The Fringe, December 2020/January 2021 by Fringe Media

ISSUE 199, DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

The team at Fringe Media wish all our readers and advertisers a merry festive season and happy holidays. We will be taking a break in January but The Fringe will be back in February.

community news, issues, arts, people, events

... a strong voice for the community ... This being the last Fringe edition for 2020 and as it is 12 months since our election to the local board, Michelle and I thought it a good opportunity to summarise our board activities for the past year. Despite a great start, Covid-19 lockdowns frustrated progress with tasks and objectives we had set ourselves. That said, working from home forced full immersion into the virtual world of Skype and Zoom meetings, problematic at first but as my comfort grew with this technology so did savings of time and online meetings are now a welcome addition to the day. The need for social distancing showed how important our beaches and parks are for community well-being as people sought solace and exercise. The vital role our local volunteer welfare organisations played providing food parcels and domestic help, showed how pivotal they are to overall community resilience. I’ve always thanked my lucky stars for being a Kiwi. New Zealand’s location in the world may bring challenges with trade and travel but it has also helped protect us from the worst of a pandemic. Michelle and I agree the year’s highlight is the unanimous resolution by our local board to open board workshops to the public. We are grateful to fellow board members for supporting our idea. Board members are still developing protocols around conducting workshops in an ‘open’ manner, but I’m already seeing worthwhile benefits. Less of a highlight is council’s increasingly exaggerated response to New Zealand Health and Safety regulation. Legislation does not stipulate that 10 people are needed to weed a roundabout. In fact legislation has been amended to curb this absurdity. Where it used to say, must take all practical steps to ensure it now says must, so far as reasonably practicable ensure, a term that now occurs 102 times in the 2015 H&S Act. Council’s interpretation of ‘reasonably practicable’ seems to be growing more impractical by the day. Without the commercial drivers of competitive pricing to force a risk/cost analysis, Council keeps demanding ever more involved and costly workplace practices. Challenging this will be one of next year’s jobs.

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

Like Ken, Covid-19 severely impacted on my key role of community connection. Public events were cancelled and I was unable to meet face to face to discuss issues. However, embracing technology I came to rely upon the virtual world to connect and get feedback. Many local groups came together to provide for our most vulnerable and much of my lockdown time was spent supporting them. “I love it” is perhaps not the expected response when asked whether I enjoy working on the Board. It certainly can be frustrating advocating for our community under an emergency budget with no resources. But I have never walked away from what is right and I want to be a strong voice for a community which has long been forgotten in the enormity of the supercity. Another issue that needs attention as we returned to normal life is the frequent request for action over the basics of road safety and maintenance. I should suggest a hotline between myself and our Auckland Transport board advisor. As many will have noticed Glen Eden is experiencing rapid intensified housing development and I am pleased that, with my fellow board members’ help, I now have a crossing promised from the Westlight apartment complex to the train station. But there are many more urgent safety measures needed and the lack of safe crossing points, repairs and footpaths cause further risk. I will be continuing to work to improve our roads and pathway networks into 2021. (Anyone with concerns regarding these issues should visit https://at.govt.nz/about-us/contact-us/report-aproblem.) And your support matters: it helps Ken and I champion your needs and strengthens the case for intervention. It has been rewarding working together on our goals. We agree that two heads are better than one and Ken and I look forward to striving to gain good outcomes for the people of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board area in 2021. We wish you all a fun and safe summer Meri Kirihimete – Ken Turner and Michelle Clayton. Advertisement

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contents

‘We all have to contribute’.....................................................................4 New Karekare Surf Lifesaving clubhouse nearing completion................5 Keeping it local: supporting our local businesses.............................6 – 7 Art and about with Naomi McCleary................................................8 – 9 Collaborating for future health............................................................10 Feature: Christmas is A’coming............................................................11 The Trusts: Your special pull-out calendar...................................12 – 13 Places to go: Events listing...................................................................14 Turning the tide on ‘the new normal’..................................................15 At the libraries; Weather by the moon................................................16 Bandstanding: Meet the Axonics..........................................................17 Special species fights for survival.........................................................18 Sustainable solutions: The water crisis and how you can help............19 Naturally West: Botanising Bethells.....................................................20 Walking West with Mick Andrew..........................................................21 Live @ the lounge................................................................................22 Advertisers’ Directory...........................................................................23

On our cover: Award-winning local illustrator Anna Crichton celebrates the lazy, hazy days of a summer to look forward to. Last month’s Fringe introduced a newly published book on Harry Turbott, a Karekare-based environmentalist, designer, landscape architect and teacher, written by Garth Falconer. From the early 1960s Dr Harry Turbott played a key role in introducing the concepts of environmental design, landscape architecture and sustainable development to New Zealand. Harry recognised the fundamental importance of ecology and indigenous knowledge and ways. He embraced Māori and Pasifika cultures during many collaborative projects, including the restoration of Rarotonga’s Para O Tane Palace in Rarotonga and the creation of Arataki Visitors Centre in the Waitākere Ranges. The Fringe is grateful to have a copy of this lavishly illustrated hardback to give away to a lucky reader. To go in the draw to win it, write your name, phone number and address on the back of an envelope and post it to Harry Turbott, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi or email your contact details to infro@fringemedia.co.nz with Harry Turbott in the subject line. Entries much be received by December 11.

WIN

Harry Turbott: New Zealand’s first landscape architect by Garth Falconer; Blue Acres Press, Oratia Publishing; published 2020; 220 pages; $70.

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

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Writers and contributors: David Thiele, Naomi McCleary, Susannah Bridges, Fiona Drummond, Michael Andrew, Zoe Hawkins and Kerry Engelbrecht.

Advertising deadline for February 2021: January 15. The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

our place

‘We all have to contribute’ Environmentalist Hayden Smith started sharing his worry about the state of New Zealand’s trashed marine environment in 2000 and today, as founder of the legendary Sea Cleaners group, his call is still the same: we must all do something to eliminate rubbish from our waterways and coastlines. Hayden was a kayak guide in Auckland two decades ago when he realised how much rubbish there was in the upper harbour. He says he’d never seen anything like it before and knew then he had to do something about it. And he has. He started with calling on the five mayors of Auckland (as it was then) for support to establish Sea Cleaners and for the last 15 years has worked with teams of volunteers to clean up the Manukau, Waitematā and Whangarei harbours. Since 2002, Sea Cleaners has removed 9.7 million litres of rubbish from our coasts, enough to fill over 325 shipping containers with loose litter. It also estimates that more than 97 million pieces of litter have been collected. On average, 160,000L of marine litter (equivalent to five shipping containers) is collected each month. In addition, 500 school kits were distributed to more than 16,000 students nationwide during term 4 of 2020. Today Sea Cleaners is a charitable trust funded by donations from corporations, small businesses and the public and supported by endless hours of volunteer work. The vessel fleet is currently growing to 10 in preparation for the America’s Cup when they’ll help set the course and be used as marshall boats for the event before returning to local harbours to continue clearing and cleaning our marine environment. Support for building the new craft has come through the Lotteries Commission and Internal Affairs but with each crewed vessel costing $300,000 a year to run, funding to keep Sea Cleaners afloat is an on-going issue. But rather than being anxious about funding, Hayden says he’d rather stress the key issue: “What are people doing with their waste? Are they securing their loads? Are they thinking about their product purchases in terms of plastic consumption?” he asks. “What are people doing on the land to help control what ‘s happening in the sea? The critical thing is that each and every one of us can help by making small changes in our behaviour,” he says. “Our focus is around the main population centres and on marine litter – primarily plastic trash. From chip packets and lolly wrappers, to drink bottles, car tyres and polystyrene – you name it, we’ve found it,” Hayden says.

Linda Cooper Linda Cooper Linda Cooper

ouncillor for Waitākere Councillor for Waitākere Councillor for Waitākere

feel free to lease feelPlease free contact me with Please feel to free to contact me with contact me with ssuesissues or ideas or ideas issues or ideas

021 629 533 21 629 021533 629 533 linda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz nda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz linda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

That includes a bath-tub and a kitchen sink lying in local mangroves. “Ninety percent of what we collect comes off the land through the storm water system. Heavy rain cleans the streets and washes everything into the sea. The ocean is downhill from everywhere, so that’s where it’s always going to go. “The greatest thing that I would like to see happen would be for each person across the whole population to pick up one piece of trash each day. Imagine having 4.5 million people, every day, picking up just one piece of rubbish – whether it’s on the verge outside their house, or walking through a school ground or going for a walk on the beach – just that one piece. Getting that mass support is what we need to do. “Together, we must work to change local habits on plastics.” To make a donation or find out what you can do to make a difference for all New Zealanders, today and for the coming generations, contact network@seacleaners.com or visit www.seacleaners.com or https:// givealittle.co.nz/org/seacleaners – Moira Kennedy Mary Rea and Denise Tinney are pictured fundraising for the Zonta Club of Auckland West at the recent Blockhouse Bay markets. Zonta West Auckland is the local branch of an international organisation dedicated to the well being of women both locally and internationally. For the last 100 years, the group has been working for educational equality, health care, legal rights and employment through education, service and advocacy programmes. Dependent on donations and fundraising activities, the West Auckland group meets monthly for dinner and speakers. The recent fundraising stall raised over $500 for Family Action Whanau Toa Women’s Refuge in Henderson. The Zonta group is keen to hear from local women who would like to meet and have fun while working to help other women. Visit www.zonta.org.nz, email aucklandwest@ zonta.org.na or phone Sue Devitt on 845 1920, Pam Antill on 813 3375 or Mary Rea on 021 261 8143 for more information. The Zonta Club of Auckland West would like to wish all of The Fringe’s reader’s and our supporters a Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year.

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our place

New Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club nearing completion For first-time visitors to Karekare beach, the surf lifesaving club has always been an unusual sight. Sitting next to the path to the beach, about 200 metres beyond the main road, the club was an outpost, a solitary building standing alone at the sandy foot of the Watchman, the only sign of civilisation in an otherwise bare and beautiful landscape. And now, after 85 years of keeping a vigilant gaze over one of New Zealand’s most scenic yet dangerous beaches, construction of a new Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club clubhouse is a few months away from completion. The result of 20 years of planning, six years of resource consent applications and $3.3m worth of donations, the new clubhouse will be about four times the size of the original one, and features a garage, living area, watch tower and bunkrooms spread out across three floors. Beginning in May this year, the original long-serving building was demolished, its pieces carted off, and the land – gifted to the club by Mrs Farley in 1935 – was blessed by local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki Cassidy Construction then began construction of the new 522 square metre building. According to project leader Ben Iszard, the hardest part of the build has been access to the site. “I think the biggest challenge for us is obviously the access to the site down Lone Kauri Road and then trying to coordinate the truck movements with the locals. That’s definitely taken its toll and slowed things down a little bit. “It’s also limited what we can and can’t do on site, with the size of diggers and things like that.” However, Ben says the build has been an enjoyable project, and has made excellent progress despite Auckland’s second lockdown. The basement and ground floor have been built, and the framing for the first floor has been erected. “There’s a basement with double garage doors and a first aid room, and then the floor above has a kitchen and committee room and a watchtower so the lifeguards can look directly over the beach. The last club didn’t have that. You had to be at the beach full time.” The top floor will contain five bunkrooms which can sleep six people each, and seven individual toilet and shower units. While the building is larger than the original, it’s size will be relatively modest compared with new surf clubs on other beaches. Ben expects the project to be completely finished by April 2021, and says the hardest part is now over. “Our plan now is to have a roof on and windows in so that it’ll be a lockable building for the Christmas period. And then when we come

back in the new year, we’ll be moving ahead with the services: plumbing, electrical, all that kind of stuff, and finally cladding will be put up on the outside of the building.” The project has been a labour of love for Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club’s current and past members and local organisations and volunteers with fund raising being championed by six-term Waitākere City mayor and former lifeguard Sir Bob Harvey. Those who donated could sponsor parts of the building, including a plank on the deck for $150 with the sponsor’s name inscribed, a bunk bed for $250, or one of the “smithy steps” – named in honour of long-time club member and Titirangi Village resident Ian Smith, who passed away during the first lockdown. The bunkrooms themselves were each sponsored by original member families that date back to 1935. Each bunk room will have a photo and their story. The club has also secured a beautiful piece of totara for a Pou in the landscaped garden. “We really appreciate all our members and friends who have dug deep in this very difficult year to find the extra money to support a very worthwhile cause,” said club administrator Teresa Harvey. The lifesaving season at Karekare Beach kicked off at Labour Weekend. While construction is being completed, lifeguards are keeping their gear in shipping containers on a private property off the main road. – Michael Andrew

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Season’s greetings

From 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

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The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

keeping it local

The Fringe wants to help our businesses and community groups recover from the stresses of 2020 and makes space on these pages available for advertisers and non-commercial organisations, at no charge. To be included in our next issue, email info@fringemedia. co.nz before January 15.

Here to Help

Watkins Plumbing specialises in all aspects of drain maintenance and repair. Whether your issue is a blocked drain or a problem with your water main, the company can help. There are many indications that your drains could be blocked but the most important are toilets not flushing properly or becoming blocked; water not draining away freely from your sinks, basins, baths or showers; and smelly or gurgling drains. If you have water pooling in your driveway or lawn, this could be an indication of a broken water main. Unusually high water bills could also indicate a broken water main. It is always important to conserve water wherever possible. Your toilet could be running on after it is flushed, your hot water cylinder could be overflowing or you could have a leaky tap in your garden or a poor connection in your water main. All of these issues could waste water and lead to unexpectedly high water bills. Watkins Plumbing can help solve all these problems. The company can also help with all your general plumbing requirements. It recently added a builder to its team meaning that bathroom or kitchen renovations and replacements can be undertaken without having to involve additional suppliers. For all your plumbing and drainage requirements, call Watkins Plumbing on 818 4683 or email sales@ watkinsplumbing.co.nz.

The lockdown for Covid-19 showed the importance of our parks. After being shut inside with the same four walls, it was such a relief to get into green space and immerse ourselves in the natural environment.

From Strength to Strength

Since the sale of Organics Out West last year to new owners the Kemkar family, Organics Out West has returned to being a mainly vegetarian organic store. During the challenging but equally inspirational times of Level 4 lockdown, the store made sure that its customers were taken care of and had access to all their grocery and health needs. Throughout those interesting months, Organics Out West wanted to remain conscious of, and support, passionate, local and family businesses within New Zealand that could supply them with the stock and fresh produce they needed. Despite the delays that 2020 has produced, Organics Out West is now back on track to launch an online store – so standby as the store moves forward with expanding good health and wellbeing into, and for, the local community. In store, the bulk bins will continue as will the transition from plastic to paper packaging. With a focus always being on improving the health of the planet and its inhabitants, Organics Out West is just one of the many great reasons to visit Glen Eden!

Save our Parks!

support of the Board and Titirangi R&R were successful. We also saved 12 Western Road at Laingholm. Both were purchased because of flooding and the Council’s Healthy Waters department backed us by saying they were still needed for that purpose.

We need to treasure and care for our With intensification rapidly happening parks that have been handed down on any spare bit of land we need our to us by previous generations. In the green spaces for families who often Waitākere Ranges Local Board area don’t even get a back yard. New the campaign for parks goes back The Waitākere Ranges Local Board Future West team are (left to parks should go hand and hand with to the 1890s when the Government right) Mark Allen, Saffron Toms, Sandra Coney and Greg Presland. terrace housing and high-rise. Small of the day gifted land to the Council after citizens lobbied for it. Mayor parks enable children to play and people to walk the dog. If you do not Christopher Parr called parks “the lungs of the city” and 100 years later have your own ground, community gardens and orchards are a substitute. they still provide us with breathing space. Parks are also places where people meet and can socialise with their Right now our open spaces and parks are uniquely under threat because communities, hold events and commune with nature. Joined up, they of the Council’s financial woes. There was already a programme to sell off provide greenways, a way of getting around our areas safely, off the road. some public land. Future West generally opposes asset sales. The Board With climate change we need to protect our trees and green spaces. Birds opposed the sale of land at 300 West Coast Road and unsuccessfully need habitat and green corridors. fought the sale of parkland at 315a Glengarry Road, ironically now neighbouring the Nola block where there is a proposal for 249 residences.

With the recent economic impacts of Covid-19 and Council’s ill-advised “derivatives” policy, the pace of selling public land is increasing, now euphemistically dubbed “optimisation” and “asset recycling”. Member Saffron Toms and I fought the sale of 220-240 Shaw Road, a 4.6 hectare block of beautiful forest, and with the

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

Council research showed Glen Eden is sorely under-provided with parks, but Titirangi and the Manukau Coast have many bush-clad sites or even grassed areas owned by Council that often do not even have a sign to say they are reserves. These could become parks of the future. Future West will be keeping a keen eye that these do not get on the “For Sale” list. – Sandra Coney Advertisement

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Titirangi’s newest shops and eateries

If you are visiting or passing through Titirangi Village you’ll notice the progress on the new commercial building, called The Rise, on the corner of Titirangi and South Titirangi Roads. The building is on track for an April opening, and Village shoppers can look forward to shopping at the sustainability-focused Refill Nation, an artisan sourdough bakery/ café, and a street food-style eatery with seven different options. “Contrary to rumour, there are no chain store takeaways or eateries,” says Adrian Hughes of Broadway Property Group who own the development. “We are delighted with the new tenants and what they will offer the Village.” A range of offices and services will occupy the upstairs levels. Local artist Mal White has been commissioned to design a Drone image courtesy of Peter Wright. balustrade graphic to accompany the kauri-inspired glass panelling that will fill the building’s façade. The adjacent building will undergo a major structural and aesthetic upgrade too. This includes the fully refurbished space now occupied by Green Tide Tattoo along with various new small office and retail spaces with shared toilets, kitchen and bush views. Adrian says that leasing has been extremely positive, with high demand for the commercial office spaces on the upper floor. Only one small office suite is left to lease. ‘The Rise’ is an energy efficient building with 42 on-site car parks for tenants and customers. It was purchased by Broadway Property Group in 2017. The company has taken great care in its design and specifications and intends to be part of the Village for the long term.

Tonic awarded Top Sothys Salon

Tonic owner Kim Buckley and senior therapist Rosie Huggard recently attended the Sothys NZ conference in Nelson and were proud to accept an award for the Top Sothys Salon for the North Island. Tonic has won this award five years in a row. The biennial event was particularly enjoyable this year as it has been the only event that all salon owners and staff have been able to attend due to Covid-19 restrictions. More than 27 salons attending and sharing Kim Buckley with ideas. salon manager Maree “We are hugely grateful Wrathall. to our local community for their continued support, especially over this year” says Kim. “It’s the reason we were able to achieve this prestigious award and gives us the ability to be one of the first salons to offer the exciting new ‘Micro-dermabooster Intensive Skin Treatment’ (developed by Sothys France) in January 2021.” Kim and her team, Maree, Rosie and Nadia wish the local community a very happy holiday season and look forward to a successful 2021.

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Spa Body Ritual 1½ hours for $179.00 A gift voucher for a Spa Body Ritual makes an ideal Christmas present or choose from our range of beautiful treats in store now. Kim, Maree, Rosie and Nadia would like to thank you all for your support this year and wish you a very happy holiday season.

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The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 7 10/11/202021 6:08 PM

art & about with naomi mccleary

Looking Out When contemplating this summer edition I decided that I was a tad sick of my voice; that I would go to some of the leading voices in the local arts world and ask them to wax lyrical, or philosophical, on their hopes for 2021. I specified that it didn’t have to be all rosy. 2020 has been one hell of a year and our arts sector has been particularly hard hit. But our creatives have also been a beacon of innovation and inspiration. So here are some fresh voices ... Te Pou Theatre: Charles Royal (Chair) Ruia taitea, kia tū ko taikākā anake, Cast off the sap-wood, and let the hard heart-wood only stand. This whakataukī, originally pre-battle in context, speaks to the need to cast off fears and negative trappings that hinder a person, to stand strong like the heart-wood of the tōtara. Storytelling and the desire for extraordinary experiences is a critically important dimension of human life and society. People have a need to hear and share stories, to come together as a community to be entertained and to be taken together into some kind of world or experience. Theatre is a vitally important way by which people are able to enjoy stories and to experience community. Te Pou Theatre is ‘the Māori home for performing arts in Tamaki Makaurau’. It was established to be a ‘place’ where audiences and communities hear and experience stories. Te Pou Theatre was also established to provide an affordable and accessible Māori home for the contemporary performing arts in Tāmaki-Makaurau, a pou for our arts sector and the wider community. Through this home we encourage the development of artists, art forms and audiences. Whilst Te Pou Theatre places an emphasis upon telling Māori and New Zealand stories, it is open to tell stories from anywhere, particularly where those stories are desired by the audiences and communities who attend the theatre. Te Pou Theatre aspires to create a distinctive kind of approach to theatre. To achieve this, it has brought aspects of tikanga Māori (Māori culture) into the work and culture of the organisation. We want to strip away the unquestioned European-derived principles that guide arts venue management and champion a New Zealand-specific model that is based on tikanga Māori principles that benefit all. We want to normalise the use of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and skills). Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery: Andrew Clifford (Director) Over the last year, we have not only seen a growing need to work together as a community to overcome significant obstacles, but paradoxically we have also seen increasing polarisation of some views and the growing use of divisiveness as a political tool. More than ever, the arts need to provide a safe space for new thinking and debate, where people can dream, find inspiration, and establish new perspectives with which to understand the world we live in. And we need to work together to do this more effectively because it seems 1 16:33 clear that FRINGEADLTD.pdf nobody else will do it15/11/16 for us. Although it has been said that the arts will be at the heart of Aotearoa’s recovery from the challenges

of Covid-19, and many have noted that the arts (books, films, music, streaming entertainment, art activities) kept us sane during lockdown, I have yet to notice any significant increase in arts coverage or promotion in the media, which at present is almost non-existent. Right through the first major lockdown, television news managed to maintain a full 15-20 minutes of sports reporting when all major sporting events had been cancelled, and yet there was not a mention when a historic event like the Edinburgh Arts Festival was cancelled, or any discussion of the continued efforts that artists and arts organisations were making to continue delivering their work. Through this period of crisis, there has been much rallying together of arts groups and this new-found solidarity is what will help us to thrive in the years to come. A more coherent, collective approach will create greater visibility and stronger resourcing, as well as mutual support when times are tough. Although the creative sector currently seems almost invisible to many, and our absence from the newsletters of major public institutions is testament to this, the arts make up a huge portion of our community, and a more linked-up approach will make this much harder to miss. Aotearoa has a thriving art scene, let’s help people find it. Going West Books and Writers Festival: James Littlewod (Producer) It’s been a rough year but who cares. Nobody said it was going to be easy. Besides, at Going West we’ve been running literary festivals longer than anyone and we’re not about to let this pandemic get in our way. Here’s the thing: art-by-Zoom is mostly rubbish. Sorry to be a downer on it. I can see how it fills a gap when all else fails but, with rare exceptions, it’s akin to playing a symphony on a kazoo. It’s degrading. If I see another artist squeezing their heart and soul down the wire from their bedroom desk I think I’ll cry. We have to find better ways to connect with culture, even when the going gets tough. Especially when the going gets tough. Regardless, the fantastic Going West crew are all determined that our second quarter-century will be every bit as innovative as our first. So, there’s lots of new-and-different coming up. The big picture is that Going West is no longer satisfied to simply bring people together to talk about books (OK sure, we’ll never stop doing that, but ... ). We reckon that as an arts organisation, we have to contribute more to the cultural ecosystem. We’ve got the nod from our funders and we’ve checked in with the makers, and over the coming months, here’s what to expect. First up, we’re commissioning a suite of brand new poetry, from a diverse group of writers who – I guarantee – are going to delight and challenge you with their words and ideas. At the same time, we’re commissioning some of Auckland’s finest screen artists to create videos around these poems, all to be shot in our wonderful Waitākere neighbourhood (of which beaches and forests are just the beginning). They’re going to have a fantastic range and diversity, and some of them

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art & about with naomi mccleary

will also include large scale public events in public spaces. In fact, one or two of them might even feature someone like you! Watch this space. We’re also chipping away at some miniature documentaries, which will see some Aotearoa story-tellers presented on screen like never before. Add to that an exciting new publishing project, plus our ongoing podcasts (season two is kicking off as I type this), and all-in-all we can confidently say that, for us, death-by-Zoom is a thing of the past. And once all that’s done, of course, we’ll get back to bringing people together to talk about books. McCahon House Museum and Artists Residency: Vivienne Stone (Director) In the last few weeks, as I write, the Auckland artistic community has experienced an event that questions the values and practices through which it has historically identified. The Mercy Pictures exhibition People of Colour and the cultures produced in its wake have caused an ideological rupture to the contemporary arts in New Zealand as a whole. I encourage you to read about the exhibition and resulting happenings here: https:// www.thebigidea.nz/stories/no-mercy and https://thespinoff.co.nz/ society/12-11-2020/swastikas-off-k-road-how-the-worst-art-show-innew-zealand-came-to-be/ Though the exhibition has now closed, the immediate harm caused to iwi, muslim, Jewish, LGBQTI+ and other marginalised communities has yet to be properly addressed, while a consequent and social incoherence emerging from online criticisms and forums, and attack practices – including anonymous troll accounts spurring race based hate – still escalates. Emerging from this situation is a need for accountability and not simply from the gallery directors themselves – especially as this concern remains lacking for them. As more junior members of our artistic community, Mercy Pictures – and their most recent exhibition – must be taken as a barometer for the health of our community in general. Accountability can and must be found at every post. It is my feeling that the ripples if not waves from this exhibition will continue for some time, growing to determine shifts in our art world, drawing lines as to what we will tolerate and from whom. These moments allow us to shift, check in and take stock, begging us to ask the questions: What are we teaching in our art schools? What role does private benefaction play in determining who our artists are and who are not? Who are they and how qualified? Really, how big is the generational and racial divide in our small art world that prides itself on progressive ideals? Where is arts leadership? In the next few months there will be multiple articles to read and hui to attend – as our art world reorganises itself through this local moment to be more aligned with global time and character. This is a time to join the forum, to self-educate, to support, to do the work. As an organisation with the core purpose of sustaining artistic practices, McCahon House is seriously concerned with these processes. We stand against the reproduction of colonial ideologies in the New Zealand art world, and we remain committed to ongoing productive dialogue examining how we’re all implicated historically, and how we all collectively need to be involved in the conversation. Here’s to 2021 and towards a more nuanced arts debate, which allows for differing points of view, without descending to personal attack or anonymous social media bullying. Corban Estate Arts Centre: Martin Sutcliffe (Director) The government has stated that the arts have an important part to play in recovering from this pandemic and they have made more resources available to the arts; thank you. Yet, how can we use this moment to focus on a longer term, more strategic involvement of the arts in the country’s future? Locally, at Corban Estate, we plan to have Te Pou Theatre open in early 2021, all going according to plan. This will

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introduce a refreshed night-time buzz onto the estate. And wouldn’t it be great if the proposed art bridge, designed by artist Johnson Witehira to bring cyclists and pedestrians across the stream from Henderson Valley Road to Corban Estate (landing close to the church), could begin in 2021. This would give those arriving in Henderson by bus or train a more direct and quicker route to Te Pou Theatre and the estate. Another new element on site will be the opening of a Ta Moko (traditional Māori tattoo) space curated by artist Mokonuiarangi Smith. We hope to become a hub for the network of tā moko and tatau (Samoan tattoo) practitioners and begin to offer some events to this community of artists. Yes, 2021 is looking like a year of new possibilities! Upstairs Gallery: Sammy Milne (Manager/Curator) Art is essential. 2020 has proven that! Teddy bears in the windows, lockdown creations and Zoom music videos with artists and families united across the globe. This year has proven more than ever before that art heals, unites and is essential for our mental well being. Let’s support the arts in our community and continue our involvement in them to enrich our lives, to inspire others, and to communicate the truth in this world full of instability, negativity, confusion and simple desperation for survival. Take the time to express what is in your soul, either through creating or enjoying the many kinds of art which fill the place we are so lucky to call home. Art IS what makes life worth living so keep baking your bread, lip sync in the kitchen and visit your gallery. If we can get through 2020 we can get through anything, so here’s to 2021, the year for the arts.

A splash of pink

The Titirangi War Memorial Hall was transformed into a Splash of Pink last month with local IT company Isometric hosting a High Tea that raised more than $2800 for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Over 50 locals were treated to an elegant high tea, raffles, a silent auction, sounds from Dilantha Don and two guest speakers. Radio personality and breast cancer survivor Sarah Gandy, now an ambassador for the Breast Cancer Foundation, was joined by Fay Corbett, also a survivor and the founder of MyReflection, to share valuable insights with guests. (MyReflection crafts custom breast prosthesis using 3D mapping to perfectly mirror the wearer’s unique shape and size.) Instead of a Pink Ribbon breakfast, Isometric managing director Cheryl Stewart decided to step things up this year with a sophisticated high tea and says she was blown away by the support the event received from local businesses and the community alike. “If we could spread the word and get more people checking themselves, the reality is that we’d save lives,” she says. According to Cheryl, a recent survey by the Breast Cancer Foundation revealed that six percent of women under 45 never check their breasts for changes and 37% of women under 45 don’t know what to look for. Of the 3300 Kiwi women diagnosed with breast cancer each year 650 die. It’s a cause close to Cheryl’s heart and she has long been a supporter of breast cancer awareness, dating back to her days in the UK some 20 years ago. Last year she held a private fund raiser for the Foundation which was so well received she decided to organise a community event this year. Cheryl and husband Conrad started their IT business from a small Titirangi home office 13 years ago. Early next year they will be moving their team of 11 into new offices in The Rise. “We are so grateful to already be a part of a community that is known to be connected and supportive,” says Cheryl. – Kerry Engelbrecht The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

our place

Collaborating for future health A rare and exciting research project is underway in the Whau River that will bring together the best scientific information and help us make informed decisions about the health of our ecosystems and human health in the community, according to New Lynn-based EcoMatters CEO, Damon Birchfield. The research aims to better understand and manage the risk posed by microplastics and emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) – to our waterways, people and the wider environment. It is led by the internationally-regarded Cawthron Institute from Nelson, one of New Zealand’s largest independent science organisations specialising in the environment, and will also involve Auckland Council, ESR, the University of Auckland, EcoMatters, Te Kawerau ā Maki and others. With initial testing in the Whau River already completed, the project will continue for about five years. EOCs are natural or manufactured chemicals, many of which are found in common household and personal care products, pharmaceuticals and agrichemicals. “A lot of these contaminants find their way into the river. While many are approved for household use, their Damon Birchfield: ‘beware use and discharge is still largely unregulated, mainly of green-washing’. because their effects are associated with long-term cumulative exposure, rather than immediate effects,” Damon says. Microplastics are separate to EOCs but they’re found everywhere – in shampoos, polyfleece clothing, plastic food covers and many others items. “The sources of microplastics are unfortunately widespread. We have a huge education job to do and we need to keep moving towards taking micro-plastics out of our daily products as much as possible. “There are alternatives to the more toxic types of chemicals used around the home. Some of them we’ve been using for a very long time and tend to trust them. For some people it may appear that the harsher the product, the cleaner if might make things look so there’s an issue around that and we need to think about it,” Damon says. “Certainly people feel confident when they’re told that wipes or similar products they’re using are 99.8 per cent free of all bacteria and that kind of thing. “A lot of eco-friendly products do just as good a job. It doesn’t help that many products claim to have environmental credentials but when you investigate them, they’re hard to verify. Their claims can’t be backed up. “There is a lot of green-washing* out there, so it can be very confusing for a lot of people,” he says. – Moira Kennedy *Green-washing is the process of conveying a false impression or providing misleading information and companies involved in green-washing might claim their products are recycled or have energy-saving benefits when they do not.

THE RISE

Moving Forward to 2021! 2020 has been a big year for everyone. It’s almost hard to imagine what life was like before we first heard the words ‘Covid-19’ in January, and became familiar with living in a global pandemic. Although we have all experienced disruption to varying degrees, it’s interesting to think that this time will be remembered as a significant part of our history, much in the way the outbreak of the Spanish Flu and World War I and II are thought of now. Our collective response to the pandemic has been rather phenomenal. During the lockdown Levels 3 and 4, many of us even found ourselves eagerly awaiting the 1pm daily Covid-19 updates from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and the wonderful Dr Ashley Bloomfield. Although we remain at Level 1, we do need to keep up the good work: scanning the Covid-19 app, washing our hands and wearing masks when required. We have always said that our best response is a health response and we need to continue this so our ‘team of five million’ can remain safe. In the midst of all this, we moved into election campaign mode and the positive result we achieved has now delivered the government a mandate to accelerate our economic recovery plan. While we are not immune to the effects of the economic shock due to Covid-19, the underlying economy is stronger than expected, which is good news all round. On a more personal note, we are honoured that members of our community have shown their trust in us by once again electing us as your local MPs. We thank you, and as we say goodbye to 2020, it is with hope that 2021 will be a better year for everyone. We wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas. – Dr Deborah Russell, MP for New Lynn, and Carmel Sepuloni, MP for Kelston

Coming early 2021

For leasing enquiries, contact Adrian – 021 530 908

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

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christmas is a’coming

A Fringe special feature

PLANNING A FESTIVE GATHERING? Waitākere Resort & Spa provides delicious menus prepared from local produce allowing it to cater to a wide variety of occasions. From private dining to birthdays, club dinners and family celebrations, its events team will ensure that your dining experience is truly memorable. The cuisine is complemented by panoramic rainforest and city views Christmas is a special time to gather together with friends and family and in the lead up to the big day the resort is offering a variety of festive dining options. The full menu can be found on the resort’s website (www.waitakereresort.co.nz) and there are vegetarian and gluten free options. To book call 814 9622 or email info@ waitakereresort.co.nz.

Our festive menus are available now, groups of all sizes welcome, bookings essential. Contact us for more details.

Auckland’s Rainforest Retreat

There’s always something new and different at Gecko in The Village, 400 Titirangi Road, next to the Postshop: gifts, artworks, crafts and specialty items for all tastes, and mostly New Zealand-made. Free gift wrapping available in-store.

Susannah Bridges, maker of ceramics and porcelain lighting, wishes all Fringe readers an enjoyable and fun-filled summer. Should you be looking for something special for someone special, or to treat yourself, you can visit Susannah’s workshop in December for ceramics, porcelain lights, seconds, samples, and end of line items. Call or text 021 255 3773 to confirm a time to visit. Susannah’s work is also available at Te Uru. Go to susannahbridges.co.nz for more info.

- G I F T

S H O P -

573 Scenic Drive, Waiatarua, Auckland E events@waitakereresort.co.nz P +64 9 814 9622 waitakereresort.co.nz

TITIRANGI: Shop 2, 400 Titirangi road, Titirangi (Next to the Postshop)

GLENFIELD: Glenfield Mall, S318 (Next to food court) 385 Glenfield Road, Glenfield

Let’s get ready for the

CHRISTMAS NEW GIFTS & STOCK ARRIVED ~ SHOP LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS ~

PH: 09 817 8126 | www.geckointhevillage.co.nz

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AXENT AUDIO, 25 Portage Road, New Lynn. Ph 827 1220 please support our advertisers – they support us

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

2021 half year Calendar January

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New Year’s observed

Auckland Anniversary

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Waitangi Day

Waitangi Observed

31 Wed

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

Good Friday

Easter Monday

Term 1 Ends

31 Mon

Term 2 Starts

3 Thu

Queen’s Birthday

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www.shop.thetrusts.co.nz /westliquornz ALL SEASONS 4/288 Te Atatu Road Ph: 09 834 6473

GREEN BAY 58B Godley Road Ph: 09 827 1087

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HOBSONVILLE 124 Hobsonville Road Ph: 09 950 3530

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TE ATATU The Point, 571 Te Atatu Road Ph: 09 834 7825

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WEST HARBOUR 118 Hobsonville Road Ph: 09 416 7608

The trusts hospitality BRICKLANE 5 Clark Street Ph: 09 826 3654 www.bricklane.co.nz

ITI 421 Titirangi Road Ph: 09 817 5057 www.weareiti.co.nz

MISS Q’S 1/29 Maki Street Ph: 09 831 0268 www.missqs.co.nz

QUALITY HOTEL 159 Lincoln Road Ph: 09 838 7006 www.lincolngreen.co.nz

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THE TAPHOUSE 2021 Great North Road Ph: 09 828 7481 www.avondaletaphouse.co.nz

WORKSHOP Cnr Great Nrth Rd & West Coast Rd Ph: 09 818 1393 www.workshopbar.co.nz

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MR ILLINGSWORTH 571 Te Atatu Road Ph: 09 953 4377 www.mrillingsworth.co.nz

Auckland Auckland Public Holidays The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY School Term 2021 13

places to go Event organisers: Do you have an upcoming

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

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.

december w – 6, Clay: Form and Function, an exhibition of new works by artist Kairava Gullatz; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455. – 6, Soft and Gentle Workings, a show that reflects upon change and loss by artist Louise Keen; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

– February 28, Portage 2020 ceramic awards, 20th anniversary exhibition; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

– February 28, NUku, an exhibition of Maori ceramics; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

– February 28, Peter Selwyn Memorial Window; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

w 2, Flicks presents Western Stars, a Bruce Springsteen; Titirangi Theatre , Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road; 7.30pm; Tickets $15 and $12 from eventfinda.co.nz of text bookings to 0210 222 5558. Details and trailer on at flickscinema.weebly.com. 3, Waitakere Grey Power Association General Meeting with guest speakers from NZ Fire and Emergency; Swanson RSA, 663 Swanson Rd; 10.00am, followed by lunch at 12pm at own cost ($21). Phone 838 5207.

4, Flicks presents FREE movies for children, an hour of animations suitable for all ages; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road; 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

4 – 24 and January 4 – 24, TCAC Members’ Exhibition, looking back at 2020; Onwards and upwards into 2021; Upstairs Gallery, first floor, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 4278 (Artist registration by November 23.)

5 – 6, Titirangi Painters Annual Exhibition; Titirangi Memorial Hall, 500 South Titirangi Road; 10am-4.30pm; Free.

5 – January 3, Gallery member artists Christmas Show, cash and carry; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha Phone 812-8029 www.westcoastgallery.co.nz.

15, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; Kelston Community Centre; 10am. Phone June 021 179 3635.

6, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

8, 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 9, Flicks presents LYRICAL VISIONS 5, an evening of award winning short films from New Zealand and all over the world, exploring the space where poetry, the moving image and music collide. With live music performances; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road; Doors open 7pm, films start 7.30pm; Tickets $15 and $12 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door if not sold out. Text bookings to 0210 222 5558. Programme details at flickscinema.weebly.com. 11, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone Laurie 820 2234.

11, 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.

18, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk and Jam, an informal singaround; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 7.30pm; $5. wwwtitirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. 20, 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.

21, Henderson Falls Combined Friendship Club – fun, friendship and fellowship with monthly speakers and frequent outings; Henderson Bowling Club, 2/20 Alderman Drive, Henderson; 10am. Contact Fern 416 0004 or 027 472 0378.

24, Christingle, an interactive service for children, parents, grandparents and the young at heart. There will be dressing up, an impromptu nativity play, Christmas Carols and some craft; St Francis Anglican Church, corner Park and Titirangi Beach Roads, Titirangi; 4pm.

january

11 – February 14, Unthought: Shelley Simpson’s works in copper; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

Many regular events will not be taking place over January. To confirm whether or not your group is meeting, contact the organisers. The following events will, however, be taking place ...

11 – February 14, Plastic Age by John Guy Johnston, a visually festive show drawing attention to plastic debris; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455.

11, Flicks presents its last fim for 2020: The More You Ignore Me (TBC) (M), a new release, black comedy from the UK; Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road; 10.30am, 6pm and 8.15pm; Tickets $15, $12 or $10 from eventfinda.co.nz and on door. Text bookings to 0210 2225558. Details at flickscinema.weebly.com.

11, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Christmas Special with Cameron Bennett; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $12, $8 for members, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

12, Lions Club Book Sale; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 8am-4pm. Phone Mary 027 487 0639.

13, 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.

January 9 – February 7, Andy Mardell, local Piha wood artist; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha Phone 812-8029 www.westcoastgallery.co.nz.

January 26, Titirangi U3A – meet interesting people 60-years and older; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact 818 8890, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz.

January 29 – February 1, The 48th Auckland Folk Festival; Kumeu Showgrounds. For guest performers, prices and all other information visit www.aucklandfolkfestival. co.nz.

January 31, 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.

St Francis Anglican Church corner of Park and Titirangi Beach Roads. Phone 817 7300 www.titirangianglican.org.nz

Share the spirit of Christmas with us! December 20th, 10am, Community readings and carols December 24th, 4pm, Christingle Special children and family service. All welcome December 24th, 11pm, Christmas Eve Communion December 25th, 9.30am, Christmas Day Communion

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

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our place

l WHERE IT’S AT:

Turning the tide on ‘the new normal’

• Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon

Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz.

• EcoMatters Environment Trust, 1 Olympic

Place, New Lynn; Wednesday – Sunday 10am-2pm. 826 4276, info@ecomatters.org.nz.

• Flicks cinema, Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell House. 818 2489, www.flickscinema.weebly.com.

• Kelston Community Centre, corner of Awaroa and Great North Roads, Kelston.

• McCahon House Museum, 67 Otitori Bay

Road, Titirangi; Wednesday – Sunday 1-4pm, except public holidays. 817 6148, mccahon@ mccahonhouse.org.nz.

• Playhouse Theatre, 15 Glendale Road, Glen Eden. 818 5751.

• Te Toi Uku – Clay Works, 8 Ambrico Place, New Lynn; Tuesday –Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm. Phone 827 7349, www. portageceramicstrust.org.nz.

• Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery,

420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi; Tuesday – Sunday 10am–4.30pm daily. 817 8087, info@teuru.org.nz.

• Titirangi Theatre, Titirangi Theatre, Lopdell

House; Titirangi. 817 5812, infoline 817 5951, www.titirangitheatre.co.nz.

• Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road; 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.

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

‘The new normal’ is a phrase that has been used a lot this year and for most of us it has brought a range of challenges but it has also created a space to reassess and reflect on things that are important: family, friends and a better work-life balance. However for a growing number of families within our community these challenges have presented very real pressures. The rising tide of unemployment, homelessness and lack of food are also part of the new normal. At Green Bay High School the Year 10 Social Action class headed by social sciences teacher Bruce Munro had to choose an assignment which required personal involvement in a human rights social justice action. Their decision was to focus close to home. After visiting VisionWest Pataka Kai and learning from Linda Potauaine how the pandemic has forced VisionWest to reassess and change how they operate as a community trust during and post lockdowns, students learned that increased demand on the services Visionwest provide has skyrocketed, and in particular demand at their Pataka food bank. The students decided they wanted to help by running a can drive at school, with the proceeds going to VisionWest. Weeks of preparation, running presentations and requesting donations, culminated in the students collecting nearly 700 cans of food. And the students didn’t want to stop there. They expanded their reach to Year Three students at Green Bay Primary. The students designed and delivered a range of lessons from scenario-based discussions, story time to board games with the theme of being kind and helping others. From this Lorraine Sauvarin and the rest of the Year Three teachers and students at Green Bay Primary supported the can drive by running their own in support of VisionWest’s food bank, raising over 1000 cans. As 2020 year draws to an end and we head towards the festive period maybe ‘the new normal’ can become synonymous with being a stronger, more conscientious and kinder community. Social change begins at home. – Bruce Munro and Fiona Drummond, Green Bay High School

Anne Maree Gardens, Rest Home & Hospital SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME

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

Monday January 11th – Friday January 29th

We believe that inclusiveness, enjoyment and fun, contribute to a resident’s holistic well-being.

Join us for three weeks of fun & games, art & crafts, baking & creating, sports & more. Music, Quizzes, Trips, Bush walks, Bingo & Scavenger Hunt. Don’t miss out.

Phone: Resina Rakai on (09) 828 3741 / 021 835 743 www.annemareeresthome.co.nz 24 Coronet Place, Avondale please support our advertisers – they support us

We are a MSD Approved Provider and WINZ subsidies are available to eligible families.

Standard Programme Hours, 9-3pm. Before and after care is available. Please visit www.titirangihouse.co.nz ring 817 7448 or email admin@titirangihouse.co.nz. We would love to hear from you.

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

at the libraries School holiday fun at Titirangi Library Thursday December 17, 6.00-6.30pm: Christmas Storytime with festive stories and songs and a special guest. Wednesday January 6, 10-11am: Create with Lego and test gravity using ziplines. Tuesday January 12, 10-11am: Geronimo Stilton Mystery Cheese Adventure – use your detective skills to help solve the case. Wednesday January 20, 3-4pm: Library Olympics, challenge yourself in our Library Summer Olympics. All events are free of charge, suitable for those aged 5 or older and no bookings are required.

Glen Eden Intermediate School

Empowering learners for the future

2021 STARTING DATES

For more information, contact the library on 817 0011 or check out Titirangi Library on Facebook.

Upcoming events at Glen Eden Wednesday December 2, 10:30-11:30am: the library’s book chat group meets to share what they’ve been reading. Wednesday December 4, 1-3pm: Whau Ace Adult and Community Education offer free support and advice at their monthly Job Cafe. The session includes preparing a CV, career guidance, job search, online job applications and cover letters. Thursday December 10, 10.30: Kiwi Christmas Rhymetime, come dressed in your Christmas gear and join the library for a festive Kiwi Christmas Rhymetime. Tuesday December 15, 3.30-4.30pm: Join other children to make Xmas decorations for your tree. Thursday December 17, 3.30-4.30pm: Come along to an after-school Christmas craft session and make wildflower seed bombs.

Year 7 Students Year 8 Students

SCHO O L UNI FO RM SHO P HO LI DA Y HO URS 10am – 2pm Tue 26, Wed 27, Thu 28 January Tue 2, Wed 3, Fri 5 February

3pm – 7pm

Thursday 4 February

SCHO O L O FFICE HOURS

9am – 3pm from Tue 2 February Normal office hours resume 9 February, 8am–4.30pm 23 Kaurilands Rd, Titirangi Ph: (09) 817 0032 E:office@geis.school.nz www.geis.school.nz

Monday December 14, 10.30-11.00am: Rhymetime, the last Rhymetime of the year with music, rhymes, a story, some delicious treats and a visit from someone very special. Bring along a picnic blanket, and join the library under the Pohutukawa tree beside the New Lynn Community Centre, 14 Totara Avenue, New Lynn. This is a great family event for kids ages 2 to 4. Wednesday December 16th 3.30-4.30pm: Holiday card making, make your own holiday cards and Christmas tree decorations. Make something special for someone you missed this year. All ages welcome. Monday January 25, 10.00-11.00am: Knitting for Kids, go down to the library and learn to knit with their expert knitters. Learn all the steps to creating a fantastic knitted item of your very own. Great for kids aged 8+. Keep an eye out for information about the Auckland Libraries’ Summer Reading Programme for both children and adults. It runs January 1 – 31, 2021.

weather by the moon

Tuesday 9 February, 8.45am Wednesday 10 February, 8.45am

What’s happening at New Lynn

Ken Ring’s predictions for December and January December should bring average rain, normal temperatures, and less than average sunshine while January might be slightly wetter than average, with slightly less sunshine than the norm and average temperatures with few extremes. The first week of December may bring the coolest nights, the second week the most sun and could be the warmest, the third could be the wettest, and the last week has the coolest days. The best weekend might be the 12th/13th. The first week in January brings a day of light rain, the second week could be the warmest with the hottest day around the 14th. The third week may be the wettest and cloudiest with the heaviest rain around the 20th, while the last week should be the driest with the most sun. The best weekends are likely to be the 2nd/3rd and 9th/10th. December’s highest king tide is on the 15th. The best fishing bite-times should be around noon on 1st-2nd, 14th-16th and 28th-31st. Chances are also good for dusk of 7th-9th and 21st-23rd. January’s highest king tide is on the 14th. The best fishing bite-times should be at noon on the 11th-14th and 27th-30th. Chances are also good for the evenings of 4th-6th and 19th-22nd. The best pruning days could be December 1st-3rd (waning moon descending) and the best sowing day may be January 28th (waxing moon ascending). For longer shelf-life for crops, harvest at neap tide days on December 8th and 24th or January 8th and 22nd. Allow 24 hour error for all forecasting. For future weather for any date, visit www. predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2020.

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

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

YOUR ORGANIC HEALTH HUB IN THE HEART OF GLEN EDEN A f ul l r a n g e of o rg a n i c p ro d uce, g ro cer y i tem s, ba by g o o d s, sust a i n a b l e a n d eco f r i en d ly p ro d uc t s . Nat u rop at h ava i la b le S u n -T h u r s a n d a Ba r i s t a on d u t y eve r y d ay. 098136678 | 39 Glenmall Eden | w w w.oow.co . n z 09 813 6678 | 39 Glenmall Place,place, GlenGlen Eden | www.organicsoutwest.co.nz

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

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bandstanding: music in the west with susannah bridges

‘every idea, every mistake is magic’ For local duo Axonics (Rayna Love and Tracy K-H), lockdown 2020 had a big fat shiny silver lining. As a young apprentice at Parnell’s Mandrill Studio, Rayna recalls the walls being lined with gold records from great Kiwi artists, and recording his teenage band after hours. “I thought I was a hotshot recording engineer but one of my first ever live mixes (for Mikey Havoc’s band Push Push) at the Battle Of The Bands Final was atrocious. I discovered ‘live’ is totally different to ‘studio’ and an unknown covers band won. I was hooked though and went on to mix live bands seven nights a week for years, recording hundreds of bands through the 1990s. I managed several venues like The Gluepot and The Powerstation, and created @luna Performing Arts Centre, home for many musicians and artists at the time. I also played bass with Stan and The Love Gang, a mad glam camp cabaret disco funk band and had the time of my life!” Tracy found music later in her life. “As a child I loved to dance and write poetry, and I remember being into ABBA and Olivia Newton John. More recently I began taking singing lessons and my music teacher inspired me to write music. Rayna’s love of music and creativity is also an inspiration.” The pair met at a party a year ago and the developing relationship between them has created a force both personal and musical. With encouragement from Rayna as well as from her singing teacher Jen, Tracy realised that she could write music. “I wrote a song and sang the tune to Jen while she recorded the notes, I then shared this with Rayna and he made a beautiful guitar track for my song Dance with me, which I performed at my son’s wedding, I’ll always remember them dancing as I sang.” Rayna had felt his rock’n’roll dream was burning out but lockdown changed that. “It was a catalyst to reignite my music fire. I daydreamed of offering my gift to the world to be liked or loathed. I dusted off the loop pedal, guitar and drums and let the mad genius out to play! What emerged brought gratification and joy. Witnessing Tracy’s reaction was delightful and heart-warming, seeing her eyes shine as she heard herself singing over herself, in the clarity of studio headphones, as catchy chorus upon chorus popped out effortlessly. The beauty of looping is that I’m playing over the top of myself and my last expression inspires me to create the next. I try to trick myself. It’s a band of me all in the same vibe and flow, so there is profound musical unity. While I’m building a loop, Tracy is writing and singing. When she records these, I become inspired to lay more music and drums over the top again.” Recognising their love of working and playing together has lead to

further recording and the creation of their duo Axonics. Rayna is also working on a new project called LoveRay. “LoveRay is a legend in its own mind. It will be epic, yet just a speck of infinitesimal space dust. We have several musicians who join us in LoveRay to create a unique experience to represent the next dimension of festival music and performance – think 60s lo-fi hi-fi space rock ambient trip hop infectious uplifting comic space cabaret.” A self-declared lover of improvisation – “every idea, every mistake is magic” – Rayna likes to circulate his jams as they happen, to his friends, at any hour. “I might get home after not playing the drums for a week and go ‘oh I’ll just have a bash for a few minutes’ – then an hour later I’ll be messaging everyone with my best and most favourite song creation ever. Always press record first!” Also a Kundalini Yoga teacher, Rayna likes to encourage participants to co-create with a choice of interesting instruments, voice, or movement at the end of a class Tracy admits the first time standing in front of the microphone at Rayna’s she didn’t know what to do. “Rayna just encourages me to let go. I love seeing Rayna play all the different sounds he can make from guitar to drums, to keyboards, to hand drum. He is so talented and goes with the flow. I have been encouraging him to share his love of music.” Alongside all the music Rayna and Tracy are parents, Tracy is studying for a degree in social work and Rayna works holistically in men’s health “I’m actively involved in creating connection, communication, authentic sharing, empowerment and understanding between men and women. I’ve recently attended an Essentially Men facilitation training course near Te Henga, and staffed a Mankind Project Warrior Training. I’m involved in Pathways, a Youth Rights of Passage programme for boys. I’m passionate about this work and its positive impact on individuals, families, communities and ultimately this planet”. Tracy says her ultimate gig would be one “where the people in the crowd feel so connected to an Axonics song I wrote that they start singing it!” Rayna may soon see his dream gig realised when LoveRay play this New Year’s Eve at Resolution, a festival to be held at the Kumeu Showgrounds. Next year Rayna hopes to take his show on the road to NZSpirit and the Lunasa festivals. In the meantime, Rayna and Tracy will be working on Axonics music and more live looping. Check out their Facebook pages for updates, or go to the Resolution page for info on the festival and to buy tickets. www.resolutionfestival.co.nz www.facebook.com/AxonicsMusic www.facebook.com/LoveRay.NZ

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The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

our place

Special species fights for survival If you head in the direction of the Te Henga/Bethell’s Beach cave along its warm but sometimes hot black sand from August through to March, you will note a curiosity, a rope cordon halfway up the main beach. Surrounded by the beauty of the beach, its ruggedness and the wild surf, it is unsurprising that Bethells ranks as the fourth most dangerous beach for swimmers in New Zealand and should you turn your gaze to the long foredunes, you’ll note that Māori very aptly described the area as Te Henga, referencing these dunes that look like the henga or gunwhale of an upturned waka; and there’s that rope cordon. As it turns out, the danger at the beach starts at the high tide mark for the tūturiwhatu/dotterel, which over the last 10 years have probably hatched 30-60 chicks but seen just one survive to fledging. October to February is breeding season for the beach’s sole pair of dotterel, a species found nowhere else in the world and rarer than the kiwi. Despite having lost their first clutch of eggs to predation, these determined little birds will try up to five times if they must. And now a new nest with three more eggs has appeared. But this time things are different. The local Te Henga Tūturiwhatu protection group, previously known as the Dotterel Minders, have been spreading the word amongst beach goers. Keep dogs on leads, keep clear of the cordon and let the birds keep the kelp! The response from the public has been fantastic and there has been a collective effort from locals and the public to reduce human disturbance during nesting. This is key, as the nests, often just a scrape in the sand, are easily destroyed by careless feet and off-lead dogs. Birds forced to leave their nest during the month-long incubation put the eggs at risk of overheating or cooling down. And when young chicks are disturbed, they easily die from exhaustion.

Hedgehogs, rats, stoats and cats will predate eggs and chicks, and stoats and cats will also kill the adult birds. It takes around six weeks for the chicks to fledge. The protection group also helps the tūturiwhatu protect their nests, maintains dotterel awareness signage and undertakes trapping in the dunes to keep the mammalian pests in check. “New Zealand dotterels are very clever,” says Lesley Gardner from the protection group. “They lay three eggs over three days and only when the last egg is laid do they sit Photo by Simon Runting. on the nest. This way all three chicks hatch at the same time. Then as soon as the three chicks hatch the parents take them to the beach where they immediately start to forage for themselves, scuttling up and down the beach by day and by night. As all three go in different directions, it’s difficult for the parents to keep watch on them. If dogs approach, the adults will try to lead the dogs away, leaving the tiny chicks vulnerable to the ever-present, always hungry, black-backed gulls and harrier hawks which can swallow three chicks in three gulps.” Te Henga Tūturiwhatu has put up the rope cordon and added kelp and logs to the area. Lesley says that the dotterels already seem to understand that this area is safer for them. “They can hide close to the kelp and logs, and regard the kelp as a café, with hundreds of sand hoppers living under it.” This summer, Auckland Council will be supporting the group’s work by undertaking a Dog Walking Pilot Project at Te Henga, looking at the best methods of reducing the impacts of dogs on the different threatened bird species. To find out more about the environmental protection and restoration work being done in the Waitākere Ranges, email pestfreewaitakereranges@gmail.com. – Michelle Swanepoel, Pest Free Waitākere

Proudly Supporting our Local Community The merged practices of Thomas & Co Lawyers Ltd and Titirangi Law Centre are able to meet your every legal requirement. Ray Ganda and Don Thomas have many years of experience working in the Titirangi and New Lynn areas. Now, along with the Directors and staff of the combined practices, a wider range of skills and resources is offered. See our website, www.thomas.co.nz, for more details of our history and personnel. We continue to maintain and improve our level of service for our community and clients. There is always someone here with the necessary knowledge and experience to assist with any legal matters that might arise. Give us a call, or come in and visit us. We welcome enquiries and are happy to answer any questions. Details of our office location and on-site parking can be found on our website. We have lift access and are also handy to the Bus/ Train Interchange. Visiting our offices is convenient and easy.

TITIRANGI LAW CENTRE

2nd Floor, 3 Totara Avenue, New Lynn (09) 827 5907 www.thomas.co.nz

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

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sustainable solutions with fiona drummond

The water crisis and how you can help Watercare and Auckland Council are asking residents to reduce water use by at least 20 litres a day (two buckets of water) – even when it is raining. As predicted, we have been experiencing a dry spring and water levels in Auckland’s nine water collection dams have remained low, sitting at 72% overall (at the time of writing), 22% less than normal for this time of year, despite water consumption being considerably less than Watercare’s recommended target. Waitākere ward councillor Linda Cooper, the liaison councillor for Watercare, is optimistic. “I’m confident that Aucklanders will understand how important it is to adhere to the water restrictions and we are hoping that people will voluntarily restrict activities without the need for enforcement. “We can also use this opportunity to make permanent changes to how we use water in our households based on what we have been doing for the last six months because, like most other New Zealand cities, we will more than likely need to keep restrictions in some form over summer for years to come.” Stage 1 water restrictions, introduced last May, prohibit the use of outdoor hoses and water blasters which are connected to the metropolitan water supply network and these restrictions remain in place. (Rain or grey water storage tank water can be used however you wish.) Installing a rainwater tank is a sustainable long term option that is now easier since Council has removed some of the consent fees for the installation of tanks at residential properties. The initiative is supported by a new ‘Do I need a Consent?’ tool. Visit https://onlineservices. aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/councilonline/ yform/decisiontool?productCode=DECISION_ RAINWATER_TANK# Resource consent is often required when installing domestic tanks to ensure they meet development standards such as its proximity to a boundary and, if a tank is to be connected to internal plumbing to use for toilet flushing or laundry use, a building consent is also needed. However, some tanks for external water use will not need a building consent, depending

on capacity and structural requirements. More information about installing rainwater tanks can be found at https:// www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/environment/ looking-after-aucklands-water/rainwatertanks/Pages/rainwater-tank-installationmaintenance.aspx According to Mayor Phil Goff, if only one per cent of Auckland’s urban households were to use a rainwater tank to cover their non-potable requirements in the winter, approximately one million litres per day of dam water could be saved. You can keep an eye on the rolling average for Auckland’s water usage at watercare.co.nz and some ‘waterwise’ tips for around the home, kitchen, bathroom, laundry and in the garden can be found at https://www. waterforlife.org.nz/water-saving-tips. Any reductions you can make will also be reflected in your water bill, making a monetary saving for your household. Simple actions in the bathroom such as having shorter showers (if every Aucklander showered in four minutes, we'd save 80 million litres of water a day), showering with a partner or your child, or showering with a bucket to collect excess water for your house or garden plants can make big reductions in water usage. In the smallest room in the house it is worth fitting a flush regulator in older single flush toilets and that old phrase ‘if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown, flush it down’ has become appropriate once more. In the kitchen, resist rinsing the dishes for the dishwasher, and ditch the Insinkerator – try composting instead. Although new infrastructure will increase the amount of water available, doing all we can to reduce consumption will always be important. Restrictions will be reviewed later this month. The review will consider the level of Auckland’s dams as well as updated summer weather forecasts. Keep an eye on dam levels at https://www.watercare.co.nz/Water-andwastewater/Where-your-water-comes-from/ Auckland-s-dam-levels.

MAKE IT A STIHL SUMMER

Fund raising For Riding For Disabled, West Auckland Riding for Disabled, West Auckland, have been given resource consent to erect a covered arena for use all year round. This is going to be a very expensive project but the charitable organisation is now busy fund raising for this valuable asset and is looking for donations of old coins and notes. If you have any old coins or notes floating around in a junk drawer or a long forgotten purse or wallet, Riding for Disabled would love you share them. The new proprietor’s at the Oratia dairy (West Coast Road, Oratia) have allowed us to use their premises as a drop off point. The organisation would also appreciate any other donations or fundraising ideas you may have. Contact Debbie Hall, RDA volunteer member on debron@xtra.co.nz for more information or to make suggestions and get involved.

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STIHL SHOP GLEN EDEN 93 WEST COAST ROAD 09 818 5144 The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

naturally west with fiona drummond

Botanising Bethells I recently realised a long-held desire to We were joined by Dr Karen connect with the Auckland Botanical Society. Colgan who, as well as her Geoff Davidson, conservationist, botanist and involvement in The Ark in the nurseryman of the previous Oratia Native Plant Park and Matuku Link, is part Nursery had invited me along to a BOTSOC talk of The Petrel Project, protecting at which one of the Te Papa scientists whose grey-faced petrel (oi) habitat in research I had referenced when writing about the O’Neill Bay vicinity. toropapa (The Fringe, October 2020) was talking “We started predator control about the same plant. using our own resources in 2012, This led on to finding out about BOTSOC’s but expanded significantly after forthcoming trip to Bethells Te Henga, including Ihumoana Island at Bethells Beach. receiving a DOC Community Fund a walk on the Te Henga Walkway to Erangi Point and Ihumoana Island grant,” says Karen. “We use mustelid traps (DOC200s) and the majority which are both privately owned. have been in place for seven years now. There are also traps on In Māori lore, Erangi Point was named for the chieftainess Erangi, Kauwahaia and Ihumoana Islands. The owners of Erangi Point also who lived at Te Ihumoana in the 14th century. She was in love with a started trapping and baiting last year over the whole of their area. young man from the inland pa of Puketotara, and after secret meetings “We have been rewarded with an increasing number of grey-faced with him had given birth to his child. Her family disapproved and petrel burrows on the mainland over the past two years (27 burrows banned Erangi from meeting with her lover. In desperation she tied last year) and little blue penguins as well. On Erangi Point long standing her baby onto her shoulders and swam north up the coastline before bird burrow activity is starting to recover rapidly. heading inland to Puketotara. The point known as Erangi is where she “We have just ramped up rat control on the council side of the dove into the water and the bay she swam across is known as ‘Te awa Waitākere river outlet to protect spawning whitebait and help close off kau waha ia’ or ‘the channel across which she swam with the back a route for Norway rats towards the Bays.” burden’. This name, shortened to Kauwahaia is the Māori name for After hearing about The Petrel Project, we dropped down to the O’Neill Bay and the small island pa at its southern end. nursery close to O’Neill Bay where Professor Dick Bellamy (previous A group of around 20 gathered at the Bethells Beach car park and, Dean of Science at University of Auckland) had tea and biscuits waiting after crossing the Waitākere River, headed up the Te Henga walkway. for us to accompany our packed lunches. Dick has a hut here and enlists There were no worries with keeping up with the botanising group – University of Auckland science students to help at the nursery and with a species list six pages long there was a lot to locate and many in with planting and pest control on the surrounding beach cliffs. Karen the group were stopping to mark off the species as they found them. showed us a significant large tawāpou tree here. These trees have And nothing should be assumed: I thought I had identified a black large red to black glossy berries up to 4cm long, meaty fruit for native nightshade pest plant only to discover that it was in fact a native pigeons who distribute the seed around the Bethells area. Although equivalent, leading to a discussion about how to tell if it was the more commonly found on offshore rodent-free islands, there are native or the introduced species. (It’s all to do with the branching reasonable numbers in the Bethells area. arrangement of the fruit.) We then walked around Ihumoana Island, where the society had These botanists may be greying but their visual acuity is sharp, and gained permission to enter the locked gate, accessed via some cliff they can spot a small insignificant wildflower or weed or a flowering rock footholds. The loop walk provides a good circumnavigation and tree vine that others would miss, and promptly flourish the Latin name more botanising took place. We shared an afternoon snack at the top for it. Led by Dr Ewen Cameron, long-time Auckland Museum botanist, of the island surrounded by panoramas of the surrounding cliffs, sea the group is made of more than just botanists. Conservationists, and beach. ornithologists, geologists, herpetologists, entomologists and possibly In the late afternoon, we headed back to Bethells car park, more other ‘-ists’ are also represented, making for a wealth of knowledge. botanically wise and with new connections made. Now I must send off And they are more than tolerant of those less knowledgeable. my subscription to the Auckland BOTSOC!

The February 2021 issue of The Fringe will be our 200th edition. Much has changed since the first issue of The Titirangi Tatler (as we were then) rolled off the press in December 2002. The powers that be have tried to make us part of a ‘super city’ (!); our village centres have changed, and not always for the better; the folks who live and work in our neighbourhoods are different now; and even the joy of producing this magazine for our many, many thousands of readers is bringing new challenges. As we start planning our 200th edition we are pondering whether we should also change – and if so, what should we become? You, our readers, our advertisers, our communities ... you are the reason The Fringe continues. We are here to serve and support you. As we prepare for the challenges of 2021, we would really like to hear from you: What do you like about The Fringe? What would like to see more of? Is a print magazine important to you or would you like to see a better online magazine? What would make you more (or less) likely to advertise in The Fringe? How can we better help you, support your community or business, entertain and inform you? Let us know by writing to PO Box 60-469, Titirangi or emailing info@fringemedia.co.nz. And ‘like’ us on Facebook (@FringeWest) to stay in touch with our plans. The Fringe, like the Tatler before it, is here for you ... we’d love to hear from you.

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

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walking west with mick andrew

Welcome back to Karamatura Valley In late 2017 the majority of the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park walks were closed to the public, essentially locking the forest up to all but scientists and council workers. Now, almost three years later, the list of upgraded and reopened tracks is starting to look impressive and diverse again. The newest addition to the list of open tracks is the network of walks in and around the Karamatura Valley, in Huia. Completed and opened in mid-September, the upgraded network includes the Karamatura Loop Walk, the Karamatura Track and the Mount Donald Mclean Track which together make up an impressive 7km of upgraded trails. A popular spot with families and more serious hikers, it’s a massive asset to have returned to the public and offers a unique perspective into the spectacular southern part of the regional park. With just an afternoon at our disposal, we decide to do the one-hour walk up to the falls and back, saving the much longer Donald Mclean Track for another time. We start at the car park, which has been refurbished with a new bathroom and drainage and sits at the end of the driveway off Huia Rd. However, you can also start the walk down near the shore of Huia Bay. Known as the Timber Trail, the walk first takes you through the history of the kauri logging industry, past the Settlers Museum and the site of the old kauri mill that used to prepare timber to be shipped by barge to Onehunga in the late 1800s. As with all reopened Waitākere walks, the track surface beyond the car park has been packed with new gravel and jack mesh to prevent any soil moving around – a method of controlling the spread of kauri dieback. The sound of gurgling and bubbling is a constant feature We are spoilt for choice out West with so many great spots for walking, swimming, surfing and fishing. With summer nearly here I have some tips for where to walk and how to keep safe this season, writes LINDA COOPER, Auckland Council councillor for Waitākere Despite two lockdowns, Council’s track improvement work has continued. The impact of Covid-19 on the track delivery programme were reduced by a decision to rapidly deploy contractors into the field post-lockdown, and a dry winter season. Seventeen closed tracks in the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park have been re-opened over the past two-and-a-half years following upgrade work. A further three tracks (Omanawanui, Winstone, and Puriri Ridge) are poised to re-open. Each track opening represents a huge amount of work and commitment by our

of this walk, as it runs along the Karamatura Stream, which loggers used to flood to transfer massive kauri logs down into the bay from further up the valley. Other than the new gravel, not much has visibly changed on the track. It still runs along the path of the old tramline that used to transfer supplies up into the hills, and still has a display of the old tram cart sitting alongside, about five minutes in. After about 20 minutes we pass the turnoff to the Karamatura Loop Walk – which takes you down another way to the car park – and continue steeply up the stairs toward the falls. Here extensive steps have been built and board walks have been placed along sections of the muddy bits, ensuring walkers are above the ground and tree roots. After another 15 minutes the track levels out and we cross the stream before reaching a junction: the left leads the two hours up to Mount Donald Mclean lookout, the other leads directly to the Karamatura Falls and the delightfully cool swimming spot at the bottom. It feels good to be back here. With its verdant bays and primal cliffs, this area around Huia is a truly special part of the Waitākeres: almost as if a slice of Fiordland was dropped on the side of the Manukau Harbour. Walking back down the track, gazing up at the 200-metre cliffs above the valley and the waterfalls tumbling out of their fern-topped summits, I get a wave of excitement thinking about the other magical places that have been locked away, and which might also be returned to us soon. team and partners to protect our majestic kauri trees. In the meantime, I highly recommend the newly opened White Track at Piha (see The Fringe, September 2020). The 2km track takes walkers to Anawhata Road above North Piha. The West has some of the best beaches in all of Auckland, but they can be dangerous. Make sure you swim between the flags where available and check safeswim.org.nz for the latest water quality updates. Whatever adventure you choose, be sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return so that they can raise the alarm if anything is amiss. On a final note, Auckland Council is currently working through its Long-Term Plan (2021-2031) process. Public consultation on the Plan will take place from mid-February to mid-March. Keep an eye out for this as it is important to have your views heard and I want to hear from as many Westies as possible.

ers Book Daft Blinkin’ Bonk lly la oDo t rs Fi e Th brilliant m Titirangi, NZ. A fro te ai W y le ns Ai by ble in all Christmas. Availa is th r le fil ng ki oc st w! -store and online no good bookshops in please support our advertisers – they support us

The Fringe DECEMBER 2020 / JANUARY 2021

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Let’s not worry about the end ... Yeah gidday. Lizard here. Wow. What a tough year. Tough? It was like trying to drink from a fire hose. Getting a constant face full. Sure, I know we’re really lucky living in the safest little place on the planet. Absolutely. But, that still doesn’t help when I’ve gone to all the effort of making the morning plunger of coffee, only to go to the fridge and find that that idiot son of mine has left less than a teaspoon of milk. As if that dribble means he didn’t drink the last bit of milk so he didn’t need to get some more. The same as leaving the last piece of toilet paper which is always stuck to the roll, just so he doesn’t have to reach all the way into the basket of new rolls, because he’s so busy sitting on the dunny. Arrrggrhh. Come on Lizard. Be positive. It’s a cracker of a day. Grab the dog and walk to the dairy. As usual, Plumless Walker is taking his time, sniffing then marking every bush, letterbox and car tyre we pass. I put him on the lead, which he hates. Now I’m dragging him along the road. It’s then I realise I’ve put my boxers on backwards. Plumless looks up and gives me a look that definitely says “See. Now we’re both being pulled in all directions.” I let Plumless off the lead at the beach so he can discuss stuff with the ducks and I stroll across the road to the shops. Māori Phil is sunning himself on the bench outside. “Kia ora Lizard.” “Yeah gidday. Where’s Gay Gary?” “He’s inside with Mopey Jesus. They’re trying to decide between Cadbury’s or Whittaker’s chocolate. They need heaps because they’re making this year’s centre piece.” Each year, The West Auckland Society of Cake Decorators hosts a Christmas dinner on the 12th and votes for next year’s Santa who will hand out the small pressies to the young ones. This year it is Māori Phil. “They’re making a giant chocolate Jesus.” “A what?” I spluttered. “A chocolate Jesus. Because he’s an immaculate confection.” “Oh very clever,” I said. Out strolled Gay Gary and Mopey Jesus carrying several

large paper bags chokka with dark chocolate. “Dark chocolate? For Jesus?” I questioned. “Don’t start Lizard,” said Gay Gary. “It’s been bad enough already with last year’s Santa refusing to hand over the Santa costume to Māori Phil because he says Jesus wasn’t a Māori. I knew there would be trouble when we voted in that bigot, Ronald Slump to be Santa. The beard and wig we had used for years of course wasn’t good enough for the Slumps. He had to go and get that ridiculous monstrosity of a yellow hairpiece made. Then, insult to injury, I told his wife, well, third wife, but who’s counting, not to wash the Santa suit in hot water. Does she listen? Does she what... Now its all faded orange. Even the youngest children don’t believe he’s Father Christmas. He’s a giant orange man with a crazy blonde wig. And now he refuses to leave the clubrooms. “Can’t you have a word with him Lizard?” pleaded Gay Gary. On our way home, Plumless and me dropped by the clubrooms and sure enough, Ronald Slump had barricaded himself into the broom cupboard. “Oh come on Ronald. The committee has voted fair and square that Māori Phil is this year’s Santa.” “No,” he said. “It’s not fair at all. I think the children should also get a vote. They love me. A lot. I’m not coming out. You can’t make me. What will everyone think?” “What if Māori Phil is Santa this year and hold on, just listen, you can ride on the fire engine?” “Can I switch on the siren?” he asked. “Sure,” I said “Can I throw the lollies?” “Sure. But gently this year.” “OK,” he said. “I’m coming out of the closet.” Finally, I thought. All’s well that ends well, my arse. Let’s not worry about the end and have fun along the way as well. Merry Christmas to you all. See you next year, Lizard.

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