The Fringe, July 2021

ISSUE 205, JULY 2021

community news, issues, arts, people, events

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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contents

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New clubrooms now open, after 20 years ............................................4 Track closure putting children at risk ....................................................5 Best friend credited with support to achieve award .............................6 Real purpose in community...................................................................7 Keeping it local: local business in the spotlight...............................8 – 9 Art and about with Naomi McCleary ...................................................10 Places to go: Events listing ..........................................................12 – 13 Bandstanding: Powertool Records’ PowerFest ....................................14 A weekend to celebrate West Auckland artists ...................................15 Feature: education ......................................................................16 – 17 West Life: We have a new dog; At the Libraries ..................................18 Sustainable solutions: Recycling – getting it right ...............................19 Naturally West: Tomtits in Titirangi .....................................................20 Wandering Westies: Mount Tamahunga Walkway ..............................21

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Live @ the lounge; Weather by the moon ..........................................22 Advertisers’ Directory ..........................................................................23

On our cover: Playhouse Theatre will be performing The Wizard of Oz, a musical based on the novel by L. Frank Baum these school holidays. Dorothy (played by Heidi Schuler) and Toto (played by Quinn Hallas), pictured on our cover, will be joined by Brooke Lane as Scarecrow, Thoma Perin as Tin Man, Denym Tahu as Lion (and friends) on their journey down the Yellow Brick Road and into the enchanting Land of Oz. The ‘Tael Solutions Season’ of The Wizard of Oz will be performed at the historic Glen Eden Playhouse with a cast of under-18-year-olds directed by Lily Pearce with Ellen Mountcastle as musical director and Asha OÇonnor-Palacios as choreographer. There will be adventure, witches both good and evil, talking trees, flying monkeys and all the well-loved signature songs including Ding Dong The Witch is Dead, Follow the Yellow Brick Road, If I Only Had a Brain and the iconic Over the Rainbow.

The season runs from July 17 – 24 and tickets are available from Eventfinda or playhousetheatreinc.com.

The Fringe has a family pass (four tickets) to the opening night of The Wizard of Oz on July 17 to give away. To go in the draw to win these tickets write the name of the character played by Quinn Hallas, together with your name, phone number and address on the back of an envelope and post it to The Wizard, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi or email your answer and contact details to info@fringemedia.co.nz with Wizard in the subject line. Entries must be received by July 12.

WIN

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

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

Published by: Fringe Media Ltd, PO Box 60-469, Titirangi, Auckland 0642

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

Adver�sing:

info@fringemedia.co.nz

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

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

Advertising deadline for August 2021: July 16.

The Fringe JULY 2021

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our place

New clubrooms now open, after 20 years The new Trusts Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club clubrooms are due to be in use this month, 20 years after the planning and consent process first began.

The Karekare club, established in 1935, is the first of seven Auckland lifesaving clubs being upgraded over the next decade as part of a multimillion dollar regional refurbishment programme.

The new Karekare building, a $3.3 million concrete masonry structure, replaces an old timber building, severely damaged by rust and rot over the 87 years it had been there.

The new state-of-theart structure is designed to support life-saving efforts in the harsh marine environment for many years to come.

Matt Wade, the Trusts Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club captain, says volunteers at Karekare have been storing equipment and operating out of shipping containers on an adjacent property during the construction period. He says, without a suitable building, lifesavers were provided little shelter from the elements for up to eight hours at a time and needed to perform resuscitations on the beach, car park or even on a neighbour’s front lawn.

“The surf lifesaving network in Auckland is seeing a significantly increased demand for its services as regional populations increase.

National publicity highlighting the pristine nature and wilderness vistas at Karekare and Whatipu has also encouraged visitors from further afield who are unfamiliar with the dangers of the area,” Matt says.

“Volunteers at the clubs now focus on proactively identifying beachgoers who are unknowingly placing themselves in high-risk situations and intervening before they develop into a rescue scenario.

“With more pressure on the surf clubs to help make our beaches safer, the replacement programme over the next 20 years is an essential investment to provide the infrastructure our volunteers need to save lives.”

Matt says Karekare lifesavers spent around 4200 hours patrolling the beach rescuing or assisting 24 people to safety over the most recent season and took over 1,000 preventive actions to pre-empt dangerous situations.

The Trusts is now naming rights sponsor of the club, and CEO Allan Pollard says Auckland’s West Coast beaches are some of the most dangerous in the country.

“With over 10km to patrol, the Karekare club has one of the country’s longest and most challenging stretches of coastline, and it is critical

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The Fringe JULY 2021

that the 100 volunteer surf lifesavers have the financial resources and purpose-built facilities they need to protect the thousands of beachgoers that visit the area each year.

“Features at the new surf club building will include a life-saving station, first aid room, and an elevated watchtower – allowing greater visibility down the beach.

“The new facilities will help save the lives of the next generations of beach users – with rescuers able to bring people suffering from hypothermia into a warm environment and also be able to resuscitate those who have stopped breathing with specialised equipment stations.”

He says the investment in new facilities, which was also partially funded by Auckland Council, will provide a Civil Defence and Search and Rescue centre for the area and also plays an essential role in the attraction and retention of lifeguards, ranging from 14-80 years in age. Some families have three generations of lifeguards patrolling at Karekare.

The club plans to generate additional revenue in the future by renting facilities to community groups, businesses and school groups.

A Community Collage

Naomi Azoulay, a contemporary collage artist based in Parau, wanted to celebrate the recent World Collage Day and with the support of Sammy Milne (Upstairs Gallery) and Denise Beaumont (Titirangi Community House) organised a collage event at the community house.

Naomi advertised the event through schools and people of all ages were invited to pop in anytime to glue their chosen image onto the communal collage board. A wide range of people took part, including three ladies who had never met before but who had lived just down the road from each other for years. One artist brought a printed image of a painting of her beloved grandfather, adding a very personal and emotional element. There was also a conversation among participants about what makes Titirangi so unique and many of those elements were represented in the collage.

“This event created a sense of community, of belonging to a place, of a shared experience and communal identity of all who live in the Titirangi area,” says Naomi. “It has also inspired people to be more creative; numerous people have contacted me to tell me that they have been collaging at home as a result of the community event sparking their creative juices.”

The completed collage, of which only a detail is shown above, is now on show in the foyer of the Community House.

Naomi will be running workshops at Titirangi Community House in the future. Visit www.naomiazoulay.com for details.

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our place

Track closure putting children at risk

South Titirangi residents say the delayed opening of a local track is forcing young children to navigate dangerous roads, and it’s only a matter of time before there’s an accident.

Melissa Simpson said local children and pedestrians used to use Arama Reserve Track to bypass the lower stretch of South Titirangi Road, which has no footpaths and a number of blind corners.

However, since the track was closed in early 2019 due to kauri dieback, she said locals are having to walk along the shoulder of the busy road, which is notorious for speeding vehicles.

The road was especially dangerous for school children, who have to walk to Arama Road, where their bus collects them and drops them back from school, she said.

“Having the track closed without any communication between Council and our community, meant one day our children had safe access up South Titirangi Road to their school bus and back, to having to walk up and down the road instead.”

“I understand kauri trees are extremely important, but I think our youth are too.”

Construction on the track was originally scheduled to be completed last year at a cost of $78,000, but Covid-19 and revised budgets has meant it has been delayed.

“We are fed up waiting,” said Melissa. “I have now had two near misses with my son walking blind corners and fast cars nearly hitting us,” she said. “I can’t allow this to continue in good faith, as Melissa’s son in front of the it is just an accident waiting to happen.” closed track.

Melissa raised her concerns with Auckland Council and Waitākere Ranges Local Board chair Greg Presland in July 2020. Greg agreed about the importance of the track as a pedestrian thoroughfare at the time, but said the original 2020 completion date was set pre-Covid and it would be delayed. Auckland Council’s kauri dieback and tracks specialist Grant Jennings said that the design and tender documents have been completed for the Arama Reserve Track, but it is now a lower priority than Paturoa Way and Bill Haresnape Walk.

“Due to reduced budget we need to prioritise the projects across Auckland based on existing contractual obligations, significant kauri ecosystems ... and shouldering investment across the local board network,” he said in July 2020.

While construction on Arama Reserve Track is now scheduled to begin this Spring, Melissa doesn’t believe the urgency of the situation is being appreciated. As an alternative, she requested a footpath be put in on South Titirangi Road so that her children could at least walk on the road in safety. She’s yet to receive a response to that request.

Because of the lack of progress, Melissa said the community is offering to take the construction of the track into its own hands.

She says local community member Martin Wienk owns a timber and building business, and can supply the materials for the construction at a fraction of the cost Council has estimated.

We provide quality, value services for our customers. We’ve worked “If it were [about] money, we as a community are happy to organise hard to keep the prices down, but due to the Government’s this,” she said. increase to the Waste Levy, from Monday, 5 July, we will be She has put this offer to Council but is yet to hear back. introducing small price increases for our rubbish bags and rubbish

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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people

Best friend credited with support to achieve award

“She’s a force of nature and her award is received national awards for taking the lead in well deserved.” Waitākere Ranges Local initiating social programmes to build diversity Board deputy chair Greg Presland is talking and support those who are disadvantaged. about local identity Heather Tanguay who “I could not have done all this without the was awarded a Queen’s Service Order (QSO) support of my team member and best friend, for her services to local government and the Jerry Tanguay,” she says. community in the recent Queen’s Birthday Another local, though now living in Katikati, Awards.

Dr Peter Maddison was also honoured this Since she and husband Jerry moved to year with the New Zealand Order of Merit for Glen Eden from Palmerston North in 2013, services to conservation.

Heather has been passionate about her Dr Maddison is a Fellow of the Royal local community, establishing the Glen Entomological Society of London and a Eden Residents’ Association and Glen Eden Distinguished Life Member of the Royal New Community Pātaka Kai where people can leave Zealand Forest and Bird Society. He was a food for others less fortunate to take. member of the society’s Waitākere branch Heather currently volunteers for the Give a Heather Tanguay with husband, supporter and (since 1985) and was a founding member and Kid a Blanket initiative which began in 2015 best friend, Jerry, in the Milan Bush Reserve Trustee of Weedfree Waitākere and EcoMatters and since then has provided many thousands they developed.

Trust. of blankets and other items for winter warmth to vulnerable children In 1999 he identified the presence of the Painted Apple Moth around Auckland. species in New Zealand, which led to a nationwide $65 million She is also president of Titirangi U3A, part of the international eradication programme that averted a potential disaster for New “third age” movement for people aged 60-plus to come together and Zealand’s horticulture industry continue their enjoyment of learning and sharing knowledge.

He also chaired Waitākere City Council’s Water and Environment With Jerry, the couple developed a broken-down piece of Committee for five years and the Pacific Science Association Scientific forgotten wasteland into Glen Eden’s Milan Bush Reserve, which Committee for nine years. won an environment award in 2020. She also created Ethkick West, a Since moving to the Bay of Plenty he has undertaken an ecological community football tournament for people from different backgrounds restoration project in Katikati and voluntarily carries out ecological and cultures. surveys (Bioblitzes) which have led to the discovery of several new Before moving to Auckland, Heather was a councillor on the bacteria and animal species.

Palmerston North City Council for 12 years and its mayor from 2004 “By profession I’m an entomologist and I’ve always had a passion for to 2007. insects and being out in the wild,” he says.

Heather has served in many official positions over the years and – Moira Kennedy

From Spain to Latin America Ron and Saray Riddell, together with Natarini (cello) and Sasha Witten-Hannah (guitar) will be presenting a programme of music and poetry from Spain and Latin America this month. Composers include Manuel de Falla (Spain) and Heitor Villa Lobos (Brazil) and featured poets will include Federico García Lorca (Spain) and Pablo Neruda (Chile). This unique concert takes place on Friday, July 9, 7pm, in Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road. Tickets are $20 (adults) and $10 (children) from Eventfinda.

For more information contact Saray Torres de Riddell on 021 201 4868.

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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our place

Real purpose in community

Tucked at the back of the car park beside Titirangi Library and the War Memorial Hall on South Titirangi Road, Titirangi Community House looks like a possible office haven, but looks can be deceiving.

About 50,000 people of all ages use the community house and its facilities every year for business or club meetings and community education programmes including fitness, arts and crafts, mah jong, painting, creative writing, yoga, pilates and more. It also runs school holiday programmes for nine weeks each year.

New president and local business woman, Jan Workman (pictured above), says the community house space is a very popular spot with increasing numbers of users each year.

“It serves a very real purpose in the community and is becoming more important as time goes on,” she says.

“When people were stuck at home during Covid-19, many discovered hobbies and old fashioned arts and crafts and now they want to meet other like-minded locals, sharing their interests and camaraderie.

“We have great spaces to help small businesses get a start too.

We have reasonable room rates which saves new business operators having to pay expensive commercial room rates in other areas,” Jan says.

Interested in choral singing?

Titirangi Chamber Choir is a friendly community choir seeking new members. The group sings a wide range of music from 16th century to the modern day and from multiple cultures.

Applicants need to be able to read music and have essential musical skills in place. For further information please email the musical director Brigid Bisley, at brigidursulabisley@gmail.com

The community house operates as an incorporated society and is supported by Auckland Council and the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. Open Monday to Friday, it can also be hired during weekends or evenings, and by the hour.

Managing coordinator Denise Beaumont oversees the running of the house.

The management committee, chaired by Jan, is now on the lookout for a new treasurer with book keeping or finance skills.

“It’s a voluntary position but we need someone to keep the management committee up to speed,” Jan says. “We’re a diverse group and we’re all committed to providing the best services and facilities we can at the house. We’re here for the community.”

Jan can be contacted on 021 926 243 – Moira Kennedy

Charity crafters wanted The team at Titirangi Library is keen to meet up with locals who love to create and would like ‘to make with a purpose.’

The library has a number of charities it collects for – from Women’s Refuge to the SPCA – and would welcome knitters, sewers or other crafters willing to donate their handmade goods to those in need.

They have a number of patterns and some materials to get crafters started or people can bring their own.

The group meets at the library on the last Tuesday of every month (July 27, August 31, September 28, October 26 and November 30).

Change is inevitable Cycleways have been appearing in the local social media recently and not in a good way. The local Board’s pop up cycleway on Captain Scott Road has drawn its share of detractors.

Some think that cycleways are an attack on our established way of life and in a way they are. They are the sort of change that as a community we must have if we are going to address climate change.

The big picture is clear. In about a decade there will be no more petrol driven cars coming into the country’s fleet and the absolute number of vehicles will decline despite an increasing population.

We will have to be smarter and more sustainable in the way we respond. Public transport will have to continue to improve.

But the cheapest, healthiest, most transformative thing we can do is improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

And currently the limited cycleways and walkways are fragmented and to complete usual journeys involves going into some unsafe stretches of road.

Photo: EcoMatters Environment Trust

The local board’s greenways plan is an effort to make our part of the city safer and more sustainable. The idea is that if we can replace relatively few trips by cars with those by walking or cycling then not only will congestion improve but greenhouse gas emissions will decrease.

But there will be disruption. It will pale into comparison to the potential disruption caused by unfettered climate change but change is inevitable.

We should take this opportunity to make our community a safer and more pleasant place.

Greg Presland | Local Board Deputy Chair Waitākere Ranges Local Board 021 998 411 Greg.presland@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

This is not an easy job. Our city has been built around car use for many decades and to re-engineer parts of it is not simple.

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keeping it local

The Fringe wants to help our businesses and community groups and makes space on these pages available for current advertisers and non-commercial organisations, at no charge.

To be included in our next issue, email info@fringemedia. co.nz before July 16.

An award-winning team in Glen Eden

Graham Hahn and the team at Stihl Retail, earlier this year at the Stihl Shop Glen Eden were named the Conference.

Most Improved Store for 2020 at the Stihl Shop Glen Eden was also recent Stihl Shop National Forum. nominated for the Outstanding This award is given to the store Achievement in Marketing Award. which shows the most improvement Graham and Morgan always pride in customer loyalty and satisfaction themselves on their customer service scoring throughout the previous and supporting their local community financial year which, we can all agree, and have a very dedicated clientele has been a very trying time for all in return. This year Graham and the small businesses. team are celebrating over 35 years Morgan Hahn was awarded Graham and Morgan Hahn – an award since their doors first opened in Glen Individual of the Year 2020. This is winning team.

Eden. awarded to the individual (out of over 400 employees STIHL Shop Glen Eden is located at 93 West Coast nationwide) with the highest customer service ranking Road Glen Eden, and is open 6 days for all your outdoor throughout the year. Morgan also took out the power equipment and servicing needs. annual honours for Stihl Outstanding Achievement in

Stress and skin health

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Our favourite is Salcura, an English natural skincare line with a small range of face and body products to treat inflamed skin. Pop in and ask our team member Nadia, who suffers chronic skin excema, for her experience with the range. We are always eager to help you pamper yourself at Tonic Spa – and yes, you deserve it!

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keeping it local

Changing of the guard at Ken Turner Motors

My dear friend and workmate of So, the search 24 years, Jim Smith is hanging up began for a new Jim, his ratchet for the quiet traffic and to our delight we congestion-free trout fishing life did not have to look of Taupō. far. Last month we For years Jim has run our were joined by Matt workshop as his own, and Kaukas, Jim’s son-insupported our small team of law, partner of Jim’s Karen, Jo, Mark, Brenan and my daughter Jemmaley. wife Helen in my absence.

Matt has been in It is Jim who has made it the automotive trade possible for me to pursue my for 16 years, going other interests. from school to an For years, a little ‘what-if’ Jim Smith: hanging up his ratchet. apprenticeship in question occasionally popped into my mind. What Green Bay, and from there working in two other will we do if Jim leaves?

West Auckland mechanical workshops.

This question became more of a worry when Jim Jim was only two years older than Matt is now moved to a new home and started commuting from when he started working here himself.

Howick, something he has been doing for six years.

Matt has broad experience and comes with the For a while I have been telling people that when same quiet confidence of his father-in-law and his Jim leaves, I will walk out behind him. service is also delivered with a smile.

But now the inevitable has happened, I find I’m not It will take Matt time to get to know everyone, but prepared to do this. This small business, the people Karen, who has run the office for 15 years, and Jo, who work in it and the local customers who support who is a second generation Laingholm local, along us, have been part of Helen’s and my life for 37 years. with Mark from Parau and young Brenan who lives in Our place here has employed our children, as it has Waima, will all help Matt join the dots. many other locals over the years. It gave my eldest Matt is well known in the Glen Eden/New Lynn son a start in the mechanical trade, which led to his area, and we look forward to him introducing us to own business repairing specialist heavy machinery. new faces he knows.

It also supplies maintenance and repair services I wish Jim all the best for his new beginnings in for the vehicles and equipment of our youngest Taupō and take comfort knowing our connection has son’s contracting business. Moreover, it keeps me not been totally severed. grounded and connected to the real world.

– Ken Turner Hello. My name's Paul Govier and I'm delighted to be opening Mold Physiotherapy, my brand new practice in The Rise, right in the heart of Titirangi.

A Laingholm local and a physio for over 10 years, I have taken my time to find a place to open my business that not only suits me and my work but reflects our environment and our community. Designed and fitted out completely by local designers and tradespeople, Mold offers all the modern physiotherapy techniques plus

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The Fringe JULY 2021

9

art & about with naomi mccleary

Going West Reinvented

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

We often used to refer to the Going West Books and Writers Festival as a ‘smorgasbord of literary delights’, and so it was, year after year from 1996 to 2019. Then as we hit 2020, with plans afoot to celebrate 25 years of this very particular festival, we were undone by Covid19. Startled, we went online; first podcasting from the riches of our archives; then into a phase of commissioning new work, five poetry videos (now online) and two documentaries (yet to be launched). But could we go live?

In February I wrote in this column: None of this precludes a live festival (Covid-19 willing) in September, but what will that look like? How do we keep the warmth, intimacy, generosity and depth of discourse that has so characterised Going West? Where are the new voices? How do we weave conversation, content, oratory, and performance in challenging ways to create full-bodied and diverse sessions? How do we make it truly accessible in a time of economic unease? How do we address sustainability in both practical and esoteric ways? How do we keep an eye on the world but through an Aotearoa lens? Digging into these questions is the work of the trust and producer right now and out of it will come another ‘Going West’ – recognisable but freshly minted for 2021.

So (drum roll) ... here it is folks! Launching on Saturday, August 14, the first of four monthly evening events show-casing our finest writers of prose, poetry and music. Think the old Going West weekend divided by four but multi-layered. And yes, there is some canny thinking here.

Should we be faced with any Covid shocks, we have more flexibility with a spread out programme. But the potential of this new approach has thrown up some real excitement. Award-winning writer and associate professor of creative writing at the University of Auckland, Paula Morris, has mentored a team of young writer advisors drawn from the cutting edge of the literary world. Together they have curated a programme that celebrates Aotearoa as a Pacific nation of increasing diversity under the theme ‘Stranded in Paradise’. (Are we ever!) This injection of fresh voices is invigorating, challenging, even a little scary – but it is entirely consistent with the Going West history of breaking new territory.

So how will you experience this new Going West? The August event will maintain the tradition of the opening gala night; a poet (or two this year); an orator; and words set to music (curated by Charlotte Yates).

We will be warming up the Playhouse Theatre in Glen Eden for this night. Comfortable seating, good acoustics, and great sight-lines.

We are abandoning the Titirangi War Memorial Hall; the set-up costs are eye-watering and beyond practical for this new season. The following three evening events will settle, indeed cosy, into the Lopdell House precinct, including Te Uru Gallery. This is where multi-layered comes into it. There will be choices but framed in such a way that everyone will experience at least three sessions and with a connecting Gala Night: Stranded in Paradise Saturday August 14, 7pm - 10pm, Glen Eden Playhouse $35 ($20 concession) The Gala Night is the festival’s traditional centrepiece. This year it features poets Daren Kamali and Karlo Mila and a literary performance curated by Charlotte Yates. Legendary storyteller Pita Turei is MC. Documented Reality Saturday September 11, 7pm - 10pm Lopdell House and Te Uru $25 ($20 concession) Expect powerful readings from established and emerging novelists, punchy conversations about leading issues and provocative performance poetry.

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The Fringe JULY 2021

ambience of hospitality and smaller popups. The invitation is to ‘move in’ for the evening; to be entertained and stimulated – and even surprised.

A single ticket will give entry to the whole evening programme.

For full details on Going West 2021 go to www.goingwestfest.co.nz The other big number for the Going West Trust is the launch of a book, Voices of Aotearoa: 25 years of Going West Oratory. The history is as follows. From 1997 Going West was a full weekend literary event and the ritual of inviting a notable writer to give a keynote address based on the festival theme was born. This collection, based on 25 years of fascinating and considered writings, holds a treasury of some of the most important voices in Aotearoa.

Many of them are no longer with us.

Everyone will have their favourites and to bring them together in this way tracks the ebb and flow of our culture in this past quarter century. My recall, unreliable as memories ever are, comes as snatched fragments when the extraordinary occurred. 1998: Ian Wedde delivers The Nations Narrative and we stand transfixed by the weight and beauty of his words. Michael King is up there. He was a regular presenter and facilitator from the early years and was invited to give the keynote address in 2001. Four days before opening night, 9/11 rocked the world and we were all paralysed with shock and horror. An email to Michael asking whether we should simply cancel the whole affair was met with a short but loving reply: Despite this devastating day, the show must go on ---- and culture and laughter and poetry and music are all the best forms of healing. I know it will still be a fabulous weekend. In those four days he completely rewrote his address; a family memoir of forgiveness and reconciliation. The hall was packed. Ashen, we clung to each other. Other names float in a kaleidoscope of moments; the regal dignity of Albert Wendt, the astounding theatricality of Rod Oram, the Dames, Fiona Kidman and Anne Salmond, radiating power and wisdom, Stephanie Johnson camping it up, Peter Wells and Nigel Cox, both brilliant voices now stilled.

Voices of Aotearoa is in the hands of Oratia Media and it feels very special to be working with a local publisher. It has been co-edited by Carolyn Lagahetau (of Oratia Media) and local historian Robyn Mason.

With funding from both CNZ and TTCF, my expectation was that we could produce a workmanlike paperback. But no, this is a beautifully designed hard covered book; lovely to the eye and in the hand.

Wisdom spills from each page; sometimes humour and controversy.

Every home should have one!

So what are we asking of our loyal audience? Trust that we are going to deliver something wonderful and sustainable. Buy tickets (from 9am, Friday July 9 from www.iticket.co.nz) and experience Going West 2021.

It will be a blast!

Fabricated Reality Saturday October 9, 7pm - 10pm Lopdell House and Te Uru $25 ($20 concession) Including conversations and readings with powerhouse writers; a multi-media session with award-winning non-fiction writers; and a discussion on speculative fiction for screen.

Shifting Ground Saturday 13 November, 7pm - 10pm Lopdell House and Te Uru $25 ($20 concession) Look forward to panel discussions, illustrated talks and readings from award-winning novelists and some of our finest poets.

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GALA NIGHT 14 AUG DOCUMENTED REALITY 11 SEPT FABRICATED REALITY 9 OCT SHIFTING GROUND 13 NOV GLEN EDEN PLAYHOUSE THEATRE & LOPDELL HOUSE & TE URU TITIRANGI Live discussion and performance, whaikōrero and music, as well as pop up performances and installations across multiple venues and stages. New work from our brightest literary stars, and innovative ideas from our sharpest minds.

BOOK NOW at iTICKET.CO.NZ

7PM — 10PM ALL 4 EVENTS. DOORS OPEN 6.30PM.

MORE INFO at GOINGWESTFEST.CO.NZ

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11

places to go – 4, Celebrating Matariki with Sefton Rani; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha. Phone 812 8029 www.westcoastgallery.co.nz

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

– 18, Give a Kid a Blanket - Documented. Bernie Harfleet and Donna Turtle Sarten document a grassroots response to help kids and families living in cold and damp conditions in Aotearoa. Now in its sixth year, this social art project takes a creative approach to local challenges by bringing communities together and offering practical support. (Donations of new and excellent preloved blankets are welcome at the gallery.); Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455. www. ceac.org.nz.

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– 18, Hiwa i te Rangi. Penny Howard (Te Mahurehure, Ngāpuhi, Irish and Scottish) explores narratives about finding her own cultural identity and a longing for whānau, whakapapa and tūrangawaewae within her Māori and European ancestry; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455. www. ceac.org.nz.

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– August 29, She wants to go to her bedroom but she can’t be bothered, an ambitious retrospective exhibition looking at LIsa Walker’s 30-year career as a pioneer of contemporary jewellery. The exhibition spans two floors, accommodating over 250 pieces; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. PHone 817 8070.

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Event organisers:

Do you have an upcoming event you’d like listed in The Fringe? Send the details, including a contact person and number, to info@ fringemedia.co.nz.

Readers:

While we take care to ensure listings are correct, errors may occur. Check with the contact person wherever possible.

w – September 12, Party in Piha – an exhibition of photographs by 97-year-old Titirangi photographer, Arne Loot, documenting the legendary full-moon beach parties that took place in Piha in the 1960s; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070 w – September 12, Māori moving image ki Te Uru, an exhibition of Māori artists working in moving image to portray the resilience and continuation of mātauranga Māori; Te Uru, 420 Titirangi Road. Phone 817 8070.

july 2, Flicks presents Minimata (M), a new release starring Johnny Depp and Bill Nighy; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road; 10.30am, 6pm, 8.15pm; Tickets $15/$12/$10 from eventfinda.co.nz or text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

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3, Matariki Market Day – arts, crafts, delicious food including hangi and sausage sizzle, and other goodies; Green Bay Community House, 1 Barron Drive, Green Bay; 10am-2pm.

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3, Maramataka, an introduction to the Māori lunar calendar with practical tips for applying this knowledge to your garden and daily life; EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn; 10.30am-12.30pm; Koha.

Phone 826 4276.

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

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14, Flicks presents Bastille Day French film night with Breathless (PG, 1960), classic cinema from Jean Luc Godard at 6pm and Portrait of a lady on fire (M, 2020) with Claire Mathon’s incredible cinematography at 8.15pm; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road; Tickets $15/$12 from eventfinda.co.nz or text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

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w 15, Waitākere Forest and Bird presents Ewen Cameron, curator of botany at Auckland Museum, talking about plants and some seabirds from the exposed Waitākere coast. Non members welcome; Kelston Community Centre, corner Awaroa and Great North Roads; 7.30pm; Koha appreciated. Phone Liz on 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@ hotmail.com.

16 – August 8, 50 Reasons, a group exhibition; Upstairs Gallery, Lopdell House, 418 Titirangi Road. 817 4278.

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18, Antiques, collectables and Crafts Fair (proceeds go towards upkeep of Armanesco House); Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 524 Blockhouse Bay Road; 9.30am-2pm; $2 entry fee. Phone 445 1227

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

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

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23, Glen Eden Combined Probus Club welcomes retirees for morning tea and guest speakers; Ceramco Park Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 9.45am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857.

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23, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal gathering of musicians and singers; Titirangi Beach Hall, bottom of Titirangi Beach Road; 8pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289.

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23 – September 12, Thought-Forms – a suite of tactile, woollen works by multidisciplinary artist Paula Friis; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455. www. ceac.org. nz.

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8 and 9, Kia Ora Shorts 2021, a programme of short films featuring stories from all over Aotearoa In celebration of the Matariki season; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Lebanon Lane, Henderson; from 7.30pm; $9; Bookings and more information at 838 4455 or info@ ceac.org.nz.

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9, 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.

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9, 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.

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10 – August 8, Artists from Waitākere Central Community Arts Council; West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha. Phone 812 8029 www.westcoastgallery.co.nz

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10, Community planting day at Verdale Circle, Glen Eden; 10.30am-12.30pm. Phone EcoMatters 826 4276.

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w 10, From Within featuring Lucas Kewell on piano; Lewis Eady Showroom, 75 Great South Road, Epsom; 7pm; Koha – bookings essential on 0210 222 5558 or email robin.kewell@xtra.co.nz.

The Fringe JULY 2021

13, 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.

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w 10, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Sarita Murdoch, floor singers in the first half; 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.

23 – September 12, What we do with our hands – works by Elijah Kennar and Joshua Faleatua, Lola Greeno, Andy Snelgar and the Corban Estate Weaving Circle, curated by Shari Lett; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson. Phone 838 4455. www. ceac.org.nz.

24, Toby and the Rest, second anniversary concert, with special guests. An award-winning quartet playing numbers from their recent album, Next. and new compositions; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road; 7.30pm; Tickets $15/$12 from eventfinda.co.nz or text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

w 25, 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.

27, Titirangi U3A – meet interesting people 60-years and older; The Crossing, 30 – 44 Kaurilands Road; 1pm. Contact 818 8809, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz.

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30, Flicks presents film to be announced; Lopdell House Theatre, 418 Titirangi Road; 10.30am, 6pm, 8.15pm; Tickets $15/$12/$10 from eventfinda.co.nz of text bookings to 0210 222 5558.

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places to go

august August 1, Pony Rides, Huia Road Horse Club; 436B Huia Road, Laingholm; 3-4pm; $5 per child per ride. Phone 027 499 1732.

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August 10, West Auckland Historical Society Family History Group meeting; Henderson Central Library West Auckland Research Centre; 10-11.30am. Phone 832 5098, 021 618 434 or email gary@snofam.co.nz.

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w August 13, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484.

August 13, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and morning tea; Friendship Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn; 10am-12noon. Phone 820 2234.

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August 14, Titirangi Folk Music Club presents Adam McGrath, floor singers in the first half; 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.

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There is so much happening in and around our community, including many weekly events, that we can’t fit everything into these listings.

To find out more about whatever you are interested in, visit:

www.fringemedia.co.nz/ourplace

l WHERE IT’S AT: • Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon

Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455, 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; Wednesday – Friday, 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-3pm. Phone 827 7349, www. portageceramicstrust.org.nz.

• Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery,

420 Titirangi Road, Titirangi; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4.30pm. 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; Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-4pm, except public holidays. 817 4278, www.upstairs. org.nz.

• West Coast Gallery, Seaview Road, Piha;

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 November 10am–4pm

CALL TO ARTISTS REGISTER TO BE INVOLVED Open Studios Waitākere 2021 is a weekend opportunity for artists resident in the Waitākere Ranges Local Board area to open their studios to the public. This iconic event attracts visitors from across the region, with a brochure and tour map ensuring the best promotion of the studios and artists involved.

To request a registration form email openstudioswaitakere@gmail.com phone 021 149 6707 or register online www.openstudioswaitakere.co.nz.

Registrations close Saturday 31 July.

Proudly supported by

Thursday/Friday, 11am-3pm; Saturday/Sunday, 10am-4pm. 812 8029, www.westcoastgallery. co.nz.

Linda Cooper Linda Cooper

Piha RSA, 3 Beach Valley Road, Piha

Councillor for Waitākere Councillor for Waitākere Please feel free to

Please feel free to contact me with contact me with issuesissues or ideas or ideas

021 629 533

021 629 533 linda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz linda.cooper@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

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13

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

31, Raranga weaving workshop; EcoMatters, 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn; 10.30am-12.30pm; $20. Phone 826 4276.

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bandstanding: music in the west with susannah bridges

Acknowledging 20 years of indie music in New Lynn Powertool Records recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with ‘PowerFest’, a 38-act all-ages show at the New Lynn Community Centre, in association with Whau Local Board, 95bFM, UFO and Alien.

Hidden in an unassuming corner of New Lynn (otherwise known as Veronica Street) is a cluster of treasures: the venue UFO, a record store called Alien, and Powertool Records, a local recording company that champions alternative music.

Driven by founder Andrew Maitai’s unflagging passion for independent music, Powertool Records has become, since 2001, one of New Zealand’s most prolific labels. It has released over 200 albums, and organised thousands of shows and tours nationwide.

The celebration was enthusiastically enjoyed by an audience both young and old and featured musicians with decades of impressive indie pedigree performing alongside newcomers still at high school across four stages. Photographer Chris Double (@doublenz on Instagram) caught all the action.

Ripship

Andrew Matai

You can contact Andrew via Facebook or Instagram or visit www.powertools.net to find out more.

Stacked

Art Wank

Vorn

Ratso

Fans celebrating with The Holy Loner

The Sixes

Klipsch Heritage Series Incredibly Versatile & Compact Audio System.

Connects directly to a Turntable, TV, Computer, Auxiliary, Bluetooth & Subwoofer. Walnut finish. $1999.

This space is being seen by up to 70,000 local residents. It could be yours for as little as $240 + GST, or 0.33 cents per reader.

Email info@fringemedia.co.nz or phone 817 8024 to find out more.

(For all our rates, download our media kit from http://www.fringemedia.co.nz/Rates.html.)

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

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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places to go

A weekend to celebrate West Auckland artists

Open Studios Waitākere is returning for the sixth time in 2021 on the weekend of November 6 – 7. It’s another chance to grab your picnic lunch and a map (or load the app) and set off exploring the wondrous studios of some of West Auckland’s most exciting artists. Or you can relax on one of our guided bus tours where snacks are provided and all you need to bring is your curiosity and an appetite for art. Details of how to book will be announced shortly.

West Auckland has long been a haven for those with creativity in their DNA. Open Studios Waitākere brings opportunities to visit artists in their studios over a wide range of inspiring locations including Piha, Te Henga, Titirangi and Glen Eden. In previous years over 80 artists in more than 40 studios have participated.

The weekend is a unique opportunity to view and purchase artworks from a wide number of artistic disciplines with sculptors, painters, jewellers, illustrators, ceramic artists and photographers taking part, many also offering limited editions and one-off pieces. The artists really put in an enormous amount of work to share something special over the two days of Open Studios Waitākere.

In the week prior to this year’s event (from November 1), there will be a showcase exhibition in Lopdell House, offering a taste of the treats in store over the Open Studio’s Waitākere weekend.

Renée Tanner of Lightbox Projects Ltd, the organiser of the Open Studios weekend is pleased to bring this event to life for another year. “We’ve had over 1,000 people participate in this event over the past few years, and this year is shaping up to be no different.

“We are now calling for artists interested in participating to register. Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity to share your practice and artworks with a varied and curious audience.”

Keep an eye on http://www.openstudioswaitakere.co.nz to find out more about the participating artists Hayley Brown, Anna Crichton, Liam and the location of the studios that will be included in this year’s itinerary. If you have any queries about Downes and Simon Lewis Wards (clockwise from top left) have all participating in the 2021 event, contact Renée Tanner at openstudioswaitakere@gmail.com. participated in recent Open Studios Open Studios Waitākere is supported by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board. weekends.

Council should look internally to save millions I will not support rate increases while the Council I’m part of keeps making catastrophically poor monetary decisions.

Last month our Waitākere Ranges Local Board gave feedback on Council’s 10-year budget. I voted against supporting a 5% general rate increase for the coming year and disagreed with some other board members that annual rate increases of 3.5% thereafter would not be enough.

Last year I was persuaded to vote for the higher of two rate options because I was told the larger amount would deliver projects otherwise just out of reach, a promise which hasn’t yet materialised. Moreover, the total increased revenue Council receives from such rate rises, pales into insignificance beside the operational losses from poor decision-making and bad process. While Aucklanders are continually being asked for more millions, Council’s head office is facing the potential of more losses in the billions over coming years because of their ‘derivatives’ dealing (hedging against interest rate movements on the money markets). This has inexplicably avoided public scrutiny to date, which is why I moved the following clause be inserted into our feedback: “That the WRLB request an independent public enquiry into Council’s handling of derivatives”. Fellow members supported this unanimously.

On a smaller scale, but still significant, Council is losing revenue through stolen orange rubbish tags. Twice now (June 2018 and May 2021) retailers have been advised in writing by the company licensed to produce and supply Council rubbish tags that stolen tags were and are being offered for re-sale. Both letters talk of police involvement and request shop owner’s cooperation. So why, after three years, have the robbers not been caught and this theft of ratepayer’s money stopped. After all, this loss to Council, could affect ratepayers twice. When a homeowner pays for a rubbish tag, and this revenue does not return to Council, Council might look to general rate increases to cover its losses, and the homeowner pays a second time. Worse still, individual tags have no unique identifier so I doubt Council can accurately quantify its losses. Rubbish tags are not redeemed back to Council by rubbish contractors for proof of payment (like any normal ticket for goods or service) removing another opportunity for Council to identify the scale of its loses. I am asking Council questions and communications are ongoing but what I have learned so far does not instil me with confidence.

I am sure Council could find all the money it needs if it just looked internally.

– Ken Turner, WestWards Advertisement

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15

education

Awards for Avondale College

FINALIST

Avondale College principal, Lyndy Watkinson, with the college’s head prefect team.

www.musominds.com

RI

A

PRIME MINISTER’S EDUCATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2021!

the Excellence in Engaging category. This award celebrates working together as a community to transform relationships and strengthen achievement, leading to improved and sustained outcomes for all children and young people.

Avondale College principal, Lyndy Watkinson, said that a case study of the significant gains made by their Pasifika students over a decade was a story worthy of celebration.

“Over the past 10 years we have seen the year level appropriate achievement of our Pasifika students climb from 51% to 90%,” she says.

“Underpinning this success has been an interconnected network of strategic initiatives, effective processes and most importantly, people which have combined to support our diverse learners in achieving and sustaining excellence – both inside and outside the classroom.”

Avondale College will be holding its Open Evening on Wednesday August 4 from 4-7pm. Prospective students and their families are warmly invited.

FREE T

EDUCATION IN THE WEST: A Fringe special feature

There has been cause for ongoing celebration at Avondale College over recent months, with national and international recognition of achievements in a variety of areas.

The year began with outstanding academic results from NCEA and Cambridge examinations, including seven students who topped New Zealand in their Cambridge Exams, and one, Chanuri Fernando in Year 11, who came first in the world in her IGCSE Chemistry exam.

The quality of Avondale College’s music programme has again been highlighted with multiple awards won at two national jazz competitions, in Tauranga and Wellington. Amongst other accolades, the Avondale College Quartet (featuring Titirangi resident Lucas Kewell on The multi award-winning Avondale College Quartet. piano, Toby Barrett on saxophone, Delores Lesatele on vocals and Tyler Diprose on double bass) won ‘Best Combo’ at both competitions; Lucas won ‘Best Pianist’ and Tyler ‘Best Bassist’ - again, at both competitions. At the Wellington Jazz Project competition in June, Lucas also won ‘Best Composition’ with an evocative original piece.

Also winning recognition at the Wellington competition was Year 13 musician, and Deputy Head Prefect, Hirimaia Eketone. Her band, Hiri and the High Hats not only won the award for Best Student Arrangement, but Hirimaia received the award for Best Musicianship – across the whole competition.

Most recently, Avondale College has been named as a finalist in the Prime Minister’s Education Excellence Awards for 2021, in

L

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ON!

Piano/Keyboard

Culturally Aware Expressive Collaborative

Guitar

Performer

KinderMinds (2 - 4 years)

Literate

406 Titirangi Rd, Titirangi

CALL NOW (09) 972 4153

Perceptive Reflective Curious Creative

www.avcol.school.nz

4-7pm

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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education

Titirangi’s music school, MusoMinds, is revolutionising the way music is taught. Founded by Patrick Dwyer, a New Zealand and internationally registered teacher of 20 years, MusoMinds’ lessons teach more than just music with its three key areas of ‘ways of being, thinking and doing’.

“Students learn how to learn, whereby our approach teaches skills that can be transferred to other aspects of their life,” Patrick says.

“Learning music gives children the confidence in their own resourcefulness, while developing focus ability and creative strategies.”

Patrick believes this is the essence of 21st century education where merely retaining facts is redundant but knowing how to apply, extend and rearrange concepts early in life will serve children well in the future.

“It’s about what we do creatively with knowledge. We help children understand their own learning through music, improving focus and learning independence.”

MusoMinds provides piano, keyboard, guitar and KinderMinds sessions for over 100 students. To book a free trial, call (09) 9724153 or visit www.musominds.com.

Green Bay High School

EDUCATION IN THE WEST: A Fringe special feature

Revolutionising music education

Te Angitū Ngātahi Succeeding Together

Open Day Saturday 31st July 9:30am - 2:00pm

Serving families in Green Bay, Titirangi and the surrounding areas, our focus is on learning that is relevant, exciting and meets the needs of all our students. At Green Bay High School, teachers know their students, they make time to foster strong relationships and support all students to achieve their best throughout the five years they are with us.

Come along to our Open Day and see the school in action. Principal Fiona Barker will talk in the Auditorium at 10am, 12pm and 1pm about what your child’s future could look like at Green Bay High.

Fiona Barker Principal

www.greenbayhigh.school.nz

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west life

We have a new dog

The shorter days of winter are here now, but as soon as the room starts to brighten I climb out of bed, pull on my dressing gown and slippers and pad down the hall to the sitting room; alert for the patter of little feet.

The morning magic of being greeted with love by two excited dogs never fades, but at this stage of the puppy training regime that pleasure is somewhat tempered by apprehension. As soon as the door opens, they tumble over each other and skid towards me – across a wooden floor generously lubricated by various bodily fluids deposited over night by the new puppy.

So. This is currently my morning ritual …

Turning on the light so I am alert to all obstacles, I navigate my way through the puddles (and any other little offerings) to the door, raise the blind and let the dogs out. Amber makes straight for the grass, bounding for joy at the release from her night nurse duties, leaving me to fend off an excited puppy as I grab the older dog’s bowl and renavigate the puddles and two little koru shaped piles of poo left on the kitchen floor, to the pantry. My progress is ever so slightly hindered

by Katie tugging on the trailing hem of my dressing gown.

I fill Amber’s bowl with Weetbix, water and bran (fibre for her flopbot – don’t ask) and, the puppy still water-skiing behind me, take it outside where Amber waits, hungrily peering through the window. I put Amber’s collar on her and attach it to the rope on the deck (because she has taken to running away – can’t think why), and scoop up Katie as she untangles her teeth from my hem and makes a beeline for Amber’s breakfast.

Back inside, I swing by the puddles again to fill Katie’s bowl from the laundry. She

At the Libraries

Titirangi Community Library

July 12, 2-3pm: Chill out at the library – Enjoy doodle art and DIY ice cream sundaes. Suitable 5+.

July 13, 10-11am: Storytelling and drawing with Stephanie Thatcher, author of the children’s books Great Galloping Galoot, Little Hoiho and the new I'm an inky octopus. Suitable 5+.

July 15, 5.30-7.30pm: Stories under the Stars (on Lopdell House’s roof top terrace) – Stories and songs followed by star gazing from 6.30pm with the Auckland Astronomical Society.

July 20, 10-11am: LEGO Creation Party.

July 22, 10-11am: Ururangi kites – Use splatter paint techniques to design and make Ururangi kites. (Ururangi is a star in the Matariki cluster that determines the nature of the winds for the year.)

The library is planning an eco-day on Saturday August 7. Triage, taxidermy and tall trees will be a day filled with family talks, activities and information. The festival will be introduced on August 3, 11.30am-12.30pm with Dr Mels Barton discussing threats to kauri.

New Lynn Library

July 1, 15 and 29, 11.30am-1.00pm: Rongoā Workshops – a peek into the world of rongoā rākau (traditional Māori healing).

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The Fringe JULY 2021

amuses herself by gnawing on some slipper – flavoured by a pinch of Achilles tendon – as she waits. I get her to sit, put the bowl down and then sprint to the bathroom to get toilet paper to pick up the poo. After wiping it off the floor, I flush it down the toilet and turn to find Katie has followed me through the door and is now retreating backwards into the sitting room, dragging a shoe that I had thought safely out of reach. As I tug it from her razor sharp fangs, she emits a deep-throated, aggressive, gravelly growl – so out of context. It’s as if she is possessed.

As I then attempt to wipe up the puddles, Katie grabs a mouthful of the paper towel and scampers off, the roll unspooling merrily in a long, twisted white streamer behind her. I get it off her, attempt to rewind the gnawed remnants and take a mental inventory of how many rolls I have left. The wet paper goes into the wood burner, as the puppy squeezes herself under the stove door and grabs a piece of wood from the stack beside the stove. Fingers now a pincushion for little needle-sharp teeth, I remove said piece of wood, as the older dog looks anxiously on through the window, wanting to come in. She’ll have to wait.

The puppy worries and tugs on the mop as I clean the floor. I wash my hands for the third time since getting up.

Now I can let Amber in and give her a morning back scratch, and we both wait on the doorstep as the puppy decides whether to go back to her breakfast or go out for a wee. Instead, she dives under the deck and returns inside with a mouthful of leaves, which she then proceeds to shred and liberally carpet the newly-washed floor with.

As the two dogs start to wrestle each other and tear poor Duck mark III limb from limb, I put the jug on to boil and hope that someone else gets up soon, so I can have a shower and go to the toilet myself.

And there you have it.

Life with a new puppy. Never a dull moment. I am resisting getting a puppy crate as it doesn’t fit with the minimalist Japanese aesthetic I’m going for in home décor, but I must admit that quiet, peaceful breakfasts amid the early morning bird choruses are fast becoming a very distant memory.

RIP Ducks mark I, II and III. – Cynthia Smith

July 5 and 26, 4-5pm: Kids Knitting. Ages 8+.

July 6, 10-11am: Huinga Kōrero – a relaxed cuppa, bikkie and chat in te reo Māori. All levels welcome.

July 6 and 27, 4-5pm: How Tuesday – Craft, design, create, and try something new. Ages 5+.

July 10, 1-3pm: 3D Design and Printing – Try your hand at 3D printing with the team from Brainplay. All ages welcome.

July 12, 10.30-11.30am: Matariki Bingo. Ages 6+.

July 14, 2.30-3.30pm: Harry Potter wand-making session. Ages 6+.

July 17, 5-6.30pm: Harry Potter Evening – All ages welcome.

Bookings by email: newlynn.library@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

July 21, 11-12pm: Book Lover’s Club.

July 21, 4.30-5.30pm: Matariki Kēmu – Play and learn, a Game afternoon for the whole family.

July 22nd 10-11.00am: Rongoā for Kids – A chance for children to explore the gifts within our local ngahere (forest). Ages 6+.

July 22, 2.30-3.30am: Seed Paper Making – Upcycle old scrap paper into seed paper and take it home to plant. This event is held at the New Lynn Community Centre. Ages 6+ July 30, 4-5pm: Lego Build Session. Ages 5+.

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sustainable solutions with fiona drummond

Recycling – getting it right

About 10 percent of our kerb-side recycling is contaminated by items that should be in the rubbish. If in doubt, leave it out when recycling.

Only tree fibre can be recycled in your kerb-side recycling bin. Some of the newer cardboard fibres being used for packaging (sugar cane, corn, bamboo or wheat straw) are not recyclable kerb-side although they may be compostable. When buying takeaway containers or coffee cups, find out what they are made of at point of purchase, before you throw them into the recycling. Better still, take your own containers for drinks and takeaways, thereby eliminating any waste.

Don’t put items containing liquid or food into the recycling bin.

Grease on a pizza box is alright as long as no food is included and, as a general rule, bottles that have been emptied and rinsed will be fine.

Don’t put plastic bags or soft plastics in the recycling bin: these can be recycled locally at Countdown, New World or Huckleberry.

Many items that can’t be recycled through the kerb-side collections can be recycled elsewhere.

Titirangi Community House is collecting used toothpaste tubes and plastic toothbrushes for recycling. Drop these in the box in the Titirangi Community House foyer, between 8.30am-4.30pm weekdays.

(On the subject of eco-friendly dental care products, Colgate now sells toothbrushes with biodegradable, sustainably-grown bamboo handles and recyclable cardboard packaging. The toothbrushes can be recycled as fire starters or cleaners. Colgate also offers a toothpaste

range which is 99.7% natural and sold in a recyclable tube and box.)

Titirangi Library is collecting plastic bread tags for the Bread Tags for Wheelchairs programme to fund wheelchairs in South Africa. (Separate your colours before you drop them off.) The library is also collecting old coins or notes for the Riding for the Disabled Raise the Roof campaign, raising funds for a covered riding facility in Henderson Valley which will enable the organisation to increase their annual sessions by 400%.

Newspapers can be used as fire starters and bin liners and are also welcomed by animal centres including BirdCare Aotearoa (formerly Bird Rescue) in Green Bay. Cardboard cores from rolls of toilet paper, kitchen wrap, and paper towels can be taken to West Auckland Resource Centre, 2 Seabrook Avenue, New Lynn on a Wednesday or Saturday. They are appreciated by early childhood centres and primary schools for crafty projects.

The Fairy Flower Shop is a collection point for coffee pods or capsules, used prescription glasses in good condition can be dropped into Hunt & Gaunt Optometrists at 517 South Titirangi Road, and Titirangi Pharmacy will dispose of expired or unwanted medications for you.

Plan to save kauri given a boost in Budget 2021 Budget 2021 is about securing and accelerating our economic recovery from Covid-19. It’s about keeping New Zealanders safe while laying foundations for the future, especially with respect to key issues such as climate change, housing and child poverty.

Among these major decisions, there was one that holds special significance for us in the west. That decision was the allocation of $28 million to roll out a National Pest Management Plan to save kauri from dieback disease.

Once established, the National Pest Management Plan will enable co-ordinated protection work across public land, local government land and private property. Although individuals, tree advocacy groups, iwi and both central and local government have been working on preventing the spread of kauri dieback for many years now, it has been difficult to co-ordinate all of these efforts. This plan will make this critical co-ordination possible.

This is the first time that a National Pest Management Plan has been put in place for a taonga species. There are three other plans - one for PSA-V in kiwifruit, one for bovine tuberculosis and one for American Foulbrood in bees – all protecting commercial species.

Getting one in place to protect kauri is a tribute to the hard work of advocacy groups and individuals. Many of these people are members of our Waitākere community.

I’m especially pleased by this funding announcement. In 2018, when I was chair of the Environment Select Committee, I led a series of briefings into kauri dieback. I used the report from those briefings to lobby ministers for change. It’s taken a lot of effort, but it’s great to see this funding allocation come out of that work. Best of all, it’s great to see our iconic kauri being protected.

Ngā Mihi – Deborah Russell, MP for New Lynn

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

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naturally west with fiona drummond

Tomtits in Tītīrangi

I have become aware in recent times that the Mackies Rest end of Exhibition Drive is attractive to passerine birds in the autumn/early winter months, when various grass seed heads have reached maturity.

Passerine birds (more than half of all bird species) are also known as perching birds or song birds and are distinguished North Island tomtit. Photo by Joxean Koret. from other orders of birds by the arrangement of their toes (three pointing forward and one back), which facilitates perching.

Finches are often seen here (see The Fringe, July 2020) but another passerine, the tomtit or miromiro, a delightful little bird resembling a robin, is not numerous in these parts although it is not a threatened species.

I sometimes glimpse one at Mackies Rest but early this winter I was delighted to find one halfway along the Drive, perched on a wooden barrier fence. It was a male, black and white, and they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face if you encounter one as they have a cute Disney appearance with beady eyes and a big head and small body.

Females are more muted in grey tones, so not as instantly recognisable.

Miromiro can spot an insect 10 metres away giving rise to the saying about an observant person, he karu miromiro, a tomtit’s eye.

There are five subspecies of tomtit (petroica macrocephala) in New Zealand, each restricted to its own specific island or island group: North Island, South Island, the Snares Islands, the Chatham Islands and the Auckland Islands. While the Māori name of the North Island tomtit is miromiro, the South Island tomtit is known as ngirungiru. The colour variations between subspecies differs, with the South Island, Chatham and Auckland Island male robins sporting a yellow chest, and the Snares Island species being completely black and much larger.

This adaptable species uses a variety of habitats from sea level to the sub-alpine zone. Tomtits can be found in all mature native forest types, including podocarp-broadleaf, beech, and manuka-kanuka forests, as well as regenerating forests. Exotic plantations are also inhabited as well as bushy farmland and suburban parks and gardens.

The main threat to populations is from introduced mammalian predators, particularly ship rats. While many clutches and broods are taken by predators, adult females also suffer mortality because they alone incubate clutches and brood young, and their habit of nesting in FRINGEADLTD.pdf shallow cavities 1means that they are not always able to 15/11/16 16:33 escape once a predator arrives at the nest. This bird species has

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

proven difficult to establish populations through translocation, with at least seven unsuccessful attempts to date.

Miromiro played an important role in many Māori rituals, from birth to death.

Like the bat, fantail and morepork, appearance of this bird unexpectedly inside a house was regarded as an aituā, or omen of misfortune.

The bird was nicknamed torotoro, or scout by Māori for its habit of appearing from nowhere in the forest. It was the first to settle on the water troughs with snares attached to them, a scout warning the pigeons coming to drink. Then there was its habit of scratching the ground over which an enemy had walked. This was a tell-tale sign to the warrior looking for footprints of his foe.

It is also said that the miromiro is the lovebird, he manu aroha te miromiro, for it was the go–between when a husband wanted to get an errant wife back. The miromiro was selected because it was believed that it had influence and was a manifestation of Māui himself. It was also selected because of the whiteness of its breast (as in the North Island male), signifying the world of life and light, as opposed to that of death and darkness.

To cast an ātahu, or love charm, a husband would consult a tohunga and the miromiro would be the messenger. However far away the wife might be, the miromiro would fly to her and settle on her head.

The charm would begin to work and she would be unable to resist its power, being gently propelled back to her husband. Erring husbands could also be summoned by this method.

Kikorangi – Lady sings the blues A unique Matariki celebration of jazz and blues led by singer/ songwriter Catherine Tunks and guest vocalist and jazz diva Alana Goldsmith (right) is to take place at St Michaels Church, Corban Estate Arts Centre on July 4, 3pm.

With Mark Baynes on piano and Warren Mendonsa on guitar two of Auckland’s most accomplished female vocalists will be performing songs in both Te Reo Māori and English.

Tickets are $25 (including a mulled wine) from Eventfinda, bookings advised. https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2021/ kikorangi-lady-sings-the-blues/ auckland/henderson.

Available now at Te Uru Gallery, Titirangi

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Presland and Co provide a variety of legal services including conveyancing, family law, criminal law, wills & estates.

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The Fringe JULY 2021

Embossed Lights

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wandering westies with mick andrew

Mount Tamahunga Walkway

More Waitākere tracks are opening. But they’re not opening fast enough for some. So, if you’re craving some variety and find yourself an hour north of Auckland, there are plenty of options that aren’t on the beaten track.

The Mount Tamahunga Walkway is a great example.

If you’ve ever been to Omaha or Tāwharanui Peninsula and looked northwest, you’ve probably noticed Tamahunga looming over the valley. At 436 metres it’s fairly high for Auckland standards and has a great walk directly to the summit.

Accessed from halfway up Omaha Valley Road, the southern route takes about one-and-a-half hours, or three-and-a-half through to Rodney Road on the Pakiri side.

From the car park, the route runs along a gravel driveway through private farmland, following the orange makers between the rolling hills, through a gate and up a grassy slope to a windbreak of pine.

Not long after, the terrain levels out in front of the heavily forested mountain, and the trail follows a fence line and burrows into a thick wall of nīkau. From here the gradient starts to increase, climbing a ridgeline through a narrow strip of bush between the paddocks.

Well-formed and solid in dry weather, the track is lined with hangehange and hardy makomako which tend to thrive on forest margins. Pūriri dominate the bush canopy and grow progressively larger and more sprawling as the trail winds its way up the mountain.

If you need to catch your breath on the way, a number of signs along the path make for interesting reading about New Zealand conservation.

One sign even details the year and numbers of stoats that were released into New Zealand, and by whom – fascinating stuff if you enjoy reading about monumental blunders.

The trajectory of the trail is fairly consistent, and any turns and dips are moderate. However, after about an hour or so the track difficulty shifts up a notch and you have to haul yourself up segments.

Thankfully pūriri roots make for excellent footholds and before long the track levels out. A side path to the right leads to a boulder and viewing platform through a window carved in the bush.

At this height, the platform offers an impeccable view across Omaha Valley, and Tāwharanui Peninsula and Kawau Island beyond. On a good day you should be able to see clear to Rangitoto and Auckland City.

The track continues for another 10 minutes, passing the route down to Matakana Valley Road, which connects with the main route to Pakiri to form part of the Te Araroa trail – on which we see a couple of hikers travelling from Northland and laden with packs.

Just round the corner is the summit. At one of the highest points in the region, it is the historic site of Otamahua Pa – an extensive complex which once sheltered 200 prisoners who had escaped from Kawau Island. All that remains now is a grassy clearing and a wooden platform, which can apparently be used as a helicopter pad.

From here it takes about an hour to walk back to the car park.

However, if you’ve got a full day and two cars you can continue another 3.5 hours to Rodney Road. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have a few months, you can walk all the way to Cape Rēinga, ... or down to Bluff.

In the recent instance, Council was made aware of bin tags being sold through improper channels, which is now under investigation. As the investigation is still ongoing with NZ Police, we can't go into the details. However, in the meantime we have worked with our supplier and made some changes to tighten up distribution processes to prevent this happening in the future.

Councillor Linda Cooper, Chair of Regulatory Committee and Waitakere Ward Councillor

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Council is aware of the issues raised by Ken Turner on page 15 of this magazine and would like to state that when the trading of used or stolen rubbish bin tags has been brought to Auckland Council's attention, it has always been dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

These are occasional undesired occurrences and dealt with by investigation by the NZ Police.

The Fringe JULY 2021

21

live @ the lounge

It’s a hoot to hoon about in the dark

Howdy home-makers and hillside dwellers.

Let me introduce myself. I’m Howl the Owl. I heard that last month you had a chat with that rascal possum, Alfred. Nice chap for a vegetarian, although, at night, a bit of a loud mouth. I prefer to be silent on the wing.

Technically I’m a barn owl but I’ve never actually flown inside a barn, let alone lived in one. I was raised in the rafters of the Hollywood Theatre, spending my formative years over the darkening skies of suburban Avondale.

Let’s cut to the chase. In truth, I’m a thief of the night. I can’t help myself. Mum would say that I was just like my Dad. “You’ve got his itchy claws. If he could grasp it, it was his. Anything. One time he flew home with a harmonica. I ask you: what’s an owl, with a beak, going to do with a harmonica? Still, he had beautiful plumage.”

When they finally pulled the Wurlitzer organ out of the theatre, the writing was on the wall, so I decided to follow the truck out of Avondale. This eventually led me to Lizard’s house. Not a bad bloke.

Like me, he doesn’t like to rise much before five in the afternoon.

We’ve come to an arrangement. He lets me reside on the shady parcel tray of an abandoned ’57 De Soto Diplomat and, in return, I keep the apodemus population in check.

Again, the truth: I’d begun to gain quite a reputation around Avondale for being a bit light-clawed. Tui and kingfishers in particular were often flapping on about the ‘Midnight Prowler’, ‘the ‘Gentleowl Thief’. And when I say the writing was on the wall, it actually was. Behind the latrine, below a photo of an owl, could be any owl, I read this little gem.

Now the owl is always stealing.

Sure his polite good manners are most appealing.

For when the sign on the door Said ‘Don’t make a mess on the floor’, He flew up and shat on the ceiling.

Well, really. What can I say. I'm nocturnal.

During the day, the sky, the water, these are all things you look ’through’. But at night, these are things you look ‘into’. You look ‘into’ the stars. You look ‘into’ the surprising platinum flash along the edge of the rolling waves. Inward, not faraway.

Plus, it’s not my fault every second home in Titirangi has a cat flap in the back door. In and out. Lovely jubbly. Always carry some catnip under me wing to keep pussy happy. It also helps that I have this strange sonar thing happening which really makes it a hoot to hoon about in the dark.

I still fence most of my ill-gotten gains through Picket the Parrot. He

still runs an under-the-counter, no-questions-asked, junk shop behind the bins just off St Jude street. He’s called ‘Picket' because of his trade.

Get it? Picket Fence.

He can move just about anything I can bring him. We tend to target jewellery because the magpies love anything that shines. We also often run an organic worm stall at the farmers market. The ‘early birds’ seem to get these first. Any old bits of fluff, wool, plastic strapping, feathers, etc. usually goes through the huge sparrow underworld network. They feel the cold so are always trying to feather their own nests. A good wee winter earn. Gotta watch out for these judgemental ducks though.

They’re so pious. They belong to that old American religious group, The Quackers, so you’d expect a coarse-billed response to an honest owl just trying to keep the ferrets from the door.

Well, the sun’s about to go behind the Ranges so I’d better be off. I might take a quick sweep over Laingholm. They tend to fall asleep on their couches with the doors wide open. Be a crime not to pop in.

P.S. If you’re after a shiny Ford key, a Lion Red bottle cap or a Ventolin inhaler, look me up. I’ll see you right.

Later, Howl the Owl.

weather by the moon Ken Ring’s predictions for July July is likely to be drier than average, less sunny, but with average temperatures.

The first week should be the driest and warmest, the second and third weeks the wettest with the lowest barometric pressure, and the fourth week should have the most sunshine. Winds should average from the south. Air pressure should average around 1018mb. Most rain may be around 14th and 18th. The 3rd/4th and 24th/25th may be the best weekends for outdoor activities.

For fishermen, the highest tides are around the 25th. The best bite-times in the West are around noon on 7th-10th, and 22nd-25th. Chances are also good for around dusk of 1st-2nd, 15th-17th, and 30th-31st.

For gardeners, pruning is best between the 1st-9th and 25th-31st (waning moon descending), and sowing is best between the 11th – 22nd (waxing moon ascending). For preserving and longer shelflife, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of 4th and 19th.

Allow 24 hour error for all forecasts. For future weather for any date, visit www.predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2021.

It’s Our Place!

Community organisations, sports clubs, craft clubs and other non-commercial organisations are welcome to post their news and updates on The Fringe’s web site, FREE.

Leave a gift to nature.

Bequests can be made to “Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc”. For more information on how to make a bequest contact: Fundraising Manager, Forest & Bird PO Box 631, Wellington Freephone: 0800 200 064

www.forestandbird.org.nz

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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All work guaranteed Free Quotes West: 818 4683

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The following advertisers support us and our community by making this publication possible. They deserve our gratitude and support.

EDUCATION & CHILDCARE

APPAREL ‘Proud to be a Westie’ t-shirts .......................22

ART & CULTURE Going West Books and Writers Festival .........11 Open Studios Waitākere, Call to artists..........13

AUTOMOTIVE Ken Turner Automotive and Auto Electrical.....9

BUILDING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE Drain Ranger...................................................23 Ooh! LBP, property inspections ......................23 Ray Percival & Son, painters and decorators .23 Turners Drainage & Contracting .....................23 Watkins Plumbing Services ............................22

Avondale College ............................................16 Musominds.....................................................16 Glen Eden Intermediate School .....................17 Green Bay High School ...................................17

FOOD & WINE Super Value supermarket, Titirangi ..................6 The Trusts: Whisky Essential Guide ................24

GARDENS & LANDSCAPE Gordons Nurseries .........................................23 Stihl Shop .......................................................21 Tree Culture ....................................................21

HAIR & BEAUTY Tonic, skin - body - spa .....................................8

BUSINESS, FINANCE, INSURANCE Itera, PC Repair...............................................23

COMMUNITY Auckland Council, rubbish collections..............5 Forest & Bird, bequests ..................................22

HEALTH & WELLNESS Anne Maree Gardens, rest home .....................9 Hunt & Gaunt Optometrists ...........................23 Mold Physiotherapy .........................................4

HOUSE & HOME Axent Audio ....................................................14 Goodwood Firewood Supplies .........................5 Susannah Bridges, ceramics and lighting .......20

LEGAL & POLITICAL Bill Korver, lawyer...........................................23 Deborah Russell, MP for New Lynn ..................8 Linda Cooper, Councillor for Waitākere ....13,21 Presland & Co, barristers and solicitors .........20 Thomas & Co, lawyers ....................................19 Waitākere Ranges Local Board .........................7 Westwards......................................................15

LEISURE & LIFESTYLE Titirangi RSA Bowling Club ...............................5

REAL ESTATE Ray White: The Smiths .....................................2

THEATRE & ENTERTAINMENT Piha RSA, Quiz night .......................................13

HOSPITALITY Tobys Restaurant & Bar ..................................13

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Painters & Decorators

Specialists in all aspects of painting & decorating interior & exterior • domestic & commercial

mobile: 021 436 900 • a/hrs: 814 9124 email: Rayperci@xtra.co.nz

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Quality plants at reasonable prices Open 7days 159a Scenic Drive, Titirangi 817 3498 --- 021 113 0987 www.gordonsnurseries.co.nz Opinions expressed in the The Fringe are solely those of the writers and are not necessarily endorsed by the publication or its publisher. Fringe Media Ltd is not responsible in any way for the contents of any advertisement, article, photograph or illustration contained in this publication.

While every reasonable care will be taken by the Editor, no responsibility is assumed for the return of unsolicited material. © Copyright 2021 by Fringe Media Ltd. All content in this issue is the property of Fringe Media Ltd and may not be reproduced in any way or form whatsoever without permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

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Whisky

ESSENTIAL GUIDE Available at your local store now!

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The Fringe JULY 2021

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