a feature writer for Pavement magazine and a theatre critic. Following years saw a decade of design research for clients in corporate, government and NGO sectors and a time as video producer and content strategist at Zoomslide. The last few years have seen James lecturing at Manukau Institute of Technology; editor James Littlewood: confidence to take at The Big Idea; video producer Going West into new territory. (including one about kauri dieback https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ the-wireless/375277/wireless-docs-the-forest-of-tiriwa); and regular contributor to https://nzplaces.nz/ – a site for creative writing about places in New Zealand. James has been a trustee on the Going West Trust for several years and both Associate Director and Poetry Slam producer in that time. As he takes leave to produce Going West this year the trust has confidence that he knows the event thoroughly but has the confidence to take it into new territory. James writes: Building the love for reading and writing in Aotearoa seems fundamental to what we do. This idea becomes still more powerful when we consider what it might mean beyond the realm of the written word. For instance, if we acknowledge that te reo Māori is grounded not in writing, but in oral traditions, then we may also apply ‘reading and writing’ to performative and other non textual narratives, such as oratory, performance, and so on. Another small gem in the monolith of the Auckland Council is Panuku Holdings – or at least the branch of it that is developing Henderson. As a trustee of the Corban Estate Arts Centre (CEAC), I am seriously impressed with their connection to the community and their support for cultural life as a cornerstone for the wider development of Henderson. For CEAC this means a beautiful arts-led design for a footbridge over Henderson Valley Road onto the estate – creating accessibility by public transport from all over Auckland. But more than

Linda Cooper

Councillor for Waitakere O 6 P M | S AT & S U N 9 A M T O FRI 9AM T 5PM MON -

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Please feel free to contact me with issues or ideas 021 629 533 linda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz 135 Albert Street, Auckland Private Bag 92 300, Victoria Street West, Auckland 1142 https://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/

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art & about with naomi mccleary

that, there is an open conversation and support for what CEAC will mean for a town centre with many more thousands of people living within walking distance of the estate – not to mention the burgeoning film industry down Henderson Valley Road. CEAC is unique in the Auckland Region: a beautiful park-like estate with heritage buildings and a community of artists and arts organisations that span the widest range of creative and cultural expression. This last year has seen the re-homing of New Zealand’s only tikanga-based theatre venue (Te Pou) and the establishment of a regional base for Māori carving (Whaotapu). 2020 will see the conversion of one of the large tin sheds into a purpose built theatre for Te Pou and Whaotapu will continue planning for a permanent carving complex. All this puts CEAC at full capacity and creates a need to divide leadership roles to cope with this expanded programme. A new position of Assistant Director will support director Martin Sutcliffe in meeting that demand. I’m delighted to introduce Ross Cunningham in this Ross Cunningham: knowing how to role. Ross has a 20-plus year work from the ground up. professional background in arts leadership, management and education. He worked in television production and directing in the 1990s and early 2000s. Like James he spent time with Zoomslide Media (digital storytelling including

television programmes for mainstream broadcasting) and also held leadership roles within the creative tertiary sector – including WINTEC, Unitec and MIT. In conversation Ross comes across as a listener, a creative and strategic thinker and a person who knows how to work from the ground up but still reach for the sky. He’s worked in a broad range of creative areas – including visual arts, music and digital storytelling – and as he eases into the role at CEAC, his aspirations for 2020 are to support the rich range of programmes that CEAC offers and work together with the CEAC teams to amplify that offering.

Summer sunset. Photo by Bevis England.

Waitakere Ranges 2020 Vision

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2. Our unique natural habitat is protected and enhanced. 3. Local communities feel good about where they live. 4. People experience local arts and culture and recognise our heritage. 5. Our urban centres are enjoyable places to be. 6. Our community spaces, parks, sports and recreation facilities meet local needs and are easy to get to. I think we can do better. Let me know what is important to you. And let’s get some tight, measurable and meaningful Outcomes that we can hold Council and the Board to account on. We talk about this plan in more depth at www. westwards.co.nz. Let Michelle Clayton or myself know what you’d like to see, join our discussion on Facebook or contact us directly. michelle.clayton@ aucklanndcouncil.govt.nz info@kenturner.co.nz or 021 066 6262 – Ken Turner, WestWards

Welcome back and Happy New Year. Hope you’ve had a wonderful break and enjoyed our beautiful beaches and natural environment. There are some exciting things happening this year, Karamatura Heritage Farm at Huia is holding their annual open day on Feb 6 – a fabulous day for the family, and the Manukau Sports Fishing Club West Coaster Competition is on March 5 – 7. Our area is also fortunate to be hosting part of the World Surf League’s Challenger Series at Piha in March. A number of bush tracks have been upgraded and re-opened with more to come soon and I’m optimistic that Auckland Council will respond positively to the public’s call for all our heritage forest walks to be reopened. Your local board is about to kick off with an important consultation: refreshing the Waitakere Three-Year Plan which guides all our work programmes and budgets for the next three years. The plan is anchored by six ‘Outcomes’ which currently are: 1. People actively protect the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area.

The Fringe FEBRUARY 2020

places to go

TFM guests announced

Anika Moa (left) will present her Songs for Bubbas on Saturday afternoon and Lord Echo (right) headlines the Saturday night concert.

Hollie Smith (above) headlines TFM’s Friday concert while Flamingo Pier (below) will get the dance floor jumping on Saturday night.

This year’s Titirangi Festival of Music will take place on the weekend before Easter, April 3 and 4, and will feature lots of family-friendly events as well as a great concert programme. Early bird tickets will go on sale from Monday, February 3. Renowned singer Hollie Smith features in concert on Friday, April 3. Hollie is a prolific, hard-working performer who has always maintained a respected reputation of creating music with the utmost integrity and passion. Her incredible live performances and powerhouse vocals have made her one of the most sought after acts in New Zealand music. Hollie has performed with, among others, Don McGlashan, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Fly My Pretties and Trinity Roots. Hollie will be supported by local up-and-comer Arjuna Oakes with his four-piece band. They’ll be flying up from Wellington where Arjuna is based these days to perform songs from his recently released EP The Watcher. Arjuna himself is someone to watch out for, with over 50,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and fans all around the world. There are two concerts in the War Memorial hall on Saturday, April 4. Anika Moa brings her Songs for Bubbas for a special afternoon children’s show. To quote Anika: “It’s where witches eat tamariki, monsters hide in cupboards and spook ya and things go from slow to wild in the blink of an eye. Te reo Māori waiata will teach child and parent! It's too good to be true, folks! Nau mai, haere mai to the amazing, crazy show!”. Specially priced tickets apply. On Saturday evening TFM presents ‘Jungle Boogie’ a night of dance music featuring sets by Frank Booker, who has quietly built a worldwide reputation for incredible edits and DJ sets, multi-talented vocalist and DJ Sandy Mill, and music collective Flamingo Pier – responsible for some of the finest dance parties in East London and New Zealand. The night will be headlined by Lord Echo (joined by Lisa Tomlins on vocals). Lord Echo is a multi-instrumentalist producer, engineer and DJ whose music imagines a world where reggae and rocksteady rub shoulders with Latin music, disco, African soul and techno. His production aesthetic keeps a firm grasp on the DJs’ need for quality sound material but never strays far from the ever popular sounds of the ’60s and ’70s, which he has put half a lifetime into absorbing. The night will also feature visual projections, themed décor and a special ‘Jungle Boogie’ cocktail being created for the night. So book a night on the dance floor with us! Tickets for these concerts will go on sale on Monday, February 3. Be be in quick as they will go very fast. For bookings and more information, visit www.titirangifestival.co.nz .

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FEBRUARY 2020

places to go

WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN IN THE WEST...

Event organisers: Do you have an upcoming event you’d like listed in The Fringe? Send the details, including a contact person and number, to info@fringemedia.co.nz. Readers: While we take care to ensure listings are correct, errors may occur. Check with the contact person wherever possible.

february w January 30 – February 2, Ghost Trees, written and performed by Gary Stalker, returns after its successful showing at the 2019 Going West Books and Writers Festival; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 7.30pm. Bookings through Eventfinda. w – 9, Paintings by Michael Rowland; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha. Phone 812 8029, www. westcoastgallery.co.nz. w – 9, Solid as a Rock, a group of Niuean artists convey journeys of connection and revival, sustaining and celebrating culture; Corban Estate Arts Centre. Phone 838 4455. w – 16, HANDSHAKE 5: in site, bringing together 10 jewellers from across Aotearoa for an exhibition that explores the potential of jewellery in large-scale spaces. Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road, Phone 817 8087. w – 23, Portage Ceramic Awards exhibition; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road, Phone 817 8087. w 2, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732. w 5, Toi Toi Music presents Jon Sanders in concert, supported by Cat Tunks and Gavin Dowling; Titirangi

Theatre, Lopdell House; 8pm; $22.50 through Eventfinda, $25 on the door. www.jon-sanders.com. w 5 and 19, PowerTalk Waitâkere can help you speak publicly with confidence: New Lynn Community Centre, 45 Totara Avenue, New Lynn; 7.30pm. Phone Sheridan on 828 7999 or 027 282 8799. w 7, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Kelston Community Centre, Corner Great North and Awaroa Roads; 9.30-11.30am. Phone Roger 834 7945. w 11, West Auckland Historical Society Family History Group meeting; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone Gary Snow 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@snofam.co.nz. w 14, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484. w 14, Flicks presents The Peanut Butter Falcon (M) an adventure story from Rialto set in the world of a modern Mark Twain; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm; Tickets $15, $12, and $10 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558. w 14 – April 5, In The Flesh, succulent photo-montages by Megan Archer depicting human bodies digitally manipulated into near-abstract forms; Corban Estate Arts Centre. Phone 838 4455. w 14 – April 5, Paint etc., a group show featuring the work of artists who challenge the notion of traditional painting. Corban Estate Arts Centre. Phone 838 4455. w 15, Lions Club Book Sale; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 8am-4pm. Phone Mary 027 487 0639.

Coming up in

w 15, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Bluegrass

and Beyond, floor singers in first half; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $12 or $8 for members; www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. w 15 – March 15, Recent paintings by Zeke Wolf; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha. Phone 812 8029, www. westcoastgallery.co.nz. w 16, Titirangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Titirangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact Tess on tvm.manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436. w 18, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; Kelston Community Centre; 10am. Phone June 021 179 3635. w 19, Te Uru presents HERBS – Songs of Freedom, celebrating the five men from different islands in the South Pacific who gave voice to a generation and the issues of the time through their music; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 7.30pm; $15 and $12. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558 or call 817 8087. w 21, Flicks presents Roxane (PG), a poetic and surrealistic comedy for anyone missing the Titirangi chooks, set in the Côtes d'Armor, north of Brittany, and featuring an organic farmer who secretly reads Cyrano de Bergerac (Edmond Rostand, 1897) to his hens; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House; 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm. Tickets from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558. w 25, Titirangi U3A – meet interesting people 60-years and older; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm; gold coin. Contact 818 8890, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz.

Anne Maree Gardens, Rest Home & Hospital

Our March issue will feature the Titirangi Festival of Music and festival sponsors and supporters of local performance and music will want to be part of this. We will also be featuring the EcoWest Festival, Council’s Kauri Karnival in Parrs Park and the World Surf League is bringing its new Challenger Series to Piha. To be part of these features and be seen by up to 70,000 people, contact The Fringe at 817 8024 or 027 494 0700 or email info@fringemedia.co.nz.

Respite & Day Care, Specialist Hospital Dementia Care and Young Persons Disability Care

We believe that inclusiveness, enjoyment and fun, contribute to a resident’s holistic well-being. Phone: Resina Rakai on (09) 828 3741 / 021 835 743 www.annemareeresthome.co.nz 24 Coronet Place, Avondale

MARCH 1st -31st

START STOCKPILING YOUR WEEDS NOW! Go to www.ecomatters.org.nz/war-on-weeds or phone 09 826 4276 to find the weed bin nearest to you. Proudly supported by

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places to go w 28, The Combined Probus Club of Glen Eden,

march w – March 1, The Future of our Kids – working from the

position that nuclear testing is overly interpreted through a historic lens, this exhibition re-orients our focus towards present and future actions; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road, Phone 817 8087. w – March 1, Pusi Urale: Mafine – Celebrating the Female Form, a solo exhibition of new paintings; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone w March 1, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732. w March 5, A selection of films about the ocean to celebrate NZ Seaweek including The Shark Feeders, made and presented by Robin Kewell; Seminar room, First floor, Lopdell House; throughout the day from 10.30am; Free. More details at www.flickscinema.weebly.com w March 6, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Kelston Community Centre, Corner Great North and Awaroa Roads; 9.30-11.30am. Phone Roger 834 7945. w March 10, West Auckland Historical Society Family History Group meeting; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone Gary

There is so much happening in and around our community, including many weekly events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings. To find out more about whatever you are interested in, visit:

www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

l WHERE IT’S AT: • Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am–4.30pm daily. 838 4455. • EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn; Wednesday – Sunday 10am-2pm. 826 4276, info@ecomatters. org.nz. • Flicks cinema, Lopdell House Theatre. 818 2489, www.flickscinema.weebly.com. • Kelston Community Centre, corner of Awaroa and Great North Roads, Kelston. • McCahon House Museum, 67 Otitori Bay Rd; Wednesday – Sunday, 1-4pm, except public holidays. 817 6148, mccahon@ mccahonhouse.org.nz. • Playhouse Theatre, 15 Glendale Road, Glen Eden. 818 5751. • Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery, 420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi; 10am–4.30pm daily. 817 8087, info@ teuru.org.nz. • Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House Theatre; Titirangi. 817 5812, infoline 817 5951, www.titirangitheatre.co.nz. • Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House; 10am–4.30pm daily. 817 4278, www. upstairs.org.nz. • West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha; Wednesday – Sunday, 10am–4pm. 812 8029, www.westcoastgallery.co.nz.

213 – 215 Woodlands Park Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604 Phone: 09 817 8495 or 09 817 6188 www.kenturnermotors.co.nz

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WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN IN THE WEST...

fellowship, speakers, monthly trips; Ceramco Park Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 10-11.30am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857. w 28, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk and Jam, an informal singaround; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 7.30pm; $5. www. titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

Snow 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@snofam. co.nz. w March 13, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484. w March 14, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Martin Pearson, floor singers in first half; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $12 or $8 for members; www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. w March 17, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; Kelston Community Centre; 10am. Phone June 021 179 3635. w March 21, Lions Club Book Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 8am-4pm. Sale; New Lynn Friendship Phone Mary 027 487 0639. w March 21 – April 19, Rita Konig – sculpture; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha. Phone 812 8029, www. westcoastgallery.co.nz. w March 24, Titirangi U3A – meet interesting people 60-years and older; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm; gold coin. Contact 818 8890, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz. w March 27, The Combined Probus Club of Glen Eden, fellowship, speakers, monthly trips; Ceramco Park Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 10-11.30am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857.

bandstanding: music in the west with susannah bridges

‘I listen to my head rather than my fingers’ Walking along the Oakley Creek and being near the water are relaxing and inspiring to James Fromont – guitarist extraordinaire and teacher of some 25 years experience. He’s also learning about Impressionist art and has a growing interest in physics and science. But of course it is music that really floats his boat. “Music is something that I love, it has given me my life-long passion. I like that it is rich in history and has great diversity in style, culture and creative imperative. It expresses human experience in all its emotional, intellectual and cultural manifestations. It’s great for children’s learning – research has shown it improves their language and maths skills as well as their ability to listen and empathise. It is awesome!” James’ involvement in music started at age 15. “My father got into Led Zeppelin after my uncle Chris played him the Led Zep 2 album. I was just a kid but I fell in love with the sound of electric guitar. I remember listening to Jimmy Page’s Stairway to Heaven solo on The Song Remains The Same and the impression it made on me. It was as if human emotions were being articulated in a much more direct and honest way. “I never considered playing myself though until I met and became friends with a dude who knew some songs and strum patterns. After that I was hooked. I played for hours trying to learn from the recordings of my favourite artists. I’d go to see my favourite West Auckland band Blue Network and try to pick things up by watching their guitarist Mark Peterson, and others as well. After a while I got a call to join a local band called Dry Ice. We played around halls and pubs in the late ’80s doing a raw version of punk and hard rock covers.” Then came The Peter Thornley Experience. “We were a more focused outfit and I began to write songs – this is how my interest in writing began to develop. Unfortunately we split up before we should have and nothing came of it. I continued to play in bands and duos but I never had another opportunity to write in a band like I did in the Thornleys. Thus began my slow transition to solo performer.” James says his main musical influences on guitar are Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eric Johnson. “But I’ve found myself in the last 10 years playing much more acoustic music and I’ve found this interesting. So I started adapting my playing style to suit solo playing and then went to open mic nights to try things out. After a couple of years I was comfortable enough to try solo gigs and so here I am. Now I am really enjoying my solo gigs. I love playing on my own, it is so freeing. I can play what I want and since my taste is varied this allows me to indulge it a little. I get a feeling of satisfaction at being able to play my own compositions, as well as my favourite covers.” The break up of The Peter Thornley Experience also kick-started a teaching career for James, beginning about 25 years ago at Dennis

Doherty Music in Avondale. “It was a way to pay the bills. But more than that, I’ve found out over the years how teaching guitar is a great way to share something which I really believe to be good”. James has also worked as a session musician but prefers to focus on his own thing for the moment. “When I turned 50 I realised that I have all this music that I’ve written over 32 years, and I’m currently working on recording it all. Developing my inner voice has taken time. When I am teaching I suggest to students that a good way to get started with writing music is first to sing. It’s not important if their voice doesn’t set the world on fire, but what singing does is strengthen their inner voice. In a nut shell, it’s about humming and listening. For me ideas usually come when I put my guitar down and listen to what’s in my head. I listen to my head rather than my fingers more often now and I’m finding that my more satisfying songs are done by trying as much as possible to distil a musical idea that is quite specific. I’m learning about my own perceptions musically and about my strengths and limitations. Recording and hearing my music has been and continues to be a great experience – and it makes it seem real, which is a good thing! My plan is to finish home recording my songs, choose my favourite 10 and for the first time in my life go into a studio and record them professionally”. Born and bred in West Auckland, James now teaches students aged from 10 to 80 years old from his office in New Lynn. You can catch him playing at The Base café in Titirangi every Friday from noon til 2pm, at Kiwi Valley on Saturdays from noon til 4pm and at the Titirangi RSA (check website for dates). You can check him out on YouTube and he’s also available for private gigs and functions – contact him at james. fromont@gmail.com or 021-268-2615. >> Life

should always be an adventure ... Continued from page 6

“We went rock climbing, swimming and then had a barbecue,” says Trish. “It was a lot of fun, but sad too. Now it’s time to look after ourselves but no-one can take great memories away, and we’ll always have those.” Bronwyn says it was quite emotional closing the door to the scout hall that last time but, with her never-quit attitude, pointed out the group could be recreated if new leaders and volunteers are interested. Call 0800 SCOUTS or contact Tracy Hallett on 838 2237 or email azl. moanarua@zone.scouts.nz The New Lynn Sea Scout group caters for boys and girls aged 5 – 19 years. If you want a slice of the summer action on the water, or to go camping and explore our adventure playground contact Andrew Stevens on 027 6939 756, email 72andrewstevens@gmail.com or visit www.newlynn.seascouts.org.nz.

Yamaha MCR-N470 Mini HiFi System

CD / FM / WiFi / Bluetooth / MusicCast – $899

AXENT AUDIO, 25 Portage Road, New Lynn. Ph 827 1220

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our place There is a group of West Auckland women who enjoy good company, fun, and providing support for other women who need a helping hand. And it would welcome new members. Now celebrating its 100th year, Zonta is an international organisation that is committed to women’s personal development and leadership. There are over 700 ‘Zontians’ in 30 clubs around New Zealand. The West Auckland group meets every second Monday at Lincoln Green for a dinner, starting with drinks at 6pm. Speakers have included health experts, the Prostitution Collective, health providers, educational experts, The City Mission, small business owners and a representative from the Police. The group has raised funds for the Teen Parent Unit at Henderson High School (for a scholarship for a girl wanting a tertiary education) and also supports Family Action which supports women and their families at a refuge in Henderson. Other activities include supporting PADA (Peri natal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa), keeping girls in school in Madagascar and helping women who have fled Syria to set up businesses in Jordan. Funds are raised through fashion parades, film afternoons, quiz nights and a variety of other fun events full of fellowship, a glass of wine and food. Zonta is made up of women from diverse backgrounds who provide a global perspective on women’s issues. It is also a friendly group of women who enjoy the company of others with similar values, sharing their talents, having fun and developing leadership and speaking skills while helping other women. To find out more and perhaps join the group phone Sue Devitt on 021 521 352 or 845 1920 or Pam Antill on 813 3375 or 027 351 0628

Talks continuing

Discussions about the revitalisation of the sites at 14 – 22 Totara Avenue in New Lynn are continuing between Panuku and a development partner. (Panuku Development is a council controlled organisation (CCO) set up in 2015 to deliver urban regeneration.) The OAG building (above), erected in 1925, was part of the original Totara Avenue shopping block and there’s been active community discussion about the site for a number of years after it suffered significant storm damage and fell into disrepair. It remains propped up to safeguard the public and protect the fabric of the structure. A Panuku spokesperson says the vision for the Totara Avenue site is for a mixed-use development that will retain the OAG building’s facade in its design and include new residential apartments. To make the best use of the space in the meantime, it has been made available to local businesses and shoppers for use as a public car park. No resource consents have been lodged for the site although it’s thought the development partner aims to do that mid-year. – Moira Kennedy

How do we prepare for a post-petroleum future? Right now Australia is burning. Five million hectares has burned. Sydney has had dense clogging smoke for weeks. New South Wales has already lost an estimated 30% of its koala population. It is not even peak bushfire time which normally starts in April. Australia is not the only country to experience severe adverse weather patterns and consequences. The cause is clear, increased temperatures and changing rain patterns caused by climate change, just as predicted by numerous scientific studies. We have got to the stage where school kids are lecturing politicians on the subject. We are clearly facing a climate crisis. Phil Goff recently released the Mayoral Budget Proposal and included measures to address climate change. These include further tree planting, investment in a decarbonised Council fleet, and more funding for schools and adaption. I believe that the proposal needs to go much further. It should encourage low emission vehicles, rapidly increase highquality cycling and walking infrastructure, encourage and support teleworking and help develop decentralised energy networks. The last Council introduced special rates for water quality and environmental issues. These rates will raise $452 million and $311 million respectively over ten years. Most locals were very supportive.

Maybe it is time for Auckland Council to propose an urgent Climate Change special rate. The local board has completed the local Greenways Plan. It sets out a blueprint of how our walkways and cycleways could look. But we don’t have the funding to do any more than a small proportion of the plan. If we are going to be carbon neutral by 2050 then by 2030 the introduction of petrol cars into New Zealand’s fleet will be rare. Which is why alternatives to driving, including public transport, walking and cycling and teleworking will need to be nurtured as much as possible. Council needs to be brave and urgently start investing in infrastructure to get ready for our future. The argument for a dedicated fund so that we can get our city ready for a post petroleum future is I believe especially strong and especially urgent.

Greg Presland, Co-Chair Waitakere Ranges Local Board

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feature: love is in the air A future in medicine beckons

Advertorial

Valentine’s Day can mean many things to many people: roses, chocolates, special treats and romantic holidays are all part of the mix. How will you mark the day?

VALENTINE’S DAY: A Fringe special feature

Deciding what to do after finishing high school can be challenging, but ACG Sunderland 2019 head boy, Chase Leathard, had it tougher than most. A talented dancer and a top academic, Chase was offered two scholarships – a University of Auckland Top Achievers Scholarship and a oneyear scholarship to the pre-professional programme of the Melbourne City Ballet. “Having both academia and dance in my life has been amazing. However, it was particularly challenging when I got the call about the scholarship to the ballet company as I had to choose between a career in the arts or a career in medicine,” said Chase. Medicine came out trumps and Chase will soon begin his first year of Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland, backed by a $20,000 scholarship. Chase has set his sights on becoming a paediatric surgeon/specialist, and thanks to the thirteen years he has spent at ACG Sunderland, he believes he is wellprepared for the task. “I started ACG Sunderland on the very first day it opened and I’m the first ever student to go through the school from Year 1 until Year 13. It’s been my home away from home for 13 years, and without the school and the teachers, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today. “I’ve loved every moment of my time at ACG and wouldn’t take any of it back. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my years at school because of the nurturing environment ACG Sunderland has created. “Because it’s a small school, students benefit from a lot more one-on-one learning and we form strong relationships with our teachers. I’m so grateful that my parents allowed me to attend such an amazing school for so long.” If you’d like to know more about ACG Sunderland, its next Open Day is Saturday March 7, or visit sunderland. acgedu.com

At Face & Body we think Valentine’s Day is a reminder to also take care of yourself. It’s a time to “give your skin some love!” We acknowledge that love brings up emotions that can run the gamut from agony to ecstasy. Love can inspire us to accomplish some amazing feats. Love can make you happier than you have ever been, sadder than you have ever been – it can elate you and deflate you. We also can confirm, after 29 years of trading at Face & Body Titirangi, that skin, in particular disordered skin, can create exactly that same gamut of emotions in our clients. We welcome everyone this Valentine’s Day to ‘Give their Skin some Love’ and take advantage of the ‘Valentine’s Day Special’ we are offering over February and March. Book two of these fabulously relaxing, smoothing, hydrating Skin Facials + LED Light treatments and we will gift you the third! Now that really is skin love, but only from Face & Body, at 298 Titirangi Road. We are professional Skin Therapists, highly qualified and able to treat, with results, disordered skin that is dry, itchy, peeling, pigmented, scarred from acne or with active acne or excessive hair growth. Don’t be shy – our clinic is for both men and women. ‘Give yourself some Love’ this Valentines Day. Phone 09 817 4807 or visit www.faceandbody.co.nz.

FACIAL+ LED LIGHT TREATMENT SPECIAL Book a 1.5 hour Hydration and LED Light Repair Treatment Facial in February. This results-based Hydration Skin Treatment + LED light is valued at $99+$49 ~ $148 in total.

You will be astounded at the difference. Be 0ur February Valentine ~ book 2 of these treatments in February and we will gift you the third in March for only $77 ~ you SAVE $71!

Now THAT is love.

Phone: 09 817 4807 www.faceandbody.co.nz

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feature: love is in the air

Hello romantic holiday destinations Romantic getaways can come in many forms. At Helloworld Travel Henderson we have them all covered. Here are a selection of our favourite romantic places to stay in the world: Africa on a Safari: For the adventurous, experience an African Safari with your loved one staying in romantic luxury lodges in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania or Kenya.

Santorini,

Bali, Indonesia: Choose between a relaxing beach front holiday stay in a luxury hotel in Seminyak or Nusa Dua, or for an authentic Bali experience, stay in an Ubud retreat for pampering – or book both options. Bali is an economical getaway that has something for everyone. Bora Bora, Tahiti: The jewel of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is an internationally acclaimed honeymoon destination. You will be in awe of the soaring mountain peaks, turquoise lagoon and luxurious overwater bungalows. Maldives: A perfect spot for honeymooners, or a special anniversary, the resorts here feature spa and wellness retreats, numerous water sports, swimming with tropical fish and over-water bungalow

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Greece:

Favoured by many as the crowning jewel of romance in Europe. For the best experience, visit this island outside of peak season for fewer crowds and better accommodation deals. (Pictured left.) Venice, Italy: Even with the huge numbers of tourists that visit this destination, it still popular for loved-up couples. To make the most of this city, stay on the island so you can enjoy the early and late quiet moments between day trip tour groups. Contact the team of travel and cruise professionals at Helloworld Travel Henderson to help you plan your 2020 dream holiday.

The Fringe FEBRUARY 2020

VALENTINE’S DAY: A Fringe special feature

accommodation options. Paris, France: This iconic city of love is a must visit for every hopeless romantic. Visit the numerous romantic sights, visit an art museum, or enjoy a coffee or cheese at one of the quaint street-side restaurants or pop a bottle of champagne under the Eiffel tower. Prague, Czechoslovakia: One of our favourite European cities for romance due to its inevitable charm. The architecture alone provides a beautiful background to any romantic holiday with many historic sights to visit during your stay. River Cruising: Not a destination, but a must do for a top quality romantic holiday. Drift along the rivers of Europe with a glass of wine enjoying local cuisine and visiting historic landmarks along the way. (Pictured below.)

places to go

At the Libraries Titirangi Library

Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8: The short documentary The Forest of Tiriwa (8 minuntes) will screen on loop, featuring local elders discussing the Waitâkere Ranges rāhui. Wednesday, February 12, 10.30-11.30am: The founders of ‘Bonsaiville’ garden explain how to get started in bonsai, as well as offering plants for sale. Wednesday, February 12, 11.30am-12.30pm: A Kadampa (Buddhist) meditation in the hall. Beginners or more experienced welcome. Thursday, February 13, 10am-1pm: As part of the library’s Chinese New Year celebrations, the local Mah Jong group will be demonstrating the game in the library – the easiest way to learn! Experienced players can get you started. Drop-in session. Saturday, February 15, 11am-12pm: Dr Mark Craig and Amanda Sorrenson will present the evidence for a vegan diet in combating Western diseases. Committed to veg or just curious? All welcome. Monday, February 17, 3.30-4.30pm: An opportunity for the kids to celebrate Chinese New Year and try some Asian crafts. Saturday, February 22, 11am-12pm: A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony where our host, Yuki, will be making a bowl of matcha tea accompanied by some Japanese sweets. Numbers are limited and a koha would be appreciated to cover the cost of sweets. Register by phoning 817 0011, drop in, or email titirangi.library@aucklandcouncil. govt.nz. Saturday, February 29, 1-2pm: For the first time in Titirangi, awardwinning Chinese artists from The Colourful Arts Group will perform traditional and contemporary songs and dances in the hall (next door to the library) and the White Cloud Chorus will also perform songs in both Māori and English.

Glen Eden Library

Wednesday, February 5, 10.30am: Glen Eden Library’s Book Chat group meets in the library’s meeting room. Everyone is welcome to attend and share what they’ve been reading. Friday, February 7, 9.30am and 11am: Wriggle and Rhyme. The following week will see the beginning of the new Wriggle and Rhyme times for the year: Every Tuesday at 9.30am and Friday at 11am (during term time). Wednesday, February 12, 1-3pm: The Job Café will be back in the library. Whau Ace Adult and Community Education offer free support and advice including preparing a CV, career guidance, job search, online job applications and cover letters. Wednesday, February 12, 3.30-4.30pm: Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Irene making ‘Chinese Dragon Paper Puppets’. Thursday, February 13, 10:30-11:30am: Rhyme Time Special with guest author, Sally Sutton reading from her new book, Wheels. Sally Sutton won the picture book section of the 2009 New Zealand

Embossed Porcelain Lights – sale on now at Te Uru

Book Awards For Children and Young Adults and her picture book Construction was a finalist in 2015. Sally will be bringing hard hats for all the kids who attend this special session. Saturday, February 15, 2-4pm: Lego Club Friday, February 21, 10am-12pm: If you’re looking for strategies to help you achieve your goal in 2020, join Becky from Trance Works in a safe environment where she will share some techniques with you. Becky is a fully trained and certified Hypnotherapist and Breakthrough Life Coach. She has also had training in Neuro Linguistic Programming and Mindscaping. All are welcome to this free session.

New Lynn Library

Every Friday in February, 10-11am: Crochet For Beginners. Come along and get started crocheting. Materials and hooks provided but feel free to bring your own. Age 16+. Booking required. Email: newlynn. library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Saturday, February 8, 10-11am: Wax Wrap Making. Make yourself some wax wraps and keep your food fresh in an environmentally friendly way. Age 16+. Booking required. Email: newlynn.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Wednesday February 12, 2-3pm: Basic Computer Class. Never used a computer before but have always wanted to give it a try? Get started by taking our beginners computer class. Age 18+. Booking required. Email: newlynn.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Wednesday, February 15, 2-3pm: Bean Bag for Your Baby. Come along and make the baby in your life a bean bag perfect for them to grip, throw and catch. Materials provided but feel free to bring your own fabric to upcycle. Age 16+. Booking required. Email: newlynn. library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Every Tuesday in February, 4-5pm: HOW Tuesdays. Come along for an afternoon of crafting and creation. Age 5+. (Term time only.)

Tackling weeds in our backyards West Aucklanders are being encouraged to clear invasive weeds from their backyards and dispose of them for free in a weed bin. War on Weeds is back, with a goal of removing 100 tonnes of weeds during March, thanks to funding from the Waitâkere Ranges and Henderson-Massey local boards. Targeted weeds include ginger, moth plant, tradescantia, Japanese honeysuckle, jasmine, climbing asparagus and more. “Keeping weeds at bay in our backyards helps stop them spreading into public green spaces, meaning native birds and plants can flourish,” says Carla Gee, from EcoMatters Environment Trust. “We thank everyone for helping to keep our neighbourhood weed-free, and for using the bins for target weeds only.” Visit ecomatters.org.nz/war-on-weeds for bin locations and FRINGEADLTD.pdf 1 15/11/16 16:33 accepted weeds.

P R E S L A N D a n d C O LT D

B A R R I S T E R S E S T

S O L I C I T O R S

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The Fringe FEBRUARY 2020

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sustainable solutions with fiona drummond

Recycling – Reclaiming – Rehoming I had long wanted to visit the Ecomatters Recovery Depot in Rosebank Road so when I saw a public tour of the facility advertised, I took the opportunity to check it out – as did around 15 others, keen to see how this facility deals with some of our waste streams. Sarah-Jane Murray, Team Leader of Waste Initiatives at Ecomatters and Thomas Peters, Assistant Manager facilitated the tour. For an organisation dealing with waste, the warehouse space is surprisingly small but efficient. There are various waste booths spread around the extremities of the building. They are a drop-off point for many things that can be recycled, repurposed or upcycled but don’t belong in household recycling. It’s all about helping keep more items out of landfill. E-waste including TVs, computers, printers, audio and video equipment, telephones, home appliances, cables and wires, light bulbs and batteries are tested and sent to the Abilities Group to be broken down into components which are then sent overseas to various locations for recycling. Currently Abilities Group diverts in excess of 4000 tonnes of material from landfill. Around 3% of e-waste is currently recycled in New Zealand. The depot has just begun accepted refrigerators and freezers (a $20 cost applies) which will be responsibly degassed before being sent to metal recycling. Toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes are collected and sent to global recycling pioneer TerraCycle, a US company which creates new products from more difficult waste items. Ecostore recyclable sugar cane bottles are separated to return to Ecostore. They can also be used at the New Lynn EcoMatters store, which is a refill station for Ecostore products. The depot is also a collection point for Rent-a-Bins. For $100 you can hire up to three sets of 40 litre recycle/food scrap/landfill bins with a stand, to ensure a Zero Waste Event. Reusable cutlery and crockery are also available. (www.ecomatters.org.nz/zero-waste/zero-waste-

events/) Then there is the AdoptA-Resource shop, located on a mezzanine in the building. It is something of a treasure trove and re-homes unwanted items from businesses, finding new uses for everything from power cables to hairdressing mannequins, from e-waste to empty toothpaste tubes, and ballpoint pens to curtains. At the moment they have a quantity of dust masks Extension cords are available from the which are available at Adopt a Resource area of the Rosebank substantially less than Road depot. Photo: Ecomatters. normal retail cost. They have plenty of extension leads (courtesy of the film industry) and heavy duty tie downs in stock. It's just a matter of poking about and seeing what you can find. For a few dollars, I came out with some plastic plant hangers, a pot plant holder, and a number of little cardboard salt shakers, perfect for storing and sprinkling seeds. When an extension lead appeared on a family member’s Christmas wish list, I knew where to go. These leads are charged out at $1 per metre and tested before you take them away. EcoMatters’ depot is open to the public on Monday and Tuesday from 10am-2pm and located at Unit E, 489 Rosebank Road in Avondale. For more on EcoMatters’ work go to www.ecomatters.org.nz/ wp-content/uploads/2019/11/EcoMatters_Annual_-Report_2019_ DOWNLOAD.pdf.

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naturally west with fiona drummond

The toutouwai explores life beyond the Ark I mentioned, in the November Fringe, the more common occurrence of kākā in the Karekare area, as well as more fleeting sightings around Tītīrangi and other western suburbs during 2019. It seems that the North Island black robin, or toutouwai, has also discovered Karekare, one having been spotted on Lone Kauri Road in December, some distance from his original home at Cascade Kauri Park in Te Henga. They were reintroduced to the mainland in two translocations from Mokoia Island and Pureora Forest, 15 and 10 years ago respectively. In 2005 my two boys (then aged 7 and 11) released one of the original 53 Mokoia robins at the Ark in the Park sanctuary, signalling a significant return of the species to the Waitâkere Ranges where they had been extinct since the early 1900s. Toutouwai, with a conservation status of At Risk – Declining, is a beautiful little Male toutouwai in Lone Kauri Road, Karekare. Photo by Jacqui Geux. bird weighing only around 35 grams and similar to a sparrow in size. I have more often encountered the South Island species. Its curiosity and interest in foraging for food at ground level will lure them within an arm’s length if you scratch or tap on the ground, though they also forage in and around trees. They are one of a few endemic bird species that appear to enjoy the close presence of humans, making them a tourist favourite. Their groundbased curiosity and trusting nature also makes them vulnerable and the Department of Conservation suggests that, without predator control, there is only a 20% chance of them breeding successfully. Many, including the brooding females, fall victim in their nests at night to possums, rats and stoats. The male toutouwai, particularly the bachelors, are songsters who sing loudly for their size and for up to 30 minutes with just brief pauses. He displays four key vocalisations known as fullsong, subsong, downscale and chuck, all used for different occasions. (For a sample of his fullsong visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLN3fg9xPB0.) With a diet of mostly invertebrates and small ripe fruit, a robin pair usually produces two broods per season of two to three chicks. They use foraging tactics including foot trembling, wing flicking and tail flicking to flush hidden insect prey. For Māori, the toutouwai call was thought to bring good or bad news, depending on the time and place. If you heard its call when hunting, it was a sign your trip would be a failure. Despite its tiny size, the robin

(along with other small birds) was trapped by Māori for food. The recent Karekare robin sighting is exciting news for Ark in the Park: fostering species in a predator-controlled area to build populations for natural dispersal into the wider Waitâkere Ranges has always been the ultimate goal. This is dependent on the prevalence of healthy forest links enabling wildlife to disperse and settle safely in areas with a good food source and regular pest control. The majority of our native birds will only fly 2.5km or less between habitats, so more wildlife links with pest control and habitat restoration are essential for safe passage for native birds and other fauna. Long term Ark in the Park supporter Karen Colgan reports: “This year has been high in rats following the heavy fruiting of the forest (masting) and will possibly affect robin numbers as they are vulnerable from October to March when they are nesting”. Time will tell if the black robin will deem Karekare a safe place to breed, but the strong predator control work of the Karekare Landcare Association bodes well for the future of toutouwai there. The Kauri Rescue project is extremely busy now that drier weather means we can help more people support the health of their sick kauri trees, writes MELS BARTON. Almost 100 private landowners are engaged in the project and over 1470 trees have been treated. Landowners monitor how trees respond, which helps refine the dose needed. We only work on private land and our citizen science project is supported by Auckland Council’s Natural Environment Targeted Rate. Participants’ properties cover a huge variety of situations and we have everything from people with only a single kauri tree in their garden to those with over 160 hectares of kauri bush on their farm. Many of our participants live in Waitâkere, with lots in Titirangi, but we also have an increasing number of properties on the North Shore and further north. Landowners with large properties and a lot of kauri need help to treat and monitor their trees so we have recruited a team of ‘Ambassadors’ to help. We will be running workshops every Saturday over the summer and if you’d like to get involved we’d love to hear from you. We get to visit the most amazing properties and work in some beautiful pieces of bush. If you’re missing your bush fix sign up on our website and join the team! http://www. kaurirescue.org.nz/newsreel/join-the-team If you are concerned about the health of the kauri on your property we can help. The sooner you treat sick trees the better. If your trees have thinning canopies and/or gum bleeding at the base then they might have kauri dieback disease. Sign up on our website and get your trees checked for no charge: http://www. kaurirescue.org.nz/i-want-to-treat-my-kauri.html. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or anxious? Do you want to have better relationship with yourself? Hypnosis could be the answer… • Stress and Anxiety

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wandering westies

A trip to Tawharanui “Why can’t the rats just go around the fence?” That’s the question MICK ANDREW asked when he first visited Tawharanui Regional Park – an open eco sanctuary an hour’s drive north of Auckland. The fence is a predator-proof barricade that spans the width of the peninsula but then curls around on itself at the edge of the sand, leaving a sizeable gap that possums, stoats and rats could use to get in. Apparently, they do occasionally. But the surveillance system is so sophisticated the rangers know exactly when and what to do when it happens. Fortunately humans are welcome, and we gain entry by driving up to the automatic gate-which opens on approach.

Looking back over Tawharanui’s beaches. Photo: by Bevis England.

For bird lovers – or for anyone really – Tawharanui is a paradise. Being at the end of a peninsula, it has been effectively isolated from the mainland, allowing populations of rare and recovering birds to thrive without predation. You could easily spend a weekend staying at the camp ground, exploring the various tracks and gorgeous beaches. For day-trippers however, the 2-hour ecology trail is a comprehensive way to sample the park and see the wildlife. Starting at the Anchor Bay picnic area, we follow the gravel road east passing the golden sand and an information shelter, before entering the bush. The most noticeable difference between this park and unprotected sites on the mainland is the birdsong. Few places in New Zealand can

replicate the pre-mammal bird chorus that once resonated countrywide, but Tawharanui makes a solid attempt. Tui are of course abundant and boisterous, but as we trek further into the bush we start to hear bellbirds, kākā and even the shrill, pulsing call of tīeke or saddleback, a The predator proof fence at Tawharanui. black and orange species of Photo: Creative Commons. wattle bird that only exists on the mainland in sanctuaries. The track passes through a colossal pūriri grove, before traversing a series of boardwalks and bridges. We then reach a junction, with the left route winding up through the forest to the northern side of the peninsula. We take the right along Fisherman’s Track, and soon leave the bush and walk up a hill through farmland. Once at the top the views of the surrounding ocean are striking. Verdant Kawau Island dominates the south, and Great Barrier Island rises like a primeval volcano to the east. There is short sidewalk to Takatū Point lookout at the very tip of the peninsula, otherwise the main walk itself continues around the edge of the peninsula running back toward the car park. Pūkeko aren’t the most exciting animal, but every time I see one at Tawharanui I give a false jump of surprise. The scrawny purple birds bear a considerable resemblance to one of New Zealand’s rarest creatures, eight of which live in the park. Finally, after misidentifying countless pūkeko on the return leg, I spot them ... four South Island takahē, lumbering, dinosaur-like birds that move quietly though the grass, grazing for grubs and shoots amongst the cows. Once you see them, they are very distinct from pūkeko – bigger and sturdier with a blue-green plume. Once widely spread across the South Island, there are now only 400 remaining although the population is increasing. A few takahē were relocated in Tawharanui in 2014 and the lack of predators has meant that these birds can breed and graze in peace. It’s a satisfying thing, seeing a bird of such rarity. The next goal is stay in the camp ground, and come out at night with a red light. Tawharanui, after all, is great place to spot kiwi.

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live @ the lounge

‘I imagine music would be injected ...’ Hello. As you would have gathered, Lizard is still AWOL, last seen heading west on the Manukau Harbour aboard what appeared to be a steam-powered, wooden vessel called Lady Luck 111. Shaz, his wife, said not to worry as Lizard knows the Manukau like the back of his head. So (and I want to say, ‘a needle pulling thread’) let me introduce myself and wish you all a very Happy New Year. I’m Arthur Lizard and yes, I’ve heard it all before: ‘Arthur Lizard, should have got a whole one’. Very droll. I’m Lizard’s second cousin on his sister’s side. I was a foreign correspondent in the Far East for 45 years, stationed mainly in Saigon, Peking, Bombay, Terra de Santa Cruz and most recently Te-Ihu-aMataoho Beach. I studied at the University of Naypyitaw gaining a doctorate in pre-Raphaelite linoleum cuts. But enough about me. A huge wowee and hip hip for making it to MMXX. 2020. The Chinese zodiac year of the rat. An interesting aside about our friend ‘the rat’: he reaches sexual maturity aged six weeks but social maturity at about six months. Going by this, if humans are deemed sexually mature at sixteen then we reach social maturity when we are around 64. Sounds about right. Gosh, 20 years into the 21st century. It was 43 years ago that Elvis left the building! As I’m sure you all well know, 2020 is a leap year. Incidentally, so was 480AD, the year Baderic, King of the Thuringii was born. If it wasn’t for his premature and somewhat brutal death at the hands of his brother, he would be 2,500 years old today. Think about that. Also, equally extraordinary (and how time flies!) it was some 2720 years ago that the Etruscans in northern Italy were still wearing dentures fashioned from real human teeth. Yuk. Go back just 40 years and Tom Waits was still holding hands with Rickie Lee Jones and The Sex Pistols were still spitting on crowds across London. Even yukkier.

Now that I’m once again domiciled in Aotearoa, I find it incredulous that after all these years we, as a nation, are still struggling to pronounce the simplest of Te Reo. When I was lecturing in pre-schools in Xiangyang, Jingzhou and a school for gifted Chinese children of Scottish decent, a surprisingly large number, in Wuyishan City, the children were expected to memorise over 1000 Chinese symbols. Their language is tonal and therefore, depending on how they mumble the word ‘cheung’, for example, it can mean long, wall, window, rob, gun or to change money. We only have 26 letters in our alphabet and yet can’t pronounce Taupō? Or Māori for that matter. Is it really any wonder that our national table tennis team is predominantly players from the archipelago? If a child is born today and lives for 81 years, he/she will be in the 22nd century. What will they have seen I ponder? I’ll bet he/she is not eating cows and gaining abdominal muscles at the gym. Interior design and pets will surely be ‘virtual’. Outrageous public displays of affection, PDA’s, will only be acceptable as a solo activity. I should imagine music would be injected, religion projected, warships neglected and marital visits scheduled bi-monthly for identification purposes. Basements, backyards, barbecues and bottoms will all surely be self-flushing. These are extraordinary times my friends, and time is definitely ticking. Please embrace these fantastic new opportunities but still cherish yesterday’s darlings. As I’ve always said, ‘why go outside, when inside is somewhere to be?’ It is far better to be ridiculous than boring. May laughter be your ultimate objective and if I ever meet the bastard that folds over pages in ‘borrowed’ library books I’ll knock him into the next century. On behalf of Lizard, Yours sincerely, Arthur.

west auckland weather by the moon Ken Ring’s predictions for February February may be drier, sunnier, and warmer than normal, with a heat-wave predicted for the second week. With the first two weeks dry and sunny, the last two weeks could see a rain day each, although the rain-total may be less than half the average for February. The second week is the hottest and suncare should be observed, with the hottest afternoon (around 11th) reaching around 28°C. Day temperatures may average 24°, slightly exceeding the average. But temperatures overnight may average 15°, which is normal. The coolest night may be at or near the 26th at 12°. The 18th and 19th may also see cooler nights. The barometric average may be 1017mbs. Most of the winds are from the southwest.

For fishermen, the highest (king) tides are on the 11th, with a lesser kingtide on the 26th. The best fishing bite-times (in the west) are at noon on the 8th-11th and 23rd-25th, and in the east at around dusk on those days. Chances are also good in the west for dusk of the 1st-4th and 15th-17th, and in the east around noon of those days. For gardeners, the 7th is the best sowing day, with the waxing moon ascending. The best pruning days are the 20th-22nd with the waning moon descending. If harvesting for longer shelf-life, choose lower water-table neap days of the 3rd and 19th. Allow 24 hour error for all forecasting. For future weather for any date, visit www.predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2019.

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The Fringe, formerly the Titirangi Tatler

Articles inside

Wandering Westies: a trip to Tawharanui

Live @ the lounge; Weather by the moon

Naturally West: The toutouwai explores life beyond the Ark

Life should always be an adventure

relief, Brightening up Barron Green

At the libraries

Still going after 10 years – Bishops Stream Neighbourhood Garden

Sustainable solutions: Recycling – Reclaiming – Rehoming

Our place: Zonta and Merchant Quarter plans

TFM guests announced

Bandstanding: James Fromont