The Fringe, November 2022

The trailblazers and troublemakers of the West

West Auckland Heritage Conference 2022 Sunday, 13 November from 10 am to 4 pm

Did you know a woman owned the kauri timber mill in the 19th century? That award-winning photographer Olav Petersen, aka ‘Nature Boy’, who currently has a huge exhibition in the Auckland Museum, was born in Swanson and mainly photographed our West Auckland area? What is the heritage plan for the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall? When are writers moving into the Maurice Shadbolt House? And how does local modernist architecture inspire contemporary jewellery? Or why didn’t Auckland get a canal between the Waitemata and Manukau harbours?

tickets. Book online via www.westheritageconference or contact Sharon Davies on 0274 989 579 (email go4shaz@outlook.co.nz) for more information.

The conference is hosted by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, in collaboration with the Whau Local Board, libraries and the community.

www.westheritageconference.org.nz

Name adopted for Avondale library and community hub

Avondale’s library and community hub has taken another step in its development, following the adoption of the name ‘Te Hono’ by Whau Local Board.

The name, which means ‘the connection’, recognises that the new facility connects place, people and purpose, has been gifted by mana whenua representatives from Te Kawerau ā Maki, and supported by Te Ākitai Waiohua, Ngāti Te Ata and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

The library and community hub, which will reinvigorate the centre of Avondale, is currently in the design phase with preliminary design complete. Naming the new facility early means the name can influence the design narrative, including mahi toi (art), and strengthens the cultural and community connection to the facility.

Whau Local Board spokesperson, Kay Thomas, says that the name truly reflects the purpose of the centre.

You’ll find the answers to all that and more at the West Auckland Heritage Conference on the 13th of November this year. The four keynote speakers will be Sandra Coney on women in the kauri timber industry, Lisa Truttman on David Bruce Russell the Canal Promotor, Graham Burgess on the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall and Shaun Higgins on Olav Petersen. This will be complemented by more than 10 equally fascinating short presentations within the theme of Trailblazers and Troublemakers of the West.

Waitākere Ranges Local Board Member, Sandra Coney, says there are many unknown stories that will delight and captivate in equal measure. “West Auckland is a treasure trove of fascinating stories that deserve a wider audience,” she says. This is an event for everyone interested in the stories of our place, for locals and heritage buffs alike.

There will be ample opportunity to ask questions and mix-and-mingle with the presenters and other guests. All speakers will be presenting in the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, with presentations projected on a wide screen for maximum enjoyment.

Tickets are $20 (excluding booking fee) and include lunch and a full day of presentations. A full refund will be available in the event of Covid restriction cancellation.

As earlier conferences were sold out, don’t wait too long before buying your

“This is a place that will connect people, that will bring people together, and where the whole community comes together with a shared purpose.

“We think that Te Hono couldn’t be more appropriate, and on behalf of the board I want to thank mana whenua representatives who have provided such a strong name that will resonate with all who use the facility.”

Te Hono relates to the underlying principle in the design brief of hononga – connection, relationship and bond and ‘a place where people of all ages, abilities and interests can come together for meaningful social interaction and connection’.

The following whakataukī (proverb) was shared as part of the naming:

He hono tangata e kore e motu; ka pa he taura waka e motu. Unlike a canoe rope, a human bond cannot be severed.

Te Hono reinforces the mana whenua vision to celebrate the local and wider cultural landscape, express cultural identity and sense of place and provide for culturally welcoming processes and protocols.

It’s who we are

Concept Design of Te Hono

Mrs Avis McIntosh practicing over hurdles at Ranui while [her] two-year-old son Clive looks on, c.1964. Photograph by Olaf Petersen,

Compliments and questions

Folk Music Club congratulates Bevis

on 20 years of contributions by The Fringe

Tītīrangi’s cultural and community life. Bevis

a valued member of our club and knows the importance of building and maintaining community

Fringe has fulfilled this ethos and purpose

over these two decades. We wish Bevis and The Fringe

success in the future.” –

president, TFMC.

has indeed been 20 years since the first copy of The Tītīrangi Tatler, the precursor of The Fringe, was produced by Rene Bridges and the unsolicited endorsement above is representative of what many in the community have told us over the years.

know you, our readers, want the magazine to continue. But print costs are climbing fast (30% in just the last 12 months) and many past advertisers think they have found better ways to reach you, or closed down. The future of The Fringe is becoming uncertain.

love to know what you think. Do you read the magazine? Do you keep the magazine for a month, or longer? Do you purchase things from our advertisers? Do you want to see it continue in print? Would you continue to read The Fringe if it was only available online?

Fringe, and The Tītīrangi Tatler before it, has been serving the communities of West Auckland for 20 years and we want it to continue doing so. Email your comments and suggestions to info@fringemedia.co.nz.

Our place

And the winners were ...

With a voter turnout of only 35 percent in Auckland’s local body elections, the biggest winner, as journalist Steve Braunias remarked, was ‘couldn’t care less’.

The biggest surprise was WestWards’ Ken Turner. While most incumbent Auckland councillors were returned – some for a fifth consecutive term – Ken unseated Linda Cooper by a margin of 659 votes. He becomes one of the only two councillors who will represent most of West Auckland for the next three years, alongside Labour’s Shane Henderson. Tracy Mulholland also lost her Council seat, to Labour’s Kerrin Leoni.

The future of New Lynn’s parking is in doubt.

Ken Turner intends to focus on core services and getting the books back into black before committing to support for any new projects.

“We can’t pour good money after bad,” he says. “I sincerely hope also that project management at council level is better than I’ve experienced so far.”

The final results, announced on October 15, have the Waitākere Ranges local board split 4/2 between Future West and WestWards. The board has a history of working collaboratively and across ‘party lines’ for consensus decisions.

Sandra Coney says having Ken on the Governing Body is positive for regional parkland especially. “He knows it intimately. His family have lived on the land and he’s held grazing rights. We haven’t had a regional parks committee for years and the governing body has paid it scant attention.”

For his part Ken says he has much to learn from Sandra’s deep knowledge about regional parks.

Sandra is disappointed by the lack of attention to the environment in the whole campaign. She points to noxious weeds as an area of concern.

“While I was delivering pamphlets in Waiatarua and Mountain Road what I saw was horrifying. There was an area of ginger the size of a football field.”

She says a lot more volunteer work will be needed as the new targeted rate for climate change action will only cover biosecurity.

The Board, she believes, needs to be pushier this term about local priorities and ensure Wayne Brown gets out here in more than just a helicopter for surfing at Piha. Too often, she says, the council has been isthmus-focused and made decisions that simply don’t work for rural areas.

In the last term, the council also took back the accumulated capital works fund that the board had earmarked for revitalising Glen Eden.

“Other boards had spent their fund as they went, but because we decided to put it away to do major work, we then

lost it when the council was in dire financial straits,” says Sandra.

The Whau Local Board has retained five of its strong Labour team and welcomed back ex-Auckland Councillor Ross Clow. Kay Thomas, who has been the board’s chair, says the Green Party’s Jess Rose, who didn’t make it into the top seven, will be missed.

“She did some good work.”

The changes to the councillor make-up following the election will put pressure on the board, which embraces Avondale and New Lynn, to work extra hard to retain assets and services.

“There are more people in our area now who want services and assets,” says Kay. “That means our work will become even more essential.”

The implications of one asset sale are immediate. McCrae Way car park was sold to developers by the old Waitākere City Council but the agreement lapsed during Covid. It is back on the market and a fresh sale will mean the loss of all the parking behind the New Lynn Library.

“The really pressing issue is, ‘where will people park?’” Kay says. “We’ve been advocating hard for a park-and-ride building, especially as people living in the Ranges have no choice about driving to New Lynn, but Auckland Transport says park-and-rides are not policy in urban areas.”

The new local boards will have their inaugural meetings in early November.

– Jade Reidy

The results in full

Mayor: Wayne Brown

Waitākere Ward Councillors: Shane Henderson (Labour) and Ken Turner (WestWards)

Whau Ward Councillor: Kerrin Leoni (Labour)

Waitākere Ranges Local Board: Future West’s Sandra Coney, Liz Manley, Greg Presland and Mark Allen (Future West) and Michelle Clayton and Linda Potauaine (WestWards).

Whau Local Board: Catherine Farmer, Fasitua Amosa, Sarah Paterson-Hamlin, Kay Thomas and Susan Zhu (Labour) alongside Warren Piper and Ross Clow (Independent).

Waitākere Licensing Trust: Amanda Roberts and Jared Patterson (Trusts Action Group); Linda Cooper, Warren Flaunty and Sunil Kaushal (Independent); Mark Allen (Future West); and Brooke Loader (Labour).

Portage Licensing Trust: Marcus Amosa, Margi Watson and Mark Beavis (City Vision); Joe Bergin and Ben Goodale (Trusts Action Group); Rob Hulse, Jacqui Harema and Ross Clow (independent); and Leanne Taylor (Labour).

who

Our place

Changing of the guard at French Bay Yacht Club

One sign of a volunteer sports club in good heart is a continuous supply of willing volunteers to lead the club and to do the many jobs needed for everyday operations, writes ZOE HAWKINS.

This year, two long-term stalwarts of French Bay Yacht Club, Fergus Thomson and Allan Geddes, have stepped back from their voluntary positions leading the club. They were recently awarded Yachting Excellence Awards for their service to the sport.

A new generation of club leaders have stepped into their shoes to lead the club.

“We’re ready for summer, and it’s time to go sailing,” says new club Commodore Jonny Knopp.

He says the two Kids Learn to Sail programmes are fully subscribed, with youth also taking part in squads according to their level, preparing them for racing in club events up to national level in the Optimist, Open Skiff and Starling Classes. Senior sailors are enjoying the 3.7 skiff, J14, Laser

and a range of other boat types sailed at the club, which also has a small fleet of boats for club members to use.

“Along with the structured coaching there are 14 club racing days on the calendar between Labour Weekend and March,” says Jonny.

Anyone keen on Learn to Sail programmes should register at frenchbay.org.nz. If you are keen, visit the club on a sailing day and ask to speak with Jonny, Chris or Dan. Check out the calendar on www.frenchbay.org.nz for details.

The Classic Car event advertised in the last Fringe had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The organisers hope to be able to set a new date for early next year. The event was to raise funds for Prostate Cancer research.

Left to Right: Commodore Jonny Knopp, new Vice Commodore Chris McKinley, and returning Rear

Dan Grimmer.

local residents who love sailing.

Our place

Fundraising fashion

What started as a good idea for charity fundraising three years ago has seen Pinesong Retirement Village’s Nu 2 U team hand over $21,000 to St John to support their ambulance and medical services.

The money raised has come from a weekly ‘pop up store’ that features about 200 items of women’s clothing, jewellery, accessories, bags and scarves.

“At the moment it’s all about spring and summer fashion and there’s a terrific range, as we’re getting donations all the time,” says Jean Piper.

Clubhouse opens

The Trusts Karekare Surf Lifesaving Club officially opened its state-of-the art clubhouse and community venue late last month, after a two year delay.

The opening began with a grand procession to the new clubhouse from the Karekare Beach Car Park, led by iwi elders and Mayor Phil Goff who opened the building after the blessing of a 4m pou whenua (right) which stands at the entrance to the new building. The pou was carved by Ranui master carver Mihaka Marikena and funded by the Waitākere Ranges Local board and Friends of Arataki.

Following the formalities there was a hangi lunch for the 230 guests from hangi master and Bethells Beach lifeguard Rewi Spraggon. The following day the club was open for the community to tour the new facility. Local photographer Ted Scott lectured on Karekare history and the club’s rich lifesaving record since 1935. The club is booming with 150 young members.

Lions help out at the pink ribbon ride

“Some are brand new. We don’t see ourselves as an op shop so much as a friendly place for residents – and non-residents of the Village – to meet up with friends and family, have a coffee and snap up fabulously-priced gorgeous clothes.

“It’s a lovely environment with lots of laughter and we even have a pianist playing sometimes which just adds to the atmosphere.”

Nu 2 U is held each Wednesday morning, and on other days the team works to ensure the clothes are clean, fresh and well-presented. “Some of the team have had successful careers in fashion retail. There’s no hard sell, but they do know what suits who and what goes with what,” Jean says.

At least one regular attests to that. “I came to check out the sweaters and left with two t-shirts, a skirt and a lovely silk top. Oh, and a pair of trainers which are brand new. “

With ongoing weekly donations to Nu 2 U, surplus items are sent to other charities for their own sales. “They have to be in good condition,” says Jean. “There’s no tat here!”

Jean says she feels total gratitude to everyone involved. “We have a wonderful team of helpers. I’m so grateful to them for all their hard work that makes our efforts so successful, and to our shopping supporters as well. And of course, it’s great to be able to raise funds for St John. It’s such a worthy organisation.”

Nu 2 U is open to all, Wednesdays, 9am-12 noon, Seabreeze Lounge, Pinesong Retirement Village, 66 Avonleigh Road, Green Bay.

– Moira Kennedy

New Lynn Lions were happy to help out at the 19th Annual Pink Ribbon Ride last month. 355 motorbikes and scooters travelled from the Auckland Netball Centre to Western Springs where the Lions and other volunteers were waiting.

The motorbikes could be heard long before they could be seen and many of them were decorated. Participants dressed in pink and many a pink tutu or bra was seen.

New Lynn Lions organised the sausage sizzle and were very grateful for the use of Placemakers New Lynn’s barbecue. Aussie Butchers New Lynn donated the sausages.

$930 was raised from the sausage sizzle and the whole event raised $11,500 for the Breast Cancer Foundation.

New Lynn Lions also donated $1,000 to the Child Cancer Foundation after participating in the Wig Wednesday fundraiser at a recent monthly book sale.

with The Fringe – It’s who we are

New Lynn Lions members Kelly, Daryl, Graham, Shauna, Penny and Lianne at last month’s Pink Ribbon Ride.

Nu 2 U’s Jean Piper (left) and Margaret Kemp: fashion, friendship and fundraising

Remembering ‘The Great War’

Day, marking the end of World War I,

again

on Sunday, November 13 at Spragg Monument in Kaitarakihi.

Held since 2005, the service starts at 11am. Four flags will fly to represent the army, navy, air force and merchant navy.

the anthem, a prayer and a reading, the Cannon Club will fire a cannon salute and members of the Huia Fire Brigade will read out the names of those in the district who have served in every war since the Boer War, which ended in 1902, up to the present day.

The commemoration is the only one of its kind to be held in West Auckland.

“There are six RSAs in West Auckland but for this occasion they leave it to us and the Tītīrangi RSA,” says Carl Harding, chair of the Huia Settlers Museum. “Rather than hold a number of very small events, we work with the RSA to make this one special.”

Spragg Monument is a tall cairn that stands in a commanding position overlooking the Manukau Harbour. It is made of

Coromandel granite and large volcanic boulders and was erected by Wesley Spragg in memory of his 23-year-old son, Wesley Neal Spragg who died in Egypt in 1918, and all those who lost their lives in “The Great War”.

Arum lilies and wreaths are laid around the monument to mark Armistice Day.

This year’s guest speaker, Lois Mold, will talk briefly about women on the home front.

Around 50 people are expected to attend the event, and there will be refreshments served at the Huia Hall afterwards.

To get to Spragg monument, take the Kaitarakihi Beach access road off Huia Road and turn left at the gate, which will be unlocked. Please arrive by 10.45am.

Sustainable choices for Christmas

If you are looking for more sustainable gift options for whānau and friends this year, check out the range at the EcoMatters Store, in New Lynn.

There’s a unique selection of locally sourced gifts, such as candles, skincare, jewellery and accessories, and alternatives to single use items, including reusable coffee cups, lunch boxes, drink bottles and produce bags. Gift vouchers are also available.

Gardeners keen to foster native biodiversity will love the Seedling Field Guides (left). Two companion volumes, one on native plants and one on pest plants, help you identify seedlings popping up in your own backyard or restoration project, so you can decide whether to let them stay or let them go.

EcoMatters’ composting weed bags are also available. Just fill up a bag with soft weeds such as tradescantia or plectranthus, seal and leave it somewhere sunny. When the contents look like soil again, the compost can be used in your garden.

The EcoMatters Store offers an ecostore refillery, where you can grab and go with our swap-a-bottle or bulk container options, or bring in your own containers for product refills.

You can also bring in items to be recycled, including batteries, e-waste, razor blades, Colgate dental product packaging, or unwanted, clean curtains for the curtain bank.

The EcoMatters Store is open Wednesday – Sunday, 10am-2pm, at 1 Olympic Place, New Lynn. You can also browse a range of products at ecomatters.org.nz/storeonline to order for delivery.

Your last day for Christmas shopping is Saturday 24 December. The store will close for a Christmas break and re-open for 2023, from Wednesday 11 January.

The Fringe makes space on these pages available for current advertisers and non-commercial organisations.

To be included in our next issue, email info@ fringemedia.co.nz before October 14.

Our place

Tsunami siren thefts

Another spate of tsunami siren thefts in Whatipu and Huia over the past few weeks has taken the total stolen out West to 22 in the past six months.

One local resident was leaving home in the dark one morning in a quiet coastal street when she saw a man get out of a van.

“He started climbing up the power pole and at first I thought he was just playing silly buggers,” she says. “I was so taken aback.”

It is understood that the sirens are being stolen for what’s called ‘siren battling’. This is the name for crews who play a mix of music through sirenshaped speakers attached to cars and bicycles. There are ‘battles’ across Auckland most Saturdays to see who can play the loudest, clearest music.

The tsunami sirens are custom-made and imported for alerting and are no use for playing music, which makes their expensive replacement at ratepayers’ expense particularly galling.

The council’s Auckland Emergency Management is responsible for the tsunami sirens. Head of AEM’s capability and public awareness, Adam Maggs, confirms that the new sirens will be much harder to steal.

“To make the sirens more secure, we are working with our contractors to replace the current fixings with tamperresistant fixings to deter vandalism and theft,” Adam says. “The new fixings will make it more difficult for sirens to be removed.”

No arrests have yet been made. If you witness an attempted theft or have other relevant information, call the Police on 105 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111. Report damaged or missing sirens to Auckland Council on 09 301 0101 or via their website.

– Jade Reidy

NZ made gifts

vouchers

Olympic Place, New Lynn

Wed-Sun, 10am-2pm

It’s who we are

Another missing tsunami siren, this time in Piha.

Places to go – Things to do

Open Studios Waitākere returns for 2022

Open Studios Waitākere, an event showcasing the creative talent of over 80 artists, is back for its sixth year.

With a focus on artists from Tītīrangi, Glen Eden, Laingholm, Piha and Te Henga, the public are invited to tour over 40 studios over the weekend of November 26 and 27, getting a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the work of some of the region’s top and emerging artists. People can meet the artists, understand their processes and purchase art directly from the studio if they wish.

Made possible by the support of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, the event is a springboard for emerging artists who are not yet ready to show in a gallery, but also provides an opportunity for more experienced and well-known artists to showcase their work in a more intimate setting. Many artists will be based at their home studios, while others have chosen to exhibit collectively.

“With everyone from ceramicists to sculptors, jewellers, photographers and painters, the range of creative prowess on show is truly wonderful”, says event organiser Renée

Thank you!

Wow! A big local election result for our WestWards team and we sincerely want to thank everyone involved. We especially want to thank everybody who voted, you are literally the pillars of democracy.

Next, I want to thank the people behind the scenes (and this includes my staff at my little business) who have helped fund, guide, and shape WestWards since 2013. You all know who you are and I’m eternally grateful.

Then there’s my fellow WestWards candidates, both past and present. Without you there would be no WestWards. I must single out my good friend Michelle Clayton. The timing of Michelle’s arrival in Westwards, her hard work, her social intuition, and her social enterprise experience has been pivotal to WestWards outstanding outcomes.

But I want most of all to thank my family and dear wife, Helen. Helen and I have been a dedicated team of two since age 16 and 17 (48 years). Helen has always looked out for me and our family. And I’ve learnt the wisdom of her perspective. I know it took a while, but I would now be at a loss without it.

Unfortunately, our WestWards local board team suffered a setback between the voting day

Tanner of Lightbox Projects. “It’s been a pleasure to watch the development of our returning artists over the years, and seeing visitors return to support an artist each year is pretty special. Some visitors have a favourite artist they like to visit and seeing the connections grow over time is what this event is about.”

Open Studios Waitākere will also host an online gallery with exclusive artwork available to purchase for a month before and after the event. This makes it possible for those who are unable to attend to purchase artwork and provides a preview into what will be available during the event, helping visitors plan the studios they will visit.

You can visit the various studios when it suits you, with no bookings necessary. Two van tours are also available on November 26. Bookings are essential via the website, www. openstudioswaitakere.co.nz.

Event brochures and a map can be downloaded from this website to make planning for visiting studios easier.

results and final count. Angus Cathcart was leading Future West’s Mark Allen for sixth position in both the end of voting day count and the preliminary announcement but then fell behind Mark by 11 votes when the final count was announced, putting the Local Board back to a four-to-two majority for our colleagues on the Future West team.

This was disappointing to say the least when 33,676 (46%) of the total 72,724 valid votes cast were for WestWards. This compares to 32,621 or 45% for Future West.

We (WestWards) worked hard in trying to achieve a balance on the board and bring a stop to one-sided representation. This is certainly what the public favours, as demonstrated by the vote. It is obvious many people voted for people on both teams. But despite this 50-50 situation in public support, local board representation was set to be 66-33 (4-2).

The WestWards team supported Angus in his decision to ask the Courts for a recount. And by the time you read this the outcome (whatever it is) will be done and dusted.

Despite these little storms in our Local Body teacup, all of us at WestWards want to pass on our sincere thanks.

Onwards and upwards there are drains to clean, potholes to fix, tracks still to reopen.

– Ken Turner, WestWards

Ronja Schipper

Making Sense of it All

Tell me a story! So ancient a cry and yet how profoundly contemporary. Children ask so naturally and insistently. My grandchildren always wanted stories about their mother when she was a child; 'tell me about the naughty things she did –tell me about her horse –tell me again when she ate snails'. Somehow anchoring themselves in a lineage of family memories.

In the beginning was an envelope ...

So much of what is happening in the arts world right now is about story telling; revealing the past, exploring gender, cultural identity, climate change, working through the confusions in the small randomness of our lives and making sense of the big global issues. Each story takes both the teller and listener on a journey to deepen and widen understanding. 'Teller of Tales'; such evocative words.

Looking back can be anchoring and soothing. There has been a renaissance of 'looking back' at the Corban Estate Arts Centre (CEAC) recently.

In its 20th anniversary year the team has unveiled a heritage wall in the foyer of the homestead. It will be changed out annually to follow the more than one hundred years of the Corban family story. The 2022 wall goes right back to the origins of the family in the Atlas mountains of Lebanon and their very early days in New Zealand. At the ribbon cutting, Sharon Alexander, daughter of the late Assid Corban, filled in the gaps with a stream of anecdotes, a sort of lovely rambling over small but vivid moments, bringing her family alive in the rooms where they had spent their domestic days. A high tea followed, with bone china and three-tiered cake stands – and more stories. A follow up event with Sharon in the old St Michaels Church was standing room only.

At a time when the CEAC team are coping with the massive earthquake strengthening of one of their main buildings, it is

a testament to their fortitude and creativity that they have plunged into stories of the past, reinvigorating the present in tough times.

Keep visiting CEAC while the strengthening work continues; there's still tons going on; galleries (great), cafe (top notch), and a building wrapped in plastic which looks a bit like a Cristo artwork – not quite the Reichstag but - - -

Another annual trip down the years is the West Auckland Heritage Conference; to be held at the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall on Sunday, November 13, this year with the theme Trailblazers and Troublemakers of the West Incidentally, don't be fooled by the weighty word 'conference'. This day is 'tell me a story' for adults; not in the risque sense – although I've heard some pretty outrageous tales there in past years. My word on this event is that each November I relax back into my seat and let an avalanche of stories pour over me. After all, what is heritage but a recalling and re-enlivening of the past? Is it escapism? Maybe; but I believe it helps to make sense of today. Do not miss this day! Along with the stories, it's a chance to enjoy the 'intimacy of strangers'. Presented by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, tickets are $20 and include lunch.

Back to Corban Estate: In a past life, as arts manager at Waitākere City Council, I dreamed up a completely impossible event and found friends and colleagues to play with me.

The context: 1995 and Mayor Bob Harvey had attended the legendary Rio Conference and with his usual flair and vision, declared Waitākere an 'EcoCity'. There was endless talk of sustainability, along with some confusion, and occasional irritability, about what that really meant. (Note: first use of the word sustainability was 1972 - Oxford Dictionary)

In an effort to put flesh on the bones of this challenging and troublesome word, I designed the Eco Arts Sculpture Symposium in partnership with CNZ. Where else would we put it but on the beautiful Corban Estate? The open space had remnants of grape vines and gently ambled down to enclosed glades that sat within the loops of the Opanuku Stream. The buildings were largely abandoned and empty. The Pacific Mamas had quietly made their home there and started down their 25 year-plus story of holding the heritage of the Pacific in their 'weaving hands'.

The call out to the arts community of Aotearoa was for proposals that would demonstrate sustainability in concept, materials and construction. A group of prolific and renowned artists from around the motu responded; more than we could accommodate.

The memories come cascading back. A pōwhiri at dawn

Lopdell

to launch the symposium, with Te Warena Taua (Kawerau ā Maki) leading us through swirling mist down to the stream. The sun blazed down throughout; it was hot. Some artists camped on site. It rapidly became a community of souls; individuals and groups worked ferociously all day and partied into the night around bonfires. Stories were told – endlessly. I spent every waking hour there and felt totally submerged in the energy and focus.

Slowly, over weeks, it came together. It's open parkland so people came, and came again, to watch work grow. We ran a schools programme. The media became interested. The Herald published a full-page photo essay and story; something pretty unheard of at that time. The council, ever concerned about image, realised they were on to something. At the wrap party I was presented with a beautiful handmade fibre folder in which each artist had gifted a work on paper. This is now in the CEAC archive.

Did we make 'sustainability' more visible? I think we probably did.

Maddie Gifford, the CEAC curator has captured this story and woven it into an exhibition that both looks back and celebrates the present. From the ephemera of that event she has focused on the gifted folder and an envelope in it.

In the beginning was an envelope presents a fascinating suite of archival material from 1995 in the form of original works on paper and a body of black and white photographs by seminal photographer, the late Glen Jowitt.

In Maddie's words: 'The project remains a significant marker in Corban Estate’s more recent history, being the inspiring precursor for the Arts Centre’s development by demonstrating the creative potential of what was possible for the large-scale space.'

In 1995 sculptor Steve Woodward was the site manager for the Eco Arts Symposium; not a simple task, wrangling a bunch of individuals, some verging on eccentric, into a relatively safe working community. Steve remains to this day on the estate as one of seven senior sculptors whose work will come together in a parallel exhibition, Seven Sculptors

Again, Maddie says: 'The multi-faceted medium of sculpture has long played a dynamic role in Corban Estate’s story, placing the site as a significant hub in Aotearoa that champions the art form in its various methods and mediums. This sculptural tradition is driven by the renowned resident sculptors who are based at Corban Estate Arts Centre, part of a close community of creatives who share ideas, methods and the realities of working on such works of art. Seven Sculptors presents a survey of works as part of their contemporary sculptural practices, developed in their on site studios'.

Both these exhibitions open in mid-December through to January; a seriously lovely holiday destination show. Visit the Coffee Studio or take a picnic.

Stop Press: Be aware that there are early signs of pressure on arts organisations. CNZ is back on 'business as usual' funding from government, after some generosity during the last two 'Covid' years. Some strange decisions have been made and there is considerable reaction in the media.

Auckland Council is – well, who knows? Arts are always vulnerable when percentage cuts are in the conversation.

Deborah Russell

MP for New Lynn

Seven Sculptors : a survey of contemporary practice.

Places to go – Things to do

Out and About in the West

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

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

Covid precautions: All events and gatherings in these listings will require full compliance with relevant Covid regulations.

November

w – 6, Emerging Artist Award 2022: The Joy in Art; Upstairs Gallery, Level 1, Lopdell House, 418 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 4278.

w – 16, Malaloi by Hulita Koloi, addressing the effects of industrialisation and capitalism within Pacific communities; Te Uru’s window space, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – 20, Te aho tapu hou: The new sacred thread, a mid-career retrospective bringing together garments created by designer and fashion activist Jeanine Clarkin; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – December 4, Cellular memory: Elizabeth Thomson engages with science, imagination, culture, and fundamental questions about humanity, its place in nature and what citizenship means within this expanded realm; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – February 12, Onewherowhero, Kelston Intermediate students explore connections to whenua and rangatiratanga through making with uku (clay); Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w – February 26, Gonville Gothic, photographer Tia Ranginui puts her own spin on patupaiarehe, sometimes described as Māori fairy folk; Te Uru, 420 Tītīrangi Road. Phone 817 8087.

w 4 – December 11, Her heirlooms in my garden, works by a group of contemporary artists who explore gardens as spaces for maternal connection; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz

w 4 – December 11, Mā te horo nuku ka tūrangawaewae ai koe, To stand in place of the landscape, through a collection of intuitive landscape paintings, multi-disciplinary artist Dr Leonie Ngahuia Mansbridge (Ngāti Maniapoto) explores her connection to whenua as intertwined with her own whakapapa; Corban Estate Arts Centre, 2 Mount Lebanon Lane, Henderson; 10am-4.30pm daily. 838 4455, www.ceac.org.nz

w 6, Pest Free Waitākere Ranges Alliance presents Pestival Out West, presentations and discussions about innovations, species, threats as we move towards and predator-free West Auckland, https://events.humanitix. com/pestival-out-west; Tītīrangi War Memorial Library, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 10am-5pm, come for one session or the whole day; Free. Phone Michelle 027 499 4596.

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

w 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 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.

w 11, Ladies’ Probus Club, fellowship, fun, speakers, and a monthly day trip; St John’s Hall, 247 Edmonton Road, Te Atatū South; 9.45am-Noon. Phone Betty 09 832 0484.

w 12, Tītīrangi Poets with a guest poet and readings by members; Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall, 500 South Tītīrangi Road; 2-4pm. Phone Ron Riddell 021 181 6698.

w 12, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Chris Priestley and Adam Ogle, floorsingers in first half; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road (Livestreamed if meeting not possible); 8pm; $12, members $8, under 18 free. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. Masks requested.

w 15, SeniorNet West Auckland, speaker, morning tea and chatting about computers; RSA Henderson, Poppy Restaurant, 66-70 Railside Avenue, Henderson; 10am. Phone June 021 179 3635.

w 16, Combined Waitākere Rebus Club; St John’s Hall, 247 Edmonton Road, Te Atatu South; 10am-Noon. Contact Philis on 838 5361.

w 17, Waitākere Forest & Bird presents Flora of Gondwana with Shane Wright, senior lecturer, Faculty of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Auckland; New Venue – Te Pai Centre (Netball Waitākere), 31-35 Te Pai Place, Henderson; 7:30pm; Koha appreciated to cover hall hire. Phone Liz 027 476 2732 or email lizanstey@hotmail.com.

w 19, New Lynn Lions Book Sale: books, CDs, DVDs, LPs and jigsaw puzzles for $1; New Lynn Friendship Club Hall, 3063 Great North Road, New Lynn (down the driveway by the traffic lights); 8am-4pm.

w 19, From Santiago to Tītīrangi, a journey in poetry and music to launch The Wanderer Book Two by Ron Riddell; Titirangi War Memorial hall; 2-3.30pm; Entry by koha.

w 20, Antiques, Vintage and Retro Fair, proceeds towards the upkeep of Armanesco House; Blockhouse Bay Community Centre, 524 Blockhouse Bay Road; 9.30am-2.00pm; Admission $2.00. Stall bookings and info: phone 445 1227.

w 20, Advent Fair – Fun for the whole family; Tītīrangi Rudolf Steiner School, 5 Helios Place, Tītīrangi; 10am-3pm. Contact Katrin Staugaard 021 403 792.

w 21, Henderson Falls Combined Friendship Club – fun, friendship and fellowship with monthly speakers and frequent outings; Henderson Bowling Clubrooms, 2/20 Alderman Drive, Henderson; 10am-noon. Contact Joy 837 4646 or 021 267 3544.

w 22, Tītīrangi U3A – informal learning for people 60-years plus, guest speakers, study groups; West Lynn Garden, 73 Parker Avenue, New Lynn; 1pm. Contact 818 8809, 027 699 5480 or heathertanguay@slingshot.co.nz. www.u3a.nz. This meeting is also the group’s AGN.

w 25, Glen Eden Combined Probus Club: company and fellowship, interesting speakers, morning tea and monthly outings; Ceramco Park Function Centre, 120 Glendale Road, Kaurilands; 9.45am. Phone Brian Holt 838 5857.

w 25, Tītīrangi Folk Music Club presents Friday Folk, an informal

gathering of musicians and singers; Tītīrangi Beach Hall, bottom of Tītīrangi Beach Road; 8pm; $5. www.titirangilivemusic.co.nz or text Cathy on 021 207 7289. Masks requested.

w 26, New Lynn Repair Cafe organised and run by DEANZ (Doughnut Economics Advocates NZ) with funding from Whau Local Board, New Lynn Community Centre, Totara Avenue, New Lynn; 11am - 2pm; Koha. Enquiries to shi@doughnuteconomicsnz.com.

w 26, German Christmas Market – German food, stalls, Santa and bouncy castle; The Crossing Community Centre, 30/44 Kaurilands Road, Tītīrangi; 3-8pm. Contact Katrin Staugaard 021 403 792.

w 27, Tītīrangi Village Market: art, craft, produce and music; Titirangi War Memorial Hall; 10am-2pm. Contact Tess on tvm.manager@gmail.com or phone 022 631 9436.

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

w December 9, West Auckland Men’s Rebus Club, guest speaker and

Visit some of Waitākere’s most

including sculptors, painters, jewellers, illustrators, ceramic artists and photographers. With over 60 artists involved, and 40 studios from Piha to Glen Eden, Titirangi to Te Henga, it’s an inspiring weekend out and about. Take a self-guided tour at your own pace with our Open Studios Map and mobile App, or jump on an Open Studios Van Tour. This year we’ve introduced the Open Studios Gallery Shop, an online shop where you can purchase artworks from artists involved in this year’s event, at www.openstudioswaitakere.co.nz/shop For more information visit openstudioswaitakere.co.nz or find us on Facebook and Instagram.

Tītīrangi Poets publish their latest volume

From The Fringe of Heaven, the latest publication of works by members of Tītīrangi Poets, was launched at the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall last month.

The book is aptly named, referring to the area that unites the group’s members and often inspires their writing. The collection draws on 2020 and 2021, when Covid lockdowns limited the group’s ability to meet and exchange poetry in person. It is separated into sections that follow the progression of the pandemic, from The First Lockdown, to Level Three, Level 2, Level 1, Snakes and Ladders Lockdown Again, Level 1, Alarms and Excursions and The Long Lockdown.

The launch gathering began with the regular round robin reading of poems, including a second generation poet, Jack Masters, age 10, whose poem Don’t Go To Work shared his innocent wish to magically materialise some money to keep his parents at home, contrasting with Mark Milford’s promiscuous poem Jolly Distancing Explained, from an orgy perspective.

There was a pause to enjoy a shared afternoon tea and a catch up, followed by readings of poems featured in the new book. Some of the poets in the recent publication have passed on, including Ted Jenner, Michael Lipschutz and Penny Somervaille, so members shared their poems in tribute.

From The Fringe of Heaven costs $20 and is an ideal Christmas gift. It can be ordered from Piers Davies, piersdavies153@gmail.com.

Tītīrangi Poets warmly welcomes poets of all ages and poetic persuasions (under 50s especially) to meet in the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall from 2-4pm on the second Saturday of the month. For more information contact Piers Davies.

At Glen Eden Library ...

Wednesday November 16, 12-1pm: Johnny Green, the egg cup collector. Johnny Green will be in the library with 300 of his collection of 10,000 egg cups. Koha entry with proceeds going to Hospice.

Wriggle and Rhyme is on November 2, 16 and 30, 11-11:30am; Rhymetime is on November 3 and 17, 11-11:30am, and Lego Club is on Tuesdays, 3:30-5:00pm

Job Café takes place every Tuesday, 12:30-2:30pm. Whau Adult and Community Education offers free support and advice with preparing a CV, career guidance, job search, online job applications and cover letters.

The library’s Book Chat group meets on November 2, 10.30-11.30am. The library has also started a monthly Shared Reading group to discuss short stories and poetry and to build connections between readers and literature. The next meeting is on Friday November 18, 10.00-11.30am. Book by email: gleneden.library@ aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.

All of these poets have works featured in Titirangi Poets’ latest publication.

A Touch of Clay by Maurice Shadbolt

This is the first book of local legend Maurice Shadbolt’s that I have read and, although it did take me a while to get started, I really enjoyed the prose which I found poetic in some places.

Although it is a relatively short paperback, A Touch of Clay is an existential tale with a lot to unpack and brings to mind the saying, the more things change – the more they stay the same. It is unabashedly Kiwi and local readers will relate to the life of bach, beach and bush – and to the battle to avoid urban sprawl.

It’s a pity to waste the world. When it’s all we have, says Irene (page 54). This is a recurring theme throughout the book, and equally as relevant today.

Published in the early 1970s, A Touch of Clay is told in the first person by the main protagonist, ex-lawyer, Paul Pike. Paul has run away from the rat race, a failed marriage and an indescribable tragedy to the haven of a ramshackle house in the bush near the sea where he sets up as a potter. Making scant earnings from the sale of his pots, Paul lives off the land and sea with his dog, Terror.

The focus is on Paul’s relationships, of which he has many considering he’s “in hiding” from the world! These include Janet, who sells his pots in her store; his uptight sister Beth; Anna the ex-wife; Frank Daniels the leader of a local commune; his neighbours Tom, Lois, Tony and Rose – and of course Irene, the troubled young drug addict who seeks shelter with Paul. Also, paralleling Paul’s narrative are his readings of his grandfather’s 19th century journal. Their stories meet and intertwine throughout the story.

My favourite quote from the book:

So then. Get on with the Dance. Clap and chant and stamp. Love and laugh and weep. Sing out, if you must. If you don’t then have mercy on those who do and take pity on those who can’t. It is our furious and fatally human fever to know our

clay as faultily fired and mortally flawed. Be gentle with strangers and forgive lovers all. For tomorrow we live.

It’s worth reading the book just for this message if nothing else. I definitely recommend this one.

Maurice Shadbolt (1932–2004), was a major New Zealand fiction writer and playwright. He published numerous novels and collections of short fiction, as well as novellas, non-fiction, and a play. Maurice won several fellowships and almost every major literary prize, some more than once. He was capped Honorary Doctor of Literature by the University of Auckland in 1997.

Maurice was born in Auckland and educated at Te Kuiti High School, Avondale College and Auckland University College. He lived in Tītīrangi for much of his life. Just this year, the Waitākere Ranges Local Board facilitated the transfer of his former Tītīrangi home to Going West Trust which intends to create a writer’s residency at the location.

– Rebecca Manners

The Tītīrangi Theatre Costume Hire Department (in the Treasure House, behind Lopdell house, off South Tītīrangi Road) has an excellent collection of 1920s style dresses and accessories which are available for hire for the Napier Art Deco weekend.

There are also Halloween costumes and Father Christmas outfits available.

Visit the Treasure House to view the extensive range of options and get your ‘dress up’ wardrobe sorted out. The costume hire department is open Fridays, 5-7pm, and Saturdays, 10am-12 noon. It will close for Christmas on December 17, reopening February 8, 2023.

For further information contact Lynn on 818 6645.

You Shop We Deliver

Places to go – Things to do

Trail blazing in the West

History buffs can immerse themselves in the heritage of the West at the sixth West Auckland Heritage Conference to be held on Sunday, November 13 at the Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall.

Entitled Trailblazers and Troublemakers of the West, the focus is on people and events which made a mark on the West, whether its a physically enduring site or a notable, but not necessarily well-known, person.

Sir Bob Harvey will describe the recently installed pou whenua at Karekare surf club, this sentinel creating heritage in the present day. Lisa Truttman will tell us about the failure of the grand plan to create a canal between the Manukau and Waitematā Harbours and Sandra Coney will challenge the notion that the colonial frontier laid the foundations of the Kiwi stereotype of masculinity by delving deeply into the kauri timber milling workforce in the Waitākeres.

Two little-known photographers will be profiled. Shaun Higgins will talk about Olaf Petersen of Swanson who photographed activities and wildlife of the West in the 1950s. One of Olaf’s photos featuring athlete Avis McIntosh is on the conference posters and billboards. And we will also learn about Isabel Hooker, a rare woman behind the lens, who left us many images of women enjoying themselves in

the Waitākeres during the 1940s.

On a practical note, we will learn about what needs to be done to keep the modernist Tītīrangi War Memorial Hall as a community asset for the next 50 years, how a writer’s residency at the long-held home of Maurice Shadbolt is finally underway and what the Te Henga community did to inform visitors of how to respect their beautiful beach.

These are just some of the intriguing presentations that will help make the day varied and entertaining. There is also a chance to network with other history buffs over lunch and at the end of the day.

Attendees are also being asked to bring an image (just a photocopy) of their favourite trailblazer or troublemaker of the West for an “on the spot” celebratory display.

The whole programme can be viewed at www. westheritageconference.nz.

The conference is hosted by the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, in collaboration with the Whau Local Board, Auckland Libraries and the community.

Tickets are $20 (excluding booking fee) which includes lunch and after-event socialising. Book online at www. westheritageconference.nz or contact Sharon Davies at go4shaz@outlook.co.nz or the organiser on 021 220 7136.

At Tītīrangi Library ...

Saturday November 12, 10:30am: Je T’aime Hayr, author of The Little Tiger with the Big Temper will be in the library for a fun ‘mindfulness’ adventure. The book is an enjoyable rhyming story that guides children and parents through simple ‘mindfulness’ and ‘conscious communication’.

Thursday November 17, 10.30am-12pm: Conscious Connected Breathing. Join breath coach Jefferson Chapple for this free session on the role breathing plays in keeping us alive, well and happy.

Saturday November 19, 2-4pm: From Santiago to Tītīrangi. A journey in poetry and music to celebrate the launch of The Wanderer Book Two, the second volume of Ron Riddell’s epic poem. Entry by koha, signed copies available for $20.

Preschool and afterschool activities return to Tītīrangi Library in term three. For under-fives there are two programmes designed to encourage early literacy and movement in a fun environment: Rhymetime on Wednesdays at 9.30am, for toddlers, and Wriggle and Rhyme on Fridays at 9.30am, for babies.

213 – 215 Woodlands Park Road, Titirangi, Auckland 0604

Phone: 09 817 8495 or 09 817 6188

There are also three after school clubs where children can meet up

enjoy similar interests: Ukulele with Mark on Mondays, 3.30-4.00pm (suitable 8+); Lego Club on Wednesdays, 3.30-4.30pm; and Minecraft Club on Thursdays 3.30-4.30pm (own device and Minecraft

are

Places to go – Things to do

New gallery: hidden gem

The Weekend Gallery opened earlier this year but, located off Scenic Drive, beneath The Olive Kitchen, few will have heard of it.

Gallery owner Hayley Brown is an artist and designer having spent her long career not only making art but also connecting artists and clients through endless creative projects. She has a studio adjoining the gallery.

“The gallery is an evolving project. It began as a threeday popup and I have now decided to continue opening the gallery space on weekends (11am-3pm) with the aim of showing unique and original work out west. With a working studio and café on site, it's an interesting and informal place to view art that is well presented but not intimidating,” says Hayley.

The Weekend Gallery is located at 233 Scenic Drive, below The Olive Kitchen, in one of the buildings that originally formed part of the Montana Winery.

The gallery has an industrial but welcoming vibe and is a good place to take a friend for a weekend outing before enjoying the scenery and a coffee on The Olive Kitchen deck.

The Weekend gallery will host The Fringe Collective for Open Studios Waitākere’s weekend event on November 26 and 27.

The Fringe Collective is a creatively diverse group of six local women who met up at art/craft workshops in the Te Uru education space on Friday mornings, developed friendships, and then formed their own collective to support each other. They now meet at Corban Estate every second Saturday and their creative disciplines cover quilting, embroidery, weaving, ceramics and painting.

The studio of acclaimed glass sculptor Simon LewisWards, on the next level down from the car park, will also be open to visit on Open Studios weekend.

– Fiona Drummond

Tītīrangi artist and ceramicist, Michelle Huizinga is a member of The Fringe Collective and is also involved in running the Weekend Gallery.

Volunteer, Mark, attempts to uncover what’s wrong with Christine’s hand blender at the September Repair Café in New Lynn.

Repair cafés are a great way to get your clothes, toys, electrical goods, computers and other items fixed for a koha, rather than throw them out. The cafés take place on the last Saturday of each month at the New Lynn Community Hall from 11am to 2pm. It pays to arrive early as there’s likely to be a queue. The café is a co-venture between Doughnut Economics NZ (DEANZ) and Martine’s Repair Café Foundation. See doughnuteconomicsnz.com for more details and volunteer opportunities.

402a Titirangi Road, Titirangi Village Ph: 09 817-9937 www.tonicspa.co.nz

UP TO LUSCIOUS LIFTED LASHES WITH THE ELLEEBANA LASH LIFT SYSTEM

Lash lifting opens the eyes, gives the appearance of longer, thicker, and darker lashes and offers much less maintenance than lash extensions. A professional treatment to deliver a sumptuous lash curl that is retained, even after a shower or swimming, from 6 - 8 weeks.

Our place

Meticulous planning overcomes challenges

The remote West coast at Whatipu recently played host to its first large-scale film production writes JADE REIDY.

The epic 1830s action drama, The Convert, is a New Zealand/Australia co-production directed by Lee Tamahori and produced by a string of high-profile names including Robin Scholes.

The story sees Guy Pearce (LA Confidential and The King’s Speech) portray a lay preacher who arrives at a British settlement where his violent past is soon drawn into question and his faith put to the test, as he finds himself caught in the middle of a bloody war between Māori tribes. Te Kohe Tuhaka (The Dead Lands and Love and Monsters) is the other star.

Tamahori’s vision was to capture a landscape never seen before on film. Whatipu, he remarks, is a place where, “the hand of man has not left its mark. When birdsong drowned out dialogue, when vegetation covered the land and ran right into the sea. A land that dwarfed and dominated its inhabitants, but one which they worked and lived in as a living thing.”

Location scout and manager Jordi Scott-Smith’s role was a balancing act between finding practical solutions that made a challenging location logistically possible and protecting the unique environment with its scientific reserve.

“Not being able to drive set pieces and gear right onto location is rare,” Jordi says, “so the only way to achieve this was to chopper it in and shuttle crew over from a parking base at Huia to reduce traffic volumes on Whatipu Road.”

A winter shoot was required to avoid shore birds nesting and peak visitor numbers. The weather, he reflects, has added to the raw drama of the environment, and early grizzles from the crew vanished.

“Although a large portion of the crew were Westies, many had never been to Whatipu and from our first shoot they were in awe of its dramatic beauty,” Jordi says. “Our cast members, some of whom were international, were blown away – figuratively and literally speaking!”

Early and meticulous planning was essential, and Auckland Council granted the resource consent subject to strict conditions. These focused on locating the settlers’ village

outside the boundaries of the scientific reserve, not filming on the weekend, maintaining public access, and limiting the use of vehicles on the beach track.

“We consulted with independent and council ecologists; bird, fresh water, tidal, vegetation and heritage experts,” Jordi says. “Park rangers, iwi cultural monitors and council resource consent compliance monitors attended daily.

“It's a costly exercise with consultants and permit fees going directly to Council. However, it's very important to me that some of our funds circulate back into the community.”

Watercare’s parking fees will be donated directly to Friends of Whatipu, and locals can look out for an early screening at the Huia Hall, with revenue raised to also go to FoW.

Friends of Whatipu were consulted after the decision to go ahead with filming was a fait accompli but president Lindy Harvey says their initial fears were allayed by iwi support and the degree of due diligence the film company was carrying out.

“Our concerns were for the shorebirds in particular,” Lindy says. “The 742-hectare scientific reserve is a breeding and feeding ground. Dotterels, in particular, are very vulnerable as they lay their eggs in bare depressions just above the high tide zone. Fortunately, the birds seem to have nested further up the beach this season.”

Lindy says that Auckland Council has significantly underresourced the environmental needs at Whatipu.

“There have been feral cats since 2016, exotic weeds such as gorse and pampas have run rampant. It’s an area of high biodiversity and beautiful scenery, and here we have a film with a backdrop of gorse all along the beach.”

Lodge keepers Ursel Koppelman and Peter Riem had positive experiences with the film crew and actors.

“They were respectful and communicated well,” says Ursel. “Jordi was wonderful, calm and clear, and they loved the place.”

Jordi in return says Peter and Ursel’s local knowledge and hospitality was invaluable. “Their knowledge of the beach environment is outstanding, and they were so incredibly helpful.”

For bookings over the summer – including bookings for the camp ground, which are essential – enquire through www. whatipulodge.co.nz

Friends of Whatipu have several projects under way at the beach. To join, go to their Facebook page, or email Lindy Harvey for more information at marvharv@xtra.co.nz.

– It’s who we are

Jordi Scott-Smith supervising the removal of film sets from Whatipu by helicopter.

Walk

Exploring Kaingamaturi

Continuing the Rambler’s mission to revisit some of Waitākere Regional Park’s reopened walks, I tackled the Karamatura Track at Huia.

The track has been upgraded. Unfortunately my body has not. The result is more boardwalks, fencing and steps. Yes, many, many steps but, fortunately the lower part of the walk is a popular, moderate-level loop track with rich rewards.

Driving the Huia Rd from Tītīrangi to the West is always a pleasure in fine weather – winding through Laingholm and Parau, cruising past the Cornwallis turn-off, the famous Huia store, the domain and over the bridge to ‘Little Huia’, past the fire station, and then turn right into the Karamatura Reserve.

The first thing I notice drawing up into the car park is a kauri tree immediately ahead that has been roped off at an appropriate distance – the first sign of kauri dieback mitigation measures.

A pou now marks the entrance, along with a plaque telling the story of Kaingamaturi, the place’s traditional name.

The area is dominated by one of the park’s most gorgeous and accessible streams –with its waterfalls, turquoise pools, torrents and twists, with an impressive rock face and green canopy backdrop. The burble of the steam is a pleasant soundtrack to the walk up the loop track which initially follows the route of an old tramway that transported logs in days gone by.

Across the stream is the paddock camp site used by walkers of the Hillary Trail. From here you can walk to Whatipu in a day, but it is a hard up and down slog, albeit breath-taking. I intend to make the top of the track, and up Mt Donald McLean if I have time.

There are small waterfalls as I make my way up. A swooping kererū cuts its flightpath down the kānuka clad valley. Pink ribbons hang in the trees marking where pest traps and baits are hidden. The bird song is minimal, save the occasional chatter from tūī, or the squeaky pips of pīwakawaka.

The top of the loop is 30 minutes up; longer if, like me, you enjoy taking in the views of the stream and valley. It gets steeper with more steps the further you go.

Another 15 minutes or so up are the falls. It’s a push up lots of steps. I cross a little side-steam and a short path to the right takes me to the

waterfall. It’s boulder-strewn, slightly awkward to climb down to, but there is a pleasing cascade of water and a possible swimming hole for the brave.

I push further up the Karamatura Track, up through kahikatea and nīkau, encountering long flights of thighbusting steps. There are 969 steps on the section above the falls (I counted them on the way down), many newly made as part of track improvements. As I stopped numerous times to catch my breath, I thought of the workers who dug these steps, and cut and fitted the thousands of metres of timber to make them.

Towards the top of the track, amid an abundance of rimu trees, there are a couple of long sections of boardwalk snaking through the bush. I’m thankful for these flat sections before more steps inevitably come into view.

At the top another long boardwalk brings you into a kauri grove, with a beautifully made curved viewing area and seat; all safely above the vulnerable trees’ root systems. It’s a peaceful respite in the cool air, surrounded by these giants.

Here the Donald McLean track continues on, but the other tracks that once joined hereabouts are still closed, and (in my view) unlikely to reopen.

With time against me, I decide to descend. When I reach the top of the loop I turn right to take the other section down. Inexplicably it starts going up again with more stairs.

After a time, a bench seat gives views peaking out over Huia and the Cornwallis peninsula, across the Manukau Harbour to the airport – one of the only long viewpoints on the walk.

Onwards again, the loop traverses another kauri grove, with the now familiar protection of boards crossing over.

With more stairs quickly descending now, I arrive back in the car park; my legs like jelly. I sit by the stream and relax.

Final thoughts? The loop track is a real gem, moderately difficult but well formed, with the Karamatura Stream the star feature. The upper section to the falls and beyond is a bit of a gut-buster, so best for those fit intrepid types who like stairs.

Naturally West with Fiona Drummond

Royal spoonbill reigning in Manukau Harbour

The royal spoonbill, kōtuku ngutupapa, is one of six spoonbill species worldwide, and is becoming more common on the shores of the Manukau.

Local photographer Kelly Bennett recently captured some images of spoonbills at Cornwallis (right and on this issue’s cover) and locals have noted that a colony of around 12 can be found near Parau, where they perch in old pines east of Duck Bay as well as spending time in Laingholm, Mill and Armour Bays.

In flight, with their neck outstretched and legs trailing behind, spoonbills look rather awkward, like a Dr Seuss cartoon bird, made more comical by their intriguing black spoon-shaped bill.

The bill is used in shallow water where the bird will repeatedly sweep it in a wide arc, in search of fish, shrimps and other crustaceans, aquatic insects, and frogs. Vibration detectors inside the bill can detect prey in murky water or darkness. When prey is detected, the bird snaps the bill shut and lifts it to let prey slide down its throat. Studies have shown that their fishing prowess is so successful that 65% of bill sweeps result in a meal.

The spoonbill has one of the most impressive track records since arriving from Australia. It was first recorded in New Zealand at Castlepoint in 1861. Sightings increased through

Ken Ring’s Weather by the Moon

November may be drier than average, with average sunshine.

The first week may be wettest, the second week is the cloudiest with the coolest minimums, the third week is the sunniest and driest with highest pressures, the fourth week brings the lowest pressures, and the last five days see a return to wet conditions. The best weekend for outdoor activities may be the 19th/20th. The barometric average may average around 1021mbs.

For fishermen, the highest tides are around the 25th. Best fishing bite-times in the west are around noon on 7th-10th and 23rd-25th. Bite-chances are also good for dusk of the 1st-2nd, 16th-18th and 30th.

For gardeners, planting is best (waxing moon ascending) on the 24th and 25th and pruning is best on the 8th-11th (waning moon descending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, pick crops or flowers around the neap tides of the 2nd and 17th.

Allow 24 hour error for all forecasting. For future weather for any date, visit www.predictweather.com. © Ken Ring 2022.

the 1900s, with breeding first recorded next to the white heron kōtuku colony at Okarito, south Westland in 1949. Since then it has successfully colonised New Zealand and is now widespread, breeding at multiple sites on both main islands, and dispersing to coastal sites across the country after the breeding season. In 1977, the New Zealand population was estimated at 52 birds. The most recent estimate (2012) was 2360 birds. A colony and nest count during the 2013-14 breeding season found 19 colonies with at least 614 nests.

The spoonbill has a tendency to breed near white heron and shag colonies, nesting anywhere from ground level to the tops of tall kahikatea trees but mostly in remote locations. After breeding, birds disperse to estuaries and wetlands around the country. They prefer freshwater to saltwater but will inhabit both. I have encountered them in diverse locations, at Sandspit up north, Little River cycleway outside of Christchurch, at Collingwood in Golden Bay and at Whangapoua in the Coromandel.

Royal spoonbills are sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season, and are vulnerable to development and recreational activities.

Breeding birds gather at nesting sites in October. Mixed groups of unpaired birds gather to form "bachelor parties" and begin displaying, often in trees near the breeding colony. Males spar more often than females, extending their necks, bill gaping, and jabbing and wing flapping. Courtship involves circular or figure-of-eight flight displays over the breeding area with exaggerated flight noise. Both sexes bow while clapping bills and quivering heads, raising and lowering crest plumes. Mutual preening follows once the pair bond is established. Their greeting display involves repeatedly nodding with an open bill.

Spoonbills lay two to four eggs from November to February and both adults share the incubation period of 20-25 days and the feeding of the young chicks. Chicks fledge after seven weeks and juveniles are fed by both adults for several weeks. Young birds forage alongside their parents for some time before the family group disperses to their traditional wintering site. Spoonbills seek warmer temperatures by heading north, travelling as far as 1,200km from their southern breeding grounds to estuaries in the North Island.

Others are equally at home on the Manukau Harbour in the vicinity of the previous Mangere oxidation ponds where Watercare planted around 300,000 native trees and built several bird roosts along 13km of coastline. The area is now a significant ornithological area, and will be playing a part in the proliferation of spoonbills in our local Manukau bays.

Protecting our birds from cats

With 1.4 million domestic cats, New Zealand has one of the highest cat ownership rates in the world. At least 40% of households have at least one. Feral cats are also reported to be in the millions. Estimates from Forest and Bird suggest New Zealand’s pet cats alone kill at least 1.12 million native birds a year, in some cases helping propel them towards extinction.

In some other countries at least half of owned cats are confined 24/7, but many New Zealand cat owners believe that it is inhumane to prevent a cat from roaming freely. Suburban cats can roam over 16 neighbours’ properties, on average. With around 225 cats per km2, our urban areas are saturated with cats.

Cats were left out of Predator Free 2050, the government’s ambitious plan to rid the country of its pests, including stoats, ferrets, weasels, rats and possums. However, there are growing calls from environmental groups for cats to be part of the plan.

Auckland Council recently reported some UK research of interest for cat owners. The study found that introducing a premium commercial food where proteins came from meat reduced the amount of prey cats brought home by 36%. The study also found that five to 10 minutes of daily cat play with an owner resulted in a 25% reduction in prey.

If you cannot keep your cat inside all the time, the most important times to keep them inside are the hour before dawn and dusk. These are the most likely times a cat will want to hunt. So play with them instead!

If you would like to be part of saving our wild and native birds from becoming food for felines, please also invest in a cat scrunchie or collar. BirdCare Aotearoa, the Green Bay bird hospital, sell these via their online shop: https:// birdcareaotearoa.org.nz/get-involved/#shop.

Cat Scrunchies are open-ended fabric tubes used in combination with a breakaway collar. The idea of the scrunchie is to protect birds by increasing the cat’s visibility. Bird vision is tetrachromatic, meaning they can see all the

colours we see, as well as UV. They are attracted to vibrant, bright colours for food and for survival. When a cat wears a brightly coloured collar, it will catch the bird’s attention. The bird will know it is not food and will have a chance to flee.

There have been studies conducted across the world proving that when birds were exposed to brightly coloured, moving cats, cat to bird interaction decreased by up to 87%.

A colourful cat scrunchie is also beneficial to cats. Cats are crepuscular, which means they are most active during the hours of dawn and dusk. Wearing a brightly coloured and reflective cat scrunchie will help increase visibility and with its reflective piping, cats are more visible on the road.

Sound is another method to alert birds to cat presence, so adding a bell to the cat collar is another way to warn birds of a cat’s presence.

36% of admissions to Bird Care Aotearoa are the result of cat interaction. Keeping cats indoors, improved nutrition, playing with them in the evening and morning, and fitting your cat with a scrunchie and a bell will help bring this statistic down.

New legislation bans breeding and sale of exotic parrots

Legislation is now in place banning people from breeding, selling or distributing three parrot species – rainbow lorikeets, monk parakeets, and Indian ringneck parrots. From 2025 the ban will also apply to eastern rosellas, galahs and sulphur-crested cockatoos. All six of these species are listed in Auckland Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan 2020–2030.

It’s the first such biosecurity measure to come into effect in New Zealand and although some see the ban as drastic and even unwarranted, ecologists and conservationists see it as an essential step towards protecting our own distinctive flora and fauna.

‘Call me a remittance man ... this drink is on me’

have heard the

sheep remittance man Lizard, it’s of little wonder that you and an honest day’s work will never be formally introduced.”

Truth be told, I was a bit surprised when Google told me who a remittance man actually was. Get this, and I quote:

“A 'remittance man', in British history, was an emigrant often from Britain, sent to a British colony, and supported by regular payments from home – an unwanted or underachieving man, or occasionally a youngest son, sent to a distant land and sent remittance payments for upkeep so he didn’t come back.”

Wow. How cool would it be to be paid to travel to far off places and stay away?

Dad was right though – I still enjoy wandering about the hills and harbours of the ‘Waitaks’. I’m yet to find a region that has attracted more ‘can-do’ self-reliant types.

We good honest folk of the West, in general, will bulldoze our own driveways, knock up our own sheds, plant out our own gardens and erect our fences while slapping a steak on our home-made BBQ. And that’s just the chicks.

And of an evening we will construct a train-set, darn a sock, pluck a guitar, and preserve a plum, while simmering a stew.

We will cut and pull the long hairs from the vacuum cleaner, change our own spark plugs, and never think of getting someone else to clean out our gutters.

All Westies own a ladder and can borrow a weed-eater.

We all know someone who has a chainsaw which we will put to immediate use with little or no instruction.

Truth be told, we would rather drive a manual car, not really trusting those flash automatic gearbox things. We do

however have tow bars, because we love towing the boat and hiring trailers to take stuff to the dump. And we pride ourselves on being able to back-up a horse float or pull start an outboard motor.

Hell, we’ll even give cutting a mate's hair a go while skinning a deer. (To be honest I’ve done neither of these things.)

We play our car radios way too loud and wouldn’t think twice about bogging up a rust hole or throwing some tape around a leaking sink pipe.

We’ll glue on a flapping boot sole and tighten those tiny screws on our black sunnies with the pointy end of a knife.

We’ll worm our cats and flea powder our dogs while cutting the kindling and keeping a close eye on the stove-top marmalade – which we make perfectly because we don’t put in too much peel.

We check and change our own oil, and from some passed down knowledge, always inflate our tyres to around 32psi.

Every Westie has owned at least one leather jacket and never bets against the mighty All Blacks.

We generally carry around a set of jumper leads and relish the opportunity to jump start any idiot that has left his lights on. And WE never need a jump start because we rarely leave our cars. Why sit on damp grass when you're in ya bloody car, mate?

In the West, a helping hand tends to appear when most needed. The teacher needs the student Grasshopper. A romance can begin with a borrowed cup of sugar. This may be serendipity? Call it fate even? Otherwise, I fear there is a God, and then I’m in a spot of bother.

Any hoo, do drop by. I’ll get out the whiskey. Let’s see who lasts. Call me a remittance man, because this drink is on me. Love to ya.

Later, Lizard.